> My Name Is Twilight Sparkle
>  by Jaestring
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Note About the Timeline:


This story begins before Twilight becomes an Alicorn and goes through Season 3. It will NOT take account for anything that happens in Season 4.


As this story will be taking place before and during first three seasons of MLP:FIM you may see familiar situations shown through the tinted glass of this tale even though this is an alternate universe.  





Enjoy.



***


The words flowed across my tongue and off my lips smoothly. They felt right, they felt... correct.

I felt the familiar thrum of magic vibrate throughout my body, a wondrous feeling, a beautiful feeling. It started as a warmth, then a tingle, then a flood of sensation... different feelings based upon the essence of the magic.
        
The pulsating, purple shimmer surrounded my horn, illuminating the different glyphs and geometric patterns I had painstakingly drawn out over the course of the last few hours.

In my past I had endeavored to force my magic, to bend it to my will for my own needs, but now it came effortlessly. Softly, gently, the magic lifted me up from the floor. When I began the spell I had closed my eyes to avoid distraction, but as my hooves were lifted up I opened them to watch my ascent.

A faint haze encompassed my vision, but rather than clouding the objects around me everything was sharpened, brightened. I could see the aura of each object glowing faintly, seeing the ordinarily imperceptible ley lines that connected everything.

I continued to chant, taking in the aromatic scents of the fragrant herbs and incense that filled the lobby of my library. I felt the light tickle of supernatural currents dancing through the air around me, tossing my mane this way and that.

I raised my forelegs forward, leaned my head backwards for the final words of power. I filled my lungs with air to expel that last, essential command…


...and something went horribly, horribly wrong.





*  *  *


As a filly, I always wanted the attention of my parents... granted, most fillies and colts want attention from their parents. So young, we do not see their imperfections, their limitations. All we see are the great, beautiful idols of our lives - the ones who provide for us, who comfort us, who feed and clothe us. We see the mighty mares and stallions who easily defeat the hideous monsters in the closet and uproot boogymares from their den under our beds.

As a filly, I did not simply love my parents... I adored them.  My mother was slender and elegant. My father was lean and intense. And they were wonderful parents.They doted on my brother and I incessantly. They gave us all the love and support we could ask for.
What we never seemed to receive was their time.

Both were very powerful unicorns, considered some of the leading authorities on magic in the modern era. There were many days Shining Armor and I didn't even get to see our parents. They were out at some conference or convention, rubbing elbows with some of the most important ponies in Equestria.

Shining Armor and I understood that their work was important. In fact, it was their lack of attention was what allowed us to grow so close. He would take care of me while they were gone, and in return I did everything to be the best sister I could. This dependence was what made him my BBBFF. It never occurred to me to act out, but perhaps this is one of the reasons why I eventually carried one of the Elements of Harmony.

This didn't mean that our relationship was perfect.  When our parents were home, we competed fiercely for their attention.  

The day it started was the only day in my living memory that Shining Armor was ever cruel. But as they say, once is all it takes.

Shining Armor had recently earned his cutie mark, and my parents were lavishing him in affection and praise.  On the surface I understood.  Everypony only ever got their cutie mark once.  

Subconsciously, I couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with me.  Didn't I at least deserve a little attention?  Wasn't I... still their daughter?

So I developed the best plan I could come up with as a filly to get my parents attention - I drew them a picture. It was a picture of all four of us, and in it I made sure Shining Armor had his cutie mark - so it wouldn’t seem as though I was doing it only for attention, you see.  
I took it to my parents while Shining Armor had run off for a few minutes for a reason I had yet comprehend. They beamed at me, said that I was such a creative little girl and hung the picture up on the wall. They both gave me a great big hug and kissed me on the head. I laughed happily and hugged them back.

That was when Shining Armor walked out from his room.  He was dressed in a fancy, blue uniform that was a little too big for him.  My parents attention turned back to him, discussing the need to get it tailored.

I kept trying to worm my way back into their attention, asking them all sorts of questions. As they would patiently answer, Shining Armor would make a comment about something he was going to need or another adjustment he realized his uniform needed, drawing their attention back to him. I knew he was purposefully directing their attention to himself as he knew I was trying to divert it to me. What was different that day was that he had the advantage.  

I tried not to let my tears overcome me, but Shining Armor knew me too well for that - even if my parents didn't. Normally, he would use this knowledge in order to comfort me before my sadness overwhelmed me. That day, however, he turned on me.

My parents had left the room, deep in discussion, when he whirled and approached me. With every stomp of his hooves I felt reverberations through the floor. He stopped mere inches from my face, towering over me, casting a shadow that seemed to extend forever. At that time he was nearly three times my size, and he used every bit of it to his advantage. Don't think I don't know what you're up to, Twily!        

But Brother! They're my parents too! I need them just as much as you do!

I hope I never see the expression that flashed across his face in that instant ever again.  I know what he said, he said in a moment of weakness, but it still cut deeply into my young heart.

Maybe they would love you if you weren't the only unicorn in existence that couldn't use magic!

He knew my greatest insecurity, my greatest fear, and he used it against me.  As I ran out of the room I had no idea that it was common for unicorns my age to not have control of their magic. As I flung my door closed and threw myself on my bed in a cascade of tears I didn't understand that sometimes the unicorns with the most trouble actually contained a latent power more powerful than the rest.

I had confided in him that I was terrified at my inability to use magic, that I was worried our parents would stop loving me when they found out I was no better than an Earth Pony.  Normally he would tell me not to be silly, that I would eventually learn to use my magic, and that our parents would love us no matter what.

But not that day.

I cried for what seemed like ages and refused to let anyone enter my room.  Even when Shining Armor knocked on my door, I can only assume to apologize, I wouldn't let him in.

That night I was unable to sleep. I had to fix myself, and I had to fix myself now. At least, that is what I told myself. If only I had realized there had been nothing to fix.

That was when I decided to do what I was best at: study.  

I snuck down the stairs after everypony had gone to sleep and slipped into my father's study. In that room was every book father owned about magical theory; illusion, divination, thaumaturgy, destruction... he had them all.  With one little lit candle on daddy's desk I pulled down as many books as I could reach and read as much as my youthful mind could understand.

But still, no matter how much I read, deduced, memorized, or theorized, I still could not produce a single spell.

The clock chimed three a.m., and my eyes were threatening to close. Every passing moment was an invitation to enter sleep's embrace. I sighed, preparing the arduous task of putting the books back on the shelf.  Funny, how they were so easy to get down, but harder to put away on a shelf twice my size.

As I turned my head, I noticed a small cupboard out of the corner of my vision. Innocuous and unassuming, but something about it called to me. I could not explain it then, nor can I now, but I somehow felt that if I could reach whatever object was inside that cupboard I would gain the ability to use magic, then and there.

I slinked over to it, slowly, carefully, as if it were a snake prepared to bite. I approached it with apprehension, reached out a hoof, and attempted to open the door.

Locked.

A small grunt of frustration made its way from deep in my chest, then another of determination. I set my feet firmly and grounded myself as my mother had described. I then concentrated on the horn on my forehead, pushing with all my might some unseen force for which I had no name. I felt something... something…

...something. Three little sparks popped from my horn. I gasped excitedly, and they disappeared. My face fell in disappointment, but with a renewed sense of urgency I tried again.

Nothing.

I set and I grounded and I pushed and I tried, but nothing happened.  Not a spark.  I turned, defeated from the cupboard, and began to grab the books to put them away.  

Creeeeeeeeaaaaakkkkk....

I gasped and turned.  The door of the cupboard, locked only moments before, had swung open slowly, the blackness within threatening to consume the world outside.

I felt a tightness in my chest as a foreboding draft breezed through the room.  

Everything my parents had taught me, every learned instinct, told me to run.  But something invited me to stay. Something unheard and unseen, whispering sweet promises somewhere within that cupboard.

I stepped forward nervously, caught between a desire to run and a desire to see, just see, what was in that cupboard.

The door made no more noise as I opened the rest of the way, allowing the light of the single, nearly expired candle from the desk to illuminate the interior of the cupboard.

There was nothing inside. I was confused now, rather than disappointed, I had been so sure that something would be inside. I closed the door of the cupboard, resigned.

When I faced again the direction of the books I squeaked, too startled to scream, at the large black volume that suddenly lay on the floor in front of me. I backed up a step, dubious of the thing. There was no title, nor any distinguishing marks save for a gold inscription of a glyph I did not recognize. Even at my young age I could sense that the book dripped with power, I could almost hear a slight humming emanating from the tome. Eyes wide, legs shaking, I should have run, then, to my room and forgotten the book ever existed.

Instead, I reached out a hoof and opened the cover.


*  *  *


I must confess that what transpired next has remained quite hazy in my memory, my recollection jarring and confused. Maybe it was too hard my young mind to understand. Perhaps it was a mind attempting to compensate for a traumatic experience. Or even yet it could have been that none of it ever happened because I had already fallen asleep.

What I have been able to recall was that the pages were old and thick, made of a material no longer used by ponies. Written on them were words in a strange language and symbols that meant nothing to my untrained self.

Pictures of both horrible and beautiful scenes were carved into the pages with black and red ink. Sometimes notes were scribbled in the same, strange language in the margins, or sometimes on top of the paragraphs themselves.  Some of the pictures had been scribbled over, apparently because a previous reader found them too terrible to comprehend.

Unable to actually read anything inside, I made my way through the book relatively quickly, a feeling of foreboding and excitement growing in my chest.  I knew that if father found me I would be grounded for a month, maybe a year, but something told me that what I sought was in this book.

Another inexplicable breeze swept through the study, sending chills up my spine, I looked around and noticed the candle was almost gone, and that the flame would momentarily be extinguished.

One more page...  

This page was right, smack-dab in the middle of the book.  It was a two-page spread of a fiery scene. I recognized it as a picture of Tartarus, the Equestrian underworld.  ut this scene looked much, much darker than any representation I had seen prior. I will not describe for you the cruel harshness of it, as a filly I believe it left me somewhat scarred. A piece of my innocence lost, although I did not fully understand the meaning of the violent image.  

To one side of the picture was a box, and inside that box was more of the writing in the strange language. The box was held by a creature that looked like a pony, but was not a pony.  It was a unicorn with two horns and cloven hooves, but much more than that I cannot recall what it looked like.  The face was sinister, that much I do remember.

I noticed a little piece of paper placed within the curve of the pages, a note I had previously assumed to be a bookmark. Upon this piece of paper was what I can only assume was a translation of that box, written in my father's handwriting. I read it once, I read it again, and again, unsure whether to believe what the inscription promised. Foalishly, I read the passage aloud:


I give of myself


To receive of myself


My one truest desire,


And in exchange for this gift


I promise to give


My truest innocence


In Tartarus our souls will reside


To serve in deed and power


It was at that moment that the candle on the desk went out.
Without any windows in the study, I could barely see my own hoof in front of my face. But slowly, my eyes adjusted to the darkness. What I saw, however, was no longer my fathers study. I couldn't be anywhere else, but inexplicably all around me I saw a rocky, barren wasteland with mountains far in the distance. The world around me seemed to slowly become consumed with a red, yellow, and orange glow, but it still wasn't far above my own height that the world faded into dark shadow. Large chains hung down from the darkness, sometimes limply, sometimes tethered to the ground.

I became aware of noises echoing around me. Chittering and creaking, hoof stomps and wing beats. Loud screams and low moans. Clacking. The noise began to crescendo, building up and up into a cacophony where one sound could no longer be differentiated from any other.

Then, through the din, a loud, even note flowed through. Like a tuning fork pinging. It eliminated the other noise, then faded again into silence as a cloven hoof stomped the ground in front of me.

Much like the picture, I remember little of that creature aside from cloven hooves and the silhouette of two horns. His face was enshrouded by darkness, only his muzzle was distinguishable. The thing’s lips were so thin that it would seem it had no lips at all. Yet somehow it still seemed to have a malevolent grin.

I know it spoke to me. It spoke in words that were smooth and slithery and somewhat reptilian. But what it said I cannot recall. Whenever I try to reach for that part of the memory all that I can hear are the words of that passage ringing through my head. I give of myself... my truest innocence... to serve in deed and power…

I know I spoke with the thing, that... creature.  Some kind of accord was made, and

Everything…


Went…





                                                                          Black.





*  *  *


I woke up the next morning to a sharp, stinging sensation from across my flank.  I thought it might be a cramp, but it felt more as though my thigh were being sliced. A tear leaked from my eye as I looked at my flank, but nothing was visibly wrong. After a few minutes the feeling subsided to a dull, throbbing burn. I moved my leg, but everything was fine, save for the inexplicable pain.

I realized then that I was in my bed.  I must have passed out in the study at some point during the ordeal, or perhaps after, or perhaps it was all a part of my dreams, and carried back to my room.

I learned when I was older that my father had entered the study as he normally does in the morning, with a steaming cup of hot cider, to prepare a list of the days necessary tasks.  He found me sleeping peacefully, passed out over that dreadful book. He told me that he panicked, pulling me away from the book, and kicking the thing away. He had checked me over by eye and by magic, but nothing seemed amiss.   had just been a silly filly that had managed to get into what her parents hoped she never would.

He carried me up to my room and put me in bed, allowing me to sleep for a few more hours. He then spoke with my mother and they had decided that if I asked, they would deny the book existed in order to convince me it was a dream. They moved the book to a safe in our basement, filled up the cabinet with scrolls and books - they even magically added a layer of dust.

They needn't have bothered. I had no interest in the book after that. At least, not for some time. 

At that moment, I was too preoccupied with the feeling in my leg to worry about anything that happened the night before - supernatural or otherwise. I honestly believe the house could have fallen down around my eyes and I would have been too caught up with the pain in my leg to notice.

I limped out of bed and down the stairs to the table where my mother had laid out the usual breakfast of various fruits and flowers. I pulled myself up into a chair that I thought my father had pulled out for me.

When I looked up, both my parents were looking at me with bright smiles on their faces Good Morning Sweetheart!  What would you like for breakfast?

As they placed my requests on my plate Shining Armor pulled up a seat at the table, bright eyed and bushy tailed - he had always been a morning pony. I glared at him from across the table.

Well, good morning to you too, sunshine, he had said with a laugh, at which point I threw my glass of berry juice at him. The surge of satisfaction at the bewilderment on his face was worth any punishment my parents doled out on me, especially after how he had acted the night before.  

But when I looked at my parents I saw a mix of the same shock and bewilderment that Shining had upon his face, if only slightly more pleased. That was when I realized that I had both hooves placed firmly on the table.

I hadn't thrown the juice at Shining Armor.  I had used my magic to dump it squarely over his head.

I'd also bet my Smartypants doll that I pulled out the chair for myself, not my father.

I gasped loudly, pain in my leg forgotten, and bounced around the floor like the filly I was. OMIGOSHOMIGOSHOMIGOSH!

That day was my special day.  It wasn't exactly earning my cutie mark, but being able to gain control over one's own magic is a VERY important time in a young unicorn's life. Suffice it to say, I was beside myself with glee.

Shining Armor tried to defend me over the juice, saying that he had said something mean to me (which was true), causing instead my parents to ground us both - effective after the celebration of the appearance of my magic. That day has become one of my most cherished and happy memories, alongside those of meeting my friends in Ponyville and my brother's wedding.

After the day was over, as we were heading up to bed, Shining Armor apologized to me for his behavior the evening before. It was then he told me about his acceptance into the Equestria Youth Cadets, and he would be leaving for Youth Hoof Camp within the week and wouldn't be back for several months.

What he said still hurt, but it stung a little bit less knowing that it had been borne by his own internal conflict as opposed to outright cruelty.


*  *  *


Being grounded didn't bother me much, as a general rule. Grounding generally meant more time to study, which I actually enjoyed very much. Okay, so maybe the fillies and colts at school called me a know-it-all and teased me, and that wasn't very fun, but... I couldn't help it, I loved to learn!

In fact, after Shining Armor left for Youth Hoof Camp, I spent more time with my parents than I had at any point in my life. They worked with me individually on my magic, they gave me all the tools and resources to practice and improve, and they gave me their full attention.

They even hired me a foal-sitter who was well-versed in magic, herself, for the times they simply could not be there. Her name was Cadence, and she would help me practice when my parents couldn't. She would sit with me patiently as I asked her questions, and even made up little magic games to play to help me practice. She was the best foal-sitter a pony could ask for.

Looking back on it all, I must commend her for her patience and stamina. I don't think I gave her a moments rest.

Everyone was astonished at how fast my magical abilities progressed. Even I wondered at how I got proficient so quickly, especially after having not the slightest hint that I would have any magic at all.

That's when the nightmares started

They began harmlessly enough.  I would wake up in the middle of the night, screaming at faceless terrors. I would be strangled by my bed sheets, drenched in sweat, trying to recall what, exactly, had terrified my unconscious mind. They didn't leave much effect, at first, as I could simply roll over and go back to sleep after a few comforting whispers from my parents.
As the days and weeks passed, the nightmares began to occur more frequently, and my parents began to worry they resulted from being pushed too hard. They had me back off a little on my studies. It didn't hinder me as I was still progressing in my study of magic by leaps and bounds.

It didn't help. The nightmares began to get worse, and I started to remember them after I awoke. I was in the barren, red wasteland of that night, chains hanging inexplicably from the sky. I was always being chased by unknown horrors. After a few nights, I realized the cloven-hooved thing led the charge. I was scared that if it caught me, it would do horrible things to me.

I would wake up exhausted after nights of endless running. I began to get sick.  Everyone worried, as neither magic nor medicine seemed to help. I only seemed to feel better in the presence of my family or Cadence. They would read to me as I lay in bed, too exhausted to move. It helped calm me, and sometimes their reading would keep the nightmares at bay. Perhaps that is why I enjoy reading so much now. On days where I read more, the less nightmares I would have.

As I began to realize this, I read more and more often, any book I could get my hooves on. Perhaps filling my mind with knowledge was what kept the monsters at bay.

I began to sleep through the night. I began to feel better. My parents let me pick up my studies, and Cadence started to play the magic games with me again. Shining Armor came home and showed me all the neat things he learned at Youth Hoof Camp and I got to show him all the magic I had learned. I also noticed he liked spending a lot of time with Cadence.

All too quickly I forgot the nightmares. I still studied, but I neglected to read as often.
My parents decided that I was truly gifted with magic, and they began to teach me what I needed in order to pass the entrance exams for Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.  Within a matter of months they thought I was ready.  After a few hiccups and a sonic rainboom later, I managed not only gain entry to the school, but Princess Celestia offered to take me on as her personal student.  What made that moment even better?  My cutie mark had appeared on my flank.

I was ecstatic, and my parents were thrilled.

        They took Shining Armor and I out for a special day on the town, no studying, no stress, and of course, no reading.

That night, I was visited by a gruesome, haunting nightmare so vivid I cannot say for certain I was actually asleep.  

I was running again, chased by the cloven-hooved creature and his entourage. I cannot be sure as to how it happened, but it managed to corner me at the edge of a cliff. He towered over me, much as how Shining had towered over me that fateful night.

The thing reached up, peeled this skin off his face, revealing a much more disturbing visage beneath. I will not, no... I cannot tell you what lay beneath.  Had I been a pony of a weaker mind, I daresay I would have become broken. As it was, I cannot say I escaped that nightmare without some scar upon my psyche.

The thing leaned down over me, smelling of rotting flesh. As it opened its mouth and breathed upon me I was overwhelmed by the stench of bile. It took every fiber of will I had not to lose the contents of my stomach.

It did not harm me, though one of the tentacles protruding from its mouth brushed against my shoulder as it leaned to whisper in my ear. It left me feeling dirty.

It's voice was soft and raspy "I have upheld my end of the bargain, Twilight Sparkle, from this moment forward, the soul of everypony you love will become my payment."

I woke up screaming, and for the first time in years, I wet the bed.


> Chapter Two
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	All of the candles that had been lit extinguished, the sunlight from outside my windows dimmed, and I was overtaken by convulsions. The muscles in my chest twitched as my legs began to spasm uncontrollably. My eyes rolled up into my head and I could no longer see the world around me.

I felt myself lifted higher, my forelegs drawn out to my sides, my hind legs stretched towards the floor. My chest was pushed forward as my head and wings were pulled back. I began to find it hard to breath. It felt as though an invisible hoof were held over my mouth and nose to prevent my respiration. My body seized repeatedly in an attempt to inhale precious oxygen.  

I felt lightheaded, my chest burned agony. The twitching began to subside into an uneasy calm. My muscles ached and nausea overwhelmed me. I felt on the verge of passing out. It was in that moment that the invisible hoof relented. I gasped, inhaling breath after wonderful breath. My eyes corrected, and a blackness that had engulfed my vision had begun to recede.

But to my horror I realized I was no longer in the Ponyville library. Instead, I was in that accursed wasteland, surrounded by screams of terror and lamentation. My head was released, and it lolled to my chest, muscles too weak to hold itself up. Beneath me still glowed the glyphs I had drawn out that morning, but instead of being illuminated by the purple essence of my magic, it glowed an ominous red.  

They somehow seemed so much more treacherous now than they had upon the pages of the book of ancient magics.


***




I remember ascending the stairs of the palace with great trepidation on that first day, so long ago. My parents had to push me forward more than once, for on occasion my nervousness would render me paralyzed. As we reached the crest of the stairs, Princess Celestia greeted us warmly. My parents hugged me tightly and wished me their goodbyes - as Shining Armor had done at our home earlier - for they wouldn't see me again until the summer months.

That day I was to be given a taste of what my time at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns would entail. Normally, students and parents were granted a tour of the school and were allowed to meet with the teachers before prospective students took the entrance exams.  My parents had not bothered, both had graduated from that prestigious school valedictorian years before Shining and I were conceived.  

I, on the other hand, knew not what was in store for me. Cadence, a student of the school herself, was tasked with giving me a private tour and providing me with introductions to the teachers.  This was all while my parents went to discuss my past education and future curriculum with the princess privately.

I knew that my parents would want to discuss their concerns about my recent behavior.  They had been aghast at my sudden refusal to spend time with ponies my own age, at how engrossed I had become in my studies. My father even had to institute a 'study curfew' and would force me to do other things, like play.  

Even during these compulsory play times I insisted on puzzles, mind teasers, or playing the 'magic games' that Cadence had taught me. Anything that could train my mind, anything that would give me an edge over the creature from the void.          
        
My parents began to cancel their trips, hoping that more time with the family would push me out of my shell, but nothing seemed to pull me from my self-imposed solitary confinement of mental training.

And nothing stopped me from seeing the demon's influence around every corner.

I hung on every word that Cadence uttered on that tour, I wanted to commit everything to memory - and I must say that by then I had become quite accomplished at memorization. Everything from the names of the teachers and their curriculum to a map of the school.  Anything that could possibly have given me the advantage.  

My concentration and composure were finally broken as we entered the Royal Canterlot Library, admission of which was only allowed to the students and faculty of Celestia's school. Everypony else was only allowed entrance after rigorous bureaucratic procedure.  

This building was to become my safe haven during my time under Celestia's direct tutelage.  

It was over an hour before Cadence could convinced me to leave. I was in awe. My parents had an extensive collection of books regarding magical subjects, true. My mother even had a second edition collection of Princess Platinum's Magic Every Proper Mare Should Know, the first edition being held at a private museum where only ponies with white gloves and muzzle-masks could touch it.

But this library had amassed almost every book published in Equestria. With a wink, Cadence even mentioned that it held some volumes from the Griffin Kingdoms and the Zebra lands.  

As we headed towards the exit I noticed a small hall towards the back, leading off to two doors adjacent to one another.  Not only were the rooms barred by wrought-iron gates fastened shut with daunting padlocks, they were also obscured by shielding and see-me-not spells.  I could only attribute my ability to perceive these rooms to my innate magical abilities, it would have been too horrifying to believe that powers beyond my comprehension were guiding me towards certain aspects of my destiny.

Cadence, what are in those doors?

What doo... those doors?  You can see those?  I nodded.

Well, those rooms lead to wings of the library that are withheld from the general population of students. Only faculty and those with express permission from Celestia can go in there.

Why?

Cadence had huffed a little in frustration, but answered me after a moment. Well, I suppose there is no harm in telling you. You see the door on the right?  That door leads to the Draconian Archives. Every ounce of knowledge pony kind has discovered about dragons is held in that wing.  

She leaned down with an impish grin on her face, They say they even have a few scrolls of Draconian Magic.

I gasped, wide-eyed. I had never known that dragons had magic, which led to a fresh stream of questions. Cadence admitted to not knowing much, having never stepped hoof in that wing. By the time we reached the next stage of the tour, I had wrung from her mind every ounce of knowledge she knew about dragons.

She had also successfully distracted me from what lay behind that second door.


***




Cadence dropped me off at the room that was going to be my home during my time at the school.  My parents had grudgingly approved this. Being Celestia's private student would differentiate my schedule from any other colt or filly, and there might be times when I needed a private area to practice unseen from the other students. My parents thought it would have been more healthy for me to spend more time around students my age, but even they couldn't deny the necessity of expediency.  

As I explored my room I found that it was actually a suite made up of four rooms: the living quarters, sleeping quarters, bathroom, and... nursery. I was astonished at the need for the private quarters of a five-year-old filly needing a nursery, but as I approached the crib I saw inside the familiar purple scales of the baby dragon I had helped hatch during my entrance exams. In the crib made of granite the little creature was awake and rolling around emitting soft, squeaking chirps as it played with what I hoped was a fire-resistant doll.

I couldn't help but smile a little as the creature did an odd little wiggle-crawl around the bottom of the crib, as it was not strong enough to push itself up on all fours. The thing then rolled over on its back to play with the mobile hanging above it when it took notice of me. It stared at me intently, wide eyed and open mouthed. At first this left me somewhat uncomfortable, not knowing one iota how to do anything with a foal, let alone this freshly-hatched reptile. It wasn't long, however, before I started making faces and tickling it, much to its delight. It's laughter rang clearly throughout the nursery. It wasn't long after that giggles of my own echoed through the room.

I reached out to tickle the baby dragon once more, but before I could begin it reached out a tiny claw and grasped my hoof firmly. I stared in shock at the little claw - so small and delicate yet somehow strong. It didn't just grasp my hoof... at the same time, the fragile creature somehow reached out and touched my heart. It melted through layers of ice that had formed over my heart through the preceding months.

I gasped and pulled my hoof away. No... No I couldn't let it happen. I couldn't let myself grow fond of the innocent creature lying in that crib. I couldn't let it be at the mercy of that... that thing from my nightmares.  

The little dragon began to wail as I retreated to a corner of the room, shaking violently.  Mere minutes later Princess Celestia entered the nursery, seeing the dragon bawling and me sitting in the corner, curled in upon myself, rocking back and forth whispering Nonononononono…

She took in the situation with such calm I had wondered if she realized anything was amiss. Before she approached me, she first sidled up next to the dragon's crib, lifted him up with her magic and rocked him gently. She sang to it in a dialect that I did not understand, but could venture a guess that it was Draconian in nature.

It's absurd, how so brash and brutal a society such as the dragons could have such a beautiful language.  

Even though I did not understand the words, I felt myself relaxing. The tears that had been flowing down my cheeks began to subside, my quivering abated, and I stopped my incessant mumblings to listen.

By the time the final words crossed Celestia's lips the baby dragon had quieted and sunk into sleep. She carefully lowered it back into its crib, gently pulled the sheets to its chin, and turned to me.

I... I didn't mean to make him cry! I stammered He just startled me! And I startled him and I just didn't know what to do…

She smiled at me sweetly, Hush, little Sparkle, I understand.

She reached me after a few short strides of her long and graceful legs, and lay down next to me. She reached out with one of her wings and wrapped it around me It's alright, little Sparkle, you are safe here. There is no need to be afraid.

It was hard for me to stay afraid with such a powerful mare so near to me, promising to protect me, but every time I started to relax images of that terrible countenance flashed before my mind's eye.




***




Classes began shortly after that day. I must say that magic kindergarten was absolutely horrid. I dreaded those classes, I would often attempt to feign sickness to keep from going. Cadence (who had been relegated with the task of taking me to my morning classes) could always see past my pretenses, and pushed me to go anyways.

The other students had heard that Celestia had taken me on as her private pupil, that I had shown extremely powerful magic at my entrance exams. Whether the resulting ridicule was out of jealousy or something else, I would never know. But after the first day I moved from the front row of the class to the back to avoid the onslaught of spit wads and refused to raise my hoof to avoid the torment the other students would dole out during breaks.  

But all of it was made worth it when Celestia picked me from class and would walk me back to my room. That first year, throughout the entirety of magic kindergarten, Celestia refused to teach me magic. Instead, my private lessons consisted of learning how to take care of the baby dragon, Spike.

My entering the first grade was contingent upon my ability to take care of him by myself. Celestia warned that if I could not accomplish this, she would hold me back.

Even without nightmares I was constantly exhausted, between my studies and taking care of the baby dragon who would cry at any hour of the night. I began to feel the urge to concede defeat. Nothing was working out the way I had planned. I was no closer to learning a way to rid myself of the vile monster from my nightmares than the day I had summoned it.

One day, when Celestia had chastised me for not preparing enough food for the young dragon I burst into tears, overcome.

Why is it so important that I learn to take care of Spike all by myself?  I'm only five years old! Why is he so important?  What about ME?! I had screamed

Celestia gaped at me for a moment, then chuckled Oh Twilight, I sometimes forget how young and impatient you are. Come, dry your tears and I will explain everything.

It was an appealing notion to stay angry, to tantrum like the filly I was and demand an explanation right then, but her tranquility got the better of me. It as if it emanated from her very being, infecting those around her. I involuntarily calmed, and took my place by her side. She wrapped that warm, soft wing around me as she so often had since I arrived when I felt scared or lonely.  

You see, Twilight, this young, seemingly inconsequential dragon's destiny is irrevocably intertwined with yours. Ever since that day you hatched him from his egg I could somehow sense that the two of you would bring about some great change to pony and dragon-kind alike. You two are going to need each other, just as you need your family and your family needs you. It may not make much sense now, but it will someday. And I promise you, Twilight, that if you can learn to love and care for this dragon, you will be able to master your magic in such a way you never thought possible.

I looked up at the Princess, unable to fully comprehend what she said, but understanding that it was important, somehow.
        
But, Mom, I…

My eyes widened in shock. I was mortified. In that one moment I had mistakenly called my teacher my mother, and revealed to myself what she meant to me. She really had become like a second mother to me, even in such a short span of time.

I flew out from under her wings Nonononono! This can't be happening, I can't…

Twilight, it's okay, calm…

DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN. I CAN'T CARE ABOUT YOU! I CAN'T CARE ABOUT SPIKE! I'LL PUT ALL OF YOU IN DANGER.

I began to panic, my breathing coming in short, solid bursts, I began to shake and ramble continuously. I felt as if the creature stood behind me, ready to pounce on the Princess or Spike. I could almost feel his breath on my back, the stench of bile and rotting flesh surrounding me.

I felt his cloven hooves on my shoulders, somehow feeding my paranoia. I was terrified, not just from the paranoia, but by how good it felt. I saw a reflection of myself in the mirror behind Celestia, my eyes were glowing with a mix of green and red, it was great and terrifying all at once.

I screamed at Celestia in a voice that wasn't quite my own EVERYTHING YOU LOVE WILL DIE, WITCH!

It was then I realized that Celestia stood in front of me, I hadn't seen her move. She took my hooves in hers and an orb of golden light glowed around us. The awareness of the creature faded and I began to feel myself again. Tears began to flow again... what was happening to me?

Shhhhhh... Twilight.  I know of the creature that haunts you. Tell me, now, how did you become entangled with such a creature?

I hadn't told anypony about what happened that night in the study. Not my parents, not Cadence, not even Shining Armor. But in that moment I was broken, and it came out in a rush.  Everything. The book, the creature, the nightmares, even my inability to recall for sure what actually happened that night.

Celestia listened calmly, without interruption. She didn't laugh and say that it was imagined or all a dream, as I worried. Nor did she condescend me for dabbling in such dark magics, and banish me from the school, as I had feared. Instead she hugged me close and taught me my first spell.

It was the same shield spell she had used to banish the essence of the monster. I had it mastered within the hour. She then resumed teaching me how to take care of Spike, as though nothing had happened, except for the fact that was much more lenient and understanding.

That night, as I lay in my bed, I found it hard to sleep. The nightlight cast eerie shadows upon the wall, and the moon gave the tree outside my window an ominous silhouette. Feeling that dark taint in my heart... digging through those dark memories made everything seem touched by evil.

I heard Spike begin to make muffled sobs from the nursery. I sighed, thankful that I hadn't fallen asleep yet, and slowly marched to the door of the nursery. As I pushed the door the rest of the way open, time suddenly slowed. No, it stood still. I was suddenly glued in place, horrified at what I saw.

The moon cast light upon cloven hooves, and in the darkness I could barely see the outline of two horns. He was standing with his forelegs on the crib, watching the baby dragon intently.

Yesssssss, yes he will make a fine addition. I've never had a dragon before. You have excellent taste, Twilight Sparkle.
        
My previously incapacitated legs suddenly began to work again. Compelled into action, for the first time in my life I ran towards the creature instead of away.

NO! You cannot have him!

I jumped into the crib, crouched over Spike protectively, as I pushed the protective spell from my heart to my horn, from my horn to around the crib, the room, the suite.  
As the creature was pushed out I heard him whisper in my head You can't keep me away forever, little pony... I am inside you.

I pushed the words away, choosing now to ignore them.  Rather than go back to my own bed, I curled up next to my little baby dragon, kissed him on the forehead, and went to sleep, protective shield hovering as a nightlight around us.


***




Past that night, things seemed to get better... for a time. After facing my inner demons, attending magic kindergarten didn't seem like such an unbearable experience. I moved back to the front of the class, using my shield spell to intercept the impending spitballs. I started raising my hooves and asking questions, deaf to the taunts from the other students.

After that night I no longer questioned why it was necessary for me to take care of and protect Spike, it simply was. As he started to grow older and capable he would try to help me, and even when he was a hindrance more than help I couldn't help but be touched by his sincerity. He quickly became my number one assistant.

As I grew older the memories of my foalhood began to fade. My nightmares relegated to childhood fears and insecurities. I forgot about that night in the nursery as it was, and thought I was protecting him from the boogeymares as my parents had protected me.

The habits, however, remained. I would read on a daily basis, and study anything I could get my hooves on. I would practice my magic and it grew readily in strength and confidence. I still refused to make any friends - it seemed so... useless - though I did have a few good acquaintances.

Every once and a while I thought I caught the stench of something foul as I would complete a particularly complicated and involved casting of magic, but I always explained it away as a blocked drain, the sewers, some poor pony's flatulence.

Neither did Celestia bring up that creature again. In some ways I wondered if she wanted me to forget that demonic presence for a time. Why? I have always remained unsure. Her motives have always remained concealed from me, even as her most faithful student. But you know how it goes with a disease that you do not fully flush from your system. It will lay dormant in your very cells, waiting until a moment of weakness to flare up even more powerfully than before.


***




I wandered around the Canterlot library, looking for a bit of light reading for during my break. By this time I had read most of the books that the library contained, but always hoped to uncover something new, something different.

A foul odor originating from I know not where surrounded me. I attempted to hold my breath as I fled that section from the library, but no matter how far I went the smell seemed to follow.  

Upon entering the fictional section of the library the smell slowly receded.  I took a deep breath that doubled as a sigh of relief. I shook myself for a moment, hoping the foul stench hadn't been absorbed by my coat.

Thunk!

I jumped at the noise and listened to the whistle of pages turning. I peeked my head around the shelf of books closest to me and saw a book lying on the floor, knocked from the shelf by some unseen perpetrator then blown open by an unfelt wind. I shivered a little bit, telling myself that it must have been the same breeze that turned the pages and not the peculiarity of the situation.

Hello? I called out, but received no response.

I reprimanded myself for being so foalish and approached the book, feeling a sudden sense of deja vu.  

This left me somewhat apprehensive as I read the title of the short story to which the book had opened. Nightmare Moon and the Elements of Harmony.

I grabbed the book and threw it in my pack, no longer feeling comfortable in the confines of the library, and took it outside to read. As I lay under the shade of the trees by the pond I couldn't help but feel as though a familiar presence was looking at the pages over my shoulder.


> Chapter Three
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I'm not sure how long I hung in midair, head hanging limply, trying desperately to decide what my best course of action would be. It could have been minutes or hours as I tried to think, to feel, but my mind felt utterly numb.

That's when I heard them. Little squealing moans that sounded somewhat like a kitten mewing... but these were not the sweet little cries of a baby kitten, these were the long and drawn out calls of a lost soul, mournfully searching for something to make them whole again.

As they staggered from the darkness and into the light of the glyphs my eyes widened in disbelief, my brain not able to grasp the concept of the horrid, little things. They were ponies... but yet weren't ponies. No coats, no mane or tail. Each of them pink, each not quite formed. The monstrosities had bulging eyes, filled with so many cataracts it seemed as though they were white. What looked like an umbilical cord hung from their bloated bellies and drug on the dirt below.

As they passed over the glowing, red glyphs below me they would stop. Slowly, as if on a rusty hinge, they would raise their heads to look at me. I whimpered and squirmed against the confines of whatever held me, their unseeing gaze felt tangible, probing... dirty.

After a moment they raised their forelegs in that same, creaky manner and reached for me. Thank Celestia their hooves didn't quite reach me. I think I would have fainted if I had felt their touch.

Their cries became more insistent I noticed another, disturbing detail of their appearance. On their flank, right where their cutie marks should have been, were huge gaping holes. My heart went cold as I remembered my unbidden wake-up call the morning my magic had appeared…


***

As I dashed madly around that library, trying to find where I had heard of the Elements before, I couldn't help but feel that there was some dire connection I had to make. 
No, no, no... No! No! NO! SPIKE!

It's over here! he called, waving the book from his perch at the top of a ladder. I used my magic to pull it towards me and flip it open to the page I was looking for.

Elements, elements, elements... E, e, e... Aha! Elements of Harmony... see: Mare in the Moon?

Spike wanted to brush it off at that as an old mare's tale, but whatever the Elements of Harmony were... they were important. My panic felt as though it were growing out of control, I couldn't quite explain it. It was as if the fate of Equestria depended on me making the connection. 

I felt as though my heart was going to beat through my chest before I could finish reading the pages in front of me.

...Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal.

That was it! I bid Spike take a letter, my patience shorter with him than usual. I blamed it on the situation at hand and decided I would make it up to him later. 

When he had written what I hoped was a concise enough letter, hampered by his young vocabulary, I had him send it to the princess immediately. As we waited for her response, I couldn't help but feel a mixed sense of pride at making the connection through the fading feelings of anxiety. 

I wondered at the strange coincidence that I would find that book that very morning... the morning of the 1000th anniversary of the Summer Sun Celebration! It almost seemed as though something wanted me to find it, and there had been that strange smell again…

My thoughts were interrupted by Spike's enormous belch at Celestia's prompt response. Imagine my shock when she brushed off my letter and instead sent me to Ponyville to oversee the preparations for the celebration.

...Make some friends!

Those words grated against me. She had always attempted to encourage me to make friends with other ponies, but as I grew older she began to get more insistent.

When I first arrived, my feelings about the necessity of friends was proven correct. The ponies in Ponyville all wanted to shoot the breeze, share in a meal, or otherwise delay me from finding more information about Nightmare Moon and the Elements of Harmony. My whole day, and even night, seemed wasted. I could only hope that Celestia was right to brush off my warnings about the return of such an ancient evil.

I felt as though I had swallowed a bucketful of ice when Nightmare Moon appeared on that balcony, threatening the ponies of Equestria with eternal night. With Princess Celestia missing and nopony else having any idea what was going on, I understood that it was up to me to stop Nightmare Moon. 

As I took a detour to put Spike to sleep back at the library, five other ponies took it upon themselves to lend their assistance. None would listen when I told them their help was not necessary, and so they followed me into the darkness of the Everfree Forest. 

Despite my initial annoyance at their following me into the Everfree that night, my feelings towards Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie began to slowly thaw as each managed to worm their way into my feelings. Their resourcefulness and endless optimism seemed to bring out the best not only in each situation - but in myself. The cliff, the manticore, the sea serpent... each obstacle we passed made a very real fondness grow for the ponies who had decided to tag along. I found myself more and more grateful as we made our way towards the ancient castle and the Elements of Harmony. 

I didn't realize how grateful until those few minutes I was alone with Nightmare Moon.
The shards of the broken elements lay at her feet, and I couldn't help but feel a sort of defeat. Where... where did I go wrong...? The spark wasn't... it hadn't been enough.

As the two of us stood, facing each other I felt as though something, someone was behind me. Something whispered in my ear.

Twilight Sparkle…

I flicked my tail this way and that, but it intercepted nothing. Must have been my imagination.

I didn't dare take my eyes off Nightmare Moon, as she continued her little monologue about day-loving ponies and the endless night when I felt two hooves grasp my shoulders. I risked a quick glance and saw, to my horror, a translucent - but very real - gold, cloven hoof.
My nostrils were then assaulted by a rancid stink. 

The smell was back, and the concentration it took to ignore that putrid stench was mind blowing... but I knew that foul odor. It was as though something clicked in my memory, and I knew that for every important moment of my life he had been present. Nightmare Moon continued her speech, relishing in her victory, as if it was still just the two of us. Did she really not sense him?

Look at her, Twilight Sparkle, look closely. What do you see? 

I couldn't afford to fight the two creatures at once, and the thing at my back didn't seem particularly interested in attacking me. So I humored it, if for no other reason than to placate it and keep it from becoming aggressive. So I looked at her. Black coat, starry mane, beautifully crafted armor. Evil maniac tendencies and boring speeches aside, nothing about her seemed particularly out of the ordinary.

No, Twilight, it said, look closer.

It took a moment for the creature's words to sink in before the realization hit me. I looked at Nightmare Moon again, but this time with the second sight. I let my magic dilute my vision, and after a moment of hazy blurring everything returned into sharp focus.

I stiffened. I wasn't the only pony with something at my back, only in her case, it was as if the monster was melded with her. As always I couldn't quite see everything about the thing, as if it was draped in shadow. I can only say that the demon sported its own pair of cloven hooves, two horns, and a skull where its face should have been. Tentacles were emerging from the shadows and had been driven into the body of Nightmare Moon. They pulsated, feeding her and feeding from her at the same time. A demonic parasite. 

Whether she sensed its presence or knew of its influence she gave no sign.

That fool thinks he can defeat me at my own game, but chose to break the rules of engagement, the thing at my back whispered, so I will tell you this. The very bond you attempt to avoid is the only way you can pry him away from her soul.

That was when I heard the voices of my friends echoing throughout the hall and I knew. The pieces of stone at Nightmare Moon's feet were mere husks…

The Elements of Harmony weren't artifacts, or some tangible items of immense power. The real Elements of Harmony were walking into the room. The spark... the spark was what brought them all together.

I can still vividly recall the look on Nightmare Moon's face as I stood, suddenly confident, and described the portent of her doom. Here eyes wide, mouth slack as the husks of the previous elements raised from the floor and flew towards their respective owners. As I spoke each word I knew they were true, describing each moment the mares at my sides had proven themselves as the elements they represented. I had never been so sure of anything else in my life.

In a panic, Nightmare Moon shouted You still don't have the sixth element! The spark didn't work!

I smiled, I just couldn't help myself. She was allowed her performance, now it was time for mine. I grinned as I felt the power begin to swell inside me as I explained to her that the spark wasn't what she thought it was. It wasn't a spell or a force of will.

The spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of... I paused for a moment.

I just couldn't bring myself to say it out loud. To not only say that they had been friends to me, but me to them…

So, I improvised: magic!

I felt spirit of friendship well up from within me as a crown formed and landed firmly upon my head. These talismans were focal points, allowing us to focus ourselves as the elements and bend the power to our will. We were the elements.

As I focused my intent I felt drawn towards the other ponies. I simply allowed it to happen, letting the magic of the elements act as they needed. 

I opened my eyes in time to see a rainbow form around us then shoot towards Nightmare Moon, engulfing her as she screamed out in horror. I watched through the filter of my magic as the demon was ripped away, violently, from its host, and the pony underneath collapsed to the floor.


***


That night I slept well in the Ponyville library. Equestria was safe, my friends were safe, and Celestia was reunited with her sister. I do not remember whether or not I dreamed, though if I did, the dreams were pleasant. All seemed well.

All seemed well, that is, until I was pulled suddenly from my sleep. I couldn't be sure what woke me, as nothing seemed amiss. Spike's familiar, rhythmic breathing continued as normal, and the night breeze was calm. Try as I might, however, I was too awake to fall back asleep. I rolled over, letting out grunt of frustration.

Wait... something wasn't right. The shadows weren't falling quite correctly in the corner of the room. After squinting came to no avail, I used my magic to open the curtain of the window a little further, to let in a little more moonlight.

The lunar rays glinted off of two gold hooves, which were attached to two, red-coated legs. The unnatural pony's snout was also illuminated, somehow smiling without a mouth.
I jumped out of bed, taking a defensive stance. I lit up the tip of my horn with a light bright enough to light up the entire room.

There was nothing there.

Gah! Spike was shocked awake from the intense light from my horn, What is it Twilight?! What's wrong?

I inspected the corner where it had stood, but there was nothing. No way for him to have escaped so quickly, either.

Nothing, Spike. I said as I crawled back into bed, It... it must have just been a nightmare.

Spike gave a small laugh, and crawled up into the bed next to me as he used to do when he was the one with a nightmare, Don't worry Twilight, I'll keep the nightmares away. After the day you had yesterday, it's not really a surprise.

He closed his eyes, curled his tail up into his arms, and closed his eyes. He was back asleep in an instant. 

Yeah... not a surprise at all, I whispered, lowering then extinguishing the light. But as the light faded, I noticed the area was filled again, moonlight glinting off of cloven hooves. I hugged Spike close, suddenly thankful for his child-like valor, and cast the shield spell as I had when I was a filly. The thing was forced from the library by the spell. It went easily, as though a guest I had asked to leave.

Just before he was pushed from the room, I heard a deep, soft chuckle.


***


Days after the incident, I was back at Canterlot palace. This time not to stay, but instead to gather my things. It was time for me to move to the Ponyville library on a more permanent basis. 

As I packed my things into various boxes and luggage I thought of the conversation I had with my father over lunch.

I had asked him about my magic, and my nightmares. He choked a little on the salad he had been chewing, then sighed as though ashamed. He then proceeded to recount his finding me in his study that night, how my magic and the nightmares had started soon after. He described his attempts to socialize me more, to calm my always tense nerves, all to no avail. 

He lowered his ears, and refused to look anywhere except the table as he admitted he and my mother had hoped desperately the events weren't all connected, that everything I was experiencing was just a normal part of growing into a mare.

But it wasn't.

        As though a barrier had been knocked down, all the memories I had repressed had begun to rise the surface. The book, the nightmares, that night in the nursery. The reason I didn't make friends.

My friends and I were in serious trouble, and I had no idea on how to save us.

As I levitated one of the last few items into a box there was a soft knocking at my door. On the other side I was pleasantly surprised to see Princess Celestia standing there, with a smile upon her face.

Princess! Please, do come in! I said, beaming at her. It was as if the simple act of her being near raised my spirits exponentially.

Hello Twilight. I apologize I have not seen you sooner…

Nonsense! I said, You haven't seen your sister in a THOUSAND years! It's understandable that you would want some time to, well... catch up.

Celestia chuckled softly with a smile. As she walked past me and into the room my eyes couldn't help but be drawn to a small, wrapped parcel floating behind her, encased in a golden glow. Could it be... a gift? 

Yet manners dictated that I ignore the bundle until she, herself, saw fit to bring it up. Which was a tad difficult, I might add, as it the package seemed to always find itself in my field of vision. 

Pleasantries came first, and she asked how my new friends and I were doing. What were they like? How was Spike getting along in the new town? Was my move going smoothly? The attention was almost infuriating as the package tickled my interest like an incessant itch.

But just as I felt about to burst with curiosity, Celestia pulled the package forward Now Twilight, I have something VERY important that I want to talk to you about…

...and she peeled the wrapping from the article of interest. Inside was a large, black book, adorned only with a gold-inscribed glyph.
        
As my eyes widened in horror, she whispered, I take it you remember this?

She placed the book on the floor in front of me. It landed with a resounding thud and flung dust from its pages. I took an involuntary step back, unable to take my eyes off of it.
How.... how did you get this? I whispered.

She stood and paced, as if suddenly she couldn't sit still. 

Not long after you revealed your secret to me I approached your parents yet again, asking them about anything strange from your childhood. They didn't want to speak of it, at first, but I made them understand just how essential it was for us to determine the exact nature of the being who had a hold of you, and how to negate it's influence. He told me what he knew, and I so confiscated this book from him.

From it I have gleaned as much information as I could. And while I wish I could just lock this vile thing away with the other forbidden books, I know that you deserve a chance at understanding. So I bring this to you, with all of your fathers' notes, and a few of my own.

When you freed Luna you confirmed my suspicions, the Elements of Harmony are the key to expelling it... whatever it is. There has no longer been a single sign of the demon that had possessed Luna. There is no longer any taint, nor darkness in her heart, save the guilt she feels for letting herself be overcome. Unfortunately, I had hoped that by mastering the elements, you would also gain your own redemption, but....

I lowered my head, looking at the book, but he still has a hold on me.

The princess walked to me and placed a hoof upon my chin. She raised my head until I met her gaze. All is not lost, little Sparkle. By freeing Luna, you have shown that you just might be able to save yourself.

She then tapped my nose lightly with that hoof, and wiped away a tear that had managed to leak from my eyes, I will dedicate what time I can to helping you find your answers, but you must realize now, more than ever, the importance of your studies of friendship.

She hugged me close, wrapping her wings around me. Being so close, it felt as though her optimism bled into me. Maybe I could do this, after all.

Celestia pulled away she made her goodbyes, she had an entire country to run, after all. 
Princess?
 
She stopped and turned to me. Why didn’t you help me learn about the demon the whole time I was here? Why did you let me forget?

Celestia’s ears flattened against her head, eyes looking away. Because I… I wanted you to have a childhood, Twilight. Being my student you would have such a small one as it was, but I couldn’t take it all from you. I hoped that by letting you forget you would be able to have a time of your life that was free of worry from that thing. You will have plenty of time to fret, now that you have grown.

A small part of me wanted to be angry at her, but I just couldn’t find it in myself to do so. She was like a second mother to me, and I couldn’t fault her for only wanting my happiness. I sighed, but I still had one more question for the princess. 

How... how did Luna become possessed?

Celestia frowned and turned away, That is something you will have to ask Luna herself. But I beg of you, give her a little more time to recuperate from her ordeal. 

I nodded my assent, and so the princess left, pulling the door closed behind her.

No neeeeeed, Twilight Sparkle came a voice from behind me I can tell you, I was there…

I jumped and turned, eyes wide, heart pounding. I raised my shield and prepared to force the thing from my room.

As my eyes fell upon him I stopped. The thing was in my closet, hiding from the light, but was not doing anything otherwise threatening. I didn’t dare wait, I began to charge up the shield spell in my horn, not knowing any other way to deal with it.

It raised a cloven hoof slowly, as if in protest, Now, now... there's no need for that. If you wish for me to leave, you have only to ask.

I was startled at how civil the thing was acting, how calm. But shock turned quickly to distrust. I glared, loathe to speak to it, but I had to exhaust all avenues. If I ask... will you leave me and my friends alone?

Ahhhh... that I cannot do. We had a bargain, my little pony, and I provided my services beyond expectations... don't you think?

A tearful voice from my fillyhood echoed around the room... my own voice. I want magic! I want to be the best at magic! The best, you hear me?! I have to be the best at magic so my parents will love me!

The thing seemed to smile broader, though there was no sign of actual expression on its muzzle Did your magic not show up the very next morning? Are you not growing into an extremely powerful and well-versed unicorn?

I was shocked to hear the voice of my youth, at the terror and pain that filled it. I recognized that fear. I hadn't been afraid of the creature at all, or the dreadfulness that surrounded me that night.

I had just wanted, desperately, for my parents to keep loving me. Oh how stupid I had been.

Yes... Remember now, do you? Well... the contract must be fulfilled. He turned and looked around the room as if it were pretending to be bored - at least, I THINK it looked, I couldn't tell if it even had eyes.

Now, do you want to hear the story of the little princess? Or not?

I stopped and thought for a moment. I could only imagine that this thing would spout lies and deceit, attempting to throw me in the wrong direction, or worse, pit me against the princesses.
But what could it hurt? If I listened to the creatures story, then spoke with Luna about it later, I could see just how twisted the creatures mind was.

After a moment of thought I nodded and said Yes.
                                                


> Chapter Four ~ Revised
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There were hundreds of the disgusting creatures below me. No… 

As I raised my head to the horizon I could see hooves of yet more at the edges of the darkness. The wave of small, soulless ponies could go on forever. Thousands. Hundreds of thousands. How many last breaths did the demons steal?

They continued to reach for me. Continued to mechanically open and close their jaws as screeching cries echoed all around me, filling my ears with their dreadful song. Sightless eyes stared up at me, hungering for I knew not what.

Below me was the march of the soulless.

Suddenly, some of the ponies began to shake, falling to the ground and crying out in pain as pinpricks of red spread across their skin. Blood poured from their eyes, their mouths, and their ears. Everywhere. Their shrill cries transformed into tortured screams of agony. 

Then I saw it. A dark, viscous fluid seeping up from the dirt, immersing the land as far as I could see in the darkness. An animalistic part of me—a deep, fearful part of me instinctually understood that all the land that was this hell was being flooded. 

The oily sludge covered some and lifted others, mixing with the blood of those that had to succumbed to its influence. The ones that lived ran, crawling over their fallen comrades to escape the rising tide. 

None could get away. A few of them, perhaps those beholden of a stronger will, paddled madly in hopes of keeping their heads above the churning mass of black. But the closer they came, the more I could hear their shuddering, wheezing breaths.
 
I was running out of time


***




I levitated a quill and ink along with some parchment, to the floor in front of me as I settled down to listen to the impending history lesson. Do you mind if I write this down?

If it could help you find what you're looking for, then by all means...


The Story of Nightmare Moon


Transcribed and recorded by Twilight Sparkle


The story of Nightmare Moon begins when Luna was just a filly, right around the same age as myself when I first dabbled in the dark arts.

Every day she felt outshined by her sister. Princess Celestia had a light coat and pretty eyes, longer legs and more slender features. She was very talented magically, able to move astrological bodies with ease. Celestia was more athletic, more intelligent, and extremely soft-spoken. She was embodied exactly that which was considered 'in fashion' during that day and age, while Luna was not. Luna didn't realize that at her age, she wasn't supposed to be.

While Princess Celestia did nothing to directly distress or dishearten her sister, Luna couldn't help but feel a childish resentment. She was jealous of everything that Celestia had, and was tired of being second best.

As I had, Luna attempted various studies of magical arts. She practiced and pushed herself, but none of it seemed to work.  After nearly a year of diligent practice and failure, she was just about to give up. 

Luna could not deal with the conflicting feelings inside her. She loved and looked up to her sister, yet she hated her for the same reasons she loved Celestia. She ran somewhere she knew she could be alone, a place she loved to be day or night. In the Royal Canterlot Gardens. She ran around the gardens, crying and screaming. She uprooted plants, bucked trees, and smashed statues. After quite a bit of this tantruming, she fell to the ground exhausted, crying into her hooves, when she heard a voice.

"Mah deah Princess, what be dah mattah?" the deep voice said. She looked up to find a zebra in front of her, a worried look on his face. He leaned a hoe against the wall next to various other gardening tools before placing a hoof on her shoulder. 

Luna gaped for a moment, cheeks reddening. But in mere moments she broke down and confessed to the gardener her frustrations. He simply listened, letting her cry on his shoulder as she did so. After a time she stopped crying, and even felt better. She cleaned her face with a handkerchief he provided. After a moment of Luna putting herself to rights, the gardener placed a hoof on her shoulder, "Come bah da servant's quatahs tonight, ah jus' maht have ah little somethin' tah fix yer problem."

This was before slavery had been abolished in Equestria, when zebras were often seen working in the homes of the more affluent families of Canterlot. More often, these zebra slaves were one or two generations from their homeland. The gardener, however, had been born in the zebra homelands and brought to Equestria. This left him with a knowledge of ancient magic not fully understood by unicorns.

When her parents, the King and Queen, had raised the moon and she was supposed to have been long asleep, Luna slipped out of bed and crept from the room she shared with her sister. As Luna entered the servants quarters, Luna was met not only by the gardener, but the eldest of the zebra mares that lived in the castle. So old that she could no longer worked, but she had done so much for the family that she was allowed to live out what was left of her life in relative comfort.

She, too, had been a first generation slave, but she was more well versed in the ancient magics than the gardener.

Luna had always been afraid of the old mare, for she had far-away eyes and smelled of harsh herbs. She had been forced to clean around the magical artifacts, and being in the presence of such strong and sometimes dark magics had left her mind somewhat addled. But this time, when she spoke, she spoke with such a clarity Luna wondered if it was all an act.
"Princess... mah countryman heah tells meh ya wish to no longah be outshined by yah sistah... "

Luna approached timidly, nodding.

"Very well, den. I can make ya strong, make ya shine. But I must ask fah somethin' in return."

"What?" Luna had asked excitedly, "I'll do anything!"

"I be needen a lock of the mane of yah sistah, and a lock of mane of ya muddah."

"A... a lock of their mane? But why would you want that?"

"Yah need not concern yahself wid dat, little princess, just bring dem tomarrah night. Do dis, an' yah shall have yah powah."

So Luna did. During the day she was somehow able to get locks of mane, one from her sister and one from her mother. When Luna arrived the next night, there was a cauldron bubbling in the middle of the room with some strange concoction. The old mare took the hair from Luna and placed them in two separate bowls. With a wooden ladle she poured some of the brew over each. She handed one to Luna, the one that contained the lock from Celestia, and held the other herself. 

The old mare bid Luna repeat strange words that she did not understand, but Luna did so. She spoke the words with the mare three times, they then held out the bowls as if toasting each other. They then drank deeply of the potion, not letting a drop remain.

After a few moments Luna looked at the other mare "I don't feel any different"

"Ahhh, it will take ah little time, ah day at da most. It needs tah intahgrate wid yah system fully. But when it does, yah will have da strength of ya sistah!"

For Luna, however, it did not take a full day. Within mere hours Luna had grown by several inches, and was able to lift things she had never even hoped to be able to previously. However, no one thought much of it, because of the nature of an Alicorn's growth.

"You're magic must have fully come in!" Celestia had said excitedly, "MOM! DAD! I THINK LUNA'S MAGIC CAME IN!"

The king and queen were just as thrilled at the prospect of Luna's magic having finally matured. To know for certain, they proposed that Luna raise the moon. 

That night, as Luna bid the moon to wake from its slumber, it rose easily. More than that, she brought out the stars as well. It was as if preparing the night had been what she was meant to do. In a bright, blinding flash of light Luna's cutie mark appeared. 

Luna had done it, she had proven she was just as strong as her sister. Not only to her family, but to herself. For a time, the sisters lived in harmony.

The next day, Luna went back to the servants quarters to thank the old mare, but she was not there. A younger mare was there, instead. She spoke strangely, stranger still than other zebras.

She told Luna, "Sadly, yesterday the old mare was found dead, so today I was given this room instead."

What Luna found stranger still, she had the same exact cutie mark as the older zebra, a nearly unheard of occurrence. I recall this has, on occasion, happened with twins - perhaps the two were related? 


	Note : ask Zecora if this happens in zebra bloodlines.




Several months later, while the princesses were being trained to take the throne, the King and Queen were pulled from Equestria, responding to some great danger that lay beyond the borders of the kingdom. This required their direct attention. With them they took all but one of the top regiments of the military to defend Equestria, the threat was so dire.

The beloved monarchs left the princesses in charge - Celestia would rule the day and Luna the night. All of the castle staff would be at the young rulers' disposal should they have needed guidance.

One creature, however, managed to slip past Canterlot's defenses. The monster known as Discord. He caused years of chaos, disrupting life for everypony. This was what prompted the initial search for the Elements of Harmony. With these, the sisters were able to defeat the foul beast... but not before he drove a wedge between the two. 

He told Luna that Celestia would try to steal the throne for herself, and she would start by gathering the love of the people for herself, and force Luna out once she had been forgotten.

Luna wouldn't - couldn't - believe Discord's lies. He was only lying to create chaos, possibly in an effort to escape. The two managed to defeat Discord. The sisters encased him into a tomb of stone, where he could never harm anypony ever again.

But who did the pony's celebrate upon Discords defeat? Not the sisters... but Celestia! Word had somehow become spread that Celestia had solely defeated Discord. Despite Celestia's attempts to inform the public otherwise, and reassure Luna that she had not spread the rumors, Luna began to wonder if Discord had been right. 

Over time she began to notice how ponies did not appreciate her night, but instead relished the day. Luna noticed the lack of attention her sister paid her, even during conversations of great importance. It was as though Celestia were taking all the royal duties upon herself, leaving Luna only to raise the moon. Luna started to believe Discords words... Celestia was pushing Luna out.

Luna's jealousy and paranoia grew, until one day she could no longer control it.

        By now slavery had long been abolished by the sisters, yet the slave quarters had remained untouched while they decided what to do with them. Luna knew the younger mare had lived in the room for nearly two years after the bizarre, old mare passed away. Yet she felt certain she would find something left, something she could use.

Luna threw open the doors, searching for she knew not what. She felt compelled by some force she could not see. She pulled open the warped, wooden drawers of musty cabinets, overturned dust-layered furniture, looked behind abandoned bookshelves, but she found nothing more than rat-chewed clothing or papers. She still continued to look... there had to be something!

She heard, at that moment, a soft knocking. She jumped and turned to face the noise. There was nopony near, and the door still hung wide open. Her heart was pounding in her throat as she wondered whether or not she had imagined it. Perhaps the sound had echoed in from outside.

Knock, knock…

She had definitely not imagined that. The knocking began to get louder and more insistent. She followed the clamor to the old and decrepit bed. She slowly lifted the mattress, unsure of what she would find. Her trepidation only grew as the space revealed a chest, and the knocking suddenly stopped.

Luna swallowed nervously, reached out a hoof, and knocked twice on the chest.

It knocked back.

Luna gasped as she fell backwards, landing in a seated position in front of the chest. She watched, disbelieving, as the lid began to rise of its own accord. She looked around the room and chest with eyes and magic, but found nothing. She steadied her breath and reached into the chest. 

When she pulled out her hoof she held a large black book, graced only with a silver-inscribed insignia.


***




...and I'm sure that you can guess what happened after that. The resulting accord with the Demon was what eventually transformed me into Nightmare Moon.

My eyes were wide as I transcribed the last few words onto the paper. And that was it? You're sure there wasn't anything else?

Princess Luna shook her head, No, Twilight, I am certain.
        
I glared down at the piece of paper. He... he had told the truth. I would double and likely triple-check Luna's version against the transcription I had created of the demon's story, but... I was certain it was the same.

Is there a problem, Twilight Sparkle?

No... no problem. Just thinking. Wait... Luna, if you found the same book that I did, why did we summon two different demons?

Luna thought for a moment ...perhaps we used a different spell from the same book, or the spell does not necessarily summon the same demon each time. Some magics react to the mood of the user. At the time I was feeling jealousy and hatred, while you were filled with desperation.

Could be... I muttered, shaking my head. I still couldn't believe the demon had told the truth. What was his game?

Luna looked at me, Your plight is troubling indeed, Twilight Sparkle. As my sister has already promised, I will dedicate what time I can towards helping you find a solution. She will be busy ruling the kingdom while I attempt to reacclimate to my position, but we will do everything within our power to free you. 

Thank you, Princess, I said as I stood, rolling the paper with my magic and placing it in my pack. As I walked out of the room, Luna had one final thought for me.

Twilight, I really think that your answer lies with the Elements of Harmony. I know not why they failed to save you before, but my sister and I feel certain they are the key…

I nodded, then took my leave, mind racing as I returned to my room for the night. While preparing for my return to Ponyville the next day, I couldn't help but continue to wonder what the demon's motives were. It had to realize that I was looking for a way to remove it from my life, why would it willingly cooperate with my efforts? Was it trying to gain my trust so that it could trip me up at a vital moment?

Yes, that had to be it. There was no other explanation, was there?


***




After I returned to Ponyville I threw myself into my studies of friendship. Luna had to be right, the Elements of Magic were the key. The question was how.

I approached Zecora with questions about Zebra cutie marks, but told me that two appearances of the exact same cutie mark was just as rare of an occurrence with zebras as it was with ponies. 

What an interesting query you have asked, how did this question come to pass? She wondered.

I bit my lip, wondering how much I should tell. Zecora new about all sorts of strange magic from the zebra homelands, and she was trustworthy. But would she understand my particular plight?

She stood there, looking at me questioningly. I realized then I had to ask her. While she and I were not as close as my Ponyville friends, she and I were friends all the same. She would be at the mercy of the demon if I could not remove him. I hung my head as I recognized just how far the consequences of what I had done had spread.

Oh, Zecora... I am in so much trouble. I got myself entangled with a creature too powerful for me to handle, and I just can't figure out how to fix it!

Such a predicament is terrifying, its true. How did this creature come to trouble you?

I made a deal with a demon. When I was a filly I found this book…

A book can contain extraordinary power, tell me of this book that turned your life so sour!
The book? What could be so important about the book? Well, it was really old. The binding was plain black, it just had a gold inscription on it.

Zecora's eyes went wide, and she began to rush around her hut. She pushed a paper and some charcol in front of me.

Hurry, you must draw the sign! Only then can I know the creature's design!

Did Zecora know something? Perhaps she knew about the demon? I quickly sketched out the simple little symbol that adorned the cover of the book and held the paper out to her.

She shook her head, staring at the drawing in shock You do not know what you have done... his reign of terror you have begun.

Please, Zecora! I'm trying to banish him! Tell me what you know!

When she finished speaking, I wished I had never asked.        

Two of them. There were two of them. Equestria was their chess board. We were their pieces.


***




Months passed, so much changed, and yet it seemed as though I were no closer to finding answers than when I had began. I did come to learn that the demon would not lie to me. Whether this was because it did not feel the need, or for some more nefarious purpose, I did not know. I would always confirm anything he told me, and it was always the truth. 

Even when I asked him about Zecora's information, he didn't deny it.

I had to get my friends out of this. They didn't deserve it.

But perhaps I did.

        I remember when Discord leached everything that made us the Elements of Harmony from us, he didn’t take my magic. He took away my ability… my wish to make friends. He transformed me back into that sad little pony from Canterlot, afraid of friendship and hell bent on leaving the first place I’d ever been able to make them. Ponyville no longer felt like home.

        My mind had been filled with fear and sadness. There was nothing I wanted more than to simply hide out in the woods somewhere, away from everypony, only taking Spike because the responsibility to take care of him had always been there.

        But as I told him to pack I was interrupted by one of his enormous belches, a roll of parchment falling atop a growing pile of them that I had failed to notice before. A pile of letters from Celestia, Spike informed me. The part of me that had become corrupted by Discord wanted to ignore them, so I returned to packing.

        Twilight, a familiar voice floated to me from the corner. Twilight, you really should take a closer look at those. I did my best to ignore my demon, the disconnect from friendship repulsing me from him most of all.

        Twilight, he repeated, don’t be a child and read your letters. Celestia is very important and you don’t want to shirk your responsibilities, do you?

        I let out a resigned sigh, his goading about responsibility reaching through the Discord-induced haze. That goading is likely the single, most important thing that demon has ever done, for without it I never would have read those letters. I would have fled Ponyville with Spike and allowed Celestia and Luna to attempt to deal with Discord on their own. With Luna so weakened and without the Elements… I’m not so sure they could have done it on their own.

        As I picked up the letters I discovered they were written with my own handwriting—the letters I wrote to Celestia to report about friendship! Reading letter after letter the fog that had taken hold of my mind lifted, and I was reinvigorated with renewed purpose. I had to gather my friends and remind them of what made them so important to me, and each other. 

        So as I ran them each down and performed the memory spell I not only reminded them why they were so important to me, but I was also reminded about the fact that I was also worth more than being some demon’s plaything. In a very backwards way, the creature reminded me of that himself.

        I don’t know if I could be prouder of us than the day we defeated Discord. We marched up to him proudly, with our heads held high, regardless of our earlier defeat. We were stronger because of it, and we knew it. I protected them when he attempted to once again submit them to his will, using the same shield spell I had used to protect Spike when he was just a hatchling. 

        As the power of the Elements flowed through us, I could feel it. The connection, it was never closer than when we were facing Discord, together. The Elements connected us in a way that was closer than simply friendship, I felt as though they were a part of me, and I was a part of them. As that rainbow crashed down against Discord and turned him to stone I knew that Celestia was right.

        The key to defeating my demons was through the Elements of Harmony: my friends.

        

> Intermission: Rarity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rarity’s mouth tightened into a grimace as her hooves ran across the thin, delicate fabric. “I just don’t see how I could possibly get the effect that she wants!” 

Her hooves clopped loudly against the cold tiles of Carousel Boutique as she circled the four-legged mannequin. “It’s absolutely impossible! But… getting this order right is absolutely PARAMOUNT! This dress is for Princess Luna’s first Grand Galloping Gala, and it will be on display for ALL of the most important ponies in Canterlot! Just imagine… The nobles, the fashionistas, the biggest names in fashion!”

She took a deep breath as she she turned to her audience, a white cat with a squashed face and green eyes. “Don’t you see, Opal? If this dress isn’t perfect it will be the WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!” She stamped a hoof in frustration, debating pulling out her fainting couch.

The cat licked its paw a few times before running it across her face, contributing absolutely nothing to the conversation at hand. Her ears rotated to listen to the sounds of the thunder approaching outside as she groomed herself.

Rarity sighed as she approached the feline, she reached out her hoof to scratch beneath Opal’s chin. As a loud purr filled the room Rarity’s head drooped, “Oh Opal, whatever am I to do?”

SLAM!

Rarity yelped as she turned to investigate the noise, then chuckled at herself. Oh, the wind just blew the window open, she thought. I’m getting too easy to startle, of late.

 She quickly trotted over, faster than necessary, to close it. “Ah hah hah. Just look at how silly I can be, hm, Opal?”

The cat shrank back against the wall, hissing. 

“Opal? Opal, whatever is the matter dear?”

She jumped off her perch on the bed to hide beneath it as the unicorn rushed over. Rarity pushed herself as far under as she could, but all the cupcakes Pinkie had been bringing by had gone to her hips, and there was no way for her to reach the spooked cat pressed up against the wall. “Opal! Opal, sweetheart, it’s just a storm! Absolutely nothing to be scared of!”

“Oh,” came a deep, dark voice as smooth as chocolate, “I don’t think it’s the storm she’s afraid of.”

Rarity screamed, trying to stand before she fully got out from under the bed and slamming her head against the frame. Her eyes teared up as she scrambled out, squinting through the pain as they flicked this way and that. Trying to find the source of the voice, she lit up her horn with one of the few defensive spells she knew. “W-who’s there?!”

“Me.” The voice whispered, and Rarity was able to pinpoint where it was coming from. She turned towards the back room, breath quickening as a a few beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. In the doorway, amongst the boxes and pallets of excess fabric, was the silhouette of a rather large pony. She couldn’t make out his features. Just that he was really, really tall.

“What are you doing here?!” She demanded, proud of how strong her voice was. “The store is closed. I must ask you to leave! We will be opening tomorrow at ten.”

“Oh, my dear Rarity, I’m not here to shop,” he said as he turned and walked along the wall. No matter where he placed a hoof he always seemed to be enveloped in shadow, regardless of the shop’s ample lighting. “I’m here to make you an offer.”

        The ponies head stayed turned towards her as he walked, and Rarity couldn’t shake the feeling that he wasn’t just staring at her… but through her.

“An… an offer?” Rarity asked, stepping to always keep the strange stallion in view and have ample space between them. He came to a stop beside the mannequin with Luna’s incomplete dress hanging upon it. Opal dashed out from under the bed, running to the next room with a yowl.

Rarity gasped once he turned his head. The pony was not only unnaturally tall, but had TWO horns. 

Every fairy tale she had heard growing up about two-horned demons sped through her head as she once again started to gather a defensive spell beneath her horn, but if the creature before her was truly a demon she had little hope of doing more than to annoy it with any of the spells she knew.

“Yes,” He whispered, carrying the ‘s’ in an almost reptilian fashion, “you see, I want to help you. You are a very kind and generous pony, full of talent and vision. It will be hard work, but I know one day you will be the absolute premier designer in ALL of Equestria.” 

The compliment was not lost on Rarity, demon or not. She straightened, beaming with pride, but kept her defensive spell at the ready.

        “...but it will be a long and difficult journey. I am here to offer you a leg up. Contacts, ideas, finances… ask and it is yours.” He said, giving a half bow from the waist.

        Rarity’s eyes narrowed, “And just why would you be so… so generous? You don’t even know me.”

        “Ah, but you see… I do know you, Rarity. My friend, Twilight Sparkle, always speaks so highly of you, of how kind and inspired you are. After having seen some of your work for myself, I must say that she is absolutely correct.” He ran a hoof over the dresses sleeves, his eyes momentarily lost in the cloth.

        Rarity blinked a few times as the defensive spell dimmed then winked out. “You know Twilight?”

        “Why yes, I’ve known her since she was a filly. You could say that it was my influence that brought her to Princess Celestia’s tutelage. Don’t get me wrong! She always had the talent, she just needed somepony to… show it to her.”

        Rarity bit her lip. She always believed in the good and generous nature of ponies, it was in her nature. But she also knew that there were those out there that would take advantage of those beliefs. How did she know which this was?

“I… see.” She said carefully. “And just what would you want in return for your help?”

Even though Rarity could only see the silhouette of the pony in front of her she could somehow tell, no— she could feel that he was smiling. “I want you to continue to be a good friend of Twilight’s. She needs friends more than you could possibly imagine. She will become strong, stronger than anypony would believe. She will need to have friends to keep close, friends that she can trust.”

Rarity narrowed her eyes at him, “You honestly think I’ll believe all you want in return is for me to be Twilight’s friend?”

“You have nothing else I want. Well, nothing that I don’t already have,” he mused as the stallion moved around the dress in order to get a better look at it. 

“I… I couldn’t possibly accept!” She stammered, “I don’t even know your name!” 

“I go by many names, but you can simply call me friend. You know, if you were to put a second layer of darker, thicker cloth underneath, it would help protect the more delicate fabric on top.” He once again turned his face to look at Rarity, and in that instant a flash of lightning illuminated the demon from head to toe.

She screamed, stumbling backwards and tripping over one of her terribly misplaced bolts of fabric. As she tumbled to the floor she could hear the thing’s laughter ringing in her ears.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!” Rarity sat straight up in bed, legs tangled in the covers, sweating and panting.

“What! What, where?!” her eyes darted around her bedroom, seeing nothing amiss. 

Opal looked up at her from the bed, “Miao?”

“Ugh!” Rarity flopped ungracefully back onto her pillow, “What a HORRIBLE nightmare!” 

She blinked as she stared at the fabric hanging across her four-poster bed, and the demon’s suggestion came back to her. She let out a gasp of delight as she jumped out of bed, fear forgotten, as she ran downstairs to the mannequin with Princess Luna’s dress.

“He may have had a terrifying visage, but he certainly has a great sense of fashion!” She squealed as she held up two bolts of fabric next to each other. “Luna is simply going to look a DREAM at the gala!”

So the generous pony went to work, not noticing the silhouette of a pony in the shadows of the corner. Golden hooves glinted in the moonlight as it smiled without a smile.
	
	

> Chapter Five ~ Rewritten
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As the liquid reached my hooves I gasped, all the warmth was leached from my body. I shivered violently as the vile goop raised to my knees. The cold released a sudden rush of adrenaline, restoring the faculties of my body. However, with my magic still coursing through me I was at the mercy of whatever force was holding me aloft. I gulped in a massive breath and choked off my magic. The glimmer around my horn disappeared as I descended into the depths of the unknown with a thick Splort!

I tried to swim, but the liquid was thicker than I had anticipated. Each movement was slowed, the initial burst of energy was fading fast. Those that remained of the pink creatures had turned to face the source of the splash. Somehow, they were able to make ample progress compared to my tortuously slow strokes.

I turned to swim another way, any way, to get away from the disgusting things, but they were all around me. Like a pack of wolves they circled me, closer and closer until I was within their trap. There was no where for me to run.

One began to swim directly at me, but this one was different from the others. Larger, longer, leaner. This one had a horn on its head and wings at it’s side. It seemed almost familiar, but with an alien quality to it, like someone you think you know. 

As I realized who it resembled I gasped, accidentally swallowing a bit of the liquid, whatever it was. I looked into where its eyes should have been, but instead of the cataract-filled, unseeing eyes she… it… had empty pits that cried blood. It seemed to look into me and see every bit of fear and uncertainty. In the span of a few moments I relieved every hopeless moment in my mind. 

It all suddenly felt so useless. I had been trying for so long to save myself. I had been scouring all of pony knowledge for years - YEARS - and I was so exhausted. In that moment I stopped. I no longer bothered to churn my legs, I let myself be dragged under.

The coldness surrounded me, welcomed me. I took one last breath before the oily substance enclosed my muzzle I heard that foul, thrice-damned voice.

"You won't get rid of me that easily... Twilight Sparkle."


***


        I slammed my foot against the stone in frustration. But why keep me in the dark all those years! I could have been learning, I could have been looking for a solution.

        Celestia’s gaze didn’t falter, it never did. Her unflappable calm was almost painful as she returned my gaze. Twilight… you were so young. Too young to have such a burden on your shoulders. I wanted you to have as much of a childhood as you possibly could.

Childhood? I turned away from her, pacing. The movement helped me think. You wanted me to have a childhood, yet you gave me excruciating amounts of homework and a baby dragon for me to raise before I even knew how to fully take care of myself? 

        I winced inwardly bringing Spike into it, I loved him like a brother. Even the homework was kind of fun. Yet I knew that I had to push. She was hiding something from me… I just knew it.

        And if I had left your mind to wander freely it would have come back to the demon, just as it does now. I… she looked down at her hooves, worry creasing her forehead. I thought that having a full schedule would distract you from it.

It made some sense. I thought about how I would sleep through the night once I forgot the demon existed. The demon even let me forget about his existence, which struck me as odd. I looked around the walls of my old bedroom, wondering at what had slipped by them, unnoticed. How many times had the demon watched me while I slept, unaware of his presence?

        I sighed, shaking my head as I once again turned to face my mentor. I needed to change tact. Why didn’t you tell me you had prior experience with the demon?

Celestia balked, her hooves nearly going out from under her. How… how could you possibly know that?

        Well, with Luna… wait... Celestia’s eyes were wide, ears pressed back. There was more to it than what she was telling me. You dealt with the demon?

Celestia shut her eyes tight as she turned away. Yes.

        My heart lept into my throat. But you don’t have any of the demon’s taint on you! Celestia, that’s great! Just tell me what…

 No.

But Princes, I—

Celestia turned, slamming her hooves into the floor. NO. Twilight, I have told you everything I can.

        I retreated a step, eyes wide in shock. Celestia had never once raised her voice to me. Her breaths steadied as she stood tall. Her face settled into an expression I had only seen her use in court, and I felt my heart sink. I’m sorry, Twilight, but I must leave. I suggest you get back to Ponyville as soon as possible. 

        She teleported from the room in a bright flash of yellow light that nearly blinded me. As I blinked the spots from my vision my mind raced.

        What could possibly disturb Princess Celestia like that?


***


        I couldn’t wrap my mind around my conversation with the princess, though I tried the entire train ride back to Ponyville. Poor Spike tried to distract me with conversation, but I couldn’t seem to concentrate on his constant droning about comic book characters. Such happy fantasy seemed so far away. 

        Celestia knew something, and I wouldn’t be able to get it from her. That much was obvious.

        I tried to act surprised when my friends greeted me at the station, complete with party by Pinkie. I smiled and talked to them quaintly about my trip, the weather, what was new in Canterlot. No matter how I tried to pull myself to the present, my mind would get pulled under a new wave of worry.

        Twilight, are you listening? Rarity said, waving a hoof in front of my face.

        Oh! I jumped, blushing. Sorry, Rarity. I’ve just got a lot on my mind. 

Rarity nodded. Is there anything I can do for you, dear?

I looked at her, at the rest of my friends who had stopped to listen as well. Ever ready to help me when I was in need. I could have told them about my fears and worries, I could have told them about the demon. They would have jumped straight into action, ready to do anything they could to free me.

        Rarity would put her business by the wayside. 

Applejack would leave her beloved apple farm to be run by the rest of her family. 

Rainbow Dash would need to find a replacement for the weather team, not to mention set aside training to join the wonderbolts.

Pinkie Pie would take time off from the bakery, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Cake to run the shop and one less pony to help them take care of the twins.

Fluttershy would even leave her animals in somepony else’s care, a pony who could never give them the love and attention that she could.

What made it worse was that none of them could do much of anything to help. I had been searching all my life for a way to escape my demon, I doubt they would have ideas on where to start looking. No, it was better not to clue them in until I had some sort of game plan. Or at least an idea.

Thank you, Rare, but no. I gave her my best smile, trying not to let any of my worry leak through. It’s a new assignment I need to do for Celestia, and it’s a doozy. 

Rarity returned my smile, her posture relaxing. Well, if there is anything you need dear, you absolutely must let me know. 

Everypony else returned to their conversations, and I felt my smile lift into a more genuine grin. These ponies really did care about me, but they wouldn’t butt in when the words ‘homework’ or ‘study’ were involved.

I realized Rarity was speaking again, and quickly turned my attention towards her. ...that friend of yours certainly knows how to deliver.

Friend? I blinked, hoping I hadn’t missed too much of the conversation.

Yes, that gentlecolt in the fashion business. Apparently, you mentioned my name to him at some point, and my latest collections have caught his attentions, ah! She let out a happy little squeak, practically dancing on her hooves. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the help, Twilight! I’m suddenly getting referrals to some very important ponies all across Equestria!

My smile began to stretch again as I tried to recall who I had mentioned Rarity to, especially in the fashion industry. I hadn’t associated much with other ponies before moving to Ponyville, and fashion had never really been much of a forte of mine. I wracked my brain, nodding to encourage Rarity to keep talking about her new partnership. 

He is absolutely a doll. I must say, I found him somewhat intimidating at first. I mean, you don’t see ponies that tall and…

Ah-hah! I nodded as the memory clicked into place. He wasn’t really one of my friends, after all. My mother had a friend in the fashion industry, an extremely tall stallion who always seemed to be glaring. I had only really met him as a filly, and had been scared of him. I swore up and down to my mother that his shadow was always staring at me. 

I told my mom all about her friends. Perhaps she had mentioned Rarity to one of her friends, and her friend took an interest.

I’m really glad it’s working out so well for you Rarity. 

Rarity simply beamed,  I really owe you so much, Twilight! I had worried that I might not get enough orders to cover my expenses this year, when in fact… I’m looking forward to a windfall! Really Twilight, if there is anything you need… just ask.

Rarity then turned away, her short trot clipping along the wooden boards of the platform. Some movement caught my attention, her shadow…

I shook my head, thinking that I must be more tired than I thought. For a moment I could have sworn that her shadow was smiling at me.

I cleared my throat to get everypony’s attention. Thank you for meeting me here, guys. I really hate to cut this short, but it’s a long day and I really want to get home.

Everypony smiled, rushing forward to give me a hug. Once I escaped, having to drag Spike away from catering to Rarity’s every whim, I made it to the library. We lit a few candles and organized the library before I let Spike go to do whatever he wanted before bed. Probably something to do with one of his comic books, if I knew him at all.

I still couldn’t pull my mind away from the conversation with Celestia. I kept turning her words over in my head. She knew of the demon because of Nightmare Moon. Could she have tried to deal with it, and he rejected her? Had she successfully made the deal, and somehow managed to escape his taint?

I shook my head. No. She… she wouldn’t. Would she?

I paced, eyes looking over the various titles of Ponyville library. I had already read through each book, a few of them multiple times. None of them had led me closer to the demon, but there was another option. An option I was loathe to consider.

Alright… you can come out now.

A cool breeze flowed through the room, sending a chill down my spine. As much as I tried to hold my composure I couldn’t stop the little twitch that arced through my neck, my head jerking to the side. I turned, quickly spotting the area of shadow darker than the rest, the candles glimmering off of his hooves.

That is such a cheap gimmick. I said, attempting to keep my voice steady.

No response.

So, are you going to tell me?

His grin spread wide across his face, that smile with no lips. It was very unnerving. Only ever having seen his muzzle, I couldn’t help but wonder if he even had eyes.

I have no idea what you mean he said. His slithery voice was starting to sound soothing rather than grating, as it usually was. I bit the inside of my cheek, berating myself inwardly for becoming accustomed to him in any fashion. I shook my head as I moved to sit on the couch. Don’t act as if you haven’t been eavesdropping on my conversations. 

He shrugged. Or at least seemed to. While you are my favorite project, Twilight Sparkle, you are not my only one. I have others that I attend to, from time to time. So enlighten me, what do you wish to know?

My mouth drew into a tight line as I tried to burn a hole through his chest with my glare. To my chagrin, he only continued to smile. I sighed, placing a hoof on my forehead. What do you know about Celestia? Has she ever dealt with you? Or… the other one?

Other one? The thing threw it’s head back, cacophonous laughter echoing throughout the bottom floor of the library.  So you know! You’ve heard of my brother. My dear Twilight, I am impressed.

He took a few steps towards me, though keeping towards the shadows. As I turned on the couch to face him I couldn’t help but ask, Well?

He settled into a corner, leaning against a bookcase. Do you really want to know? She really doesn’t seem to want you to find out…

Just tell me!

He chuckled Oh, if you insist, but I don’t think you will like it.

He knelt down to lay upon the floor, and more of his legs were revealed by the candlelight than I had ever seen. Red fur covered his crossed forelegs. He shifted a few times, as if attempting to get comfortable. I wanted to tell him to hurry up, but I bit my tongue. Rushing a demon capable of turning an Alicorn into her own nightmare did not seem prudent.

After a few exaggerated grunts and groans, he finally spoke. Ah, Celestia… She was a beautiful creature in her prime. He lifted a cloven hoof to rub it against his chin. Tell me, what do you know about Equestrian history during the time of Nightmare Moon?

What does that have to do with anything? I spat. 

Humor me.

I sighed, thinking back. History was easy. When Luna became Nightmare Moon, she took command of more than half the armies. Mostly those who were loyal to her, but there were some who were coerced in one way or another. Threats to their family, blackmail, that sort of thing. Those that joined her willingly were… transfigured. She turned them into what have become known as the bat ponies.

Yes, go on.

Luna refused to lower the moon, which caused havoc all across Equestria. The tides, the crops, the weather… you name it, there was chaos. Celestia would try to lower the moon herself, or raise the sun, but magic doesn’t work like that. So… they went to war. Some say… My voice wavered as I thought the words. Some say they fought like ponies possesed. 

The demon nodded. Yes, and they both were. However, there was a difference.

A glow appeared around his horns, and what appeared to be little figures of Luna and Celestia appeared on the floor next to him. Except that they were moving. I crawled down to the floor, fascinated by what I was seeing. The two of them looked around as if bored, not caring as I inched closer to them. My chin nearly drug on the floor as I tried to get a closer look. After a few moments I realized they were somewhat translucent.

You see, my brother and I are playing this… game, I suppose you would call it. And within this game there are rules. My brother broke those rules.

A shadowy figure appeared next to the Luna figurine. It jumped at her, covering her, until nothing more of her could be seen. Little Celestia didn’t seem to notice as the blackness drew back, revealing a tiny Nightmare Moon instead. 

Celestia attempted to fight Nightmare Moon on her own, without my help. That first battle… her forces were crushed. 

The little Celestia ran at Nightmare Moon, but with a little spark of light she flew back. She tumbled against the floor, the wind knocked out of her. She attempted to stand, but the little Nightmare Moon approached her, and stomp her hoof down on Celestia’s head. Again, and again. The little Nightmare Moon slammed her forelegs against Princess Celestia repeatedly. It didn’t end until Nightmare Moon levitated her long enough to throw her against the wall.

I sat, mortified, as I watched blood pour from the wounds. It looked like paint, coming from a vision the size of a toy. Yet that thought didn’t stop my heart from jumping into my throat. The smaller Nightmare Moon walked away, her attention caught by something else on the other side of the room.

Celestia nearly died that day, did you know that? Alicorns can die, if given enough punishment. They’re just very… very hard to kill.

Another shadow appeared, standing next to the fallen Celestia. The figure rolled to look up at the creature next to her. 

She wanted so badly to save her sister. So badly, in fact, that she was willing to give up all of Equestria for it. 

My mouth fell open as the tiny Celestia reached a hoof up to the shadow. Her forelock dangled limply, and her leg shook.

Can you believe that? This princess that the ponies revere as a goddess was willing to give me all their souls if I gave her the power to stop Nightmare Moon and redeem her sister.

The shadow reached out and took the princess’ hoof. When they touched, it was as if a shock of electricity flowed through the little Celestia. Her body shook and trembled, eyes rolling into the back of her head before going limp. 

I watched it for a moment, reaching out to poke it with a hoof before she became encapsulated in light. She was raised into the air, pink mane suddenly catching fire. Her eyes open to reveal bright red irises.

After that, the two were more evenly matched. It wasn’t long before Equestria was covered in flames.

The floor between Nightmare Moon and Celestia burst with fire, and I could almost hear the screams. Nightmare Moon turned, eyes narrowed, to glare at Celestia. She unfurled her wings, and threw herself into the air. Celestia followed suit, and when they met their fighting was so fast that my eyes could barely keep up. 

It wasn’t until one particular battle that things changed…

Little Celestia was thrown, dust and splinters exploded everywhere. I coughed, waving a hoof to try to clear the area around my face. When I opened my eyes, Celestia was sitting amongst rubble. Wooden beams and thatches of hay near her began to catch fire.

She shook herself, standing and spreading her wings to take off after Nightmare Moon. Before she began her ascent she took a moment to look down. In front of her was foal, lying limply before her. She reached out with her hoof, nudging his foreleg. He didn’t move.

Celestia backed up, looking around. Her face was green and her eyes glistened. Two  ponies ran past her, falling around the foal. I couldn’t hear them, but one wrapped her legs around the lifeless body. Rocking back and forth, she threw her head back, mouth open in anguish. The second pony rested a hoof on the others shoulder, but it’s comfort was lost on the grieving mother.

        The second pony looked to Celestia, mouth moving in words I could only guess at. Whatever they said, Celestia took off running, tears streaming down her face. She tripped over a piece of stone, and instead of rising to continue her run she simply curled in upon herself. Shaking as her tail and mane set the rubble around her alight with fire.

        Many minutes passed and she stayed prostate. Minutes that felt like hours. Movement caught my eye as the shadow again appeared next to Celestia.

I went back to her. To find out why she had retreated. I couldn’t have my deals falling through, you see. She turned on me.

The little Celestia jumped up, grabbing the shadow and pressing her face against it. She shook with the words she spewed.

        When she saw the little foal, the one that had died because of her… she came to a sort of realization. A paradigm shift, as it were. While she cared for her sister and wanted her back, she became aware of the responsibility she owed to her citizens. How powerless they were beneath the hooves of behemoths like her and Luna. She no longer wanted the powers, she wanted to take back her deal and save those souls she had promised me.

        The little Celestia shook the shadow repeatedly, falling to her knees. She rocked herself back and forth, still gripping the shadow.

        So… I granted her this. 

        My ears flicked forward, and my eyes tore away from the scene playing out before me. What? You just… let her out of her contract? Just like that?

No, of course not. He chuckled. I’m a business pony, not a Charity. She had used the powers I had given her, and that came with a price, as did reneging on our deal.

My eyes were drawn back to the figures. The little Celestia had let go, and was now nodding slowly, a hoof raised to her mouth like she was going to be sick. The shadow faded into nothingness, and the flames dissipated from Celestia’s mane. In their place was the waving, technicolor mane she was known for.

        She promised me something very precious to her. Something that I could take at a whim and she would be powerless to stop it. He chuckled. She has tried very hard to work around that, to no avail.

The scene cleared, and once again Nightmare Moon and Celestia faced each other. Celestia opened a pack on her back, out of which floated the Elements of Harmony. They began to circle around her, faster and faster, until a rainbow beam shot from them. The beam hit Nightmare Moon, throwing her far and away… to the moon. Celestia sank to her hindquarters as the Elements floated slowly back into her saddle pack. Her shoulders began to shake as she raised a hoof to her face. She slowly faded, until she winked out of existence completely.

I looked up at the demon, licking my dry lips. What… what did she promise you?

He returned my gaze. Why, a filly. I would show up at any time to pick a pony at my choosing. That filly would say my words and take my oath. She would become my protege, so to speak.

My breath caught in my chest, I suddenly felt dizzy.

My dear, Twilight Sparkle… Princess Celestia promised me you.

	

> Intermission: Rainbow Dash
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rainbow Dash bit her lip, shifting from hoof to hoof nervously. The Best Young Flyer competition was her best bet to get her noticed by the Wonderbolts. Now that she was here, waiting for her turn, all she could imagine was each little mistake she could make. Running into a column, losing her wingbeat rhythm, getting turned around and flying the wrong direction.

She had been practicing and perfecting her routine for six months, sun up to sun down. Not even her friends knew how much she had trained and practiced. She wanted them to think she was cool, not some twerp that worked too hard to be her best! 

Whenever she saw them coming she would quickly jump into a cloud to pretend to be napping or hanging out. This way, during the few times they did catch her practicing they wouldn’t realize just how MUCH time and effort she’d been putting into this performance. Even when she spent a day with one of them, her mind would often wander to her routine. Where it needed tweaked, where did she need to practice more?

The last three months before the competition she had moved her practice to a clearing in the Everfree forest. She liked to tell herself that the unpredictable air currents helped increase her wing strength and maneuverability. She stomped a hoof in nervous frustration. So much practice, and she still hadn’t been able to produce a single Sonic Rainboom. 

So, aside from a few dress rehearsals with Fluttershy, nopony knew how hard she had been working. Or had seen the nothing she had to show for it.

Well, except for that one pony… she thought, then pushed it away. That had only been a dream. A really strange, bucked up dream.

“Okay number two, let’s go.” 

The voice interrupted Rainbow’s thoughts. She gasped, realizing that the number two was on her hip. 

Oh no! I’m not even ready! I just… I just need a few more minutes to psych myself up! That’s it! Her eyes scanned the crowd, and saw number five. That should be MORE than enough time. She quickly trotted over to another pony, switching their numbers. “Hey, she’s talkin’ to you!”

“Okay, Rainbow Dash,” She whispered as the stunned pony ran for the arena. “Get your head in the game.” She closed her eyes, visualizing her routine in her head. She saw herself weaving through the columns, spinning the clouds and the final dive for the Sonic Rainboom. But no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t see the actual rainboom itself. She hadn’t done it since she was a filly. She could barely even remember how she did it, let alone visualize doing it then. 

She gulped as she watched another competitor head for the arena, realizing that she wasn’t going to be able to do the Sonic Rainboom on the field. Not in front of those ponies, not at all! She had been lying to herself, and now she needed to come up with a new ending... and quick! 

She switched out her number again and again, buying herself a bit more time. Yet, no matter how much she tried, ideas wouldn’t come. Feeling hopeless, she curled up in the corner, shaking in fear. Her dream from the night before crept, unbidden, into her thoughts.

It was the day before the competition. She had been practicing, once again out in the Everfree Forest. The rest of her routine had gone perfectly, but when she attempted to perform the Sonic Rainboom she lost control. She was thrown off course and landed somewhere in the middle of the Everfree. She let out a yelp as she broke through the trees and slammed against the ground on her side. 

She had crashed several times, but never that hard. As she stood she winced, her wing was sprained. Cursing to herself, she realized that she may not heal in time to fly the next morning. More practice was out of the question, and flying any more than absolutely necessary could make her wing even worse. 

That meant only on thing—walking out of the forest. She grit her teeth as her eyes darted from side to side. Strange sounds could be heard as the wind caused the trees to sway. 

But the more she put it off, the less time she’d have to get home and put ice on that wing. 

She took off quickly, thankful for the sense of direction being a Pegasi gave her. Knowing she was going in the right direction didn’t stop the feeling that the forest was getting darker and more claustrophobic. She tried to distract herself from the fear the way she and her friends had the last time they had made their way through. “Heh… Giggle at the Ghostie…. ha ha… Snortle at the spookie…”

Either the forest didn’t believe her, or her head wasn’t buying it. Singing the song just wasn’t quite the same without Pinkie’s infectious laughter.

As she moved to jump over a particularly thick clump of bushes she stopped, paralyzed with fear. Standing where she had intended to jump, was a huge stallion. She could barely see him. Her muscles tensed as her eyes flitted around to look for an escape. 

“Ahhh… hello there Rainbow Dash.” It said, the voice very soft and well spoken.

Rainbow slowly backed away, “Who… who are you?”

“Who I am is of no consequence. The big question is who YOU are.”

“What do you mean?”

The stallion turned, but she could almost hear the smile in the pony’s voice, “This way. You are the great Rainbow Dash, are you not?”

Rainbow followed timidly, eyes not leaving the back of the pony’s head. “Well, duh! Of course I am!”

“Good.” He said. “I do so hate to be wrong. How is your wing?”

“Fine. I’ll just have to keep off of it if I want to fly in the competition tomorrow.” She had to admit, whoever he was, he did seem to know the easiest path through the brush. 

“Good, good. Now, you are most assuredly wondering why I am here. I am here because I am here to make you an offer.”

She stopped, eyebrows quirking. “Here? In the middle of the Everfree Forest?”

“Why not?” He asked as he looked over his shoulder, “Come, we should keep moving.”

Rainbow trotted after him, trying to get a better sense of what he looked like. The forest was so dark that she was better off following the sound of his hoofbeats. She didn’t like making deals with ponies she didn’t know, let alone couldn’t see, but they had a long walk out of this forest. Her eyes narrowed, but her ears pricked to full attention, “An offer, huh?”

Rainbow Dash stopped in her tracks, a smile spreading across her face. Of all the things he could have said, that was what she had least expected. “R-really?! You want to help me become a Wonderbolt?”

“Why yes. Twilight tells me you’re the best flyer in all of Equestria, and that no one is more deserving of my resources than you.”

“Omigoshomigoshomigoshomigosh!” She had to keep from flapping her wings in excitement. A sponsor! An honest-to-Celestia SPONSOR. Even more… he knew Twilight Sparkle. She had moved here from Canterlot, of course she would know ponies interested in becoming sponsors.

“So, Twilight told you about me, huh?” She asked, raising her hoof to study it, trying to pass off a facade of aloofness, “I suppose there’s something you’ll want in return for this… help.”

The pony turned to face her. If she could see his face, she supposed that he would be looking her right in the eyes, “I only ask that you continue to give Twilight your full friendship and loyalty. She’s going to need it very soon, more than you know.”

Rainbow couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her face again, “You got it! Loyalty is my middle name! Rainbow Loyalty Dash.”

The stallion laughed, stepping close to her, “Oh I’ll bet it is.”

As he stepped directly in front of her, Dash became suddenly aware of an awful odour. “I just have one word of advice for the competition, little pony. Don’t worry too much about tomorrow. Let your friends be your inspiration. Especially the one called Rarity.”

Before she could retreat to escape the smell, he shoved his face up towards hers, and what she saw had caused her to sit up straight in bed, screaming.