The laughter of Nightmare Moon was heard, not only in the Town Hall, but beyond. Many of the ponies gathered there had already started to flee, screaming and panicking into the streets. If Twilight didn't know what she knew, she might have been among them. Instead, she just kept her eyes on the mare she knew would one day be her friend, now consumed with darkness and jealousy. A thousand years...this hate has grown in your for centuries, Luna. But I promise, I'll get you out of it. Her expression was one of determination, never straying from her spot as pony after pony ran past her in a desperate bid to escape. But, it was here that somepony did indeed take action, as Twilight turned to see the Mayor herself point up towards Nightmare Moon in an angry manner, while flanked by several of the royal guards.

"Seize her! She knows where the Princess is!""

Twilight's eyes widened with horror over what had just been said, and she stretched out a hoof towards the mare.

"No! Don't!"

But it was too late, for the collection of winged stallions were already launching themselves into the air, ready to engage Nightmare Moon in battle. The dark alicorn, by contrast, merely watched the approaching force with amusement.

"Stand back, you foals!"

With a single gesture, the fallen Princess sent another burst of lighting in the direction of the guards, striking them hard and sending them crashing back down to the ground. Twilight watched with worry as the stallions laid there, the sides of their bodies mildly singed from the lightning, before looking up at Nightmare Moon once more. Another wicked cackle escaped her, and in moments, her ethereal mane had engulfed her yet again, transforming her into a form of pure blue magic. Twilight watched as this force swirled around for a while before darting out of the open doors of the Hall, flying off to who knows where. Knowing what was to happen, Twilight turned to see Rainbow Dash, having wrestled her way out of Applejack's grip, now flying out to follow their enemy. Twilight wanted to call out, but knew that, like the Mayor, she wouldn't listen. Instead, she simply ran out, following her pegasi friend into the streets, and seeing her fly off as best she could before losing sight of Nightmare Moon. Rainbow, understandably, looked more than a little irritated at this loss, but her attention was then drawn to the ground as a voice called up to her.

"Rainbow!"

Looking down, the rainbow-maned mare raised an eyebrow to see that it was none other than Twilight who had called to her.

"What the...Twilight?"

Seeing the unicorn gesture for her to come down, Rainbow frowned a little before doing as asked, and within moments, she hand landed, looking upon Twilight as the latter let out a sigh. Turning, Twilight saw that all of the others, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy and even Spike, had all come out to join her, bearing looks of great concern. They don't know what to do, Twilight thought. I have to guide them in this. Taking a deep breath, Twilight addressed them all.

"Girls...I need you to come back with me to the library. There's a lot I need to fill you in on."

Needless to say, all of the mares gave each other looks of uncertainty at that, for which Twilight could not blame them for. After everything that's just happened, I can understand their need to be the tiniest bit suspicious at this. For a moment, she feared that they might even turn her down outright at this request, prompting her to wait with baited breath. In time, however, they all turned to look back at her, and Applejack stepped forward and gave a short but serious nod. They've agreed! Twilight offered a small smile at that, hoping to show her appreciation, before turning and starting to run in the direction of the Golden Oak. The other mares and Spike soon joined her, keeping pace with her as they made their way through Ponyville. All over, Twilight could see other ponies, mares, stallions, colts and fillies, all retreating into their homes, terrified at what was happening. It was a sight that caused her to narrow her eyes somewhat, her resolve more clear than ever to her. Eventually, they made their way back to the library, and Twilight used her magic to open the door, holding it open for the rest of them to enter first.

After entering herself, Twilight closed the door behind her before turning towards the group, all of whom were looking at her expectantly. They know I know something. However, before she spoke to them, she noticed Spike, who was not only worried at everything, but was also looking more than a little tired. Letting out a sigh, Twilight spoke to him first.

"Spike...it's late. You need to get some sleep."

The young dragon watched her carefully, looking just the slightest bit concerned at her words. I know him. He'll want to help. Even if I tell him where I’ll be going, he'll want to go with me, no matter how dangerous. But I can't risk it. Seeing him open his mouth, ready to dispute her point, Twilight raised a hoof, silencing him.

"I'll be fine, Spike."

Spike looked at her, seeing the honesty in her eyes as she spoke that, before hesitantly making his way towards the stairs leading to their bedroom. He stopped for a moment, giving her another look of worry, to which she returned with a reassuring smile. Although clearly still concerned for her, Spike nevertheless continued upstairs, closing the door of their bedroom after entering. Now, it was just Twilight and the other mares, with Rainbow in particular looking rather impatient that she hadn't explained anything yet. Well...I guess I'd better get on with it. Taking another deep breath, she finally spoke.

"Look...this isn't going to be easy for me. But...you've probably guessed by now that...I knew Nightmare Moon was going to be here tonight."

Rainbow Dash stepped forward after hearing that, her eyes ablaze with anger

"Yeah! We noticed! And just how did you know, huh?"

Twilight stepped back at her future friend's harshness, which actually seemed fiercer than it did the first time around. Thankfully, Applejack raised a hoof and barred Rainbow's path, giving her a look that quickly silenced her. Letting out a huff, Rainbow looked away, giving Twilight a chance to continue.

"I've been studying this for some time now, noticed the signs and predicted her return."

I'm not lying to them, Twilight reasoned. I did indeed research this on the day before my future self came into all this. Even so, the fact that she was deliberately withholding the real truth of her foreknowledge didn't sit well with her one bit, as evidenced by the look of discomfort on her face. Even so, she took a calming breath before continuing.

"Princess Celestia dismissed my concerns before sending me here. I would have told you sooner...but if I'd gone around, saying that the dark mare of legend was coming back tonight...would any of you have believed me?"

The mares all looked to each other, silently asking both themselves and their cohorts that same question. Would they have believed me? I want to believe they would have done. But then...they've only known me for a day. After some time, all of the other mares, even Rainbow, turned to her with somewhat guilty looks, a clear sign of their answer. Letting her ears drop down somewhat, Twilight looked down at the ground. Guess that's a no. After a few more moments of silence, Twilight looked back at them, this time bearing a look of certainty.

"Look...I know this is bad...but I think we might be able to stop Nightmare Moon."

All of them turned to her with renewed interest, walking closer to her, ready to hear what she had to say. Clearing her throat, Twilight gave them their answer.

"We have to use...the Elements of Harmony."

While most of them looked confused at that statement, Pinkie let out a gasp before speaking in her usual loud manner.

"Of course! The Elements of Harmony!"

Silence fell yet again as the other mares looked to her. After a few more moments of awkwardness, Pinkie finally turned to Rarity and began loudly whispering to her.

"What's an Element of Harmony?"

Twilight chuckled in spite of herself. Typical Pinkie. Oh, I've missed those moments. Looking to the rest of the group, it was obvious that they shared the same confusion over this, prompting Twilight to explain herself.

"The Elements were a collection of magical artefacts that were used a thousand years to seal Nightmare Moon away."

Applejack nodded at that.

"So...if we find those Elements...we could send her away this time too?"

Twilight nodded in response to that. Send her away? I have no intention of that. Then again, if they knew my real plans, there's no way they'd be willing to help me. However, there was another issue that Twilight knew she would have to deal with now. Sighing, she looked away from them somewhat before speaking up again.

"There's...one more thing I need to tell you. During my research, I discovered where they can be found. But, I'll warn you now...you won't like it."

The way she'd spoken that send a visible wave of worry through the entire group, with even Pinkie looking concerned at this point. Steeling herself for the inevitable reaction, Twilight finally continued.

"They’re located...in the Everfree Forest."

As expected, all of them, even the brash Rainbow, let out loud gasps after hearing that. I can't blame them for feeling this way, Twilight thought. Even in the most distant corners of Equestria, the Everfree Forest is known as one of the most dangerous and foreboding places in our nation. And Ponyville is right next to it, too! Who knows what kinds of myths and cautionary tales they've made about that place over the years. The only way I could have made this less appealing is if I'd told them the Elements were it Tartarus or something. Letting out another sigh, Twilight looked down at the ground. If I didn't think my friends were needed for this, I'd never let them join me on such a dangerous journey. But...they are needed. And if my first plan doesn't work, then I'll have to use the Elements. Besides, it's this journey that helps us to come together as friends. However, Twilight knew that the most difficult part of all this right now was convincing them to go with her. No easy task, she knew.

"Girls...I truly am sorry to ask this...but I need your help."

The mares looked to each other, showing more than a little confusion at this, which Applejack soon voiced.

"Shoot, Twi. Y'all say this'll help stop Nightmare Moon and save Equestria? Y'all don't even need to ask."

The honest smile the earth pony gave with that did a lot to help put Twilight at ease somewhat. Good old Applejack. However, that smile soon faded. They're my friends...my true friends...one day. But right now...

"I appreciate that, Applejack. Really, I do. But...surely you know this is going to be dangerous? You've only known me for a day...and you have no reason to trust me or anything I've said to you. And you’ll really follow me into that place?"

Applejack opened her mouth to speak, but it was Rarity who gave the answer.

"Darling, while I'll be the first to admit that going into a place as dreadful as Everfree isn't particularly high on my to-do list...I simply couldn't let anypony go there to try and save the day without offering my help."

Twilight smiled at that, after which she turned to see Rainbow, whose earlier aggression had been shoved aside in favour of a more confident smile.

"Heck yeah! You say it's an adventure to kick an evil-doer's butt? Then count me in!"

Pinkie then bounced into view and gave her thoughts on the matter.

"Besides, you've been nothing but super nice and friendly to everypony in town so far! It'd be really mean of us to just let you go alone!"

The young unicorn looked to her, hearing the honesty in her voice, and turned to look at each of them in-turn. Rainbow, Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy, all smiling at her, letting her know that, despite the danger they knew they'd face, they were going with her. Twilight felt, yet again, a sudden need to well up, which she soon held back. My friends...even this early...they're with me. I can't believe I never appreciated this the first time. I was a fool. I should have seen how special they were a lot sooner than I did. But...I know better now. We'll go together, and we'll do this right. Looking up at them all, Twilight put on a smile and a look of determination in her eyes.

"Very well then...to the Everfree!"