It was a bright cheerful, sunny day in Ponyville as a golden chariot being pulled by a pair of white pegasus guards landed near the town square. Its two occupants, a unicorn and a small baby dragon, quickly disembarked. The chariot flew away as the pair surveyed the lively town around them.

The unicorn spoke up first in a bored tone “Really, of all the places for the princess to choose, she picks this back of the woods town. If I didn’t know any better I’d say she was playing a joke on me.” The unicorn looked to her purple scaled companion as he looked up at her.

“Now Trixie, the princess...” He started to reprimand as they began walking towards the Ponyville town hall.

“I know what the Princess said, but I would rather get things checked, set up, and done without having to make friends.” The azure unicorn interrupted. “Besides these peasants are below me. After we complete our checks on the summer sun festivities we shall retire to the library, where we can rest and wait for my mentor to arrive.” The egocentric unicorn finished as she opened the doors to the town hall.

“She immediately ran head first into a dazzling white unicorn with a manic smile, sapphire blue eyes, a wild deep violet mane, and a blue smiling face cutie mark. The other unicorn assaulted her eardrums with a tirade that would make even the most long-winded of the Canterlot professors proud.

“Hello! Oh I’ve never seen you before! What’s your name? My name is Sunny! Where are you from? Oh you’re from Canterlot aren’t you? Yes you are, your sense of fashion tells it all. Do tell me, what are the parties like? Do you have parties? Do you go to them? Do you like parties? *GASP* Oh no, what if you don’t like parties? I mean, I like parties but if you don’t like parties then that wouldn’t be fun. I still need to set up for the big party tonight. Oh wait, duh, I forgot I already set up the party! Oh do come in, I hope you like it.” Sunny immediately took position behind Trixie and began pushing the dazed unicorn into the hall, her mind rebooting from the personality overload.

When Trixie came back to her senses, she realized that she was being pushed by an over excited mare and being followed by her assistant. Trixie also noticed that the massive hall was decked out in an astonishing array of decorations, all in preparation for the upcoming festival. “Impressive... I guess this can be a good place for Celestia to begin the Summer Sun celebration. Alright, I think we have the location and festivities handled here.” She turned towards the exit, having already spent too much time around the mad mare. “Dagg, come. We still have a few other locations to check before I can rest for the night.”

“Yes Trixie.” The dragon hesitantly followed her out of the building, not wishing to leave the cheery presence of the beautiful white mare.

“Don’t forget to write!” The alabaster mare called out as they left.

They traveled a few blocks in silence, heading toward Sweet Apple Acres, where the food for the main event is to be produced. As they were about to leave the main street, a shout that came from above was the only warning they received before a honey yellow pegasus with a teal windswept mane crashed right into Trixie, sending them both sprawling along a dry part of the road. The pegasus was first to get up “Here, let me help you.” and offered a hoof to Trixie. Which she graciously accepted.

The pegasus raised a hoof and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. “Heh, sorry about that.” she apologized.

Trixie raised an eyebrow contemptuously “And just who might you be?” Trixie asked dubiously.

The mare pulled a roguish smile of her own before answering. “I’m Raindrops, captain of the Ponyville weather team. The hottest, fastest pegasus this part of Equestria, aaand future Wonderbolt!” The confident pegasus answered doing a few loops either ignoring or unphased by Trixie’s tone.

Trixie face hoofed. “Alright. So you are the lead weather pony here? Then you’re doing a pretty poor job at it. The skies are supposed to be clear and they aren’t even close.” The azure mare jabbed at the over excited pegasus before her.

Raindrops laughed at Trixie’s prodding. “Filly, I can clear this sky in ten seconds solid.” Her smile grew even wider after giving her challenge.

Trixie scoffed at the obnoxious pegasus, then smirked in turn. “Show me then.” She challenged.

“Girl, you’re on.” Raindrops accepted the challenge and quickly flew into the air, kicking clouds out of the way and dispersing them into nothingness, diving and corkscrewing through the air.
“Quick loop-de-loop around, aaand bam.” Raindrops finished landing and sauntering over to the dumbstruck unicorn. “And that’s why they call me Raindrops, toots.” She smiled lewdly at the unicorn then patted her on the shoulder. “Heh, not every day you get to see the Drops in action, but I’d never abandon Ponyville. Pfft snkt. Bahahaha!” the pegasus started laughing at Trixie’s expression. “You should see the look on your face! You’re hilarious Trixie, see ya later cutie.” and with that she flew off.

Dagg let out a small chuckle at Trixie’s expression, as she regained her senses. Trixie shook her head and then glared at the baby dragon. “You gotta admit that was pretty awesome.” Dagg noted to Trixie, who silently nodded as she regained her composure.

“Yes, she was pretty good wasn’t she? Anyway that’s enough about her.” She shook her mane in emphasis. “She’s taken care of the weather, now let’s continue on and check the food preparations. This year we have the Apple family supplying the refreshments.” Trixie noted before they continued down the road to Sweet Apple Acres.

Eventually they reached the property in question and found it busy with activity. Earth ponies traveling to and fro in a flurry of coordinated activity. An orange earth pony mare with her blond mane in a bun and a cutie mark consisting of three oranges proved immediately to be the source. Trixie walked up to the mare and called out. “So it’s safe to assume that you’re the leader of this operation, miss...?”

“It is pronounced Madame Orange. So who do I owe the pleasure of this meeting, ‘Trixie, student of Celestia’?” Madam Orange spoke crisply.
Trixie smiled, excited to finally meet another mare from the upper crust of pony society. “Hello Madame Orange, I was sent here by Celestia to check on the Summer Sun celebration activities. I see you have things well handled here.” The unicorn nodded slightly to the orange earth pony.

Madam Orange gave a small smile. “It wasn’t all my doing. My good friend from Trottingham, Pinkamena was the one who planned this. I’m here to oversee that it works.” Madame Orange smiled at Trixie then casually asked “Would you stay for lunch? The Apple family has been known for making a very delectable crop, especially this time of year.”

Trixie tapped her hoof to her chin for but a second before making her decision. “Sure, I’ll stay for lunch, but it must be quick as I have other places to check before tonight,” the azure mare answered. Madam Orange’s smile grew sincere with Trixie’s answer.

The orange mare swiftly grabbed a rod and rang a triangle calling, “Lunch break everypony! You have fifteen minutes!” she called out so everypony could hear. As if in a frenzied swarm, the Apple family gathered around and began to eat, pulling out random apple treats from every direction.

Trixie had finished eating and, with an over-fed Dagg on her back, was now on her way to the park, where Madame Orange had told her that the musician for the celebration was supposedly practicing. As she entered the park she heard the faint playing of a lyre and humming. Trixie followed the lively melody until she almost literally ran into the mare it originated from, stopping just short of crashing into the distracted mare.

“Hmmhmhmmmhm-hm-hm-hm-... whu uh Oh hello. Didn’t see you there. Sorry about that.” The mint green unicorn with a white streaked mane and a golden lyre cutie mark apologized chipperly.

Ignoring the slight annoyance, Trixie settled to a more comfortable position before responding. “I am Trixie Stargazer; I’ve come to check up on the music portion for the Summer Sun preparations. I assume that you’re Lyra Heartstrings, the one composing this year’s piece for the Summer Sun festivities?” queried the azure mare, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh yes I am. Glad to see you again Trixie, I hope you remember me,” the mint unicorn spoke merrily before continuing. “Anyway, that’s not what you came for. The piece is ready so you don’t have to... I- Is that Dagg?” Lyra asked uncertainly her eyes locking on to the dragon next to Trixie.
Trixie looked down at Dagg then back up to the unicorn, and her eyes widened as she made the connection. “Oh! Lyra! It’s been such a long time, how have you been? Did you graduate from the academy? ” Trixie asked as Dagg walked over to Lyra and gave her a hug in greetings.
The mint unicorn smiled even wider at the recognition. “Yes, yes I did graduate, with a master’s degree in musical theory; the only other pony I know of that has one is Octavia, and thank you for the worry. I’m having a wonderful time here in Ponyville.” She then looked down kindly at the dragon before her. “My, my, you’ve grown! The last time I saw you the classroom was set on fire.” Lyra snickered as the dragon blushed furiously in embarrassment.

“How was I supposed to know fire rubies were so spicy?” Dagg vocalized his protest as Trixie joined Lyra in laughter.

Lyra smiled with Trixie and Dagg as they reminisced over the events in Canterlot. “Oh I almost forgot. Trixie? Where are you staying before the celebration?” The mint green unicorn inquired.
Trixie raised her eyebrow before answering. “The Golden Oak Library. Why do you ask?” She prodded innocently.

“Oh, just wondering. I was planning on visiting later.” The musician answered innocently.
The unicorn nodded. “Alright.” Then Trixie noticed the position of the sun on the horizon. “I’m sorry to cut this short, but it’s time to head to the library, you can come with if you wish.” Trixie kindly offered.

“Ooh sure! I’ll tag along! Besides, I’m not done talking to Dagg.” Lyra smiled innocently while the baby dragon groaned and put both palms to his face, hoping to hide from the embarrassment.

---------At the library---------

“Hey Dagg, remember that one time when the guards forgot you were in the food tray and one of them accidentally served you to the princess?” Trixie sniggered.

“Yiiia... I remember!” He held up a claw, then answered cheerily. “I don’t think the princess will ever let him live that one down.” Dagg and Lyra joined in the laughter as they reached the birch entrance to the library.

“You two are funny.” Lyra smiled then turned to leave and waved to her companions. ”Catch you two at the celebration later!”

“You too!” Trixie and Dagg both chorused as they waved in turn. Turning back to the door of the library, Trixie knocked twice to get the attention of the occupants. The door opened a crack and Trixie took that as a sign to enter.

The azure mare visibly calmed as she entered the building. She tried to look around but the building was too dark. “Aren’t libraries supposed to be bright?” She snarked as Dagg started searching for the light switch.

“Hey Trixie, do you think you could help me search for the light switch?” Dagg queried.
Before Trixie could answer the lights flicked on, and it was as if all of Ponyville had stuffed themselves into the library, with an alabaster unicorn in front.

“SURPRISE!” They all called together in a tone rivaling that of the Royal Canterlot voice.

The unicorn then charged right up to Trixie. “Hi, I’m Sunny, but you already know that! Anyway I threw this party just for you! So were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh? Huh? Huh?” the over excited unicorn mare bounced.

The azure unicorn quickly recovered her wits for the second time and uttered one word. “Yes.”
Sunny smiled even wider at the mention and hopped into the air with a resounding, “YES!” Defying gravity for an extra five seconds before coming back down. “Anyway after I met you I was like ‘Wait didn’t she say she didn’t like parties?’ So I began thinking ‘She must be new to Ponyville.’ So I decided to set this party up for you. I mean, at first I thought you were new to town, then I saw you talking with Lyra, then I decided you must be new because I’ve never seen you before, so I set up this welcome party, and invited all of Ponyville just for you.” The blinding white mare stopped bouncing and stared deep into Trixie’s lavender eyes. “So do you like it?”

Trixie shook her head and spoke evenly. “Like it? No! Trixie does not like this... Trixie loves this!!!” The azure mare shouted with glee. The ponies around her beginning to look dejected immediately burst into cheer alongside Trixie and they joined in the festivities.

Raindrops floated over to the azure mare as the party went on around them. “So I heard that you’re Celestia’s student. Mind telling us some of your awesome stories?” The pegasus asked excitedly.

Trixie nodded and began narrating her tale. “Well as you know. being Celestia’s student does not mean that all of my tests are based on books. There was this one time where Trixie and a group of very influential archaeologists decided to check some of the ruins inside the Everfree forest.” As the student began her story, a couple of the party goers along with a certain rainbow maned pegasus joined in to listen to the story.

Trixie took another breath and continued. “What happened was that while Trixie was investigating a pond near the ruins, a group of no less than three manticores appeared from the forest and attacked, so Trixie, thinking quick on her hooves, attacked the nearest manticore with a charged magic bolt. Then, Trixie blocked the other two with a powerful sleeping spell, while the third one recovered Trixie charged another spell this one a simple stunning spell and defeated the beast.” Trixie looked at the amazed crowd around her and fluffed her mane and cast an illusion spell to make the air around it sparkle slightly while giving a smug tartarus may care smile.

The crowd cheered at Trixie’s accomplishments and storytelling abilities, all save one. The rainbow maned pegasus in the back stepped forward. The crowd went silent as the rainbow maned pegasus began harshly. “Good story, but I bet it was just that. There’s no way a weak stun bolt could take out a manticore, let alone being able to catch them off guard with a sleeping spell.” The pegasus taunted.

“Lay off it Rainbow Da-” Raindrops began to protest but Rainbow was having none of it.

“You think a few illusion spells and flashy magic can make me believe that you could defeat a manticore?” The rainbow maned pegasus challenged. “How about this, you beat Glimmer in a magical challenge and I’ll believe you’re not just lying.”

“Now just a sec-” the lilac pegasus began again only this time to get shot down by Trixie.

“Trixie accepts. Now, where is this unicorn challenger so that I can get this duel of sorts over with.” The azure mare spoke with authority.

The rainbow maned pegasus began smiling as the door to the basement of the library opened and a lavender unicorn with a two tone striped mane stepped into the main room. Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to begin speaking only to have the unicorn glare at her and hold up a hoof instantly causing the pegasus to quiet herself. Then the bookish unicorn turned her gaze from the pegasus to the azure unicorn. “So you’re the one Rainbow wants me to challenge?” The mare asked. Trixie nodded silently.

The lavender mare then turned her predatory gaze back to the Rainbow maned pegasus. “Hey it’s not like you have to take an hour for the challenge.” She responded defensively.

The lavender mare then smacks her face with a hoof slowly sliding it down before grumbling aloud. “Fine. I accept the challenge Trixie, however we need to make this quick. I have some research to finish before the night ends, so pick a spell that you’re good with and we both try and do it to the best of our abilities. Is that a fair challenge?”

Trixie snorted derisively. “That sounds fair enough. I’ll choose now since you are in such a hurry.” The azure unicorn smirked as the lavender mare glared at Rainbow Dash. ‘Glimmering Wisp’ then looked back towards Trixie in interest and nodded for her to continue. “The contest shall be illusions.”

The lavender unicorn nodded and began weaving her own spell, the magic around her horn building up until it flared out and exploded across the room as if it were wild fire. The charred wood splintered and cracked apart falling out of the illusion revealing a beautiful night sky, with a beautiful field of moon flowers surrounding them. Glimmer smiled at her complete spell, however the rest of the ponies were covering their eyes and cowering in fear as they felt the dark of the night encroach upon them. The spell dissipated and the crowd calmed down as they returned to the library, realizing that the spell was just an illusion.

Trixie smirks, knowing full well the illusions the ponies truly wish to see, and how to get one up on the lavender mare’s casting. Trixie begins by subtly lighting her horn and summoning a small sun overhead, then masking the floor boards with grass, then making the grass taller and fuller the occasional flower sprouting from between the grass stalks and a small stream seemingly cutting through the field. The ponies ooh’d and aah’d at the azure mare’s demonstration.

The illusion finally came to a close as the library came back into view and the ponies looked around at the party supplies and books realizing that they really weren’t in a sunlit field, but remained smiling nonetheless. Trixie stepped up to the lavender challenger and offered a hoof. “I believe that you did a splendid job with your illusion, however I believe we both know who the winner of this competition is.” She then smiled as the lavender mare accepted the hoof.

The lavender mare trotted back to the basement door, then paused at the entrance. “Indeed, Good job Trixie. Goodnight.” She then continued down.

The azure mare followed the lavender unicorn till she was out of sight then turned to the rainbow maned pegasus that instigated the challenge. “Do you believe me untested now?” She boasted.

Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs and huffed, turning her head away, “She didn’t even try,” she muttered before finally speaking aloud “Fine you win.” The pegasus continued muttering quietly about the braggart unicorn.

Lyra walked over to Trixie after the little competition. “Nice job Trixie, though I thought you were over that little habit?” The mint unicorn questioned.

The azure mare grimaced folding her ears back. “Yeah, I usually do well but, sometimes I get stressed out and I just relapse into it. Celestia says it’s some sort of coping mechanism I’m used to, we’ve been trying to break it for years.” The unicorn finished sheepishly.

“It’s alright. Maybe I can help. Anyway let’s not worry about it now, we still have a party to attend.” Lyra smiled then trotted off leaving Trixie’s mood a little lightened.

------------

Hours later the front door opened and a plum colored earth pony with three smiling sunflowers for a Cutie Mark stepped through announcing loudly. “Come on everypony, it’s time to watch the sunrise.”

A few minutes later they were inside the town hall of Ponyville. Trixie glanced around and noticed several things. Sunny with her mouth running a mile a minute in excitement while a pink earth pony mare with a straight dark pink mane and a deceptively smooth stone cutie mark spoke calmly with Madame Orange, Raindrops darting within the crowd lewdly speaking with many of the other mares and colts in attendance. She also noted absently that Rainbow Dash was sitting in the back of the room with a cheerful looking griffon with a well kept brown coat and a shy looking butterscotch colored pegasus with a bubblegum pink mane.

‘Where’s Glimmering Wisp? Maybe that upstart pegasus mare knows something.’ With those thoughts firmly in hoof, Trixie began walking towards Rainbow Dash, until Lyra Heartstrings began playing a lively tune, as a beige earth pony with a sealed scroll cutie mark took up the stage. The Earth pony on stage smiled and began her speech.

“Fillies and gentlecolts. As mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun celebration!” she announced happily, and the crowd roared with applause. Mayor Mare waited for the noise to die down before continuing. “In just a few moments our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year.”

The mayor paused to build up excitement. As she was getting ready for the next part of her speech, unbeknownst to every pony in the room, the four stars converged onto the moon, and it flared with ancient power. The mayor continued as the face of the mare in the moon disappeared. “And now it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria.” She paused again in excitement. “Princess Celestia!!!” she cheered strongly as the music blared and the curtains opened wide revealing... an empty alcove.

The ponies beginning to cheer, gasped in surprise as they saw the princess wasn’t inside waiting for them. “Where’s Celestia?” Trixie stated in a small voice. “What’s going on here?” The azure mare uttered even louder.

“Remain calm everypony, I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation.” Mayor Mare began in an uncertain tone.

“Oh, Oh, I absolutely love guessing games! Is she hiding?” Sunny shouted out brightly while hopping up and down as if in a sugar rush, then looking in between her forelegs.

Before any of the ponies could answer, the pink mare Madame Orange was speaking to appeared on the platform Celestia was to appear from, then peered between the curtains. “She’s not here.” The collective gasp of surprise could have nearly created a wind tunnel.

Sunny’s eyes widened, “Oh, she is good!” she then sharpened them into a glare that could cut glass. She began to screech as a dark mist begins to coalesce on the stage.

“Trixie does not like this.” The azure unicorn muttered to herself as the mist finished forming into a black alicorn mare that radiated pure darkness. “Who is she?” Trixie asked fearfully.

The obsidian alicorn on stage then began to speak, as the ponies on the ground remained frozen in panic. “Ah my beloved subjects, it’s been so long since I’ve seen your precious little sunlit faces” She orated to the crowd

“Where’s Celestia?” Raindrops asked forcefully, without any of her usual lewd attitude, but with an authoritative tone befitting her station.

“Mmmahaha!!! Why? Am I not royal enough for you?“ Her semi sweet smile turned dark as she continued. “Don’t you know who I am?”

“Oh, oh more guessing games. Uuum Hokey Smokes, How about Queen Meany, no wait Black Snooty! Black Snoonmff!” Sunny was ranting when a pink hoof almost instantly appeared and shoved a banana frosted cupcake in her mouth effectively cutting her off.

The ebony alicorn continued to frown as she smoothly began once more flitting from pony to pony within the crowd. “Does my crown no longer count, now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?” She gained in volume as she spoke.

“Trixie thinks she knows who you are.” The azure mare interrupted heedless of danger. “You are Darkstar -” immediately the obsidian alicorn gathered the boisterous student in her mane and began strangling her.

She then called out clearly over the ponies smiling wickedly. “I... am Nightmare Moon, remember this day foals for it was your last.” Nightmare Moon then dropped the azure mare and left through an open window, laughing as she proceeded out into the night.

Trixie immediately charged from the hall in both embarrassment and purpose. ‘I knew I should have taken my studies more seriously... the library! Maybe they have something I can use. It wouldn't hurt to check if it has the information I need.’ With a direction firmly set, she charged towards the library.

Arriving at the library she finds the lights on and the door unlocked with both invitations firmly in mind she enters the abode. ‘Where is the librarian? You’d think she would be in her library!’ the azure mare questions before she finds a book with many notes on the dining table along with directions and warnings written very cleanly in hornscript. Just as Trixie is about to start reading the notes the front door bursts open and Madame Orange followed by Sunny, Raindrops, Lyra, and the pink mare the good Madame Orange was talking to earlier tumbled in.

Raindrops began first charging straight up to Trixie and holding her down. “Alright something’s up and I want to know what it is NOW!” she raged calming down just a sliver she asked. “Alright, two questions. One, who exactly is Nightmare Moon? Two, how much do you know about what is going on!!?” The pegasus asked levelly, the fire in her eyes speaking louder than words.
The pink mare quickly stepped forward and placed her hoof on the cream colored mare’s shoulder. Raindrops turned and looked into the pink mare’s eyes and realized what she was doing and quickly hopped off Trixie with a sheepish ‘sorry’.

“Hello Trixie. Miss Orange has told me much about you. It is... nice to make your acquaintance. My name is Pinkamena Diane Pie, however you can call me Pink or Pinkamena if it’s simpler for you.” The cotton candy colored mare nodded to Trixie in difference. However the captain does have a point. Do you know anything about what’s going on?”

Trixie huffed as the mares started gathering around her. “Stop!!! Trixie would know what is going on if you would give her a SECOND, to read the librarian’s notes.” The girls backed off and looked to where Trixie was pointing with a hoof and noticed the pile of notes on the library table. Trixie quickly trotted over to investigate the stacks of paper.

As soon as she started reading the top sheet the front door burst open again, with a soaked Dagg entering leaving behind a stream of water. He glared daggers at Raindrops then lifted two claws and pointed them between his eyes and the object of his ire. “I’ll get you eventually.” he warned before leaving the room, supposedly to dry himself off, before heading to bed.

Raindrops watched him leave before bursting into laughter alongside Sunny. “Hah you should’ve seen the look on his face when he realized he wasn’t drowning.”

“Yeah that raincloud was a pretty decent trick Raindrops.” The alabaster mare joined.
The azure mare studying the notes on the table coughed, grasping the group’s attention and making the jokers’ laughter die down. “Well, it seems that Nightmare Moon is the mare in the moon as spoken in legend. It’s no wonder we couldn’t face her on our own. It seems that her threat is no lie. However there is a chance we might be able to stop her.” Trixie took a breath. “There is a weapon called the Elements of Harmony that Princess Celestia used to bind the Nightmare to the moon.” Trixie then switched over to the open book and read the page. “Apparently the last known location was in the ancient Castle of the Pony Sisters. Trixie believes that the location of the ruins is within... Oh.” Trixie’s eyes widen with realization.

Lyra stepped up to the azure mare and gave her a quick shake. “Trixie where is it then?!!” The mint mare demanded.

“The Everfree Forest.” Trixie spoke in a small voice, her irises constricting.

“Sorry I didn’t quite hear you what was that you said?” Madame Orange asked.

“The Everfree Forest. It’s not Trixie’s fault that the forest has bad memories for her. She did not say she wished to experience them again.” The azure mare cringed. She remembered, as if the events were fresh, the challenges she went through inside the woods in her adventures both archeological and adventurous with one of the more famous book writers in Canterlot. Some of the adventures were fun, the azure mare had to admit, however most of the time it was high adventure travel with extreme potential for danger and little gain in return. Trixie carefully looked about herself and cleared her mind allowing her to think. ‘Alright it’s scary and the dark forest is probably still filled with those darn timber wolves but... but this is for the princess. We need to defeat Nightmare Moon. Oh Celestia, I wish you were here, It... It doesn’t matter how dangerous the forest is, we must retrieve the Elements of Harmony they’re the only weapon that could stop Nightmare Moon as the book says.’ With a decisive nod of determination she quickly turned to her friends. “We need to search for the Elements of Harmony, we absolutely must for the princess if not Equestria!!!”

The group smiled and Raindrops floated forward. “Well what are we waiting for? We have a castle to penetrate, and some elements to take.” The pegasus joked, but her suggestion was agreed and they all began their trek to the forest.

Arriving at the forest swiftly Trixie decided to enter first, knowing she had the most experience of the group and that she needed to face her fear of the forest. That left Raindrops immediately behind her, Sunny third, Pinkamena close behind, Madame Orange watching Pinkamena’s back, and Lyra cutting off at the end. They trekked through the forest surprisingly without incident Trixie had calmed down, the creatures she had been expecting along the trip never showed and the castle they had been reaching for was just across the ravine.

“Girls, there’s the castle. Do you see anyway to cross the ravine?” Trixie asked, staring over the edge.

“Let me check it out, since I’m the only one here with these.” Raindrops bragged, flexing her wings, getting ready for take-off.

Lyra spoke up first. “Wait if you find a bridge you might need this.” She then lifted a rope out of her saddlebags. The other ponies stared at her. “What!? You never know when you’ll need it.” The mint unicorn defended.

“Yeah! Yeah, I got ya! Say, what do you think about visiting my place when this is over?” The pegasus asked lasciviously, earning a smack from the mint unicorn. “Heh well, I guess I did deserve that one.” Raindrops grinned before grabbing the rope and heading over the gorge walls. “Hey I think I found our bridge.” She called out a few minutes later coming into sight. “It’s kinda hidden so I’m not surprised you girls didn’t see it. Follow me!” She commanded leading them over to the broken bridge supports.

Trixie looked at the shattered wood and noticed it was broken by some form of sharp clawed creature. “Hmm… I think I can repair these. Just give me a second. Trixie lit her horn and cast one of her less used regrowth spells, causing the wood to extend about a meter off the ground, becoming solid supports rooted into the ground as they were. Trixie then looked towards where Raindrops should have been, only to hear the mare in question coming in from the other side of the ravine.

“Already one step ahead of ya filly.” Raindrops commented as she brought the other side of the bridge to them. Trixie quickly uncoiled the extra rope from around the pegasus and used it to connect the bridge allowing the rest of their group to cross.

Watching the others make their way to the other side, Trixie made sure the bridge was safe and that they’d make it before crossing herself. Once on the other side they made their way through the massive double doors into the decrepit castle. They gazed amongst the ruins finding themselves within the entrance hall. Trixie stepped forward towards a set of double doors.
Sunny noticed Trixie heading towards the doors and called out. “Darling! Where are you going?” just as Trixie reached the doors.

“I just feel something here calling to me. It might be the Elements.” with those words she pushed the doors open with her front hooves. The first thing she noticed in the room was a pedestal with five round stone orbs on each of its outstretched branches. “They’re here! Trixie has found them... (Gulp) Ahem. We have found them.” She deflated as the mares gave her funny looks. “Anyway, I think I know how to get these artifacts working but first, let’s get them back to Ponyville.”
----------------------------------------------------
Canterlot one thousandth Celestial year, first day of summer. Canterlot throne room.
A white coated unicorn with a dual blue shocked mane and several golden armor pieces and a few other little details that set him apart from the rest of the guard, was standing in front of the throne, directing the rest of the Canterlot guard. Things were not going as well as he’d hoped. “Brightsteel! What's the status on the arcane council? Swiftwind, Freefall GO round up a platoon and assign them to front gates we’re going to need as many guards as possible if we’re going to survive this.” The captain was ordering the guard as fast as he could.

“Captain Shining Armor, sir! The arcane council has fled with a majority of both the green recruits and ninety percent of the castle’s main guard. Permission to speak freely, sir?” The grey Unicorn corporal asked.

Captain Shining Armor lifted a hoof and rubbed between his eyes. “Uugh! Permission granted!!!” He called.

Brightsteel evenly stared at his Captain with his golden yellow eyes. “Captain, the situation is FUBAR! The arcane council has abandoned us and we're down to ninety-four guards. I’ll stand with your decision, whether you choose to defend the castle or not. Celestia is missing and nighttime has not ended we can only assume the worst. The guards that remain here are as loyal to Celestia as you and as captain we will follow your orders to our last breath.” The unicorn nodded and turned signaling the end to his speech, the guards around him murmuring their own individual agreements.

Shining Armor finally lowered his hoof, the fires of conviction burning in his eyes. He turned to Brightsteel but spoke to the whole room. “Here’s what needs to be done. All available guards ponies are to regroup in the throne room, then I’ll tell you my plan. We need to at least hold Canterlot, We can't let Princess Celestia down. Now, MOVE!!!“ He commanded in the most authoritative voice he could muster.

Within several minutes the throne room was filled with the remaining guard, barely enough to cover a fifth of the floor. Captain Shining Armor stood with Corporal Brightsteel and Lieutenant Lightning Strike to his right, along with Sergeant Stonewall to his left. The guard stood stock still as Shining Armor stepped forward. “Alright! Her Majesty Princess Celestia is currently reported missing and, due to the falling out of our ever trustworthy and reliable arcane council, we’re left with only a meager five percent of our usual strength. I would gladly die to defend Equestria, however I don’t know about you.” The pearl white unicorn glared amongst the golden shod crowd staring each pony down in turn. “Even if it proves to be a fool’s errand, I will stay and defend Canterlot. What say you? Will you stay and fight with me or will you leave? The choice is yours.” Shining Armor finished calmly, then opened the doors to the throne room allowing entrance and exit from the palace proper. Only one pony took the offer: a pegasus colt, barely out of training.

The slate colored unicorn next to him spoke. “Then this is what we have to work with Captain. Let us hope this is enough.” Shining Armor nodded.

“Alright, let’s begin....” The plan was simple. The full force of the guard would remain in the throneroom, able to mobilize at a moment’s notice, while several rotating shifts of pegasus scouts will watch the area for intruders and sound the alarm if need be. A few hours passed before the alarm was sounded. The pegasi reported an obsidian alicorn being followed by a pitch black unicorn, two pegasi, and a griffon. They decimated the entire aerial surveillance before entering the castle proper. Shining Armor commanded the guard to remain in the throne room and prepare for their foes’ arrival.

Shining Armor was sweating. He knew the foe had almost arrived and had shown aerial superiority against even their fastest. He remembered Lieutenant Lightning Strike, he was one of the few pegasi that could actually fight Shining and have a chance to win. That he and his platoon went down to these intruders said quite a bit.

As he started to get anxious and shift his position, the doors to the throne room were blasted off their hinges, crushing several earth ponies and two of the surprised unicorn guard and in stepped one of the most terrifying ponies he had ever seen. Her coat was pitch black, and her mane and tail were cut straight. They were separated into three muted colors: blue, red, and purple. Her eyes were blood red draconic slits, and her cutie mark was an eight pointed silver star with twelve magenta stars surrounding it and a magenta sphere in the center. Several pegasi tried to flee, only to get tackled out of the air by a rainbow maned pegasus and a brown coated female griffon.

However the unicorn stood there waiting for something. The guard were tense, prepared for the unicorn to make the first move. When they heard it, the soft tap tapping of ornate shoes upon the tile floor, several of the guard relaxed hoping beyond hope it was Celestia, until the nightmarish alicorn came into view. Her obsidian coat accented by her midnight blue armor and, with her gaseous mane of stars, she struck even more terror and fear into the lesser guards than the unicorn did. Then she cackled. “Oh you pitiful foals. This is all the defence my dear sister had to offer? Not even a full battalion of guards, pah. However, I’m feeling generous. If you surrender now, I’m willing to spare your lives, even let you leave, unchallenged by my commanders.”

“Return Princess Celestia at once!!! You will not be asked again. We will defend Equestria to our dying breath.” Shining Armors voice rang clearly throughout the room.

The obsidian alicorn smirked. “Fine Eclipse, I will grant you this boon, but only him.” The alicorn spoke sternly. “As for the rest of you foals, feel my wrath.” Within half a second, the obsidian alicorn and the one called Eclipse had already charged their spells, while the canary yellow pegasus with a bubblegum pink mane charged down from the rafters, and as the other two arial combatants rushed in from the side. All five combatants outnumbered eight to one, yet it was not them that cowered in fear, but the guard that suffered from the terrifying abilities of their opponents. Though the soldiers fought valiantly, they were woefully outmatched in terms of both skill and power.

Shining Armor tried to join into the fray, until the unicorn Eclipse blocked his path seemingly from nowhere. “If that’s how you want it, then bring it.” Swiftly he charged a spell, only to have it ripped away from him. He then summoned his standard shield and she struck it with a blast of pure energy. However unlike the spells Shining was used to, it didn’t so much physically strike the shield as slowly spread out upon its surface until it passed over a small indentation in the shields surface, no larger than a hair on a feather. Eclypse struck.

It was as if the shield was struck with the force of a falling cliff and shattered into a thousand shards, the magical feedback staggering him completely. Eclipse struck before he could even regain his bearings. She stared deep into his lightning blue orbs before delivering a swift final strike with her forehoof, knocking him out.

Groggily, he woke up, blinking his eyes blearily, trying to see into the shadows until a light shone down from above. It was then he realized the situation he was in. Never would he have expected any foe to not only defeat the royal guard but also capture their leader. With the defeat at Canterlot, Equestria was lost.

Author's Notes:

A/N: Feel free to comment as you want on my story I love feed back and it helps me improve and fix chapters for future readers, also if you're going to comment on errors please please please let me know where they are so I can fix them as fast as possible. thank you.

Edited by Ebonysdagger
Edited again this time by Aeondragon.
Proofread by janushyde