Twilight stared at the two ponies before her, memories of her time as a foal and the few breaks she got in her time with Celestia rising to the surface. She couldn't believe her newly enhanced eyes. Her parents were standing before her at the behest of Nightmare Moon. "M-mommy? Daddy?" Tears began to well up in her eyes as she slowly approached her parents, her breath coming out in stuttered sobs. The two ponies looked at her curiously before the full realization came over them.

"Twilight...! Oh, Twilight! That really is you!" The mare, a white unicorn with a striped purple and white mane and tail, her cutie mark a trio of purple stars, rushed up and embraced Twilight, who now stood almost a foot taller than her. The two nuzzled affectionately, both crying in joy at the reunion and in relief in each other's safety. "Oh, Twilight...! I was so worried when I heard about the battle that happened here after getting your letter...!"

Twilight pulled back in surprise and winced at the sudden movement, an action that both of her parents took note of. Her father, a cyan coated stallion with a dark blue mane and twin crescent moons for a cutie mark, stepped forward and looked at her worriedly. He narrowed his yellow eyes as he approached, looking for any signs of what caused the grimace. "Twilight, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

Twilight flicked her eyes between them nervously as she lowered her body in an attempt to hide the scar. "I'm.... I'm fine! Just a little surprised that you got the letter is all. I didn't think that I had sent it out. How'd you get it?"

The two looked between each other nervously, silently debating on whether they should say until the mare spoke up. "Come on, Dusk Shine. She came and brought us here so I doubt she'd mind if we told Twilight."

Dusk smiled and nodded. "You're right Star." He glanced up at Nightmare Moon, who gave no sign of objection, then turned back to Twilight. "Her Majesty, Queen Moon brought the letter to us this morning. After we read it, we asked if she would let us come to see you." The two smiled at each other then back to Twilight. "We were surprised when she said yes. After everything that tabloid reporter, Green Ink, said about how evil she was when she interviewed us, we never thought that she would agree."

Twilight looked up at Nightmare Moon and smiled brightly, but the mare simply looked away as if uninterested. "Now, Twilight, why do you look so different? What happened to you?" Star Sparkle moved around her daughter and examined her top to bottom, taking in all the changes. "It's not often that ponies change color or grow past their adult height. Did you use..." Despite Twilight's attempts to hide it, her mother found the scar and rushed to examine it. "Twilight! How...? How did this happen!? It's...."

Dusk moved beside her. "What's wrong, dear? What...."

Star turned on Nightmare Moon and glared at her, hate in her eyes. "You let this happen, didn't you!? How could you let my precious Twilight come to harm!? She means-"

Twilight grasped her mother around the neck and pulled her back, gritting her teeth against the strain. "No! It's.... It's okay mom. I.... I did this myself. It wasn't her fault.... I... A lot has happened since after Queen Moon took over.... I never wanted you to worry...." Twilight began to tear up again as she calmed her mother, the conflicting emotions of her love for her parents, her love for Nightmare Moon, and her need to defend both sides swirling in her head.

"Twilight...." Dusk hugged the byzantium unicorn and pulled back to look her in the eyes, "we're just worried about you. We hadn't heard from you in months and when Celestia disappeared, we feared the worst." He looked at his wife and she nodded her head, her anger soothed by Twilight's embrace. "We can talk about how you got the scar later. We want to hear how you've been until now... and why you're dressed so... peculiarly."

Twilight blushed and turned to Nightmare Moon for support, but, once again, the alicorn turned away to gaze out a window. Twilight frowned, ready to complain to the mare, but was interrupted by her stomach grumbling angrily at her. She blushed in embarrassment. "Oh... Hehe. I forgot I haven't eaten in two days...." She looked up and found Nightmare eyeing her curiously, the slightest hint of worry tugging at her facade. "My Queen, could we possibly talk over lunch? I'm sure my parents would enjoy some food and Moonie is probably hungry as well. Speaking of Moonie, she has been rather quiet."

"Moonie? You mean the foal, right?" Star cocked her head as she thought, a habit that she had picked up from her daughter when she was a filly. "I do not think we were ever introduced. Where could she have gone off-"

Out of nowhere, the filly crashed into Star and knocked her off her feet. "Hi! I'm Moon Beam! So, you are Auntie Twilight's mommy and daddy! Tee hee, I knew it. You look just like her!" She stopped and thought for a moment. "Well, you used to, but she looks different now. I still love the new Auntie though! She's my favorite Auntie ever! If she's my Auntie though, what would you be? Maybe great auntie? Yes! You can be Great Auntie Star and Great Uncle Dusk!" The filly rushed over to Nightmare Moon and bounced about her. "Can they be part of the family too, Mommy? Pleeeeeeaaaaaasssse~?"

"If you wish. They are already the parents of Twilight so I do not see why you would require my permission. It is ultimately their choice, however." Nightmare Moon looked at the two, her gaze practically telling them to do what they had already decided for themselves.

"She is quite the energetic filly isn't she, Star?" He tousled the foal's mane, an act that left no residual signs, and smiled down at her. "Of course, we'll be your Great Uncle and Aunt. How could we say no to something as cute as you are?" He leaned in close to the filly's ear and spoke in a voice just loud enough for Twilight and Moon Beam to hear it. "You are just like Twilight when she was younger, you know. She was always as energetic as you, especially when it came to learning magic."

Moon Beam giggled as Twilight scoffed at his words, but, before she could protest, Nightmare Moon stood and drew their attention. "Let us go to the dining hall. We can continue our discussion over a meal." The group all said their agreements before being led by the Moon Queen to the solitary enclave reserved for the Queen and her guests.

Cloudy Horizons stepped out of the Queen's sky chariot, a large, black imposing vessel made of magically dyed steel. She placed her hooves on the ground and gazed about, taking in the view of the quaint little village. The first thing to catch her attention was a large gingerbread house built around the central square of the town, its candy-like facade blatantly advertising the goods sold inside. She nodded to the six pegasi that pulled the chariot, allowing them to take a break for the time she'd be here.

"So, this is Ponyville? The town where Queen Moon made her first appearance after her return. It doesn't seem like much. I cannot understand why Celestia chose this town, of all places, to host the Summer Sun Celebration." She marched off towards the confectionery shop and opened the door, disregarding the 'closed' sign hanging in the front window.

A cheery voice called out from behind a counter filled with multitudes of baked sweets when she heard the door open. "Awwww, I'm sorry, but we're closed now. You'll have to come back tomorrow if you want something to eat. I may be able to get you something small though, if you don't mind leftover treats from today. I'd hate to leave a pony hungry!" A pink head with a cotton candy mane popped up from behind the display holding a small broom.

Cloudy ignored the mare's words and strode further into the store until she stood directly opposite from her. "I am High Commander Cloudy Horizons of Nightmare Moon's Lunar Army. I am here on command of Her Majesty in order to draft all able bodied ponies into her army. Direct me to the City Hall and I shall be on my way."

The mare's smiled dropped into a frown at the mention of Nightmare Moon's name. "Oh... You're her subordinate. Well, the mayor's office is right down the road past the Library. You'll notice the library as it's the only tree in town that's been turned into a building. It's not far from the center of town as it's the main event hall for Ponyville." The mare turned back to her work and continued to sweep the floor. "Now, could you leave? I have work I need to finish."

"What is your name?"

"Oh, it's Pinkie Pie."

"Well, Miss Pie, I would advise you to watch your tone when dealing with a ranking officer in the Queen's army. All may not be as forgiving as myself." Cloudy turned and left, flexing her left wing as if to prepare for flight out of instinct.

As soon as the one winged pegasus was out of earshot, Pinkie Pie sighed and fought back tears. "We wouldn't dislike you if you hadn't taken Twilight away from us...."

Cloudy moved past the throngs of ponies that had gathered in the town square as they began their morning routines, mulling about to go shopping or heading to their jobs. She maintained her stoic expression as the ponies gaped in bewilderment at the stub of her wing, her hooves clopping in the hard dirt. She moved by the her carriage and saw a gathering about it, talking to themselves over the elaborate design and make. She heard several ponies inquire as to how such an obviously heavy vehicle could be pulled by such a small team of pegasi. Cloudy couldn't help but to smirk at their simplicity. Obviously it's enchanted to be weightless. If I still had my wing, I could have pulled it solo.

She pushed her personal thoughts about the town's residents aside and focused once more on the reason she had come. Her pace quickened slightly and, just as the pink mare had said, she soon found herself standing in front of the Town Hall, residence of the mayor and event hall. It is a wonder how anypony figures out that this is the Town Center. I cannot understand why they would fail to mark the most important building in the town in order to display its purpose. She shook her head in exasperation and pushed open the door, disregarding the typical courtesy of knocking.

As the doors slammed shut behind her, Cloudy startled the cream colored mare behind a desk in the left most corner of the room. She fumbled with some papers she had been holding and spilled them across the floor before huffing and pushing her gray mane out of her face. "Excuse me, but most ponies generally knock before entering a building. It's rude to just barge in on a pony like that. Now would you be so kind as to explain your..." The mares eyes were drawn to the elaborate armor that Cloudy was wearing as a dawning realization washed over her. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't realize you were with the Lunar Army. Please forgive my earlier outburst. Everything has just been so hectic with the endless night. We've got reports of nocturnal animals prowling more wantonly, rare and poisonous plants growing in greater abundance, and even a few reports of the animals of the Everfree emerging from the-"

"I am not here to listen to your issues. If you have problems, you can bring them to the attention of Chancellor Fancy Pants in New Mareland." Cloudy turned and retrieved a scroll from a saddlebag she had strapped across her back. "I, High Commander Cloudy Horizons, am here on behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Moon, to issue a draft for all able bodied ponies to join Her Lunar Army. The scroll contains all of the details that you need to know. We require a list of all the ponies that are capable of joining in a week's time barring those who have children or are essential to the running of the town. Everypony, mare or stallion, must be accounted for and recorded for our recruitment. Anypony that refuses shall be punished severely by declaration of the Queen and all who join will be rewarded handsomely."

"Everypony? We are such a small town, I'm not sure how many ponies will be capable of joining, but if it's Her Majesty's orders then I'll do my best to gather the list you require." The cream mare pushed her glasses back up her nose so that she could focus on the now unraveled scroll before her. "I'll be sure to have one of our mail ponies deliver it as soon as I am finished."

"Good. Our business here is concluded. May I ask your name?"

"Oh, most certainly, Commander Horizons. My name is Silver Ink, but everypony calls me Miss Mayor or Mayor Mare." She smiled nervously at the orange pony and was relieved when Cloudy nodded her head in confirmation.

"Very well, Miss Ink. I thank you for your cooperation as does our Queen. We look forward to your report and, given a few days after receiving it, we will meet again when we come to retrieve the drafted." Cloudy gave a stiff salute and turned on her heels, marching out of the building, much to the cream colored mare's relief.

She once again found herself standing in the streets of Ponyville, gazing about the area and memorizing her surroundings. If I am to return here once more, it would be best to have my bearings-

"Pssst!" Cloudy glanced about, the almost silent noise barely catching her attention. "Hey, over here!" The commander turned to the direction the voice was originating from and saw a shadow waving her down from an alleyway. "Come over here, I have something I need to talk to you about."

The orange mare eyed the shadow cautiously and, in preparation for a surprise attack, unbuckled the clasp on her sword's hilt in case it was needed. Cloudy stepped closer to the alley and called into the darkness. "Who is it and why are you talking so quietly? Do you have something to hide from me?" She eyed the shifting shadow carefully, taking note of its larger build and the pair of wings barely visible at its side.

"Fine, fine. I don't have anything to hide." The figure moved out of the shadows, its features coming slowly into view under the 'day's' moonlight. Before Cloudy was a Griffon, a female Griffon, whose white, eagle-like head and fore-legs connected to a sleek, brown lion's body. She ruffled her large brown wings before continuing. "I saw you flying in and I-"

Her words were cut short by a blade being pressed against her throat. She hadn't even seen the pony unsheathe it. "Silence, Griffon scum!" Several ponies gasped behind them and quickly hid inside the closest buildings they could find. "Why should I not kill you where you stand? We are at war!"

The Griffon gazed back, fear in her yellow eyes, before sputtering her words to preserve her life. "I-I wanted to j-join you and h-help in th-the w-war! I swear! I-I don't h-hold any allegiance t-to my k-kind!"

Cloudy stared into the Griffon's eyes, determining if the girl was speaking truth or lies, before pulling her sword away from the Griffon's neck. She sheathed the blade, but kept the clasp unfastened in case she required it again. "Very well, you may speak, but, should you make any wrong moves, know that I will separate that pretty little head of yours from your shoulders before you even have a chance to retaliate. Start with your name."

The Griffon gulped loudly before continuing. "My name is Gilda. I'm daughter of the War-Chief of the head Griffon tribe, the Steelfeathers. I wanted to join your army because I've never liked my family or my tribe. I may not like the presence of these dweebs, but I know that not everyone is as lame as this town's ponies."

Cloudy stared at Gilda, contemplating her words. "Why would you fight against your own people? You may not like them, but they are your race."

"Those jerks have been trying to force me to become one of their priestesses! I'm not going to do what they tell me. I'm a free bird and I make my own choices! If it takes me joining you ponies and fighting them myself, then I'll do just that."

A fire burned in the Griffon's eyes that Cloudy recognized instantly. She grinned at the child's anger and stuck out a hoof. "Very well. Welcome to the Lunar Army. I'm certain we can find a special place for someone like yourself." The Griffon clasped the hoofed in a yellow talon and shook it briefly before releasing. "Follow me and we will be on our way. I must inform Her Majesty of your allegiance and report my success on my duties."

The five ponies sat around one of the smaller tables in the private dining room. Nightmare Moon sat at the head of the octagonal table with Moon Beam to her right and Twilight on her left. Star Sparkle sat beside Twilight with Dusk Shine sitting directly opposite Moon Beam, beside his wife. They all were talking quietly as they waited on their food to arrive.

"So, Twilight, what all have you been doing under Queen Moon? I'd also like to hear about where you acquired that dress." Star watched her daughter intently after finishing her question, her curiosity unable to be held back any longer.

Twilight gazed about nervously, having the spotlight already shined on the most embarrassing topic of her current life. "Uhm.... I.... I'm-"

"She is my companion." Nightmare Moon interjected. "She serves me in any way I wish of her and she does so willingly." The alicorn looked to the injured unicorn. "It is not nearly as embarrassing as you'd think, Twilight Sparkle. Royal consorts are held in high esteem by those around them. There is nopony closer to the ruler than their spouse or consort. The dress is something I had made for her to befit her status and be pleasing to my eye."

Star held her hoof to her mouth in surprise, but grinned devilishly at her daughter. Her father laughed. "So, finally found a mare for yourself, Twi?"

Twilight blushed furiously, the color being hidden, to her relief, by her darker coat. "D-Daddy!" She tried to work her mouth, but to no avail at first. Soon, she regained her ability to speak. "How.... How did you know I liked mares or about my love for.... Ummm, My Queen...?"

Star just giggled at her which elicited a giggle from the filly as well. "Oh, Twilight. You told us so in your letters and, besides, we always noticed where your eyes are drawn. We are your parents, you know. We can always tell." She placed a hoof on her daughter's back before sighing and continuing. "Now, I'd like to know where the adorable little filly over there came from. It's only been three months since Her Majesty's return so I doubt that she has been foaled since then." At the mention of her name, Moon Beam smiled brightly and squirmed in her seat, eager to move about and hug her new Great Aunt and Uncle.

"I know that one!" Moon Beam waved her hoof in the air as if in a classroom. Twilight's parents couldn't help but to smile at her exuberance. "Mommy Moon and Auntie Twilight brought me back about two months ago! I was sleeping for a very long time until Mommy Moon came and woke me up!" She bounced in her seat, excited that she had gotten to answer something.

"Brought you back as in...?" Dusk couldn't help but to shudder at his thoughts, however his fears were put to rest by the alicorn.

"No, she was not dead. I put her to rest before my downfall a millennium ago in case my sister somehow defeated me. I simply returned her from slumber." Nightmare kept her stoic expression through her simple explanation, hiding the anger towards Celestia behind her facade.

Twilight heard her parents sigh in relief then remembered her own curiosity. "What have you two been doing since we last talked? Are you still doing okay?"

The two glanced at each other and planted fake smiles upon their faces. "Of course we're doing fine, dear. The book store has been doing excellently recently. It's quite amazing at how many ponies have wanted to take up reading all of a sudden." Star kept up her smile, but Twilight stared right past it.

"Mommy? What's wrong? I can tell that you're lying. You know that none of us have good poker faces...."

Dusk touched his wife's shoulder and frowned slightly. "It's nothing too serious, Twi. Business hasn't been too great recently due to all of the fighting and such that's been going on. The royal guard were causing quite a stir in Canterlot until recently as they tried to recruit as many ponies as they could. Everypony is too scared to go outside now and, with news of Griffon scouts being spotted in Equestria, it's getting worse. We still get enough business to get by, but we're going to have to start drawing from our savings soon if this keeps up."

Twilight frowned and moved to talk, but was shushed by her mother. "Don't worry, dear. We'll be fine. We've had to deal with poor business like this before. You have enough to worry about here, after all. We can't have you fretting over us." She hugged her daughter closely and, after the young mare flinched in pain, released her just as quickly as she had grasped her. "Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!"

Twilight smiled at her mother's fretting and shook her head. "It's fine. It doesn't hurt as bad as before. I just have to be careful."

Dusk frowned, his face becoming serious once more. "Twilight. Can you tell us how you got that scar? It doesn't look natural. It's almost as if it's moving...." Star nodded her agreement as well, she had been wondering the same thing, but had been too scared to bring it up.

Twilight glanced nervously at Nightmare Moon who simply gave her a nod of approval and sighed. "Al-Alright. I'll tell you, but you have to promise to not be angry. I... It's not the prettiest story...." Her parents silently agreed and, with a slight clearing of her throat, Twilight began. "Well..., three days ago, Moon Beam and I were playing in the castle courtyard when Queen Moon came out. This was about a week after the battle here against the Royal Guard and the Griffons, seeing it as an opportunity to strike while the iron was hot, sent an assassin to kill her. I saw the assassin, but I wouldn't have been able to warn her in time so I did the only thing I could think of to protect my beloved Queen...." She looked up at her parents, tears beginning to sting her eyes. "I teleported myself between her and the assassin and took the blade myself."

Star had tears dripping down her face as she had already guessed what had happened from the moment Twilight had said assassin. Dusk simply gazed at her, his face unreadable. "But, why does it look like that? I wouldn't think any blade meant for quick murder would leave such a grisly scar like that."

Nightmare Moon answered for her companion. "The scimitar was coated with wyvern venom, a very potent poison meant to prevent healing. Were it not for that, Twilight would be perfectly fine right now even after taking a sword to her chest like that. That is also the cause of her... changes. The magic I used to heal her wasn't meant to be used for healing. It has had many unpredictable side-effects and will continue to change her, but I do not think any of them shall be negative." The alicorn stopped and gave the two parents time to compose themselves before their meals would be brought before them.

After a few moments Star had calmed down enough to speak without sobbing. "Oh, Twilight...." She hugged her daughter closely once more. "I.... I may not like that you got yourself hurt like that, but to protect the pony you love.... I'm so proud of you.... Just.... Please be more careful.... You mean the world to us.... I wouldn't want to ever live in a world without you...."

Her father nodded his head and was about to speak his agreement before a knock was heard on the door. Nightmare Moon glanced at it before speaking. "You may enter." The doors opened and a blue earth pony wearing a chef's hat with a fork and salad spoon for a cutie mark walked in pushing a tray of food. He bowed to Nightmare Moon before giving each pony their order then bowed once more before taking his leave. "Ah... The food is here. We can continue our conversation after we have eaten." She looked about the room and received only nods of compliance before returning her attention to her own plate.

The ponies all gathered outside the main castle doors as a sky carriage meant for Twilight's parents flew down to them, landing not far from their position. Twilight hugged her parents then released them, smiling warmly. "I'll be sure to write more often. I'm sorry I wasn't able to until recently."

Star smiled at her and shook her head. "It's all right Twilight. Just know that we love you and that we want you to stay safe." She looked up at Nightmare Moon and bowed. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty. I don't mean to ask too much, but could you watch over our daughter for us? She's our shining star and we'd hate to lose her." Nightmare Moon nodded briefly, but retained her placid expression. "Thank you, Your Majesty." She bowed once more before turning to get onto the carriage, the doors being held open by one of the pegasus chauffeurs.

Dusk leaned in close to Twilight and whispered into her ear. "She likes you, you know. Don't give up and I'm sure you'll be able to make even the Queen do whatever you want her to." He winked and snickered at her.

Twilight blushed and pushed him away in embarrassment. "Daddy! Th-that's- I don't- Agh! Just go!"

Dusk laughed and moved to join his wife. "We love you Twilight! It was nice meeting you, Moon Beam!"

The filly smiled and waved her hoof at the couple. "Come back and visit us! I wanna play with everypony some day soon!"

Her smile warmed their hearts and Star nodded her head. "We'll come back as soon as we can! We'd love to play with somepony as cute as you!" She closed the door with her magic and waved out the window one last time before the pegasi hitched themselves to the carriage once more and pulled them off into the night.

Twilight smiled happily before turning and embracing Nightmare Moon in a tight hug, happy tears beginning to stain her cheeks. "Thank you... so much."

Nightmare Moon's features cracked slightly as a smile tugged at her lips. "You're welcome, Twilight Sparkle." She did not return the hug, but they were both soon joined by a smaller embrace as Moon Beam wormed her way into the middle of the two.

Twilight broke the embrace and looked back at the slowly shrinking form of the carriage before turning to follow Nightmare Moon and Moon Beam as they walked back inside, a joyous smile on her face and a warmth in her heart.

Author's Notes: Tried to get this out yesterday, just didn't work. You try writing when your favorite pony/hentai artist is hosting a livestream and drawing ponies while talking to you and another of your favorite pony artists. Not likely gonna happen. Well, anyhooves, her it is! Now with 100% more Twilight family and even a sneak peak at Gilda and her new role in Nightmare Moon's army. You guys really need to stop spoiling my story before you even know about it. So evil... Lol I j/k of course. It's always fun to see what you guys come up with and being elusive about many subjects involving the story, so please, don't hold back. Well, I'm going to go play some MW3 and some other stuff while I wait for comments! Enjoy~ Peppy out!