I am woken up to the sounds of the air raid sirens blaring and gunfire in the distance. Somewhere in the back of my memory I swear I have heard it before and my heart begins to beat fast as I jump out of bed. “Millie! Where are you?” I yell.

From near our bedroom window she says, “Over here Moon. I think it’s the Enclave.”

From up stairs I hear Purchase Order, Epona’s special somepony, scream, “Raven get Badda Boom, we have hostiles in the barn!”

I sneak over to the window and I look out and see Xavier is firing his rifle at the barn. Then I hear gunfire coming from upstairs as well as from the colt’s bedroom. Soon I hear momma Magpie yell, "Mares, get your guns.”

Both Mills and I run to the gun rack in the family room. As we come across the room, I see Magical Energy Weapon beams score the walls behind us. I tell my sister, “Mills, let me use my horn to get them, stay down.”

She nods her head and I lift them both from their places on the rack and levitate them to us. Then I hear her say, “Moon, we need ammo.”

I nod my head and as I go to bring some of the ammo magazines to us, I accidently knock Momma Mollygirl’s helmet off the shelf. It is an old steel one and she says she wore it during the expedition, whatever that was.

When it hits the floor, I see Mills grin as she runs over and puts it on. Then we both go over to the front windows and she takes one side and I the other and we begin to fire back.

Towards White Cloud I can hear more gunfire and then I begin to hear a single shot fire almost like it is on a metronome. I guess some of the Enclavers decided to take on Trouble and Blondie. I would not want to be them.

Soon I hear a loud boom and I know my sister Raven has Badda Boom in action. I am looking toward the barn when I hear a thump and I watch another one of her grenade’s arch through the air from upstairs and land inside the barn. When it explodes, I see the back wall of the barn blow out as well as one of the power armored ponies go down. Suddenly several of them begin to run at the house. As they get into the middle of the farm yard we all begin to fire and I see Xavier fire his rifle at nearly point-blank range into one of them finally penetrating its power armor. The zebra who I have known my entire life is shot and goes down by another, but the one he shot screams in pain and agony as his power armor tries to magically heal him while he is burning from the zebra rifles special bullets.

The one who shot him does not last long as I suddenly see the bug eyes on its helmet shatter, and the pony behind the mask is shot in the face going down.

We are still holding our own when I hear more gunfire open up from behind them and I see some of the ghouls of Site Paddock have come out to help us. One of them has a missile launcher and he fires it into them from the blown out back wall. Then Raven fires Badda Boom once more and the entire barn comes down. The ghouls rush over to Xailynn’s house and I see them talking with Xavier and Persimmon.

Soon Persimmon and Xialynn are galloping for the back 40 acres where Site Paddock is. Then Mama Sumac comes in and tells us, “Girl’s we need to go to Site Paddock. Grab your saddlebags and weapons.

We both get up and get ready to go with her. Soon we all gather in the kitchen and I can see the silhouettes of so many fliers fighting in the predawn sky and amongst the clouds. In the distance I can see six what look almost like flying ships. They each have a bunch of big fans on their back ends and are sitting on clouds. They look like they are over Manesville. I just hope everypony is ok there.

As we run to Site Paddock, we are following Lieutenant Cake. He is funny for a ghoul. I think about him being from Harness and wonder if he is related to our kin down there.

I see Raven trip and fall, as I turn to go help her, Woody helps her up and soon, we are all running again. Once inside we are taken to the dining area of the underground base. Some of the others keep going to rooms further inside.

I look and see so many beings in here. All of those who live in White Cloud but came from Thunderhead originally are already there. I hear foals and calves crying. I even see my friend Slip Stream and her brother Jet are there with their grandparents. She told me yesterday her mom had the duty at the stable and I worry about her mom too. My father, Archer, was also at the base by the Stable. I am very afraid for him.

Soon we are joined by Purchase and our friend Tek. I feel better with him around. He is the only one around who understands how I feel the spirits of the dead. He feels them too and has taught me how to deal with it. He says he learned a lot of it from members of his tribe which he says is the Star something tribe or others just call it the one. I prefer that. It is easier to remember.

Outside we can hear the fighting getting louder. It seems like we have been in here forever. But when I look at the clock it has only been a couple of hours.

Soon some of the adults begin to follow the ghouls into another room and they return with cans of stuff and they begin to cook. I had not realized I was even hungry until then. The food tastes ok, but nothing like what Mamas Sumac and Magpie make. But It is warm and filling.

Then I see a large screen on the wall and I see moving pictures on it. I have never actually seen anything like it, but it has voices and sounds like on the radio along with it. I hear my mom tell Mama Sumac,"I have seen this one before. It is a good movie.”

Mama Sumac is entranced and she says, “So this is what a movie is? I have never seen one before.”

For the next couple of days, we all stay inside as the battle rages on outside. Both Tek and I keep feeling the grief and confusion of those who have been killed. Soon the feelings have grown so strong it feels like the dead are screaming.

I look at Tek and I tell him, “We need to do something. We have to help those souls.”

He nods at me and says, “Yes little sister, but what? I have my cloak to hide with, but I do not have one for you.”

I smile and tell him, “Granny Choo taught me an invisibility spell. I can use that while you use your cloak.”

He looks at the others and quietly says, “We need to be careful so the others do not worry.”

I smile and tell him, “Trust me, I will meet you at my house.”

He nods his head and then walks off. Soon I no longer see him. I then tell my mother, “Ma, I have to go to the sinks. I will be right back.”

She nods her head as she hears a pony say, “Is there a midwife here? My sister is in labor.” I know now is my chance so I walk toward the bathroom as mom goes to help. As soon as I am out of sight, I cast the spell and I rush out to meet Tek.

I approach the house and once I am on the porch, I drop my invisibility spell. I then see a faint fuzzy movement and suddenly Tek is next to me. “It is good to see you made it too little sister. Now where to?” he asks.

I nod my head and tell him, “First White Cloud,” I then point towards Manesville and tell him, “Then that way.”

He grimly smiles and closes his eyes and tells me, “Yes, I think you are right. Let us go.”

We go down the road towards White Cloud and as we pass Trouble’s place, I tell Tek, "I need to check up on my kin. Give me a minute.” I then head to the house and I find them inside.

As I slowly open the door I call in, “Cousin Trouble, it’s me, Moon Lily.”

I hear him groan from inside and I hear his wife say, “Moon, what in tarnation are you doing here?”

“We came to see if you needed any help?”

“Moon, can you help us? Pa got shot when they first hit us. Luckily Ma grabbed his rifle and took care of any who got too close.”

“Sure, thing Rain. I got some healing potions with me.” I tell her as I approach Trouble and I begin to inspect his wounds. After a bit I use my magic to inspect the wound further. It is pretty serious, but I can take care of it along with a healing spell.

“Cousin Blondie, Rain, give me a few minutes.” I tell them.

“Moon, are you sure you can do this?” Blondie asks me.

I stop what I am doing and turn to her, “Blondie, this is not my first-time taking care of a MEW wound. Goddesses you are lucky he was not vaporized. A bit closer in range or higher power and he would have been gone.” I tell her.

I see the shock on her face as I turn back around and continue to work on her husband. As I work, I hear Tek tell her, “I have seen her in action since Hoofington, she is good Ma’am, even her mother says so.”

“Well, if her mother says so, then who am I to question.” I hear Blondie say in an insincere tone, but I continue on.

Shortly afterwards I have the damage somewhat healed and give him two healing spells to finish the job.

I then give both her and Rain a quick hug and tell them. "He should be awake in about 10 minutes. Please have him take it easy for a day or two. Sorry but we need to get moving.”

I then head back out and continue on toward White Cloud. As we get near, I see a set of Steel Ranger power armor hiding in the shadows. I approach and say, “Hey Misses Crisp. Are you and your family, ok?”

I see her shake her head, “No my child. They, they killed my husband. Our son is off with the Militia right now and I am the only one that is still in the town it seems.”

I put a hoof on her shoulder and tell her, “I am so sorry Blueberry. I am so very sorry.”

She quietly tells me through the distorted voice of her suit, “Thanks Moon, but you should get back to safety.”

“I will soon enough, I promise.” I tell her and then me and Tek continue on. I find some ponies and a cow that I know who have been killed and I begin to give the blessing for the dead.

Behind me I hear Blueberry Crisp ask, “What are you two doing?”

So, I explain to her and she asks, “Does that really do anything?”

Both Tek and I look at each other and he turns to her with a sad expression on his face, “Yes, it does. It helps the souls to let go of this world and to pass onto the next.”

I see her look sadly at me and ask, “Moon, what happens if you bless someone and they are not killed?”

Tek Smiles at her and tells her, “Nothing Misses Crisp, it would just be a way of making you ready in case it happens.”

She shakes her head and I sense a tear roll down her face as she next asks me in a hoarse whisper, “Moon, would you please give the blessing then? Just in case.”

I feel a tear come to my eye and I nod my head. Then I perform the blessing for her. When I am done, she pulls me in for a hug and nuzzles me the best she can through the armor and tells me, “Thank you so much.” In the distance I hear more artillery falling and I look at Tek and he nods his head. We then head to our family’s church. As I enter, I see mainly cattle but also a few ponies mixed in, taking shelter.

As I walk down the center aisle of the church, I see Khatri, our herd leader gets up and he walks towards us. I can see him limp along on his prosthetic leg much like mom does. Once he is close enough, he asks, “Moon what are you two doing out?”

“Herd leader, we have been out giving the Blessing of the Dead.” I tell him.

He looks at Tek and asks, “Him too?”

I nod and Tek tells him, “I am also providing an escort for my little sister.”

This gets Khatri to raise an eyebrow. He tilts his head and ask, “So you too know the blessing?”

Tek solemnly nods his head and says, “A variation of it. My people were known for helping others cross over when it was their time. But that was very long ago. Now they basically want to deny our existence.”

“As it is quite right now, perhaps I will join you here in White Cloud. But I dare not go too far. My congregation still needs its leadership.”

I nod again and tell him, “Thank you. We both appreciate it.”

Once we are on the streets again, we begin to search for those who have passed and give the blessing. The three of us make fairly quick work of it, and are done just before it gets dark. We bid farewell to Khatri and we go back to my house, where he sleeps in the parlor on a couch and I sleep in my bed holding my stuffed pony that Mamma Magpie made for me.

During the night I am awoken by a bright light in my room. I look up and I see her, my friend Mareigan. She smiles at me and asks me, “My little mare, why are you here and not with your family?”

I smile at her and tell her, “I had to help Mareigan. The dead, there are so many of them that they seem almost lost. I can almost hear them calling for help.”

I see her grimace at this and her reply is, “My child, I never meant for you to have such power. I am sorry if it has brought you such pain.”

I shake my head and tell her, “But Mareigan, I am helping them when they need it. I want to.”

I see her take a deep breath and let it out. Then she asks me, “My child, what if you are fated to feel them and to help them cross over?”

I tilt my head some as I sit up and I tell her, “Then I do it. It may be hard, but it needs to be done, and I want to help them.”

She looks at me sadly and I feel her forehoof under my chin as she lifts my head and looks into my eyes, “Even if those who need your help crossing over are those you love?”

I close my eyes at the thought and tell her honestly, “Especially if it is them. Mareigan, I may be a young filly, but I have already thought about this. It will hurt, but I would rather help them than have them suffer.”

She smiles sadly at me and tells me, “My daughter, I am proud of you and the mare you are becoming. But I do worry about you.”

I nod my head and tell her, “I, I understand, But I will always have you and Granny Choo and her sisters until I die. Even if I live as long as Great Aunt Haze.”

She smiles at me and gives me a brief hug and I feel her kiss me on my forelock. Then she gets up and tells me, “I must go. I have more work to do little one. But know, I will keep you and your brother on the couch as safe as I can. Do what you must, my child. Help others as only you can.”

I watch as she leaves my room and I see her disappear. Then I roll over and go back to sleep. I only wake again just before dawn, because I have to use the sinks badly. As I get up, I put my pony in my saddlebags along with Millie’s.

Once I am back inside the house I go and wake Tek, we visit the pantry and we both grab a jar of canned apples for lunch. Then I cook both of us a breakfast.

As we are eating the pancakes, I tell him, “Tek, she visited me again last night.”

I hear him grunt, “Little one, do not trust spirits. They can easily turn against you.”

I nod my head, “I have listened to you about this. But she considers me one of hers. SO, I think I should be safe. She only visits and talks. She offers no deals.”

I see him give a half smile and he says to me, “At least that is something.”

After breakfast we wash the dishes in cold water and are just getting ready to go back outside when we hear a lot of noise coming closer. I sneak upstairs and look out the window and I see the NCR soldiers coming through White Cloud and spreading out.

Then I see a light blue Vertibuck flying over them and I watch as it begins to head our way and I hide. Just incase it is Mama Mollygirl. I don’t want to get in trouble for being outside when I should be with the others.

It takes a while but finally the soldiers are past and I tell Tek. He nods his head as we begin to hear fighting going on again nearby.

We head back out and continue on our mission of mercy. The battle goes on for three days. During this time, we see Xavier and Raven go into one of the soldiers’ big tents. Then I see my older sisters and Ginger’s husband as well as their friends go into it.

But we are passing by it and are heading towards Dead Quiet before they come back out. As we get there I am stunned. I have never seen so many dead at one place before. Then I come across the body of Mister High Grade. He has a piece of plastic with a wire hanging out of it in his mouth and he seems to be smiling. I let go a couple of tears for him and give the blessing. As I do this, I hear a gravelly voice behind me asks, “What are you two doing up here, get in her quick before they see you.”

Tek and I both look at each other and quickly move into the ponyhole cover.

As we climb down, we see several ghouls there. The one looks at me and says, “Young one, how can you walk on both sides at your age?”

I go to tell him that I don’t know, when Tek places a hoof on my shoulder and he tells me, “I discussed this with her sister Epona. It seems that she died before she was born and came back. No one is sure how, or why.”

The Ghouls nod their head and then ask me, “What were you doing up there young one?”

This time I do answer. “We were giving the Blessing of the Dead. We were helping their souls to cross over more easily, if they need it.”

I see several of the ghouls nod their heads and then one says, “Thank you. I know High Grade was worried about where he would end up. He just hoped by sacrificing himself like this he could balance the books enough for forgiveness.”

I feel a tear drop from my cheek as I tell them, “He seemed so nice the times I met him. I am sure he has found peace now.”

They look at me and then ask, “Young one, what are you going to do next?”

I sigh and I tell them, “Tek and I are going to continue what we were doing. We both can feel them.”

I hear one of the ghouls in the back of the group ask, “Why are you with a Zeb anyways?”

I simply answer, “He is my friend.”

Tek smiles sadly and shakes his head. Then he replies, “Yes, I am a zebra, but the war that did this to you is long over and most of those who brought our world to this are either long gone too, or have had similar fates to yours.”

This seems to mollify them enough. Soon one says, “If you follow us, we will get you close to the remaining bridge that you crossed earlier. I don’t know how you two survived crossing it. But no need to risk your hides right now. Especially since the rest of the Manesville Brigade should be back soon.”

I then excitedly tell them, “I think they came back yesterday. I saw them come through White Cloud.”

They grin and nod their heads. One says, “About time. Thank the Goddesses for some good news.”

Soon Tek and I are back at the river and I cast my spell as he puts on his cloak and we meet inside one of the shops on the far side. As I cross the bridge, I notice several of the buildings along the river as well as bridges and the hospital all look to have been damaged or destroyed. Some are even still on fire.

Once we meet back up, Tek and I scavenge some food from one of the damaged buildings and eat the food from the can, still cold. As we open the cans I offer, “Tek, I can heat the food up if you give me a second.”

He smiles at me and tells me, “While I would prefer that, I do not want to waste your magic like that right now. Besides if you use your horn it will light up and someone might see it.”

That makes sense to me, so I just make the best of it. Then I find a box of Fancy Buck Cakes and share them with Tek.

Soon we are done eating and are on the move again. As we are about half way back to where we hear the fighting we come across more soldiers. But this time I am surprised to see how many of them are mules. Then as they are close enough, I see Mama Laura Lee. I want to run to her, but just then the Enclave attacks them and Tek and I take shelter under a table until the fighting is done. By then they have moved on and we go take care of those who need our services.

That night we sleep in an old barn. In the morning we eat some of the food we had found the day before and we continue on towards where we can still hear some light fighting. As we get close, I see that big tent again. Over Manesville I can still see the three airships and some smaller aircraft flying.

I am fighting to control the feelings of those who have been killed in the last couple of days when I see George and the three sisters all leave as well as Mama Mollygirl.

We head towards the front for a while and continue to try and bless the dead, but I am beginning to feel overwhelmed with the task. As I look around at all the destruction, burned fields and the dead I realize we have to stop this fighting somehow.

I see Mama Mollygirl return as we approach the tent. She is very upset and it shows on her face. Somehow this has to end. I will try to do it peacefully first. If that doesn't work, well I will see what I can do to help end it.

Tek and I both turn invisible again and we sneak back into the big tent. I see her leaning against a table looking at something. I get next to hear and I stop my spell. Right after this Tek pulls his hood back and shows himself also.

I see the look of surprise on her face and I know she is going to be mad at me so I try to explain. All at once I gush out, “Sorry mama Mollygirl, but we had to come. We heard them calling for help.”

She seems surprised still and tells me “You mean the wounded. Dear, the medics are helping them.”

I shake my head no as my ears go down alongside my head then Tek tells her, “No Colonel, the dead. We both heard them. They are from both sides.”

I see a look of horror come over her face then she looks at me with those sad eyes of hers. Almost like the look on her face when she found out how bad Bucky had gotten burned on the Glimmer a while back. Next, she asks, “Ok, you two, so why are you here?”

“Mama, we have been giving the blessing of the dead, but we need to stop this. But before we do, I need you to let me contact them on the radio. I have to try for peace like great aunt Purple does.” I hear my voice crack as I tell her.

“Moon, I can’t do that.”

Mournfully I ask, “Ma, please, we can’t let this keep going on here. They are destroying our crops, our homes and our people.”

She stands there silently thinking then she tells some of her soldiers, “Bandwidth I need you all to help her. let her try to end this.”

He seems slightly surprised but only answers back “Yes ma’am,” as he gets me a set of earphones and a mic.

Once I am ready Bandwidth tries talking on the radio to someone. Finally, he turns to me and says, “Ok, we got the commodore for the skyships on the line.” Then he turns on the speaker so the others can hear.

I then hear someone say, “This is Commodore Barrel Roll of the Enclave. Are you contacting me to give me your surrender?”

Nervously, I answer back, “Commodore Barrel Roll, my name is Moon Lily, I am a civilian and the daughter of several of the officers opposing you. I am contacting you to negotiate a ceasefire that allows you to leave with all of your troops still alive. An exchange of prisoners of war to be negotiated at a later time.”

He then interrupts me rudely, almost yelling, “What is this nonsense. Little foal tell your parents that they will pay the wrath for what they have brought down upon themselves. I have still not forgiven them for killing my brother Thunder on his ship the Spring Monsoon. NO little one, skitter back to your mammas tit and let the grown-ups do their work.”

I can only sigh and I feel tears in my eye as I plead, “Sir this is my last warning to you. We used conventional weapons on your other three raptors. We will use everything we can to bring down the rest. I beg you DO NOT MAKE US KILL YOU ALL!” By now I am in tears.

Mama Mollygirl puts a hoof on my shoulder and I am so upset I knock it off as I hear him laughing at me over the head set and the speaker.

From beside me I hear Tek tell me, “You tried little sister. You tried.”

Tek and I both get up and go outside just as the cannons begin to shoot from the entire line. I hear somepony blow a whistle and yell a command after which the entire line erupts with gun fire, MEW’s and it seems like every flier in the NCR takes off at once, I see George leading the way and as they fly to fight the pegasi fliers. To the side I notice Granny Choo and her sisters disappear. Shortly afterwards they reappear and there is an explosion the furthest away sky ship and it begins to fall slowly.

I have to do something. And I know what it is. So, I see the closest airship move towards us and I run as fast as I can towards it. Behind me I can hear Mama Mollygirl yelling something but I ignore it. I know what I have to do.

Behind me I can also hear what sounds like a thousand wolves howling on the chase, as Mama Mollygirl's soldiers scream while charging forward. Finally, I am close enough and I plant all four of my hooves. I give the Blessing of the Dead to all of those on the ship and I put as much power as I can into my horn as I use it to shut off the fans that make it move through the sky.

After this, I rest for a second and recharge my horn again. This time I use the spell I learned from Snow Song, and Frost Glitter to make clouds go away so the ship can no longer stay in the sky. As the ship begins to fall toward the ground, I feel myself lifted off the ground and it happens. I am suddenly somewhere else.

I look around me and nothing looks the same to me. I am no longer in the NCR. In fact, I am no longer on Equus.

While I feel like I am walking on solid ground, I see nothing below me, but a light haze that blocks out what looks like stars in the distance. It is very quiet, and lonely. Am, Am I dead? I ask myself. Then I think, if I am, why is no pony here to meet me?

I am all alone and afraid. I try not to wander too far but I decide that I need to do something. So, I do.

“Hello, Hello, is there anypony here?” I call out.

I swear I hear my voice echo, but nothing else. Where am I?

I walk slowly for some time. Periodically I call out to see if anyone is there. Finally, I see somepony walking toward me.

From out of the mist, I see a white unicorn cautiously walking in my direction. Finally, she calls out, “Who are you? How did you get here?”

I hear her voice and I instantly feel relief. And I begin to walk in her direction. I know I should be more careful, but I am so lonely and scared I just need someone to talk to. To find out what is going on from.

When I am close enough, I tell her, “Hello, ma’am. My name is Moon Lily. I am lost. Could, could you help me?”

I see her smile guardedly and she replies, “Yes young one, I think I can. But I need to ask, how did you get here?”

So, I begin to tell her. Then I stop and I tell her, “My granny Choo taught me a memory spell. If I can touch your horn with mine, you can see it. I think that would be easier.”

I see her raise an eyebrow. Then she asks, “Your granny Choo you say? What is she like?”

I smile broadly as I think of her. So, I tell her, “Oh, she's big and blue and funny. Oh, and she is an Alicorn along with her two sisters Blue Star and Quick Frost.”

I see her nod her head and she asks me, “Does she now have a cutie mark?”

I nod my head excitedly and tell her, “Yeah! She just got it back. Momma Mollygirl told us about it but I have not gotten to see it really well yet. Only from a distance because of the battle.”

I see her frown and I am afraid I upset her and I tell her, “I am sorry. I know I should not have been out during a big fight like that, but they needed me.”

I see her eyes start to close partially and her ears slip back and I then see she has wings too as she asks in an upset voice, “Who needed a young filly bad enough for you to go into fight.”

I look down and feel my ears droop as I almost whisper to her, “The dead, there are so many and they needed mine and my friend Tek’s help to cross over.”

I look up when I hear her suck in her breath and I see she has her hoof in front of her muzzle. “My poor, poor child, but how can you help them?”

I try to straighten myself up and I look into her peaceful, sad, eyes and tell her, “When I give them the blessing, it helps them to let go of this world and to pass on to Elysium.”

As I am talking, I feel a burst of magic from her that goes towards one of the stars, and I tilt my head slightly and I ask, “Ma’am, what was that?”

She looks very surprised and ask me, “You, you sensed my spell?”

I only nod and I tell her, “I really like magic and can tell when it is being used around me.”

She then asks, “You said you know a memory spell that would let me see your memories. Would you mind letting me use one so I can see them?”

I nod my head and tell her, “Yes ma’am. I would like you to. But then could I see one of yours?”

She smiles and says, “Perhaps, but let’s see yours first Little Moon Lily.”

I stand up as straight as I can so she does not have to bend down as much and I feel her horn lightly touch mine. Then I feel her mind connect with mine, and I feel like I am watching a movie as my memories are played out in front of us.

I see Millie next to me under mom as we feed. I see her next to me as we travel by train with mom and Papa Milo. I see Epona hugging both me and Mills, and reading to us.

I then feel myself shake as I see Mills pull the cloak off of a zebra, he kicks her. I feel the rage I felt at him hurting my sister and how I took it out on him.

Next, we are at the farm and I accidently melt the plow blade and flash burn poor great aunt Purple. I continue to remember my family and siblings. Then my friends as we get older. Then she sees the memory of the Pegasus port and how Tek and I blessed poor Mister High Grade and I said goodbye to him.

Suddenly I am back to the battlefield. I am on the radio and I am begging again for the stallion on the other end to please just go away. To let us leave him be and not have to hurt him. I hear and feel his laughter again. And I am running towards the sky ships. I feel myself stop and give the blessing again and then I bring down an airship, and I am back here.

I feel the spell has ended and I look up at this alicorn mare who’s name I do not know. But before I can say anything, I hear another voice that speaks in a more formal tone say, “We came as fast as we could sister.”

As I look at, the source of the voice I see three more alicorn mares running towards us. The first one is blue like Granny Choo. The second one looks like one of the ministry mares from my school books. And the final one is a delightful greyish pink with a mane and tail that almost makes me giggle when I see the gold steaks like Momma Mollygirls along with the rose and violet in them.

Once they are close enough I see the white mare turn to look at them, and I see her cutie mark. I am so surprised to realize who I am talking to. I sit down hard and ask, “Princes Celestia? How? I, I thought you were trapped in a computer in one of the SPP’S”

I then hear the purple one say in an amazed voice, “So the book was telling the truth about that world.”

I nod my head as I sit there staring at them. Finally, the one who I now realize is really Luna asks, “Young one, do you know where you are?”

I shake my head no and I tell her, “No, all I know is I am not in the NCR anymore. I miss my sisters and brothers and our parents. I miss granny Choo and Aunt Purple.”

The one who must be Celestia says, “Luna, I, I think she is from the world of our visitors.”

Then I hear the one they call Twilight asks, “Ok, but what do we do with her now?”

I then ask, “I just want to know where I am, and how to get home.”

The pinkish one then gently asks me, “What is your name young mare?”

I tell her, “I am Moon Lily.”

She smiles and then says, “Moon, I was once in your place so I understand how you are feeling.” She pauses and looks at first Celestia then the others before continuing. “Moon, you are in the nether region. An area between universes. Do you understand about universes?”

This time I surprise them as I nod my head and tell them, “Yeah, my big sister Epona comes from a different one then we live in. She explained all about it.” I giggle a bit and then tell her, “She says ponies and cows were different in that one from ours. That Momma Mollygirl was much more of a housemare and not as good a soldier.”

I see Luna turn her head slightly and she asks, “Why is that funny Moon?”

“Princess, if you ever met Momma Mollygirl, you would understand. She is loving and kind and a great mother, but she is a horrible cook and I just can’t see her as not being a soldier.”

I see understanding come over Luna’s face. Then she asks me, “Do you understand why you are here?”

I shake my head no and tell her, “I don’t know. I don’t even know how I got here.”

This time Celestia speaks, “I think I need to show you the scenes of her life that lead her here,” she says to the others.

As I once again see the scenes of my life before my eyes, they all watch and I see Cadence smile at the scenes of my family together.

Twilight becomes more interested during the times my sister and parents are reading to me and then my magic lessons with Granny Choo and Aunt Purple.

Luna and Twilight watch them and I see Luna pay apt attention to my many fights. Then I see Celestia smile at the times I am healing others. I see her eyes turn sad as she watches me give the blessing. Then I see as much joy on their faces as I felt the first time, I helped ma midwife a foal.

Finally, Celestia turns to the others, “Well, what do you think?”

Luna looks at me then Celestia and says, “But she is so young.”

“So were we sister, so were we.”

Cadence weighs in next “She is young, but she has several good mentors, as well as a loving family. I think she should be offered it.”

Finally, Twilight says, “I want to know how she learned to use magic from the pegasi, earth ponies and cattle. I have never heard of a regular pony being able to do that before.”

This time I speak up, “Princess Twilight, I have an idea, but I am not sure.” I pause and look down as I collect my thoughts. Then I tell them, “My friend Tek says he believes I am spirit touched. Before I was born, I died in the womb when my mom was attacked by a radhog. I somehow came back to life. I have heard several ghouls ask me how I can walk in both worlds, and to tell the truth I wonder the same thing.”

Finally, Celestia looks at the others and they all nod their heads. Celestia then says, “Young mare, we know what has happened to the princesses of your world. We are willing to offer you the gift of becoming an alicorn.”

I am stunned and I tell her, “I, I would like that, but I cannot be a princess. We don’t have them anymore. I can only be a citizen.”

Celestia smiles and tells me, “Young Moon Lily, do not worry about that. I have met your Granny Choo as has Luna and Twilight. We know what it is like in your universe.”

I am then lifted above them and I feel the magic swirl around me and it becomes very bright. Then I feel my back begin to feel funny as I lift into the air. Suddenly I feel like I have wings and I feel the urge to stretch them and do so as well as my fore and back hooves.

Then I am back on the ground again and I suddenly ask, “But how do I get home?”

Celestia smiles at me and tells me, “Young Moon, I will show you the way. And if you have any questions later that your granny Choo and her sisters can not answer, please come back here and call like you did. One of us will come as soon as we can.”

The others come over to me and I give them each a hug and then I tell them, “It was really nice to meet you. Thank you for your gift.”

They say their goodbyes to me and then I watch them as they disappear into the fog.

Finally, it is just me and Celestia again. She smiles at me and ask me, “Are you ready Moon Lily?”

I nod my head and she shows me how to cast this spell and suddenly I am back to where I was on the battlefield. I am very tired and I feel myself collapse on the ground next to Tek and Momma Mollygirl. I feel the grass below me growing and it feels soothing.

I hear a loud crashing sound as the artillery keeps rumbling and the gunshots keep firing.

Weakly I lookup at momma Mollygirl and I tell her, “Ma, help, my back feels weird.”

I see her look stunned at me. Then I hear Dull Beak say as he lands next to her, “Will you look at that?”

Normally I would have used this as a bonus chapter and I apologize for not being able to do so now. I do hope you have enjoyed Moon Lily’s story of her adventures and ascension so far.

When I first began to write Moon Lily I had never intended for her to become an alicorn. However she seemed to have taken on a life of her own as I have written her.