Author's note: I wrote this with the intention of the reader being up to speed on certain things. So, to get the most out of this, I suggest catching up to the end of season six of MLP FIM. And also, read a different fan-fiction called Past Sins, by Pen Stroke. (If you look for it on the Google Play store, spell it "Paste" Sins because there is a typo.) No, I did not write it, but it influenced a lot of my writing. Other than that, please enjoy!

Prologue

Once upon a time; in the magical land of Equestria, two alicorn sisters ruled in harmony. The eldest; Celestia, brought forth the day, and the younger; Luna, in turn, the night. This was the way of things for many generations. Until one fateful day.

The younger sister, having grown bitter after so many years watching others frolic in her sister's day, only to turn away from her beautiful night, acted on these feelings and confronted her older sister. Though her sister tried to console her, she refused to lower the moon to make forth the day. The anger and jealousy in the younger sisters' heart transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness; Nightmare Moon.

A battle began between them, destroying much of the castle where they ruled from. The eldest prevailed, but only just, using empowered gems known as the Elements of Harmony, she banished her dear sister, sealing her, and the danger she posed, into the moon for a thousand years.

But, upon the summer solstice of the thousandth year, Nightmare Moon returned, bringing with her a rage and thirst for vengeance that had grown unquenchable during her imprisonment.

She sought out Celestia and banished her to the sun, seeing it as a fitting punishment. She then traveled to the festival the princess of the sun was to attend, taking the missing princess's place and dramatically revealing herself to her sun loving subjects as having returned. But, no one remembered her. Except one lavender unicorn, who had stumbled upon the legend of the Mare in the moon (the only remaining legend of her) and the story of gems that had imprisoned her. Nightmare Moon left, seeing no threat but for the small bookworm who might know the one threat to her rule.

She followed the lavender pony to the library, where she discovered the location of the Elements of Harmony by eavesdropping on six ponies, including the unicorn; the only ones who knew anything about her or the Elements. However, life on the moon had been dull and lackluster, and the twisted mare wanted some entertainment. She ventured to the path where the six would be headed and arranged trials for the travelers. This was to be her undoing though, for the six ponies overcame them without a scratch, one of them even had the gall to begin singing a song.

While Nightmare Moon was recovering from her shock, the six reached the Elements of Harmony. Nightmare Moon rushed into the old decrepit castle, whisking away the elements and the lavender unicorn away, leaving the other five ponies. The unicorn; despite unexpectedly being teleported, attempted to use the Elements. But, lacking the sixth gem; the one that controlled the rest, she was destined to fail.

All was not lost however, for the remaining five ponies had found her and rushed to her aid. The purple unicorn, being relieved at seeing them, though they had only met that day, she realized that they were her friends, and that friendship was required to bring the last element out of hiding. In a brilliant burst of light, the last Element appeared, and the six friends used the Elements of Harmony to defeat Nightmare Moon and free both sisters from their imprisonment; Celestia from the sun, and Luna from the hatred that had created Nightmare Moon. The sisters were reunited, the pony who sang the song threw a party, and all was as it should be.

This was the beginning of a truly great story, and a truly horrible monster.

Chapter One

Celestia looked across what had once been Ponyville, reflecting on what had led her faithful student, friend, and colleague to become more feared than even Nightmare Moon could ever be.

It was raining.

All of Equestria had gathered to mourn the loss of one of Equestria's most respected and praised heroes; Rainbow Dash.

Since she was a Wonderbolt, all the Pegasus ponies were attending and off duty; the reason for the falling water. Princess Celestia stood with her head lowered in respect for the veteran flier.

Speaking in front of the massive crowd was the only living pony who could claim to be her family, one of the three founders of the Cutie Mark Crusaders; Scootaloo. "She was the best sister anypony could ever ask for, she taught me that even though I'll never be able to fly, I can be the best at what I'm meant to do. Wherever she is now, I hope there are clear skies and a sound barrier to break, because those... were her… her…" she stepped down from the podium, unable to say anything else over the grief of losing her adopted sister.

A few others stood to speak for the hero. To some; she was a teacher, to others; a pony who had given them hope. But none of the speakers were her old friends, Twilight Sparkle just couldn't bring herself to speak, and the rest of the crew had passed before her, peacefully and of old age.

The ceremony ended and most set out to return to their homes. Celestia, thinking herself alone, approached the grave to convey her respects, reading the engraved words that said:

Rainbow Dash

Leader, Sister, and above all, Friend.

"Heaven just got about

twenty percent cooler."

"Thank you, Miss Dash, for saving Equestria countless times. If you were a member of the guard, I would have to make a new medal for you. Your loyalty is why I can stand here today. Rest in peace, friend."

Turning to leave, she was surprised to find that one other pony had remained; Twilight Sparkle. "Why?" was all her student said.

"Why what?" Celestia replied, feeling that this would not be a happy conversation.

"Why are alicorns immortal? Why did you have me become one!? WHY, did you dub me the princess of friendship, fully knowing that I would outlive all my friends by an eternity!?" Her voice rising in volume as she asked.

"Because, Equestria needed more ponies to look up to. They needed leaders they can trust with their lives and safety. This world is far too dangerous, cruel and vast for me and my sister to protect it alone. That, my faithful student, is why you are an alicorn."

"What am I now?" Twilight asked, returning her voice to a softer, hopeless tone. "I am hardly a princess of friendship without friends."

"Only time will tell, Twilight."

The memory faded, and Celestia once again found herself in Canterlot castle. She had started crying without realizing it. "If only I could have said more to comfort you, Twilight. But instead, I failed to teach you the most important friendship lesson of all." She said as she headed to the kitchens. The kitchen staff was always good to talk to, and she needed some comfort food.