Chapter 2

Returning Friends and Nightmares.

Twilight Sparkle consider herself to be many things. A near perfect student, patient, learned in the magical arts, and an all-around nice pony considering her lack of friends. And to most this was a very true fact, as she was Princess Celestia's prize student, and one of the most gifted Unicorns to ever grace Canterlot, even her brother was unable to compare with the skills she had in learning spells, or the shear power.

But this facts were just the outer layers of who she was. As for all this praise and accomplishment meant nothing to the mare. These things only gave her a small smile and a few moments of joy at best. Even taking care of her adopted son, a small dragon named Spike, provided only a passing moments of happiness that never seemed to last. This was because there was nothing out there she found truly great anymore. The short time she had spent with Harry had left such an impact upon her, that after he had left she could never fully heal.

This was why she had dug so deep into her studies looking for one way to find him and bring him back. Just one would work, but no matter how many books she read, scrolls she studied, or runes she translated, nothing gave her the answer she was seeking. Celestia understood the drive that Twilight had, and was only just able to keep the mare from running herself ragged searching.

It was this attitude and acting that had Celestia and her parents worried that Twilight was withdrawing too much from the world. They knew there had to be something to draw Twilight back out of her whirlpool of emotions, but they were not entirely sure what would work. The group of six had been spilt apart, till only Twilight remained in Canterlot. Celestia was calling in all her favors, contacts and sources looking for the others till finally she hit upon a lead.

This was why Twilight was working her way through the nearby town of Pony Ville. Her job was to make sure all of the preparations were going smoothly. Spike was also given a small order to have Twilight make some friends, something Spike felt was impossible as Twilight had found problem to focus her mind on, and it was not the Summer Sun Celebration either.

Twilight in one of her readings had come across the Mare in the Moon Legend. And while Celestia did not seem worried, Twilight was. So in spite of being in Pony Ville she was planning on getting some major studying as the Mare in the Moon was said to return the next day. But this plan was derailed as Spike listed just who was next on their list of ponies to meet with.

"Can you repeat that name," Twilight said, trying to convince herself that she had just misheard the name Spike said.

"Rainbow Dash," Spike said, looking at back at where Twilight had stopped walking.

"So she has finally returned to Equestria," Twilight said quietly to herself counting slowly down from a thousand as to keep calm.

Once Twilight was sure she would not explode on Spike or anypony just for talking to her; she looked around at the clouds above them. Spike tried to get her attention a few times, before Twilight did not pay him any mind yet till she spotted what she was looking for. It was the tail to a pony, and the tail was rainbow colored, meaning it was more than likely Rainbow Dash.

Twilight looked at Spike and said, "I am moving on to the City Hall. You can deal with… Her after I have had my fun. Make sure she gets her job done."

Twilight gained a rather evil look in her eyes as she formed a storm cloud, much to Spike's surprise. Twilight then using her magic sent the cloud up and with another small burst of magic shocked the Rainbow tailed pony with a bolt of lightning. There was only a second later a yell of shock and confusion before a blur flew off the cloud it had been on and destroyed storm cloud. Twilight smirked as she teleported away, as the mare she had shocked came flying down into the town looking for whoever had shocked her.

Twilight reappear a moment later next to the City Hall were the celebration would be held and at once began pacing, trying to keep herself calm. Twilight mind and heart started to race in spite of her attempts to calm down. Twilight never expected to meet up with Rainbow Dash after what had happened. And the many emotions Twilight had learned to hold back were threating to break through the damn she had built years back to help her deal with what had happened. Pain, fear, anger, regret, heartache and that was only to name a few.

Twilight sighed as she stopped pacing and took some calming deep breaths trying to regain her normal perfect student composure. And continued this way for a while before finally Spike ran up looking a little wet but otherwise fine. Spike for this matter had never seen Twilight this agitated before, not even when Sunset Shimmer, before she had vanished, had teased Twilight about messing up several answers on a test.

"Twilight what was that about," Spike asked after a few moments of watching Twilight breath.

"What was what about?" Twilight asked.

"You not only using storm magic, but on a pony that you don't even know. And I might add, for no reason." Spike said.

Twilight sighed, and looked at her small friend, "It… is not something I talk about often. But I knew her at one point and time, but something happened."

"What happened then?" Spike asked, looking at Twilight.

Twilight shook her head, "I will tell you later. When I am not about to rain down a few more spells on the mares head!"

"What why!" Spike said.

"Because we are going to be very busy today and tomorrow. And if I have to talk about this right now it will not end well," Twilight said, with a voice that made it clear any arguments would be a bad idea.

"Fine, but this had better be good," Spike said grumbling till they entered the Major's office and his eyes fell on the Unicorn that was currently decorating building.

Twilight temper was quickly reduced to a light smolder as she noticed Spike had found his first crush. Her mind jumped to Harry, but she quickly pushed the image back down. Now was not the time to think about him, as much as she may want to, getting the Summer Sun Celebration ready, and figuring out a way to stop the coming of Mare in the Moon, or Nightmare Moon, was first and foremost.

But even as they talked with the Unicorn mare, Rarity, about the placed being ready for the Celebration, Twilights couldn't bring about her focus again. The sight of Rainbow Dash again, had brought up to many bad memories. Thankfully they did not have a lot left to do after leaving Rarity to finish decorating City Hall.

They soon found the last pony to check on which was a Pegasus mare named Fluttershy, who lived up the shy part of her name; much more than anypony Twilight had ever met. The mare was quieter and barely could speak when Twilight had said hello. But things turned around quickly when Twilight and Spike went to leave, and Fluttershy caught sight of Spike.

But the moment Fluttershy saw Spike she opened up, and began talking to him, much to Twilight's annoyance who had not been able to get a word out of the pony. As the group of three finally reached the library Twilight figured she would at least invite Fluttershy to stay for a little bit. This would keep Spike from asking question she was not ready to answer yet, and would let her focus on research about stopping Nightmare Moon.

But that whole idea was derailed right from the start as the lights were out in the library, and the moment they came on revealed a rather large welcoming party for Twilight and Spike. Now Spike was more than joyful at this idea and went about meeting the many different ponies, including Pinkie Pie the town's Party Pony. Twilight though only spent a little time downstairs with the party guests. This was mostly because Rainbow Dash had shown up as well and Twilight did not want to create a scene.

Twilight snuck up to stairs and into one of the places bedrooms. And she pulled a book over to her and began reading trying to calm herself again and focus her mind. She had never been felt so stressed in her life, as things seemed to want to pile one on top of another. First Nightmare Moon, then getting the celebration together, and now somepony who had helped break her heart was back. And one of those problems was not about to leave her alone either.

Twilight could hear the nob of the door, and turned, noticing a blue hoof step into the room. Twilight quickly looked away and began trying to calm herself down. Rainbow Dash had come to talk, having realized who the party was for.

"Hi Twilight, could we… talk?" Rainbow said moving into the room slowly.

Twilight took a few calming breaths before she turned to face her one time friend, "Why traitor?"

Rainbow shrank back a little bit from the bite of the remark alone. This was not how she had hoped to go about meeting Twilight again. Any courage she had was already beginning to fade slowly, her hooves felt like lead weights, and her wings refused to move. For that matter felt like she had climbed a mile up those stairs just to see Twilight.

"I… I wanted to apologies about what happened all those year ago and leaving you and the other like that," Rainbow Dash said, trying and failing to look Twilight in the eye.

"I see… get out," Twilight said, as her temper slowly started to get the better of her.

This time Rainbow flinched and badly, she could now hear the hate and pain in Twilights voice. Twilights eyes, for that matter, were looking at Rainbow Dash as she was more like an unwanted insect. Rainbow's own courage was now fading fast, and it was taking shear will power on Rainbow Dash's part just to remain in the room.

"I… I cannot," Rainbow said feebly.

"Why not, you left without a problem all those years ago, left us all behind," Twilight said, the anger in her voice gain a slight edge.

"I… I know, but I left to find Harry," Rainbow said trying to defend herself as she began cowering against the door.

"Maybe you did, but you also left without telling anypony or leaving some sort of note! You left, and caused what little strength we had in each other to fail. You left, then the others left looking for you till the only one left was myself, alone without anypony else to even call a friend! You left and, now you are coming back only after you knew I was even in town! Why should I CARE!?" Twilight asked, her temper now in control of her words and actions.

Rainbow Dash shook in fear as she spoke, "I… I don't know. And I guess you shouldn't either. Since… you are right. I betrayed all of you."

Twilight blinked, not expecting that at all among the many things she had expected Rainbow Dash might say. Twilight knew Rainbow well enough as a kid to know Rainbow would never admit she was wrong. But just the opposite had happened. In some ways, this one fact alone that Rainbow was willing to admit she was actually wrong put a stopper in Twilight's anger from growing anymore at the blue mare in front of her.

"I'm… right," Twilight said in surprise.

"Yes, you are. I… I was a fool, an idiot, a traitor that abandon all of you when we needed each other the most. I may have thought I was leaving the right reason, but deep down I knew it was just out of despair and fear. I needed to feel Harry's arms around again, but by the time I came to terms that I would not see him again till he found a way it had been four years since I had left. I returned to Equestria… but I could never bring myself to go back to Canterlot, to face everyone let alone face my mistakes. I tried time and again to build up enough courage to face just one of you, any of you, but I never could," Rainbow Dash said dejectedly as she looked at the floor.

Twilight could not really believe what she was hearing nor seeing. This was not the Rainbow Dash she remembered, not even close. That Rainbow Dash was a trouble maker, brash, and ready for anything fun. Even Harry and Blue Star could not truly keep her in check at all times. No, this was a mare who had suffered and lacked all those things, thanks to the mistakes she had made and still hurting from in the past.

Twilight got down off her bed, and began walking towards Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash could hear Twilight's hooves as they moved across the wood floor before they stopped right in front of her. Then something unexpected happened, as Twilight pulled Rainbow into a tight hug, as she hear sniffing and felt wetness touch her shoulder. Twilight was crying.

"I am so glad you back," Twilight said, through her crying, as she held Rainbow close.

Rainbow was not sure what to say, a little to stun to speak for that matter. She had expected more yelling, shouting, maybe even a hoof to the face, or spells begin thrown at her, not this. But in the end Rainbow Dash was only able to return the hug as tears began to move down from her eyes as well. Rainbow did not care if anypony saw her right now either, as for the first time in nearly six years she felt loved again.

They remained like this for a good while. Nothing needed to be said, or done, as they both took the much needed comfort. Six years of pains, heart break, and even betray was slowing being washed away with their tears. True that pain and hurt would never vanish completely but neither cared as the joy of finding the ability to forgive was more than enough for now.

Soon though, Rainbow Dash's old habits played up ending the moment a while after they had stopped crying. Rainbow belly grumbled a little bit reminding her she had not eaten since noon that day. Rainbow Dash looked a little embarrassed by this small fact.

Twilight chucked as she moved back, "Same old you."

Rainbow nodded noticing the small smile on Twilight's face as they made their way down to the party that was still going on. They did not linger at it long and only grabbed a few snacks before disappearing back upstairs. Once they had set out the food the questioning began.

"So… what happened after I left," Rainbow asked.

"Everything fell to pieces in many ways. You see as long as we had stayed together we felt at least semi whole even if Harry was not there to fill us that last bit. But after you left without telling anypony, each of us started to slowly drift apart. Blue Star was next to leave us, about a month after you. She said she could not stand all the sadness and needed some time to get her feelings and life straight again. But she promised to return," Twilight said.

"Why did she not return?" Rainbow asked, remembering what Twilight had said before.

"Not sure. The Royal guards were even sent out to look for her, but no sign was ever found of where she had gone. At this point Cadence was brought in to keep an eye on the three of us. Her presents as the Princess of Love helped, but while we could smile again we still felt hollow," Twilight said.

"So who left next," Rainbow Dash asked.

"Trixie, about two years after you left. She by this point had earned her mark, and was mastering illusion magic. She was going to leave and look for you and Blue Star, promising she would write us, and would not return till she dragged both of your tails back to Canterlot. She even had a plan as to how to pay and make sure she would not be lacking anything either," Twilight said, giving out a small chuckle.

"What was that?" Rainbow asked, before taking a bite of her food.

"She went out under the title of 'The Great and Powerful Trixie,' putting on great and rather interesting shows. Celestia also gave her, Sunset, and I a set of books that would let use keep in contact with each other. It helped, but we found that writing a letter to each other through the books was still not the same. Then a year later all contact with her stopped. We mounted a full search, but could never find any clue as to what happened or where she went either," Twilight said, glaring at her plate is if the plate had caused her all the pain.

"I see, what about Sunset?" Rainbow asked.

"I am not sure what happened, she and myself were as close as we could be at this point, as we were all each other had. Studying, spells, free time, anything really was spent together, then one day about three years ago she thought she found a lead, and decided to follow it." Twilight said.

"Then what?" Rainbow Dash asked already guessing the answer.

"I have no clue, she just vanished. The Castle and Canterlot were searched top to bottom, every passage was opened and every room cleared out. Nothing was left untouched, but she was just gone like the others," Twilight said a small tear forming in her eyes.

"Twilight…" Rainbow Dash knew she should say something, but she was not sure what.

Twilight sighed, "It is okay… well no it is not, but I at least have you back right?"

"Yes, and this time I am not leaving your side. Or you're not leave mine. Either way works," Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight chuckled a little at this, "Yeah your right."

Rainbow Dash, reached over and rubbed Twilight back lightly, "If you want you could move out here you know and live at my place."

"You have a house here," Twilight said rather surprised.

"Well, it is a cloud home, I got it because when I first came here I was staying with Fluttershy my oldest friend. And since I well could never bring myself to go up to Canterlot, I decided to make sure I at least never ran away again. I got a home and got a spot on the weather team, of which I am now the head of," Rainbow Dash said a little proud of herself.

"I see, don't get fried by bolts of lightning to much do you," Twilight asked innocently enough.

"No, I am… wait that was you earlier today! Wasn't it!" Rainbow Dash said putting the pieces together.

"Yes and considering what I was planning on doing to you next time I saw you, you should be happy that was all I did," Twilight said with a glare.

Rainbow Dash flinched a little from the glare and nodded, "Yes I understand."

Twilight nodded before taking, Rainbow's hoof in her own, "Good. I am not losing you again, even if I have to turn you into an Earth Pony to make sure that happens."

"Right like you have that skill," Rainbow Dash said teasingly.

"You want to bet a bits on that?" Twilight asked with a smirk.

"Uh, no," Rainbow Dash said noticing the smirk.

"Good Filly," Twilight said, smiling before eating a little.

Rainbow rolled her eyes, but smiled none the less. All of this was going a lot better than she had hoped. True it was not perfect she only had Twilight back, but for now that was all she needed.

"So, could you stay here?" Rainbow Dash asked again after a few moments, as Twilight ate her food.

Twilight looked thoughtful for a few moments before finally nodded, "Yes. I am sure Celestia would be more than willing to let me stay with somepony that can bring me out of my shell."

Rainbow Dash almost flinched at the fact Twilight had shelled up, but was able to hold back, "You could stay here, we need somepony to keep an eye on the library. I could even stay with you as I am pretty sure this place has enough rooms."

"You living in a library… are you sure that bolt from before did not mess up your brain?" Twilight asked jokingly.

"Nope, besides it is not where I am stay, but who I would be with," Rainbow Dash pointed out.

"Glad to hear," Twilight said, before getting over and walking to the window smiling but as she looked out her face turned to a small frown of confusion, "Rainbow Dash could you come over here for a moment. I want you to look at something and tell me if am really seeing things or not."

Rainbow Dash hurried over and looked out the window but did not see anything weird right away so asked, "I am not sure. What are you looking at?"

"Not the town silly, the stars," Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash looked up at the sky, but was still confused as to what Twilight was trying to point out, "They look just fine to me, or did you move them out of place or something again?"

Twilight sighed before noticing a small balcony that was part of the library, "here it will be much easier to show you outside than inside the house."

Rainbow Dash nodded, and followed Twilight out onto the balcony. Twilight's horn lit up and soon a circle appeared around a set of stars. It took Rainbow Dash a few moments to realize just what those stars were.

"Are those… the stars you made back when Harry was here?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Yes, but notice anything different about them," Twilight asked.

"Well… no," Rainbow Dash said not sure what she was looking for.

"There are three shining brightly currently. Rather than just one shinnying brightly," Twilight said.

"What does that mean," Rainbow Dash asked still confused.

"I guess should explain. There are six stars, one standing for each of us. In a pentagram shape with one in the center, the top one was yours as you met Harry first. The left side top to bottom was myself then Trixie, while the right side was Sunset Shimmer and Blue Star. Now when Harry vanished his star disappeared without my input. Then when each of your vanished your stars lost much of their intensity. You could still see them, but just barely. And now three of the stars are shinnying brightly again," Twilight said.

"So one for you, and one for me. That means that Sunset Shimmer is back, right?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Not sure. It might just be wishful thinking that those stars are bright now, kind of subconscious thought that runs them. But I possibly, I will have to check in the morning with Celestia to make sure," Twilight said.

"Why wait?" Rainbow Dash asked surprised.

"Spike is the only one who can get message to Celestia, and at this time of night Celestia will be fast asleep, getting ready for tomorrow. So sadly I doubt she will even wake up for the message," Twilight said, "That and if Sunset Shimmer is back, we don't really know where to look to begin with."

Rainbow Dash nodded, in understand. It was not that Twilight wanted to wait till tomorrow, she did not have much choice without causing Celestia some big headaches with the Celebration beginning in the morning. Besides one emotion outbreak was more than enough for the pair already, two if it was anywhere near as big would leave them dead asleep for all of tomorrow, not that Rainbow Dash would complain about that.

Twilight on the other hand had another reason, Nightmare Moon. She knew the emotion exhaustion could take it out of her, and she did not want to cause them more problems. If she saved the world, then it would greatly increase the time she could spend, happily, with Sunset Shimmer. This was also the reason she had not told Rainbow Dash about the coming problem of Nightmare Moon, yet either.

Plus there was one big problem with the legend that bugged Twilight. It stated that the stars would aid in Nightmare Moons escape. Problem was Twilight could control the stars, and she was not about to let a pony loss on the world that would cause an eternal night.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash soon were cuddling on the balcony watching the stars as the moon began its path towards the horizon. They remained like this for an untold amount of time, and only realize what time it was when they awoke to Spike yelling for Twilight.

"Twilight where are you, we need to get over to City Hall for the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration," Spike yelled out.

Twilight yawned and blinked, realizing she had fallen asleep. She nudged Rainbow Dash till she was had awaken as well. By this time though, Spike had found them, and was looking at the scene in utter confusion.

"Okay, what is going on here? First you act like you hate her guts, and now your all buddy, buddy," Spike said.

"Wait you know her?" Rainbow Dash said.

"Yes, he does. He is my adopted son, and assistant. As for why things are like this Spike, I will explain tomorrow after we get a chance to talk with Celestia," Twilight said, standing up and stretching.

"Fine, now come on we are going to be late if you two don't leave soon," Spike said, letting out a small growl.

"And before you ask, I will explain later why he is here," Twilight said to Rainbow Dash.

"As long as it does not involve you marrying a dragon at some point in the past I think I will be able to wait," Rainbow Dash said in a teasing tone.

"Good, now let's hurry," Twilight said before disappearing in a small burst of magic.

Rainbow blinked in confusion till she saw a flash at the base of the tree house, in which the Library had been built, and saw Twilight was walking off. Rainbow Dash chuckled and closed the doors to the balcony before taking flight. She stayed in the air flying slower than her normal speed watching Twilight from the air as they moved along, only landing when they finally reached City Hall.

"Enjoy your flight," Twilight asked as they entered into the building.

"Considering I was moving like a turtle compared to my normal speed, yep," Rainbow Dash said.

"Good," Twilight said as got a good position where she could watch both the presentation that would be taking place, and keep an eye on the moon at the same time.

Soon nearly all the ponies were present and the Celebration began. The Major of Pony Ville giving the introductions, but then something caught Twilights eyes, it was a bright flash in the sky. Glancing up she saw, yet another star had lit up. But this was not just any star, it was the one that stood for Harry. Right then the moon which slipped between the four stars that were brightly shining.

Twilight's heart seemed to skip a beat as the stars flashed even brighter than before. Then the shape, which looked like the upper body of a Unicorn, on the moon vanished leaving the moon without fault. Twilight felt weak as she realized in spite of everything, the legend was coming to pass.

Twilight looked back towards the balcony above the main stage were Celestia was supposed to make her entrance. But as the Major finished her speech and the music was played to welcome Celestia in, she did not appear. The major a little surprised, spoke her line again, but still Celestia did not appear on the Balcony.

"No, please no," Twilight breathed out.

Rainbow Dash just barely heard this, and looked at Twilight confused, "What is wrong?"

But Twilight was not able to answer as the Unicorn Rarity appeared on the Balcony saying, "She has disappeared."

The Royal guard in the room began to look restless, as the Major started to say they needed to search for Celestia. But then something happened nopony, outside Twilight by this point, expected. A whirling cloud appeared, that looked like the night sky shifting and moving about. Then without warning the cloud burst apart revealing an Alicorn.

And compared to Celestia she was the complete opposite. She had midnight black fur, with a mane and tail that moved light Celestia's own, but were dark blue with points of light in it like the stars in the sky. Twilight gulped in fear as she noticed Spike, who by this point was on her back again fainted.

Soon the pony began speaking, "Oh my beloved subjects, it has been so long since I have seen all your sun loving faces."

Rainbow Dash growled and tried to shot forward, as if to attack the mare, but another pony, Applejack if Twilight remembered correctly, held Rainbow back by her tail, as Rainbow Dash yelled out, "What have you done with our Princess?!"

"Done with your Princess? I am not royal enough for you? Does my own crown now stand for nothing? Don't any of you even know who I am?!" The pony asked her voice growing in annoyance and force.

"I do, your Nightmare Moon," Twilight said stepping forward, as Applejack stopped another pony from making Nightmare Moon angrier.

"Nightmare Moon?" Nightmare Moon said as if confused by this name.

Twilight blinked slightly surprised by this, but she was not able to focus on what it might mean, as a flash of light and a roar of thunder met their ears. Applejack who had been holding back Rainbow Dash, and keeping Pinkie Pie's mouth shut, jumped in shock as the building shook. Twilight looked up in surprised noticing the entire sky had been covered in clouds were as it had only been clear a few moments before.

"RD did you pull some sort of stupid stunt," Applejack asked looking at Rainbow Dash.

"No at least nothing like this," Rainbow Dash looking at the sky in shook, and joy.

"It must be her," One of the ponies in the crowd yelled pointing at Nightmare Moon.

"She must know where the Princess is as well, cease her!" The Major yelled.

The next few moments had a several things happen almost too rapidly to follow, as the Royal Guard leapt forward to grab the Nightmare Moon. Nightmare Moon seeing this drew on the storm itself channeled lighting down knocking her attackers out of the air. But this opened a window in the building as another bolt of lightning moments later came flying towards Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon was unable to dodge out of the way in time, but had moved enough so when the bolt struck she was only thrown into a curtain. But the bolt did not disappear, as a few moments later a large sphere began to grow right above the ground. Nightmare, hurt but not badly fled not wishing to test her luck against this storm and weird magic.

Twilight and the others though were watching as the sphere grew in size, before with a blinding flash, and a burst of magical power it vanished. Twilight eyes, and that of many of the other ponies lost the ability to see clearing and as such only saw two figures before them. A loud bang was heard as thunder roared overhead and another bolt raced down towards the building, but was surprising stopped by some sort of invisible shield.

Twilight looked over at the two figures, and soon she was able to see clearing just who they were. While she did not know one of them, the emerald green eyes, black out of control hair, and lightning bolt shape scar was unmistakable. Harry Potter was back in Equestria.

Twilights nearly jumped for joy, but the roar of thunder reminded her they did not have time for a family reunion just yet. They needed to get this storm under control and quickly, otherwise Pony Ville would be no more than a distance memory. She then remembered one very useful fact, about Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash get all the Pegasus ponies together and get that storm under control. I am going to get any of the Unicorns and work on getting the others ponies around town to City Hall. Once everypony is here, my shield spells should be able to keep everypony safe," Twilight yelled out to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash looked a little torn, "But…"

"No time for buts, lives are as stake here. There will be time later now go!" Twilight yelled.

Rainbow Dash nodded after a few moments, as she remembered just how bad the last storm was. As much as she wished otherwise, she had to stop the storm otherwise she would be risking lives. Besides Harry was helping protect this place, and he was not about to leave it any time soon, she hoped anyway.

Quickly Rainbow Dash rounded up any of the Pegasus that could help with weather duty. It did not matter if they were actively on the weather team or not, all of them would be needed. The Royal Guards by this time were coming to and volunteered to help lead the fight against the storm in different area. Rainbow Dash was more than happy to let them do this, as she was planning on focusing on the core of the storm, which was likely sitting right above them.

Within ten minutes of storm's appearance, everypony that could be of help was helping. Wither it was traveling with a Unicorn to get somepony to shelter or getting food for those that were hungry, or even grabbing medical supplies for those that might be injured. They were doing what needed to be done to survive.

Twilight returned and disappeared a few times as her teleportation ability had the longest range of any of the current Unicorns. She was working directly with the Major to make sure each and every pony was accounted for. The few times she was able to take a few moments to breath she saw ponies moving about the room keeping everypony happy or at least comfortable.

Pinkie Pie was living up to her name as the Party Pony, and was moving about keeping ponies laughing or smiling in spite of the storm. Applejack, while she was not able to help in much the same way provided comfort to the fillies and colts, assuring them they were safe in the City Hall. Rarity had made several trips back to her home, bring back large blankets and quilts, even her designer ones, providing the towns folk with some place to lay down if need be. Even the Fluttershy, who had been hiding before now was helping surviving out food and drink to those that needed it.

It was about noon before the Pegasus returned as the clouds finally began disappearing casting sunlight down onto the town. Twilight seeing the sun light could not help but smile a little bit. She was sure that met Nightmare Moon had been somehow defeated and Celestia was back. But when Rainbow Dash returned, she knew something was wrong. Rainbow Dash was not bragging about defeating the storm, but looked rather grim.

This was confirmed when Twilight looked up and saw the last few clouds removed, and the sunlight shown down into the City Hall. Upon the sun now was a mark, the same one that had one decorated the moon's surface. Celestia, the Princess of Equestria had been sealed in the Sun.

"How… what… when did this happen," Twilight asked in shock.

"Not sure, most of the Pegasus by this time have seen it, and now most other ponies will as well," Rainbow Dash said.

"Why did no one tell us," Twilight asked.

"We were too busy fighting the storm, like most of the Pegasus six years ago we had too much to worry about defeating the storm to worry about anything else, plus there was not much anypony could have done till the storm was over. So it was forced to wait," Rainbow Dash said.

"I see, I guess we should be happy the sun has risen anyway," Twilight said, finding a little good news in this otherwise bad day.

"Yes, is… Harry still here," Rainbow Dash asked.

"Not currently, a Unicorn took him over to the library as he and his friend, Hermione, have been up for a while already doing stuff in their own world before coming here. Then using magic all night to keep the storm from breaking through into the City Hall was just too much. They were completely drained," Twilight said.

"So, when can I see him then," Rainbow Dash asked in slight desperation.

"Tonight most likely," Twilight said, putting her hoof on Rainbow Dash's own, "Don't worry he is not leaving anytime soon. Besides we have stuff we still need to be doing to make sure Equestria does not fall into chaos without the Princess."

"You seem surprisingly calm," Rainbow Dash said, as she cast a longing look over library was.

"I probably would be having a panic attack if I did not have so much to do and keep running," Twilight said with a small chuckle.

"I understand," Rainbow Dash said with a small sigh.

Twilight nodded, as they set about making the best of the time before Harry awoke. It turned out they had a lot to do as well, more than a few houses were damaged. And Twilight had to use Spike's flame, which could send letters to the castle and back, to make sure everything was kept up and running. She was just happy that her old foalsitter Cadence was up to the job of running Equestria till they found a way to get Celestia back. If such a way even existed.

By the end of the day, most of the ponies were back home or staying with a friend if their house was still to damage to sleep in. Harry and Hermione had not awoken yet, as such Twilight decided to have Rainbow Dash stay with her and Spike in the library's guest bedroom, that way she would be there when Harry did finally wake up.

Rainbow Dash agreed, thought she could not help but feel a little jealous that someone else was able to sleep with Harry tonight. Even if it was only because of sheer exhaustion. Still though even as she snuck a peak in at the sleeping pair could not help but smile. Harry had a good friend, the one he had talked about, back when he had first shown up. Plus Harry was actually back, what could make this day any better was hard to tell.

The next morning Rainbow Dash made got out off the couch that had served for her bed. She noticed that Twilight and Spike were already awake and had left already, though if it was for somewhere else in the Library or outside it she did not know yet. Rainbow Dash looked about for a little while, before finally locating the bathroom. A shower and toilet use later she was ready to meet the day.

Rainbow Dash then followed her nose and was soon able to locate the kitchen which the smell of waffles and pancakes were coming from. Opening the door she found Spike making the breakfast found, while Twilight ate quietly off to the side. She then notice sitting in the corning of the Kitchen was Harry and Hermione.

Rainbow Dash could not contain herself, and launched herself at Harry. Harry noticed the blue blur just in time and was just able to set down his plate before Rainbow Dash smashed into him.

"You're Back, you came back just like you said!" Rainbow Dash said nearly crying as she hugged Harry.

"Yeah I am back, and making a mess as big as ever," Harry said soon returning the hug.

Twilight chuckled and smiling seeing this having already done this earlier today. Hermione on the other hand was looking at Rainbow Dash in interest. Harry held Rainbow Dash for a while, before Rainbow Dash finally remembered the reason she had been drawn to this room in the first place, food. She was soon able to get some waffles from Spike and began wolfing them down.

"Good morning to you too," Twilight said after a little bit, of watching Rainbow Dash eat, having a flash back to the castle when she had tried without success to curb this eating habit.

"Sorry, hungry, a few snacks last night, and nothing all yesterday leaves me really hungry," Rainbow Dash said slowly down after a few moments.

"Let her eat Twilight, she and the others stopped the storm we accidently started," Harry said.

"How much damage did we cause by the way," Hermione asked.

"A few broken or damaged roofs, and more than a couple broken windows. Everything should be fix or closed to fix by tonight. So everypony should be able stay at their own home tonight at the very least, but…" Twilight said before stopping.

"But what," Harry asked, "did our showing up cause some sort of chaos?"

"No not you, at least not directly. Harry, Celestia has been sealed into the sun much like her sister had been sealed into the moon," Twilight said.

"Sealed into the sun, that is not possible, the temperature alone would…" Hermione started but Harry cut her off.

"Hermione, in this world anything is possible, if that is what Twilight says it is very likely what happened. Besides you're looking at what I am sure is your pony equal. Always studying, and freaking out over disappointing a teacher," Harry said, smirking a little bit at the last bit.

"I never did that," Twilight and Hermione both denied at the same time, before looking at the other in surprise.

"Denial is the first showing of the truth," Harry said, while Spike and Rainbow Dash chuckled at the two.

"So, seeing as we are all out of the loop what is going on here," Hermione asked.

"I am not really sure myself, but I will tell you what I can," Twilight said.

"Since we have time, why don't you explain what has gone on since I left," Harry asked.

"That is well a long story, but I guess," Twilight said.

Twilight began telling Harry and Hermione what had happened since Harry had left. She started with what happened followed directly after and continued from there. She left out no details, knowing full well Harry could more than take it. Not because she knew his past, but rather Celestia had told her parts of it, showing how strong Harry was, and how strong Twilight could be as well.

Once Twilight was done, Rainbow Dash told her own story about what she had gone through. She talked about her life on the road, as well as the few friends she did meet like Gilda, a Griffin. And eventually realizing what she was looking for, which was Harry, was not possible to be found just by looking in their world. Afterwards she told about her return and then settling down in Pony Ville.

Harry could not help but feel the pains that he had felt those six years ago when was forced to watch his family disappear before his eye. But it was a more like a small cut, rather than a knife being driven into his heart. Rainbow Dash for most of this was cuddling in Harry's lap, more than happy that was even still possible. While she had grown to almost four times her former size, Harry had doubled in height and size so it was still possible.

"So Harry what happened to you during these last six years," Twilight asked.

"War, in short," Harry said sighing.

"War?" Twilight said in surprise.

"It never stopped did it," Rainbow Dash asked.

"What, you know about this?!" Twilight said in surprise.

"Yes she does, she knew about my early life, something I never felt right about telling you back then," Harry said, looking a little embarrassed.

"How did come she knows," Twilight asked.

"She was too stubborn to leave when I told Celestia about myself, and it was not till I told it did I realize how bad my past really was," Harry said, giving Rainbow Dash a friendly glare.

"Will you… tell me now," Twilight asked.

"No," Harry said, getting a frown from Twilight, "I will tell you later when we find our other friends. I don't want to repeat this more than once. I want to let my past out in one go rather than reliving it three or four times."

Twilight sighed but nodded, her past while painful, but she had never dealt with war till this point, "Okay but this better be good."

"Here if I don't tell you in a week, I will write out my entire life into a set of books for you to read," Harry said teasingly as he started running his fingers slowly through Rainbow Dash hair.

"Playing to my book loving side, nice move," Twilight said with a small smirk.

"You mean bookworm," Rainbow Dash said.

"I agree there," Spike said.

"Hay I am not a bookworm, I am just well studied," Twilight said defending herself.

"No, you are both. As am I," Hermione said, getting in a small jab.

"Great everyone is against me today," Twilight said with a small huff, but smiled none the less.

"Which brings us to the point of the matter, what shall we be doing today," Harry asked.

"Well I need to look for any information I can find about Luna, and or Nightmare Moon, as well as the Elements of Harmony. I might have a way to beat her and free Celestia, hopefully. Once that is done I need to do some checking on something that came up recently with her release," Twilight said.

"The stars, and one of them lighting up," Harry said.

"Yes," Twilight said.

"I see," Harry said before looking at Hermione and nodding, "Twilight I am going after this Nightmare Moon. I want you to check and see if you can find Sunset Shimmer."

"Wait why?" Rainbow Dash asked confused.

"While you have a good point, Hermione and I both have dealt with an actual magical battle before. We are currently the best equipped to face this Nightmare Moon down, while your are best equipped to find out more information on what is actually going on, and offering support," Harry said.

"But I don't want you risk yourself," Twilight said.

"Nor do I want you to be at risk either. But you have less experience with someone aiming to hurt or worse kill you than I do. If it gets to bad, I will retreat and wait for you, promise," Harry said, looking at both Rainbow Dash and Twilight.

Twilight glared at the ground before finally saying, "Fine, just return safely okay?"

"I will," Harry said reaching over and touching her hoof as he spoke again, "I did not defeat a Dark Lord, and face Death himself just to lose you a day after I found you again."

"Dark Lord, and Death?" Twilight said blinking, before finally shaking her head smiling, "Just get going you crazy boy, unless you want me to pin you down and forces this story out."

"Okays," Harry said before moving Rainbow Dash off his lap.

Standing up made Twilight realized just how tall Harry really was now. While he was not much taller than Celestia he still towered over any normal pony, as did Hermione. Harry gave them both a hug, as they moved towards the door, before stopping. Harry looked at Hermione and decided he needed to ask one last favor before they left.

"Twilight while you are doing this could you also keep your ears open for the names, Dan and Emma Granger. I am not sure how or where you might find them, but keep your ears open okay," Harry asked.

"Okay, but why?" Twilight asked confused.

Harry looked at Hermione, and gave a little sigh, "Death granted us each a favor. For me it was the ability to return here. For Hermione it was the return of her parents who were killed recently. He said it would not be in the way she wished, so my only current guess is that they are now ponies here."

"Well I never heard of any pony by that name, but I will look for you promise," Twilight said.

"Thank You, it means a lot to me," Hermione said kneeling down and hugging Twilight.

"Welcome," Twilight said.

Soon Harry and Hermione were off to the only location that might have answers about Celestia and Nightmare Moon. The Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters in the Everfree Forest. Twilight left with Rainbow Dash and Spike back to Canterlot, they had a friend to locate. Their only hope was that each other's current quest worked out, for both of their sakes.

Twilight's task turned out to be easy enough for as soon as she and Rainbow Dash reached the castle gate they were met with an unexpected sight. In front of them was a pony they both knew very well. But she was not full of life, but instead looked dejected sorrowful. Her once bright and shining orange coat was now a dull and flat color orange which did not even stand out. And around her neck was a golden necklace with a blood red Crystal at the center.

"Sunset Shimmer, is that you?" Twilight asked in shock, and worry at her old friend's condition.

"Yes it is me, and I need your help," Sunset said, before fainting on the spot.


( Espo here. Here is the second chapter, hope you have enjoyed and please review.
Now for those wondering about anything please PM me or leave a review with a request to reply.

Now Trixie and Blue Star will not be seen till later on in the story. Trixie will show in her normal episode location, for this story, if that is in order or not... well we shall see as I will be looking at the episodes to figure out what to use or leave out. Also Blue Star will appear in season 2.

Interesting note this chapter was originally part of chapter one, but I broke it up since it was a major change of pace. That being a change from Harry's world to MLP. Also I debated but decided to not leave it on a cliff hanger with Celestia being sealed reveal, but you got this one instead, for those who have seen the second film that necklace might ring a bell.

Lastly I will be putting this story on hold for about two weeks while I get around to watching Season 4 and both movies. I want to see just how Sunset Shimmer acts as well as other details on the mirror and that world.

With that in mind for those now wishing to kill me for this cliff hanger... bye / runs off /

Espo out )