Chapter 2: Princess Twilight Sparkle & Prince (Y/N) (L/N)-Part 1
In just two days from now, the next Summer Sun Celebration will take place with Princess Celestia raising the sun once more, but this year it will even feature Princess Luna, and the two new royal ponies, Princess Twilight Sparkle and Prince (Y/N) (L/N). They both will play a special part in the festival both making a special flight. This was easy for (Y/N), but not so easy for Twilight as she still needed some practice with her wings.
Luckily for her, she got her friends and her boyfriend helping her out as right now they are near Canterlot with Pinkie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Spike watching Twilight practice her flying. She slowly gains altitude as (Y/N) and Rainbow Dash supervise her, but Twilight becomes increasingly unnerved at being off the ground.
Rainbow Dash: You gotta really flap 'em hard.
(Y/N) nods in response and Twilight does so, generating enough of a draft to push Rainbow back a few feet, and goes into a tumble.
Twilight Sparkle: Whoa!
Twilight exaggerates Rainbow's words at flapping her wings hard and the momentum carries her to a tree branch that has most unceremoniously halted her flight. She hangs dazedly over it, a bird's nest on her head and its former occupant chirping angrily at her. (Y/N) and Rainbow fly towards Twilight as she pulls herself up to sit on the limb.
(Y/N): Not so hard that you can't keep a rhythm with your wings.
They take an attempt at it once more where Twilight puts forth her best effort at a controlled descent only to have it get away from her in a hurry.
Twilight Sparkle: Whooooaaaa!
She nearly hits the ground, but (Y/N) flies down to stand on his hind legs and catch Twilight to break her fall before letting her stand back down on all four hooves. Applejack trots over to the two.
Applejack: Lookin' good up there, Princess Twilight.
Twilight Sparkle: Applejack, you know you don't have to call me that.
Rarity: Why do you protest so? You've already given up wearing your crown all the time. The least you can do is embrace your new title.
(Y/N): We've had these titles for awhile now girls. And I don't feel comfortable having my girlfriends call me a prince all of the time. I mean when you do it to display affection that's one thing, but when you call me it constantly, it's just not comfortable.
Twilight Sparkle: You know what else isn't comfortable, sweetie? All of this flying business. The Summer Sun Celebration is only two days away, and I'm never gonna be ready to perform my part with you.
(Y/N): Not if you keep worrying and stop practicing. We've still got plenty of time and we'll all be here to help you make sure it goes right.
Rainbow Dash: Yeah, exactly what he said! Now get up there and show everypony the big finish!
Twilight nods, having found new resolve, and stretches every feather as far as it will go. Her takeoff is smooth, her rise crisp, and she gets a round of cheers from the rest of her friends. She zooms ahead and notices her flight going well with the wind singing in her ears.
Twilight Sparkle: Woo-hoo!
However her elation turns to sudden panic as she tries to make herself slow down, but it wasn't working.
Twilight Sparkle: Whaaaa!
It was too late as she starts smashing through a line of clouds. Once she finally comes to a stop, she coughs out a few puffs of water vapor, then having forgotten to keep flapping, she drops like a four-legged rock. She starts flailing and screaming as she plummets, but it quickly turns into a swoop just in time to avoid wiping out the rest of the gang.
This in turn makes her do the world's shrillest loop-de-loop, capped by a belly landing and she slides through the dirt that leaving her at the bottom of a very deep trench. Everyone runs up to her worried except for Pinkie, whose excitement comes through loud and clear.
Pinkie Pie: Wow! That WAS a big finish!
Twilight groans wearily from that not entirely agreeing with Pinkie's statement.
(Y/N): . . .Maybe we should take a break from practicing for now.
Inside of the Canterlot royal palace, the Mane 7 went inside and walked into the corridor of the tower to take a look at a new mural that was put up by both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. It was a mural that had both Twilight and (Y/N) holding hooves and wearing their crowns. It even had two open books at the bottom edge that symbolized the time that the two resolved the spell that switched up their friends' Cutie Marks.
Rarity: You both look amazing, darlings. They've really captured both your regalities.
Twilight Sparkle: I suppose.
Rarity: Oh, don't be so modest. It's everypony's dream to someday wear a crown and have their coronation ceremony preserved in stained glass for all to see.
She lets out a dreamy sigh from that while Rainbow looks at it skeptical.
Rainbow Dash: I don't know if it's "everypony's" dream.
Pinkie Pie: Most of my dreams are about frosting!
The idea sends her into a brief, blissful shudder with a lick of the chops and a lot of drool.
(Y/N): Well, I guess having us two in stained glass is kind of a majestic sight. I know it would make some ponies proud, but now it just seems like no big deal since we saved Equestria lots of times.
Twilight Sparkle: I can also kinda agree with that.
Fluttershy: We'd better get going. We don't want to miss our train.
Applejack: Fluttershy's right. Don't know about y'all, but I've still got bushels to do to get ready. The official celebration may be here in Canterlot, but hoo-wee, has the Mayor put us in charge of one heck of a party back home.
Twilight lets her head droop dejectedly at the prospect of missing it, but (Y/N) crosses over to lift her chin gently.
(Y/N): It's okay, Twilight. I know that we won't get to have quality time with our friends this time, but cheer up. You and me will be right there together with the princesses while Celestia raises the sun and we perform our parts too.
Twilight Sparkle: And I'm honored and happy to be right with you. Really, I am. It's just that the Summer Sun Celebration is what first brought us all together. It just doesn't feel right not getting to spend such a special day with all of my Ponyville friends.
Rarity: It doesn't feel right to us either, darling. If the Mayor wasn't so desperate for our assistance, we'd most certainly stay here in Canterlot. And of course we do understand that your royal duties must come first.
(Y/N): The Summer Sun Celebration may be the event that united the seven of us as true friends, but you have to know Twilight that there is one thing that will always keep us connected.
(Y/N) walks over and points to the another stained glass window of the seven ponies using the power of the Elements of Harmony to defeat Nightmare Moon, suspended above them in the purifying energy.
(Y/N): What truly keeps us all united are the Elements of Harmony. Each of us realized what we're truly capable of and that gave us the power to see why we're inseparable.
Applejack: And no amount of royal duties is gonna change that. Right, everypony?
Nods and sounds of agreement came from Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. Twilight and (Y/N) looks off to the side, puzzled, and Applejack follows their gaze.
Applejack: Right, Pinkie Pie?
She was apparently still in her dream land as he licks her chops once more.
Pinkie Pie: Creamy, creamy frosting. . .
Fluttershy zips over with a handkerchief to wipe up the drool as Pinkie shudders happily.
Fluttershy: You should take that as a yes.
The others smile confusedly at that while (Y/N) playfully rolls his eyes.
Back at the Canterlot train station, the Mane 7 were on the train platform together getting ready to see each other depart as (Y/N), Twilight, and Spike were staying in Canterlot while their friends go on back to Ponyville to prepare their own things for the Summer Sun Celebration.
Pinkie Pie: We're gonna write and give you two so many details, it'll be like you're in Ponyville with us! Right, girls?
The rest of the girls then did Pinkie's iconic Pinkie Promise gesture.
Mane 5: Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.
Rarity: And you two will be with us right after the celebration. We already have an appointment on the books to discuss the royal upgrades to each of your loft decors.
(Y/N): Gee, you prepared all of that?
Rarity: But of course. It isn't going to be much of a celebration if we don't prepare the essentials for our handsome prince and a princess as well.
The whistle then blows signaling for all of the passengers to get on immediately.
Train Conductor: All aboard for Ponyville!
With that announced, a quick group hug was administered by all mares except Pinkie and even each of them even gave (Y/N) a goodbye kiss on the cheek. Once they all left, Pinkie rockets over them.
Pinkie Pie: Whee!
She tackles Twilight and (Y/N) to the platform for a good long hug even peppering her boyfriend face with a bunch of pecks before hopping back toward the train. The prince and the princess stand up in time to see all five waving goodbye as the wheels start to roll. Twilight turns away, letting her head droop with a heavy sigh which (Y/N) notices.
Twilight Sparkle: I can't help it, you guys. They've only been gone a minute, and I already feel like I'm missing something.
A mail-carrier Pegasus stallion then flies over to them with a pink envelope in hoof.
Messenger Pony: For the Princess.
Passing it to Spike, he flies away. The baby dragon pulls out the sheet from the envelope and starts to read it.
Spike: Dear Twilight, you aren't missing anything. (Y/N), please tell Twilight that she's got her boyfriend to help her out. Your friend, Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie Pie: *in the distance* That's me!
Surprised by her call, the three look out along the track and see the train chugging away, their friends' laughter carrying back even at this range.
(Y/N): I don't know how she was able to guess what I was thinking, but she's right. Twilight, you've got me and as your boyfriend, I'm here to help you out in whatever kind of situation you're in. There can't be anything that you're missing.
Twilight Sparkle: I'm sorry, (Y/N). I know that I should listen to you, but I can't shake the feeling off that I am missing something.
(Y/N): It's probably the fact that you feel as if you're going to be all alone here without our friends to guide you, but they already are.
Twilight Sparkle: How?
(Y/N): They're telling to take off the training wheels. With the knowledge that you have, it shouldn't be a problem of how we're going to make the celebration a success.
Twilight smiles from his reassurance before pecking him on the cheek.
Twilight Sparkle: Well, you're right about the fact that I have you to get me out of my worries.
(Y/N): And I'll be sure to continue that even after the celebration. Now come on, we need to the room that Princess Celestia gave the both of us.
Twilight nods as they all then walk off to go and rest to get their designated jobs done for the celebration.
Inside of the royal palace, (Y/N) was teaching Twilight how to make a proper landing while Spike was checking all of the things that are done on the checklist that was made.
Spike: Check, check, check, check, and. . . check! Huh, whaddaya know? We're way ahead of schedule! I credit your extremely competent assistant.
Twilight drops to a hover alongside with (Y/N) having his hooves out to catch her in case she falls again. As her forelegs touch the tiles, she very nearly topples forward but manages to get all four hooves firmly on the ground.
Twilight Sparkle: So do I.
(Y/N): In that case, it wouldn't hurt to take a quick trip to Ponyville since the celebration is still just a couple of days away. From here to there, we should still have plenty of time to finish our preparations before the main event.
Twilight Sparkle: *sighs* That would be nice, (Y/N), but what if something else came up while we were gone? What if we were delayed getting back and I wasn't able to finish everything on that list?
Twilight then starts to increasingly get more flustered as she starts rising to the ceiling slowly.
Twilight Sparkle: What if we lost the list on the way to Ponyville and then couldn't remember which things we'd done and which things we hadn't done, and then spent so much time trying to figure out what we hadn't done and what we had done, and we ruined the entire Celebration by not doing the one really important thing that we were supposed to do?!
(Y/N) grabs Twilight before she could hit the ceiling and makes her come back down to the ground and gives her a serious look.
(Y/N): How many do times I have to tell you that the more you act like that, the more things WILL go wrong? Twilight, even if we did get just the tiniest thing wrong it won't be the end of the world. . . then again even the little things can make a big difference.
Twilight Sparkle: That's the point! These are the first royal duties Princess Celestia has given the two of us which means we can't risk letting her down!
?: And I'm sure neither of you won't.
The two new royal throw a glance back over their shoulders to see that it was none other than Princess Celestia who has entered the room to see them.
Spike: Your highness!
He bows low in front of her, Twilight doing likewise a moment later. However, (Y/N) just walks over happy to see his mother's longtime friend. He looks over at Twilight and taps her shoulder.
(Y/N): I don't think it's a big deal to bow now that we're just like her, Twi.
Princess Celestia: He's correct. As both of you are now Princess Twilight and Prince (Y/N), bowing isn't necessary anymore.
Twilight Sparkle: Sorry.
Both Twilight and Spike lifts their faces up and Princess Celestia gently lifts Twilight up to full vertical with a knee under the chin.
Princess Celestia: *giggles* No need to apologize.
Twilight Sparkle: Sorry!
(Y/N) rolls his eyes annoyed while Twilight gives a big placating grin.
Princess Celestia: I must admit that it is wonderful to actually be looking forward to the Summer Sun Celebration.
Twilight Sparkle: What do you mean?
Princess Celestia gazes out a window, through which the sky is deepening into evening. Across the way, Princess Luna is seen standing on a tower balcony, using her magic to raise the moon. Celestia gets a look of regret as she continues to speak.
Princess Celestia: For my subjects, it has always been a celebration of my defeat of Nightmare Moon. But for me. . .
(Y/N) walks up to rest a hoof on her shoulder.
(Y/N): It reminded you of the time that Luna was banished to the moon. . . and every year since then you felt lonely without her?
Princess Celestia: *sighs* Yes. It was a terrible reminder and I felt nothing, but regret ever since.
The other three look at one another with sad looks as they know how Celestia must have felt then.
Twilight Sparkle: I guess I've never really thought about it that way.
Celestia then turns to the three and smiles once more.
Princess Celestia: But now it has become a wonderful reminder of her transformation back into Princess Luna, and our happy reunion. I am so pleased that you two will be playing a role in the festivities. I know it must have been difficult to see your friends return to Ponyville without both of you.
(Y/N): They're our friends, so they perfectly understand what we've got to do. However, it is kind of hard since we all met with each other during the Summer Sun Celebration.
Princess Celestia: You two may no longer be my students, but I hope you two know that I will always be here if you need me. Just as I hope that you will always be there when I need you.
The three share a small group hug, which is interrupted when Spike reaches into view and taps (Y/N)'s shoulder for attention. The sound of his clearing throat snaps the three back to the here and now. They see that that the same mail carrier from the train station came to them.
Spike: I think this guy needs you?
Messenger Pony: This message is for Prince (Y/N).
The envelope is floated out of his grip and he leaves the bedroom. (Y/N) magically tears it open and what emerges is a burst of confetti and streamers that covered all of (Y/N)'s face along with the sound of a cheering crowd. He was flabbergasted from the surprise before he gives a smirk as he knows who's responsible for that.
(Y/N): That's Pinkie folks!
Everybody in the room laughs from that before (Y/N) makes the envelope disappear.
Twilight Sparkle: Well, despite that. Spike, where were we?
Spike: About to call it a night?
Twilight Sparkle: We should probably go over the checklist one more time.
Spike: I knew you were gonna say that. . .
(Y/N): (Oh, boy and when she says that. . . she does it over and over again.) Twi, you say that but can you please not spend the entire night doing that? Just one recon is enough.
Twilight Sparkle: It's okay, (Y/N). I won't spend the night checking everything until I fall asleep.
(Y/N) didn't seem convinced by that.
(Y/N): Uh-huh. . .
Princess Celestia: Well, I'll leave you to it.
As the pair begin to study the list, Princess Celestia decides to go by her own business walking placidly along a corridor elsewhere in the castle.
At floor level, she didn't notice that a black tendril breaks upward through the tiles. It reels out, thickening as foot after foot emerges into the light, and stretches off in the direction she has gone. Before anything else could happen, Princess Celestia gives out a gasp at something holding her hind legs and before she could react, she was instantly reeled back and all she could do was let out a short cry of fear that nopony could hear.
For the entire night, Twilight to no one's surprise stayed up reorganizing her plans as sleeping at a desk near the bedroom window while (Y/N) was already in the bed sleeping peacefully. Twilight gradually works her way back to approximately full consciousness, rubbing her eyes with a front hoof and straightening up. After a moment's bleary staring ahead, her eyes pop wide open at seeing something that was rather bizarre.
Twilight Sparkle: Huh?!
Twilight runs over to the bed and she shakes (Y/N) to wake him up.
Twilight Sparkle: (Y/N)! Get up! You have to see this!
(Y/N) wakes himself up as he sits up and rubs his eyes before shaking his head to fix his mane.
(Y/N): *yawns* Man, is it that early already? What time is it?
Twilight Sparkle: I don't know! It's the middle of the night! But it could be morning. That's just it! I can't tell!
(Y/N): Huh?
This got (Y/N)'s attention as he jumps out of the bed and when he looks outside he became alarmed at what he saw next as apparently both the sun and the moon are both visible at once, and the sky is split down the middle between the blue of morning and the purple of night.
(Y/N): W-What the?! Why are both the sun and the moon out?!
His surprise apparently wakes Spike up from his sleep as he sits up from his little dragon bed.
Spike: What's all of the ruckus while I'm trying to sleep here?
(Y/N): Take a look outside, buddy. The sun and the moon are out together for some weird reason.
Spike walks up to where Twilight and (Y/N) were looking outside and sees the catastrophe as well.
Spike: Whoa. That is weird.
(Y/N): Even I know that Celestia and Luna wouldn't do this as a joke. Maybe their magic went wrong or something?
Twilight Sparkle: Well, just standing here and thinking about what happened isn't going to get us anywhere. Come on, you two. Let's see what's exactly is happening.
Down at the Canterlot streets, a very large crowd of locals is gathered and they were all very close to a full panic, judging from the murmurs flying in all directions. Twilight, Spike, and (Y/N) come out of the castle to see the ponies in full confusion.
Primrose: What do you think it means?!
Royal Ribbon: Princess Twilight and Prince (Y/N) will know!
The said royals are immediately beset by a throng of ponies and a torrent of anxious questions.
(Y/N): Now everypony don't panic! This is news for us too and we'll figure out the source!
Twilight Sparkle: Yes, there's certainly a logical ex-
A unicorn guard then leans down to the two.
Royal Guard: Your Highnesses, you must come with us.
He backs off and the two look at each other confused before following right behind. Once the couple and Spike have entered the castle again, the unicorn guards on duty magically close the doors.
Royal Guard: It's Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.
Royal Guard 2: They're gone!
This brought a sharp gasp to the three as they can't believe what they are hearing right now.
(Y/N): Gone?! B-But that's. . .
Twilight Sparkle: I don't understand! Where are they?
Royal Guard: We don't know. It seems that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have simply. . . "vanished."
Spike: Vanished?!
Spike then topples over in a faint.
Royal Guard: This is why we have come to you two.
Both of the guards then give the prince and princess a bow.
Royal Guard 2: We await your command.
Twilight Sparkle: "Our" command?!
Royal Guard 2: We're officers of the Royal Guard. We take our orders from royalty. With Princess Luna and Princess Celestia gone, and Princess Cadance overseeing the Crystal Empire now, that means we take our orders from either of you.
Still in disbelief, Spike faints dramatically once more while Twilight darts her eyes back and forth unnerved of what she is supposed to do. (Y/N) however, places a hoof on her shoulder and gives her a reassuring smile.
(Y/N): Here, just follow my lead.
(Y/N) then turns to give the guards a serious look and spreads out his wings authoritatively.
(Y/N): If it means that we must take charge then we both order you to continue your search for both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. We need to know exactly how they disappeared.
(Y/N) then eyes Twilight to now have her order the guards and after seeing how (Y/N) did it, she was delivered inspiration and a shot of courage, while Spike had enough time to sit up again. She spreads her wings the same as (Y/N) did as well.
Twilight Sparkle: Make sure that all of the ponies in town stay calm and avoid panic. Like Prince (Y/N) said, there has to be something that can tell us how the princesses disappeared. If you find something, anything, let us know immediately.
Only after they have saluted and galloped away does she let out the breath she has been holding and with it goes the stiff upper lip. Spike smirks at Twilight and nudges her.
Spike: Way to take charge, Twilight.
(Y/N): Yeah, not bad princess.
Twilight smiles at this and the doors fly open to reveal a third guard.
Royal Guard 3: Your highnesses! News from Ponyville! The Everfree Forest appears to be. . . well. . . invading!
(Y/N) jaw drops in shock, a gasp came from Twilight, and this is Spike's cue to hit the floor for the third time.
At Fluttershy's cottage, the shy mare herself is seen walking across a spooked horde of small animals that have gathered inside the structure.
Fluttershy: Excuse me. . . Oh, pardon me. . .
She stops before a squirrel and picks it up.
Fluttershy: Are you all right?
It takes cover within its tail and Fluttershy moves on a bit farther only to find her path blocked by a wall of fur, which turns out to belong to her bear.
Fluttershy: My goodness, what is it that has caused you all such distress?
The bear growls a bit, covers one eye with its forepaw, and points off to a direction that led outside, Fluttershy walks over to her door.
Fluttershy: Whatever it is, I'm sure it's nothing you need to really worry about.
She reaches to open the door to witness what was outside and when she did, her blue-green irises contract to points, and she uncorks a shrill scream of terror.
The entire area around her dwelling has been overgrown by thick, black, spiky vines that do not look at all friendly. Fluttershy was so spooked that she went back inside to slam the door shut and place her back to it.
Fluttershy: Oh, no, you were right. You should be worried! Very, very worried!
At Sweet Apple Acres, things weren't looking so good on the Apples' side either as the large vines have invaded the farm. Each of them were now trying with all of their might to pull them out.
Granny Smith leans down to catch it in her teeth and pull, but try as she might, the plant will not yield. It eventually snaps back down with enough force to slam her chin into the ground, leaving her dazed for a moment.
Applejack: Come on, y'all! Put your backs into it!
Elsewhere, Apple Bloom is pulling on one, only to unearth yard after yard without being able to break or uproot it. Big Mac kept on trying to bite at least one tendril, but they keep dispersing back into the ground before he could barely touch it. Applejack eventually gives up as not even her own strength could pull the vines out.
Big Mac: Nnope.
He takes another hit in the rump from a vine and almost falls forward again.
Applejack: Where the heck are these things comin' from? And what in tarnation is goin' on with the sky?!
She says this as she looks up to see the sky steadily filling with threatening dark gray clouds studded with thorns of their own.
Speaking of the sky, Rainbow Dash was the one doing all of what she can to keep the new evil looking clouds from invading Ponyville as the majority of the town square has already been invaded. She swoops past to fly high up into the sky going against one of the clouds.
Rainbow Dash: Oh, no, you don't! This is Ponyville territory, and we aren't due for rain until after the Summer Sun Celebration. You Everfree clouds need to just head on back to where you belong!
She charges straight at the offending bit of weather, hits it dead on to only end up mired in the gray-black murk. Just as quickly, she falls free of it, managing to pull up out of her plunge just short of the ground and doubling back for another face-off.
Rainbow Dash: Gonna make me do this the hard way, huh?
This time, it responds with a lightning bolt that she barely dodges. The light blue Pegasus soon finds herself caught in a high-voltage crossfire as multiple clouds were now coming towards her.
Rainbow Dash: Hey! Oh, come on!
At Carousel Boutique, the vines were slowly about to invade Rarity's home, but apparently when she looked out of a window she was oblivious as all that she could notice was the sky giving her a pensive look.
Rarity: Hmm. Something strange about the sky.
She walks off as the black vines slowly curl up past the window, their tips emitting a pale sparkly aura. Inside of where her kitchen is, Rarity approaches a table with a teapot and cup in her telekinetic grip. Just after she sets them down, the sparkles from the vines flow into her horn, causing its normal glow to give way to theirs.
The teapot is levitated toward the cup and tilted to pour, but the liquid never reaches its mark. Instead, it veers crazily past the rim, describes a jagged loop in front of Rarity's face, and finally shoots past her. The pot sails after it, and she glances warily around the doorframe and into the showroom just in time to see the pot spill its contents over a hat parked on a pony mannequin's head.
Rarity: What in the name of calming chamomile is going on?!
Her cat Opalescence, doing a bit of grooming, gets both her bow and its tuft of hair thoroughly soaked by a jet of tea. She jumps clear to avoid the next burst, aimed at her paws, and runs off with a hiss and angry meow as it gives chase. A mannequin gets bowled over as the pursuit ranges around Rarity.
Rarity: Opalescence, darling, I'm so sorry! I promise I am not doing this on purpose!
Licking a hoof and touching it to her horn, Rarity was able to extinguish the funky enchantment to her magic as the crazed teapot falls to the floor and shatters.
Rarity: It wasn't me, I swear!
Opal growls in her general direction, then stalks off with a feline noise of contempt. Her owner rubs her chin in thought and turns it into sudden indignation.
Rarity: Ooh, Sweetie Belle! If this is some sort of prank you and your little Crusader friends are pulling, I find very little humor in it!
However, Sweetie Belle comes bouncing down the stairs upside down on her head, horn sheathed in the same sparkly glow that hitched up her sister's magic proving that she's not responsible at all.
Sweetie Belle: Rarity, you have to help me! I think something's wrong with my horn!
Her horn then fizzles out making her thump to the floor. However, the magic takes control of a nearby drapery and stretches it toward her. The filly sprints away screaming, prompting a gasp from Rarity as her horn flares up again. Neither of the two know what's going on as all they could do was run in slight panic.
Back at the Canterlot Castle, Twilight is seen galloping down a staircase, floating her tiara along. (Y/N) follows right behind flying as he floats his crown on his head. Spike is then seen chasing after them as well.
Spike: Where are we going?!
(Y/N): Duh! Ponyville! I don't get it! How can. . . the Everfree Forest simply just go haywire like that? I've been in there plenty of times and up until now it was normal.
Twilight Sparkle: Well, whatever it is I'm sure we're going to need our friends and the Elements of Harmony to stop it! I just hope we haven't missed the train. . .
She settles the tiara on her head while (Y/N) gives her a confused look.
(Y/N): I think I've got a better idea than to use the train since we're in a hurry.
Twilight Sparkle: What do you mean?
Twilight skids to a stop on a bridge and Spike slams into her rump, knocking the sense out of himself. As he topples over the side, she instinctively extends a wing for him to grab so he can stay out of the stream below. He is quickly hoisted back onto the bridge.
(Y/N): You're an alicorn now, Twilight! You can fly, remember?
Twilight looks at her wings and smiles sheepishly.
Twilight Sparkle: Oh. Right!
She flips Spike onto her back and lifts off very unevenly, almost tossing him away. (Y/N) sees this and sighs before he takes her hoof in his.
(Y/N): Look, why don't I take charge in helping you keep balance in case you fall or crash again?
Twilight Sparkle: *chuckles nervously* That would be helpful. . . I have a feeling that I won't be good at flying until weeks.
(Y/N): I don't know if it'll take that long, but it's understandable that you have to get used to this since you were formerly a unicorn. Sounds like you'll need more lessons with Rainbow Dash and I.
Twilight Sparkle: P-Please go easy on me. . .
(Y/N): Heh, it's Dash's job to do the rough part. I'll be right beside you in your flight like I am now.
Twilight giggles from that before they both head off to Ponyville to save the town from the Everfree Forest.
Back at Ponyville, things were getting worse as one of the dark Everfree clouds zooms across, chased by Rainbow Dash, but the situation quickly reverses itself with three of them coming after her and firing off lightning. Down at the town square, several screaming ponies were running ahead in fear of the vegetation's inexorable advance.
Rarity: Something very strange is going on, and-
She gasps as a massive vine erupts in front of her and she gallops up onto the town hall's porch.
Rarity: I for one would appreciate an explanation!
Rainbow Dash then flies down to her.
Rainbow Dash: All I know is the sky's split in two, and these clouds moving in sure aren't from around here.
Applejack: Neither are all these crazy plants!
Applejack is then seen trying to pull one up, while other ponies scramble every which way.
Applejack: They're comin' from the Everfree Forest! And try as we might, us Earth ponies can't do anythin' to get rid of 'em!
Pinkie Pie then joins them as she slides along the black vines and executes a perfect four-point landing. Applejack then turns to Rarity for answers.
Applejack: Don't suppose you know any magic that might stop 'em from spreadin'?
Rarity: Alas, this whole raging forest situation seems to have left my horn on the fritz!
Fluttershy: We have to figure out something! I don't know how much more of this Ponyville can take!
Fluttershy then gets snagged by one of the vines as she pulls up as far as she can with a cry, and Rainbow Dash blasts across to kick the snare apart.
Fluttershy: I don't know how much more I can take!
Applejack: The forest is expandin', y'all, and judgin' by how fast it's movin', it doesn't seem content just takin' over Ponyville. . . I reckon before long, it'll cover half of Equestria!
Back with the prince, princess, and dragon, they were still in the air near their destination as (Y/N) was still guiding Twilight through flight avoiding Everfree clouds along the way. The flight was a little rough as (Y/N) was flying a little fast for his girlfriend to handle.
Twilight Sparkle: (Y/N), I told you that I can't fly that fast!
Spike then falls off Twilight's back and is clutching her tail for dear life.
(Y/N): Sorry Twi, I only sped up since those funny looking clouds are in the way and I'm just trying to make sure that we don't crash into them.
Spike's cheeks take on a queasy green tint as he regains his seat, but he fights back the urge to lose his lunch and pulls out a seat belt. Looping the ends around Twilight's rump and his waist, he buckles himself in place and tightens the slack.
Spike: Maybe we should've taken the train after all!
(Y/N): Don't worry, I can see the Golden Oak Library from here!
Twilight Sparkle: Great! Once we're in, we need to get the Elements of Harmony and find the others! (Y/N), let me try landing again. I feel like I've got it this time.
(Y/N): Uh. . . are you sure? That's a sudden confidence boost coming from you.
Twilight Sparkle: Well, you know what they say, third times a charm.
(Y/N) uneasily let's go of Twilight's hoof as she goes into a dive, bearing down on the library. (Y/N) sees this and darts after her.
Spike: INCOMING!
Twilight's reckless confidence yields to panic when she realizes that she has no good way to stop in a hurry.
Twilight Sparkle: Whoa! Maybe I should've listened to you, (Y/N)!
Before any of them could even crash, (Y/N) swiftly grabs Twilight's body and glows his horn to instantly teleport them inside of the library. They both materialize in a screaming violet and (C/C) tumble and they both roll into a mountain of books marking their landing. The rest of the mares were already inside looking at the books as they noticed their crash inside.
Spike arrives a moment later, thumping spreadeagle against the window behind Fluttershy, and she drops her book and turns to look just after he slides down out of view. Twilight and (Y/N) put their heads out of the scrambled books, badly disoriented by the hit they've taken. (Y/N) shakes his head to regain his composure before giving an annoyed look to Twilight.
(Y/N): What did I tell you?! That was the worse landing that I've ever had!
Twilight takes a glare back at (Y/N).
Twilight Sparkle: Because that wasn't landing! That was crashing and tumbling!
(Y/N): Point taken.
Rarity: Oh, thank goodness you two are here!
Fluttershy: Oh, I hope you know we wouldn't normally go through your books without permission. . .
Spike then opens the door to crawl in and kisses the ground repeatedly.
Spike: Sweet ground! Sweet, sweet, wonderful ground!
(Y/N) then gives a smug look at Twilight.
(Y/N): See? He thinks so too.
Twilight Sparkle: *rolls eyes* Okay, I get it! I need to work on my landing while I'm flying!
Pinkie Pie: I dunno if you've noticed, but the Everfree Forest is just a teeny-tiny bit out of control.
Her tail chooses this moment to twitch madly and she hits the deck. A thorny vine then punches across the room, missing Pinkie but plowing Rarity away.
Applejack: Guess it turned out you were missin' something here in Ponyville after all. Hey sugarcube, you don't mind takin' care of this here vine do ya?
(Y/N): With pleasure!
(Y/N) flies up and puts some energy into his hoof before he comes down karate chopping the vine inside of the building. After that, he let's out a proud sigh and Applejack pecks his cheek as thanks.
(Y/N): You know, I kind of missed doing that after so long.
Rarity: Yes well, perhaps you already know what's causing all of this calamity. Has Princess Celestia sent you two to dispel it posthaste?
(Y/N) and Twilight look at each other with growing unease as their friends may probably have the same reaction of what's going on.
Twilight Sparkle: Not exactly. You see, Princess Celestia is, well. . .
(Y/N): She and Princess Luna are both. . .
Spike: They're missing!
Two clawed hands clap over his mouth as he realizes that he has spilled way too many of the beans. The outburst earns a five-way gasp from the rest of the mares.
Twilight Sparkle: We don't know who has taken them, but we've got a hunch we're going to need the Elements of Harmony to get them back.
She turns her attention to the glass case by one wall that holds the other five element necklaces and levitates its cover away. (Y/N) then takes the liberty of levitating each one of them to their respective users' necks to clasp them on.
Rainbow Dash: Oh, yeah, just like old times.
Rarity get's hers next and then Pinkie Pie too.
Pinkie Pie: A-boo-yah!
She hoof bumps (Y/N) before giving him a quick kiss on the lips surprising him.
Pinkie Pie: And even better, we've now got a handsome boyfriend to be right with us too!
Applejack: (Y/N) said that we'd always be connected by the Elements and he's right. Now we just gotta figure out who to aim these bad boys at so we can get Celestia and Luna back and keep the rest of Equestria from becoming plant food! Any ideas?
Pinkie Pie: Grofart?
(Y/N): Nah. We banished him to another dimension remember?
Twilight Sparkle: And I'm sure that if it was, he would have gone after (Y/N) already, not Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
(Y/N): Everypony think. What kind of creature can all of these actions in Equestria lead up to?
Pinkie Pie: I haven't found squat in any of the books I've been looking through!
Everyone then looks to see Pinkie on the ground with a couple of coloring books in front of her.
Pinkie Pie: Oopsies! Missed a spot!
She grabs a crayon in her teeth and plies it on the offending page.
Twilight Sparkle: Half day, half night. . . strange weather patterns. . . out of control plants. I think I'm starting to get a pretty good idea of who we're up against.
(Y/N): Who?
Twilight makes a slithery gesture with her hooves and (Y/N) then got the picture as he gets a serious look on his face.
(Y/N): Oh. . . Him. . .
Through a street in Ponyville, the Mane 7 all walk through the area with serious expressions for how they all know who the culprit is behind the Everfree Forest invading Ponyville. They gather in an open area that is not too badly choked with vines. (Y/N) and Twilight look at each other and nod before they both throw their horns into high gear to activate the Elements of Harmony.
The gems in the others' necklaces ignite and lift them clear of the ground. Ribbons of rainbow light lace from one to the next in both directions, finally curling around Twilight and (Y/N) and connecting to both of the crowns before swirling across the place in a varicolored tornado. The view clears to reveal that they have summoned. . .
Discord. . . He was even sitting in a bathtub under a running shower and scrubbing various bits of his crazy-quilt anatomy with a soapy brush.
Discord: Winter Wrap Up, Winter Wrap- Ooh!
When he notices the Mane 7, he throws the brush away and conjures up a towel to wrap it around himself with a slightly embarrassed laugh. The shower stops, and he steps out of the tub.
Discord: Now, Twilight, you know Princess Celestia said that you were to give me a heads up before you summon me with that little spell she gave you. In case you haven't noticed, I was in the middle of a particularly invigorating shower.
He shows off his snaky brown body thrusting it into hers and (Y/N)'s face. (Y/N) sticks his tongue in disgust before Twilight shoves him back.
Twilight Sparkle: Enough! Release Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and stop the Everfree Forest from invading!
In a blink, she finds herself thoroughly wrapped up in a heavy black vine whose end stops inches in front of her face. The growth transforms into Discord, looking her straight on from point-blank range.
Discord: Why, *chuckles* whatever are you talking about?
Applejack: Don't you play dumb with us, Discord! We know you're the one behind all of this!
Discord slithers away and reappears at roof level behind a house while taking pictures with a camera.
Discord: Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love what you've done with the place, but I couldn't possibly take responsibility. I'm reformed, don't you remember?
Discord says this as he brings both Fluttershy and (Y/N) in beside him. Fluttershy was unsure while (Y/N) raises an eyebrow confused.
(Y/N): (That's. . . kind of true. But. . . there's nopony else that could've done this.)
His thoughts were interrupted as Rainbow comes down to Discord with an irate face.
Rainbow Dash: Yeah, right! This has got your cloven hoofprints all over it!
Discord: I'll have you know that I have only ONE cloven hoof.
The hind leg to which said hoof is attached hops its way up his body, swings itself in an arc, and connects squarely to hit Rainbow Dash in the rump. Limb and draconequus both disappear in a flash before he rematerializes in front of the group.
Discord: Such accusations. And here I thought we were friends.
He gives them big sad soulful eyes which didn't work to butter them up.
Pinkie Pie: Drop the act, buster! We're onto you!
Discord: Ladies and gent I'm innocent. Would I lie to you?
Mane 5: YES!
Fluttershy: Um, maybe?
(Y/N) gives Discord the stink eye.
(Y/N): Hm. . .
Discord: Well then, it seems we've reached an impasse. I'm telling the truth, but you think I'm lying. What do friends like us do in a situation like this, Princess Twilight?
He pokes at her tiara working up Twilight's nerves.
Discord: Congrats, by the way, on the promotion. Along with the prince as well. You two totally deserve it.
He pinches and stretches her cheeks and scratches her nose irritating her even more. Discord then flies up to lift (Y/N) into the air and connects his tail to a fishing hook.
(Y/N): Hey! Put me down!
Discord: I should also congratulate you six ladies for hooking up with this stallion.
Discord says this before dropping (Y/N) to the ground and reappearing in a business suit and glasses holding up a piece of long paper.
Discord: Perhaps we should make even bigger plans for when your anniversaries come. How does this entire setting of Ponyville sound? The landscape is romantic enough for even when both day and night are out, wouldn't you agree?
Rainbow Dash: I say we blast him back to stone!
Applejack: Works for me!
Rarity: Hear, hear!
These three warm up their Elements, ready to crank off a bit of petrifying vengeance, but Fluttershy moves to intercept.
(Y/N): As much as Discord annoys me. . . I have to agree with Fluttershy. I'm starting to think that he isn't behind this at all.
Twilight then grabs (Y/N) face to look at him with complete shock.
Twilight Sparkle: WHAT?! Are you crazy?!
(Y/N): Sorry girls, but think about it. Discord would be way more random than this if he was the culprit. And it's all coming from JUST the Everfree Forest, nowhere else. Besides, when we did reform him, he did seem sincere about it.
Discord stitches on an ear-to-ear grin with a halo appearing above his head to drive the point home. It disappears as he speaks next.
Discord: Well, finally! Somepony willing to give me the benefit of the doubt. The rest of you could learn a lot about friendship from my dear friend Shutterfly and. . . what was it again.
(Y/N): *rolls eyes* . . .(Y/N). And her name isn't Shutterfly, it's Fluttershy.
Discord: Oh, right, whatever.
Twilight Sparkle: If you're not the one responsible, then help us figure out who is!
Discord then goes to teleport over a nearby vine and knit on it with his chaos magic.
Discord: I suppose I could, but after all the hoof pointing and besmirching of my good name, I just don't know if I'm up to it.
He passes the time by doing his little crocheting while Twilight voices a loud, frustrated groan that just makes Discord smirk a bit.
Discord: Why don't you ask your zebra friend if she knows anything?
He has knitted a large arrow pointing off to his left to show that Zecora was trudging into view. She is hitched to a cart piled high with some of her belongings, and the rest are held in a bindle tied around her neck. Seeing her made (Y/N) and Twilight smile hopefully.
Twilight Sparkle: Zecora! Of course!
(Y/N): She lives in the Everfree Forest all of the time! She'd definitely have to know something!
The Mane 7 gallop over as the zebra drops to her haunches. Fluttershy and Rainbow airlift the bindle away, and Applejack and Pinkie unhitch the cart and roll it back.
Zecora: From my home, I have had to flee! The forest has grown too wild, even for me!
Applejack: Any idea why all this is happenin'?
A vine then steals Applejack's hat irritating her.
Zecora: I'm afraid it is a mystery to me as well, but I may have something that, if combined with a spell. . .
Zecora crosses over to her cart rummaging through all of the stuff that she had packed in it and soon she takes out a bottle and places it in front of Twilight and (Y/N).
Zecora: I do not dare to use it myself, the results would be tragic. It only responds to alicorn magic.
(Y/N) and Twilight were surprised from that as they both take a look at one another knowing that they are the only ones who have alicorn magic.
Zecora: Princess Twilight, Prince (Y/N), the two of you can turn the potion from purple to white. After a sip, you may see why the sky is day and night.
Twilight and (Y/N) nod as the former drops into a half-crouch with magic boiling around her horn with the same green-rimmed purple aura that she used when saving the Crystal Empire. After a long, pained groan of effort, she fires a beam of black energy into the potion. (Y/N) then uses the same amount of effort as he glows his entire body (F/C) before firing the same rainbow-colored energy beam from battling Grogar. With both of the magic combined, the purple hue in the bottle fades away and turned white as Pinkie leans down for a closer look.
Pinkie Pie: Oooh!
The other four onlooker mares are stunned beyond words at this display, but Twilight just floats the bottle up to head level. She looks at (Y/N) unsure if she should go through with this, but he nods.
(Y/N): If that potion can hold the key of what can stop the Everfree Forest from invading. . . then I say that we both drink it and see what happens.
Twilight Sparkle: In that case. . . Here goes nothing.
Twilight takes a long swig of the potion and once she was finished, she passes it over to (Y/N) who takes the same sip. The rest of the ponies look in anticipation for what was going to happen, but once (Y/N) was finished drinking. A lot of nothing proceeds to happen to both him and Twilight as she licks her lips.
Twilight Sparkle: Doesn't seem to be worki-
The lack of action comes to a screeching halt and the two alicorns' eyes glowed white and their wings spread as well.
In just a split second, both the prince and the princess were taken to what looks to be a torchlit throne room, and the steps lead up to a pair of thrones as well. The two banners had a yellow and blue color to them. This place was indeed the royal sister's old castle. . . but it looked rather new.
Twilight Sparkle: Where are we?
(Y/N): I don't know, but I can't shake off the feeling that we've been here before. It looks kind of familiar.
?: Not. . . another step!
Both of them turned towards to where that voice was coming from and they both look to see that behind the blue throne emerges Princess Luna herself who was in a foul mood. They then approach Luna's dais to address her.
(Y/N): Luna? What are you doing here?
Twilight Sparkle: This is all so confusing. Where are we? Why did you and Celestia disappear?
Princess Luna however spoke with venom in her voice for what she says next.
Princess Luna: Did you really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in your precious light?
Twilight Sparkle: Precious light?
(Y/N): Wait! What do you mean? Did something go wrong?
Luna then steps onto the walkway glaring down at the two.
Princess Luna: There can only be ONE princess in Equestria! And that princess. . . will be ME!
This last word is accompanied by a blaze of white from her eyes and a stomp that pulverizes most of the walkway's railing. A jagged crack races up the masonry and shadows stretch toward the ceiling. The fracture reaches a stained-glass window showing a white tree and shatters it, exposing the sun and a patch of blue sky beyond the wall.
Twilight cringes and (Y/N) flinches before the shower of masonry fragments and they can only watch, gobsmacked, as Luna rises slowly off the walkway and raises her forelegs. The moon rises into view outside to eclipse the sun, instantly darkening the sky into night. Rays of black radiance flood into the throne room, catching the dark sovereign off guard when they encircle her.
(Y/N): No. . . She's can't be turning into. . .
All Twilight and (Y/N) could do was watch in fear as the core of the ball that enveloped Luna goes yellow, then totally black, then assumes the appearance of an all-too-familiar blue-violet vapor. This explodes outward to both sides, forming the mane and tail of a winged and horned silhouette that now floats against the red remnant of the energy sphere.
One eye in the deep blue-black face opens to reveal a blue-green iris and a pupil that contracts to a slit. Next her mouth opens for a scornful laugh, every tooth lengthening and taking on a deadly point, and two armored hooves hit the broken stone of the formerly intact walkway. Twilight and (Y/N) couldn't believe who they are seeing once more as it was their very first foe from when they first met and it was none other than. . .
(Y/N): N-Nightmare Moon?!
The said returned villain let's out an evil cackle as it turns out that it is real. For what awaits Princess Twilight and Prince (Y/N) in this turn of events?
Chapter 2 End. To be continued.