3rd place in Everfree Northwest's Iron Author challenge.

Star Gazer never liked the ocean. After being assigned to guard a merchant on his journey to the Vaneightian Islands, he finds that his presence was needed more than he thought.

So, to explain:
The Iron Author contest was a test for everypony to start a story, and finish, within a two hour deadline. They gave us the prompts:
-A brief, shining moment
-a voyage
-Masks
So this is what I came up with in those two hours. I didn't have enough time to edit upon submission, so this is the story, as is.

Having been defeated by the Rainbooms, losing their dark powers, and even their ability to sing, the Dazzlings are all but happy with how Adagio's plan went. But, as they did when defeated before, they will brush themselves off and keep moving forward.. Now they have to continue living in this world, without their powers this time. As they go on, however, they will start to notice some changes amongst themselves, and realize just how this tragedy affected each of them.

It's been a full year, and for the anniversary, Twilight decided to host a special party in honor of Pinkie Pie.

She was but a monster, to ponykind. One who simply wished to devour their love, and make them suffer. It's true, she didn't care much about those colorful ponies. But when her people are the ones suffering, is she really such a monster?

Queen Chrysalis' cover was perfect. She had removed the two ponies who could interfere, but after they show up at the wedding, can she keep her plans together?

A bit of an alternate ending. It is very similar to the finale, but a different lead up.