The Stallion Who Can Never Die

Princess Luna stared out into the waving green hills and farmland as the train passed by them. She turned her head back to the inside of her spacious compartment and a small smile formed. She realized she quite liked trains, her sister had made them out to be nasty, uncomfortable things that sometimes were slower then just flying. I wonder what may have happened that caused my sister to dislike these contraptions so... The only downside she could think of was that they were too noisy for her to sleep and, considering it was high noon, she was exhausted.

The Princess of the Night sighed quietly. Why couldn't this have waited till sunset? She thought as her mind drifted back.

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She sat on the porch of the highest tower in the palace, gazing out into the fields and forests that stretched around them for miles and miles. Her dark blue, starry mane blew in the ethereal wind, never stopping, never slowing its pace. Her ears flicked to the back of her head upon hearing the sound of approaching hoofsteps. In her golden regalia, her snow white form towering over Luna even if she stood up, Celestia smiled as stepped out onto the balcony. Luna turned her head and smiled at her elder sister.

"Sister," she greeted. "You're up early. I thought it was next to impossible for you to do that."

"I allowed myself to sleep in this morning so I could spend some time with you and your night." The Sun Bearer replied.

Luna raised an eyebrow. "But what about your royal duties? You couldn't do them all, unless you gave some of them to..." Her eyes widened at the realization and her smile turned into a smirk. "Oh, you're evil."

"Now now, Luna..." Celestia said in a chided tone that gave a hint of mocking, sitting down next to her sister. "I didn't do it for some practical joke, I just know it does the nobility some good to get some outside time."

Luna gave Celestia a knowing look, the elder sister keeping a straight face. For a moment, before she broke down under her sister's gaze enough to let out a small chuckle. "I will admit, though, it was fun to hear them whine- I mean- 'respectfully announce their displeasure'."

Luna chuckled, and looked up at the numerous stars that lighted the night sky, the moon being the center piece. Celestia looked up and smiled when she saw a shooting star zoom by. "I'm glad that you were able to adjust quickly after you came back, you were always better at making the night beautiful then I could."

"What can I say?" Luna said, her voice brimming with pride. "I'm gifted like that."

The two royal alicorns were silent for a moment, with Luna looking up and thinking about what new improvement she could make to the sky. Celestia glanced to her and saw the look in her sister's eyes. It was a look she saw many times before, a look she had dearly missed for 1000 years, but it caused her worry. She saw how her sister became absorbed in making the night sky beautiful and friendly and inspiring, it was exactly the same way all those centuries ago. She became so focused in her night that it would be all she would work on, closing herself off from many of her subjects, save for a small number of ponies who would be fanatically loyal to her. But too many ponies would sleep through the night, and it would frustrate her, that frustration would turn into anger, and that anger would turn into jealously, and that jealousy would- Celestia shook off the thoughts, not daring to imagine what could happen.

She looked at Luna, who remained fixated at the sky. Times had changed, many more of her subjects had come to enjoy and celebrate the night as many celebrated the day. That was proven when many ponies volunteered to serve and protect Luna shortly after she was reinstated into the throne, her Night Guard was now almost as big as Celestia's own Royal Guard, a vast improvement from 1000 years ago. And then there was the ecstatic night life in many of Equestria's major cities, where before Luna's name was silently celebrated, and now openly spoken since she had returned and taken her place. But was it all enough? Despite all that, despite Celestia's subtle encouragements, which had varying results, a majority of her subjects slept through and feared the night, and the thought that history could repeat itself troubled the Princess greatly. And it was all because Luna kept mostly to herself, not going to any of the festivities save for Nightmare Night, which would have been a disaster had her Faithful Student not been there to put things right. She never mingled with any of her subjects, even the ones who were more loyal to her then Celestia herself. She had a feeling that was where things began to go wrong, perhaps...

She cleared her throat. "Luna..."

The dark alicorn blinked and looked at Celestia. "Yes, sister? What is it?"

"You know how I mentioned that outside time was good for the nobility?"

The smirk returned. "Yes, and the thought of the nobility running around outside doing your chores entertains me greatly. After all these years, they still seem to have their noses high in their air, believing themselves to be above everypony else." She chuckled and shook her head slowly. "I guess some things never change..."

Some things don't, my little sister, let us hope that your good heart remains one of those things. "Yes, well, have you been active yourself? Have you attended to any royal duties or events?"

Luna looked at her with a puzzled look. "Sister, you know not many things happen in the night. Besides, those..." She paused, thinking of a polite word so as to not insult her sister. "...'formalities' never interested me."

"Well, you don't have to spend your time here in the palace, there are plenty of exciting places that simply are amazing during the night."

Luna scoffed. "Sister, Canterlot has absolutely nothing going on during the night, save for a few... legally questionable shops that seem to move around each night."

Celestia frowned at that, remembering that the Canterlot Black Market was still active despite her attempts to shut them down. She mentally shook her head to keep herself on the subject at hoof. "But what about other cities, such as Manehatten or Las Pegasus?"

"I imagine they would be the same as Canterlot, sister, even though I've never gone to them."

Celestia's mouth opened up a little in shock. I had to have misheard that. "Luna, are you telling me you haven't gone to any of the major cities of Equestria since you returned?"

Luna shook her head. "I have not, why bother? I'm sure they're lovely when the sun is high up in the sky, but I'm also sure they're no different then Canterlot is when the night comes."

Celestia maintained a completely straight face, staring at her sister for several moments. Luna titled her head to the side. "Uh... Sister? Is something wrong?"

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Luna sighed. The next night she was told about a museum being reopened in Vanhoover and that Celestia thought it would be a lovely idea for Luna to go and commemorate the reopening ceremony, which was taking place at night. Her sister's words echoed in her mind.

"The first Vanhoover Museum had many lovely and mysterious artifacts before it burned down, I'm sure you will enjoy this new museum greatly. So go there and celebrate with your subjects on this occasion, and spend a few days in the city, I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised. Please? For me, sister?"

For you, my sister, she said silently, seeing the approaching buildings of Vanhoover, it wouldn't be long now.

It was only when the train made a complete stop in the Vanhoover Station that Luna got up from her seat and made her way from her compartment to the exit of the train. The moment she stepped out, a chill ran all across her and she shivered, the dark feathers on her wings bristling from the chill. As suddenly as it appeared, it was gone, well mostly... the chill remained in her head, stubbornly clinging to her mind. She rubbed the side of her head, what was that? The gasps and shocked stares from many of the ponies nearby brought her back to focus. Luna paid them no heed as she walked on, eager to get out of the station to avoid the stares. In her tired state, they made her uncomfortable. At the corner of her eye, she saw something move, like a shadow. She turned her head, but found only a shadowed corner. My mind is playing tricks on me now in protest for the lack of sleep, she realized, and continued on. Perhaps that's what the chill was, as well...

At the station's entrance, a gray coated Unicorn in a gray suit with a smooth yellow mane sat at the bottom step of the flight of stairs. She perked up at seeing Luna exit the station and approached her cautiously.

"Princess Luna?"

Luna stopped halfway down the stairs and looked at her with a curious face. "Yes?"

The mare bowed. "My name is Magi Straight, I'm the curator of the Vanhoover Museum, I was given a telegram earlier telling me you were coming for the reopening ceremony tonight."

Luna nodded slowly. "Ah yes, a pleasure to meet you Magi."

Magi Straight's face brightened and she bowed in respect. "I must say, your highness, it is a true honour to meet you, and it is an even bigger honour that you wish to commemorate the museum's reopening, or 'rebirth' as some of the employees are calling it." She sighed. "I remember going to that place when I was very little before it burned down; it will be so nice to have it back in business after all these years."

Luna nodded politely as Magi followed her down the stairs.

"Uh, your highness, may I ask something of you?"

Luna looked down at the Unicorn and gestured with her hoof, giving her permission to ask. Magi rubbed the back of her neck nervously.

"Well, I'm wondering if perhaps you would be willing to give a speech during the ceremony, I'm sure that will help with the museum's publicity greatly."

The Princess put a hoof to her chin in thought. "Perhaps, but I'm not sure what I would say, as I don't know much about this place and the museum's history."

Magi quickly shook her head. "Oh, that's okay, your majesty, I have a ring of writers who I'm sure would be more then willing to write your speech down for you. We can have it ready for you hours before the ceremony."

"Is that so?" Luna raised an eyebrow, that seemed difficult on such short notice. "I don't want to be adding to any stress for your writers, Miss Straight."

"Oh, I assure you, Princess, it will be no trouble at all. In fact, they're quite excited of the possibility."

Luna opened her mouth to speak when she caught another moving shadow at the corner of her eye, quickly turning her head, all she saw was a dark and deserted alleyway. Supposedly deserted Luna told herself before she mentally sighed. Great, now I'm becoming paranoid.

"Your highness?" Magi looked up at her with confusion and some concern. The alicorn brought out a small smile and looked at her, hoping to put her fears to rest. It seemed to work as she saw the worry leave the mare's eyes.

"Very well, then, Miss Straight, you may have the speech prepared for me."

A wide smile came on Magi's face. "Oh, excellent! This is wonderful news! I will have that speech ready for you well before the ceremony begins!"

"We'll see it soon, then." Luna replied, before realizing she had spoken with the old Royal Canterlot 'we'. Old habits die hard... "The hotel I am staying at is the Golden Wing Hotel, you can deliver it there."

Magi Straight nodded enthusiastically, turning around. "I will go tell them at once, thank you, your highness!"

With that, the curator turned and galloped down the street, away from Luna and leaving her with the chill in her mind.

The moment Luna walked in through the golden handled doors of the hotel, she was beheld with a line of stallions and mares standing at attention, almost like a military display. The floor was covered in a soft red carpet and the floors sparkled in a deeper shade of red, while the curtains hanging by the windows were made of a gold silk. Clearly, the hotel had some cleaning done in preparation for her arrival.

"Princess Luna," A stallion in a red tunic approached her. "Welcome to the Golden Wing Hotel, we are truly honoured that you have chosen this lovely establishment for your stay in Vanhoover."

"The honour is all mine." The princess replied politely, gently shaking the stallion's hoof while the other employees bowed. "I do not wish to be rude, but the trip here was a little exhausting, and I will need to rest before the reopening ceremony tonight."

"Of course, your majesty." The stallion said quickly, elaborately gesturing a hoof towards the flight of stairs that led to the upper levels and a very fancy looking elevator. "Your suite on the top floor has been prepared and is ready for you. Should you need anything, our staff will always be ready to get you whatever you need."

"That is appreciated." She said as she walked up the steps. "I am expecting somepony to arrive with a written speech, please direct them to me when they arrive."

The stallion bowed. "We shall, your majesty."

With that, Princess Luna walked up the stairs and entered the elevator, idly looking around as the unicorn handling the controls used his magic to push a level. Machinery began whirring as the doors closed and the small cube began elevating up the floors. Then, she saw right in front of her eyes, a pony wearing a dirty gray cloak, black shadows swirling around it. Luna gasped, blinking in the process, when she opened her eyes, the pony was gone.

"Your highness?" The unicorn controlling the elevator said in a slightly nasally voice. "Are you alright?"

"Did you see that?" She asked, her eyes wide.

"See what, your highness? Do you want me to stop the elevator?"

Luna continued staring straight ahead, even though they had now passed the floor where she saw the po- no, not a pony, some kind of creature. She shook her head. "No, keep going. It must have been my imagination."

But she knew it wasn't, now she knew her mind was not playing tricks on her, she was seeing somepony, something follow her, trailing a dark, dark magic with it. Could that be the reason she felt a chill in her mind? No, that was... something else, it felt different then whenever she saw the glimpses of the thing that was following her. Soon, the elevator stopped, and the unicorn levitated a gold key to the princess.

"Your room is just down the hall, your highness." He said. Luna simply nodded as she took the key in her own magic and stepped out of the elevator. The doors closed behind her and the elevator began its descent back down. Wasting no time, she immediately made her way into her hotel room, paying no attention to the beauty as she magically shut all the windows and covered them with the curtains, bathing the room in darkness, the only light being the faint glowing from her horn as she locked the door and sent out a silent pulse, a special signal that only she and the Night Guard could sense. It's radius wasn't long, but if she knew her guardians...

After a few seconds, two forms emerged from the shadows, wearing dark luminescent armour that almost glowed under Luna's magical light, their bat-like wings flared open as they landed silently. The two Night Guards bowed.

"Your majesty," One of them spoke, her voice brimming with respect and absolute loyalty, her fangs flashing against the intricate dance of the room's darkness and Luna's dark light.

"Nightingale," Luna greeted, nodding to the mare, before turning to the guard next to her, whose armour was the same save for the mouth guard he wore over his muzzle. "And Silent Hill, I'm glad the two best of my guard were sent to watch me."

"It is unorthodox for you to be traveling so far from the capital, especially in the day, your majesty." Nightingale answered, maintaining her bow.

"Rise." Luna commanded, her guards obeyed and she looked at them both eye to eye. "Have you noticed anything odd in this city?"

"Indeed I have, your majesty, the dark form that is tracking you, it is part of the shadows, able to traverse among them and remain hidden." Nightingale answered. "I do not know what it is, nor what its intentions are, as it was difficult to watch it in the daylight."

Silent Hill shuddered and Nightingale continued speaking. "We can only remain in your sister's sun for so long, Princess, her light cuts through our armour and burns through our coats."

Luna frowned. "I apologize for this, you should have remained in the darkness until nightfall."

"We vamponies can survive the tribulations of the sun, your majesty, ever since you returned. You need not fear for us."

Luna shook her head, hearing the horror stories of the some vamponies burning into dust by being in the sunlight for only a few moments. Although there were no proven cases of such, it made the alicorn wonder if Celestia had a ruthless side in her. The thought made her shudder. "In any case, it is no doubt that that is a creature of the Realm, how it got to our plane is unknown, but it could be hostile, I want you to keep a close eye for any sightings of it."

The guards nodded in response.

"Also, look into any strange happenings that may have happened recently, if a creature from the Realm is here, this will tell us if it is simply lost and wandering, or if it has more malicious purposes."

"It shall be done your highness." Nightingale answered, briefly bowing.

Luna nodded. "Now, I need rest, I have a lot to prepare for."

The two guards nodded, and stepped back, disappearing into shadow. Luna immediately cut off her magic, the darkness immediately descended and surrounded her. With a sigh, she stepped up onto the large bed and let her head fall rather ungracefully onto the pillow, immediately falling into a welcoming slumber.

In the darkness of the suite, Dark Cloud shifted uneasily, watching the slow breathing from the Princess as she slept. While everything was silent save for the quiet and steady breath from the dark alicorn, inside its mind, the voice that calmly warned it of Luna's arrival now shouted at it, seething in anger.

"...I never thought you could make such foalish mistakes! Not only did you let her see you four times, but you revealed yourself right in front of her! You may have jeapordized everything now that she has her servants on alert! And now we have to work even harder to keep them from finding anything, which not only may be impossible, but may put us in more danger of discovery! and it will be all because of you, Dark Cloud. Leave the Princess' suite immediately, you are not worthy of being in her presence."

Dark Cloud bowed its head in shame and vanished, leaving the darkened room and a cold chill behind it.

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The Dream World, the place where the beauty of her wondrous world seeped into the Realm, the place of eternal darkness and fear. In the Realm, many dark things stirred, the children of a grave Horror that slept in the Within. It was in the Dream World, that Luna's loving subjects took the tiniest of steps into the powers of the Realm, unknowingly using its powers to shape their empty void into the fantasies they so desire. It did not matter what they dreamed, but as they shaped their world, uncontrollably or not, they brought with them just the smallest of pieces of their happy, peaceful, and beautiful world. All the positive feelings bled into the Realm, bringing the tiniest amount of light that scared the children of Horror and empowered the Within, keeping it sleeping. Although a child of Horror could affect a pony's dream, bringing their fears to life, creating a nightmare. There, it would have the exact opposite effect, weakening the Within and causing an ever so slight stir in Horror's sleep. Thus, Luna kept a constant vigil, protecting her subjects and keeping their dreams peaceful. But the Dream World was a conscious being, mysterious in its presence, but it was a key ally, wanting nothing more then to keep the Within powered. The Dream World would speak to her in all manner of ways, showing her of the things to prepare for. Sometimes they would be clear, other times she would understand what it was trying to tell her.

Everything was murky, blurred, she saw numerous shapes and sounds, but could make none of it out. Every now and then, however, she could briefly see the shapes and sounds clearly. Among them, she saw a tower of white light and heard the sounds of terrified screams, then she saw a burning flame, it's wooden torch holding strong against the storm, but it was growing weaker, and weaker, before it finally died amongst the sounds of children screaming in agony. Then, in a flash, she saw a creature she did not recognize, a creature with white skin that wore a great grey coat. It was of nothing of her world, but there was sentience in its eyes, sentience and great pain. Then she saw blue and heard the sound of the traveler. Then she heard a loud bang, saw blood, and saw a pony with silver fur, his face covered in blood, looking up at her with the same eyes as the creature she saw earlier. Then, she saw the moon, with the face of a mare trapped on it, the mare then burst from it, taking the form of the Jealousy that turned her, lunging at her with its fangs and eyes full of malice. But in its eyes, she saw the same torch with the burning flame, this time the flame was blue, and the storm was only just approaching...

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Luna's wings flared open as she lunged out of bed, wide-eyed and panting. She blinked when she saw only the darkness in her room, what had caused her to wake? The sound of knocking answered her question.

"Your highness," a voice called out through the door. "A stallion arrived with an envelope, he said it was the speech you had mentioned earlier, he asked me to deliver it to you."

In her still frightened mind, Luna wondered if it was a trick, but she quickly shook her head. Her night guard were keeping a close watch on her and anything approaching her, if they even suspected that something was dangerous to her, they'd stop it, or at least warn her somehow.

"Your highness?"

She cleared her throat, and with her magic opened up the windows and blinds, bathing the room in the daylight. She checked the clock on the wall. 4:56PM... Impressive, I didn't think they'd get it to me so early, it's almost as if... Luna's magic enveloped the door and opened it to allow the hotel worker inside, a white sheet held carefully in his hoof. He gave it to her before bowing and turning to leave, closing the door behind him.

Luna opened the paper up and began reading the lettering written with such careful precision. She only got through the first few sentences when she glanced out to the open balcony door, the wind blowing in, causing the gold curtains to billow softly in the air. Standing from her bed, she put the sheet away and made her way towards the balcony. She could see almost see the entire city stretched out around her. She could hear the clip clop of the numerous ponies travelling to wherever they needed to go in the city. To the side, she could see the ocean stretching out and the port that was foundation of the city. It was a relaxing sight, but Luna was anything but relaxed. The chill in her mind was still there, it wasn't her tired mind playing tricks on her. It was a feeling, a feeling trying to tell her something. But what was it trying to tell her?

Something is wrong in this city. She realized. Something is very wrong...