The Nightmare

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 17
Epilogue

Prologue

Once, long long ago in the magical land of Enchantria, two sisters held twin thrones. The elder ruled over the daytime and the younger over the night. Sadly, in time, the younger began to feel maligned and ignored. As her work was unappreciated, the people lived and worked in daylight but retired to bed at night when the moon rose.

Increasingly upset and envious, the younger sister fell deeper and deeper into darkness. Her sister, caught up in her duties and the delight of the day did not notice her beloved sibling’s descent until it was too late and a Nightmare emerged.
Horrified, she tried to reason with what her younger sister had become but the effort was futile. The girl was lost to the darkness that had grown in her heart. Struck with panic and running out of ideas, the elder sister took drastic action.

Using complex spellwork and items of power, the princess of the sun drew the darkness from her sister and took it into herself. The task done, her last act before losing herself to Nightmares was to seal herself away from the world deep in the desert away from her subjects and precious sister behind wards and magic.

The younger sister, no longer consumed by darkness but instead filled with sadness at her sister’s sacrifice and the great loss, withdrew from the world. She tasked herself to guard the Nightmare and fulfil her duties in raising sun and moon. Leaving her mortal subjects, her court and her military forces to rule themselves from now on, for better or worse. She took but a small force to assist in guarding the Nightmare from mortal man.

Her task was difficult, the dark power was great. Despite her best efforts, facets of the Nightmare reached out to dark hearted man and cults to the power were formed. Battles were fought between the protectors and the worshipers even as centuries passed and the immortal princesses fell from historical fact to myth and story. No one really thought they had ever existed, bar an adventurous few who sought out treasure and fame and those whose task was to guard or resurrect the Nightmare.

Now our story shall begin…

Author's Note

Cookies if you can guess what film gave me this idea.

Chapter 1

The dim light of dawn brushed the ruins that stuck from the desert sands like ships on an ocean. With the night fleeing the sun only crumbled walls and sand dunes provided cover, scant protection for the fighting force hunkered down behind them.

Not far from the site stood at least two hundred horse mounted warriors. Their cloaks and banners marked them out as followers of some cult or other and the fever pitch their leaders had worked them into was fearsome.

Crouched behind a fragment of carved wall, a multi-hued headed young woman gritted her teeth. She understood about one word in twenty that the screaming leaders said. “Infidel” and “heathen” repeated often, also, worryingly, “sacrifice” was nearly as frequent. Clutching at a rifle she took a look over the wall.

The enemy was circling into formation. They were preparing to charge.

As the massed ranks took their places she turned to her fellow soldiers, or at least, those who had not taken off running into the desert or flying from the oncoming fight. There were only three others sat beside her. She gave them a cocksure grin and pulled at the collar of her khaki shirt. “Looks like it’s just us then.”

“Rainbow.” One of them said, resignation in their eyes but a wide smile underneath.

“Yeah?” their de facto leader replied, loading her rifle and arranging spare ammunition about her body.

“If we get out of this, you owe me a beer.” The green haired man dropped bullets into a revolver and locked his rifle to fire. “If we don’t, I’m kicking your ass in hell.”

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” She chuckled and prepared to face the now charging warriors.

Within minutes Rainbow stood alone behind a column, the last three of her comrades shot down by the cultists. She had picked up their fallen guns; even those few shots would prolong her fight. Taking a breath she prepared to make her final charge, the cacophony of the cultists filling the air with rage.

Facing what she thought would be her death, she was shocked to see them retreating, bowing in reverence as they moved away. “Something is behind me isn’t it?” She complained to the universe at large. Turning, she saw there was indeed. A vast statue of a female figure had been uncovered from clinging sand by the gunshots echoing through the remains. “Cultists.” Rainbow shrugged. Taking up the remaining fallen equipment she took off, using a gust to cover her fallen comrades with sand, then flying into the desert. It was going to be a long journey.

High on a cliff overlooking the site, more mounted figures observed the sky-born woman retreat. “Should we go after her my lady?” One masked rider asked.

“No, there is no reason to. The desert will take care of her.” A blue eyed woman astride a black horse said. The group turned from their watch and rode away.

-*-

In the city of Fort Mage Museum of Antiquities a young scholar read amongst the stacks, deep in the archive. “…Leaving her mortal subjects, her court and her military forces to rule themselves from now on, for better or worse. She took but a small force to assist in guarding the Nightmare from mortal man.” She read aloud, absent minded-ly pushing a lock of indigo hair from her face. Beside her sat maps, scrolls and books. They lay open at certain chapters or pages, the maps covered in small counters and scraps of paper.

So engrossed in reading, she did not hear approaching footsteps through the archives. She did hear the shout though. “Twilight Sparkle! How many times…” The slightly older woman stood above her ran a hand through her pink, blonde and violet hair, trying not to look too frustrated. “You’re supposed to be shelving books, not reading them Twilight.” She returned her hand to her hip, mirroring the other.

From the tangled heap she had been shocked to, Twilight sat up and briefly pouted at her mussed research. “Sorry Cadence, one was open on something interesting and I remembered another I had read before and got caught up in an idea.”

“Twilight…” Cadence sighed, “I know what you are like and I should have realised the library and archives were not the most… productive, place to put you.” She put up a hand to quell a rebuttal “and as much as your little projects are interesting and even sometimes useful, you are employed to run the archives, not read them all.”

“But I was making real headway…” Twilight got to her feet and brushed dust from her sensible skirt.

“Please Twilight, the board aren’t interested in ‘fairy tales’ they want an archivist… A librarian.” Cadence gestured at the shelves. “I know you love it here and most of the time you get the work done, but you keep getting distracted and if someone else catches you like this they’ll kick you out. Parent’s name on a wing or not.”

“But I’m on the cusp of an important discovery!” Twilight nearly shouted. “I, I have notes and research and reams of evidence! Just one last piece of the puzzle is all I need; I can take an expedition out to find it then. The Flare Prison!”

“No!” Cadence shouted, pure anger in her eyes. It was something Twilight had never seen before, it scared her.

“I…I...” Twilight gulped a little, feeling the prickle of tears in the back of her eyes.

Mortified at her outburst and the effect it had, Cadence placed a hand on the younger girl’s shoulder. “That’s not a wise idea Twilight, so many have been lost to the sand and night, going after that rumoured place.” She pulled Twilight closer, she was the taller of the two and an indigo topped head was soon nestled against her shoulder. For a moment Cadence recalled when she used to look after an eager young child. “Honey, I can’t lose you to that folly. People have left with maps and books and years of research but they never come back.” She hugged the still slightly shaking librarian.

“Sorry Cadence, I didn’t realise…” Twilight whispered out.

“I promised to look after you Twilight, I promised your parents the last time I ever saw them.” Cadence felt the nod against her shoulder. “Just, just tidy the archives for now. You’ll surely find some other legendary location to discover.” She released the girl and stood back, brushing some creases from her blouse.

“Okay, I’ll leave it… By last piece, well, I really meant a really big last thing that was so far impossible to figure out…” Twilight smiled wryly and shrugged. “I’ll get on with this.” The librarian returned to her actual work. Cadence smiled softly and left to return to her office. She passed an inspector on the way and was glad to have set her charge to working in time to avoid any real trouble.

-*-

The last books slid home, the only one remaining was Twilight’s private journal, her scrappy notes and hurriedly sketched maps from months of research housed within. “If only there could ever be that last clue.” She mused to herself, packing the leather bound notebook into her sensible bag.

As she walked through the large room and flicked of the lights, footsteps sounded from above. Assuring herself it was simply the guards or another staff member working late, Twilight climbed the stairs to the public floors of the museum.

A clatter sounded out from one of the exhibition rooms. The velvet ropes that closed it off were moved aside. The guards and cleaners were always putting them back in place. “Is, is anyone there?” Twilight slipped into the darkened room. Only a few dim security lights lit sconces at the edges.

The rustling sounded out, stirring in a newly opened sarcophagi. “Who’s there?” Twilight tried to be brave, she gathered a little magic in her palm. A concussive spell, it would shatter the delicate, the desiccated and anything less fragile would get a nasty nosebleed or fat lip. Grabbing a khopesh from a display, because even with magic it was nice to have something solid to hand, she approached the box.

“Booga Booga!”

Twilight screeched, her spell fell uselessly to the floor and the blade in her hand landed against the edge of the stone coffin.

“Wow, relax Twily!” A cheerful and light hearted voice said. Sat in the previously empty sarcophagi was a blue haired, boyish faced young man. His white suite was dirtied and slightly askew and he had an air of celebration about him. He dropped a hand onto hers.

“Shining! Get out of the exhibit!” Twilight slapped her brother’s hand away. He chuckled and sat more comfortably.
“Aren’t you even going to ask why I’m in such a good mood?” He grinned winningly.

“Get out of the exhibit Shining.” Twilight took a pose like Cadence’s from earlier, hands on her hips and a cross look on her face, it certainly looked more fearsome with a khopesh.

“Okay, okay!” He clambered from the coffin and settled for sitting on the edge. “Still, aren’t you the least bit curious sister dear?” He tapped the pocket of his off-white suit, the rustle of paper clear.

“I’ve had a busy day Shining, I want to get home and have a long bubble bath with a good book.” Twilight turned her back on the man and replaced the sword to its place.

“You’ll like this one Twily...” She heard unfolding paper. “I bet Cadence will be impressed too.” He said. “Take a look.” A scrumpled sheet of paper was dangled in front of her eyes.

It seemed to be a map. Scribbled notes on star positions and time spent walking, sketched landmarks and dotted lines of transport links. It was a pretty amateur effort, no cartographer would be clamouring for a look and it was a new creation, no some ancient scroll. Twilight was about to dismiss it and her brother when two things in the top corner caught her eye.

A structure was sketched, almost looking like the ancient carvings of the Flare Prison and next to it a heavy path of pencil lead. A rubbing made from a relief, one the depicted an ancient symbol. The Princess’ Sun. Twilight grabbed the sheet and began to study it.

“Where did you get this Shining!” She demanded, putting on her glasses and taking out her research journal, flicking through to traced maps and copied script.

“Oh, a, ah, book shop.” He scratched his head, “Yes, was browsing about the place, picked up one of the newer prints and that sheet, ah, fell out. Yeah.”

“We have to go to Cadence! This is it! The last thing I need.” She had laid her journal on the information board and was comparing her notes to the map. “With this I have all the proof I need, I can get some funding and take a group out. The Flare Prison! Ha ha!” She grabbed her older brother in a hug and spun away. “Come on! She’ll still be in her office!”

Shining chased after his excited sister, well pleased that soon he could at least share light conversation with the woman to whom he’d lost his heart.

-*-

“Cadence! I have a map!” The librarian called into the office. It was large and open, numerous artworks and pieces sat about, some awaiting a place while others just decorating her workspace or sitting out for research reference. Cadence oversaw the research departments and would delve into her own projects even as her scientists and historians undertook their work.

“Twilight? A map to where?” She looked up at the excited girl hurrying through the room.

“To the Flare Prison, Cadence, an actual map that leads there! It even has a rubbing of the carvings.” She thrust the paper under Cadence’s nose. The head of research took it.

“Where did you get this?” She kept her voice even, though Twilight had an inkling she wasn’t in the best mood.

“Shining found it in some bookshop. I’d have thought it was phony myself but it all matches up with my research...” Twilight trailed off when a hand forestalled any more. She gasped when a fire spell consumed the sheet. “Cadence...”

“Sorry Twilight, it’s a snipe hunt honey.” She brushed the ash onto a wastepaper bin. “That was just some ramble and doodling, probably from whatever drunks Shining was trying to play cards with.” She shot the blue haired man trying to be inconspicuous in the corner a dark look.

He waved timidly. Cadence turned to look again at Twilight, the girl was obviously fighting back tears. “Honey, go home and get some rest. Kick your silly brother to the couch and have a soak with some of that lavender bath bubbles you love.” She stroked a pale hand that was grasping the edge of the desk. “You had some great ideas about the column alignment in Everfree before you got this Flare Prison stuff on the brain. Take another look at that and I’m sure you’ll make a breakthrough. I’ll even be able to convince the board to get you heading up a team with the results I know you’ll get.” She smiled softly at the younger woman.

“I, I guess so... Just a snipe hunt...” Defeated, Twilight left the office and the museum, a worried and penitent Shining in tow.

Author's Note

So that was that. Got loads of ideas for this one and its just flowing outta my hands. Hope you all enjoy it.
I'll be adding more characters as they appear.

Chapter 2

Twilight’s house was in the higher class section of the sprawling city. A medium sized townhouse that just about managed to contain the hundreds upon hundreds of books Twilight owned. Shining sat slightly uncomfortably on her couch while Twilight took a bath. She had nearly been in tears the whole taxi ride home. A mixture of betrayal from her oldest friend and anger at Shining for possibly pulling a prank and then back to being upset.

Like any guest in a house where the host is occupied in a private matter, Shining was a little stuck. He was always welcome at his little sister’s home but last time he had visited he’d had a group of “the boys” in tow and somewhat unintentionally disrupted her library system. He knew that even one thing out of place would be noticed and mean disaster.

Sadly, it is well known that idle hands are the devil’s playthings. He found a tennis ball in a bowl on the side table next to his seat. A little game of throwing it up and catching it could do no harm…

-*-

Twilight was soaking in her tub, the heavenly scent of lavender filled the steamy air, bubbles piled high atop the water in the old fashioned porcelain tub. Some even splatted to the floor beside the cast iron legs. With only her head un-submerged, Twilight was perfectly able to hear the crash of something in her living room. “Shining, can’t you even visit once without disturbing something?” She sighed and left the bath, wrapping herself in a large purple bath towel before the soap suds finished sliding off and she lost their insulation from the comparatively colder air.

-*-

The coat stand had fallen. Through some freak of something, the tennis ball had lost his catch and bounced from the floor to hit the loaded stand. It overbalanced. Shining guessed he had about five minutes to reload it before Twilight came down. Coats, umbrellas and hats flew through the air in urgent purple magic. A high crown pith helmet was spinning on the hook just as the door creaked open. “Twily!” Shining turned, arms open wide and smiling.

“At least you picked it up after dropping it, BBBFF.” She was using a spell to dry her hair and was dressed for bed. For a moment, Shining was struck by how his sister had grown up to resemble their mother just as he looked like their father. A little sadness pulled at his smile.

“Yeah, ah… Tennis mishap.” He waved a hand to dismiss the past. “Are you feeling better?” He returned to the couch and Twilight sat beside him, laying her head against his shoulder.

“Hmmm, I suppose. That map was such a lead though. I wish I had made a copy or at least a quick sketch before we showed it to Cadence.” She sighed again and wrapped an arm around his. “She brought up mum and dad twice though…” Twilight trailed off. “I really thought that this could be my big break… Something to say I am Twilight Sparkle, not Twily Sparkle who is tagging along on her parents reputation… I, I wanted to do something they’d be proud of.”

Shining gripped her hand. “They’d be proud of you little sis’.” He chuckled, “Not sure about me though. And Cadey… Cadey cares about you. She doesn’t want to see you hurt.”

“Hmmm,” Twilight snuggled against her brother a moment, she was feeling drained and tired. Though her mind still went over everything that happened instead of resting. An idea struck. “Shining?”

“Yes Twily?”

“Where did you really get that map?” One of the last things Cadence had said was echoing through her mind ‘probably from whatever drunks Shining was trying to play cards with’. “I mean, a book? Really?” She pulled back from lying against him and looked him dead in the eye.

“Ah… uh… Maybe not quite a bookshop?” Shining attempted a winning smile. “It, ah, it did fall from a book.” He tugged at his collar, growing warmer under his sister’s baleful gaze.

“Shining?”

“Ok… ah. Heh. It came from a book in the possession of a rather um, irate young woman in the Dive this afternoon?” Shining chuckled nervously. “She was quite vexed and more than a little, ah, sozzled at the time. Kept rambling on about that place you always speak about.” Shining’s smile wilted under Twilight’s glare.

“Shining, did you, as it were, steal the map?” Twilight looked at him. She really did resemble their mother he decided. Shining was put in mind of the time he’d decided a bucket of frogs would make excellent pets or the one where the entire packet of backing soda went into a pan full of vinegar in the kitchen.

“No! Of course not. I just, ah, picked it up as she was being carted off by the guards for heresy…” His grin was more of a gurn now, or a death rictus.

“Do you know what this means Shining?” Twilight seemed to be brightening up.

“No?” He hazarded.

“Someone knows how to get to the Flare Prison. We can collect her and she can lead us there!” Her eyes gleamed.

“She will be in a prison cell of her own though…” Shining said, “Heresy is quite a serious charge.”

Twilight waved a hand in dismissal. “Not if I say she’s contracted to me as an archive assistant or whatever. Heresy comes up from non-scientific mention of the old-times, if I snap her up for the museum everything she does is now for science, even when drunk.” Twilight tapped her fingers in glee. “First thing tomorrow we go to the gaol and fetch her.” She stood up and made to leave the room. “Goodnight BBBFF!”

Shining waved goodnight before suddenly realising he’d be left to sleep on the couch. “Ah, Twily? Where can I sleep?” A shower of blankets teleported to his head shut him up.

-*-

The next morning brother and sister made their way through the busy city to the gaol. It was housed in one of the many old forts that had given the city its name. A tall walled polygon with a strong gatehouse and towers at each corner. The armed and uniformed guards waved them through quickly and one of the officers led them to the holding cell areas.

“She’s been loud but inactive until anyone approaches.” The lieutenant said, standing the pair near a fenced area.

“Unimpressed with the heresy charge. She’s been smacking anyone who gets anywhere near. You know the charge for real heresy is hanging.”

Twilight gave a strained laugh. “Oh, it shouldn’t be a problem, she’s my, ah, new assistant archivist.” She grinned slightly madly, “Just got into the city and my darling brother.” She elbowed Shining who put on a smile. “Lost track of her as she celebrated her new job…” She waved a letter at the officer and handed it over.

He took a rummage through the papers and found the rather hefty clump of monetary notes concealed within. “I see, these seem to be in order.” He pocketed the billfold, “Bring her out boys!”

The door opened up with a slam and a struggling sky-born woman with a shock of brightly coloured hair was pulled out. “Get offa me!” She kicked out and pulled at the shackles. Her magic-manifesting wings were kept folded in by bonds and spells.

“Ms Dash, we have your employer here.” The officer smiled smugly.

“Employer!” She flung herself against the fence. Twilight drew closer and waved. “C’mere” The woman motioned. Twilight kneeled down.

“You are the one who drew a map to the Flare Prison yes?” Twilight whispered.

“Drew a map? I was there hun.” She pushed her forehead against the bars.

“Really?” The librarian’s eyes shone. “Ok, so… You are facing the gallows for heresy. I work for the Museum here. I take you on as my assistant, you guide us there and I let you get away scot free and neck intact.”

“Yeah? Come a little closer.” The woman smiled, as soon as Twilight’s face was near she stole a peck on the lips. Twilight jumped back. “You got a deal. I’m Rainbow by the way.” She winked.

Harumphing, Twilight stood. “Could you let my assistant out? We have a busy job ahead of us.

-*-

Rainbow Dash was unchained and the horrible constricting wing binder was removed. The guards, still wary from her outbursts all night, led her from the holding cells to the custody desk. Waiting for her satchel, the adventurer stretched out her un-restricted arms and legs and briefly manifested her wings. Signing some paperwork she was free to go.

The eggheaded chick with the sensible outfit was stood in the courtyard, she looked thoughtful until Rainbow’s approach caught her attention. “Rainbow Dash, that’s what this dismissal sheet says.” She held out a hand. “Twilight Sparkle.” Rainbow shook, Twilight then pointed to the slightly ruffled man. “My brother Shining.”

“Hello, good to meet you.” He seemed distracted. Rainbow wasn’t sure if she recognised him but shrugged it off.

“So, you want to go to the Flare Prison.” She asked the woman.

“Well, yes! It’s been a subject of my research for years and I made excellent headway.” She smiled widely. “I had hit just a little dead end when, uh, rumour had it someone had been carted off to gaol for speaking about the place.” Twilight began to leave the fort.

“Yeah. Damn near killed me. Cultists come out of the sand like dried bones.” Rainbow said, following. “You’ll only meet death, blood and sand. That’s my warning to you.”

Twilight seemed to falter and was about to say something when a shout stopped them. It was the officer who had released Rainbow. “One second, madam.” He reached the trio. “We, ahem, we are required to send a, parole officer, as it were with the former prisoner. Just until the letter is approved.”

“Approved!” Twilight shouted, “Approved? I was assured that all my papers were in order.” She nearly growled. Rainbow was inching towards the exit.

“I am sorry madam, it is, as you say, above my station. We will assign someone shortly…”

He was cut off by Rainbow bolting. “Oh no you don’t!” Twilight said, giving chase in a burst of light. That left Shining alone with the officer.

“Women?” He shrugged, giving a nervy smile.

-*-

They ran through the streets, Rainbow’s speedy exit had set the guards chasing after them and when Twilight had twice toppled things to slow them, Rainbow had taken to helping her keep up. She flew as low as she dared and Twilight seemed to be running and teleporting quickly.

“Flash Steps.” She had breathlessly explained to the unspoken query during a moment when Rainbow was flying them both, her hands wrapped around the mage’s wrists.

The city wasn’t familiar to Rainbow. She’d lived most of her life in the sky-city of Cloudsdale and her forays into treasure hunting had never led to large population zones very often. Luckily, Twilight knew exactly where to go. “Turn here!” She shouted to the flier, taking a leap over a stack of crates into an alleyway. Rainbow followed.

“Where do you have in mind now?” She whispered urgently.

“Through that door.” Twilight pointed to a ramshackle slat covering an archway. “Back entrance to the market, it is busy inside and there are plenty of small rooms to hide in.” A shout from the perusing guards moved them through. By the time the authorities reached the alley, no sign was to be had of the pair.

-*-

The room they had chosen was on the rickety third floor, dusty from disuse. “I still don’t know why you had to run.” Twilight complained, leaning against the wall and sliding down to sit on the floor.

“No one is ever gonna tie me down.” Rainbow grumbled, sat cross-legged beside her new employer.

“Aww, That isn’t fair! I wouldn’t tie you anywhere!” a chipper voice chimed out. Twilight and Rainbow shouted in shock. A puffy haired woman had popped out of a barrel in the corner. “Hi! I’m Corporal Pie! But you can call me Pinkie!” She clambered from the barrel and righted the fez on her head. She was wearing the beige shirt and shorts of the city police force, which explained the terribly clashing headwear. Her badge pinned to her belt gleamed in the sparse light.

“How… How...” Twilight muttered, going cross eyed.

“We were way ahead of you guys.” Rainbow groaned, glaring at the officer who stood a good few inches taller than herself.

“Well, I found you!” she smiled widely.

“But how!” both women on the floor yelled.

“’sah secret!” Pinkie winked. “I’m real good at my job.” She looked around the room and then right in Rainbow’s eye. “No one ever escapes me… Ever!”

“Crimeny… I guess we’re stuck with her.” Rainbow kicked at a pile of dust, resigned.

“One more for the expedition then.” Twilight sighed. She was already collating just what supplies and gear they’d need and her budget.

She and Shining had decided it was better to fund their own trip to avoid any objections from Cadence. All they needed to do was find something, even a tiny something, to prove it was the Flare Prison. Then Twilight would be able to go home and show Cadence proof, wow the board and get a proper dig going.

Simple right?

Chapter 3

The group of four took a bus from Fort Mage to the river town of Gallopside. A boat would take them up-river to a popular stopping point for explorers, treasure seekers and other adventurers. From there they would trek to the Flare Prison.

The bus was parked up on a dusty dockside as the group awaited the boat amongst a crowd of other passengers. Shining groaned as a bag was dumped into his arms from the roof of the bus. The busman was happy to help load and unload but he wasn’t going to do it alone. Rainbow had made it clear that she was only going to handle her kit. Even now she had a brown sheepskin parcel strapped to her back and an olive khaki satchel at her hip. She had refused either being loaded.
Twilight had packed two suitcases, heavy and strapped closed to avoid exploding open. Shining was sure she had put half her library into them. He had filled a duffle with everything he though a chap in the desert would need. Hopefully they weren’t too woefully unprepared.

The weird pink haired Corporal had a haversack and a satchel to go with the alarmingly sized firearm holstered on her belt. She seemed quite happy to be going out into the desert to find a ruin that had claimed the lives of far too many expeditions in the past. She was also talking nineteen to the dozen.

“…So I though, no Pinkie! You don’t need a waffle iron in the desert! You’ll just get sand in the batter and only sand-wiches have sand in them!” She laughed at her own joke. “So I just made sure I had plenty of ammo and neat-o clothes for adventuring into the desert.” She took a breath to begin again but it whooshed out in a gasp. “A boat! A boat! We’re going on a boat!!”

“I don’t know what is more worrying.” Twilight said to Rainbow as the excitable officer ran over to the dock. “That she is an actual honest to goodness officer of the law, or that she has been sent with us.”

“Yeah, if only she was as easy to ditch as she is to distract.” Rainbow replied, resettling the bag on her shoulder. “Want me to take that?” She offered a hand to Twilight, pointing at one of the suitcases.

“No, no. I’m fine. Levitation magic.” She smiled as a visible purple glow boosted the two cases into her grip.

The boat was docked and a boarding ramp was put in place. The crowd of people waiting to embark surged forward, Pinkie clearly at their head. Shining, Rainbow and Twilight all walked towards it. Twilight gazed about, noting the more striking passengers.

The most noticeable were a small group stood amongst the usual local travellers and tourists. A graceful woman dressed all in white, she had a cascade of rich purple hair and carried black luggage, seemed in the lead. Alongside her were two sky-born men, one had a sky blue Mohawk and the other a thick mop of brown hair. The one looked bored, the other slightly listless. Bringing up the rear of their group was a tall, well-built woman. Her cowboy hat standing out amongst the sea of pith helmets and woven straw hats. She had a rifle slung across her back and a canny expression, eyes scanning every approach. Her plaid shirt and brown waistcoat also at odds to the muted desert shades of tourists and the stark white robes of the locals.

Before she had a chance to make comment Twilight realised she had fallen behind. She hurried to catch up and was soon busy settling in for the day and night of travel upon the boat.

-*-

Cadence sat at her desk rummaging through her papers. She was certain she had saved the notes Twilight had made on some Pre-unification worship columns in Everfree, just the project to distract the librarian from chasing after danger. She hadn’t seen Twilight all day, in fact she’d missed work. Cadence didn’t blame her, she’d been more than a little mean to her the night before and the girl was due some time off.

As she shifted another book, her in-tray slid over and deposited its contents across her blotter. An envelope caught her eye; it was addressed to her in Twilight’s neat cursive. Slitting it open she hurriedly read it.

“Oh No…” was all she uttered. She took a closed box from a drawer and for long minutes the only noise was that of pen on paper. There was a flash of magic afterwards. “I’m sorry Twily…” Cadence said, looking at a photograph of herself with a happy child and smiling adults. “It’s for your own good…”

-*-

The boat was one of the larger ones to take the river route; it had a decently sized dining room, some smaller cabins and plenty of deck space. The smoke stack was tall and attractive looking even as smoke puffed from it. The engine chugged away, propelling it upstream.

Twilight was sat near the lifeboats and stabling for the camels, she was hastily reviewing her notes. Pinkie had found the off duty sailors to be great company, even now their raucous singing of dirty ditties echoed about the boat. Shining was sat at a table, playing cards with the other group of unusual travellers. Rainbow moved across the deck to take a look.

“Well hello Dash! Wouldn’t you know it but these lovely ladies are off to find the Flare Prison!” Shining was leaning in a deck chair, a glass of clear iced liquid in his one hand and cards in the other. Sat opposite him was the glamorous woman and the cowgirl. “They even have someone who’s been there to guide them! Just like…” Rainbow’s hand on his shoulder shut him up, it was a strong grip she had.

“Now isn’t that interesting. Most sensible folks would keep information like that close to their chest.” Rainbow tried to grin but the man was grating on her nerves. “I think I’ll be off, y’know. To check on your sister.” She walked away from the card players.

“Well anyway Shining, darling, it was your play.” The lilting voice carried across the deck. Rainbow shook her head; too many guys like Shining were too easily played by women like that. She preferred the much more direct route of fists and threats.

The lower deck area was quieter. Whatever conduit was channelling Pinkie’s singing didn’t open out onto the space and bar the sound of shuffling horses and camels, it was pretty much silent. Twilight was sat near the stables on a bundle of cargo. She had her notebook on her lap and a finger-light spell glowing at the top of her hand.

From the angle Rainbow was approaching and the soft light on her features, she actually looked quite pretty. Rainbow smirked weakly a moment, a high class educated girl like that would never be interested in a rough gunner like her. She was a she to start with.

“Lookee there, it’s Rainbow Crash.” A sly voice said, mocking in tone. A man emerged from the shadows.
“Hoops.” Rainbow glared. “Thought you’d be headfirst into a sand dune by now.”

“I don’t crash like you do.” He nonchalantely picked at a finger nail.

“So you’re the one leading the city slicker and the cowgirl out to the ruins.” Rainbow stated, putting the facts together. Hoops was the only other on the ship she knew to have been to the Flare Prison, it wasn’t a great leap to guess he was the guide Shining has heard about.

“That I am, been promised a whole heap of money.” He grinned; his teeth clear in the dim light. “I went there once and got nothing thought I’d sell the info for some real cash.”

“Green Ray and Nimbus are dead because of you jerks deserting us!” Rainbow raged, grasping at his lapels, no longer able to contain herself.

“Not you though, mores’ the pity.” He shoved her off. “So what are you doing here then, if that place so scared yah?”

“Taking some historians out there. I owe my neck to one and will lose it if things don’t go right.” Unconsciously she indicated Twilight. Hoops ran lecherous eyes down the librarian’s figure.

“Itching for some sack action eh?” He chuckled, easily fending off Rainbow’s rage propelled punch. “See you later Crash.” He sloped off, back up the stairs to the bar area.

Rainbow stood and breathed a moment. She had to calm down a little after confronting Hoops, then returned to her original plan of joining her new employer, “Hey.” She called out to alert Twilight to her approach.

“Good evening Ms Dash.” Twilight replied, looking up and stowing her book.

“So formal!” Rainbow laughed, setting herself down on a barrel. She took the package from her back and unrolled it over a crate. The brown hide rolled out from a tidy wrap to a sheet covered in grips, straps and harnesses. Each held a firearm or related ammunition and accessories. Twilight flinched back a little at the final heavy clunk.

“It’s only proper and polite.” Twilight said, checking the straps of her satchel to avoid eye contact or looking at the guns.
“Never did go much in for proper or polite.” Rainbow shrugged, she unbuttoned a shotgun from the holdall and began checking it out.

“Quite, like that kiss.” Twilight replied. “Why did you kiss me?” she still looked away from Rainbow.

“Eh, I was going to swing for heresy, might as well have added lewd public behaviour to the charge.” With a quick movement Rainbow folded the gun back up, the parts clicking into place.

“Why I never!” Twilight grumped. “I think I need to retire to bed.” She stalked away.

“What? What’d I say?”

-*-

On the dark riverbank a group crouched low in the shrubs. The lights from the boat were drawing nearer. Soon it would be time for action. Their leader pulled his mask closer. “We are just to scare them away.” His voice was soft, so as not to travel across the water. Muted metallic clinks answered him. “She will be cross if we harm them.” He quieted then. It was time to move out into the water to board the boat.

-*-

On the opposite bank, hidden in a copse of trees another group set up. “Our agents tell me, brothers, the infidels aboard, they will be seeking to desecrate the seat of our Queen.” A short gravelly voiced old man said. There was a low roar from his men. “We will stop them. With fire and sulphur as She would want!” As he spoke camouflaged artillery was uncovered and those not manning the equipment raised rifles to fire.

-*-

The boat, chugging along sedately, the crew and passengers relaxed. No one was expecting what happened next.

-*-

Twilight looked in the mirror on the wall of her small room. She was putting her hair up to avoid tangling while she slept. “Lewd behaviour charge! Ha! Uncouth, ill-bred... Cad!” She turned away and lightly pulled her nightdress into a more comfortable hold and shifting the satchel at her side a little, it was far too valuable to risk theft or losing. She didn’t notice the face at the window, nor did she see someone in her doorway.

“Miss Sparkle, I would advise you left the prison well alone.” A voice said. Twilight screamed. There was a strange man in her bedroom. A hasty fire spell made the black clad figure jump, but not leave. He stamped out the guttering flames.
“Get out! Help! Shining! Corporal Pie! Dash!” She backed away from the man.

“I am afraid I need an affirmative answer Miss Sparkle.” The man wore a mask and scarf and even though his voice was gentle he was firm and quiet threatening. His hands caught her flailing arms and held them, halting her progress.

He was about to speak when gunfire and an explosion rocked the boat. Losing his grasp on Twilight, he fell. Taking advantage. she ran to her door, stamping her feet into boots before she fled. Another person dressed in black attempted to stop her, but they were smaller and she was darting past swiftly. His comrade joined him and once again Twilight was being chased.

The doorway to the deck was at the end of the hall but whatever had exploded was sending flames through the wooden construction. Her satchel bounced at her hip and the boots clumped on the planks. “Twilight! Over here!” a voice shouted.

“Ms Dash! What’s going on?” Rainbow was flying close to a hole in the wall; it was wide enough for Twilight to escape.

“No time! Jump.” She shouted. With flames and pursuers closing in, she didn’t need to tell Twilight twice. The librarian jumped from the hallway and was caught in Rainbow’s strong grip.

“Shining?” she gasped out.

“He can take care of himself, he was making a line for the river last I saw.” Rainbow shouted down, shifting her grip a little to hold Twilight’s wrists better.

-*-

The deck was in chaos. Pinkie and the sailors were freeing the animals and urging them overboard. Anyone able to fly had already taken to the air; some of the friendlier were taking the earthbound up and away.

Shining was ducking and dodging gunfire and flames, his personal shield at least allowing him protection from the projectiles. Reaching the edge he looked back at the madness. “Did I panic? I think not!” He shouted, and then jumped overboard, swimming to follow the general exodus of passengers.

“Shoobee doobee doo.” A voice to the left of him sang. Shining looked over to see the strange Corporal come past astride a swimming horse. A few other animals followed behind the pair, shrugging, Shining caught some reigns and pulled himself onto the back of a pinto pony. It nickered as if in greeting.

“Mind if I catch a lift old boy?” Shining said to the pony, giving it a scratch behind the ear. Free from the real work of keeping afloat, he was able to worry about his sister, scanning the area to try and catch sight of her. It was a good job he was looking around. Of the evacuating group, he was the only one who noticed the red clad cultists start up their machines. “Look out!” He yelled, just in time for people to duck the shooting flames.

-*-

Up in the sky, Twilight was experiencing mixed feelings. On one hand she was being flown away from the burning and now sinking boat. On the other, she was dangling by her wrists in Rainbow’s grip. She was about to pass a comment about this when Shining’s yell warned them of the coming flames. Right at the level Twilight was hanging.

Rainbow acted swiftly, using all her strength to lift up the librarian in a throw and catching her again in a matter of seconds. Now the woman was held against her in a steady grip. She felt the librarian wrap her arms around her waist, she was shaking. “It’s ok Twilight. I won’t leave you hanging.”

Held in the embrace Twilight felt a rush of feelings and a blush stain her cheeks. Despite her impropriety, rough manners and curt ways... Rainbow was quite attractive and was certainly being protective. Twilight remained silent. She didn’t trust herself to speak. Rainbow put it down to shock and didn’t prod the woman; she followed the line of swimming and flying evacuees to the river bank.

Everyone was too busy escaping the fire and the bullets to notice the cultist being set upon by the black clad warriors. No one heard the fighting. By the time everyone had been pulled ashore and the leftover floating luggage and equipment there was nothing left to see.

Chapter 4

Rainbow drifted down to the ground, Twilight still wrapped around her. “Hey. Hey Twily, you can let go now.” She rubbed a thin nightgown clad shoulder. Slightly teary amethyst eyes looked into hers. “Hey, it’s safe.”

Twilight dropped her legs to the sandy ground. “Thanks.” She whispered out, surveying the scene.

They had landed close to the main group of people, slightly up one of the narrow tributaries to the river and not far downstream from the dock the boat had been bound for.

Shining and Corporal Pie were settling the camels and horses. The crewmen were examining what cargo they had dragged ashore. The cowgirl and the graceful woman were unloading a lifeboat of their possessions. It looked like someone had kept their head in the crisis. The sky-men who had arrived with them were furtively going through some of the washed ashore items.

The fact that everyone seemed to be ok calmed her down. That was when Twilight realised something. “My luggage! My books! My clothes!!”

-*-

“There we are dear, much better yes?” Twilight was sat behind the carefully upturned lifeboat with the glamorous Doctor Rarity Belle. She had heard the outburst about lost clothes.

“Thank you Dr. Belle.” Twilight smiled, she was now wearing a button up blouse, sweater vest and a knee length skirt thanks to the helpful archeologist.

“Rarity darling! Please.” She patted the librarian’s shoulder. “We were just a little more, ah, paranoid dear. I’m afraid Jack gets very concerned out on the water.

“Ah don’t see that as wrong.” The blonde replied, sat guarding the approach to the boat. “If folk were supposed to take to water we’d all have fins.” She glared when Rarity tittered a little and continued, “I just keep the important stuff in something extra that floats. ‘sides it worked for us right?”

“Yes dear.” Rarity winked at the librarian. “Well Twilight, I can release you back to your friends.” She waved the woman on her way and repacked her bag. “Jack, really, I wasn’t scolding dear.”

“Ah know sugar cube. Ah suppose an ‘ornery gal like me shouldn’t be ‘fraid of a little water though.” She chuckled at herself and came to stand closer to the lifeboat. “Still, saved us a lot of good kit.”

“Indeed darling, you were well prepared and had us rowing out nearly as soon as the first shot finished sounding.” She patted the ground beside her. “Sit, I know you won’t rest but I find it hard to sleep without you close.” Jack covered the last distance and settled to the floor, shifting her gun off her shoulder to sit beside Rarity.

“Ah suppose I can watch from by here sugar cube.” She said. Rarity smiled and lay against her.

“Thank you dear. I just need a little rest before we set off.” It didn’t take long for her to fall asleep. Her gentle breaths part of the background noise Jack would miss if it were gone.

-*-

“Nice new outfit Twilight!” Pinkie shouted to the librarian when she returned.

“Thank you Pinkie. Dr. Belle... I mean Rarity, she had all her bags and loaned me something better to wear.” Twilight explained as she approached. Shining was packing bags onto camels, the horses had been claimed by the crewmen and Dr. Belle’s team, but they had hired the larger animals for their expedition. Pinkie was squeezing water from her socks, swimming and trekking through the water had soaked them through, stood barefooted on the sandy ground.

Rainbow seemed a little distracted, even though she had been looking directly at the librarian. Unconcerned, Twilight joined her brother to see what they had salvaged.

“Wow, she looks amazing...” Was all Rainbow had been able to think. Twilight had lost the dowdy skirt that went to her ankles, the replacement blouse and close fitting sweater vest did wonders for her figure. The colours were muted but were perfect for the conditions they’d be facing. It was a makeover that was really giving Rainbow reasons to think and some impure thoughts at that.

They had a long hard journey ahead however, with potential dangers ever apparent. Now was not the time for her to go falling for an egghead.

-*-

The last of the cultists had been subdued with only minor casualties for his men. A’triet cleaned his sword in the river, the Flare worshippers were drugged and insane by the time his warriors had met them on the other side of the river and death was the only way they would be stopped. Issuing a quick prayer to whatever would take pity on such madmen he moved on his way. The injured would need to return to the encampment for medical attention.

They would continue their mission to dissuade those who would disturb the prison once their numbers were refreshed and their princess consulted. He had expected cultists but not some so well equipped.

-*-

While the tourists and travellers waited for dawn to set out, the groups heading to the Flare Prison decided to make a move. Rarity’s group had horses to make the journey; they had been well funded enough to bring them along. Twilight though was perfectly happy with camels. “They are the best for the desert.” She said levelly to the complaining Rainbow.

“She’s right you know.” Shining added, only slipping slightly when his mount stood. “Fine animals these chaps.” He patted the dusty hair on its wide head. The baleful gaze of the camel halted his actions. “Good… good lad.”

“Wheeee!” Pinkie was sat on her camel (With one hump not two!), she had produced a smaller fez that matched her own and placed it on the animal’s head. The be-fezzed pair were soon clumping along happily. Still slightly sulky, Rainbow settled herself on her ride. Her mind was still buzzing with thoughts on her employer that Miss Sparkle probably wouldn’t appreciate.

They soon reached the small village that the boat should have docked at, just as the dawn rays lent their light. “We need to get some supplies.” Twilight said to her group. “Food, water and maybe some materials to record what we find.” She looked at the satchel at her hip, “This was all I was able to salvage of my kit. If anyone has anything I could use, that would be helpful.” There were several non-committal replies and they split up to collect the needed items.

Before mid-morning arrived, they were ready to set out. “So, Ms Dash, where do we go from here?” Twilight asked, looking up at the currently airborne flier.

“Just getting my bearings,” She held a hand up to her eyes and looked across the horizon. In the distance sat a ruined tower, the first landmark on their trek. She had made the map from memory after tracking through the shifting sands to civilization months before. “Ok, we can set off now.” She landed on the back of her camel and gee’d it onwards. Twilight, Shining and Pinkie followed behind.

The team on horseback were close behind. “Hey Crash!” A slimy voice shouted over as the five horses passed by. “I got a bet on that we’ll arrive first, you lot’ll sink into the sand before reaching the gateway!”

“I’d take that bet!” Shining shouted to the thug. Twilight rolled her eyes, her brother really was a poor judge on when to flash his cash.

“How about this, first team to get there picks what spot they get to dig.” Rainbow said, not letting herself be aggravated by the coward. “If that’s ok with the brains of your outfit.”

“A wager would make things more entertaining.” Rarity said. She had another immaculate white outfit on, glowing in the sunshine. Her sunglasses and pith helmet protected her from the glare. Jack merely huffed, at the wager. The cowgirl was leading their spare horse and still had her rifle strapped to her back.

“It’s a deal then.” Rainbow shook hands with the archaeologist having brought her camel alongside. Returning to position she led the group.

-*-

Deep in the desert an oasis lay. It was surrounded by greenery and growth and at this time, the squat tents of the Guarding Ones. Their horses stood and drank at the pool of water and the warriors who were still healthy from the fight prepared to once again set out.

Their task was important and they had undertaken it for over a thousand years. To prevent anyone reaching the prison of the Nightmare and releasing her, by accident or design. Their princess relied upon them to do so.

“A’triet,” a familiar voice called. The man inclined himself to a slight bow and touched a hand to his forehead. “No need for that old friend.” The voice was regal but tinged with merriment.

“Your majesty, you are the princess and I will show my respect.” He let humour into his tone, “My grandfather’s grandfather would say as such also.”

“I know, faithful warrior, but he was a heavy handed man when it came to such things.” The princess stood beside him. “I have long forgone all but my three duties, to bow and prostrate thyself is needless.” She was not as tall as the warrior, but her bearing left one feeling her to be as such. Her dark blue hair waved in an unknowable breeze as the very night sky glittered within. She was dressed in a deep blue variation of the warrior garb though her armour and weapons were great ancient treasures in comparison to the battered plates the guards wore.

“Aye princess, but I show respect to one who holds the sun and moon in her palm and has walked since my ancestor’s time.” A’triet turned to look at his leader. “We are ready to once more to ride out and dissuade the girl, Sparkle.”

“Yes, though no harm is to befall them, someone dear to my heart would not approve of inflicting injury upon the scholar.”
“Of course, though our people in the Edge village say a second group also travel to the ruins.” He shifted a little. “An archaeologist, her body guard and two men known to be treasure hunters.”

“We will need to do our best to stop them.” Her eyes clouded with magic a moment. “A sandstorm should set them on the path to home.” A’triet bowed to the princess once more. Her power meant his men could rest this night.

The worst injury had been one of the younger men he had brought along. The boy had wanted to help and was of the warrior age. A’triet decided to check on him, he had gained a wound taking down the largest of the cultists. A tent, barely different to the others bar small pink detailing put in place by its steward, served as their medical space, the woman who lived there was a skilled physician.

“Mēi,” The warrior called out as he approached, she was a timid woman and it would not do to scare her. The tent flap moved slightly and a tall graceful figure exited, her pink hair a soft sheet that reached her waist. “How is the patient Mēi?”

“He will be fine, though young Klin will not be taking on six foot tall mad cultists armed with blades for a few weeks.” She lifted the flap to reveal the boy sleeping on a bed pad, his green hair held back by a bandage wrapped around his head, others swaddled his arm and shoulder.

“He was brave, as brave as any of us Mēi.” A’triet gave a bow to the sleeping Klin.

“Yes and just as much a worry.” She gave him a lopsided look; once again the tribal leader was reminded she was his equal in height, something her retiring nature often hid. Before he could react her hand darted out and wiped at a cut on his brow with a small white square of cloth.

“My, you have speed when you want it.” He smirked through the sting of antiseptic.

“I have to, treating all you foolhardy warriors too manly to take treatment.” She levelled one of her infamous looks upon him.
“You catch us all though sister.” A’triet gave her a quick squeeze. “Our lady has sent a sandstorm to dissuade the treasure seekers. We should avoid battle tonight.”

“I hope it is enough to keep them away. I couldn’t even bear to think what would happen if they reached the prison.” She shuddered a little. “Though the storm, it will not hurt them?”

A’triel shook his head, “Never fear sister, it is just enough to make them reconsider.” Someone called him from within the camp. “Take care sister.” The leader left her to her task, grateful that there had not been worse injuries.

He hoped that the travellers would be turned back by the sand, he too could not even think of what could happen if they reached that which they sought. He and his ancestors had long worked to prevent it. The cultists were the only ones to ever get near and they wouldn’t dare enter the structures out of respect for their dark goddess. A small boon for the warriors of the desert.

In the distance he could hear the sandstorm’s beginnings.

Chapter 5

The ruined tower was well behind them now, already they had passed the third of Rainbow’s landmarks. “We only have to wait for sunrise to light the path now.” Was her cryptic remark. She had been mostly silent bar directions the whole day’s journey. Twilight put it down to the rather unpleasant sky-man with the brown hair.

Despite their best efforts, the other group remained level and indeed followed the same route. The thug often catcalled and tried to torment Rainbow who remained detached, Twilight was impressed at her control.

Sunset arrived and the travellers settled down near the half buried remains of a squat stone building, the last leg of the journey needed to wait for the sunrise. Deciding to take watch in turns, Twilight remained awake first, used to late night study sessions. She read by flickering firelight until Shining took over and then bedded down on blankets within sight of the flames.

Howling winds and a hurried shaking woke her. “Come one Twily! We have to make a move!” He manhandled his sister up, fetching her blankets in magic.

“What’s going on?” She mumbled, still half asleep and feeling sand assault her from all directions.

“Sandstorm!” Rainbow shouted from ahead of them. Fully awake, Twilight caught sight of the mass wall of sand heading for them.

“We’re getting into the building; Pinkie moved the camels in after warning the others.” Shining explained, leading her to the structure. “She shouted something about a ‘Pinkie Sense’ and got everyone to start moving. The building will be a good base; I’m hoping my shield and your power will keep us safe.”

“Ok, ok, explain inside! Get moving!” Rainbow hurried them into the walled area. In the corner worried animals were tied, opposite the luggage had been dumped and the other group were sat around looking pensive.

“This old wreck ain’t gonna protect anything.” Jack scowled, pacing with nerves.

“That may be, but my shield will work better with a structure.” Shining said. He conjured the purple shape all his shields began as. With Twilight channelling power to him, it enlarged to fill the gap of the fallen roof. As it reached the walls, purple lines began to weave into the stones and mortar. With a final flourish it sealed. “There...”

The cacophony of the storm hitting them was intense and shocked everyone into shutting their eyes and covering their ears. Twilight felt someone grab hold of her in the momentary panic but the warm feeling that blossomed prevented her from shouting out. She opened her eyes to darkness; an unearthly roaring filled the air.

“I’m going to make a light spell.” She warned, quickly a glowing ball of light formed on her hand. It softly lit the room and revealed the others. It was interesting to see what everyone had done in the panic.

Shining was pressed against the wall; she could see the traces of magic moving from his hand in to strengthen his shield. Pinkie was calming the animals, though the building was long it was narrow and panicked creatures could cause damage. Jack was crouched around Rarity, her arms keeping the woman close while their guide and his friend were curled up away from everyone in separate spots ‘How brave’ Twilight thought, unimpressed.

Lastly she noticed Rainbow. It was her arms wrapped around the mage. Standing protectively between the librarian and the threat she thought was coming. Once more, Twilight was glad that the situation directed attention away from her growing blush. “We’re ok everyone. The sandstorm is just noisy!” she shouted over the sound.

Everyone slowly moved from their sheltering positions, though Pinkie remained near the animals and Shining stayed by the wall. A sheepish Rainbow let go of Twilight with a small smile and then went to join Pinkie. The librarian went and sat beside her brother. “Good work BBBFF.”

“No problem Twily, so long as you can zap a bit of power in if needs be.” He ruffled her hair.

“Of course.” She yawned then, recalling it was late at night. Levitating over her blankets, hastily bundled into the building earlier, she made a new bed to sleep on and was soon drifting off.

-*-

“Hey, you’re going to want to see the show.” Rainbow’s voice woke the librarian. Twilight sat up and rubbed her eyes.
“Hmmm? What show?” She mumbled half asleep.

“Sunrise.” The adventurer replied, helping Twilight up and bundling the blankets into a pack. “We want to be mounted and ready to move once the path appears.”

“Ok.” Tiredness stopped her asking any more questions. She moved about the building slowly, glad the sandstorm was over. The others were all awake and moving about, bar Shining who looked a little worse for wear.

“Hey Twily.” He yawned a little. “Used a bit more magic than usual.” He went to mount his camel. “Nothing I can’t handle though. Just hope we don’t need my shield again soon.”

“Let me help a second BBBFF.” Twilight moved closer and used a refreshing spell. Even as her aura still surrounded him he looked better. She finished it off with a peck on his cheek. “Well done Shining, you kept us all safe.”

Significantly more awake now his reserves had been bolstered, Shining smiled and hugged his sister. “No problem Twily.” He jumped up onto the beast. “Ready to go?”

“Of course!” She found her camel held by Pinkie with her own, she was talking animatedly to them both. The odd woman stopped when Twilight reached her.

“Hey Twilight, Jeremy here was wondering when you’d get here!” The pink haired officer of the law was just as boisterous as ever.

“Jeremy?”

“Yup, that’s his name.” She grinned her manic smile and gave the beige coated animal a pat. “He likes you, you’re nice.”

“Good to know.” Twilight humoured the Corporal and mounted the camel and arranged her bags. “How soon is sunrise?”

“About two more minutes.” Rainbow said from the air. “We need to move quickly if you want to get to the site first.” She landed next to her mount, having long ago learned that most riding animals did not like sky-born folk landing directly on them.

Rarity’s group were working to load their animals with the equipment and Twilight was reminded that however friendly they had been, they were still rivals.

“Twilight, eyes front, we’re just about ready for the path.” Rainbow waved towards the east. Twilight was about to ask once more what she meant.

She was kept silent by the spectacle. As the bright orb of the sun rose above the horizon its new light created a shining path across the sands. It stretched far away and long into the distance. “There’s our route.” Rainbow said.

Twilight found her voice at last, “Beautiful...” though she didn’t stop long to gaze, they were in a race after all. She gee’d her camel to move and gave him a pat as ‘Jeremy’ moved to a gallop.

“Riding camels! Riding camels! I’m riding a camel, he’s riding a camel, she’s riding a camel and she is too!” Pinkie sang badly. It was confusing considering how well she had sung bawdy songs with sailors on the boat.

Twilight sincerely hoped that the singing would not continue.

-*-

Pinkie had fallen asleep on her camel, she had been up and awake most of the night and the chance to sleep while her mount followed his friends was too good to pass up. Her singing had been replaced by Twilight’s observations.

“Look Shining! There is a slab engraved with pre-unification cuneiform script! I have to mark that one on the map for later.”
“Fascinating Twily.” Shining repeated for what he thought had to be the twentieth time.

“On the horizon! There’s an obelisk! Oh, a row of them!” She stood up a little to point them out to the others.

“That’s cool Twilight.” Rainbow said. “Save all the brain for the real ruins right?”

“But... This is such a good chance...”

“You’ll get tired out before we reach the prison.”

While Twilight looked across the desert for points of historical and geographic interest, Rainbow was keeping watch for trouble. In the other group it seemed Jack and Rarity were occupied similarly, the Archaeologist being quite taken by the sparse features of the desert while the gunner scanned for trouble.

As it turned out, trouble found them.

The ululating cry of a cultist alerted them first. It woke Pinkie and sent Rarity and Twilight ducking down. Slightly braver or more foolhardy, Shining scanned the area. Jack and Rainbow held guns at the ready as they searched the dunes.

Half a mile away the noticeable red robes of a cultist stood out. He was horse mounted. The rising noise of more horses spurred the group into action.

“Get going! Down that bank!” Rainbow yelled to the others, pointing to a steep sand dune a few yards ahead. Camels and horses were sped up by their riders and hurried up the dune. On the ridge that the first cultist stood, more appeared.

“I’m not sticking around for that!” Hoops shouted, he abandoned his horse and flew into the air and away, closely followed by his friend.

“Cowards! Y’all can’t expect any money from us now!” Jack shouted after them, disgust in her tone. Now at the top of the dune, they all looked to Rainbow.

“Down there, it’s a good shelter and defensive position.” She pointed to a series of half buried metal hulks, their red streaked iron sides bolstered up by piles of sand. “Solid bullet proof iron and buried in sand. We couldn’t have set up a better position if we tried.” She hurried the camel down the steep sand bank, behind them the noise of massed cultists could be heard. The treasure hunter tried to keep her last confrontation out in the sand from her mind.

“What is that?” Twilight shouted across as they rushed down the slope. As they got closer the iron hulk looked older and larger. Quickly they were around the other side of the impromptu shield. Feeling safer with it between them and the armed cultists.

“I think it is the Bay Ardeth, that old land train that broke.” Rainbow gave the metal vehicle a tap, the heavy clunk it made reassuring to those seeking shelter.

Land trains had once transported people and goods across the long stretches of desert before the rails had been laid for conventional trains. The Bay Ardeth had been one of the older in service, iron clad against bandit attacks and slow moving due to its size. The drive shaft had crumbled one journey and the cargo and crew were airlifted away. The heap had been left to the desert.

“Get the animals into a shutting box.” Jack said quietly. “We want ‘em to be good to carry us the rest of the way.”

“Aye Aye!” Pinkie saluted and grabbed at the lead ropes and reigns to take them to safety. It was noticeable that for the first time since she had joined the historians her gun holster was unbuttoned. Her weapon ready for action.

While the Corporal took charge of the animals, Jack was prepping her rifle. Rainbow followed suite, unrolling her pack to reveal her armoury. “Shining, you any good with a gun?” the sky-born said, gesturing to the selection.

“Decent shot with a rifle, I can peg one or two with a revolver and have a reasonable record with the single shotgun.” He crouched down by the armoury and picked out a repeating rifle and the ammunition packet. “I’ll be happier to use this.” Rainbow nodded.

“Take a good position.” She pointed to one of the empty cargo trucks of the Bay Ardeth, it had a window in the side facing the cultist’s most likely approach. “That should work out. If I take the far end and Jack takes the opposite, we’ll be covered.”

“What about me darling?” Rarity approached, gone was her high class airs but she was still poised. An unusual bracelet and palm jewellery on her hands.

“You can get safe. Quirky bling isn’t going to help.” Rainbow lifted her shotgun and loaded it.

“Bling? Darling, I’m a gold medallist mage-archer.” To demonstrate she held out her left arm as if wielding a bow. From magic and the bracelet a crescent shape formed. When the archaeologist made a drawing motion across it with her right hand, a bolt of pure energy materialised. Rainbow knew it would be deadly.

“Alright. You cover the other end and I can run my other idea.” The flier pointed to the tail end of the buried land train. “With it all covered we should be able to keep them back long enough for me to get rid of them.”

“You got a plan sky-girl?” Jack was holding her rifle ready for action.

“A good one. Now get in to place!” She left the women to take their positions. Running past the truck Pinkie had secured the animals the Corporal stuck her head out.

“Hey Dash, what do I do?” She was still as perky as ever but had an underlying seriousness in her voice.

“Keep the animals safe and use that iron when you have to Pinkie. We need the horses and camels whatever happens.”
“Sure thing.” She saluted and slid back in to the truck, closing the heavy door.

“What about me?” Twilight had walked up behind Rainbow. She looked slightly panicked but determined. “What should I do Ms Dash?”

“Can you shoot? Or do that fancy magic blast thing?” Rainbow kept one ear open for the approaching cultists. All she could be thankful for was their habit of massing ahead of a charge.

“No... No, I can’t. I can make a shield like Shining though. I’m better at defensive magic.” She had wilted under the scrutiny but was confident in her other talents.

“Excellent! Make one in the gaps, something we can shoot through but they can’t get bullets in.” Twilight nodded and smiled, making the hand gestures to conjure the barrier.

“What will you be doing?”

Rainbow grinned and popped her wings into existence. “Just call me Rainbow Dust Storm.”

Chapter 6

There were at least a hundred cultists, armed and mounted. They were a single mass across the top of the sand dune, above the wrecked land train.

Twilight was sat in the sand, her back against the solid iron sides of the Bay Ardeth’s engine car. Most of the small parts had been stripped from the motor but the engine block was still in place. It was an added layer of protection for her while she concentrated on shielding the armed members of the group. She could hear the shouts of the gathered cultists on the dune. They were close to fever pitch, soon they would charge.

Rarity was stood close by, her impressive bow gleaming in the sun and thrumming with magical power. She was focused on the threat, ready to begin firing as soon as they moved. Twilight couldn’t see Pinkie, Jack or Shining. They were positioned further away, defending the iron hulk’s length. Rainbow though, Rainbow was a sight to behold.

The sky-born woman was flying in wide low circles, encompassing a large area of loose sand but hidden from view by glaring sunlight. She was using her innate weather skills to whip up a dust storm. The frightening sand storm the night before had certainly sent the travellers all fleeing to shelter. The hope was that a whirlwind full of dust would shift the cultists from the attack.

From above a shout called out. Then the air filled with yelling charging cultists, their gunshots ringing out but only hitting Twilight’s shield uselessly. She could hear the pop of Jack and Shining’s rifles, the shouts from injured attackers. From beside her the tearing flame sound of a lit match sounded every time Rarity let off a shot, her magical bolts pinning charging cultists.

Twilight tried to keep the sounds of battle out of her mind, eyes screwed shut and pouring all her effort into maintaining her magenta shield that was protecting the defenders. She could feel the breezes from Rainbow’s efforts; the flier was close to executing her plan.

Cracking open an eye she watched as a great cloud of dust was lifted above the height of the train. Rainbow was corralling the mass of whirling dust, leading it to the hundred or so red-clad horsemen. Twilight allowed herself a small smile; it looked like the plan would work. “That’s giving them pause.” Rarity commented, letting off another magical projectile.

The shooting by the cultists had ceased, their leader had noticed their ineffectiveness against the shield and the localised dust storm gathering above. Rainbow was working hard, flying around the cloud with powerful sweeps of her wings. She was too focused to notice she had left the protection of the shield. The leader of the cultists barked an order.

Then, a crack of gunfire, a single shot. Pain blossomed along her arm.

Rainbow shouted out. Twilight saw her falling from the sky, left hand clutched over her right arm and her magical cyan wing flickering from sustained damage. She landed with a thump on the sand, luckily behind the protective bulk of the land train.
A trickle of blood ran from her arm. Twilight saw only red.

To anyone watching it was a terrifying and fascinating transformation. The prim, slightly shy librarian became enraged. Her indigo hair began flicking in non-existent wind and her eyes started to glow. The leylines all magical beings had were showing, clear and bright under her skin. As her hair moved like it was subject to a tempest, it ignited with orange flame.
“You hurt her!” She yelled at the cultists, an otherworldly tone under her voice. “That was a cheap shot!” The woman was now floating, propelled by her power. She emerged from behind the wrecked train. Her effect on the cultists was immediate.
Those who did not flee bowed low to the ground. Muttering words of obeisance to her they moved backwards, away from her but not turning their backs. “Maleka!” the leader shouted, keeping himself low to the ground. Twilight was too caught up in her anger to notice their actions. She was simply glad they were retreating.

When the last of the cultists left she was still feeling angry. Ready to chase, to destroy them. She landed on the sand, Shining watched fascinated as her footsteps fused the sand into glass. “Twily! They’ve gone now! You can calm down!” He shouted after her as she moved to tackle the dune.

“Twilight?” Rainbow called. She was sat up in the sand; Rarity was running a healing spell over her injured arm and feeding some magic into the mildly damaged wing. At her call, the librarian turned.

“You’re ok?” Her hair extinguished, the leylines ceased their glow and her expression changed from anger to confusion. “I think I need to take a little nap...” Shining caught her in a levitation spell before she hit the floor.

“What was that?” Jack walked up from her guarding position. She had watched as the last of the cultists run away in a mix of awe and fear.

“Magical rage-shift... Mom used to do it; I guess Twily inherited the ability.” Shining held his sister, carrying her like he had when she was a lot smaller.

“I guess she got worried when I shouted out.” Rainbow winced and scrubbed at her hair. “It only winged me.”

“Indeed, a long shallow cut on her forearm.” Rarity tied a piece of fabric around the mostly healed cut. “It’ll heal up a little faster from my spell.”

“We should get moving.” Pinkie said, having appeared with her uncanny quietness. She looked antsy, a little like the moments before the sand storm. “We can’t stick around here...” She lightly patted Twilight’s head. “We can carry her and lead the camel? It would just be a really bad idea to stay.”

“Ain’t got to tell me twice.” Jack began leading the pack animals from their temporary stable. In moments the whole group were moving once again. Shining held Twilight in front of him, keeping her steady as they made tracks across the desert.

-*-

Word travelled fast amongst the cultist cells. They had found an aspect of Her, living as a mortal it seemed. She had hair that blazed like fire and leylines that lit bright white as the noonday sun. Her voice was one of command and her sight was unlimited, glowing eyes full of power.

Like any whispered story the other facts fell by the wayside. She had dark hair when travelling in a mortal guise. Her companions were a scholar, one who wore the colours of the sky and an Appleoosan.

The cultists told that they group were working to free the full power of Her. To take it into the walking aspect. They left the travellers to their journey in peace. The time for the return of their Queen would be soon.

-*-

“Where we goin’ Shiny?” Twilight murmured as she woke. She shifted a little until she realised she was on a camel.

“Still going to that Flare Prison you were rather focused on Twily.”

“Oh, yeah...” She looked ahead to see Rainbow leading and remembered what had happened earlier. She blushed again. “Can I ride on my own camel now?”

“Sure thing Twily.” Shining waved to Pinkie who was leading the spare camel. The Corporal had grown up on a farm, she had explained, and was used to handling animals almost as well as the cowgirl Jack.

“Thanks guys.” Twilight smiled lightly and jumped onto the camel. “We still have to reach the ruins today though, sorry for being a bit of dead weight.”

“Nonsense darling! That trick of yours got those cultists running away and we’ve not been bothered since. Nary a sign of their dreadful red robes.” Rarity was riding her horse close by, Jack had rear guard and Rainbow was leading. “Though I agree, I will feel much safer with some good stone walls around us in those ruins.”

“We aren’t too far away from it.” Rainbow said from the lead. “You slept a while there Twilight. We thought you used up too much magic.” She sounded light and cheerful.

“No, just used a lot all at once. It uses energy.” Twilight drew away from her brother and the Corporal and reached Rainbow. “Are you ok?” She pointed out the bandage around the flier’s arm.

“I’m alright, had worse.” Rainbow sat up a little. “You pretty much burst into flames back there.”

Twilight brushed, “Uh, yeah. It, it’s called a rage-shift. Mom did it once, when myself and Shining were kids. Some robbers tried to take hostages when we were in a bank. They wanted kids as a shield. They got close and she lit like a struck match... The crooks all but gave themselves up to the authorities in the end.”

“Cool. My mom was a stunt flier, could fly rings around anyone. She’s retired back in Cloudsdale now.” Rainbow grinned.
“What’s your mom up to now?”

Twilight’s face fell, “Uh, she died, a while ago. A long while.” She ran her fingers through her hair briefly.

“Sorry.” Rainbow looked stricken and unsure on how to proceed.

“They were archaeologists and historians; there is a wing of the museum dedicated to them.” Twilight smiled wistfully. “They were travelling to a dig when they were killed... I was nine and Shining was fifteen.” She looked over at Rainbow. “I’m comfortable talking about them Rainbow, so don’t worry. I kind of like to think that being out here riding camel-back to a site we will dig at is something like what they used to do.”

“Still, sorry.” She looked ahead, “Hey.” Rainbow pointed. “Ruins in sight!”

“Really?” Twilight looked to the horizon and spotted an array of sun-blurred structures. They weren’t much to look at but they were within sight. “How much longer?” Excitement was high in her voice, driving it up an octave.

“Three hours trek still, but only three.” Rainbow waved to the others and shouted. “Nearly there!” A cheer came up from the two others she had set out to lead and the pair whose guides had abandoned them.

“So, onwards then?” Twilight laughed happily and indicated Rainbow take the lead again. The travellers continued onwards to their goal.

-*-

Luna was sat in her tent painting when the shout came across the camp. She recognised the voice of one of the scouts sent out to tail the troublesome group. “I’m sure A’triet will inform me if it is important.” She mused aloud, drawing another brush stroke across the stretched paper in front of her. Within moments there was a respectful cough outside her home. “Enter, my faithful warrior.”

A’triet lifted the door flap and ducked into the tall dome structure. The interior of his princess’s home was richly decorated in comparison to the other members of the tribe. A long built up collection of well cared for items from throughout history put the place equal to some of the great museums of the “settled” society. “My lady, a report came in.” He paused a moment, drawing her attention from the artwork she was creating. “The group weathered the storm and moved onwards. Réo saw them but four hours travel from the prison.”

Luna sighed and laid down her brush and paints. “Then I must halt them at their destination.” She took up her armour, a light shoulder piece and a hauberk. Then the spear she had carried for so long.

“There is more to his report, my lady. It is best you hear it.” A’triet inclined his head in respect to the princess.

“So be it.” She followed the leader from her tent to the low benches gathered around the communal cooking area. A sky-born man was taking a drink, a bowl of broth in his hand.

“My lady.” He greeted, a slight nervousness in his voice.

“Scout Réo, well met. You have a report for me?” Luna took a seat opposite, dropping her armour to a rug on the floor.

“Yes my lady. I found them on the route suggested. They had made shelter from the storm before it hit, they lost no tools or supplies to the sand.” He made a gesture of wild hair about his head. “Their law officer has some uncanny sense of the matters, I heard them speak gladly of her warning.”

“An earth-born yes?” Luna asked, A’triet confirmed it, “She must be adept, many lost the gift after the Nightmare.”

“There is more, my lady.” Réo said, draining his drink. “They were faced with a cadre of the red robes. I thought I would need to intervene or call for help... They took shelter behind the Bay Ardeth for defence.” He motioned a shield. “The mage girl made a shield while the gunners took arms, the other mage practices archery.” He took a breath, “Then when one was hurt... The mage, Twilight Sparkle... She used the form. The form of Her.”

Luna’s spear fell to the floor. The first time in a thousand years that it had touched the ground. “Hair of flames and glowing eyes? I... She did not warn me of this, did not tell me...” She hardened her eyes. “We are at risk. This girl may be under an enchantment, a compulsion or hex to reach the prison and release the Nightmare. She may even be an agent of Her.” Luna shook her head in sadness. “I will have a great deal of work if this task must end in death... But we cannot leave things to chance.” The princess stood, her magic made quick work of putting her armour in place and once more she took up a spear. “A’triet.”

“My lady?”

“Gather a force. We must halt them swiftly else lose all we know.”

Chapter 7

The sun was close to setting when they reached the path of stone to the Flare Prison. The pavers emerged from the sand in a road marked out by low walls. Crumbled pillars and statuary dotted the expanse. They halted where the patchy blocks became a virtually swept roadway. Two horses ridden and two lead, five camels and their riders lined up.

“So this is it.” Twilight breathed, looking to the gateway not five hundred yards ahead of them.

“Yup. The Flare Prison.” Rainbow nodded. She looked slyly to Jack and Rarity. “Race yah.” She winked and moved her camel to run. Twilight, shouting and laughing took off after her.

“We’ve been had.” Rarity grimaced.

“Not if Ah have anything to say about it.” Jack said, letting go of the lead ropes of the spare horses and geeing her horse to a trot, canter and gallop in quick succession.

“Well, um, ladies first?” Shining said, bemused.

Rainbow was in the lead, Twilight hot on her heels, giggling and laughing. “I’m going to beat you Dash!” she shouted, getting level.

“Ah’m gonna beat yah both!” Jack’s Appleoosan drawl reached them as she rapidly caught up.

“Go on Twilight! I’ll stall her!” Rainbow laughed, pulling back into Jack’s path as Twilight and Jeremy passed through the gateway, cementing their win.

“Din’t take you for a team player.” Jack said to the flier. Settling her firearm to a better spot as it was no longer being jostled by a race.

“Eh, she deserves it after saving our hides back there.” Rainbow shrugged.

The other riders soon joined the celebrating Twilight, who had dismounted and was performing a victory dance that consisted of her jumping in a circle shouting “Yes!” over and over.

“Well, you won darling.” Rarity said, not a trace of resentment in her voice. “I have to say it did garner a quite adorable reaction.” She smiled and pointed to the dancing scholar.

“She does get rather enthusiastic, doesn’t she?” Shining said.

“Hurrah!” Pinkie yelled, somehow letting off party poppers, a stream of confetti flew through the air.

“I’d recount the results.” A snide voice shouted. Hoops and his compatriot emerged from behind a half buried wall. He had a gun pointed at Rainbow. “We got here hours ago.”

“Yeah, after runnin’ off like cowards.” Jack growled, rounding on them.

“Tactical retreat. Making a defensible position.” The brown haired sky-man said, unthreatened.

“We hired you to guide us.” Rarity’s voice was cold.

“Still, got you the right to get the prime spot.” Hoops sneered and spat. His blue haired friend at least looked apologetic. “So, unless these losers make a claim, I’d advise you go get your site.”

“You...” Rainbow moved to punch the man, a rifle was soon pointed to her heart.

“Don’t try it Crash...” Hoops leered.

By this point Twilight had halted her celebrations. In fact she looked quite deflated after her earlier exuberance. “We didn’t say in what way they had to get here first.” She looked at Rarity and Jack with a small sad smile. “You guys take where you want.” She walked over and gently took Rainbow’s hand. “It’s not worth it Dash.” She whispered to her guide. “He will shoot you, and all the way out here, a point blank shot anywhere on the body... it is a killer.”

The flier let the librarian lead her away from the rival group. Hours of bonding in the desert had made her forget that the other two women were not part of the team. Fighting mad cultists and taking shelter... It had put their earlier aims to the back of her mind. It angered her, but Twilight was right that a gunshot wound would kill her. That was how she had lost Green Ray and Nimbus.

Muttering darkly and followed by a more subdued group, Rainbow walked into the ruins, hoping that the area the archaeologist and her escort chose did not encompass all the prime places.

-*-

As it transpired, Rarity selected to look around the grand temple area. It was a better site amongst the ruins but Twilight was convinced that the important finds would be amongst the more anonymous buildings.

They set camp on a small plateau above where Dr. Belle and Jack and chosen. Twilight had theorised it was some kind of sand covered structure but didn’t think it was too important. She liked having the higher ground to look over the whole ruin. Rainbow liked being able to keep a watch on the activities of the others.

Quite handily, although the sinking boat had claimed her books and clothes and their camping kit. Shinning had been able to pick up blankets and some bundles of fabric to sleep. They would at least provide a little comfort and warmth in the desert nights. “So, what do you think?” She stood back to show her handiwork. The piled blankets were in a semi circle around a small fire pit with one a little further away from the other three; Pinkie had already set up a tripod and cooking pot and was preparing a meal.

“Neaterrific” Pinkie said, looking up from the pot. “Why’s that one over there?”

“Um, whoever is keeping watch needs to be in the best position to uh, watch...” Twilight said. “They have the best spot there.” She smiled, the other nights had warned all of them that the strange law woman was equally if not more weird when sleeping, they could put her there, hopefully she would have forgotten the watch excuse by the time they retired to sleep.

“Okey-dokey!” The pink haired woman replied, dropping some spices into the pot.

Twilight took a moment to look around. The sun had set and the dusk was around them, bathing the area in a dim light. Shining was looking about the place, keeping close to the cooking meal. Rainbow was pacing, looking across at the others with a look of failure on her face. “Dash, are you ok?”

“No, those jerks abandoned us and the others. Then they get here first and beat us to the best spot.” She kicked at a pile of sand. It didn’t do much to relieve her frustration.

“Dash, I already explained. The lesser buildings are better to look in. Robbers and treasure hunters will have looted the grand places. These storage buildings and guard bunkers... If I can find one engraved stone or a discarded writ... Anything marked with the symbol that was associated with Flare... I’ll have all I need to come back with a real team! Vindication for my research.” She gently caught Rainbow’s arm. “You got us here, now I need to get the evidence.”

“I guess. I still don’t trust those jerks though. I think we need to look out for Rarity and Jack, not that Jack can’t stop those guys.” Rainbow left her pacing. Pinkie was serving up the evening meal and they had plans to make some searches before sleeping.

-*-

Rarity was sketching the temple she had elected to search in, she had a very good hand and the pencil lines were assembling into the tall columns and stone slabs of the structure. Jack sat close by the archaeologist, watching their hired guides closely. “Ah don’t trust them Rare.” She muttered for the seventh time.

“I know dear, however we have no reason to worry. At least until we find anything of monetary value.” The purple haired woman was wearing a pair of glasses and looking intently at the eroded stones. “I know that they are at least intelligent enough to only steal from the spares anyway.”

“Steal! Sugar cube, what did they take?” Jack held her gun up.

“Nothing important darling, it was more a case of discarding what their small brains couldn’t figure out. Some blankets, a little currency and my spare dig kit are missing. I am assuming they were thrown about after the boat sank.” She took a last look at what she had been sketching and nodded with satisfaction. “Like I said, not important.”

“Stealing is stealing and that is wrong.” Jack grumbled. Rarity turned to face her and leaned in, laying a chaste kiss on her nose.

“And I say it is not worth getting riled up over ten dollars and some old gear.” She folded the sketch book closed and stood. “Now, come along dear, we have some digging to do!”

-*-

The warriors of the Guarding Ones were gathered together, their princess at the head. They were armed and armoured for battle. After the scout’s report they were unsure of what they could face. Armed cultists would be the least of their worries if the librarian was indeed a facet of the Nightmare. A’triet, astride his horse, was close to Luna. They would soon be ready to depart.

“Brother, I wish to come with you.” Mēi was riding her own horse, a brown mare she had raised from a foal. She was armoured, for every member of the Guarding Ones was equipped for their ancient task.

“Mēi, it is dangerous for you.” A’treit said, concerned.

“I know it could well be, but I cannot let you out to face all we have been raised to fear without coming with you.” She halted beside him. “Besides, those travellers may well indeed be under a compulsion... It would not be a kindness to give them to the desert, it would not be right.” She looked once to the princess. “If only warriors arrive, charging in for battle, they would react in kind and injuries or worse could happen. If I was to enter and speak with them maybe a solution could be found.”
“Mēi is right, my warrior.” Luna said, her voice wise and gentle. “They could simply be misguided or hexed. I would not want to cause more bloodshed at that place.” She turned to the healer, “Come and ride with us child. Your wisdom may well save a life.” The light pink haired woman nodded shyly and took her place.

As the moon rose to hang low and yellow in the sky, the warriors, their princess and a kind soul rode out.

-*-

Twilight hefted a burning torch up to a wide crack in a stone wall and drove it in, assisted by her magic. The flames lit the small building they had chosen as the first to investigate. “It’s a short, narrow structure. Well fortified,” she mumbled to herself. “A guard post of some sort I’d theorise.” She brushed at a corner with her bare hand, sweeping away wind-deposited sand. “Ah ah! Just as I thought.” She stood back and pointed proudly for the others to see. Shining came closer and Rainbow leaned in.

“A bit of wood?” The gunner said. She was doing her best not to melt at the sight of the enchanted and excited librarian. She was really a looker when not frowning at a book and great company too.

“A trapdoor!” Shining supplied almost at the same time. If he had any idea of Rainbow’s feelings he didn’t indicate it.

“Precisely! This was an ancient guard station for sure.” Twilight used her magic to uncover the entire doorway. “They would use tunnels under the ground, linked across the entire structure or fortification.” She explained for the benefit of the Corporal and their guide.

“We could be on the first floor though Twily.” Shining warned, grabbing for the torch to light their way.

“Ok, but all we have to do then is look for the door to the passages.” Twilight said, clearly still excited by the discovery. “I’ll lift the trapdoor.” Magenta magic surrounded the wooden panel and with a little effort and dislodged sand, it rose.

The whole square lifted from the ground, the hinges long since corroded away. Twilight dropped it gently to the ground beside the hole. Pitch darkness lay beyond. “Time for the moment of truth.” Shining muttered.

“Anything amiss Corporal?” Twilight asked of Pinkie, she had witnessed just how effective the woman’s extra sense was. Even though it was illogical and would require further study at a later date...

“Nopeio Twilight. We’re ok to go.” She saluted with a smile.

“Ok. Let’s hope we’re in luck and these lead to the tunnels.” Lifting her hand with a light spell glowing, Twilight waved her arm into the hole.

-*-

In their dig site, Rarity was having limited luck. Some interesting mouldings on the stonework weren’t really earth-shattering discoveries or unique enough to give an undisputed identification to the ruins. “Oh bother.” She grumped, pushing some slightly less than perfect hair back from her face. Jack was stood close by, watching in amusement. She loved to see Rarity a little mussed from hard work.

“Nothin’ good here Rare?” She said, coming a little closer. “Ah can have a feel o’ the place if you’d like.” She shot a look over at the lounging sky-men, “ain’t like those pair are going to do anything useful.” Rarity looked up at her with relief.

“Darling, work your magic. There don’t seem to be any gems close by for me to discover. You can find me some interesting ground differences.” She shuffled from the small holes she had been digging up carved quartz and lovely but useless barite. Jack placed her rifle down by the archaeologist and began the process she used to “get in mind” to speak with the ground. After a few moments she began pacing around. She halted at a spot five yards away.

“There’s a void here, a lot of metal in there. The sand has a lot of stone in too, might have been some sort of alter on it that got worn down or taken away.” She traced out a shape with a boot heel “All this here, got to be about a meter or more down.”

“Thank you darling, what would I do without you?” Rarity hurried over eagerly, a trowel in one hand and a digging spell in the other.

“Make the place look like the farm on plantin’ day sugar cube.” Jack chuckled and took up her rifle and a shovel.

Chapter 8

There was no ladder or steps below the lip of the trap door. The shower of sand Twilight had pushed over the edge when kneeling told as much. “Dash, can you fly Pinkie down there? I can levitate myself and Shining can take himself down, but I don’t think I can support two over an unknown distance.” Twilight dipped her hand deeper, trying to catch a sign of the floor.

“Sure, she’s not too heavy.” Rainbow stood back to let the mages enter the hole. Shining held his sister back to take the lead down.

“I’ll be able to cast the strongest shield if something goes wrong.” He said to prevent her complaints. Twilight wanted to argue but it was the better idea. He lowered himself to the ground and dangled his legs over the edge. “Off I go...” With the slightest spell cast, he slid into the hole and slowly lowered out of sight.

Too excited, Twilight grabbed up the torch and jumped into the hole, or seemed too. Her levitation spell halted her at the floor level and she began to sink down. Rainbow’s method was a little different. Using the natural hovering ability of the sky-born, she left the ground and grabbed Pinkie around the shoulders, lifting her under her arms. “Ready to go Pinkie?”

“Come on! They’re down already!” She said; eager to take a look. Rainbow chuckled and flew them down to join the others.

-*-

The trench was nearing a meter deep, the rubble and sand that they had excavated was piled up a little way away. Rarity wanted to look at the larger chunks at least. Jack was scraping up the most sand and throwing it out of the hole. Rarity used her magic to take more and to sweep the deposits back. She also had a low level spell keeping the earth and sand sides shored up. “We’re nearly there.” Jack grunted, pushing the shovel down and hearing a dull thump.

“Excellent! I’ll spell it away now.” With a little extra concentration and effort, the archaeologist probed the soil with magic, reaching what was not the same across a flat plane and lifting the covering dirt. In one quick movement, she gestured the detritus away in blocks.

“Well, that’s something for sure.” Jack whistled.

“What a find....” Rarity gasped, more careful levitation magic surrounded the ornate chest. Her analysis said the entire thing was a block of solid milky white quartz. Decorative sigils of the moon and stars on one half, the sun and weather across the other.

It rose from the ground and the trench, Jack clambered up after it. When Rarity had settled it on the ground she made to climb out, a work worn hand helping her up. “Time to see what we found then.” Jack said, holding the rifle again. Rarity nodded.

“Moment of truth darling.” Her spellwork unsealed the chestand lifted the lid.

-*-

The flickering torch and light spells illuminated the buried room. It was more of a chamber. Twilight’s theory had been correct, they had entered a guard room and were now stood at the termination point of a passage. A dark and dank passage from the seems of things. “This is amazing!” Twilight nearly squealed with joy.

“It’s a dark room underground.” Rainbow said, examining the walls for rich murals or mosaics, kicking at the ground for any buried gold or valuables.

“Yeah, but that leads to something! What are we waiting for?!” Pinkie snatched up the torch and pelted along the corridor.

“We should, um, follow I think.” Shining said, tugging at his collar before stepping after her.

“Ok, that woman is insane.” Twilight took a last glance about before moving to catch up. Rainbow kicked some more sand but decided against being left alone. She followed the sound of voices.

“So, if I am right, we should get some sort of evidence...” Twilight trailed off. They had followed the passage from the guard room. Some quick mental calculations told her she was probably under the main structure by now. Ahead of her stood inarguable evidence that they had reached the flare prison.

“Good Grief, Twily... you’ve done it.” Shining looked in awe.

It was a statue of the daiarchs. The Princess of the Moon and her elder sister, the Princess of the Sun. One was a little taller than the other, their crowns were depicted as a little different also. The lance of the Night Princess was damaged though, by age or battle.

It was the statue of the Sun Princess that was proof though. Both stood on plinths with their regal sigils carved upon them. However the golden, giving sun was marked over by brutal and crude lines. Two circles, rough hewn over the reaches of the symbolic rays and the round sun, intersected by jagged pointed lines. The blazes of Nightmare Flare.

There had been many temples and houses dedicated to the ruling sisters, one thousand years ago. They had long since fallen to ruin with no one to look after them when one princess sealed herself away and the other withdrew. Only the Flare Prison had been altered, mad men drawn by whispering power and crooning summons from their Queen. They had desecrated the signs of the woman who had been before the darkness, hoping to break her power or damage her spirit. While the lesser locations had suffered at their hands, the authorities had taken them down and buried them. None dared or were allowed close to this Prison.

They were the first to stand there in decades, centuries.

The basking in awe was somewhat disturbed by Corporal Pinkie belting past them from whatever corner she had gone to investigate screaming about “Baaad Ju-ju. Real bad ju-ju.” Her hair was flat but flying about and waving at odds to her movements

-*-

The lid came off the chest with a little application of Jack’s strength. Both women were left speechless by the sight within.
Coins, medallions and bars of gold and silver, marked with the sun or moon. There were hundreds of them. Nestled among them were three scroll tubes. Ivory with gold, the scroll of the sun. Ebony with silver, the scroll of the moon. There was one other, an extra that was not known to the archaeologist or her partner. All the precious metals and invaluable documents they could identify were far too exciting.

It was a mottled brown scroll tube tied with an odd almost silken string in a complex pattern and stopped each end with steel caps inlaid with jet and red jasper.

“We made a find Jack.” Rarity managed to whisper.

“Ah think we surely have.” Jack replied as quietly.

Neither wanted to alert the less than trustworthy men in their employ. There was too much gold to do that. Rarity scooped out the scrolls, all three of them, and sealed the lid in place again. “Not a word until we are back in Fort Mage.” She whispered. Jack nodded agreement.

With a little magic and strength, the chest was dropped by Rarity’s research desk. The three closed scroll tubes on the workspace. They were too busy concealing the valuable chest to notice the brown tube fall to the ground behind the desk and roll out from the boundary of the tent fabric.

In fact, no one noticed for quite a while and when they did it was not part of their group.

-*-

The Guarding Ones and their princess were riding through the desert to the location of their most sacred task. It was with concern and some shock that they saw their princess falter, only by the fact that Penumbra was well trained was she not pitched from her mount. A’triet and Mēi went to her swiftly. “My lady, are you alright?” The healer asked in her soft sweet voice.

“They have found the chest…” Luna whispered urgently, someone has unsealed it!” The sensation of the magic she had long ago laid being undone had sent her reeling. Putting her back to a time of panic, weakness and roiling acrid smoke…

-*-

The pale skinned princess of the night limped through the ruins of Asa Nemänah Kâx, the former grand palace she shared with her sister. Tears sprang unbidden to her eyes as she thought of her elder sibling, trapped now and sealed away for as long as the sun would live.

She made her way through smashed doors, useless. Their greatest defence was also useless now, she had destroyed the bond and her sister had finished it by her selfless actions. The younger princess could only pray that no great threat would come. Making her way past wrecked tapestry and smashed furnishings she tried her best to keep moving.

Oily smoke from myriad unnatural and natural fires filled the air, thick and cloying. Luna coughed, she ignored the spots of blood that speckled her arm, she was immortal and had pulled through worse. With one eye closed, sealed by blood running from a gash on her forehead, she stumbled her way through the ruins of her old home.

The bodies of soldiers in the livery of night and day lay tumbled where they had been thrown after death or twisted as they fell in battle. Luna paused to get a handle on her stomach; she had already emptied it of everything some hours before.

Through another doorway she bit back a lance of pain with a hiss. Her foot had impacted with her spear, thought lost hours before. Holding back a grateful sob, she lifted the weapon from the ground, using it as support to drag her injured body out of the dying palace.

Her spear had been in the entrance to the grand temple, where in better times the populace had come to speak with the sisters, for boons and blessings or advice and succour. The centrepiece, a chest of precious coins and the scrolls the sister’s held during court. As she picked her way through rubble, Luna felt her injured leg send something skittering across the floor.

A scroll bound in arcane hide and sealed with silken hair. Growling in rage she used her magic to pitch the filthy object into the chest, the only sealable container she could find, and magic the box closed. With a final push, her glowing eye belying it as magic from the moon itself, she drove the chest down through the alter and deep into the ground. Sweeping and compacting rubble and earth over it, in hope that it would never be found.

Weaker still now, Luna made her way to the gateway of the temple; she had to escape the airless smoke filled buildings and reach the open sky. Bodily she opened the door a crack and slipped through. Only to stumble and fall painfully down the steps.

Her tumble was halted by a strong caring arm. A tall figure lifted Luna and held her up. Looking up before the blackness claimed her, Luna saw a familiar dark haired person. “Sorani…” she breathed before pitching forward, headfirst into unconsciousness.

-*-

In the present, Luna slipped, “Sorani…” whispered under her breath. A’triet and Mēi caught her before any of the others could see.

“Princess, are you alright?” Daringly, the healer wrapped an arm about her shoulders, surprisingly small despite their strength.

“I am fine Mēi-Ombao. Just, lost in memory.” Luna smiled weakly, despite the centuries passed her loyal friends remained. The healer did not know just how much she resembled the matriarch of her line, Sorani of the Lunar Echelon. “Come; let us make haste before some misguided fool unseals something dangerous.” She sat up straight on her horse, noticing that the pair had kept them moving despite their princess’s being indisposed. Once more grateful for them, she nodded to each and urged her mount faster.

-*-

Pinkie had ceased hurtling about and was now sat twitching in place, her hair was still flat and her pupils were virtually pinpricks, but she had at was at least mostly still. “Bad things... really bad things are down here... All around us.” She whispered in a voice that was all the more disconcerting because of what she was saying. Shining had taken a revolver offered by Rainbow, who was holding her shotgun up and ready. Twilight was trying her best to illuminate the whole area, with little success.

“We should get out from underground.” Rainbow said, “She was ok on the surface and even at the start of the tunnel.”

“Can we get her to walk through the passage again?” Shining asked, still scanning the room for immediate trouble. “I don’t feel happy with all the turns in that tunnel.”

“We could find another way out.” Twilight offered. “The whole complex would be linked and all the buildings have a way into it, ergo an exit.” She expanded her light spell another few inches. “A building like this would have a grand gateway somewhere too.”

“Ok, how do we find it?” Shining swapped seeking danger to assessing an exit.

“Fresh air...” Rainbow said, her sky-born abilities allowing her to sense the airflow. She pointed to a darker side, “There is a breeze from over there.” She stuck the shotgun under her arm and hoisted Pinkie to her feet. “Come on Pinkie.”

“The Monster is chained, waiting to escape. Someone has the key and once turned only Harmony... Only Harmony will close the lock.” Pinkie muttered, swaying on her feet.

“Let’s get her out of here.” Twilight held a hand to the taller woman’s forehead. “She’s feverish, I want to get her to some water and a bed.” Taking the other side of the Corporal, Twilight followed Rainbow’s lead.

The sky-woman traced the breeze deeper into the structure, glad that the building wasn’t getting narrower.

Shining took to the rear, still poised with a revolver. He didn’t know how well it would hold out against what they could face, but it made him feel better anyway.

Eventually they reached a wide passage, Moonlight reached them. “Fresh air and open sky. Come on Twilight, let’s get to the camp.” Rainbow took the weight of Pinkie who was now near catatonic and left the building.

Twilight paused to take a look at the building they had left. It wasn’t the temple, it wasn’t a house. It looked a little more like a fort or gaol. They were two hundred yards or so from the tower they had entered via. “Fascinating,” she muttered.

“Come on Twily, let’s get to camp. It’s getting late.” Shining shoved the gun into his belt and led his sister to the camp. The darkness had fallen in earnest now and the moon was high and milk white.

Rainbow had settled Pinkie into her tent. Her mumbling was still audible. “Honesty, kindness, laughter, generosity and loyalty... The sixth is a mystery we have to solve, to seal Her away again...”

“This place is really affecting her isn’t it?” Twilight said, worried. She moved to the Corporal’s bags, “Maybe there is some medication she’s on?” She opened the large sack, only to find a bottle of brandy. “Or, she self medicates?”

“Ooh, don’t mind if I do.” Shining grabbed at the bottle to take a look.

Chapter 9

The Guarding Ones had reached the Flare prison, they had left their princess at a safe distance. Ever since the first had they maintained a stoic denial to allow her access to the area of danger. It would take a terrible scenario to let Luna through the gateway.

A’triet and Mēi were at the head of the cadre, ready to confront the people who had entered the ruins. One group, the smaller, was in the temple area itself. The other was a way away. Both were sat around fires, their backs to the desert and their eyes looking to light, useless for seeing approaching riders in the darkness. Slowly they advanced.

-*-

“This looks to be pretty good stuff.” Shining commented, pouring a tot of brandy into a tumbler liberated from Pinkie’s bag. “If she starts going loopy again we could dose her with this a little.” He knocked it back, smacking his lips in appreciation. “Corporal Pie has good taste!”

“Pour me some then buddy. I could do with a little something.” Rainbow grinned and held out a hand for the tumbler. Twilight simply tutted and turned to a book.

-*-

Jack sat on the closed chest, holding her rifle as Rarity and her hired guides negotiated the sharing of the precious metals they had discovered. “You abandoned us to cultists,” She held up a graceful hand to halt any argument. “No, you were not being tactical. Miss Dash was the tactician and we got out in one piece. I already agreed to a cut in your fees. Twenty five percent will be removed from the cash you demanded. Also, as we did all the work finding this gold and silver, well, you can get ten pieces each.”

“Hang on there! We agreed thirty percent of the finds!” Hoops growled. He stopped when a rifle barrel pressed his nose.

“No arguments. After all, people get lost in the desert all the time don’t they?” Jack grinned sinisterly.

“Alright.” Hoops groaned, his hands up in surrender. “Ten gold each. Should be worth the trouble of all this.” His friend nodded agreement.

Rarity was about to open the chest when Jack hushed her. “Ah can hear something out there.” She whispered, “Riders.” Rarity nodded and went to her desk instead, taking up her archer bracelet. Jack nodded to the two men to arm themselves.
It was then that all hell broke loose.

-*-

Mēi was concerned, some of the warriors seemed eager to charge in, not to allow her to ride in announcing herself for a talk. She was about to mention something to her brother when his second called in a harsh whisper. “They are preparing to shoot! Charge them before the treasure hunters can hit us!”

A’triet tried to stop them, but his seasoned warriors were at the rear, he had placed the youngsters closer to keep an eye on him. Aggravatingly it seemed his second was over excited and itching to fight having missed the boat raid. Keeping close to his sister and waiting for his compatriots to catch up was the best bet now.

-*-

Horsemen came charging in, swords waving and pistols firing into the air. Jack and Rarity wasted no time in shooting back. “Do let’s not kill anyone just yet darling.” Rarity said, a bolt of magic simply knocking out a rider. “We may very well be invading a sacred or important place after all.”

“Sure, sure.” Jack grunted, swapping her basic ammunition for the magical cartridges. Tear gas and electrical shocks would inconvenience any attacker as much as a bullet. Hoops and his friend had been knocked out by a poorly thought out attack against one rider. Jack ignored them, the less she had to do with them, the better.

-*-

Gunshots and galloping alerted Rainbow and Shining to trouble. They headed over to help, Rainbow grabbing up her gun and Shining preparing some spells. “Twilight, stay there.” She said to the scholar as the pair ran to assist Jack and Rarity.
Twilight scowled and instead began casting her own spells, charging in. “Twily! She said to stay there!” Shining called out after her. She ignored him carried on into the fray. She let off a concussive blast spell, a slight miscalculation, the target was moving towards her so the spell knocked them both to the ground.

Rainbow had missed Twilight’s actions; she saw a shot and took it. A spell grabbed the bullet, a spell cast by a calmer horse mounted group.

“All of you! Cease this foolish action!” A tall pink haired woman glared at the mounted warriors, her blue eyes freezing them in place. “Shame on you! Ignoring your training, our leader’s orders and the plan!” She swept her stare over all the men who had attacked. The dark haired man beside her moving forwards.

“Return to the back, all of you.” He pointed to some, “Take up those fools on the ground. It will be your task to get them back to camp.”

“Jus’ what is going on here?” Jack said walking closer to the man but keeping herself between the intruder and Rarity.
“Yeah. I think I’d like some explanation here.” Rainbow chipped in.

“We came here to warn you of a great danger.” The woman on horseback said. “There is nothing here but badness... We urge you to leave.”

The man nodded. “At dawn’s light please, leave this place. It is not safe.”

Rarity looked to Jack and the chest they had excavated. “I think we’ve made this trip worthwhile.” She commented. “I can just as easily study my finds back home as out here. There is little context to be found in shifting sands.”

“Finds?” The man said. “If these happen to be scrolls... I fear they are of too great a value to our people for them to be enshrined in a museum.” He traced Rarity’s quick glance to her desk and nodded to a trusted friend, sending him to collect them.

“Now wait jus’ a minute!” Jack stepped out, gun raised. The man held up his hand.

“No, dear lady. We will take these with us but this mage can give you a copy.” The man who had collected the scrolls nodded and in a flash of magic he held two rolls of paper. He handed them to Rarity as he passed her.

“Amazing. Thank you.” She nodded, pleased that she had the gold and the scholarly treasures.

“And you, your group will leave? I mean if it isn’t any trouble or anything...” The woman looked to Rainbow.

“Uh, yeah? Our egghead found what she was looking for.” Rainbow shrugged. Shining nodded. He had got a head count and they were very outnumbered, not something a wise person would push.

“Good. Be gone in the morning else experience the fate of all who ever come here.” The man ordered his group away. When all the horsemen were gone the others looked amongst themselves.

Rainbow then noticed Twilight flat out on the floor, looking a little dazed. The gunner hurried over and helped her up. “Are you ok?” Unconsciously she held Twilight closer, one arm upon the librarian’s elbow. She noticed a scrape of dirt across Twilight’s cheek; Rainbow raised her free hand and rubbed it away, trailing her thumb along Twilight’s jawline.

“I’m ok... really. Fine. Thank you Dash...” Twilight leaned a little closer, revelling in the sensation of Rainbow’s thumb running along her face.

“Ahem.” Shining coughed pointedly. The pair jumped apart, stopping all physical contact.

“I think, darlings, that maybe for tonight we should all camp together?” Rarity interject into the steadily growing awkward moment. There were nods of agreement all round. The trio went to move their belongings and the sleeping officer of the law.

-*-

Luna clutched at her spear, her fears were being realised. A group of determined treasure seekers had reached the Flare Prison, though this time the Cultists were leaving them alone. She stood atop the atoll she had watched a rainbow haired fighter fly off into the desert a year before. Now she was watching two rival groups camped amongst the ruins, already having explored some.

She was worried, she was scared… And she was stuck here on this cliff unable to get close to the ruins. It was too great a risk, to get that close to her sister and the Nightmare. It could work to escape, to possess her once more... and without her sister or the elements to rescue her it was too great a risk.

Instead her loyal guards were once more stepping in to chase away the groups. “I am sorry Celestia, I fail you once again.” Luna sat on the ground, falling into memory again.

-*-

“The Night shall last FOREVER!” She cackled with madness, revelling in the fear and confusion writ across her sister’s face. A part of her was crying and screaming to stop but the strength of the entity that called herself Nightmare was too great. Luna was powerless to stop her; only able to watch as the creature that had stolen her body fought her dear sister.
“Luna! This isn’t like you! Please sister, stop this!” Celestia’s normally calm tones were thick with emotion. She only dodged or parried blows, never laying one on her younger sister and even taking hits to use them as a chance to speak.

“Sister, sister. This is everything I am! For too long I have lived in your shadow. Now is the time for my rule.” Luna caught sight of her reflection in a mirror on the wall. Her eyes were catlike and red, her hair was longer and while once the locks had moved with grace, these writhed as in a tempest. Her teeth, pressed into a manic grin, were pointed like fangs. No wonder Celestia had greeted her with fear.

“This is not me Celly! Please!” She screamed and wailed within the confines of her mind. She wished she had never read the infernal scroll, cursed her curiosity. She cursed the madman who had created it, the scholar who had discovered it and the weakness of her mind for letting the nightmare in.

Then, the Nightmare made a mistake. She had led Celestia into the temple, surely to slay her in a place given over to her glory. There, the Princess of the Sun saw the Scroll of The Dark discarded upon the floor. That was when she realised all that had occurred. “Oh Lulu, you poor thing.”

The Nightmare did not hear her though her unwilling host did. There was hope yet Luna thought. The entity in control span her spear about her head, preparing to pin Celestia to the throne with the sharp bladed tip. The sun princess stood her ground. “.em otni dna reh morf emoC” she shouted aloud, all the power of the sun in her tones.

It was old magic, the structure of the firmament, the building blocks of the world. Much more powerful than some parasite creature that lived off bad feelings. Nightmare Moon fell to the floor, the spear falling from her grasp and touching the ground for the first time in its existence. Luna felt the evil thing being removed in a rushing sensation. She sat up, free from the influence.

“Lulu…” The gasp was weak and reverberated with another voice. Celestia was kneeling on the floor, grasping at the slabs, her grip actually scratching the polished granite. Luna crawled to her, still reeling from the control by another. Fear gripped her heart in its icy grasp.

Celestia’s hair, normally a beautiful dusky pink, was blazing like flames on a lit taper. She looked up with eyes white like the sun. Tears streamed down her face. “Run sister… This Nightmare is powerful… I underestimated… it.” She gasped for breath, the leylines in her body glowed with power. “Run… Run little worm.” Her voice was not her own. Luna pushed herself back, not far enough and a hard punch threw her across the room.

“Celly!” Luna cried, mostly winded by the hit. She felt no more attacks and sat up. The nightmare was frozen in a rictus of rage. Her fist held out.

“You hit my sister. I will not let you hurt her.” Celestia’s voice was furious but not in the same manner as the nightmare.

“How are you doing this!?” The parasite howled. Luna watched fascinated and afraid, the princess and the nightmare were fighting for control.

“I let you in so I led you somewhere I could work to imprison you.” Celestia said, though her voice was faltering.

“I have more powers you know.” The nightmare hissed. “Especially now I am in you!” The torches that lit the temple grew into larger flames. No longer dancing harmlessly as they gave light, now they raged with fury. Humanoid figures jumped from the fire.

“Guards!” Luna shouted, finding breath, her powerful voice echoing about the palace.

The warriors who served day and night had been ordered back by Celestia as she went to confront her sister. Now they were called in. Swiftly the gold clad day warriors and the silver armoured night watch filled the room. It was testament to their training that right away they began to fight the flaming creatures.

The first deaths shocked Luna to her core. The sight gave Celestia the righteous anger to wrest control. “Luna, the vault. Take me there.” She muttered weakly, concentrating her efforts to keep the Nightmare at bay.

“No Celly, I won’t imprison you!” Luna took her sister’s hand and helped her up, still disconcerted by the orange flames her hair had become.

“Just, just for as long as it takes me to seal the Nightmare away.” She stood slowly and half guided Luna to the steps. The steps that led to a vault designed in the times of chaos as a last defence. It could only be sealed from the within but only unlock from outside. A prison or a shelter as circumstance could demand.

“Only that long then Celly, I can’t be without you. I will get you out” Luna held her older sister close as they stepped down the dark stairway. A harsh blow to her brow came as a surprise and sent her falling down the steps. A sickening crunch at the bottom told her of damage to her leg even as adrenalin made the pain inconsequential.

“Not going quietly.” The Nightmare raged. “I will be Queen.” She tripped on a step. Luna sat up to look, blood flowing down her face from a cut above her eye.

“Lulu!” Celestia was in control again. She stumbled in a hurry to the room ahead of the vault. “Take me there and seal me.”
Luna nodded dumbly, she was in pain and addled now. Kind words and a cajoling tone led her to the vault. A kiss brushed her forehead. “Love you little sister.” Celestia whispered, entering the vault. Luna could only sit and watch as the lock span. The elements, held upon an alter rose, lit and danced.

Soon it was done, the glowing gems turned to inert stone. The centre gem, the catalyst and key disappeared. It was its loss that woke Luna from her stupor. “Celly…” She sobbed. She railed against the sealed stone door. She blasted the empty spot in rage, foolishly letting off the last of her energy.

She slumped to the floor in defeat and sobbed. The room began to fill with smoke…

-*-

Luna was pulled from her memories by the sound of returning riders. She had curled into a ball of sorrow upon her blankets but quickly moved to a more restful position; she did not want to worry her guards. A’triet was at their head. “They will leave with the dawn.” He simply said.

“Good. Did you get the scrolls?” Luna stood. She was pleased when a silver bound holder and a gold bound holder were pulled from a guard’s bag, though her heart fell when the Dark Scroll was not brought out. She knew the paper within held sayings and spells that would allow aspects of the Nightmare freedom to roam.

Already it could exert power over dreamers, tormenting some and leading others to worship or serve it. That was how the cult had started, how the Flare Prison had become known. If anyone were to read the scroll they would be in great trouble. “Were there no others A’triet?” She asked.

“No my lady, just gold and silver in the chest. We left that to the archaeologist as you said.” A’triet looked concerned.

“We are still in danger then.” Luna breathed. Mēi, stood beside her brother, looked down at the camp with worry. “They are at risk.” Luna answered the healer’s unspoken question.

“Then we stay, to give aid.” The girl replied firmly.

“We stay to fulfil our Duty.” A’triet said.

“I can only hope my worries are unfounded.” Luna whispered. They settled in to watch and wait.

Chapter 10

Pinkie was sleeping soundly, a small mercy for the now somewhat harassed group. She had been moved without incident with the rest of the makeshift camp. Rather shook up, Shining had taken to drinking the brandy and not to be left behind Rainbow had joined in. It hadn’t taken long for Twilight to succumb to the pleading and take a few swigs.

Now the historian was flat drunk and snoring in sync with Pinkie. Twilight was no longer reading her books or taking notes. She had decided to get some lessons in defending herself.

“Ok, fists up, stance loose.” Rainbow chuckled as the librarian, a little off kilter from the drink, stood across from her and trying to look menacing. “Ok, ok. Take a swing.” The flier held up a palm and Twilight punched at it. Missing and slipping into Rainbow’s arms.

“Ooops.” The librarian giggled and let herself be led to the blankets. They sat and Rainbow offered the brandy bottle. “Nooo, noo. Unlike my brother Miss Dash, I know when to say no.” She giggled a little more.

“Suit yourself.” She took another swig, capped the bottle and leant over to drop it by Shining. “Though, unlike your brother Miss, I don’t get you.” She cocked her head to one side to catch Twilight’s eyes. They were amethyst and glowing in the firelight she mused, looking at the librarian for a little longer than she intended.

Twilight giggled again. “I know...” She held up a hand, “I know what you are wondering...” She hiccupped lightly. “What’s a place like me doing in a girl, a girl like this?” She stared up at Rainbow.

The gunner tried her best not to get flustered, focusing on the amusing mix-up. “Yeah, something like that.” She smirked and daringly dropped a hand onto the sweater vest clad shoulder.

“This whole land, it’s in my blood.” Twilight said seriously, “Father was a famous explorer; he loved to delve deep into mystery.” She smiled fondly, the light from the fire giving her something soft to her features. “He was from Trotham, moved out to Canter for more great adventure. Mother is native to the area.” For a moment the firelight seemed to shine from within her eyes instead of just reflected. “She was a great explorer too you know and an excellent scholar and historian.”

Rainbow looked puzzled a moment. Twilight still hadn’t really answered her question. “Ok, right. I get your brother. I get your father and I get your mother. But I still don’t get you.”

Twilight crinkled her nose in distaste and stood. “I, Ms Dash, I may not be a gunfighter!” She pointed to the parcel of weapons beside Rainbow’s bed of blankets. “I’m not a treasure hunter or an adventurer!” She waved her arms about for effect, only slightly nearly losing balance. “But I am proud of what I am!” She pointed at Rainbow. Almost daring her.

“And what is that?” Rainbow tried to stifle a laugh at the sight of the irate woman. She had her work cut out when her navy haired companion plopped to the ground with a triumphant look on her face.

“I! Am a Librarian!” She exclaimed, her smile only growing wider. Twilight leaned forward, closer and closer to Rainbow. “I’m going to kiss you Ms Dash.” She stated. Her nose nearly touching the gunner’s.

“No, you’re not.” Rainbow countered.

“I’m not?” Twilight’s head tilted a little and her smile wilted.

“Not unless you call me Rainbow. It is my name after all.” She lowered her head a little, to reach Twilight.

“Ok... Rainbo...” The gunner closed the gap, sealing her lips over Twilight’s. She tasted like brandy and hard work in the desert. She felt the librarian’s lips turn to a smile. When she drew back the navy haired woman was still smiling, her eyes closed in sleep.

“Sleep well Twilight.” Rainbow gently laid the woman’s head onto her rolled up coat as a pillow and turned around to take first watch, still sat close to the group.

-*-

Sleep was fitful in the camp that night. As the moon rose higher into the sky most quite literally experienced a shift in their sleep, from comfortable relaxed repose to tense and frightened. Even Rainbow, determined to sit the night out watching for intruders had succumbed to sleep.

Everyone present suffered nightmares.

-*-

Twilight looked about her, she was asleep she knew. It looked to be one of her familiar lucid dreams. She was in her best dress and hat, sat in the warm leather seats of her father’s car. Today the driver was sitting in; they were to take mum and dad to the train station. She looked to her left and smiled up at her mother, to her right to see Shining, fresher faced and smiling, naturally. Dad was in the front seat, chatting and joking with the family.

It wasn’t long until they reached the station. That was when she saw the date upon the great big board. It was the day her parents left, never to return. Her mother and her father took a hand each and led her into the vast building, Shining helping the driver with the bags. Twilight was pulled along, helpless to resist the path of her memories.

They walked through the marble halls with their polished wood fittings. Past smart brass ticket gates and reached a well maintained platform. Her mum gave her a hug and a kiss and told her to be a good girl for the babysitter. Her dad tweaked her chin and kissed her forehead. He promised to bring back some more books and Twilight heard herself giggle with delight.

She wanted to scream, to shout. She wanted to make a scene, force them to stay with her, not to leave. She was powerless. It is futile to change a dream that is a memory. She watched them leave her and Shining with the Driver. They waved and smiled and blew kisses. They climbed into a carriage and took seats by the window. They waved some more and laughed along with their children as the pair chased after the departing train. She felt Shining grab her shoulder at the limits of the platform as they carried on waving away their parents and the train.

They were gone and there was nothing she could ever do to get them back.

Twilight woke up with damp eyes.

-*-

Pinkie Pie was upset, she had no friends and her sisters were sick. Too sick to play. It was only chickenpox but they were her little sisters and she was worried and sad. Papa had sent her to the barn to play so Mama and he could work and care for Inkie and Blinkie knowing she was safe.

There were few toys on the farm, little time for real play even if they made games of the chores. Pinkie had made do; there was a flour sack and a pail full of turnips. She had found some interesting rocks and stacked them up. Now she was sat at a table beside her “toys” wondering what to do next.

That was when another little girl walked into the barn. She was dressed like Pinkie and her hair was around the same colour as Pinkie’s, she was looking down at the floor. “Hello there Dianne.” The girl said, her voice wasn’t very nice. It was even the opposite of nice. “Want to play?” She looked up at Pinkie and raised a knife, grinning with evil intent.

“Ha ha! That’s a good one!” Pinkie giggled and sprang from her seat. As she jumped she grew tall and curved, an adult again, her pinafore turned into her favourite uniform with the epaulets and the gold trimmed fez. “I love a good scare.” She looked down on the mean little doppelganger. “But you don’t belong in my head.”

“What?! How dare you!” The little girl hissed “You shouldn’t be able to do this! I...”Pinkie cut her off with a firm finger placed over the petulant lips.

“Nuh uh, my head my rules.” She clicked her fingers and the girl was tied up in a ribbon, a comical tag hanging off with an address and stamps. In mere moments the scene had changed from the barn to a post office. “Toodles!”

The girl squirmed and grumbled but was powerless.

Pinkie woke up; she was certain she had to say something important but sat up too fast, got dizzy and ended up lying back down to sleep.

-*-

The fresh high altitude breezes buffeted the clouds a little; Rainbow smiled peacefully and lay back into the soft substance. Made material only to her hands as a sky-born, it was an experience no one of the other tribes could have unless they used complicated spells. She nestled up some more and zipped closed her jacket against any chill; she was in prime nap conditions after all. Just as her eyes settled closed, the cloud dissipated beneath her.

“No biggie.” She muttered, only slightly cross at the lost opportunity, she made to manoeuvre upright and back to the cloud city of the sky-born.

Her wings wouldn’t work.

She attempted again and then again. Rainbow met with increasingly worrying failure each try. She was rushing through the sky with no control and no rescue in sight.

Rainbow screamed.

She woke up with a thump and a racing heart. Too embarrassed at having a nightmare to tell anyone she pulled the blanket up over her shivering form and tried to sleep once more.

-*-

Jack was home again, her family was there too. They were sat around the kitchen table, her older brother and her younger sister, granny, ma and pa. The only one missing was Rarity, her absence was a little strange.

“So, what next stupid little excursion are you going on with your fancy woman?” Her Ma sneered.

“What?” Jack sat back in her seat.

“Abandoning your duties to home an’ hearth for some city floosy.” Her Pa said, sitting in his chair, glaring at the blonde woman.

“Takin’ off an’ leaving me.” Little Bloom said, tearing up.

“Fer shame.” Mac added.

Granny sat over them all, glowering down and not speaking a word.

Jack was taken aback. The last time she had seen her family they had been full of pride and praise. So happy that the middle child had found love and a life of adventure. This was unreal, untrue...

“No! This is a lie.” She stared down her family, the false representation of her family. “My family loves and supports me.” She sat back, arms folded and deaf to their words. Their faces went from angry expressions that had upset her to almost comical caricatures of resentment. Soon the false family faded from her mind.

The room faded slowly as Jack woke, beside her Rarity slept, her pretty face crinkled into a frown.

-*-

Over and over, the laughs the stares. The belittling words and dismissive conversations. They kept on coming from every corner and everyone. Wherever she turned there was no support and no welcome. Her family dismissed her, her tutors and colleagues rubbished her work.

Rarity despaired, when even her lover turned away. Ashamed of a woman made from falsehoods, vanity and weak bravado.
Rarity woke up subdued and upset, all her worst fears had been played out like a cheap pulp novel and she felt dreadful.

She hesitantly rolled into Jack’s embrace and tried to go back to sleep.

-*-

Awake and still a little buzzed from the brandy, Twilight left her bed. She smiled softly at the sight of Rainbow sleeping, but it worried her that their watcher was asleep. “I’ll just take a quick look around.” She said to herself.

The camp was quiet. Shining and Pinkie were fast asleep still, the other guides were snoring loudly, Twilight was glad they were further away from where she slept. Passing the other shelter she noticed Jack and Rarity curled together, the stab of envy at their closeness surprised the librarian. So did the warm thought of her sleeping like that beside Rainbow. She shook her head to clear it, blushing for the umpteenth time.

Walking a little further she noticed Rarity’s workstation, curious as to their finds she took a look. There were the copied scrolls and a few examples of coins and shards of stone with carvings on. She was tempted to take the scrolls to read but as she stepped forward she kicked something.

On the floor was a brown scroll case with shining steel caps. It was bound in silken string or hair. It was close to the archaeologist’s desk but not amongst her things... Too tempted, Twilight picked it up and hurried back to her seat amongst her notebooks.

She settled down to read. “That’s called stealing you know.” Rainbow commented, making Twilight jump.

“According to you and my brother, it is borrowing.” Twilight retorted.

“Are you sure it is safe to read, that thing looks creepy.” Rainbow sat up from her lounging position to look at the case.

“No harm ever came from reading a book.” The librarian said, untying the bonds and pulling free the cap. She gently removed the rolled paper sheet and opened it to read.

“She is the darkness of mankind. The shadow we fear who hides in the corners of our mind. The hatred in our heart and the envy in our soul. She takes her form from us and feeds on the dark things that birthed her. She will come if you call her and even if you do not. When sealed she merely waits for the path to open once more.”

The wind rushed around the camp, dousing the lanterns and rattling anything hanging or loose.

Deep in the room of statues, the scarred sun glowed bright.

-*-

In the mountaintop watch point of the Guarding Ones their princess faltered once more. “A way has been made... She will break free.” She breathed in shakily, “Muster my warriors! We must ride to prevent the nightmare’s escape!”

As night moved towards day the cadre of black clad warriors swept towards the ancient ruins.

Chapter 11

The unearthly wind had woken the others in the camp. Pinkie and Shining were quick to react, looking at the strange scroll Twilight had read from. Jack and Rarity walked over from their tent, the normally glamorous woman looking a little frayed around the edges. Their guides held back from the others, glowering at Rainbow.

Suddenly, Pinkie twitched. “Pinkie Sense! Bad things again guys... This one. It is a doosy.” She looked to the horizon with worry.

Nearly immediately the wind picked up once more, picking up sand and filling the air with biting grit. “We better get inside!” Rainbow shouted over the howling. “Looks like another sand storm.” As they started their walk Shining made to douse the fires, kicking sand over the wood. It didn’t work. He started to cast when all the flames in the camp grew mightily.
Orange figures of fire walked out of the flames.

“I’m out of here!” They heard Hoop’s companion yell. The sky-man flew from the group and out of sight. Jack scowled at his departure.

“More gold for me.” They heard the brown haired man comment.

“I’d suggest running now.” Twilight said, noticing the flaming figures begin to advance on them. “Right now.”

“Good plan!” Shining grabbed her hand and ran to the nearest structure. Rainbow and Pinkie followed behind while Jack led Rarity after them.

Hoops was torn, he wanted to take some more gold and this was a perfect opportunity. The breath of fire from the creatures that swept around him decided it and he hurried after the group into the dark basement of the temple.

-*-

In the dark the basement level seemed scarier, more claustrophobic. What they had seen by torchlight to simply be stone pillars and generic statues now loomed as monsters. Trying to keep the concentration she needed to cast a spell and still run from the flame creatures, Twilight was soon falling behind. At the end of the wide room were three different
passageways. There was no indication in which direction the others had run. “Ah, this is a problem...” She tried to keep calm.

Choosing a passage, Twilight hurried onwards.

-*-

Out under the sky the flame creatures guttered out. There was little magic available to sustain them and with no targets there was little point to keep them. Another sharp wind blew through the area, uncovering human shapes in the sand.
Whispers carried on the air from the central room of the former palace. Chattering in an ancient tongue and frightening the harried treasure seekers.

When they reached the bodies it intensified. A hand shot out of the compacted dirt...

-*-

“Come on Rare.” Jack was getting worried, her partner was listless and trailing behind. Slumped in posture instead of poised as usual, she barely ran, only half moving herself while the gunner pulled her along.

“It’s fine Jack... I’ll be ok here.” She mumbled and slurred out the words. Jack risked a look back; Rarity looked paler, even grey under her eyes.

“You alright? Rare you look sick...” Jack stopped worried, pulling the other woman close and debating whether to carry her. She was shocked from her thoughts by a scream.

-*-

“Rainbow, where’s Twily?” Shining said as they ran side by side. He had lost the sound of her feet and hurried breath without noticing. Now he wasn’t entirely sure how long before he had last heard it.

“She was right behind us.” Rainbow said, taking a quick look. There was no chasing trouble but there was also no navy haired librarian. She stumbled to a stop, grabbing Shining by his jacket to halt him too. Twilight didn’t catch up; there wasn’t even the sound of her approach. “We better go back and look...” The gut chillingly familiar scream cut her off.

“Twily.”

“Twilight!”

The sound had come from up ahead, they raced onwards towards the sound. Both praying it had not been a mortal shout.

-*-

Twilight was not having a good time. A snake had slithered across the passageway a little ahead and she had run through a number of cobwebs which even now clung to her. There was no sign of her brother or Dash and the webby passage indicated that they had not run this way. “Keep moving forward Twilight.” She whispered, her father’s familiar motto cheering her a little.

She moved on along the stone walled corridor. It opened into another wide area, two more passage doors beside it. “Well, at least they should reach here.” She said, relieved.

The regular crunch of footsteps from behind echoed along. Twilight turned to greet whoever had found her.
Instead of the friendly faces of her brother and Rainbow or Rarity and Jack it was strangers. Strangers who had seen better days.

Twilight screamed and backed away.

The walking corpses, hands outstretched with bony fingertips breaking through, followed her.

-*-

Rainbow swung her shotgun from her shoulder to her hand and cocked it. Shining flicked the safety off his borrowed revolver. They ran towards the sound of Twilight and soon reached a wide area at the end of the passage.

A fully armed Jack was soon beside them. Rarity leaned against a wall, wilted almost. She looked ill or injured.

In the dark they saw three others, from the purple glow they identified the one as Twilight. Shining used his own light spell to illuminate the whole area. The sight shocked them, Rainbow most of all.

“You... you died!” She gasped out, to her credit still holding her gun to shoot. One of the figures turned to face them, its face a howling rictus of death. “Nimbus... Green Ray.” She lifted the shotgun a little more, level now with their midsections. What had once been Nimbus was getting too close to Twilight for Rainbow’s liking.

She shot both barrels at once, bowling her former friend over. Jack took care of Green Ray with a quick disabling shot. Shining emptied the revolver into the knees of the walking corpses as Rainbow caught hold of Twilight. “Come on, we got them...”

“We should get out of here.” She whispered. She was shaking, Rainbow pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around the librarian and whispering soothing words.

“There should be a door to the surface there.” Rarity spoke, surprising the others. She pointed to a darker corner. Shining directed the glowing orb of magical light towards it, revealing a staircase. The hurried too it, stepping around the destroyed bodies.

Leading the way Shining took the steps two at a time, found a door and kicked it through. They stepped through, Twilight still held close to Rainbow and Jack almost carrying Rarity. “You guys made it!” An overly cheerful Pinkie greeted them.
“Gods, Pinkie try not to do that again.” Shining dropped the ball of light. The others nodded agreement.

“Sorry guys, I thought you knew to move around the back.” Pinkie waved to the rising structure behind them.

“We must leave now.” An unfamiliar voice commanded. A blue haired woman flanked either side by the warrior and the woman who had confronted them earlier, emerged from the shadows. She had an aura of authority and an expression that brooked no argument.

“The animals?” Jack asked, looking in the direction of the camp.

“Our people are taking care of them.” The tall pink haired woman said softly. “We must all leave with haste now please.”

“There is no please about it. We leave now.” The group was hurried away from the structures. A vast magical circle encompassed the group, the bright white light of a spell drowned out the scenery and all vision. When is subsided Twilight was shocked to find herself in a familiar place.

“The museum?!”

-*-

The Guarding ones reached the camp in time to see the shambling dead pair slip through the ground. “That is a new trick.” Luna commented, trying to keep calm and in a level mood so as not to attract the Nightmare.

“Should we go after them My Lady?”A’triet drew his sword, looking for a swift entry to the catacombs.

“No. There is little use, you too could get lost in the maze.” Luna held them back. She was about to send her guards to seek out exits when a puffy pink head popped into view.

“Hiya! Who are you guys?” Pinkie jumped up. She had heard the approaching horses and gone to take a look, opting to circle through the upper level of the main building instead of venturing deeper.

“Stand back from the Princess!” The guards took up arms; they were stood down by the princess.

“It is fine; I know how to take care of myself.” The princess looked to each of them. “We do not want to rile the Nightmare; it will be seeking a host if only the seal is broken. Any one of you would be all it needs to unlock the prison or launch an attack on myself.” She looked at the newcomer. While she had been told about Twilight and her brother Shining, there had been no report on the others bar the suggestion that this law woman was adept. “Who might you be, child of the earth?”

Pinkie smiled at the greeting, her Mamma and Papa had called themselves such, “I’m Pinkie Pie, Corporal of the Fort Mage Law Enforcement Branch on parole officer assignment.” She smiled and stuck out a hand to shake. Luna warmly accepted. The shot of emotion the bubbly pink haired woman received shocked her a little, the newcomer was a very old soul. She was about to comment when an itch on her left heel warned her of something. “They’ll be coming out around the back.” She stated.

“Of course you’d know that.” Luna indicated that the Corporal should guide them and soon the warriors she led were following through the camp.

“Oh, the poor animals.” Mēi said, a little distressed at the horses and camels uncomfortable amongst all the ancient magic. “Princess, may we help them?”

Luna nodded and brought her horse around to address the tribesmen who had accompanied her “Take the animals to our camp, maybe take also the equipment and chest if you have the time. We will be taking those in the tomb away to the city.” She looked downcast a moment. “I can already feel the influence of the Nightmare.” A’triet’s second in command moved to gather up what he could, directing the others in quick efforts. Happy with their work, Luna and her faithful Guardians left with Pinkie to meet the others.

The route was strange and seemed almost without sense, Pinkie seemed to almost be following some path only she saw. They rounded another corner and found themselves at the rearmost part of the ancient palace turned prison. At an almost imperceptible part of the back wall there was a door. “They’ll be out here.” Pinkie said.

“Then I shall make preparations.” Luna dismounted and began tracing a shape into the sand. A’triet and Mēi stood aside to allow her to work. Swiftly the princess worked, laying a travel circle that would whisk the large group away from the desert and cover three days travel in a moment. Soon the last rune was drawn. “We are ready.”

“Any moment now.” Pinkie said, stepping away from the door a little. She had predicted correctly and a harried looking group burst out. “You guys made it!” Pinkie cheerfully greeted them.

“Gods, Pinkie try not to do that again.” Shining dropped a ball of light he was holding, the spell dissipated. The others nodded agreement with his statement, Twilight looked shocked to the core and Rainbow was holding her in a protective manner. Jack was virtually carrying Rarity, the glamorous woman looked like a wilting flower, wan and tired out.

“Sorry guys, I thought you knew to move around the back.” Pinkie waved at the ruined palace and shrugged. She was concerned for her new friends.

Luna saw a long and pointless conversation “We must leave now.” She interjected, Mēi and A’triet took up station beside her.

“The animals?” Jack asked as she looked over to the camp.

“Our people are taking care of them.” Mēi said softly. “We must all leave with haste now please.” She looked to her princess.

“There is no please about it. We leave now.” Luna said, in a tone that brooked no argument. They hurried away from the structures to the vast magical circle and Luna spoke the activation phrase. The bright white light of the transportation spell drowned out the scenery and all vision. When is subsided Luna looked around to where she had sent them.

“The museum!” Twilight Sparkle shouted in shock, looking around at recognizable surroundings. Shining sat to the floor in surprise. The click of high heels on the marble floor approached. A familiar face appeared in the nearby doorway.

“Hello Mother.” Cadence smiled at Luna.

Chapter 12

“Mother?!” Shining and Twilight exclaimed. Looking between the light and bright haired Cadence and the navy starscape headed woman. They looked like there wasn’t a year in age between them yet the pair embraced like family.

“Yes, Princess Luna guide of the moon. My mother.” Cadence said, absently returning a kiss on the cheek from Luna.

“Indeed, I sent her to the city and our extended family when she was nearly a teen. To broaden her horizons and teach her of the modern world.” Luna placed an arm around her daughter, keen to remain close to the woman.

“Mother was getting worried that there was too much risk from explorers and treasure seekers, putting me in the position to act a little like a gate keeper.” Cadence looked over at Shining and Twilight. “I had been very successful until lately.”

They were about to ask her more but she turned away and gathered the two other strangers in a warm embrace. “Mēi. A’triet! It is so wonderful to see my cousins again.” The tall woman gladly returned the hug but the dark haired man looked a little uncomfortable.

“Oh Cadence, we did miss you but things are a bit busy right now.” The woman identified as Mēi said as she gently separated herself from the hug.

“Yes, this was just for the benefit of those two.” Cadence stepped over to Shining and Twilight. She started to speak but an angry Appleoosan voice cut her short.

“It’s all nice to make how d’yah do’s but Ah’m more concerned with Rarity. So if someone could take a little spit o’ time to take a look at her Ah’d be very grateful.” The blonde was sat holding the archaeologist who had gone limp, her eyes closed and sunken looking.

The group congregated around them quickly, Mēi removed a bag from her belt, her first aid kit. “I am a healer, maybe I can help.” She touched the icy cold woman and flinched back, concern writ large across her face. “Oh my, this is not very good.”

Luna came close to take a look at Rarity, her face paled further. “It is bad indeed; she has been wounded in spirit...” She cast a small spell, ignoring the scowling Jack who held the ill woman. “It is a serious thing for a mage Ms. Apple.” She cut off a complaint from the trigger woman.

“So patch her up!” Jack’s anger and frustration began to falter, giving way to worry and even fear. The willowy Mēi sat beside her and put an arm around the tense woman.

“That is what I am hoping to do.” Luna calmly replied, the other mages in the room felt her change in spell, the power it used and the nature of the magic. “It is a wound well known to me.” She moved around, running the spell over the prone archaeologist.

“The Nightmare...” Cadence said in a hushed voice. She drew closer to Shining who gallantly did not take advantage of the proximity.

“What do you mean?” Twilight said, she had been observing the spell casting with great interest. “The Nightmare is just some myth, for goodness sake, the Flare Prison must have just been some place with natural deposits of flammable material...” She trailed off when she realised just how stupid she sounded. She had been faced with flame monsters and undead people. “Ok, so the Nightmare from the stories has done something to Rarity.” She looked at the paled woman. “What can I do to help?”

“Stop interrupting Twily dear.” Cadence said, stepping over to move the girl away. “Mother knows what she is doing.”

Rainbow stood far back from the rest, she was still feeling the effects of the unexpected teleport coupled with the shock from seeing her friends animated corpses menace Twilight. She didn’t really know what to think about unseen injuries to Rarity or an angry Jack. She just saw, over and over, the image of Twilight cowering back, the rotted bodies of Green Ray and Nimbus making to hurt her.

Pinkie was the only unoccupied evacuee from the tomb, she had made a head count and was now a little concerned. The one sky man had flown away as soon as the flame things had burst out. Though the other was not here either... “Hey, where's Hoops?” She asked no one in particular.

-*-

Hoops knew that the whole area of ruins couldn’t have been as large to justify the time he had spent running around, though it was a well known fact that when closed off from the sky he was useless at navigation. Here in the dark tunnels underground he was completely lost and confused. “Dammit, dammit. Stupid Rainbow Crash, stupid Hick farmer and purple haired whore...” He cussed and complained, tramping through the dust.

Soon he reached a wide area, a creepy huge doorway stood at the far end of the room, sealed with wood and runes that made his wings tingle. It wasn’t a nice feeling.

It felt even worse when a shadow unfolded and stood before him. “Hello little human...” it hissed, teeth appearing in the darkness to form a sharp grin.

“Uh... Hi?” Hoops squeaked, wracking his brain for the prayers and platitudes he had been taught as a child.

“I have a job for you... If you are interested...” Its voice was rich but cold, undertones of nails on a chalkboard echoed about it. It proffered an arm towards the sky man, gold appeared from the blackness. Gold that was very solid looking.

“What do you need done?” Hoops asked, entranced by the yellow metal.

“I need someone collected...”

-*-

Twilight paced the hallway of her boss’s home across the road from the museum. They had retired to the building when Luna’s initial spells had little effect. Now the Princess, Cadence and the tribal healer were taking care of the stricken archaeologist, her partner Jack keeping vigil.

The librarian was trying not to dwell on the earlier events, of facing the dead creatures and the thought of her life ending there... It was hard. Every time she stopped distracting herself a vision of the sand shrivelled faces filled her mind, increasing her heart rate and setting her into panicked breaths. She didn’t want to worry the others; Rarity was worse off after all and Rainbow was avoiding her.

“Hey Twily.” Shining said as he passed, carrying another armful of books Cadence had sent him after. Her private library was extensive but she did not trust her bookworm employee to fetch any, concerned that Twilight would get distracted and read. Guiltily the indigo haired young woman had to admit it would be the case.

“Hi BBBFF, what are those ones about?” She looked at the dusty tomes, grateful for the distraction.

“More dream spells I think. Cadence has been looking after them for her mother.” He half hesitated on the unusual reference. They had never questioned why their friend lived with extended family, especially after their own loss. “Princess Luna thinks something attached itself to Rarity’s psyche while we slept in the ruins. She hopes some of her old notes might help figure it out.” He shrugged and hurried off into the room.

Twilight began her pacing anew. Reaching one of the many other bookshelves of the house, she was concerned enough that she nearly passed it by, but a tome caught her eye a moment. “Elements of Harmony. A Reference Guide.” She read aloud. The librarian took the book and sat on a chair to read.

-*-

Rainbow Dash felt ill at ease in the unfamiliar and quite grand house. Their hostess had left her well guests to their own devices as she concentrated on the afflicted. Shining had been drafted in as help and the gunner was conflicted over Twilight, she had elected to remain in the kitchen and adjoining dining area. So had the warrior tribesman, while she fiddled with bread and sandwich fixings, the well armed man was simply examining his sword.

“The dead ones were your comrades weren’t they?” He said aloud, shocking the sky-woman. His dark eyes were piercing.

“Yeah. Yes, they were.” She replied, caught out a moment by his unexpected question. After a moment a thought occurred. “How could you know that?”

“I saw you, many months ago at the ruins.” He shrugged. “It is our solemn task to guard the area and turn back all who venture there, after all.” His casual attitude rankled with the gunner.

“So you watched three of us face down a cadre of mad cultists just to make your job easier?!” She slammed down the bread knife, her sandwich forgotten and turned on the warrior. “You left two brave people dead in the sand and someone else to the sands of the desert?” She advanced on him, heedless of his blade. “If it weren’t from a lucky thermal I would have died out in that desert.” Her index finger jabbed his chest, Rainbow was pleased that she was nearly as tall as the man.

“You should not have been there Captain Dash.” He simply said. Her title gave her pause.

“I’ve not been Captain since they died.” She spat, turning heel on the tribesman and stalking out of the kitchen.

The other side of the dining room was a drawing room, couches and low tables were scattered across it. Rainbow slumped onto the nearest seat, pensive. The faces of her friends, what was left of them anyway, haunting her mind but always changing to the mortal fear upon Twilight’s face.

Twilight... Rainbow thought of the girl, she found it hard to think of someone quite so naive as a woman, all the varying shades she had encountered on their journey. The slightly out of place bailer, earnestly seeking the assistance of a guide. The shocked girl, unsure how to act after an unexpected kiss. The researcher lit by magical light as she read a book on the boat. The determined to be brave girl racing through flames and taking a leap of faith. Her despair at her lost belongings and the new look she had been forced to adopt. The angel of fury scattering a hundred enemies and once again the scholar, excited by potential new discovery. Despite her mood, Rainbow smiled.

She looked across the room and saw photos on the mantelpiece; there was one of a young Shining, Cadence and Twilight with an older couple, Twilight and Shining’s parents she guessed. There was another of the three, Shining and Cadence proudly flanking a gowned Twilight with a scroll clasped in her hand. She walked over to the shelf to take a look at the smaller pictures, her back to the door.

“Are you avoiding me Rainbow?” a voice said from the doorway. Twilight had found her.

“Uh, not really?” Rainbow said, her tone faltering a little. “Ah, maybe a little...” She left the mantle and sat back down on a couch, waving Twilight over. The librarian approached cautiously and sat down at the opposite end of the seat.

“Have I done something wrong?” She did her best to suppress a blush, remembering the tipsy kiss from earlier in the night. Rainbow looked surprised.

“No, no... It’s just... I. Those dead things, they were the friends I lost. Before, you know, the first time I was at the ruins... What I had to do...” Rainbow looked down, she had finally said it. A soft hand covered her own. Twilight had shuffled closer.

“I’m sorry you had to do what you did.” She shuddered a little from the memory. “But I am grateful... I was so scared. Not the sort of scared you get from something you dislike... The scared that comes with what might be...death.” Twilight mumbled at the end, her plan to gain further distraction by seeking out Rainbow had failed; she was focusing on the events now, not avoiding them. She felt herself shake as tears pricked behind her eyes.

“Hey now, Twilight... Things could have happened but they didn’t.” Rainbow soothed, “I, well it didn’t sit well to shoot them, they were my buddies once... It felt like I was betraying them.” The gunner shrugged, defeated, “I just, heck, I lost them and wasn’t about to lose you.” Her rose eyes focused on the watery amethyst of Twilight’s. The librarian looked adorable right then. “I was kinda more bothered by some, ah, stuff.”

“Stuff?” Twilight said, her eyelids drooping a little. For some reason the bogeymen in her mind had been chased away when Rainbow had looked at her. Now, the fear had fled and the limited sleep of the past few days had collected its toll.

“Yup, stuff.” Rainbow wasn’t bothered when the smaller woman laid her head against her. Pillowing herself a little. She would deny that she blushed when the librarian twined her fingers around hers.

“Well, we can sort stuff out later,” She yawned, Rainbow yawned too, “After we’ve helped Rarity ‘n’ Jack.” Her words were slurring as she snuggled against the gunner. Soon Twilight was breathing gently in sleep.

“G’night Twilight.” Rainbow whispered, watching the girl sleep a while before succumbing to her own tiredness.

Author's Note

More and more I write, even now I am ahead a few chapters at least, though I have reached close to the climax of our story.

Maybe I should make The Nightmare Returns too eh?

The Crystal King sounds like a good sub-heading yes?

Chapter 13

Hoops found himself stood in the market district, it was a small deserted square not far from the area of town his new benefactor had directed him too. The shadow creature had demanded he collect the ‘package’ and bring it here to be whisked back to the desert ruins. Something about a temporary host being required to release the full power. To assist in the task four creatures had been sent along with him. Much like the form of their master they were made up of shadow turned solid, clad in ancient armour and disturbingly alert.

They stood like windows of darkness in the early morning light. Out of place and alarming even to the man given charge of them. “Alright, we know what we need to do.” He said to them, they turned as one to face him and the sky-man struggled not to blanch. “We’ve got a way to go, so move it.” He half stuttered, looking around the square for a means to speed their progress.

Soon he had hotwired a car. One of the shadow creatures took the passenger seat, holding up a hand to direct the man. The others had folded themselves into the back.

The man and the monsters drove off into the sleeping city.

-*-

In the guest bedroom two mages and a healer looked down at their patient with worry. A distraught woman doing her best to keep it together looked at them with pleading eyes. The bedbound archaeologist gasped in her unnatural sleep, her eyes roving about under their lids and her hands clasping at the sheets.

“She’s in dreams... Dreams held in the thrall of the Nightmare.” Luna said, touching the woman’s head.

“Everything we know isn’t even enough to fight that.” Cadence looked sadly at Jack, her specialty was love and the blonde woman was pouring it into her partner to such a degree, she wished she could help.

“She is afflicted in spirit and spirit is all for a mage-born.” Mēi said softly, placing a gentle hand to the earth-born gunner’s shoulder.

They were about to say more when Luna stumbled a little on her feet, paling further. “Her agents are near.” She said darkly, moving swiftly to summon her warrior.

-*-

Twilight and Rainbow were woken by gunshots and shattering glass in the lobby. They spent no time concerned at their close proximity; the only action that acknowledged how they had been sleeping in each other’s arms was a brief half scuffle over positioning when they stood up. Rainbow moved to protect Twilight who was attempting to take a combat stance.

They felt more than a little sheepish that the problem seemed to be some rooms away. Rainbow pulled a revolver from her belt and Twilight prepared a spell as they hurried from the room towards to commotion.

“You get her hands off her!” Jack shouted from the first floor hallway. A trail of rubble and magical detritus led up the central staircase. Twilight pointed upwards to Rainbow and motioned to hurry. The gunner was about to comply when the house was plunged into darkness.

“Someone got the power.” Twilight said, trying to keep her breathing calm and steady. She swapped her stun spell to a light summon, an orb appeared besides her, lighting her path.

“Or something.” Rainbow added, there was a click as she readied her sidearm. There were more shouts, shots and a pained scream.

“Cadence!” Twilight yelled, panicking at the scream and running for the stairs. A figure rushing down them knocked into her, sending her falling down the steps, Dash jumped forward to catch her and aimed the gun at the shadowy figure.

“Do not shoot! It is I.” A’triet said, his hands up. Rainbow settled Twilight on her feet, leaning against her, and helped the warrior stand.

“What is going on?” The gunner asked, still holding Twilight but ready with her gun.

“Creatures, scions of the Nightmare.” He took his sword from the step he had dropped it on. “We are seeking them, they have taken Ms Rarity. There is a man with them who orders them around also, armed, he shot at us in the dark and we were separated.” He was poised and ready when further bangs and crashes sounded out from the back of the house. With a nod he ran towards the noise.

“Let’s get going.” Twilight said, her light spell back in place. “You should go upstairs, I’m going to go for the lounge and see if I can find them from behind.” The librarian ran off before Dash could object. Muttering grimly she ran up the stairs to the room they had placed Rarity.

-*-

Twilight knew Cadence’s house well, she had spent many a long afternoon there simply talking with her friend, and she put the knowledge to good use as she moved silently and swiftly through the building. Reaching the lounge with its large French doors to the garden in no time at all, she prepared to outflank the intruders.

She opened the door wide and hurried in, alarmed to discover an otherworldly light, a familiar sneering face and four alarming monsters. “Nice of you to join us egghead, but we’re gonna have to put you down.” Hoops said, a gun lifted in his arm.

Twilight acted quickly, her spell jammed the gun to uselessness and she dived for cover, rolling away from where she had stood. Behind a couch she could hide and check the room, or at least that was her hope. She only managed to sight the prone Rarity before thick black spikes tore through the seat and nearly caught her.

The librarian managed to dance away in time, shouting out “They’re in the lounge! They are here with Rarity!” to alert the others.

“That is our cue to leave.” Hoops said, making to grab for Rarity. Thinking quickly Twilight cast a spell. His hands could not grip the woman.

“Immovable object. Number seven, Shining managed to tease me twice with keep-away, the spell stopped that.” Twilight grinned sweetly, waving her spell glowing fingers. Even the shadow monsters were unable to touch Rarity. “Come on guys...” Twilight muttered, hoping her friends and allies would hurry.

Noticing her back-up was slow, Hoops took something from his belt, smirking a vile grin. “You know, spell casters have got to work hard with spells.” He made some motions with the object in his hand, the dim light concealing it. “Let’s see if you can keep it up when you can’t breathe!” He moved quickly, a whip rolling out and wrapping around the mage’s throat. Some complexity in the flick tangled it tight.

Shock, mortal shock. That was all Twilight could think for a moment, but she had to keep her spell going, at least until someone arrived. She worked one hand casting while the other clawed at the tight ligature. She began to wheeze.

-*-

Rainbow was in the landing when she heard Twilight’s shout. Cursing their luck she dove into the air to fly in the direction the Librarian had taken. “Quick! This way!” Pinkie shouted, appearing from seemingly nowhere and grabbing Dash’s arm as she was about to make a wrong turn.

“Pinkie!” Dash didn’t falter, people were in danger and crazy antics were not high priority.

The Corporal shrugged, as if reading the flier’s thoughts. She led Dash to a closed door and pointed. The unusual sound of jangling startled them but Pinkie soon sighted Jack running down the dim hallway.

Dash was about to wait for the trigger woman to reach them when an awful feeling of foreboding hit her in the stomach. She needed to get in the room, quickly. Wasting not a moment she slammed the door open in time to see Twilight faint to the floor, blue in the face. A spell dissipated and Hoops was smashing his way through glass doors, his minions toting Rarity behind them.

In seconds Jack and Pinkie were in the room, Rainbow pointed to the smashed glass. Jack was swift, taking her gun ready to fire as she ran out. Pinkie hung back as Rainbow threw herself over Twilight. The girl was blue in the face and not breathing, a wicked leather whip strung tight around her neck. Rainbow’s knife blade flashed in the moonlight as she cut through the strangling binding.

Still Twilight didn’t stir. “Come on Twilight, breathe.” Rainbow whispered, “Breathe Twily...” Still the girl didn’t. Out of options Rainbow took in a breath herself and leaned down, pushing the air in to Twilight’s lungs, juxtaposing this moment with the shy tipsy kiss out in the desert. Quickly she repeated the action, praying that Twilight would breathe.

On the third, Twilight gasped. She took in a great gulp of air as her eyes shot open, fear emanating from them. Rainbow lifted her up a little, cradling her as she sought more and more air. The fear turned to gratitude and Twilight took a moment to nuzzle into Rainbow as shivers took over her body. “Thank...you...” She wheezed.

Unable to resist, Rainbow kissed the indigo head below her. “No problem...” She was cut off by shouts and gunshots.

“Rarity still needs help.” Pinkie said, running from the room and into the night.

Slowly, loathe to part, they went after her. Trying to hurry while Twilight was taking it slow as oxygen reached her near-suffocated cells. They reached Pinkie at the corner of the house, her hair flat.

“We’re too late.” The Corporal whispered, taking Twilight’s free side to support her, needing to help someone at least.
They turned the corner to the front of the house in time to see a vehicle race out. Twilight pursed her lips and clicked her fingers, a spell darted from them and away. Using magic took it out of her though and she slumped in their grasp.

They saw Jack crumpled on the floor, worried it was fatal they hurried to her.

-*-

Jack ran after the monsters who had stolen her soul-mate, the treacherous man who lead them would pay if her sugar cube was hurt in any way. They were moving quickly, but Jack could keep pace with a racing bronco, the out of shape sky-man and his shadow puppets were nothing. A few warning shots had him ducking and dodging. She was catching up as they reached the drive.

She would have caught them if they hadn’t bundled Rarity into a car, if they hadn’t seeped into it faster than a human could sit.

With a roar the engine sprang to life and sped away.

“RARITY!” The trigger woman screamed at the departing car, running with all her might.

A loose cobble in the dirve tripped her, spilling her to the floor and her hat fell off “Goldangit GOLDANGIT” She cursed aloud, hot tears spilling down her cheeks. “Rarity...”

Behind her, Rainbow and the Corporal supported Twilight, helping her to catch up with the Appleoosan. “Dash... Help her...” the librarian whispered, her throat still hurt too much to raise her voice. Rainbow walked ahead, as they drew nearer the sobbing woman, she stood and looked at them, anger in her teary eyes.

“If a single durn hair on her head is harmed. Ah’m holding you fools responsible.” She screwed her hat on and wiped the wetness from her eyes and face. “The pair of you goldarned idjits.”

“We have a chance to catch them before they leave the city.” Twilight croaked through her hoarse throat, still rubbing the red welts of ligature marks that adorned her neck. “They must have been teleported here by the Nightmare.” She pointed out the direction the car had gone.

“So, they went in a car. How can we catch up?” Jack stood.

“I’m on it!” Pinkie declared, disappearing in her peculiar way.

“Wait...” Twilight tried to shout; she gave up and coughed instead. Dash was at her side quickly, supporting her. “I can teleport us there. I have a tracking spell on them.” She took a small bottle from her satchel, still at her side after so much activity. She downed the contents and was already signing the runes to cast the spell. Dash kept close and Jack stood near them.

They were in too much of a panic and hurry to consider that Luna, Cadence, Shining or A’triet would be useful to bring along. Too concerned with speed to think of telling them their destination. The four others reached the steps of the grand building just in time to see the group flash away in magical light.

Author's Note

Sorry for the slight delay. Tonsilitus is a real pain and I was too out of it to really get this sorted to post.

Chapter 14

They landed in an alley that looked little different than any of the others in the city. Jack and Rainbow were slightly off kilter from the teleport and Twilight was still breathing heavily. “Come on, we have to find the car.” Jack said, steadying herself on a wall.

“Yeah, I got it.” Dash stopped swaying on her feet and shuffled to the mouth of the alleyway. Jack was beside her quickly.
It opened out onto a small square, a dusty space that looked little used. The car that had sped away with Rarity was parked at the edge, her kidnapper pacing around looking frustrated. There was no sign of the shadow monsters.

“Twilight, you try and sneak around and zap away with Rarity. Jack, you an’ me make a distraction.” Jack nodded, cinched her hat on tighter and took a grip on her gun. Rainbow checked her gun, she had a full barrel left to go. The extra moments of perpetration gave Twilight a chance to catch her breath and prepare to make her move.

“I’ll go ahead, he won’t notice me.” Twilight said at last, slipping from the alley to the opposite side of the square. She was close to the car and Rarity when everything went wrong.

Jack and Rainbow were about to make their move as Twilight inched closer to the door of the car. A sudden crackling filled the air and Rainbow felt the magic buzzing at her wings. Hoops must have too, the sky-man was wincing and bending doubled over.

Bright light consumed the square. Once the dazzled women could see again the square was empty.

“Rarity!”

“Twilight?”

They rushed over to where the car had stood, of their friends there was no sign, only the imprints in the dust of tyre tread.

-*-

Outside the smart home of one of the more wealthy city families stood a disparate group. The slightly harried looking owner, Head of Research at the Museum of Antiquities, was surveying the damage to her porch window. Shining was running a spell to try and find more evidence as Luna and her tribe’s people searched the perimeter.

A flashing light at the gate soon turned out to be a police car, two officers alighted. “Corporal Pinkie said there had been a break in?” Cadence sighed in response.

“Yes, they broke in here.” She rubbed at a growing bruise on her arm, she had been caught a glancing blow by one of the shadow creatures. “They fled into the city, a sky-man called Hoops and some summoned spell creatures.”

The officer nodded as he took notes. “We’ll get on the chase.” He snapped the book shut and jumped into the patrol car. “We’ll be along again to collect a statement ma’am.” The car turned in her drive and drove off.

“They are not exactly efficient. “ A’triet said, appearing at her elbow. Cadence jumped.

“You should stop doing that.” She glared at him. “Have we found where they all went yet?”

“The princess is scrying.” He said, pointing to Luna who was stood over a birdbath glowing in a spell.

“I hope Twily is alright.” Shining said his voice tight. He was holding something. Cadence approached and blanched when she saw what it was, strands of navy hair tangled with a tied leather whip.

“Rainbow was with her, she wouldn’t let anything happen?” Cadence touched his palm. The contact seemed to unwind her and she stumbled against the man, burying her face in his chest, tears in her eyes. “I should have stopped you both from ever going there.” Her slender fingers brushed his palm and the grim evidence of an attack on his sister.

He placed his free arm around her, stroking her hair. “Twily is determined Cadey. She’d have gone without me if she had got to Dash first.” He sighed and leaned his chin against her head. “She’s strong too though. We know she’ll be fine.”

A light cough drew their attention from each other. Luna stood, a pointer spell hovering at her arm. “I have a location for them. We should make haste.” She nodded to A’triet and Mēi who were swiftly at her side. Remaining close, Cadence and Shining joined them.

-*-

The teleport spell had been very unexpected and her spell booster had a short term effect. Twilight felt dreadful and really wanted to just lie down for a while. But Rarity was still locked in the car, wherever they were and she had promised to get her out. She grimaced and pulled herself up out of the sand she had face planted into when the spell dropped, it was the last movement she made of her own accord as sudden shadowy limbs shot out and grabbed her.

“We’ve got an unexpected prize.” Hoops leered as he rounded the car. “You two, get the other one. I need to find out what we should do with our little librarian.” He ordered the shadows to their task, they dragged the limp Rarity away while the other held her tight and marched her after the sky-man.

“The ruins?” Twilight looked around at their new surroundings, amazed that once again she had been teleported such a distance.

“Yeah, my new employer is based here y’see. So she brought us back here once I had secured the goods.” Hoops said as he walked ahead. At the mouth of the main door to the palace a black pillar stood. A smile cut through the solid darkness.

“You brought our agent; good.” Its voice scratched and growled the words. It turned to follow as Rarity was pulled past it and dropped to the floor. Satisfied, it returned attention to Hoops and Twilight “A boon also? You spoil us.” An arm reached from the pillar and beckoned the shade to bring Twilight closer.

“Not getting me in there.” Twilight said, hoping her voice sounded strong as she dug her heels into the sand and begged for her magic to return to strength. The creature pushed harder and Hoops cruelly grasped a hand about her neck, forcing her to her knees at the threshold.

The arm’s tip split into digits, inky black in the mid-morning sunlight. One extended and reached around Twilight’s chin, caressing it. “Ah... She is strong in the power and gifted... A fitting new host.” There was a rumbling from behind them, the sand was being forcibly cleared to reveal a paved courtyard. A stone slab was dropped to it, shackles clear on the corners. “Put her there, We need her ready for our freedom.”

Twilight’s eyes widened, she wanted to shout or scream for help but it was pointless. Everyone who would were back in the city.

As she was secured to the stone she saw Rarity in the temple, the woman stood as if a puppet and followed the strip of pure blackness.

Things were not looking good.

-*-

Pinkie ran through the city. She had dropped a description of Rarity, the car the sky-man and his monstrous assistants to every patrol she had come across and was now rushing to the location that she just knew they would arrive at. She knew the city well, many routes that had been lost to time were safely tucked away in her memory. Jumping through a crack in a wall that to a casual observer was too small to enter via, she ran along a fence line and over another.

Then, unexpectedly enough to alter her balance, her targets were far out of range. “What?” She muttered, righting the fez on her head and turning about to try and get a line on Rarity again. With no luck she concentrated on Rainbow.

-*-

A breathless Pinkie skidded to a halt in the small square. Her hair wilted when she saw Jack and Rainbow slumped against one of the buildings, defeated. “Guys... I came as fast as I could.”

“Magic.” Jack said. “Teleported away.”

“No idea where.” Rainbow added, absently fiddling with her revolver, the bullets in a useless pile at her feet. “They were there and then they were gone. Twilight got caught up in it.”

Pinkie joined them then, slumping to the ground beside Jack. “Sorry I was late.” Her hair had wilted further. “I got some of the boys on the case... I guess it would have been better if I had chased the car down.”

The three women sat, tired and at a dead end as the new day dawned.

-*-

Luna made her way through the streets of the city carefully. She and her guardians were unused to such built up areas, though A’triet was finding the metropolitan area fascinating enough to wander with something akin to awe. His sister was less enamoured and remained close to their princess, she had only accompanied her in the search as a means to escape any unfamiliar visitors to Cadence’s mansion.

They were following the scrying spell Luna had cast; Rainbow had left enough of her kit behind before leaving to get a good anchor for the spell. As they walked the streets and pathways of the city Luna grew increasingly concerned. Suddenly a burst of familiar magic rippled through the area. Even A’triet and Mēi felt it, “Oh my!” the healer squeaked, her wings briefly manifesting as a pale yellow outline.

“I felt that one through the ground.” A’triet muttered, looking down at the cobbled street.

“She teleported them from the city. We are too late to catch them here.” Luna said, keeping her voice strong despite her fear. “Quickly, if they took the afflicted woman we must make haste to the temple once more.”

They doubled their pace through the city, the princess and healer eventually taking to the air for speed, Luna holding A’triet aloft with a spell.

They sighted three familiar figures in a square beneath them. Luna pointed them out to Mēi and they headed for the ground.

“You’re late.” Jack scowled at them, keeping her hat low to cover tear-filled eyes. “Magiced away to who knows where.” She gripped her fingers around hat brim and rifle.

“Twilight too... She was caught up in it with them.” Rainbow looked at the trio, “Even Pinkie isn’t sure where they went.”

“The ruins.” Luna stated simply. She tried to keep impatience or annoyance from her tone. “They have been returned to the Flare Prison. Rarity to release the Nightmare and, if what I heard was right, it will take Twilight as a new host.” She looked down at the three chasers. “We were unable to follow you swiftly because you left without leaving clue to your goal.”

“Twilight zapped us here; she had a spell on their car.” Rainbow stood from her seat on the floor. “The bastard had tried to strangle her, so I don’t think logic was high on the list in her head.” She was gratified that the last statement at least gave the tribes people and the princess pause.

“I was the one who ran off.” Pinkie whispered from behind the curtain of flat pink hair. “I should have got someone else or waited for you all.”

“Sitting and moping won’t work though.” Rainbow grabbed the Corporal’s limp arm and pulled her up. “We need to get them out of those ruins.” She nudged Jack with a foot, earning a glare and getting the Appleoosan to stand. “So, Princess, you get us back with Shining and Junior and we’ll head out to get our people back.”

“Very well.” Luna allowed herself a small smile, maybe there was hope yet to defeat the nightmare.

-*-

“They are where!” Cadence railed at the gunner; helpfully Shining was holding her back. Mere moments before they had been alone at the house when their missing associates had suddenly teleported back into the hall.

“The ruins, again.” Rainbow said, trying a calm response. Though both Cadence and Shining looked concerned and worried.

“What... what happened here?” The man held out a handful of whip and hair. Rainbow slumped a little, she was still worried and tense, itching to go and find Twilight, the evidence of her earlier failure brought down her facade.

“They... Hoops caught her in a whip; he was trying to strangle her...” Rainbow said as evenly as she could. Cadence looked like she was about to be sick and Shining looked angry.

“We need to go and find her. Now.” It was strange, Shining had gone from a goofy guy to a serious and angry big brother.

“I have been trying to create a teleport script.” Luna said from the corner of the room. She was laying chalk marks in certain places known only to herself. Though, as she made her latest they would fizz away as soon as the chalk stick left the floor. “The marker for landing at the palace site is being blocked.”

“Blocked?” Cadence hurried over to her mother and watched as the chalk marks were lifted again.

“We are unable to teleport there; we will need to find somewhere else.” Luna sighed and held her forehead. “It may take time, time we do not have.

“I’m flying then.” Rainbow said.

“You can’t fly all that way before midday!” Luna and A’triet said together.

“I can, I will. I’m not going to leave Twilight or anyone hanging ever again.” The gunner ran to grab her faithful shotgun and a handful of ammunition. Then she ran right through the group of incredulous observers. As she strode through the open doors and into the driveway, cyan blue wings manifested from her shoulder blades, encompassing an impressive span. The sky-woman took the usual stance of a sport flier and soon was airborne, flying through the city.

“We need to teleport as close to the ruins as we can.” Cadence said, she went to a sideboard and took out an amulet. “The camp will be close, mother?” The magic of the amulet had begun to glow, the princess, Shining, Jack and the tribes people drew closer.

“It should be.” Luna nodded and placed a hand on Cadence’s arm.

“Then let’s go.”

Chapter 15

Deep inside the ruins of Asa Nemänah Kâx, now called the Flare Prison, there was a sealed cell. Stone and magic had long held two entities trapped. However, that was soon to change. One was ecstatic, the other horrified. One pranced about in trails of heat and flame while the other fought at bindings and chains.

“See here my gaoler, oh poor little lover of the sun.” A long slender finger traced the tear and soot streaked face of the imprisoned woman. A gust of heat like the heart of the desert parched her skin and dried her eyes. “Soon I shall be free with a slave and some muscle at my beck and call.” The flaming woman gave a giddy spin. “Though that is not the best bit! I’ll have a new host! She’s out there waiting for me all wrapped up like a lovely present.”

“What?” The chained woman croaked out through cracked lips and dry mouth.

“Oh yes my dear... Someone with the power of the fire and the sun, a little mage-girl all new and fresh. Once I am rid of this prison and your husk I can jump right in!”A brutal curved dagger manifested in her grip and the fiery woman held it against the other’s throat. “Once I make a way in of course, can’t dally with lil’ sissy waiting at the gate.”

“You won’t win.” The prisoner whispered. More a prayer than a statement.

“We’ll see, won’t we Celly?”

-*-

In a dusty, sunless cell a woman lay shaking and sobbing, the meagre light from glowing lichen cast an impossibly long shadow that stretched through to a tiny crack. The starved, pale form clawed desperately at the shadow as she whispered snatches of words. Her effort was for naught and even as she tried, the sounds of work to free the menace she contained echoed through the walls.

-*-

High in the cloudless sky a figure flew. Rainbow Dash was hurtling through the air. It had taken a few short moments to leave the city limits, she barely regarded the airspeed limits enforced above the built up area, no guard was fast enough to catch her even when an airship started towards her perceived flight path. Her aim was to reach the Flare Prison in less than three hours, a feat she knew she was capable of, deep down in her heart. The cumbersome airship even on full throttle would take the whole day.

Despite the worry that gnawed at her soul, despite the wind that grasped and tore, Rainbow smiled. She was going to make it, she was going to rescue Twilight and she was going to go down in history doing so.

-*-

In the shifting sands of the desert dunes a valley was concealed from all but the airborne. The plateau sheltered by tall dunes had a large oasis at the centre, lush trees and wild edibles were abundant, only one other such place existed in the vast sandy expanse and it had been lost to the ages even before the Nightmare walked the earth. This place was where the Guarding Ones had made their camp.

One young warrior was tending to some horses and camels taken in by his fellow tribesmen, it was what his guardian would have wanted him to do if she had been at the camp. His green hair was set askew by a broad white bandage wrapped around his head and it was beginning to itch. As he paused to give the afflicted area a rub his eyes flickered from their usual appearance to the solid green of his dragon-form, big magic was occurring.

In a clearing set aside on purpose, runes began to glow through the sand and an unearthly wind circled it swiftly. All in the camp turned from the space or covered their eyes as a bright white light, tinted a little with blue, blazed within the runes. When it dissipated a group were stood within the confines.

Klin looked up and smiled, the familiar willowy figure of his guardian, her brother and their princess were amongst the newcomers. “Mēi!” He called, running over to the healer.

“Klin, you’re looking better my brave little drake.” She smiled softly and gave him a hug and a pat on the head. “Though I hope you rested properly.”

“Of course I did.” He smiled to her, a smile that fell when he realised that he hadn’t bowed to their princess or the warrior leader. “Sir, My lady.” He bowed deeply.

“Warrior Klin.” A’triet said to him.

“Rise Young Warrior.” Luna said, “Gather the others my child. We have a great deal to discuss and little time.” The princess kept her tone level; it would not do to set the camp in a panic. Klin bowed again but shot a worried look to his guardian as he ran to collect the fighters from their chores and tasks.

“That was Klin?” Cadence said, amused that the small child had grown to a young man since her last visit to the desert sands. “It is good to be home mother; I wish it was under better circumstances.” She took Shining’s hand and led him away into the camp to meet her people and keep them both distracted from mind-clouding worry.

“We need ta get to the ruins.” Jack said, loading her gun. Tears had stopped rolling down her face a long time ago, but fear and sadness still battled with grim determination.

“Miles separate us from the site.” Luna replied, pointing in the direction they would need to take. “I cannot take us closer, we must muster the warriors and mount the beasts Jack Apple.” She turned and strode to the camp. “Come, we must make haste.”

“Things are feeling not good.” Pinkie said to Jack, some of the bounce had left her step. “I can feel the bad meanie out there. She’s waiting...” She followed after Luna.

Jack trailed behind them, reluctant to head anywhere but the ruins and Rarity.

-*-

From the position of the sun, Twilight could tell it was nearing mid-morning. She had landed here in dawn’s rays and had been swiftly chained up. Now it was getting warmer, she tried to remain calm. Her throat still hurt and her neck ached from the brutal whip, her mind was still rushing through the moments of both her brushes with death. “No Twilight, keep calm.” She whispered it to herself. “Got to stay calm.” She turned her mind away from thoughts of fear, making a conscious effort to avoid panic. Turning to thoughts that would distract, like actually kissing Rainbow, or being held in her arms and falling asleep feeling safe and protected.

She sighed and worked her arms in the shackles again and attempted to shift the magic blocking bands off. “It would seem,” she muttered to herself, “that I have somewhat fallen for that woman.” She tugged at the bindings, “So I really have to get out of this and explore that a little.” An edge of panic worked its way into her again as still the chains held fast.

-*-

“She’s really rattling those things.” Hoops commented to no one in particular. His former employer wasn’t going to listen and his current employer was too creepy for small talk. The shadow with the sadistic smile was watching Rarity move about the underground room, the sound of her dull shuffling gait drowned out by the echoing noise of metal on metal and stone above them. She moved like a puppet, pausing in places and picking up an object.

“The mage will not escape.” The shadow hissed, startling the sky-man. “She will not struggle much longer.” It turned to regard the man a moment. “The moment for my freedom races towards us.”

“Uh, cool?” He took a slightly nervous swig from his canteen, never taking his eyes off the creature.

It ignored him again, instead watching as the archaeologist lifted another artefact from the sandy floor and placed it on a stone block. If the hired muscle had bothered to look, he would have seen each artefact aligned with intricate markings etched across the stone. A last artefact was placed by the controlled woman.

“It is time to prepare my new host.” The shadow turned and pointed to the surface. “Set some fires around her.” Hoops nodded and hurried out. “As soon as the mage is prepared we can release my full form.” It grinned to the un-seeing Rarity. “So soon.”

-*-

A column of dust marked the progress of thirty mounted warriors and their Princess, accompanied by their healer and assorted hangers on. Ahead of them an Appleoosan, well used to riding was hurrying to the ruins. “Some of them are claiming her disrespectful.” A’triet said to his princess.

“What? Riding ahead of me? She is chasing to rescue her love; it would be above my station to hinder her.” Luna replied. They were leading the tribesmen, still with speed but slower than the gunner. It would have looked like their earlier muster but for the poise the princess had with her spear. In readiness for any eventuality. “There is still time until the sun reaches her zenith. I do not want to tire us.”

“A wise plan.” A’triet called, allowing his horse a moment to slow so as to consult with the others.

“We should be with Jack, Twily is out there too.” Shining grumbled under his breath, he and Cadence were close behind the leaders.

“You aren’t that good a horseman Shining.” Cadence said, drawing closer to lay a hand on his arm. “I wish we could just zap there in a moment but we are forced to ride.”

“I’m just stuck being useless then.” He replied bitterly.

“We’ll make it.” Pinkie said, a small smile flashed at him. “We just have to.”

They rode over the miles, racing the sun.

-*-

Hoops grunted as he dumped another armful of wood in a spot the shadow creature had pointed out. He had already laid four and there was still one more to go, in the late morning sun it was a thankless task. The motor mouth egghead didn’t help. “Why are you working with that monster?” She said for about the twentieth time.

“Gold, now shut up!” He stomped off to pick up another stack of wood from around the ruins. Twilight watched him stalk away.

“Come on guys... I am not feeling good about the ritual pyres it looks like he is building.” She muttered, looking to the sky in the direction of the city. Surely someone was coming to rescue her. Her brother would never leave her in danger, he had promised many years before. Cadence would move heaven and earth to keep her safe, the one time she had gotten lost as a child her babysitter had torn through the park until she was safe in the older girl’s embrace.

Rarity was here too, Jack would surely be breaking faces until the archaeologist was in her company again. Pinkie had her strange sense to help track them down even if they didn’t have a good guess on where to go.

And Rainbow... Twilight smiled despite herself, Rainbow would be coming. She had to be.

-*-

“How much longer will this take?” Shining asked, his voice taught with concern.

“We are simply a valley away.” Cadence said in a hushed tone, “Mother said we had to avoid the cultists by taking this route.”

“Indeed Shining Armour, they are surely aware that the hour comes for their Queen’s return... I would not want to risk battle with them now. We must save our strength for the true menace.” Luna said before she rode ahead of the group, still a respectful distance from Jack.

Luna was riding with poise despite their speed. Her mind was anything but calm or poised. All she could think of was her past experience with the Nightmare.

Of the power the monster had. Of the power she could have stolen from Celestia after long centuries. Of the grim task she could face if they were too late to prevent the abomination taking a new host.

She did not want to hurt her daughter. Cadence was the best thing that had happened to her in a millennia. It had been a joy to raise a child, a child so much like her lost aunt. Now though she was a woman, who had her own life beyond her mother. A life that had come to include a sweet little librarian, a girl who, her daughter had explained in a letter, was like a sister.

“Please... harmony... Don’t force my daughter to lose a sister too.”

Chapter 16

The wood clattered onto the dusty courtyard. Twilight had shut her eyes to the blaring sun, it was getting close to midday, only half an hour give or take until it reached its apex. Now, from the sounds, she could tell that the sky-man had finished the circle of ritual pyres. The librarian was beginning to regret her vast knowledge of the ancient world. Ritual pyres never preceded anything good.

Inside the darkened tomb the shadow creature smiled, her slave was stood to the side having completed her work. The muscle was outside preparing the ritual for a forced possession. It was coming closer and closer to the long awaited moment.

There was just one more thing to do.

“Hey boss, I have the wood where you wanted it...” Hoops shouted down as he walked into the tomb. The shadow dispersed in an instant. “Uh Boss?”

“All will be ready soon!” Hoops scrambled back in shock. His employer was no longer a column of shadow, it had created a humanoid form for itself.

“Uh, good?” Hoops gave a slight bow. “What next boss?”

“Now, peon, now we prepare Our new host... Ready for the moment Our full power is released!” In the shadow-stuff hand was a curved blade. It slid out of the darkness, a gleaming, wicked thing. “We can only be taken into a living body willingly...” It hissed, “Though there is a loophole... A body will live longer than the mind if you do things right.”

“So we rub out the egghead?” Hoops scratched his head, he had spent a long while collecting and arranging wood and they were just going to use a knife.

“Once the ritual is ready, we can extinguish the life-force and take possession of the body for Our own.” It smiled chillingly. “Come.”

-*-

The group of warriors and their guests were cresting the final dune when the ruins came into view. Cadence and Shining immediately summoned telescope spells. “I can see Twily!”

“She’s still moving... Oh Shining... She’s still ok!”

Through the magnification spell they could see the librarian struggling in bonds. From her rather judicious movements she was unharmed. “Let’s get moving.” Jack shouted across, driving her horse faster down the sand.

“We should hurry.” Luna and A’triet were beside the two. “I can sense a ritual building...” Luna added, spurring on her own mount.

They wasted no time following.

-*-

“Damn it! These are just too tight!” Twilight shouted, pulling the chains again. A noise ahead of her, from the tomb, distracted her efforts.

“Do not worry child.” A grave voice crackled. “We will release you soon.” Twilight looked ahead to see the shadow. This time it looked human.

This time it had a knife raised in a dark hand.

A spell flared into life andthe pyres began to burn ferociously. The monster advanced, knife ready.

Twilight screamed then, she had been holding in all her panic and fear but now she faced death once more. As she pulled franticly at the bonds, pushing with whatever purchase she could find with her feet, her mind raced through all her potential rescuers.

“Rainbow...”

-*-

High above Rainbow flew at a breakneck pace, faster and faster through the desert with huge sweeps of her magical wings. They had Twilight, the worry and fear for her drove Rainbow faster still.

There was an icy grip on her heart and a moment of profound, chilling concern. Things were about to go really wrong for Twilight, she knew it in her gut. Pouring more power into her wings Rainbow redoubled her pace.

As she flew she felt the air harden for the second time in her life. The sky itself had become a barrier to her, a barrier that was going to be broken. Mustering up her last reserves of strength she forced herself through, heedless of the circles of colour that emanated from her, ignoring the sonic boom she had generated. Such was her hurry that she barely noticed the rainbow contrail that striped the sky.

A sonic rainboom, for only the second time in history, lit up the sky.

-*-

On the slab they had chained her, cringing away from the curved blade that was being brought towards her, Twilight saw the amazing waves of colour in the sky. “Rainbow...” She whispered, hope in her voice once more.

-*-

The horses jinked and reared at the unfamiliar sound and colour that seemed to fill the world. “A sonic rainboom?” Luna said aloud in surprise.

A rainbow contrail led from the epicentre, it was coming closer and closer to their position. “Rainbow Dash?” Shining asked, incredulous as the blurred figure passed overhead.

There was a second crack, like lightning, and a cloud of dust rose from the ruins. Rainbow had landed.

-*-

Beneath her were the others and seemingly the cavalry. Ahead of her was Twilight, chained to a rock and being threatened by a knife. Reaching the ruins, Rainbow fell like an avenging angel, the impact sounded like thunder and lightning, in fact she had dropped a bolt to soften the landing. There was a clang as a bent and melted knife landed on the ground and the monster articulated a scream of rage.

The blowout from Rainbow’s violent landing had extinguished the fire. At the sight of the woman who would certainly be trouble Hoops had fled. “Too late!” The monster screamed. “Too late to prepare. Argh!” It disappeared.

Coughing and sputtering from the dust, still chained and splayed over the rock, Twilight had never looked better to Rainbow. She was unharmed, alive. The flier rushed to pull free the bindings and help Twilight up. “Hey.” She whispered, throwing down the removed shackles and lifting Twilight up a little.

“Hi.” Twilight was quiet, she nestled her head into Rainbow’s shoulder. “Saved me again.”

“That’s about four times by my count.” Rainbow chuckled, relief flooding her with endorphins to go with the adrenaline.
“Better not make it too much of a habit.” She pressed her cheek against the top of Twilight’s head and wrapped both arms around the navy haired girl.

“I’ll be ok as long as you’ve got my back.” Twilight whispered, she shyly looked up into Rainbow’s rose eyes. The flier stopped, captivated, as the librarian moved in for a kiss.

Clattering hooves on paving slabs and two voices joyfully calling out halted them. The cavalry had arrived. “Right on time.” Rainbow grumbled when the girl in her arms pulled away to meet the new arrivals.

“Twily.” Shining grabbed her close and Cadence wrapped them both in a hug.

“We were so worried about you.” The woman said quietly.

“We still have to be worried.” Twilight said, pulling away as best she could. “Jack,” the librarian called out. “Rarity is down inside, with some aspect of the Nightmare... Princess Luna.” She turned to the armour clad woman, “It is getting ready to escape.”

“Warriors, we go.” Luna shouted, they ran down the newly opened staircase to the prison. Twilight had not noticed it during her captivity. Jack led the charge, Pinkie close behind.

“Come on, let’s get down there.” Rainbow had grasped Twilight’s arm and was leading them to the entrance. “We’re going to see the finish of this at least.

-*-

Jack ran. Jack could run, she had run on the farm to chase bolting horses or frightened cattle. She had run miles like they were a walk in the park. It was a natural gift from the earth, her granny had always said it. While her mom and pop were better with plants, Jack drew stamina and strength from the everlasting bedrock of the planet. She gathered it close and held it, Rarity needed her and she was going to save her.

The steps ended in a dark area, shafts of dusty light gave illumination to sparse details, only enough for the gunner to identify that they were in the strange statue room from the panicked night of flame creatures and the walking dead. “Rarity?” There was no response.

“I have a bad feeling about this.” A voice said behind her, a revolver was cocked. Jack spun to confront the newcomer but it was only Pinkie.

“How bad?”

“The evil meanie is in here. So’s Rarity but she’s not her...” Pinkie held out an arm to halt the princess and her warriors. “The nasty stuff is here.”

“Of that I am well aware Corporal.” Luna said, lifting her spear in preparation. The warriors also took arms, even the timid healer stood her ground. Cadence, Shining, Twilight and Rainbow joined them, armed and ready to fight. The princess was about to speak again when a blast of magic hit the stone above them.

A warning shot.

From the darkness moving like a puppet was Rarity. The glamorous woman looked dishevelled, her hair was mussed and her clothes crumpled. She had her palms up, the most basic of casting stances, they glowed with energy. Another shot was fired off. Luna held off her fighters.

“You will not pass through your friend would you?” A dark voice said from Rarity’s mouth. “A weakness.” The third bolt caused a shower of rubble. They ducked it and finally moved from the stairs.

“Rarity, that ain’t you.” Jack had lowered her rifle, confronted by something she could not harm. “You’re in there though, so come on out sugar cube.”

The warriors and her friend’s kept back, no one wanted to make a move that could harm an innocent.

Another blast of magic was loosed.

This time the magical bolt found a softer mark, Jack crumpled to her knees. “Rare... Hon... Come out...” The gunner sobbed, her resolve broken. “Ah can’t be without you... Rare... Ah Love You.”

“That’s it....” Cadence murmured, “I know how to break the hex.” She whispered to herself. Shining was still close, as was Twilight but she could not leave this chance. If the worst happened, her mother was right here. Slipping away from her friends she allowed her guise to fall away. There would be little point concealing her true nature after this day.

“Rarity... Please.” Jack sat on her knees in the sand, looking up as her lover, her soul mate, walked towards her with every intent to kill. Even if as a puppet, Jack knew that Rarity would be destroyed by this.

Amongst the warrior cadre Cadence was concealed a little, un-regarded by the others. There was the slightest whisper of wind as she let her wings free, pink tinted magical limbs. With delicate sweeps she was airborne, better to cast her spell. Visualising the script, the symbols of the spell, she held out a hand and released it. Two pink hearts, slight and wispy, floated down through the dusty air. They landed upon Jack and Rarity.

It was an instantaneous effect. Rarity slumped forwards, the puppeteers strings had been sliced free, her eyes closed. Jack met the archaeologist as she rose, cushioning her fall, pulling her close. She leant the slightly built woman against her shoulder and tenderly swept some hair from her face.

The contact roused her. “Jack?” Rarity whispered, looking up at teary green eyes in wonder.

In the air Cadence was about to celebrate when blots of black threw themselves at her from the gloom. “Shining!” She screamed out, pain blossomed in her chest and stomach as the black force hit her. She crashed against the wall, high up near the ceiling, pinned.

“Cadence!” Luna, Shining and Twilight ran towards her, Luna took to the air only to spin around and parry further black manifestations of power. The two mages stood powerless on the floor, the warriors running to fight the shadows now they were loosed from the innocent scholar.

“Go, fight the evil.” Luna ordered Twilight even as more blasts shot out of the gloom. “I can feel your strength little one.”

“What does she mean Shiny, what is even happening? Love spells and possession and Cadence is a Princess!” Twilight was overwhelmed. She had faced death three times in less than twenty four hours, she had been zapped to and from her city with little warning. Mere moments earlier she had been chained to a rock for a ritual sacrifice. Not to mention the confusing mixed feelings swirling around her mind and heart whenever she so much as glanced at Rainbow.

“She means, Twily, that you can combat this threat somehow.” Shining had cast a shield on his left arm and was blocking blows from the shadows. “Go, take your friends. I’ll keep Cadey safe.” He gave Twilight a little push towards the others.

Pinkie and Rainbow were defending Rarity and Jack from the attack. The tribal healer was checking the archaeologist for any serious ill effects. Stumbling from the push, Twilight summoned her shield and dropped it over the group. “I have to make a plan. I think I have an idea.”

Chapter 18

It was dark and smoky , wherever Twilight had been taken. She made the mistake of gasping from the shock and began a coughing fit. “Where?” She managed to squeak out.

“A nice secluded spot where I can take you as a new host.” Nightmare Flare whispered through the thick air. The smoke was cast aside by the Queen’s magical power and she stood before Twilight in all her blazing glory.

“Not gonna let you...” Twilight sputtered out as she used her magic to jump away from the monster and run. Her boots gained purchase on the soft, centuries dry sand and she was soon running as best she could manage. Running for her life, to escape a death, again.

The only real problem was that Twilight had no idea where she was, or how exactly to escape.

-*-

Rainbow flew through the passageways and wider areas seeking out her... searching for Twilight. The others hurried to keep up as the sky-woman gave no quarter to web or timber blockades. “Landsakes, she can fly.” Jack panted as they paused at a crossroads.

“I know right? But we are looking for Twilight, so I guess she’d be in as much a hurry as you were catching up to Rarity.” Pinkie replied. The Corporal was looking from one passage to the other with Rainbow, the flier too concerned to chatter.

“I can smell smoke.” Mēi pointed down a tunnel, the slightest hint of the scent of burning came carried on the air.

“And where there is smoke there is fire.” Rarity cast a light spell into the dark passageway, there were no sagging stone blocks or other signs of structural danger.

“And where there’s fire we’ll find Flare.” Rainbow growled, rushing off down the newly lit passage. The others followed behind again, preparing themselves for what they might find.

-*-

Twilight stumbled and fell to the floor, she was lost and alone and afraid. She took a moment to catch her breath but instead felt a blast of heat. Nightmare Flare had found her again. The Queen had been close at her heels after every “jump”. It was too unfamiliar and dark for the mage to move much further.

She stood slowly, the sound of sand fusing to glass indicated that Nightmare Flare had caught her. Twilight took stock of her location. A sealed room, the only entry a doorway that orange magic was closing tight or a teleport she had no energy to perform.

The burning queen advanced, grinning in triumph as Twilight staggered back, cornered and alone.

“Who will stop me now little librarian?” Queen Flare goaded, wrapping the struggling girl in her magical grip. “My sister with her minimal power and weak sentimentality? Or her daughter with the oh so threatening power of love? Hmm?” She advanced on the struggling mage. “Your brother with his little shield spell?”

“Maybe.” Twilight managed to say through the constricting magic that squeezed and immobilised.

“Oh, unlikely... Once you are my new host they will be too cowed to stop me.” She grinned and her red eyes shone.

“My friends will stop you!” Twilight shouted in defiance.

Then, it struck her. Friends. Her Friends.

As if on cue there was the sound of feet pounding on stone and the crumbling wooden door burst apart under two strong earthborn feet. “Sorry Sugar cube, we had a mite bit o’ trouble figuring where Queenie took you.”Jack said casually as she shook the remains of the door from her boot, Pinkie was merrily marching towards them with scraps of wood trailing in her wake.

“Get your magic funky ju-ju off of Twilight.” Rainbow said, levelling her shotgun at the woman.

“I’d highly advise doing as she said, darling.” Rarity said, ice and steel in her voice and a revolver in her hand. “I was most unimpressed with your intrusion last night and as Jack will tell you, I will return the favour directly.”

“Please let our friend go? I mean, if you could?” Mēi said from the rear of the group.

“You cannot be serious?” Flare said, incredulous. “You’re actually serious aren’t you?” She started to laugh, a trio of gunshots sounded out but she barely acknowledged the payloads as they melted in her shield. She doubled over with laughter in time for Pinkie to fly overhead, her jump not connecting. “You have no power over me children.” She shouted, straightening up to look at each of them.

“That’s where you are wrong.” Twilight said, she finally recalled a counter-spell and dropped the bindings that held her in place.

“So you escaped, that won’t help you, your precious elements are dust!”

“Oh no, those stones were nothing. They weren’t the Elements of Harmony.” Twilight motioned her friends forward and helped Pinkie up off the floor. Soon all five of her new friends were around her. “The Elements are not an artefact, a thing to hold in your hand. They are a concept, a philosophy... A way of life.” Twilight smiled brightly, “I realised it when I knew without a doubt that my friends would be here to help me. To defeat you.”

“Spare me; can we just skip to the part where I crush you like I crushed those stones?” Flare rounded on them but her magical strike rebounded from some invisible force. She looked at the group in shock.

“Honesty.” Twilight said an odd resonance in her voice. She touched Jack’s arm. “So honest, we could trust you even when we were competing for the same goal.” Jack looked surprised as Twilight moved away; a glow and warmth were suffusing her body.

“Kindness.” The mage took Mēi’s hand. “Worried for strangers, strangers who were making your task difficult and endangering your people. So kind as to run into a dangerous situation to help another.” Mēi smiled timidly at the complements; the power Twilight’s touch left caused her wings to manifest behind her.

“Laughter.” Twilight gave Pinkie a playful tap, “Always so cheerful, keeping our spirits up and jumping in with some funny thing when our outlook was bleak.”

“Yeppers.” Pinkie giggled, the power tickled.

“Generosity.” Twilight laid her hand on Rarity’s shoulder. “I lost everything when our boat sank and Rarity gave me some of her own clothes without me even having to ask. She didn’t even know us then, anyone else would have left me to buy at the village, especially as we were both searching for the same place.” Rarity smiled at the librarian, she could see the power leaking from the girl and feel it as her own magic took in the new.

“Loyalty.” Twilight managed to stop herself throwing her arms around Rainbow, she merely leaned against the gunner a moment, drawing strength as much as sharing the power. “Rainbow rescued me on the boat, defended us from cultists, saved me from what was left of her comrades; she fought off a thug and monsters... Flew the desert to rescue me...” She halted and blushed. “Loyal to a fault.” Rainbow was grinning fit to burst, the magic came into her and she brought out her wings in a display of possession and aggression, circling one around Twilight while the other flared out.

“How very sweet...” The Queen began, “But you are missing-“

“The last Element.” Twilight cut her off, her voice had taken on an echoing quality and as she stepped from Rainbow’s protective wing she floated above the ground. Her eyes began to glow.

“The last element is Magic. With all these friends there is nothing I can feel but Magic, Nightmare Flare. They lend their strengths to me as I them.” Streamers of coloured power began to fly from the five, coalescing around the levitating mage. “Friendship is Magic, a Magic we will use to defeat you.”

Five bursts of magical energy glowed at the five young women’s necks, each felt a weight around them as jewellery manifested. They found themselves lending their magic and power to Twilight, the streamers expanded and wrapped around her as a circlet appeared on her head.

A rainbow of magical power rushed from them and embraced Queen Nightmare Flare. “No! No... Off, off me! I am Queen Nightmare Fla-...” She was wrapped in a tornado of light, the rage and hate filled voice cut off.

-*-

Cadence sat between Luna and Shining, all three emotionally spent and physically worn out. They had been working for hours, first to try and remove the nightmare’s influence from an innocent then later to rescue their loved one. They had fought shadows and watched helpless as Twilight was taken. “I hope the girls found her.” Shining managed to say, a catch in his voice.

“They must have, else the nightmare...” Luna trailed off, she could not bear to speak of the monster taking the mage-girl’s life and body.

“Twilight’s strong, she can hold out until help arrives.”Cadence said for the fifth time since the librarian had disappeared with Nightmare Flare. She held tight to Shining, who gripped her hand. Luna leaned against her daughter, there was little she could say as comfort.

Then, a rumbling came from beneath them. The loose rubble and deposited sand began to jump and dance. The group looked around in confusion and a blinding light began to leak through every crack and stone line in the ruin.

“Mother?” Cadence shielded her eyes, holding her hand up against the bright glaring light.

“The Elements of Harmony...” Luna whispered. Even as the light became sun-bright she stood, Cadence took her hand but instead of holding the princess back, she was led towards the passages. Shining went after them, holding an arm over his head and trying to keep track of the pair.

“Please... Return her to me.” Luna breathed.

-*-

The scream of the Nightmare seemed to dissipate, blown away with the wind generated by the great magical force. Even when the women had completed their contribution to the process and returned to their feet the rainbow of magical light continued to blaze in a vortex.

“What did we just do?” Jack said, awe in her voice.

“We are the new Elements of Harmony.” Twilight replied with a slight quirk of her head, there wasa new weight upon it.

“Uh, Twilight, you got a crown.” Pinkie pointed at the librarian. Surprised, the indigo haired girl put a hand to her head and removed a wide gold circlet.

“Magic...” She tapped the purple stone set into the band. “I suppose we need something to channel the power through.”

“I’ll say this; whoever came up with the design had a real sense of style.” Rarity commented, she held up a diamond pendant on a gold chain, her eyes shone with desire for the gleaming gem.

“Neato!” Pinkie’s new necklace sported a blue crystal balloon. “So I’m laughter then Twilight? You said some really nice stuff about us all.”

“It was lovely, what you told her.” Mēi smiled warmly at the others, her pendant lay over her robes, a delicate pink butterfly.

“You really think of us all as friends?”

“Of course I do!” Twilight half shouted. “All of you... Everything I said I meant.”

“Everything?” Rainbow whispered, she had been silently thinking over the past few days events, not taking her eyes off the colourful vortex.

“Everything...” Twilight drew closer to Rainbow, she was about to say more but was interrupted by a second burst of light.
The vortex had split into its component ribbons of colour and swirled away into the now much less oppressive ruin.
A thin, white clad figure lay on the floor. Her simple dress was stained with soot and ash, so was her dusky pink hair.
Everyone halted, unsure of what to do next. The newly dubbed elements crowded closer together and watched the woman.

They started back in surprise when she coughed.

Her gasp of breath set the six moving closer, cautious of the woman now in the place of the Nightmare. She sat up slowly and blinked in the dim light. Her eyes were pink and sparking, disbelief writ clear across her face.

“You freed me.” She sounded amazed and deeply grateful. Any further conversation was cut off with a scream of delight and a midnight blue blur.

“Sister!” Luna was beside the woman in an instant, her arms wrapped around her and she began to sob.

“Hello little sister... It’s been a while.” Tears dripped from her eyes, washing trails into her soot stained face.

“Oh Celestia! I have missed you so much.” Luna clung to her sister. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

Pinkie began to bawl, floods of water springing from her eyes, the other too found tears pricking at their eyes, Rarity and Jack recalling their own younger sisters in the display of affection before them.

“Aunt Celestia?” Cadence echoed the amazed tone as she came through the door with Shining close at her heels.

“Aunt?” The woman looked up from her sister in amazement, Cadence ran to join the pair.

“My Daughter, Cadence.” Luna smiled through the tears flowing from her eyes; she pulled her down to join the embrace.

“Hello my neice.” Celestia smiled and put an arm around Cadence. “It is so wonderful to meet you.”

Shining joined Twilight, he wrapped an arm about her waist and pulled her closer. “All this is giving me a real urge to hug my little sister.” He chuckled.

“Mmm, BBBFF hugs are pretty good.” Twilight returned the gesture as the tension of the past twenty four hours drained from her body. There would be a price to pay for it all soon enough, but for now it was time for reunion and affection.

No one really noticed Rainbow’s withdrawal, as slight as it was. She stood away from the group, from the sight of two sisters reunited after centuries, of introductions for family. Pinkie had stopped crying and was animatedly regaling Mēi with tales of their adventure prior to the tribes woman and the explorers crossing paths. Jack and Rarity were close together, loath to part after their forced separation now that it was safe to indulge in the small intimacy.

“Should we head back to the surface guys?” Rainbow spoke up, she didn’t really want to interrupt but she was itching for the sky now the surge of adrenaline from battle had subsided. “This place is pretty musty.”
It was a joyful group who left the catacombs of the buried palace, a prison no longer.

Chapter 19

A’triet looked over the group of cultists before him, they had all become sullen after the rainbow of light had swept out of the ruins and flared into the sky like a firework. Their weapons were in a large pile far from their hands, a group of strong and armed warriors stood between the red clad worshipers of the Nightmare and the collection of guns and blades. “Your goddess is dead.” The tribal leader said firmly. He had no reply. “Go now before I change my mind on giving leniency to you.”

As one the cultists stood and fled out from the former prison, they had felt the power of their dark queen snuffed out, now would not be the time to stand against her former gaolers nor whatever power had defeated her.

“As for you.” The guardian turned to a cowed sky-man, his arms and legs bound in chains and a band holding back his wings. They had found him sneaking from the ruins once the cultists had begun their act of worship and had quickly disabled him. “You are more than likely wanted by the conventional authorities. If the actions of Captain Dash are any indication, some should be along by sundown.” He sheathed his sword with finality, “You can get a lift back with them.”
Hoops glowered but knew better than to protest. More than one of the warriors would be capable of taking him down no matter how far or fast he flew.

Triumphant voices drifted from the ruins behind them and A’triet turned in time to see the huge chunk of stone that had blocked his path be moved away by his princess’ familiar white magic. The warriors stood at arms for their ruler.
It was with great surprise and joy that they saw their princess accompanied by another. Her tan skin was ash streaked as was her white dress, but she held herself with poise and her pink eyes shone with merriment. It was the change in Princess Luna that struck them all most. Their princess smiled and laughed like she never had before, joy suffusing her features and stance.

“Brother! We did it!” Mēi hollered, A’triet was taken aback at her unexpected volume. She ran over to him and heedless of the warrior’s intimidating appearance grabbed him in a hug. “Oh A’triet, we rescued Princess Celestia. I’m an Element of Harmony!” Her wings fluttered excitedly and pushed them a little. He grasped her elbow and steered her back a step.

“You have a lot to explain dear sister.” A’triet said, trying his best not to laugh. He motioned his warriors to relax and set himself a seat on a half buried stone. “Tell us the story Mēi.”

-*-

The guard airship was floating towards them as the sun dipped to the horizon. The merry group cheered and wave. Only Hoops, bound and trapped, was unhappy to see them.

The warriors and the adventurers were having a well earned rest. Several of the tribe members were playing music; from horse packs they had produced a fiddle, some hand drums and a pipe. The more energetic amongst the group danced in celebration. Luna and Celestia still sat close, arms tight around each other and grinning fit to burst. Cadence and Shining were dancing to the music along with Pinkie, the Corporal was jigging a pattern around them. Mēi clapped out a time for the musicians, joyful that all had ended well.

Jack and Rarity sat, the archaeologist leaning against her partner, sipping from some ceramic crocks the tribe chef had produced. Their drooping eyelids and happy smiles hinted it was something rather good.

Rainbow had also been supping from a bottle, a nice cold beer that one of the mages from the tribe had been happy to part with. For a nomadic desert dwelling group, they had plenty of connections and supply lines. Having emptied the bottle she noticed a conspicuous absence. Twilight wasn’t joining in with the festivities.

The india-ink haired woman had been in her thoughts since the dust had settled deep in the catacombs. Rainbow was unsure how things would go on from here and now, she had only been hired on until the flare prison had been evidenced. Now not only had they discovered the place with irrefutable evidence, they had banished the imprisoned denizen and released a centuries trapped princess. A little above and beyond the remit from when a fussy librarian had fetched a washed up adventurer out of jail.

Standing from her comfortable spot on a blanket, Rainbow looked around for Twilight.

The librarian was sat away from the group on a lump of stone, holding her knees close and resting her chin on them. Deciding to join her, the adventurer started over to the stone. As Rainbow got closer she could see the girl shaking. “Are you ok?” Twilight jumped at the unexpected call.

“I... I’m fine, yeah. Fine.” Her voice was wavering and the waning sunlight made the tear streaks on her cheeks stand out.

Emotions were something Rainbow was not the best at handling. The flier couldn’t think of an answer, instead she sat next to the librarian. “You’re still wearing the crown thingy.” She poked the metal circlet.

“You still have your necklace on.” Twilight tried to muster a smile as the gold chain and red gem glittered in the fading light, the metal clinking as it moved on its bearer.

“Yeah, but a crown isn’t really practical, y’know? It’s all over now and stuff, it’s a bit much to wear normally. ” Rainbow teased. Twilight tried to laugh but it turned into a sob. “You’re crying.” Rainbow wiped at the tears with her hand. Twilight leaned against her.

“In the last twenty four hours I have nearly died at least half a dozen times.” She stated matter of factly. “I kept working through it, thinking about preventing a world ending event in the near future, and y...” She trailed off with a half shrug half tense-up.

“And?” Rainbow turned the librarian to face her, looking down into her shining amethyst eyes. Twilight blinked and tried to turn away.

“I... I thought about you. Just, knowing that you would be there to help. Since the moment you caught me when the boat was on fire. I just knew that you would be there.” She blushed a little but teared up again. “And now it’s all over, we’re done. Everyone will go in the morning.” The catch in her voice was accompanied by another shudder. “I, It’s just a little panic... Don’t worry. Go and have fun with the others.”

“I’m not planning on going anywhere.” Rainbow whispered, her tone implied she meant for longer than this moment. Pulling Twilight even closer she nested the librarian against her collarbone. Taken by surprise Twilight let go of her knees and slid sideways a little, Rainbow caught her; she rested her chin on the girl’s head, her indigo hair still smooth despite the days of activity.

“No?” Twilight’s voice was small but hopeful.

“Element of Loyalty remember?” Rainbow chuckled and wrapped her other arm around Twilight. “And the little part about how I’m crazy for you.” The gunner smiled when she saw how red Twilight was becoming. “I’m not loyal to just about anyone Twi’. I don’t fly the desert and fight off the undead for anyone but someone very special.”

“I, I don’t kiss just anyone either.” A small voice offered. “You’re fascinating and adventurous and brave.” Twilight looked up. “With you I know I am safe.” She sniffed a little and wiped some tears away.

“You? Super magic sorceress Element of Magic and, not forgetting, librarian? Feel safer with a gun toting load-mouth braggart who can fly? Yeah, I am like, the best ever at flying but still...” Rainbow gave the mage a squeeze. “Let’s just say we both feel safer around each other and you aren’t going to see the back of me in a long time.”

Twilight looked up at rose eyes and smiled, “That sounds great.” She pushed herself up a little, still wrapped in Rainbow’s embrace, and leaned in until she could feel the adventurer’s warm breath on her cheek. “Rainbow Dash, I love you.” She covered any reply with a deep kiss. Rainbow returned it enthusiastically.

Down by the makeshift camp the festivities had been put on hold as the four friends, three princesses and one older brother all watched the rather adorable sight. “Woo yeah!” Pinkie cheered. Sat above them, Twilight was too happy to really be embarrassed.

“Come on, we just saved the world, let’s go celebrate a bit!” Rainbow stood and pulled Twilight along with her, leading the librarian by the hand to the fire and circle of friends.

The assembled Guarding Ones and friends watched in awe when then the sun finally fell below the horizon and Luna raised her moon and freed the stars.

All the dancing and revelry lasted long into the night, even while business was concluded with the Guard force there was still a festival feeling amongst the group. Hoops was handed over and Luna, with a strange and old official badge, had all charges against Rainbow dropped. Apparently there was a clause in the law about assisting the crown.

When the fires burned low and the warriors settled to patrolling or rest everyone decided it was time to turn in.

“Ah’m beat.” Jack was slack eyed though still merry. “High time we got some real proper sleep, ain’t had any in nearly two days.” Leaning against her, Rarity hummed in agreement.

“We have spare blankets you can all use.” Mēi waved someone over, they came bearing blankets. The healer looked at the pile, “Oh... Uh. Some of you might have to share...”

“No problem darling.” Rarity yawned genteelly, “Jack and I are well used to that, we have some materials still about too.” She gratefully accepted the fabric bundle and the two withdrew to find a comfortable place amongst what was left of their camp.

“I think we’ll be ok too.” Cadence said softly, wrapping her arm around Shining’s as they sat beside each other. Luna laughed at his surprise.

“Do not get up to any mischief daughter.” The princess of the night wagged a finger. Shining gulped and was led away by his, newly confirmed, girlfriend.

“What of you Pinkie?” Mēi turned to ask the Corporal, “Oh... never mind.” It was about the only reaction one could have to the sight of the woman flat on her back sleeping with a fez balanced on her face.

“Go, sleep Mēi. You have done a grand duty as a hostess.” Luna placed a hand on the healer’s arm. The willowy woman nodded sleepily and went to rest close by her people, though she left the spare blankets with her princess.

There was a mighty yawn, Celestia blushed. “I am most tired sister.”

“Then time to sleep.” Luna cast a spell and a tent manifested from the firmament.

“I have got to learn that spell...” Twilight commented, tiredness clear in her voice.

“We shall teach you Twilight, when it is not late even for me.” Luna levitated the spare blankets around the gunner and the librarian. “Sleep child and have my thanks.” The princesses entered the tent in companiable silence.

“Time to sleep then. It sounded like a royal order.” She was not going to disagree, she was completely exhausted. Twilight picked up her portion of the blankets to make a bed. Rainbow grabbed at her a little, waving her arm about.

“Naah, stay here with me.” The adventurer looked up beseechingly. Twilight sat close to her again.

“Ok.” She smiled, “I think our last attempt was disturbed by kidnappers anyway.” Twilight smoothed out some of the warm blankets and lay down, pulling Rainbow with her.

“Mmhmm.” Rainbow lay down beside her and wrapped an arm over the librarian. “Keeping you close to keep an eye on you.” Twilight snuggled in close to her. “Not having you snatched again.”

“I feel safer already.”

Twilight and Rainbow slept wrapped in each other’s arms, dreaming of adventures to come.

-*-

The next morning Luna and Celestia woke together and performed their duties for the first time in centuries. The guarding ones stood and watched, applauding their monarchs, laughing and cheering the princesses.

Rarity and Jack emerged from their makeshift camp to take breakfast, Pinkie and Mēi were making pancakes around the fire, Shining and Cadence sat close together brewing coffee and tea. As the princesses joined them for breakfast so did Twilight and Rainbow.

“What is everyone’s plan from here.” Twilight said casually, taking a proffered stack of pancakes and passing a second to Rainbow before they sat down.

“Ah think we’ll be heading back homewards for a bit.” Jack said around a mouthful of breakfast.

“We have a few good finds to work on.” Rarity added, waving her hand over the scroll copies she had rescued from her ruined camp. “I hope we can return for more digging, now things are safe. I’d love to work with you darling.”

“That would be great, now we have two original sources on hand to talk with too.” Twilight waved towards the sister princesses, sat back from the group. “I think we had better leave them to catch up for a bit though.”

“What will your people be doing now Mēi?” Rarity looked from the princesses to the healer.

“Oh, well, I suppose now that our task is over, we’ll do whatever Princess Luna wishes.” She poured some tea into the waiting cups. “We are her guarding ones after all, everyone who stays with the tribe out here swore it their solemn duty to assist and guard her.”

“Fascinating...” Twilight looked like she was about to dig deeper when Luna spoke up, moving to join them.

“I think we will be spending some time together with my daughter.” Luna placed a hand on Cadence’s shoulder. “My sister must acclimatise to this modern world and it would be easy under the guise of visitors to the head of research.”

“How wonderful.” Shining grinned but couldn’t keep a certain dolefulness from his tone. Cadence clipped his ear.

“It will be fine Shining. I am not about to let all this just drop.” She planted a kiss on his cheek, which flared with a not-a-blush. Twilight smiled from ear to ear.

“So...so uh, Corporal Pinkie Pie! What will you be up to once we reach the fair city we call home?” Shining waved his hands to attract the attention of the officer of the law.

“Me? Oh, same as before. I’ll be back to work in the guard.” She went back to her coffee.

“I’m sticking with Twilight.” Rainbow announced. “Someone needs to keep an eye on this egghead, she has a habit of finding trouble.” She grasped Twilight around the waist.

“Twily!” Cadence wrapped them both in a hug. “Finally! A living breathing person to date. I thought you would end up marrying a bookshelf or something.”

“A marriage of convenience that would be too.” Shining laughed at the reddening pair.

Eventually the teasing abated and everyone started the process of packing up to leave.

Chapter 20

Late in the afternoon the wind whipped up as a big spell was cast. Mage-light crackled through the air. Pack animals, camping gear, luggage and finds all had to be transported to their proper place. A large number of people besides also needed to be taken from deep in the desert to a useful outpost near the city.

On the dunes overlooking the ruined palace a group of black clad warriors waved off their new friend and their princesses. Many promises of letters and visits had been exchanged, after all, now that the Nightmare had been stripped from its host, the tribe were free from one of their ancient tasks.

A final burst of light and the ruins were empty of life once more. The warriors turned heel and galloped off into the sands and to their people.

-*-

In an old abandoned fort, a squat square just off the Fort Mage city limits, a sudden gust and flash of light signalled the return of the adventuring party. Their animals were packed ready to go, the people were mounted quickly. “So, we’ll go back and return the horses and be on our way.” Rarity said. “You have the address for the farm and manor Twilight?”

“Of course, here in my notebook.” The librarian patted her very dusty satchel, still faithfully at her hip.

“Wonderful, though it is such a shame we will all part so soon after such an experience.” Rarity gave a little moue of sadness.

“We’ll keep in touch.” Jack said, giving Rainbow a clap on the back, Shining a thump to the arm and the three princesses and Twilight a handshake and a tip of her hat.

“Yes, wonderful.” Shining rubbed his arm and grimaced, though he quickly switched to a smile when the others looked at him. The princesses and the others waved Rarity and Jack off.

“I’ll see you all around.” Pinkie said, she had brushed her uniform down and straightened out the creases and her fez was back in its proper place, her kitbag was at her hip and she was smiling widely. “I better report back in now Dashie is off the hook.” The Corporal flipped a sheet of paper from her pocket, “here you go, off the charges and completely free.” The pink haired woman pressed the sheet into the adventurer’s hand. “Byee!” She whipped around a series of hugs, one for everyone and then was away in her uncanny manner.

“So we’re all done now then.” Twilight sounded a little sad and very tired. “The adventure is over.”

“Maybe this adventure.” Rainbow gave the librarian’s chin a tap. “I’m sure you’ll dig us up another one from all those books and maps you have. Or the princesses will have something.” She waved over at the sisters, still engrossed in each other’s company after such a long separation.

“Probably... I mean there is so much history that was lost once royalty gave way to governance by a council.” Twilight trailed off, a faraway look in her eyes. “Just think what they can shed light on.”

“Yes Twily, but I really need a rest. Sleeping in an actual bed and having a week of proper square meals calls to me.” Shining grabbed his sister around the shoulders. “So let’s get back to our homes and get the laundry done and unpack this adventure before the next one eh?” He chuckled a little. “Though I suppose there are some other things you two need to get around to as well.” Twilight blushed a deep red and Rainbow looked thoughtful a moment.

“Stop teasing them Shining.” Cadence scolded, “Besides, we have some catching up to do too.” The recently revealed princess left the trio to shepherd her mother and aunt to her home.

“We’ve got some camels to return.” Twilight pointed to the animals, “Then, yes, some sleep.” She grabbed Rainbow’s hand.
A merry group left the abandoned fort and started the short trip into the city.

That night three pairs retired to bed, a lot less lonely than they had been a week before. A Princess still marvelled that her elder sister was returned. A long imprisoned mage looked across the room from her bed to see the peaceful face of her little sister and once again thanked harmony for this gift. A young woman was happy that even though her secret had been revealed, her long held love was undeterred and now peacefully sleeping beside her. More comfortable than he had been since a child, a cheerful man felt the weight of his partner leaning upon him and knew that he would never want to sleep alone again.

In a well appointed townhouse that had always held one, two slept entwined. Protecting and protected, an emptiness they had never realised now filled.

It really had been some adventure.

Chapter 17

It was chaotic in the formerly deserted tomb and chaos sounded from outside. “Cultists!” One of the Guarding Ones shouted from his station. “Many of them.”

Still defending Cadence from bolts of shadow Luna cringed, she did not want to leave her daughter or the tomb. “Warriors! Defend this building from those who seek to venerate the Nightmare!” She used her royal voice to be heard over the noise. At once the stalwart fighters poured up the steps, leaving two princesses and a mage.

“We’ll keep these things off you until we work out a away to get you down.” Shining said as calmly as possible, chancing a brief look at the woman pinned by a dark force.

“No problem...” She whispered out to them.

Looking across at the impressive shield bubble, Shining issued a short hope. “Come on Twily, you can do something.”

-*-

Rarity was given a clean bill of health by the tribeswoman, she blushed as she sat out of Jack’s grasp, aware of the attention from the others. “I’m glad you’re ok Rarity.” Twilight smiled, it swiftly fell as more black magic impacted on her conjured barrier. “I think I have a plan to go with my idea.”

“It better be a good one Twily, we have some pretty serious stuff going down.” Rainbow clicked some rounds into the barrels of her shotgun and snapped it back.

“It was in the book I read earlier.” Twilight said, maintaining her barrier against further assault. “It said there was something here we could use.” She faltered as the shadow monsters moved to physically attack her barrier.

“What can we use Twi’?” Pinkie asked, preparing to take on the creatures.

“The Elements of Harmony.” Twilight said, “Artefacts of power that were used to seal the Nightmare long ago.”

“Where do we find them?” Rarity was standing with Jack’s help, the colour had mostly returned to her complexion.

“They, they should be here. The book said that they were sealed up at the same time.” Twilight felt big magic then, everyone halted as the earth bound and the sky born felt the tingle of power. “It’s midday.” The librarian gasped.

-*-

The sun was at its apex, exactly above the former palace. In her prison the ancient princess could feel the rejuvenating power descend towards her for the first time in centuries. She allowed herself some small hope; a tiny smile graced her features for a moment. Her hope was shattered brutally as the energy poured in. It had been corrupted, defiled by some scheme of the Nightmare. Not the golden glow of the daystar but a tainted inferno of a supernova. The Nightmare had prepared things for this return of power, arranged it so that the creature and only the creature would have access to it. Celestia broke down as the familiar malevolence raised its head in her body.

She was too tired to fight as the monster stalked towards the door, her magic glowing in her hands. The cell door was of little consequence now.

-*-

The huge stone door that was thrown across the underground room was entirely unexpected. While all the humans had the good sense to hit the sand under varied shields the shadow creatures were swept away. It impacted with the stairway to the surface, mercifully not hitting the trapped Cadence or those working to free her.

“We have to hurry and find the Elements.” Twilight whispered to the others before they rose. “I think I saw something on the lock script.”

“The what?” Jack was thumbing bullets into a revolver, keeping an eye out for anything that might approach. She was close to Rarity who was prepping her own gun, still drained from the possession by their foe.

“The markings across the ground.” Rarity pointed to the space cleared of sand. “The focal points have something lying on them.”

“So those should be the Elements of Harmony. We need those to push that freak back into her cage and lock it?” Rainbow had an arm across Twilight’s back, the mage realised when she spoke, close to her ear.

“Yes, she must have had them placed to unlock everything.” Twilight tactfully left out that is was probably Rarity who had done so.

“I know talking is a free action, but shouldn’t we get moving?” Pinkie said, risking a peek out at the dark, still tomb.

“Everyone go grab an Element. There are six of them and six of us.” Twilight whispered hurriedly. Jack signalled a countdown.

“All clear!” She called at zero, jumping and running out towards one of the artefacts. Rainbow rushed off to a further one, Pinkie had disappeared with her usual speed. Mēi and Rarity headed for the closest while Twilight made for the centre.

“Got it!” Pinkie chirped.

“Found one.” Rainbow was aloft with a stone sphere in her hand.

“Ah’ve got something too.” Jack shouted from her corner.

“One Element of Harmony.” Rarity waved.

“Here’s one, at least I think it is...” Mēi held out the sphere she had discovered.

“What about the sixth?” Twilight said, the last crux was missing a sphere, the carved character was empty. “There isn’t a sixth, but the book said there should be a sixth when the other five were in place.

“How sad.” A dark voice chuckled from the gloom. “Your little plan has failed.” A flickering light approached.

“No...” Twilight took a step back.

“Oh yes...” The Nightmare purred. A figure walked out of the newly opened cell. She was pale skinned but ashen at the edges, her eyes glowed red. The leylines of a princess were lit with an unearthly glow but most captivating and startling of all was her hair. Hair that blazed like an inferno, oranges and yellows raging in a corona about her head. “Well, won’t you bow?” The woman said, revelling in their shock and fear. “I am Queen Nightmare Flare after all.”

-*-

Outside the warriors fought with the red and gold clad cultists, cries of obeisance to the Nightmare sounded amongst shouts of rage and battle. “Shade, to your left!” A’triet shouted to one of his men, a brutal blow was shielded by the warrior. The leader nodded acknowledgment for the thanks and moved on to further skirmishing groups.

Things were reaching fever pitch when almost as one every red clad figure fell to the floor in prostration. An ululation of prayer was shouted by the madmen. It was midday, the sun sat precisely above the flare prison.

“By the stars and moon...” A’triet shuddered, the moment had come. Nothing within their power could stop the Nightmare now. With swift movements the Guarding ones disarmed the cultists; it was all they could do to prevent a worse fight for their princess.

They were about to return to the buried tomb when an almighty crash filled the air, a massive stone door blocked their entrance. “Mēi... my princess.”

-*-

The stone door had crashed far too close for comfort for both princesses and the mage. “We need to get her down.” Shining used the lull as a chance to send magic at the arcane bonds. It crackled across the shadow bindings, purple light tracing the fractures. He was very surprised when his attempt worked and Cadence dropped from the wall.

“Got you.” Luna’s magic halted the unexpected fall. “We must hurry... She is free.” Shining picked up a fallen sword and Luna grasped her spear. Cadence searched around to find something, anything to use. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed the girls moving across the room.”

“What are they doing?” She pointed to them, Shining and Luna left watching the door a moment. Each of the girls was heading for a sphere upon the floor. The sight gave the princess some small hope.

“The Elements... Twilight must know of them.” She did not risk a smile though, there was still too much at stake.

“Probably read it in a book.” Shining said with pride, “always reading...”

He trailed off when a light shone out within the darkened depth of the prison. He barely noticed Cadence’s gasp of shock and sudden grasp of his sleeve as she drew close to him.

“No... No, please... She cannot be free.” Luna sank to the sandy floor, she seemed almost broken. Cadence led Shining as she joined her mother.

“She can’t be, not the monster... There was no sixth element, the lock.” She tried in vain to argue against what they were seeing.

“With enough power, she had all she needed in the five...” Luna whispered. The light in the passageway grew brighter, more brutal. A figure wreathed in flames and harsh white stepped out of the gloom.

“Well, won’t you bow?” The woman said, revelling in their shock and fear. “I am Queen Nightmare Flare after all.” She ignored the six young women stood arrayed against her, she sensed a familiar presence. “Oh sister mine. How wonderful to see you again.” The thing wore Celestia’s face but Luna knew it was not her.

“Silence foul creature. You well know I have experienced your nature.” Luna spat.

“No matter little jealous second, Celly says hello.” Flare smirked one last time at the distraught princess before facing the mortals who stood in her way.

“We won’t be letting you out of here.” Twilight said, mustering up as much courage as she could. The heavy click of four firearms backed her up. For a brief moment Twilight was very glad to have the others with her.

Then the Queen began to laugh.

“What’s so funny, Queen Meanie?” Pinkie shouted, she held the stone sphere in one hand and a revolver in the other.

“Such pathetic mortals.” The Queen preened, splaying her wings in a show of might, her magic creating a swirling aura of flames. “You think to defy me?” She stalked forwards, Mēi shrunk back a little but remained resolute, four hands kept firearms trained on the monstrous Queen. “Me, Queen Nightmare Flare!” A wall of fire shot around the room, cutting off Luna, Shining and Cadence from the six. “I will deal with you and your scion later Luna.” She said, darkness and burning in her voice.

“We’ll finish you first.” Rainbow shouted, letting a shot off which was soon followed by three others. The bullets clattered uselessly to the ground, halted in an instant by the magic of a god-queen.

“That ain’t good.” Jack muttered, holstering her proven useless revolver. She began to inch towards Rarity, she didn’t really notice she still had a stone sphere in her hand. Or that the others still held tight to theirs.

“Your paltry weapons will do nothing against me.” The queen smirked to Rainbow, sending a gout of flame the gunner’s way. A swift magical shield stopped the fire before it could harm her. The Nightmare finally paid heed to Twilight.

“Guns and other physical weapons won’t stop you, I know. The Elements of Harmony will!” Twilight held herself steadfast and looked the Queen in the eye, fighting back the urge to cower. “We have them now.”

“Yeah we do!” Pinkie grinned a challenge, lofting the stone sphere and catching it in her palm.

“Right here.” Jack held hers out.

“I can’t believe you had me collecting your undoing.” Rarity mused, examining the stone in her hand.

“We’ll be using these any moment Queenie.” Rainbow rubbed the stone on her shirt.

“So stop right now.... Please.” Mēi said, both her hands circling the stone in her hand.

The Nightmare was about to reply when everyone was silenced. The stone spheres were glowing lightly in everyone’s hand. “No... It is not possible...” Nightmare Flare took a step backwards, Twilight pressed towards her.

“Come on sixth... where are you...” The librarian cast her eyes to the ground a moment, searching the sandy floor for the final component. The last, unknown, element.

It was a bad move. The Nightmare noticed the missing element, the break in the chain. Cackling with manic glee she forced out more fire and a wave of crackling gold magic struck.

The stones crumbled into dust, the six’s faces fell. Grey powder trickled through their fingers.

“You’ve lost.” Nightmare Flare said darkly. “Now my little librarian... I need a new host.” She strode threateningly to the mage.
“No you don’t...” Rainbow began.

The burst of flames cut her off. When the fiery display was over there was no sign of the Librarian or the Nightmare.

“Twilight!” Rainbow kicked at the scorched to glass sand, there were no clues. Stopping only to pick up a discarded shotgun and to give her ammunition pouch a pat, Rainbow rushed into the shadowed area the Nightmare had entered from.

“Deeper in the tomb?” Jack shouted after the sky-woman.

The group ran further into the darkness and caught up with the flyer. Following the air currents Rainbow found a passageway that led deeper into the buried palace. They hurried downwards, not even thinking about the risk. One of their own was in danger.

Epilogue

At a shabby station miles from accepted civilisation a train rattled away. It had left two unusual people on the stone slab that passed for a platform, their sparse luggage settled about them. “So, you have the map?” Rainbow looked over at Twilight.

“Yes, were about a mile away from where we’ll meet the others.” Twilight adjusted her pith helmet and looked out to the horizon. “So,”

“So”

“Adventure beckons.” The archaeologist grinned and held out her hand. Rainbow grabbed it and hefted her bag as the mage’s floated into the air.

“An adventure it is then.”

Author's Note

There is a blog post in my blog soon. It has some notes and such related to the story.
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