~{ Man of the Moon }~
The sun slowly arose from the edge of the plain. It’s golden light hitting the man's skin, causing the very same burning sensation he has always felt when looking into it's glory. The light hit the closed eyes of his sleeping companions. Both the ebony and dark navy mares shifted positions. Each letting out a light moan. Their sleeping forms brought a small smile to his face as all the little memories filtered into his mind. The long winter nights they spent together, the peaceful summer night on the lake. The screams of joy and laughter. The best times he has ever had. All taken away by the “Elements of Harmony”. He hold no grudge, nor does Luna. Nightmare however? She still holds the wrath of a thousand angry souls. If only he could take that away, make her the mare she once was.
Nightmare slowly shifted in the embrace of the Human, or Vampire as he likes to be called. His scarred skin giving her the comfortable sleep she once always had, all those year ago. She slightly opened her eye to see Luna, still in her young form, odd. It’s been a long time on the moon, she must have grown in the time they spent in the moon. Or not? How was she to know?
Luna groaned in pleasure at the feel of her mates' embrace. True Nightmare was a part of her, but she still thought of her as a part of her sexual side, now foreign in her new form. Though she and Vardis had spent real time together as a couple without Nightmare, she could now feel how he and Nightmare felt about each other. After all, they have been to gather for two thousand years. Or was it three thousand now?
Vardis looked down at the sleeping world, the day was upon them, and the moon was about to drift behind the world, out of sight of the “City of Canterlot”. Once it was, it would be time to arise and go about their nightly business. Originally a joke made by Luna, the “New Lunar Republic” as really coming together, the Children of the Night filling it streets, filling it’s homes, and going about their lives. But now they’ve change, the ‘New Generation” of the Children was mainly “Bat Ponies”, born from their mothers and father, Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna, and the Fallen Paladin Vardis.
Silver Sentry looked at the planet, being ever so careful not to be seen by “The Solar Flare”, it was his job to watch their rulers as they slept in sight of The Solar Flare. Keeping the illusion that the moon is empty. The sound of falling rocks shifted his gaze from the three ‘gods’.
“What are you doing here?”
“Checking up on my eldest son.”
“I don’t need help mom.”
“Really? What is Celestia doing right now?”
“I don’t know. Drinking tea maybe?”
“Not quite, look. She’s crying.”
Ember Sentry pointed towards the distant city, it’s largest building holding a bright white Alicorn.
“Ho-how did you see that without the specs?”
“Magic.”
“We can’t use magic.”
“Really?”
Ember raised her hoof and pointed it at a near by rock. A small bead of sweat formed on her brow as the rock slowly raised into the air and dropped back down.”
“Telekinesis isn’t my strong point. I’m more of a healer.”
“How? What? Ugh?”
“Takes some to practice, the magic is growing stronger within the younger ones. I'm sure you'll unlock your own. Anyways, it looks like they’re waking, better go see them.”
Silver nodded and looked back at his charge. Indeed they were waking. With a sigh and a deep breath. He got up and trotted over to the three giants. It was his first time meeting them, but from the stories his father told him, they were quite nice. As he got closer her got a great look at them.
Luna was the smallest, only being a head taller than him, her coat was deep blue. Her mane was lighted and look like his, it didn’t flow like Nightmare’s nor Solar Flare’s.
Next was Nightmare Moon, she was tall, much taller than Luna. Her ebony coat looked as if it ate light, her mane looked like the stars above his home. Her eyes were odd, even by Children stander.
And lastly was Vardis. He was massive. He towered over even Nightmare. His build was also huge, If he lay on his side. He would still be taller than any pony. He arms were covered in dark markings, as well as dozens old scares and burn marks, the marks being very new, only a few hundred years old. His hair was deep black, almost the same color as Nightmare’s coat. His eyes were a deep green, but they were know to change, depending in his mood. As Silver drew closer he heard them talking.
“Nightmare. We’ve been over this. You already have a nice statue.”
“But you have one larger than I.”
“It’s life size.”
“So?”
“Never mind.”
“Please Nightmare. Vardis has been having some problems. Haven’t you?”
On cue, Silver cleared his throat which made all three divine beings turn and face him. The weight of the moon and stars fell upon Silver. As well as something else. Sweat slowly formed on his face. But her steeled himself and spoke.
“Your Majesties. It is time to leave and enter the Castle.”
“Really? I thought we were stuck out here!” Chirped Nightmare as she smiled at the guard, her eyes eating him slowly.
“I-I’m sorry my Liege, but you were wrong.” Silver steeled himself, forcing himself to stand his ground and resist fleeing from her gaze.
“Boy, that flew over your head. Anyway, whom my you be?” Asked Vardis, his own smile welcoming
“S-silver Sentry. Son of Golden Sentry.”
“Replacing your father are you? Well here’s some advice. Drop the act. At lease around only us. Around the nobles you can kiss all the flank you want. But here and now? Calm yourself.” Replied Luna as she began trotting of towards the city.
“Yes sire.”
“What did I just say?!” Was the last words uttered before they all left, Luna leading the way.
This went on for about ten years before he finally dropped the whole sire and liege act. Silver as just as enjoyable as his father. Just a little less witty. Even then Silver was a great friend to Vardis, Nightmare, and Luna.
Platinum walked towards the three divines, her speech running through her head.
“Hello My Liege, my name is Platinum. And I am taking over for my father, just as he did you his father, and his father’s father, which in turn did the same for Silver Sentry. It’s an honor of final meet you.”
Platinum slowly closed the gap between her and her rulers. But as she did this, the two Alicorns, Nightmare and Luna. Fused. Becoming one. With the body of Nightmare being their Avatar. Vardis bowed, a flash of light forced Platinum to shield her eyes and just like that, only Vardis remained when she looked back.
“Platinum is it?” He asked without even looking back.
“Y-y-yes.”
“I would love to see what you and the rest of the staff have done to the Castle, it’s the Dawn of a new Age after all.”
“R-really?”
“Yes, come now.”
Vardis stormed off towards the city, leaving Platinum to look in awe as the planet was covered in clouds and thunder. One could almost feel the ground shake from the booming light far below.
Vardis sat upon his throne. Awaiting the word of his adviser. It had been a long while since they had left, Nightmare and Luna. Just then, Platinum came walking down the long hall of the Castle. Even after all these years, the look of the half breeds disturbed him. She slowly came to a stop and knelt.
“Sire, the people are ready for you.”
“Good, now after this, you and I need to have a talk.”
“Of course sire.”
Vardis sighed and stood up and walked down the steps of his throne, the two on flanking sides empty as they had been for years now. His full royal suit began shining in the pale blue light from the moon crystals lining the hall. He walked out side and stood on the main balcony in front of thousands of Children of the Night. Their cheers bringing a smile to his face.
“Calm yourselves. As you already know. It’s the Dawn of a new Age! However, what you do not know, is that our beloved Princesses of the Night are no longer with us. They have returned to the land. But this is no time of grief. But one of joy! Soon we will follow our Princesses on to the Planet, and claim it for ourselves! We will spread! Now! I want you all to enjoy this night! For no longer must we hid from Solar Flare. Soon she will bow to us!”
And with that, the entire crowd burst into cheer. Even the guards began cheering. Well, the Onyx guards did nod, and not much else.
Platinum stood in front of Vardis, they were in is private chambers. Only the sound of the clock ticking by could be heard. And on occasion, the sound of the ice in his glass cracking or hitting the side of the glass.
“Do you know why you are here?”
“No, I only did as you asked.”
“Hmm. Well then. I guess I can trust you with this information. Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna will fail. I know it. And we will forever be locked on the moon. The Elements of Harmony will remove all memories about us. And ‘cleanse’ her of the Nightmare Spirit, just like they did before. But this time. I won’t be there to safely move us to the moon. Nightmare will die. And Luna won’t even care.”
Platinum simply looked at him in disbelief. What he just said, it was heresy. But it was the living god who said it. Could it be true?
“Platinum. I’ll tell you what I told all the others. You may think I’m speaking blasphemy, but it is the truth. I already told both Nightmare and Luna before they left. They agreed to leave. Also, they told be to take a new bride if that happens. Which it will.”
“Sire.”
“DO NOT CALL ME THAT!!” Boomed Vardis as he throw the glass of liquor across the room and causing it to break into millions of pieces. Platinum began shaking in fear. This was the first time one of the thr-, the ruler ever got angry.
“Leave me.”
Platinum swallowed loudly and left the room. Once she was gone. Vardis pulled out a small picture from within his desk. It was of Nightmare, Luna, and himself. It was taken after two weeks of long and fun filled nights. The peak of joy. One of the last memories and mementos of the two mares.
He sighed and placed it face down on his desk. And conjured up another drink.
Author's Note
Just a one off story I wrote while thinking about plot lines for Son of a Shield. Or is it?!