Chapters Author's Note
Hello, everypony (or everyone, I don't know) This is an updated version of the first chapter, with a BIT more explanation to it. The other chapters will be getting a new face to them soon, so be prepared to re-read them. After a summer of reading, reading, reading, and more reading, I am changing the entire plot of the story to give it some more depth in it. Thank you all!
Black as Night (Edited)
What is underneath your fur?
Skin...
What is underneath your skin?
Fat…
What’s under you fat?
Muscle…
What’s under your muscle?
Bones…
And my good fellow, which part of that truly makes pony who they are? -King Somber the IV.
His hooves clicked on the side of the cobblestones, calmly ignoring the fast paced soldiers and civilians racing around him. He was no part of this War. Sombra wasn’t his concern. The once wise and prosperous king was a goner to him. Celestia and Luna were mere conquerors. He didn’t favor Equis, nor Crystal. Gold and gems meant little to him. His job was but to collect, and there was a lot of collecting to do.
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Some call her mercy, others call her Demon. Her job didn’t need names though. She would always find them, no matter what technology, what grace, what skill, or magic they wielded. Even Starswirl the Great yielded to her. Though times were slow and nothing exciting was happening, she’d always need to be somewhere. So she trotted along, hooves clicking on the side of the cobblestones.
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The fools! They were all FOOLS to dare… To dare even laugh. She wasn’t some half-assed trick to be shaken off! But they’d pay. They always do. No one escapes her. Even as the slowest crawl, she’d find them. And how they would beg for more time. More Time! More Time! More Time! You’re not the only pony who wished they had more time! She instinctively reached for a locket she kept around her cloak, checking to see if it was still there. Shying in relief that her prized possession, the ashes of her daughter, still remained close to herself. But this was no time to wait, there was another beggar, cheater, scammer, or weeper to find. With a push, she slowly trotted along, hooves clicking on the sides of the cobblestones.
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Twilight shot up, eyes bloodshot. The clock read 5:00am. She gave out a heavy sigh. What is with these nightmares? For the last week, her dreams had been plagued by various mysterious figures, all dressed in a pitch black cloak. She had yet to visit any of her friends, out of fear of them just pushing it off as stress.
Twilight silently groaned as she stretched her wings in the air. She slipped out of her bed and began to climb down the stairs, each step making a soft creak as her hooves pressed against the hardwood. Twilight rubbed her eyes as she turned on the light in the kitchen, squinting at the sudden light.
Twilight grabbed a cup from the her drawer and the bottle of milk from her fridge. Lighting up her horn, she popped the cap and filled the glass. Her horn lit up for a second time and she levitated the glass up to her mouth, letting the sweet liquid sooth her troubled soul. Twilight had gotten used to this routine ever since her coronation. When the nightmares began. She silently thought to herself.
A forest. She thought, trotting around. Not the worst, but yet, still boring. She began to take a step but couldn’t lift her hooves. She looked up to see a figure dressed in a plain black robe appear out of the forest. She cringed. “Who are you?” She stammered to the ever approaching figure.
“Twilight Sparkle,” The figure loomed in front of her and took off her hood, “I would expect that you, out of all of Equestria, would recognize me.”
“Sorry, Princess,” She sighed, “I’ve just been having nightmares recently.”
“I know of your predicaments, dear friend,” Luna’s voice turning soft. She stretched a wing over Twilight. “I fear even our gifts could not banish them away.” She almost whispered the next part. “I fear for your safety. Nopony has ever been able to cast me to the side in my realm before, not since Discord…”
The purple mare involuntarily shivered at the name. Even if he was reformed, she still quivered at his name. Twilight had not forgotten the time she and her friends had been ‘discorded.’
The navy blue alicorn continued, “Celestia and I have already contacted him, yet he claims to have no presence in the matter.”
The moon in her dream dropped below the horizon with a sudden shift of light. Twilight turned her head to her side to see that Luna had disappeared; the dream turning pitch black.
A noise sounded from the brush. It was a distinct click. A slow and deliberate metronome beating on cobblestone. Everything was silent in her dream, except the click. It ringed through her head and echoed throughout her mind.
“My, my,” a voice began, “I am hurt; you think of me as no more than a nightmare ? I remember a particular nightmare that you now call a friend. Is all the ‘magic of friendship’ just a gimmick for Princess Celestia ? Is it nothing more than an extermination device for the sinners?” The voice muttered.
“Wh-who are you?” Twilight squeaked.
“Oh, what? The Princess didn’t tell you about me?” The voice snapped, “of course not, its too grim for a peace-filled pony paradise.” The voice chuckled at the last bit. “Well, I’m going to ask you some questions; each one should lead you closer to your answer.”
“O-ok then.”
The figure stepped out of the shadows, clad in a simple cloak hiding all of his body, even his muzzle. “Number 1,” the voice began, “Who are you?”
“Um… Twilight Star Sparkle?”
“Good, good.” The pony began to circle around Twilight, his tail brushing against her coat. “Question 2: What are you?”
“An Alicorn?” Twilight shivered as she felt the cold tail.
“More detail please.”
“The P-princess of the s-stars?”
“Now who told you that ?” The pony had stopped and stared at her with his yellow and red eyes.
“Princess Celestia.” The purple mare was more confused than ever. What is it getting at?
“Well, my dear Twilight,” he smiled, “who has been controlling the stars for thousands of years?”
“Princess Luna.” She answered.
“She’s done quite a good job with that don’t you think?”
“I-i guess so.”
“If Luna’s been doing such a great job, why would they need another alicorn?”
“I-i… don’t know… maybe she... got tired?” Twilight suggested.
“Why, my dear Twilight, that would be impossible for her. Every part of nature has a spirit to represent itself, even chaos does. Nothing can change that, even the spirits themselves.”
“How-w do you know so much about them?”
“Well, you manage to pick up some information from spending three hundred years with my occupation,” he chuckled. “Nature is the beginning, the middle, and of course, the end. The one of them, the most ironic for the longest of time, hasn’t had a permanent holder. At least until a week ago. Connect the dots, my dear, for I will be seeing you soon… ” With the final words, he turned and began walking again. His hooves clicking against the cobblestone path as he faded into the darkness, leaving Twilight alone to ponder what just happened before she, too, disappeared.
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Her eyes cracked open as she yawned and began her morning routine. Shower, mane, breakfast, checklist, tiara. She marked off her mental checklist for her morning. She didn’t even have to open her eyes for it, it was just engraved into her memory like the top of her horn. Now time to make a checklist of what I need to- She paused. Oh never mind, its not like it ever gets done anyways.
As Twilight made her way down the stairs, something felt off. She slowed her trot down, listening to an uneven clop as he put her leg hoof down. Slowly, she peered down and quickly, her eyes shot back up. She rushed over to the bathroom door, slamming the oak shut with a bang.
She might have screamed, had there been pain, but instead it was an all too pleasant feeling. It sent a chill down her spine and yet it felt refreshing. It was soothing, and scary. It felt like a weight was being lifted off her shoulders, all the stress and pain disappearing. It filled her with horror and dread, but filled her with comfort, like a voice was saying this out be alright.
Even now, as it slowly spread up her leg and to her body, she could hear a voice or two or three or… hundreds assuring her it would be alright. Her eyes grew tired and she stifled a yawn. Slowly, reluctantly, she rested her head on her hooves, letting the warmth course through her ever changing body. And the voices, the sweet, harmonic voice, comforted the scared filly, bringing her a calm and restful sleep… the first since her ascension.
“To wake one’s eyes to see into the light in the darkness is to look into the eyes of death and see compassion” -Clover the Clever during the NightMare Moon rebellion
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Twilight pushed open her eyes, heaving muscles yanking up her natural blinds. The bathroom? Ugh, what happened? Was it another one of Pinkie’s parties? Memories from the morning slowly plowed their way through the flood of Twilight’s mind. “Ohhh, that’s right…” Twilight muttered silently to herself.
Her eyes drifted down to her hoof. She peered closely at it, examining the magic that seemed to be keeping it attached. A sutley purple flame glowed from the exposed bone, hinting that the magic was self-cast.
Oh, Celestia, how am I going to explain this to Spike and the gang? Twilight thought silently to herself. Wait! That’s it! Celestia must know the answer! She always does! A tiny voice gave her a small tisk at her suggestion, but she ignored it, her mind focused on other things.
Reaching into her medical drawer, she pulled out a roll of cloth bandages. She lit up her horn and slowly wrapped her exposed bone, thoroughly covering the hoof in multiple layers of the fabric. Over the years of living with the craziest of ponies, she had gotten used to having and treating minor injuries and has since stocked her house full of medical supplies.
She examined the hidden hoof, deeming it good enough to last the journey to Canterlot. The white bandages looked foreign on her purple fur; she was used to having healing magic at her beck and call, but she doubted any of it would help.
A purple aura surrounded the door and with a small creak, the purple alicorn made her way to her room. Spike sat, passed out by his bed, snoring quietly. A photo of Rarity covered his face, concealing her escape from her house.
Twilight inwardly shivered as an icy chill pierced her fur. The library wasn’t well sealed and often let the freezing air inside. Trotting over to the coat rack, she selected the first one she saw, a dark brown cloak she had used for Nightmare Night last year, and left, closing and locking the door on her way out.
As she trotted down the cold street, her wrapped hoof seemed to click against the cobblestone, causing a lopsided echo to bounce through the deserted streets. It was still early in the morning, even Bon Bon and the Cakes were still sleeping.
It had been rather easy to purchase a ticket to Canterlot; most of the ponies in Equestria were more than happy to allow a princess to use their services, as it made the company immensely popular. For example, the express train she often used had become the most popular train service after her ascension.
Twilight’s head popped out of the train window. There was something about feeling the wind on your face that nopony could ever explain. She assumed it was due to her new pegasus genes making up for 17 years of lost time.
Bringing her head back through the window, her eyes were drawn to the wrapping on her hoof. Even with the layer of wrapping, if somepony looked closely enough, they could see a faint glow squeeze through the edges.
Curiosity quaked throughout herself, overcoming the fear she had had the night before. I wonder what caused this… A curse, a spell, maybe even some magitech? I hope Celestia knows… It was slightly uneasy for her to feel her hoof like normal, but to look down and see bones.
She could still feel the choir singing in the back of her head, producing almost a calming lullaby. It felt like a spell, keeping her from taking extreme measure or from freaking out about having an entire hoof missing. Twilight didn’t wish to dispel the chorus; maybe causing panic in Ponyville, or worse, Equestria. It was also a lovely song, one so often sung to her when she was just a child.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How we wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How we wonder what you are!
Twilight yawned, her ears tuning out the world around her.
When the blazing sun is gone,
When she nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How we wonder what you are!
The choir inside of her grew louder, almost a faint hymn being sung inside of her mind.
Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How we wonder what you are!
Twilight gazed out the window, spotting Canterlot in the distance. The sun shone brightly on the mountain-topped city. She felt her eyes begin to grow heavy, her eyes slowly, methodically closing.
In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through our curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How we wonder what you are!
Her limbs felt heavy, and her muscles ached. She could feel everything inside of herself, working like clockwork. Each part had its purpose and none were without meaning.
As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveller in the dark,—
Though we know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How we wonder what you are!
Twilight’s limbs slowly folded into herself, an origami masterpiece quietly snored as she fell into a deep, calming rest. Her wings pressed gently by her sides, her feathers only slightly ruffled by the breeze of the open window.
Her consciousness began to drift, ebbing away towards the dark between the stars... her dreams. The tunes of an old melody gently echoes throughout the void, as if guiding her.
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“Why hello again, Twilight…” The voice bagan, “how are you doing?” This voice was different than the rest. They were all stallions before, not a single mare had ever spoken to her.
This caring feeling. Like a mother… Or a father… This voice had a voice like thunder, yet it came off as sweet as fresh honey. It was a pony who could cause hearts to melt and frowns to transform into smiles.
It caused her heart to twitch. She wasn’t supposed to be like this. She wasn’t a good mare. She wasn’t a kind mare. She wasn’t a loving mother. This mare… This Thing was evil. She was evil. Evil in everything. Evil was her as She was evil.
She is dead! She had to be. Princess Luna has been here in Equestria for 3 years, there was no way that She could be here now. It was impossible. There was no explanation. This had to be a bad dream.... This had to be a Nightmare !
A sinister smile came to mind, its sharp teeth perpetrating her mind. It was the voice of a pony she hadn’t seen in the longest time, some three or four years ago. It was that… of Nightmare Moon’s…
“A many are you, farmers, sailors, business mares, and showponies. You have stood behind me, behind each other, but not for protection… No, you have sought justice and justice is never lead by those who cower away behind armies of a blinded sun… And for what could be this last time, let me, your princess of the darkness in which the weak hide... your ruler of the night you rest on... your queen of the moon that guides you through the darkness and stars that you have wished to… Let me gallop in front of you not because of petty glory or honor… rather, to show justice to those who plot against you and your family… Let the night of Celestia’s eternal day LAST FOREVER!”
-Nightmare Moon, final battle of Equestria at Ponie Villa
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Twilight stared. Rather, more accurately, her body ceased moving. Her mind was filled with the night that she had met her friends and the times the very same mare had tried to lead them astray.
Her features grew from confusion to doubt to an indistinguishable mix of the two. Those feeling grew when the same mare draped a wing over her, just like Celestia, and drew her in close.
Twilight shifted her hooves uncomfortably; an arch nemesis hugging her was very uncomfortable. Especially a supposed death one. With her mind currently fried, her mouth did the the only thing it knew how to do… Reply.
“Why, hello there Nightmare Moon, it’s a wonder seeing you here…” Her mouth paused, “Especially after we, you know, killed you?”
Hearing this, Nightmare Moon chuckled. “My dear Twilight, such formalities you have, and as much as I love that name, it truly doesn’t suit me anymore. It is more of a warname, you know? To inspire courage in the common rebel?” She tapped her hoof against her chest over-dramatically, “I’m sure Celestia had you read up on some wars… for merely academic purposes of course,” She shook her head, giggling like a school filly.
Twilight simply continued to look at her, now a tint of shock added to the mixing bowl that was her emotions. Seeing an archenemy, much less, royal pony laugh a real laugh greatly confused her. “Seeing as there isn’t a war yet, I would honestly prefer you to call me… Um... Twilight... Velvet... yes, yes,” She nodded, “that seems to fit... like one of your friends of course.”
Twilight shook her head and began to list off, “One, what do you mean a war? It was only you and Celestia in the old castle. Two, yes, I did do an assignment on the Buffalo-Gryphon War. Three, why do you want me to call you my mother’s name? And four… Why are you so… different than before?
Nightmare Moon stopped her giggling for a moment, and with a final chuckle, she answered Twilight’s questions. “Well, of course the war had been covered up from the general public. Ponies honestly can’t stand fighting in the ‘modern’ times, can they? They just have to discover the,” Her head nodded side to side with each syllable, “The Magic of Friendship.” She paused her head bouncing before continuing, “I would guess that you had to search the castle archives to find any information on the Buffalo-Gryphon War?” Twilight nodded. “And I would also have it that you failed that assignment?”
Twilight shivered. It was the first and only time she ever got below an A+. ‘You can’t make-up stuff like that and expect an A+ in this class, Sparkle. I expect better of you next time.’ “Now on to your second question, I honestly don’t know your mother. I would bet she is a pleasant soul, maybe some day, I might meet her. I made up my name similarly to how ever foal’s parents do. I like the night, as Celestia has told you, and the mere texture of velvet…” Nightmare Moon sighed dreamily, “There, the name Twilight Velvet is born, or rather reborn!” She throw her hoof up triumphantly.
Twilight stared at her.
“What… Wait, did you think I was some two dimensional spirit that had infested Luna in an attempt to take over the world in a dramatic ‘eternal night’?” Nightmare began to laugh. She stopped for a moment and looked at Twilight before continuing, her voice filled with mirth, “Oh by the gods, you did!” She fell to the ground, laughing.
To Twilight, Nightmare currently reminded her of Rainbow Dash, always laughing at her.
“Phew, Twilight, you got a sense of humor,” Nightmare said getting up and dusting the non-existent dust from her coat, “you don’t give off that type of vibe when you meet ponies. So… how’s life, or rather, how is death, my little pony?”
“Only Celestia can- Oh why bother, other than getting turned into walking skeleton, quite well,” she responded. She paused, her eyes narrowing, “did you have a hoof in this? You’re the only one who can control dreams like Prin-Luna.”
“No and yes, Twilight,” the mare that had just been laughing, sighed and looked down. “How do I explain this…” she muttered. Her head slowly lifted up, front hoof rubbing the back of her head. “Well, best way to do this is probably the truth. I trust it that some pony has already told you what Celestia, Luna, and the rest of the immortals do, right?” Twilight nodded. “Good, good, I can skip that part. Well, the reason you’re becoming a walking skeleton is that you’re the princess, ruler, queen, god… of death itself.”
Twilight paused, she waited. This had to be a prank by Luna or something . Nightmare Moon just stood there, watching her try to comprehend the sudden flood of information in her mind. Finally, Twilight snapped her manners in half and set them on fire. “WHAT!? Are you joking?” She shouted, “AM I GOING TO HAVE TO WEAR A CLOAK AND TAKE PONIES TO TARTARUS?” Her hoof reached back and smacked the mare across the face.
Nightmare’s cheek grew a light shade of red, which considering her black coat, meant it was a hard hit. “Ouch, if you’re going, ahh, to stop yelling I can actually, ahh, explain things to you,” Nightmare said, rubbing her redding cheek. Twilight took a deep breath and sighed. “You’re not the first pony to have to experienced this before… And no, you don’t have to wear a cloak. The other option… is a bit different though. You’re not the harbinger of death, you’re more of a guide so to speak. It’s hard to explain…”
“Wait? How do you know this?” Twilight questioned, head turned to the side, “the only way for you to have known this is… oh.”
Nightmare kicked her front hoof and hid most of her mane behind her now tangible mane. “Yeah, I, or rather Luna, was one of the ponies who were assigned the task of guiding the dead,” she muttered, “not that we liked to do it or anything.”
“Yo-Luna is a god, what can force her to do anything?”
“A relative…”
“You don’t mean to suggest…” Her accusation was interrupted by train whistle.
“Forgive me, Sparkle, but this is where we go our separate ways.” Nightmare leaned down and looked deep into Twilight’s eyes, “But should you need me, I shall be there for you, waiting in your dreams.” The mare wrapped her wings around Twilight in a final embrace. Twilight stayed in it for a second before wiggling away from the mare. Nightmare didn’t bother lowered her wings back to her body before walking away, they just dragged limp on the ground as she moved.
Twilight would have scoffed and thought that the hug was meaningless, but she looked up. The mare had turned a final glance at her. The once stout and rigid figure Twilight saw as a villain, Nightmare Moon, neigh, Velvet, had tears pouring down her eyes as her disappeared into the fading black.