Cast into Twilight

Chapters

The Tomb Time Forgot
Predator and Prey
Freedom Retaken

The Tomb Time Forgot

One last mighty blow struck against the imposing stone doorway. The many cracks already forced into it expanded for just a brief moment, before the sound of shattering stone filled the air of the Everfree forest, and the door of carved rock fell to pieces.

The two creatures standing before it coughed as a thick cloud of dust rose from the debris. As it settled, their eyes looked into the gaping hole they had created with fascination. Not but a few feet from the entrance, there was nothing but pitch black, as dark as a starless night. It looked to stretch on forever, the darkness just waiting to swallow them whole.

“Would you look at that...” one of them, a gryphon, said, lowering the hammer he held. He could only stare into the entrance, feeling his breath growing heavy in his lungs.

Beside the gryphon, a unicorn held an expression of pure delight, like a child during the holidays. He said not a word, retrieving a small cloth from the jacket he wore, cleaning the dust that clung to the spectacles on the end of his nose. Though he was a much older than his assistant, the deep lines on his face and graying hairs being a telling sign, he felt as spry as a pony half his age at the moment.

“Can you imagine what must be inside?” the aged unicorn murmured aloud, eyes detailing what little he could see beyond the doorway they had broken into. “I still can't believe it... What luck must it have been? For our pegasi scouts to spot this little gem all the way out here in the Everfree forest?” He took a step back to again look at the entrance in what little glory it had.

Right in front of them, a massive cliff raised up high into the sky. They could barely make out the upper edge as their vision blurred just trying to focus on it. But at the base of such a mighty wall of rough rock, the beginning of a most curious structure was carved into it. All seemingly one piece, it melded into the cliff side almost perfectly, with nothing but the front door and outer rim showing.

“It just seemed to come up out of nowhere, Professor,” the young gryphon murmured, wiping the droplets of sweat on his brow. It had taken quite a bit of effort to break down the door standing between them and the inside. “This part of the forest was thoroughly examined years ago. By all accounts, this place shouldn't be here.”

“Come, come now, Grens,” the professor stressed. “How many times must I remind you that there's no need for such formality? Simply call me Archae.”

“Y-yes... Professor Archae,” Grens nodded.

Rolling his eyes dismissively, the gryphon assistant was otherwise ignored as the unicorn's gaze turned back to the entrance of the ruin. The gaping opening looked strangely inviting, as if beckoning him to enter and learn its secrets. “Let's grab the lanterns and head inside,” he murmured, nodding to his assistant. “We've spent too much time simply getting ourselves in, I can't wait another moment.”

“Shouldn't we wait?” murmured Grens, looking up into the sky. The bright blue of daylight was beginning to shift and darken. A soft tinge of orange had taken over, casting the insignificant clearing around them in an eerie light. “Opening the door took too long. We should wait until morning to venture inside.”

Archae scoffed, already levitating a lantern in front of him, a small flame burning inside and casting a circular glow around it. “Nonsense,” he murmured, floating the second lantern toward him. “The inside will be just as dark during the day as it is at night. Remember what I've always told you, there's no time like the present.” Without waiting the gryphon to voice a complaint, the unicorn trotted into the waiting ruin.

All that could be seen in the dark, silent tunnel was pure void. Even by the light of their lanterns, the calming glow looked terrified. Black tendrils of emptiness seemed to wrap around every inch of the ancient ruin, as frightening as it was awe inspiring.

Despite its obvious age and forlorn state, there was no sign of actual wear. None of the stone walls or ceiling were cracked or damaged, no signs of life rested anywhere. Not even the telling signs of webs could be seen, the ruin completely devoid of life. The air itself felt thick and musty, just as old as the place they stood.

“This place must have been sealed completely,” Grens murmured, noticing the signs around him. “Nothing could naturally get in or out.”

Archae nodded his head as he raised his lantern to the right wall.“Explains why we had to break down the front door,” he replied, examining the stone surface.

The beginning of the entryway seemed to be nothing more than a long tunnel, flat walls surrounding them at all sides, only allowing them to push forward. On the wall itself, strange, simplistic carvings could be seen. They showed very simple depictions of armored stallions, some standing in salute while others were rushing off into some kind of battle. It was difficult to see what it all meant, if it was to mean anything at all.

“The design and craftsmanship is very reminiscent to the ruins of Everfree Castle,” the stallion said aloud. Even if his assistant wasn't there to lend an ear, he would have talked all the same, hearing his voice echo off the walls providing a small bit of comfort. “This could very well have been built before the time of Nightmare Moon, if only just.”

“But for what?” Grens asked, in a similar rhetorical nature. There was a thick silence developed between the two, their eyes distant as they worked their minds to find an answer. Then, the gryphon found his conclusion, the facts around him providing all he needed. “Perhaps this is a burial site? The design so far would suggest it, and is very similar in structure and layout of the old tombs centuries ago. As well as the fact that this placed was sealed off so well, no one would have a need of coming and going once it was finished.”

Pondering the idea, Archae raised a hoof and scratched the short stubble he called facial hair, murmuring to himself. “That could be it,” he then said. “Though, it does raise the question as to who this place is for... Anypony of importance would usually have been buried in the castle crypts. Why so far out here? Even back then, this part of the forest would have been hidden away.” Looking deeper down the tunnel, the thick darkness ahead seemed to beckon him even more. Beginning to trot toward it, lantern held high, he called back to his assistant. “Stay here and check these markings, see if there's anything of worth. I'll check further in, find some answers for myself.” Before the gryphon could even voice a word against it, the stallion was gone, even the light of his lantern being swallowed by the inky blackness.

The tunnel went on for a good distance. Around him, Archae's surroundings barely changed as the same four walls continued with each step he took. There weren't any branching pathways or changes in design. It almost seemed like the ponies who built it wanted it as deep within the earth as possible. It was so quiet, everything so numbingly still. The professor could hear his own beating heart, its rhythmic pulse reverberating off the walls. It was a constant thumping in his ears, raising several hairs on the back of his neck.

Eventually, it opened up to a small chamber. Similar carvings were on the walls, lacking in any great detail. It was just as empty as the tunnel used to enter it, save for the very center, where a short platform was placed. Set atop it, there was a sarcophagus carved entirely of stone. Though holding a few basic ornate designs, there was little else to it.

Surrounding the sarcophagus, four braziers were held onto a peculiar silvery-blue flame. Archae sensed a magical nature in the old flame, both from the color of it, as well as how it acted. It looked as though a star had fallen from the sky and placed in front of him, dancing as the flames licked the air. They created no heat or smoke of any kind. All the flames offered was a small bit of light, granting a strange sense of comfort all the same.

Eyes trained on the sarcophagus, Professor Archae slowly moved toward it. Overwhelming curiosity kept him going, even as the steady pounding of his heart sounded even louder, his breath unsteady with every inch between them being lost. Standing before the stone coffin, there was a moment of absolute stillness. But the hesitation was short-lived as he used his magic to envelope the lid of it in a magical glow.

Though the stone slab was heavy, the stallion managed to drag it off of the sarcophagus and set it on the ground, a loud thud echoing into the chamber. A gasp of surprise escaped him as he looked at what was inside, seeing a creature he had never encountered before. Even in the scarce light of his lantern, and the flames flickering nearby, there was still some detail to be seen, his eyes widening in astonishment.

The creature appeared bipedal in structure, with easily distinguishable hands and feet, the long limbs fitting snugly in its stone coffin. With wrinkled, leathery skin, it appeared quite old. Most noticeable was its flat face, lacking in any kind of muzzle or snout, with only a stubby nose protruding outward. What surprised him even most about it was how perfectly preserved it was, having expected to see only a pile of bone and sinew.

Archae's mind was racing, unable to fully comprehend what they had found. Nothing he had ever read in any kind of bestiary in Equestria had prepared him for such a find. His heart was doing back flips, beating against his chest with such a painful force. As his mind took notice to that, something began to dawn on the old pony, how his own heartbeat no longer matched that of what he could feel in the room, still hearing a steady rhythm throughout the chamber. He realized it wasn't his own heart he had been hearing.

Without warning, the creature's hand shot forward, grabbing the unicorn by his face and squeezing tightly. Archae tried to scream, to cry out in fear and agony as its sharp claws began to slice into the flesh of his cheeks, blood seeping down his flailing body, but its palm remained firmly pressed against his mouth. All he could do was make muffled noises as he was picked up and immediately thrown across the room.

Striking the far wall, the professor groaned in agony as he tried picking himself up. Between him and the sarcophagus, his lantern was lying shattered on the ground, the flame just barely managing to stay alive. It provided all the light necessary as his eyes remained fixed on the spot, mouth hung open in horror as the creature continued to move.

Its hand grabbed the edge of the coffin, providing the necessary brace as it pulled itself upright. A deep, hollow breathing began to fill the room, Archae able to see its open maw as it wheezed forcibly. Climbing out of its coffin, the creature shambled forward, stumbling like a drunkard as it crouched low to the ground, moving toward the injured pony.

Archae couldn't move, completely paralyzed by fear, he could only lie there and shake as the creature approached him, its movements like that of a predator. Standing closer, he could see the jagged fangs inside its mouth, as sharp as knives. A clawed hand reached out and grabbed him by the neck, yanking him forward with incredible strength. The professor tried to scream, wanting nothing more in the world to yell out for his assistant to hear, but his voice had left him long ago, only a strangled whimper being summoned.

The creature pulled the stallion closer, its acrid breath washing over him. Its beady eyes were an empty, milky white, lacking in any pupil or iris. Its nose began to twitch, the nostrils flaring open as it took in the scents around it, namely of the professor himself. A deep, haunting growl emanated from its throat, followed by it lifting the stallion up and slamming him down onto the ground, dazing him as his head struck the stone floor.

The grip on his throat tightened, Archae's breathing becoming a sputtering mess as he struggled to pry the hand away. Bearing down on him, the creature completely enveloped his gaze, everything becoming a blurred mess. He felt weak, his strength fading along with his consciousness, everything being stripped away from him. In a matter of seconds, his struggling ceased, his body going limp.

“Professor?!” a voice called out, Grens walking toward the chamber. “P-Professor Archae?” The gryphon had heard the strange sounds from far down the hall. With everything suddenly gone quiet, his eyes fearfully darted across the area, lantern held high in an attempt to penetrate the darkness.

It didn't take long for him to find the still body of the professor, a frightened gasp escaping him as he rushed to the unicorn's side.

“No, no no no no!” he repeatedly said, looking the stallion over frantically. He could see the cuts on his face and neck, bleeding badly, while the rest of his body looked frail and boney. “What happened to you...” There was not a moment for any answer to be found, a low, hissing snarl sounding just behind him. Grens could barely turn to see the monstrous visage in front of him before it swung an arm out, striking him with enough force to break bone and sending him across the room.

The gryphon smashed into the nearby wall, collapsing to the floor in a heap. Shakily, he tried to pick himself up, wincing in pain from his battered body, having trouble simply breathing. The horrific creature moved toward him, still crouched like a predator as it moved.

There was nothing Grens could do as the monster was soon upon him again, clawed fingers digging into his neck as he was slowly dragged up the wall, pinned against it by its sheer strength. Trembling in the creature's grip, he tried digging his own claws into his assailant's arm, drawing specks of dark-red blood, but otherwise gaining no reaction from it.

At first, the creature only stared at him. Its blank, sightless eyes locked onto him, making his skin crawl and blood freeze. Slowly, it leaned toward him, maw still opened, fangs poised. Grens shrank back as it neared, expecting the coming pain of his flesh being ripped away. But it never came. Instead, as it was only a breath away, the creature began to inhale deeply, nose twitching all the while. For several moments it kept its nose near him, taking in his scent.

Without warning, the creature suddenly pulled away from him. Its head rearing back, it released a soul-trembling roar, a sound that would frighten even a mighty dragon. Grens was thrown to the ground in the creature's fit of rage. He tried to scramble away, clawing at the ground to flee from the monster. But he didn't make it far, not as the creature raised its foot and brought it down hard.

“My word, Twilight! What on earth did you do to your dress?!” Rarity exclaimed, unable to look away from the train-wreck she saw in the form of a once regal gown. “When you said you needed my help to fix it, I assumed it would be a simple tear or unwoven thread.”

As her friend Twilight kept it levitated for her to see, one could only look on in astonishment at the sight. The very dress meant to be worn by the lavender-coated princess on the most special of occasions was almost in tatters. Several large tears dotted the outfit, while other parts looked singed. All the alabaster unicorn could do was stare at it in horror, only able to ask herself how such a thing could have happened.

Twilight stood there sheepishly, looking about the main room of Rarity's boutique with no real direction, avoiding looking at the mare. “It... it was an accident,” she murmured. “There was this one spell I wanted to try out, for enchanting articles of clothing. I really didn't think anything could happen...”

“But you used your royal dress?!” Rarity said, unable to believe what she was hearing. Her heart silently wept for the injured gown.

“Okay, it was a bad idea that I really didn't think through,” Twilight admitted. “But... yeah... I don't really need it right away or anything. It's not like there's any big events coming up. I just figured if you had time, you could look at it.”

Heaving a sigh, the fashionista levitated the almost ruined dress up and placed it on a stand in the far side of the room, alongside several other garments she was working on. “Yes, don't worry,” the unicorn murmured with a nod. “I should be able to have it as good as new in no time.” She looked at her friend perplexedly for a moment. “But aren't you leaving for Canterlot soon? Surely you'd want to wear it when meeting with the princesses.”

Twilight simply shook her head, holding a brief smile at the notion. “It's not that important of a visit. I think Celestia just wants to know how everything's been, since I don't send my reports like I used to these days. She just really likes those more personal touches.”

“Is that it?” Rarity questioned. “From the way you've been preparing lately, we've all figured you'd be away for sometime.”

“Oh, that's not all I'm doing,” Twilight explained. “After we're done in Canterlot, Spike and I are going to assist in an excavation site run by Professor Archae. He's an important pony in Celestia's magic school, and he's asked if I'd be interested in helping out. It sounds really exciting.”

Rarity gave a simple smile as she nodded her head in understanding. “Well, it certainly sounds like you'll be busy, in a more enjoyable sense any how,” she said. “As for me... I'll be cooped up here for some time. I've got several special orders that I need to finish, and the deadline is coming fast.”

“Oh,” Twilight breathed, looking guilty over her previous request. “If you're so busy, you don't have to fix my dress. I can just take it with us to Canterlot and-”

“No no no,” the mare was quick to say. “It's quite alright, trust me. I can't actually work on any of my orders yet, as I'm out of the supplies I need. And of course the shipment isn't going to arrive until later tonight, so it'll be far late in the hour before I can even start on those. But Big Macintosh was kind enough to help me gather it all up, and I'll be able to keep myself preoccupied with your dress until then.”

“Well alright then,” the princess said with a small laugh. “I'm glad I could help out in some way. But... I should get back to the library. The train's going to leave soon and I need to make sure everything's ready.”

Rarity gave a smile as she waved her hoof in farewell. “Of course,” she replied happily. “Have fun on your trip.” Waving her own hoof good-bye, Twilight said her farewell and headed out the door, looking forward to her time away from Ponyville.

With slow, uneven steps, the dark creature shambled out of the crumbled entrance to its tomb. It stepped onto the grassy earth and looked up into the sky, the sun having fully set and the stars and moon shining as bright as they could. Mouth hanging open, it took in its first breaths of fresh air, its large fangs gleaming white in the moonlight.

Stray blood dripped from its hand, which the creature quickly noticed. Inspecting the limb for a moment, it was brought to its mouth as a long tongue slithered from the jagged maw, lapping up the crimson nectar with relish. With that finished, senses that were long since dormant began to return, seeing the world in a way few others could.

Something caught its attention. Head darting out to blindly look into the expanding forest, there was something all too familiar that it noticed. Nostrils flaring open, it sniffed the air as its tongue flicked out of its mouth, like a hungry serpent’s. The creature crouched back down to the ground, hands and feet spread out as it moved on all fours. Drawn to something, sensing it far into the forest, it made its way toward it.

Predator and Prey

Twilight smiled broadly as she stood before the princesses Celestia and Luna. Both held their own kind expressions as they eyed the young mare, greeting her and Spike both as they had just arrived within Canterlot Castle.

“It is good to see you again, Twilight Sparkle,” the lunar princess replied, bowing her head respectfully.

“Y-yes, you too, Princess Luna,” Twilight replied, slightly taken aback by the action. Nearly falling over, the lavender-coated princess hurriedly mimicked the gesture, not wanting to appear rude. It only caused Celestia's own smile to widen slightly at the sight, performing her own bow all the same.

The large windows at their sides showed clearly how dark the sky still was. Though the ride on the train had taken up much of the night, there were still many hours before dawn would grace the horizon. Spike was nearly asleep where he stood, while Twilight herself involuntarily yawned. The action was quickly stunted however, bringing a flush of embarrassment to the princess as she eyed the ones before her.

“It is rather late,” Celestia said cheerfully, hardly looking tired herself. “Perhaps you'd like to turn in for the night, Twilight? We can officially start things tomorrow after we're all well-rested.”

Though Twilight did her best not to show her relief at the notion, she happily nodded her head in agreement. “That sounds great,” she said, bowing her head yet again to the two sisters. “Goodnight then.”

As Twilight turned to leave, Spike waved farewell to the princesses as well, his maw opening wide to yawn unabashedly. “Yeah... goodnight everypony,” he murmured drowsily, following after the lavender mare.

Watching the two disappear from the chamber, Celestia's gaze drifted to her younger sister, seeing Luna's own eyes looking distant and concerned. “Is something the matter, Luna?” she asked, snapping the azure princess out of her trance and gaining her attention.

“Oh, it's...” Luna began, about to say that it was nothing at all. But she knew her sister far too well to understand she wouldn't buy such a response. With a weary sigh, she looked to her sister with uncertainty. “The truth is... I do not know for certain... Ever since that day Twilight saved us, as well as the Tree of Harmony, I've felt... something. Something strange and familiar that I just can't place... But now, that very something seems to have vanished from my senses. Seeing Twilight again has just reminded me of it.”

Celestia gave what her sister said some thought. Admittedly, she hadn't felt anything out of the ordinary since that fateful day. Pride if nothing else, to see her student having come such a long way, but nothing to give such foreboding thoughts. “Perhaps it is nothing,” she suggested. “If it was important, I'm certain you'd be able to figure it out. But, if it continues to bother you, feel free to come see me.” She lovingly nuzzled her younger sister and began to depart the chamber. “I think I will retire to my chambers as well. Goodnight, Luna.”

“Yes... goodnight, sister,” the nightly princesses murmured, watching the mare depart. Left alone, Luna's sights looked onward to the far off window, staring at the moon as it dominated the dark sky.

Big Macintosh had finally brought the last crate inside Rarity's boutique, letting it fall from his back with a weary sigh. A massive stack of wooden boxes now sat in the fashionista's abode, filled with an assortment of things pertaining to making dresses.

The large thing was rather heavy, despite what was inside. As he set it down with the others, the large, red-coated stallion began to breathe heavily, catching his breathing as he wiped away sweat beading on his brow. A small sound of commotion could be heard in the other room and, within moments, Rarity came trotting in. Levitating next to her was a tray with a small pitcher of lemonade.

Though it was far too late for anything with sugar, it didn't stop Big Mac from accepting the glass without a word and chugging it down. Rarity could only manage a smile for dutiful helper, simply glad his ordeal was finished.

“Thank you ever so much for helping me at such a horrid hour, Big Macintosh,” the alabaster unicorn said happily, positively beaming with delight. “I don't know what I'd do without you. If only those foolish delivery ponies didn't just leave things to wither away in the weather and- hmph.” She huffed to herself, lightly stamping a hoof down. But she was quick to calm herself and continue her smile toward her companion. “And don't you worry, I swear I'll repay you for all that you've done.” Her hoof was quickly placed against her chin in thought. “Maybe I'll be able to whip up a nice-”

The thunderous sound of shattering glass and splintering wood cut off the mare, one of the nearby windows exploding inward as a dark figure came tearing through it. With a growling hiss, the creature charged toward the unicorn on all fours, giving her but a brief moment to scream in fright before it was on her. Just as it was ready to pounce on her, Big Macintosh charged into the beast, knocking it aside. Several of the crates toppled over and broke open as it crashed into them, spilling the contents out onto the floor.

Scrambling to get back up, the creature's attention became focused on the large stallion, snarling viciously at him. Big Mac merely snorted defiantly, stamping at the floor as he lowered his head, readying himself. The beastly thing didn't waste a moment as it charged forward immediately, the mighty earth pony following right after it.

Big Macintosh slammed into it again, nearly knocking it down as it slid backward across the ground. But the creature soon stopped, taking both arms and wrapping them under the stallion. With just a turn, it lifted the stallion up into the air and tossed him aside, throwing him across the room to hit the ground hard. Rarity gasped in shock as she watched him go down, earning the creature's gaze as it once again stalked toward her.

Her entire body shook as Rarity thought quickly. Horn glowing brightly, she began grabbing everything and anything in the room as she could. Different dress stands, large spools of fabric, even the massive mirror customers used to look themselves over, all thrown at the creature with all her might. But none of it did any good. What it didn't smack away merely hit it and fell uselessly to the ground. Even as a sharp pair of scissors came hurtling toward it, stabbing into its shoulder, the vicious thing made no reaction to it.

Charging at Rarity now, the creature lunged forward, pouncing on her like a predator to its prey. She only had a brief moment to jump away, just barely dodging the monster as it landed next to her. But even that failure didn't slow it down in the slightest, already swiping at her with its clawed hand. The white-coated unicorn stumbled back as quickly as her frantic legs would allow, heart pounding against her chest as her thoughts raced.

Several grunts and groans came from Big Macintosh as he slowly brought himself back to all four hooves, shaking off the aching pain appearing across his body. It quickly became apparent to him that the creature wasn't finished yet, seeing Rarity still in danger. There wasn't a moment of hesitation for him as he charged at the creature again, attempting to best it with his brute strength yet again.

The creature barely noticed the stallion's approach, sights still focused on the magic-wielding pony in front of it. Nose still flaring open rapidly, there was little else for its senses to take in other than what it had been following. As Big Mac neared it though, the creature's head snapped toward him, fanged teeth gnashing gruesomely, another furious roar erupting from it.

Lifting one arm up, the creature swung out at the stallion. It was so quick, so sudden, he had no chance at even seeing it coming. Big Macintosh was struck hard, immediately knocked off his hooves and sent flying. It would be hard to tell how far he would have gone, if not for the far wall stopping him, but even that didn't hold up well. Not only did the large pony smash into the wall, he went through it, landing in the room on the other side of it.

A cry of despair and panic escaped Rarity then, eyes set on where he had fallen. Worry overtook her as her mind went elsewhere. It was all the creature needed as it grabbed the mare by her mane. She kicked and screamed, but it showed no signs of remorse or pity, lifting her up into the air only to throw her down as hard as it could.

Rarity whimpered loudly from the pain of her bruised body, but her eyes cracked open wide as she saw the creature looming over her. Another hand reached down and grabbed her over the mouth, muffling her terrified shrieks and holding her down. She tried to struggle, all four limbs kicking out at once, trying to push the monster away, to flee, but she was no match for it. She could only look up and tremble as its blank, milky-white eyes remained fixated on her. But that sight soon began to blur for her.

The longer the creature held her, the more she felt herself weakening. Her pointless thrashing wavered, the frantic limbs slowing until they completely stopped. In a matter of moments, the unicorn's entire body went limp. The creature then moved away from her, growling loudly as it sniffed the air again, leaving the motionless pony's body behind.

It followed the familiar trail until its focus fell on a row of dresses that had been set aside.

Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were all silent. None said a word as Fluttershy turned away from the bed in front of them, unable to bare the sight any longer. But the other two couldn't do the same, eyes still set on their friend as Rarity almost looked peaceful.

It had been all one big blurred mess of shock and sadness that morning. As each of them heard the terrible news of what happened, both Big Macintosh and Rarity being sent to the hospital after being attacked by something. None of them knew what to do, or even how to respond to what was happening. It seemed as if such a horrible thing could have never happened to them.

Applejack had been the first to leave, needing to check in on her injured brother. The others merely waited in Rarity's room, offering a silent vigil for their friend. What hurt them the most wasn't even the fact that they couldn't do a thing to help her, it was because nopony even knew what was wrong with her.

Just by looking at the mare, one could see the problem immediately. Her entire body looking frail, her pristine white coated was dulled, her silken mane hung limply against her. All the while, she looked incredibly boney, as though she hadn't eaten in weeks, while her skin looked wrinkled and aged. Despite her appearance however, the doctors had no idea what was wrong with her.

Truthfully, they said there wasn't a thing wrong with her physically. Even the minor bruising she had would cause her little actual harm. Yet she couldn't wake up, still looking half-dead in her condition. It made things all the more frightening, the uncertainty of it all leaving them hopelessly lost and confused, especially without Twilight to help guide them to a suitable conclusion.

Eventually, Applejack returned to the room, doing her best not to allow her gaze to linger on the bed. She looked to her friends with the same sadness that they all shared. Still, the silence in the room remained the same, until the farmpony released a weary sigh and said, “Ah've managed to talk to Big Macintosh.”

“Is... is he going to be okay?” Fluttershy quickly asked, having not seen the stallion yet for herself.

Applejack merely gave a relieved nod of the head. “Yeah,” she murmured quickly, “he's got a lot of broken bones to heal up, but the doc says he'll make a full recovery without a hitch. He says...” She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts as she silently replayed what her older brother had said. “He says they were attacked by some kind of monster. He'd never seen anythin' like it before, and it seemed to be after Rarity.”

“A monster did this?” Rainbow Dash questioned, looking over to Rarity again. “How the hay does some measly monster manage this?!”

“Ah'm just tellin' you what he said,” the earth pony shot back. “It was small, bigger than a pony but much smaller than a manticore. He tried his best to beat the thing, but it was too strong for him. The last thing he remembers was Rarity screamin' and him gettin' hit hard by it.”

“So... what happened to the monster?” Fluttershy asked aloud, looking fearful, as though said beast would show up at any moment.

Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin in thought. “It couldn't still be in Ponyville,” she said. “We'd have heard about it by now.”

“Why would it be after Rarity anyway?” Pinkie Pie wondered. “I don't think she goes around making monsters angry in her free time...” Even as she said it, there was a look in her eyes that said it was a possibility to her.

“That's ridiculous,” Applejack said, noticing that very look. “Rarity wouldn't have anythin' to do with some monster.”

“Maybe there's something at Rarity's that might help...” Fluttershy murmured, barely loud enough for any of them to hear.

It took only a moment for Pinkie Pie to nod her head quickly to the notion. “That's a great idea!” she shouted. “I bet there's all sorts of clues there. And together, we'll find this monster and avenge Rarity! Oh, and Big Mac too!” Applejack and Rainbow Dash simply looked to one another, both figuring that it was as sound a plan as any, though not quite sure about the pink pony's enthusiasm.

Either way, it didn't take very long for the friends to make their way towards Rarity's store. Fluttershy opted to stay at the hospital, keeping the unicorn company as well as checking in on the battered stallion.

Word of what happened had already gotten around Ponyville quickly. Just outside the shop, they could see onlookers checking out the boutique with curious and somewhat cautious expressions. None of them dared to get that near to the place, only staring at the destroyed window and what little they could see through it. Several were quick to disperse as soon as the three mares were there, determination set in their eyes as they needed to find something to help figure out what had happened.

The inside of the dress shop was a complete mess. Items both broken and not were scattered across the front room, deep claw marks were visible in the floor and walls, the air itself held a foreboding sense of dread that made them uneasy.

“Look at that,” Rainbow Dash said, pointing a hoof toward the large hole in the far wall.

It was where Big Macintosh had struck, plaster and broken wood lying in a large heap on the other side. Several hanging decorations and pictures were also lying scattered about, the sheer force of the hit shaking them loose from their proper places. The sight itself made Applejack's inside twist, imagining how it must have been for her brother to crash through it.

“How could somethin' like this happen?” the farmpony murmured.

“Just think about how strong that thing must be,” Rainbow Dash said, looking over the hole as she hovered in place. “And it's not as big as a manticore? Just what kind of a monster can do that?!”

Applejack shook her head furious. “Ah don't know...” Turning to the broken window, she directed her pegasus friend toward it. “But look at that. There's no way anythin' that big could've fit through there. And Ah'm sure Big Mac got a good look at it before it attacked.”

The returned to their searching, but there was little to find. Pinkie Pie seemed to have disappeared, and try as they might, they couldn't see what else there was. The signs of the struggle were certainly there, nothing could tell them the reasons, not even a slight clue. It wasn't until their eyes fell on the other side of the room that they noticed something.

It was a small corner of the rather large room, but it was made noticeable by the lack of damage to it. Very little had been disturbed, especially compared to the rest of the area. But one thing about it stood out, a small row of dresses set neatly in place.

Several of the stands had been knocked aside, almost carelessly so, but there was one that was completely destroyed. The ponnnequin holding the dress was completely smashed to pieces, while the gown itself was a tattered disaster. Pieces of the torn cloth were strewn about, the marks of claws showing up on several that were still large enough. It would be hard to tell that it was a dress to begin with if it hadn't been for where it was to give them the idea. But the longer the two looked at it, the more they began to realize how familiar it was.

“Isn't that... Twilight's dress?” Rainbow Dash asked, recognizing the colors and what was left of the pattern.

“Ah think so,” Applejack said, the gears turning in her head as she stared at it. “Why would the monster attack it like this?”

Soon, the realization began to dawn on them, their faces showing the dread that they felt. Rainbow Dash was the first to voice their identical thoughts. “You don't think-”

“Girls, girls! You've gotta see this!” Pinkie Pie's voice called out, sounding frantic.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash both rushed out of the boutique toward where the pink party planner's voice had come from. The trail soon led them toward Twilight's library home, where the bubbly mare stood. As soon as the two made it to her, they too saw what she could, seeing the front door to the home in splinters, and the deep claw marks cut into the wooden entrance.

Freedom Retaken

“A-are you sure it's after Twilight?” Fluttershy asked, worry showing clearly in her expression and tone.

“You haven't seen the library,” Rainbow Dash said, pacing the floor impatiently as she waited for Applejack to finish.

The orange farmpony was busily darting about her home, grabbing several different things she figured they would need. Supplies of all sorts were quickly taken from their proper places and placed in her saddlebag, not paying much attention to her friends as the multi-colored pegasus clued the others in on what they were planning.

Not another soul was within the farmhouse, Granny Smith and Applebloom having left to see the injured Big Macintosh. It made the simple abode feel all the more abandoned, especially as Applejack was readying to leave it as well. Nearly finished, she made sure to grab one of her trust ropes as well, certain she'd want it if they came across the very monster that had caused such a mess.

“The place was a wreck,” Pinkie Pie said, a deep frown evaporating away any amount of bubbly joy she usually carried. “All those poor books... and Spike works so hard in keeping them neat and tidy too...”

Rainbow Dash nodded her head, having seen the destruction wrought within their friend's home. “It was obviously the same monster that did it. And with what happened to Twilight's dress, I'd say that pretty much clenches it.”

With her preparations done, Applejack returned to her friends. “Even if it isn't after Twilight, we still need to see the princesses,” she explained. “Maybe they can help Rarity, even figure out what this monster is. Since Spike's not here to send a letter for us, we've gotta get to Canterlot ourselves.”

“Me and Flutters here can stay then!” Pinkie Pie then said, pulling her pegasus friend toward her. “We'll watch over Rarity and Big Mac, make sure that meanie monster doesn't come back.”

“I-I suppose I could do that,” Fluttershy nodded, perhaps not liking the idea of the creature returning, but still wanting to do her part.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack looked to one another and wordlessly agreed, figuring it was for the best as well. “You two should probably talk to the mayor too,” the rainbow-maned flier thought aloud. “It'd probably be for the best if Ponyville knows what's going on. In case that monster's still around and they don't go into any kind of panic.”

“We all know what would happen then...” Applejack murmured, her and her friends remembering several times the ponies of Ponyville ran amok through the town in terror.

“That sounds like a plan then!” Pinkie Pie shouted determinedly.

“Well, the train for Canterlot doesn't come back for another few hours,” the farmpony pointed out. “We should probably try and fix Rarity and Twilight's places, or go see the mayor now.” A slight frown crossed her face. “Ah just hope we can get to the castle before somethin' bad happens.”

Nightfall was still fresh in the sky as much of Canterlot turned in to rest and relax. Despite being such a bustling city during the day, much of it almost felt abandoned after the sun was down, and shadows turned to darkness. Only a small portion of the capital remained awake for the nightlife, the elite still entertaining their peers as was the norm for their social standing.

Only a few ponies besides the occasional royal guard on patrol ever trotted through the streets at that time, having pressing matters that needed attending to. But the city was even less alive now as a shadowy beast roamed the desolate civilization. It had taken all the time between sunrise and sunset for it to find the city, scaling the rocky mountain it was perched on, and breaching the outer walls. Now, the mighty castle of the princess Celestia and Luna loomed over it, its instinctive needs drawing it ever closer to the royal home.

Though there were many distracting sensations surrounding it, the creature's goal was too close for it to be ignored. Only the unlucky few who were still out, unknowingly in its path, were sought out by it. Be they citizen or guard, none of them stood a chance as the beast emerged from the shadows, melding within the darkness as if they were one and the same.

The unicorns were all left in the same state as the ones before it, while those who didn't have the magical appendage jutting from their foreheads were left battered and beaten into unconsciousness. Not a soul would find the injured ponies in time to raise an alarm of warning, giving the dark creature ample time to clear the distance between it and its target. Its long tongue slithered from its mouth repeatedly, almost able to taste it in the air. If it had the sense or reason to notice, it would also feel its heart pounding in its chest with anticipation.

With every magical pony it had encountered, subtle changes had occurred. Its deep, growling voice was far less guttural, less beastly. Even the object of its desires held far more clarity to its disjointed thoughts, propelling it even further as the shadow of the beautiful castle fell atop it. There was nothing that could stop it now, be it peasant or princess.

Celestia calmly opened the doors to the throne room, having just woken up at the behest of the guard sent for her. It was supposed to be an early night for her, having spent much of the day busily doing her royal business, as well as discussing several things with Twilight. Now, it looked like sleep would have to wait.

Inside the large chamber, Princess Luna frantically paced the floor. Back and forth she went, eyes distant and mumbling to herself. The princess of daylight could even see noticeable scrapes running across the stone tile, left by the metal shoes on the azure pony's hooves. It wouldn't be long before she began digging a rut into the ground.

“What's wrong, sister?” she asked, approaching Luna with a look of concern about her. Had she thought things were this bad for her little sibling, she would have come sooner.

It took a long moment for Luna to even realize that she had arrived, head tilting in her direction as she developed a slight look of surprise. “I-I-I think something's wrong...” she quickly said, her words nearly garbled by how fast she was speaking them. “I-I know something's wrong but... I also don't... I just-”

Celestia was quick to step toward the frazzled princess, wrapping a hoof around her to stop her in her tracks. Pulling her close, the elder sister held the mare in a warm hug, keeping her there with a surprising amount strength. “Shh...” she cooed softly. “Everything will be alright.” They stayed like that for what felt like minutes before she finally released the nightly princess. “Now, stay calm, and try to explain what you think is going on.”

Several deep breaths came from Luna first, doing little to stop her rapid breathing, but allow her a moment to settle down. “Okay,” she began, pausing for another moment to center herself. “As I've said before, I've been sensing something strange happening, then it suddenly vanished. Now, as night has fallen, I'm starting to feel something again. It's faint, very very faint, but I'm certain that it's something I just don't know what...”

It wasn't very convincing, but Celestia did give her sister the benefit of the doubt. After all, it wasn't as though the lunar mare was one to imagine such important things. “Alright then,” she said, tone growing serious. “If something is wrong, we can have the guards be prepared for it. A few teams of Wonderbolts can be sent out to the other towns as well, make sure everything is fine. Are you certain you're unable to focus on what's causing this distress?”

Luna merely shook her head, turning away from her sister as she slowly began pacing again. “N-no, I can not,” she said, sounding more unsure of herself by the second. She brought a hoof to the side of her head and rubbed it tenderly. “I feel as though I should know... it's so very familiar, but...” Her mane began swaying back and forth as she gave her head a good shake. “I just can't stand this! My heart flutters in my chest, my mouth feels as though cotton has been stuffed into it, and I've felt so queasy in my stomach, I feel as if I might be sick!”She growled in frustration. “I haven't felt like this since...” Her voice came to an abrupt stop, silenced by the sudden gasp escaping her. Eyes growing wide, all the princess did was stand there, wearing a look of complete and utter shock.

“What is it?” Celestia asked, becoming worried now. “Luna. What's happening?” But there was no time for an answer as the doors to the throne room came bursting open.

A royal guard came galloping into the room, a look of relief washing over him as he spotted the princesses. “Your Highnesses,” he said, stopping in his tracks as he bowed to them. “Applejack and Rainbow Dash of Ponyville have come seeking an audience with you. They say it's urgent... and that it regards Princess Twilight.”

Celestia's unblinking gaze shifted between her little sister and the guard, finally falling on the stallion as she addressed him. “Send them in,” she said, her tone brimming with authority. “Then find Twilight and bring her straight to me.”

The guard nodded his head and bowed once more as he backed away from them, saying, “As you command,” before departing the chamber.

Spike's groans grew ever louder as he lied across Twilight's back, the scholarly mare slowly trotting down one of the many hallways that littered the castle. Massive, towering windows dotted the right wall, giving a fantastic view to the world just outside, from the open night sky to the expanding surface below. On the left, many different kinds of decorations hung against it, from beautiful tapestries to old weaponry.

The little dragon payed little attention to the scenery however as he continued to voice his complaints through childish noises. “Why do we have to go to the library?” he moaned out. “We've spent all day cooped up in the most boring of places, doing nothing but talking to the princesses.... Why can't we spend a bit of time to relax now?”

“But reading is relaxing,” Twilight noted happily.

“Not the stuff you read,” Spike remarked, swaying his tail and arms back and forth in the air.

Twilight merely rolled her eyes as she continued on her path to the royal library, where she was certain she'd find what she sought. “And besides, I'm sure I've already told you,” she explained. “After we're done in Canterlot, we're going to Professor Archae's excavation in the Everfree forest. I'd like to brush up on the old ruins of the area, so we have an idea of what we're looking at while we're helping.”

“Right...” Spike sighed, “more work...”

The lavender princess simply ignored the scaly assistant, keeping her eyes ahead as she followed the same path she had taken all the many times before. Knowing the way by heart, there wasn't a chance of her getting lost in the big castle, making the trip all the easier.

“Princess Twilight!” a frantic voice echoed down the hall, halting the mare's steps. Twilight turned toward the source to see a guard running toward her, looking exhausted and out of breath. “P-princess... I need to take you... to the throne room at once.”

“What?” Twilight questioned. “What's going on?”

The two began going in the other direction, the guard leading the way as his eyes began shifting back and forth suspiciously. “Forgive me, but I'm not sure,” he finally said. “Two of your friends have arrived with urgent news, and the princesses seem worried by something.”

“That doesn't sound good,” Spike murmured, earning a look from the guard, ready to say something himself, just as a loud and bone-chilling roar erupted outside.

They barely had a moment to react as the window nearest to them shattered. The unicorn guard was quick on his hooves however, creating a simple barrier around himself and Twilight, preventing the flying shards of glass from slicing them to ribbons. There wasn't a moment of rest as a large shape came barreling toward them, clawed hand poised to strike.

As the creature swung down at them, the two ponies jumped out of the way, dodging the attack as the hand smashed into the floor where they stood. The monstrous thing growled angrily as it wheeled about, swinging wildly at them both. Twilight managed to jump far enough away from the thing, but the royal guard stood his ground.

Horn glowing brightly, he tried firing a blast of magic at the creature. The spell found its target and struck into its chest, fizzling out and having no effect on the beastly thing. As it charged at him, the guard stood there dumbstruck, unable to react fast enough as a clawed hand shot forward and grabbed him by the throat.

Choked, gargled breaths came from him as the creature's grip tightened, holding him up in the air. The guard's eyes darted to Twilight as she watched, horrified by the scene. “R-run...” he managed to gasp out. But the princess did no such thing, her entire body trembling as the stallion's struggling body became still, going limp in the creature's grasp.

She continued to stare at the scene as the guard's body began to look frail and weak, the creature hissing in satisfaction as it tossed him aside carelessly. Soon after, it turned to face the young princess, moving toward her and ready to charge again. But again, Twilight could barely move or react, having never seen such a terrifying creature before in all her life, even Spike remained still, practically hiding behind her head as he too shook with soul-quaking fear.

The creature reached out to grab her, to do to her what it had done to the guard. But then, its hand retracted back, reaching up to clutch at its own head.

Thrashing about, loud roars and shrieks of pain crackled from it, as though it were in extreme agony. Twilight knew it was the perfect time to run, to flee from the awful sight and find help, but her hooves were rooted to the ground, not responding to her or anything else. All she did was play spectator as the creature's actions played out in front of her.

Just as soon as it had begun, the dark beast's roars were silenced. Other than its heavy, snarling breaths, it made no sound at all. Then, it began to move once again. The creature's feet became planted firmly on the ground, its legs bent until they were straight, back bending until it was no longer hunched over. Sounds of old joints snapping and taut muscles stretching filled the little portion of hallway they were in. Eventually, the once crouching monster stood fully upright before them.

Rolling its shoulders and cracking its neck, a loud, long sigh of relief flowed from the creature's jagged maw. “Ah... finally...” it breathed, its voice clearly masculine, “that dark haze has lifted...” Opening his eyes, the blank, milky-white nothingness was gone. Now, sparkling blue irises and jet-black pupils remained, slowly shifting about the room and taking in their surroundings.

It only took a matter of seconds before the creature's attention fell onto Twilight, making her blood freeze in her veins. As he looked at her, a large, wicked grin of fangs stretched out across his face.