A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts

Nearly a week had passed. David was outside the forge grounds crossing wooden blades with Prince Blueblood. He did his best to hold his ground as the prince unleashed a far more aggressive attack.

“Come on, David! You can handle this simple maneuver.” Blueblood grinned as he lunged forward.

David quickly moved to the side and countered with a quick slash. To his delight, the prince’s blade flew from his hoof and smacked onto the ground beside him. “Ha! I did it!”

Blueblood smiled and gave a simple nod. “You sure did.”

“Not bad.” Tempered Blade clapped his hooves together as he gave a nod of approval from over at one of the awnings.

“Not bad…that was great!” Lyra cheered, waving a hoof in the air.

“She’s right, that was exciting.” Twilight chuckled as she and Lyra looked at each other and then over at David.

Blueblood used his magic to lift his sword off the ground and secure it back in his hoof. “You’re definitely improving. But, let’s try a tougher move.”

David held his weapon at the ready. “Okay, Blue. Give me your best…you know I can take it.”

“Hmm.” Blueblood nodded as the two resumed sparring.

The sounds of their wooden swords striking filled the air. Twilight noticed Iron Will standing at a nearby table, doing what appeared to be paperwork. She walked over to him and gave him a curious look. “What are you working on? You’re missing the match.”

Iron Will glanced Twilight’s way. “Iron Will has seen David spar with Prince Blueblood before. And it’s great that David has gotten better.” The Minotaur shuffled through his papers and continued scratching down some things with his pencil. “Yeah, that should work.”

“And what exactly are you doing?” Twilight peaked at his papers.

He turned his head. “Iron Will is just planning some new routines and workouts for David. If we want him to become a lean, mean, sword-fighting machine. We have to turn things up a NOTCH!” Iron Will chuckled. “Of course, Iron Will’s Iron Dojo does seem to be helping him improve with his strength training. But, Iron Will thinks a few more weeks would show some real…RESULTS!” He clenched his left fist.

“It sure sounds like you have it all figured out.” Twilight chuckled, placing a hoof over her mouth. “And here I thought you were all muscles and slogans.”

Iron Will snickered. “While, Iron Will loves his slogans…not to mention his strength. Iron Will does use his…BRAIN!” He looked at his papers. “And so, David will go from quiet to riot…hmm, I need to work on that one.”

“Uh, right.” Twilight nodded. “Why don’t I just leave you to it.” She backed away from the Minotaur and walked over to Lyra. “Did I miss anything?”

Her fellow unicorn shook her head. “Nope. Things are just getting warmed up.” Lyra grinned.

Twilight clapped her hooves together. “Wonderful.”

“Come, David! Dodge this…if you can!” Prince Blueblood unleashed another series of heavy slashes.

David stood his ground and countered blow for blow. “Ha, are you getting tired, Blue?” The human snickered, a rather confident and almost snide look on his face.

“Isn’t this great, Twilight?” Lyra grinned as she contently swished her tail.

“I’ll say it is.” Twilight grinned, then finally called out. “Go, DAVID! Show Blueblood who’s boss!”

Prince Blueblood looked over at David’s cheering section and then back to David. “Well, it seems we still have a captive audience.”

David glanced over at the two unicorns and then back to the prince. “We sure do. Why don’t we make this interesting?”

“My thoughts exactly. Try this! Ahhhhhhhh!!” Blueblood charged David.

David held his wooden sword at the ready. Then, just as Blueblood closed in to strike, David took three big steps to the side and took off. Blueblood skidded to a halt. For a moment he lost track of his opponent. “Coming in on your left!” David shouted.

Blueblood looked to his left. “What the?”

David came from his right and unleashed a passing slash. His sword struck Blueblood’s. For a moment it seemed the human had the advantage, but the prince countered with impressive strength. “You’re good, Blue. I almost thought I had you.”

Blueblood kept the force behind his blade. “You’re getting better, but don’t get cocky, David.”

“Hmmm.” David nodded. Then, as Blueblood pushed his blade closer to David, the human grinned. He pulled back his sword and stepped to Blueblood’s left. With a flick of his wrist, he managed to deprive the prince of his weapon. “Told you, coming in on your left.”

Blueblood stood there and blinked for a moment. “What just…”

David picked up the prince’s wooden blade. He walked over to him and presented it to Blueblood. “Here you are. And getting cocky…don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Blueblood laughed as he took his sword back into his hoof. “We’ll make a swordspony out of you yet.”

Twilight joined Lyra in contently swisher her tail. She turned to Lyra. “Wow, would you look at David. The last time I saw him spar…he didn’t seem this confident.”

Lyra nodded and smiled as she looked over at Twilight. “I know. Looks like Blade, Prince Blueblood and Iron Will are really helping him.”

“Yeah. It’s impressive, isn’t it?” Twilight placed a hoof along her cheek and continued to watch as David and Blueblood continued their match.

* * * * * *

An eerie wind kicked up in the Everfree Forest. More storm clouds seemed to join the ones already looming overhead. Fresh bolts of lightning streaked across the sky and filled the air moments later with chilling cracks of thunder. An errant bolt struck a nearby tree, splitting it in half and setting it ablaze. It’s trunk creaked and cracked as it fell from its place in the forest and stuck the rocky ground with an echoing thud.

Haze chuckled as he watched the spectacle from the entrance of Ghastaloom’s cave. Another of the hulking creatures joined Haze. “Ah, Claw, come to get a breath of forest air?”

Claw just chuckled in his throat. “No, I came to see you.”

Haze crossed his arms. “Okay, and what business is so important that it warrants you interrupting my storm watching, hmm?” He turned his large scaly head.

Claw looked to his leader. “Let me guess, you sensed it in your scales?”

“That’s right. I can always tell when there is lightning about. For it’s the only true vulnerability we Dragon Knights have. Thankfully, our armor makes it very hard for lightning to be used on us.” Haze grinned as he patted his chest plate.

“Your lighting sense always has impressed me. It’s no wonder you’re our leader.”

“Yes, well, it’s one of my talents.” Haze shook his head and leered at Claw. “Now, why are you here?” Another bolt of lightning flashed and made Haze’s golden eyes glow orange.

“Oh, right. Shroud said he’s almost ready to begin the resurrection ceremony.” Claw snarled, while he scratched his thick neck. “I thought you’d like to know.”

Haze placed a claw to his chin. “So, after all this time, we’re finally ready to proceed. I’ve been wondering if our efforts would ever help master Ghastaloom come back to us.”

“I know. Right now he’s nothing but a soul, he’s little more than a fragment of what he once was.” Claw snorted.

“True. But, just think. Once we finish here. We can return to Ghastaloom's kingdom and help see to our true objective.” Haze smiled as he looked out over the forest and to Equestria, off in the distance.

“Haze?”

The leader of the Dragon Knights chuckled in his throat. “Can you just picture it, Claw?” His subordinate blinked. Haze waved his clawed hand slowly out in front of them. “Dragon Knights once again taking their rightful places as the rulers of this land.” He clenched his fist and turned his back on the outside world. “For too long we’ve had to hide under the ruling hooves of those ponies. But now, once Ghastaloom returns…heh, heh, heh. We can rejoin our waiting forces and take what’s ours.”

Claw nodded as he stepped closer to the mouth of the cave. “Yes, it was thanks to the alicorns that we never had a chance like this before. But, thanks to the Blight, there are only a few to worry about.” He laughed with glee.

“Hmm.” Haze gave a nod of agreement. “That’s right, but to refer to the Blight as nothing more than a mere plague is foolish. It dealt a blow to the alicorns that they’ve never recovered from.” Haze laughed as he joined Claw looking back outside. “It’s too bad it was defeated. Such a force could be a great ally.”

“Really?” Claw blinked. “What if it had decided to start feeding on Dragon Knights?”

There it was…a look of wonder on Haze’s face. “Hmm, you may be right. Perhaps our master was correct…such a force would be too hard to control.”

“Besides, with Ghastaloom back, we’ll have more than the means to take what we want.”

Haze chuckled as he placed a supportive claw on Claw’s back. “Good point. Come on, we don’t want to be late for the revival now, do we?”

Claw simply shook his head as the two left the cave entrance, leaving the raging storm to continue filling the sky with lightning.

* * * * * *

David was finishing lunch with Lyra and Twilight. The two had taken him to Ponyville Café for a congratulatory meal for all of the progress he’d made.

“Come on, David, show us.” Twilight leaned her forelegs on the table.

“Yeah, what did you get for Luna?” Lyra whipped her tail and tapped her forehooves on the edge of the table.

“Well, it’s nothing too special, but I think she’ll like it. Here.” He turned to a bag he was carrying and removed a jewelry box, a black and somewhat rectangular one. David opened it and showed the two unicorns. “So, what do you two think?”

“Oh…wow.” Lyra grinned.

Twilight’s mouth fell open. She looked at David and then back at the contents. “You got her a locket?”

He nodded. “Mm-hmm. I used some of the money Celestia gave me the other day. It didn’t even really cost too much. But…” David held up the heart-shape locket. “I saw this and the teal color reminded me of Luna’s eyes and the elegant silver chain seemed perfect. Oh and look inside.” David opened it. “See?”

“Aww.” Lyra made a silly face. “You put a picture of yourself in there.”

Twilight placed a curious hoof on her chin, then just smiled. “That’s so thoughtful. I’m sure, Luna will love it.”

David nodded as he closed the locket and placed it back carefully into the box. “Yeah, I know this will sound corny, but I figured, with this locket, she can always keep me close to her heart, even when we’re apart.” He blinked. “Whoa, that rhymed. I think I’ve been spending too much time with Iron Will.”

Lyra and Twilight just sat there and started laughing. Twilight snorted and wiped a tear from her eye. “Heart and apart. David, you have been spending too much time with that stuffy old Minotaur.” She resumed laughing with Lyra.

Then, after a few minutes, the two finally stopped. “Okay, okay, sorry about that, David. But that’s a real sweet gift. I’m sure Luna will be touched.”

“I hope so.” David placed the item back into the bag. “Now if only tonight can go off without a hitch.”

“Oh, right, the party.” Twilight’s eyes widened for a moment. “We’ll all have to get ready.”

“Party?” The three looked up and saw Iron Will standing near their table. “And just what party are you three talking about? Iron Will isn’t aware of any party tonight.”

David looked around sheepishly and motioned for the Minotaur to come over. “Over here.”

Iron Will shrugged his shoulders and strolled over. “Okay, so what’s the scoop?”

David spoke quietly, “Tonight is Princess Luna’s birthday celebration. But after last years fiasco, Celestia wants it kept a surprise.”

“Ah. On the down low, eh? No problem, Iron Will can keep a secret with the best of THEM!” He clenched a fist. “Oh, but what about your training? Hmm?” He leaned close to David, so close in fact that he could smell peanut butter on the Minotaur’s breath.

“I was hoping to have the rest of the day off from training. I need to get ready. Rarity said she would have some clothing ready for me.”

“Hmm. And does Prince Blueblood know about this?” Iron Will glared at him.

“Of course he does. Right now he’s checking out the forge. He wanted to see Clang, before tonight’s festivities.” David paused for a moment. “Oh, are you coming?”

“Huh? Me? Hmm? Are you inviting Iron Will?”

He looked over at Twilight and Lyra. The two gave the human an indifferent look. David turned back to Iron Will. “Yeah. I’d like it if you were there and so would Prince Blueblood.” David looked for any random ponies. “So yeah, we’re meeting up at the train station at 6, be a little early.”

“All right. Iron Will, will see you then.” He grinned as he turned away, then turned back. “But tomorrow, you will be back to TRAINING!” He grinned, then took off.

“Phew, that Minotaur is intense.” David sighed.

“Well, at least you have the evening off.” Twilight smiled. “Oh, we should head over to Rarity’s if you want time to be ready for the train to Canterlot.”

David stood up. “You’re right. There’s no time to waste.” He turned toward the waitress. “Check, please!” He waved an arm.

* * * * * *

Evening had come. David managed to get everything taken care of and he and the others took the train to Canterlot. Once there, he broke away from the group and was just spending some time with Luna.

The two were lounging on her bed. David had dressed down into his underclothes and was just enjoying some cuddles with his princess. “Mmm, I missed you again today, Luna.”

She sighed as she secured her hooves around him. “I missed you as well. But why were you wearing those formal clothes. They would have been horrible to snuggle in.”

“Well, I was more than willing to take them off. Besides, I wanted to look nice for you tonight. I mean, it is your birthday after all.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “Don’t remind me. I sincerely hope my sister hasn’t planned anything for this year. Not after…last year.”

“Don’t worry. It’s going to be a nice intimate affair. Mostly, it’ll be just you and me tonight. There may be some cake…and a present or two.” He smiled at her, doing his best to keep a convincing face.

Luna nodded. “Well, I’m still sure Celestia is planning something, but if she just has a small gathering. That should be okay.” Luna smiled and nuzzled her cheek against his. “And it was sweet of you to get dressed up just for me.”

David nuzzled her furry cheek and began running his fingers through her starry mane. “You know I’d do anything for you, Luna. Mmm, and this before dinner snuggling is wonderful.”

The princess giggled. “Yes, it makes me anxious for tonight. Oh, but I’m willing to wait.” Luna sighed as she ran a hoof across his black hair. “Of course, I wouldn’t mind a preview.”

“Oh, all right.” David gave her a playful smile as he leaned in to kiss her.

Luna wrapped her hooves around him and pulled David close. She moaned softly as their passionate kiss continued. He danced his fingers through her mane, until their lips parted. Luna employed her bedroom eyes and smiled seductively. “Mmm, would you touch my rump?”

“Of course, my princess.” David shared her lover’s expression as he placed a hand on her furry dark blue shoulder. Then, he trailed his fingers down along her barrel, past her cutie mark, arriving at her rump. Gently, David began kneading his fingers along her lovely rear.

“That feels nice, but could you move your hand just a tad lower and your fingers in a little further?” Luna tilted her head and gazed deep into his brown eyes.

David smiled. “How’s this?” He did as she asked and his hand and fingers moved down and around her butt.

“Better, but in just a little more…mmm, please?”

David didn’t reply, well at least not by using his voice, but rather, his fingers did the talking. Inching in a little more, he knew where she longed to be touched. His fingers caressed her curvy slit, following the contours up and down, very slowly.

Luna closed her eyes and shivered. “Ooh, yes…David that’s perfect, oh…more.” The princess moaned pleasantly as his fingers pushed against her mound and drove just a little into her marehood.

David continued touching his princess’s sensitive nethers and his smile grew as her arousal began to coat his fingers. Closing his eyes for a moment, he took a long sniff. The scent of her desire was just making its way to his nose. He stared half-lidded into Luna’s glistening teal eyes. “Glad you’re enjoying this, Luna, my sweet.”

She giggled. “I am. Oh, but I can’t forget about you.” The sly look returned to her eyes as she placed a bare hoof along his crotch. Luna rubbed it gently along his underwear.

“Ohh…Luna.” David chuckled playfully, while tilting his head to the side.

“Care for a little more?” She patted her hoof along his slowly rising bulge.

He shuddered with delight as his masculinity finished awakening. “Please.”

Her horn lit up with a soft blue glow as she tugged his underwear aside and allowed his mast to stand freely. Luna’s hoof returned to gently caress his length. “There, better?”

“Mmm, perfect, my princess.” David resumed his fingering and started to push them into her, gently massaging her inner walls.

Luna cast out a deeply pleasurable sigh. “Ohhh…David, mmm.” She leaned close to him and minding her horn, she rested her forehead along his.

David smiled at her and let out a soft moan as she stroked his member a little more. “Luna.” He placed his free hand around her and move to kiss her, deeply and passionately. David stared at her after their lips parted. “We should probably stop. We wouldn’t want to be late.”

Luna nuzzled his cheek and sighed. “No, you’re right.” She caressed his cheek. “This was a lovely preview…the rest can wait till later.”

“Oh, but one more thing.” David moved away from her and went to the chair he had his clothing draped on, there he had the bag with her gift. “I was going to give this to you at dinner, but, I kind of like the idea of giving it to you here in private.” David removed the jewelry box from the bag.

Luna’s eyes widened as he walked over to her. “What is that, David?”

He joined her back on the bed and presented it to her. “Here, I hope you like it.”

A strong blush rolled across Luna’s cheeks and she gave him a loving smile. “Okay.” Luna’s horn lit up as she took the case and opened it. “Oh, David…it’s a locket.”

“Yeah.”

Luna held it up and looked it over. She softly brushed it with her hoof and looked at him with glassy eyes. “David, it’s beautiful.”

“I was hoping you’d like it. Here, let me put it on you.” He smiled.

Luna closed her eyes and giggled. “Okay.”

David removed the locket from the case and undoing the clasp, he reached around Luna’s beautiful neck. Once he redid the clasp, he sat back. “There.” He chuckled warmly. “It really brings out your eyes.”

The princess looked it over, still all smiles. “It’s a lovely shade of teal…ah, no wonder you said it brings out…” She batted her eyes at him. “My eyes.”

“Yeah. Oh, look inside.” David pointed to the locket.

Luna’s magic surrounded the heart of the locket and popped it open. She held it so she could see inside. The loving smile on her face grew. “You put a picture of you inside?”

“I did. Since I’ve started my training in Ponyville. We’ve seen a little less of each other. I was hoping this way, at least I could always be close to your heart when we’re away from each other.” David smiled.

“Yes.” Luna closed it and leaned in to kiss him. “This is a very thoughtful present. I love it.”

“I’m glad. And I also thought if I give it to you now, you could wear it to dinner.”

The blush remained on Luna’s cheeks as she nodded. “Of course, I’d love to.” She threw her hooves around him and drew David into a loving hug. “I love you, David.”

He placed his armed around her. “Mmm, I love you, Luna.”

She gave him a loving squeeze before they pulled apart. “Well, we should head to dinner.”

“Yeah.” David walked over and started to redress. As he pulled on his dress pants, he looked over at her. “Oh, you don’t think we went at it enough that anyone’s going to notice?”

Luna shook her head. “I doubt it. But so what if they notice anything. They should be grateful their princess is happy. Besides, it is my birthday today.”

David placed a hand on her cheek and just smiled. “Ah, Luna, that’s why I love you. That spark of passion in you.”

She smiled back. “You’d better finish redressing.”

“Yep.” David did just that and once Luna had donned her regalia, the two left her room, bound for the dining hall.

* * * * * *

Ghastaloom’s cave was silent, with the exception of the flames crackling in the torches that hung in even spaces about the chamber and connecting corridors. Haze was leaning along one of the broad walls, a pair of torches burned on either side of his bulky form. He growled softly in his throat. “Well, what’s keeping him?”

Ghastaloom’s ethereal form swirled with magenta light. “Patience Haze. I thought by now you’d have mastered the art. Tsk, tsk. Shroud must handle the crystals with care. All that refined power is too important to handle heedlessly.”

Queen Chrysalis scoffed, as she first looked at Haze, then after nodding, looked to Ghastaloom. “I don’t believe Haze is being impatient. It’s just, like me, he’s eager to see this through to the end. When revenge calls, it’s foolish to ignore.” She swept a troublesome lock of her dark cerulean mane out of her face.

Ghastaloom chuckled as he remained on his crude rocky altar. “Eager? And do you think I'm not eager? Mwa, ha, ha, ha. I’ve been waiting since before I died for a chance at vengeance. Only once I am revived, will we have a chance to satisfy our collective appetites for a dish many say is best served…cold.” He laughed again, not even trying to hide the mocking tone in his cackle.

“The master is right.” Shroud spoke as he entered the main chamber. “You would both due to embrace patience.” He stood there, all seven crystal talismans orbiting above him. “Ghastaloom. It has been a long time, but now we are ready to proceed.” Shroud shot Haze a stern look. “Are your knights ready with the remains in the sarcophagus?”

Haze narrowed his eyes, glaring at Shroud. “Worry not, little unicorn. My knights have been waiting for the appointed time.” The Dragon Knight glanced back past Shroud and to the opening in the main chamber, which lead to the dungeons and lower levels of the cavern. Haze let out a low growling snarl.

The sound of low thudding footsteps approached from the back of the chamber. Two of Haze’s warriors entered carrying a large stone coffin. It was mostly rectangular in shape and was adorned with various symbols and decorative sculpted features.

“There.” Haze replied with a low growl. “Where do you want them to place it?”

Shroud motioned with a hoof. “Over there, beside Ghastaloom’s altar.”

The two Dragon Knights nodded and dutifully proceeded to place the sarcophagus next to Ghastaloom. They set it down deftly and moved to the back of the chamber. There they stood, awaiting any further bidding from their leader.

A smirk morphed onto Shroud's face as he stepped over to the stone coffin. “Ah, after so long, master. Your withered remains will finally get a chance to be reborn.”

“Mmm, you all have done well. Now, Shroud, begin the spell that will bond my disembodied soul and all that lovely energy to my remains and like the phoenix, grant me new life!”

“Of course, Ghastaloom…sire.” Shroud continued to smirk as his covered horn illuminated with its green glow. “Great powers of magic, revive this fallen form and restore it to its former glory!”

The six crystal began to glow in an alternating fashion, then in moments they began to glow in unison. The six outer crystals formed a connection and then channeled their power into the seventh, which presided at the center. The middle crystal shone brilliantly with a bright emerald light. They glowed for a few moments, then a lone beam tore out from them and blanketed the sarcophagus. A side beam reached over and guided Ghastaloom’s soul back to his body. Then the energy changed to a bright magenta color and blanketed the entire room in its glow.

Queen Chrysalis stood in awe as the magical energy crackled and flashed. “Very soon now, I shall see just what you are.” She grinned with anticipatory glee.

“Finally.” Haze grinned as the bolts of energy crackling along the coffin began to tear out and disturb the very ground beneath it. A column of energy rose up and touched the ceiling as the spell continued to bind the energy and Ghastaloom’s soul back to his soma.

“Rahhhhhhhh!!” Ghastaloom called out as the power flowed into him. “AT LAST!!!”

* * * * * *

David was walking Luna to the dining hall. As they walked along the connecting hallway, Luna caught sight of a lone mirror and saw no harm in checking her reflection. She wanted to get another look at the locket David had given her.

The princess made her way up to the mirror and paused to look herself over. She smiled at the addition of David’s thoughtful gift. Then, something in her reflection caught Luna’s eye. She leaned closer, noticing something seeming off in her reflection. There was a faint white flash and in an instant, the mirror began to crack outward from the center of her face. As she stared into the cracked surface her mouth widened and she took several steps back. “David!”

David had just discovered that Luna wasn’t at his side when he heard her panicked cry. “Luna.” He followed her voice, hastening his step as he walked. Relief washed over him as he saw her by the remote mirror. “Ah, Luna, there you are.”

“David.” There was a quiver in her voice as she turned to look at him.

The human stood beside his mare, his jubilant expression fell and concern swept in. “Honey? Are you okay?”

She placed a hoof on his chest. Her decorative shoe sparkled in the low light of the corridor. “The mirror.” She turned her head toward it. “Go look into it for me…please.”

“Oh, all right.” David had no idea what had Luna so spooked. He walked over to the mirror and saw nothing more than his reflection.

“What do you see?”

“Just…myself. Why, what did you see?” He turned to her, as a sense of dread began to grow within him.

“Did you see the breaks in it?”

“Breaks?” David looked again. “Luna, there’s nothing wrong with the mirror.”

“Huh?” She stepped over to him and looked at the mirror. Luna faced him with tears in her eyes and forcefully stomped a hoof. “I know what I saw! The mirror cracked and then I saw myself, my younger self and…my dreaded form of Nightmare Moon. All three were merged but displaced within the cracks.” The princess turned to the mirror and then back to David. “Yet, they aren’t there…I don’t understand.”

David walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. This was hardly the first time Luna had an episode like this, but for some inexplicable reason, this time left David more troubled than ever. He held her close and gently rocked her. “Luna, I believe what you saw…even if I didn’t. But never forget the mare you are.” He gazed deep into her eyes. “The Princess of the Night and the mare I love.”

Luna gazed back into his glistening brown eyes. “David…I know. But, something doesn’t feel right. I can’t put my hoof on it.” She leaned against him. “Hold me.”

David secured his arms around her. “Of course.” He nuzzled his cheek along her starry mane. “I have you, Luna.”

“I know you do, David. I’m sorry for this outburst.”

“No, it’s fine.” He held her tighter. The week had been long and the feeling of dread continued to loom in David’s chest, rooted in the pit of his stomach. He breathed heavy, for a moment. “Luna.”

She tenderly wrapped a hoof around him. “If nothing else, I’m always grateful for your love, David.” Luna nuzzled him back and let out a soft sigh. “We should head to dinner.”

“Yeah, we’ll make it brief, then head back to your room. I think we need some time alone.”

Luna nodded as they shared a short kiss. “Yes. Thank you.”

“Anytime, my princess.”

With that, the two resumed their path to the dinning hall. However, the feeling continued to loom in David’s mind and he remembered that Celestia was planning a major gathering. He only hoped with a positive turn out that it just might help to quell Luna’s anxiety and if nothing else, they had plenty of alone time to look forward to after the party.

The doors to the dining hall came into sight and in moments, David and Luna stood before them. There were guards patrolling nearby, but none typically needed stationed at the entrance to the hall, except in rare instances. David opened the door for his princess. “After you.”

Luna smiled as she went to enter. “Thank you.”

The princess took a few steps inside and noticed the room was poorly lit and there didn’t seem to be anyone in sight. “David, I don’t see any…”

“SURPRISE!!”

Luna turned and saw dozens of ponies pop out from around the tables, pillars and various other places in the sizable dining hall. Some blew into noisemakers, others unleashed party poppers and there was a hail of confetti in the air. But, instead of feeling jubilant or excited, Luna felt just the opposite. And just like the mirror, suddenly the room seemed to change. The cheers turned to jeers and all the ponies started at her with accusing faces. They spoke a slew of nasty insults.

Standing there, Luna shook her head and began backing out of the room. It was too much, given everything that had been happening. “No…no…NOOOOOO!!” She began to hyperventilate as her horn lit up with a bright blue glow. The princess backed passed David. “David?”

His smile quickly fell. “Luna, aren’t you surprised?”

“They…they hate me. Why would you invite so many angry ponies to my birthday?” She gave him a dubious look.

“Angry? But, can’t you hear their cheers?” David blinked in disbelief.

She shook her head. “No. They are chanting and saying awful things. And they’re right. I’m a terrible pony!”

“Luna?” David saw her horn. “Why is your horn glowing?”

“Because, it’s finally happening. I feared my transformation back wouldn’t last. I’ve been trying to hold it back, but now…OH NO!” Fear gripped Luna’s face as a dark shadowy aura began to form around her. “David…I love you, but…I have to go!”

Luna took off at a strong gallop down the hall. “Huh? Luna!!” He reached a hand toward her, before taking off after her. David ran down the hall. As he followed her, he could make out the sounds of her sobbing as she ran. “What’s happening? Luna!”

David continued after her, but Luna kept ducking down connecting hallways. Finally, after he thought he’d lost her, David followed her onto a lone balcony. He stepped gingerly toward her. She gave him a fierce look as the aura around her continued to intensify. “Stay back!”

“Luna. What’s wrong?”

“You’ll see…” The dark aura around Luna consumed her and right before his eyes, David bore witness to the rebirth of the nightmare. In mere moments it was over. David stared before him at the darkened figure. Her pale blue armor shone in the full moon’s light and her eyes seemed different.

“Luna?”

The dark aura had faded from around her and she stood tall. “No…I am…Nightmare Moon.”

David stood there with has mouth agape. There was a commotion from behind him. Glancing back, her saw Princess Celestia, Twilight Sparkle and several guards pour out of the balcony doorway. Celestia’s eyes widened. “No! IT CAN’T BE!!”

David stepped toward Nightmare Moon, a stymied expression on his face. “Luna?”

“David, stay back!” Shouted Celestia. “She’s dangerous!”

The human turned back, a defiant look in his eyes. “No. Something isn’t right.”

Nightmare Moon took a few steps back toward the balcony as the guards and elder princess advanced. “Stay away!” She warned them.

“Luna?” David went to walk closer to her.

“Luna is…gone.” Nightmare Moon closed her eyes and let out a solemn sigh, before spreading her long dark wings. She took flight and rose into the night sky.

David stood there near the balcony railing as he watched Nightmare Moon continue to rise above the castle. He looked closely and noticed a series of sparkles fall from her eyes as she started to fly off. She was crying, which only added to David’s aching heart. He ran up to the balcony, but was unable to follow her.

“Why is this happening…Luna?” David watched helplessly as he saw her slowly vanish into the night. “LUNA!!!” He reached for her as his eyes grew wet. David braced his hands on the balcony railing, brining his forehead to rest along the elaborate railing. “Luna…no…”

To Be Continued…