The Nightmare Era

Disclaimer: See First Chapter

Equestria, Hannoveraner, The Governor's Palace.

'When is he going to shut up?' grumbled Rainbow Dash, as the infamous Chevalier-Commander of Hannoveraner paced before her. He criticized every move she had made since arriving in the city. Now he made a point of “Lecturing” her on her latest failure concerning her encounter in the streets. In an effort to ignore the ranting Chevalier Rainbow Dash focused to the front of the room where the Governor, Silver Scroll, seemed to be completely engrossed by a conversation with Grand Enchantress Moondancer.

“-and further more to let the Heretic escape certainly leads me to doubt the capabilities of you archangels.” He said dismissing them with a wave of hoof. Rainbow bristled, “Yeah! Well if you chevaliers would have better success, then I will just return to Gran Equus. I'm sure the Council and the Grandmaster would love to hear why you changed your mind on calling the Archangels.” She taunted savouring the enraged look on Ferroense's face.

“That's quite enough Captain.” echoed the voice of the Governor Silver Scroll, ending his conversation with Moondancer. “There are no doubts from any in this chamber to your abilities, isn't that right, Commander?” Giving a pointed look at the Chevalier. Rainbow watched as Ferroense squirmed under the gaze of the Governor, in the end he caved bowing his head and saying, “Of course your grace.”

Accepting the admission, Silver Scroll turned his attention back on Rainbow Dash. “Now captain,” began Silver Scroll, “What is your personal assessment of the Heretic?”

Pushing away memories over ten years old Rainbow Answered, “Of course, Your Grace,” she said bowing, “The Heretic is of no immediate risk of endangering the population of Hannoveraner, however the induction of Her Serene Highness's Personal Student into the Enchanter is a matter of top priority to the Grandmaster and the Council. They believe it will weaken the Magisters if she is made to com-”

“I did not ask for the opinion of Gran Equus, captain.” interrupted the Governor, “I asked for your assessment. Unless, you are of the same opinion?” He asked pointedly raising a eyebrow at the Archangel captain.

Rainbow felt the tears threaten to escape her eyes, but like she had these past five years suppressed those feelings answered, “Yes your grace. I believe it to be the best interests for Equestria.”

'That's a lie you know that don't you Rainbow Dash.' A cruel voice echoed in her head, though she did her utmost to ignore it.

The Governor nodded and after conversing with Moondancer turned to Commander Ferroense, “Your presence is not required here Commander you are free to go.” Silver Scroll waved his hoof dismissively at the shocked Chevalier.

“Your Grace! I must protest-” Ferroense began to protest, but was cut short by the glare from Silver Scroll. Reluctantly he bowed his head and begrudgingly left the chamber. 'Though he is taking his sweet time doing it.' Thought Rainbow Dash, as she passively observed the Commander's slow exit through the great doors of the Throne Room.

“Now, one must remember this is the City of Secrets Captain, and information is available...for the right price.”

Rainbow Dash raised a eyebrow, “What exactly do you mean Your Grace.” Not understanding what Silver Scroll was getting at and upon sharing a glance with Moondancer, The Governor rubbed his snout in exasperation. “What do you know of the Court of Secrets captain?”

Streets of Hannoveraner

“So what makes you think your gonna find this magic mirror in Hannoveraner?” asked Selim as they walked down the street towards the Eclipse tavern after the mess with the Archangel captain.

“Well Moondancer, did give me a book for a scrying spell,” answered Twilight pointing to the book in her saddlebag. “With it I should be able to locate anything giving off a considerable magical signature in the catacombs.” Dropping her head she continued, “Maybe then I could find out what she meant by Speranza.”

“Speranza?” question Selim, “Where did you hear that?” Looking especially interested by this revelation.

Sighing Twilight looked towards the eternal twilit sun, “After the Cataclysm, about an hour or so, I received a letter from Princess Celestia, the only reason I still believe her ato be alive, the only words on it were speranza. Why?” She asked as they passed a young pegasus and a fruit stand.

“Well its just for the past few weeks,” Selim nervously began, “I have been getting these dreams of a voice telling me to find Speranza.” looking at Twilight he blushed, “I know it sounds crazy, but-”

“It's okay,” consoled Twilight stopping outside the door of the Eclipse Tavern. “Dreams can be the source of visions, maybe your mistress is trying to send you a message.” she posited being careful to remember to open the door by hoof instead of magic. “You were her most devoted servant.”

“Even if she was, we both have no idea what that means.” responded Selim, leading Twilight to a secluded booth at the back of the tavern and calling one of the barmares over.

“What can I get for you two, sugar?” asked the barmare subtly winking at Selim.

“Our usual Ursula,” asked Selim. “Think you could get us some privacy, too?” sliding a couple of bits towards the mare. Eclipse was the perfect place to have a private meeting provided you knew who to ask and had the money.

“One Gryphon Ale and Bystallion Mead, coming up, anything else Vespera?” Turing her attention to the disguised Twilight. “I know who don't down you ale without something to go with it.” Many of the staff at the Eclipse were familiar with Twilight under her rather rushed, on her part as well as mine-mostly mine, alias of Vespera Lucea. Among the regular patrons she had the reputation of being Selim's regular companion, though what that meant exactly was different depending on who you ask.

“Just the Ale tonight Ursula,” smiled Twilight, “I'm not here to drown my sorrows this time.”

“Could've fooled me the way you walked in.” Joked Ursula taking note of the orders Ursula went over to the bar to get their drinks as well as turn up the nearby radio to muffle the sounds on their conversation, leaving Selim and Twilight free to continue their earlier conversation.

“So,” began Selim in a slightly softer voice so only him and Twilight could hear, “How are you gonna preform this scrying spell, you and I both know the Chevaliers have ways of detecting large bursts of magic in the city.”

“Well, the catacombs beneath the city should shield any magical outbursts from the spell itself, but they may have patrols down there since I was spotted.” considered Twilight trying to plan out her next move. “I also have to gather the necessary reagent without causing too much alarm.”

“They can't be that magic-specific,” balked Selim, “I remember back in Canterlot you cast a spell using only a piece of string!”

“Its not the same,” explained Twilight, “that spell was a tracking spell, from when YOU stole Smarty Pants.” giving Selim a small glare who just sheepishly rubbed the back of his mane, “This spell needs the shard I have, but because it gives off it's own magical energy, I need a crystal to focus the energy so it doesn't accidentally disperse instead.”

“So?” asked Selim, “I'm sure you have thousands of crystals in your estate, we'll just go-” Before he could continue Ursula came back over with their drinks.

“One Gryphon Ale and Bystallion Mead, for the happy couple.” grinned the barmare.

“We're not a couple!” exclaimed Twilight and Selim in unison shocked by their own harmony they stared at each other and turned back to the smirking barmare.

“Keep telling yourselves that sugar.” she said, “I'll just leave you two to your little date.”

“We're not on a Date!” They exclaimed again in unison. Then turning to each other, “Stop that!”

“Me! Why don't you!”

“I told you the Stop that!”

“No! You!”

After about a minute of awkward staring and some malevolent glaring at the bar mare on Twilight's part, they went back to their conversation.

“This is ridiculous,” sighed Selim breaking the mimicry. “As I was saying all we need is to take a crystal from the Estate and we'll be good to go!”

Twilight just shook head as she took a sip of her ale, “Its still not as simple, I need at least a gem cut specifically for a ritual such as this.”

Here Selim looked nervous, “What kind of cut exactly?”

A guilty look passed over Twilight's face, “A Trilliant cut Quartz, Diamond at best.”

“As in the only type of cut you can get from The Gran Equus Enchanters?” Selim asked slowly.

“Unfortunately,” sighed Twilight laying her head on the table, “It would take weeks to track one down in the Court of Secrets and that's even if I could find a dealer willing to shut up about it.” Looking up at Selim, Twilight raised and eyebrow. “Why do you look so happy? I just told you that I can't find what I need to complete the spell.” Not really responding Selim just silently drank his mead.

“I just remembered something I left at home is all.” He said waving his hoof dismissively. “Just enjoy your drink, trust me.” giving a small smile.

Sighing Twilight just took another swig of her pint, “Fine.” The rest of the evening, or morning its difficult to tell with this eternal twilight, passed by rather quietly.

At least until a group of four walked into the Eclipse Tavern....

Hannoveraner, The Eclipse Tavern.

“FINALLY!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie as she and the Apple siblings walked into the tavern in search of this Kingfisher. “We've been walking FORREVERRR!”

“Uh Pinkie,” began Applejack giving a odd look to her strange friend, “We've only been walking for half an hour.”

“To you maybe.” scoffed Pinkie. Look Pinkie I'm sorry I took so long with this chapter, I was trying to figure out the plot!

“Likely Story!” accused Pinkie, Thankfully I had Applebloom intervene before the fourth wall collapsed again.

“So how do we find this Kingfisher?” asked Applebloom walking up between Applejack and Pinkie Pie. Thankfully, she didn't have to wait long for and answer, because on of the bar mares walked past and over heard Applebloom's question, “Oh are you looking for Kingfisher.”

“Eeyup!” Answered Big Mac, at which point the Bar mare noticed him.

“Well!” She exclaimed, “Aren't you a tall glass of handsome, what brings you to little old Eclipse?”

“Kingfisher duh!” Exclaimed Pinkie Pie as if talking to a five-year old, “We've said like three times now!”

Looking Pinkie Pie straight in the Eye, she pointed to a booth on the other side of the Tavern, “He's in the back.” and turning her gaze to Big Mac continued, “And if YOU need anything, just call me.” winking as she walked away. Shaking her head Applejack guided her brother over to the old Earth Pony Stallion suppossedly called Kingfisher. The Stallion looked up from his drink to see four Ponies interuppt his night.

“What in the nine hells of Tarturus do you want?” he asked gruffly.

Looking at those around her, Applejack stepped forward, “You Kingfisher?”

Going back to his drink, “That depends,” pausing to take a sip of his drink, “What do you need.”

“We were told you could get us some work?” asked Applejack.

“Yeah?” he answered Gruffly, “and who told you that?”

“Spike did!” giggled Pinkie Pie, “He said he'll forgive half that debt you owe him if you help us!”

“When the hay did Spike say that?” questioned Applejack looking back on her friend as two patrons from the next booth over, left the bar in a hurry actually.

“On the flight over here.” answered Pinkie with a big smile on her face.

Looking back on Kingfisher, Applejack noticed that he had a thoughtful look on his face. “So tell me mister Kingfisher,” she began taking a seat at his booth and allowing her siblings and Pinkie Pie to do the same, “Think you can get us a job?”

Smiling Kingfisher called a Bar mare, “A round of cider for me and my associates,” then turning to the Apples and Pinkie he continued, “We have much to discuss.”

After receiving their drinks and discussing a few possible business opportunities Kingfisher said this, "You may want to lay low if your trying to avoid attention from the Chevaliers. Especially in Hannoveraner" Everyone's gaze turned to Pinkie Pie who was on her twelfth pint of cider. Looking back at the attention she was receiving Pinkie crossed her hooves, "Well maybe you shouldn't get loans from dragons."

The Everfree Wilds, Everfree Forest

A small caravan cantered its way down the road from Ironhooves Fortress to Manehatten. In a caged wagon was a small family of Unicorns being forcibly transported to the Enchanters in Manehatten. The Captain looked towards the sky and saw the Moon was high in the sky and ordered his subordinates to rest and set up camp. In the mean time two of the guards went to inspect the cage, it was then that a voice was heard by the guards.

Why do you fear the woods?

What evils do you see?

What shadows dance, and birds do sing,

In the midst of the ancient trees?

A shadow darts out from the trees, one of the guards jumped at that, but is quickly hypnotized by the song.

Let tell you we are simple ponies,

Who wish to live in quiet peace.

But then why do you hunt us so?

Why is it that you fear us so?

As each of the Chevaliers fall under the song's spell, two shadows dart to the cages and frees the captured family and a blond unicorn guides then carefully from the camp towards the Everfree forest, when the Blond Unicorn mare gave the signal that the family was safe, a lone unicorn began walking towards the camp.

Is it because of our Magic?

A talent we can't control?

Is that why you feared us so?

If that so let me tell you this,

Shadows encircle the entranced Chevaliers in the heart of the camp and forward steps a white unicorn with a purple and pink mane a star and Treble Cleff for her cutie mark..

You were right to fear the Woods!

Sweetie Belle lifts her spell allowing the Chevaliers to leave their trance, but when they did it was too late. You see a chevalier's armor is a formidable construct made of the naturally magic-resistant alloy known as Canterlot Steel that was once used by the Canterlot Royal Guard. Even more dangerous was attacking a Chevalier headon as their helmets are equipped with a false horn to be used as a weapon and a mockery of the Unicorns. It is also dangerous to attack a Chevalier from behind as being Earth Ponies gives their hind legs considerable strength. The only way to strike them is to attack thier sides where the chinks in their armor is most visible. The Chevaliers in the camp that night didn't stand a chance. By the end of it Sweetie Belle looked at the camp and began to search for anything they could use like food or supplies and medicine. When her and her group were done looting the camp they made their way back to the woods.

“So,” began a light purplish-grey mare with a blond mane and a star-burst cutie mark, “Did you find anything good?”

Nodding Sweetie Belle began the walk back to the Castle with Dinky Hooves, “Did the family make it back okay?”

“A little shaken up, but other than that they're okay,” answered Dinky, “Pound and Pumpkin are taking care of them right now.”

Nodding Sweetie Belle just quietly walked back to the Castle chatting quietly with Dinky Hooves and reminiscing about the old days. When they came back to Everfree Castle, Sweetie Belle looked around and not finding her sister went up to Lyra Heartstrings who was chatting with her long time mare friend Bon-Bon.

“Oh hey Sweetie,” smiled the former harpist, “Did the raid go well? Pound and Pumpkin just came back with the family you freed.”

“Yeah, um Miss Heartstrings,” she began looking around quickly for Rarity just to make sure she didn't miss her, “Have you seen Rarity?”

Rubbing her cheek Lyra recalled her last conversation with Rarity, “I believe she had business to attend to in Hannoveraner.”

“Why?” asked Sweetie Belle as Dinky came up besides her.

“I'm not sure she didn't say.” Then looking at the look on Sweetie Belle's face she patted the younger mare's head, “Don't worry Rarity can take care of herself.”

“Yeah I guess.” accepted Sweetie Belle glumly as she and Dinky Hooves walked off to see exactly what they got from that camp.

Streets of Hannoveraner

“Whoa! Vespera wait!” exclaimed Selim as Twilight dragged him through the streets, and careful to use her alias, “Come on! Stop!”

Finally outside the Sparkle Family Estate, Twilight pulled the figurative brakes and nearly crashed Selim into the doorway. Dusting himself off from the near impact, he turned towards Twilight. “What the hay was that about!” he exclaimed, “We ran off so fast I nearly couldn't pay Rye Whiskey for the drinks!”

“Sorry, its just those ponies that walked in a few minutes ago are some of my old friends from my Ponyville days and I didn't want them to recognize me.” she explained

Raising his eyebrow Selim began walking towards his own estate, “If those are your friends then I'd hate to see how you react to enemies.” Blushing Twilight cantered to catch up with Selim.

“I'm sorry, its just with there being Archangels in town I don't want them dragged into this mess, that's why I haven't seen them in a long while.” She explained. “So what was it you wanted to show me at your estate?” Not really giving a response Selim just smiled as he led Twilight into his own Estate and guided her through the elegant Ottomane style halls to his bedchamber. Which left Twilight with a somewhat awkward moment.

“Um, I'm flattered, but I'm just not ready too-” chuckled Twilight nervously as she slowly backed out of the chambers.

“Wha-” began Selim who looked confused for a minute and then realized Twilight's discomfort, “No! Its nothing like that!” turning towards Twilight with a small chest. “This is what I wanted to show you.” Opening the chest Selim revealed,

“A Trilliant Cut Diamond!” exclaimed Twilight gazing up to Selim with a triumphant smirk on his face. “Where the hay did you get this!”

Setting the case aside Selim faced Twilight with that still triumphant smirk, “Well you remember how I was supposed to be in Gran Equus for a couple of days?” When Twilight nodded he continued, “On my first day there I was walking past the Canterlot Memorial, when I was stopped by a small filly.”

“A filly?” questioned Twilight, “Really?”

“Yes a filly, she gave me the case and said that somepony might need this in Hannoveraner. And then she flew off.” A suspicious look overcame Twilight's face at the last comment.

“So your saying that a lone pegasus filly gave you the exact gem I need and then flew off no questions asked?” Looking at the gem with a critical eye, “That doesn't strike you as just a little bit odd?”

Selim just shrugged his shoulders, “Normally it would, but there's a name embroidered on the inside of the lid.” Pointing with his hoof Selim pointed out the name on the inside of the lid, carefully woven of Cervidae silk. From Speranza.

“Speranza!” whispered Twilight. Looking back up towards Selim, “Then who was that filly?”

Again Selim just shrugged his shoulders, “Beats me, when I first saw it I thought it had something to do with my dreams, but now that you mention your letter, maybe their Serene Highnesses know they're looking for you?”

“I guess.” wondered Twilight, but put that to the back of her mind, to focus on the task at hand, “At least I can cast that scrying spell now.” Nodding Selim just glanced out the window for a couple of minutes before looking back to Twilight.

“I think you should stay here for now on.” offered Selim, keeping a perfectly straight face.

“What,” began Twilight being shaken out of her thoughts, “Why?”

“Well,” began Selim as he and Twilight began walking back to the main hall diamond in hand, “The Archangels are hunting Twilight Sparkle, where do you think they'll look first?”

Seeing nothing wrong with his logic Twilight relented, “You're right, we'll just go get my stuff then?” she asked with her hoof on the door. When Selim nodded he and Twilight walked down the street to the Sparkle Estate to gather Twilight's personal belongings and bring them to the Etconni Estate.