Chapter 6: Midnight Special

[Meanwhile in Canterlot]

The moon was set high in the sky, and the sun was sent under the horizon. Another night had now taken Equestria and painted the sky with bright purple and blue colors. Stars sparkled like tiny light bulbs in the cosmos above. Crickets chirped, owls hooted, and ponies snored sound asleep. Princess Luna looked over from her balcony at the beauty of her night across Equestria. She made sure to create more of a painted look to the sky for tonight. She smiled as she saw her moon glow behind a wave of clouds swarming the sky. It would rain soon, not something she intended for tonight but she doesn't control the weather. Luna took in a deep inhale of the cool air and released with ease. It was something her beloved sister Celestia told her would happen. Luna thought it would never come true, she always thought her mind would be plagued with the darkness that remained in her soul. For years she was tortured by the nightmares. Even after defeating the Tantubus, Luna still experienced nightmares that she didn't conjure. It didn't help the fact because of the incidents with Sombra, Chrysalis, and Tirek. Then, their was the dreams of Jason. The dreams of his slaughter to everyone he met. Ever since the spirit of Star Swirl the Bearded showed the deeds her friend committed, Luna was having a hard time believing it was the same hero. She the heard the voice of Star Swirl in her head.

"Luna, a plague is coming Equestria. A plague...that can not be purged."

Luna signed and sat in a chair she had on the balcony. She placed a hand over her face and rubbed her temple. After she awoke in her room after her and her old friends conversation, Luna immediately went to check on the mask that was on display in the throne room. It was still there, still badly damaged. Someday, she would have it repaired to its original state. However the materials the mask is made of are extremely rare. Apparently plastic wasn't made much in Equestria. Luna signed and placed the artifact back inside the glass case. She signed. It had been five years since her and Celestia placed that mask behind the case. Ever since then, its seen as a holy relict to those who wish to replace Jason. To continue his endless bounty of slaughter with nothing but satisfaction as reward. Luna wished the problem had been stopped years ago, however it the incidents only started last year. She still remembers the day when the first three impostures Interrupted a wedding.

The sun that day was shined in the sky and the air was warm. Luna remembered where she was when it happened. She was sitting next to her sister while the couple were exchanging vows. They looked so happy together. Ready to start a family. Celestia and her were silent for most of the wedding. Just watching and congratulating the soon-to-be newly weds. Luna didn't know them personally, but she knew the groom was a solar guard at the castle. In the audience below, the groom and brides family were posted on opposite sides of the room. Twilight and her friends were seated in the very front of the crowd. Everything was running as it should've. However it changed in an instant when Luna spotted a strange figure out of the corner of her eye standing in the far back of the ballroom. The figure shrouded itself in darkness, not wanting to be seen. But Luna saw him, and she was suspicions. She then saw another figure dash behind the couples pedestal. Now she was concerned. Luna leaned into her sister.

"Tia...do you-"

"I do." the bride announced.

The preacher announced smiled and stepped back. Allowing the two to share a passionate kiss. The audience cheered with enormous amounts of joy and excitement for the two. The couple held hands as they walked down from the ceremonial pedestal and toward the door leading out of the ballroom. However, a figure stepped out from the shadows and stood in front of the two. The figure wore a pitch black hoodie with blue pants. The figure wore a hood over his head as he addressed the two.

"This must be such wonderful day for you two." he said.

Luna felt a chill run down her spine. The way that figure addressed them didn't feel right. The hooded figure lifted his hood down, revealing a shocking sight. He wore a makeshift mask from what looked like a paper plate. The figure spoke with malice in his voice as he drew a large blade from his back.

"To bad it has to end early!"

A sudden blood curtailing scream snapped Luna's head to the to the right to see two more of the masked ponies come from the shadows with blades in their hands. They then charged the crowd, swinging the blades in their hands at any poor soul that would be their unfortunate target. The crowd scattered like roaches across the ballroom. Some running toward the door to escape. However, the masked pony at the front slashed any poor pony that came running toward him. He slit the throat of one pony, killing her instantly. He stabbed the chest of a mare, throwing her body to the ground. Then, he targeted the couple. Luna could swear she could see the malice smile under that mask as he charged the couple. Luna thanked Faust the groom was a trained guard. He grabbed the masked pony and threw him over his shoulder onto his neck. The groom grabbed his bride by the wrist and the two quickly made a sprint for the exit. The other two attackers, after killing their fare share of innocents, chased after the couple.

Luna remembered rushing the two with her sister as the two grew closer to the couple. Celestia attempted to grab one of them with her magic but the psychopath quickly turned and shouted at her. "Piss off bitch!" he then threw his dagger which pierced Celestia's collar bone.

Luna only looked back for a minute but it cost her focus as a vicious slash was delivered to her side, nearly hitting a vital organ. She fell to the ground, holding her bleeding side. Luna attempted to get up but one of the psychopaths decided he wasn't done and kicked Luna in her chin, knocking her over and onto her back. The attacker got on top of her and tried to thrust his dagger into her chest. Luna grabbed the blade of the dagger just as it was being swung down. The blade was digging deep in the princesses hand and growing closer to her heart. Without any choice, Luna unleashed a stream of magic into the psychopaths face. The limp body fell onto Luna like a heavy meat sack. She quickly kicked it off her and returned her attention to the other two. However when she looked up, it had already been to late. The couple were brutally murdered and the rest of the psychos escaped.

Luna was trying her hardest not to cry. She looked into the empty eyes of Jason's mask and wondered. What might have Equestria been like if he was still around. Maybe these psychopaths wouldn't be around and innocent ponies wont have to die because of it. Since his death, many other ponies didn't want to go down the oath others took. Instead, they tried finding ways to bring him back from the dead. However with monstrous results that needed to be destroy. Luna wondered of a magic book somewhere had the power to bring him back. That way, these impostures and wizards can stop making decisions that could potentially destroy other ponies lives. The princess took one last look at the glass case and walked away from it.

The night was almost over and Luna needed to quickly make her way up to her room. Using her wings, Luna glided toward her tower. In a matter of seconds she arrived. She was greeted by her sister Celestia, waiting by for her to arrive. Luna landed in front of her older sister and tow exchanged smiles.

"Tia! I'm glad to see you here already!" Luna said.

Celestia laughed and returned the greeting. "As I am glad to see you Lulu."

The two stepped into the night princesses room and walked toward the balcony window. Luna spread open the glass doors to the balcony, allowing her sister to pass. She followed behind just as she crossed. The two princesses stood there. Looking over the night of Equestria. Luna forgot how long they were there, just starring at the land. Waiting for the time to come to raise the sun and lower the moon.

"Luna...I've been thinking about what you said." Celestia suddenly said.

The princess of the night snapped her head to her sister with a look of curiosity.

"About my what I asked, yes?"

Celestia nodded. She reached into a small coin purse she had around her waist and pulled out a small black crystal. Luna's eyes grew with excitement. She quickly reached for the crystal until her sister quickly hid it behind her back.

"You need to promise me Luna." Celestia looked down at her younger sister with a nervous look in her eyes. Luna looked up at her sister, her full attention grabbed. "Don't let the dark magic in this crystal overcome you...please promise me!"

The younger alicorn clasped her sisters hand with her own pair and looked deep into her eyes.

"Cely...I've learned to harness this type of magic since I sealed Nightmare Moon away. I promise thee, I shall not fail."

Author's Note

I wonder what she'll use that crystal for