Chapters Chessmaster through Life and Shadows
"It has been far too long... Too long sInce my mother was taken away from me. Too long since that witch they call "prIncess" took the throne that was not rightfully hers. Too long since she poisoned her subjects with lies about my dear mother.
However, in that time I have grown. I have slowly gained strength, and always keeping a close eye on my enemy, and I have amassed many forces who wish to see the Sun tyrant dethroned. Now, as the time of my mother's freedom grows near, I must play my part to ensure that she will not interfere; to ensure the tools used to take her away from me will never be used again.
I must orchestrate a series of events that will no doubt gain her attention. My advanced magic is unlike any kind she's ever seen, excluding that pathetic student of hers. She will no doubt want to explore the possibilities for my potential, and when she does, I will be that much closer to my goal. The game has begun Celestia, and I'm already five steps ahead of you... I am the daughter of Nightmare Moon, leader of the Children of the Night, and soon all of Equestria will belong to mother once more..."
Rainbow Dash soared over the spires of Canterlot, unseen, as befit her heritage, when in a sudden flash of light she found herself held in a golden field of magic and teleported into a tea room within the great castle.
"Rainbow Dash, only begotten daughter of my sister," Said Celesia with her usual infuriatingly smug tone. "Your mother will return in only a few short years and I feel it's time we sat down and had an amiable chat... for once."
"So, you aren't going to go off somewhere and ignore me like what has happened for basically my whole life?" Rainbow, highly irritated at the very pony that caused her so much pain and anger over the years, asked while sitting. The fact that she was the niece to the Sun Goddess was lost on her, replaced by a deep boiling hellfire of negative emotions that made any changeling within 5 miles run in fear.
Being the Bearer of Loyalty meant that she would stay loyal to her mother, no matter the consequence or sacrifice involved between her and the followers of her mother. It was a loyalty she would carry to her grave. It also ensured that the Elements would never be used to send her mother away again, for without all 6 they were nothing more than a decorative jewelry piece, and since she would never betray her mother Equestria would be defenseless.
"My dear niece," Celestia said while pouring a cup of tea for her 'guest'. "I have only ever had the best interests of you and your mother at heart. After what happened with her, I've tried to stay out of your life as much as possible. I've always been here for you, but I have been content to let you find your own path. "
"Liar!" Rainbow Dash shot back. "All you want to do is to have her under your hoof again. To be the obedient, submissive, little mare she was a thousand years ago!" Rainbow's slotted eyes then went from magenta to scarlet and bared her fangs. However, she should have known better than to try anything with Celestia's full attention on her because an instant later she was gagged and binders on her wings prevented flight.
Celestia sighed with an unamused look as she removed the gag and binders. "Now will you behave Dashielle?..." The fact Celestia used her actual first name, not the one on public record, grabbed Rainbow's attention. The look she was giving the cyan batpony was stern but also filled with concern.
Rainbow then throttled her rage while only focusing on the bad parts of the look, the fact she was just briefly gaged added fuel to the fire.. "What's next? Chains? A bit and bridle? You want me harnessed into your schemes, your plans. Just like you tried to snare Mother in them, but she fought you, and I'll fight you for as long as I draw breath." The cyan mare paused then bowed her head. "However, Mother taught me to realize when a fight was lost; you've got a captive audience, Auntie so why don't you talk already."
"I really do pity you Dashielle Prism Nova, my dear niece, heir to the Lunar reign when your mother retires; I can understand your hatred of me because I hate myself for having to do what I did..." Celestia then shed a few tears as her voice softened to guilt ridden. "...and I regret it every moment of my life...just like how it pains me I can't cure you of your curse."
Rainbow was taken aback, caught off guard by the one thing that she swore on her Element that Celestia would not find out, making the elder princess nod in understanding. However, an imaged flashed in the batpony's mind of situation that had caused her aunt to find out, but the consequences only helped to secure the Children of the Night's foothold in Equestria.
"Dear," Celestia continued. "In your mother's absence I look after every pony's dreams remember? Once I saw the reoccurring nightmare you used to have about that encounter I banished it away. I'm sure your remember that night a few hundred years ago, where you. came to me sick, and I did my part in helping you nurse back to health. In fact, that tea you seem to be enjoying has my blood in it."
Rainbow went to speak but Celestia continued. "There is one advantage you now have, it is really a blessing in disguise because you will never look older than you are now, plus you will live as long as me and my dear sister. Ponies can change Dashielle, I know your mother will eventually forgive me, but I also know when she returns we will fight. Is it a fight that I want to do? Faust knows I don't, but it has been fated from the day I started shunning her that this would happen. 1000 years is a long time to most but a mere blink of an eye to immortals, however this time has felt like an eternity and then some. I truly miss Lulu honey, if I knew then what I do know I would have never pushed her away and everything would be different. Just as I have forgiven your mother and want to give her a second chance, I wish you would do the same to me."
"I-I'm sorry auntie...but I just can't..." Despite keeping a steeled outward demeanor, Rainbow was mentally weeping. "Unless my mother forgives you I never will, but if she somehow does then I will. Now, if you'll excuse me, I got to go have a full meal, but thanks for the drink."
With that remark, Rainbow spread her leathery wings and took off out the window to meet up with her mother's inner circle.
Chessmaster through Life and Shadows
Rainbow flew as fast as her wings could carry her towards her base, however she wasn't fully focused on her hatred for her aunt; no, instead she was thinking about Celestia's words and it brought up a few painful memories...
-997 years ago-
A 13 year old Rainbow Dash was laying on her bed with nothing else to do. Since her school work and chores were both finished and she was too young for service, she had developed a bad habit of wanting to sleep more than a normal pegasus should. She looked to the fruit bowl on the night stand and started drooling when her eyes rested on a nice ripe and juicy mango. Even though she could have simply bit into it, she felt like having it sliced so she put it on her back where it would not fall and started to trot towards the kitchen. As she slowly trotted down the vacant hallways, her ears picked up on what sounded like her mother and aunt arguing. Now sidetracked from her initial quest and curiosity blocking the sound of her growling stomach, she made her way to where the argument was originating from. She turned the corner and froze at the sight, both her mom's and aunt's horns were ablaze with magic and it looked like a standstill.
"I am sorry it came to this Lulu but you have left me no choice..." Celestia said as tears started flowing down her cheeks and she summoned six stones that started to rapidly swirl around her.
Dash paled. "It can't be...THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY?!?! I thought those were just a myth! " To her absolute horror, the Elements shone brightly before a rainbow beam fired at her mother and when the glow died down only her aunt was there.
"For the next 1,000 years I will mourn our parting dear sister...until we meet again..." Celestia hung her head and turned around, freezing when she realized her niece had witnessed what she just did and another wave of guilt rippled from her soul and through her whole form before being visibly seen as a shudder as she slowly approached the pegasus. "Dash, my dear niece, this isn't what it looks like..."
A violent torrent of emotions then coursed through Dash's mind, body, and soul before settling on anger and killing any love and respect she had for Celestia. "NO! " In a fit of rage, Dash spread her wings and hit her aunt at top speed, sending the now-sole Equestrian leader through a wall and into the courtyard below. "HOW COULD YOU!?!? HOW DARE YOU?!? I thought you loved me and mom but it is apparent that you are a greedy pony who only loves power and praise! I hate you!" As if fate wasn't a cruel enough mistress, one of the Elements, Loyalty if Dash remembered correctly from what she had read, appeared around her neck; this new development further enraged the cyan mare, forever to bear one of the weapons that stole her mother away.
"Dashielle please let me ex-" Celestia tried to plead but was silenced by Dash using her forehooves to land blow after blow against her jaw, taking every single one without a fight considering she was already regretting what she did. 10 minutes later Dash jumped off her and took off into the night, when she left Celestia teleported to her bedchamber and started to weep in sorrow. Meanwhile, Dash just arrived at the headquarters of her mother's elite guards.
"Major Blackwing please let me enter, this is a Code Eclipse situation!" No sooner than she had said the last word she found herself inside surrounded by Luna's closest guards, each looking eager to find out what could be so important to issue such a high level alert. "My dear aunt has banished my mother to the moon using the Elements of Harmony...Loyalty has apparently decided me to be its master..."
All the guards hung their heads in a moment of silence before Blackwing spoke. "In that case Princess Nova you are the new commander of the Lunar guard, we are your command your highness," Every guard then bowed to Dash before Blackwing continued. "However I do not think you are ready to rule as you currently are, your body needs training."
Dash mentally leapt for joy hearing that, her dream of serving finally becoming a reality. Even with her practically squealing she kept an emotionless outward complexion. "How much training is going to be required?"
Blackwing slightly smirked. "A lot Commander Nova, it will be intense mental and physical training and years before it will be done. Now I must ask, do you want a mango to celebrate your recent promotion?"
"Sure, why not?" Dash said with a shrug as she followed Blackwing to the kitchen area of the shack, where he hoofed her a mango and a vial of yellow liquid marked "Flavor enhancer #9". Having had tried that solution before, and in her opinion worked the best, she poured the solution onto the mango and bit into it. As always, the flavor was magnified tenfold, but the moment it hit her stomach she knew something was wrong as a burning sensation started to build and make her double over in pain and her ears developed tuffs at the ends. "What...what's happening to me?!?!" She demanded as she felt fangs start to grow from her upper and lower jaws.
"Something I had been secretly planning since our Highness and leader informed us of her plan to face Celestia." Blackwing explained with a soft chuckle. "You see, unlike her, I saw clearly enough to know that Commander Luna would lose the fight. You are...excuse me, were a pegasus and in all honestly only Threstrals, Commander Luna being the only exception, are meant to lead us. To make a long story short you are turning into one of us Dashielle."
Dash heard every word but was too focused on the pain in her wings to act, they twitched and wildly flapped as the feathers fell out and the skin underneath toughened and reshaped becoming bat-like and there was pressure in her eyes as they changed as well. However that happened next was something nopony expected, Dash started to shiver. "I feel...co-cold..." After a few minutes panic set in as she literally felt her heart stop, but it was replaced by confusion since she didn't seem affected, that is until she started to have a new craving. "I wonder what you taste like Bkackwing..." She said with a hungry look in her eyes, which turned scarlet, and slowly approached him and making him gulp in realization.
"Sweet Celestia....VAMPONY! " He had no time to react as Dash bared down in him and sunk her fangs into his neck, the others to paralyzed in fear and shock to move to help the poor Major as she started sucking. Unfortunately, the bite seemed to have a numbing sensation since he collapsed to the floor unable to feel his legs and a few moments later his vision went dark and he took his last breath.
"Well this was unexpected..." Dash said licking the blood from her muzzle, savoring every last drop as her new instincts took over and then proceeded to look to the others. "So who's next...." Everyone of them headed for the door at the same time, which made them end up in a ball of tangled body parts and say a silent prayer as the new Madame of the Night descended upon them.
Chessmaster through Life and Shadows
-500 years ago...in a time far, far away-
Time had been a cruel mistress to Rainbow, in the centuries that had passed since that fateful night she had seen so many ponies close to her pass on. This hardened her to the point that she no longer felt pity or sadness just pain, suffering, and lonly misery. One night, as she now often did, she started thinking about different things that had happened to her over the course of her life.
Way back when she first became a vampony, it had been rough the first few weeks. There were two good examples of this, the first was experiencing the smell of burning fur and flesh when she accidentally stumbled upon a garlic festival in Manehatten. Considering the doctor had never seen somepony in her conditon before, she was lucky to pass it off as a lifelong food allergy while being treated at the hospital. The other example was the first time she had forgotten to drink blood at regular intervals.
"So hungry..." Dash moaned while curled up in the fetal position, her stomach wrecked with pain. "No matter how much I eat I can't stop the pain...."
A mockingbird landed on a nearby tree branch and, being desperate, she launched and ate the bird. As she was eating, she noticed something different; yes the meat was good, but the blood was making her feel reenergized. "Oh, yeah, I'm a vampony now. I must... have... blood..."
She quickly formed a deep unclenched thirst and promptly raided the Ponyville blood bank after finally giving into her desire. That raid was fun for her for two reasons, the first being she wasn't caught and safely fled into the night. The second was she was hiding in plain sight and mentally enjoying every moment of mass hysteria, because every one of her stunts caused the citizens of Ponyville, Canterlot, and Cloudsdale to go into a frenzy.
A couple centuries later, she met a mare by the name of Windy Whistles. Windy was a long-since-retired guard who believed in the Lunar Republic's cause and decided to take Rainbow under her wing to teach her how to spread pro-Luna propaganda. At first, it was simply a teacher-student type bond with Rainbow following Windy's instructions.
"Remember your training Commander, you do this one on your own, show me what you have learned." Windy whispered as they were scouting their target, a businesspony with a tuxedo, top hat, and tie. It was near dusk so the streets had now become more occupied with "shadier" ponies who 83% of the time were up to no good. However, this pony was different, and after some digging they discovered he was a noble with an important role with the Board of Public Opinion; the committee who gave public concerns of the wider population to Celestia herself.
"On it Windy." Dash then trotted out of her hiding spot and approached the pony. "Hello sir, do you mind if I ask you a question?"
The stallion nodded. "I don't see why not, and don't call me sir, my name is Quill Step. Unlike most nobles, I am not snooty and prefer to mingle with the ponies who live here, much nicer than the flankholes on the court committees. Anyways, what is the question that you wish to ask me Miss Threstal?"
"Just call me Novi, please," Rainbow said, her ears flickering around to make sure there were no evesdroppers. "And the question I want to ask is this: I know you're on the BoPO, is everypony happy with Princess Celestia's rule and do they think Princess Luna should return?"
Quill's eyes widened. "Wait, is that you Princess Nova?" When the threstal gulped, that was the only answer he needed, so he leaned in for a whisper. "There are many rumors about you princess. Some say you are a myth, others say you're just a story made to scare little foals into listening to their parents. Always lurking in the shadows, waiting for your next victim. Truth be told, I am unsatisfied, and I am not the only one."
Windy, curious as to the delay, came over to them and soon Dash and Windy learned that nearly a fifth of the population within Canterlot's borders was growing tired of Celestia and wanted Nightmare Moon to return and claim her rightful place on the throne.
Over time, the bond between teacher and student was soon complicated by Dash's changing feeling towards the "older" mare. The factor behind this change would seem insignificant to somepony who didn't know the threstal, but considering the Element of Loyalty bonded to her it altered her perspective and showed her minor things that could change another's viewpoint once explained in detail. In this case, while at a hot spring one day Dash looked at Windy in closer detail and saw not only was Windy roughly the same build, but also had a very similar coat color to herself. This got her to start thinking about other things, like how Windy treated her, and she realized that Windy acted like a mother towards her. From that day forward Dash looked at Windy more and more like a mother figure, which terrified her.
"I say this last run was the best one yet Dash!" Windy beamed as the two returned to their house under the cover of darkness. "The tide is changing, between our efforts and the ones of your guards, soon Sunbutt will fall."
"Civil unrest can only go so far, I would have to be the placeholder ruler until my mom comes back from her banishment..." Dash said as she put down her saddlebags and plopped down on the couch and Windy could tell something was off just by Dash's body language.
"What is wrong little Prism? You seem to be down as of late, wanna talk?" Windy wrapped a wing around the smaller Threstal, pulling Rainbow in for a tight hug as she glanced out the window to the moon that bared the image of the Princess of the Night. "I know life has been hard for you since your incident all those centuries ago, but look on the bright side, the wait is halfway over. It really is a shame I will not have the pleasure to meet her, my bones will have long since crumbled to dust by then and I will be nothing more than another memory..."
She trailed off when she heard Dash sniffling, quietly crying into Windy's coat. "I know that you don't like talking about those things litttle one, but facts are facts, and until my last breath I promise to be here for you in anyway I can... you know that."
"Uh huh..." Rainbow's tone was soft and cracked, the vampony's tears gone but her sobs remained. "It is just that you have been like a second mother to me, what have I done to deserve that? You took me under your wing to help spread my mom's influence, but in that time..."
The figurative lightbulb of realization lit up over Windy. "You have come to see me as a second mother and don't want me replacing your own..." A small nod confirmed the statement, making Windy pull Dash closer by tightening the hug. "Listen, I never had a foal to raise so believe me when I say that I know how you are feeling and I have no intention to replace your mother. You are a strong mare in your own right, and have a status higher than this old citizen, and until my death I will serve as your personal bodyguard."
Dash bolted up straight and stared at the pegasus in shock. "I can't ask you to do that, do you realize what you will be getting yourself into Mrs. Whistles by being in that position? I care about you too much to place you in that kind of danger and besides, I have more than one qualified guard that could easily fill that roll."
"If that is the case, then why haven't you assigned one yet?" Windy smirked. Dash was about to reply but the pegasus held up a hoof to continue. "You don't need to answer considering I already know why, you don't want to hurt any of their feelings by choosing one over another. Think about my proposition carefully and you will notice that it is the best solution considering all the options available. Instead of having to "pick favorites", choose me, that way nopony's feelings get hurt, and you seem to be forgetting I am a former guard myself. I may be middle aged, but I can still kick flank and take names, so what do you say Commander Nova?"
"Alright Lieutenant Whistles, you win and are now my personal bodyguard..." Dash said in resigned defeat, knowing there was no way to talk the stubborn mare in front of her out of her decision. "I will inform the others shortly."
Windy saluted with a wing and bowed. "Thank you Commander, I will do my best to fulfill my duties. Now for a change of subject, I think it is time we spread our influence further out, Manehatten to be exact. I have a friend that will be escorting us to there, he arrives in an hour so go prepare your things."
"Ok Lieutenant see you then." Dash went to her room moving at a quarter canter to gather up her needed possessions for such a long trip and by the time she was finished the hour was nearly up. Looking from room to room as she neared the front parlor and having no luck finding Windy, she glanced out the window overlooking the street. It was through the window that she saw Windy on the corner of the nearest intersection standing by the Monastery of the Moon. Grabbing her things and securing her saddlebags firmly at her sides, she headed outside and locked the door behind her while keeping an eye on her surroundings. A thick eerie fog had settled in, the moonlight glistening off the dew drops like millions upon millions of stars as Dash, moving as quiet as a church mouse, slowly made her way towards Windy.
"Ah, you came just in time Dash..." Windy said when Dash reached her. "For he, and the hour, have come..."
The bell rung, signaling the midnight hour had creeped over the land like a silent blanket, and as Dash looked down the street a figure was slowly approaching in the fog. This, combined with the worshippers in the Monastery chanting and the bell slowly ringing made a shiver penetrate all the way to Dash's core and scared her to the point she thought her heart beated for a few seconds.
The figure's pace was deliberately slow, the closer he approached the more fear gripped the terrified threstal. By the time he finally came up to them the bell had stopped ringing, the fog had mysteriously dispersed, and silence had befallen the streets once more... unless you counted Dash's teeth chattering in terror.
"So..." He said in a deep, thick tone that completed the perception he was Death ponyfied, the look he was giving Dash made the vampony nearly kee from being scared straight. "This is the one you were talking about Windy?..."
"Yes indeed." Windy nodded before looking back to Dash. "This is my friend Crypt Keeper, the local gravespony, and he will be our escort to Manehatten. Trust me, you have nothing to be scared of Commander so please try and relax."
"Indeed..." Crypt Keeper replied tipping the hood of his cloak in respect. "With me guiding you both, I can sure safe travels Your Highness...I would be a pretty damn stupid stallion if I led the Madame of the Night into trouble. Although I work around dead bodies, I have no plans on joining them anytime soon..."
"Al-alright..." Dash said with a slight gulp as she attempted to calm her rattled nerves. "So which path will you be taking us on for Windy to arrange an escort? Besides, I need to let my guards that are stationed throughout Canterlot know where I am at just in case as a backup plan."
"No, nopony is to know this path... just tell your guards you are heading to Manehatten, nothing more and nothing less... If they press for details order them to stand down, simple as that. As for the path we are taking..." He paused to briefly chuckle, once again sending shivers down Dash's spine. "There truly is nothing to dread... when you can trot in the land of the dead..."
Dash initially was going to make a horrified remark, but considering she was already dead she paused to think, rubbing a hoof under her chin. " 'when you can trot in the land of the dead...' hmmm, considering that you are a gravespony, we are going to be going through graveyards?"
Crypt Keeper nodded. "Indeed so, well done figuring that out, now go let your guards know where you are going and hurry back." Dash took off and, after giving the nearest guard to them an update, returned to them. "5 minutes, not bad Madame."
Dash smiled. "Thanks, I take great pride in my speed, now shall we be going?" Crypt Keeper nodded and slowly trotted towards the graveyard, Windy and Dash in tow. Once they reached the premises he led them to a mausoleum that seemed to be in ill repair, it was the only grave that was in that state so it stood out like a sore hoof. Without saying a word, Crypt Keeper opened the door and motioned them inside. The door groaned when being closed and the three were inside, as if it was upset it had been from its' peaceful sleep. "So what now?" Dash asked in the pitch black darkness. It was dark to the point that, even with her enhanced low-light vision, she was having trouble making out shapes.
Crypt Keeper sighed. "This is... my family's vault... before my mom died I made her a promise, until my time is up I will lead ponies safely through the land of the dead..." His horn then glowed and a screech similar to a hoof in chalkboard reverberated through the tight space, sending Dash to the floor from her ears ringing. It lasted just seconds, and when it stopped Dash and Windy saw Crypt Keeper had moved the marble casket in the middle of the room, revealing a tunnel underneath. "Jump in and we will continue our journey underground." The pegasus and threstal nodded and jumped in, Crypt Keeper sealing the entrance back shut and taking lead, using the soft glow from his horn like a lanturn before speaking in a soft whisper. "Follow and keep quiet, for the dead need peace and respect..."
Dash was about to question him until they turned the corner, the glow from Crypt's horn illuminated both walls, which were lined from floor to ceiling with neatly stacked skeletons. "The Canterlot Catacombs... I have heard about this place but I thought it was only a myth, I remember mom telling me something about if your soul is pure you will pass through with no problems. Now I will find out for sure if she was right..."
She could see a faint gleam from wards imbedded in the walls, positioned in a way that the untrained eye would easily miss them, and much to her relief nothing happened when they passed through. They trotted along in silence for what felt like an eternity before a ladder came into view. "Where are we?" Dash asked puzzled.
"Up the ladder you will find yourself in an abandoned hut, go out the front door and head north. An hours flight from here is the railroad tracks, meet me there. I would teleport all three of us but unfortunately I only mastered self teleportation if I try and teleport others and it gets...messy..."
In a flash of magic Crypt was gone, leaving Dash and Windy all alone. "Ready Lieutenant?"
"Yes, Commander, I will follow your lead." The two climbed up and took off heading north after leaving out the front door. "I bet you are curious as to how me and him first met, well it is a sad story but I will give you the condensed version. 25 years ago when I was still a fresh muzzled guard my husband died of feather flu, it completely crushed me because he was the love of my life, my soulmate. After the funeral was over and everypony went home, he came up to cover the casket and try and get me to leave. When I refused, he sat beside me and let me fully release all my built up emotions and let me express how my outlook on life was.
"He told me everything was going to be alright, I had to keep my chin up and continue on because that is what my husband would have wanted me to do. Hay, when I finally calmed down he used his magic to open the lid just so I could kiss my loved one for one final time. We covered the casket together and afterwards, due to it being dark, he let me stay with him for the night.
"I cried myself to sleep, and the next morning when I heard the morning birds sing as Celestia's sun rose above the horizon, I actually had a smile on my muzzle and felt at peace. Remember Dash, no matter who you are or what happens, it is always nice to have a wither to cry on and have somepony who will listen to you to help you through life."
Dash was floored, not only from the story but also the sound advice. "I will try to remember that Windy, thank you for sharing that since I can tell that is something you really don't like talking about based off your tone."
"No I don't like talking about it, but you are quite welcome." By this time the two had reached the tracks, and as promised Crypt was there waiting for them. He motioned the two into the nearby bush and fell quiet, that is until they heard a train whistle.
"We jump on board when the open cart passes by, I scouted the train schedule when Windy hired me to be the escort. The train that is approaching is carrying empty carts to be loaded with cakes at Manehatten's Bluebit Bakery, each cart is open to make sure the refrigeration system doesn't freeze before the cakes are put in them. Make sure to aim for the 5th cart because it has a special compartment we can hide in, which I discovered during recon."
He was silenced by the train coming towards them at a thunderous pace, close enough now to where the ground beneath them was vibrating. When the moment was right they jumped, each landing safely in the cart and Crypt lead them into the compartment, which he closed shut and they all drifted off to sleep while waiting for their destination to draw near.
Author's Note
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Chessmaster through Life and Shadows
-Train ride to Manehatten-
All was quiet in the compartment where the stowaways were packed liked sardines. The clickity clack... clickity clack... acting like a soothing metronome, with Windy and Crypt Keeper already falling victim to its wonderful siren song. With Dash being Madame of the Night, she had more of an immunity than the others, but even she was starting to succumb to its lullaby. The beat echoed in her ears and soothed her brain, taking with it the troubles of her mission as she drifted off to sleep...
~~~Dreamscape ~~~
Dash looked at her surroundings in puzzlement, for this dream was unlike any other she’d had before. Everything she saw in her vision felt familiar but looked different. The polished marble floors allowed her to see her reflection, a view she hated, but had to come to terms with as a sign of her Auntie Tia's betrayal. The ornate tapestries and glimmering stained glass windows made her think that she was in Canterlot Castle, but the distant howl of timberwolves made her do a double take.
She realized she was in Everfree Forest, in the Castle of Two Sisters, a place she had only visited once in her short lifetime. All was quiet as the clock struck twelve times, signaling it was midnight. She started exploring, and before she knew it 3 a.m. had arrived. During those three hours, she found nopony, which made the castle seem abandoned so she trotted for the balcony. The full moon shone a graceful glow over the courtyard below her, where ponies hadgathered in nice organized rows. Each pony was wearing a lovely robe of purple silk, trimmed in silver, and it clung to their forms like a second skin. The moment they spotted her they lowered themselves into a bow, which further confused the thestral.
"At ease everypony," She said blinking once, then twice, as everypony stood to attention and saluted as her order coursed through the crowd. "none of you have to bow to me."
A young unicorn colt, who could not have been older than fifteen, stepped forward and raised his voice loud enough so Dash could hear. "Oh but we do Your Highness, for you alone are going to restore what is right! You have come to free us from Princess Celestia's tyrannical hoof and restore true peace upon Equestria, and for that we are forever thankful, and will follow your commands Madame Nova. We have gone before Princess Celestia for each of the past three days to convince her to let our Princess return, but she refuses to see reason."
"We shall go at daybreak," Dash addressed after a few moments of indecision. "but for now everypony rest. A better future, one of eternal night, is on the horizon. My dear auntie will pay for her tyranny and we, the followers of my mother Nightmare Moon, shall take what is rightfully ours. Day will fall to night, the sun will no longer shine, and my mother will again walk amongst us!"
A thunderous chorus of cheers and the stomping of hooves greeted this proclamation, and it echoed through the courtyard and into the surrounding forest. The shock wave from the hooves stomping in unison was like a miniature Equisquake, and caused the nocturnal animals that called Everfree their home to head for cover. Most of the citizens who had greeted her went to sleep shortly after, a few staying up to keep watch, and Dash retired to the bedchamber deep in thought.
"I know this is a dream, but I'm going to see where this goes..." Dash thought to herself as she layed in the queen sized bed. "If I can beat her in this realm, I can take her out personally. Oh how sweet my vengeance will be for her betrayal, my mother will rule and I can be finally happy again! "
True to her word, when the day came, Dash lead the ponies of Equestria who followed her and Nightmare Moon to present themselves before Celestia. Dash stayed among them to present herself before the Princess as well, for she wanted to handle this matter personally. When Celestia spotted Dash her jaw dropped. "Dash, my dear niece, where have you come from? It has been so long since that fateful night."
"Where I have come from you ask...I have come from roaming about the night and walking around Equestria during it." Dash replied in a cold tone as she stepped forward. "In the time since your betrayal I have come to be known by many names Auntie, but I answer to being called Madame Nova. Some of my subjects have told me they have came to you for the past three days concerning my mother's return, and it is that matter that draws me here since you refuse to abide the request."
Celestia chewed her bottom lip as she pretended to muse in thought. When she had heard the crowd approaching as she rose from slumber, she had already knew why they were coming. The 500th anniversary of Luna's banishment was close and they wanted their princess back, but Celestia had remained steadfast in her decision. Deep down she wanted her sister back, just as much as they did. Their separation pained her and made her heart ache, but she also knew when Fate had decreed their paths would cross again.
Seeing Dash among the citizens, looking and sounding like a true and absolute leader, made her mind race. A figurative light bulb went off as a possible loophole struck her like a thunderbolt. "I could not help but notice that you referred to the Children of the Night as your subjects... how could you lay claim to that? Dost thee not consider my dear sister Lulu as the more fit ruler? A leader who is more perfect than myself, and will lead you to a better tomorrow by improving on the already existing peace on this land?"
"I lay claim in her name, as I'm her daughter," Dash answered the Princess of the Sun not as an equal, but as a ruler talking to an inferior. "and they all see me as their leader in my mother's unfortunate and uncalled for absence. I believe thou are scared Auntie, for I know deep down my mother is not scared of thyself. For thou hast cast her aside to have everypony worship you, when it was her that kept everypony happy by banishing their nightmares and watched over their dreams. Yet thou received all the credit, credit that belongs to the true Princess of Equestria! Bring her forth and unto our hooves, and soon everypony in Equestria will spit in thy face, and not even as much chew cud in the direction thou trot. Even the worshipers of thy sun will eventually come to love the coolness and comfort eternal night will bring."
Being the old and wise ruler that she was, Celestia knew better than to tempt or anger Fate. She also knew Destiny had foretold the battle not being for another five centuries, not sooner nor later, and had to play the delicate balance and keep the status quo until the true moment of her sister’s return. However, she also thought this would be a good life lesson for Dash by teaching her patience, that everything happens for a reason, and not to rush things before their time.
"Fine, Madame Nova ," Celestia said making sure everypony sensed her disdain at the self-proclaimed title of her undead niece. "I shall listen and put your mother in charge for now. I give you this warning, I am putting her in your hooves and yours only , for everything she does, you will be held accountable. You and your followers wanted eternal night, so now my sun's warmth shall never again be felt by anypony. If your mother gets too out of hoof, immediately come wake me, for I will cast a sleeping spell on myself that only you can break. Until this lesson is learned, farewell, for in an hour your mother will return. Leave now, and go alert the populace as the final preparations are made. So here, on the sixth day of the sixth month in the sixth year of this solar cycle, I turn control of Equestria over to my sister Princess Luna."
Dead silence persisted as Celestia retired, leaving the gathered ponies to look at Dash with great anticipation. The mare was frozen, shocked to her core, her brain running a million miles a second. She had lucid dreamed before, but this was different and felt too real, and it seemed a little too easy. She was snapped back to attention by the colt from the previous night tapping her withers.
"Are you ok Madame Nova?" He asked with concern in his tone, his muzzle twisted and became downcast with a look of deep worry.
"Yes... I am," Dash said as she got her thoughts and emotions back under control, once again able to think clearly. "Most of the townsponies should be getting up about this time, let us go forth and bring them the good news of my mother's return."
The crowd bowed and proceeded to march through town, eager as foals on Hearthsday. As they went down Mane Street, one of them started to sing, and soon they all joined in.
Pones grow old and night grows cold
For Luna is coming; tell your fillies when.
Seasons turn while Luna's stars burn,
For Luna is coming; tell your fillies when.
But those feel the weight of her heel
For Luna is coming; tell your fillies when.
We know well what Nova can tell:
For Luna is coming; tell your fillies when.
From all who fell from Starswirl's side,
For Luna is coming; tell your fillies when.
At high noon the church bells rang and each successive ring echoed through the air as the skies started to darken, for the sun was rapidly heading for the western horizon and the moon rose into the sky. Something was different about the moon however, as the normally dull and flat image of the Mare in the Moon was pulsating with a vibrant light. The moon then reached the highest point in the sky, encasing the sky in eternal night as a beam shot down from the moon and onto the courtyard below. The brightness of the beam made everypony shield their eyes, and when their eyes had adjusted and they looked back, there stood Nightmare Moon. Most of the townsponies ran back into their shops and locked their doors, but to the Children of the Night, their princess had finally come and each of them lowered themselves into a deep bow.
"At long last mother," Dash said stepping forward and bowed. "Equestria is now ruled by its rightful ruler. At last, your vision of an eternal night has become a reality. Long live your rule, and may your moon bask us in the soothing light of its moonbeams. For 500 years this land was ruled under the mask of peace, but now thou shall show what true peace is."
Nightmare Moon grinned, showing every single razor-sharp tooth, before doing a bone chilling cackle that pierced the air like a witch's call on Nightmare Night, and made most of the crowd shiver. "So, my dear sister Tia decided to let me rule for a change? About time she came to her senses and let me out of that accursed prison to which I was wrongly sent all those winters ago. Now, would somepony please tell me where is she now?"
"Oh glorious Night Mother," One of the Lunar Guards said stepping up alongside Dash. "Sunbutt is in her bedchamber asleep. She has cast a sleeping spell on herself while you are in control, so she is out of the picture. So now what is your first order of business your Highness?"
Nightmare Moon pursed her lips and closed her eyes as she hummed, weighing her thoughts before coming to a conclusion. "My first order of business is to give Celestia her punishment... for I sentence her to the same banishment that she made me suffer through. The era of the day is over, now only night shall prevail!"
A wave of cheers swept through the crowd, but surprisingly Dash was not one of those cheering. As her mother retired into the castle, her Aunt Celestia's words echoed through her mind, plaguing her conscience and making her think about her choice. She saw a bright beam come from the castle a few moments later, shortly followed by the familiar portrait of the Mare in the Moon, but it was different. It now faced the opposite direction that her mother's image had been, and the moon changed shades to match Celestia's mane and tail colors. As the only one who could wake the Princess of the Sun, Dash knew the only way to bring her aunt back was to betray her mother. Dash's unusual behavior did not go unnoticed, and she was snapped out of her thoughts once again by the feel of somepony tapping her withers.
"Are you alright Mádame Nova?" Emerald Lily, her best friend, asked as she seemingly materialized out of the crowd. The moonlight shimmered off of her bright emerald coat and cherry blossom pink mane and tail. Dash looked into Emerald's eyes, the pools of aquamarine staring back at her full of concern. "Why aren't you cheering with the rest of us? You did what you set out to do, you brought our beloved Princess back and brought forth eternal night. Yet I can tell you seem displeased about something, is it the fact that your mother just banished Princess Celestia? All of us here heard her words, that you were the only pony who can break the sleep spell. Surely you aren’t thinking about possibly waking her... you are the Element of Loyalty , and on the off chance you did want to wake Celestia that would be betraying your mother. So I ask you Mádame, which is it?"
"Everypony celebrates in their own way Emerald..." Dash's tone level but firm, hiding how she was truly feeling. What her mother just did was a sign, like the canary in a coal mine, and deep down she had a feeling that things were only going to get worse and that she had made a costly mistake. "and not always is the celebrating a show of external emotion. I know you addressed me in an official manner to try and make me feel better, but it is unnecessary for two reasons; first of all you are my friend and secondly I am fine. I just need a bit of time to sort everything out, trust me, I am happy that I am once again with my mother..."
"But Celestia is still your aunt..." Emerald interjected. "You have so much hate and anger towards her, but she is still part of your family. We all have a relative that we fight or disagree with, myself included, but they are still family and nothing can change that. Your loyalty needs to be redirected, instead of focusing your loyalty at revenge, focus it on trying to repair the bond between all three of you. You said that you would not be happy until your mother returned, yet here you are looking just as miserable as you did during your speech last night. We all have to make sacrifices to do the right thing, even if it is not the thing we want to do. Besides, look around you, not at the Children of the Night but at everypony else. You said that every pony would bow Look outside the box, see it from their perspective, you just did the same thing to them that Celestia did to you."
Those words hit Dash like lightning, penetrating and reverberating through every muscle and nerve in her body. Her pupils dilated and she started to slightly shiver as she looked around and realized that Emerald was right. In every storefront was a sign, each hoofmade and had a variety of designs, but each said the same messege: "PRAISE THE SUN, MAY CELESTIA RETURN" .
"I...I am no better than her then..." Dash said while trying, and failing, to keep tears from building. However she quickly got herself back together and saluted when her mother trotted back onto the balcony.
"So who do I have the pleasure of thanking for my return to Equestria?" Nightmare Moon asked her subjects, while also scanning the crowd at the same time.
"It was me, dear mother," Dash said with a bow, making her mom look straight at her. "I am the pony responsible."
"You look different, why are you a thestral?" Nightmare Moon's tone was mixed confusion and wonder, but still carried an ominous tone, like interrogating an imposter.
"I was turned into a vampony thestral by Commander Blackwing," Dash answered with a dry gulp, feeling a bit intimidated. "I then killed him in an act of revenge."
"Very good, and now since that is out of the way," Nightmare Moon said addressing her subjects. "come now my children and let's go and spread the word of my return. Commander Nova, my dear daughter, will be leading you on this objective. Rainbow, the court is now yours."
Dash froze, she was not expecting her mom to give that proclamation. Circumstances considered, she went with what she felt her mother would want her to do. "All who do turn their loyalty over to my mother, our royal Highness, will be welcomed with open hooves and can continue about their daily lives properly cared for. Any who still still swear their loyalty to Celestia are to be arrested on the spot and charged with treason against the crown. In addition to being arrested, all their rights are to be stripped from them, and held in the Canterlot Dungeons until they change their mind... or die."
Everypony bowed and left except Emerald, who pulled Dash off to the side for a private chat. "What the hay were you thinking Dash?!? Not even ten minutes ago you admitted that you were no better than Celestia, but you just went out on a limb and gave that disastrous order!"
"Give it some time... I am sure-" She was cut off by a sad sight as scores after scores of citizens were being led, flown, or teleported to the castle and let inside, just like cattle on market day. "You know... perhaps I did make a mistake, I am going to talk to my mother right now. The worse she can do is banish me after all. Not to mention all I have to do is somehow get Auntie Tia woke up to end this if things go south... "
Without another word, Dash took off and headed for the castle. As she neared the balcony, she took a moment to collect herself about how to approach this delicate matter. She knew this was not going to end well, she hoped she was wrong but deep down she felt like she was trotting into a lion's den. She descended in a long, slow glide, landing on the balcony without a sound before heading for the throne room. When she entered it, she saw tomes and scrolls had been tossed about, and her mother was muzzle deep in one of the thickest tomes in the room... "The Celestial Guide to Equestria's Tax Code and Porportancy"
"So much has changed since I was last here..." Nightmare muttered under her breath while scrunching her face in disgust. "Took half of what was supposed to be directed for my subjects and redirected it towards refurbishing the noble sector of the city... and only giving three bits to the Underprivileged Foal Fund. That fact alone and itself is sad and unjust, I bet the rest went to eating cake to pad her flank..."
Dash cleared her throat. "Um mom... I hope you aren't too upset with the order that I gave earlier. I made it on the spot and did it without thinking, if you want to override it I will not be mad."
Nightmare looked up from the tome, leaned back, and sighed. She blinked a few times as her posture relaxed, clearing her eyes of the stinging pain brought on by straining her eyes at the pages. "I am going to override it Nova, your order was too severe and more along the lines of capital punishment. Your heart was in the right place daughter, but your execution was poor. I am not mad at you, and your command is something I will help with as I train you as my successor. Eventually, I will retire, and then Equestria will be yours to rule as you please as the sole authority in this land."
"Ok Nova you can do this... " Dash took a silent breath before looking up, meeting her mom's gaze. "About that, once I take over I plan on ending Auntie Tia's exile."
The mood shifted, like a switch had been flipped, the atmosphere thickened and became heavier as Nightmare glared at her daughter. "Why? After all she has done to me... She ignored me when I needed her most, cast me away into the realm of shadows, banished me to the moon for these past five centuries... but yet you still want to bring her back. I have but one simple question for thee and it is the same as the first... Why?"
"The answer is just as simple as the question," Dash's tone, despite her being scared, held firm with false confidence. "even with everything she has done, she is still my aunt and your sister. We are related by blood and nothing can change that mom. I want us to eventually be a family again, no hate or anger between us or at each other, just close-knit and loving one another."
Nightmare, surprisingly, did not hiss or snarl at the explanation. She looked up at the moon through the skylight and sighed, it was a deep sigh of longing and pain, but a hint of anger still seeped through. "It is a vision you should abandon daughter, because there is no way that I can forgive Celestia. You can do whatever you want once you become the ruler my little Nova, but as long as I am in charge please keep those kinds of things to yourself, or at least make sure none of the nobility overhear you. The fact you are even wanting her back could be seen as an act of betrayal, considering you are the one who convinced her to turn her reign over to me."
"That is where you are wrong mother," Dash retorted with a slight glare. "my loyalty to you is still there. However, something recently was brought to my attention and it made me rethink some things. In my honest opinion, I feel it would be in the best interests of our subjects if their rulers all were on the same page. Keep in mind, you taught me when I was little that everypony deserves a second chance. I am willing to give her one, now the question is will you practice what you preach or make yourself look like a hypocrite?"
Before she could even blink she was snagged, dragged, and suspended in midair by her mother's magic. Now muzzle-to-muzzle with her, Dash was directly in the crosshairs of her mother's scornful glare. "Now Nova, because you are my daughter I am going to let you off with a warning, next time you will be punished for such a question. I will admit, your question warrants merit, but at the same time I think she should have a taste of her medicine about how I felt the whole time... "an eye for an eye" and all that."
"An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind mother..." Dash snarled. "violence should only be used as a last resort. Tell me mom, what are you going to do if I step out of line again... Put me in the dungeon? Ground me? Banish me!?!? Go ahead and do that last one, I dare you to!"
Dash could see the cold rage brewing in her mom's eyes, but for once she did not care as she continued. "As I was flying over the crowd, all I saw were the faces of depressed citizens, and in every storefront was a sign praising auntie. I see now that this, ruling with an iron hoof, is not the proper way to preside over a nation. If you banish me to be with auntie, then you will have to spend every waking moment suffering the guilt of banishing your daughter... You won't do it, not because you don't have the guts, but because you know deep down that I'm right.”
Dash's vision suddenly went white and she could feel herself rising up through the air. Her first instinct told her that her mom had blasted her through the skylight in anger, something she felt she deserved for the way she had been talking. However, when she felt herself keep accelerating upward panic set in. She desperately tried to move, or at least tilt, her wings to slow her momentum but to her shock she could not move them. When her vision finally cleared, her eyes widened and her heart sank; instead of looking at the moon, the beautiful blue orb of Eques was staring back at her. The surrounding landscape was a bleak and desolate grey, and flat as a rock farm except for the occasional crater that pin pricked the land like holes on a changeling. The sky was breathtakingly beautiful, her mother's stars and galaxies painted against a black canvas better than any master artist could even dream of, but there was one glaring omission.
Celestia's sun, the hot ball of magic that was a harbinger of morning since time itself began, was not visible. In its place was a dark mist-like void, only the occasional speck of light peeked through only to be swallowed up again less than a second later. Once her senses keyed in fully, she could feel that her body was charged. The static-like nature she felt was also familiar, it was faintly of her mother's magic, and it was that magic that was keeping her alive in the thin atmosphere of the place she had to now call home.
" Well buck... she actually did it... " Dash thought to herself as she started to aimlessly wander around. "now I just got to try and find Auntie Tia and wake her up, and hopefully that will set everything back to normal because this has become a nightmare. "
Not wanting to risk flying in such low gravity, she kept to the surface as she trotted around. Minutes, hours, days? It did not matter to Dash, for time seemed to have mixed and flowed into one continuous stream, the only movement being her putting one hoof in front of the other and the occasional specks of moondust moving up into her vision. After some time, a faint glimmer of hope appeared in her eyes as she saw hoof tracks up ahead of her. The hope was squashed as she remembered one important detail, Celestia was asleep so she couldn't have made the tracks. Approaching then, she realized they were bigger than hers, so only one pony could have made them.
"Momma..." Dash's voice was like a whisper with no echo, even her own ears could barely pick it up as she set her hoof inside of the impression. It was more than twice the size of her own hoof, a size that Dash knew she would never get to because of how small batponies were compared to alicorns. Not only that, the fact she was a vampony meant that she grew at a slower rate, in the 500 years since her death her body had only "aged' by two years. Seeing that there was nothing else she could do, she started following her mom's hoofsteps. Sometime later, she came across a large temple-like building that seemed to be something out of the days of old.
The moonstone was well polished, and shimmered similarly to mother-of-pearl at the right angle. The columns at the corners rose and curved, forming an extravagant arch with gold leaf trimmed olive vines, each looking full of life. Dash marveled at the exterior before making her way inside, where she was greeted by the misty apparition of a grey alicorn.
"Hello moon child," The figure said in a warm natured tone. "I have been expecting your arrival. My name is Esprit de la Lune, but you may call me Fille. I humbly welcome you to my stellar form, you are here for Celestia correct?"
Power... That was the first word that came to Dash's mind as she could feel the strong aura the apparition gave off, and her instincts told her to listen and obey the spirit in front of her. "That is correct Mrs. Fille, I am, but I have to know... just who are you? How did you know me and what I want?"
"Obviously you need to work on your foreign languages..." Fille said with a knowing sigh. "My name is Prench in origin, and means "Spirit of the Moon"... which is in fact what I am. The moon is a personification of my being, and do you think that your mother is the only Lunar Diarch to ever exist in history? Her age is that of an embryo compared to mine, and the first Diarch of the moon was from Prance, hence my name. The reason I call myself Fille, or daughter, is because I am just a small part of the vast reaches of space. As far as knowing who you are, I have seen your mother long to be reunited with you and I comforted her when she needed help."
"Then why did she still seem lonely?" Dash asked with a raised eyebrow, even with Fille's words sounding truthful she still wasn't fully convinced. "And why call me moon child?"
"I could only give her so much comfort, but it still wasn't what she needed, she wanted you and on,y that could have filled the void. You questioning why I call you moon child, yet your mother is the current Diarch is she not?" Fille countered, her tone turning a little bitter. "It isn't every millennia that a new one is chosen, I only bestow that honor on those whom I deem worthy to carry that title, and you are her daughter. Now come, I will take you to Celestia as I explain some things..."
Fille's tone shift made Dash gulp, and she knew she was now trotting on very thin ice. Conceding to the ancient spirit in front of her, she simply nodded and followed her through the lavish and ornate halls. Paintings lined both walls, serving as a time capsule spanning the millennia. The paintings on the left had gold coated frames, whereas the ones on the right had silver coated ones. One thing stood out, there were no Alicorns in the paintings, but instead there were a mix of the other three tribes. Unicorns were the most common, but there were also some Pegasi, and even a few Earth Ponies were shown. Another thing was that not all of the ponies in the paintings were mares, in fact, it looked like a healthy 50/50 mix of mares and stallions.
"I am sure you noticed a constant variable little Prism, it is the fact there are no Alicorns..." Fille speaking interrupted the stillness of the air, and startled Dash to the point she keed, which made Fille giggle. "Sorry to startle you, but anyways, the honor of becoming a Diarch comes from me and my sister Soleil. Any time the serving Diarchs become unfit to rule, we look look at every individual's souls and desires, those who we think can handle the responsibility of being able to wield us are made the new Diarchs when the time comes. When one becomes the Diarch of the Sun or the Diarch of the Moon, they are made into Alicorns to better handle the magic. Of course, there are a few exceptions when the ruling change is unjust, but those are few and far between."
Dash nodded in understanding. "Have either of you made a mistake when it comes to who you chose to wield yourselves?"
The question made the atmosphere thicken, Dash could feel it shift, and if that wasn't enough then Fille's reaction was proof. Her eyes became downcast and she lowered her head, like recalling a bad memory. "Nopony is perfect Dashielle... as far as your question is concerned, it happened once. The one time it happened, it was a set of circumstances that both me and Soleil had no control over, would you like to know what happened?"
"Yes I would Fille," Dash said as she sat down like a student preparing to listen to a lesson. She had never been one to like history, but Fille's reaction had her curiosity peaked as to what had happened. "that is if you do not mind sharing..."
Fille sat by Dash and wrapped a misty wing around her. "Now listen close to what I have to say... Hundreds of millennia before Celestia and Luna were even born, there were two queens, Firestorm and Morningdew. Times were simple and peaceful back then, and since ponies had not found Zebrica, the concept of alchemy was new and exciting for unicorns to use. One fateful day, Firestorm was experimenting with ways to combine alchemy and magic. It was then she made an amazing discovery, she found a way to transfer Soleil's magic to another pony..."
"What!?!" Dash's jaw dropped and she stared at Fille in shock. "I did not think such a thing would be possible!"
"Neither did me and Soleil..." Fille conceded, making sure Dash was paying attention. "Anyways, Firestorm had grown tired of the weight the role she had carried was on her. She quickly ran to Morningdew and shared her findings, trying to convince her to do it with her as a cop out to be freed from their duties. Morningdew, however, disapproved of the notion and threatened to destroy Firestorm's findings. As you could imagine, Firestorm was awfully upset, and came to the conclusion that things would be better if Morningdew was out of the picture. So, in revenge, she plotted to kill Morningdew."
Dash cringed at the thought. "The ultimate betrayal... that makes what Auntie Tia did to my mom seem like a timeout."
"Good comparison, and this story does have a happy ending." Fille said with a nod before continuing. "Anyways, Soleil felt the change in Firestorm's heart, and alerted me as to what was going to happen. I was able to warn Morningdew in her dreams that night, that made sure she was not blindsided and allowed her to mentally prepare. The next day, all of Tartarus broke loose as the two engaged in a fight to the death. Morningdew, despite having more book smarts, was not as skilled in the art of combat and eventually lost. Firestorm, still wanting to make Morningdew suffer more, did not outright kill her; but instead she broke Morningdew's wings and horn and tossed her into a gorge. Shortly after, a young changeling mare found Morningdew and started to try healing her. Sadly, the damage was too great, and despite the mare's efforts Morningdew was slowly dying."
Dash raised her hoof in an attempt to ask a question, but she lowered it as Fille continued. "As I stated, Morningdew was smart, and she was known to have an almost-perfect memory. Recalling Firestorm's notes on how to do the power transfer, she managed to concentrate enough to pour the last bit of her magic into the remnant of her horn. With her last moments, she told the mare what had transpired and the power she now wielded. Fully enraged at the act of betrayal that Firestorm had done, the mare hunted down Firestorm and easily overpowered her. Not wanting the sun to burn out, she transferred Soleil's power into her Captain of the Guard, and then died shortly after. The new Diarchs, now an Alicorn and Changeling Queen, went on to get married and be the longest lasting Diarchs at 15,000 years."
"So Firestorm was the mistake then?" Dash asked but stopped in her tracks as her muzzle hit something. Regaining her focus on her surroundings, she realized that she had walked right into the double doors at the end of the hallway.
"Indeed she was," Fille sighed as she became more transparent. "and my time with you is close to over. You will find Celestia behind those doors resting peacefully on the bed. Until we meet again, farewell moon child."
Dash did not even have time to blink before Fille faded away, leaving her all alone in the hallway, which seemed to have become more dreary. It made a creepy sensation start to crawl up her back, making her bust through the door and glide straight to her sleeping aunt.
"Auntie... Auntie wake up!" Dash pleaded, shaking Celestia to the point she woke up with a jump. "I was wrong about everypony forgetting about you and worshipping mom, I am sorry for the way I acted and how I spoke to you. Can you ever forgive me?"
Celestia smiled and pulled Dash into a hug. "Of course my dear niece, I already have, and I hope you learned your lesson from this. Things are not always as they seem, and there are consequences for every action, no matter how big or how small it may look. Your mother will return, but now it is time you wake up dear."
The last thing Dash saw was Celestia's body emit a bright white glow as everything became swallowed by it.
~~~waking world ~~~
Dash woke and, forgetting where she was at the moment, hit her head on the top of the confined space. "That was some dream... I wonder if any of that was true or was that my imagination running wild again... "
A sudden jar stirred her, Windy, and Crypt like potatoes in a stew and signaled that they had arrived at the Manehatten train station. Meanwhile back in Canterlot, Celestia woke up with a smile spread across her muzzle.
"I honestly hope that Nova takes those lessons to heart... " The alabaster alicorn thought as she summoned some of her favorite tea, then turned her attention to the moon. "Although Fille's interference was unexpected, but also welcomed... "
Chessmaster through Life and Shadows
It had been several days since the trio had secretly made their way into Manehatten. Keeping to the shadows, they had slipped past the guards at the station when they arrived and had made their base in one of the abandoned buildings at the edge of town. The vivid dream was still prominent in Rainbow’s mind, and it had started to affect her judgement when it came to spreading her mother’s message to the masses, at times getting careless.
One incident included purposely tumbling into a garlic stand when trying to flee from a Solar Guard, but to her dismay he had lost her. That had put her out of commission, and only by a stroke of luck was Windy able to get her back to the base unseen, but Rainbow now had a severe case of the Germaren Sneasles and was the most wanted pony in Manehatten.
“You are lucky that I found you in time Rainbow,” Windy said as she gave Rainbow another dose of medicine, which tasted like a blend of pure ginger and bitterroot. “Take it easy the next few days and you should be back walking around like normal. Care to tell me what happened?”
“Yeah,” Rainbow said after drowning the pill in water to save her taste buds unwelcome torture. “Was spreading out flyers when a stallion came up to me. Seemed innocent enough, asking about how I envisioned Equestria would be with my mom in charge and such. Well, he seemed interested and wanted me to meet a few of his ‘pegasi friends’ to see if they would be interested as well. Like an idiot I followed with my guard down, and lo and behold I walked straight into a freaking trap, he led me to Commander Hurricane and a few off duty Wonderbolts…”
Windy stopped dampening a cloth that she was going to put on Rainbow’s head. Everything then clicked into place, and she didn’t need her adoptive daughter to finish her story. The stallion she had first met was actually an undercover Solar Guard, and he had led the thestral right into a trap. Hurricane had recognized Rainbow on sight, and wanted her to return to Canterlot, and when Rainbow refused the soldier gave chase. She managed to lose him, but at the expense of not paying attention to where she was going and crashed into the stand.
“Don’t you worry Rainbow,” Windy said applying the cloth. “Me and Crypt will take turns on watch the next few days while you rest and recover. The medicine is bitter, but it is an old family recipe I know that should get rid of your condition in less than ninety hours.”
“Ok Windy,” Rainbow said before getting wracked by a coughing fit. “I will just lay here on my old-sofa-turned-bed until then.”
Windy nodded. “Good, now I got to make a run to the market, Crypt will keep watch while I am gone. If I am not back in three hours then be concerned, but until then just relax to the best of your ability. Take care my little Prism and see you soon.”
Rainbow waited until she was absolutely sure that Windy had left before really bringing what she wanted to think about to the forefront of her mind. “I couldn’t bring myself to tell her I did it on purpose… I was hoping I would be caught, but I freaking blew that plan. Maybe I should try and sneak out, but then again I don’t want to infect anypony with this disease, and it is a good thing Windy had Crypt cast a spell to make the two of them immune and not carriers. I miss my mom, but that dream was a warning, one that I should take to my nonbeating heart and listen to... ”
“You have the face of a mare with a lot on her mind.” Crypt Keeper’s voice made Rainbow jump, she had not heard him come to the doorway. “Anything you want to get off yer hooves?”
“No Crypt, I just was thinking about how badly having the Germaren Sneasles sucks,” Rainbow said shaking her head, thankful that Crypt seemed to buy the lie. “I can’t imagine the full pain a living pony has to deal with from this bucking disease.”
“Had it in my youth,” Crypt said sitting down at the entrance to the room. “sucks like Tartarus I tell you. My mother had the darndest time trying to get rid of it, and by the time it went away we were in debt.”
Rainbow flinched at that, another wave of bone rattling coughs not helping any. “Sorry to hear that Crypt, did everything eventually turn out ok?”
“Took several years but she did manage to settle back down into normalcy.” Crypt’s tone was distant, his eyes having a hollow look to them as he looked back at his memories. “There is nothing in this world that can compare to a mother’s soft touch, or to their love Rainbow, cherish that always.”
“Yeah…” Rainbow said with a sigh, a silent tear rolling down her cheek. “I can’t wait to be reunited with mom, I miss her so much and I’m constantly thinking about her.”
“You have her looks Rainbow,” Crypt said catching the sick thestral off guard. “I see a lot of her in you. Don’t bother asking me for every specific detail, I honestly won’t be able to list them, but I feel the magic flowing from you. It is powerful, dominate, but at the same time trusting.
"You are the Embodiment of Loyalty in its purest form, likely the result of your Element bonding with you. I hope that you just keep to the right path and don’t succumb to the darkness, and ask others for help with that. Loyalty is a double edged sword, with its equal opposite being betrayal, so you need to work on separating the two into their parts, I am not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I do have the life experience to give you my advice, and I’m thankful you haven’t ask me to stop.”
Rainbow gave Crypt a smile. Despite being older than him, she really did value his input. “That is something I strive to do. I want to make the right choices, but I can’t help but second guess those same decisions at times, then everything I do becomes confusing.”
“Even though you are an undead vampony, you are still a pony .” Crypt said in a sage-like tone. “You still have morals and ideals, and know right from wrong. The second guessing comes from fear, nothing more, trust your gut and heart for that is where your true choices are at. The mind can be corrupted, your soul however cannot, unless of course dark magic is involved.”
“I guess you are right…” Rainbow said sitting up, feeling a little bit better about herself. “but you know what I really miss? I really miss the days from when I was young; me, mom, and Auntie Tia would spend hours just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company. Everything seemed so simple back then, and I cherished every second of it.”
“I feel ya,” For the first time since she had met Crypt, she could see that he was on the verge of crying. “I know that feeling all too well, nopony knows what they have until it is gone. That is one of the many things I regret about my life choices, but if I could go back in time and change anything I wouldn’t dare.”
Rainbow raised an eyebrow, her expression falling flat. “Why not? If I could go back in time, I would undo every wrong thing that I have done, starting with falling into Commander Blackwing’s trap.”
Crypt said nothing, instead rising up to his hooves and slowly trotting over to Rainbow. Each step was in perfect rhythm, the sound of his hooves hitting the wooden floor echoing like a dreadful heartbeat in the batpony’s ears to the point they started to ring. Anticipation built in her, a cold sweat forming on her brow as the gravespony leaned to her ear.
“If you did that…” Crypt said in a tone that seemed heavier than normal. “then what life lessons would you have learned, princess?”
“I-“ Rainbow’s thought process crawled to a halt. That one statement completely obliterated every single belief she had, adding to her internal turmoil that started with that dream with Fille. In a sense, it opened up her mind to more possibilities, and she realized that everything wasn’t as black and white as it seemed. “I don’t know Crypt, I honestly don’t have an answer for that.”
Crypt chuckled as he straightened himself back up. “That was the answer I was expecting, if you had answered me in any other way I would have called you a liar. Every action has consequences, and it doesn’t matter which action you choose, they are still there. I used to wrestle when the grave business was slow, and one thing I had to remind myself of was that one mistake can cause one to rest in peace.”
Rainbow’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped at his last statement. Thinking back to her very first encounter with Crypt Keeper, she suddenly realized why the way he looked was familiar to her. Time warped itself in her mind, running in reverse to show what Crypt would look like as a young stallion, and the answer almost sent her into a star struck-like state.
“Y-your The G-“ Rainbow stuttered her words, only stopping because Crypt moved his hoof to his mouth in a “shhh” gesture, but that didn’t stop her from mentally fanfillying. “I got to get his autograph! ”
“In a past time I was,” Crypt said in a whisper. “but I am no longer him . He was born in the ring, and he died in the ring, and I have no regrets about it. I am now just a humble gravespony and graveyard protector, ensuring the bodies of the dead are not disturbed.”
“So who, or what, is watching them now since you are here?” Rainbow asked while trying to keep herself composed. “Surely there is somepony you trust enough to do your job in your absence.”
Crypt gave Rainbow a small smirk, barely noticeable at the corner of his muzzle. “Oh don’t worry about them, the pony I have looking over them is like a… brother to me.”
That was the straw the broke the camel’s back. Rainbow softly squealed, and if she was in full shape she would have flown back to Canterlot as fast as she could to grab her most cherished poster. Crypt’s smirk grew, soon becoming a full fledged smile as he chuckled at the mare’s reaction.
“Close your eyes Rainbow.” Crypt gently said, and once Rainbow did she heard him trot out the room. All was quiet for a few minutes, then she heard him return. “Ok, now you can open them.”
Rainbow opened her eyes and stared at Crypt, her jaw hanging wide. He was standing in the doorway, wearing his trench coat with his flat brimmed hat pulled down so just his eyes were visible in the low light caused by his glowing horn. A shiver ran down Rainbow’s spine, for she was looking right into the whites of Crypt’s eyes, similar to how a shark’s look before striking their prey.
Crypt made his way across the room, hiding a smile from hearing Rainbow repeatedly mutter “oh my gosh” under her breath. Once he reached the bed, he made his eyes return to normal as he looked down at her.
“I think,” Crypt said taking off his hat and placing it on Rainbow’s head, then wrapping his coat around her. “this looks better on you than me. After all, dead ponies tell no tales, now do they?”
“Except those that are undead,” Rainbow replied after a small coughing fit. “Then you have everything to worry about, nopony can hide from the Queen of the Damned.”
“Queen of the Damned huh?” Crypt said with a chuckle. “Why I swear, if I was thirty years younger we could have teamed up, but alas that was in the past. Now, the primary focus is your health, and you need to worry about nothing but that.”
Rainbow tilted her head, looking at him mildly confused. “You kidding me right? How can I worry about only my health when I am living my life on the lam?”
Crypt’s features turned stern, a small scowl emerging on his muzzle as he furrowed his brows. “That is solely your choice Rainbow, nopony forced you to come. You could be in Canterlot resting on the softest bed possible, learning how to rule Equestria proper, but you decided you hated your Aunt. I have been doing some deep thinking while meditating, and came to the conclusion that you need to quit running and stand muzzle to muzzle with Celestia. You look absolutely miserable, and Fille’s spirit visited me to trust me with the task of keeping you on the straight and narrow.”
Rainbow paled at the mention of the Lunar Spirit, another violent shiver running down her spine that caused her coat hairs to stand on end. “Fille? I thought that she was just something my mind made up during that dream, you mean to tell me-“
“I deal with the dead all the time Rainbow,” Crypt said not even trying to mask his annoyance. “you honestly think that I couldn’t talk to spirits? Shame on you if you thought that, but anyway, I talk to them and on rare occasions one comes to me with a task. Your true feelings were shown in the dream, which Fille herself showed me, and I think that once you get better you need to talk to your Aunt. Your hatred is faltering it seems, question is will you let it continue to do so?”
“I just might,” Rainbow’s answer came with no hesitation, her tone firm. “and honestly I’m sick and tired of running. What I want most is for my mother to return, and I long for the day I can snuggle against her again, but I am also scared. I am not the pegasus she knew, I’m now a vampony thestral that lurks in the shadows, and my biggest fear is she will reject me.”
“Remember what I said earlier about betrayal?” Crypt Keeper asked applying another cool washcloth, gently lifting her head up and placing it on the back of Rainbow’s head. Once her head was lowered, and sighing at the coolness, she nodded and allowed her idol to continue. “That is what is causing those thoughts, the ones closest to you stabbing you in the back. Since your vendetta against Celestia is waning, it has to find another outlet to show itself in order to maintain your Element’s balance.”
“So it is going to try and use my longing as its outlet then…” Rainbow said in a soft tone, like she was that to herself. “I can’t let that happen Crypt, what do you suggest?”
“I suggest you use meditation and try to find your balance,” Crypt said heading for the door. “I said it before, and I won’t say it again. Another thing is you are a horrible liar, and I am not an idiot, your story doesn't add up because you always check your surroundings while airborne.”
“Horseapples…” Rainbow mumbled under her breath, then felt ashamed for swearing in front of Crypt. “Ok you got me, I crashed into the cart on purpose, but to be fair I didn’t think I would get Germaren Sneasles as a result.”
Crypt did not move from his spot, instead turning his neck to look back at her. “That falls under bashfulness and not having the foresight to think things fully through. I am disappointed that you lied to cover your intentions, however I understand why you felt the need to do so. You didn’t want to anger Windy, so you tried to worm your way around the actual circumstances, and that is going to have a negative effect. Everything eventually comes out in the wash, so it might not be today or a year from now, but she will find out the truth. Now if you will excuse me, I must return to my post, the sight perimeter spell I cast is wearing off.”
Crypt then started to trot down the hall, his hoofsteps becoming further away and leaving Rainbow alone once more. Guilt then washed over her like a waterfall, making her body feel heavy as Crypt Keeper’s words reverberated in her skull. Gathering up all the strength she could muster, only stopping for a moment due to sneezing enough to make her lightheaded, she bounded out of bed and took off down the hall. She was thankful that Crypt hadn’t got too far ahead and caught him a few passages from her room.
“Crypt Keeper,” Rainbow said straining her voice, making Crypt turn in place. He caught her in his magic as her legs gave out, and helped keep her upright as her strength drained from overexertion. “I just want to say that I’m sorry for lying…”
“Dammit Rainbow…” Crypt said with a grunt due to Rainbow’s weight. “I accept your apology, but don’t leave bed again unless there is an absolute emergency. Got it?”
“Y-yes sir.” Rainbow weakly replied before starting to sneeze, each rattling her bones and having enough force to be felt in Crypt’s side. “Wait, what if I have to use the bathroom?”
“If you do, try and hold it in until Windy gets back.” Crypt nearly fumbled his words, a little embarrassed by Rainbow’s question. “I don’t think her or anypony else would like the idea of you being alone in the bathroom with a stranger of a stallion, somepony might get the wrong idea.”
Crypt heard a soft “I wouldn’t mind”, but feeling Rainbow’s forehead showed that her fever had returned with a vengeance. Playing it off as the fever talking, Crypt didn’t say a word as he gently laid Rainbow, who was now fast asleep, into her bed before returning to his post.
Exactly three hours after Windy had left, Crypt saw her turn through a back alley that had been serving as their walkway. He immediately became concerned, however, when he saw that she had no grocery bags and she was acting like she was hiding. Crouching into cover, he heard the approaching sound of pegasi wings come from the opposite direction that Windy was approaching from. Not even a minute later two Wonderbolts, Commander Hurricane and General Firefly, landed on the roof.
“I must warn the others… ” Crypt thought to himself before teleporting downstairs, knowing the fun was about to begin.
Author's Note
Apologies for being small with this, but due to an unexpected situationI had to cut this short. next chapter will be longer and action packed.
As always, thank you Penalt for keeping me on the straight and narrow (and got a bonus internet cookie for correctly guessing where I got the idea for Crypt Keeper from).
I am on Patreon. you can support me here.
Chessmaster through Life and Shadows
Rainbow felt alone.
With Crypt on patrol and Windy out doing some shopping, she only had her thoughts, herself, and the hat that Crypt had given her. The hat was, due to the size difference between her and Crypt, way too big. However, it did have an effect by making the hues in her mane look darker. After she managedto climb out of the bed and search around the room, she got lucky enough to find a discarded paper towel roll. Looking between the roll and the full-length bathroom door mirror, a grin formed as she made her way towards it.
“Will ya’ll shut the buck up?!” Rainbow said, imagining herself yelling at an audience as she stood in the ring with her idol and his brother at the prime of their careers. Her idol had made his legacy as an unbeatable babyface, one that struck fire and brimstone into his opponents and filled them with unholy terror; however, for a few short years he was a dastardly heel, but it was her favorite gimmick. “None of you can compare to us. None of you can beat us. None of you are even worthy enough to step a hoof into the ring with us. Since we came together, we have been unstoppable, unbeatable, and that is the way it shall remain.
“Go ahead and boo, that doesn't mean a damn thing, because you still paid to sit your pathetic flanks in those seats to watch us run over the tag team division! The stallions backstage? They are nothing more than geldings trying their best to make a name for themselves, yet they are so inferior you feel the need to cheer them on. The Canterlot Cobra and The Brick are so over that they could slap somepony in the audience, and yet, you would still cheer them on. However, they don't have the ruthlessness, aggression, nor attitude we do, so their title dreams will rest in peace.”
Rainbow was in the zone, not even feeling the effects of her sickness as she continued in her mental escape. The flickering of camera flashes adorned the stands, the screams of rowdy ponies letting her know just how they felt about her remarks. Crypt was in his trenchcoat and hat, and his brother was wearing a mask that matched his flame-red coat. As for herself, she imagined herself wearing something far more striking. She imagined herself wearing a solid black, form-fitting body sock, a cape of black silk rolling over it and flowing like a dark river behind her. On her head, she wore a black crown adorned with ruby skulls and the very rare Silver Moonlight Rose. The crown, enchanted by Crypt, allowed the hues of her mane and tail to appear as nothing more than shades of grey, as if the will to live had left from them.
“The Brick has got to be one of the dumbest names ever! He coulda been 'The Rock' or 'The Boulder' like a decent Earth Pony. He went and bucked that up, which is the only thing he's ever bucked in his life! His ‘Can you see what the Brick is Poundin’ phrase sounds like something out of a cheap, one-bit porno! In fact, the only thing the Brick is gonna be pounding is the pavement on the way to the unemployment line when me and my crew drop the Hoof of Justice on him and turn him from the Brick to plain gravel!”
That clearly didn't go over well, the boo’s intensifying as she switched the mic from her right wing finger to her left. However, it was the reaction she wanted. She loved being a heel, and there was nothing that would change her mind.
“Now to top everything else off, Cobra and Brick are trying to worm their way back to the belts by getting in ol’ Vinny Meerkat's mind that they would do a better job of representing the company. They can come, they can try, but as I said they will be buried alive just like all the others. ‘The Queen's Favorite Servant’ Caretaker Cain will deliver them. The Gravedigger will open the Gates of Tartarus to trap them. Then I, The Queen of the Damned, will sentence them to their demise. As for all of you out there in the audience, even you aren't safe from us. When my mother’s moon and stars paint the sky with their beauty, and you sip on your lovely glass of warm milk, tuck yourselves into bed, and turn out the light; the Stable of Shadows will be there to tell you… Goodnight.”
“Not bad Rainbow,” Crypt said, snapping the mare out of her mental scene as she turned to look at the unicorn. “However, we need to make a an exit, somepony must have figured out who Windy was because Commander Hurricane is on the roof.”
“Commander Hurr-” Before Rainbow could finish her remark, her ears flicked towards the window, the sound of beating wings getting her attention. “Crypt, get down!”
Bracing for impact, Crypt had just enough time to snag Rainbow to him as the window busted in. Glass shattered, feathers flew everywhere, and the thud of the two pegasi landing made the floor vibrate.
“So the tip was accurate,” Commander Hurricane said, looking directly at Rainbow. “Princess Celestia had received an anonymous letter stating that there were a pegasus and unicorn who were acting strangely, with multiple Lunar Republic posters appearing in alleyways all over town. Putting two and two together, she sent out patrols, and here you are.”
“So, what does she want?” Rainbow said, looking at the two guards. “Arrest us, chain and hobble us, then parade us all the way back to Canterlot like a pair of captured game trophies?”
“Nothing like that at all, Madame Nova,” Firefly said, making Rainbow’s jaw drop that the general had used the title. “Princess Celestia simply wishes to have a chat, and she would like you and your assistants to join her over a cup of tea. No tricks or gimmicks, and at the conclusion the three of you will be free to run off into the night.”
“You can say ‘no’, of course,” Hurricane said, causing both Crypt and Rainbow to look at the commander. “If you refuse, we will report to her that you are alive and well. Although, I think it is worth reminding you that the entire Manehattan Police Department is still actively searching for you after the chaos you caused with that little chase through town earlier.”
Talk about being polar opposite… Rainbow thought, thinking over her choices and quickly realizing she was stuck in the middle of a no-win situation. If she refused the meeting, the police would still be hot on her tail, and it would mean missing out on a chance to try and get some long-held grudges buried. However, if she accepted, she knew it would hurt Windy's feelings, but if she played her cards just right… “I choose-”
“Enough! ” Windy's shout came from out of nowhere, the pegasus leaping over both Crypt and Rainbow before landing in a defensive warning pose as she glared at the guards. “You want her? You're gonna have to go through me. Crypt, teleport her out of her while I deal with these two nosey ponies.”
“Stand down Windy,” Rainbow said, causing Windy to recoil. “My dear Auntie wishes for a meeting, and we are going, whether you like it or not.”
“Has your sickness gone to your brain?!” Windy said, staring at Rainbow like she had grown a second head. “They are the enemy Commander! Servants of the Sun Tyrant, and now that she wants a meeting you agree without a fight!?”
“Lieutenant Whistles,” Rainbow said, her sharp change in tone muffled slightly by a trapped cough. “We will go, and there are to be no arguments about this. They already said that part of the deal is that we can freely leave after the meeting, so I see no harm. I recall from my youth how she always honored truces, no matter the circumstance involved”
“If I may,” Crypt said, forming a sphere of a sanitizing spell around Rainbow as he contained her it before placing her on his back. He knew interrupting would mute the escalating tension, and Windy’s bewildered silence showed that his hunch had worked. “Madame Nova is currently recovering from a severe case of the Germaren Sneasles, I hope that we don't have to travel far, for her health is a top priority.”
“Germaren Sneasles?” Hurricane asked, only for Crypt to nod. “How is it you two aren't affected? As far as travel, Princess Celestia is currently at city hall. She sent everypony, including the mayor, home in order for us to not be interrupted during the proceedings.”
“I put up a ward on me and Windy that makes us immune, and this bubble I have Nova in will prevent a mass outbreak as long as she remains in it,” Crypt said, adjusting the pony on his back so it would be easier for him to walk. “If there are no further questions, you may lead the way.”
The two pegasi nodded, leaping back out the window before Crypt teleported Windy, Rainbow, and himself to the cobblestone streets below. The air felt thick with tension, like a rubber band being stretched too far, and the stone-cold silence made each pony's coat stand on end.
“I hope you know what you are doing,” Windy said, whispering in Rainbow's ear. “I got a very bad feeling that we’re being lead into a setup.”
“It is a risk I'm willing to take,” Rainbow said, patting Windy's head before clearing her throat. “Commander Hurricane, am I the only one who feels uneasy at the fact the streets are this quiet? I would’ve thought we would see at least one townspony by now.”
“You aren’t the only one, Madame,” Hurricane said, ears fully alert. “Considering your weakened state, stay close, we still have a little ways to go since city hall is across town.”
“I do have a question,” Windy said, burying her annoyance for Rainbow's sake. “Why did Celestia only send two guards? Considering Madame Nova's… ‘status’, I would have thought she would send at least a full squadron.”
“Two reasons,” Firefly said, mirroring the commander's movements as she watched the group's six. “One, considering the ponies of Manehattan are a little bit edgier than the rest of Equestria, outside of Ponyville that is, they would be terrified of a large increase in patrols. Two, she believed it would be in Nova's best interest that only two came to deliver her message. In her mind, she felt that any more troops would escalate the situation beyond what it needed to be.”
“Well, she wasn't wrong,” Rainbow said, falling into silence once more as her coughing returned with a vengeance. She could see the occasional empathetic looks that Hurricane and Firefly cast her way, but she decided to play it off. In her mind, everything was falling into place, her failed attempt at being captured swinging into her favor. Although, not even Windy knows what I actually have planned… and it will stay that way until I deem the time is right.
“That cough sounds pretty bad,” Hurricane said, picking up the pace as town hall came into view, guards positioned in a perimeter around the building. “Hopefully Princess Celestia can do something about it. She is waiting for us in the meeting room, so there will be some space to move around if you start to feel uncomfortable.”
“That’s good to know,” Windy said, a slight edge in her tone that did not go unnoticed by Rainbow, the batpony giving her a glare as the doors opened. “I hope this is worth our time, and I want it noted that the only reason I am here is because Madame Nova wouldn't let me out of this.”
“Duly noted,” Windy froze her rant at the pony's voice, the voice that she had to listen to during her entire time in the guard, and one that everypony past, present, and future would come to revere. Princess Celestia, to her credit, sat at the end of the oaken table, a hot kettle of tea and four teacups rested in front of her. “Please sit, we have much to discuss while my commander and general return to their posts outside the door.”
Taking their cue to leave, Hurricane and Firefly both gave Celestia a nod before leaving, closing the door behind them. For a few, tense moments, nopony dared to speak or move. Crypt kept a neutral expression, much like Celestia, but it didn’t take too much guessing to assume that Rainbow wanted to be seated. Placing the Siren of the Shadows off his back and into the seat right beside Celestia, he coaxed Windy to sit at the opposite end of the table before sitting beside the anxious pegasus.
“Splendid,” Celestia said, allowing a smile to show as she passed out the tea, Rainbow eagerly downing hers. “I hope I made the right choice by going with a lavender honey tea with a mango infusion . Although, I am perplexed as to why a sanitization bubble is around my dear niece.”
“Germaren Sneasles,” Crypt said using his magic to sip his tea, a warning hoof placed on Windy's side to keep her from venting. “Got a nasty case of it after a chase involving a certain Solar Guard and a garlic stand.”
“Hurricane told me about losing her on the streets while debriefing me, and it prompted me to at least attempt a meeting, and I'm thrilled that it was accepted,” Celestia said, looking down to Rainbow, who suddenly looked slightly terrified. “As for you, dear niece, you certainly have caused quite a pickle for yourself. Destruction of public property, unneeded use of guard resources, and cause of mass panic are just the bare minimum of the charges levied against you. That isn't even including the charge of treason the mayor wants to add in.”
“Treason?” Windy said, all eyes landing on her as she scoffed. “We have broken no laws, nor done anything that can be deemed as an act against the crown. What grounds does the mayor have to try and slap treason against us?”
“He actually has a good one,” Celestia said, presenting Windy with one of the crudely drawn NLR posters that the pegasus had been spreading around. “The mayor's daughter brought this to him, and judging by the description of the mare that she got it from, it would be fair to say that you were the one who gave this to her, Captain Whistles.”
“I am no longer a captain in your army, Celestia,” Windy said, deliberately omitting the alicorn’s title and her glare carrying enough heat that the princess actually flinched. “I serve Madame Nova as her first hoof, I swore that on my own life, so I will do what I must in order to serve her wishes.”
“Be that as it may, it is still illegal.” Celestia said, looking towards Rainbow as the batpony was taken over by another violent coughing fit. “Although, I think that Rainbow's health should take top priority. Do you know how to help ease the coughing?”
“I learned from Crypt what blend of medicine was needed,” Windy said, her own concern showing in her eyes as she gave Rainbow a half-hearted smile. “I was actually out on a supply run when I spotted Hurricane and Firefly near our hideout, so I panicked and forgot to finish it so I could get Madame Nova out of there if it was necessary.”
“I need some blood,” Rainbow said, causing Celestia’s jaw to drop and both Windy and Crypt to jump to attention. “I'm starting to feel a slight craving for it, and there is so much of it around me right now…”
“Relax Madame,” Crypt said, moving over to the seat beside Rainbow and offering a fetlock. “Go ahead and take what you need, and it is good to see you are starting to get your appetite back, that shows you are starting to recover.”
“Blood?” Celestial asked, arching her eyebrow as she watched her niece bury her fangs into Crypt's offered appendage and began to drink. “How often does she have to feed when fully healthy? And what does she use as a means to gain the nurishment?”
“Couple times a week,” Crypt said, holding up his free hoof in Windy's direction. “At least, that is what Windy told me. Normally, she takes turns rotating between me and Windy, but before I joined up with them last week Windy was the only one who she fed on.”
“I see,” Celestia said, draping a wing around Rainbow as she moved behind the group. “Is this why you fled all those centuries ago my little Prism? Scared to face me about what you had become? I do recall a certain dream that happened in which you mentioned being turned into a vampony. I simply thought of that as part of your subconscious as an effort to try and scare me.”
“My curse is one part of the reason why,” Rainbow said, pulling her fangs out of Crypt's fetlock and licking the blood off her muzzle. “So much happened to me on that night, Auntie. You sent mom to the moon, I got turned into one of the undead, I massacred every single guard in that room… That combined with my intense hatred is why I fled, and to be perfectly honest, it was freaking rough being alone until I met Windy. So, were you the one who made that dream, not Fille?”
“Only initially, because I wanted to see how you would react to me being gone. Everything that happened after that point, however, was fully Fille's doing. As far as the pain is concerned, I can side with you there my dear niece,” Celestia said, leaning down to muzzle Rainbow's mane. “It really is painful not being around those you care about, I deal with it constantly; however, I am glad that you found somepony that can be a terrific role model for you. Windy was a splendid guard, one that set the standard on how I view both the commitment and ethics proper to a member of the ranks.”
“I appreciate the compliment,” Windy said, actually surprised that Celestia had spoken of her in such high regard, but she still wasn't ready to drop her defenses just yet. “But, of course, it is starting to get a tad late, so can we get down to the purpose of this meeting?”
“My apologies,” Celestia said, sitting back up and clearing her throat. “The purpose of me calling this meeting, as it were, was because I have a proposition that might benefit all sides involved. In exchange for a full pardon on all charges currently levied against your heads, the three of you and any followers you managed to pick up while here, are to spend a minimum of ten years in Canterlot. While there, you will be instructed on how to properly rule, and oversee the development of your troops.”
“Hold on a second,” Windy said, giving Celestia a credulous look. “You mean to tell us that you are practically giving Madame Nova control over half of not only the guard, but also the government? I hope you can understand that I feel highly suspicious of that offer.”
“I can see how it would look like that,” Celestia said, giving a reassuring smile. “But there is another reason why I am offering this. As you are aware, I am the Princess of the Sun, but my duties have been doubled since I banished my sister. Even though I am an alicorn, it is extremely taxing on me, stressful enough to the point I have developed an addiction to cakes as a way to ingest large quantities of sugar just to keep me functioning.’
“So basically I would be doing my mom's job, which is nothing more than dirty work,” Rainbow grumbled, her tone more sour than a moldy lemon in the middle of a summer day. “Should I choose to accept, what's in it for me?”
“I expected you to play hardball…” Celestia said, a small bit of disappointment briefly manifesting before it disappeared. “If you agree to the deal, I will personally spend 4 hours of every night after I lower the sun with you, ensure that you have a nice mango stipend, and weekly blood supply from the extra storages of the blood banks. I am curious, was it you that caused terror two centuries ago in Ponyville? Because of that incident, the legend of the Boogymare was born.”
“Yeah, that was me,” Rainbow said, her mood parking up to the point she smiled. “You had me at mangos, I'm in, but I require two feedings from you per year in return.”
“I’m glad a deal could be reached,” Celestia said, looking towards the other two ponies in the room. “Now then, Ms. Whistles do you have any informants or the like here in Manehattan?”
“Just a mother, daughter, and their maid,” Windy said, shrugging off the topic, but deep down she was highly concerned that Rainbow gave in so quickly despite the training she had received. “Why do you ask?”
“I want you to bring them to me,” Celestia said, but she could tell by the way Windy's expression changed that she had slipped up. “Before you worry too much, it is just going to be an informal greeting, that way I can inform the staff back at the castle as to who will be moving in.”
“Um, question,” Windy said, getting out her seat and making her way towards the door. “Aren't you concerned about catching the Sneasles? You have gone into Nova's bubble several times now, what are you going to do if you catch her sickness?”
“I’m not worried about it in the slightest,” Celestia said, a mirthful grin forming on her face. “I have already steeled my immune system with my yearly anchor shot. After all, everypony knows that is the most effective way to defeat the dastardly Sneasles.”
The collective groan that followed would have made a Windego run away.
Author's Note
I initially had an action packed, escape from Manehattan idea in mind here, but several sicknesses, a possible stroke, and unexpected death in the family derailed that plan. Considering I had to get SOMETHING put out for the month, this is what you get.
Thanks to my Patreons and editors for all their hard work.
