Black Gates: Fallen

Nightmare entered the building and slowly made her way down to where she knew she’d find Arkantos. She knew he was still alive, otherwise they wouldn’t be here. She just wondered what state she’d find him in.

He was laying face up on the floor with another person tending to him.

“Don’t worry prince…” The soldier said. “You’ll be fine.” He assured, having started to bandage up his wounded leg.

“That looks horrendous.” Nightmare said, startling the two. Arkantos could barely raise his arms or move.

The other human however raised his weapon up to defend Arkantos, “Stay away from him, m-”

“Don’t worry. I’m not here to kill him.” Nightmare said. “No… No I can’t doom my only chance now can I?” She mused, though with the compliments and Luna welcoming her help. She didn’t think that was the truth anymore. She kneeled down and examined Arkantos’ leg, “Absolutely horrendous…”

“W-why are y-y-ou…” Arkantos muttered.

“Twilight Sparkle of all ponies convinced me to help.” Nightmare said.

Arkantos fell silent.

“Human… you soldier.” Nightmare looked up to the other human.

“What?” The soldier asked.

“Do you want him to survive?” Nightmare asked, the human nodded. “What are you willing to do?”

“Anything! The Prince needs to survive!” The soldier stated.

“I can transfer your life-force into his body. It will heal him up but….” Nightmare continued. “It will kill you.”

The soldier looked down to Arkantos. The grim look that took over the second human’s face scared Nightmare, was he really willing to sacrifice himself for another?

“I’ll do it. My life is for the crown.” The soldier sighed, standing up. “What do I d-”

Nightmare had summoned her blades, “You’ll give your life for a man you barely know.” She said, “Are you prepared?”

“For honor.” The soldier nodded. “My Prince… take care.” He gave one final nod to Arkantos before NIghtmare slammed both blades through his stomach.

Though it was just a dream, and Arkantos knew it… this act had a deeper meaning.

“This isn’t just a dream anymore Arkantos. There’s a strange magic in you… something ancient.” Nightmare explained. He felt a return to vitality as she set the body down, leaning down to close his eyes. “No dream should go on for this long… No dream should take twist like this. No, something else is turning this into reality.” She shook her head. “Yes… I made what happened in the dream happen to your bodies… but that should have vanished with me releasing you two.”

“What… nnnn… do you mean?”

“I assume it’s Daybreaker… and if we defeat her, you’ll both be free.” Nightmare said,leaning down to look Arkantos in the eyes.

“And why do you care?” Arkantos coughed out. “You could’ve taken me over…”

“Twilight and Luna… trust me. I don’t know why. It bothers me and I need to find out why.” Nightmare said. “I NEED to find out why.”

Arkantos stared at her for a few moments. “Is that… really all that you’re doing this for?” He mused.

“Shut up and take my kindness.” Nightmare growled.

Arkantos attempted to stand up.

“Give it a little more time.” Nightmare said, “You need to heal just a bit more.” She stared down at him for a few moments longer. “Tell me something, human… What brought you to this world?”

“I’d think you’d know.” Arkantos coughed up a bit of blood.

“I didn’t delve too deep. Even if I do feed on nightmares, there’s some things that I’d never touch… and those memories before you arrived here were so…”

“Disgusting.” Arkantos finished for her. “My world is dead… I’m all that remains of not only my family, but my species as a whole.”

“Do… you know what happened?” Nightmare asked, leaning down to help straighten him against a wall. “I… wish to sate my own curiosity.” She explained.

“Not exactly… something about cultists… an invasion of our world from something beyond. Demons... no, no demons are that vile…” He shook his head. “Undead rising up without necromancers… It all happened within a year… Nothing had ever overtaken us so fast and hard. Every single one of us that fell, rose back up to join the ranks of the damned.”

“Tis the curse of undeath.” Nightmare sighed. “For as much pain as i’ve caused now, I’m sorry.”

Arkantos groaned quietly and slowly stood up, “Actions speak louder then words. So prove yours through more then just empty apologies.” He began. “Help us defeat Daybreaker, free Twilight and I from her grasp, and I swear. I’ll do whatever I can to help you in whatever way you need.”

Nightmare scanned his face for a moment. “Alright. I’ll… hold you to your word.” She said.

“I’m sure you have a plan.” Arkantos said.

“I’m going to convince them that you’re dead. If Luna isn’t completely caught up in the moment, she’ll realize quickly that you aren’t. I don’t know about Twilight though, and of course Daybreaker doesn’t know whos dream this is.”

“Okay, bu-”

“While she’s distracted, I’ll try to break the clouds… if I do, take hold of the sun before she can.” Nightmare explained quickly. “We won’t have much time. And if she gets it, she’s going to destroy all of us.”

Arkantos nodded, “Great. I’ll try but…”

“That was her calling to you, if you’re worried. When you were snapped back to reality by Twilight, she decided to come in herself.” Nightmare assured.

“Tell me something, Nightmare…” Arkantos began.

“Hm?”

“What happens if we do succeed and get out?”

“I’ll either remain trapped in your mind… and if you try to keep your promise, I’ll help ease your nightmares. Or Luna will take me back in and… well, I don’t know. She could just destroy me.” Nightmare sighed.

“You know… I’ve heard of ancient magics that could create a body.” Arkantos began. “I don’t know it… far, far too advanced, and out of my speciality.” He sighed. “If Serya was here he might know about it… He delved deep into magic, knew things most could only ever dream of…”

“My… a body all my own.” Nightmare mused. “Perhaps… if it is possible, I’d enjoy that. Being able to be free… even if I am going to be trailed like a dog.” She shook her head.

“With this, I’m sure you’ll have Twilight and Luna on your side… if you aren’t just going to stab us in the back.” Arkantos said. “Come on… let’s go beat Daybreaker back.”

Nightmare chuckled. “Let me take the lead… I can’t have our secret weapon being revealed to early now can I?”