Masks Lie and Nightmares Never Die

/
A day later after receiving the message, Twilight and her friends brought the information they knew to Princess Celestia and Luna’s attention. Knowing that this is their last chance to win the challenge the sisters sent a Royal Guard with a letter to the Crystal Kingdom in order to get Princess Cadance’s and Shining Armor’s aid. They eventually received a letter back from the two saying that they will be on their way and they wished to be in filled in on full detail what’s going on. While they waited for their arrival the princesses gathered what royal guards that remained and told them to start building up a defense. With this done Twilight, Pinkie, and Rarity returned to the hospital to fill in the staff on what’s going on, and asked for their support in stopping Paranoia. The staff agreed while Dr. Grey Suture and Nurse RedHeart volunteered to watch over Fluttershy, and alert the guards if Paranoia manages to sneak into the room.

Along the way Rainbow Dash, cleared to walk around the hospital, joined in the effort despite being told she isn’t allowed to do anything extreme. Another helping hoof came in the form of Applejack who despite being bandaged in a few places is ready to help.

“Remember Rainbow Dash if you run into Paranoia let us know. We don’t want you to risk complete life and limb in this fight,” Twilight said.

“It’s fine Twilight. Thanks to Grey’s help I won’t need to worry about reopening any wounds,” Raibow Dash retorted.

“Well to be fair sugar cube these nightmare fellas ain’t no simple bad dreams. Panic already tricked you to hurt yourself with my window, and Fear knocked my lights out without even trying. Twilight and Rarity only got a taste of what Paranoia can do and already I can tell we’ll need the princesses to deal with him,” Applejack said.

“Applejack’s right Rainbow Dash, we can try to take on Paranoia like you said, but we have no idea how he fights. We’ll be fighting a losing battle if we don’t have a plan to deal with him and so far Princess Celestia and Luna were the only ones to seriously hurt one of them,” Twilight said, but Rainbow Dash simply rolled her eyes.

“Doesn’t matter to me, I’m not going to let one of those nightmare freaks take Fluttershy away as long as I’m awake. What kind a friend will I be if I let that happen?”

Twilight sighed, she knew trying to convince her brash friend to stay out of the fight wasn’t going to work, but it didn’t stop her from trying, “Fine, but please alert everyone when you do run into him. You’re not alone in this effort after all.”

“Yeah yeah…just make sure you get there quickly when I do sound the alarm or else I might hog all the action myself.”

Twilight saw Applejack give the Pegasus a small smile, “Heh, never change Rainbow Dash, never change.

/

Meanwhile back in the world of Nightmares. Fredrick, after sending his two ‘guests’ to their rooms started stargaze at the dark star litter skies of the nightmare world while waiting for a response from Twilight Sparkle. As he searched through the sky hoping to find a certain star he begun humming a tune familiar to his world. He eventually stopped humming when he felt Paranoia’s presence with him in the room.

“So what’s her answer?” asked Fredrick.

“I’m afraid to say this Milord, but she rejected your offer,” Paranoia replied.

Fredrick after hearing this immediately stopped his stargazing and faced Paranoia who was currently kneeling, “Really? That’s…disappointing.”

“Furthermore, she decided to prepare the hospital for my arrival. I have scouted the area and it has become apparent that they plan on using all they have just to stop me.”

Fredrick could scoff when Paranoia mentioned their plan, “Pity, it would be a wasted effort on their part.”

“Well we are playing our roles milord.”

“I suppose, but usually the heroes find some way to get stronger to beat us.”

“Panic would agree with you there.”

“He would, wouldn’t he?”

“Besides that, what do you plan on doing since milady Twilight didn’t accept your terms?”

“I have plan but first I want you to make Twilight chase you all the way the throne room in Canterlot castle with Fluttershy in tow. Once she’s there yours truly will make an appearance, and I’ll make sure to bring our ‘guests’ along as well.”

“Ah I see, we’re increasing the stakes aren’t we?”

“Exactly, we’re going to pressure her to make sure she sees things our way. If that doesn’t work, I’ll give her another reason personally.

“Indeed Milord.”

“Now go! Continue your preperations, and once the night finally comes everything will be set in motion,” Wordlessly Paranoia nodded and sank into the shadows leaving Fredrick by himself. The nightmare lord returned to gazing at the stars, but as he was doing it a thought came into his mind, “Wait…should I start practicing my lines?”

/

Tonight’s the night. Tonight is the night where they will finally end this challenge. Either in glorious victory or in disastrous failure, Twilight was thinking about this in her mind knowing that the latter should not come to past. Even though they spent the last two days and nights preparing for Paranoia she can’t help but feel nervous. Although on the bright side of things she got to catch up with brother and her sister-in-law; furthermore, she spotted Flash Sentry among the guards her brother bought with him. However, due to circumstance she was unable to talk to him, but she knew even if she got a chance to talk to him he would be too busy to have a conversation.

Twilight developed a small crush on him when meeting his human world counterpart, and running into the pony version of him after returning to her world. Sadly, she truly never got a chance to talk to him much less get to know him better; as a result, the original feeling she had when she met him is slowly fading away. However, that won’t stop her from at least trying to get to know him; since, she feels grateful from his human counterpart’s actions that aided her in her mission to get back the element of magic from Sunset Shimmer, “I know he may not be exactly the same as the one I met in the human world, but that’s why I want to try to talk to him. I want to how close their personalities are. If only we weren’t dealing with this challenge then I will at least satisfy my curiosity. I can worry about him later…”

“Hey Twilight! Are you ready for this or not?” Rainbow Dash asked.

This broke Twilight out of her thoughts when she looked up she found her friends curiously staring at her, “Uh…y-yeah, yeah. I’m ready,” Twilight said quickly.

“Good, we need to be at our A game if we are going to stop this Paranoia guy. Just what does he look like Twilight?”

“I saw him only one time in my dreams, but I managed to get a good look at him. He was basically dressed as a plague doctor, but with a black bird mask, blood red duster coat with an odd symbol on his back, and a fedora that matches the color of his coat.”

“He was wearing a blood red fedora? Now why in tarnation would he wear a hat that brightly colored?” Applejack asked.

“Ooo, ooo! Maybe he wants stand out of a crowd, so his friends can find him easier!” Pinkie said while bouncing up and down.

“Somehow Pinkie I don’t think that’s the case,” Rainbow Dash rejected.

“Darlings, there are worse things to be judging the reasons behind that fiends fashion sense. Besides if anything those colors make him easy to spot,” Rarity added.

“Let’s not forget Rarity that he has control over shadows, so we need to watch for anything odd in the shadows,” Twilight explained.

“Great, that means we don’t just have to watch our backs, but also our shadows!” Rainbow Dash said with annoyance.

“Yikes, so that means he can sneak up on us like a rattlesnake with no rattle,” Applejack said slightly unnerved.

“Hey! I thought I was the only one who could do that!” Pinkie said, Twilight gave her friend an odd look along with the rest of the gang, “I meant the sneaking up on ponies like a rattlesnake without a rattle part,” she corrected causing the looks to go away.

“Anyway, let’s split up and help the guards with their patrols they need all the help they can get,” Twilight said.

“Alright then ah’ll help the guards patrolling outside the hospital,” Applejack said.

“I’ll help the guards at the roof top. I’ll make sure no pony catches me by surprise!” Pinkie said excited before leaving at a surprising speed. Twilight is still wondering how her friend is capable of such feats despite being an earth pony, but she promised herself not to open up that can of worms again.

“I’ll help the guards patrolling the hallways, besides I’m sure the guards will enjoy my company,” Rarity said.

“What about you Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.

“Me? I’ll help the guards watch the door to Fluttershy’s room. We been good friend since we were foals, so it would feel wrong if I wasn’t there protecting her,” Rainbow Dash said with her usual confidence, “What about you Twilight?”

“I’m going to support my brother’s squad. He might not like it too much, but he knows I can handle myself.”

“That makes sense, since you haven’t spent much time with your brother in quite a while.”

“Yeah, but this isn’t a friendly visit, so he’ll be focused on helping us stop Paranoia.”

“Right, but hey once we stop this guy, and get Spike and Applebloom back we should throw a party! With Pinkie planning it of course.”

“Heh, yeah maybe we should, but after we stop him.”

“Of course Twilight, so let’s go to work!”

After Twilight finished her conversation with Rainbow Dash the group went their separate ways and headed off with great determination to end this nightmare once for all. However, none of them realize that the danger is much closer than they think.

/

“And It’s eight’ o’clock. Which means our nightmare friend is starting his hunt,” Gray said with worry.

“Don’t say that out loud! Do you want to scare the poor girl?” Nurse RedHeart retorted angrily, while pointing a hoof at a worried Fluttershy.

Grey sweat dropped knowing well that she’s right. They can’t let Fluttershy get too stressed out since she’s still recovering, “Quite right…” he said as he makes his way over to Fluttershy’s bed. “So Miss Fluttershy… are you single?” he asked bluntly, immediately making Fluttershy blush intensely, and earning a bonk to his head from Nurse RedHeart who seemed to be blushing as well.

“Doctor!!! We are supposed to be taking care of the patient! Not asking about her personal relationships!” berated Nurse RedHeart.

“What? I was trying to help,” Grey said while rubbing his head.

“How is asking a patient if they’re single helping?!”

“I was trying to get her mind off our current situation.”

“Well there are different ways!”

Grey despite knowing that he earned the hit in the head from his nurse, he had noticed it was done in response to him asking these questions to female patients. This has happened before and after looking at Redheart’s face which caused her to puff up angrily while blushing. It was at this moment he put two and two together, “Hey…don’t tell me you’re jealous? Because if you were that be totally fine.”

“I’m not jealous!!!” she yelled. However, Grey remained unconvinced, and continued to poke at her emotions hoping to get her to say anything personal.

“So you yelling at me when I talk to another mare doesn’t count as jealously? Colored me unconvinced.”

RedHeart’s blush intensified, “S-Shut up! You were just making the patient uncomfortable!”

“Say’s the other times when I talked to the other doctors and patients who are mares I may add!”

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!” she said continuing her denial.

However, Grey wasn’t done poking information out of her, “Oh c’mon I saw how you looked at me. I also saw every reaction you made when I talked to another mare. You would always tense up and grimace in my direction!” he lied as he technically thought she just normally angry. However it still worked as it took RedHeart off guard she didn’t expect him to raise his voice. During the times she worked with him not once he raised his voice to anybody. The silence the followed revealed that RedHeart was struck speechless.

“I knew it, you like me don’t you?” Grey said with a grinning smile.

“I-I…Uhh…” Nurse RedHeart stuttered out nervously. Her face became even more bright red, confirming Grey’s suspicions.

“Hey now, why are you acting like Miss Fluttershy here? There’s no need to be nervous RedHeart,” Grey said calmly, “But instead of letting myself say what’s on your mind why don’t I let you do the honors?” Redheart did not say anything, “C’mon you can do it…I want to hear it in your own words.”

“…Grey?” RedHeart said finally.

“Yes?...” he replied while removing his goggles, revealing the soft and caring expression in his blue eyes.

“We have been…well, working with each other for a while now and…”

Grey removed his surgeon mask, and slowly smiled, “And… what?”

The grey colt only snickered at her growing nervousness once she saw his face, “A-And…uhh…w-well…err… you see…”

This was honestly cute in his eyes as the normally stern nurse is melting like ice once her feelings were confronted, “Hahahahaha…I like when she gets nervous. She looks so adorable with that crimson blush dominating her face. It’s definitely a nice change from all the yelling she usually does, but hey she’s only looking out for me. To think we only met a year ago…”

Redheart took a deep breath to calm herself and finally she came out with it, “Look…Grey… all I’m trying to say is…I love you…and it would mean a lot to me if you’re my special somepony.”

Grey’s smile disappeared as he got closer to RedHeart causing her to become nervous and worried. However, he brought his mouth to her ear and whispered, “I was waiting for you to say that for quite a while now,” He then moved back a bit, so he’s face to face with Nurse RedHeart. For a while nopony said a word, and the tension in air could be felt. Then without warning Grey leaned in and brought his lips into RedHeart’s and kissed her deeply. At first RedHeart was surprised at his sudden action, but later gave into the passion of the kiss and started kissing back. The make out session lasted for roughly seven minutes before the newly made couple broke the kiss in order to breathe lost air.

“Wow…you’re really a good kisser,” Grey commented with a goofy grin plaster on his face.

“You’re not bad yourself…” she said.

“Me-reow…I like the way your voice sounds right now,” Grey said hardly containing his glee.

“Easy Grey we just started this relationship. If you’re going to start wanting more than a kiss then you have to work for it. If you know what I mean…” RedHeart added with a wink.

“Umm…excuse me…” whispered an inaudible voice.

“Then why don’t I start now?” asked an eager Grey.

“Excuse me!!!” the voice yelled quietly, still going unheard.

“Hold it tiger, remember we’re currently under an emergency situation. Once, the royal guards catch the foalnapper, then we can start going on dates. Okay?” RedHeart said.

“I said EXCUSE ME!!!” the voice finally yelled out loud; this time catching the couple’s attention.

*Huh?!* Grey and RedHeart said in surprise. They turned in the direction of the yelling and found Fluttershy looking at them with a bright blush on her face.

“Uh…sorry for yelling. It’s just I wanted to say congratulations on becoming a couple.”

Grey and RedHeart stared at her confused, but never got a chance to speak before RainbowDash barged into room with two guards in tow, “Hey! What’s going on in here?” she yelled.

“Nothing Dashie, your friend just wanted to congratulate us on becoming a couple,” Grey replied calmly as possible.

“That’s it?! Dang it Fluttershy you almost made my heart stop!”

“S-Sorry…” Fluttershy said.

“It’s okay Fluttershy…it’s just that, I’m scared…” The sky blue Pegasus said as she walked over to her friend’s bedside.

“S-Scared, of what?”

“Of losing you Fluttershy and being not able to do everything in my power to stop the guy attempting to foalnap you.”

“Rainbow Dash…I’m sorry for making you and the rest of our friends worry, but believe me when I say this. I have faith in your strength Dashie, for this strength is the reason why many young Pegasus’s look up to you. Even I look up to you hoping that some of that strength passes onto me, so I can be brave just like you,” She said purely, with each word tugging at the heartstrings of everypony in the room.

“Fluttershy…you’re…you’re already brave,” Rainbow Dash responded with tears threatening to burst from her eyes. Fluttershy looked at her friend in surprise not expecting to hear such words especially from her friend’s mouth, “I know this…because you’re the only one I know that openly shows kindness to any animal in pain regardless of how dangerous they are. Not many ponies can do what you do, and even though I’m not the pony who represent’s honesty. I can honestly say I couldn’t ask for a better pony to be called my best friend…” she then pulled Fluttershy into a warm felt hug while letting the tears run down her face. The rest of the ponies in the room looked at the scene with a warm smile.

However, the moment wasn’t meant to last much longer, for the sound of clapping can be heard at the door. When everypony turned to face the source of the clapping they were immediately assaulted by shadows, and causing the lit room to fall into darkness. Screams of panic from Nurse RedHeart and Fluttershy were heard in the inky darkness along with the sounds of a struggling Rainbow Dash attempting to get out of the unseen grip that has taken hold of her. The clapping that they heard earlier slowly stopped, and what replaced it was a sinister laugh that seemed to echo in the darkness.

“Grrr…Show yourself!” yelled Rainbow Dash at what seem to be empty darkness. In response to her shout an eerily calm voice spoke out in the darkness.

“I do apologize, but I cannot grant such a request…well at least not yet anyway,” the voice said.

“You! You’re Paranoia aren’t you?” Rainbow Dash shouted in anger.

“I guess my reputation precedes me…well at least in name anyway.”

Rainbow Dash continued to struggle with her unseen bonds while shouting threats to Paranoia, “I won’t let you take my friend! Once I get out of whatever trap you set, I make sure to buck you so hard in the face you’ll have a real reason to wear a mask!”

The mare heard a sigh in the darkness, “I pity you, you know? With a track record impressive as yours, you could easily… how you say ‘mop the floor’ with any common ruffian. However, I’m no ruffian and I’m certainly not a common individual. I could easily put you all sleep with just a whisper, but I don’t which means you’re speaking to me because I allowed it.”

“If you think, you can take me on! Then bring it!” challenged Rainbow Dash.

“If you wish to prolong this fruitless effort to save your friend. Then go ahead, be my guest, but I warn you this is pointless,” the nightmare said in an emotionless voice.

Rainbow Dash felt the restraints holding her in place loosen, and took this chance to break out of them only to be face with another problem; it’s too dark to see anything. She then found herself stumbling in the darkness which seemed to stretch on forever.

“What’s the matter? You can’t see? I suppose it’s fair to see the mask of the one who will show you your place,” Paranoia said mockingly.

Before Rainbow Dash could retort she felt the feeling of cold air pass right through her, and chill her to the bone. Before she knew it a clicking noise is heard. She looked in the direction of the noise to see a hanging lamp swinging its light gently around the dark void. Rainbow Dash walked towards the spot the where light is shining, but with each step the air around her became colder and colder. Once she was finally standing underneath the lamp the air around her is cold enough for her to see her breath, and to make things worse she got the feeling that she’s being watch.

“S-So where a-are you? A-Are you t-to scared to f-fight me?” she said while feeling the effects of the cold air around her.

“Hardly milady…” Paranoia said causing Rainbow Dash to flinch a bit, “Here is some interesting trivia; the closer you are to the light, the greater your shadow becomes.”

Rainbow Dash gave a confused look, “W-What do y-you mean?” she asked.

“Well…you’re standing in the light milady, but tell me, have you checked your shadow?” His response prompted Rainbow Dash to look at her shadow, and to her surprise she found that her shadow didn’t resemble her at all. Instead it resembled a humanoid figure wearing a hat.

“What the?!? That isn’t my shadow!!!” she shouted in shock.

“Of course not…because in my world…all shadows are me and I’m all the shadows you see,” After saying this the nightmare began to form out of her shadow and she could do nothing about it as she was frozen in place. She didn’t know why she couldn’t move at all and chalked it up to one of the nightmare’s powers.

“Ergh…you’re so going to get it now!” she exclaimed. The paralysis in her body faded as the nightmare got out and walked in front of her so she can see in full view the physical appearance of the being.

“Of course…but enough talk let me show you the difference in our abilties!” Paranoia said in a raised voice as he sudden charged at Rainbow Dash. However, she took a flight ready position, and immediately got out of the way.

“Heh, if that’s all y-you’re going to then we were freaking out f-for nothing!” she said mockingly.

“You would think that, but unfortunately for you I’m just playing around,” he said causing Rainbow Dash to react in surprise, “Wait…What?!” was all she managed to say before she was restrained again by a black inky substance that came from the floor and walls, “Wh-What!?! What is this stuff!?” she yelled as she struggled with the bonds.

“Like I said all shadows are me and I’m all the shadows you see.”

“Wait you mean this thing that’s keeping me grounded is just a shadow!?”

“Not just any shadow. Your shadow, your friends shadow, and the gurad’s shadow.”

“H-Huh? How are you controlling our shadows?”

“Forgive me, but I cannot divulge that information.”

“Grrr…I will get out of here!”

“Yes you will…after I take what I came for…” he said as he snapped his finger and the shadows on a nearby wall faded away revealing Fluttershy bounded to a wall of shadow flailing desperately against her bonds.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash yelled. She promised Fluttershy that she will protect her and she doesn’t plan on breaking it, “Oh no, you don’t!” she yelled as she broke out of the shadowy restraints and charged at Paranoia.

“Hmmh? Interesting…” Paranoia whispered himself as Rainbow Dash continued to charge at him. He continued to wait until Rainbow Dash was within his range of attack. Once she was in range he immediately backhanded her causing her to crash into the ground.

“Rainbow Dash!!!” Fluttershy shouted worried about her friend’s well being.

Paranoia faced Fluttershy causing her reel back a bit, “I do apologize milady that I have to do that to your friend, but I assure you everything will be alright. I just need to borrow you for a few moments,” The nightmare said with an odd amount of care in his voice.

“Wh-What do you m-mean?” Fluttershy asked fearfully as tears cascaded down her face.

The nightmare noticed this and reached into his left pocket, but before he could pull out the object within he was immediately blindsided by Rainbow Dash who just recently recovered from the backhand she received a moment ago, “Grah!” Paranoia shouted as he was sent flying into the unknown darkness, and eventually out of sight.

“That should keep him busy for a while…” Rainbow Dash muttered as she attempted break the restraints holding Fluttershy.

“Rainbow Dash you’re okay!” Fluttershy said relieved while tears continued to fall from her face.

“Don’t worry Fluttershy. I’m going to get you out of there before that masked freak comes back!” Rainbow said while she fruitlessly pulled on the shadows holding Fluttershy.

“I’m sorry who you were referring as a…Freak?” asked a familiar voice that made Rainbow’s mane stand on end. She turned to look behind her only to find nothing, “Wh-What the heck?!? Where is he?!?” she exclaimed.

“Have you tried looking up yet?” the voice asked causing Rainbow Dash to look up; however, she still didn’t see Paranoia, “Stop messing with me you bird masked freak!!!”

“Perhaps, you should try looking at the ground…” the voice asked, again causing Rainbow Dash to look in the direction mentioned only to find nothing again, “Grah!!! Where are you!?!” she shouted in frustration.

The voice spoke again, but this time it sounded closer, “Funny, I swore I could’ve appeared there…oh well…” Rainbow Dash looked around to find the source of the voice, but when she looked back to where Fluttershy is she became shocked. Because instead of grabbing Fluttershy’s restraints. She immediately found her hooves stuck inside Paranoia’s body.

“What the heck is going on?!?!” she shouted as she struggled to pull her hooves out.

“I’m afraid to say milady, but our little game is over,” he said quietly in a sinister tone. Rainbow Dash then found herself being restrained once more by the darkness around her. The darkness eventually brought her face to face with Paranoia, and Paranoia brought his face close to her ear as spoke softly the magic phrase he is feared for, “Now would you kindly… go to sleep…” Rainbow Dash attempted to fight off the sudden feeling of wanting to go to sleep, but sadly it was in vain as she soon fell into deep slumber. Paranoia then released Rainbow Dash’s restraints causing her to fall into the ground limp.

“Hmmm, I’m impressed you managed to break away from my shadows and land a hit on me, but I suppose that’s what I get for underestimating a pony…again. I must remember this for future endeavors, but no matter I now have the last piece for milord’s proposal,” He then snapped his fingers causing the shadows to recede revealing the bounded Fluttershy, now having a shadow covering her mouth. She still has tears running down her face which only became worse when she saw the motionless body of Rainbow Dash. She gave off a heartbreaking muffed cry for her friend, a cry that did not go unnoticed, “Milady, please save your heart wrenching cries when they are actually needed. Your friend is still alive. It’s just that I put her into a deep sleep she’ll wake up when I want her to,” Paranoia explained causing Fluttershy to feel a bit relieved, but tears still ran down her face. Paranoia felt a moment of déjà vu before reaching into his left pocket again, and pull out the object he intended to use earlier before being blindsided by Rainbow Dash. It was a handkerchief made out of a fabric dyed black. Paranoia then walked up to Fluttershy and used to the handkerchief to dry her tears while speaking in an oddly comforting tone, “Now, Now milady don’t cry. Like I said before I only need to borrow you for a few moments. I promise you, you shall be returned to your friends before the night ends. However, the rest of the plan must remain a secret, so you cannot be awake during that time…so now milady…would you kindly go to sleep?”

That was the last thing Fluttershy heard before falling into a deep slumber like her friend. Once she was asleep Paranoia released her sleeping body from the restraints and caught her as she fell from the wall. He carefully held her as if he was holding a baby; it was an action he never thought he would do. This was followed up by him gently caressing her mane, “So…soft almost like silk. I apologize milady for the inconvenience I have cause for you and your friend, but I swear to you it’s all for the greater good. I don’t expect you to forgive me for my actions, but that’s okay, milord and I are used to it. However, I shall leave you with two gifts to show how much I apologize to you, but I can only give your first gift right now. The other shall be given to you once milord has gotten what he came here for.”

After saying this Paranoia slowly removed his mask with the shadows around him, but due to the dim lighting his anonymity remained protected, “Our worlds may be far apart milady, but know this…I never meant to hurt you,” he said in voice full of compassion, and with this said he brought his face to her forehead and kissed it gently. While he kissed her forehead he slowly melted into shadows, bringing the small world of darkness he brought into the room with him. Once he and Fluttershy were gone the room returned to normal leaving the rest of the ponies who were caught in his darkness sleeping on the floor.

/

“It’s been at least an hour and a half already, yet we haven’t found a trace of this Paranoia…” muttered Shining Armor. His squad and himself have been patrolling the hospital for a while, but also keeping an eye out for suspicions looking shadows. However, so far they haven’t found any sign of the elder nightmare. It also didn’t help that his sister Twilight is tagging along with him. He preferred that she didn’t involve herself in this, but at the same time he knew that she will stay to help out if one of her friends is in trouble, “Speaking of Twilight…” he looked to his left to see his sister scrutinizing the area around them checking even her shadow for Paranoia.

“No…not here either…” she mumbled quietly. As worried as he was he can’t help but smile at her determination, “Uh…what are you smiling about?” she asked confused.

Shining laughed lightly before responding, “Nothing Twily… I’m just glad to see you again. Although, I wished it was under better circumstances.”

“Yeah…I do too, but once we stop Paranoia then we can catch up with each other afterwards okay?”

Shining couldn’t help but smile back at his younger sister, “Sounds like a plan. Besides Cadance was planning to spend time with you anyway, so we can all catch up together.”

Twilight’s face lit up from the idea “That sounds great! I can’t wait to hear what you and Cadance have been up to!” she said in excitement.

Shining laughed a bit from her excitement, but before he could continue the conversation with his sister. One of the guards yelled out “Sir!!! Something is rising from the ground ten feet in front of us!” Hearing this cause both Shining’s and Twilight’s joyful expressions to immediately disappear and take on a more serious expression.

True to what the guard said a shadowy figure slowly came out of the ground. When he fully emerged from the ground Shining heard Twilight gasped; he was carrying Fluttershy in his arms which only meant he got past through Rainbow Dash’s line of defense, “What have you done to my friends!” she demanded.

Paranoia gave a small laugh before bringing his index finger to the tip of his mask telling them to be quiet. The nightmare then faced away from Twilight and the guards, and opened up a portal made out of pure shadows. After the portal was set up, Paranoia simply walked through it and disappeared shortly thereafter, “Hey stop!!!” Twilight yelled as she immediately chased after Paranoia.

“Twilight, wait!” Shining shouted at his sister hoping to get her to stop in her tracks, but it was in vain as she soon disappeared through the portal as well. Shining also noticed the portal slowly dissipating, so fearing that his sister might get trapped in whatever the portal leads to. He used his magic to keep the portal open, “Get the Princesses over here immediately! I can’t hold the portal open forever!” Shining commanded the guards in his squad.

“Yes Sir!” they responded as they left to get the Princesses, leaving Shining with only his thoughts, “Twilight…please don’t do something you’ll regret…”

/

As Twilight exited the portal she was met with an empty hallway, but it wasn’t any normal empty hallway, this large passage is in a place she’s all too familiar with, “Am I in Canterlot Castle? But why?” She questioned as she looked around.

However, before she could think about it further she spotted Paranoia walking down the path ahead of her. She immediately made chase after him hoping to stop him before he escapes. She pursued him down a few more hallways before stopping behind a pillar. She looked from behind the pillar to find Paranoia walking slowly towards the entrance of Celestia and Luna’s throne room; however, before she could act Paranoia simply phased through the two doors, “Why is he heading into the throne room? There’s nothing there, but Princess Celestia and Luna’s thrones. I got a bad feeling about this…” Twilight then made her way to the doors, but as she got close she heard two voices speaking to each other.

“I brought the last one milord…” Paranoia said.

“Good work Paranoia…here let me get the portal open, so we can leave this world,” said an unfamiliar voice.

“Agreed…”

Twilight upon hearing this knew she had to act fast or else she would lose Applebloom, Spike, and Fluttershy to Lord Nightmare forever. Deciding to throw common sense out the window Twilight barged through the doors in order to confront Paranoia and the owner of the other voice she heard, and hopefully delay them from leaving. As she broke through the doors she immediately found herself face to face with a familiar black bird mask.

“Greetings milady, we were expecting you…” Paranoia said as he shut the door behind Twilight and sealed it with a wall made of shadows.

“By we you mean, you, me and…”

“Myself…” Spoke the other voice gaining Twilight’s attention.

Paranoia moved out of Twilight’s field of vision to give her a clear view of the voice’s owner. Who she saw angered her greatly, for there on Celestia’s throne sat Lord Nightmare himself. “Why hello there my dear Twilight I glad we finally get to meet face to face…” The nightmare said as he adjusted himself on the throne.

“So you’re Lord Nightmare, why are you here?” Twilight asked angrily.

The nightmare only gave out a sinister laugh as he got off the throne and slowly walked towards Twilight, “Oh, My dear I believe you already know the answer to that question,” he said as he stopped in front of her and materialized an intricate looking cane. The cane itself looked like something an aristocrat would carry around, but covered in strange runes that Twilight hasn’t seen before.

“Sorry to disappoint you, but my answer is still no.” she said with finality.

“Really? Well that’s too bad, but I believe I have something that will change your mind… oh Paranoia?” he said as he snapped his fingers. Paranoia nodded in compliance and created three portals made of shadow, what rose from those shadows were the unconscious bodies of Applebloom, Spike, and Fluttershy. Twilight gasped in surprise and attempted to run to them, but was cut off by a wall of violet flames caused by Nightmare’s cane, “I see I got your attention now Twilight Sparkle. So…about my previous proposal do you plan on accepting it this time or do you plan on prolonging the inevitable?”

Twilight glared at Nightmare defiantly, “Release them now!” she shouted angrily.

“Heh heh heh…You know I can’t do that my dear…not till you agree with my proposal,” he said as he pointed his cane at her mockingly.

“I’ll never agree with your terms! I will save my friends and beat you!” Twilight said as she took a battle ready stance.

The greater nightmare sighed as he shook his head, “I would advise you not to do so, for you see I’m much different than any foe you faced so far. Besides, I would prefer not to harm a beautiful mare such as you with my dark powers.”

Twilight was taken aback slightly from his compliment, but kept her resolve strong, “I don’t care! As long as I’m still standing I won’t go quietly!”

“I admire your devotion to your friends, but sadly you are making a big mistake here. Can’t we just talk it out like civilized beings from two different worlds?” he asked attempting to avoid a fight. However, the magic sparking from Twilight’s horn say’s otherwise.

Nightmare sighed again for a third time, “If you insist on putting up this meaningless struggle then go ahead, but I’ll have you know I will never hit a lady. Especially one’s like you…” he said with a bow.

Twilight looked at Nightmare with confusion in her eyes. She didn’t really expect the lord of nightmares from another world to be so friendly to her, but she decided to push away those thoughts for now. Using her magic Twilight teleported to give herself distance from Nightmare, and fired a magic beam straight at him. However, to her surprise he didn’t even try to avoid her attack, but instead simply stood there leaning on his cane. To Twilight’s shock and horror the beam didn’t even touch him, but instead dissipated before even getting close to his proximity.

“I told you. This is meaningless struggle…” Nightmare said calmly further aggravating Twilight. In retaliation, she fired off a barrage of magic missiles in his direction, but Nightmare simply tapped the ground with his cane creating a barrier out of thin air to block the missiles, “Now what have I done to deserve such anger?...oh wait…never mind…” The greater nightmare said absentmindedly before catching himself and rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

However, while he was distracted by his own folly Twilight took this chance to teleport behind him and reared her back legs in order to buck the back of his legs, but as she strike his legs he immediately turned into could of smoke catching Twilight off guard, “What! Where did he go!?!” she exclaimed as she frantically looked around for Lord Nightmare. As she searched around she heard the sound of somebody clearing their throat. The sound came from above her, but as she looked up she found nothing until a certain voice spoke up. “You know you’re a lot cuter when you’re angry,” Lord Nightmare said.

“Where are you?!” Twilight asked in a demanding tone.

Twilight heard a sigh before hearing a response, “Try looking up, but with your eyes not your head…” She did as he said, and to her surprise she found Lord Nightmare using his cane to balance on the tip of her horn. With a light snicker Nightmare used his cane to bounce on Twilight’s horn three times before jumping off her entirely, “…And that’s game set and match”

Twilight ignoring what Nightmare said attempted to charge her horn again for another magical beam, but strangely she wasn’t able to draw magic to her horn, “Wh-What’s going on? I can’t channel my magic!” she yelled.

To her unrelenting frustration Lord Nightmare gave off a laugh before answering, “I shut off your magic temporarily, so you wouldn’t make this any harder than it needs to be…” he said as he walked up to her, “Now with this information in mind do you still plan on continuing this pointless struggle?” he asked.

“Like I said, as long as I’m still standing I won’t go quietly!” she declared in defiance.

This caused the greater nightmare sighed in frustration, “Well shoot…and I really and I do mean really don’t want to harm you…Paranoia would mind?” he requested. Paranoia looked at Nightmare and nodded in affirmation. Twilight looked at Nightmare with a suspecting look, “Just what are you planning!?” she demanded.

“Just making life easier for the both of us…” he responded. Twilight became confused by what he said, but before she could figure out what he meant she heard a voice whisper in her ear. “Would you kindly…go to sleep?…” Before she knew it she felt herself getting drowsy and like those before her, she too fell into a deep slumber.

“Pity…I was hoping you will make this easier Twilight, but I should have known you would continue to fight till the very end. I wished we could have met under different circumstances, but sadly I don’t think you would trust me even if I were begging on my knees.”

Lord Nightmare sighed, “When we get back prepare her a room, and well…prepare her.”

“As you wish milord…” Paranoia responded with a bow. Nightmare then opened up a Portal and walked through it with Paranoia holding Twilight in tow. After they disappeared through the portal nothing was left in the room, but the three unconscious bodies of Fluttershy, Spike, and Applebloom.

It would’ve stayed that way if it wasn’t for a group of ponies barging into the room. The group of ponies in question is Twilight’s remaining friends, her brother Shining, a squad of royal guards, and the three well known princesses of Equestria. Celestia who was among the first who entered into the room saw the three unmoving bodies of Applebloom, Spike, and Fluttershy. She ordered the royal guards to take the sleeping bodies to a safe place. She continued to scan the throne room for any signs of the nightmare brothers, but found nothing.

“We're too late…”

/