Chapters The Reef is the realm of the Awoken, humans caught in the boundary between the Light and Darkness. Some likened the Awoken to elves of folklore. They tended to stay in the Reef and kept to themselves and their own mysterious ways. However, even at the edge of paradise, there existed a dark and seedy underbelly. If the Dreaming City was the pinnacle of Awoken mysticism and philosophy, then the Tangled Shore was the lawless frontier. Nyx found it all endlessly fascinating, but none of that mattered at the moment. The Dreaming City was an interesting place to visit and explore, but the Tangled Shore better served her current purpose. Out here, the Light and Darkness wove together to form a beautiful tapestry of existential energy. Out here, the lines of reality blurred ever so slightly.
Nyx made sure she was far enough away that she wouldn’t encounter Fallen scavengers, and hopefully stay out of the Spider’s eye for a little while. He was bound to find out sooner or later, he always did. As the self-proclaimed “law and order,” nothing happened on this tangle of tethered asteroids that he didn’t know about. Nyx made sure to stay on his good side, if only to make her life easier.
Nyx stared up into the swirling purple dust clouds high above. With a sigh, she held out her hand. “Hey Johnny-boy, come out to play.”
With a flash of light, her Ghost, John Carter appeared. His eye twitched slightly as he looked around nervously. “Why are we here? This isn’t a good idea. The Fallen will find us, or worse, the Scorned. I don’t want to end up like Sundancer. Why can’t we go back to the Library? It’s safe there,” he stuttered.
Nyx rolled her eyes. “I already checked. There are no Fallen or Scorned here, I killed the ones that show up here already, and you don’t have to worry about The Marksman. He’s dead. Killed by the Hero Guardian, remember?”
John Carter stared up at Nyx. “Are you sure you weren’t the one to do it?” he asked.
“Really? Why would you even think that?” Nyx exasperated. “You’ve been with me the whole time!”
“Why would I know what you’ve been up to? You never tell me anything,” John Carter replied sadly, but Nyx just waved him off. “Right now, we have important things to do,” she said.
“Like what?” John Carter asked. “Or should I never bother asking? It’s probably something stupid and dangerous. Actually, it’s better if I don’t know. It’s better that way. Yes, yes, much better.”
Nyx grabbed her Ghost and held him so they were eye to eye. Even then, John Carter refused to look at her. “Listen here, you little scaredy-cat. I have a feeling that something very important is going to happen soon, and whether or not we survive will depend on you doing exactly as I say.”
“How is that any different than normal?” John Carter mumbled.
“It isn’t, but where we are going is somewhere we’ve never been,” Nyx said.
“How do you know that? Did the voice of your unseen gods speak to you again?” John Carter asked.
Nyx stared at John Carter and slightly shook her head in disbelief. “You know that’s not how it works,” she said.
“But that’s what happened when you went into the machine isn’t it?” John Carter asked.
“That was ONE time,” Nyx said and held up her finger. She growled and vigorously shook her head. “This dialogue is getting us nowhere! Here is what you are going to do. First, take all of my current equipped weapons and put them in your inventory.”
“But then you would be unarmed and defenseless,” John Carter insisted.
Nyx gave her Ghost a loving pat on the shell. “Aww, I didn’t know you cared so much.”
“It’s what I do,” John Carter mumbled and Nyx’s guns disappeared in a flash of light. “Now I want you to equip my most boring and generic armor,” Nyx said.
“But-” John Carter started, but Nyx held up a finger to silence him. “No buts, just do,” she instructed. Another flash of light and Nyx was now wearing basic armor. It wasn’t flashy and offered no special perks or upgrades.
“Now what?” John Carter asked.
“Now for the important part,” Nyx said, becoming very serious. John Carter noticed the change in her voice and seemed to shrink down upon himself. “This is going to be bad,” he whispered.
“No matter what happens to me, you must never reveal yourself,” Nyx said.
“No matter what?” John carter repeated in a small voice.
“No matter what. Even if I end up dead,” Nys said. She thought for a second and added, “Actually, if I die, you are allowed to bring me back under these circumstances.” And Nyx told him.
John Carter took a moment for Nyx’s words to sink in. He started to shake as he asked, “But why? What are you expecting to happen?”
Nyx shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m planning for the worst case scenario.”
John Carter floated out of Nyx’s hand and hovered in front of her. “What do you know? What are you not telling me?”
Before Nyx could answer, a crackling sound like thunder could be heard. Nyx turned around and saw a cloud and vertical beam of light appear. The beam widened into a bright circle and Princess Luna appeared. The first thing Nyx noticed was the princess was in human form and her face bore a slight scowl. And aura of blue energy surrounded her body, protecting her from the elements of space.
“So. It’s that time huh?” Nyx said.
Luna narrowed her eyes. “You don’t seem very surprised,” she said.
“I was expecting this to happen sooner or later,” Nyx replied with a shrug. She sighed and put her hands on her hips and added, “Before we get on with this, I need you to do something for me.”
“What makes you think I will agree to anything you say?” Luna asked and crossed her arms. Nyx told her what she wanted. Luna said nothing, but the corner of her mouth twitched. She then moved to the side and held her arm out to the portal.
Nyx sighed and rolled her shoulders back. “Showtime,” she said and walked through the portal.
When Nyx’s vision cleared, she saw she was surrounded by a group of ponies wearing golden plate armor with grim looks of determination on their faces. Each of them was pointing a spear at Nyx in a threatening manner. Behind them was a group of unicorns, also wearing armor and their horns glowed, signaling they were ready to start spellcasting at a moments notice. A group of pegasai slowly circled overhead, each pointing a loaded crossbow at her. To add to the intensity of the moment, the sun blazed down from overhead, making things hot and uncomfortable. There was no breeze or clouds in the sky. Nyx felt like the wrath of the sun was waiting to be unleashed upon her. To be honest, she was rather impressed that she had garnered so much attention. Her hands twitched and all of the ponies took a step closer with a deafening clank of armor. Nyx slowly and carefully moved a spear out of her face.
There was sudden movement in the back and ponies stepped aside to make room for Princess Celestia. Obviously Nyx had never met the Sun Princess, but she had heard about her from Hildr. Rather than the calm and stately visage she normally displayed, Princess Celestia looked like she was barely containing her rage. As if in response, the sun seemed to get even hotter. Nyx imagined she would be sweating buckets right now, but this just meant her internal cooling system had to work just a bit harder.
Celestia walked up to Nyx with sharp angry steps. Her hooves clacked on the cobblestones and echoed loudly through the area. She stopped right in front of Nyx and her eyes blazed with fury as she looked her right in the face. “Are you the one they call Nyx?” Celestia asked loudly.
“I am,” Nyx replied calmly and evenly.
This seemed to upset Celestia even more. “GUARDS! ARREST HER AND BRING HER TO THE THRONE ROOM!” she shouted in her Canterlot Voice. The ponies sprang into action as Celestia turned and walked away.
Nyx found herself trapped and unable to move as a multicolored aura surrounded her. While the unicorns held Nyx captive in their telekinesis, other guards clamped heavy manacles to her wrists and ankles, connected with heavy chains that weighed her down and made it difficult to walk.
Once Nyx was tightly secured, Princess Luna appeared. Unlike her sister, Luna hid her emotions and her face remained neutral. She stopped before Nyx and levitated a necklace out of her bag and placed it around Nyx’s neck. Nyx felt like she had been punched by a Hive Ogre as her Light was forcibly drained. She stumbled, but before she could fall on her face, Luna caught her and stood her up. The princess stepped aside as Nyx was carried away.
To be honest, Nyx was slightly amused by the whole ordeal. The funniest part was watching the cute pastel colored ponies try to act touch and menacing. It made Nyx want to hug them tightly and squee like a little girl, just to spite them. Something to think about for later perhaps? As they moved through the castle, the unicorns kept Nyx firmly in their telekinesis, so she couldn’t move her head to look around. From what she was able to see, Nyx was quite impressed with the architecture and layout of the castle. Large stained glass windows provided plenty of light and cast rainbow colors over everything.
The little procession came to a stop before a set of large wooden doors inlaid with intricate gold and silver designs. Two guard ponies pushed the door open and Nyx could only roll her eyes at the sight. A long red carpet stretched the length of the throne room with heavily armed guard ponies lining each side. Behind them, ponies dressed in fancy clothes and jewelry packed the space. The hall was eerily quiet as Nyx was escorted to the throne. So much drama, she thought.
Princess Celestia stood tall and proud up on the dias, looking angry as ever. Princess Luna sat to one side on her throne and tried her best to keep her emotions in check, but Nyx could tell she was less than pleased as well.
The unicorns lowered Nyx to the ground, but kept her firmly in their grasp. Celestia stepped forward and proclaimed in a loud voice, “Noble ponies of Equestria, I have called you all here to witness these proceedings.” She turned her gaze to Nyx and continued. “Before you stands a disgusting creature, the likes of which you have never seen.”
Nyx took offense to that statement. Since she was an Exo, she had no body odor to speak of and therefore, had no real reason to bathe. However, she still kept up with her regular maintenance and cleanliness.
Celestia’s eyes narrowed and her face curled with disgust. “This creature, this...THING...has invaded our borders, infiltrated our peaceful kingdom, and committed the most vile act in recent memory.”
Okay. Wasn’t Celestia taking this act a little too far?
Celestia paused her speech to catch her breath and paced from side to side. The noble ponies began to whisper nervously amongst themselves. Celestia closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself. “My ponies, I have failed you.”
At this, the crowd began to speak up. “No Princess!”
“It’s not your fault Princess!”
“How could this have happened?”
“What does this mean for the rest of us?”
Celestia heard their uncertainty and raised her voice. “I have failed you my ponies. Our lands have been peaceful and prosperous for so long that I, we, have grown fat and complacent with our lives.” Luna let out a little snort and Celestia pretended not to hear. “Because of this, our security has become lax. Our guard ponies have grown soft. Our ability to defend ourselves from hostile action is non-existent.” Celestia’s eyes became hard and she stomped her hoof loudly on the floor. “But no more!” she said loudly. “Let this be a lesson to us all! There are those out there who wish to do us harm. Our enemies will take our lands and force us into slavery!” Celestia stomped her hoof again, louder this time. “Again I say this will not be! As your ruler, your beloved Princess, I vow to do everything in my power so that this will not come to pass!”
Celestia had stoked the passions of the crowd and they started to shout and hurl insults at Nyx. The crowd started to become an unruly mob and pressed against the guard ponies. Nyx stood silently and waited to see what would happen.
“My ponies! Fate has delivered a golden opportunity into our hooves. Let us look upon the creature that has brought violence and misery to our peaceful lands,” Celestia called out. She turned her attention to Nyx and slowly walked down the stairs. The princess stood up straight and commanded, “Show yourself!”
Nyx glanced around and tugged at her chains to emphasize her lack of mobility. This action only enraged Celestia further and with a low growl, her horn flashed and struck Nyx across the face. The force of the blow snapped Nyx’s head violently to the side and nearly knocked her over. Nyx gathered herself as best she could and slowly stood back up.
Fire blazed in Celestia’s eyes. “Even now, chained and outnumbered, you dare to defy me?” she asked incredulously.
Nyx said nothing.
Celestia’s horn flashed again and the hood of Nyx’s cloak was sharply pulled off her head. A golden aura surrounded her helmet and Nyx’s head was pulled from side to side as Celestia tried to remove it. The latches finally released and Nyx’s helmet flew of. The crowd gasped in horror and Luna visibly recoiled back. Even Celestia was given to pause as she looked upon Nyx’s horribly scarred face for the first time. Celestia quickly recovered her composure and made a display of stripping Nyx out of her armor. Luna leaned forward to get a better look at Nyx’s naked form.
The rest of her body matched the color of her head, and also bore numerous marks and scars, giving proof to her life of struggle. The shape and form of her main body plating gave Nyx a slim and athletic build. A black, skin-like material covered her joints and filled the gaps between her plating. This same material also covered part of her chest plating, giving Nyx a modest bust size.
Celestia made a show of walking around Nyx to look over her form. “Do you see my ponies? Even the most plain and unassuming creatures are capable of despicable acts!” Celestia stopped in front of Nyx and asked in a loud voice, “And what should be done with this creature?”
Celestia’s question sent the crowd into a frenzy and the air was filled with shouting. The guard ponies struggled to keep the mob at bay and were slowly being pushed back. Celestia retreated back up the steps and looked out at the chaos she had created. Nyx could have sworn she saw Celestia smile with satisfaction.
Luna was completely disgusted by the display. She rose from her throne and called out in her Canterlot Voice, “BE STILL!”
The effect was instantaneous and a hush fell over the crowd. Luna stepped forward and glared at the gathered ponies. “Subjects! Have you forgotten where you are? Have you forgotten your place?” Celestia glared at Luna, who ignored her and stood front and center of the dias to be seen by all. “We are ponies of Equestria, descendents of brave ponies, unicorns and pegasai who founded this great country on equality and friendship. And yet, we seem to have forgotten this fact! We are not barbarians! We are not like the dragons, griphons, or diamond dogs! We are governed by the rule of law, not rule of the mob!” Luna spread her wings to make herself appear as big as possible. “It matters not what crime this being has committed. She shall be tried and judged under our law, as is her right.”
Luna’s words had a calming effect on the crowd. Reasoning seemed to come back to ponies eyes and an uncomfortable silence hung overhead. Before Luna could continue, Celestia spoke up. “My sister speaks the truth! However, this is a special circumstance not covered by any of our laws and as such, I reserve the right to pass judgement now.” Luna’s head snapped around and she glared angrily at Celestia, who moved out in front. “I, Princess Celestia, Ruler of Equestria-”
“Lord of Terror,” Nyx muttered to herself.
“-and Bringer of the Dawn hereby pass judgement,” Celestia looked down and Nyx was certain her eyes had turned black and orange. “For her crimes against pony-kind, I decree that Nyx is to be put to death.”
“Sister!” Luna gasped as the crowd roared and surged forward. A protective shield was cast around Nyx as the frenzied mob surged past the guard ponies. Luna could only stare in shock as Celestia sat on her throne and looked pleased with herself as she gazed out over the sea of chaos. Luna wondered what Discord would think if he were here. More than likely, he would sit back with a comically large bucket of popcorn and watch gleefully, she thought.
When the crowd began to tire itself out, Celestia ordered for Nyx to be taken to the dungeon to await her execution. As she was being led away, a black bag was placed over Nyx’s head, obscuring her vision. Nyx sighed. She was beginning to grow tired of all the unnecessary drama and theatrics. At least the unicorns were still carrying her, so there was that.
After a while, Nyx heard a door latch click open and she was forcibly set in a chair. The constant pressure of telekinesis subsided and the bag was pulled off her head. Nyx glanced around and found herself seated at a small table in a square stone room. A single light floated near the ceiling, providing barely enough illumination. At the entrance stood two ponies wearing black suits, sunglasses and serious expressions. Across from her sat a beige colored pony with light blue eyes, and a pink and blue mane, also wearing a suit. On the table between them sat a wooden box with three jewels, red, yellow and green on the lid.
The pony spoke, saying, “I am Agent Sweetie Drops of the P.I.B. Our job is to investigate monster attacks and other potential threats to Equestria.”
“The P.I.B? Ponies In Black? Really?” Nyx deadpanned.
Agent Sweetie Drops was confused. “What about it?” she asked.
“Nothing. So are you like the secret police or something?” Nyx asked and Sweetie Drops recoiled in horror. “We’re not barbarians here!”
Nyx held up her hands and jingled her chains. “Could have fooled me,” she replied dryly.
Sweetie Drops cleared her throat. “We’re not the bad guys here.”
“Convince me,” Nyx replied.
Sweetie Drops narrowed her eyes and leaned forward. “I’m just trying to do my job and get to the bottom of all this.” She nodded to the box on the table.
“Since you’re already convinced of my guilt, why continue with this charade?,” Nyx asked.
“We want to know the facts, establish a timeline of events and perhaps a motive for the crime you committed,” Sweetie Drops said.
“And what crime would that be?” Nyx asked.
Sweetie Drops seemed hesitant to say, as if just the thought of it was unbearable. “The...murder ...the assassination of Lord Tirek,” she managed to say.
“Oh. Okay. Just wanted to be sure,” Nyx said.
Sweetie Drops raised an eyebrow. “So you admit to it then?”
Nyx shrugged. “Do I get a lawyer, or is that not how this works?”
Sweetie Drops gave Nyx a questioning glance. “Why do you need a lawyer? What’s that?” she asked.
“A special council, solicitor, attorney, barrister, advocate, any of these ring a bell?” Nyx asked and Sweetie Drops shook her head. “What normally happens when a crime is committed?” Nyx exasperated.
“The police investigate, the culprit is apprehended and punished accordingly,” Sweetie Drops replied.
“What if the police arrest the wrong pony?” Nyx asked and Sweetie Drops shrugged her shoulders. “How should I know? Very little crime happens in Equestria.”
“This is the most ammeture opperation I have ever encountered,” Nyx shook her head sadly. “Does Lyra know how much you suck at your job?”
Sweetie Drops visibly paled at the mention of Lyra’s name, but tried to maintain her professionalism. “How do you know that name?” she asked.
Nyx leaned back in her chair and replied, “I know many things if asked the right questions.”
“And that is why we are here,” Celestia said as she emerged from the shadows. Sweetie Drops jumped in surprise and quickly scrambled to her feet. “You Highness!” she bowed her head.
Celestia walked around the table and sat across from Nyx. “You must think this is all fun and games,” she said.
“I’m not exactly having a good time here,” Nyx replied and clanked her chains together.
Celestia narrowed her eyes and nodded to Sweetie Drops, who opened the box and pulled out a plain silver band with a red, yellow and green gems. After a bit of difficulty, the band was placed on Nyx’s head. Sweetie Drops stood at the table between Celestia and Nyx. “I am going to ask a few questions to get a baseline for the truth spell,” she said. “Is your name Nyx?”
“Yes,” Nyx replied and the green jewels on the headband and box lit up.
“Are you a human?” Sweetie Drops asked.
“No,” Nyx answered and the yellow jewels illuminated. Nyx rolled her eyes. “Semantics.”
“So are you human or not?” Celestia asked.
“I used to be,” Nyx replied and the green jewels lit up.
“Why did you kill Tirek?” Celestia asked.
“Who says I did?” Nyx asked.
“You did, didn’t you?” Sweetie Drops asked.
“Where is your proof?” Nyx asked. “As far as I know, I was minding my own business when I was kidnapped, forcibly taken against my will, chained up like an animal, falsely accused, imprisoned, and questioned without competent council.”
“Luna says you came willingly. That alone speaks to your guilt,” Celestia replied haughtily.
“There is a witness who saw Tirek’s murder,” Sweetie Drops added.
“Really? Who?” Nyx asked and Sweetie Drops made a disappointed face. “Her name is Cozy Aura.”
“Is that so?” Nyx mused. You’ll have to do better than that.
Sweetie Drops frowned. “Cozy Aura says she saw a portal open and a bipedal female stepped through and shot Tirek with a strange looking weapon. Cozy Aura also said this person threatened her before departing.”
“Do you trust this pony?” Nyx asked.
“We gave her the same Truth or Lie test you are taking now and she passed with flying colors,” Sweetie Drops said.
“Oh? And where is she now?” Nyx asked.
“Right where we left her,” Celestia replied coldly.
“How generous of you,” Nyx mocked.
Celestia narrowed her eyes and a low growl escaped her throat. “Do you take anything seriously? I don’t think you quite understand the position you are in.” She sat up to her full height and towered menacingly over Nyx. “It is in your best interest to cooperate, or we will be forced to use more rigorous methods.”
“Really? That’s the best you got? Well I can say this is certainly the worst interrogation I have ever been a part of,” Nyx offered and the green jewels lit up.
“ALL OF YOU OUT!” Celestia thundered. Sweetie Drops fell back in shock and even the two ponies by the door seemed surprised. After a moment of hesitation, the three of them left. As soon as the door closed, Celestia turned on Nyx and slapped her across the face. Nyx slowly turned back to face Celestia and said, “This behavior is quite out of character for you Princess.”
“And what would you know, murderer?” Celestia shot back.
Nyx thought to herself for a second. “Surely this act isn’t just for me. What’s really bothering you?”
“I know it was you!” Celestia growled. “We discovered traces of a unique Magical signature around Tirek’s body that closely matches the other of your kind that came here.”
“Then how do you know it wasn’t her?” Nyx asked. “How do you even know me? We have never met before and this is the first time I have ever been here.”
“Luna spoke of you when recounting her journey to your world,” Celestia said. “She said you unsettled her greatly and spoke of disturbing things.”
Nyx’s mismatched eyes burned holes into Celestia’s own magenta colored ones. “And you believe her? You think me to be some kind of monster? What is a monster except that which we do not understand and fear? To a mouse, the cat is a monster. It is all a matter of perspective.” Nyx shifted slightly in her seat. “I am a stranger from a strange land, no different than Hildr, yet you greeted her with open arms and fear me.”
“I fear nothing,” Celestia insisted and looked down her nose at Nyx.
“You say that because this is all you know,” Nyx said. “You think that this is all there is. You sit on you little chair and look at your little kingdom and believe yourself to be the ruler over all? Only a fool makes such bold claims. You are nothing. I am nothing. All of this is nothing compared to the vast emptiness of space and time. We are but pawns in a larger game we do not understand. Who can comprehend the gods that rule over even you, Princess of the Sun?”
Celestia’s eyes blazed with fury as she grabbed Nyx in her telekinesis and lifted her off the ground. “What gives you the right to say such things?”
“I have seen the Truth of this world, and I have seen the face of true Terror,” Nyx replied. “But nothing I say will ever convince you.”
“Enough!” Celestia roared and slammed Nyx into the wall. “How did you get here? Who brought you here?”
“Luna did, remember?” Nyx said. The green jewel flashed on.
“The first time!” Celestia shouted and threw Nyx into the other wall. “How did you know to find Tirek?”
“He’s in the same place you keep all of your troublemakers locked up,” Nyx replied. Celestia pinned Nyx to the ceiling and began to squeeze. “Who told you about Tirek?”
Nyx’s body started to creek under the strain. “A little pink balloon told me,” she said. Coolant and oil began to seep from Nyx’s joints and dripped down, staining Celestia’s white coat black and blue. Flames sprouted from Celestia’s eyes and she threw Nyx to the floor with such force that the table fell over. The box bounced across the floor where Celestia saw the green jewel glowing faintly. Before her systems went into temporary shutdown, Nyx was certain she saw horns and a crown of flame sprout from Celestia’s head.
After she left the interrogation room, Sweetie Drops walked through the castle, lost in thought. As she rounded a corner, a sudden chill went down her spine and she looked around to see Princess Luna step out of the shadows. “Princess!” she exclaimed and hurriedly bowed her head.
“Relax,” Luna said and Sweetie Drops tried her best to calm down. “Walk with me,” Luna said and motioned with her head. Frowning, Sweetie Drops did as asked. “So. How did the questioning go?” Luna asked.
Sweetie Drops took a moment to formulate her thoughts. “It was rather odd, unlike any questioning I have been a part of,” she finally said.
“How so?” Luna asked.
“Normally, when ponies are brought in for questioning, they are very nervous, tend to fidget a lot, and question everything. As such, it can take a long time to get anything useful out of them. It is very evident they don’t want to be there,” Sweetie Drops explained. “But with Nyx, it was very different. She seemed very calm during everything, almost like she was bored with the whole process.” Sweetie Drops frowned. “I get the feeling that Nyx wants to be here. But that doesn’t make any sense. Why would she willingly let herself be imprisoned if she continues to profess her innocence?”
Luna pondered what Sweetie Drops had said. “And another thing. I don’t know if it was intentional or not, but Nyx clearly upset Princess Celestia in some way. I’ve never seen the princess so angry before.”
“I have, but not for a very long time,” Luna muttered. Sweetie Drops looked up at Princess Luna. “Who is Nyx? Where did she come from and why is she here?” she asked.
“I wish I had answers for you,” Luna replied.
When Nyx finally opened her eyes, she found herself in a 4x4 foot stone cell with a heavy metal door set in iron bars for an entrance. A small slit in the wall by the ceiling allowed pale moonlight to filter inside. Apart from that, there was no other source of light that Nyx could see. She guessed the dungeon hadn’t been used for a very long time, but the cell was well-maintained. None of the stones showed signs of wear or chipping and the metal was free from rust.
Nyx slowly rose to her feet and ran a quick diagnostic check. Her self repair function had fixed the damage Celestia had caused and her joints moved freely. Nyx noticed her wrists and ankles were still shackled, but the chain had been removed. Nyx surmised that this particular cell was decent sized for a pony, but her head nearly touched the ceiling and there was no way for her to comfortably lie down or stretch out.
So. Here she was, back in prison. Nyx chuckled at the fact she couldn’t seem to escape confinement, no matter where she went.
A light mist appeared in the window and slowly filtered in. Nyx watched with interest as the mist condensed into the cloaked form of Princess Luna. “That’s a pretty neat trick. Wish I could do that,” Nyx said.
Luna pulled her hood back and she didn’t look very happy. “I apologize for your treatment by my sister.”
Nyx waved her off. “So. I take it she found out?” she asked and Luna nodded. “It is as she said, however it baffles me as to how she found out in the first place. To my knowledge, Celestia has not been to Tartarus for some time.” Luna frowned and added, “Did you know this would happen? It seemed as if you were waiting for me.”
Nyx shrugged her shoulders. “I am not omniscient. I don’t know everything. The things I do know come in the form of sudden thoughts or urges, like that feeling you get when your hair stands on end and all your senses go on high alert, even if nothing is happening.” Nyx sighed. “To put it bluntly, I am here because the Plot demands it.”
Luna glared at Nyx and muttered under her breath. “But why put up with all this? I am well aware of what you Guardians are capable of.”
Nyx tapped the necklace at her throat. “No Light remember? I’m as helpless as a newborn foal.”
“I doubt that very much,” Luna replied. Her gaze softened and she hesitantly stepped forward. “I know I have no right to ask this after our treatment of you, but I request your help.”
“Oh? And what is it this time?” Nyx asked.
Luna sighed and said, “There is something happening with my sister and I would very much like to know what.”
“Why can’t you do this? Don’t you have your own guards and network of spies and informants?” Nyx asked.
“What you say is true, however, my sister has become increasingly suspicious of my own actions and has spoken against me many times. She has had most of my own guards replaced and several of my agents have gone missing,” Luna said.
“And you think Celestia is responsible?” Nyx asked.
“I did not say that,” Luna snorted.
Nyx looked around her cell. “I’m not going to accomplish much in here,” she said.
Luna rolled her eyes and said, “Somehow, I doubt that will stop you.”
Nyx became serious and stared intently at Luna. “Are you sure you want to do this Princess? Once you start to unravel this thread, there will be no going back. No matter what happens, I doubt Equestria will be the same.”
Luna wilted slightly under Nyx’s intense aura, but held her ground. “I am prepared to face the consequences when the time comes,” she said.
“I doubt that very much,” Nyx replied. “Besides, if you are so worried about Celestia’s growing paranoia, aren’t you afraid she’ll find you here?”
Luna chuckled. “Celestia won’t find us here because this is all in your dream.”
Nyx was taken aback. “Well then. I don’t remember the last time I had a dream, so well done Princess.”
Luna smiled wickedly, then stood up straight and became serious again. “I Princess Luna, formally request that you, Nyx the Hunter, investigate my sister Princess Celestia.”
Nyx opened her eyes and found herself sitting in her cell with Luna nowhere to be seen. She slowly clapped her hands together and said, “Bravo Princess. Well done.”
Nyx didn’t receive any guests, nor did she expect to. The guard ponies came by several times a day to check on her, mostly to make sure he was still in her cell. Time passed slowly and Nyx didn’t bother to keep track of the days. She used that time to formulate her plan and go over all the information she knew about Princess Celestia and Equestria. Eventually, Nyx found herself wanting something to read, hopefully something to fill the gaps in her knowledge.
Eventually one of the guards game to her cell carrying a cardboard box. “A delivery for the prisoner,” he said gruffly.
Nyx kept back from the cell door and was intrigued. Other than the princesses and the guards, who else knew she was here? The guard carefully opened the door and placed the box inside. Once the guard had locked the door and left, Nyx opened the box to find a round cake covered with white frosting. Nyx’s face was drawn on the cake behind lines of frosting, resembling prison bars. Nyx pulled the cake out and found a note in the bottom that read “Get out Soon!” The card wasn’t signed, but had a picture of three balloon. Nyx couldn’t help but roll her eyes and chuckle. She carefully cut open the cake and found a length of rope coiled inside.
Several days later, another package arrived that contained shortcake with whipped cream and strawberries. As she suspected, Nyx found a set of lock picks baked inside. After that, Nyx received packages with regularity and obtained a sizeable stash of tools, including a small rock pick, hacksaw blades, blueprints of Canterlot Castle dungeon, a roll of wire, and a metal file. Nyx gave the treats to the guards, which made them slightly less grumpy.
When Nyx didn’t receive a new package for several days, she briefly wondered if the guards finally had enough of the gifts, or if her mysterious benefactor simply stopped sending them. Nyx heard the guard approach and noticed this guard wasn’t like the others, mainly that frizzy pink hair sprouted through the gaps of the helmet. “Hello Pinkie,” Nyx said and gave a little wave.
Pinkie quickly looked around and pulled the helmet off. “What are you still doing here? Didn’t you get any of my presents?” she asked in a harsh whisper.
“I did. Thank you very much. I’m sure the guards enjoyed your cakes,” Nyx said.
Pinkie’s eyes went wide and she gasped in horror. “Those fiends! How dare they! I’m gonna give them a piece of my mind!” She glared and angrily shook her hoof.
Nyx was amused by Pinkie’s actions. “What brings you here?” she asked.
“Well, everyone heard about what happened. Princess Celestia mad a BIG announcement, saying she had captured a foreigner who came through the mirror to do bad things,” Pinkie said. Her face fell and her poofy mane deflated a little. “At first I was shocked and upset, then I remembered what we did and became sad because I didn’t think this would happen. So I asked around and found out you had been thrown in jail. I felt bad that you were in trouble, so I decided to help you out.” Pinkie managed a sad smile and disheartened squee sounded from somewhere.
“Thank you for your concern,” Nyx said.
Pinkie took off her borrowed armor and shook herself out. “So why haven’t busted out yet?”
“I’m waiting for the right time, when the Plot demands it,” Nyx said.
“This one apparently,” Nyx replied. She watched as Pinkie wandered around the small cell. “Aren’t you alone here?” she asked. “I mean, stuck here in this little cell in a universe that isn’t even yours?”
“Not really,” Nyx replied. “You’re here aren’t you?”
Pinkie rolled her eyes. “I mean, besides me. Don’t you have any family or anyone who will miss you?”
“Nope. I’ve told you before that where I’m from, people tend to avoid me,” Nyx replied.
“Oh,” Pinkie said sadly and sat in the middle of the floor.
After a moment, Nyx said, “However, I do have a sister of sorts.”
At this, Pinkie perked up a little. “Oh yeah? What’s her name? What’s she like?”
“Her name is Selene and she’s a lot like me, but a little more level headed,” Nyx said. Pinkie walked over to Nyx and sat beside her. “Selene and I are both Hunters. Selene likes to explore new places and see new things, but I like learn new things and know everything,” Nyx continued. “My curiosity and desire for knowledge is what got me in trouble in the first place.”
“You mean that time you were in jail back in your world?” Pinkie asked and Nyx nodded. “Where is Selene now?” Pinkie asked.
“Who knows?” Nyx replied. “Probably off on her own adventure.”
Pinkie put her head on her hooves and Nyx gently stroked her mane. “Pinkamena, what makes you happy?” she asked.
At the mention of her real name, Pinkie’s head shot up and she stared wide-eyed at Nyx. “Why did you call me by that name?” she asked.
“It is your real name isn’t it?” Nyx asked.
Pinkie looked to the floor. “I mean, it IS my name, but I don’t like it very much. It reminds me of a time before I got my cutie mark, or I’m in a lot of trouble, or things are super serious.” Pinkie looked back up at Nyx. “Some people also associate Pinkamena with a crazy and psychotic personality that comes out when I’m under a lot of stress or REALLY feeling sad.”
“So what makes you happy Pinkamena?” Nyx repeated softly, indicating her desire for seriousness.
“Bringing joy and laughter to others,” Pinkie replied.
“But no one can be happy all the time,” Nyx pointed out.
“I know,” Pinkie said, “But I feel like I have to try. If there is on joy or laughter, life just feels so dull and gray.” As if to emphasize her point, Pinkie’s coat turned several shades darker and her mane went completely flat.
“You can’t force others to laugh and be happy, as much as you might want to Pinkamena,” Nyx said.
“I know that too,” Pinkie said, her eyes beginning to water. “So let me ask you, what makes YOU happy?”
Nyx thought for a moment. “Quiet times like these,” she said. “Also reading and learning new things. Sitting in this cell wouldn’t be so bad if I had something to read, like oh I don’t know, the complete History of Equestria for starters.”
Pinkie’s eyes went wide. “You should definitely meet Twilight then.”
“I most certainly should not. I heard what she did to Hildr and I have no interest in that happening to me,” Nyx replied.
Pinkie frowned. “Twilight’s head would explode if she found any of her books missing.”
“I never said you had to get them from her,” Nyx pointed out.
“And I never said I would get them for you,” Pinkie replied. They stared at each other for several long moments. “I think we understand each other,” Nyx said.
“Seems that way,” Pinkie agreed. She snuggled in closer to Nyx and sighed. “You don’t mind if I keep you company for a while, do you?” she asked.
“Not at all. I would like that very much,” Nyx replied and gently stroked Pinkie’s mane.
More time passed and Pinkie did not return, however Nyx managed to get a copy of the book she requested. It helps, but not as much as she would have liked. Nyx wondered what has become of Pinkie. She wasn’t overly fond of the pink pony, but Nyx found her amusing and greatly enjoyed her company. Nyx pushed these thoughts aside and focused on her task. The book seemed to have been written by several different authors, and read like a running chronology of Equestria. The latter portions appeared to have been written by the same pony, indicated by the flowery and flowing script. Nyx assumed this was Celestia’s writing. At the very least it gives some insight into the mind of the princess.
As expected, this book is only the first volume of what is certainly many more. Nyx sat in her cell and thinks to herself. The guards continue to check on her, but lately they seem more put off than normal. Perhaps it has to do with the way Nyx sat in the darkness with her mismatched eyes burning unnaturally bright. The guards have every reason to be wary. A caged monster is still a monster.
Luna visited Nyx one dark night. The princess materialized in the cell and wasted no time on formalities. “Things have changed,” she says gravely. “The Elements are missing. Celestia sent them into Tartarus to quell a disturbance. No pony has seen or heard from them since.”
Suddenly it all makes sense now. Nyx knows what she has to do. She stares unblinkingly at Luna, who takes a step back in alarm. “And Celestia?” Nyx asks calmly.
“She is more concerned with building the army, reviewing ancient war plans, and spreading hard-line rhetoric to the ponies,” Luna answered darkly. She snorts in disgust, clearly displeased with recent events. “My sister has also set the date for your execution.”
“A trivial matter,” Nyx says. Luna rubbed her hooves together nervously and had a worried look on her face. She is almost afraid to ask, but does anyway. “What will you do?”
“I will do what I must,” Nyx replied simply. Despite the necklace she is wearing, Nyx’s aura is sharp and dangerous. Luna can feel electricity in the air and made her extremely uncomfortable. “I must go. My sister is ever suspicious and must not find me here. I will do what I can.” With that, Luna departs.
Nyx can feel the nervous energy, the anticipation building within her. She keeps it in check. A Hunter is patient, always watchful. Every move a Hunter makes is measured in such a way as to not alert the prey. There is a thrill in the chase, but the Hunter knows there is more to it than the temporary adrenaline rush. The Hunter plans for every possible outcome, but knows that no plan survives first contact.
Nyx knows that she must return to the Old Ways. She does not relish this fact, but accepts that it is what she must do. In order to do what must be done, she needs to remember a time before her imprisonment, a time when the City was still lawless, a time when survival was all that mattered. John Carter would not approve, but then again, he hardly agrees with anything Nyx says or does. Deep in her soul, Nyx embraces the Hunter and lets her free. It will take time for old instincts to become sharp again, but Nyx has nothing but time. A Hunter is patient, and Nyx is very good at waiting.
The cell door opens and guard ponies step inside. They quickly make room in the cramped cell for Princess Celestia. Nyx sees the princess’s eyes are cold and hard, her face twisted into a permanent scowl. Her flowing mane has taken a harder edge and the colors are much sharper. She is also wearing golden armor. Her horn flashes and chains appear. Without saying a word, Celestia chains Nyx’s hands and feet together. Once this is done, she turns and departs. The guard ponies gently prod Nyx with their spears and the prisoner steps out of her cell for the first time.
Nyx turned her focus inward. Days spent meditating in the dark had made her spirit sharp and dangerous. Her aura is intense as she fully embraces The Hunter. The guard ponies can sense something has changed. A tingle runs down their spines and every instinct in their bodies tells them to run in fear. A monster has been released and currently walked among them.
The guards lead Nyx through the castle and out into an open air arena. A quick look around gives Nyx the impression this particular area hadn’t been used for some time, but the seats were filled to overflowing with spectators. Nyx can feel the electricity in the air. Months of listening to Celestia speak had turned the ponies into an angry and hostile crowd. No doubt they blame Nyx for the current problems of Equestria.
With great fanfare, Princess Celestia appears on the balcony. The crowd erupts in cheers and roar approval for their ruler. Celestia looks out at the assembled crowd and soaks in the praise and adoration; however Luna is nowhere to be seen. Nyx cant help being slightly impressed with the grand performance Celestia has put together. To be perfectly honest, that’s all any of this was; a three ring circus for Celestia to show to Equestria and the world that she means business. Gone were the days of friendship, forgiveness, and acceptance of others. Goodbye halcyon days.
“My ponies!” Celestia calls out over the roar of the crowd. “Some time ago, I promised a fitting punishment for this vile creature who arrived unwanted and unannounced in our peaceful land.” Jeers rain down on Nyx, but she ignores it. Celestia spreads her wings and floats gracefully to the ground in front of Nyx. The guard ponies back away to give the two space and a hush settles over the crowd.
Celestia looks Nyx over and slowly walked around. Nyx keeps her eyes forward and stares straight ahead. Celestia snorts in disgust and her horn flares. Nyx doesn’t move as she is lifted high off the ground in Celestia’s telekinesis. From this height, everypony in the arena can see her. Nyx doesn’t care. Let them look. It probably never occurred to those gathered that there was indeed a monster in their midst and it wasn’t Nyx. Well, maybe.
Celestia stands on a platform that has been erected in the middle of the arena and Nyx is lowered down until they are looking eye to eye. Nyx can clearly see that Celestia’s eyes have turned black with bright orange irises. Her grin is predatory as she lifts a large sword off her back. “Kneel before me. I shall hear your confession before your death,” Celestia calls out.
Nyx can feel the heat radiating off Celestia in waves. Her barely contained rage is palpable and leaves a nasty taste in Nyx’s mouth. Nyx says nothing, but stares deep into Celestia’s eyes. The Hunter always knows what her prey looks like. Despite the gravitas of the situation, Nyx keeps her body light and free of tension.
Celestia growled at Nyx’s quiet defiance. “If you will not kneel, then you will be made to!” she commanded and her horn flares again. Nyx suddenly feels the gravity increase tenfold and tries to keep her legs from shaking. The Hunter watches her prey to learn its movements, to know when is the right time to strike.
Celestia’s eyebrows furrow with concentration as she increases her spell. Nyx’s joints groan in protest and warnings started to sound, but Nyx ignores it. The platform begins to creak and the floor suddenly gives way, sending Nyx crashing through. The platform isn’t very tall and Nyx ends up standing on the ground, looking up at Celestia. The princess useds this chance to spread her wings and make herself look as big as possible while she looks down on Nyx. “You foolish mortal? Even now, do you not understand your position? What insect can hope to stand up to the might of the sun?”
Nyx makes no reply and keeps her aura contained. The Hunter moves carefully, silently, so as to not alert the prey or give away her position.
Celestia is visibly agitated. Clearly, she is not getting the reaction she hoped for. Indeed, the crowd begins to whisper and rumblings of boredom can be heard. Feeling her chance is slipping between her hooves, Celestia raises her sword high in the air. “Your silence has been noted and written in the record. For your crimes against pony-kind, I sentence you to die!” Celestia takes her stance and with a mighty swing, separates Nyx’s head from the rest of her body.
Deep in the heart of Everfree forest, a cloaked figure walks quietly through the abandoned Castle of Two Sisters. The hallways are coated with dirt and grime, and vegetation is starting to force its way through the cracks and crevices in the walls. Moonlight filters through the broken windows, casting pale shadows and gives the castle a melancholic atmosphere.
The cloaked figure comes to a heavy wooden door that is slightly ajar. The hinges groan in protest as the figure forces the door open to make room to enter. At the far end of the chamber sits two abandoned thrones. A shaft of moonlight highlights one, but leaves the other in shadow. The figure walks to the center of the room and pulls the hood back, revealing the face of Princess Luna. A lonely sigh escapes from her chest as she looked around the old throne room. So many memories were tied to this place, many of them not pleasant. She looks to the thrones and let out a little snort. Luna was the Princess of the Moon, so why shouldn’t her throne be bathed in moonlight?
Luna shakes her head to clear her mind. She is here for a reason, and it isn’t for a trip down memory lane. Her cloak starts to twitch and John Carter emerged from the depths. He looks around nervously and starts scanning. “Are you sure this was a good idea? I don’t detect any spells or abnormal magical energy, but I don’t have much experience with this. In fact, I don’t have any experience at all. Why are we doing this? Why did we have to come here? I don’t like this place,” he murmured and his shell began to vibrate slightly.
“Have heart, little Ghost. No danger will come to you while I am near,” Luna said, trying to put John Carter at ease, but her words have little effect. “Why should I believe you? You ponies are the ones that killed Nyx. How do I know you won’t do the same to me?” John Carter asks. He floats around the room, taking scans as he goes. “I never asked for any of this. Why can’t you just send me back? I would like that very much. You could send me back to the Tower and no one would even know.”
Luna is starting to get irritated by John Carter’s whining. “And what of your Guardian?” she growls. “Surely you wouldn’t think of abandoning her, would you?”
John Carter turns to face Luna. “She abandoned me first. It’s her fault she got thrown in prison.” He looks away and slowly sinks to the floor. “When she was locked away, I worked in the Archives. That was the happiest I had ever been. No one shot at me, no one yelled at me, at least not a lot or very loudly, and I didn’t have to worry about taking care of an overgrown child. Guardians can be very foolish sometimes. I mean, when Ghosts can bring you back to life, why not jump off the Tower walls for laughs? Or face down a Hive Ogre with nothing but a sidearm. Or jump feet first into the depths of hell.”
Luna grabs John Carter with her telekinesis and pulls him toward her. “If you are looking for sympathy, you shall get none from me.” She lets him go and he floats back a little bit. Luna let out a short sigh. “You say she left you alone. I say, what of it? You are here with her now, are you not?”
John Carter nods. “But not because I wanted to. It’s the Red Legion’s fault for letting Nyx out. If they hadn’t showed up, none of this would have happened and I would still be in the Archives.”
Luna rolls her eyes in annoyance. “Oh woe is me! What if this, and what if that?” she says and flails about dramatically. “What if I had never become Nightmare Moon? What if I had never been banished to the moon?” Luna makes her way to her throne and sits down. John Carter had to admit that the princess looked majestic in the moonlight. If he had a real body, John Carter would have bowed and pledged his undying fealty right there.
“I my time, I have come to realize that we cannot control everything in our lives,” Luna says. “We can, however, control how we react to those situations.” Her eyes become hard as she glares down from her throne. “You dislike your master, so what? Where is it written that we must like everypony we meet? Nowhere that I have ever read. You say she abandoned you and now you wish to do the same? So what? You are free to think and do as you please, but know this, little Ghost. You will be no better than the one you profess to hate so much.”
Luna steps off the throne and John Carter can only stare as she towers over him. “I know how I feel about Nyx, and I barely know her. Therefore, I cannot imagine how you must feel after knowing her for so long. Someone that I trust very much once told me that it is good to have a dialogue with people you do not agree with. Otherwise, how will you learn and grow in your understanding?”
John Carter sighs. “You know nothing of what Nyx is like. I have seen what she has seen and I know what she knows. She is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside and enigma. She is a Hunter and Hunters tend to be solitary and difficult creatures by habit.”
Luna lowers her head to look John Carter in the eye. “It seems that nothing I say will convince you, but I will say this as simply as I can so you do not misunderstand my words. I asked Nyx for help and she gave me her word that she would. She asked you and I to do this for her, and so we shall, because I gave her my word. I will not have my trust broken by your cowardice.”
John Carter flinches at Luna’s words. What she said cut him deeply. He know he isn’t the most fearless Ghost, but never did he think himself a coward.
But he was, wasn’t he.
Isn’t this what cowards do? Hide, make excuses, and blame others for their own shortcomings? Nyx was many things, but a coward and oathbreaker she was not. John Carter searches his memory, from before Nyx went into the machine and after, and not once did Nyx ever go back on her word.
Perhaps he doesn’t know his Guardian as well as he thought. Being separated for all those years certainly didn’t help either. He knows of other Ghosts that have rocky, sometimes combative, relationships with their Guardians. John Carter also knows that some Ghosts have chosen to completely abandon their Guardians when the Guardian in question strayed too far down the path of Darkness. John Carter had spoken to Raven extensively on the subject of fallen Guardians and both agreed that this was not the case with Nyx and Hildr.
Luna watches with interest as John Carter wrestled with his thoughts. “I know this must be difficult for you but we should not linger much longer, little Ghost. The sun will rise soon, and with it, my sister.”
John Carter sighs heavily. “I wasn’t serious about going back to the Tower, not really anyway,” he admitted. His eye blinks rapidly and Nyx’s body appears on the ground in a flash of light. Luna moves Nyx’s head closer to her body. “Please step back,” John Carter said and Luna did so.
John Carter can feel the faint flicker of Light inn Nyx’s body. His points separate and begin to spin around his eye as he focuses on channeling the vast and infinite Light of the Traveler into his Guardian. The connection is made and Luna flinches back as a blast of energy spread through the throne room.
Luna blinks the spots from her vision and peers closely at Nyx’s body. Outwardly, she can tell no difference. She looks to John Carter and askes, “Did it work?”
Before John Carter can answer, Nyx’s eyes spring to life and she sits up. Startled, Luna falls back and watches as Nyx rises to her feet. When Nyx’s eyes look at her, Luna feels a chill run down her spine. There is no hint of the playfulness or mischievousness Nyx often has. These were the eyes of the Hunter, and Luna hoped she wasn’t the prey.
We used to have those eyes, Nightmare Moon whispered.
Luna ignores her and hesitantly stands up. “I have done as you asked. Is there anything else you require?” she asked.
Nyx looks around the room and her gaze settles on John Carter, who shrinks back in fear. Wordlessly, Nyx holds out her hand. After a moment of hesitation, John Carter floats forward and settles in her palm. Nyx brings him up to eye level and says, “We have much to talk about.”
“I g-g-guess so,” John Carter stammers.
Nyx lets him go and pointed at herself. John Carter nods and scans Nyx’s body. Luna watches with amazement as light surrounds Nyx and her shape begin to change. When the light faded, Nyx is wearing armor Luna has never seen. What really stands out is the black and gold helmet with three glowing green eyes and the blue scarf with red, yellow and white stripes that wrapped around her neck and trailed almost to the floor.
John Carter disappears in a flash of light and Nyx looks to Luna. “What will you do now?” the princess askes.
“I will do what I must, O Reader Mine,” Nyx replies to no one in particular. “But first I need to visit the library.”
Luna frowns. “But why? Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the Elements are missing,” she says.
Nyx stares at Luna for a moment longer, then walks to the entrance of the throne room. “I will keep in touch,” she says and vanishes through the door, leaving Luna alone and very confused.
“Have I doomed us all?” she wonders out loud.
