Chapter 2

“My word, this Cole MacGrath and Delsin Rowe sound like incredible people,” Nightmare said in awe.

I had just got done telling Delsin’s story and I was leaning against one of the pillars while Nightmare was was standing near by. It’s as if she was holding on to every word I said as she listened to each Infamous storyline and what Cole and Delsin did since I knew each choice they had to make by heart.

“Yup, I imagine Delsin is still leading other Conduits to a brighter future, it’s still a shame what happened to his brother,” I said.

“Indeed, that no good wretch Augustine tried to corrupt poor Delsin to make him the villain she lied to the public about,” Nightmare sneers.

“Well you have to remember, even though both Cole and Delsin are seen as heroes, they could’ve easily looked the other way and gave in to using their powers for their own selfish gain,” I said.

“Why didn’t they?” Nightmare asked.

“Guess they used their better judgement,” I said. “Cole lost the woman he loved when he could’ve saved her but he had to make the hardest choice by saving those who could help more people. Cole could’ve easily used the mourning of his loss as fuel to his anger and unleashed it upon everyone around him. But Trish, his lover, kept his broken heart and enraged soul at bay when she told him how proud she was of him that he used his power to help others. Thanks to her I feel like Cole had a better handle on making the toughest decisions, despite Kessler pulling the strings preparing him for the end,” I said.

“And what of Delsin Rowe?” Nightmare asked. “That witch was the cause of his dear brother’s demise and he had plenty of power himself to put her in her place, especially the lies and slander she spouted about him.”

“Sometimes making the right decision is the toughest call to make, Delsin knew that during his quest. His friends, Fetch and Eugene I told you about, Delsin could’ve corrupted them and turned them into killers but he didn’t. He especially could’ve gave in to the darkness when Augustine killed his brother but chose not to because he knew it wasn’t what his brother would’ve wanted him to become after helping so many other people,” I said.

“But both Cole and Delsin lost so much despite their victories,” Nightmare said with a frown.

“In times of conflict, no victory comes without a price,” I said.

“I suppose you’re right,” Nightmare sighs. “Even I know that to be true.”

I felt kinda bad for Nightmare due to her current state being all transparent and unable to leave the castle. It’s not like she wanted to engulf this world in eternal night anymore right?

“Hey Nightmare, do you mind of I ask you something?” I ask.

“Of course, Ax, what would you like to know?” Nightmare said.

“If you were given a second chance, would you still want to engulf the world in eternal night?” I ask.

“Honestly, I’m not sure I want to anymore,” Nightmare said with a frown. “During my banishment I thought of nothing but to fulfill my goal but after I was cleansed from Luna I suppose I myself was cleansed of any dark thoughts. I realize that my actions would have doomed this world would I have succeeded. I suppose this is my just deserves, being transparent, unable to leave the castle without fading away, from one prison to the next, such is the fate of the ill hearted.”

“If you don’t want to continue your plans then shouldn’t you find a way to revert back to normal? You already paid for your mistake and living the rest of your life as an apparition isn’t a life to live. From the looks of it this world looks like it has much more to offer,” I said.

“But you forget, Ax, I am seen as a villain in this world who threatened the land and it’s people. Who would want to befriend a being such as I? Staying here is the best I can do for anyone,” Nightmare said looking away.

I starred at Nightmare for a little bit thinking about what she said. True she probably did deserve staying here, but she also feels immense regret for her actions. I looked down at my hand until I got an idea. I’m guessing she needs a sufficient amount of energy to reclaim her physical form so maybe my power would be able to help her. Although on the other hand I could just keep this to myself and let her figure out how to do it herself or just let her stay here.

…

“I would,” I said.

“What?” Nightmare said.

“I said,” I respond walking over to her, “I would befriend you, in fact I consider you friend already.”

“You do…?” She said looking up at me.

“Yes, personally I believe you already atoned for your mistakes and it’s as I said, staying here by yourself and unable to see the world and show everyone you’re not the same usurper as before is not a life to live. So if you want a friend, you got one cause he’s standing right in front of you,” I said.

I stare into Nightmare’s eyes as she stares into mine and I see a warm smile stretch across her lips as I see a tear fall from her eye. “You’re a very kind person, Ax, thank you. If I was still in my physical form I would be happy to show you my appreciation.”

“About that, I think I might be able to help you,” I said surprising her.

“How would you be able to do that?” Nightmare asks.

“Well I’m guessing you’d need a sufficient amount of magic to to gain a physical form again, right?” She nods. “Well what if you used my power?”

“Your power? I’m not sure,” Nightmare said skeptically.

“Why not? This could be your chance to leave this castle so that you can see the world. Plus you’ll have me by your side to support you every step of the way,” I said with a kind smile.

“You would really go this far to help me?” Nightmare said.

“Nightmare,” I said looking deep in her eyes. “I want to help you.”

Nightmare’s face seemed to blush again despite being transparent as she looked into my eyes. She smiled and nodded making me nod back as I raise my hand.

“I may use more of your power than I need, are you sure about this?” Nightmare said meeting my hand with hers.

“Take as much as you need to make this happen,” I reassured her.

Nightmare smiles again as her hands glow a deep midnight blue color. I respond to her actions by activating my Electricity as the lighting bolts travel along my arm. I watch as Nightmare uses her magic to absorb the electricity and she gasps at the sudden shock of energy flowing through her. I felt like she needed more so I raised my power making more Electricity flow from my arm and into her as she continues to absorb it all. Soon I notice her arm becoming solid as it travels up to her shoulder and spreads throughout her body. I hadn’t realized before, since she was transparent, but as she becomes more physical I see how much of a well defined body she has. Even under her armor dress I could tell she had a body similar to that of a supermodel. Even though her figure was well shaped, what caught my eye making my breath hitch a bit was her face. As her face came more into view, even if it was covered by her helmet, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful woman in my life. Her eyes seemed to shine more as my power gave them physical form and her lips seemed to look more luscious as they formed a smile.

After what seemed like minutes of Nightmare absorbing my power, the task was finally complete. I deactivated my Electricity and stepped back to gaze at Nightmare. Her body seemed to be glowing in the moonlight as she breathed in deeply and examined herself. She raised her hand and it glowed a bit as I saw a small rock in the corner lift into the air and fall down and she gasped. Tears flowed out of her eyes as she looked at me with the happiest smile I’ve seen her make. She reaches up with her hands and lifts her helmet off her head as it was my turn I gasp. Just as I thought, she’s so very beautiful. Her very face made my heart beat faster than ever as she placed her helmet on the floor. She slowly walks up to me as she continues to stare into my eyes as she slowly raises her hand. I can barely move as I’m completely captivated by her eyes as she gently touches my face.

“I can…feel you,” Nightmare said happily.

“And I feel you,” I said.

“You have done me a great kindness, Ax, I never thought I would get a second chance like this again. Thank you so very much,” she said still smiling happily.

“I…you’re welcome, it’s the least I could do for a friend,” I said.

“I feel as though I should reward you for this kindness,” Nightmare said softly.

“It’s not necessary, I just felt like you deserved this,” I said.

“You’re also quite the humble one, but I must insist,” Nightmare said leaning up.

“What’re you…”

I didn’t get to finish my sentence as Nightmare leaned up and kissed my cheek. The world seemed to slow down as she kissed me and my heart felt like it was going a million miles a minute. I got sent to a different world by The Merchant, somehow got Conduit powers like Cole and Delsin, met someone who’s basically a goddess, and now she’s kissing me on the cheek as a reward for me helping her. Nightmare leans back with a now noticeable blush and she lifts her hand from my face and brings it down to grasp mine with hers.

“I hope you enjoyed your reward, Ax. It’s not much but it is the least I could do for a noble soul like yourself,” Nightmare said.

“I…uh…yeah, no problem,” was all I could say still in a daze.

Nightmare giggles as she then leans into me and lays her head on my chest. She wraps her arms around me, hugging me as she hums into my chest. My arms seemed to act on their own as they slowly wrapped around Nightmare as I hugged her back. I was able to slightly catch a scent of her hair which smelled like forest pine that I enjoyed very much. We just stood there under the stars, hugging each other like we needed to hug someone for a long time.

“It has been a long time since someone has embraced me this way, in fact I believe this is the first time someone has embraced me at all,” Nightmare said.

“Really? Well to be honest I’m not much of a hugger myself,” I admit.

“Is that so? You seem to be a natural at it,” Nightmare teases as she continues to hug me. “I feel safe being embraced by you, especially since I feel my magic is almost at its peak thanks to your power. I thought I would be stuck here in this castle forever but now you’ve given me a chance to see the world. But would the world accept me? After what I tried to do?” Nightmare wondered nervously.

“Even if they don’t, I’ll still stick by you if things get tough,” I said. “Besides if you show them you’re not the same as before I’m sure they’ll accept you for who you are now,” I said hugging Nightmare closer.

“I hope you are right, Ax,” Nightmare said looking up at me. “And thank you for saying you will stay by my side,” she said giving me another kiss on the cheek. She leans her head on my chest again as we hug each other, I look up to the sky and see the moon still high above as the stars twinkle. This may be my first night in this unknown world but I managed to help someone in need already and it felt good to help her.

I’ve…missed this feeling, I think as I continue to hug her.

As Nightmare and I hug each other, my new senses seem to spike a bit making me tilt my head up. I glance over at the entrance of the castle and see a few stray lights in the distance, which meant we would soon be not alone.

“Nightmare, someone’s approaching the castle,” I said making her flinch and look in the same direction.

“But why? At this hour? Everyone should be asleep by now,” Nightmare said nervously clutching me.

I glance at my watch and see it’s around 10pm, not sure how it changed time when I never touched it since I got here but I’m guessing The Merchant had something to do with it. I look back towards the lights and see they’re getting brighter which means whoever’s on their way they’re getting closer. I can tell Nightmare is getting more nervous and doesn’t want to meet anyone just yet so I have to think fast.

“Nightmare, can you hide behind that pillar over there?” I ask.

“You wish for me to hide?” Nightmare repeats.

“I can tell you’re yet ready to reveal yourself and whoever these people are they’re probably investigating the bright light caused by the Blast Core I held. Just let me handle them and I’ll make sure you’re not discovered,” I said.

“But what if they try to attack you?” Nightmare asks nervously.

“Don’t worry, I can handle myself, just go hide and don’t come out. And if you can, make yourself invisible just in case,” I said.

Nightmare hesitated for a moment but nodded as she gave me one last kiss on the cheek before retreating behind the pillar and uses her magic to become transparent. I nod and face the lights that are almost to the entrance. I then look up and see a beam stretching across the roof through a hole. I squat down and jump in the air while activating Video and my digital wings appear on my back as I fly up to the beam. I land on top of it and perch myself looking down and I see Nightmare look at me with an in awe expression, probably due to my digital wings. Before whoever walks up to the entrance, I deactivate my wings and stick to the shadows of the beam. As I wait for our new visitors, I activate Smoke to cover my body in smoke. Black strands of smoke cover my body making my appearance harder to spot in the darkness. If these visitors aren’t hostile I’ll choose wether or not to reveal myself and say hi, however the same cannot be said should they prove otherwise and I have to take action if they become a problem.

The group of visitors walk in and I get a proper look at them, they’re all female, 6 girls aged around 18-20 and 2 grown women leading them. The two full grown women have fancy dresses on, one has a white dress with gold trim and a picture of the sun on the side and the other has a dark blue dress with a silver trim and picture of the crescent moon on the side of her dress. They both have crowns on along with other fancy jewelry and on each of their backs were a pair of wings which can only mean they’ve the Princesses Nightmare told me about, Celestia and Luna I believe their names were. If I’m being honest I’d say they were also as pretty as Nightmare but now’s not the time for that. The other younger girls were following the Princesses and they all seemed to be a mix match of humans.

One girl with deep sapphire blue hair and a two toned pink stripe running through. She was wearing what looked like a school uniform consisting of a white collared shirt, pink sweater vest over it, a pink striped tie with a symbol of a six pointed star with sparked around it on the tie, a purple checkered skirt, and white high socks with little black shoes.

Next was a girl who seemed to have a thing for glamour since she was wearing a fancy white dress with a picture of three diamonds on its side like she was trying out dress everyone. She also must’ve used like 8 different hair products on her deep purple wavy hair and 3 different perfumes since I could smell her fragrances from up here.

Next was a rainbow haired tomboyish looking girl who wore what looked like athletic pants and a and a jean jacket with a white T-shirt underneath that had a rainbow lighting bolt on it and a pair of smaller wings on her back. She looked like she was ready for anything which told me she was a bit of a reckless one.

Next to her was a light rose haired girl who looked like a sneeze would frighten her she looked so timid. She was wearing a light yellow loose sweater with a picture of three butterflies sewn on the side, dark green jeans, brown boots, and also had a pair of wings on her back as she walked with the group looking around the interior and sometimes flinching at the slightest sound.

Behind her was a blonde haired girl wearing a stetson hat, beige button up a picture of three apples embroidered in the pocket, dark blue denim jeans, and brown western boots. She seemed to be the more fit one of the six since I could see a fair amount of muscle on her body even from my perch.

Finishing the group was a poofy pink haired girl wearing a pink shirt that had a picture of a few balloons on the front, pink short shorts, light yellow and pink knee socks, and pink sneakers. Instead of walking like the others she seemed to be bouncing in and had a wide smile across her face.

I gazed at the group as they all walked in through the entrance and stopped just below my perch and near Nightmare’s hiding spot that was just off to the side. The two princesses looked around cautiously with their magic coating their hands being used to light their surroundings. I glance at Nightmare who looks up at me with a very worried expression but I gesture her to stay calm.

“Twilight,” The Princess who I assumed was Celestia said, “are you quite certain you saw the strange light come from here?” She asks.

“Yes, Princess,” the girl called Twilight said. “As I mentioned in my letter to you I was in the library when I saw the light from my window. I knew it came from the old castle so I wanted to write to you just in case.”

“Sister, perhaps tis just a false alarm?” The other Princess who I knew was Luna said in old English.

“Perhaps, but if it was why here of all places?” Celestia said.

“Ah still don’t see how it could even be possible,” the cowgirl said. “Ah mean we were just here a couple of weeks ago, and we managed ta best her and save Equestria.”

“Indeed, why is it we must stay awake at this dreadful hour when we should be asleep?” The fancy girl asks in a posh tone. “A lady needs her beauty rest after all.”

“Yeah! Even if it was true, we’d all just do the same thing as last time! We did bring the Elements after all,” the tomboy girl said pulling out some kind of necklace. Upon closer inspection it was a red lighting bolt hanging from a gold chain, similar to the picture on her shirt. When I glanced at the others I noticed they too had necklaces matching the pictures on their clothes, excluding the girl named Twilight when she revealed a sort of crown that had the same six pointed star.

“Um…maybe it wasn’t what you thought it was, Twilight. At least…that’s what I think,” the pink haired girl said softly.

“Or someone was having a party here!” The poofy haired girl chirped.

“Pinkie, I doubt there’s a party happening here of all places,” The rainbow tomboy said.

“Well whatever made that light was I just hope we find the cause soon, and hope it wasn’t what I think it was,” Celestia said.

I look over at Nightmare again and see she’s got a very nervous expression since it’s now clear they’re probably looking for her. As they continue to investigate the area some start to move in on Nightmare’s position. I could just let them find her and if things get to heated I’d make my presence known, but she’d probably hold it against me since she’s not yet ready to make herself known. I could also jump down right now, let her hide somewhere else until I can convince them to leave so Nightmare could be spared but I too would expose myself a little earlier than I wanted.

…

As the Princess Luna and Celestia were about to walk up to the pillar Nightmare was hiding behind, I jump off my perch and use Smoke to make turn myself into smoke trails and dive down on a nearby pillar. This seemed to gain the attention of the Princesses and some of the girls as they noticed my smoke trails lingering in the air.

“What the…smoke?” The rainbow tomboy said. “Is there a fire here?”

“I don’t believe so,” the posh girl said. “But the smoke seems to be coming from over there,” she said pointing in my direction.

All eyes face my direction as my body becomes solid and reforms behind the pillar. I’ve come this far so might as well see it through to the end. I slowly walk out from behind the pillar as the smoke trails linger from my arms as I face the group. We both stare at each other for a moment before I start to approach the group and stop just before them.

“Seems like a fairly large group of people just to visit just me, don’t you think?” I ask sarcastically.

“Who…are you?” Twilight asks me.

“Before I answer that, I’d like to know what you are all doing here,” I request.

“That’s our line!” The rainbow tomboy said flying up to me. “You come out of no where and ask what we’re doing here? And you’re acting all suspicious with that weird metal thing on your back and smoke coming off your arms and-”

She cuts herself off when she finally notices the smoke trails still coming off my arms and goes wide eyed along with the others. I cross my arms with a smirk as I slowly deactivate Smoke as they all stare at me unable to speak at the spectacle they’re witnessing.

“Finally noticed, did you?” I chuckled. “But I suppose you have a point, a stranger in a place like this coming out from the shadows at this time of night? I guess even I would be a little suspicious. So to answer your question,” I said looking at Twilight. “My name is Axel Rickert, you could say I’m not from around here and I just arrived about…” I said while glancing at my watch. “I’d say a good hour ago.”

“How did thee come by this place?” Princess Luna asks.

“Honestly I’m not quite sure myself,” I shrug. “One minute I’m in a place that’s familiar to me and the next thing I know I’m here in an unfamiliar place. I was investigating my surroundings until you all showed up, heard you were all wondering about something, or someone, and I got cautious that you were looking for me.”

“We apologize if we caused you any alarm, Mr. Rickert,” Princess Celestia said with a curt nod. “However it does beg the question why you are even here at all? You say you just appeared out of no where but you did not specify where it is you came from. More so, you also have strange magic not any of us have seen before and you claim we were searching for you when we did not even know you were here. Would there be someone else here with you?” Celestia questions as if she knows already.

Clever woman… I think.

“I will answer your questions as it is your right to know since I am someone who is but a stranger in your former home. However before I do I must ask you and Princess Luna something very important,” I said.

“Pray tell, what be that, Mr. Rickert?” Luna asks.

“You’re are all here investing the strange bright light Ms. Twilight saw, aren’t you?” I ask and they all nod slightly. “Well to help ease your nerves a bit that bright light was caused by me,” I said making their eyes go wide.

“How were you able to create such a bright light? Was it come kind of strange magic?” Twilight asks.

“I would explain but it would take too long but that is not the main issue at the moment,” I said. “I also heard you mention someone who I kinda figured wasn’t me but I might have an idea who it is. See I know what happened here a few nights ago, despite me just arriving here a couple hours ago, because my friend told me,” I said surprising the group.

“Who exactly is your friend?” Twilight asks.

“We’ll get to that in a minute, now to my real question,” I said in a more serious tone. “This friend of mine made a mistake long ago and she’s payed for it by serving her time. While most believe she still has to suffer punishment for what she did, I for one believe otherwise. She no longer wishes to continue pursuing her dark goal and is ready to repent and as her friend I will stand by her every step of the way. So my question is this, would you all be willing to forgive my friend for what she has done?”

Everyone was silent for a good long while contemplating my words. Celestia and Luna, on the other hand seemed to catch on who I was referring to which made them wary about the whole situation. Celestia steps up and looks straight at me with a serious gaze.

“You seem to make quite the bold claim about your friend, you know of what transpired here and you must also know what this friend of yours has done in the past. Yet you claim she has been reformed so soon?” Celestia asks.

“I do, even though she did something very wrong I believe everyone deserves a second chance if they’re willing to seek forgiveness,” I said with conviction as I starred back at her.

“Pray tell, Mr. Axel,” Luna said stepping next to Celestia. “Why does thee believe thy friend is worthy of our forgiveness?”

“Because she's my friend and I know she does,” I said with a smile. I heard a light gasp from Nightmare and I smiled more knowing she heard every word I said.

Celestia and Luna look at each other and back at me and sigh. “If who you say is your friend who we believe it to be, and you insist she isn’t a threat, then we suppose we can give her a chance,” Celestia said.

“What?!” Twilight yelped. “But Princess what about the Elements? What about the safety of Equestria?”

“Ah gotta agree with Twi here,” the cowgirl said. “After what we went through tha last time how can we be sure she won’t try nothin’ ?”

“What’s your name miss?” I ask.

“Name’s Applejack, partner,” she answers.

“Well Applejack, you seem like someone who can tell the difference between a lie and a truth so if she were here to tell you she’s not the same as before would you believe her?” I ask.

“Ah guess it depends on what she says,” Applejack said.

“Couldn’t agree with you more,” I said walking towards Nightmare’s hiding place. I see her silhouette hide behind the pillar and I smile as I hold my hand out. “It’s ok, I’m here for you. I said we’d do this together and I meant it.”

“Excuse me, Mr. Rickert, but whoever are you talking to?” The posh girl said.

I smile as Nightmare slowly reaches out and takes my hand. As I pull her out into the open she cancels her invisibility revealing herself making the group gasp. Once she’s out in the open she looks very nervous as she spots the two Princesses but I reassure her with a gentle squeeze of her hand. We both step forward towards the group as they are still speechless seeing her in person and with a physical form.

“I’m sure most of you know her but allow me to introduce you all to Nightmare Moon, now reformed and ready to repent on her actions,” I said happily.

“U-um…hello,” Nightmare said nervously.

Celestia and Luna step towards us in a calm yet stoic pace. I know I assured them she’s no longer a threat but I instinctively had my hand ready to unravel my chain in case they did anything. Celestia and Luna both stare at Nightmare and she trembles a little at their gaze. I try to ease her nerves gripping her hand and she glances at me and I give her a slight not for reassurance. She smiles as she stares back at the two Princesses but is still a little nervous.

“You were the cause of our battle,” Celestia said.

“Thou whispered dark thoughts into our mind and made us loose sight of reason,” Luna said.

“If it wasn’t for you maybe I could have reasoned with my sister better,” Celestia said.

“We knew we were displeased how the people always preferred the day than our nights, but that does not mean we had to suffer banishment,” Luna said.

“I…I know,” Nightmare said sadly.

“However,” Celestia said. “Mr. Rickert insists that you no longer wish to engulf the world in eternal night, correct?” She nods slowly.

“How can thee give us thy word thee shall not do what thee has done in the past?” Luna asks.

“I know that what I did was an unforgivable crime,” Nightmare said. “I don’t expect any of you to forgive me for what I almost did. But know that I will do whatever I can to earn your trust and your forgiveness, if you’ll let me.”

Celestia and Luna, along with the others, were silent for a moment until Celestia steps closer to her. Nightmare flinches and Celestia raises her arm and I instinctively twitch my hand ready to unravel my chain but she gently places a hand on her shoulder.

“I may not get trust you due to our history,” Celestia said. “But I do believe in second chances since you are so honest with your misdeeds.”

“You mean…?” Nightmare said.

“For the time being I believe it would be wise if you came with Luna and I to the castle where we can monitor you properly. Until you can prove yourself that is where you shall reside, is that ok?” Celestia asks. Nightmare smiles but then looks at me as I smile back.

“May I…request something?” Nightmare asks.

“Of course,” Celestia answers.

“Can Ax come with me?” Nightmare requests surprising me.

“You want me to come with you?” I ask.

“Yes,” she said clinging to my arm. “I…I want you to come with me, besides you did promise me you would remain by my side, didn’t you?”

“Heh, I guess I did,” I chuckle scratching the back of my head. “If that’s alright with you,” I said looking at Celestia.

“If that is all she requests then I do not mind,” Celestia said. “Besides I would like to know more about you and where you came from.”

“Fair enough,” I said as she turned around to face the others.

“I shall call upon you all to come to Canterlot in two days so we may properly welcome our new guests. In the mean time please return to your homes for it is late in the night,” Celestia said. They all bowed as they begin to leave the Castle. The girl named Twilight looks over her shoulder at me but then continues on and out of the castle.

“So how exactly are we going to this other castle of yours?” I ask. “Is there a means of transportation we’re gonna use?”

“If we used a carriage, perhaps,” Luna said. “But we used a different means of traveling here,” she adds while her hands glow as does Celestia’s.

“You might want to prepare yourself,” Nightmare said. “Teleportation tends to leave those who are new to it a little nauseous.”

“Wait what?” I said.

Before I could react, Celestia’s and Luna’s hands glow brighter as we all begin to float in the air slightly. I feel my stomach churn as I feel the need to barf but my head also gets dizzy. As the light gets brighter and my body becomes lighter, I lose more and more of my consciousness and soon everything turns to black.