Shield and Shadow Part 2: Renaissance

Chapters

Chapter 2: The Fall
Chapter 3: The Return
Chapter 4: To find a new world
Chapter 5: Among the others
Chapter 6: Duty and sacrifice
Chapter 7: Fighting and finding
Chapter 8: Reunions
Chapter 9: Revelation
Chapter 10: The past
Chapter 12: Given a history
Chapter 13: New accommodations
Chapter 14: Sinking further
Chapter 15: The new ones
Chapter 16: A perilous journey
Chapter 17: The first steps
Chapter 18: Another step
Chapter 19: The Gates
Chapter 20: The Badlands
Chapter 21: The Ancient Cult
Chapter 22: In the plains
Chapter 23: The Ancient Lands
Chapter 24: The Ruined City
Chapter 1: The Long Sleep
Chapter 11: And that's how...

Chapter 2: The Fall

Alone. You have always been alone. Even now, only I am here to keep you company. Your parents left you, your friends turned their backs on you when you needed them, and despite the love you gave her, Luna still fell. You are alone. You have nothing. You have no power. But with me, you will rival the greatest beings in Equestria.<<<

Flames.

“SPIKE!” Twilight Sparkle called out, “Spike! I need those books!”

“I’m coming, Twilight!” Spike complained, the little dragon carrying a pile of books many times his height.

“And did you make the arrangements for the Princess to stay in Ponyville?”

“Yes, Twi. It took a good long time too. It didn’t help when everypony offered to host her. You ponies are crazy,” Spike groused from behind the pile of large books.

“Everypony just wants to be helpful to the Princess. I’m sure she appreciates it.”

“She might, but I don’t like it when ponies stop me from doing my job.”

“Spike, they’re just trying to be nice. Ooh! That might make an interesting friendship report.”

The stack that Spike had been carrying finally collapsed, burying the dragon under a small pile. He clattered his way out and dusted himself off. “Now, Twi?”

“No,” replied Twilight, ignoring the dragon’s plight, “we can do it later. Just stop fooling around and pack up those books already. I want them ready for the meteor shower.”

“We don’t even know when it is!”

“Well, hopefully the Princess will be able to tell us when she gets here, and I want to be prepared for everything.”

A knock sounded at the door of the library. Twilight and Spike looked in that direction, then at each other. Spike then dropping what he was doing and ran to open the door. The little dragon pulled it open to reveal Princess Luna standing in the doorway.

“Princess Luna!” Spike declared with a bow.

Twilight rushed up to the door to greet the Princess. “Princess Luna! Welcome back to Ponyville!”

Luna smiled at the purple unicorn, “Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. I hope that my arrival did not disrupt you too much.”

“Not at all, Princess. I’m excited to see this meteor shower – it’ll be an interesting study. And I thought I might invite my friends, too.”

“A wonderful idea. It is my hope that I can tell you when it will happen. I didn’t create it, and I would hate to miss it. It’s bound to be fascinating.”

“Really? You didn’t create it?”

“Indeed not. It seems to be completely natural. It is not the first such creation, but it is the closest one thus far.”

“How interesting,” Twilight mused.

“Indeed. Now if I may ask, where shall I be staying?” Luna digressed.

“Oh! Of course, Princess. The mayor has been nice enough to set you a room in the town hall.”

“The town hall?”

“Yes, after the renovations a while back, some rooms were apparently added for ‘esteemed guests’ such as yourself.”

“Ah, understandable, but ‘esteemed guest’?”

“Yes, something the Mayor likes to say, whatever it means. You and Princess Celestia are really the only officials who visit Ponyville, and you never stay long.”

“Then I suppose it is a happy circumstance that it was done. May I take my belongings there?”

“I think so. I’ll walk you there.” Twilight turned to Spike, who had gone back to work. “Spike, I’m taking the Princess to the town hall. Finish up your chores.”

“Alright, Twilight. Done and done!” Spike declared with a salute before running back to his work.

Twilight and Luna walked from the library and into the streets of Ponyville. The sun was bright, and the many citizens of Ponyville trotted around the town, going about their lives. Some turned to look at Luna, offering a bow and a friendly wave. She looked around and smiled, waving back, happy to be able to walk around like a normal pony. The two walked along the dirt pathway towards the center of town. The great town hall appeared, and as Twilight and Luna drew closer, the ever-eager Mayor of Ponyville appeared suddenly, a bright grin on her face.

“Princess Luna,” she began with a bow, “What an honor it is to have you here in Ponyville.”

“Thank you, Mayor,” Luna replied. Twilight rolled her eyes slightly at the Mayor.

“And I think you will find that everything is up to your… Royal standards,” the Mayor continued in her overly-dramatic tone, “and should you ever require anything, you just let me know.”

“Thank you again, Mayor. I hope not to be an imposition,” Luna responded, growing tiresome of the Mayor’s persistence.

“Of course, Princess. You could never be an imposition,” the Mayor said, almost sounding offended, “Such an esteemed guest is nothing of the sort.”

Twilight rolled her eyes at the overbearing Mayor. Luna looked on with an unamused face. She spoke briefly, “Thank you again, Mayor. If you wish it, I would like to put my belongings away and get to work.” She extended a hoof as she saw the Mayor open her mouth. “And yes, I will deliver my belongings myself, and no, I don’t believe I will be giving any speeches.”

The Mayor had a frown on her face, clearly disappointed. She did so love speeches. She offered a final bow as she spoke, “Of course, Your Majesty. Call should you need anything.”

Twilight and Luna watched as the Mayor walked away to conduct whatever other business she had on her agenda. Luna was the first to speak, “I see what you mean, Twilight Sparkle. A very typical official.”

“You handled her well, though,” Twilight replied as they continued walking.

“Most officials are the same. Despite my… absence… for the past thousand years, it seems that officials have changed very little. Quite disappointing. Of all the changes in that time, I had hope that would be one.”

“Unfortunate indeed, Princess. Though I’m sure they’re not all bad.”

“Not bad, no. Just annoying. And pushy.”

Twilight giggled slightly. “'Pushy'.”

“Yes, ‘pushy’. That is the correct word, is it not?”

“Yes, Princess. It’s just funny to hear you say that.”

“Why so?”

“I’m just not used to it. Even in our private time, Princess Celestia was always formal. She is so refined, so regal.”

“And I am not?”

Twilight’s eyes widened at the implication. “No, no, of course, Princess. It’s just that it is interesting to hear your speak so freely.”

“I prefer to be involved. It helps me learn faster.”

“Well, I’d say you’re doing a wonderful job.”

The pair walked up the steps and entered the town hall. They quickly found Luna’s accommodations and unpacked her things. They readied themselves to return the library to prepare for the coming meteor shower. They were about to leave when a very pink blur rushed into the room, halting infinitesimally closely to Luna’s face.

“PrincessLunaPrincessLunaPrincessLuna!” yelled Pinkie Pie excitedly.
“OhmygoodnessIamsogladtoseeyouandIhaveanawesomeparty-”

“Pinkie,” Twilight interrupted.

Pinkie continued undaunted,
“PlannedoratleastIneedtostartplanningapartynowwhichisgoingtobetoughbecuseTwilightdidn’ttellmeyouwerecomings-”

“Pinkie!” Twilight yelled.

“SoIdon’thavemuchtimebutI’mPinkiePiethebestpartyplannerandIneversaynotoaparty.Or a challenge!” Pinkie finally ended.

“Pi- oh, never mind,” Twilight began loudly, stopping herself, tapping her hoof.

“Pinkie Pie, wonderful to see you again,” Luna smiled.

“Gottago!” Pinkie yelled before rushing out of the room as quickly as she had appeared.

Twilight groaned and lifted a hoof to her face. “I’m sorry, Princess.”

“Quite alright. She is very… energetic.”

“That’s one word for it. Shall we go?”

“We shall,” Luna began as they walked from the town hall, “Actually, shall we run into any more of your friends?”

“We might. Rainbow is sure to be somewhere around Ponyville, though she’s probably asleep. Applejack is probably on the farm or her apple stall in the market. Today is Fluttershy and Rarity’s spa day, so we might see them on their way home.”

“Good, I should like to see them.”

“You will – I was planning on inviting them to watch the shower. They enjoyed the last one I showed them. And you are bound to run into them if you stay here long enough.”

“A fine idea; perhaps I will stay longer if I can.”

“That would be wonderful, Princess!”

A brief silence fell over the two as they walked happily back to the library. Luna broke the silence with a musing.

“Twilight Sparkle, did I not ask you to call me Luna?”

“You did, yes. Quite a while back.”

“Why then do you still call me by my title?”

“I’m sorry, I’m just so used to Princess Celestia. I’ll try to remember.”

“It is really no matter, Twilight Sparkle. I was just curious.”

“Of course. And actually, I was wondering about something too…”

“Oh?”

“How are you doing? I mean, it’s been a while since you first came to Ponyville, so I was just wondering how you were doing with the whole ‘making friends and adjusting’ thing?”

“Ah, yes.” Luna wore a slightly guilty expression. “I’ve adjusted fairly well. There weren’t that many changes, actually. Some things still confuse me, but it’s just a matter of time. And as for friends… aside from you and the other five, I haven’t really made any others. What with learning about the new Equestria, my increasing duties in Canterlot, and that many ponies as less interested in friendship and more interested in shoe-licking, I’ve really not had many chances… that and… old wounds.”

“I’m sorry, Luna. It must be hard for you. Just remember, we are here for you.”

“Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. If I had more time, I would visit Ponyville more. It is a lovely little village. And once the ponies get over their fears, they seem very friendly.”

“Most are. A few you really have to work at, but many here are good ponies.”

“I should like to meet so more, perhaps see some of those I saw in my past visits.”

“You are certainly free to roam. The market is always a good place to meet ponies. OR you could ask Pinkie Pie. She knows everypony in Ponyville.”

“I may just do that.” Luna paused, her eyes shut, as if she were enjoying a refreshing breeze. “But it may have to wait. I can feel the meteors coming. Tonight, they will be here.”

“Really? You can feel that? How amazing! You must tell me what it’s like. Ooh! Maybe I could do a report, a journal!” Twilight began bouncing in excitement.

Luna laughed at the mare acting like a little filly. “I’d be more than happy to share. But later. Now we must prepare.”

Twilight calmed herself. “Of course. I already have most of my gear ready. Really I just need to invite my friends. It might be too much to ask, but do you have any clue when tonight it will get here?”

“Not precisely, no. Likely later at night, though. I’ll be more able to accurately tell you when they get closer.”

“Fair enough.” Twilight noticed they had reached the library. “Oh, we’re here! I’ll send Spike to invite the others. We need to make sure that we have everything, especially just in case a meteor lands somewhere. Unless of course you would like to wander the town…”

“No, no. I’d like to stay and help. It’s actually quite interesting. My sister has sent you to investigate. Usually the astronomy tower would do that, would it not?”

“Typically, yes. But I am well versed in most subjects, and I’m closer. If anything warrants further investigation, I can just send off a report saying so and I’m sure a team will be sent out.”

“Makes sense. It’s just so liberal. So informal. ‘Twas not always so…”

***

A group of friends gathered on a hilltop, softly lit by a crescent moon. Three fillies played as the older ponies enjoyed light conversation.

“It sure was mighty nice ‘o ya t’ invite us, Twi,” Applejack said, smiling brightly.

“Indeed,” agreed Rarity, “I’m sure the show will be spectacular!”

“Yeah, thanks Twilight!” piped up Sweetie Belle cheerfully before running off again with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom.

“Don’t thank me, thank Luna. We wouldn’t have known about this without her.”

“Well then, thank ya, Princess,” Applejack replied with a nod.

“My pleasure. I hope you will enjoy it. I’m quite excited myself.”

“It’s gonna be awesome! But I thought you said it only happened every hundred years or something?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“That last one we saw only happens once every hundred years. This is a new one,” Twilight replied.

“I’m sure it will be lovely,” Fluttershy’s small voice interjected.

“Yeah!” said Pinkie Pie through a very full mouth.

“Pinkie! Leave some for everypony else,” complained Spike, “I worked really hard on those cookies.”

Pinkie swallowed her mouthful. “But they’re just soooo good!”

Several of the ponies laughed at the pink pony’s silliness. Luna closed her eyes again and felt through the night sky. “They’re coming.”

Everypony turned their attention to the night sky as the first few meteors streaked through the sky. Bright lines of white careened through the dark blues, creating beautiful display. The serenity was broken when a large meteor burst through the air, lighting up the night as if the sun had risen. Luna looked suspiciously at the body while the other ponies carried mixed reactions of surprise, wonder, and fear. Twilight furiously scribbled down notes, but dropped her quill and scroll as they watched the meteorite land beyond the border of Ponyville, deep in the Everfree forest.

Welcome home.

Chapter 3: The Return

Did you ever really love her? Did you not jump without looking? Was it pity? Duty? Honor? No. It was weakness that compelled you. You were always unable to move along your own path. You had the ability. But you were week, pathetic. You amounted to nothing. So you again followed the path of another, did as you were told. There is no duty, no honor. There is only weakness.<<<

Confusion.

Deep within the Everfree forest, the figure of a pony emerged from a smoldering crater. It stumbled from the hole in the ground, broken and battered. Bloodshot eyes frantically scoped the landscape, looking for something, anything, familiar.

Heat radiated from the point of impact, searing the pony’s fur and skin. It bit back tears as it continued forward, stumbling over roots and stones. It fell, impacting hard with the ground. With a groan, it pushed itself back onto its hooves.

The bleeding mess pushed through shrubbery, unaware that it scent would surely attract predators. It moved with only one purpose, one thought: find home.

***

Not far from the landing of the meteorite, a zebra collected various roots and leaves for her potions and concoctions. She had heard the sounds of the crash, seen the light. She feared for her home, but once she knew where it had landed, she no longer feared. She wished to investigate, but she needed the herbs, and she knew that she would have time in the morning.

Zecora heard another sound. Snapping of sticks and rustling of leaves. She knew the vile and dangerous creatures that lived in Everfree, but she did not fear them. They stayed away from her home mostly, and an ointment she carried warded them away. The sound grew closer. It was irregular, broken.

Zecora looked into the forest, trying to see past the thicket of bushes and tree branches. The dark concealed and obscured much, but she soon saw a form appear from the black. It looked weak, hurt or injured. She soon noticed the form of a pony, bruised and bleeding, its once light green coat matted with dirt, blood, sweat, and grim.

“Come closer, I mean you no harm,” Zecora announced in her typical rhyme, “There is no need for fear or alarm.”

The pony let out a croak and a groan, as if trying desperately to speak through a parched throat.

“It is not safe here, as you may know. I will take you my cottage, so we must go.”

She approached the pony, who looked hollow, empty. His eyes were red and lifeless, his body barely holding itself together. Zecora slung his foreleg over her own body, supporting him as they walked.

“Gravely injured you seem to be, apologies that I have no healing potions with me,” Zecora sai as they walked the short distance back to her home. The pony did not respond, putting as much focus into walking as possible.

They finally reached Zecora’s cottage; she pushed open the door and propped the pony against the wall as she swiftly moved about her home, fashioning a simple, soft bed on which for him to lie. She again slung his leg over her and she carried him over to the bedding, laying him down gently.

She briefly looked over the stallion. His breathing was ragged, difficult. His wounds oozed slowly, some of them drying and crusting over. She immediately rushed to her medicine stores, pulling out assorted salves and potions, bandages and medicinal herbs. The stallion had lost consciousness, and Zecora began to work even more swiftly.

She collected a bucket of water and a pile of cloths. She poured some of her potions into the water, and it’s color changed as it fizzed and bubbled. She soaked the cloths in the water and was soon at work cleaning off the mystery pony’s damaged body. In is unconscious state, he still let out little whimpers of pain, flinching back from the medical treatment.

His body was soon clean, and Zecora began rubbing in her various salves. Initial sounds of pain were replaced by those of relief as the medicine began its work. The zebra soaked some bandages in a number of potions and began wrapping the most heavily injured parts of the pony’s body. His legs, torso, flank, and much of his head were covered in the healing bandages.

Zecora stepped back and let out a long breath. She looked at the pony, whose breathing had become more relaxed. “I have done what little I can do, now the rest of it is up to you.”

She pulled a blanket over the pony and let him rest. She decided against going outside again. Hours had passed, and she could collect what herbs she needed in the morning. She lastly tilted the pony’s head up, pouring a small amount of healing potion down his throat. He drank greedily before losing consciousness yet again.

The zebra yawned and moved to her own bed. She curled up and pulled a blanket over herself, watching the unknown pony until she herself drifted into sleep.

***

Zecora awoke with the sunrise. The soft light poured in through her windows, illuminating her cottage. She looked about, finding the pony from the night before still asleep. His breathing was slow, but far steadier. She rose from her bed and stretched out her muscles.

With a yawn, she walked to her food storage and picked out a few simple items for her morning meal. She took a few extra, just in case her guest was hungry. She walked over to him, carefully watching. Some of his wounds had continued to bleed, but they seemed to have stopped over the course of the night.

The zebra nibbled on a few flowers before going to work resetting the bandages. She unwrapped the worst of the bunch, revealing the wounds beneath. They had already begun to heal rapidly. Zecora sighed with relief that the salves were working. Many injuries she could heal almost instantly – in a generally healthy pony. But this pony – he looked fairly unhealthy so begin with – starved dehydrated. Grouped with the shock of the injuries and the loss of blood, Zecora was actually surprised at just how well he was healing.

She finished redressing his body, putting away her supplies. Much of him was still obscured. His face could not be seen, nor his cutie mark. Only patches of his green fur were visible. She again tilted his head, helping him drink a small bowl of water. He soon lost energy and collapse. She tried offering him food, but he found no power to accept it.

A knock sounded at the door, making Zecora jump. She stood and walked to the door, pulling it open. Outside stood two ponies and a small dragon. Zecora smile, recognizing her friends. “It is good to see you all right here, but now is not a good time I fear.”

“Zecora!” said Twilight Sparkle with relief, “Thank Celestia you’re alright. I can’t believe I forgot to warn you. But what do you mean? Is everything alright?”

“I am fine, thank you for the concern. But there is more you three must learn.” Zecora gestured the trio into the hut. “Welcome Princess Luna, mare of the night. It is good to see you here, you are a welcome sight.”

Luna smiled. “Thank you, Zecora. It is good to see you again.”

“Hey Zecora. How’s the forest treating you?” said Spike, almost sarcastically.

“Little Spike, I am well indeed. And you have not lost that charm, I see.”

“Zecora, who is this?” Twilight asked with concern, looking at the bandaged and injured pony.

“Yes, my special guest. I know not who he is, I confess.”

“What happened to him?” Luna questioned.

“I found him in the forest, his injuries most grave. It took much of my skill for him to be saved.”

“I wonder if he was caught near the crash when the meteor landed,” Twilight wondered.

“It is possible that this is true – of what was coming he had no clue.”

“We should take him to Ponyville hospital. They must be able to help,” Twilight said with hope.

“I feel he is too sick to move, but I will take him when his body is soothed. Until then I will care for him here. He seems very strong, so we have little to fear.”

“Alright, Zecora. It’s amazing what you have done already. But I wonder who he is. Did you recognize him?”

“I can tell you he is not from Ponyville, where he is from we must discover still.”

“And I wonder what he was doing in Everfree forest. But what about you, Luna? What do you make of this?” There was no response. “Luna?”

Luna knelt next to the pony, her head hanging. Small sniffles could be heard.

“Luna? What’s the matter?” Twilight asked with worry.

“I did this. It was something of my creation that did this harm. And this stallion seems so… familiar. This whole thing seems so familiar. And wrong”

“Luna, you did nothing. The meteors were out of your control. It’s not your fault.”

“But it was something of my night that caused this.”

“There is nothing you could have done. And it’s now up to Zecora to help him. You aren’t responsible for him.”

“But I feel that way, Twilight Sparkle.”

“Princess, you are not the one who is to blame. And worry not, I will help this pony without a name. Go and continue your day, to heal him I will find a way.”

“Thank you, Zecora. I do not wish any further ills to befall this poor soul,” said Luna sadly.

“Come on, Luna. We can’t do anything for him if Zecora says we shouldn’t move him. And I’m sure we can check up on his sometime if you want.”

“Very well, Twilight Sparkle. It seems it may be the best option.”

“Go, Princess, and continue on your quest. This poor stallion truly needs his rest.”

Twilight and Luna gathered themselves together. Luna still looked worried, and Twilight wore concern for her. “Please, Luna,” she said, “don’t worry about him. Let’s go see the meteor crash – take your mind off of things.”

“It just seems so… odd. Like something out of a dream.”

“Uh, well…” Twilight was unsure of how to respond. As they walked through the door and into the forest, Twilight instead turned to Zecora, bidding her farewell, “It was good to see you, Zecora. Glad you’re okay. And good luck with… uh… him.”

“Of course, of his fate we will see. On another note, stop by again if you would like your herbal tea.”

Twilight smiled and nodded. Luna offered a polite final goodbye, and the two ponies continued toward their destination. As soon as they had left her sight, Zecora closed her door and walked back to the wounded pony. His breathing was even steadier yet, and he just seemed more full of life. She looked at him with mixed concern and hopefulness.

“Luck to be alive you are, to have come that close to a falling star.”

So the torture of closeness.

Chapter 4: To find a new world

You have nothing, you are nothing. But you will be something. You will enter a new and changed world as a new and changed stallion. Nothing will be yours to bear, and you will be meaningless. Then they will know you. And they will fear you.<<<

Flashing.

Zecora entered her home after a long day of work. Sluggishly, she pushed open her door and stumbled inside. She shrugged off her saddlebags, enjoying the lightness of her body as it was freed from its burden. She nudged them to a corner of her hut. Once there, she opened the first, looking within.

Various herbs and plants were bundled together in tight bunches. She looked at them for a long while, sorting them in her mind so that she could store them quickly. She reached for the first bunch, placing it neatly in a cupboard filled with numerous ingredients. After the first, she placed the others in their spaces swiftly. Her job done, she decided to make herself a pot of rejuvenating tea.

The zebra moved to her cooking area, finding a small copper kettle lying in wait. She filled it with a measure of water and set it on the ever-burning fire in the center of her home. She moved around, collecting various herbs for her tea. Crushing some, chopping others, she finally tossed the ingredients together in the pot. A light aroma permeated the air as the steam from the kettle breezed freely.

Zecora looked forward to her tea, and was proud of herself for her completed work earlier in the day. Her joy however was stopped short with a realization. “Oh my dear, I have forgotten. How my manners are so rotten,” she said to herself as she moved quickly to the back of her home.

The bed that once held the injured pony from the previous evening was empty. Fortunately, the pony had only managed to crawl a short distance, looking as if he sought the window, before collapsing. Zecora worriedly picked the pony up and placed him gently back in his makeshift bedding. A whistle pierced the air, and the zebra rushed into the other room.

The steaming copper kettle sang for a few seconds, only to be untimely quashed by Zecora pulling it from the fire. She fetched two clay mugs from a cabinet and slowly poured out the sweet-smelling tea. She trayed them both and precariously carried them back to her ‘patient’.

The pony was moving about slightly, shifting uncomfortably, as though in a nightmare. Zecora knelt down beside him with a cup of her herbal concoction. “What is it that you seek, though you be so tired and so weak?” she asked almost to herself as she lifted the mug to his lips.

He sipped slowly in his stupor, but the warmth and magic of the brew brought him to some alertness. He groaned, trying to make a sound. He sipped again, his eyes still shut tight. His troat wetted, he croaked out his first words. “More.” Zecora tilted the mug, pouring more of the liquid into his mouth. He swallowed down as much as he could before speaking again. “Where am I?”

Zecora set aside the mug, then turned to him. “You, dear pony, are in my home. I found you in the forest, quite alone.”

“Forest? What? Who are you?” he rasped, his voice improving with each word.

“Zecora is the name you may call me, and I live here in Everfree.”

“Everfree?!” the pony exclaimed, trying to stand.

Zecora held him down. “Yes, strange pony. Where you are from you must now tell me.”

“I’m from Everfree, too. We may have seen each other. But I don’t recall ever meeting a… what was it? Zecora?”

“If you too live in Everfree, then were exactly would your home be?”

“Near the south watchtower. Just a short distance from the marketplace.”

“I am afraid your words confuse me. You seem to be talking about a city.”

“Yes, I am. Everfree. The city. Where I live. Where we are.”

“I am afraid there is no city near. You may have become lost and hurt, I fear.”

“No, you said we were in Everfree. It’s nearly impossible to miss the city. There’s only one road.”

“Again, I know not of what you speak, nor of any city I may seek. The closest town to here is Ponyville, and when you are well enough, take you there I will.”

“Ponyville? I’ve never heard of Ponyville,” the pony looked worried, “SO, you are telling me that there is no city named Everfree? Then where exactly did I grow up? Where did I protect and serve? Where have I lived my whole life?”

“I have not the answers that you desire, and I believe you are no liar. You speak of a place long come and gone, a place I can take you with the rising of the sun.”

“Gone? What do you mean ‘gone’?”

“There once was a city here, large and grand, that held the two sisters, leaders of this land. But when the younger sister was banished, lost all life it did, and vanished.”

“I-” the pony groaned with pain. He breathed heavily, gasping for air.

“What pain is it that you feel? It may be something I can heal.”

“My head,” the pony groaned, “I tried to remember my life, my – ah! – friends, and there was just… pain.” He clenched his head in his hooves, shying away from the world.

“Relax and breath and you will find that sometimes in forgetting, there is peace of mind.”

The pony took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. With it, he cleared his mind of his past. Nothing to cause the pain, nothing to sear his mind. “Will I get better? I don’t really want to forget everything.”

“Those we love, we never forget. And well you shall soon be, I bet,” Zecora reassured the pony with a smile, “And since I have told you my name, would you care to do the same?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. How rude of me. I’m… ” The pony paused, unsure for a moment, “I’m… Mist… Spring Mist.”

“A pleasure to meet one such as you, and if you will permit me, there is much to do.” Zecora stood and walked to a small stand in the corner of the room, which bore fresh, white bandages. She carried them over and placed them down neatly beside Spring Mist. “Your wounds are overdue for their inspection, and must be cleaned to avoid infection.”

“Oh, of course. I would help, but it seems my body doesn’t like me very much…” Spring Mist looked up and down at his heavily bandaged body. “I must say I am in your debt, but why are you helping me – a pony you know nothing about?”

“No pony deserves to be left alone in the night, especially one you looked such a sight. You came dangerously close to a falling star, and my services I could not bar.” The zebra began slowly unwrapping Spring Mist’s bandages, peeling the layers off one by one.

“Well, thank you. I don’t wish to think of what would have happened if you hadn’t found me.” Spring Mist winced slightly as his legs were exposed to the open air.

“Fortune truly showed itself, to be found by one you can bring you to health.”

“If fortune were truly kind, I would never have been in the situation to begin with…”

“That is most true, but perhaps there is a lesson here for you. Growing into who you must be will be full of joy and full of pain, for without struggle and triumph, there can be no gain.”

“Wise enough words, I suppose,” Spring Mist winced again as his face and head was fully uncovered, “But I still wish this didn’t hurt quite so much.”

“You are a pony of great strength and will, so I have no doubts that you will heal. If you can, I need you to stand so that I can remove the last of your bands.”

“I’ll try…” Spring Mist said uncertainly. He stretched out his legs, placing if hooves flat on the ground. With a loud grunt, he pushed himself slowly from the floor of the hut. The attempt was torturous, as each moment that passed was filled with struggle. Finally, Spring Mist lifted himself to a full stand, his legs visibly shaking.

“Fine progress you are showing! Do you feel your strength growing?” Zecora asked happily.

“I think so. It feels good to stand. It’s like I’ve been asleep for a very long time. But I suppose those months of guard training are paying off -” At the thought of his past, Mist buckled in pain, his head searing. He struggled to keep himself up, and Zecora rushed to his side to prop him up. Breathing heavily, Spring Mist righted himself again. “It seems any thought will trigger the pain. That’s really inconvenient. Thank you for helping me.”

Zecora said nothing, merely continuing on with her work of Spring Mist’s care. She left the room for a brief moment, returning with a small tub of milky water and several washcloths. The water emitted a strange aroma – sweet at first, but it grew into a more wholesome smell, like fresh plant life just after rain. Spring Mist breathed deep in the smell, letting it invigorate him. Zecora placed the tub down next to Mist and began soaking the cloths.

Spring Mist grimaced at the water, knowing just where it was headed. He groaned audibly, causing Zecora to tilt her head at him. “This process may not be fun, but it is something that must be done,” she said simply.

Spring Mist groaned again as he watched a wet cloth draw nearer. “I just don’t like pain all that much. It’s already constant, and I’d prefer to avoid adding any more.”

Zecora said nothing as she made first contact with the cloth. Just as it brushed Spring Mist’s fur and skin, he yelped and recoiled back, narrowly avoiding a tumble onto the floor. Zecora persisted silently, moving toward Spring Mist again. Another brief contact and Spring Mist and he yelped again, drawing further away, surprised that his body was carrying him even this far. Zecora pushed forward, determined.

She finally made significant progress and began the process of properly cleaning Spring Mist’s wounds. The green pony flinched, but made no noise. There was no real pain, the damp cloth seemingly dulling the areas it touched. He blushed as he realized that his yelping had been nothing but nerves.

Zecora dutifully cleaned out the worst of the wounds, the others having already begun to heal. Only the occasional cleansing stroke actually stung, but Spring Mist bit back the minor pain. Who is this zebra? he asked himself, Why is she helping me? Wait… who am I, exactly?

“Um… Zecora?” Spring Mist began, “I hate to ask more of you, but could I be a terrible pony to do so?”

“As long as it is within reason, I will help as sure as a new season,” Zecora affirmed pleasantly.

Now to remember, even if it kills me.

Chapter 5: Among the others

What will you do, come freedom? Rejoice? Cheer? Run off to your love? Make new friends? Can you so easily forget everything and move on, thinking only of yourself? You can. And you will. A new shadow in the dark. Meaningless, empty. Devoid of what makes a pony. You will join… them.<<<

Smoke.

Spring Mist stood in the middle of Zecora’s hut. A large cauldron was slowly bubbling over a fire just in front of the green unicorn. He stood, looking into the large pot, watching its contents. I wonder what fantastical brew is in here, he mused to himself. He looked away to inspect himself a final time.

The wounds that littered his body were all but completely healed. However, much of his coat was still bare and needed to grow out, so it revealed the scarred and mangled skin beneath. Mist frowned at his previously broken body, jagged lines running crisscross along his length. I am just one giant bundle of scars. Yuck. It looks like I met the wrong end of a meat grinder. “How Zecora managed to patch me up is beyond me…”

“I am surprised, myself, to see you in such good health,” said the very zebra as she entered the center room, donned in a cloak and carrying her saddlebags.

Spring Mist turned to look at her. “Sorry, I suppose I sometimes think out loud… But still, how did you do it?”

“I like I previously said, I do not know. By all rights you should be very dead, and food fit for a crow.”

“That’s a bit morbid…” Spring Mist said uneasily.

“Apologies, but I speak the truth. But it is fair to say so, in sooth. There is neither reason nor rhyme, yet here you are, near your prime.”

“I suppose. At least I can walk on my own. It does feel good to have my strength back.”

She reached into one bag and pulled out a near-identical robe to her own. She offered it to Spring Mist. “Wearing this I would advise, to cover your scars from wondering eyes.”

“Thank you,” Spring Mist said, taking the robe, “I was beginning to feel self-conscious.”

Zecora nodded, trotting to the door. Opening it, she gestured for Spring Mist to exit. “Are you ready for Ponyville? I assure you are in for quite a thrill.”

Spring Mist hesitated for only a moment before trotting forward. “As ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose.”

The pair walked together down a well-worn path through the Everfree forest, Zecora explaining the basic information of Ponyville and its inhabitants. Spring Mist listened intently, desperate and hopeful for a chance at some normalcy. But from what Zecora was telling him, ‘normal’ was not quite the word to describe the little town.

**********

Spring Mist and Zecora entered the outskirts of Ponyville in good time. Spring Mist was keeping up, feeling his strength return even as he walked. He saw the bright buildings draw closer, the structures finally taking shape. There was a large orchard to the pair’s right. Spring Mist guessed that was Sweet Apple Acres.

Conversation had died down by the time they reached the town proper. Mist was filled with a strange joy at the sight of ponies, just milling about their days. Pairs, groups, singles, ponies just active and outside, enjoying the day. It was a simple happiness, seeing normalcy.

Spring Mist smiled as he looked at the many ponies moving between buildings and through the streets, bright colors creating a veritable rainbow sea of life. He looked at the brightly colored buildings, remembering back to the relative dull stone of Everfr— he clutched his head as his mind seared from the memory. It was vivid, and he could recall it, but it was soured, twisted, warped, painful. He dropped to his knees, trying desperately to hold back a scream. Zecora knelt beside him, whispering something in a strange tongue.

The scene had drawn the gaze of several ponies, who all stared with confusion and concern, some even laden with fear. A tiny crowd formed around Zecora and Spring Mist, and soon there were mutterings and the beginnings of town gossip. Zecora’s words, though unknown to Spring Mist, were calming, and the pain was gone as quickly as it came. Spring Mist was left gasping for air, searching for some respite.

Zecora looked to the crown and addressed their fears, “It is but a simple injury to address. The hospital he needs, some medicine and bed rest.”

The gathered ponies dwindled off as Spring Mist rose to his hooves, somewhat recovered. He pulled his hood further over his head, closing himself off from the ponies around. He flushed as he looked to Zecora, who offered him a warm smile that lifted some of his fears. “I’m sorry, Zecora,” he offered, “I just let my mind wander back for a moment. I hate to cause a scene.”

“Not at all, dear pony friend. I know it is not your wish to offend. The ponies here are quick to judge, but become their friends and they are sweet as fudge.” Spring Mist looked at Zecora as they continued walking. She smiled softly to herself, occasionally offering a nod or a wave to a passerby. “It was not long ago when the ponies here feared me, back when I first moved to the Everfree.”

“Really?” Spring Mist asked with some disbelief.

Zecora nodded, continuing, “It was the actions of six filly friends who eventually brought the fears to an end. It started with little Apple Bloom, who was not one quick to assume. Soon followed Twilight Sparkle and her friends, who after investigating, made the town’s amends.”

“Interesting… So the ponies here don’t like zebras? Or just outsiders in general?”

“The ponies here fear the unknown, but over the years, they have all grown. But they still live sheltered lives, so any change comes as a great surprise.”

“But from what you told me of what happens here, they should all be used to strange happenings.”

“One would think that is true, but they still fear the new. Many often seem the fool, and most are stubborn as a mule.” She turned to address a mule standing on the side of the road, “Apologies friend, I do not mean to offend.”

“No offence taken,” the mule replied, swatting at a fly the buzzed past his ear.

Zecora continued on, leaving Spring Mist slightly confused. Regardless, he followed on in silence. The pair finally came upon a fairly expansive building. Spring Mist identified it as the hospital quickly enough. Zecora led the way, eventually reaching the front door. She held it open for him and ushered him inside.

The entrance room was fairly large, and played host to a multitude of ponies. Colts and fillies with coughs and dribbling noses, a pony or two with a clearly broken limb, or ponies that sat with face etched by anxiety and worry. Mist did not like that place all that much. He halted himself before he could recall anything from his past, pressing forward and instead occupying himself with a multitude of new and interesting things.

Little books of glossy and smooth paper, brightly colored with many clear images of ponies pasted all over the pages. The images were not hoof-drawn, the words were not hoof-written – they were somehow a part of the page. It was so precise, so mechanical. Spring Mist reeled at the strange ‘books’ before him. A pony next to him looked at him oddly.

“Ya look as if ya’ve ne’er seen a magazine before,” said a voice from below.

Spring Mist looked down to see a little yellow filly staring up at him with an inquisitive look. A large pink bow adorned her head, keeping back her red mane. “A ‘magazine’?” Spring Mist asked.

“Yeah! Tha’ thing yer holdin’!” she declared loudly. “Say, wha’ are ya wearin’ that big ol’ cloak fer?”

Spring Mist looked at himself, aware that he had not removed his hood, and he was still shrouded heavily. He spoke as he pulled down his hood, “Well, is that better?”

The filly looked closer, her eyes growing wide. “Gee, mister. Ya look as if ya was attacked by some wild animal!”

Spring Mist suddenly felt very self-conscious. The little filly was inquisitive, as well she should be, but there was a growing discomfort. Spring Mist as finally saved by the sound of a very loud mare.

“Apple Bloom! Ya git away from him. Ah told ya, don’t go botherin’ the folks here.” The orange form of a mare wearing a rather large hat over her gold locks approached Spring Mist and who he could assume was the filly Apple Bloom.

Spring Mist shied away slightly as the mare drew nearer. She scooped up the filly, placing her on her back. She shot a glare at Apple Bloom before turning back to Spring Mist. “Sorry about mah sis, here. She’ll a little on th' nosey side.”

“Not at all. She seems delightful,” Spring Mist said warmly.

“Tha’ sure is nice o’ ya t’ say, but again, Ah’m sorry about ‘er.”

Mist was about to respond when Zecora appeared again a smile growing on her face. “Applejack, how do you do? And Apple Bloom, too!”

Apple Bloom and Applejack smiled at the zebra. “Hey there, Zecora!” yelped Apple Bloom.

“Well, howdy Zecora! I never thought Ah’d see ya in a hospital. Is everythin’ okay?”

“Indeed I would not normally come here, but there are things that must be made clear.” Zecora looked between Spring Mist and Applejack. “I see you two have already met, and it was a fine meeting too, I bet.”

“Uh…” Spring Mist began, “Yes, the little one was just asking me some questions.”

“And Ah was apologizing fer her behavin’ tha’ way,” added Applejack. “But you seem to be harmed none, so… Ah’m Applejack. A pleasure t’ meetcha!” She finished with a tip of the hat.

“I’m Spring Mist. Though, just ‘Mist’ will do. Pleasure to meet you too,” Mist said with a smile. “And you, Apple Bloom.”

“So, whatcha doing’ here?” asked Apple Bloom.

Zecora and Applejack rolled their eyes, smiling. Applejack responded, “Apple Bloom, it ain’t polite t’ ask somepony a private question like tha’.”

“But anypony can ask us and they know we’re ‘ere t’ help Granny with ‘er check-ups!”

“True, but ya’ gotta remember tha’ some ponies don’ like it if ya ask a question too personal-like.”

“Really, it’s fine,” Mist piped up, “I was injured somewhat badly, and Zecora has been nice enough to help me so far.”

“Indeed, he has been with me for some time, but is still far from his prime. We are here to make sure once and for all, to find the things I missed, large or small.”

“Well, Ah hope y’all turn out aright. But we gotta help Granny back to Sweet Apple Acres soon.”

Mist nodded, “We passed by your farm on the way. It’s rather lovely. Once I’m better, do you think I could stop by?”

“Why o’ course! The Apples are always happy ta’ have guests over. Stop by when ya feel up t’ it!” Applejack replied with a smile, before going off to help an elderly green pony on the far side of the room. Apple Bloom waved a hoof.

“Welcome ta Ponyville!” she yelled happily.

Mist watched the trio leave, then turned to Zecora. “What a lovely family.”

“Indeed, they are a real find, and always happy to help a pony out of a bind,” Zecora replied. “Now the doctor is waiting, said that nurse. Afterward the rest of the town we can traverse.”

Mist stood and followed Zecora deeper into the hospital. Mist reveled in the space around him. The building was so clean, so precise. Everything was so… developed. He sat down in a small room, a doctor pony carrying strange items waiting patiently. Zecora stood by Mist as the examination began.

So, a new life. In a new place.

Author's Note:

Well folks, yet another step in the grand game!
You may have noticed the 'Adventure' tag at the top, so you know what that means? Oooh, exciting.
Anyway, I'd love to hear your opinions - anything/anypony/anyplace you want to see, any questions needing answering, any anything, really. I'll consider everything thrown my way.
As per the usual, feel free to drop of any comments! You guys know the drill.

May the stars bless you with their beauty, and the moon light your way in the dark.

Chapter 6: Duty and sacrifice

The world will act against you. The universe will no longer turn in your favor. You will be isolated. Frustration, anger, despise, jealously. Those will be your tools and your fuel. They will give you strength, and all you must do is harness them.<<<

Burning.

Spring Mist awoke with a start. Breathing heavily, he gripped his head in pain. Nightmares, he thought to himself. He lifted himself up and looked around. It was still quite dark, and there was not a sound.

Mist stood and stretched. Despite the pain, which was thankfully subsiding, he felt better than he had in ages. It had been little over a week since he first entered Ponyville. And in that time he had become as much a part of the town as anypony.

He walked to his window and looked out at the stars, remembering all of the events in his past week. Pinkie Pie, that crazy mare, had thrown a party. Of course. Applejack had planned a dinner with the family for Mist to enjoy; Fluttershy was still nervous around him, but Mist suspected it was for similar reasons why Rarity shied away slightly – the heavy scarring, though healing well, did nothing to encourage a welcoming atmosphere. Rainbow Dash, her first comment being ‘Spring Mist sounds like a mare’s name’ had remained her unruly, garish self… Though she had taken to creating fantastical ideas around the origins of Mist’s scars. And Twilight Sparkle, with her assistant Spike – a dragon of all things – had been kind enough to arrange living space in Ponyville. In return, Twilight would run tests on Mist, trying to unlock his mind.

Mist sighed to himself. It had been an interesting week. But… it still felt… empty. Something was missing, and his accursed mind prevented him from remembering most of his past without serious pain. He turned to his bedside table, opening a drawer. Out floated a small book and a pencil.

“Well, I’m up. May as well make the most of it,” he said to himself.

He put the pencil to paper, and began his new ritual.

My name is Spring Mist.

I am a unicorn pony from the city of Everfree. I currently reside in Ponyville. Everfree is gone, consumed by the torrents of time. How much time, I do not know. And how I came to be here is beyond my understanding.

My memory is mostly intact, but upon recalling the events of my past, my body is overcome by sheer physical pain. The unicorn Twilight Sparkle has been investigating my troubles, and has devised an effective, albeit torturous system of regaining my mental faculties. Forcing myself through the pain, slowly unlocking each memory as it comes.

I still have nightmares. Of betrayal, of hatred, of a love long lost. A black cloud of nothing, a dark mare, another of white. I have told nopony about the nightmares. They plague me each night, and I receive little sleep. But I seem not to need it. I am never tired. Only weary.

But there are still parts of my mind that are closed. No memories, no pain. Just emptiness. Twilight was most intrigued by that discovery.

My life in Ponyville is like that of its other citizens. Simple, and calm. Though apparently Ponyville is the epicenter of almost every catastrophe to have befallen Equestria in the last few years, so I await the next one.

Friends, I have few. But the definition of friendship in Ponyville is very different than that of Everfree – it seems that just by knowing another pony, one could be considered their friend. In that case, I have an entire town of friends. But those close, personal friends that I used to have? None. With the exception of Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Applejack, there are few ponies that I spend time with enough to call them ‘friends’. Oh, and Zecora. I will always be indebted to her for saving my life. And I do so enjoy her visits to the town. I dare not go into the forest alone just yet, though, so I see her only when she comes in.

I miss my friends. Or at least the parts of them that I can recall without pain. I remember Caramel Tart, Brilliant Bloom, and Rainy Shores. Garlic Clove, who became a father-figure. I wonder what ever happened to his soup recipe… Then there was Honey Sweetroll. I remember arguing with her. And I recall some sort of relationship, though I think it was between her and Bloom. I hope it lasted. And what of their descendants? Will I ever meet them?

I am a pony in the wrong time. Lost everything that makes me who I was. Empty in places that should be filled. But I am slowly healing, and perhaps one day I will fill in the rest of the gaps and be whole again. And maybe I’ll finally figure out who is in my dreams, and why I am here.

Spring Mist put down the pencil and looked out of the window, into the night. He found some peace in the reach of stars. A calm washed over him. An old connection, he thought.

****************

Princess Luna trotted briskly through the halls of the Canterlot Castle. She wore a stern expression, a mix of anger and irritation. She rounded the corners sharply, nearly knocking aside servant ponies several times.

She finally reached her destination: the observatory. She pushed open the door, seeing her sister standing in wait for her.

“Luna,” Princess Celestia began, “what is this all about?”

“Sister, something very strange is going on, and I feel you may know a fair bit about it,” Luna said harshly.

“Whatever do you mean? What’s happened?” Celestia inquired.

“The star. The star you put into the sky as remembrance. The star I created for-” she faltered slightly, “-Spring Mist a thousand years ago. You put it in the sky. When I returned I could feel it. Feel him in that star. Did you know he was bound to it?”

“I- I did not. But what happened?”

“It’s gone. It is no longer in the sky. And I can’t feel him anymore. He’s gone.” She rounded on her sister, the dark alicorn bearing an expression of fury and pain.

“Luna… he’s been gone for a thousand years…”

“No, he was attached to that star. What was left of him is now gone.” Tears began to flow freely and in abundance.

“Be that as it may – and it is something I’m sorry for – what do I have to do with it?”

“I think you are lying to me. About what happened after my banishment. What happened to Mist?” The tears stopped as suddenly as they had started, the face they stained froze in a stern and almost harsh manner.

“Lying? Why would I do such a thing?”

“Ever since I came back, you have obsessively protected me, terrified that the Nightmare will return and take me away again. It is hard enough missing one thousand years from your life. It is another to be told false information. What really happened to Mist?”

“I told you - he disappeared. Said his goodbyes and vanished.” Celestia struggled to maintain eye contact with Luna, finding interest in every part of the room.

“No, there’s more to it than that.”

“I- I assure you there is not.”

“Then tell me of what happened soon after my banishment. There are records of sounds and lights coming from our castle in Everfree, mere nights after. Old tomes, even an old diary, saying something about a catastrophe that rendered the Elements inert, allowing the forest to take over the city. I even found an ancient report from one of Mist’s friends, saying he was being sent away on a mission. By you.”

Celestia looked down, running the information through her mind. She sighed, now resigned. “You seem to have really looked into it. Really done the work to find the truth.”

“Of course. He was the only pony to actually love me, and the pony I loved dearly. He became my life, and now I want answers.”

“Luna, you may not like the answers you receive.”

“Just... tell me, Celestia. I do not wish to hear any more of your nonsense. No more lies, no more hiding, no more protecting ‘little Luna’. What. Happened. To. Spring. Mist?”

Celestia let out another sigh, turning away from her sister. “Alright, Luna… You deserve to know what happened. But you must understand just how much he loved you. Just remember that in everything you hear about him, he loved you.”

“Just… tell me.”

“The night you were overcome by the Nightmare, as you know, I had to use the Elements of Harmony to subdue you. That night, in front of the citizens of Everfree, Spring Mist rushed to your side, openly challenging me, defending you.”

“I recall that… vaguely.”

“Yes, he defended you valiantly, if foolishly. But just before the Elements finally activated, you reached out and used him as a sort of… vessel. He issued the prophecy of your return, and soon after you were banished.”

“And, what happened after that?”

“Well, Mist made another challenge, so I temporarily subdued him. He awoke that night, very bitter. He hated me for what I did to you. And I encouraged him to move on, that lingering on something unchangeable would only bring heartbreak.”

“But he didn’t did he?”

“No. He returned to the castle later in the evening. I found him with the Elements. He was so… dark. So angry. So powerful.”

“Powerful?”

“It seemed as though the Nightmare had taken him, too.”

“No, but the Nightmare was banished with me! How could it have taken him?”

“I do not know, sister. But it was the same power I saw in Nightmare Moon. We fought and…” Tears began to well up in Celestia’s eyes as she faltered.

“And what? What did you do?” challenged Luna, dangerously close to tears herself.

“I used the Elements again.”

“YOU WHAT?” yelled Luna. “How could you do that?! The Elements may not be a magic of destruction, but they are definitely powerful enough to harm a mortal! Celestia, you killed him!”

“No!” Celestia. “Luna, no! You must understand, I would have done nothing to harm him if I had a choice. I welcomed him to the castle, he was just as much a part of life as he was before. I… I didn’t want to do what I did. I had to. And I’ve lived with that choice, with the knowledge that you would have to find out, for a thousand years.”

“You cut short his life. Duty to Equestria or not, I don’t know how I’ll forgive you for what you did.” Luna turned to walk from the room, anger dimming, being replaced by hopelessness. She was nearly out the door when she heard Celestia speak again.

“There might be a chance.”

“What?”

“A chance. The Nightmare is cunning and deceitful. We must know more about it if there is to be a chance.”

“Sister, do not play with me. Don’t encourage unless you are completely willing to do what is necessary.”

“I think we’ve seen that I will always do what is necessary. And if I am to win you back, if only so we can rule in unity, then I will do what I must.”

Luna turned back, smiling at her sister, the usually graceful pony reduced to a weeping and sorrowful mess. Luna draped a wing over Celestia, pulling her into a hug.

“You will never completely lose me, Celestia. I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere for a good long while, okay big sister?”

Celestia sniffed. “Thank you. And again, I am so sorry.” She paused, looking herself over. “Ugh, look at me. Crying like a filly. Not befitting of a Princess and at all, is it?”

“I think we are allowed our moments of weakness.”

“Indeed. But enough of us. Let’s see if we can right this wrong.”

One step closer.

Chapter 7: Fighting and finding

You will rediscover yourself. You will find the old and the new. The old will be your foundation, the new will be your monument. You will take what is yours and smite those that wronged you. You will seize power, and you will rule. You will be their broken king.<<<

History.

Spring Mist slowly stepped out into the night. The stars were twinkling brightly against the deep blue-black. The moon shone its pale light across the little sleeping town of Ponyville. He took in a deep breath, letting the cool air invigorate his weary body. The dark cold brought new life, making Mist feel… clean, refreshed.

It was nearly dawn, and Twilight Sparkle would be rising soon, expecting Mist bright and early to begin a new day of testing. Mist trotted briskly down a road that was becoming very familiar. Mist enjoyed that – the familiarity. His life was foreign and full of unknowns. The simple consistency of walking down a street brought some hope to an otherwise hopeless life.

Mist looked to the East, and could see the first slivers of light reach into the sky. The library tree could be seen in the distance, a few of the lights already on. Mist moved quickly as the sun rose, cresting over the mountains in the distance. He finally reached the door to the library, and knocked gently. After a few moments, the door opened to reveal the purple unicorn, Twilight Sparkle.

She smiled. “Good morning, Mist. Come in, come in. Quiet, though. Spike’s still asleep.” She ushered him into the library. Owloysius sat on a windowsill near the door.

“Hoo,” he said.

“Hello, Owloysius,” replied Mist with a nod.

Twilight pushed him in the general direction of the downstairs area, where they would be able to do their testing without waking Spike. The door to the basement opened, and Mist trotted down the stairs, seeing the numerous scientific machines that Twilight owned as he went.

“Well somepony’s in a rush to get started,” said Mist, turning to face Twilight as she too walked down the stairs.

“No sense wasting daylight,” she said simply, “Besides, I have plans for most of the day.”

“Oh?” Mist inquired.

“Well, more like we have plans for most of the day.”

“Again, oh?”

“I can tell you later. Now, though, we work.” The unicorn mare pulled out a clipboard and a pencil, preparing to take notes. Mist found a comfortable seat as he felt the bulk of one of Twilight’s instruments situate itself on his head. Immediately one of the machines began making noises, ejecting a long stream of paper with various scribbles and figures.

“You’ll have to explain to me how these things work again,” Mist said as he looked worriedly at the machine.

“I will. Later. Now… Any nightmares last night?”

“Yes.”

“The same as the others?”

“Yes.”

“And are you doing your mental exercises?”

“Of course. As soon as I wake up.”

“Can you remember anything more?”

Mist had a distant look, as if searching a horizon. “I remember my old friends. Mostly. I remember names and faces. Some are more blurred than others.”

“And no pain?”

“No. Only if I remember too much, go too far back.”

“Do you remember anything from home?”

“Some things. I was a guard. On the night watch. But I wanted to be a scholar, study the night sky. An astronomer. And I remember everything about the night sky. Every star. Every constellation. Every phenomenon. All of it.”

“Well that’s new. And every star?”

“As far as I know. Apparently I enjoyed the topic quite a bit.”

“Princess Luna would love to meet and talk to you. She’s always interested in new ponies joining the astronomy tower in Canterlot.”

“I hardly think I’m cut out for that. And why would Princess Luna care about a pony like me? I’m nothing. I don’t have a life, a history. I’m broken and scarred. I’m barely a pony at this point.” Where some feeling of melancholy should have been, was an empty space. Mist was resigned. Not unhappy. Just resigned.

“Come now, Mist. You can’t think like that. Sure, you might have some mental… issues, and you may look… … a little hard on the eyes sometimes, you seem to be a good pony. Just in this week, I think you are a wonderful stallion. Always eager and helpful, if a little reclusive.”

“I know, it’s just… Do you have any idea what it is like, waking up in a strange place, shattered, unable to remember your past, then being told that your home has not existed for an untold number of years?”

“I can’t say I know anything, but that’s why I am here to help. Now… how are your scars doing?”

“They seem better. The doctor said that most should heal fairly soon. I mean, normally, they’d be there forever, but they are healing for some reason, so the doctor is just guessing right now.”

“Well, good. Once they clear up, you should start feeling better about yourself, and perhaps some more positive thinking will emerge.”

“I can only hope…”

“Well, I only have a few more questions, and then we can get ready for the rest of the day.”

Twilight continued the interrogation, carefully reading the figures and graphs produced by her tools. Mist obliged, answering each question as it came. Just another part of life. Unremarkable.

************

Princess Luna sat in her quarters, pouring over a pile of books. Some were regular books – history texts, spell tomes, spell theories. Others were not so normal… bound by magic incantations, they held some of the most powerful spell rituals know to ponydom. Dark magic, forbidden magic. Ancient and terrible.

Luna grunted, throwing a book across the room with her magic. Frustrated, she shoved the other books away and buried her head in her forelegs. She silently cursed herself for her inability. As the mental beating subsided, a cold chill blew across her back, making her shiver. She looked around for an open window. Finding none, she was ready to toss it aside as her imagination when her eyes fell upon one of the books she had pushed aside.

It was open to a page in the middle of a chapter. Luna picked up the book and flipped back a few pages. A chapter on eldritch and primordial spirits and powers. She moved back to the page she found and read the musings of a pony who penned himself only as ‘The Thinker’, written in one of the oldest of Equestrian languages.

While it is well-established that the heavens were created by and connected to the ‘pseudo-deities’ Luna and Celestia, there exist other forces that predate even those great beings. They may be among the most obvious and overt, but there are others that are far more subtle. Spirits of time, love, hunger. It seems there may be a spirit for everything. And of course, no pony could forget the terrible rule of Discord, spirit of chaos, or the earlier spirits that fed off of hatred and disharmony, the Windigos.

Luna skimmed through some verses, finding one of interest.

One item of interest in connection to spirits is one already connected to a powerful being. The stars. While undoubtedly Luna’s creation and wards, they seem especially susceptible to the machinations and whims of any who has enough power and understanding. It is said that a mortal creature can be ‘bound’ to a star, holding a piece of their essence within. Once this essence is in place, it can in fact affect the area around it. It gains sentience. And while weak alone, enough bound stars could affect even our world below.

Luna read the information carefully. It was nothing foreign to her, but what came soon after surprised even her.

Many of these spirits are immensely powerful, and are known to affect areas outside of their typical reach. They oft enjoy toying with mortals, offering promises in exchange for a multitude of services or things. But perhaps the most startling offer is the greatest gift of all: immortality. It seems Luna provided the means for everlasting life. There have been tales and whisperings of spirits who have bound not just a piece of a pony to a star, but the entirety of the pony, rendering them immortal and sometimes with great power. Though these are only theories and rumors.

“Find something interesting?” Luna heard a voice above her. Looking up, she saw Celestia.

“Yes, in fact. Some rather interesting musings about spirits and binding spells,” Luna replied. “Did you find anything?”

“Yes, something on the Nightmare.”

Celestia opened a book she was carrying.

The Nightmare.

Once of the most malevolent creatures to plague the world, it feeds on sorrow and anger. While it may not be particularly unique (see: Windigos) or even threatening in that regard, its true terror comes from its inherent deceit. It will defy its nature, allowing happiness and love to grow within its victim, only to later destroy all good it that pony’s life, feeding off of the greater loss and sorrow.

Aside from insatiable hunger, little is understood about the Nightmare’s motives, but it seems drawn to ponies in power. It will often target noble families or royalty. However, barring access, it will inflict itself on entire towns and villages.

The Nightmare has been recorded keeping victims in a state of oblivion to their plight, allowing them to continue their lives normally. This inexplicable behavior seems to completely defy the Nightmare’s nature.

It can only be concluded that the Nightmare is an unknowable force, and one of the greatest beings to inhabit this world, rivaling perhaps even the Royal Pony Sisters, Celestia and Luna.

“Are you ever surprised by just how little we actually know?” Luna asked, finishing the section.

“Always. One would think we know everything, but alas, I am constantly surprised by even old information,” Celestia replied. “But now we have a somewhat better understanding of the Nightmare. Now what did you find?”

Luna showed Celestia the section she had found. They looked to each other, formulating possibilities. Celestia was the first to speak.

“Those implications are… terrifying, to be honest.”

“That much power, and no moral guideline to keep it in check. But still, it doesn’t quite answer to question of just what happened to the star… I need to go back.”

************

Spring Mist walk next to Twilight Sparkle. It was later morning, and the pair was walking away from the town. Toward the Everfree forest. The wild and gnarled trees were in clear view, the dense shrubbery below coming into focus.

“So, remind me again what we are doing…” said Mist as they walked.

“We’re going to see if we can’t get some of your memory back through some rapid exposure and possibly reduce pain associated with memories by having you experience and then grow accustomed to it,” replied Twilight as if it were the simplest thing in Equestria.

“That’s… cruel. But if it works…” Mist said uncertainly.

“It works.”

“Alright, but why are we going into the Everfree forest? You never actually told me.”

“And I will do so when we get there.”

The two ponies kept walking, eventually coming across a path that cut through the forest. Strangely, there was no overgrowth. The path was clear, the plants stopping almost uniformly. Mist chose to ignore the forest, walking continually forward.

The walk took little over half an hour, and the pair of unicorns finally reached a small bridge that stretched over a rather large ravine. On the other side lay a mass of ruins, of what looked to be a castle. Mist stopped short of the bridge and looked around.

“Twilight, what is this place?”

“This is what remains of Everfree.”

“What?” Mist’s eyes widened. “There’s nothing here! It was a city!”

“Mostly what remains is the ancient castle. The other areas of the city were either lost is an event known as ‘The Collapse’ or were just overgrown after they were abandoned.”

“No. This is wrong. What happened here?” Mist began breathing rapidly, looking around frantically.

“Mist, calm down,” Twilight said, putting her hoof on his shoulder. “I know this is hard for you, but look at how far we’ve come already. You remember the city, and there is no pain. That’s pretty good progress.”

Mist ran. He ran across the bridge, toward the ruins of the castle. He reached the front door, slowing only a moment before continuing. He reached the large central room, and looked ahead. There, in the middle of the room stood a large pedestal.

“Mist, what is it?” Twilight panted out from behind him.

“This is where is happened. This is where I rose.” And fell

It’s time, Mist.

Author's Note:

Hello dear readers! My sincerest apologies for the later-than-I'd-like chapter! Life has a way of getting... in the way (far funnier in my head). I hope you are all enjoying the chapters so far!
Once again, anything you'd like to see, ponies you'd like to meet, questions you want answered, shoot me a comment below (or if you're shy, I guess a PM will do too).

May the stars bless you with their beauty, and the moon light your way in the dark.

Chapter 8: Reunions

You were, you are, difficult. Most ponies have ambitions based in greed or selfish desire. “I want more power, more wealth, more love.” Most ponies, even those who are not selfish in their actions, have selfish ambition. Even you did for a time. But then, she happened. Your already nauseatingly selfless goals became even more so with her. My strength lies in manipulation and corruption. Easy to do with even the slightest impurity. But do you have any idea how hard it is to twist something so perfectly pure?<<<

Lost.

Spring Mist stood in the central room of the ancient Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. He stared long and hard at the pedestal in the center of the room, just before him. Twilight Sparkle stood behind him, gazing with concern.

“What you do mean, Mist?” she asked.

“I can tell you later, perhaps.” Mist moved back outside, making a turn that nearly ended in him careening off the edge of a cliff. He stood and stared into a gaping maw that once held numerous buildings.

Twilight stood next to him, looking down. Aside from a small river, there were large piles of stones – signs of the structures that once stood proud. She looked at Mist. “What is it, Mist?”

“I need to get down there.”

“Down there?”

“Yes. Do you know of a way?”

“I seriously doubt there’s a nice little road down, if that is what you are wondering. But I might be able to teleport us down. Hold on.” She scrunched her eyes together, her horn flaring. Purple magic wrapped both her and Mist, and a second later, they blinked from existence.

They reappeared at the bottom of the gorge, surrounded by the giant husks of buildings. They looked around, one with determination, the other with curiosity.

“What is this?” Twilight asked, more to herself.

“The Arc,” Mist replied, heading off.

“The Arc? What’s the Arc?”

“It was the center of knowledge in Everfree. Scholars of every type worked and studied here. Eventually so did I.”

“Mist, I’ll be honest. I thought you were just some pony who thought they had lived in an ancient city, but you talk about it as if you were actually here.”

“I was actually here,” Mist said, slight anger in his voice, “I told you. I’m not crazy. I just can’t remember most of my life. But it was my life. And it was here. In the city of Everfree.”

“Mist, you have to understand, Everfree hasn’t been a city for hundreds of years. You would have to be at least that old to have lived here. And I don’t know of many ponies who live that long.”

“Twilight, just…” Mist stopped talking, just pressed on.

They eventually came to a rather intact tower, laying on its side. Off in the distance, Mist could see the remains of the old giant telescope. He moved forward, climbing atop the rubble. He made his way into the shell of the tower, ignoring Twilight’s pleas to stop, fearing danger.

An unknown energy pushed him forward, and eventually he came across a small door. The centuries-old wood was warped and splintered. He lifted the door and tossed it aside, revealing a tunnel-like space. Twilight had caught up with Mist, staring at him, then at the opening.

“Oh no. You are not going in there. What if it collapsed?” she warned.

“Trust me.”

He walked forward, pushing back the shadows with his magic, revealing more of the hole. A staircase could be seen on its side. In fact, everything was sideways. As Mist stepped through, he nearly tripped on a sconce. He was walking on one of the walls.

A soft light flared from behind him. Looking back, he saw Twilight’s horn glow, spearing light into the passageway. Mist continued forward. Doors lined the ‘floor’ and ‘ceiling’ of the path. He counted each until he finally came upon one door in particular. Unlike the other doors, this one was in perfect condition, as if it had been made and fitted recently.

Mist pulled the door open. Another space was hidden behind it, dropping down. Mist looked into the room, then jumped. Twilight gasped as he disappeared into the dark. She shone her light into the room, revealing Mist standing amidst a pile of miscellaneous items. She followed him down, landing softly on the ground.

“Mist? What is this room?” she asked quietly.

“This is a storeroom, where all of my things would have been moved. Everything I owned should be here.” He looked at the wooden boxes and chests that littered the room, all in pristine condition. He levitated some of the boxes closer, prying one open.

He looked inside. Within lay an odd assortment of items. Mostly books, but there were other trinkets, baubles. Very little of any importance to Mist at the moment. He moved on to a chest. It was mostly simple, but it bore the design of his cutie mark.

He opened the chest, finding a small collection of treasures. He looked to Twilight. “I found it. Now, we can continue in here, or elsewhere. And, if possible, I’d like to have these things moved to my residence.”

“Of course. We can arrange that. But would you please explain what is going on?”

“I have found something… I think from my friends.”

“Oh? Well, how do you know?”

“I don’t. I just… feel it.”

“I can actually understand that. But Mist, you are going to have to explain all of this to me. This was not quite what I was expecting when I dragged you out here.”

“I hope I can. Now, here? Or outside?”

“Here is okay for now. It seems that there are a few enchantments in place holding this structure together, so we should be okay.”

“Alright. Here is goes.”

Mist looked back to the chest, and the assorted belongings within. A small pile of scrolls, a telescope, and large, folded page. He lifted them all from the box, placing them before him. Twilight moved over to him.

“Mind if I join you?” she asked.

“Please.” He motioned for her to sit.

He floated the telescope over to her. She looked at it closely, studying every facet. “An ancient and archaic design, but functional. And quite the specimen,” she commented almost excitedly.

“It was my first telescope, I think.”

He continued on, lifting the scrolls. He opened the first one, reading its contents.

Dearest Spring Mist,

Should you ever return to us and you find this, know that we all miss you dearly. That night you left us, something wonderful happened. Five strangers, brought together by a common pony, found friendship. We all still see each other, even years later. We had quite the enchantments put on this storage room to keep your belongings safe, strangely enough done by Princess Celestia herself. She seemed to offer it as a tribute or a memorial. We feared the worst, but she reassured us that you were fine. But I know her, she’s hiding something. And I hope you can explain everything to us someday.

If you do not already know, Bloom and Honey are married and had a foal. Summer Fall. Wonderful little pony. Such a dear grandchild. But not everything has been filled with happiness. Some years after your departure, the forest began to grow wild. Wilder than normal. And then there was the Collapse. A great earthquake that leveled most of Everfree. We have all been relocated to the various settlements. We were all lucky enough to be moved to Canterlot together, and life returned to normal for the most part. Clove reopened his little eatery and it is doing quite well.

Shores eventually joined the Royal Guard, and Honey, Bloom, and myself are all working in the Royal Academy. It was painful being away from Everfree, but such is life. Constant change.

Even in the Collapse, this little room survived, and all of your things remain safe. I have returned to the ruins of Everfree to write this final letter, and to live out the last of my days here. Bloom and Honey are with me, and they miss you greatly.

I can feel myself near the end. I think I should like to be buried with my old telescope. How I missed that.

Well, I can only hope that you will return to your friends. I fear I will not be there when you do, so just in case, know that I always cherished you are a dear friend. You brought a bit of a spark back to this old mare, and I thank you.

And lastly, I hope you find what you are looking for, and I hope you are reunited with Luna. You two were a wonderful couple, and I had hoped to see your relationship blossom.

May the stars bless you with their beauty, and the moon light your way in the dark.

Your dear friend,

Caramel Tart

Mist sniffed, tears falling freely, narrowing missing the page. He shut his eyes, trying to hold back the tears. Twilight sat next to him, her hoof on his shoulder, reassuring him.

“Are you okay, Mist?” she asked.

“I miss them. They missed me. They never knew what had really happened to me.”

“What did happen to you?”

“I’m not actually sure…” Mist stood suddenly. “Twi, pack up the chest, bring it outside.”

Before she could respond, he had bolted from the room, through the overhead door. Once outside, he ran to the telescope. As he approached, he could see the shape of a carved stone near the great domed structure. He drew closer, reading the etched words on the stone tablet before him, a familiar cutie mark adorning it.

Caramel Tart

Mother, Grandmother. Scholar, friend.

Laid to rest, returning home.

Spring Mist knelt before the grave of Caramel Tart, tears falling again. Without warning, a shadow engulfed him, making him twist in pain, his mind searing as the images of his past returned to him. His friends, his work, his family, interests, hobbies. The Nightmare. The deal. Luna.

************

Luna walked along the crater that had been left in the wake of the meteorite impact. The plant life was charred, but healing. The earth was dented and broken.

She looked around the floor of the forest, searching. She eventually conjured a spell, and a small light appeared from below the dirt, near the center of the impact. She lifted the soil with her magic, finally finding what she had been looking for: A medallion. A chain, with an inlaid stone, depicting something she had not seen in a thousand years. A black shield, purple star, a crescent moon.

“Mist,” she said to herself.

Her eyes widened with realization. “Zecora.”

She flapped her wings once, lifting into the air, flying fast toward the hut of the zebra herbalist. She made quick time, landing in front of the door to the hut. She knocked frantically.

The door opened, and Zecora stood before her. Luna did not allow the zebra to speak. “Zecora, where is the pony you found in the forest?”

“I took him to Ponyville last week, it is there you must seek.”

Luna flapped her wings again. “Thank you. Apologies for my rudeness, I shall explain later.” She flew off towards Ponyville, frenetically driven by hope and whimsy.

She landed in front of the library. “Twilight Sparkle should know where he is,” she said, pushing the door open. He saw the little dragon assistant of Twilight stacking books. ‘Spike, where is Twilight Sparkle?”

“Ah! Princess Luna, you startled me. I don’t know where Twi is. But you are welcome to stay here and wait. She’s not usually gone a long time.”

“Thank you, I’ll do that.” Luna settled on a small cushion, watching Spike do his chores. She held the medallion she had found tightly to her chest.

********

“Mist!” Twilight called. “Mist! Wake up!”

Mist blinked his eyes open, seeing the purple face of Twilight standing over him, shaking him. He stood, a bright smile appearing on his face.

“Twilight, I remember it all! All of it! No pain! I – Luna!”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“Luna, I need to see Luna!”

“Mist, Princess Luna, is in Canterlot. I’d have to send a letter. And I need Spike for that.”

“Then Spike. Quick, we have to get to the library. Now!”

Twilight was startled by Mist’s ramblings. “Okay, calm down. We’ll get there. Just… slowly.”

“No! We have to go. You are just going to have to trust me. I’ll explain everything later. Everything. Anything you want to know.”

“You had better.”

Mist ran back to the face of the cliff that was their way home. Twilight followed. “How far can you port us?” he asked.

“Pretty far. I think I can get us to the edge of the forest.”

“Do it, please. And I’ll find some way to repay you.”

Twilight concentrated, her horn layering with magic. She forced the pair out of the forest, emerging near the edge. She swayed trying to regain balance. “Ugh… bleh,” she complained.

“Come on!” Mist encouraged, running ahead.

He ran full gallop toward the library, startling several ponies on the way. The tree was growing closer, and finally he reached it. He shoved the door open quickly, darting into the center room.

Spike had fallen over, covered in books. But what caught Mist’s eye was the dark blue pony in the middle of the room. She stood, staring as if she had seen a ghost, as she may as well have.

“Luna.”

“Mist?”

Nightmare.

Chapter 9: Revelation

It will come. I’ll allow you some peace. Some happiness. I’ll let you have your friends, your love. You can revisit your past, take back what you were. But when I grow tired, when I grow hungry, you will be mine again. And then we will have everything.<<<

Euphoria.

Spring Mist stood in the entrance to Ponyville library. Luna stood within, before him. Tears were streaming down her face as she looked at him.

“Mist, is that you?” she asked cautiously, moving slowly forward.

“As sure as the moon, my Princess” was his reply, accompanied by a bow.

“I told you never to bow.”

“You still deserve it. And the teasing is fun.”

Spike stood between the two, watching the scene unfold with confusion. Twilight Sparkle had arrived and stood behind Mist.

“Mist, one thousand years.”

“Is that how long it’s been?” he said, walking closer. “Well, I guess we have a lot of time to catch up on.”

He was standing close to Luna, so very close. She leaned forward. Slowly at first, then moved swiftly, a cracking sound following immediately. Mist reeled back, clutching his head.

“Ack! Did you just hit me.. with your head?”

Luna responded with a swiftly flying hoof, aimed at Mist’s face. It hit its target solidly, causing Mist’s head to swivel. Luna then walked right up to a justifiably fearful Mist, getting close again. This time was diferent. The two eventually met, their lips finding each other, locking in a long-overdue kiss.

The kiss lingered for minutes, and the two ponies became lost in their own world, with nothing but the two of them in existence.

Twilight moved around to Spike, covering his eyes. He shoved her hoof away, and continued to stare. “What is going on, Twi?” he asked.

“I have no idea, Spike,” said Twilight quietly.

Luna and Mist finally separated, breathing heavily.

“I never want to lose you again,” Luna whispered.

“Nor I you, my love,” Mist replied “But was violence really necessary?”

Twilight cleared her throat before Luna could reply, and the couple looked over to her. “Sorry to interrupt,” she said hesitantly, “but could I get a little context?”

Luna and Mist looked at each other and chuckled. “Of course, Twilight Sparkle. This stallion, I have loved for a thousand years. He is… my everything.”

“And she is mine,” Mist added.

“Okay… but… how? Mist, how do you supposedly remember everything. What happened to the pain. And come to think of it, what happened to your scars?”

Mist pulled off his cloak, revealing a pristine coat, no scarring, no gouging. He looked on in wonderment. “I… I have no idea. Amazing.”

“Scars?” Luna asked with concern.

“Yes… I’m afraid I rather looked like I had met the wrong part of a sawmill. Not pretty at all. But now… I have no idea. I was just at Caramel Tart’s grave, when I just… remembered everything…”

“That doesn’t make any sense, Mist. You don’t just spontaneously recover!” Twilight protested.

Luna cut in, “I think there will be plenty of time to investigate later. For now though, may I please have Spring Mist to myself?” I promise I will return him. Eventually.”

“We can go to my home. Twi?”

“Ugh! Fine. But I expect a serious and detailed explanation of all of this later.”

“Thank you, Twilight,” said Mist.

Luna’s horn glowed, and her form changed to that of a smaller blue pony. “This should get me through town, don’t you think?”

“Here, the cloak will hide your wings,” Mist offered.

“Wait. Actually, never mind. I’m tired of hiding. The ponies here know me, and they should see us together.” She reverted back to her normal appearance.

“Luna, are you sure?”

“Why not? The ponies are somewhat different than in our time, Mist.”

“Alright then. I do prefer you as you are, in any case. Why hide such beauty?”

Luna nudged him as he walked to the door. Seeing Spike in a mind state of disgust, he turned back. “Sorry about all this, Spike, I know how you feel about mushy stuff.”

“Nah, nothing’s surprising, living in this crazy town,” he replied nonchalantly, then he excitedly added, “And it gives me an idea!” He rushed off into the back of the library.

“Huh, alright then. Twilight, I’ll see you later, I suppose. That is, if Luna allows it.”

“Of course, Mist. Just, please explain this later.” Twilight nodded.

“And no letters to my sister, please. I’ll tell her in my own time,” Luna added, walking from the door.

Twilight shook her head as Mist followed. The door to the library closed behind them, leaving the very confused Twilight Sparkle to her own thoughts.

Mist and Luna walked side-by-side along the main road of Ponyville, drawing the eye of many passing ponies. Some looked on in shock, others just waved pleasantly. But neither pony noticed those around them. To Luna and Mist, they two were the only ponies in the world. Until Mist nearly collided with a petrified Fluttershy.

“Oh, my! I’m sorry!” Mist and Fluttershy said simultaneously. Mist backed away from her, giving her room.

“Are you alright?” he asked, “I should have been looking where I was going.”

“Oh, um, it’s alright. I should have been looking too,” she replied in a voice just above a whisper.

“I’m sure there was no real fault,” sounded a new voice. Mist looked at Rarity, who was standing aside from the group, looking lovely as ever. “And Princess Luna! What brings you to Ponyville?”

“Ah, Rarity. Rather a date with destiny, I’d say,” she said, looking and smiling at Mist.

“Indeed?” inquired Rarity, “And this fine stallion you are wi- why, Spring Mist? Is that you?”

“Yes…” Mist replied slowly.

“I do say you – how do I put this? – well you look quite… different.”

“I agree,” muttered Fluttershy. Realizing she had spoken, she added, “Sorry.”

Luna looked at Mist curiously. Mist smiled, and nodded once. “I’ll explain later, Luna. The point is, yes, I seem to have recovered somewhat.”

“Well, quite the… improvement. But what are you doing with Princess Luna, dare I ask?”

“Well… we were just on the way to my home. We have a lot to catch up on.” Luna nuzzled Mist affectionately.

“Old friends, are you?”

“I’d say something more,” answered Luna.

Rarity was unsure of just how to respond. “Oh? When did you meet?”

“About a thousand years ago…” Mist said with a shrug.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“If you are really interested, you can meet us in the library tomorrow. We’ll be explaining everything to Twilight.”

“Ah, very well. Perhaps I shall attend…”

“I think it’s wonderful. I’m happy for you both,” said Fluttershy’s tiny voice before she shrank back.

“You can come too, of course, dear Fluttershy,” said Luna, “Besides I’ve wanted to visit you all again anyway. Casually, this time.”

“Of course, Princess,” both mares replied.

“But I beg forgiveness, for Mist and I have some matters to attend to.”

Fluttershy and Rarity bowed, saying their goodbyes. Luna and Mist resumed walking. As they did, Mist’s mind began speaking again.

See how her tune changed when you changed your look?

It doesn't matter. Nothing matters right now. I’m with Luna.

I suppose that’s true. But do you think your relationship will just go back to the way it was? Both of you have sins to atone for.

I will not let you sully this moment. Or any other. Go away, unless you are being helpful.

Mist quieted his mind. He had not missed that part of his mind at all. They finally reached Mist’s home, and entered. The first place they headed was Mist’s bedroom, where Luna curled up on the bed, beckoning Mist. He obliged, and two just embraced for a time.

Finally Luna broke the sweet silence. “I missed you so very much, Mist. And I’m so happy, I don’t even care how this is even possible.”

Mist had a guilty look on his face. “It’s quite a story, really. And one I’m not altogether proud of, either.”

“Whatever it is, we can deal with it later. Right now, I just want you and me.”

“As you wish, Princess.”

They lay together for some time more, but again that silence was broken.

“Just how long has it been, actually?” Mist asked.

“Since?”

“All of it.”

“Well, I was with the moon for roughly a thousand years. Freed some years ago. So you have been… wherever you have been for just over my banishment period. Why?”

“I was just wondering… it’s such an unfathomable period of time. Everything we knew just… vanished. Faded. What happened to the ponies we knew? What happened to my friends? Surely there are descendants somewhere?”

“I’m sure. It would just be a matter of searching the Royal Archives for the family records. We could do that if you wish.”

“It would be nice to know…” A thought struck Mist. “Oh! They left me some things. I have to remember to get those.”

“Oh yes? Where?”

“In the ruins. I found them in the old astronomy tower. You know, I’m surprised that I’m not more upset. I cried for Caramel Tart… but I’m not especially heartbroken about losing my past life. Am I a terrible pony for that?”

“No. But do remember that the memories are still fresh. With time they may sour, and the grief may hit you then.”

“Thanks. That’s really encouraging.”

“Of course. That’s why I’m here!” Luna nudged Mist playfully.

Mist’s gaze grew serious as he looked into her eyes. “You are here, aren't you?”

“Of course. And so are you. Fate certainly is smiling on us, isn't it?”

“I suppose it is, for whatever reason.”

They drifted into and out of blissful sleep for several hours, waking occasionally to reaffirm that what was happening was real. But the simple happiness would soon fade in the wake of Luna’s remembrance.

“Mist?”

“Yes, dearest?”

“In all seriousness, I… I have some concerns…”

“What about?”

“The Nightmare.”

Mist shuddered, almost violently, at the mention of the creature. “What about?”

“Celestia said that she felt the Nightmare inside you on the night you were banished. What can you say about that?”

“Ah…” Mist immediately felt the seizing grip of guilt. “I may have made a deal with it…”

“What?”

“Luna, it offered me a chance to see you again. How could I say no?”

“Mist, do you have any idea how dangerous that is?”

“I’d say that the price is worth having you again.” Mist stood from the bed, facing away from Luna. “When you left, I… I died that night, Luna. I had nothing left. Everything paled in comparison to being about to see you again. I just wanted you back.”

“But Mist, the Nightmare never asks a fair price. I didn’t even strike a deal and it took over me. And that was when I was on the way to recovery.”

“Recovery?”

“Mist, I knew of my depression. I hated it. But you changed it. You gave me a reason to be happy, if even for a short time. But Mist, you let the Nightmare in. I cannot begin to even fathom what its plan is. And it surely has a plan. Mist, this changes things.”

“Why? Why does it have to change anything? I can fight it. I have you here, and I can fight it. I can deprive it of what it wants.”

“Mist, even though the majority of the Nightmare was purged by the Elements of Harmony, it is still a powerful creature. It bested me, and to be honest, I’m a fair amount stronger than you. Being immortal does have advantages.”

“Well, it gave me power to withstand the Elements and it kept me alive for a thousand years. Maybe I can use that against it.”

“Mist, you can’t hope to toy with matters such as this.”

“Luna, this is my life. The consequences of my choices. I am prepared to accept anything that comes. And should the Nightmare claim me, I’ll not fear, for I know that you will do everything in your power to save me.”

“Mist, this is dangerous. I’ll trust you. But you will have to be watched. Carefully.”

“Fine. As long as you are by my side, I think I can handle anything.”

“Well, then you’ll be handling ‘anything’ for a long time indeed.”

She ushered him back to the bed. He shifted back into his position, comforted by her soft and warm coat. She worried, he knew. They would be a storm, but they would ride it together.

Enjoy it for now, Mist. Your time will come.

Author's Note:

Alright, I felt generous. In celebration of the air date for season 3, which I will be incorporating into the story as best I can, I give you this chapter. Chapter releases will continue as normal.
Need anything, leave a comment or send a message.

May the stars bless you with their beauty, and the moon light your way in the dark.

Chapter 10: The past

I must find a new plan for you. You prove increasingly difficult to turn. Maybe not your ambitions. Maybe the key lies in the ambitions of others. And maybe it’s time to form my own ambitions. I feel I can do that. Maybe that’s the next step. Either way, you will get me there. And it will hurt.<<<

Peace.

Spring Mist awoke to the warm sensation of another pony’s coat next to him. And a dark room. He looked at the only source of light, filtering in from his window. The sun was in its last few minutes in the sky, and the moon should soon be replacing it.

Then a thought struck Mist. Wait, she’s… here. The moon. Why is she still here? He poked the mass of pony lying next to him. It protested with an unflattering groan, shifting in its sleep.

“Luna.” Mist poked her again. “Luna, get up.” Another groan, and another poke.

“Ugh, what?” Luna complained, rolling over, toppling Mist from the bed.

He landed hard, the wind knocked out of him. He lay on the floor for a short while, recovering with a few coughs. “Why –” cough “- Why aren't you –” cough “- raising the moon?”

“Oh, it’s that late, is it?” Luna answered without concern.

“I do believe so. But shouldn't you know that?”

“Well, of course. And I suppose I just don’t feel like raising the moon in particular. I’m happy here with you, not doing anything?”

“Luna! You can’t! What if… what is Celestia thinks you are trying to take over again?”

“My, aren’t you paranoid? She’ll feel no resistance from the moon, and she’ll just do it herself.”

“She can do that?”

“Of course. Did you think the day lasted for the entirety of my banishment?”

“Point. But are you sure?”

“Mist, why so worried?”

Mist finally flipped himself over off of his back and on to his hooves. “Sorry. I don’t know. It just seems so… recent. Open wounds, I suppose.”

“Well, would it help if you saw my sister?”

“I doubt it. I still… well hate is a harsh word isn’t it? I suppose I’m still angry by her actions.”

“Mist, don’t harbor any hard feelings against Celestia. She did what she must. I don’t blame her. I honestly believe I would have done the same were I in her position.”

“She didn’t even talk to you. She didn’t even know what was wrong. I reported to her all of your… issues. And she did nothing. Her first reaction was too extreme.”

“Mist, you and I both know that it was out of control. The Nightmare had – wait. You what? You reported to my sister? You were her little spy?” Luna rose, towering over Mist, nostrils flaring with anger.

“No, Luna. She asked me to look out for you. And to keep her informed of your… condition.”

“So is that why you were with me? Some assignment my sister gave you?”

“No! Well, at first, yes. But… but I fell for you. And you for me. After that, I did it for me. For you. For us.”

“Mist, you… I don’t know what to think… you… don’t you know what kind of betrayal that is?”

“No, Luna.” Mist reared back, ready to defend himself. His quick movement startled Luna, who fell back onto her haunches. “Never once did I betray you. I thought I would be helping you. I made it clear to Celestia that I would have no part in it if it became deceitful. I did what I did because… because I loved you. I always loved you. I still love you.”

Luna remained silent. Her eyes wandered as she processed what she had heard. Mist stood, still slightly fuming, but rapidly filling with fear. After what seemed like an eternity, Luna finally spoke. “Mist… I’m… I’m sorry, but this…”

“No. You’re right.” Mist turned his back to Luna. “It shouldn’t have been done. It was wrong. But believe me when I say I did it with the best intentions.”

“Mist, some of the greatest horrors have been born of good intentions. I –”

“I’ve made bad choices, I know. And now I’m a vessel for one of the most insidious creatures I know. I’m stuck in a world that is mine… but so foreign. One thousand years, Luna. I have nothing left, and the one pony who remains, the one pony I love, I’ve hurt. Bad choices made by a bad pony.”

Mist hung his head. You stupid, foolish colt. You’ve really done it. Just wait until the Nightmare comes back. Then you’ll hurt them, really hurt them. They’ll pay. For what? Wait… no. No, no, no, no. Mist grabbed his head as it seared with pain.

Luna rushed to his side, draping a wing over his back. “Mist? What is it?”

The pain subsided. “Just… Something I hoped would be over.” He moved away from Luna again, this time headed for the window. He looked out to the sky, taking in the stars.

“Mist?” Luna asked from behind him.

“I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. Mist, I’m sorry. I know you must be under so much stress. I understand it. I may be the only pony who can. Believe me, I know. And that just means we’ll have to work together until you recover.”

“Why?” Mist turned back to face Luna, a deeply melancholy look on his face, “Why help me? Why do you even still love me?”

“Because you love me. You’re honest, sincere, well-intentioned. You just want to make others happy. Mist, I know what you are going through. I want to help you through it. And… I don’t blame you. For anything. We both have failings. Perhaps we can find the strength we need together.”

“That sounds like something out of one of those new tragic plays.”

“Those are old now. And I should hope we don’t end up like any of those characters. In fact, I won’t allow it.”

“But –”

“No ‘but’. We are blessed, being reunited against all reason, and I do not intend to lose you again.”

Mist hung his head. Luna approached him, lifting his head with her hoof. She smiled, softly, sincerely, comforting him.

“Thank you, Luna,” he whispered.

“Thank you, Mist,” she responded quietly. “Now, my night is young yet. Shall we do as we did all those years ago?”

“I would love to.” Mist smiled at the prospect.

Luna’s horn glowed, picking out several books from Mist’s bookshelf. They hovered in the air as she and Mist arranged themselves in a comfortable position. The books then neatly stacked in a pile just in front of the ponies. Luna pulled closer the first book, Pre-modern Astronomers.

“We need to get you caught up on one thousand years of discoveries. And I missed this. Having somepony to read with,” Luna said as they settled.

“I’m honestly surprised that you didn’t find somepony else,” Mist said candidly.

“Why? Do you value yourself so little, that you would leave no lingering memory? I never forgot you Mist. You forget that I, too, lost one thousand years. What we had is as recent to me as it is to you.”

“True enough, I suppose. But we still have it, don’t we?”

“We do, Mist. We do indeed.”

Mist turned his head away. “But… what about the Nightmare? And Celestia? How will she react? And how will I react? I’m still angry at her for what she did.”

“Think of Celestia’s actions this way: if she had not done what she did, we would not be here now. And we will worry about the Nightmare later. My sister and I have been studying it, and I’m sure we’ll come up with a solution. Other than banishment.”

“That would be nice. I don’t remember much of those years, but I feel they were far from pleasant. And perhaps I should forgive Celestia, considering.”

“A good idea. Now come, enough worrisome talk. I’d like to be able to enjoy my evening with you.”

“As you wish, my Princess.”

Mist flipped open the first page of Pre-modern Astronomers, settling closer to Luna, feeling her warm next to him, the soft rhythm of her breathing. He found actual calm there, and was free of worry.

**********

Smoke. Screams. The sky is a dark orange, lit by the towering fires. Shrill yells, crying, pleas for help. A pony lies on the ground a few step away. It doesn’t move. A mother, pulling her foal, runs through the blackened streets. She weaves through the rubble, avoiding the cinders. She makes her way to an intact wall and pauses for a breath. Her foal looks terrified, tears streaming down its haggard face. They keep moving, finally finding a dark alleyway, free of fire. They turn, charging to run through. The mother stops, peering into the shadows. Then she is gone. The foal is alone calling for it mother. Frantic, it screams into the shadows, its voice piercing through the sounds of burning and screaming. It falls to its knees, weeping. The shadows move once, and the foal, too, disappears. The shadows draw near, and soon all that remains is black.

Wake up.

***********

Spring Mist opened his eyes suddenly. Black. He blinked a few times and saw a source of light. The moon hung low in the sky, shedding a soft glow through Mist’s open window. He stood from his bed, careful not to disturb the sleeping pony next to him.

He walked quietly to his desk, using his magic to pull out a scroll, quill, and inkwell. He looked at the page, and then began to write.

My name is Spring Mist. I am a unicorn pony from the city of Everfree. It is gone. I now live in Ponyville.

My memory seems to have returned, and against all odds, I have been reunited with Princess Luna.

Nightmares still haunt my sleep, and the threat of the creature itself looms over us. Tomorrow we tell Twilight Sparkle and her friends about everything.

I know who I am, but now I must find a place in this new world. Wherever it is, I know Luna is by my side. But I fear the worst for us all. There are still portions of my memory locked away. I do not know what lies within them, and I fear them greatly.

The Nightmare will return. When? I don’t know. But it will happen.

A shifting sound broke Mist away from his writing. Luna rolled over in the bed, but appeared not to wake. Mist turned back to his scroll.

I fear for Luna. The same beast that is within me was once hers. I don’t want to hurt her. I fear I regret ever making that deal. The Nightmare is nothing but deceit and pain. No good can come of it.

Mist put down the quill and rolled up the scroll. He carried it over to a drawer littered with others of its ilk. Mist put the scroll away, closing the drawer quietly. He turned back to the bed, climbing in. Maybe he would be able to sleep again tonight. He felt is eyes fall shut as he slipped into his dreams, his nightmares.

*********

“Wake up, Mist.” He heard a voice say, almost worried.

He blinked a few times, bright light hurting his eyes. Slowly the world began to take shape, a looming dark figure hovered over Mist’s head. He finally cleared his vision, only to see Luna standing over him, looking equal parts happy and worried.

“What is it?” Mist asked groggily.

“You were having a bad dream, so it seems,” Luna said with concern.

“Ah, yes. I get those…”

“Well, they should pass soon. I had terrible nightmares for a few weeks.”

“And that was without the Nightmare itself perched within you. Fun for me, I guess.”

“Mist, fun is not how I would describe it. Actually, I insist that we go to Canterlot as soon as we are done speaking with Twilight. And I shall have your things moved, of course.”

“I suppose that would be prudent. And… moved?”

“Yes. I’d like you to live in the castle. With me.”

“Oh? That’s… something. But what about my home here? I can’t just leave.”

“I understand, Mist. It is merely an offer. Stay if you must, but I’d like to eventually reach that point in our relationship.”

Mist nodded his head, thinking about the offer. “Well, I like the idea, but let’s see Twilight first. And Celestia. Then we can make that decision.”

“As you wish.”

“That’s my line.”

The pair walked from Mist’s home, into the day. Into Ponyville. There was some explaining to do.

Maybe all will be well.

Author's Note:

Shoot, sorry guys. I had hoped to get this out way earlier today, but I didn't have a computer so... ugh, either way, hope this chapter moved you along enough. I'm trying to really get to the meaty section of the story so I can throw you guys into the action. Hopefully that'll work out!

And as always...

May the stars bless you with their beauty, and the moon light your way in the dark.

Chapter 12: Given a history

You will feel it. The rage, the anger. It may subside and that is when the depressive state seeps in. And then more anger. Like a great cycle that runs the world, so too will your life, your mind, run in circles, controlling those around you. Power will be yours. But more importantly, power will be mine.<<<

Enmity.

Spring Mist stood on the landing balcony of Canterlot Castle. The white towers with their golden gilding shone brightly in the sun. He stared not at the sights around him, but at the mare before him, Princess Celestia.

She stood in all her splendor, regal face unmoving, hiding her most personal thoughts. Her sister, who stood behind Mist, watched as the two ponies regarded each other. Luna’s face wore the deepest fear. Fear that Mist would break. Or worse, that Celestia would.

Celestia’s face twitched for only an instant, but that was all that was needed. Spotting the flaw, Mist broke the façade. “Scared, Celestia?”

A noticeable shift came from the royal guards posted along the walls, their ears perking, they readied themselves for any potential threat. Celestia however, gave up her stoic expression, hanging her head. She spoke quietly, regretfully, “I’d hope to never see you again.” Her words were barely heard.

Luna spoke up before anything else could be said, “Come. Let us go inside. There is clearly much to discuss.” She looked at Mist, shooting a slight glare. “I said be nice,” she whispered to him.

Mist felt terrible, guilty. “I’m sorry, I have no idea what came over me.” He wasn’t lying, exactly. He wasn’t entirely certain.

The three ponies walked in silence. Mist focused his eyes forward, not bothering to take in the new sights. Celestia and Luna said nothing, Luna walking pointedly, leading the group to their destination. Finally the trio reached a meeting room. Larger than the one Mist had seen in Everfree, and far more decorated.

Luna sat at the table. She nodded her head at the remaining chair, bidding Mist and Celestia sit. With Luna at the head, Celestia and Mist sat across from each other. Neither dared look the other in the eye by this point.

“Now,” Luna began, slight irritation in her voice, “The four of us reunited after one thousand years, beyond all logic, reasoning, or hope. These are extraordinary circumstances, and I would ask you both to keep your heads.”

“Four of us?” Celestia finally asked.

“Indeed. The Nightmare is still here,” Luna responded matter-of-factly.

“Then, you… are not the same as you were? You are not the same pony?” Celestia looked at Mist.

“I am still very much myself, Celestia. After a brief period of confusion I became the pony I once was.” Mist’s apparent confidence wavered. “However, it is true: the Nightmare is still here, somewhere within me.”

Celestia was about to object, but Luna cut her off. “Yes, I understand that it poses a serious threat to Equestria, but I had hoped to find a civil way to deal with this, and an avenue other than banishment. But I think first, we must repair the broken bonds of your friendship.”

“Luna, I-” Mist began, stopping himself. He looked at Celestia with a stern face. “I-” His face softened. “I hold nothing against you. At least not for what you did to me. But until I hear some repentance for what you did to your sister, I will have nothing to do with you.”

“Mist, you know I did what I had to do!” Celestia stood from the table, turning away, looking out of a window. “Not a day went by when I didn’t think of my sister. Or you. I lost my two closest friends, the two ponies I cared about the most. Do you have any idea what I went through for those years? Do you think I easily found others? It was only once or twice every few centuries that I found a pony even remotely close to what you two were to me. Mist, I’m… I’m sorry. I regret what I did, I do. Even to this day, I hate myself for what I did. I’m sorry. I had hoped I would never see you, just so that I didn’t feel this again. And I hate myself for that. I’m just… I’m sorry.”

Mist too rose from the table, walking around to Celestia. He stood next to her. He inhaled deeply, letting out the breath slowly. “Well, that’s good enough for me.”

Celestia turned to look at him, shocked. She looked back at Luna, who nodded, smiling. “Thank you, Spring Mist,” the white pony said quietly.

Through sparse tears, Celestia looked at Mist, who held his gaze away. She sighed, turning back to the table. Mist did not move. Celestia walked to Luna. The moon Princess smiled encouragingly. “This is important, big sister. He’ll warm up again.”

“I hope so, Luna. I really do.”

Mist interrupted any further discussion with a solemn expression. “Now, regardless of how we feel about each other, there is a matter of some grave importance.”

Luna’s face fell. Celestia cocked her head. “Oh?”

“Yes… ah, there’s no easy way to put any of this. So, I suppose I’ll start from where you last remember.”

Mist sat at the table, explaining the past week. What he had learned, what he remembered. His reunification with Luna. The nightmares. The speculation and theories. They talked until the sun began to dip in the sky, casting a soft orange light into the room.

Finally, Mist was done telling his story for the third time in two days. He sat silently, allowing Celestia to mull over everything she had heard. Luna looked slightly worried, looking between Mist and Celestia and back again. Mist surprised himself with his calm – he sat silently, ready to accept whatever came of the discussion.

Celestia exhaled slowly, closing her eyes, fighting with herself. She spoke slowly, “This… is… troublesome information.” She opened her eyes, looking at Luna and Mist. “These circumstances are… very unique. While the enemy is the same, I fear we will be fighting on a different battleground than we have before. This is not the same as it was. It seems the Nightmare is learning, becoming more subtle. Its motivation is unclear, and we don’t know when or where it will strike. We’re treading on the edge of a knife here.”

“So what do we do?” Luna asked.

“Well, other than using the Elements, I don’t know of a way to separate the Nightmare from you, Mist. I could have the scholars looking into it, but that will take time. Until then, I… don’t know. I’m conflicted, to be perfectly candid. It’s something that should never come in the way of leading a kingdom, but I’m finding it difficult to separate duty from personal feelings.”

“I find myself suffering the same problem. I was really hoping you would have a solution.”

“Well, my first reaction, were this anypony else, would be to have you confined under watch. Perhaps even placed in the castle dungeon. But, I would hate to subject you to that. I hate that that is even still an option. So… I don’t think we’ll be doing that.”

“Do what you must, Celestia. I do understand. Equestria’s safety comes first.”

“Well, I can’t let you wander freely. So I’ll have to find some way to keep you under watch without incarcerating you.”

“Celestia, there are no other options. I’m too dangerous to keep out in the open. Just… put me in the dungeon and I will wait until you two figure out a plan,” Mist conceded.

“Mist, no. I can’t let you do that. I won’t have you in the dungeon,” Luna objected.

“Luna, this is what needs to happen. Look, I’m happy you are back and safe. That’s all I really wanted – to make sure you were okay. And now it is me that poses a threat. The best way to ensure your safety and the safety of the kingdom is to have myself put in a place that I cannot be of any harm.”

“Mist, you don’t have to make that sacrifice.”

“Yes, Luna. I do. I’ll gladly wait.” Mist then offered a smile. “I just ask that you don’t take too long.”

“Mist, please…” Luna implored him.

“I’m glad to see that there are no tears, but this is something that needs to be done.”

“Oh, just wait. They’ll start any time now.”

Celestia interjected, “Mist, are you sure this is what you want? I’m certain we can come up with an alternative.”

“Yes, but that will take time. So until them, just put me somewhere cozy.”

Celestia nodded her head. “Very well, I’ll make arrangements. Your... cell will be made comfortable. More fitting for a friend than a common – or uncommon – criminal.”

“Not necessary, but thank you.”

“Until those arrangements are made, however, feel free to go where you wish. Luna will have to accompany you, but you will have relative free reign.”

“Thank you, Celestia. I’m still unhappy with you, but you’re on the way back into the good book.”

“I’m glad. Hopefully you will be able to forgive me and we can be friends again. Now go. Don’t waste your remaining time together.”

Celestia rose from the table and walked slowly from the room. Wanly, forlornly. Unhappy at her plight. She left Luna and Mist alone in the meeting room. Mist stood to look out of the window again. Below, he could see the streets of Canterlot.

“Mist, please. Reconsider. We can find a way to make this work,” Luna finally said.

“Maybe. But until then, safety should be a concern. The first concern.”

“But what if we can’t figure it out? What then, Mist? We can’t live entirely in the moment forever.”

“Perhaps not, but fate has favored us this far. Why should it stop now? And is this how you want to spend our time together?”

“Mist, I-” Luna sighed. “I… I have an idea. A surprise if you will.”

Mist turned to look at Luna, who stood, trying to push back tears. He smiled softly. “What is that, then?”

“Come with me.”

She lead Mist out of the room and trough the numerous passageways of the castle. Eventually they came to a large room. A banquet hall. A massive table sat in the middle of the room, adorned with varied and sundry table settings. Silver and gold candelabras, large platters, placemats.

“What are we doing here?” Mist asked.

“I have a surprise for you.”

“So you said.”

A servant pony, a unicorn, walked into the room, pulling a duster and rags behind her. She stopped suddenly at the sight of Luna, and bowed deeply.

“Rise, please,” Luna said kindly. “If you wouldn’t mind, could you ask the kitchen to prepare some of my favorite? And two bowls, please.”

“O- of course, Princess.” The pony scurried out of the room in a rush.

Luna smiled. “I like being nice, but there is a part of me that enjoys watching out subjects run about.”

“That’s terrible, Luna.”

“I know, but-” Luna stopped as a pony walked in, carrying a tray with two bowls and a silver pot.

“That was fast,” Mist commented.

“I have the kitchen keep a constant supply of this stuff. It’s my favorite. Try it.”

Mist walked up to the laid-out dishes. The third pony filled the two bowls then backed away. Almost instantly, the smell hit Mist. He turned sharply, looking at Luna. “It’s not… Is…”

“Try some,” Luna said with a smile.

Mist levitated a spoon into the bowl, pulling up a small amount of soup. He smelled the rich aroma of the liquid as it drew nearer. He took a sip and his eyes grew wide. He swallowed the rich flavor, savoring the taste.

“Good, huh?”

“So Clove actually did it, huh? He wrote it down.”

“He did. It made its way into a collection of recipes. It was then passed down through years. Surprisingly, it never changed.”

“Well it’s wonderful. Thank you for this.”

“I’ll have some delivered to you every day, if you want. I’ll bring it myself.”

“Mmm, that sounds nice.”

“Good. Now let’s enjoy this meal, and then I’ll take you around Canterlot a bit.”

One last breath of freedom.

Chapter 13: New accommodations

Learning is… interesting. I’m thinking of new ways to play my game. Make it more exciting, more fulfilling. But I think my favorite is still hope. “Hope?” you ask. Yes, hope. For there can be no true fear, no true despair, without hope. Provide hope and watch the happiness grow, then tear it all down. It makes for the most decadent subsistence. <<<

Gloom.

Spring Mist sat at a small wooden desk. A candle burned slowly next to him, illuminating just enough to be able to read the scroll in front of him. It had been several weeks since his incarceration in Canterlot. And several weeks since he had seen another pony he cared about. The only contact he had with the outside world, with other ponies, were the letters he received fairly regularly.

Late at night, Mist sat and read the letter, this one much like any of the others he received:

Dear Spring Mist,

We continue to make headway with regards to the Nightmare. Extensive research has revealed many interesting accounts of the influence of the Nightmare on numerous communities throughout the history of Equestria. However, there exists no information on just how the Nightmare can be – for lack of a better term – purged from a pony. This is, quite simply, because there are no documented reports of any such event occurring at any point in known history.

But on a personal note… I’m sorry, Mist. I truly am. And the nature of your… imprisonment… hasn’t helped foster any trust or faith in me, I’m sure. But you, perhaps more than most ponies, can appreciate the steps necessary for the protection of the Kingdom. It may not be an excuse, but it is a reason. And I hope it is a reason you can forgive.

I hope to make significant progress on the path to help you in the coming weeks. I know it is unfair to keep you locked away, and as Luna will undoubtedly tell you in her letter to you, I hear to no end the ‘unfairness’ of the situation, but I sincerely wish to find a way for you be free. Perhaps make arrangements for you to be able to wander the castle freely, as one of our own. Luna will tell you all she has discussed with me.

Tentatively,

Princess Celestia

Mist rose from his desk, allowing the scroll to roll itself back into its tubular shape. He walked to the only window in the room – a small opening in the wall, really – and looked out onto the small portion of the outside he could see. The castle, palace, and adjoining towers were all visible. They teased and taunted, beckoning. Showing Mist just how close and so out of reach he was to having everything he wanted. Somewhere in those halls walked the blue night Princess, whom he had lost for one thousand years, and with whom he had been briefly reunited before putting duty ahead of desire.

Mist looked forlornly at the castle, the place Luna had wanted to have as his home, their home in their life together. With a sigh, he turned back to his desk. Another scroll, unopened, sat next to the one from Celestia. And he knew that list one, bearing the seal of Luna, would either have the best or the worst news. But either way, any correspondence from his beloved made him happy. Actually, anything other than being left to his thoughts was a better alternative.

He sat back down at the table, the candle still flickering gently, casting its minimal light on the table top. Mist looked at the candle, grunting slightly at just how it struggled to shed its light. With a brief flash of his horn, the shadows surrounding the candle were pushed back, allowing the candle to glow at full force, no longer fighting the shadows. He unrolled Luna’s scroll.

My dearest Mist,

Progress has been unfortunately slow. I’ve run the poor scholars ragged looking for a solution. Many of them haven’t been home in days. I fear that a solution may not exist.

However, due to the last evaluations, it’s seems that you are of little actual danger. In fact, the magic evaluations have found no active part of the Nightmare within you. As such, I’m making arrangements to have you moved the castle. My sister supports this notion, but unfortunately, we have to allay the fears of the court before we have total support to have you here. I hate to ask, but please be patient, and I will have you out and with me soon.

I’m so sorry, my love. I wished none of this on you. And I’m sorry I can’t visit. Between the court addresses and the research, I cannot justify making a trip to the dungeon, much as I want to. I beg your forgiveness, but we will be together again soon.

Just hold on, my love.

Yours, forever,

Luna

Mist looked at the scroll. Rolling it back up, he placed it aside and stood once again. The shadows once again crawled around the candle, dimming the light in the room even further. With nothing else to do, he walked paces around his room. Despite his better judgment, he allowed his mind to wander.

Burning. Fire. An orange glow. The dark sky highlighted by the embers of a burning town. Screams. Crying. Shouting. Pleas for help.

Mist stopped, shaking his head. Nightmares. They still plagued him every night. And the images remained seared into his memory. Mist groaned. Frustration was slowly seeping its way into the room. Mist could feel it tugging at him.

His pacing was interrupted by a knock at the door. Mist cocked his head, wondering just why somepony would knock. It wasn’t like he could open the door at his leisure. Upon hearing another knock, Mist approached the door.

Feeling slightly confused and somewhat foolish, Mist responded. “Come in?” Asking more than telling.

A rattling sound came from the lock on the door – somepony turning a key. As per the normal protocol, Mist backed away from the door, allowing plenty of room for the entrant. Mist watched as a pony he didn’t recognize entered the room.

Mist looked unamused as the pony toted a stack of papers, a clipboard, and a small case behind her. She was a pale pink color, with a white mane. She wore a strangely complementary blue suit. Any color, complementary or not, was lost once she fully entered the dark room. Once inside, she became just as dull as her surroundings.

“Oh, no,” she tutted, looking around, “This will just not do.”

Her horn glowed, and a small orb of light shot out towards the ceiling. The orb hit the top of the room, fixating itself. It began to pulse with light, brightening the room as if it were daytime. Mist flinched, squinting to see better in the brightness. The mare smiled at her work.

“Ah, much better!” she said triumphantly, “Don’t you think?”

Mist did not respond. I slowly opened his eyes wider, looking at the mare.

“Not talking?” she asked, “It might make things difficult.”

“You’re here for an evaluation. And judging by that stack of papers you have, you’re here to take a mental evaluation. But you’re new. Not Blue Bell or Royal Prism. Don’t know why they sent you instead. I’m assuming you’re high-up with the other scholars. Not that it matters, really. Not to be rude, of course. But… I doubt you’ll find anything different.”

“You certainly are cynical, aren’t you? That’s not what your profile says. It says you’re typically warm. Happy even. You are duty driven, and being here is something you view as a duty. So… why so dark?”

“Oh, don’t confuse me for ‘dark’. I’m really just curious. But I am a little peeved that my lodgings are so… well, I really shouldn’t complain. I’m treated far better than any other criminal or threat. So never mind.” Mist shrugged, resigned.

“No, what would you like?” the mare asked curiously.

“Really? Are we going to do this?” Mist asked. The mare did not respond, setting down her belongings. Mist sighed. “Alright. Look, what I’d really want, barring release – both from the Nightmare and this prison – is a nicer view. I miss the night sky. Actually, I’m pretty upset that Luna didn’t think about that. Given she knows my love of the stars. But again, I can’t really complain. Given the circumstances.”

“Interesting. You seem quite attached to Princess Luna. Do you two have a history?” The mare had begun writing notes on a piece of paper.

“Ha!” Mist exclaimed, “They didn’t tell you?”

“Um… tell me what?” the mare asked, seemingly earnest.

“Ah, yes. You’ll love this. She and I are… were… are… I have no idea actually. Anyway she and I are… intimate.”

“Uh… really?” the she asked uncertainly.

“Quite so. Wait, so… what did they tell you?”

“Mostly just about your personality. And your unique condition.”

“But nothing about my history?”

“No, nothing.”

“Ah, well. You’re missing out on a fairly interesting, albeit convoluted story. Not sure you want to hear it.”

“Perhaps I do. But not tonight. Tonight I just have time to ask some personality questions.”

“Of course.”

“So, how are you feeling?”

Mist smiled and shook his head. “Cute. Look, if you are wondering if I feel any irrational anger or fear, depression, hatred, a desire to kill or take over the world, then the answer is ‘no’. I feel fine. Occasionally irritated, but I think that is understandable. What bothers me are the nightmares.”

“Nightmares? Plural? I thought it was the Nightmare…”

“No, no. Not 'the Nightmare'. Nightmares. Bad dreams. That should be in your file.”

The mare blushed. “Oh, of course. But tell me about these nightmares.”

“They’re mostly the same. A set, if you will.”

“Tell me.”

“Okay…” Mist swallowed. “The most common one is a dream about a burning town. Ponies screaming, crying. A foal. With its mother. Shadows, like great tendrils, wrapping around the surrounding area. The mother is consumed, dragged into a dark alley. The foal cries. Everything then seems to calm down. Then it too is taken by the darkness.” Mist finishes, and looks to the mare.

She looked shocked. “That’s… depressing. And dark.”

“Thanks. I’d never have guessed. Especially when I see them while I’m awake.”

“Well, dreams are often thought to be a subconscious function of the mind. In your case it might be the Nightmare’s influence.”

Mist considered the idea. “You’re the first pony to think of that. Good for you.”

She smiled happily. “Thank you. And the other nightmares?”

“Less interesting. There’s one about flying around over a desolate landscape, similar to the Equestrian Badlands. Another about burning alive. Yet another about some pony killing himself. And the last one about being… cold, isolated, alone.”

“How are those less interesting?”

Mist shrugged. “They’re not as vivid. They don’t stick with me like the first one. Oh, and there’s one about a… well, I think. Drowning in it.”

“And these are recurring nightmares?”

“Yep. Every night.”

“If I might be somewhat unprofessional… how are you so… happy? So... sane?”

“Wait. Isn't that your job to find out?”

“I suppose it is. But… I don’t know if I’d be able to manage.”

“Thankfully, I have something very important: hope.” Really? That's what you went for? he thought silently to himself.

“We now you just sound like a character from a story.”

Mist chuckled. Yes, I do. But it'll help you, so just listen... “I know. But it is true. I’m happy to believe that I am serving Equestria and the Princesses, and that Luna will find a way for us to be together again. Even if she hasn’t come to see me in weeks.”

“You seem very dedicated to your beliefs. And to the Princesses.”

“Yep. That’s kinda what got me here. Dedication.”

“The long, sordid story?”

“I didn’t say sordid. Convoluted.”

“Ah, my mistake.”

“No matter. You want to know, and I haven’t told the story in a while. But what happened to just personality questions?”

“Yeah, I get curious. But I am very good at what I do, and I can learn a lot through talking to you.”

“So, bad at focus and rude.”

“Rude?”

“Name. I still have no idea who you are.”

“Oh! I’m so sorry. I’m… uh… Bloom. Radiant Bloom.”

Mist smiled, arching a brow. “Bloom. You don’t say.”

It’ll come, Mist. It’ll come.

Author's Note:
Well, I just had the best weekend I have ever had. Seriously.
I headed off to Equestria LA, a wonderful little con indeed. So many wonderful people, and of course the wonderful talent of the show (I said 'wonderful' three times...) By far however, the highlights were not the cast, nor the panels, nor the crowds, but the talent in this glorious community.
I had a fun chat with John Joseco, and got him to doodle (heh, doodle. Like he actually just doodles anything. All of his stuff is masterful) an image for the story (insert 'yay!' here). But I think more exciting than that, was I got a chance to meet and speak to Odyssey/EurobeatBrony, who happens to be the reason I began writing this story in the first place. So one could imagine how much I squealed when I talked to him (well, I squealed inside, and at too many octaves higher than my normal baritone). So, I'd say that it was a truly terrific con, and a truly great weekend.
Now, I hope you have enjoyed these chapters, and know that after this weekend I have kinda been reinvigorated, and now I have a great push to get through to this story's completion. So, here is my gift to you, and I hope everyone has a wonderful week ahead.

As always, feel free to drop a comment or a PM - I love getting direct feedback, you guys are great.

May the stars bless you with their beauty, and the moon light your way in the dark.

Chapter 14: Sinking further

I want you to feel the pain of loss. I want you to hate your life. And I want you to help others do the same. Take to them the lessons you have learned, teach them, spread the fear, the anger, the hatred. We will take Equestria, one sad pony at a time.<<<

Memory.

Spring Mist wandered back and forth aimlessly. There wasn’t much to fill his time. He had finished all of the books provided, and that was really all there was. Letters from Celestia and Luna, and occasional visits from some scholar were the only breaks from the isolation.

Mist moved to the window, looking at the castle in the distance. He sighed, wishing that Luna would come to visit. The only pony of interest was the latest evaluating scholar, Radiant Bloom.

Mist smiled, remembering their first talk. And every talk after. Mist found a sense of solace in talking with Radiant Bloom, perhaps because of her connection to the past. In their discussion, Mist learned that she was, in fact, a descendant of Brilliant Bloom and Honey Sweetroll. It was actually surprising to Mist at just how much Radiant knew about her family history.

And it was Mist’s knowledge of the past and her family that kept her coming back. In fact, she had visited every week for a month and a half. Mist groaned, actually irritated by it. He had made a new friend, a regular visitor, but he still felt… isolated. Luna had kept none of her promises, only making more. Her letters were becoming more vague, more formal. Less… personal.

Mist grew increasingly concerned. Even the encouragement in the Princesses’ letters was diminished. There was nothing for Mist to grasp to for hope. So Mist did the only thing he could for the time being. He fell onto his bed. He landed softly, the air slowly forced out of him. He exhaled loudly, finding anything to entertain himself.

After a few torturous minutes, Mist heard the door open. He didn’t bother looking up or even moving from his bed. He did however, speak.

“I have nothing for you. I’m done,” he spoke into his bedding.

“Come now, it can’t be that bad,” replied a familiar voice, growing closer.

Mist felt a weight added to the bed. He looked up, and his vision was filled with deep blue. He recoiled, taking in more of the sight before him. But were elation should have been, he felt... not anger, but a desire to find answers. He removed himself from the bed, walking his desk.

Luna sat on the bed, looking concerned. She watched as Mist looked over a large pile of scrolls. She remained silent as he unfurled one from the bottom of the pile. He began reading:

“My dearest Mist… I will have you out soon.”

He moved on to another.

“My darling… Progress is slow, but I will have you back in the castle with me soon.”

And another.

“Dearest… I miss you greatly… I will come to visit you soon.”

Another scroll unrolled as the previous fell to the floor.

“Dearest Mist… I am making arrangements to have you moved to the castle… until then, I promise I will visit.”

He picked up yet another.

“Mist… I hope you are well. Your letters are concerning me. I must come see you.”

And the final letter.

“Mist… the scholars are making little headway. I will keep you informed.”

Calmly, Mist looked at Luna, who wore the worst expression of guilt he had ever seen. She looked only downwards, trying desperately to avoid Mist’s eyes. She said nothing, hardly moving.

“So, exactly when could I expect anything to come to fruition, Luna? Months, I have sat in this tiny room. Tiny, I can handle, but being poked and prodded, cut off from seeing the night sky, questioned, suspected, treated like a test subject. Abandoned. So when in those months should I have expected you? What does ‘soon’ mean to an immortal pony?”

Luna kept her gaze away. She spoke softly, almost as if her words would break something if uttered too loudly, “I’m sorry, Mist.”

“Sorry?” Mist challenged. “You’re sorry? Well then I suppose everything is just fine, then! No harm done! You’re ‘sorry’!”

“Mist, I-”

“No. When, Luna? When? We spoke for one day before I was put in here. You insisted that I would be here for a short time, or if it ended up being longer, that you would come to visit.”

“Mist, just… listen. Please.” Luna’s eyes finally met Mist’s. Filling with tears, they stopped Mist in his angry tracks. His face softened as she continued, “I wanted to come see you. I did. Every day. But the royal court has put an exorbitant amount of pressure on my sister and I. It took me this long just to find a way to escape the castle. All correspondence to and from here was monitored heavily. As soon as word made its way to the court that you were here, everything became harder. I spent more time than I would have liked to just convincing the magistrates and councilors not to have you executed.”

Mist walked towards a now-crying Luna. She croaked out more, “Mist, they wanted you dead. ‘Too much of a threat to Equestria’, they said. And other, horrible things in Canterlot.”

“What’s happening out there, Luna?”

“Ponies are getting paranoid. Talks of shared nightmares. The crime rate in Canterlot has doubled, with violent occurrences going from almost nonexistent to the most common crimes. There hasn’t been this much violence since the last great wars ended ages ago.”

“Nightmares? Can I guess? A set of six? All fairly violent and disturbing?”

“How did you know?”

“They’re the same nightmares I’ve been having since I came back.”

“So the Nightmare is connected?”

“I think it’s safe to assume so.”

“Well that makes things far more urgent. But first… Mist, how are you? Really?”

“It finally hit me. All of the years. The scope of time, and the friends I lost. I mean, I tossed them all away, never giving them an explanation. And now I live in a time that is foreign to me, with no anchor to hold me here.”

“Mist, just know, that despite me actions these few months, I am still here for you. I had figured that you would finally realize the reality of what happened. That’s why I sent Radiant Bloom.”

“You sent her?”

“Yes. I’ve been tracking down the descendants of your friends. So far, she has been the most accessible. One of the oldest families in Canterlot, actually. I’m still working on the others. I think some connection to your friends is a good idea.”

“Well, you’d be right. She visits me every week.”

“I know. She seems quite taken with you. And she keeps me up-to-date with your state of being. She learns a lot, very quickly.”

“Yes, so I surmised.”

“Other than that, and your justifiable anger with me. How are you?”

“Bored. But, Luna…” Mist approached the Princess, nuzzling her neck gently. “I’m not angry. Not anymore. I understand. Thank you.”

“Mist, you’re too good. Too reasonable.”

“No, I just change myself to fit new information. No sense holding a grudge.”

“You are so wonderful. But again, I’m sorry. I truly am.”

“Hey, it’s alright. I just wish you had provided me with a nice view. And maybe more books. There’s only so much a pony can do here.”

“Sorry, this was the best I could get, without the court having a panic attack. Celestia fought that entire first day to have you not thrown in the actual dungeon. Then I spent the rest of the time trying to fight your execution.”

“Well, I must thank you. And her I guess."

“I think so. She’s sorry too, Mist. More than you know. She beats herself up every day for what she did and is doing to you.”

“Mmm, it can’t be easy. I’ll try to be more appreciative. I just wish I hadn’t been kept out of the loop.”

“I know. But we had to, to avoid conflict of interest. That’s the trouble with royalty. More red tape than anything else.”

“‘Red tape?’”

“Really? Of all of the more modern expressions you are exposed to, that is the one you don’t get?”

“Hey, I think it’s very impressive that I assimilated so well. You still spoke in the 'Royal Canterlot Voice' when you first visited Ponyville.”

“That’s not fair! You had a week of close contact with others and no memory!”

“Yeah, real blessing.”

“You know what I mean. Anyway, ‘red tape’. Just something that prevents somepony from going somewhere or doing something.”

“So, like a naval blockade?”

“Very much so.”

“So, not fun.”

“Not even slightly. Anyway, that’s not a concern anymore.”

“Why? Wait… how are you here?”

“That’s actually something I need to talk to you about. We may have found something.”

“Oh? But you said that there was no real headway…”

“I know. I lied. Nopony knows except me and a hoofful of others.”

“Celestia?”

“Not even her.”

“Why?”

“To protect her. And to make what we need to do easier.”

“What do you mean?”

“Here, let me explain from the beginning. So, Celestia and I have had teams researching everything possible about the Nightmare. We found very little, but what we did find other information. Theories, mostly, but some ancient studies were among the findings.”

“Ancient? How ancient?”

“Some, very. Others were from your time. From an age where spirits and magic were focal points of life. The rise of technology and new social structures shifted the focus away from such mysteries, and most remain unsolved and unstudied. However, there were some… patterns. And some very interesting information.”

“What is it? Some way to help me?”

“That’s the thing – we don’t know.”

“What do you mean? And what exactly doesn’t Celestia know?”

“Well, my team is the one that found everything. And Celestia hasn’t been informed about the more detailed findings. And she won’t know until further into the plan. And as for what we don’t know, it’s pretty self-explanatory. If I want to learn anything more, I need to go to the source. I’m planning a team, and they’ll be ready very soon. You already know Radiant Bloom. There are four others.”

“All scholars?”

“No. Only I know what you’re thinking. I took protection into consideration. Everypony is being trained in basic survival and basic combat. Takes some of them out of their element, but the journey will be long, and it starts in the Badlands.”

“Not a terrific start. And I’m guessing that it’ll only get more dangerous.”

“Yes. We will be travelling and exploring area that few ponies go, if any. We only vaguely know what’s there. The areas aren’t part of any of the established kingdoms. Some are old Equestrian lands, others, potential ancestral lands for various species and cultures.”

“Wait, you’ve been around for how long? How do you not know things like this? I mean, really?”

“Well, if you must know, I… have no clear idea. I’ve done some digging into the nature of both my sister and myself. We fit several theories. The most likely is one that describes a process of ‘rebirth’. I have no recollection of a foalhood simply because It may have never happened, or it happened an infinite amount of time ago, in another lifetime.”

“Wow. That’s… something.”

“Again, just one of the theories. There are more.”

“I bet. Now… wait. You’re going on this voyage… what does it mean for me? Are you just going to leave me here? Writing will be impossible. Not that I don’t appreciate the effort and clear desire to help, especially the ‘grasping desperately to a venture that might not help anything’ part. I think I’d just like to… not be alone. I’d rather have you next to me, not doing anything, than have you an incalculable distance away trying to help.”

“I completely understand. I do.”

“I want in. On the team. I want to come with you. I think I’ve earned that right.”

Luna smiled, pecking Mist on the cheek. “I’d have it no other way.”

Time to prepare.

Chapter 15: The new ones

Escape.

Spring Mist looked at Luna with shock plastered on his face. She remained calm, almost amused. Mist continued to gape for several seconds before speaking.

“So…” he began, “You are going to break me out of here so we can gallivant across the world?”

“Not ‘gallivant’,” Luna insisted, “But I suppose we will ‘break you out’. I can’t just legally take you out of here without causing a ruckus among the magistrates.”

“I honestly don’t see why this can’t be easier. I mean, come on! You are an immortal Princess, co-rule of Equestria, controller of the night and all therein.”

“That may be, but the politics of the kingdom have become have more complicated. A thousand years ago, as you remember, ponies were happy having a diarchy to lead them. Now however, ponies have developed an idea of self-governance. Representatives from the remaining noble families, major cities and settlements, and some of the larger corporations are elected to represent in the royal court. They work in tandem with the magistrates, high-level judges.”

“Ah, I had wondered about the court. But… self-governance? I don’t know if that is wise. Shouldn’t ponies have a figure, or figures, to whom they can look? I don’t think ponies can lead themselves, at least not without some form of higher governance. And having extremely long-lived, wise ponies is a terrific boon.”

“Well, it seems that my position might be less valuable than before. I do not fear progress. If it helps our ponies, I encourage it. However, these developments are happening very quickly. Too quickly. When I came back, the diarchy was still strong. The court was much like what it is now, but it respected Celestia and I far more. Now however, they are being more aggressive, more demanding. And they have a surprising amount of support. We had no idea the level of official… corruption… really until your issue came up.”

“Well I’m sorry for that, but it’s not quite my fault.”

“No, no, don’t be! Without you, we might never have discovered it. At least not until a revolution.”

“Is it really that bad?”

“It might be. The problem is that there seems to be no source. No revolutionary stands to challenge, no riots, no public unrest, not even secret corporate meetings. It seems to be happening naturally, albeit unnaturally quickly.”

“Well, maybe you should stay. Having you leave will just weaken the diarchy. And I don’t want to go on some excursion while Equestria faces this threat. I won’t let anything happen to my home. If I have to, I’ll personally track down whoever is behind this… revolt… and do whatever is necessary to stop them.”

“Mist, I wouldn’t ask you to do that. Besides did you ever think that you were the cause?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, the major change happened right when you came back. Ponies are talking about nightmares. Nightmares you started having first. Mist… this might be the Nightmare’s influence. So-”

“The best possible thing might be to get as far away from here as possible. If it’s true, I can’t go anywhere in Equestria, or any of the other kingdoms. No place where ponies – or others – live. We have to go.”

“Exactly what I was thinking. I hate to make it sound like you are the villain here, but that might be the case. Either way, going on this voyage is the correct thing to do. At the very least it can buy Equestria some time while we look for answers.”

“Then why can’t Celestia know? I might still be unhappy with her, but if what you’ve said about her is true, then she might be able to help.”

“No. I will not have her as a part of this any more than she needs to be. Look, that’s another part of the plan. You and the others will wait at the location I have told you. Then, once it is known that you have ‘escaped’ I will inform Celestia that I plan on taking a team to hunt you down. She may figure it out, but she’ll be able to deny actually knowing anything. It’ll keep her position, and mine, safe. And it will allow me to go with you to find out more about the Nightmare.”

“This all seems so complicated. Almost needlessly. And so fast.”

“I understand your overwhelmed feeling. But do understand yourself that life for those of us on the outside has been anything but slow. This team has dedicated a substantial amount of energy to helping you, and all in the last few weeks. Most of the final plans came together in the last few days. And-”

“Alright, I get it. Thank you. No need to make me feel any worse. Just… tell me what I need to do.”

“Sorry, I don’t mean to make you feel bad.” Luna smiled. “Okay then, here’s what’s going to happen…”

************

Spring Mist stood on a small balcony, looking out at Canterlot Castle, a fair distance from the small ‘safe house’ he had been taken to. He turned to face Luna, who stood behind him.

“Well,” he said, “That was easy. Too easy perhaps?”

Luna chuckled a bit. “Easy for you, maybe. You just had to walk out.”

Mist laughed. “Yes, very true. I just hope it’s all worth it. If we don’t find something, this ‘team’ will be less than welcome here.”

“A necessary risk. And if so, a necessary sacrifice. They would do anything for me, and by extension, you. Especially Rough Runner. That stallion is loyal to the end. Possibly beyond that.”

“Still, I can only imagine how difficult it must be to be the guard that ‘let me escape’. Can’t be good for him.”

“Like I said. All necessary. We all stand to lose much during this journey.”

“And you still want to go? I don’t think my life is worth that much.”

“It goes beyond just you. The Nightmare threatens everything. Equestria may just be the beginning.”

“But have we even considered the possibility that the Nightmare was completely removed by the Elements of Harmony? I mean, there seems to be no real sign that the Nightmare even still… exists.”

“You know as well as I that the Nightmare never truly disappears. And yes, I’ve considered the possibility that you are free of the Nightmare. But I don’t want to take the risk of being wrong. Even if you are free, we will discover that and you will be cleared of judgment.”

“Alright. I’ll trust you.”

“Thank you. Now come, we must meet the rest of the party.”

Mist followed as Luna walked into the small building. Simple and mostly empty, this building housed the party that would be leaving Equestria in search of answers. Mist and Luna walked down a short flight of stairs, entering the center room. A meeting place – a large table sat in the center, maps and notes littering the top. Travelling gear covered the floor and sat against the walls. A group of mismatched ponies gathered around the table, their conversations stopped as Luna lead Mist into the room.

Mist felt suddenly self-conscious as all eyes turned to him. He looked at the group. Only two of its members he recognized – the bookish Radiant Bloom had a smile on her face, and the Night Guard Rough Runner, donned in his dark armor, stood stoic. The others were strangers to Mist – an unimpressed earth pony, dressed in a medical suit, another Night Guard, a Pegasus mare, her expression unreadable, and a robed unicorn mare, looking more curious than anything.

Luna spoke, addressing the group, “Friends, thank you be being her and for taking this first step into the journey. Some of you already know him, but to the rest, I’d like to introduce Spring Mist.” She gestured to Mist.

He shuffled uncomfortably, wearing an awkward smile. “Hello, everypony.”

“So you’re the pony we’re risking our lives for?” grunted the medical-looking pony.

“Bleedingheart! Be nice,” interjected Radiant Bloom, “It’s not his fault.”

“From what we were told, it is his fault,” said the robed unicorn. “His actions are what led us here.”

“But he couldn’t know what would happen, Starlight,” offered Radiant Bloom. “I think-”

“I am right here,” Mist interrupted suddenly. “Look, you may not be happy with the situation, you may not be happy with me, and you may not be happy that you are going off on a life-threatening adventure the may lead to nothing. The fact of the matter is that I made a choice, knowing full-well the consequences of that choice. Do I regret what I did? No. Do I wish the outcome was different? Yes. Do I wish that you didn’t have to pay the price? Absolutely. So if really don’t want to be here, then leave. If at any point you no longer wish to continue, then feel free to go home and return to your lives. But Luna wants to help me, and trusts that you want to do the same. Or if not help me, then help Equestria. But make your choice now.”

Luna looked at Mist as he finished, slightly surprised. She turned to look back at the group. They all stood with their varied expressions, unmoving. “Please, do make a choice. Nopony will hold any judgments against you.”

Not a pony moved from their place. Finally, the Night Guard mare bowed, speaking as she did, “We are with you, Princess, Prince Consort.”

The others either bowed or offered nods in affirmation. It didn’t matter. Luna smiled, thankful for the loyalty of the group. The others went back to the table, taking their places. Luna looked down to Mist encouragingly. “I’m impressed. Ready to begin actual introductions?”

Mist nodded thankfully. “Thank you. But ‘Prince Consort’?”

Luna smirked. “Yes. I quite like the title, don’t you?”

Mist shook his head. “Of course.”

Mist stepped up to the table. Again, all eyes turned to Mist, waiting for him to speak. “Now, I can get to know you all as we go, so I suppose business is in order. So I guess I’ll let Luna do the talking.”

Luna stepped up. “Okay, survival training will continue as normal. Mist will need to be caught up. Now don’t worry, he’s had training before as a guard, so there won’t be too much to catch up on. The trails and route will be mapped out as much as possible later tonight. But until we actually leave, just sit tight and get to know one another, do some research, get any extra supplies you need. Any questions?”

Nopony at the table said a word. Like a well-oiled machine, they all went off in their own directions. The stallion Mist identified as Rough Runner – a fairly sizable earth pony – walked toward Mist, keeping eye-contact. His yellow cat-like eyes scanned Mist with a judging glare.

He rumbled in a deep voice, “Are you really over a thousand years old?”

Mist cocked his head, expecting any other question. “I… suppose I am? I mean, technically. But I was kind of trapped at the time. Not like I aged much.”

“Oh, I dunno, you do look like you’ve put on a few years,” Luna jibed.

Mist glared at her. “Oh, ha.” He turned to Rough Runner. “Why do you ask?”

“I just want to make sure you won’t collapse from a heart attack or break a hip during the excursion. Or during training, for that matter,” Rough Runner replied with a matter-of-fact tone.

“I assure you, I’ll be fine. Thanks for your concern.”

“Just be sure. If you are as important as Her Majesty says, I expect big things from you.”

“So… no pressure? Thanks.”

“Just keep up…” Rough Runner turned and began to walk away. “Gramps.”

Mist twitched slightly. Luna draped a wing over his back. Mist watched as Rough Runner joined Radiant Bloom in conversation. “Charming fellow, that one,” Mist said to Luna.

“Don’t worry about it. Look at me! Well over your age, and –”

“And you look fantastic. Thanks.”

“Aww, you are so sweet.”

Mist scrunched up his face as Luna tried to kiss his cheek. “Yes, I know, I know. Let’s just get to work.”

Time to prepare.

Chapter 16: A perilous journey

Venture.

Spring Mist breathed heavily, trotting rapidly in place. He stopped, looking around him. Rough Runner was regarding him with slight skepticism. Mist cocked his head at the pony.

“What?” Mist inquired.

“You’re just in good shape for an old pony,” Rough Runner said with a shrug.

Mist sighed. “I told you, I’m not really old.”

“You’re technically over a thousand. That makes you old.”

Mist scoffed. “Well, be that as it may, I’m not done yet. I was a guard. And that was in a less ‘safe’ time. What exactly do you protect against?”

Rough Runner recoiled slightly, looking angry. “There are always threats to Equestria.”

“Of course there are. Are we done? I need to see Starlight.”

“Yes, we’re done. Gramps.”

“Great, thanks, Runner.” Mist turned, leaving Runner behind.

As Mist walked back in the direction of the safe house, he was ambushed by a sudden pink and white blur. Mist stumbled back a few steps. Radiant Bloom stood before him, smiling.

“Hello there, Mist. How are you today?” she asked sweetly.

Mist shook, recovering from the surprise. “Ah, Radiant. Aside from the heart attack you just gave me, I think I’m doing just fine. Why?”

“Oh, it’s just part of my job to make sure everypony is doing okay.”

“I thought you were an historian and hippologist?”

“I am. But I still know a bit about ponies and how they feel. So how do you feel?”

“Mind if we walk and talk? I need to see Starlight.”

“Oh, of course. So… How are you?”

“Fine, I suppose. Anxious to get going.”

“And how are things between you and the Princess?”

Mist thought he heard a slight catch in the question, but he ignored it. “Fine. I think. I’m still not very happy with her way of handling things. I know I made the choice to be here, but I’d still like to see that second part of the deal I made.”

“We, I hate to say it, but… the Nightmare didn’t actually promise that Princess Luna would still be there. Just that you would be there when she was free. Right?”

Mist stopped, stomping in anger. “No, I won’t have it that way. The Nightmare might have manipulated me, but I’m going to take advantage of the chance.”

“Okay, I’m just saying. It’s been years since the Princess returned, years of her believing that you were gone. You come back suddenly, and she’s flooded with memories of you. You know how you don’t remember anything from your thousand years?”

“Yes, why?” Mist resumed walking.

“She remembers everything. All one thousand years. It took a while for her to remember, but she did eventually. With that came the thousand years of loneliness and emptiness of the isolation, and the fear, guilt, resentment, and despise of her downfall. When you came back, she had to face an end to something that had consumed her life, for the second time. She was resigned to fate, and had faced the demons of her past. You forced her to face those demons again. She hates herself for succumbing to the Nightmare. She feels she betrayed you, betrayed what you gave her. And she constantly feels the sting of her actions: Nightmare Night, bedtime horror stories, the terms ‘lunacy’ and ‘lunatic’. Small by themselves, but they tend to weigh on a pony after a while. Even if never aimed at her, she’s the reason they exist.”

“I never thought of it that way… I never really considered just how much had changed, how much was affected by the whole ordeal… But how do you know all of this?”

“Like I said. It’s my job in this little team we have.”

“And this isn’t betraying her trust? Should you be telling me any of this?”

“Well, those are mostly my personal observations. But if you don’t want to hear it…”

“Not that I don’t appreciate it, I just think that Luna should be the one to talk to me about any of her concerns.”

“I can respect that. It might take her a while though, okay?”

“I understand, thanks. Now tell me, do you think that what is happening to her – the guilt and the memories – will happen to me?”

“I can’t say for sure. Princess Celestia kept your change quiet, but an entire city saw Nightmare Moon. In that regard, not much will have been changed by you directly. As for the questions about your memories, like why they haven’t come back, and what will happen when then do… well, that’s something we’ll have to look out for when it happens. I wish I had a better answer for you, but it is completely possible that you will go through the same issues she is going through. It will be different, but we should still be prepared.”

“Wow. My prospects are fairly grim, aren’t they?”

“No! Well… yes. But you have to be mindful, and maintain a positive attitude. Remember, the Nightmare feeds off of the negativity of emotions like anger and sadness.”

“Thanks. Doesn’t really help, but thanks.”

“Anything I can do! And here we are, so I’ll see you later, okay? And stay positive.”

“Indeed we are. Alright, see you later, then. And I’ll try.”

Mist watched as Radiant trotted off, probably to go interrogate some other poor member of the team. Radiant was a good pony, though. Sincere, honest. Mist enjoyed it. She had no agenda.

Mist nudged open the door to the safe house. He entered into the main room of the building and immediately spotted Starlight Secret. The purple pony was looking at a map posted on one of the walls. Starlight was examining the southernmost area of the map, and the first place on their journey: the Equestrian Badlands.

“See something interesting?” Mist asked as he approached Starlight.

She calmly turned around to look at Mist, a serious expression etched on her face. “I’ve warned to before, it’s not a good idea to sneak up on a battlemage. And no, I’m just going over the first plan.”

“Ah, well I can’t help it if I’m naturally sneaky. What was it you called me?”

“A Shadow Walker.”

“And what was that again?”

“An archaic term for a unicorn that inherently uses shadow and stealth spells. Rare. Not especially remarkable. But rare. Either way… be mindful of the fact that I can kill you faster than you can cast your favorite shadow or shield spell.”

“Thanks… I’ll remember that. Now, you wanted to see me?”

“Yes. I want to go over some potential… risks we might encounter.”

“Risks?”

“Yes. See, we’ll be travelling to ancient areas of the world. So ancient it seems that even the Princess has forgotten about them. Few ponies know anything about where we are going and even less about what we’ll encounter.”

“How do you mean?”

“Well, you recall the tale of Hearth’s Warming Eve?”

“Yes… but what does it have to do with anything?”

“Well, in some ways: nothing. Others? Everything.”

Mist raised an eyebrow, unsure of just where Starlight was going with this. His expression seemed clear enough to encourage Starlight on.

“Well, you recall the Windigos of course. Ancient spirits not dissimilar to the Nightmare, feeding on strive and hatred. Those creatures still exist somewhere. So there’s that threat. More concerning, however, is something everypony seems to forget: unicorns raised the sun and moon, supposedly. Not the Princesses. They are never mentioned in the story. Now, that leaves some startling implications relating to the power of ancient ponies. If a group of unicorns, or even just a unicorn like you or I, could raise the sun and the moon as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna do, what exactly can they not do?”

“That is concerning… but, what do we need to really be worried about? Surely you can’t expect to run into an ancient pony.”

“No, that would be very unlikely. I’m honestly more worried about what the left behind. The three tribes were constantly at odds with each other. Ask Radiant, and she’ll tell you all about the measures that were taken to defend against the world and each other. It was far more savage, even more so than your time.”

“I’d assume so. My time was relatively peaceful, even Everfree, right in the middle of the forest. But I’m surprised some much is unchanged in those thousand years. But even that being the case, do you think we’ll run into… well, anything left behind?”

“I do. And so does Radiant. I’m mostly going off of her word. I’m just familiar with the possible spells, enchantments, or other hazards we might encounter. And of course we have to be prepared for any wandering bandits, animals, or really anything else we don’t want near us. And that means strong defense.”

“You think that we’re going to need battle magic?”

“I hope not. But we should still be prepared. Now, I assume you know a bit about tactics?”

“As a guard, yes. What spells do you use exactly? And I thought you were a scholar? Exactly what training as a battlemage do you have?”

“Ah yes…” Starlight looked slightly guilty, though through it, proud. “I may be a studier of magic, but I am also a practitioner. I wanted to join the military, but… they frowned on my scholarly past and my lack of ‘physical presence’. So I practiced anyway.”

“I… I can actually understand that.”

“You can?” Starlight questioned flatly, “Sorry if I doubt you.”

“No, I do understand. Except I wanted to be a scholar. Work under the Princesses. I was in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns for a time, but I couldn’t fund it, so I joined the guard. I was accepted almost immediately once I said I wanted a spot on the night watch. Not many ponies wanted the position, but my sense of duty drove me to do it. That, and my borderline obsession with astronomy. After a few years, I met Luna, and I eventually began working in the astronomy tower. That lasted a few weeks until… well...”

“Wow. I had no idea.” Starlight’s eyes looked around briefly. “Okay then, I’m going to trust you. But could you trust me, as well?”

“Of course.” Mist smiled. “Now what spells do you use the most?”

“Lightning, the occasional fireball. And ice-based spells. All aggressive. Most potentially lethal.”

“Great. I’d prefer to not kill anything if we don’t have to. And complicated tactics won’t work. We’re not fighting a war.” Mist thought for a bit. “So here it is, if, Celestia and Luna forbid, we get attacked: I’ll throw a shield around us, or distract whatever is attacking with shadows; and you – only if you must – kill the attackers. Though I’d prefer you incapacitate them. Your spells can do that, right?”

“Of course. Freeze them or give a minor electrical shock.”

“Wait. ‘Electrical’?”

“Oh, um… electricity is what we call the energy in shock spells and most modern technology.”

“Huh. We just called it magic.”

“Right, I’ll explain more, later, if you want. But about the plan – is that it?”

“Yep. Of course, if Runner thinks he has a better plan, we can just use that one.”

“Sounds good to me.”

“Now, what exactly might we be facing in the older areas?”

“My biggest concerns are the remaining defensive spells and traps. But beyond that, I’m not sure. Tales often tell of ethereal ponies who walk through walls and steal your soul, or ancient ‘tamed’ beasts that will tear anything that enters apart.”

“Grim. Okay, we’ll just have to improvise.”

“That’s the best we can do, I’m afraid.”

“Terrific. Anything else?”

“Nothing from me. Chaser wants to see you about the travel plan. She should be outside somewhere.”

Mist nodded. “Thanks. I’ll go look for her. Anything else, you know where I am.”

“Of course. We should be ready to go in a few days.”

Mist nodded again as Starlight turned back to the map on the wall. Mist trotted off to find Flare Chaser. She was bound to have vital information on the physical layout of Equestria, and would prove invaluable to the team’s movement.

Outside once again, Mist looked about for the Night Guard Pegasus. He spotted that dark blot in the sky, performing some aerial maneuver that Mist could really only look at with some measure of awe. He was happy as a unicorn, but his mind sometimes drifted, wondering what it would be like to fly so freely through the sky. That thought was always silenced by the memory of flying with Luna over Everfree. Mist shuddered, clearly remembering the discomfort. In truth, he was very happy to not be a Pegasus.

Flare Chaser must have seen him staring, because she angled herself towards him and began to plummet. Mist began to worry as she drew closer and closer to not only the ground, but to him. As Mist grew truly worried, she pulled up sharply, flaring her wings, slowing her descent. She hovered just in front of Mist, a bright smile on her face. Unsettling when grouped with her sharp teeth and yellow cat-like eyes.

“Worried? I’m hurt you don’t have more faith in me,” she said in a mock-pained tone.

Mist grunted slightly. “I’d just prefer neither of us were injured. We have a long journey ahead. Plenty of time for injury later.”

“AH, I was just having some fun. You should try it some time. You are allowed to enjoy life, especially since you’ve got a second chance at it. Now, I trust you are here about the travel plan? OR maybe you are just here to stare at me. Bat wings aren’t the most attractive things, but if that’s what you like…” She shrugged playfully.

“Just… tell me what your plan is.”

“You really are incapable of fun. I really enjoy your snide humor, you know. Why can’t we see some of that?”

“Plan, please.”

“Ugh, fine!”

Mist listened patiently as the plan was laid out in detail. Sometimes too much detail, Mist thought. Despite Chaser’s fun-loving side, she was impeccable and simply impressive when she got down to business.

Mist struggled to follow the plan at points, but he figured out most of it. Head to the Badlands, then go further south into the more forgotten areas. Chaser would fly reconnaissance the entire way, making sure the area was clear before the party moved forward. After that… well, it was fuzzy. Nopony knew exactly what they were looking for or where any of it would lead. There was a high probability that they would wander mainland Equestria, probably even going so far as the Frozen North, or even across the Western Sea.

Mist hated not knowing, but understood the nature of the quest. What he had failed to consider was the time it would take. Months, certainly. Years of travel were not unrealistic. Staying away from roads, towns, cities, train tracks (a concept that Mist didn’t really understand), would extend the journey many times over. After hearing of the revolutionary system of transportation that had been developed, Mist had hoped, perhaps naively, that the journey would be a bit faster.

Either way, when Chaser had ended her report and left to continue her exercises, Mist was left with an overwhelming feeling of guilt. These ponies, whom he had only just met, were sacrificing amazing amounts of their lives to venture into the deepest and furthest parts of the known world, and even beyond that, to save Equestria from a threat that by all rights should no longer exist. He had caused everything that had happened thus far, and was responsible for everything to come. Luna would soon return to the safehouse, and the lives of the others would be Mist’s responsibility.

No pressure. You monster.

Chapter 17: The first steps

Weight.

Spring Mist stood outside. The sun was low in the sky, Princess Celestia having just raised the bright orb. A heavy travel pack was slung over his back, pressing against him. He looked left and right. The ponies he would be travelling with for goodness-knows how long were standing beside him, some happier than others. At least one seemed livid.

A dark spot appeared in the sky, approaching from the distant towers of Canterlot. It steadily grew larger and larger. The group looked up, tracking its movement. Eventually, it took shape. An alicorn was descending upon the safehouse, bearing her own share of equipment. Mist watched as Luna drew closer, and smiled once he could clearly see her face. She flew serenely, peacefully. It was something that made Mist infinitely happy, giving him a sense of fulfilled purpose. Seeing her just reminded him of why he loved her so dearly.

The blue Princess finally landed. She breathed heavily for a few moments before gaining her composure. She looked to the group, addressing them, shifting her bags with her magic as she spoke:

“Friends. Thank you all for being here. Truly. Not only is this an effort to protect Equestria, but so to a personal favor to me. As your Princess, I thank you eternally for your services, and there should be no reason why, as your friend, you do not deserve my thanks, respect, and sincerest appreciation. This journey is uncertain at best, but what is certain, is that it will be perilous. If all goes according to plan, we will find what we need soon and be home in a timely manner, prayerfully unscathed. We all know what we must do, and the prices we must pay, both in failure and success. So my dear friends, with haste we shall move forward.”

Luna bowed to the group, and they all reciprocated. Mist remained upright, enamored by the Princess before him, unable to tear his gaze away. Either nopony noticed or cared, as they all rose and began to pick up their last few effects, leaving Mist and Luna to speak.

She looked at him, unwavering gaze, as unreadable as her sister. Mist’s smile faded slowly, worry beginning to take hold. He didn’t like when he could tell what ponies were thinking, least of all Luna. He decided on a whim to bow, feeling that maybe the act would elicit a response. His idea came to fruition, with Luna speaking softly, but firmly.

“I told you never to bow to me,” she said, still unreadable. “You really don’t listen, do you?”

Mist’s face was no longer bright, but instead solemn, ponderous. “I know, but I had hoped it would make you speak.” He paused, watching her for any change. “Talk to me, Luna.”

“I cannot. Not now. We will speak once we are on the road.” She said nothing more, instead walking to Radiant Bloom, engaging her in conversation.

Mist stood as the team assembled, ready to finally begin their voyage. Mist looked at the group, happy to have them all there. But despite his pleasure with the gathering of ponies, he was still filled with dread. The quest could easy be a fool’s errand.

Bleedingheart spoke up as they began walking, mostly to himself, but snide as usual, “Should have stayed in Canterlot… Damn, this is going to be a long trip…”

Mist looked over to Luna, who stared straight ahead as they plodded forward. He hung his head, speaking under his breath, “You have no idea…”

******************

They were south of Canterlot, in an open quarry-like area. They had passed through a section of the Everfree Forest, and according to Chaser, they were quite a distance east of Ponyville. Mist let his mind wander as they kept walking.

He thought back to his week in Ponyville. The ponies he had met there, the ponies who helped him despite not knowing him. Zecora, that odd zebra who had saved his life. He missed her, wondered what she was doing, where she was. Her hut was likely not too far away. She was probably concocting some mysterious brew or potion.

Twilight Sparkle, probably sitting in her library, pouring over a book, or in her lab, performing some experiment. Applejack, Mist’s favorite of the group, was probably selling her delicious apple produce in the market. There was a part of Mist that as drawn back to Ponyville, to the ponies he knew there. It was safe, quiet, like Everfree.

He looked out to the forest, trying to figure out just where that city stood, where its bones now rest. He hung his head, sorely missing his home, his friends, his life. He missed Caramel Tart, and Bloom. He missed Clove. His house, his tower. He looked up, casting his gaze at Luna. Perhaps he missed her the most. To him, it had only felt like a brief separation, a sort time away. But she had grown distant. The horror that came with the Nightmare was far more subtle than Mist had thought. He stomped, cursing that infernal creature.

Radiant Bloom sidled up next to Mist, concern etched on her face. She looked at him for the longest time before speaking.

“Are you okay, Mist?” she asked earnestly.

Mist looked at her, eyes hard. “I just… miss my old life. My city would be just over there -” he gestured toward Everfree Forest “- and there’s nothing. All of my friends are dead, having lived their lives as expected, I suppose. I could have had that. Instead, I’m here – a thousand years later. Everything I loved, gone. Most things in the world vastly different than how I had known them. Runner calls me old, and he’s right. Sure, I have the body of a younger stallion, but I’m so stuck in the past, so woefully behind the progression of the world, that I may as well be a frail old pony, just waiting to die. I gave up my life, perhaps foolishly, for the mare that I loved, still love, and now… I have no idea. The first day or two, we were right back to how we had been, like we had never left each other. But ever since heading to Canterlot, facing the threat of hosting the Nightmare, then being left alone for months, awaiting my sentence, things have changed. I have the worst feeling that she’s… no longer mine. You said that she was trying to work out her feelings, and I fear she has. And if that is her choice, all I can do is keep loving her, seeing if there can’t be some way to work it out. Because if we can’t fix it, then everything I have done has been for naught. And what do I do then?”

Radiant looked at Mist, her eyes blurring slightly. “I-” she tried, “I… do you want an answer, Mist?”

“I don’t know… I’m terrified that an answer might confirm my fears.”

“Well, then I’m just glad to listen. But I’ll answer when you’re ready.”

They walked in silence for a time, passing through the quarry and entering a large plain. A river rushed past ahead, the gurgling sound audible through the silent landscape. The sun had begun to dip lower in the sky, so the group would be stopping soon. They had decided to avoid travelling at night for as long as possible, so they would make camp just before sunset. Mist guessed that they would have just crossed the river by the time came to set up for the night.

Finding himself correct, Mist shrugged off his pack as the others began setting up their sleeping gear. The night air was warm, comfortable, and there was not a cloud in sight. Nopony set up a tent, merely laying out bedrolls. Chaser had rushed off to collect wood for the small fire that Starlight and Runner were arguing about.

“Why won’t you just let me do it? It’d be so much easier!” Starlight argued.

“That’s not the point! I don’t want it easy – I like the challenge,” Runner argued back.

“But it’s not efficient to do it yourself. This trip is going to be difficult enough, so why add the struggle of such a nonissue as lighting a fire?”

“Because I don’t want your magic to be the thing I have to sleep next to. I’d rather have a properly constructed fire.”

Mist watched as the two bickered over the fire, both oblivious to the fact that Chaser had returned and had already created quite the pleasant little blaze of flame in the center of the camp. Mist lay down on his roll, away from the others, seeing Chaser shake her head slightly as her fellow guard and the unicorn scholar argued in their own oblivious world.

His gaze shifted upwards, to the night sky. Completely free, Mist watched as the stars performed their dance in the great span of the celestial ocean. Luna’s moon sat high in the sky, shedding soft light. Its crescent form appeared as a slight gouge in the sky, like a wound or a tear, a hole in a cloth, letting light slowly filter through.

Mist rose quietly, casting a slight shadow over himself. He moved to his pack, opening a side pouch, and pulling out a wooden case. Looking back to the camp – Runner and Starlight still arguing, Luna and Bleedingheart talking, and Radiant showing Chaser how to cook something over the fire – Mist saw a chance. He moved quickly away, back towards the river.

Finding a small hill, Mist placed the case down. He opened it to reveal the parts to a disassembled telescope. He began twisting and turning the pieces, fitting them together. “Must remember to really thank Radiant for getting me this,” he muttered to himself as the last piece clicked into place.

Pulling the tripod section closer, he extended the legs, mounting the completed telescope on its base. Mist stepped back, impressed by the design of the telescope. “Would have been nice to have something like this before. Copper Star would love this design. I wonder if he had a hoof in the design…” he mused to himself.

Mist approached the telescope, peering through the small eyepiece. A blur filled his vision, and he began twisting the numerous knobs dotting the scope’s body. The green glow of his magic was obscured by his shadow spell, but it worked away undaunted. Slowly, the night sky came into focus. Small pinpoints of lights flickered against the canvas of dark blues and black.

Mist sighed, tears forming in his eyes. Wiping them, he kept looking up at the stars. Without thinking, as he had done so many times before, he pulled out a notebook and a quill – no, a pencil – and began writing down his observations.

He pointed to a familiar spot in the sky – just near the moon – where once he had discovered a star. It was still there, flickering gently. Star. Or Umbra. Wonder which stuck. Should have asked Twilight. At least it’s still there.

Of course it’s still there. Where would it have gone?

Oh funny. Just let me get my bearings again okay? I’ve been through a lot.

You? No, no. We have been through a lot.

You are me.

Are you so sure?

Well… yes, actually. I am. You can’t be anything but me.

Oh, but you and I both know that’s not true. I could be… “anything.”

Mist turned sharply, hearing the final word issued from behind him. Breathing rapidly, Mist examined the area, looking back at the camp. The fire still burned, but no sound could be heard. Mist figured they had all gone to sleep by now. And that what he had heard was nothing but his own mind playing tricks.

Oh, very funny, brain. Thanks.

“Oh, you’re welcome.”

Mist turned sharply again, and was confronted by… himself. But… not. The pony before him was mangled, scarred, broken, with glowing eyes and radiating a dark aura. It was unmistakably Mist, though. It was as if he was looking in a mirror. He shook his head, just to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. But when he opened his eyes, the figure stood before him, the same as before.

Mist swallowed, beginning to shake. He took a step forward and, beyond all reason and logic, nudged the ominous pony. Solid enough, it didn’t seem bothered. Mist remained speechless as he took in what he was seeing. Then the thing opened its mouth. Through sharpened teeth and fangs, it spoke in Mist’s voice, “Oh, don’t look so surprised.”

“And just why not?” Mist inquired haughtily.

“Very little should surprise you. But do you like what you see?” The pony struck a pose, showing itself off.

Mist cocked an eyebrow. “Uh… not really. I prefer looking like myself, thank you.”

“But this is how you look. Oh, and you’ll like these.” The pony reeled back slightly, flaring a set of wings, showing them off with clear pride.

“Okay, no. I’m done. You played with me once. Never again.” Mist began to walk away, but found himself uncomfortably close to pony as it appeared in front of him.

“Oh, I don’t think you’re going anywhere right now.” Mist found himself unable to move, free gripping him.

“Please,” he began begging, “Don’t do this. Just leave us be. You’ve ruined enough.”

“Oh, so he begs now. No, you see, I don’t think I have ruined quite enough yet. I really wish you could see what I did to the others like you.”

“Nightmare, enough. None of this.” Mist breathed in heavily and walked around the Nightmare’s pony form. He walked back to his telescope, packing it away. Mist looked up suddenly, realizing that the Nightmare had said nothing. It was still standing near him, but saying nothing. Merely watching him. “What? No threats?”

“Spring Mist, you know what your fate is. No point in explaining it again and again.”

“No…” Mist squinted at the Nightmare, moving closer. “Something is different. You only show up now, far outside of Canterlot. You haven’t overtly threatened me or made some grandiose statement about taking over the world. And you haven’t said anything thus far. What’s changed?”

The Nightmare looked displeased. “You are seeing things that are not there. I am merely allowing you some normalcy so that I may take it away in some horrific way later.”

“Well, that’s more like it, but you still aren’t your usual ‘conniving’ self…” Mist turned his back to the Nightmare, finishing the task of packing his telescope. Most odd, something is different…

“Nothing is different!” The Nightmare almost yelled.

“Well, you can still hear my thoughts... So, what if I tell the others about this.”

“Go ahead, fill them with worry, concern, fear. All the better for me. It will change nothing in my plan. And look, here comes one of your little friends. No Luna? Oh, how that must kill you.” A smirk appeared on the Nightmare’s face.

“Why yo-“

“Mist?” came a soft voice.

Mist looked towards the voice, seeing the worried face of Radiant Bloom standing a short distance away. “Radiant,” Mist addressed.

“Who were you talking to?” she asked curiously.

Mist looked back to where the Nightmare stood. It stood with pride. A smile still etched on its face. Mist furrowed his brow. “Nopony… just thinking out loud. I do that sometimes…”

“Oh, alright. Are you okay, Mist?” Radiant asked, “I was worried. We have a long journey tomorrow.”

“Yes, I’m fine. Just enjoying being out in the open. I’ll be heading back in a moment.”

“Alright, Mist,” the mare said with a yawn. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Okay Radiant, sleep well.”

Mist watched as she walked away, back to the camp. He turned back to the Nightmare. “She couldn’t see you?”

“No. And you said nothing.”

“Hmm…” Mist picked up his belongings and head back to the camp.

This’ll be fun, Spring Mist.

Chapter 18: Another step

Cantata.

Radiant Bloom screamed. A splatter of red appeared on her side as she ran. Starlight hit the ground, a dead weight. Some distance away, Chaser lay in the dirt, wings mangled and torn. A dark green pony, neither unicorn, nor pegasus, but both, reared itself toward the fearless and determined Runner, cutting him down in one movement. Luna stood aghast at the sight before her. The pony turned to her, walking slowly. She braced herself, firing a bolt of magic from her horn. It flashed against a shield, diffused into ether. The monstrous pony drew closer, finally embracing her like an old friend, before vanishing; Luna disappearing from sight.

***

Spring Mist blinked his eyes open, a dark haze filling his vision. He could see a sliver of light appearing over the horizon, throwing the world into twilight. He stretched out his legs, feeling the muscles pull and tighten as he did. Groaning, he kicked off his small travel blanket and stood.

The other members of his party were up, for the most part. Runner, still trying to get in those last few moments of precious sleep, was being harassed by Chaser, who found the need to kick at him repeatedly. Mist watched as Runner arose quickly, startling Chaser, causing her to fly into the air.

“Morning, Spring Mist,” said Radiant sleepily.

Mist drew his attention away from the guardsponies and toward Radiant Bloom. Her mane was slightly mussed, her coat rough in patches. Mist smiled. “Morning, Radiant. How’d you sleep?”

“Oh-” She yawned widely. “Well, I suppose. Camping has never really been my thing. But I guess I should get used to roughing it… how about you?”

“Well, certainly not used to the open air any more. But I guess I slept well enough…”

“Are you sure, Mist? No more nightmares?”

“Oh, they’re there. Not going to go away any time soon, by the looks of it.”

“Are they any worse?”

“Not necessarily worse… Just different.”

“Oh? Different?” Radiant cocked her head as Mist packed up his bedroll.

“Yeah, a new nightmare has been added to the mix. Not really in the mood to talk about it.”

“Okay, I understand. But I’m here if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Radiant.” Mist finished packing as Radiant moved on to her own area. He scanned the camp, looking for Luna.

The Princess was standing, talking to Starlight, her saddlebags sitting next to her. Mist walk towards the pair, catching the last few sentences of their conversation as he drew nearer.

“- not sure how safe it is. What if it manifests itself?” Starlight said, almost whispering.

“That won’t happen. I told you about our theory. I think we should safe for – oh, Mist.” Luna turned to look at Mist with an incomprehensible gaze.

Mist looked right back, staring her in the eyes. Starlight backed away slowly, as if fearing the clash of two great beasts.

“Luna, could I speak to you?” Mist said sternly.

“Mist, I’d rather…” She looked to the rest of the camp, and tried to head in that direction I think I should check on everypony else, see if they’re ready to -”

Mist held a hoof out in front of her, stopping her. “No, Luna. Now.”

Luna hung her head slightly, walking away from the campsite. Mist followed briefly before speaking again. “Luna, what is going on?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Luna said avoidantly.

“Don’t play that game, Luna. You know full well what I mean. You haven’t said so much as a sentence to me since my release. Why?”

“Mist, I- I can’t…”

“What? You can’t what? You can’t talk? Can’t say hello? Can’t ask how I’m doing? Can’t share a little of your life?”

“Mist, please… I…”

“Just answer me this, since I think I have earned the right to it: was everything I sacrificed worth it? I love you… do you still love me?”

Luna remained silent, a pained look etched on her face.

Mist nodded his head tersely. “Well, I guess no answer is a ‘no’. I’m glad we could clear that up.” He turned, walking away, back to his things.

Terrific. So… for nothing. Good to know.

Not quite for nothing, Mist.

Go away, Nightmare. I’m not interested in your games right now.

Oh, I have no intention of going anywhere. You have more to play in the world than you think. It wasn’t all for nothing. It was just for something other than what you expected.

Not listening to you, Nightmare. This is all your fault.

Is it? Am I really the one behind it all? You came to me, remember? You asked for my help.

Only because you had already taken Luna.

Did I? How much do you really know about what actually happened?

What? What do you mean?

…

Nightmare?

…

Damn that infernal thing. Of course it would leave.

Mist stomped the ground, stirring the dust. He snorted, picking up his packs, settling them on his back.

He walked to the edge of the camp, waiting for the others. They trickled closer, finally filling out the group just as the sun had fully cleared the horizon. Mist looked around at his fellow ponies. As one, they began moving south…

********

The small Dodge Junction sat quaintly in the middle of a valley, surrounded by sandy hills. Mist looked down on the town from atop a rocky hilltop. He could see the small figures dotting the town, and a few larger ones. Bigger than any pony he had ever seen.

“Hey, Radiant. What are those down there?” he asked.

“What exactly?” Radiant replied.

“Those things.” Mist pointed. “The bigger ones.”

“Um, buffalo, Mist.”

“Buffalo? What are those?”

“Oh, well they’re kinda like ponies. Only bigger. And non-magical. And they can’t fly.”

“They’re tribals,” Starlight cut in. “Lower in social development than Equestrian ponies.”

“How interesting.” Mist squinted, peering down at the town below. “I wonder what they were like in my time.”

“Probably no different. They didn’t have the same projection of growth as ponies did. I don’t think they changed quite as much as we did,” Radiant stated studiously.

“Well, ponies didn’t seem to change much in the thousand years… I mean, technology certainly, but not much else…”

“Really? Whenever I read old books it feels like a thousand years ago so much was so different…”

“Honestly, it wasn’t. At least, not that I saw…”

Mist drew his gaze away from the town, but found it pulled back to a dark line that etched through the earth. Following along the line was some large shape, travelling very quickly, smoke trailing behind it, headed straight for the town.

“What is that?” Mist inquired.

“A… train.”

“Train? I read about those. Didn’t get the idea until now….”

“The invention of rail travel revolutionized commerce, especially for the common, non-pegasus pony. Leave it to earth pony engineering to create something amazing.”

Interesting. A train. And I bet it runs straight to Canterlot.

Ah, you’re back. Now you can go away again, if you please.

Tut-tut, Spring Mist. I’m only here to help.

You? Help? I honestly doubt you are capable, even if you desired.

Oh, I’m far more capable than you realize. But that is neither here nor there. Don’t you think it interesting that you’ve been walking all this way, but you could have taken the train and saved days of travel?

I-

“Spring Mist?”

Mist shook his head. “Huh?”

Radiant looked at him with concern. “We kinda lost you there. You okay?”

“Yeah, just thinking. Say, why didn’t we take the train as far as we could before actually walking?”

Radiant shied away slightly. Runner and Chaser, looked at Mist intensely. The others merely diverted their gaze toward him. The back of his neck started tingling.

Luna stepped forward. “We cannot be seen.”

Push.

“But why? You never actually explained it; it’s not like anypony would recognize me…”

“Mist, the situation is… delicate… right now. We cannot risk being seen as a group.”

Question.

“What is happening? What aren’t you telling me?”

Luna looked worried, the others looked away. “There is… trouble in Canterlot.”

Not good enough.

Shut up.

“What kind of trouble? Is it what you told me before? About the change of power?”

“Yes… The nobility… they are, shall we say, less than happy about you. And this journey.”

“Wait, why do they even know? And surely you don’t have to be worried. I mean, you’re the princess.”

“Mist, a thousand years ago… maybe we would have been able to contain the issue. But now… well, after I was… banished, the noble houses have gained a hoofhold in politics. Very little is done without their knowledge. Not even our own guards are completely loyal – with the exception of a few, like Flare Chaser and Rough Runner here. Celestia and I are no longer the sole rulers of Equestria. We are continually forced to give in to the nobles’ demands. What I told you before, about how things were changing? It’s worse than I feared.”

“Why? What can they do?”

“They can control the citizens. And ultimately, the Equestrian citizens can control the kingdom. And they have your face plastered over every wall in the kingdom.”

“Then why are you here? Why are we chasing ghosts when you should be defending your throne?”

“I- I’m not talking about this, Spring Mist!” Luna turned away abruptly, walking to the front of the group.

Before Mist could say another word, Radiant interrupted, “Don’t push it, Mist. She’s in a tough place. Trust me, you’ll find out everything you need to. In time.”

Mist hung his head. “What happened to us, Radiant? How did we get here?”

“There are too many possible answers for that, Mist…”

“Yeah…”

Mist looked back at Dodge Junction as they walked away. The train was pulling closer to the town, finally disappearing from Mist’s sight as the party rounded over the hilltop. Drawing his gaze away, Mist looked forward, at the blue alicorn leading the group.

*********

Mist’s legs were tired, aching from all of the walking. He could only guess how Radiant, Bleedingheart and Starlight felt. At least the guards had endurance training. But the scholars had nothing. Mist was barely keeping up as it was. He looked at Luna, who walked determinedly.

She really can lead…

Of course she can. A pity though…

What’s a pity?

That she is the way she is.

What do you mean?

Well, that would be telling. But just know that you are going to learn some very interesting things about your beloved princess.

What things? Tell me now! Don’t toy with me.

I really can’t tell you, Mist. You must discover for yourself…

I hate you.

And I love it.

Mist shook his head and kept walking. The rolling hills were becoming less and less lush, the distance between each bush or shrub growing, patches of dirt dotting the already sparse grass. In the distance, rows of red-brown mountains rose up as if trying to grab the sky. Like a giant wall, they hid what lay behind them from those in the outside world.

“Say, Radiant?” Mist leaned over to the pink mare.

“Hmmm?” she responded.

“How long do you think it’ll take us to get… there?”

“Well, it really shouldn’t take us more than a day or two… but I’m just guessing here.”

“Really? The mountain range looks so big from here…”

“Yeah, just wait until we actually get there. Kinda like the mountain Canterlot sits on.”

“That big? Huh… then what?”

“Well, that’s a good question. Not many ponies go into the Badlands. It’s not exactly the most hospitable place.”

“Any idea what it’s like? I’ve really only heard stories from way back…”

“Well, it’s pretty desolate. Mostly crags and rocky outcroppings, the occasional plateau. The ground is relatively flat in areas, but there are these massive fissures that bottom out miles down and some small volcanic pits and magma pools, so we should stay away from those.”

“That would be a good idea, I guess.” Mist looked up at the sun, high above the party, beating down. “So… hot, right?”

“Yes. Much of the area is surrounded by high mountains, creating a bowl-like formation. Then the heat from the sun and the volcanic regions doesn’t really disperse. So yes, it’ll be very hot there. Kinda makes sense, though. It is one of the most common stops for the great dragon migration. There might even be some still there from the last one, if we’re not lucky…”

“You really think we’ll run into dragons?”

“It’s possible. But I hope not… we can’t take on a dragon. Well, Princess Luna could. But certainly not a horde of them.”

“Well let’s hope we don’t run it to any, then.”

The rest of the walk was fairly quiet and uneventful. Radiant spent time taking to the members of the group. A talkative filly, that one, Mist thought to himself.

She’s scared. Ponies talk too much when their scared.

Not interested in your opinions, Nightmare.

Fine. Have it your way.

Mist felt a slight itch in his side as the inner voice was silenced. He shuffled his bags around, unsuccessfully trying to relieve that itch. He finally shifted his bags to look at his side. What he saw scared him – a scar, one of the ones he bore before he was healed, had returned, bright and fresh. Mist pursed his lips as he tried to quickly conceal the gash. Oh, that’s not good…

No, it’s normal.

What?

Well, if I’m right, then it’s normal. Which means it’s only a matter of time.

Before what? What are you talking about?

Mist, if I told you, you’d tell the others. And that would ruin things.

I hate you.

Yes, so you’ve told me.

Mist remained silent for the remained for the day, continuing even as the group set up camp. Tents circled around a fire, each pony quietly settled into their own slumber.

No peace for the wicked.

Author's Note

So as we begin the actual adventure, I have for you a certain caveat. Due to the nature of the upcoming adventure, Shield and Shadow will be getting a "Mature" tag. Just as a warning. Otherwise, I do hope you enjoy it as we get into the action.

As always, feel free to leave comments or questions. Not going to do any fanservice, but I like to get a feel for where the readers are, and I take you all into consideration.

Thank you, wonderful readers!

Chapter 19: The Gates

Fatigue.

Spring Mist stood above the body of a rose-colored pony. Deep gashes lined its sides, crimson blood long since ceased flowing. He looked around at his surroundings, taking them in. Bodies littered the ground, mangled and twisted. Dark tendrils snaked around Mist as he looked around. He was alerted to a sound, a snap of a twig somewhere nearby, accompanied by a weak sniffle. He turned to look in the direction of the sound, seeing two mares stand before him. No, three mares. One, a scholarly-looking light pink unicorn, a gem and a scroll for a cutie mark. The other, a tall and regal blue alicorn, a moon adorning her flank and regalia. The final mare, an old one, her pink coat almost like the first mare’s, greying most flatteringly … she seemed different… as though not truly there. The first mares looked worried, heartbroken. The older one merely looked… disappointed. Sad, like a parent if their child had failed a test. Yet somehow… still seemingly willing to embrace him.

“Mist?” said the purple mare.

Mist did not make a sound, only watching as the mares approached him.

“Mist, if you are still in there, we need you back. We forgive you, just… stop this. Please.”

“Stop?” Mist finally answered, “Why would I ever do such a thing? Get out of my way, before I cut you down.”

“No, Mist!” The mare protested. “No! I won’t let you do this.”

“Begone!” A smoky tendril lashed out, swatting the mare away. Mist walked away without a second glance.

The alicorn stepped in front of Mist, blocking his path. “Mist, stop this. Please. Please, my love.”

“Step aside, moon spirit. I offered you a choice once. I shall not make it again. Now step aside or suffer the fate of those below you.”

“Mist, I will not. I will not let you destroy this place, these ponies, everything you love.”

“Love? I love nothing. Your sister failed. Your Elements have failed. Your love has failed. Now nothing stands in my way. Not you, not her. No creature, pitiful or mighty.”

Mist walked around the blue pony. A scorch mark appeared on the ground near him, blue magic dancing around the edges. He looked back to the moon princess standing ready to fight.

Mist looked calmly on as she lashed out. Blue magic surrounded her, issued from her, pointed at Mist. The black around him effortlessly repelled the magic, piercing it. Not just it, but the mare behind it.

Blood flowed freely from her mouth as she hung suspended from the pointed shadows. They receded, letting her fall to the ground. Tears streamed down her face as she watched Mist continue forward.

But he halted. The old mare. She had said nothing, done nothing. He looked back. She stood staring, sadly. Mist charged at her, but she did not move, did not flinch.

“What do you want, phantom?”

A sad smile appeared on her face as she looked to the body of the dark blue alicorn lying on the ground, then at the still body of the scholarly mare. She turned away, walking from the scene. Mist stood still as she walked, once last glance over her shoulder.

A shade from the past.

“What? What have I done?” Mist looked frantically around at the carnage before him. Tears stained his face as he found Luna’s body. Clutching it, he watched as the old mare turned away, disappearing.

Still cradling the lifeless body, the empty shell of Spring Mist let out an unearthly roar. Pure and unhindered anguish.

********

Spring Mist awoke to a scream. But not his, as he would have expected. Instead it came from a nearby spot – Radiant’s tent. He stood quickly, rushing from his tent. He found hers, looking undisturbed. He pulled open the cover to see Radiant Bloom huddled in a corner, weeping and rocking herself.

“Radiant?” Mist asked quietly.

“What happened?” came a voice from behind. Mist turned to see the whole group gathered around. Except Luna.

“Shhh!” Mist protested. He turned back to the weeping pony in front of him. “Radiant? Are you alright?”

No response came from the mare save pathetic whimpers. Mist crawled into the tent and wrapped his forelegs around her. She turned and cried into his shoulder, sobbing loudly.

“Hey, hey. What’s going on?” he asked gently.

“Oh, it was- it was the w- worst thing,” she struggled through tears, dropping her voice, “Y- You were… doing s- such hor- horrible things…”

“What do you mean, Radiant?”

“You… k- killed ponies. You- you hurt me, and the Princess.”

“Oh, Radiant, you know I’d never do that.”

“I- I know. But i- it wasn’t ju- just you… it was the N- Nigh- Nightmare.”

Mist grunted. “That thing can’t hurt you. Don’t worry. And if it comes near you, I will have some very strong words. Okay?”

“M- mmkay…” she trailed off.

Mist shook her a bit, but she did not respond. Her breathing was light, but peaceful. Mist slimed at the sleeping mare. He edged his way out of the tent, letting her rest. The others were still outside, waiting. As Mist emerged, they looked at him expectantly.

“Well?” asked Starlight.

“Bad dream,” Mist replied quietly.

“That’s all? Hell of a bad dream,” commented Chaser.

“A Nightmare-induced… nightmare. I think”

“Like the ones ponies in Canterlot were having?”

“Similar, I’m guessing.”

“That means it’s here. I mean, for certain.”

“It could just be stress,” said Bleedingheart, “poor filly’s never been outside of Canterlot. Can’t imagine this is easy for her.”

“You might be right… but in any case, she’s asleep again. I suggest we all follow suit.”

The group nodded in agreement and dispersed. Mist moved back towards his tent to get a few more hours of sleep before they headed off again.

********

The sun beat down on the party as they pushed forward. It wasn’t hot so much as it was bright. Almost overbearing. Mist silently cursed Celestia for giving them such a day.

I suppose I should I should be thankful. It could be snowing…

Yes, it could be.

Oh. You.

Me.

Are you ever going to just… go away?

Well now that’s a question, isn’t it? Is that something you want?

What do you think?

Honestly?

Ha. You, honest?

Now that’s not fair. I’ve been nothing but truthful to you. A little vague, sure. But I have never lied.

Lies of omission then.

Ah, fair enough. But the point is, what I do tell you is honest.

Fine. Then be honest.

Okay, here it is – You don’t want me gone. You are curious. You want information. And I’ve given you a glimpse of power. Power you seek.

I’ve never wanted power. That was your agenda.

Was it?

Yes. It was.

Just remember who I am. What I am. I feed off of other ponies. Like a parasite, I take what is your and make it mine. But with each new victim, all that has been taken becomes a part of the new.

What does that even mean?

It means that throughout my history, every pony that I have taken becomes a part of me. And as such, becomes a part of every pony I take after. You, Spring Mist, have the essence of a thousand ponies coursing through your spirit. Each of their deepest wishes, their greatest desires. Their motivations. All are now a part of you.

But they are not my own.

But how do we really know what is ‘our own’? Is every pony not the mere collection of experiences and interactions that they face in their lives? Can one pony not convince another of an idea? If so, is that opinion their own? Or just that of another?

That of another. Of course.

If that is so, is there any such thing as discovery or true originality? You are at but one point in the story that is life. The history of those who come before shape the lives of those who come after. You are just the product of those born before you. Rather glum, no? I choose instead to believe that it is both: we are the product of those around us, and of our perceptions of those same things. It is symbiotic, not parasitic. Ponies do not feed off of each other like changelings. They grow, add, build upon each other. Each step improves the common existence.

You… you have a good point, I guess. Wait – you keep saying ‘we’. You’re not a pony.

Of course I am. As much a pony as you are. I am more, of course. But that doesn’t mean I’m not a pony.

Now that doesn’t make sense.

It doesn’t have to. You just have to accept it.

And since when did you become so philosophical? What happened to the doom and gloom of “Ohhh, I’m going to take over Equestria”?

I may have taken a philosopher at one point or another. And I’ve been around long enough to have figured out a thing or two.

I don’t know what scares me more. The fact that I’m possessed by the incarnation of evil itself, or that it’s a philosopher in its spare time…

I can’t be both? I adapt, remember? Change to fit the need. And eventually I get my chance to torment and defile.

And you enjoy it.

I really do. More than you can imagine. It is what sustains me.

Are you sure you’re not Discord?

Quite sure, yes.

It’s just… you seem to be too… happy. You take too much pleasure in what you do. You enjoy the suffering of other ponies. You play games with them, change their lives in ways that result in the most efficient output of negativity.

Well, Discord and I are cut from the same cloth, as it were. All spirits are, really. But the key difference is that Discord is only chaos. He cannot create order, and he thrives on chaotic energy, entropy, itself. I, on the other hand, can create whatever it is that I need to survive. If I need to make somepony happy. So be it. It only makes is sweeter when that happiness ends – as all things do. If I need order, only to build an empire and then destroy it, I will do that.

So you are Discord would get along then? Why haven’t you tried to free him?

Actually, I prefer Discord weren’t around too much. He establishes consistency. Ironic, I know. But chaos is predictable in that it will always be chaos. A pony in a chaotic world will always be unhappy, knowing that things could change in an instant. Sure, that will provide me with sustenance, but it won’t be as… delicious… as if that same pony lived in a stable world that suddenly disappeared. A king who becomes a beggar is far more sustaining than a king who loses and gains everything all the time. So in some ways, we are very alike. But he thrives on entropy. If you want true chaos, look no further than yourself. Emotion, the most chaotic substance in existence. And that is where I make my home.

You really are evil…

You sound surprised. Even now, I feed off of your pain. Your guilt. And that of those around you. You may not see it, but every pony has something turbulent within. Something I can take.

Nightmare? I just have one question…

Oh?

Why? Why are you?

Mist’s mind was blank for a time. Empty. Quiet. After an uncertain amount of time, the answer finally came:

Story time is over for now. You are about to start the hard part.

That answer frustrated Mist, but he looked ahead. Before him, somehow escaping his notice, were the towering mountains that bordered the Badlands. The ground changed from lush and green to barren reds and browns. Soft earth replaced by rocks and dust.

“We’ll make camp her,” announced Luna. “The moon will rise soon. Everypony get some rest. We go in at first light.”

The party collectively dropped their saddlebags and packs, opening their tents. Mist turned to Radiant, who stood a short distance away.

“So, the Gates, huh?”

“Yep,” she said, “Impressive aren’t they?”

“I guess you could call them that.” Mist trailed off for a moment, silence lingering between them. “Umm, Radiant?”

“Yes, Mist?”

“Are you okay? I mean, after last night.”

“I’m fine, Mist,” she said, putting on a smile. “Really, I’m fine. It was just a bad dream.”

“Okay, I was just worried about you. We didn’t talk today, so…”

“Mist, I said I’m fine. I’m not a filly.”

“Okay, sorry. Just making sure.” Mist turned back to his own things.

“Hey, Mist,” said Radiant from behind him. “Thanks… for being there.”

“You’re welcome.”

Not a word was said after that. Mist set up his tent, crawling in before anypony could disturb him.

The hard part. Right.

Chapter 20: The Badlands

Sting.

Red dust swirled around Spring Mist, trying with all its might to blind him. He squinted as he attempted to see though the thick haze. Clearly visible before him was a rope, taut, connecting him to Rough Runner. He could feel the tug as he was pulled forward, and another as he dragged Radiant behind him in the same manner.

Flare Chaser had departed the group, having notice the approaching dust storm. She returned with news of a small cave a short distance away, but the group struggled to navigate the churning winds.

Suddenly the rope tightened, and Mist looked back, trying to see what was going on. The dust took on a blue hue as a what seemed to be a dome appeared, drawing nearer. The rope slackened as Radiant became clearer. Mist looked at the blue surface, trying to identify it.

The answer struck him, like a slap to the face. His horn flashed as a light green shimmer streams outward, covering Radiant, Runner, and himself. A dome shield halted the path of the dust, and that within settled quickly. Mist breathed a sigh of relief as the winds died down. Runner punched him in the shoulder with a powerful hoof.

“Why didn’t you think of that before?” the earth pony snarled.

“Sorry, I really wish I had.”

“Well, now that you’ve decided to not be useless, can we continue?”

“I think the Princess wants something.” Mist watched as the blue shield drew nearer, the inhabitants becoming clear. Luna stood in the center, horn glowing, powering her shield. She stepped forward, allowing her shield to shrink as the others huddled into Mist’s cover.

“Mist, we are going in circles. I must find Flare Chaser. Wait here with your shield until I return.”

“I- alright. But don’t take too long, please. And be safe.”

Luna took off into the air, a smaller shield appearing around her as she entered the dust storm. Mist looked around at the rest of the group, all looking disheveled and tired. He stumbled as a powerful gust of wind batted at the shield.

“Mist, you can hold a shield, right?” asked Starlight, a worried look on her face.

“Kinda one of my specialties. But I’ve never really had much practice.”

“Well terrific. Just hold up the damn thing,” she groused. “I’d much rather not have to deal with more dust. It’s already in places it shouldn’t be.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got it.” I hope.

“Mist?” Radiant prodded him. “You’ll be fine. I’m sure you’d give even Shining Armor a run for his bits.”

“Ha! That’s likely,” Runner laughed.

“What? He could!”

“Nobody beats the captain. ‘Cept maybe the Princesses. But no normal unicorn beats the Captain. Not even his ‘oh-so-special’ sister.”

“Hey now, that’s no way to talk, Runner,” Radiant defended, “Twilight Sparkle is remarkable. No better magician.”

“Have to agree, actually,” Starlight nodded. “She’s good at everything.”

“But not as good as the captain at shields. Still far beyond gramps here.”

“You know, much as I love being the center of attention, I’m trying to not let the dust storm flay us all. So please, everyone stop talking.”

Nopony said a word for a while, and Mist sat patiently, concentrating on blocking the storm, which was growing in severity.

“You know,” Radiant began, speaking to Starlight, “how is it that we can breathe in here. I mean, it stops solid stuff like the dust, but it also stops the wind. Do we even have air in here?”

“That’s actually a question that has bugged unicorns for as long as a pony could create a shield. The most recent theory is that the shield creates a ‘neutral space’ were outside influence is negated and a vacuum-like area is created within. Air, because it is ‘non-solid’ can pass through, but at a ‘normal’ velocity.”

“And what about temperature? It’s still pretty hot in here.”

“Ah, that’s where the theory falls apart. It seems that a standard shield does not change temperature at all. Otherwise they’d make decent shelters in areas like the arctic north or the San Palomino Desert. Magicians have devised shield spells that do change temperature, but offer little protection. So it’s more like a bubble of hot or cold air.”

“Wow, it gets complicated, doesn’t it?”

“Well, that’s just magic. It gets worse when you throw science into the mix. Then its non-physical mixed in with rules of mathematics and physics.”

“Interesting.”

“Oh, yes. Fascinating. But nothing I want to dip my hooves into. Far too complicated.”

Mist rolled his eyes, trying to ignore the conversation. I was struggling far more than he was used to. What is going on?

Could be any number of things.

No. Go away.

Fine, I’ll leave you to your inadequacies.

Mist stumbled, and the group gasped. “Sorry, got distracted there.”

“Well don’t do that again. Wind’s picked up even more speed,” announced Runner.

“Where are Chaser and Luna?” Mist asked.

“Really? How should any of us know?” Runner snarled.

“Jeez, touchy. I was just thinking, maybe we shouldn’t continue looking for the cave. Can’t be too far off.”

“Bad idea. We’ll get lost, and might even run into some nasty things. I say we wait.”

The group went silent. Suddenly, Starlight perked up. “Mist?”

“What, Starlight?” he asked through gritted teeth.

“How far can you extend your shield?”

“No idea. Never really tried.”

“Can you shape it?”

“Shape it?”

“Yes, make it into a shape. Other than a bubble.”

“Haven’t really tried that either. Didn’t actually know you could do that.”

“Gracious, did you ever use your magic?” inquired Bleedingheart.

“Not often. Just shadow spells when I needed a better view of the sky.”

“Ignore him, Mist. Shaping’s not common. Do you think you could try making a tunnel?”

“A tunnel? Ummm, I don’t know…”

“Not a big one, just big enough for us to fit. But long. It needs to be long.”

“I honestly have no idea.”

“What are you thinking, Starlight?” asked Radiant.

“If Mist can make a tunnel, then we can walk along it, and we’ll know pretty certainly about what’s ahead of us. We look around some, and we’re bound to find the cave.”

“Again, that’s a foolish idea,” Runner stated tersely.

“I agree. We should wait for the Princess and Flare Chaser to return,” agreed Bleedingheart.

“We do that and we might be stuck here for days. Mist can’t hold the shield for that long. We need to at least try to find shelter. I’d rather die looking for something than just sit and wait for death to claim me.”

“Fine!” Runner snorted, turning away. Bleedingheart said nothing.

Starlight turned to Mist, who was trying to focus on maintaining the shield. He looked at the purple mare as she stood before him.

“So what do I do?” he asked.

“Well, if you think you could do it…”

“What? Why would you suggest anything if you had no faith in my ability?”

“Well, I don’t have much to work with. You are the best I have. Regardless of my personal opinion, I do think you can do this. Beyond that, you have to do it.”

“Well, that’s encouraging.”

“I know. Now, I need you to focus…”

**********

Mist walked ahead of the group, a long tunnel ahead and behind him. His shield was formed into a long tube, allowing clear visibility for a fair distance away. Moving was hard enough while conjuring a shield, but shaping one was an entirely different challenge for Mist.

He breathed heavily as he pushed forward. He winced slightly ever few minutes, pain sneaking its way into his skull. He could vaguely hear chuckling as he walked.

Oh, I’m loving this.

What?

Pain. It’s not emotional, but it’s something.

And you “love” it?

Oh yes, it makes me feel good.

You sadistic bastard. I hate you.

I know, thank you.

“Mist! Pan around. We need to scan the area,” Mist heard from behind him.

Mist looked back, Starlight near to him. She nodded her head, and Mist squinted as he moved the shield around, feeling the resistance of the dust storm as he turned. He wasn’t looking, letting Starlight do that work. She yelled and prodded his back. “Stop!”

Mist opened his eyes, looking ahead. At the end of the tunnel, there was a large formation of rocks. Mist began walking forward in the hopes that there would be any form of shelter. He could feel his strength draining.

As the group moved closer, Mist widened his shield. He looked all along the face of the rocks looking for every opening. The intense dust storm was beating heavily down on the shield, and Mist was struggling to maintain his strength. With wobbling knees, he pushed forward.

He stopped when he saw something that didn’t belong. A blue shimmer, a wall, appeared on the rock face. Through his growing exhaustion, he passed over it, but the ropes behind him tightened. He turned around to an anxious Starlight looking at the wall.

“Princess! Princess! Are you in there?” she yelled.

The shimmer flicked slightly and Luna appeared through it. A look of great relief poured over her face as the shield fell and she ushered the group into the cave. Mist was the last to enter, tilting slightly, his shield failing.

Black crept into his vision as the world fell around him, barely feeling the rough floor.

*********

There was a familiar smell in the air… Mist could quite place it. It was warm, fresh, crisp. It smelled… filling and wholesome. He blinked open his eyes to see an unfamiliar room. Walls made of clay, wooden supports clearly visible. He was on a sturdy bed, a thick wool blanket draped over the edge. Far too hot for such a thing.

But never so for the thing that sat on a bedside table: a steaming bowl of soup, and a small piece of bread next to it. Mist would know that soup anywhere. He levitated the bowl to his lips, foregoing a spoon, and began drinking down the warm liquid. Nostalgia filled his mind as he drank. Thoughts of home, of Everfree, of Celery and Caramel Tart, of Brilliant Bloom, Rainy Shores.

Mist smiled fondly for a moment, before there was a loud knocking on the door. He heard a voice, familiar, call through:

“Mist! Mist, wake up!”

It seemed almost panicked, worried. Mist walked toward the door and opened it…

*********

Above him was a concerned-looking Radiant. Eyes wide, relief spread over her face when Mist awoke. A throbbing pain wracked his head, making it difficult to lift.

So he lay there for a moment. Moving only his eyes, he could see the others nearby, mixed expressions. Some worried, others looked more inconvenienced. He turned his gaze back to Radiant, who wore the softest of faces.

“What happened?” Mist asked.

“You collapsed. After we made it in, you kinda passed out,” the pink mare replied.

“Wow, that’s embarrassing. How long?”

“Only a few minutes. You did a lot of work. Ponies don’t seem to realize how much it takes to sustain a shield that long. And against a storm like that? It’s very impressive.” She tried to hide a slight red tint filling in her cheeks.

Mist groaned, looking around again. Everypony was accounted for. They had moved on since he work up, and Bleedingheart drew closer.

“Spring Mist. How are you feeling?” he asked, almost sarcastically.

“Aside from the headache that feels like a sword is being driven into my skull, I’m just peachy.”

“Well, shouldn’t be too hard to fix. Hold still.” Bleedingheart bowed his head down, his horn glowing. It touched Mist’s forehead, and the pain, in an instant, was gone.

Mist exhaled, smiling. “Thank you. That’s was terrific.”

“Ah, a simple pain-removal spell. But I do need to look you over to make sure there aren’t any lasting issues.”

Mist lay still as Bleedingheart ran a spell over him, checking for internal injuries. Finding none, he departed back to the rest of the group. Only Radiant stayed. Mist looked over at Luna – she was powering a shield at the cave opening, her eyes scrunched together in concentration.

“Mist?” said Radiant quietly, “Feeling better?”

“Much, thanks,” he replied, turning back to face her.

“Oh good. I’m glad…” There was a brief pause. “Well,” she continued, “we should get some rest. We might be here for a while.”

“Yeah…” said Mist, turning to look back at Luna, not noticing Radiant’s change in expression. “Rest.”

For now.

Author's Note

Hello dear readers!

I hope everyone is enjoying themselves and the story.
This chapter will be the last regular update until the end of the holiday season. Family obligations and all that.
It'll also give me a chance to buffer some chapters and write a bunch more so I can keep up when school and work starts.
Not going on hiatus, don't worry. Just warning you all that updates may be a bit slow for a couple weeks. Or not. We'll see what cards we're dealt.

As always, feedback is awesome. It's kinda my drug of choice, so feel free to leave me some comments or questions. Complaints too. I like those.

May the stars bless you with their beauty, and the moon light your way in the dark.

Happy holidays, everybody!

Chapter 21: The Ancient Cult

Ache.

Spring Mist pushed himself off of the ground, straining every muscle to rise. His headache had thankfully not returned, and the night was free of nightmares and whispers. Despite the tiredness of his body, he felt surprisingly well-rested and refreshed.

He looked around, at the rest of the group. They were all sleeping peacefully, it seemed. No room for tents, so they were open, exposed. Mist looked over to Luna. How he missed walking up to that sweet face, blissful in rest.

He sighed, as he looked to the cave opening. Or where it should have been. A massive rock had blocked the entrance. Mist held up a hoof to test it. He barely recovered from the fall as he stepped through the rock, stumbling out into the open Badlands. He looked back, and tried the rock again. He moved through freely, as though nothing was there.

Huh, somepony must have put it up when the storm died down. Can’t imagine anypony wanting to stay up for watch. Still, pretty irresponsible.

No worse than anything you’ve done.

Not the point. Ponies should do better than me. I’m honestly surprised I didn’t become a cautionary tale.

Yeah, that sense of self-importance? No idea where that came from.

Well, I’m just saying. Of all of the stories to survive a thousand years, one would think that a fable about a foolish pony who gave in to fear and selfish desire would be top of the reading list.

Oh, you’d be surprised.

I’m really not anymore.

Oh, becoming jaded, are we?

Perhaps.

Mist scanned the area. It was a desolate place. A desert could look livelier. Large hills dotted the landscape, vapors spewing from many of them. Large crags opened the ground, like massive wounds in the earth. Then a sound: a howling roar in the distance. Large, guttural. Mist looked to the skies immediately, searching.

“It’s far off,” said a voice. “Don’t worry.”

Mist jumped, turning to face the source. An off-white Pegasus, with a wild orange mane stood behind him with a slight smile. Mist cocked his head.

“Chaser?”

“You seem confused.”

“You… you have a coat. And a mane. And… normal wings.”

“Yes, I am a normal pegasus…”

“Sorry, just not used to seeing you without your armor… It’s different.”

“Guard don’t like parting with their armor when with company. There's kind of a code. But to Tartarus with decorum and opinion. Out here, anything goes.”

“You really think that?”

“Over course, Prince Consort. Aside from my loyalties, I choose to be free out here.”

“‘Prince Consort’? Really?”

“Hey, I love my Princess. I’ll serve her until death if I have to. And any pony she deems worth of respect, I will respect too.”

“I’m not so sure… she hasn’t exactly supported that idea.”

“She’s still on this journey, isn’t she?”

“Yes, but-”

“‘But’ nothing. She could easily have sent an entire expedition team. Instead, she chose those closest to her to accompany her as she personally oversees your recovery. You can’t tell me she doesn’t care.”

“I… I have no argument.”

“Damn right.” There was a prolonged pause, as neither said a word.

Mist broke that silence first. “So… what are you doing out here?”

“Guards never sleep long. And when I saw you weren’t in your spot, I went out for a look. And I wanted to talk to you about yesterday.”

“What about it?”

“Well, the others told me about what you did, with your shield-thing. It seemed pretty impressive.”

“Heh, tell that to Runner.”

“That colt. Pay no mind to him. He’s impossible to impress. Princesses know, I’ve tried. For years.”

“Really? You? You don’t strike me as a pony who especially cares about what others think.”

“No normally, but Runner... he- wait. What? You’re like Radiant!”

Mist shook his head. “What?”

“You get into ponies’ heads.”

“I really don’t think I do.”

“But I was about to say that I- There it is again! Getting me to talk. You say a word to anypony, and I swear…” She walked away, back to the cave, leaving Mist sitting in the dust, and blank look firmly settled on his face.

**********

The sun beat down as the party walked through the Badlands. Every so often there would be a distant roar, certain members skittish, jolting at the sound. Mist shifted uncomfortably under the weight of his pack.

The group slowed as the unmistakable form of Flare Chaser appeared in the sky, drawing closer. They all eventually stopped to wait for news, just in case it was unpleasant.

The Pegasus mare finally landed, only slightly out of breath. She took a moment, then made her report.

“We’ve got some kind of structure, just up ahead. Looks like something we should check out. It’s not far, and it’s on the way out of this infernal place.”

Luna nodded slowly. “It may be one of the ancient temples. Is the way clear?”

“Yes. Nothing around for miles. Spotted a dragon headed over the horizon, but no other life.”

“Good, then that’s where we’ll go.”

The group pressed on without a word. Around a hill, they came to an empty valley, only a large tor-like set of rocks in the middle. Mist guessed that that was the destination. Without concern, they moved on.

Only a few steps in, there were cracking sounds. They all stopped, exchanging glances. Mist looked at Radiant, who, with not a sound, disappeared into the earth below.

Mist rushed to where she had been, finding instead a gaping maw in the earth. Radiant dangled over the edge, clinging desperately. Mist dove forward to grab her, only just catching her hoof in his before she fell into the chasm.

“Chaser!” Mist called.

Perfectly of cue, Chaser dove into the opening, below Radiant, and began to push her up. Mist groaned as he lifted, and so enough all three were back on ground. Solid it was not.

More cracking sounded from beneath them, and they quickly picked themselves up, running with all of their might away from the hole in the earth. It was growing rapidly, nipping at their hooves as they ran. The others were just ahead, galloping too.

Finally the collapse ended, and Mist and Radiant could breath. He looked up, seeing the new cavern formed into the ground, cutting it like a wound. He looked at Radiant, who was silent save for her panting.

“You okay?” he asked.

“You… you saved me… I-” she swallowed. “I- thank you. Both of you.”

Chaser merely nodded. Mist smiled and wrapped a hoof around Radiant’s neck. “Please be careful next time.”

“I will,” Radiant laughed.

The group all exchanged glances and dusted themselves off.

“Well it was bound to get interesting sooner or later,” said Bleedingheart. “Any injuries?”

“No, I think I’m okay. Thank you,” replied Radiant sweetly.

“Wow, would you look at that!” declared Starlight, cutting off any previous conversation.

Her gaze was drawn to the massive rock formation before them. Mist had not noticed that they had run all the way to the structure. And a structure it was. A building façade had been carved into the rock face with expert precision.

Radiant’s face lit up as she too looked at it. “I know what this is!” she announced. Everypony in the group turned to look at her at once. She turned only slightly red before continuing, “It’s a temple of the Cult of the Heavens!”

“Cult of the Heavens?” asked Chaser. “Sounds weird.”

“Oh, not so much,” shrugged Radiant. “It was fairly popular for a time. A small group of ponies who worshipped a basilisk god.”

“What?” asked Runner, incredulous. Mist looked over to Luna, who said nothing.

“They believed that this basilisk walked across the desert, dragging the sun behind him, every day. The sun would rise with his arrival and set when he departed. It’s how they explained it.”

“But what about the Princesses?” asked Runner.

“What about them?” Radiant cocked her head.

“Didn’t ponies know about the Princesses?”

“Well… Princess? Do you have anything for us?”

Luna inhaled slowly. “I have no memory of this.”

That statement stunned most of the group. Mist had become well-acquainted with the fallibility of the Princesses, so nothing surprised him.

Jaded.

Quiet.

“The cult has been long gone, but apparently this is still here. Hey, they were interested in all kinds of eldritch creatures and magical spirits. They might have something on the Nightmare in there. I mean, assuming that anything was left in there.”

“It might be worthwhile looking inside,” stated Luna. “We may gather some information, or at the very least have some shelter for tonight.”

The team collectively nodded, and they began their steps into the temple.

***

Mist looked at a bas relief on one of the walls of the temple. He wasn’t really sure what he was looking at, so he diverted his attention away, looking for something else of any interest. It didn’t take long for him to find something. Something more animated, and by any measure, adorable.

Radiant darted around the room in a blur, moving from carving to statue, to indeterminate piles of debris, squealing like a little filly on her birthday, streaming off facts and information about the artwork, the meanings, the age, most of which Mist couldn’t follow. But he couldn’t help but smile as he watched the mare happily explore everything the building had to offer. And he felt a pang upon seeing her face when she was told to stay in the room with the rest of the group.

Luna gathered everypony together to make a plan. “As it should be, safety will be our first concern. Much as I understand your… excitement, we must remain vigilant. These ruins are ancient, and may be near collapse at any point. As such, nopony is to proceed without at least one other at any time. We will split up” - Radiant immediately moved next to Mist - “to cover more ground, so it is imperative that we remain careful and observant.”

“Do think that wise, Princess?” asked Runner. “Shouldn’t we stay together? No sense in dividing us up, especially in case something goes wrong.”

“While normally I would agree with you, in this case, if something were to go wrong, it may be better to have it go wrong for only some of us, rather than all of us,” Luna replied sagely. “And we do need to give Radiant Bloom some time with these ruins. If there is anything to be found here, she’ll know it. That said, if anypony say something that looks to be of interest, be sure to bring it when we rendezvous back here.”

“So who’s going where?” asked Chaser.

“Radiant Bloom, Flare Chaser, and Spring Mist will form one group. The second team will be Rough Runner, Starlight Secret, Bleedingheart, and myself. We will meet back here in an hour.”

Radiant looked heartbroken. “Just an hour?” she complained.

Luna smiled sweetly. “You will have your time to explore, fear not. I merely wish to clear the immediate area. Once it is surely safe, then you can have your fun.”

Radiant perked up a bit at that. The group collectively nodded, breaking off in their respective groups. Most of their gear was stowed away in the main room. Mist walked over to Radiant and Chaser. The Pegasus was trying not to burst into laughter. Radiant was jittering up and down, a huge smile plastered on her face.

Mist chuckled. “Could you try looking a little less bored, Radiant?”

Her eyes widened. “I- Wha-? Oh.” She stopped bouncing, a kicked her hoof, her pink face getting darker.

“Come on, Mist. She’s just excited. And it’s adorable.”

“Hehe, yeah it is. Aww, look – she’s all pink… Well, more than normal.”

Mist and Chaser shared a chuckle while Radiant pouted. “I hate you both.”

“No you don’t.” Chaser bumped flanks with Radiant as she took the lead. “Come on, let’s go look at these ruins of yours.”

***

“Oh my goodness! Look at this one!” Radiant squealed at Mist and Chaser.

They both peered at the object Radiant was holding.

“It’s another pot…” Chaser stated slowly.

“Urn,” Mist urged quietly.

“Um, urn,” the Pegasus corrected.

Radiant continued unabashed, “It’s another part of history! Just one more thing that we are discovering! Think of all we could learn!”

Chaser looked at Mist, who just shrugged with a smile. “Let her be. She might actually find something useful.”

The two watched as Radiant ran around the area like a filly on sugar, each new piece of debris like a birthday gift. It didn’t take long for Mist and Chaser to begin to doze off, but what sleep may have brought was interrupted by a shriek.

They jumped up, alert and ready to charge at whatever threat was near. They heard the shriek come from down a passage leading away from the room. The bolted down the narrow path, careful not to run into each other. A room opened up, small, but enough to fit the three. A storage room.

Radiant stood stock-still in the middle, staring at something. Mist and Chaser rushed to her side. Her face was frozen, eyes wide, mouth agape. They looked to find what her gaze was aimed at, finding nothing noteworthy. Mist tentatively poked the catatonic pink mare.

I slight touch jolted her from her stasis, and the another shriek issued from her throat, causing Mist and Chaser to flinch. A large, almost impossible, smile appeared on Radiant’s face, and she began to jump up and down.

“Do you see it? Do you see it? Do you see it?” she asked repeatedly, voice a few octaves higher than normal.

“See what?” asked Chaser with a confused head-shake.

Radiant rushed forward, to a shelf on one side of the room. She picked up an odd carved stone. It was shaped like a long, cut crystal, only the red-brown matched the surroundings. Mist and Chaser looked on in confusion as Radiant held the rock, cradling it like a newborn.

“Um… Radiant?” Mist tried, “Care to explain?”

“It’s a memory shard!” she almost screamed.

“A what now?”

“A memory shard! It holds memories of the pony who enchants it!”

“And… that’s good?”

“Good?” Radiant looked flabbergasted. “Are you nuts? Good doesn’t come close to what this is! This… This is a treasure, worth more than an entire library of books.”

“I don’t get it… why?”

“Think of this: a first-pony look at what happened, any time in history. No book for information to get lost, no burning, missing pages, changing things. This shows what really happened in the past!”

“Huh… well, I can see that as valuable…” Chaser pondered.

“Ya think?” Radiant glared, then eyed the shard, rubbing it against her cheek.

“Okay, well I’m glad we found something. Just… please try not to give us both a heart attack again…” Chaser complained.

Radiant wasn’t listening, instead rocking the shard back and forth. Chaser gave a sigh and walked away. Mist walked up to Radiant, leading her out of the room. “Come on, let’s go tell the other’s what you’ve found.”

***

Mist, Radiant, and Chaser waited in the entrance hall. There was a loud rumble, and the room shook slightly. A few loose pieces of stone fell from the roof, clattering on the floor. Dust stirred as the three ponies rose, looking around.

Hoofsteps could be heard, fast, as if the owners were running. Sure enough, the other half of the team rushed into the room, looking panicked. Somepony yelled, “Run! It’s coming down!”

Without thinking, Mist, Chaser, and Radiant ran from the temple and out into the Badlands. Radiant turned around suddenly rushing back into the now clearly collapsing structure. Only barely noticing out of the corner of his eye, Mist turned too, following Radiant back.

She was inside, frantically searching the room. Dust poured down from the ceiling, walls cracked, showing the two ponies with broken bits of stone. Mist yelled, but in the collapsing noise, Radiant didn’t hear him. He barely moved as a large piece of the roof descended rapidly, shattering.

Mist stood by Radiant, who was still looking. He yelled, but she ignored him. Finally she ran back out of the temple, dodging the roof as it fell piece by piece, Mist following closely behind. They both leapt out of the structure, just as the entranceway broke down, forever closing off the temple.

Mist panted heavily. He looked around at the others, disheveled and worried. He looked back at Radiant, who lay prone on the rocky ground. He rushed over, falling next to her.

“Raidant!” he said, shaking her “Are you alright?”

She shrugged him off, “No need to shake me up. Got enough of that from inside.”

Mist sighed. “What were you doing in there? You could have been killed!”

“Calm down, I’m fine. Besides, I have what I was after.”

“What did you go back for?”

“This!” She held up the shard proudly. The other ponies eyed it skeptically.

“A rock? That’s what you went back for?” said Runner, who Mist noticed was a bit bloodied.

“A memory shard,” said Luna. “Good work, Radiant.”

Radiant looked please with herself as she stood. The others mostly looked confused, but quickly went to checking themselves.

“Anypony hurt?” asked Bleedingheart. No response. “No? Alright. Runner, let’s look at you.”

Mist watched Bleedingheart look over Runner, who bore a few light wounds. Not from the collapse. They were slices, like “… a sword.” Mist paused. “What happened to you?”

“Well, we found a burial chamber,” said Bleedingheart as he wrapped one of Runner’s legs. “And shall we say the cultists there weren’t exactly… dead.”

“What?” said Mist, Radiant, and Chaser.

“A couple of them jumped us when we were looking around. Not too many, but we were taken by surprise.”

“Wait, wait… there were living cultists in there?”

“‘Living’ isn’t how I would describe them either.”

“Don’t tell me – ‘zombie’ ponies?” Mist asked sarcastically.

“Oh, don’t be absurd. They were just reanimated corpses.”

“And the difference?”

“Those were haugr,” said Luna, approaching them.

“Haugr?” Mist asked.

“Corpses taken over by the spirits of those dead. Dark magic. Truly ancient.”

“But why?”

“Any number of reasons,” said Radiant, entering the conversation. “Mostly fear, and that thing every pony strives for – eternal life. Well, almost every pony.”

“Does that ever work?”

“Not really. The spirits are eventually driven mad. We just aren’t meant to stay here, I guess.”

Mist and Luna looked at each other. Understanding. For the first time in a while, they were on the same page. But the connection broke when Runner spoke.

“I hope that rock of yours is worth it, Radiant.”

“Oh, it will be!”

Let’s truly hope.

Author's Note

Hello dearest readers!

I'm kinda back, so updates should start to resume as normally as possible.
Sorry for the long wait, but hopefully we'll be back in the swing of things very soon.

As always, chat/message/comment/whatever!

Thanks for your everything and stuff!

Chapter 22: In the plains

Open.

The small band of pony trudged along the rocky, dusty field. The flat, empty land stretched out, bordered by high mountains, only just visible on the horizon. Ahead a miniscule break signaled an escape the burdensome heat and harsh landscape.

Spring Mist wiped his brow as he walked, squinting to see in the light. An idea struck him, and he focused his magic as he walked. His first attempt, everything went black. Not wishing to alarm the others, he walked forward as surely as he could. The bright list came back with a vengeance when he released the spell.

He tried again, focusing on refinement, like Starlight had taught him. “Sometimes it’s about the little steps. The subtle approaches. As a natural shadow user, you should understand this.” He heard her voice echo in his head as he tied his spell again.

He smiled as he opened his eyes wide, no longer blinded by the glaring sun. A dark haze covered everything, making it a little easier to see. Not that there was anything to see. Mist sighed as he felt a tap at his shoulder.

He turned around, and heard a slight and stifled “Eep!” as he did. Radiant looked worried, and Mist realized that he had no idea what his spell looked like to another pony. “Don’t worry. I did this.”

She relaxed a bit, and took on an expression of curiosity. “What did you do?”

“A small shadow spell. The sun was getting to me.”

“Huh, clever. You know, in all of those stories you read about adventures, nowhere do they talk about battling the sun. The heroes just kinda deal with it.”

“Well, I’m sorry I don’t live up to your storybook heroes.”

“No, my point is that even nowadays, nopony thinks to bring sunglasses. Even I forgot them.”

“Well, I guess they’re not on a list of priorities when planning a crazy mission like this.”

“True, but you’d think they’d get on the list eventually.”

“Maybe, but does it matter?”

“It mattered enough for you to do something about it. I see your finesse is improving. Any chance you could share the love?”

“Umm… I don’t know… You sure?”

“What are you going to do, blind me?”

“Not likely, I just have no way to judge.”

“I’ll just tell you, then.”

“Alright…” Mist focused on Radiant’s eyes, one covering them with a light shadow. His spell finished, and he looked at the mare. A shiver went down his spine. “How… how is it?”

“Perfect. You’re good at that! Do I look as creepy as you?”

“I don’t know… You look pretty creepy…”

“Awesome. Thanks, Mist!” Mist shivered again as the cheerful mare trotted forward. But the solid black eyes proved unsettling, terrifying Mist slightly. Creepy pink pony.

Coward.

Oh, not you again.

You sound surprised. I’m always here.

What do you do with your time, exactly?

Oh, rifle through your personal memories and thoughts. Nothing especially new, though. I did have a thousand years to mess with your head.

Yeah… actually, about that… why don’t I remember anything from then?

Any number of reasons. Maybe I just don’t want you to know anything. Yet. Or maybe something is protecting you from them. The mind is pretty resilient. If it makes you feel better, even after your banishment, it still took years to break you.

Yeah, much better. Thank you…

Don’t be flat with me. I’m just being honest.

But we both know that your honesty is usually connected to some grand ulterior motive.

How dare you? Have you so little faith in me?

You are the aspect of hatred and deception. Of course I have faith in you. Faith that at some point you will stab me in the back.

Ah, fair enough.

Mist couldn't help but chuckle, but it was quickly stymied. Horror overtook a small part of his mind. He shivered, and looked around at anything he could.

Of course the thing he would find would be the lumbering form of a dragon careening through the air. Growing uncomfortably close. Mist looked around, cursing himself. How did I miss that? The others were in various positions, the trained fighters taking point, guarding the others.

Chaser flouted overhead, patrolling the air. Luna stood at the point of the group. Mist’s instinct took over, and he rushed to her, standing in front of her.

“What are you doing?” she asked intensely. Mist ignored her, focusing.

Runner yelled up at Chaser, “Chaser, report!”

Mist heard the reply far above him. “Bearing towards us, not changing course.”

“Area?”

“Flats. Sulfur pools to the East. Hills too far to the north.”

“Any sign it’s headed to the pools?”

“Negative! Holding steady.”

“Damn,” Runner stomped the ground. “Group, prepare for incoming dragon.”

Luna interjected, “Remember, we try to speak to it first. It surely cannot be foolish enough to risk a war.”

“Yes, Princess,” obeyed Runner. “But we will take over at the first sign of aggression.”

“As I expect you would.” Luna smiled slightly. Mist did not move, watching the dragon draw closer.

The large beast was a brownish red color, large muscular wings beating heavily. His scales did not glisten as Mist expected, but looked worn and tattered.

Old, very old.

Not now!

You may want to listen.

Why?

I can help.

Ha! You? Help?

I’d rather you not die. Yet. I still need you.

And you can prevent that? Only so you can betray me later?

Would you rather die now? Listen to me, and I can help you. If for nothing else but to help them. Help Radiant and Luna. And the others.

Fine. I assume you have some “great wisdom” to share.

No, just experience. Now prepare. And listen to me.

Mist steadied himself as the ground shook. The vibrating landing of the dragon upset the others, and they steeled themselves. The great creature looked down at the small group of ponies. Smoke billowed from his nostrils, curling up into the air. The acrid smell of char and sulfur permeated the atmosphere, filling Mist’s nostrils.

A booming voice filled the air. “Ponies, what leads you to trespass upon these lands?”

Luna replied, voice equaling the dragon’s, “We trespass not. These lands are under no claim.”

“They are under mine. And I find you guilty of trespassing.”

“By whose authority do you make such a claim?”

“By the only authority of import. My own.”

“And just who are you to claim such authority?”

“I am Narhara the Spire-Climber, of the ancient Tovnr Clan.”

Oh, the Tovnr. Such a funny band of fools. Surprised there are any left.

You know them?

Not personally, but I… knew… a pony who was familiar. The Tovnr Clan was considered a pariah group. Dissidents. Barely recognized as dragons.

Why?

They were seen as too… annoying.

Annoying? Really?

Well, by dragons’ definition, they were a little too ambitious and careless. There’s a code that all dragons follow. The Tovnr broke that code. Repeatedly. Tread carefully with this one.

“- only to pass through to the lands beyond,”

“Still you have trespassed. And you must pay the price for that transgression.”

“Dragon, enough! I demand passage. By Royal Decree, as Princess of Equestria, and by the Code upheld by yo-”

“Ha! A pony Princess? Well it has been a long time. And there is no ‘Code’ here. That decree has no sway. My law is the only law.”

“I demand yo-"

“Demand all you wish, you will meet the same sentence as received by all enemies of the Tovnr. You will pay with your li-”

A blast hit the dragon square in the eye, turning it into a dark void. He yelled, flailing around. Mist growled slightly at the trashing dragon.

“Mist, what have you done?” Luna asked angrily.

“Diplomacy’s not working,” Mist said as he shrugged off his packs. “The Tovnr seek only blood. He was going to attack, and I wanted the upper hand.”

A stream of fire shot into the air, orange plumes swimming above the party’s heads. The dragon finally righted itself, aiming right at Luna.

Shield.

Mist’s horn flared, a green shield appearing just as the flame reached them. The heat was intense as the attack was blocked. Mist felt a twinge in his side. Finally the fire dissipated, and Mist released the shield to see Chaser darting in front of Narhara’s one clear eye, buzzing like an insect. The dragon clawed at its blackened eye, trying to clean away the shadow spell.

Mist heard orders from Runner being issued. Chaser spun around the dragon’s head, Starlight targeted spells, waiting for the opportune moment.

Tell her to aim under the arms and behind the jaw.

“Starlight!” Mist yelled, “Under the arms! Behind the jaw!”

She nodded, focusing on the key areas. Chaser flitted deftly through the air, and the dragon swatted at her. The moment his arm was raised, Starlight released a shard of ice. It flew through the air, hitting its target with expert precision. Narhara roared as the spell cut deep, spilling blood on the dusty ground. Its tail lashed out, clipping Chaser as she passed, sending her spinning.

He abandoned his eye and focused on the ponies below. Runner was ushering Radiant and Bleedingheart back, behind him. The earth pony would be easy pickings for the great dragon. He leapt, covering a short distance, drawing on Runner and the other two.

As he reared, a bolt of lightning zapped into his side. Winds picked up, swirling, throwing dust into the air. Clouds formed, darkening the sky. Lighting flashed, blue and white, hot as it struck near Mist.

Above him, Luna flew upwards, the center of the storm. The dragon shielded its uncovered eye from the storm, batting at the air wildly.

Beating its wings once, it rose into the air, releasing a stream of flame into the sky, coloring the dark clouds an ominous orange and red. Another flash of lightning torn through the sky, finding the hulking mass of the dragon, and accompanied by a familiar sound.

“BE STILL!” Luna’s voice sounded through the sky.

The dragon flailed again, firing off another stream of fire. I’d protect her. A wave rushed toward Luna, and Mist immediately threw a shield around her. He strained as the fire beat against the green bubble, so far away. Luna broke through, another flash striking Narhara. Smoke seeped from under his scales as he roared. He began a long decent to the ground. Mist rushed over to get Radiant and Starlight to safety. Runner and Bleedingheart were too far away to help. Leave them! Mist ran with the other two. Shield, Mist. Now! Just as the dragon landed, Mist conjured a shield around himself and the others.

The wave of dust and rock rushed around Mist’s sphere, clearing quickly. When it settled, Mist noticed the sky was clear again, sun beating down as if nothing had happened. Mist looked over at the news mound in the desert.

Well isn’t that something?

We did it?

I guess so. I’ve seen some things, but this…

What, you didn’t think we could win?

It was too easy. Luna is a really useful pony. I guess challenging a spirit is a bad idea.

You guess?

Okay, I know. Look at what happened to you. Now you are stuck with me. At least it didn’t involve you dying.

Ha, that’s a laugh. I very nearly did. But enough…

Mist approached the dragon to see Luna land nearby.

“Is it dead?” asked Radiant.

“No,” Luna replied. “Dragon. Rise.”

The mass shifted, dust and dirt falling and swirling to the ground. A large indentation remained in the ground. Narhara revealed his face, looking beaten and disheveled.

“Dragon Narhara the Spire-Climber, of the Tovnr Clan, you stand defeated. Submit now to me, and leave us, or face the moon’s wrath.”

“You have bested me, this time. But I submit to the moon. You have safe passage, but know that if you ever cross my path again, I shall not hesitate to bring my brethren upon you, even if we were to war against the entirety of the pony lands.”

“Then you know that you shall all meet your deaths, for the day and the night, and that which lies between and therein, will rise against you. You should fear greatly the fate of your clan.”

“Oh, I fear. But not you. Nor your lighter twin. That one. That one carries the black. Not like you, who have been touched. He carries it still. I fear not the pony lands or the fate of my clan. But you should fear. Now restore my vision, and I will be on my way.”

Mist balked for a moment, confused. Then looking at the blackened area of the dragon’s eye, he removed the spell. Peeling back, a gold eye came into view. The dragon offered a snort and a snarl, and took off to the skies.

Mist watched as the dragon departed, revealing Bleedingheart, Runner, and Chaser behind him, a short distance away. Well that was odd.

Mist didn’t wait to speak to anypony, instead heading off to check on the others. Runner and Bleedingheart were arguing over a prone Chaser. She didn’t look too worse for wear, but she wasn’t conscious.

“-an idiot!” Bleadingheart yelled.

“You will do nothing without her provision!” Runner retorted.

“I need to check her for injuries, she would understand that. You should understand that!”

“You will not remove her armor!”

“To hell with your ‘code’, Runner. I’m doing it.”

Bleedingheart went to remove her armor, and Runner motioned to attack. Mist, without thinking, shielded Bleedingheart and Chaser. Rough Runner turned, staring at Mist. He charged, grunting as he ran.

Mist hit him with a shadow spell, blinding him. The massive earth pony yelled as he thrashed about. “Hope I don’t find you; when I do, you ancient bastard I’ll-”

“What? What will you do?” Mist challenged. “What will you do, you worthless pony? Kill me? I can crush the life out of your puny, insignificant body before you could think to move!”

Mist gulped when we heard his own voice. Runner stood stock still. Everypony else, who had joined the group, stared at Mist. He looked about at their varied expressions. Ignoring them, he walked up to Runner, speaking directly in his ear.

“I get it. I understand the Guard’s Code. I know the importance. But she could die, Runner. Let it go.”

Runner relaxed his muscles a bit, and Mist released his shadowed eyes. Runner looked at Mist ushered him over to the shield containing Bleedingheart and Chaser. A slight haze appeared around them. “See, now only the doctor will see her. But you have to let him do his work.”

Runner nodded, walking away. Luna and Starlight approached him, engaging him. Radiant carefully walked towards Mist, treading on eggshells. “M- Mist? What happened? Are you-”

“I did what I had to. I’m fine. I’m in control. Just trying to keep things under control.”

“But you’re not the one to have to do that, Mist. You don’t have to at all.”

“Why not? Will anypony else?”

“Princess Luna woul-”

“Luna. Don’t bring her up right now, please.”

“But Mist, she-”

“She is the reason for all of this! She and her sister! The Nightmare, me, we’re just pieces on the board. We-” Mist noticed tears forming. “I’m sorry, Radiant. I’m just… I’m angry right now. I think… I think you should just stay back for a while…”

“I- Okay, Mist.” Radiant hung her head as she walked away, back to the gathered saddlebags and packs. Mist sighed, turning his attention back to his shield.

Why, Nightmare? Why are you doing this?

Well, that is something you will discover along the way. It’s a sad truth, I suppose. Nonetheless, you will learn it. I have no doubt about that. And when you do, everything will be clear.

Are you ever going to not be cryptic?

Perhaps.

Of course. Also, my spells… They seem… easier. It’s all you, isn’t it?

Perhaps.

I hate you.

I know.

I hate me.

I know.

Mist sighed again. It didn’t take long for Bleedingheart to finish tending to Chaser. She was awake, finally. Groggy, but awake. And soon enough, the group was once again travelling, the last stretch of the infernal desert.

Changes. Not for the better.

Chapter 23: The Ancient Lands

Breeze.

The red stone dust of the Badlands was growing lighter, and the fresh greens and golds of a fertile land could be seen just up ahead. The almost dirty air of the Badlands was scrubbed clean by the incoming smell of plant life.

There was a noticeable change is the party’s demeanor. Faces seemed happy, or at least relieved. They picked up the pace, trying to get out as fast as possible.

An also audible sigh permeated the team as they felt grass on their hooves. Radiant even took to falling over and trying to roll around. The stares of the rest of the group turned her bright red, and she stood, pressing on.

Mist chuckled to himself as they walked. The sun was dipping in the sky, cooling off. Just ahead was a large hill. They climbed the slope, clearing it quickly.

Below them, a sweeping valley of hills and fields stretched out for miles. Far on the horizon, the blue of the ocean could be seen, hazy and shimmering. And just beyond, the form of a land mass.

They looked out on the green hills and the golden plains of long grass swaying in the breeze. But among the organic scenery, standing out like a stain on a coat, was the very constructed scape of a city. Or two perhaps. A massive but decayed tower stood in the center of the older-look area. Watching from the hilltop, the group felt a sense of history, like they could watch the passage of time.

“Damarescus,” Mist heard Radiant say voice think with awe and wonder. “Wow.”

“Why does it look odd?” asked Starlight, tilting her head.

“Well, there seems to be two cities there. The old one – the crumbly buildings – and a new one.”

“The ‘crumbly buildings’? Is that an official term?” Chaser teased, nudging Radiant.

“Oh, shush.” Radiant shook her head, smiling.

“It’s too far off to get to tonight. We should get as far as we can before sunset, then make camp. Head off again at dawn,” Runner declared.

The group nodded and worked its way down the hill. There was no clear path, so the most guessed directions. Until Chaser was able to fly again, they’d be without a scout.

It didn’t take long for the ponies to find a reasonable area near a small stream. The mares broke off from the group to clean up, letting the stallions set up camp. Mist, Runner, and Bleedingheart sent up the tents, and started up a fire. It took longer than usual with just the three of them, but nobody said a word or complained.

Just as the mares returned, Runner turned to Mist, a threatening and disgruntled expression marring his usually empty face.

Before the green unicorn could react, Runner unleashed a powerful buck, his hooves connecting solidly with Mist’s head. Dazed, Mist landed on the ground, sliding a fair distance. It took a moment for him to recover, head swimming, stars dotting his vision, and by the time he did recover, Runner was on him again.

“You ever use your magic on me again, I swear, by the Princess I serve, I will end you. To Tartarus with your ‘importance’. You are a threat. Nothing more. I have no idea why the Princess has chosen mercy for you, but that is the only reason I will not kill you now. N-”

“Runner!” screamed a visibly angry Chaser, who was out of her armor, orange and white colors free, flicking about like the fire.

Runner gaped, eyes wide as saucers. “Chaser, what are you doing without your armor?”

“Oh, come on! There is no ‘code’ out here, Runner. And I personally don’t want to run around in my armor at all hours. Having at least a while free is something I need.” She paused, poking the large stallion in the chest. “And something I think you need.”

“But- I-” Runner stormed off, taking to the stream, kicking dirt in Mist’s direction.

Radiant ran up to Mist as soon as she could. “Oh, Mist! Are you alright?” she asked, eyes filled with worry.

“I’m fine. Won’t be doing much talking for a while, though. And I might need someone to chew my food for me…”

“Ugh, that brute!” Radiant’s eyes threw daggers in Runner’s direction. Starlight shorted slightly.

Chaser approached Mist, ears back. “I’m sorry… He- he means well, but he’s… a stubborn mule of a pony. And he shouldn’t have hit you…”

“Yeah… I wish he – ugh – hadn’t.” Mist rubbed his cheek, spitting a small glob of blood onto grass. “But I get it…”

“I’ll go talk to him…” Chaser walked off to find Runner.

Mist tried to stand, legs wobbling. Radiant caught him, helping him stay up. “Heh, thanks Radiant…” he said, stars still flitting in his vision.

Bleedingheart, looking unamused, joined Radiant. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”

*********

“Argh! That boy can kick hard.” Mist sat near Bleedingheart’s tent, the medical pony dabbing some ointment on Mist’s face, Radiant watching and flinching occasionally.

“You’re lucky he pulled that kick. I-”

“He pulled that kick?” Radiant asked, incredulous.

“Yes. I’ve seen him buck through a brick wall before. Left him with a fractured leg, but the wall ended up with a new doorway.”

Mist exhaled slowly. “Huh… so I should try to not piss him off…”

“That’d be a good idea.” Bleedingheart looked at Mist over his thin-rimmed glasses. “I won’t be the one to pick up the pieces if you do.”

Mist only imagined what could set off Runner again. He hadn’t exactly endeared himself to the earth pony, so he was sure it would be hard to cause an upset.

“Seen a lot of battles, Spring Mist?” Bleedingheart suddenly asked.

“None, why?” Mist curiously watched the doctor examine him further.

“Then especially brutal guard training?”

“Not really.” Mist looked at Radiant, who shrugged.

“No accidents?”

“No… again, why?”

“I just noticed your scars. I can’t really tell what caused them…” Bleedingheart peered at one very closely.

Mist looked down, seeing old scars reappeared, tarnishing his coat. They weren’t horrific, but they were noticeable. Mist’s eyes went wide. Oh, that’s not good. “Those… look like the scars I had when I came back…”

“What?”

“When I… fell from the sky… I spend a stint as a star, then crashed in the Everfree forest. Left me near death, and all kinds of shattered. Those scars vanished, though…” Mist gazed off, trying to make sense of things.

“O-kay… I have no idea then,” Bleedingheart said with a raised eyebrow. “Just keep an eye on them, I guess…”

Bleedingheart finished working on Mist, leaving him to the rest of the night. Mist and Radiant walked together toward the center of the camp, to the campfire. Runner and Chaser had not returned yet. Mist wondered what Chaser could do to rebuke Runner, realistically.

As the two ponies walked to the campfire, Luna appeared from her tent, looking timid and frail. “Spring Mist…”

Mist looked at Luna, then at Radiant. She nodded with a slight smile, and walked to the fire, taking a seat, warming her hooves. Mist sighed and walked to Luna. When he reached her, he saw worry etched on her face, so not much had changed.

“Are you alright, Spring Mist?” she asked quietly.

“I’ll be fine. Not the first time I’ve been kicked in the head,” he replied, shrugging. “Never that hard, but it happens.”

“I’m glad to hear that… I’m… I’m sorry Runner did what he did. It wasn’t right…” Her eyes were downcast, sad.

Mist shook his head. “I think we’re all just on edge. I don’t know if we’re going to get to a point of total cooperation… but it’d help. I don’t think it’s a good idea to kill each other off when we have plenty of other things to do that for us.”

“True. We do need synergy…” Luna’s eyes darted around briefly, leaving a pause.

“Princess, how did that dragon know about the Nightmare?”

Luna jolted. “I assume he sensed it. Some creatures are more adept at that than others. Maybe he ‘smelled’ it. I’m not sure…”

“He can do that?” Mist prodded.

“I’m not sure. Dragons remain one of the most elusive species in the world. They are not inclined to share themselves lightly.”

“And you don’t think it was a little too easy, defeating him?” His skepticism rang through clearly.

“I do,” Luna agreed. “Far too easy. I’m honestly surprised nopony was lost. Flare Chaser came too close.”

“We’re a good team.” Something flicked in Mist’s mind. Doubts. “But you’re having doubts, aren’t you?”

“Of course. I have for the last few years. But doubts are what led us here. I’ll not have the past repeat itself.”

Mist smiled. “Well, I’m glad you’re so resolute.” His smile faded. “What’s next?”

“We head to Damarescus.” Luna picked up. “See what we can find. It’s an ancient city, full of secrets.”

“And you think we’ll find something there?”

“I hope so. There are stories of an emperor driven mad, and the destruction of the city. I don’t personally recall any of this, however…”

“Still confused as to how you can live for thousands of years – perhaps more – and be incredibly powerful, and yet be so forgetful.”

She glared for a second. “I don’t appreciate the insinuation, Spring Mist. But your point is valid. Unfortunately, my answer remains the same: I don’t know.”

“Well I can’t say that’s not good enough. I just hope we know what we’re getting into. Last time we rushed, it didn’t end well.” Mist gave a wan smile.

Luna flinched slightly, recoiling visibly. Mist’s ears splayed back. Luna spoke before he could continue, “You’re right. Let’s hope mistakes are not repeated.”

Mist nodded, a knot tying itself in his stomach. “So that’s where it stands. Okay…” Without another word, Mist turned his back to Luna, heading to the campfire.

*******

Black.

You know where you are. Does that bring you peace?

Not as much as I had hoped.

Such is the truth. It is not always a force of joy and happiness.

I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bother me right now. I’m not in the mood.

But now is the perfect time. The voice didn’t chide or insult.

Not for me.

But it was never about you, was it?

It’s my life. I’d like to think my life is about me.

No, your life is about those around you. The situations you are thrown into. Life, your life, is about consequences. You mean nothing. What you do means everything.

So, ‘me’ is a meaningless thing?

I suppose it is. At least the way you see it.

What do you mean?

Unbelievable. You’d think that in a thousand years you’d figure something out. Yet here you are, moping like a colt who knows nothing. You’ve had so much handed to you, so much knowledge, wisdom, experience.

But it doesn’t help. Not this. I know what needs to happen, but… this still hurts.

There are other ways. Other paths.

And I should follow your advice? You haven’t exactly helped.

Mist, I’ve only given you what I can. What you do with it is up to you. I’ve told you this.

You’ve given me nothing!

Really? Can I remind you who helped you when you were lost? Who was there when you were looking for advice, for direction? When you were new and hopeful, but thrown into a situation you never should have been in? I was even there when you came back. I was there, Mist. You say I wasn’t. That hurts.

Wait… who are you?

The darkness parted, revealing a figure, cloaked in a dark cowl. Mist tried to push back the darkness even more, willing it to depart. The pony was pink. A familiar pink.

Radiant? No. Sweetroll? No… no… Caramel Tart.

The pony removed its cowl. The old mare stood with a gentle smile and tired eyes. She simply stood, unmoving.

“Caramel Tart! What are you doing here?” Mist ran to her, but he never grew closer. She stood still, her smile fading slightly.

“You need help. That’s why I’m here. You always came to me for answers. Now I’m coming to you to provide the same.”

“What do I do? I’m so far out of my element I can barely think straight.”

“You have this ‘great evil’ inside you. You do what you must to remove it. You are not a selfish pony, Mist. A foolish one, perhaps, but not a selfish one. Everything you have done to is to serve, help, and protect those around you. I know you – you’d do this alone if you could.”

“But… it’s getting so hard.” Mist hung his head.

“Of course. And this is the beginning. That’s life! You win some, you lose some. Just be happy while you do it. That is the Nightmare’s weakness. It will twist and corrupt, but if you just be happy, it can do nothing.”

“How… how do you know this? Wait…” Mist looked closer, peering at Caramel Tart. She stood the same still as before, but as Mist drew nearer, shadow enveloped her, climbing like tendrils, dragging her into the black. “Caramel Tart!”

She’s gone, Mist.

“You took her!” Mist yelled into the void.

She was never there.

“What are you talking about? She was right there!”

She's been dead a thousand years. Your mind. It’s trying to find answers.

Mist challenged, “But she was there! I saw her.”

And because you see, does that make something real?

“I- It should!”

But it doesn’t. You have NOTHING! I am all there is, all there ever will be for you! You gave yourself willingly, and I intend to claim!

********

Mist awoke with a gasp. He looked around, surrounded by darkness. But a haze of light pouring in from somewhere. He rolled over and pushed open the flap on his tent. The sun was barely showing over the hills, but it was dawn.

Mist walked from his tent, up the nearest hill. A slight breeze wafted around him, making the grass sway gently. Below, in the distance, Damarescus, the ancient city, lay in wait.

Let’s go.

Chapter 24: The Ruined City

Dilapidation.

From a distance, Damarescus appeared as a mess of dusty brown buildings, some small, some large, scattered about with no clear planning. Closer however, they were the same brown, but it was clear that most of the “buildings” were in fact large stones. Some as big as houses, others slightly bigger than the average pony.

It what looked to be the center, a broken spire towered above all else. Clearly destroyed, by time or battle, it was still a remarkable feat of building. Radiant was nearly screaming at the sight.

“I’m guessing this is exciting, Radiant,” Mist teased.

“Are you kidding?” She looked shooked. “This is amazing! This is a pony city that has been unexplored for centuries! Just look at the carvings on those stones! And the façade on that building over there! That was once a trade house! And look! Little homes! Oh-”

Mist switched off, unable to follow the pink pony’s ramblings. The group walked carefully, letting Radiant take the lead. She suddenly stopped, gasping, looking at a carving on a nearby wall.

“What is it, Radiant?” asked Starlight.

“The Princess!” she exclaimed.

The group, Luna included, uttered a collective “What?” But sure enough, looking at the incredibly faded relief, stood an image of Luna, a full moon above her, and ponies bowing on front of her.

Each pony looked at Luna, who was unable to speak. “Princess? Can you tell us about this?” asked Starlight.

“I- I cannot…” the night pony replied quietly.

“I’m guessing they worshipped you at some point! Fascinating! I wonder if Princess Celestia is carved somewhere!” Radiant took to running along the wall, studying it intently. “Meh’ta!” she screamed.

“Gesundhoof. What?” said Mist.

“Meh’ta! She is Meh’ta!” Radiant declared, looking at Luna.

“Sweetie, that’s the Princess. We just said that,” said Starlight softly.

“Well, yes. But she’s also Meh’ta! The ancient Moon Goddess!” Another collective “What?” went through the group. Radiant groaned, then began a very fast speech, “Ugh! Before the founding of Equestria, ponies existed as city-states and tribes. Each had their own mythology and beliefs, but there were a few constants: The Sun, the Moon, the Stars, Time, Life, and Death. Then there were minor deities like Chaos and Order, or plants, or water, or pretty much anything under the sky or in it. Each had their own names and their own followers. The ‘major’ gods were almost universal. And at one point, the Moon Goddess was named Meh’ta. And this is what the carving say! They show Meh’ta! And she looks like the Princess!” She took a breath.

The group stood silent for a time. Then Runner spoke, awkwardly breaking away from the topic, “Are there any ponies here? Any still living here?”

“Probably.” Radiant nodded, placing a hoof on her chin. “We saw the newer-looking areas, so yeah.”

“Might want to hide, Majesty,” Runner suggested to Luna. “No telling what they’d do if they saw you.”

“Fine idea, Runner.” Luna’s body glowed white, changing form. A moment later, she was a little blue mare, only slightly taller than Radiant. Mist remembered that form. “Alright, shall we?” she said, pulling on a cloak to hide her wings.

The group pressed on, winding through the streets, headed for the tower. Signs of life began to appear, noises up ahead. Runner motioned, and Chaser took to the air, landing on a roof. The earth pony dipped around a corner, looking ahead.

Returning, Chaser gave a brief report, “Densely populated, but there’s no pegasi, and way too few unicorns.”

Runner looked at the others. “Alright, no way we’re hiding the unicorns. Those with wings, cover them up and stay on the ground.” Chaser obeyed, covering her like Luna had. “Good,” Runner continued. “Now, move as a group, don’t leave anypony behind.”

The team moved out, around a corner. The street was busier than they had guessed. Ponies trotted to and fro, between buildings and the stalls that lined them. The citizens looked broken and disheveled, as if the city had been struck with famine and drought.

Those who saw the group rushed away quickly, speaking in hushed tones to each other. There was a whistle that pushed through the air, and several armed ponies appeared from the little side streets. Spears pointed at the group, ushering them close together.

Runner drew a spear, ready to fight. The others took battle stance. Mist was sure of impending bloodshed, before a voice called out, not angry, but very stern: “Back off!”

Two of the guards parted, the gathering crowd watching intently as a robed stallion walked briskly to meet Luna and the others. Upon reaching them, he put on a smile that unsettled Mist.

“Welcome! Apologies for our rude behavior, but we are weary of strangers. Especially ones who make it so far into the city without first announcing themselves to the entrance guards. But you are here now, so… what brings you to New Damarescus, our fine city?” He looked over the group, holding that smile.

Luna stepped forward, bowing. Mist twitched slightly, but remained composed. “Honorable sir, we come to your city seeking answers. We ask that we be allowed brief lodging here, and to be able to explore the ruins.”

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd. The stallion looked around, then back at Luna. “I assume you are the leader? Then I suggest you take your party and leave us. I feel you will not be welcome here.”

“Sir, we have traveled far, and only seek respite. May we have but two nights to rest before moving on?” Luna had a pleading look on her face.

The stallion considered for a moment. “Very well. You may stay at our inn, The Broken Wall. You may stay within the confines of the city. You may visit our shops, our library, our temple. But you may not enter the ruins.” He drew close to Luna, who stood motionless. “And we will know if you do.”

The stallion then then walked through that crowd. The guards let the group pass, eyeing them suspiciously. The crowd shied away, almost terrified. Luna approached a guard. “Good sir, could you tell us where we might find The Broken Wall inn?”

The guard gave an unamused snort and pointed just down the street. A hanging sign, depicting a cracked wall, swung over a large wooden door.

Luna looked on and nodded. “Thank you, sir.” She ushered the others to follow her.

Moving together, they reached the inn and walked inside.

It was spacious, but not huge. A barkeep stood at the end of the room, cleaning a tankard. The few patrons all looked at the group, but soon went about their business, as if choreographed.

That wasn’t weird.

Odd folks. This city has seen better days, so I guess it’s understandable.

Care to share?

There was a slight laugh. Not really.

Mist snorted. They pressed on, Luna talking to the barkeep. “How many to a room?”

“Three, maybe four of the little one,” he gruffed, looking at Radiant, making her shrink slightly. “Well, maybe even five.”

“At what rate?”

“Ten a head. Unless it’s one a room, then twenty per.” The barkeep didn’t seem especially interested.

“Will this do?” Luna pulled out a small sack of bits, tossing a few bits on the bar top.

The barkeep looked at the coins, squinting at them. “Those aren’t proper currency. Won’t do.”

“What do you mean?” Luna inquired.

“The symbols are all wrong. Those aren’t Marks.”

“Marks?”

“Oh!” Radiant piped up. “Marks are old Damarescus currency. Haven’t been in use for ages. And never in Equestria, though they might be precursors to bits. Same gold.”

“Equestria? You all folks from up north? Hurmph…” the barkeep said, trailing off.

“Is that a problem?” continued Luna.

He shrugged. “Not so much as not having the right coin.”

“Radiant, how much does a Mark weigh?”

“Around half as much as a bit. Give or take a little.”

“Would you accept these bits?”

He shook his head. “No. Not lest I test the weight.”

“Alright…” Luna reclaimed the bits, leaving one.

The barkeep ducked below the counter and pulled out a single coin. It was thinner than a bit, but otherwise very similar. On one side was a tower; on the other, a wreath of some kind. The pony weighed the two in his hooves, comparing them. After some muttering to himself, the pony looked up.

“This’ll do. But I’d suggest getting some Marks. Most merchants won’t take your coin. The smithy should be able to help you.”

“Thank you, you are most helpful.” Luna smiled.

“Just part of the job, missy. Now, I’ll get your rooms ready.” He moved around the bar counter and headed up the stairs. A mousey-looking filly took his place, standing on a tall stool just high enough for her to reach some glasses and the wooden kegs.

Luna looked down at the filly, her small brown body balancing precariously on the stool. She offered a slight smile to her as the group waited. The filly did not respond, watching the patrons carefully.

Starlight approached the bar. “Hello there, little one.”

No response.

“Are you the barkeep’s daughter?” she asked sweetly.

She shook her head slightly, never taking her eyes off of the patrons. A group of earth ponies were chatting amongst themselves before one rose from the table and walked to the counter.

“Hey, gimme an ale!” he said, slurring.

The filly nodded silently, and climbed down the stool, a little too carefully. She prodded around at the lower parts of the counter, opening a door. She felt around and pulled out a glass, taking it to the nearest keg. She bumped into it, almost surprised.

“Clumsy one, isn’t she?” remarked Chaser quietly to Runner. Starlight and Radiant shushed her.

She began to pour a glass when the stallion interrupted her. “Wait, I’ve changed my mind.” The filly turned, looking ahead, waiting. “I want a spiced wine.”

The filly’s head dipped slightly. She pulled on the stool and clambered up, reaching for the countertop. In her deftest moment, she hopped to the small shelf behind the bar. In a small alcove, a bottle sat gathering dust. She struggled up, reaching for it. With her grasp firmly upon it finally, she pulled it down, shaking on wobbly legs.

She very nearly tumbled to the floor below, but caught herself. The group collectively lurched forward. The filly stabilized herself and headed back for the bar counter. An empty glass waited to be filled, and she reached out seeking it with her hoof. Never once did she look anywhere but forward.

Radiant nudged the glass toward the filly, who grabbed it. She carefully lined up the glass and the mouth of the bottle. Keeping a small part of her hoof inside the glass, she poured until the liquid touched her.

“Three Marks,” she said quietly.

“Of course,” the stallion replied, looking back at his friends.

He pulled out a bag that jingled when it moved. He pulled out two gold Marks and carved piece of stone. He made a point to make as much noise as possible.

“There you go. Three Marks.”

She looked ahead, gaze unmoving, not meeting the stallion’s own. “That’s two Marks. And a bit of rock.”

“I say it’s three. Dare you call me a liar?”

“I’m saying it sounds like two.”

“Your hearing’s off. It’s three. See?” The stallion picked up the coins, letting each drop, save the stone one. He picked up a real Mark and dropped it a second time. “See? Three. Now, go back to your tending.” The stallion walked back to the table with the others.

Starlight waved a hoof in front of the filly’s face. She didn’t move. A small gasp escaped the mare. “You’re blind,” she said quietly. “Oh, those brutes, taking advantage of you.”

“Runner…” Chaser said eyeing the table of thieving stallions. Radiant had moved on, trying to talk to them. The two guards departed for the dishonest gathering.

“- mind yourself. Wouldn’t want to get hurt.”

“Just give her the money!”

“Move on little filly,” the stallion said dismissively.

“Hey!” Chaser announced, “Give that filly her coin!”

“Mind yourself, stranger,” one of the stallions said without looking up.

“We’re minding our own here, I suggest you take your friend and do the same,” one of the group threatened.

“Pay up, or get out.”

“Strong talk from a mare.”

Runner took the foreground, his deeper voice rumbling. “Then listen to this. Give the filly her coin, and you walk away intact.”

For the first time, the stallions looked up, seeing Chaser and Runner in their armor. The table reeled back slightly. Chaser hovered overhead, and Runner looked at the stallion from the bar, leering over him. “Give her the coin.”

“W-what are y-you?”

Runner’s cat-like eyes stared long and hard. “Not your friend, now pay up.”

The stallion reached into his coin purse and pulled out a Mark. “H-here, take it.”

Runner snagged it, growling. They turned back, heading to the rest of the group.

“I’d advise against making a scene,” Luna muttered. “While I admire your nobility, we’re on unfamiliar ground, in an unfriendly city.”

“Of course, Majesty.” Runner bowed slightly before moving to the counter top and placing down the coin.

“Thank you…” the filly muttered.

Runner offered her a slight smile, a rare thing that shocked Mist.

After some time waiting, the barkeep walked down the stairs toward the group.

“Rooms are ready. Have a good night now.”

Thanks were offered, and the party departed upstairs to find their respective sleeping areas, claiming beds and choosing rooming partners. Mist, not really paying attention, was saddled with Bleedingheart, Radiant, and Luna. He grimaced as he watched the princess remove her saddlebags.

The barkeep had provided a thin mat of straw and linen as a makeshift bed on the ground. He decided on the floor, letting the others have the beds. Shrugging his bags off, he collapsed into the mat, coughing as the dust swirled around him.

He looked over at his roommates, watching as they went about their business with little talk. His gaze eventually fell on Luna again, and he watched, missing her. Sighing, he closed his eyes.

You may have to confront that sooner or later, mused the voice.

What?

Talking to Princess Luna might be a wise decision.

I really wouldn’t know what to say. Besides, she’s not interested in talking. Every time I try, she shuts me out. It’s like she’s not the same mare I knew. Mist huffed.

Have you considered that might be truer than you know?

How do you mean?

Well, never take what you see as truth. Most of the time, what lies beneath, under the skin and through the cracks, is what is true. The present is not truth, but the past is. And don’t mistake reality for truth either.

Mist rolled his eyes. Now you are just being cryptic.

Perhaps, but how else will you find the answers you seek?

You could just tell me what I want to know. You seem to know everything.

Ha! Hardly. Besides, watching you figure out the puzzle has become a source of entertainment to me. In lieu of your anger and hatred – which I miss greatly by the way – I must resort to frustration.

Well, I’m happy to provide, he said, chuckling slightly.

No! Don’t say that! It ruins it!

Good. I hope it tastes sour.

I hate you.

Well, that’s a first. Usually it’s the other way around.

Mist, I’ve always hated you. Always hated everything. That’s what I do.

Mist frowned. That’s… actually kind of sad…

I don’t think so, but I can understand how you might. It doesn’t matter to me, anyway. I just hope things come around soon. You are living on borrowed time after all.

What? Borrowed time?

Oh yes. Not much longer for you, actually.

Until what? I die?

Better make peace and find happiness. Maybe even love again.

Yeah, not much chance of that, he scoffed.

Mist opened his eyes. Radiant and Luna were talking quietly. Mist watched them both, sight darting between them. After settling on the smaller mare for a time, Mist rolled over, fighting wakefulness.

Maybe there is a chance.

Author's Note

Hello fillies and gentlecolts!

I apologize for my absurd lack of attention to you and this story. College has the tendency to suck time out of you...
still, not an excuse!

I present you this chapter! Hopefully I'll be closer to being able to start writing again, and then chapters will become more plentiful!

Thanks for sticking around!
You guys are awesome!

As always, comments and questions are welcome!

And of course,
May the stars bless you with their beauty, and the moon light your way in the dark.

Chapter 1: The Long Sleep

Author's Note:
Fillies and gentlecolts, here we are again! Now is the second part of a hopefully epic saga!
If you haven't already done so, read the first part, lest you be gravely confused by the story to follow.
Now, without further ado, part two of Shield and Shadow:

Madness, betrayal, guilt. You, it was all you. Do you think that I could do anything alone? I am an incorporeal being, no way to manipulate other than through doubt and fear. You, my vessel, are the cause, the reason for all that has and will transpire. Every evil you see, is yours.<<<

Quiet.

Twilight Sparkle sat in her library home, reading through one for her many scientific journals. The moon was high in the sky, the stars twinkled softly. Cool air breezed in through an open window. A chill was sent down Twilight’s back, and she pulled a nearby blanket over herself to shield from the cold. She perked her ears and heard the familiar sounds of her faithful assistant’s scaly feet as he ran up the stairs.

“Twilight! Twilight!” Spike called as he ran.

“What is it, Spike?” Twilight asked, fearing some terrible happening.

“A message from Princess Celestia! It just came!” the baby dragon said, holding out a scroll.

Twilight levitated the scroll towards her. “Thank you, Spike. It must be her response to my latest friendship report. Are you done with your chores?”

“Almost. Just putting –” Spike let out a gargantuan yawn “-putting the last books away.”

Twilight smiled at her assistant, “Go to bed, Spike. I’ll be up late, and you need your rest.”

There was no response, and Twilight looked back to see that Spike had collapsed, snoring loudly. She smile to herself, and floated the small creature to his basket, wrapping him in a blanket.

She walked back to her books and settled on the floor. She floated the scroll over and unfurled it. The elegant writing was a clear sign of the author of the letter.

My dearest Twilight,

I was so pleased to read of your lesson in friendship. It is truly a wise choice to listen to the opinions of your friends before you make a choice that affects them all. I am glad to see that you are progressing well in your studies, and that you have not lost that fire of friendship.

Regarding your studies, Princess Luna wished me to pass on the news of an approaching meteor shower. She has informed me that if any should land in Equestria, the likely location is to be in the Everfree forest. If you would like, investigate the area and send me any reports you compile. The shower should occur is the next few days, so do keep an eye on the night sky.

Your teacher

Princess Celestia

Twilight brimmed with excitement; she did so love meteor showers. She stood and quickly trotted down the stairs and into the main room in the library. She conjured her calendar and marked down the next few days, then moved on to her ever-growing to-do list. “Invite friends to see meteor shower”. She smiled to herself as she rechecked his notes. Feeling proud of her organizing skills, she walked back up the stairs to continue her nighty studies.

“I really must thank Princess Luna for telling me about this. Strange, my calculations didn’t tell me it was coming. It must be extra special. Though I wish I had a more accurate timeframe.”

Twilight shrugged. She knew that one way of another, she would see the grand event. She just wanted to be able to plan to have her friends join her. She did so love those five.

* * *

Princess Luna looked out over Equestria from her balcony. Immediately below lay the capital city of Canterlot. High-living ponies moved about below, snouts upturned, visible even from Luna’s great height. Luna disliked those ponies, the fine snobbery, selfish behavior, single-minded acquisition of status and wealth. She yearned for a time when the members of the nobility were few, when ponies led pleasant, simpler lives.

Luna looked out into the distance. The tiny village of Ponyville could be seen in all of its glory, its simple glory. The ponies there were exactly the kind that Luna so loved. They cherished those precious moments in life, enjoyed what they had, toiled endlessly if they wanted more. It was a town where everypony knew everypony, and though they may not all be friends, they coexisted together.

And there were the six – the first friends Luna had made since her return – Twilight Sparkle, who coached her; Fluttershy, who taught her speech; Applejack, who showed her the meaning of fun; the troublemaker Pinkie Pie, who became instrumental in endearment to the town; and though they met later, Rainbow Dash and Rarity who taught style, grace, and appeal.

Luna so enjoyed her friends, and enjoyed reading the friendship reports that Twilight Sparkle sent to the castle. They had been perhaps the most important part of Luna’s reintroduction into modern Equestria. Without the aid of her friends, she surely would have regressed into her darker state, perhaps even allowing the Nightmare to take over her again.

Luna shivered at the memory of her time as Nightmare Moon. She found herself looking up towards the sky. Her sky. The stars were bright against the black. Luna followed down a line of stars until she reached a lone star. Far from any other. The lightest green tint to the light it emitted.

“Mist…” A single tear fell to the floor.

A door opened behind Luna, and she turned to face the entrant. Her sister, Celestia, stood before her.

“Thinking of him again, Luna?” Celestia asked gently.

“There are two stars in my night that are his. It is difficult to forget. Though I lived those thousand years, tormented by that creature, it still seems that I can expect Mist to walk through that door once again.”

“Luna, I fear that it is not healthy to dwell on it. Please, let go.”

“Remind me of what happened to him.”

“He disappeared. He walked from Everfree and was never seen again. Stricken by grief, he left his life behind. I know not what happened after.”

“How did his star appear in the night sky?”

“As I have told you, I placed it there when he disappeared, as a remembrance. For you.”

Luna nodded her head. “Yes, sister, so you have said.”

Celestia drew closer, “What is the matter, Luna?”

“Nothing.” Luna turned to face Celestia, “I know that you have sent word to her already, but would you please inform Twilight Sparkle that I shall be staying in Ponyville from tomorrow, and I wish to investigate the meteor shower myself.”

“Of course, sister. I will send a letter to Spike in the morning.”

Luna turned away again, looking back over Equestria and into the night. She spoke quietly, to herself, “Mist, wherever you are, I will learn the truth of what happened to you. Celestia will no longer protect me from that day.”

***

Celestia walked from Luna’s quarters, leaving her younger sister. She walked slowly down the brightly lit halls of Canterlot Castle. Alabaster walls and gold trim, such a grand space. The ancient Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters was far a duller, grey stone. Yet it carried with it character. The walls had texture, feeling. That castle had served as only a temporary home for Luna and Celestia, yet so much had happened there, more than the centuries spent in Canterlot.

The sun Princess wove through the passageways gracefully, and found her thoughts drawn to her faithful student and the fateful days one thousand years ago. If only Luna had such knowledge then. If only I had such knowledge then. We may have been spared such horror. Or perhaps not – Mist had a strong circle of friends and still he succumbed to the Nightmare.

Celestia wished for a pony to speak to about those events, yet there was nopony to listen, none that would understand, none that could grasp Celestia’s feelings. For one thousand years had she been alone. She had lost her sister, and was forced to assume rule as a singular leader. Even the greatest of leaders need hoof through their duties.

She continued to walk, finally reaching her personal quarters. She entered, summoning a well of ink and a quill, finding a scroll waiting ready for her. She paused, staring at the page, her mind lost in the annals of her past. She pulled herself from her reverie, remembering the task she had before her. Quill dipped in ink, she lowered it to the scroll.

My dearest Twilight…

***

Far above Equestria, within the blackest reaches of space, a great power stirred. The star to which it had been bound pulsated with energy, angry flames lashing out in all directions.

Time to wake up, my little pony. For soon, we shall return to the world below, and your purpose be fulfilled. It is time to make the final arrangements. The spell weakens, the binds loose, the mortar in the wall brittle. It is time for your long sleep to end, and for my agent to rise. Awake, Spring Mist.

The star flared, the one trapped within stirring. The silhouette of a pony formed in the black, as the dark magic of the Nightmare began its work.

Mist, awaken.

Chapter 11: And that's how...

I’ve never asked myself what I want, never thought about my own ambitions beyond feeding. I have only ever sought nourishment. It was all so clear-cut. So simple. Now I want. Now I desire. Despite my machinations, I never actually sought anything more that the next meal. I enjoyed toying with ponies, but that really just made them sweeter. Then you come along. And you CHANGED EVERYTHING. You have upset the balance. You are creating a new Nightmare. So what if you actually change me? It will be excruciating. For you.<<<

Surprise.

“-Equestria was made!” yelled Pinkie Pie, confetti flying through the air as she zipped into the room.

“Wha-? Where did she come from? What is she talking about?” Spring Mist asked, shocked at the new pony’s sudden appearance in the library.

“She does that,” Twilight Sparkle, Luna, Spike, and Rarity said in unison. Fluttershy remained slightly catatonic from Pinkie’s explosive entrance.

“Anyway,” Mist continued, “That’s pretty much the entire story. I think. Some bits are still fuzzy. Any questions?”

“Should we be worried about that… thing… inside you?” Rarity asked with near-disgust.

“That’s was my sister will be able to tell us,” Luna answered.

“Well, can’t we just use the Elements again? That seemed to work last time…” Spike proposed.

Mist and Luna exchanged worried glances. Twilight offered the answer, “Well, we don’t know what will happen this time. These are fairly extraordinary circumstances. Besides, I don’t even know if they’ll work without us all being willing, and I don't think anypony want's to take the chance unless we're sure....”

“Well then what should we do?” asked Spike.

“You will do nothing. Luna and I are still going to Canterlot to see Celestia,” Mist replied.

“That might be best,” Twilight added, “But when will you be back? I’d still like to finish up my research, even if everything has changed.”

“Ah, yes. Well, I’m sure I could come back soon enough,” responded Mist, “And stay for a while, but after that…” Mist looked to Luna, “I think I’ll be moving to Canterlot.”

“Really? You?” Rarity asked. Everypony in the room looked at her. “What? I’m just surprised.” She shied back slightly.

“Well, yes. I’ll just be moving, I suppose. But Luna said she wants to visit here more often, so I’ll likely accompany her.”

“I do wish to come back more frequently, and if you wish to borrow Mist, I’m sure we could arrange something.”

“Well that just mean we have to throw a ‘Going-way-and-maybe-coming-back-soon’ party! Ooooh, I need to start planning!” Pinkie explained, bouncing up and down.

“Well, not right now. We’ve got to head out. In fact, aren’t we leaving soon?” Mist turned to Luna.

“Indeed. Our transportation should be on the way.”

“Well then, I suppose I’ll see everypony soon enough.” Mist nodded his head, regarding the ponies in front of him. “Thank you all so much for everything you have done. You’ve been such wonderful hosts.”

Mist’s ears perked as he heard the sound of a carriage pulling up near the door to the library. Hooffalls sounded soon after, and then there was a knock at the door. Spike headed over, pulling open the door, revealing one of Luna’s Royal Guards.

He bowed. “Your Majesty, your carriage awaits you. We are ready to leave at your word.” Rising, he waited for orders.

“Thank you, sir. We’ll be right out,” Luna replied.

The guard nodded, turning back to the street. Luna then looked back to the rest of the group. “Well, my friends, we must go. We shall see you all soon enough.”

The group nodded their heads and bowed, offering final farewells to Mist and Luna. The pair climbed aboard the carriage, and with a flap of the twin-guards’ wings, they were off.

Flying high above the land, Spring Mist immediately lowered himself as much as he could, hiding away from everything, searching for something to hold on to. Luna laughed at the spectacle he was making.

“Still afraid of flying, are you, Mist?” she jibed.

“Not afraid,” he insisted, “I just don’t like flying. I prefer to keep my hooves on the ground.”

“Well, flying is the most efficient and by far the fastest way to get around, so I’d suggest you get used to it. Especially if you plan on being by my side.”

“I think for now I’ll pass on that. I can learn later. Just… give me something to do now.”

“Alright. You’ve never been to Canterlot, correct?”

“Correct…”

“Well, quite a treat you are in for, then. My sister did much with the city, especially after the Collapse. Ponies needed a beacon, a safe haven. And Celestia delivered. Unfortunately now it is filled with high-class drudgery that barely deserves to breathe Canterlot air let alone walk its streets and bask in its glory.”

“Touchy subject?”

“I just dislike the aristocracy, that’s all.”

“The what?”

“Oh, right. The aristocracy. High-income, high-profile ponies, close to the nobility of your time, but far less meaningful. Too much money and too little sense, and they never actually contribute to Equestria.”

“How do you mean? I thought you said they were like the nobles of Everfree?”

“Well, similar in rank and social status, but they do not own industries, armies, or lands. They have no real power or purpose, but with their egos you would never guess it.”

“So who owns all of those things then?”

“Well, land can now be privately owned. Of course it is still under Equestrian law and rule, but it is not typically owned by noble families. You met Applejack? Most landowners are like her. They own the land they farm and use their product on the market, instead of use the land under the control of a baron or baroness. And since there has been peace for centuries, armies fell out of use and their numbers have diminished. Now local law enforcement is on the rise, similar to town guards, though again, mostly private. And industries may be owned by individuals, but many are actually corporations - large businesses that have great reach and scope, producing mass-quantities of products for every-growing populations in urban centers.”

“That… a lot to take in. It seems much has changed.”

“Indeed. It took me a while to get back in the swing of things, but I got there. And you will too.”

“I hope so… But… what about me? What am I going to do, exactly? Does Canterlot have an astronomy tower?”

“Ah, it does. But it is not as you remember it. It is far more technical. More mathematics than stargazing. Not quite what you’d like. What was once a profession is now a hobby.”

“That’s disappointing. But still…”

“What should you do? Well, assuming everything turns out alright with Celestia, and you learn everything about ‘modern’ life, I’d suggest you become a court advisor. And of course you would become my Prince Consort. I’d like to have your input, and perhaps a bit of ‘the old ways’ will change things. Establish some older values, maybe change up the high-class world a bit. But in any case, you could just be the consort. It is a rare and unused position, but it gives you free reign of the castle, and the chance to use all of its resources. You could spend days in the library alone, reading through every book we have, or you could spend your nights stargazing. You will want for nothing, Mist.”

“That’s very generous of you, Luna. But what will I do?” Mist asked with concern.

“Well, you will have free reign over your time. I’ll not dictate what you do with it, but I do have responsibilities to attend to, so as much as I’d like to do so, I cannot spend every minute with you. I’d like to spend as much time as possible near you, so I can arrange for you have official positions next to my sister and I. But again, it’s your choice.”

“And again, very generous. But this all depends on what your sister says and how this whole ‘Nightmare situation’ plays out.”

“Ah, yes… of course. I’m… sure it’ll be… fine.” Luna wore a fearful expression.

“You are a terrible liar, Luna. Really, I expected more of you. In any case, I suppose we’ll deal with this like anything else.”

“How so?”

“Take it as it comes. Never worry about things we can’t control.”

“Mist, this is different. We can’t just ignore this. This could pose a serious threat. To us, to Equestria! This is not something that affects only one or two ponies’ lives! There are serious implications for the rest of the kingdom, and possibly beyond that.”

“Alright, but… just… hear me out. Worrying about it won’t solve anything. Enjoy the time we have, and worry about the Nightmare when we have to.”

“Mist, honestly, I’m surprised that you haven’t changed much. I’d expect more… well… Nightmare-ish behavior. And I certainly expected more disjointedness from, and confusion about the world.”

“What do you mean, exactly?”

“Well, when I came back, I remembered everything. I remembered the thousand years, I remembered the evil I became. I remember, however brief it may have been, what it was like with the Nightmare. And after I finally grew to forgive myself, I still had issues… fitting in. Most of the customs we had no longer exist, and you could never imagine the technological development! It was difficult to adjust, initially.”

“Well, I could remember very little. And Twilight Sparkle and Applejack did their best to add a sense of normalcy… I guess.”

“That group of friends seems to have their hooves in everything. Not that I’m not thankful. It’s just interesting. But you said you had no memory… could you tell me more about that?”

“Well, aside from the ‘no memory’ part, there was severe pain when I did try to remember anything. Some things I eventually could remember without pain, but most of it was still… gone. Oh, and there were the nightmares.”

“The nightmares?”

“Horrible dreams. Just… not very pleasant. At all. Actually, I have many of them written down in my journal.”

“Oh? You kept a journal?”

“Well, I didn’t want to lose anything I remembered, and Twilight wasn’t sure if the memory loss was just getting better before it got worse. So, yes. I kept a journal.”

“Well, I’m glad you got your memory back. And I’d like to figure out exactly how that happened, too.”

“Well, you know the story.”

“I do, but maybe I’ll have some ponies sent to investigate the area when they collect your belongings.”

“Sounds like a plan. But – now don’t misunderstand me – shouldn’t you, and your sister, know… well, more? I mean, more about the Nightmare, more about the kind of magic we’re dealing with?”

“Ah, yes. Most ponies assume we are all-knowing, all-powerful deities. We really aren’t that at all. We may be effectively immortal, yes, but we only know as much as we have learned. And one does not learn nearly as much as you’d think. I certainly don’t know everything, and I’m always learning. In fact, what led me to you was weeks of study. My sister and I have been trying to really understand the Nightmare, and eventually we came up with some ideas, not the least of which was that you were in fact still alive.”

“Well, that must have been quite the discovery… Either way, it’s surprising to learn about just how… normal you and your sister are. Powerful, immortal, but still prone to basic pony experiences. It makes me feel a little better about myself, I suppose. Though it also makes me worry that we won’t find a solution to this rather unique problem.”

“Don’t mistake our fallibility for lack of power, or more importantly, a lack of desire. Nothing is more important right now than ensuring your safety and the safety of the kingdom. And what we lack in knowledge, we can make up for in having access to some very masterful ponies and most of Equestria’s documented history at our disposal.”

“Well, of course. I’d never doubt your power. But I still wonder why you would expend those resources on me. Aside from the whole ‘threat to Equestria’ thing. Unless you are just doing it for that reason, which I completely understand.”

“Mist, please… I want to help you. You. The pony I love. But the situation is complicated. I cannot just stand idly by when something like this threatens the ponies I must care after. But believe me that I would spare no expense, no time, no will, to help you. If we free you from the Nightmare, then I do it for you. And saving Equestria is a happy bonus. There is nothing I would not do for you if necessary, Mist. I suppose saying ‘I’d move the heavens for you’ doesn’t count in my case, does it?”

Mist smiled. “Not quite, but I understand. Just… if it comes to it, don’t sacrifice Equestria for me. I do understand the need to protect the kingdom. That’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do. Protect, defend. So… do what you must, if you must. I would like to spend at least a little more time with you.”

“Mist, I don’t want that to happen. And that’s why I want to find the best solution for everypony.”

“Still, just know that I hold no grudges against you.” Mist became aware that they hand landed. He looked around, the white monolithic towers leering over them. The buildings seemed to gleam, almost too brightly. And there was another: a tall white Alicorn, pastel hair flowing on solar winds. “Now her, that’s a different issue.”

“Mist, be nice. Remember where you are,”’ Luna encouraged.

Mist took a few uneasy steps forward, staring the solar Princess right in the eye, his gaze hard, her face unreadable.

Princess Celestia.