The Forsaken

Chapter 21 – An Illusion within an Illusion

Luna

I buried Midnight Stalker in the tombs that housed the ancient Death Lords. The magic that maintained them was still active, though I did not know how that was possible. The tomb had become surrounded by the Everfree Forest but that was no matter. I would always visit my love for as long as I lived, although I hoped that it wouldn’t be much longer.

I wished that I had his armor to bury him in, but that was lost within his magical storage portals. While I had memorized his magical signature as a unicorn, it had changed once he became an alicorn and I didn’t know the new signature.

My tears overcame me. Forgive me, Midnight. I did not want to kill you, my love.

I returned to the castle to wait for my would-be challengers. I wrapped Nightmare Moon around me like a blanket and wore her as she wore me. It seemed fitting. I could have released my sister from her sun prison, but I did not want her to interfere in this. I heard the ponies approaching and I just waited in the shadows.

The six ponies took the five visible elements of harmony off their mounts and gathered them. A lavender unicorn seemed to be trying to find the sixth, but she was taking too long.

Should I give her more time? No… I’ve waited long enough.

“Having trouble, little one?”

All six of the mares gasped as they heard me speak. I had to throw in an evil cackle to maintain my assumed persona. I eyed them all warily and with the hope that they could finally end this.

“Do you need some help finding what you’re missing?”

Twilight eyed me with concern. “Why would you help us? We are trying to stop you!”

Luna nodded. “And a villain enjoys a good challenge. I can’t kill you before you’re ready… there’s no fun in that.”

To my surprise, the purple mare took a battle stance… a very familiar battle stance.

My eyes narrowed. “Who trained you in warfare?”

The purple mare gritted her teeth. “I was trained by Death Lord Midnight Stalker, himself. I’m not as good as him but I know how to defend myself.”

I winced in sympathy. She must have been close to him… he never had a personal student 1,000 years ago…

I allowed an evil cackle to escape my lips, but I had to force it. “Well then… you should be no challenge then… for I killed Midnight Stalker less than 2 hours ago… Oh my… I seem to still have his blood on my hooves. Do one of you have a wet wipe?”

To my surprise, the purple mare gasped and then all six mares lowered their heads, as if in prayer or mourning. A few moments passed without a word until the orange earth mare spoke up, raising her head.

“My name is Applejack and Midnight Stalker has saved my family more than once. He’s saved my farm. Saved my livelihood. Ah will kill you for his death… that’s the honest truth.” Applejack seemed to glow after her statement.

The pink earth mare spoke up next. “My name is Pinkie Pie, and I ran away from home after I gained my cutie mark, but it never occurred to me that I was too young for a job given that I had worked on my family’s rock farm my whole life up until that point. I found myself homeless, jobless, bitless and hungry. Midnight Stalker took me in and raised me. He gave me my first party cannon… like duh, how could a civilian obtain a party cannon? He allowed me to party, and he helped me make friends. When the time came, he helped me get my job with the Cakes at the bakery. He gave me everything I could have wanted and never asked for anything in return. I loved him and respected him. I will kill you for his death!” Pinkie Pie seemed to glow after her statement.

The white unicorn spoke up next. “My name is Rarity. When I was younger, I had a dream to become the best seamstress in Equestria. I went to dozens of banks, and they all turned me down… the examples of my work not enough to inspire them to fund me. Midnight Stalker not only gave me the loan to open the Carousel Boutique… but he was also my first customer. He believed in me when I thought I was in over my head. He encouraged me and inspired me! While a lady doesn’t like to get her hooves dirty… I will kill you for his death…” Rarity seemed to glow after her statement.

The blue pegasus spoke up next. “My name is Rainbow Dash. I’ve wanted to serve Equestria as a member of the Wonderbolts for as long as I can remember. While they do cool airshows and handle abnormal weather, it was never lost on me that they are members of the Equestrian military. Midnight Stalker encouraged me to do stunts. To practice. He even paid for some of the damage that stunts gone wrong caused. He prevented the mayor of Ponyville from firing me for my slacking off at work to do more stunts, claiming that it was for his entertainment. He was going to be my sponsor so I could apply to the Wonderbolt Academy faster. You not only killed a war hero… but you killed part of my hopes and dreams… and for that… I will kill you for his death.” Rainbow Dash glowed after making her statement.

The yellow pegasus spoke up next. “My name is Fluttershy. When I first moved to Ponyville, I was extra shy because of the bullying I endured. Midnight Stalker helped me build my cottage on the edge of Whitetail Woods on his own land and let me live there rent free. He saved my life and made me a Death Lord of the Wood. He ordered me to kill with kindness because the world needs more kindness… so as a kindness… I will make your death painless… but I will kill you.” Fluttershy glowed after she said it.

The purple mare raised her head but kept her eyes closed. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia. Midnight Stalker was my godstallion. More than that. He was like a second father… a very welcome addition to my family while I was growing up. When I call him Uncle Midnight… he earned that affection… and you stole that from me. I will kill you and restore the light.” With that, Twilight opened her eyes, and they were a pure white of unrestricted magic. Alicorn level power flowed through her veins.

The element of magic appeared, and all of the elements seemed to regain their magical forms. The elements attached themselves to their intended bearers and I was left awestruck.

I don’t recall the elements ever being activated with hate. Even when Celestia banished Nightmare Moon, that was justice… not hate. Maybe it will kill me…

The rainbow formed and washed over me, banishing the lingering evil and purifying me to a time from before any evil or hate had entered my heart. The heat burned like a fire but also left a lingering warmth like soaking in a sauna. The warmth hugged me and lulled me to sleep.

Is this what dying feels like? Like taking a nap? Oh well. I’ll see you soon, Midnight.

Celestia

With the complete banishment of Nightmare Moon, I was released from my Sun prison. I found the battleground quickly enough and I focused on my student and her new friends; I could hear Applejack speaking.

“Is she dead?”

Twilight responded. “I don’t think so, but we won’t know for sure until the dust settles. Stay on your guard until we know its okay.”

Fluttershy nodded to Rarity and pointed at her necklace. “I can’t believe that your element is the same design as your cutie mark.”

Rarity looked down and smiled at it only to turn around and say the same thing to Fluttershy. “So is yours! Uncanny, is it not darling?”

I raised the sun and landed within the castle. “Indeed, it is.” I turned to Twilight. “Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. I knew you could do it.

Twilight Sparkle sounded confused. “But... you told me it was all an old pony tale.”

I shook my head. “I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and we knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart. Now if only another will as well. Princess Luna!”

Luna gasped as she was awoken from her sleep.

I walked up to her and did my best to not look threatening. “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister.”

Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash whispered together. “Sister?”

I continued as if I had not heard them say anything. “Will you accept my friendship?”

Luna recovered herself and ran up to me. “I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!”

I hugged her as hard as I could. “I've missed you, too.”

Pinkie Pie, ever cheerful proclaims knowingly. “Hey, you know what this calls for? A party!”

Luna’s mood seemed to sour, and I was extra in tune with it, not wanting to fall back into old habits. “What’s wrong, Lulu?”

Luna pressed her face into my coat. “I killed Midnight. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now. I still love him…”

I smiled. “He survived the potion 1,000 years ago. I’m sure he’s waiting for you back at his estate.”

Luna cried harder. “No Tia… Nightmare Moon killed him last night. His sacrifice allowed me to break control long enough to say goodbye and entomb him… but he’s gone! I had hoped that the Elements would kill me or banish me… I wasn’t expecting to be purified and saved. I don’t feel like I deserve mercy.”

Twilight and the Elements of Harmony didn’t add to the conversation, but I could tell that they were upset about all the events of the night. I didn’t know what to say. Nothing sounded right. I was saved from having to speak by the approach of a familiar sound.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

I pulled back and watched Luna’s ears pin to her head, afraid to look behind her.

Midnight Stalker removed his helmet and spoke. “Majesty. The Castle has been secured.”

I smiled at him. “Good work, my Death Lord. You may stand down; the mission is complete.”

Midnight nodded his thanks and removed his armor with magic, placing it on the floor.

Luna slowly turned; her eyes became wide. “Midnight?”

He gave her a wide smile. “Did you expect anypony else?”

Luna’s jaw dropped. “If you’re here… then who did I bury?”

Midnight chuckled. “An energy mannequin. I got really good at crafting them over the years. The blood and smell of cooked flesh from a successful spell hit is a nice touch for when you need somepony to think that your dead. Ask the kid over there, she knows how often I like to play dead.”

Twilight huffed. “I’m not a goat!”

I watched the display with great interest, given that something still wasn’t quite right with this situation. Something was off, what exactly, I couldn’t tell.

Luna walked over the Midnight and nuzzled him timidly. “Are you mad at me, Midnight?”

Midnight eyed her with a look of indecision. He seemed to be weighing his options on what to say or do. It wasn’t like him to be indecisive. Finally, he lowered his head.

“I’ve waited a thousand years for this. I practiced what I was going to stay or do. I came up with a thousand plans only to dismiss them and replace them with a thousand more. In the end… only seven words would do.”

Midnight turned away from her and walked to a certain place within the room, where he was bathed in the sunlight coming through the ruins of a throne room window. I could feel the dread pouring off my sister.

Midnight looked up at the sky. “I love you, and I forgive you.”

Luna’s tears renewed as she ran over to him and tackled him with a hug and a kiss.

Midnight returned her affection gently but also pushed her back a little. “Now, now. The elements purified you to a point where you appear to be much younger than you are. You could pass for a pre-cutie mark age filly at your current size.”

Luna looked over herself and giggled. “Ah, so it seems. And I have been a bad, bad filly. Maybe you should spank me.”

I turned a beet red watching the display and the other mares looked away, both shocked and embarrassed to even be in the same room with this going on. I knew they were going to get married but I didn’t think they did roleplay, not that Luna would have ever told me.

Midnight chuckled. “Not in front of the children, dearest.”

Twilight piped up. “We’re not fillies!”

Midnight raised an eyebrow at her challenge. “So, you want to watch?”

Twilight’s jaw dropped and she gulped. “I… I didn’t say that!”

Midnight’s smile grew melancholy, and I knew something was wrong. “It doesn’t really matter… I’m afraid that we don’t have time. We have once again come to a moment of parting, and we go our separate ways… I to die, and you to live. Which is better, only Celestia knows.”

I froze, as did every other mare in the room. A shimmer happened, like an illusion being added or one that was wearing off. Luna gasped and even I took in a deep breath as I realized that this Midnight was also an energy mannequin.

Twilight tilted her head in confusion. “That’s… almost a perfect copy. I couldn’t tell that it wasn’t you until just now but… energy mannequins aren’t supposed to have the depth of memories that you display. How is this possible?”

Midnight sighed. “You are correct… this isn’t normally possible… but, what do you think would happen if you bound a pony’s soul to an energy mannequin?”

Twilight gulped. “I have no idea. Soul binding is technically Necromancy… which is illegal.”

Midnight smiled weakly. “But of course, Death Lords are above the law. Let me ask a more specific question. What if, in theory, a unicorn was dying, and he bound his own soul to an energy mannequin and then built a house near or in the Everfree Forest where the chaos magic would flow into the mannequin and sustained him without the need for the original caster to be alive?”

Silence. Complete silence as Twilight worked through the magical theory and then gulped. “I suppose that it’s possible… but the unicorn would have had to have been a master at object creation magic. The level of power required could only be done by an alicorn or maybe the strongest unicorn that ever lived.”

Midnight nodded again. “You mean, as if I was the son of Clover the Clever and Starswirl the Breaded?”

Twilight’s eye twitched. “Yes… that does add up. If you are the son of Equestria’s strongest known male and female unicorn ever…”

Midnight sighed. “I can’t really prove it, not that it matters anymore. They never got married and she never admitted who my father was though I can tell you that Clover never officially married anypony and we did live together as a ‘family.’ I think that there was a bit of a scandal about them having any sort of ‘relationship’ because Starswirl raised Clover the Clever after she was orphaned at the age of two. I suppose I cannot blame them for not falling in love after working together and living together for so long… but the age gap is problematic, and the student/teacher relationship makes it harder to take that leap. At least with me and Luna, we are roughly the same age…” Midnight continued. “Anyways… a soul infused energy mannequin can only be copied or maintained for so long before the soul starts to fade. I’ve lasted for longer than I thought possible, but its time… for me to go to Elysium.”

Midnight turned to me. “Can you do me a favor?”

I swallowed hard. “Anything, Midnight.”

His stare seemed to bore into my soul. “Lower the Sun so I may look upon the night sky one last time.”

I knew the ponies wouldn’t understand but I also didn’t care. I would do this for him. The sun was lowered, and Luna created the most beautiful night sky that I had ever seen. Luna went to hug him but ended up walking completely through him as he lost corporal form. The reality of this happening brought everypony to tears, but Luna was sobbing the hardest as she sat on her rump.

Midnight leaned into her. “And you, dearest. Please make your sister lay me to rest finally. I wasn’t able to touch my own bones, or I would have lost my soul faster. She knows where my remains are… if she thinks about it.”

My blood ran cold upon hearing that, but Luna nodded with tear streaks on her face. “It shall be done.”

Midnight’s form waivered but I could see the love in his eyes. “I have a final gift for you, in memory of love.”

The mannequin collapsed in upon itself and become a tiny dot. It shot through the window and flew through the sky, like a meteor returning to the heavens, until it pulsed… and became a new star in Luna’s sky.

Luna’s eyes watered with a new wave of tears, and I was shocked that Twilight was the first to come over and hug Luna, offering comfort. All the mares joined in the hug and finally I added my own wings to the mix.

After a few calming moments, Luna sniffed. “So where are Midnight’s remains?”

I gulped and wordlessly left the throne room down old familiar but abandoned corridors. I didn’t have to look behind me to know that everypony was following me. It wasn’t too long before I came to a room that still had a readable sign that said ‘Infirmary.’ Pushing the door open, it fell into the room, having rotted off its hinges. The room had ten beds and nine of them were just rusted metal frames, the mattresses having long since rotted away. But the last bed… had a privacy curtain pulled tight as if a patient were still sleeping.

With unease, I pulled the curtain open to reveal the bones of a Unicorn on a mattress that looked almost brand new. Luna’s eyes watered again as the back-to-back shocks refused to stop coming.

I sighed. “Midnight’s magic must have preserved this. While it is disrespectful to do so… I’m going to have to put the bones in a magical storage portal. I think we should return the remains and his armor to his wife.”

Luna gasped. “He… he was married?”

I frowned and nodded. “The wedding was last night… the 1,000-year anniversary of what was supposed to be your wedding to him. Ironic and fitting. Midnight always had lousy timing in his love life. But… I think he knew his time was limited so I hope you’ll forgive him.”

Luna nodded with sincerity. “I hope that me and his wife can be good friends.”

I looked at all the mares. “Brace yourself for a teleport.”

Anon

With a pop and flash of light, eight ponies appeared on the front porch of Midnight’s estate. Luna knocked and I answered the door.

“Princess Luna! So good to meet you finally. It’s nice to see that Midnight was successful.”

Luna winced. “I wish I had better news for you… but Midnight fell in battle. We have his armor and his remains for you… on behalf of a grateful nation, we thank you for your husband’s service and sacrifice.”

I raised an eyebrow. “He had time to ‘service you’ before his sacrifice?”

Luna’s filly muzzle went red. “No! That’s not what I meant!”

Applejack whispered to Rainbow Dash. “That gal really was his wife, wasn’t she? Really has his humor pegged.”

Rainbow Dash only nodded back, not wanting to interrupt.

Anon giggled. “I hope we can be friends, after all, we have Midnight in common. Come in, have a drink. We have lots of leftover food from the wedding as well as Hard Apple Cider and Apple Pie Moonshine, all fresh from Sweet Apple Acres. Oh… are you old enough to drink, Luna?”

Celestia giggled. “She’s older than she looks, and I think we could all use a drink after the night we’ve had.”

Anon grinned at Celestia. “Okay Tia. What will you have?”

Luna raised an eyebrow at the pet name, showing Anon and Celestia’s friendship. Luna bristled as anger started to take hold. “You don’t seem terribly upset about the news of Midnight’s death. Don’t you care?”

Celestia stepped in to stop a fight. “Of course she cares. She’s probably just in shock. Let’s keep this simple and stick to Ale. Eight ales should be enough.”

Anon smiled. “Eight ales coming right up. Midnight! Eight ales please?”

Fluttershy folded her ears back. “Poor dear must really be out of it.”

The other mares nodded until Midnight popped into the room with eight ales held in his magic. “Ah! You’re finally here. Ale for everypony!”

Luna went pale and took a step back. “Mid… Midnight? Wha? What’s happening?”

Midnight grinned as he floated the ales to everypony. “1,000 years ago, one week before our wedding, you played a prank on me, and I told you I'd get you back. Well. I had a longer than expected wait but that was one Tartarus of a joke. I'll never top that. I know it makes me a jackass but we’re even now. Oh, and the star I made is real. I hope that you cherish it as an apology for the over-the-top joke.”

Luna laughed as she drank some of the ale and released all of her tension, mock anger playfully rising to the occasion. “You bucking tailhole! That was the worst joke ever! Is it really over?”

Midnight kissed her on the muzzle and licked a little ale that was dripping down her filly sized face. “Yes, the joke is over… and before you ask… I am really alive, no energy mannequin this time. I promise. Now drink up. We have 1,000 years to catch up on and I believe a certain little filly requested to be spanked for her misdeeds?”

Luna blushed as Applejack nearly chocked on her ale. “As happy as ah am that yare not dead… can ya cut that out in front of the guests! Ah don’t wanna see it.”

Twilight smiled at the banter that she was obviously more used to than she let on. “I’m less worried about the teasing than I am of what Anon thinks about it.”

I shrugged. “Luna was here first. I don’t care if Midnight wants a herd. I’d let him marry all eight of you if it made him happy. I’m the stranger to your land and I refuse to judge your customs by my people’s standards. After all, Midnight saved me too and I trust him to make the right decision for our family. Besides… I just found out that I’m pregnant. Humans carry for 9 months and mares carry for 11 months. I have no idea how long I’ve going to be pregnant and if this foal is half pony, then I will be as big as a house before too long and I’ll be unable to fulfil most, if not all of the responsibilities of a wife. I’d even bet that I’ll be put on bed rest at some point. I don’t mind sharing and to honest, I’m going to need help.”

Luna bit her lip as the hope of the situation resurfaced. “I… I’ll have to wait until my normal appearance as an adult mare comes back as my magic fully returns… but I would be willing to consider it. Thank you for offering, Anon.”

I laughed again. “Don’t even worry about it. Just drink your ale and be happy.”

Celestia cleared her throat. “It was a good joke… very detailed… but I have questions.”

Midnight nodded and took a sip of the moonshine that he himself had. “Ask away.”

Celestia took a drink of ale to calm herself. “Where did the unicorn skeleton come from?”

Midnight grinned. “Spirit of Nightmare Night. I added extra enchantments to give it a more realistic feel, appearance and weight.”

Celestia nodded. “I’ve heard of that seasonal store, but they aren’t open yet for this year’s Nightmare Night.”

Midnight snorted. “Pfft. I’ve had that thing for years. You think I put this together overnight?”

Twilight yawned, breaking up the interrogation. “I’m exhausted. I’m going back to the library for some rest.”

As if the words were a spell, all the mares yawned. Applejack nodded. “Ah think your right, sugarcube. Ah need 40 winks myself. Take care, ya’ll. And pardon me, Princess.”

The mares excused themselves one at a time eventually leaving only Midnight, Luna, Celestia and me in the room.

Midnight raised his glass. “More ale or moonshine?”

Luna yawned too. “Maybe next time.” She bit her lip. “There will be a next time, right?”

Midnight kissed her. “If you want there to be, then yes. I’ll have to discuss all of this more with Anon. Take care of yourself, my love.”

Luna returned his kiss. “Thank you for saving me.”

Midnight chuckled. “I’ll always be your Knight with Midnight Armor.”

With that, Luna reluctantly left with Celestia to return to Canterlot.

I pursed my lips. “With all that teasing… I’m surprised she didn’t stay.”

Midnight shrugged. “Teasing aside, we never did ‘filly roleplay’ during our original relationship, although there is magic that allows it for fully consenting adults. And if we change our mind, there’s always next time. Come. It’s not too late to take a nap.”

I yawned too. “Now that’s a plan I can get behind.”