Chapters An American Werewolf’s Dark Heart
2. History Behind the Cover
Turning back the pages of time All faded and brittle- I chanced upon some quaint fancy of mine A rhyme- written when I was quite little; A wondrous portrait of the world was drawn, Laden heavy with the songs of spring, And a million ruby sunsets and hopes of dawn.
I sighed, turned over the last fragments Of those precious years, Of an age so quickly faded; Only to spot a smudged page, still stained with tears. It spoke of untold anguish, a burdened heart And an unfulfilled wish; Of a prayer for a content tomorrow And a secret desire;
But- In this lonely walk of life I now face only sorrow, And watch my hopes to cinder burn - Set ablaze by very own heart's fire.
——Pragya Deb Burman
Steps of his feet echoed through the hall. It took a moment for him to realize that it seemed like a long walk to reach the edge of this hall. The castle had been deathly quiet much to David’s discomfort. There were moments where he had frozen, thinking he had heard a noise from behind him or the pillars, but it faded as quickly as it came. This alone highlighted what Jack had established earlier before entering. There was nobody here.
The only inhabitant seemed to be him as he entered his way out of the entrance, in the hallway following the carpet path, past the pillars, approaching two high double doors. David’s eyes studied over the double doors. Clouded with dust from top to bottom his hands rested on his hips shaking his head in an unamused manner.
David ran his finger over the hill of the nob staring into both his index finger spattered with dust. He rubbed it off on his thigh almost without thinking.
Raising both hands David pushed through the high double doors whilst entering the room. With the benefit of the sun illuminating the room, he was left in awe of what he was seeing. The room looked ancient, battered due to the small lot of rocks and rubble that filled the floor, few tables were thrown over minus one still in its place at the far left of the room. What really amazed David the most were the giant horizontal shelves fixed against each wall in the room stacked with hundreds—possibly thousands of books that hadn’t been touched for who knows how long. Another thing David noted was the architecture of the pillars next to the bookshelves; he’d seen many pillars in museums, mansions, and temples but not like these.
David trots further in the room carefully watching his feet to avoid stepping on pebbles or shards of glass. He felt a little jumpy when he heard loud creaking from behind him causing David to turn to his shoulder watching the double doors closing slowly with a slight click to its completion. He turned back, moving deeper in the room as he began to look around at various shelves in the library.
It was then that his eyes fell on one section of a shelf. Underneath a layer of dust attached by a small sun magnet was a book, marked with what looked like a crayon. David blinked, not having noticed it. He slowly walked up to it, getting a better look at it. As if under its own control David’s hand reached for it carefully taking it out from its holding place. Once he had it in his grasp he found the front of the book looked like a child’s drawing, drawn with several colors of crayon. At the top of the middle there were words written in pale pink and blue crayon:
Celestia and Luna’s Diary
David’s brow quirked up at this. Celestia and Luna. Those names sound almost holy and something out of a fairy tail. Hesitation pulled him back as he stopped his hand mid inches from the top vertex. No, he thought, shaking his head disapprovingly, this was wrong, he can't just read someone’s place of privacy.
“Go ahead, open it.”
Alarmed, David whipped his body around finding his friend Jack standing behind him. Recomposing himself he looked at his dead companion with a stern look not liking the idea at all.
“What—no. No, I’m not reading it.”
“Oh come on David. Don’t tell me you’re not THAT curious.”
David brought the dairy close to his heart, staying firm to his declaration. “I’m not reading it Jack - no one is reading it. It’s wrong to read about other people’s privacy.”
“Oh really? You didn’t say that during that time you read Mrs Henson’s diary inside the farm, hm~.” Jack reminded him, failing miserably to grin at him. David raised a hand as his brain tried to come up with any excuse for his major sins.
“Well that was—” David tried to say only to be cut off by his dead friend’s bony finger raised at him giving a playful ‘ORRR’.
“That time you and I skipped class to read Becky’s diary in the bathroom. When we were both still in our teens.” Jack crossed his arms. “You remember that right?”
“Two times. I only did that two times, Jack. That's It!” David strongly disclosed, not wanting more than to think back to his shameful youth of memories. Jack chuckled to his friend’s rebuttal.
“You say that but the third and fourth time you’ve done it, says otherwise…” Jack said under his breath. David turns away from Jack, returning his attention to the diary still in his hands.
Jack walked up to him resting his arm on his shoulder. “Think of it this way, you're only doing this one last time. And of course as your buddy, and as your friend, your secret’s safe with me.”
David’s finger twitched on the vertex. Biting his lips with temptation coursing through his whole being. Jack was right about one thing. He is curious but even so it’s still wrong. True as this maybe there’s one other thing David should take into fact. Whoever owns this surely isn’t here anymore. There’s no one around besides the both of them so maybe a little peak wouldn’t hurt.
After what felt like an eternity David made his decision. With one swift of his hand he turned the first page. His eyes setting on the firsts words written in black:
Dear diary,
Hello diary, I do apologize for not returning to you sooner but a lot has happened during my absence. Where do I begin? Ah yes. Three days ago I got to move the sun by my own hoof! The feeling was inconceivable. I’ve always wondered what it felt like watching my father do it - but now I know. I see it now. Oh, and I’m not alone in this. Luna too was given the inheritance of moving the moon. It was all such a great experience.
What came after however was a tragedy. One day me and Luna woke up to find our parents… gone. No note, no farewells, they just vanished like they’ve never even existed. Not only deeming me and Luna as the new rulers of the kingdom but leaving us alone in the care of our grandmother, and our mentor Starswill; and as if our mother and father vanishing wasn’t disheartening enough, the next day was even more sorrowful. Not long after the disappearance of our parents… our grandmother passed away during the rise of the moon. We buried her not too long ago.
David blinked, unsure of what to take what he just read. His mind bowled in bewilderment while flowing with so many questions. Who’re these authors by the name of Celestia and Luna? What does she mean by ‘hoof?’ Their grandmother dying, and the ability to move both the solar and lunar orbs. Furthermore, the word ‘hoof,’ is throwing him off. Does this indicate that whoever wrote this isn’t… human? No, he thought, relaxing his muscles, that can’t be it. Maybe he’s just thinking too quickly about this. Or maybe he’s not. I mean look at him. He didn’t know werewolves existed until now and now he is one.
A bit Intrigued by this appetizer of knowledge he turns to the next page reading another few words written down.
Dear diary,
Holla to thee diary, it’s me Luna. It’s been a while since i lasteth wroteth to thee has't not? it’s been ten-thousand years; almost feeleth liketh yest'rday i wast just a bawbling dram filly. But now h're i standeth as princess of the night. I don’t has't much to sayeth so we shall beest off now. Nay, actually th're is something i wanteth to receiveth off mine own chest. Something that’s been increasingly bugging me ev'r since i reigneth as second rul'r:
Tia.
during the past ten-thousand years i’ve witness'd an ocean of our subjects developing an unwav'ring kindle towards h'r. Mare, stallions, and fillies w're in awe of h'r stature and beauty. The ocean crowd goeth wild all of the w'rk by rising high in the h'rizon becoming one with the travelling lamp liketh ying and yang.
but t is not h'r p'rf'rmance 'r h'r status yond irks me rath'r t is the opposite. As i gaze h'r from a distance a bethought did strike me deep from the backeth of mine own mind. Why..? Why h'r of all ponies? Why is she getting all the attention? i can doth what she doest but bett'r—nay, far bett'r! if 't be true she wasn’t 'round i would’ve f'rge a kingdom far magnificent yond not coequal a single pony couldst imagineth!
i can doth bett'r then h'r. I AM bett'r then h'r. I wilt leaveth now, i needeth timeth to bethink. I shalt writeth thee again in due timeth. Farewell f'r now.
“Heh, heh, sounds like someone’s a bit jealous here.” Jack joked or at least he tried to but even he knew. Something about the way it was written looked. . . concerning. David felt the same unsure of how to take this.
Without a word he turned to the next page.
Dear diary,
Something is wrong. These past few weeks have been an odd one, this is true; I notice that Luna had been quiet lately or perhaps too quiet to my discomfort and worry. Alone I am not to this issue Starswill is on the same boat along with my advisers, the royal guards, and my niece. For seven days, seven nights my sister would spend the majority of her time in her room and not once have I ever seen her come out for breakfast, lunch, dinner or to eat her favorite snack together with me. But that’s not what piques my heart with worry - no, what worried me the most was her change of behavior.
Two days ago I was told by my niece that she once saw Luna walking down the carpeted hallway. She wanted to go and greet her but when she took her seventh step she froze. She described the scene as heavy and feeling an overwhelming dark aura shrouding her. Slowly and mechanically Luna turned to her. Her eyes icily narrowed and for a split second her pupils were almost snake like. My niece didn’t know how long they both stared at each other but after what felt like an eternity Luna turned away from her and continued walking down the hall. When I was told of this I knew right there and then - this can not go on any longer.
I’m going to go confront my sister - tonight. She hasn’t lowered the moon yet and if I have to guess she’s probably in the throne room. I can only hope that whatever is wrong with her hasn’t worsened.
Just as David read the last few sentences a sickening feeling progressively made its way to his heart. He’s not liking where this is going. He sighed and turned to the next page.
Dear diary,
Tonight has been… a rather hefty one: like I established from my declaration in my last entry, I did indeed confront Luna, but our confrontation was not what I anticipated. I pleaded with her to hear my voice - to understand that she had to lower the moon—that it was her duty. But my words fell on deaf ears. My heart sank to my stomach as I watched my dear sister rise from the carpet floor to the ceiling shrouded whole by her own darkness, the black mist that had swallowed her shaped up to a perfectly round burning red ball. Out came the silhouette of an alicorn to which I thought was my sister. That is until I notice the shaping of the wings.
The mysterious mare’s eyes shot open. Bright icy snake-like eyes staring deep into my own. I was thrown off when they let out a chuckle. It was faint but the chuckle increased in volume, then it turned to laughter while their lips curled back to a wide sinister smile, revealing their serrated sharp fangs. My eyes widened as my heart couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Standing afar from me was a jet black alicorn mare in light. Elegant armor that covered her head, chest and hooves, her mane and tail lazily twisted and twirled about much like mine in particular though her mane and tail looked to be made of the very stars themselves.
I tried to call her name but only this time she did respond. Not as my friend, nor my sister but correcting me in declaring her new identity. Hearing this was all the more tragedy that… she was gone. My dear sister was gone and only this new born entity remained. The entity who proudly called herself:
Nightmare Moon.
We fought and I came to learn through our battle that her magic was equal to mine or even beyond that. I dodged a few of her shots but the last one beamed at the center of my heart, stopping me mid flight and falling back to the castle's floor. When I recovered I glanced up to where I had fallen. At that moment I had to make a decision. Three choices laid before me.
One; I turn her to stone, locking her away in a far away tomb beneath this very castle where no pony knows but me. There was an issue with this though. My sister and I along with Starswill did this to Tirek’s mother once and yet somehow one of her subjects found her releasing her from her millennia prison; the chances that somepony may do the same with this one is indubitably high. Which brings me to my second choice. Two; I’ll use the Elements of Harmony to seal her in the moon. Possibly for another thousand years and take advantage of that time to figure out a way to get my sister back. If the Elements won’t do good that’ll leave me to my third option. Three; I’ll seal her away in the deepest looping floors of tartarus. With layers of rock stronger and tougher than that of a base rock that no matter how many times she blasts her way through she’ll find herself face to face with another wall.
If I have to be honest, I dislike the third option. I had to be careful with my choice and without hesitation I brought up the the seven elements in my magic and—
Suddenly pain exploded inside his head causing David to groan, dropping the book near his feet.
“Ah! Oh God—agh,” David grasped his head tightly, digging his fingers under his hair. He whipped around glancing up and was assaulted by a bright, warm light. He squinted his eyes harshly, letting them adjust slowly. Once they did his pupils immediately shrunken at what he saw.
The Moon.
The moon has taken its rightful place in the painted horizon of the stars. Showering David with its illuminating light much to the shock and horror in his expression. He barely even noticed his body already protruding many numbers of hair, his eye color changing from chocolate to amber, small hook claws digging out of his dirty nails, and his ears stretching in pointed chilling fashion. Filled by horror and despair he cried out two words before the transformation overtook him.
“No… not now. Not now!”
As the transformation began, the room dimmed, dark shadows crept around his form before the room vanished entirely. His screams grew louder and louder until finally they all stopped. Only silence remained. Nothing but darkness surrounded him. A pure, unsettling silence that made everything completely still. A silence that was broken by a long low growl. The growl grew louder and soon it morphed into a deep powerful howl. A howl that echoed throughout the castle, and outside of it wave after wave. The roar grew louder and louder before abruptly fading. And just like that, silence took over once again.
An American Werewolf’s Dark Heart
The point is, you are alive when they start to eat you…
——Sam Neill/Alan Grant
In the vast expanse of the night sky, a multitude of a thousand stars shone with a brilliance that was truly awe-inspiring. The gentle flow of the river's slithering stream could be heard in the darkness, its gurgling melody a soothing balm to the senses. A soft breeze swept over the meadow, causing the tall grasses to sway and dance in a graceful rhythm, while the rustling of the leaves among the fallen trees whispered a gentle lullaby.
The Everfree forest assumed a nocturnal threat as Spot, Fido, Rover, and Kudo, another diamond dog, proceeded. Birds cackled through the canopy, owls hooted from overhanging branches, and insects hissed and chattered throughout the undergrowth. Kudo walked slowly, sensing the decaying floor sink beneath his feet. He gazed over the undergrowth, beyond the trees, to the mist lingering in the space beyond. He glanced to the tree tops and saw the glowing eyes of an owl on an overhanging branch. The air smelt of mold and mildew, the decay of plant and animal matter.
For the preceding minutes, Kudo's nerves had been gradually stretched taut, akin to that of a puppet. The ghost stories recounted by ponies during Nightmare Night, coupled with his grandmother's warning, had formed a cyclical chant in his mind.
The question of the veracity of the ghost stories had filled Kudo with an infinite potential for phobias. He found himself scanning the shadows for any indication of a phantom, whether it be an animal or a pony. One of the ghost stories could be true, but Kudo didn’t have the courage to even dare to venture if any of them were true or false. He knew in his heart that it wasn’t worth it.
An icy current flowed through Kudo’s veins. The smiling faces of his vanished friends, frozen mid-smile stared from within. Kudo grunted and shook his head like a dog with a bad taste in its mouth. He was never able to get the images out of his head whenever they surfaced. Not after his friends had disappeared. To this day he still wondered what happened to him; and hoped that he wouldn’t be the one to be taken next.
“How close are we?” Spot asked, glancing up at Rover.
“We should be close.” Rover replied, maintaining the path in his sights.
“I hope so, I’m starving.” Fido groaned, rubbing his belly with his paw.
Rover rolled his eyes. “Quit your whining, we’ll get something to eat on the way back. For now let’s just keep moving.”
As Kudo and his companions made their way through the dense forest, they were struck by a small glimmer of light that pierced through the leaves. As they drew nearer, the light began to brighten, illuminating their path. Kudo deftly dodged bush after bush, bulldozing his way towards the single file's exit.
Upon emerging from the forest, they were greeted with the sight of a magnificent bridge in the distance. The path at the bridge's end led to a winding road that took a small turn before continuing straight until it reached its final destination: an abandoned castle. The castle was surrounded by a thick brick wall, which was overgrown with plants, grass, and trees.
“There it is, boys. We’re here.” Rover announced with a big grin. All but Kudo smiled in relief.
Their smiles dropped, however, when they heard a distant howl reverberating through the valley.
“What was that?” Spot asked, a bit frightened. Rover shrugged his shoulders.
“Meh, probably a Timberwolf. They usually come out during the night,” Rover said, starting towards the bridge while his companions followed him. “We should be fine as long as we stay off of their territory.”
“Ahh, that makes sense.” Fido said.
Kudo wasn’t convinced. “I’m not so sure, Rover. Something about that howl sounded… different.”
Rover waved Kudo off.
“Bah, who cares. Look, we're approaching the castle.”
Kudo raised his gaze and perceived that they were, in fact, drawing near to the dilapidated castle. However, before he could trail his companions up the staircase, Rover restrained him by placing his paw on his chest.
“Can’t risk being caught by any of those stupid ponies; you stay here, and keep watch. Shout for us if some of ‘em come.” Rover said, pulling his paw away from his friend’s chest. Kudo blinked at him.
“You want me to stay out here? Alone? By myself?” Kudo was anxious.
“Oh come on, don’t give me that look. You’ll be fine.” Rover said. “We’re only gonna be in there for like, what, five minutes? Once we find out if this dead beat castle’s got any goods we’ll come back.”
“I still don’t like the idea of being alone…”
“Again, you’ll be fine. Stop being paranoid.”
Kudo observed as Rover and his two companions made their way into the entrance of the castle, their silhouettes vanishing into the shadows. This left Kudo feeling disappointed and concerned, as he was now alone with his thoughts.
Kudo turned around, crossed his arms, and faced the grassy field. He shook his head. Although Kudo did not voice his opinions, he believed that Rover had made a foolish mistake by deciding to come out here during the night. Kudo understood that vicious predators in different shapes and sizes come out at nighttime, and the Timberwolves were no exception.
If they had come here earlier when the sun was up, it would have made entering through the Everfree less scary. Now he was standing here in the middle of the night keeping watch, alone without a buddy to keep him company.
Three gray blurs swiftly passed by Kudo from below. He cast his gaze downwards and observed a group of three rabbits hastily hopping away. Intrigued by their behavior, Kudo trailed the trio around the left side of the castle until he arrived at a large bush. He delicately lifted his left paw and parted the leaves, peering down at the trembling mammals. The three rabbits quivered uncontrollably as they stared up at Kudo with a look of terror in their eyes. Kudo was bewildered, he didn’t understand why.
Kudo’s eyes blinked rapidly. He had been so distracted by the trio mammals that he failed to notice a perceptible shift in the atmosphere.
The air was silent.
A rancid exhalation rushed through Kudo’s fur.
Kudo spun around and jaws clamped shut over his throat. The jaws rolled his body around and shoved him roughly to the earth with a thump. The beast huffed softly. Damp air rushed over Kudo’s face.
A breathless rasp squeezed through Kudo’s lips. His fist bounced like rubber off of the creature’s skull. He pried at the jaws, but they were locked around his neck like a bear trap.
Fangs sank into Kudo’s throat, shutting off his inhalations. The claws on its right paw slashed his stomach open like wet tissue paper. Hot blood ran down his waist and onto the earth’s floor.
Kudo screamed mutely and gaped. The creature pinned him down hard on the ground. He was repulsed by the furnace heat seeping through the animal’s highlighted black and gray fur. Kudo thrashed and the creature shook him violently from side to side.
He stared into the creature’s cold, unblinking eyes; it was like looking into the bottom of a deep well. His hands pulled at the thick plumage of its throat. He looked past the creature’s head and screamed silently. The ruined castle was rushing overhead.
The creature was carrying him away.
The creature swiftly traversed through the forest, maneuvering around tree trunks and nimbly leaping over logs and rocks. Its chest heaved with each breath, resembling that of a powerful engine. Its jaws were slightly tightened around Kudo's throat for better grip.
The overhanging branches and leaves of the forest whizzed past Kudo in a blur of green and brown. He gaped like a suffocating fish. His hands brushed over the predator's soft, warm fur. It was strangely comforting, akin to the embrace of a lover. He felt himself being enveloped by the predator's warmth, like a soft blanket.
Kudo didn’t know how long the creature was running. It almost felt like an eternity before the predator slowed down to a trot. Kudo squirmed, but the predator didn’t notice his struggle. He felt warm, wet snakes crawling over his waist. It was with abhorrent shock he realized that his intestines were slithering out of his gut.
Kudo kicked, but his legs met air. The creature growled lowly and lapped up the blood from his neck. Kudo flailed against the brushing tongue. His limbs were numb. His legs were empty. Minutes felt like hours and he couldn’t help but wonder what was it waiting for? The creature’s head twitched from side to side as if it was making sure there was no one around. Once the animal knew the coast was clear, it returned its cold calculating eyes to Kudos.
The beast dropped him onto the earth’s rotten floor, followed by a long deep growl. Kudo’s horrific screams filled the air. The beast towered over him and growled, claws digging into the dirt. Kudo’s screams transformed into a shriek when the creature buried its snout into his abdomen and tugged out a thick chunk of meat.
Kudo’s skull was undoubtedly mute; a hollow skull filled with overwhelming fear. His screams drifted through the forest. But no one could hear him. In his last fleeting moment of consciousness, he watched the beast swallow down another chunk of meat before burying its snout back into its stomach.
His world slowly grew dark.
Kudo wished he never left home.
20 Minutes later
“Kudo? Kudo?!”
Rover scanned around the area for his companion that suddenly vanished upon he and his boys return. Spot and Fido emulated their boss’s actions, each walking along the field searching for their missing friend. When Rover and his friends went inside the castle, they were hoping to find good loot. Any crystals, gems, or diamonds that would add into their collection back in the cave. Only to find none. Much to Rover’s disappointment.
But that didn’t matter right now. What mattered was the whereabouts of his missing companion.
“Ugh, Kudo where are you?!” Rover shouted, stomping his frustration to the ground.
“Maybe he went back to the cave without us?” Spot guessed.
Fido nodded in agreement. “Yeah, that could be it. He did it one time when we were trying to steal a handful of gold from a dragon’s cave.”
Rover huffed and looked at his buddies over his shoulder.
“Oh, he better back in the cave. He’s not gonna like what he hears from me when we get back.” Rover started forward while crossing his arms. “Come on, let’s go!”
The three individuals strolled across the bridge before proceeding to re-enter the Everfree forest. Unfortunately, none of them notice the trail of Kudo's blood that led to the woods situated behind the castle. Regrettably, not one of them took notice of the distant howl that emanated from beyond the mist of the forest.
An American Werewolf’s Dark Heart
Author's Note
I’m going to do my best to be as consistent with this story as possible. And if no new chapter pops up in a while, that is because I may not be feeling writing today or the other day. I want to do my best to keep quality in my writing, and when i’m force writing just to appease people, it comes out all-around bad and crummy. I don’t want to subject myself or anyone to bad writing, so i won't! With all of that said, enjoy!
1. No Longer in London
WARNING
The following of this story will contain violence, graphical scenes, gore, and strong language! And certainly not for children at the age of ten or younger. Viewer discretion is GREATLY advised!
STAR SHIMMERING PRESENTS
AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF’S DARK HEART
STARRING
David Kessler
Jack Goodman
Twilight Sparkle
Rarity
Applejack
Pinkie Pie
Rainbow Dash
Fluttershy
Spike the Dragon
Princess Celestia
Princess Luna
Princess Cadance
Shining Armor
Zecora
Edited by - STAR SHIMMERING
Story-written by - STAR SHIMMERING
David let out a groan as he slowly lifted himself off the ground. He rubbed his head as his eyes opened. Looking around, he finds himself in a field of cool grass, staring up at the blank blue sky, confused and disoriented. He breathed in the cool, humid air. Refreshing but left more questions in his mind. Right-hand moves first just to be sure the ground was real, tugged on the blade of grass and dirt, confirming it felt indeed real. While gazing at the widespread field, David recalled quickly what had transpired: the theater, his talk with Jack and the victims he killed, he was turning quickly, his vision going dark.
And now…here.
“But how did I get here? I couldn’t have gone that far from the city have I?” asked David under his breath, bringing his hands up and staring at them, “Am I alive or dead? Or maybe I am dead, and I'm possibly…in heaven?”
“Ha! Not even close, David.”
Alarmed by the sudden familiar voice, David whipped his head to his shoulder. Standing beside him was the spirit of his dear friend Jack Goodman. As if his deceased figure couldn't be more rotting, he looked like he was going on three months. If Jack’s face could still form a smile, it would be. The diffident specter walked around the grassy field taking in everything he was seeing then shook his head slowly.
“Well, this sucks…” Jack was disappointed.
“Jack…what happened?” David asked, looking at Jack with a worried expression. Jack turned his shoulders facing him.
“Well, you killed an entire group of people watching that porno movie in less than three minutes. You took out at least ten cops. Oh, and stayed alive long enough to hear the love of your life confess to you before being shot by multiple officers.” Jack answered as he trotted back to David’s side, looking back at the field and forest.
David raised an eyebrow. “But if that's the case, why the hell am I still here?”
Jack turned his head at him. “That’s a pretty good question, David. Why are you still here? — Why am I still here?”
“Well, I don't know! I was hoping you would tell me.”
“Well whoopee freaking do David, I don’t know either. I’m just as confused as you are.”
“Ugh!” David began pacing back and forth, ramming his hands into his head in aggravation. “This is wrong, all of this is so wrong. I’m supposed to be dead except I’m not!”
“Shame…” Jack sarcastically muttered. David turned to him and sighed.
“Wait, if you're still here, where are all the others? Shouldn’t they still be around too since I’m alive?”
“Oh, no, they’re free alright. But by the time I could have my turn to reach the bus of the afterlife I end up here instead..” Jack told him in aggravation.
“Where did they end up?”
Jack chuckled, shaking his head. “I honestly don’t know… I mean I’ve never been there before. I’m still an undead after all.”
“Yeah… I’m sorry Jack. I know how much you wanted to be freed from this curse.” David said, casting his head to the earth’s floor, “I thought it would work.”
“No, let’s not rake up old stories…” He told David with a big friendly grin, or at least he tried to. “You’ll have your chance David but until then let’s focus on what we should do now. Like figuring out where the hell we are.”
Jack looked at the landscape they were standing in, but only noticed a large event horizon line in its horizon. From a mile away something caught him and David’s attention. The outline of its silhouette was barely visible but it looked like what they believed to be a castle sticking out of the side of the mountain. It's kinda like the images of the castle David had seen through children’s books, novels, and television shows.
“You see what I’m seeing David?” Asked Jack.
David nodded his head while responding. “Yeah, I see it.”
“What do you think?”
“Rapunzel’s castle,” David joked, causing Jack to swiftly turn at him.
Shaking his head he chuckled.
“There isn’t a woman named 'Rapunzel,' in London; and haven’t you read the book? She only has one tower.”
“Yeah but who knows, this could be her new one.”
“Yeah, yeah, sure..” Jack was not amused. David looked back at the faraway castle, a thought struck him.
“Should we go there?” Asked David, turning to his shoulder at his un-dead friend. Jack shook his head.
“Hell no, do you see how far it is from us? It could take up a whole day, and it’ll be a colossal waste of our precious time.” Jack responded, turning to the forest up ahead. David crossed his arms raising a brow at him.
“Well, what do you suggest then?”
Jack points his bony finger at the tall pillared trees. “I suggest we go in there. The sun will be setting soon and you’ll change; the better you’re deep in there, the better you are away from anyone you won’t potentially kill from your reach.”
“The woods?” David felt uncertain about this. “This is stupid.”
Jack chuckled at his buddy, nudging his shoulder onto his.
“Come on David lighten up will ya’, where’s your sense of adventure?”
David shook his head at the ridiculousness of his friend’s question.
“That’s the thing Jack: I hate adventures..”
As he went, David walked into the forest. His eyes studied each tree he passed by, quite in awe at how the trees seemed to hang against each other and the vegetation grew thick in every direction. David stumbles through the forest on shoeless feet, watching his every step carefully, fearing to step on pointed thorns or twigs. Since he didn’t have a watch he couldn’t tell what time it was. It felt like he had walked for hours before something in the sky caught him and Jack’s attention. It went by too fast and was too far for them to see but it sounded like a small jet from afar. In that millisecond David could make up a cyan streak that left a… rainbow trail, as far as he could see.
Refraction of light perhaps? David wondered as he stared in awe at the bright colorful rainbow trail that said streak left behind. David walked further down the path with no sign of that mysterious jet from before. Making his way through the bushes David noticed a small glimmer of light piercing through leaves. Slowly the light started brightening as he moved closer, and closer. David dodges bush after bush pushing through the file’s exit, though when he did his eyes were assaulted by the sun’s rays. Bringing his arm up he shielded them from the light that had increased while picking up the sound of birds chirping, and a breeze blowing gently on his face. Patiently he waited for a moment before slowly opening them, adjusting his vision to everything that was loaded into view.
Far from David’s position he saw a bridge on the other-side leading a thin rectangular-shaped road that takes a small turn then goes straight until it ends at what looked like from afar an abandoned castle. There were plants, grass, and trees growing from the inside behind the brick wall. It probably looked like that for a very long time, quite ancient in his case. Onward David made his way out of the forest, following the path along the bridge, took a round turn, approaching the ruin-castle.
“Damn. Seems like someone didn’t have the greatest honeymoon.” Jack said approaching the stairs studying its broken features. David scanned his surroundings, a sense of caution welling up in him.
“You’d think someone could be living here?” David asked as he looked around, trying to spot any citizens. Jack shook his head.
“Naw I don’t think so. This place looks too crippled up for anyone to still be around,” Jack replied, looking around himself, “and even if someone lived here they’re probably dead.”
David nodded in agreement.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right..”
David walked up to the front door of the castle, then without hesitating—brought his foot up kicking the door open, continuing forward with Jack behind him. Entering a long passage the end were stairs climbing up to two more from side to side. The two darted their eyes from left to right as they found four paths leading to long carpeted hallways. Glancing up David noticed two long rectangular flags hanging from the ceiling, each having their color. The one on the right was a blue flag with an image of a light blue horse, with sparkles going around the waning crescent moon. Although after looking deeper he realized it wasn’t a horse, rather it was… an Alicorn?
Yes, David thought, it is an Alicorn. He looked to the flag on the left and sure enough, it was the same as the other except this one was hued in two shades of yellow with the image of an Alicorn. As white as snow with the sun radiating from above. He continued to gaze until he pulled his eyes off of them, looking forward, continuing to wander through the ruins.
He came to see nothing except debris and destruction. Did a battle take place here? If so then what could've caused this?
“David.” David heard Jack calling, pausing him from his tracks and turning to his left. Due to his decay and rotten skin, it was hard to tell what expression he was making. But judging by the look he gave him David already knew.
“The night is coming,” David said, “a full moon night right?”
Jack nodded.
David sighed, rubbing his hand on the side of his neck to ease the fear progressively withering up to his nape. He needs to find a place where he could lock himself away and he must search quickly. It is only a matter of time before the beast is unleashed yet again…
Twilight Sparkle stared into the mirror admiring her hoof-stitched costume that she had finished successfully. She had a tall pointed darkish blue hat with a crescent moon floating below the four stars looping around it, bells chimed around the edge, the tip of her hat, and the ends to her robe in every step she took. She wore a fake beard, a gold amulet around her neck, and a clouded robe hued in three shades of blue.
“Ugh, come on, Twilight. We're gonna be late for the Nightmare Night festival.”
Hearing her assistant calling from down below she wasted no time and walked her way towards the stairs. Posing with her head raised with pride on the second step of the stairs she shows off her homemade costume to the little drake.
“Huh? Are you that one kooky grandpa from Ponyville Retirement Village?” Spike guessed the memory of the old pony from the retirement village was the first thing he thought of.
“I'm Star Swirl the Bearded!” Said Twilight.
Spike blinked looking at her with a blank expression.
“Father of the amniomorphic spell?”
Spike’s bewilderment increases.
“Did you even read that book I gave you about obscure unicorn history?” Twilight reminded him pointing her hoof at the little drake. Spike raised a claw as his brain tried to think of any excuse for his laziness until a knock at the door interrupted him.
“That sounds important.” Spike yelped, dashing by her to head for the door. As soon as he pulled the door open he jumped and felt his heart leap out of his stomach when his mind thought he was standing before Nightmare moon only to find three little fillies and Granny Smith standing outside of the door.
The trio’s faces smiled at the little drake and began to sing the old song. “Nightmare Night! What a fright! Give us something sweet to bite!”
“Hi, everypony,” Twilight greeted with a smile, “Great costumes. Happy Nightmare Night, Granny Smith.”
“I should have been asleep five hours ago,” Said Granny Smith.
Twilight’s horn glowed with light as she passed down one piece of candy each for the three little fillies bags. Pushing through came a young colt with a sword in his mouth as he swung it in the air, he wore a light red bandanna wrapped tight over his head, a small black eye patch over his eye with a skull stitched on it, and a buttoned-up short sleeve shirt.
“Pipsqueak the pirate, at your service. It's my very first Nightmare Night.” Pipsqueak said.
“Since you moved here from Trottingham?”
“No, my very first Nightmare Night eve—” Pipsqueak was about to finish only to be interrupted by the squawking sounds of Pinkie pie bursting forth wearing a chicken suit.
“Enough chit-chat! Time is candy!” Pinkie pie said, mimicking the movements of a chicken by pecking the floor.
“Pinkie Pie, aren't you a little old for this?” Twilight asked.
“Too old for free candy?” She squawked. “Never.”
Twilight groaned, lighting up her horn as her magic brought up one piece of candy out of her bowl levitating it towards the excited party pony then dropping it in her bag.
Twilight raised her hoof in a pose showing off her costume. She swirled her head around while keeping her eyes on the party pony “Do you like it?”
“Yeah! Great costume, Twilight! You make a fantastic weirdo clown!” Pinkie responded before pecking all the candy in the bowl and disappearing within seconds.
“A clown?” Twilight was irritated as she looked down at her costume taking the fabric of her robe in hoof, “Look at the borders on these robes. These are hoof-stitched!”
“It's a great costume! Huh! Grandpa!” Spike teases walking past her. Twilight growls in frustration following behind to catch up to her assistant. Suddenly her trotting hooves hauled, her ears perked up, fully alarmed she scanned her surroundings. Finding none but more fillies passing by with their friends and families.
“What was that just now?” Twilight said under her breath, darting eyes from house to house, “it almost sounded like—“
“Twilight come on!”
Twilight turned to her left seeing the little drake standing not too far, waving his claws for her attention. Shaking the alarming caution out of her system, Twilight walked forward catching up to her assistant's side. With hope to enjoy her nightmare night with her friends while also consumed in wonderment of whatever it was she heard just now…
