Rise of Ruinous

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic: RISE OF RUINOUS

Chapter 10: Genesis - HUMILITY

The time: A week after Trixie gets her Element of Harmony.

Rarity's running around more frantically than usual, her sewing burden doubled for the Grand Galloping Gala.

Rarity (while running around): Virtuna! Corinne! Trixie! Pitstop! *screeches to a halt in front of a pony-shaped mannequin* To say nothing about Nightmare Moon! *She looks to her right with a sigh, spotting the dresses she made for her friends, in the same condition they were in at the end of "The Best Night Ever"* And the repairs that have to be made to THESE! *groan* SO MUCH TO DO!

The fashionista unicorn grunts, then knuckles down and gets to work.  It took all night, but Rarity finally got the dresses for the new ponies done and the old dresses mended.  After sleeping it off, she called the ponies to her boutique.

*INTRO SEQUENCE*

All the ponies are marvelling at the repair job Rarity did on their dresses.

Rarity: Now, PLEASE don't ruin them again.

All ponies except Rainbow Dash blush as all five of them nod.  Then, Virtuna trots in.

Virtuna: Ya wanted ta see me, Rarity?

Rarity: I did, indeed!

Rarity steps aside and shows Virtuna a very flashy dress reflecting her love of video games.

Rarity: It was not easy, but I DO think I pulled it off, right?

Virtuna: I concur!

Rarity: You like it?

Virtuna: I CAN'T like it, I'm too busy lovin' it!

Both mares laugh as they hug up, Trixie entering next.

Trixie: You called, Rarity?

Rarity: Yes, I did.  As you know, the Grand Galloping Gala's approaching.

Trixie: Trixie knows, she performs there every year.

T.Sparkle: *nod* More reason to call yourself "The Great and Powerful Trixie", performing at the Grand Galloping Gala's a big deal.

R.Dash: Yeah, I've been working on my routine for this year's Gala with Pitstop.

Trixie: Ah, the Wonderbolts perform there, too. The Great and Powerful Trixie was wondering why.....

Trixie gasps as she's seeing a dress for her as well, emblazoned with stars and sparkling all over.  The showpony was in shock as she looked at the smiling unicorn.

Trixie: You.....

Rarity: Yeah.

Trixie hugs Rarity, thoroughly touched by her generosity.  Pitstop was next to arrive.

Pitstop: Hey, luv.

T.Sparkle: Heya, Pitstop.

Rarity: How are ya?

Pitstop: Not bad, luv.  Just wonderin' what all the news is.

P.Pie: The Grand Galloping Gala is this week!

Pitstop: Soarin told me about that, luv. Wonderbolts do a show at that every.....

Pitstop's jaw about hits the floor as she's gazing upon a dress made by Rarity, just for her!

Pitstop: Am I seeing things, or is that.....?

Rarity: Uh-HUH!

Pitstop: I must say, HOW didja make the racetrack flags so fashionable?

Rarity: Trade secret.

Both mares laugh, then.....

Corinne: R-R-Rarity!  Where are ya?

Rarity: Coming, Corinne!

The ponies rush down the stairs to meet the giraffe in the foyer.

Corinne: I just b-b-barely got under that d-d-door.

Rarity: Well, nopony thought something so tall lived in the Everfree Forest.

Corinne blushes as Rarity laughs nervously.

Rarity: Now, your size DID make this a challenge, but I THINK I nailed it.

Corinne: *cocks her head* N-n-nailed what?

Corinne gasps as she sees a dress made for her, with her love of crystals displayed on it!

Corinne: Whoa!  This is for me?

Rarity: Yes, do you like it?

Corinne: It's beautiful!  Thank you SO much!

As Corinne nuzzles Rarity, in comes Nightmare Moon.

N.Moon: *blink* Nice!  THIS is where you work?

Rarity: It is indeed, Nightmare Moon.  I have something for you.

N.Moon: Wh-what?

Rarity chuckles, then reveals a beautiful dress, adorned with stars and a crescent moon tiara.  Nightmare Moon's face read total shock as she beheld the garment one of her former enemies made for her.

Rarity: Do you like it? *blinks* Nightmare-Moon?

Rarity approaches the black alicorn, only to get scooped up in a big hug!

Rarity: Oh, MY!

Rarity giggles and blushes as she's hugged by Nightmare Moon.

N.Moon: You do this for EVERYpony?

Rarity: I do, but most of all for my friends.

N.Moon: You think of me as a..... friend?

Rarity: Of course.

The two mares hug up, the emotion even getting to Rainbow Dash.

Rarity: C'mon, let's see if it fits right.

Nightmare Moon nods, then the two head to a dressing room.  After making sure Nightmare Moon's dress fit right, she did the same thing with Virtuna, Pitstop, Trixie and Corinne.  As soon as Rarity finished fitting Corinne's dress, Spike walked in and gasped.

Spike: WHOA!  Rarity, you've outdone yourself!

Rarity: Hold your applause, Spikey-wikey, I still have to make something for Zecora.

N.Moon: *giggle* Cute nickname.

Rarity: *giggle* Yeah.

Nightmare Moon, Rarity and Spike laugh as the fashionista decides on what to make for the herbalist zebra.  Later that week, heading to the Gala, Spike drives the coach he drove in "The Best Night Ever".  The ponies inside discuss the last Grand Galloping Gala they attended, Zecora wearing a dress inspired by her love of herbs and her culture.

N.Moon: *giggle* Sounds like four of you scored a one-way train ride to Disasterville.

Rarity: *smirk* That day, I WISH you'd've plunged Equestria into eternal night so that I *chuckles from a few ponies* *chuckle* so that I wouldn't have to see that royal jerk.....

Fluttershy: And I thought I was an animal thanks to Iron Will?  *clears her throat*  (directly from "The Best Night Ever"): You're going to LOVE ME!

Nightmare Moon blinks in shock.

Corinne: Th-th-that is ver-r-ry unusual for you.

Fluttershy: Well, I WAS a bit frustrated, since every animal OUTside of Canterlot seemed to gravitate towards me.

N.Moon: Uh-huh, you speak English, they speak Russian.

R.Dash: Que pasa?

N.Moon: Those animals seem to be different from what Fluttershy usually communicates with, I've seen her in action, hissing with snakes, squeaking with mice, even playing ball with Cerberus!

Every new pony looks at a blushing Fluttershy, thoroughly impressed.

Applejack: Well, MY experience was a total flop in sellin' my treats there.  Prince Blueblood said it was "common carnival fare".....

Nightmare Moon and Rarity make disgusted faces at the mention of Prince Blueblood for different reasons.

N.Moon: *snort* Prince Blueblood is just being an overly-regal pain-in-the-flank.  Your treats are delicious!

Applejack: *She gives Nightmare Moon a slight smile* Well, other than Soarin of the Wonderbolts and Rarity and Prince Snottyblood, *Rarity winces a bit* I made NO sales at all.

P.Pie: At least you HAD ponies receptive to your treats.  Every effort I made to liven up the Gala was shut down BIG-TIME!

N.Moon: I'd've thought you'd've been one to liven up ANYthing, Pinkie Pie.

P.Pie: As long as it's got NOTHING to do with ANYthing fancy-schmancy.  Even my efforts to get every pony to do the Pony Pokey couldn't get them to shake, rattle and rock like I usually have everypony doing.

N.Moon: That's VERY unusual.

Pinkie Pie nods, then the coach arrives in Canterlot.  All the ponies outside, recognizing Spike, start talking about who could possibly be in such a large and regal carriage.  As pony after pony exit the carriage, the ponies gathered nod slowly - until Nightmare Moon steps out.  Every pony looks at the black mare in shock.

N.Moon: What?  Can't I step out at the Gala?

Nightmare Moon and Rarity chuckle as they enter the ballroom.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna await the ponies as they walk in, Pitstop gasping as she spots a familiar face - or rather, cutie mark.  It was of a meteor in full descent with a yellow-on-red explosion behind it and it was on the flank of a Big-Macintosh-sized brown pegasus male with gray hair.  Rainbow Dash looked at the pegasus quizzically.

Pitstop: PLEASE tell me ya heard of him, luv?

R.Dash: I've never seen that pony perform in my life.

Pitstop: Must've started watchin' after he retired, luv.  That's Meteor Strike, one of the original Wonderbolts.  He was the originator of many of the tricks the Wonderbolts use these days.  *Meteor Strike hears Pitstop talking about him and slowly nears*  They say his tricks were the hardest to master, and to pull off one of HIS feats of aerobatic skill was considered grounds for instant induction into the Wonderbolts.  Gosh, luv, ya should've seen him in action, he had it ALL!  Style, grace, elegance.....

R.Dash: Stealth?

Pitstop: Stealth?  Whatever do you mean?

Rainbow Dash pointed behind Pitstop, and the dark blue mare turned, gazing right at Meteor Strike!

Pitstop: Oy!  How much of that didja hear, sir?!

M.Strike: *laugh*  Almost all of it.  You two must be the ponies I heard so much about.

R.Dash: Y-yes, sir.  I'm Rainbow Dash.

Pitstop: And my name's Pitstop, luv.  It's an absolute honor meetin' ya.

M.Strike: Ah, the two that stood out at the Wonderbolts tryout.  I watched the whole thing, great tricks, both of you.

R.Dash: *blush* Aw, shucks, thanks, sir.

Pitstop: *bow* Coming from ye, that's a high honor, sir.

Meteor Strike chuckles, then the three Wonderbolts - past and present - head off to mingle as Nightmare Moon smiles at Pitstop.

N.Moon: -*blush* I'm making such nice friends..... Friends..... Never thought I'd ever make any.-

Nightmare Moon hums as she mingles with the guests.  Applejack sighs as she sets her apple cart back up.

Applejack: Now then, AJ, don't over-pressure yourself.  If ya sell, ya sell.  If ya don't, ya don't.

Just as before, a Wonderbolt was responsible for Applejack's first sale, this time it was Spitfire.

Spitfire: Not bad, Applejack.

Applejack: Just..... not-bad?

Spitfire: Well, I'd've thought with Discord whipping up treats, you'd've taken some lessons from him.

Applejack: He and I haven't combined on anything yet.  He's busy workin' with Pinkie Pie.

Spitfire: *nod* OK.  Just keep the faith, OK?

Applejack: OK, Spitfire.

Spitfire pays her bits for the treats and heads off.  Applejack sighs a bit, somewhat disappointed as Nightmare Moon enters.  The former enemy felt bad for Applejack and decided she HAD to do something.  Nightmare Moon trotted up to Applejack's cart.

Applejack: Hey there, Nightmare.

N.Moon: Hey.  Business slow?

Applejack: Business is SO slow, it's goin' backwards.....

N.Moon: Mind if I try to help speed things up?

Applejack: Be my guest.

The black alicorn hums as she floats a platter over to Applejack's cart, loading it with a few treats, which she then magically cuts up and skewers with toothpicks.

N.Moon: I'll be right back.

As Nightmare Moon trots away with the platter,.....

Applejack: Hey!  *Nightmare Moon turns to look at her*  That there's 24 bits!

N.Moon: *reassuring smile* You'll get them.

Nightmare Moon winks at Applejack, then mingles with the guests as Fluttershy walks up to the cart.

Fluttershy: What's she doing?

Applejack: I dunno, but she said something about me gittin'.....

Applejack gasps as she sees ponies trotting to her cart.

Fluttershy: Well now.....

Applejack sighs, then hunkers down and starts selling.  Nightmare Moon smiles as she sets the now-empty platter on a nearby buffet table.

N.Moon: *smiles* One down.

The alicorn trots outside, humming.  She murrs, spotting the garden with the exotic animals in it and heads in.  Some time later, Fluttershy hears the meadow lark tweeting the tune from "The Best Night Ever."

Fluttershy: Huh?

Instinctively, Fluttershy responded to the tune with her own line.  The sound eventually took her to the garden, where she was met with a shocking sight.  There was Nightmare Moon, kneeling in the garden with all the animals near her.  She flaps a wing, sending that same meadow lark off towards Fluttershy, the bird landing on her head and singing.

Fluttershy: Wow!

The two ponies murr, the animals gathering around both of them.  Rarity started to get mad at the duo for kneeling in the dirt in their gala dresses, but couldn't due to how touching this scene was.

???: Well!  What a pony, eh?

Rarity blinks and turns.  There standing behind her was Prince Blueblood.  The fashionista unicorn snorts at him and turns her head quick, letting out a small huff.

P.Blueblood: *blink* Hello?

Rarity (snappy): Yes?

P.Blueblood: You were at last year's Gala, right?

Rarity: What's it to you, you royal pain?

P.Blueblood: *smirk* Still as stuck-up as ever, eh?

N.Moon: Hmm?

As the Mare in the Moon rises, the animals turn to look at Fluttershy.  Fluttershy waves at them, then spots a wallaroo walking around with a slight gimp in its leg.  As Fluttershy treats the wallaroo, Nightmare Moon smiles.

N.Moon: Two down..... and soon to be three.....

As Rarity stomped off from a shell-shocked Prince Blueblood, Nightmare Moon walked up.

P.Blueblood: What the.....?

N.Moon: Surprised?  Don't be.

P.Blueblood: *turns to look*  What the?!

N.Moon: What's the matter?  Didn't expect to see ME here?  Stand in line, LOTS of ponies didn't expect me here.  But-my-appearance-isn't-important, what IS important is your deplorable behavior towards Rarity the last time she attended the Gala.  She waited her whole life to meet you, she thought you were her knight in shining armor, and you became a total chauvinistic jerk.  You should be completely ashamed of yourself and how you treated a GREAT friend of mine.  You have a LOT to think about, buster.  HUMPH!

Nightmare Moon trots off, leaving a shell-shocked Prince Blueblood.  As she heads to the royal ballroom, Corinne and Princess Celestia watch her, having heard everything exchanged outside.

Corinne: Now sh-sh-she is impressing me.

P.Celestia: What-do-you-mean?

Corinne: I have n-n-never seen a p-p-pony work so h-h-hard for others in my l-l-life.

P.Celestia: Well, she's just trying to be nice, right?

Corinne: I r-r-read the book on N-N-Nightmare Moon in Twi-Twi-Twilight's library and I unders-s-stand the legend of how sh-sh-she turned off the sun f-f-for eternity.  I think she's t-t-trying to bury her p-p-past evils.

P.Celestia: Sounds deep.

Corinne: *nod*  YOU forgave her, L-L-LUNA forgave her, Twilight and her f-f-friends forgave her, but SHE.....

Corinne and P.Celestia: .....DIDN'T forgive her.

The two sigh, then their ears perk up as music is heard from the main ballroom - music a bit too jovial for such a high-strung party.

Corinne: Y-y-you're kidding..... you're k-k-kidding, right?

P.Celestia: C'mon!

The two dash towards the ballroom and gasp in shock.  There was a dance circle of ponies, clapping and stomping.  And in the middle, doing steps never before seen by Grand Galloping Gala patrons, were Pinkie Pie and Nightmare Moon!

P.Celestia: OK, Corinne, you were right, she's working to bury her past.

Corinne: W-w-wonder if she'll e-e-ever have the cour-r-rage to just t-t-talk.....

Princess Celestia nods, then heads for the circle of ponies.

P.Celestia: *smirk* OK, you!  *Nightmare Moon blushes, still keeping in rhythm*  HOW did you learn THESE moves?

N.Moon: Being trapped on the moon for 1000 years with no friends leaves one pl-enty of free time.....

The two alicorns laugh, then Princess Celestia starts copying Nightmare Moon's moves - or trying to.

N.Moon: *chuckle* Here, princess.

Nightmare Moon waits for a count, then starts teaching Princess Celestia her dance moves.  Soon, the Equestrian monarch was in synch with her country's former threat, much to everypony's surprise and Pinkie Pie's delight.

T.Sparkle: *laugh* WOW!

P.Celestia: Quite the dancer, eh?

T.Sparkle: Indeed.

N.Moon: *chuckle and blush* Aw, thanks.

Soon, Nightmare Moon taught all her new friends the dance she created.  After a while, everypony applauds as Nightmare Moon smiles.

Trixie: *laugh* Now, how is the Great and Powerful Trixie going to follow that? By amazing you all with the greatest feats of magic ever seen by pony eyes!

Everypony applauds as Trixie begins her show.  Her tricks impressed all the ponies at the Gala, bringing a smile to the powder blue unicorn's face.  Her grand finale was the most impressive act, Trixie using her powers to freeze water into an ice sculpture depicting the Elements of Harmony.  Nightmare Moon gazed upon the statue and smiled.

N.Moon: -I can sense it..... Someday..... You'll forgive me..... and you will count me amoung you.....-

A whoosh snapped Nightmare Moon out of her personal solilquoy.  The black alicorn looked up and saw the Wonderbolts performing their air show, Rainbow Dash and Pitstop's wakes clearly visible.  Pitstop smiled down at Meteor Strike as the legendary pegasus watches her.  Their grand finale was a high-speed criss-cross during which they sent up fireworks everytime they intersected.  The display filled all the ponies with awe.  After the show, Meteor Strike spotted Pitstop as she's in the middle of cleaning up.

M.Strike: Bravo, Pitstop!  Quite a display of aerobatic skill!

Pitstop: Aw, shucks, sir.  I was just happy to perform for ye.

M.Strike: And such humility!  More young pegasi can learn from this.

Something Meteor Strike said made Rainbow Dash startle up.

R.Dash: Sir?  *Meteor Strike looks at her*  What did you call it?

Before anypony can do anything, crystalline dust surrounded Pitstop.  Just as the other Elements, it wrapped around her neck, a picture of a green flag waving as the charm.  As the rest of the Wonderbolts - past and present - congratulated Pitstop.....

N.Moon: *trots in* I THOUGHT I saw one of the Elements go in here.  *She looks at Pitstop with a knowing chuckle*  Figured.  With how you acted at the Wonderbolts tryout in answering everypony's compliments with grace and poise like you did, and being honored just to perform for a legend like Meteor Strike as well as humbled by his mere prescence, you'd've been a shoo-in for the Element of Humility, hooves down.

Pitstop: *bow* Mere words cannot describe how lucky I feel just being here.  Who'd've thought a simple pegasus like me could have alla this happen?

Rainbow Dash smiles, then hugs Pitstop, the Trottinghamian crying happy tears.  She is eventually lead out to the rest of the Gala and greeted by the other Elements.  Even with all the happiness, Nightmare Moon can't help but notice Princess Celestia's edginess.

N.Moon: Princess?

P.Celestia: *sigh* This could be the event that signals the end of the world.

N.Moon: Even if it is, we aren't gonna lay down and die.  We.. are.. fighting-this and we are bringing EVERYthing.  Am-I-clear?

P.Celestia: You seem bent on this, Nightmare Moon.

N.Moon: After the Bearers of Harmony defeated me, I was sent to the moon as legend says.  While there, I saw how hard they fought everything thrown at them, Discord, the Changeling Queen, everything.  I can't help but admire that kind of courage.  And then, when Virtuna touched me and helped me see the error of my ways, I took it upon myself to right the wrongs of my past.  I saw how hard all those ponies worked to keep this land whole against all threats, the least I can do is offer something, support, guidance, my powers, anything.

Princess Celestia smiled admiringly at Nightmare Moon.

P.Celestia: This is NOT the same jealous pony who sealed me in the sun and brought upon Equestria nighttime everlasting.  You are seriously impressing me, Nightmare Moon.  Look, Corinne and I were just discussing why you're doing all you're doing.  Is it because you can't forgive yourself for what you did before?

N.Moon: Maybe..... Maybe we each need to forgive each other AND ourselves.

P.Celestia: Perhaps.  When will we know when that time comes?

N.Moon: We'll know, trust me.  I have a feeling... we'll know.

The two smile at each other, mingling with the guests as the Gala winds down.  Discord watches the party with an uncharacteristically serious expression.

Discord: -I HAVE to tell them sooner or later..... I was hoping it'd be MUCH later than this, but I didn't expect Virtuna, Trixie and Pitstop to show their spirits THIS quickly.....-

The draconequus floats back to Twilight's library and writes a note, leaving it on her door.  Then, he retreats to his quarters.

TO BE CONTINUED