All My Tears

“Your Greatness, we have brought him.”

The mare speaking was Nightingale. Her dark blue coat glistened in the little sunlight that reached through the forest canopy. A group of stallions all wearing golden robes brought Abendigo forward. They let him go, but instantly one of the unicorns created a rope that tied him to a tree like a leash.

The miasma floated forward. It’s chuckles turned quickly to maniacal laughter. The others, not wanting to be punished, started to laugh also.

“Quiet!”

Silence reigned instantaneously.

“Now, Abendigo, I believe you are wondering why I have brought you here. Don’t scowl at me. I could have chosen another, but I believe you are worthy of my gift.”

“What gift?!”

“Ah, he’s a feisty one. Now, I will give you two options. One: Stay here and I will bestow upon you my gift. Two: Try to escape and be killed immediately.”

“I am old. What life is left for me here?”

“Wise choice. Now brace yourself, this will sting.”

There was a flash of blue light as the miasma dived towards Abendigo. A second later…

“Untie me you fools! I will not have this body marred while I am inside it.”

Nightingale bowed before her master.

“This old stallion’s body suites you well, my master.”

The miasma smiled and walked over to it’s most faithful follower.

Nightingale bowed even lower then rose.

“If I might be so bold as to inquire, meaning no disrespect-”

“Spit it out, girl!”

“How is this a gift to Abendigo?”

“A very good question. I have given him the courtesy of possessing him completely. It is painful to not take over the whole body. Thus I have given him the blessing of oblivion to my presence.” It saw the confused look on her face, “His mind is dormant for the time being.”

                                                             *

“Hold still, dear! I can’t possibly measure you if keep squirming!”

“Sorry Rarity, I’m just SO excited for the gala tomorrow night!”

“I understand completely, but you MUST be still. Now, I have decided to use a fabric that has the colors of the morning sunrise. You can keep it as long as you like because it will go with your natural colors and those you have now.”

Rarity stopped her work for a moment and looked into Narisa’s eyes.

“Be careful at the gala. I know the princess and the elements will be there with you but I have a funny feeling about this particular one. I don’t mean to make you nervous but it’s just one of those unicorn things.”

“I know what you mean. Just because my horn and magic is not visible, it doesn’t mean that I still can’t feel magic and energy running through me. I just hope Abendigo will stay safe. He’s not the most, how should I put it, careful pony you’d meet.”

Rarity giggled softly and continued her work. Her blue magical aura lifted fabric and measuring tools into the air.

                                                             *

“Thanks for doing my hair Twilight.”

“No problem, Narisa. So, do you believe what Rarity said?”

“I think so. I’m glad you all are coming, too. I don’t think I have enough bravery for everypony.”

“I don’t think even Princess Celestia has enough for that.—I think I hear the doorbell. That must be the girls. Wait here.”

Narisa did as Twilight asked and waited in the living room. Soon all six elements of harmony stepped into the room. They exchanged greetings and then stood there talking quietly.

“Well, are we going or not? Just because I can fly fast on my own doesn’t mean I have to wait ‘till the last minute to do it.”

“Rainbow’s right. ‘Tain’t good ta be standin’ around on a beautiful night like this’n. Let’s go.”

This gala started out better than the few previous ones. Partly because they knew better, and partly because they were protecting royalty. They walked into the great hall to meet Princess Celestia. Twilight stayed with Narisa and the princess while the others went off to do what they wished.

“Aun-Princess Celestia!”

“Narisa! Goodness, I know we haven’t seen each other in a while, but try not to bowl me over.”

“Sorry, I forgot my manners. Ponyville can wear off on you.”

“Hey!”

“Sorry, Twilight. I didn’t mean it that way! I-”

“It’s alright girls. It was an accident. Now, I believe I see Abendigo. Why don’t you go say hello, Narisa?”

Narisa’s face brightened immediately. She went over to greet her old friend. As she walked closer, she noticed that his face was oddly pale. He legs trembled as he walked, like a foal just learning to get around.

“A-Abendigo? What’s wrong?”

“Who are you?”

“It’s me, Narisa,” she lowered her voice, “Nova?”

An evil smile spread across his face. Narisa backed up against a pole.

“Now, it’s my turn. Who are YOU?”

Everypony turned their heads and the Elements ran from the rooms they were in to see what the fuss was. Pseudo-Abendigo looked around angrily. Then he spotted Celestia coming toward them. He smiled.

“If you will not answer this mare, then answer me. What business brings you here tonight? You are not Abendigo or any of this palace’s staff.”

“My business, Celestia? MY BUSINESS IS YOUR DOWNFALL!”

The miasma shot out of Abendigo straight towards Celestia.

                                            CRACK!

“Princess Celestia!”

Twilight yelled her mentor’s name in all the confusion.

Everypony was screaming and running out of the palace. Narisa looked frantically at all the chaos. It was like Discord had turned to flesh again. She ran over to her aunt who lay on the floor.

“Helia gratos! Me nacre li? Suilila iatem!”

She spoke in the ancient tongue of the alicorns in hopes that her aunt would muster some sort strength to speak.

Chaos rose.

Guards rushed in.

Screaming.

Yelling.

Clip Clop of hooves on the cold, stone floor.

“One soul spit in two, make it one anew. Shape this being to her form. The form that once was true.”

It was and odd spell, but it worked. Instantly she felt the same sensation as when she was turned into a bat pony. A bright flash of magic and then she stood before all the world to see: the princess reborn.