The Ever Changing Moon

by CommanderX5

Confrontations - Tea and Machinations

A huntress wearing a camouflage uniform and night goggles followed her commanding officer, observing Shackles and his bodyguards who were walking a small path through the woods. Earth ponies and unicorns were scattered nearby, keeping a moving perimeter in case of an ambush.

Pegasi hunters were already ahead, gathering all of the guild members in one location.

Sweet Snow, is Operation Eternal Night going smoothly? Are the hunters being slaughtered?

Ah fear not, Mah Lord, she thought, responding to her master in her mind. She kept walking, following Shackles with ten meters distance between them. Queen Nightmare Moon is huntin’ those who dare to search for her, but Shackles has no intention of findin’ her. Ah think he saw through this charade, as ya suspected.

I see. I suppose further action will be necessary.

What ‘bout you, Mah Lord? Was yer victory glorious? Sweet Snow asked.

It was… satisfactory. That cunning princess gave Cadence part of her power and helped her escape the moment we got the upper hoof. However, with the sun princess in my custody, It is only a matter of time before our species will control all of Equestria.

Sweet Snow smiled and chuckled quietly. Glad ta hear it. Ah shall follow plan B, Mah Lord.

Do it without delay. Those hunters have fulfilled their role and outlived their usefulness. Time to get them off of the chessboard.

Sweet Snow opened her saddlebag and grabbed the first aid kit. She unlatched it before growing fangs and sinking them into a small blood bag. She dropped it as she started to shake, empowered by the blood of her master. She glanced to the side at a hunter in medical uniform, who winked at her. She grabbed her crossbow and grinned. “Time for the hunters to become our prey.”

Shackles stopped in his tracks and spread his wings as an agonized scream split the night air. A series of cries followed, punctuated by the clashing of metal. It quickly ended, leaving a silence that not even the denizens of the Everfree dared to interrupt.

His bodyguards stood on their hind legs and grabbed their large blades between their hooves, their ears strained to catch any sound as they stared into the darkness.

Their leader squinted nervously into the darkness as drops of sweat slid down his forehead. His ears perked up at the thud of approaching hoofsteps as something crashed through the undergrowth. His breathing increased in speed.

“Help! Please!” A unicorn in a medical uniform jumped over a bush with a look of panic on her face.

Shackles sighed and asked, “What’s going on? Is Nightmare Moon attacking us?”

“No, one of us went berserk and started attacking everypony!” She hid behind a nearby tree as a bolt struck Shackles in his left wing.

His face contorted into a snarl and looked around. “Who’s the traitor?”

More bolts followed as Maud and Limestone parried them with their weapons, and used their bodies to shield him. Silver bolts bounced off their skin as if they were made of an indestructible stone.

Shackles narrowed his eyes as he spotted a camouflaged blur darting with unnatural speed between the trees, a stream of bolts flying from behind it like a deadly after image. It didn’t take long before another one bypassed his bodyguards and hit his shoulder. Being a pegasus made him most vulnerable to piercing projectiles.

“L-Limestone… attack t-that traitor!” He gasped, the earth pony more than eager to unleash her rage, destroying a few trees on her way to the would-be assassin.

“Maud, you stay here and guard me. It might be a trap.”

“Permission to attend to your wounds, sir,” asked the panicked mare who crawled from behind the nearby tree. She took a first aid kit from her scratched-up saddlebag.

Shackles nodded, turning his attention to the now retreating enemy. “Granted.” Much to his surprise, he felt something to pierce his shoulder, only now seeing that blood was being injected into his veins. A cry of agony tore from his throat as a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him, forcing him to his knees as the world went black.

Shackles slowly became aware of the earthy smell coming from the hard, rough surface he was laying on. He raised his head and opened his eyes.

Why did you abandon your mission, puppet? Asked a strange voice in Shackle’s mind. Killing Nightmare Moon is your primary objective.

I don’t know who or what you are, but get out of my head!  Shackles responded, only now seeing that he is atop a floating island surrounded by tiny stars. A hooded figure descended in front of him. And don’t you dare call me puppet!

So you fight for control, interesting. The hooded figure bowed his head in a mocking gesture. I am Moon Shadow, but you may call me Your Lordship.

Your Lordship? Are you joking?

Moon Shadow shook his head. This is certainly not a laughing matter, but I see you fail to comprehend your situation. My blood is present in your veins. The faster you surrender to my will and obey me, the less painful it will be for you.

Shackles crossed his forearms. If you control me, why do you need me to surrender? Or maybe something gets in the way, hmm?

Moon Shadow chuckled. Clever as always, I see. I must admit, the distance and the incomplete ritual limits the power of blood hypnosis. He stomped. But make no mistake, I will break your will sooner or later.

Shackles jumped at the hooded figure, only to pass through it as if it was a ghost. He shook his head and stood up to his hooves with a frown. If you think I’ll throw my life away in this suicide mission, you’re wrong. Fighting an alicorn with nothing to gain? Only a fool would agree to that.

Moon Shadow laughed. Ah yes, your infamous greed can only be rivaled by your cunning. He pointed at another floating stone, or rather at the large pile of treasures appearing on it.

How about a trade instead?

A trade? Go on, Shackles said in his mind.

Purebloods have taken over Canterlot and soon all of Equestria will be ours. Maybe even the Crystal Empire. Your bits won’t be worth anything in this country without my say so.

So in short, you’re offering me a chance to join the victors in exchange for my services. What else will I get in return? Shackles asked with growing curiosity.

My offer is simple. If you kill Nightmare Moon, you and your family will be granted longer lifespans, high positions of power and several million bits.

Shackles glared suspiciously. So, a high-risk gamble with a big payoff. Still seems a bit suicidal. I don’t like playing against the odds.

Moon Shadow’s eyes flashed red as he stared intently at the officer. You were saying?

Shackles massaged his aching head. I meant… I would be a fool to refuse such a generous offer. How will I find my target though? The Everfree is a huge area.

Moon Shadow patted Shackles on the head. I will take care of that.

“I say we bury him under that tree,” said a familiar voice.

“No.”

“Come on, Maud. No one will miss him.”

“No.”

“Ugh… fine.”

Shackles massaged his forehead as he slowly opened his eyes and raised his head, seeing Limestone arguing with Maud. A unicorn thestral in a medical uniform lay unconscious between them, supported against a tree. A hoofprint was visible under her medic hat.

“You’re alive?” Limestone asked as she helped him stand. She pointed at the tied captive. “I was talking about the captured traitor…” She chuckled nervously. “I definitely didn’t want to bury you, boss.”

Shackles massaged his forehead in an attempt to relieve the headache that still pounded inside his skull. He took a moment to wipe the grass and dirt from his uniform. The bleeding on his wing and shoulder had stopped. “Report!”

Limestone saluted. “I chased that assassin quite a distance, but it got away. Coward was very quick on its hooves.”

Maud pointed at their captive. “I punched her.”

Limestone suggested, “Let’s kill this one and get out of here before more of those freaks show up.”

Shackles shook his head. “There won’t be any need for that. Leave her here. We need to regroup with the main force and eliminate Nightmare Moon.”

Limestone stood on her hind legs despite the heavy weapon weighing on her back. She spread her forelegs and shouted, “Are you crazy?!” Didn’t you say how foolish it would be for us to fight an ancient alicorn?”

“Don’t question my orders! I have a plan that will ensure our victory.”

Maud asked, “What about our guild leaders?”

“Leave them be. I have a bigger treasure hunt in sight.”

Limestone groaned. “Fineee… I hope that plan of yours is worth more than a pebble.”

Shackles ignored Limestone’s impertinent attitude as he spread his wings. He felt a renewed sense of strength and purpose. Final gamble it is. I’d better bring my A-game. He flew towards his subordinates, not waiting for his bodyguards to catch up.

Have you ever heard of the Castle of the Two Sisters? Moon Shadow asked in Shackles’ mind.

You mean the ruins of our old capitol? I know about it, but I haven’t heard the title ‘Two Sisters’ before, Shackles responded.

Lead your army there at a slow pace. I assure you, Nightmare Moon will get in the way.

Shackles grinned. I’m looking forward to that.

Moon Shadow opened his eyes and looked around. Empty prison cells inside a rusty dungeon surrounded him from both sides. His younger brother stood by his side.

“Did he resist?” Cornerstone asked. He no longer wore armor, having traded it for a black cape.

Moon Shadow nodded before placing the crown on his head, completing the set as he now wore Celestia's regalia on his hooves and chest. I should consider replacing these regalia with something black or just use armor instead. Not that I’ll need it once Nightmare Moon takes charge.

“From your smile, I assume it didn’t last long,” Cornerstone said.

Moon Shadow chuckled as they resumed their walk towards the biggest and most secure cell, receiving salutes from the thestral guards. The unicorn thestrals wore blue chestplates with red magical gems embedded in the middle for an additional boost, as well as shin guards and helmets with protection for their horns. Very long halberd levitated in their auras by their sides.

The pegasus thestrals wore black armor made of obsidian. Their bat-like wings were equipped with sharp edges of magically enhanced steel and claws were attached to their forelegs.

Earth pony thestrals formed a barricade in front of Celestia’s cell. Each was wearing a full set of violet plate armor, similar to the old armor used over a millennium ago. Intimidating spikes that were used in the past had been replaced with magical runes for protection from offensive spells. Each earth pony was equipped with a claw on the right forehoof and a large shield on the left one.

Moon Shadow kept staring at the prison cell in the distance. “While I couldn’t take full control, I used his greed to my advantage. His cunning and intelligence was easy to overcome thanks to his weakness.”

“Will he die?” Cornerstone asked with a neutral glance. As much as he felt pity for those who were used by his brother, the fate of this particular hunter didn’t bother his conscience in the least.

“He will, alongside all of his followers. I have no more use for them.” He lowered his head and sighed. “Such a pity. Shackles would have made a great addition to my army as a thestral and officer, but his ambition makes him too independent and unpredictable. He would betray us sooner or later.” He shrugged. “No matter, his death will serve a much greater purpose.”

Moon Shadow stopped in front of the reinforced prison cell with no windows in sight and a few magical wards on the doorway for additional security. Only big sturdy bars separated him from his prisoner. His eyes rested upon a battered alicorn who was chained to a wall. Her mane was unmoving and grey, drained of it's ever-present magic. Celestia’s wounds were covered in bandages and a big black restraining ring encased her horn.

In the middle of the prison cell was a round table covered by an elegant tablecloth with bats inscribed on multicolored squares. A teacup with steaming liquid was placed on one edge of the table while a glass filled with blood was on the opposite side. Two unicorn thestral maids stood on both sides.

Four guards on both sides of the entrance saluted as one of them spoke up, “We have prepared everything to your liking, My Lord. The dungeon is well secured against teleportation and heavily guarded.”

“Good,” Moon Shadow responded before pointing at the unconscious princess. “Untie her and wake her up.”

Guards nodded before following orders, taking the heavy metal off of alicorn’s legs and wings. They levitated the princess onto a prepared cushion before splashing cold water into her face.

Moon Shadow sat on a cushion on the opposite side with his brother guarding the entrance.

Both servants lit their horns as two candles lighted the dark room.

Celestia slowly opened her tired eyes before narrowing them. She asked in anger, “What do you want? Are you here to gloat over your victory?”

He smiled. “I waited for so long to see you defeated and at my mercy. Such a pleasant sight.” He perched himself on the cushion and added, “Now that I have you in my custody, we can have a little conversation on my terms.”

“Conversation? Oh, I'm sorry, I hadn't realized you wanted to talk. Would you like some tea? Maybe a tart or some crumpets?” she said, ending on a snarl. She gave him a droll look and added in anger, “No, after everything you have done to Equestria and even your own race, I have no desire to speak with you.”

“You’re going to be my prisoner for centuries to come, we may as well get to know each other better,” Moon Shadow said before raising his head arrogantly. “Unless you would prefer me to torture you for my amusement instead?”

The princess sighed and said in defeat, “What do you want to talk about?”

Fluttershy looked between Vinyl and Rainbow Dash, who were at each other’s throats. Part of her wanted to stop it, yet another felt too wounded by Vinyl’s actions to care.

“You disobeyed orders and lead us into the lion’s jaws!” Dash shouted as her wings flapped in aggravation, her ears shot up.

Vinyl shrugged. “Sorry buddy, I just had to be sure if… ouch.”

Dash’s forehoof trembled as it left a hoof-mark on DJ’s left cheek. “Shut up!” You’re no better than Moon Shadow, forcing Fluttershy to face trials without any concerns for her feelings.”

Vinyl sighed and her ears drooped. “Heh, way to make me feel like dirt.”

“You should! I’m starting to feel as if Fluttershy’s family was the only exception. Most thestrals and purebloods always play dirty.”

“Hmm…” Rarity frowned and turned her head in annoyance.

“That’s the issue,” Vinyl said while rubbing grass with her forehoof. “I worked for the best our kind has to offer, and I was disappointed. Yet Fluttershy’s family’s clan was too weak to survive.” She raised her head and glanced at the distressed Fluttershy apologetically, reminding of Fluttershy's family certainly being uncalled for. “I overheard some talks between hunters, many displayed doubts if what their guild was doing is right. I thought if anypony could, you would manage to show them a more peaceful path.” She smiled pridefully. “And you succeeded.”

Fluttershy’s ears drooped and she said in a sad tone, “If you had told me about this and suggested we negotiate with the hunters, I would have.”

“R-really?” Vinyl asked while raising her left foreleg.

Fluttershy nodded. “I rushed into the forest to save lives and stop the fighting. I wouldn’t want to miss such an opportunity.“ She held forehoof on her chest and added, “But it hurts to be manipulated, especially by a friend.”

“Ohhh... “ Vinyl said, suddenly out of words. Even Octavia has never hit me so hard in the guilt button before.

The young pureblood raised her forehoof and placed it on Vinyl’s shoulder as she was now looking her in the eyes. “Your abilities are proving to be superior to mine. If we’re to succeed, we’ll need your talents.” She continued in a determined tone, “For the sake of everypony, I shall face your trials and prove to you that I am worthy of your trust.” She removed her foreleg and held her forehooves together in a pleading gesture while displaying her puppy stare. “But please, should I fail to meet your expectations, will you try to keep my clan safe? Life is precious and deserves to be protected.”

Vinyl closed her eyes as she resisted the urge to cry. Did she just… throw her pride away… just like that? She grit her teeth. For a pureblood to admit that a thestral is superior, or to accept my trials for the sake of her clan is unimaginably humiliating. Her eyes watered behind her glasses as two words left her dry mouth, “You won.”

“Won? What do you mean? I was sure you still had some trials left for me,” Fluttershy said in confusion.

DJ puffed her chest and said firmly, “I was planning to give my best, should you convince Twilight and Nightmare Moon to our cause, but I changed my mind.” She pointed at herself. “This jerk here will help with no more tricks.” She half-bowed awkwardly, trying and failing to mimic the graceful bow of her friend. “Vinyl the Undying is at your service.”

“R-really?” Fluttershy asked. Upon seeing a firm nod, she continued, “I’m so glad to hear that.” She smiled warmly. “Will you lead us to Twilight or Nightmare Moon without any delays?”

“On it,” Vinyl said as she lit her horn and exposed her left ear. “One panicked bookworm coming right up.”

Twilight trotted quietly on the tips of her hooves with her horn casting an invisibility spell, making herself transparent and barely visible among the fauna and flora. While she fooled the eyes of a few hunter patrols, tricking their hearing wasn’t as easy. I suppose it’s for the best that my family and friends are on their way back to Ponyville. It’s much easier to avoid those armed ponies that way.

She peeked from behind the tree, her attention now on two unicorns checking the pulse of three bleeding pegasi. She bit her lip, her face turned green and her legs trembled. She sat and held forehoof on her muzzle, struggling not to puke. One of the pegasi had his neck snapped and his tongue lolled out of his open mouth, which was wet with blood and saliva. The other two didn’t have it any better as blood was still coming from their chests. Twilight gulped and grimaced at the unpleasant feeling in her throat.
 
They seem to have burns around their wounds, and…  are those silver bolts on the ground covered in blood? I suppose Nightmare Moon used their own weapons against them, but struck them with powerful magic first.

She took a step back, only for her rear leg to step on a branch with a loud snap. Not wasting a moment, she teleported away, landing on top of a tree, luckily out of sight. After a moment of waiting for the hunters to leave, she released the air she was holding and took a few calming breaths, her attention now on the castle in distance. The barely noticeable dots surrounding it were most likely the Royal Guards and the thestral invaders.

It seems the battle hasn’t started yet. I hope Princess Celestia is okay. She sighed and lowered her head. I know Nightmare Moon is acting in self defense, and that you asked me to get on her good side, Princess. But the way she killed those ponies… what if she turns out to be a bigger threat than those purebloods? She carefully climbed down from the tree as her invisibility spell started to fail, flickering on and off without her control. First teleportation, and now this. I hope magic of the Everfree won’t mess up my spells when I need them the most.