___
My entire body was aching. It felt as if I had been torn apart by an incompetent workmen, who then asked his blind, hoof-less newborn to reassemble me. I was on my stomach, all four of my hooves tucked underneath me. I had a splitting headache which, in terms of pain, one could compare to a mallet being brought down on a skull. My vision was blurry and I could not seem to make out my surroundings. My ears were buzzing, making it hard to hear anything. There was a burning sensation in my throat, my lips felt arid and chapped. For some reason I was dizzy, similar to the feeling one gets after long-distance teleportation, only far more intense.
I tried to stand up, but to no avail. My legs were numb and I fell back to the ground with a thud. Further attempts yielded similar results. So I resigned myself to laying on my side, legs lying uselessly next to me. I laid there for an extended amount of time, unable to build up the energy to move. I could not bring my self to sleep, though. The fatigue would not allow it. I fell into an uneasy trance.
When I recovered from my stupor my senses had returned somewhat and I was not quite as disoriented. I placed a tentative hoof on the ground. Finding that it was strong enough to hold my weight I lifted myself up. My headache had shrunk from a thunderous roar to a splitting growl, allowing me to meditate on my situation.
Next I tried to get a general idea of where I was. There are five questions essential to understanding any post-battle situation. What has happened? Where am I? Am I wounded? What should I do next? Am I inebriated? The last one I usually answered first.
What has happened? I thought back. I had been battling Celestia for Equestria. She had gathered the Elements of Harmony. She launched them at me and I had defended myself. Then I blacked out. Presumably I lost that scuffle.
Where am I? One glance at my surroundings and I knew exactly where I was. Spreading in every direction was the rocky surface of the Moon, in all of it’s gray-sanded glory. Above me was the free-flowing form of space, the ancient firmament containing entire planets full of knowledge, history, and life. If I hadn’t been so busy trying to figure out where I was I might have stopped to appreciate it.
Am I wounded? I looked over the whole of my body carefully, making sure there were no outstanding wounds. To my surprise, I was unharmed. The wounds I had sustained during the duel with Celestia were not even visible. No, they were non-existent. Even my shattered wing was in perfect condition, showing no signs of having ever been damaged.
I gave my wings a few wary flaps, and found that I could not even detect a trace that they had been hurt. The only thing off was my power. There was something strange added to it. Or more accurately, there was something lacking from it. My connection with the Moon had been partially split. I could feel it, but I couldn’t control it.
The Elements of Harmony took away my control. They took away what made me special. They removed the one thing I could actually count on to stand by me. The worst part was that I knew my sister would be the one to raise the Moon from now on. It would be another reason for ponies to revere her over me. Of course, it didn’t much matter at that point.
I was on the Moon, and I was stuck. How were the Elements of Harmony able to banish me to this place, and more importantly, how would I get back? I could feel a barrier surrounding the entire Moon, cloaking it to make sure I was trapped. For the moment it appeared I would be stuck.
I mulled over a plan in my head. I could not break through the barrier created, the magic was simply too ancient and too powerful. Perhaps my sister would liberate me? No, she was merciful, not foolish. The only thing I could do was wait; that, and plan my vengeance. Also I could play with Moon rocks, so it would not be a completely abysmal experience.
There was, however, one feeling that impeded upon me. I was alone. Alone on the Moon I held so close to my heart. The celestial body which I thought made me unique and powerful only served to sever the ties I had made with my homely Equestria. It was quite a cruel causticity in itself.
I had been banished to the Moon, courtesy of the Elements of Harmony. In truth, I did not understand why. It seemed so odd. I had been trying to bring Equestria into a golden age of harmony, only to be stopped by the Elements of Harmony.
I was trapped and vulnerable. I did not want Celestia to know, though. So I created something using my magic. It took several years to build up the energy required for the spell but I had plenty of time on my hooves. So I made something grand. I projected an image of a unicorns face on the surface of the Moon. It was large enough so that whenever she raised the Moon, all of those viewing the sky would see it. And they would not be able to ignore it so easily...
It was my final message to her. I wanted to show Equestria my mettle. They would see the Mare in the Moon. I wanted them to know exactly what I would do upon my return. It meant that I was not finished. It meant I was going to return. It meant I had a plan. It meant they should be afraid. Because when I returned I would not be merciful, no, I would be an inexorable energy that yielded to none.
I realized while I was there, that the ponies would not willingly submit to bettering themselves. No, I would have to force it upon them. I would have to be harsh in my rule, enforcing laws as best I could, even if it meant harming a few ponies. The ends justify the means, after all.
So I sat stewing in my bitterness and loneliness for years. Soon those years turned into decades. And those decades fated into centuries. Centuries passed by one after another, until finally I came across an opportunity. There was a chink in the armor of the barrier. Small, but noticeable. Something I could break through.
So I prepared myself. I came up with a plan and I poured my magic into a reservoir until it was powerful enough to break through the shield. My perception of time had been quite distorted by this point, so I cannot say for sure how long it took me to charge my spell.
Eventually it was ready, though. I launched the spell and myself at the chink in the armor. Not only did my spell break through, but something seemed to amplify it. Some kind of outside source seemed to increase the raw force of the spell, which in turn caused the entire barrier to shatter.
And with that I headed towards Equestria...
___
“That’s it?” Rainfall asked with a hint of disbelief.
“My stay on the Moon was not exactly eventful.”
“But still, you must’ve done something besides wait.”
“Well there were lots of rocks. Sometimes I would rock watch.”
“How did you not die of boredom? I start to go crazy after like twenty minutes and your telling me you went a thousand years doing nothing.” She seemed in a state of shock.
“Well, I could feel the Moon.”
“You said that, before. What do you mean? Why is that Important?” Her head was cocked to the side. Amazing how a simple story could distract a foal from a horrendous situation.
“The Moon orbits our world at 2288 Miles Per Hour. In case you are unaware, that is quite swift. I could feel the Moon spinning beneath my feet. I could feel it hurtling through the cosmos at a constant rate. Every moment was fast-paced for me, Rainfall, every moment.” I stared into Rainfall’s fuchsia eyes, taking care to emphasize every word.
“Wow! So if we were there right now, we would be able to feel the Moon moving?” Wonderful, she asked a question that prompts a scientific response. Now I can explain the idea of a constant rate of speed to a foal. Which will lead to incertitude. Which will lead to frustration. Which will lead to irritability.
“Well, not exactly. The only reason I could was because I was, in a technical term, attached to the Moon. You would be moving at a constant rate of speed on par with the Moon. You would not feel it as I did.” I tried my best to explain in it a way which would not involve more questions.
“Okay, I think I understand now. You’re just specialer than me.”
“Exactly. Though, I am not positive as to whether ‘specialer’ is a word.” Humility is pointless. It serves no purpose. I have never backed away from my ability, nor do I plan to in the future.
We sat in silence for a while. Rainfall rested against me while I kept watch on the entrance to the cave. There was a dim light being cast into the cave indicating it would still be a few hours until the dawn broke through. Most likely between the hours of 11:00 and 12:00 a.m. judging by the shadows dancing on the walls. Either way my sister wouldn’t begin worrying about my absence until mid-afternoon. Help was not going to come anytime soon.
I could attempt to escape, but I had no idea how deep into the forest we were. Another route of escape would be a random teleportation, though that could just land us deeper inside the forest if a barrier had been placed around it (which it probably had). And the physical strain teleportation has on fillies is harmful to their development. Then again, so is death.
We could walk deeper into the cave and hope it leads into some place familiar. Rainfall is just a filly however, and that would just lead to me carrying an exhausted filly through a hazardous cave. Absolutely nothing could go wrong with that right? So that left one option. I had to fight Paradise and hope that I bested it.
The walls of the cave were smooth and have a regular pattern. Stalagmites extended from the flooring of the cavern in large droves. Stalactites hung down from the ceiling in a similar manner. Some even manage to connect, creating natural columns. It was quite an aesthetic, that brought feelings of wonderment.
This wasn’t the most ideal location for a fight. The cavern was vast for sure, but the various obstacles would make maneuvering difficult. I would not be able to fly too high, due the stalactites, and there was always the risk of my wings being clipped while I hovered over a stalagmite. So my advantage of flight was useless in this place. I would only be able to rely on my magic in this cave.
My magic would not have any problems moving around the length of the cavern. It would be able to easily glide around the various stones and such as it was quite potent. I am not quite sure I want to face this being in a head-up duel, however. I have little to no idea as to its abilities or skill-set, meaning I’m at a disadvantage. Of course, Paradise had no idea as to my abilities, either.
Although, taking the battle deeper into the cavern to a point where there was no light shining would give me an advantage. My innate and unique night-vision would allow me to stalk the spirit while whatever illumination spell it cast would only allow it to see a few feet ahead of itself. The problem lies in Rainfall, though. I would need some way of protecting her while I fought the beast.
Or I could take the battle outside into the small clearing near the cave. That would give me room to perform aerodynamic maneuvering, but provide little cover from area-effect spells. That also means that the spirit would be able to maneuver away from my spells, though. No, I had spells that could be sneaky and effect it even if it is fast-moving. If we went into the clearing I could tell Rainfall to hide in the thick forestry or the cavern.
But the spirit had claimed it could feel the forest. Although there had been no evidence to back up that claim I would not dismiss the possibility that there is some truth in it. It had shown a bit of knowledge of the forest, perhaps it was the ethereal embodiment of...vegetation? If that was true then the clearing may be a bad idea. Too much foliage to work with.
I let loose a sigh. It seemed a head-on fight would be quite strenuous, considering that Paradise had apparent knowledge of the forest, and that I would have to account for Rainfall’s safety. This would prove to be quite the challenge. Maybe even more challenging then facing Celestia.
I try to suppress a tinge of excitement, but it is an obstinate sentiment. Even in this situation, It is hard not to think about how invigorating a battle could be. I had never truly faced a foe who pushed me into a corner, usually because of my excessive planning. Not even Celestia can really match me for magical ability, although she does not need to. She more than makes up for it in speed and tactful charm.
So I am usually left without somepony to challenge my ability. Perhaps this being could offer a confrontation worthy of my power. The thought is intoxicating. I cannot become lost in the moment, though, I have to focus on getting Rainfall out of here. I have to focus on Rainfall and her deliverance to the warm embrace of sanctuary. I had to make sure this half-formed Ethereal being didn’t manage to slip into the world at the same time. Wait, this being was only half-formed and therefore limited.
If my hypothesis was correct and this being is only able to manage to stay in Equestria through the power it wields or the anchor (Rainfall’s mother), then perhaps there is a way in which it could be slain. I had perfected the spell which allowed me to drain others of their magic while entrapped on the Moon. I had improved upon it, more accurately. It now allowed the caster to benefit from the spell, similar to a leech. I could use that spell to drain the being, Paradise, of it’s magic.
That could actually work! All I would need to do is divert the attention of Paradise towards myself and, in a manner similar to how I cast it on my sister, allow the spell to sneak towards her, and take hold. Then my spell would do the rest of the work as the Ethereal being was slowly drained of it’s power and thus, it’s ability to manifest itself in Everfree Forest.
This process would send the monstrosity back to the Ether, where it would not present a threat to anypony. Although, I do wonder what it is a symbol of? Most beings from the Ether represent a certain quality or trait. The beings themselves are usually distortions of ponies who had an effect on society. Ponies who usually represent some element of morality.
Either way, fighting an Ethereal being would prove to be quite interesting...
“Where are you, my little delicacies? I grow so wary of this game. I ask that you concede and stop. Well, don’t stop, do the opposite please. Move out of your hiding place and please make your presence known to me so that I might extract your power. You’ll experience an excruciatingly nasty sensation then death. So come on out then...well I see honesty is a waste. I was just kidding! In fact if you come out right now, I’ll give you lots of hugs and candy. Or whatever the Hay you ponies like, I’m not a freakin’ mind reader! But seriously, come see me.”
The sound of that voice is rather chilling, and always manages to send shivers up my spine. I look at the young Rainfall lying against me. She had woken up to hear this strange string of words. Her face was devoid of expression for a moment.
“Princess, do you feel like the voice is getting closer?” Her tone was questioning.
“Not at all my dear.” It was a lie. I could feel the cold, frigid magic of the spirit edging closer towards us with every passing minute.
“You don’t have to lie to make me feel better, Princess Luna. Even my undeveloped magic can sense it getting closer. What are we going to do?” There was no fear in her voice. Just the hollow echo of a question.
“I shall fight it, and you shall run.” There it was. My game plan, simplified to its most basic form.
“Wait...you want me to leave you alone with that thing!?!” It was more of an incredulous squeal than a question.
“Oh my dear little Rainfall. Your young and your magic has not yet blossomed. You would only serve to hinder me during the battle. And it won’t be as if you aren’t assisting me; you shall relate a message to the royal guard alerting them to my situation.” I gave her a pat on the head, hoping to reassure her that it would all go splendidly.
“That could take me hours, though! By the time I managed to get anypony you’ll be...” She stopped herself on the last bit, avoiding the obvious.
“Perhaps you should not doubt the capabilities of your Princess of the Night? I am a grand tactician when it comes to matters of this nature. My battle spells are unmatched and unheard of! There is nary a pony in Equestria who could even comprehend their complex patterns and initiative. So you may be correct in assuming the battle will be completed upon your return, but do not assume I will not place as the victor!” Each word I spoke resonated deeply within me. As far as capability went, I was the best sorceress to have graced the world in ages!
Rainfall gave me a beaming smile that nearly blinded me. “My bad, princess. Sometimes I forget I’m talking to Nightmare Moon, the epitome of the dark arts.” Her smirk looked quite innocent, but her eyes betrayed a hint of doubt. I felt her shiver again. I used a bit of magic to warm up the cave. She settled in comfortably.
“Do not fear for me. If this creature, Paradise, is destined to slay me then the most I can do is protect you, my loyal subject.”
“But Princess Luna, I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to lose you like I lost my mother. I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to be alone again. I don’t want to ever be alone. Not ever again.” I could see small tears forming in the corners of her eyes. She did not cry, however. She had too much resolve for that. Once again all I could do was comfort her.
“You are never alone, not while the Moon and the sun rise and set. No, my sister and I will always watch over you, my little pony. Always. And I promise that if you do this one small favor for me I shall make sure you are never alone. Just promise to take this message to the royal guards. Okay?” I was not exactly sure what else could be said. It would be cruel to tell this filly that loneliness is just a part of existence.
She squirmed a bit, repositioning herself. “Ok...” All she was doing was staring down at the cave floor, clearly unhappy with our current arrangement.
I looked around my surrounding one last time. The hanging pillars of rock seemed so impossible. How they just descended from the ceiling of the cave, twisting inwardly, until finally they reached their honed, formidable peak, was just so strikingly awe-inspiring and intriguing that those with a more reflective personality could not help but admire them. These stalactites and stalagmites stood brave and tall, accounting for centuries of growth. Some of them were most likely older than myself.
Some might even be older than Paradise.
“Oh my dear little ponies, I think I’ve locked onto your scent now! Why, yes, I definitely have. Just the faintest trace of a warmth spell...how foolish of you to cast a spell while I roamed about. I would expect much better tactical planning from a princess. I shall be upon the two of you in a matter of minutes now, so please make yourselves as palatable as possible. Perhaps you have some oregano? Maybe a tad of hayseed? Not to impose or anything, but I really want my first meal in who knows how many years to be tasty. Well actually, just scratch all of that, it would probably prove difficult for you to put spices on your soul...so maybe you could think happy thoughts? I always have had a sweet tooth. Then again it would probably be hard to think happy thoughts while contemplating imminent doom...so perhaps you could think neutral thoughts. Just as long as they aren’t bitter I’ll be fine. So to recap, think happy thoughts while I slowly devour your mortal souls. Also try not to think angry thoughts. Spicy food doesn’t sit well with me, not at all.”
So it not only wanted to devour our power, but our souls as well. It must use the fuel of a pony’s life-force to contain their raw magical energy until it is stable enough to be absorbed safely. Or maybe it just liked soul-food. If the former were correct then it could prove to be an advantage.
If I could not manage to best this being with my raw magical force then, perhaps, after it started to extract my aura I could retaliate. I would allow the being to extract my magic from me and go along with its plan. I could then shatter all connections with my state of being. I could end my own life. The result would, of course, leave me dead, but if the magical energy didn’t have any sort of tether than it would burst. It would implode in a rather grand moment, leaving the spirit to have to deal with the initial blast. Likely it would be vaporized. I am quite powerful, after all.
It would also destroy a prodigious amount of forestry and maybe even a bit of the land near Canterlot. This would be a last resort, naturally. I would fight with the spirit until my absolute limit had been reached. Which, if my assumptions about my opponent were correct, was entirely possible.
My mind wandered once again to the more enjoyable side of this experience. I would finally be able to face an opponent worthy of my magical prowess. Perhaps they would prove to be my equal! I could finally show my true mettle against an adversary of unknown origins and capabilities.
Nothing would be held back. Absolutely nothing. Both of us would have intent to kill, and that intent would show. I could feel the predator within me slowly coming to life. It all felt so natural and so right. Or maybe it was the feeling of the prey? Actually, I think I was a predator who has been forced to become the prey! How thrilling.
Either way, this creature would not make it past me without opposition. I would fight it with everything I had. I would die for my subjects if need be. I would-
“Alright I’m a little lost now, but I think I am honing in on you. Yes, you’re in some sort of cave. Oh dear, I hate caves. So damp and wretched. So I am going to ask you to leave your erm...quarters...and come out into the open woods. It is quite refreshing, after all! Just to feel the grass tickling your hooves and the wind blowing through your mane. I mean, fields of ecstasy are coursing through me! Of course, they would if they could; I don’t technically exist yet. So I guess I’m just assuming it feels good. Same goes for the muggy cave comments I made. Really wherever I eat you you’ll be the same so, you know, all up to you. And If you haven’t guessed by now, I am right outside the cave, soooooooo- if you need a minute or so to prepare I get it. There is absolutely no rush. Unless you don’t come out, in which case I’ll forcibly extract you using ancient magic that no living soul has borne witness to in centuries. Then I’ll tear you in half with said magic as your friend stares on helplessly, knowing that she faces the same fate. But, you know, whatever, I’m a nice malevolent spirit so I’ll give you two minutes. Does that sound doable? No response then? I will just assume that means you heard and understand everything I just said. Well anyways, I will see you soon- eh?”
I felt another unnatural shiver pass down my spine. I had dealt with threats similar to this before, most notable among them being Discord, but there was something off-putting about the way this being spoke. Its formation of words and Its tone was incredibly casual. It spoke as if it were having tea at an associates abode.
Rainfall must have been thinking along the same lines as I could feel a similar shiver pass through her body. “It’s bad enough it’s gonna kill us, but does it really have to mock us too?” Her tone of voice implied that it was a rhetorical question.
“You know the plan Rainfall. We go out there. I engage the being as quickly as possible and you make a mad dash for the woods. Get out of the forest and head straight for Canterlot castle. Inform a palace guard to let you through to my sister’s chamber. If he is obstinate utter the phrase, ‘by the wishes of the Moonlit’ and he should let you pass.” I inhaled deeply for a moment before continuing. I doubted that anypony would take Rainfall seriously considering she was a foal. I just had to make sure she had the chance to escape the forest.
“Once inside you shall be led to a set of twin doors. Go into the one bearing engravings of sunlight and other such things. If my sister is not in there then inquire as to the whereabouts of Shining Armor, captain of the royal guard. He should be able to tell you her absolute location. He’ll most likely lead you straight to her.” Shining Armor was a steadfast subject as far as loyalty was concerned.
“While in the presence of my sister and possibly Shining Armor recount the events of our encounter with this spirit. Tell them exactly where this place is. Just make a note of surrounding land marks as you flee okay? I don’t know exactly how far out from the castle we are, but do your best Rainfall, I believe in you.”
“But Princess...How do I know where Canterlot is? I mean, how do I know I’ll remember this location? How do I-” I placed my hoof over her mouth to prevent her from speaking.
“Some things are simply out of our control, young Rainfall. I cannot expect more out of you than possible, nor can I expect less out of this spirit than possible. Some things are simply cut and dry, black and white, paper-thin, cardboard matters. All we have to guide us now is pure, unadulterated luck.” I rub my wing over her back as I speak to calm her down. “Just try to remember this place, okay?”
There actually is a spell I can cast to permanently inscribe the image of the location we habituated in the young filly’s mind. I do not want to risk such a thing, though. It would be unjust and spiteful towards her. If something were to go wrong in my confrontation with ‘Everfree’ then I would not want the young filly to have such knowledge placed in her head permanently, filling her with extraneous guilt, knowing that her speed was the cause of Princess Luna’s death.
“Now then, let us emerge from this cave, tall and proud, young Rainfall. If this is to be my last moment in Equestria than I shall not let them say I was stripped of my dignity, shall I? If I am to walk out there now, it will be in a glorious moment, one you shall speak of for ages, my dear little pony.” My voice reverberated in the traditional volume of the ‘Royal Canterlot Voice.’ It felt good to finally be able to use my old language. Even in this setting.
I stood slowly and began to pace towards the shining light of the morning Moon, very aware of the petite filly on my right, struggling to keep up with my trot. She tripped herself up a few times but eventually managed a half gallop/half trot that looked quite elegant.
I had mixed feelings about what awaited me, but I knew it would be nothing like when I combatted Celestia. No, this thing has the intent to kill. Also it seems to like sadistic and mindless chatter. A facet that is quite frightening by itself, not only to mention its implications of insanity. Or at least, the facade of insanity.
There are only three components necessary for absolute chaos to ensue: power, insanity, and yearning. Those three things do not mix together very well. Paradise seemed to be the most proficient in insanity and yearning. Power remained to be seen.
“Come now, young Rainfall, history awaits us.”