//------------------------------// // Chapter 11 // Story: Journal of a DJ // by XyroX //------------------------------// After a short hoofpath we reached the cave Luna had mentioned. Actually, it didn't look like an ordinary, naturally cave at all. The entrance used to be covered with a thick door, but it lay a few steps away in the dirt, covered by moss all over. The soldiers Luna had sent here before where waiting in front of the entrance. “This must be the place Nick is hiding, and where he was while the nuke detonated. In this bunker he must have been totally save, who knows how deep it's under the surface? It's too dark to spot the rear wall of this corridor, or anything else inside.” “Don't worry, sister. I know you don't like the darkness as I do, but I also know that nopony will be able to withstand the combined power of us and the Elements of Harmony. Not even Discord and Nick. I'm not even sure this Nick is really powerful, he just has his little toys. They are no thread to us.” Luna tried to encourage her older sibling, but this wasn't necessary. Celestia maybe was a bit nervous, but she wouldn't back down until our task was fulfilled. “Alright everypony, this will be the day of our ultimate victory against Discord. Stick together and distract all of the clones so we and the elements will be able to take up battle against Discord. This time there will be no turning into stone, there will be no chance to rehabilitate. This time, we will end it, once and for all.” The dark alicorn finished with an evil smile and was just about to enter the bunker, but Celestia held her back and turned to me. “Vinyl, I know I told you to stick by my side, but... I know what Nick did to you. If you see a chance to get him, I'll allow it. But listen close; if there is any danger to you, you back up, remember that you aren't experienced in battle. And if you really get your hooves onto him... don't deal too much damage. I can imagine the things you want to do to him, but we need him alive. Do you understand that?” I nodded, though I wasn't sure how I would be able to do anything but trying to not get myself killed if I really get involved into any combat. But if I really would be lucky enough to get a free moment with Nick, maybe even alone, away from the others... I kicked his butt once, and I'll do it again. Nick isn't strong, he always was the nerdy type of pony, not very sporty. The only thing he could do was tackling me with his horn or use his magic to throw something at me, but that wouldn't be too hard to dodge. Plus, I didn‘t think he‘d actually try to hurt me, after what I knew he still wanted me living for his insane plans, and after that to rule over Equestria with him. I was sure that wouldn‘t happen, no matter how the fight would end. Discord wouldn‘t just let Nick take control over the kingdom once Celestia and Luna are defeated. The Princesses entered the bunker system and I followed them immediately, the elements behind me. Guards were in front of us and behind us to secure us all, but for a long time nothing happened anyway. We just kept walking, slowly and carefully though, but Luna headed the way determined. I had no doubt she knew exactly where she was going. Every unicorn used his or her horn to lighten the way in front of us, but Celestia’s horn let them all look like little torches right next to a huge bonfire. Luna’s horn was the total opposite, though it was glowing just a bit darker than her sisters, the light she spread seemed like the light of the full moon, giving all the contours and edges a silvery shimmer. It was creepy and beautiful at the same time. After a few minutes the dark alicorn stopped. She turned around and spoke as quite as she could. “We’re almost there, Nick and Discord are in a small hall right around this corner. Dim your lights, everypony. We probably don’t have the element of surprise on our side, I’m sure Discord already tracked us. I want everypony to look after their wingpony, and remember what you all have to do. The elements will come with me and my sister. And you,” she turned around and looked at me. “You just try to stay out of trouble and sniff out Nick if you can. If you find him, you know what to do.” She winked, and I was sure she wasn’t as squeamish as her sister about Nick’s condition when they get him. In general, Luna seemed to be a lot more excited than her older sibling. She really was looking forward to throw herself into battle with Discord again, proving Equestria that she really isn’t Nightmare Moon anymore. I nodded and smirked. “Well then. Let’s do this!” Luna turned around and let out a deafening war howling while she charged around the corner. The guards joined the battlecry and followed her, and soon I was the last on to enter the hall. I hurried to stick to the rest of the troop and dashed around the corner.