Aftermath: Bonus Scenes · 2:06am Oct 28th, 2022
The fic Aftermath had a lot more scenes, but I decided to cut it down to just the essentials. However, here's one that I hope you will enjoy: The perspective of an alternate universe Shepherd. In the Nightmare Moon Wins timeline:
- - -
My Queen made me into her Black Knight. Her Magix turned me from a mere human into a living weapon. I could see in the dark, punch through steel, heal from any injury...
Yet every time I returned to this dark palace, I felt more and more tired.
I entered the throneroom, and knelt before My Queen as she sat atop her throne. I removed my helmet as she appraised me.
"Guards, leave us," she ordered. They complied, and she trotted off her throne to look down at me with a satisfied smile.
"My victorious knight returns," Nightmare Moon hissed.
"I wouldn't call losing half our forces and gaining no ground a victory, My Queen," I replied calmly. "Even now, the Allies regroup for another assault on our borders."
Nightmare Moon snorted.
"It is of no concern! All who stand in my way shall fall. It is natural for darkness to triumph over the light! What are they fighting for?"
I looked up, my scarred face staring into her green eyes.
"They are starving," I said simply, "they cannot feed themselves. Their children are dying."
Nightmare Moon snorted, and turned around. I stood up, my voice a bit stronger.
"All they ask is that you grant them the sun. Long enough to-"
"I will do nothing!"
She wheeled around, glaring death at me.
"They want the sun so badly?! They can die!"
"And what of our child? Do you wish her to die too?"
She gaped in astonishment at me. She shook her head.
"I said the discussion on that was closed-"
"Your magical solution didn't work," I argued, "she needs the sun! She's dying-!"
"I SAID SILENCE!"
Her magic lashed out, and I grit my teeth against the pain of the deep cut into my belly. It healed quickly, but the pain wouldn't stop.
Nightmare Moon turned away, and teleported back to her throne in a flurry of shadows. She didn't look at me.
"Attend to your duties, my knight," she stated.
I glared.
"I'll attend to our daughter," I growled, turning and storming out.
Sometimes, it was like I could reach her. But increasingly, she just refused to entertain any ideas but her own.
I couldn't say I loved her, our child notwithstanding. But I felt that maybe, eventually, she could be reasoned with.
I found the nursery. I squinted as I opened the door-a bright UV light was shining in here, illuminating many toys, books and drawings.
"Daddy!"
A little girl reached out from her wheelchair with a bright smile. Her body was humanoid, but her features were equine. Deep blue furry skin, a muzzle instead of a nose, and long pointy ears. Her mane, though dark purple, was curly, like my hair. And her eyes were my shade of green, too.
I stomped over in my heavy armor, and picked her up. I hugged her tightly, feeling her little heartbeat against me. She wrapped her arms around my neck, holding on as she hugged me back.
"Hey sweetie," I said, smiling warmly, "how are you?"
"Nurse Redheart made me have some yucky medicine," my daughter gagged, "and Rainbow Dash played with me!"
"I'm glad to hear it," I chuckled, sitting down with her on her bed, "I'm so glad to hear it..."
In this dark world... There was only one bright spot in my life.
Her mother never forgave me for naming her 'Dawn'... but it fit.
"Will Mommy come to see me?" Dawn asked happily. "I haven't seen her in o long!"
I held back my sigh.
"Mommy's very busy... Sorry sweetheart."
"You're busy. And you see me," Dawn whined.
I laughed softly, and nuzzled the side of her head.
"Mommy's just... A lot busier than I am..."
Dawn moped. I kissed the top of her head.
"It's okay... Let's have some fun, huh?"
Dawn brightened.
"Okay! Get the tea set ready!"
I carried her over to the tea table, and set it all up for her. She happily played, and I dutifully drank my fake tea and conversed with Mister Smarty Bear.
All the time though, my thoughts were dark.
This little patch of light contained all the happiness in my life. And even that might vanish.
I didn't know what to do... But looking down into my daughter's eyes, I knew I had to do something...
Even if it cost me my life... I would make a future for her.
This needs a full story… perhaps with Dark Knight Shepard doing what “needs” to be done and deposing a tyrant, permanently, even if it costs him his daughter’s love.
A real parent like him would do anything to ensure their child has a great a chance at life as they can provide.
That, is DEEPLY sad.
Woooah. Yea, this is a pretty epic concept.
btw, small typo: "I haven't seen her in o long!"
Either kill her mother or persuade her knowing Shepherd I would say save her
.