Deep Dark

by Dragryphon


Chapter 8 Part 2: Cordiara

Shining Armor seethed as he stalked across the Guard training grounds to the barracks. Something was completely wrong with his meeting with Celestia. Or as she called herself now, Solar Flare. Something is extremely amiss. The Princess has never ordered me to increase the Guard, at least not for these reasons. Then there’s the fact that she was hiding something about Twiley. What did Twilight do to bring her own teacher to hide her whereabouts?

“Captain!” a voice cried out, drawing his attention. In the distance, a squad of Guards trained across the grounds, while two of Shining’s Lieutenants galloped over to him.

“Yes, Crimson Shield?” Shining asked in a weary state. “Please make it quick, my meeting with the Empress has tried my nerves.”

Crimson Shield and Staggered Force slowed as they reached their Captain, their armor still pristine even in the elevated heat of the stationary sun. “That’s exactly what we wish to discuss with you,” Staggered explained, barely containing his curiosity. “What was so important that she had to shoehorn an informal meeting into your busy schedule?”

Rubbing his temples, Shining Armor grimaced. Ever since his wedding and the Changelings, he’d grown susceptible to migraines from the amount of time he’d held the shield around Canterlot. Enough stress would surely bring them on. “We need to raise the recruitment for the Guard and prepare them for training. Apparently we’re going to secure the outer provinces. If I didn’t know better, I’d say something replaced the Princess. Except...”

Crimson gasped and held up a hoof, “Wait. Wait wait wait. We’re supposed to do what? The last time we ever needed to actively recruit for the guard was over thirty years ago.” She glanced sidelong at Staggered, worried over the news. “Which means there’s more to this than she’s letting on.”

Staring past the two pegasi, Shining watched the squad practice marching in formation. “Exactly. And then I have no real proof of anything that’s happened. A couple days ago, she was the Princess. And now suddenly Princess Luna and the Elements, including my sister, are missing and she’s proclaimed herself as Empress and Luna as a rebel?”

Staggered Force shielded his eyes with a forehoof and stared into the sky. “I don’t doubt something’s happened. Except I know for sure the Empress is Celestia. Nopony else can control the sun, and our defense spells for finding if anypony in the castle has been replaced haven’t gone off.” He lowered the hoof and stared at his Captain in thought. “So what do we do?”

Shining Armor sighed, feeling the beginnings of a migraine, “What I’ve been ordered to do. We will open active recruitment. I have to stay and train the new recruits. You both, however, will go to Ponyville and find out what, if anything, they may know. Be discreet, no uniforms. We don’t need Solar Flare needing any excuses to do with us as she did Prince Blueblood. To think he’d want us to deal with a ‘disturbance caused by the same mares who destroyed the Gala.’”

Staggered and Crimson both saluted, hooves pressed against their breastplates. “Yes, Captain!” they cried in unison.

“Dismissed,” Shining barked, then turned away to walk slowly towards the barracks, a thought worming its way through his mind. Staggered Force is correct, of course. We’ve detected nothing out of the ordinary. And yet... Solar Flare obviously hid several details about Twiley. She knows something she’s not telling me.

Slipping into the barracks’ entrance, he made his way through the empty halls to his spartan quarters. Even though his rise in stature to Prince after his marriage to Princess Cadence granted him quarters within the castle, Shining prefered to bivouac with the troops under his command.

Sitting at his desk and staring at the amounts of reports, as well as imagining the work he’d have to get his new orders out, he groaned. We’re possibly looking at an invasion of the outer principalities. Or possibly some information the Empress hasn’t shared with me about one of the other nations, possibly the Griffins. Relations have always been tense with them.

Lifting the top report, Shining Armor skimmed over the latest quartermaster reports, his thoughts still going over the details from the meeting. I’ll eat my crest if Staggered and Crimson do not find something out in Ponyville. Spike keeps good track on what Twiley does, he should be able to easily give us the information.

The next scroll, and the dozen after that included the latest Guard movements as well as stations, and he barely had to read it, already knowing the plans by heart. So many things going on. Princess Luna missing, Princess Celestia’s change of name and appearance. The eternal sun hanging in the sky, and Empress Solar Flare’s claim to be the single ruler of Equestria. It’s almost like the account Twilight sent me of... Wait...

He dropped the scrolls in shock, ignoring the mess to instead race to the chest in front of his bed and throw it open. After much rustling through his belongings, Shining Armor withdrew a scroll containing Twilight’s seal. Unrolling it, he read through his sister’s writing. It’s all here. How Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon and attempted to bring eternal night. It all matches up! But then this begs the question.

If what’s happened to Princess Celestia is the same as what happened to Princess Luna, what could have caused it? Or whom?

____________________

“Ugh...” Twilight groaned as she wobbled on her hooves. “Can we never do that again, please?” Passing through the barrier knocked the unicorn for a loop, confuzzling her senses and balance.

“Be glad that’s all it did,” Nightmare Moon replied grimly, staring straight ahead. “Without my touch on you, you never would have walked through the barrier. Or maybe would have been killed by it. I’m not quite sure, yet.”

Twilight clenched her teeth and rode the wave of confusing senses, sitting down to prevent herself from falling over and ignoring the fact that her saddlebags nearly slipped off. “Great, something I have to thank you about.”

“I’m not too worried right now about that, Twilight Sparkle. I do believe there is something you should be paying attention to right now,” Nightmare responded.

“And just what exa-” the unicorn started, cracking an eye open to glance in Nightmare Moon’s direction. The scene left her speechless.

Half a hoofball field away from the mages, an immense ivy-covered wall of dark granite rose above the surrounding fields. The walls all appeared to be crafted of one pieces, as she could find no seams or any other evidence of mortar having been used. From the invisible barrier to the wall, all trees and underbrush were gone, instead leaving short-cut grass to yield line of sight on anything passing through. Sentries marched atop the walls, mere shadows in the night. Nightmare Moon took a special interest in them, narrowing her eyes in quiet contemplation.

Regaining her senses, Twilight examined the wall, noticing how it stretched in each direction. It’s a massive city! This is amazing! Standing back to her hooves, the unicorn found the ground beneath them to be cobblestone and not dirt. When did this happen!? Nightmare Moon has a lot of questions she must answer when I get the chance. I-WHA!?

Nightmare Moon interrupted Twilight’s train of thought by grasping the unicorn in the violet glow of her magic. With a powerful flap of her wings, the mare launched herself high into the air, Twilight drifting along side her with her hooves scrabbling. This is not how ponies are meant to fly! ESPECIALLY unicorns! Then, she found herself shoved atop the alicorn’s back, a precarious position if she weren’t held down by magic.

“I want a good view of what I’m supposedly meant to rule over. Stay there, don’t make a sound. I would rather not have to deal with pissed off guards.” Nightmare Moon yelled over the sound of rushing wind as her wings took them up and over the wall, bringing the continued attention of the guards, who all raised a massive cheer.

Cheering? But... why? thought Twilight as she stared downwards over Nightmare Moon’s side, uncomfortable in her position but glad she wouldn’t fall off. Turning her attention elsewhere, her eyes widened in wonder at the panorama that stretched out from beneath the flying pair.

The city below stretched out in all directions, eventually ending at the shores of an immense sea lit by the moon. The cool-colored buildings stood no more than two and three stories high and possessed few corners, accentuating their inherent beauty. Nature presided all around the houses and other buildings. Roofs were capped in ivy that flowed down the walls, while flowers of a variant unknown to Twilight glowed in the moonlight and offered a soft illumination to everything around them. Balconies held personal gardens, while at the same time, larger flower gardens grew and prospered in small yards.

Twilight’s gaze drifted over the scene beneath her as Nightmare Moon’s wings flapped, bringing them to soar above the city. “It’s beautiful,” Twilight Sparkle remarked, awestruck.

“Indeed it is,” Nightmare Moon replied over the wind whistling past. “More than I imagined. And it’s mine. Something that is wholly mine...”

Far below, ponies filled the illuminated red cobblestone streets. Many rose their heads up to glance at the flying pair, cheers rising up in their wake. All around, the scent of water lay prevalent as evidenced by the numerous fountains dotting the city landscape. I don’t think even Cloudsdale gets to see this much water!

“Where are we headed?” Twilight loudly asked.

Stabilizing her flight, Nightmare Moon leveled out and glided past crowds of ponies and their abodes. “The castle up ahead, of course. You really should be more observant Twilight Sparkle, if you’re going to be of service to me.”

Twilight blinked, realizing that she had only checked to either side of the alicorn. Peering around the side of Nightmare Moon’s head not taken up by her billowing mane, Twilight gasped in awe. The two ponies were swiftly approaching an immense castle. The buildings below became more elaborate, showing that social hierarchy stood strong even in Trelaria. Up ahead, tall walls separated the castle courtyard and various outbuildings from the rest of the city; while the castle itself, appearing to be made of the same black granite as the city’s outer walls, took up a good portion of the grounds, it was bare of the same plant growth as the city. Instead, the plants seemed to be relegated to immense gardens strewn about the grounds.

The courtyard seemed to be split into several sections. By the shapes of what Twilight assumed to be guards and soldiers drilling below, she understood a large area to be for training and deployment. Alright, what about the rest? What is with these ponies? I can barely make out a thing. Where are all the street lamps and such?

Turning her gaze to other portions of the courtyard, Twilight gasped as Nightmare Moon banked and spiraled, dropping altitude to go for a landing. Ponies flocked to the courtyard, socializing and even leaving the immense portal for the throne room and main hall. Her eyes roaming past that, she took in the details of the rest of the massive construction. Everywhere, immense towers spanned and touched the sky with lights on in many of the windows that Twilight could see.

Stop fidgeting back there! You’re throwing off my balance! It’s hard enough to fly while having to carry you around!” Nightmare angrily hissed.

Twilight started and hunched down on herself in embarrassment, “Sorry...”

Nightmare Moon snorted, continuing their descent in silence until finally she landed on the flagstones before the main entrance to the throne room. With her teeth sufficiently jarred, Twilight curiously lifted her head to peer around before she found herself unceremoniously thrown from the alicorn’s back.

“Ow! Hey!” Twilight complained, rubbing her flank before glancing up to notice Nightmare Moon studying one of the two guards stationed in front of the large doors. What...? She stood and rejoined the alicorn, studying the pony before her. The guard appeared as a pony, but... instead of regular feathers he possessed two leathery bat-like wings. Not just that, but his ears were tufted and he had dragon-like eyes. Almost like... Nightmare Moon’s!

His armor, while not as elaborate as the soldiers from the army, seemed almost fluid in its construction. While the main body of the protection extended across the stallion in segments, the breastplate itself flowed across his chest with a giant draconic eye in the center.

“Interesting” the alicorn muttered before turning away and marching through the open double doors.

Noticing Nightmare Moon’s advance, Twilight turned and bounded after her into the awaiting entrance of the castle. What awaited her within took her breath away for the second time in the hour.

Before her stretched the immense, albeit empty, throne chamber of the building. To either side of the room, large pillars of intricate design spiraled upwards into the night cloaked ceiling, while images of stars floated high overhead. Behind the pillars, vast stained-glass windows depicted what Twilight presumed to be ancient battles and deeds, and between the windows, tapestries adorned the walls showing off the same.

The floor consisted of the same black marble as the rest of the palace, except near the raised throne, where a midnight colored carpet covered the stairs leading to a mighty throne that lay empty. The throne itself was crafted of a material close in composition to polished obsidian.

It’s almost like an exact opposite of Celestia’s throne room, Twilight thought in amazement, her eyes darting about to gather all the details. Where her castle emits warmth and love, and the merit of accomplishment, this place is almost alien, cold and calculating.

Twilight, you little foal, get up here this instant and stop lagging behind. My patience with you wears thin,” Nightmare Moon barked, startling Twilight from her musing.

That comment, in addition with the anger she already felt towards her treatment, finally pushed her over the edge and she stood fast, glaring at the Moon Goddess. “Nightmare Moon, stop this treatment right now! I have had it with being treated like a filly with no clue of the world around me! You do not own me! We’re partners in this and I am not your subordinate!”

Silence reigned for a couple moments before Nightmare Moon finally replied, her words coated in ice and dagger sharp. “I see. Well, it seems that some certain unicorn has gotten it into her head to fight me.” Nightmare turned and faced Twilight across the expanse of the throne room, her eyes blazing with cold malice. “It seems I was quite wrong in believing that you have learned your place. What a delightful turn of events this will be!” As Nightmare broke out in her raucous laughter, Twilight began to doubt her position.

I think I’ve made a bad calculation on my part, she thought just as the Nightmare’s magic grabbed ahold of her and drifted her through the air to bring her face to face with the alicorn. A HUGE miscalculation!

For a short moment, the alicorn said nothing, then finally hissed, “I shall enjoy breaking you and making you mine, Twilight Sparkle. Celestia will never regain you.”

Twilight narrowed her eyes and replied, “I’d like to see you try!”

A brief chuckle escaped from the Bringer of Night’s lips and she sneered, “Exactly the response I was hoping for.”

Before Twilight could reply, the inhibitor suddenly activated, immediately shutting down her magic. At the same time, two tendrils snaked down from it and wrapped themselves around her muzzle, shutting it tight and preventing her from speaking.

Now, I-” Nightmare Moon started before she was interrupted.

From behind one of the pillars, a cloaked stallion walked toward the throne and silently unstealthed a table next to it that bore a remarkable resemblance to an intricate chess-board. In one swift movement, a grey glow enveloped a piece that strangely looked like Twilight and moved her to another place on the board.

“We’ll discuss this, later,” she hissed.

Twilight felt jarred when Nightmare suddenly released her magic and dropped the unicorn to the floor, knocking the breath from her.

“May I help you?” the midnight alicorn demanded, whirling on the intruder.

“Actually,” the pony calmly said, “I believe it’s the other way around. I am the Luminary. How may I help you, my Queen?” His voice sounded noble, with the wisdom of generations behind it.

Nightmare Moon left Twilight to recover behind her and marched straight up the stairs to instead lay her eyes on the sudden appearance of the chessboard. For several long seconds, she studied the layout of the pieces, many of them quite familiar, as they were crafted in the image of the creatures they portrayed.

Grumbling quietly to herself, Twilight joined the alicorn, dark thoughts on how to change her back to Luna going through her mind as she shed the saddlebags. What’s this chessboard about? I see... Myself, my friends... Luna and Celestia set off to the side? Well, I see Nightmare Moon taking Luna’s place, so that must mean. Her eyes scanned the board and came to rest on an alicorn with a mane of flame. No... mother... Luna was right!

“Interesting setup,” the Nightmare remarked, her eyes roaming the pieces spread out below. “I must say, quite accurate. Several sides, some pieces that seem to play multiple factions. And numerous games in progress at the same time. From the looks of it, I seem to be joining this side, I presume Trelaria, while in the act of capturing Twilight here, though in doing so, she’ll fight me. Very interesting.”

Though the Luminary’s face lay cloaked in shadow, his muzzle lay bare, a smile having never left it. “Astute observation, my Queen. I simply play the game with what information I have at my disposal.”

“Indeed. I am quite the chess player myself. Only one pony has ever defeated me. Now, I must ask,” Nightmare Moon remarked, raising an eyebrow. “This is my throne, correct, and my nation to rule? Where are we now?”

The Luminary simply bowed his head and responded, “Quite correct, my liege. The throne is yours after your re-coronation ceremony. Welcome to Cordiara, the City of Twilight.”

“Cordiara...” Nightmare Moon tested, rolling the word around. “A great name for a great city. Now, about this re-coronation of mine?”

This time, the Luminary bowed even deeper than before and his smile grew wider. “Everything is prepared, Eminence. The moment we felt your coming, the servants and Ministers prepared for your return. Your throne is prepared, as is your armor and bedchambers. We have prepared separate quarters for your...” he paused for a moment, then gave a brief chuckle. “Pet, I would believe. Do not worry, we have an assortment of garments waiting for her.”

Twilight choked and muffledly exclaimed, “MED!?” She shook her head furiously, bringing another bout of laughter from both Nightmare Moon and the Luminary.

Eyeing Twilight in consideration, the alicorn said aside to the Luminary. “I do believe I like you already. Though...” she started, turning a calculating eye toward him. “I must know. What is your real name, and what is this about armor? Is my current set not enough?”

The stallion’s smile faltered for one brief second, though Twilight believed she may have imagined it. “I meant no disrespect, my Queen. Luminary is both my name and title.” He set a studious gaze on Nightmare Moon, his motions following the lines of her armor. “I must say, though, that your... protection is quite lacking. Very little is protected, and it looks more like parade gear, or that of our guards! I must say that all our past rulers have worn this armor. After all, it amplifies their magic and strengths.”

Twilight turned away from the chessboard and ignored the conversation, her thoughts drawn inward. Stepping down the throne dais, she took one last look at the chess board. If Celestia’s a Nightmare now, what does that mean for Equestria? For ME!? I left Spike and everypony else behind in her hooves. What will happen to them?

She turned her gaze to the starred ceiling. Will Shining Armor be alright? What about my parents? What’s the constant sun doing to the environment? Oh pony feathers, what about Applejack’s farm? She barely makes ends meet as it is, what happens if her entire crop is destroyed?

The unicorn fought back tears and grit her teeth, wishing she could just finish this ordeal. And then there’s me. I’m caught between a rock and a hard place. The residents of Trelaria obviously don’t like the ‘Living’, whatever the hoof that means! And it doesn’t help that Nightmare Moon is slowly drawing me into her clutches. I keep expecting her to give me one of those choices of hers.

Turning her gaze back to the alicorn, Twilight Sparkle noticed a small army of servants, having come from two doors behind the dais, standing at attention. She dreaded when she would be given the choice. To either become the Nightmare’s in one way or another, or some other unthinkable choice.

Ugh, whatever am I going to do? If this... Cordiara is really hers, then she has an entire nation, with an army currently marching to Equestria! I have to escape to warn Celestia... or whoever she is now. Twilight paced, worry plainly etched on her face while her jaws hurt from clenching her teeth.

And even if I do escape, how will I manage to remove the inhibitor and collar? She tried calling on her magic, grunting as she placed all her effort into it. Instead, she only managed to give herself a headache with nothing to show for her effort. The inhibitor effectively blocked everything.

What if... Twilight’s heart leapt to her throat and stopped. What if she does to me what she did with that dragon? Just the thought of being in a battle against a full-strength Nightmare without not just her Element, but also her friends, made her wish to run.

Shaking such thoughts from her head, Twilight stomped the floor and glared at her slight reflection in the polish. I have to keep it together! No matter what happens, there are worse things going on right now! Erebus is still on the loose, there’s an army heading to Equestria, and we still have to find out what’s going on!

With firm resolve to see this through, Twilight Sparkle turned around and grim-facedly marched back up the dais and stood beside Nightmare Moon, her eyes wavering between her, the Luminary, and the chess board.

“Ah, just in time. I must be leaving, Twilight Sparkle. I must become ready for my re-coronation, and I wish for you to stay here and keep the Luminary company,” Nightmare Moon said down to her, noticing the mage’s presence. “He has strict orders to not allow you to leave. And believe me, you do not wish to disobey those orders.” A wide grin plastered the Nightmare’s face, proving that this may be good advice to follow.

Hmphing, Twilight watched as a large detachment of the servants lead the alicorn deeper into the castle through a rear door. Great, so now I’m left alone with some strange unicorn who has been told not to allow me to leave.

“So.”

The single word drew Twilight’s attention to him and she rose an eyebrow.

“You must be Twilight Sparkle. Nice to finally meet you. And from what I know of you, I do believe you’ll make an excellent pet for my Queen. That is, if Erebus does not simply rid this world of you first.” That same insufferable and knowing smile stayed on his face the entire time, unnerving Twilight.

EWEUS!?” Twilight tried to yell through the inhibitor. He’s working for that monster!?

A hearty chuckle rang through the throne room and Luminary set his shadowed gaze on Twilight. “Oh, yes, he and I have worked together for years. I have agreed to allow Nightmare Moon any and all knowledge that I hold regarding what’s going on.” He seemed to pause for a moment, then added, “After her re-coronation, of course. If she stays, she will bring a new age of triumph to Cordiara and all of Trelaria!”

Twilight growled and glared at him, wishing she could speak her mind at that very instant.

“Don’t think I haven’t forgotten my orders, Ms. Sparkle. Do you know what protects you from me? From all of Cordiara?”

Even beneath the hood of his cloak, Twilight could feel the heat of his gaze as she shook her head fearfully.

He jerked his head at her decorations and bared his teeth in a hostile grin. “The signs of ownership of our Queen. Believe me. Without them, and without Nightmare Moon’s protection, you would be executed as an enemy of the state.”

Her face paled, and for once, Twilight felt relief at being under Nightmare Moon’s wing.

____________________

“The captain has requested for me to inform the lot of you that you will be released into my care and escorted to Cordiara,” the Lieutenant explained, having taken Rainbow Dash and the others aside. She turned her gaze to the passing army, envious of their continuation to glory.

“Understand something; as of right now, you are prisoners of war, but you will be treated kindly because our Queen has demanded it. However, any attempts to escape or attack me will be dealt with harshly, so...” she lit her horn and dropped the chains and binds from the five mares.

“Well thank ye kindly for releasing us from tho-” Applejack started before Rainbow Dash butted in.

“Where’s Twilight!?” she demanded, flying into the air and hovering just before the Lieutenant, shoving her face into the unicorn’s. Applejack suddenly bit the pegasus’ tail and yanked her back, giving her a glare.

Even through the helmet, her face remained serene, hiding any emotion. “I presume she is with our Queen as we speak.”

“Must you be so brutish, Rainbow? Nightmare Moon said she would all need us later, presumably to fight...” Rarity glanced aside at their captor. “You-Know-Who.” She then took a few steps forward and smiled warmly at the soldier, “I must thank you for finally releasing us from those dreadful bindings, Ms...?”

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Rainbow Dash whispered to Applejack, staring at the army out of the corner of her eye. “We have no idea if she’s telling the truth!”

“No, we don’t sugarcube. But ah think we oughta at least follow her. It’s better than what they planned ta do with us.” She then stared behind her at Fluttershy quaking under her tail. “Besides, none of us know what’s going on, ah’d rather get someplace safer, and this Cordiara place sounds like where we wanta’ be.”

Ignoring the two mares talking, the Lieutenant replied, “I am Lieutenant Arcane Barrage of her Majesty’s Midnight Legion. And...” Arcane stopped for a moment to think, “Rarity, if that’s the name I remember you giving. Cordiara is far from safe for your kind. That is why you’ll be properly marked once inside.”

“Marked? My dear, whatever could you possibly mean by that? I most certainly hope it involves nothing permanent!” Rarity protested with a quirked eyebrow.

“Permanent? Ah’d like to...” Applejack began.

“I’d like to see them try! They owe me a primary! Those aren’t easy to grow back, you know!” Rainbow Dash finished in a huff.

Staring between the ponies at the passing army, Arcane Barrage simply stated, “You fought us, we fought back. Be glad a simple feather is all we took.”

“Why you-” Rainbow started before finding her mouth covered by Applejack’s hoof and one of Arcane’s blades hovering against her throat.

“Look, she meant nothing bah it. Ah think we should get going before hotter tempers break,” Applejack sweated, glaring at Rainbow out of the corner of her eye. “Besides, Ah want to get out of this forest and find someplace ta rest. And hopefully ta find Pinkie.”

“Yes... please. Can we go now?” Fluttershy whimpered, peering out from behind Applejack. “Something’s not right, all the animals are gone, and I hear no insects. It’s so... quiet.”

For a moment, nopony dared to breathe, their eyes shifting about nervously until Arcane finally removed the blade and socketed it within her armor. “We have a distance to go before we reach Cordiara. You will remain in front of me the entire way in clear view. You will speak to me only when spoken to. If I detect any amount of rebellion, I will be forced to take drastic actions.” She then crooked her head for the others to take their place ahead of her.

The four ponies shuffled warily ahead of Arcane, slowly making their way down the road while the Lieutenant took up position behind them. For all it seemed, it appeared they were marching toward the headsmare. The group made their way alongside the army, until finally all that remained were the supply carts. They stopped to pick up their saddlebags in silence, then continued onward, leaving the supply train behind.

After the army receded into the distance, and vanished, Applejack eyed their captor and leaned in to whisper to Rainbow, “Ah think we’re in a heapin’ pile of horseapples.”

“Ya think?” Rainbow Dash sarcastically replied.

“Applejack! Such language! I cannot believe that you would think things were so bad.” Rarity forcibly laughed, showing her unease. “We’re being taken to the same place Twilight is. And we’ll probably find Pinkie along the way, too!”

“Ah thi-”

“Did somepony say my name?”

Everypony started and leapt around in surprise. While Arcane drew her blades and hovered them about her in a defensive stance, the others all shouted, “Pinkie Pie!”

Staying her position and ready to attack the pink pony at any second, Arcane Barrage refused to take her eye off both her four prisoners and the new possible threat. “Is she one of yours?” she gruffly asked, ready to slay Pinkie Pie on the spot.

“Pinkie Pie, get over here now before somepony gets hurt!” Rarity demanded, sweat on her brow.

“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie Pie cheerfully exclaimed, trotting over to the others and allowing Arcane to slip her blades back onto her armor.

“Any more surprises I should be made aware of?” Arcane asked.

“Surprises? Ooo, I like surprises!” Pinkie piped up, bouncing around the mainly silent group. “Like how I know my Granny Pie is in the city ahead!”

Arcane jerked her head in the direction of the path, forcing the group of pastel equines to continue their travel, even while they all tried to get their comments in edgewise to Pinkie.

“Pinkie, where in Celestia’s name have ya been!?”

“Well, about time you showed up, Pinkie! I was thinking you’d miss the party!”

“Now Rainbow, you know we all got scattered around. Maybe Pinkie just evaded the ar- wait, did you say Granny Pie?”

“I think it’s nice that Pinkie Pie appeared. Now we just have to... gulp.. get Twilight away from Nightmare Moon... Oh dear.”

“Of course I said Granny Pie, silly!” Pinkie bounced alongside them, either ignoring their circumstances or blissfully unaware of them. “Ooo, a party? Are we throwing one for Miss Grouchypants behind us? Or, ooooo, is it for Queen Meanie? Cause I know the perfect party she needs to turn that frown upside down and then she can have punch and cake and presents and confetti in her mane and...” Pinkie continued to gabber on to the amusement of all but Arcane.

Dear Queen, does this pony ever stop talking? the soldier grumbled to herself. Not only do I miss out on the glory of battle, I must foalsit the prisoners until my Queen is ready for them. Arcane rolled her eyes and gagged at the thought of the pink pony talking on for the entire journey, but then blinked at the sudden realization, On the other hoof, I finally have a chance to learn about Equestria! And... Oooo, Captain, you sly fox, this was your intention all along. You knew of my fascination for the Living.

For a moment, Arcane possessed a hop in her step, until Rarity pointed out, “Well, darling! It seems that our company isn’t so bad, afterall. What has you so happy?”

Stupid! Arcane reprimanded herself, noticing that each of the ponies now stared at her. “What makes me happy is the thought of eventually getting to Cordiara and passing you off to an underling,” she lied.

“And yer sure it’s not that we may know things that interest ya?” Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow in consideration.

“Wha, how did you kn-” Arcane started, then spotted the grins upon their muzzles. Letting loose a potent Trelarian oath, she grumbled, “Yes, fine. I’m interested in your lands.”

Rainbow Dash laughed and tapped Applejack in the shoulder with her wing, “Nice one, AJ!”

“Indeed, that was nicely planned and-”

Arcane interrupted Rarity with a snort and barked order, “That’s it, we’re double-timing it to Cordiara! I want to see you all keeping pace ahead of me and sweating by the time we’re at the gates! Move it!” She even detached two of her blades to make a point that she was serious.

With the threat of the blades behind them evident, the five ponies broke into a canter with Arcane easily keeping stride. For a lengthy amount of time, the group of ponies strode on in silence, every so often throwing a concerned look back at Arcane.

Half an hour passed before Arcane finally yelled, “Halt!” This brought everypony skidding to a halt, with Pinkie Pie hopping over Applejack to avoid crashing into her. “We’re here, you will go no further until I have passed through.”

“Passed through? Passed through what!?” Rainbow Dash leapt into the air and crossed her hooves, evidently tiring of Arcane Barrage.

“Passed through this,” she replied, walking forward past her prisoners and through the barrier hiding Cordiara. She grinned to herself at the gasps she heard behind her. Then, while eyeing the parapets, she barked, “Come through! Stay ahead of me, make no threatening movements. You will not speak until we reach our destination.”

“Or what?” Rainbow provoked, flying through first before tumbling to the ground as the headache struck her. The others followed suit, quickly recovering from the pain.

“Or the guards will kill you where you stand. Your choice,” Arcane pointed out flatly, motioning toward the city walls and the guards stationed atop.

Peering at the wall through one eye, Rainbow’s ears flattened and she quickly glanced at the others, “Okay, I think we should probably behave and do as she says.”

“Mhm,” Applejack replied, flattening her hat to her head. “Ah agree completely.”

Pinkie Pie and Rarity nodded their heads in agreement, while Fluttershy just stared at Arcane with eyes the size of saucers. Arcane walked the distance to the gatehouse and to the guard stationed there. “I want a squad deployed to take these prisoners to a good tavern. I want them to be well protected for when our Queen will see need of them.” She glanced back at the group of huddled ponies. “Make sure they’re given the largest room, I want them all together and treated well. If anything happens to them, the Queen may see fit to dispose of us.”

“Yes, Lieutenant!” The guard saluted and turned into the gatehouse.

I do not think this will be the last time I see all of you, Arcane Barrage concluded, scrutinizing the Equestrian ponies.

___________________

Nightmare Moon sighed in content as every inch of her being was groomed to shining perfection. Every bit of dust and weariness from her journey was drained from her body at the exquisite care of her army of hoofmaidens. First, she had been lead through a series of hallways to a large chamber that appeared to be for the cleaning of dignitaries, ambassadors, and the highest classes of Cordiara.

After the delicate removal of her armor, a thorough and quite relaxing bath, and currently a finishing job of several maids brushing her coat into a luminescent sheen, Nightmare Moon did not think the day could get any better.

There is much to think about: Twilight Sparkle and her place in this matter; the Luminary and what he knows; my sister and what she turned into; those other five foals who stopped me twice before. The soon-to-be Queen of Cordiara breathed a sigh of contentment, having enjoyed the hours of grooming while her thoughts calmed and became soothed.

That can all wait for later when I have the time in my own quarters. I will deal with Twilight first. Once she is firmly beneath my hoof, then I will deal with my Luminary and his part in this, she thought, cracking an eye open to peer at the servants scurrying about. At one side of the room, a creak alerted her to the doors opening, allowing a very heavily-built unicorn entry. His magic pulled along a large mannequin coated in an elaborate armor obviously made for an alicorn.

She turned her head in interest to study the armor, only to have it forced back into position as a servant said, “Majesty, you must not move. We are not yet done with your grooming.”

Hissing with displeasure, she stared at the armor out of the corner of her eye, attempting to discern details. It was not until the stallion brought it into full view did she draw in her breath at its construction. Ebon interlocking plates with flowing edges took up the entire set, meant to draw the eyes along its entire length. All along the plates, designs reminiscent of rushing water streamed over each plate.

It helps the flow of magic! Of course! Nightmare Moon mentally deduced, already approving of the design that would in essence cover an entire alicorn’s form. The helm existed as the crowning piece of the armor set, its curves and faceplate extenuating not just the entire set, but also the mare beneath, bringing an odd malevolent beauty to both the alicorn and armor. A suit meant to show power and force, to bring fear to those who look upon it. I approve wholeheartedly!

Nightmare’s eyes widened in awe at not only the extravagant craftsmanship of the armor, but also the intricate detailing. This must have taken decades to craft! she thought in amazement.

As two of the servants brushing her chest moved to the side, the unicorn stepped forward and bowed deep before her.

“My Queen, it is the greatest honor I have ever had to present you with your vestments. I am Armored Security, craftsman of the Magismiths. I am in charge of keeping the Royal plate in top condition over the ages, as well as aiding in the creation of our armed forces’ protection,” he long-windedly explained, never taking his eyes off her hooves.

Raising an eyebrow and peering to either side, Nightmare Moon gestured for her attendants to back off. As they retreated in response and set about cleaning the area, she turned an appraising eye to the ancient suit of armor. “Is it time?” she asked the Magismith.

“Yes, my Lady,” he replied, remaining bowed, then standing and turning to stare intently at the armor. His horn lit, and for a moment, the plate shuddered, then burst apart. The numerous segments drifted through the air and hovered around the Nightmare.

Standing to all fours, the alicorn stared straight ahead, prepared to be encased within the armor. Alright, time to see just how powerful this armor really is. All at once, segments darted in and stuck themselves to her coat with tiny jolts, then melded themselves to their neighboring pieces.

Her eyes wide in surprise, the goddess felt each piece link themselves to her, their power and sensory adding to her own. Interesting, if only small parts of the armor do this, I can’t imagine what the full thing will do!

As each section connected to the rest, the Moon Goddess’ awareness increased, until finally, the armor fully encased her body, from her head to her hooves. Taking a glance to a mirror across the room, she grinned at the imposing figure that stared back. Even the open areas of the helm revealed nothing, cloaked in shadow. Except for two violet glowing orbs she presumed to be her eyes.

“You will have to be trained in the full use of your armor at a later time, of course, Your Maj-”

Nightmare twisted her head to glare at Armored Security, then spoke, “You doubt my ability to use this armor!?”

He swiftly bowed again and vigorously shook his head. “No, my Queen! I meant to say that it requires training to be able to fully use all of the armor’s features! Without knowing how to, you’d have to fumble your way to possibly devastating results!”

With a snort, Nightmare Moon finally conceded a nod. “Fine. Than what next?”

“Now,” he replied, “we await your coronation.”

___________________

Throughout the immense throne room, and even spilling out into the courtyard beyond, gathered numerous ponies of all kinds whispering to each other in a hushed silence. Today, a momentous and Trelaria-wide event transpired. Not only would Trelaria be going to war against their age-old enemies, but their Queen would return to them, too!

The Night Guards stationed at every pillar, the entrance, and even the throne betrayed no emotion, yet they were as excited as any of the hushed participants. The Luminary and Twilight Sparkle, however, displayed their emotions outright.

He with his ever present grin, and she showing her nervousness while sitting on the elegant amethyst pillow set beside the throne for her use. The unicorn constantly darting her eyes to the guards present.

Well, this shall certainly cause a ripple through Board, the Luminary thought from under his shadowed cowl. I do believe Erebus will be pleased at the change of events, thanks to Nightmare Moon’s unicorn companion. Without her, our Queen may never have returned.

He scanned the crowd, taking notice of the self-entitled “elite” of Cordiara taking up the front sections nearest the throne. Some things never change, he snorted to himself. No matter whether it’s a thousand years ago, or ten, it has always been the same. Let’s see how my Queen deals with them. It should be time.

Turning his gaze to the throne, he suffered no disappointment when, atop the dais, a great cloud of night sky formed and writhed in all directions before coalescing. In its place stood an armored alicorn with her wings extended. All across the chambers, gasps came from the lips of ponies, while Twilight’s jaw dropped open in shock.

Immediately, all across the throne room ponies bowed, some more quickly than others with the elite bowing last. Even Twilight Sparkle forced herself to bow after receiving a glare from the Luminary.

Not a bad choice for a subordinate, even if she is of the Living. She needs plenty of training, of course, but I can see her providing my Queen with plenty of amusement, he thought, his smile growing broader.

Stepping forth, he rose his hoof to the audience, bringing the gasps and hurried whispers to a halt. “My fellow Trelarians! Long have I kept our ruler’s seat ready for when one would return to claim it, and long have I sat beside it awaiting that day!” he yelled out into the crowd beyond the dais.

Raising to his rear hooves, he threw both forelegs into the air in jubilation. “For millenia have we awaited the Return, and it shall be an occasion none of us will ever forget! May I have the greatest honor possible to announce to you your Queen and ruler...” He paused, then turned to the alicorn standing in front of the throne.

Under his cowl, Luminary’s horn lit and, out of thin air, an obsidian crown took form and floated down to rest itself atop her helmet. “...Nightmare Moon,” he finished.

Nightmare Moon rose her head and pointed her horn to the night-shrouded ceiling. A great burst of violet magic burst up and struck the ceiling. In the place that struck, a full moon appeared to shine its light down onto the throne.

Her armor gleaming and the detailed lines glowing in the gentle light, the Nightmare stood straight and announced in a majestic voice, “Hear your Queen, my subjects! Never again will the night abandon you for any reason! Never again will you walk alone through the fields of twilight! And never again...”

Nightmare Moon paused for one moment and narrowed her eyes, “...will the day ever hold us back. Let the Night stretch out across the land with its loving embrace!”

“Trelaria, I am home to stay!”

Amidst the intense cheers of the masses, a loud cackling laughter broke over the gathered ponies while lightning and thunder arced across the night-shrouded ceiling.

And while everypony celebrated, the Luminary could see Twilight out of the corner of his eye hunkering down on herself in worry.

Oh, yes. Erebus will be so very pleased...

END CHAPTER 8


(A/N) I’m so sorry for this taking this long to get released! I’ve had real life going on, the release of various games, lack of want to write, and then just plain forgetfulness all working against me! Either way, this is my longest chapter yet, with the next chapter another interlude that should explain more. (Without all the comedy of Interlude 1, I should say.) (Not if I can help it) Either way, I should be releasing chapters more often now, so be prepared!

Behind the Scenes (in Pink!)

Right, so sorry for a lack of shenanigans in the behind the scenes, folks. Real life sucks acorns, and I haven’t been in this doc for any more than editing. So I’m just going to leave this clip and be on my way.

Armored Security, huh? Would have sucked if he had failed as a smithy and had to, I dunno, wash dishes at a pub or something. Awkward...