//------------------------------//
// Chapter XIX: Minutes to Midnight 
// Story: The Clockwork Consequence 
// by Michy 
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Chapter XIX: Minutes to Midnight


Chapter 18 Recap: The consequences of Princess Nightmare Moon's actions have become realized, as an arcane storm of torrential proportion has begun to encircle Canterlot City. Is this an inevitable result of the alicorn who's coming was foretold or something far worse? As the very fabric of reality starts to distort, those who're able to bare witness to such an event begin to question the possibility. But choices have already been made and sides have been taken, and the path to the future may already be set in stone.





How many years has it been Twilight Sparkle? How long have I been waiting? Aha ... not that it matters really. A spherical purple mist drifted through a mirage of Equestria, a world of memories and festering emotions once long forgotten. It hung over black clouds which were common in this place. Where it was going could be anypony's guess, but it seemed to have a set destination in mind. Suddenly the mist stopped in its tracks as below it caught sight of a figure more distinct in appearance. An actual pony soaring the skies. Ah, there you are.

The pony flying was none other than the smaller sapphire alicorn from some time ago, still wearing a brown cloak over her figure. She stopped upon a black cloud herself and looked towards the thunderous skies of this realm which were abrupt with violent thrashing lightning. It reached miles across the deserted wastes of this world, to the point of being specks in the distance. "This ... this isn't right. What is all this?" Her eyes were wide as she tried to decipher what was happening and what could be the cause behind it all. Such magic is unheard of, who could possibly be capable of this? It's torrential ... overflowing! I must stop this somehow, I have to! I-If I don't then..

Suddenly appearing before the sapphire alicorn on a cloud across from her was the spherical purple mist. "I found you Princess."

The sapphire alicorn flinched as she immediately backed away and gritted her teeth. "Ugh!" Truly? Now of all times!?

The purple mist responded with a loud sigh. "No need to be so melodramatic Princess. We may not see eye to eye but as it is now, we both have bigger things to attend to. Me most of all. It seems our little warden has perished, and my host has awakened. Isn't it nice?"

The sapphire alicorn revealed as a princess cocked a brow. The Tantabus? H-He's gone? For some reason the alicorn found herself glancing down with a saddened gaze and subtle frown. Yet no words accompanied her expression, as her thoughts were silent as well. What was this crushing sense of guilt that she felt from such news. But she did not let the thoughts linger long as she looked back to the ball of purple mist in suspect. It would make sense why there is such an unbalance in the world of dreams. But how did this particular Nightmare Essence know the cause? Unless ... "Who is your host? A new creation of myself? What has Nightmare Moon been scheming? Tell me."

The purple mist let off an amused chuckle. "And after everything you've done why should I? Don't act so high and mighty Princess, you're not so special. I only decided to share this information with you because I felt like it ... and as much as I wish it wasn't so I do owe some part of my own existence to you. So I also felt I should repay that debt once and for all. But for now, you'll be listening to me."

The alicorn glared at the ball of purple mist. "Listening to some Essence of Nightmare ... quite the sense of humor."

The purple mist ignored the insult. "Well seeing as my host is responsible for this sudden rift, I would say it isn't much to ask."

The alicorn's eyes went wide with confusion. "You belong to the one responsible for this?" She swiped a hoof, "Who is it!? Tell me!"

But the purple mist could only chuckle lightly. "Does it trouble you Princess? Seeing how all your decisions have accumulated into this? The world has been rocked and ravaged by your choices, that much is obvious. Perhaps you're better off just listening, you think? Even if I were foolish enough to give you the name of my host, what would you do in the face of such magical potential? This world now thrives on what you've created whether you like it or not. And perhaps, that isn't such a bad thing? If only we all relied on such honesty." She paused. "I do welcome the idea of raw pony emotion. Now if you don't mind, I really must get going. We're running awfully short on time..."

The alicorn gritted her teeth again in frustration as she just glared at this Nightmare Essence in annoyance. "Can't you see that's the problem you all possess!? You mistake generosity for dishonesty, friendship for foolishness! You cannot see the other side of things at all!"

The purple mist took a moment to respond. "Can you blame us Princess? Afterall, you and your sister never saw our side did you?"

The alicorn bit her lower lip and lowered her head with an irritated huff. "Tch ... what nonsense."

The purple mist continued. "There are some precious individuals of my host that you'd do well to protect. For if anything happened to them, let's just say that things might not bode well for any of us. Are you getting the gist of what I'm saying yet dear little Princess?"

The alicorn calmed herself to listen well to the Nightmare Essence before her, for she felt it would be best at this point.

The purple mist chuckled again. "Even I'm acting out of my own well being. My host is far scarier than anypony realized. So it is up to me to mend the wounds your reckless Nightmare self has left. After that's done, I can only hope it's enough to bring a calm to the storm."

The alicorn became desperate as she snapped at the Nightmare Essence. "You stay away from her! Whomever she is you mustn't become involved with her life! Don't you understand you can only make things worse!? Nothing good comes from your kind! Nothing!"

The purple mist let loose a hysterical laughter. "Ahahaha! Self reflecting now are we?"

The alicorn flinched and trembled with annoyance as she glanced to her lower right, riddled with guilt and contemplation.

The purple mist disappeared with a brief remark. "Princess, now is not the time for regret, that comes later. In the end you created us, and you'll always carry the weight of that consequence. But maybe you should take the time to realize, it's not all so black and white..." 

The alicorn now stood absently upon the cloud, lost in contemplation. But as she stood there she found herself actually considering the Nightmare Essence's words. She grumbled, "And how am I supposed to protect these individuals from inside here genius?" She was more in a way talking to herself out of frustration at this point rather than the actual target of it. She closed her eyes with a huff when suddenly the mirrored version of Canterlot City below her became wrapped in a large magical barrier. The alicorn immediately became panicked as she shook her head. "Wait, what!?" She rushed down now, attempting to penetrate the barrier as she ran her hooves over its violet surface. "What is the meaning of this!?" She snarled yet again and began banging on the barrier in further annoyance. "Hey!"

But the same voice of the Nightmare Essence echoed in her mind then. Do not trouble yourself Princess. I am simply taking precautionary measures for the well-being of the ponies now trapped here. Look to the wastes. The alicorn actually looked down towards the barren wastes of this world to where she saw fragments of nightmares attempting to gain entry into the city but unable to do so. The alicorn appeared quite perplexed not by the fragments she saw, but more so the insight of the Nightmare Essence who spoke to her, to which it continued. The little warden's demise has rid us of some of our world's restrictions. This small window of time will allow me to create an opening. Suddenly a massive tear in the sky opened as the alicorn looked up at it in complete and utter shock. You can finally go home.

But it was at this point the alicorn shook her head, as the winds caused from the sudden opening caused her darker blue mane to flail about as she shook her head in uncertainty. "N-No! No I cannot! Just how daft do you think I am!? I'm stuck here just as you are! Are you trying to get me lost between dream and reality!? You and I both know as long as you're linked to another pony then only one can be in-"

The voice continued to speak in her head, interrupting. Which you aren't Princess. Now go through.

The alicorn continued to protest. "You ... You couldn't possibly know that! Who do you think you are!?"

The Nightmare Essence went on to speak nonchalantly. Princess, for years you have avoided the gaze of your Nightmare self, Princess Nightmare Moon ... but did you truly believe this entire time she wouldn't be seeking a way to detach herself from your existence completely? It is no secret among us Nightmare Essence that you have managed to hide yourself here for a prolonged period of time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to take back what is yours. She paused. But neither has Nightmare Moon let herself grow distant from the aspect of making her dreams of total control a reality, in every regard. Despite the risks, you must go through Princess, our time is too short... 

The alicorn shut her eyes tight before slamming one hoof upon the barrier. "Fine! Fine fine fine! I will trust you!" She looked towards the sky as she spoke. "But tell me this! How could you possibly know all these things!? How do I know you're truly on my side!?"

The Nightmare Essence continued. You're not the only one who has been waiting years for a simple chance Princess. All it takes is one moment for a dramatic shift in the balance to occur. For years I too have waited for something, anything to come my way that'd allow me to connect with my host. It is only by pure unadulterated logic I can see that by not helping you, it could have dramatically negative consequences on my part. Don't misunderstand me. She paused yet again, I'm on my own side. I only wish to ensure my success. There was a sudden more serious shift in her tone. As for how I know what I know ... perhaps your sister would have surely noticed had things gone differently, but she and you, are not the only special ponies in Equestria. With no guiding mentor to temper the overflowing magic of my host, I have so graciously decided to take up this task myself. My host's natural talents and her genius, are also what aid me in growing.

The alicorn gritted her teeth as she glared upward. "So that's how it is. From the beginning you've seen the dormant power that lies in whomever your host is! You only want control! You're just as pitiful and selfish as Nightmare Moon! You only want to be a tyrant!"

There was a long silence then before the Nightmare Essence continued. You're wrong Princess, tyranny is not a part of my agenda. For jealousy and lack of control were not the basis for my host's stream of negative thoughts. Can't you see what it is I'm trying to achieve?

The alicorn raised a brow towards the skies, still listening with a now perplexed expression.

I feel no overwhelming desire to rule over others, as Nightmare Moon wishes. I want my host to only realize her untapped potential, to drown herself in it. I want her to know she has what it takes to stand on her own four hooves. I want to work with her to change her world, and to ensure she realizes she is free to do anything she desires, should she so choose. I want her to use me, control me, to the fullest extent.

The alicorn's expression sunk in suspicion as she turned her head slightly. "You ... You wish to nurture her?"

Yes, I wish for us to become one, wholly confiding in one another. I want her to lean on me for support. Can't you understand that yet Princess? There was a hint of adoration in her voice at the proclamation. I want what you and your sister, once had for each other.

The alicorn's eyes tightened as she was left speechless by the idea. What kind of Nightmare Essence is this?...

The Nightmare Essence regarded her one final time. Until next time, Princess Luna.

The alicorn named as Princess Luna only continued to look upward with that stunned look before she noticed the rift in the sky of this corrupted world was closing. The Nightmare Essence no longer spoke to her and it was at this point she had to choose what to do before it was too late. She felt her confidence slipping due to all the mistakes her past decisions had caused and so she closed her eyes tight, spread her wings and shot further up into the skies. As she zipped and soared through the air, Nightmare Fragments below all watched, roaring in incoherent gibberish as they all bared appearances of twisted and hulking monstrosities. Princess Luna opened her eyes as she reached the open rift in the sky and braced for whatever was to come after entering. She flew right into it, and was then hit with a white blinding light.





Failure ... that was all Captain Dash was feeling, an overwhelmingly crushing sense of it. As she stood there upon the clouds bathed in twilight, she saw signs of the rising sun in the distance. What have I been doing all this time? Captain Dash seemed almost petrified still with fear as she stood there blatantly in shock. For her to arrive here and now? Am I just some cogwheel being turned as it should? The words echoed in her head again ... Princess Nightmare Moon's eternal and heartbreaking mockery. That everything here ... was truly beyond her. I refuse to accept it. I will never accept it. Captain Dash now stared blankly ahead. "We all still have a mission to accomplish."

But surrounding them, despite signs of a new day slowly but surely beginning to emerge, torrential winds blew while rain and thunderous clouds roared beneath them. The weather was unnatural in every form and whatever light had expanded within the city down below had started to diminish. For the others present, all of them knew that whatever was causing this was something that far outreached all their capabilities. How each of them felt about it however, varied. Lieutenant Dust in particular, regarded Captain Dash as if she'd gone mad. "Are you insane Dash!? The Princess just resorted to using a mass sleep spell and suddenly this all went to hay! It's over! If that really is the alicorn, we need to go back and regroup with the others back at the castle! With the Princess raising the sun, even she's out of the loop!"

Captain Dash over the sound of the roaring winds didn't change in expression or demeanor. She remained silent.

Lieutenant Dust swiped a hoof. "We need to leave! You're hurt, I'm hurt! What do you think we can do in this state!?"

Captain Dash was still silent as she seemed lost and absent from the scene, simply peering blankly ahead still.

Lieutenant Dust continued. "Don't you get it!? This is already beyond us Dash!!"

And Captain Dash flinched as she now made eye contact with Lieutenant Dust and only squinted ... in both shock and disgust.

Fleetfoot still had Marble on her back as they both only observed silently for now. But even Fleetfoot noticed something was off about Captain Dash ... something which left her feeling uncomfortable. She eyed her both wearily and cautiously, uncertain of what to think.

And suddenly, becoming clear in all the chaos was the distinct sound of broken sobbing. "I can't do this anymore."

The mood had changed for everypony besides Captain Dash, who looked back at Corporal Cloudchaser with sudden annoyance.

Corporal Cloudchaser was upon the cloud trembling as she shook her head. "How much more does she expect us to give? All this fighting and for what Captain Dash? There's always more. The changelings, the shadow in the north, the alicorn, t-there's always just going to be another that threatens her." Tears now streamed down her cheeks as her mane fluttered with the winds. "And another and another. But does she even care Captain Dash? Did you even care when you realized only you and I made it up here?" She looked over and up at her ... desperate for an answer as she gripped her lance. "Or when you realized Flitters is still down there? Have you even realized it Captain?"

But Captain Dash had barely a response, followed only by a huff of fair disappointment. "How selfish are you Corporal?"

Corporal Cloudchaser's expression sunk dramatically, obviously shocked by her response.

Captain Dash continued with another squint. "They all were loyal to their cause. Why should I care about anything other than that?"

Lieutenant Dust cut in then, now with a conflicted look of her own. "Is that why you didn't tell us about Tantabus?"

Captain Dash immediately glanced back over at Lieutenant Dust. "Tantabus?" 

Lieutenant Dust glanced back down at the surface of the cloud. "Surprised that I know? Well at this point you shouldn't be, considering how dangerous he was. So why would you possibly ignore him while not making him an utmost priority to deal with? Then I started to consider the possibility that it didn't even matter to you unless the alicorn was taken care of which isn't unusual considering the circumstances. But tell me Captain Dash," she paused and closed her eyes before exhaling and looking back to Dash seriously, "Deep down did you decide at some point we didn't matter anymore as well? That it was worth it as long as you succeeded in restoring your image to the Princess? Because that's not the leader I signed on with. That's not the leader any of us signed on with. That pony is only a stranger to me."

Captain Dash leaned her head back with an amused smirk. "What's all this mushy rubbish coming out all of a sudden ... Lieutenant?"

Lieutenant Dust remained steadfast and serious in her approach. "Answer the question Dash. Was it even tonight?"

Captain Dash flinched as she raised a hoof to her forehead in frustration. "This is ridiculous ... what sort of joke is this?"

There was a heavy silence between them even amidst the sounds of the storm.

Captain Dash lowered her hoof slowly as she sneered at Lieutenant Dust in contempt. "You're my subordinates ... are you not?"

And Corporal Cloudchaser burst as she rose to her rear hooves and gripped her lance with both fore hooves! It immediately was covered in thick rapid air which moved in a circular motion, a wholly focused tornado in its own right. Not even a second later Corporal Cloudchaser focused it on Captain Dash as she let off a violent cry, lost in the flurry of the moment as she didn't hesitate ... and swung.





Twinkleshine's eyes were closed as she kept her head covered with both forehooves. Everything was so quiet to the point where she was actually frightened to find out why. But her curiosity got the better of her as she slowly opened them and raised a brow. Her eyes widened exponentially as she found that she and a small band of others were secluded in a strange sapphire bubble. Everything felt still and suspended from time. Twinkleshine's gaze only wandered a second more before she focused back on the pony responsible who stood in the center. It was none other than Minuette again who despite her current condition, still attempted to assist them in all this. "Minuette?"

Minuette stood as she glanced around with disappointment. Only a slim few were protected by her spell as the last of her magic sizzled and popped from her horn. Her already frail body trembled still as she crumbled back down to her belly and looked emptily towards the pavement. "I feel no traces of magic inside me Twinkleshine. I can't help our cause anymore." The sapphire bubble surrounding them vanished as she eyed what few of them were remaining. Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, a small number of Nightmare Guards, Celestial Defenders and citizens. She was tired and unable to push on anymore. "And now because of me ... all these ponies are a part of this."

The sounds of the abrupt and sudden arcane storm poured in around them. Whereas some of the citizens were still in shock, even the Nightmare Guards. Though strangely enough the Celestial Defenders kept their composure, as if they knew they had to. Almost immediately those who did have friends and family nearby whom were unable to be protected from the spell ... went to their aid in a desperate attempt to wake them, of course to no avail. Minuette was lost in this broken atmosphere, taking it all in as her responsibility. "I failed everypony here."

But Twinkleshine was having none of it. "That's enough! Shut your muzzle!" She pressed forward as best she could, still wounded from earlier as her trots were paced to say the least. She glanced around at those distracted and immediately raised her voice exponentially to start issuing demands. "Those of you who're willing! Gather any you can and get them on the train! We don't have time to sit here and cry about what's happened!" She glared at the Nightmare Guards, "And you idiots. If even after this you can't see how heartless your princess is and realize she needs to be stopped, then you might as well throw yourselves off a ledge for all I care. You can help us, or just disappear."

The Nightmare Guards glanced at one another before lowering their heads in reluctance, none of them were able to say anything.

Twinkleshine glared at them. "Or you can stand there and say nothing. That's fine too."

"Minuette! M-Minuette!" Lemon Hearts sobbed, whimpering like a filly as she rushed to Minuette and embraced her fondly.

Minuette was still a bit dazed from it all as she laid there on the ground, but felt Lemon Hearts embrace nonetheless. She tried to raise her hoof to return that embrace but couldn't, so only rested her white maned head upon her shoulder, still in guilty admittance.

Lemon Hearts stroked Minuette's mane as they were starting to become drenched from the rain. "Twinkleshine! Please..."

Twinkleshine glanced over and down at both Lemon Hearts and Minuette in silence.

Lemon Hearts continued as her face turned into one of pure desperation. "W-We have to get her out of here. She's so cold and frail, she's trembling. Minuette ... M-Minuette." She leaned back to get a good look at her, staring her in the eyes. But Minuette was unresponsive as she kept her gaze tiredly upon the ground. Lemon Hearts returned to embracing her tightly. "She's not saying anything! She needs to rest!" She stroked Minuette's now longer mane, before using telekinetic magic to drag over a stray lance, and quickly slice it short. "Now!"

Twinkleshine's brows furrowed as she glanced around again at those who remained and then up towards the sky. This storm is unnatural, it's not the work of some pegasus. Was it caused by the Princess' spell? She looked back to Lemon Hearts and nodded. "Okay." Before focusing back on those who were still around. "Did you not hear me!? Move it! Get on the train now! We need to leave!"

Some who remained looked to Twinkleshine and tried to bury their grief and frustration with the situation. While others whom were less complacent ignored her and continued attempting to believe in a miracle that would wake their friends and family. It was something Twinkleshine knew was out of her control at that point. What words could she say to possibly sway such festering emotions? She closed her eyes briefly with a sigh, before deciding to press on. Those who would listen would do so, the others were beyond her help. 

Other Celestial Defenders hurried to help both Lemon Hearts and Minuette to their hooves, and immediately began making their way for the train. Twinkleshine followed after Minuette and Lemon Hearts as she was awfully silent the entire time. Though most assumed it was due to the fact that she too was in bad shape due to the conflict with Captain Dash from earlier. However, as they boarded the train and took time to ensure that those who would be choosing to leave this city from this point were on, Twinkleshine focused particularly on Lemon Hearts as the train doors started to close. "Lemon Hearts." Twinkleshine glanced around at the passengers on the train and noticed a few of the Nightmare Guards had indeed decided to join them, which left her skeptical. "Get Minuette to you know who, she'll take care of her."

This left Lemon Hearts puzzled as the train started to move, and she glanced back. "Twinkleshine, why're you talking as if you're not going to be there with u-" and it was in that moment she immediately noticed Twinkleshine was no longer on the train with them. Lemon Hearts heart sank as she hurriedly looked to the left outside the window as the train started to move and Twinkleshine stood outside it on the platform, waving at Lemon Hearts before turning away from her to trot off. Lemon Hearts shook her head in distress. "Twinkleshine!?"

But Twinkleshine ignored her, continuing to trot away as if she couldn't hear Lemon Hearts obvious cries. 

The train was now picking up speed as Lemon Hearts cried out to her again. "Twinkleshine! Get back on here! Twinkleshiiiiiine!"

Twinkleshine remained steadfast as she pressed forward, allowing the train to depart in the distance. Even as it did so, she heard Lemon Hearts cry out her name, up until the point it faded. Twinkleshine then made her way into a certain booth, to where she found a bunch of comic books, games, and coffee laying about. She raised a brow momentarily in confusion, before shaking her head and shoveling through the stuff to a control panel up towards the front, and pressing a few buttons. "A quick adjustment of the tracks." She smiled with half-closed eyes, "Stay safe Lemon Hearts, I know you can do this." She then made her way back out of the booth and into the storm, focusing on the distant city ahead. Why am I doing this? I know it's pointless but still ... why do I still cling onto the hope that it isn't?





Meanwhile at the castle on the outskirts of Ponyville, Lady Rarity was filled with profound anger as she stood there quivering beside the throne. As she stood, it appeared as if she were even having trouble catching her breath, when suddenly a band of Nightmare Guards burst through the castle doors urgently. But Lady Rarity ensured to be the first one to speak. "Where is Captain Dash!? Get her in here!"

But one of the guards shook his head worriedly in response. "Lady Rarity ... none of us are able to find her."

And another guard added onto that. "S-Some stated she was seen departing towards Canterlot some time ago."

Lady Rarity glanced back at them with a quick snap. "What!?" She took some time to exhale and calm herself, before lowering her head. "What of Captain Jack? Did any of you by chance attempt asking her if she knows anything regarding Captain Dash's whereabouts?"

The guards all looked at one another hesitantly before one sighed and spoke. "W-We ... We cannot find her either Ma'am."

While one guard added on. "We received word from one of the pegasus guards that her elder brother, Sir Macintosh, informed them that Captain Jack had gone to address some urgent errands that came up. S-Something to do with unexpected ration shortages? M-Ma'am..."

Lady Rarity looked upward desperately, as she soon ran a hoof down her face. She turned with stride and immediately began trotting down the steps from the throne. "Well since nopony knows where anypony is, I might as well leave too hm!? Disappear without a trace!?"

One of the guards responded with panic, pleading towards Lady Rarity. "B-But Lady Rarity! We, we need your input! Please!"

Lady Rarity rolled her eyes as she groaned. "Ugh! I'm kidding, don't take it to heart imbecile!" She tapped her lower muzzle with a hoof before glancing over at them seriously. "Dispatch all we have to Canterlot's borders, I still want that city secured and prepared. But nopony is to enter the city whatsoever until proper safety measures are met!" She went into a quiet mutter, "It seems even after such dire efforts, we still have much to worry about." She looked ahead again, "Most importantly, the press are to be informed this is all a result from the alicorn understand? If anything, their involvement is to be kept at a minimum until we're sure we have everything under control. No crazy or ridiculous stories." She swiped a hoof at them in an urgent manner, "And find me Captain Dash! Find her now!" She huffed tiredly.

The guards all saluted Lady Rarity with swift response and hurriedly made their way back out the castle doors.

Lady Rarity raised a hoof to her forehead, obviously stressed as she looked down at that hoof. Dash you rabid dog ... serves you right if you got yourself caught in that spell you reckless foolish pony! But I need you now! Lady Rarity began trotting back and forth in deep thought. I am a laaady, I don't have time to deal with your troops! Ugh, I do not have time for any of this! She stopped in place and exhaled again. She made her way out the doors to the grand sight of Nightmare Moon's military force in just this area, in a hurry to organize themselves and execute Rarity's orders. Besides, those two should be more than fine enough for the time being. She looked up towards the mountain leading up to Canterlot. That strange light has long since died down, but we still mustn't take any chances. We have to prepare... 





A grave silence permeated as tension between the group high within the clouds as Captain Dash had managed to crouch momentarily before getting swiped by Corporal Cloudchaser's lance. She was ducked and in shock, unable to fathom the idea her own soldier would do something such as this. Seconds were necessary to process it, as she had locked eye contact with Corporal Cloudchaser and just stared at her blatantly. "D-Did you just?" She couldn't even utter the entire question she wished to relay, and had to try again. "Did you just attack me?"

Corporal Cloudchaser trembled, but not with fear ... still with pure rage. She said nothing as she bit her lower lip and kept that lance raised, her emotional drive from earlier quickly fading as she only breathed heavily and glared at Captain Dash. There was bitter contempt in her stare, not an emotion she often showed to others. She glared plainly at Captain Dash, also refusing to take her eyes off her. "Yes, I did..."

Lieutenant Dust couldn't even believe what she was seeing. But it didn't take her as long to realize the aftermath which would follow because of it. She immediately reached out to the two to try and alleviate the situation. "D-Dash!? Cloudchaser! Wait! You both are being-"

But Captain Dash turned with a piercing roar, immediately seizing Cloudchaser by the throat and slamming her against the surface of the cloud. "You just attacked me!? Me!? Your superior!? After everything that's happened you'd rather attack me!? Are you crazy!?" But Cloudchaser said nothing to Captain Dash, and just continued to glare at her, but eventually had to look away because even Captain Dash's intimidation was starting to overwhelm her. Captain Dash closed her eyes halfway. "This is the cost we make Corporal! Has your sensitivity blinded you from that!? Do you think I have time to care!?" There was a slight tremble in Captain Dash's voice. "Do you think I don't?"

And it was that tremble that caused Corporal Cloudchaser to look back up at her in suspicion.

Captain Dash's face was drenched by rain, so it was hard to distinguish if she were actually crying. However, her expression gave no hint to her doing so. It was cold, tired, and dark. She only looked down at Corporal Cloudchaser as if she were a lost cause. "Well ... maybe you'd be right then. At this point? I'm not even sure myself." She rose, before using her back hoof to kick Corporal Cloudchaser right across the face, forcing her to relinquish her lance to which Captain Dash retrieved for herself. She glanced back at Lieutenant Dust coldly. "Fetch." Captain Dash pointed the lance straight at Corporal Cloudchaser before releasing a blast of air at the joint between both her wing and torso, also shooting her straight off the cloud and plummeting down. Captain Dash seemed absent of emotion, as she regarded Lieutenant Dust with no words, and simply flew straight upwards, higher into the sky for no stated reason. She was giving them little to no time to react.

Lieutenant Dust screamed out to Corporal Cloudchaser in panic. "Corporal!" She gritted her teeth in dismay before preparing to fly down. But to her surprise, it wasn't even she who reacted the most swiftly, as already zooming past her was Fleetfoot, still with Marble on her back. Time seemed to slow in that moment as instantaneously, Fleetfoot regarded Lieutenant Dust with a nod as she'd swiftly dived downward to retrieve Corporal Cloudchaser as best as she could. Lieutenant Dust then went back to focusing on Captain Dash. "Dash..."

Captain Dash had to stop upon an even higher cloud for despite her skill, she was still gravely injured upon one wing. Captain Dash overlooked Corporal Cloudchaser's lance still with half-closed eyes. Wind based. Makes sense. She fastened the lance on surrounding clouds before slowly rotating it in a circular motion. Her motions were masterful and perfected, resulting in a perfect process as the storm and arcane clouds below her started to amass into one giant form. It writhed and popped with lightning in some areas as the further Captain Dash continued to push the process, the more violent it became. Captain Dash glanced briefly at the large mountain looming over Canterlot before looking back down at the city itself. I don't care what it takes at this point alicorn. She paused. I will bury you with this city if I have to.





Fleetfoot and Marble descended back down towards the heart of the East District, Fleetfoot all the while gritting her teeth and attempting to remain as focused as she could despite the rain hitting her face, to catch up with Cloudchaser. "Hold on tight Marble!" 

Marble kept her eyes closed as she continued to cling to Fleetfoot, both forehooves wrapped around her neck. "Mhm!"

Fleetfoot's expression became more stern as she closed her eyes tight and let her wings stretch back, before releasing a mighty powerful flap downward. She surged forward in her descent, picking up massive speed and catching up to Cloudchaser. "Come ooooon!" As they came within mere feet of one another, she spread her own forehooves to snatch Cloudchaser into a hug as they'd came upon the surface not long afterwords and Fleetfoot knew it was too late to slow her descent. She snarled, bracing for impact and preparing to simply slam herself against it first. But in that instant, Marble had swiftly used her own weight to shift their positioning over as she was now the one facing the pavement. Fleetfoot snapped in reactive worry, "Marble!" But with a serious gaze, Marble stretched out merely one forehoof as she let it take the sheer blunt force of the impact, to which the pavement cracked and crumbled, sending tiled stone into the air and creating a small crater. The three instantly got thrown about as Fleetfoot tossed and tumbled across the ground for a bit before coming to a gradual stop on her belly. Cloudchaser was not far off from her, now laying on her side. While Marble was sent slamming into the side of a building.

Fleetfoot gasped for breath as she coughed, her mane now drenched as she wheezed while laying on her belly. She raised her head somewhat to get a good look at what was happening around them. Her eyes widened as she saw straight ahead, the fallen sleeping bodies of every pony and citizen which was affected by the dream spell. But even more frightening was the sight of a centered arcane tornado, all focused on one singular spot to the point it was impossible to distinguish what was within the center. Fleetfoot had no words currently.

"T-Thank you." The words were faint, and directed towards Fleetfoot.

Fleetfoot slowly turned her head to the right, to where she saw Cloudchaser already upon her hooves, though trembling heavily. But next, Cloudchaser slowly turned towards that heart of violent arcane and began making her way towards it. Fleetfoot snapped at the pegasus. "Hey! What do you think you're doing!? Stop it! Do you realize what we just went through to save your flank!? Don't you go over there!"

But Fleetfoot looked back at her with a deeply shaken look. "I-I'm sorry ... I can't." 

Fleetfoot's own eyes widened as she realized that those were distinct tears upon Cloudchaser's face.

Cloudchaser continued looking ahead, before trotting further towards ... whatever this was.

Fleetfoot gritted her teeth as she grunted, "Buck! Buuuuuuuck!" She slowly started pushing herself to rise as she knew she now had to hurry and beat Cloudchaser before she risked herself yet again. Why am I even doing this for you!? She wheezed again as she reached her four hooves and nearly fell with a sway and then shook her head to rid herself of the dizziness. She peered ahead again and focused now. What're you going for!? What's the purpose? That's where she saw it, there in the distance sleeping on the ground it was blatantly apparent. A pegasus sleeping soundly, the same one who'd been put in charge of them as prisoners earlier. Fleetfoot only felt stupid as she failed to recall the fact they were close siblings, of course she'd be going for her. But if she was here, that also meant. Fleetfoot glanced around swiftly, trying to catch sight of them. N-No sign of Twilight Sparkle or that Moondancer ... where are they? She grunted again as she shook her head and pressed forward with a slight stumble. Realizing she had to focus on that later and get to Cloudchaser first. Buck, buck, buck...

The world was hazy for Marble, as she was leaned against the side of a small building. She blinked a few times, trying to raise her head. As she started to come to due to the rain, she saw ahead of her slowly competing in what looked like a slowed pace, was Cloudchaser slowly pressing forward while Fleetfoot steadily trailed after her. "F-Fleetfoot?...." Marble then looked down at the hoof she'd used to absorb the blunt of the impact and found she could still move it. This brought a smile to her face. Thank you Mama, P-Papa. Marble realized there was little time to relax as she too grunted as she rose back to her hooves with a serious look once again, but also trying to catch her breath. But as she stood there for a second taking it all in, something else caught her attention. Marble squinted as she looked towards the skies and saw something which left her petrified with shock. "Fleetfoot..." she trembled, before raising her voice. "F-Fleetfoot! I-In the sky!"

Fleetfoot stopped in her tracks as she caught sight of Marble, to which she immediately felt relief for she was alright. But as she slowly turned to look up towards the sky, her expression sank also. There, looming over them was a massive cloud erupting with sheer massive power. It exploded consecutively around all sides with distorted purple magic and lightning mixed within. Like a ticking time bomb it writhed and looked to be trying to tear itself apart, as if apparent of its wholly unnatural state. Fleetfoot didn't know what to make of it ... until a grim realization hit her. "Dash..." she started to shake her head before shouting up towards the sky in anger. "Have you lost it!?"

Even Cloudchaser as she eventually reached Flitters, she dropped to her sister's side and immediately pulled her up closer into a loving hug. "I'm here Flitters, I'm here." She sobbed uncontrollably as her expression distorted into one of blatant grief, her features scrunching in an ugly manner. She pressed her sister against her and rubbed her face against her cheek, "I'm sorry ... I should've always been right here." But as she sat, apologizing, the sounds eventually caused her to also glance up. She saw the massive cloud but couldn't understand what it was or how it had even been formed. She continued to look up at it blankly, everything being too much to take in.





Captain Dash continued to stand there on the cloud, condensing her mass creation and preparing it for launch.

"Daaaaaaash!" The voice was fierce and filled with anger, and easily recognizable as it drew closer to the pegasus.

Captain Dash closed her eyes with a brief exhale before turning with a graceful stride in the form of a spin. She'd only moved into an empty spot next to her upon the cloud she was on due to the maneuver, but in a near instant later, striking through the cloud and the spot she was previously on was Lieutenant Dust. Captain Dash opened her eyes tiredly, "Lieutenant, so you're relying on those traitors now?"

Lieutenant Dust immediately landed on the cloud next to her. "I'm not relying on anypony! Only myself and common sense! What you're doing is crazy! Have you lost it just like Tantabus!? Attacking your own!? Now this!? Do you realize how insane this all is!?"

Captain Dash only continued to look at Lieutenant Dust in a bored manner, absent of any obvious care or worry.

Lieutenant Dust swiped a hoof, desperately trying to get through to her. "Everypony in the Nightmare Guard knows you'd be the only one capable of this! You've excelled in all forms of training, mastery over weather manipulation is one of your most renowned skills! The Commander's family is even down there! You'll be stripped of everything in a heartbeat Dash! Even if this manages to stop the alicorn, Princess Nightmare Moon will have you take responsibility for all the collateral damage! You'll spend the rest of your days in Tartarus!"

Captain Dash just stood there, taking a second to look down at the massive cloud she'd created. "I know," And she raised the lance.

Lieutenant Dust shook her head. "Dash! Stop!" She raised her voice desperately, "You're just willing to throw everything away!?"

And Captain Dash didn't listen as she pointed the lance straight towards the mountain, her massive cloud beginning to move.

Immediately Lieutenant Dust leaped to charge Captain Dash with her lance as well, but as she lunged, Captain Dash easily dodged her assault which left Lieutenant Dust conflicted. She stopped upon another cloud, glaring at Captain Dash. "What's happened to you Dash?"

Captain Dash let herself smirk then, though her eyes still gave no hint to her thoughts. "I woke up. Why don't you?"

Lieutenant Dust sneered lightly as she looked back towards the cloud in panic. What am I supposed to do now? 

Captain Dash continued to smirk down at her. "Nothing you think of will work Lieutenant. I know your lance doesn't have a weather stone. Without one you won't be able to do anything significant. You were always looking to push yourself, well, here's another chance."

Lieutenant Dust frowned as she glanced down at her own lance. Tch, trying to be smart? But I do need to figure out something. She glared ahead at the massive cloud heading towards the mountain, worriedly. Because if Captain Dash goes down for this, I'll inevitably go down with her, and there's no way in hay I'm going to let that happen. She spread her wings and then raced towards the cloud hurriedly. She glanced back at Captain Dash. With that injured wing, there's no way you can catch up to me. So I'll take care of this cloud first! Then you. 

But Captain Dash didn't even attempt to pursue her. She only watched, still with that smirk.

Lieutenant Dust squinted back at her. Don't act so freaking cocky! Are you really that complacent in this situation!? Lieutenant Dust stopped over the cloud, breathing a bit heavily. You of all ponies should know not to underestimate me Dash. But as she observed the cloud, remaining stationary over it for the time being, suddenly small pieces of the cloud began breaking away from it, slowly rising. "Huh?"

And immediately in the blink of an eye, they shot towards Lieutenant Dust like rocketing projectiles, pursuing her.

Lieutenant Dust flinched as she swiftly pulled back and attempted to soar around them and out of their path.

But they still actively sought her out, following her every movement, continuously homing in on her.

Lieutenant Dust continued to fly as she glanced back at the tiny fractals of cloud chasing after her, in confusion. When did she learn how to do that!? They're so small it shouldn't even matter. But being infused with that strange magic, I don't want to take any chances with it. Still, there isn't much I can do besides fly around in circles. If Dash can just break it apart into such tiny pieces so freely, then I have no choice but to get Cloudchaser's lance from her. She snarled a bit. But Dash is still too talented in close quarters as well. Her eyes widened as while she flew, she looked back at Dash in realization. Is that why you're so cocky? You know we can only settle this one way Dash?

Captain Dash had the lance casually pointed at Lieutenant Dust, still smirking softly at her as if she were having fun.

Lieutenant Dust soon did an upward spinning maneuver to reverse directions and fly straight back towards Dash. Fine!

Captain Dash stopped smirking then as she looked a bit surprised by Lieutenant Dust's maneuver, though not that much.

Lieutenant Dust glared at her with determination. We'll have it your way then Dash! I'll play around with you!

But Captain Dash frowned at Lieutenant Dust then as she lowered her head, and in a swift upward motion, raised the lance fully.

Lieutenant Dust cocked a brow, as beneath her she soon heard the sound of mass crackling, to which she glanced downward and before she could react, was overwhelmed by a mass surge of tiny crackling cloud fragments. What? Lieutenant Dust felt as if her body were being covered in shocks and stabs, leaving her feeling numb. Yet despite the numbness, she was only attempting to make sense of what was happening. While I was attempting to maneuver away from the fragments of cloud chasing me, she had already found a moment to bait a blanket of them below. She squinted. That means in a mere few seconds, she set me up for a lure. She knew I'd go for the cloud, then after distracting me with the fragments she knew I couldn't stop, set a trap for when I'd resort to going after her.

Each fractal of cloud was like hardened ice, shimmering with specks of lightning which burned into Lieutenant Dust's coat. Like a stream, a raging river of hail, Lieutenant Dust felt her stamina drain from her in that swift instant as after the fractals of cloud dispersed to give her breathing room, the pegasus simply remained suspended there in the air. Lieutenant Dust looked blankly ahead, as she let her own lance drop from her hooves and plummet down towards the mountainous region below. Lieutenant Dust's armor and coat was now covered in scrapes and scratches as she felt her consciousness fading. You always were breaking limits ... Dash. Lieutenant Dust felt herself fall forward, as she became limp and her body plummeted down below without another word, and she too faded with distance.

As Lieutenant Dust plummeted out of sight, Captain Dash watched her go with little to no reaction. "I'm sorry Dust..." With that, she focused back on her mass cloud. With slow rotational motions of her lance, the tiny fractals gathered back up and infused with the main body of the cloud once again as it still continued towards the mountain overlooking Canterlot City. Captain Dash was wholly focused. "Not much longer now." She lowered her head again as her expression sunk a little. I have to stay determined. I won't fail you Princess, I won't.





Down below, Fleetfoot gritted her teeth as she glanced back at her right wing, then back up towards the sky.

Marble suddenly cried out to Fleetfoot. "No!" She stumbled forward, tripping onto her belly while looking at Fleetfoot.

Fleetfoot glanced over at Marble in surprise, before frowning at her. "I have to you dummy! If I don't, she'll bury this city!"

Marble still shook her head as she began to tear up. "I said no!" She shut her eyes tight, "No no no!"

Fleetfoot glared at Marble in annoyance as she huffed. "You're like a whiny child sometimes you know that?"

But Marble said nothing as she flushed red in embarrassment, despite her eyes being cast downward in deep concern for Fleetfoot.

Though as they all were there, the arcane tornado nearby started to crackle and become more unstable itself.

Fleetfoot, Marble, and Cloudchaser all looked towards it in confusion. Fleetfoot sneered, "W-What's with that thing!?" 





Meanwhile in another part of the city, Twinkleshine attempted to hurry for an alleyway, before the city began to tremble and quake. "Whoa!" She stopped, leaning against a building before looking down at the ground. What's going on? I-Is it because of this storm?	





Deep within the strange corrupted realm of dreams, Moondancer looked up towards the barrier which now surrounded this version of the city. She looked down at her own hoof in an inspecting manner. That spell, am I dreaming? Does this mean I failed? That it's over?

"Twilight!? Twiiilight!? W-Where are you!? Twilight!"

Moondancer glanced towards the origin of that voice then, to where she saw Velvet. She was panicking, frantically looking around for any sign of Twilight in the area, to which Moondancer already noticed there was none. Moondancer however still remained calm and composed, almost unnaturally so. She took a few more seconds to observe, glancing around as she saw that everypony was practically in a panic, confused as to what was going on and why the city and sky itself looked and felt so different. It made sense, Moondancer thought. 

Sitting on the ground was Specialist Flitters, who looked down towards the ground in disbelief, and dismay, silently.

"Don't worry sweet mother, there is no need to panic." Suddenly appearing in the center of the group was a purple sphere.

Moondancer's eyes widened as she recognized the voice. It was none other than Twilight's. But, something wasn't right.

Twilight Velvet paused, as she backed away from the sphere. "T-Twilight?"

The purple sphere continued to speak as she chuckled. "Twilight Sparkle is fine. You all on the other hoof, will need to leave now. Sadly, I don't have enough time nor influence to free all of you. So just a few will have to do." The sphere slowly started to glow.

Specialist Flitters mimicked that glow as she began to fade away. "H-Huh?" And in a near instant later, she was gone.

The sphere spoke again. "It looks like that one will end up being helpful at this point. Next!"

Then Twilight Velvet began to glow as she glanced down. "Wha? Wait! Twilight!" She looked towards the sphere before vanishing.

Moondancer looked towards the sphere seriously. "Who're you? And why won't you show your true self?..."

The sphere was silent for a moment. "So you noticed? If I showed you what I really look like, you'd have far too many questions."

Moondancer raised a brow. "And you think I don't have too many now?"

The sphere chuckled. "No ... I do Moondancer. Which is why I know they'll have to wait. But for now, you need to go."

Moondancer slowly started to glow and she had no reaction, and still stared seriously at the sphere. "This isn't over..."

And soon, Moondancer herself vanished as she just accepted whatever happened to her. 

The sphere let off a grumble. "Is that something you say to one who just saved your flank? What a rude mare."

Soon other citizens started crying out to the sphere in blatant demands. "H-Hey, save us too!" , "Yeah, what about us!?"

But the sphere only spoke bluntly. "I'm sorry but very shortly here I am going to be cut off from any more influence."

One of the citizens snapped at the sphere angrily, as she was holding onto her child. "Why!?"

The sphere continued. "Because my host is using it all up. She's very upset, and it'll be outside my control really."

The citizens surrounding the sphere all looked upon it in uncertainty, not very sure what it was talking about. 

The sphere let off a light chuckle yet again. "Just sit back and relax, we're gonna be here for awhile. You can all create anything you'd like as well, but don't get too confident. Anything outside this city will devour your consciousness in a heartbeat. Go ahead, try it."

One of the filly's then raised her hoof, only to suddenly have an icecream cone pop in it to her surprise. 

The sphere fell silent then. Now it's up to you my dear host. I did all I could in the short time I was given. It's all you now.





Fleetfoot, Marble and Cloudchaser continued to observe this arcane tornado in uncertainty. Before soon enough, it popped, letting loose a violet ring and light shockwave of air. Fleetfoot kept her eyes shaded as she watched the dust dissipate, and her eyes widened.

Allow yourself to take it in, everything you can. It's not wrong to be angry or upset. 	

Marble was also left stunned by the sight as she looked towards where the tornado once was, doe eyed much like Fleetfoot.

Some are beyond the worth of your friendship. Care not what others think of you, and drown in your own desires. 

Cloudchaser felt herself tremble, but she wasn't certain if it was out of mere awe or despair at this point.

Because in the end, my dear and precious host, only you are capable of changing this world to fit your view. 

And there, knelt upon the ground was Twilight Sparkle, while with each forehoof she kept the heads of both her mother and Moondancer tilted up gently as she looked down between them. But her appearance was off. Though her flank was still blank, large black raven-like wings protruded from her sides. Pale crystalline crescents of transparent flame encircled each of her eyes, while the whites in her eyes radiated that crystalline hue as she slowly opened them halfway. Before her horn too, became covered in that same shade as well.

Princess Nightmare Moon will soon learn that you're no nightmare pony, Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight Sparkle peered ahead absently, with an empty, unreadable gaze. 

You are the blackest of night itself. The darkest unknown, and so so terrifying. You are midnight.