Spike knew he was in trouble, and couldn’t escape from it this time. In the past there had been some thankful distractions, or he’d been able to deflect any questions rather easily, but this time the girls were not going to let him be without getting an actual answer out of him. Looking around, Spike could see any exit was covered, and so he stood his ground.
“Spike, you know where that human of ours vanished off to, so why can’t you just tell us?”
“...I already told you, Twilight, I made a promise not to.” Spike looked around nervously. “I can’t tell you where he went, but he’s fine so why are you guys so gung-ho for an answer this time?”
“Because he’s been gone for two weeks! And the last time he went off for a while, he at least told us he’d be gone and why.” Rainbow swooped in close to the poor dragon, eyeing him fiercely. “Now tell us where Rys went!”
“...”
“Oh dear, it would appear he’s going to be silent on the matter.” Rarity smirked. “Perhaps we’ll just have to be a bit more...persuasive.”
Spike gulped, unsure as to what exactly that meant, before thinking of one last gambit...but it was a bit of a long-shot and even he wasn’t sure it was going to work.
“Look, I can see that you’re quite curious about what big bro is up to, and why he wouldn’t tell you what he was doing.” Spike began to walk calmly towards them, all while making a motion with his hands. “But the fact of the matter is, he made me promise to not tell, so you’ve left me but the one option…”
The girls seemed puzzled by that one, so Lyra spoke up. “Uhm, that would be telling us, right? Because you’re not going anywhere till you do.”
“Heh...you’d think that, but then you forget who I’ve been training with.” Spike smirked before snapping his fingers as the most curious magic began to emanate from his position.
“...! No! Grab him before…” Twilight gasped, having put the dots together but alas it was too late and Spike had poofed away in a curious green cloud of chaotic magic. “....Discord!”
“Now hold on, ya mean that there training was that wily ol’ chimera teaching Spike Chaos Magic?!” AppleJack frowned. “That seems dangerous ta me, but dang...that means he could be anywhere.”
“He couldn’t have gotten far! Now come on, we—Oof!” Twilight groaned, having collided with something rather solid. “What?”
“Hahaha, where y’all off to in such a rush?” A rather familiar voice stated, as a hand ruffled Twilight’s mane. “A guy goes off for a few weeks and y’all start losing yer senses.”
“Apple Ryder!” AppleJack gasped before leaping and tackling her human. “Where the hay have you been?!”
“Taking care of some business that’s most important.” Ryan chuckled softly, giving his apple mare a hug before getting up. “Nice ta see little bro kept his promise, though, although the fact that he pulled one over on you guys is pretty amusing.”
“W-wait, you saw all that?” Fluttershy nervously asked. “How long were you standing there, Ryan?”
“Long enough.” Ryan walked over to where Spike was before seemingly tapping the air...which made a slight gasp noise. “Disky has been teaching you some interesting stuff, huh?”
“Eyup!” Spike replied, reappearing right where he’d been. “It’s tricky, but I’m getting the hang of it...mostly.”
“Okay, so Rysy-Wysy is back and that’s great and all but dang it I need to know why you just took off!” Pinkie leapt at him and didn’t let go. “Why did you sneak off? Are their other mares?! How many families do you have?!”
“...wut?”
‘Something tells me Ponk here might have been hitting the sugar a bit too hard while we were gone.’ Dark chuckled. ‘You’ll get your answers soon enough, so just be patient.’
Though not fully satisfied by that, it was at least enough to get them to calm down...before they all tackled their human.
“Heh, nice ta know Ah’m missed at least. And don’t worry, Ah won’t keep ya gals in the dark for long about what Ah was doing. So...did Ah miss anything?”
Having seen that they weren’t going to get any answer out of their human, the group of mares decided to settle back into normalcy till Ryan felt like explaining just what the heck he was planning.
“Alright ladies, Ah’ve gotta go check on a few things before we meet up with Spike and Big Mac. Y’all take care and see ya later tonight.”
‘Goodbye, ladies. Fear not, for this sexiness will be back soon enough.’
Chuckling at the varied reactions this got from his herd, Ryan headed off, unaware that a certain rainbow-maned mare was apparently unable to wait.
“And there he goes...good. Time for some reconnaissance!”
Twilight rolled her eyes before sighing. “Rainbow, don’t tell me your going to go stalk our human hoping to find out what he’s up to again, are you? That would be the third time this week...and I’m pretty sure he know your doing it as well.”
“Besides, darling, remember how those last times went?” Rarity huffed, bouncing her hair for effect. “You saw him head off with Discord somewhere and thought he’d been “bewitched by chaos”...when all it turned out was him doing that cute little training stuff with him and Spikey.”
“...okay, true, but...what about when Spike and him went away to where that big, mean dragon lives south of here?”
“Oh, well that was simple: that dear old-timer was having a heck of a time with some of the locals and the Princess wanted to send those two as delegates.”
“Then why the secrecy?”
Fluttershy giggled. “Because it was supposed to be a secret till afterwards, Rainbow Dash. Goodness, it’s not that hard to follow.”
Rainbow Dash huffed, annoyed that Fluttershy of all ponies was laughing at her.
AppleJack sighed, knowing that her fellow herdmate was not going to let this go until their human finally revealed whatever the big surprise he was cooking up for them was. Adjusting her hat, she let out a huff before grinning. “Fine, Ah can see ya can’t calm down till we figure out whatever it is that Apple Ryder is up ta. So perhaps this time, we all tag along ta keep ya outta anymore trouble. Ah think we cut it close with ya almost ruining the rather thin peace we have with the dragon to the south, so Ah’d rather not risk it.”
“...I don’t have to be babysat. “ Dash quietly murmured, crossing her forelegs and frowning. “But if you’re all coming, then let's go. We can’t let him get too far ahead...who knows what he’s been doing while we’ve been wasting time arguing?!”
Though slightly more difficult than they’d expected it to be, they’d finally caught clues to Ryan’s trail and found themselves outside a certain establishment specialized with a certain theme.
“Oh hey! I recognize this place! This was where Rysy-Wysy went with Eris when we were off talking with all of our parents.”
“...isn’t this supposed to be some kind of retro place?” Rainbow raised an eyebrow as they drew near. “Like...why would he come here with Spike and Big Mac?”
“Well, darling, there’s only one way to find out: we just go in and see what he’s up to.” Rarity smirked. “And it just so happens I have the perfect outfi—I mean disguises in that reality breaking gift our dear human created.”
After a few moments of “getting into character”, Lyra led the group inside only to hear the ending lyrics of whatever song was last being belted out.
They need a hero. They’re holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night.
Turning to the stage after hearing those voices, they saw Ryan and Dark both holding a microphone while Spike and Big Mac were playing accompaniment behind them. DJ Pon3 was winding down the music as the quartet caught their breath and grinned.
“Hell yeah, y’all! That’s some choice tunnage right there!”
Ryan’s statement was met with a flurry of shouts and replies in all manner of 80’s lingo as he kept the crowd pumped while trying to figure out which tune to belt out next. He puzzled over it briefly before a smile began to form and he turned to Pone3.
“Hey Pon3?”
“Yeah?”
“Let’s set up some seagulls, ya follow?”
“Haha, I’ll make it a whole flock, ya gnarly human you.”
“Okay boys, you know what we’re about to sing. Watch for your cues, mind the solos, and above all else: Stay Radical.”
With that Ryan counted off a beat by tapping his foot before Vinyl flipped a switch, her tables spinning up and the lights on stage flickering on. The sound of seagulls soon filled the room, echoing softly before Spike and Mac grinned and began playing. Ryan and Dark smirked and nodded to the beat as their brothers had their moment—Mac banging away on his drums and Spike strumming out some hot licks—before finally belting out the smooth grooves of the 80’s.
Ah walk along the avenue
Ah never thought Ah'd meet a girl like you
Meet a girl like you
With auburn hair and tawny eyes
The kind of eyes that hypnotize me through
You hypnotize me through
And Ah ran, Ah ran so far away
Ah just ran, Ah ran all night and day
Ah couldn't get away
As Spike continued laying out the beat, Dark produced a guitar of his own and began playing out bass to accompany it as the neon lights danced across the stage.
A cloud appears above your head
A beam of light comes shining down on you
Shining down on you
The cloud is moving nearer still
Aurora Borealis comes in view
Aurora comes in view
And I ran, Ah ran so far away
I just ran, Ah ran all night and day
Ah couldn't get away
“Haha, hit it bros!” Ryan shouted, smirking as Big Mac rocked the drums hardcore before Spike nailed his solo, the crowd going wild to their delight as laserlight seagulls fluttered about. Even the girls had to admit that they were pretty dang good at this, and had to idly wonder just how long they’d been doing this in secret. Soon enough, Ryan and Dark continued singing.
Reached out a hand to touch your face
You're slowly disappearing from mah view
'Appearing from my view
Reached out a hand to try again
Ah'm floating in a beam of light with you
A beam of light with you
And I ran, I ran so far away
I just ran, I ran all night and day
And I ran, I ran so far away
I just ran, I couldn’t get away
As the quartet finished out the final chorus, their voices ringing harmoniously, Ryan pulled out a guitar as well and the four of them hammered out a spectacular ending, their actions in sync with Pon3’s as they finished with a bang. As the final strum was played, the seagulls exploded into multiple colors of light before fading away. All was silent for a moment before the crowd went wild, cheering their name as they caught their breath.
“Heh, thanks for the accolades, dudes and dudettes, but that’s all for us tonight. Now let’s hear it for the one, the only, DJ PON3 who’s going to lead us to the late hours with some choice selections.”
“You heard the human, party pones! Let’s get radical to the max!”
Finally stepping offstage and laughing with his brothers over another successful performance, he turned to see his herd there.
“Well now, y’all are looking like some primo babes tonight. What brings you here anyhow?” He leaned in and smirked at Rainbow Dash. “Come to “stalk” me again, mah Rainbow Drop?”
“Gah! Don’t use that in public!” Rainbow huffed before staring at the ground. “...though to answer your question, maybe...can you blame me though? You’ve got a secret and I need to know what it is!”
Ryan laughed softly before ruffling her mane. “Relax, Dashie, you don’t have much longer to wait. Ah should have all the preparations ready now, so you’ll be seeing soon enough what Ah’ve been working on. All of y’all will.”
“But hey, hey! Why worry about that?” Dark grinned, motioning towards a table. “We’re all here to have fun and stuff, so why not join us? I’ll order some drinks and we can enjoy the decadence that was the 80’s together!”
“I...suppose that wouldn’t be too bad. After all, we’ve been all getting a bit stressed lately with our daily routines.” Twilight shrugged before pausing. “Although, Dark?”
“Yeah, Twily?”
“How are you seperate like that? From what I recall, you guys hadn’t perfected that yet. In fact, didn’t you say that the chaos from that weird dimension you fought Starswirl in was probably the only reason you could do what you did?”
“I suppose an explanation wouldn’t hurt...but first, let’s drink!” Dark grinned, sitting down and grabbing a bright purple drink from those he’d had brought over...before slamming it down in one go. “Oh! Yeah! That’s the stuff, baby! Ahem! Anyway, seeing as our purple horse did ask a question, allow me to educate you on how this hunk of a dude is now—sorta—capable of being tangible once more.”
“...I told you not to call me that.” Twilight huffed, but let it slide as her desire for knowledge overrode her annoyance.
“So, after that whole debacle with my Master, both Ryan and I were a bit curious as to the extent that little spell was powered up. We dabbled here and there, attempting to see how long the separation could last, as well as distance and all that. At first we kept it secret, but when it seemed as if things were staying stable, we decided to try and see what happened when we actually did stuff...ya know, other than sparring anyway.”
Finishing his drink, Ryan wiped his face clean before adding his own two cents. “From what Ah can tell, the chaos energy in that little pocket dimension was the final component we needed to fully realize what Ah’d hoped Ah could do ever since that day Dark reawakened. Oddly, it would seem to be a combination of many factors, not the least of which was our little reality hopping thanks to the Doc.”
“So that’s what ya were up to all that time...y’all were having fun.”
“Well, Ah guess you could call it fun…” Ryan glared sideways at his soul twin. “If running from one of the more fearsome Captains of the Soul Society is what you’d consider fun.”
“Look! I already said sorry! Jeez!” Dark sighed, his sunglasses drooping comically. “Again, I have to reiterate: She. Kissed. Me. Ahem! Regardless, thanks to Ryan’s ability to learn things really quickly and innate ability to bullshit at a level unseen by normal humans, we’ve figured out the spell that lets me have my own body again. Well...more or less?”
Taking a small sip from her drink, Fluttershy crinkled her nose at that before looking at Dark. “What do you mean “more or less”?”
“Well, I may have my own body, but I’m still connected to Ryan in a way. If I take too much of a beating, I can lose the cohesion the spell generate and get poofed back into his noggin. It’s irritating, but at least we’ve determined that distance is no longer an issue...at least up to a manageable range anyway.” Dark nodded before smirking. “Woona will be quite surprised, but don’t let her know yet. I want it to be a surprise seeing as Nightmare Night is coming up, so don’t spoil it. And with that said, I’ve got to take a rest. Ladies, a pleasure as always!”
Ryan rolled his eyes at his counterpart’s playing it up, especially when he blew his herd a kiss before poofing back into his soul form. “Dark, yer an idiot.”
‘Aw, but I’m your idiot.’
“Heh, he’s got a point there, Ryers.”
“Dashie...don’t help him. Anyway, the night is still young and the beats are still bodacious. Anypony care to dance?”
And so time did pass, as September came rolling in and with it the changing of seasons. As promised, Ryan didn’t make his herd wait long to find out his big surprise, and sure enough this evening found them waiting patiently for his arrival...though why he asked them to wear their best dresses had them curious.
“What do you think he’s up to?”
“Lyra, darling, he clearly just wishes to treat his mares after making them fret so much over his...curious actions.” Rarity sighed, her hair bobbing as she adjusted a few last things. “Even for all his craziness, that dear man still knows how to be quite the gentleman.”
“...I still thinks he’s up to something.” Rainbow added, fidgeting a bit. “This dress feels a bit tight around the wings…”
“That’s probably because you ain’t got it on properly.” AppleJack trotted over to her herdmate and helped her adjust a few straps. “There we go. That better, sugarcube?”
Giving her wings a few quick flaps, Rainbow nodded. “Well, whatever the reason, it better be worth getting all fancy looking.”
Twilight was oddly silent, apparently deep in thought over the whole situation and wondering just what in the world their human could possibly be planning. She jumped slightly when she heard the doorbell ring and opened it up to see their human there, dressed sharply and carrying several bouquets of flowers.
“So sorry Ah’m running a little behind, ladies. There were a...few unforeseen hitches that needed addressed but this evening should run fine now.” Ryan smirked before handing them their flowers. “I hope they’re to yer liking, I did do mah best to get y’alls favorites.”
“Heehee, I’ll say!” Pinkie chuckled before using her mane to put one of the flowers in her hair. “Then again, you always know what we like, Rysy-Wysy.”
Looking over their dresses, he chuckled softly. “Ah could say the same about y’all. Now then...shall we?”
With that they followed him, flanking his sides as he led them towards the more fancy part of town. In particular, to what had quickly become known as the fanciest restaurant in Ponyville ever since it opened up recently.
“Darling! You…”
“Heh, yes, mah marshmallow?”
“...How did you get reservations here of all places? Ever since Gustave opened the newest branch of his restaurant here, the waiting list was already booked a year in advance.”
“Never doubt the strings Ah can pull. Nothing is too good for mah herd, after all. Now come! We should be just in time for a reservation.”
Holding the door for them as they stepped inside, he followed along before they came to the maître d's station.
“Oh! Monsieur Ryder! At last, at last! I was beginning to worry you were running late!”
“Haha, just a few hiccups, Pierre, but as you can see we’re here and all accounted for.”
“Ho ho, I can see zhat! You have quite the company tonight, which means we must do our best to make tonight special! Please, if you would, follow me.”
“After you ladies.” Ryan gave a slight bow, allowing his mares to take point as they were led to a quiet dining room slightly sectioned off from the rest of the restaurant. As they took their seats and awaited their server, a few members of his herd were a little surprised at how...fancy it all was.
“...Rys, I feel as if we’re bleeding money just sitting here.”
“Haha, perhaps Heartsy, but it certainly makes things a bit more special this evening, no?”
“I suppose…” She narrowed her eyes. “What are you up to?”
“Me? Up to something?” Ryan laughed nervously. “Oh please, what could Ah possibly be up to in taking mah herd to a very nice dinner date?”
“A lot if’n Ah know you, Apple Ryder.”
Rolling his eyes, he smirked at Apps before silently thanking the fact their server had walked in. After taking their orders and double-checking all was right, the server motioned towards somepony and suddenly the room was filled with very pleasant classical music adding just the right touch of ambiance.
“My my...such lovely sounds. Though I don’t recognize the tune at all, darling.”
“I do...it’s from Ryan’s world. I believe...Beet hoven?”
Ryan chuckled softly before pronouncing it phonetically. “Bay-tow-ven. But very good, Heartsy. This place is pretty classy and it seemed appropriate for the mood, so it didn’t take much to convince them to try and perform that and a few others from my world.”
“But uh, if it’s from your world, how do they have the sheet music to play it?” Rainbow fidgeted a bit, fiddling with her dress. “Last I checked you didn’t have anything like that when you ended up here.”
“Oh, well that’s easy: Tavi, though not interested in most of the music that followed me, took a liking to these tunes and managed to transcribe them by ear. She’s far more talented than Ah ever would’ve guessed.” Ryan shook his head slightly before smiling. “But enough of that, we’re here to enjoy our time together and have a nice evening.”
‘You heard the man! Just relax and enjoy a nice treat courtesy of your humans, my ladies.’
Pinkie couldn’t help but giggle at Dark being Dark yet again as their night continued on without too much of an issue.
As far as his herd could tell, they didn’t see any strange occurrences as their dinner date continued. In fact, as they finished their dessert, it had pretty much been a normal time...which only bothered some of them even more as they were wondering just when Ryan was going to reveal this...whatever it was he’d been secretly planning.
“Oh man, what a delightful meal that was. Heh, and judging from y’alls empty plates, Ah reckon you feel the same.” Ryan smiled, looking over the mares that he loved, that he wanted to make so many memories with...and a life with. It was at that time that he stood, and motioned for something.
“Ryers, what’s going on?”
“Yes darling, what are you waving your hand for?”
“Oh my, is that Spike? Why is he here? Is that a...a box? Wait…”
Lyra gasped. “I’ve seen a box like that before! Rys!”
Scratching her head, Twilight scrunched her face. “I feel like I have as well but...no. It couldn’t be.”
“What in tarnation are y’all going on about? What’s so special about that fancy felt covered box…!”
“I love surprises! See? I knew our human was planning something special. And it only took the author several months to finally write us to this moment.”
“Haha, leave the guy alone for now, Pinks. He’s been busy.” Ryan cleared his throat before continuing. “Ladies...we’ve been through so much now. Experienced so many things. We’ve become far closer than anyone of us could have possibly imagined. And all it took was me just showing up here in the middle of some cursed forest. It’s funny to think back on that day, what seems forever ago even if it’s oddly only been a little more than a year. Never did Ah—and most likely y’all as well—imagine that we’d not only become such close friends, but that we’d all fall in love as well.
“And yet, Ah can’t imagine mah life without any of y’all in it. Life just wouldn’t be complete without the seven of you in it and, after the most recent events we’ve had to deal with, Ah did a lot of thinking and thought: what was Ah waiting for? And so…” He knelt down and as he did so he opened the box to show seven brightly shining rings, each one designed to reflect which mare it was for. “Ah’ve but one question to ask mah beloved herd: Will y’all make me the happiest human in Equestria and marry me?”
His herd was silent for a moment, which certainly did make Ryan sweat a bit, but soon enough they all reacted in their own ways. From Rarity nearly fainting to AppleJack letting out a yeehaw, their reactions were pretty much what he’d expected, but when they all turned to him and said “Yes” it was his turn to be emotional. Needless to say he was soon buried under an avalanche of warm ponies as they hugged him tight. Ryan laughed softly, managing to raise an arm up to fistbump Spike before he left to let them enjoy their moment.
‘Haha! Congrats man! See? Didn’t Mac, Spike, and I say you didn’t have anything to worry about?’
“Yeah, yeah...but it wouldn’t be me if Ah didn’t worry. So then...it’s obvious that y’all are down with this...which is good since the date Ah picked is next month.”
“...say what?”
“Well, yes, Rares. See, part of the things Ah’ve been doing behind the scenes is to make this as special as possible. And, though we’ve only got about a month and a half to the date that Ah chose for such a reason, we shouldn’t have any problem taking care of the last few details.”
“...Apple Ryder?”
“Yeah?”
“What made ya, ya know, change yer mind about all of this? Ah know ya said once that we had time and stuff so...don’t get me wrong! Ah’m really really happy ya asked us, because we all knew it was something we eventually wanted, but what made ya decide to ask sooner than later?”
Motioning that he wanted to get up off the ground, he and his herd took their seats again before he explained. “After everything with DJ and StarSwirl and then this whole business with the Tree of Harmony, Ah don’t wanna risk waiting and then something happening...and from what Ah can piece together something will. There’s too much that we got told that we shouldn't have been told and it made me think. And the more Ah thought, the more Ah realized why were we waiting? We work so well together, we complete each other so well, we play off of one another’s strengths and balance one another’s weaknesses. We’re a cohesive unit that is always there for each other. In the end Ah couldn’t think of a reason not to. And when Lunes mentioned that the end of next month would be the first time in over 1,000 years that the Midnight Harvest Moon would appear, Ah knew that was a sign.”
“Wait...do the Princesses know what you were planning?”
“Well, T-Sparks, considering Ah had them helping with the wedding arrangements, that’d be a yes. They said they should have everything set for a beautiful nighttime wedding in Canterlot.”
“Oh there’s so much to do though!” Lyra was slightly flustered thinking on it. “Invitations! And we’ll need wedding gowns and…!”
“Relax, hon. Ah told ya Ah’ve been working on this for a while and those two weeks Ah was being very mysterious had a lot ta do with that. Ah pretty much pulled favors from everypony Ah know, so don’t fret. Everything will work out fine. Well, almost everything.”
Frowning, Rainbow could sense something eating at their human. “Ryers, what do you mean?”
“It’s just...it’s silly but...Ah always expected that when Ah did finally get married, mah family would be there. Ah know that can’t happen, but it’s a thought that’s just sitting there despite all the happy.” Ryan smiled before shaking his head. “But no need to bring down our jovial mood with that. We’re gonna be husband and wives. Man, now there’s a line Ah didn’t think Ah’d ever say. But Ah’m glad Ah can now! Ah love y’all so much and Ah’ll always be there for ya, no matter what.”
It should go without saying that after that night it was a flurry of activity for the human and his mares as they had such a short span of time to get ready for their wedding. Granted, certain members of his herd were still a bit disappointed that much of the planning that normally would go into such an occasion was already either taken care of or had to be accelerated to accommodate the date chosen. Regardless of these facts, the group of mares and their human had done a rather bang up job at getting things in order.
“Of course, when yer the kinda guy with friends like mine, such almost impossible things are usually pretty easy ta pull off.” Ryan sighed, trying on his suit and smirking at how sharp he looked. “Hmmm…”
‘Penny for yer thoughts, partner?’
“Just...thinking about the past again. How looking over mah suit reminded me of the first suit Ah ever got. Pops helped me get a nice one so Ah could look good for interviews near the end of my college days…”
‘...it’s really eating you that they can’t be here, isn’t it?’
“Heh, can ya blame me?” Ryan, satisfied with how he looked, changed back into his street clothing so he could go check on other things. “Ah mean, at least Ah’ve got mah new family here, and they’ve all been so helpful with this. Otherwise there’s no way we’d pull it off.”
‘Speaking of, how’s things coming with the Best Mare?’
“Well...she’s doing a pretty admirable job. Then again, she does run her own business, so it’s no surprise she’s good with planning.” Having headed outside and towards town, Ryan had a thought. “Hey, Partner?”
‘Yeah?’
“I kinda forgot, what with how things are here, but thinking back to another wedding reminded me that I’ve made an error and forgot an important role.”
‘...you dropped your accent again, this must be serious.’
“Well, all things considered, it is. I’ve completely forgotten about finding a Best Man.”
‘...oh.’
“Yeah...and, well...there isn’t anyone else around that I feel could fill that role better than you, Partner.”
Dark was stunned by this, but mostly because such a serious showing by Ryan was rare. ‘Ah...Ah’d be honored, Ryan.’
“Heh, and we know you got serious cause ya got mah accent.”
‘Such a brat...but...am I really such a good choice? Even if I can kinda split off into my own self, it’s not terribly stable yet and I’m just usually such a goofball.’
“But yer our goofball, Dark. Besides, the Best Man gives support to the Groom. And what other guy has given me as much support as you have? Hell, you’ve even gone so far as to fuse with me to save those Ah care about. If that ain’t true friendship worthy of being mah Best Man, then Ah don’t know what is.”
Dark was quiet for a moment, trying his best not to become a “sad, sappy mess” as a certain other spirit would put it, before laughing softly. “Well then, how can I refuse? Let’s make this wedding one that nopony in Equestria will ever forget.”
Grinning and mentally giving him a high-five, Ryan continued towards town with a spring in his step. “Trust me, Dark: a wedding with the two of us in it will be something to remember.”
At long last, the day had come. Despite the whirlwind nature of the days preceding it, Ryan Ryder and his herd—as well as their family and friends—had managed to pull it all off. With minutes to go before he had to be in the wedding hall, Ryan was going over a few last minute touches and trying to steady his nerves.
“Why the hell am Ah so nervous all of the sudden?” Ryan quietly mumbled, his hands shaking slightly. “It’s just our family and friends come to see our moment of happiness...no sweat.”
‘It’s because it’s a big step, Ry. From here on out, you and those seven lovely ladies will forever be joined together. I don’t know if I’ve said it, but I’m proud you followed your heart. That you aren’t making the same mistake that I did and waited too long.’
“Partner…”
‘Heh, sorry Ry. Hopefully you can forgive an old man losing himself to his thoughts for a moment.’
Ryan closed his eyes in thought, before squeezing his fist tight. “Ah promised ya that one day we’d get you yer body back, and Ah won’t stop until then, Partner. We’re so close...and Ah won’t give up till you can have back what you lost so long ago. Heh...who knows? When we make that day happen, maybe then our roles will be reversed.”
‘I’d like that...now then—’
“Sorry to interrupt, guys.” Ryan and Dark turned to see Shining Armor poking his head in.
“It’s all good, Shiny. They ready for us?”
“You bet. Looking sharp by the way.” Following him to the hall, he paused before opening the door. “Congrats as well. Oh, and good luck. Something tells me you’ll need it. Hahaha.”
“Always the jokester.” Ryan rolled his eyes before taking a deep breath. “Okay. Here we go.”
Taking his place, Celestia smiled as everyone began to settle. Looking over his shoulder and up through the large windows, he could see the eerie but enchanting blue glow of the Midnight Harvest Moon.
‘It’s gorgeous...I never knew it could look like that.’
Nodding silently, Ryan turned his attention back to the aisle as the organist began to play.
With that the doors opened and out walked his mares, slowly marching down the aisle. In that moment, Ryan felt so happy...but time has a way of doing things to those least suspecting harm. It was only an instant, but Ryan and Dark felt it, a dark feeling in the pit of their stomach. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as he glanced up….and then a scream and ominous laughter boomed forth.
The screams of the crowd rang forth from the wedding hall as the windows shattered, sending glass plummeting towards all those there. Thinking quickly, Ryan as well as Cellie and Lunes threw a shield over them, sighing as the glass bounced away harmlessly.
Turning to look at just what could have caused this, they were stunned to see a bat-winged pony perched atop the hall.
“Ah, how good of you all to be here. It makes it so easy for me.”
“Who the hell are you?!” Ryan shouted, angered at this intruder for ruining their wedding and nearly hurting his loved ones.
“Oh my, what’s this? Well, well, if isn’t a miserable pile of secrets and lies.”
“So what if Ah’m a man?! Better a man than an asshole like you!”
“Haha, such a temper. But enough talk, the great Ponycula has more pressing matters to attend to.” With that this so called Ponycula dove down with his forces, causing all manner of chaos before flying towards Ryan’s herd.
“Girls!” Ryan shouted, trying to plow through the waves of ghouls and supernatural beings surrounding them. “You leave them alone!”
“Mwahaha, what fine new brides they shall make for me. I would invite you to the wedding, but I’m afraid it shall be a private affair.” Giving a sinister laugh and casting some strange magic, Ryan could only watch as this vampiric menace disappeared with his ladies.
“Dammit!” Ryan growled in anger, his aura flaring. “What and who the hell was that?”
“Hmmm...I was afraid the legends might be true.” Celestia hung her head. “Our father and mother once told us of a great evil. One that appeared when the moon was a deep blue. He came forth from a massive castle that appeared where the Everfree now stands and cursed the land with his evil and ill intent.”
“Indeed, many suffered until a brave clan of humans banded together with them and hunted down the so-called vampire pony.” Luna frowned before looking towards the moon. “If only the legendary bloodline still existed, perhaps we would have more info to guide us. Alas, what would have been left was sent away in the madness of before.”
“Right, sorry about that one, boy.” Discord sheepishly added. “Normally I would lend a hand to my dear friend, but the unliving tend to be resistant to my brand of magic.”
“Ah just...Ah can’t believe they took mah whole herd.”
There was a grunt before a pew was kicked away, revealing a hat-wearing pony looking mighty pissed her dress was ruined. “Not all of them, Apple Ryder. Fer some reason, he didn’t take me.”
“Apps!” Ryan ran to her, holding her tight. “Thank Goodness one of y’all is okay...but the others…”
“Ah know, Ry-Ry...that pony has them now...and that just boils mah blood.”
“Mine too.”
‘Me as well.’
“Then there’s only thing we can do!” Ryan grabbed at his suit, pulling it off in one swift motion to show some rather curious garb underneath.
“Huh?!” Luna gasped. “That outfit! How do you know of that?!”
“This?” Motioning to himself, Ryan smirked. “It’s the traditional garb of the Vampire Hunter, Belmont clan to be specific.”
“...then perhaps there is hope.” Celestia smirked. “To think you would know of that legendary bloodline.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold the pone. The Belmonts were real?” Ryan sighed before laughing. “Sure, why not? Konami had to get the ideas from somewhere. Either way…”
“We can’t let him get away with it, right?”
‘You got it, AJ. Woona, Tia, can we entrust the safety of those here to you? You too, Cordy.’
“Oh, if I must, I must. Can’t very well have our happy little family fall apart to some ancient evil after all.”
‘Thank you, old friend.’
“Big bro! I’m coming with you!”
“Spike…” Ryan saw the determined look in his eyes and knew he didn’t really have any choice. “Well, you are becoming quite the hero...and Ah know you won’t take no for an answer, so okay. Let’s go stop some ancient evil from destroying all we hold dear.”
Having made tracks for the Everfree, the quartet of heroes ran full-speed hoping to get to them in time. The castle wasn’t too hard to spot, having appeared just as the legend stated, jutting out from the Everfree and casting a shadow on an already dark night.
‘What a horrible night for a curse, eh Partner?’
“You said it, Dark...but the only one in for a horrible time is that slimy vampire bastard.”
“So, the plan is the usual one then, Big Bro?”
AppleJack smirked, answering for Ryan. “Run in there, hope to the heavens above things pan out, and kick some flank. Sounds good ta me!”
Skidding to a stop, Ryan glared at the ghastly ghouls blocking their path. As a familiar tune began to slowly play, he grinned before pulling out his sword and staring at it intensely. The moonlight reflected off its blade, shining brilliantly to light their path through the darkest of evil.
“Old friend, once more Ah call upon yer help. Please, give me the strength to save those Ah love once again.” Ryan slowly raised Malus Domestica up in the air as the music really kicked in. “FORM SHIFT! Malus Domestica! Crack the Skies! Apple! Vine! Vengeance!”
With a mighty crack that echoed through the forest, Ryan’s sword changed, segmenting and shifting to a more appropriate form for a vampire hunter. Spike and AJ were a bit surprised by this change, but figured it was just like Ryan to have something new ready.
“A chain-whip, eh?”
“You got it, little bro. The Belmont Clan knew what worked best, so why not emulate it?” Ryan smirked before charging ahead, whipping the ghoulish ponies in front of them into submission and sending them back to whence they came. “We don’t know how long we have, but we can’t afford to hold back, so come on!”
Nodding, they caught up with him and assisted, taking down all manner of ghastly foes that were now inhabiting the Everfree. Vampire ponies and bats, ghoulish zombies, and other foul beasts swarmed them as they made their way towards the castle entrance. Spike used the trees to his advantage, ricocheting off them with his jumps and springing from enemy to enemy as he ran them through with his flaming gauntlets. As for AppleJack, she gave them quite the run for their money with her lasso skills, roping them up and sending them flying high...making them perfect fodder for the modified Malus Domestica to whip into shape. All in all, our intrepid heroes laid the holy smackdown on their foes, not wasting anymore time than they had to on them.
“Spike! Incoming!”
Spike looked to the sky to see a massive wave of what appeared to be medusa heads coming headlong at them, but he knew exactly how to handle this. Letting out a roar, he launched a massive fireball at them, turning them into dust and clearing the way.
“Hee, that was a neat trick there, Spikester. Ah particularly liked the way the flames vaporized them.”
Ryan eyed AppleJack oddly, and was about to say something about her strange fascination with fire lately, but Dark had other ideas.
‘...it can’t be.’
Coming to a clearing just before the castle, Ryan seemed perplexed by something.
“Dark...isn’t this where the Castle of the Two Sisters should be?”
‘...yes. How dare he erect his castle here of all places...this guy is going to pay.’
“I’m afraid no one is going to be doing anything at the moment, Mr. Ryder.”
“That voice!” Ryan whirled towards the bridge leading to the castle to see a familiar face standing there. “...Hades?”
“Hey there, how’s it going? Not too busy to talk, I hope.”
“Uhm...is everything alright? Yer acting kinda weird.”
Hades gave a sigh before glancing over his shoulder at the castle. “It’s been well over a millennia since I last saw this place...and I had hoped it would remain a distant memory. However…”
‘Ryan! Look out!’ Dark shouted just barely quick enough to allow Ryan to dodge a mini-scythe thrown in his direction. ‘What the hell, dood?! Don’t pull a dick move and start acting like Mallie’s Underworld Keeper…!’
“Of course...How could Ah forget?”
Apps and Spike looked at each other confused before asking Ryan to explain.
“If the curse of Dracula and the story of his resurrection along with the Belmont Clan is based on the history of this world, then Ah’m afraid Ah know why yer here.” Ryan took up a defensive pose, his apple whip dangling at the ready. “Dracula always had an attendant that was closer than any other to him...and that attendant was you: Death.”
Hades sighed again before slow-clapping. “Good job, human. Should’ve known you’d figure this whole thing out pretty quick. Look, I haven’t got anything against you personally, and would rather not fight you, but with the big cheese alive again no thanks to that damnable blue moon, I don’t really have a choice in the matter.”
‘You can’t fight his control? Surely you’ve gotten stronger in the last 1,000 plus years…’
“Heh, I have...but Ponycula has as well.” Hades raised a hoof, summoning his 8-Bit scythes and narrowing his eyes. “I’m sorry Ryan, but if you and your family don’t leave, I won’t have any choice but to attack you...heh, but I already know the answer to that one. The rest of your family is still kidnapped…”
“So a fight is inevitable. Ah’m sorry, Hades, but we have to get through.” Ryan summoned up his magic before charging into battle. “And if’n we have to fight ya to make that happen, then let’s go! Hell itself won’t stop us from saving mah herd from that undead menace!”
Hades could only laugh, figuring that if they had to do this he might as well give them something fitting to fight to. As whip met scythe, an appropriate melody began playing as the backdrop for this grand battle. Ryan dodged left and right, narrowly getting sliced by all the blades being sent his way, before sliding underneath and planting his foot in Hades’ gut. The hellfire pony grunted at that before smacking Ryan back with a blast of flames...only to get Spike’s fist implanted right into his muzzle.
“Guh! The dragon! Forgot about him!” Hades roared, sending a giant skull flying towards Spike. Unable to get out of the way to dodge, Spike would have ate it big time had Apps not jumped in and bucked that thing into the distance. Taking the moment while Hades was distracted at what had just happened, AppleJack lassoed him with her rope and held him tight while Ryan unleashed his whip upon him.
“Grah!” Hades shouted, slicing the rope with his scythes and growling fiercely as he began leaking forth dark energy. Said energy slowly enveloped him before he transformed into something more demonic than he normally looked. “Playtime is over, kiddos!!”
“Damn!” Ryan gasped, backflipping away from a rather large flaming skull that scorched the ground he had been standing on. “That was almost me...sheesh. He might not want to fight us, but Ah guess Ponycula’s hold on him is greater. Damn that monster.”
‘To be fair, Ry, from what I can tell, why would Death be Dracula’s lackey? Like, is there a reason or is it just because he’s got that kind of power?’
“Not sure.” Ryan rolled away and whipped at some Gorgon Heads that had flown out from Hades’ wings. “Honestly, it never made a lot of sense to me either. Death is like the ruler of the afterlife for the most part, why would he take orders from someone that’s undead?”
‘Beats me...but we’ve got to end this fight soon. If we don’t, it could get messy.’
Seeing Spike and Apps both beginning to wear down from Hades’ attacks, he knew Dark was right. The only question was how to stop him without hurting him. While Hades was fighting them, it was only because of whatever hold Ponycula had on him. Thus, Ryan figured, he really didn’t want to go so far as to kill him because honestly he was a pretty decent guy despite what was happening….plus killing the keeper of the Underworld would probably cause some messy issues.
“It’s crazy, but it’s probably the only chance we have to ending this how Ah want to.” Ryan channeled some magic into Malus Domestica before running straight towards Hades. “Hades!”
“Human! Finally no more screwing around! Show me what you’ve got!”
“Ah will! Be Bound by Nature’s Might! Apple Vine Explosion!” Ryan shouted as he slammed Malus Domestica into the ground, watching as it shook before an explosions of vines made of light burst forth and began to surround and entangle themselves around Hades’ flying form. Hades grunted and struggled all he could, but the vines had him held tight as they pulled him downwards and pinned him to the ground, effectively immobilizing him.
“Ugh...grrr….heh, leave it to you to find a way to win without hurting me. Heh, that kid from the other world was right: you really do have a lot of light in that heart of yours.” Hades sighed once more, though this time in exhaustion. “Well done, human...but to answer your question, when Ponycula was first created, there was a magic stone involved. That stone gives him dominion over me...and is why I cannot resist his call.”
Motioning for them to move on, Ryan turned to Hades and smiled. “Then Ah’ll just have to find this stone and destroy it. That way even if he somehow comes back after we thrash him good, you won’t have to worry about him taking control of you ever again.”
Leaping up and whipping the air, Ryan grabbed the mysterious red orb that had appeared after their victory before catching up with Spike and AppleJack that were just about to the castle door.
“Haha, that human is something else. Now then...guess all I can do is wait and hope he succeeds.”
Pushing a large door open, the trio entered to find pitch black darkness awaiting them.
‘I don’t like this…’
As soon as they had cleared the doorway, the door slammed shut and one by one the candelabras began lighting to show they were most certainly not alone now that they had entered the castle. Laughing quietly as a funky tune began to drift in, Ryan took his stance with the others before shouting. “Ponycula! Ah know you know we’re here and yer listening in! So hear this: yer time is at an end, vile creature! We will save mah herd and send you packing!”
With that the trio began marching forward, whipping candles, smacking ghouls, and taking down any undead or ghastly menace that sought to impede their progress. Be they bat, ghost, or demon, none stood a chance with how determined our three heroes were to save their loved ones.
‘Be careful, guys. I’m feeling something weird about the air in here...I’m not a fan of the creepy vibes it’s giving me.’
Slashing another ghoulish pony to dust, Ryan scrunched his face up. “Well that doesn’t sound good. Any idea what yer feelin’, Partner?”
‘...not particularly, but keep your wits about you. I have a feeling there’s more to this vampire’s resurrection than just the blue moon.’
Taking the lead up a long flight of stairs, Ryan ducked in the nick of time to avoid getting sliced and diced by a ghostly knight that began attacking relentlessly. Growling slightly, Ryan whipped like crazy but wasn’t making any kind of progress as his moves were being countered as fast as he could make them. Trying to predict its movements, Ryan dodged right but was met by a metal fist to the face, sending him flying back down the stairwell with a loud grunt.
“Apple Ryder!” AppleJack roared as she charged at the knight, bucking it so hard it fell apart into several pieces. “You okay?!”
“Ugh...yeah...that hurt. Oddly, more than it should have.” Ryan grunted as he dusted himself off before rejoining them. “Ah think Dark’s thoughts on something odd going on here aren’t too far off. We’d best hurry.”
Continuing on, they came to a large room devoid of all but two platforms, one of which had a tall creature kneeling on it. Due to the cloak it was wearing, they were unsure as to what awaited them, but they’d pretty much deduced it was another boss.
“Ah don’t suppose there’s any point in asking if we can just move on, is there?” Ryan asked, only to see the figure stand up and hop down to meet them. “...is that a no?”
“No move on…” The figure removed its hood, to show what appeared to be Frankenstein’s monster but ponified. “Master will not be bothered...you go no further.”
“Sorry man, but that ain’t happening.” Ryan went to whip him, only to gasp as the creature grabbed his whip and sent an electrical current through it. “Guh!”
Despite Dark absorbing most of it, it still felt rather unpleasant and shot Ryan backwards into the wall. Groaning as he stood up, he glared at his foe intensely. “Alright...ya had yer chance. Apps, Spike? Let’s light this guy up!”
Deciding to forego the whip for now, Ryan ran in and began pummeling the Frankenpone with ice infused punches, hoping to slow it down somewhat. The creature groaned in frustration at these attacks, winding back and sending Ryan flying once more...but that left him open to a double team attack by Apps and Spike. Spike going low and Apps going high, the monstrous pony roared in pain as he was sent skidding across the ground, Spike’s flames still flickering where he’d kicked him. Groaning and growling, the Frankenpone stared our heroes down before twitching violently.
‘What the hell is he…? Oh shit!’ Dark shouted, realizing what he was up to. ‘Dammit! Gotta try this: Soul Separation!’
Ryan was a bit perplexed as he shook off colliding with the wall once again, but quickly came to his senses when he felt Dark split off from him to intercept whatever the tall, green pony was doing.
“GET DOWN!” Dark roared, flaring his Elemental Sync Mk.II and taking a stance. In a matter of moments, the Frankenpone unleashed his attack, sending a massive storm of electricity careening towards our heroes. Dark gritted his teeth, taking the attack head on and grunting as he tried to contain it all. Flaring his own electrical powers, he began to twist and distort the attack before finally sending it back to its owner...though charged with Dark’s own energy as a nasty little bonus. The Frankenpone’s eyes went wide as he was hit, his body shaking from such raw magic. Within moments it was over, the green pony sizzling from the attack...before falling to pieces and dissipating into the ether.
“...heh...heh...no need to fall to pieces from one little failure, dude.” Dark joked, feeling the strain that had taken on him all too well. “You guys okay?”
“Ah’ll manage, Darkness.” AppleJack grunted, shaking off some debris. “Apple Ryder?”
“Guh...that was not fun.” Ryan wiped his forehead to see he was bleeding more than he’d like. “...no worries, Ah’ll just…!”
“What’s wrong, big bro?”
“Mah magic...it’s...it’s not really working.” Ryan tried again and again to heal his wound up but it just wouldn’t budge. In the end, all he did was stop the bleeding. “Dark…”
“Yeah, I’d thought as much.” Dark held out his hand, struggling to channel even a small ball of lightning. “Something really funky happened with that attack we just got hit by. If I were to wager, it put our magical alignments out of wack. It’s gonna take a bit for them to fix themselves, so we need to be very careful in the meantime.”
Standing up and sighing, Ryan picked up Malus Domestica and smiled. “Heh, no problem. The Belmonts were just mortals, and they handled this no problem. We can handle a little thing like this with or without magic.”
Dark laughed softly before nodding. “Right. It’s not like we don’t have skills outside that, but come on...that door should lead forward now that green boy there is toast.”
Heading through yet another large pair of doors, Dark gave pause the moment he walked through them.
“Partner?”
“...that bastard.”
Confused by his statement, the others asked him to expand on it.
“Remember how this place appeared where the Castle of the Two Sisters was? Well take a look around and tell me, Ryan, doesn’t this look a bit familiar?”
Looking over the tapestry hanging in ragged bits, the broken bricks of the flooring, and then what appeared to be the ruins of a throne room between two sets of staircases, it finally clicked.
“No wonder yer so miffed. He literally sprouted this place up right on top of it. You going to be okay, Partner?”
Dark’s eyes took a faraway look to them, and he nodded slowly. “Yeah, it’s just...this place, ya know? It holds a lot of memories for me...both good and bad.”
Noting that he was going into a funk of sorts, and not wanting him to get lost in his past, Ryan wracked his brain for what to do. Finally getting one, the beginnings of a song began to flow through the castle as the others seemed a bit puzzled.
“Hey, Partner?”
Dark, wondering what was up, smirked and turned to Ryan. “Yeah?”
“Just…”
Cause the World might do me in
It’s alright cause Ah’m with friends
Guess Ah’m givin’ up again, It doesn’t matter
(Ooh ooh ooh)
Realizing what it was Ryan was up to, Dark more than happily joined in with that funky beat.
Had me feeling like a ghost
And that's what I hate the most
Guess I'm giving up again
This time
(This time)
(This time)
In a flash, the candles in the throne room all began to flicker on one by one, and that’s when our group realized they were not alone anymore as someone or something else began to sing with them.
This time I might just disappear
Ah yeah
(Uh)
(Woah Oooh oh oh)
“Oh looks, it’s just a bunch of cute little ghosties.” AppleJack remarked, “Ain’t nothing to be afraid of.”
This time I might just dis-
(Mo mo mo mo moah, mo mo mo mo moah)
AH YEAH
(Mo mo mo mo moah, oooh)
Watching as said ghosts suddenly became far creepier in tune with their singing, the others began running up the stairs as fast as they could.
“Okay...maybe Ah was a bit quick to say that, y’all.”
This time I might just disappear
(Uh)
(Woah oooh oh oh)
Having all tripped on each other and skidded to a halt, they slowly stood up only to see more creepy shenanigans going on.
“Oh great, the paintings are singing and staring at us.” Ryan huffed. “Honestly, what else could go wrong at this point?”
This time I might just dis-
(Mo mo mo mo moah, mo mo mo mo moah)
AH YEAH
(Mo mo mo mo moah)
Being startled as the paintings jumped out at them, they huddled together until Darkness noted one of them grabbing a rope. His eyes shrunk as he realized too late what they had planned.
“Oh shit!” He screamed as the floor gave way and they all began to plummet through some freaky landscape that would have fit right in perfectly in Wonderland. As they fell, they passed some bizarre mirrors that showed their reflections but slightly twisted: Ryan’s had a blank space where his heart would be, Dark’s eyes were missing, AppleJack’s cutie mark had vanished, and stranger still was Spike’s that cracked and exploded the moment he passed in front of it.
Groaning as he hit the ground, Dark saw that he was alone...or so he thought as the beats began emanating from a very spooky looking coffin.
(Uh)
Try and hear me, then I'm done
'Cause I might just say this once
Seen this play out in my dream
It doesn't matter
(Mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm)
Watching a strange, ghostly humanoid figure emerge, Dark was shocked as it pointed menacingly at him and continued singing.
Tired of giving up the ghost
Fuck, it's you I hate the most
Maybe there's no guarantee
It doesn't matter
(Uuh)
The figure threw back the hood of its cloak, and while Dark had no idea who this was, some small part of him stated he should.
“So, it’s been fun and all, but, uh, I’m outta here!” Dark quickly scampered backwards before turning around and doing a full sprint in the opposite direction.
“COME BACK HERE, DARKNESS SHADE!” The figure bellowed before giving chase. “I know not how it is that I am back, and that you are here, but I will not waste this chance for my revenge!”
This time I might just disappear
Ah yeah
(Uh)
(Woah oooh oh oh)
This time I might just dis-
(Mo mo mo mo moah, mo mo mo mo moah)
AH YEAH
(Mo mo mo mo mo, oooh)
“Ugh...that hurt.” Ryan rubbed his bottom and groaned. “Great. We’ve lost Dark and Spike.”
“Uh, Apple Ryder?” AppleJack motioned down towards the hall, before Dark’s form ran passed them in a blur. “Ah found Darky.”
“...we should probably run as well, huh?”
“Ah reckon so.”
This time I might just disappear
(Uh)
(Woah oooh oh oh)
This time I might just dis-
(Mo mo mo mo moah, mo mo mo mo moah)
AH YEAH
(Mo mo mo mo mo)
This time I might just disappear
(Uh)
(Woah oooh oh oh)
This time I might just dis-
(Mo mo mo mo moah, mo mo mo mo moah)
Ah yeah
(Mo mo mo mo mo, oooh)
“Great! Who did you piss off this time, Partner?”
Dark growled in frustration. “Don’t know. But from how he was talking, it’s probably someone from my past that has a grudge to settle.”
“Lovely…” Ryan skidded to stop, nearly plowing into Dark. “And a dead end, great.”
This time I might just disappear
(Uh)
(Woah oooh oh oh)
This time I might just dis-
(Mo mo mo mo moah, mo mo mo mo moah)
Ah yeah
(Mo mo mo mo mo, oooh)
“For so long I have waited for such a chance. You will finally pay for what you did to me, for what you and those damnable princesses did that day!”
“Dude, I don’t even remember you, so doesn’t that count for something?”
“SILENCE!” The figure roared, building up energy and launching it at our heroes. “Now, DIE!”
This time I might just disappear
Ah yeah
(Woah oooh oh oh)
“Sorry there, old chap, but we can’t exactly allow you to do that.”
With a blast of pure white magic, the attack was gone and the mysterious figure was stunned at this turn of events. “How...how!?!”
“Doesn’t matter...all that does is it’s time for you to go back to hell!”
This time I might just dis-
(Mo mo mo mo moah, mo mo mo mo moah)
Ah yeah
(Mo mo mo mo mo, oooh)
“No! Damn you, Darkness Shade! Damn you and your friends to hell….”
With a sickening hiss, the strange figure was gone, turned to dust by these strange newcomers.
“So...friends of yers, Partner?”
This time I might just disappear
(Uh)
(Woah oooh oh oh)
“Who...do I know you guys?”
“Hahaha, guess you always were a forgetful lad.”
“I’m more amused to see those two were right about you. But remember…”
The two figures began to dissipate themselves, despite Dark calling out to them.
“No matter where you are, you will always have those that will watch over you…”
This time I might just dis-
(Mo mo mo mo moah, mo mo mo mo moah)
AH YEAH
(Mo mo mo mo mo)
“They’re...they're gone.” Ryan wasn’t sure what to say, but was puzzled by Dark’s reaction. “Partner?”
“My heart...it hurts…” Dark was surprised to see he was crying as well. “Tears? Why?”
“You going to be okay, Darky?”
“Yeah, AJ...I just…” Dark shook his head. “It doesn’t matter...I’ll worry about this later, right now we’ve got our herd to save. Though...hold on. Where’s little bro?”
As if to answer their question, Apps’ bag shook slightly before Spike came flying out with some curious equipment in tow.
“Oh hey! That’s where you were!”
“Ugh...haha, yeah. When Dark mentioned that our magic went a bit wonky, I remembered you saying before about how you’d put that set of devices you’d been tinkering with in there for safekeeping.” Spike took a small backpack looking device and put it on. “Considering what you said they were used for, I just took the chance when we fell to look for that. What did you call these things again?”
Smirking, Ryan tossed Dark one and helped AppleJack get situated with her own before pulling his own on. “Proton Packs...or at least a close enough approximation.”
Having gained some small defense against the creatures of the night and beyond that still lie in wait, our group of heroes pressed further onwards into Ponycula’s castle intent on reaching the top to save their herd...or at least that was the plan until a section of floor gave way sending them plummeting to the basement.
“Guh!” Ryan sighed, rubbing his head. “Everyone alright?”
“More or less...we fell quite a ways this time.” Spike looked about, but couldn’t see much in front of them. “Any idea which way we should go?”
Dark looked around, trying to see if his past knowledge of the castle could help some. Eventually he deduced that he might know where they were. “I think we’re at the bottom of what was used as the landing point for the many slide traps Tia and Woona made use of. If we go forward and look for somewhere to turn on our right, it should lead to an express elevator back to where we were….assuming it’s not in total disrepair that is.”
Ryan nodded and followed along with the others cautiously. Shortly after, however, he made a motion for them to halt and be silent. “...something’s wrong.”
“Whatcha mean, Apple Ryder?”
“Ah’m hearing too many foot and hoof steps.” Ryan motioned for them to all take a step and, sure enough, despite there being only four of them, they heard more footfalls than they should have.
“Okay...ready?”
“Three…”
“Two….”
“One….”
“NOW!” Ryan shouted, as the four of them whirled around and flashed a burst from their protonic weaponry behind them. “Oh ponyfeathers!”
“Everypony, RUN!” Dark shouted as the group began to make tracks away from the unholy abomination of flesh and ectoplasmic energy that had begun to follow them. “What the hell is that thing?”
“Grrr, whatever it is, the Proton Packs aren’t damaging it all that much.” Spike grumbled, taking another shot and only managing to piss it off.
“Ah feel like Ah’ve seen something like that before...in those Castlevania games. An unholy mass of flesh and beings joined as one…” Ryan pulled something off of his pack before yanking the pin and throwing it back. “Everyone, shield yer eyes!”
Doing so, the small device whirred extremely loud before detonating and releasing a massive and concentrated blast of protonic energy. The strange creature roared loudly, sending shivers down our heroes’ spines, but it seemed otherwise unharmed. Noting it was at least stunned for now, Dark led the others down a ways and found the tunnel that he’d been searching for.
“This way! We’re almost out of here!”
“Huff...Big bro...when all this is over, we need to make a lighter version of this equipment.” Spike sighed before running into Dark who’d stopped running. “...what’s wrong?”
“Dammit! The elevator shaft is here, but it’s not in great shape…” Dark pushed on some specific stones etched with runes and, despite their glowing, nothing seemed to be happening. “Well shit…”
“Uh, Apple Ryder? Ah hope ya got some more of those big bangie things from before, cause Ah think we’ve got company.”
Now that he was taking a good look at the creature, Ryan finally remembered just what this must be. “The One who is Many...Legion. Damn! A true hell spawn. Quick! They can only hold it for a short while, but we’ve got no choice: Dial your throwers to max and light up this oversized turkey!”
Flicking a few switches and hearing the packs hum up to full power, Ryan and the others unleashed a powerful combined blast that seemed to succeed in holding back the creature and even pushing it back.
“Keep on them!” Dark shouted, feeling his pack heat up. “How long can they hold this again, Partner?”
“Not long, unfortunately...but we are damaging it!” Ryan gritted his teeth as he listened for the sound cues of their packs. “Keep on...keep on...let up now!”
Reeling their beams back in, the packs gave a warning flash of light and sound as something slid out from the side and began to emit a lot of steam and heat. While their packs were now on cooldown, this also meant their otherworldly foe was now able to encroach once again.
“Any ideas, Apple Ryder? Ah highly doubt we can do that enough to stop this thing.”
Nodding, Ryan’s face twitched in thought before he glanced to Dark. The two nodded at each other and smirked before assuming a familiar stance.
“Oh yeah, let’s do this!” Dark shouted, doing the all too familiar dance as he and Ryan bumped fists. “Soul Synchronization!”
With a burst of light, Ryan and Dark were once again one but as a side effect so were their Proton Packs. As they smirked, pulled out both throwers, and flicked the switches to activate them, Kouki stared down Legion and said only one thing.
“Let us tell ya something: BUSTIN’ MAKES US FEEL GOOD!” Kouki grinned before charging the beams and unleashing a combined attack on the mass of corpses surrounding Legion. “Ultimate Protonic Cannon!”
Their strike was right on the mark, hitting the target and in fact penetrating to the being at its core, the screech it let out chilling the others immensely.
“Spike! Apps!” Kouki struggled to maintain the hold on it. “Now! The Traps!”
Spike grabbed the ones he had but was confused. “How many of them?”
“ALL OF THEM!”
With a mighty throw, several large traps were thrown out underneath Legion, rolling to a stop right in place. With a final shout from Kouki, Spike and AppleJack slammed the triggers, the bright light shining forth and snagging Legion in its pull.
“I looked at the trap, Apple Ryder.”
“Just hold fast…” Kouki helped wrangle it down until finally with a ‘fwoop!’ it sunk into the traps, a slight hiss and beep accompanying its closure. “Phew!”
Feeling drained from their fusion, Ryan and Dark split before running over to check out the traps. Noting they seemed to be working as hoped, they laughed before high-fiving.
“All in the trap…”
“Ready to go…”
“We be fast…
“And they be slow!”
“Well, not that Ah’m not glad that turned out for the best, Apple Ryder, but there’s still the issue of how to progress from here. Also, Ah’m rather sure everything we did just burnt out these Pronoun Packs things.”
“Proton, hun, and yeah...most likely.” Ryan pulled out the portable hole and tossed the now spent weaponry in to worry about later. “However, it feels like whatever was sapping our strength is starting to let up.”
“Good.” Dark walked back over to the runes and examined them a bit closer before charging up some of his own magic and letting it flow through them. Eventually, he could see them shifting a bit as the crumbled rocks of the floor began assembling together and soon enough they had a new elevator ready to raise them up. “Perfect...well...good enough. It should get us up there in one piece, so let’s not waste anymore time.”
With an agreement from the others, they slowly ascended towards the top of the castle.
Eventually they came to a stop about where they had originally fallen and began to move forward into a large room filled with clocks. Shortly after entering, however, they gave pause as somepony fell down and stood opposite of them. There was an intense stare down as the four looked at this newcomer, wondering whether he was friend or foe. Soon enough the pony spoke up.
“Who are you? And what business do you have in this castle?”
“Ah’m Ryan Ryder, this is mah brother Dark, mah other brother Spike, and one of mah herdmates, AppleJack. As for why we’re here...we have business with the owner of this castle. See, he went and crashed our wedding, stealing away the rest of mah herd and, understandably, we can’t really let such a thing go.” Ryan walked closer to this stranger. “Tell me, sir, why do Ah feel the same type of magic from you that this Ponycula fellow gives off? Are you friend...or foe?”
“I can assure you, I have no quarrel with you or your herd. Indeed, your garb reminds me of humans that I have not seen in a long time. Perhaps...are you related to the Belmont clan?”
“No...but Ah am familiar with them.” Ryan offered his hand. “So then, what shall we call you seeing as you are friend and not foe?”
“Alucynop.” He answered, shaking Ryan’s hand. “And if it is the owner of this castle you are after, then perhaps I may lend my assistance.”
“You’ve got something against Ponycula as well, mister?”
“Indeed, little dragon. It’s rather personal, so you’ll forgive me if I do not go too into detail.”
“What? Is the dude yer dad or something?” Dark joked...though when no laugh came he deadpanned. “Oh...well...shit. Sorry, dude.”
The pony merely laughed softly in reply before waving a hoof dismissively. “It is quite fine. You certainly remind me of someone I knew from long ago, human. The two of you share an affinity for shades, which is quite curious. Still, we cannot waste much time with idle chatter. If my father is indeed back, and he has kidnapped your mares, then he may be trying to regain all of his strength.”
“Would you happen to know the way?” AppleJack gestured about. “We’ve been having a helluva time getting around and Ah’d rather we not run into anymore unholy abominations like what was skulking about in the basement.”
At that Alucynop nodded, before walking over to a nearby wall. “I am privy to the secrets of this castle, so if it’s a more direct path we need, then this should suffice.”
Pushing on a stone, the wall rumbled and shook before sliding back and revealing a dark hallway. Though lacking a horn, Alucynop somehow still produced light from seemingly out of nowhere to illuminate the way. “Come quickly! I have no doubt that my father will sense my interference now, and attempt to distract us even more so. We must stop him, and return this world to order.”
“So...does he have any weaknesses we can exploit?” Ryan asked as he huffed and puffed, running along with the others up the winding staircase.
“He can be a bit full of himself...and it should go without saying that holy water isn’t his preferred refreshment.”
Dark began rooting about in his jacket before producing a small vial. “Oh good! So lugging this with me from the mindscape was a good idea.”
Alucynop blinked before shaking his head. “You are a strange one, human. However, though he must be stopped, I ask that we only do that. At least...if I cannot reason with him. I owe my mother at least one last attempt at that, to get him to peacefully move on.”
“...it’s rather unfortunate that all of this was started just cause of buncha durn fools killed yer mom.” AppleJack grumbled with a growl. “We’ll do what we can ta help ya, Al.”
“Al? Haha, okay, I suppose I have been called worse things, young pony. However...do not underestimate the tricks he may try to use on us. Keep your wits about you and we should be fine…” Alucynop listened carefully before nodding. “We’re nearly there. Once we’re at the top, there will be one last stairway that leads to his chambers. We can ready ourselves there and then…”
“We go show him some retribution, Belmont style!” Ryan roared, making a whip crack motion with his hand. “Hmmm...kinda wish we had some food, all of this fighting got me pretty hungry.”
“Not to worry, Partner!” Dark smirked, pulling back and smacking the wall next to them.
“Big bro! Why did you do that?!”
Dark seemed puzzled, but merely shrugged before reaching in and pulling out what appeared to be a leg of meat of some kind. “Come on, Ryan should be well aware of what I’m doing given his knowledge of the Belmonts.”
“Of course!” Ryan smacked his forehead before taking the offered food. “When in doubt, wall chicken to the rescue. Oh wait, Ah’m sorry: “Pot Roast”. Wouldn’t want to offend any Castlevania fans out there by incorrectly referencing things.”
AppleJack eyed her human oddly as he chowed down on the mysterious meat. “Uh, are ya sure that’s wise, Apple Ryder? Ah mean, who knows how long that thing has even been there!”
“Tastes fine to me!” Ryan smiled widely. “Seasoned perfectly and what luck: it’s still warm ta boot!”
“If you two are quite done, the end of our journey is just this way.”
Stepping out of the stairwell, they could see they were now quite high up, near the tip-top of the castle. Indeed, as Alucynop had said, there was but one more staircase leading up to a rather large room where no doubt Ryan’s herd and Ponycula were waiting.
“This is it guys. Once we go up those stairs, there’s no going back. We stop that undead asshole and save the gals.” Ryan turned to their newfound friend with a look of worry. “Are you gonna be okay? Ya know, having to fight yer dad like this?”
“It is not the first time we have met in such a way, but I can only hope it will be the last.”
“I’m rather afraid that none of you will get such a chance!”
Whirling around, Ryan and company could see none other than Death himself free and staring them down hard with scythes in hoof.
“Hades!”
“That’s right, Ryder! You thought yourself quite clever, trapping me within those magical vines of yours, but even you failed to understand just how strong my master is...and speaking of.” Hades turned to face Alucynop with a displeased look upon his face. “Young Master...why must you once again meddle in the affairs of your father?”
“You know as well as I do, Death. My father cannot be allowed to do as he wishes and harm innocent lives. I know deep down you know this as well!”
Hades narrowed his eyes before shaking his head. “As I told Ryder, that is no concern compared to the strength of my Master. Now then, I will finally finish this and strike you down where you stand! You shall not stop my Master from returning to his full glory!”
With that he lashed out at our heroes, who barely managed to either dodge or block the attack. Ryan and Dark felt Hades bear down on them with his scythes, shakily holding their ground as the power of Hell itself threatened to rend them in two.
“Dammit! We don’t have time for this!”
“I’m in agreement, Partner, but what the hell can we do?”
“This!” Alucynop shouted, moving at lightning speed and knocking Hades into the wall opposite of them. “Go! Face my father! I will handle Death and catch up later!”
“Al…”
“Haha, do not fret, young one. I am far from my final time! Now hurry!”
With that they watched as their new friend faced Hades alone, parrying his strikes and keeping him from advancing towards them. With renewed urgency, they hurried up the final stairway before entering a large entryway.
“How appropriately creepy.” Spike grumbled before spotting a doorway that seemed to beckon to him. “Guys...I think he’s in there.”
Feeling a rather creepy vibe from within the doorway, our heroes steeled their nerves before charging in.
“Ponycula! We’re here for mah herd!”
At first they heard nothing, but then they heard a sound that began to slowly grow. Eventually, it began to resemble...laughter? And then they saw him at last, sitting upon his throne with the rest of Ryan’s herd behind him in a trance-like state.
“Well, well. Good evening. So nice of my dear guests to finally show up. But trashing my castle, destroying my minions, and even teaming up with my half-breed son...just who the hell do you think you are, human?”
“Me?” Ryan smirked before striking a pose and shouting loudly. “Ah am the morning sun, come to vanquish this horrible night!”
“You may not be related to them, but you certainly do have their flair for the dramatic.”
Dark growled, getting annoyed at his flippant attitude. “Die monster! You don’t belong in this world!”
“Heh, please. It was not by my hand that I am once again given flesh. I was called here by ponies, who wish to pay me tribute!”
“Tribute!” Ryan scoffed. “Ya steal pony’s souls and make them yer slaves!”
“Perhaps the same could be said of all religions…”
“Your words are as empty as your soul!” Dark spat back, his magic flaring at Ponycula’s carefree attitude. “Ponykind ill needs a savior such as you!”
Calmly sipping his wine, Ponycula sneered before throwing his empty glass to the ground where it shattered loudly. “What is a pony? A miserable pile of secrets! But enough talk…”
With that he levitated off of his throne before landing in front of them and unleashing his power. “HAVE AT YOU!”
Our heroes dove out of the way of a massive amount of fireballs that were launched their way, sighing in relief as they managed to avoid being singed. They weren’t given much time to breath, however, as Ponycula went on the offensive again, releasing a multitude of lightning blasts that threatened to fry them to a crisp. While Dark easily blocked and absorbed the attacks, Ryan did his best to bat it away while trying to shield Spike and AppleJack.
“Dammit, this guy definitely is packing some firepower behind that creepy facade.” Ryan groaned, before smirking. “Then again, he’s not the only one that’s got power in spades!”
Roaring loudly, Ryan unleashed his Elemental Sync before finally going on the offensive and smacking Ponycula with a mighty crack of his whip. The undead villain gasped in annoyance and flinched, fading from sight briefly.
“Ugh...I see that you also have their skill when it comes to those damnable whips. You are beginning to be more trouble than you are worth, human.”
“You ain’t seen the half of it.” Ryan chuckled. “So quit hiding and show yerself you monster!”
“If you insist.” Ponycula cackled, materializing directly behind Ryan. “Let us see you vanquish this night, Mr. Morning Sun!”
“What?” Ryan whirled around but was caught defenseless as he was struck dead in the chest, his body flying backwards at an insane rate before crashing against the wall. “...ugh…”
“Ryan!” Dark roared, flaring his electricity and charging headlong at their vampiric foe. Ponycula simply scoffed and dodged his attacks before mocking our hero.
“Oh please...if the human that knew of the Belmonts could not touch me, what hope do you have?” Letting out a laugh, he smacked Dark backwards as well before pausing. “...why do I feel water?”
“Heh...not just any water.” Dark laughed from his position on the ground, his hand placed palm down and wrapped in electricity. “Now feel the purifying might of Righteousness!”
“What?!” Ponycula roared in anger as Dark’s lightning snaked along the ground and right into the Holy Water splashed on him, supercharging it and causing quite the nasty sting of pain. “You foolish human! Do you think a little holy water will stop me?! I am the Lord of Darkness!”
“Heh, I beg to differ.” Dark smirked, turning up the voltage even higher and watching as Ponycula began to spasm in agony. “This ends now!”
“This...only...ends...when I...say it does! Rawar!” Ponycula’s scream echoed through the hall, it’s shockwave sending everyone there flying and landing them in a crumpled heap. Groaning, Ryan did his best to stand only to see a very demonic, bi-pedal pony creature standing over them.
“Shit…”
“Shit, indeed, you foolish human. You know of them, but you are not a Belmont. You cannot defeat me. Your herd is mine, and once I’m rid of you and the clock strikes 6am, they will be mine...forever.”
“Not if I have anything to say about that, Father!”
“What?! Guh!” Ponycula skidded back as his son bodyslammed him away from Ryan and the others. “Well well, if it isn’t my son. Even after all these thousands of years, you still insist on getting in my way.”
“Father, stop this madness! You know this isn’t what mother would want!”
Ponycula seemed to paused at this a moment, looking aside in thought. “Your mother...she was a kind, innocent woman. She didn’t deserve what happened to her, those humans and ponies murdered her all because she fell in love with me.”
“Then you know this is not what she would have wanted. She did not harbor hatred towards those that killed her, and instead wished for us to find peace with them.”
“Peace? With those that would murder an innocent woman?!”
“Not all of them are evil, father!” Alucynop pleaded. “I know you know this!”
“...” Ponycula turned away from his son. “Perhaps...but it is too late for me.”
“No it’s not! We can change things! It doesn’t have to be this way.”
“Haha, you have her naivety...and her kind heart. I do not wish to harm you, son, but if you try to stop me…” Ponycula turned around and unleashed his energy. “I will show you no mercy.”
“...I am sorry, mother, but I tried.” Ponycula roared, unleashing his own energy and charging at his father. “I cannot allow you to do as you please, Father!”
As Ponycula and his son began to clash over and over, Spike tried his best to nudge his brothers and AJ awake.
“Come on guys, this isn’t good! Al seems to be holding his own but he needs our help.”
“Ugh…” Ryan groaned, trying to move and finding it to be difficult. “His magic...feel so...weak…”
“Dammit…” Dark groaned, his hold on the physical realm fading slightly as his body turned slightly ethereal. “How can he be so strong?”
As for AJ, she was still out of it as she had hit the wall rather hard before landing on Ryan. Some groans were the only sign she was still alright, but it was clear she wasn’t waking up anytime soon. Spike seemed panicked, with his family out of the fight it was up to their new friend...and from what he could see he was having a bit of trouble with it. Whether that was from holding back because he still felt he could get through to his father or not, the young dragon was not sure, but if something didn’t change he feared they may possibly lose.
“I won’t give up!” Spike roared, charging towards Ponycula and attempting to assist in an assault. Ponycula scoffed, knocking aside his son before backhanding Spike and laughing.
“If even my son has trouble stopping me, what luck would a young dragon such as yourself have?”
“I don’t care about that!” Spike growled, snapping his fingers and disappearing from sight.
“You should!” Ponycula cackled, firing a blast of dark magic behind himself and nailing Spike, causing him to reappear and crash to the ground. “Heh, fascinating...I’ve not known a dragon that could do that.”
“There’s a lot of things I can do that you’d be surprised by!” Spike raised his right claw upwards before wrapping it in fire. “Take this! My love! My Anger! And all of My Sorrow! Burning Finger!”
Alucynop jumped away as Spike sped towards his father at incredible speed and was surprised when he actually made contact….but sadly it just wasn’t enough as Ponycula merely grasped the flaming claw and squeezed, smirking at Spike’s scream of agony.
“You are pathetic. That human that was somehow wise to the Belmont’s methods could not defeat me, the other human could not defeat me, and even my son has no chance. So what hope does a small, worthless little lizard like you have in doing such? Speaking of…” Ponycula held tight to Spike, lifting him up and flinging him towards the pile that was the injured Ryan, Dark, and AppleJack. “Join the other trash. Once I’m done disciplining my son, you three shall suffer and then...then I will have my brides. Mwahahaha.”
“Little bro…” Ryan did his best to catch Spike, softening the blow somewhat but causing him to hiss in pain at the collision. “Shit...this is not looking good…”
“Ryan...big bro...I’m sorry I couldn’t do it…”
“Heh...it’s okay, Spike. We’ll find a way...somehow.”
Despite Ryan’s words, that same feeling of despair began to creep into Spike’s mind: they might lose and then all would be lost.
At that thought, Spike’s world turned dark as his thoughts began to focus inward.
‘Dammit! Why...why am I always left behind no matter what? Every time that something has happened with those that I love, I’ve never been strong enough.’
His memories began to swirl and surround him, key moments in his life where he just didn’t have enough almost mocking him as they played out in his mind.
‘With the fight against Discord...against Chrysalis...even against Sombra was only thanks to Dark’s added might.’ Spike began to feel something rise within him. He wasn’t sure what it was, but it felt...warm. Right. ‘No matter what has happened, I’ve always been a liability. I’ve always been the one that has to be protected because I’m not strong enough to protect those I care about. Big bro has always had to bail me out of trouble. Him, Dark, even the girls are so much stronger. Dammit...I just...I just….I just want to be able to protect those I care about as well!!!’
In that moment, Spike felt something threaten to overwhelm him. His anger and frustration at being unable to aid his loved ones began to build and build, and soon enough he could no longer contain the fury he felt.
“I won’t. Allow myself. To be like that anymore!” Spike roared, an ungodly amount of green and purple flames emanating from his body and swirling around him. This display was enough to halt Ponycula and draw both his and his son’s attention toward the young dragon.
“...what in the world?” Ponycula gasped, confused by this turn of events. “Where is he drawing such power from?”
“Heh...well then, to think I’d live to see such a sight again. This must truly be one special dragon.”
With a furious roar, Spike’s flames exploded away from his body to show that something had indeed changed in the young dragon. His scales were glowing as if ablaze, his eyes shimmered like fire, and flecks of flames danced around him.
“I won’t let you get away with what you’ve done! I will not let you harm my family and friends anymore!” Spike roared, charging at Ponycula in the blink of an eye and landing a fearsome punch directly upside his head. Ponycula growled, feeling the searing heat upon his flesh and sliding backwards at such a powerful attack.
“What?!” Ponycula groaned before feeling Spike land another blow, and another, and another as the flames began to slowly cover his body.
“...S-Spike?” Ryan slowly turned to see his little brother knocking the ever-loving shit out of the vampiric pony. “...what the hell?”
“....He...I...I know what that is…but how did he…?” Dark groaned, feeling his energy fading a bit more but still maintaining his physical body. “...somehow...I think Cordy is to blame…”
“How can one small dragon be enough to rival even my power!?” Ponycula roared, gasping at his injuries. “What madness is this?”
“This father, is the power of one that fights for others.” Alucynop trotted over towards Spike. “You have done well, young one.”
“...we have to finish him.” Spike calmly stated. “I...I don’t really want to, but I can tell he’s not the kind of guy that can be stopped with words.”
Alucynop nodded sadly. “Yes...I am sorry, Father, but this is how it must be.”
Gasping and groaning, Ponycula could only smile sadly. “Well met, my son.”
With one final charging roar, both Spike and Alucynop ran Ponycula through with claw and sword to end this accursed night.
“Go back to whence you came. Trouble the soul of my mother no more.”
“Hahaha...I still cannot fathom how it was I lost so completely to one such as him.”
“You have been doomed, Father, ever since you lost the ability to love.”
“Ha, sarcasm. For what profit is it to someone who gains the world, but loses their soul in the process? Tell me...what were Lisa’s last words?”
“...she said do not hate the ponies and humans, that if you cannot live with them then at least do them no harm. For their lot is already hard enough.” Alucynop slowly walked towards his father. “She also said to tell you that she would love you for all of eternity.”
“Lisa...forgive me.” Ponycula’s body began to spasm and fall apart, the flames turning it to ash. “Farewell...my son.”
In a blinding flash of light Ponycula was gone, and when it faded there was nothing left of the vampiric king but a pile of dust. Alucynop turned to the others, helping them up before they checked on the rest of Ryan’s herd that was slowly coming to now that the curse had been broken.
“Ugh...what happened? I remember our wedding and then…! That pony! Ryan!”
“Heh, right here, T-Sparks.” Ryan smirked, laughing slightly despite his injuries. “Y’all back to normal now?”
“It would seem so...but it’s so dreadful. Our wonderful dresses, ruined!”
‘Heh, that’s Rares for ya.’ Dark remarked, having returned to Ryan’s body to recuperate. ‘Since it seems everyone is back to normal, we should probably get out of here quickly. If Ryan’s memories are right, without its Master this castle will soon vanish.’
“The older soul is correct. We must make haste. Quickly, follow me.” Alucynop nodded before leading the way, the others following behind...but not before Spike made sure to grab something shining in the ashes that were once Ponycula.
As our heroes made it out of the castle and stood on the far side of the bridge that normally led to the Castle of the Two Sisters, they watched as the sky itself seemed to rip open and a massive pillar of light burst forth to engulf Ponycula’s castle. Bit by bit his castle was lifted up and away into the vortex, leaving only the Two Sister’s castle behind. Eventually the light faded, as did the vortex, leaving only the clear sky as dawn slowly broke.
“Hey Al, Ah’m sorry we couldn’t save yer dad.”
“Heh, it is alright, young apple pony. It was a longshot, but at least he has been put to rest once more.” Alucynop seemed okay, but something about the way his features were didn’t sit well with Ryan.
“...Ah can tell it was painful for ya.”
“Indeed. But remember, the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing…”
Ryan nodded. “Ah understand.”
“Alucynop...what are you going to do now?”
“Young dragon...the blood that runs through my veins is cursed. ‘Twould be best for this world if I were to disappear forever.”
“...I see.”
‘Well I don’t, dammit!’
“Darkness…”
‘So what if yer pops is an immortal jerk and you so happen to share his blood? You’ve proven you aren’t your father. There are so many out there that you could help with your powers. So much of this world to see. It would...it would be a shame if you just vanished like that.’ Dark smirked, laughing softly before reappearing and placing a hand on his shoulder. “Especially so as I’d hate to never see my new friend again.”
Alucynop regarded Dark’s gesture for a moment before laughing softly himself. “You are a strange human. But...perhaps you are correct. There is much to see and I don’t doubt there are many who need aide that I mayhaps can give. Very well, I see I cannot win this one.” With that he took Dark’s hand and shook before smiling.
“One day, we shall meet again. Until then, take care my new friends.”
And with that Alucynop vanished into the mists and out of sight, leaving Ryan and his herd alone once more.
“Rys, what about our wedding?”
“Heh, well Dashie, guess we’ll have to replan it. The wedding hall was totally destroyed, the guests are probably all in shock still, and let’s face it: as mah marshmallow stated, our wedding outfits are totally ruined.” Ryan laughed at a thought. “Well, at least this way you get to help in the planning and designing, Rarebear.”
“Oh, I suppose that’s true enough. Hmm?” Rarity walked over to where Alucynop had been and noticed he’d dropped a book of some kind. “What is this?”
Lyra took it from Rarity and looked over the cover. “Fascinating! It appears to be the journal used by Princess Celestia and Luna as they grew up.”
“Really!?” Twilight gasped, quickly grabbing it for herself and reading through it. “This is amazing...do you think he left it for us on purpose?”
“Heh, I wouldn’t doubt it.” Dark mused before feeling Spike tug on his pant leg. “Eh? What’s up little bro?”
“Uhm….well I found this. It seemed important.” Spike handed Dark a smooth, spherical stone of some sort. “It was in Ponycula’s ashes after we defeated him.”
“Partner…”
“Ah think it just might be that stone.”
“Then I say we free a certain friend of ours from its curse.” Dark concentrated his magic into his right hand and with a loud roar crushed it into dust. “Hades...now yer truly free again, old friend.”
“Uhm...well...if...if we’re all done now can we, maybe, head back home? I imagine everyone is still worried about us.”
“Flutters is right. Let’s get going ladies. Ah’m ready to rest and get things back on track.”
“I think that’s something we can all agree on.” Twilight added, trotting behind the others as they headed back towards town. “And if I can get this new spell I’m working on finished, I can give us a vacation that would be out of this world.”
“Haha, well with foreshadowing like that, even Ah can’t wait. Happy Nightmare Night, everyone!”