//------------------------------// // The Nightmare Begins // Story: Rainbooms and Royalty // by Trinary //------------------------------// & & & “…took on responsibility for both sun and moon, and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since!” The book closed. “You see? Now that is how the Princess…” “Look! It’s Rainbow Dash!” A crowd of fillies and colts fled to the windows as Cheerilee repressed a groan. That filly had only been in town for two days and already she could completely interrupt a lesson just by flying past. She hoped that the novelty of the new visitor would wear off and that Ponyville’s foals would divert their attention elsewhere. Thus far, no such luck. “Now, class….” The ringing of the school bell, signaling the end of the day cut her off and she quickly had to leap to the side to avoid a stampede of little ponies. “Fine, remember to have fun at the Summer Sun Celebration!” She called. Outside Rainbow Dash delighted in the chorus of cheers and shouts that greeted her as the fillies and colts ran out of school. They jumped and waved, eager to get her attention. With a loose wave, Dash zoomed down at the ground, a rainbow in her wake. She flew just over their heads, blowing manes wildly out of place as they stomped and cheered. A tight Immelmare’s turn sent her soaring back up into the wild blue. The wind tugged at her mane and tail sending them flapping in midair. Her feathers stretched out as if trying to catch the air itself. She looped around the schoolyard once, twice and on the third time did a series of barrel rolls. Rainbow Dash then evened out and zipped across the rooftops, her hooves delicately strutting across them as she half-ran, half-flew across from house to house until she reached the end of the street. Then, with a final somersault she landed hard on her hooves on the street below, right in front of the local restaurant. She breezed in and took a seat at one of the outdoor tables, scoping the menu. This was the life. Hot piping breakfast each morning at Sweet Apple Acres, a whole day of flying (when Twilight wasn’t dragging her around to oversee preparations), naps in the clouds, competitions with Applejack, snacks with Fluttershy, more flying, dinner with Ditzy and Dinky, and then back to the farm for the night. Rinse and repeat. A pair of massive hooves covered Dash’s face from behind. Her forelegs flailed in surprise. “Guess who Dashie?” Teased a familiar sounding voice. “Shining Armor you pinhead! Lemme go!” She grunted, spinning around the second he let go of her. “Jerk!” The large unicorn laughed at the indignant look on her face. “Aww, c’mon Dash…” He pouted. “I missed you kid. How’re you doing?” Rainbow Dash brightened immediately, which of course had nothing to do with the admission that he actually missed her. At all. Likewise the fact that her heart skipped a little beat was a coincidence. Totally. “It’s. Been. Awesome!” She threw her hooves up. “I get to fly all I want, get great food and no boring lessons or snobby ponies to ruin things. It’s a blast.” “Glad you’re enjoying yourself.” Shining mussed her mane. “How’s Twiley doing?” “Twilight’s actually…pretty okay.” Rainbow said after thinking about it. “I think she’s having some fun and she actually got to meet some ponies without completely shutting down. She’s kinda cool once she stops being all nervous or nerdy. No offense.” She added as an afterthought. Shining Armor didn’t seem offended. “That’s great news! I was hoping that if any pony could get her to loosen up a bit and gain a little confidence, it’d be you.” Rainbow had to clamp down on her jaw to prevent a squeal of delight. Even so her hind legs did a little kick of joy, safely hidden from view under the table. “Y-yeah?” Her voice broke so she cleared her throat, as if that would really help. “Well, we actually kind of got to talking a bit about stuff…like the entrance exam thing.” Shining’s eyes widened. “Yeah…it was pretty heavy. She was really torn up about it, but Applejack and I—that farmpony you met before?—tried to get her to look at it differently. I don’t know how much of it she really got but—!” She was abruptly cut off when Shining Armor enfolded her into a full body hug. “S-shiny?” “Dash…I don’t think I can ever thank you enough.” He said softly into her ear. “I’ve been trying to get Twilight to deal with what happened and to get out and make friends for ages…thank you SO much.” Rainbow Dash’s cyan cheeks erupted into a bright red blush that seemed tinged with purple the hotter it got. Her mouth refused to form words and just settled for randomly opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water. When—too soon!—Shining Armor stepped away, he gave Dash a small smile. “I’m going to go see Twilight myself. When you’re done here Princess Celestia would like to see you. She has a room upstairs in the town hall in preparation for her appearance in the morning. It’s been great seeing you Dash. I owe you big time.” With a sharp salute offset by an easy going smile, the royal guard turned and trotted off. Rainbow Dash slumped back into her chair, a goofy grin plastered to her face…until the rest of his message sunk in. Celestia wanted to see her? She gulped. Suddenly she wasn’t hungry anymore. & & & About an hour later, Rainbow Dash was trotting up the stairs to the upper-level of Ponyville Town Hall. The pair of white pegasi in gold armor told her she was in the right place. “Hey guys…uh, the Princess wanted to see me?” She half hoped that they would turn her aside. But no, they turned and stood aside, one of them opening the door for her. The moment she stepped it she heard the door shut firmly behind her. It had a certain finality to it. “Celestia?” Rainbow Dash asked as she trotted inside the Princess’ room, her words were informal but her tone was nervous. The last night they had seen each other had NOT ended on the best of terms. For a moment she thought that the Princess wasn’t there. Then she heard a soft, elegant sigh that spoke of tremendous weariness and love. “I had hoped I would get to see you tonight.” This was not what Rainbow Dash was expecting. “Um, why?” She slowly made her way inside. “Celestia? You okay?” Another student might quail at the thought of addressing Princess Celestia so informally, even in private. With Rainbow Dash, Celestia had to remind her to address her as Princess when in public. If she had to listen to one more stuffy noble complain about her student’s ‘impropriety’ … “Yes, I am.” Celestia sat upon her bed, her legs tucked beneath her. She gently padded a space next to her with her wing. Rainbow Dash gave a single flap and hopped up on the bed next to Celestia. She felt Celestia’s giant wing enfolding her, drawing her close. Dash expected a royal chewing out, not this…this brought her back to all the times Celestia would do this when Rainbow Dash was just a filly. As much as she lov—liked her mentor, she was glad there wasn’t anypony around to see this. It made the image-conscious pegasus feel a little embarrassed at being coddled and fussed over like a fledgling again…even if she liked on another level. Especially because she liked it. “So…what’s up?” Rainbow Dash asked hopefully that this was NOT about last night they saw each other. She bit her lip as she felt Celestia’s feathers stroke her back. “I just thought that we should talk. It seems as if we haven’t been able to spend as much time together as I would like.” She exhaled. “Is there anything *you* want to talk about?” Rainbow Dash fidgeted. “Um, nice weather we’re having?” She gave her widest, cheesiest grin. It never failed to make Celestia smile. Her student was just so *cute* when she thought she was being subtle. “Yes, I suppose we are at that.” The Princess of the sun laughed, leaning her head down to nuzzle her student while gently tousling Rainbow’s mane with her hoof. “Ack! Heeey!” Rainbow Dash whined as she feebly shooed Celestia’s hoof away and set about to fixing her mane. Celestia chuckled. “I was referring more to how you were doing.” She looked at the young pegasus. “I saw you practicing this afternoon.” “Heh, yeah.” She shuffled her wings. “Just needed to stretch my wings a bit.” Nodding in understanding, Celestia met her eyes. “So your wings were feeling…cramped?” “Um, I guess so.” Rainbow Dash looked away. Celestia kept her face neutral. “I see. But now your wings are feeling more…free, here in Ponyville than in Canterlot?” Rainbow Dash leaned her head against Celestia’s side and sighed gently. “I guess. Don’t get me wrong!” She quickly added, looking to see if the Princess was offended (she wasn’t). “I like Canterlot fine but…” Princess Celestia smiled before taking on an exaggerated pout. “What’s the matter my faithful student? Here I thought you liked all the fancy dinner parties and soirées!” Dash groaned. “I’d rather you banished me, then threw me in a dungeon in the place you banished me to than go to another one of those!” “I know. I get that a lot.” Celestia nuzzled her. “I just fear that sometimes you spend too much time by yourself. There are many young ponies in Canterlot for you to meet. Besides,” she winked. “I like showing you off.” Rainbow Dash gave a preening smile. “Yeah, I know how awesome I am…” It was hard to tell how much was boast and how much was humor. Her smile slipped. “But everypony there was just so dull! They wouldn’t know a good time if it flew in front of their face! It’s all about who’s dating who, and so and so’s new yacht and, gag, fashion!” She made as if to be physically ill. “None of them have any taste for fun! I tried inviting them to see the Wonderbolts but all they wanted to do was sit up in the private boxes and chatter while the race was going on! They didn’t want to mingle with the fans or cheer or anything!” She rolled her eyes. “Gimme a break! So uncool.” Celestia nodded knowingly. Rainbow Dash was very impatient with other ponies who didn’t share her interests, especially if they favored activities that were low-intensity. She took a lack of interest in her favorite things as a lack of interest in her. “So you were content to just spend time with me and the guards?” “Hay, yeah!” Rainbow blurted out. “The guards at least are good for a race or a competition now and then. I mean, they’re hardcore! If I tried that with any of those snobs they’d end up with bruises and run home whining. They’re cool…and you’re really cool!” That made Celestia’s heart melt at just how eager and earnest she sounded. Rainbow Dash wasn’t one to ingratiate herself—in truth they’ve had more than one argument. What she said, she meant, which made her a rarity in the royal city. “Thank you my dear.” The cyan pegasus fluttered her wings bashfully. “You’re welcome. Honestly, if it weren’t for you that place would be the boredom capital of the world.” “So, I take it that you’re enjoying yourself here in Ponyville?” Celestia asked. “Away from all those stuffy nobles and your stuffy teacher?” Her tone was light, even teasing but Rainbow Dash still flinched. “What is it?” “I’m sorry!” Rainbow Dash looked away, not wanting Celestia to see the tears welling up in her eyes. Celestia’s wing rubbed her back, drawing her closer to her friend and mentor. “What ever are you sorry for?” Celestia asked as Rainbow’s head lowered itself on the bed. “I know I’m not the pony you would’ve wanted to be here. I know I’m not a good student that I argue a lot and cause you trouble…” “Rainbow Miriam Dash.” Celestia tilted Dash’s head up. “You are a wonderful student. You’ve worked very hard and your training has been excellent. You’ve reached every bar I’ve set for you, physically. True, your mind could use a little broadening, and you could use a little maturing…but you have grown to be a wonderful mare. You are strong, brave, talented, and you always speak your mind. And if we quarrel, it is because we have different ideas on what is best for you. I’m proud that you have your own opinions…I just wish you would think a little bit more before you form them.” She gently flicked Rainbow’s muzzle, prompting a giggle from her. “S-so you’re not mad at me?” Rainbow squeaked, her voice breaking from emotion. “No…I’m not.” She smiled as she heard Rainbow Dash sigh in relief, practically melting against her side as the tension poured out of her. The two lay there for much of the night, drawing comfort and strength from the other’s presence. As night began to wane, Celestia stood and walked to the window. Curious, Rainbow followed her. She stared out at the bright vision of the moon, marred only by the dark curve that almost seemed to be a mare’s face, staring down upon them. “It’s almost time.” Celestia murmured, watching as four nearby stars slowly converged on the moon. “You need to go.” “Go? Why?” Dash asked. “Time for what?” “A nightmare.” Celestia hung her head. “Of my own making.” “Say what now?” There was a pregnant pause before the Princess responded, but in a way Rainbow Dash did not expect. “Do you recall the legend of Nightmare Moon, the origin of Nightmare Night?” “I kinda cared more about getting free candy and pranking ponies than listening to ancient mythology…” Her student admitted. “Why?” “Because it isn’t mythology nor even a legend. It is true. It’s all true.” Celestia sighed. “Please, go now. Before it’s too late.” “Wait? Go where? What’s going on?” Dash stomped her hoof. “I’m not going anywhere until you start making sense! If you’ve got a problem, then I’m staying!” Rainbow Dash tilted her head up defiantly, a fire practically blazing in her eyes. Celestia chuckled tiredly as she surprised Dash with a nuzzle. “I had wished that you would not be here to see this.” She said softly. “But I suppose I should’ve known better. “Princ—Celestia…What the hay’s going on?!” Rainbow demanded all pretense of decorum gone. The ruler of Equestria’s voice took on a heavy tone. “It began a thousand years ago…when somepony I cared very deeply about fell victim to her own jealousy and bitterness and was transformed into a wicked mare of darkness, Nightmare Moon. I…tried to reason with her. But I failed. In the end she was banished to the moon. And now she is returning to Equestria.” “Well, why don’t you just do it again?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Stop her, banish her, or whatever?” Celestia shook her head. “Last time I was fortunate and our battle was swift. That will not be the case this time. If I were to engage her myself the damage, even if I were victorious, would be tremendous. Many ponies would be hurt…and worse. That is unacceptable. Nor can I allow her to destroy my connection with the Sun, and doom the world to eternal darkness. So I must pursue a third option.” “Which is?” Rainbow prodded. “I shall become one with the sun.” Celestia stood tall. “As long as the sun exists, so shall I. And as long as I exist—in some form—the connection between the sun and Equestria remains intact.” The cyan pegasus was sure this was all very important and all but that didn’t mean she understood what the Princess was talking about. “What the hay does that even mean?” Celestia paused before looking Rainbow Dash squarely in the eye. “It means that I will no longer exist as I am now. I will surrender my body, my mind…everything that makes me Celestia and be reduced to my essential connection with the sun. I will, effectively, die.” Rainbow Dash’s jaw dropped. “B-but you can’t! Y-you can come back right…right?” Her voice took on a panicked tone as Celestia didn’t answer. “P-princess?” “I am…not sure.” The Princess admitted. “Then don’t do it!” The rainbow mare cried. She held up her hoof. “It has already begun.” Rainbow Dash’s wings flared out in shock and horror as she saw the ends of Celestia’s hooves start to glow a bright golden light and slowly start to dissolve into a golden mist. “Oh my gosh oh my gosh…you can’t!” Dash pleaded, tugging on Celestia’s foreleg. “Listen to me! There isn’t much time.” She grunted, closing her eyes. “What happens to me now can not be changed and isn’t important. What needs to be done is to stop Nightmare Moon.” Rainbow Dash shook her head, her eyes wet with tears. “H-how? Why me? Why didn’t you ever TELL me about all this?” “I'm sorry.” Celestia looked genuinely heartbroken. “I could not tell you because I knew you would try to stop me.” She took a steadying breath. “Even now, I wish I could tell you more…but Nightmare Moon is dangerous and clever. If I simply told you what to do now she would rip that knowledge from your mind the second she arrives and take steps to ensure her triumph. You must find your own way to stop her. But never fear my faithful student. You already have everything—and everypony—you will need.” “N-no…no…” Rainbow sobbed as she pressed her head against Celestia’s neck. “Please…don’t go.” “Rainbow Dash…” Celestia sighed as she wrapped her student up in her wings. She cast a quick look out the window. The stars were almost at the moon now. It wouldn’t be long. “Please…let us not have our last few moments be spent on wishing things could be different. Instead, let’s celebrate what we have together.” Rainbow sniffled, her tears falling down her cheeks in a way that would’ve mortified her at any other time. But right now, she didn’t care about that. Before she even realized what she was doing, she fell into a gentle voice that seemed to speak straight from her heart. “I've heard it said, That ponies come into our lives for a reason Bringing something we must learn And we are led To those who help us most to grow If we let them And we help them in return Well, I don't know if I believe that's true But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you Like a comet pulled from orbit As it passes a sun Like a stream that meets a boulder Halfway through the wood Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you I have been changed for good.” Celestia smiled and gently stroked Rainbow Dash’s back with her hoof. “It well may be That we will never meet again In this lifetime So let me say before we part So much of me Is made of what I learned from you You'll be with me Like a hoofprint on my heart And now whatever way our stories end I know you have re-written mine By being my friend... Like a ship blown from its mooring By a wind off the sea Like a seed dropped by a skybird In a distant wood Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you…” Rainbow Dash gave a shaky grin. “Because I knew you…” Celestia smiled and joined her in singing. “I have been changed for good.” Princess Celestia dipped her head. “And just to clear the air I ask forgiveness For the thing I've done you blame me for.” Rainbow Dash shook her head. “But then, I guess we know There's blame to share.” As one the two agreed, “And none of it seems to matter anymore…” as they then fell into an alternating rhythm. “Like a comet pulled from orbit…” “Like a ship blown from its mooring…” “As it passes a sun.” “By a wind off the sea” “Like a stream that meets a boulder…” “Like a seed dropped by a bird in…” “Halfway through…” “…the wood.” They joined together again. “Who can say if I've been Changed for the better? I do believe I have been Changed for the better” Rainbow Dash’s voice started to break as hers got teary again. “And because I knew you...” “Because I knew you...” Celestia echoed, joining with her one more time. “Because I knew you... I have been changed…for…good.” They finished together. And just in time. The golden light had almost completely enveloped Celestia. “N-no! Celestia!” Rainbow Dash grabbed her. “Please don’t go! I-I don’t know what to do!” Gently stroking Rainbow Dash’s mane, Celestia hugged her. “Oh my student…you’ve been flying for as a long as I’ve known you. Now I’m asking you to soar and I have every confidence in you that you’ll succeed. Remember you are never alone. Even if you can’t see me, I will still be there. As will your friends, for friendship is ma—” Celestia threw her head back, her eyes and mouth opening wide as golden light erupted forth. She flung out her wings and her legs as she hovered in the air, the same light pouring out, turning her into a multi-pointed golden star. The light was so bright that as much as she didn’t want to, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but look away. When she looked back, blinking the spots in front of her eyes away, Celestia was gone. A low kenning wail filled the room and it took Rainbow Dash a moment to realize that it was coming from her. But her solitude and mourning was interrupted by the window being blown in. She jumped to her hooves in time to see a creature that stepped straight out of the nightmares of H.P. Clopcraft. Black as the night and wearing dark blue armor, this winged unicorn was the antithesis of Celestia. “Well my little pony, aren’t you lucky…” Nightmare Moon’s smile was like that of a cobra. “You get to be the first to welcome back the true ruler of Equestria!” & & &