Inky and dark, the night stood strong while stars freckled and sparkled their lights, playing around while those below slept peacefully. Breezy and comforting, the wind danced through the night and onto the streets of Canterlot. Empty and lacking life, the city's streets were lacking life. Residents had tucked themselves away, sleeping. Even with all the panic spreading, the chaos happening, Canterlot still held beauty and peace. At night, everything looked more elegant. The spires looked as if it was reaching for the stars and the castle itself felt like a sanctuary from the darkness. Although the night was more majestic than scary, Luna couldn't feel mad if her night went unappreciated.
Through the halls of Canterlot's castle, Luna's guards patrolled the palace, left and right they kept observing and guarding. Inside and outside the castle, they watched over the sophisticated and divine city. Despite the night's delicacy, unsettlement drugged the air.
With Luna's night watch now occupying Canterlot, she watched over the city from her balcony. Placed in her spire, surrounded by her own night, she looked up to the many stars above in hopes that it would guide away this feeling of worriment that kept sparking like a light. It was hard to make contact with the stars when the moon shone brighter than all of them.
Even though the Princess of the Night had full control over the moon, just staring at the crystal-like ball scared her. Luna was stable, she felt stable but just by looking at the moon, the alicorn felt pleasant towards its beauty, but also fear due to the fact that it was her former prison. Unforgettable and haunting, it pained her to think of the night when she transformed into Nightmare Moon. With her magic still active, keeping up the dome-like barrier that surrounded Canterlot, the darkness in the sky was still clear. Nothing and no one had tried to break into Canterlot.
Snapping back to reality and just by staring at the stars, moon and the night sky, Luna shook away the painful memories that sank in and stared back at the city of Canterlot. On her mind, she couldn't help but realise the danger her sister along with Twilight and her friends were in. At this point, worriment was in the air.
"It's been too long." She whispered, staring into space. "Please... Please be okay..." Her eyes forced to blink as she turned herself away from the open night, walking back into the castle where the walls secured her.
Walking, she travelled back to the throne room, the images of Spike's suffering still tainting the stained windows of accomplishments. For a moment, she started to have doubts crawl into her mind about entering. Even in her own home, she couldn't help but feel haunted. Doleful and worried, she used her magic to open the doors, but before the alicorn could push them open, she froze when a voice had infiltrated her thoughts.
"Princess," A night guard called to her, sounding urgent.
Turning to her soldier, the doleful expression fading and looking alarmed, Luna spoke, "What is there to report, Captain? Any trouble?" She questioned.
The night guard approached the Princess of the Night, "No sign of any threats yet, Princess." He stated. "However, it would appear we have an airship on approach. We've analysed the craft and it appears to be one of ours."
Luna's eyes widened and sighed in relief, "My dear sister, it would appear she has returned." Turning away from the throne room's doors, she made her way to the exit. "Thank you for informing me, Captain." She thanked before clearing away from the guard's sight.
Eager to see her sister, Luna's hooves appeared to be brimming with trepidation, anxious to see if Celestia and Twilight along with the others were okay. Once more, a cold breeze travelled through her hair the moment she arrived outside, still en route to the aircraft that was nearing Canterlot's bay.
As time passed, the Princess of the Night made use of her wings to reach her destination faster. Even at night, the colours of the divine city remained vibrant and vivid. On time, Luna had set her hooves on the ground the moment the airship had stationed at the bay. She watched as the white, armoured ship slowly anchored beside the platform just against the mountain.
Finally, with the airship back in Canterlot, Luna's eyes located the craft's lower side and opening, she watched the door hit the ground, acting as a stairway. One by one, the soldiers that followed Shining Armour to Tartarus walked out of the airship with ease, looking hurt, scathed, damaged and disturbed.
Luna's eyes snapped wide open as her mouth hung open a little as she watched the struggling ponies exit the airship. Some were limping while others chose not to show their pain. Hit with anxiety and discomfort, watching only a few of Shining Armour's team walk out, the rest did not go unnoticed. Luna had sworn there were more, but not only that, there was no sign of her sister, or Twilight or even Shining Armour.
Before she could speak to one of the guards passing by, she watched the medic stumble out of the airship, hurrying towards her.
"Princess Luna!" He called out, stopping dead in his tracks just in front of her.
"Doctor?" The princess began to speak, barely managing due to trepidation that was seated, her heart beating faster. She immediately feared the worst due to the absence of the rest.
"We have many wounded and one appears to be in some sort of comatose." He stated. "They need to be treated immediately."
"Wh- What happened?"
"We were attacked by something, I don't know what it was but it was something ruthless and savage," The medic told.
"Where's my sister?" Luna asked in a mix of desperation and fear.
"She's back at Tartarus along with-"
"YOU LEFT HER THERE?!" Luna roared, almost waking up the entire city.
The medic immediately cowered and shivered in fear as Luna's angered gaze pinned him down. Still making contact with the princess, but stammering, he tried to explain.
"W-W-We were told t-to leave... By Shining Armour and Holly."
"Where's Shining Armour and his second in command then?" Luna interrogated.
"They stayed behind," The medic told, slowly regaining his voice, but still intimidated by the alicorn's sudden spark of anger. "There were many wounded and Shining Armour instructed us to head back to Canterlot while he helped Princess Twilight and Princess Celestia stop the changelings."
With her stare strong, like staring into a nightmare's pair of eyes, Luna looked annoyed by the current situation, until a familiar, but desperate voice called to her.
"Princess Luna!"
Breaking, Luna's sharp stare against the medic ceased as she turned back to the airship. Exiting the craft, she watched as a pink pony dashed towards her, the speed of her could almost rival Rainbow Dash's speed.
Fading, Luna's aggravated glare had transformed into an expression of confusion upon seeing the pink mare, "Pinkie Pie?"
Swiftly, Pinkie Pie became a blur, moving that fast as she reached the Princess of the Night, stopping inches away just in front of her. The pink mare could not keep still, she kept motioning her hooves back in forth as if she was walking on a treadmill.
"Fluttershy needs help, like, right now!" She bayed.
Absorbing the information, the imagery, the situation, Luna could only respond with a grave look. Alarmed, her ears lowered, panic present in the eyes as anxiety would crawl into her system and play around with her beating heart. Something told her that this night was going to last a little longer than expected.
At first, blackness. It was dark. Unaware of the world around her, Twilight had closed her eyes for a moment, only to feel herself slipping away into sleep. It didn't feel pleasant as it used to, she always had trouble sleeping ever since Spike vanished, but this was different. Sleep felt needed after what recently happened, but it didn't feel safe, not for Twilight. As she slipped deeper and deeper into the layers of slumber, the alicorn's mind began to play and dawdle. Oddly enough, it was as if her body was asleep, but her mind was wide awake.
Still in the depths of sleep, even when she was sleeping, Twilight couldn't escape her worries. Like a pack of Timberwolves, they stalked and hunted her down until she was brimming with fear. Her mind rattled back and forth, although she needed sleep, fear wouldn't allow it. Struggling, even in her sleep, it felt like her own mind was against her.
"Twilight..." A voice called to her.
Unresponsive, Twilight continued to sleep deep, but the voice grew clearer and louder, but just enough to bring her back into the world of wakefulness.
"Twilight..."
If sleeping wasn't pleasant, then neither was waking. Slowly, Twilight's eyes began to flutter open like the wings of a butterfly. Blurry was her vision, but soon it cleared and her sight returned as she relieved a yawn. Lazily, the cogs in her mind took a while to start, still fully trying to wake up.
Looking concerned and a little tired himself, Shining Armour heartened, "Are you okay?"
Taking in her surroundings, Twilight observed the airship. She couldn't believe that she fell asleep on the deck, where the air was cold as ice. Her eyes moved upwards as she turned to see the pony next to her. Blinking, trying to snap herself fully awake, as she spoke to her brother.
"How..." Quickly, tiredness had tangled her tongue as she tried to form her words. "How long was I out?"
"About an hour." He told. "We're coming up to Ponyville and I thought it'd be best to wake you. I know this isn't easy with the-"
"The evacuation, yeah... I got it," Twilight quickly cut off, avoiding Shining Armour's eye contact. "I just... I don't know how everypony is going to take the news about Tartarus. As if leaving their home wasn't bad enough, they have to be afraid of what lurks around every corner now."
Shining Armour spared a look of sympathy towards his sister, "I know it seems bad, there's no denying it. But we're saving lives and they'll soon see that. I know they will." He cooed. "They'll be safe at Canterlot, we'll all be safe."
"I know," Twilight uttered. "I just wish there was another way."
Before Shining Armour could resume his comfort, the sympathetic look he presented quickly transformed into alarm when Holly swiftly flew out the captain's quarters and landed right next to him.
"We're here!" She exclaimed.
Surprised, both Twilight and Shining Armour observed their surroundings. Calmly, yet quick, they took notice that they were no longer in the skies. It would appear their chat made them oblivious to their arrival.
Twilight looked from the deck and for a while, she felt a glimmer of happiness sparkle as she looked at her home. Being in Tartarus felt like a lifetime and now, she was glad to set hoof in familiar territory. However, the thought of leaving so soon is what crushed that small happiness brewing in her heart.
Not far from Twilight's castle, Holly had landed the airship just outside of Ponyville. With the night still present, waking everypony up was going to be problematic. Exhausted and drained, one by one, Twilight's friends arrived onto the deck and looked out towards Ponyville. Erasing the tiredness upon seeing their familiar home had armed their hearts, battling away the fears they encountered.
"Ponyville... It feels good to be back!" Rainbow Dash declared while building a smile.
"Don't get too comfortable, Rainbow Dash. We won't be here long..." Rarity informed, her smile fading to a depressed frown.
Being reminded of Ponyville's evacuation was quick to deconstruct Rainbow's happiness, and slowly, hate began to build for the cruel monsters that were soon to come.
Looking out to the town, sad in her emerald eyes, Applejack spoke, "Ah can't believe we're doin' this."
"This is all difficult, I understand," Princess Celestia acknowledged, bringing herself closer to the ponies. "But right now, in the state we're in... There's not much we can do to defend this place and asking the residents to fight isn't an option. Not against those vile creatures. No pony's getting hurt."
Crowded, almost forming a circle, the seven of them looked at each other, exchanging many looks that linked to their feelings about the evacuation.
"So, how are we doing this?" Rainbow Dash asked, raising a hoof.
"We'll split up," Shining Armour suggested. "We can cover more ground. There are few guards still stationed here after the Manehatten incident so they can assist us. Holly will stay with the airship until everypony's on board."
"Ah'll head to the farm, try and get my family," Applejack said. "Big Mac and Granny Smith should still be there."
"And I'll try and round up anypony who's on the border of Ponyville," Rainbow Dash joined.
"Then the rest will be up to us," Princess Celestia declared.
"Right," Twilight acknowledged, turning to Rarity and Shining Armour. "We'll alert the town square and make our way through the rest of Ponyville."
"If I may," Rarity interjected. "I don't think we're going to fit everypony onto this airship."
"Rarity's right," Shining Armour. "We'll have to make use of the train."
"Come on, what are we waiting for?" Rainbow Dash rushed, taking off into the air.
With the rest watching their brisk friend take off like a rocket, they all followed their roles. Steady, yet swiftly, they left the airship to Holly's management.
Setting hoof on Ponyville's landscape, the contact of grass brushing their hooves felt smooth and calm. Unlike Tartarus, Ponyville felt welcoming and alive. Celestia, Twilight, Rarity and Shining Armour all began to advance towards the calm, quiet town of Ponyville while Applejack broke away and headed to Sweet Apple Acres.
While Rainbow Dash and Applejack disconnected from the group, Twilight and the rest knew that it was going to be a long night.
Once more, time was slow. At this point, the seconds that melted away were mocking them. At the town square of Ponyville, it wasn't long before Shining Armour rounded up the remaining guards located within the village. Following protocol and activating the town's emergency sirens, Ponyville began to brim with the haunting signal playing over and over, alerting the residents.
Already, in a state of panic just by hearing the warning sound ring throughout Ponyville. Ponies popped their heads through open windows, exiting their homes to see what the disturbance was. Disturbed, tired and aggravated, most of Ponyville's residents were now on the streets, worried and crowding towards the town square.
Within seconds, clumps of familiar faces came together, loved ones huddled closely as the harrowing sirens clambered into their ears. With discomfort and paranoia filling the air, ponies began to look around, searching for answers, everypony asking questions. In seconds, what started out as a peaceful night erupted into panic.
Standing by, Princess Celestia and Twilight along with Rarity and Shining Armour soon became crowded with frightened faces and many questions. Although they tried to handle the issue, trying to explain, their voices became overwhelmed by the panicked shouting.
"What's happening?!"
"Are we in danger?!"
"Are we under attack?!"
Questions after questions came rushing at Celestia and Twilight, even when they tried to explain, their voices and words were bombed by more frightened yelling.
With the situation getting worse, Twilight gritted her teeth as her eyes widened, her pupils frantically scampered from left to right, looking at the crowd swarming her, their alarm infecting her. Soon, the words she tried to speak were crammed back into her mouth, no matter how loud she would speak, her voice would just die down. It was as if her voice was being washed over by constant waves of panic.
Even Celestia had trouble easing the crowd. Although she didn't share Twilight's distressed look, she simply became exhausted having her own voice devastated by the constant shouting.
"ENOUGH!"
Erupting like a volcano, loud and alarming, the whole town went silent as the scared ponies targeted Shining Armour, marking himself just in front of the princesses. He turned back to both princesses and Rarity and gave a small nod, allowing them to speak while the noise died to silence.
Before anyone could speak, a frail voice spoke to the princesses, not yelling like before, but slowly speaking in a soft manner. They watched as Mayor Mare approached them, trembling a little with a scared look.
"Princesses..." Her voice rattled with fear. "What's happening?"
This question didn't belong to Mayor Mare alone, many ponies shared this question. Looking beyond, Twilight and Celestia saw the many worried faces that surrounded them. At first hesitant, the Princess of Friendship was about to speak, only for her mentor to speak first and it was probably for the best, seeing how Twilight was still in a state of despair.
Stepping forward, almost looking ashamed to inform them, Celestia's voice raised through the silence, "Ponies of Ponyville." She announced. "It is with complete sorrow that I must inform you all... That the prisoners of Tartarus have broken free."
Gripped with shock, confusion and fear, the crowd slowly began to deteriorate into dismay. Even though they were beginning to feel dread and angst attack them, they remained within the town square, not running off in fear. Many questions rose to the princesses, most of them wanting to know how the vile and horrific creatures escaped.
Quickly, assuring their safety, Princess Celestia resumed, her voice still loud, yet delicate, even after the pain she had endured from Chrysalis, "You are all scared and in need of answers, I know. But Ponyville is not safe, not when security is low. Which is why you are being evacuated to Canterlot, with my sister's magic combined with the Princess of Friendship's along with my own, we shall fortify Canterlot's perimeter. Behind secure walls, our magic, you will be safe."
Although the residents of Ponyville had heard Celestia's solution, they responded with mixed feelings. Some had their safety restored upon hearing they were being transferred to Canterlot, however, others felt riled much like Rainbow Dash for having to leave. Despite assuring their safety, it wasn't enough to erase the fear that lingered. Once again, many questions emerged, some ponies were trying to form solutions to fight while others simply followed the evacuation plan.
"We can't just leave," Lyra spoke from the crowd.
"Yeah, this is our home," Bon Bon agreed.
"This is hard for everypony, I understand," Twilight joined, the sea of anxious ponies looking at her. "If there was any other way to protect Ponyville then we would have done it. But with our magic deficient and with the number of creatures free from Tartarus, we don't have much choice... I'm sorry..." The alicorn avoided her gaze from the ponies who looked at her, feeling as if she had failed them.
"Time is running short!" Shining Armour shouted, his voice loud and clear. "Near the Castle of Friendship is an airship, the guards and I will escort you there. Quickly regroup with your loved ones and make your way there!" He alerted.
Cautious, yet hasty, the crowd split into many groups, some chose to follow the guards that escorted them while others frantically chose their own path. There was a lot to take in. Lyra, Bon Bon, Mayor Mare, the Cakes... They all shared the same emotions, the same faces as fear crept into them. To Twilight, to Celestia, to everyone... It was devastating seeing them all flee.
Far and wide, the guards along with those who volunteered began to scatter throughout Ponyville, checking and searching if there was anyone missing.
Swiftly, arriving into town-square, Applejack hurried to Twilight's position, carefully passing through the many frightened ponies with ease. Nearing her friends, the earth pony's hooves locked to the ground, halting herself just in front of the lavender alicorn.
Not far behind Applejack, Rainbow Dash's wings kept waving through the air. Upon reaching her destination, she made contact with the ground like a magnet.
"Ah managed to get Granny Smith and Big Mac on board, but ah can't find Winona anywhere!" She stated, her voice had anxiety bouncing with every word she spoke.
"Was she not on the farm?" Rarity questioned.
"Ah searched everywhere for her, but even Big Mac and Granny Smith said she just disappeared," Applejack explained.
"Winona's not the only one gone, I can't find Tank anywhere!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
"Gone?" Rarity repeated in disbelief. "You mean they just vanished?"
"We can still look for them," Twilight told. "While the town's being evacuated, gather what you need, and help anypony along the way. Got it?"
Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack all gave quick nods, taking off in different directions while Twilight remained in the centre of Ponyville. She watched as Celestia and Shining Armour guided the rest of Ponyville's residents to the airship.
Unknown how time would help her, Twilight needed to act fast.
Fluttering her wings, Twilight hovered just above the many ponies, guiding them with Shining Armour and the royal guards. All the way to the Castle of Friendship, they guided them to the airship where Holly awaited further commands. It wasn't easy for Celestia or Twilight to witness the fear the ponies carried, even the younglings, clinging to their parents.
Everyone in Ponyville was wide awake, alert and scared. Although their safety was assured, they still couldn't escape the grip of panic. Some of the Pegasus chose to fly to Canterlot rather than waiting for everypony. Although it was not advised, they still chose their wings over patience. With the airship beginning to crowd, Shining Armour along with the guards chose to direct the rest of Ponyville's residents to the train.
Twilight felt miserable to see the whole of Ponyville evacuating. Some were showing complete fear and exhaustion while others refused to let it creep into their system. Those who were denying the anxiety focused on comforting the scared and the stressed. Everypony had been rounded up, either on the airship or train, but something was gnawing at her stomach.
Everywhere they looked, Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash couldn't find their pets. Winona, Opalescence, Tank... They were gone. Even Twilight failed to locate Owlowiscious. Much like the others, he had just vanished.
Like a bullet, Rainbow Dash rapidly flew through Ponyville, searching the town for anyone left behind or stuck. However, when patrolling, something snapped in her mind. Like a boomerang, Rainbow Dash retreated from her current path and promptly increased her speed towards her new destination.
From the airship, on the deck, Twilight and Celestia did a check on everypony, securing them and seeing if they were alright. Due to the airship's capacity, Shining Armour along with the guards chose to direct the rest of Ponyville's residents to the train.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Twilight asked.
"I'll be fine, Twilight," Shining Armour assured. "Not everypony will be able to take the airship so the train will be our best alternative. I'll meet you at Canterlot, okay?" He told, pulling her sister into a hug.
In seconds, their embrace did not last long. Shining Armour returned to his duty while Twilight watched her brother leave. Even though they would soon reunite, why did she feel so pessimistic? For her, for everyone, there was a lot to fear.
Before the alicorn could enter the airship, she watched as Applejack and Rarity forged their way towards her, their pets absent which continued to nag her with paranoia.
"Still no sign of Winona." The earth pony confessed, being pushed to the edge of discomfort.
"And Opalescence vanished as well!" Rarity reported back in dread.
Twilight could barely hear her friends just over the panicking the passengers produced, but she couldn't blame them, no matter how hard it was to hear.
"Well, maybe-"
As Twilight tried desperately to search for an explanation, Rainbow Dash unexpectedly came landing in between them with a note in her mouth. Gently, she allowed the piece of paper to slip from her mouth and pressed her hoof against it.
"I don't think our pets are just the only animals that disappeared." The Pegasus informed.
"What are you saying?" Rarity questioned, sounding perplexed.
"I went to Fluttershy's cottage and all of her animals were gone too. Even Angel," Rainbow Dash apprized. "Whatever's happened to them has something to do with this."
Stomping her hoof against the paper, their eyes darted to the note.
Wl mlg uivg, blfi kvgh zmw xirggvi uirvmwh ziv hzuv drgs nv. R'n hliib gsrh rh gsv lmob ulin lu xlnnfmrxzgrlm R xzm trev. R droo wl nb yvhg gl svok gslhv rm mvvw, yfg ru Uirtsg pmldh lu nb rmeloevnvmg, R'n zuizrw tivzg szin droo xlnv gl gslhv R zortm nbhvou drgs.
-Wrhxliw
"I found it taped to Fluttershy's door," Rainbow Dash told.
"But this... This is just gibberish," Rarity commented, more perplexed than before.
Applejack herself didn't know what to make of it either, she turned her head to Twilight, hoping she would be the one to make sense of it."Uh, Twilight. Do you have any idea what this means?"
Confused, puzzled and baffled, Twilight's eyes kept wobbling from left to right, reading the note over and over as she tried desperately to make sense of it. But nothing, it was just gibberish. "I'm sorry, Applejack, but I can't make anything of it."
"Well, it was left at Fluttershy's door," Rarity mentioned. "Maybe she'll know what it means."
"Yeah... Maybe..." Twilight said, leaving herself with many questions.
"We are ready to depart," Celestia appeared, approaching the four distressed mares. "I'm sorry it had to come to this."
"Ah don't feel good leavin' behind Winona," Applejack said.
"I don't feel good about it either, Applejack," Twilight heartened. "I don't feel good about any of this, but... But this seems to be the only way." The alicorn turned her head to see Ponyville one last time before the devastation that was soon to come.
"We're doing the right thing, Twilight," Rarity assured. "I hate to leave Ponyville too, but we're saving lives."
"As a princess and leader, you've made many sacrifices, Twilight," Celestia declared. "You've all shown great courage and dedication tonight, but I assure, we will be back for Ponyville."
"If I may, Princess Celestia," Rarity began, finally erasing the doubt and finding the courage to speak. "How are we certain that the changelings or Tartarus' prisoners will attack Ponyville?"
In response, Celestia remained expressionless and speaking in a tone of defeat, "I'm not sure. The creatures, the demons and monsters that dwelled in Tartarus do not share one mind. Some are predictable while others are improbable." She let her voice die down as a breeze past by, however, the was more to say. "I don't know that Ponyville will be attacked, but I don't want anypony to get hurt. I just want everypony to be safe and right now, Canterlot appears to be the safest place in Equestria." She finished, letting herself into the airship.
Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash all traded looks empathy and sorrow, before entering the airship. Concerned about Ponyville's future, they hoped their hometown would at least become recognisable.
Delicately, the airship lifted from the uncombed grass, beginning to hover back into the air, touching the night sky where everypony felt free from danger, but still imprisoned by anxiety. With Holly flying the craft to Canterlot, they would arrive their momentarily, they would be safe from harm.
Safe...
Devoid of life that made Ponyville cordial, the place was like a ghost town. Quiet and eerie, the village was almost buried in silence. Abruptly, the sound of steps began to spark, shattering the silence like glass. Through the town of Ponyville, the location wasn't completely empty after all. Something had entered the town moments after everyone had left.
Something horrible... Soon to be accompanied by more horrific abominations.