Beautiful, chronic and caliginous, Luna's night would have been more appreciated if it wasn't for the panic and threats spreading across Equestria. Each star that gleamed went unappreciated, the moon became ignored and the feeling of neglect filled the night sky.
With the sky so dark and the remnants of clouds drifting by, they flowed while the sparkling stars watched. The airship Holly piloted was now crowded with many frightened faces, scared souls that remained tired and sombre. On the deck, they shivered and trembled through the cold, parents trying desperately to keep their infants warm. Within the interior of the airship, it wasn't any better. Younglings crying, mares and stallions wanting to know what lied ahead for their future in Canterlot and what would become of their home, Ponyviile.
Some of the fillies and foals were happy they were visiting Canterlot, however, they remained oblivious of the news about Tartarus' breakout. It would appear their parents thought it'd be best that they remained unaware of the liberated monsters and demons that would pick off Equestria's flesh while they roamed free.
With the atmosphere melancholy, some of Ponyville's residents chose to comfort and secure the scared, Applejack and Rarity being many of them while Rainbow Dash was distracted by the many thoughts of her unconscious friend, desperately hoping that she would be okay and awake by the time they arrived at Canterlot.
Troubled, Applejack had found herself communicating with Big Mac and Granny Smith during the flight. She for her family to try and recollect their memories of where Winona could have taken off to. No matter how hard they tried to remember, they could only respond to the mare with saddened looks which could only place Applejack deeper in a hole of dismay.
Although they had left Ponyville and evacuated the many residents, they still couldn't but feel bad about leaving their pets, but behind all the anguish, a glimmer of hope was telling them that they were safe.
Like an itch waiting to be scratched, Twilight and her friends couldn't escape the meaning of the note that was left by Fluttershy's cottage. It couldn't have been gibberish, it had to be something more and the Princess of Friendship convinced herself that somehow, Fluttershy would know. She hoped her friend was awake and free from her deep unconsciousness.
Throughout their travel, a lot of the ponies were clinging to Celestia and Twilight, in desperate need of answers to how Tartarus' prisoners broke free and what would become of Equestria. Their frail and fearful voices questioned Canterlot's safety and future.
"What if Canterlot falls?"
"Where will we stay?"
"What if we're attacked?"
Concerned and worried were the many ponies, but Celestia remained calm and carried a voice of certainty, presenting a stern look to all, "You all have a right to be afraid, but Canterlot is safe. With my sister's magic shielding the city, soon our magic will be restored and Canterlot's protection will increase. As for where you will stay, Canterlot's palace will provide many rooms for you all."
While the graceful alicorn managed to comfort and reassure the residents of Ponyville on their safety, Twilight did her best to ease the worried as well, however, even the Princess of Friendship had her mind pulling in her own thoughts. For a while, fear and doubt began to stampede over her, many things frightened her. It hurt to remember what Fright did to her back in the pit, it ached to remember the fog, it agonized her to think what Spike went through with Fright's torture and Chrysalis' torment.
Locating some space, Twilight felt her breathe accelerate, doing her best to contain her vexation.
"Princess Twilight?"
Upon hearing the familiar, young voice, Twilight turned around, her eyes levelling downwards as she stared at her new assistant: Dinky.
Gazing up at the Princess of Friendship, Dinky remained still, hoping that she had not interrupted anything.
"Oh, Dinky," Twilight spoke, her voice coated in delight as she stared at her new assistant with contentment, but it was obvious that uneasiness was still present in the eyes. "It's been quite a while, hasn't it?" She nervously laughed, trying to clean the atmosphere with bliss. "How are you?"
"I'm... I'm a little scared." The filly confessed with a shaken voice. "Are we..." For a moment, her words died on her tongue and she tried to revive them, but she feared the answer. "Are we in danger?" She forcefully whispered. "Because I heard about Tartarus... And..." The unicorn's voice began to break into a stammering with trepidation setting in.
With a sigh, Twilight lowered herself down to the anxious unicorn and offered her a look of uncertainty, "Dinky, you're a smart unicorn so you should know the truth." With a pause, the alicorn inhaled deeply and then exhaled, maintaining her calmness. "Things have been a little... Problematic around Equestria."
Twilight's explanation was enough to make Dinky's ears drop, a wave of sadness washing over the unicorn's face.
"But we're safe!" The alicorn quickly reassured, trying to wipe away the unicorn's doubts. "Canterlot is secure with Royal Guards, the city is safe behind walls and with the magic of Princess Celestia, Luna and myself, we will keep Canterlot away from harm, no matter what. No pony will get hurt and I will make sure of it. Nothing will hurt my friends, nothing will hurt anypony and I, from the bottom of my heart, will make sure nothing will hurt you."
"Do... Do you really mean that?" Dinky asked as a small smile began to assemble, looking up at the princess with pleasant eyes.
"Of course I mean it," Twilight declared, responding with a smile that gifted the young unicorn with amenity. "When Spike... Left... You stepped up and assisted me, not just with studying and work, you helped me in a time of grief. I'm proud of you and I appreciate all you've done for me. I'm sorry if I've had a hard time showing it, but-"
"Say no more, Princess," Dinky lunged towards Twilight's leg, hugging her firmly with her smile building greatly. "You've never had a hard time showing me how appreciative you are. And if any monsters come near you, then I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you're safe as well."
"That's very brave of you, Dinky," Twilight smiled down at her assistant. "And don't worry, we'll return to Ponyville soon."
"Yeah." The young unicorn looked up once more to Twilight, a smile now growing and gifting the alicorn with kindness. "And when Spike comes back, we can both be your assistants. I'd really like to know him better and perhaps we could help each other out."
At this moment, Twilight was taken back by Dinky's gentle and kind notions, it was hard to hold back her feelings as she pulled the young unicorn closer to her, embracing her new assistant. Almost lost in the future Dinky imagined, Twilight simply smiled and sniffled, "Yeah... I think he'd like that."
In the many sections of Canterlot's castle, an infirmary had been set up. Spacious, clean and immaculate, the infirmary felt like it belonged to the Crystal Empire, the walls spotless and tidy while the air felt gifted with a refreshing scent. Stationed by the walls, symmetrical to each other, many beds, big and cosy were taken by wounded Royal Guards, either moaning or whimpering in pain.
Stripped from their armour, wounded, covered in bruises and cuts that burnt damage to their soul and mind, each guard carried the horrifying image of The Hunter's attack. Fractured, injured and grazed, they felt the burning sensation clench their wounds. Whether it was their skin blistering or their bones aching, they couldn't escape the dread haunting them. While most of the Royal Guards fell victim to their wounds, some chose to deny medical support.
Many medics assisted those who were harmed. Roaming around the infirmary, some were frantic while others were oddly at ease. Some of the Royal Guards were fixed up without a problem, being healed with spells and potions, however, others took time to surpass the pain and trauma.
From the entrance of the bright infirmary, Luna looked at the damaged soldiers, either groaning in the pain that stuck on them like a parasite. Battered bodies, scratched wings, aching bones, they were all present in the room Luna stood in. Bewildered, the alicorn's eyes remained widened, giving her pupils space as they absorbed the images of the hurt guards.
Many thoughts rushed into her head, racing towards the conclusion on what and who this 'Hunter' was... However, panicked and troubled, she could only fear for the lives of Celestia, Twilight and the rest that accompanied them. Feeling disquiet enthral her like a sickness, Luna could only ponder if they succeeded or failed in preventing Tartarus' breakout.
"Your Highness?"
Snapping from her troubling thoughts like a twig, Luna blinked and turned to her side, her eyes lowering to see one of the medics.
"Is everything alright? You've been still like a statue for quite a bit. Do you need any assistance?" He asked.
Wiping her worrying thoughts clear, Luna spoke, "No... I'm... I'm quite fine. I thank you for your concern though." Her voice lightened as she commended the medic, but turning back to see the guards that were being treated. "Please tell, will the guards be okay?"
"Most of them are making a recovery, but some are still having a rough time trying to overcome the pain."
"And what of Fluttershy?" Luna asked. "Are you sure that the Pegasus is not in need of medical attention?"
"We examined her condition, your Highness." The medic informed. "She doesn't seem physically hurt, but she appears to be in some sort of state. Like a trance; trapped in her own subconscious."
"How do we support her?" Luna asked, inquisitive capturing her eyes.
"Right now, there's not much we can do." The medic confessed. "The mare is in her own world, battling whatever demons she's against. All we can do is simply wait until she finds a way to wake up."
Luna absorbed the information, at first she was blank like a piece of paper, but hearing how troubled Fluttershy may be only put herself in a state of melancholy, however, the Princess of the night had full confidence that she would awake from this unconscious mode.
"I understand." The alicorn acknowledged the medic with a slight nod. "Are you sure you and the other doctors are okay on handling your patients?"
"We're fine right now, your Highness." He smiled. "If there's a problem out of our control, we will notify you."
With a small smile that coloured Luna's face, she turned herself to the infirmary's exit, leaving the room that was drenched in empathy and sadness.
As the Princess of the Night ambled through Canterlot's castle, it was hard to shake away the thoughts that infected her mind with paranoia. Past the throne room, roaming through empty halls with the night still lurking outside, she forged her way upstairs.
Echoing, her hooves clapped against the glossy floor that looked like ice. Luna had gone beyond the throne room and past along the many guest rooms, in search of only one room.
Everything about this guest room was amicable. Warm and restful, devoid of demonic prisoners, absent of monsters that shrieked, this room felt like a safe haven, doing its best to erase any memories of Tartarus. The room contained a large bed, coated by a maroon blanket with matching pillows. Surrounded by blue walls that emitted a feeling of composure, it wasn't enough to settle in for a certain pink mare who felt her heart nearly explode from her chest.
Pacing back and forth, worried, shaken by anxiety's hands, Pinkie Pie could not contain her apprehension. Her eyes began to glaze with hysteria, her lips trembling as her tongue became numb, it was as if her mouth collapsed like a cave.
Continuing to frantically move up and down along the side of the bed, she had trouble holding herself together, mainly with controlling her thoughts. Like the harsh waves of the ocean, her thoughts would crash down in her mind, rapidly clouding her mind in a sea of uneasiness, leading her to worry about the state Fluttershy was in and the troubles Twilight and the rest were facing back in Tartarus.
Burrowed beneath the maroon blanket, secured in warmth and protected from the cold that lurked outside, Fluttershy remained dormant, unaware of the world happening around her. Against her head, she rested on the pillows that comforted her slumber.
Finally, the frightened mare stopped in place and turned to Fluttershy who looked peaceful, but no one knew what she was dealing with. What if she was facing her fears or slipping into an eternal slumber, these were all the thoughts racing in Pinkie's mind as her eyes clung to her friend.
"Forgive me for intruding." A voice called to the pink mare warmly and soft.
Tearing away from her friend's position, Pinkie Pie looked up at the other side of the bed to see Princess Luna, giving her a stare of sympathy. The mare had been panicking and nearly losing herself in the swamp that was her thoughts. At first, she jumped a little at the unexpected voice, but rest was assured when it was just another friendly face.
"I just wanted to see if there was a change in her condition," Luna confessed, now gazing at the sleeping mare.
"She's... She's going to be okay, right?" Pinkie Pie asked softly, trembling as her concern took control of her expression.
"Right now, I'm not sure," Luna admitted. "She's in some sort of dream, only she can find the way back to reality."
"Dream?" Pinkie Pie questioned. "You're the Princess of the Night, don't you help ponies with dreams and nightmares? Can't you help wake her up?"
"I've tried." The alicorn told. "But something's interfering with my magic, blocking me from contacting her mind. I find it peculiar, but I can only assume it has something to do with that fog you mentioned."
Upon mentioning the fog, Pinkie's eyes widened as the disturbed, horrific laughter began to stream into her memories. Coated in fear, her face showed it all, how she went from looking worried to traumatised. Enduring the fog was something she wished to never do again.
Luna took notice of the sudden change in Pinkie and spoke, "Many apologies for bringing up the madness you had to endure." She cooed. "I don't know what it was that you and the rest witnessed in the fog, but I assure, it was only an illusion, a nightmare created by that twisted alchemist!" She said with venom dripping from her tongue.
"So..." Pinkie began, wiping away the horrors and recollecting what Luna said. "You think that nasty cloud of fear is what's stopping you from connecting with Fluttershy?"
"I can't be certain." The Princess of the Night responded with uncertainty. "But it may be likely."
With a sigh, Pinkie Pie rested her hoof on the bed, growing mournful over her trapped and troubled friend, "I hope she wakes up soon. Fluttershy doesn't deserve any of this... None of us deserves this..."
Before Luna could continue her comfort, the guest room's door flung open and there stood a Royal Guard. Nearly jumping out of their skin, both Pinkie Pie and Luna turned to the guard with surprised looks, alert in the eyes.
"Forgive my intrusion, your Highness." The guard apologised with a bow. "But our night watch have spotted another airship making way to Canterlot. We've identified the vessel and it appears to be one of our own."
With sudden glee now bouncing on her heart as if it was a trampoline, a smile big and wide started to spread across Pinkie Pie's face, almost painting brightness. Not only did her smile widen, but so did her eyes, showing delight.
Almost rivalling Rainbow Dash's speed, Pinkie Pie zoomed up towards the guard, popping with joy and relief, asking many questions that bombarded the guard's space.
"Is it Twilight? Is it Rainbow Dash? Is it Applejack? Is it Rarity?" She frenziedly asked. "Are they here? Are they here? Are they here?"
Using her magic, Luna levitated the joyous mare back, pulling her tail gently as she remained still, her hooves sliding along the floor as she was moved back to the alicorn's position.
With ease, Luna approached the guard and spoke, "Do tell, is my sister on board that vessel?"
Initially, clearing his throat, the guard spoke, "We've only come close to inspecting the airship, Princess Luna. It is unknown who's onboard, but they had clearance upon entering."
"It must be them... It has to be..." Luna hoped. "Pinkie, stay by Fluttershy's side in case there's a change in her condition."
Brewing with relief that Pinkie Pie was able to see the rest of her friends again, she still couldn't escape the fear that glimmered. Responding with a nod to Luna's command before she left, the pink mare produced a warm smile as she turned to Fluttershy who remained passed out.
"Don't worry, Fluttershy." She cooed. "Our friends will be here soon, they'll help you wake up... They'll know what to do..."
Locked, the pegasus' eyes refused to open up and acknowledge her surroundings, not that she had a choice. Even though Pinkie was oblivious to what Fluttershy was dealing with, she looked peaceful and composed, but who knew what she was facing in this state.
It didn't take long for Luna to reach Canterlot's bay, as she progressed, the alicorn watched the frosted airship enter her city. The fact that it was permitted clearance to enter through her shield over Canterlot meant it must have carried her sister along with Twilight and her friends. With her heart beating like a drum, pumping hope and anticipation into her system, her eyes didn't budge from the airship's movement, she watched it slowly, but surely reach the bay.
Smoothly, the hefty, armoured aircraft anchored against the mountain where Canerlot rested by. Luna and many of her guards watched as the craft descended, landing like a bird grasping a branch. Even before it had landed, Luna could distinctly pick up more than one voice mumbling, murmuring from within the airship.
Nonchalantly, the Princess of the Night raised her head to bare her eyes upon the deck of the airship. Crowded, yet lifeless, Luna took notice of the many ponies onboard the airship, families, friends and younglings, all who wore the same face of exhaustion and trepidation. She knew most of the faces as residents from Ponyville.
Upon seeing the many ponies, Luna could not contain the thoughts that frightened and troubled her. As if seeing the Royal Guard's hurt and wounded wasn't enough to brim her with dismay, she came to the conclusion Ponyville had been attacked or destroyed.
Much like the last airship to arrive, the airship's lower side revealed a door, opening and hitting the ground with a thud that broke the ghostly silence. Upon reaching their destination, the many scared and miserable ponies began to exit the craft. Following the pearly path, they all moved like zombies, their heads either hanging down in sorrow or not moving an inch while most of the colts and fillies remained oblivious. Slowly moving, they began to head to Canterlot's palace while others broke off in search of relatives and friends.
Oddly enough, the Princess of the Night had seen this before, earlier tonight, where she watched the many Royal Guards limp and struggle to walk. Even though these ponies weren't hurt, they still moved in a manner that could label them as scared and gloomy.
Lost for words, Luna didn't know where to being. With her tongue tangled, her mouth locked and her eyes widened like disks, she watched as the saddened ponies all wander down the path. Confused and aghast, she was about to speak to one of the many residents of Ponyville passing by her, but a familiar voice finally came forth, one that sparked euphoria in her heart.
"Luna."
Shifting her gaze away from the sea of ponies that ambled and drifted, Luna's eyes brightened, sparkling with relief and happiness to see her sister depart from the airship. Behind the graceful, tall, white alicorn followed Twilight along with her three friends.
Finally, setting hooves back into the familiar and safe territory, Celestia admired the sight of her sibling. After a long night of worrying, fear and panicking, they had reunited. Quickly, she had leapt from the crowd and advanced towards her sister.
In response, Luna proceeded to do the same, hurrying to her sister while feeling overwhelmed with alleviation.
Almost being knocked back by a tide, Celestia felt surprised by Luna's sudden embrace, she could feel her heart knocking loudly. With a small smile, the white alicorn wrapped her wing around her younger sister.
In a frail voice that could nearly rival Fluttershy's, Luna breathed, "I feared the worst when being informed of your absence. I was so worried."
Pulling back from Luna's embrace, Celestia could only respond with a heartened look, "I'm fine, Luna. There is no need to fret, I am here now." She cooed.
Despite her sister's look of comfort, the Princess of the Night couldn't help but quickly catch on to the depressed Twilight Sparkle forging her way to Celestia's side, followed by Applejack and Rainbow Dash drenched in anxiety while Rarity carried discomfort.
Oddly enough, there was something that stretched Luna's curiosity. Of course, the sight of Twilight and her friends had her worried about what they endured through Tartarus, but catching onto Celestia and Rarity's appearance, she couldn't ignore the dark crystals swarming around their horn.
"Is everypony alright?" Luna asked, finally coming forward about Celestia and Rarity's physical state, Luna spoke, "What happened? Your horn along with Rarity looks corrupted and there has to be a reason why Ponyville's residents are here?"
With disappointment and defeat washing over Twilight's face, she and Applejack exchanged the same look while Rarity became shaken with dread. However, Rainbow Dash looked irked as she shifted her gaze towards the ground. No one wanted to break the news to Luna, but someone had to.
With a defeated sigh, lowering her voice as the crowd of ponies walked like zombies, she softly answered her sister, "They won..."
At first, feeling confused about what Celestia was mumbling about, she picked up her ears, only to receive shattering news.
"Chrysalis and Fright... They succeeded in breaking out Tartarus' prisoners. They won..."
Luna stepped back for a moment and hesitated to speak any further, shaking her head a little, trying to shake away and refuse what her sister meant. Stunned, the alicorn's eyes began to mist with angst as her mouth crumbled open a little.
"I'm so sorry, Luna," Celestia apologised, her face carrying shame and regret. "Everypony who helped me endured fear and pain, and I still couldn't stop them."
"You're not the one at fault here, Princess," Rarity assured.
"Yeah, Chrysalis and Fright are," Rainbow Dash growled, the thought of them making her blood boil.
Turning her head, fearing to know her sister's response, Luna trembled, "And what of Ponyville? Why was an evacuation needed?"
"There wasn't much we could do..." Celestia told with shame still present on her face. "With this corruption spell blocking my use of magic, and Shining Armour along with Twilight's magic deficient, there wasn't much we could do for Ponyville's protection. Asking them to fight wasn't an option, not against the creatures that dwelled in Tartarus. Not with the hate and fierceness they carry."
Upon being informed of the sudden and atrocious news, Luna couldn't deny that it felt like a nightmare. With her mind trembling, she felt bombed by disbelief. Needing a moment to grip this new reality of horror, the alicorn responded to her sister, her eyes infected with doubt.
"So... They won... Please tell me, what happens now?" She asked.
With the residents of Ponyville still passing by like the waves of an ocean, the Royal Guard escorting them to Canterlot's castle, Celestia couldn't escape from the hands of defeat. Twilight looked up to her mentor dolefully.
"I have no choice but to inform the whole world," Celestia murmured. "The last thing I want is to spread panic, but Equestria must be alerted of Tartarus' breakout. Ponies, Griffons, Dragons... Everyone needs to know. Everyone must be notified of this crisis and I'm going to need your help, Luna."
"How can I assist you?" The Princess of the Night asked, regaining her composure.
"I am uncertain of when this corruption spell will end," Celestia answered, looking up at her corrupted horn, refusing to let the alicorn cast any spells. Shifting her eyes back to her sister's position, the princess continued. "Furthermore, Twilight's magic is deficient and Shining Armour hasn't arrived yet. I'll need you and your magic to help me broadcast a message to the whole world."
Gently, from worried to lifeless like a statue, Luna looked at Celestia once more, deeply exhaling, "Of course, but if I may, sister..." For a moment, the Princess of the Night shot a worried look to Twilight but quickly looking back at her sister. "There is something I must tell you."
Intrigued, yet scared by Luna's light voice, Celestia spoke, "What is it?" She asked softly of her.
Once again, Luna revealed another look of angst towards Twilight and it did not go ignored by the alicorn.
Snapping back to Celestia, Luna responded sternly, "No... It can wait, right now we must warn Equestria of Tartarus' breakout."
Hit with confusion and puzzled by her sister's sudden change in emotion, Celestia couldn't help but let it slide and agree with her as she gently nodded, "Understood."
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Twilight asked.
Celestia turned away from Luna, gazing at the younger alicorn with warming eyes, "Twilight, I only ask of you to make sure Ponyville's residents make their way to the Royal Palace. After that, I'll need you to meet me and Luna in the throne room."
Before proceeding, Rarity spoke up, questioning Luna with concern, "Forgive my intrusion, Princesses, but how have Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy been?"
Backed up by Rainbow Dash, she spoke rather frantically, "Yeah, is Fluttershy awake yet?"
With a look of sorrow, Luna responded, "Pinkie Pie is quite alright, but as for Fluttershy, I believe she has not recovered from the fog. She appears to be in some form of deep sleep, one that cannot be disturbed."
Angered, but mostly disappointed, Rainbow Dash lowered her head and sighed. Much like Rarity, Twilight and Applejack, they showed dejection as well.
"A lot has happened tonight," Celestia spoke heavenly, her voice ridding the air of melancholy. "A lot of panic, pain and fear. I'm so sorry for what you had to endure, I'm sorry about what happened in Tartarus, in the fog... But we're safe now, away from fear."
Crowded, moving like zombies, the residents of Ponyville all remained frightened for their homes back in Ponyville, they feared for the future, afraid of the monsters that now roamed out of their cages.
With Luna's guards escorting Ponyville's residents to Canterlot's castle, Twilight watched with great sorrow. Turning around to her three friends, exhausted and sad, she spoke, "Come on girls, let's go find Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy."
As Celestia and Luna readied their wings, taking flight and hurrying to the castle, Twilight watched as they would prepare a message to Equestria, a message that may put the whole world in fear.