//------------------------------// // The Best/Worst Night Ever // Story: The Struggles of Running a Book Store // by arcanica_scripta //------------------------------// The night was still in Ponyville, as everypony had turned in for the night. The streets were empty, and not a single animal was out this evening. Luna’s moon hung beautifully in the sky, its stars telling their stories behind it. Truly, it was a wonderous night. Emphasis on was. CRASH! BANG! The peaceful night was disrupted when something knocked over a number of trash cans behind the local café. A beam of light cut through the night, its owner cautiously walking out from behind her cover. The beam eventually revealed the culprit: a large creature with a bright green lupine body and a pair of dragon wings in place of forelegs. The creature was currently gorging itself on the contents of the trash containers, thus hiding its head. “Found ya,” she whispered as she crept closer. The beast suddenly froze before snapping its head up staring at its watcher with burning orange eyes. It snarled before opening its beak to roar at her, the force being enough to blow her pink mane back despite the distance. “Wowie zowie. You really need a mint, don’t you?” The creature snarled as it slowly crept towards her, the spines on its back exposing themselves. “NOW!” came a yell. The creature looked around frantically before black chains wrapped themselves around its body, taking it to the ground. It struggled frantically in an effort to escape with another chain muzzling it. “Alright. That takes care of that.” Arcanica jumped off the roof she had been standing on and nodded to her friend. “Thanks for lending me a hoof, Pinkie.” “No problem Arcanica!” She briefly shined her flashlight in her friend’s face before pointing it under her own chin. “Not only am I happy to help out, I got to use my monster-hunting flashlight for once!” The unicorn rolled her eyes before looking at the bound monster. “Well still. I appreciate the extra set of hooves. These things can smell magic, so I needed a non-magical way to get it completely distracted.” “Wait! Was it super duper dangerous to ponies?!” She shook her head. “Not really. Only if somepony was stupid enough to corner one of these things. They’re mostly scavengers, but I don’t take chances with monsters.” Her eyes and horn lit up with dark energy as the creature was dragged into its own shadow. “Every so often they make it to Equestria, and I’d rather send it back then let it get out of hoof. Especially considering how busy we’ll be tomorrow.” “This is so cool!” cheered Pinkie as they started back towards Sugar Cube Corner. “I can’t believe I get to help my friend stop dangerous monsters!” “Again, things like that Prowler are only dangerous if you make them dangerous. Besides, need I remind you that you more or less forced me to let you help?” She shook her head at the mare’s casual shrug as she continued skipping. It had only been a couple weeks since the incident with Celestia and Akzin’s manticore spawn, and she had already needed to handle a couple of problems that came with being a Herald. Namely things getting into Equestria from other Planes. After an incident involving the bakery she worked at, Pinkie had demanded that Arcanica let her join or risk the others finding out. Never again will I try arguing with this mare, she told herself. “So, you excited for tomorrow, Arcanica?” Unlike the Herald, the earth pony was showing no signs of being tired despite how late it was for them. Damn earth ponies, being able to draw energy from the earth and stuff. She let out a yawn but nodded. “Of course. It’ll be a relief to finally get all this over with.” The pink pony giggled at her friend’s assessment of the following day’s events. “It’s just the Grand Galloping Gala, not some kind of horrible event.” “Same thing, Pinkie.” She looked up and sighed when she realized they were now at the bakery and standing under the back light. “Alright, I’ll see you at Rarity’s tomorrow.” “Sleep tight, Arcanica!” Pinkie Pie gave her friend a tight hug before bouncing through the back door and into the shop, not turning off the light for a moment. Taking advantage of the temporary light, Arcanica slipped into Shevkiral’s domain and made her way along the familiar path home. A shriek echoed overhead, and she saw the silhouette of some avian creature trailing her before it was snatched out of the air by something that resembled a giant squid that had been hiding in the pseudo-clouds that filled the sky. “This place still gives me the creeps every time I see its ecosystem.” She continued on her way, doing her best to ignore the howls and snarls as different creatures hunted one another down. Once she slipped back into her study and closed off the path behind her, she breathed a heavy sigh of relief. “Okay, Arcanica. Creature is transported back, Pinkie’s home, time to sleep.” Turning off the lamp on her desk, she quietly made her way through to the bedrooms. After making sure her sister was asleep and fine, she retired to her room and climbed into bed. Once the lights were down, she sighed in content as she made herself comfortable. “Hello, Herald.” She groaned and opened her eyes to glare at her bed’s other occupant. The white mare’s smile was more sultry than friendly, and contrasted horribly with the completely black orbs she called eyes. “What? No greetings for a dear friend like myself?” “What. Do. You. Want, Kreeshva Akzin?” She was not in the mood to cater to the Being’s antics. “I’m trying to go to sleep, and you don’t belong in my bed.” She giggled, though it came out sounding like the demented snarling of some massive beast. “Oh, I just wanted to see how Our current Herald is holding up, say hi, and-” “Cut the crap. We both know that’s not why you’re here.” She sat up to properly glare at the Eldritch deity. It was one thing for the other Heralds to visit her quite frequently, but the Outer Beings were supposed to avoid coming to Equestria too frequently. “If this is about the manticore thing I sent to the Plane of Shadows a couple weeks ago, then don’t birth your children near my home.” “Change is coming, Herald.” Akzin sat up and faded out of the bed, appearing next to the window as she looked at the moon. “We can feel something stirring in this Plane you call home, and it concerns us.” Arcanica blinked owlishly at the implications that statement entailed. “Wait, the Outer Beings are concerned about something in Equestria? Well, color me impressed.” “Not in the manner you are probably assuming, Herald.” She smirked at the now annoyed Unicorn. “However, something in the near future is of note to all of us. The Eyes of Eternity, Hurashten, says that the world is approaching an era of change, and I was chosen to relay this message to you.” That… was troubling. If Hurashten said that something was coming… “I don’t suppose you would be willing to tell me what exactly those changes will be?” She chuckled before looking back at the moon. “Not exactly, though I suppose telling you her prophecy could present some interesting results. A majority of us have ideas as to the meaning of her Prophecy, but I’m afraid telling you our collective interpretation is off-limits.” She thought it over for a moment, her mane’s flowing becoming more erratic. “No, I don’t believe there will be any problem with letting you know the prophecy she recited to us.” “The blood of void stirs as the lost awaken to a world of change With the light of the moon, madness shall prosper and regain. The frozen heart shall beat with life once more As the world stands on the precipice of war. Guiding magic and harmonious faith entwined, The usurpers of thrones stand ignorant of what they shall find.” There was silence as the unicorn stared at her, her attention remaining focused on the moon hanging high above. “You translated it on purpose, didn’t you?” That hellish chuckle filled the room once more. “Naturally. Can’t go giving you all the hints, now can I?” Arcanica groaned and flopped back in her bed, pulling the covers over her head and shutting out the deity’s laughter. “Go away and let me sleep.” Receiving no answer but silence, she shut her eyes and let herself drift off until morning. Arcanica groaned as she slammed a large history book shut and threw it on top of a book of legends. The sun was just rising, but she was already wide awake. After Akzin decided to come bother her, she was barely able to get any sleep until she figured out that Prophecy. So, she had immediately grabbed the two most relevant books in order to piece together a suitable translation. “Okay, Hoofcraft, just think about this. Madness could have meant Nightmare Moon returning, but that could be the light of the moon.” She started pacing as she thought the prophecy over. “But what the heck is this ‘frozen heart’ and what ‘usurpers’ are coming back? There’s nothing in recorded history of somepony trying to seize the throne from Celestia…” Her eyes widened as she looked at the forbidden spell book. “Which means it might not be recorded conventionally!” Opening the black spell book, she ignited her eyes as she started searching for the key words used in the prophecy. “Usurpers… Usurpers…” Nothing. Nothing about either failed usurpers or hearts being frozen. There was something in Black Diamond’s section about a “Crystal Heart” rather than a frozen one, but it was some sort of relic responsible for some empire that wasn’t mentioned after his section. Note to self: figure out how to try getting Black Diamond to talk to me. He sounds interesting. She would consider searching through older memories, but that could take much more time than she had. Especially since that meant she would have to go through several thousand (if not more) years of memories and most likely deal with the Herald associated with those memories. Slamming the book down, she took a heavy breath before calling out for the two ponies she knew would help her. “Rune Cluster? Storm Breaker? I know you’re both there. If you don’t mind, can you lend a hoof?” She stood there for a moment, but felt her stomach drop when she realized nopony answered her. “Great. Those two are out, leaving me to figure this out on my own.” She was able to eventually fall asleep once more, but it was fitful as she was haunted by the inability to figure out the deity’s words. “I can’t thank you enough, Granny.” Arcanica floated the last suitcase through the doorway of the apple family’s abode. “Aw fooey, Canica. Ain’t no hassle lookin’ aftah Apple Bloom’s friends.” She elderly green mare gave her a friendly shove which showed just how strong the farmer could be when she wanted to be. “Ah’m sure Bookworm’ll enjoy hangin’ with her friends for the night. Now go on an’ git! The Gala don’t wait for nopony!” Arcanica rolled her eyes before waving to the fillies sitting in the living room. “Alright, Book. Have fun and behave yourself!” Getting a call from her sister, she turned and went on her way. “It’s awfully kind of Granny to watch our sisters, AJ.” Applejack and Rarity, who had waited for her to get Bookworm settled, were walking in time with her. “Oh, absolutely, Darling. I can’t even begin to tell you how much time this saved me in looking for a sitter for Sweetie Belle.” Applejack chuckled as the trio left the farm and made their way towards Ponyville. “Well, Granny loves young’uns, and loves seeing Apple Bloom having so many good friends to spend time with.” She tipped her hat back as she smiled earnestly. “Put ‘em together with how she practically raised me and Mac, and she’s the absolute best foalsitter a pony can ask for.” The three continued this discussion until they made it to Carousel Boutique, where they found their other four friends (and Spike) waiting for them. “Hey girls, everything all set at Sweet Apple Acres?” “Of course. The girls are ready for their little sleep over.” Rarity gave everypony a charming smile. “But now, let us all get ready for the Gala. The best night of our lives is tonight!” With a flourish of her mane, she opened the boutique’s door and led her friends in. The seven mares all went to the large changing room and began putting on their respective dresses. “Hey Rarity, can you help me with the ribbon on my corset?” “I got it!” Pinkie, already completely in her own dress, bounced over and began tugging on the laces. “No wait, Pinkie hang oooOOON!” She wheezed and gasped. Her barrel felt like it was caught in a vice grip. “Not so tight!” “Oops, sorry! Let me just…” “Pinkie, move over. You gotta have a bit of finesse when you deal with this.” Rainbow Dash shoved the pink pony to the side and got to work. “Thanks, Dash. Just- NOPE! NOT LIKE THAT!” Whereas Pinkie had nearly crushed her entire barrel, Rainbow crushed the upper half of her barrel… and possibly cracked her ribcage. “Dangit, Dash! Move over!” “Wait, Applejack just wait for Rarity to come over and- HRK!” Applejack, despite her good intentions, crushed the lower half of her body and her intestines, giving her an hour-glass appearance. “TOO TIGHT!” As she gasped and shoved the Earth Pony aside with her magic, she suddenly felt the corset loosen up. “Oh, um, sorry but… I figured you could use a gentler hoof.” She smiled gratefully as Fluttershy properly tied the ribbon and left the dress comfortably snug on her barrel. “Thanks, Flutters.” Once they all finished getting dressed, and Spike got a little jacket to fit in, the group of eight were all set to go. Now, if Arcanica were going to the Gala on her own, she potentially could have just shadow-walked to Canterlot since the distances would have been drastically reduced. Now however? She was a little amused that Twilight decided to recreate a classic fairy tale theme. Once Rarity had acquired a team of stallions to pull their carriage to Canterlot, they were on their way. “So, Arcanica. What’s your plan for the night?” She tilted her head at Twilight in confusion. “You know, like how I’m going to spend the night catching up with the Princess.” “Ah’m going to try raisin’ some money by selling home-made treats.” “I’m gonna hang out with the Wonderbolts!” “I’m looking forward to having an absolute blast with all the ponies of Canterlot!” “I’m looking forward to meeting my potential true love.” Rarity swooned as she fantasized about meeting her Prince Charming but did so in a way that wouldn’t mess up her dress or make up. “And I’m looking forward to meeting all the lovely animals in the Royal Gardens.” They all looked at her expectantly. “Well, I can’t exactly say I have a specific goal in mind, but I suppose that it wouldn’t be that bad if there were any other successful writers there.” She smiled as she looked out the window towards Canterlot. “You know, get a fresh take on the industry and get to know other ponies who didn’t get lucky like I did.” And maybe chat with Princess Luna if she’s around. The others nodded and they continued to enjoy their ride as the sun began its descent. Ultimately, their carriage fell into line with all the other carriages heading to the castle. Once the door was lined up with the walkway up to the castle gates, a stallion in a suit opened the door for them to make their way out of their transportation. They were all breathless as they stared at the decorations and the castle ahead of them. The trumpets sounded as they made their way towards the Royal Palace, making them unable to keep themselves from giving into the feeling in their hearts. Their song concluded, the girls made their way into the castle foyer. Unfortunately, once they were inside, everypony left Twilight and Arcanica, presumably to go fulfill their own desires for the night. “Well that isn’t inconsiderate,” muttered Arcanica. “I’m sure everypony is just excited to enjoy their nights.” Twilight sounded reassuring but looked more hurt than anything as they got in line to meet the Princess. “Besides, I would want anypony to put off their plans on account of me wanting to spend time with Princess Celestia.” Arcanica nodded uncertainly. “I guess.” “You don’t have to stay with me. Go enjoy yourself!” She motioned towards the ball room with a smile. “I’ll be fine. Go find those other author ponies.” “Well, if you say so.” Taking the purple unicorn’s not-so-subtle hints, the Herald left the line they were standing in and headed towards the actual gala. “Okay, time to see who else was invited.” She looked around the ballroom, seeing Pinkie Pie trying to talk to various ponies around the room she moved towards one of the stallions carrying a plate of appetizers. As she took a cucumber hoof-sandwich off the tray, a voice came up from behind her with a thick Canterlot accent. “Ah, you are Hoofcraft, correct?” She turned around and saw a mauve colored unicorn stallion with a silver mane standing there, his nose pointing upwards as he metaphorically looked down on her. “I am-” “Wicker Hoofspeare,” she interrupted. “I’m aware. Your work is incredible. I’m just surprised you recognize me.” She chuckled nervously as his stare became very unamused. “Quite. But I’d be regress in my title as a master wordsmith if I wasn’t aware of the current popular neophyte.” Neophyte?! She chuckled awkwardly at his assessment. “Well, I am mostly self-taught, but I am pretty good, if I do say so myself.” “I’d hardly call it that.” A dark cerulean mare joined them, her dress being far more elaborate and stuffy than Arcanica’s pseudo-vampony gown. “Your metaphors are far too consistent in their themes and delivery.” “My… metaphors?” “But of course,” chimed in Wicker. “Those messages of class inequities and the suppression of the masses are all fine and well, but you harp on them far too frequently.” “Uh, I don’t use themes like that.” She brushed her mane back with her fetlock and took note of their disproving looks. “I don’t write my books and stories about any of that. I just write about cosmic horror.” “Oh please, like anypony would believe that tripe,” muttered the mare. “Nopony just ‘writes’ a story without thinking about the themes.” “But I-” “Now then, if you ask me…” As the two authors began lecturing and keeping her from getting a word in edge-wise, Arcanica groaned in misery. I hope everypony else is having a better night. An hour later, Hoofspeare was still going on about moving past utilizing cultists and gods to represent “elements of class warfare” and Arcanica was extremely tempted to break her promise to Celestia and unleash any number of Eldritch abominations on the Gala. Sure, somepony could get hurt, but it would spare her having to listen to this pretentious stallion. As she looked around the hall, she saw a familiar dark blue mare looking at her from one of the small garden doorways. As soon as she was noticed, she turned and walked away. “Um, excuse me, Hoofspeare, but I’m afraid I’m feeling a bit faint.” He looked a little put off at being interrupted. “I’m going to go and get some fresh air to clear my head a bit.” “Well I’m not surprised you feel a bit faint,” commented the mare, who Arcanica had learned was Mane Shelly. “With a gown like yours and the attention you’ve been gaining from stallions and their eyes, anypony would feel faint.” Ignoring the jab at her gown, she quickly made her way to the door where she saw the mare vanish. Once she was outside and enjoyed the open garden air, she looked around for her watcher. “Greetings, Herald.” She spun around and saw Princess Luna standing there. “I am relieved thou hast seen me, Arcanica.” She smiled and nodded to the alicorn. “It’s great to see you too, Princess.” She walked up to the dark blue mare and gave a half-bow. “I’m happy I spotted you when I did. I was on the verge of unleashing something horrible on that annoying stallion and mare.” She chuckled at the Herald’s exasperation. It was relieving to be in the company of somepony besides her sister who knew the more personable side of her, as ersatz as it may be. “Then thou understand why I planned to remain within chambers and avoid the Gala this year. The ponies who arrive are arrogant and deprive the entire affair of any form of enjoyment.” The two shared a chuckle over the attitude of the Canterlot Elite before the Princess became more serious. “Arcanica, I saw how troubled you were last night. Did something happen in regard to the Void?” “Sort of.” She started pacing a bit but didn’t panic. “I was visited by Akzin last night. According to her, The Eyes of Eternity have foreseen a chain of events unlike any Equestria’s history has ever known.” “What?!” It was extremely fortunate Luna didn’t use the Royal Canterlot Voice at that moment. “Hurashten has seen something of great importance? Tell me, Herald, what was it?” Arcanica shook her head. “They wouldn’t say. They gave me a rough translation of the prophecy she gave, but it leaves more questions than answers. All I can figure out is that it has something to do with the Elements of Harmony and your return was the first event.” “I see.” There was a long silence as the news of impending doom loomed over them. “Tell me something, Arcanica. Why hast thou not written to me?” The unicorn blinked in confusion at the lunar alicorn. “Celestia told me she gave thee a scroll containing a spell so that we may converse in the manner she prefers with her student. So why have I not received any missives?” “To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to say, Princess.” She hung her head as she continued. “I wanted to write to you about the monsters I’ve been dealing with the last couple weeks, but that seemed more like I was reporting like a soldier rather than a student.” The princess stood there thoughtfully before awkwardly resting a fetlock on Arcanica’s shoulder. “Then perhaps we should simply begin with simple letters before moving on to your studies of the Void, Arcanica. I believe the ponies of this age call it ‘breaking the ice’.” “Yeah…” She gently smiled at Princess Luna as loud techno music started blasting from inside the ballroom. “I think that is- What the hay is that music?!” “I know not, Arcanica. But it sounds… intriguing.” The two walked back to the door and looked into the room. It. Was. Hell. Pinkie had hijacked the stage with Vinyl and was trying to get ponies to dance, Rainbow Dash was holding up a fallen statue, Applejack was trying to fix her food cart, and Rarity was terrorizing Prince Blueblood while being covered in food. “What in Tartarus is happening here?” There was a loud rumbling before the doors on the opposite side burst open and a stampede of various animals came charging in with a disheveled Fluttershy chasing them. “You are going to LOVE ME!” she genuinely roared. The uptight ponies all started screaming and running from the animals as the already hectic room devolved into further chaos. “Perhaps thou should leave while still possible,” suggested Luna. “It is possible that the guards may attempt to seize you and your friends.” “Of course, Princess.” Thinking quickly, Arcanica ran along the wall in order to grab Pinkie and pull Rainbow away from the statue with her magic. “Applejack, forget the cart and grab Fluttershy!” As the five of them made their getaway with Rarity tailing them, they met up with Twilight. “Girls? What the heck is-” “Not now, Twilight. We need to run. NOW.” Seeing the panic and state of her friends’ dresses, the purple unicorn nodded before leading them out of the castle and back into Canterlot. Their destination: a donut shop called “Pony Joe’s” where Spike had apparently spent the whole night. The seven of them explained the mayhem of the night and were content to wallow until Celestia showed up to explain why she had invited them all. Note to self, find a way to get back at Celestia for deliberately using us as a way to lighten the mood.