The Pony Spartan’s Comment
Kichi’s Comment
Down With Chrysalis’s Comment
Puzzling Frost’s Comment
You and Spike eventually get to the front of the stadium, and thankfully your heartbeat has gone back down to a more manageable rhythm.
“So, uh, do you want to come sit with the girls and my Grandbuggy?” you ask. He looks at the front entrance where everypony is entering and exiting and he shakes his head.
“Actually no. I’d rather be somewhere where I’m not recognized,” he admits and points towards a ramp leading downwards. “I still have private access to the underside of the stadium so we could go there.”
“Oh, you mean where we were all stationed during the flag ceremony?” you ask and he nods.
“Yeah, it’s right on the field and you don’t have to worry about security and stuff. Shining Armor and Ms. Harshwinny (*Neighing* *Thundercrash*) are usually there, but they shouldn’t bother us.”
“Yeah alright then,” you nod as you start to walk before you hold your hoof out. “Wait a second, when you say there’s no security, does that mean at all or…?”
“Just at the foot of it,” he says. “But they all know me so it should be fine.”
“Yeah, but is there any of those magical disabling things like the main entrances? Those kind of gave me a problem earlier…”
Flashback
As you, the girls, Grandbuggy and a few of the Outcasts walk through the front entrance, you spy what looks like metal detectors that everyone has to pass through.
“What the heck are those?” you question.
“Those are magic disablers,” Grandbuggy explains. “It’s to keep dishonest unicorns and the like from interfering with competitions.”
“Really? There’s cheaters at this level?”
“Indeed there is,” Ahuizotl nods. “Lots of money riding on these games and some folks want to win by whatever means necessary.”
“Okay, I get that, but why the heck do the Earth Ponies and Pegasi have to go through them too?” you point out as a pegasus mare goes through.
“Helps zap their flying and wind manipulation capacity,” Daring explains. “There once was a game where pegasi in the crowd were manipulating the airflows and slowing down competition.”
“Oh yeah, I remember that one. The Griffonstone competitors were pissed,” Greta nods.
“Okay, but why are the regular horses going through, they ain’t got magic right?” Garble asks.
“You’d be surprised lizard,” Grandbuggy says. “You get enough earth ponies stomping their hooves and you’ll have mini earthquakes that will throw off an archer’s aim by just enough.”
“Yeesh, is everyone just a cheater?” Ember inquires.
“Pretty much,” he nods. “You’re old man would probably take the opportunity if he ever got invited.”
“I don’t think there’d be seats big enough for him,” she says with a shudder.
“Well how come we didn’t have to go through this yesterday?” asks Sweetie Belle.
“Because yesterday was just the opening ceremonies and you’re all just kids,” Grandbuggy answers. “After the first competitions started though, everyling got a debuff, even the princesses.”
“Wait, the Princesses have to go through this too?” asks Applebloom.
“Why wouldn’t they?” Scootaloo questions.
“I don’t know, it just seems kind of reckless right? Willingly depowering yourself in such a large crowd?” Applebloom points out.
“Meh, at least it keeps them honest. I know how underhanded Princesses can be,” you grumble before a thought comes to you. “Say Grandbuggy, aren’t you worried about going through there?”
“Relax kiddo,” he says with a smile. “A specialist like me ain’t gonna lose his appearance over some lousy machine…though on the other hoof I won’t be lifting anything with magic anytime soon.”
Shrugging at his confidence, you all go through the magic dampeners, but when you go through yours…
“Uh, hey little miss, can you back through again?” asks one of the guards looking perturbed.
“Um, sure,” you shrug and walk back through. You feel a wave of mana over your body, and it tingles, but it also feels like it repels from you.
“Okay, something’s not right here,” the guard says as he smacks the machine which you see has some smoke coming off it. “Can you go through again?”
“Really?” you pout and give him the stink eye while ponies behind you in line start to get impatient.
“Yes please, just one more time. I think the machine is shorting out. Rolling your eyes, you go back and forth one more time, and this time you feel your shards burn as smoke billows out the top of the machine in large bouts which causes the guard’s jaw to drop.
“…Is that supposed to happen?” you ask and he just shakes his head. “Okay…can I go through?”
“Uh…” he stutters before he pulls some caution tape in front of the machine which causes the line behind you to all groan in outrage. “Your magic is off yeah?”
“Yup! Sure is,” you lie knowing full well that you could lift him up by his tail and swing him by a lasso if you wanted. “But even if it wasn’t, I’m a little filly! What harm could little ol’ me do?”
“You’d be surprised little miss,” the guard says as he shoves the crowd towards another magic dampener. “I heard just yesterday there was one who was causing disorder like a rabid timberwolf.”
“Rabid Timberwolf?!” you cry out in indignation. “That’s a bit much! I bet that filly had a very good reason for what she did! And her breath didn’t stink at all!”
And with that, you turn tail and walk away in a huff as the poor guard is berated by angry ticket holders. Since you were held back a bit, you trot to catch up with your group, and encounter a haggard looking Garble who comes out of a side room.
“What happened to you?” you inquire.
“They pulled me aside for a random inspection,” he spits. “Random inspection my butt! They’re still just mad that I tried to bite that stupid statue yesterday!”
“Well, maybe don’t do things like that!” you chide.
“Oh yeah, as if you wouldn’t try to take a bite out of a statue made of that ice cream stuff or whatever,” he groans and crosses his arms.
“That sounds both amazing and structurally unsound,” you point out.
“Whatever! Why’d you get held back?”
“Magic machine broke,” you say plainly as you keep walking.
“Oh yeah, because that makes sense. Pull the dragon into the guard room to shove cotton swabs in his mouth, but do nothing to the temperamental brat!” he kicks the ground in disgust.
“I am not temperamental or a brat!” you growl before looking away and taking a breath. “I’m just…feeling out of it today.”
“Well if it’s about that purple twerp, just stop thinking about him and you’ll feel better,” he suggests as you catch up with the others.
“It’s not that simple,” you sigh. And sure enough, it wasn’t as a few hours later, Spike butchered the anthem.
Back to Now
“Garble tried to eat my statue?” he asks after you tell him what happened.
“I guess,” you shrug. “Also according to Twilight he took a chomp out of some fountain a little while ago too.”
“Does that guy just have no self control?” Spike sighs and puts a claw to his forehead.
“I beat the guy up an accident once last year and he decided to follow me to the ends of the world so that he could become stronger like some anime character,” you say pointedly. “Make of that what you will.”
“Right…Well, I’m sure I can get you through the VIP passage with me. I can keep you from getting scanned so you don’t break anything else.”
“Yeah, let’s do that,” you nod as you follow him down the ramp. Sure enough, even in disguise, the guards recognize Spike and he’s able to talk them into letting you through.
Glad to see that that horrible singing didn’t diminish their respect, you think proudly as the two of you walk through the underbelly of the stadium, hearing the muffled cheers of the audience above.
Eventually, through twisting and turning hallways, you eventually come to an opening that leads right onto the enormous field.
“Wow, talk about front row seats,” you whistle as you spy the line of archers prepping on the firing line with their targets set up before them.
“Yeah, it’s pretty great,” Spike says, albeit with a hint of tiredness. You look over at him and see him sigh dramatically. “The song still bugging you?”
“Of course,” he says in embarrassment. “Even those guards that let us through looked at me with pity.”
“Well…I mean…” you trail off not knowing what to say.
“Yeah I know,” he nods. “I just wish there was something I could do to erase that stupid moment.”
You bite your lip knowing that is impossible, seeing as how the whole thing was also broadcast all across Equestria, but then you remember what your Grandbuggy said last night.
“Hey Spike?” you say as you put a hoof on his shoulder.
“Yeah?”
“Maybe the best thing to do is nothing at all?”
“Huh?”
“Well, it’s something my Grandbuggy said yesterday about not relying on something so much and sometimes you just gotta let things play out as they are,” you explain and he raises an eyebrow at that.
“What, like what Supermane’s dad said in that horrible Mane of Steel movie?” he questions.
“That’s what I said!” you point towards him. “But apparently that’s not what he was going for. Something about learning to do nothing, except for when it’s an extreme emergency.”
“…I mean, national embarrassment seems like an emergency to me,” he says while scratching his ear.
“…That’s a fair point,” you nod, realizing the definition of emergency is vague and situational. “But really, I don’t know what you could do.”
“Neither do I,” he sighs as you look out to the competitors. It’s there that you spot Ms. Harshwinny on the sideline speaking with Shining Armor, who just looks exhausted.
“Aha! What if you defeated that she-demon out there and exposed her as the soul sucking monster she really is?!” you say excitedly.
“Say what now?” Spike does a double take.
“Think about it! Noling else thinks she’s evil, but I know better! You unmask her like those kids did to Grandbuggy so many times in the past, and everyone will cheer for you again!”
“Why are you so convinced Ms. Harshwinny is evil?” he deadpans.
*Neigh*
*Thunderclap*
“That! That’s the reason!” you declare incredulously. “Honestly, am I the only one that hears that when her name is said?!”
“Hear what?”
“The crying and the thunder!” you shout but he looks at you in confusion. “…Really? I’m the only one?”
“Uh, I know there’s a few clouds in the sky, but I don’t think there’s any thunderstorms schedu-“
“Nevermind,” you wave him off, while slightly wondering if maybe you are losing a marble or two. “The point is, I know this will work. You go over and unmask her and the princesses will see and…Is that Ember in the stands with them?”
“Huh?” Spike says as he follows your line of sight.
Up in the Royalty/VIP seating, right next to frowning and distressed Celestia is the teenaged blue dragoness with her feet kicked up and eating a plate of nachos.
“What in the buck is she doing up there?” you say in shock.
“She is still a princess right?” Spike points out.
“Well yeah, but she’s not a “Princess” princess,” you explain. “What if she says something dumb and reveals mine and Grandbuggy’s secrets?!”
“Why would she do that?”
“Because we sort of own her in a way and she might be vindictive?” you say as you bite your hooves and look through the crowd for Grandbuggy and the other Outcasts.
“I don’t think so, it looks like she’s having a great time up there talking with Celestia and Luna,” Spike disagrees.
“But Sunbutt looks so pissed right now!” you say worriedly. “Ember’s obviously doing something to make her simmer.”
In the VIP Seats
Princess Celestia is currently trying to will away a migraine through sheer willpower as the mannerless dragon princess continues to splatter her with nacho cheese.
“So yeah, like I was saying, we don’t have awesome stuff like this back home,” she says gesturing with a chip which flicks an onion into the sun princess’s mane. “I mean, we don’t have cheese stuff at all, or milk for that matter, but we definitely should!”
“That’s…interesting Princess Ember,” Celestia says “calmly.” “But like I said before, now’s not really the time for poli-“
“Where does milk even come from though? Can you mine it? Because it would make a killing in the Dragon Lands,” Ember interrupts. “That and pillows. I never knew sitting down could feel so good until I came here! I mean, my butt would be big too if I had these luxuries.”
Celestia smiles to hid her clenched teeth as she shuts her eyes.
“Oh? Is that so? Well perhaps we should just watch the arch-“
“Hey Celestia!” she calls out to Princess Luna on the opposite side. “We should definitely set up a trade deal of Milk and Pillows. Not even my dad could say no to the benefits.”
“I’m not Celestia, I’m Luna,” the blue alicorn says indignantly.
“Right, right, sorry, bad with pony names,” Ember chuckles and more cheese hits Celestia’s mane causing her to internally scream.
“I still don’t see how you could confuse the two of us, even if you are bad with names. Aside from being alicorns, we look nothing alike,” Luna responds.
“It is what it is,” Ember shrugs. “And really I haven’t met too many alicorns, so it is a bit tricky for me. I’m surprised I didn’t call you Nightshade.”
“Nightshade?” Luna questions and both Ember and Cadence’s eyes widen. “Sir Tennant’s daughter and Twilight Sparkle’s student?”
“Um…yes?” Ember chuckles nervously.
“How could you confuse the two of us? She is but a child and a unicorn,” Luna questions.
“Uh, y-yeah! Totally! But like, with her color scheme and everything you could be her mom right?” Ember says suspiciously and Luna is taken aback by the insinuations.
“What Princess Ember means is that her colors are similar to yours auntie! She wasn’t insinuating anything!” Cadence juts in hoping to soothe the situation.
“Yup! That thing!” Ember nods and points a cheesy claw at Cadence.
“Oh…” Luna sighs. “That’s a relief. But yes, though that filly is magically gifted and is tutored by another princess does not mean she is related to us Princess Ember.”
“*Snort* Right, yup! Totally!” Ember laughs under her breath and Cadence shoots her a stink eye.
“I-Uh-I think there’s some merit in trade negotiations with the Dragon Lands!” the love princess speaks up in distraction. “Pillows are an easy commodity to make, but milk and cheese…well, that’s a tricky venture.”
“I’m all ears,” Ember says as she looks at Celestia. “Milk is something that goes into those awesome cake things right Luna?”
“MMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!” Celestia’s muffle scream is dampened through her shut lips.
“Eh heh heh, what did I miss here?” a nervously sweating Twilight asks as she walks onto the scene.
With the Outcasts
“Uh, should we be worried about that?” Garble asks, pointing a claw towards the VIP seats.
“You’re one to talk Mr. Bitey,” Greta reprimands. “How many times are you planning on getting detained?”
“It’s not like I’m doing it on purpose!” he shouts back. “And at least I’m not drinking like a sore loser because your chicken buddies got 3rd place!”
“Why you little!” Greta growls with a hiccup and attempts to strangle the little dragon.
“His delinquency aside, should we be worried about that? The Princess De Sol looks likes she’s going to pop,” Ahuizotl observes, ignoring their squabbling.
“And it’s like Ember doesn’t even notice,” Daring says in dread.
“Pfft, I’d like to see Sunbutt try something,” Grandbuggy hoofwaves. “If she hurts Ember, Torch will burn this whole Empire to the ground.”
The others all look perturbed by that and Grandbuggy suddenly realizes the implications.
“You know, on second thought, maybe we should go grab her?” he suggests and they all nod. The whole group then starts making it’s way towards the messy princess and run into the CMC.
“Hi Mr. Fix,” Applebloom says. “Where ya’ll headed?”
“Hey girls. We’re just trying to pick up a wayward lamb,” he says.
“There’s sheep here?” Sweetie asks looking around, but she gets elbowed by Silver who shakes her head.
“I think he means they’re looking for Nightshade,” Scootaloo says.
“Actually no, we’re going towards Ember,” he corrects before he notices your absence. “Speaking of which, where is she?”
“More than likely with Spike,” Diamond answers. “We kind of gave her a pep talk and everything.”
“I doubt that twerp would want to be seen after the anthem,” Garble speaks up.
“Yeah, well, we kind of thought maybe they’d be here with you,” Applebloom says.
“No luck on that end,” Grandbuggy shakes his head. “But we’ll look for her after we drag my buddy’s daughter out of the lion’s den.”
“What lions?” Sweetie asks again, only to get another elbow. And with that, both groups now head towards the VIP seats.
Back With You
“Oh gods, she’s gonna get herself executed,” you say as you see Celestia getting red as a tomato.
“…You know, normally I’d say she wouldn’t risk an international incident…but that doesn’t look too good,” Spike reluctantly agrees.
“What doesn’t look too good?” asks Shining Armor, startling you both as he suddenly appears next to you two.
“Ah geeze, give a girl the heads up Mr. Armor!” you chide and he looks sheepish.
“Uh, sorry about that,” he apologizes. “But seriously, what’s got you two worried?”
“My friend Princess Ember is probably going to get vaporized by Celestia!” you say pointing towards the vip seats.
“I don’t think she’s going to do that,” Shining says.
“Are you kidding? Look at that face! She’s definitely planning to-“
“No he means she physically can’t. She went through the magic debuffers like everyone else,” Spike reminds you.
“Oh…well still, she might be planning something afterwards!” you say resolutely and Shining chuckles.
“It’s gonna be alright Nightshade. Cady’s up there smoothing things over,” he says confidently. “And besides, Princess Celestia knows better than to start an international incident.”
“You all keep saying that,” you roll your eyes.
“Because it’s true,” he smiles. “Why do you think she left Blueblood behind in Canterlot? He’s still grounded and she won’t let him complain to any other foreign visitors.”
“Wow, still?” Spike asks and he nods.
“Yup. That’s why Flash isn’t here. He’s keeping an eye on him.”
“Are you sure you didn’t do that just to keep him away from Twilight?” Spike asks with a cocked eyebrow and Shining’s eyes go wide.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he says while looking away from you both.
“Mmhmm, sure,” you say with a knowing grin and the stallion just purses his lips.
“Ahem, but that’s neither here nor there. Celestia and Luna aren’t going to harm the Dragon Princess. We have enough problems worrying about Nightmare Moon and Changelings to add dragons to the mix.”
You frown as he says that, but it goes unnoticed by him.
When Cadence and the rest of us finally get you in a small room to finally see some bucking reason, you are sure going to feel embarrassed! You think vindictively as he turns to watch the archery competition.
“By the way Spike, I hope you’re not planning on singing any more anthems are you?” he asks and Spike buries his face in his claws and groans.
“I’ll take that as a no,” he says before coughing and looking back at the event.
You’ve gotta be honest, even though you’re worried for Ember’s safety, the Ice Archery competition is pretty cool (pun intended). The way the arrows fly and latch onto the targets which then hold in place with magically laced ice is a great spectacle.
“…You know, isn’t that kind of dangerous?” you ask Shining Armor.
“Of course it is, but these competitors are the best of the best, so they know how to safely handle their weapons.”
“I meant more along the lines that they’re using magic weapons and everyone else in the stadium is depowered. What if an arrow gets misfired?” you hypothesize.
“That shouldn’t be an issue. The ice is only activated via water doused on the targets themselves, and any bystander is outside the range of the projectiles being able to cause damage,” he explains.
“Oh, okay. So as long as they don’t hit any water sources they’re harmless?”
“Pretty much,” he nods.
“Ah, alright then.”
Not Even Ten Seconds Later
“Why do I even open my bucking mouth?!” you shout in frustration. A stray arrow from one of the competitors misfired into the sky and hit the one freaking cloud over the stadium providing shade. Said cloud has now morphed into a jagged, spikey glacial mass and gravity has decided to give it a big hug.
Shining Armor of course ran onto the field and started barking orders as underpowered pegasi took to the air to try and slow the chunk of ice’s descent. But of course, because they are underpowered, the iceberg continues to fall and because no unicorn has access to their magic and they can’t cut the spell in time. There’s no way to stop it.
“We were literally just talking about this!” Spike exclaims. “How did-“
“Lady Luck Spike! Lady Bucking Luck!” you growl as you see everyling scrambling about. You even spy Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash amongst the group of pegasi trying and failing to stop the impromptu comet.
Celestia and Luna gasp in shock, their annoyance at Ember forgotten, but they don’t do anything else. Ember herself just stares slack jawed along with them and contributes nothing.
“Seriously! I don’t care how many cheaters there are, someling’s still gotta have their magic active to avoid bullspit like this!” you curse angrily at idiocy of these ponies before both you and Spike come to a realization.
“Wait a minute! Nightshade! Your power wasn’t disabled!” Spike says.
“And neither was your fire!” you add.
The both of you absorb this info before you both smirk confidently at each other.
“I’ll halt it’s progress,” you say.
“And I’ll burn it down!” he nods confidently, shedding his disguise as the both of you rush onto the field.
“Dash! Move!” Spike yells.
“Fluttershy, get the buck out of the way!” you shout.
Both pegasi look at you in confusion before you light up your horn and your magic encases the iceberg.
“You heard the filly, get out of the way!” Dash orders as the weakened pegasi let go.
“You got it Shade?” Spike asks as he starts parkouring back to back of the spread out pegasi.
“Yup! I’ve moved the moon before so this is noth-IIIIEEEE!” you shriek as you feel a familiar wave pass over your body and the shards under your scarf start to burn.
Oh come on you stupid bucking heart! I’m trying to save people! You think in rage as yet another pulse activates from the distant artifact macguffin and you feel your control waver.
“Buck!” you shout as sweat begins to bead on your brow and your eyes start to glow even as you begin to struggle to hold the ice steady.
Come on Spike! You think strenuously. And with perfect timing, he answers your prayers. With all the pegasi away from the iceberg, Spike leaps from Rainbow’s back, takes a deep breath, and unleashes a large blast of green fire that envelops the whole thing.
You, and everyone else in the stadium are at a loss for words as Spike’s jet of flame decimates the iceburg within seconds and turns it into steam. Before you know it, you grip nothing in you telekinetic grip and you let out a sigh of relief as your eyes and shards stop glowing and the Crystal Heart stops sending out waves.
Water begins to rain down onto the field as Spike superhero lands, pulls an umbrella out of nowhere and holds it above you both.
That was smooth as buck, you think a bit as you swoon over how cool he looks right now. There is a moment of silence, before cheers reign out throughout the stadium, nearly deafening you. Up in the stands, The Outcasts, CMC, Deadly 6, and even the Princesses all applaud your actions and heroics.
“So that’s why they call him their savior? Huh, well done little guy,” Ember says aloud, deeply impressed by the flames he produced.
“Yup, they make a great team don’t they? My number one assistant and my number… one…student?” Twilight’s words trail and her eyes widen in shock. Right around that time more eyes and gasps begin to permeate through the applause.
And while you’ve been blushing at both the applause and standing triumphantly by Spike’s side, you’ve begun to notice the tonal shift in the crowd.
You see confused, shocked, and even downright frightened faces appear throughout the crowd.
“What are they scared of?” you say aloud as the applause starts to die and the murmurings become more prevalent. You look around for any other signs of danger, but see none, even as a surprised Shining Armor appears to be calling for aid. You spy Grandbuggy, The Outcasts, the CMC and the Deadly 6 on your side looking pale as a sheet and goosebumps break out on the back of your neck. You look over to the Princesses’s…and you see a shocked Twilight, a horrified Cadence, and a very, VERY pissed off Celestia and Luna.
“What’s going on?” you whimper and back into Spike who has also been confused by the change. But in backing into him, he gleams the answer.
“Nightshade! Your Wings!” he exclaims.
“What?!” you gasp in shock and look at your back. Sure enough, your beautiful dark wings are on display for the whole world to see. “Wha-Why? They?!” you sputter before you realize what happened.
That Stupid Bucking Crystal Heart!
Maybe this is what Grandbuggy was talking about when he said don’t do anything. BUT THAT WAS A BUCKING EMERGENCY IF I EVER SAW ONE! You think angrily as you’ve gone and done it.
You’ve pulled a Daddy.
“Nightmare Moon! How dare you show your face here?!” Celestia calls out from her seat, which quiets everyone else down.
“Oh of bucking course!” you facehoof and growl. “Cheering one moment then getting angry the next, how typical!”
“By order of the crown, surrender now or we will utilize force!” Luna calls out, though she appears to be more fearful then angry at you. As she says that though, Shining Armor and a mix of crystal and equestrian pony guards start to group up.
“Seriously?! I just saved everyone and this is the thanks I get?!” you call out to them indignantly, your voice echoing throughout the stadium.
“From a problem you likely caused!” Celestia snarls through bared teeth. “Now submit yourself to the dungeons or we attack!”
“Aunties, come on, let’s think this through,” Cadence tries to talk down but is ignored as Twilight just looks slackjawed at you.
“But Princess Celestia!” Spike calls out. “She isn’t Ni-“
“Spike! Get away from her quick!” Luna cautions. “She will warp your wants and desires and use you like a tool!”
“Seriously?! SERIOUSLY?! I just helped save all of you! Can’t you see I’m no threat?!” You shout, stomping your hooves as your shards glow beneath your scarf.
“I will not let your wrath continue Nightmare Moon!” Luna proclaims as those in the stadium look on in anticipation.
“Oh for the love of- I’M NOT NIGHTMARE MOON! I’m NOT MY MOM!” you shout using the RCV which stuns everyone.
“Mom?” Twilight mouths, still frozen in shock.
Ember begins to sweat as the confrontation occurs.
“I’m just gonna…” she starts before ducking out of the royalty section.
Smart move Em, you think while you still face the princesses glare for glare. You also catch sight of a gobsmacked Grandbuggy who is desperately waving for you to retreat while the rest of the Outcasts and CMC look around nervously. Pinkie and AJ are slowly making their way towards the field with a completely shocked Rarity being dragged behind them. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, unlike the other pegasi start to move towards you, but they are suddenly blocked by guards.
“Nightshade?” Spike whispers nervously as more gather but you stand resolutely.
“No, it needs to be said Spike!” you tell him as four years worth of frustrations bubble up to the surface. You’ve always been on the run, never having a stable home. Your parents and you are hated unjustly, and you just want some freaking peace and happiness with those you love. Now that the cat’s out of the bag, you’re not running before giving your opinion. So, you glare right back at Sunbutt and release all your malice.
“Quit Calling Me Nightmare Moon! Not Even My Mom Is Called That Anymore! My Name Is Nightshade, And My Mom Is Princess Selena!” Many ponies begin to whisper at this declaration but the Sun and Moon Princesses frown.
“There is no such Princess! Your lies cannot save you now demon! Release that poor filly and dragon at once! Using her as a host is bad enough, but to trick her into thinking you’re her mother?! Have you no shame?!” Celestia roars with surprising anger, catching you and everyone else off guard. Her anger seems to knock Twilight out of her stupor somewhat as she blinks rapidly, looking between her mentor and you, and Cadence more hurriedly is trying to talk her aunt down, but to no avail.
“Don’t you dare call my Mom a demon!” you roar as the shards begin to shine brighter and hotter causing a dim glow to seep through your scarf. “She’s done nothing but be the best mommy she could be for me and my daddy! She’s changed! Why can’t you see that?!” Your anger only doubles as a wave of tingling nausea hits you from the Crystal Heart, and you curse the long dead Amore.
“More of your lies! I won’t let you continue to cause pain and misery to my ponies or anyone else! You’ve done enough damage dragging that poor changeling into your schemes! Causing him and this filly hardship, I won’t stand for it!” Celestia shouts back, her voice cracking, and tears welling in her eyes. All across the land, ponies watch on through magically projected screens as no one cuts the feed.
“Oh please! It’s been you bucking morons who’ve been causing us trouble!” you curse, spit flying from your maw as another wave washes over you. And as several parents cover their children’s ears from your profanity, you continue. “All we have ever wanted was to live a happy life with each other! But because you ponies are so bucking stubborn, we’re always on the run! My daddy tried so hard to be a hero for you all, but you wouldn’t have him!”
You hear countless mutters of who your father is and you grit your teeth.
“The Hooded Offender You Bucking Idiots! He’s not some pawn, he’s Mommy’s Special Someling, and the best Gorramned Dad in the world!”
“Wait,” Luna starts as her eyes alight in understanding. “If you inhabit Sir Tennant’s daughter then…”
“Baker is The Hooded Offender?!” Twilight exclaims in shock as the geas is finally broken for her.
“Say what now?” you hear McStabFlank bellow, but you ignore her.
“Yes, he is. And sure he’s got a temper, both of them do, but look at you right now! Slobbering like an angry timberwolf!” you insult Celestia and several gasps erupt. “They had bad days, but they’ve always tried their best to make things right, but you kept screwing things up!”
“We have only ever tried to fix the misery you’ve put this nation through!” Celestia roars and your eyes start to glow. Even the dull pain of the Crystal Heart waves seem distant as you clench your teeth.
“Oh, and what about the misery YOU put us through?!” you stomp your hooves, causing the ground to crack. “Always forcing us to move from town to town, never getting to stay with the ones who actually love and embrace us, never having something more than a fleeting moment of peace to ourselves?! You’ve caused that! You jump to conclusions because in your mind there’s no possible way you could ever be wrong!”
The guards start to surround you, but they keep their distance and more than a few look weary, even Shining Armor.
“Even now, you’re trying to fight and I’ve done nothing but help out!” you shout, pointing to the guards. “Didn’t you all see me and Spike stop that stupid iceberg?! Well didn’t you?!”
More murmurs abound at that as you see your group link up with Ember as the rest of the Deadly 6 head towards the field.
“But no, you’re just going to ignore that because you don’t like it like you always do. Like You’ve Always Done!” you bark as the glow in your eyes becomes more intense and the red glow illuminates your scarf. “We’ve tried to stay away, tried to just be happy, but you won’t let us! If we try to help someone, we get yelled at for that too! You just don’t stop hunting us!”
“Because we cannot allow you to bathe this world in darkness!” Luna interjects with steely resolve. “You honey your words with sympathy, but you were the one to whisper those things in my ear for so lon-“
“WE DON’T WANT TO BRING ETERNAL NIGHT!!!” you shout, rocking the stadium. “WE JUST WANT TO LIVE!” The tears begin to drip down your cheeks at that and the murmurings stop. “But we can’t do that…we’ll never be able to do that because you won’t leave us alone.”
“Nightshade…” Spike says as he puts a comforting claw on your shoulder and you look to him with saddened glowing eyes.
“Spike!” Twilight calls out on impulse but he shoots a glare at her.
“Hasn’t she been a good student Twilight?” he challenges and she takes a step back. “Well hasn’t she?! Hasn’t she been the best little filly you’ve ever known? That Ponyville has ever known? Isn’t she the best friend anypony could ask for?!”
“Spike the Dragon, that’s not your friend, you have to-“ Celestia starts but he cuts her off.
“Like Tartarus she isn’t! She will always be my friend and nothing you say will change that!” you growls.
“Spike,” you say touched but Celestia fires back.
“And she very well may be, but that thing inside of her is not!” she growls as she and Luna both take flight, followed soon after by Twilight and Cadence. “Do not be charmed by the lies it makes her spew!”
“And that’s why any of this is still happening!” you shout to the hovering princesses. “You make up stupid, convenient excuses to fit your story!”
“Excuses huh? You say that so surely and yet we can see the pain the Crystal Heart is causing you now at this very moment,” Luna says with venom. “Only those of shadow and darkness are hurt by it!”
“Th-That is true,” Twilight says as she gives you a conflicted stare.
“Of course it’s true! Do not be lulled by her practiced pleas,” Celestia announces, to the stadium just as much as to Twilight.
“Luna! Celestia! Stand down already! This situation is-“ Cadence again tries argue, but you shout over her.
“That’s not reacting to me ya stupid bucks! It’s reacting to this!” you bellow as you rip your scarf off, revealing the Alicorn Amulet shards which almost blind you with their red hue. “This stupid thing is why you’re stupid heart is hurting me you stupid flankholes!”
The reaction is just what you were hoping for, as even more ponies gasp, and even a few faint as the Princesses aside from Cadence flinch back. Spike even gulps and clutches closer to you.
“Yeah that’s right! This is the Alicorn Amulet and it’s a pain in the flank!” you cry out to the stadium and the magical recorders. “I got this injury while saving the folks over at Rainbow Falls so you’re bucking welcome!”
Luna looks horrified by your scar, Celestia looks angry, and Twilight actually looks worried as Cadence gestures for Shining Armor and the other guards to keep their distance.
“Nightshade…” Twilight starts in a voice filled with pity. “Where did you find this? How? Why?”
“Some mysterious jerk that likes writing letters sent it to me,” you tell her. “And I just want it off already.”
Twilight’s ears perk up at this before she looks over at Celestia and Luna, just as the rest of her friends draw closer.
“Princess Celestia!” she calls out. “She might be telling the truth! I saw what the Alicorn Amulet did to Trixie! We have to help her or-“
“Why is it never enough?” Celestia says in a quiet voice which sets off warning bells in your head.
“Princess?” Twilight questions.
“Sister?” Luna asks in concern.
“Was it not enough?” Celestia asks aloud as tears drip down her cheeks. “Why does everything you touch lead to suffering?”
“Maybe you should ask yourself the same question,” you growl back as you hold tighter onto Spike. She clenches her teeth at that and glares at you.
“Either way, whatever you say here during this spectacle, the fact remains, you are connected to Nightmare Moon in some way, and you’ve even admitted it,” she says as she lands in front of you. “Our anger aside, you must submit. Give up now and let’s put an end to this.”
You look at her defiantly as she stands above you and you scowl.
“How about no?” you say plainly and her eye twitches.
“Nightshade, we can all work this out,” Twilight tries to mediate. “We’ll figure things out, but let’s all just-“
“Do you have any idea how stupid that is Ms. Twilight?” you interrupt which shocks her. You then look between the stern faces of the Sun and the Moon. “With my luck, my parents will return and hear about me being taken in by you all and things will just go wrong again. They’ll overreact, there will be a big fight, and then we’ll all just be back to square one.”
“But if you are in fact vindicated, then you should have no worries,” Luna says, seemingly willing to give you a shot but you just shake your head.
“There’s always going to be misunderstandings, and mishaps because Lady Luck hates my family. So the only way to avoid all that is to not play at all,” you say as your eyes and shards dim down.
Not a peep is heard throughout the whole stadium and all you can hear is the breathing of the four princesses in front of you.
“…You don’t really have much of a choice,” Celestia says hollowly as she looks like she’s barely restraining herself from leaping at you. “You are surrounded.”
“Yeah…about that,” you say as suddenly you activate a pulse of magic through your horn which pushes them, and the guards away from you. “You still don’t have your magic activated yet ya dumbbucks!”
Celestia looks dumbstruck at that and looks over to Shining Armor.
“Shining Armor! What’s the meaning of this?!”
“I don’t know! I sent the order to deactivate the dampeners minutes ago!” he says, but you notice him giving a quick glance to Cadence, who smiles briefly.
“Guards! Surround her and make sure she doesn’t escape! And someone get the field down and-“
“Belay that order!” Cadence speaks up and the guards stop moving.
“What?!” Celestia sputters.
“Auntie, you keep forgetting that this is Mine and Shining’s Empire, not yours,” she says sternly. “You are our ally, so I beg of you, stand down.”
“Cadence! We-We have to-She!” Celestia sputters, but no guard makes a move, not even Shining.
“I’m sorry ma’am, but I can’t go against my wife,” he says in determination and Cadence just absolutely beams at that. She then composes herself before looking over at you with a questioningly look, as if she’s asking what you’re next move is.
I should probably take this opportunity and run away with Spike, you think as you are given a golden opportunity. I’ll link up with the Outcasts, we’ll lay low and…and…
And then what?
You talked an awfully good game about not continuing the cycle, but if you leave now, nothing will have changed. With the eyes of the whole world upon you, you let loose your pent up frustrations…but now you can speak with a clearer head.
Taking a page out of Daddy’s book since you’ve already committed, youlook to the audience around you.
“So, does anyone else feel like trying to take me in?!” you challenge and several ponies shiver in dread. “Are you sure? I’m one of the most searched for beings in Equestria and just a little filly right? Oh, that’s right, you saw what I could do!”
After that exclamation you look directly at Celestia and Luna.
“I still have my magic and yet look at me! I’m not going to do anything with that power!” everyone looks at you in anticipation, so you continue. “I’m not going to hurt anypony, I’m not going to cause any property damage, and I’m certainly not going to go to jail. I’ve got no plan, no weapons, and most importantly, nothing to lose.”
You look directly into the magi-cams as if you were looking at the wider audience’s eyes and continue.
“For too long have I been running, and too long have I cried over that fact. Well no more! I’m not giving up, but I’m not going to run away this time!” you exclaim. “We can clear everything up right here and now, and it’s all thanks to this dragon right here!”
“Say what now?” Spike stutters.
“I want you all to remember that! That the only thing I did today was help save some ponies, even if Spike could have done it all himself. I wanted to help because that’s what friends do for each other. And he is my best friend in the whole wide world and beyond!”
He blushes in embarrassment at that, but he nods and holds your hoof.
“She’s right. With all her power, she is not evil, and neither is her family,” he exclaims.
“And if you can’t trust the word of Great and Honorable Spike the Brave and Glorious, then who can you trust?” you challenge and the vast majority of Crystal Ponies start whispering at that.
“Do not listen!” Celestia orders everyone. “She has clearly manipulated his mind like she did to my sister so long a-“
“Your majesty! This is all just a big misunderstanding!” Applejack interupts as she reaches the princesses.
“It is?” Rarity says in disbelief.
“Yes Rarity, it is!” Pinkie admonishes. “She’s not possessed by Nightmare Moon!”
“That’s right! She’s definitely her daughter, but she’s not her!” Rainbow Dash defends.
“A-And…and that’s not even who she is anymore!” Fluttershy exclaims, with only a hint of reluctance.
“Girls?” Twilight says looking to her friends. “What are you saying?”
“We’ve all known Twilight,” Spike says from beside you.
“We’ve known for awhile now,” Cadence reaffirms and the other three princesses look absolutely confused and betrayed.
“Well I didn’t!” Rarity bellows, but is ignored.
“Why didn’t anypony tell me?” Twilight says sounding hurt.
“Because we were trying to fix things somewhat so that this could go easier,” Applejack admits.
“Yeah, we weren’t exactly planning on telling anypony like this,” Pinkie says as she looks around at all the stupefied faces and into the magical recorders.
“Well why wasn’t I informed?” Rarity grumbles and Fluttershy whispers in her ear. “I am not that bad a gossip!”
“Is…is this some sort of conspiracy?” Luna says while whipping her head back and forth.
“No Aunt Luna, this is the truth,” Cadence says as she rest a hoof on her shoulder. “And this has gone on long enough. Nightshade and her parents aren’t the enemy…they’re family.”
Even more gasps fill the stadium and Celestia snaps her head towards her.
“Excuse me?!”
“She’s my cousin Aunt Celestia, which makes you her aunt as well,” Cadence says resolutely.
“Wait, she is?” Shining says stupefied.
“Yes honey, she is,” she nods. Luna seems rather overwhelmed by this information, as does Twilight who is trying to process it all, but Celestia just becomes more frustrated.
“However this situation truly is, you imply that Nightmare Moon is my kin?!” she shouts and Cadence takes a step back. “That the monster that forced me to banish my only sister for a thousand years, that caused all this misery and mayhem upon my people, is family?!”
“Auntie, I-“
“I CAN NEVER ACCEPT THAT!” Celestia shouts as her mane frizzes and she points a hoof back at you. “I don’t know whether this is truth or if you’ve just manipulated their minds, but you still must submit!”
“I don’t HAVE to do a bucking thing!” you respond in irritation. “I haven’t done a single thing wrong, and I’m not going to be arrested for your stubbornness Aunt Celestia!” When you say aunt, she flinches back as if you’ve hit her, but you continue. “And since you and all your little friends don’t have their magic, I’d like to see you force it!”
“You…You…” she blathers as her eyes twitch over everypony around her.
“Princess Celstia…I think that’s enough,” Twilight says calmly as she places a hoof on her mentor’s shoulder.
“Twilight?” she asks, suddenly sounding lost.
“This whole situation is overwhelming, but we shouldn’t add fuel to a fire. Let’s all just talk about this together,” Twilight soothes while looking over at you with a wide range of emotions.
Everypony is on the edge of their seats as they await her response. You see the Outcasts watching you intently, and even Grandbuggy looking at you with a hopeful expression.
I may not have heeded the advice in the moment, but if I do nothing here then maybe, just maybe, things can work out…
“I…I don’t know what to think anymore Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia admits in a low voice before glancing at Luna. “I just don’t know.”
Luna looks between her sister and you and bites her lip.
“Celestia, this all started in one shape or form because of me. Nightmare Moon only came about because of me, and these past four years were the result of me being careless and letting my emotions rule me,” she says regretfully before looking at you. “When I suggested executing an innocent filly…”
You remember that night, all so long ago, but you also remember the Nightmare Night where you cheered her up and saw how complicated emotions could really get.
“So let us not make decisions in haste my dear sister,” Luna consoles. “Let’s try to see things the way The Elements and our niece has.”
“I…” Celestia trails off as she is surrounded by the others with inviting faces. And then, it’s subtle, but you see her nod as she closes her eyes.
“Holy crapbaskets, did that actually work?!” you say in a bit of shock as Spike chuckles and wraps his arm around you.
“I think it did,” he agrees as all throughout the audience, excited murmurings abound. You even hear a bit of cheering, and looking over you see the CMC whooping and hollering happily. Grandbuggy, Ahuizotl, Daring, Greta, Ember, and even Garble are all smiling proudly at you.
I…I got through to them Daddy, you think still perplexed as you lean into Spike and your suppressed nerves get the better of you. And thank the gods too, there was no way things were gonna be good if I had to fight Celestia and Luna and all those guards when their magic came back!
Speaking of, Celestia look across at you as she slumps to her knees and gives you a lost and broken look.
“I…you…” she tries to say but can’t seem to find the words.
“How about this,” you offer. “Spike and I go on ahead to the palace, and you all collect yourselves, sound good?”
Before she can even answer though, you hold onto Spike’s claw tightly and start walking back towards the tunnel where you exited from. As you get nearer though, you spy Ms. Harshwinny looking at you both with a look of approval and suddenly all your confidence and happiness is gone.
“Oh Buck! She’s come for us!” you shriek to Spike as you activate a teleport spell.
“Wha-?” is all Spike is able to get out before you appear further into the tunnel.
“Whew, almost avoided certain death there,” you sigh in relief and he looks at you perplexed.
“You just faced down some of the most powerful creatures in the world, but you’re still scared of her?”
“Yeah, because while they’re powerful, they’re not scary,” you point out and he just shakes his head in bemusement.
“I don’t really understand you sometimes,” he says with a chuckle and you smirk back.
“Oh? Well that wasn’t the tune you were singing when you were helping defend me,” you point out and he blushes and scratches the back of his neck.
“Well, you know, I had to say something didn’t I? It was the right thing to do.”
“And I’m grateful for it Spike, you kept me from going overboard” you say happily as you take his other claw in your hoof and look him in the eye. “But what would have happened if a fight did break out?”
“Well, I figured you would have been able to subdue them, or we could have run away,” he says laughing.
He trusts me that much huh? you think dopily as you squeeze his hold his claws harder.
“Spike…would you have run away with me?” you ask, and he starts to choke. “If things had gone worse, would you have come with me and Grandbuggy and the others?”
“Nightshade, I…I…” he stutters, before trailing off as the both of you notice his breath become visible. “Did it just get cold in here?”
Just as he says that, the door in front of you freezes over with thick ice and you both take a step back.
“What the?”
“That was pretty impressive back there dragon, but can you take on ice that isn’t standing still?” a hollow young voice echoes down the corridor and the back of your neck prickles.
Turning around, you spy the Windigo Colt you brutalized all those months ago walk out of the tunnel shadows with a sinister smile upon his scarred face.
“You?” you gasp in surprise and he grins without joy.
“Me,” he says matter of factly.
“What are you doing here?” you say as both you and Spike stand defensively and he nods to a broadcast monitor on the wall which shows the Princesses, Elements and Shining all grouping together and walking back towards an exit.
“Making sure you don’t miss the show you started,” he says simply. “It got plenty emotional, but I think a lot of folks were itching for a fight.”
“What are you-“
When out from the center of the field a large black vine bursts from the ground stopping Celestia and the others in their tracks. A very familiar looking vine you might ad as you see even more of the giant thorned plants burst out all over the coliseum. Ponies panic and attempt to scramble, but the vines cut off all access points, and even cover the entire open roof, blotting out the sun.
“Plunder Vines? But how? Discord’s lost all of his magic!” Twilight yelps as multiple vines wrap around all of the Deadly 6, The Princesses and Shining Armor.
“Have we been duped?! Was this in fact part of her plan?!” Celestia shrieks, still without her magic as all of them are restrained by the wriggling mass.
“No, that’s impossible!” Cadence yelps. “This is-Mmph!” And just like that all of their mouths and limps are restrained.
With the Outcasts, they deftly dodge some vines that try to ensnare them.
“Everyone get down!” Grandbuggy orders the Outcasts and CMC as they all vault over a snack bar and take cover.
“What’s going on Mr. Fix?” Applebloom asks scared.
“Nothing good!” he answers as he peers over the counter.
“I can’t believe we have to deal with these stupid things again!” Greta groans.
“Yeah, and I’m smaller this time so it’s extra crappy!” Garble hisses.
“What are these things?” Ember asks, having not been there.
“Plunder Vines!” Daring answers as she stays close to Ahuizotl.
“It’s worse than that chica,” he warns.
Atop the main vine tendril sits what looks like a large flower bud at first, but even through the screen your eyes widen as you realize the truth.
It’s a hand.
“What?! No! That’s Bullspit! I killed that thing!” you shout at the screen.
“Not all of it,” Frost says with a cold harsh smile.
“And the so-called ‘goddess’ reveals her true self,” a smooth voice echoes across the stadium as Celestia, Luna, and the rest are lifted up into the air as the vines converge and form the plant monster from Rainbow Falls. It gives off an otherworldly groan from it’s misshapen black and green mouth as it’s red eyes glare at it’s hostages.
“Citizens of Equestria, Crystal Empire, and Griffon colonies, behold the princess of the Sun for what she truly is!” The voice booms as the monster lifts them even further up. “An angry and unbalanced mare, who breaks down in the face of a child.”
“Who is that?! Who’s speaking?!” Spike exclaims to the ice colt.
“You’ll see,” he says plainly.
“For too long this incompetent mare has stood as the ultimate authority in the land. Passing judgment on any who would oppose her will. Her thousand-year reign has stagnated and tempered Equestria’s growth, and her arrogance has allowed for dangers to rise all over our homeland. Dangerous and deadly foes from times long past that have returned and threatened our way of life, deranged tyrants who use us as a source of food to fuel their ambitions, and terrorists threatening and endangering our homes, friends, and family!” the voice proclaims maliciously over the speakers and across the projector screens.
“To this I say nay! No more shall we suffer under Celestia’s failure of a rule! There shall be a new order! One run by those willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the security and prosperity of our society!”
Around 30 figures dressed in dark cloaks start making their way through the horrified audience with strange and advanced looking weaponry, keeping them in line as the plundervines trap them in sections.
“We are the true sons and daughters of this great land! We are the liberators who will free everyone from the shackles of the Sun! We are the revolution! We are the cure!” The voice says before the petal hand of the plant monster opens, revealing a hulking metallic mech painted red and black with a black sun symbol on it’s front.
Shining Armor’s eyes go wide and your jaw drops.
“Is that one of those mechs that Mr. Sentry and that Strong Head flankhole had?!”
“It is their suits…well, pieces of it anyway,” Frost says plainly.
“Where once we were the original Crimson Knights, we have been reborn from the ashes, as I myself was,” the pilot says as the hat opens up and a stallion’s face is revealed…or rather most of it. Half of it is smooth and chrome colored with a red glowing mechanical eye offset by his fleshy blue one which glares right through Celestia.
“I am Flag Burner, and we are the Black Suns!” he booms as the cloaked figures all cheer and the monster roars in approval.
“I-It can’t be…” you say as you look upon the visage of the stallion Daddy killed two years ago.
“Oh but it is Nightmare Moon,” Frost says hollowly as black vines slither behind him. “And our vengeance starts now.”
And as he says that, a haunting chant comes from him and the other cloaked enemies on the screen.
There are survivors
They’re coming home
They float in darkness
They’re not alone
Now here they come
Now here they come
Now they will be received
No one could outrun the crash
It was all reduced to rubble
And then again to ash
To the blinding burning light
It’s no use to fight
There’s no one out there
The Black Sun’s take more and more hostages as the vines form more and more cocoon like prisons around them.
There was no signal from where you were
All failed contact, no life disturbed
Hovering above, hovering above, gravity’s lure
The members on the field start securing the crews, athletes, and guards who had attempted to flee into the tunnels. Shining recognizes some shed their guard costumes and pull on cloaks, and now the question to why the magic inhibitor is still up is answered.
We have the force to fight
We have the blinding light
We have the will to win
Forever we’ll defend
Some followers reach the VIP area and take the visiting dignitaries, nobles and elites as hostages.
Knocking out the sun
With a runaway transmission
A force that can’t be heard
Coming in louder than words
Knocking out the sun
With a runaway transmission
A force that can’t be heard
Coming in louder than words
The Outcasts and the CMC fortify themselves within the kitchen staff service-ways, avoiding the vines and terrorists, while vines fill the tunnel system surrounding you and Spike, leaving only the short gap between you and Frost.
We have the force to fight
We have the blinding light
A war is more than heard
Coming in louder than words
We have the force to fight
We have the blinding light
A war is more than heard
Coming in louder than words
Flag Burner grins as his eyes sweep the area watching his plan unfold. Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Twilight and the rest are completely encased up to their necks with bindings, their muzzles clamp to keep them from speaking as they look on in terror.
Louder!
Louder! (Louder, Louder)
Louder! (Louder, Louder!)
Louder! (Louder!)
Louder! (Louder!)
Louder! (Louder!)
Louder! (Louder!)
Louder! (Louder!)
Louder! (Louder than words!)
Louder! (Louder!)
Louder! (Louder!)
Louder!
Louder than words!
As the dark musical number comes to an end, the cyborg pilot of the mech lifts his arms in the air.
“Citizens of Equestria and beyond! We have returned to finish what we started!” he proclaims. “Two years ago I led the charge for change in Fillydelphia…before The Offender murdered me.”
The audience members are ensnared (literally and figuratively) as he gives his speech.
“But not even death could hold me down! For two long years, I languished in pain. But I would not fall, the depths I went to stay alive, fueled by my ambition, my drive, and the need for revenge!” He roars, causing his captives to shudder in fear.
“And now I have returned, stronger than ever before! I will rebuild this nation, this world into a better one! One that will not falter at the first sign of opposition, one that will be able to protect its people and lands from any that would threaten it, and one that will not blindly trust in the words of monsters like Discord and Nightmare Moon.”
“What?!” you exclaim at that retort.
“And it will start with you Hooded Offender!” he challenges, his rage nauseating. “I know you’re here Offender! You would never stray so far from your mistress. Show yourself! Face me you bloody changeling! Or are you too much of a coward to face me now that your source of power has left you!?” Flag Burner cries out.
“Oh for Buck’s Sake! Does Nopony Ever Bucking Listen?!” you curse as he starts spouting the same nonsense you literally just got over explaining.
“Let us finish what you started two years ago! Let us see who is the true savior of Equestria!” he shouts as all goes silent as he waits for his answer.
In two different tunnel systems, both you and Grandbuggy have the exact same thought.
Oh Crapbaskets.
“COME OUT NOW, OFFENDER! THERE’S NO POINT IN HIDING! I KNOW YOU CARE FOR THESE FOOLS!” He roars pointing to his hostages as the plant beast gives them a squeeze causing them to groan in muffled pain. “COME OUT OR THEY WILL SUFFER!”
There is no response of course, because Daddy isn’t there. Gritting his metal and original teeth he tries again.
“Fight me you worthless changeling! I will even leave this suit to fight you hoof to hoof! We will settle our score!”
Again, nothing happens.
“Oh? Did he up and die?” Frost asks cruelly and you glare at him. “Wouldn’t that be ironic?”
“He’s not dead!” you shout as your shards blip and you snarl. “He’s just not here!”
“Hmm, well, the boss isn’t going to like that,” Frost says nonchalantly before he frowns at you. “But I guess that means things are about to get interesting.”
As he says that, the cyborg on screen goes from being filled with rage, to cackling like a maniac.
“Very well then. Perhaps these pitiful fools aren’t enough incentive,” he says as he looks to the tear filled eyes of the Elements and Princesses. “You lot may have been easily fooled, and that’s why you’re weak. I once thought she was a battery to him, but it was the other way around.”
He then looks to the plant monster and one of the recorders.
“Bring Me Nightmare Moon,” he orders. “Her powers are weakened so feel free to rough her up a bit. If that doesn’t get The Offender to come running, nothing will.”
“Oh you motherbucking son of a-“ you start to curse, just as you are pulled to the side by Spike and a blast of ice hits right where your head was a moment earlier.
“You cheapshotting flankhole!” Spike growls as green fire flickers in his eyes.
“Boss’s orders,” Frost shrugs before eying you menacingly. “But I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t personal.”
And as ice starts to billow off of him, and the plunder vines start to encroach upon you, Spike preps for a fight while Flag Burner continues to cackle madly atop his pet monster in his stolen scrap suit with his hostages, and The Outcasts and CMC stealthily move and begin planning. After everything though, all you can do is sigh in exhaustion and disappointment.
“And everything was going so well,” you bemoan.
“I can see now why you and your Dad always curse Lady Luck so much,” Spike growls, a flicker of flame escaping his nostrils.
“Exactly. Buck You Lady Luck!” you call out as you get into a defensive stance.
“Curse her all you want,” Frost taunts as the air gets colder. “You’re still going to suffer Nightmare Moon, even after your pet changeling comes forth and rendezvous with Flag Burner. His death is imminent.”
In the Human World
POV CHANGE: Bugze
“I have a rendezvous with death.”
Your head whips around and you stare at Sunset Shimmer.
“What was that?” you ask and she raises an eyebrow at you.
“I didn’t say anything,” she responds.
“Oh…really?” you push, positive that you heard something that sent shivers down your spine.
“I’m positive,” she says with a roll of her eyes. “You probably just heard some feedback from one of the speakers.”
“Y-Yeah…that’s probably it,” you nod, although you are far from certain.
I feel just as perturbed as you do my bug. Something…something isn’t right, Selena says cautiously.
I feel it too, Sombra adds. A feeling of uneasiness and trepidation that I can’t put my hoof on.
You start to sweat a bit nervously also feel an unknown sense of urgency.
“It’s…it’s probably just nerves,” you try to rationalize. “I mean, we’re about to begin.”
“Don’t I know it,” Sunset sighs, thinking you were talking to her.
You sit next to her backstage, not too far from your peanut butter trap. The evening approaches, and the grounds in front of Canterlot High are full of people competing in athletics competition, or browsing the stalls and vendors. But more importantly, the competitors for the Battle of the Bands are all cued up and ready to go.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather help the Rainbooms sing?” you ask her as she looks down and shakes her head.
“I’d just get in the way…and not everyone at school has forgiven me, so I might just screw things up,” she says in melancholy. “Besides, I’ve got to focus on reforming Midnight back into Twilight somehow after you’ve all beaten her so that you can all go home.”
You can see that even though she’s trying to play it off, she is a bundle of nerves and doubts, so you place a hand on her shoulder.
“Hey, don’t think this is all just going to rest on your shoulders alone. We’re going to help you through it Sunset,” you encourage and she smiles.
“Yeah, well, still a bit of a tall order either way,” she shrugs.
“Well, we’ll order those tall drinks when the time is right,” you chuckle.
“Who’s ordering drinks?” B2 asks as he walks up with Humbra and Luna. “Because I think I’ll just have a soda.”
“He doesn’t speak for all of us, I’ll take whiskey,” Humbra declares.
“No one’s having alcohol! This is still school grounds,” Luna admonishes. “And Ms. Shimmer, I know that technically you’re old enough as a unicorn to drink, but the fact remains that your human body is still under age and-“
“No one’s ordering drinks! Ugh!” she groans and facepalms.
“Yeah guys, I was just using a metaphor, cut her some slack,” you order. “Also, even if there was booze around, we gotta keep a clear head. We’ve got battle ahead of us.”
As you finish saying that, a microphone tone rings out and Human Celestia announces that the Battle of the Bands will be commencing. There are countless cheers from the audience goers and the many bands that will be participating. You look out and see that the Rainbooms and the Dazzlings are pumped up and ready to go.
It’s finally time, you think as you stand up and stretch your noodly limbs.
Tonight’s the night your group concentrates more magic than the humies have ever seen before. Tonight’s the night you solve your mistakes through the power of rock n roll. Tonight’s the night you save Twilight and get your ticket home. One way or another, it all ends tonight.
Let’s get this over with. I feel the increased need to return home, you think in determination.
Together, we will not fail Bugze, Selena nods in agreement.
We can’t afford to fail, Sombra adds in solidarity.
The lights on stage light up, and Flash Sentry and his band take the stage. You look from him, to your clever trap, and to the humies around you with a smirk.
“It’s Showtime!”
The Battle of the Bands has begun.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
