//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 // Story: Lunaverse: Galaxy Rangers - Eternal Night // by Rixizu //------------------------------// “We’re free! Thank Celestia!” Spike said upon exiting the cave.  In his claws, he held the elusive blacklight flower. The ivory plant only grew in the deepest darkness underground, home to the most horrible monsters imaginable. Even with Cheerilee’s Ranger powers, they barely escaped alive. Scrapes and bruises covered Spike’s scales after a myriad of close encounters. From the darkness, a tentacle slithered around his leg, eager to drag the dragon back into the cave. But Spike batted the creature away with a claw. His companion was in better shape, although still sporting a black eye after tripping over an unseen rock. Cheerilee flipped over her guidebook, tapping her chin. “Hold still, Spike.” Spike froze still, his heart racing in terror, not liking the teacher’s tone. “What is it?” She moved with sudden speed, catching something that had been crawling up Spike’s scales without him noticing. The creature buzzed angrily at Cheerilee before flying off into the cave. It appeared to be some sort of hornet. “What the heck was that thing?” “It’s a murder hornet!” Cheerilee said. “They’re infamous around here. They bury themselves into their victim and take over their brains!” Spike shook in terror. “What?” “Since it found your scales too tough to sting through, it planned to enter via your ear canal instead! They’re fascinating creatures! Once they control somepony’s body, they use it as a hive to grow and feed their young! Most fascinating part? The victim stays alive for years! They stay infected without even realizing it.” Cheerilee said with her usual annoying cheerfulness, unbothered that her dragon companion almost became hornet food. “Yeah, fascinating.” Spike didn’t bother hiding his sarcasm. “You take me to the nicest places. Please tell me we’re almost done.” “Just one more ingredient!” Cheerilee reopened her book and scanned the pages. “Let’s see, oh perfect. This one wouldn’t be hard. It’s somewhere civilized! It’s found at Appleloosa!” “Never heard of it.” Finally, something easy! From the name, he guessed ponies lived there. “Me either. We only need buffalo fur, then we’re done!” “Not more stupid caves!” “No mention of monsters. This shouldn’t be too hard,” Cheerilee said, much to Spike’s relief. “Besides, I’ve never met a buffalo before. It should be fascinating!” Just one last ingredient. Then we can save you, my princess. Hold on just a little longer. --- “Ten minutes until we arrive on the moon’s surface,” Trixie said upon entering the main meeting area. Despite splitting off for their own adventures, her passengers had all assembled once they caught sight of the approaching moon. “Very good,” Fisher said. “Hopefully, we can uncover some answers. If there’s anypony that knows about the Planetary Gems, it’s the sun princess.” If only Twilight was here, her science expertise would be invaluable. The super nerd had left a note at her house saying she was off exploring some secret research material and that her friends didn’t need to worry about her. As usual, the Corvus Ranger had neglected to mention where she’d vanished. Hey, if we’re lucky, we’ll find her on the moon with the same idea. “Hopefully, Nightmare Moon cronies haven’t found her research yet,” Greengrass said. “Although, I doubt Celestia made it easy to find.” “Eh, we’ll just kick their flanks if they do.” Vinyl shrugged. “I’m sure they’ll spill with some persuasion.” Lemon Hearts squinted at the approaching moon, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Is the moon usually this bright? It’s glowing like a firefly.” The moon was glowing an eerie pale color, appearing ten times brighter than Trixie’s last visit. It almost gave the impression of a miniature sun. “My scans say that it’s emitting heat.” Trixie fiddled with a nearby control screen. Despite not knowing half of the contraption’s capabilities, she wasn’t helpless. Even for a techno-illiterate like herself, a simple scan was easy. “Uh, does this mean we’ll get burned alive if we walk on the surface?” Lemon Hearts’ brow furrowed in worry. “Fascinating,” Fisher came to Trixie’s aid, examining her Zord’s scans. “Nightmare Moon wasn’t kidding about using the Moon as an alternative light source.” The ex-archduke expression turned to a frown. “But it still isn’t enough. It’s only emitting an eighth of what we normally receive from the sun.” “So the Earth will become a popsicle anyway,” Trixie said, her mood falling. Her mentor always tried her best, but sometimes she’d rather doom herself than admit she made a mistake. Once Luna set her mind on something, only a cataclysmic disaster would change her course. Now her insanity only intensified this flaw! “Chilly nights for sure.” Fisher blew out a breath. “But our suit’s specifications should resist the heat.” “I hope so,” Trixie recalled Cheerilee’s hesitance to walk on the dark side of the moon during their first visit. The suits could withstand a great deal, but they had their limits. Trixie parked closer to the castle than she’d planned to. It would avoid any unnecessary risk, minimizing the duration they’d stay on the surface.  “I don’t see a castle anywhere.” Lemon Hearts squinted at the view scene. “I’m approaching from the other side of the moon,” Trixie said. “I can’t risk them seeing us, so we’re taking a long way around.” Greengrass gave his usual infuriating smirk. “So you aren’t planning to park in the castle’s parking lot?” Trixie rolled her eyes. “Give me some credit. But we won’t need to walk far. Two miles at most.” “I’m looking forward to it,” Fisher said. “The moon. I never imagined this day would come. When I was a foal, I loved gazing upon its surface with a telescope my uncle gave me out my bedroom window. He’d always told me to never stop looking towards the sky. Beauty is everywhere.” Trixie couldn't imagine Fisher as a young, wide-eyed colt. But the ex-archduke wore a boyish smile, excited for this newest adventure despite his advanced age. Trixie didn’t have the heart to insist that he shouldn’t come along. While more guarded, Greengrass couldn’t hide his eagerness. “I’m getting so many moon rocks,” Vinyl said. “They will look so cool on my DJ platform!” “I’d like some too.” Lemon Hearts added. “Go ahead. According to Cheerilee, they’re normal rocks.” Though Trixie had to admit they were pretty cool despite this. Her desk used one as a paperweight. She’d worry about the decon junk later. The teacher had insisted that evil moon parasites didn’t exist. Hold on, this is a secret mission, not a school field trick. Eh, whatever. Let them have their fun. --- “Wow.” Lemon Hearts gazed in pure astonishment as they exited the Zord’s airlock and walked upon the moon’s surface. It was just as breathtaking as Trixie remembered it. Except now the pale-colored rock glowed blindingly bright, forcing them to dim their visors. Much to Trixie’s relief, their suits protected them from the immense heat, though it didn’t prevent Trixie from sweating. She grimaced, considering how much they’d stink after removing the stupid thing. Already, her boots squelched as she walked. Despite their discomfort, it didn’t stop their amazement at the moon’s splendor. The view left the usually unflappable Fisher speechless. Vinyl played around, leaping like a mighty frog high into the air. Even with her false leg, moving around was easy, like she weighed nothing. Greengrass searched for trouble but appeared awestruck under his helmet. “Okay foals, we have a long trot ahead of us,” Trixie said once everypony calmed down. “It’s two moon miles until we reach the castle. No wandering off.” “We aren’t foals, Trixie,” Greengrass said in admonishment. “This rock looks so cool!” Lemon Hearts picked up a rock that looked like Luna’s head, placing it into a pile of other rocks. Vinyl joined her and they picked up any odd-looking rock in the immediate vicinity. “If you’re finished, let’s get going,” Trixie said with strained patience. She pointed towards the airlock, ordering them to deposit their find there. “We’re on a mission, remember?” Vinyl and Lemon Hearts grumbled but complied. Much to Trixie’s relief, they made excellent time and Fisher had no difficulty keeping up. Despite herself, she enjoyed the moonwalking, though she wished it wasn’t baked alive. Every step drained her energy, and the moon’s surface hurt her eyes despite the visor’s tint. Her companions weren’t much happier, and their exuberance had quickly drained after the first half-mile. They all looked miserable. It was a far cry from Trixie’s first visit with Cheerilee and her class. There, they’d been under an almost dreamlike joy instead of the drudgery they suffered now. Trixie felt sorry this had to be her companions’ first moon visit. Maybe she would take them on a second trip after Nightmare Moon’s defeat. All except Greengrass, of course. She used the monotony of their walk to devise ways to trick Vinyl into a trip without her sponsor. Serves him right. After another horrible, grueling mile, the castle came into view. Their group hid in a nearby crater, peeking over the edge to get a better view of their target. Unlike the moon, the castle hadn’t changed, undamaged by the moon’s alteration. The only exception was the banners posted displaying Luna’s cutie mark. It seems Nightmare Moon had taken pride in stealing the castle from her hated sister. Luna could never resist a small degree of pettiness towards her sister. Lunar guards patrolled around the perimeter. Unlike Trixie and her fellows, didn’t seem bothered by the moon’s heat or glaring light. The barrier around the building must be protecting them from the elements. Thank Luna, the sooner I remove this stupid suit, the better. “Stay close. I’ll cast an illusion around us, then we’ll sneak inside. “Thank goodness!” Vinyl said. “I’m worried my leg might rust!”  Greengrass narrowed his eyes. “Guards are watching the entrances. I wonder why? Nightmare Moon turned Celestia to stone. I wonder what we’ll uncover inside. A reason why the moon has become a miniature sun?” I hope so. Dang it, I wish I’d explored the castle more last time. Still, her rudimentary knowledge of the moon castle would be helpful. Her horn glowed magenta, and a barrier of illusion surrounded them. It wasn’t a perfect barrier, unable to hold up to scrutiny. But the guards didn’t appear very interested in doing their duty. From their expressions, they found guarding a castle on the moon pointless and would rather be elsewhere. Hopefully, their lack of vigilance would hold once they got closer. Trixie sighed in relief upon entering the bubble, the surrounding temperature decreasing by at least a million degrees. Trixie pulled off her helmet and exposed herself to the cool moon air. It was a good thing Nightmare Moon didn’t want her subjects frying to death. Her companions repeated the action, smelling just as rancid as she did. She wondered if it would be wise to borrow Celestia’s shower once they sneaked inside. They kept their distance as they watched the guards patrol the castle. Unlike the royal castle, this patrol contained some embarrassing holes in security. After waiting for a Lunar Guard to fly out of sight, they stormed towards one of the back doors. Much to her amazement, she spotted a trash dumpster. Trixie supposed even moon castles had waste to dispose of. Did Celestia do trash duty and teleported it to an earth landfill for disposal, or did she just launch it into space? While fascinating questions, they needed to complete the mission. She approached the door and flung it open, hurrying her companions inside. Trixie found herself somewhere familiar. The kitchen had changed little since her first visit. Everything was clean and polished to a shine. Celestia’s dragon servant did an excellent job, whatever his name was. Sam? Smolder? Sludge? Spike! That was it! She recalled Nightmare Moon mentioning the dragon still being on the run. Was Spike still here, hiding somewhere? Or had he fled to the surface? Whatever the case, she hoped the dragon was safe. After checking the coast was clear, they entered the dining room. Unlike the kitchen, it was a ruined mess. Black scorch marks scared the walls and fine marble floor. The destroyed table and art pieces had been removed, leaving the room almost bare. Spike still hadn’t repaired the damage after Trixie’s fight with Celestia. In a corner, she saw construction equipment and supplies ready for use. “What the heck happened here?” Lemon Hearts’ voice echoed through the empty chamber. “Did Corona have one of her fits?” Trixie shrugged. “Something like that.”  Much to Trixie’s surprise, more than guards roamed the castle’s halls. Ponies in lab coats ran about, busy with some sort of project. One muttered to herself with a clipboard in her aura. Nightmare Moon was using the castle as a moon research facility. At least Nightmare Moon hasn’t completely abandoned us. It gave Trixie hope her mentor wasn’t beyond redemption.  “Get back!” Greengrass pushed the distracted Trixie behind a nearby statue. Moments later, a Ranger Killer stomped around the corner. It paused, scanning its surroundings under its dark helmet. After spotting nothing, it moved down another corridor. Trixie sighed. “Great, one of those things.” “It’s even scarier up close!” Lemon Hearts said, her eyes wide. “Let’s hope there aren’t more of them,” Fisher said. “I’ve read the reports. It took three Rangers to defeat even one of them.” “Let’s hope so.” With my luck, this place will be crawling with them. Vinyl rolled her eyes. “Let’s just stay out of sight then, duh.” Trixie nodded, hoping their luck would hold, leading her allies up some stairs. --- “How to Win Friends and Influence Ponies?” Trixie picked up the book with a tentative hoof. They found other self-help books as well. For all her evilness, Corona wanted to improve her condition. Celestia’s collection contained a wide variety of subjects, with science being a particular subject she enjoyed. From the creases, it was obvious the sun princess was an avid reader, reading each book at least once. While many books were ancient, most were more recent printings. She spotted some books Luna had banned for various reasons, but none seemed too evil. As usual, the princess kept everything in a neat order alphabetized by subject without a single book off-centered. It was like Corona was an evil version of Twilight or something. Vinyl rolled her eyes. “So lame. Where are the cool creepy books? Where are the books with pages created from a pony’s skin?” “Let’s not get morbid Vinyl.” Greengrass chided, rubbing at his chin. “Her desk might have something more useful.” They found the desk locked, but Vinyl picked it with trivial ease and gestured for her boss to continue. The ex-duke rummaged through Celestia’s papers. He gave out a huff of disappointment, finding nothing but financial documents. They weren’t anything juicy and scandalous. Instead, they were about financing Celestia’s townhouse and other trivial matters. “Figures,” Fisher said before smirking, “I doubt she wants to have any incriminating out in the open.” Lemon Hearts brightened with interest. “There might be a secret passageway?” Fisher turned towards Trixie. “Celestia experimented on Twilight Sparkle, correct? Did she ever mention a laboratory or some other facility?” Corona had once fused Twi with several star beasts, creating a super monster called Corvus. The experiment had left her friend changed forever, despite Corvus’s defeat. Twilight wasn’t pure pony anymore. While a frightening prospect, it thankfully didn’t involve her friend mutating into some bizarre pony-crow hybrid or something. It did, however, grant the mare the ability to transform into her Corvus form at will. Twilight was still researching her new biology, writing several research papers on the subject. All nonsense to her, but the research project made her friend happy.  Trixie shook her head. “Twilight said she only remembered fragments. A magical circle and cold stone. Not much else.” “Do you think Celestia has a hidden basement somewhere where she conducts her evil experiments?” Lemon Hearts asked. “A million bits that’s where the scientist ponies are going,” Trixie said. Fisher snorted. “We could snoop through Celestia’s bedroom, but I doubt we’ll find anything helpful.” “Alright, let’s go then.” They couldn’t avoid conflict forever. Besides, Trixie burned with curiosity to learn what her mentor was plotting in her sister’s castle. Were there other experiments besides the moon sun project? She extended a hoof, ready to turn her companions invisible. “Uh, could we get a bath first?” Lemon Hearts blushed. “I realize we’re on a secret mission, but it will be hard to sneak around when we reek so badly!” “I suppose we should.” While taking a bath during a sneaking mission seemed silly, getting caught because they stunk would be embarrassing. While Trixie was a master of illusion, removing scent was almost impossible. “Or at least find something to cover our stench. The guest quarters are that way.” --- “Hey! What are you doing here?!” A batpony flew down towards them with a spear raised. She hadn’t expected visitors but came ready to defend the castle from strangers. “Thank Luna!” Ditzy said, tearing off her helmet. “I thought I would die!”  The moon’s heat had been miserable, almost baking them alive. The cool shelter of the castle shield was a welcome sight. Carrot Top and Raindrops followed suit, gazing upon Celestia’s castle in wonder. When Cheerilee had mentioned its existence, Ditzy had imagined a dark castle with sharp, spiked towers and ominous glowing lights. Instead, the building was simple, yet elegant with expert craftsponyship. How in Equestria did the princess get this built without anypony noticing? “No, thank Nightmare Moon.” The guard replied, annoyed that her queen wasn’t getting the proper respect. “And you haven’t answered my question!” “I’m here…” Ditzy trailed off. She still couldn’t believe they were hunting down Trixie, her best friend. It was to save her daughter, but it still left an unpleasant taste in her mouth. While they still hadn’t found Trixie’s Zord, she trusted Scootaloo’s intel. The logic made sense.  “It’s none of your business. Get out of our way.” Carrot Top said, her voice holding an unspoken threat. “What my friend means to say is that we’re on special business from the queen herself!” Ditzy said before her friend antagonized the guard any further. The farmer hadn’t taken Nightmare Moon’s orders or threats with grace. “Do you have papers?” The guard asked, raising an eyebrow. Ditzy’s heart skipped a beat when two Ranger Killers exited the castle, drawn by the commotion. Their eerie black faces looked directly towards the intruders. “Not really.” Ditzy cursed. She hadn’t told the mad alicorn about their arrival, wanting to handle the matter herself. She tensed, ready to summon her morpher to fight those monsters off. “What the heck.” The bat pony waved the Ranger Killers away, and they obeyed, returning to their duties.  Ditzy blinked. “Huh?” “Whatever.” The guard waved a dismissive hoof. “It’s fine. It must be for something important. You’re heroes, after all! The name’s Brugmansia.” “Thanks.” “But there’s sensitive equipment here, so I can’t leave you alone. I’ll have to accompany you.” Brugmansia said. “I doubt Equestria’s greatest heroes would involve themselves in any funny business, right?” “Me? Never!” Ditzy was glad that the guard was being so amicable. Trixie though, well… “We’re doing serious work here,” Brugmansia’s expression turned serious. “It will save the world.” “What do you mean?” Carrot Top asked, curious. “The glowing moon?” Raindrops asked. “Exactly!” The batpony replied, happy they were catching on. “We’re working hard to create enough energy so the moon can heat the entire planet. Can’t say I know the science of it myself, but the idea’s doable.” “Enough light so carrots can grow again?” Carrot Top asked, fascinated, returning more to her usual self. Losing the sun had put the farmer on edge. Not only worried about her livelihood, but the life of everypony else. “You’ll have to ask the science folk,” Brugmansia called another guard over, who eyed the newcomers with interest. They weren’t expecting company on the moon. The guard took over the post for Brugmansia, who led them inside. The castle’s interior was grand, fitting for a princess. It matched her daughter’s description from her field trip here. Ditzy admired the various priceless works of art on display from a long-forgotten age. Though Ditzy caught sight of some more modern pieces as well. Stolen maybe? “Radiosity,” Brugmansia called over an earth pony with a cherry mane and purple coat wearing a lab coat. From her disheveled mane, it was clear she’d just woken up. “We have some guests.” “Oh, how surprising.” Radiosity adjusted her glasses and peered at the newcomers. “Are those spacesuits?” “Yeah, we kinda flew here,” Ditzy replied. “Remarkable.” Radiosity’s eyes blazed with excitement. “That’s far beyond anything Equestria’s space program can produce! You must show me!” “Maybe later.” They needed to find Trixie before she caused any trouble. From past experience, Ditzy had learned her friend was adept at it. “Do you think this project will work?” Raindrops blurted. “Keep the earth alive, I mean. So much counts on the sun’s existence. Without it, weather as we know it won’t work!”  Ditzy scowled. Those implications hadn’t even occurred to her. Without the sun, what would evaporate water? What would cause the currents that create wind? The ecological implications were staggering on those two elements alone. And she’d bowed to the mad mare who likely doomed the world.  That idiot Trixie! She just had to run off on her own and ruin everything! Ditzy usually hated violence, but she’d take pleasure in decking the Red Ranger, at least a little. Radiosity forced a smile. “We’re working on it. The world’s most brilliant scientists are fighting to solve these very problems!” “Or Luna could just bring the sun back and save everypony the trouble.” Carrot Top rolled her eyes. She froze as the Ranger Killer turned their heads towards the pony who’d spoken those traitorous words. “Just kidding!” Radiosity put a hoof over Carrot Top’s mouth, giving a fake laugh. The Ranger Killers continued to stare before returning to their patrolling. “Be careful what you say. They’re always listening!” Radiosity whispered. “They wouldn’t give another warning.” “Sure sure.” Carrot Top replied, who remained calm despite the threat. Speaking of another loose cannon. At least Raindrops won’t cause any problems. The other pegasus had agreed without a word to help capture Trixie. Convincing Carrot Top hadn’t been as easy. The farmer had argued that they couldn’t trust Nightmare Moon. Dinky would only be the mad alicorn’s first victim. It mattered little. She’d rescue her daughter no matter what the cost. Yet, I feel like a complete traitor… “May I ask why you’re here?” Radiosity asked after the Ranger Killers were out of sight. “Are we in danger of being attacked by a monster?” “Sort of,” Ditzy replied. “Besides the sun moon project, any other secret stuff a pony might go after?” Radiosity tapped her chin. “The former sun princess had many old tomes, but I don’t think so. We found her secret library if you’d like to check that out.” “While we’re there, could you show us what you’re using to make the moon like the sun?” Carrot Top asked with genuine enthusiasm. “It would be my honor, this way!” Radiosity led them towards a staircase that circled down deep into the castle. The trek took them down many stairs and corridors, passing rooms containing old relics and other antiques. Celestia loved to collect old things. Ditzy guessed many of these items hadn’t seen the sun in millennia. Much to her surprise, they were pretty mundane, silverware, pottery, and other trinkets. Ditzy watched centuries pass as they trotted from door to door. While exiting another corridor, a strange scent caught her attention. She searched around but saw nothing. The smell was familiar, but Ditzy couldn’t place it. Was it Herbal Essences? No, she definitely caught the scent of rose. It was faint, but Ditzy had the nose of a bloodhound. Is that a shadow? She’d only caught a flicker, but Ditzy was certain she’d caught a shadow that shouldn’t exist. “Trixie is here!” Ditzy pulled out her morpher. “It’s morphing time! Sagittarius!” She summoned her weapon. After pinpointing Trixie’s location, Ditzy’s hoof shook, realizing she was about to attack a friend. She almost dropped her staff, conflict roiling inside her. No! Muffin is depending on me! There’s no other choice! She pressed a button on her morpher, and wind whirled around the tip of her staff. “Gales of Destruction!”