Arc 07: The Lost Soul of Nightmare Night
The Secret of the Cosmic Core
“So you’re telling me we’re still stuck in Canterlot for the time being?”
Those words came from Bright Mac as he laid in bed at a guest room in the Canterlot Castle. His leg was in a cast, hoisted up on some firm pillows. On his smartphone on the nearby lamp table was Granny Smith.
“I’m afraid so,” Granny said. “And I’m sorry I haven’t seen you for a couple of weeks. Word has it that the Changelings and the Windigo’s Guild have created roadblocks leading between Canterlot and La Maresa. It will be a long time before that mess is cleared up.”
“Well fiddlesticks,” Bright Mac said as he hit the cushion of his bed. “I better give them the bad news.”
“Also,” Granny Smith said. “I’m still thinking about what those hooligans did to Wanda’s party.”
“No doubt about it, ma,” Bright Mac said. “But what’s surprising was Wanda’s choice of punishment: Force them to attend her party. She mentioned how our ways didn’t really put them back on the right path. From that banishment from La Maresa to the fact that they ran off after we tried to make them work.”
“And that Juvenile Correction Facility they trashed,” Granny Smith said. “But why did she choose to make them attend her party as punishment?”
“Perhaps it was to teach them what they have been missing in life,” Bright Mac said. “What they chose to deny themselves. And when word got out, the Stallion News Network wasted no time tearing into Princess Wanda’s decision, along with Princess Celestia’s decision to stand by her daughter.”
“It’s a darn shame that they had to go all out not just criticizing Wanda’s judgment,” Bright Mac said. “But also by going as far as to target the younglings just for attending the party. Even Applejack got mocked for it.”
“I had a talk with the mayor about what happened,” Granny Smith said. “As much as she was still upset about what those boys did, even she thinks the words of Neigh Nanners and those hooligans went too far. In fact, the ponies of La Maresa were flipping out over what Neigh Nanners said.”
“We’re living in darker times, ma,” Bright Mac said. “But at least we know there are some ponies who won’t let themselves be consumed by that madness. And I’m glad of that.”
“Bright Mac, “Granny Smith said. “You get some rest up in Canterlot. Big Mac will fill in for ya and some volunteers are already set to harvest apples by the bushes.”
“I will, ma,” Bright Mac said. “Thanks for checking.”
Bright Mac placed down his smartphone as the image of Granny Smith disappeared from the screen. Buttercup walked on in with Majordomo Kibitz, pushing a cart with some apple pie on it.”
“Buttercup,” Bright Mac said.
“How’s Granny doing so far, honey?” Buttercup asked. “Especially after what the Stallion News Network said in order to demonize poor Wanda?”
“You’re not going to believe this,” Bright Mac said. “But there are ponies who are more outraged at Neigh Nanners’ choice of words compared to Wanda’s decision to invite Hoops, Dumbbell and Score to the party.”
“Speaking of which,” Buttercup said. “Where did those three boys go to?”
“They said they still didn’t feel ready to be apart of society,” Bright Mac said. “And at first, I thought they were beyond redemption, and I know they will be up to no good. But after last night, I think there might be hope for those three. Besides, I think we were stupid enough to believe that they trashed a correctional facility on their own.”
“That’s the spirit,” Buttercup said.
Meanwhile, it was a fine evening at Castle Canterlot. Despite the commotion going on outside, Wanda felt comfortable as she was wearing a witch costume. On the bed, Spike and Abigail just watched as Wanda danced in her new costume.
“Cute,” Abigail said.
“Scary,” Spike said.
“Scary and cute, eh?” Wanda said. “You think so?”
“Yes,” Abigail and Spike said in unison.
“Wow,” Wanda said. “Now that’s a compliment I can live with, you two.
Immediately Sunset Shimmer ran into the room, catching Wanda’s attention. The unicorn filly was wearing red-orangish shoes, a necklace, fake wings and even a crown that covered most of her head.
“Sunset,” Wanda said. “You look excited for tonight. Though I’m surprised by your costume.”
“Of course I am,” Sunset said. “After all, mother is letting me dress as Daybreaker, her former alter ego.”
“I just wanted to be a witch,” Wanda said with a giggle. “Nothing more, nothing less.”
“I’m also surprised about the last week or two since your birthday,” Sunset said. “And the commotion that came out of it.”
“Truth be told,” Wanda said, “I wanted to hide out after seeing so many ponies curse my name out for my judgment towards Hoops, Dumbbell and Score.”
“Thankfully,” Sunset said. “Mother knew what she was doing, and she was able to calm down the crowd with her voice.”
“That and Chancellor Cinch had to use the Royal Canterlot voice just to calm the crowd down,” Wanda laughed.
“Oh boy,” Sunset said. “When Cinch uses that voice, ponies quiver in fear.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of someone laughing maniacally, causing Wanda and Sunset to hold each other while trembling, while Spike and Abigail jumped by the shock.
“Who…” Wanda said as her voice shook. “Who goes…there?”
Standing outside of the door was an alicorn in dark, cornflower blue fur, wearing a regalia that was similar to Daybreaker, but was of a light blue tone, and the crowd was round, not pointy. Wanda and Sunset looked horrified as this alicorn walked in, only for her to take off her helmet.
“Aunt Woona?” Wanda said as she and Sunset stood there.
“What is that?” Sunset asked.
Princess Luna let out a big raspberry and said “Since we have one pony who was given the right to cosplay as my sister’s alter ego Daybreaker, I came up with an ideal counterpart of my own: Nightmare Moon.”
“Nightmare Moon?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Luna said as she put the helmet on. “A fallen angel who’s heart was corrupted by pure evil. While Daybreaker vowed to make all of Equestria suffer under the sun, Nightmare Moon’s goal is this: TO MAKE THE NIGHT LAST FOREVER!”
With that, Luna, dressed as Nightmare Moon let out a horrifying laugh, causing Wanda and Sunset to scream, all while Abigail and Spike hid behind the bed.
“That’s scary,” Wanda said as she held Sunset close to her.
“Aunt Luna,” Sunset said. “This isn’t funny. What if some monster popped up out of nowhere?”
Suddenly, someone let out a devious laugh, causing Wanda and Sunset to scream in unison. Princess Luna let out a subtle laugh at her nieces.
“I am not the only one who has turned evil,” Princess Luna said as she stepped away. “BEHOLD!”
Wanda and Sunset held together in fear as Queen Chrysalis stepped right by Princess Luna. She looked down at Wanda and Sunset and laughed with delight.
“How does it feel to know that you are now the prisoner of the great Queen Chrysalis?” Chrysalis said. “HOW DOES IT FEEL TO KNOW THAT NOT EVEN YOUR MOTHER CAN SAVE YOU?”
Wanda and Sunset stood there, crying their eyes out as Princess Luna and Queen Chrysalis laughed loudly. But when Abigail stuck her head out, she took a sniff of the air and looked at Queen Chrysalis.
“Cadance,” Abigail said.
“Hey,” Queen Chrysalis said as she looked at Abigail. “I’m not Princess Cadenza Mi Amore. I AM THE GREAT QUEEN CHRYSALIS!”
But Abigail was not deterred. She ran up to Queen Chrysalis and rubbed her body against Chrysalis’ leg, purring loudly. Wanda and Sunset looked at Abigail, and suddenly, their fear went away.
“Big sis?” Wanda said. “Is that you?”
“Okay, you got me,” Chrysalis said before she took off her mask, revealing to be Princess Cadance in disguise. Wanda and Sunset looked at Cadance’s outfit and breathed a sigh of relief, all while Princess Luna let out a good laugh.
“Don’t scare us like that,” Sunset Shimmer said. “What if that was Queen Chrysalis? After all, she’s still got a grudge against us.”
As Princess Luna wiped a tear from her eye in laughter, she recomposed herself and said “Actually, the reason why we came in her wasn’t to scare you, but to show you both a little something that we all have.”
“Really?” Wanda asked.
“But in order to do that,” Princess Luna said. “I wanna make sure I set the stage.”
“Set the wha?” Sunset asked.
But before Wanda could respond, Princess Luna cast a spell into the air, turning the entire environment around everyone into outer space. Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike looked around, amazed by stars and planets.
“It’s so beautiful,” Wanda said.
“It’s like we can see the whole universe,” Sunset said.
“Ironic how you say that since what I am talking about is also related to universes,” Princess Luna said.
“What do you mean by that, Auna Luna?” Wanda asked.
“Look closely,” Princess Cadance said. “You’re about to see the very thing that makes us all unique.”
Luna stood on her hind legs and closed her eyes. With her horn glowing bright, a sphere emerged from her body and floated in front of her. Inside the sphere were billions of stars, some that formed into galaxies.
“What is that?” Wanda asked.
Princess Luna opened her eyes and said “That, my darling Wada, are Cosmic Cores.”
Abigail and Spike stood there, amazed by Princess Luna’s own Cosmic Core, while Wanda and Sunset looked at it with curiosity.
“What are Cosmic Cores?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“They are a part of us when we are born,” Princess Luna said. “And they stay with us when we die. After all, they are our soul.”
“Our soul?” Wanda asked.
“Basically,” Princess Cadance said. “Cosmic Cores are our true forms. They make up all life within the universe. Wanda, Sunset, as my sisters, you both possess Cosmic Cores, as I do.”
“Wow,” Wanda said. “So I have one of those in me?”
“Yes,” Princess Luna said. “They represent our memories, our true selves. But they also possess another element: Our magic.”
“Magic?” Sunset asked.
“The more complex the inside of the Cosmic Core,” Princess Luna said. “The more powerful the magic of its user. Within my own Cosmic Core, lies billions of stars that represent my magical potential.”
“So anyone can use magic?” Wanda asked.
“Nearly any life form in the Universe can use magic,” Princess Luna said. “Though it was said that the humans of planet Earth lost contact with their own magical properties of their Cosmic Cores.”
“But if that’s true,” Wanda said. “Then why do I have magic like all of you?”
“It is said that a human that enters Equestria takes the form of a pony, or another creature,” Princess Luna said. “But it is rare for one to retain their own original form. Even more so, when in Equestria, the magic of a human is restored.”
“So that explains why I could use magic,” Wanda said. “Neat.”
Sunset Shimmer looked closely at the Cosmic Core and said “You know, I always wonder if there was a whole universe deep inside our Cosmic Cores.”
“There is,” Princess Luna replied. “In addition to containing our memories and our magic potential, our Cosmic Cores are said to contain different universes within. Stories that pour out of our own sparks that we put on writing, on picture, or other forms of expression. Sometimes, it does feel like there are individuals that live within our own Cosmic Cores. Hence why we consider the Cosmic Core to be a thing of beauty.”
“But can a Cosmic Core be destroyed?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“No life form in the Universe can destroy a Cosmic Core,” Princess Luna said. “Except one: The Heart of the Universe.”
“What is the Heart of the Universe?” Wanda asked.
“The Heart of the Universe is the Cosmic Core of this very Universe,” Luna explained. “But it takes on the form of a crystal. While it’s said to have its own universe inside, its magic potential dwarfs any individual. It was said that long ago, one being was able to acquire the Heart of the Universe and use its power to become more than a god: A Titan. With it, this individual could bend the entire Universe to its will, and make everyone bow before this Titan-wannabe, at the risk of having their Cosmic Cores destroyed and their souls extinguished.”
“Who was this Titan, and whatever happened?” Sunset asked.
“No one knows who this individual was,” Luna replied. “But it was said that a group of heroes sacrificed their lives to destroy this Titan, finally bringing peace to the universe. But the Heart was lost after the fight. No one knows where it had disappeared to. But it was for the best that the Heart of the Universe was never seen nor heard of again.”
With a tap of her hoof on the floor, the illusion of the stars in the sky disappeared, and everyone returned to the bedroom. Luna’s Cosmic Core returned to her body as she opened her eyes and looked down at Wanda and Sunset with a Smile.
“Aunt Luna taught me all this before I met you both,” Princess Cadance said. “She insisted on sharing this story with you just to see how amazing our Cosmic Cores truly are. And there are other wonders out there that would fascinate and amaze you.”
“I’ll say,” Sunset Shimmer said with a smirk on her face. “After that scare you both pulled on us, this does make up for.”
Princess Luna and Princess Cadance rubbed the back of their heads and blushed a bit.
“Well,” Luna said in an embarrassing tone. “It is Nightmare Night. And I know you want to see your friends as you all go Trick or Treating.”
“As a matter of fact,” Princess Cadance said. “Mother said that they’re here. Let’s take you down so you can join them.”
“Sweet,” Sunset Said in an excited tone. “I can’t wait.”
Sunset Shimmer, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance all walked out of the bedroom and down the hallway. Wanda turned to Spike and Abigail, who looked up at her with a smile on their faces.
“What do you guys think?” Wanda asked. “Should we tell them about the secret of the Cosmic Cores?”
“Sure,” Abigail and Spike said.
“Why not?” Wanda said with a wink. “Now come on. They’re waiting.”
With that, Wanda, Spike and Abigail ran out of the room and down the hallway, chasing after Luna, Sunset and Cadance.
Downstairs at the Grand Foyer of the castle, the Unicorn and La Maresa younglings stood patiently, but anxious with Princess Celestia by their side. Each of the younglings were dressed up in a different costume, and each carrying their own empty sack for candy. Princess Celestia was dressed up in fine royal guard armor. Though judging by her showing off, much to the annoyance of Danged Spell and Applejack, she seemed to enjoy every moment of it.
“Hey will you knock it off, Princess?” Danged Spell said, completely annoyed. “You’re starting to creep me out?”
“Now tell me, Spell,” Princess Celestia said in a humorous tone. “Have you ever considered not paying attention to me?”
“The thing is,” Danged Spell said. “That armor represents the pride of the Royal Guard. And to see you show off in that, even during Nightmare Night, is just ridiculous.”
“Oh come on, Spell,” Moondancer said with a laugh, brushing her hoof on Danged Spell’s canine-themed costume. “You want to be Royal Guard material. So why not just let Princess Celestia have some fun?”
“It’s one thing to wear armor like that for battle,” Danged Spell said. “But when you pose around like you’re the center of attention, then it makes a good warrior guard to find.”
Everyone just went completely silent, except Princess Celestia, who was too focused on her poses.
“Wow,” Moondancer said, completely surprised. “It’s one thing to deliver a lame pun. It’s another to do so in that kind of deadbeat tone.”
“I’m afraid Spell’s right,” Applejack said. “I’ve seen some ponies who want to show off and that is a prime example.”
“Well no offense to you both,” Rarity said. “But what’s wrong with Princess Celestia showing off?”
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said. “I think you both need to lighten up about the Royal Guard. Not everything has to be serious business.” Rainbow Dash paused for a bit before she said “And that goes double about the Wonderbolts.”
Danged Spell and Applejack paused for a moment, stunned by Rainbow Dash’s word. Twilight glared at the Rainbow pegasi.
“Was that completely necessary?” Twilight asked.
“Actually, I can relate to her a bit,” Danged Spell replied as he calmed down. “Rainbow Dash takes a lot of pride with the Wonderbolts. But ever since they were disbanded because of the fear mongering going on in Equestria, Rainbow Dash was heartbroken by this. If only there was a way I could help her out.”
“Aww,” Pinkie Pie said. “Poor Rainbow. To finally be apart of the Wonderbolts’s junior training squad, only to watch as the whole group had to disband because of all that propaganda.”
Princess Celestia stopped posing before she got down on her four hooves and said “Even I was surprised by the Wonderbolts being disbanded. I’ve been in contact with Airazor and Spitfire since they all split. We’re trying to get them back together. But thanks to the Stallion News Network, that’s become a task unto itself.”
“So what can we do about it?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“Right now,” Princess Celestia said. “Airazor and Spitfire are located back in La Maresa. But the rest of the crew are spread out across all of Equestria.”
Danged Spell let out a sigh as he said “If there was something I could do to help out.”
Suddenly, someone yelled out “We’re finally here.” The younglings and Princess Celestia looked up at the top of the staircase, where Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Abigail Albright and Spike the Dragon stood. The younglings all cheered for the group.
“You guys finally made it,” Pinkie Pie said as she let out a huge “BACAWK!” Everyone laughed at Pinkie’s random speech.
“That’s our Pinkie,” Applejack said. “Always willing to have fun on Nightmare Night.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that costume put her in fowl mood. Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” the younglings yelled before bursting into laughter. Danged Spell just looked around with a smug look on his face as Wanda, Sunset, Abigail, Spike, Cadance and Luna walked down the steps. However, some of the younglings stopped laughing the moment they saw Cadance’s costume. Especially Starlight Glimmer, who hid behind a stern Twilight Sparkle.
“Keep it away,” Starlight cried. “She’s becoming a changeling.”
“Oh no,” Cadance said with a laugh. “This is my Nightmare Night costume. And besides, why would I want to take your love away?”
Twilight looked at Princess Cadance and smiled as she jumped out of the group and ran up to the teen alicorn, leaving Starlight to hide behind Danged Spell.
“That’s actually a pretty good costume, Princess Cadance,” Twilight said. “But in case the real changelings do show up, how can we tell it’s you?”
“Easy,” Princess Cadance said. “I decided to cast a spell on myself. That way, if you want to know if I am the real me, my body will shine with a gorgeous pink to your eyes.”
Princess Cadance took a pose as her body shined pink. Everyone oooh and awwed at Cadance’s color.
“Pink eh?” Twilight said. “Now you’re talking. You know what that means?”
Wanda and Sunset overheard what Twilight said and they began to facepalm.
“Oh no,” Wanda said. “Not this again.”
“My least favorite part,” Sunset said as she covered her ears.
Immediately, Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle lined up and danced as they chanted “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”
Starlight turned her eyes away from Twilight and Cadance before turning them over to Trixie.
“Do you think we can do a dance like those two?” Starlight asked.
Trixie laughed and said “We should come up with one before the night is done.”
“Deal,” Starlight said.
Everyone gathered together and grouped up, with Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Abigail and Spike standing in front of the youngling group.
“Okay,” Princess Cadance said. “You all are wearing great costumes tonight. But what are you?”
Rainbow Dash jumped out and said “I’m a Shadowbolt, a corrupted Wonderbolt. You can thank Airazor for giving me this idea. Too bad she and Spitfire aren’t here.”
Pinkie Pie stepped forward, clucked and said “I’m a chicken. BA-GAWK!”
Rarity took a few steps forward and said “I’m a Vampiress. And your worst nightmare.”
Applejack looked at Rarity with an awkward tone before she stepped forward and said “I’m a scarecrow. And no, it doesn’t come with a Tin Pony nor a Cowardly Lion.”
Fluttershy barely stepped out before she said “I’m…a bunny. But I’d rather make like a bunny and hide. Nightmare Night gives me the creeps.”
“Oh don’t you worry, Fluttershy,” Pinkie Pie said as she fluffed the top of Fluttershy’s head. “I’ll make sure those hooligans won’t come after ya.”
Fluttershy just stared at Pinkie Pie and said “That’s the least of my worries.”
Ditzy Doo flew up in the air and said “I’m Captain Muffins, protector of the righteous and defender of Truth, Justice and the Muffin way.”
Trixie stood there, striking a pose before she said “I am Trixie, the GREAT AND POWERFUL WARLOCK OF TARTARUS!”
Twilight Sparkle stepped forward and said “I believe most of my friends know who this is.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said with a smirk. “That’s a nice clown costume, Twilight.”
Twilight glared at Danged Spell and said “Spell. That’s not funny.”
“I kid, I kid,” Danged Spell said with a laugh. “You’re Star Swirl the Bearded.”
Twilight smirked at Danged Spell before she said “There. That’s better.”
“You know,” Princess Luna said. “That really is an accurate take on the costume. The stars, and especially the bells. You really got it right.”
“Thanks,” Twilight said. “Did a lot of studying on Star Swirl just to make sure I got the costume right. But I think the others wish to show off their costumes.”
Starlight Glimmer struck a pose and said “I am the champion of love and justice: The Magical Pony Girl. And in the name of love, I WILL PUNISH YOU!”
Sunburst held up a fake goblet and said “I am Count Coltula, Lord of Darkness. And what is a Pony? A miserable little pile of secrets.”
Moondancer held the side of her helmet as she said “This is Major Moondancer to Ground Control. I’ve left forevermore.”
“Let’s just say,” Rainbow Dash said. “She’s an astronaut.”
Danged Spell just stood there before he bent his head upwards and howled.
“Getting into the spirit of your curse, Danged Spell?” Sunset asked.
“You betcha,” Danged Spell said. “Since I happen to possess the Wolf’s Breath Curse, I might as well embrace it as a wolf.”
“Say,” Wanda said, looking around. “Isn’t Cozy Glow supposed to be here?”
“That’s a good point,” Princess Celestia said as she turned to the group and added “Come on out, Cozy.”
Emerging from the group of younglings was Cozy Glow, except she had a sheet covering her body, and two holes that represent eyes.
“Cozy,” Princess Cadance said. “You’re a ghost.”
“It was the only way I could do this Nightmare Night with you guys,” Cozy Glow said. “That way, mother won’t know it’s me.”
“And not to mention I cast a spell on the cloth so that Creme Dream won’t be able to notice her,” Princess Celestia said. “That way, she’ll be able to wander about during Nightmare Night.”
“Good point there,” Sunset Shimmer replied.
Princess Cadance walked up to the front entrance of the castle before turning towards the younglings.
“Alright, every pony,” Princess Cadance said. “Who’s up for the BEST NIGHTMARE NIGHT EVER?”
Every youngling cheered in unison as they allowed Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Abigail and Spike to stand in front, ready to go out into the world.
“Then come on,” Princess Cadance said as she used her magic to swing the door wide open. “Let’s have some fun.”
Princess Cadance marched out of the foyer and into the front garden as the younglings, lead by Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Spike the Dragon, followed the teen alicorn. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched as the younglings marched towards the front gate, ready to embrace Nightmare Night.
“The one thing I can say is that those kids are going to have a fun time,” Princess Luna said.
“But there is one element that they will be encountering,” Princess Celestia said.
Immediately, Eleanor Young walked up from behind, observing the younglings make their way out of the gate. Her eyes were fixated on Wanda Young marching alongside Sunset and Twilight.
“I can’t believe this is the first time my daughter gets to spend Nightmare Night with her friends,” Eleanor said. “Where I came from, we called it Hallowed Night.”
“Interesting,” Princess Luna said. “Seems there is more to Pony and Evevanyian kind than meets the eye.”
Eleanor shifted her eyes to Starlight Glimmer, who looked cheerful marching down the streets of Canterlot.
“I take it you need me to intervene on behalf of that one,” Eleanor Young asked.
“Yes,” Princess Celestia said. “Her name is Starlight Glimmer. There is a particular Cosmic Core that has been hanging out at the graveyard nearby. That core belongs to Meteor Flare, a pony who died saving his mines from the Windigo’s Guild. If they wind up there, I want you to bring his core over to Starlight so that she could see him once more.”
“Consider it done,” Eleanor Young said.
To Be Continued in….
The March of Nightmare Night