//------------------------------// // Chapter 13-The Longest Sunset // Story: Dismay Turned Discord // by Reedling //------------------------------// Luna tried to break free from whatever illness her father was in. She felt the “ground” ebb and flow like water, but never move. It flowed with magic which felt unnatural to Luna. It was like a black cloud. It called to her. But as the cloud tried to seep into Luna, a dim glow radiated from her frame. It was the magic of Aeaeae. She realized it wasn’t safe here, she had to find her father. ===================================================================== “This isn’t right Morpheus,” Midnight gazed around the dream, his eyes saw a light flicker closeby. “I fear we have company.” “Company from wh-”Morpheus stopped, and closed his eyes. There was a warm breeze that drifted around him. “That is the warmth only a child can bring. One of your fillies needs you.” Midnight remarked. “Father?!” A soft voice yelled in the distance.“I’m here Luna!” Morpheus started to run, but his chest seize up with a frost that grew from his lungs to freeze his mouth, setting a chilling pain to his gums. “Run, run, run little Midnight Star!” His younger form shifted into an ebony skinned stallion. “Behold what your blindness as changed us into!” “I’m am not that abomination!” Morpheus thought. “And you would be right...If you hadn’t so easily let me into your soul, little Midnight.” The voice became feminine. “You’re looking rather opaque my queen.” Morpheus moaned unwillingly. “Ah, yes. Thank you for noticing! Hahah-” Crystalline gave a firm clear of the throat. “Now, back to business. You are stuck in the dream world, your daughter is in the dream world...How about?! I set you free, if I get your sweet little daughter.” “Ye--How dare you force me to agree!” “I’m sorry Midnight but I couldn’t help notice that particular gem on your chest armor.....” Crystalline’s eyes glistened to its sight. “It’s called the E-” “I know what’s it called!” Crystalline hissed. “I made it!....for The late Unicorn King.” “The Diamond turned Jet...” Morpheus whispered “Is a fitting bard’s song to the tale.” Crystalline remarked to him. “So that’s how you’ve been keeping Equestria so easily under your rule!” Crystalline squawked in laughter. Morpheus starred frantically at the gemstone. “Have I really been forcing Equestria to listen to my words?” “Yes. Now just like The Unicorn King, I will have the sacrifice the gemstone requires! Your daughter's magic!” “No! I would never give my daughter to you!” “What if I offer you this bit of insight. If you’re the crown, and you’ve been ruling with the aid of my magic. You know manipulation...Just how well do you think your citizens are doing? You don’t even know about that little curse I put on it do you?!” Crystalline nickered. “And I should believe anything you say queen manipulation?”Morpheus stomped a hoof contestingly. “Fair enough. But there’s a reason The Unicorn King is no more.” “If it’s magic you need, then take mine.” Morpheus insisted. “You wish to give me control of the night?” “No. I wish you to leave my family alone.” “Such a wish can not be made from a pony so high in power. You will always be a target. It’s part of your role, part of being king.” “....That’s what I’ve learned to accept, but-” “But Aeaeae’s helper decided that for you. Didn’t he?” “Leave Pan out of this.” “Is that what he likes being called? Not Arboreus?” Crystalline mused. Morpheus heard the sound of crunching snow behind him, he turned to face Luna. =================================================================== Astrum gasped, placing a hoof her to chest. “I must have fallen asleep.” She thought to herself as she looked around the dimly lit throne room. She took a deep breath, she knew for sure she was not dreaming anymore. “What a terrible dream...Morpheus!” Astrum galloped making her way towards the royal bedroom upstairs. As she turned to a separate hallway she heard panicked whispering, she went to investigate. =================================================================== “Is...that true?” Luna whimpered with tears falling from her pale cheeks. “Is what true?” He wondered. “Pan made you the king...an-and you’ve been using that gem to rule Equestria?!” Luna scolded. Her eyes were focused on Crystalline. When Morpheus turned to face her, had was disguised as him. “Luna-” “It’s alright Midnight...I just want to talk to my father.” “How!-” Morpheus glared darkly to Crystalline. He felt unsure of the game she was ringing them through, and how long she had planned this. Luna felt safe near Midnight Star, but did she really know who Midnight Star was? She couldn’t know, with the look in her eyes she viewed Morpheus and Midnight as separate ponies. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way Luna. But while in the dream plane it can get very hard to hide the truth. I’ve had a guilt growing in me, burning at my thoughts.” “Have you been using the dream plane to just think?” “No, Unfortunately. While in the dream plane I met a very sick pony, named Crystalline.” “Like the ballad?” “Exactly. At the time I didn’t realize it was her...I touched her, and then-” “You got ill.” ===================================================================== “I received word an old friend needed me. What is it you require Phaun?” “I-I’m just surprised you’re actually showing your face to me.” “What’s done is done old friend, but do not mistake my haste for forgiveness. Is it true, about Crystalline?” “From what your sources can find? Probably all of it is true...” “And just what are his sources telling him Pan?” Astrum walked into the moonlight provided by the archway of glass. “Majesty!” The hooded pony bowed, but Pan smiled softly in admiration of her ability in stealth. He did not even sense her presence, until now. “There’s no need to whisper in secrecy, for now I will not ask again what information of Crystalline needed to be hushed over. I need both of you to follow me to the royal bedroom.”Astrum stated, her cheeks blushed softly as she repeated her words in her mind, then added. “For Morpheus sake, His illness is getting worse.” The two followed Astrum, they had trouble keeping up with her speed, since both of them were still trying to be secretive. They were still fugitives. ===================================================================== Morpheus could only stare blankly at Crystalline. What was she planning? Crystalline had only one agenda he thought; which was to worm her way into everything. Much like a grub works its way to chew at the root of crops. What delicate game of chess was Crystalline playing with him and his daughter? He felt the air around him become stiff; Luna stood motionless. “Are you still keeping to your offer? Using the sugilite’s power for so long is bound to cause some dependency in your subjects.” Crystalline asked plainly. “What’s your game! Why do you now suddenly care for others!” Morpheus yelled. “Dad!” Luna shouted. She close her eyes and winced in fear. “What Luna!” Morpheus roared. “I am busy!” He clenched his muzzle as if he could stop his misguided anger from heading to Luna. A steady stream of tears fell from her cheeks. “Is..that how you see me? I’m... I am just another chore!” She cried. Crystalline grinned pleasantly as she disappeared. “No, you’re my daughter. I love you Luna! Crystalline...” “As much as I know you are sick right now, I’ve always felt unwanted. You love Celestia more. Both of you have!” Luna whined. Morpheus noticed her baby blue mane radiate a purple smoke. “Luna...I’m sorry but you have to calm down please...Crystal-” “Enough about her! It’s always about everyone else! About mom or ‘Tia or this Crystalline! WHAT ABOUT ME!” Luna screamed. Morpheus felt the coldness seep into his blood. The sickness forcing it’s way free from his body like sludge. It fashioned itself many tendrils longing to infect the moon princess. “Luna!” Morpheus heaved he felt he heart growing cold, losing strength. He let out a shrieking wail that made his daughter's heart stop in fear as her father's sickness fought to consume her as well. "Given the chance Luna I grown to doubt everything I have ever done to this day..." Morpheus panted. "but I never once thought you would be any less then your sister. You, are like me dear. Don't let the moon's shadow turn you cold." He screamed again placing a hoof to his chest trying to keep the sickness at bay,but he was far too fatigued. The Dreamworld was no place for a pony to stay for long,even one gifted solely to its protection could feel it crave for his slumber. The curse had become too much for the king to handle now,it had feasted off doubts spanning as far as Morpheus' childhood,he felt it become it own being and with one final leech of he's most recent doubts of being a good father,he wouldn't be able to stop the monster building inside of him. ===================================================================== Celestia opened her eyes. What had she done with her whole day? Oh, that’s right she had spent it with Chrysalis. Being grounded didn’t feel so bad, if she really was being grounded. Luna was in her room all alone, it’s true she loves her books more than talking to ponies, but even Luna would respect not being forced to her quarters for an unknown time alone. “Celestia, what’s the matter?” A groggy eyed Chrysalis asked. “I feel bad for my sister...I can feel it in my gut that she’s unhappy.” “Then why don’t you go check up on her?” “Mother said to stay in my room.” “Your mother is very nice, I’m sure she will understand if you want to help your sister. It’s alright. I’ll stay here in case she needs you.” Chrysalis smiled, waving her hoof to go. “Lulu?. Luna?”Celestia whispered with no reply, Luna wasn’t in her room. “Chrysalis, she isn’t up here!” Celestia heard a sharp scream come from her room, she flew down to see her friend clutching her body in pain. “No! Stay Away! you need to get you mother quickly,Your father is in trouble!” She moaned. Celestia took a deep breath and ran out to find her mother, yelling her name wildly down the hall. ===================================================================== “What were you before Phuan helped you? A pegasus or unicorn...or maybe you were nothing special at all!” Crystalline whispered in his ears. “A lowly dirt digging earth pony I presume.” She cackled teasingly. “Shut up you miserable mule! I won’t let you take my daughter...” “Take your daughter! Why in Equestria would I want her? She’s weak. JusSst like you. I’ve always found a certain malleability in ponies who deal with dark places. Like Dusk, or you Midnight.” “Crystalline...please. Take my power! Just leave my filly...Leave Luna out of this!” “You just don’t understand do you? I. Could. Care. less about your sniveling foals. I’m here only for you! I’m going to let you fear me. I’m going to make you suffer. Then I’ll think about letting your sickness leave.” Her eyes glowed into his as she commanded the sickness to feed on any doubt still cantabile in him. “Leave my father alone!” Luna protested. ===================================================================== Astrum and the other two had the Royal bedroom’s doors in sight,but Astrum’s breath became low and she whispered orders to them. “Pan, you and your guest tend to Morpheus, I have a filly who won’t listen.” She walked towards the stairs,waiting for Celestia to make her way to her so they could talk in private. Pan twitched his head inside,opening the door as the both entered,Pan closed the door tightly. There was a dim blue flame melting away at a rather thick candle by Morpheus’ end table. “What did you sources tell you, Sirius.” Pan asked,resuming their conversation. “That my queen is ready to rule once again!” “Sirius...you’re ill. Where is Crystalline, colt?” “My queen? She is everywhere. She is your concern, she is Morpheus’ pain...She is Luna’s fear! I am not ill Phaun Arboreus. I am the only one in this castle that knows, the truth!” “You always were the coward when the lines were made. This time you think siding with her will change what little truth you may know?” “I know! I know what you did to Brightly! I know you let Midnight Star marry her! I Was supposed to be king! Now,I will become king!” “Sirius...not only have you told me you aided in the death of Equestria’s king,you’ve also claimed you treason worthwhile to a creature that cares little for your needs,but lives only to feed on emotions. The only way you can become king,is defeating Crystalline’s hold over your petty wishes.” ===================================================================== “Mother!” Celestia’s squeaked out of breath. “I am very angry at you Celestia. Not only did I tell you to watch out for Chrysalis...but I also told you to stay in your room.” Astrum scolded her filly. “That’s just it momma. She’s sick...” Celestia roped her fore hooves around her mom and tugged at her. “I know I disobeyed you, a lot these few days but please,help her!” “I’ll get Pan-” “No...She told me to check on Luna! and Luna isn’t in her room!” “So you disobeyed both of my requests!” “I’m scared mom! I only wanted to see if she was okay since she was all alone in her room. Now Chrysalis is sick and Luna is missing...Dad’s sick too. Am I going to get sick?” “Not if you had stayed in your room and kept Chrysalis safe and happy,she’s an emphatic dear. She feels how other feel very easily..so now that she’s alone and everyone is nervous-” “I’ll run right back to her, I’ll help her, I’m sorry momma!” Celestia ran back as fast as she could. Astrum smiled softly, and moved back to her bedroom doors. ===================================================================== “Luna...stay back please. Your father isn’t himself right now.” Crystalline’s voice shifted to a younger Morpheus. “Midnight! Please you have to help him. I think Crystalline is here and I have to raise the moon before ponies start to ask questions.” She pleaded. “I’m not sure how well I can help him. Crystalline has already-” “Shut up! Leave my daughter alone!” Morpheus felt his heart pour with rage. Crystalline was feeding him this emotion. His magic surged out from his horn and engulfed Crystalline. “Daddy, No!” What was wrong with him, was this the work of Crystalline? That looming darkness that ebbed from her father, it had to be The Lingerius Dubbi Curse. She remembered reading about it from the restricted library quarters. It was a spell that required an unnatural amount of magic to even attempt and it grew in a pony’s doubt. He was teetering in final stages, where he would be driven mad by questioning everything he remembered. Punishment of even whispering about the curse was banishment to the Dragon’s Throat Cavern. “Luna I need you to find a way out of here. Do you know what your father is sick with?” Midnight asked. “It looks like a curse...but the name I don’t think I know it.” Luna lied. “I assumed a curse dear. Do you remember anytime when your father behaved aggressively?” “Luna. Don’t tell her it’s a trick! Crystalline!” Morpheus groaned painfully as his chest became numb. “If you dare lash out again I will curse your filly to the same fate as you!” Crystalline screamed. the air grew still once again as Crystalline coerced Morpheus’ silence. “I know that the day I raised the moon with his help dad got in a fight with Harbinger. But before then? The first day I got to lift the moon with him, he was very unhappy that Celestia wanted to go into the forest.” “Is this true Morpheus? You’re yelling at your fillies?” Crystalline smirked to him. “I’ve never yelled to my children. Do not twist Luna’s words.” Morpheus groaned. She was forcing the sickness even closer to his heart. “Do you know what happens when your own heart becomes emotionally and physically numb Morpheus?” “I’ll die.” He coughed. He felt the stirring of warmth rise from his throat. He coughed violently as drops of dark magic mixed with blood sprayed on Midnight’s front hooves. “You’ve been sick for quite some time Morpheus. Long before you found out about me and her. You meddled your way in Brightly’s life, and changed her destiny. If not for you and Phaun she would have lived a peaceful life, well, relatively. She would have had pegasi colts, and married a wine brewer. She would have died a loved, wealthy mare. She would have had an easy life. But what is she now Morpheus? Two alicorn fillies, burdened with the task of raising a family and a country! She was never destined to become royalty. She was never meant to love you! How da-” “And yet, we did!” Morpheus heaved. The pain became too much for the king, he dropped to the floor. Crystalline stared in shock, feeling a shiver pulse through her. She knew she was a vile creature, she accepted her fate as unloved and feared. But in this moment, she couldn’t accept it. She felt her magic turn on her. “FATHER!” Luna cried in horror. She felt her mind cease up, she couldn’t handle losing him. “Your father is dead Luna.” Luna dropped to her father’s body. She remembered that victims of The Lingerius Dubbi curse could pass it by touch, but she didn’t care. For all she knew she was already infected, she had already touched his head while he slept. She slung her hooves around her father’s neck. “He’s still warm...I-I can feel his heart beating!” She lied. “Luna, please-” “No. He can’t leave me...I’m not old enough! Come back! Stop being so selfish Daddy! I need you!” ===================================================================== “Chrysalis,are you alright?” Celestia asked as she peeked into her room. The once white filly was midnight black, as she sobbed on the floor. “I failed everypony....I-I failed my father...” She heaved in long gasps and hiccups. “Failed? You haven’t failed anyone Chrysalis.” “I made a promise to keep you and your family safe, and I failed.” “Dad is just a little under the weather,that’s all.” “My mother cursed him, and only I can break his curse! But my dad doesn’t think I’m strong enough!” “That’s silly! If I can raised the sun, without my mother’s help. You can break the curse!” “But...I’m not as powerful as you Celestia...” “Nonsense you have a horn..and wings-” “You can see my wings!” Chrysalis backed herself into a corner of Celestia's room to hide her insect wings. “It’s alright...you don't have to hide them, I think they’re beautiful.” Celestia admitted, she was trying her hardest to make her happy. “My mother has a pair of wings just like them, I was told. Everypony I’ve shown them to thinks I am her.” “Are you?” “No! My mother is a bully,who hurts ponies and ruins their lives. I don’t want to hurt anypony.” “Then next time somepony assumes, tell them that. I’ve learned to never judge somepony by how they look, but by how they act.” Celestia smiled to her as Chrysalis’ fur turned to a light grey. “But what about your father?” She whispered. “You are only one filly. I can’t blame you if you can’t take care of everypony. Don’t get too sad Chrysalis. My mother and your father are going to help him get better.” ===================================================================== Crystalline felt her heart ache. It wasn’t her emotions, she did not feel such things, She only consumed them. But she felt as if she had a clot of some emotions that could not feed her. “Luna. you are but so pathetic, much more than your father. I should have killed him sooner! Then I wouldn't have needed that pathetic zebra.” She thought. “Why did you let him die Midnight Star!?” Crystalline's eyes widened, she could digest sadness easier than anger, and she could see the anger growing around her. Luna’s mane began to wisp and flow like violet smoke in brisk night air, her coat growing darker by the second. “Why did you let him die! I trust you! You said you were here to help me!” Luna cried, she seemed unaware of her transformation. Crystalline moved close to Luna whispering. “I just thought, you needed to grow up. Your father was holding you back dear Luna.” “I. Hate you! I Hate you Midnight Star!” Luna screamed as she lunged her horn at Crystalline’s neck. Luna saw the black blood drip to the floor. Crystalline stumbled back. She balanced herself uneasily forcing her magic to the hole and staying in disguise. “That may be so Luna. But if you want to be anything like your father, you’ll need to embrace some harsh lessons. You can always expect nights to be cold and with it, their ruler must also be cold.” ===================================================================== “Can you taste it Phuan? That is pure anger growing inside Luna, as we speak my queen shapes Serenity into the perfect vessel for her plan.” Sirius Dusk began to chuckle sporadically with a twitch in his right eye. “Dusk have you lost yourself completely in your emotions, can you not see the outcome if Crystalline is able to go through with this!” “That can’t be the Sirius Dusk my somepony would give his life for.” Astrum said. There was a coldness to her words, that even Sirius in his manic state sensed and feared. “You are but a pawn of our dear friend Phaun, Brightly!” “So you choose Crystalline over the death of me and Midnight? You choose to use my daughter for some sick plan. Is this your deluded fantasy of getting revenge on us. By killing your best friend!” “The day he stole you from my life, he became my sworn rival! I glad he is dead!” Astrum’s pupils grew wide as Sirius yelled, she backhoof him with all her forleg’s strength and moved to comfort Morpheus. Her hoof to rubbing Morpheus’ forehead softly. He was right, by the time Astrum had put her hoof to him he gave a final brisk exhale. “Morpheus.” Astrum rested her neck to Morpheus’ and gave a soft kiss to his cheek. “Goodbye, my love.” Astrum whispered. Pan closed his eyes, making a ball of green magic to cover Sirius’ mouth, it roped around his neck. “I have one last question Sirius and you will not tell me what I want to hear, only the truth. Why did you hide the note in Damson’s wine bottle.” Pan lifted the magic from his mouth, and loosen it a bit from his neck as his eyes narrowed to Sirius’. “What note?” Sirius’ mumbled. “The note read ‘that you had given up waiting and you were going talk to ‘her majesty’ for the truth’.” “That isn’t my note. But her majesty is our true queen, Crystalline! The truth is something you forced yourself to forget, when you killed the queen of ma-.” Phaun tightened his magic around Sirius’ neck, he flatten it’s edges to become sharp and dug them into Sirius’ shoulders. “Pan. Let him go.” Astrum ordered. “I’m afraid I can’t do that your majesty. He knows too much.” “Enough to incriminate you for the death of someone quite powerful.” Astrum motioned her horn to Sirius, revealing his masking spell. “This is not my love’s friend, but his son.” Pan stepped back, dispelling his magic instantly. “Sirius C. Dusk....Where is your father! Where is Sirius B. Dusk!” “Becoming the greatest king of Equestria!” Sirius C. screamed wildly. “Lingerius Dubbi.” Astrum said scoldingly. ===================================================================== “I! Midnight are you alright?!” “I’m fine dear, not my first time being stabbed.” “Why must their rulers be cold?” “The life you live is a painful one. You are expected to serve this world and receive little if any gratification for it. You are doomed to living in the shadow of your sister, your younger sister.” “Only by an hour.” Luna mumbled. “But Celestia loves me, and so does my mother. Please don't kill my mother!” “Luna. I take no joy in ending his life. I-I could not stand by and let him suffer any longer! He has been plagued by that curse for quite sometime.” Crystalline said, but her true feeling were inverted. She was happy Morpheus was dead, some of her older magic had been restored to her but she couldn’t use Luna’s anger. Had she mixed opposing magics? Now what was she supposed to do with Luna, Crystalline hadn’t expected Morpheus’ condition to be so severe. She gave him too much credit, just because he had the might of a pegasi and the magic of a unicorn didn’t make him anymore omnipotent like herself. He was but a child unknowingly blessed with deity like powers. Maybe Luna could be useful, she had over exerted her option to tame Grue’s mind. What the fool needed was a heart to cling to, to aid him. Two weary hearts to mend whole? It felt sickening enough to work. ===================================================================== “Pan-” “I got him.” he assured her, focusing his magic until a white shimmering potion appeared. Astrum lifted half of the solution out of the flask and poured it into her late husband’s mouth. “Do not steal the truth from my eyes, I know of-” Sirius began to yell, Pan splashed the rest of the potion on Sirius’ face. “No the truth...I do not want to be blind again!” Sirius fell to the carpeted floor, groaning in pain. ===================================================================== “Luna. I fear that I haven’t been completely honest with you. Though your father may have willing helped Crystalline there was another that was cursed by him. Your father wouldn’t listen to reason when I cautioned him. I fear that this cursed soul might become a rather large thorn to Equestria.” Midnight explained. “And,what am I supposed to do? I can’t leave my home. What would Celestia and my mother say or do if I left?” “They would most likely search for you. All I ask is you become his friend. I’ve seen that a close friendship can pause the curse’s progress. He is alone and scared and sick. He does not trust me because of my age but maybe he will trust you.” “Midnight. I can’t leave my mother and sister to worry about me.” “Luna! do you even hear what I’m telling you. Your kingdom is close to collapse! You have no king, you have no Magic gemstone to help docile your denizens. What I am asking you to do will keep a threat from crumbling your castle walls. I’m keeping your from utter chaos!” “I will not leave my family! They are all I have!” “Then you leave me no choice foal!”Crystalline thought. Midnight’s eyes glowed dark blue. Crystalline had just about enough of acting coy to her. She motioned the space around the filly to freeze and casted a ball of magic to Morpheus’ body. What awaken was the final form of the Lingerus Dubbi curse. It was a husk of what her father was in appearance. Its eyes shimmered like flat Turquoise, and its body from the neck down became clouds of smoke that with just a stray touch could leave a pony’s heart in the lowest of despair. Luna gave out a high pitched scream when the air thawed, she stumbled backwards as her eyes locked to what her father had become. “This is what will happen to your family! You can choose to remain silent to the fact you and your family are in danger, you can choose to let your family become Sorrow...” Midnight’s sclera became an vile green, his irises a fiery red as his horn poured out more magic to create a version a dark version of her family. He made Astrum mane droop as her form began to melt like wax as she cried. “Hatred..” An older Celestia on Luna’s other side pounded her hooves with their full weight, it made her tail and mane of fire jet light blue flame as her eyes turned to Luna with an apathetic scowl. “or Chaos.” Then a crazed version of Pan appeared behind her. Each iris had a different shape and his sclera was a light yellow. With emotions that were as sporadic like seasons he changed into. “The united belief in Harmony and the elements that power that peace can not be created if there is no one strong enough to power it!” Midnight lectured. Luna stared hopelessly to Midnight Star’s abominations of her family. “Where should I go then?” Her head sulked as she obeyed. “You should make sure that the zebra is not allowed to reach his full power. If he realizes what it may be, your family will be doomed.” Midnight created a portal that grew out from the clouds of the dream world and Luna made her way mournfully through the portal, she looked back slowly as the creature her father had become mixed into the clouds of the dreamworld. “Perfect. With the filly out of Equestria, she can help become the final element. Jealousy.” Crystalline giggled happily on how her plan was unfolding nicely. But what was this? Crystalline felt her presence being rejected out of Midnight’s body. It felt like snowflakes stinging and burning her out of him, she withdrew, interested to see what, if anything Phaun could do with him.