//------------------------------// // Dieci // Story: Dark Side of the Moon // by Rust //------------------------------// ...Thunder roared in elemental rage. The earth heaved and reared like a beast, rebelling against the whip. And through it all, the terrible, terrible light of magic shone forth from the long horn of the one called ‘Tia. Luna stood defiant, a blessed darkness against the raging ether. On her face, though, the lines of fear were carved in stark relief. I knew that should the light touch her, she could not hope to resist it. Nor would she be granted salvation. The powers summoned by her counterpart would not cleanse, not wielded in this manner. I could sense them, the aspects of harmony, bristling with indignation at their misuse. Perhaps it was my own realization — and subsequent inner peace, but they cried out in despair. No, Luna did not need the purge of magical energy, the last-ditch retaliation of a desperate sister. She needed a friend. Someone to stand by her, to speak out for her and against her if need be. To show her that she had erred and that she would not suffer punishment from, but understanding and healing. To show that she was indeed loved, and all the world did not hate her. On shaking hooves, I charged forth, dust pounding upwards with every step. Every second the cacophony only rose, a screech of metal on metal and the twisting of reality itself as ‘Tia fanned the flames of wrath. I skidded to a halt in the no-man’s land between the two, and turned, wings flared in defiance to the fount of magic. In that fraction of time, a lone Equinocti, an unimpressive specimen of both mind, body, and soul, faced down the sun herself... and did not flinch from certain oblivion. “THIS IS NOT THE WAY!” I cried, though my voice was lost to the tempest. “I WARN YOU, NOTHING GOOD WILL EVER COME OF THIS!” She gave no sign of having heard me, lost to the swirling vortex of magic. “IT WON’T WORK! IT CAN’T WORK!” I growled in frustration, and sharply pivoted. Luna now faced me, and her eyes met mine. The light intensified behind me, throwing the dark alicorn into a long shadow — my shadow. It was huge, monstrously depicted on the carter wall some distance away, completely swallowing her whole in comforting darkness. I took a step towards her. She hissed, bared her teeth. Fangs glimmered, her mane sizzled and cracked like a whip. Another step. Those eyes, wide in anger, pain, and fear. Slitted like those of a drake, they harbored a ferocious spirit. Further still. She blent into the shadows perfectly, a black far darker than the deserts twixt the stars. A final pace. I was inches away. Her breath was frantic, confused, hitching; like that of a wild thing hitched to chains. Though she stood taller than me, somehow I managed to look at her from an even level, silently imploring her my honest intent. Reflected in her gaze, I saw that the spell was complete. They shone with every color of the rainbow. Judgement was at hoof. “You aren’t alone,” I murmured. “I will face this with you, whatever the sentence.” “C-cassius,” she whispered. Tears ran down her face. “I’m scared.” “I know. Me too. But I’m here for you. You aren’t alone.” “No... not this time.” The spell was released. I wrapped myself around her, holding her close. Her heart beat wildly against my breast, and her teeth chattered within her jaw. The words came to me unbidden, carving through the depths of my subconscious from the bowels of some half-remembered dream. “It’s going to be alright, Luna... I’m taking you away from all this. She will never touch you, not if I have any say in it...” I looked behind me, at a tsunami of color bearing down upon us. The wave was stories high, and every hue imaginable danced within its roiling depths. A mighty jaw formed, and down the gullet I could spy the desperation and sadness put behind the spell. This was a force that never should have existed. With a thunderous roar, the great maw closed around us. My heart finally clear, I embraced it like an old friend. ...Destiny. Is it really such a bad thing to one’s fate cast out before them? To have that infinite certainty of purpose? Surely, knowledge of such a matter would be a comfort, if only that end be a pleasant one. Within my kind, there are those who abide by a philosophy, collectively known as The Wind. These followers are of a mind that all things are decided — and that what is, what was, and what will be are absolute. They merely ride the river of time to whatever end it sees fit to deposit them at. One would never find a Windblown apprehensive about the future. It has already happened, and will continue to happen for all of creation. However the cards fall dictates the manner in which the game shall be played. Destiny, some say, is absolute. And so the destination is irrelevant. What matters is the journey. A knocking. My eyes fluttered briefly, before opening. Why had they been closed? I uncurled and stretched, yawning, before I realized that I was on the floor. Or in this case, the ceiling. A bed lay before me, and on it the figure of Luna, slowly shaking the sleep out of herself. Her eyes met mine. A huge grin cleaved her face. I blinked. “CASSIUS! THOU DAMNABLE IDIOT!” I suddenly found myself roughly tackled by a dark-feathered bullet, squeezed by an unimaginable pressure. Gargling, I was wrenched from side to side in a very energetic embrace. “'TIS GONE! 'TIS GONE! THE NIGHTMARE IS VANQUISHED! OH, JOY OF JOYS, ‘TIS A HAPPY DAY INDEED!” “...Air! I, nygeh, need... air!” A door opened behind us, and Luna spun about, still wielding me like a giant toy. Chives stood in the doorway, looking at us with a bemused expression. Behind him, a sleepy High Elder poked his head up to see the fuss. My butler coughed politely. “Any reason you happen to be strangling him?” “YONDER BOOB BRAVED THE WRATH OF HARMONY! FOR THE SAKE OF A FRIEND!” “Right. So, I’m obviously missing something here,” said Vega Lyrae. “Does this happen often?” Chives grinned. “The yelling, the violence, or the Lord getting tossed about like a ragdoll?” “CEASE THY SQUIRMING AND TAKE IT LIKE A STALLION!” “...Can’t... breeeeaaaathe...!” Vega Lyrae pondered this for a moment. “All three.” “In truth, this has become sort of a daily occurrence. Can’t say I’m complaining. Never been so entertained in all my life.” He laughed. “Hah! The boy’s turning blue!” Luna crushed me against her with all her considerable strength. “‘TIS SO CLEAR NOW! OH, THANKS BE TO THEE!” Suddenly, I crashed to the floor. She had released me. “But... we would be a terrible friend to reserve our affections to one of the group... CHIVES, COME HITHER!” “Did you hear that?” Chives asked, starting to back away. “Someone’s calling me. From the other side of the city. It’s urgent, I should probably — ack!” Luna scooped him up with her powerful wings and swung him about, before dipping him low to the floor and planting a wet kiss on his surprised face. With a giggle, she let him clatter to the ground like a length of timber. “And thee, Elder!” She rounded on the very surprised looking Vega Lyrae, who had not had the good wisdom to flee. “If thou thinkst that thine newness to our herd merits an immunity...” “Fly, you fool!” I gasped. He was off like a shot, a laughing Luna hot on his trail. My butler and I lay on the floor in similar states of confusion and pain. “Chives,” I finally said. “Why did you get a kiss and I didn’t?” “Because I have a mustache.” “Oh, my... oh, we hope this endeavor does not turn out ill for us.” Luna paced back and forth across the room. Soft, plush carpeting covered the floor and several cushions were haphazardly thrown about. Through the heavy curtain, I could hear the High Elder giving the address. “Keep thinking that and it will,” said Chives, looking up from where he was easily reclining. He could have been relaxing upon the beach were it not for the ceremonial knighthood sash and armament. His hair had been waxed, and a golden half-moon spectacles gleamed on his face. “Relax, m’lady. The people have taken the news very well so far. They turned out in droves, from the lowliest alley-scum to the harbor-master himself. You’ve naught but good will waiting.” “Aye, and ‘tis the thought of poisoning it that drives us to such concern. Our mind has only recently returned to us, and the experiences we’ve come to know again carry harsh lessons. Why, if not for yon trembling mouse, we might stumble across the same pitfalls as we did afore.” Luna continued her pacing, though at a markedly slower pace. A shimmering gown clung tightly to her elegant frame, so dark it seemed as though to be made of liquid shadow. Small slits had been cut for her wings to hang through, which were spread aloft in agitation. She looking stunning and regal, suitable for the occasion. “Speaking of which, it would seem dear Cassius is in more need of a bolstering of will the we.” I, meanwhile, was in the corner, slowly rocking back and forth. “You can do this you can do this you can do this you can do this...” Luna’s hoof almost met her face, then swiftly averted course to avoid smudging her appearance. Instead, it settled into the floor in a thunderclap of frustration, accidentally punching straight through, thanks to her great strength. Chives looked up. “Master doesn't take kindly to large gatherings,” he explained. “...Or any gatherings, really.” “Bah!” proclaimed Luna, extracting her hoof from the room below us. “Bah, we say again! A lord with stage fright?” “A fear of spiders, as well. And spoiled milk. And loud noises. And the good china teapot.” “Chives, we do not talk about that bloody teapot!” I half-roared, half-squeaked. My butler shrugged and went back to his infuriating tranquility. Luna settled by my side, and her horn dimly ignited to adjust the ornate patch that now covered my eye. It was made from the finest of dark leathers, and emblazoned with the same crescent sigil that adorned the flanks of the alicorn. “Cassius, cease thy shaking,” she instructed, almost motherly. With great effort, I forced myself to remain still, though I would still give a nervous fidget from time to time. “But... I look ridiculous.” “Nay, thou wears the ensemble of a Lord, soon to be much more than that.” I had another agitated tremble, before self-consciously smoothing down the deep purple cape and accompanying silver blouse. “I have an upset stomach.” “Thou stopped heaving thy breakfast nigh on twenty minutes ago. Thou art spent, and we know it.” I slumped. “I know... it’s just... I can’t be out there... with everyone watching... all those eyes... like Court at the Celestial City all over again. Judging you on the slightest of errs, magnified a thousandfold. If there is one thing that terrifies me, it is public speaking. A reason why I preferred to not personally address the subjects of Umbara.” “One of many,” Chives drolly called out. Luna chuckled at that, then said, “Surely, thou art less a craven then we’ve been led to believe.” She sighed. “Nay, if anypony here is afraid of what lays beyond that curtain, ‘tis ourself.” “But... Luna, you’re brave.” I protested. “You and Chives, and even the Elder, you’ve faced terrible danger with heads held high and never once faltered. I’m... not brave. I never face my fears, I... hide from them.” Luna smiled at me, in that dazzling way where the white of her teeth shone and her eyes sparkled with humor and wisdom. “Aye, but Cassius, that’s what it means to be brave. To be terrified, and to treat with that fear nevertheless. Thou hast been scared witless since this whole escapade started, and yet, here thou art! An army, a pirate ship... thou faced our wrath too on that occasion, lest we forget... thou even suffered the full brunt of Harmony upon thine shoulders, and released us from our nightmare. If anypony here defines bravery, ‘tis thou. And if thou can do this, then we shall find the courage to do so as well.” Despite myself, a warm blush graced my cheeks. Maybe I could face them. Maybe... I had borne wild silverstorms and officers of the King’s Own Army. I had deceived pirates and started eye-to-eye with a stardrake. Surely, I could do this. ...Right? The head of High Elder Vega Lyrae poked through the curtain. “If you would be so kind as to join my steed and I, we shall commence the ceremony,” he announced. Chives nodded and easily strode through, casting a backwards glance at me, as well as the hint of a smile. Luna was next, giving me a reassuring squeeze, before breathing deeply and following. I hesitated as the alicorn approached the curtain. “Come on, old boy. Hoo...” I held my head high and stomped forward, right behind the disappearing tail of Luna. I shoved through the curtains... ...And emerged before the entire population of Starfall. The Ursa Major, once the largest ship ever to sail the stars, had long ago vanished from the King’s lands and been scuttled here, her massive hulk overturned and the keel removed, creating a gathering place fit for giants. All kinds were represented in the crowd. The Equinocti being most prominent, though there were many mighty lunitaurs and wily shapeshifters present. Marians swam in the few pools which had been tunneled into the craters that littered the ground. Even a few rocs had come to attend, their huge figures hunched over at the back of the gathering. They had come to see the Coronation. Luna stepped forth to the edge of the balcony, unfurling her impressive wingspan as she did so. And immediate cheer rose from below, carried by the throats of thousands. I took my place on her immediate right, and Chives stepped aside to make room for me. “I am proud of you, Master. You have come far,” he said over the noise. “T-thank you, old friend.” To the extreme left, the High Elder’s drake, a mighty beast by the name of Black Wing, let loose a thunderous bellow that rattled the walls of the former ship. The crowd fell into an expectant hush as their leader, Vega Lyrae, cleared his throat. “Starfall!” his old voice carried well over the silence, high and clear. “Today marks a new chapter in history. Today is the day that we rise, rise past these canyon walls and out into the lush lands we once called home. Today marks the day that we gather behind someone who can take us there, and far beyond. That one stands next to me! She has come a long ways to help us reclaim home... Starfall, I give to you your hero, your savior, your future! I give you Lady Luna!” They roared, the mass of beings coalescing into one singular mind, a mind that wanted nothing more than to scream out into the night. “But as you know... the road ahead of us is dangerous, and fraught with peril. But we shall endure, as we always have. We shall follow our Lady through the gates of the Celestial City, and we shall don upon her brow the Nightcrown itself! Though before she can become our Queen, she must first become our Princess, and we her Court!” He turned to the alicorn, who had seemed to swell a bit with every word. “Luna... do you, as our leader and guide, affirm that you are noble and benevolent in your intent?” “WE ARE!” she replied, shaking dust off the walls of the scuttled ship. “And will you serve the people — with the people, for the people and by the people?” “WE WILL!” “And do you swear to protect your subjects, but also let them flourish beyond your sight?” “WE SWEAR!” “Do you promise to be truthful and wise in your authority?” “WE PROMISE!” “Will you fight for us?” “WE FIGHT!” “Will you die for us?” “WE DIE!” “Will you love for us, will you cry and laugh and sing for us?” “WE SHALL DO THIS, AND MORE!” “Then by my standing as Founder and Admiral of Starfall, I decree you to be royal in blood, in name, and in soul. Princess Luna, bow your head and receive your trappings.” Luna folded her wings and dipped forward. The High Elder produced beautiful crown of midnight steel, twined like vines and studded with white berries. He slowly set it around brow. In that moment Luna was now Princess of Starfall, and would soon lay her claim as Queen. The alicorn’s horn alit, and a bolt of light shot forth into the sky, where it hung for a bit, before blossoming into the most beautiful of sparkling shapes. The assembled city announced their approval in the loudest possible way. Luna spread her wings again, and when the crowd fell silent, she said, “Thank thee, the first of my subjects! For our first order of business, we declare this night to be one of festivities! Feast and frolic until the sun rises, for this is a joyous occasion!” At this, the applause only increased. Luna seemed to have a real knack for wearing the crown. “For our next order of business, we present to thee the beginnings of our Court! He who shall sail our ships and command our skies, the one known as High Elder Vega Lyrae, of House Starfall!” She waited for them to die down again, before turning to Chives, who had fallen into a bow. “And for undoubted courage and endurance, we present to thee the first of our knights, your Champion, Sir Chives of the White City. Rise, sir knight,” she said, tapping her horn to each of his wings. He did, a genuine grin splitting his usually stoic features. Another pause, and she continued. “And last, but certainly not least, we present to thee Lord Cassius, of the new House Andromeda, whom we now bequeath the title of Highlord, and shall be our right hoof in all matters, and second to ourselves in authority but equal in terms of friendship.” A powerful rumble of approval split the air. I couldn't believe it. When she’d finished, they cheered. For me. My heart seemed to swell three sizes, and I sported a grin comparable to Chives’. “WE GO TO A NEW DUSK!” Luna bellowed. “AND THE NIGHT SHALL LAST FOREVER!" They swelled once more, beating the ground with hoof and talon, crying out her name. The ascension was complete. Thoom! Thoom! “LU-NA!” Thoom! Thoom! “LU-NA!" Thoom! Thoom! “LU-NA!” And so, I began the path to my destiny. Though I now knew I would not walk it alone. And for that, I was grateful...