~
~
The night had drawn on and very few of the “guests” were still upright. Tired out from singing, dancing, drinking, “boogaloo” hunting and general socialising amongst such a great cross-section of ponykind.
The apparition that was Nightmare Moon was one of the few with the stamina to keep going. She had kept a respectful distance from the Element bearers, although they had been less antagonistic with their looks since her song, she still did not feel entirely comfortable with them or the princesses. She sipped a pitch black drink and warily regarded the crowd of ponies within Discord’s extra-dimensional business.
Bored that things were not progressing she stood and walked to the stage once more. She idly browsed the selection and found something to sing.
~~
Time
Only time
Could never take me away from you
And why
Should it try
Time never cares just what we do
It just sits on a star
And gazes down
Dropping its moments all around
And if I could wish upon that star
I would find what you dream
And then ask god to grant it
I wanted
To say this
Long before this dark would fall
At night I
Would pray this
Then wonder if god heard at all
For the chances I've had are now long gone
And that star is no longer wished upon
For on this night it seems too far away
Try
I have tried
To pretend that I don't care
But then
Sleep arrives
And in every dream I find you there
But I don't want the past to be my life
And I don't want to live inside the night
But I don't want to see your shadow fade
So I sleep and I dream
Though I don't understand it
I wanted
To say this
Long before this dark would fall
At night I
Would pray this
Then wonder if god heard at all
For the chances I've had are now long gone
And that star is no longer wished upon
For on this night it seems too far away
You can live your life in a thousand ways
But it all comes down to that single day
When you realize what you regret
What you can't reclaim but you can't forget
If I could just fall back into my life
And find you there inside this night
And let eternity just drift away
~~
There was polite clapping from the few alert members of the audience and with a modest bow the alicorn of nightmares returned to her table, collecting a beverage from the bar as she passed.
As she focused on the peculiar nature of the drink she took, apparently it being exactly what she desired, so the bartender had said, she did not notice the approach of Princess Luna and the Element of Magic. A nervous cough caught her attention.
“Yes?” It was a voice she had been practicing, like a warm breeze on a summer’s night, something to negate the reputation she had oh so rightfully gathered and change the automatic assumptions when her appearance was taken into account.
“Um, we were wondering... That is to say, Twilight and I... We were unsure as to how you are here... Or um...” Luna began, looking a spirit in the eye that had haunted her imagination for so long.
“What Luna is meaning to say is... Well, what happened when we pushed you from Luna? What exactly are you?” Twilight Sparkle, that was the Element of Magic Nightmare Moon recalled, asked. The mare sighed.
“I am, or more precisely was a spirit of... assistance.” She paused and waved a hoof, trying to grasp the best method of explanation. “You must recall that until the lands were tamed by harmony within ponykind there were many different creatures of a non-physical nature.” Nightmare Moon regarded the scholars; so far they seemed to be following her. “Like Windingos or our host here. Some immediately took on physical aspects once harmony squeezed away their niches. I believe Parasprites and Changelings were others. The rest of us, well we were not so chaotic as to lose our place.” She smiled softly in recollection, “we continued to float immaterial amongst the pony clans.” By this point Luna and Twilight had sat close to her, closer than any of the others had dared.
“So you didn’t have any sort of form at all?” Twilight asked.
“Oh no,” she replied, sipping the dregs of her peculiar drink. “I merely floated amongst the firmaments; six of my ilk had already given of themselves to save a world they had become so attached to... You are quite familiar with them I believe. After all you are kindred souls.” She nodded to Twilight.
The unicorn looked puzzled a moment until it dawned on her, “The Elements of Harmony.” Twilight breathed in amazement.
“Yes my dear, six spirits that were harmony in its purest form sacrificed their joyous existence to save all kinds from the rule of chaos.” She smiled, a hint of sadness behind it. “A noble thing to do yes?”
“When we forged the Elements, we had no idea...” Luna tentatively reached toward her former cohort but shied away when Nightmare Moon caught the action.
“Yes, well... I accepted it when it happened. I also accepted there was no place for one such as me in that sexviri. Yes I know it sounds awful but it is ancient Equestrian for group of six. I know you sniggered Ms Sparkle.” Nightmare Moon shot the purple academic a reproving glance. “I continued on my own for quite some time, remaining within the lands of those my kin saw to save. As centuries passed I noticed your... decline.” She looked mournfully at the midnight blue alicorn. “I sought to aid you as my kin aided before ... I did not know the depths to which your sadness had taken you...” She took a shaky breath. “Is it alright for me to continue Luna?” She looked the princess in the eye.
“I... I think it would be for the best, you need to say it. I need to hear it, as does Twilight Sparkle.” Luna bowed her head. The black alicorn took a deep cleansing breath and exhaled.
“I was the spirit of Fortitude. You know of course what this is Twilight?”
“According to the Mareiam Waler it means strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage.” The librarian recited.
“Indeed, courage, bravery; Fortitude. Scholars of a more romantic bent called me Evera.” She smiled wistfully, “Some of those old unicorns might have been dusty and crusty but oh did they recognize and appreciate the myriad forces that govern all kinds.” She coughed and blushed a little. “I hoped to help the younger princess who thought herself maligned, to give her the confidence and power to step up to her position and embrace it. To find herself her own definition... But it wasn’t to be.” The black alicorn sighed. “Her sadness and jealousy, when met with my power gave birth to Nightmare Moon, Queen of the Eternal Night.”
Twilight gasped a little, “So that means... she... you? It was you both? Not just some malevolent spirit possessing and controlling you...” She ended in an embarrassed squeak as the full implications settled in her mind.
“Yes Twilight Sparkle. A spirit came to help me and instead we unleashed a monster.” Luna sighed. “Evera, forgive me... I wronged you as much as I wronged Equestria and still I muddy your name by living the convenient lie my sister concluded on, wishful thinking on her part and omission on mine.” This time she nuzzled the alicorn in front of her. Twilight hustled closer to join in the embrace.
“I’m so so sorry for what we did... Banishing you with your own sister’s power!” Twilight whispered to the pony she had previously thought a monster. “But... what would happen if everyone knew?”
“I would truly face more hurt and pain.” Luna nearly croaked.
“No you will not. No one will find out, I promise this.” Nightmare Moon, Evera, said. “I can keep this blame and this secret.” She rose. “Now I think I need to sing something else, emotions need to be brought free and song is a good purge...” She stepped up to the stage and with her magic made some alterations to the song selection and lighting. This time she plunged the room into darkness.
~~
Lost in your dark
I see you there
What do you see beyond your stare
And you believe that no one else can know
What is this thing you keep inside
Out of the light and wrapped in pride
Always afraid that one day it will show
I'll keep your secrets
I'll hold your ground
And when the darkness starts to fall
I'll be around there waiting
When dreams are fading
And friends are distant and few
Know at that moment I'll be there with you
What are these voices that you hear
Are they too far or far too near
What are these things that echo from the past
Who are these ghosts you see at night
There in the shadows of your life
They only live by the light you cast
I'll keep your secrets
I'll hold your ground
And when the darkness starts to fall
I'll be around there waiting
When dreams are fading
And friends are distant and few
Know at that moment I'll be there with you
I'll be around
When there's no reason left to carry on
And every dream you've ever had is gone
And the dark is deep and black without a sound
And every star has been dragged to the ground
Know at that moment I will be around
Know at that moment I will be around
~~
Luna wiped tears from her eyes, as the song had gone on lights like shining stars had filled the room and as the song had ended the regular subdued lights had returned, she did not wish for anyone to notice her crying. The pitch black alicorn left her stage and returned to her seat. “I never told you where I went after the elements split us apart. Did I?” She settled carefully into a comfortable position.
“No, you didn’t get to that.” Twilight said quietly, blinking back her own tears.
“It was as I said when all this started, there was just...nothing. It wasn’t like before I had a physical form, I was far away from the land of Equestria, further than even the moon.” She looked distant a moment. “On the moon we had each other...” she barely mumbled.
“A small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless.” Luna agreed, shuffling closer to the alicorn she once called enemy.
“It was so alone, there was nothing at all but blank blackness...” She stopped.
“Evera, I’m so sorry... I never even considered what would happen to you when we used the elements.” Twilight nuzzled the larger pony and sat closer against her. Luna moved to the other side of her near double.
“I meant you no wrong but I wish to make this right.” The princess of the moon said. “I think I have an idea.”
While two ponies schemed one sat mixing drinks and slurping down the results. “Hey, there’s been a bit of a gap in the songs now right? Well, we had a bunch of talking.” Pinkie Pie bounced up. “Come on someone! Duet time! Duet!!” She jumped around her group of friends looking for someone to pair up with. There was a dramatic sigh in reply.
“Pinkamena Diane Pie, if I get to select our song I shall duet with you. Does that sound alright darling?” Rarity said, leaving her drink beside Applejack.
“Of course it does Rarity! Let’s hit the boards and belt one out!” Pinkie jumped and reappeared onstage. With a theatrical flick of her mane the fancy unicorn trotted over to the console and input her selection. Jazzy lights and glittering sparks filled the stage.
~~
[Pinkie:]
Forget your troubles
[Rarity:]
Happy days
Come on get happy
Are here again
You better chase all your cares away
The skies above are clear again
Shout Hallelujah
So let's sing a song
Come on get happy
Of cheer again
Get ready for the Judgment Day
Happy days are here again
The sun is shining
All together
Come on get happy
Shout it now
The Lord is waiting to take your hand
There's no one who can doubt it now
Shout Hallelujah
So let's tell the world
And just get happy
About it now
We're going to the Promised Land
Happy days are here again
We're heading cross a river
Soon your cares will all be gone
There'll be no more from now on
From now on!
Forget your troubles
Happy days
And just get happy
Are here again
You better chase all your blues away
The skies above are clear again
Shout Hallelujah
So let's sing a song
And just get happy
Of cheer again
Happy times
Happy times
Happy nights
Happy nights
Happy days are here again...
~~
There was limited clapping, only a few ponies remained awake. Fluttershy and Rainbow had succumbed to the low lighting and good company. Cadence and Shining were also dozing peacefully in each other’s embrace.
Even Princess Celestia was flagging, sat under neatly folded wings, her head dipping every now and then with a fight against sleep.
Rarity and Pinkie were the most lively of the gathered group. “Oh, it must be getting quite late.” The unicorn mused, settling herself besides her marefriend once more. Applejack gave a sleepy nod and gratefully rested her head on the soft white back.
“Pinkie Sense says it’s more morning than night.” The pink pony said with an authoritative air and promptly collapsed into loud snores. Rarity sighed at the display and settled her chin onto her forelegs. Genteel snores escaping her muzzle in-time with the noises of sleep from Applejack.
In the far corner a pair of alicorns and a unicorn took a look around. “Now’s our chance.” Twilight whispered, noticing all their sleeping fellows. With a nod she led towards the Draconequus’ throne.
The mismatched creature gave them a bored look.
“Still awake Twilight dear? My, you are a stubborn one.” He yawned himself and snapped a sleeping cap out of thin air.
“We have a request.” She said, looking Discord in the eye.
“Oh really? Make it quick, I have some Zs to catch.” He regarded the slightly odd group of ponies.
“Discord, we think it would be a great... prank... to play on ‘Tia if you were to, uh, send Nightmare Moon back with us.” Luna winked. It had been Twilight’s idea to frame the request as a joke.
“Sounds like fun.” The Draconequus agreed. “Minimal effort on my part but maximum enjoyment at the expense of sunflanks...” He grinned. “Sure thing fillies. Now skedaddle, I want some sleep.” He waved them off.
“I think he knows the true reason.” Evera said quietly as they left his presence.
“No matter, if he will truly send you back there is no problem.” Luna extended a wing over her counterpart.
“Knowing Discord, he probably has an idea of what the plan is.” Twilight agreed, “But he does keep his word, however much he twists it around.” She smiled at the black alicorn, “Then we’ll have you back in Equestria.” They reached an empty couch and sat down together, a huge yawn escaped the scholar.
“Back to Equestria...” The mare whispered, smiling at her new friends as they settled into their own rest.
As the last patrons fell asleep in their little groups the tiny imps went about their work. Clearing the used glasses, empty cans and bottles, emptied bowls of snacks and sweeping up dropped crumbs.
From his lazy-boy Discord smirked at their antics. He’d have to keep this place open, attract some more customers, there were plenty of folk who could skip dimensions and trip the light fantastic who would want to visit.
“Well done boys, that was a well run night!” He raised a glass and drank it, zapping the liquid away once the glass was gone.
Outside the lights powered off and the dancing neon Draconequus ceased his jive. The blackness was dark once again.