//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 - Complications // Story: For Want of Eternal Nightmare // by Flame Bolt //------------------------------// “R-R-Rainbow?” Sputtered Fluttershy, slowly backing away from her. Rainbow continued to advance, she smirked before speaking. “Rainbow? I’m no longer Rainbow Dash, she’s long gone. No, I am Nightmare Spectrum, queen of the skies!” Spectrum’s voice was deeper than Rainbow’s like it was with Luna and Nightmare Moon. “That’s all we need, a Queen Meanie number 2!” Wailed Pinkie. Spectrum began to chuckle as she cornered both Pinkie and Fluttershy who had finally run out of room to move away from her. “And this...” she raised a hoof, preparing to finish the job. “Is where it ends.” Fluttershy and Pinkie both screamed in unison as Spectrum’s hoof came down, stopping inches before them. “What?!” Exclaimed Spectrum, as she stared down at the midnight blue aura surrounding her hoof, before she was suddenly yanked back and crashed into the cell door. “Correction, that is where it ‘would have’ ended.” Scolded Nightmare, using her magic to turn Spectrum around to face her. “What do you think you’re doing?” “Carrying out your orders, Nightmare.” Spectrum smirked, an action which only seemed to make Nightmare angrier. “Could you have not waited for me and asked if the order still stood?” Nightmare questioned with a look of annoyance on her face. When Spectrum didn’t respond Nightmare opened the door and yanked her out of the cell using her magic. It was at this point that Pinkie and Fluttershy both saw Rarity, draped over Nightmare’s back. “Rarity!” Exclaimed Fluttershy. Nightmare chuckled, “So it seems you realised I have your friend,” When Nightmare was met with angry looks from the two she chuckled again. “Not to worry, she’ll be just like Spectrum here soon enough.” Nightmare levitated Rarity into the cell and set her down in front of Fluttershy and Pinkie. Her coat was already darkening as the spell was beginning to take effect. As Nightmare closed the cell door, Spectrum shot Fluttershy and Pinkie a menacing glare. “I’ll be back to finish the job later. “ She growled, before Nightmare hit her in the back of the head. “What was that for?” “OUT, NOW!” she shouted at Spectrum, who defiantly remained where she was. Nightmare sighed. “Spectrum, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. The hard way will mean a lot of pain, so pick wisely.” “Fine.” Huffed Spectrum, before she turned round and left the dungeons. Nightmare growled in frustration, turned around and delivered a strong blow to the wall with her left hoof. The blow was so strong it caused a big crack to appear on the wall. She then turned towards Fluttershy and Pinkie with a much calmer expression. “Forgive me for her attitude; I didn't know she would be this bad.” Sighed Nightmare, before she turned away and left the dungeon. Fluttershy then turned her attention to Rarity. “Rarity? Rarity!” She desperately tried to wake the unconscious unicorn who was falling prey to corruption. Fluttershy then heard hoofsteps and looked up to see Night Shade and Silent Wind watching them. “What do you want?” She asked. Night Shade sighed and proceeded to attempt to unlock the cell but the key wouldn't turn. “That’s odd.” Said Silent Wind, with a confused look on her face. “Wait, let me try something. It’s a long shot but still worth trying.” Replied Night Shade, before pushing the door which, to his surprise, opened. “Are you serious?” Chuckled Silent wind, “She forgot to lock it.” “Well she did have her hooves full with her snotty new addition.” He pointed out. Silent Wind rolled her eyes before walking over to Rarity, “Night Shade, can you place her on my back.” “Sure.” He then lifted Rarity onto Silent Wind’s back before turning to Fluttershy and Pinkie, who had backed away into the corner. “Come on, don’t just stand there.” “Where are we going?” Asked a nervous Fluttershy. “Well for starters, we’re leaving and going to Ponyville.” Replied Silent Wind Upon hearing the word ‘Ponyville’ both Fluttershy and Pinkie’s ears perked up, they looked at each other before Fluttershy gave Silent Wind a nod and they followed them out of the dungeons. Silent Wind stopped them with her hoof, “Be very careful and stick close to us.” She whispered. Fluttershy nodded and proceeded to follow them as they made their way through the castle. When they made it to the main hall, two very loud, muffled voices could be heard. It seemed that Nightmare and Spectrum were having a heated argument. The fact that they were distracted caused a wave of relief to wash over the group. The good fortune was short lived however as Aegis rounded the corner and came face to face with Night Shade and Silent Wind who had been caught in the act. “You traitors.” He growled before charging towards Silent Wind. “Silent Wind, MOVE!” Shouted Night Shade as he galloped forward and pushed Silent Wind out of the way just in time, only to take the full force impact as Aegis charged Night Shade into the wall, creating a cloud of dust upon impact. When the dust cleared Aegis smirked as he backed away, revealing a barely conscious Night Shade who fell forward and landed on the floor in a heap in front of Aegis’s hooves. Upon seeing this Silent Wind carefully set Rarity down, whose coat had darkened to a light grey by now and time was of the essence. “That was a big mistake Aegis.” Spat Silent Wind as she grabbed her lance and attempted to impale Aegis with it who, in response, grabbed the shaft and yanked the lance clean out of Silent Wind’s hooves before pinning her by the neck against the wall with it and applied more pressure. Aegis licked his lips at Silent Wind’s expression of utter terror. It didn’t help that she couldn’t breathe as she began to feel numb as her forelegs lost their energy to fight back. Night Shade weakly lifted his head and stared in shock as Silent Wind was slowly succumbing to suffocation. He seethed in anger, grabbing a dart from his quiver as he shakily got back up and crept up behind Aegis, who seemed to be rather enjoying Silent Wind’s struggle. When he was within striking distance he tapped Aegis on the shoulder with a smirk on his face. Aegis slowly turned his head in confusion until he was met with Night Shade’s eyes, the hate clearly visible in his expression. “I’m sorry Aegis.” He said before stabbing the dart into the side of his neck. Aegis’s eyes rolled back as he collapsed on the floor, unconscious, with Silent Wind’s lance next to him. Silent Wind collapsed on the floor gasping for air. “You took your sweet time.” She wheezed, before grabbing her lance. Night shade chuckled before helping Silent Wind up. “Well,” he looked at the spot on the wall where he had hit it, “It hurt a lot more than it looked like.” Night Shade placed Rarity over Silent Wind’s back once more before turning to face the others. “Are you ready to go?” They both nodded in response to his question. “Good, there shouldn’t be anypony else around,” Night Shade gestured to the unconscious form of Aegis, “He was the only one meant to be patrolling this area. It was just unfortunate that we ran into him.” He said before rounding the corner and braking into full gallop, throwing all caution to the wind, whilst the others ran after him. When the group made it out of the main entrance and into the courtyard, they breathed a sigh of relief before proceeding across the courtyard. However, they only made it half way before they noticed the corporeal form of Astral Moon who immediately transformed into her physical form and sighed. “I knew this would happen sooner or later.” “Astral we’re leaving, period. Please don’t make this difficult by attempting to stop us.” Said Night Shade. Astral Moon smirked. “I wasn’t going to stop you from leaving, but I will do if you don’t let me come with you.” “Feel free Astral, we could use the extra help.” Replied Silent Wind. The group then proceeded on until they disappeared into the depths of the Everfree forest. In Twilight’s library By now, Twilight had calmed down enough to be talked to and was sat in the centre of the library with Applejack, who decided now would be a good time to give her Eclipse’s letter. “Twilight,” Began Applejack as she took off her hat, revealing the letter underneath. “Eclipse wanted you to have this.” She said as she handed over the letter. Using her magic Twilight took hold of the letter and opened it. As the letter opened a stream of magic shot out and hit Twilight. Her body glowed for a few seconds as the stream kept going until it stopped. A few seconds later Twilight’s body stopped glowing, she gave the letter a confused look as Applejack shrugged. Eventually, Twilight read the letter. Dear Twilight, If you are reading this then it means I have passed on. I wanted to leave you with a gift, a spell that I made as well as the knowledge to cast it. It will change your form and make your magic stronger; to change back requires the spell to be cast once more. However, do not use the form for extended periods of time, the power gained is intoxicating but it also slowly corrupts its user. If you use the form for too long and succumb to its effects, well let’s just say you’ll become another Nightmare Moon so be careful. Thank you, Twilight, for everything. Signed, Lunar Eclipse. After reading the letter Twilight set it down and lit her horn, focusing on casting the new spell she had learned. After a few seconds she began to feel its effects. A cold sensation washed over her she felt herself grow taller and felt her coat and mane change colour. As she opened her eyes, Twilight felt two wings protrude from her back. Looking over her shoulder she was met with a black coat. Realising she needed a mirror to see the full extent of the changes, she was about to make her way upstairs when she noticed Applejack’s shocked expression. “What’s the matter?” she asked. Applejack just sat there, mouth agape. Eventually Twilight rolled her eyes and made her way up to her room, closing the door behind her. She took a step forward then heard the sound of metal on wood, looking down; Twilight saw that she had steel shoes on her hooves. An eerily familiar feeling began to work its way through Twilight as she quickened her pace to the mirror. When she got there she gasped at her reflection. There looking back at her was none other than Lunar Eclipse. Casting the spell again, Twilight felt herself turn back to normal, although it still didn’t stop her looking in the mirror to make sure she was herself again. Sure enough, Twilight’s reflection stared back at her and she let out a sigh of relief. “At least it works.” She shrugged. Suddenly, she heard a crashing sound, before the door flung open and Spike ran in. “Uh, Twilight.” “Spike, what’s happening?” “There are two cloaked ponies downstairs, having a fight with Applejack. Also Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy came with them.” “WHAT?!” She exclaimed galloping past him and down the stairs as fast as she could. Surely enough, Applejack was fighting with Night Shade and Silent Wind. Well, it wasn’t so much of a fight; it was more of Applejack lying on the floor defeated. “What are you two doing here?” Twilight snarled at them both. “Returning your friends and also switching sides.” Replied Silent Wind. Astral Moon suddenly teleported into the centre of the room with Rarity on her back, “Guys, I know you asked me to take care of her. But this is bad” She gestured to Rarity who’s transformation had almost finished. “Rarity!” cried Fluttershy, rushing over to see if she was alright. “Spike, send a letter to the Princess telling her she needs to get here as soon as possible!” Said Twilight. “On it.” Replied Spike, wasting no time getting the letter written.