Best Night Ever
Three days after Pinkie Pie’s party, it was the night. The Grand Galloping Gala would be held. However the morning before the dawn of that day, Princess Luna was at the end of her rope with a Warrior of Chaos who kept sneaking into her dreams. She just finished lowering the moon like she always has so her sister could raise the sun for the daytime, she departed for her bed to rest, but when she closed her eyes to sleep she was met with the unfriendly face of Kefka in her dreams. They were at the old castle where Twilight and her friends recovered the Elements of Harmony.
"Hello pretty princess!" Kefka said.
"Thy witch failed in conquering our world!" Luna mocked.
"Oh well, you can’t make an omelet without cracking a few eggs." Kefka said. "You think I care about what she’s up to? Not at all! My interest is in you is to simply have you come back home."
Luna was disturbed. "Why?"
Kefka grumbled and looked away. "You see with you, and a girl that I once controlled, I lost them both!" He shot Luna with a cold blooded stare, which made Luna flinch and back away from the harlequin. Kefka’s face changed back to his sadistic smile. "But not this time, you’ll come back with me and Chaos will welcome you back!"
"No!" Luna shouted. "How is it that thou art continually sneaking around in my sleep!?"
"Maybe because I’m right next to you! Or maybe I’m miles away? Possibly under your bed? Or at Chaos’s throne? I’M NOT TELLING! Except thanks to our spy I’m able to seek you out no matter where you go!"
"I’m not coming with thou! I will get Cosmos and my sister to get thee to leave me alone!" Kefka froze and stared at Luna blankly.
"Right." He said, he nodded then raised his arms as magick started to charge up in his hands. Luna gasped and backed away even faster. "Care to reconsider? You know, I’m really not in the mood to let another toy get away from me."
"Leave me Alone!" Luna screamed. "I want nothing to do with thee anymore! I caused enough grief for the citizens of Equestria!"
"Oh, but why would you want to turn your back on what I offered you?" Kefka asked. "Haven’t you noticed? The night is still not loved, they still shun it!"
"I was just confused, I was feeling inadequate! I’m not like thee! Go away!" Luna turned around and began walking away from Kefka.
"Oh well, you know what they say. The best way to control a horse, is to SHOW IT WHO’S BOSS!" Kefka created a flame in his palm and he threw it at Luna and once it touched her body it went out. Luna did feel it though, she shrieked and turned around.
"What did you do?" Luna asked in a frightened tone. Kefka smirked and snapped his fingers.
"Run, run, or you’ll be well done!" Kefka mocked. Then Luna’s body got consumed by flames.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" She screamed.
"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kefka laughed.
Luna jumped with a start out of her dream and she had a cold sweat completely covering her body. She breathed a sigh of relief for the fact that she wasn’t really on fire. She got out of the bed and searched the room for any signs of Kefka. She checked in her wardrobe, nothing, under her bed. He wasn’t there. She opened her window and looked around but couldn’t find him. She had to move quickly if Kefka was close by she needed to do something about this before the Gala. She couldn’t let a murdering psychopath run loose at the Gala.
"I must seek my sister! Then maybe I may find a solution!" Luna said.
Later, Warrior, Twilight, Pinkie Pie and Spike was at Rarity’s Boutique waiting for the others to arrive so they could all get ready. Warrior was nervous, not about the party, but about trying on the suit of armor Rarity made for him. He liked how it looked, but he was worried about how it would feel once it was actually on him. Pinkie Pie was unable to contain her excitement so she just bounced on a trampoline.
She spoke every time she was up high "I... can't... believe... the Grand... Galloping... Gala... is... tonight!" Twilight was reading one of her books and she just rolled her eyes at her.
"Pinkie! Please stop shouting, I'm trying to concentrate." Twilight said firmly.
"It’s a big important event but it’s quite a ways away." Warrior pointed out.
Rarity stepped out of the Boutique to check on her friends as for she was getting the dresses and essential make ups ready for everyone to put on. She gasped as she noticed Pinkie Pie bouncing on a trampoline. "Pinkie Pie! Stop that right now. It's time to prepare for the Gala, and I refuse to let you put on your new dress when you're all sweaty." Pinkie Pie scowled at Rarity and climbed off the Trampoline. She kept focus on how Twilight was focused on her book.
She moved towards Spike and whispered. "What's Twilight doing?"
"She's got an awesome magic spell she's been working on for the Gala." Spike whispered back.
"Where are the others? It's getting late." Rarity said bitterly for their tardiness. Just when she said that the others showed up. They heard what she said.
"Hold your horses, girl. We're here." Applejack said.
"Perfect! I’m ready." Twilight said as she laid her book down.
"For what?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"All right, Spike." Twilight called as Spike approached with an apple in hand. Warrior had the others take a few steps away to give it large space. The others stared at it with curiosity.
"An apple!" Pinkie Pie squealed. "Are we having pie?"
Spike shushed them. "Shhh! Watch!" Twilight focused her unicorn powers and she had a bright glow on her horn and she made it glow and the apple flashed in a bright light and it grew into a giant apple made into a stage coach with a window and golden wheels and a door with a heart shaped window into it. The stem of the apple had a golden rod flag with a apple stitched onto it. The left side of the apple had a slit that was sticking out for a driver to sit on with a window behind it so the driver can see the passengers. The ponies all stared at it in awe and continued to ‘ooo’ and ‘aaaah’ it.
"Thanks." Twilight said. "But that's just the start." She turned towards Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, did you bring your friends?"
"Yes." Fluttershy said. Four white mice appeared out of her mane. Warrior had an uneasy feeling about this. Fluttershy lowered her head and the mice crawled out of her mane and scurried over to Twilight and stood in an orderly fashion. "Yes. Will they be safe, Twilight?"
"You have my word." Twilight assured. She used her unicorn powers again, this time on the mice. Then the four mice grew into four large horses with hooves instead of claws and they had pink mouse noses with whiskers and purple plumes, with maroon colored dressings around their bodies. Just like mice though they had two bucked front teeth, with large eyes. They looked hideous. "Ta Daaa!" The team all looked disgusted at their appearance. The mouse-horses squeaked as Twilight stood tall feeling proud of herself. "Neat huh? And don't worry. They'll be mice again at midnight." Opal was on the prowl in the bushes nearby, she noticed the mouse-horses and crouched in to pounce. Since she was a cat it was only in her nature to chase mice. She leaped through the air with her claws out and meowing loudly, ready to tear the mouse-horses apart.
Fluttershy saw her pouncing and shrieked. "Opalescence, no!" Opal landed on one of the flanks of the mouse-horses and dug her claws into it. The mouse-horses neighed and galloped away.
"Wait! Come back!" Twilight called. But they were gone. "Those horses were supposed to pull our carriage. How will we get to the Gala?"
"Maybe Warrior can pull it." Rainbow Dash suggested.
"No, he’s attending to remember?" Applejack said. Warrior rolled his eyes, him alone pulling a carriage full of ponies is something he can’t and won’t do.
"Oh what ever shall we do?" Rarity said in a dramatic tone. She looked around and noticed two young strong stallions nearby, she had an idea of her own and turned on her charms and walked over to them. She gave them a charming look. "Uh... ahem. Excuse me. Uh, would you boys mind pulling our carriage to the Gala?" The stallions sweated nervously for being in the presence of the most beautiful pony in Ponyville.
"Yes!" The stallions said in unison then they got fastened into their harnesses and Rarity presented what she did to the others.
"Oh. Yeah, right." Twilight giggled. The team walked into the boutique and the ponies walked into the spa room to get their hair done and get their make up on. Warrior stood outside and stared at the suit he would have to put on. Spike waited outside with Warrior.
"How you feeling?" Spike asked Warrior.
"Tonight is a big tradition in this world. I’m glad to be part of this." Warrior said.
"You’re lucky to get to put on such a pretty suit of armor." Spike said. Warrior sighed, for he understood that Spike was only saying that because Rarity designed it. Then all of a sudden Rarity poked her head out of the spa room.
"Warrior!" She called. Warrior looked towards her. "Can you come in here please?" Warrior walked in, Fluttershy, and Twilight were getting their hair done, their manes were inside hair dryers and Pinkie Pie was getting her makeup on and Applejack and Rainbow Dash were bathing. Warrior fallowed Rarity and she guided him towards a chair. "If you would please go bathe and return to this chair please?"
Warrior moved to a more private area of the room and found his own bath. He removed his clothing and moved into the warm water that was filling the tub. Despite the fact that the bath was for ponies, it was the perfect size for him to relax in. He grabbed a nearby bottle of soap and mixed it into the water Warrior moved over to the faucet and turned off the flow of the water. Warrior moved to the other side of the tub and grabbed a brush. He moved it through the water to make it collect the soapy water. He took it out of the tub and scrubbed his body and repeated the process several times.
Once Warrior finished scrubbing himself he moved over to the soap and found shampoo and placed some in his hand, he ran it throughout his hair and then dove under the water and held his breath to wash the shampoo out. Within a few moments Warrior finished bathing and he stepped out of the tub and found a plush white towel and dried himself off. After that he felt nice and clean, then he put his armor back on and walked back to Rarity. The others rotated positions as to who was bathing, drying their manes, and putting on makeup.
Rarity continued to instruct Warrior. "If you would please remove your armor and sit in this chair please." Warrior was very reluctant to do so but he removed his helmet and placed it on the floor along with his sword and shield. Next Warrior removed his gauntlets and then took off his chest plate and placed it in a neat fashion next to his helmet and gear. Once He turned to the white unicorn after he placed his chest plate on the floor. He left his leggings on.
"Remove the leg gear to." Rarity said. Warrior sighed as he removed his leggings and stepped out of his armored boots. He wore brown trousers underneath his leg armor. Rarity was disgusted at Warrior’s robe. It was soiled with many tears and stains of his own blood from wounds he’s suffered from previous battles. "I simply must get you something new for you to wear underneath that armor."
Warrior decided to remind her of the harsh reality of him being a soldier. "You may if you like but remember, if it’s beautiful then it will be destroyed in battle." Rarity gulped in the thought of something she made being completely ripped to shreds. Then Warrior sat in the chair he was extremely nervous for what was about to happen.
"What are you going to do?" He asked.
"We need to get you ready for the Gala of course!" Rarity said smiling. She could tell Warrior was feeling uneasy and she needed to calm him down. So she wouldn’t stop smiling. "First of all let’s add some color to your complexion. You’re face is as pale as milk!" Warrior turned his head and looked into a nearby mirror and he could agree that his appearance made him look like he was sick. Rarity used her hoof and adjusted his head to be looking directly into her face. She used her unicorn powers and took out a plush pad and dabbed it in light peach colored powder and dabbed it slowly all over his face. She used her powers to manipulate a comb and she began styling his hair.
"There you go! Don’t we look dashing?" Rarity giggled as she turned Warrior towards the mirror. Warrior had to admit he looked much better. His complexion showed a more even tan. Warrior’s hair was completely straightened out on both sides. Rarity turned towards the door and opened it, she then used her unicorn powers and moved the mannequin which held Warrior’s new suit of armor into the room. "Time to put it on!" Rarity moved the armor off the mannequin and moved it towards Warrior. He stared at it and grabbed it piece by piece.
"Don’t worry, your armor will still be here when you get back." Rarity assured. Warrior moved towards the back and grabbed his robe, he was out of sight to put on his new outfit.
Spike was getting bored sitting outside by himself so he was hoping to get inside. "Come on, you guys. Let me in!" He rapidly wrapped his fist against the door.
"Sure thing Spike!" Rainbow Dash said as she approached the door with a towel wrapped around her head. Rarity dashed over to the door and stopped Rainbow Dash from opening it.
"Heavens no! We're getting dressed." Rarity cried.
"Dressed? Uh, beg pardon, Rarity, but, uh... we don't normally wear clothes." Applejack pointed out. "Besides you had no trouble letting Warrior in here!" Rarity just pouted, after all how could she let Warrior in and not Spike?
She groaned as Rarity opened the door. "I'm sorry, Spike. Some of us do have standards.
"I still can't believe we're gonna be at Canterlot tonight." Spike cheered. "Our home town, Twilight! And the best part is that we all get to hang out together all night long!"
The ponies all looked unsure about everyone hanging out. "Uh... I-I don't know, Spike." Rainbow Dash said. As she walked over to a chair and laid in it.
"We’ll just have to see." Rarity said as she used her unicorn powers to put on some fake eyelashes.
Applejack was brushing one of Fluttershy’s hooves, when to Fluttershy’s surprise Applejack gave it a spit shine. Fluttershy was disgusted at being spat on. "We're gonna be a mite busy."
"Busy having fun!" Pinkie Pie said as her mane came out of a dryer and was flat like when she was mad at her friends. But all of a sudden, her mane regained its puffy figure.
"Oh…Ok." Spike moped as he sat on a nearby chair. The ponies heard the ‘clank’ sound of Warrior’s armored footsteps.
"OH! Warrior’s coming! I can’t wait to see what he looks like!" Pinkie Pie cheered. Warrior slowly came around the corner, and the ponies and Spike leaned inward with excitement. He appeared with a strong look as he eyed all the ponies and the baby dragon that was eyeing his new appearance.
"How do I look?" Warrior asked. Everyone paused, Warrior didn’t look much different than before, only in different colored armor. But some of them had something to add.
"Red really suits you!" Rainbow Dash said.
Fluttershy wanted to add something but didn’t know what. So she just said something. "You look…uh…handsome?" She blushed when she said that. Warrior sighed. He knew she only said that to give Warrior an answer.
"Yeah handsome!" Applejack said trying to back up the pegasus.
"I must admit, I feel great wearing this." Warrior said. "I think I may wear this more often. Thank you Rarity."
"Oh I’m just happy you like it." Rarity smiled.
Twilight turned her attention to Spike while she dusted her makeup. "Don't worry, Spike. We'll all get to spend some time together."
"Great!" Spike cheered.
Later at Canterlot Castle Princess Luna trotted over to Celestia as she had servants helping her get ready for the Gala.
"My dear Luna." Celestia smiled. "How are you? Are ready for tonight?"
"Beloved sister." Luna said. "I’m afraid I have some disturbing news to report." Celestia sighed in sadness, it only seemed like yesterday when she was just saved by Ultimecia.
"What is it?" Celestia asked.
"I’m afraid it’s getting worse with Kefka. Now he’s killing me in my dreams! I fear that if he hurts me now, then I may never wake back up. In fact, in my last dream, he made me see him!"
"Who?" Celestia asked.
"The God of Discord!" Luna said. "He held me in his claws and roared at me, then he……swallowed me whole."
Celestia gave her a serious stare. "No, I won’t let that happen. The Warrior of Light will be here tonight. He can stop that evil clown."
Meanwhile at World B the Warrior’s of Cosmos entered the Gateway that would take them to the entrance to the rift. Now the only thing left to do is to find it. Before they moved to look, they took time to rest.
"Hey guys!" Vaan called, the other Warriors of Cosmos gave him their attention. "I’m…glad that I’m with all of you now."
Lightning smiled. "I agree…but we don’t have time for talk. We head out once we’re all ready."
"All right everyone! Everything looking good?" Laguna asked as he munched on another one of Applejack’s apples.
"I’m prepared." Yuna said. "Let’s go to the rift!" Tifa nodded and the heroes moved deeper into the gateway.
Back in Ponyville night had fallen and the Grand Galloping Gala was about to start. Spike wore a nice black tuxedo as he drove the carriage to the castle, which was being pulled by the two stallions from before. The stallions wore a white suit collar around their necks with black bow ties. The others were inside the carriage talking amongst themselves while Warrior remained silent.
"I planned out my insider's tour of Canterlot." Spike said. "I've gotta show Rarity the crown jewels, and Applejack the Princess's golden apple tree. And Pinkie, we gotta go to my favorite donut shop." The chatter continued and Spike wanted to get to the party as quickly as possible. "Heya!" Spike whipped the reigns and smacked the stallions.
"Excuse me!?" One snarled while giving Spike a death stare.
Spike began to sweat. "Um…I…"
"If you weren't friends with our neighbor Rarity... Hmph." Growled the other stallion. They continued to pull the wagon towards the Castle. Once they arrived Spike leaped off of the carriage and opened the door and the group stepped out. Spike bowed as they all exited. Spike looked at the six mares and blushed at how beautiful they looked. Warrior had a hard time getting out since the entrance was quite small for him. In fact getting inside to carriage was quite the challenge for him.
"Whoa! You all look... amazing!" He cooed. They were all dressed the way they were when they had the better fashion show to fix Rarity’s reputation. Then he noticed Warrior. "You look good to! You’re skin looks fairer and….Your armor is red!" Spike didn’t have much to say to Warrior since he basically looked the same as always. The ponies all stared at the Castle in awe at how it was decorated with large streamers and bright lights all over the trees, almost as if they had stars in them. All the stallion guards had suits on. As far as the eye could see there were other ponies showing high class and sophistication.
"I can't believe we're finally here." Twilight said, she and the others all felt excited to finally be at Canterlot’s biggest celebration. "With all that we've imagined, the reality of this night is sure to make this... The Best Night Ever!" Fireworks all exploded in beautiful formations across the sky. Warrior heard a large orchestra playing as if from no ware and noticed all the ponies gathering in a specific formation. Warrior knew a song was going to break out and this was going to be a BIG one. Since Warrior had nothing to sing about, he decided to move forward ahead of the others while they sang.
Warrior looked back at the giant mob of ponies singing. He was surprised at how they all seemed to know the words. Did they all rehearse without Warrior or Cosmos noticing?
They all walked past the bridge into the castle once their song ended. The mares caught up with Warrior at the bridge and they all struck a pose. Warrior had no idea what they were doing, just who were they posing to? Spike dashed over to them with an excited look.
"Yeah! This is gonna be the best night ever." Spike said. "You know why? Cause we're all gonna spend time at the Gala to..." The mares all dashed away with lightning speed to go and do the business they went to the Gala for. gether. Spike noticed that he was all by himself with Warrior. "Or not. Hey Warrior, wanna go see the city?"
"Sorry, I must go and seek Lady Luna." Warrior said. He marched towards the main room of the Castle to find the Princess of the night. Spike grumbled, he was going to spend the whole night by himself.
Warrior entered the ball room. Several ponies were conversing in groups, some large and some small. Several tables with refreshments were strung out along the walls of all over the place. A large orchestra was playing beautiful music. It seemed like they were being led by a elegant looking earth pony that was faded brown and had a dark brown mane. She had purple eyes and had a treble clef for a cutie mark. She wore a white collar with a pink bow tie. She was playing a cello and was doing a very good job.
Warrior noticed Rarity trotting nervously towards a certain male unicorn that he saved from the Emperor. He remembered what Rarity wanted with that Stallion. He sighed and decided to help her out. He walked over to her.
"Want to catch the prince’s attention?" Warrior asked, him talking surprised the unicorn. Rarity glared at Warrior for disturbing her. "I’m sorry." Warrior sighed.
Rarity sighed back. "It’s ok, I’m just a little nervous."
"Perhaps I could be of some assistance." Warrior said.
"How?" Rarity questioned, Warrior raised a finger and walked towards Prince Blueblood. Rarity figured out that he was telling her to watch him. Rarity watched as Warrior caught the prince’s attention and Prince Blueblood smiled at how he met Warrior once again. They spoke for a little bit then Warrior pointed towards Rarity. The prince smiled at the Unicorn and stood still awaiting her presence. Warrior nodded and walked away. He just set her up.
Rarity squealed at happily at how Warrior just helped her. "Oh Warrior, you’re so much more than a dear!" She began to gallop over to her prince. "Hurry, Rarity... Oh, but not too fast. Then she slowed to a walk. But I don't wanna lose him... WAIT! Have to play it cool." She lost her nervous face and switched to a serious sophisticated one. "Oh, but don't be cold!" She changed her face to a warm smile. "I can't lose him, I can't! He's everything I imagined!" She stared at his smile and she got lost in the prince’s eyes. "Even better than I imagined."
Warrior looked around for Princess Celestia, he didn’t know where to look for Princess Luna, so if anypony knew where to find her, it would be her sister.
He looked up the large stairs at the back of the room and found Princess Celestia greeting guest with Twilight at her side. He walked through the center of the room, he felt disturbed as he heard lots of ponies fixing their gaze on him and started whispering. Warrior understood that the gossip was mainly about how the human was attending, or how one of the guests was Equestria’s greatest hero.
He approached the Princess and Twilight who waved happily to him. Celestia smiled.
"Hello Warrior of Light." Celestia said. "I’m so happy you could make it!"
Warrior didn't share her enthusiasm. "I do wish this were a friendly visit, but I’m afraid that this is strictly business." Celesita giggled. "Forgive me, but what’s so funny?"
"I’m sure if you took the time to enjoy yourself. Instead of worrying so much about duties and obligations, you would have so much more fun." Celestia explained.
Perhaps you’re right. Warrior sighed. I seek Lady Luna, I have questions for her. Celestia moved to the side and moved her front hoof to as she gave directions.
"Up the stairs and to the left, climb the tower and you’ll find her chambers."
"Good luck!" Twilight said. Warrior nodded to her and he walked up the stairs and fallowed Celestia’s directions. He found a velvet rope that blocked guest from wandering too far. However that didn’t stop Warrior, for he just moved over it. He saw many doors, mostly small ones. He was confused as to which door to take but figured that the door to Princess Luna’s tower would probably be a fancy, beautiful door. As he moved further down the hallway the music began to fade and get quieter.
At the very end of the hallway he found what he was looking for. He found an indigo colored door with diamonds stamped all over it. He opened it and found a long winding staircase going straight to the top. It took Warrior a while but he managed to get to the top. He found the same door as he had seen before. He reached out his hand to knock on it but he heard screams from the other side.
"AHHHHHH! HELP ME!" Luna screamed. Warrior drew his sword and readied his shield, he raised his leg and kicked the door open and charged into the room. He found Princess Luna attempting to sleep on a sofa. When Warrior kicked the door open, the sound woke her up.
She opened her eyes and sweated heavily. "Warrior of Light!" Luna said happily. She smiled as she climbed out of bed and rushed over to Warrior, she sat in front of him and smiled.
"What was going on here?" Warrior asked.
"I wanted to go to the Gala but I haven’t been sleeping well, sister has wanted me to catch up on my sleep. But when I try to get some rest I ended up getting harassed in my dreams by the Warrior of Chaos that convinced me to join Chaos when I was Nightmare Moon. Kefka"
"I arrived just in time." Warrior said. "First, there are some things I need to know. So please, go recover yourself, and then we’ll talk."
Luna sat at a chair with a cup of tea and began to relax. Warrior sat in a chair next to her, Luna poured Warrior a cup of tea, he also began to sip a cup of tea.
Warrior opened up to conversation. "Princess Luna. I…"
Princess Luna cut him off, she already knew what he would ask. "No need, I already know. You want to know why I joined Chaos when was Nightmare Moon." Warrior nodded. Princess Luna cleared her throat and began to explain.
"It was not soon before Twilight Sparkle became friends with the others. My sister was going to perform a festival we have called The Summer Sun Celebration. An old prophecy stated that I would return to bring eternal night to Equestria. Although I alone didn’t have the power to break the seal that was placed upon me….." Luna went on to continue explaining what happened.
Nightmare Moon sulked around in her dimensional prison. It was nothing but a grey and lonely abyss.
"A thousand years." Nightmare Moon said to herself. "I should be returning now, but the seal is still too strong. She sighed sadly. "Why do I even bother my subjects don’t even know I exist."
"Oh I understand perfectly." The voice of Kefka said. Nightmare Moon tensed up as Kefka appeared right in front of her.
"Who are you?" Nightmare Moon hissed.
The harlequin smiled evilly at the mare. "I’m just a friendly face, but if you want to, you may call me Kefka."
"How did you find me?" Nightmare Moon asked.
"Oh don’t worry. I have connections with certain gods that I’m certain you’ve heard of." Kefka said. Nightmare Moon began to think, then she figured out after taking in Kefka’s appearance.
"Are you a Warrior of Chaos?" She asked.
"DING DING DING!" Kefka said loudly, indicating that Nightmare Moon was correct. "We found reports that speak of your previous encounters with human kind. In fact I’m aware of who you once were. I had to slink around your home for a while until I figured out where to look for you, it was all thanks to a stain glass mural in the throne room of your castle."
"Good for you." Nightmare Moon grumbled. "Now why would you bother me?"
"Did you forget? I understand you. You wish to impress your subjects! You want them to love the night that you once brought, instead of sleep through it. I can help you with that. I’ll make sure that your subjects will always live and love nighttime."
Nightmare Moon scoffed at the maniacal clown. "Really? How do you plan on doing that?"
Kefka smirked. "Simple! You shall taste the grand power of destruction! With it you will make sure that your subjects can only love the night. For with this power, you will DESTROY the sun! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Nightmare Moon’s eyes bugged out. "What?"
"How can the cute little ponies enjoy the daytime if there’s no sun to make it even possible?" Kefka added.
"Destroy the sun?" Nightmare Moon said she never thought she would ever do such a thing.
Kefka sensed her doubt. "You’re worried? Don’t be! It’s only a star. Which means it’s only destined to die!"
Nightmare Moon scoffed at how quick Kefka was to disregard all life. "So you want to give me the power of destruction to do that? Why?"
"Because I see a fire within you that has the power to torch a thousand villages!" Kefka said. "You have great potential, all you have to do is put it to use." Kefka held out his hand and a dark sphere of evil magick appeared inside it. "This here is the power of the God of Discord. It’s yours, and all you have to do is swear allegiance to Chaos, the God of Discord. Once you accept this, you will have the power to escape your prison!"
Nightmare Moon hesitated a bit. If she agreed, she would be free. But she wouldn’t want to hurt her sister by destroying the sun, it seemed that even though she was Nightmare Moon, she still loved Celestia. She looked at Kefka and decided to take a page from his book. If Celestia really loved her, then she wouldn’t seal her in the moon for a thousand years.
"I swear to serve the God of Discord." Nightmare Moon said. "I am his to command."
"Good!" Kefka said. "Now take this and get the ovation you deserve." Kefka gave Nightmare Moon the powers of Discord.
Luna was wrapping up her explanation. "The powers of Discord distorted my sense of reason. I only cared about getting the night worshiped and getting revenge on my sister."
"Why didn’t you destroy the sun?" Warrior asked.
"I knew that the Elements of Harmony were the only things that could stop me. I needed to make sure that I couldn’t fail so I focused on Twilight Sparkle and her companions. Even though she didn’t know it, I could sense that she had to power to use the Elements against me."
Warrior used his head and figured out the rest. "Then Twilight renewed the power of the Elements of Harmony and purified you of the powers of Discord." Warrior concluded.
"Yes. Unfortunately after that Kefka started haunting me in my dreams. He was angered that I didn’t destroy the sun right away and that I was saved by Twilight."
"What was he doing?" Warrior asked as he sipped his tea.
"He would taunt me by reminding me of how nothing would change, and how I would continue to be shunned by my subjects. I feel ashamed to admit this. But even after being saved, I have been tempted by his offer."
"Don’t be, as long as you haven’t been seduced by the powers of Chaos. Then every time you say ‘no’ is a good blow against Chaos." Luna smiled, Warrior’s words made her feel better.
"Unfortunately I showed him my resolve to not rejoin Chaos. Now he kills me in my sleep, he says he’ll continue to do so until I rejoin Chaos. Just before you broke through the door, he mutilated me with a shower of daggers." Luna began to shiver. "I’m afraid to go to sleep." Her shivering stopped when Warrior placed his hand onto one of her hooves.
"Fear not, I will stop him." Warrior assured.
"How?" Luna questioned. Celestia and I looked all over the place. "We can’t find him! He has to be sneaking around the castle though."
"He has to be around here somewhere." Warrior assured. "I’ll stop him and you’ll be free."
"I shall be eternally grateful!" Luna smiled. "I must ask though, you won't let him crash the Gala. This celebration is too important. It’s nice to see smiling faces on the ponies after the Emperor’s attack and after sister’s possession."
"I’ll try." Warrior said. He couldn’t promise that he would be able to keep Kefka away from the Gala. "But if he was going to try he would have to return the party. Stay here, and try to stay awake." Warrior suggested. Luna nodded as she went to make more tea for herself. Warrior got up and walked out of Luna’s room and down the steps. As he reached the hallway the music of the band grew louder. He went stood at the top of the stairs and noticed the increase in ponies. He must have lost track of time, because the party had really filled up. He spotted Princess Celestia with Twilight at her side, she looked disappointed. Celestia continued to greet guest. Warrior walked up to her, he wondered why she looked so down.
"What’s the matter?" Warrior asked.
"Hello! Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala!" Princess Celestia said greeting two mares.
Twilight pointed to Celestia, the princess appeared to be more interested in her job of greeting guest. "The Princess is busy with the guest, how am I supposed to get her to spend some time alone with me?"
"Maybe you could give her an update on what I’m doing." Warrior said.
Twilight leaned towards him. "And that is?"
"Kefka is hidden somewhere in the castle I’m going to find him and dispatch him, and once I do I will have Cosmos do something that can protect her in the future."
"You think she can?" Twilight asked.
"She’s a goddess. I’m certain of it."
"Good luck!" Twilight said. Warrior walked away to begin his search. Many more guest began to gossip and whisper about Warrior being a guest. Some were just excited to be so close to Equestria’s greatest hero. However, thanks to this Warrior’s search was going to be much more harder. He noticed Pinkie Pie dashing around to the sweets around the table and dashing towards the punch. She dashed over to the band and began dancing wildly. Just being her natural self. Several ponies yelled and screamed in outrage at her behavior. Pinkie Pie calmed down and moved over to a table and sat by herself and moped. Warrior felt the tickling sensation as he figured out that this was one party Pinkie Pie was going to roughhouse at.
"Warrior!" Called a familiar gold pony in a Wonderbolts uniform.
"Spitfire." Warrior said, She was accompanied with several other ponies. They were very excited to see him. Warrior began to get nervous, he couldn’t stop to mingle, he MUST search for Kefka.
"So how are things?" Spitfire asked.
"Fine." Warrior responded. "Yourself?"
"Great! Me and the other Wonderbolts are here to perform some of the stunts at the end of the night as you might of heard."
"Yes." Warrior said. He noticed Rainbow Dash to Spitfire’s right. She was kicking a glass of water into the air and having the water splash down perfectly into the cup without spilling a drop. Warrior figured out what Rainbow Dash was trying to do. Despite the fact that Spitfire could have seen Rainbow Dash’s talents, she didn’t.
"I really hope you’ll be there to see them." Warrior saw the perfect scapegoat to help Warrior get out of the conversation.
"Yes I will be, now I’m certain that Rainbow Dash has something to show you." Spitfire turned towards Rainbow Dash and once her eyes were off Warrior, he moved away from her.
Warrior moved around the room and shifted his eyes in every direction. He knew Kefka wouldn’t be out in the open. A psychotic looking human clown wouldn’t be hard to miss. So he figured he should probably begin his search at a lonely location. He worked his way through the crowd and moved outside and he knew that even though the party was outside the castle to, just maybe there would be an ideal hiding place.
Back at the Land of Discord as the Warriors of Cosmos drew closer to the entrance to the rift they began to think about the memories they held.
"Would we have gotten back all our memories if we kept fighting in this world?" Tifa asked.
Lightning waited for a moment before answering. "Yeah, if we’re to believe in Kain. Not that having our memories would make a difference."
Laguna didn’t think so. "Unless that’s the ticket to going back home, but that doesn’t seem to be the case either." He reached into the bag Applejack gave him and began eating one her apples.
The group stopped moving when Lightning had a thought about Tifa’s question. "Tifa….are you nervous?"
"No, not really." Tifa said. Then she sighed sadly. "I don’t remember enough of anything to make me nervous. I actually feel secure being together with my friends. But I would like to know more about my origins before I disappear forever. You see….I’m a bit scared. Because you guys are my only friends- It’s just, to think that there might be more precious friends locked away."
"Tifa…" Lightning said in a sad tone.
"Maybe there are more precious friends deeper in our memories." Vaan said. "But we did make more thanks to this conflict!"
"You mean the Equestrians?" Yuna asked.
"He’s right!" Laguna said. Patting Vaan’s shoulder. "I for one welcome my new friend Applejack!"
"And Pinkie Pie!" Vaan said.
"Fluttershy." Yuna said.
"Rarity." Tifa uttered, Lightning was silent. "Tifa was still nervous. Guys…can I call you my friends? Not just you guys, but everyone who’s sleeping too. And all the Equestrians!"
Laguna playfully scoffed. "Come on, of course we’re friends! It makes Uncle Laguna sad to hear you ask that now."
"Our battles together are what I remember best." Lighting said. "Those memories matter most to me as well."
A tear ran down Tifa’s cheek. She smiled warmly. "Thanks guys. What matters to me now-what I’ve missed-is the feeling that I’m not alone. So no matter how scary things might get-I know that everything will be alright. I also have the hearts of six little ponies in mine to."
"Let’s just hope that the warriors will still be able to protect their world in the next battle." Lightning said.
"And save the Equestrians from Chaos." Yuna said. "I’d hate to see anything bad happen to those cute little ponies." The group continued on but Lightning stayed behind.
"And…Rainbow Dash." Lightning thought. She smiled and went to catch up with the others.
Back at the Gala Warrior moved through much smaller crowds of ponies as he began to search more lonely areas of the garden. He spotted Applejack at a wooden stand with her apple treats strung out all over it. She slumped over it looking depressed. Warrior sighed, seemed like things weren’t going so well for the ponies at this Gala after all. Warrior noticed all the ponies walking right by Applejack’s stand, ignoring it completely. Warrior guessed that business wasn’t going so well.
Warrior searched the bushes in the garden for anything suspicious. He noticed a carrot in a trap of a box lifted up by a stick which had a string attached to it. Warrior sighed at whoever was trying to catch something, it was a horrible way to trap it.
He noticed Fluttershy holding the rope in her mouth. She spoke loudly. "I'm so sorry to have scared you, my friends! But I'm leaving now, so you can all come out!" He saw her dash behind a metal archway and hid. An old stallion wearing a tattered old hat with a goatee beard noticed the carrot and walked over to it. He ignored the trap and began munching on it. Fluttershy pulled the rope and the trap captured the stallion.
Warrior understood that Fluttershy was having trouble connecting with the animals here. Warrior thought a better place to search was in the back where it was obivious there would be no ponies. Warrior walked towards the backside of the castle. However He stopped when he noticed Rarity walking around with Prince Blueblood. Rarity looked peeved at the prince. The two stopped and the Prince placed a pillow on the grass. Rarity looked pleased, she was moving her flank to sit on it, but Blueblood sat himself down before Rarity. Then he took out a mirror and began to marvel at his own good looks. Warrior facepalmed, it appeared that the Prince was not a true Gentlema…. Gentleclot. In fact he was quite arrogant, and selfish. Warrior was nervous as to how Rarity would react to how Warrior managed to set them up.
Warrior felt the tickling sensation again as he figured out that every one of the Mane Six was having a very awful time. Warrior moved around towards the back of the castle and he was right. Not a single pony was in sight. He searched nearby bushes and peeked in the limbs of the trees, but he couldn’t find any traces of Kefka.
However he didn’t have to since an evil laughter began to fill the air. "HAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Warrior cringed and began to look around but couldn’t spot Kefka anywhere. "So the pretty little pony called upon her only knight in shining armor to save her?" Warrior slowly turned his head in multiple directions but still couldn’t spot him. "During Equestria’s grandest party no less! Well I do consider myself tonight’s entertainment so why not go and put on a show for the little horsies?"
"You’ll have to go through me first!" Warrior shouted at the sky.
"Well how could I be so selfish as to leave the entertainment away from the poor little knight!" Kefka said. Then a Phantasmal Girl and a Phantasmal Harlequin appeared right next to Warrior. Warrior cringed harder and drew his sword and shield. "Have fun! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Warrior stared down the manikins and they both rose into the air and raised their hands and challenged Warrior.
Warrior charged at the Phantasmal Girl and she threw white holy spheres at Warrior, he stopped and raised his shield and deflected the spheres back at the manikin. The manikin flew to the side and dodged. The Harlequin threw a giant icicle at Warrior and made it shatter and fling several small icicles at Warrior. Warrior acted quickly and turned his shield to the opposite side and deflected the icicles back at the Manikin, this manikin however was too close to Warrior so the icicles smashed the manikin, but it still survived. Warrior decided to use some magick of his own.
"Give me strength!" Warrior called. He threw his hand into the air and lightning bolts rained down. He attempted to hit the Harlequin with them but it just flew upwards. Warrior growled but he made the mistake of taking his attention off the Phantasmal Girl. She waved her arms up and down and water appeared beneath Warrior’s feet and splashed up and launched him upwards but the force of the water splash was powerful enough to hurt him. He spun in the air and learned his lesson in taking his attention off the enemy the hard way.
Warrior leaped to the side as the Phantasmal Girl started to charge up a fiery red sphere. Warrior looked over to the Harlequin and devised a plan. The girl launched the sphere and when it came close enough Warrior leaped to the side and avoided the sphere, the sphere shot forward and accidentally smashed the harlequin. Warrior took his chance and dug his sword into the ground and the used his wave of light attack. "Bathe In the Light!" The light traveled quickly and obliterated the manikin. He stood tall over his victory. But he began to worry. Kefka said he was going to target the party, he couldn’t let that psycho run loose at the Gala. Who knows what would happen! He turned around and rushed back to the main ball room of the Gala. He burst through the door and found all the ponies were still carrying on their business as normal. Unfortunately Warrior bursting through the door wasn’t subtle, a lot of ponies were disturbed by it. He had to keep calm and act like nothing was wrong, but had to find Kefka quickly.
He moved through the crowd and moved past Twilight and Celestia. He moved to the opposite direction from Luna’s tower. He crossed over another velvet rope and began searching more restricted areas. Warrior could still hear the band at the ball room and he heard Pinkie Pie’s voice, it appeared she’s taken the stage for some reason.
"Come on Everypony!" Pinkie Pie said into the mic. "I know what’ll make you shake those groove thangs!" Then she broke out into song again.
Warrior opened a nearby door and found the janitorial closet. He fanned through all the brooms and cleaning supplies but couldn’t find any trace of Kefka. Warrior moved and entered a different room except this room was bustling with activity of chef ponies. Warrior figured out he was in the kitchen. Obiviously Kefka wasn’t in here, so Warrior turned back. He turned towards one of the guest rooms and opened the door and found nothing. He walked into the room and opened the closet and didn’t find Kefka in there either. So he exited the guest room and began to look around at other possible rooms. Warrior looked at the big double doors behind Celestia and Twilight, he remembered that that’s where the throne room was. Warrior thought that there was a big chance that Kefka would be hiding in there. He moved towards the double doors and looked at Celestia who was still too busy greeting guest. Twilight also still looked disappointed. Warrior would have asked permission to enter the throne room at an event like this, but since she was busy and he needed to find Kefka fast, he just entered it. He quickly shut the door and looked around he moved towards the throne and unfortunately he still found nothing, however he did hear something!
"Why hello Cosmos’s henchman!" Kefka laughed as Warrior turned behind him and saw Kefka creep out from behind a stone column.
Warrior was furious. "You monster! How dare you torment Lady Luna like this!"
Kefka gave Warrior a sad face. "Oh don’t be such a letdown. I was only having a little fun! Reminding her what she had when she was one of us!"
"Why are you so obsessed about making her rejoin Chaos?" Warrior asked.
Kefka frowned, apparently Warrior struck a nerve asking that question. "At first when she broke away from our ranks I merely casted it as her own stupidity for breaking away from us. It didn’t even bother me when she actually wanted to be free from us. That is…Until a particular toy of mine vanished without a trace. She was such a good little puppet to." Warrior thought for a moment then he figured out that the puppet he must be talking about must be the girl he and Cosmos saved named Terra. "I can’t let me be disgraced with me letting two puppets escape, and since I can’t find one of them, the pony just happens to draw the short stick." Warrior felt a little guilty, it became apparent that Luna was being tormented thanks to both him and Cosmos.
"Now there’s a little party outside this door and while I may be late and a little underdressed. I will make a appearance nonetheless." There was a huge plethora of loud noises, the noises sounded like the entire party was being thrown into disarray. Warrior was embarrassed, because he had a good feeling a certain six ponies were responsible. Even Kefka was amazed at the sounds of destruction.
Just then a loud noise burst through the doors and lots of loud animal noises filled the air and there was a scream from Fluttershy from the outside.
"You’re….going to…..LOVE ME!" She screamed.
"Ohhhh! Sounds like the ponies of this world have a bigger dark side than you might think!" Kefka said. Then he burst through the throne room doors with Warrior directly behind him. Both Warrior and Kefka were amazed at how the ballroom was an utter mess. All the tables were turned over and many stone columns were destroyed. Several small animals were running around wreaking havoc. The six ponies seemed fine, except Rarity appeared to be completely covered in mashed up food. Fluttershy looked as if she’s been rustling in the dirt for hours.
Kefka couldn’t help but applaud. The sound of him applauding froze all the ponies in attendance, they all gasped and began to shake at Kefka’s psychotic appearance, that is…except Pinkie Pie. Celestia growled, she knew exactly who he was.
"You’ve been tormenting my sister!" Celestia shouted.
"Indeed I have, so what of it?" Kefka said not sounding regretful. He eyed the crowd and they stared right back at him. He stood tall and made his own announcement. "You see, little ponies. I am tonight’s entertainment. I hold a great magick and I will perform great stunts for your entertainment." Pinkie Pie bounced over to Kefka and smiled dead in his face. Kefka felt disgusted to have the pink pony in his face. "What do you want!?" Kefka said harshly.
Pinkie Pie was really excited. "OHHHH! A clown! A clown! Can you do balloon animals?" Kefka felt insulted. But laughed and brushed it off.
"Ha! Indeed I can." He turned towards the crowd. "If there’s any pony who wants me to make a balloon animal step forward!" He created a flame in his hand and the ponies tensed up in fear. "I will gladly fill you with hot air!"
"Come with me. We need to get the Elements of Harmony." Celestia whispered to Twilight, and the two slipped away.
"Oh! Pick me!" Pinkie Pie said, Kefka felt even more insulted at how Pinkie Pie wasn't afraid of him, but he laughed again, because it clearly showed that Pinkie Pie had no idea what he really meant.
"Ok pony! Open wide and say awwww!" Kefka raised his hand and got ready to throw the fire at Pinkie Pie.
"Give me strength!" Warrior said as he waved his hand into the air and had icicles rain onto Kefka’s hand. It didn’t hurt him, but it did put out the fire. Pinkie Pie pouted as Warrior walked over to her and stared down Kefka.
"Do you understand he’s trying to kill you?" Warrior said loudly.
"Oh Warrior! I’m sure he’s just clowning around." Pinkie Pie giggled. Kefka felt really insulted now. It appeared he finally found the one thing in existence he absolutely can’t stand. Little did anypony notice that Octavia, the band’s leader took notice of Kefka and began scribbling notes. It appeared she’s been inspired to write something.
"ENOUGH!" Kefka snapped the ponies flinched. "I said I was going to show you some impressive feats of magick. So allow me to cause some DESTRUCTION!" Kefka rose into the air and a bright glow appeared between his hands. "My first trick will be to make you all DISSAPEAR!" He shot the light out and it pierced the castle walls and then shot out all over Canterlot city taking out several buildings and sidewalks in its path. Hopefully no pony got hurt. The ponies screamed and ran for their lives, only the band, and five of the Mane Six stayed behind. "Say hello to my Light of Judgment!" Kefka shot a second beam and destroyed more of Canterlot. Pinkie Pie finally began to feel uneasy, if this clown was joking. It wasn’t funny.
Warrior dug his sword into the ground and used his wave of light attack. "Bathe In the Light!" The light moved up and struck Kefka, knocking back down to the floor.
"Oh so you want to fight me do you?" Kefka said as he got back to his feet. He turned his attention to Fluttershy who began to shiver. "You! Pegasus! I heard that you’re quite a little sweetheart!" Fluttershy didn’t know how to answer. "You have great kindness and value all life."
Fluttershy was frightened. "Um….I."
Kefka smiled evilly to her. "Then I could use you to get my puppet back! He used his magick and created a red lasso and tossed it at Fluttershy and wrapped it around her neck and pulled her towards him."
"Fluttershy!" Rainbow Dash cried as the situation grew into a hostage situation. Warrior attempted to rush at Kefka but the harlequin raised his finger and created a lightning bolt. Warrior knew he was threatening to kill her if he tried to intervene.
"Now if you don’t mind I have a mare to convince to rejoin me!" He turned to Fluttershy and smiled. "It will be fun hearing you scream!" Kefka vanished taking Fluttershy with him.
"FLUTTERSHY!" Rarity shouted.
"We’re back!" Twilight said. She and Celestia returned with the Elements of Harmony. They took notice of the frightened faces of the ponies. They noticed Fluttershy was missing and she figured it out.
"Where did he take her!?" Celestia asked.
"I believe he’s in Princess Luna’s chambers." Warrior said. The team raced up the stairs to stop Kefka.
Back with the Warrior’s of Cosmos. The journey to destroy the gateway to the Rift was almost over.
Vaan was curious as to how Laguna knew about the rift. "Say, Laguna…how did you find out about the door to the Rift anyway?"
"Because I have intel-gathering skills!" Laguna smiled boastfully. The others rolled their eyes. "Nah, one of them just flat out told me. Course, I was also told to be prepared for endless battle and certain doom."
Those words rung out to Lightning. "Be prepared for certain doom-So are you?"
Laguna thought about it. "Hmmmmmm… Actually, Light, don’t we have things to do before we think about that?"
Vaan smiled. "Yeah, no use thinking about doom. We’ll just destroy the door and go home."
Lightning sighed. "It’s not gonna be that easy. They’re coming at us with greater numbers than we’ve ever seen."
Vaan also sighed. "I know that."
"Do you?" Lightning questioned. "Because you’re only going to be a burden if you’re not serious."
Vaan raised an eyebrow to her. "Are you going into this to lose? Is that how you beat an enemy?"
Lightning felt insulted. "What? You cocky little-"
Laguna went to calm her down. "Hey, hey, kids. Let’s not fight each other. Please, I beg of you, for me?" Laguna gave Lightning puppy eyes. She just scoffed.
"I wouldn’t call this a fight." Lightning said. The team all continued to march forward.
"We’re all marching forward to stop the manikins. You, me, Vaan, all of us." Laguna added. "The best way to prepare ourselves for what’s coming up ahead is to stay united. Okay? Honestly." Then Laguna tensed up. "I wish there were an easier way to go home. I don’t wanna go diving into danger. That’s the same for everyone-but none of us has the choice of backing out now. I can’t just snooze and let the others handle the dirty work…disappearing aside."
Lightning sighed at Laguna’s lengthy speech. "Laguna…"
But it wasn’t over. "You know..I’m hardly one to preach, but I’m sure we’ll know what to do when the time comes. Or so I read in book somewhere."
Vaan was surprised to hear that Laguna would read a book. "Oh, Laguna…A book?" The team continued down the Gateway.
"You spoke up. If we destroy the door to the Rift, we can restore calm here, like the other gateways-and those sleeping in the unlocked gateways can wake up and start fighting again."
Lightning was confused. "Those sleeping…you mean Chaos’s warriors?"
Tifa felt concerned. "Yuna maybe you should stay behind. You have people you want to protect here. Your memories are from your homeworld. You won’t forget him even if you slept."
Yuna didn’t know what to do. "But I-"
Lightning didn’t know who Yuna was talking about. But it was clear that she cared deeply for him. "You don’t have to come. If he matters to you, stay with him."
Yuna felt stronger in her decision. "No, I should-I will do what I can do. I will fight- so that Sir Jecht and Tidus can put an end to their duel in the future. They’ll be alright; those two are strong. I’ll believe in them, and walk my own path." Yuna began to think to herself. This is the end of our time here. The next will be yours. I wish I could have walked together with you, but there’s no path for us to walk on yet. I’ll make your path this time. Everything’ll be ok, right, Tidus?"
Back at Canterlot Castle the team raced up down the hallway towards Luna’s chamber. The ponies had their Elements of Harmony on. They heard Fluttershy scream in pain. The team tensed up and kicked up the speed for what Kefka could possibly be doing to the poor mare.
Up in Luna’s chambers, the princess of the night stared in agony as she watched Kefka torture Fluttershy. The harlequin loved every minute of it, he kept hurting her with his magicks. Luna wanted to move in and stop Kefka, but since Fluttershy was held tight in his grip Luna knew that any sudden movements and Kefka would kill her. Fluttershy screamed as Kefka threw fire at her and burned her coat.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Kefka laughed.
"You monster!" Luna screamed. "Why are you making me watch this!?"
"Don’t you get it?" Kefka said. "Life is meaningless, it’s better off being dead. This pony values life. She fails to realize that life has no meaning so she treasures nothing at all!" Fluttershy was crying. "You say that you changed into that dark horse because were confused? Nonsense! The truth is you wanted to make your subjects pay for shunning you!
"I do not deny my feelings during that time." Luna said. "But please don’t punish this dear pony."
Kefka felt like he had Luna's permission to kill Fluttershy. "So, I can kill her?" Kefka asked, Fluttershy shrieked, Luna also shrieked. Fluttershy fainted and lied lifeless in Kefka’s hand.
"No! Why would you even ask me if you can kill her?" Luna gasped.
"Because you see what I see, you know how meaningless life is! So this pony is better off dead!" He took out a dagger and he pointed it at Fluttershy and moved his arm back and….
"No!" Luna screamed. She charged up her horn to stop Kefka. She shot a black beam at Kefka, she successfully blown Kefka away from Fluttershy. Kefka slammed against the wall in her chamber. Luna used her unicorn powers and placed the fainted Fluttershy on her bed. Luna however didn’t know that doing something like that would cause Kefka to snap.
Kefka growled as he removed himself from the wall. "You stupid little horse! I hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate HATE YOU! Ok princess, you’ll pay. I’m done trying to have you rejoin Chaos, after I kill you! I’m going to burn this world to ashes!"
"Not anymore!" Luna said taking a fighting stance. "I have been on the sidelines long enough! I’m going take you down!" Kefka smirked. Luna took to the air and just like Celestia she had to remember her knowledge of magicks. "Comet!" Luna shot a bright star from her horn at Kefka. Kefka smirked as he leaped to the side and the spell smashed into her wall. "Bio!" Her horn formed green smog and shot it at Kefka with great speed. Kefka used his created a barrier in front of himself and blocked the spell. He began to charge up a spell with formed with all the colors.
"Special delivery!" Kefka shouted. "Time for a Hyperdrive!" He shot the Hyperdrive spell at Luna. She flew upwards to try and avoid it but the spell was locked onto her and it fallowed her. The spell hit Luna and sent her flying through the ceiling and far away from the Castle.
"Looks like I win!" Kefka said. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Then the others broke through the door and looked around and found a tortured Fluttershy on the bed and a missing Princess Luna. There were lots of damages in the wall and holes in the ceiling.
"Where’s Princess Luna!?" Celestia scolded.
"I sent the Alicorn flying away! She deserved it to!" Kefka said. Celestia gasped and flew up and through the hole in the ceiling to find her sister. "Now that I’ve taken out that piece of trash. I have destruction to spread!" Kefka flew past the ponies to go destroy Equestria.
"Not again!" Warrior sighed as the ponies went to go tend to Fluttershy. Warrior wanted to help her but he couldn’t let Kefka run loose. He turned around and was about to leave Luna’s chambers but Kefka was still standing right outside the door. Warrior grunted and drew his sword. The ponies heard Warrior and also saw Kefka and began to stare him down.
"You’re going nowhere!" Kefka hissed. He shot a lightning bolt at the doorway and the wall around the door started to cave in. Warrior and the ponies attempted to move past the door and when it finished collapsing only Warrior and Pinkie Pie managed to make it through. When the dust settled Kefka was already gone.
"Guys!" Pinkie Pie called over the rubble.
"We’re fine!" Twilight said. "It’ll take us time to clear this out! Go stop Kefka!" Pinkie Pie still had her Element of Laughter on.
"Come on! Let’s go!" Warrior said. Then they charged down the steppes and down the hallway and returned to the ballroom and Kefka got ready to fire his Light of Judgment again.
"Hold it!" Warrior called. Kefka’s concentration broke and he stared at Warrior and the pink pony. He didn’t like seeing Pinkie Pie again.
"You’re destruction ends here!" Warrior said.
"You hurt Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie said. "If that’s a joke it isn’t funny!"
Kefka smiled at the pink pony. "Now I understand, you’re the pony who’s strength is her optimism and her laughter!"
Pinkie Pie smiled. "I always enjoy a good laugh! No point in being sad!"
"Really?" Kefka asked. "You seem to always cling to life. You never seem to acknowledge the darkness in any grim situation! Why don’t you just embrace the facts of sadness and that sometimes, you’ll lose."
"No way!" Pinkie Pie shouted. "I could never be sad or angry! Last time I did…..I was miserable." Warrior knew she was talking about the time when she thought her friends hated her parties. Warrior looked at Pinkie Pie and to help her smile again, he began stroking her mane.
"Are you aware that nothing last forever?" Kefka said. "All things will die and or be destroyed." Pinkie Pie was aware of this cold hard fact of life and she hung her head. "Why do people cling to life when they know they know they can’t live forever? Why do they create things only when they will become outdate or destroyed? Don’t you see how meaningless life is?"
Pinkie Pie picked her head up and Warrior stopped stroking her mane. "No. There is joy in life! I want to make everypony laugh to show everpony the joy there is! Not everything is meaningless. The joy in finding out what will happen everyday makes it worth waking up in the morning! Yeah sometimes something bad may happen but the memory could be good enough to look back and have a good laugh!" Warrior felt proud of Pinkie Pie, for once she was speaking seriously.
Kefka was disgusted. He definitely hated Pinkie Pie now. "Shut up! You talk like pages from a self help booklet! You might as well be the dirt stuck to bottom of my boots! Or the dirt stuck to the bottom of that dirt!"
"Say what you want." Pinkie Pie said. "I feel sorry for you, it seems like you’ve never had a chance to have any real fun."
"Destruction is my fun!" Kefka argued. "I command the greatest power in the universe! You are helpless before me! I’m going to destroy everything! I WILL CREATE A MONUMENT TO NON-EXISTANCE!"
"No!" Warrior said. "Life will go on!"
"There will always be living things, and dreams!" Pinkie Pie said.
"NO!" Kefka screamed. "I WILL HUNT THEM DOWN. I WILL DESTROY IT ALL! DESTROY DESTROY DESTROY!"
"I won’t let you harm another living thing!" Warrior said.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Kefka laughed. "But what fun is destruction if no precious lives are lost?" Pinkie Pie had her Element of Laughter glowing and she removed her Gala outfit. Warrior readied his weapon and shield. It was time to fight.
Then Octavia and her band crawled out from hiding behind a column and she had her band members took their places at their instruments.
"Shouldn’t we run?" asked the pianist.
"You can if you like, but I’m going to make the most of this!" Octavia said as she eyed the upcoming battle. She and her band started playing the music she was inspired by.
Kefka rose into the air and Warrior charged at him. Kefka waved his fingers around in a random fashion. "Dance DANCE!" Lightning shot down at Warrior, he was unsure where it would strike. He looked at all his surrounding directions; lightning was striking all around him but not hitting him. He leaped to several sides to avoid getting potential hits. Warrior leaped to the left and avoided a bolt but unfortunately one struck Warrior’s head right were Warrior landed. Warrior was left staggering about.
"That was shocking." Pinkie Pie noted. She knew she had to help, so she bounced right towards Kefka with her Element glowing.
"I’ll show you shocking!" Kefka shouted. "Zappo!" Kefka sent Lightning at Pinkie Pie that traveled in a straight line right at her.
"You maybe loony, but sometimes you’re still funny, like a clown!" Pinkie Pie said, referring to what Kefka said whenever he attacked. She started laughing and her Element created a shield that blocked the lightning. Kefka was greatly irritated. He tugged his cape and threw out a giant icicle like a magician.
"HA!" He waved his arm around and made the icicle shatter. "Come on, Come On, COME ON!" The icicles flung at Pinkie Pie with great speed, it caused her shield to shatter and the force sent her flying. She slammed hard against the steps. Kefka laughed for he was finally able to hurt Pinkie Pie. Warrior regained himself and figured out that this fight would be hard. Since Kefka’s attacks seemed to be randomized and struck all over the place, making them harder to predict and to block.
"Lightning!" Warrior called. He used his Radiant Sword attack and sent the six magic swords at Kefka and he was too busy laughing to notice. The swords struck Kefka and sent him flying. Pinkie Pie bounced right back onto her hooves. She saw Kefka staggering in midair and started giggling. Her laughter had her Element shined brighter and it encased her body and she started leaping towards Kefka with more skill than a frog. She leaped up at Kefka and landed on him with all four of her hooves. She managed to stomp Kefka into the floor with a hard ‘THUD.’ Warrior was surprised. This was the second time when the Elements of Harmony have given the ponies an attack that was either based off their strengths, or in Pinkie Pie’s case, triggered by her strength. Pinkie Pie still couldn’t stop giggling.
"THAT’S IT!" Kefka yelled as he pulled himself off the floor and wiped some blood of his lip. "The end comes beyond Chaos! FREEZE!" Kefka created an ice ball in his hand and threw it over Pinkie Pie. Both she and Warrior were confused as to why Kefka would create an attack and purposely miss. Kefka smirked and whirled his finger around, when the ball landed on the floor it spun around and rolled back to Kefka, it tripped over Pinkie Pie from behind. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
"Hey! That wasn’t funny!" Pinkie Pie said sadly. Again, Kefka was distracted by his own laughter. Warrior took time to use another attack. This time he tried his Ultimate Shield.
"Release!" Warrior said. He threw his shield at Kefka but he leaped away without even looking. That shocked Warrior. Kekfa stared at Warrior and began making mocking faces at him. Warrior was insulted and he charged at him. Unfortunately that’s exactly what Kefka wanted.
"Be careful!" Kefka said. He threw his two pointer fingers forward and he threw at him a tiny blue wisp. Warrior noticed it but didn’t care. When Warrior’s legs were over it Kefka snapped his fingers and the wisp exploded into several large spheres. It didn’t hurt Warrior much but it did cause him to trip. Kefka saw his opportunity to end this. "What do ya think of this?" Kefka began to spin around and a light, magick circle appeared underneath him. Kefka sent the circle towards Warrior and a second circle separated from the first and moved in sync with each other. Once the circles had Warrior between them, the top circle began to rain spheres of light magick onto Warrior. They exploded on contact, Warrior screamed in pain.
"RAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Warrior screamed.
"Did hurt? DID IT!?" Kefka asked with glee. Pinkie pie bounced back up and gasped as she saw Warrior being pelted with magick. Pinkie Pie started galloping towards Kefka. He noticed the Pink Pony racing towards him and had a very big evil smile. He spun around in the air a few times.
"Don’t mess with me!" Kefka grunted. He faced his back towards her and his cape turned into a set of evil wings, they struck Pinkie Pie. Some were formed like bat wings, others like angle wings. The wings struck her with incredible force. Some managed to damage her body, they had a sharpness like knives. Thanks to Kefka’s Forsaken Null for Warrior, and his Havoc Wing for Pinkie Pie. Kefka stared at the two bodies on the floor. He won. "HAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This is all that Cosmos’s Knight has to offer? And that’s all the fight the Equestrians have!?" Twilight and the others arrived. They gasped at the sight of Warrior and Pinkie Pie fallen before Kefka.
"WARRIOR! PINKIE!" Twilight screamed.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Kefka laughed. "I defeated your friend and your protector!" Pinkie Pie’s Element of Laughter continued to glow, the glow left her necklace and covered her body. Pinkie Pie blew up like a balloon and then deflated, her form went back to normal. The ponies sighed in relief, Pinkie Pie gave the ponies a smile then smiled at Kefka. Kefka was greatly irritated at how Pinkie Pie so quickly recovered. "You stupid little horse! Now I completely understand why my allies are having so much trouble with you! Seriously DON’T YOU EVER DIE!? I’m going to burn you all to ashes!" He created two large flames in his hands and stared the ponies down. He moved his arms back…..He paused when the voice of Garland filled his head. Since he was the only Warrior of Chaos present, only Kefka could hear it.
"Kefka! The Warrior’s of Cosmos are almost at the Rift. We need you to help defend it!"
"Hmph." Kefka growled he dispelled his flames. "You’re lucky little ponies. I’ve been called for another task, I’ll be back to kill you next time!" Kefka vanished leaving them alone. The Ponies galloped to Warrior and the two unicorns used their Cure spell and healed Warrior’s wounds. He looked disappointed in himself.
Octavia’s band stopped playing. "That was incredible!" She smiled. Her band felt good about the song they played to. They left with their instruments with big smiles.
"You ok?" Twilight asked Warrior.
"No. I failed you." Warrior sighed.
"No you haven’t." Rarity encouraged. "We’re all safe! So is our world."
"Because we were lucky." Warrior said. "If Kefka hadn’t been called away, we would have lost. I wasn’t strong enough to beat him. I failed you."
"No!" Twilight said, she wouldn’t let Warrior feel that way about himself. She and the others felt he’s done a fantastic job protecting them. "So you were defeated, we could have defeated him!"
Warrior sighed as he saw his reflection in a window se saw all the damages in his Gala suit. "I also ruined Rarity and Big Macintosh’s armor for me."
"Don’t worry. As long as your safe that’s all that matters." Rarity smiled. "Besides, I’m not angry for setting me up with that selfish, no good, Royal Pain."
Warrior saw Fluttershy with some bandages on her body. "Fluttershy, are you alright?"
"Yes…..I just…..never want to feel that again…..I was so frightened. It hurt very badly."
"Huh…." Warrior exhaled. "I’ll never forgive myself for letting this happen." The ponies all looked at Warrior with sad faces. Then to Warrior greatest surprise, they all bunched around Warrior and gave him a giant hug. Warrior felt warm and happy again, his feelings of inadequacy instantly washed away. He felt surprised at how something so simple could have such an effect on him. Warrior looked at all of the ponies with their front legs wrapped around each other. They all looked comforted and happy to be together. That was when Warrior realized, they must really consider him a beloved friend.
They let go of Warrior and Twilight looked around, and saw all the damages to the castle, she giggled. "Tonight was a total disaster."
"Let’s go. I’m sure Spike is waiting for us." Rainbow Dash said. The team walked down the steps, before they left the castle. One of the glass slippers Rarity was wearing slipped off her hoof.
Pinkie Pie noticed that. "Ooh! Rarity, your glass slipper! Now your prince is sure to find you." Rarity squeaked and she stormed to her slipper and stomped on it, shattering the slipper.
Warrior was curious. "So what exactly happened?"
"I couldn’t get Princess Celestia to spend time with me." Twilight explained.
Applejack sighed. "All the ponies thought my food was garbage. They filled up on the catered food that was already being offered."
"The ponies were too high class for my taste." Pinkie Pie said.
Fluttershy frowned. "I couldn’t get any animals to meet me."
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Unfortunately the Wonderbolts were too busy chatting with other ponies to even acknowledge my presence." They exited the Castle and a huge storm of guards entered it to sweep the place for any signs of Chaos. They looked around the city and saw that Kefka’s Light of Judgment damaged several homes and destroyed several roads but luckily no pony was hurt. They spotted Spike at Canterlot’s famous pastry eatery, Doughnut Joe’s. He was sitting at the counter eating doughnuts and sipping on chocolate milk with a marshmallow in it.
The ponies walked into the shop as Spike as the large stallion wearing a white suit and hat. He had a light brown coat with a brown mane. His eyes were brown and had a doughnut for a cutie mark. The eatery was named after him, Joe.
"Twilight Sparkle! Ha, ha. Long time no see." Joe said happily, he looked at Warrior and smiled even bigger. "The Warrior of Light! In my shop!"
Spike smiled and rushed over to the group. "Hey, how was the Gala? How was your best night ever?" Twilight sighed as they all explained what happened. Spike looked relieved that he didn’t have to experience any of that. They all gathered around a table and were served a plate of doughnuts. Warrior was reluctant to do so but he munched on a doughnut with chocolate frosting, and to his own surprise, he really enjoyed it. "That sounds like the worst night ever!" Spike laughed.
"It was!" The group said in unison. Then they broke out in laughter. Warrior, not surprisingly remained silent.
Twilight began to worry. "I just hope Princess Celestia isn't upset with us for ruining the Gala."
"That was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever!" Celestia said. The group turned and looked surprised to find Princess Celestia standing in the doorway.
"Princess Celestia!?" The group said in unison.
"The group was confused. Pardon me, Princess, but tonight was just awful." Twilight said.
"Not only that Kefka defeated me and almost destroyed Canterlot." Warrior said.
"Oh, Twilight. The Grand Galloping Gala is always awful." Celestia giggled.
"It is?" Twilight asked.
Celestia kept smiling. "That is why I was thrilled you were all attending. She turned to Warrior. "Don’t worry as long as that clown is gone, that’s all that matters. I was hoping you could liven things up a bit. And while the evening may not have gone as you planned, I'm sure you'll agree that in the end it didn't turn out so bad for this group of friends." When she said the word ‘friends’ she turned to Warrior and he just looked down at himself. While the ponies considered Warrior a friend, did he feel the same way?
Twilight smiled. "You're right, Princess. Friends have a way of making even the worst of times into something pretty great."
"Yeah! Hanging out with friends!" Rainbow Dash added.
"Talking!" Fluttershy added.
"Laughing!" Pinkie Pie added.
"Being at your side, either through victory or defeat." Warrior added.
"You mean doing exactly what I wanted to do the whole time?" Spike suggested, he looked proud for the fact that his suggestion was the right way to go.
Twilight laughed. "Yes, Spike. You were right."
"As horrible as our night was..." Applejack sighed happily.
Rarity finished Applejack’s thought. "...being together here has made it all better."
Pinkie Pie also had something to add. "In fact, it's made it..."
"...the best night ever!" The team, even Warrior said in unison, the ponies all started laughing.
Warrior remembered why he even went to the Gala in the first place. "How is Princess Luna?"
Celestia smiled. "She’s just fine. In fact I think she’ll be sleeping sweet dreams from now on. I found Luna in the gardens and after that I prayed to Cosmos and she came with a solution."
Back at Princess Luna’s chambers she slept in her bed as Cosmos stood right next to her bed. Cosmos created a small orb that resembled the moon and blessed it with her powers. As long as it remained in her room, no Warrior of Chaos would be able to haunt her dreams.
"Sleep well my old friend." Cosmos smiled at the sleeping Luna as she vanished.
The next day after the Gala the ponies returned to Ponyville and Warrior returned to the Sanctuary. The ponies went to the Library and gathered around the table to hear another Cosmos Report. Twilight read it aloud.
I steadfastly refused to help the next time the child was called to duty. My husband and I were named traitors and locked deep underground.
As I suffered under the grief of having abetted the murder of countless innocent people, I overheard word of another research project being conducted by the army.
This was to make a clone... one of myself. With it, the state would control the child as they wished, without having to use me.
It was proof of how much the child's power was worth to them that they would go so far.
I could not allow such a thing to happen. Even a created life is a life. Why was it that only he was refused happiness? Why must he be forced to destroy, over and over again?
The date the research was expected to be completed drew near. I decided on a course of action.
"Oh my." Twilight said.
"Guess it was time to take action!" Rainbow Dash said.
"I hope the mother can save her child!" Fluttershy said.