//------------------------------// // Boogeymen in the Forest // Story: Blueblood's Ascension Part III; or, Even Alicorns Have Dreams // by MyHobby //------------------------------// The name “Everfree” sent chills down the spine of even the most daring pony of Ponyville (a title which was still being contested). A sense of unease hovered over the forest during the day, and the night held nothing but sheer terror to all who knew of it. A storm collected over the treetops, untamed by pegasi hooves. Howling gales blew indiscriminate of the four winds. Rain poured even where there was nothing to water. Lightning flashed and destroyed good, healthy trees. It was, in every way, wrong. So, of course, the Nightmares met in the middle of it. Shadowfright ignored the downpour, despite the huge droplets that zipped through his smoky composition and distorted his ever-swirling shape. His glowing eyes looked around as he awaited the arrival of the others. He was in the midst of the crumbled courtyard of the ancient Palace of the Royal Pony Sisters, the very castle that was destroyed during Nightmare Moon’s rebellion. Much had changed in the thousand years since then, he mused, not all of it bad. Lightning flashed as the first Nightmare drifted into view, a Night Terror. Its wispy form fluttered over to Shadowfright. “Why have you called me away from a productive night of fear, Larry?” it asked. “My name is Shadowfright!” the dark, rolling cloud snapped. “And I’d rather just explain myself once, if you don’t mind.” A wet plopping sound broke their conversation. Two soaking-wet Bêtes Noire piddled into view, their bunny-esque ears drooping and their glowing red eyes burning. One chattered noisily at Shadowfright. “Yes, I’m sorry about the weather,” Shadowfright sighed. “No, I’m going to wait until everyone gets here. Eugh… My name is Shadowfright!” “Hay, Larryfright!” The flapping of leathery wings descended upon them. “Don’t walk away mad.” The swirling blob of darkness glared up at the new arrival. “Oh, you’re not even trying.” “Not every villain bent on world-domination needs a spooky name, Larry-boy.” Glowing eyes with slit pupils glared out of the darkness, the glint of fangs accompanying them. “Take it from a pony that knows.” “You’re hilarious.” The shadowy cloud may have rolled its eyes. It was difficult to tell in the rain. “How the heck did you of all ponies get out of Tartarus?” “Charity distracted Bluebones.” Hooves clomped against stone as the new arrival walked down from its perch on top of the wall. “It was kinda cute.” Shadownfright groaned. “What am I going to do with that girl?” “Give her a break,” the other replied. “Not all of us have had the benefit of flying around the cosmos the past thousand-odd years.” Shadowfright slid back as the speaker walked into the dim light of the storm. Cloven hooves tapped on the broken ground. Leathery wings clamped tight against smooth flanks as the rain beat down on them. Feathery ears lay back against a dark mane, which looped over one of the cat-like eyes. The hair on her back stood on end as thunder rolled. “Can we take this inside?” “Not until everyone gets here.” Shadowfright turned away from her and back to the Bêtes Noire. “How long until the others arrive?” One finished wringing out its ear and grumbled mightily. “No, I realize that you don’t know everything,” Shadowfright said. “No, I understand that you are not their boss. Never mind.” The bat pony bent her forelegs and lowered her head to the Nightmare’s level. “Are the natives getting restless?” she asked with a grin. “Chastity? Shut up!” Shadowfright rose up until he was hovering over her. “Just shut up for a second, will you!? I’m trying to think!” “Yeah, yeah.” She trotted away from him, shaking her head. “Blah, blah, evil plans. Yadda, yadda, rule the world.” “We’re not evil,” Shadowfright countered. “We are simply taking what’s ours.” “Beware,” the Night Terror added quietly, “call him a villain one more time and he’ll throw you in the torture chamber…” The court yard was silent for a good five seconds. Seemingly without warning, the assembled Nightmares burst out with laughter. Chastity wiped a tear, or maybe a raindrop, out of her eye. “‘Torture chamber.’ Gosh, I forgot how much I missed you guys.” Shadowfright pursed his “lips,” nodded, and then turned away. Chastity looked up and saw a few more Night Terrors float into view. A white face flew beside them like a self-propelled mask. “You think we can do it this time?” the bat pony asked. “After all the failures, all the setbacks? After losing our queen?” “Nightmare Moon’s defeat was a tragedy,” Shadowfright said. “Nightmare Rarity came close, but was unable to truly attain the level of power we needed.” His eyes narrowed as he smiled at Chastity. “We’ve learned, we’ve grown, and now, I have a plan.” Chastity looked around at the Nightmares gathered around the darkened cloud of shadow. The storm intensified as they all leaned in. “Alright, we’re listening…”