//------------------------------// // Busy Day // Story: What Would Really Happen // by Z-A-C //------------------------------// ~Busy Day~ I came back from the after effects of the spell, but couldn't open my eyes or move. It was slightly worrying, or would have been if it hadn't happened to me before. I must have stayed like that for a few minutes before I heard a voice. "Zane? Zane! Wake up!! We have a problem!!" And then I heard another. "A small problem if you ask me." It wasn't hard to tell who it was. Shh Zeke, I have a headache. "You call this small? We're not supposed to be out here! Though this does present a rare opportunity..." What do you mean 'out'? I waited a few seconds for a reply, but didn't get one. Why aren't you answering me? "I agree. Do you know how long I've been waiting to be out? I'm going to love this!" He said with an concerning tone. I felt someone shake me as I was trying to think of what was going on. Then I heard someone run up to me, and push something near me out of the way. I'm assuming that what got pushed was Twilight, because I heard her yell. But that was drowned out by... "WAKE UP CANDY MAN!! THE STARSHINE IS FLAVORED LEMONAIDE TODAY!!!" My eyes snapped open at Freak shouting in my ear. It took me a moment to take in the scene before me. But when I did, I sat up and nearly lost my shit. "Twilight, what did you do!?!" "I-I don't-" I turned my attention to the other three. "You're not supposed to be out of my head! Why, no, how are you out?! How is this possible?!" Zac walked over to me and put a hand on my shoulder. "Calm down, Zane." Zeke gave a short laugh. "Are you sure he isn't Terrance? He's acting all panicky." I glared at him before a sense of nausea washed over me. "Everything's wrong. Imbalanced. Insides feel weird." I burped and looked at the purple unicorn again. "Ugh! Twi, what did you do?" "I-I have no idea!" Twilight said. "I don't know how we brought them with us! B-but it can't be all that bad, right?" She asked hopefully. "Twilight," I said flatly. "We have one chaotic evil and..." I thought for a moment. "I guess lawful evil, I don't know what Nightmare Moon is." I looked the weirder one of the group. "And then Freak. They could all team up. Do you know what that would mean?" She thought about that for a moment, then gasped. "It would be worse then Discord!" Zeke lifted a hand, interrupting Twilight before she could go on. "I wouldn't worry. My quarrel is with humanity. Not...Ponydom?" All of a sudden Freak smiled. So big, in fact, I'm surprised his cheeks didn't rip open. "IMPREGNATE ALL THE PONIES!!" He then stopped. "NO, IMMA EXPLORE THE WORLD!! WHERE IS THE WHITE WING-ED HORSE, SO I CAN SHOW HER THE WAYS OF FRIENDSHIP!!!" "Oh great. Now he's excited." "Oh my god." I rubbed my temples. "Twilight, there has to be away to keep them occupied. Any ideas before this gets out of hand?" I noticed Zac was holding his chin in thought. "I might have one." We all looked at him. Except for Freak. He was jumping up and down. Like literally. "Twilight? Write down the names of your friends and the Princesses, and put them in a bowl or something similar." "I think I see where you're going with this." I said. Twilight nodded in agreement.. "Right. Now, of course, if one of the Princesses names is drawn, we will need them to agree to it." "I'll send both of the Princesses a letter when we're done." Twilight said. "And we can get started on this when we get a reply." I said with a nod. Then looked at Twilight with furrowed brows. "I thought Luna was coming back?" She looked at me with a confused look on her face. "Is she?" I scratched the back of my head and shrugged. "I'll send her a letter just in case." "Fair enough. Everyone in agreement?" We all nodded. "Great. Now, we have a plan." "Always good to have a plan." I said. Twilight voiced her agreement before going to a writing desk to write the letters. Twilight got a reply from Celestia, maybe about half an hour later. The letter said that both Celestia and Luna were coming to Ponyville. Celestia seemed quite curious about what happened in the letter. I just hope she isn’t disappointed. Meanwhile, Twilight was freaking out about it. She was going over every nook and cranny. Literally, every nook and cranny. She even levitated me up the bathroom and forced me to take a bath! A freakin’ bath! I bet you can imagine my feelings at the time. After my impromptu bath, I walked back down to the main room. Twilight seemed to have calmed down a little bit, and smiled sheepishly at me. I just shook my head and sat down. Zeke was laughing at me, Zac was trying not to, and Freak was surprisingly silent. That worried me. Zac asked if there was a time the Princesses were supposed to arrive. Twilight couldn’t recall any specific time, so she just looked toward Canterlot. I followed her to the window. “What’s that tiny dot?” I asked. “That must be them! They’re going to be here soon!” “Twilight, calm down.” He said with a reassuring smile. “It’s going to be fine.” “Exactly,” I said. “I don’t think Celestia would mind a relaxed visit at least once in a while.” “I…” She took a deep breath. “I suppose you’re right.” Well… I might be… “Hey, have you written down the names yet?” “Yes,” She said with a more relaxed tone. “I wrote them down after I sent the letters. And put them in Spike’s bowler hat.” “Okay, so now all we have to do is wait?” I then had a thought. “Twi? Not to make matters more difficult than they already are, but did you tell your friends about our arrangement?” She shook her head. “No,” She said a surprisingly calm voice. “They should be any minute now. I’ll explain it to them when they get here.” There was a knock on the door. “That must be them.” ”It’s weird how that almost always happens.” I thought. “Must be a pony thing? I’ve been here for how long? And I still haven’t figured them out…” Twilight opened the door, and welcomed her friends in. “Hello girls! I’m glad you could make it.” “Not a problem sugar-cube.” AppleJack said. “What’s so important to pull me away from stunt practice?” Said Rainbow Dash. “It’s quite obvious actually.” Zeke said, chuckling slightly. The other five snapped they’re heads towards the other three. “You should pay more attention.” One mini freak out and explanation later, the princesses arrived. They weren’t subtle about it either, but I blame Celestia for that. They’re appearance did not go unnoticed by the town, either. But they were quick to get into the library. I noticed Freak looking between Celestia and Luna, before finally yelling. “SO. MUCH. SADDNESS!!" Twilight and I looked each other with confused expressions and then looked at him “I CAN SEE THROUGH YOUR FEEBLE MISTELLINGS, OF RATIONAL FATE!” “Whatever is he talking about?” Rarity said, with a raised eyebrow. “SHUSH GEM FINDER. THEY STRUGGLE TO ACCEPT THE PAST!!” He looked at back at the Princesses. “I’M SORRY FOR YOUR MIS-fortunes.” The room was silent for a few minutes. Before I cleared my throat. “Right,” Twilight said. “Your Majesties.” “Yes, hello Twilight.” Celestia said, trying to shake off being shouted at within a few seconds of entering the building. Luna nodded. “Hello again, Miss Sparkle.” I raised an eyebrow. “You’re being awfully formal, Luna.” She gave me a slight glare, and I noticed Celestia give a tiny smile. “We are here on Royal business, after all. What did we talk about, Zane?” “Addressing you properly during visits such as this.” I bowed. “My apologies, Princess.” Celestia chuckled. “It is good to see my sister getting along with someone.” She looked at Twilight. “But now, on to why we are here.” She said in a serious tone. “Where is she?” “She is restrained in the basement, Princess.” “Good. Take us to her.” Twilight nodded, and started to escort everyone. “Why have you returned?!” Luna all but yelled. “Is it to torture us further!? TELL ME!!” “Calm down sister! You haven’t given her a chance to speak!” Which is true. Upon seeing Nightmare, Luna went into a raging frenzy. I have never seen a glare so fierce in my whole life. Celestia had to hold her back, which hardly worked. Twilight and Rarity had to help hold her back and calm her down. I would have but… Damn, I was scared. Luna glared at Nightmare for a few more moments, before turning away. “Perhaps you were right, Celestia. It was a mistake for us to come back here.” She gave me a quick glance. “We-I am going back to the common room. Summon me when you are done with… It.” And with that, Luna left. I watched her leave, and couldn’t help but feel bad for her. I couldn’t imagine what it’s like. Seeing your torturer of a thousand years again. “I am NOT an ‘It’.” Nightmare said. Catching my attention, I turned toward her. “You’re not helping.” I said. Celestia lifted a wing in my direction. It took me a little bit, but I understood it as a “keep quiet” gesture. “Will you tell us now, Nightmare Moon?” Celestia said in a serious tone. Nightmare huffed. “As we were trying to say before: I have never left.” “What do you mean?” Twilight asked. Nightmare looked at her. “If you can recall, you didn't destroy me.” That earned some confused looks. “The Elements of Harmony do not destroy. No, they merely stripped me away. Not unlike one would strip the flesh from a corpse.” Everyone but Celestia and I winced. “I just escaped and went into hiding.” “Do you still have magic?” Celestia asked. Nightmare nodded. “Yes,” Everyone tensed up. “But it isn’t as strong as it was when I possessed Luna.” “So you’re just a parasite?” Chrysalis asked. Right, I forgot she was here… “Look who’s talking!” “Rainbow.” I said sternly. She crossed her forehooves and muttered something. I shook my head and returned my attention to Nightmare. “Not a parasite, you insolent cur. I am cursed. To have no body for such a long time plays ill on the mind.” “But… don’t you have a body now?” Rarity asked. “Nay, what you see now is merely an illusion. My true form is that of a visible gas cloud.” “What will it take to get your body back?” I asked. She laughed. “Oh creature, my body is long since decayed. Not much was known of preservation magic in those times. And what was, was seen as dark magic.” “Preservation magic was declassified as dark magic years before my sister and I took the throne.” Celestia said shock. “How long ago were you cursed?” “The Settler’s Era, as you call it now-a-days.” Everyone gasped. “I was cursed thirty years after the founding of Equestria. And before you ask, it was Clover the Clever who cursed me.” “But curses don’t exist. And Clover the Clever wouldn’t do something like that.” Twilight said. “Fine. Dark Magic, if you please, but the turnout was all the same!” She yelled. “And did you know him?” Twilight couldn’t answer that. “Ever hear of Princess Platinum being overthrown?” She chuckled. “Judging by the expression, I assume ‘no’. Why else is there a huge gap in history? Clover destroyed all traces of violent history to save his image.” “But-“ “And then the disappearance of Platinum? Heard of that either? How about Clover’s transformation? Oh, that would make your head spin!” “Enough!” Celestia said. “I’m sure we could learn a lot from you, but I would appreciate it if you stop antagonizing my student!” “Fine.” She said with a huff. There was a tense silence. “Umm…I feel as though I can’t help.” I said. “So, I’m just going to check on Luna. I’ll see you all when you’re done.” Celestia nodded. “I will summon for you and Luna.” I just nodded and left. ~One hour later~ Luna and I were sitting on the balcony. The sun was starting to go down. Or it could be stuck, because Celestia’s attention is elsewhere. Luna and I have barely even spoke. But I think my presence here is enough for now. I tried, but she’ll open up when she’s ready, she always does. “Thank you for being here for me.” She said with her head bowed. Speak of the devil “It’s what friends would do, right?” “Indeed it is.” She sighed. “And unfortunately this is the only instance it has happened.” “Oh, that can’t be true. Surely not.” She looked up. “No. It isn’t. With the exception of Tia, the last real friend I had was over a thousand years ago.” “What about Twilight? And the other Element bearers?” “Alas, I have tried. But they treat me like they treat my sister. It is nice to get the respect my title deserves but…” She sighed. “The fear was not asked for?” I jumped slightly. “Hello Zac. You startled me.” He chuckled. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” I gestured him to sit down with us. “If you were Zeke, you would have.” She looked over at him. “Ah yes, Twilight mentioned something about this. You are Zane’s Kindness?” “Pretty close, Princess. I am the embodiment of the Good within him. It’s nice to meet you.” “You as well.” She looked back off into the distance. “And no, the fear was not asked for, nor is it welcome.” “We remember you telling us about the first Nightmare Night you attended in Ponyville. It’s a natural fear, I think, with things associated with darkness or the night.” “Or they still see Nightmare Moon when they see me.” She said with a bitter tone. “Unfortunately, that wouldn’t surprise me if it were true.” I said. “It’ll change though. Just you wait, Luna.” She looked at me with a raised eyebrow. “Forgive me if I don’t believe you.” I smiled. “I don’t expect you too. I just have a feeling.” “Luna?” I said with a hint of worry and amusement. “Yes?” “The sun is still stuck…” She looked up. “So it is.” “Should we… tell Celestia?” “No. She will notice soon.” I paused for a few moments, to see if Celestia would run up to the balcony. When she didn’t, I spoke again. “You’re sure?” She smiled. “Yes, this has happened before. Don’t worry.” “Okay then…” I paused for a few more moments. “Hey, now that you’re calmed down, what are you going to do about Nightmare?” “I was hoping you wouldn’t ask.” She sighed. “I haven’t really thought about it. I suppose my sister and I are just going to take…her…back to Canterlot.” “And then what?” “Throw her in the dungeon perhaps?” I hummed in thought. “Not sure how practical that would be.” She raised an eyebrow. “She’s just magical essence. She has no real body, at least not anymore.” “Yes, we know this. But tell me: Do you believe her?” “Can’t say that I do, can’t say that I don’t. But what I do know, is that she is weak. Otherwise, she would have tried something.” “I wonder if I should go back down there?” Just then, the sun began to finish lowering and Celestia joined us. “That is not needed, Luna. We are done.” “And what of Nightmare Moon?” Luna asked coldly. Celestia frowned at her sister’s tone. “She is still restrained. Chrysalis and the other changelings are keeping watch over her.” Luna nodded and looked away. “Do you not agree with this? “I do not. I would much rather have her sealed away, or her essence destroyed. Why do you spare her, sister?” Celestia shook her head. “Oh Luna…” Luna glared at her sister. “I am sorry that I am not feeling merciful toward the one responsible for my imprisonment! What would have me do? Welcome her to possess me again, with open hooves? Or perhaps throw a bucking party for her?!” Luna yelled. “You do not understand the way it pains me to see that parasite again!” Celestia gave Luna a disapproving look. “No, I can’t say that I do.” She briefly glanced toward the sky. “The sun is down now, dear sister. The moon and stars await.” Luna nodded. “Indeed they do. Leave me, so I can concentrate.” I stood up and Celestia and I turned around. I paused for a few seconds to see if she would tell me stay. She didn’t. I walked inside with Celestia, and went down to the main room, where everyone except Chrysalis and Wisp were gathered. They stopped talking when they noticed us. Twilight and Aura walk over to us once we reached the bottom of the stairs. “How is she?” Twilight asked. “Not very good.” I said. “She’s very upset and wants Nightmare terminated.” “We were actually just talking about that.” Aura said. “Have you come up with anything?” Celestia asked. There was a collective of shaking heads. “I see…” “We’ve thought of everything!” Rainbow Dash said, throwing her hooves up. “Well… We could try to reform her.” “Already thought about it.” Applejack said. Twilight nodded. “Yes, and I don’t think that it would work.” “So, killing her the only option then?” I asked. There were a few nods. “Hmm… How about we do some more thinking on it? There has to be another way.” Celestia nodded. “I agree.” She tapped her chin. “In the meantime, Twilight? Didn’t you have another issue that needed addressed?” She raised an eyebrow, before remembering. “Oh right! Spike, can you go get the hat with the names in it?” “Sure thing, Twilight!” “Hats with names?” Rarity asked. Twilight nodded and then began explaining everything. After Twilight was done explaining everything, Celestia went to get her sister. Luna didn’t seem too happy to be disturbed, but she was curious as to what this was about. Spike returned with the hat and Twilight arranged every possible candidate in a circle, which was everyone except Twilight, the three other variations of me and myself, and put the hat in the middle of the circle. “Are we all clear on the rules?” Twilight asked as she placed herself beside the hat, and everyone nodded. “Okay. Here we go.” She shook the hat a bit, and drew a name. Her face went pale. “Uh…what came up Twi?” Applejack asked. “C-can I redraw?” “Nope” I said. “That would be against the rules.” She sighed. “Ugh, fine. Freak is to be sent with… Celestia.” Everyone gasped. Including him. “I WISHED IT AND IT CAME TRUE?!?! IMMA FREAKIN GENIE!!!” Celestia removed herself from the circle and stood by Freak with an uneasy look on her face. Which was funny. Twilight cleared her throat. “Alright, that’s the worst out of the way.” She put on a wary smile and shook the hat again, and drew a name. Her face fell. “Zeke is to be sent with Rainbow Dash.” “Oh come on!” Rainbow shouted. She removed herself from the circle and went over by Zeke, glaring all the way. “Great…” “And Zac will go with,” She shook the hat once more. “Fluttershy.” Pinkie Pie voiced her dismay at not being picked, but Applejack kept her quiet for the most part. Meanwhile, Fluttershy was hiding behind her mane. “Oh my.” She said. “Why did I have to be picked?” She slowly made her way over to Zac. Who just smiled and waved at her. “Okay, this should kept them occupied until we find a way to put them back. I hope.” Celestia smiled. “I’m sure it will be fine, Twilight.” Her smile faltered a bit, and she look toward the basement. “I am going to take Chrysalis with me to Canterlot. She has agreed to help oversee Nightmare Moon’s containment.” “Alright.” I said, and everyone else nodded. “What will you do, sister?” “I will help escort Nightmare Moon to Canterlot. Afterwards, however, I am coming back. If there is nothing for me to do, that is.” Celestia tapped her chin in thought. “We may need help with the containment spell, but other than that, I don’t think there is anything that requires your attention.” Luna nodded and Celestia turned to Freak. “Are you ready to go?” “I AM MORE READY, THAN I HAVE BEEN EVER!!!” Celestia nodded. “I’m going to tell Chrysalis it is time to leave.” “And I will be here, MI LADY!!” Celestia nodded and walked off toward the basement. Luna walk over to me. “I will return shortly.” “By later tonight? Or sometime tomorrow?” She nodded. “That is a possibility.” “Alright, I may still be awake when we get back.” She nodded. “Thank you again for being there for me. Even though we barely spoke.” I shrugged. “It’s what friends do, Luna.” “And I am glad I can call you a friend.” She smiled and I smiled back. Celestia and Chrysalis came up from the basement with a jar. It was a larger jar with the same blue smoke that I saw at the park. “Come along Luna,” Chrysalis said. “We are leaving.” “Do not tell me what to do, changeling.” “She was just doing what I asked, sister.” Celestia said. Chrysalis nodded. “If we are to be allies, we need to play nice. Wouldn’t you agree?” Luna merely nodded. Freak jumped onto Celestia’s back, much to her disapproval. “I guess we’re leaving now.” I chuckled. “Okay, have a good evening, Princess. And Chryssy?” Chyrsalis turned to me. “I do not like that alias. What do you want?” I frowned. “Behave yourself.” She laughed. “You needn’t tell me to behave!” “Just… okay. See you soon.” She walked over to me. “You needn’t worry about me, either.” She smiled. “I know the risk of going, but it is sweet of you to worry. I will be fine.” “Yes, my Queen.” She turned away, and started to walk towards the door. “Look over Aura for me, will you? Wisp will be here to help.” “Got it.” “I guess we should going too.” Rainbow said, hovering in the air. “Actually,” Twilight said. “Could you two stay here for a little while? I need to use the cloud walking spell on Zeke, so he can actually go into your house.” Rainbow slumped to the ground. “Fine.” “I think I’m going to go too.” Fluttershy said. “My animal friends need fed.” “I can help with that.” “That would be nice,” Twilight said. “I’m sure she would appreciate that.” “I would. Thank you.” “See you later, guys. Have a good evening.” I said opening the door. “You as well.” Fluttershy said. “Ah think we’ll follow her out.” Applejack said. “Applebloom’s got school tomorrow.” “I too have to be awake early. Sweetie Belle is staying with me this week.” “Alright, see y’all later then.” “Later, sugar cube.” “Good bye, dear. Good evening, Twilight.” I smiled and waved before I closed the door. After I did, I looked at Rainbow and Zeke. Rainbow sat there with her forehooves crossed. Then suddenly there was a bright flash from where Zeke stood. “Whoa.” Twilight said. “That was unexpected.” Zeke now had black demonic bat wings. “Should that have happened?” “No…” Twilight said. I looked at Rainbow Dash, and she was just staring. Zeke however looked unamused. “Despite the odd side effect,” Twilight said. “The spell still should have worked. “So, we can leave now?” “Yep.” He nodded and walked toward the door. Rainbow began to follow him, when I stopped her. “Hey, I just wanted to warn you about Zeke.” “What about him?” “Everything should be fine, just don’t anger him. And If something does set him off, run. Just run and tell everyone nearby to hide.” She chuckled nervously. “Why all the caution? It can’t be that bad.” “I doubt it will happen, but just… Keep that in mind. Just run. Don’t try to calm him dow-“ “Yeah, yeah. I get it. See ya around!” Zeke opened the door, and they left. I looked at Twilight. “Do you think they’ll be fine?” “To be honest? I’m more concerned for Celestia and Canterlot.” “At least Freak is more chaos than evil. Zeke is chaotic/Lawful Evil, Freak doesn't have an affiliation.” “Chaotic/Lawful?” “Yeah. When he’s really mad, he wouldn't care who he kills, hence the ‘Chaotic’. That’s why I told Rainbow. I don’t think she would want to watch her intestines being eaten.” I sighed. “And before you ask, no. He’d cut out her eyelids and force her to watch.” Her face went pale, as well as Spike’s. He just walked in after putting the hat away. “What did I bring to Equestria…” “Human evil, my dear Twilight, Human evil.” “D-do I we need to worry about Freak?” I shook my head. “If anything, he’d just scare the ponies of Canterlot.” I paused. “I think, I’ve never ‘seen’ him mad before.” Twilight looked concerned. “Just think of him as a human male version of Pinkie Pie, more or less. ‘It’s all in good fun, as long as no one gets hurt’.” “If you say so.” She yawned. “It’s getting late, I’m going to bed.” “Good night, Twilight. Goodnight Spike.” “Good night.” They said in unison, and went upstairs. I sat on the couch and looked at my iPod. “Hey look at that. Battery’s finally down to seventy-five percent.”