//------------------------------// // Interlude: Without Z // Story: The Moon Shall Rise From Hell's Ashes // by TundraStanza //------------------------------// Interlude: Without Z --- Big-Shot Rap Duels of Everfree N. A''ight-Mare vs. Dilan Shier Begin! Have you come tonight to this duel prepared? For inside the fog, intruders must beware! Everyday nonsense is the rule of these woods. Your lack of proper tools will do you no good. Your form is Nightmare's yet your soul is clean. You think you can impress me making that kind of scene? I think you may be fighting right out of your league. But maybe you can entertain my sense of intrigue. Wait, hold on! What's going on? What the heck is this? It's more screwy than a unicorn or Pegasus. Why are our words rhyming all on their own? Is this some cut off sector in the Twilight Zone? What do you even know about my soul anyway? It's not something that can be read like the time of day. I can't even imagine what the heck I would find If I were to try to see the depths of your mind. You say you cannot understand, but that is the point. Improvisation is the key to stay and form a joint. Very well, you are doing fine for a rookie, But it's hardly worth an Oscar, not even a cookie. Let the words flow out of you like Spectrum's speed. You can take as much or as little time you need. But even less than the needles on the pine, Make sure you say what you want in just eight lines. Spectrum? Where did you learn about that name? She was a part of the Nightmare. Are you the same? If that's the case, then I have no time to waste. I've got to take the measures to put you in your place. Shadowride, Shadow Sprint, shatter points, and a blast From the sword swings I've learned in the recent past. But you're dodging every which way without batting an eye! How do I fight against someone who doesn't even have to try? ---{Dilan Shier} "Oh my gosh," I exhaled heavily as I laid there on the ground. My throat feels like it's on fire, I thought while I breathed. How in the heck did she make a rap battle to the death an actual thing? After relieving a pony named Berry of her darkness, there was one more piece of the puzzle to collect that night. This second entity wasn't causing any physical damage per se, but she was creating a land-scale musical issue that couldn't be ignored. If there was a Nightmare that could influence minds by forcing song and rhymes to that degree, I wasn't about to let it stay in the wrong hooves for an extended period of time. She conceded after I "entertained" her with a contest of rhyme-spitting. Compared to the others, this one had been more willing to release her host. I couldn't figure her out. Then again, maybe Zecora had some training in the mystical art of subconscious will that was beyond my comprehension. Oh right, I forgot to mention that after resting my tail over the shoulder of my most peaceful opponent, it turned out that the zebra I had met in the Everfree was the victim. She was rubbing her head and I had so many questions I could have asked. However, my ability to think and conjure those questions was being subdued by my body aching for basic needs like air and water. "Are you alright, brown mage?" asked Luna. "Not necessarily at my best," answered Zecora, "but I thank you anyway for asking, Princess." "Huh?" I asked between pants. "What's a brown mage?" "I hope not to leave your mind shaken. But red, white, blue, and green were already taken." "I don't understand," I whispered. I heard Luna make a slight shushing noise while holding her hoof in front of my face. "Rest now, Dill Anne Shear," she said, "You've had a long night." Out of weariness, my eyes were compelled to oblige by the request. --- Luna requested that I show her around my deeper subconscious. At first, I was a bit put off by the idea of letting her in. But, she was suspicious of me enough through her own assumptions. The last thing I wanted to do was give her more of a reason to distrust me. The dream led to a door that opened with a loud creaking noise. I caught a glimpse of Posh meditating. In contrast, Spectrum was hovering in place, kicking a punching bag. Luna and I strolled past them without slowing down. Then, we happened upon the newest residents. The first one seemed... distant. Her minion vines were no where to be seen. All that stood there was a dark unicorn staring into space. I waved a hoof in front of her face. "Uh, Grape Vine?" "What is it now that you want of mine?" I yanked myself away a few inches. "N-Nothing. How are you?" "Is this what you call a trick question?" she asked. "Our conflict is over. My story is done." "Do you have any intention of repossessing the body you inhabit?" Luna asked. "Princess!" I exclaimed while looking at her in disbelief. "I have no intention of granting you my might," Grape Vine stated flatly. "Nor do I plan to interfere with your fight. I shall stand back and wait for this human to prove that he is worthy to wear the Nightmare's hooves." "Uh... thanks?" I scratched my neck. "Waste not either of our time with your gratitude. For that alone will not change my attitude." Luna turned to the right. "And what about you?" A hooded pony that went by the codename N. A''ight-Mare simply pointed a hoof to her side. "What she said." Their sincerity looked like it satisfied the princess. "I think we're done here," said Luna before turning around and hopping away in slow motion. I opted to lag behind and trot against the nothingness for a bit. Spectrum just then made her punching bag spin around the bar, threatening to tear it from its support completely. I used this break of hers to walk over and tap her shoulder. "Mind keeping an eye on the new girls?" I whispered. "Sure," answered Spectrum indifferently, "Not like there's anything better to do." "I appreciate it," I said with a nod. A loud breath invaded my other ear. "Shall I assist in the supervision, Master?" "Of course, Posh." I smiled at the shadow. ---