//------------------------------// // Realization // Story: Cursed Eclipse - Manehatten // by AImostpure //------------------------------// The morning dew collected at the tips of blades of grass and leaves alike. The sun peaked over the horizon letting roosters crow to awaken the farm ponies. Alarm clocks rang disturbing dreams or being smashed to be silenced. Iron Mind was one such pony that required not a bird nor a clock to wake at specific times. Every morning he was up just before Celestia raised the sun. Situps, squats, pushups, and leg bucks were among his morning routine when on travel. Each exercise lasted longer than normal, his mind was still on what Split had told him the night before. His body tightened from fatigue, each muscle straining against the burning rush that coursed through him. His eyes flinched closed wiping the sweat from his brow. Matted, damp hair clung to his cheeks and forehead after his workout. “Your father is hiding much. I didn't want to show you until I talked to him, but read these.” The manilla envelope was brought with Split's magic to in front of Iron Mind the prior night. Until midnight he had poured over the documents. At first he sat casually on a chair, his right leg crossed onto his left. Then he moved to lean forward resting his chin against upturned hooves while his elbows pressed to the table. Finally, he was sitting on his haunches by the bed while Split slept. Silver eyes scanned, and rescanned the paperwork. Receipts, interviews, and pictures were categorized according to date and event. Employees were put under disclosure contracts keeping them from talking about their work or things they saw. They would be allowed to speak of illegal matters under whistle blower laws but the wording of the contracts could lead to litigation for other matters if they did speak out. Gold Mine was diligent at covering his bases with each step he took. But, even with the most cunning plan, there were things that could not be erased. Iron Mind departed before his wife and son woke. He only brought with him a modern saddlebag. The fabric was squared at the edges, with two smaller pockets in the front. The town streets were beginning the process of waking. Business owners were arriving to begin opening their shops, walkers getting their exercise before foal were to be rushed to school, and the early morning weather team prepared for the days weather. On the surface this was like any other town in Equestria. Ponies lived their lives in a serene bliss never knowing hardships nor troubles. The Guard Captain knew other wise. This was only the lid covering a boiling pot threatening to spill over. A casual trot was not taken to reach the manor outside of town. He opted to break into a full gallop once he had reached the city limits. With his fit body, Iron was able to make the trip in six minutes rather than fifteen. Down the dirt road he had traveled countless times as a foal, he took in the first sights of the once glorious manor. The grass was blackened and burned with a small ditch dug around the perimeter to keep the fire from spreading further. Everything around had been reduced to ash; the gardens, shed, and trees. The actual manor was a broken skeleton. Portions of it still stood, but the bulk had collapsed when the poison of fire bled through. Iron dropped his head forward whispering a prayer at the sight. Black hair falling in rivers over his face, his tail hanging loosely behind him. Each hoof raised again, slower now, to take him towards the burned out rubble. Construction ponies had arrived only an hour before Iron Mind did. They were prepared to work just before dawn wanting to get the larger pieces of debris moved to the wagons before the temperature raised too high. The few unicorns worked their magic in unison raising large chunks of concrete and burned wood. Earth ponies were in charge of digging up the smaller pieces manually and pulling the carts to either a recycling center or dump then returning again. The Pegasi had the easiest job, but they were the fewest in numbers. Simply put, they did aerial surveying to pick out the best places to move rubble or start a new scavenging site. Beneath a tent tarp, the foreman pony, whom Iron Mind spoke with the day before, was looking over a table covered by a white sheet with a lump beneath it. The makeshift tent was his first stop here. Iron Mind calmly approached the foreman pony. At present the Sheriff was not around, but he did not plan to act that he had spoken to him before. “What have you found?” He questioned raising a hoof near the white sheet. He was assuming that they had discovered the corpse of his mother. Silver eyes lifted to the boss then back down. “We found 'er this morning. Ah made sure to send someone to notify the sheriff but they 'ad to leave a note. The law likes to sleep in ahm guessing.” The foreman raised a hoof gently pressing it to the covered pony. “Iffin you like ah can move the sheet. But ah wouldn't want to personally.” Southern drawl fell near a whisper to convey respect for the dead. “Ah apologize if that felt cold seein as this is your mother ahn all.” A shaken head was the foreman's reply. Iron brought his hoof to his lips giving it a quick brush across. It was then set against the sheet. “Good bye, mother.” He whispered bowing his head near the white lump. His mind reeled back to memories of before he left for the University. Knowing his father to have a heavy hoof, having felt it himself many times, he tried to convince his mother once more to abandon Gold Mine. Diamond Mine was set in her ways. She believed that until infidelity occurred that a wife was not to leave her husband. Each strike Gold placed on Diamond was just showing the proper order that a husband and mare were supposed to be. Iron Mind found it despicable. There was still much to be done and time wasn't a virtue he had much of. The foreman gave an easy glance around. The Sheriff hadn't arrived yet, so he took it upon himself to give further details to Iron Mind. He had less worry of doing it in secrecy since the place in question was just moments away. “Ah think that what you find may just be either the most bizarre thing or the creepiest thing. Heck, I had a hard time getting some pony to go down there after word got around with what they'd see. Some ponies seem tah think the place is haunted.” A hoof waved for the Guard Captain to follow him. “Yer welcome tah go down thar on yer own but iffin its alrigh' with ya' I'd rather stay up 'ere.” Observations were made to the demolished hour and singed landscape. Nothing could have, nor should have survived a fire of this magnitude. But when he was shown the broken window, and allowed down the rope ladder to the cellar, Iron Mind was found to be wrong. The glow of magic encircled his horn illuminating banishing the darkness. The bedroom was in a state of disaster cleanup. It had been kept tidy, the bed was made, stacks of drawings piled up around with empty boxes of crayons, and broken toys placed in over filled waste baskets. Telekinesis brought several pictures up for Iron Mind to see. The first was what to be assumed to be a self portrait, as it had 'Me' written on it, of a gray pony with a bat wing, a pegasus wing, and a horn. Did the pony called 'Me' have some sort of belief that she had these things? Or... Iron Mind forced his thoughts to silence. The next picture depicted a blue pony, with lighter blue hair along with the foal from the first picture. This one had 'Momma and Me' this time. The third Iron Mind made quick assumptions to the golden haired pony with the foal was. This had no eligible title as it was scribbled out with crayon. The final, the foal was depicted with a black shadow pony. Stars were drawn in yellow around the two, and beneath it was the most unusual of titles thus far, 'Nightmare Moon and Me'. The process of thinking went in multiple directions. A recollection of the Nightmare Moon incident came back to him. Celestia had ordered him to spend the celebration with his family and not to worry of her safety. A feeling of regret was held learning of her capture by Nightmare Moon. He only learned after that this was part of her plan to free Princess Luna from the clutches of her alter ego. But, why did the foal depict herself with Nightmare Moon? Was it only from books she read or did Gold Mine, such a silly notion to have, plan for Nightmare's return? Once again, Iron Mind forced his mind back to the situation at hand. The four pictures were placed in the left main bag. He needed some evidence when confronting Gold later. The main room was the most damning of the cellar. The walls, however faded, still had paintings of the sky both day and night, a few flight hoops still remained, books shelves filled with literature, and more drawings. Careful of what he may trot in, Iron Mind set further into the refurbished room. As a child he recalled the many shelves of wine bottles, some dating back over a thousand years, set perfectly in the grooves with a fine layer of dust over the labels. Now, it was a makeshift nursery for a foal he assumed remained in here until the fire. If he had one word to describe the bedroom and main room: Filthy. Iron Mind began his investigation of this area at the stairs. Climbing up each, he observed the way the fire's smoke had canvased the ceiling but barely made it down closer to the floor. Some debris from the collapsed building above had fallen past the hole for the stairs, but little damage done to the stairs. Plates, now decorated with soot and ash, littered the top of the steps. Dishes that remained after the collapsed gave observational evidence that they were used either the day of the fire or just prior. It was time to inspect the books. He grazed them with his eyes. The age of the literature was set for a foal straight to one in high school. Educational books, fairy tales, romance, and technical books were what made up the collection. With the right dedication and proper introduction one could learn much. There was much to go over and much to examine, but Iron Mind found himself out of time at the moment. It was faint, but he heard the voice of Tin Star up above arguing with the Foreman about letting some pony into the area without his authorization. The threats he was making towards the foreman and the crew were illegal, and the Guard Captain knew what to do next. ~*~*~*~*~*~ “Now, I am going to go get my deputies and the lot of you will be spending time in jail now. I don't want to hear a word of what you think your rights are. This here is my town and I decide what laws are laws.” A forceful hoof prodded against the foreman's stout chest. “I warned you once already and you ignored that. Now you and your ponies are gonna pay the price for it.” The pair stood beneath the tented tarp in front near the covered body. Gritted teeth and angry eyes, the Foreman bit back what he wanted to say to the sheriff and where he could stick his threats. He was ready to notify him of the Guard Captain's presence down below when he saw him come around the corner of the house's structure. No longer was he forcing back his ways, he now smiled and motioning a tilt of his head to the Sheriff's back. “Iffin ya beg muh pardon, Sheriff, Ah think ya should glance there behind ya.” Tin Star growled annoyance at the sudden defiance set against him. He twisted his body about, stomping his hooves against the ground to face whatever the foreman had wanted him to see. He was now face to face with a hardened, gold complexion of a black maned colt. Silver boiled hot enough to burn flesh. With magic used, a royal crest of Celestia hovered next to Iron Mind for the Sheriff and any other pony to see. His tail swished back and forth fully showing the anger that scorched his mind. “Sheriff Tin Star. By this Gold Crest I have authorization to speak on behalf of Princess Celestia should I deem the situation critical.” Tin Star slunk back. His courage, his brazen temperament, and authority vanished as the color of his face did. No amount of threats nor demands could stop whatever Iron Mind spoke next. His hind hooves slunk back forcing his body to move to give some distance between himself and the captain. He separated his lips to speak but could only muster tiny whimpers and groans. “I am Captain Iron Mind. These ponies are now working for her Majesty. They are ordered to keep unauthorized individuals away from this property. It is being declared a crime scene until further notice. Furthermore,” Iron Mind closed the gap the sheriff was trying to create between them, “An investigation will also be made into the Fillyton sheriff's department.” Attentions came to the Foreman. Iron Mind took steps to him. “Sir, if you would be so kind as to place two workers by the window to ensure no one goes down until ponies from Canterlot arrive.” He left the Sheriff in his trembling state, the foreman looking down at the law pony, smugly smiling at the defeated. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ A quick stop at the post office allowed Iron Mind to send off two of the drawings and a letter to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. The parchment rolled up, his crest placed in hot wax to seal the letter, and given to be sent. It would arrive in less than fifteen minutes and help would arrive shortly after, he assured him self, sop now he wanted to go confront the believed villain. The crest was shown at every point giving him a clear line straight to Gold Mine's room. Furious, the door was forced open stomping his hooves each step until he reached the bed ridden stallion. Iron Mind felt his heart beat faster slamming against his rib cage. He wanted to shout at his father, beat him with his own hooves until he was given a confession he wanted. A strict moral code kept him from doing this. Instead, he stared down his father mentally preparing for anything. From his saddle bag he magically brought the remaining two pictures down in front of Gold. One depicting the foal and Gold, the other the foal and the unknown mare. “What did you do?” Gold Mine was calm when his door was abruptly thrown open. Since the visit the day before it was only a matter of time before the father and son exchanged words again. He moved his hoof down to the drawings on his lap, shuffling them from side to side. He glanced back up to his demanding child. “I have nothing to say to the Guard Captain without my lawyers present.” The two pictures were then ignored raising his head to stare out the window. Magic ushered the pictures back into Iron's saddle bag. “I can help you, father, if you come clean right here and now.” Silence. The colt stared at his father. He was waiting for something he could rely on, anything he could use to protect the stallion. As he had suspected, his only response would be silence. “Fine. Let your silence condemn you. Canterlot will be sending ponies to investigate shortly. Once they arrive I will be removing my self from the case. May Celestia have mercy on your soul for whatever is found.” Iron Mind lowered his head and departed from the room. Out in the hall, he retraced his steps to leave that he made when he entered. Halfway down the corridor he saw the sight of a bright pink feathered griffon. The tips of her feathers were cotton candy blue, and on, what Iron would call a flank, was the cutie mark of blue swirled pink hard candy. An odd sight to say the least. A mental note was taken on the griffon. It may prove useful later. Iron Mind would make a quick stop at the stationary store for paper, quills, and marking stickers. He was going to catalog and research every inch of the cellar until his aid arrived. Split Atom would understand his absence today. He would make it up to his son next week at the Summer Sun Festival. Now he was going to begin to find answers. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The next visitor for Gold Mine was someone he was anxiously awaiting for. “ 'Ello, boss!” the griffon squawked while waving a wing. Her talon foot kicked the door shut behind her. “I woulda brought ye 'lowers, boss, but see I'm seein this blind colt who loves me somethin fierce and I 'ave the flowahs for you to him.” She rubbed the back of her head blushing past her facial feathers. Her foot dug against the ground nervously. “He's mighty fond of me even aftah I told him I was a griffon.” “I care not for your little deviations or what you do when not working for me.” Gold dismissed the griffon's happiness as he did many times prior. A weak hoof beckoned the griffon closer. “Your happiness is of little concern for me. Let us get to business so you can leave and give my sense of smell some relief.” Gold Mine's continued verbal abuse struck their chords on Handy Candy's mood. The griffon swept her eyes away from the stallion nodding her head obediently. Sitting back on her haunches, she waited for her orders. This had been a rehearsed activity performed several times prior. By now she wanted to only go back to the town she found residence, lay down with the pony she fell in love with, and forget the horrible things she had to do to make bits. “You are going to find a pony for me. A filly. Once found you will hold her in a secure location and contact me. I have plans for this pony. Use what funds you need to hire what miscreants, scoundrels, and criminals.” Gold breathed in deeply pushing back the pain that shot into him. He cursed his weakness. His magic weakened, his legs numb, and the nerve damage from ten years prior still ravaging his body. He believed it was all a result of her, the curse on his life, the curse on his existence. “She will be easy to find. Look for a pony with glowing eyes, a wing of a bat and a wing of a pegasus. Furthermore,” words continued, cold and direct, “If she's been found by some pony or taken in by some pony get rid of those ponies. I don't want any pony who may try to look for her trying.” Handy Candy had done many things for Gold Mine in the years she worked for him: Blackmail, framing ponies for crimes, and beatings. Murder? He's outrot asking meh to kill some pony! Feathered wings went right up motioning for the stallion to stop. “Look, boss, I cont go and kill some pony! That's right wrong, it is!” Eyes could have turned red to convey the rage Gold Mine felt building. He didn't turn his head, but he shifted his eyes to focus on the cowering griffon. “Understand this, Handy Candy,” He spat the name out, “I own you. A bit of information and the griffons can easily come, take you back to your Celestia forsaken country, and you will be executed without trial. I am keeping you alive. You are my property. Now, get out of my sight and get the work done. I expect to hear some news within the next week. Get out. My lawyers will be arriving and I would rather not have to explain you to them.” Feathers ruffled up and down her spine. Beak parted to speak up against the stallion yet she couldn't gather the courage to do it. Her head drooped down in front of her. She said no acknowledgment to his command, only left the room quieter than she had entered. Whispers coming from the ponies that she passed didn't phase her. It wasn't often any of them would see a pink dyed griffon. It was the fact she was being pulled back into the seedy despair of a mad man's crazed mind. Handy Candy looked out every window she passed. A sight just outside a second story window took her attentions. A beautiful tree, lush, green, and beautiful, swayed with a summer breeze flowing through its branches. There were apricots or maybe nectarines begging to be plucked by their mother branches. Besides this tree was an untrimmed bush. The bush was trying to grow taller and taller to mimic the tree besides it. Yet, no matter how much I grew the branches never became thicker and began to sag down. The griffon saw her self in the bush wanting to be a tree. Handy Candy sighed forcing her gaze away from the sight. The tree was the pony she loved, staying besides her seeming to cheer her on. This would be the last time she would have to work for Gold, she hopped. Maybe her freedom could be brokered instead of bits this time. To do this, another pony would have to suffer. The glowing eyed pony she was told to hunt. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ With an open ceiling to allow the moon or sun to shine within, the audience chamber of the Celestial Princesses was a sight that stayed with ponies for many years. Marble was the primary choice material for everything from the floors to the pillars. The way they reflected the light casting a glow gave a radiance like no other. The western wall bore Celestia's cutie mark engraved with gold every ten feet. On the eastern wall laid Luna's cutie mark in onyx every opposite teen feet opposed to her sister's. Tapestries dating back thousands of years hung on each pillar noting a symbol for a different period of time. On the floor, running from the chamber doors to the thrones, a red carpet made from velvet and lined with gold fabric rested for ponies seeking audience to trot upon. The thrones sat on a raised platform structure. Celestia's thrown a mixture of white and gold material stood taller than Luna's. The thrown of the night sister was made from a blue and black stone. The two sisters sat before their respective seats. Preferring to rest on their haunches lest royal duty deemed they take their place authoritatively before their guests. The days events were calm, matters primarily dealing with small land disputes and meetings of good will to foreign dignitaries and representatives for the many villages, towns, and cities of Equestria. The calm of the day would be shattered akin to a rock being violently thrown at a window. The guards hurried to allow the mail carrier through. The royal seal laid on the rolled scroll was enough to notify them of the emergency. The twin doors opened with a mighty groan on the hinges bringing an emotionally subdued and frightful pony into the midst of royalty. The chamber had been emptied once forward had been reached of the urgent letter coming to the princesses. Hunched down in an awkward bow, the tired pegasus carrier scrambled in a stumbled pattern forward. Celestia and Luna merely smiled to try and calm the pony. “It is quite alright, my little pony, you will be rewarded for your haste and diligence to bring us this letter.” Celestia spoke as her magic sent tendrils around the parchment bringing it up for the royal sisters to view. The mail carrier smiled at being spoken so well off. Not daring to turn her back to the rulers of the land, the mail pony did a backwards motion retracting their previous acts and leaving from whence they came. Celestia broke the wax seal and let the parchment unravel in front of her eyes. The pictures sent with it began to fall freely to the floor but was caught by Luna's magic for the night princess to stare at. Pink eyes scanned for the sender. Not many ponies held her seal to be able to send such a letter, and finding that her guard captain had sent this only let suspicions be confirmed. Ever glowing mane of pastel green, blue, and pink slid back from her brow so she could concentrate without worry. The letter read with urgency and action. Your Majesty Princess Celestia, I write with a heavy hoof and weary heart that matters that I seek aid from the crown have been found in Fillyton. There is great evidence that a pony was being held beneath the Mine Manor estate for an unspecified amount of time. Clues I examined lead me to believe that the pony may have escaped during the fire days prior. I humbly ask for an investigative team to be sent to determine what crime, if any, has been committed and to locate this pony, if the pony still lives. Inclosed are two drawings I believe come from the pony and may help to locate the individual. Furthermore, I must insist I am not involved directly with the investigation to insure that the integrity and keep accusations of tampering to a minimum. Captain of Celestia's Guards, Iron Mind. Celestia shook her head. The letter gave a grim suspicion on Iron Mind's father. “Lulu, what do you think...” The Princess brought her gaze to her sister, raising her brows in surprise at the reaction her sibling was having to the pictures. “Lulu? What's wrong?” Voice kept low, worry in her questioning tone. Like a flash flood washing away dry, brittle dirt, the barriers in Luna's mind came crumbling down. Memories she had locked away from the time that the entity, Nightmare Moon, had taken control of her jealousy, regret, and sorrow. Memories of a foal who she was able to visit in the last years she was locked in her prison. The pain she watched her go through, the promises she had made to free her, and the lovingly, admiring eyes she always stared at Nightmare moon with came flashing back. A sharp sensation shot into her brain. Nausea hit her in her stomach forcing Luna to empty the contents of her belly onto the floor in front of her. She was horrified that she could forget such a promise for one who she watched suffer so. “Tia.” The Moon Princess whispered collapsing down on bended knees. The Sun Princess summoned her magic to draw the drawings away from Luna and came swiftly to her sibling's side. A foreleg came over wrapping around her younger kin's shoulder. “Lulu? What is it? What is wrong?” A quick glance took in the images on the pictures. They depicted the most unusual of alicorns and Nightmare Moon, the other the same alicorn and an unknown blue mare. Full attention was returned to Luna when she groaned, dry heaving the sound. Celestia lowered one large wing down comfortingly along her sibling's body. “We...I... Know this foal. Before when Nightmare Moon... when I was still within the confines of the moon prison.” Large tear drops fell from her eyes resembling shooting stars from the night sky. “I found my self, a portion of my self rather, being able to watch this alicorn filly. I watched her grow, played with her even if only as a specter, saw her sorrow and her pain. The filly was kept primarily in captivity in a dungeon, basement, or cellar. I could not tell exactly where or what it was.” Her voice choked at the end when Luna openly released a sob. “A stallion called her Cursed Eclipse. A blue mare cared for her for a time until even she was banished from seeing the foal. The caretaker never uttered the name Cursed. She only referred to her as 'Eclipse'. I watched then as she was blamed for everything that went wrong for the stallion that was her father. Beaten nearly daily for things she had no control over.” “An alicorn named Eclipse? Lulu, you can't possibly think it is her, do you?” Celestia knew she should have waited until the story ended before asking. The startled reality of what possibility this filly could hold sent her heart soaring then crashing back down. Luna simply nodded to answer her elder sister. “One day, her father came home reeling from madness. I tried, but could not stop him as he finally beat her to the point her horn broke. I believe the sun eclipsed and the room was bathed in black. When it receded, he was horribly wounded. It was then that she obtained her cutie mark, and when she slept, could visit my own prison. Tia, this alicorn. It had to be.... I swore and told her that Nightmare Moon, no, I was going to free her. But once I was freed I blocked away everything I could.” Now frantic, she placed her hooves to her sister's shoulders twisting her self to face the loving visage of her elder. “I did not keep my promise and now something potentiality worse may have happened to her.” Visions turned pleading. The Moon Princess' entire body began to shake under self inflicted torment. “Let me join the investigation ponies. I will go with them and see for my self if this place is where I believe it to be. And I will find her and we will see if she is... is...” Her head sunk forward. She wanted to believe but it was increasingly hard to do so until she felt a warmth. A sudden embrace that calmed her stormy nature. Celestia slid fore legs around Luna's body drawing her into a lovingly hold. “Yes, of course. Gather your guard and I will notify the magistrate to get the help you will need. I will have a maid come and clean the mess. For now, you must hurry.” Her hooves slid across her sister's back pulling her again into a tight hold. “I am certain she will not be angry nor blame you for anything. And if it is whom you suspect, then finding her will become imperative.” “Thank you, sister, thank you.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ One of the largest malls in Manehatten found the two musical ponies and their house guest on a shopping spree. The promised day that Eclipse would be granted the chance to acquire new possessions for her new life. Money was no option today, Octavia and Vinyl assured her before they embarked. A thrilling endeavor, Eclipse had barely slept the night before with images of what a 'mall' was going to be. Now, Eclipse found her self momentarily alone in the food court. Her very first hay and honey smoothie perched in front of her. She was seated at a table for three leaning forward with her lips wrapped around a white, bendy straw. The thick, sweet liquid sucked through bringing delight to her taste buds. She did what she could not to drink it hurriedly wanting to savor each blissful swallow. The lovers had left her there for but a moment to Octavia could help Vinyl wash her eyes out in the bathroom. That action was brought on with a simple demonstration by the black maned pony showing Eclipse how to use a self defense device. Glowing eyes came covered by her eye lids as she thought back to what brought it all on. They had left well past ten after Octavia and Eclipse used dual air horns to wake the slumbering DJ. A quick breakfast of toast and jam set them on the right path for their event. Vinyl opted for dark violate sunglasses and Octavia wore her trade mark bow. The older ponies readied their own saddle bags and were off. Eclipse was awe struck seeing so many ponies, stores, and activity in one confined place when they reached the mall. The noise alone could have bested Vinyl's night clubs any night of the week. Their first stop was the bag store getting the filly a proper sized bag for her. Her cutie mark was stitched into each bag, Vinyl's recommendation had one bag using the day mark and the other the night mark, Eclipse was equipped to handle the rest of the trip. “I ca...can't wait to put my pi...pin on my new bag.” Eclipse spoke up. Vinyl gave her head a tilt, looking beneath the black lenses at her glowing eyed friend. “Pin? Oh yeah.” She thought carefully. “I thought I saw something on there like that.” “What kind of pin is it?” Octavia asked giving a quick look between the two. She was trotting between them, acting as a kind of barrier in case Vinyl wanted to drag Eclipse into some sort of misadventure. It hadn't happened yet but she wanted to be careful. “Fi..five stallions gave it to m..me. They said I'm a Nightmare Moon Angel with it.” There was a joy in her smile. Beaming with pride at Octavia and Vinyl. She figured it was a wonderful thing to be a part of. “Wow, who would have thought some pony like her was a rough and tumbler.” Vinyl whispered shaking her head. Oh her image of the filly had changed just a bit. A concerned look was shared between Octavia and Vinyl. They had some reprehension to this fact but would leave it alone for now. The NMA were known for being gambling, cider swilling, brawling for fun ponies. The kind that Vinyl liked to hang with. It would be slid under the carpet of thoughts for now. Thinking it best to leave alone until something did occur. Through each store the group traversed. Common items such as shampoos, hoof files, brushes, horn wax, and feather duster. The calm before the storm was over. Eclipse thought that if this was shopping, then she wanted to do more of it! The thoughts that lead her to this path derailed quickly. When the calm passed the storm began with a pair of sunglasses. Like new parents, Octavia and Vinyl squabbled over everything that they wanted to purchase for Eclipse. So when Vinyl insisted on a pair of black sunglasses for Eclipse, Octavia shared choice words of her own to this idea. “She needs to wear accessories that show off her elegance and sophistication rather than putting her in the same circle of head banging charlatans. The pair argued until Octavia motioned for Eclipse to follow her to the next store. Much to the filly's surprise Octavia stayed behind for the moment instead of continue the fight. In the next store, glancing back when Vinyl returned to the pair, Eclipse watched the pair of argued over sunglasses placed in her bag. The DJ winked at Eclipse then went back to apologize to Octavia, feigning defeat. This would repeat several times between the pair. Octavia wanted Eclipse to own a bow tie, so after the argument ended she did so in secrecy. By the time that they decided to take a break at the food court, Eclipse was the owner of several new items: a CD player with headphones, several CDs of Vinyl's choosing, mane and tail bows, a flash light, and a small disco ball that hangs from a pony's tail. “Now, Eclipse, I purchased an important item for you to keep with you.” Octavia sat down across from Eclipse on a round table near the middle of the food court. Vinyl had gone off to get the three of them smoothies to tide them over until dinner. The cellist moved her hoof to draw back her left saddlebag's flap. Pivoting her neck around to pull out a small, black and white cylinder. Head turned to set it right side up. “This is pepper spray. Unicorns can use it easier with their magic, but it can fit comfortably in the hoof as well.” Closer inspection showed the device to have a bright red button on the top. The front was designed with arrows pointing inwards at a pin prick hole that dispensed the spray. “You use it when ponies do something you do not like and they do not stop. Let me demonstrate.” “Yo! Nightlight! Octy!” As if her cue was said, the white marshmallow unicorn returned to her two favorite mares. A tray with three foam cups and straws hovered besides her, glowing as blue as her mane. When the tray was set down for the three to take their respective drinks, Octavia motioned for Vinyl to come over to her. A rogue grin slid along her muzzle sauntering to the love of her life. “Sup, Octy?” “Be a dear and raise your glasses for me. Then, hug me. Only hug.” She chided bobbing a fore hoof in front of the pony's face. Eclipse tilted her head while she watched, confused to what this lesson was going to lead to. Magic now raised Vinyl's glasses up to rest on her brow. Eye brows wiggled when a glance was shot to Eclipse. “See, Nightlight, get the moves like I do and you can get the mares and stallions asking you for the loving.” She leaned forward drawing her arms around her beloved. Necks rubbing in an intimate manner. As Octavia predicted, the hooves slid down the cellist's back moving down to her flank. “Now see, Eclipse? I ask for a hug and she takes more. If this situation was such that the pony was hugging and doing this without permission. You take the spray and,” Octavia reached down taking the container to her hoof, moving it carefully to face Vinyl, then pressing the red button with her other hoof. The spicy spray shot out, not for too long, blinding the DJ. The white mare recoiled howling aloud in pain. Her body hitting the ground, fore legs over her eyes. She rolled back and forth while rubbing trying to get the painful substance from her eyes. Tail had shot outwards, taking on a frozen state. Onlookers watched in question. Some laughed and others pondered contacting mall security. “Excuse us, Eclipse, I am going to help Vinyl to the mare's room.” Octavia moved from her chair coming down to Vinyl. She slid her fore legs underneath Vinyl raising her up to assist her. The two were careful in their trots passing by staring ponies. “You were a very good subject, honey, I'll make it up to you tonight. I noticed you bought Eclipse ear plugs and I can only assume what they were for.” This was twenty minutes ago. Fearing that the other two smoothies would go to waste, and letting her desire for the sweet liquid get the best of her, Eclipse greedily sucked down the other two. “Looks like some pony was thirsty.” The alicorn nearly choked on the final gulp of hay jolting her head upwards to face her two chaperones. Her embarrassment was quickly removed when she took in the state they were in now. Vinyl had lowered her glasses back down hiding the condition the spray left her in. She was grinning, blushing bright, and seemed happier than she had been all day. Octavia, on the other hoof, was in a state of appearing flushed and blushing at the same time. Her gray coat appeared whiter, her breathing erratic, and suspicious glances shot at the ponies around them. The two had been up to something. Something other than the cleaning of one's eyes. Clearing her throat, Octavia spoke up, “Let us finish our shopping, Eclipse, we need to get you a dress for the concert tonight and the Summer Sun Festival next week. The director told me he expects to see your glowing eyes tonight when we play.” A smile and a brisk nod from Eclipse set the three ponies on their way to the dress boutique. This time Eclipse trotted besides her two friends smiling towards them. “I'm so..sorry I drank your sm..smoothies. You're n..not hungry are you?” “Nah, I ate plenty just a while ago.” Vinyl flashed her trade mark grin sending Octavia's face into crimson tones. “Vinyl!” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ With only the dim light from his horn, Iron Mind spent hours pouring over the papers that were strewn about the cellar. Drawings were categorized by age and content. A time line was attempted to be discovered depending on the skill and changes to the pictures appearances. He took note of the filly's broken horn more than once. A gut churning sensation sizzling in his mind pondering what could have caused this. Pages that consisted only of writing were only of school work from the books present. No diary nor observations to her life style could be found. The calm of the cellar, Iron found, would play tricks on him. His head raised to cast a worrisome stare in the bleak light swearing he could hear the cries or giggles of a filly. The caution that the workers had believing that there were spirits here began to dwell on his mind. Iron Mind was mindful to let the workers and the Foreman know that no one was to be allowed on site until the Canterlot guards arrived here. At some point Gold Mine's attorneys had come to try and put a stop to the workers and Iron Mind. The foreman wouldn't have it. The workers knew how to intimidate these kind of ponies without laying a hoof on them so the guard captain could continue his work without interruption. Dark thoughts loomed into his mind. Hatred burned from the fiery pits of his heart. Settling on two pictures, two pictures that seemed to describe everything to him. One was the filly in question, laying on her side as a brown pony beat and berated her. The word 'why' was scribbled with small water stain droplets around it. He could only assume these were tears. Next, the paper was colored totally black. What he assumed was yellow hair, yellow eyes, and yellow teeth. Iron Mind could only fathom was this piece meant but it always came back to his father. It all became clear to him. His mother never suffered a miscarriage, the evidence was there, the filly's features must have set Gold Mine off and he kept her down here. Kept her... Kept his sister in this pit. A monster. The pony who calls himself my father is nothing but a monster. Crimes against his workers, deceit for his business partners, abuse to his family, and this coming to light. Iron Mind slammed a hoof against the ground shouting aloud in frustration. If I had come home even once I could have seen the signs. I could have done something... I could... The burning sensation that came from tears stung his eyes closed. This was the first time since his son's birth he had cried. Those tears were of happiness and not remorse. No injury, no horror, not even taking a life wounded him as badly as learning all of this. Sparks erupted from his horn, finally thrusting his legs downwards beneath him standing upwards. He pivoted his legs twisting around to face the bedroom. His actions were stopped, his body faltering back quickly lowering into a bow. “Raise, Captain Iron Mind, I did not mean to startle you.” From the nothingness of the shadows, Princess Luna emerged before Iron Mind. A gentle hoof raised motioning for him to take a stand once more. “You need not bow. We are on familiar enough terms that when in private you may treat me as equal.” Luna trusted Iron Mind nearly as Celestia trusted him. He was one of the few ponies who treated her as 'Luna' and not as 'formerly Nightmare Moon' as other ponies reacted. No, Iron Mind treated her as a Guard Captain would treat a princess; strict, well mannered, and dutiful. “I needed to see this place for my self. The letter, while short, did not give sufficient details for what kind of place you had found.” She had lied. She knew what sort of place she would find here but wanted to be certain it was the same. Hooves slid over the dust covered floor raising his body back to an attentive state. He kept his head bowed for but a moment wondering if she had seen his near lose of control. “I understand, Princess Luna.” He wasn't one for ever dropping title, even when told to. It was his code and he dared not break it. “I did not dare tread heavily in here. Instead I focused my inquiries upon the multitude of books and papers scattered about.” Once lead back into the central room of the three, Iron proceeded to give an explicit explanation for his system of filing. “Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a diary or writing that we can go on to aid in deciphering the drawings. Many of the images speak for themselves.” “I understand, per your letter, that you wish not to partake in the investigation. I am afraid that my sister and I must ask you to continue.” Luna did not have to look at Iron Mind to notice a change in his demeanor. The captain's tail hung low and between his hind knees. “This is a difficult request to be presented with. But please understand.” The Moon Princess, her horn now shining its self to illuminate the black room as if the sun shinned directly within. A rush of sensations caused her to inhale sharply. Stuttering a sigh, Luna forced her self to continue. “Instead of helping with searching through paper work or questioning witnesses, or suspects, we would like you to head the search for the pony.” “And my duties in Canterlot?” He pulled a full 360 turning to face the bedroom so he could make his exit. “Shinning Armor can handle things until this situation is taken care of. I know his wedding is in several weeks but,” Luna brought her tender gaze to the guard captain. She lowered down to rest at her haunches, turning her neck to gaze at the many drawings, “This matter is of utter importance to the royal family. While I cannot say yet why, finding this pony is imperative to my sister and I.” Star lit mane slid down over her back. It was the first time that Iron Mind would see either sister letting their 'hair down'. This was a sign of emotional change in the princess. Iron tipped his head forward once. The way the princess worded it all, he could have declined to accept. A part of him was glad though that they decided to push this. If this pony was a sister, he needed to find her to make things right. “I accept.” “Thank you. The lawyers are no longer here. I had guards escort them back to Fillyton. Celestia has two orders for you, before you commit yourself fully to the search. Finish spending time with your family and celebrate the Summer Sun with them as well.” “I will, Princess Luna. Thank you.” Magic readied the rope ladder allowing the pony to clamber back up to leave the cellar. He had much to discuss with his wife. Her network of contacts would be vital in accumulating the necessary places to look. He'd share a few words of thanks to the workers and the foreman then traverse the path to return to the inn. Anxiety played a deadly game on Luna's subconscious. Since Eclipse was a foal, Luna's other self watched her grow at every stage. She was unable to converse or interact with the pony who, for five years, cared for Eclipse or any pony else for that matter. Only the glowing eyed filly was ever able to touch and speak to her. Nightmare Moon had even understood whom Eclipse could have been. The need to protect to filly even there in such a hate fueled being. Luna took in the sight of the room recalling every intricate detail that she could. Tears began to pour down her cheeks, hanging her head in deep regret. She let her hooves dance over the piles of pictures. Stopping at the one that was made especially for images of a shadow mare or Nightmare Moon. A gentle smile slid along her muzzle at the many different ways she was depicted. Not as a horrible beast or a fury driven mad mare, but as a loving friend, tender teacher, and brave protector. At times, she was even drawn with Celestia. Oh how Eclipse loved her dolls of Celestia and Nightmare Moon. “I should have realized it sooner, Eclipse. You were lost to Celestia and I almost two millennium. But, my little sister, you've come back. I will find you. Celestia and I will not fail you again.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It was the eve of the Summer Sun Festival and every pony was in cheer. Everyone remained awake through the night awaiting the longest day of the year to begin. Only the youngest of the foals and the oldest of the ponies fell into sleep. In celebration there were carnivals, dances, and small house parties scattered to the far reaches of Equestria. Ponyville was having its annual Pinky Sun Party. The tree the library was in rattled nearly out of the ground. Every pony in town was invited from the two members of Nightmare Moon's Angels who lived in town to a lone zebra. The number of guests rose spilling the party out into the streets. On a tree branch was a quiet party of its own. A rainbow maned pegasus hugged a pink maned pegasus close as they stared at the stars. Down below, a farm pony felt a yearning while staring at an unknowing seamstress. Canterlot was the city to be in this year. The home of the Celestial Princesses would be where Celestia would appear to raise the sun in person. Iron Mind, Split Atom, and Electrical Conduit spent the night visiting ride after game booth after food booth. The two delighted parents barely able to keep up with their speedy son without the aid of magic to leash him close to them. The Celestial sisters spent the night speaking of times of old, before Nightmare Moon and before their estrangement. The streets of Manehatten were filled with ponies, griffons, minotaurs, and a variety of other species. A bet placed between Vinyl and Octavia found Vinyl on the losing end. Little did she know that Eclipse had aided in her loss at the ponies drinking game by switching Octavia's liqueur with plain water. The DJ would be forced to attend a social gathering of aristocratic musician ponies wearing a full dress. The only consolation was she was able to wear her glasses. Octavia chose a modest ensemble leaving her bow tie at home and donning a black, silk gown. Slits rode up along each hind thigh to her waist at the side. Low cut at her chest with no sleeves leaving her gray forelegs bare. A gold necklace set around her neck with a white gold charm in the shape of Vinyl's cutie mark. Octavia preferred to go light on the blush. Her mane set in a bun high on the back of her head. Black tail combed to perfectly and tied with a black ribbon at the base of her flank. The DJ was never one for dressing in anything that would even hint at formal. An attempt was made to wear a gold, nylon cotton blend mini skirt and a black halter top. Eclipse was about to attend her first funeral but Octavia held back finishing the strangulation of her lover. Forced to wear something nice, Vinyl went with a sleeveless red leather bodice. Gold rope tying the piece down the front. The edges were decorated with silver roses and a gemstone, blue heart sat at the center. Eclipse was a very special case for her dress. The seamstress they had visited was dazzled by her unique appearance and insisted that her gown matched the owner. The dress' core layer was velvet in light blue tones. Every bit of the dress was carefully measured to give proper room for Eclipse's wings, and slender figure. Gemstones were used to create a swirling vortex of white and black from the center of her chest outwards across the dress. The lines parted out further they were from the center until the ends were three inches apart at the base of the gown. The sleeves bore sequins at the ankles using bright white stones to mirror her eyes. The seamstress recommended a circlet that reflected the natural twinkle to Eclipse's hair. Taking the suggestions, Octavia fashioned Eclipse's mane to mirror a bun similar to her own. Ten minutes into the party, the trio was kicked out when Vinyl bucked a pony into an ice sculpture for touching Octavia the wrong way. The gatherers to the party watched in suspended horror as the sculpture toppled over into a massive fish tank sending the small aquatic creatures scattering across the soaked floor. Octavia gathered Eclipse away from several stallion admirers, ashamed and embarrassed, followed as a bouncer pony hauled Vinyl out of the reception hall. The three would find themselves on the balcony of Octavia and Vinyl's home. On one side Octavia laid on Vinyl's lap with her head on her marefriend's shoulder. Their cheeks resting together as they stayed in the direction of the soon to be rising sun. In their world, there was only peace and each other. While they had arguments, fought, and at times felt they would kill the other, the pair loved each other more than music and life its self. It was the second time that Eclipse was able to celebrate the Summer Sun Festival outside. The first she hadn't the chance to see the sunrise, but now? She watched as the bright, yellow globe rose above the edge of the world. There were not enough words to describe the sight. All the running, all the fear, the new ponies she met, and the experiences met at the sun. She was touched in ways she hadn't felt for years. Not since the first time she played in the grass with Momma. Her hoof touched her cheek feeling a dampness she had not realized was there. It wasn't sadness that touched her. She was happy. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Give yourself to me Gold Mine hoofed at the black ground. He laid on his belly, his hind legs motionless. Eyes tried to make out where the voice came from yet all he saw was darkness. A nightmare. A tormenting dream plagued him bringing fear like never before. The laughter of ponies echoed in his ears. Terrified gaze went back around him trying to decipher where the sound originated. What he saw he wish he hadn't. Ponies. These ponies were the ones he had left for dead in the mine, ones he had tried to swindle, and ones he put in prison for his own crimes. Their eye sockets empty, their flesh rotting, and their movements staggered and slow. He heard them laugh and he heard them moan his name. I can restore your former glory. He tried to kick his hind legs to move him away from the encroaching monsters but they remained lifeless and limp. Front hooves dug deeper into the darkness beneath him pulling forward with all his might. Magic! He tried to use his magic. Fizzled sparkles fell down over his face telling him once more of the uselessness of his magic. Serve me. The dead drew closer to him. Horrid breath making Gold retch. The cold of their bodies pushed goosebumps up over his skin bringing a rise to his fur. Their hooves touched onto his gimp legs pulling him back towards him. A moment of weakness, a parting of his lips he screamed aloud. “Yes! Whatever you want!” In an instant a bright light shinned above him. The dead vanished returning to the dust. His eyes, pupils shrinking to try and focus on what was now before him. He could not make out what exactly it was. All he saw that it was a pony. The shadowed being with six wings along its back and three horns on its head. The horns were in a triangle formation, each glowing at the tip a different color. The colors were of the three primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. Serve me well. Bed sheets were soaked in a cold sweat. Gold Mine sat up panting and trembling from the episode his mind played on him. The light of Celestia's sun, rising for the festival, gleamed into his hospital room window. His magic ignited from his horn pulling the blankets from his body. A glass besides him was lifted with his power moving it to the sink to be pulled. He brought it back gulping it down thirstily. He dropped form his bed there after, onto all fours moving to the window. He thought about the cryptic words of the dream. The imagery still feeling so real. Then it came to him. Eyes darted to the bed, to the glass, then back to his legs. His magic had been restored, his legs were moving as they did before Eclipse had gotten her cutie mark. The scars that covered him, where fur refused to grow, had vanished and the entirety of his coat was returned. He smiled. He felt laughter pouring from him. A sudden rush of power fueling him to continue his tyrannical joy. He was restored once again to his former self. Now, he truly rebuild.