//------------------------------//
// 5 
// Story: Tales of a Brighton Phoenix 
// by The Stainmore Phoenix 
//------------------------------//

	We had few classes over the next term. Advanced improvisation theater, taught by a stocky black and green pegasus mare named Stage Left was fun and even relaxing. The home consisted of buying props, practicing schticks and even reading several theories.

Our next class was a business ethics class. If my math teacher was a complete bitch, then this professor was a genuine angel. Till Funds, a coal black earth pony colt was sharp and always made sure that there was something for every single pony in the classroom.

Our third class was Anatomy and Physiology class. The teacher, an Earth Pony by the name Lung Capacity was semi difficult, but a fair teacher none the less. She assigned homework on the Monday, but didn't expect it until next Monday. That and she encouraged ponies to ask questions about things they didn't understand.

The last class we had was a script writing class with a Dragon named Fire Field. She was really relaxed and in fact encouraged us to try out different styles. It made for a fun class.

One day, before finals, we were in our dorm room talking about plan of attack.

“So chaps, what's next?” I asked.

“Look for a job,” Echo said.

“Maybe I can help, My Little Ponies,” a cold, malicious voice said.

We looked around.

“Who's there?!” Skyla demanded.

A bluish black mist hovered around us and then solidified into a familiar pony. Dark cyanish armor, a horn that matched the length of Celestia. Her eyes were serpentine and she spoke with a calm, yet maniacal voice. She searched our faces and smiled.

“Yes,” she said. “You'll definitely do.”

“We'll do for what?” Echo demanded, her wings flaring in anger.

“A....simple proposition,” she said.

I felt something come into my throat and it wasn't my lunch. After waiting, I cracked the largest grin ever.

“Last time I heard those words, I ended up married to a cookie,” I said.

That got her to give me a strange look, before realizing I had made a wise crack. Her gaze turned to a glare.

“Hold your tongue, fool,” she hissed.

“Sorry, it's my habit to make wise cracks,” I said.

She glared again. Skyla said nothing and the others stared. The silence was amazing. Smiling to myself, I kept at least eight more smart ass remarks to myself. The nightmare Alicorn walked around the room and perched on a bed.

“This simple proposition is that you pledge your undying allegiance to me,” she said.

“Wha....?” Inkwell asked.

“Pledge you allegiance to me,” she said. “Help me spread eternal night all over Equestria.”

Me and my dormmates looked at each other and huddled.

“What do you want to do?” Inkwell asked in a hoarse whisper.

“Make for the hills?” I whispered.

Western Brass looked at Nightmare, who was amusing herself with the text books. The large changeling chuckled.

“Seems the evil queen of the night has found our books amusing,” she whispered.

“Stick her down and we'll beat it,” I said.

To say it was successful would be an understatement. Nightmare, being so easily amused, didn't seem to be a threat. As we started to think about a new plan, she looked at us.

“What is this...Community college thing?” she asked.

Skyla explained everything. Nightmare chuckled and smiled. Something told us she had greater plans for us.