//------------------------------// // Part 2 - Frustration // Story: The Mare of the Night vs the Nightmare // by master-of-mayhem //------------------------------// All was quiet inside of Luna’s room as the princess of the night lay on her bed, concealed by her bedspread and pillows. Time had passed and she no longer found herself a quivering ball of tears, however while her sorrow had subsided it was not gone. As the princess continued to lie in dejection, she was suddenly startled by the feeling of something pressing on her hide. Instantly alarmed, Luna leapt up, throwing off her bedspread as her eyes darted around the room in a panic, until they came across a grey-furred animal standing on her bed staring at her. “Oh, it’s you Tiberius,” the alicorn murmured, calming down at the sight of her pet opossum. “That’s right,” she downheartedly muttered, “I forgot to feed you, didn’t I?” the princess said as she lifted the small marsupial into her chest for a firm hug, “I truly have been negligent haven’t I?” “What am I to do Tiberius?” Luna sobbed, as she confided with her pet, “I’m supposed to be a princess, a leader. It’s my duty to protect my subjects. I should be standing alongside my sister, but instead here I am hiding away in my room.” Luna’s voice was full of anguish as she turned her head towards the ceiling, gazing at the several small magical clouds floating serenely above her that had become a fixture of her room, “Equestria deserves a better princess than that… It deserves a better princess than me.” One could almost hear the sound of her heart breaking as the azure alicorn plunged her head downward in despair. Failing to hold back tears full of heartache as she clutched Tiberius even tighter. “Why did I even become a princess in the first place?” Luna cried “I’ve done nothing but cause pain and suffering to those around me.” Luna’s thoughts turned towards her sister. As she wondered what it must have been like for her, seeing her only sister being consumed by such malevolent evil, and having no choice but to banish her cherished sibling to the cold, lonely isolation of the moon. The grief and remorse it must have left with her to do so... “It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t given into my jealousy, then that Pokémon’s influence would never have been able to take a hold of me. And now he’s out there somewhere, I can feel it, and there’s nothing I can do about it.” More tears began to well up as she spoke. “I should have been stronger...” Luna sobbed in silence. All she could think of was how much of a failure she was as she sank further down into a spiral of shame. She had worked so hard to regain the admiration from the ponies of Equestria. The thought of losing it yet again to another of her failings was almost too much for her. However, when it seemed her despair had reached its peak, the princess was surprised by the small bundle of fur nestled in her arms that rose up and licked away the teardrops from her face before nuzzling his small furry head against the princess’ chin affectionately. “Thank you Tiberius” Luna whispered and squeezed tightly on the animal in a heartfelt embrace. ***** The silence of Luna’s room was suddenly disrupted by loud knocking echoing from the chamber’s large main door. Startling both the alicorn and opossum. Tiberius abruptly leapt from the princess hooves, and scampered to the foot of the bed towards the commotion, while Luna cautiously removed herself from her bedspread. The princess was rather confused, as she wondered who it was that could be hammering on her door. The obvious answer of course was that it was Alucard or another member of her Night Guard, but they would normally refrain themselves from disturbing her unless absolutely necessary. Maybe they had received news from Celestia? Could Tia and the others have defeated Darkrai? No. Even with all the magic seals and wards surrounding her room, Luna could still sense the evil air of the Pitch-Black Pokémon’s presence. She just couldn’t tell where. Another series of knocks rung from the main door.'Maybe it’s a trap' she thought to herself, her mind conjuring up an image of her opening the door to find Darkrai’s shadowy frame on the other side. However Luna quickly dismissed the idea with a shake of her head. “Get it together Luna,” the princess scolded herself. It wasn’t like her to be so paranoid, and she certainly wasn’t going to let her fear prevent her from something as simple as opening a door. “Whatever is behind that door,” she reassured herself “I’m sure we can handle it.” It was then Luna caught a glimpse of herself in the full length mirror that stood by her dresser. Turning her head in order get a proper look at her reflection, in order to make sure the image she saw was indeed of her. “Although, not looking like that we won’t,” she sighed. Luna was a mess. Her eyes were red and sore with large bags beneath them. Her mane and tail appeared wild and unkempt. Her wings were all ruffled. Even her normally pristine midnight blue coat was in shambles. There wasn’t any way she would be addressing anypony looking like this. True, it did irritate her somewhat that she had to fuss over her appearance to such a degree, but she was royalty, an inspiration to her subjects. It was a point of pride for her to present herself with the composure and grace her station required of her, regardless of the circumstance. Besides it wasn’t anything a little magic couldn’t fix. Luna’s horn glowed a cool blue light, causing as set of brushes that lay nearby on her vanity to levitate towards her. The magical light then extended to the rest of Luna’s body, enveloping her in its soft glow. Refreshing and rejuvenating Luna’s worn physique while the brushes began to comb the alicorn’s mane and tail, seemingly of their own accord. As that was all happening the princess raised her foreleg, took a deep breath, and began practicing the breathing exercises she had seen Cadance perform, in an attempt to regain her royal composure. Within a few minutes Luna had been restored to her regal stature. Outwardly at least, if not inwardly. The magical light surrounding her body slowly dissipated, while the brushes were returned to their rightful place. Just after another round of knocks were heard, this time more frantically. Luna made a quick check in the mirror to make sure nothing was missed, before taking a glance toward Tiberius who was still sitting on the bed. The scruffy opossum simply gave Luna a quick look over, before nodding his head seemingly in approval. “There, much better,” said Luna to her reflection, “though I think a little air might help as well.” ‘or provide a convenient escape route…’ the alicorn skittishly thought as she used her magic to open up a set of ornate glass windows, which lead to a balcony overlooking the castle. “Alright then, let’s see what all the fuss is about, shall we,” the princess stated as she made her way to the entrance. Her horn, glowing once again as she proceed to magically undo the various locks and seals of her door. ***** The halls of Canterlot castle were eerily empty. Alucard and Lestat couldn’t help feel a sense of foreboding as they landed before one of the entrances to the castle’s Great Hall. “This is creepy” a troubled Lestat murmured. “I know we’re supposed to be neck deep in a battle here, but I thought I’d see at least one pony running around.” “I know, it is rather unsettling,” agreed an equally uneasy Alucard, “but we can’t concern ourselves with that right now. Let’s hope Celestia has an explanation for all this.” Tensions only rose as the two sentinels of the night entered to find the normally bustling hall silent. It looked as if the place had been utterly abandoned. There was no hair nor hide of anypony to be found. The curtains had been drawn over the windows and the lights had been dimmed. Despite the bleak environment the two shadow sentries still trotted - albeit with some trepidation - up to the landing of the hall’s grand stairwell. Darkness was a comfort to them after all. “Sir Lestat and Sir Alucard of the Night Guard reporting,” Alucard announced, while glancing around the surprisingly vacant room, “We were informed of some sort of threat?” “There is a threat,” echoed what sounded like a dozen voices speaking at once, “and it’s right here.” The pair turned towards the source of the voices to find countless menacing blue eyes glaring down at them. Changelings, dozens of them, crawled atop the ceiling, the walls and above the entrance they had used, staring at the two with wicked intensity. Alucard and Lestat instinctively entered defensive positions as more of the black insectoid-like creatures began dropping down around them, and emerging from various other hiding places. Before long the two bat-ponies were completely surrounded. “Pig-slop,” Lestat cursed loudly, “It’s a trap.” “Yes Lestat, it would appear that way,” Alucard dryly replied, in response to the blindingly obvious. “At least we know why the castle is so deserted.” “Seriously though, changelings again?” the younger soldier questioned, “You’d think they would have learnt their lesson from last time?” The two where clearly not intimidated, even as changelings started cautiously circling the pair. Alucard’s experienced eyes scanning the room, mentally calculating the number of enemies that confronted them. “So how many is it?” Lestat asked. “About 50 or so. 60 at most.” Alucard calmly answered. “Is that all?” Lestat snicked in response. “Look on the bright side,” Alucard unflinchingly replied in the same stalwart tone he usually possessed, right as one of the changelings managed to gather some courage and charge at him. The attack was futile however as Alucard effortlessly evaded the assault and counted with a series of lightning fast strikes that launched the attacker back into the mob, bowling over a few other changelings along the way. “At least this isn’t going to take very long.” ***** “What is taking so long?” grumbled the irritated Lestat impersonator, “I heard the Moon Princess was a heavy sleeper, but this is ridiculous.” The changeling paced in front of the ornate door to Luna’s chamber, anxiously waiting for the princesses to answer. With every step the camouflaged Changeling felt his heart pound against the chitin that covered his chest. “Come on, you have to calm down” the imposter Lestat reminded himself, “You could blow the whole thing if you don’t keep calm.” The changeling was upset that he found himself so tense. He had not been this nervous since his very first assignment, but it was a frustrating situation for the seasoned infiltrator. Everything had been going well until this point, but now things had suddenly ground to a halt. All because of a door and a lazy, narcoleptic princess who refused to open it! The changeling turned and hammered on the door, more vigorously than he had done previously. “Come on already, this is ridiculous” he muttered to himself. The changeling tried his best to maintain his composure, but with every second that ticked away his mounting frustration grew. If he were to fail because he was unable to awaken a sleeping pony he would be the laughing stock of the hive. Worse however, he would have to endure the harsh disappointment of his queen, and after she had given him this most important of assignments. No. He could do this. After all he was not like the simple minded drones of the swarm. Ones who could only imitate and mock those around them, without any agency behind their actions. He was his own changeling, with his own feelings, talents and personality. He even had his own name. Scarab. A name bestowed to him by Queen Chrysalis on behalf of the hive, in recognition of his individuality. A name that was earned through years of dedication to the hive. A name that his queen could take pride in, and a name that would continue to do so. Scarab, one of the hives’ best infiltrators. The changeling who had seduced the baroness of Hoofenshire. Scarab who had fought a basilisk and lived. Scarab who had stolen the prized jewel of the great wyvern Smog, just to see if he could. And he would not be defeated by a sleeping pony and her overcompensating door! Scarab reared up to once again knock upon the door, this time with all the force he could muster. But before he could strike his inanimate advisory something miraculous happened. The door came to life with the sounds of locks and seals unlocking, emanating from the portals massive frame. Relief flowed through Scarab’s insectoid body as one large click reverberated down the castle’s halls and the great door began to open. “Finally” the changeling whispered to himself, “OK Scarab, it’s showtime.” ***** Luna readied herself with a few deep breaths as the door to her chamber slowly lurched open. Prepared to accept whatever awaited her at the other side… Or whoever awaited her. It was an immense relief to her then to be greeted by the failure face of one of her guards. “Lestat?” the princess sighed in relief, “what is it?” --- The changeling imposter found himself at a loss. He knew he had to say, something, but was unable to piece together any words. All thought seemed to have escaped him as Scarab stood in awe of the maiden in front of him. She was breathtaking. Everything from her flowing star-light mane that reminded him of the night sky, to her soothing blue eyes, to even the way she stood was sublime. This was not the imposing, imperial monarch of Princess Celestia, or his own Queen Chrysalis, that Scarab had been expecting. Sure he had seen plenty pictures of Luna before in preparation of the mission, even if she wasn't the second most famous pony in all of Equestria. However seeing Luna in person like this, up close. The changeling’s heart pounded with even more ferocity than it had earlier, as he gazed in adoration at Luna’s presence. She was stunning, majestic, beautiful… Well for a pony… ---- “Lestat?” a baffled Luna once again asked, not quite sure how to react to the awkward silence. The princess couldn’t help, but feel a little uncomfortable at seeing the normally energetic Lestat stand there motionless like that. And not helping at all was Tiberius. The opossum’s hair bristled and he gave an aggressive hiss towards the visitor the moment Lestat came into view. “Tiberius? Calm down,” Luna turned to address her pet, “It is only Lestat. You know him.” ‘What is wrong with everypony?’ Luna worriedly questioned herself, with increasing concern at the strange behavior on display. “Lestat, your Princess demands an answer?” Luna commanded, hoping that she would receive a response this time. --- “Heh?’ stammered Scarab, completely flummoxed as to what had happened. The last few moments time seemed to have slowed to a crawl, with every second that passed feeling more like an eternity. A dreamlike experience where all that existed was him and the mare in front of him. But suddenly Scarab found himself snapping back to reality at the sound of Luna’s voice. Her, beautiful voice… ‘What is wrong with you Scarab?’ the changing mentally scolded himself, ‘Get your head in the game. Who cares what she looks like, you have a job to do... What? Did she say Lestat?’ ‘Chrysalis dammit!’ Scarab cursed at the revelation ‘I thought I transformed into the other guy? It’s not my fault those stupid ponies all look alike! How is she able to tell the difference anyway when all of her guards look exactly the same!’ The changeling was quick to reassure himself however. After all he was a professional. ‘It’s OK Scarab, you can salvage this. Now what did that numskull sound like again?’ “Oh, I’m sorry Princess,” the now lucid importer apologized, “I was a little distracted.” --- “I see” Luna replied with a hint of skepticism. While the princess was relieved to finally see Lestat acting normally again, his answer felt unsatisfying to her. It didn’t take an Alicorn to tell something was amiss. Maybe Alucard had an answer for this sudden strange behavior… Wait? It was then the princess realized the absence of a certain Night Guard. “Lestat, where is Alucard?” “Alucard?” the imposter echoed. Yes he would have to think of an excuse for the sentries’ absence wouldn’t he? But Scarab was already one step ahead. The changeling had studied up on the princess and her entourage in preparation for this task. This was going to be the easy part. “He went on ahead, Princess,” the changeling answered without pause. “Actually that’s what I need to talk to you about. I’m sorry to tell you this princess, but the city is under attack.” --- Luna’s heart skipped a beat at the news. It seemed her dread all this time merit after all. “Is this true Lestat?” asked Luna in a futile hope that this was all some sort of cruel prank. “Unfortunately, it is Princess,” replied the impostor. “Why didn’t you not inform me of this sooner?’ the alicorn roared, in equal amounts of anger and frustration. “I’m sorry princess,” Scarab answered, “but we thought it was best not disturb you unless we had to.” Luna dropped her head, disheartened by the news. ‘That figures,’ the princess silently lamented. This wouldn’t be the first time Luna found herself absent during a conflict thanks to the misguided intentions of her guards. It was the changeling invasion all over again. It still irritated her that she didn’t hear a thing about the battle until well within Cadance’s wedding reception. At least everything worked out in the end, and all that was really lost was an opportunity to face-off against the Changeling Queen personally - Any foe that was able to best her sister in combat would have made an for an excellent opponent. But now was not the time to dwell on the past, Luna had done enough of that already. And now that she was aware of what was going on sitting around feeling sorry for herself was no longer an option. “Well Lestat, since I am indeed disturbed,” said Luna authoritatively “you can take me to my sister so I can address this threat firsthoof. I am not going to let my home down again.” Lestat’s response however was not what Luna expected, “I’m sorry princess,” he stated, “but I can’t let you do that.” “Why not?” demanded Luna. “Because the enemy is apparently after you,” the sentry began to explain, “that’s what I was about to tell you. In fact Princess Celestia has asked us to move you to a safe zone she’s prepared. Alucard went ahead to secure the path while I escort you there.” Of all the things that could be happening, this was the worst possible thing. Being unable to fight was one thing, but being a target was a different matter. Especially when it came with the knowledge that every terrible events that had been happening, all the lives put at risk, all the pain and suffering, it was her fault. It was all like some sort of bad dream had come to life. Except if this was a dream Luna could just blast the monster away and make everything better. This was worse, this was reality, and the reality was there was one monster out there that would seek out Luna like this, the one that Luna dreaded the most. “It’s Darkrai isn’t it?” she asked. “I can’t say Princess,” Lestat replied, to no comfort to the princess, “But I do know your safety is our number one priority right now, and the longer we stay here the more dangerous it is for you Princess.” Luna sighed in resignation. She didn’t want to leave, to abandon her people, but if it really was Darkrai fighting was out of the question. She wasn’t ready for that. She wasn’t strong enough. It was far from ideal, but with a storm of thoughts and emotions going through Luna’s head, it was probably for the best to leave things in the hands of her subordinates and her sister. At least until she had a chance to clear her head. Besides she knew there would be no arguing with her Night Guard one they had set their minds on something. “I understand. Please give me a moment.” The alicorn princess made her way back to her bedside where Tiberius sat, still glaring warily at NotLestat. “Come Tiberius, I know you’re still upset, but we have to go.” The opossum broke its stern vigil, gazing up and giving a puzzled look to his beloved caretaker. “I do not like this any more than you do,” consoled the princess, “but it is for the best.” Luna reached her hoof towards her pet in a gesture of comfort. Tiberius in turn shot one quick menacing glare towards the impostor, before leaping onto Luna’s back and settling in the alicorn’s mane. With Tiberius’ head now poking out from the top of her mane, Luna stepped out of the threshold of her room and into the large hall. The disguised Scarab standing just outside doorway to make room for the princess. Luna’s horn glowed as she focused her magic; the massive door began to creak and move behind her, steadily moving into place until the portal was sealed with the sound of locks and seals once again echoing down the palace halls. “OK, Lestat let us go,” the princess meekly requested. “Right this way princess,” replied Scarab, absolutely thrilled that things had worked out so well, as the princess and the changeling infiltrator made their way down the empty hall.