Chapter 8
Eve was glad when it was almost daybreak and the nightly ride was finally over, finally she could slip away to someplace more important, but first she needed to step inside her house real quick and grab a few things. She entered the house, which was a bit cluttered and untidy, it had been a while since she last did any house keeping. On a long table in the middle of the room, there were bowls and vials full of dust. Not the kind that you sweep under the rug (though she did have some of that lying around), but magic dust that she herself collected and created. each one of a different color and was imbued with different properties. When used correctly, they could have long lasting, potent affects, and she'd need to bring some of it with her. Shoving a few of the vials and grabbing a few essentials, Eve waited till she was sure that everypony pony had returned to their respected homes.
She opened her door just a crack and peeked out, to make sure nopony was still out and about. Quietly, she left the house. Making sure the door was shut firmly behind her, and journeyed over the northern hill that looked over the town. She stopped, having reached its peak, on the other side was a place most self-respecting Nightmares didn't dare go. The Garden of Shadows, a place of absolute darkness and once fabled to have been part of the dark side of Aestas, a place of bad dreams. But the nightmare creatures, the Tenebris, who once ruled over the bad dreams and had once lived there were gone, and all that remained that showed any faint trace of their existence was a forest of ginormous black thorns and briers, and tall dead trees. A hulking mass that looked like a monster.
Though she was older, there were times when she would feel her old fear of the dark creep back into her. She'd end up envisioning all sorts of monsters that could be lurking in that nothingness, waiting to reach out, and pull her in. Eve shook her head, she needed to buck up and start acting her age, she wasn't a filly anymore. She headed down the hill to the Garden of Shadows, as she drew near, the light wind whisked through the tree branches and other plants, sounding like a raspy whisper. She chose to ignore it, and plunged ahead. All around her, Eve saw nothing but pitch blackness, making it easy for one to get lost if they didn't know their way, and it was a good place for hiding. Eve reached into her bag and pulled out a vial of dust that had a faint glow and would serve as her guiding light. carefully, she stepped over twisted tree roots, ducked under over heading vines of thorns, and in no time made it to her destination.
The golden cage had its own light about it, a beacon in the dark and was covered by protective thorns to ensure nopony got in or out. She reached into her bag again, drawing some deep green dust, and tossed it at the thorns. As it touched them, the thorns parted for Eve. allowing her entrance to the cage door. The Nightmare entered the cage, a smile on her face at the sweet sight she saw. Fluttershy slept soundly on the cage floor, she looked so at peace it seemed almost a shame to wake her up, but she'd been waiting all night to see her again.
Everything was an unintelligible blur in Fluttershy's mind as she started to wake up. Like she'd been trying to holding onto some kind of dream that was important, but couldn't remember what it was or why it was important. She opened her eyes to find her friend Eve sitting next to her.
"So, you're finally up, about time." said Eve. Fluttershy sat up and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hoof.
"How long have I been asleep?" she asked, yawning.
"I'd say about all night, you must've been really tired."
"I suppose so..."
"Well enough chit chat, its time for a little breakfast." Eve reached into her bag and pulled out a couple of day old rolls, handing one to Fluttershy.
"I guess I am a bit hungry." she said. Her stomach grumbled as if in agreement. Eve giggled.
"More than a bit, judging by the roar your stomach just made." Fluttershy's face turned red and she put a hoof to her tummy. She quickly ate up the roll.
"So," Fluttershy began, "did anything interesting happen while I was out?"
"Actually yes, a couple of new Nightmares came to live in the village, from the castle." said Eve, eating her roll in one bite.
"Really? What were they like?" Fluttershy asked with curiosity.
"I'm not too sure, they seemed nice enough, but it's too early to tell."
"Well I'm sure they're very nice ponies, and they might not be too used to everypony yet. I know I get all nervous when I meet somepony new."
"One of them...Dawn, talked to me and I think she might want to be friends with me." Eve looked at Fluttershy hesitantly, unsure of what her reaction would be. But Fluttershy smiled politely.
"That's wonderful!" she said. Eve was surprised by this response.
"R-really? You don't mind?" Fluttershy shook her head.
"Of course not, I think it's a good thing, it'll give you a chance good to socialize and fit in with the others." Eve was silent and didn't meet Fluttershy's gaze.
"What if, I don't want to fit in? What if I'm happy with how things are?" asked Eve.
"If that's how you feel, then nopony will force you, but you never know when you might change your mind."
"Pfft! Like I'd ever change my mind." scoffed Eve. "What more could I want than my best friend?" Fluttershy wanted to press further, but judging by the uneasy look on her friend's face, she thought it best to drop the subject....for now. Eve's face brightened instantly as she leaned toward Fluttershy and said excitedly, "You want to see a magic trick?" Fluttershy smiled and nodded, wondering what exactly Eve had planned for her.
"Then prepare!" Eve boomed in a dramatic voice. "For the spectacular feats of magic and mystery that I have brought to you." Eve took hold of vial of bright blue dust, uncorking it, she blew its contents high up into the air above them. The particles of dust swirled around, as they hit the roof of the cage, they burst into the form of animal silhouettes. Fluttershy looked in wonder, applauding at the display, but Eve still had more tricks up her sleeve. With a pinch on hot pink dust, cast it over one of the thorn vines out side the cage. The vine turned from black to a healthy green and from it bloomed a beautiful pink rose. Eve plucked the radiant blossom and presented it to Fluttershy.
"A sweet rose for a friend that's just as sweet." said Eve. Fluttershy laughed at Eve's flattery. "And now, for the greatest feat ever witnessed or performed before pony eyes!" Eve procured what looked like a stuffed bunny from underneath a magician's cloth. The bunny looked to have been made out of lint and dust. For this trick, Eve used a full vial of lavender dust, pouring it onto the bunny. Imagine Fluttershy's surprise as the bunny let out a sneeze and came to life. Fluttershy applauded wildly, the dusty bunny looked up at her with great curiosity. Fluttershy fawned over the little dear, sure he was a bit dirty, but he was still a fluffy little bunny. It reminded her of...something....perhaps another bunny she knew once. But she couldn't quite place the familiarity.
"He's so sweet." Fluttershy stroked him behind one of his large, lumpy ears.
"His name is Lumen, I...made him when I was a filly, he was the only thing I had for a plaything." Eve said, a touch embarrassed. She'd never shown Lumen to anypony before. And with good reason, all the Nightmares would've laughed at her if they ever saw her carrying the little dust bunny around. But she knew how much Fluttershy loved bunnies, and thought it would be nice to give her a little extra company for when she was away.
"I was thinking, that, maybe we could share him, if you'd like." said Eve unsure.
"That would be lovely." Fluttershy replied, cuddling the bunny. The two of them played with Lumen until it was roughly midday. Eve let out a yawn, her eye lids started to droop a little.
"Are you feeling tired?" Eve shook her head, trying to keep her eyes open.
"No, no, I'm fine." she yawned again, even louder.
"Eve, if you're tired, you should get some rest."
"I don't need any rest, I can-" she yawned once more. Fluttershy helped Eve up, and walked her to the cage door.
"How long has it been since you last slept?" Eve thought for a moment, trying to recall.
"Let's see...what day is it again?"
"That settles it, you need to head on and get some sleep." Fluttershy said, handing Eve her bag. Eve shook her head in protest.
"I can't go yet, I don't want to leave you here."
"Don't worry about me, Lumen will keep me company." said Fluttershy. "Besides, you getting your rest is far more important." Eve tried to protest some more, but could only manage yet another yawn.
"Very well." said a defeated Eve. "I'll be back again later, and I'll try to bring more tricks with me." Eve opened the cage door and cleared a pathway for her.
"Take care!" Fluttershy called, she and Lumen waved goodbye to Eve a she disappeared into the shadows. "Oh, I hope she'll be alright." said Fluttershy worriedly.
Back in the Nightmare village, Twilight had been resting up when she was awoken by banging on the door. She let out a yelp as the door swung open,a frazzled Starla stood in the doorway. Her red eyes looked up and around the cottage, stopping on the ceiling.
"Aha! They've struck here too!" cried Starla.
"Huh?!" Twilight looked up at the ceiling in turn, finding it covered in muddy hoof prints. "What the-?!"
"Some prankster has been going around to everyponies' house, whoever it is they've been making a mess of things." Starla's eyes seemed to glow like two flames. Like uprooting flower beds and putting them on rooftops, or poor Calypso's house that's been splattered with garish paint, don't even get me started on what they did to my house. It's chaos I tell you, nothing but chaos!" As Starla stormed off, muttering to herself as she left to check on the next house. Twilight closed the door. Her eyes narrowed as she had a good idea of who the perpetrator could be.
"Chaos huh?" She turned to see Discord was also awake and whistling an innocent tune.
"Something the matter Twilight?" he asked in a silky tone he often used when he tried to sound casual but that instead made him seem all the more guilty.
"You can cut the act Discord, it's obvious that this is your doing." spat Twilight. Discord put a hoof to his chest and lifted hid head high.
"My dear Twilight, surely you're not suggesting that-"
"Discord!" She gave him an angry look. Discord rolled his eyes at her.
"Yes, yes, it was me. Happy now?"
"No! I mean...! Why did you...? How did you even get onto the ceiling?!" Discord smirked a devious smirk.
"That's a trade secret that I cannot indulge." he said, his eyes full of mischief. Twilight groaned, becoming increasingly more agitated.
"However, as to why I did it, would you really expect anything less from me? When you're a creature of chaos, you need to have a little harmless fun, otherwise you'll go stir crazy." He laid his chin on a hoof as he faced Twilight.
"And the best part of this is the amusement I get out of you knowing who was behind these little pranks, but are sadly in a position that makes you unable to tell anypony who did them." he said, laughing at the look on Twilight's face.
"Why you..." She wanted to scream at him, but Discord put his hoof on her mouth, cutting her off.
"Now, now Twilight. We wouldn't want to disturb our gracious neighbors, now would we?" Twilight bit the inside of her cheek.
"No, we wouldn't." she growled, resisting the urge to throttle Discord as he flashed a devilish smile and patted her on the head before leaving.
"That's a good princess. I suggest you let out that temper of yours before we head off, dear Twilight." Discord couldn't help but grin with glee, Twilight's reactions were always worth a good laugh. He knew he was on an important mission, but when has that ever stopped him from throwing out a needed bit of chaos among ponies? He was still set on finding Fluttershy mind you, but he'd also need to vent off as much boredom as possible in order to think up a marvelous plan. He stopped, peering from the side of one of the houses to see Eve exiting her house, stretching out her legs before noticing all the confused and angry Nightmares.
"Oh my stars! What happened while I was asleep?" Eve took in all the disgruntled faces and the craziness that had befallen all of the houses. All...except hers.
"YOU!" bellowed Starla, pointing an accusing hoof at her. "You caused all of this didn't you? As payback or something." Eve was speechless, her eyebrows knit in confusion.
"What? No! I would never do anything like this." She said defensively. "Even if you do deserve it." Starla's mane seemed to be glowing brighter, becoming actual flames.
"It's one thing to go around defacing our homes, but to deny it and act all innocent? Well, it's about time we teach you a lesson." Discord rubbed his hooves together, waiting to watch the fight go down. Sadly for him, Twilight had seen the action and stepped between Starla and Eve, whose eyes were widened in fear.
"What do you think you're doing?!" asked Twilight. The flames of Starla's mane quelled, but she stood her ground.
"Don't you see? It's all her fault! She's the one who went around causing all those little pranks." Twilight looked over her shoulder to see that Eve was shaking.
"There's no way Eve had anything to do with this." said Twilight boldly.
"Come on, it's obvious it was her. Besides, do you have any proof that she didn't do it?"
"Do you have any proof that she did?" challenged Twilight. The Nightmares looked back and forth between the two. The flames from Starla disappeared completely, she looked down at her hooves.
"No, I don't." she admitted begrudgingly.
"Then there you have it. For now, I suggest we put this whole mess behind us and prepare for the ride, we can clean up when we get back." Twilight then asked slyly, "Or would you rather I take this up with the queen?" That seemed to be enough to shut them up, and they all left.
"I didn't need your help." said Eve. Twilight smiled at her.
"I know, but I wanted to." Discord was disappointed. That Nightmare deserved every injury she would've received in the brawl, but instead Princess Twilight had to come to her rescue. An idea hit him, and he smiled. 'Enjoy your time while you can.' he thought, watching Eve. 'Because soon, you'll regret ever meeting Fluttershy.'
Princess Luna stood on the balcony of one of the castle towers, her thought turning to distant memories of the past. One day in particular played over and over in her mind's eye.
"Princess Luna, is what I've heard true?"
"That depends, what have you heard?"
"That you've been lurking near the Garden of Shadows, please tell me it isn't true."
"........."
"No. Do you have any idea what you're risking just by being near that cursed place?"
"It was merely out of curiosity! I've read how immense power existed there, and wanted to see if it was indeed gone."
"You of all ponies should know of the legend, your highness. It was that same power that upset the balance of Aestas and brought the Tenebris to ruin."
"Is it a crime to see for oneself if the legend was indeed true?"
"....I will only ask this once of you Luna, do not return to the garden. The creatures may be gone, but their influence still lies dormant, and should somepony happen to-"
"I am the Princess of the Night Amalthea, I will not fall victim to the garden's corruption."
"......See that you don't."
The princess sighed. 'Why? Why didn't I listen?' What she hadn't told Queen Amalthea, was that she'd gone to the Garden of Shadows for a more selfish reason. She'd gone in the hopes of discovering a magic that would help to strengthen her own, and would make her her sister's equal, or her better. She'd grown tired of watching the ponies bask in her sister's precious light, and jealousy took root in her. It was this that led to her corruption, to turning into Nightmare Moon. She couldn't escape the past, but the least she could do was face the future and accept the consequences for her actions.
"Princess Luna." said a voice. Luna turned to see the girls trotting toward her.
"What are you four doing here? Shouldn't you be back in the room?" she questioned. Rainbow Dash shook her head.
"We couldn't stand waiting around any longer. We came to help Fluttershy, and that's what we intend to do." she said. Applejack nodded in agreement.
"We're hoping to find something useful in this castle's library."
"Yeah, it's amazing what kind of helpful stuff we end up finding in a library." Piped Pinkie Pie.
"Would you care to join us?" asked Rarity. Luna gave one last look up at the sky before replying, "Alright, what do you propose to find?"
"No idea!" chirped Pinkie. "But we'll know it when we see it." Princess Luna followed the ponies as the headed off in search of the library.