Chapter XIII: Crossroads to Change
Chapter 12 Recap: Tantabus was not one to often dwell on past memories, but regardless, amidst his reckless quest he looks back on more pitiful beginnings. Since escaping his once bleak world, Tantabus realizes now that he is the closest thing to a living heir the most powerful figure in Equestria has, and he has chosen to lay claim to that title fully. Allowing his bitterness to cloud his judgement, Tantabus has taken advantage of the situation before him, turning the task he was set upon into a game, a final challenge before beginning his own personal conquest of Equestria. Afterall, if subduing his misguided mother can be avoided, that would surely be preferred. But with the lacking of proper judgement, it is not long before more veteran figures of Nightmare Moon's established forces take notice of the prince' actions. Lieutenant Dust has taken it upon herself to stop Tantabus before he gets out of control, taking Night Light, the father of Twilight Sparkle with her. As the chaos within Canterlot City reaches a boiling point, tensions have risen to their peaks, and many are coming to the realization that a resolution must be had, and a swift end to the conflict even more so. However with enemies all competing on different fronts, there is little insight as to how this will all end, and how the world will react to the now traitorous happenings of Canterlot. Regardless, a defining turning point sets in on Equestria.
Within the sea of stars and galaxies, embedded with the many colors of the universe, a comforting voice conversed with another. The voice had a motherly affectionate tone, while seemingly all knowing with how it spoke with such certainty. "Destiny, Sweetheart."
Another voice replied, lighter in pitch, and more innocent in nature. "Huh?"
Amidst the astral view, two silhouettes looked out a window towards the starry canvas of their universe, as if it were any other day. The mesmerizing sight could be seen past distant mountains, in the cloudless sky of Equestria. One of the figures could easily be depicted as a pony, whose mane was fastened into a tight bun. Whereas the other figure was much smaller, and far more abnormal. It's body was like that of a snake, slender in shape while its arms were fairly skinny. Within the silhouette, it's legs were also of different shape. Needless to say, the second figure was obviously not a pony. The pony figure continued to speak, "You were curious how everything began, yes?"
The smaller figure lowered its head, as the two continued to stand in front of a window. "Yes, but I still don't understand."
The pony continued as she sat, and began knitting something. "Destiny is being woven Sweetheart." She paused briefly. "Even now, I feel the current actions of others are threading in the changes to come. Whether they be good or bad, still has yet to be determined."
The smaller figure looked up towards the pony, in deep wonder. "But what others can possible help weave destiny Ma'am?"
The pony stopped her knitting for a moment, taking yet another to think for herself. She turned her head towards the window, peering outside it for a lengthy amount of time. She spoke clearly, distinctly with confidence. "We all have such a chance Sweetheart."
"Even those who may commit themselves to actions which may put us all in danger."
Captain Dash stood defiantly in front of the group of surrounded Celestial Defenders, particularly a fairly calmed Minuette. They were still in front of the train station which lead out of Canterlot, though the citizens had distanced themselves while observing the conflict.
"And those who themselves are the danger, furthering their own personal goals and ideals."
Tantabus chuckled playfully while still appearing as an Ursa Minor, towering over the three Celestial Defenders.
"And those who do their best not to act, remaining in the shadows. Even they, may make a difference."
Rarity was cast in shadow as she stood in the throne room of the Princess' castle. Diane and Trixie, observed her as she stood, as Rarity glanced back at them in acknowledgement as she turned to look up at a large window with the princess' design in deep thought.
"But don't fret Sweetheart, for there are those like us, even if we are few in number, alone in doubt."
AJ sat alone in a chow hall, hooves raised to her muzzle as she was lost in thought while other Nightmare Guards ate around her.
"Every thread matters, and ever since the alicorn' arrival, I feel kinder ones are finally starting to show."
And Twilight paced back and forth in an empty unfurnished room, muttering concerns to herself in silence.
"I've come to believe we must expect the unexpected. For destiny is always one step ahead."
"Twilight, what's the matter?" Moondancer suddenly inquired.
Twilight was currently pacing back and forth in a room, unfurnished and barren and lacking of any windows. She seemed nervous, horribly so as she had her eyes on the ground. But Moondancer's voice brought her to attention, so she turned to face her and carried that nervous demeanor along with her, now focusing on Moondancer who stood in an open doorway, before raising a hoof to her muzzle. "Oh nooothing. You know, um, just considering the fact that I actually got into a real duel with a Nightmare Guard and survived. Aaaaand that this means I'm more than likely going to be spending the rest of my life in a dungeon. Nothing too big!" She chuckled nervously and gulped.
Moondancer looked at Twilight perplexed as usual, before smiling softly, humored by her. She regarded Twilight positively now, feeling her awkward mannerisms were wholly welcomed at this point. "All you did was defend yourself Twilight. That isn't a crime."
But Twilight's reaction was quite different from what Moondancer expected from her reassurance. Twilight looked hurt by her words, concerned over them. She lowered her head, looking at the ground again as she spoke solemnly. "Yes but, it isn't what I wanted. I thought maybe I could somehow end things peacefully, but I got scared and panicked. I ended up resorting to fighting anyway." Twilight sulked, as her eyes showed signs of strain and conflict. "Why does everything always have to end up this way? Even with you Moondancer..."
Moondancer tilted her head to the right with a squint, before glancing back and shutting the door to the room, then looking back at Twilight, obviously confused due to her words. "What're you talking about Twilight? 'Even with me', what's that supposed to mean?"
Twilight flinched, as she looked at Moondancer worriedly again except with a hint of surprise. It was as if she forgot the mare were still here, and it caused her to feel thrown off. Twilight still had Smarty Pants wrapped around her neck, as she chuckled, avoiding eye contact with Moondancer. "I mean, it all ends up the same. I don't have a cutie mark, I disappoint my family, and even now after I've met you, I'm suddenly finding myself involved in some big crazy conflict." She squinted, showing more signs of frustration. "I've lost my bag, and now nearly hurt somepony back there. Even if I try to be positive something always goes wrong. I don't even know why I bother." Her pitiful tone only became more apparent. "The more I think, the more I realize how crazy this all is. You thinking I'm some special pony, wanting me to go with you. The Princess, Twinkleshine, my parents, my brother, all of this. It's insane." She frowned in disappointment of herself. "In the end I know I'm in over my head, that my hopes are stupid. This is just the grand stage of destiny setting me up again for another big failure. This is getting too big for me Moondancer, maybe it's time I realized my place and stopped fighting it. You're wrong about me and I should accept that before it's too late. All I'm doing is putting you all in danger by biting off more than I can chew, I know it."
Moondancer had her head lowered before immediately rushing Twilight with telekinetic magic in a silent passive fury. She pinned the mare up against a wall as she glared up at her not even a second later, snarling and gritting her teeth. "That, is, enough! I'm done!"
Twilight momentarily reached for her throat, as if that'd break Moondancer's grip. But as Twilight wheezed, gasping for breath, upon hearing Moondancer's words she flinched as her eyes started to become moist, brimming with tears as she frowned and looked down.
But Moondancer's eyes saddened as she dropped Twilight, her rage dissipating as she still looked down at her in a cold but desperate manner. "No! Don't mistake me Twilight! I'm done hearing this pitiful self-wallowing of yourself! Of hearing you belittle yourself!"
Twilight rubbed at her throat as she coughed, and kept her eyes closed, shaking her head. "I'm sorry Moondancer, I really am, I just-"
But Moondancer didn't give her any time to state her excuses. She cut her off swiftly and without hesitation. "Do you think only your thoughts matter Twilight!? Do you think I'm just some crazy mare who says you're special for no reason? Is that how you see me?"
Twilight was now the one taking offense as she looked at Moondancer angrily, shaking her head. "W-What!? No, no it's not!"
Moondancer snapped, "Yet you've constantly referred to yourself as some disappointment, negating all that I say!" She huffed, glancing down with a shrug, "I mean sure I don't mind you disagreeing with that Twinkleshine, but, it's different with me Twilight." She looked to Twilight again seriously. "I know it's recent, and I know it's strange, having me think so highly of you for supposedly no reason. But isn't this what you wanted? Isn't it nice to just have a friend to stand by? Why can't you just trust what I say and follow me?"
Twilight frowned at Moondancer, unable to think of anything decent to say, as she just looked down again.
But as Moondancer saw Twilight's expression, her heart sank as she questioned how harsh she was being. "What am I saying? Mares like us, we think too much into things to merely accept such a ridiculous notion." She looked at Twilight affectionately. "It's my fault Twilight, for not being upfront with you to begin with. You actually impress me with how much you've questioned things. I imagined a pony with your background wouldn't be as persistent, that you'd blindly follow anypony willing to befriend you without question. But that's also where my problem with you is Twilight. You don't see that, you don't take credit for it. Your insight, your kindness, your fragility. There is so much that makes you special and you just don't see it at all." She lowered her hooves to sit, still looking at Twilight. "You need to."
Twilight's eyes saddened as she kept her eyes the ground. "How can you possibly expect me to do that Moondancer?"
Moondancer smiled at Twilight, looking at her earnestly as if the more she thought about her, the more steadily attached to her she became. "Your awkward antics, your skill, your freedom to discover your destiny, and the willingness to believe in the hope for a better future even if you might not inherently believe it yourself, all these things." She paused briefly, even taking hold of Twilight's muzzle to turn her head towards her for a moment. "At first it was such a minuscule interest I had in you Twilight, but progressively, I'm beginning to realize why I'm drawn to you. Your potential to be somepony great is addicting to me. The more I learn about you, what you can become, the more I find how impossible it is to leave you alone. It is a feeling of hope I have not had in such a long long time, too long actually."
Twilight looked up at Moondancer wide eyed, still unable to comprehend how she could possibly feel this way.
Moondancer's eyes were half-closed, as she continued. "Princess Celestia often gave me a similar feeling. So much so, that I believe it was destiny now that I met you. It was destiny that all of this came to be. Cadence believed it too you know, that we'd somehow find our way to each other. Can't you feel it as well Twilight? The pull of destiny despite all this?" She paused, squinting a bit. "The things we were meant to accomplish together? No other pony could think to accept me, I thought I was alone in my efforts, that there was nopony out there I could trust with my passions, my motivations, my ambitions. But then you came along, so deceptively yet naturally, peaking my interest bit by bit and only continuing to do so. Now you've even proven you can best a nightmare guard. You're more than I ever imagined."
Twilight raised a brow now at Moondancer, beginning to find her interest in her more peculiar than inspiring. Still, she let her gaze drift back down again momentarily, even if it was strange, she felt the words lift her up. She too, felt attached to Moondancer still.
Moondancer rose to all four hooves, pulling her hoof away from Twilight's chin. "Twilight, this is the sort of friendship you were always meant to have, as was I. I see it now, and it's a feeling I won't deny. Follow me, place your trust in me, let me discover your potential, and guide you towards your destiny. Be my first companion, my true friend, Twilight. Allow me to show you what I see." Moondancer extended a hoof out towards Twilight, in similarity to when they were in her room. "That you are more special than you know."
And Twilight sat there with a blank gaze, much like before when Moondancer had extended her a hoof. And much like last time, Twilight looked down at it with uncertainty at first. But that uncertainty steadily drifted away as she gave a hopeful trusting gaze towards Moondancer, soon raising her hoof and extending it, reaching for the fellow mare's. There was a brief moment of silence in Twilight's stream of thoughts, as she squinted a bit at Moondancer's hoof, thinking to herself. Just this once, I want somepony else to lead the way for me.
Within Twilight's mind she stood at a crossroads alone in an empty forest. Hesitation was plain on her face, as a dark shadow hung over her. She lowered her head in doubt, and grave uncertainty, as she began to turn around from both paths. I've forgotten what it means to believe in myself, and no matter what choice I make it never feels right. But Twilight was stopped, as Moondancer appeared at her side and forced her to face the paths once again, smiling softly while doing so. Twilight looked to the mare in surprise for a moment, before returning that smile and nodding to her as the two looked towards the paths together. But this time, even if it's scary, even if I have reservations, even if I've forgotten what it means to trust in my own decisions. I'll stop and do my best for you. I'll believe for you.
Twilight grabbed hold of Moondancer's hoof, closing her eyes and smiling up at her. I'll trust in this, and in you, Moondancer.
Moondancer also smiled, affectionately again, as she thought to herself. Thank you, Twilight Sparkle. She pulled Twilight up and then embraced the mare in a hug, whom of which returned it fully. The two remained there, simply taking a moment to breath during all this.
Twilight chuckled as she remained in the hug and uttered a bit nervously, "I guess I won't be going anywhere then."
Moondancer's eyes were closed as she wore a confident and slightly cocky smile. "You act as if there was a choice to begin with."
The two released one another from the hug, before nodding to one another in trusting confidence.
Twilight suddenly bore a more determined expression. "So um, what do you think we should do now Moondancer?"
Moondancer smirked at Twilight, before making her way on over towards the door and opening it. She looked out from the open doorway, before glancing back at Twilight. "Have you already forgotten Twilight?" She looked ahead, into a massive living room area with some furniture stacked against the front door. Sitting there against a wall were four bound nightmare guards, as the black pegasus who'd rid herself of her armor against Twilight earlier, gritted her teeth in defiance while Moondancer smiled. "We've got guests to tend to."
The black pegasus cackled, scoffing at Moondancer. "Aw you two inviting us to the pity party!?"
The rest of the nightmare guards were trembling however, even though they tried to appear just as defiant and brave.
Moondancer's smirk widened at that particular nightmare guard. "I think she's a good talker."
The black pegasus grimaced for a split second as her face distorted back into one of fierce determination. "Do your worst!"
Moondancer and Twilight trotted on up to the group of them. "Well, I guess we should get started."
Twilight looked to Moondancer in deep concern, uncertain if she was actually going to attempt doing what she was implying.
But in the following scenario, none of it was what any of them, well besides Moondancer, probably expected.
Moondancer had everypony, even including themselves, all gathered at a dining table while the nightmare guards were still bound by their own cuffs and collars they were to use to subdue their own prisoners. The table was wide and long, and housed more than enough room for each individual guard, there being four of them in total as they all were seated on the wide end, facing the door which lead out of the house. Twilight and Moondancer stood on the opposite end, before Moondancer while bearing a casually bored look, pulled out two of the seats with telekinetic magic and seated herself into one slowly. She motioned for Twilight to sit in one as well, to which Twilight complied before they both looked to the nightmare guards seated in front of them, Twilight more nervously so. Moondancer looked to the black pegasus almost expectantly, as if she were waiting for something. She gave no hint as to what she was waiting for however.
The all black pegasus inevitably burst out into a rant of frustration. "Well get on with it then! You waiting for us to beg!?"
Moondancer shook her head. "No, trust me, you'll beg. How dramatic your begging will be is what I'm concerned about."
The black pegasus and even her fellow nightmare guards all gave Moondancer a skeptic glare. "What? You take us for some kind of joke!? We're Nightmare Guards! We won't break to the likes of you!" The black pegasus leaned forward, "Use whatever devious means you can think up traitor! It doesn't matter! We gave our vows to the princess and her punishments are far worse than anything you could do!"
Moondancer replied to her claims in a bored and expectant manner. "I have no doubt about that. Which is why I never assumed I could convince you to give me what I want through such brutish means. Besides, that's not the way I work, give me some credit at least."
All the nightmare guards then looked horribly surprised by Moondancer's response.
This even caused Moondancer to squint at them in an irritated manner, offended they even thought she'd do something so horrible. But as Moondancer looked to them, she felt Twilight's eyes upon her as well as she turned to face her, seeing even Twilight looked surprised. Moondancer almost immediately turned bright red as she gasped in embarrassment and disbelief. "Twilight!? You too!?"
Twilight flinched as she raised both hooves in front of herself in a defensive manner. "Huh!? Well I uh-" Twilight raised a hoof to her cheek as she looked up towards the ceiling with a gulp, "Well, I guess I diiiiid entertain the thought a little bit." She gave a sheepish grin.
Moondancer crossed her hooves with a huff. "I'm not so barbaric that I'd resort to something as hideous as torture Twilight!"
Twilight looked at Moondancer plainly with a smile. "I know, I was just skeptic as to how far you were willing to go."
Moondancer shot her an intense glare. "How far I was willing to go?"
Twilight continued with a nod, "To stop Nightmare Moon, I could never be certain. But I felt you had other plans..."
Moondancer's gaze became worried, more so disappointed. "And you would've let me resort to such methods Twilight?"
Twilight shook her head, still smiling. "No, I knew even if you entertained the thought, you'd remember I was here."
Moondancer smiled back at Twilight in relief, smirking a bit in slight amusement.
Twilight tilted her head to the right as she re-adjusted Smarty Pants. "But I still have no idea what you are planning to do."
Moondancer nodded at Twilight as she looked back to the four nightmare guards with a determined look. "Right, of course." After a brief moment of silence, her expression distorted into one of utmost seriousness. "It's a spell taught to me long ago by Princess Celestia herself. Arguably the most powerful charm spell to exist, besides that of a changeling' magic." She glanced down, appearing hesitant. "I have no doubt it'll allow us to learn everything these four know, but only at a great risk Twilight." She glanced over at Twilight, "For the spell requires a host, or more precisely, an object, living or inanimate, to hold its power. It's a spell that directly affects the mind, and for a brief period of time anypony who lays their eyes upon said object will become entirely infatuated with it. To the point of dangerous obsession."
Twilight flinched as she gulped, muttering in a nervous tone. "There's a spell like that out there?"
Moondancer nodded to Twilight, just as nervous. "Yes, Princess Celestia dubbed it as, 'The Want It, Need It' spell."
The black pegasus just scoffed suddenly, cutting into the conversation abruptly. "Yeah right! That sort of spell doesn't exist!"
Moondancer glanced over at the pegasus tiredly with a frown, not saying anything for now.
The black pegasus continued on her tangent. "And taught to you by Princess Celestia!? She's so timid she couldn't even protect Equestria. As if she'd be capable of a total control spell! It's probably overblown!" She glared at her in annoyance. "Only the changelings have magic that powerful and we rooted them out and got rid of them! So unless you're stating that you're a changeling, I'm not buying it! You'll need to try harder than that to scare information out of us!"
The other nightmare guards looked to the black pegasus before nodding in agreement, hesitantly, but nodding nonetheless.
One of the other nightmare guards, a unicorn mare, spoke out as well. "Y-Yes, if such a spell existed! The princess would've told us!"
Moondancer replied to her comment then. "This is not a spell Nightmare Moon would know, for it was created by Princess Celestia in a desperate attempt to understand the changelings, and how their magic worked. After a grueling amount of effort on her part, she managed to create a counter-measure spell, which could free anypony from even the strongest of charms." She looked back down at the table top, "That is the spell she wanted me to master. So should anypony dear to me fall under the charms of the changelings, I would be able to use that spell to break those charms, without much physical strain on their part. But needless to say I learned both halves of the spell." She looked back to the nightmare guards, "Specifically for a moment and time, such as this. Princess Celestia, never found out."
Each of the nightmare guards flinched as they now looked upon Moondancer more worriedly then.
Twilight looked at Moondancer in confusion. "But if Princess Celestia didn't know Moondancer? How did you learn the spell?"
Moondancer glanced over at Twilight. "Give us the solution to the problem, and it isn't that difficult to discover what the problem was, or at least a close enough version to what it was Twilight. All I had to do was look intricately at the counter-measure spell Princess Celestia created, and reverse the process. To put it plainly, I cast the countermeasure spell on myself and used my own body as a way of studying the effects, before deconstructing it bit by bit and finding that Princess Celestia's solution wasn't actually a cure. It was more of a shackle, a way to suppress infatuated feelings until they gradually faded away. It seems this spell can even have a temporary effect on the victims of changelings, and temporarily sever their connection to the changeling, giving you an ample amount of time to free the target and stop whoever is controlling them more objectively. From what I gathered, Princess Celestia's actual charm spell is far less controlled and acts more as a way of replicating the changeling love stages when they are at their most severe. It was never meant to be used wisely."
Twilight gulped, as she looked at Moondancer worriedly. "So what you're saying is-"
Moondancer nodded at Twilight. "Exactly, it was never meant to be used at all after Princess Celestia completed the counter-measure spell." She looked down yet again, "It was always meant to be a spell which tested her limits, a spell only meant to be used to further her research purposes and better tackle a solution to the changelings magic. But I myself couldn't let such a spell go to waste, I had to learn it. But even I inevitably learned that the spell was far too effective to control. There is no balance between them, Princess Celestia's spell is a direct jump to the severe stages of the changeling love process. Those who fall under it are completely infatuated with the target, to the point where they might do anything to exude their love upon them. Which is why I myself would only ever use it under very special circumstances, and this, is a very special circumstance." She paused, looking back to the nightmare guards. "For not only is the target in grave danger of being drowned in the love of any individual who looks upon them, tearing at them, fighting over them, hungrily desiring them. But so are the individuals themselves who would even fight one another to reach or make contact with the target. It is entirely possible for such a spell to go out of control far too quickly to justify using it. Even now, I'm having trouble considering using such a thing."
One of the unknown nightmare guards burst out at Moondancer in a panic. "Then don't! A-Are you insane!?"
As the unicorn mare guard tried desperately to wriggle from her bonds, huffing. "You're crazy! You both are! Let us go!"
The black pegasus gritted her teeth, having trouble hiding her nervousness at the consideration Moondancer might actually use it.
Moondancer looked at them tiredly. "Then agree to answer all my questions, and I won't need to."
Each of the nightmare guards bit their tongues then, still appearing frustrated as they didn't respond to her demand.
Moondancer frowned heavily, "I thought so."
But even Twilight cut in, "Moondancer, maybe they're right. We should find another way, this isn't worth it." As Smarty Pants began sliding down her back, Twilight re-adjusted him with telekinetic magic. "Casting the spell on yourself would be too dangerous."
Moondancer looked at Twilight, shaking her head still with a frown. "I won't be the one who'll be receiving the cast Twilight."
Twilight's eyes widened as she was struck with confusion. "Huh?"
Moondancer appeared even more hesitant, and now uncertain with herself. "I'll need you, to receive the cast." Moondancer couldn't bear to look at Twilight and was forced to turn her gaze downward as if she herself couldn't believe the words she just uttered.
Twilight was speechless as she just looked at Moondancer, not sure what to think. "M-Me?"
Moondancer closed her eyes and nodded. "Yes Twilight. If, if I'm to do this, I need you to take on the spell. As the caster, I myself would be immune to your charms, allowing me to concentrate on holding these four with my telekinetic magic during the questioning process. Their mental constraints will go beyond normal capacity, meaning I will need to put all my effort into ensuring they don't break free and get to you. Only the caster is immune Twilight, and only a live pony can ask questions, which leaves only you. If I were to use the spell on myself, I have no doubt that you'd be able to hold them still for me. But should anything go wrong and you were to accidentally look at me." She opened her eyes halfway, "I can't be sure even I would be able to cast the counter-measure spell in time." She glanced over back at Twilight, "As a blank flank, your potential is uncertain Twilight, and with all five of you suddenly upon me, I don't know if I'd be able to stop you all once your mental constraints are completely severed." She paused, "No, more so that I have a gut feeling that I know I wouldn't be able to stop you all. It isn't often I question my own capabilities Twilight. But you're still a mystery to me, a very big mystery." Moondancer reflected on Twilight's odd yet casual discipline with magic despite having no training.
Twilight was still unable to comprehend the request, not so much so that it shocked her to be put at risk, but more so that Moondancer was desperate enough to use such a spell to get answers. She must've truly felt there was no other way to reliably extract information from them while abiding by her own personal code. But Twilight was still uncertain, for her own particular reason.
Moondancer noticed this, as she regarded Twilight in concern. "Twilight, if you aren't comfortable, we can find another way."
But Twilight immediately looked to the nightmare guards and gave them a firm stare.
They all looked back at her, almost in a pitiful pleading manner, hoping she wasn't as insane as Moondancer.
Twilight spoke, "Agree to answer our questions, and, and I promise we won't use that spell."
The nightmare guards all looked to one another, pausing briefly as they themselves were filled with uncertainty. But soon enough the black pegasus responded yet again, passionately and even more defiantly. "Buck off! You don't scare us!" She spread her wings, hastily attempting to rise out of her seat and begin a sudden charge at both Twilight and Moondancer. "Neither does that spell!"
But Moondancer interjected, her horn igniting with her magical aura as telekinetic magic wrapped around the pegasus near instantly. While she was at it, Moondancer didn't hesitate to subdue the others as well, holding them still in their chairs with a firm glare.
Twilight frowned at them, as she gulped and looked to Moondancer with a nod. "Okay, I'm ready Moondancer."
The black pegasus snarled as she writhed under the telekinetic grip. "You two won't get away with this! There will be consequences!"
The unicorn nightmare guard snapped, looking to the black pegasus now in her own form of desperation. "Shutup! All you do is talk talk talk! Look at what you've gotten us into!" She turned her eyes to Moondancer and Twilight, "Please! Let me go! I-I'll tell you anything!"
The black pegasus looked at the unicorn mare in both shock and disgust. "Traitor! I'll remember your face too!"
The two remaining nightmare guards both trembled under the pressure, unable to decide where their loyalties were.
Moondancer had no trouble holding them still as they were right now. So she looked to Twilight with a smile, "Thank you Twilight."
Twilight appeared distraught for a split second, before returning that smile and nodding to her again. "Don't mention it."
Moondancer closed her eyes, concentrating. "Now, I will begin casting the spell." Moondancer's horn started to glow with a bright pink aura, as that aura split off into tiny fractals, soon drifting towards Twilight and wrapping around her gradually with a misty hue.
Twilight looked down at herself in worry as she looked over at Moondancer. "Moondancer, I don't feel any different." But shock overcame Twilight as she noticed Moondancer now looked strained, tired, though still concentrated, but she was sweating.
Moondancer spoke weakly, "T-Twilight, your questions. Ask them, learn as much as you can about what's happening here."
Twilight turned her gaze back to the nightmare guards, which caused her in turn to flinch. She nearly stumbled out her chair, as the nightmare guards were now looking at her in adoration, and fascination. They seemed almost ravenous with the way their bodies trembled not with fear anymore, but with desperation to escape their bonds, as their pupils were encircled by a bright, transparent heart shaped aura.
The black pegasus smiled gleefully at Twilight then, as she looked at the unicorn mare to her right. "Wow! I never noticed how amazing she was before!" She looked back at Twilight. "You're my type of pony! I think I like you! No, I think I love you! A real lot!"
The unicorn mare guard looked to her pegasus companion in total agreement. "She is! She is so lovely! I think I love her too!"
Twilight flushed red, not used to the attention as she glanced back at Moondancer almost in panicked confirmation that this was the intention of the spell.
Moondancer squinted, her strain only becoming more apparent as seconds drew by. "Twilight, y-your questions. Now..."
Twilight flinched again as she looked back to the nightmare guards. "R-Right! Sorry, um..." She had to take a second to really gather herself as seeing the effects of the spell firsthoof only piqued her curiosity. But she needed to concentrate, realizing they were short on time. Twilight spoke hesitantly but attempted to sound serious. "You four, answer this if you can, what's happening here? Why're you all here?"
The black pegasus still absently attempted to break the hold on her and get to Twilight, before answering happily. "True love! That is what's happening! You feel it too!? I'm so so happy! To think I wanted to destroy you earlier! What was I thinking! I love you so much!"
The other nightmare guards only smiled at Twilight as well, taking in their adoration second by second.
Twilight looked back over at Moondancer in frustration. "Moondancer I can't, they're too distracted!"
Moondancer actually snapped at Twilight in response as she huffed. "Then use your imagination Twilight! You're a smart mare!"
Twilight frowned as she grumpily looked back at the nightmare guards. "U-Um," she took a second to think to herself, rubbing her lower muzzle as she contemplated a solution. Eventually her eyes widened as she raised a hoof, smacking it against her other hoof with an exclamatory, "Of course!" She smirked, suddenly more playful as she began to address them once more. "Let me make you guys a deal! Answer my questions, and I'll let you hang out with me? T-That sounds fair right?" She tilted her head to the right at them kindly, smiling.
The four nightmare guards glanced back and forth at one another before all looking at Twilight in sync with nods. "YES!"
Twilight flushed, though she knew the affection wasn't legitimate, it still got her embarrassed. They'd become so goofy.
Moondancer eased up a bit, as she glanced over at Twilight again, this time with a thankful smile. "I feel their tension easing up Twilight, good thinking. While under the effects of the spell, getting their compliance is key. Excellent work," she went back to focusing on holding them, looking concentrated once more. "Remember, we need information that can help us figure out how to get out of this."
Twilight nodded to Moondancer, "Right." She focused back on the nightmare guards, seriously now in concentration as well. "Nightmare Guards, first and foremost, I want to lay out some ground rules. You will speak one at a time, and only the pony I address may speak at that given time. Um, also, I need you to introduce yourselves from left to right, so I know how to address each of you."
A unicorn stallion on the far left from Twilight's point of view spoke out first. "Specialist Card my love!"
Another pegasus mare was next to go, as she spoke hurriedly, promptly at her queue. "Corporal Baron light of my moon!"
Twilight raised a brow, squinting one eye at them as she didn't voice her feelings but, yeesh, was this awkward.
The black pegasus who'd assaulted her was next to go, as she raised her head proudly. "Specialist Ebonblitz at your service!"
And finally, the unicorn mare on the far right went last. "Specialist Crystal Geyser! Marry me now please!"
Twilight nodded to them, "Um, that'll have to wait. Remember, questions first." She glanced around at the four of them with a blank stare, before continuing. "For starters, this question is addressed to all four of you. Um, which of you here is considered the leader?"
Three of the four sulked, lowering their heads as Specialist Ebonblitz raised her head proudly once more. "Leader right here Dearest!"
Moondancer scoffed a bit as she still sat there, holding them still with telekinetic magic. "How come I'm not surprised?"
Twilight blinked a bit, before focusing particularly on Specialist Ebonblitz. "Why did you attack me Specialist Ebonblitz?"
Specialist Ebonblitz looked horribly guilty. "You have to forgive me my love! I thought you were the enemy! I swear!"
Twilight squinted at her again, furthering her inquiries. "And what exactly made me your enemy?"
Specialist Ebonblitz straightened herself sternly. "Those who conspire against the princess! A band of traitors revealed themselves shortly before the barrier dropped! My love was conspiring with a group of said traitors! I had no choice my love, can't you see!?"
Moondancer cut in briefly, "Twilight, see if you can find out more about those rebels while you're at it."
Suddenly Specialist Crystal Geyser snapped at Moondancer, snarling fiercely. "You will address our love as ma'am you ingrate!"
Twilight glared, particularly at Crystal Geyser. "H-Hey! What did I say? No speaking unless I address you! Okay?"
Crystal Geyser whimpered as her lower lip quivered and she closed her eyes and lowered her head. "Yes Dear."
Specialist Ebonblitz was snickering, a hoof raised to her muzzle as she eyed Crystal Geyser.
Twilight huffed, focusing back on Specialist Ebonblitz again. "Do you know anything more about these 'traitors'?"
Specialist Ebonblitz popped back to attention, focusing on Twilight. "Not really my Love! This group has only just appeared, though based on what I've witnessed leads me to believe that they've existed for some time now! They consist primarily of unicorns, whereas some earth ponies and pegasus are also amidst their group! Perhaps they are a faction, comprised of various different sects spread throughout Equestria!? I cannot be certain, but these are my thoughts on the matter. In the end it does not matter who they are, they are just another pack of traitors to me! Traitors will be cut down and imprisoned! Traitors only create chaos and displease the princess! Such traitors put all of Equestria and peace at risk for the years to come! Such traitors have no right to voice their concerns!" She closed her eyes, grinning at Twilight as she giggled and cocked her head to the left. "But you're a special traitor Love. So you can stay in my special dungeon."
Moondancer rolled her eyes, as she crossed her hooves and scoffed again. "Oh please..."
Twilight covered her face with sheer discomfort. "Uh, t-thanks. Um, Specialist Ebonblitz?"
Specialist Ebonblitz nodded again. "Yes!? What is it, my love!?"
Twilight closed her eyes halfway, still trying to remain serious. "Why is the princess doing this? Can you explain her methods?"
Specialist Ebonblitz immediately straightened herself again. "The princess has ordered the entirety of the nightmare guard to help assist with a massive dream sweep procedure! With the dream sweep, anypony affiliated with the alicorn or any traitorous organization will be exposed, thus leading to them being imprisoned, banished, or cut down! Only high ranking individuals have been given a specific brief of the alicorn's physical attributes! This may prevent possible traitors within the guard to help assist traitorous organizations linked to the alicorn menace! Every major city in Equestria has been placed on lockdown, until the alicorn can be found, thus leading to her capture."
Twilight tilted her head to the right, confused. "Why isn't the princess here now then?"
Specialist Ebonblitz continued, "The princess was meaning to be present for every major step of the dream sweep process! But instead she ventured off to the dragon lands with the Commander and Princess Cadence! Why they have gone there, I am not certain!"
Twilight's eyes widened as she suddenly snapped angrily at Specialist Ebonblitz. "You said earlier you didn't know where he was!"
Specialist Ebonblitz gasped with a guilty whimper. "Forgive me my love! I could never expose such secrets to a traitor!" She leaned forward pleadingly with desperate eyes as she sniffled. "My love, I-I make mistakes! We all do! You gotta understand right?"
Twilight huffed as she looked down at Specialist Ebonblitz. "That still doesn't excuse lying to me."
Moondancer muttered to herself in question. "Dragon Lands? What could she possibly be doing over there?"
Twilight glanced around at the remaining three, "And none of you know why she went there?"
They all shook their heads, still staring at Twilight with wide eager smiles.
Twilight looked over at Moondancer worriedly. "And my brother, and Cadence is over there too."
Moondancer's concern only worsened. "If she felt it was more important to be there then here, it can only mean she found something." She glanced over at Twilight, "The Dragon Lord won't be easily trifled with, they both must've gone to help her."
Twilight's concern also worsened, as she worried greatly for both Cadence and her brother. She was silent.
But Moondancer placed a hoof on her shoulder, reassuring her. "Twilight, remember I knew Cadence too. Cadence is an alicorn, and the most powerful defense based magic pony I know. Not even a dragon could harm her, and with your brother being the commander of the entirety of the Nightmare Guard," she glanced to the lower left, smirking due to the irony, "I'd trust in their capability, and skill."
Twilight frowned, appearing even more upset. "But, it's not just them I'm worried about Moondancer..."
Moondancer raised a brow at Twilight. "Twilight?"
Twilight swiped a hoof at the nightmare guards, looking at them sternly. "What crimes do you know the princess has committed!?"
Moondancer flinched as she looked at Twilight now more worriedly. "Twilight? What're you doing?"
Twilight looked over at Moondancer. "I want to know too Moondancer! If I'm to help you, I can't be like this anymore! I want to know the things you do! Or at least, more!" She glared at the nightmare guards, "I need to feel just as convinced as you in all this!"
Moondancer shook her head, "But this isn't the way Twilight. I can help you learn, but here and now is too much! We can't-"
One of the guards absently, and suddenly, commented. "Changeling Extermination."
Both Twilight and Moondancer paused, glancing over at one of the nightmare guards, Corporal Baron in particular.
Corporal Baron, another pegasus mare, looked inherently disturbed as she kept her gaze downward as she spoke. "This one, does not agree with the Changeling Extermination. The race was defeated, and their queen subdued. Yet no mercy was shown. Was such suffering necessary? To force a race to near extinction, I feel stained, stained as a pony, stained as a defender of Equestria. The princess' honeyed words do not change such feelings." She looked at Twilight then, "This one believes such actions, to be a heinous, dishonorable crime."
Twilight looked at Corporal Baron in confusion. "But my brother told me the changelings were pushed out of Equestria. E-Extermination?" Twilight was quite shaken by the thought. For even if the changelings were enemies, the concept of putting them down caused her to feel sick to her stomach. But what made her feel more wracked with guilt is her brother being connected to it.
Corporal Baron shook her head, before lowering it. "Few ponies know what happened to the gathered changelings, I being one."
Twilight flinched, as her brows furrowed some, triggering annoyance within her. T-They simply hid it away?
Specialist Crystal Geyser spoke, "The Pony Draft, to help bolster the forces of the Nightmare Guard."
Both Twilight and Moondancer now turned their eyes to Specialist Crystal Geyser, looking at her perplexed.
Specialist Crystal Geyser began voicing her own beliefs now. "Some ponies around Equestria were forcefully drafted into the Nightmare Guard. I witnessed families torn apart, as their loved ones were forced to participate in a war they didn't believe in. Mares, colts, nor fillies were spared the princess' judgement, and as a result, none were spared the consequences of battle. This I believe, was a crime."
Twilight sulked further. "So the stories of honoring the Nightmare Guard, of all those volunteers? That was some lie too?"
Specialist Crystal Geyser turned her gaze down towards the table top. "You have yet to experience one of the princess' nightmares I presume." Despite being under the effects of the spell, she glared at Twilight in a passive annoyance. "Then you know nothing, Love."
Twilight rose, slamming her hooves on the table now as she looked at them confused. "But why hasn't anypony said anything? Why are we just hearing about this now!? Why does a spell have to be used to get you to admit it? It's not my fault I didn't know!"
Moondancer rose slightly, still holding the telekinetic grip but trying to calm down Twilight some. "Twilight..."
Specialist Card interjected himself now, focusing on Twilight. "You're from Canterlot."
All fell silent as Twilight looked at Specialist Card, still only in confusion. "From Canterlot?"
Moondancer tugged at Twilight in frustration. "Twilight! These things can wait!" Her eyes saddened, "There is no peace to be found from this! There is no need to wrack yourself up with guilt! So stop!" She frowned at her, "Haven't you already done that enough?"
Twilight glanced down at Moondancer, pausing briefly in conflict before looking back to Specialist Card, shaking her head.
Moondancer let her hoof slip from Twilight, as she sighed heavily and sulked, turning her gaze away from the unicorn.
Specialist Card did not cease. "As a citizen of Canterlot, you may be ignorant of many things. The Extermination, The Forced Draft, and even the Shadow of the North. The Commander supported this, also being a citizen of Canterlot. As citizens of Princess Celestia's city, gaining your loyalty and respect, was Princess Nightmare Moon's way of truly shaming her. The loyalty of Canterlot, it is of no secret to the guard that Princess Nightmare Moon was proud of it. For all we know," he paused, "You all have always supported her actions."
Twilight's eyes widened as an actual wave of rage overcame her and she snapped. "That's a lie! W-We didn't know anything!" Twilight placed a hoof upon her chest, glaring at them as if she'd been personally assaulted. "I lived a quiet life, but it wasn't a cruel one! I didn't feel privileged! I felt alone! If, if I'd known maybe I could've helped! You can't judge us for being left in the dark about these things!"
Specialist Ebonblitz cut in, smiling wide with her eyes closed. "But did you ever even try to find out Love?"
Twilight looked at Specialist Ebonblitz then, still feeling targeted. "What?"
Specialist Ebonblitz grinned at her. "You had all this time as a unicorn in Canterlot! Surely you questioned some things right? But it didn't matter to you! You became spoiled, complacent, ignorant! You didn't want to trouble yourself with the answers, isn't that right?" She smirked at Twilight, "Despite what you say Love, maybe, you're not so different from the general populace here afterall huh?"
Twilight looked shaken as she stood there, Smarty Pants still wrapped around her neck as she seemed silently distraught.
Specialist Ebonblitz frowned softly, "All that time Love. So many hurt, lost, cut down, and you knew nothing."
Twilight's expression darkened as she snapped again, trembling some. "You still didn't say why you didn't tell us! How can you all sit there and blame me for being from Canterlot and not knowing if, if you could've tried to at least, at least-..." Twilight knew the answer to this already but desperately she attempted to find a way to justify herself. She knew it was selfish, but learning more about the princess, didn't mean she expected to become an accomplice to her crimes in the eyes of others. So many years she spent self wallowing, pitying herself while others were suffering. While she herself was ignorant and more privileged than she knew. But was it such a privileged life she lived? She didn't feel that way, and that in itself made her feel even more selfish. As the younger sister of the commander, could she have made a difference? Could he have made a difference? A passive frustration began to consume Twilight as she sunk back into her seat in silence.
Specialist Ebonblitz grinned. "The princess has access to our dreams. Most of us try our best not to even hint at the possibility of treachery or disagreement among the ranks. Unless we'd like to find ourselves in the dungeons, or banishment for life Love."
Twilight nodded sluggishly, keeping her head lowered as she agreed. "I understand, it, it makes sense." Twilight squinted a bit, for she already knew that, she just didn't want to hear it. Something stirred within her that not even she could explain, this anger and resentment for her own neglect of current events, of all that'd happened that Shining Armor never told her about. Her precious big brother, when she thought about it, how long had he actually troubled her? For years, being compared to his feats, his accomplishments. For years being hassled to join the guard, unknowingly ignorant of what she'd have been subjected to had she done so. Now, hearing he played a large part in the extermination of the changelings and this horrible draft to keep Canterlot isolated? Both him and Cadence!? Twilight trembled as her lower lip quivered, while tears gradually began to show. How could they? How could she? She could've said something for so many years. But instead she hid herself away, depressed. Now here they were, arguably past the point of no return. So many things could've been done differently, she had the opportunity. Life was so simple before and she didn't even care, she still complained. And she hated herself for it.
Moondancer cut in again. "You couldn't have been expected to know these things Twilight, no matter what they say."
Twilight looked over at Moondancer with a slight glare, shaken up. "Did you also know Moondancer?"
Moondancer frowned as she squinted. "I like to think I know many things Twilight. But not even I knew the extent Nightmare Moon was willing to go to ensure she stayed in power. I too took advantage of the peaceful state of Canterlot, feeling sorry for myself to strengthen my own resentment of her while ultimately, doing nothing. The few times I have left the city, I didn't bother to ask myself, how much worse things had gotten. I only focused on finding a way to stop Nightmare Moon." She glanced back over at Twilight, "You're not alone Twilight. What matters now is what we do with the knowledge that's been given to us. Like your brother, like Cadence, we also have a choice." She focused ahead, "Unlike them, we can work towards stopping Nightmare Moon. We can find the key without drawing attention to ourselves." She paused, "We don't have to subject ourselves to her cruelty, we don't have to become monsters. We can respond differently."
Twilight looked back to the nightmare guards, who all continued to smile at her in adoration.
Moondancer continued to speak, "I know you must be feeling frustrated Twilight. I too was frustrated with Cadence when she told me that she'd be joining Nightmare Moon's side. But so much time has passed, and after meeting you, I now know what she was trying to protect." She looked down again. "As the only remaining alicorn besides Nightmare Moon, she had to make a decision we weren't forced to make. With her status, she had a chance to earn Nightmare Moon's respect. Even if it might be a small say, at least she has the chance to earn it." Moondancer chuckled a little, closing her eyes. "At least, that's what I like to believe." She looked back at Twilight, desperately trying to reassure her. "It's time we did our part Twilight. Now is the time, the past is the past. Take advantage of your position of not being known, of being a shadow of your brother, and use it to find a key to stop Nightmare Moon." She paused, "Let's help put our world, back on track."
Twilight looked down at her hoof, thinking back to her life here in Canterlot. It's true, despite her current frustrations, she couldn't deny that there were things she did not regret, or feel miserable about. Such as her job and co-workers, her books and comics, being able to come home and simply relax and live an average, even if sometimes empty, lifestyle. Hearing all that had happened, the implications of what might happen, frightened her. Ignorance was bliss, she heard the saying before. Both her figurative Big Sister Cadence, as well as Shining Armor, they each gave her this life as a gift, to preserve her from what they were likely forced to deal with. That's also, what she too would choose to believe. Another sense of foreign and unfamiliar determination swept through her. She had to use the opportunities they'd given her to make a difference. She was a nobody, a nameless unicorn who lacked a cutie mark, and that, was her own advantage.
Twilight shook her head, looking to the nightmare guards fiercely once again. She couldn't doubt herself this time. With everything moving so fast, she had to decide whether to jump at the chance to do something differently. For so long, she let her cutie mark status affect her negatively. She let her disappointment consume her. And so suddenly Moondancer came into her life, Twinkleshine came, this whole scenario came. Something bigger than her tiny recluse world was happening now, and she was lucky enough to be offered the chance to do something about it. Even if she might be an insignificant part, she could at least help Moondancer set things straight. She could help set her brother and Cadence free from the pressures of helping Nightmare Moon. She was actually given the chance to redeem herself, not only as herself, but as a Canterlot unicorn. Which lead Twilight to another question, how exactly did Twinkleshine's group know about the crimes that took place outside Canterlot? And who exactly was giving them that information if not the nightmare guards? Twilight turned her gaze over to Moondancer, staring curiously at her as if wondering if she too, might've been wondering the same things as she was currently.
Moondancer looked wholly consumed by questions, as if she had too many to hold. She didn't even notice Twilight staring at her, as she was taking a brief moment to think quietly to herself. There was so much to do, and Twilight had no doubt that she'd already considered all these things and more, in regards to where they would go from here. But as Twilight stared at her, Moondancer suddenly, broke the silence. "Twilight, close your eyes, and do not open them until I say so." She focused on the nightmare guards herself then. "It's time I took a turn, to find out some things." There was a shift in Moondancer's demeanor, as she was now wholly serious, more so then before.
Twilight blinked a few times at Moondancer, before glancing back over at the nightmare guards and then back at Moondancer. Confusion briefly overcame her but she obliged, eventually realizing what Moondancer was implying. Twilight faced forward again, closing her eyes. "Moondancer, are you sure? W-Would you like me to at least hold them? I don't want you to strain yourself, I can help."
Moondancer shook her head, as she remained completely focused. "No Twilight, you've done enough. I'll ask the questions from here. Thanks to you, keeping them under control should be far easier." And with little effort, and nothing more than the sound of a pop, Twilight was free of her charms, as were the nightmare guards who slowly returned to their original personalities once again.
Specialist Ebonblitz shook her head, before looking at the others and then becoming wild with rage. "You filthy traitors! Look at what you made us do!? How're we supposed to live with ourselves now!? Do you realize what you've done to us!? You've doomed us all!"
The rest of the nightmare guards all trembled more than before as the weight of what they'd done began to sink in. Each and every one of them were traitors to Princess Nightmare Moon, and they, more inherently knew what fate awaited traitors who were found out.
Specialist Crystal Geyser began to sob, as she looked to them in dismay. "Why!? How could you be so cruel!?"
Twilight kept her eyes closed still, but she felt disturbed by the obvious effect their actions had on the soldiers.
But Moondancer didn't care, her eyes remained locked upon them as they voiced their concerns. "Then I guess it's time you also made a choice. Join the fight to stop Nightmare Moon while there's still time, or continue to fight for her, and ensure Equestria will never be free from her rule. Time is of the essence here, so, I'll leave you with that. Because I on the other hoof, still have a few more questions."
Corporal Baron snarled angrily at her. "Yeah right! You think we'll answer any more of your questions!? You're insane!"
The others were obviously in agreement based on their expressions as well, as each of them glared defiantly at Moondancer.
Moondancer smirked, shaking her head with a sigh. "You'd think you guys would get the picture by now." She gave them a casual, bored stare. "I don't have the patience in giving you any kind of choice." Once again Moondancer's horn began to glow, giving off a vibrant pink aura which instead, ran down and wrapped around herself this time. Her brows furrowed, as she allowed the spell to flow through her.
Specialist Ebonblitz looked to her left and right. "Close your eyes! All of you! Don't fall for her-" but almost immediately, she was cut off, as her head was forcibly held still and her eyes forced to stay open as she was still under the hold of Moondancer's telekinetic magic.
Moondancer's smirk widened as she tilted her head to the right a little. "Now now, it's time you realized your situation."
Slowly, Specialist Ebonblitz's eyes were enveloped once again with a heart shaped aura, as she gradually began to smile.
The other nightmare guards only followed in suit under Moondancer's control, as they all began to ease up.
Moondancer lowered her head some, smirking still. "I don't leave room for such obvious openings. Now, let us get started." And Moondancer didn't waste any time as that smirk faded from her face. "If you want me to release you so you can freely move, you'll all remain compliant to my orders, my first being to remain still. Should any of you possess the knowledge to the questions I ask, then you have my permission to answer them. If you don't possess any knowledge regarding the matter, then you are not to speak at all." She glanced back and fourth between the four of them with a look of impatience. "Now, do I make myself clear? If so, say you understand."
All four of the nightmare guards smiled wide, calmed down, before speaking in sync together. "We understand dear, Mistress."
Twilight still had her eyes closed, but also looked surprised. "Mistress? Well, that's preeeetty different from mine...."
Moondancer rolled her eyes, flushing red a hint before focusing back on the task at hoof. "First Question."
Another brief moment of silence passed as all eyes, well except Twilight's, were on Moondancer.
Moondancer continued. "The spell which surrounds the city. How does it work and how do we bring it down?"
Specialist Card spoke first. "The spell was made by none other than Princess Cadence herself."
Corporal Baron added on. "A portion of her own magic, to help further the princess' cause."
Specialist Ebonblitz continued. "Only by disrupting the focal point can the barrier be brought down."
Specialist Crystal Geyser finished. "Otherwise, there is only one alternative method to bringing down the barrier."
Moondancer frowned, as it was apparent she was concerned over this news. "Let's start with disrupting the focal point. I assume you're referring to how all the sirens centered their lights above the city. It was only then this barrier appeared. So the spheres are the key."
Specialist Ebonblitz smirked. "Only by mimicking the activation process Mistress can the barrier be broken. Which means that ponies from all ends of the city would need to separate the spheres focus from the focal point within small intervals of one another."
Moondancer gritted her teeth in irritation as she crossed her forehooves while she sat, glancing over at Twilight, then back down at the table top in irritation. Ugh! Twilight and I cannot possibly pull that off with just the two of us, and we don't have time to waste gathering up ponies who do and explaining it. Plus with nightmare guards scurrying all over the city, it'd take a large group of fairly capable ponies who'd be able to move freely throughout the city and not be captured. She glared at them in silence. You all really thought this through. She exhaled, taking a moment to think clearly as she calmed her demeanor, moving on. "What was the alternative you spoke of?"
Specialist Crystal Geyser looked to Moondancer seriously. "The alternative method is overloading one of the spheres Mistress."
Moondancer looked particularly at Specialist Crystal Geyser, raising a brow. "Overload the sphere?"
Twilight was also listening closely, but said nothing, remaining concentrated on the information as well.
Specialist Ebonblitz looked at Specialist Crystal Geyser skeptically. "No it's not, which is why it makes no sense to mention it."
Specialist Crystal Geyser looked at Specialist Ebonblitz. "It is possible! Just because you don't believe so, doesn't mean it isn't so!"
Moondancer slammed both her forehooves on the table. "Stop arguing!"
All four of the nightmare guards straightened up then as they sat obediently in silence.
Moondancer huffed, continuing as she focused on Crystal Geyser. "Crystal, how would I overload the sphere?"
Specialist Crystal Geyser frowned, looking at Moondancer worriedly. "Only with enough raw magical power can the sphere be overloaded Mistress. This would in short, be an alternative way of disrupting the flow of magic to the focal point, thus shattering the unification between all the separate spheres spread throughout the city." She lowered her head, "But, the amount of magic required to pull off such a feat would be exponentially large. I can't imagine the Mistress has a spell in her arsenal that would be capable of this."
Twilight frowned, still with her eyes closed. "Moondancer, w-what can we do? Neither option sounds viable."
Moondancer looked horribly frustrated, as she had her hooves crossed still before glancing down at the side of her chair. There leaned against her chair was her one strapped satchel, still with something inside it, but she did not voice what. She responded to Twilight, looking back at the nightmare guards. "I'll think of something, Twilight." She looked back to the nightmare guards. "Final question."
Twilight turned her head towards Moondancer, but still kept her eyes closed. "Final question? Moondancer you sure?"
Moondancer looked to Twilight. "Yes Twilight, I believe we've wasted enough time here as is. Unless there is something you wanted to ask. I've only got one more question for now. I believe our priority should be finding your family and getting out of here."
Twilight frowned, as she nodded, turning her head towards the nightmare guards again. "Yes I do, but, it's a bit off topic Moondancer. But it's something I, I want to at least know if they have the answer to. Could you ask it for me?" She lowered her head some.
Moondancer nodded to Twilight with a smile. "Of course Twilight, ask anything."
Twilight muttered it hesitantly. "The Queen of Changelings. Was, was she spared?"
Moondancer raised a brow at Twilight, feeling thrown off by the question. A brief silence followed, as Twilight simply sat there, not saying anything as Moondancer took a moment to gather her thoughts, then looking to the nightmare guards. "Well you heard her, was she?"
All four of the nightmare guards spoke in sync then, looking at Moondancer. "I do not possess that knowledge Mistress."
Twilight's frown worsened, before she smiled hopefully. "Thank you Moondancer, that's good enough for me."
Moondancer nodded to Twilight with a blank stare, before preparing to ask her final question. "Now, for my final question. You all mentioned that Nightmare Moon was absent for all this. So, tell me, Captain Rainbow Dash, she's the one in charge isn't that right?"
All the eyes of the nightmare guards widened, as they looked at Moondancer, at a loss for words for a moment.
Twilight turned her head over at Moondancer, "Captain Dash? One of the big three? She's here in Canterlot?"
Moondancer turned her gaze down to the tabletop again. "I saw members of her squadron some time ago. I had no idea why they were here at the time, but now it all makes sense. They must've been preparing for this entire thing, I should've expected something."
But suddenly, all four of the nightmare guards exclaimed at once. "Wrong!"
Both Moondancer and Twilight froze, turning their heads back towards the nightmare guards.
The four continued to speak at once, each wearing smiles. "The one who has taken charge of this operation is none other than Prince Tanta Dreamweaver, supposed heir to the princess herself. The pony who would conduct the dream sweep on all of Canterlot."
Both Moondancer and Twilight's shock only worsened, as Moondancer rose, slamming her hooves on a table. "Heir!?"
Twilight turned her head towards Moondancer. "Princess Nightmare Moon had a foal!? With who!?"
Moondancer's demand to know only became more intense, as she rose her voice to a shout. "Nightmare Moon has a child!?"
The nightmare guards all continued to speak in sync, "None of us are certain. But rumors have spread throughout the guard."
Moondancer leaned closer to them, still demanding answers. "And what leads you to believe this leader of yours is her offspring!?"
The nightmare guards all continued to focus on Moondancer. "They both possess the ethereal mane only known to her, Mistress."
Moondancer's need to know only continued also. "And the father!? Who is he!? Tell me all you know!"
Twilight, based on Moondancer's sudden change in tone and demeanor worried her. "M-Moondancer?"
The guards all shook their heads. "None of us possess this knowledge, Mistress."
Moondancer's eyes remained wide. "But, you all truly, inherently believe that this leader of yours is her offspring?"
They all nodded in agreement to her. "Yes Mistress. For there is no ordinary pony who bears such an appearance."
Moondancer began to tremble as she lowered her head and her face darkened exponentially, hiding her expression.
Twilight still remained focused on Moondancer though her eyes were still closed. "Moondancer? Are you alright?"
And beneath the shadow of her face, Moondancer was snarling fiercely, before she started growling softly to herself, soon rising out of her chair and letting off a fierce and blood curdling roar, sending the dining table flying into the wall at their side in frustration.
Twilight only leaned closer to Moondancer, before grabbing hold of her side desperately. "Moondancer!?"
But Moondancer huffed, as the determination in her eyes never swayed. After taking another second to calm herself, she glanced down at Twilight and frowned in regret. "Forgive me Twilight, just, letting loose some frustration." She sulked momentarily, exhaling as she closed her eyes and stood straight, before looking to the nightmare guards with an intense glare. "You all remove your armor, now."
The nightmare guards all looked at one another, before the three that still had their armor began removing it piece by piece.
Moondancer looked back down at Twilight in a solemn manner. "It looks like we need to change up our strategy, again."
Twilight still kept a hoof on Moondancer, and only raised a brow at the fellow unicorn. "Change our strategy?"
Moondancer eyed the pieces of armor as they came off one by one. "Yes, we can't just ignore this Twilight." She paused, "As much as I'd like to, it looks like we do have to get intimately involved. I refuse to believe Nightmare Moon would ever conceive a child if it didn't serve some sort of purpose. And we're going to ensure whatever that purpose is, doesn't make it beyond this city. We stop this here."
Twilight still had her eyes closed, commenting with growing concern. "From escape to stop, that's a big jump in priorities you know."
Moondancer smirked down at Twilight, before looking back to the guards in confidence. "Don't worry, I'll think of something."
In the north district of Canterlot, the three Celestial Defenders all stood sluggishly on all fours. The orange stallion, the hooded mare, and another hooded stallion were all breathing profusely, struggling to stay risen as they were all at a loss for words in their current situation.
"It's all coming to an end you know." Tantabus' eyes were on the sky. The colt still possessed the form of a bear, large and thick with violet fur and intricate runic designs, perhaps a sign of Nightmare Moon's inherent magic. Tantabus looked bored, yet slightly curious still. "Do you get it little ponies? There's no point in trying to stop it." He smiled, now deciding to look down at the three who stood before him.
Surrounding the entirety of the group, one could see the area of the city they stood in was deserted for the most part. A thick purple haze surrounded them, as Tantabus' desolation had caused majority of the citizens to flee. What few remained kept out of sight, or stayed in hiding. Buildings taller than the colt's form itself, were also marred by strange gashes, as the midnight atmosphere meshed with Tantabus' destruction almost naturally. The north district of the city had now become hollow, possessing a foreboding eeriness, rather than mystique.
The orange stallion huffed, attempting to catch his breath. "What're you talking about?"
Tantabus grinned eagerly down at them. "Are you that confused weak little pony? All this fighting you all are doing. Momma's plans becoming one big failure. She's going to be really really angry after all this, and after tonight? Nothing will ever be the same."