Fireworks exploded over Canterlot Castle, as hordes of masked ponies filled in. Trixie, and the cutie mark crusaders had joined Reese and Cobalt for the Gala.
Celestia walked up to her brother. “I am so glad you suggested the masquerade theme.” Celestia said behind her sun mask. “It’s made the gala a million times more interesting.”
“That’s not all.” Cobalt was wearing a simple white mask.”I’ve planned an entire night of music and dancing. All for your special day.”
“You are still the best brother that any pony could ask for.” Celestia said. She spun the hat on Cobalts head backwards then went to great her gestes.
“Seriously Cobalt?” Reese said irritatedly. He was wearing a bandit mask. “A costume party? And you know I hate dancing.”
Cobalt straightened his hat“Reese.” Cobalt said throwing his hanch over his friend’s shoulders. “There’s a method to my madness. What did the composer always were.”
“A mask.” Reese answered.
“So what’s a better place for our friend ,the phantom, to show up then a masquerade?” Cobalt asked.
“Cobalt it’s been three weeks without incident“ Reese moaned. “I’ve been to more operas then I can count. You know what I think? I think the phantom is Film and Flam’s twisted idea of a publicity stunt “
“We’ll then how do you explain Prima Donna’s suspicious death?” Cobalt asked. “You don’t think Film and Flam are so daft that they would kill off their lead mare do you? And as for the dancing, you can toddle off to the bar when it starts.” Cobalt said indicating to a counter of mahogany with several bottles and glasses behind it. “Make some new friends. Talk with Silver Sword.” Indeed Silver Sword was sitting at the bar. But he still was watching Celestia like a hawk.
As the two alicorns were talking Film and Flam entered the ballroom.
“Ah, Mr.Film! Mr. Flam!” Cobalt called out.
Film: Cobalt what a splendid party,
“Oh, Luna here we go.” Reese said face hoofing himself.
Flam: The prologue to a,
bright new year
Film: Quite a night,
Flam: I’m impressed,
Cobalt: Well one does one's best
“Ok, if you're going to start singing as well,” Reese said. “I’m outta here. Peace!”
“Play nice with Silver Sword now.” Cobalt called out. Reese waved off the comment.
All: here’s to us!
Cobalt: You're the toast of all the city,
Flim and Flam: It’s a pity that the phantom,
can’t be here!
“The dance is about to start!” Sweetie Belle said. She dragged Cobalt away from the entarapatuners. They then took their places in the orderly lines that were forming.
Masquerade,
paper faces on parade,
Masquerade,
hide your face, so the world will never find you,
Masquerade,
look around,
there’s another
mask behind you...
Reese sat down at the bar.
“What can I get you?” The bartender asked.
“Just water. Thank you.” Reese said.
flash of mauve,
splash of puce,
fool and king,
ghoul and goose,
green and black,
queen and priest,
trace of rouge,
face of best,
faces,
Reese looked over to Silver Sword, who was looking deeply into his mug.
“You really shouldn’t drink alcohol.” Reese commented. “It clouds a warrior's mind.”
Silver Sword stood up angrily. “And you shouldn’t tell me how to live my life!” he sat down again and returned to his beer.
eye of gold,
thigh of blue.
ture is false,
who is who?
curl of lip,
swirl of gown,
Faces!
drink it up,
‘til you drown in the light.
In the sound.
Luna and Celestia: But who can name the face?
Masquerade.
grinning yellows,
spinning reds
Masquerade,
take your fill
let the spectacle
astound you.
Tavia: Think of it,
“A secret engagement.” A sapphire ring on a necklace hung round her neck. “Just think of it. Look your future bride”
“But why is it a secret?” Purple Heart, wearing a cavalry uniform, asked. “Tavia you promised me.” He leaned in to kiss his finace.
“No don’t they’ll see.” Tavia said stopping him.
“So what if they see.” Purple Heart said leading Tavia to the dance floor. “It’s an engagement not a crime.”
PH: Tavia what are you afraid of
Tavia: Let’s not argue.
PH: Let’s not argue
Tavia: Please pretend.
PH: I can only hope
Syncing: You/I will understand in time
All: Masquerade,
Paper faces on parade,
Masquerade,
hide your face so the world,
will never find you,
Masquerade,
every face a different shade,
Masquerade,
look around,
there's another mask,
behind you,
Masquerade,
burning glances,
turning heads,
Masquerade,
Stop and stare, at the sea of smiles,
around you,
Masquerade,
Grinning yellows,
spinning reds,
Masquerade,
take your fill ,
let the spectacle,
astound,
you,
A blooded Gilda was at the top of the stairs. She stumbled down the steps.
“I got you.” Cobalt said catching the griffin at the bottom of the steps.
“He killed the pegasus.” Gidla said. Cobalt looked up to see Night Stallion, in a blood red suit and a skull like mask. Trixie then ran over to the griffon.
NS: Why so silent, gentle colts?
Did you think I’d left you for good?
Have you missed me, alicorns?
I have written you an opera,
Here, I bring the finished score.
Don Juan Triumphant!
“That’s not his play.” Trixie whispered. “That’s the play that was written by the other composer.” While this happened Reese slipped out unnoticed.
Night Stallion continued, but thankfully, not in song. “Ah, Princess Celestia.” He said getting uncomfortably close distance. “Your fiery passion never ceases to amaze me.And may I say, for a naturally bad liar, you are one hay of a secret keeper.”
Reese took a optimal position. He looked though the scope of his sniper rifle. He remembered the time pinkie had shown her stashes. In case of snipping emergency. She told him. Well if there’s any time to use this it’s know.
Night Stallion moved his way toward Luna. She was wearing a mask of an upturned crescent. “Luna my dear, I can truly say I spent the best years of my life, trapped with you in the moon. All those secrets we shared. And that one time... ”
“THOU SHALT GET AWAY FROM US!” Luna shouted as she pushed him away.
Come on stay still! Reese though trying to get a clear shot.
“Ah, Cadence.” Night Stallion approached the pink alicorn. He husband stepped protectively in front of her. Night Stallion angrily glared at the couple. “Always remember your mother’s curse!” he hissed.
“Film! Flam!” He snapped.
“Ye-ye-yes?” The mustached one stammered.
“Stop cowering you idiots!” Night Stallion ordered. “Expect my notes to be signed with an N.S. from now on.”
“N.S.!” Octavia frantically whispered to her fiance. “My father's initials.”
“Tavia,” Purple heart whispered concern in his voice. “I highly doubt that this shadow of a stallion is Nocturn Strings.”
Finally, Night Stallion had stood still long enough for Reese to lock on. Reese took a deep breath in and pulled the trigger. The muffled shot wasn’t noticed by any pony. But as the bullet whizzed by Night Stallions head it got his attention. He notices the gleam of Reese’s scope and gives a mile wide grin.
As Reese hastily re-loaded the rifle Night Stallion said eloquently to Cobalt. “I leave you, warrior prince, with my challenge which you faced before. May you have the same dumb luck this time!” As Resilient fired the next round Night Stallion evaporated into shadow.
A roar that echoed that triggered a chain reaction of sounds and images in Cobalts memory was head outside in the courtyard.
“Shadow dragon.” Cobalt said. Cobalt threw off his white suit and mask as he rushed out. In the courtyard there stood a staggering reptilian beast with obsidian scales. Instead of fore limbs the beast had two large, tattered wings.
It released a ball of blue flame from its mouth that nearly burnt Cobalt to a crisp. I wish I had more memories about fighting these things. Cobalt thought.
“Step aside.” Reese said. He was reared up on his hind legs on his shoulder there was a long tube with a handle and trigger.
“What in equestria is that.” Cobalt asked.
“I call it a bazooka.” Reese said.
“Why do you call it that?” Cobalt said getting more confused.
“This is why” Reese amied the rocket lancer at the shadow dragons head. “BAZOOKA!” Reese shouted. A rocket streaming a trail of smoke exploded on the side of the dragons head.
The dragon shook his head and let out a blood piecing screece.
“I don’t think that help our predicament ,Reese!” the dragon then changed angrily at Reese and Cobalt. The alicorns split into two directions leaving the dragon to careen into the wall. This smashed a hole into the ballroom leaving the battle open to the sights of those inside.
Reese glared at the cowering guards. “Don’t just stand there! DO SOMETHING!”
Shining Armor gave his wife a kiss and jumped into the fray. Silver Sword downed the last of his beverage then also joined the fight.
Reese’s bullets, Silver’s wing blades, Armor’s spears, Cobalt’s swords and magic. All their weapons were useless against the against the demon.
Some of the other guards jumped in now and then. But they were unskilled fighters and usually were flicked away by the dragon's long tale. Some got a few swings in before then were beaten.
The four warriors found themselves backed into the corner by the beast.
“Celestia help!” Cobalt called out.
“I can’t I have an thousand year old image to uphold.” Celestia called back. The dragon opened his mouth to fire a great blast of fire.
“Your magisty, I respectfully say.” Shining Armor started.
“SCREW YOUR IMAGE!” Reese shouted. A blue light could be seen welling up in the dragon's throat. As the warriors prepared themselves to meet their maker. But death didn’t come. Cobalt opened his eyes to see his sister with her fiery mane and tail fending off the blue fire the dragon emitted.
“Whoa,” Reese said awestruck. “That is awesome!” Celestia started to push the fire back into the dragon’s throat. The dragon tried to compensate by moving backward. But the celestial inferno continued to push his fire back.
“I can't believe I’m saying this but, Go Celestia!” Reese said. Celestia glanced back at Reese for a moment then returned her focus to the dragon. Celestia blaze was now at the dragons lips. With one last push, Celestia forced her flame into the dragon, incinerating the beast from the inside out.
The last screams and bellows of the dark creature pitiful, yet full of rage. Flame was now coming out of the dragon's nostrils and eye sockets. Soon all that was left of the beast was a pile of ash.
As Celestias mane and tail returned to their original state, she turned to the guests. A shocked silence fell over the crowd. As Celestia began to turn from them in shame, a great applause suddenly arose. Celestia looked over to her brother. He too, was clapping his hooves with an approving look on his face.
.........
Octavia awoke in her in her makeshift chambers in the opera house. Reese had insisted on not leaving her side ever since gala. Her life still went on though. The recitals of Don Juan were going well. And she often was allowed to take walks in Celestia’s private gardens to calm her nerves. But the one place she want to go the most, the graveyard, Reese forbade her to visit.
Tavia opened the door just a crack. Reese had fallen asleep, still clutching his two barrel shotgun. Tavia stealthy made her way past the sleeping alicorn. Then quickly made her way down the stairs. She went out to the street and flagged down a taxi. The couch was drawn by a stallion with a black hood over his head.
Tavia hopped in and said. “To my father's grave please.”
While this was happening Resilient woke up. The door was swinging open. Reese’s looked out the window to see Tavia in the taxi.
“No,no,no,no!” Reese rushed outside and hailed his own taxi.
.........
Tavia was making her way towards her father's tomb. Her father had always requested for his last remains to be keep over ground. The very thought of his bones six feet under made him shiver.
Tavia: You were once,
my one companion,
you were all,
that mattered.
You were once,
my friend and father,
“STOP SINGING!!!” Reese bellowed toting his shot gun. He then went to investigate the graves.
Cobalt ran up as well ,swords drawn. He turned around to look Tavia in the eyes.”Tavia, this creature. No matter what it has you believe. It’s not your father.”
“Rrraaaggg.” Night Stallion pounced on the alicorn prince from atop the mausoleum. He had his own sword drawn. Cobalt was barely able to dodge the first stab. With Night Stallion’s second swing he wasn’t so lucky. It grazed his flank causing a shallow cut. Cobalt then turned to face him.
Night Stallion was as elegant, if not more so, with the blade as Cobalt. Soon the two ponies locked swords. The faces were inches apart.
“You may possess Sirius’ body.” Night Stallion hissed. “But you do not have all his powers,or skill.”
Cobalt broke the lock and swung at Night Stallion.
Night Stallion then once again locked swords with Cobalt. ”Where's your warrior spirit , that you were so proud of?”
“Right behind you.” Reese said. He fired his shotgun but apparently missed. As Night Stallion ponced he shot again. Night Stallion continued to come at him. Out of shots Reese broke the butt of the gun on Night Stallion face. Night Stallion turned to see Reese glaring over him angrily.
“Reese.” Reese glance over at Cobalt. He was shaking his head.
Reese turned back to find that Night Stallion had gone.
Later, Reese asked Cobalt. “Don’t understand. Your mortal enemy was right there! Why’d you let him go?”
“Sometimes,” Cobalt replied. “even the most evil of ponies need to be shone a little mercy.
.........
The week before opening night was spent setting traps for Night Stallion. A royal guard was positioned at every possible entrance and exit. But Cobalt still had a sneaking suspicion that all his preparations, and well thought out plans would be for naught.
When opening night arrived every pony was on edge. Especially Octavia,she was the only one that had seen how vengeful and dark Night Stallion really was.
Cobalt and Reese were in attendance that night. Not in the exquisite boxes like usual, but hidden in the audience. As they waited Reese looked at the program. He through it in down in rage after he read the summary. It was about nothing but seduction and other evils.
Meanwhile in the mines...
NS:Seal my fate tonight,
I hate to cut fun the short,
but the joke’s wearing thin,
let the audience in,
LET THE NIGHTMARE BEGIN!
Up above the opera was starting. Night Stallion’s perverted tastes were apparent in the input he put in. The females were in dresses were not really ”appropriate.” And the first scene in a word was shouty. When Octavia came on the music became tolerable. A masked stallion then also came on the stage and started singing.
At this point Cobalt started to become suspicious of “Don Juan.” AND it wasn’t just his super sharp vision. I mean any pony could notice the differences between The Don Juan in first scene and this Don Juan. Octavia started singing her part nervously. She recognized his eyes.
First his voice was smoother and more melodious. Second he wasn’t as fat as the other pony.You would have to be both blind and deaf not to notice the difference. I mean his coat was an entirely different color. But, no one acted on their suspicions, beside Cobalt and Reese of course. They both stealthy slipped out of the audience and headed towards backstage.
As the song reached its climax, the two ponies on stage got insanely close. As the stallion leaned in for the kiss, Octavia tore off his mask. Instead of relieving a horribly disfigured face, the removal of the mask forced Night Stallion to reveal his true form.
His mane and tail began to become more ethereal and extend outwards. Shadows began to come of him like an evil aura. Several shrill screams came from the audience.
“Night Stallion!” Cobalt shouted. Swords drawn he rushed angrily onto the stage. Swiftly Night Stallion cut a rope in the rigging then darted away as a shadow, taking Tavia with him.
The rope Night Stallion cut had caused the chandler to come careening down. Ponies in the audience and in the orchestra pit scrambled to get out of the way. It hit the edge of the stage and fell back into the pit, causing a large fire to erupt.
Night Stallion paused in Octavia’s dressing room to check if they were pursuing. A band of shadows was over Tavia’s mouth thereby muffling her screams.
“Soon my pet, you’ll once again be with me forever.” Night Stallions snake like voice was in stark contrast to the sweet, melodious voice he had just used. He once again transformed into shadow and slipped though the edge of the glass mirror.
Cobalt, Reese, and Purple Heart where in hot pursuit of the shadowy stallion.
When they got to the dressing room, Reese said. “Stand back.” Reese then bucked in the mirror revealing a shadowy passage. Purple Heart tried to rush in, but he was held back by Cobalt.
Cobalt turned him around and said. “Heart, listen to me. This Stallion is unlike anything you’ve faced before. He’s brutal and vengeful. He has no scene of mercy or fair combat. He’ll kill you before you unsheathe your sword.”
Heart look Cobalt in the eyes and said. “Tell me what's worse. Death, or knowing you’ll never see the one you love ever again?”
Cobalt let go of Heart. “Me and Reese will be right behind you.” He said.
The three stallions then made their way into the darkened corridor. Even though Purple Heart lead the way. Cobalt’s sword was the only light in the corridor. After traveling down an never ending spiral staircase. The corridor flattened out and widened. After Purple Heart took a few steps into this new chamber, a wall rose out of the floor separating him from Cobalt and Reese.
After a moment of panic Purple Heart called out. “Cobalt, Reese, Are you guys all right?”
“We’re fine.” Cobalt called out from behind the wall. “You go on while me and Reese try to find another way though.”
“Or blow up the wall.” Reese added.
Purple Heart illuminated his horn and continued onward. Soon he came to the underground lake. Seeing that Night Stallion had no need for it, he left the boat with the ores inside.
.........
All of the candles in the liar were glowing eerily blue. Tavia, bound to a chair by shadowy cords, tried to scream as Night Stallion approached her. Suddenly an explosion echoed throughout the mine. When Night Stallion turned to see what it was Purple Heart talked him to the ground.
Tavia, overjoyed to see that her fiance had come to rescue her, squealed though her gag. As Purple Heart and Night Stallion wrestled on the floor, Night Stallion transformed into a giant serpent. To make himself more intimidating, the snake reared itself up and flattened out its hood. Purple Heart ,being surprised by the sudden change, back away from the basilisk.
The serpent lunged out at the unicorn. But Purple Heart rolled away from the blow. The best attack several more times. But it was either met with a dodge or a swing from the unicorn’s decorative sword.
Purple Heart fought with neither the elegance of Cobalt, nor the brutality of Reese. But he was still able to fend off the basilisk.
Seeing that his current strategy wasn’t working Night Stallion coiled himself around Purple Heart several times. Purple Heart soon found himself in Night Stallion constricting bind. Knowing that the more he struggled the worse it would be, Purple Heart did the logical thing and tried to relax. But it still got tighter and tighter.
“Hey fang face!” As the basilisk turned to see who had shouted at him he was struck by a lightning bolt. He was launched back into the lairs wall.
“I can’t believe he still falls for that!”Cobalt and Reese were covered in dust and debris. Night Stallion, laying in a pile of rubble, reverted back into a stallion.
At sword point Reese said to him. “Shows over Night Stallion.”
“You are wrong Resilient Spirit.” Night Stallion hiss back. “The show is just begun. And even though you’ll try and stop it the show will go on. Just like I’ll go on and on.” He then let loose an histertical evil cackle.
“Ok, I do not remember Night Stallion being this loco in the coco.” Cobalt said.
“Being locked away for over a milena does that to a pony.” Night Stallion snapped. He then exploded into an horde of black widow spiders.
Fear stricken, Reese backed into one of the candle sticks. Cobalt shot several lightning bolts into the swarm. But the crawling black mass got away though a crack in the cave wall.
“Purple Heart go untie Octavia.” Seeing the wide-eyed Reese panting on the floor, Cobalt gave a half laugh. “Don’t tell me that the great Resilient Spirit is afraid of a few measly creepy crawlies.”
“Hey, I had a traumatic experience when I was young.” Reese said in his own defense.
Cobalt laughing hysterically, threw his fore-limb over his friend's shoulder.
“IT’S NOT FUNNY!” Reese shouted.”IF YOUR BROTHER CONJURED A SWARM OF SPIDERS TO CRAWL OVER YOUR WHILE YOU SLEPT YOU’D BE SCARED TOO!”
.........
Night Stallion staggered though the dark of the mines. The lightning bolts Cobalt had shot into the swarm now equated to hits on his actual body.
Near collapse, he called out. “Discord, Chrysalis!?! Where are you two!?!”
Two shadowy figures then walked towards him.
“Master I’m so surprised to see you.” Chrysalis said nervously.
“Don’t play ignorant with me Chrysalis.” Night Stallion shouted limping towards her. “It was almost impossible for you not to see the signs of my return. I had to rely on a giffin and a pegasus that were very unrelent. Discord has an excuse! Seeing that he was, Ah!” Night Stallion winced in pain.
“Master, you are injured and need rest.” Chrysalis said worriedly.
“Do not trifle me with things of the body.” Night Stallion said easing himself on a rock.
“My changeling army is ready to swarm at your command.” Chrysalis informed him.
“Your changling army!” Night Stallion snapped.“Do not forget I saved you from the jaws of death and made you great when you were yet a hatchling. You belong to me. Your dominion belongs to me.”
A burning crescent appeared on her flank. Night Stallions reclined back, and let a single reminiscent tear of love roll down his cheek.