Episode 68: Revelations Long Overdue (Written By: BrownDog77)
Special Opening Theme
You were not ready for that sentence. After three years, and several times asking, you didn't ever think she would say that to you.
“The Truth about Nightshade?” you ask in shock and she nods.
“I promised you that one day I would tell you everything," she nods "And now on this still night, after pondering over that filth's words, after witnessing the joy on Nightshade's face today and many other days…I think I’m ready.”
She looks nervous more than anything as she turns towards you.
“Are…are you sure?” you ask. You want more than anything to know, but she looks scared.
“Yes…I have already delayed this truth far longer than I should have.” She then sighs and looks to you pleadingly. “It’s time for you to know…even if it makes you hate me once again…”
You gulp at this and she looks away from you and to the ground. You steel yourself for whatever truths may come.
“I already told you about how we first became joined…” she pauses.
“Yeah," you answer, "You were dying and fading away in your armor after being hit by the Elements when I stumbled upon you and you jumped into me.”
She nods. “You saved my life that day Bugze, I shall never forget it.” She then looks up again, “And from that day forward, I grew stronger within you, giving you the power you wield…for better or for worse.”
She then shudders and sighs heavily.
“But that wasn’t originally the plan…”
She pauses again so you stay quiet and let her continue.
“It was not even a week after the Elements of Harmony had struck me, and that traitor had abandoned me. Even as I lay dying, the only thing I wished was vengeance upon them all," she declares with gritted teeth, "When you became my host, I found within you a dynamo of magic, seemingly blended together. Some of it felt familiar, other pieces I perceived as Changeling magic, but you were also overcharged with a magic I myself couldn’t identify.”
She looks to you,
“I now know it was Love magic, far more than a creature should hold within it.”
“Shining and Cadence’s love blast…” you say in realization causing her to nod.
“Precisely, but at the time all I knew was that I had jumped into a Changeling who held more magic than most. I had an avenue…in which to enact my vengeance.”
“But, how does Nightshade…?” you ask in confusion, causing her to hold up her hoof.
“When we bonded, the moment you fell asleep, I reached out with my own fledgling soul into your store of power. Tapping into this magical source, I set about performing a very old, very dark, and very complicated spell. A spell that not even Starswirl the Bearded would dare enact.”
“And…what spell was that?” you ask in trepidation.
“Transmutation,” she says as if the word is vile.
That word strikes at you. One of your favorite animes dealt heavily into that word. And things didn’t always go good for the Elrics.
“With Luna and I's shared blood from inside the armor, the mass amounts of magic at my disposal, and the blood of the changeling I had jumped into, I had all I needed…all I needed to create flesh, blood and bone…” her voice hitches as your eyes widen.
“Flesh blood and…that means?” She answers with a nod.
“So…Nightshade was made with a spell? With both our blood and magic?” you deduce. She nods again and you are speechless. She had said before that Nightshade’s birth was far from traditional, but in light of this revelation, that doesn’t seem an accurate enough description.
Equine Transmutation is not simply far from traditional. It's dark, unnatural, and from all you've ever understood, impossible. In the realm of fantasy. But then again you live in a world where magic is the norm, and a Time Traveling alien pops up every now and again. Still, you thought that there were some rules that just didn't get broken.
But you are still confused, because though you know the how, you still don’t know the reason why. Why did she create Nightshade?
“But…I don’t get it. Why go through with creating a filly? How would that…? I don’t…”
“Bugze…back then, all I saw of you was a tool, a pawn to use to get what I wanted. And what I wanted…was a body…” she strains to say.
“A…body?” you say in dread.
She closes her eyes and nods.
“Y-You…” you gasp as understanding finally dawns, so she continues your thought.
“Nightshade was created so that I could walk the land once more. So that I could personally destroy that traitor and my enemies. To be the new body of Nightmare Moon.”
The declaration is like a deafening thunderclap. All other sound dies out, crushed under the weight of what those words mean. The shock runs throughout your whole body.
“B-but…”
“You know how I was back then…How cold and calculating I was. Do you doubt I would’ve done such a horrible thing?” she says with a hitch in her voice and her eyes tear up a bit, leaving you again to process her words.
You imagine the thing she described coming to fruition, Nightshade not existing, and Nightmare Moon living again…but…
“But that didn’t happen,” you say aloud. “None of that happened. What changed?”
She sighs,
“An act of fate I suppose. Even with that magic within you, I was still weak. I was only a shadow of a soul. A collection of HER stolen thoughts and memories. Weakened as I was, the spell cast was only enough to create the body of a filly…after which, I was much too drained for anything else, and I took to recuperating within your mind.”
“So that’s when she got into my Inventory,” you muse, that piece of the timeline fitting in perfectly.
“Indeed, a large, hidden and protected area, it was a ideal location," she confirms. She pauses again before continuing.
"But know this Bugze, even after all I had done, after all the effort and strain I put into creating her, even in the depths of your mind, I was surprised beyond surprise when she popped out and first spoke to you.”
“You were?” you ask as yet another shock hits you. “But, you created her. How could you be surprised at her speaking?”
“Because I had not set out to create a sentient being…only a new shell for me to fill. I did not plan for her to actually be a pony with thoughts, feelings and a soul,” she says in guilt.
“But…if she was only supposed to be a body, then...how is Nightshade…Nightshade?” you ask in confusion.
She looks down at that, “I do not know Bugze. I still don’t know. Perhaps it was the love magic I used, perhaps I made a mistake with the incantations, or maybe that’s what the spell always did…I do not know. But at the time, when my heart was naught but ice, I thought that I had failed and would have to utilize a new plan for my body,"
She looks away from you again and shuts her eyes tight.
“With her sentient, I figured I would have to play the waiting game, reside within you as she grew to the point where I could effectively take her over. She had already made the parental bond with you, and so I used that to my advantage. I gave you power so that you could protect my vessel till the time was right for me to take my vengeance.”
You look down as you process this information.
“You were using me to protect your new body?” you say, hurt washing over you.
Again, she silently nods, her face full of shame.
“So…All those fights I got into, every time I went overboard…this whole time…every time I’ve ever freaked out when she was in danger…that was because you made me attached to her?” you accuse.
“No Bugze," she declares, "Your attachment and love of Nightshade was all you. You posses a strong natural parental instinct, even if you didn’t understand how she came to be. I only gave you the power to act upon it…”
“But you were using that fatherly instinct. Perverting it to your own purposes!” you snap at her causing her to wince.
“Yes. I do not deny it. I’m sorry…but Bugze, you must believe me,” she looks over to you worriedly. “I don’t use her or you like that anymore. As I viewed her life with you, as I saw her learn and grow, I became attached. I viewed her less and less as my vessel, but as a pony I had created. A pony that shared my blood. My child. And it took Discord for me to finally admit that I loved her.”
She then looks up at the sky again, “Even if her birth was for monstrous reasons.”
You turn from her and look down as you process what she’s told you. And yes, it is a big revelation learning about all this. Heck it’s more than that, it’s life shattering. The last three years with your daughter has a new underlying narrative to it. You were used by a dark goddess to create a new body, that your love and protection of Nightshade had a darker motive. That you were used. That it could have turned out so much more horribly. That your child could’ve been the bringer of eternal night…
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” you ask, your voice barely above a ragged whisper.
“B-b-because…” she sniffles, out of the corner of your eye you see the tears start to fall, “Because I was ashamed about how I once was. Over these last three years…I have willingly taken on the role of a mother. I love, I care, I *sniff* want to see her grow up in happiness,” she blubbers.
It’s been some time since you’ve seen her worked up like this. The only other times you’ve seen her so emotional, she thought you were going to kill her. Does she think that now?
“I hate knowing that all these new emotions and experiences I’ve gained, that this love I hold,” she continues confessing, “that I originally started any of this, so that she could be a pawn in one of my games, that I thought of her as a thing and not a pony…it makes me feel guilt beyond measure.”
She sniffs again and looks away from you, holding her head down, but you still can’t bring yourself to look at her.
“And not only that…I was selfish. You and I…we’ve…we’ve grown closer…” she says in melancholy. “When you asked me for the truth on that train and again after my return…I did not want to lose what we’d gained. I was afraid…” She admits as she looks back at you with tear stained cheeks. “I did not want you to hate me again, for the monster that I was…But now…now that I’ve come clean, I fear I’ve waited too long…that that fear has come to fruition.”
That part hits you hard. It is as you thought. She’s emotional because she’s afraid of how you’ll react. How you’ve been reacting. Only she’s not afraid of you killing her…she’s afraid you’ll hate her. And do you hate her? You were used since day one. She took your blood and made a child without consent. She planned to use that daughter as a meat coat to bring about the end of the world. She manipulated your emotions to suit her needs. Truly she was as monstrous as the boogeymare legend claimed.
And yet…do you hate her?
You look back upon the mare in the moon. She looks nothing like how you first met her, and that doesn’t just mean for her height. The change is in her eyes. Her draconic blue eyes are not that of a monster. They hold a sadness you’ve seen before. One you saw when looking into a mirror when you were younger. The sadness and fear of being hated and abandoned. Of being alone.
Her words have rattled you, have made you see your recent past through a new lens…But her eyes tell a different story. They are not the same eyes as the spirit who possessed you three years ago. They are the eyes of the mare who has protected you through thick and thin. They are eyes of a friend. Of a mother. And most of all they are eyes that hold truth, and a mountain of regret and sadness.
Your emotions are stirred, but you make your decision.
Do you hate her?
She takes your inquisitive silence for confirmation to her fears as she turns her head away.
“I understand your anger, and I understand why you could never forgive me. I waited far too long, and I wasn’t honest with you from the start. I will still protect you and Nightshade, but If you wish for my silence I will-*Gasp*” you silence her with a hug. Just a simple hug, and yet it conveys so much more. She seems hesitant within your arms, as if she doesn’t deserve it, and she stands still, not returning the embrace.
“I don’t hate you Selena, I have no reason to,” you tell her plainly.
“B-but I…the things I did…” she counters, not quite believing as she trembles.
“Did Selena do them?” you ask, throwing her for a loop.
“Wh-what?”
“Did, Selena do the things you described?” you ask once again. Understanding still escapes her at your question.
“I-I don’t.”
“No. Because the Selena I know loves her daughter like no other. She puts up with an idiotic changeling daily because she cares about his well being, and because he is the father of her child. Selena will joke and snark and honor her promises. She will feel remorse and guilt over mistakes she’s made, and will try to better herself. She will have your back when noling else in the world will.” You then add the kicker, “And she will selflessly sacrifice herself for another…”
“B-Bugze…” she stutters.
“Now tell me. Does that mare at all describe the one from the past? The one who would create a filly for a tool of vengeance? No, because that mare wasn’t Selena. That mare was Nightmare Moon.”
“B-but Bugze, I am-“.
“No You’re Not!” you say pointedly as you hold her at arm’s length, looking into her eyes. “Nightmare Moon has been dead for years. She died the day you decided that love meant more to you than her goals of conquest. That you were a mother and a friend more than a god…”
Her eyes well up again, only this time, her eyes seem grateful.
“So, how can I be mad at a dead mare? All I see before me is Selena, a mare who would never do something so horrible…a mare who doesn’t need to be afraid of a shadow from her past,” you say pushing a stray bit of mane out of her face.
She sniffs again and looks away from you.
“You may honey your words as much as you like, but it doesn’t change the fact that before that mare died, I was still her.”
“Yeah, but you know what? It doesn’t matter,” you say turning her head back towards you.
“It doesn’t matter why Nightshade was born, or what your plans once were," you declare.
"H-How can you-"
"There are many parents out there that have had a child for all the wrong reasons. Maybe they were unplanned, maybe they were a result of poor decisions, or maybe they were conceived out of spite, trickery or maliciousness,” you list off before squeezing her shoulders.
“The reason why they were started means nothing when compared to how they are raised, and how you act as they grow,” you lecture.
“B-but…”
“Look, I’ll admit, what you’ve said tonight has shaken me. You’ve answered a question that I didn’t really expect to hear. It was a shocking answer. More than that it was life altering.” She tries to look away at that, but you won’t let her.
“But the very fact that you’ve told me, even through your fears, shows that you care.” You then steady her and make sure she doesn’t look away as your voice takes on a stern edge.
“You CARE Selena. About Nightshade, about me, about all our futures. You care about the well being and happiness of others, where Nightmare Moon could have cared less. YOU. CARE. Do you understand?”
She nods, speechless and awed at your lecture.
“Good. So then care about my words. I don’t hate you because as far as I know, you have no inkling to go through with those plans am I right?”
“I-I-I…” she stammers.
“Are you going to possess Nightshade and take over her body?”
“NO! Never!” she shouts in defiance causing you to smirk. “I could never do that to her. She is my child! She is her own pony! And…I have no clue what would happen if I even attempted it. I fear that if I did, her personality, her emotions, her everything would disappear…and that is unacceptable! I would not risk sentencing my daughter to death!” she says with conviction and passion, which causes you to smile.
“And that’s all the convincing I need, and it should be enough for you too.” You then pull her back into the hug and pat her back. “It’s all you need…”
You hear her sniffle, and this time she returns your embrace with gusto. She trembles against you as her tensions and fears seem to melt before you.
“Thank you Bugze…thank you for being you,” she whimpers in your ear.
“No problem. Who else am I gonna be? Commander Hurricane?” you joke causing her to giggle a bit.
“Oh I hope not. He was such an arrogant ass, heh heh heh.” She relaxes even more as the fears of the mare in the moon wash away.
As you hold her you think more on your decision.
It may have taken her three years to confess the awful truth but she did, like a true true friend. She didn’t have to, but she put all of her trust in me. Why wouldn’t I put my trust in her?
After what seems an eternity, and gallons of tears, you two break apart and sit back beside each other, and her smile is more prevalent.
“Better?” you ask.
“Much so. It feels like a great weight has lifted from my chest and I can finally breathe again,” she says, her spirits visibly lifted.
That puts you at ease. You don’t want her feeling that you would abandon her. No matter how it started, Nightshade is only around because of her, and whatever may come, you wouldn’t trade that for the world.
You smile again and tell her,
“Good. And always remember, no matter how Nightshade came to be, she will always love you as her mother. Just being here for her is enough.”
She nods at this. “Yes, I can see that more clearly now…Perhaps now that my mind is at ease we can forget and move on from my little meltdown?” she ventures causing you to smirk.
“What? Afraid your street cred will be ruined if anyling knows that you have actual pony emotions?” you tease causing her to pout.
“I still am the true Princess of the Night, it would not do to have myself labeled as an emotional wreck. And I would thank you kindly not to share our private personal moments with others,” she instructs causing you to roll your eyes.
“As you wish my liege,” you say with a mock courtly bow causing her to roll her eyes.
“If I am ever recrowned I will abolish flourished bows.”
You look back up with your smirk,
“Glad to see we’re all better and back to our usual banter.”
She gives her own smirk to that. “Indeed. But one last thing on the serious front, I think it wise that we not tell Nightshade the truth of her birth…until she is much older that is.”
You agree with this sentiment. When she’s older, she can understand better.
“With our life though, I just hope to see her grow older. My parents never had that luxury with me,” you say in thoughtfulness.
“We shall Bugze. She shall grow before our eyes…or rather your eyes,” she says with a sigh.
You look her over and see that that sigh holds something else within it.
“Oh geeze, I took it back into serious emotional territory. I’m sorry. Are you alright?”
She waves a hoof,
“It’s nothing Bugze.”
“After all we just talked about I doubt it. Come on, what else is bugging you?”
With another sigh she says,
“It’s just that…I still wish to have a physical body again.”
“Oh…” you say in understanding.
“Not for the reasons I once had,” she reassures. “I still hate that traitor, but that is secondary to what I now want. I would like to see Nightshade grow with my own eyes, to speak with her with my own voice in the waking world…and to hold her with my own arms,” she looks at her forelegs as she says this, before pulling them back. “But I do not know how to accomplish this without that spell.”
A memory comes back to you when Nightshade was first introduced to her after you all fought Shadow.
“You freaked out when Nightshade suggested making a body for yourself. I didn’t understand why you were so terrified back then, but now…”
With a nod she explains, “That spell gave us a child, and I never wish to risk bringing another foal into this world that way again. Even if it succeeded, it would always be at the back of my mind that the body I created could’ve had it’s own life, that it could have been another one of my babies,” she shudders.
You understand where she’s coming from, so you place your hoof upon hers for comfort. “Well, I’m sure there’s some other way. This world is full of magical bullspit do-dads, so there’s got to be another way.”
“If there is, I do not know of it,” she then sighs again, “Besides, I cannot leave your head whilst we keep that Umbrum trapped here.”
“Huh? What is an...Oh…Right,” you say as with all these emotional roller coasters, you’ve forgotten about Ol Smokey. Selena continues her thought.
“I will not leave you alone with him, and until the day we can find a way to remove him AND ensure that he isn’t a threat to others, I will still have to remain here for your sake more than anything.”
Her mood droops with this declaration, but this won’t do for you.
“Selly, listen to me,” you say causing her to look up. “I promise you, that we will find a way for you to have a body again,” she seems surprised at this. “I don’t know how, and I don’t know when, but we WILL get you a body. I Pinkie Promise.”
She gasps at this. “Bugze, do not make a promise upon that Pink Eldritch Abomination that you don’t know you can keep!”
“Too bad, I just did,” you smirk as you finish sticking a cupcake in your eye. “Now I don’t have a choice but to find a way.” She sighs at your recklessness, but this gives way to a bright smile.
“Thank you Bugze. Not just for that promise, but for making this whole moment go against my worries. One day I hope to show you my appreciation for all this, my little changeling,” she says as she takes the initiative and hugs you tight.
“I’m sure you will,” you sigh at her warmth and softness.
“Indeed,” she whispers soothingly into your ear, nuzzling it. “Especially when I am once again flesh and blood, Nightshade won’t be the only one I can hold in my arms…” she sighs, caressing your back, causing your eyes to widen.
“Uh…what do you mean by that?” you ask nervously as you realize your own hooves are wandering.
She stiffens at your words.
“Um…” she stammers her eyes darting around.
“MOM! DAD!” comes the shout of Nightshade all around you, causing you two to break the embrace.
“Oh look a distraction, let’s focus on that and speak about this never!” Selena stammers, pink in the cheeks.
“Sure, yep, sounds good,” you stammer with your own blush as you witness Nightshade invading your dreamscape.
“Dad! You gotta wake up!” Nightshade screeches.
“Why what’s going on honey?”
“Scootaloo! She woke up and ran out into the woods!”
“What?!”
“She got scared of Rainbow’s snoring after a nightmare and she ran off! Even after the Luna Plushie, she still had bad dreams!”
You sit up right in your bag, still feeling sleepy as you see the Pegasus filly scooter off into the woods.
“Honey, Stay here!” you order Nightshade as you run out of the cave dislodging your ear plugs in the process.
“Scootaloo wait! Come back!” you yell, but the small little Pegasus can’t seem to hear you over the drone of her own wings.
Yeesh, can’t even have a life altering conversation without something in the real world going wrong.
Indeed, Mistress Luck never seems to give us a break, Selena agrees.
Eventually, After running through the trees and hitting several branches, you catch up in time to see Scootaloo fail to make a jump over the river and end up hanging onto the roots of a tree.
“Help!” she calls out.
“Don’t worry kid, Help is on the-*CRACK*”"
“AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!” she yells as she plummets into the water.
“Buck!” you yell as you see her being carried by the current.
“Mr. Tennant help!” she calls out.
Not thinking twice, you dive into the river…unfortunately the current is too strong for you to swim effectively. Scootaloo tries to swim towards you, but she gets carried further away…and towards a freaking waterfall.
“SCOOTALOO!” you call out and she starts crying as she nears the edge.
You send your shadow whip out towards her, but it falls short and she falls over the edge.
“AAAAAHHHHH!!!!”
“NOOOO!!!” you yell as the little filly falls to her death. You begin to lament that you failed to save her, only to see Rainbow Dash fly up with her and into the sky.
“Oh thank goodness,” you sigh in relief and relax…forgetting for just the right amount of time that you yourself are about to go over the waterfall.
Bugze! Selena yells snapping your attention to your imminent plummet.
“Oh…” you mutter as gravity finally frees you from the water into it’s deadly embrace. As you fall you yell out,
“BBBBUUUCCCKKK YYYYYOOUUUU LLLLAAADDDDYYYY LLLUUUUCCCCKKKK!!!!"
*SPLASH*
You crash into the water at the bottom, the shock of the stop jolts you, and as your lungs are empty due to shouting, your body tries to breathe…while still underwater, and your vision darkens.
Moments Later, or an Eternity, You wake up, coughing up water from your burning lungs, and finally inhaling wonderful oxygen.
As you start coughing, regaining your functions, you hear Selena say worriedly,
Oh Thank the gods you’re alive. That’s it, keep breathing! Get it all out.
You do as she says as you still cough, and your vision spins. You feel sore from the landing, but even in your dizzy state you realize that you are at the edge of the river on dry land, the waterfall and cliff down some yards away.
How…how…?
You then realize that, amidst your own coughing, you hear someling wheezing and panting. It sounds like it’s coming from a mile away with your head spinning.
You look behind you and see a wet figure silhouetted in the darkness. It's the same figure you saw running from your shack after leaving you snacks. You can’t tell much about the figure except that it appears to be about your height, and the wheezing sounds masculine.
After you give another cough, you ask,
"Who are you?"
The figure stops panting as it looks at you from the darkness. You can see the shine of their eyes, but it's still too dark to make out.
Trying to get up, you crawl a bit closer.
"Who are-"
The figure suddenly points their hoof up and behind you,
"Look! A Distraction!" the figure yells in a rugged, raspy voice. It sounds familiar...
“TENNANT!” you hear a cry from above you. You look away from the figure to see Rainbow Dash flying straight towards you with Scootaloo on her back.
You look away from her and back behind you, and the figure is gone.
"Son of a...Beat me at my own game..." you mutter.
Rainbow Dash lands besides you and helps pick you up.
“Oh My Gosh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t know you were in the river too!”
“I’m so sorry Mr. Tennant,” Scootaloo cries as she hugs you.
You don’t acknowledge them, you just start looking around for that figure.
“Tennant?” Rainbow asks.
“Did you see him?”
“See who?” she asks.
“Th-the figure! The stallion that pulled me out!” you say looking around.
“Um…there was no one else here Baker.”
You walk over to the spot where you swear you saw him, but there are no hoof prints or anything.
“Baker?” Rainbow asks again.
“I-I swear…he was right here…”
“Who?” asks Scootaloo.
“I…no…nevermind, I think my head was still swimming from the fall,” you say as you look into the darkness.
Oh no, that figure was all too real, I heard him too.
You nod and turn back to the two pegasi.
“Now, why were you running in the woods young lady?” you scold Scootaloo.
She goes over how she was having nightmares, mostly about the story you told, and how she wanted to be cool in front of Rainbow Dash. This leads to a bonding moment for them, where she officially says she’ll act as her big sister.
You would have listened more closely, but you swear to Luna that...well, Luna was talking from the moon to Scootaloo.
"Holy Crap! Did you see that?!" you yell to Rainbow Dash.
"See what? That invisible stallion?"
"No! Princess Luna's face was on the freaking moon!"
"It hasn't been there for three years Baker. Are you sure you didn't hit your head?" she ask causing you to growl in frustration while Scootaloo chuckles and tries to whistle nonchalantly.
After you yourself start questioning your sanity again, Rainbow Dash apologizes again and again about not catching you, but you reassure her and tell her not to worry about it.
"Really? But you almost died, how could I make it up to you?" she says as she bats her eyelashes.
"Actually, there is one thing you can do for me," you tell her.
"Really?" she asks excitedly. "What?"
Moments later you are carried on Rainbow's back as she flies up the cliff with Scootaloo in her arms. She pants and is sweating.
"Come on! It'll be daytime by the time we get there!" you yell.
"Give me a break! You're freaking heavy!"
You laugh as Rainbow "Makes it up to you," and flies you all the way back to camp, where only Nightshade is still awake.
Yeesh those earplugs are godlike, you contemplate as your daughter runs up to you.
"Good job saving her Daddy," Nightshade beams.
"Actually all I did was fall off a waterfall, but thanks honey."
"Alright cool, well I'll get back to watching over her to make sure she doesn't have any more nightmares."
She is about to trot over when you stop her.
"Actually honey, let her have this moment with Dash. I want you to keep your mom company for me alright?"
"Oh...did something happen?" Nightshade asks in worry.
"Oh no, nothing like that. But she'd just like to spend some time with you tonight I think."
That would be an accurate statement, Selena says in a cheery manner.
"Alright then," Nightshade says with her bright smile. Seeing her smile, you know you made the right call. As long as you get to look upon that smiling face every day, you could care less what she was meant to be. What she is now is all that matters. And what she is now is your happy little girl.
Ruffling her mane, you slide her sleeping bag back towards yours as you lay down with her in your arms. She soon drifts off to sleep along with Rainbow and Scootaloo, but you find it hard to shut off after all the revelations and your rescue tonight. Speaking of your mysterious rescuer...
Selena. That voice. I know it sounds familiar...but I can't quite place it.
Whoever it was, he saved your life. For what reason remains to be seen, but I am grateful none the less.
As am I. Ugh, why are there so many mysterious beings in the shadows watching me?
With a sigh, you go to your inventory and pull out the Luna plushie.
I think we all need a good rest after tonight, you think.
Very well. I shall keep watch over Nightshade, should Luna still lurk around Nightshade's friend
Thanks. And Selena?
Y-Yes? she stammers.
I still meant what I promised, you reassure her causing her to let out a calming sigh.
I know you do, she says in thanks, Now rest my bug, we've had a long night.
Nodding in agreement, you look into the eyes of the Luna Plushie and fall into a dreamless, peaceful sleep.
Days Later
It's been a few days since you went camping. After your sleep, you and the rest of the group had finally made it to Rainbow Falls. The view was great, the Rainbows just the right amount of spicy for your camp nachos, and most of all, no one suffered any more nightmares. After the camping trip was over, Rainbow immediately had to go to the Wonderbolts Academy so thankfully she's been out of your hair these last few days. Nightshade has continued her lessons, but you can't help but feel as though you're going through the motions. In the next couple of days, the Saddle Arabian diplomats will accompany Princess Celestia to this very town. She will wish to speak to you about your "Brother" and who knows how she might monitor you to ensure Crimson Vengeance gets his medal.
Your days in Ponyville are numbered, and today is one such day. Today is the last day that Flash Sentry will be in town before he has to go back to work. One last day to spend in town with your bro before you will most likely never see him again (If you're lucky.)
As your eyes open on this very day you let out a sigh, and as you do, you can't help but notice there is a note upon your muzzle.
Peeling it off, you see it's from someone you haven't heard from in forever.
A Friend
With a mixture of dread and curiosity, you open the letter.
Dear Bugze,
Now As much as I want to tell you how much of a idiot you are and gloat about it, I can't. The clock is ticking and change is coming soon, and rather you like it or not its happening
I'm just gonna come out and say it. Today is the very last day you will feel happy and at peace in this town. Tomorrow, you will be back upon the road to despair. I would add in a "Pupupupu" here for a reference but even I have to be serious sometimes.
So take comfort in today Bugze. Spend time with your many frenemies, settle whatever scores that need settling, and say your goodbyes. Appleloosa calls to you, but the road is going to be rocky. Take comfort in your last carefree day in Ponyville.
Lady Luck is coming for her due, and then the fun will begin.
Signed,
A Friend.
As you put the letter down, you realize that your thoughts are coming to fruition, only much sooner.
Your friend has given you a heads up it seems.
Yeah. And I'd best take it. He warned me about Sunny Town before.
You awaken Nightshade.
"Hm? What is it dad? Why are we up so early?" she asks with a yawn.
"Honey. Today is our last day here." She looks up at you in shock, before her face becomes downtrodden.
"Already?" she asks.
"Yup. We've been cutting it as close as it is with Sunbutt's arrival, and it's time for us to go home."
She lets out a sigh at that, before looking up at you with sad eyes.
"OK Daddy."
You pat her shoulder and comfort, "We have one more day Nightshade. Spend it however you want with your friends. Don't let them know we're leaving, but still find a way to say your goodbyes. Tomorrow is the day we leave."
She nods at this, still in sadness, yet she understands.
You then stand up and open the door to your shack in the early morning light.
You both gaze upon the Apple Fields, and Ponyville in the distance.
"Our last carefree day in Ponyville huh?" you ask aloud as Nightshade looks to you. "Well, I guess we better get started."
YOU BOTH HAVE ONE MORE DAY. WHAT DO YOU DO?
Special Ending Theme:
Hey Hive Mind,
Brown Dog here. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, If not then I'm sorry 
.
This was my prize for the Story Art Contest from a few months back and I hope I did it justice.
Either way, we now know the answer to a few questions we've all wanted to know since Season 1.
Where did Nightshade come from? And more importantly, Why was she created?
For my prize I was allowed to reveal that mystery to you all (with permission from DWC of course) in my own style.
I wanted to present it in a way that not only answers these questions, but helps showcase just how far in character development that Bugze, Selena and Nightshade have undergone. Really what I wanted to do was give an emotional scene that made the revelation feel worth it. I hope it felt that way to you. Also, tell me that opening theme wasn't tailor made for this exact situation 
There are still many mysteries surrounding Bugze and Company, but for now, this one is solved. Time will only tell when the others will be answered.
Anyway, along with this contribution, I was also tasked with transitioning to the next chapter.
As you can see, this is Bugze's and Nightshade's last Slice of Life, Carefree day in Ponyville. How will they spend it?
The usual rules apply, so let's ensure that they have one more good day because the mysterious friend is right, dark times are ahead.
The Question For This Chapter is:
What would you do if you only had one last day to spend with your friends?
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Well truth be told, I actually thought of this as a possibility for Nightshade's origin, but I must admit Brown Dog, it was executed brilliantly. Bravo my friend. I really don't know how I would act or what I would do to be honest. I guess I would just try to spend as much time with them doing what they loved, so I would have that last good memory and they would have that last good memory of me. Truthfully, it is a situation I hope to never have to experience.
And Now For the Story
When Nightshade left to play with her friends, you smiled as she left. Now though, you look around your little shack and frown, as tears start to form.
Bugze: Selena. What should I do? I don't want my friends here to think I have died again, but if we have to leave how should I do it?
Selena: "Honestly Bugze, I am unsure. When Luna and I were one, friends were a resource we were severely lacking in."
Sombra: "You and the Young Conqueror could just disappear and leave a letter saying you were tipped off by a source that something was going to happen if you stayed and you could not bear to see them in person. You would not be lying and if you promise to send a letter every once in a while from a remote location, this being your other house out West or from that Safe House in the forest, then at least then your friends would know you are alright, and may even be able to write to you."
Bugze: That is actually a really good idea, but I can't stomach the idea of just a letter.
Selena: "What if you use your "Crimson Vengeance" persona to deliver the message for you. You could just run up to the Apple Household and tell her. When she insists for you to wait so you can tell the other element bearers, and you know she will, you can use a truthful excuse that the longer you stay, the more danger BST and Nightshade are in. But as much as I hate to admit it, Sombra has a good idea. The least we can do is offer to ensure that they get the occasional message from you and one from Nightshade for her friends. However, seeing as it is your last day here, why don't you try to spend some time with all of them. That way you and them both get a happy memory of your last encounter instead of the sad memory of your "death"?"
Bugze: That sounds like a good idea. Since it is a Sunday, everyling should be off of work and Rainbow should be back, if only for a weekend. But where should I start? The Apples are probably sleeping in a bit and I'm sure Rainbow is too.
Selena: "Why don't you write to Cadence? As you said on the camping trip, you have not spoken to her in a while."
Bugze: Sounds like a good idea.
At this you begin to write:
Dear Cadence,
Sorry it has been a while since I've written to you. After the Crimson Knights were taken care of, I figured that I would lie low a bit. However, it seems that the nice break my daughter and I had is at its end. Just this morning, I received a letter warning me that I would have to leave the safety of the place you first sent me and that my days would be filled with despair for a while. I am not sure what this warning means, but I do not plan to ignore it and hope for the best. So today, I plan to walk around, spend time with both friend and frenemy alike, and try to make my and everyone else's memory of me a good one,as tomorrow I will be gone. I also promise to write to you more often. I realize that you are my first and oldest friend and I don't want you to feel like I have forgotten about you. I honestly prey that there will be a time that I can one day walk around freely in Equestria and not be attacked for what I am, and that I can have more friends like you who know who (and what) I am and accept it. Once the worst of whatever is coming my way has passed, I plan to start a special project that will not only be beneficial for me, but for a few other as well. I cannot go into detail now, as I do not much more than a concept, but I think it is something you would approve of. I want to help a few ponies close to me, but until I have a better idea of how, I will leave it at that. As much as I curse Lady Luck, I truly hope she will help me in this endeavor. Well I need to go for now, so until next time, Take care. Your friend,
-Bugze-
As you send off your heartfelt letter, you hear a bit of sniffling inside your head.
Selena: "That was beautiful. You can be a real sweetheart when you want to be."
Bugze: Um, thanks I think?
Selena: "So what is this project you just thought of?"
Bugze: Simple, getting you a body of your own.
Selena: "But what about Sombra? I can't leave until we figure out how to deal with him?"
Bugze: I did say ponies that were "close to me" did I not? If the only way to get you a body of your own is to remove him from me, then I guess I will have to figure out a way to get him one too. plus if he has a new body, he may be able to start life anew.
Sombra: "I'm honestly speechless. I know that you usually drug me until I am as high as a kite, but I truly appreciate it. Perhaps you are not just some parasite to wipe from the planet. I will try to lend my expertise in the dark arts in this endeavor."
Bugze: "Wow. Thanks Sombra. I did not expect that from you. But moving on, where should I go now?"
At this time, your stomach starts to growl.
Bugze: "I guess I can go see Pinkie Pie first. The food's good and she can likely bring a smile to my face.
I am not sure how to come up with any dialog between him and the Deadly Six or his stalkers, but I do imagine he would ask Pinkie to help throw a party for the whole town that night. As it would give him an excuse to talk to everyone he missed throughout the day, and would end with their opinions hopefully on a high note.
"Last day... Then I have only this chance to take care of Discord and take my revenge... I have to plan it good, I have to..." Begin to say Bugzee but is interrupted
"No Daddy, leave the revenge for another moment" Say Nightshade
"Awww. well, then, I suposse there is saying goodbye to friends" Say Bugzee
"Do we have to do that? The cupcakes from miss Pinkie are very good and I like my friends" Ask Nightshade
"Yes, the note say that it was going to be the last day in ponyville" Say Bugzee
"The last happy day, with our bad luck, who knows what is going to happen[ if we stay" Say Selena taking the body of Bugzee one second to speak
"But this is ponyville, even if something happen, Miss Twilight and the other could take care, and miss Fluttershy have Discord reformed to help" Say Nightshade
"Yeah... I don't really believe him, I have a bad sensation, something is telling me he is going to sell everypony and buggy in the future" Say Bugzee
"Come on Daddy! What could go..." Nightshade stop herself just as Bugzee was getting ready to stop her
"Shhh! We don't want to appear in the radar of Lady Luck before we can flee" Whisper Bugzee lookiing paranoid around.
"Are you sure anything is going to happen daddy?" Ask Nightshade
"CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" Shout Bugzee looking around as if waiting for anything to happen.
"Bugzee, you are getting paranoid" Comment Selena
"It's not paranoia when a supernatural force want to make your life very hard" Groan Bugzee
"Maybe you can try with some amulets daddy? You know, a paw of rabbit, a silver horseshoe, some garlic, a four leaf clover..." Suggested Nightshade
"Not sure if that could work when is Lady Luck herself that is after me but maybe Fluttershy could give a rabbit paw, better if it's still attached to a living one" Comment Bugzee
-----------
'BUGZE WHAT THE BUCK ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!
"I'M DOING SOMETHING EXTREMELY RECKLESS, DANGEROUS, AND VERY LIKELY TO BACKFIRE!!!!"
'WHYYYYYYYYYY?!?!?!?!'
"SO THAT FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE WHERE MY BODY IS WRACKED WITH PAIN THAT I CAN HONESTLY SAY IT WAS BECAUSE I CHOSE TO DO IT INSTEAD OF IT BEING LADY LUCK CAUSING IT!!!!!!!"
Well written Brown Dog...
You realize that you're going to need and effective cover story for leaving that doesn't make anyone suspicious of you. You proceed to make up an excuse...
Might I ask why Bugze has to leave? I may have missed or forgotten that part.
Yeah, tough call. Probably try to spend some decent time with them before departing (movies, maybe party, do something like that).
As you watch Ponyville disappear into the distance you can't help but feel a little melancholy. It's strange to think you could have some many good memories with the very ponies trying to kill you. You take glance at the three other creatures in the cart with you. A red and blond unicorn that looks strangely familiar up front reading a book and a blue pegasus with a brown mane discussing something about a "DeLancie-senpai" with (If what few things you learn in school is correct) a Hippogriff.
Nightshade turns and points said griff. "Daddy, what kind of Griffon is that?"
The Hippogriff turns to the both of you and says "Actually, I'm a hippogriff and BELIEVE me when I say that I hear that question FAR too often."
"Aw, come on Sliver, it can't be that bad." The mare across form him replies.
"Oh That's what You think!" He says before getting into A rather interesting tangent about equal rights and kidnapping Celestia, for some reason.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Welp, I just took a chance. I can only imagine the destruction and epic trolling that could come from these two coming together, and how sad it is that BUGZE is actually SANER than Sliver. Also KP and Firebrand, let the hijinks ensues. Oh And for those who Already have their theories, the Mysterious Figure is Grandpa
7915679 I think (not sure) that is because even when he is friendly with some of them in Ponyville, there is too much danger with them, he want to live a peaceful live in Appeloosa where he don't need to hide he is changeling. As he was forced out of Appleloosa because many crazy things.
7917311 Ah okay, thanks
May God go with you
All I know is when they leave and look back at Ponyville, a song like this has to play.
Have one final dinner with the apples, have one final great session with the deadly six, and TAKE CRACKLE HOME! She's driving Twilight nuts.
well, I would probably bottle one of them in the head, then go out for beer, then bottle the rest in the head, then run out the door yelling "i'm a vampire!" over and over (note: bottling is when you smack a person in the head with a glass bottle, most likely a beer bottle, cause bar fights n' stuff)
I think Luna should come to ponyville and chats with BST and Nightshade... then Lady luck gives them a bad time with sans the skeleton
If I were bugze... I'd probably wrap up loose ends with the members of the horde, perhaps a small talk with some of them possibly or something to see if or if they aren't going to re-establish it. Also, perhaps leave a funny note for Twilight to find to show sunbutt. Finally, write a dang letter back to cadence as an update or just to say "hi" to her.
As nightshade, spend the day with friends and just have a good ol' time. Maybe finally make up with Diamond and Silver either completely or mostly...and then of course.
For both of them.... PRANKS!!!!
First thing's first; Inventory Review! You wonder how long has it been since you've checked it...
============
Facehoof and realize you forgot to reconnect with Fluttershy. You barely even visited her! Go to her place and give her the flowers (and to your stalker harem as well so they don't get too jealous).
FLASHBACK TO YESTERDAY
Find some unusual flowers in the Everfree while chasing after a pig that escaped the farm.
Things between me and Fluttershy have still been... awkward. you think, I better get her some of these flowers..
Are you sure we should be wasting time on that strumpet? Selena comments.
Yes! Fluttershy is one of my first pony friends. Hay, I even saved her life twice before I even met you or Nightshade. you counter as you pick some flowers and wrap them into a bouquet tied together at the stems with duct tape. As you're about to put them away, you then remember,
Although I did hear Octavia was trying to start up the Horde again or something, better gets some for her as an opening to ask about what's going on there and (hopefully) snap her out of it. Although Vinyl will probably be there too so better get some flowers for her.
The pink sultry masseuse will most certainly get jealous at that, likely causing its own set of problems. Selena points out.
Oh, good point. Better get some for Aloe too. Although on that train of thought, Applejack is technically my boss, but Rainbow will definitely notice if I just give Applejack flowers...
Just to be on the safe side, you end up getting multiple bouquets of flowers (wrapped at the stems by duct tape) for your stalker harem;
"Bouquets of Forest Flowers" added to Inventory
================
Can't you say ANYTHING good about her? you think in annoyance.
Well... she does have that graceful delicate beauty that would've guaranteed her a high spot in my harem back in the da-
*spurt* your nose bleeds at the image of Selena and Fluttershy on the same bed in Saddle Arabian harem clothing.
"Oh great," you mutter, "Wait, don't you normally respond to those types of thoughts with a-" *gong* "There it is..." you say dizzily.
You knock on the door to Fluttershy's cottage.
"Hi Fluttershy." you say, "I know we haven't seen each other in a while but-"
You hoof the bouquet of flowers out of the Inventory and to her, but before you can say anything she gasps in excitement,
"Are those medicus furorem?" (NOTE: Google Translated Latin for "Furry Healer")
"Actually they're- whoa!" being interrupted as Fluttershy suddenly grabs your flower-holding hoof and pulls you into the cottage.
"I thought these flowers were impossible to find in Equestria!" she says excitedly as she pulls out a wooden mortar and pestle, "They've been said to help treat all fur-related illnesses!"
She then takes the pestle and starts crushing the flowers into paste.
"Well I'm glad-" suddenly Fluttershy hugs you.
"Oh Hoody, I can't thank you enough!" she says
"Okay I'm glad, but I thought you still didn't like me-"
"What!" she gasps, looking at you but not breaking the embrace, "Why would you even think that?!"
"Well... I don't mean to be a jerk but how come we haven't even seen each other these past few day-"
"Oh Hoody, I'm so sorry if I made you think that! You're not the problem, you've never been the problem! The real problem was..." she looks away with an upset glare, "Her."
Oh cour-
Don't start-
"But now that you're keeping her sedated, she won't be (much) of a problem!" Fluttershy says more cheerfully, "Actually I'm so glad you came by. I talked to some animal pharmacists I know a few days ago and now Derpy just delivered some new tranquilizers!"
She then lets go of you and flies into the kitchen before coming back with a small box. She opens it and pulls out a bottle with a picture of a sleeping rock golem with Zzzz's over it's head.
"What's that stuff?" you ask.
"These are Super-Ultra-sleeping pills! A dozen times more powerful then those elephant tranquilizers I gave you! They've even been banned in Equestria for the side effect of putting some ponies into comas so this will be perfect for her!" Fluttershy says perhaps a little too excitedly.
"Uh..." you and Selena both think/say as Fluttershy happily gives the box to you.
"Thanks." you say accepting the box so as to not upset the sweet pegasus.
6 Bottles of banned "Super-Ultra-sleeping pills" added to Inventory
Don't even thank of putting THEMS into m-
If you don't shut it, I'll down a whole bottle right now. you bluntly mentally interrupt Sombra.
Break the news that you're leaving to her. She's upset, but ultimately understanding.
"I just wish we could have spent more time together. Maybe like..." She suddenly starts blushing heavily, "A d-d-da-"
"Oh relax, knowing what my life is like I'm sure we'll see each other again when I'm caught up in some other crazy adventure." you obliviously interrupt.
Selena facehoofs at this, but says nothing. Fortunately this interruption snaps her out of this and she nervously-rapidly says,
"O-okay! Well... now I have too... bottle the mashed flowers! I'll... try to actually do something to keep the girls from hurting you if we see each other again!"
"Ok-" you say before Fluttershy pulls you into a hug that you're shocked by, but then return.
"See ya Fluttershy."
"See ya Hoody." Fluttershy says, intimately pressing her body against yours as you retur-
NO! BAD BUG!
You then sadly leave Fluttershy's home, not even noticing Twilight passing you by and saying hello.
================
Find out what you can about Octavia's attempts to revive the Horde
After getting lost a few times as usual you finally find... a house that is half purple and half brown?
Shrugging at this unorthodox color pattern you knock on the door a few times.
"Coming." you hear Octavia say before she opens the door.
"Hi Octavia." you say levitating the bouquet of flowers in front of her.
"Mr. Tennant?" Octavia says with a blush.
"Hey is Vinyl home too?" you ask levitating another bouquet of flowers.
"Wh- I mean no, she's out buying more liquor." she responds, deflating a bit. "Come in."
NOTE: I honestly don't know what to put after this as I don't know what Octavia's current thoughts on the Hooded Offender are (especially concerning the "devouring Sombra alive" part)
================
ONE CLOSE MASSAGE AND A NEAR CATFIGHT LATER
"Luna, time sure flies by in this town." you say to yourself.
I concur, although time does feel like its skipping forward a bit.
"Yeah, it's like my life is some story written by a hack who has no idea how to properly use a time skip-" *pow* "Why did I do that?!" you say after punching yourself in the face for no reason.
Shrugging that off, you think how thankful you were that Lotus was there to rein in/restrain her sister Aloe before she could show you how... appreciative she was for the flowers and you had to use the Royal Canterlot Voice to keep a catfight from breaking out between Applejack and Rainbow Dash. You're wondering what to do next when,
Get her some frozen milk treats. SOmbra druggedly pipes in.
What is he babbling about THIS time? you mentally ask Selena in annoyance.
The sweet frozen milk in those waffle cones you- *zap* Ow! Sombra butts in before Selena could respond causing her to zap him.
Sweet frozen milk in waf- Wait, you mean ice cream cones?
Since when have you been concerned about our child's well being? Selena demands.
Even a drugged-up ruler of crystal-y shadows like me knows that the young overlord will be sad at having to leave her friends! I should know...
================
Twilight notice Flash's medicine ("prescribed" by Quacksalver) and uses a quick library-teleport to realize those were expired/banned medications that negatively effect the brain and thus explaining Flash's species-ist outbursts.
Flash (and Twilight) are relieved that Flash's species-ist outbursts are NOT his fault.
===============
It's GREAT to be back!
POV Change: Nightshade
You decide that if your dad is going to be hanging out one last time with his friends, then you will as well.
Unfortunately…
“Sorry Nightshade, Ah gotta study and do my schoolwork today,” Applebloom apologizes.
“What really?” you ask in surprise.
“Yeah,” she says as she scratches the back of her head. “I’ve kind of been putting stuff off, what with the Reunion and Derby Racing and Camping. And since Ms. Cheerilee isn’t my sister in law anymore, she’s less inclined to let things slide.”
“Oh. Well dang that sucks, I was hoping that we could all go do some crusading today.”
“Sorry Nightshade. But hey, tomorrow after school I should be free. And maybe after Supper tonight I won’t be too tired, we could play a board game or something.”
“I…I guess,” you trail off as you won’t have as much time with your friend as you’d hoped.
“Alright then, I’ll see ya at the dinner table then,” she smiles as she puts her nose back in her book causing you to sigh.
You walk up and hug her.
“Um, what’s that for Shade?” she asks confused.
“Well, just in case I don’t see you over dinner, I just wanted to say…Good Bye,” you say in melancholy.
Applebloom just shrugs, smiles and says, “Alright then.” And as she starts studying again, you head out to see your other friends.
When you arrive at Carousal Boutique, Sweetie Belle gives you a sheepish look.
“Sorry Nightshade, I’m actually helping Rarity make decorations today.”
“Decorations for what?” you ask.
“For when Princess Celestia shows up with the Saddle Arabian Diplomats. She’s even letting me help design some to make up for the whole suitcase thing when we went camping,” she squeeks.
“Oh. Well I guess if you’re too busy…”
“Ya, sorry. But I’m sure we’ll have time to hang out tomorrow. After school that is,” she smiles. You return the smile, even though sadness creeps up on you.
“OK then,” you say as you then grasp and hug Sweetie Belle who is all but happy to return it.
“S-See ya around Sweetie,” you say as you break the hug.
“Yeah, see ya around Shade,” she smiles obliviously. You then walk on as she closes to the door to help her sister.
“Oh, why did today have to be the last day? Hopefully Scootaloo isn’t too busy…”
When you arrive at Scootaloo’s, she has the same apologetic look as the other two, making your ears fall.
“Oh, sorry Nightshade but I actually have an appointment with Rainbow Dash today.”
“An appointment?” you ask flabbergasted causing her to nod.
“She’s getting got some days off from the Academy today and tomorrow. She’ll be getting here pretty soon, and she promised that now that she’s my Big Sister, she’ll teach me some new moves she’s learned,” she says in excitement. You think one of the big reasons she idolizes Rainbow is because she thinks Dash is the best chance she has for finally flying.
You ruffle your own wings (Hidden from view via magic) You’ve always wanted to learn to fly, but there just never seemed to be a time or place to learn. So even though it breaks your heart that none of the crusaders can hang out with you today, you decide to let her chase her dream with her new Big Sister.
“Alright. Just...” you choke up. “Just be sure to outpace her once you learn them.”
“Oh, I definitely will! I’ll show you and the girls tomorrow after school. It’s gonna be awesome!” she says buzzing her wings.
“Right…After School…” you mutter. You pull her into a hug before she can see your eyes watering.
“Kn-knock em dead Scoots…Later,” you then break the hug and run out her door as she calls back to you,
“Later Shade!”
When her house is out of view, you sniffle back the tears, and wipe away the few that fell.
“This is such Bullspit! Why did Dad decide today was the day? If we had just been one day sooner or later, the girls wouldn’t be busy, or at least could have hung out after school!” you growl as you kick the dirt.
“But no! I gotta say goodbye to my friends without actually saying goodbye. I mean, I want to go back to Appleloosa sure, but at the same time I also want to stay here.” You then sigh trying to calm yourself.
“Relax Nightshade. You knew this wasn’t going to last forever…Even still, I wished it would have been longer.” Sighing once more, you look up to the sky.
“Please Lady Luck, I’ve only got one real friend left in this place, don’t let him be busy too…”
At the Library, you see that Spike has cleaning supplies, and gloves on.
Buck you Lady Luck…you think in sadness.
“Um…are you busy today?” you ask just to get it over with.
He scratches the back of his neck. “Well…Kind of. Twilight’s is being ultra critical on preparations for when the Saddle Arabians arrive with Princess Celestia. She’s even had me reorganize the library. Three times!”
“By yourself?” you ask and he nods with a roll of his eyes.
“Well that stinks!” you groan as he continues cleaning.
“Tell me about it. She’s constantly over at Fluttershy’s practicing for the magical performance she’s going to show them. I don’t know why juggling animal is so important but…” he just shrugs in complacency.
“So…You can’t come out and play?” you ask feeling immense hurt. Spike is one of your bestest, closest, and toughest friends. The thought of not being able to hang out with him or any of the girls shatters your heart.
He looks at you and your downcast face. “I’m sorry Nightshade, I really want to but…well you know how things go,” he says gesturing to the library causing you to nod.
“Right…” you choke back a sob. “Well if you’re busy I’ll just get out of your way,” you say as you trudge towards the door.
“Hey Nightshade, wait. Are you OK?” he asks seeing your slumped form.
You pause and look back at him, trying not to let the sadness show in your eyes.
“Ya, sure. I’m fine,” you lie and he picks up on it as he walks over to you.
“No really, what’s wrong?” he asks.
You sigh and look at him.
“I’m just tired Spike. I’m so tired of running.”
“You’ve been running today?” he asks in obliviousness.
“I’ve been running for a long time,” you answer back as you think on your life.
“Oh, do you need some water or something?” he offers and you wave him off.
“No, I’m fine. I’m just gonna…go home,” you admit.
“Well alright then,” he says accepting your answer. “Be sure to take it easy.”
Just like your other friends, you pull him into a sudden hug.
“Oh, heh heh, what’s this for?” he stammers.
“I don’t need a reason to hug my friend do I?” you ask.
“I-I guess not.”
Nodding you give him a squeeze and say,
“Goodbye Spike…”
“Goodbye Nightshade. I’ll see you later.”
No…you won’t…you think sadly as you leave the library.
“It’s not fair. It’s just not fair,” you whimper as you hang your head and sluggishly walk through the town.
Why? Why couldn’t Ponyville have been our home? Why couldn’t it have been as friendly and welcoming to Daddy like Appleloosa was? Why couldn’t we have stopped running here? You lament. You then grit your teeth as you know the reason.
“Trixie…” you seethe.
If she hadn’t been such a traitorous b!#$%, Daddy wouldn’t have been thrown in jail, and that giant bear wouldn’t have attacked and he wouldn’t have freaked out thinking I was dead! Noling would have been hurt, and we wouldn’t have had to run and hide anymore. Maybe she could have helped the others see Daddy wasn’t so bad, and we could have lived here happily…but no. She wanted her Gorramned Money!
You kick the dirt in front of you again, accidentally creating a sizeable pot hole thanks to your anger. Your tears fall into the hole as the emotions finally hit you all at once, but you stifle the tears. You don’t want some random passerbys asking you questions.
You sigh again as you look at the hole, before smoothing it over with your bending.
“We’ve been running ever since I was born. Just once I’d like to stop and smell the roses…” you then move on, taking in the town one last time. Really, all you want to do is go into the Inventory and curl up on your bed just like old times. That way, the outside world can’t hurt you anymore.
The day is halfway done, and it’s only served to break your heart. In looking for your dad, you see Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in the distance and you still your sad heart.
Well, if Lady Luck is gonna screw with me, then I’m sure as heck gonna settle some wrongs before I leave, you think as you trot over to them.
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Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. I'm glad I got to write something you'd enjoy
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You trot over to the two rich fillies with a kind smile. "Hey, you two!" You greet.
They look your way before smiling and waving. "What's up, Nightshade?" Silver Spoon asked.
"Nothing much... How about you?"
"We don't really have anything to do." Silver told you.
"We might go back to my house and find something to do. We're not sure yet, and I'm a bit hungry too." Diamond said.
"Oh, alright then." You give a sad smile.
"Is... anything wrong?" Diamond asks you.
"Oh! Uh... no, something's just on my mind." You say sheepishly. "Anyways, the real reason I came here to talk was to apologize for all the fights we had in the past."
"Well, we're sorry too, but didn't we already apologize to each other?" Silver asks you.
"Yeah, I know that, but.... I just want you to know that whatever happens, I don't dislike or hate you guys at all. And I hope whenever we see each other we could be real friends. I know it's been awkward for the past week between us." You scratch the back of your head at that.
"You can say that again..." Silver whispers to herself. "I don't know, how about you come with us to Dia's house? We could do something together to lighten our relationship."
Diamond seemed to like this idea as she smiled brightly at you.
But would you like to spend your last day in Ponyville with the ones who had the most conflict with you ever since you've first arrived all those months ago?
Well, it was better than being alone for your last day, and you wouldn't want to leave them with a rude impression.
"Okay! I'm down to hang out today! The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike are all busy anyways... not that I'm only hanging out with you two because there's no one else..." You ensure.
They giggled. "No offense taken Shade." Silver said.
"She called me by a nickname..." You smile and happily bounce over to them.
When you're about to leave Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, you say, "I had a fun time with you two. I really wish we did something like this sooner."
They happily agree with you. "I had a lot of fun too, it would have been boring with just us two, and I'm happy we brought you along Shade." Diamond said while Silver nodded with a bright smile. "Maybe we can hang out again soon with the crusaders! How does tomorrow sound?"
That question strikes you in the chest. You've just made amends with these two and now you're about to leave without them knowing. "I... I'll see."
They don't notice your sadness and nervousness. "Alright then!" Diamond started. "If you're coming let's meet up at the Crusader Clubhouse tomorrow after school."
They're about to leave themselves when you speak up suddenly. "Hey, girls?"
"Yeah, Shade?" Silver asks.
Your back is turned away from them, hiding your tears. You try your best to hold back any sobs as you speak. "If I can't come tomorrow, tell Apple Bloom Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo that I love all of them, alright? Oh, and remind yourselves that too. I care about all of you and want you to have fun tomorrow whatever happens..."
They stood silently behind with a bit of confusion. "...Um, alright, will do." Diamond said.
You then start your sprint back to daddy, after whispering "Later..."
"See you later too, Nightshade!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon yells behind you, oblivious to what's really going on.
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Nightshade devours a table's worth of fancy food (although she notes it's not as fancy as "Eggsy's Exorbance" in Vanhoover)
"Ok, last check to see we don't forget anything" Say Bugzee looking to Nightshade
"Yes, sir!" Say Nightshade as she make a mocking militar salute smiling
Bugzee look at Nightshade and begin to feel a Flashback of bad memories coming but he manage to distract himself
"Okay... Let's see... Food?" Ask Bugzee
Nightshade and Bugzee check their inventory
"Check" Say the both of them
"Okay, are Twilight and the others around or could they stop us?" Ask Bugzee
Nightshade look around noticing that they are not around
"They don't seem around..." Say Nightshade
"Okay... Ready to go..." Say Bugzee smiling
As Bugzee and Nightshade begin to walk out, suddenly Nightshade shout
"Wait! Where is Mangle?" Ask Nightshade
Bugzee groan and they begin to search for Mangle, finding him in Fluttershy hut, both fighting each other with glowing sticks as Mangle let out a melody
As they fight, they are interumpted by Bugzee and Nightshade
"Come on Mangle, we don't have time for you to play with Angel, maybe another time, but not now" Say Nightshade
Mangle try to resist without chance, as he is forced away by Nightshade as Angel Bunny laugh it up until Fluttershy appear from her house.
"Oh Angel, good to see you, it's time for your bath" Say Fluttershy taking Angel inside.
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I just tought about it and could not resist the scene of Mangle and Angel fighting like Star Wars, with music included.