My Little Divergence

by BibliusEquinus

Chapter 2 - A Nightmare's End, pt. 2

The Summer Sun Celebration was nearing its end. That is to say, it was nearing full daybreak. Once the sun was fully visible above the horizon, that would be the cue for the festivities to wrap up. Until the afterparty, of course.

Spike found himself sitting at the table set aside for those involved in the preparations; one table length separated him and his companions from the long table reserved for the nobles and Royals. The latter was mostly deserted, in the name of snobby mingling; he could see the Queen's pink hair above the throng, dipping now and then to indulge in conversation. Luna, as usual, had disappeared with her escort to investigate these new surroundings.

He was trying to spot the Princess again when a thumping from the organizer's table drew his attention back around.

"Hey, Spike, focus here," Rainbow Dash was saying, slapping her hoof down once more on the table. "I'm in the middle of telling them how your jaw dropped after my sweet bit of cloud clearing!"

"You get to the part where you bucked your own pillow?" Spike replied, taking a gulp of his drink as Rainbow shot him a glare. Applejack, now laughing softly at Rainbow's expression, downed some of her own; she, Spike, and Rainbow Dash all had steaming mugs of the traditional Summer Sun Celebration post-rise drink, coffee.

The only one who wasn't partaking of that particular brew was Pinkie, who - judging by the foot thick topping of whipped cream, sprinkles, and bright red and brown sauces - had been downing cups of hot chocolate all night. The pink mare also joined in on the laughter, giggling as she looped a arm around Rainbow, pulling her into a hug.

"D'awww, did Dashie miss out on her nap? Maybe momma Pinkie should tuck you into beddie-byes!" she burbled, rubbing her cheek against Dash's.

"Cut it out, Pinks!" growled Rainbow Dash, flailing in Pinkie's grip. This only managed to set off Spike, while Applejack broke into a full on chuckle-fit, the two only settling down once Rainbow had managed to break free of the vicious cuddle-beast.

"Anyhoo..." said Applejack, looking around with her ears perked up straight, "Anypony seen th' other two? Not surprised 'Shy ain't here, but not seein' lil' miss fussy-hooves at a gatherin' like this is like not seein' ants at a picnic."

"I've seen them!" Pinkie said, thrusting a hoof into the air and waving it like an overeager student. "I know where they are, ask me, ask me!"

Applejack chuckled again. "Alright then, where are they?"

"Over there!" replied Pinkie, gleefully pointing between Applejack and Spike; both immediately turned to look back where, true to Pinkie's gleeful word, a certain butter-yellow pegasus and a unicorn with a coat of pure white were making their way through the gathered ponies, heading toward the table.

The assembled ponies and singular dragon made their various greetings, Pinkie's enthusiastic waving only stopping when Rainbow seized ahold of her hoof. The two newcomers to the table, meanwhile, made their way to the clearing between Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy lowered herself to the floor as she neared and passed Spike, until only her ears and pink mane could be seen peeking up over the edge of the table, while Rarity refused to look Spike in the eye as she found her spot, a faint flush on the fashionista's cheeks.

"Applejack, Pinkie, Rainbow Dash," Rarity said, before gently clearing her throat and glancing up at Spike. "Ser Spike."

Spike flushed slightly at the ancient form of honorific, gently shaking his head. "I'm far from a ser, and definitely not a sir. But hello to you too, miss Rarity."

"Yes, well, I believe that both Fluttershy" she replied, once again looking away from him - did her blush deepen? - and gesturing to the suggestion of a pegasus beside her, "and I failed to properly introduce ourselves. So. I am Rarity, fashionista by trade and artiste by nature. And this is..."

She trailed off, rolling a hoof at the barely visible Fluttershy. After a moment, a gentle poke from the unicorn and a squeak from the pegasus saw Fluttershy's head creep up over the edge of the table, tilted so that her hair hung protectively between her and Spike.

"And, um, 'm Fluttershy..." murmured the pegasus, barely loud enough for Spike to catch the last syllable.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," said Spike, after the awkward silence had filled the table. "I... really enjoyed the singing? Especially the bluejay."

"Oh! Oh, really?" Fluttershy's head came up another inch, her head turning towards Spike; he could finally see her green eyes. "Thank you, he really has come so far."

"Give him my compliments, then. And I'm happy to see that you're not so..." Spike rolled a hand for a moment, searching for the right words. "Petrified of me, now?"

Fluttershy squeaked again, dipping her head as Pinkie, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack looked at her with interest. Rarity smiled, clearing her throat to draw their attention from the pegasus.

"I'm afraid Spike here rather surprised our Fluttershy when he went to meet with her," explained the unicorn, "and she has that little... problem with dragons, of course. We had a little talk before coming over here, and after I explained to her your, ahem, background..."

Spike was now the recipient of a trio of curious looks, while Fluttershy dragged herself from the depths of her embarrassment and back into the conversation, her head fully rising above the table.

"Oh, I am so terribly sorry about acting like that, mister Spike," she said, nervously rubbing her forehooves against the table top. "Rarity told me you were one of the friendly dragons, not one of the mean pony-eating ones."

"Well, I'm definitely not about to chow down on any ponies. Way too stuffed from all of the Sweet Apple Acres fare." He raised his cup to Applejack, who beamed with familial pride.

"Yeah yeah, the Apple clan is amazing with apples, amazingly awesome news that I've never heard before," interjected Rainbow Dash before Applejack had a chance to speak, "but what's this about some mystery background, huh?"

Applejack gave Rainbow a brief glare, but then turned a kind look on Spike, patting him companionably on the shoulder. "Now don't you mind her, Rainbow's jes' got less tact than a introverted skunk. You don't needta tell us anythin' ya don't want to, sugarcube."

"I... I know some really friendly skunks..." murmured Fluttershy from across the table.

"Yeah! You shouldn't judge skunks, Applejack!" added Pinkie, drawing a happy nod from Fluttershy.

As Applejack gave the pair a flat look, Rainbow Dash slapped a hoof down on the table once again.

"Getting off topic! Mystery dragon, secret background; spill!" commanded the pegasus, pointing at Spike; all attention turned towards him again.

"Well, since at least two of you know already..." Spike said, glancing at Rarity out of the corner of his eye; the unicorn flushed, looking slightly ashamed of her conversational slip. "It's no big secret, though. The papers were all over it, of course."

"That's how I was reminded of it, actually. It took me a little while, but I couldn't help but remember your brother," Rarity said, and at this she nodded towards where an armored Shining was looking over the crowd, all his relaxed friendliness now replaced by the stern look expected of the Guard. "And from there, well, I recognized the family name..."

"Wait, yer brother is a pony? How's that work?" Applejack asked.

"And what happened with him? I bet it's something super-juicy; Rarity always knows the juiciest gossip! Like rumor raisins! Or scandal scones! Or mmmph-mph-mmph!" said Pinkie, getting interrupted by Rainbow stuffing a hoof into the party pony's maw.

"Getting off topic again!" said the rainbow-maned pegasus. Pinkie nodded in agreement, Rainbow's hoof still in her mouth.

"Well, I can answer Applejack quick enough, and it ties into it anyway. I'm adopted." Spike said it without a tinge of concern; he'd long since accepted it. "As far as I'm concerned, though, they're my real family."

"Thas' the spirit; yer kin are yer kin, no matter if'n you're adopted or not! Right, Pinkie?" said Applejack, nodding to Pinkie as the pink mare freed herself of Rainbow's hoof.

"That's right!" Pinkie replied, as Rainbow looked at the underside of her hoof and made a face. Fluttershy quietly offered Rainbow a hanky.

"Anyway," continued Spike, "it all comes back to the Princess and my sister. Do any of you remember that before the Return, the Queen had a protege? Her personal apprentice?"

While Pinkie pondered and Rainbow continued to look impatient, Applejack flinched and gave Spike a consoling look. Both Fluttershy and Rarity also bore looks of concern; Spike ignored them, keeping his attention on the only two clearly not in the know.

"Twilight Sparkle. My sister. She was caught in the backlash of the Return, when... when the Queen banished the evil that had been in control of Luna." Spike took a moment to swig his coffee, while the rest of the table waited in silence. "She was turned to stone. They're still trying to free her, but..."

Spike weathered the ensuing wave of sympathy as he had many times in the past; the words came easy to him, now. About the only unexpected reaction was a brief yellow blur and a sudden warm, comforting presence wrapping around his arm. It took a few moments for the wave to recede and Fluttershy to be gently pried off him, but Spike took it in stride.

"Time passed. The media was all over us for a while, but that died off in a few months. The Queen probably had something to do with that." Spike swirled his coffee, then drained the dregs. "I ended up being named a Ward of Equestria, and spent my time keeping Twilight's place clean for when they figure out an answer. Well, until now; you volunteer for one thing and end up getting royal instructions to take a holiday, I don't know..."

"A holiday, you say?" Rarity said, a demure smile appearing on her face.

"Mmm-hmm. I was going to be staying in the old library, but then there was that sudden fire..." Spike shot Pinkie a look, though he couldn't help but smile at the sudden stricken look on her face. "Though it isn't a big deal, as I already explained to Pinkie; she'll be helping me move in, in exchange. The basement should be fine, so with a few repairs..."

Pinkie relaxed a little, though the looks a few of the others were shooting her had her looking quite sheepish. Rainbow snorted, shaking her head.

"Fire safety, Pinkie! At least I've never had to listen to one of Crackling's lectures..." the pegasus smirked towards Pinkie, who narrowed her eyes in return.

"You blew up half of Sugarcube Corner with a lightning storm!"

"That's old news! And that was when I was new on the job, to boot. Right here and now, we have the hot news of you setting fire to your third building!"

Spike watched, bemused, as Pinkie threw back a retort about some old attempt on Rainbow's part to speed up the weather cycle. The rest of the table seemed to be tuning them out, as Rarity began to chat with Fluttershy about her cat - Opal? - and Applejack leaned over to Spike to give him some background on Ponyville and its goings on, all the while keeping an eye on Rainbow and Pinkie. She broke into a grin as they fell into a bout of good-natured wrestling.

It was some time later, after Rainbow and Pinkie had exhausted themselves and joined in on the general conversation that had formed at the table, that Spike noticed Shining approaching the table, a concerned look on his face. At a gesture from his brother, Spike excused himself, following Shining into a secluded corner, well away from the other guests.

"Something happen?" he hazarded, as Shining - still in full Guard mode - carefully checked about for listeners.

"Luna's gone missing."

Spike hissed softly, careful to keep from showing any other reaction. The Princess was, amongst both the Inner and Outer Castle staff, known to disappear from sight in order to seek her own fun.

"Trackers?" That was the usual solution, a few of the enchanted gems slipped into broaches and tucked into Luna's hair, but--

"Slipped them off. She's been doing that more lately, not sure if it's a sign of her... getting better." Shining sighed, then leaned in to Spike. "Listen, we need to find her quietly. It's bad enough on the castle grounds, but if a group of guards suddenly start poking about and flying everywhere..."

"The papers would have a field day, right." Spike scratched his chin, thinking, before finding his eyes wandering back to the table he'd just vacated. Five pairs of inquisitive eyes peered back at him.

"I think... I have an idea..." he said to Shining, before leaning in to explain things.

---

"You want us to do what?"

Rainbow Dash's shout echoed down the near empty street; Spike quietly thanked his lucky stars that there weren't anypony nearby, or that most were getting a start on the afterparty.

"Keep it down!" Spike urged, while the others continued to stare at him with a mixture of confusion and surprise.

"The Princess is missing?" Rarity gasped, looking on the edge of fainting.

"Well, it's not exactly the first time..." Spike said, rubbing the back of his head. Then he noticed their looks. "She has an alicorn's powers and a child's focus, okay? It can get a little tricky, particularly when there's a new moon..."

Applejack shook her head, cocking her stetson back with one hoof. "An' the Guard can't be seen runnin' about, so ya need us to help track down the missin' Princess 'fore anypony catches wind, right? How in tarnation are we meant ta do that?"

"With this," replied Spike, holding up a silver amulet holding a deep blue gem, a few flecks of silver gently bobbing against one side. "This will get us to the general vicinity of the Princess, but then we'll have to use more old-fashioned means to find exactly where she's gotten herself."

"But why us, darling?" Rarity asked, while leaning in to appraise the gem.

"Well... You were already trusted with the Summer Sun Celebration. Except for Pinkie, but I figure as long as we keep her away from fire she'll be fine."

"I said I was sorry!" Pinkie wailed, dramatically throwing herself to the ground in front of Spike and hugging his arm in a show of purest remorse.

"Beyond that," Spike continued, placatingly patting Pinkie's prodigious poof, "are you all willing to help? I won't begrudge any of you stepping out, though hopefully she's just somewhere in town."

Pinkie was the first to offer up her help, perking back up onto all fours and saluting. Rainbow Dash and Applejack glanced at each other, shrugged, and added their consent, while Rarity finally nodded to Spike with another smile.

"Oh, of course I'll help! That poor dear, what if she's lost and alone...?!" Fluttershy finally spoke up, worry clear on her face.

Spike snorted. "I doubt she's even noticed. But it's best if we're quick, regardless..." He held up the gem, inspecting the flecks and getting his bearings. "This way."

---

It was two hours later, the mares having followed Spike and fallen into another companionable conversation as they trekked through the town, Spike half-involving himself as he focused on navigating through the streets.

And now they stood before a dark treeline, Ponyville a few fields behind them. Wild clouds hovered ominously in the distance, while the thick foliage cast the trees in a sinister light, branches clawing at the air above bushes thick with thorns.

"And of course she went into the Everfree," Spike sighed, settling back on his haunches to ponder this new obstacle.

"She's in the Everfree?!" squeaked out Fluttershy behind him, in a tone and volume he hadn't previously heard from the pegasus.

"Looks like. Could be the old stories the Queen tells, apparently there're rui--" Spike was cut off by a yellow blur passing by him and disappearing past the treeline. "Hey, wait!"

He started forward, the rest of the ponies not far behind him, only for Fluttershy to just as quickly dart back out with a frightened squeal, and instead start pacing nervously along the treeline as the group caught up with her.

"Bit quick on the draw there, 'Shy?" asked Rainbow, an eyebrow arching up.

"We can't just leave the poor dear all on her own! The Everfree is such a nasty place, no sweet filly should be alone in there - especially not the Princess!" Fluttershy kept trotting in place, wings half-raised as though to dive back into the darkness.

"But the Everfree isn't exactly safe for us either, right?" Spike waited for Fluttershy's rapid nod. "Then we'd better go back to get the Guar--"

"Right, on it!" interrupted Rainbow, dashing them all a quick salute before disappearing off in a rainbow streak.

"An' we'll get a head start lookin' fer th' lil' tyke!" announced Applejack, who had been inspecting the trees. Turning in place, she landed both rear hooves against a particularly fragile specimen, cracking it in half and sending it toppling back, clearing the start of a path.

"Wait, what about the Guard?" asked Spike in bewilderment, as Fluttershy followed close behind Applejack, crossing the felled tree with a flick of her wings.

"Rainbow'll get to 'em well before us!" came Applejack's reply, as Pinkie pronked along next. "'sides, Ah'm not about to leave a filly alone in th' Everfree either!"

Spike found himself being dragged along out of sheer force of personality, hauling himself onto the treetrunk with a resigned sigh.

Meanwhile, Rarity peered at the freshly upturned tree, its roots crawling with bugs and heavy with fresh dirt. Leaves still drifted down, some lined with wicked little spines, and she could clearly see that the shadows further in only got deeper.

"Maybe I can fashion some sort of... emergency booties..." she murmured to herself.

"Ya comin' or not, Rarity?" erupted Applejack's voice, shocking her out of her musing.

"Fine!" she shouted back, climbing onto the tree as gingerly as possible. "Oh, this is going to be simply ruinous on my manicure..."

---

The group of ponies and one dragon worked their way into the Everfree, the sun crawling higher as they went. Applejack and Spike did the bulk of the work, hacking through the thick undergrowth and clearing the way. Fluttershy hovered both literally and figuratively nearby, depending on how close the trees got, pointing out plants to avoid, while Rarity and Pinkie Pie took up the rear.

They finally broke out onto an ancient and overgrown road. Spike considered the tracking amulet for a second, then directed then deeper into the woods, following the curve of the road.

Moments later, a rainbow blur slammed down from the skies, sending up a cloud of dust.

"'sup!" greeted Rainbow, flexing her wings as the dust settled around her.

Spike snorted, clearing his nostrils, before gently pulling Fluttershy off the top of his head, the pegasus having apparently mistaken him for a tree in the excitement. Putting aside the apologizing mare, and as the others variously coughed up dust, glared at Rainbow, or giggled happily at Dash's reappearance, Spike spoke up. "Any luck with my brother?"

"Yup!" was the peppy response. "He's sending out a few guards, quiet like. And before you ask, I made sure to it on the down-low."

"And then you just... sneakily zoomed back over? With a rainbow contrail and everything?"

"What? I do it all the time!"

Spike blinked. "You go to the Everfree a lot?"

The group, now mostly recovered, resumed their trek as the two talked.

"Well, yeah. There's all sorts of awesome old stuff out here. And Pinkie lives out in the Everfree, too!" Rainbow pointed to Pinkie, who was nodding rapidly.

"Yeppers! Right on the edges, though. It's not that bad; I don't haveta pay taxes, and the rent is really cheap!" Pinkie said, perky as ever. "And it's not like I'm the only one of us who does, either!"

"Oh?" Spike glanced back at the rest of the group; Fluttershy continued trotting along, clueless, while one by one the others looked towards her.

She eventually picked up on the stares, glancing around, then looking in the opposite direction, as though they were looking at something past her. Then, looking back to see them still staring at her, she squeaked, rapidly shaking her head.

"Oh, no no no, I could never live in the Everfree!" she explained to Spike. "I live on the edge of Ponyville, and some ponies get a little confused..."

"Fluttershy, c'mon, you live past the treel--" started Rainbow, only for Fluttershy to cut in with the first bit of real force Spike had seen in the yellow mare.

"I don't live in the Everfree, Rainbow."

Rainbow and Fluttershy stared at each other for a time, as the group continued down the road. Spike could see a silent argument going on between the two, spoken in twitches of the eye and flickers of the ears, Fluttershy's face remaining placid while Rainbow's flickered between various states of disgruntlement.

Fluttershy won.

"Fine, you don't live in the Everfree! You just happen to live down a long dark twisted road a half-hour past the treeline!" Rainbow finally cried, throwing up her hooves.

Fluttershy clapped her hooves together, happily nodding. Spike shot a glance at Rainbow, arching an eyeridge, who just rolled her eyes. Then stopped in midair as she took in the road ahead.

It split, one road curving slightly back towards Ponyville and well lit by the sun. Fresh grass sprouted between ancient flagstones, flowers were abundant along its edges, and the trees gave way to spotty clearings.

The other turned directly into the depths of the Everfree, its stones growing more cracked and ruined as it disappeared beneath a thick canopy of darkness. Flora abundant with vicious spines and dripping with nasty, ominous liquids were obvious, while Spike could swear he saw eyes flashing amongst the depths of the undergrowth, sinister and slitted.

Frowning, Spike considered the amulet once more.

"Lemme guess," drawled Applejack, "th' Princess've th' Night went fer a stroll under th' trees?"

"...Actually, it looks like she's off in this direction," Spike replied, heading down the path of light and grass.

Applejack blinked in surprise, then perked up. "Well hay, maybe this is goin' t' be easier than Ah thought!" She began to follow Spike, Fluttershy and Rarity trotting along with her while Rainbow muttered something about having to take the boring road, flapping along.

"Onward! For Princessness!" proclaimed Pinkie, pronking after the rest.

---

"I think we're going to have to split up," Spike sighed, holding up the amulet. The small flecks of silver upon its gem bounced against the edges, uncertain and wandering.

"Ah jus' knew it'd come ta somethin' like that," said Applejack, peering about from the small rise they'd found themselves upon.

Trees still dominated the landscape, but wide splotches of grass broke up the darkness of the undergrowth. By no means was it welcoming, with the trees still twisted and the wildgrowth living up to its name, but there was a sense of begrudging welcome with the light beaming down from above.

"Well, at least the Princess has good taste in where she takes these little... playdates." Rarity flicked her mane out of her face. "Rainbow Dash, would you be a dear and keep an eye on us, if it wouldn't be too much trouble?"

Rainbow nodded, gave the group a quick salute, then zipped into the air again. The remainder watched her fall into a wide circling pattern, before beginning to drift apart with promises to keep to the lighter areas.

It was not long after that Spike found himself clambering across a small, rocky ridge; he waved to Rainbow as she passed by, far overhead, then froze.

He could hear singing.

Glancing again at the sky and the sun, Spike headed towards the sound - it was coming from within a dense copse at the end of the ridge. The trees had failed to overgrow where the earth had once long ago been split, forming a small archway which almost seemed to beckon him into its cool embrace.

Spike crept inside carefully, eyeing the trees as he passed; they were as bent and twisted as any other in the Everfree, but didn't appear to be hosting anything malevolent. Continuing deeper, and pushing past a thick bush, he found himself in a shadowed clearing; a near perfect circle filled with dappled sunlight, edged with bushes, and currently playhouse to one alicorn filly.

Luna rolled about on the grass, singing a formless, wordless child's tune. She looked none the worse for wear, Spike could see, apart from some leaves in her coat and mane, along with judicious streaks of dirt and stains from the grass. Her maids would be having a fit later, no doubt.

It was only when Spike cleared his throat that she actually noticed him, turning bright, gleaming eyes towards him and waving from her spot in the grass.

"Hewwo!" she called, speech impediment as thick as ever. "I'm Woona."

Spike suppressed a sigh; the Princess tended to forget people she didn't interact with regularly.

"Hello, Princess Luna," Spike said softly, approaching the filly carefully. "Been having fun?"

She nodded energetically, soft blue mane bouncing as she did. "I found a buggy! It... was wed," she proclaimed, with all the grace and power a princess with the body of a six year old could muster.

"I'm sure that was very exciting," Spike said dryly, glancing up at the sky again.

Luna resumed rolling back and forth in the grass, before a thought apparently occurred to her. Rolling onto her belly, she turned a look on Spike that had bought strong-willed babysitters to their knees, her wide eyes shimmering and a quivering pout appearing on her lips that would turn the coldest hearts to warm, nourishing soup.

"A-awe 'oo here to take Woona back?" she asked, her voice quavering.

Spike shook his head, looking back down at her. "Not yet. Almost."

Instantly, Luna's expression changed. With a joyful squeal, she threw herself back down, resuming rolling about in the cool, soft grass.

Spike looked back up. Subconsciously, he stretched his claws. The Princess could play, for now.

It would only be a few more minutes until noon, anyway.

---

Canterlot Mountain stood tall and proud, lit near perfectly from above by the summer sun. Its purple hue was home to innumerable crevices and ancient caves, most long since investigated by the ponies who made their home against its side; Canterlot itself was the cause of the largest piece of its shade, the great city erupting out into the air, kept aloft by ancient magic.

That great shadow wasn't important to this day, however. Not as the sun reached its highest point and noon struck, and one particular crevice was turned into a tight line of dense darkness by the angle of rock and light.

A line that thickened further, filling the crack to its limit, then poured forth as pure darkness down the sunlit mountainside. The shadow made solid, watery and undulating, flowed slowly at first; then, as it fell through the light, it began to pick up speed.

As it hit the next crevice, it was flowing like oil, its trail evaporating in the sunlight. By the time it had reached halfway towards the ground it had thickened into a blot the width of a pony's hoof, moving faster than a falling pegasus.

When it hit the base of the mountain, it suddenly pulsed, tripling in width and speed and surging forth. Leaving a trail of smoke and mist, it sped across the countryside, curving across field and hill, flowers closing in its wake and creatures being sent scurrying with a nameless fear.

Eventually, as it passed across the flat expanse of Saddle Lake, it took form; what burst from the other side was a undulating mass of purest inky darkness, slamming into the edges of the Everfree with a formless force that tore leaves from the trees and made the grass itself pull back and shrivel.

And when it finally passed into an ancient stand of trees and into the side of Princess Luna, it exploded into a column of darkness swirling with the deepest of blues and purples which in turn erupted outward in a great wave of dark power.

As it passed over Spike, the roiling mist jerked back from his scales, even as he strode forth and rammed one claw forward its heart.

---

Pinkie's ear twitched, causing her to pull her head out of the small hole she'd been investigating, the mare looking around suspiciously. She didn't see the wave as it struck her, tendrils of shadow snaking into her mane as she tumbled forwards.

---

Applejack was looking across the terrain upon another small rise, shielding her eyes from the sun with her hoof. Her eyes widened as the shadow erupted over the edge of the rise, washing across her hooves then leaping up to engulf the rest of her.

---

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes as the dark tide overtook Applejack, and threw herself into a dive towards her friend; she didn't notice as a jolt of darkness burst from the mass, taking her in the wings. As the tendrils squirmed between her feathers, she barely managed to redirect herself towards a particularly thick looking tree, her crash landing softened by the leafy boughs.

---

Rarity looked up at the sound of a distant crash, lighting up her horn; with the trees around her so thick, everything was cast in darkness. She thus only had a split second to recognize the wall of dark power before it slammed into her, curling down her horn and throwing her further into the darkness.

---

Fluttershy shook her head, not seeing the dark blots around her squirming and seething as they evaporated into nothing. She blinked, then rubbed her eye, trying to remember what had just happened; she'd clearly fallen over at some point.

Maybe it had just been a brief lapse in concentration?

She put it out of her mind, she had a job to do. She started to push through the bushes again...

---

In the depths of the copse, Spike kept his eyes focused on where his hand disappeared into the darkness. He could feel something warm thrashing against his grip, but he held strong, waiting as the darkness receded and wisped away into the surrounding air. His eyes remained narrowed even as the final dregs of mist dispersed, revealing the small twitching form of Princess Luna, his claws wrapped securely around her neck.

Her thrashing slowed, gentled, then stopped entirely, her eyes rolled up into the back of her head. With a sudden gasp, however, she snapped back to wakefulness, eyes going wide and jerking around in a panic - before finally focusing on Spike. The confusion disappeared slowly, becoming recognition; as she tried to speak, however, Spike flexed his claws, cutting off her breath.

"Your first words had better convince me not to crush your neck here and now," he warned, almost snarling as smoke leaked from his nostrils. Only then did he relax his grip, barely enough for Luna to breath.

She sat there for a long moment, breathing hard, before finally swallowing and finding her voice.

"You once ate the cover of an ancient tome of illusion spells because it had gems on it." Luna's ears flicked as she glanced around again, confused, before realization set in. "And sweet heavens, is that my voice?"

Still a child's voice in tone, the Princess' speed impediment had disappeared. In its place was a control and accent that Spike associated with Canterlot's upper crust. Or, even more strongly, with Celestia.

Spike ignored the filly's confusion, his eyes still focused on the Princess as she took another look around. And then he slowly pulled his hand from her neck, letting her roll onto all fours and stand, shaking herself off before beginning to look over her body.

"So, she wasn't rambling. You really escaped," he said in slight wonder, the tension gradually draining out of his body.

Luna twitched her ear, her self-inspection interrupted. "Yes," she replied, "and trust me when I say it was as much a surprise to me as it is you. I believe she didn't think I would approve of this plan, and she would be right."

Luna began to stretch her limbs one by one, testingly, as Spike absorbed this news. A maelstrom of emotions raged inside him, but one question forced its way forth.

"Is she okay?"

"Well, having spent that long with her, I wouldn't call her exactly o--"

"Will Twilight Sparkle be okay?" Spike cut the Princess off, clenching his claws with the sheer need to know.

Luna looked at him for a long moment, letting him recover himself, before she replied. "When I last saw her, she was smiling. And I dare say that she will be able to keep herself alive for some time yet, with or without your attendance."

Spike let out a shuddering breath, dragging a hand across his face. Luna waited, the incarnation of patience - even with a body Spike was more used to seeing fidgeting during royal functions - until Spike finally found his voice again.

"I thought it would be her. Escaping, I mean." He took another deep breath. "Princess Luna, the real one, I presume?"

"I am sorry... Spike?" Luna waited for Spike's nod. "She talked about you, a lot. All I can tell you for now is that she's proud of you, and missed you dearly; anything more will have to wait."

Luna's tone had become serious, taking on a edge Spike had never heard from the filly. He took his hand from his face, blinking away the hints of tears as he focused on her and gestured for her to continue.

"You must have felt it, or seen it, when I came back to myself. When Twilight breached our prison and forced me free, more than I came along. I felt it, in the transition, the last of that clinging corruption." Luna shuddered, wiping at her coat as though to remove a stain.

"I saw it. Felt it, even; I don't think it could get another hold on me, however."

Luna nodded. "You are scarred, just as I am now. It won't be easy for the Nightmare to reclaim its grip, not without great effort. But the nature of it means it will not seek to fight; it will look for those who are weak, to recover its strength within them."

Both dragon and alicorn froze as a distant cry went up, ponies calling to each other.

"The Guard. Or those who came with me to find you," Spike explained.

"Then we don't have much time," Luna replied, frowning and thinking furiously. "We need to ensure the Nightmare is not let loose to grow upon Equestria; not as it did in me, all that time ago. I would not wish that fate on my worst enemy."

"Can't you just get your sister to help? Or just use put that horn to use, do some banishment?"

Luna shook her head. "I'm too weak, now, from that thing's infestation; it will take time, years perhaps, for my power to return properly. Hence, I believe, why I am still this... tiny." Luna's frown deepened as she looked down on her filly body again. "And the Nightmare is too insidious. It will find a host, or hosts, and hide deep within them. Everything they learn, it will learn, and if it discovers it is being hunted..."

"It'll go dark. Wait until the hunt is called off."

"Exactly. We can't remain vigilant forever, and it knows that."

Both of them glanced towards the edge of the copse as more yells went up, closer this time, more organized.

"Listen to me, Spike," Luna said, her voice commanding; Spike looked down to her, focused again. "It won't have gone far. Stay here, in Ponyville, and be my hunter of shadows; I don't believe I will be able to remain, not if I'm to keep up an act of my own. I take it my dear sister moved since last I saw her?"

"Yeah. Canterlot," Spike replied.

"That stuffy old city?" Luna said with surprise, before shaking her head. "No matter. I will conduct a hunt of my own from there; there's always a chance the breach will not seal correctly."

"And what do I do if I find a pony with this... Nightmare?" Spike said, softly.

"Be sure. And once you are sure, be swift," Luna replied, looking him straight in the eye. "If they are too far gone, and the Nightmare is in control, slay them. It will be a mercy. If not... you must cause in them a schism."

"A schism?"

"Something to make them realize the presence of the Nightmare through word or deed. It is a thing of corruption and subtlety; thrown into the forefront, into the mind's gaze, and it will have nowhere to hide." Luna looked back at herself, frowning. "A strong enough pony will then be able to cast it out."

She looked back up as Spike rested a hand on her shoulder, comfortingly.

"It won't do any good to blame yourself, for any of this," he told her, his voice soft.

"...It sounds like you know something of blame," Luna replied, the ghost of a smile appearing at the shared pain.

"Yeah, well, years of therapy helps." Spike reached over and, at a nod from Luna, gathered her up into his arms. "Speaking of therapy, you're going to need to fix your speech. You do not sound like the Princess Luna we know right now."

"What do you mean?"

"'oo nee' to tawk mo' wike dis fo da woyaw subjects," Spike said, face twisting at the sound coming out of his own mouth.

It was nothing compared to the look of absolute horror on Luna's face.

"I speak like that, once more?!" she gasped. "We spent years with the most distinguished bards and lyricists to banish such monstrosities from mine tongue!"

"Well, you have about... three minutes to undo all that. Just be as sickeningly twee as possible and you should pass muster."

Luna's grimace deepened, as she started to mutter 'Woyaw' under her breath, over and over.

---

It was later. Noon had well passed, and so had the effects of the group's coffee, most yawning outrageously even as they began to head back towards Ponyville; they had all gathered with the approaching guard, who had in turn followed their path.

The five who had originally accompanied Spike had cooed over the Princess, who was - as far as any of those gathered were concerned - her usual bubbly self, any oddness explained away by tiredness and at having her playtime interrupted.

Spike delivered a very judiciously edited oral report on what happened to the lead guard, Lieutenant Hawthorn, praising the five mares with him; despite some light damage they'd each taken during their search, he made sure to emphasize their dedication to the Princess and how they'd contributed to successfully rescuing her. There was some suggestion of under-the-table recognition for their efforts, which they accepted, variously recognizing the need to keep things on the down-low or merely enjoying the idea of an easier tax season.

Eventually, inevitably, they began to make their way back; the guard patrol took the lead, Hawthorn's horn lit as he held a protective spell over the assembled group, ensuring nothing could surprise them, especially with the Princess in tow. Spike, Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy brought up the rear, the six chatting amongst themselves.

"Well, I have to say that was a daring adventure, darlings," Rarity said, the leaves and sap in her mane glossed over by the thought of royal rewards.

"Pfft, that wasn't an adventure! It was, like... An afternoon out!" complained Rainbow, but she couldn't hide the grin on her face as she looked at Luna, riding atop one of the guards ahead.

"A bit've an anti-climax, thas' fer sure, but Ah'm jus' glad the lil' filly was fine," Applejack added, also smiling.

"Yeah! And it was so awesome having everyone together!" Pinkie added, bouncing along. "We should totally do it again!"

"I, uh, don't think the Princess goes missing that much, Pinkie..." Fluttershy said, flying just behind Spike, who snorted.

Rarity hummed to herself. "Well then... How about next time we go for drinks? It certainly was good to have everyone together; why we've never done it before, I don't know! We certainly have known each other long enough."

"Drinks!" Pinkie and Rainbow chorused, as Fluttershy looked towards Spike, who had been mostly quiet during the return trip. She glanced to Rarity, catching her eye, then nodded towards Spike with a small smile, one that Rarity happily returned.

"And," Rarity coughed into her hoof, loud enough to break Spike from his reverie, "I am quite sure no one would complain about you joining us, Spike dear?"

Spike looked back, Rarity fluttering her eyelashes at him pleadingly. Glancing further back, he couldn't help but laugh at the friendly, happy looks on the rest of the mares - who he couldn't help but start thinking of as new friends.

"Sure. I'm in."

They burst into cheers, Spike unable to fall back into thoughts of the impending Nightmare hunt as he joined them in chatting and discussing Ponyville.

None noticed how the shadows of the five mares subtly shifted, their edges straining away from Spike's presence.

Author's Note:

Well that took far longer than I thought it would... but I'm really happy with the result!.

Next time: Slice of life shenanigans, because cliffhangers should be stretched out.

Comments

[Jack Kellar]

The ominous presence is strong in this story. Though the whole Luna-and-Twilight kerfuffle will need more details to be understood - as of right now, it's terribly obscure. Hopefully that was the intention.

[BibliusEquinus]

6918712

It was by design! Not that I'm going to be leaving it that way.

It's going to take a while to get there though because dammit I overplotted again.