> Cursed Eclipse - Captive Light
>  by AImostpure
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Birth
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	Equestria, land of friendship and harmony. If the tales of happiness that occurred in this land were stars, it could fill the night sky to the brim. But, not all tales become bright shinning stars. Some stars grow dark and cold delivering the sad reminder that even when there is the sun to shine over the land and the moon to make the darkness glow there is still places neither can reach. Our story begins with one such cold star. In the city of Canterlot, where the rich and noble, mostly of unicorn birth, spend their days in a world of fancy foods and etiquette, the Mine Family were expecting the birth of their second child. It was the spring 16 years before Nightmare Moon's escape. 

“Push, damn you, push!” A colt remarked loudly down to a mare on a white sheeted bed before him. His hair was a thick, shimmering gold, short cut down his neck, kept tidy and neat. His coat, an earthly brown, partially covered up by a black, fall seasonal coat. On his flank a cutey mark comprised of 3 gold ingots stacked in a small pyramid turned at an angle to reveal both the front and sides of each bar. His front legs were raised onto the arms of the mare before him caressing down her shoulders, watching her with gentle turquoise eyes. He bore the name Gold Mine, of the wealthy Mine family, owning the second largest mining industry in Equestria. 

“Shut your foal, mouth!” The mare shouted in her painful, rage tainted voice. This mare was struggling through the birth more so than her first. Nearly translucent, crystal toned hair matted to her face, shoulders, and light brown coat with sweat perspiring from her pores. Hate filled, green eyes glared at the words her husband dared to speak to her during this painful labor. One hoof lunged forward thrusting against his chest, “You speak better to your wife or... Oooohh!” She screamed aloud causing the daughter between her hind legs to cringe at the sound. Hidden beneath the sheets, her cutey mark of a diamond ring adorned her flank. 

“One final push!” The physician exclaimed moving one of the blood soaked bedsheets aside to give him a better view. An older pony male with a basic white coat, and black mane. His cutey mark a basic medical symbol. The sounds of the mare's screams would be clouded by that of a child's. “I see a beautiful head, I believe a filly, a horn...” The doctor trailed off working his hooves to begin cradling the child properly. “And... Oh my.” He finished saying bringing the screaming child up to rest against his chest and along his arm.

The little foal, cute and crying, was a coat of ash gray and a mane and tail of a slate gray blue. She had two ears, two eyes, four hooves, her tail, her horn, and her wings. But, the wings was only a part of what caused the doctor to become startled, almost frightened at what lay in his legs. The left wing appeared normal, a feathered Pegasus appendage strong and healthy. Yet the right, was something out of pony fiction. The wing of a bat, or perhaps a monster of lore. Black as the outer reaches of space, leathery and strong twitching along side its feathered brethren. 

Gold Mine moved from his wife to fully comprehend what he had seen with the doctor. Gold Mine stood there on his hind legs, one arm on the doctor's shoulder, the other close to the little foal's. He could not believe his eyes! What had Celestia brought he and his wife? Anger surged through his veins, he leaned in close to the doctor whispering into his ear. “Let's begin with this, Doctor, the child did not survive. My wife and I will take 'it' out of here without anyone knowing about 'it'. And you will not tell a soul. I know about things you do, and I am willing to give a large sum of money for you to continue these things. Now, you don't tell about 'it', and I don't tell about these things.”   He had to work quickly, he had to think quickly to deal with it, to deal with her, to deal with this... this curse! 

“Honey? What is it? Wrong's wrong with the baby?” Diamond Mine mustered in her weakness. She wanted desperately to hear what she thought she heard was her new filly. Tired eyes searched her husband for some sort of confirmation or information to what was happening.

“It is nothing, my love,” Gold Mine spoke back taking the child from the doctor then pushing him away with his right, front hoof, “You'll see our... daughter,” He spat out, “When we return home.” Disgusting lingered in the breath he let go from his nostrils. 'She, yes she must be the reason behind this cursed child,' As if magic played in his mind, he stared down at the quieting foal in his arm, 'Cursed Eclipse. I wouldn't be able to give such a wretched offspring, Diamond, she must be responsible somehow.' Cursed Eclipse; the name was now set in stone in Gold's mind. He had many things to do now to cover up this episode in his life. The child would be kept close but no one would need to know. He would tell Diamond and his first son the same as everyone else, the child died at birth. “Hurry, doctor, discharge my wife and we will be leaving.” He spat out moving to cover the child lightly with a blanket, unicorn magic working to hide away the gray filly. 

~*~*~*~

Through the next few hours, whenever Diamond would ask of their child, Gold repeated the same line, “I'll tell you when we are home.” The discharge paperwork was rushed by the doctor, a carriage was called at the dead of midnight, and the married couple were gone from the hospital. The doctor, his nurses, and anyone else involve had been or would be paid for their silence of this incident. 

A summer manor, or it was once before, now it would the couple's home. It was away from the bustling life of Canterlot, it was away from prying eyes, and it could be used to hid their cursed offspring. The carriage ride home was filled with a distraught mare and her indifferent husband. Gold showed the baby to Diamond, he accused her of everything under the sun that could cause this. “I would leave you on the side of the road if the scandal wouldn't wreck me!” He bellowed with hate stinging words. “But for now we just have to hide her. The basement, the wine cellar will do. We keep old furniture and books down there. I'll hire a wet mare to raise her and you, you just keep your mouth shut.” 

Diamond was paralyzed, frozen in place staring at the pretty foal laying silent across her lap. She gave birth to this, she thought to her self, she gave birth to something like this! Celestia could never see this. Diamond wept openly suddenly at the sudden thought. 'If The Princess was to learn of something that resembled an alicorn born we could be exiled. The foal could be seen as something trying to do away with a proper alicorn!' The thought deadened the feelings within Diamond further. Her husbands words tore at her mind and made her suddenly go blank. He blamed her for all this, it was apparent. 

The next several weeks went by differently for each pony. For Gold the time couldn't go by slowly enough. He had hired a wetmare, a mare by the name of Blueberry Pie, to take care of the mare in the basement. She had simple instruction, feed her, keep her quiet, and never let her out. Gold would be expecting company by the many, his son, well wishers, and business ponies to give sympathy for their apparent loss. Gold had to deal with each of them differently and carefully. 

As for Diamond, she had become a recluse in a matter of hours on arriving to their manor. She didn't want to look at the child, or even touch her. She left Gold to tend to the foal. No words spoken once inside the manor doors, she simply retired her self to an upstairs study. No input or care was given to the wetmare who would be taking care of her child. When the well wishers arrived, she put on a false front as good as any actress could, but when they were gone she returned to her study. The husband she loved now did not love her, and the life that she had would no longer be as joyous as it once was, all thanks to that Cursed Eclipse.

And the story of Cursed Eclipse begins. A cold breeze, unnatural for the spring time weather blew across the property of the Mines. A marriage in tattered, a birth hidden away, and hopeful love becoming feelings of resentment. But within the very same box of fears, hate, and nightmare, a light is sure to shine through. 
> Blueberry Part 1
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	Mine Manor was constructed fifteen minutes from Canterlot if by flight. One hundred yards from the base of a tall mountain, it's front faced the north, back to the south, to allow the sun and moon not to be blocked by the towering rock as they moved through the sky. A clear water river was within a five minute walk and the small town of Fillyton was a fifteen minute walk. Many of the rooms and furniture was made from the finest wood and cloth, no expenses spared. The layout of the house revealed a single large bedroom on the third floor. Six bedrooms, two studies, and two bathrooms on the second. A dining room, bathing room, kitchen, a single servants room, and other small pantries littered the bottom floor. The two studies on the second floor were separated, one on the west and one on the east. The eastern was used by Gold to conduct business and study. The west by Diamond to read or watch the sun set. Beneath the main floor was the basement. One large room housed various wine racks to the left, and on the right were shelves of old books. The two rooms, whose doors laid at the south west and east corners of the main basement room, laid empty currently. 

Outside the grounds a pony could see the manor and its construction. A Victorian design with gold trim against brown paint. To the east a garden of flowers, fruits, and vegetables grew near a small hedge maze. On the western side a tennis court was built with high metal fences beside a swimming room with a smaller garden for parties. To many ponies without money this would appear to be a paradise home, but now for the Mine family it felt a prison for a curse they believed had fallen upon them. 

Three days had passed since that fateful night. Smoke filled the eastern study from a finely made, lit cigar. Unicorn magic surrounded the long oval shaped, brown cancer log guiding to the lips of the rich stallion, Gold Mine. Rich, blonde hair pulled back into a stallion tail, he appeared normal for the day except the dark bags beneath his heavy, sharp eyes.  The stallion rested on a large chair of red leather. Before him a grand oak desk far wider and longer than anyone could possibly need. The walls held trophies from sporting competitions, a few bookshelves, and a special shrine depicting the trophies, accomplishments, and pictures of his son. A massive window behind him, the sun at its ten AM position, almost blinding to anyone sitting in front of him. A front hoof reached forward taking a framed photograph of his son before him.

His son, Iron Mind, is a Captain in Celestia's guard. While at first Gold was disappointed he chose the life of a guard, his son's words told him it was the proper choice. “Do not worry, Father. What I learn in the guards will ensure that my eventually leading of the business will guarantee many years of success.” Gold's eyes went across his son's determined face in the picture. Iron stood, his helmet held beneath a crooked right foreleg, his armor gleaming in the peaceful noon sun. His coat, unlike his mother's and father's was, steel silver, groomed to perfection. Iron's hair was as black as the night, flowing down either side of his neck as the fashion for many stallions of the time. On Iron's flank a cutey mark of a sword and pick were crossed at their centers to a form an X. Gold felt nothing but pride when looking at his first son. He was glad he could not return home when he had received the false news of his mother losing their second child. Their second child... 

Gold was pulled back into reality when he thought of Cursed Eclipse. A clear grimace formed along his features as he averted his eyes from the picture of his son and now let them rest on an Earth Pony who sat before him. His horn lit with magic returning the picture back to its spot on the desk before him. She was leaned forward-the way many ponies sat in chairs-in a red, leather chair similar to his but without the massive backrest. His eyes scanned over her, a cutey mark of a blueberry pie with a slice taken out of a corner. Her coat was a dark blue while her mane and tail were a lighter blue with a purple splash tossed in at random lengths. She had green eyes that seemed to be proud, intelligent, and kind. “Now, Miss Pie, as you are aware we contacted you to act as a nanny some months ago. The wet mare didn't work out, so we will be relying on you sooner.” 

“Ah don't worry, Mr. Mine. Please call me Blueberry if you would like.” She held some respect in her tone of voice. She didn't demand the request, but made it to be polite for her employer. Blueberry was excited to get this work. Her family needed the money and any chance to be able to help out her relatives was something she was hoping for. The letter for her arrival came just yesterday. It requested that if she wanted the work she was to be there by the next morning. It took everything in her power to be able to pack and give her best wishes before she went. A broader smile crept to her lips remembering her three nieces hugging her goodbye, Pinkamena Diane Pie giving her a pet rock from the farm to hang onto. “It is absolutely no trouble at all, sir. I helped to raise my brother's three daughters. I know how to keep them out of trouble and discipline with love and affection!” Confidence warmed her voice, her right foreleg raised up proudly placing her hoof to her chest. “I will do everything in my power to not let you down, sir.” 

A thick ring of smoke blew from Gold's puckered lips arriving at its destination in Blueberry's face. Normally he wouldn't be so shallow or cold to do such a thing, but his demeanor changed so quickly within the last few days. He had given all his best feelings and false fronts to the well wishers who came to wish he and his wife well. His foreleg elbows rested on the desk top and his chin came down to place itself onto his hooves. He rolled the cigar from one corner of his lips to the other. “Ms. Pie will be fine. Understand, the circumstances have changed along with terms to your contract. Your duties are a bit more simple than before. Simply put; I do not want to hear, see, or have to deal with 'it'.” He seemed disgusted to even consider the monstrosity anything but an object. 

“ 'It', Sir?” Blueberry questioned finding his reference to be odd. Her expression held a perplexed thought as she leaned back, coughing lightly to escape the horrid smoke.
“Yes, It!” He suddenly shouted slamming a hoof against the desk. He leaned back some as smoke escaped flaring nostrils. “The child, the creature.” Collecting himself, Gold went back to his pose from before, resting his elbows against the desk and his chin to his hooves. “I understand that your family owns a rock farm.” He bemused with an extent of malice. 
“Oh yes. Work is tough but I'm sure as an owner of mines you can unde...” Blueberry began to speak of possible connections the two pony's family businesses had. 
“No I can't. Working a mine to produce profit is nothing compared to worthless rock farmers living off the government teat. Your pathetic farm does nothing but ruin perfectly good land which could produce something.” Magic opened a desk drawer besides him but his eyes stayed on Blueberry's. She was close to tears by his harsh words. Gold was loving every moment that he made her suffer. In a sick way it made him feel better about his own situation. “The contract is simple. Live here, take care of the little brat. You will be paid enough to keep the farm above water. If you tell anyone about the 'it', you will be sued, lose everything.” From within the desk a quill and a paper was slid in front of Blueberry. It was a list of her duties, what conditions were if she broke the contract, and her acceptance to not speak a word to anypony of this child. “And I sure would hate for you not to sign the contract.” The cruelty that Gold could revel in was sickeningly revealing itself. “If you don't sign the contract someone may just come along and find a reason to start a mine where a rock farm is.” 

Blueberry's mind was flustered, a mixture of rage, hatred, and sadness poured through her body to the brim. If her cutey mark was eye daggers she would be firing them at this stallion in front of her. Her body quivered as she fought back the urge to say what was on her mind. Ears settled back against her blue and purple mane when she leaned forward taking the quill into her mouth. Some Earth and Pegasus ponies can manage to write with their hooves, Celestia only knows how they do it. Blueberry wasn't so lucky; she was a mouth writer. The contract was simple enough for her duties to care for the child until the child could manage on her own. She was at a loss though for what she may do now. She couldn't say no, not after Gold Mine decided to lay blackmail as a bargaining tool against her. When the tip of the quill touched the paper, Gold used magic to bring an ink pad resting next to her. Her signature signed on the dotted line, and then her right hoof dipped against the black pad. Her hoof came down against the paper next to her signature. 

Gold offered her a tissue to clean off Blueberry's hoof. “Excellent choice. Now, go down to the cellar and tell me what changes need to be made. I'll give you a stipend to spend in town for supplies for 'it'. I have plans to make an outdoor wine cellar so all the things down there will be cleared out.” Gold grinned revealing his white teeth, once more leaning back in his chair despite a sting of uncomfortableness. The cigar, withdrawn with magic from his mouth, came to settle on the side of the ash tray. “Further more, you do not disturb my wife with any problems with the child. If something drastic comes up, only then do you bother me. A cook will arrive every morning at five to prepare meals. Your room will be downstairs. That creature never leaves the basement. Not to exercise, not for fresh air. The window in the cellar is enough.” His chair turned away from the gasping Blueberry. Staring out his window letting his grin lower into a half cocked smirk.

“What is the child's name?” Blueberry asked quietly as she raised from her seat. Her hoof cleaned, the tissue tossed aside into a small waste can. She came to place all four hooves against the ground as she began to turn towards the door. She'd go down to see this child he called a creature. “Please tell me you at least gave it a name.”

The name. The name that came to him as if magic, well, most of it anyhow. “Cursed Eclipse.” 

Cursed Eclipse? The mare didn't bother to give him a look when she took the name to heart. There wasn't a way that a child could be a curse. Why would a father ever do something like this? She was downtrodden at the situation she now was forced into. Making the best of it was all that she could possibly do, for her and this child she was now to act as a mother for. The cellar door opened, she stared down the dimly lit stairs, careful when putting one hoof in front of the other. Blueberry's dark blue ears perked when she heard it. A baby's cry! Her foot steps hurried downstairs faster then she should have. The bottom step caught up to her causing her to stumble forward into the only ray of sunlight from the high window. But before her, in a small basket, laid the precious child she was to take care of. Her hoof reached forward drawing back the white blanket that covered the foal's body. The ash gray coat and blue gray mane revealed. It was a filly!

The small child was crying her eyes out. Who knew how long she had been down here alone. A few empty bottles were scattered about, at least someone had tried to feed her it appeared. The hoof scooped down to raise the little filly against Blueberry. She wanted to get a better look at her new tend. The pressure of movement from the filly's back against Blueberry made her curious. The blanket was pulled aside a bit more to reveal her wings. There was surprise, yes, from the Earth Pony, but not the revolt nor surprise that the doctor who delivered Eclipse, or her parents had for the filly. 

Eclipse's cries were quieted when she was raised against the Pony's gentle embrace. Her eyes finally opened revealing glistening, glowing silver pools. Tiny hooves raised up trying to touch Blueberry's face in an act of making sure what held her was truly real. A serene smile slid over her lips when a giggle passed by the gray foal's lips. 

Blueberry was moved to tears. How could anyone hate a child like this? She appeared too sweet and peaceful. Even if her wings were nothing normal, even if she had them along with a horn, she was still just a child, not something to be named Cursed. The glow in her eyes looked like shimmering pools of moonlight. The blue mare had never seen anyone's eyes glow naturally as they did. The words that were spoken before by Gold Mine readily entered her mind. A surge of justice went through Blueberry Pie's veins as she turned on her hoofs and rushed back up the stairs with Eclipse in tow. 

Back inside Gold Mine's office, the Stallion did not expect to see Blueberry back so soon. Eyes narrowed at the sight of her when he saw that she had brought the foal with her. “What is that thing doing up here? I told you it does not leave the basement.” His words were bitter cold, drenched in hate and malice. Gold's hooves clacked together in a dissatisfaction. “Never the less, did you even take a chance to see what it would need down there?” 

“This foal is not an it! It has a name despite the way you handle it.” Blueberry snarled in response. She wouldn't stand for this sort of treatment, but when Gold now smiled at her outburst, the realization that she was powerless set in once again. “I didn't get a good look. If what I suspect is true, then we'll need bathing facilities, some furniture, clothes, toys, and other necessities. I need milk at this moment though.” 

The power was a drug to Gold right now. He didn't have total control over Blueberry but what he did have was enough. “Fine, I will contact construction companies to begin preparation tomorrow. Until it is all finished, keep the wretch in your room. For now.” The brown unicorn turned back around in his chair facing the window. He glanced up at the sky before him, at his property. “Since I was aware you would be signing the contract I made arrangements for a carriage to be here at noon. It is now eleven thirty. Please put the creature away and prepare to leave for town. Money is waiting for you at the door to buy some things for It.” 

Defeated, Blueberry retreated from the study for now. The door shut with one of her hind legs. Once again she had looked upon Eclipse, staring at her pretty eyes. Since she had taken the child into her leg, she had not heard a peep from her except for the initial giggle. Eclipse now suckled on her right hoof watching the blue mare's face. “It'll be alright, little Eclipse. I can see you're not a cursed pony.” Blueberry whispered. 

Her attentions were taken up when she heard hoof steps down the hall. Her head raised up seeing for the first time the wife of the household, Diamond Mine. Diamond Mine looked tired, worn out, no sleep was had for the past 3 nights and barely anything was even eaten. Her clear colored mane was frazzled and messy, as the once stunning filly was now a shadow of her former self. When she came to pass Blueberry, and her eyes came upon Eclipse, the mare shrieked. Diamond reared back on her hind legs. “Why would you bring that creature up here!” She screamed at Blueberry and Eclipse. Her forelegs came down, hooves prepared to crush the foal held by Blueberry. “Die! Die! Die!” 

Blueberry had only seconds to react. She dropped down against her free forward knee, tucking Eclipse beneath her body. The blows struck across her back in quick unison. She wouldn't let someone  harm this child just for existing! Her ears picked up the sound of the study doors opening. The voice of Gold attempting to calm his wife.

“That is enough, Diamond.” The stallion spoke using his magic to stop his wife from further damaging their employee. An arm around his wife's shoulder, he turned her around to guide her to the stairs to their bedroom. A quick, knowing glance was shot back to Blueberry as if reminding her of the consequences if she tries to do anything outside of their agreement. 

Eclipse had begun to cry. Tears stung as they fell down Blueberry's cheeks during the attack she suffered through. When Gold pulled Diamond off it gave Blueberry a moment of reprieve to collect herself.  She only looked at Gold for a moment enough to see his eyes. She wanted desperately to just run with the child, but she couldn't abandon her family. With the wealth Gold had tracking her down would be easy. She resolved herself to find some way through this for Eclipse. The filly raised upwards, she cooed and gently shushed her as she began to sing, “Hush now, quiet now, it's time to lay down your sleepy head.” She gently lulled the child to calm while making her way back downstairs, and into the room she was told she would have. Laying the foal down onto her bed, she assured Eclipse she would be right back as she ventured to get her saddle bags from the door. 

Upon returning, Blueberry found Eclipse fast asleep on the plush bed. The blue coated mare lowered her bags down, stepping towards the slumbering, horned and winged foal. Down close to the child's ear she whispered, “I promise you, Little Eclipse. I will do whatever I can to make your life here a little easier for as long as I can.”

~*~*~*~

The next two weeks passed by as if in a nightmare. At times the moment passed by quickly, and others Blueberry wished they would hurry and go away. Every day that she wasn't playing, feeding, or other ways taking care of Eclipse in her room, she was in town buying necessities for the foal. Construction workers came in droves to start the outdoor cellar behind the manor, to prepare the bathroom in the cellar, or to move and construct furniture as it arrived. Still dreary, cold and lifeless, the cellar had gradually become a home for Eclipse, thanks to Blueberry. Upstairs, the Mines seemed to spend days fighting, days of Gold subduing a hysterical Diamond, and other days in deathly silence. 

On the final day of the two weeks, Blueberry stood next to Eclipse's crib staring down at the little Alicorn with gentle eyes. She raised her head to look upon the work she had done to the cellar to make it a home. Despite her best efforts to fill it with cheer, toys, books, and love, she knew that it was still a prison cell for the little foal. 



> Blueberry Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia's sun hung high over the proud royal city of Canterlot. Citizens went about their lives a many without a care in the world other then their day to day joys, work, and activities. Behind the white walls of the castle, in the throne room of Princess Celestia, Iron Mind stood proud and tall before her Royal Majesty delivering the security report for the week. Thick black hair swung down over the left side of his neck unable to be kept within the confines of his helmet. Iron Mind's armor was a traditional guard's garb of metal plates curved to protect the more tender parts of his body down to his flank and over his cutie marks. He did have one change to the armor he had crafted him self. Special boots made from the finest steel protected his shins and hooves with an added surprise; at the front of each piece a small blade was set.

“First, your Majesty, I would like to inform you that the recent string of robberies in Canterlot has been solved. It turned out it was only an unusual pony who had a preference for mares used hats. He has been detained.” Iron Mind spoke with a firm, dedication to his duty. “Furthermore, I must insist that her Majesty inform the Pegasus guards when you plan to take a bath in the outdoor bathing facilities. Additional guards are needed due to sightings of a peeping tom around the area.” Several maids had complained of somepony being outside their stations numerous times but the culprit had yet to be caught.

“Yes, I understand Captain Mind, thank you for your dedicated service.” Gentle, violet pink eyes settled upon her faithful captain. She had promoted him three months prior due to his dedicated service and good deeds in helping anypony that he had come across during his duties. Princess Celestia rested upon her haunches before her throne. The serene smile she always painting her beautiful features. Wings rested back upon her sides remaining out of the way. Shades of blue, green, and pink hovered around her from her celestial mane. “Your mother was due to give birth, was she not, Captain?” 

For the first time during their meeting, Iron cast his gaze aside and did not look upon his Princess. “Yes  that is correct. I received word yesterday, though, that she lost the child during birth.” The pony guard held no emotion to the news, at least sorrow towards his parents. 

“Oh dear.” Celestia's sunny disposition became dim upon the news replied to her. “I understand you will be needing time to visit, will you not?” She asked, her voice toned with concern for her subject. News such as this wasn't something that one took lightly. 

“That will not be necessary, your majesty. While I know this may make me appear lesser in your eyes. I do not wish to return to that home unless I have to.” Stern eyes returned to the Princess, no longer feeling the self pity he had for a lost sibling. “I became a guard to escape my parents, and I wish not to return.”

Celestia did not reply to what he had said. While she had wished he would reconsider visiting his parents in their time of need, she found it best to allow his judgment to stand. “I understand. But if you wish to return to your home at any time, please, I will not stop you from going. Despite what you feel, they are your parents.”

“Yes, your majesty.” 

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was the winter after Eclipse's first birthday. It was the morning of Hearth's Warming Eve and Equestria was filled with song, dance, and celebration. Snow covered most of the Kingdom bringing it seasonal fun. Many of these things were no different at the Mine Manor. The blue Earth Pony stood in the center of the main cellar room staring at the work and effort she put into making it a home. Despite the difficulty, Blueberry had painted the walls blue and green matching scenery of the outdoors, and the ceiling was split with a wavy line down the middle. One side of the ceiling had white clouds, blue skies, and a big, yellow sun. The other side was a dark blue with white stars and a moon with the Mare etched in for added realism. On the back wall below the window were three bookshelves filled with literature for many ages. The east wall had a toy box and a shelf with drawings, baby hoof prints in claw, and numerous other things Blueberry collected of Eclipse. The west wall for now as empty as she hadn't quiet decided what to put there yet. The southwest room had been redesigned to hold a small bathtub, sink, and pony toilet. A small vent would allow some air to circulate from the outside in and back out. The southeast room would be where Eclipse would lay her little head. The one window she would have had didn't give any chance for Eclipse to see the sun or moon, so Blueberry had a new, slanted window put in just above and outside the manor, above the room, so she could see outside a bit more.

It was still the wee morning hours and Eclipse had yet to wake. This had given Blueberry the chance to finish the preparations. Beneath the window directly, a bit in between the book cases, towels created a tidy circle acting as barriers for a later surprise. Blueberry had drug down and decorated a nice tree with dozens of presents beneath it. Even if her parents wanted nothing to do with the little pony, Blueberry would ensure that Eclipse had a wonderful day. 

A few more hours passed and the final surprise was done. From the outside the window in the main room was opened, and gripping a snow shovel in her mouth, Blueberry shoveled a bit of snow to create a pile on the bottom of the cellar floor. Now it was just time to wake up the little, sleeping Alicorn. Hooves clopped against the stone floor when she entered into the small bedroom. “Eclipse, it's morning.” A sing song voice rang out. Blueberry came to a halt besides the wooden crib. She raised her hoof up reaching down to caress the foal's back. 

An caged angel, Eclipse looked up to the blue mare with her glowing eyes. A playful giggle escaped her mouth as she reached her hooves up to the motherly figure that hovered over her. Blueberry eased her right foreleg down wrapping it gently across Eclipse's back. The filly raised her hips enough and, when lifted, instantly came to hug her self against Blueberry's neck. Happy laughter came forth as Eclipse played and nuzzled the older Mare's mane. 

“The surprises I have for you today are going to be glorious.” Whisking Eclipse into the main room, she immediately squealed with delight at the sights before her. From the snow, to the tree, and to the presents it all appeared to be something out of a story book. Holding onto a squirming filly while walking on three hooves was difficult in its own manner, so Blueberry quickly set the child down letting her crawl towards the fluffy white mess. Even if she had to spend her entire life in here, there wasn't any reason she couldn't enjoy some of what the seasons had to offer her. 

~*~*~*~*~

Summer's warmth would come again after Eclipse turned two and spring did end. Large metal hoops hung with care from the main rooms ceilings with hook and wire. Setting these up was far harder than anything Blueberry had done thus far. Many of the feats she had accomplished were still a mystery even to her self. Each of the hoops were hung at different heights totaling five.  The blue mare hoped that Eclipse would be able to show some strength in her wings using these special flying exercises. 

Two feet away from Blueberry, Eclipse hovered in front of a hoop barely five feet from the ground. Her eyes were flinched closed as she beat her feathered and bat wings as hard as she could to get higher. Right, glowing eye opened up peering at the hoop barely out of her reach. In one moment of daring action, Eclipse pushed her self up, through the hoop, and back down onto the other side. Eclipse finally opened her eyes looking behind her. A neigh of delight escaped from her, kicking her four legs back and forth excited at her accomplishment. Eclipse's wings grew tired quickly and the little filly found her self dropping downwards to the stone floor before. 

“Come on, Eclipse, just flap your wings a bit harder.” Blueberry encouraged pumping her hooves up and down. She rested back on her haunches keeping her eyes attuned to the little filly. “Almost.. Almost..” She chanted until she watched her charge clear the lowest ring. “Yay!” A loud cheer broke out from the mare. Just as swiftly as she was to cheer was Blueberry to lunge forward catching Eclipse in her own outstretched hooves. Blueberry jumped upwards standing on her hind legs raising her forelegs to toss Eclipse into the air. “Good girl! You did it!” She exclaimed catching the giggling filly when she came back down. “See, I told you that you could if you tried to.” Eclipse came down against Blueberry's body, cradled by her forelegs, and chirped in delight. “And each time you feel up to it we'll go higher until you wont need the lower ones anymore.” 

Eclipse giggled and cooed against her nanny, nuzzling close as the praise of her deeds showered down upon her. Bright, glowing eyes looked around her play room in delight, the bit of sunlight that came in giving it a natural look during this particular time. Her toys can grown in the last year to more things that allowed her to use her magic or help with flying. The collection of books had grown as well, most of which though she wouldn't be able to read until her early teenage years. Curiosity piqued when Blueberry carried her over towards the eastern wall shelf. The blue mare pointed a free hoof towards a picture that rested on a wooden shelf. 

“See there? I sneaked that down here just for you. See, the handsome stallion on the right is your Daddy.” A ping of disgust built in the back of her throat. After two years Gold Mine didn't do anything for his daughter. He never asked about her condition, stopped Blueberry from mentioning her, and when asked why he had hated her so, his answer was less then satisfying. 'A curse?' Blueberry had thought to her self. He had mentioned this a few times over the years but it was never understood why he thought this. 'Just because her wing is different, just because she has a horn as well, doesn't mean she's a curse. It doesn't mean that anything that goes wrong was her fault.' But there no explaining to one so stubborn as Gold. “He makes sure that there's plenty of money so you can grow up to be a big, beautiful girl.” Blueberry wasn't going to be like Gold, though, she wouldn't allow her hatred to be given onto the child in case something did change in the future. 

The mare then motioned to the filly on the left of Gold Mine. “And that beautiful mare, is your Mommy, Diamond Mine. But she's very sick right now.” The half truth escaped from Blueberry's lips. Blueberry and Diamond were at constant odds whenever they saw one another. While Gold didn't care what Blueberry did as long as he was not disturbed, Diamond tried at every chance she had to try and be rid of Eclipse. She believed that the child was a bringer of destruction. A freak of nature that some dark force must have sent to destroy their family, even more than Gold at times declared. Once Blueberry had stopped her self smothering the poor foal as she slept in her crib. Diamond Mine was not well. Her mind seemed to be shattered and her body reflected this change as with each passing seasoning she appeared more frail. 

When the word mommy was said, and Blueberry pointed to Diamond Mine, Eclipse peered at the picture a little closer. The little filly wasn't understanding who the woman was. The word mommy was used a few times when Blueberry read stories or spoke of the people arguing upstairs but nothing more. Finally, a realization sparked the filly's mind. Suddenly, she leaned forward clinging to Blueberry, wrapping her forelegs around the affectionate mare squealing out, “Momma!” The filly waved her tail in delight for Blueberry. 

“What? N... No, Eclipse that here is...” Blueberry cut her own words off as a pain wretched into her heart. A sad, yet delighted smile came caressing her muzzle, while her soft eyes watched the happy filly. She would say no more on the subject to persuade the girl otherwise. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to let the little one see things her own way for now time would surely change things for the better, or at least that what was she prayed to Celestia for. “Now, let's lay you down for a nap. What story would you like me to read you, my little pony?” Blueberry quizzically spoke.

“Nightmare Woon!” Eclipse chirped nodding her head repeatedly.

“That story again? Golly, I just don't know what you like about that fairy tale.”


~*~*~*~*~*~

“Happy birthdays here again. Happy birthdays here to stay.” Blueberry sung happily as she trotted down the entry room towards the cellar door. The saddle bags on either side of her torso were lightly filled with goodies and presents and resting on her flank a large, pink box was steadied carefully. Her mood was chipper this spring morning, she had a special present in store for Eclipse's birthday today. 

“What are you doing this time?” A hoarse, tired voice spoke at a pitiful sound level. Blueberry spun around, careful of the box on her flank, to face Diamond Mine. The Light brown coated mare stood at the bottom of the stairs, her hind legs resting on the bottom step. The last five years were not kind to her. Her once beautiful, silver hair was nothing but strands, chunks of her coat had fallen off in ugly patches, and her eyes were red and tired. “Why isn't that creature dead yet? Look at what has left me as!” Diamond took four steps from the staircase coming closer to Blueberry. 

“Well, you see, it's her birthday! I thought that since she's cursed, I wanted to celebrate this fact and all that she's done for you and Gold.” The snide remark came with a proud smile. “Honestly, how can you blame her for what has happened to you?” She asked, cautious of letting the brown mare come to close to her. “You haven't even seen her for five years.”

“It's her curse! Curse I tell you! Sucking the life from me, bringing a dark plague on this family ruining our luck in every way. How else could you explain how something that looks like that came around?” Her pupils shrunk, eyes widening staring down the pony in front of Diamond. “Gold wont even touch me anymore. He wont kiss me, say he loves me, he wont kiss me. And it's all because of that thing we keep down there.” 

“Oh no!” Blueberry Pie exclaimed with a sense of false concern. “I bet the poor little dear is actually sucking the life out of you to feed her own life! Why, killing her would probably kill you as well. You know how curses go.” This time Blueberry got in devilishly close to Diamond, bringing her voice down to a whisper, “Some curses are probably connected to one's own life. If she dies, you die, but if you die... Well... She lives on.” Blueberry made a clicking noise with her tongue. “Why, if you came into the same room as her who knows what she might be able to do. Better stay away for good, right?” A cruel chuckle left the blue mare. She normally wasn't like this with others, but it was to protect Eclipse.

Diamond stared at Blueberry Pie in horror. The thoughts of what she said, while Blueberry believed none of it, flashed through the older Mare's mind. Diamond Mine tried to figure it all out at once but the fatigue she felt, and the delusions she saw wouldn't let her. A terrified shriek came from her parched, mouth as she turned stumbling back towards the stairs. Every fifth step until the stop she fell collapsing down upon her knees. Once upstairs, Diamond broke into full gallop to reach the last staircase up to her bedroom.

It was a cruel thing to do, Blueberry knew this, but it felt so good to accomplish. Back to her little song about birthdays, the mare retraced her self back to the cellar door. She descended the stairs after pushing it open with her head. “Eclipse! I got something for you!” A cheery voice rang out to her ward.  “Come out, come out where ever you are!” At the bottom step, she looked around at the playroom. All the hoops were at their highest place near the ceiling, the books she could fit down here had reached their maximum amount, Eclipse's toys mirrored closer to her age, and there were more drawings by the little pony pinned to the walls. 

“C...c..coming, M..M.Momma!” A stuttering voice spoke aloud from the south eastern bedroom. Eclipse was still small even at her age of five. Her wings were strong and healthy, her magic was developing in a proper path, and she was learning to read and write even at her age. The only problem that Blueberry found was the stutter. The moment she began to speak more words, speech impediment came around. “Did you g..g...get me something for my bi..bir.. birthday?” The blank flank filly bounced upwards, flapping her wings a few time to hover then came back down in front of Blueberry. She came down sitting on her haunches waiting eagerly for the news. Gray blue mane came down covering her left eye, parted by her gray horn. 

“My, doesn't someone have the wants?” Blueberry playfully chided the little filly. She gave her flank a quick bump letting the pink box topple up and land right side up besides her. Her neck twisted over allowing her mouth to open the left saddle bag first. Flipping the flap up and away, she withdrew a wrapped gift about half the size of the filly. “Well, since it's your birthday I guess it'll allow it.” She mumbled dropping the first present down in front of the anxious foal. 

Cursed Eclipse didn't wait any time to rip open the wrapping of the present. A mixture of magic and her own hooves tore away the beautiful, blue and green wrapping paper. A flutter of pieces of paper danced around the air until she could see the treasure gift beneath; a Princess Celestia plushie. Eclipse couldn't have squealed loud enough as she clutched the doll close to her. “It's Pr..Pr..Princess Celestia!” She exclaimed. 

“Now now, I know how much you like a particular story so I had something else custom made.” Blueberry grinned as she lowered her self down, resting with her legs curled beneath her body. She turned her head to the opposite saddle bag, pulling the flap back, and withdrawing another package similar to the first. “Open this one and then we'll eat cake.” 

Delicious cake was a reward for accepting a gift? Eclipse felt like she had entered paradise the moment she woke up. Her ears settled back against her gray blue hair, her head tilting back as her eyes closed, and her lips gave the brightest grin she could muster. The next package was pounced upon with an eagerness a child could have. The wrapping paper ripped open with her mouth and hooves revealing the prize inside. Her glowing eyes grew wide at what she saw; her very own Nightmare Moon plushie. “Oh my g..g..gosh!” She chirped hugging the plushie against her small form. “You really got it m..m..made!” The next thing she did was toss her forelegs around Blueberry's neck hugging both her and the Nightmare Moon doll. “Thank you so m..m..much, M.m...momma!” 

Blueberry brought her forelegs up catching the little filly to return the embrace. “I had to order it by mail. Turned out not many people want a doll like that!” Carefully, Blueberry raised back up to a stand coming over to the pink box. She swatted the side of it with a oomph of a hit. Each wall fell away, the top lid falling back revealing the birthday cake. Blue frosting was placed around the sides, and on the top it was split with day time and night time designs. Five candles in the shape of ponies were placed in a star design between the day and night sides. Blueberry produced a match box from her saddle bag. Holding a match in one hoof and the box in the other, she struck the red tipped stick producing an orange flame. Each candle was lit before she blew out the match. “Now, make a wish.”

Eclipse was dazzled by the sights of the flickering flames. Breathing in deep, eclipse readied her self. A gust of air shot forth from puckered lips sending the flickering flames to vanish leaving only wisps of smoke in their place. The little filly stomped her hooves excitedly looking to Blueberry for praise.

“Now, while I don't know what you wished for I do have a surprise. I was able to convince your daddy,” Blueberry began settling back to lay with her legs bent beneath her. Eclipse trotted besides her, magic holding onto her Nightmare Moon doll onto she laid down snuggling Blueberry's side. “But, I convinced your daddy to let you see the rising of the sun during the Summer Sun Festival this year.” If Eclipse was excited from her dolls before, the pleasure on her face could melt the coldest ice. Blueberry smiled contently to her self for the joy she brought the little filly today would last on in the most pleasant of memories.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A bit of celebration, eatting of half the cake, and now it was time for a nap. Eclipse laid against Blueberry with Celestia clutched under one leg and Nightmare Moon under the other. The blue mare leaned down placing a gentle kiss onto her ward's forehead. “I think, slowly but surely, I can convince Gold that she isn't such a curse after all. Diamond is clearly insane so there isn't much I can do there.” Blueberry thought aloud. For the last 5 years she had been preparing just in case the situation for Eclipse veered an ugly head. When Gold first threatened her she was powerless to do anything, but things have changed. Every chance she could escape away while Eclipse slept, she gathered evidence of any crimes the brown stallion might have done. From affairs with mares in Fillyton, cutting corners on mining equipment, or evidence of Eclipse's very existence, she was prepared to black mail him into whatever she could do for Eclipse. For now, she let bygones be bygones and raised Eclipse. “Just you wait, Eclipse, I'll make a better life for you somehow. 
> Blueberry Part 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“No, it's g..g...great! I get to go out and see the s..s..s..sunrise! What? No I don't like the sun more t...t..t..than the moon but this will be my first time going out I can remember.” 

The day had finally arrived! The Eve of the Summer Sun Festival was upon Equestria. Cursed Eclipse had awoken before the moon had set that morning. The excitement she felt to have the chance to go outside was over whelming. In her bedroom, staring out the high window at the moon, Eclipse watched the mare image. “It'll be okay. I kn..kn...know that it will. Momma will be th..th..there to watch me.”

Something stirred Blueberry awake early this morning. A dull sensation in the back of her mind filled her with thoughts of Eclipse. Standing in the door frame, she stared down the stairs leading to the main room of the cellar. Her ears perked to the sounds of Eclipse's stuttering voice. 'Who is she talking to?' Eclipse pondered as she carefully trotted down the wooden steps. Each hoof further down the sound of Eclipse's voice grew louder. 

“I..I..I think he's starting to li..li..like me. Mo..mom..momma says he is.” 

The cellar's main room was softly a lit with a magic nightlight in the north western corner. It created dim glow enough for Blueberry to see one hoof in front of her, but nothing much else. The wooden door into Eclipse's bedroom was open enough for Blueberry to peer inside. She did indeed see her little ward talking, sitting on her haunches at the foot of her bed, but when she looked to see with whom all that she could see was a silhouette of a pony. Cautiously and slowly, Blueberry pushed the door open. “Eclipse sweetie, who are you talking to?” When she came to stand in the doorway, the silhouette vanished away. The blue mare looked over to where she thought she saw it, confused by the disappearance. 'It must have been a trick on my eyes.' 

“I'm talking to the Ma..ma..mare in the moon.” Eclipse cheerily chirped while her front hooves stomped against her bed. Her wings extended outwards to either side of her body flapping to bring the filly to hover. Straight to Blueberry she ushered her self clinging around the mare's neck. “We talk every ni..ni..night!” 

“I see, I see,” Blueberry whispered. 'She has an imaginary friend.' She thought raising to her hind legs to make it easier to put her forelegs around the little filly. “My little pony, it's alright to have imaginary friends but you shouldn't let them keep you awake. You're going to have a big night tonight and tomorrow morning and young fillies need their sleep.” Blueberry chided jokingly stepping back to the bed's side. “Now, if I lay down with you, will you go back to sleep? You can sleep as long as you want since you will be awake for a long time.” 

“But she is re..re..real! Her name is Ni..Ni..Nightmare Moon.” Eclipse protested leaning back from the held position. Her front hooves were tossed in opposite directions at her sides when she began her story. “It's like the st..st...story you read to me all the ti..ti..time. She's really nice bu..bu..but sad.” 

Blueberry carefully lowered Eclipse down into bed never letting her smile leave. It was cute the way Eclipse believed her tale. Once the slate gray filly was set down onto the soft mattress, Blueberry followed suit. The older mare pulled the younger one into a tight hug the moment the two settled down. “Now now, good little foals need to go to sleep.” 

“Goo..Goo..Good night, Momma and Nightmare.” She whispered snuggling her small form against the other. Despite how anxious she was for the next day to come, Eclipse finally drifted into a trance like sleep. Her wings relaxed back against her torso, and her head on Blueberry's chest. 
~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Gold Mine sat in his study in the early hours of the evening. A light meal was partaken in to hold him over until the banquet party tonight. Unicorn magic hovered a piece of paper in front of his face which Gold viewed upon with much delight. His left hind leg raised crossing above his right, his body leaned back in the large plush chair, and a knowing smirk crossed over his muzzle. A cigar burned at its tip filling his lungs and mouth with the sweet smelling smoke. A puff from the opposite corner of his mouth pushed crafted rings of black out. “I am going to make a lot of money from this.” Gold mused to him self letting his eyes trail over the paper. 

It was a contract with the up and coming boutique owner, Hoity Toity. This contract gave Gold Mine Industries exclusive rights to sell gems to the fashion designer. This meant that Gold's name would be at every store selling the pony's designs. Even before the sales of the clothing, he was making money just from the 'deals' he was giving Hoity Toity. The stallion shook his head smiling at his own genius. “My luck is finally turning around.” 

The announcement of this venture would be made at tonight's party. Many important and rich ponies would be in attendance. Diamond, however, still hadn't recovered her energy nor appearance since Eclipse's birth. 'No matter,' Gold thought quietly. 'If it wasn't for the stigma it would cause I'd divorce her and find another mare to use.' Gold turned his chair out to face the window, it was getting closer and closer to the time for the party.

“It seems that the curse is finally over.” His thoughts came about to the thing he kept in the basement. He wasn't aware why he did it, normally he wasn't so weak, but he agreed to let the filly out for just one morning. As long as no one saw her, it wouldn't bring any harm. Still, something burned in the back of his mind. He couldn't simply forget the hatred he held for the little foal. Gold Mine used magic to bring the cigar from his mouth to the ash tray snuffing out the burning tip. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

Over the years Blueberry had become friends with the chef that came each day. While she couldn't tell him why, she was able to convince him to make extra things or specialty items for Eclipse. Tonight, Blueberry was able to get various foods and pastries early, before the rest of the guests, to bring down for Eclipse and her's own banquet and ball. Blueberry's flank hit the door to the cellar with a careful bump while she balanced a plate on each hoof. “Eclipse! I have dinner and treats!” She exclaimed cheerfully. With great ease and carefulness, the blue mare gradually made it to the bottom of the steps. She let her self relax a bit lowering each plate down to the floor. She'd go back up later for more if she needed to but for now this would be enough. 

Gold Mine had offered Blueberry a chance to come to the party but was evidently told no. There was no other place she wanted to be than down with Eclipse. Her eyes came up towards the little filly who was playing with her Celestia and Nightmare Moon dolls. Each toy danced around with unicorn magic commanding them. Yet, Blueberry took notice, Eclipse's horn did not glow. In the corner of Blueberry's eye she saw the silhouette figure from the morning, then at once, the dolls fell down.

“Aww, but Ni..Ni..Nightmare Moon. It's only ma..ma..mama.” Eclipse protested, cutely crossing her forelegs across her chest. She sat on her rump with her hind legs in front of her. The filly's horn began to glow a strange black pigment. Each doll raising back up now dancing together close. The music overhead from the ball played loudly, heard even within the depths of the cellar.

Out of the corner of Blueberry's eyes she could have sworn she saw the silhouette from this morning again just before the magic vanished. A chill ran through her causing her coat to stand on ends. Blueberry shifted her self to bring more weight to her right side turning to go over towards a box she had set earlier in the day. “Now, my little pony, let's get you in your Summer Sun Festival outfit.” 

Eclipse rocked forward bouncing onto all fours. A quick trot brought her straight away to Blueberry and the box. The older mare was careful in opening the thick, brown parcel. The filly leaned forward staring inside at the treasure to be found. Glowing eyes grew wide at what she saw. A simple cape laid at the bottom with designs of the moon and sun repeated in polka dot pattern over metallic blue fabric. Carefully played on top of the folded cape was a tiara. The tiara was of a simple design many purchased for gifts for parties or special occasions. The sides were curled back just slightly to rest behind the ears, three 'towers' were in the middle with the middle being the tallest and costume jewelry of 3 rubies at the tops of each. The metal used was gold painted tin; Blueberry couldn't afford much else after she had the cape commissioned. Magic encircled the tiara first raising quickly up and onto Eclipse's head behind her horn. Giddy with excitement, she began to bounce around the box and Blueberry.

Blueberry giggled at the ball of energy's little show of happiness. It was amazing how the most simple of things could make the little filly happy. “Now calm down a moment.” The blue mare softly spoke before she lowered her head into the box. Gently and carefully, her teeth nipped an end of the cape to raise it up from its container. With an amazing act of agility and concentration, Blueberry reached her forelegs out catching Eclipse within her hooves. The mare placed the filly down in front of her.. setting the cape down onto Eclipse's back. The cords were brought into Blueberry's mouth and carefully strung around the foal's neck. “There, now you can jump and play.” She chuckled releasing her ward from her grasp. 

Eclipse laughed loudly stomping her front and back in rhythm bouncing forward and back. She took off once she as free bounding back and forth over the floor at full gallop. She glanced behind her watching her cape flutter and dance with the wind she caused blowing beneath it. Her blue gray tail danced and flicked beneath the little outfit she received. So much happiness at once was almost over whelming but tonight was a special night and Eclipse would see it through.

“Now, let's enjoy our own ball.” Blueberry moved over to Eclipse once the music got louder and picked up into a song one could dance to. Approaching the little filly, she took each of Eclipse's front hooves into her own. “Now, this is how you slow dance,” Blueberry instructed raising to her hind legs and guiding Eclipse's to do the same. The difference in size was almost comical as Blueberry stood over Eclipse trying to guide her in step with the music. The next several hours the pair ate the fine foods that were sneaked down, danced with every song, and played pin the tail on the pony. Things had begun to grow brighter for Eclipse and Blueberry. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

Above the cellar, the Mine Manor was filled with servants, very important ponies, and other guests invited just to fill the home. Every inch was decorated with sun themes, newly purchased statues and paintings, the food was first rate, and to make things perfect, the musicians were hired from the cream of the crop of Canterlot Royal Music Academy. Gold Mine spared no expense to show up the other ponies and what they may have done for their celebration. This was going to be his night to show off what he had gained and will be gaining soon. 

In the center of the reception hall, Gold Mine was discussing business and future with three ponies; Jetset, Uppercrust, and ,one of the most important ponies, Fancy Pants. Each of the ponies were dressed in their finest garments. For Gold Mine and Fancy Pants they wore simple tuxedos, Jetset wore a sweater vest, and Uppercrust a grand gown. Their discussion occasionally held contempt between Jetset and Gold but things stayed civil with Fancy Pants close by. Gold Mine knew to keep things calm with that particular pony around. A many deals could be made or broken just with how the stallion Fancy Pants respected an individual. 

“Yes, I dare say, Gold Mine, this party is absolutely glorious for Princess Celestia's festival.” Fancy Pants began motioning with a fore hoof across the reception hall. “With these last five years of trials for you, it warms my heart to see you make such a comeback.” Fancy Pants started a round of hoof stomping for Gold Mine. “It is still a tragedy that Diamond Mine could not come down to share this with us. I understand she is still ill after the loss of your second foal?” 

The other two ponies mostly kept quiet during Gold Mine and Fancy Pant's conversation. Gold Mine saw this as a bonus when dealing with Uppercrust and Jetset. “Yes, it truly is a pity to see her in such shape even after all these years. But, some news recently will pick up her spirits I'm sure.” 

“Perhaps I should visit her before I leave.” Fancy Pants thought aloud to no pony in general. His eyes perked with genuine curiosity now. “Oh? What news did you learn, my old friend?” 

Pride. Gold Mine pushed his chest forward, his head raised up high, and his right hoof brought against his chest. “Gold Mine Gemstones will be the exclusive seller to Hoity Toity Boutiques. I am going to make a lot of bits for this expenditure.” Gold Mine turned his head to allow his gold mane fall away from his horn and face. “Gold Mine Industries will come out ahead of the competition this time.”

“Hoity Toity? Oh my I figured you heard, good chap!” The snooty voice of Jetset brought a painful reaction to Gold Mine's ears. Gold was expecting a great triumph and now he had to speak. “Hoity Toity threw the contract out the window! I don't suppose you heard this being out in a rustic area such as Fillyton and mail being so slow!” A snobbish laugh left Jetset and Uppercrust as Fancy Pants looked on to Gold Mine for some clarification. 

The brown coated stallion didn't let his thoughts show in his body language, but his eyes were a clear indication of what he was thinking. Each orb twitched and his pupils shrunk. He glanced in every direction never moving his head seeking something to show this was a sick joke. “I do not seem to know what you mean, Jetset.” Gold Mine inquired prepared to make a hasty exit to the stairs and into his study. He had yet to check his mail today with all the festivities occurring. 

“Why yes, my good stallion, he found flaws, cracks, and cloudy residue in each and every stone! It was absolutely horrid that he threw them out of his boutique and into the gutter. You should have seen the unwashed masses rush to collect all they could! People who could barely afford to look into the window had taken the whole lot!” The laughter from the two ponies grew louder in Gold's ears. “It was such a spectacle!”

Gold Mine couldn't take it much longer. He had to leave before he did something to one of his guests that would further ruin any reputation that he held drastically onto. “There must have been some misunderstanding. If you will excuse me I need to speak to the chef on when the cake will be coming out.” A bow of his head signaled his departure before Gold Mine made a beeline for the entry way and up the stairs. A hurried mass of stallion flesh, he began to gallop when he reached the top. 

The door to his study was opened with a slam of pony magic. His desk was his first target scattering papers and envelopes until only two remained in front of him. With his legs shaking, Gold Mine set back into his large chair staring at the two pieces; one from Iron Mind and the other from Hoity Toity. The letter from his son was opened first as Gold's horn glowed raising a letter opener to cut the top. The parchment unraveled showing the words within.

“Father, I am deeply sorry but duty forces me unable to attend the festival at the manor. Iron Mind.”

The letter was short and simple. It had been six years since Iron Mind had returned to visit his parents. He rejected, gave excuses or ignored every holiday, request, or invitation. It was obvious to even Gold Mine that his son had chosen the castle and his position over his own father and mother. The rage he felt boiling was reaching its peak with trembling eyes. His right fore hoof raised forcing the paper to crumble against the top of the desk. The next parchment was raised and the seal and top cut to unravel once more. 

“I am utterly ashamed at the travesty you believed you could pull over me. As per our contract if the first shipment did not meet expectation then the contract is void and I dare say these are the worst gemstones I have ever had the dishonor of looking at!”

That was the final nail in sanity's coffin. Gold Mine slumped forward letting his magic release the letter away. He had believed the plan he had set was fool proof. Hoity Toity would see remarkable gemstones for the show pieces and then receive garbage after. These were supposed to be for clothes he wouldn't make or see him self! Gold was determined to believe something else occurred to change all this. None of this could have been his fault. His mouth went dry and this had him seek out his one crutch he could use; alcohol. His magic opened a small case of battles on the northern wall bringing a small glass and a bottle of bourbon. 

The next several hours were spent drinking the bottle till there was nothing left. In this time the guests had begun to leave in their carriages to go to the Summer Sun Festival in Fillyton to watch Princess Celestia raise the sun. When he was certain that the guests were gone the brown stallion departed the confines of his study, resting at the top of the stairs staring out the window above them. This gave him a perfect view of the front of his property. Out there he watched as the last carriage left, but he heard something else that caused his eyes to narrow. A child's laughter that for others would be dulled by the walls and window was deafening to Gold. The stallion moved close to the window setting his front hooves upon it as he watched below. 

Moving out from the front door he witnessed the blue mare and her gray filly ward coming out. Blueberry was first beckoning for Eclipse to follow. The little filly appearing nervous at first about the outside world. Yet, within moments she was running, jumping, and hopping around in the grass. Her laughter a disease on the blonde stallion's mind. 

“Yes, it's her fault. It's Cursed Eclipse's fault. She brought this on again. Her curse did this.”

~*~*~*~*~


Eclipse had never known such sensations before. The breeze blowing against her wings each time she jumped and hovered, the feel of wet grass beneath her hooves as she galloped from here to there, the shine the stars and the moon gave across a dark sky. Everything was new for Eclipse and everything was wonderful. The little filly couldn't get enough of all that the small part of the world had to offer. Before she knew it, she had rushed right back over to Blueberry with her cape blowing against the wind she caused. “Ma..ma..mamma! This is wo..wo..wonderful!” She exclaimed happily leaping to give a tight embrace to Blueberry's body. 

Blueberry had settled down resting onto her bent legs to watch Eclipse. She had never seen something so beautiful in her life. While so many would take things like this for granted, Eclipse was enjoying the most simple things imaginable. It was an awe inspiring sight to behold how the filly danced and played so free from the things that could very well harm her so easily. She raised up enough for her right front foot to coil outwards catching Eclipse in the embrace. “Now now, don't get too worked up or you'll fall asleep before the sun raises.” The warning was given but Eclipse just as soon ignored it turning around to run back across the grass. 

For an hour, Eclipse chased after a single butterfly. The orange and yellow insect always came out of reach when the filly leaped up to try and get closer to it. Landing flat on her belly, the filly blew the gray blue hair from her eyes and began to beat her wings. Each of them worked harder and faster lifting her upwards to the sky. She gave a faster chase then before but the call of Blueberry for her to return brought Eclipse back to the reality of it all. She went back sweeping through the sky landing next to her mare nanny. She tilted her head back as she snuggled besides the blue mare. Eyes dancing across the sky, but as Blueberry had warned her, she soon drifted asleep.

The mare chuckled looking down at the slumbering Eclipse. She shook her head lightly telling her self she would wake her up when it got closer to the sun rising. For now, Blueberry watched the stars for her self. Each one she saw she made the same wish regardless if it was falling or not. “Please, let nights like tonight keep happening for her.” Her ears raised and turned to the pony next to her. Sounds of whimpering and soft cries coming next to her. Leaning her head down, she gently nipped at Eclipse's ear. “Wake up sweetie, you're having a nightmare.” She spoke in a mother's tone. 

Glowing eyes opened and her head moved looking up at Blueberry. Small droplets fell down her cheeks while she whispered in a soft voice, “I saw a gold haired monster watching us.” 

The same chill that Blueberry felt when she first saw the silhouette came back to her. A soothing laugh went from her muzzle while she nuzzled the little filly. “It's alright, my little love, but look,” She said raising her right hoof up to the eastern sky, “The sun is coming up.” 

Eclipse quickly looked forward and up at the horizon. Her mouth opened with a silent gasp at the beauty that was before her. A golden orb she had only seen through a window was now before her in its  unrestricted glory. Blueberry couldn't help but softly laugh at how fascinated the filly was at the sight, and she laughed even more when Eclipse bound up on all four hooves and began to dance and play again. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was close to eight PM when Blueberry corral Eclipse to bring her back inside. The blue mare didn't wish to push the generous offer Gold had given the pair too far. Eclipse was still bouncing around and laughing even after they entered the front doors. Blueberry's heart felt heavy having to take the foal back down into the darkness of the cellar, but if she ever wished for things to change she had to obey these cruel demands for now. 

“Did you se...se..see it? It was ri..ri..rising so fast!” Eclipse was boundless with energy, chirping while she literally ran circles around Blueberry. Their approach to the cellar door would not take long. The Earth Pony pushed it open with her hoof as she bobbed the handle down. “I ho..ho..hope daddy comes down here. I made him a pre..pre..present for letting me go outside!” The gray filly clopped quickly down stairs glancing behind her once she reach the bottom. A loud oomph left the little one as she struck something hard in front of her. She fell back a few steps shaking her head at the sudden light headed feeling.

“I'm sure he'll like it very much...” Blueberry's voice trailed off when she heard the soft impact and she looked down while making her way on the steps. “Mr. Mine?” She questioned when the light crystals and the sunlight from the window finally illuminated what Eclipse ran into. 

The golden haired stallion stood before them both. His narrowed eyes cast down upon only Eclipse. A sickening smirk laid for witness on his lips. No answer was given when Blueberry spoke his name nor any motion of his body when Eclipse ran into him. All the brown stallion did was stare down upon the creature he helped to give life to.

“Da..Da..Daddy,” Eclipse whispered then she turned on her back hoofs and trotted over towards a small table and chair. It was used many times for her to do homework or to color, but right now it held something she wanted to give the stallion. She leaned over the table taking a piece of paper into her mouth; construction paper of blue with a crude child's drawing on the front. Retreating back before gold, she held it up to him as an offering. The picture was simple, it had a picture of a brown stallion wearing a black jacket outfit. It was obvious the picture was drawn to match the wedding photo of Diamond and Gold Mine that Blueberry brought down years ago. 

Blueberry didn't saw a word when she came down to the bottom of the steps. She watched and prayed to Celestia for the outcome she had wanted to see since she first arrived. Her breath caught in her throat, every moment passing with a second feeling like a minute. The soft appearance she had while she watched father and daughter was torn away in an instant at what took place next.

“Filthy cursed creature.” Gold's right hoof raised striking across Eclipse's face. She was thrown aside with a wail of pain escaping her muzzle. “What is this? Hm? Mocking me with the disease you've spread to this house hold? To my name!” His unicorn magic lifted the prized drawing up to take a better look at it. It was torn down the middle in the next moment. Gold's horn glowed a soft brown as it raised the cape from Eclipse's body ripping it down to its very fibers before her and Blueberry's eyes. “I show you kindness and you repay me by ruining my financially further? You little beast!” Another hoof was brought down against Eclipse's face. Her cries growing louder from the pain and betrayal she felt.

“Gold Mine stop this!” Blueberry screamed aloud rushing to try and hold back the stallion with her front legs around his torso. “Don't hit her!” Her pleas were silenced when Gold twisted him self in such a fashion to knock her away. 

“I will discipline a child the way I see fit!” Gold reprimanded Blueberry coming back to stand over the weeping child. Another strike followed the next near pummeling the defensive foal as she curled into a fetal position trying to protect her self and her wings. “Maybe it's that horn. I'll just break it off.” He sneered watching Eclipse whimper and cry.

“I'm sorry, daddy, I'm a good girl. I love you.” Eclipse pleaded trying to look at him through swollen, black eyes. The glow still remained but partially concealed through the bruising. 

“That is enough!” A protective voice shouted aloud. Years of rock harvesting took its toll that moment when two hind hooves struck Gold Mine against his side. The brown stallion was knocked back, flung from the blow against a book case on the eastern wall. With the wind knocked out of him, Blueberry rushed to stand protective in front of Eclipse. Her nostrils flared as she huffed heated breath out. Her fore legs dug against the stone floor, her hind legs ready to strike if she needed to turn and do so. “So long as I am here you will not lay one filthy hoof on this child!” 

The golden haired unicorn wavered when he raised back up to his hooves. A cold stare was shot in Blueberry's direction for daring to defy him. A bit of blood was coughed out before he traversed his way back to the stairs. He wouldn't stay here for now, he couldn't take a second blow of that nature. Hate filled eyes looked to the mare's direction before he stumbled back up the stairs and out of the cellar. 

Blueberry never moved from her position while she watched Gold. She remained ever vigilant and protective of the filly behind her. Her mind was moving thousands of thoughts a second trying to draw conclusion on what she would do next. This event brought one thing clear to her mind; it was time to get Eclipse out of this place. There was no redemption nor any way to fix this now.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Three days of quick preparation was all Blueberry had taken. She planned out her strategy making it as simple as possible. She had packed saddle bags for Eclipse and her self. Her's contained small foods, the folder of blackmail against Gold Mine, and enough bits to get them to their destination. Eclipse's saddle bags would carry her two dolls, crayons, paper, and her tiara. She would stash the saddle bag in her room until it was time to leave then make haste for the Pie Rock Farm. A short stop there and she would take Eclipse anywhere that the filly wanted to go as long as it was away from this prison. 

Midnight on the third night, Blueberry quiet as a mouse brought Eclipse from the cellar. Only at the occasions to gather her supplies, visit town, or to get food, did Blueberry ever leave Eclipse. Even when she was gone, she told the filly to hide beneath her bed with her eyes closed so not to be found. Into the mare's own room the pair went first to collect her saddle bags. Blueberry took one last look around at the place until she spotted something she hadn't laid hoof since she set it up there; the rock that her niece gave her. The rock was really nothing special to the common eye. It was an earthly red tone that Pinkamine named Sparky. “Eclipse,” Blueberry whispered motioning for the filly to follow her, “Hold still for just a moment.” 

Eclipse followed Blueberry nearly stepping her hooves against the back of the mare's hind legs. The swelling on her face and eyes had died down enough to see perfectly once again, but the bruising beneath her coat and around the glowing orbs remained. Once inside her nanny's bedroom she braced for Blueberry to lower her saddlebag onto her back then watched as she got her own on. The blue coated mare went to her dresser to retrieve the rock in her mouth. Coming next to the filly's side, she raised one flap with her hoof and dropped it down within. 

“I want you to take care of this for me. My niece gave it to me five years ago before I came here but I need you to keep it safe when we leave, okay?” Once her own saddlebag was settled onto her back, she whisked the child away with her out into the entrance way. Yet, her bag felt lighter than it should but she paid it no mind for now. Just a few short steps and they would be at the door and out ready to gallop for however long it might take them to escape this wretched place. Blueberry stopped in place when the smell of cigar smoke had entered her nostrils. She froze in her tracks as her head turned looking towards the first floor den. The glow of a fire caught her eye instantly. “Wait here, Eclipse.” She whispered carefully trotting down the short hall and into the den.

A puff of smoke was blown into the air from in front of the fire place at a large, pony designed chair. It was plush and comfortable for a pony to be able to rest on their hind quarters but the back piece curved to fit their needs to rest their back. “Ah, my dear employee, Miss Pie,” Gold spoke in a calm manner. “It seems you are breaking your contract are you not? I mean really, did you think I would not keep an eye on you after what happened?” The stallion tsked blowing another puff of smoke into the air. “I am far too intelligent to just allow you to do as you please and not keep tabs on it.” 

“This has gone on long enough, Gold Mine, I have evidence of things you've done and if you follow us I'll..” Blueberry's words were cut short when she stared forward when unicorn magic raised a manilla envelope of files and documents. Her lower jaw dropped at the sight of it. Her plans were being washed away and there wasn't anything she could do about it now.

“You mean this?” Gold replied sending the papers into the inferno before him. “Not anymore. You are now fired.” He spoke moving off the chair onto all fours. He kept the cigar in his mouth as he moved closer to her. Blueberry backed away but Gold followed her to the front door. “There is a carriage out front to take you to your pitiful farm.” The entrance room they came upon and Gold moved towards Eclipse. The little filly cowered at the sight of her father and trembled in fear. “Come now, Cursed Eclipse, back down into the cellar.” 

“No!” Blueberry shouted no longer backing away from Gold. She lunged forward to try and stop him but he was awaiting this to occur. Unicorn magic caught the Earth Pony by the throat raising her upwards. Her front hooves swatted and felt for the glowing brown force that gripped her. 

Gold Mine began to usher Eclipse back to the cellar. “Momma! Momma let her g..g..go!” She shouted stumbling back from the ominous presence of her father. Backed into the cellar with the door shut onto her feet, she clawed her front hooves at the wooden blockade. “No! Ma..maa.. Mama!” 

“Now,” The unicorn stallion began turning back to return to the subdued Blueberry. “I am a kind and generous man so I am just going to send you on your way.” As he said this Blueberry felt a pressure come over her body sending her against the front doors, forcing them open. Her body hit the ground roughly sending her rolling against the dirt. “I am simply defending my home from a violent former employee trying to rob me.” 

The blue mare came to a skidding stop where the carriage waited. The driver, an Earth Pony, a yellow pony wearing a driver's cap with a wheel cutie mark. He detached him self from the carriage to come over to the fallen blue mare, his head leaned down to give a soft whisper. “Come on, honey, there's no need to keep doing this.” He spoke with a gentle tone despite having no connection to these events. 

Gold Mine stayed back in front of the door. He didn't wait to see if Blueberry would stand back up or not before retreating back into his home. The fallen mare stared hard at the front doors. She was eager to try and stand, but the words of the driver caught her ears to further break her reproach. “Where? Where do I go then? I have to help her.”

“Mr. Mine told me to take you to wherever you home, but he never said anything about stopping along the way. So it's up to you.” 

A thought suddenly sparked in Blueberry's mind. She forced her self to stand on her battered limbs. “Take me to the Fillyton sheriff.” She ordered hobbling into the carriage. She still had one more ace up her sleeve she figured she could use if she only hurried. The driver reattached him self to the front of the carriage. Glancing back to the wooden vehicle he stared forward and began to make his way into town. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It as three AM now and a gentle rapping came against the Mine Manor front door. Gold Mine did not bother to go to bed yet. He was awake and ever ready for what may come from this. His magic turned the door handle opening the large, oak doors up revealing his night time visitors. He would first see Blueberry, her determined gaze and stern jaw prepared to give him a verbal lashing if she had to. Besides her was a Pegasus pony. He as an older stallion with no mane, a silver coat, and a tin star for his cutie mark. The driver and his carriage was out further back waiting for Blueberry and the sheriff to return. 

“I'm terribly sorry to bother you at this hour, Mr. Mine, but it seems this young woman has made some outrageous claims against your good name.” The sheriff, Tin Star, glanced skeptically at Blueberry. Gold Mine opened the door further to allow Tin Star and Blueberry within. “She claims you're holding a foal in your basement, been doing so for the past five years and even hired her to take care of her. I tried to tell her you would never do such a thing.” 

Blueberry no longer looked at Gold Mine but averted her eyes to the sheriff when they came inside. He didn't sound the least bit convinced of her story and even seemed to accuse her of lying even with these few statements. She gritted her teeth and clenched her jaw before speaking up. “If you'd look in the cellar you'd see that she's...”

“All a lie of course. She was hired to take care of my wife, sick as you know, but when she was fired for stealing she obviously decided to make up this story.” Gold Mine scoffed at the mere notion he would do anything so horrible. The sheriff seemed more then convinced that the stallion couldn't do anything of the sort. “She is simply trying to ruin my good name for firing her. That is all.” 

“I figured as much. Terribly sorry to hear your wife is still unwell and to bother you at this hour. Even with such outrageous notions I still need to follow up. Now you, git outside and back into that carriage.” Tin Star turned enough to look at Blueberry without being rude to turn his back on Gold Mine. 

Blueberry tried to mumble something but no words could come out. The sheriff wasn't listening to her, and wasn't going to do anything that she had hoped he would. “If you'd just look in the cellar you'd find her!” The blue mare glanced between the two stallions, shock and disgust mixed together on her face. “Sheriff Tin Star, just look down stairs, please.”

“Enough of that, Miss. I will not have you ruin the good name of a generous man like this anymore. If you do not leave on your own accord, I will arrest you and have you sent to Canterlot for trial Now git!” The sheriff turned completely to her barking out the orders with an authoritative tone. The bald stallion turned back around to Gold. “Again, I'm terribly sorry for this, Mr. Mine.” He went back to Blueberry, pushing her from the residence guiding her to the carriage.

“It is no problem, my dear sheriff. You simply need to do your duty and I am grateful for that. Shall we have lunch on Tuesday?” Gold Mine asked walking out along side the sheriff. His poise and demeanor gave nothing away to any of the sins he had committed. 

“Tuesday would be wonderful, thank you sir.” Tin Star bobbed his head.

Blueberry was forced back stumbling on her own hooves. She had nothing else she could say. Everything was falling on deaf ears, she had no evidence anymore, and the sheriff wouldn't even go into the cellar to see for him self. She was defeated and now breaking into the final shards of what was left of her home. Without being forced anymore, she finally climbed into the carriage. Her jaw was slack and hanging down wanting to shout and say more but the words couldn't be found nor spoken. 

Gold Mine made one last approach to the carriage. The smile set on his lips gave him a devilish visage to Blueberry's weary eyes. The unicorn leaned in close to her, whispering on the lightest of sounds for only her to hear, “Have fun helping your family move from that pitiful farm. I plan to open a nice quarry there.” The final blow was struck to Blueberry and everything she was holding in shattered.

The mare began to wail uncontrollably as the driver began to gallop away from Mine Manor.  She had failed her family, she had failed in her job, and most importantly she had failed Eclipse. Her eyes went out to star at the moon lit sky seeking some sort of answer for this horrible turn of fate. None of it made sense to her mind, none of it even seemed to be right. Yet, the villain had won, and she was left to have to pick up the pieces of broken dreams and future of despair. 

~*~*~*~*~

Gold Mine waved the sheriff off letting the old male return to his home in Fillyton. A song from his youth was hummed as he turned back and went to the collar door. He could hear the soft sobs on the other side and this made him self. His magic opened the door letting him stare down at the curled up ball of gray at his feet. “Come with me, Cursed Eclipse, I'm going to show you somethings.” He whispered in a gentle tone. The filly was confused by this change in his attitude, but she soon followed with him. 

Eclipse followed Gold up the stairs and first into his study. She was nervous and frightened but not knowing what had become of Blueberry, she would obey to stay safe. “See this picture?” Unicorn magic brought the gold framed image of Iron Mind down in front of the tiny filly after Gold came over to his desk. “This is your older brother. Yes, Miss Pie wouldn't have told you about him. See, he would kill you if he knew of you.” Gold Mine spoke bringing the picture back to him self to look at his once pride and joy. “He serves Princess Celestia and if the Princess knew a cursed freak as your self lived, she'd have you killed. You can never talk to him, he'd see you dead before you could welcome him.” Eclipse began to tremble as a new monster seemed to enter into her life. 

Gold Mine moved away from his desk to retreat out the door, guiding Eclipse down to the opposite side of the hall. He didn't say anything until they reached the door for the second study. “Now, I know you called Miss Pie mother but I assure you, your real mother lies right behind this door.” His hoof raised lowering the handle to let the door creak open before them. He let Eclipse go in first; the room darkened save for a single candle lit besides a rocking chair. She would see the outline of a once beautiful pony guiding back and forth in the wooden chair. “Honey, our beautiful, cursed, daughter is here.” He spoke in a sing song voice. 

The rocking motions stopped suddenly. Eclipse took a few careful, gauged steps forward to the woman. She didn't have time to react to the next occurrence. The light brown coated mare leap from her chair twisting around to face the gray filly. “What is this? You've come to finish me? You take my beauty with your curse.” Diamond Mine, wide crazed eyes, stared down the trembling filly. Eclipse fell backwards in fright landing against her back side. Her wings moved around her body to act as a shield while she raised her forelegs up to try and hide behind. “Yes that nanny told me all about what you are doing. Yes... Punishment. Yes you need to be punished.”

Diamond came down harshly separating the distance between Eclipse and her self. The first strike of her hoof caused a soft cry to leave Eclipse, striking onto her bat wind. The next went for her face, then her front legs, and finally her hind legs. The mare had reached her peak of lunacy as she beat and blamed the little filly. “My hair is nearly gone because of you! My body is weak and my beauty is stagnant.” The words didn't make sense to Eclipse, she had done nothing to this woman.

“Now dear, your daughter doesn't need to be punished this much. If you kill her neither of us know what will become of the curse.” Gold said letting his magic wrap around Eclipse to pull her back from the rampaging unicorn. The filly was lifted into the air and ushered the door to float, curled in a ball and sobbing in the air.  “I will see her back to her little room and you, my love, just get better knowing that we will some day be rid of the curse.” Gold Mine laughed gently at the spectacle that happened. He soon left as well, shutting the door behind him. He was having such a fun time with all this. He felt so liberated with Blueberry now gone. 

Eclipse was carried with magic back down to the cellar, Gold Mine following just a few steps behind. “See, my sweet Cursed Eclipse, you cannot leave this place. Your mother would surely see you dead, the brother who cannot know you would kill you, and with how you look, no pony would ever love you.” The word cut to the bone making Eclipse flinch between sobs. Gold took her back down into the cellar, he took her into her bedroom and flung her onto her bed. “Food will be delivered at the top of the steps 3 times a day. Do not make a any sounds I can hear or I will be down here to discipline you my self.” Gold turned to trot back up the stairs, stopping at the top only to hear Eclipse begin to wail loudly. He smiled at the sounds bringing a euphoric rise to his demented thoughts. 

The alicorn filly curled beneath her covers sobbing. Her momma was no where to be found to help her, to scare off the gold haired father she was told she had. A mare she had never seen she was told was her real mother, and a brother she never knew of would hate her on sight. The happiness she held so preciously three days before was nothing but lingering memories now. A silhouette of a mare appeared besides Eclipse, wrapping its self down to protectively encircle the crying filly. Its head laid down over Eclipse's trembling body, as the young foal fell into a burdened slumber. 
> Cutie Mark
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Time can pass differently for different ponies. For Gold Mine time couldn't move slow enough. The disaster with the Hoity Toity contract left him at the loss of millions of bits. He was forced to sell property to cover the costs and the jewels that were to be shipped were sold for mear bits of what they could have been worth. His seclusion from the rest of Equestria in his country manor was no longer just to hide Eclipse but to hide him self from the world that now laughed at him.

Diamond Mine felt that time was passing too fast. She watched every day as her health and her youth vanished beneath the sun into dust. The once beautiful mane of clear hair was reduce a few strands. What caused this radical increase in aging since Eclipse's birth? No answer had ever been given to her making her believe that indeed a curse was brought on by the little foal. It was unfortunate but the answer was far simpler than she could ever imagine. 

In the cellar of the manor, time never moved. Cursed Eclipse resided down there in near isolation never knowing what day, date, or time of year it truly was. She had no calendar, no watch or clock, and she only knew what holiday it was when the silhouette would wish her a happy holiday. Each day she spent playing with her two dolls. Unicorn magic making them move either pretending she was a princess being saved by the two Alicorns or Eclipse was a hero rescuing Nightmare Moon from an evil Celestia.  The hoops had grown too small for her to fly through any longer, so when not playing, she self taught her self from the library of books in the cellar. School, fiction, non fiction, and poems made up the bulk of the literature that Blueberry collected for her. The precious rock that Blueberry gave to her before they were separated was kept near the stairs acting as a guard. Somewhere in Eclipse's child mind she thought that it may protect her some day or be able to bring Blueberry back to her.

Not every day she was left alone. Gold Mine would come down to shout and hit her, blaming her for anything he had done wrong or had occurred. During the day light there was no way to hide or protect her self from him such as there was rarely a day she was not bruised or bleeding. At night, though, the darkness seemed to protect her. It covered her and hid her away so long as she kept her eyes closed to keep the glow from giving her away. Gold was careful not to break any bones or make any wounds too large. He didn't want to risk taking her to the hospital for care. It was now the winter three years after Blueberry was forced to leave. Cursed Eclipse was growing but slower than most ponies, her body smaller than it should be. She was now eight years old.

~*~*~*~*~*~

“That concludes the main portion of the guard summary report.” Although a cold chill ran outside, within the castle it was warm and comfortable for anypony. Many of the servants and guards had taken time off to visit their family and friends which left the castle unusually empty. Yet, Iron Mind remained at his post ever vigilant to the safety of Princess Celestia. As he did each week, the black maned pony stood before her Royal Highness giving his report. The Royal Hall was nearly deserted save for the dedicated few who remained for protection of the Princess. Even when she deemed it unnecessary she wouldn't stand in the way of their duty if they decided to persist. “But I still must insist that you remain asking for additional Pegasus patrols when you use the outdoor bath. We have yet to catch the peeping tom who breaks in, and now with your young apprentice.” 

Iron Mind was cut off when Princess Celestia softly laughed to her self. “You worry too much, Captain, ponies do not always wear clothes so what is there to peep for?” Every week she asked the same question about the lone peeping tom who has escaped the guards pursuit for nine years.

“Because, Your Majesty, many ponies consider the state when one sleeps and when one baths to be different than how they are normally outside.” As per the usual, the reply came nearly exactly as it did the weeks before. Iron Mind laid his right hoof against his armored chest, bowing his horned head until he heard the sound of the door creaking behind him. “I do wish to ask, Captain, why have you not requested to return home again this year?” 

The Guard Captain kept a watchful eye on the main entrance to the royal hall. The small head of a filly foal poked inside. Curious and filled with wonderment on her face, her violet coat glistened in the sunlight, dark violet blue hair with a streak of jasmine and pink down the center. “I do apologize, your Majesty, but I have no desire to return there. Now, if you'll excuse me, your Majesty, I believe I do not wish to keep your student waiting much longer,” He chuckled softly before continuing, “Or else she may get hard feelings for me keeping her from her favorite teacher.” Celestia fluttered her wings laughing tenderly at his comment just as the captain turned back to the door. The little filly ducked back when the Captain approached. His horn lit up bringing a black energy to the large doors pulling them back revealing the apprentice. “Good morning, Lady Twilight.” Iron Mind spoke respectfully bowing his head.

“Good morning, sir.” Twilight Sparkle replied giving a bow in return. Just when she believed it was safe to, she gleefully rain forward passing the exiting captain to rush to her teacher. She had come to enjoy her time at the castle since she moved in. 

Celestia smiled at the arrival of her student. They exchanged a rub of their necks together before the Alicorn brought Twilight against her beneath her wings. “Welcome, my faithful student.” She spoke with a serene comforting tone. Brilliant eyes raised to the closing doors. Her thoughts temporarily returning to the guard captain. He was a good colt. He was protective of all the citizens, when Celestia would walk the streets, Iron Mind was tentative to let the children approach her. He volunteered at the hospitals and orphanages, gave time to help with projects or training guards, and rarely spoke of anything ill of anypony. Still, she worried that there maybe something missing for him with his focus entirely on his duty and not of himself. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The very same morning in another province of Celestia, mine workers were gathering in front of a stage and podium. Some of the ponies held signs demanding more pay, others demanding safer working conditions, and even more held signs asking for muffins. The protestors chanted for the mine owner to show him self to them, They wanted to know exactly why even the demands that are set in place by Equestria Work Authority was being ignored. 

Behind a portable office, Gold Mine was preparing his speech with the on site manager. The blonde haired stallion kept a heavy pony trench coat across his body to keep out the biting cold that seemed to stick to his flesh. “If this doesn't work, just fire the lot of them and hire new workers.” The wealthy pony cared not for the lives of the people under him. They could beg for bits in the street if they didn't work.

The Manager shook his head, glaring at his employer from behind thick, flight sunglasses. “No can do, boss. Union rules and equal employment laws say we can't just fire em.” The Earth Pony manager twisted his lips to spit out a bit of chew juice to the ground. “I recommend getting up there before they come hunting for you, sir.”

The disrespectful tone that the manager held to him made Gold scowl. 'How dare this lowly worker think he can speak to his betters like that,' Gold thought turning away from the manager. Hooves dug down against the soft dirt beneath him when he began to trot out from behind the building towards the stage. The crowd of workers grew silent waiting now to hear what Gold Mine had to say on his behalf. He took his position behind the podium raising to stand on his hind legs. His forelegs moving to cross over the wooden stand. “Fillies and gentlecolts! I have heard your cries, pleas, and demands!” He would begin.

~*~*~*~*~

At this moment Gold Mine was approaching the stage to speak to the workers. At the Mine Manor the home was ghostly quiet. The cook was out purchasing foods for when Gold Mine returned home that evening, Diamond Mine was alone, silent as a mouse upstairs in her study, and down in the cellar Eclipse remained alone. 

Time as not kind to her prison. The paint and pictures on the ceiling and walls had begun to fade and peel, toys began to feel their age breaking apart becoming useless pieces of cloth, plastic, or wood, the clothes that Blueberry bought for her were no longer wearable from being too small and filth. Aside from working plumbing, the books were the only thing that remained intact. The filly was reduced to doing laundry in her bathtub without the aid of soap and she had to be careful when she did even this. It took time for things to dry in the dank cellar, and winter was one of those times she couldn't afford not to have the heat of the blankets just to clean them. 

Eclipse laid curled beneath an abundance of soiled bedsheets and blankets. Every night she stayed up late talking and playing with the silhouette that she called Nightmare Moon then watching the moon once it came into view outside her bedroom roof window. Mismatched wings twitched beneath the covers conveying the distress of a nightmare plaguing her mind. She saw visions of chaos and death. A golden haired monster hovered over a cavern filled with jewels and precious metals. Wood began to snap as ponies began to run for their lives but very few made it before rocks and dirt came crashing down over head. The monster laughed sucking at the life that was buried before its cruel eyes raised to stare at the filly. A cold sweat trucked over Eclipse's coat. Her muscles tightening as she trembled from the sounds and visions that plagued her slumbering thoughts. 

~*~*~*~*~

“I assure all of you ponies that I have safety inspectors on their way here at this very moment to show you that these mines are the safest to work in!” Gold Mine declared with a vocal shout of encouragement. He would only be met with boos and scorn. Unicorns used magic to throw rotten fruit, Earth Ponies dug their hooves into the dirt ready to lunge forward at a moments notice, and the Pegasus ponies hovered in the air above Gold mocking and shouting at him. The wealthy aristocrat scowled in disdain for these ponies. “Do not worry I will ensure tha--” His words were cut short. The earth below the area began to quake heavily. Gold Mine looked across the area back and forth searching for some cause. It had to be something light, maybe a dragon had landed or something else. The worst case scenario was the one thing he hopped it wouldn't have been.

From behind the workers, at the entrance of the mine, a Unicorn came rushing out. Blood trickled down his face from an open wound besides his horn. “Help us! There's been a cave in! The.. the support beams just began to crack and fall over.. Oh god somepony help us!” He fell down against his knees then to his side. The loss of blood finally triggering a state of unconsciousness. The crowd of workers turned away from their employer to rush to the aid of their fallen comrade and whoever else may still be in the mine. 

Gold Mine felt his body shake. He was terrified at the prospect of what accident occurred. This couldn't have been happening he tried to convince him self. So what if he cut corners on repairs, used old screws, or skipped on proper equipment, these kinds of actions held up in the past and they should have now he believed. His financial status began to flash across his eyes at the amount of fines and lawsuits that would begin to accumulate at this. “I have to leave,” he whispered to him self dropping to all fours. He began to gallop off the stage making a straight line towards his driver and the carriage. 

“Hey! The bastard is leaving!” An Earth Pony shouted from a crowd waiting for the ponies that went into the mine to bring out survivors or tell them what could be done to help. The group turned at once to see their employer flee. Mob mentality took over as all at once they rushed to stop him from leaving the scene of his crime. Pegasus took to the skies with large rocks held in their hooves swooping down dropping them in Gold's direction. The Unicorns and Earth Ponies were prepared to join their brethren but were called away into the mine to help with the collapse.

Gold Mine clambered into the coach and shouted at the driver, “Hurry and go! I'll pay you double to not think and just get me back to the Manor!” The driver, the same who took Blueberry Pie to her home, fastened himself to the carriage's harness. He took one glance to the Pegasus that hovered over head then began his gallop. The driver had to be swift to avoid the rocks falling from outraged ponies. He forced himself and the coach from one side to the next tossing Gold ridiculously back and forth in the vehicle. After two hundred yards or fleeing, the Pegasus were forced to give up and return to help the workers. The owner had gotten away on this day.

In the carriage the mood was grim and dark. He sat on his hind quarters hunched forwards rubbing his hooves against once another. Much of his words to him self were mumbles repeating the situation over and over. Gold Mine couldn't see how this was his fault at all. He broke down the things he did and gradually pushed the blame onto others and other things. One thing crept into his mind finally. “Yes, that's it. It's always been it, it has to be it.” Hysterically, Gold Mine began to laugh at the situation. “Oh how foolish I was. It's that little whelp! That little curse that did it! This time though,” His voice lowered down rubbing his hooves faster, “Curses come from magic. I'll just destroy the source and all will be well.” 

~*~*~*~*~

The Golden Haired Monster left the site of death and despair. He charged down a pathway over hills and through forests towards his next goal. In the nightmare ponies fled from the beast not daring to stop its rampage. She saw next the manor in which she lived. The beast came to the front door entering without reason or cause. It moved swiftly through the halls with a purpose and destination. In her nightmare she could hear every foot step as it came to the cellar door and opened it. The creaking of the wood beneath its weight, the laughter that hauntingly came from its maw, and its sinister stare sent shivers through the slumbering filly. She wanted the nightmare to end, to wake up and be safe but it didn't seem to happen. The monster came to the bottom of the stairs glancing around the barely lit room. It clomped towards the bedroom door, easing it open with a curved hoof. 

Suddenly, Eclipse was awakened by a hot breath against her face. The blankets that once covered her body were pulled away leaving her shivering. Weary eyes took a moment to focus as her body began the process of returning from the land of slumber. The fur of her coat stood out on its ends when she could see him. The brown stallion hovered over her leaned down close enough that his flared nostrils snorting with a pained rage. Eyes were wide but his pupils were microscopic, his lips twisted in a sinister smirk. “Oh my poor little, Cursed Eclipse.” He whispered reaching a hoof down to gently stroke along the filly's side. “You just have to keep misbehaving don't you? Daddy is very upset.” His voice hinted with malice while he tried to keep it gentle and soft. “Your curse will again cost Daddy a lot of money and has hurt a lot of people.” Eclipse trembled at the touch of his hoof, her eyes never leaving the stallion's face. “You need to be... Punished.” He sneered. His horn lit up coming to encircle Eclipse's hair with magic. Her body raised up while her legs kicked and wiggled to get free. She found her self flung towards the bedroom door. Hitting the ground with a heavy thump, she slid against the book shelf near the bathroom entrance. 

“Daddy, I'm sorry. I di..di..didn't do anything.” Eclipse coughed out raising up on her forelegs staring at the door to her bedroom. Her glowing eyes could see the vague outline of her attacker moving casually towards her. “I... lo..lo..love you, daddy.” She pleaded raising up onto all fours, her hind legs wobbling. Fight or flight instinct took over giving her a sudden surge of energy to her legs. She galloped the short steps to the staircase, but more importantly to the rock that Blueberry left her. Her magic brought the rock floating when she heard Gold's hooves close by. She bit down on her tongue, shut her eyes, and flung the hard stone towards her father. 

Gold Mine didn't take long to come back upon her. He wouldn't let her think she could just escape from him. Trotting from her bedroom, he went straight to where he saw the weak filly run. “Do not run from my, little Cursed Eclipse, you need to be puni--,” His words were cut off when the rock flung with all of Eclipse's magic connecting with his snout and nostrils. Gold's eyes flinched down, he felt the warm flow of flood drip down over his lips. His tongue darted out tasting the bitter, metallic taste. She used magic to protect her self, and now he had the final nail he needed to truly condemn her. “And now you strike daddy?” He said before lunging on top of her. His hooves moved slapping across Eclipse's head. She yelped in pain twisting onto her belly but his left hoof came down pressing against her neck, pinning her to the stone. “I was right, that is the source of the curse isn't it?” His right hoof moved feeling over the little foal's horn.

Dreadful sensations flooded through her mind. Eclipse began to try and fight back harder. Her wings flapped hard to try and raise her self against the heavy hoof on her back, limbs flailed failing to give any aid to her efforts. “Daddy don't! Please do...do..don't!” She pleaded but the fears she felt came to fruition. Gold Mine raised his hoof bringing it down as hard as he could against the filly's horn. “No! Daddy stop it pl..pl..please stop!” She screamed out in vain. Crack! He stomped down against. The action was repeated despite her attempts to free her self.

“No, Cursed Eclipse,” Gold Mine chided stomping again down on the appendage. “You need to break this curse. You need to be taught a lesson!” Stomp. “You should have learned your lesson years ago.” Stomp. “But you keep forcing Daddy's hand!”  His hoof dug down onto the filly's back grinding her body against the cold stone. “Now, behave your self!” Crack! The sound was thunderous to Eclipse. White hot pain shot through her body from her hooves to her horn. Gold Mine laughed victoriously. He had done what he wanted. Eclipse's horn had shatter, broken in half leaving nothing but a jagged, splintered remains on her head. The pieces fell across the ground near her head sparkling in the day light. “See! See what you made me do!” 

Eclipse's vision blurred behind the veil of tears that flowed freely from her eyes. Something occurred inside the broken filly. A rush of energy flowed through her body creating a euphoric sensation dulling the pain that shattered her nerves. A new sensation came into her mind. From beneath her, darkness shot out in all directions. It covered the walls, the doors, and the ceiling. The magic flooded the room filling it entirely.

This was something he had never seen before. Gold Mine retreated from off and away from the filly. His horn glowing trying to banish the darkness that poured out from the broken children. The very light his horn emitted was snuffed out. The black continued to spread until it smothered Gold Mine and Eclipse both. The cellar was quiet. Outside the manor, and for all Equiestria, the moon had moved from it's normal cycle coming up to block the sun. For ten seconds this remained until the cellar was no longer quiet. The silence broken with a stallion's scream.

~*~*~*~*~

It was not often that Diamond Mind left her study unless she was going to sleep for the day. Something drew her towards her bedroom, to sit on her haunches outside the window overlooking the front of the property. The sickly mare caught a glimpse of her husband's carriage returning at a hastily pace. Curiosity peaked her mind to the sudden return of Gold Mine. She had believed he was not to return for several more hours. He had inspectors to bribe and workers to lie to. The few locks of hair that remained on her head were brushed back by her hoof. Her horn glowing lightly raising a brush to come down along her brown coat. Diamond watched Gold leave the carriage in a rush. He appeared eager to perform some duty. A bitter thought came to her mind. Could he finally be doing what she had demanded he do all this time? Get rid of her? 

Diamond Mine couldn't help her self. She raised onto all fours and in turn began to gallop from her bedroom. Down the two flights of stairs, and making a pass by the kitchen. The cook was busy preparing lunch for her, but she gave no mind to a question he spoke up when he saw her come by. She reached the cellar door with a murderous glee. Her head tilted forward pressed to the wood. She could hear it in its muffled entirety. The throwing of Eclipse, the slaps from the hooves, the accusations and condemning. When the sound of Gold stomping on Eclipse's horn hit her ears, Diamond began to giggle at what trauma she imagined he was inflicting on the filly. 

“Madam! Hurry you must see this!” The chef called out from the kitchen. “Outside, hurry!” 

Diamond Mine didn't want to be pulled away from what she was hearing. It was the greatest entertainment she had in eight years. But, to the kitchen she quickly retreated. She caught the last few seconds of what had gotten the chef excited. An unscheduled eclipse of the sun blocking Celestia's light from the land. Diamond was awed by the beauty of this until her ears flattened to her head. A scream, not that of a filly she had wanted but of a stallion. “Gold?” She whispered in a hushed voice. The chef knew not to investigate himself. He was paid to remain in the kitchen and no where else. The mare turned speedily moving towards the cellar door. Her magic thrusting the wood forward letting her access within. Her eyes cast down to the bottom of the stairs 

The sight was something from a crime novel or a supernatural horror. Eclipse rested on her back legs, knees bent to the knees. Her front hooves were lazily placed on her knees. Her slate storm cloud gray coat was splotched with red. Her eyes, still glowing, were unblinking staring at what laid in front of her. The horn on her head appeared to be repaired, if not temporarily. Magic of a gray hue formed the broken portion of her horn but vanished when Eclipse raised her head to stare at the woman who birthed her. Her ears extended to either side, revealing her newly obtained cutie mark; an eight pointed white star set in the middle of a black orb surrounded by a white, wavy aura. The star was centered near the top of the black circle with the bottom point twice as long as the other seven. 

The mare no longer wanted to look at the freakish child, but the red drew curiosity from her. She peered downwards now to where Eclipse once looked. Horror struck her at the sight. Gold Mine laid bloodied. His body covered in cuts and wounds with blood seeping to the floor. “My husband!” She shouted letting her horn flare with its magic. She raised the bloodied body upwards staring to see any sign of life. The faint raising and lowering of his chest gave hope to Diamond. She rushed forth from the cellar door with him in tow with magic, slamming the wooden blockade shut with an errand hind leg. 

The chef took a moment to leave his kitchen to peer into the hall that Diamond had gone down. When he saw the state that Gold Mine was in, he fled out the front door before the mare and stallion could first. “Driver! Get the carriage ready!” The chef shouted waving two hooves at the earth pony. “Gold Mine is hurt! Hurry!” 

The driver was preparing to depart for his home in Fillyton when the chef came rushing out. The Earth Pony only shrugged reattaching him self to the harness of the carriage. Whatever had happened he wasn't about to stand around and ask questions especially when he saw the sight of Gold and Diamond coming from the home. The bloodied body of Gold was much more then anything the driver had seen. No pony could have survived something like that, he believed, but he wasn't paid to say things like that. The chef reached with his hooves up pulling the door open allowing Diamond and then Gold to come within its confines. Once secured, the driver sped off towards the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The glow of Eclipse's horn dissipated leaving behind the broken half on her head. The shards around her turned to mist floating from existence. The filly trembled staring again down at her hooves once Gold and Diamond had left her alone once more. She was covered in her father's blood. Eclipse knew not how all of this unfolded. The final memories she had before waking to find her father in such a state was the pain from her horn breaking.

Her horn breaking. A tired hoof raised feeling the jagged points of the splintered mass. Wings faltered laying flat against her body. She felt exhaustion take its toll finally leaving her to collapse against her side. Eye lids fell over glowing eyes succumbing to the needed slumber of unconsciousness. Her mind drifted away form this horrible place. She no longer smelled blood, any any pain she still felt was no longer tickling her nervous system.

“How is it you are here?” 

Eclipse heard the voice of a mare tickle at her ears. The cold of the stone floor was no longer felt, instead it was replaced by a warmth. Glowing eyes opened gradually finding her self in a place she had never been before. The ground beneath her was a pathway of stars. Each tiny dot illuminated and sparkled casting the tiniest warmth. Around her was a sea of rock and gray. This place felt peaceful but a sense of confinement was very real. She finally looked to who spoke to her in front of her as she raised onto all fours. Gray blue hair fell partially over her left eye when she turned her head. Her mouth parted in a silent awe amazed at what she saw. 

The mare before her was a magnificent sight. It was the Mare in the Moon herself. Her coat, a polished black, reflected the stars light, light blue hoof guards set onto each of her legs, and a purple dipped blue helmet rested on her head running down the base of her muzzle. The mare's mane was a beautiful sight mimicking the night sky perfectly in its entirety. Her wings were larger then normal Pegasus and her horn was longer than most unicorns. She was how Eclipse had envisioned her from the pictures and the books, a larger version of her doll. “I...I...” She stammered unable to contemplate a proper response.

“Do not be afraid, child, of course I know who you are. Have you forgotten the many nights we spoke?” The Mare in the Moon raised an elegant eyebrow in curiosity to the withdrawn motions Eclipse made. 

“N..No. I remember you Ni..Ni..Nightmare Moon.” Eclipse smiled as bright as the stars beneath her, scampering forward without regret to nuzzle at the mare's leg. She felt safe suddenly. Her worries of her horn no longer there and the condition of her father no longer bared her trouble. Eclipse had always seen Nightmare as a silhouette but never as a breathing alicorn. Since as far back as little Eclipse could remember she saw the mare. After Blueberry left, it was the single comfort she had left.

“This is good child. Now, what happened to you?” Nightmare Moon whispered returning the affectionate nuzzle with one of her own. Carefully, as not to smother Eclipse, she lowered resting against bent legs. Eclipse shifted to the left when Nightmare lowered then came back again to her side when she raised her wing offering the foal a place to rest. Nightmare's normally dark stare offered one of sympathy until she saw the gleam off Eclipse's broken horn. “Child, your horn.”

Eclipse raised her hoof up feeling the shattered remains on her forehead. She did not dare speak of what occurred. The sensation of being held down, a hoof cracking her horn apart, then finding her self covered in her father's blood. Blood. Eclipse looked down at her self. It all seemed to be gone from her. Maybe in this place, it never occurred? The reminder of the events were in her horn, though. “I can't sa..sa..say.” 

“Child, I have never been short with you but if you are not honest with me.” Nightmare moon warned gazing down to Eclipse's glowing eyes.

The foal swallowed hard forcing her fears down into her belly. Butterflies danced and placed putting her in turmoil “I did som..som..something bad to Daddy again. He said he wou..wou..would stop it.” The words choked out from her mouth. Tears fell down in twin rivers glistening from the starlit road. “I... I don't know what ha..ha..happened next but he was hu..hurt.” Eclipse's chest hurt remembering the sight of her father. His mangled and lacerated body barely alive in front of her. Every groan he had made resurfaced torturing her ears. 

“Ssh.” The mare in the moon quieted the foal. Nightmare had felt something strange when she first found her self spiritually out of her prison near Eclipse. Something in the back of her mind reminded her of a mare in the old. She too had glowing eyes and mismatched wings. Whenever Nightmare Moon tried to remember this mare, she felt a bitter hatred tingle her senses. Her thoughts retreated to Celestia and her plans that would come to fruition in eight short years. After she brought Equestria to enternal night, she would free her little friend. Eclipse's parents would understand fear then.

Eclipse yawned softly resting her head against Nightmare's side. Just as soon as she fell into slumber there, she awoke again back in a nightmare. Glowing eyes opened wide finding her self back in the dank cellar. Night had fallen over Equestria. Stumbling to stand, Eclipse looked over her self in the soft glow of the magic rocks she used for lit. The blood splatter on her coat remained but now dried. She had to get cleaned up if she wanted to feel better again. Unbeknownst to Eclipse, her cutie mark had changed color when nightfall had come. What was once black was now white, and white now black. 

Once clean and dry, Eclipse checked up the stairs to see if any food had been left for her. Even after the events of the day a cold meal waited for her to eat. It was a simple meal of grass, wheat, and dandelions. She ate what she could leaving the rest at the top of the stairs. Eclipse went to occupy her bed again even if she couldn't sleep. She still saw the image of her father's bloodied body laying in front of her and wished she didn't have to see it anymore. She wanted to be back with Blueberry or even with the delusion she had earlier. Anything would have been better than this prison.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Six months passed with the seasons changing, lives moving on, and past sins laying in wait to be prosecuted. Gold Mine had been in a coma for these passing months. The wounds he had sustained took a terrible toll on his body. He awoke in the middle of the night to find him self in a warm, white room. No longer was he at his manor where he thought his end had finally come. Several days passed since his waking and his doctor finally came around to tell him of his situation.

“Mr. Mine, the damage you sustained was remarkable at best. It managed to miss all major arteries and organs but only seemed to cut tendons, nerves, and muscle. I was amazed when---.” 

The unicorn doctor was cut off by a limp hoofed wave of Gold Mine's forearm. “I am thrilled my injuries amaze you, doctor,” Gold Mine spoke in a flat pan tone. “Now, tell me what damage was done if anything permanent.” 

The doctor scowled for a moment lifting a medical chart with his magic to view. He had more to say but decided to cut straight to what Gold wanted to know. “You have partial paralysis of the body. While you have lost feeling sensations in your right foreleg and left hind leg, you can still move them. But, the more stress you place on them the more likely they will stop functioning for a short period of time.” The doctor cleared his throat looking towards Gold Mine. The brown coated stallion was not looking at the physician but instead out at the window. “Your magic seems to gave been damaged somehow as well from what our tests show. If you use too much at once you may find your entire body paralyzed for a moment. Now, your wife is here to see you and I have to make a call to the Sheriff. He told me to contact him when you woke.” The doctor nodded his head then turned do the door. His magic swinging it open allowing Diamond Mine to enter first, and the doctor to leave.

Gold Mine finally looked back to the door to his wife. She looked far different then when he last saw her. Her mane was growing back into its beautiful, clear color it had before, her body seemed tighter, and trimmed, and her eyes healthy and young. “Oh Gold,” she whispered trotting quickly to her husband sides. Her forelegs raised resting against the bed next to him moving to wrap her hooves around one of his. He averted his gaze now to return to the window. 

Diamond hissed low from tongue against the top of her mouth. “Six months I spent by your side not knowing if you would wake up or not. Six months I worked with our lawyers over the accident, juggling funds to keep them from being frozen from fines and lawsuits, and because you chose to all these years, I even kept the little monster fed and alive.” Her cheeks flushed red. She was furious at the actions her husband decided to take. “I took care of my self and brought my beauty back without you and I'm still here.” 

“You're right.”

“What?” She spoke pulling her self from the bed stomping several feet away. “Yes I am right.” 

“For these past eight years I have neglected, blamed, and shunned you.” The golden haired stallion twisted his neck to bring his head and eyes to face his wife once more. “Because of 'it' I almost perished. As I laid there bleeding I thought of the time I wasted. When I woke it occurred to me that if I had only spent that time with you, the six months wouldn't have happened.” 

Diamond turned swiftly with a tremble running down her spine. She trotted back besides the stallion that she loved looking into his eyes seeking truth to what he said. The sincerity that she saw let blissful tears fall down her cheeks. “Oh Gold.” She whispered clutching onto her husband with her forelegs around his neck. 

Gold raised one hoof to rub down Diamond's back. “I will make this all up to you, but first,” His voice, stern, spoke directly to her ear in a whisper, “Has anything been investigated about my injuries? The sheriff is supposed to come ask me questions of it soon.” 

The mare shook her head, leaning back enough to look at her husband's face. “Some, but I the maid clean the blood around the cellar door up and told him I did not see the attackers. He's convinced it happened near the back door to the gardens.” She brought a hoof back brushing the tears from her eyes. “The mine accident, though, the lawyers are pushing to keep it from going to court. Twenty one ponies died in the mines. We've stopped them from investigating the others but the one is under guard by the Royal Guard themselves.” 

“First things will be first, my love. I will tell the sheriff I recognized the guards from the mine. Workers who were angry and came after me. Contact the Griffon, Handy Candy and tell him to meet me at the Manor in two days. Once this is all over, we're going to go on a vacation that will make Princess Celestia jealous.” Gold assured his wife bringing her close to him for an impassioned kiss. 

Through the rest of the day the loving couple talked, spoke with the sheriff, and discussed their future. Into the wee hours of the night, Gold was still awake looking down at his wife asleep besides him. Half her body on the bed with the other half sitting on the ground. Even in their older ages, Diamond still acted younger then he. His eyes traced down over his body. He was covered in scars everywhere but his neck and head. He would do well to hide these behind clothes he believed. He smiled then. He had this all planned out in such short time. His wife, while intelligent enough to handle affairs while he was gone, would never be the wiser to the things he was going to do to get his fortune back. Diamond was crucial and her role was set. His hoof came down brushing along her clear mane. “Sleep well, my love, all will be fine soon enough.” He smiled a wicked desire coming to him. He would rebuild. 




> Save Your Self
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gold Mine's doctor had insisted that he remain hospitalized until he finished his physical therapy. He ignored the warnings choosing to leave the very next day after sharing a new sense of devotion to Diamond. During his absence, Diamond had hired a maid to come daily instead of weekly, his wife informed him that to keep Eclipse in line she had threatened to bring her brother right to her to be executed should she hear anything from the cellar, and for Eclipse to remain in her bedroom during each meal hour as not to be seen when the chef brought her food. Through most of the first week, Gold met with a female Griffon in his study every day. He hired a nurse through the griffon, made arrangements with his attorneys, and information from the doctor. He hired a personal nurse to come each day to assist him with the tasks he no longer could and to give some therapy to his muscles. He'd be back to his old self, as much as he could, as quickly as he could. 

An autumn yellow colt waited besides the door inside of Gold's study. He wore a simple white lab coat to his waist to not hide his cutie mark of rolled bandage tape. The pony was muscular and fit giving the argument that he was more ponyguard than actual nurse. “Mr. Gold. I advise that you do not smoke while you are taking your medications.” The colt snorted away a puff of smoke that came close to his muzzle.

As he did before he had suffered his time in the hospital, Gold Mine was relaxing in his large, plush chair. What magic he could use was wrapped around his cigar keeping it between his lips. His mane was buzzed down shorter than he liked to have it. The hospital kept his appearance up for him and didn't bother to ask his wife what to do. Much of the pigmentation of his normally golden blonde hair  was dulled into a whiter color. It was suspected that the damage to his magic was the key cause. New clothing was ordered specialty made. Despite the lack of popularity for stallion pants, Gold had multiple pairs ordered from common fabrics to fancy slacks. He wanted to keep as much of the scarring away from the sight of other ponies. Braces were placed on each of his limbs to aid in their movements. Should he seize up, they would act as a method for him to stay standing or lower down without injury. Gold Mine hated them. “I am paying you to help with my therapy, not with my medications or my pleasures. Now, you don't need to be at the gym is twenty six minutes so when my colleague arrives go make yourself a protein shake.” 

As if on cue, the feathered knocking of a griffin thumped the door. The nurse grunted his discontent twisting his hooves and body to open the door for the guest. He excused him self giving a quick glance to the griffin. The nurse snickered softly under his breath bringing a ire from the bird creature.

Handy Candy was unusual as far as griffins went. She was barely over 4 feet tall, had her feathers tattooed over to create a cutie mark of a piece of bubble gum. Her appearance was hard and tough, jaw slacked, and her feathers combed back on her head. To further show how unusual she was, her other feathers had been painted with a dark pink tone. She didn't waste time coming to one of the two chairs that Gold had for those he met with. “Alrigh', Boss, iffin ye gat anymo' of those ponies that needs tah beh taken care of tell meh now so I con git it intah action, eh?” The mangled and gibberish speech always hurt Gold's ears.

“Handy Candy my good griffon. Actually yes, I do have more work for you.” Gold brought his hooves together gingerly rubbing them upon themselves. First,” His magic swirled from his horn pulling the door of his study closed. The exertion of magic to his cigar and the door pierced needles into his brain. He brought one hoof over cradling his head. “As you are aware. I told the sheriff my attackers work for me. Just in case they do not find the true culprits, I want you to plant some evidence. You used to sell funny candy to the foals at schools, put some of that in their belongings. The inspectors as well. I want their reputation ruined.” Thick smoke was pulled into his lungs with a pained breath. “Basically, just do what you do, only worse, to small competitors.”

“Wut ell, boss? Gotta kep brinin' tat up do ya?” The griffin crossed her wings across her dark pink feathered chest. “Sellin tah the foals is much behind me, ya?” Handy Candy leaned forward resting her left elbow against the desk's top. “But I get what ya sayin now, ya? Git this done and it goes smoothly for ya, then I git to git paid.” Her right eye winked in Gold's direction. “Now, wot you say I get this done soon?” 

“I was hoping you would. Also,” Gold glanced down in front of him across his desk. A fore hoof moved forward pushing an envelope across the desk towards Handy's direction. “This is a certificate I'm sure you will enjoy. Unicorn magic at its finest will ensure your feathers always grow out that,” his voice reeked of sarcasm but the griffin wouldn't know the difference, “Beautiful pink.” 

For a griffon that wanted to be a pony this was a dream of a life time. The envelope was scooped up with much glee and giggling tearing it open to reveal the embossed certificate. It was good for one magic dying for a doctor that Handy Candy could barely pronounce. Tears swelled in her eyes at the delight of finally having one of her long time dreams coming true. “Ah don' ye worry, boss, Ell get em before ye can coll the nos papel.” The griffin shot up onto her talons twisting around to return to the door of the study. Her free hand was raised giving a wave back to her employer. “I'll 'end a note when the deed is done, ya? 

Gold Mine waved off the griffin before shuffling papers set before him. Plans for renovating mines, catering for a party celebrating the Hearths Warming Eve celebration, and a life insurance policy. The policy slid beneath Gold's hoof drawing his eyes to the writing. It was dated thirty years ago a week after Diamond and him were married. The policy began as a five hundred thousand bit policy raising a hundred thousand bits every five years. A malicious grin curled over his lips pulling his cigar to set the red stained tip upwards. “Oh my dear wife. With my self being the soul beneficiary of all of her property, rightfully claiming my own back then, she's worth more dead then she is alive.” Another heavy puff of smoke escaped his nostrils permeating the room with the cancerous cloud. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

During the light hours when she could sleep, Eclipse had found a new escape from her prison. Every time she was able to she no longer dreamed of being outside of her stone cell but instead was among the stars. The foal was safe to play, sing, and enjoy warmth again in Nightmare Moon's confinement. Nightmare Moon and Eclipse would talk for the hours that she slept, exchanging stories from the books the little filly read or stories of old Nightmare would tell. Eclipse felt a safety in Nightmare Moon's presence she only felt before with Blueberry. 

Eclipse's waking hours were not as pleasant. She stayed awake for breakfast and lunch making sure she didn't miss those meals. Dinner was always left for her and the dishes picked up the following morning so it didn't matter when she ate it. Most of her meals were light and rarely anything other then alfalfa, lettuce, carrots, and nuts; mostly foods to keep her from suffering from extreme malnutrition. She never saw Gold or Diamond since that fateful day. Save for Nightmare Moon, Eclipse saw no one of the outside world. Every book she had was read a dozen times over, every text book had the problems and questions solved, and crayons and writing utensils long gone. The silhouette of Nightmare came during the time she was awake. It always seemed drawn to her presence.

The time Eclipse spent with Nightmare Moon became more intense as the years went by. Nightmare seemed to become possessively protective of the young foal. Nightmare ranted some nights explaining that when the ruler of the night returned to Equestria her sister and the Mine Family would pay dearly for the deeds they have committed. Every year closer to the one thousandth year saw the Mare in the Moon becoming more fanatical, but something kept her remaining soothing and comforting to Eclipse. This never seemed to bother the filly. She took it all with a smile believing nothing would ever come of it.

Eclipse rarely knew what day it was in the week or what month it was. She only seemed to understand when two specific holidays occurred; Hearth Warming Eve and Summer Sun Festival. Eclipse would wait up through the night listening to the music, quietly dancing with Nightmare's silhouette, and singing along when the merriment upstairs turned to it. When the guests could be heard leaving, and the excitement died down, Eclipse would wait at the bottom of the cellar stairs, eagerly hoping that someone would bring her a treat or even a snack from the party. Each time she was disappointed, returning to bed to sleep away her sadness. 

This life was something no pony should ever have to go through, but it wouldn't last forever.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Twelve cycles this year had passed since Eclipse's birth. Gold and Diamond Mine lived their lives with a new passion for love and life. They held parties during the holidays, took vacations to tropical and luxurious locals, and made plans for their golden years. Far from the activities of central Equestria and far from the plights and perils, a newly married couple enjoyed the warmth of their bodies pressed together. 

Birds of paradise sang the opening tunes to the waking day. Celestia's sun brimmed over the horizon offering an orange glow over the tropical paradise of Neighwaii. A chain of islands in the ocean west of Equestria. Each island held tropical climate, white sandy beaches, clear water rivers and falls, and ocean water sparkling as the night. Many ponies went on their honeymoons and vacations here far away from their troubles and woes. It had been said that Celestia had a hidden home away from home tucked away somewhere on the islands. Ponies spent time and money buying fake maps and searching for the fabled lodgings. 

Besides the beach a pair of newly weds spooned their bodies together. Iron Mind held his new bride from behind not daring to let any space come between them. His forelegs tightly came just above her waist. Iron's eyes had been opened since the birds had first began to sing for the day. He lied awake watching his beloved sleep after their night of passion. Warm gaze never moved from her. He admired everything about her, especially the extent she went to win him over. Iron Mind tilted his head back quickly enough for his black mane to be withdrawn from his face. He wished not to have his vision distorted as he watched her, his wife, Split Atom. 

Split Atom's body laid nestled against Iron with her back to him. A light bed sheet of white wrapped around their joined forms. A glistening layer of sweat twinkled when the sun's rays hit them. She was a unicorn of exceptional intelligence. Often frightening or putting off others around with how well she could remember things or how fast she could calculate mathematical equations. Candy apple red mane, cut short barely hung half down down her neck. The mare's coat was beautiful a sunset orange, darker than her mane. Her cutie mark resembled an Atom with a beaker at its center. She was a scientist employed by Celestia's energy commission for finding new methods of delivering energy to the small towns. 

The two of them met during a science convention held at the Castle. Iron Mind had taken his duty directly protecting Princess Celestia as she toured to each booth. When Split Atom first approach the two, they were taken back when she gushed questions out to Iron instead of her Majesty. She questions ran from the color of his mane, to the sign he was born under, all the way to his grades in school. Iron Mind had dismissed it all at the time as confusion of her believing the armored colt was a scientist instead of a soldier despite his obvious appearance. Several days had passed and he saw the mare again, this time she was questioning other guards while her magic held a quill and paper jotting down the information. Iron Mind later learned she was collecting data on him. 

Events like this went on for several months. Iron Mind found items in his room missing, then returned days later, photographs were randomly taken by photographers while he went on patrols or in the streets, guards spoke of shadows following where ever Iron Mind went, and blank parchments came delivered to him at random times of the day. The guard captain found him self perplexed and paranoid that this obsessive behavior would become more dangerous as things went by. 

His worries exploded into flames igniting a wild fire of catastrophic fear the day he came to the throne room to find Split Atom speaking with the Princess. The Princess' eyes that day were filled with laughed and she held a hoof to her mouth as she chortled out the simple command. “You are to accompany, Miss Atom, on a date.” Iron's silver coat could have been confused with snow white in despair. He wondered how the Princess could do such a thing to the captain. Despite everything, the date went better than he had anticipated. Her charm, intelligence, and lack of regard for subtly when dealing with rude individuals won the captain over quickly. 

The night of the marriage proposal was unique as they occurred. In the middle of a meeting with the other guards, Split Atom forced her way in carrying a small, velvet box with her magic near her. She approached straight to Iron and began her speech. It was something he didn't believe he could forget. 

“After much testing and taking notes, I have determined that our compatibility is within the ninety five to ninety eight range. This is sufficient for marriage. A projection of our yearly income shows we can support a family of our selves plus four to five foals comfortably. Personality comparisons, DNA checking, and magic strength show our offspring will be among the strongest and the brightest. Furthermore, we share strong emotions to one another that would suffice for marriage.” The velvet box opened revealing a man's engagement ring fit for the lower portion of one's horn. Split's magic circled it pulling it upwards then straight down Iron Mind's horn to let it fit snugly near its base. “Lastly, if you say no, Princess Celestia has give me her support. Good day, Fiance.” 

To the covered snickers and held back laughter of the other guards, Iron Mind was simply standing there in shock. He had his own plans to propose to her but this was never expected. Once Split had left, the chorus of laughter in the room was deafening.

Now, months later, the two were married and on their honeymoon. “Darling, since you woke up two hours ago you have blinked an average of seventeen thousand, two hundred eighty telling me that you have been focusing on something.” Split spoke with a soft, monotone voice. She remained where she was nestled back against her lover. 

“Oh? And how did you come up with that number?” Iron quizzically asked leaning forward to gently peck his lips on her furred neck. 

“The average adult blinks three to four times per minute when focused, and you have been awake three hours.” The reply came with a  confident win over the stallion.

“You caught me. And here I thought you were sleep.” His forelegs shifted drawing to turn Split around to face him. He brought his face down to her's drawing their lips in a sensual, loving dance of their tongues. 

The mare drew her self back, gasping for air and to cease the quick thumping of her heart. “I woke when you did, but I was curious to what my husband might do while I slept.” Her horn glowed softly pulling the swinging doors from the window to let the warm breeze blow in. “It seems you enjoy fixating on me.” 

“How can I not?” The smile on his face could melt the ice of winter. He adored the mare in his arms. Every day they spent together he found something else that fascinated him self about her. He tipped his head a bit, relaxing his horn against her's. “And do not worry, work is far from my mind.”

“Good,” Split spoke warningly, “If you do Princess Celestia will make you retake me on a honeymoon and you'll miss more work.” 

Iron Mind thought back to their wedding. The few friends he had there were fellow guards and the rest were from Split Atom's side. Princess Celestia had even been there volunteering to act as their priest when they performed their vows. It was a beautiful ceremony in the Castle Gardens. Before the pair left for Neighwaii, the Princess gave a quiet warning to Iron Mind and spoke loud enough for Split Atom to hear. Celestia warned that if Iron tried to think about his duty, or contact the castle to find out how things were, she would force him to take an immediate second honeymoon to make up for it. 

The stallion again gazed down at his loving wife. Iron Mind had finally found a sense of calm he never knew. His family no longer haunted his mind for he found the love he had always sought after. Iron was suddenly caught off guard when Split pushed her hooves to his shoulders pinning him to the bed. She rolled her body on top of his letting their hips meet. 

“Time for round two my husband.” The dagger like smile cut into him telling of the naughty thoughts running through her mind. Iron simply smiled. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

In the eight years since Gold Mine suffered from karmic retribution, he had gained better control over his weakened muscles. No longer did he feel a snake's vice grip squeezing his flesh causing him to cringe in pain just to leave his bed. Golden waves of wheat gold showered from his mane over his firm shoulders. He wore clothing at any time he wasn't alone with Diamond. Even in the time he had to heal, the scars were a constant reminder of his perceived weakness. His inability to control Eclipse in that time through shear strength and abuse had clouded his mind causing a rift in his self confidence. 

As Gold Mine and Diamond Mine stood before a crowd of onlookers in Fillyton, he felt he had gained what he had lost back. The wealthy mine owner stood on a wooden deck overlooking the crowd of ponies. Behind him a large object stood beneath a cotton white blanket. His front hooves pressed against the creaky wooden podium pulling him self on braced, wobbly hind legs. His tail lashed back behind him blown lightly by the breeze. He smiled a cutthroat expression laying down his superiority over the common rabble. “My fellow Equestrians! On this Summer's Eve Festival I am proud to present a present a for my fellow citizens. Eight years ago I suffered a ruthless attack by those wanting to take advantage of my generosity, but thanks to all of you and your effort to find those responsible the three attackers are now in Celestia's Dungeon!” The resounding applause of hooves pounding against the ground could outmatch a marching band on the streets during a parade. “And so on this beautiful night before the longest day, I present to you this gift!” He raised both of his hooves to the sky as magic from worker unicorns withdrew the blanket from behind him.

The gift was a statue of a special marble. It was carved as Princess Celestia with her front hooves raised high rearing back her body in a gallant pose. The statue was designed to turn in the direction that the sun and moon was in the sky. It represented Princess Celestia's daily gift to pony kind. The marble was a soft white magnifying the glow of the moon and soon the sun when it raised the following morning. Diamond moved up besides her husband wrapping her forelegs around his right foreleg. He smiled to her, and she to him with a love that could defy nature. Gold leaned down placing the softest of kisses to her cheek, yet his eyes strayed to the crowd. 

Within the crowd Gold watched a single mare, her name Esstee Dee. The mare was known around Fillyton for her many affairs with both fillies and colts alike. A pear green coat and earthen colored mane adorned with a single side braid over her right side. Her cutie mark was simple in explaining what she did; three shattered red hearts. A long time affair they had been sharing beneath Diamond's very nose. Gold chuckled lightly waving off the crowd to join the festivities, parties, and refreshments on what would soon be the longest day of the year. Little did any of them know that this night would be the longest night they would ever experience. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

It was the sixteenth year of Eclipse's life. Despite her circumstances, she had aged beautifully within the dank, dark hollow. Her mane took on a new appearance within the past year. The blue gray became crystalline in appearance shimmered a star's dancing glow. It fell in a wave fashion crossing down the left side of her face covering her eye. Moonlit orbs became more vibrant, alluring in even the most innocent of mannerisms Eclipse did. Yet, even covered by her mane it still shinned through the veil.  Even inclosed in the small quarters, Eclipse practiced hard to keep her wings strong each and every day. Exercises included hovering in place, sweeping dust away from her worn furniture, and creating a breeze during the heat. Eclipse's magic didn't seem diminished even with her broken horn. Telepathy was still the major focus of her studies, as it was for many unicorns. Finally, the filly's body had grown from being a goal but she still remained smaller than most mares. Petite and slender with a coat of slate storm cloud gray. She had finally reached her adulthood. 

In the year before the coming one thousandth year of the Summer Sun Festival, Nightmare Moon had changed. The Mare in the Moon had turned her thoughts, her rants, and her passion towards her coming freedom. Torrents of magic radiated an enigma of hate and malcontent for the ponies of Equestria. Eclipse never was able to get a word in edge wise. She was cut off from being able to talk down Nightmare by being reminded of the wrath of her father and insinuating that many of the other ponies would view her the same as they did Nightmare. Even with the cruel words, she assured Eclipse that things would be better once she was freed. Nightmare Moon seemed to understand Eclipse better then Eclipse did herself. A thought always came back to her; what did Nightmare Moon know about her that she did not know her self?

The night before the Summer Sun Festival, Nightmare Moon made a final promise to Eclipse when she came to her Moonlit Prison. “I will free you.” A feeling of dread and insecurity built inside a cage of courage and hope. Eclipse ignored the music above. She was more focused on awaiting the time that she could be rid of this place. Her bedroom would be the final place she chose to be in. On her haunches she sat watching the upper window eagerly. If Nightmare Moon succeeded the sun would not rise and she would never see the moon pass down to rest again. 

In another place on this night, in the fabled Everfree Forest, a group of five ponies just barely older than Eclipse fought to restore balance to Equestria. The Power of Friendship fueled the Elements of Harmony and banished the darkness from Nightmare Moon's heart. Disbelief clouded moon lit eyes with sorrowful droplets when she saw the moon came down into view of her window. The image of the Mare was washed away from the surface. Nightmare's imprisonment had ended, but the eternal night and safety from Eclipse's own prison seemed to continue. 

Grudgingly, with hope lost to her, Eclipse trotted on heavy hooves to her bed. Her two dolls of Nightmare Moon and Celestia, and her red rock were pulled close to her with magic then held by her forelegs. Filthy and stained blanket was drawn up close to her with her cracked horn's power covering her slender form. An uneasy slumber overtook her wondering if when she would awaken next, would she be on the moon again. The last breaking of her heat could be mended and some hope returned.

In a jolt of energy Eclipse sat up. She would be on the moon as whenever she fell asleep before. She'd see Nightmare Moon's loving face greeting her back to this place. Cold reality sent shivers through her body. She had not returned to the star lit roads and galaxy sky that she was used to. Sheets slid down her quaking form resting at the base just above her tail. Her wings and ears drooped in unison finding she was at the same place she fell asleep in. The faded walls reminded her of the hopelessness of her situation. Twinkling locks fell blanketing her face when she dropped back down to the bed. Tears did not fall as the last portion of her heart melted away. There were none left after sixteen years of torment and shattered memories. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

Equestria had survived another land altering battle six months prior. Discord, freed from his stone prison, was returned by the same six ponies that stopped Nightmare Moon. The chaos that changed the land scape was banished bringing forth peace to nature and pony alike. Gold Mine had found a new profit in the problems that occurred. Under an alternative business name, he sold amulets that would ward away the dangerous that ponies faced in the past two years. The investigation into the mine accident turned him in his favor when 3 pony workers were convicted of assaulting him, and a number of the inspectors were caught with illegal substances. The courts found Gold Mine less responsible than  was anticipated forcing only minor fines and making him repair equipment and purchased new supports for the mines. It was a little loss that he recovered with the sales from his amulets to gullible ponies. 

In the late evening, the Mine's carriage came in front of their property. The driver promptly removed the harness to rush to the carriage door. Teeth bit down against the handle withdrawing it back allowing the rider inside safe passage from the compartment. Diamond stepped down, forelegs first, magic decorating her bags with a faint, brown aura behind her. Another successful shopping expenditure in Canterlot and her arrival back by train. She paid no mind to the driver, no thanks, or even a courtesy smile, just brushed him aside to go to her home. 

The driver scoffed once Diamond was with in the walls of the manor. He had long hated this job since twelve years prior. These were not good ponies. His driver caps was tipped forward with his right hoof pressing to its tip. He was finished with his business here. Turning with his back to the manor, he galloped straight away to return to Fillyton. A ping of hunger was his adrenaline to reach home sooner.

“Gold! I'm home!” Diamond's voice sounded harmonic with a cheery disposition. The mare dropped her bags at the sides of the door. The maid would take care of them in the morning when she arrived. “Gold?” Diamond questioned now wondering why no answer was coming. She felt a prickling in her hooves, worry and doubt stinging at her mind. Gradually, she made her way to the second floor. She did not smell the usual cigar she would from the direction of Gold's study. 

A sound she did hear. Her head twirling in the direction of the stairs to their bedroom. Her ears stood erect, it was the voice of a mare she heard. It couldn't been a mare, Diamond just wouldn't believe it. “Gold, darling, I bought some new socks for you to take off me with your teeth.” The voice upstairs silenced. Each trot up the stairs echoed loudly in Diamond's ears. A deafening sound as her heart beat faster and faster. The door to the bedroom was swung open with a gust of unicorn magic. “Gold!” She shouted startled at what she saw.

Gold Mine was tucked partially beneath the sheets of his marital bed. Magic held a cigar characteristically in the right corner of his mouth. His forelegs crossed defiantly over his chest helping to define the cruel smirk resting on his lips. “Didn't expect you home tonight, my dear.” A throaty chuckle rumbled from his shaking chest. “Seems the cat is out of the bag.”

Besides him, trying to hide some modesty and dignity, was a mare that Diamond had only seen in passing. Pear green coat, and frazzled brunette mane. A tinge of red singed her cheeks her hooves curling at the ankles drawing the white bed sheet higher up her body. “Having your wife join in will be extra.” Her voice nasally whined glaring at the stallion besides her. “Got anymore coltcaine?” Mumbles left her mouth as she lazily fell down against all four hooves out of the bed. 

“How long as this been going on?! And why in our bed?” The feelings of disgusted and disbelief began to awaken sensations in her she had long pushed aside. Diamond could feel it festering. The weakness she had after Eclipse's birth. The way her body broke down and Gold abandoned her. Her right fore hoof pressed to her chest. “Were these eight years a lie then? When you swore things were better? Things had changed?” Her voice began to raise higher in tone drawing ire from Gold in the form of a glare. 

Both Gold and Diamond's attention was broken by the bathroom door opening. A burst of steam rolled out fogging the area. “I gotta say, Mistah Gold, you sure do know how to give me rump a good bu...” It was a colt in his mid twenties. A towel wrapped around his waist, and a towel wrapped around each of his wings. A Pegasus pony with a coat of beige stood bewildered there glancing between Gold and Diamond. “I can tell a bad scene when I see one, hey Esstee, maybe we should...” he trailed off nodding his head to the door behind Diamond. His mane was sky blue, at least it was now. At the roots one could make out the cotton candy pink. Perhaps the colt changed it to be rid of some of the more rude ponies comments. The towels were shrugged off, falling in piles around him, when he darted for the door to the stairs. His cutie mark was visible. It was similar to Esstee Dee's but instesd depicted a broken home. He'd read enough pony fiction to know what would happen next. 

“Yes, you do that.” Gold spoke motioning with a hoof for Esstee to follow the Pegasus. “And Syphcoltis,” The stallion added watching in a mild amusement as Esstee stumbled after the colt tripping over her own hooves to slide down each bumpy step. “If you want to keep your supply coming, you will not speak of the transgressions here.” 

Syphcoltus felt a chill and departed after Esstee. His head moved rolling beneath her body to hoist her to his back. She wouldn't make the trip back to Fillyton on her own, Syph knew this, it was his duty to make sure they both got back. Gold had threatened death to them both when Esstee nearly hurt her self leaving his property several weeks prior. Gold wanted nothing to connect those two to his estate. 

“Yes, it is exactly as it looks, my dear Diamond, but could you really expect me to stay with you this entire time?” Gold questioned raising a scruffy brow to his flabbergasted wife. “You've grown old, and they are young, willing to do anything and everything that you wouldn't.” He breathed in the cancerous smoke deep into his lungs. The smell and feeling was luxurious to his worn body. “Now, get out while I get cleaned up. You'll get over it.”

Diamond's eyes did not follow the two ponies when they fled the scene of this marriage collision. “After you suffered, those six months I pulled my self back from the brink. I turned my self beautiful again knowing it would help you when you woke and now you do this to me?” A banshee's scream would have been silenced with Diamond's voice. Her front hooves stomped a temper tantrum against the ground. “I took blame for the accident from you! I hid your money! I did it all because you said you loved me!” Her horn glowed brown with the magic she was building up. Yet, when she saw the look of indifference on Gold's face, her anger seemed to vanish. The only sound that reached her ears before they laid against her mane was the wind brushing against the window. The pupils from her eyes seemed to vanish becoming lifeless pools. Her tail hung low when she turned away from her husband. The laughter that began to ring from him played a sad melody in her tired mind. She retreated to the open door and down the steps away from the cruelty. 

The maniacal laughter continued on for sometime. He felt the pure control over his domain. A drug to his senses driving him to want more. His body slid to the edge of the bed, his magic drawing the specialty braces attaching them to each of his calves. The cigar moved with unicorn magic to the ash tray extinguishing the glowing red tip. Careful trots, mindful of his condition, took him to the dresser. Several lines of a rainbow power were lined up neatly over sheets of glass.  His notrels flared when he pressed near the glass, snorting the powder directly into his sinuses. The rush that coursed through him blinded him temporarily in a euphoric ecstasy of colors and sounds. The sensation was robbed from him. A thief in the night stealing a baby's candy. A heavy smell of smoke lurched from beyond the stairs. It was something more than his favored tobacco. A trigger shot off in his mind bringing an energy unlike he had felt before to his legs forcing them to move against their mild paralysis to retreat down the stairs.

A pyromaniacs light show covered the western hall and bellowed smoke from within Diamond's study. Many bottles of wine, that Diamond kept for events, were broken or left empty over the floor. Now it was his turn to hear the song of crazed laughter. Behind him, from his study, the mare's voice called out singing the song of betrayal with each chorus of smashing glass and amused giggles. A tracker hound could have smelled the alcohol being spread through Gold's study, but the stallion could only smell the smoke.

“I hear you, my husband! You fool! You traitor! You coltcoraller!” Gold came to sight with what she had done in such a short time. His box of matches floating in front of Diamond with her magic, she had thrown papers, books, and clothes every which way drenching them in the fine liquid he had collected.  Her magic brought each bottle swinging or pouring the flammable liquids every which way. “Ah my dear husband! Come to me.” Her forelegs raised up to Gold as a match was struck. “ I pulled my self back for you, now you will come and be with me as you promised. We'll burn together and be together. No pony shall keep us apart.” Standing straight, she hobbled towards her, eyes blank, but the smile she had showed the deranged intentions. 

“You harlot! What in Celestia's grace are you doing?” Gold mine shouted stumbling back from his approaching wife. He watched when the match was tossed back away from Diamond. All time seemed to slow to a crawl. The tail of the flame spread down the wooden stick of the match. It landed bouncing twice, twirling in mid air before coming to its final resting place atop an alcohol soaked parchment. The fire spread as a wave over the walls and floors building into a cape of flames behind the insane Diamond. The mare was upon Gold before he could react to the fire. Her forelegs wrapped around him tightly. “Let go of me, mare!” He shouted struggling against her hold.

The crazed mare pressed her lips to her husbands forcing her desire upon him. Gold Mine knew that if he did not break free from her, they would both burn in this place. At first glanced, his eyes twitching to view his surroundings, there was nothing he could use his magic to raise and not feel exerted. One chance was given, on a thick, empty whiskey bottle. “Just you and I, forever in bli--,” Diamond's words were cut short when the glass connected to her skull. Bone shattered leaving fragments spilling from the bottle when it dropped down to the floor. Diamond's eyes rolled back dropping lifelessly away from Gold. 

The stallion panted. A new sensation had brought to him from his sudden defense and the coltcaine still in his system. Her lifeless body at his hooves, his grin cutting through the building smoke to reveal the devil inside him. His braced hooves touched down on Diamond's body. This was close to the ultimate feeling of control: To own someone's death. There was something missing, his distorted mind decided. He could take this feeling a step further. What's better than killing to control someone? Denying them death. Gold knew there was only one possible pony perfect for this; Eclipse. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

The golden haired monster danced within flames while an ice cold pony laid at its feat. It basked in the glory of its burning kingdom until its eyes were set upon Eclipse. A talon hand raised beckoning for the little pony to come towards him. Crimson dripped from the monster's mouth as it moaned laughter,

Eclipse's glowing eyes shot open. She was safe in her bed, nested in the sheets surrounding her entire being. Gray blue twinkles of her hair drifted over her face when she raised her head up. With the moon up, her cutie mark had changed colors; the star was now black, the orb white, and the aura black. A strong scent touched her nostrils forcing her to cough at the disgusting smell. The pony drudged her self from the covers she had nestled her self into. With one hoof in front of the other, she gradually came peering from her bedroom door. A surprise brought her ears to go straight and her wings mimicking in motion. The door was open! No pony laid within her sights and she heard no hooves on the ground. Something swirled inside her chest. Even with the things that had broken her down, hurt her, and driven her to tears, something still burned inside her heart. She made no effort to look twice at this. The saddle bag that Blueberry Pie gave to her during their first escape attempt had been recovered from behind a stack of books. She only needed to bring 3 things with her: her two dolls and the red rock. 

Cautiously with every hoof against the stairs, Eclipse ascended upwards to the wooden deck in front of the door. Empty dishes were left strewn about, not being picked up since dinner had gone. Her neck tilted to the side to peak around the edge of the frame. There was no pony in sight. Everything was a new world for Eclipse. Only twice before had she been able to see beyond her windows or this door. A deep breath for courage and Eclipse stepped out. Her movements were quick as not to sight see or become curious. The main hall was traversed towards quickly finding the source of the smell. Black smoke rolled across the ceiling coating the white paint with soot. She was paralyzed in the middle of the entrance way, staring at the inferno's glow. 

“Ah my dear, precious Cursed Eclipse.” The voice forced Eclipse's attention from the fire to the stallion on the top of the stairs. His brown coat danced with colors of orange and red. His blonde hair flowing with a demonic glow. “How lovely you've grown even being down there. Come, come here to daddy.” The word daddy was spittle out gleefully. His hooves braced for his path downwards towards her. He wouldn't leave his home empty handed. He'd have his little toy. 

The fur of her coat stood on its ends. She took steps back to gain some distance from the ever approaching stallion. Her wings shook on her body reminding her they were there. She glanced to the front door. She knew what she had to do now. Her broken horn glowed brightly sending a funnel of magic power outwards a bright as the sun. The flash broke through the front door rolling it on its hinges outwards for her escape. Pegasus and bat wings danced with magic raising her body off the ground. Eclipse flew faster than she imagined she could go with such a lack of practice. Straight from the entrance until she dropped down onto the grass outside. 

Gold clamped his teeth down hissing. His eyes narrowed when she fled from him out into the open doors. He wouldn't wait for long to go after her. “Cursed Eclipse! Eclipse! You come back here!” He howled clomping his hooves trying to start a gallop. The house around him suffered from the flames. Supports and walls cracked and broke against the flames relentless destruction. “Eclipse!” He screamed aloud as he stood in the doorway. His head shot upwards when the sound of snapping wood was directly above him. Gold scrambled to get form the doorway to escape a fiery tomb. The stallion's mind went weak. His use of magic earlier bringing a strain to his body. His movements hindered, he found him self in a crawl as he collapsed against the paved walkway in front of his home. He twisted his neck to look behind him watching as the snapping wood fell from his home crashing down over the stallion's lower back and legs. 

The teenage filly stopped in her path. A moment of hesitation struck her when she looked behind her seeing the man who sired her laying broken beneath the burning wood. A ping of guilt stung her heart but a sobering realization struck Eclipse. With a heavy feeling in her chest, her stomach churning at the prospects laid before her, the young mare turned galloping as quickly as she could leaving Gold and the burning manor behind her. 

“Eclipse! Eclipse!! Ecccliippsssee!!” His voice went horse screaming at the fleeing mare. His flesh burned beneath the wood. The pain died away as his sensory nerves gave out, unable to feel anything else at all. He looked in the distance in the direction of Fillyton. Vaguely, he could make out the bells from the fire carriage being brought by Earth Ponies, and the shouts of Pegasus ponies bringing clouds for rain. Help would arrive shortly. Gold believed he would live to see another day. So when the claws of fatigue and exhaustion pulled him into the depths of sleep, he went there with a smile.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The glow of the manor and the smell of the black smoke had long since vanished from Eclipse's sight and smell. Her muscles tightened feeling the strain over take her and energy escape. She finally allowed her self to rest collapsing onto a bed of white, flowers. Her wings came to rest against her sides, her ankles drawing beneath her body. Eclipse tilted her head to look around her at her settings. She had no destination in mind nor would she have known where to run to anyhow. 

This was a new episode in her life. Everything brand new and exciting, she had finally escaped from her prison and was set free to go where she chose. Even with the happiness that was growing inside her, she was also terrified of what she would find. Her glowing eyes glanced across the darkness. She could see perfectly in the veil of shadows. On the field of flowers, she was surrounded by trees, enchanted by the song of the crickets, and the breeze was the most wonderful smell she had ever known. With a blanket of the stars and the moon as her pillow, her eye lids fell silencing the glow. Tomorrow would be another day, and her best course of action was sleep. For Cursed Eclipse was now free.