Twilight and her friends arrive on the moon to defeat the Nightmare forces and rescue Rarity, but it was too late as now Rarity has become Nightmare Rarity. She scatters all five of them across the Equestrian world. Now they must find their way back.
Twilight and her friends arrive on the moon to defeat the Nightmare forces and rescue Rarity, but it was too late as now Rarity has become Nightmare Rarity. She quickly strips Twilight and Luna of their magic, and scatters all five of them across the Equestrian world.
Several months have now passed, the once lush colorful lands are now nearly barren under the eternal moonlight. Signs of civil war and deprivation is now spread across all lands. One by one, the mares who fought to save their friend awaken. They must some how make their way back to Ponyville in hopes in re-uniting. The journey will push their emotions and determination to the breaking point; and even if they arrive, what will they do to end Nightmare Rarity’s Reign?
Map source based on vikonaut’s “Where the Worlds Ends” vikonaut.deviantart.com
Story Author & Concept by Ernest “Ultra” Zamora, Jr Original MLP:FiM Comic: “Nightmare Rarity” Story Arc by Heather Nuhfer
Where we lay our scene: Twilight, Luna, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Spike have all confronted the Nightmare Forces on the Nightmare Dreamscape, not far from the Dreamscape Castle in hopes to rescue their friend Rarity. Shadowfright had been trying to convince Luna to return as Nightmare Moon, and they will spare her friends.
Shadowfright creeped behind Luna as he asked once more.
“This is your last chance Luna, before they find out what you let happen...”
Luna stood silently, but inside her eyes you could see her pain, letting the events unfold as Twilight and the rest watched.
“Well my pony friends.” Shadowfright continued as he moved in front of them. ”I can see that we will not be able to make an ... arrangement” he snickered “Luckily, we came prepared and we will get the kingdom we were promised!”
With that, the Nightmare forces gathered all around, swirling together in formation in front of them all. Luna, Twilight and the others couldn’t see what was forming. Suddenly a spark and a sudden blast of air rushed past them clearing the Nightmare forces away.
There stood, a beautiful dark violet mare with luscious purple mane with a white stripe following the full length of her mane.
“Now the elements of harmony are destroyed forever, not just Ponyville will be defenseless, but the entire Equestrian world!” Shadowfright spoke-out as he emerged from the behind the mare.
“Meet your new queen, Nightmare... RARITY!” he exclaimed.
Meanwhile, back at Ponyville.
“Are the preparations almost complete?” Asked Celestia to her assistant. “Whenever the Nightmare forces come, we must be ready!” Her assistant acknowledged and quickly read through her checklist.
Tia could only look back at the moon and reminisce in her thoughts. “...or so I hope we are.”
Suddenly a voice called out to her snapping Celestia out of her thoughts.
“Princess Celestia!”
Tia looked down beside her to see three little fillies Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders reporting for duty!” AppleBloom called out.
Sweetie Belle walked closer to Tia.
“Is there anyway we can help? What about my sister? Will she be okay?” Sweetie Belle asked.
Tia could only force a smile down to them as she covered them with her wing.
“I’m sure your sister’s friends will get her back safely Sweetie Belle. For now, even the smallest ponies can make the biggest difference in a time like this. We must hurry with preparations before-”
Tia stopped mid-sentence as sudden screams and gasps could be heard across Ponyville. She looked up to see a wake of darkness begin to shadow across Ponyville.
“Look! Nightmare Moon is back!” called out a civilian pony.
Tia only had her thoughts “No! My poor sister, has she been forced to be Nightmare Moon once more?” She looked to the moon, but the silhouette of the moon looked different this time.
“It.. that doesn’t look like Luna!” she quietly said to herself.
Back at the Moon.
“That’s very true Shadowfright” Nightmare Rarity said.
“What will you ponies do now that I’m no longer one of you?” she shimmered in delight.
“Without all the elements of harmony, you are all powerless to stop me.” she giggled and smiled at them. “Bit of a pickle, isn’t it?”
All seven of them looked at each other in disbelief.
“Rarity...” Twilight walking forward.
“You have to fight it, please, we know you're still there!” Twilight continued.
“Hmph!” NMR scoffing holding her nose up high
“Do I have to spell it out to all of you? I am Rarity, but the Rarity you all used to know is now gone!” NMR exclaimed.
“Thats not true! We don’t believe you, the real Rarity is still inside. I’m sure of it!” Apple Jack responded.
Nightmare Rarity could only roll her eyes keeping her nose up high.
“Rarity, its Spike.” he said moving closer “You know... your little Spikey-Wikey?” His green eyes slowly filling with tears as he held the red crystal heart to his chest.
“Please, this isn't you, please come back!” Spike could no longer hold back his tears as they flowed past his cheeks.
Nightmare Rarity keeping her nose up she looked down on the crying dragon. Suddenly she felt sadness run through her body.
“Spike...” a thought echoing in her mind.
Soon though, her sadness turned into anger. Closing her eyes tightly.
“ENOUGH!” she yelled as she stood on her hind legs and slamming her front hooves to the lunar surface causing a wake of wind to rush past them.
The Nightmare forces began to once again emerge from the dark shadows of the lunar surface.
“It doesn't matter what you all say! The Equestrian world is mine, and you all will be powerless against it!” she said as the Nightmare forces surrounded her.
“Take‘em down!” she smiled with a glimmer in her eye.
With their command the Nightmare forces surrounded and began attacking, the ponies defending each attack.
Spike could only watch as the rest of ponies struggled to keep their ground. He looked back to Nightmare Rarity, only to see her put her hoof to her mouth and yawn as she rested on-top of a large lunar rock overseeing the fight. He needed to do something. He felt so helpless. He turned back to the fight in front of him, but upon turning back he saw a Nightmare force sneaking up behind Twilight.
“Oh, no you don’t!” He lunged at the force grabbing on to its tail end.
“Let go!” yelled out the Nightmare force.
“No!” Spike cried out holding on to the creatures tail.
The Nightmare force growled “Fine. Have it your way.”
The creature began to spin and with a large flick of its tail whipped Spike off him.
“AAAAHHHHHHH!” Spike yelled as he flew across the landscape toward the Dreamscape Castle.
“Spike!!” Twilight said as she only had time to look back before a Nightmare force enveloped her and held her down.
“This is boring me.” NMR said as she stood up and kicked a small lunar rock to the side.
“It’s time.” She said with a smirk. “Please Rarity... Fight back! This isn't you!” Cried out Twilight
“Please darling, this is all me.” NMR smiled at Twilight as her horn began to glow.
“And believe me...” she continued.
“All of your Nightmares.... have only just begun!” her horn glowed like a vigorous torch, blinding all the ponies from what was about to happen.
Near the Dreamscape Castle grounds.
“Ugh..” said the young dragon as he slowly awoke
“Where am I?” he said as he stood up rubbing his forehead.
“SPIKE!” a voice echoing in his mind
“Twilight!” he looked at his immediate surroundings only to see himself alone.
“Oh man, I hope they are okay. I gotta find them.”
Getting up, he looked once more at his surroundings, at a distance he could see the Dreamscape Castle. He continued to look around trying to find any high ground to look for the others.
“I guess that’s the only place. I don't see anywhere else where I can get a good look to where Twi and the other could be.”
He quickly started making his way to the Dreamscape Castle humming his little tune, but it wasn't too long before the little dragon started to lose steam as he approached the castle grounds.
“Poor Spike..” he huffed
“He ran all day... he ran so long...” his legs dragging as he slowed to a crawl
“He lost his... way...” exhausted, he fell to the ground.
Taking his rest, he heard something strange surround him. Oddly enough, he looked at his arms and saw what looked like one eye slugs making squeaky sounds. He looked around him and saw several more coming towards him. Looking at the ones in his arms, they seemed to be peaceful as they weren't attacking him.
“Huh, aren't you guys cute?” he smiled at them. The slugs with no mouth could make a happy gesture with their eyes.
“You guys wouldn't know where I’m at would ya?” he asked.
The slugs looked at each other questionably, but in unison with their tails pointed behind Spike.
Spike raised an eyebrow as he turned around, and saw the large castle and its main balcony several feet away.
“Well that figures.” he said while scratching his head.
“Right! There is no way that dark mare could have been Rarity. The real Rarity has to be trapped inside that castle! ”
He looked down as a slug made its way to his hands.
“With you guys, I’m sure I can hide and not be seen.” he said to the slug in the palm of his hands. The slug nodding in agreement as the rest of the slugs began to crawl up and around Spike.
“Alright! Time for an epic quest to save a damsel in distress!” he said as the rest of the slugs covered his body.
He ran up to the castle walls and quickly grabbed on to the vines covering it, and slowly began to make his way to the edge of the balcony.
It wasn't before long he made it to the edge of the balcony, before the soft clap of hoofs caught his ear and he stood still.
“shhh..” he said to the squeaky slugs.
“But, my Queen, wouldn't the ponies still be a threat!?” said Shadowfright
“Ponies?!” Spike thought to himself. “He must be talking about Twi and the others!”
“My dear, with Twilight and Luna’s magic stripped and the others scattered across the world, I doubt they’d be any trouble. Besides, with the elements now neutralized, there will be no more mistakes! We must strike as soon as possible!” she explained.
“Oh no, their magic have been...” Spike thought, “There has to be someway to warn Celestia and the others back home.” Spike slowly and discreetly began to make his way closer to the entrance of the balcony.
“My supreme one, may I ask what will actually become of Rarity?” asked Shadowfright
“Rarity!?!” Spike yelling his mind, stopping in his tracks.
Nightmare Rarity could only smile.
“Well, she was so generous, but lets say...” tapping her hoof under her chin. “She did have self-esteem issues? Besides, she’s actually quite enjoying her new surroundings.”
It took Spike to process what she said. “Does this means she’s still alive?” He thought, as he made a quicker exit from the side of the balcony. Grabbing the edge of the balcony rail he quickly hopped over, and made his way down the stairs behind both Nightmare Rarity and Shadowfright. “If she’s still alive, I have to rescue her! I always knew that other is just a fake!” he thought as he made his way down the stairs.
Looking at the Equestrian world in the sky, “Shadowfright!” NMR commanded
“Yes, my queen?”
“It’s time to take what is rightfully ours. Command all Nightmare Forces together! We will make the Equestrian world suffer and bow to me.”
“Right away your majesty!” Said Shadowfright as he quickly glided down the stairs.
Shadowfright continued to glide down the stairs, until he saw the back of the purple dragon just a few flights down.
“What..? He’s still alive?” Shadowfright said quietly.
“What was that?!” Spike said as he quickly turned around.
Shadowfright quickly glided back and away from Spike’s eyes.
“I better hurry. I’m sorry little guys.” he told the slugs, who helped him. “You guys are slowing me down, it’s time for you guys to go, thank you for your help though.” the slugs slowly began to get off Spike. One slug, however stood on the palm of Spike’s hand and gave a salute with its tail just before sliding off his hand and joining the rest of his companions on the ground. Spike could see them slither their way through the cracks of the castle walls. Now with the weight of the slugs off him he quickly made his way down the stairs.
Shadowfright slowly crept out of hiding, seeing the dragon make his way down.
“Hmmm...” Shadowfright’s thoughts running through his mind.
Spike began to pant as he looked through each room of the long castle halls.
“Jeez, this place is big!” he said. “There’s gotta be some kind of clue to Rarity’s whereabouts.” Ironically, just at that moment, Spike looked down another hall seeing a bright light at the end of it.
“What's that?” he told himself.
He could see what looked like ominous black smoke downrange in the hall, but the bright light seem to show what looked like a pony’s shadow inside.
“Rarity?!” he quickly made his way down the dark hall.
The light from the room seemed to get brighter and brighter as he approached closer till he reached the edge of the hall.
“Woah...” looking inside brightly lit room, he could see two thrones, each with its own insignia, “R” on one side and “S” on the opposite. He looked around to see no one around, he moved closer to the throne. There was a sash with a name inscribed on it.
Reading what it said, “King... S-Spike?” he gaped.
“Why, of course, My little Spikey-Wikey.” a voice spoke out from behind one of the thrones.
Spike quickly turned in the voice’s direction, seeing a gorgeous white mare he readily knew making her way from behind one of the thrones.
“Rarity!” He quickly ran to her and held her close “You're okay, My goodness you're okay!” closing his eyes as he held her tightly.
“And why wouldn't I be? I’m a Queen now, Isn’t it glorious?” She smiled down at the dragon holding him just as tightly.
“I was so afraid I’d lost you.” He softly said as a small tear made its way down his cheek.
Unbeknownst to Spike however, a dark force began to slowly slither and attach to him from behind, feeding off his emotions.
“Oh, Hush.” she reassured him “I know how you feel about me Spike, I could never leave.” She said as she slowly broke off the hug, and gave him a cute poke on his nose with her hoof.
Spike opened his eyes and his gaze looking directly into her eyes. Spike had become blinded by the affection that Rarity has been giving him, unknowing to him that the dark element behind him had not only been feeding off of his emotions but increasing them as well.
“Rarity...” Spike softly muttered.
“Come now, Spike.” She said slowly leading him closer to the throne.
“There is some thing I must ask of you.”
“Anything!” he replied eagerly.
Rarity’s horn began to glow as a scepter behind spike lifted, and was placed in his hand. The heart crystal that had been around Spikes neck also began to lift over his head and was placed at the top of the scepter.
“With this...” She moved closer to him, nose to nose.
“Will you, forget the past.... and be my mighty King Spike?” She gently nudged his nose with hers.
Spike’s heart began to race, closing his eyes, his mouth open to answer but somehow he was stuck with the answer. The nightmare force slowly began to creep into his mouth and nose, Spike unknowingly inhaling its power.
“But, What about...” he could only vaguely think of the rest of his friend back home.
“Shhh...” said her voice echoing in his mind.
“I did this for us, only for us Spike...”
“Rarity...?”
“Will you serve me, and only me, Spike?” The voice in mind ever so sweet.
“Yes, I will.”
Only a trail of the remaining Nightmare force can be seen entering through Spike’s nose, as the light purple dragons lips and the white mares lips were locked together.
Back at Ponyville
A loud clap of thunder roared through the moonlight sky catching Celestia’s attention.
“My goodness, what just happened?” She said to herself as she looked up into the sky as panicked civilian ponies rummage through the streets.
“Whats going on?” Asked Scootaloo as the other two fillies huddled behind Celestia.
Five individually colored streaks made their fall upon the land. A light blue and pink streak seemed to be headed far north, while a yellow streak headed west along with a amber streak heading southwest, one more light purple streak headed far southeast. Lastly a dark blue streak seemed aimed directly at ponyville.
The dark blue streak roared by, smashing through ponyville’s main hall and into the ground, leaving a pile of dirt and debris in its impact.
Celestia galloped to the site of the crash, there lay Luna unconscious inside the crater of the impact, as her guards, assistant, and the young fillies followed right behind.
“Luna!” she cried out as she made her way inside the crater. “Luna!” She cried out again gently nudging her with her hoof.
“Quickly, take her to the nearest clinic.” she told her guards.
“Yes Princess!” two of the three royal guards hopped down the crater be began to lift Luna on to their backs.
“I fear things did not go well.” Tia told herself
“What were the other streaks that flew by?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“I can only assume it was the rest of the girls. I can not imagine where they be going or where they will be when they land.” she answered.
In the nearest clinic, the two guards gently laid Luna on the bed, Luna was motionless but still breathing. Tia moved closer as a soft ora began to emerge from her horn. Closing her eyes she began to examine Luna.
“She’s fine.” as the ora disappeared while opened her eyes. “but she has something thats preventing her from waking up.”
“Do you think the rest will end up this way?” Asked Applebloom
Just before Tia could answer.
“Princess!” yelled a guard outside the door.
“Come here! Look!” as the guard pointed toward the moon. she quickly joined the guard at the door. She gasped as she saw charcoal dark clouds begin to envelope the moon.
“All royal guards to arms!” she commanded.
At the Dreamscape Castle throne room
“Your highness?” said a Nightmare force as he glided into the throne room.
“Yes, Shadowfright?” NMR quietly answered as she made her way past the curtain to her bed chambers walked to base of her throne.
“All the Nightmare forces are ready and waiting for your command.”
“Very well done!” she said smiling sitting on her throne “Your King shall be accompanying you in your conquest soon after you land.”
“King? Spike, your majesty?” he looked up questionably
“Yes. Lets just say, he’s quite exhausted at the moment.” she shimmered.
“With all due respect, he’s nothing more but a baby dragon.”
“Oh, my dear Shadowfright, I would no longer call him a ‘baby’ dragon.” She grinned “My poor Spike had so much pent up inside him, I could hardly keep up.” She stopped placed her hoof on her lips and giggled. “I do believe I said a bit too much.”
Shadowfright could only nod in agreement.
“Either way!” she continued “Tell the Nightmare forces to being their descent!”
“At once your majesty.” Shadowfright bowed and glided out the throne room.
“...Rarity?” asked a voice from behind the curtain of her bedchambers.
Only a tall dark silhouette figure could be seen through the curtain as Nightmare Rarity looked over.
“Hmmmhh.” The only sound that escaped her mouth as her eyes lustfully followed the contours of the silhouette.
“Oh Spike...” she said nearly out of breath holding her hoof to her chest.
Back at Ponyville
“Has everyone reported in?” Celestia asked her assistant while caring over Luna.
“No your highness, we are still missing the unicorn guards.” she replied back
A slight rumble began to quiver the walls and grounds of the clinic.
“Wait, that must be them!” said her assistant.
Celestia looked out through the nearest window but to her dismay and fear, the dark clouds that surrounded the moon began to descend.
“My goodness, tell the available guards to defend at all costs!”
The assistant nodded as she made her way out to of the clinic relay the message to the rest of the guards outside of the panicked streets of Ponyville.
It seemed slow at first but soon as the clouds entered the atmosphere they quickly gained speed. Just as colored streaks before it, several units of clouds began to spread across the sky in different directions, one of which aimed directly at Canterlot and another towards Ponyville
The dark clouds impacted the ground and multiplied like wildfire. Any living plant the elements passed through, it left withered in its wake, they consumed and continued to grow in strength.
As the clouds reached an infantry of guards outside of town they began to morph into the Nightmare forces.
“To arms!” cried out the commanding officer.
“To arms!” the rest of infernally responded. The unicorn stallions using their magic to hold shield and spear in hoof, while the pegasus and earth stallions using their hoofs to hold on to their spear and much more heavily armored.
The Nightmare forces seemed to growl as they continued to multiply. Some guards you could see in their eyes the fear of what is to come.
“CHARGE!” yelled out the commanding officer.
A loud roar of stallions began to echo across the land as they charged against the Nightmare Forces. The stallions began to thrust and stab at the enemy, but attacking was not easy as they hoped; the Nightmare Forces morph and contorting to all the guards defenses, several of the forces began to snicker and mock at each defensive move the royal guard had shown.
It wasn't until one force has had enough and quickly made it’s way inside a defending stallion through its nostrils and mouth. The stallion’s eyes rolled back as he collapsed to the ground.
Royal guards stopping in their defensive attack in shock as they witness the dark element bleeding back out of the once brave guard laying motionless on the ground
Tia from a long distance back, could only gasp, she never thought she’d see such a strong and brave royal guard just drop to the ground so effortlessly.
Just as quick as it happened, the other elements turned against the rest of the guards, all of them dropping to the ground. The elements laughing and snickering as they left the guards and continued their wake of death into town.
Tia was fixated at the grave situation before her very eyes.
“Princess! We must take you and Luna to a safe place! “ said the guard next to her as the other two more carried Luna out the door.
“What about us?” cried Sweetie Belle
“You will come too, don’t worry.” said Celestia as she quickly escorted the fillies out the clinic
All they could hear were screams of chaos echoing across the town as the guards escorted her away from harm. Echoes of the past of a one time a chimera has once done the same.
Tia couldn’t stand it much longer and look back, in horror, the elements were taking the life of each defending guards inside the town, the civilian ponies scattering about trying to get to their homes and loved ones to hide, some of which succumbed to ruthless of the forces before they even reached home.
Tia can only think in her mind. “My subjects... I’m sorry, so sorry.” as the guards whisked them away.
Story Author & Concept by Ernest “Ultra” Zamora, Jr Original MLP:FiM Comic: “Nightmare Rarity” Story Arc by Heather Nuhfer
Where we lay our scene: The Nightmare Forces have began their attack on the Equestrian world, first making landfall upon the small town of Ponyville leaving only death in its wake. Celestia, Luna, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, & Scootaloo retreated when the Royal guards found themselves defenseless against the oncoming attack. Meanwhile, the rest of the lands around the world have began to fall into chaos, as the Nightmare Forces continued their march of death; however some legions have decided to make alliances with the Nightmare Forces.
In the Everfree forest.
The forest was nearly pitch black, but with the light from Tia’s horn and other unicorn guards it helped lead the way, he trees rushing pass them being only but a blur. The three fillies who had accompanied Tia now rode on her back, too young to keep up with the galloping pace they were traveling as two other guards carried Luna on their backs.
“Were are we going?” said Scootaloo holding on to Tia’s lower neck as the other two held on to her.
“To the old Castle of the Two Sisters.” said a guard beside them.
“Its the only place at this moment that the Nightmare Forces won't attack. Its been abandoned for years.” Tia explained.
They continued galloping at full speed until they reached the clearing for the bridge and the ruins on the other side. However they did not cross the bridge, instead they went to the right and down a flight of stairs. At the base of the stairs stood several guards who have already arrived ahead of them as they reached the bottom.
“Princess!” a guard saluted.
“Yes?”
“We have already made the proper arrangements, the tunnel entrance is now opened, we must quickly enter; their are reports of the forces outside the forest.”
“Very well.” Tia agreed as the three fillies hopped off her back.
Quickly the guards escorted them into a entrance of large cave.
“This way.” the guard said.
Tia entered the cave passing a large stone at the base of the entrance, as the rest followed, they continued inside the cave, the unicorn guards still lighting the way with their horns as the earth and pegasi used torches. As they continued till they saw clearing up ahead. Sweetie Belle could slowly see something shimmering in the reflective lighting as they approached the clearing clearing.
“W-what's that?” Sweetie Belle asked as they reached the clearing.
A large crystallized formation stood in the middle of the clearing, the light from the guards torches reflecting and moving throughout it.
“Woah... thats huge!” said Apple Bloom as she gazed upon the large crystallized structure.
“It looks like a big... Tree?” Scootaloo questionably answered
“You are right, Scootaloo” Tia acknowledging as they moved closer to it.
The three young fillies following behind Tia, but their eyes seemed to fixed on the crystallized tree.
“This is the Tree of Harmony.” Tia continued as she walked beside it, the guards carrying Luna passing behind her as they continued further down the long cave.
“Each branch represents an Element of Harmony the girls have. Normally, it would be gleaming with life and lighting this room, but sadly with the recent event unfolding, its life seemed to have dimmed into darkness.” Tia explained. Sweetie Belle sat down as she looked up into the branches of the tree. One of branches seemed withered, deformed and seemingly dead, but most noticeably she recognized the symbol the branch was attached to.
“Rarity’s cutie mark...” Sweetie Belle softly said folding her ears back, as she thought about the meaning why it looked the way it did.
Tia looked back as she saw Sweetie Belle lay her head low.
“Sweetie Belle?” Tia asked as she moved and sat beside the young one. A soft whimper escaped Sweetie Belle.
Tia softly placed her wing over the small one, knowing the young one was facing an awful truth of her big sister.
“Sweetie Belle...” Tia softly spoke
“Princess... what’s happened to my sister?” Sweetie Belle asked as she looked up to Celestia, her eyes filling with tears. Heartbroken, Tia gathered her courage on what to say.
“I’m afraid...” Tia trying her hardest to speak the words.
“I’m afraid... she’s no longer with us Sweetie Belle.” Tia forcing herself to speak the words.
Apple Bloom and Scootaloo gasped as a look of shock over came them. Sweetie Belle couldn't hold out as she fell onto Celestia’s leg and cried. Tia comforted Sweetie Belle with her wing as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo moved closer to help comfort her as well.
“Forgive me for intruding Princess.” softly said a guard walking up.
“Yes?” Tia said turning her attention to the guard while still keeping a wing over the broken filly.
“There seems to be a civilian pony at the entrance of the cave, she goes by the name of Zecora”
“Zecora?!” Apple Bloom said surprisingly.
“You know this pony?” asked Tia looking down at Apple Bloom
“Yes, she’s a dear friend of ours.” said Scootaloo
“Very well, let her in.” Tia commanded.
“At once.” the guard saluted and made his way back to the entrance of the cave.
Sweetie Belle’s crying had slowly subsided as Tia, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo kept her close in comfort. A few moments later the heard a soft clap of hoofs came up beside them.
“To whom I give my gratitude for this safe haven?”
All four turned and looked at the direction of the voice.
“Zecora!” Scootaloo spoke out
“Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle... and you highness!” Zecora bowing her head.
“Please, no need for formalities, you may simply call me Celestia.”
“How did you find out where we were?” asked Apple Bloom
“After a loud thunder in the sky awoke me, I saw streaks fly across the sky; knowing something was wrong I gathered my things to head into town.” she sat down beside them.
“But soon, I look to see these dark clouds of doom fall from the moon; moments later I heard a loud roar of hoofs running through the forest. It was at that time I decided to follow.” Zecora explained.
“Those dark clouds were actually Nightmare Forces.” explained Tia
“My goodness, has Nightmare Moon returned?”
“No, my sister is fine for now. The image you saw on the moon was...” Tia remembered that Sweetie Belle was still mourning the loss of her sister, she couldn't come to terms at the moment to explain the true details.
“Come, we must keep going. There will be time to explain later.” Tia slowly stood up.
Sweetie Bell still reeling, stood up but kept her head low. Tia and the others made their way around the tree and continued on into the long cave.
It wasn't before long they reached another clearing, this however seemed much different as the cave slowly transitioned into what looked like the halls and chambers of the castle. Several guards had already removed some of their armor as others rested against the walls of the hallway.
“Where are we?” asked Apple Bloom
“We are deep beneath the castle ruins.” Tia said. “It was built as a sanctuary and a hiding place when Nightmare Moon came to be. We have enough space and supplies that will last for quite a while.”
A guard came up to Celestia nearly out of breath.
“Your highness, we have several matters that require your attention.” the guard huffed
Tia nodded and replied “I’m sorry that I must leave you this quickly. Please, make yourself’s at home.”
The three young fillies came to Celestia and gave her a hug.
“Thank you” all three of them said in unison.
Tia smiled and hugged them back as she walked off with the guard.
“What do we do now?” asked Sweetie Belle
“Do as she says.” said Zecora “Come, lets find a place so we may rest.” Zecora leading the three young ones.
Celestia followed the guard until they reached a large room with several other guards seemly frustrated and un-easy as they fiddled with communication documents.
“Whats going on?” Celestia asked the guard.
“We are slowly receiving reports from the outside on the magnitude of the situation.” said the guard. “We’ve lost all communication to the Crystal Empire and we have very vague reports from Canterlot.”
“What of those from Canterlot?” Tia hesitantly asked.
“The last report from Canterlot was... ‘Canterlot a blaze’, your highness.” he said disheartedly.
Tia winced in an emotional pain, the place where she and her subjects have called home for so many years. She could only imagine the terror that they facing at this very moment.
Hesitantly the guard continued “We’ve sent to all defending forces a full retreat, but we are not sure how many received that message.”
“How does our forces look at this time?” she asked
“We were at eighty percent reported before the attack...” the guard seemed to choke “...we are now looking at ten percent of available guards.”
Celestia gasped. “Ten percent??” she asked in disbelief
“Yes your highness, we had absolute no way in defending the Forces attack.”
Tia was in total dismay, her eyes slowly began to tear up thinking of so many lives lost in just a few hours.
“My goodness..” She uttered.
She shook her head, keeping appearances for the guards she quickly took a commanding stance.
“All of you have done a marvelous job in such a short amount of time.” she said with a straight voice. “If you feel the need to rest, please do not hesitate to do so.” She looked back at the commanding guard. “If you have anything else to report, please let me know, I will be my sister Luna.”
“Yes your highness.” The commanding guard saluting as Tia made her way out of the room.
One of the communication guards slowly walked up to the commanding guard.
“She almost seemed... broken for a minute.” the communication guard said.
“Even though she’s our sun god, she can still feel like everypony else.” the commanding guard replied.
Both of them looked on to see Tia walking down the hall.
Tia, knowing where the clinic was, she made her way there and quietly entered the clinic room, a nurse could be seen taking caring over Luna. She walked to the edge of Luna’s bed, surprising the nurse.
“Your highness!” the surprised nurse exclaimed. “Forgive me, didn't see you come in.” bowing her head.
“It’s alright.” Tia forcing a smile. “How is she doing?”
“She’s quite alright, sound asleep it seems.” the nurse answering back
“May I ask you a favor?” Tia asked.
“Why sure, anything.”
“Could you leave us for a while?”
“Of course your highness.” the nurse smiling as she gathered her things and made her way out.
Tia waited till the nurse was gone before she made her way to Luna’s bedside. She slowly kneeled down beside her, it wasn't before long that her mind began to reminisce on the events that occurred, her heart ached at the heaviness of it all. She wrapped her forearms around her dear sister holding her closely her head laying on Luna’s shoulder. It wasn't long until her emotions took over as she softly began to sob.
Later…
A guard slowly lead a Zebra and three fillies down a chamber and into a room.
“Here ya’ go miss, you and the three young ones can stay here.” The guard opening the door to a mid sized room lit with several candles, they could see two beds and a work space.
“Thank you.” she gratefully accepted.
The guard nodded as he made is way back out of the room.
“Wow this place is pretty neat, isn't Zecora?”
“Of course, but be grateful child. Not many will be so fortunate to have their own room Apple Bloom.” Zecora answering back.
“Ohh...” Apple Bloom said as she hopped onto one of the beds and sat down
The other two followed suit as they too hopped onto the bed and sat down as well. Zecora walked to the workspace and unloaded her bags that she’d carried, onto the table.
“Zecora?” asked Sweetie Belle
Zecora turned and answered.
“Yes child?”
“What's going to happen to the ponies on the outside?”
Zecora took a deep breath as she walked to the edge of the bed and sat down, but before she could say a word another voice spoke out.
“Without the guards to protect the civilians... I fear the ponies on the outside will have to fend for themselves now. Consider ourselves very fortunate.”
All four of them gasped in surprised to see Celestia at the door.
“So, what do we do now?” asked Apple Bloom.
“For now, survive.” Tia answered as she walked in and sat next to all four of them.
“What about my sister Apple Jack? Twi and the others? We can't just leave them out there!”
“There is no way to know where they at, Apple Bloom. If they are in the same condition as my sister Luna, they are vulnerable to the forces, or anything in the wilderness for that matter.”
“I thought you said Luna was fine?” said Zecora
“I’m afraid I have mislead you, while indeed my sister is fine, she is currently under some sort of hibernation spell, she hasn't woken since she landed back at Ponyville.” Tia explained “If Luna arrived back in that condition I can only imagine that the rest of the girls have landed in the same state as well. I have no way in telling how long the hibernation spell will last or even if will be lifted at all.
A emotion of concern showed in all of them.
“I saw six streaks in the sky, if one of them was your sister Luna. It would mean that one of the six is missing?” Zecora asked.
Sweetie Belle lowered her head.
“You are correct Zecora, the Nightmare Forces had kidnapped Rarity and took her to Nightmare Dreamscape. Luna and the others tried to rescue her but...” Tia couldn't help but to look at Sweetie Belle having her head low, Apple Bloom has since put a hoof over her shoulder trying to comfort her.
Tia hesitantly continued. “But... they were unsuccessful.”
“So that image on the moon. Since we know Luna is here, it couldn't be Nightmare Moon. Then who is it?” asked Scootaloo.
“It’s that of Rarity.” she softly spoke
“Rarity?!” Sweetie Belle spoke out as it caught her attention.
“But... you said my sister was dead! How could that thing be my sister?” Sweetie Belle demanded
“What I said is the truth Sweetie Belle, the Rarity we all know and knew is now gone. What you see in the moon... is that of Nightmare Rarity.”
A sorrowful disbelief came over Sweetie Belle.
“Thats not true, thats no way it could be Rarity!” Sweetie Belle replied near tears
“I’m sorry, but it is true.” Tia said disheartedly.
“No! I don't want to believe it! She wouldn’t do this to all of us!” Sweetie Belle quickly got up and ran off tears flowing down her cheeks
“Sweetie Belle!” cried out Apple Bloom as she quickly followed.
Scootaloo hopped off the bed and looked as both Tia and Zecora. “No need to worry, We’ll make sure she doesn't go far.” she said reassuringly as she made her way out of the room. Tia felt a sense of guilt as she nodded back at Scootaloo just before she left.
An eerie silence came over the room for a moment until Zecora spoke.
“Celestia... May I ask something?”
“Of course.”
“If the world is now under endless moonlight and darkness. How shall we know when day’s go by?”
“The moon still has to cycle in the sky just like every other night, However since I am no longer able to raise the sun. When the moon descends, darkness will follow instead of the sun.”
“My goodness.” Zecora responded.
Tia nodded as she continued. “The moon will be the only source of light that the land will ever see. So in a sense, the moonlit sky could be considered day and when darkness comes it will be truly an essential night.”
“So what was the day, is now night, and the night, is now day.... but without the sun in the sky, this will also mean any vegetation will wither?”
“Correct, all plants need the sun to live and grow. With it gone, the plants will only have the moon for any kind of light, they will eventually wither or die altogether.”
“Those poor ponies on the outside... they will starve.” Zecora said sadly.
“Indeed, and my heart aches for them.”
Meanwhile at Dreamscape Castle...
Through the curtain of the bedchamber, a silhouette of a tall mare could be seen on top of another tall figure below it.
“Spike... please dear, I need you to take care of some matters for me.” She spoke nearly out of breath.
“Of course Rarity, anything.”
Moving closer to him she nuzzled his cheek.
“I need you to go back to the Equestrian world darling, Shadowfright will be waiting for you at the village of Alfalfa in the land of Camelu.” She continued to nuzzle down to his neck, Spike let out a soft gasp and moan as she did so.
She continued. “Their you will meet with the State of Camelu, a large army who has gratuitously decided to make an alliance with us.”
He let out another soft moan as her nose ran his chest.
“Mmmh, my handsome Spike.” She said continuing to speak. “Once you are done there, the Hooviet Union has also made an alliance with us. So I will need you go and meet with them once you are done with the Camelu.”
She slowly made her way off him.
“But, what about you?” he asked.
She looked back at him with a smile, kissing him.
“I will be missing you, so hurry back.” her voice in his mind.
A passionate chill ran up his back, as she slowly broke the kiss and made her way off the bed, walking toward the closet near by. She couldn't help but to look back and admire his new physique as he sat up on the bed.
“I have some new attire for you my dear Spike, and of course it will be fitting for a King as yourself.” she said as she turned back to the closet using her magic to rummage through outfits.
He made his way to the edge of the bed, stood up then made his way to her. Rarity had her attention to the closest as she gathered his clothes, it wasn't till she felt his hand on her flank when she looked back at the dragon who was just as tall as her, she couldn't help but bite her lower lip as she turned around to face him.
Using her magic, she tossed his clothes onto the bed as she gently placed her hoof on his chest.
“Perhaps... j-just one more time before you leave?” She softly said to him with a grin as she pulled him close for a passionate kiss, both of them slowly making their way back onto the bed.
Back at the Equestrian world...
“What's taking so bloody long? The moon nearly set.” Asked a Camel bull.
“He will arrive shortly, you have my word.” Shadowfright explained.
“You said that hours ago my friend.” the Camel bull replied.
It was at that very moment thick and dark elements began swirl and form beside them, it wasn't before long that the elements dissolved and there stood the tall dragon in soft body armor.
“My lord!” Shadowfright bowed “He has certainly, grown...” Shadowfright thought in his mind.
“Greetings Shadowfright. So who looks to make an alliance with us?” Spike asked.
“Sire, this is Abisali, leader of the State of Camelu army.”
Abisali bowed “Greetings, my King.”
“Greetings Abisali, tell me, why do you seek these lands?”
“Sire, for generations the land of Camelu used to belong to the State of the Camelu. It wasn't till a long battle between our race and the ponies of Democratic Camelu State had banished us to the Emberbrace mountains. Democratic Camelu State had been greatly influenced by the democratic land of Cervidas. We want our land back, and we wish to put the land of Cervidas in the same hardships that they bestowed upon us.”
“And why should my Queen and I make any such alliance?”
“Sire, not only will be loyal and humble subjects but we will worship unto you and our Queen.”
Spike grind as he looked at Shadowfright then back at the Camel bull.
“Very well then.” Spike responded. “We will accept your alliance, we’ll see to it that you get the lands you want.”
“We are thankful, sire” Abisali replying as he bowed.
Story Author & Concept by Ernest “Ultra” Zamora, Jr Original MLP:FiM Comic: “Nightmare Rarity” Story Arc by Heather Nuhfer
Where we lay our scene: The Nightmare Forces, lead by King Spike; and the State of Camelu Army, lead by the Camel bull Abisali, quickly made their dominance in the lands of Camelu. They turned their attention to the peaceful democratic land of Cervidas. Crossing the Emberbrace Mountains, they must take several villages before they arrive at the capital city of Concordia. King Spike has been anxious to quickly be done with his duties on the Equestrian world and return to his Queen, Nightmare Rarity.
At the outskirts of the Emberbace Mountains.
Spike and Shadowfright moved next to a campfire that had been lit by the State of Camelu on the edge of a lake that was just over shadowing the border of Cervidas and the Emberbrace Mountains. Spike sat down on a chopped log in front of the fire with a cup in his hand, Shadowfright hovering beside him. Spike and Shadowfright looked at a distance, State of Camelu Army had already crossed the Concordia border, only a hand few had remained containing several hundred ponies who have been captured and chained, some with their heads laid low as others cried and sobbed being captive. Some mourned for a lost loved one that was forcibly taken from them or perhaps being separated from the village or town they once lived in.
“Its amazing isn't it?” Spike said as he looked.
“What's that my King?” Shadowfright replied.
“How gullible civilian ponies can be.” Spike said taking a sip of his hard cider.
“What do you mean by that sire?”
“No matter how devoted or strong willed ponies are, they can easily be broken and submissive. As we have seen with the ponies at Camelu, it took only 2 moon cycles to break their will. Most of them just gave up, others however...” Spike snickered. “They’d preferred to live in the afterlife, which we happily obliged to do.”
“What do you think of ponies of Cervidas?” asked Shadowfright
“Nothing.” Spike replied quickly. “They will either live the rest of their days in slavery under our rule, or they will die. It’s as simple as that.”
“But wouldn't they be slaves under the State of Camelu?”
“Nonsense, the State of Camelu is simply doing our work.” Spike taking another sip of the hard cider. “Under our Queens direction, all civilians in this world are under her command. The State of Camelu is merely volunteering to shepherd the ponies for us. Our queen does not care about the pride of the State of Camelu, nor the lands they want to conquer, as long as they all know that she is the supreme Queen of the Equestrian world.”
“My King.” said Abisali as he walked up to Spike and Shadowfright.
“Yes Abisali?” Spike said.
“We have begun our attack on the land of Concordia. With the help of the Nightmare Forces we have taken their defenses down and we have already taken several villages.”
“I see, let us move forward then.” Spike stood up and made his way to the border.
Later...
Spike, Shadowfright, and Abisal had arrived at a village which had already been seized. Several dozen ponies have been already chained and made to walked among the bodies of their loved ones who didn't want to be enslaved, crying and sobbing as they made their way.
“General Abisal!” called out a Camelu soldier as he saluted.
“Yes, Sergeant?”” Abisal saluting back.
“We’ve made great progress in taking this village and the next, we have found several homes outside of this particular village and we are currently working through them. We are taking the ones who surrender and killing the ones who will not, just as ordered.”
“Good work!” Abisal gleamed.
Spike smiled as he crossed his arms. “It shouldn't be too long now before you take the capital, Abisal?
“Yes, my King. It should not take long. Once we take the capital, all of Cervidas will fall.” Abisal replied.
Spike grinned. “The sooner you take Concordia, the quicker I can take care of other matters and be with my Queen.”
Just before Abisal could reply a loud shout came from a distance.
“Sergeant! Sergeant!” a private soldier came up running to them out of breath.
“Yes? What is it?” the sergeant turning to face the private
The private camel panted as he tried to catch his breath. “Sir, *pant* a civilian pony has taken five of our patrol of seven, just outside this village.”
“What!?” called out Abisal overhearing the conversation.
“Sir!” the private saluting the general. “Just outside this village we captured two ponies, they were unwilling to cooperate so we did as we were instructed to do with unwilling ponies.” the private finally getting his breath.
“Just as we were about to leave, we spotted a pony in the woods.” the private continued. “We were able to wound him, but he took five out of our patrol just before he retreated into the wilderness.”
“Impossible!” Abisal turned to Spike and Shadowfright “I thought the Nightmare Forces were impenetrable!” Spike growled, unamused at Abisal “The Nightmare Forces alone are impenetrable. You forget that the Nightmare Forces have only possessed and enforced your Camelu army; however the Camelu are still mortal in the flesh and the Nightmare Forces are not healers, Abisal!”
Livid, Abisal turned to his sergeant. “I want all available units, I want him found and captured alive!” The general Camelu commanded, both the sergeant and the private clicked their heels and saluted.
“Yes, Sir!” they both said in unison.
Just before they turned a voice spoke out.
“Disregard that command!!” Yelled Spike.
Abisal, the sergeant, and private shocked looked back at Spike.
Abisal still angrily livid yelled out to Spike. “What did you say!?”
Spike calmly walked up beside Abisal with his arms still crossed, but a deep dragon growl could be heard as he glared at Abisal.
Abisal remembering his position quickly lowered his head as Spike still looked at him.
“Don’t you ever.... ever! Speak to me in that way again.” Spike’s voice snarling. “Do you understand me?”
“Yes, my King!” Abisal quickly replied.
Spike turned his attention to the sergeant and the private who stood not only in shock but in nerviness as well.
“As I said, disregard that command. The Nightmare Forces will not be used in a wild goose chase to hunt down just one pony; as you said, he is wounded, he will not survive for long in the wilderness.” Spike glaring at the two solders. “Continue as planned. March forward to Concordia. Is there any questions?”
“No, Sir!” both of them said.
“Very well. Dismissed.”
Both soldiers hurried back to their command and patrol. Spike set his eyes back on Abisal who had kept his head lowered. Spike put his hand under Abisal’s chin and raised his head at level with him.
“One pony is no matter for me.” Spike snarled. “If you wish to seek out any escaped pony, do it at your own expense and time. Is that clear?”
Abisal looked into the angry dragons eyes as he softly trembled “Yes, absolutely clear my King.” Spike smirked as he let go of Abisal. “Leave us.” Spike commanded.
Abisal bowed before Spike as he quickly and quietly left.
Shadowfright amused by what he saw, watching his King command the Camelu.
“Very well done, sire!” Spoke Shadowfright
Spike turned and walked back and stood beside Shadowfright with a grin.
“I assume you had some doubt about me Shadowfright?” Spike said with a snickering grin. “I’m no longer that little dragon that you once saw.”
“Without a doubt, sire. The Queen would be most pleased!”
Spike smiled as he looked forward, the Camelu had already organized and began making their way to capital.
The sounds of ponies and impalas screaming and the cries of pain echoed through the capital as smoke and fire billowed from buildings. The main capitol building had already been set on fire a moon cycle before, all was left was charred remains of the building and burned pony and impala bodies scattered among the grounds. Abisal, smiled in delight as several of his officers were chanting and celebrated as the capital fell.
Spike and Shadowfright kept a distance as they watched the Camelu celebrate.
“Hmph, It seems our work here is finished Shadowfright. Go to the Hooviet Union, tell them I’ll be arriving shortly.”
“Yes sire!” Shadowfright acknowledged, as a swirl of black forces surrounded and covered him; just as the forced had completely covered Shadowfright they slowly dissipated and fell apart revealing nothing where Shadowfright once hovered.
Abisal made his way through the crowed and knelt before Spike.
“My King.” said Abisal.
“Yes?”
“We have fully captured the capital, the land of Cervidas is now ours.”
“Well done. Now, I have other things to take care of Abisal.”
“Thank you my King.”
Spike smiled as black forces began to swirl around him and engulfed him.
Abisal lowered his head as the forces peaked and then began to dissipate revealing Spikes disappearance.
There was a cold chill that ran through Abisal as he stood up.
“General.” a sergeant saluting
“Yes?” Abisal turning to face the sergeant as he saluted back.
“The reports are coming in, 40% of the general populous has been captured. While 50% have been reported dead. 10% still haven't been found or in hiding, sir.”
“Alright, take several groups and be begin searching for the ones in hiding. The our King has now moved on to other things.”
“Yes, Sir.” the sergeant saluting as he made his way back to his group.
The black forces slowly cleared his vision to reveal several legions of pony troops marching below the perch of the capitol building he was transported to, among the pony troops were tanks and ammunition trucks. This land had been much more technologically advanced than most lands he’s seen, then again Communist lands always looked to advance its government at the civilians expense.
“Welcome, Sire.” Shadowfright said as he glided beside Spikes side.
“Seems that the Hooviet Union has already began mobilizing?” asked Spike
“Indeed they have sire, they are much more organized than the State of Camelu’s dictatorship.”
“Well, that should make for a quick return to Dreamscape Castle, don’t you think?”
“Absolutely, sire.”
“Come, let us meet the chairman of this land.” Spike turned around as he walked inside the capitol building.
Moments later...
“Sire, this is Rusev.” Shadowfright said as a large red pony walked up taking off his ushanka and kneeling before Spike.
“My King!” Rusev proclaimed as he stood back up. “It is an honor to have your presence in our land. How is the Queen?”
“The Queen is in good spirits, especially since you are willing to make an alliance.”
“Yes sire, we are more than proud to serve under you and her majesty!”
“I’ve come to understand you wish to invade several lands outside your island?”
“You are correct, we need several materials in order for us to continue are technical advances.”
Spike nodded. “You are more than free to take the lands you wish, however, there are several commands that your queen demands.” Said as he crossed his arms. “One, no pony shall be free, all must be found and used at your will. Anypony who refuses shall not live, is that clear?”
“Absolutely sire.” Rusev replied.
“Second, the land of Equestria is off limits.”
Rusev took this by surprise. “Sire, if I may, the land of Equestria has several materials that we require. They have had an trade embargo with us for years!”
Spike growled. “I do not like to repeat myself Rusev! The land of Equestria will remain off limits.”
Rusev bowed his head. “Yes, Sire.”
“I trust that you don't need the help of the Nightmare Forces?”
“No, we Hooviet’s are a proud ponykind. We do not ask for assistance.”
Spike scoffed softly as he turned to Shadowfright, remembering their conversion back at the land of Camelu.
“Very well.” Spike turning back toward Rusev. “You have the Queen’s blessing to carry on.”
“Thank you Sire!” Rusev kneeling before Spike just before he left.
Shadowfright hovered beside his King,
“A proud ponykind?” Shadowfright questioned.
“As I said before Shadowfright, gullible and submissive.” Spike snickered as he turned around and walked back to the perch of the capitol building. “Come, my Queen is waiting.” Spike said as the black forces began to swirl around him once more.
Back at Dreamscape Castle throne room...
The black forces slowly dissipated as Spike kept his head down kneeling. “My Queen, I have re-” without notice he was pounced on being knocked on to his back.
“Oh My Spikey!” Nightmare Rarity said as she stood on top of him. “Mmmm, I’ve missed you.” nuzzling his neck and cheek.
“Ah-hem!”
Both Spike and Nightmare Rarity turned to see Shadowfright beside them, just arriving.
“Oh, Shadowfright!” She said hopping off Spike with a slight blush on her face.
“So, how was your trip?” She asked Shadowfright as she helped Spike to his feet.
“Magnificent your majesty. Our King did an excellent job. We were able to make our conquest presence known in just 5 moon cycles.”
Nightmare Rarity gleamed as her eyes looked at Spike. Spike looked back as her with a smiling grin.
“Well done Spike! You have certainly pleased me on more ways than one.” She said returning the smiling grin.
Shadowfright couldn't help but to feel a bit awkward as he faked a cough again.
“Ahem, my Queen, I must take care of some matters, the Nightmare forces have begun to arrive back.”
“Yes Shadowfright, please, I think I have the ‘special’ something in store or our King”
Shadowfright bowed as he made his way out of the throne room, closing the door behind him.
“But first...” She said placing her hoof on Spikes chest.
Story Author & Concept by Ernest “Ultra” Zamora, Jr Proofread by Original MLP:FiM Comic: “Nightmare Rarity” Story Arc by Heather Nuhfer
Where we lay our scene: Its been 30 moon cycles since Spike, Shadowfright and the Nightmare Forces have left the Equestrian world and returned to Dreamscape Castle with Nightmare Rarity. The world has now been left in ruin and deprivation; the Hooviet Union war machine has already began invading area’s outside of its island while at the same time have been taking its own pony civilians and using them as slaves to manufacture and support its war efforts, the Camelu have partial control of the land of Concordia after taking the capital. There are several ponies and impalas who have not only evaded the State of Camelu Army, but also have began to fight back after the Nightmare Forces have left its army. Meanwhile, Princess Celestia has been uneasy, knowing her royal guards are limited, she is unsure if her land of Equestria will be next to be invaded. However something unexpected happens that gives her slight hope for the future.
Deep beneath the old castle ruins...
Celestia stirred awake, her eyes slowly opening. She hadn't gotten much sleep, so many things have been on her mind that woke her constantly; it wasn't just on her sister who still hadn't awoken, but for the defenseless subjects who have been forced from their homes and out to the wilderness. It didn't help in the fact that she could no longer raise the sun and lower the moon which had kept her in a proper time schedule. Now she felt so ordinary, and helpless at times, all these thoughts have slowly drained her; her once beautiful moving glistening mane had dimmed and had grown dull. She had to keep close to her sister, having her moved from the clinic to her own bedchamber, hoping that she could wake-up at any moment; each time before she would attempt to sleep, she will use her magic to attempt to wake her dear sister but to no avail.
“Your highness?” softly asked a guard as he gently knocked his hoof against the door of her bed chamber.
She slowly made way off her bed, and walked to the door.
“Yes?” she softly answered.
“Forgive me for waking you, but we have some new information that we must share with you.”
She nodded slowly and followed the guard into the hall. Things underground had gotten reasonably conformable. They had been able to save a few more civilian ponies just before the Nightmare Forces had overrun the forest and wilderness. Some of those ponies mourned for several moon cycles for their loved ones who’d they lost or weren't able to save, it took some time before they had the courage to move forward and make the best of what they have been, so far, bless with.
The guard opened a door to the communication room to allow Celestia to enter.
“Your highness!” the commanding guard saluting.
“Please…” she winced at the loudness of his voice “I already told you there is no need for formalities or salutes.” she said timidly as she sat down next to the table filled with documents and photos.
“I’m sorry Princess.” the guard replied as he sat down as well as he took several papers into his hoofs.
Celestia sighed “I hear your have something to report?”
“Yes, for several moon cycles as you know there have been reports rumoring that several nations have invaded other lands.” said the guard “We can now confirm that these rumors are indeed true.”
“What nations and what lands have they invaded?” She said with worry.
“From the reports we have, the Hooviet Union whom we had an embargo for quite some time have invaded several area’s, luckily they have stayed away from our lands. We have vague reports of a small group called the State of Camelu, it seems they have grown to mass numbers and have taken several lands, most noticeably the land of Cervidas.”
“Is there any indication they would attack our land?”
“So far we are aware that they are steering clear of Equestria, but we do not know if this is a ploy. As you know our guard numbers are drastically low.
Tia took a deep sigh as she glanced down “I can only be a matter of time...” she softly said
“I do have to say something else your highness.’”
Tia raised her head not really wanting to hear more depressing news.
“Our scouts who have been giving us this information have also informed us, that most, if not all Nightmare Forces have left.”
“Well, thats certainly better news. Is there any chance for us to leave and return to Canterlot?”
The guard slowly shook his head in a negative way. “I’m sorry your highness, but the animals that once lived in the wilderness have gotten very brutal and savage due to the lack of food, one of the three scouts wasn't able to make it back. Plus, we just can not simply have you out in the open, the risk is too great if any Nightmare Forces are lingering or possibly could return for another attack.”
She couldn't help but shed a tear as her mind drifted into more thoughts, she didn't know how long she’d be stuck in this shelter, she wanted to go out and help the defenceless ponies in any way she could.
“Your highness?” the guard asked seeing Tia’s attention slowly get away.
“Uh, sorry.” she said as her attention returned to the meeting.
“Princess!!!” a yell ringing through the halls.
Both Tia and the guard hearing the sounds quickly stood up made their way out of the of the communication room to see what was the matter. Tia looked down the hall to see Scootaloo galloping at full speed toward her.
“Princess!” Scootaloo putting all four of her hoofs to the ground to come to a full halt in front of Tia.
“Goodness, what's wrong Scootaloo?”
“It’s Luna! Hurry!” She said panting out of breath
“Luna!?” She gasped and without hesitation made her way back to her bedchamber at full speed. With all the depressing news, she dreaded the worst as she quickly made it to her chambers to see Zecora, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom sitting around Luna’s bed.
“Oh, Please don’t tell me...” Tia told herself dreading the worst as she entered.
Zecora turned around to see Tia walk toward them, just not far behind Scootaloo finally made it back.
“What’s happened?” Tia asked.
a most familiar voice spoke out “Tia?”
Celestia gasped in shock as she saw Luna weakly sit up on her bed.
“Luna!!” Celestia cried out as she ran up to her sister and gave her a hug, Tia’s mane slowly began to return to glisten and flow once more.
“My goodness you're okay!” Tia holding onto Luna “I was so worried about you.”
Luna smiled as she held Tia back.
“I’m glad to you see you too Tia.”
“We heard cries for help outside your bedchamber door.” Said Zecora “Sweetie Bell insisted we’d check and see, thats when we found Luna has awoken.”
“I-I didn't know where I was.” Luna softly said.
“Its okay, you're in a safe place.” Tia said as she smiled as her sister.
Luna winced in pain as she placed her hoof on her head.
“Whats the matter Luna?” Tia asked
“Last thing I remember... we were on the moon fighting against the Nightmare Forces after Nightmare Rarity commanded them to attack us.” Luna rubbing her forehead “Soon, Nightmare Rarity, she said something to Twilight... After that, I saw a bright flash... all I felt was if I was falling in dream... it felt so endless.” Luna explained
“So its true... My sister is Nightmare Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“I’m afraid so little one...” Luna lowing her head “I... We couldn't save her.”
Sweetie Belle lowered her head as well, saddened.
“Where are the others?” Luna asked as she looked up to Tia
“We don’t know.” Tia responded.
“Wait, what do you mean??”
“You and the rest of the girls came down from the moon just like shooting stars, you landed in Ponyville. The rest of the girls... we don't know where they landed.” Tia explained.
“Then we must go look for them!” Luna replied.
“We can not, after you arrived the Nightmare Forces began their attack on the land.” said Zecora
“I don’t understand, didn't I just arrive?” Luna asked confusingly
Tia placed her hoof on Luna’s shoulder. “You’ve actually been asleep for quite some time.”
“What...? How long have I been asleep?”
“Close to thirty days” Tia explained
“T-Thirty Days??”
“I’m afraid so, there are several things that have happened since you returned.” Tia said
“I assume I slept... through the invasion?”
Tia nodded. “Just as Zecora said, The Nightmare Forces began attacking Ponyville and Canterlot and the rest of the lands.” Tia paused for a moment “Everything is lost, we were able come here to the shelter deep below the old castle ruins.”
“Everything is... lost..?” Luna soon felt regret knowing she should have taken Shadowfright's offer, it wasn't before long tears were streaming from her eyes.
“I’m so sorry! I didn't mean for all this to happen!” Luna said breaking down
“Shhhh, its okay Luna.” Tia said holding Luna close. “What’s done is done... as for now I’m just happy that you are here and alive.”
“Um... Excuse me Celestia, but if Luna is now awake... would this mean if the other girls be waking up as well?” asked Apple Bloom
Celestia looked at the young filly with surprise. “If the other girls had the same sleeping spell... then yes, they should be waking up. I can only hope they have landed in a safe place. Goodness help them if they aren't.”
Elsewhere...
“Rarity, Fight it!” echoed in her mind as she effortlessly cried out to her dear friend as the Nightmare forces swirled around the white mare.
“I’m... I’m sorry my dear...” and with that her will was taken, the elements enveloped her. Not a sight of what was underneath could be seen through them.
She could only watch as the elements slowly let their grasp go, and what was seen next...
These thoughts and images repeatedly continued, no matter what she did or said, would see her best friend develop into the dark mare that stood before her at the end. She couldn't escape the final image of the dark mare’s horn flowing with energy just before what felt like she was falling into darkness.
Physically she stirred, trying to escape the repetitiveness of these images. Something felt as if it couldn't let her escape, bonded for what felt like an eternity with the events that unfolded in her dreams. This time though, it seemed as if a great weight has been lifted and the sense of her bondage have been released. She slowly began to open her eyes, her pupils adjusting to dim light, blurry at first, then the began to focus on her surroundings.
“W-what...?” she softly muttered. She tried to move but with each movement she felt as if her body was still numb.
Letting out a whimper she continued to try and move her legs however the tingling sensation of the numbness was too much to bear, she would have to wait till her body would awaken as well.
“Where am I....?” she said softly, looking at her surroundings.
Nothing looked familiar, perhaps very alien to what she’s used to seeing, nothing seemed, alive. She continued to look around, she was under a cliff with nothing but withered wilderness and vegetation surrounding her. She continued to examine what was around her, somehow she was centerpiece of a crater that had impacted the ground.
“How...?” she quickly winced as she felt her legs slowly regain their feel, a soreness in each of her joints, being as if being in the same position for quite some time.
She had so much more questions than answers to her situation, however she remembered the dream. She quickly look up to the night sky searching.
“Please.. Please don't tell me..” with ghostly shock she saw the moon and its silhouette covered with surrounding Nightmare Forces which choked the moonlight. “No...” she choked out trying to contain her tears. It was all true, what she witness in her dreams where was all real.
“The girls!” she said, attempting to stand, while the feelings in her legs were back, her joints were too stiff to move. A moan escaped from her as she collapsed back to the ground.
“AJ!” she yelled out into the dark wilderness before her. Her ears posed to listen closely for any response.
Not a sound echoed back.
“Pinkie! Spike!” She continued to yell and look about.
Her ears slowly began to fold back as her voice seemed to drown in the darkness.
“Luna... Rainbow...” She said quietly as she lowered her head.
Her heart began to sink as the thought of where they are, with the addition of possibly being alone and vulnerable slowly sunk in.
She looked back up at her surroundings. She needed more light so see if she was in any danger. Tilting her head, she did what felt second nature to her, closing her eyes she quickly summoned for a light spell, but what felt so natural to her was now missing.
“It’s gone!” a look of worry took over. “I don't my magic anymore.” Looking back at the moon.
She resumed to remember the dream and the sensation of her falling and something taken at the same time. That was the moment she knew, the moment that her natural ability was stripped from her; but she had no chance of taking the thoughts in as a loud snaps of a branchs came from within the darkness of the wilderness.
Her head quickly turned and looked into the direction of the noise her ears poised listening.
“Girls?” she softly asked.
Another soft snap of a branch emerged from the darkness, her heart began to pound unsure of what was out there. She winced as she tried to stand on all her legs but the pain was excruciating. Her joints weren't ready to take her full weight of her body and gave way once again. She let out soft moan as she fell back to the ground. The sound was enough for whatever is behind the darkness to give a low growl sensing her dilemma, more snaps and rustles could be heard as it moved closer. Her eyes became focused on the sounds looking for any signs of the source, her heart pounding faster as each sound seemed closer and more near; but just as the sounds neared, it stopped. Whatever it was, it was out of the deep vegetation and on soft ground.
The moon didn't offer much light with its silhouette let alone with the dark moving clouds that surrounded it. She slowly shifted her legs under her, even if the pain was unbearable, she would at least try and make a run for it. Poised and ready she heard nothing but silence, her ears quickly flicked, listening.
“Is it gone..?” She thought to herself.
One of the clouds surrounding the moon let way for a soft light to fall upon her predator, her eyes widened seeing what stood before her. A grizzly bear which seemed to look as large and dark as the wilderness behind it. Its jaw open revealing its sharp teeth, its saliva lightly glistening in the moonlight as it pooled and dripped from its maw. Its eyes seemed to almost glow in the reflective light of the moon. A low tone growl came from it’s mouth and its hot breath she could see as if it were a flame.
She had no choice, she was ready to run at its very moment of attack.
The beast began to inhale deeply, she could see its chest expanding. “This is it, any minute now...” she said to herself. Her eyes locked with the creature.
The creatures eyes narrowed, and with that a loud guttural roar escaped from beasts mouth as leaped through the air lunging at her at her.
She quickly snapped up on her legs about to dash away, but something else caught her ear at that exact moment, it was another roar from the wilderness.
“EEERRRRAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!”
She quickly glanced at the direction of the noise and saw what was a glowing unicorn horn piercing into the beasts side just at the very moment the grizzly leapt at her, the beast's claws swiping just inches from her muzzle as the beast made a loud scream of pain.
She fell back in shock, looking at the two as they both scrambling and thrashing about the ground.
“Go! RUN!!” yelled out a voce out from the pile.
“I SAID RUN!!” the voice said again as the grizzly roared back to its feet.
She didn’t’ have to be asked again, she once again stood up and ran away to a clearing beside the cliff. She ran with all her might to get away from the gruesome fight but her joints sparked with pain with each gallop.
“Ahh!” she yelled out as she tumbled just a few yards away. She quickly dusted off the fall and looked back.
The unicorn horn glowed brightly as it lunged back again at the grizzly. The grizzly made a loud groan as it took a swipe at the stranger; the stranger falling to the ground below the grizzly and his horn dimmed into the darkness. The grizzly looked about and saw the young mare on the ground once again, it roared and began it chase after her.
“Oh no!” she cried out as she quickly got back to legs. She tried to make her escape but her legs were just not cooperating as she stumbled again. Her eyes slowly began to tear up as she looked at the grizzly running at full speed to her roaring, but just as it gained full speed the grizzle quickly slowed and its eyes slowly dimmed.
She looked upon amazement as the grizzly collapsed just beside her, raggedly breathing, its eyes slowly closing as a pool of blood began to emerge on the ground from its neck.
Her eyes now flowing with tears, dazed of what could have been.
Soon a soft clap of hoofs began to walk toward her, she looked around around the large beast for somepony to appear, but the hoof noise had stopped. There was silence until she heard a voice.
“Are you alright?” the voice said raggedly
She snapped up, and looked up on top of the beast, and there the stranger stood breathing heavily as blood from the creature stained across its face and mane.
“Hey, are you alright?”
She wiped her tears away and looked upon what she could with the moonlight, it was a light brown male unicorn pony with very dark brown long mane and tail, his eyes a light shade of brown reflecting off the dim moonlight. She could see him wearing a long cloak coat, covering most of his body.
He jump off the beast and next to her.
She shook her head to get out her daze.
“I’m okay, but my legs they’re very sore and I couldn't move them.” She replied
His horn glowed and an ora began to surround her, gently lifting and supporting her up on her legs.
“This should help for now. It should be enough for you to move without putting too much pressure; but we must get away from this place. There is way too much danger here.”
“Thank you” she said with gratitude. “What about you? You're covered in blood!”
“Oh, I’m alright. The blood is not mine.” He said as he tried to wipe the beasts blood off with his hoof.
“Come, its best that we get out of this wooded area.” he said.
She nodded as they both walked away from the dark wilderness and into the pasture clearing ahead.
“Please pardon me for asking, but where am I?” she asked.
He looked back at her a bit puzzled. “You mean, you don't know where your at?”
“Why no, all I remember is being on the moon to recuse a friend of mine, but we were attacked and then I woke up here.”
He looked at her oddly as he stopped walking and turned to face her.
“Wait, you were on the moon?” he said with a questionable expression.
She nodded as she sat down in front of him.
“So you're the object that I saw flying through the sky!” he said.
“My goodness, I found it… after all this time...” he said to himself.
She looked puzzled. “I. What...?”
“Yeah! We- ” he paused for a second. “...I saw several objects fly out from the moon but... that was nearly thirty moon cycles ago.”
“Thirty moon cycles? Don’t you mean days?”
“There hadn't been any daylight after I saw those objects fall from the moon... then these dark elements started to...” he paused again “...lets just say all hell has broken loose since then.”
“No daylight??” she exclaimed
“It would mean Nightmare Rarity has been in full control.” she thought to herself.
He looked at her strangely.
“Those dark elements.... did they look like creatures?” she asked
“Yeah... they did.” he said back looking at her more closely. “You know what going on... don’t you?!”
she nodded slowly.
He began to get upset. “Is she the reason why things are the way they are, the reason why it happened?” he thought himself.
“Tell me young pony, who are you? Are you the reason why there's so much misfortune to us?!” he said scolding to her.
“No!” she responded “I was simply trying to rescue my best friend from the Nightmare Forces!” she cried out. “I have no idea what has happened!”
“Take a good look around you!” He replied aggressively.
She was taken back by this. “Why is he so angry with me?” she thought, but she did look around, everything seemed so withered, dark, and dead.
“Those dark creatures took everything! All the plants, food, and even-” he stopped mid-sentence as he closed his eyes and gritted his teeth holding back an angry cry.
He took a few deep breaths before he calmed down. “Look, I... I’m sorry for lashing out at you like that, its just that I’ve-...” he paused again and sighed “I guess if If you have been asleep for that long you wouldn't have known what's been happening.” he said. “I just found it strange that somepony would just ‘sleep‘ through it all.”
“I can assure you it wasn't my will to sleep through it.” she said sincerely.
He could only nod, feeling upset at himself for getting away like that. He slowly stood back up and began walking.
“Come, I know lake not too far from here.” He said obviously to change the subject. “I need to clean myself from all this blood.”
She nodded and followed right beside him. They walked a few paces before she had any courage to ask anything.
“If you don't mind me asking, I never got your name...” she asked timidly
“My name...” he said lowering his head slightly as they continued walking.
“I-I’m sorry, I didn't mean to impose-”
“It’s Alright.” he insisted.
“My... My name is, Ultra” as he looked to her with a warm smirk.
“May I ask what is your’s?” Ultra asked.
She warmly smiled back at him. “Its Twilight... Twilight Sparkle.”
