Follow the Adventures of several mysterious Equines as they search for answeres, and find destiny.
The Queen of darkness knows no bounds; through the rain soaked streets of yesteryear's Manehattan to the catacombs beneath Ponyville Library today, the shadows have been and are still very much alive...
(Relighting the fire. Starting on some major revisions. I am going to finish this story god damnit.)
Underneath a storming night sky on the streets of downtown ManeHattan, a single cloaked and hooded equine with mounted saddlebags galloped through the streets, passing by both beggars and citizens, greeting with only a flick of the tail. Upon rounding a corner, the clouds parted to shed a moment of moonlight, revealing our mysterious traveler.
Under the moonlight the pony took pause to catch its breath and let down the hood. A mare. The light shone so that her coat, as smooth and blue and beautiful as the night sky above her, began to glisten, and her suave black mane could bathe in moonlight. One last peculiar feature stood out amongst the dark: her eyes shone sapphire blue in the dark.
The moon revealed our equine, Midnight, a younger unicorn who for her whole life remained a mystery, embracing the shadows as her home and few a pony for her solace. No records indicated that she had a family and she had formerly lived under the care of an old widow, and even now that widow has seemed to all but cease to exist. She only truly felt loved under the embrace of her beloved moon.
As soon as the moon would give her comfort, the clouds would cast a shroud over head. Once again Midnight would retreat under the cover of her hood and resume her travels through the rain coated streets.
At the conclusion of a near marathon, Midnight finally slowed to a stop outside a small town-home belonging to a long relocated mare both whose face and name removed from local knowledge. The front door was precursed by a short staircase, either side of the door decorated by elaborate and weathered stone masonry.
Slowly, Midnight put one hoof in front of the other and climbed the steps, proceeding to knock on the door. A stallion not much darker than herself answered the door: Shade, Midnight's older brother.
Midnight and Shade, siblings through acquaintance, did not in fact share a mother or father, but found each other at the ages of 3 and 4 (Midnight being the younger), and have since then traveled and lived as the closest of friends. Shade shared many attributes with Midnight, including a darker complexion of the coat and overwhelming discomfort under any light not shone from the moon.
Midnight stepped shakily through the door, cold and soaking wet from the night's tears. Inside of the old townhouse one could find several Paintings of the Previous Tenant, pictures from the youngest age to her adulthood, wedding pictures and some from her adventures, all carefully placed throughout the hallways and bedrooms, and finally a single massive portrait over the den's fireplace. The main stairway to the second floor had suffered such atrophy that it could no longer fulfill its purpose, but the auxiliary staircase, used for moving furniture, had maintained throughout the years, alas the relocated tenants had locked the door and misplaced the key…
"Hello Shade, the end of night draws near and I stand before you, weary from my journey, but while day approaches there remains one last act before I can finally rest; come, I have something to tell you," spoke Midnight, at the brink collapse. The two young ponies made their way into the den, Midnight set down her saddlebags on the table while Shade lit a dim burning candle and opened the nearby closet to retrieve a towel for his sister, who began to speak:
"I made an unforeseen encounter upon returning from the grocer, a pair of old mares speaking in the alley on fifth street mentioned my name and yours, but took notice of me turned their heads away..." "Perhaps they were talking about a certain "Shade" of "Midnight", like a color?" Shade inquired with a Blush.
"I don't think so, because as soon as I passed them in the alley they ceased to speak, like they knew I was listening..."
"Sister you are tired, please get some rest, Let us speak of this tomorrow night? You have had a long journey and I fear you may catch-"
"Please wait, I have more to tell! Once I left the alley the old mares began to follow me, after two blocks I was so scared I had nothing in my mind except to sprint! So I did, and I pray that I lost them, the thought of anybody finding our home is unbearable..."
At the mentioning of this Shade stood up and dashed to the boarded up window to look outside through the cracks and find nothing.
"If they had followed you, then it appears you may have indeed lost them because I can't see any-pony outside." Dawn began to break through the clouds and Shade drew the curtains to preserve what little darkness was left in the house, and retreated back to ask once more if she would rest, but alas, she had already drifted off into her sleep. He then retrieved a blanket for Midnight and himself, and lay at her side so he too could rest.
The Siblings had long since grown to be the best of friends, trusting only each other, and watching out for one another. Their relationship had grown strong of late; the city of ManeHattan passed a bill allowing the demolition of abandoned homes to erect new department stores. Shade and Midnight have now twice woken up to the sound of machinery, and once when a demolitions-pony found them while he was setting explosives. That time they had been extremely lucky, the demolitions team had already triggered the explosives, and went inside to inspect the blasting caps when they found the two sleeping inside. Now, slowly but surely, all the empty buildings they could try and call home were being torn down, shortening the list of places that the siblings could rest and not worry about abduction on the streets or in some dark alleyway. The home they now resided in had lasted the longest, and while they hoped it would stay that way, emigration was now inevitable.
Midnight opened her eyes, met with the absence of Shade, and stumbled to her hooves to search for him, but stopped when she noticed the shadow of a tall equine before her. Atop the mysterious figures head stood a horn, and on its back resided outstretched wings; her guest was an Alicorn. Maintaining her silence, Midnight carefully stood upright to better see the intruder. There was a silhouette in the doorway, behind it Midnight could see daylight reaching towards her, but held back by the doorway so that the sunlight could just barely touch her hoof. The light around the intruder appeared to flow, being repelled by the shadowy figure.
“Please, who are you and where is my brother?” stammered Midnight. The figure remained motionless and speechless; after a moment Midnight gathered her strength and began to move, when suddenly-
“Do not move.”
At those three simple words Midnight felt petrified, and began to speak again so that the shadows could interrupt her.
“Do not speak.”
The intruder took one step inside, and a pair of glowing azure eyes appeared, staring at Midnight. The figure stepped through the doorway, and the door closed behind it, revealing the figure of a large mare that blended into the shadows, as if lacking any true form.
“It does not surprise me that you cannot remember who I am, and it was to be expected considering the circumstances under which I created you.” Spoke the shadows; picking up on Midnight’s fear, “I see you have retained a fear of sunlight, as have all the others.”
“Others?” pondered Midnight silently to herself.
“Yes, Others.”
“How did you-?”
“I created you, thus everything you are comes from me. I can see everything you do, as may I feel, hear, and however else perceive.”
“But who are you?”
“That is a question that for another time, what you should be asking is who are you?” Midnight suddenly awoke, next to her sleeping brother. The thoughts of what she had just witnessed terrified her, and she held her brother close, as the voices from her dreams echoed into reality.
“Keep him close, because once you have found the others, you will need each other more than anything...” Shade started to stir and awaken, and Midnight told him what she had seen and spared no detail.
“It sounds like a dream I wouldn’t want either,” Shade spoke to comfort Midnight “a rather horrifying nightmare”
“That’s just it, the mare! She was a nightmare!”
"She?"
"She sounded like a mare"
“You are aware that the tales of Nightmares are only Tales, right?”
“And if they're more than just tales?”
“The thought of them being real terrifies me enough, any pony with that much magic is powerful- not just powerful, but Dangerous”
"Indeed, but there's still the question: why would I see one in my dreams?"
"A question I would rather not have answers to, let's talk about something else..."
The siblings moved into the dining room and unpacked the saddlebags from the night before, Shade drew out their food: some hay and a pair of apples. Midnight and Shade spoke throughout their meal and through the final moments of the afternoon, but stopped when they came to the vital topic of Midnight's mysterious followers from last night.
"If they really did follow you, the safety of our residence may be compromised"
Under the cover of hood and Darkness, Midnight and Shade wandered their way through Manehattan, without any direction, and still the haunting words of a shadow echoing in Midnight's mind. While the night gave them some comfort, the foreboding thought of somepony or something following them kept them on edge. Overhead no clouds interrupted the night sky, leaving a full and astounding harvest moon painted in a magnificent shade of gold. Midnight and Shade paused to look up at the sound of wings. A Carriage pulled by four dark Pegasi made its way across the horizon with a single passenger.
"It's Princess Luna!"
"What could she be doing out at this hour?"
"She raises the moon at night; she's probably just enjoying the scenery"
"Are they coming towards us?" Indeed the carriage had begun to turn and descend towards the two siblings, who proceeded to step back. The quartet of pegasi began to slow and touch down on the street, once completely halted princess Luna stepped down and approached Midnight and Shade.
"It surprises me to find ponies out at this hour, and it pleases me as well. May I ask your names?"
"M-My name is Midnight"
"And mine Sh-Shade" Both Shade and Midnight removed their hoods and began to bow, displaying their magnificent coats under full moonlight. Under the yellow light and in the breeze Shade's Mane began to flow with elegance, and Midnight's black coat shone in a near luminescent blue.
"Such magnificent ponies, the moon truly does shine upon you two with all its beauty, but please do not bow; I am a princess not a dictator. A simple greeting was more than enough. Now I must ask, what is it that you two are out here at this hour? Ponies as young as yourselves should be getting their rest." They both stood back up on their now shaking legs, but neither could work up the courage to speak and Midnight slowly brought one hoof back and Shade began to do the same.
"Now don't be afraid; you are in no trouble, I am simply concerned that a young stallion and mare may be in harm’s way. Please, what could possibly be keeping you out at a time like this?" Once again, neither of the two could speak, and neither could bear to look Luna in the face, until Shade finally tried to speak:
"Please your majesty, we are..."
"Yes? You are what?" The same thoughts raced through both of their minds, what if the figure from Midnight's dream was actually Luna? Luna began to take a step forward and lower herself so she came to eye level with the two of them. Midnight began to tremble and promptly fainted.
"Midnight? Midnight? Please wake up sister," Shade's pleas found their way to Midnight in her slumber.
Midnight's eye slowly began to open, and she was torn to find nobody with her. She sat up and found herself in a bed in some strange room, decorated with pictures of Equestria, the South East corner hinged a door leading to a bathroom; the opposite corner had a single closed door. Then it finally struck Midnight, a single window on the West wall revealed the red evening sun shining upon her, a sight to which Midnight gasped in terror. She leapt out of bed, and bolted for the door, but to her dismay, the door would not open. The sound of approaching hoof-beat drove her to run for the opposite corner and try her best to hide from the sunlight. The door opened inward and Shade looked inside to see the curtains drawn, a matter which he immediately corrected so that he may check on his sister.
"Shade!"
"Midnight?" Midnight pounced on Shade, knocking him over as well as giving him a hug. A second pony stepped through the door, a nurse carrying a tray. The tray had a veritable array of lunch items, such as apples, hay fries, a bowl of salad, and a pitcher of orange juice accompanied by a drinking glass with ice, all complete with a vase of tulips on the side.
"Courtesy of the hospital mam"
"Thank you nurse... erm"
"Carrol, Nurse Carrol sir."
"Thank you nurse Carrol."
"If there's anything else I can do for you please feel free to let me know, I'll be just down the hall."
"We will." Nurse Carrol left the tray on the nightstand next to the bed for Midnight, and exited the room.
"Shade, what happened? I can’t remember a thing..."
"You fainted in front of Princess Luna, and she insisted on taking you to the hospital."
"Did you tell her about my dream?"
"No, I said that we were just lost and trying to find our way home when she found us."
"Did you tell her anything else?"
"Well..." Princess Luna walked through the door with one of her Guards, the two spoke quietly to each other. After a moment Princess Luna dismissed the guard and turned to speak to Midnight and Shade.
"Actually, I wanted to hear more of what you both had to say. I saw you two trotting along from the moment you left old Mrs. Tailor's house. You were clearly not lost and you definitely had a place to stay, so why were you out so late?"
Midnight looked at Luna and then at Shade, and turned back to Luna to confess:
"We think there was some pony looking for us, the night before two Mares were following me while I was on my way home..."
Luna moved to open the curtains when Shade stopped her:
"Please, leave the curtains Princess..."
Luna gave Shade a somewhat curious look, and refrained from drawing the curtains, and allowed Midnight to continue.
"...We were staying in the old house because - well, nobody lived there, it was abandoned and we needed a place to stay. The front door was unlocked when we first came by so we decided to stay there."
"So you don't have a true place to call home, no family?"
"No mam, just each other to look out for."
Luna began to frown, empathetic for the two nomads. In the same moment another set of hooves made their way to the room, and the door opened revealing Princess Celestia. At the sight of Celestia Midnight began to feel sickly, as did Shade.
"Luna my sister, you asked to see me?"
"I found these two out in the middle of night, they don't have a home and they believe some pony may have been shadowing them. Before now they had been living in an old abandoned house in ManeHattan"
"Homeless?"
"And no family either"
"An experience no equine should have to endure, it hurts me to hear of such a life," Celestia turned to Midnight and Shade "What happened to your families?"
It then struck Celestia that Midnight had started to shake, but Shade could still answer, and so he did:
"Neither of us has ever actually had a family. Midnight was raised by a Widow, but I can't remember much of how I grew up, only an old gray Mare."
Celestia whispered something into Luna's ear, and then turned back to Shade and Midnight.
"Please excuse us; we have some things to discuss in private."
Luna followed Celestia out into the hallway where they would discuss sensitive topics.
"Shade, you said you remember an Old gray Mare?"
"Yes, but only vaguely,"
"Did she have a pale complexion and a white mane?"
"From what I recall, she did."
"Hazel eyes?"
"I think so, why?"
"Because, that's the same widow who raised me." Celestia and Luna entered the room with assured looks on their faces, Midnight, however, did not share the enthusiasm. Celestia began:
"Luna and I have been talking, and we both agree that two young ponies, such as yourselves, should not have to live without a true home and family."
"We have deliberated, and decided on a place for you to stay: We know of a family in Fillydelphia who might have interest in caring for the two of you."
"I've already prepared a messenger to see if they would still willingly adopt you and we can expect to hear back from them within the next two days if we send him now."
"That is, if you are willing to stay with them. What do you think?" Midnight and Shade exchanged uncertain looks, to which Luna assured them "If you would like some time to think about it, just say so; this is a big decision to take on with only a moment to think about it." Midnight replied with a grateful nod "That would seem best, thank you." Celestia smiled "Then we shall let you two think. Call upon Nurse Carrol and she will deliver your decision to Luna; I must be leaving, there are matters in Canterlot that need tending to and mail to sort." Luna chimed in, "But I will stay here in the hospital until you have reached a decision, to which you have all the time in the world for." Luna peeked through the curtains, and began to stare, as night had risen and the Moon was out. Shade came as well, and drew open the curtains for his younger sister, and the two of them relished in the comfort of moonlight. Celestia spoke:
“Time sure has its way of getting ahead of us. What do you say you sleep over the choices we’ve offered you?”
To which both Shade and Midnight answered with a nod, and Celestia and Luna departed with a cheerful “Farewell” and “Until morning.” Shade opened his eyes to the sight of his Dark alleyway, which he and a congregation of mice occupied. Every night Shade would rise to his feet and search for food among the refuse of households closed to the likes of him. This night held a surprise, a lone mare started down the alleyway towards the box Shade called home. She took one last step towards Shade, who had backed himself into a corner, when her Lip’s began to move:
“Awake, my young colt. Open your eyes.”
And so he did. Beside him lie Midnight, sound asleep, a sight that comforted Shade until the silence broke.
“Muster your strength young colt, steel your mind, and hold your sister close. The time has come; together you must seek out the others.” Shade realized all around him the light had begun to vanish, and the shadows swelled around him and midnight. He tried to speak, but his mouth held no voice; he tried to wake Midnight, but she only stirred. A pair of red eyes appeared in the shadows, locked with Shade’s and the voice began again.
“His Name is Zephyrus; you will know him when you see him… Find him in Phillydelphia.” With those last words the darkness receded, and moonlight spilled into the room. Unsure of what to think, and too terrified to even speak, Shade lay back down, to catch what little sleep he could.
“But we don’t know these people! What if they don’t want us?”
“Midnight, we’ve had no place to stay nor family to love besides each other-”
“Shade! This isn’t like you. You’ve never so much as looked any-pony else in the eye, and I know this because I’m the same way.”
“I know, but maybe it’s time to stop running, or at least try to settle down for a while...”
Midnight looked Shade in the eyes and let out a sigh of acceptance.
“You’re right; we do need to stop running, or like you said, at least try.”
Midnight fell silent.
“Shall I inform nurse Carrol of our decision?”
Midnight replied with a nod, to which Shade left the room to inform Nurse Carrol that they had reached a conclusion. Not long after Shade returned, Princess Luna entered the room with a warm smile about her face. “Nurse Carrol has told me that you have reached a decision?”
Shade began to nod and responded first, “Yes Princess Luna, we have.”
“Well then, what have the two of you decided?”
Midnight rose up to speak, “We shall accept your generous offer.”
Luna’s smile grew a little, and she nodded her head, “I will send a message to the awaiting couple that I have two young ponies in need of a home; I’m sure that they will be delighted to take you in. We should hear back from them within the day, until then Nurse Carrol has generously offered to let you stay.”
Shade and Midnight looked at each other with smiles on their faces. Princess Luna Smiled again, “I’m glad that you two are happy with your decision. I will remain here at the hospital as well, and when we hear back that they will take you in, I will travel with you to your new home.”
Shade and Midnight hugged each other in joy and Shade turned to speak to Luna, “Thank you Princess Luna!”
“Before I go back to my room, I still have a question for the two of you.”
“Yes mam?” replied a now curious Midnight.
“Why do you fear daylight?”
The siblings faces turned to those of fear after feeling safe for so long.
“The only reason I ask is because I have stumbled upon a Pegasus with a similar phobia.”
“Zephyrus?” Inquired Shade. Princess Luna turned with a curious look.
“Yes... I believe that was his name... How did you know?”
“Lucky guess I suppose..” Shade smiled weakly.
Princess Luna did not let her curiosity subside, but continued anyways, “Well then, I shall return to my room and let you two be."
Midnight and Shade gave one last bow to Princess Luna as she exited the room, after Luna left Shade turned to Midnight, “We have to talk.”
"Does something trouble you brother?”
“Yes... No.... Maybe, I’m not sure.”
“What is it?”
“I... I Saw it...”
“Saw who?”
“The nightmare...”
Midnight was taken aback by this statement, her knees started to shake and her pupils dilated.
“It told me about Zephyrus...”
“What? Why?”
“I don’t know, but it told me to find him... It said ‘his name is Zephyrus,’”
“I Don’t know what to think of all this. The Nightmare frightens me, but at the same time I felt... safe... when I saw it.”
Shade gave midnight a much needed hug, “would you like me to fetch us some tea?”
Midnight nodded in consent and Shade left the room. Midnight began to cry; a small bead of water rolled off her nose and fell to the floor. It was her sorrow that brought out the darkest shadows in the room; everything seemed to vanish around her. Surrounded in darkness, Midnight couldn’t help but feel comfortable; She had often felt this way recently- that only the shadows held her solace.
Suddenly, a beam of light broke through and the shadows started to burn and wither away, receding back into corners, under the bed, and into the closet, “I brought us some tea, they were our of Sugar so I hope a bit of mashed peppermint will do.” Shade walked in, carefully balancing a tray on his back.
“Thank you, It will have to do,” yawned Midnight.
“Tired?”
“A little...”
“You don’t look so well, are you feeling okay?”
“I can’t say... Lately I can’t help but feel... lost... with this whole ordeal of moving and the nightmare, it feels like the world is collapsing around me,” Midnight got up and carried her tea to the window, where she drew the curtains to look outside.
Overcast weather over bustling streets coated in a thin Haze. Ponies walked past one another without so much as a glimpse at one an other, just an ordinary Mane-Hattan Day. “Shade, what do you think Phillydelphia is like?” Shade looked up and began to think.
“I’d Imagine something like Mane-Hattan, certainly as crowded.”
“What about the couple we might live with?”
“I pray they turn out to be as caring as Princess Luna makes them out to be.”
“I wonder what they will think about us.”
“I wonder about that Zephyrus character, and why we should find him.”
“'Find him?' What are you talking about?”
Shade immediately realised his error, and hung his head in guilt, “The Nightmare said to me, 'His name is Zephyrus; find him in Phillydelphia.'”
Midnight immediately turned to shade, dropping the teacup, “What!? Shade! Is that why you wanted to go to Phillydelphia, because the Nightmare told you to?! Do you actually trust this-this- Apparition?!”
Shade hung his head even lower, “Actually, I do.” Upon hearing this Midnight twirled into a panic, and promptly fainted. Shade walked slowly over to Midnight’s unconscious body, picked her up, and carried her over to the bed where he lay her down and tucked her in. “I’m Sorry...” He said as he gently nuzzled her, “I’m sorry...”
After pulling the sheet over Midnight, Shade turned and walked to the window to pull the curtains shut. He stopped momentarily to look outside; Parting clouds revealed the darkened red sky over now empty streets. Not a sound. Shade let out a sigh and drew the curtains Shut.
Across the Horizon a silent observer watched as one of nature’s beauties took place, the sunset. As it descended it left a fiery sky- truly magnificent; it looked as if the city the sun set behind caught fire. Sunset had quickly become one of Zephyrus’ favorite scenes for two important reasons: The first reason was because it signaled him that he could now take to the skies, the other reason was it’s captivating brilliance. He stood tall on his perch above Phillydelphia, stood atop the highest point for miles, above a civilization that welcomed him with strange looks and condescension. Zephyrus stood so that he could stretch out his wings and feel the embrace of the coming nighttime breeze. When the sun had finally disappeared, Zephyrus leaped into the air, weightless....and free.
Midnight had started to stir in bed, and Shade took notice. The sun had come out, signalling shade to close the curtains. He hadn’t slept a wink, simply sat and stared out the window, looking at the city and his reflection, questioning his choices and himself. He turned to find Midnight sitting up and scratching his head.
“Feeling better?”
“Not exactly...”
“Atleast you got some sleep. Princess Luna came by to check on us, and said she would come back again once you woke up.”
“Did she say anything about the family in Phillydelphia? Will they take us in?”
“No, she said she wanted to tell us both.”
“I see.”
“Could I get you some breakfast?”
“Let’s both go; I’ve been stuck in this room for so long, some exercise wouldn’t hurt.”
“Okay, just follow me then. I could use something to eat, too.”
Shade led Midnight out of the room in to the central hallway. The hallway was hardly busy; a single custodian pushed her cart to each room to change out the towels, while an electrician walked by with a toolkit on his way to repair a broken speaker at the end of the hall. “This way,” called Shade, Midnight followed him down the hall, left at the floor desk, and into an elevator which they rode to the ground floor. After a few seconds of an overplayed tune the doors opened again and Shade led Midnight around the corner into the Cafeteria. 10:00am appeared slow as only a handful of about two dozen tables had occupants, never more than four people at one table. Despite the absence of ponies, the cafeteria felt rather nice; the windows were tinted to minimize the outside light, between windows hung portraits of different ponies, and to top it all off each table came complete with a vase of assorted colored daffodils.
“Here we are, and look- no line!” Shade cheered. “Good timing, I’m starving!” echoed Midnight.
The two made their way to the line, made their selections, and proceeded to the register manned by a rather sleepy looking cashier.
“Oh hello again Shade, I see you’ve brought your sister this time? How are you feeling dear?” began the Cashier.
“Famished! And you miss......?”
“Truffles, and I’m doing rather well, thank you for asking.” Truffles rang up the order “That will be 10 Bits please."
“Oh! My apologies, I’ve left my money back in the room.... I don’t suppose you can hold our order while I go and get it?”
“If you promise to come back with your dues I’ll let you eat first.”
“That sounds good, but wait a second. Midnight, you go and find us a seat while I run back to the room.”
“Okay, but do hurry back, with as many people as there are I don’t think your seat will be free for long!” giggled Midnight. “Ha-ha, I’ll be sure to hurry then.” chuckled Shade with a warm smile as he trotted off. Midnight struggled to balance both her and Shade’s meals, but then Truffles came around to help.
“Allow me sweetie; here - I’ll carry his plate.”
“Thank you miss Truffles,”
“So you must be Midnight. I apologize if I seem rather droll, I’ve been getting headaches off and on, they’ve been keeping me awake the past few nights.”
“It’s okay, I’ve been having fainting spells apparently...”
“Ah, yes. Shade mentioned that you had one in front of Princess Luna. Must have been real excited eh?”
“Sort of, you could look at it that way”
“You’re a lucky one though, you’ve got such a charming young colt to look after you.”
“Who Shade? Well he is as caring as they come...”
“How long have you two been together? You seem like such a happy young couple.”
“What- OH!” Midnight giggled “, we’re not like that; he’s my brother- or at least as close to a brother as possible. We met at such a young age I can barely remember... I was about three and he was four... we’ve been roaming around together ever since.”
“So practically siblings I see. Still, you’ve got some-pony and boy is he polite. He’s been in here a few times, always well mannered. He comes in, grabs a quick snack, and leaves with a whole tray of food, which I assume was always for you.”
“Yea, that’s definitely him, always putting me before himself."
“Ah here he comes now. Well I better let you get to your breakfast.”
“Goodbye Miss truffles, see you.... well not sure if we’ll meet again...”
“Whys that?”
“It depends, we might leave for Phillydelphia soon.”
“Ah, in that case: Good luck! I’ve enjoyed our time together, however brief it may have been. Farewell!”
Truffles headed back to the register so that Shade could pay for the order. After paying Shade walked over and Sat down with Midnight, who was enjoying a hearty breakfast salad with two slices of toast with jam spread and a cup of Apple Juice. Shade took a bite out of his apple strudel and Sipped from his glass of Orange Juice. Usually neither of them ever eat food such as this, they often find themselves content with a plate of Hay and some water. A few minutes into breakfast Princess Luna stepped through the door and approached the siblings.
“I heard that you’ve finally gotten out of your room Midnight, how do you feel now that you’re up and about?”
“Much better Princess, but please, have you heard from the family in Phillydelphia?”
“As a matter of fact, I have. Are you two ready for their decision?”
Both of them nodded Eagerly
“They would be delighted to take the two of you in!”
“Thank you Princess! We could never be grateful enough!”
“Now we must hurry, there’s a storm later tonight and if we want to get to Phillydelphia before it rains we must leave within the hour. Go ahead and finish your breakfast, then gather your belongings and speak to Nurse Carrol when you’re ready.”
Both of them replied with a nod and finished their breakfast so they could retrieve their bags.
"I can hardly believe that we can finally stop running!"
"Likewise, someplace to stay, with a family that just might care..." Midnight turned to Shade with a mixed look, "You're just as frightened as I am?"
"More..."
The Siblings remained silent as they finished packing. Once done, they followed Princess Luna's Instructions and stopped by the floor desk to Speak with Nurse Carrol.
"Could we please speak with Nurse Carrol?"
"I'm sorry but there is no Nurse Carrol, " returned the desk clerk.
"Excuse me?" Midnight's expression took that of curiosity.
"There is no Nurse Carrol... there never has been."
"Then who's been taking care of us?"
"What room did you stay in?" the clerk turned to her sketchpad "or who signed you in?"
"I'm not privy to the room number, but I do believe we were signed in by Princess Luna."
"Princess Luna?" the clerk shot them a rather curious glance, "Names please?"
"Midnight and Shade" retorted Shade, also curious about these events.
"You were assigned room 13-A... the attending nurse," the clerk flipped a page, "Unlisted? Well it seems we have a problem. Did this 'Nurse Carrol' prescribe any medication?"
"No mam, she only preformed a checkup on Midnight, and said to rest for a period," Shade replied.
"Okay, before we release you we will need contacting information in case we need you to testify in court."
"Court? Well..."
"Please, allow me to take care of that," Princess Luna approached, with a folder containing several papers, "These papers should suffice. These two are being moved to Fillydelphia, these documents include their new mailing address and all other relative information. Now, as for the missing nurse, alert the authorities and let them handle this."
"Yes princess," The clerk took the folder and placed it in a bin, then started towards the utility door.
"Wait!" Midnight stopped the nurse, "could you please see to it that Truffles gets our mailing information also? I've had a splendid conversation with her and I would love to continue it."
"I beg your pardon? Truffles?" the clerk turned around with a rather curious look.
"Truffles, the cashier in the Cafeteria?"
"There's no Truffles working in the Cafeteria"
"Surely you jest? I spoke to her just moments ago!"
The clerk let out a frustrated sigh. "There must be more than one pony impersonating staff then. You said you spoke to her moments ago, so for us to have a chance of catching them I must dispatch security immediately. Excuse me," The clerk immediately turned and went into the staff room. A few seconds later 4 more ponies dressed in uniforms came out the door, followed by the clerk, "Unless you have any more incidences to report, I must help with the search."
"That will be all. Thank you for your help, I suppose," Luna dismissed the clerk and turned to Shade and Midnight, "Well, it seems you've caused quite a stir. Shall we depart while the weather still permits us?"
Both ponies nodded.
"Excellent, this way to the chariot," Luna said with a sort of excitement in her voice.
The princess hastily led the siblings down the South hall to a balcony where she stepped out to meet her chariot. The siblings stopped just short of the doorway, hesitant because of sunlight, but reassured by the clouds gathering overhead. Shade shut his Eyes and stepped out to the Chariot, Midnight took one last breath and followed, both drew up their hoods and carried their saddlebags with them.
A cacophony of noises echoed throughout the Ever-free Forest, bouncing off of trees and penetrating the dense woods. The noises originated from the old castle, where an Archaeologist, Professor Shalestone, has staked her claim. A team of excavation ponies had started to drill into the floor in the room where the Elements of Harmony had previously been kept. Rumors told that beneath the chamber was an ancient vault used to hold a massive treasure, a gift to the Royal Sisters from the Dragon King.
Professor Shalestone sat in her tent, dubiously studying the layouts of the Old castle and reading ancient scrolls telling of a hidden chamber beneath the castle. Descriptions were vague and written in an obscure dialect of old Equestrian. Oddly enough, none of the documents mentioned anything about gems and gold, only referring to a "Vault." Outside she could hear her ponies drilling away at the floor; she felt somewhat guilty, while her team was out breaking their backs, she sat on her rump going through old texts.
Shalestone had previously dedicated her entire life to the understanding of the past, as a filly she spent most of her time studying books about old Equestria. After so long she earned her cutiemark: a scroll wrapped with black cloth.
Over time, Shalestone dabbled more and more in field work, working as a contractor at construction sites and, when the opportunity presented itself, with dig sites. Unfortunately for her, the historians and paleontologists she worked under looked down upon her. Even in today's world it was hard for a mare to gain any recognition as an Archaeologist, since it was still seen as a Stallion's work. It wouldn't be until her discovery of a massive dragon skeleton in ManeHattan that she gained any notice.
This was her second official expedition, and she had high hopes. She remembered in her school-filly years that she came across an old nursery-rhyme that contained a very obscure mentioning of a vault in a castle. After pouring herself into researching old maps and documents at the Ponysonian, and a long year of hunting, she finally thinks she's located the "treasure" mentioned in the nursery rhyme.
"Professor! We've been digging away at the same spot for half an hour now and we've barely even scratched the surface."
"Keep working at it, I'm going to head to Ponyville and talk to somepony about these documents, maybe I can get some help translating... I should be back in an hour or so, if you don't get a break by then We'll go ahead and change our approach."
"Yes Mam!"
Professor Shalestone packed up all relevant documents into a satchel and started a smooth paced gallop to Ponyville.
"I wonder what Twilight Sparkle will make of all this..."
Twilight fussed about in the library, it was time for work and she was hell bent on doing it. Books needed arranging, inventory needed taking, and long dead plants needed loving. Spike came down the stairs to find Twilight running to and fro as she rearranged the books.
"Jeese Twilight, don't you think It's a little early to be working so hard?" Twilight pointed out that the sun was still just breaking the horizon.
"Working? I would hardly call it that"
"That's right, I forgot how much you enjoyed playing with the library..."
"Spike, while I'm getting the main floor all cleaned up could you go and check the basement and see what needs done down there?"
"And I suppose you want me to go ahead and make a checklist for you?"
"Actually, No. I think you're big enough to handle this bit on you're own now. Give it a try, and if you need any help feel free to come and ask."
"Well alright then."
Spike grabbed a candle on his way to the basement steps, and gave it a quick light with a slight breath of fire. As he opened the doors he lit the now oxygen starved torches to help light his way down, and proceeded down the stairs. Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, Spike couldn't help but notice a dusty old painting on the wall, portraying princess Luna. It looked like it had been gathering dust for centuries.
Well, Twilight said to go ahead and start cleaning... Might as well start from here and work my way in, Spike thought to himself. He Picked up the painting and tried to lower it to set it on the floor, but underestimated its weight and promptly fell to the floor, taking the painting with him.
The wooden frame cracked on impact and ,thankfully for Spike, without a glass pane to cover it, the canvas fell to the floor.
Great, Only a few minutes into cleaning and I've already broken something, probably a priceless painting no less! Twilight's going to kill me! Spike scampered to try and repair the damage. When he picked up the canvas off of it's face and turned it over he was shocked to find the Image had changed. It was now baring the image of Nightmare moon staring out of the picture at Spike, who shouted as he dropped the painting on its back.
"How in Equestria-!?"
Spike stopped to hear a stir of disembodied whispers behind him, and turned back at the wall where the picture had been hanging to spot a depression in the wall which housed a wooden lever. He couldn't tell where the noises had come from, but he had the urge to pull the lever.
Before he could Succumb to curiosity, Twilight called him back up into the Library "Spiiike! I need you back up here!"
"Coming Twilight!" Spike replied and quickly bolted up the stairs.
Crossing the thresh-hold back into the library brought Spike a surprise, he had nearly run straight into somepony's foreleg.
"Oh, Pardon me..."
"It's quite fine, no harm done."
"Spike, this is Professor Shalestone. She is leading an archaeological dig at the old castle," Twilight interjected, "She's come here to.... what was it you were here for Professor?"
"We've run into some problems. There hasn't been any actual digging, our tools haven't had any effect whatsoever. We've been trying to dig into the floor around the pedestal that held the Elements of Harmony, but it's like we might as well be stamping the ground with our hooves, the tools simply wont break through the stone!"
"Wait, the ancient castle of the royal Pony Sisters? The one in the Ever-Free forest?" Spike inserted himself.
"Yes, that very one," Shalestone turned to Twilight, "I was hoping you could help me translate some of these old Texts. They're written in an obscure and ancient Equestrian dialect like I've never seen before."
"Maybe, let's bring them upstairs and have a look."
Twilight led Shalestone up the stairs. Spike followed, turning his head to look at the basement door. Curiosity beckoned him back into the basement.
"Twilight, what did you need me for Exactly?"
Twilight stopped momentarily and looked back at the baby Dragon, "Come to think of it, I guess I really don't need you up here..."
"So I guess I should get back to work in the basement?"
"That would seem best. Again, don't hesitate to come and ask me for help."
By the time Twilight had finished her sentence Spike was already halfway through the basement door. Twilight looked on with a tinge of her own curiosity, but shrugged it off.
When Twilight and Shalestone reached the desk, Shalestone set down her bag and took out all of the papers she deemed pertinent. Twilight immediately got to work sifting through them and reading.
"This is definitely ancient, and this is definitely obscure."
"So I see we understand that we are dealing with something less than forthcoming?"
"Yep. It's written in a code, or a riddle... Depends on how you look at it."
"If it's a code let's crack it, if it's a riddle let's solve it."
"Easier said then done. Here, read this," Twilight pointed to a specific line of Text.
"Her Majesty's grace hath brought us life, and her Majesty's presence shall give us guidance," recited Shalestone ,"So we need the help of Princess Celestia. Perfect, we need the most busy pony in all of Equestria to help with the dig."
"I'm not sure. It say's 'shall give us guidance'... maybe there's an entrance to the chamber you're looking for. I would venture a bet that the stone your ponies are digging into is protected by some magical spell."
"That would sure explain a lot. So if we're looking for an entrance, where would it be?" questioned a now dumbfounded Shalestone, "None of the maps indicate any such thing."
Twilight brought a map to the top of the stack and examined it closely "If this is a vault you're looking for it makes sense that it's not on any of the maps."
"Right, but then how are we going to find it? Maybe there are some more clues in the papers?"
"Maybe," Twilight continued sifting through the papers, stopping when a particular phrase caught her eye, "This paper here mentions something about a key..."
"Yes, supposedly you need a key to open the door to the vault, but what good is a key without a door to open?"
"You've got a good point..."
The conversation was interrupted when a tremor gave the Library a slight but very Noticeable shake.
"What was that?" Twilight cocked her head around to inspect the library for damage.
"I haven't a clue, Your library doesn't normally do this I suppose?"
"Hardly. I'm guessing Spike has something to do with this. I'm going down into the basement to check on him, stay here and see if you can find anything else."
"No thanks, I'll accompany you down. Besides, It's been a while since I got to do any real field work underground."
"Alright, suit yourself."
At the bottom of the stairs Twilight spotted the broken picture frame on the floor, and gasped when she saw the portrait of Nightmare Moon.
"What is this doing here?!" Inquired a now startled Twilight
"A good question, a better question is 'Where's Spike'?" followed Shalestone.
The ponies turned to another downward spiraling staircase with a cobweb curtain.
"That wasn't there before... And this painting was supposed to be a portrait of Luna."
Spike could be heard screaming down the staircase.
"Sounds like your friend needs some help, let's go!" Shalestone called as she was already on her way down the staircase. Twilight had no choice but to follow.
Traveling down the stairs seemed to take years, even at a full gallop it must have taken Twilight a whole 2 minutes to finally reach the bottom. By the time they had gotten to the end of the staircase both of them felt exhausted, Twilight nearly collapsed to her knees.
"Spike! What's going on down here!?"
"I don't know! There was this painting of Luna and- it was Nightmare moon! Then I pulled some lever on the wall and-"
"Slow down! Take your time."
"-and then THAT!" Spike motioned towards the newly discovered room.
The three stood in a large vacuous circular chamber, almost entirely built out of black marble. Along the circumference stood a line of blue wax, brass mounted on brass candelabra. A Statue of Princess Luna stood in the middle of the room, decorated with a plethora of Gemstones, with iolite shards in place of eyes, and an assortment of sapphires encrusted on the majority of the statue. The body of the statue composed of a unique blue granite.
"What were you screaming about?" inquired Twilight.
"I could've sworn that I heard it talking!"
Spike started up the stairs when a massive stone slab separated him from the exit.
"We're trapped!"
"Spike, what's that you have in your hand?" asked Shalestone with a curious eye.
"Uhm... I can explain," Spike fiddled around with his hands before revealing a rather large Amethyst.
"Spike... Did you take that from the statue?" Shalestone noticed a bare spot on the Statue's chest.
"No! I swear! When I came down here to clean, there was this picture of Luna hanging on the wall. When I tried to take it down I fell over, and there was this lever on the wall. When I pulled it that huge staircase opened up, and I found this gem on the stairs on the way down, a few steps from the top."
"So then why is there a bare spot on the Statue over there?" Twilight pointed a hoof to the Statue.
"I don't know, I had just walked in here when I heard the statue start to talk."
"Well what did it say?" Shalestone was beginning to get anxious.
"I couldn't tell, whatever it said it wasn't in English."
"Whatever it said, I think we're supposed to put the Amethyst in it's proper place," Twilight motioned to the gemstone, "What other options do we have?"
"Well then you take it! That thing gives me the creeps" Twilight outstretched his hand to Twilight, the Amethyst in his palm.
"Oh fine, don't be such a filly," Twilight joked, and struggled to pick up the stone with her unicorn powers, "Hey... What's going on here?"
"What's wrong Twi?"
"I can't use my magic in here! This place must be under some sort of spell..."
"Then allow me to place the gem?" inquired a now eager Professor Shalestone.
"That's okay," Mumbled Twilight, taking the Amethyst in her mouth "I've got it"
Twilight walked shakily over to the Statue, she hid her feelings, but she was just as scared as Spike. As she slowly approached the Statue, she could feel a slight breeze, as she neared the Statue the breeze grew stronger. It reached a strong, howling tempest as she stood directly in front of the statue. Reluctantly, Twilight placed the Gemstone in it's proper place.
"There, you've got your amethyst, now let us out!" Twilight shouted at the Allicorn's stony face, slowly backing away, stopping when the Earth began to shake.
The candles that lined the circumference, previously unlit, started to flicker into persistent blue flames, keeping their flame despite the relentless torrent of wind from the small hurricane contained in the room. On top of all the chaos, the Statue's eyes and newly placed Amethyst started to glow.
"Twilight! Get away from there!" Spike was hollering at the top of his voice, but his cries couldn't penetrate the screech of the wind.
Even if she could hear him, Twilight couldn't seem to move her legs. She panicked, looking back at Spike and the Professor, and turned back to face her foe. Upon making eye contact with the Statue she started to lose herself in the Azure blue gaze. In her last moments conscious, she saw the chamber start collapsing around her.
Cold... Dark... Silent... But not without life. Twilight lay in some abysmal slumber, her mind racing inside her limp and lifeless body, to which racing she could never feel reprieve. Trapped within the confines of her own mind, Twilight found herself trying to recall the happenings leading up to the present events.
"Okay... So... What was I doing this morning? I woke up... Then what?... The Library! I was cleaning... I told Spike to clean up the basement... and then... then..." Twilight struggled to recall, "All I remember after that is... The Statue! And the Amethyst! And the Ceiling was coming down!"
In that moment Twilight felt something nagging at her, something pulling her deeper, further down into a dream state. As a brilliant mare, she had grown used to the fact that such a mind could never truly rest; even in her sleep she fought within herself and tried to grasp ideas beyond what most ponies could comprehend, but this was truly climax. Never before had she been so immersed in her dreams that they seemed so real; she could actually physically feel herself free-falling.
“Permit me the time,” echoed a ghostly voice, “and the truth shall become manifest.”
“What’s that? Who’s there?”
Twilight blinked once and found she was standing in what appeared to be Ponyville, with some noticeable changes. There were no visible ponies trotting about, the trees bore no leaves, and everything seemed to lack hue. Twilight inspected her surroundings, and started to wander about the ghost-town. As she inspected different houses, she noticed a pattern: none of the rooms had furniture, all of the pictures were blank, none of the books had any writing, all of the cabinets were empty; essentially the houses were shells, nothing more.
After inspecting one last house, Twilight decided to try her luck at the library. She entered the library to meet a tall, dark, and familiar figure. She stood face to face with a large blue allicorn with glowing blue eyes. Twilight stared straight into the allicorn’s eyes, and it returned the gaze without a blink, maintaining a face as stagnant as stone.
“You’re the statue that was hidden beneath the library?”
“Not entirely, I am the being that is contained within the statue. You have awoken me by placing the Lunar-Amethyst on my chest.”
“Then exactly what ‘being’ are you?”
“You could not possibly understand what I am, but you should be able to grasp who I am. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Mare Temporis, the guardian of time. Now, do you seek any further answers, Twilight Sparkle?”
“How do you know my name?” Twilight could barely keep herself from shaking.
“Perhaps you did not understand me; I am the overseer of all time, I wander the endless plane of all that was, is, and ever shall be; my knowledge is only limited by what can exist. My patience grows thin and there is little time for complacent procrastination. Now then, are you prepared?”
Twilight raised a curious eyebrow, “Prepared for what?”
Temporis simply bowed her head to begin channeling magic and gently touched the ground with her horn, causing a surge of shadows to engulf herself and Twilight. The world around them started to fade away, leaving just the two ponies.
“For the message that I have for you,” continued the Mare, raising her head from the ground, “daughter of night.”
“What? ’Daughter of night’?” Twilight asked, tilting her head. After closing here eyes for a split second, she could see that she and Temporis stood in the ruins of the old castle of the Royal sisters. Temporis closed her eyes a moment and Twilight could see the aging of the castle around her slowly come undone. Vines receded into the floor, bricks flew back into place, and carpets integrated underhoof. Soon they stood in a long hallway where the floor tiles shone brilliantly under moonlight pouring in through the windows, tapestry as red as blood hung on the walls, and architecture that came straight down from mount Ponympius composed the structure.
“Welcome to Equestria, long before you ever knew it.”
“This is the royal castle?” Twilight asked, looking around.
“Correct, this is the royal castle back before Canterlot existed, at this time it wasn’t needed.”
“Well of course they didn’t need it now. But what happened that made them leave all of this behind?” Twilight turned to take in more of the scenery when she spotted a large white alicorn approaching her.
It was Celestia, albeit much different; her mane flowed pink and untainted by the ages; her eyes had yet to bear witness to events to come. She slowly walked down the hallway, towards the throne-room, completely unaware of Twilight and Temporis.
“How come she can’t see us?” Twilight motioned her hoof.
“Because this is not your time, I have brought us here only to observe. Here, but more importantly: now, there is something you must see,” Temporis turned perpendicular to the hallway and outstretched a wing in the direction that Celestia traveled, “This way.”
Twilight followed Celestia down the hall, and Temporis slowly followed. When they entered the throne-room she saw that Celestia had stopped halfway to the steps, and also the reason why; upon the stairs to the royal thrones stood Luna, a menacing grin scrawled across her face.
“Luna, my dear sister, what’s wrong? It’s nearly day time and you have not lowered the moon in preparation for day!”
“Because, dear sister,” Luna mocked, “daytime is no longer necessary.”
“What? Then how will Equestria know it is time to rise, and begin a new day?”
“That is none of my concern now. If they shan’t bask in the beauty of night, then they shan’t do the same for daylight,” as Luna spoke, her voice slowly took on a deeper, more demonic tone.
“Please Luna, what is wrong with you?” Celestia noticed a light blue glow in Luna’s eyes, and her fur started to darken so it was as black as a moonless night.
What once was Luna cringed, lurching towards the floor in a sickly motion. “My name is not Luna…” Slowly the shadowy allicorn picked up her head again, almost completely black now. “I am no longer your sister.”
“Luna, What has happened to you!?” cried a teary eyed Celestia, stammering on “What have you become?”
“I AM NOT LUNA!!!” roared the beast, “The sister you once loved is dead, I am all that remains.”
“Luna I know you can hear me somewhere in there! Please listen to me!”
“Your sister was weak, she practically begged me to kill her, as you can see I have done just that!”
“No! My sister is stronger than that!” Celestia was now in tears as the sight of her sister in such a manner was tearing her apart, “She wouldn’t simply give up, not without a fight!”
“Then why did she practically surrender herself to me?” now every hair on her once majestic azure coat had become as black as her heart, and a possessed Mare stood tall, “As I told you, Luna is dead; my name is Nightmare Moon, and there will never be daylight again, only darkness.”
“We shall see about that!” Celestia turned her sorrow into anger and charged into Nightmare Moon, tackling her off of the steps, and the two tumbled across the floor, Celestia stopping in front of a window. When they both stood again Nightmare Moon retaliated by charging into Celestia, taking her through the window and out into the garden where the fight would continue. Twilight started towards the window to continue observing.
“Twilight,” Temporis called, “there is more going on beyond their fighting. Come, another event unfolds.” Temporis touched the ground with her horn. The walls around them dulled into cobblestone, the arches above them lowered, and after a short time the great halls had turned into a poorly lit dungeon. “Here we are, shortly before Nightmare Moon confronted Celestia. This is where the transformation truly began…”
Three silhouettes of ponies stood in a triangular formation surrounding an Altar, each of them surrounded by a flowing pillar of blue light. On the altar Twilight could just barely make out a fourth being sprawled out across a stone table, struggling as if trying to break free of bonds. Finally, a fifth character towered over the stone table. Twilight also noticed several statues standing around the altar, one of which she could see was the statue of Temporis.
“What’s going on over there? Who is that on the altar?” Twilight tried to move closer for a better look, but as she approached the altar the figures dissipated into the shadows. “Hey! What gives?”
“While there is more for you to learn, you are still not ready for those revelations. There is still more knowledge for you to seek from the other Lunar Maria, but for now, our little excursion must come to an end.”
“Wait! I still don’t know what’s going on! What is it that I’m supposed to understand, why are you showing this to me!?”
“Questions for another time, but I will leave you with a name to begin your search for answers.” Temporis stamped her hoof and a torrent of wind blasted Twilight, nearly knocking her off balance, “Seek out Mare Ingenii, she shall shed some light on the subject. Until we meet again Twilight Sparkle, fare thee well.”
The twilight over Fillydelphia was witness to many spectacles; ponies would hustle across crosswalks, carriages pulled their clients around the city without tarry, and the energy of the scene was offset by a cloudless serene orange sky. The view of the city was a spectacle without rival.
The sound of breaking wind followed by a torrent of gusts kicked up debris throughout the streets, disorienting and confusing several of the citizens. Above the streets a small formation of pegasi raced through the artificial canyon, one a significant distance ahead of the others. They were constantly banking hard to the left and the right to avoid collision with reinforced concrete.
After several city blocks had been blasted with a wall of wind, the leading Pegasus pulled into a vertical climb, rather than strafing, making himself parallel with the skyscraper in front of him. The other pegasi attempted the same maneuver; one had to banked just in time, the other crashed through one of the windows.
Upon reaching the peak of the tower, the leader slowed and proceeded to land on the roof and slowly lumbered towards a stairwell access door at the middle of the deck. Clearly as exhausted as he, his trailers did the same, each one rushing to move to a different side of the lead. In total, at least a half dozen pegasi stood on that rooftop.
“Zephyrus, you can’t keep running!You’ve reached your limits, and it’s time you paid for your crimes!” called one of the surrounding pegasi, taking a few steps towards the center of the tower.
The pursued pony made an attempt to open the door, “Locked” he muttered to himself.
Zephyrus looked around to try and weigh his options, “There are clearly too many of them for me to fight my way out. I can’t fly much higher; the air is getting too thin…” he turned his eyes to a storm-cloud rolling towards the city; it wasn’t too far off in the distance. “Well, I’m certainly not going to give myself up.”
“So what will it be, are you finally going to give up now that you’re trapped?” shouted the more inward of his pursuers.
“Y’know, Whiptail, I’m trying to think here, and it’s kind of hard to hear myself think over your blathering on about me being ‘caught’.” Zephyrus retorted with an almost joking tone.
Whiptail took another step towards Zephyrus, his expression did all the talking for him; his eyes sharpened and pointed towards Zephyrus, teeth clenched, ears slightly bent back, and a sadistic smile.
“It’s gonna be now or never” Zephyrus urged his body to move, but the previous chase had taken its toll. He closed his eyes to try and escape mentally, to give himself a brief retreat from the situation at hoof.
A nagging voice echoed in the back of his head, “Run!”, repeating over and over again. The foreign voice continued to reverberate. “Run…run…RUN!”
Whiptail took one more step forwards when Zephyrus’ eyes shot open, and he broke into a charge towards the East edge of the roof.
“Stop him, don’t let him get away!” Whiptail commanded as he turned to chase.
When two of the other vigilantes tried to intercept the beeline, Zephyrus leaped skyward and began to fly towards the approaching storm clouds. Whiptail took off, his peacemakers quickly followed, like hornets.
Pure adrenaline propelled Zephyrus out to meet the storm, accelerating even as he drew closer to the now thundering behemoth. Without hesitating, he pierced the cloud at full speed, setting off a loud crash of thunder. The vigilantes stopped just short of the cloud and started to question their judgment, as well as Zephyrus’.
“Don’t just sit there, get after him!”Whiptail commanded.
One by one the reluctant pegasi darted into the clouds. The cloud rolled on with a massive session of percussion. Zephyrus still had a substantial lead, but Whiptail sought to overtake him by flying below the clouds. “There’s no way I can keep running for much longer, I’ve gotta find someplace to hide…” Zephyrus lowered himself just enough out of the clouds to see the ground below.
Surprisingly they were still over the city, but rather than the towering skyscrapers that made up central Fillydelphia, they were over the downtrodden warehouses and residences of downtown.
“There’s got to be-“ Suddenly he was knocked out of the air, mid-thought; he and his aggressor tumbled through the air and through the roof of a warehouse, landing amidst several empty cardboard boxes.
When the dust cleared, Zephyrus lay with his legs sprawled out, one of his wings broken, and several deep cuts along his midsection. Whiptail stood over him, with a few lacerations on himself, but otherwise fine. The two of them were on the open floor of a warehouse, a few stacks of boxes here and there broke the emptiness, but it was otherwise vacuous.
“You’ve had enough running Zephyrus, It’s time you atoned for your crimes.” he spoke, raising a hoof.
“I’ve told you, I’ve told the royal guard, I’ve told EVERYPONY that I didn’t do anything!” Zephyrus struggled with every word; the crash had taken just about all the air out of him.
“Just because there isn’t any evidence doesn’t mean you’re innocent. Even if you are, this way the people will see that justice has been done.” Whiptailraised a hoof over Zephyrus’ head, “Any last words, Criminal?”
“Why bother? It’s obvious that you wouldn’t deliver them.” Zephyrus said calmly. He turned his attention to the hole in the ceiling and through it the sky above.
There was no more fiery sunset sky, but instead a nearly black night sky lit with thousands of tiny specs of light and a single giant white sphere. As Zephyrus looked upon the moon he felt a sense of comfort mixed with longing; he felt nostalgic in a way, looking to the moon like a colt does towards his mother.
“As true as it is fair. I probably won’t even tell them that you were caught, that you fled to the Everfree forest, rather. And if people wonder why you haven’t turned up, it’s easy enough to believe some beast killed you.”
“You’re sick, you know that?”
“I’ve been told by others, many in similar situations to the one you're in now. Anyways, enough chatter. Goodbye, Zephyrus, it’s been rather fun…” Whiptail raised his hoof a bit higher.
Zephyrus shut his eyes, clenching his teeth, and prepared to meet fate. The wait, to him, seemed eternal; time seemed to slow down. After several moments, Zephyrus opened his eye once more, and found that Whiptail held his hoof just an inch over Zephyrus’ head. Seizing the moment, the pinned Pegasus broke the pause and rolled out from under the hoof and brought himself up.
Shockingly, Whiptail hadn’t reacted; he was completely oblivious to Zephyrus’ relocation. Whiptail just stood there, holding his hoof in position over where previously lay the head of a Pegasus he had intended to kill. Zephyrus drew close enough to press a hoof against the statue’s side.
“What the hay is going on here?” Zephyrus poked at the paralyzed Whiptail, and scratched his head after concluding his findings. “He’s definitely alive, but why isn’t he moving?”
It wasn’t until he turned around to leave that he found out why. The silhouette of an Alicorn loomed over him, its very presence daunting in every manner. Zephyrus felt drawn to it, but repelled at the same time.
“Where in the hay did you come from, did you do- did you do whatever that is to Whiptail?! What the BUCK!?” Zephyrus was turning his head back and forth, trying to make sense of the situation.
But the Alicorn just turned and walked away, straight through a doorway and out of sight.
“Wait!” Zephyrus broke into a sprint and followed the shady figure into the doorway, but stood stupefied, “What the buck?”
He found himself standing in a hallway that went on for at least twelve yards with no other pony in sight. He looked behind him back to the main floor; Whiptail was still frozen in place.
After a long silence, Zephyrus finally started to look for an exit.
“We’re almost there. It shouldn’t be but a few more minutes now.” Luna put a hoof on Midnight’s back.
In all the excitement of sitting on a several hour chariot ride, Midnight got tuckered out and fell asleep. Shade, however, stayed awake through the trip by holding light conversation with Luna. After picking herself up, Midnight peered over the edge of the chariot; she could see Fillydelphia!
In the morning light the city looked as if it was made of gold. The sun’s reflection off of the glass towers could have blinded Celestia, but when a glimmer of the sunlight caught Midnight’s eye she retreated under her hood.
“It’s okay sister, we will be landing shortly.” Shade tried to comfort her, he had grown a small tolerance to sunlight, but he still felt excessively tense when shone upon.
Just as Luna promised, the Chariot was landing in Fillydelphia within five minutes. To Shade and Midnight’s surprise, there wasn’t a massive fanfare, no trumpets or ceremony, no music or parade, no indication of celebration.
“Shouldn’t there be some massive ‘Welcome Princess Luna’ festival or something?”
Luna just let out a sigh and gave him a weak smile, then led them off the chariot and into the streets.
“No, usually there isn’t. It seems that I am only welcomed with open arms when I’m with my sister…” Luna broke her smile and replaced it with a still face, with just a dash of sorrow hidden amongst the muscles.
Midnight gave Shade a slight nudge, and tried to change the subject. “So, how many ponies live in Fillydelphia? It looks way bigger than ManeHattan does!”
“Oh quite a few, the last I recall there were no less than two or three hundred thousand.”
The siblings were speechless; they just followed Luna with open mouths.
“It’s not that impressive really, there’s a settlement over in some valley sprouting up on a mountainside, the population has doubled in the past six months…”
“So, where are we going to stay?” Shade tilted his head a bit to the left.
“We’re going there now actually, they live a few minutes’ walk into the city, so the chariot can’t land there, but it’s always nice to take a stroll through Pastry Street.” Luna turned to answer Shade with a smile.
They took a turn onto a stretch of road where the air was saturated with the smells of all sorts of delicious treats. Among the aromas, the strongest scent came from the “Le Trot’s” pastry shop on the corner; the air was so thick with the smell of cinnamon that Shade could practically taste it.
As they neared the end of the street, Luna stopped the procession in front of a moderately sized townhouse nestled between a bakery and a general store. Separating the house from the street was something completely unique to the siblings; it had an iron fence lining the perimeter.
Behind the fence, a thick hedge obscured any inward lookers’ view of the porch, granting a sense of privacy and security. The house itself stood three stories above the street level with additional attic space. The exterior wasn’t pristine and showed signs of age, but was in rather good shape with the exception of a few spots where the paint was peeling. When Princess Luna opened the gate and led the siblings through, they could see the yard was recently due for a cutting. The porch was built inward to the door, with a small portion stretching outward into the yard, was lined with wooden rails, and was equipped with two rocking chairs. As they stepped up onto the porch they were greeted with a few notes from the wind chimes and a smiling face on the “welcome” mat.
Princess Luna knocked on the door, to which responded a thicker stallion’s voice.
“Hold on, just one moment.” The door opened and a leviathan; a towering, gray Unicorn with a light blue mane poked his head out to see who was at inquiry,
“Oh! Princess, Wait one moment, please!” The stallion shut the door briefly to withdraw the latch, and then promptly reopened it. “Please, please come in! We hadn’t expected to see you until tomorrow morning with the storm coming in.” their host motioned them inside “My name is Hoofstead, the butler, and welcome to the home of Mister and Misses Trotston!”
“Pleased to meet you Hoofstead, I am Midnight and this is my brother, Shade.” Midnight gave a weak smile as she stepped inside, suppressing her fear of their host. “But, then, where are the Trotstons?”
“Ironically, they left moments ago to the grocer to select tonight’s dinner.”
“Doesn’t Fillydelphia have a weather patrol?” Shade interjected as he walked in.
“Normally we would, but lately the captain of the patrol has preoccupied himself with fantasies; he’s begun to think himself as a law bringer now,” Hoofstead fiddled with his mane a little, “He’s spent an awful lot of time chasing after one Pegasus in particular… I can’t remember who it was exactly, but Captain Whiptail believes him to be responsible for several freak accidents and causing some of the recent thunderstorms.”
“So Whiptail has become a vigilante?” Luna’s expression turned to stone.
“I’m afraid so, yes.” Hoofstead frowned.
“I will look into the matter” Luna turned to Midnight and Shade, “Meanwhile; I want you two to settle in, the Trotston’s are two of the nicest ponies I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. I will be back in three days to come and check on how you are settling in.”
“Yes Princess.” The siblings gave a simultaneous nod.
Princess Luna nodded in return, and after a brief farewell started back to her chariot.
“I’m sure that you will love the Trotstons as much as they will love you!” After closing the door Hoofstead turned to Midnight and Shade, and gave them a stern look “But before I turn the two of you loose, because I have a little bit of work to do, I want to make sure you two know the rules.”
Shade and Midnight listened attentively.
“There are four simple rules: Rule number one is that there shall be no running in the house, these are old hallways filled with items priceless to Mrs. Trotston. Rule number two;clean up after yourselves, while I may be a butler, Mr. Trotston has made it clear that he wants you two to be responsible for your own actions. Do you understand so far?” Hoofstead gave pause.
Shade and Midnight looked at each other, then back to Hoofstead and nodded.
“Okay then, Rule number three is quite simple; unless it is an emergency, always knock before opening any of the bedroom doors, or the door to Mr. Trotston’s study.” Hoofstead turned his back to the two briefly as he straightened a picture frame, and then turned back, “Rule number four is the most important; there shall be NO fighting or arguing, at all, for any reason, ever.”
“That seems fair enough, after all it is their house,” Shade shrugged.
“Of course, I don’t foresee any problems as far as rules go,” Midnight affirmed.
“Excellent!” Hoofstead reared up momentarily, putting a bit of fright into the young mare and stallion, “Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, the city has enacted a 9:00 curfew due to recent concerns regarding vigilantes, the night shift of the Weather patrol to be exact.”
“Is that the shift that Captain Whiptail oversees?” Midnight inquired.
“Actually, yes! You’re quite the bright one aren’t you?” Hoofstead said with a wry chuckle. “But yes, anyways, Whiptail is in charge of the weather patrol’s night shift. While he’s out and about he sees it fit to try and force his word as authority upon anypony that’s out at night without a reason.”
“He doesn’t sound like a very friendly pony…” Shade concluded.
Startled by a light thud sourcing from the front door, Midnight quickly turned to face the threshold.
“That must be the newspaper!” said a now enthusiastic Hoofstead.
Hoofstead stepped out the door briefly and returned with a roll of paper, and a less than joyous expression. The cumbersome waiter motioned Midnight and Shade to follow him.
Unsure of their destination, Shade made it a point of taking in the small mansion’s atmosphere. As the procession followed its guide, Midnight continued her conversation with Hoofstead, leaving Shade to observe the finer details of their new home.
The interior structure, unlike the outside, was carved out of a single piece of wood, a peculiar sight. The grains of the wall flowed into each other, making swirls and whirls and natural patterns on the walls and ceiling. Several different relics further embellished the walls; several antique brass lanterns hung in procession down longer hallways while small chandeliers lit intersections.
The procession rounded one last turn into the sup hall, where Hoofstead made his way to the table and unrolled the newspaper. He began to read the headlines to himself.
His eyes immediately widened; shocked by what he read, Hoofstead's jaw nearly came detached.
