Luna must venture into Everfree and back to her old home to defeat the dark being that took over.
Something is stirring in Everfree, something sinister. Stories of monsters of the forest being more aggressive during the night. But one night, it got worse. Ponyville is now under siege as creatures of darkness ran rampant and it seemed an old Castle deep within the Forest lies the root of all the evil. Only one mare can venture into forbidden territories and destroy these abominations who used her beautiful night to their advantage
She is the princess of the night, slayer of darkness. She is Princess Luna of Equestria.
The moon shone brightly high above it's dark skies, surrounded by twinkling stars and the quiet peacefulness, but not all is peaceful down below, as yellow flashes and screams echo through the night. As we look closely it's a small village town, on fire. The blazing inferno had consumed the houses, the denizens of this once peaceful village are scattering, screaming in panic from their burning homes. As we look closer, we can see they feared something else besides the fire. Monsters of the night, the undead has risen to give chase to the frighten villagers. They run and hide in any place they think is safe, but nowhere is. Their beloved town, Ponyville is under siege, their heroes the six special mares no where to be found. All hope seems lost.
But as the animated skeletons are about to strike down the living, they were halted in their advance as the wind gave a strong gush as from the distance a chariot pulled by, it's passenger jumped off and landed in between the villagers and the skeletons. The pony's hooves cracked the stone road where she stood but she didn't seem to care neither did the creatures as one lunge towards her with a growl aiming to bite her. In one fluid and swift motion, she turns to face the skeleton and slashed at it with her weapon, her sword gleaming in the moonlight as it hits it's target. The skeleton broke to pieces as the blade went through it. The pieces soon burst into flames, the pony stood firm holding her weapon in hoof, her hooded cloak swaying with the wind as she face the group of creatures. In a commanding voice she told the villagers "Run for the city hall, ye be safe there!" They didn't hesitate to comply and ran. She turn to her foes, pulling her hood back, showing her face. She has short light blue mane and a darker blue hue fur, behind her sharp medium length horn sits a small black tiara. She is the co princess of Equestria.. the princess of the Night.. Luna. She stared down at her enemies "You dare mock our night with thine presence evil creatures?" she asked, knowing they will only reply in growls, she looked around "By my mother's name.. sister was right, this had gone too far. I have a message for thine dark master.We will send you all back to Tartarus!" she dashed forward ready to strike.
-hours earlier-
Princess Luna strolled down the dark hallways of Canterlot palace, having risen the moon mere minutes ago now she must join her sister for dinner. Upon entering the great dining hall, she can immediately see and feel something is amiss with her sister. Princess Celestia sat at the furthest end can only sit and look out the window with worry in her eyes. Worried she trot up to her "Is something wrong sister Tia?" she asked sitting next to her.
"It's nothing Luna. Just thinking." the sun princess replied.
"It's clearly something sister, is it about those rumors we hear going about?" she asked, levitating her cup to take a small sip from it.
"I can never hide anything from you can i?" she gave a weak giggle and a forced smile. "Indeed sister, I'm worried about my little ponies. What if the monsters attack them?" she fearfully asked.
"Then, as rulers we must help protect our people" she answered her sister.
"You are right, we cannot always rely on our guards or the Elements of Harmony forever." she sighed.
"Indeed." seeing the opportunity to cheer her sister up she took it. "How are the bearers faring? Especially thine personal student; Twilight Sparkle?" she smiled and take another sip of tea.
Perking up at the mentioned of her beloved student "She's doing wonderful, learning many things about the magic of friendship~" she smiled, ear twitch as she looked up as a purple smoke floats down towards her it then form a rolled up scroll in a puff of magic. "As a matter of fact, here's another friendship letter n-" she quickly opened the document and read, going silent.
"Sist-" Luna was cut short as Celestia stood up, anger in her eyes dropping the letter in her haste "Sister! What's wrong!? SISTER!!?" Luna called out.
"They have gone too far!"She heard Celestia shout as the door slammed shut.
Blinking at her outcry, she spotted the letter and read it only to discover what made her sister so angry.
'Princesses
Help! This is Spike, i barricaded myself inside the library but I don't know for how long i can hold up!. Send help, Twilight...Twilight and the girls they just disappeared! I don't know what to do, the town is on fire, i can hear everypony's screaming. I think see monsters destroying everything! Please help me..please send help! I'm too young to die! Save me, save Twilight. Spike'
"Guards! Prepare a chariot bound for Ponyville. Hurry, time is of the essence!" She commanded as the royal guards salute and ran off the prepare. "To think, i have to use these again so soon." She sigh, horn glowing brightly and in a flash a dark blue chest plate adorned her torso, a dark cloak flowing behind her with the twinkling star dots run across the cloak as the cloth sway about the stars move in flow as if the very night sky is inside the magical fabric. Another flash of magic and a sword appear, floating infont of Luna, it's handle dark a crescent moon at it's base with bat wings at the moon's side. Luna stare at her reflection at the flawless stainless steel of the blade. She reach out and grip the sword in her forehoof before slipping it into a scabbard hidden behind her cloak. She pulled the hood over her head as she sets out towards the waiting chariot.
-back at present-
A blue royal shoe crushes down on a skull as Luna trying to calm her breathing, looking around her and at the bones scattered around before they burst into flame and the ashes blew away in the wind. Luna sighed in relief after defeating these enemies as she looked back into town at the lone giant tree in the middle. "We are coming lil drake, prey hope the are well." she then trot onwards.
She gallop towards the library tree; jumping and evading obstacles, avoiding the creatures that roam the streets, seldom cutting some down as it got in her way. Stopping in front of the building, seeing another creature, this skeleton is clad in armor that seems to date back during the three tribes, the skeletal warrior let out a growl as it raised it sword up and tries to strike down the lunar princess. She anticipated the attack and with a skid she dashed backwards managing to avoid the rusty blade, she then counter with a swipe from her sword hitting her opponent but it only staggered back from the blow. "Hmm, you are more resilient. No matter, i will break you." It growls in reply and lunge again, this time Luna jumped up and fling herself downwards with a leg outstretched; kicking her opponent right in the skull hearing a crack she somersault away from him and smirk as it grumbles into pieces,bursting into flame afterwards. "Like I said, I'd break you." she trots towards the library door. She knocked on the door. "Sir Spike, it is us. Princess Luna!" She heard a click afterwards and the door swung open.
"Quick, inside!" the young purple dragon exclaimed, Luna didn't hesitate to trot inside, Spike shutting and locking the door behind him. "Thank your sister's mane you made it."he panted. "It's chaotic out there!"
"Indeed, so much more than Discord it seems." she remarked with a smirk, not knowing or caring if a certain statue back in Canterlot is silently cursing her name.
"This is serious Princess, Twilight and the others disappeared. Poof, gone!" he sit back, leaning on the wall starting to cry. "I'm worried about them."
"Forgive our rudeness, but fear not young Spike. I'll find them, but first i must help this town. I have to vanquish all these creatures first, if anypony not one of the creatures knocks. Let them in, I'll send any ponies i saved your way." she instructed him. "Now, open the door. I got skeletons to shatter and the undead to slay." She rears back, as soon as Spike opened the door, she shot off, galloping onto the street with her sword at ready. "For Equestria!" She shouts as she lunge herself at a group of undead creatures
After shutting the door behind him again, Spike sits down and leans back "Huh, never knew she was this awesome."
Luna trots around Ponyville, leaving piles of bones and ashes in her wake. Nearing city hall as all ponies she came across she simply told them "Go to the library." and they all complied. She stopped facing the building, looking up the structure that is still standing before her but damage is evident on the building. Kicking the door open as she galloped in "Mayor! Mayor, are thee alright?!"
"Yes your highness.. barely." replied the gray haired mayor as she dangled upside down from the ceiling, suspended by what looks like spider web. "And Princess? you might wanna.. DUCK!"
Luna quickly bend down, a white projectile going over her head barely missing her. "Who's there?!'
From the roof, a giant arachnid slowly descends hanging itself on a thin thread of web, what's more hideous about this creature a upper half of a pony seems to be it's head.. the creature open it's green insect like eyes "Well, what we have here? Royalty?" it snicker hoarsely. "Or a midnight snack, well.. i already have one planned but i can have one more." it laughed.
"Foal fiend, what are you doing in causing such disarray in this village?" she demanded for the answers.
"Foal!? How dare you!? You're nothing but a prey.." it snarled as it got on the ground "And I'm the predator!"
And the battle commenced. The spider shoots more web, trying to snare the princess but she easily jumped out of the way, it quickly crawl forward and tries to strike Luna with her sharp legs, but she back dash out of the way and counter with a sideway swipe. The sword hitting the arachnid's leg it give a yelp as it felt the damage.it snarled and lunged forward, Luna jump away and slashing at the creature again causing it to growl in pain and manage to slapped Luna to the wall, causing her to shout in pain as she lands on the ground grunting. "What's wrong lil princess, too pampered to handle a couple of bruises?~" it teased with a laugh.
"Dark.. night.. descend." Luna said in a whisper chant.
"What was tha-" the creature didn't manage to finish her question as dark tendrils shoot down from the shadows impaling her and in one quick motion they retreated back into the shadows. The spider, bleeding gave out a inhumane screech as she then is consumed by a green pillar of fire, slowly disintegrating into nothing, the web snapped freeing their captor as the mayor lands in a heap uttering an 'Ow'. Luna look up as the magic gathering at a spot in the middle, the monster's death had dispersed it's magical energy forming into a glowing orb. Luna did the only thing she can think off, she jumped high as the orb dropped and she gives a slash of her sword at the precise time as her body absorbed the orb, freezing her in that pose for a second before she falls back down landing with a loud thud.
"Are thee alright my little ponies?" Luna asked after cutting the spider's webbing surrounding the captured ponies.
"Just fine and dandy, thank you your highness." The mayor said as she rubs her sore limbs before standing up on all fours. "Thank you for saving us and Ponyville Princess Luna. I don't know what is happening, those creatures just attacked us out of the sudden and I can't get ahold of Twilight or her friends. I fear they may be captured." she informed the princess.
"By my mother's mane, without the bearers the Elements will be useless. Our adversary is cunning one, any clues where these creatures originated from my dear mayor?" Luna asked.
"Everfree Forest, where else?" she just gave her a shrug.
"Ah, it's a wonder why we sense such dark energy from Everfree, hmm we think the forces of darkness came from our old castle in the forest's heart." Luna concluded as she paced the room, her ears twitch. "Hark, the guards arrived, what took them so long." she trot outside with the mayor, greeted by Shining Armor and a squadron of royal guards."Forgive me captain, you missed quite a party" she chuckle.
"Your highness." he gave a bow of respect so the rest of the guards. "What brings you here?"
"You could clearly see, we came to aid. I have slain the beasts in this town. I shall venture to Everfree forest to the source of this madness. Erect a protective barrier around town when i leave."
"What about Twiley and her friends? where's my sister?" he asked worried.
"Fret not my dear captain, I shall save her and her friends. Now, protect this town well, i wish to return with the girls to their town still one piece. And that's an order." she said sternly
With a salute "Yes, maam and be careful your highness."
"Fear not for me captain of the guards, I know how to handle myself." with that, she began to gallop out of town. As soon as she steps out of the outskirt, a pink bubble appear surrounding Ponyville. "Godspeed everypony." Luna looked back for awhile before trotting forward again.
Luna stopped mid trot, looking up at the dreadful forest infront of her, before she enters dangerous territory she halted as a figure walk into the clearing "are thou mad to stay in this place zebra?"
"Neigh my princess." Zecora replied as stepped closer "I only wish to give you my aid before you become a damsel in distress." without another word Zecora hands Luna a silver dagger. "It's an enchanted blade, for it surely keep you safe."
Luna didn't hesitate to receive the dagger. "I see, a magical artifact that i must wisely."
"Indeed your highness, may the spirits guide you well." Zecora bowed respectfully before she retreats back to her humble home. The princess watched the zebra shaman return to her hut, she then turn her attention back to the forest and trots onwards.
Not before long, she stopped in her tracks in time to see the earth being dug up from underneath as a decayed hoof shoot out as the creature pulls itself out from the ground, a zombie pony. It moans in agony as it staggers towards the night princess, followed by a few others who surfaced from the forest path. Luna dispatched them quickly with a single slash to each their bodies, effectively cutting them in half, the corpse then burst into flames and the ash blew away in the wind as she simply walk away. She faced more undead creatures like zombies and skeletons, but none manage to harm her. A zombie fall down with a dagger impaled to it's forehead before it vanished in flames. Walking onwards she stopped to see a torch oddly placed on a tree trunk "strange place to set up a torch, something feel odd about it.. i wonder.." upon instinct she slashed at the torch it broke apart and a red orb of energy shot out and it was absorbed by Luna. "Strange, i was certain i had 9 daggers left.. hmm. I see. The special energy, it gives me more holy artifacts. This will be very useful." she smiled.
She trots onward destroying any torch or oddly placed lantern stands she can find to absorb more of those energy to keep her holy artifacts well stocked, slaying all creatures she encounters in her way. After slaying a timberwolf, it's ashes drift away by the wind. She felt her body glow as she felt even stronger than before. "I'm starting to feel my powers and strength coming back to me." She looks at her hoof "good, i'll need it."
She continued on, trotting down the dirt road path, slaying another timberwolf that got in her way. "Foal beast, your nothing but firewood now." she said as she watch the ashes blew away in the wind, she didn't bother to look back as she continue moving forward. Before her lies a clearing, up ahead she clearly see the bridge connecting to the old castle close by after the clearing. "Thank sister they fixed that bridge.." she walked forward into the clearing, only to stop and jumps backwards in time to avoid an attack from a beast that jumped out foliage of the forest. This beast is the mighty manticore and it shown it's ferocious attitude toward Luna with a loud growl.
"Let see if your bite is worse than your bark.. have at you!"
The manticore roared loudly, titling it's head back and breath out a fireball that went straight for Luna, she simply swipe her sword at the right time, deflecting the flame elsewhere. She lunge forward, the manticore saw and as an defensive act it tilts down as it's scorpion tail swung down, Luna ducked underneath as it soared past her head hitting the ground behind her, getting it stuck on the ground. It tried to yank the tail and Luna sees this as an opportunity to strike, so she slashed at the monster's tail. Cause it to yanked it free with a loud roar of pain, in retaliation it struck Luna with a heavy swing with it's paw. The night princess manage to regain her balance before hitting the ground, grunting "Stronger that you seem are you?" she looked up at her opponent with a smirk. "Let me show you.. true strength." she stood tall, stabbing her sword to the ground as she chants, for some odd reason the creature start backing away, still growling but cautiously.
"Darkness descend, moonlight shine. The night has fallen, let nightmare be eternal!" she open her glowing as she is surrounded by dark raccoon like energy, transforming her her cape gave way allowing her dark nightly mane flow in the non existent breeze, her fur becoming pitch black as one can see her tiara glowing transforming into a blue helmet. She stomped the ground with her blue armored boot as she looked at the manticore with dragon like eye slits. The manticore is now backing away in fear as what stood infront of him, is the real princess of the night. "Do you fear me?" she asked. "Good.. i am nightmare eternal.. " her eyes glowing as she gives a wicked grin "I am. Nightmare Moon!" nothing can be said on what happen next, for the next thing Luna knew, she stood infront of a corpse of the most feared beast of the everfree.. no lying in a heap infront of her. "Forgive me," she said as she transformed back. "But it is kill or be killed." she can see the energy flow from the dead creature, creating a orb of energy above her, she just stood tall and let it fall ontop of her absorbing the energy as it made contact with her.
Not wasting any time she hopped over the corpse and makes her way to the bridge. She was about to cross it as green flames burst out of thin air causing her to stepped back. From out the flames a scythe appears, it spins around before a dark robe figure slowly appear floating mid air before plopping himself(?) on the bridge. "I'm sorry, but i cannot allow you to pass."
Hearing the voice, Luna recognized him "Mort?! Why are thou doing here old friend?" she asked slightly cheery.
Avoiding direct eye contact the reaper shade can only utter "Go back Lulu, please.. i don't want to do this.."
"But, the monsters are coming from this castle, i have to go.. wait if your.. here.. then .. NO!.. She can't be!"
"Forgive me Luna, i'm only following my master's wishes.. if you persist on entering beyond this point.. so be it." he rose his scythe and quickly he pointed it forward shooting a electric magical surge to shoot forth. Luna did not manage to dodge it time and was electrocuted, causing her to scream in agony. She can only watch helplessly as her sword and equipment were yanked away from her.. she felt 'drained' as the surge stops. Causing her to collapse in a heap, she weakly looked up only to see the reaper walking into an open portal.
"Mort... whyy..." she groans.
"I'm.. sorry.. Luna" he said as he entered the portal and it closed behind him. She collapse, losing consciousness after succumbing to the magical surge.
Waking up with a long groan, Princess Luna gather her wits as she pushed herself from the floor. "How long was I unconscious?" she asked herself before slowly looking into the night sky, looking at her moon and stars "not even a mere hour yet passed. Good." she slowly stood up, looking around taking a few steps forward only to winched and fell back to her knees, looking down at a stray puddle and into her reflection but something is off. She looks younger, her mane no longer flowing behind her, but now a simple blue long mane her body shrunk slightly and her wings gone then she finally realized what happened to her.
"My magic.. it's gone." she fearfully stated. She stomped her bare hoof on the puddle, grunting "Think this alone will stop me? Think again!" she then trot for the bridge again.
On the bridge she takes a few steps forward, only to hear a distinctive crack, looking back in time to watch as the planks slowly break one bye one, without wasting anymore time she galloped full speed across the decaying bridge, jumped as the last planks fell landing near the gate to the castle courtyard. She looked back to see the bridge no longer there. "No turning back now, i didn't plan on turning back anyway.." she faced the entrance again, slowly walking forward stopping to find an old skeleton of a warrior leaning on the entrance, a short sword laying near it's hoof and a black grey cape flowing in a broken branch. "Poor soul, i prey ye rest in peace. I guess he won't mind" she picks up the small blade with her hoof, using what little magic she has to float the cape onto her back. "I'll take good care of them my good pony. Rest easy, i will stop this evil with thy blade." She then kicked the rusted gate down, stepping into the castle courtyards.
Inside, she cautiously move towards the castle foyer, aiming her new found sword at ready as she looked around the dead and silent courtyard of her.. their former home. As her ear twitched, she sensed danger as a skeletal soldier rushed her from behind with a growl it tries to lunge it's weapon at her but she was still quicker and slashed at her foe, her blade fracturing it's limb she jumped back preparing to strike at the monster again. It took her five slashes to bring the warrior to pieces, she was left panting for breath. "My Strength is all but naught... what is this?" yellow magic flow out of the slain skeleton, slowly flowing into her, she felt slightly stronger. "Appears i can gain my strength again by slaying the monsters..Interesting." Without further delay she push forward towards the main doors of the castle. As she reached there however she tried pushing it open to no avail "locked? impossible." she tried again but no matter how hard she pushed the doors won't budge "Damn, now where would the key be? I wonder if the monsters have it on them?" she asked herself as she walked back out unto the courtyard.
Searching around the vast outside she attacked and slain any monster that got in her way, she trudged forward crushing a skull under her heel as she take the moment to catch her breath "Tis is pointless waste of time, yet I felt stronger now. Where is that blasted Key?!" she kept looking around spotting a chest in the horizon "it could be in there but this a weird spot to keep a key." she chuckled to herself as she trots forward, sensing immediate danger she leaped back in time as the chest lunge forward with a growl "A mimic?!" she unsheathe her sword, ready for it's next lunge, when it tried again she parried away it's attack and counterattacked damaging the monster, stunning it. Luna took the opening to attack again swinging hard causing a critical hit destroying the beast as it broke lose and burst into flames, dropping with a notable clink as a key found its way below her hoof "Found ya." she said as she picked up the rusted bronze key. She skids back and double take back towards the front doors.
She stood outside, walking forward she took out the key and is about to insert the thing before her senses caught wind of an attacked, she rolls to the side as a vine missed her by inches smacking its way onto the wall, the vine retract towards the garden, Luna gave chase, ready her blade as she stop to find it's owner, the vines stopped as she looks up to find a giant venus fly trap. It snaps its jaws open to give a loud inhumane shriek as more plant like monsters sprout out.
"Time for a little weeding." she grinned as she grips her sword as she dashed forward slicing a plant in half, jumping up to kick another plant using the leverage to go higher as she slashes down at the fly trap, damaging it slightly but she was slapped away by its vine, giving a yelped as she lands back to her feet "Stronger than i thought.. this is truly a challenge I will enjoy!" she smiled to herself as she went on again to attack the fly trap and its minions. Rooting out the saplings before cutting away at the vines that tried to strike at her.
She fought hard, taking hits herself as she hit back, she was panting as she cut down another small sapling monster "D-damn. This will take too long.. i must.. cut you down now." she dashed forward, running fast as she dodged, sliced at the offending vines as she drew near she leaped forward slashing hard as she lands behind the plant.. She grunts as she holds her side slightly as the monster gave another loud shriek before it died down in its throat as the upper half of the plant slid off and fell with a loud thud to the ground before both halves burst into flames turning to ash that gathered into the air forming another orb She simply walked before it and let it fall onto her. "Huzzah!" she raised her sword into the air in victory.
Without anymore delay she backtracked towards the front door, slipping the key in giving it a twist hearing a satisfying clicked she lunge her one of her hind legs forward kicking the door open "I'm home..." she smiles to herself as she enters the old Castle she used to call .. home.
Entering at the castle proper, she slow down to a crawl pace as she look around "Its been far too long i have been to this place.." she looks around basking in nostalgia and memories, walking slowly as she stop and inspect the broken stained glassed window, shattered and cracked she look at it sadly as she saw visions of good times of herself and her sister playing out in the open field, she could see the ghosts of her past self as she ran around laughing joyously as she play games with elder sister. Giving a content sigh she look up at the moon "Sister.. do thou really forgave me for my sins?" she asked to no one in particular. Closing her eyes in thought as she let other memories play in her head. Not even looking as she swipe her sword back, facing the shattered skeletal warrior that had tried sneaking up behind her "Fool, you think you can ambush me?" she smirk as the bone pieces burst into flames, letting herself absorb the small essence her opponent gave out.
She raised her blade in ready stance, eying the small unit of undead warrior trying to surround her "thou dare to interrupt my reminisce? Fools.. we shall send ye back to the neatherrealms!" she let out a battle cry as she lunge forward and slashing at a warrior, side stepping and parrying an attack from his companion, she heard a snarl and ducked in time to avoid an arrow shot at her from an skeletal archer, she jumped kicked a spear wielding foe and slice down cutting the archer in half. She harrumphs as she casually slice another one near it "Hardly worth my time." she dust off her shoulder as she cuts a skeleton's head off, as it rolls onto the floor she walk towards it and gives it a swift kick causing it to fly out the gap in the wall. Chuckling "may aswell give that hoofball a try when this is all over." she smirked.as she continue on her journey down the main hallway.
Her sword at hoof, she walked down the hall with her eyes closed, passing every broken window or cracked pillars every so often she gives off a slash cutting down any foe that she came across as she kept herself in deep thought. A single nagging question caused her to stop in her tracks, opening an eye as she look up at the large doorway infront of her leading to the old throne room, voicing out the question "Sister.. where are thou?" she reached over to try the door to see it won't budge. "Huh?" she tried pushing it and pulling it with some more effort, grunting in frustration "How do they even lock these darn things?!" she groans giving the door a light kick before she walked away mumbling olden time curses under her breath as she search the other rooms in the first floor entrance hallway leading to the throne room, avoiding the stairs as she decided to investigate the upper floors later. Opening door after door, she stop to gawk at the scene infront of her after opening one particular door, seeing a group of zomponies playing cards casually, though upon noticing her they drop what they're doing and casually groans and get back to their normal zombie ways causing the lunar princess to sweatdrop, not even bothering; she slam the door before they even can shuffle towards her she sighs as and shook her head as she continue her search for the key.
Opening a door to a large room she noticed some more zombis but what caught her eye is the treasure chest at the other end of the room she grinned, looking around she spot a suit of armor holding a spear near the room she pluck the spear off the armor, giving it a good twirl as she stab a zombie in the head with a strong thrust, heaving the spear off decapitating her foe she kick the head off the tip and nod in approval and grin smugly as the other zombies try charging her."Come on you foul smelling ingrates!" she shout as she twirls the spear, striking at a zombie with a swooping slice to its leg as she then smack another zombie with the other end of her new weapon.Impaling a zombie she heaves it up and with a shout she tossed the zombie off crashing to it's companion, she raised the weapon and shove it down at the two downed zombies ending them. Panting heavily after the battle, she ran a hoof along the spear "You're a keeper.." she grinned to herself as she slips it onto her back and unsheathe her sword before trotting toward the chest. "Here we go!" she give her sword a spin tossing into the air as she grabs it she twist around and give the top of the chest a smack opening it "Didn't believe that actually worked? Heh.. my blade is truly the key to my troubles" she gives a smug grin before levitating something out the chest "speaking of keys.." she dangle a key ring infront of her, with only one key in it "This'll do i suppose." she pockets it as she then exits the room
Trotting in a quick pace backtracking towards the throne room once again, taking out the key and quickly unlocking the door and simply pushed it open with her foot, pocketing the key again she trot in, looking around "It's been so long.. " looking towards the thrones, seeing her sister and her's she noticed something odd "Hmm, somepony patched up my banner.. that's nice of them." she head over to the thrones, mainly her old one as she trace a hoof on it, smiling as she reminisce on old memories once again. "Tia, i hope you are well.. i have yet fully atone for what i have done too you, but I will keep working hard dear sister.. wherever you are." she sense immediate danger and roll to the side only to watch as her throne explode into rubble she huffs "AH COME ON!!" she grunt in anger and face her opponent. Floating there is a unicorn skeleton, surrounded by an imense magic aura as it's purple cloak flow, the bells on it's hat chimes as it descents to face the lunar princess .. wait.. Bells?
"By mother's mane... Master.. Starswirl" the old grand mage only stare at her with it's empty eyes, hoof glowing purple as it ready to throw another attack, while Luna fought her tears back "Master... time to go back to your rest.."
The resurrected sorcerer launch a magic orb attack, causing a mark in the spot she once stood, Luna swung her sword only for it to be blocked by an outstretched hoof covered in magic from the dead unicorn. The skeletal mage only look straight at Luna as it's horn glow sickly green preparing for a spell to blast her but she reacted quickly by bucking him away and slash down striking him and interrupting his spell. She quickly skids back getting into a defensive position. "HAH!" she kicks on the floor creating a small dust to flutter infront of the skeleton, knowing it won't blind the undead but distract it long enough for her to lunge forward driving her spear ripping through his cape and piercing a bone or two before she yanks out and swipes as Starswirl backs away avoiding the next attack. Launching herself forward, swiping the spear down with a battle cry only for it to be blocked by a barrier spell she push harder with gritted teeth "Master Starswirl, It's me Luna! I don't know if your soul is still in there somewhere but please.. snap out of it!" she tried to reach out but the skeletal mage said nothing as it pushes back.
Starswirl's jaw open as it chatters it teeth before blowing Luna away with a magic burst, she manage to land on her feet but skid back a few feet before she regained her balance "Rest in Peace Master Starswirl!" she runs at him with a battle cry, stabbing the spear forward, getting caught in his magic arrow before it can reach his skull, she only smirk "gotcha.." she uses her free hand to grab and swing her sword, slicing the horn off, interrupting the spell as she drove the spear forward skewering it through the forehead of the skull... She could only watch as green magic filters out of the body before the bones crumbles infront of her and turn to dust, his namesake hat and cape flew down covering his remains. "Rest well, old friend.." she could only stare at his cloak only to snatch it up "i'll keep ahold of this if you dont mind" she shift her eyes side to side with a gleeful grin she unhook the old traveler's cloak she wore, placing it into her magic hammerspace before she clapse the purple star cloak on letting it flow back draping her back and wings. With a clap of her hooves "I will avenge you master, no being should have disturb your resting place!" she proclaims as she trots out the throne room heading for the stairs absorbing the orb that Starswirl's defeat had made.
"For I Am Princess Luna!" she shout her name out with a hoof stretched out in determination.
Luna returned to the main hallway minutes later of walking, fixing her acquired cloak as she adjust it on her back. She check on her spear and sword to see they're in good condition. Nodding in satisfaction she heads to the main hall and is about to climb the steps "Now, I better remember, Sister and I devised many traps in this old home of ours.. I must tread lightly or " she was cut off when her hoof pressed down on a cobblestone on of the stair's steps causing an audible click. Eyes widen she muttered "Mother of Me.." before a trap door opened up and she fell yelping loudly in surprise.
She manage to pull out her sword and stabbed the wall, slowing down her descent and hops off and into the cold stoned floor as she lit her horn, taking a gander look around seeing she ended up in the underground caverns , ear twitching as she listen onto the water dripping from stalactites seen on the ceiling, with another loud click she looked up to see the opening closing down onto her "Well fhat way is out of the question now" She let out a illumination spell and it instantly brightens the area around her, seeing the full extent of the area she is currently trapped in "Sister and I use to explore these caves.. but they're too vast and we were but mere foals back then. Didn't go much further.. But i know the exit when i see it." she trotted head, going into a clearing with other pathways and unlit torches. With a spark of her horn she zap the torches to light up the area "Good to see these torches are still in condition" he smiles, her ears perk as she heard a splash and water dripping, sword ready she spun to the side as a bipedal fish monster pulled itself out a medium size deep pool. Giving a roar as it sees her and tries to lunge at her only to be received a slash from her sword. Reeling back in pain, it snarls as its companions soon emerge from the waters. "Back foul fiend. Back I say!" she snarls back and slashed again, and again. The first fish monster spun around from the last blow and burst into flames exposing its skeleton before those turn to ash and disappear. His companions weren't happy and slowly advance against Luna, one reel it's head back and spit out a small fireball that shot straight forward, she effortlessly ducked under it and dash forward to strike at them pushing them back. Cutting down the 4th sea beast, other kept coming out the pond in the area. "I can't keep this up.." she hurriedly trots away and quickly enters one of the passageways and away from the numbering hordes of fish monsters.
Entering another cave clearing she looks around lighting up any torches she see with her magic as she grip her sword at ready. Eart twitching she instinctively slashes to the side, striking down a protoplasm which moaned out before dissipating into nothingness. "Curses in physical form.. I must be cautious they are poisonous to the touch.." she see another one floating around, moaning out as the spirit was also strike down by Luna as she jumped up to attack it "Hah, foul fiend. You cannot best me!" she gives a smug grin as she lands on her feet and trots onward to explore further. She stopped to find another skeleton, wearing old royal guard armor. "Poor soul, must have been trapped here many years ago.. Rest in piece" she notices his weapon. A sword that's longer and sturdier than the one she had placed in her scabbard, she went over and picked it up, weighting it in her hooves "A bastard sword... a fine weapon.." smiling she pull the short sword out and with a flick of magic poofing it away before sheathing the new blade into her scabbard. She venture on, flapping her cape behind her as she trot ahead in a steady trot, coming across another armed skeleton soldier who tried to head her advance, she easily cut it down with a strong swing of her new blade, watching the animated corpse break apart and fell away, leaving its armor and helmet behind. She pick up the chest piece up, weighing it and looking it over noting its a lightweight bronze armor worn by the guards of ole.
Easily strapped and removed, she peered down at her bare chest before clasping the armor onto herself "Better be safe than sorry i suppose." she pat her new piece of defense to secure it. Nodding with a satisfied smile she go onward, entering another clearing in which she can see the pathway leading upward to a old beaten door in the distance.
She took a tentative step forward, only to hear a roar from the side. She gave a deadpan "Of course.." as she looks on as a beast, a three headed Cerberus. But this one is different from the playful one she knew that guard the gates of Tartarus, this one is smaller but more ferocious in stature as all 3 head snarled aggressively at her, blinking she unsheath her sword as she get ready for battle "Thou shall let me pass." she simply stated before it give a loud roar at her.
Running forward, snapping it jaws as it tries to ram her to the wall, she effectively slide under it's legs, making it smack the wall with a yelp, stunned as it tries to shake its heads clear of the stars, Luna took the opportunity to slash at it's back, causing it to barked in pain and counter slapping Luna with its Tail causing her to be pushed back grunting "Heel!" she commanded as she readies to attack again, she galloped forward and jump and slash at it causing some damage, it yelped and brought down it's font paws trying to swat at her, she back dashed causing the dog to smash the floor instead, she took the opportunity to climb up the demon dog's arm, jumping up with a loud battle cry she lunge down her sword, impaling it onto the canine's back. Howling in pain it ran to the wall, shifting its weight it slammed itself hard shaken Luna off and pinned her to the wall be she slid down with a pained groan. She recovered to roll aside as the Cerberus snapped its jaw at her location, she lifting her sword up and brought it down onto the neck of the left head, she heaved again and slashed again with a loud cry as she manage to decapitate one of its heads. THe beast roared loudly in pain and recoil back, losing one of its heads and some blood it sat down stunned. "Good boy" she smirked, pointing her sword forward she gallop in full speed "Now.. PLAY DEAD!" she stab her sword right at the canine's chest. Howling loudly onto the ceiling, its body glows and cracks, she yank her sword out in time stepping back as the Cerberus seemingly engulf in blue pillar of flames, the fire spew seemingly spew out the floor around it, the shadow of the canine disappear as the flames start raising before slowly dying out leaving nothing in its place.
Luna give a victorious smile as she simply walk under the glowing orb, absorbing it as it dropped down on her as she ascends the the steps towards the door before looking back and flick her cape and smile broadly at her latest victory.
As Luna exited the door, she look around, with a small flare of her horn she illuminate the long corridors with light "as expected, the dungeons." he ears perk at the sounds creaking "of course..." she deadpans while pulling out her sword, watching as a few skeletal and undead lumber out the opened cells, burnishing knives, swords or clubs. "is this really all you got?" she asked in a bored tone, her question was answered by a inhumane growl and a loud metallic bang from one of the cells, jumping out was a bulk skeletal pony wearing thick metal armor, helmet and equipped with a scimitar. "an undead paladin?" with a smirk "I take that back, this will be enjoyable after all" With a load cry, she lunge forward, easily cutting down the few unarmored undead foe in her way, she brought her sword up, blocking the paladin's strike in time "good reflexes, but not good enough" she kick it away and strike, scratching its armor and making it snarl at her and lunge forward, she jump up high, landing on its shoulder kicking him away, she slashed down cutting down another undead warrior behind the paladin, she rears back and face her armored foe in time to duck under its swipe, it snarled and heaves its metallic forhoof forward, punching her away. "Gah! damned fiend, that hurt!" she growls back, rubbing her reddened snout.
The armored paladin lunged forward, swinging down but it missed, Luna swung true and slice through its armor and damaging it, she uses some of her magic to push the beast back. "Now begone." she jump forward, swiping her own sword diagonally upward cutting a deep gash in it's armor. Without any hesitation she slashes downward with a loud grunt cutting down the paladin finally, causing it to reel back before fire burst out the gashes in its armor before burning away into ashes. Grunting "well that's that..." she turn around, seeing 2 more paladins lumber out, using different weapons. She growls "Surely you jest.. the fates surely hate us..." she kick up dust from the old tiled floor before switching to her spear and with a battle cry ran forward to combat her opponents.
Panting, the princess watch as a lone dented helmet clang to the floor, rolling to her feet. Sporting new cuts and bruises as she put her weapon away, taking a deep breath as she looks around and lean back on the wall "i.. hate.. the undead" she sighs in relief, trying to catch her breath. looking to the side, arching an eyebrow as something caught her eye inside one of the opened cells. Slowly she walk over, magically putting some debris pinning the cell door before entering and looking closely at the empty room. Seeing something sticking out the wall, she went over, trying to yank it free, straining herself as she tried to pull harder, frustrated she grab it with her hooves while still using magic and with a big heave she yanked it free, but not without causing herself to roll to the other wall with a yelp. Groaning as she sat up straight on her haunches, holding up whatever she pulled out, a wooden staff with an orb where she can feel some sort of enchantment from it. "Odd little thing, the spell matrix in the enchantment seems.. strong. I wonder what purpose it serves. Nevertheless, this is a new weapon, one i feel i'll be using soon enough" with that she strapped it on her back, alongside the spear, trotting out and heading down the hallway.
She stopped, sensing something coming from a small orb leaning near a wall, walking cautiously towards it, lifting a hoof near it. It sparked to life causing her to jolt in surprised but felt something calming, her body feels lighter as she looks down seeing magic flowing, healing some of her wounds, she feel better again. "i needed that.. why do i feel this is important? hmm.. it seem i can store my recent memory here." she smile and hold out both hooves and with that, store what she remembers of her adventure so far. The glow stop as she step back "I have a feeling this will be spread out in other parts of the castle.." she gives it one last look before looking at the door, with a soft inhale, and exhale. She stepped into it's thresholds and dissapear into the darkness of the room ahead.
As soon as she stepped into the room, she felt intense dark magic. Without hesitation she yank her sword and get into stance, only to stagger back in shock. Speecheless as she saw the figure standing in the middle staring right at her. The pony's fur hidden by the aura surronding her.. but there isn't no mistaking the mare standing with an evil glare. "Ap-applejack" Luna could only mutter as she stare in shock at the corrupted element of honesty. She could'nt react in time as the earth pony leap forward and within a second, Luna find a hind hoof connecting hard into her chest, causing a silent scream from her agape jaw before she flung back crashing into the wall, pulling herself out the small crater, falling down to her knee. Coughing out blood as she grunts, keeping an eye open "I .. i can't fight you!" raising her sword, blocking the punch with the flat of her blade pushing the cowpony away with a heave "Get back to your senses, please!" she quickly rolled out the way and run away distancing herself as Applejack smashed a hole into the floor.
=I can't fight back, I'll hurt her, worse I'll accidentally kill her and I can't end her that way. What can i Do?= she keeping her stance steady and in the defensive keeping a close eye. Blocking and evading the other mare's swipes, getting pushed back by one of her more stronger blows grunting. =W-wait, the staff!! I hope it does what I thought it do= with a swipe of her sword causing AJ to jump out of the way quickly swapping to the staff, with a spin she rush forward and swung, hitting the farm mare on the side as she then kick her away =I have to stun her first, whatever spell enchanted in the orb will work more efficient.= with a plan in mind she twirl the staff and stomp the floor "Come and face me ms Apple!"
The second round of their bout started intense, blow after blow causing loud smacking sounds and denting the floor or wall they hit. Luna had her share of bruises and cracked bones as blood trickle down her lips but she gritted her teeth in determination as she swung the staff. hitting Applejack again again in return, dodging and blocking her counter attacks, Applejack in turn blocked and ducked under her swings, receiving a hard hit or two as they trade blows, Luna didn't fair better receiving new cuts from near hits and making her stagger back when a solid hit connected but she stomp her hind hoof and swipe forward connecting hard to AJ's shoulder blade with her counter, seeing the effect she quickly follow up with a shoving kick pushing the possessed farmer away. She finished off with to hard swipes to the head, the second one using the orb. Applejack staggered back, head spinning as the aura around her flicker. "NOW!" Luna took the chance, stomp down as she points the orb right at the stunned opponent as she felt energy course through it, the aura surrounding applejack slowly arch and crackle only to flow straight into the orb. When the staff finished draining the last of the dark essence. Applejack could only groan out, blinking out a bruised eye before she cough out in pain before collapsing onto the floor. Unconscious but alive. Luna felt the energy as she simply let the floating orb fall down on her, absorbing it making her body heal slowly. With a twirl of the stave, she slams it onto the floor and stomp down on the concrete floor with a hoof.
Luna sat down, rubbing her bruised foreleg as she watch over the fallen mare. Her ear twitched as she saw her move. Slowly Applejack woke up groaning in pain as she reach up to rub her sore head "What the hay hit me?" she blink open her eyes and saw Luna sitting across her. The night princess could only smile sheepishly at her "That would be me. We apologize ms apple, you left me no other choice. You were possessed." she explained.
"Really? ow.. wowee... dang." she look at Luna more attentively and reel back in shock "woah nelly! you're hurt Princess!" Luna lean back "you aren't better off as i am" she gave a soft chuckle "It isn't your fault. You weren't in the right mind, so don't blame yourself. Prey tell, can you tell me if you remember anything before this?" she point around in general.
Still rubbing her head AJ could only squint her eyes shut in pain as she sat up, rubbing her shoulders now "All ah remember is that me and the girls were fighting some monsters running amok out of the Everfree... PONYVILLE, THE GIRLS?!" she shot up immediately regretting it as she winches in pain, gritting her teeth as she fell on her knees. Luna hold her hoof out, catching her and easing her down "Easy ms Apple, the town is safe. I had dealt with the monsters that kept the town hostage.. as for your friends.. I suspect they are like you... possessed by whatever evil currently residing in this castle."
She looks down and sighs "Dangit, they took us by surprise... Twilight thought we should use the Elements of Harmony but we didn't get the chance. There were just too many of those varmints!" she kick back grunting in frustration. "Calm yourself Applejack, they'll be fine.. I will free them I have the means. " She reach up to tap the staff. "Though, i would apologize they'll be sporting bruises like yours. I will defend myself until i see the chance to free them off their curse like i did you. I just hope they don't kick as hard you do." She smirked at that. The farmer could only grin sheepishly rubbing her foreleg and looking away
"Shucks, thanks for saving me Princess.. please save the others." She nod in reply "of course, now let us be off. I'll escort you to a safe room in the castle, we'll heal up when we find out" She stood up using the staff to prop her up as she hold her hoof out to Applejack "Come, let us leave this dusty dungeon. When i free the others i'll send them to the safe room aswell." AJ smiled and took it, heaving herself up as the two mares help each other walk out the door and towards the next area. Luna could only look serious as she looks ahead, moving on as now she has a new goal.. Free the Elements of Harmony.
"Are you well rested my little pony?" Luna as as she got up and stretched "because, we need to move. I know a place we can how you say; lie low for the time being." She explained as she trot for the exit on the other end of the room. Applejack nodded and followed suit, creaking her head as she tilt her ruined hat back into place. "Mighty thanks for the save back there Princess. And sorry for the trouble I caused ya." "It's not issue, you were under a spell. The one to blame is the master of these creatures" Luna told her as they walk briskly along the hallway and up some stairs. She stopped infront of an archway and peeked in "good the Library still stands.. take caution, there might still be monsters a hoof" she warned as she slowly enter, looking in every direction, sword drawn as Applejack took a defensive stance as she follows Princess Luna inside, easing the door closed as she take her time looking behind them and at Luna's blinds spots.
They soon notice some disturbance by a bookshelf, stopping in their tracks they look on ready. Before long, a few books shoot out and float up, flipping madly as they are surrounded with weird magic, a few try ramming them but Luna was fast and slices them down with ease, shredding the pages and cover. "Hoowee.. glad Twilight didn't see you do that.. she'll flip" she chuckled at that. Luna could only roll her eyes as she dodges a book "That pony really loves her books." the cowpony could only snort and casually ducked under a swerving book, lashing out to buck it to the wall. "Darn tootin..." she arches eyebrow as shivers run down her back "Princess.. did you feel that?" Luna looks over and looks around.. narrowing her eyes "aye, and I see them" she glare at the transparent apparitions that started to form, souls of the damned that compacted with one another, octoplasm as one could call them. Her horn glows as it tries to float near them, with a flare she zapped it, pushing it back before another flare banishes it from the living plane. She grunts after using her magic blast. "curses, my magic isn't as strong as it used too be" she trot on "we must slay all the monsters inside before we can proceed. Can you still fight dear Applejack?" she snorts as she paw at the ground "of course!" she give a flare of determination.
They scout the the medium sized library, after making sure it's safe enough, Luna and Applejack separate down two aisles, taking down the cursed books as they try to ambush them, and the occasional skeleton that litter the place, they soon regroup by the middle space where the large table is located. Applejack have to ducked as a candelabra flung by her head thrown by a poltergeist. "Whoa Nelly!" she quickly retreated behind a shelf, as more items float up, rotating around an invisible center. Luna jump forward, onto the table as she dodge most items, slashing some as she grunts as few hit her, she slide across the rest of the table, slashing at the vacant spot in the middle of the floating items, they could hear a screech as metal impacted something. She turned and gave a second slash, making the creature screech inhumanly before the items simply dropped to the floor. She signaled Applejack to step out "I think that's all of them." she said as she hopped off the table.
Applejack came over, looking around "Now what?". Luna simply sat down onto a chair "Now, we rest" she kicked back, and tilts the chair back, causing a loud wooden screech as a bookshelf opened itself revealing a flight of stairs "recall mine and my sister's secret tower?" AJ only chuckled "shoot, how could we forget?" she trot over, ascending the stairs. Luna stood up and followed suit. Entering the spacious but small room. Closing the door as she sat down on a dark cushion across Applejack, stretching her neck as she sighs "I know what you're thinking.. I'll free your other friends.. and send them here. Stay here." the mare was about to protest, but she stopped when Luna raised her hoof "You're safe here, and I'll escort your friends back here once I find them I promise. This room is enchanted as you see it has no monsters." she explains. Applejack could only sigh "a'right.. just be careful out there Princess." she could only nod in reply as she leans back sighing. She sat for few minutes before standing back up and gets ready to step out "The password is S2E04 if you hear the door knocking" she tells her as she steps out and closing the shelf covering the door. She could only look back once before she progress further into her old home to save the others, and stop the master of this Castle.
However, when she leaves and closed the secret passageway. She came across a lone masked figure sitting formally by the main table, one candle was lit. She can sense an malevolent aura from the stranger as she walked cautiously over. The figure is wearing a thick robe enchanted by dark magic, the mask seems to completely covers their face, but a red eye shape glow emits as it 'glares' at the Princess. Luna tensed as she drew her sword, the masked vampire stood up tall, hooves raised as the glow intensify as it points at her. With a snarl it disappears in a black mist causing Luna's eyes to widen before she rolls away as the attacker appeared again smashing the floor where she stood, she manage get back to her feet, gritting her teeth as she glares back at her opponent.
The Vampire stood up again and walk casually, striking whenever they're in range, everytime Luna blocks or dodges. She snarled at them, knowing they're toying with her and decide to counter attack, they blocked it with their hoof and effortlessly pushed back, it poofs in a black mist again and this time Luna was unprepared as it grabbed her and toss her onto a bookshelf, she shouted in pain as she slumps down, pushing herself up grunting as she glares. The Vampire attacked again lunging, Luna switches weapons to her spear waiting for the right time as it present itself she thrust forward stabbing it on the shoulder, with a shout she heft over and slammed them onto the shelf herself, pulling back she slammed her hoof down at their head slamming it back onto the lower shelves breaking it as books fell down, they shrieked in pain before kicking Luna away standing up, shaking its head. They lunge again, Luna twirled her spear, hitting its side onto their shoulder, she dodge to the side switching to her sword and quickly slashing cutting a gash onto it's cloth. It turns around teleporting again, this time Luna was prepared as she waits. It appears on her side, suddenly she lashed out jumping back and slashing hard, striking the helmet front hard, it snarled as it staggers back, it's helmet begun to crack.
The crack only gets bigger, before long a shatter can be heard as pieces fell onto the floor. Luna stares at the glaring slit red eyes of a mare, no other distinguishing figures besides a lock of pink. She gaves her a snarl of hatred as it disappears one last time in a dark poof of magic as well as sounds of scattering bats retreating away. Luna spits out as she sheathes her sword "Well, that happened..." she muttered as she calmly walked out the library.
