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Night's Champion

By Olibird
Created: 2020-12-31 15:46:13
Expiry: Never
anonlunaromancesafenightmare moon/moon/

  1. >Canterlot Castle still holds a great many secrets.
  2. >It has been years since you locked your wretch of a sister away, but not a month goes by without your ponies unearthing some magical monstrosity from her fortress’s depths.
  3. >One of the many reasons why you refuse to reside in the defiled, sunscorched halls your Dearest Sister called home.
  4. >It is also the reason why you're here.
  5. >Your ponies flank you, the clatter of hooves echoing off the hornlit halls as they guide you toward the latest vault they’ve cracked open.
  6. >Normally you’d stay in Midnight Castle and have them send anything of note to you.
  7. >But this…
  8. >A half dozen ponies mingle in front of an open, stone door - more of a slab really.
  9. >If you had to hazard a guess, you’d say they're the team that uncovered this discovery.
  10. >Luckily, you are the Empress, guessing is for lesser ponies.
  11. >”Attention! You now stand in the presence of the Empress Eternal!”
  12. >With a bit of a hustle, the group before you drop what they're doing to bow, their snouts touching the stone floor.
  13. >The guard on your right leans up to whisper, “The team that found the artifact, your majesty.”
  14. >It’s good to be Empress.
  15. >You nod in acknowledgement, both to your faithful guard and the group faithfully demonstrating their position before you.
  16. “Rise, subjects. Pray tell, which of you made the discovery?”
  17. >As they climb to their hooves, a light teal colored unicorn steps forward.
  18. >Staring at your hoofguards, she mumbles, “I was, Empress. My name is-”
  19. “You shall lead Us to your discovery.”
  20. >You’re not sure why she would think her name is relevant.
  21. >”O-of course, Empress. This way.”
  22. >She shares a meaningful look with her group, before turning and walking to the door.
  23. >The meaning is not lost on you.
  24.  
  25. >This may be yet another trap laid by your Dearest Sister that triggers only in your presence.
  26. >If they failed to detect it, then there's a good chance she won't be walking out of here alive.
  27. >Ducking your head to avoid smacking your horn against the low hanging door frame, you follow, your guards stoically accompanying you.
  28. >By contrast, the unicorn before you is wracked with fear, her ears back as her hooves quiver with each step she takes.
  29. >It’s not entirely an unreasonable fear.
  30. >While you of course will do your best to protect your ponies, your sister was crafty, and left a great many things to ensure your rule is as painful and difficult as possible.
  31. >The plunder vines, which sought out you and only you before choking your Empire, being one of the more prominent examples.
  32. >”I-it’s just through this antechamber, Empress.”
  33. >The air around you buzzes with magic, the broken remnants of the spells that once protected this place from all intruders float around your horn.
  34. >There’s so many, it’s impossible for even you to tell how they’d react, should you need to cast something to protect your ponies.
  35. >”We found a lot of relics from the early days of your cult, Empress,” Your guide explains, evidently taking refuge in her accomplishments.
  36. >Passing through to the next room, you find yourself surrounded with all manner of arcane paraphernalia, from horn rings to weapons, to enchanted tomes, each on its own small pedestal.
  37. >For each pillar that contains an item, there are two more which stand empty, evidence of your ponies diligent work.
  38. >Almost everything left bears your mark.
  39. >”We think this must have been from one of the first temples that fell. We’ve even cataloged a few things from before…” she leaves her words hanging, unsure how to properly finish that sentence.
  40. >Before your banishment.
  41. >Not exactly something you enjoy being reminded of.
  42. “Indeed.”
  43.  
  44. >Your dry tone cuts through the musty air, silencing your guide.
  45. “Our time is precious, little one. Now lead us posthaste to the sarcophagus.”
  46. >”O-of course, Empress. It’s in the back, here.”
  47. >With great care, you probe the area as your guide helps you navigate the veritable maze, searching for what your sister could have in store.
  48. >Could the wards combine to turn your own artifacts against you?
  49. >It would certainly be the kind of ‘poetic justice’ Dearest Sister would love.
  50. >...No.
  51. >The spells were broken by YOUR ponies, there would have been no way for the original magicians to know how their magic would have eventually been countered.
  52. >There’s something obvious, but you’re missing it…
  53. >”Here it is, Empress,” your guide comes to a halt at a dais, stepping to the side. “It has the um… the insignia you told us to contact you if we ever found…”
  54. >She's stumbling over her words, the poor filly.
  55. >There's no doubt in your mind that if you granted her leave, she would gallop away before the words have left your mouth.
  56. >...But she must face the consequences of any failure in her duties, just as all your ponies.
  57. >Stepping forward, your guards still on either side, you climb onto the dais and look over your servant’s find.
  58. >Below you lies a stone coffin, hewn from shining obsidian, and practically glowing from the magic contained.
  59. >Magic that is still alive.
  60.  
  61. >Longer than any pony's coffin, it would remind you of a minotaur’s were it not so thin.
  62. >The anticipation, the same dread you felt when you read their message comes surging back.
  63. >Almost like…
  64. >You…
  65. >You hope they were wrong.
  66. >It takes you a moment to find the willpower to inspect it properly.
  67. >Your gaze falls on the stele standing before the coffin.
  68. >There’s a message carved into it, some asinine language that was used for a few centuries during your banishment, before everypony went back to speaking a proper language.
  69. >Even if you COULD read it, you're in no condition to.
  70. >You need to...to...
  71. >You force your eyes up and over the smooth coffin, looking for the insignia, hoping, praying to find your own.
  72. >Then it won’t be a coffin, it’ll just be a box.
  73. >Where a creature’s head would rest, is carved an open hand, fingers together, with your crescent moon emblazoned on the palm.
  74. >Your stomach flips as your throat squeezes shut.
  75. >It's his…
  76. >It takes every ounce of your composure to keep your ponies from seeing.
  77. >Outside, you are a rock.
  78. >But inside…
  79. >You’re naught but a grieving widow, once again.
  80. >Your Champion…your beloved Champion…
  81.  
  82. >With a deep, shuddering breath, you force yourself back in control.
  83. >Eighty years, he had once said he would live for.
  84. >You counted them in solitude on the moon.
  85. >After the first century, you knew intellectually, he was gone.
  86. >You even held a sad, miserable parody of a funeral for him.
  87. >But seeing his tomb in front of you…
  88. “Leave us.”
  89. >The guidemare takes off without a second thought, barking out some kind of thanks.
  90. >Her words barely grace your ears.
  91. >”Your Highness?” Your guards are not so quick to leave.
  92. >Fighting to keep your voice from shaking, you barely squeeze out a few words.
  93. “This is...a matter for divinity. It is not your place to see.”
  94. >There's a moment’s hesitation, one long, painful moment, before your guards assent, taking their leave.
  95. >”Of course, Empress.”
  96. >They're barely out of the room before you collapse on his coffin, a sob heaving its way out of your throat, the first of many.
  97. >Your tears flow as you drape your wings over his remains, shaking as you cry in earnest.
  98. >He was your Champion, your first and only love, and…and he was left behind.
  99. >Celestia stole him from you!
  100. >Just as she did the last thousand years, just as…
  101. >The Cult of the Moon was his final gift to you, his legacy of ponies fanatically loyal to you, and ONLY you.
  102. >And she…your sister dug up his body just so she could rub it in your face, had she won upon your return.
  103. >Untold misery washes over you, sobs wrack your body as you allow yourself this momentary indulgence of weakness.
  104. >But only a moment is all you can allow yourself.
  105. >If you let yourself cry until the tears wouldn't come anymore, you aren't sure if you’d ever stop.
  106. >After a thousand years of isolation on the moon, after everything your sister has done to you, everything she's STILL doing to you, after what you’ve done to HER, after losing your love…
  107. >You just don't want to be alone anymore!
  108.  
  109. >To have someone who cares for you as you, instead of being forced to heel by your position.
  110. >With blurry, tear stained eyes, you look over your Champion’s sarcophagus.
  111. >He can't stay here.
  112. >You probe the magic contained within.
  113. >Sister probably turned it into a bomb, thinking you couldn't resist.
  114. >But a thousand years alone teaches one a great deal about patience.
  115. >The spells contained within soon prove not to be destructive in nature, instead seeming…no.
  116. >Arcane matrices, centuries old, are immensely complex, doing things you've never seen before.
  117. >And between you and your sister, you invented most schools of magic!
  118. >There are dozens of spells of some sort, somehow perpetually recasting themselves, tied to a ward that requires a key phrase.
  119. >You magically probe the ward, looking for any sort of hint as to what it would be.
  120. >An image flashes in your mind.
  121. >Completely alien, it features faceless creatures clad in bizarre clothing, on a landscape that has become all too familiar to you.
  122. >It’s an image straight out of his dreams.
  123. >Once you would have thought that nopony, not even your sister, would have been able to see it.
  124. >But even if Dearest Sister had somehow gained access to YOUR realm of dreams, she never would have learned what it was called.
  125. >Your champion has only ever told one soul of the time his people stepped hoof on the moon.
  126. >He called it…
  127. “Apollo Eleven.”
  128. >There’s no flash, no outward sign as deep within, arcane gears long dormant begin to turn.
  129. >Magical energy builds up as protection after protection is stripped away from your champion’s coffin.
  130. >He must have anticipated Dearest Sister's move…
  131. >This isn't where he was laid to rest, it's where he's hidden some great artifact for you!
  132. >One final gift.
  133.  
  134. >Joyous tears threaten to well up in the corner of your eyes once again as the spell nears completion.
  135. >It was just like him…always looking out for you.
  136. >As the last spell expires, the lid lifts up and a heavy purple smoke billows out, coating the casket and surrounding your hooves.
  137. >There's an unexpected flash of magic.
  138. >You jerk back, covering your face with a wing.
  139. >It didn't hurt you, of course not, you're an alicorn!
  140. >It just…was a flare right in front of you.
  141. >You’re merely startled, it was a spell you hadn’t detected.
  142. >Keeping your face hidden, you take a moment to try and get rid of that little dot in the center of your vision.
  143. >”Oooh man, how long was I out?”
  144. >Your blood runs cold the instant that voice touches your ears.
  145. >It can’t be...
  146. >There’s a human sitting up, his legs hanging off the side of the coffin.
  147. >This is a trick, he can’t be your beloved!
  148. >He's far too old.
  149.  
  150. >Grey has tinged his receding mane, lines accent his face.
  151. >...
  152. >It’s another species, even the Empress could not be faulted for having difficulty telling individual members apart.
  153. >This human cannot be the same one.
  154. >Mustering up the greatest “almighty alicorn” pose you can, you stand tall, spreading your wings wide.
  155. “Human. Thou art in the presence of the Empress of Equestria. Thy furless skin defiles Our sacred relics. Lower thyself, and recognize thy place beneath Us, and We may yet let you live.”
  156. >You raise a forehoof as you would for anypony, making the exact method of recognition clear.
  157. >The human looks down at your hoof for a moment, before he swings his fist at you, aiming right for your face.
  158. >He’s fast, faster than you!
  159. >You’ve just barely started to rear up, when he shoots his finger out, and boops you right on the nose.
  160. >Your eyes cross in reflex, locking onto that finger as you recoil, scrunching your snout up.
  161. >”Hey Moonshine.”
  162. >Once you’ve regained control over your eyes, you look over the human.
  163. >He’s broken into a massive grin, showing off his fangs as his smile stretches nearly from ear to ear, “I missed you.”
  164. >Your mind refuses to process this.
  165. >It’s impossible to keep anyone alive that long, even for YOU!
  166. >But there’s no doubt.
  167. “It’s really you…”
  168.  
  169. >The sound of your voice finally breaks your trance.
  170. >With a rush of your hooves, you practically tackle him, your champion, and wrap your wings around him, burying your face against his neck.
  171. >”Ack!” He finagles his arms around your barrel, returning your embrace.
  172. “I th...I thought… you w-were.. “
  173. >Abandoning any pretense of composure, you allow your sobbing to return; this time of a much different flavor.
  174. >Your champion, your lover, your…
  175. >You're not the Empress Eternal.
  176. >You're the mare who's been reunited with her husband.
  177. >His hands stroke through your mane, down your neck. “Shh, shh, it's ok, it's ok now, Moonshine.”
  178. >He was with you from the beginning, from before you turned…
  179. “I never thought I'd hear that… stupid nickname again!”
  180. >You can feel your cheeks flush.
  181. >One thousand and eight years since you last saw him, and THAT'S the most romantic thing you can come up with?!
  182. >Your husband shakes under you as he laughs, a cold, bitter sound.
  183. >”For a while, I was worried you wouldn't, either. Your sister wasn't exactly willing to work with me.”
  184. >Nodding to him, you give up trying to continue the conversation until after your tears have stopped.
  185. >...Miraculously, they eventually stop on their own.
  186. >There’s no spiralling into a cycle of misery as every injustice you’ve ever faced makes its presence known in your mind.
  187. >You just...feel better, now.
  188. >With your breath still shaky, you pull your head off its nest against your Champion’s neck and meet his gentle gaze.
  189. “How? How did you survive?”
  190. >Your voice wobbles, unsteady.
  191. >It’s wholly unbefitting of your station as a living deity.
  192. >His smile returns, his fingers dancing across your coat until they reach the base of your ear.
  193. >Just as in the days of old, he scratches over them as he talks.
  194.  
  195. >”It wasn’t easy, Moonshine. After we lost you, most of us had to go into hiding. I had to call in every favor I had to get something sustainable off the ground. Did it...last? The little church I built for you?”
  196. >With half lidded eyes, you nod.
  197. “In a manner of speaking, Champion. They were eager to assist me, upon my return. Although, they had some interesting notions…”
  198. >Gathering up your strength, you raise your hoof, and return his earlier boop.
  199. “Did you truly use Luna’s diary as the basis for their holy book?”
  200. >He bursts out laughing before averting his gaze.
  201. >”I had to start somewhere. I hope you didn’t mind.”
  202. >A smile worms its way onto your face, his mirth evidently contagious.
  203. “Were it anyone else, I would have them boiled in oil. It would be blasphemy to imply that the goddess of the moon and stars would act in such a tribal manner!”
  204. >”I don’t know, the Codex Adumbration was supposed to humaniiii - ”equanize” you, after the propaganda job your sister was putting out.”
  205. >Shooting him a look, you hiss out,
  206. “You included the parts where young Luna fantasized about slaying the Dragon Lord by bombarding him with stars, before crushing him under the moon!”
  207. >That earns you another bout of ear scratching as he chuckles.
  208. >”And if I did it right, now they think it actually happened!”
  209. >His wondrous stroking, even after being absent for the past millennia, does nothing to earn him mercy from your gaze.
  210. “Indeed. My subjects believe my magical abilities to be far greater than they actually are. Now pray, continue your explanation!”
  211. >”Alright, alright. It took a while to get the church up and running, but once I was happy with it, I got our unicorns to start working on a way to keep me around for when you returned. I am the ‘Night’s vaunted Champion,’ after all.”
  212. “Indeed you are.”
  213.  
  214. >You bury your head against his neck again, nuzzling away once more.
  215. >”Cute,” His hands scratch down your mane in an attempt to make up for lost time.
  216. >”To make a long story short, we’re pretty sure that the magic we used on the sarcophagus was the same thing King Sombra used to displace the Crystal Empire. Just on a much smaller scale.”
  217. >You...never took the time to actually examine the magic Sombra had used, yourself.
  218. >No doubt the royal mages have a report sitting somewhere in your castle, but with so many other pressing matters, it’s been left to gather dust.
  219. >”It was a bit of a hail Mary on our parts. I don’t know if you can tell, but I’ve gotten a bit older.”
  220. >A “hail merry?”
  221. >Smiling, you pull yourself from his neck, and kiss his cheek.
  222. “Always with your strange phrases, Champion. We shall expect a full report on this ‘long story’ on Our desk by the morn.”
  223. >Feigning shock and subservience, he reels back a bit, “Oh my, so soon? I’d better get right on it, I’d hate to disappoint the Empress!”
  224. >”Why the rush, Moonlight? We have plenty of time for me to bore you with that.”
  225. >Your heart flutters at those words.
  226. >Wrapping your forehooves around him, you lean into your lover, closing your eyes.
  227. “Indeed we do, my love…”
  228. >A moment passes in silence, his hands never stopping their sensual ministrations over you.
  229. >”So...my turn to ask you something. Where ARE we, anyway? Some kind of museum?”
  230. >His words snap you back to reality.
  231. >...Right.
  232. >There are eight ponies outside the vault, eagerly awaiting their Empress.
  233. >Could they have heard you..crying?
  234. >your blood runs cold at the thought.
  235. >For them to have seen you, their god, their Empress, in such a moment of weakness…
  236. >...Putting them all to death to keep word from spreading is not out of the question.
  237.  
  238. >You could never do such a thing, they’re your subjects!
  239. >You’re charged with protecting them!
  240. >Not...slaying them for YOUR faults.
  241. >But as you told your champion, much of your power comes from your reputation, word will get out, they’ll see that you’re-
  242. >A boop to your nose shuts down your thought process.
  243. >”I know that look. That’s the look of a Nightmare who’s working herself up into a panic.”
  244. >Your mouth works wordlessly for a moment, before you close your once-more crossed eyes.
  245. >How have you gotten on without him to keep you grounded?
  246. “You know me well, love.”
  247. >Taking a deep breath, you meet his caring gaze.
  248. >”One step at a time, alright? Where are we?”
  249. >A smile flickers across your snout.
  250. “We are underneath the fortress Dearest Sister called home, in a repository of magical items she hath confiscated.”
  251. >He nods in understanding.
  252. >“Alright. Celestia’s status? Did you sneak in here?”
  253. >Your smile grows from a flicker to a full on flame.
  254. “Neigh. My sister did not have the Elements at her disposal for our rematch. I dispatched her quite easily, and bestowed upon her the same fate she had sentenced me to.”
  255. >Nodding away, he continues to verbally prod you.
  256. >”But someone DOES know you’re here.”
  257. >Were it anypony else attempting to infantilize you like this, you’d slay them where they stand.
  258. >But he’s pulled you back from worse, doing this.
  259. “Indeed. Our personal guard, and the ponies We have tasked with reclaiming the items from this place. They...no doubt bore witness to...”
  260. >Just as your voice threatens to waver, he rubs his fingers over the side of your muzzle.
  261. >”Shhh, I get it. We just need to remind them that any hint of weakness is just because they don’t understand divinity...and I have just the idea.”
  262. >You raise an eyebrow.
  263. >”Do you remember the old ‘Ogre’ routine we had?”
  264.  
  265. -
  266. >The terrified screams of your subjects assault your ears.
  267. >With your wings spread wide, you step out of the vault and survey the horrific scene unfolding.
  268. >The survey team is huddled in a corner, crying and screaming in pure terror.
  269. >One of your guards is frozen in shock.
  270. >Your life could be in danger, and your personal bodyguard is failing his duties!
  271. >He will have to be disciplined most severely for such a dereliction of his duties.
  272. >Finally, you sweep your eyes over to the center of the chaos.
  273. >Your husband holds your other guard up by her horn, her hind legs just barely touching the ground.
  274. >As her forelegs pinwheel, your lover leans in, his toothy grin inches from her face.
  275. >He licks over his fangs.
  276. >”Ooohh...and you would be SO delicious…”
  277. >Squeezing her eyes shut, she whimpers out, “Ash Shield…do SOMETHING!”
  278. >You fight to keep a grin of your own from ruining your stern expression.
  279. >It’s just like old times!
  280. “Release our subject at once, Ogre!”
  281. >Every pair of eyes in the corridor instantly snap towards you, your Champion twisting around, still holding on.
  282. >”If you say so, Empress.”
  283. >With a heavy sigh, he lets go of her horn, your guard falling back to all fours with a clatter.
  284. “At Our side, Ogre.”
  285. >With a loping gait, he plays along, soon standing hunched over in front of your right wing, making you seem taller.
  286. “We have permitted you to leave Our side for less than ten seconds, and you've already brought terror to Our subjects. Perhaps We should return you to your sarcophagus.”
  287. >He hunches lower, clutching his hands up by his chest, like some kind of creature.
  288. >An epiphany strikes your failed guardspony like a hammer.
  289. >Shaking his head to regain his senses, he takes a cautious step forward, “Empress? Do you mean to say this...THING was what was in the sarcophagus?”
  290.  
  291. >Your ‘Ogre’s’ grin returns.
  292. >”That’s riiiiight. She brought me back to life!”
  293. “Silence, Brute!”
  294. >He covers his mouth with a hand, still grinning away behind it.
  295. >Lucky fool gets to play the easier part.
  296. >The pang of playful jealousy helps you keep a straight face as you address your stunned subjects.
  297. >”Forgive me but...you can do that, Empress?” A cream colored member of the team that had uncovered your husband speaks up.
  298. >Was she the one who discovered him?
  299. >...Probably?
  300. >You scarcely paid attention to which pony it was, and she seems to be the only one with any nerve to talk...
  301. “You doubt Us, little one?”
  302. >She looks down, mumbling, “O-of course not…I just...everything says that’s impossible...”
  303. “And indeed it is. For a tribal pony. But We are not like you, little one. Nor is the creature at our side.”
  304. “He was once our most faithful and most useful servant. The artifact you uncovered was his final resting place. We have deemed that his loyalty, even in death, was worthy of such a reward. As shall thy loyalty be rewarded.”
  305. >While she lifts her head, her jaw stays firmly on the floor, “Empress…?”
  306. >You finally offer your amusement a concession, a small smile.
  307. “What is thy name, little one?”
  308. >”It’s Moondancer.”
  309. >...Oh, it’s perfect!
  310. “A name befitting a loyal servant such as yourself. Once your task here is complete, you shall return with Us to Midnight Castle, where we shall decide a fitting reward.”
  311. >Behind her, a teal mare’s jaw drops.
  312. >She looks as though she’s about to shout something in objection.
  313. >You glare at her before she can speak, causing her to wither, and keep whatever complaints she may have had to herself.
  314. >Turning your attention back to Moondancer, she looks torn, but manages to sound as excited as she should be, “Thank you Empress!”
  315. >Does she wish to stay here?
  316. >She doesn't seem to have an archeology related cutiemark…if anything, it’s magic related.
  317. >She should be overjoyed!
  318.  
  319. >She should…
  320. >No.
  321. >You need to remain focused, lest your champion boop you in public.
  322. >As your smile fades, you turn your attention to your guards, one still standing in shock, the other rubbing her recently abused horn.
  323. “Where fair Moondancer succeeded, you two have failed Us utterly. You did not know this creature was at Our command, yet you let cowardice and weakness overtake you.”
  324. >As they start to babble excuses, you let off a burst of raw magic.
  325. >Shadows begin to grow as the air turns cold.
  326. “We have made an error in judgement in allowing those unworthy to bask in Our presence. You both shall return to Midnight Castle and BEG Our marshall for your lives!”
  327. >Ignoring your clear instructions, the mare cries out, ”B-but Empress! Somepony needs to guard-”
  328. “Our Troll is sufficient protection. Now let Us away, Brute.”
  329. >Nodding, he leads the way as you two leave behind both your ex-bodyguards and the team of vault crackers.
  330. >The moment the two of you are out of sight, your ‘Brute’ stands up straight and rests his hand on your withers.
  331. >You, in turn, wrap your wing around his back and rest your head against his side.
  332. >How you’ve missed this too…
  333. >Subtly guiding him with your wing, you two make your way back up to the ground floor.
  334. >Once you’ve arrived in the empty grand hall of the abandoned castle, your champion speaks up.
  335. >”Sooo...how’d I do, Moonlight? I still got it?”
  336. >You grin and look up at him.
  337. “I should say not! You were completely over the top. It’s a wonder they didn’t burst out laughing!”
  338. >With a laugh, he pokes at your ribs.
  339. >”Oh right, like you were any better! You couldn’t even come up with a reward for Moondancer!”
  340. “Of course not, my mind was elsewhere.”
  341.  
  342. >You stick your tongue out at him, just like you used to as Luna.
  343. >”Really? And just what were you focused on?”
  344. >Squeezing him with your wing, you can’t stop a little squee from escaping your throat.
  345. “All the wonderful things I never thought we’d get to do together. Come!”
  346. >Letting your wing fall, you prance ahead.
  347. >Grabbing his hand with magic, you practically drag him towards you as you canter towards the nearest flight of stairs.
  348. >”Aah! Slow down, I’m not as fast as I used to be!”
  349. “The world’s changed so much! I need to show you something!”
  350. >You lead him in that fashion up a few flights of winding stairs, through the maze-like castle your sister built.
  351. >Pushing open a grand pair of doors, you pull your love out onto a balcony.
  352. >You rush over to the rail, with him right behind you and point down to the main plaza.
  353. “Just look! Isn’t it so wonderful?”
  354. >Wrenching his hand back from your magic, he wraps his arm around your neck and leans against you.
  355. >Down below, a throng of ponies mill around the main square, going about their business.
  356. >Some wander from store to store, a few families are playing in a nearby park, and most are simply walking under the lightless streets.
  357. >”Oh wow...it worked…”
  358. “They no longer hide away anymore! Without the day, they’re more than satisfied with Our night! It was just as you said!”
  359. >His arm squeezes your neck before he plants a kiss on the top of your head.
  360. >Looking away, you try to hide the blush that’s now invading your cheeks.
  361. >”I knew you’d be able to do it, Moonshine! It’s beautiful…”
  362. >Swinging your head back around, you bury your face against his chest.
  363. “It truly is…”
  364. >The two of you stay like this in silence, watching the crowd below go about their business for some time.
  365. >Just having someone you can share this with…
  366.  
  367. >You didn’t know it, but this is what you’ve been pining for since you’ve taken the throne.
  368. >It’s a feeling you happily let wash over you.
  369. >Eventually, your champion kills the moment, speaking up.
  370. >”What about you, though?”
  371. >Oh no…
  372. >Ears sinking down, your good mood is already spoiled.
  373. >You know exactly what he’s going to say…
  374. >”They’ve gotten over that crazy idea of you being a reaper of ponies right?”
  375. >Every word jabs at your heart.
  376. >You almost forgot that ponies once used Luna’s image as the specter of death.
  377. >”They love you now like they used to love Celestia?”
  378. >What’s worse, is his tone is entirely hopeful.
  379. >He has no idea…
  380. >Tearing yourself from his grip, you step back, looking up at your comforting sky, letting out as verbose a reply as you dare.
  381. “Neigh.”
  382. >”What do you mean? What’s happened?”
  383. >His hand finds its way to your withers once again, his touch much lighter than it was before.
  384. >...No.
  385. >Even he can’t bandage THIS gaping wound.
  386. “We have dallied enough. Come, Champion, let us be gone from Dearest Sister’s eyesore, lest the semen caking the walls from her centuries of impropriety stain our coats.”
  387. >Just as you begin to turn back to the way you came, he almost leaps in front of you, blocking your passage.
  388. >”Oh no, you’re not shutting ME out. You agreed to share this stuff when we made our vows. Come on Nightmare, talk to me.”
  389. >Scrunching your snout, you squeeze your eyes shut to stop any tears.
  390. >He’s right…
  391. >Steeling yourself, you keep your voice as steady as you can.
  392. “Sister...had holidays dedicated to spreading fear of Us. They...were told I would...devour...them…”
  393. >”Oh god…”
  394. >Kneeling down, he throws his arms around your neck.
  395.  
  396. >Hugging him back, you wrap your wings around him as your composure shatters.
  397. “They hate Us! Those who didn’t follow your...they think We’re a monster! That We’ll eat them alive! We can’t walk amongst Our own ponies in public without causing panic!”
  398. >Petting over you, he softly whispers “I’m so sorry…”
  399. “When they started-when they started to rebel...We made a mistake. We gave those who would speak out against Us a reason to fear Our name!”
  400. >He holds you there as you shake against him...not crying again, not quite yet...but you’re certainly close.
  401. >It’s only after you’ve started to calm down, does he say anything more than ‘I’m so sorry.’
  402. >”So...the brute thing, then?”
  403. “That was...not as out of character for U-me...as it were for you. They see only a cruel Empress...so that is what We must be.”
  404. >He purses his lips together, in a show of letting you know he’s thinking, before slowly speaking, ”So if you and I were to head down to the streets…”
  405. >You look away, back down at Canterlot.
  406. >They look so happy down there.
  407. >Without you.
  408. “Those too slow to hide away would be fearing for their lives…”
  409. >”And every non-cultist is like that?”
  410. >Shaking your head, you search for your voice.
  411. “Neigh, not everypony. But most. Those who have shown loyalty, I have offered a place in Midnight Castle.”
  412. >”...You know…there wasn't any Midnight Castle before I took my nap.”
  413. >It's a blatant offer for you to change the subject.
  414.  
  415. >And it’s an opportunity you happily latch on.
  416. “It is not a new structure. I have simply renovated our old home. Dearest Sister allowed it to crumble and fall into disrepair.”
  417. >He snorts, his hand soon finding its way to your back, ”I’m not surprised. She told everyone the residual magic made it too dangerous to enter and posted guards to keep us out.”
  418. >Once again, he’s talking of what happened immediately after your banishment.
  419. >Turning your head back, you look over him, see just what has changed.
  420. >Even as he’s beaming away, at you, his face is still weary.
  421. >Trenches, born of stress and age adorn his face, the scars of the time without you.
  422. >His hair is thinner than before, starting higher upon his head, and tinged with grey.
  423. >Age has taken its toll on your lover.
  424. “...Champion?”
  425. >You force the words out, fearing the answer.
  426. “How long were you without me?”
  427. >A sadness tinges his smile, his eyes betraying any chance of brushing the question off.
  428. >”It was…Tell you what. Let's trade, Moonshine. I’ll tell you as you show me how Canterlot’s changed. ”
  429. >Oh, how you would love to.
  430. “But they will-”
  431. >”Fuck ‘em. You’re the God-Empress of Equestria, aren't you? That means your word is law. You could pass a law demanding they sit down and have dinner with you if you want.”
  432. >His melancholy is brushed aside by a spark of mischief.
  433. >”And besides…the best way to change their opinion of you is to spend time with them.”
  434. >Were it anypony else, you would refuse to believe them outright.
  435. >But…
  436. “Are you sure?”
  437. >”I built a church of Moon worshippers for you, didn't I?”
  438. >A giggle bubbles up in your throat, and you soon nuzzle into his chest.
  439.  
  440. -
  441. >”Moonshine, I'm sor-”
  442. “You will address us as ‘Empress Nightmare Moon,’ or We will cut the tongue from thy mouth, mortal!”
  443. >You fling every word at your champion with all the fury and indignation you can muster, while still being quiet enough not to disrupt the play below.
  444. >He winces behind the veil of your tears, born from mortification.
  445. >”I'm still sorry…”
  446. “‘Sorry’ does nothing to repair Our shattered image. You made Us a LAUGHINGSTOCK. Shamed Us! Brought Us as low as Our kin hath once before!”
  447. >You thought you could TRUST him.
  448. >That he had matured as he aged!
  449. >He still has the impulse control of a pegasus foal.
  450. >By deviating from the plan, he shattered your honor, your dignity, your claim to the crown!
  451. >You find yourself unable to pay attention to the play before you, as the events from earlier play over and over again in your mind.
  452. >The journey from the towers of your sister’s fortress had been far too short.
  453. >With great trepidation, you had used your magic to fling open the great stone doors, allowing the moonlight to pour in.
  454. >By the time the two of you descended the numerous steps, the vast majority of the ponies you had seen so happy from up above, had scattered.
  455. >Not all of them, though.
  456. >A good many of them cowered on the ground, taking shelter beneath their hooves.
  457. >A sight you have never grown used to.
  458. >With a churning stomach, and your Champion’s hand upon your back, the two of you made your way into the thick of them.
  459. >You kept your gaze high, a regal, dispassionate look plastered on your face as you avoided the terrified looks on each of their faces.
  460. >In the corners of windows, peeking out behind curtains, you spied many a frightful eye.
  461. >It wasn't long before your love’s whispered voice tickled your ears.
  462. >”Wow, you really weren't kidding.”
  463. >You found yourself at a loss as to how to respond while still keeping your composure intact.
  464.  
  465. >Once the two of you reached the center of the plaza, your husband bade you to halt, before he left your side.
  466. >The look on his face told you everything - it was time for the next step of the plan.
  467. >He made his way to the nearest pony.
  468. >A pitiful blue mare, whose quivering had only grown with every step.
  469. >He towered over her, his shadow draping over her as he stood every bit as awe inspiring as the eve you first met him.
  470. >You found yourself having to bite back a smile.
  471. >With the tip of his boot, your beloved had nudged her side, before he summoned his most commanding voice.
  472. >”Little pony, what are you doing?”
  473. >The mare, with a coat the color of your sister’s sky, had mewled like a kitten before peeking out from behind her hooves.
  474. >She looked back and forth between you and your Champion, before she squeaked out “I’m sh-showing proper def-deference to the Empress.”
  475. >Your champion flashed you a smile, before he leaned forward, causing his gentle shadow to fall over the mare.
  476. >”Funny, because it looks like you’re cowering in fear to me.”
  477. >If the mare had an audible response, you never heard it.
  478. >But your human did.
  479. >”You wouldn’t happen to be scared of your Empress, would you?”
  480. >”A-aren’t you?” The mare had stammered out.
  481. >”Nei-ei-eigh.”
  482. >...He knew you hate it when he attempts to say the more elegant words of your language.
  483. >He always overcompensates for his unfortunate lack of a snout, it's impossible for him to suppress his thick accent!
  484. >Despite your displeasure, you kept from showing it in that plaza.
  485. >Instead, you had looked away, casting your gaze around the plaza.
  486. >All around you, you saw ponies all around peeking out, watching the exchange between your husband and this mare.
  487. >”Why would I be? I’ve known her longer than anypony, and i’ve never seen her do anything scary.”
  488. >The mare was unmoved by your beloved’s display of loyalty.
  489. >”But...but she EATS ponies!”
  490.  
  491. >Your husband looked back at you, confusion written on his face.
  492. >Or...maybe it was a look of accusation?
  493. >Does he think that was the ‘mistake’ you mentioned earlier?
  494. >No, no, he would never.
  495. >...He knows you’ve never eaten your subjects!
  496. >You told him as such!
  497. >Regardless of his belief in such horrendous accusations, he focused instead on the pony he was speaking to.
  498. >”Whaaaat? When did this happen?”
  499. >You knew exactly what was coming.
  500. >”O-once a year we needed to pay tribute and disguise ourselves or she’d...she’d come down and eat us!”
  501. >...The first Nightmare Night that took place after your return, you had ended up barricading yourself in your bedroom and cried your eyes out.
  502. >For your sister to have allowed such blasphemy against you…
  503. >Just further proof of her insatiable hatred towards her own sister.
  504. >Your husband was as gobsmacked as you first were.
  505. >But he was able to recover faster than you had, eventually asking the mare, “Who told you this?!”
  506. >”It’s been tradition as long as long as I remembeeerrr!” The poor mare wailed out.
  507. >Your beloved had to take a moment to rub his temples.
  508. >”Now that just sounds to me like she has a big sweet tooth.”
  509. >Turning away from the mare, he yelled out, addressing the crowd before you two.
  510. >”Has ANY PONY here actually known someone the Empress has eaten?! Raise a hoof!”
  511. >The two of you looked around the crowd, ponies everywhere peaking out to see.
  512. >One stallion then timidly raised his hoof.
  513. >”...Seriously?!” Your Champion looked to you for confirmation.
  514. >You had no idea what the pony was thinking!
  515. >All you could do was shrug helplessly, and hope your human would listen to you!
  516. >And indeed he had.
  517. >”Who the hell did Nightmare eat? Speak up, I want names!”
  518. >The stallion slowly lowered his hoof.
  519. >...
  520. >He has a light tan coat, a brown mane, with a pink donut for a cutie mark.
  521. >The moment you meet up with your guards, he WILL be found and executed for such sedition .
  522.  
  523. >”So nobody here can name a time when Nightmare Moon actually ate some pony?” Your husband paced back and forth before the crowd, his arms spread wide.
  524. >”Why in the world would any of you think such a horrible thing about anyone?!”
  525. >You know exactly why.
  526. >It’s thanks to rumors spread by somepony who's name starts with ‘C.’
  527. >But it wasn’t something you could tell him at the time.
  528. >Instead, you were forced to remain passive as a new mare called out.
  529. >”She has really scary fangs!”
  530. >He turned around, looking for the source of the voice.
  531. >With a twist of your ear, you found her with ease-behind you, to your right.
  532. >It’s cute, how much trouble he can have with the simplest of things.
  533. >He ended up spinning in a circle, never locating that mare.
  534. >When he gave up, he yelled out aimlessly, “So do I! Does that mean I eat ponies, too?”
  535. >After a moment, the first mare piped up, “Do you?”
  536. >”No! I don’t eat ponies!” He yelled out, his voice turning hoarse.
  537. >That was when you knew you had to do something.
  538. >Approaching his side, you wrapped your wing around him, your gentle touch soothing him.
  539. “Calm thyself, Our most vaunted Champion. We have spent enough time amongst the peasantry, it is time we away.”
  540. >Looking down, he gave you a beaming smile.
  541. >”Thank you, Nightmare.”
  542. >And then he did it.
  543. >He sullied your honor.
  544. >He grabbed you by the back of your head, pulled you up, onto your hind legs, and kissed you on the lips.
  545.  
  546. >He made out with you in public!
  547. >In!
  548. >Public!
  549. >Ooohh, how your subjects thought of you as a whore!
  550. >They dared not laugh outloud, but you could feel their heated stares!
  551. >Their sunburned judgement, boring into you from all around!
  552. >You had wished for nothing more than to fly away, to teleport to some sanctuary in the mountains!
  553. >But your champion had thrown his arms around your withers to prevent the first...and you hadn’t been able to get a clear enough picture of any one place to secure a teleport.
  554. >With one gesture of love he rendered you helpless!
  555. >All you could do was watch as your honor was stripped away, as he aimlessly led you through the city, as though you were a common street whorse.
  556. >Without even thinking, you stupidly agreed with the first suggestion he had.
  557. >Some...play or something, you weren’t even able to pay attention.
  558. >You were so awash in your shame, you barely noticed as the two of you were escorted up to a private box...
  559. >But once you were in private…
  560. >That was when you unleashed your fury upon him.
  561. >...No, you made him understand how unacceptable his actions were.
  562. >And you’ve been so caught up in your self-pity that you haven’t even been able to pay attention to the play that your Champion brought you to.
  563. >It’s…wait.
  564. >What?
  565. >You use a wing to clear the tears out of your eyes, blinking to get a better look at the performance taking place below the two of you.
  566. “...Are they dressed as cats?!”
  567. >”I...think? This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen.”
  568. >The ponies...dressed as cats...dance around below you, singing some bizarre song.
  569. >Oddly enough, it seems to be about your moon?
  570. “What in the name of the stars is going on in this play?”
  571. >He shrugs his shoulders, feigning helplessness, “I don’t know! I thought it was something you’d like!”
  572. >You shove your head before him, so you can talk without worry of others overhearing.
  573.  
  574. “Why would you think I would like such drivel?”
  575. >”I’ve been dead for the past millennium, why would I know what’s good and what isn’t?!”
  576. >He raises a good point.
  577. >For a moment, you entertain the idea of just leaving.
  578. >Surely you can find a more fitting activity for you and your beloved to partake in!
  579. >Something made by ponies with sensible taste.
  580. >But soon, you notice the actors sneaking glimpses of you.
  581. >If you were to leave now, you would turn this troupe into a national laughingstock!
  582. >Their career would be destroyed simply because their play-albeit evidently popular, given the audience below you-did not suit your personal tastes.
  583. >The dishonor would be so great, they would no doubt commit ritualistic suicide than live a moment longer!
  584. >You settle in and mentally prepare for several hours of this shlock.
  585. >...Perhaps you'll find some urgent business that requires your attention during intermission.
  586. >In the meantime…
  587. >You rest your head upon your beloved’s lap.
  588. “I can think of no more ample opportunity for you to regale me with tales of your adventures in my absence.”
  589. >His hand quickly finds its way to your neck.
  590. >”Sounds like a plan. I told you that it was chaos after your sister used the Elements…”
  591. >As the ponies below dance, your human paints the scene.
  592.  
  593. >Back a thousand years, during the Siege of the Castle of the Two Sisters.
  594. >Of what it was like to witness your wretched sister unleash the Elements of Harmony on her own blood.
  595. >How Celestia had quit the battle, following your defeat.
  596. >Believing you to be slain, the Incomparable Legion of Night broke before the innumerable Hordes of the Sun.
  597. >But he had known better.
  598. >Gathering your most loyal followers, he went into hiding, determined to discover your fate.
  599. >As he worked, your sister drafted a grand inquisition and began stomping out those who remained loyal to your crown.
  600. >The inquisition’s first action was to seize the fiefdom you had bestowed upon your champion.
  601. >He and his group moved from shelter to shelter, staying ahead of your sister's monsters.
  602. >Until, by chance, they stumbled upon a seapony sage.
  603. >She whispered to them the prophecy that revealed your legend.
  604. >On the longest day of the thousandth year of your banishment, you would return to bring night eternal.
  605. >Incensed, knowing that you were alive and would-neigh, could return, your love went to work.
  606. >He set out to round up the remnants of your army, staging daring rescues of the most brilliant mages to ever pledge loyalty to your moon.
  607. >His initial plan…
  608. >Well, if anypony had ever told you, you would have laughed in their face.
  609. >His initial plan was to send a vessel TO the moon, to rescue you.
  610. >According to him, there was a great many debates over whether you had been left on the moon, or slumbered away underneath the surface.
  611. >You…
  612. >You prefer not to think of those long years.
  613. >Soon enough, after a few comical failures, it was deemed unfeasible.
  614. >Instead, they turned their efforts to preparing for the fated day upon which you would return.
  615. >For, if your sister had her way, you would return isolated, with everypony working fervently against your every move.
  616.  
  617. >Seeing that foals were coming of age without ever hearing of you, he penned a book, the Codex Adumbration, so that they may know of your gentle light.
  618. >Or so he claimed.
  619. >You've read it - it is mostly a collection of foalish stories, both true and false, that make you seem to have singlehoovededly saved Equestria dozens of times.
  620. >...But he always found a way to lead the stories into a lesson, each teaching the values you yourself had society follow.
  621. >For that…you are willing to overlook most of the inaccuracies.
  622. >He and the others most loyal to you spread out to the corners of Equestria, each armed with the Codex.
  623. >They sought out the misfits and dregs of society, and spread your word, turning them against the sun.
  624. >The plan was to build a church, a…religion.
  625. >One that would stand until your glorious return.
  626. >The idea seemed strange to your followers, but your husband had seen it work before.
  627. >His people had done it multiple times.
  628. >Soon, word reached your sister.
  629. >It was not long before all images of Luna were declared heresy, just as she had declared images of you to be heretical, before your final confrontation.
  630. >While your champion was slowed, none of his group’s efforts were stopped.
  631. >They instead moved underground-quite literally in a few cases.
  632. >He sheepishly explains that, for a time, they became a magnet for the more...unsavory element of the realm.
  633. >Smugglers, murderers, practitioners of darkest magics all flocked to them.
  634. >Outlaws, that all found sanctuary under your name.
  635. >Your Champion, rather than turn them away, put their talents to work.
  636. >Murderers would fight against Celestia’s inquisitors.
  637. >Smugglers would free their followers.
  638. >Illicit mages would create items of power for those who swore fealty to you.
  639. >It was a war in the shadows.
  640.  
  641. >You couldn’t help but grin away with the new knowledge that your banishment didn’t bring an end to your struggle-it merely caused a cease-fire.
  642. >One that lasted a mere decade, if you’ve guessed correctly.
  643. >He’s doing everything in his power to obfuscate exactly how much time has taken place during his tale.
  644. >As the silent war dragged on, he realized that, due to the constant drain of horsepower spent combating her, Celestia had succeeded in her ultimate goal of declaring your name to be heresy.
  645. >She had successfully prevented your husband from freeing you.
  646. >Condemned you to return a widow.
  647. >But he would not-could not-allow your sister to be victorious.
  648. >He gathered a cabal of the most potent sorcerers under your banner, and gave them a task.
  649. >If they were unable to return you to Equestria’s soil, they were to find a way to preserve him indefinitely, such that you, and you alone would be capable of restoring him to being.
  650. >It was yet another move your Champion’s people tried, he assured you.
  651. >When you inquired further, he admitted that the best his people had suspended themselves in a state of undeath, was a mere three days.
  652. >Plunging into forbidden magics, his mages went.
  653. >They scoured the globe, from zebrican voodoo, to draconian runic magic, to even kirin shrines to find anything that could accomplish the task.
  654. >But it wasn’t until they stumbled upon the remains of King Sombra’s Empire, that they made a breakthrough.
  655. >What even you had thought destroyed, was actually preserved through strange ritual.
  656. >Through intensive research, they discovered how to replicate the spell, albeit on a smaller scale.
  657. >”So, once we had that figured out, I made some proclamations, gave everyone a few orders, laid down...and next thing I knew there was a big flash and I was seeing you again, Moonshine.”
  658. >You pause, pursing your lips.
  659. “How...anticlimactic.”
  660. >He chuckles and runs his fingers down one of your primaries.
  661.  
  662. >During the story, he had started preening your wings, and you had no plans to make him stop.
  663. >”Not every story needs a big dramatic finish, Nightmare.”
  664. >He moves on to another feather.
  665. >”But if it makes you feel better, when I climbed into that thing, it was in our headquarters in the jungle, and you woke me up in Celestia’s castle. So SOMETHING big went down, I just-”
  666. >His words are drowned out by the sound of stomping hooves as the audience erupts in applause.
  667. >Looking up, you see the entire cast of ponies on the stage, bowing.
  668. >Did that really take up the entirety of the play?!
  669. >You jerk your wing back, hastily folding it at your side.
  670. >Just before the cast members cast their gaze your way, you begin clapping your hooves together, your champion soon following suit with his hands.
  671. >With your public approval, the play’s future is assured...despite how asinine it is.
  672. >The crowd, safe in the knowledge that their Empress Eternal has given her blessing, proceeds to give a standing ovation.
  673. >...It wasn’t THAT good!
  674. >Eventually, the applause dies down, the crowd funnels out, and both you and your husband are safe to leave, with your forehooves and his hands respectively, sore from all the clapping.
  675. >It doesn't take too much longer for the two of you to find a relatively secluded path back to Canterlot Castle, away from the crowds.
  676. >It is not difficult, at such a late hour.
  677. >”So, did you pay attention to the play at all?” Your love asks, his voice as playful as a kitten.
  678. >You shake your head.
  679. “Short of eyeing the choreography, neigh. It was the sort of modern garbage that flourished under Our sister’s wing.”
  680. >While it’s just him...it’s better to remain in a more formal speech pattern, lest any wayward subjects overhear.
  681. >He eyes you from above.
  682. >”Really? Then why haven’t you banned it for spreading degeneracy?”
  683.  
  684. “We are not the sort of tyrant We envisioned during Our foalish fantasies. We only outlaw the most seditious of works.”
  685. >His face twists into a shark’s grin.
  686. >Leaning over, he speaks in the smuggest of voices, “Then how come you were the loudest one clapping in the room?”
  687. >You can feel your cheeks growing hot.
  688. “And what of thou?! Didst thou not slap thy fleshy appendages together in a crude mockery of applause, despite speaking throughout the entirety of the play?! ‘Tis no wonder We did not enjoy it, when We were subjected to thy crude bray-”
  689. >His finger shoots out to boop you on the nose again.
  690. >In a panic, you light your horn and grab his arm.
  691. “Didst thou learn NOTHING?!”
  692. >You hiss out, your cheeks burning.
  693. “Not in PUBLIC!”
  694. >With his face twisted up, he whimpers out, “I think you're crushing the booone!”
  695. >Horrified, you release him at once.
  696. >Less than a day and you've injured him!
  697. >He'll think his quest to survive to your time was a mistake!
  698. >A hand grabs your wing.
  699. >”Moonlight, calm down. You're going to hyperventilate if you don't stop.”
  700. >...It's true your breathing has quickened.
  701. >With one final breath, you squeeze your jaw shut, forcing your composure back into place.
  702. “Thank you, Champion. Now release me, lest somepony sees.”
  703. >He does so, soon falling in line next to you as the two of you continue your journey.
  704. >”I don't remember you being nearly this easily excitable, Moona.”
  705. >You roll your eyes.
  706. “We do not recall thou being nearly this handsy, either. Perhaps time has changed us both.”
  707. >”...Yea, maybe…”
  708. >You glance at him out of the corner of your eye.
  709. >He looks as though the weight of your moon was suddenly thrust upon him.
  710.  
  711. >...You were right, weren't you?
  712. >He DOES regret his great efforts to survive until your return.
  713. >The two of you fall into a pit of silence as you make your way through the winding alleys of the city.
  714. >You dare not ask the question burning in your mind.
  715. >He might answer yes.
  716. >”So uh…since my idea was a bust, I vote YOU pick what we do tomorrow.”
  717. >You freeze.
  718. >Tomorrow?!
  719. >You've barely thought of what to do tonight!
  720. “Champion…We tend not to make such frequent public appearances...”
  721. >”That’s probably not doing you any favors on the ‘being feared’ front.”
  722. >And being kissed in public was not a favor on the ‘being respected’ front!
  723. >...But you can’t simply tell him that.
  724. >Not without seeming a nag!
  725. >You open your mouth, speaking slowly, choosing each word carefully.
  726. “The Empire of Equestria is dependent on Our presence. Although it is painful to admit, We cannot simply go galavanting around the country, like in Our youth.”
  727. >There’s that look again.
  728. >The look of true regret…
  729. >You desperately try to burn away his doubts before they can take root.
  730. “That is not to say there are no means of entertainment within Our castle! Our court is host to the greatest artists and musicians in Equestria!”
  731. >A small smile twists its way onto his face.
  732. >”Does that “Our” mean yours, or both of ours? If you're Empress, that makes me EmperOR, right? It's what I told everyone while you were gone.”
  733. >Your jaw hits the ground.
  734. >Seemingly oblivious, he continues on as though you haven't just stopped dead in your tracks.
  735. >He can't be serious, can he?!
  736. >That's…he's not even a pony!
  737.  
  738. >Your subjects barely tolerate the rule of an alicorn!
  739. >They'd never accept a member of a different SPECIES ruling over them!
  740. >Worse yet, such a title would imply he outranks you!
  741. >Gathering up your thoughts, you gallop after him, skidding around a corner.
  742. >Husband or not, you're still the alicorn, not-
  743. >”All hail the Empress Eternal!” Your husband calls out.
  744. >”E-Empress Nightmare Moon!” A stallion calls out before falling to his belly.
  745. >You skid to a halt, mortified, as you are met with a multicolored sea of your subjects, instead of the rear of a building you had expected.
  746. >A wave runs through the crowd as they all bow in terror, just as they had before.
  747. >Your human towers above them, as behind him rises the towers of your sister's citadel.
  748. >He did this on purpose!
  749. >Fighting to keep your ears from sinking and the tears of embarrassment from flowing, you spread your wings wide and pick your way through the crowd, acting as though you hadn't arrived in a full-on gallop, like a foal.
  750. >Twice tonight, he's managed to publicly humiliate you.
  751. >Once you make it to him, you hiss out his official title in his ear.
  752. “Imperial. Harem colt.”
  753. >He does a better job at hiding his outrage than you, simply giving you a small smile, and draping his arm across your back as he accompanies you through the crowd.
  754. >It feels longer than your imprisonment, but eventually, you two make your way up the castle steps.
  755. >You unceremoniously rip the doors open, and swing them shut behind you.
  756. >The moment your privacy is assured, the two of you lay into each other.
  757. “How DARE you deceive me into-”
  758. >”Harem colt?! You have a HAREM?!” He tries to shout over you, not letting you finish.
  759. >But finish you do.
  760. “-making a mockery of myself once again?! Once could be forgiven as a mistake, but TWICE?! This is a plot to sully my honor! To ruin my name and turn me into a laughingstock!”
  761. >”Oh, don't give me that!” He barely waits for you to finish speaking.
  762.  
  763. >”Why would I be the one out to get you? You're the one who ran into the crowd, all I did was try to save you face!”
  764. “Neigh!”
  765. >You press your scrunched snout to his nose.
  766. “Then you would have remained at my side, and waited for me to recover, like the Champion of the Night you are! Instead, you dashed ahead, and left me by my lonesome!”
  767. >He rolls his eyes, not backing away from your obvious challenge.
  768. >”As you've made perfectly clear, this isn't the old days anymore. If you can take responsibility for a country, you can take responsibility for your own actions.”
  769. >You grasp for a stinging barb, a crushing retort, only to find…nothing.
  770. >Your righteous indignation is snuffed out in a moment.
  771. >With your wings sinking down, you pull back from his nose and look away, staring instead at the marble work of the wall.
  772. “Perhaps…part of me desires it to be…”
  773. >”Nightmare, you were miserable. Your sister was always screwing with you and the country hated you.” His tone, while lacking the bite of anger, is no less severe than it was.
  774. “You've borne witness to Our subjects and STILL claim it to be different?”
  775. >It's his turn not to have a ready answer.
  776. >Swinging your head back around, you find him studying the patterns on the floor.
  777. “At least back then…we could show our affections openly. With no reputation worthy of protection, it mattered not what ponies heard or saw. I was free to shirk my duties, to bask in your presence…”
  778. >You trail off, waiting, hoping for some sort of reply.
  779. >When he finally looks back at you he’s wearing an impish grin.
  780. >”Who says we can’t have one last night like that?”
  781. >Although you’re able to bite back the impatient sigh, you’re unable to stop yourself from rolling your eyes.
  782. “Champion, We have just fin-”
  783. >He silences you with a finger to your lips.
  784. >”This place is empty, right?”
  785. >...Surely he isn’t suggesting what you’re thinking…
  786.  
  787. “There is naught but a token guard to protect the Crown’s property, and the ponies charged with reclaiming the vaults below.”
  788. >“Sounds like we have the perfect errand boys.”
  789. >He is.
  790. >It takes every ounce of your willpower to refuse.
  791. “It would be MOST irresponsible of us. We cannot.”
  792. >”The Empire isn’t going to collapse in a single night. All anyone back in Everfree will know is that their Empress was fatigued after her long journey to Canterlot, and deigned to return after a good night’s sleep. Come on, what do you say?”
  793. >He offers his hand, fingers spread wide.
  794. >You faintly recall this maneuver was named a “hand shake.”
  795. >Looking into his eyes, you see a fire within, one you haven’t seen in over a millennium.
  796. >”Just one last night?”
  797. >...
  798. >You thrust your hoof into his awaiting palm and shake his hand.
  799. >The bards shall sing of this night.
  800.  
  801. -
  802. >Your first attempt in over a millennium at cooking resulted in the complete destruction of the kitchens.
  803. >Your beloved remarked that it was fortunate the rest of your sister's castle was not flammable.
  804. >You were inclined to agree with him.
  805. >Forced to send the guards out for food, when asked what to fetch you, your husband, on reflex, asked the same question he had for as long as you've known him.
  806. >”Have you ponies invented pizza yet?”
  807. >Puzzled, your guard had replied in the affirmative.
  808. >While you still had no idea what it was, the look on his face was akin to a foal’s on Hearth's Warming Day.
  809. >After sending the guards out for what your beloved called “pizza,” and spirits aplenty, the games began in their earnest.
  810. >The two of you soon brought a similar level of damage down upon your sister's insipid throne room-from the intended destruction of those disgusting stained glass windows, to the two of you sullying her throne.
  811. >Moving throughout the castle, you and your champion left a path of destruction, as you both partook in more and more foalish of games, the more the two of you drank.
  812. >As though you had spent no time apart.
  813. >The only pause in your shenanigans, was the copious amount of time it took to extract him from an animated set of armor, for the two of you to partake in the food your beloved lusted after for as long as you've known him.
  814. >...It was greasy peasant slop.
  815. >The mythical food he had begged for since the very first moment he stumbled upon you,and it was...bread with melted cheese, and a kind of sauce.
  816. >You just about threw it at him.
  817. >But judging off his reaction, to his kind, it tasted as ambrosia.
  818.  
  819. >The culmination of the night came when the two of you perched upon the spire of a tower as you, in a drunken stupor and with much goading from him, rearranged the stars to make a lewd symbol that only a certain sister trapped on your moon will see.
  820. >But sadly, time marched on.
  821. >The night soon began to draw to a close.
  822. >Mostly due to your husband's increasing difficulty in remaining upright.
  823. >As he falls forward, he throws his arms around your neck, his lips soon finding yours.
  824. >You stumble backwards under his weight, wrapping your wings around him to return the hug.
  825. >The silken sheets of your sister's bed brush against your hind leg.
  826. >In your drunken haze, you can't remember why you haven't had them burned-after the massive number of stallions that have spilled their seed upon her bed, you'd never use them for anything else.
  827. >...But right now, you can't think of any better use for them.
  828. >As in days of old, you lean back to rear up, and fall backwards onto the bed.
  829. >That's when you remember that Luna was the last pony who did this with your husband.
  830. >You are much taller than Luna.
  831. >The kiss is broken as you rear up and you beat your wings as you threaten to tip over forward.
  832. >”Woah, careful!” He cries, grabbing at your flank.
  833. >With a kick of your forelegs, you fall backwards, bouncing as you land on the bed.
  834. >A manic giggle bubbles up, out of your throat.
  835. >Your laughter proves infectious, as your champion soon joins in, laughing, he looms over you and holds his hands up high, his fingers curled.
  836. >”Oo-ho-ho-ho, the little pony's left her belly exposed!”
  837. >Looking up at him, you paw at the air.
  838. “Surely the high and mighty apex predator would not take advantage of his own wife!”
  839.  
  840. >His hands lower, his claws wiggling, demonstrating how he'll tear you open, “My instincts are taking controoool!”
  841. “Resist Champion! Resist your bloodlust!”
  842. >”Raaaaah!” He shoots his talons down to your exposed belly.
  843. >With a shriek you attempt to protect your vulnerable bits.
  844. >But just as the tickling is about to begin in earnest, his fingers go flat and he starts petting down your belly.
  845. >Your forehooves fall away as you go limp, melting under the belly rub.
  846. >Supporting himself with his free hand, he continues soiling Celestia's bed with such affection.
  847. >Regardless of how long he actually spent on your belly rub, too soon, far too soon, his fingers go lower, soon brushing over bits that are decidedly not belly.
  848. >Again?
  849. >Evidently the years he spent without you were just as lonely as they were for you.
  850. >Never one to deny your beloved, you spread your hind legs and lift your tail.
  851. >That gets a smile out of him.
  852. >But he doesn't get to work just yet.
  853. >Steadying himself against the bed, he both his hands up to your face and takes ahold of your helmet.
  854. >With all the tenderness in the world, he lifts it off your head, pulling it free without touching your horn once.
  855. >Beaming away, he sets it next to you.
  856. >”There's the pony I married!”
  857. >You grab him with your magic and pull him down on top of you.
  858.  
  859. -
  860. >For the first time in over a thousand years, you wake up to find someone else in your bed.
  861. >Who dares?!
  862. >You leap out of bed, your horn ready to unleash your wrath by the time your hooves clatter against the ground.
  863. >What pervert is stupid enough to…
  864. >There’s a…human in your bed?
  865. >The rest of your mind finally catches up to you, the memories of yesterday flooding in.
  866. >How you debased yourself with him.
  867. >...Your paranoia has cost you a morning of cuddling with your champion.
  868. >And morning cuddles are the best cure for your hangovers.
  869. >It appears you'll have to settle for your usual routine: a hot, lonely bath.
  870. >...The dried evidence of your activities last night under your tail may be influencing this decision.
  871. >With light, gentle hoofsteps, you take great care not to disturb your husband's slumber as you slip into your Dearest Sister's now defunct private baths.
  872. >Closing the door behind you, as to ensure he stays asleep, you get to work.
  873. >It takes but a simple conjuration spell to gather the various soaps shampoos and brushes you'll require to look properly royal.
  874. >As for the water…
  875. >Of course!
  876. >You create a portal that leads under the lake at the base of Canterlot Mountain.
  877. >The force of the water decimates the tiles on the bottom of the tub, but in just a few seconds, you've filled it up nicely.
  878. >With one last spell to warm the water, you get to work.
  879. >Scrubbing yourself, you map out how your day will go.
  880. >Once your champion is awake and ready, you’ll have to find that wonderful mare who found him-what was her name again?
  881. >Moon...something.
  882. >It matters not.
  883. >After that, it will be but a short chariot ride before you return to your brilliant palace.
  884. >Perhaps you’ll have the charioteers perform a flyover, so he can see how you’ve improved upon its original design.
  885.  
  886. >The compromised architecture you and Dearest Sister settled on was always rather...bland.
  887. >You’ll throw open the doors to no doubt find pandemonium behind the walls of your fortress.
  888. >No doubt everypony there has reduced to crying foals from their Empress’s unannounced absence.
  889. >...And if they’re not, they soon will be.
  890. >Once you’ve finished putting out the metaphorical fires of your empire, dealt with the many petitioners begging for your wisdom, you’ll have to address the human in the room.
  891. >Your champion has already made his frustrations clear regarding public modesty.
  892. >To ask him to hide his affections from the ponies of your castle?
  893. >It would no doubt spell doom for your marriage.
  894. >But what would his title be?
  895. >You can’t simply announce him to be the Emperor.
  896. >...Perhaps you SHOULD go with harem-colt.
  897. >The look on his face alone would be worth it.
  898. >You’ll have to broach the idea of ‘imperial consort’ to him, when he’s awake.
  899. >It seems to be the most...elegant solution.
  900. >...
  901. >Is he STILL asleep?
  902. >You pull your head out of your now perfectly preened wings and ruffle your feathers, settling them in place, and thus completing your bath.
  903. >As much as you would enjoy another day in private with him, it’s time the two of you get going.
  904. >Walking back to your sister’s former room, you find the bed empty.
  905. >Where did he…?
  906. >Looking around, you spot him hunched over by a mirror, clutching its edges.
  907. >Evidently seeing you, he turns around, swaying dangerously, worse than he was last night.
  908. >”Hey Moonshine…”
  909. >Surely he isn’t still drunk?!
  910. “Husband...are you well?”
  911. >His eyes are glazed over, unfocused, “I don’t...feel good.”
  912. >The words have barely left his mouth before his legs crumple and he falls to the floor.
  913. “Champion!”
  914.  
  915. >In an instant, you leap across the room, at his side in a flash.
  916. >Cupping him as gently as you can in your magic, you levitate him back onto the bed.
  917. >He’s hurt, he’s ill, he’s dying, what’s happening?!
  918. >You just got him back, you can’t lose him again!
  919. >...His chest rises and falls, a sure sign that he’s still breathing.
  920. >Was that ‘pizza’ poisoned?!
  921. >Lighting your horn, you scan over him, looking for some echo of magic, a trace of poison, perhaps the liquor in his blood, SOMETHING that could have caused this.
  922. >Your scrying turns up nothing unusual...
  923. >But the situation before your eyes is anything BUT usual!
  924. >As panic begins to bubble up, you find something.
  925. >Nothing physical, but his very...essence, his soul, is simply fading away.
  926. >Your heart leaps into your throat.
  927. >How?!
  928. >Why!?
  929. >As the icy claws of terror grip you, you tear your eyes away from your fallen champion to look around the room.
  930. >Did your sister lay magical traps even here?
  931. >Had she somehow found a way to hide enchantments even from you?
  932. >You try to think of a moment from the blur that is last night, in which your champion left your side, and could have stumbled upon some death trap meant for you.
  933. >It’s all a jumbled mess…
  934. >But...you don’t think so?
  935. >What else COULD it be?!
  936. >The palace is still guarded, is still warded against any assassin!
  937. >Could his ill planned excursion have caused this?
  938. >What if the actors in that play had not simply been dancing, but performing a ritual, and you were too distracted by his tale to notice?!
  939. >Was one of them a zebra?
  940. >If so, it could have been voodoo!
  941. >Your human stirs, pulling you back from your paranoia.
  942. >He cracks an eye open.
  943. >”Hey Moona. Why’re-you all blurry? Where’s yer cerebro helmet?”
  944. >In a flash, you’re back at his side, it being your turn now to stroke over his head with your uncovered hooves.
  945. “Hush Champion, you are not well.”
  946.  
  947. >He forces a weak smile as his eyes, still unfocused, meet your own.
  948. >”I guess. Looks like I can’t drink like I used to.”
  949. >You bite your lip.
  950. >Do you...should you tell him it’s not the physical that ails him?
  951. >...Not until you know why this is happening.
  952. “It appears so, my Champion. Or perhaps you’ve simply had a bad reaction to dinner. Tell me, is there anything in this ‘pizza’ that could be poisonous to humans?”
  953. >He lets out a short, barking laugh.
  954. >”If there was, humanity would be extinct!”
  955. >His smile quickly fades, and he moves to get it up, “You said we need to get to your real castle, right? We’d better get going.”
  956. >Ooh no!
  957. >Being as gentle as you possibly can, you pull his arms out from underneath and rest him back upon the bed, cooing to him.
  958. “Neigh. I’ve sent word ahead that we will be waylaid. There is no greater crisis facing the Empire right now than your health. Pray, rest for now, and we shall depart once you are well.”
  959. >It’s torturing you to lie so blatantly to him
  960. >But it works.
  961. >With a smile, he lays back.
  962. >“Sounds good. I’m gonna...I’m gonna take a nap.”
  963. >Perfect.
  964. >That will give you time to uncover the cause behind this.
  965. >You plant a kiss on his forehead, before stepping back.
  966. “Rest well. I will guard your dreams as I did before.”
  967. >In a mere moment, he seems fast asleep.
  968. >That’s...that’s not good.
  969. >A spark of your horn confirms his essence is still fading.
  970. >You don’t have a whole lot of time.
  971. >If you’re going to save him, you have to find what’s causing this and fix it, fast.
  972. >The first thing to do, is to retrace your steps.
  973. >Perhaps if you are lucky, the path of destruction the two of you have caused, will reveal the answer.
  974. >Trotting through the halls, you keep your horn ablaze, your magic whirling around you as you search for anything out of the ordinary.
  975. >It isn’t long before you realize just how fruitless of an endeavor it is.
  976.  
  977. >The castle is ablaze with magic new and old.
  978. >From defensive wards along the walls, to charms on every desk, quill, and book, to the spells that allow even the weakest pony to open the massive stone doors, it is nigh impossible for you to pick any individual spell out for close examination.
  979. >Let alone locate the exact curse that has befallen your champion!
  980. >As you enter what was once considered the grand entrance hall, you look to the doors leading outside.
  981. >Would it have been possible for your husband to have been cursed out there, amongst the common ponies?
  982. >You pale at the thought of some unknown assassin, hidden amongst the common rabble.
  983. >They could have struck when you were enroute to the play!
  984. >You were so self-absorbed, you never would have noticed...and worse, they’d have left the moment their spell was cast.
  985. >They could be halfway to Manehattan by now, and you’d never know, you’d spend so much time hunting for them, that your husband would have...have…he...
  986. >Squeezing your eyes shut, you shake your head, clearing your tightening throat.
  987. >No.
  988. >You can not, WILL not lose him again.
  989. >If there was any assassin in the streets, they would not have levied such powerful magic at the anonymous creature escorting you, the Empress Eternal.
  990. >They would have targeted you, first and foremost.
  991. >No, the problem-and thus the solution MUST be here, in Canterlot castle.
  992. >With your horn alight, you once again begin to ferret out what nefarious curse your sister has hidden from you.
  993. >You’ll tear apart every enchantment in this castle if you have to.
  994.  
  995. -
  996. “Raaah!”
  997. >You kick your hind legs with all your alicorn strength, and buck your sister’s throne.
  998. >The rock shatters under your might and the back of her seat flies into the wall, where it shatters as though made of glass.
  999. >As debris rains down upon you, you lower your head, tears threatening to fall.
  1000. >It’s hopeless!
  1001. >It would take YEARS to unravel and inspect every single spell in this wretched tomb your sister called a castle!
  1002. >You’ve wasted hours down here, and all the while, your champion grows sicker and sicker.
  1003. >More and more of his soul is fading away, you can feel it!
  1004. >There has to be something you’re missing!
  1005. >Something obvious, something you’ve overlooked!
  1006. >But what else is there?
  1007. >You’ve ran up and down the path you and your husband blazed last night, you’ve checked the balcony you brought him to, you’ve checked, double checked and rechecked the food and wine you consumed last night!
  1008. >The only other place in the castle he’s been is the vault where you woke him up!
  1009. >...
  1010. >That’s it.
  1011. >Looking up, you dry your eyes as the epiphany lights up in your mind.
  1012. >The vault, which was filled with dangerous magical artifacts, and even more dangerous protections, all kept on pedestals taller than the average pony.
  1013. >But not out of reach of alicorns.
  1014. >Or your human.
  1015. >One playful fondle, one errant brush, could’ve be all that was needed to set this in motion.
  1016. >Leaping to your hooves, you gallop away, down, down towards the magical vaults below the castle, where this all began.
  1017. >All but flying, your hooves barely touch the stares as you run deep within the castle's depths.
  1018. >Through twists and turns, down once hidden staircases, deeper and deeper you go.
  1019. >The buzz of the castle's magic soon turns downright sinister.
  1020. >As all the charms that make life easy are left behind with the light of your moon, all that’s left is a darkness you know all too well, and the spells designed to stop those who oppose the sun.
  1021. >Designed to stop YOU.
  1022.  
  1023. >Spells which, even as of a few hours ago, you would have laughed at the thought of being reactivated.
  1024. >Lighting your horn, you continue to dash through the winding corridors as the walls grow increasingly more cramped.
  1025. >When you made your way through them yesterday, you were flanked by your guards that could protect you from any danger.
  1026. >You were wearing armor you personally forged to do battle with Dearest Sister herself.
  1027. >The world's greatest unicorns had assured you that the castle's defences had long since been defanged.
  1028. >Now?
  1029. >In your foolishness, you dismissed your guards for privacy, your champion lays dying from some unknown cause, and you, in your haste, forgot to put your armor back on!
  1030. >The only way you could flirt with danger more would be to...to unpetrify Discord, or travel to the moon to spit in your sister's eye!
  1031. >Ahead, you spy your destination.
  1032. >The vault that had stored your beloved, it's door glowing from a light within.
  1033. >Banishing the creeping vines of doubt, you rush forward with renewed vigor.
  1034. >Nearing the door, you hear the chatter of ponies, mares, their words too faint to be understood.
  1035. >Apparitions?!
  1036. >The source of the curse laid upon him?
  1037. >Simple trespassers?!
  1038. >You prepare your horn, your magic crackling as you ready for any sort of unknown threat.
  1039. >Ducking your head to keep from cracking your prodigious horn against the low door, a beat of your wings launches you across the antechamber and into the vault proper.
  1040. “Accursed knaves! Bow before the Empress Eternal, lest ye-”
  1041. >The ponies within shriek and all but one fall to their bellies and prostrate themselves, the sole exception instead diving behind a pedestal.
  1042. >You snatch her in your magic and drag her out in the open.
  1043. >How dare she try to hide from you!
  1044. >”Empress, please! I'm s-sorry, pl-please, don't hurt me!” she cries out, cowering in your arcane grasp.
  1045. >Wait…you know this pony.
  1046.  
  1047. “...Moondancer?”
  1048. >It's the pony who claimed the discovery of your champion!
  1049. >Looking around, you see the entire recovery team assembled before you.
  1050. >They were hard at work before your sudden arrival.
  1051. >But she shouldn't be here.
  1052. “Did We not reassign you to Midnight Castle? What are you still doing here?”
  1053. >As she begins to stammer some sort of answer, another mare, a teal one, throws herself before you.
  1054. >”Empress, please! It was my fault! She was waiting by your chariot, but nopony could find you, so I asked her to help us down here! Please, don't punish her, punish me instead!”
  1055. >With her eyes shut tight, she cowers in front of you.
  1056. >...They think you're going to kill her for being here.
  1057. >Your husband would want you to reassure her, that you're…
  1058. >It doesn't matter what he’d want.
  1059. >He's laying there dying.
  1060. “Enough of this foolishness.”
  1061. >Cutting your magic, you let Moondancer go.
  1062. >She cries out, more from the shock than the pain of the short drop to the floor.
  1063. “Our Beast has been afflicted with a malady of arcane origin. We believe the source of this curse lies in this room.”
  1064. >You sweep your gaze over the four petrified ponies before you.
  1065. “We will overlook your collective failure if, and only if, the source is uncovered before he suffers any lasting damage.”
  1066. >Their eyes grow wide as your words sink in.
  1067. >”Right away, Empress!” The teal mare leaps to her hooves, the others soon following suit,
  1068. >“What exactly is happening to him?”
  1069. >A brief description of the more technical aspects you were able to glean from the examination you gave your husband is all the unicorns need before they set about, scurrying around the vault, their horns ablaze.
  1070. >As you join in, the nagging feeling that you're forgetting something refuses to silence.
  1071. >It's something obvious, something you're overlooking…
  1072.  
  1073. >The ponies chatter away, reporting their every findings, both to each other and to you.
  1074. >As you stare down at the sealed tome resting upon a pedestal, the constant noise is making it impossible for you to work through the spells surrounding it.
  1075. >Tearing away from it, you cast your gaze around the room once more.
  1076. >Something big, something in plain sight…
  1077. >Your eyes fall upon the open sarcophagus.
  1078. >No, it can't be.
  1079. >It was safe, you made sure before you opened it!
  1080. >...Didn't you?
  1081. >You were…you weren't in any state to do it yourself.
  1082. >You must have missed something.
  1083. >It would mean this was all your fault.
  1084. >Legs trembling, you make your way up, onto the dais and stand over your beloved’s tomb, casting your arcane net over it.
  1085. >You never thought to look at them after he had awoken.
  1086. >To say they're a mess would be an understatement.
  1087. >Spells piled upon spells, piled upon more spells, aspects of others cobbled together to make bizarre workarounds, charms that cancel out each other, there's even a few that seem to do absolutely nothing…
  1088. >How in the world did he survive in thi-
  1089. >There!
  1090. >It's faint, ever so faint, but you can feel it.
  1091. >The distinct signature of your sister's horn.
  1092. >She did SOMETHING.
  1093. >Whatever it was, whatever she did to your beloved, you can't make it out beneath the mass of spaghetti spells he left behind.
  1094. >And the prattling ponies certainly isn't helping!
  1095. >You whirl around to tell them to shut up.
  1096. >Only to smack your head into a stone pillar.
  1097. “Aah!”
  1098. >You stumble backwards, clutching a hoof to your face as repeated cries of “Empress!” are followed by the thunder of galloping hooves.
  1099. >”Are you alright, Empress?” Moondancer’s voice cuts through the pain.
  1100. >As you open your eyes, tears threaten fall, your vision blurred.
  1101.  
  1102. >If the fear and guilt over your husband's affliction wasn't enough, as though the frustration hasn't been driving you mad, now you've managed to make a mockery of yourself in front of your own subjects!
  1103. >Baring your teeth, you blink those tears away, fighting to keep some shred of dignity.
  1104. >As your hateful vision clears up, you glare the source of your latest pain.
  1105. >An ornate stele, carved with some pig tongue.
  1106. “Why is that damnable thing in the middle of the floor?!”
  1107. >Ever eager to please, Moondancer runs over to the tablet, “Let me find out Empress, one minute!”
  1108. >Nursing your wound, you get your breathing under control before gingerly pulling your hoof away, inspecting it for any sign of blood.
  1109. >”It…seems to be a message from Cel…the former princess, to a pony called Luna?”
  1110. >Ice grips your veins.
  1111. >Ignoring Moondancer for the moment, you stare at the stele.
  1112. >Big, obvious; something you had completely overlooked.
  1113. >A gigantic message from your sister.
  1114. >This is it.
  1115. >Stepping forward, you look down at Moondancer.
  1116. “You are capable of reading this language?”
  1117. >She bobs her head, “Fluently, your majesty. That's why I was chosen for this pos-”
  1118. >You shoot a beam out from your horn, into her forehead.
  1119. >She falls to the ground and screams, writhing as you extract the knowledge from her.
  1120. >The rest of her companions cry out, swarming around you.
  1121. >”Empress, stop, please!”
  1122. >”Your majesty, what are you doing?!”
  1123. >One even dares to touch your coat, “Please Empress, you're hurting her!”
  1124. >It doesn't matter.
  1125. >There’s no time.
  1126. >Your husband doesn't have enough time for you to waste with half-finished translations, trying to uncover hidden meaning from words glossed over.
  1127. >Once you've stolen all of Moondancer’s knowledge of Middle Ponish-or High Centaur, as some called it, you end your spell.
  1128. >Moondancer collapses, unconscious.
  1129.  
  1130. >Her companions have moved past begging, and are now sobbing around you.
  1131. >The teal mare gently picks her up, holding her close before looking up at you.
  1132. >”Why, Empress…? What did she do?”
  1133. “She will make a full recovery. Take her, and leave Our presence.”
  1134. >They hesitate, looking between you and Moondancer, “But…wh-why…?”
  1135. >Rage building, you rear up on your hind legs and roar out in your full Royal Canterlot Voice.
  1136. “Leave Us! At once!”
  1137. >That gets through to them.
  1138. >The echo of your Voice in such a small room drowns out any reply they have, as Moondancer’s companions usher her to safety.
  1139. >Soon, the vault falls silent.
  1140. >You're alone again.
  1141. >You take a deep, calming breath.
  1142. >Celestia left this message for you, no doubt gleefully describing her masterful plan to leave you forever miserable.
  1143. >Readying yourself, you begin to read it.
  1144. >”Luna, my dearest sister. As I write this message, it has been two hundred and forty seven years since I've last laid eyes upon you. I miss you, Luna. I miss you every day. Every night, I look up at the moon and am reminded of how badly I failed you.”
  1145. >You roll your eyes.
  1146. >It doesn't matter what language she's written it in, every message you've found from her starts this way.
  1147. >”I regret the odd language, I fear it may be the norm by the time you return. If you're the one reading this, then it means you've returned just as hateful as before, and this time, you've triumphed over me and the Elements. It means you've carried out your retribution you know doubt feel I deserve.
  1148. >”I'm sure you recognize the seal on the sarcophagus before you. Within lies that terrible creature that snatched you away from me. He poisoned your mind, Luna! He turned you against me, against our ponies, against your cosmic duty!”
  1149. >He did no such thing!
  1150.  
  1151. >He gave you the strength, the conviction to seize what was rightfully yours-and he was right!
  1152. >They all DO love your night, now that they are awake through it, just as you had always known they would!
  1153. >Were that she here…
  1154. >”He is still alive. Asleep, waiting, for your return, that much I know. Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to open it, nor awaken it. I have not even been able to destroy it. But I will not allow him to corrupt my sister further!”
  1155. >Your breath hitches.
  1156. >She...she tried to…
  1157. >Your own sister tried to murder your husband in his sleep.
  1158. >”Eternal Night cannot come to pass, Luna, surely deep down, you know this! That's why I've had to place an enchantment upon the coffin. If I am not present when it opens, it will forever change his form to require sunlight just like he does air or water.”
  1159. >”If he does not bask in the light of my sun for eight hours, each day, he will perish. If you will not bring me back, then this is your choice. You can have one or the other, Luna, not both! Either the Eternal Night you claim to desire, or the creature that convinced you to desire it.”
  1160. >”Know that I've not done this out of hatred or spite, but out of love for-”
  1161. >Enough.
  1162. >You can't bring yourself to read any more.
  1163. >Feeling numb, you turn away from your sister’s message.
  1164. >Your hooves feeling as though they’re moving on their own, you put one hoof in front of the other, slowly but surely making your way back to the castle proper.
  1165. >All the while, your emotions swirl around in your head as your mind races.
  1166. >She admitted she tried to kill him.
  1167. >Every disparaging remark you’ve made towards her, every thought of hatred you’ve had, everything you’ve blamed on her, all justified by what she’s done.
  1168. >There’s finally proof that she’s as horrible as you thought.
  1169. >The vindication leaves a bitter taste upon your tongue.
  1170. >After all, it does nothing to help you right now.
  1171. >She’s left you with an impossible choice.
  1172.  
  1173. >Do you give up everything you’ve ever stood for, everything you’ve spent more than a thousand years crusading for?
  1174. >Or do you sacrifice the only one who’s ever truly believed in you, the one you love, the one whose legacy lasted a thousand years, all in your name?
  1175. >...This is as much your fault as it is hers.
  1176. >She left a message for you, she gave you a clear warning!
  1177. >If you hadn’t had been so eager to open the casket, he’d still be safe.
  1178. >You ignored the writing she set in stone, you’re the reason he’s turned into one of her pawns, her plaything!
  1179. >All you had to do was wait, have Moondancer translate the message for you, and you would have as much time as you needed to work out the enchantment your sister had laid, and how to fool it into believing you were her.
  1180. >But no.
  1181. >You ripped the lid off, pulled your husband out, and now…
  1182. >Now it’s almost been a full day.
  1183. >Maybe...maybe it was a simple change?
  1184. >A little magical tweak to your husband’s body, one that, now that you know of its existence, can be easily fixed!
  1185. >...Then you could bring your sister back, she would see how happy you are with him, it’ll make her realize how wrong she was, she’ll resolve to be a better sister, and the three of you will live happily for all eternity.
  1186. >After all, it’s just as likely.
  1187. >You sigh.
  1188. >Dimly, you note you've reached the same bedroom that you left your husband in.
  1189. >There is a third option your sister did not think of.
  1190. >With the help of your husband, you could recreate the spell that sealed him away once more.
  1191. >It would allow you to keep him safe for however long it takes to develop a fix for the damage your sister has caused.
  1192. >...No.
  1193. >The past day has shown you that you need your beloved now as much as you always had.
  1194. >You place a hoof on the door leading to Celestia's old bed chambers.
  1195. >Eternal Night will have to be put on hold.
  1196.  
  1197. >Pushing open the doors, you light your horn as you enter the room, your hoofsteps echoing as you approach your champion.
  1198. >There’s almost nothing left of his soul…
  1199. >You were almost too late.
  1200. >His eyes flutter open.
  1201. >”Hey Moonshine…I think it’s safe to say...this is a bit worse than food poisoning.”
  1202. >With a grimace, he fights to sit up.
  1203. >You rush to his side and nose at his flank, pushing him back down on the bed.
  1204. “Cease, Champion, conserve your strength.”
  1205. >He soon falls back to the bed, not putting up any more of a fight.
  1206. “I must apologize for my absence, my love. It took this long to uncover the source of this malady.”
  1207. >The corners of his mouth tug up into a smile, “Never doubted ya...what was it?”
  1208. “Our Dearest Sister tampered with the vessel in which you were stored. It tampered with your body and soul, to leave us with an impossible ultimatum. Either...we must sacrifice you, or you must bathe in the light of the sun each day.”
  1209. >You find yourself unable to meet his gaze as you speak.
  1210. >Of course it’s not a real decision, but he would want to know Celestia’s intentions.
  1211. >”Oh. There’s only one obvious choice, then…”
  1212. >Nodding, you meet his gaze and light your horn.
  1213. “Indeed. Come, I shall carry you to a balcon-”
  1214. >”-You have to let me be the sacrifice.”
  1215. >Those words are like a slap in the face.
  1216. >Your jaw drops, losing your concentration on the spell.
  1217. “What?! Neigh! We-I-I can’t allow you to...to simply perish!”
  1218. >He glares up at you, the flickering flame of anger behind his words, “And I can’t allow you to burn down everything we’ve built! Not for a couple short years.”
  1219. >You can’t believe what your ears are telling you.
  1220. >This is...but...this doesn’t make sense.
  1221.  
  1222. >Has Celestia’s spell brainwashed him?!
  1223. “Champion, you are talking of committing suicide! You are not well, pray, hold still!”
  1224. >Sparking your horn again, you grab him in your magic, lifting him off the bed.
  1225. >With surprising speed, his hand shoots out, slapping your horn.
  1226. “Nnn!”
  1227. >You stumble backwards clutching your horn, unable to maintain your magic.
  1228. >There’s a whump as he hits the bed.
  1229. >He…he struck you…
  1230. >Blinking back rising tears, you search for words.
  1231. “But…why..? There is nothing preventing Us from restoring the night. It would be but for a few months, until we repair the damage done. Then we will have decades together, under the moon!”
  1232. >He closes his eyes and presses his lips together, a thin, white line before he speaks, “No, Nightmare. We won't.”
  1233. >You've cleared your vision, but still your mind swims.
  1234. >Approaching him, you lay your hoof on his shoulder as he speaks.
  1235. >”I was going to tell you later, but-I left a big part of the story out. We reverse…engineered Sombra's spell about twelve years after you left. It took…something like forty more, before I used it. I'm already in my Seventies, Nightmare.”
  1236. >You jerk back as though he had slapped you again.
  1237. >His ancient answer to a question asked by Luna, resurfaces in your mind.
  1238. “You once told me that you would scarce live past Eighty within access to human medicine…”
  1239. >”Yea…that hasn’t changed. Magic never created a substitute for pacemakers. I didn’t want to ruin the mood by telling you right away.”
  1240. >Tears begin to well up again.
  1241. >He said before that he used the spell right away, he lied to you…
  1242. >It explains his more wizened appearance, why he was not able to keep up with your cantering, and the difficulty last night with…
  1243. >Speaking, you choose your words carefully.
  1244.  
  1245. >You’re not entirely sure if you want to hear the truth.
  1246. “Champion...why did you not use the spell when you found it? Did you...not wish to be with us? Did you find...another?”
  1247. >”No. No!” His eyes snap open, glaring up at you.
  1248. >”The spell. When we-we were missing something. Some part of it. Tried to fix it. We tested it. Four out of every five times, the spell would kill the subject. There was never any other mare, Moona. But there was never a better spell, either.”
  1249. >His voice wavers, “When I laid down in that coffin, I didn’t think I was ever going to wake up again.”
  1250. >Climbing part way onto the bed, you wrap your wings around him, hugging him as best you can.
  1251. >Words have abandoned you.
  1252. >Reaching up, he wraps his arm around your neck.
  1253. >”I just...I know it’s selfish, but...I just wanted to see your face, to hear your voice one last time. And then...for you to show me that everything I’ve built for you lasted until your return? It’s more than I ever dared to…”
  1254. >Twin stains dot the blanket below your face.
  1255. >Lowering yourself, you nuzzle against him.
  1256. “But there is so much more for you to see. You can spend those few years at my side, and witness your legacy continuing to unfold before us.”
  1257. >Slowly, he shakes his head.
  1258. >”I was never supposed to be here. The church? Those ponies, their love for you? That’ll last forever. Just like your night, if you’ll let it. They’re my gift to you, after you gave me a true purpose in life.”
  1259. >”I love you, Luna. Don’t...don’t throw it away for a f...a few…” His arm falls to the bed, limp.
  1260. “Champion!”
  1261. >With your heart racing, you grab his side, horn ablaze.
  1262. >...He’s still there.
  1263. >There’s but a smouldering ember of his essence left.
  1264. >With a gentle breeze, and ember can be rekindled.
  1265. >It’s enough to bring him back.
  1266. >You can’t lose him yet, you cannot!
  1267. >Damn his legacy, you didn’t even get to tell him you love him back!
  1268.  
  1269. >Funneling every once of magic you have to your horn, you unleash it upon your sister’s bedchamber.
  1270. >The entire wall rips away, shattered stonework raining down upon the city below.
  1271. >Tearing the blanket off your husband, he’s bathed in the light of your moon.
  1272. >Not for long.
  1273. >Reaching out, you take hold of the moon, as Luna once had, long ago.
  1274. >As you force it to lower, it fights you, bucking, struggling against your sacred magic.
  1275. >You promised! It cries.
  1276. >It was supposed to reign forever, in tandem with its steward! It pleads.
  1277. >Celestia will know that you’ve faltered! It threatens.
  1278. >You know what you promised, you know she’ll be aware of her victory, and you don’t care.
  1279. >Damn her, and damn him for tricking you to delay so long!
  1280. >Soon, the moon is below the horizon, and your stars quickly wink out, one by one.
  1281. >You can almost hear the crowds below talking amongst themselves, as they all stare up at the blank sky.
  1282. >Taking deep, steadying breaths, you look down at your husband.
  1283. >There’s no going back after this.
  1284. >That ember is still there.
  1285. >He can still be restored to health by the sun.
  1286. >You have an entire country at your disposal, he had a ragtag group of misfits; you WILL find a remedy for this, you WILL find a way to correct his age, and you two WILL rule as Empress and Champion Eternal, and you will never be alone again!
  1287. >There’s but one thing to do.
  1288. >Closing your eyes, you reach out with your magic.
  1289. >Far, farther than you ever had to, to reach your moon.
  1290. >Down, where it lays dormant, where your sister had-
  1291. >It burns.
  1292. >The sun burns your magical touch, in hate-filled anger.
  1293. >It knows you’re the one who locked it away.
  1294. >You’re the reason it’s lonely.
  1295. >It demands its steward, your sister, and nopony else’s touch.
  1296. >Too bad.
  1297. >Gritting your teeth, you grab ahold of the sun.
  1298. >It kicks and bucks against your magic, its flames burning at your soul.
  1299. >But it moves.
  1300. >Even the sun itself yields to you, the Empress Eternal.
  1301.  
  1302. >With your eyes squeezed shut, your teeth grinding, you force it up, over the horizon, letting it go.
  1303. >Down below, the ponies that were once going about their business, let out a collective cheer.
  1304. >They’re...they’re chanting your sister’s name…
  1305. >Doing your best to shut out the sounds below, you open your eyes.
  1306. “Aah!”
  1307. >It’s blinding!
  1308. >Throwing your hooves over your eyes, you squint, looking for your champion.
  1309. >He’s still not moving.
  1310. >The ember inside him is gone.
  1311. >You’re...You’re too…
  1312. >No!
  1313. >After marehandling the sun, after the way it scorched your soul, you must’ve become desensitized!
  1314. >It HAS to be there!
  1315. >Sister said he must bathe in the sun, you brought the sun!
  1316. >Your eyes, tearing up from both pain and terror, dart over his prone form.
  1317. >Maybe it’s related to the amount of skin exposed?
  1318. >A snap of your horn, and his suit is torn from his body, exposing him to the sunlight.
  1319. >His chest isn’t moving.
  1320. “Breathe, Champion, breathe!”
  1321. >With the greatest tenderness, you wrap your magic around his lungs and squeeze them, forcing air in and out.
  1322. >You did as Sister demanded, you brought the sun forth, you ended eternal night, now she has to give him back, she said she’d give him back!
  1323. >Her words were to choose one or the other, you’ve chosen!
  1324. “Please..my love...I need you…”
  1325. >Laying on him, you press your ear to his chest.
  1326. >His heart isn’t beating.
  1327.  
  1328. >It’s...he’s elderly, his-his heart would be prone to giving out!
  1329. >You can beat it for him.
  1330. >In a moment, it will recover.
  1331. >You’ve seen it done!
  1332. >With your magic still working his lungs, you take his heart in your aura and force it to beat.
  1333. >You can bring him back from the brink of death, you’ve done it before!
  1334. >He’s already been brought back once, you can do it again!
  1335. >If anypony can do it, it’s you, the Empress Eternal.
  1336. >You’ve brought him back, you’ll do it again, you’ll...you’ll fix the damage done, and then, and then you’ll keep him by your side forever, you two will forge a new legacy together!
  1337. >You will-you are...you…
  1338. >You’re beating the heart and fanning the lungs of a corpse.
  1339. >It was too late, wasn't it?
  1340. >He’s…
  1341. >He’s gone…and now…
  1342. >You are alone.

Old Man Anon

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