Chapter 3 - Festival Preparations...
A bright light illuminated the dark halls of the archives. The mare who gave off the faint glow of light was staring intently at the bookshelves. She was young, around twenty, and just by looking at the pale complexion of her fur it was obvious that she didn't get outside very much.
Her moderate violet eyes continued to examine the endless volumes before her. Her mane was that of a very adorkable sapphire blue manecut with straight bangs, with two streaks of purple and rose running through it. A horn protruded from the mane. Her outfit consisted of a white button up uniform shirt with a lavender sweater vest over it. The formal outfit fit nicely over her bust. Completing the outfit was a violet plaid uniform skirt that reached below her knees. The outfit served the purpose of simple student wear instead of highlighting the loveliness of her features.
"Spike?" She called out, her voice echoing through the room. "Spike, have you had any luck?"
"I found five bits!" a young boy's voice called out. "If that's not luck I have no idea what is."
"Spike, have you had any luck finding the book?" the mare started again.
"Oh, right. The book. No, nothing yet Twilight," Spike answered back as he reentered the room.
He was an adolescent boy in appearance with olive grey coloring going down from the top of his chest and down his body hidden by the purple button up shirt he was wearing. What couldn't be hidden by the shirt or jeans was his mulberry scaly outside that extended from the back part of his body trailing around his neck and what compromised his face as well. With his moderate pistachio eyes compromised of slits, pale green spines and mulberry scales this creature was without a doubt a young dragon. "What was the name of the book again?" He awkwardly asked as he scratched his cheek.
Twilight's head dipped back as she had to repress the urge to groan and smack her forehead against the bookcase. As luck would it her eyes scanned the title of the book in front of her and with glee she hastily took it from its confined. This was exactly what she was looking for.
"Remind me why we're spending a weekend looking up a moldy old book that no one probably even remembers exists?" Spike sullenly asked, leaning against one of the bookcases.
Twilight ignored him, gently holding the book in her hands as her eyes rapidly scanned the pages of the tome's content. After several fruitless minutes of reading, Twilight came upon a page where the words were legible. She grinned. "I found it," She announced. "The Nightmare's Return."
"What's so important about this prophecy again?" Spike asked.
"Just listen to it. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal." Twilight straightened with a gasp. "Spike, do you know what this means?"
"No." he answered.
"Nevermind," Twilight shook her head. "It doesn't matter. What's important is that we get this information to the Princess immediately. Spike, take a letter."
"Why do we have to do this now?" Spike whined.
"Don't you remember what happened last year during the last Winter Solstice?" she asked as Spike shot her a quizzical look showing that he indeed did not remember what she was referencing.
"For the following decade the stars have been suddenly drawing closer to the moon in behavior in stark contrast to any prerecorded data or behavior Spike. Now does it make sense?"
Spike stared at her. He shook his head.
"You're impossible, you know?" Twilight asked as she resisted the urge to face palm.
"I know. You said you wanted me to write a letter?" Spike reminded her.
"Oh, right," Twilight said. Spike hiccuped out a burst of green flames, and a scroll of parchment and a quill fell into his claws. "Ahem. Dear Princess Celestia…"
---69---
"Dear Princess Celestia…'
"My recent studies into the old Equestria folklore have led me to conclude that we are on the precipice of disaster," Twilight dictated to her assistant. "…for you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon, and she is about to return to Equestria and bring with her eternal night." Twilight continued to dictate. As she paced about, "Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response your faithful student Twilight Sparkle."
---69---
"Twi-light…Spar-kle.", Spike finished writing. "Got it!"
"Great! Send it."
"Now?"
"Of course!"
"Uh…I don't know, Twilight. Princess Celestia's a little busy getting ready for the Summer Sun Festival, and it's, like, the day after tomorrow." Twilight came over to Spike and went face-to-face with him.
"That's just it, Spike." She then straightened up, looking to the sun. "The day after tomorrow is the thousandth year of the Summer Sun Celebration. It's imperative that the Princess is told right away!"
Spike took a deep breath, held the rolled parchment in front of his mouth, and blew a burst of green fire over it. The message burnt away, leaving only a tendril of sparkling pink smoke that snaked out a high window. "There! It's on its way. But I wouldn't hold your breath."
"Oh, I'm not worried, Spike." Twilight replied in a smug tone. "The Princess trusts me completely. In all the years she's been my mentor, she's never once doubted me."
Suddenly, Spike's cheeks bulged as if he was about to vomit; instead, he belched up a burst of green fire that formed into a sealed scroll, which dropped to the floor.
"I knew she would want to take immediate action." she said as Twilight scooped up the Scroll.
"My dearest, most faithful student Twilight you know that I value your diligence, and that I trust you completely. But there is more to life then reading old tomes. Get out and enjoy yourself some more. I assure you that you will there is more to life than reading dusty old tomes." Twilight gasped as that sentence seemed to hit her hard.
Seeing this Spike looked over and continued reading it. "There is more to a young pony's life than studying. So I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location, Ponyville."
It took Twilight a minute to get over the shock before she began packing her saddlebag. If the Princess wanted her to oversee the celebrations then she wasn't going to let her down. She exited the archives and began making her way to her room to pack.
"There you are, Twilight, " a voice had called. Twilight turned to see it was some of her classmates from Celestia's School of Gifted Unicorns. The first of the mares had an ivory coat with light curly pink mane and tale with electric blue eyes. She was wearing a wispy black V-neck top and jeans low enough to give off a glimpse of her Cute Mark, three sparkly blue stars.
Next to her was Minuette the tallest of the three Unicorns. Her complexion was that of a Maya blue coat, periwinkle mane and tail with a pigment blue streak and steel blue eyes. She was wearing a blue plaid shirt with a jean skirt.
The last of them was Lemon Hearts appearance consisted of a plain yellow coat, a cerulean mane and tail with a lighter tail streak, raspberry red eyes, and a Cute mark of three hearts; two light blue and one light green that peeked out from the miniskirt she was wearing. All three of the Unicorn mares had the typical Unicorn body shape with varying differences. Minuette was tall and on the leggy side while being the leggiest of the three.
Lemon Hearts was the shortest, but with nice hips and her mane hanged the lowest with two curls on the side of her shoulders.
Twinkle by far had the largest chest of the trio and was the most outgoing with a charming smile and a more outgoing demeanor in contrast to Lemon's easy going nature and Minuette's more quiet and reserved nature.
"I trust you heard Moondancer is having a little get-together in the west castle courtyard." explained Twinkle. "You want to come?"
Twilight recoiled a bit, and then said, "Oh, sorry, girls I have something important I have to attend to." She said as she galloped off.
Twinkle sighed in disgust. "Does that pony do anything except study? I think she's more interested in books than friends." The three of them then went on their way.
---UwU---
So Long.
She had waited so long.
It wouldn't be long now. Just a few hours and Equestria…no all of Equesnia would be hers.
For the first few hundred years rage fueled her relentless determination to break free from the moon. When that had failed she simply sat in silence and contemplated her moves. That was when they came, her minions from the shadows. The Nightmare Forces that was when she truly began to form ideas. Planning for the day. Planning her rule. Planning on what she had in mind for Celestia.
The power of the Elements as great as they were could not be fueled by the effects of one individual, even one as mighty as Celestia. No, Harmony, after all could not be maintained by one existence.
As she struggled and fought against the magic's pulls remnants of her will and magic slipped through the cracks. As such the once pleasant dreams or sleep of many creatures began a terrifying and dark presence that would impress upon their dreams.
Hush whispers would spread along with the fear memories of a creature that would plague the dreams of those touched by darkness.
These dreadful experiences that would drive those to tears or the brink of madness would soon earn the name of…Nightmares.
These Nightmares consisted of many things, but there was one thing that was consistent about many of them throughout the years. That of a wicked and dark coat mare, the manifestation of Nightmares itself having resulted in many folklore about the Mare from the Moon.
The folklore so strong it had become a Holiday of sorts and a story to frighten misbehaving fowls.
Those who sought the power that the folklore promised or those dissatisfied with Celestia's rule soon found themselves in these Nightmares face to face with the infamous mare.
Those touched by darkness would make up her army for the incoming takeover of the planet.
She would be ready.
Equestria would be hers.
---UwU---
Each breath came out as a frosty hue as he carried forward. Naruto could feel his energy dropping at each step was a struggle not to stop. His feet crushed dead leaves and twigs that littered his path. This area was filled with dying plant life. His exotic yellow hair swayed slightly in the breeze, his body marred with blood and his neck covered in bruises. There was long, razor like scratches littered across his black and orange tattered clothing. No matter the pain that was coursing through him, he couldn't let that thing win.
He felt the air grow colder. Far behind an exhausted Naruto walked a few more steps. "Huh, so this is what it feels like." He had heard people often complained about him having too much energy, but it looked like in this one situation it was failing him. Taking another step he promptly collapsed in exhaustion.
Naruto took another step, almost losing his balance and falling over. Shadowfright was drawing closer, he could sense it. He could feel the darkness creeping up on him. He was here. He turned around and stood his ground. He would fight until the bitter end.
Shadow Fright rose from the darkness, forming a looming humanoid figure with avian features. . His movements were fluid, like a liquid and his very speech was that of a groan. "End of the line. The Nightmare will consume everything."
'Not as long as there is breath in this body.' Naruto remarked as a sphere of light erupted from his chest. Both of them charged forward, ready to destroy their long time foe at long last.
He jolted awake with a heaving breath and slackened form. His steps were awkward as he stumbled in the darkness. Reaching out he pulled the light switch as he looked at himself in the mirror. The same familiar image he had for a year now, a body covered in orange fur that covered his form, with the exception of his hair, referred to as mane and his tail. They were both a bright brilliant yellow that was the same as his hair. Though that wasn't the only featured that stayed the same, he at least still had his cerulean blue eyes.
It had been nearly a year since he woke up in this strange new world. He got dressed, putting on a pair of black jeans that he was once more starting to outgrow which he would need to go to Rarity's for adjustment. The blond had finally saved up money to buy his own place and moved a couple of weeks ago. While he was a little sad to move out, having gotten used to Rarity's presence in the morning he knew he couldn't take up her guest room forever. He threw on a white button up shirt. No sense putting on anything too nice all things considering today.
His thoughts continued to plague him as he continued down the street. In a blur Pinkie shot out a series of words before continuing her quickened pace. He caught the words new pony and party in the verbal speed blur.
Of course the reason for that was what happened twenty minutes ago. A chariot passed through some clouds as the two passengers looked on. Ahead was a pleasant-looking small town of wood-frame, thatched-roof buildings bordered by a stream and mountain.
The two Pegasi pulling it were muscular and covered in golden armor. They had two-tone blue tails and matching crests on their helmets.
While Spike felt relieved that he was gonna have a change of scenery. Twilight however was clearly not enthused over this job. "And I have an even more essential task for you to complete—make some friends." The purple unicorn hung her head over the side with a soft moan as Spike turned to her. "Look on the bright side, Twilight. The Princess arranged for you to stay in a library. Doesn't that make you happy?"
There was a long pause. Finally, she brightened suddenly. "Yes. Yes, it does. You know why? Because I'm right I'll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return."
"Then when will you make friends like the Princess said?" The chariot began to descend as some of the populace watched them land.
"She said to check on preparations. I am her student, and I'll do my royal duty, but the fate of Equestria does not rest on me making friends." They had come to a stop and Twilight used her magic to levitate her things off the chariot.
"Thank you, sirs." Twilight said to them as she, and Spike cleared way for them to take off. As the Pegasi smiled and huffed in response, the two gathered together as they noticed a pink earth pony walk their way.
"Maybe the ponies in Ponyville have interesting things to talk about!" commented Spike as the pony stopped in front of the duo and regarded them with narrowed, medium blue eyes and a smile. "Come on, Twilight, just try."
With uncertainly, Twilight managed to speak up. "Uh…hello?" The pink one responded with a massive gasp of pure surprise, a leap that left her briefly suspended in midair, and then she suddenly dashed off mid-air, nearly blowing the unicorns' mane and tail off. "Well, that was interesting, all right."
As expected the town was far more lively than usual, seeing as everyone was preparing for the Summer Sun Festival. "I'm sorry," he immediately apologized as he quickly scooped up the checklist the Unicorn was holding after a quick glance over Naruto recognized Twilight from the description that Celestia had given her.
"Its okay, no harm done." The Unicorn replied.
Naruto took a step back and took notice of her companion. Without a doubt he was a baby lizard, most likely a dragon considering his features. "Welcome to Ponyville, my name is Naruto and it's nice to meet you. I haven't seen you around before so am I wrong to assume you're new to town?"
"Indeed I am. My name is Twilight Sparkle and this is my assistant…"
"…the name's Spike." The rather chipper dragon cut in.
"…and we've come supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Festival. I hope I'm not being rude, but we're really busy. I have to find my way to Sweet Apple Acres to check on how the food preparations are going." Twilight didn't mean to brush off the pony, but the sooner this was done the sooner she could look into stopping Nightmare Moon.
"We'll I can help you with that," Naruto eagerly volunteered. "I know most of the places in town and I'd be happy to help." He volunteered. He watched as a look of uncertainty crossed over the Unicorn's face.
"I wouldn't want to impose." The Unicorn kindly responded. While she didn't mind his offer, she really didn't want any distractions while preparing for Nightmare Moon's return. Despite Celestia rebuffing Twilight's warning the Unicorn was not willing to let her findings go.
"It would be no problem at all." He had insisted with a kind smile.
"Come on Twilight what's the harm?" Spike insisted, garnering the Unicorn's attention. "Besides, won't we get things done faster with a guide?"
Twilight realized she couldn't argue with the logic. The sooner they went to the locations and assessed that all the food and items for the festival were ready, the sooner Twilight could go and prepare for Nightmare Moon's return. "Alright Naruto looks like I'll be taking you up on your offer. The first stop on our list is Sweet Apple Acres."
Naruto nodded and with a suggestion of 'right this way' the trio went on their way to the apple farm.