Heart Of A Nightmare

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 14: Breakfast (with a little conflict)
-----


The waitress brought us several plates, a huge stack of pancakes with freshly melted butter and syrup coating them and pooling around them, the eggs on separate plates so they wouldn't be drenched by the syrup. The waitress glanced nervously over at Nightmare Rarity as if she expected her to go off at any moment but aside from that maintained a good professional face all things considering. The chatter was mostly quiet and the occasional clinking of silverware on plates.


"Wish they had sausage...," I grunted, pancakes and eggs just didn't feel complete without sausage. Or maybe I was realizing how it had been the last time I had had meat...and how long it could be until I had meat again.


Nightmare rolled her eyes in an amused way before levitating a knife and fork up, neatly slicing the pancakes into several pieces before spearing a few of the pieces and raising them to her mouth. Her bite came across as rather predatory.


"You're staring," she spoke, "again."


"Uh, sorry," I stammered, quickly cutting into my own breakfast and began eating, a light chuckle escaping her.


"Sometimes I feel like I could do anything and you would be mesmerized." She teased before taking another bite, "Mmm, these are quiet good."


I nodded in agreement and took a drink of water, the pancakes were nice and warm and my stomach was already starting to feel appeased. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a group of ponies giving us dirty looks and mumbling among themselves about us, they were in a booth a good distance away but it was obvious.


"Pay them no heed," Nightmare Rarity's voice interrupted my thoughts drawing my eyes back over to her.


"Sorry, I just hate being stared at," I went back to eating, though I could still fell their eyes on us. "What if they try something?"


"If they do, then I will deal with them," she replied simply.


"Really?"


"I'm not defenseless," she smirked, "these ponies would do well to remember that."


I nodded, still feeling a bit nervous, I nearly jumped when a black hoof gently touched my hand. A warmth filled my chest as I looked at her. Her sapphire eyes pulling me in every time I looked into them.


"Eat," she said softly, magically levitating my fork back into my hand. I quickly resumed eating, feeling at ease once more as I chewed the soft, warm food.


"Didn't think our first meal together would be this," I said with a slight smile.


"Is there something wrong with it?" Nightmare Rarity raised an eyebrow, briefly glancing at the food before taking a bite of the eggs.


"No, no," I replied, "just not what I imagined. I imagined something...fancier I guess, and more romantic."


She smiled at me, in though it seemed for but a few moments, taking another bite of eggs before replying. "More...romantic, hm?" Her fork pierced into a few slices of the pancakes and levitated them to me, inches from my mouth, my surprised reaction earning a chuckle out of her. Cautiously and slowly biting down onto them and chewing.


"Like that?" Nightmare Rarity asked coyly, eyes half lidded. I nodded a bit absently, my cheeks feeling quite hot at the moment, but quiet laughter quickly escaped me. However, despite my laughter I registered the sound hooves approaching us, my eyes shifting to a brown coated earth pony. He was glowering at us and I recognized him immediately as one of the ponies who'd been whispering about us only a few minutes ago. His short black and simple shirt he wore making him look more hostile.


"Hey, you two, we don't want you here." He spoke to us simply in a rude tone, his muddy brown eyes looked at me, "especially not a hairy, ugly freak like you," he practically spat the word "freak" out at me. He squinted at me and moved his face closer to me, not quite over the table but distinctly trying to get into my face to antagonize me. I remained stone faced as I did in situations like this, doing my best to emotionally deflect what he said.


"If you have something to say, then say it to me." Nightmare Rarity cut in dangerously, her eyes piercing into him. I saw a flicker of fear cross his face but he gulped and regained his hostile temperament.


"Oh believe me we've all got somethin' to say to you," he snarled, "do you think anypony is going to forget what you did? Huh? The princesses and their goodie good ways may put up with you. But we won't, you b-"


It was in that moment my rage burst free, my legs bashed the table out glasses of water nearly toppled over, our plates rattled and if only a few ponies were glancing over at us, they were all looking. I didn't care if they were, I wanted them too. When I stood the pony became fearful as he realized the mistake he had made, normally I wasn't very tall, being only average in height, but in comparison to the this pony I was a towering mountain. In one quick motion I seized him by the shirt and hauled him up, his legs tucking close to him like a fearful dog.


"Now listen and listen good," I spoke, my voice clear and strong, "you can say what you like about me. I've been called so many awful names it doesn't matter now, but you and no one else will ever speak to HER like that in MY presence. Do you understand me?" The last words were hissed out venomously. He nodded rapidly, I shook him once before tossing him to the floor, he looked up in panic and bolted for the doors crashing through them noisily and allowing them to slam shut behind him.


I was breathing heavily, feeling the stares of the ponies on me in full force now. I felt a familiar hoof touch my arm, its touch soothing me instantly and drawing me back to the moment.


"Michael," Nightmare spoke, I wasn't sure what to say in response so I wordlessly looked over at her.


"I-I n-need to get out of here," I whispered, feeling anxious. I notice a few coins on the table, like she had been expecting me to say that and she simply nodded. Most of the other ponies looked back down at their plates hurriedly as we moved for the doors.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 15: Return of a Dark King
-----


We burst out of the restaurant's doors and into the daylight, some ponies ran at the sight of us...or perhaps her as we came out. Others just went about their daily business. I squinted in the sunlight, one of my hands clutching at my wrist, trying to ease my anxiety and I felt my stomach doing flip flops. I felt her hoof reassuringly caress my arm and I heard her say something but my mind failed to process it, all my brain could focus on what had happened and what I had done.


"Michael?" The sound my name being spoken in her voice brought me back to the present, I still felt a hoof on my arm. "I think we should find a place to sit down," she said, her face rather calm despite everything that had happened. I nodded, pushing my glasses further up onto my face and we walked briskly over to a bench that sat unoccupied in a park like area, though it wasn't big enough to really be a park. A tree hung over it providing us with some good shade, fortunately. We sat down, Nightmare Rarity no longer touching me and I could tell she wasn't sure if she should. A hoof raised up briefly before she lowered it again.


"I-I'm sorry," I stammered out, keeping my head low. "We were having such a nice time together and I ruined it!" I felt my fists clench at my guilt and shame coursing through me like raging river.


"You did what?" The surprise in her voice was evident and I knew she had incredulous expression on her face. "My dear, you didn't ruin anything," she placed a hoof under my chin and turned my face towards her own, her expression soft and caring.


"I shouldn't have reacted like that...I never do things like that..."


"Well, if you didn't do something then I would have. Either way it would have ended with him running out of that restaurant," she smiled somewhat, "and besides, I'm quite flattered you stood up for me." Nightmare leaned in and gave me a quick, but reassuring and loving kiss on my lips. I felt my anxiety ceasing steadily and my stomach didn't feel tight or queasy anymore at her touch and I breathed out deeply.


"Just the thought of anyone treating you like that...or-or hurting you...it's just...I can't stand it."


I gasped slightly when Nightmare Rarity pulled me into an embrace, I felt quite small as I rested against her chest and her chin resting atop my head, her fur was so soft and warm.


"I'm right here. Nothing will change that."


I felt myself shiver despite the day's warmth, though it was a pleasant shiver and one not caused by the environment.


"Are you alright?" Nightmare Rarity asked me, pulling back somewhat so she could properly look at me again, her eyes always seemed to somehow hold me within them in their entirety no matter what, "You just shivered."


I couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction and blush a bit at my response.


"It's because I'm happy."


"Because you're happy?" She said, a bit confused, and I couldn't help but think her confused expression was adorable that my heart might swoon.


"Nightmare, you make me happier than anything else, it's just like...," I exhaled bashfully, "it's hard to explain. You've had a good shiver right?" I playfully ran a finger up her spine she visibly stiffened and her eyes widened at the sensation.


"Like that?" I teasingly asked.


We both laughed in each other grasp now, Nightmare pulling me back in for another, much longer kiss. Neither of us caring that if any pony saw us or not.




----


Things were much different in the Crystal Empire than before. Outside the majestic, sparkling castle was mass panic, ponies randomly turning on the other in a heartbeat in a show of their true allegiance, guards patrolling the streets and rounding up any who tried to escape. They had been given specific commands not to kill, only capture. The sound of armor and spears clashing together combined with the hysterical screams of the ponies reached high into the sky and far above the castle.


Shining Armor didn't know what to expect next, his ears lowered, trying to block out the sounds of the pandemonium outside as he stood in throne room, alone. With a thunderous crashing the doors were blasted open, the stallion saw a cloaked figure with glowing, menacing eyes stroll in as if he owned the place and a familiar, baritone chuckle echoed. Shining's aggressive stance faltered for a brief moment, his eyes blinking in shock as the enemy pulled down the hood of his cloak, revealing Sombra's face. His sharp tooth maw parted in another laugh and his jet black mane neatly swept back and well maintained as always.


"Well I must say this is a surprise, I'd been expecting Princess Cadence, not you, young Prince," he growled out the word "prince" with in a seething tone. He looked around the throne room, observing the sparkling crystals and the throne that lay just behind Shining Armor, it called to Sombra. Excitement coursed through him as he felt his return to power near completion.


"H-how have you come back?" Shining Armor demanded, resuming his aggressive stance, white horn aimed at Sombra.


"Ah you should never ask. Spoils the surprise," he chuckled.


Shining Armor fired off a blast of magical energy, only to helplessly see Sombra's own curved horn generate a shield that effortlessly blocked his attack. He let out a yell as multiple, black and terrible sharp crystals spontaneously jutted out of the floor to effectively ensnare him in their grasp, their sharp edges threatening to slice him wide open if he attempted to pull himself free. He could do little else aside from glare helplessly as Sombra passed him, throwing off his cloak as several of Shining's former guards charged in, ready to arrest their now former leader.


"How could you all do this?!" Shining demanded in a pleading voice, "you realize what he'll do!?"


Sombra chuckled deeply as he sat on the throne, "Oh but there are rewards for those who follow me, I had many loyal followers waiting for my return. All I had to do was give the order. Now, if you will excuse me FORMER Prince Shining Armor, I have business to attend to."


The black crystals receded slowly, Shining winced when he felt one cut the side of his neck, staining his white fur with a small trickle of blood as he was then led away by King Sombra's guards, down into the dungeon.


Shining fiercely hoped his beloved wife would not return from Canterlot any time soon...





Author's Note:
Apologies for the delay, not like many would notice either way. But here it is.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 16: Acceptance
-----

The day out had ended after what seemed like an enjoyable forever, aside from the incident at the little restaurant the day had been lovely. The sun had mostly set, the last rays of it appeared as orange streaks through the curtains and shining upon the purple floor. I emerged from the bathroom, wearing on a dark gray shirt and black pants, made from exquisitely soft material that rested gently against my skin. Nightmare Rarity lounged comfortably on the bed, smiling at me approvingly which quickly caused me to feel shy again. Luckily I didn't blush this time.


"I'm pleased to see they fit."


"Yeah, how'd you learn to make clothes?"


"Well, let's just say I picked up on some of Rarity's better habits, fortunately without the penchant for fainting couches," she added that last part with something that was a mixture of amusement and scorn in her voice. I must've given her a strange look because she laughed (a beautiful laugh) and beckoned me over with a single black hoof, to which I obliged happily; climbing up on the bed again to find her awaiting to take me into her grasp softly. I had asked her previously if we could cuddle again, I'd felt nervous to do so because I thought it was too forward or invasive but to my happy surprise she was eager to do so. Her chin rested atop my head, my hair still slightly damp from the shower and I could've sworn I heard her inhale my scent, my face resting against her chest. Her fur was soft to the touch and I felt I couldn't get enough of it, despite her delicate appearance I could feel well toned muscle as I touched her, but it was not unpleasant. It only seemed to increase her power in my eyes.


"You're not blushing," she said, tilting my face up to her own with a hoof placed beneath my chin, briefly caressing it.


"I guess I'm getting accustomed to this," I replied with a smile, increasing my loving hold on her, "it feels so natural." I said, the empty feeling in my chest was gone, it has been gone all day. The diseased feeling of loneliness and buried sadness that had hung over me was gone. "Like all this was meant to happen..."


"You believe in fate?" Nightmare Rarity inquired in a curious voice, a hoof running down my back and a leg draping over mine leisurely.


"Not particularly...though I've come to believe some things in life are so powerful that they...alter. Change things." I said, feeling my voice trailing off as my mind yet again began thinking about the vastness of life and the universe itself. In a short span of time I had met a being from an alternate universe, fallen so deeply in love with said being, traveled to an alternate universe and have since engaged in a romantic interspecies relationship with the being. With her.


"You speak of such things with an endearing wonder," she spoke, bringing me back to the present, I couldn't help but grin. Feeling flattered.


"I don't think I've ever been told anything about me is endearing," I said, a chuckle creeping into my voice, I noted it was now dark outside and the crickets were beginning their nightly songs.


"Get used to it," she replied with playful devilishness, her forelegs enclosing around me in a hug, the feeling of love and acceptance washing over and into me.


We lay together in silence for several minutes, my hand traveling from her shoulder to her side over and over, feeling her ribs rise and fall with each breath she took. I heard her sigh contentedly and she nestled down into the plush pillows, I too felt my eyelids grow heavy and was tempted to sleep, but my mind and the persistent question that had begun to linger within it had started to nag at me again. I shifted away from her slightly to look at pretty face, her eyes were closed peacefully though I knew she was not yet asleep, a small smile graced her feminine features. I didn't want to disturb our serenity...but I had to know.


"Nightmare?" I whispered my question, one ear twitched slightly at the sound of my voice and her eyes cracked open slowly to look at me.


"Hmm?"


"Can I...can I ask you something?"


Nightmare Rarity raised an eyebrow at me, seeing my expression was a vaguely unhappy one, causing her to prop herself up.


"Yes?"


"Why do the other ponies hate you?"




----


Nightmare Rarity didn't expect such a question to pierce her heart in such way. It wasn't that the question's wording stung, she knew he was direct and she liked that, nor was it the fact that the other ponies hated her. She was well aware of that and frankly she didn't much care, she didn't like them either. Logically she knew Michael was bound to bring it up at some point and in hindsight she was surprised he didn't bring it up sooner, yet she found her answer was hesitant. Nightmare knew he had a vague idea of why, but nothing in depth. The concept of telling him gave her a strange and unpleasant feeling in her chest and stomach...it wasn't guilt for her actions, certainly not. Her eyes took in his expression and realized it was the fact that she was hated stung at him, and she could tell he was uncomfortable asking her that and perhaps felt a bit guilty as well.


Nightmare Rarity did not like seeing him that way...and even worse...she did not know what would happen if she told him. Would he fear her? Hate her too? Disgust?


"I should've worded that better-," she silenced him with a hoof placed gently over his lips.


"No, I appreciate your frankness. And part of a relationship is honesty, correct?"


Michael nodded slowly as she lowered her hoof, the feeling of his lips lingering upon it as she took a deep breath before finally speaking a minute or so later.


"I've tried to conquer Esquestria. I've brought harm to both Princess Celestia and Luna, and their subjects. Many times I've thrown this world into chaos and strife for the sake of attaining more power for myself."


His face bore little reaction, he always knew there was something deadly about her from the very beginning, but he never truly knew how deep that deadliness went.


"I was once known as Nightmare Moon, and my history with Equestria spans many, many years. Over a thousand, to be precise."


Michael's eyes widened a bit at that particular revelation, but he to her surprise there was no disgust or fear or even harsh judgment in his brown eyes. He breathed deeply, he had one hand gently grasping one of her hooves and decided to speak again.


"Somehow your...related to that pony, Rarity..."


"Well, not as a family member. When I returned again I needed a new vessel, I was...formless at one point. I wasn't always...," she trailed off, her sapphire eyes becoming distant as she remembered days long past. "When they defeated me again they finally believed me dead, evidently they were wrong. I survived through sheer force of will and my magical power, though I do suspect it was partially because they couldn't use the Elements of Harmony," she said. Again, noting his face had no negative reaction, shocked but that was all.


More silence passed between them, Michael unsure of what to say, and Nightmare Rarity not wanting him to feel overwhelmed too much. He brought a hand to his mouth, trying to think of something to say, slowly the hand lowered and a single word left his lips.


"Why?"


Nightmare Rarity blinked, her head rearing back ever so slightly, she intended to be honest, and honest she would be.


"Because I wanted to."


It was a simple answer, and not one he'd been expecting, he wasn't looking at her now. Which made Nightmare Rarity worry she had gone too far, and suddenly a strange panic filled her heart. She feared he would hate her, that he would leave her and tell her to never show her face again. She opened her mouth but he looked up at her before she could get a word out, to her absolute shock, he leaned in and hugged her tightly. A gasp of surprise escaped her, she felt a hand stroke her mane and his mouth inches away from her left ear.


"I won't insult you by asking if you truly love me, because I know you do, I just want to say I love you despite your past. I accept you."


His words rang in her ears and her heart pounded in ecstasy and relief as she joyously hugged him back even tighter.


"I love you Michael, so very much, I love you more than anything."


"I love you too my Nightmare, thank you for being honest with me...and trusting me enough to tell me."


They sank back down on the bed together,this time eye to eye, in those moments they had felt their bond grow all the stronger. They could feel it in their hearts and souls. It wasn't long until they were sound asleep, thinking only of their future together. How two beings from two entirely different universes could be so closely united, perhaps closer than united, in such a short but precious amount time together.





Author's Note:
Emotion fueled chapter we wrote together.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 17: Plights & Plans
----


Nightmare Rarity awoke slowly, her eyelids fluttering open to early more sunlight creeping into the room. Michael's warmth against her, noting her back legs were tangled up with his, not that she minded. Silently she sat up to look down at him, brushing a stray lock of her mane out of her eye as she did so, being careful not to wake him. There was such a look of sweet and easy peace on his face, she hadn't let on that she had noticed, but he somehow looked different ever since they had admitted their love for each other. His eyes always seemed to hold some great burden within them, he seemed older than he was. Now it felt as though that burden, whatever it was, was gone. Looking at him now, softly holding him in her eyes, she realized how much she had changed him.


Last night she realized how much he had changed her.


"I never dreamed he would accept me," Nightmare thought, an amazed feeling floating in her chest, "he's so very...sweet." His arms still rested around her, his cheek resting against the pillow comfortably. She actually found herself smiling down upon him, pulling him closer with her own forelegs.


Michael gave a quiet grunt as he became alert once more, his brown eyes steadily openly, a bit bleary and unfocused at first as he was not accustomed to being awake so early.


"Apologies, I didn't intend to wake you," she spoke softly, but still smiling.


"Just wanted to use me as a teddy bear?"


She cleared her throat briefly, stifling an amused chuckle but replying, "Well it's not my fault you're soft and cuddly."


"Never said I was complaining," he chuckled back, brushing a bit of her soft mane with a finger, adoring how it felt. "Wait you think I'm soft?" He spoke quickly when he went over her word choice again in his head.


"Yes," Nightmare Rarity whispered back with playfulness, her lips close to his ear, her nuzzling sending a pleasantly ticklish sensation across that area. Though she gasped when she felt him kiss at her neck, his stubble tickling her and surprising her more. Michael suddenly pulled back, bit blushing but suddenly feeling bashful and embarrassed at having kissed her like that. They had kissed before, but never in that kind of way. Michael clearly worried about overstepping his bounds.


"Everything alright?" Nightmare Rarity asked, a bit confused why he suddenly pulled back so quickly.


"I-I didn't make you uncomfortable?"


"And considerate too," she fondly thought before speaking. "No, in fact I was rather enjoying it." Nightmare shifted her position on top of him now, feeling his hands grip her shoulders as she lowered her face his, lips brushing against his before passionately kissing him; he returned it just as eagerly. Her lips were so soft, neither of them had imagined they would enjoy kissing so much. Michael's fingers running through her mane, down her neck and her back. Nightmare's hooves steadily caressing his chest and shoulders, love swelling within the two of them.


Until the door opened.


"Hi, hope I-oh um...," Princess Twilight Sparkle had, without warning opened the door in a positive and open manner, her cheeks now redder that a ripe tomato at the scene before her. Nightmare Rarity laying on top of Michael, quickly pulling away from a heated kiss, the young alicorn struggled to find words and tried to shift uncomfortably on her hooves. Nightmare glowering at her didn't help things much either, she's been thoroughly enjoying herself until Twilight has barged in. "For a Princess her manners are lacking," she quipped mentally. Nightmare spoke first and kept her choice in words frank.


"What do you need Princess?" She spoke the last word in a way that Twilight couldn't tell if it was insulting or just emphasis on politeness. If it was the first she didn't let it get to her...she was Nightmare Rarity after all.


"Oh, um," Twilight cleared her throat, "just wanted to tell you both that breakfast will be ready in an hour and a half or so...you know what...make that two."


Nightmare just rolled her eyes and magically shut the door. Though it didn't stop Twilight from yammering on about how she would "knock next time."


Michael only blinked rapidly a few times, still trying to process just what had happened, an irritated "Tch" from Nightmare drew his attention back to her. A gentle hand guided her gorgeous face back to his, a hoof touch his hand ran down the length of his arm.


"Now where were we?"


"I think I can refresh your memory," Michael replied with a big smile before their lips met again.




-----



Twilight Sparkle still had the image of she had walked in on burned in her brain, she figured it would be worthy enough for a letter to the two Princesses in Canterlot. She wrote it herself, very nearly colliding with Spike in the throne room where her friends were waiting.


Spike gave Twilight an odd look, shrugged, and in a puff of green fire the letter was off.




-----



Princess Celestia read over one of the many reports sent in from Ponyville. The throne room was quiet save the folding and unfolding of letters she received. She had tasked several ponies with keep watch over Nightmare Rarity and her human companion, not necessarily to spy, just to watch and report back to her with what they saw. Several reports had indicated the same thing, Celestia took the information in with a calm expression...her sister on the other hand...


"Have you read about what that human did in the restaurant?" The tone of her voice was a seething one, and she new Luna was glaring dangers.


"I have."


"Is that all you can say, sister? He THREATENED one of our citizens!" Celestia was happy Luna had not used the Royal Canterlot Voice, last time she had Celestia had a headache for a week.


"And have you read that he antagonized them when they were doing no wrong to anypony? Granted I'll admit Michael's reaction was inappropriate in it's own right, but he shouldn't be punished."


Luna paced, her hooves seeming quite loud in the otherwise silent throne room, looking at the ground while she spoke and wings spread in a sign of aggressiveness.


"And several citizens have reported them being...affectionate with one another in town," Luna went on with a slight tinge of awkwardness in her voice. Nearly shuddering at the thought of anyone being affectionate with one of Equestria's greatest threats.


"I have, Princess Twilight just sent me a letter, apparently she walked in on them...," even Celestia couldn't help but feel a bit awkward, though that may have been because of the way Twilight had written the letter. Her shock and embarrassment had been evident. "Kissing."


Princess Luna gazed up at her sister, stunned, blues eyes wider than the moon itself.


"They are in a...relationship? He's with...her!?" Luna practically spat the word out of mouth as though it were a foul glob of bile. "She's using him, that's the only explanation. I know that monster better than anyone and she's INCAPABLE of love!" Luna had felt some level of hate towards the human as well, he had defended Nightmare Rarity adamantly, but now she felt he was misguided. "That explains everything, sister, she preys on the weak and insecure; I just know she's up to something."


Princess Celestia said nothing for sometime, looking at one of the stained glass windows, the one detailing Nightmare Moon's defeat after she had returned at the Summer Sun Celebration. Feeling the warmth of her sun shining down on her pleasantly. Inside she felt calm, the information was startling, certainly. But somehow she felt it was not in-genuine. She knew Nightmare well too, she knew quite well how she could be manipulative and cunning, but this...this was different. Celestia knew better than to fully trust everything she read, but somehow she had a suspicion this new found relationship was not some ploy of Nightmare's.


A brow raised as she got an idea.




-----


King Sombra sat leisurely on the throne of the Crystal Empire, now his once more. He rarely showed emotions outside of a dark rage and cruel cleverness, but for once he allowed himself to grin and rest with deep satisfaction. He could hear the collectively rattling chains of the enslaved ponies outside as they worked and toiled. Shining Armor in the dungeon, though sadly Princess Cadence was absent, apparently. "No matter," he had thought. Only thing that frustrated him was that he could not get to the Crystal Heart, receiving nasty magical burns and jolt for his troubles. "In time," he thought. Over the years he had learned the value of patience, and thus far all of Equestria was unaware of his return. The element of surprise was most definitely on his side.


A guard strode in, now wearing rough looking, layered armor that resembled raw onyx stone. He bowed until Sombra indicated for him to speak.


"Your Majesty, the ponies have begun digging once more, as per your instruction," digging for what the guard had no clue but it was not his place to inquire anyway. "And we're quickly amassing those loyal to you for a surprise attack wherever you desire it."


Sombra tapped a hoof on the armrest of the great throne in thought thrice before he responded, "We will have to act quickly if we are to conquer these lands," but he knew better than to rush. Suddenly a dangerous smile crossed his face, the guard resisted the urge to shiver at the sight of the huge, sharp teeth. "I think I have just the place in mind too," he chuckled deeply, mostly to himself at the thought. Allowing himself to happily fantasize about the bloodshed and sweet taste of vengeful victory to come.


"Dismissed," he flick a hoof at the guard, who promptly bowed and began leaving. He jolted to a halt, unsure of what to say next, but he turned around and cautiously spoke.


"You Highness?"


"Yes?"


"I just thought that you should know, but...Nightmare has returned."


King Sombra's eyes actually widened at that and he leaned forward in interest.


"As in the Mare On The Moon?"


"The very one, My Liege," he bowed again and left, armored hoofsteps echoing for several seconds until he was gone once more.


King Sombra stood with a devious grin, things had just gotten much, much more interesting.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 18: Invitation
----

"Awkward" was putting the situation at the table mildly. Twilight Sparkle would glance nervously at us, catch one or both of us looking back and avert her gaze to her plate. The image of Nightmare Rarity and I engaged in a rather heated kiss still fresh in her memory. Most of the others kept a polite silence, and a baby dragon who I hadn't seen until now sat close to Twilight, shooting Nightmare dirty looks now and then. Personally, his mean spirited looks made me want to get up and smack him across the face or at least tell him off...evidently I had a protective side when it came to Nightmare. The table was big and wide so there was a lot of space between us, but I was still close to Nightmare. She sat tall and proud in her seat, regally defiant of the underlying animosity that bubbled beneath the surface. I made an effort to do the same, keeping focused on my food.


Apparently getting breakfast together had been somewhat difficult since I couldn't eat half the things they suggested. Hay, grass, seeds and oats. And the ponies didn't eat meat so we were all stuck with breakfast salads. I had two eggs in mine but had still barely eaten a thing. It was so uncomfortable being here...


I think my discomfort showed, at least to Nightmare, since I felt her give a reassuring touch on my knee that helped to set me at ease.


"So," I heard the orange pony with the blonde mane finally spoke up, clearing her throat before continuing, "how're you likin' Ponyville so far?"


"It's pleasant enough, I suppose," Nightmare Rarity replied nonchalantly, taking a bite of the salad in a rather predatory way.


"Michael?" Twilight spoke, her voice cracking a bit when she spoke to me, making and effort to look me in the eye, though to my slight amusement I could tell it was difficult. "How about you?"


"I like it well enough," I stated, truthfully for the most part I just wanted to go home. Ponies didn't gawk at me as much as before but I still hated the prying stares and the dirty looks they'd give Nightmare. "Though I could do without being stared at," I said, immediately regretting my words. Fortunately Twilight seemed more amused by it and chuckled, which seemed to lift everyone's spirits, save for Rarity and the dragon.


"Try not to blame them too much, after all there haven't been humans in Equestria for thousands of years," Twilight said, eager curiosity entering her voice as it probably dawned on her that she had a living breathing human to interrogate. I glanced at my distorted reflection in the fork, fingers tapping the table before I quickly decided to speak again to effectively cutoff being bombarded with questions.


"There were humans in Equestria?"


"Only from what I've read in books, but according to the Princesses yes there were," Twilight replied, finally seeming to shed the awkwardness around us both. Nightmare Rarity silently ate, seemingly bored with the environment around her.


"Why'd they leave?"


"Ponies didn't take too kindly to them. They believed Equestria should be for ponies and ponies only."


I blinked in surprise. If anything I figured it'd be predominately the humans causing problems...imagining these equines as a bunch of fanatic racial (or would that be specist?) purists almost made me laugh, but I knew it had been a serious issue so I held my tongue. I noted from the way Nightmare spoke of it in a knowing voice made me think she had been around at that time. Though what she said apparently seemed to bring a feeling of discomfort again, as Twilight looked down at her plate again and continued eating.


"So Michael, is your world very different?" The orange pony, Applejack, spoke up once more. Seemingly determined to be friendlier with us. I nodded in confirmation, feeling unsure of how to say in what ways it was different. Cars, advanced technology, and of course the history. I was far from an expert on it all and I didn't want to be overly negative on the subject. "Yeah...it's different. Vastly different than this world...," I trailed off.


"Say, how did you get here anyway?" Rainbow Dash cut in, eyeing me intently. Twilight again seemed to perk up as she saw a chance to ask questions again.


"I brought him here," Nightmare Rarity answered, "let's just say the moon has many secrets," she went on cryptically. I remembered the numerous beautiful gems in the cavernous area that I had first arrived in and that pool of water that acted as a gate of sorts. "And then your princesses turned what was supposed to be a pleasant visit into a war zone," she quipped. I about flinched when she said that, knowing it was bound to spark an argument, but I could tell from the gleam in her glowing eyes it amused her. Both Rainbow Dash and the dragon seemed to get hostile at that remark but before either of them could retort the yellow pegasus managed to interject despite how soft and quiet her voice was.


"Um, I think there's somepony at the door," she squeaked. Indeed she was correct that someone was knocking hard on the door now. Twilight in a bright purple flash teleported there and back in a span of about fifteen seconds. Nervously laughing as reappeared in the room, knowing how tense the situation was getting and was probably thanking her lucky stars that the mailman er...mailpony had unintentionally interrupted and spared her a ugly morning argument.


"Who's it for?" Rainbow asked, craning her blue neck to see. Twilight looked at Nightmare and I, baffled.


"It's for you two," the letter, enclosed by a magic aura levitated it's way into my hands, "it's from Princess Celestia."


Nightmare Rarity scowled slightly but remained silent as I carefully ripped the envelop open and gingerly removed the letter, unfolding it neatly. Of all things, two tickets fell out and into my free hand as I read the brief message.


"Well!?" Rainbow Dash inquired, getting impatient. Rarity, who had been quiet the whole time gasped dramatically at something.


"They've just been invited to the Grand Galloping Gala!"


She was correct, I looked at the tickets in my hands, golden and gleaming, without a single imperfection. Even Nightmare Rarity seemed a touch surprised, raising an eyebrow.


"Equestria's biggest formal event?" Nightmare inquired. "To what point and purpose?"


"Maybe she just wants the two of you to have fun?" Applejack said in an upbeat voice.


"Ha, Celestia always has something planned-," I interrupted Nightmare's response with my own question, raising a hand.


"I have a question: What the hell is the Grand Galloping Gala?!"

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 19: Preparations
----


"What the hell was that back there?" I asked as we walked into the bedroom we currently occupied, shutting the door behind me a bit loudly and causing me to cringe somewhat from the unexpected noise. Nightmare Rarity looked at the tickets to the gala or whatever, the sunlight silhouetting her body, her long flowing tail flicked slightly. A ghostly trail of shadow flourishing from the tips of hair for a few seconds.


"What was what?"


"You know what. Antagonizing them like that," I said. I wasn't sure why I was upset, but I felt it sitting in the pit of my gut like a fiery stone.


"What were you expecting? I'm not their friend, nor will I ever be," she glanced over at me, a casual expression on her face. "Remember who you're dealing with," was all she added. I just sighed in exasperation, looking away from her and making my way towards a desk aimlessly, briefly spotting a distorted reflection of myself in the floor when my eyes just fixed on the dark brown desk itself. Sleek and shiny, certainly made out of actual wood. My fingers tapped on the surface absently, my ears registering the sound of her hooves approaching me. Her beautiful voice reaching out to me once more.


"Why are you so upset?" Her tone was gentler this time, somehow I just felt a hoof linger over my back before she decided to actually touch me.


"I guess I just want them to...like you."


"Well, not everyone will like me Michael. Many will and still will hate me, either because of what I have done in the past or for the simple sake of the fact I am me."


Nightmare was right, of course. A sound resonate truth marked each word from her mouth that touched my heart.


"Though I'll concede I should have taken your feelings into more consideration," she rested her chin on my shoulder, her lips close to my neck.


"I'm sorry too...I just have a protective streak, apparently."


"So I can tell. I noted you had a less than pleased response to Spike's glares."


"Spike-oh, the dragon," I thought to myself, smiling and turning around to face her. Our noses nearly touching. "That I didn't, was it that obvious?"


"Only to me," she replied with a small grin. Already she knew me well enough to gauge my unspoken reactions and emotions, I prided myself for having a strong hold over most of what I felt. Nightmare's horn still glowed a sapphire hue as I gently took the two tickets in my hand.


"So, want to be my date?" I asked, chuckling as I knew what the answer was going to be. Nightmare Rarity gave me a mock taken aback look, laying a black hoof on her chest.


"Why Michael, are you asking me out!?"


"Yes."


Her look become a surprisingly seductive one, eyes half lidded, a little smile; and leaning in towards me slowly and a foreleg wrapping around my waist.


"Of course I will," she whispered just seconds before our lips locked once more. Fortunately we were not interrupted this time.




-----


The chambers beneath the castle were dark, and seemed all the gloomier since King Sombra's surprising return. The cold air chilled the guards and the prisoner they led down the steps. The prisoner was obviously terrified, but did not struggle, he knew there was no point in trying to escape. The chains rattled with every step he took, his head lowered miserably. The guards stood tall, the bottom of their speaks tapping the old stone steps as they gradually came around to the bottom.


King Sombra's back was turned and his wicked curved horn glowed with dark energy, the sound of...tools clinking and working could be faintly heard. Both the guards and the prisoner were surprised by this, they hadn't known what to expect, but they hadn't expected this. Sombra's left ear twitched as he acknowledged the sound of their approach, keeping his focused aimed on his creation. The number of his loyalists were considerable, but in harsh reality they amounted to little more than hundreds. He had long since reached the conclusion he needed a vast army to begin his true conquest. And now he had a way.


The prisoner whimpered fearfully, at last attempting to flee, only to have the guards roughly pull him back. His body landing clumsily and a grunt of pain escaping him.


"Should've gotten leg shackles," one of the two mumbled.


"After this," the guard gasped when Sombra spoke in his deep voice, worrying for his safety. All three flinched when a loud "CLACK" resonated throughout the ominous cavern, it seemed to carry on forever in the vast and unseen reaches of the otherwise silent area. He turned to them, his cruel red eyes glowing with a malicious anticipation as a...helmet of all things levitated up. It was a menacing one, eye holes reminiscent of a vacant glare, the mouth piece resembled a vent more than anything else. The false mane adorning the head was obviously styled after King Sombra's own, and two little red horns rested on the forehead. Glinting spikes jutted from the throat.


The prisoner thrashed wildly, frantically begging "No" and "Please" but he may as well have been pleading to a deaf stallion as the terrifying object was unceremoniously placed over his head. Instantly the prisoner went rigid and silent. A steady hum rising from the helmet that now obscured his true visage, the eye holes lit up a sickly green, revealing the dark magic that powered it. The guards backed away, stunned by this device. Sombra's horn glowed as he freed the pony, not in the slightest bit worried about being assaulted or the prisoner running for his freedom.


"Soldier, can you hear me?"


A simple, stiff nod answered Sombra's inquiry. The Crystal Empire's ruler stood a bit taller, his eyes shining with a sadistic triumph.


"Tell me, who do you serve?"


"You," the voice that came from the mouth piece was distorted, deep and metallic nature. "And only you your Highness."


"Excellent," King Sombra looked over at the two guards, who's faces still bore the expression of shock and fear. They could hardly process what they had seen. King Sombra had just built a mind control device! How they did not know, nor did they want to.


"Beginning rounding up as many of the crystal ponies as you can, I will mass produce these helmets," he was satisfied to see them frantically nod and bolt up the stairs, one of them stumbling and his chin bashing onto one of the steps, but at that moment fear overcame pain and he was quickly on his armored hooves again and running like a demon from Tartarus itself was chasing him. King Sombra's heart pounded in his chest as his horn lit up again, he could not yet bask in the glory of his achievement just yet. He had much work to do.




-----


Nightmare Rarity felt as though she had been away from the moon for quite sometime, though logically this was false. Either way it felt nice to be home, in her domain once more instead the overly happy mind numbing waste that was Ponyville. Her long horn glowed as the doors to her closet were thrust open. As a Queen her closet was immense, rows of fine clothing, some of them ancient, lined the deep midnight blue walls. Mostly dresses and other formal attire. She rarely wore clothing, few ponies really did anyway. Wordlessly she scanned the many pieces of clothing, not satisfied with any. Some she hung back up, others she tossed outside the closet itself to be discarded later, finding them unflattering or distasteful.


A fine eyebrow arched slightly as she observed a white dress. Obviously form fitting, revealing her shoulders and a shape obviously styled like a diamond left an opening to expose her chest. A set of matching shoes that laced around her back legs, each with a priceless sapphire embedded in them lay in the space beneath where the dress was hung; including a matching tiara tiara and tight necklace. Foreleg bracelets and metal guarders adorned with lunar symbols, perfectly carved into the metal. She found herself smiling, it was certainly a beautiful dress, but definitely not formal gala appropriate. She could just imagine him, red faced and flustered at the sight of her wearing it.


"Maybe one day," Nightmare chuckled at the thought and hung the dress back up before continuing her search for a dress she deemed worthy for such an event. She scoffed scornfully at a puffy, lacy dress that was an atrocious shade of pink and flung it out onto the small pile of dresses she planned to get rid of. And perhaps punishing whoever thought buying her that dress was a good idea would be much deserved.


She gave an exasperated sigh, a hoof tapped the ground in frustration. Brushing a lock of her lovely mane of her eye she gave another huff and spoke aloud.


"I'm going to have make something?!" The Grand Galloping Gala was only less than five days away. But she quickly found confidence swelling in her chest.


"Challenged accepted."





Author's Note:
This'll be the last update of the story until sometime after Christmas. Working in retail around holidays sucks, so consider this an early gift. There will be at least one more writing, but either way, I hope you enjoy this one. Though given that it's been literal months since this was even acknowledged is an update like this even necessary?

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 20: The Gala
----


The carriage I was in was fortunately big enough for me, Princess Cadence having been kind enough to give me a ride. She and I had met a few days ago when, after I spent some working up the courage, walked into Carousel Boutique since apparently Rarity was the only clothes maker in Ponyville. Because obviously no formal attire for humans existed in Equestria. I was left awkwardly stammering and she being a touch icy towards me until Princess Cadence walked in and we were all able to work things out. Since then I could say we've somewhat befriended each other. The inside of the carriage was warm and inviting, with soft cushions and colors of romantic red and pink. The carriage would occasionally jostle lightly as we passed over the road and approached Canterlot Castle.


"Nervous?" Cadence asked teasingly from where she sat comfortably. Her mane (which somehow reminded me of ice cream) was lavishly done up in what was apparently referred to as "The Royal Ceremonial Headdress." Numerous jewels along with her little crown, her dress being a blue color that stopped just short of her back hooves.


"A little," I glanced out at the streets of Canterlot, which were steadily growing more and more vacant as ponies made their way to the castle. I made sure my suit was spotless and adjusted my tie. I was insistent on it being a tie...NOT a bow tie. Somehow the idea of me in a bow tie seemed too goofy. It was silky to the touch and dark red, the suit being black, primarily. In my hands I held a single, perfect blue rose. It's scent faintly wafting up to me.


"I'm sure you'll be fine, just jitters," Cadence said with a kind smile. I learned she was the Princess of Love and naturally she seemed excited at the thought of helping a relationship in any way.


"Thanks for all your help, Cadence," I smiled back at her, "couldn't of done this without you."


"Oh it's no trouble at all," she replied, waving a hoof slightly, "just have the time of your life with her in there."


The carriage stopped, even from in here I could hear the muffled voices of ponies and the driver coming around to the door.


"Going to have to say my goodbye here Michael, royal duties and all that."


"I understand," I replied in time before the door opened, I had considered sending her my wishes in hopes that she reunites with her husband here, but she had worriedly informed me she hadn't heard from him in days.


Immediately I cringed when a blaring voice exclaimed:


"ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS MI AMORE CADENZA OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!!!!" The announcer pony lowered the horn away from his lips as ponies applauded and cheered her arrival. Cadence politely smiled and waved as she made her way down the red carpet.


"Wow, five seconds in and something already made me cringe. Gotta be a record," I mentally quipped as I briskly passed the Princess, a few camera flashes went off but I ignored them as I hurried towards the entrance, holding up my ticket for the guards to wave me in. Sighing in relief as the noise died down. The castle's interior was massive, mostly white, tapestries and banners hung along the walls. The red carpet I stood upon had what appeared to be the image of a glowing sun at its center. Princesses Celestia and Luna stood at the top of the stairs that were ahead of me, Celestia smiled warmly at me whereas Luna seemed to be making an effort to remain indifferent to me. Though I saw a flash of recognition in her eyes. And not in a pleasant way either.


I felt my lips contort into something of a quick smile at Celestia before I decided to make my way to some sort of party room where everyone else seemed to be gathering. The room was big, just like practically everything else about this castle, tables set up with snacks and drinks, with lavishly chosen light purple tablecloth; a band stood playing quiet music to set the proper mood. I felt a bit awkward being much taller than anyone else, trying to weave my way through bustling clusters of ponies. Then the whispers at seeing me. Figures.


I made my way to the table that had punch since I wasn't a drinker, ducking under some streamers and reaching for the ladle. The punch bowl itself was well detailed, almost like it was made out of crystal or diamond, distorting the juicy red punch. I was pouring myself a glass when I heard the sound of hooves behind me and a voice clearing her throat.


"Nope, not Nightmare."


I suppressed a sigh and turned to see...a whole collective of ponies. Stallions and mares alike had gathered around in wonderment. Others with haughty looks on their faces as they looked me over. Awkwardness transformed into irritation fast for me. My eyes scanned around looking for excuse to just avoid them, sadly my efforts were futile.


"Oh you must be the new human in Equestria, see I knew he'd be here!" A female voice said from within the mass of ponies, all wearing formal attire that was much too over the top and colors that made my eyes hurt. "You simply must tell us about your world-,"


"Sorry but I'm waiting for my date," I lightly made my way through the small sea of ponies, leaving the punch behind just so I could get away easier.


"But wait...," the same mare called out from somewhere behind me, though I raised a brow at why she suddenly trailed off, I shot a glance over my shoulder at her and saw the whole group was utterly stunned. But not at me. A hush fell over the room, even the band stopped playing. A deep cello note carried over the room as its player trailed off, all eyes fixed towards the entrance.


When I saw her...my heart about stopped.


Nightmare Rarity had arrived. She was always beautiful, but tonight it seemed enhanced. Her mane glinted and gleamed all the brighter, soft and lush. Her eyes shined like sapphire stars in the radiant galaxies above...and her dress, oh her dress. It was black, or perhaps a deep midnight blue, or maybe it was slowly shifting colors. It too gleamed like a thousand stars were held in its fabric, forming shapes of constellations. The sleeves of her dress were delicate, transparent like gossamer curtains. Her necklace was dark gray, swirling patterns etched perfectly into it, a single blood red ruby carved to resemble a bursting star in its center. Her tiara a similar color.


And she was coming towards me.


The world around me melted away as I looked at her, purposeful steps carrying her gently across the floor. It was like I was in the farthest reaches of space. At the edge of the universe itself, with only her at my side, swimming in stars. Every eye was on us as she approached me with the powerful grace of a angelic goddess.


Nightmare Rarity stood entirely before now. I remembered to breath now as I set. The room as silent as the beginning of time. My eyes never leaving hers I took her hoof in my hand, thin exquisite fabric sent a warmth spreading through my whole body as I kissed her hoof and held out to her the single blue rose I had brought.


Nightmare's horn glowed to life with magical energies as she looked it over, a small but stunning smile adorning her lips before her eyes held me whole once more. Wordlessly she draped a foreleg over the crook of my arm when I offered it to her and we proceeded out to the garden. I never once felt the amazed, prying eyes of the ponies as she and I made our way out.


The music cautiously restarted as soon as my foot touched the freshly cut grass outside, and chatter resumed. But neither of us cared. I happiness glowed from me in waves in my elation of her presence.



-----


Princess Celestia had watched the whole proceeding silently and from afar. Luna was confounded, utterly stupefied. Celestia couldn't help but smile.


She knew love when she saw it.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 21: The Gala Pt. II
----


The smell of freshly cut grass mingled with the scent of the blue rose I had brought for her, I didn't know why its scent was so strong, but it was. The sky was dark, full of twinkling stars, crickets quietly chirped away in the bushes and trees, the metal shoes she wore clinked on the stone path of which we walked upon. Her beautiful dress trailing behind her elegantly while she looked over the single, perfect rose once more, her eyes traveling to me and a slight smile forming.


"How did you know blue was my favorite?"


"It just fit," I smiled back, "you know, blue roses represent the unattainable and therefore the desire for the unattainable."


"The irony," she chuckled before sniffing it again, "though it is quite lovely." Nightmare Rarity looked me over approvingly, her eyes drinking up the sight of me in a suit, even the formal shoes I wore were polished to perfection. I'll admit I had proudly gazed at my reflection at least once.


"And I must say you look dashing," we passed under an archway with flowers carefully strung up on it, birds chirped in the trees and were much more curious about us than any other bird I'd seen in my world; their little eyes never left us as we passed by. I blushed from her compliment, luckily I avoided fidgeting this time.


"I think my stunned silence at your arrival speaks for itself," I laughed, an arm sliding across her shoulders, the dress was exquisitely soft like silk. Perhaps softer, my finger tips lightly brushing the gossamer like sleeve. "But really, you look absolutely beautiful, love."


"Thank you, I did make it myself after all," Nightmare Rarity replied with a hint of playfulness in the voice I loved hearing so much. We rounded a corner, a hedge blanketing us in gentle shadows, the sounds of the party distant as we came close to the castle once more. I looked up at the towers with their fluttering flags and majestic colors of white and gold.


"You know, I have to say your castle is much cooler than this one."


"Oh I already knew that," she replied with a light laugh, placing a kiss on my cheek. "You shaved," she noted aloud.


"Yeah," I rubbed my chin, "figured it'd be better than showing up with stubble," we came into a little clearing with a small group of other ponies, most fortunately did not stop and gawk at us, I couldn't help but give a small sigh of relief at this pleasant change. A unicorn pony, with a black goatee of all things and a black and white butler suit offered us a tray of what looked like...shrimp. Impaled on toothpicks. I absently took one and he went on his way to a small group of ponies.


"Ponies...eat shrimp?" I asked, mind boggled as I inspect the seafood. Nightmare Rarity steadily bit down on hers, sharp white teeth closing in on it in a predatory manner, chewing it and swallowing it before answering.


"Seafood and eggs are the closest ponies get to meat. Well, that and hayburgers."


I blinked once before I shrugged and ate mine, suffice it to say, it was certainly delicious. I flicked the toothpick into a nearby trashcan as we proceeded onward, taking in more scenery as we did. A few other couples were walking around as well. Lost i their own happy conversation, the distant giggle of a mare vaguely registered in my hearing, the entrance to the ballroom within sight as I stopped. Staring at it. Nightmare Rarity raised an eyebrow, looking at me, eyes briefly glancing at the entrance curiously.



"Don't want to go back in just yet?" She asked, I simply shook my head.


"I'm not in the mood to be gawked at some more," I said, looking up at the tree that loomed over us, branches with perfect, dark green healthy leaves. I sat down slowly, feeling a bit paranoid about getting my suit dirty as I rested by back against the thick trunk of the tree comfortably, stretching my legs out. Nightmare smiled as she too eased herself down, my eyes widened slightly as she slid her forelegs across my lap with a contented sigh, locking eyes with mine as our lips met in a quick kiss. My hands rested on her legs, fingertips lightly gripping the soft fabric and my gaze inspecting the material. It still glinted delicately like the sleeves themselves were galaxies with millions of tiny stars residing in it. Her sapphire eyes glowed at me, the love shining from them, framed by soft lashes. She shifted closer to me, our faces inches from each other now.


"Forgive me, but you look quite handsome in the dark," she said with a teasing chuckle, followed by another swift, but meaningful kiss.


"I've been called many things, 'handsome' is not one of them."


"Oh but you are," she replied, a hoof running along my leg reassuringly, the expression on her lovely face was genuine, not that expected anything otherwise. But still, thinking of myself and being referred to in a positive manner took some getting used to.


A soft warm breeze suddenly picked up, a few strands of her mane swaying along with it, I could feel my own hair becoming disheveled once more and I absently lifted a hand in attempt to get the loose hair back into place had not a hoof stopped me.


"I like it," Nightmare stated in a soothing whisper before kissing me, this time much more passionately than before, I returned with just as much, one hand holding a hoof while an arm traveled around her back. Lost in our bliss and without a care as to who saw.




------


Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy watched from afar as Nightmare Rarity and Michael kissed. Twilight had seen them kiss before so it was nothing new to her, Rainbow Dash was at a loss for words, whereas Fluttershy was simply trying not to gush about adorable she thought it was. Rainbow blinked several times, shaking her head four times, having to brush a bit of her multicolored mane and part of her namesake out of her eyes as she whispered to Twilight.


"Wait, so you weren't kidding when you said-,"


"No."


"I mean I'm not prejudiced or whatever...but...but...HOW?"


"Well I think it's sweet," Fluttershy interjected, a big smile on her face.


"You think everything is sweet," Rainbow Dash replied with a roll of her eyes.


"Girls, I hate to interrupt this riveting conversation, but I don't think being caught staring is such a good idea," Twilight Sparkle cut in, giving her friends a nudge in the opposite direction, raising a glass of tasty punch to her lips.


"I'm just wondering what their kid are gonna look like."


Twilight's eyes bulged, a sip transforming into an awkward slurp that instantly changed into a spluttering series of coughs. Rainbow Dash awkwardly rubbed the back of her head as ponies began staring in bafflement as to why Princess Twilight looked like she might hack up her lungs.


"Let's just forget I went there-hey is that Spitfire!?" In the blink of an eye she she sped off, Fluttershy patting Twilight's back until she ceased her coughing fit, briefly glowering in the direction the blue pegasus had zipped off too before noticing the confused stares of most of the other ponies in the ballroom.


"Uh," she cleared her throat, "nothing to see here everypony, go back to...whatever it was you were doing," concluding her statement with a big, awkward grin.
------


Chapter 22: Attack
----



A single guard stood watch at the top of the tower, he was in a less than pleasant mood. He hated working a shift on the Grand Galloping Gala, standing outside like a damn statue while rich snobs got to stand around and chat and eat fancy food. His gray wings ruffled at the indignation (at least from his point of view), but he knew better than to just not show up. Guards were needed for a reason after all. He inhaled deeply, trying to enjoy the night air, the quiet sound of the light wind and a flag fluttering overhead was soothing to him. He adjusted his golden helmet with a free hoof, putting his weight on his spear until he regained his standard posture. Even that didn't help. The guard huffed in boredom and some minor annoyance. Times like this made him wish he had a watch.


He practically jumped out of his skin when a metal clawed thing hooked itself it the stone railing. He gasped when he recognized it was a grappling hook! Two more followed, metal claws glinting in the moonlight as they arched through the air, landing on the ground and swiftly being pulled back for the claws to firmly hook onto the stone. Ropes becoming taut.


Jarred, the pegasus looked frantically around as if hoping someone would show up to help until he looked back at hooks themselves. He rushed over to peer down to see if anyone was climbing up.


It was the last mistake he made.


An arrow whistled dangerously and before he could blink it was through his skull. Fortunately for him he died before he felt any severe pain. His armored form clattering to the ground limply, his face bore a blank expression with a lingering trace of fear upon it.


About a minute later three ponies hauled themselves into the tower, wearing onyx black armor, the forth wore the same armor and one of the frightening helmets that molded his mind to his master's will. They payed the fresh corpse no acknowledgement as they began making their way down the steps. Excitement pumping in their eager hearts.


It was just the beginning.



-----


Nightmare Rarity, Michael, and the other attendees were oblivious to what was happening. Enjoying themselves. Michael had spent a fair amount of time working up the courage to ask her something as they continued their embrace beneath the tree. A soft breeze rustled the leaves of the trees as Michael shifted, clearing his throat. Encouraging himself mentally to be bold.


"Nightmare Rarity, would you join me for a dance?" He was happy his voice didn't crack but his heart was hammering.


"I thought you'd never ask," she replied with a seductive wink, her legs slid off of him and she stood upright. Michael grunted slightly, his back feeling a tad stiff, but either way he smiled joyously at her; draping an arm around her once more to keep her close. Her warmth had become familiar to him in the time they had spent together, briefly she rubbed cheek against his, the soft skin causing her to let out a quiet sigh of contentment as the two made their way back towards the castle. Michael opened his mouth to speak but was cutoff in shock when Nightmare Rarity abruptly withdrew from him, her right ear twitched. Michael blinked, concern replacing his excitement over the prospect of a dance.


"Nightmare, what's wr-,"


"Get down!" She commanded, forelegs enclosing around his waist and dragging him to the grassy ground, her horn glowed and a shield resembling a dome formed over their bodies. Michael clutched at her and his brown eyes were wide like a deer corned by a mountain lion in the dead of night, flinching as a storm of arrows rained down, those that struck the shield either fell uselessly to the side or snapped on contact. Others embedded easily into the ground, ropes connected to their ends. The shield lowered, the sound of hedges rustling causing them to look behind them as armored ponies burst out. Some had weapons draw and were give yells of battle and excitement.


"We're under attack!" A pony shrieked from somewhere inside the ballroom. Instant pandemonium followed.


Nightmare and Michael regained their proper footing, he looked up to see other attacking ponies beginning to slide down the ropes connected to the arrows.


"Get inside," Nightmare ordered, horn lighting up and a streak of magical energy shot forth, armor or not the pony it struck toppled over immediately.


"Now!" She yelled, Michael hesitantly did as he was told, never taking his eyes off her as she too backed away, avoiding a thrown spear. She used a beam to slice the thick ropes, from somewhere off above and behind them screams of falling ponies ensued. Michael yelped when the sound of shattering glass jolted him from his stupor, he watched as a pony, one of which wore a strange but intimidating helmet with glowing green eyes fell through the skylight and smashed to the dance floor. Nightmare never lost focused as she let off a few more rapid shots, the assailants blasted away one after the other.


Inside was chaos, ponies trampled each other in a panic to get out, guards and attackers clashed. Armor crashing together and bladed weapons clanging. Despite his great height Michael struggled to force his way through the stampede, snarling in fear and anger he fell against a table assorted with food and drinks.


"Find a weapon, find a damn-" he did a double take when a small but deadly looking ax burrowed itself into the edge of the table he had been using to prop himself up. He looked over to see a pony charging at him, giving a guttural battle yell as he quickly closed the distance. Michael grabbed the bowl of punch and wheeled around, the liquid dousing the guard from head to hoof, he coughed and gagged when the stuff partially flooded his mouth, the human proceeded to smash the bowl across the attacker's face to bring him down and ended it with a kick to the nose. He wished he was wearing his steel toed shoes rather than formal dance shoes, either way he turned around and yanked the ax out of the table.


"Well that was easy," he jokingly thought, perhaps the stress of the situation causing him to give a chuckle. He looked down briefly at his downed attacker. He wore black armor and what struck Michael as being the strangest aspect was rather than fur...his body looked like...crystal?!


Nightmare Rarity had worked her way back into the ballroom, magically hurling several invaders across the room, their bodies actually breaking through the wall and into a different part of the castle. However Michael saw something that enraged him, boosting his bravery further, a helmeted pony was coming up behind with a knife!


"NO!" He broke into a charge, drawing the ax back, and without mercy sent it hacking into the back of the helmeted pony's head. Judging by the way its body was shaped it was female, the mare began random spasms on the floor, no blood, but green energy crackled out of the helmet itself like electricity from a live wire. He was distracted by his observations as a pony, one without the strange device on his head barreled into Michael furiously. The wind knocked out of him and back meeting the ground harshly, pain shooting through his frame.


"Bastard!" The pony hissed. Those were the last words he spoke before a spear pierced his side, the speed launching him off Michael and pinning him to the wall.


Nightmare Rarity glared with fury at the pony, using her magic to twist the spear, ensuring the pony's death would be more painful than it already was.


"Are you alright?" She asked, helping him to his feet. He nodded, taking the time to stoop down and pick up the ax again, just in case. More Canterlot soldiers spilled into the ballroom to counter the crystalline invaders.


"Come on let's go," she ushered me on, hooves clinking on the ground as we made our way out.



-----


All four Princesses were at a loss as to what was happening. Certainly they knew they were under attack, but from Crystal Ponies?! Celestia swatted aside two helmeted assailants stupid enough to try and jump on her with her surprisingly strong wings. Each cracked into a wall and slumped down, unconscious. Her sister evading a swipe from a sword and counted with a shot of magic to the unprotected face to bring the attacker down. The younger princesses battled valiantly, Cadence was the most baffled, why were her own subjects attacking? She shielded herself from a spear, its tip breaking against it, lowering it so Twilight could blast him away like a rag doll.


The four stood in the foyer, determined to defend their subjects and castle until the last pony was evacuated at all costs. None would be left behind. A soldier adorned in gold armor sprinted over to Princess Celestia, a sun orange beam whizzing overhead to take out a pursuing enemy, his armored hooves skidding clumsily to a halt before them. Gasping he struggled for air, voice hoarse as he formed words.


"Enemies...first came in through the towers....guards dead...others...hid in the hedge maze...too many...never...saw...coming."


"Cadence, do you know what's going on?" Twilight asked, facing her sister-in-law with a worried face. Her purple mane disheveled from combat.


"No. I don't understand why the Crystal Ponies are doing this..."


"I'm afraid I must take credit for that," a deep voice boomed from the entrance, Celestia and Luna glowered in dark recognition as King Sombra strolled in like he had returned from a leisurely walk. Red cape fluttering behind him as he stopped, briefly looking at the red carpet beneath his silver shoed hooves and fixed them with a mocking grin.


"The red carpet, oh you shouldn't have," he laughed darkly as several cards approached from behind him.


"S-Sombra?" Cadence stammered, fearfully.


"In the flesh, no thanks to all of you," he glared dangers of pure hate at them, "vengeance is best served cold, as they say. The least I could do after imprisoning me in that frozen wasteland for a thousand years!" His eyes flashed green as he spoke those words, venom laced within them.


"SILENCE!!!!" Princess Luna commanded in her now trademark Royal Canterlot Voice, her eyes shining white as she unleashed her fury against the unicorn king. Sombra snarled and raised a shield at the annoyance, but it was of little concern overall.


Jagged crystal shot from the floor, piercing through the image of the radiant sun on the rug and ensnaring the princesses in their cruel grasp, Celestia's beam punching a hole in the ceiling as she winced from the uncomfortable edges digging into body; threatening to slice them lest they dare move. Bigger crystals jutted up from around them, curling over them like the claws of a gigantic predator. Sombra laughed at their precarious situation as they were obscured from view, but he knew now was not the time to be over confident. A guard pointed a hoof to the right, leading to the ballroom.


"Right on cue."




-----


Nightmare Rarity and I ran through the corridor as fast we could...until a huge, jagged, sharp and darkly object sprang up between and skewered into the ceiling! I could scarcely see around it as I heard a sinister chuckle behind me.


"Michael!" Nightmare hollered, but the sounds of battle ensued as I knew she was being attacked.


"Nightmare!" I bellowed, wanting to hack my way through this damn thing were it not for whoever was behind me. I wheeled around with a growl, ready to fight.


My eyes went wide as a shot of magic struck me square in the chest at high speed, lifting me off the ground and sending me violently smacking hard into the obtrusion behind me. The world going black, a flash of red the last thing I recall.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 23: Prisoner
----

Nightmare Rarity was nearly blown off her hooves when the jagged, ugly crystal burst from the ground behind her. She wheeled around, hair swinging wildly as she called out to Michael, his voice rang clearly in her ears as though he were standing beside her right now as he called back; fear underlying his voice. But there was no time at the moment, she glanced behind her to see several of the invaders charging at her. Her teeth bared in a soundless snarl she lashed out with her magical energies.


Rearing up on her back legs she brought her front hooves down hard, a wave of magic carving through the ground and scattering several of the attackers, a spear whizzing harmlessly over her head. Blasts of energy were let loose from her long horn and each hit their mark. The ponies shrieking as they were struck and sent flying away like bothersome children. Another she simply ensnared in a magical grip and threw him across the room, his body soaring through a wall and to whatever havoc was ensuing outside the castle.


Finally done with that she turned to face the unnatural structure. Calm, but quickly as she could she stepped back, giving herself some good distance as her horn lit up once more to channel energy. The unmistakable shape of a blue diamond formed just over the tip as Nightmare gathered her power before firing.


"Michael, if you're there you need to back up now!"


She waited several seconds before a powerful shot flashed through the room and struck the lower half of the crystal, bits of it randomly flew in all directions, coming within inches of her hooves as the horrid thing creaked. Shattering. It ripped through the ceiling as it fell, more of its pieces raining down to the floor before finally smashing into the stairs with a thunderous crash. Clearly splitting and crushing the concrete and the crystal shattering even further.


Nightmare Rarity's sapphire eyes widened when she did not see Michael waiting for her. She registered an orange burst of energy behind her, the familiar sound of a completed teleportation behind her. The four princesses looked around for any sign of King Sombra, Luna wincing as she stood from the aches her body now sharply felt from being on the receiving end of dark magic minutes ago. Celestia was left with a few superficial cuts, the traces of red liquid appearing quite unnatural on her white fur. Twilight and Cadence were unscathed, shaken, but fine. A flicker of relief crossed Twilight's mind as she realized the battle seemed to be waning, but that wouldn't change the aftermath: They were now certainly at war. One that determined Equestria's future.


"He's gone," Nightmare said, or rather stated in a flat voice, she instinctively knew Michael wasn't dead. Somehow she just knew. And he wouldn't have dared runoff.


"He's been captured."



-----


The first thing I registered was pain. A hell of a lot. Like I been run over by a train and then squashed by an elephant afterwards. Didn't help that I was lying on a cold stone floor of...somewhere. My eyes creaked open to see a dimly lit room of sorts, it didn't smell pleasant either. My nose associated it as something wet. My cheek pressed against the old stone, a quite but ragged breath escaping me as I began to move. Pain shot through my body.


"Ow!" At my exclamation I heard the sound of hooves behind me, panic setting in.


"Hey are you-," I whipped around fast, backhanding whoever was behind me, resulting in both of us crying out in pain. Me from the movement, him from the slap.


"Owwww, jeez, the hay was that for!?" A male voice demanded, I winced as I shifted to face him. A stallion pony, mostly white with a blue mane and tail, fairly young by the looks of him. Maybe only somewhat older than me. He was rubbing his cheek with a hoof and scowling at me, I could tell from his build he was strong...and something was desperately wrong with his horn. These black bumps covered it at all angles and they almost reminded me of rocks...and a bizarre venereal disease. There was a bunk, a plain old wooden bunk attached to the wall, no blanket or pillow. That was the only bit of "furniture" (I use that term loosely) in what was obviously a prison cell. Topped off with great, sturdy black bars keeping us in.


"Well you startled me. Given the last thing I remember is fighting and...something...," I remembered a red flash and then nothing else after.


"...He attacked! Where?" The pony asked urgently, the slapping incident forgotten instantly.


"Canterlot, and who's 'he'?"


"King Sombra. He came back somehow, my wife Cadence is away and he locked me in here-,"


"Wait-you're Shining Armor?!" I asked, sitting up when I realized he was the one Cadence had spoken of when we talked. "Explains why she hasn't heard from him."


Shining Armor never got a chance to answer as the screeching of a door opening silenced us. Armored hoofsteps descending at a brisk, but somehow simultaneously a relaxed pace. My heart pounded against my aching chest but I kept a calm face, Shining Armor stood aggressively, glaring so hard the bars might turn white hot and melt to slag as whoever approached drew closer. Three stallions cane into view, two were clearly guards. Spears and black armor, big and strong, one almost as big as their leader. The other was clearly not a normal pony. Glowing red and green eyes with some otherworldly purple mist trailing from the corners of them, sharp teeth and jet black hair. He wore a crown and a stereotypical red king cape. His curved horn was cruel looking, reminding me more of a predator's great claw than a unicorn.


He flicked a hoof at his guards, eyes never leaving us, indicating for them to remain in place as he strode up to our cell. Keeping just out of reach.


"Smart choice."


"What do you want?" Shining Armor glowered with vitriolic eyes.


The king only chuckled in a deep voice that felt like it could rattle my teeth out of my skull.


"You would do well to remember your place, former Prince," he said dismissively as his eyes now rested on me, "I primarily came to see how my human guest is doing."


"You know what I am?"


"That I do, though I have never seen one first hand before," he answered like we were old friends carrying on a conversation, he demonstrated his boldness by actually stepping closer to the bars. "But I confess myself more interested in your...companion."


"Nightmare!"


"Where is she?" I contained a snarl, not wanting to show much emotion. But I saw him smirk at me, clearly reading it my eyes.


"She remains at Canterlot, we returned here following your abduction. They'll soon be coming to us, along with her, I should think."


I didn't like the way he was referring to her, I shifted my position, not fully standing, but not sitting either. I saw Shining glance at me, but he must've known better than to interrupt right now.


"What interest is she to you?"


"We're both creatures of darkness, Nightmare and I," the fact he spoke of her and himself made my blood boil, rage overtaking any hesitation or anxiety that once lingered. "I have big plans for Equestria, but sadly even with my loyalists and those I have under my thrall will not be enough to overtake all of it, nor lands beyond," Sombra's eyes gleamed at the thought of conquest, that and I knew he could see...maybe even feel my anger.


"With her by my side we could have it all. Have I struck a nerve?" He sneered at me, knowing my anger was building like a storm. But even to my own surprise a steely resolve washed through my heart and filled my veins, I made no move to attack as he clearly stepped closer to those damn bars as he went on. "Why she's wasting her time with a human and a peasant I'll never know."


"I think they call it 'slumming,' your Highness," a guard piped up, but cowered when Sombra shot him an irritated glower.


"So in other words I'm bait?"


"More or less," King Sombra confirmed with a sinister grin and a mocking, dismissive shrug. "What'll happen to you after all this I know not, but I know she'll see things my way."


With more speed than I thought I was capable of I sprang at the bars, my arms shooting through the bars, hands gripping his throat; Sombra's eyes bulged and I yanked him in. He grunted when his cheek clanged into the bars and he gagged when my hands squeezed his throat. Oh how I wanted to hear to his neck snap like a twig. The guards rushed over and battered me with the blunt ends of their spears, given how my body ached the strikes hurt considerably, a bash to my forehead sent me back and I plainly felt blood welling up. On the outside the guards cautiously checked to see if their king was okay, he angrily snarled at them causing them to scramble away like scolded puppies. Shining Armor kept his distance from me but was ready to help me if need be.


King Sombra rubbed at his throat with a hoof, fixing me with a murderous stare.


"You're lucky I need you alive...for now." He kept his distance but continued speaking, "Nothing you can do will change what the outcome, when she comes for you she will either join me or die. If it is the second, I promise you you will get a good view of it before joining her yourself." His eyes flashed with contained rage and his lips peeled back in an animalistic snarl.


"And I promise you this: She will come for me. And she will not be merciful to you or anyone else who gets in her way. And when I get out of here neither will I. Rest assured King Sombra...you will see both of us before you die."


Fear did not overtake his visage, but I saw a flicker of what could be described as concern cross his eyes before he gave me one last, hateful glare and exited the area. The guards trailed behind him, the bigger one never stop looking at me until he left my vision. The sounds of their hooves going up the stairs felt distant as the adrenaline's effect wore off and I slumped hard on my rear. The unseen door screeched open once more, slammed shut and was locked.


Shining Armor finally stepped toward me, "Come on, we need to do something about that cut."

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 24: Plan of Attack
-----

The throne room of Canterlot was eerily gloomy in comparison to how it was usually seen, despite the sun shining through the intricately designed stained glass windows. The Princesses, especially Celestia, were stoic as they listened to report after report on the damages and regrettably, the causalities. The castle itself had suffered damages, dead or wounded guards, fortunately few guests had been injured, severely shaken up to say the least but alive all the same. Equestria was in a state of panic, no other cities or villages had been raided, but each of them feared it would be their turn soon enough. Twilight felt as though her head was spinning as the last report was finished up. The guard's mouth moved but she registered no words as he bowed and hurried out, the sound of his armored hooves could have carried for miles when Twilight shook her head to get her mental bearings back in check.


Then of course there was the issue of Michael's abduction. Twilight never said it out loud but somehow she felt his capture had been part of the plan, in fact to her it felt obvious.


It was obvious to Nightmare Rarity as well.


Princess Celestia let out a quiet, tired sigh as silence fell over the throne room, turning her gaze to the windows in contemplation.


"What shall we do now, sister?" Luna asked in an equally tired tone, steadily approaching her elder sibling's side. Cadence and Twilight remained behind, exchanging glances but did not approach. Cadence knew her husband was either in captivity along with Michael...or...she didn't want to even think the word lest it become a reality.


"We attack, I thought that was obvious," the voice of Nightmare Rarity rang strong in the deathly silent room, Twilight flinched at its volume and echo. She walked in, unlike the others he showed no signs of fatigue, and a fiery conviction burned in her blue eyes. Twilight just knew there'd be no talking her out of her idea. Luna just glared daggers, wondering just what she was doing doing here. She cleared her throat, trying to contain her anger before she responded.


"I think it's a bit more complex than that, lives, many lives are at risk here."


"Precisely why we should."


"Since when do you care?"


"I don't, I'm thinking only of Michael."


"Then what's to say King Sombra doesn't just kill him the moment he learns of our approach?"


"He abducted him to draw me out, for whatever reason, I think that's obvious."


"Um," Twilight piped up, her voice cracking when everyone turned to look at her, "I agree with Nightmare on that last part...nopony else was captured right?"


Princess Celestia nodded in confirmation.


"You are correct...the thought had occurred to me as well...it's much too specific to just be a random prisoner of war situation," Celestia hadn't used the word "war" to describe the situation, but that's precisely what it was. At that particular word the throne room suddenly felt cold to Twilight, and she shivered and felt her skin crawl. Equestria had experienced years of peace, small conflicts but nothing like a full scale war. War itself in Equestria was practically an alien concept. Unthinkable for some.


"Then what are we waiting for?" Nightmare replied, looking Celestia in the eye.


"The lives of our subjects are at risk, not yours. This is not your decision," Luna interjected dangerously. "Your supposed feelings for-," a look of horror fell across Luna's face as she realized she had used the wrong words. Nightmare's eyes had shifted to a demonic white and impossibly the area around her darkened, the shadows themselves sprung up in small tendrils around her hooves, dancing freely. Her teeth looked all the sharper, like they could crush bone in a heartbeat.


"YOU DARE QUESTION MY FEELINGS FOR HIM?! THEY ARE NOT YOURS TO QUESTION AND IF YOU REFUSE TO HELP ME I'LL DO IT MYSELF!"


The demonic appearance in the blink of an eye shifted to her normal one and none of them spoke. Luna had all but run and hid behind Celestia, Twilight and Cadence's eyes wide as dinner plates, Celestia was replaying the previous moments in her brain. She knew Nightmare truly loved Michael just by surveying their interactions together, her once sworn enemy. Who had caused her, her sister, her subjects and she could only imagine who else great pain and suffering for no reason she could discern. This mare, the one she thought was a monster unlike any other she had met, loved someone in a way she could scarcely conceive of. It wasn't as shocking to her as her fellow princesses, but the power of it even left her a bit speechless.


"No one questions your feelings, Nightmare Rarity, and I too agree that Sombra abducted Michael for the sole purpose of drawing you out. For what reason I don't know," Celestia looked towards the window again gravely, another slow breath exiting her body before she continued.


"But you are right...now is the time to attack."


The other three princesses gasped, in all their years they never guessed the pony they most admired would not only agree with the one who had once been their sworn enemy but state that now was the time for battle.


"We must end this conflict now before it escalates any further. Luna, you and I will assemble an army. Twilight, Cadence, oversee preparation for defenses here. I will alert you before we begin moving out. Nightmare-,"


In a bright flash she was gone, she needed to hear nothing more. She had an army of her own.


Nightmare Rarity was going to annihilate King Sombra, him and his Chrystal Empire. Nothing would stand in her way.




-----


"So let me get this straight, you met Nightmare Rarity in your...world. You fall in love with her and vice versa, she brings you to Equestria, you go to the Grand Galloping Gala and Sombra kidnaps you?" Shining Armor spoke a summarized version of the events I had told him back, a befuddled look in his eyes. We sat across from each other in our cell, a small part of sleeve had been ripped off my suit and wrapped around my head to stop the bleeding, courtesy of a guard who had bashed me on the head. Speaking of which, the two guards who had accompanied Sombra down here to begin with were now our "official guards." Goodie.


"Pretty much," I confirmed, leaning back against the wall. "Also...what the hell is up with your horn?" I pointed to the thing in question, riddled with black lumps. His eyes traveled up and he rubbed a temple with a hoof.


"Oh that? It stops me from using magic, hence why I was even still in here in the first place."


We both jolted in surprise when two trays were spontaneously slid into our cell. Instantly I knew it was food...using that word lightly. I slid my tray over to me with my fingertips, eyeing the stuff with a mixture of curiosity and disgust. There was a slop of something gray, two chunks of hard bread and a cup of murky looking water. I poked the bread rather roughly, my finger didn't even leave a dent in it. I felt myself sigh in exasperation and frustration. I had a half a mind to start berating the guards, but fortunately my rational thought overruled my emotion this time around.


"You need to eat something, you'll need your strength for when you escape." I felt the gears of my mind beginning to turn as I started to think about a means of breaking out. It was cliche...but if done right...it could work. I grinned dangerously to myself as I bit into the stale bread, ripping it apart.


"What?" Shining asked, giving me another confused look, wondering why I was smiling.


I only shook my head, smiling wider as I chewed and swallowed.


"You'll see."