Prince of Equestria - Blood Moon Summer, Part 9

http://youtu.be/j-aWVg_pOrc?t=5s
>You can’t help but smile.
>Smile as Celestia, the sun-goddess who locked Nightmare Moon away so long ago, takes in the full scope of your handiwork.
>Smile as Shining Armor, the wanna-be hero, nurses his wound as he looks up at his ruler.
>Smile as those damnable Elements float about the alicorn like satellites around a star.
>You fold your arms behind your back and pace, never taking your eyes off the princess.
>She affords you the same courtesy.
“So…I know it’s not the traditional arts and crafts you find at camp, but doesn’t this look so much better than a macaroni picture?”
>Celestia doesn’t flinch. She’s been around for over a thousand years, you aren’t going to rattle her with smarmy remarks.
>She just keeps giving you that deathly glare. You can feel the heat radiate from her.
>It matches the fire of rage in her eyes.
“Aww, are you upset? But I love yo-“
>CEL: “Not another word.”
>She accents this command by flaring her wings, the brilliant light forcing you to cover your eyes as you groan in pain.
>It feels like your skin is on fire.
>As you fall to one knee, the light subsides, eliciting a small chuckle from you.
>ARMOR: “Your majesty, Anon…he’s gone nu-“
>CEL: “That’s not Anonymous, Armor.”
>Shining Armor’s eyes go wide with surprise, remembering that Cadence said something to the same effect.
>CEL: “Stay back. I will take care of this.”
>The alicorn steps towards you as you get to your feet, your fist clenched.
“Now mother, that was just rude…”
>CEL: “You are NOT my son, do not call me that.”
>A wry smile crosses your lips.
“That was just hurtful…”
>CEL: “What do you want, Nightmare?”
>…
>You laugh.
“Oh ho, figured it out, have we?”
>ARMOR: “Nightmare?”
>You cock your head to the side, glancing at the wounded unicorn.
“Come now, don’t tell me the years have dulled your memory, back in that temple under the city? When you and Anonymous first met?”
>So many years ago…the weird sword…the even weirder magic that he witnessed…
>CEL: “Seven years ago, when Anonymous touched the sword, he was given more than just the magical spark that gives him his abilities…he got you as well.”
“Took you this long to figure that out, did it?”
>CEL: “A little piece of Nightmare Moon…her essence…”
“Actually, I think ‘child’ would be a more accurate term. Like a little baby king of the night, left to grow and feed on Anon’s anger, his fears and hatreds that all living beings possess.”
>Celestia snorts as Armor’s gaze wavers between the two of you, trying to process all of this.
>ARMOR: “Nightmare Moon? I thought she was just a legend, an old p0ny’s tale…”
>CEL: “When I banished her a thousand years ago, the seal was not perfect. With only five elements, I could cast her into the moon, but I could not lock her away…so I used…”
>ARMOR: “Wait…you mean to tell me?”
“YES! EXACTLY! I knew you weren’t all meat up there, soldier boy! That rusty old sword is the lock that keeps Equestria’s true queen locked away!”
>You rub your neck as you crack it.
“…And once I return to the city and draw that worthless antique from its dais, Nightmare Moon…well, I’m sure you can figure that part out.”
>CEL: “You will do no such thing. I will stop you.”
>Man, this old bat is full of jokes tonight!
“Oh? How? You gonna seal me away with those Elements of yours? Last I checked, you were out of old swords to lock me away with, and even then…I doubt you could do it twice.”
>This elicits a twitch from Celestia, a slight softening of her facial features.
>A chink in the armor to exploit.
>You step closer.
>To Armor’s endless surprise, she who controls the sun and moon actually steps backwards in response.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efAynPcJsR0
“That’s right…you banished one family member away for eternity, and she was your own sister…after that, you honestly believe you could do the same to your own son?”
>Celestia flinches, the anger fading from her eyes.
>Despair.
>Hopelessness.
>Yes…
“Because, if I go…so does he…locked away forever…with me and my Queen for company.”
>You draw up closer to Celestia, close enough to smell the omnipresent scent of sunflowers.
“So your only other choice is to kill me…”
>That got it.
>The sight of that tear falling down that immaculate white coat is sweeter than any emotion you could hope to elicit.
“I have to say, you would have been proud of your boy. So willingly gave up his body and soul to darkness, just to save one mare he cared about from getting ravaged by a cow. Such self-sacrifice.”
>Silence befalls the world as you revel in the moment.
>CEL: “…Shining Armor.”
>ARMOR: “P…Princess?”
>CEL: “…Watch and remember what happens here today. Tell, so that all may know.”
>You cock your head to the side as the Elements of Harmony begin to spin slowly around her.
>They begin to pick up speed.
>…better back up, just to be sure.
“…you’re bluffing. You couldn’t banish Anon to the moon. You’d have to remove the lock, releasing Nightmare Moon.”
>Celestia closes her eyes, the five elements glowing as they spin around her faster and faster.
>CEL: “There are many places I can banish to, the Moon is but one.”
“YOU WOULDN’T! ANON WOULD BE ALL ALONE FOR ETERNITY, TO SUFFER AT MY HAND!”
>Is…is that fear creeping into your voice?
>CEL: “That is why I will see to it that he is not alone…”
>She wouldn’t…
>CEL: “…his mother will suffer in eternity with him.”
>Oh shit, she would.
>You feel the wind start to pick up as she opens her eyes, matching the same eerie white glow the spinning elements are emitting.
>You tighten your fist as your blade leaps back to life, raising it above your head.
“NO! I WON’T LET YOU!”
>You yell as you launch yourself at Celestia, ready to cut her down.
>The glow from the Elements only brightens, drowning your world in a terrible, burning light.
>The sudden shockwave of air pops your ears, sending all three of you flying away as the light fades, the Elements falling to the ground.

------------

>You are Anon. The real one.
>The air feels heavier as you make your way down the hallway.
>The sobs, however, are getting louder.
“HANG ON! I’M COMING!”
>You figure, if you’re restrained somewhere inside Nightmare Moon’s essence, you must be getting deeper.
>You just hope you can still stop…well, yourself, from doing any more damage.
>Finally, you come to a large wooden door.
>Whatever is crying is on the other side.
“Hold on, I’m coming in…”
>You open the door.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc3bGo0r2X8
>What you see is…well, you certainly didn’t expect this.
>A faded violet alicorn sits hunched in the center of the dank room, her blue locks falling over her face as her head hangs low.
>Her shoulders shake with every sob, a thick chain keeping her bound to the wall by a collar around her neck.
>As you step into the room, she looks up with a snap, her expression the most fearful you have ever seen.
>”What? Who are you? You shouldn’t be here! Get out, quickly, before she finds out you’re here!”
>You take a few steps closer, holding your hands out open.
“You mean Nightmare Moon?”
>”Yes, she…Anonym?”
>Her face lights up as a smile spreads on her face.
“Anonym? Is that you?”
>Her joyful look fades as you step closer, coming in to the single beam of light that shines down on her.
“No…Anonym has been dead a long time.”
>”I…I suppose you are right. Anonymous…I remember now…you’re the boy who grabbed the sword. I thought all humans were gone from Equestria…because of the Compact…”
“Yeah…how did you know about the sword?”
>”Because when you touched it, Nightmare Moon was caught off guard. She never expected you to show up…who are you, anyway?”
>You sit down next to the alicorn, one eye hidden by blue locks as she keeps her gaze fixed on you.
“I am Anonymous, Crown Prince of Equestria.”
>”Crown Prince?” The mare looks genuinely shocked. “Then, that would make Celestia…”
“My mother. She found me as an infant and adopted me.”
>”I see…I suppose even death wouldn’t stop her dreams from coming true.”
>Her voice carries a hint of bitterness.
“You know my mother? Who are you?”
>The alicorn looks up, blinking in surprise.
>”Me? I am Princess Luna. Celestia is my sister.”
>Wait, what?
“Luna? I remember that name…every now and then, I’d have these weird dreams, like memories playing back from another time.”
>”That makes sense. When you grabbed the sword and Nightmare Moon planted that part of herself in you, I also managed to plant a piece of my essence inside. Those memories you see in your dreams are mine.”
“Wait, I thought you became Nightmare Moon, you are her.”
>Luna just shakes her head.
>”No…like you, I too was trapped by desperation, anger and hatred. I am a prisoner…just like you.”

--------------

>You are Nightmare Anon.
>What the fuck was that?
>You groan loudly as you pick yourself up, the wind howling in your ears.
>Glancing over, you can see Shining Armor and the princess also getting to their hooves.
>Between you and Celestia is…
>Is…
>What the hell?
>The best way you can describe it is a mass of swirling air, somehow visible, like a fine mist.
>A mist that seems to be pouring out of every pore of your body.
>Surprisingly, it’s all rather painless.
>Nonetheless, it is still freaky as hell.
>ARMOR: “Princess?”
>CEL: “This isn’t me, Armor…something blocked my sealing spell…this isn’t an ability of Nightmare’s…”
>She’s distracted.
>You form your blade as you crouch low, hoping to catch her by surprise.
>A sudden gust of wind from the mass slams you to the ground, breaking your concentration and dissipating the spell.
“OW! WHAT IS THIS?”
>Celestia snaps her head towards you, surprised to see the entity turn on you in such a matter.
>CEL: “Whatever it is, it’s not a machination of that creature possessing Anon…”
>Celestia approaches the mass, her horn glowing as she squints in studious curiosity.
>She pauses.
>Her eyes slowly grow wider as the features of a figure appear in the mists.
>A man.
>A human man.
>Her look of shock easily trumps any you could muster.
>After all, you may recognize the figure, but for Celestia?
>It is like she literally has seen a ghost.
>CEL: “A…Anonym?”
>There’s no mistaking it.
>That damn phantasm.
“This is just getting ridiculous…”
>Celestia’s tears flow freely from her slack-jawed, wide-eyed face as she ignores you, every fiber of attention focused on the phantom in front of her.
>For his effort, Anonym doesn’t speak. He just smiles widely at the princess.
>CEL: “But…but you died a long time ago…your spirit should have left this world…”
>Anonym smirks, as if to say she should know better.
>You don’t know if he’s talking to Celestia telepathically, but you can’t hear a damn thing he may be saying.
>CEL: “You…what? In the…”
>Anonym waves his hands, smiling softly.
>CEL: “I see…this whole time…”
>She smiles, despite obviously wanting to break out in tears.
>CEL: “It’s been so long, Anonym…I’ve missed you…”
>The ghost nods, placing a hand on Celestia’s cheek. She nuzzles into it, as if she could actually feel his touch.
>Shining Armor looks as confused as you are as Anonym glances back at you.
>CEL: “…But…”
>Anonym looks back to Celestia, framing her face in his hands as he gives her a stern look.
>CEL: “…are you certain he can do it?”
>Anonym nods as Celestia bows her head, closing her eyes with a smile.
>CEL: “I suppose you are right…if anyone should have faith in Anonymous, it’s me…”
>You back up. What are those two plotting?
>CEL: “You realize you’re asking a lot of the Elements. With only five, this will likely drain their power…are you sure you’re up to the task?”
>Anonym grins like an idiot, flexing his arm as if he expected a muscle to bulge.
>Celestia giggles. “Even after a thousand years, you’re still cocky to a fault…”
>Anonym doesn’t make a sound, but he seems to share a laugh with the alicorn goddess.
>CEL: “Alright…I will keep the spell up for as long as I can…just don’t get any scratches, ok?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-gwzUbcuGo
>Anonym nods as Celestia closes her eyes, holding her chin high as the Elements of Harmony lift off the ground, glowing softly.
>The ancient warrior fades back into the mists, which swirl around Celestia.
>She breathes deep as the Elements begin to glow again, orbiting her like before.
>Whatever she’s doing, it can’t be good.
>The mists seem to fade around her, as if seeping into her very skin.
“STOP IT!” You scream as blades flash to life around both hands.
>You charge at the sun goddess, ready to lop her head off.
>Too late.
>Her body is enveloped in the glow of the Elements, the blinding light driving you to a halt as you raise your arms to cover your eyes.
>Armor stands in wonderment as the light burns you, causing you to scream in futility.
>Your vision is blurry as the light fades. Dropping your spell, you rub them as they return to focus.
>Celestia is gone.
>The Elements are gone.
>What is left is…
>No.
>It can’t be.
“What trickery is this?!”
>It’s impossible…
>????: “Now, Anon, your mother and I had a talk. And we decided…”
>Blue armor covers the chest and shoulders, a dark blue cloak drawn tight around the neck as simple blue boots meld with the grey pants.
>The red hair reminds you of a raging wildfire as hands push the cloak aside.
>ANONYM: “That until you break free of this corruption…I will be your opponent.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpl-x5Utjl0
>You grit your teeth in anger, your blade flaring back into existence.
“This is your solution, Celestia? Fight me with an illusion and shadows?”
>ANONYM: “Trust me, lad…I am as real as it gets.”
>What madness is this?
>You brace yourself as Anonym begins muttering, lines of energy tracing patterns in the ground, with him as the nexus of a magical circle.
>Smaller circles appear along the outer edge, six in all. Five are filled in with colors similar to the Elements of Harmony.
>Anonym’s eyes glow a warm golden yellow as a perfect circle of energy forms on his forehead, resembling the sun itself.
“What trickery is this Celestia? Humans can’t tap the Elements of Harmony!”
>ANONYM: “Who said anything about the Elements of Harmony?”
>What?
>The five colored circles immediately roar to life, great columns of air shooting into the sky like jets.
>ANONYM: “I call upon the second and fifth winds…”
>You grit your teeth and brace yourself as the risen warrior holds his hand out. What appears to be a light blue cyclone forms around his left, while an orange one forms around his right.
>ANONYM: “Strike forward, to the truth of lies…Protect me faithfully from evil!”
>The cyclones collapse on his hands, taking shape…
>ANONYM: “I SUMMON THEE, SYPHOS! INDORA!”
>His hand clenches around the handle of a sword as it appears in a burst of orange light.
>On his left arm, a shield appears in a similar manner, flashing into existence in a burst of light blue light.
>As the circle fades to darkness, Anonym steps forward, taking a combative stance.
>ANONYM: “Shall we?”
>You grin as you point your blade at him.
“Let’s. Killing a dead man should be easy. ”
>The two of you charge each other.