Ch.3 Waking Up

       

 

"You... Damnable... wispy-like son of..." dropping to one knee Anon thrust his sword into the ground gasping for air. He and Rarity had chased this shade throughout numerous dreams and if had he some air in his lungs he would have laughed at what most of these ponies were afraid of; some stupid looking horse-face guy with mismatched body parts. Regaining his composure Anon angled his blade toward the shade while glancing back behind him, Rarity was just catching up to him. He had to give it to her again he didn’t think anyone could keep up with him, human or otherwise.

 

"However.... do you run so fast? You've only got two legs!" she gasped as she took an offensive position next to him.

 

"Haha... Let's just say that running is in my blood." joking aside Anon raised his sword readying his blade to deal the finishing blow. It only tasted air however for the shade hovered backwards before slashing at the air to its right. “Hah, so afraid that you’re confu--…” killing his witty banter instantly, Anon realized that where it had slashed quite a large hole in reality just kind of opened up. Anon could only look on dumbfounded as the shade floated through the portal.

 

“Damn it! Don’t think you’re getting away by tearing some hole in reality! C’mon Rarity” yelled Anon as he charged for the hole.

 

“Wait, what?!” Rarity began to protest but ran forward anyway as she noticed the hole was rapidly shrinking. She barely made it through after Anon and braced herself for impact.

 

…

 

……

 

……….

 

There wasn’t going to be an impact, not at least for another three to five minutes. Her stomach did cartwheels as she screamed tears streaming from her eyes. The shade had ripped a hole in reality that lead to a place a good half a mile skyward from solid ground. They were going to hit the ground and die! Glancing at Anon she saw that he was having a damn field day.

 

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“Come one Smile!” the pink mare shouted while twisting her face into another bizarre expression. Nothing, not a laugh, not even a giggle. She was running out of ideas and that said something because Pinkamena Diane Pie was NEVER out of ideas on how to make a pony smile! Regardless of her actions Fluttershy sat in front of her with dead eyes. “Come on Fluttershy, we need you…” cried Pinkie as she turned back toward the battle going on behind her.

 

It was not going well, not only were they fighting the personification of Chaos but they also had to contend with a mare whose job was to raise the moon. How was a single pegasus, unicorn and earth pony supposed to contend with these odds? Again Discord snapped his fingers bringing matter into existence with as much effort as one would when blinking

 

Hundreds of ice cream cones dipped cone first and began their descent toward Dash and Twilight. Rainbow Dash was fast enough to evade the cones and pull out of the storm, Twilight however wasn’t nearly fast enough on her hooves. Instead she erected a magenta shield around her which took the brunt of the attack. Nightmare Moon took this opportunity to overwhelm twilight and also concentrated her magical blasts on Twilights shield, Twilight was reaching her limit. Upon seeing this Dash veered away from Discords’ chaos and concentrated on separating Nightmare Moon and Discords coordinated attacks. Turning away from the carnage and back to Fluttershy, Pinkie did something that she hadn’t done for years. She stopped smiling.

 

“Pinkie! How’s it going with Fluttershy?” screamed Dash as she barreled into Nightmare Moon forcing her attention away from Twilight. “I don’t think we ca—Ooof!” she was a split second too slow to avoid Nightmare Moon’s counter attack and was sent spiraling to the ground and with a sickening crack Dash went limp.

 

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight cried, unable to lift a finger to help, with Dash out of the picture Nightmare Moon once again concentrated her attacks on Twilight, her shield visibly cracking. This was it, Twilight wasn’t going to be able to keep her shield up any longer and with the last bit of her energy burned her shield completely shattered. Bracing herself she closed her eyes and prayed to Celestia.

 

A savage cry and a crack opened her eyes and before her she saw a pink mare with bone straight hair connecting a flying kick to Discords jaw sending him flying back and out of the fight. From behind her she heard a voice crying out in pain and turned surprised to see it was actually Nightmare Moon screaming in agony. Fluttershy had rammed into her gut and brought her to her knees. “You leave Rainbow Dash alone you big meanie!”

 

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“I fail to see any humor in this situation Anon!” Rarity cried. “I’m a unicorn, not a Pegasus, and unless you’re hiding a pair of wings under your garments then we’re in terrible danger!”

 

“Don’t sweat it!” Anon laughed, “Something like this isn’t enough to kill me!”

 

“Well I beg your pardon but something like this IS enough for me!”

 

“Haha! Don’t worry, it’ll work out somehow!” Anon was… The idiot was doing backflips in the air to pass time. Apparently free falling to his death wasn’t hot blooded enough for him. “Hey, what’s that in the distance?”

 

“The ground? A sudden stop? Inevitability?!” Rarity cried closing her eyes.

 

“No, in the distance… Is that? Hey Twilight! That you? Twilight!!”

 

With Pinkie and Fluttershy now in the fight they had a chance, even Dash had gotten back up her injury apparently not nearly as severe as it had sounded Pinkie and Rainbow Dash kept Discords attention while Twilight and Fluttershy held Nightmare Moon at bay. Sadly in the back of Twilights mind she knew it was only a matter of time, if they didn’t gain the upper hand soon then exhaustion would be the end of them. If only they had Anon and Rarity she was sure they would be able to easily win.

 

“Twilight!!!”

 

Weird, she must be desperate to be hearing Anons’ voice. Twilight brought her shield up again and blocked an incoming attack from the alicorn while Fluttershy flew in for an aerial attack however missing Nightmare Moon by a few inches.

 

“Twilight!! Twilight!!”

 

Wait a second, Twilight thought. Anons’ voice seemed closer this time, breaking a little of her concentration Twilight looked around.

 

“Twilight, darling, up here! Catch me please!!”

 

This time she was even hearing Rarity! Looking up Twilight’s jaw dropped. Free falling above them was a laughing Anon and a crying Rarity. He had found Rarity! She would be laughing in joy if the sudden realization that they needed to be saved from hitting the ground didn’t dawn on her. “Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash! Rarity and Anon are falling from the sky, catch them!”

 

“Wait what?” Rainbow questioned as she craned her neck skywards. “Fluttershy grab Rarity, I’ve got Anon!” she ordered speeding up toward Anon.

 

“Who’s Anon..? Oh my!” gasped Fluttershy as she looked up noticing her friend plummeting to her doom.

 

Rainbow Dash was the first to reach them, grabbing Anon she tried to slow his descent but he felt like he weighed one and a half to two ponies. “Told you it would be alright Rarity!” yelled Anon as Fluttershy was catching her.

 

“We’re not out of danger yet!” Dash commented, “We’ve got nightmare versions of two of our biggest enemies down there, not to mention we haven’t had the chance to save Applejack!”

 

“Enemies?” questioned Anon, his eyes sparkling looking down. “I take it that horse-faced freak and black mare are the enemies?” pausing for a moment Anon added, “Drop me on top of the one with pasted together body parts.”

 

“Wait, are you serious? What do you plan on—“ Dash began but gave up when she saw the determination in his eyes. As she changed their course she added, “Alright, don’t blame me when Discord whoops your butt!”

 

“Watch and learn!” Anon smiled as he angled his sword down toward Discord. “Hey you mismatched freak, CATCH!”

 

Pinkie Pie jumped back as she saw Dash dropping Anon, Discord however was not lucky enough to see the incoming missile. The first thing to make contact with Discord was Anons’ sword as it penetrated through his chest spearing him to the ground, next was Anons’ foot as he used it to break his fall on the draconequus’ skull. However instead of a sickening crack Discord melted into a pool of black substance and rose into the air as a formless shade. Behind him Rarity, Twilight and Dash had managed to beat the black mare into submission turning her into the same substance.

 

“Alright we did it!” cheered Pinkie Pie her mane frizzing out. Though failing to notice that the two shades made a dash for each other combining before joining with the third shade Rarity and Anon was chasing.

 

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that!” Twilight cried, then turning to Anon, “Can you buy us some time?”

 

“All the time in the world, you’ve still got one more friend to save right? Something like this isn’t going to be the end of me.” He said while plucking his sword from the earth and resting it on his shoulder.

 

“Be careful,” Twilight added before turning away, “This thing seems to be able to take on forms from your dreams and nightmares.”

 

Anon chuckled at that warning, he couldn’t remember the last time he had a dream he couldn’t control, let alone a nightmare. Not to mention the irony, a dream telling him to be wary of his dreams! Smiling he walked toward the cloud whom had reformed into the tall black mare. “What? Is the draconequus too afraid to come out?”

 

“Foolish mortal, I AM the Night. Lose yourself in an eternal nightmare!” cried Nightmare Moon as she began the offensive.

 

Turning away from the battle Twilight and the others made her way toward Applejack whom was still suffering within her prison. Shooting a blast of magic Twilight freed her as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy caught her and lowered Applejack to the ground. “Applejack, snap out of it.”

 

“That’s not going to work…” came a weak voice from Pinkie. “I tried everything to wake up Fluttershy and nothing I did had any effect.”

 

Confused Twilight turned toward her, “But didn’t you wake up Fluttershy?”

 

This time Fluttershy spoke up, “While I could hear Pinkies voice, it was like I was lost within a void of darkness… It was so cold and dark.” Fluttershy shivered in remembrance. “But.. along with Pinkies voice I could also hear the rest of you, and just knew that you needed my help! I don’t really know how but I knew I had to wake up.”

 

Going silent in contemplation Twilight looked back toward Anon whom was busy with Nightmare Moon. He was indeed holding her off, but he hadn’t won, and even if he did would that free all the ponies currently trapped within their nightmares? “Oh Applejack, you have to wake up. We need you. All of Equestria needs you.”

 

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Despair Uncertainty Promises Lies Deceit Darkness Cold… So very Cold.

 

Applejack felt as if she were floating… Floating in a sea of despair. How long had she been here? Was she dead? Did it matter? Images flashed behind her closed eyelids. Images of Applebloom, her parents, Big Mac and Granny Smith. No, it was better this way, she deserved this, deserved to never see the light of Celestia or feel the warmth of friendship.

 

“A....ple….ja…k!”

 

Warmth.. If only a little bit she felt the warmth of somepony. Someponies warmth that she knew she didn’t deserve. She deserved this… Needed this darkness. How could something save her? Why would something save her?

 

“Apple…jack!”

 

Again light combated the darkness and a feeling of nostalgia with a sense of belonging washed over her. This time different images raced across her mind. Images of her friends, family, Sweet Apple Acres. Happy times, sad times, her life regardless of how happy or sad it was she felt something… Longing? This warmth that she was so undeserving of was pulling her back. Was it really alright to live? Applejack felt warm drops on her face as she slowly opened up her eyes.

 

“Applejack!”

 

Standing over her with tears in their eyes were five mares that she would put down her life for. With the completely blown away she felt in deep within her a hatred for herself. How could she think that it was just ok to die and leave behind her friends? Closing her eyes Applejack put a smile on her face as she promised to herself that one day she would gain the courage to tell them.

 

“Now what are y’all cryin for? S’not like somepony just upped an died is it?” Applejack beamed as they nearly crushed her in hugs.

 

“Oh Applejack! We were so afraid you wouldn’t wake up and not matter how much we tried you only got colder and and---!” Pinkie Pie burst into tears.

 

“Yeah, we all need you Applejack!” Fluttershy added with the rest nodding.

 

“Now it’s finally time to end this nightmare!” Twilight said with conviction. Helping AJ up on her hooves all six of them turned towards Anon whom was still fighting Nightmare Moon.

 

“Whoah! What in tarnation is that?! And what’s wrong with Princess Luna?!” Applejack protested.

 

“Don’t worry, that isn’t the real Luna, this is all a dream, all of Equestria is trapped within a dream. And with his help we’ll be able to beat back the darkness.” Twilight declared.

 

“But what do we do?” Rarity questioned.

 

Bringing her hoof to her chin Twilight contemplated… How were they going to free all of these ponies and combat the darkness? They may be united but the Elements of Harmony weren’t physically with them. Twilights eyes rested on Applejack and Fluttershy as she thought of all possibilities.No, we can do this, Twilight thought, they may not have the physical elements in front of them but each of them was a representation of the elements. As long as they were together anything was possible. “We pray. Pray for the darkness to fade and imagine all of our friends happy and free!” Closing her eyes not only did was twilight glowing magenta but her entire body was shining.

 

This was actually becoming a challenge, at first Anon had meant to defeat this mare without the help of the others but for some reason his movements were becoming sluggish and his dodges were becoming more narrow. He had never lost a fight in his dream and he sure as hell wasn’t about to find out what happens if he does. Gritting his teeth he baseball bat swung his sword at the mare who retreated a few meters away.

 

Suddenly from behind him he felt an explosion of warmth and turning to catch a glimpse he noticed the six mares brightly shining as the very light of their souls washed over everything. Tree after gnarled tree began to shake before shattering and revealing a pony in its place. As the light touched earth and sky it changed the very scenery from one of death and despair to a forest of life and happiness. Turning his attention back to the mare he knew it was time to end the battle he could feel his strength tripling as he charged toward Nightmare Moon. The mare’s eyes bore through him as it began to change its shape. So you’re going to turn into something from my dreams eh? Bring it on.

 

With all of his strength he swung his sword toward a small mare who wore a sky blue coat and had a mane as brilliant as the night sky. Her arms were outstretched as if to give him a hug and tears filled her eyes.

 

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Very slowly and with much difficulty Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes. Her body hurt and she felt exhausted and for a brief second she wondered what had transpired. Around her five other mares began to stir as she remembered what happened. They had succeeded! Together with Anons’ help they were able to combat the darkness that threatened to cast them into an eternal nightmare. Unsteadily rising to her feet she felt as if she had stepped into something wet and warm, looking down at it she had to wait for her eyes to adjust. Her hoof was stained by a crimson substance that was also marring her wooden floor, looking down she traced the source to a heap on the ground. “Oh no…” crumpled on the ground bleeding out from a gaping hole in his chest was Anon.

 

From behind Twilight a snow white pony scream, "What happened?! And blood, so much blood! Somepony-- Dash!" the sound of shattered glass followed by a rainbow light trail was all that answered her.

 

“I… I don’t know, Anon was keeping it busy and---

 

“Gaaah!” Anon writhed in agony clutching his stomach.

 

She had to do something, she wasn't sure what kind of animal it was but it had saved their life and now she was betting everything on those three butterflies on her flank. Tearing down a curtain she pushed Twilight aside and began to wrap the wound. "We've got to stop the bleeding, until Dash comes back we have to do our best!" she yelled in a voice unbefitting of her, mustering all the courage she could. Again the creature cried out, thrashing in agony, the pool around him growing bigger. He had already lost so much blood, enough to kill anypony. "Applejack, help me hold him down! Twilight, we need hot water and rags! Rarity a thread and needle."

 

"Thread and needle.. WHAT!? You couldn't possibly--. No. You can't mean? I can't" Rarity protested. "This isn't like sewing a dress I--"

 

"You have to! The hole is too large to cover up, he's just bleeding through it." Looking down Rarity shuddered, she was right, if it was going to live they needed to do everything possible.

 

"Oh Rainbow Dash, hurry."