[Short Story Inspiration]
Has anyone noticed how some people don't put their OC's inside unwinnable situations? If there's a conflict they are struggling on, is probably something personal and meaningless like; "Im living the best life imaginable, but DEPRESSION got me FUCKED!" or "Oh shit... I hope I don't stand out too much in this new life..." These people be suffering from success instead of ACTUALLY suffering. And man... that's funny!
How can these people save the world when they're affected by such trivial things? And most importantly...
How do they make it look so easy?
[Chapter 8: In Search of Failure]
After that crazy day yesterday, the castle return back to normal. It truly feels like nothing ever happened at all, which was great for the guards who do not have to think about that day. But for those who do remember, it put them in a bit of a difficult predicament. The current season was spring, and in the northern tower stood the filly Lapistoria, simply gazing at the sky.
She didn't had an urge to fly at the moment. Instead she was looking out the window with a lost expression on her face. The pegasus has a lot on her mind, and doesn't know how to deal with those things. So she remain there, wasting a bit of this beautiful day thinking on her issues.
Lapistoria: (Shining Armor... how am I gonna save you from that monster...?)
[Start of the 10th day: 19 days remaining]
Going over to the princesses and dragon, they were all in Luna's room, bringing her up to speed on the events of yesterday. It felt hard to believe that a day that started so natural, became quite hectic in an instant. Regardless, it was to be expected eventually, it is Galaxy they're talking about after all.
Luna: Is Lapistoria fine...? Mentally that is...
Spike: I don't think so, she looked a bit discouraged after we went on with our day yesterday. Barely anything came out of her...
Celestia: I assume the reasons could be; Not knowing what makes her "special", Shining Armor's immanent death, and her inability to save you sister.
Luna: ...
Spike: Seriously, I'm SICK of keeping that "special" secret from her. Can't we just tell it to Lapis already? She seems to have a firm sense of justice by now!
Celestia: No... now's not the right time...
Spike: OH REALLY!? Then when is it? When is this so called "right time" of yours? Don't tell me you actually believe wasting 1/3 of a Real Month doing nothing is NOT enough time to make us spill the beans!?
The little dragon snap briefly at Princess Celestia's patience. She understood Spike's concerns very clearly, which is why she's struggling to answer his question. The princess stood silent for a while to find an easy way to respond, until she came with the conclusion that no matter what she says, it will sound utterly unappealing. The princess then turned around, to not see their faces after she answers the question.
Celestia: Please Spike... don't be mad at me for what I'm about to say. I don't like it any more than you will...
Spike: Any time is better than never. I'll accept it as long as we can save Shining Armor in time!
Celestia: That's the thing Spike... I was thinking... We should say to her after Dark Matter kills Shining Armor...
Spike/Luna: !!!
In that moment, the little dragon grab hold of one of Celestia's back legs. She did not turn around, and instead closed her eye's for good measure. Her sister was drastically upset at the thought of letting such thing happen. So naturally, Princess Luna was on the side of Spike.
Spike: I did not heard you say that... I DID NOT HEAR YOU SAY THAT!!!
Celestia: Yes you did... We are going to let Shining Armor die before saying it to Lapistoria.
Spike: "WE!?" EXCUSE ME!? YOU'RE the one who is letting Shining Armor die!
Luna: I have to agree with Spike here sister. What makes you think we'll go forward with an idea such as that?
Celestia: Because if you don't, Lapistoria is going to get herself killed instead, and the world might come to an end prematurely. She almost did it yesterday. So who are we to assume she won't do it again?
Spike: GRRRR!!! *Sigh* Celestia... YOU CAN BE SUCH A-
Lapistoria: PRINCESS LUNA!!!
Bursting through the door energetically and concern was the pegasus Lapistoria, who after opening the door, immediately went to give Princess Luna a hug. The argument in the room immediately dissolve into nothing, as the little filly's gesture of care gave them no reason to go any further.
Luna: Lapistoria! What are you-?
Lapistoria: I'M SORRY PRINCESS LUNA!!! DARK MATTER BEAT ME UP AND I COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT!!! I COULDN'T SAVE YYYOOOOOOOUUUUUU!!!
Luna: That doesn't matter anymore! Can't you see I'm fine!? NOTHING HAPPENED!!!
Lapistoria: BUT THINGS DID HAPPENED!!!
Luna: N-NO IT DIDN'T! LET GO OF ME!!!
As Princess Luna was trying her hardest to shake off the little filly, Princess Celestia and Spike couldn't help but wonder something. Did Lapistoria heard what they were talking about before she entered the room? That thought linger in their minds, probably to the point in which they were anticipating something from her. But they didn't need to wonder any further, as Lapistoria finally let go of Luna to talk to the little dragon.
Lapistoria: Come on Spike, let's go!
Spike: Huh!? Wait...? What...!? Where!?
Lapistoria: To Shining Armor's house. You do know where he lives right?
Celestia/Luna/Spike: !!!
Lapistoria: Then I'll be waiting by the gate.
There was no doubt in their minds, Lapistoria is well aware of what they were previously talking about. It was further solidify when the filly stopped by the door, and gave Celestia this odd stare. This stun the princess in guilt, before the pegasus went on her merry way.
Spike: W-WAIT FOR ME!!!
Luna: I'll be accompany you as well!
And so, Princess Celestia was left all by herself. She didn't even try to stop them. Probably because deep down inside, she wishes Shining Armor will not have to die. It was merely an unconscious act of faith that let them walk off, as she's hoping they'll find a way to solve this mess.
With nothing else to do, the Princess of the Sun lock herself inside her sister's room. She did not exit for the rest of the day...
Going over outside, Spike was naturally leading the way around the city of Canterlot. This is the first time Lapistoria ever exit castle grounds, and being unfamiliar with her surroundings, she stick close to Princess Luna. The road was mildly crowded to say the least, but not enough to be a bother. If anything, every pony around them were just... weird...
There were absolutely no tourists, just rich pony, after rich pony, after rich pony. It was such a bizarre sight for the little pegasus, she felt the need to point it out.
Lapistoria: Soo... what's with... you know...
Spike: Yeah, you'll get used to it. Galaxy's subjective view points physically affected the city of Canterlot to fit his own image.
Luna: In order words, he can change the truth of something, and make it his own truth. The same thing happened in Ponyville, but worst...
Lapistoria: Ponyville? Don't you mean Equestria in general?
Luna: My apologies, I am unable to go into anymore detail.
Spike: But not me! HA-HA! Now listen closely Lapis, cause Mr. Spike is about to teach you about "Relevant Landmarks".
Relevant Landmarks are locations around Equestria that carry value in the eyes of Galaxy. In a broader sense, it's simply just "Town Bias". Only two places are affected by this phenomenon, those being Ponyville and Canterlot. Galaxy's semi-omniscient perception turns into definitive omniscience inside the area he is in, and weird things start happening as Galaxy makes it to that landmark. Those weird things are known as; "Arrival Scenarios".
Mr. Spike: It can range from: Ponies starting to talk about him even before he arrives, the weather changing without pegasus influence, a past villain coming for reveng-
Lapistoria: OK, OK, OK!!! But what about Ponyville? What is the DEAL with Ponyville? How bad even is it compare to here?
Luna: I believe we shouldn't go int-
Mr. Spike: *GASP* Discord is dead, so Fluttershy doesn't have tea parties, Rarity's boutique became Galaxy's wardrobe, Pinkie Pie talks about making parties but never does anymore, Applejack became a lie detector, Rainbow Dash is a competition obsess freak that only loses, Twilight is going to marry Galaxy, The Elements of Harmony are still being used even though they don't need them anymore. Starlight, Trixie, and Big Mac don't exist (Just like me!), The mirror that leads to Sunset's world doesn't exist, the School of Friendship doesn't exist, and most importantly; I DON'T HAVE MY DRAGON WINGS ANYMORE!!! *Pant, Pant, Pant*...
Lapistoria: Wait...! You had wings!?
Luna: Well... looks like we made it...
The little dragon managed to drag his for tangent so hard, that by the time he finished they arrive to their destination. The place the three of them were standing in front of was the house of Twilight's parents. Before knocking on the door, Spike felt the needed to give context about Shining Armor. The dragon turned around with a serious expression, and began talking once again...
Mr. Spike: Shining Armor came to live here after Princess Cadence abruptly divorce him. The divorce got him so depressed, that he couldn't come back to be the Captain of the Royal Guards, and instead stayed here, with the only ponies who will give him the love no pony would ever give him again...
Luna/Lapistoria: ...
Mr. Spike: Galaxy's back story ain't got NOTHING on this! But in all seriousness, this is sad. And it's even sadder that Princess Celestia is just going to let him get killed.
Luna: Speaking of which, Lapistoria, we've kept a secret from you for too long.
Lapistoria: Yeah... I recommend you keep it for a bit longer...
Spike/Luna: ???
Slightly perplexed by the filly's suggestion, the dragon and princess ask for a clarification. The pegasus did not hesitate nor beat around the bush, she put forth her reason bluntly and straight.
Lapistoria: If Princess Celestia truly cares for Equestria, then I want to hear that secret of mine come out of her mouth. So for now, let's respect her wishes, and disrespect her intentions.
*Knock knock*
In the end, they didn't made any progress. Shining Armor was not in the residence, he left to... "take a long winded walk", as his parents quoted. With that taken into account, the three of them decided to stay in the house for a while until he comes back. But as the morning turned into the afternoon, and the afternoon turned into night, they slowly realize they should have taken what Shining Armor said a bit more literally. And so, after thanking them for their hospitality, the three departed in search of the Ex-Royal Guard.
Things became more convenient and inconvenient the moment night fall. For starters, Shining Armor could be still walking around, probably heading home even. However, due to the darkness of night, it would be difficult to scout him on air. There were street lights illuminating the road, but it left unlit gaps where they have a slight chance of missing him. Therefore, they play it safe, and waited for him under a light nearby his home.
Lapistoria: I feel awful right now... Velvet and Night Light's were so kind to us, yet we haven't done anything to help Shining Armor... Let alone find him... *Sigh*...
Spike: Princess Luna, what time is it?
Luna: Around an hour before midnight. A new Real Day is about to begin.
Spike: That isn't good... not good at all...
The dragon and princess are well aware of their situation. It doesn't matter how hard they try anymore, they'll not have enough time, even if Shining Armor happens to walk by. It all felt strange, "where could he possibly be?" Thought all of them at the same time. In the end, there was no choice but to give up, and only hope that autumn doesn't come tomorrow.
However, as they walked out of the lamp post's light, The Princess of the Night felt something small fall on her nose. She touch it before looking up in disbelief, to then call out the attention of both the and dragon filly.
Luna: *Gasp*... The... the sky is...
Unable to say anymore, rain stated to fall from the now cloudy night sky. There was absolutely no warning, it just suddenly loom over them, covering the stars and moon. To make it all worse, the lights around the city of Canterlot began shutting down one by one. It eventually reach the street they were in, with the final light being the one they were standing on. Things couldn't have been more obvious... it was clear...
Galaxy is now on Canterlot...
Spike: An Arrival Scenario!? Why...? WWWHHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYY!? WE COULDN'T DO ANYTHING TODAY!!! AND NOW THIS HAS TO HAPPEN!? WHERE IS HE!? WHERE'S GALAXY HIDING!?
Lapistoria: Spike... I don't think it's Galaxy... this feeling it's... just like yesterday...
Spike: No... you can't be serious...!
But she was... Right behind them, the lamp post near them started flickering. None of the other lights were doing that, which hinted clearly their suspicions. In the middle of those flickers, he appeared... The lingering darkness that surrounds Galaxy's heart, was standing right in front of them. Dark Matter resurface once again...
[Midna's Lament - The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess OST]
Lapistoria: Where is that music coming from?
Dark Matter: This rain and music come from Galaxy's soul, because toys like you two refuse to play the roles you are born with.
Lapistoria: Again with the toy stuff!? You're truly messed up in the head!
For the heck of it, Dark Matter contorted his body within the flicker intervals of the lamp. It was just a creepy effect to make things scary, but he just made it awkward. Especially when he started moaning, now that's when things got weird...
Dark Matter: Ooooohhhhhhhhhhhh Luna... OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! LUNA!!!
Luna: Y-Yes...?
Dark Matter: It's your fault I'm like this! Why must you be such a SLUT Luna!? Why are you helping that twat and not MMMEEEEEEEEEEEEE!?
Luna: What are you insinuating? We are here because you proclaim your desire to kill Shining Armor!
Dark Matter: I knew it...! you're a malfunctioning toy. You and Celestia are malfunctioning TOYS...!
Out of nowhere, the dark alicorn had levitating in front of him a tiny bottle. In it there was some sort of crystallize magic essence. Spike and Lapistoria couldn't grasp the importance of that bottle, but Princess Luna did, because inside it was HER magical essence. The face Princess Luna displayed was all Dark Matter needed, before proceeding to explain himself.
Dark Matter: I got this when I entered your room the other day. In it is the source of your "malfunction". I knock you conscious so that you wouldn't go around bitching that I stole a bit of your magic. Then again, it would be wrong to consider this to be your magic alone... Do you mind saying outloud what else I've found in here...?
Luna: Ngh!!!
Dark Matter: That's right Luna! Keep that mouth of yours shut, and let me explain. Because the disgusting shit I found in your magic was... Discord's Chaos Magic...
Spike/Lapistoria: !!!
Dark Matter: OH MY FUCKING GOD!!! THE ECSTASY!!! OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!!! I GOT YOU ON CHECKMATE SO HARD!!! Did you knew that when I discovered this today, it got me so HORNY, that I had to resist the urge to RAPE Fluttershy until she reached that FUCKING cottage of her's! YOU HEARD THAT DISCORD!? FLUTTERSHY BELONGS TO MY DICK!!! SHE LOVED IT!!!
During Dark Matter's exciting moment of glory, Lapistoria flew over, and slap the bottle out of the corrupt alicorn's grasp. It shatter on the floor, along side Princess Luna's magical essence. This action the young pegasus took looked like a futile attempt to claim the magic back. But that wasn't the case, as Lapistoria began to scream her emotions at him, ignoring the bottle all together.
Lapistoria: QUIT PLAYING WITH PONIES LIVES!!! You claim to be Galaxy's, sorrow, despair, and pain! BUT SO FAR I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY OF THAT FROM YOU!!! You act so happy and proud of such messed up things! While barking about how much you are supposably SUFFERING!!! YOUR EXISTENCE MAKES ME WANNA PUKE!!!
Dark Matter: And your existence makes me want to kill you, but you won't hear ME say that out loud. I'm just that much of a nice guy! That's what Galaxy thinks deep within me...
Lapistoria: No... "Galaxy" is just a facade you take to make yourself look good... I'm positive now, the thing you are now, is without a doubt your TRUE SELF!
Thunder strike down from above upon the filly's statement. The background music came to a halt, and the rain worsen to a downpour. No pony said a word, they just continue to get soak, expecting a response from the corrupt alicorn. But when he finally came around to speak, he turned melancholic all of a sudden.
Dark Matter: We all wear masks... Deep down inside, we're all ugly monsters. So to hide that from the world, and from ourselves, we create masks to hide amongst the other monsters...
Lapistoria: Where are you going with this? Why change the toy blabber with masks?
Dark Matter: Because you have a mask, just like mine...
Spike/Luna/Lapistoria: !!!
Dark Matter: I can hardly wait for the day, where you'll have no choice but to rip it out, and show Equestria that you're an uglier monster than ME...
Lapistoria: ...
Dark Matter: Good luck *Chuckle* HA-HA HHHHAAAAAA!!! *GASP* GOOD LUCK FINDING SHINING ARMOR!!!
Having the last laugh, Dark Matter flew out into the stormy night sky, leaving the trio on an uncomfortable note. Princess Luna was concern over Discord's magic. Dark Matter could have easily erase it from her, but he just let her be. How will she bring the news to her sister, that their self awareness may fall short before the end of the world.
Spike look over Lapistoria, who herself was unable to look away from the sky. It felt utterly infuriating seeing how weak they are compared to him. If they didn't know any better, that last thing Dark Matter said before leaving, might as well hinted Shining Armor's fate. The little filly couldn't find any words to describe how she feels right now. So instead, she turned around to see Spike and Luna in the eye, and softly wonder...
"What time is it...?"
[End of the 10th day: 18 days remaining]
[End of Chapter 8]