Chapter 5: The Past is Here!
Twilight found herself in a strange place. She was outside, but around her were structures she hadn't seen before. To the right of her, there was a large building with various floors and windows off in the distance. While in front of her there was a field with a fence-like structure. It was then she realized that there were two beings fighting in that field.
A figure in red that reminded her of Shirou's armor and a figure in blue stood at odds. They clashed at speeds she couldn't even follow. All she saw was the sparks as their weapons clashed and the dust there movement disturbed. It was mesmerizing. She'd seen the royal guards spar before thanks to her brother, but their skills paled in comparison to what she was witnessing.
The fight wouldn't last much longer though, as suddenly the one in blue stopped. He quickly focused towards the area she was standing. This shocked Twilight who thought they had spotted her, only to realize they were staring a bit behind her. It was then she saw Shirou, wearing a uniform of some sort. He stood there for a second dumbfounded until his instincts kicked in. She saw him bolt for the nearby building and decided to follow him.
Unfortunately for her, Shirou was far faster as he quickly disappeared down a hallway and up some stairs. She at least knew his general direction and tried to catch up. At first she thought he might've gotten away when she saw no one pursuing them. This relief was short-lived.
Upon reaching the top of the stairs she saw the figure in blue had stabbed Shirou through the chest with a blood red spear. Shivers coursed down her mane. She heard the figure speak, but failed to process his words as the shock of what she was witnessing gripped her. The spear held bloodlust so potent she was paralyzed with absolute terror. As the figure finally vanished, his morbid task done, she rushed to Shirou's prone form.
"No! Shirou! Somepony, anypony! Please help him!" Twilight's desperate pleas went unheard. She felt tears welling up when she heard somepony approaching from behind. She feared someone had come to finish the job as she had realized Shirou was still alive if only barely.
"If his heart's still intact then he can still be saved." Upon hearing this Twilight turned to see what she assumed was a human mare approaching Shirou. "Oh no! Why did it have to be you! Why were you here today?" Twilight heard the mare lament, but hoped they would be able to save Shirou. "There may still be a way," the mare continued as she pulled out a large red gem that Twilight sensed was brimming with magical energy. She then proceeded to channel that energy into a spell that healed the horrid wound on Shirou's chest.
"Thank you so much!" Twilight's relief was palpable as she witnessed Shirou's breathing return to normal. She finally calmed down, only for the dream to change once more.
Now she saw Shirou in a shed, sitting near one of the walls. Across from him stood a regal figure clad in armor, their blonde hair shining in the moonlight.
"I ask of you, are you my master?" Twilight felt a sense of deja vu and quickly figured this must've been Shirou's Saber servant. This explains his introduction, a bit on the nose one would think, Twilight lightly laughed to herself.
This night refused to end for her as the dream shifted yet again. The shed gave way to a foggy, empty street where Twilight spotted Shirou and a few others. One of the figures stood out with hair white as snow. Due to her innocent appearance and small stature, Twilight believed her to be a filly.
"Ne, onii-chan, are you done chatting?" The filly asked playfully as the fog gave way to a massive figure of pure muscles. The malice in her tone threw Twilight for a loop. But what stupefied everyone else was Shirou's own response.
"Illya! Is it really you?!" He rushed towards her without regard for the hulking giant looming over her. In her confusion at his actions, Illya was unable to stop Shirou as he embraced her in a tight hug. "It really is you, right? I wish I could've gone to find you, but I'm so glad you're here!" Twilight saw the tears forming in Illya's eyes. The filly was unable to control her emotions due to the various mixed signals her mind was sending her.
"W-w-what? Why are you hugging me?! We're enemies! You and Papa are the ones I hate the most!" Her anger flared as she tried to sort her emotions. "So why? Why are you so happy to see me?"
"Because you're my sister," responded Shirou, letting her go to look into her watery eyes. "The one I was supposed to save. Dad wanted to save you, but when he passed away I thought I'd do it in his place. I must be the worst brother if I couldn't even save my sister?" His smile was bitter, he knew he had a lot to atone for, but perhaps this could be a start.
"Wah!" Unable to hold back her tears any longer, Illya began wailing as she cried into Shirou's chest. While surprised he held her close, trying to comfort her. "I miss Papa, I don't want to be alone anymore. Please stay with me onii-chan."
"Of course I will Illya, I'll never let you be alone again." And so Twilight witnessed Shirou make a second promise to his family. He'd be a hero and he'd always be there for his sister. So why'd such a heartwarming scene feel heavy with the taste of bitterness. I can't let the dream end here, there is still so much I want to know. Come on, I can keep going! Twilight's horn ignited as she willed magic to force the Dream Cycle to continue.
Through great effort the dream switched one final time.
A world of ashen skies and barren land welcomed her. She saw enormous gears in the sky, some broken and others barely spinning. What stood out above all else were the swords. As far as she could see there were hundreds if not thousands of them with their points dug into the ground.
"What is this place?" Twilight looked around for anypony else, finally spotting a few figures nearby. She quickly approached as one of them struck a familiar redhead. The feeling of this place ate away at her as she traversed it. She felt greatly disturbed, a terrible sense of hopelessness and loneliness permeated throughout the land.
"Do you understand now? The futility of your dream? The mountain of corpses that the hero Shirou Emiya stands on?!" A voice boomed from the top of a hill, she noticed it was the figure that had struck Shirou. He had swept back white hair and his skin was tanned. Even then, she saw the similarities between her newest friends and this stallion.
"That dream wasn't even yours, it was borrowed from a dying man. A curse that will only lead an endless cycle of suffering. Do us both a favor and kill yourself!" Twilight was appalled by the stallion's words. She wanted to yell at him for his insensitive speech, but when she spotted Shirou she felt devastated.
Shirou was covered in a myriad of injuries, with blood seeping from multiple stab wounds. What hurt her the most were his eyes, they were glassy and void of emotion. Then she heard his thoughts just like the previous dream cycle. Maybe he's right… If my path only leads to such hell what was the point? Will these hands only bathe in blood in pursuit of that dream? It can't be true! I can't accept such an outcome! So why can't I move?! Why do I hesitate?! Shirou's turmoil shook Twilight. She knew he was troubled, but now she was starting to get a clear picture of the sheer depth of his issues. At that moment both of them were wracked with a horrible headache.
They saw visions of a desert littered with corpses, each pierced by arrows. They saw an individual in familiar armor living and mingling with villagers. Only for the scene to change once more to carnage, that same individual holding a black bow as he gazed at his handiwork. The light in his eyes was fading. A final scene showed a tribunal, and the gallows. A rope tied around the individual's neck, as the lever was pulled. The sight of that hanging corpse would haunt Twilight, knowing who that individual had once been.
"You're starting to understand, but no matter how much you see it won't change a thing." The stallion on the lonely hill glared at Shirou. The swords at his sides, one black and one white, readied as he aimed a final strike at Shirou.
"Get up onii-chan! What happened to saving everyone like Papa wanted?! How can you stay with me if you die here?!" Illya's shouts stirred Shirou from his thoughts. He barely managed to form two swords of his own to parry the other stallion's blades. Twilight felt elated to see Shirou stand up once again, even if his injuries held him back. There was a newfound determination in his eyes. The light that danced in those eyes mesmerized Twilight. To hold such conviction! I've never seen eyes like those before.
"Even if my dream leads me into hell, I won't give up. I can't stop pursuing that beautiful ideal! And I refuse to accept you Archer!" Shirou stepped forward, trying to slash at Archer. Only to be parried and tossed further down the hill. Even with his renewed conviction he didn't have the power to beat Archer. "Just because you're correct doesn't mean you're right!"
"Foolish brat! Just give up already. Stop prolonging our wretched existence." Archer proceeded to create swords around him, each aimed at Shirou. Each of them capable of skewering Shirou's vitals. Yet they remained unmoving. He could finish him off now, end it all here. So why wasn't he? Twilight tried to figure out why someone with such hatred for Shirou would hesitate to strike him down. She didn't want Shirou to die, but it felt so odd. As if she was missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.
"Keep fighting onii-chan! If your dream turns the world against you then I'll still be by your side!"
"Yeah, that's right. I'm not alone. Not like you Archer! It's not wrong to want to save others!" Shirou's shaky stance changed, he stood up straighter as his injuries began to glow. "That wish, no matter how hypocritical, will always be worth pursuing. I will be a Hero of Justice! I will save everyone and with Illya by my side I'll never end up on this lonely hill like you!"
Twilight was amazed as the sky began to clear around Shirou. The ashen clouds gave way to a clearer sky, bathed in the light of the sun. I get it now! This isn't some random location, this is a whole world unto itself! But how can it exist? It appears tied to this Archer, but Shirou has also been able to change it. Is it something intrinsic to both of them? If Archer truly is Shirou from a future time, then this must mean this is a world that belongs to Shirou. Oh I wish I could learn more! I need to ask Shirou once I wake up!
The final scene began to play out before Twilight, Shirou charged up the hill. Archer launched swords at him, only for each of them to be swatted away by Shirou's remaining blade. The swords only managed to blow Shirou back a few feet. Archer's shock at his inability to kill Shirou was made worse as he realized what he was looking at. Shirou's visage reminded him of what once was, a cruel mirror. This gave Shirou the time needed to close the distance and stab Archer through his chest.
"So you really are different," spoke Archer. "So close to what I once was, yet you stand with another by your side. I don't think I've ever seen one quite like you." Archer's world broke, the remains of a wrecked mansion made themselves known. "You win this time boy. But how long until you end up alone like me? Will you be able to stand defiantly on our path then? Heh, what a foolish idiot I am to lose to you." Hearing those final words, Twilight finally awoke from the dream.
She found herself gripping Shirou tightly. His concerned eyes staring at her, she couldn't help but blush while looking away. Oh Sweet Celestia Twilight! What were you thinking last night! Sleeping with a stallion you just met!
She forced herself to relax, now was not the time to hyperventilate. It's okay! Nothing weird happened, aside from those dreams. And it's nice to have him here, so close and warm. The image of that hanging body briefly flashed in her mind. Her grip on Shirou tightened. No! He's fine, he's here. I can feel him and he's alive and well!
"Twilight, are you alright?" Shirou's concerned voice drew Twilight's gaze back to his face. "You had me worried when you began to shout and shift in your sleep. When I tried to rouse you from your dream you even smacked me away. Only for you to then latch on to me when I tried again. You even started sobbing. I'm so sorry Twilight, I knew the dream cycle can show you horrible things. I shouldn't have kept the contract going, not when it was gonna cause you so much pain."
"Shirou, who was Archer?" She knew the answer, but she couldn't accept it as true. Not if it meant what she'd seen was real.
"So you saw him." Shirou's face grew grim at Archer's mention. "Twilight, as much as I've enjoyed being your servant, I'm gonna sever the contract. I can Trace a weapon capable of breaking our bond so you won't suffer from experiencing my past anymore."
"No! You can't do that! I refuse to let you go off on your own Shirou." Twilight's outburst surprised even her. "Please Shirou, I promised to accept you and everything that entails. These dreams scare me, but they also show me who you are in a way I don't think anypony ever could. You also didn't answer the question."
"Fine, but if this goes too far I won't hesitate to use Rule Breaker to break the contract." Shirou hesitated before continuing. "As for Archer… you could say he's me. At least, another version of Shirou Emiya. He's from a future timeline back on Earth. His choices led him to becoming the way he is. Choices that I have mimicked far too much."
"Shirou if you ever dare to break our contract I will use a command seal. I still don't know the full story, but I know that leaving you alone will only end in disaster."
Shirou was astounded at Twilight's conviction. Why is she so set on this? I'm an unknown, a complete stranger she only met less than two days ago. What has she seen in those dreams to convince her that she needs to help me? I'm not worth so much dedication and she should know that.
"Twilight, I know I made you a promise, but this is going too far. You'll only end up hurting yourself. My path is too dangerous for you to follow me. You have better things to worry about than me as well. As a servant I'm only here until my task is done, and according to you that task is to stop Nightmare Moon."
"Shirou, why can't you get it through your thick head! I care about you! You're one of the first friends I've made in so long. Everytime I see those memories I want to understand you even more. I don't want to lose you Shirou! Why can't you understand that? I summoned you to help me fight Nightmare Moon, but I now see that there has to be more than that." I need to get it through his stubborn mind, that I care. Ahhh! Why won't he just accept it!
Unfortunately, they wouldn't be able to continue their argument. Any pressing questions Twilight had would have to wait. Spike entered the room, he momentarily paused seeing the awkward positions of Twilight and Shirou. Twilight was still holding Shirou and their faces had only grown closer as they argued.
"I'm not interrupting something am I?" Spike nervously glanced around.
"No Spike, I was simply having a civilized discussion with Shirou," replied Twilight through grit teeth, as she let go of Shirou and got up.
"Oh, good. I know you needed some sleep after all the excitement of the past two days. So I didn't want to disturb you, but you're about to miss the raising of the sun!"
"It's already time!?" Twilight knew they'd arrived at the library pretty early considering all the preparations they had to check earlier. That's why she'd been fine with getting some shut eye. Yet she hadn't expected to nearly oversleep because of the whole Dream Cycle fiasco. "Come on Shirou! We need to head out now!"
"Woah, calm down a bit Twilight. I'm pretty sure we still have time to make it, right Spike?"
"Well, you only have a few minutes to be honest. In fact, everyone already left a while ago." At this, Twilight quickly gathered whatever she needed and pushed Spike and Shirou out the door.
"We are going now!"
-{/}-
Celestia had waited a thousand winters.
Everyday and every night she remembered. Her greatest regret.
It's been too long sister. Too long since my mistakes turned you into a monster. I just want you to know how sorry I am. Please Luna, I just want my dear sister back.
The moon hung above, shining through the remains of a crumbling castle. Once two had ruled together here. Now those two would fight once more.
Celestia focused on the moon as she sensed a familiar presence stirring. The stars near the moon lit up, their light coalescing in its center. With this act, the Mare on the Moon vanished. No longer would she be bound in the skies above.
A dark surge of energy heralds the arrival of a nearly forgotten ruler. Upon the broken thrones, she appeared. Her mane was a sea of stars on a dark night. The armor that adorned her, made from dark energies, shone in the light of her moon. Her slit eyes bore down on Celestia who stood in the center of the former throne room. A fanged smile was her response to Celestia's grimace.
"How wonderful, dear sister, that you should have awaited for my arrival with such anticipation. It is unfortunate you did bring a proper audience to witness my ascension as the new ruler of Equestria."
"Luna! I know you are still there, under that mask Nightmare Moon. We needn't come to blows sister."
"Appealing to your poor, unloved sister still? I would've thought that the one who banished us would know better. Perhaps your own banishment, once I've consolidated my rule, will serve to teach you what a millennia of solitude truly feels like?"
"I can only ask for your forgiveness Luna, I will do all I can to make it up to you, so please break free from her hold. Nightmare Moon, I won't let you continue to use my sister like this! Your presence will no longer be tolerated!"
"Foolish sister! Do you still not understand after all this time? I am Luna, and she is Nightmare Moon. We are the same pony. I am her desire to be acknowledged over you! Through me she will finally be given the adoration of all of Equestria!" Her horn lit up as she invoked a spell to set the moon permanently in the heavens above.
"No, Nightmare Moon, through you she will only further the suffering of everpony including herself. I won't let you fall down this path any further Luna!" Horn alight, Celestia threw up a magical shield as Nightmare Moon began her attack.
Beams of purple light assailed Celestia as Nightmare Moon's maniacal laughter reverberated throughout the abandoned castle. Cracks began to form on her shield so she took to the skies as the concentrated attacks broke through.
"The night sky will serve as our final battlefield then!" Following Celestia into the air, Nightmare Moon launched a barrage of beams at her.
Celestia weaved around the beams, and fired back in turn multiple golden orbs. Nightmare Moon blasted them away with arching blades of magic that shot out from her wings. Their deadly dance continued as their attacks illuminated the night sky.
If I bring her down, I might have a chance to make Luna see reason. She has to understand this won't make things any better. Celestia avoided a series of magical lances by teleporting past them to appear before Nightmare Moon. Proceeding to fire a quick barrage of light spears at her sister's wings. Only for her sister's form to vanish into smoke. A laugh rang out, filling Celestia with dread.
"Dear sister, how far you've fallen since our last time together. Your speed is laughable, and your attacks lack conviction." All around Celestia, Nightmare Moons manifested. "Such a shame too, this fight has bored me. It's time to show you the power of my Night!" As their voices echoed, Celestia prepared the strongest defensive spell she had. When all the Nightmare Moon clones shot out a pillar of light into the heavens she felt confusion. Only to realize that above her lay the moon, looming over her. From the pillars a magical circle formed, connected to each point with the moon in the center. "Witness the might of my moon!" The moon lit up as the spell finalized. From the center of the circle a laser shot down at Celestia. Her defenses held but she grew increasingly worried as the beam only grew in size. Its intensity then surged as the laser grew to encompass the entire circle. The lunar laser crushed Celestia's guard and its full force engulfed her.
Celestia's body plummeted as the laser continued to bear down on her. A large crater formed upon her impact. The laser finally let up to reveal her defeated form. All around the crater trees and earth had been blown away by the magnitude of the attack. Were it not for her durability as a goddess, Celestia would've disintegrated as well.
"Ahahahaha! With you out of the way, none can stand against me!" Nightmare Moon relished in her victory. The final obstacle between her and her rightful place as sole ruler of Equestria lay broken before her. I had planned to seal her away as soon as I had beaten her, but perhaps I can indulge a little. I'll keep her around long enough to witness how the ponies bow to me. She'll surely enjoy seeing her dear little student brought to her knees before me!
Her maddened cackles filled the empty sky as a tear fell from Celestia's immobile form.
-{/}-
Shirou did his best to keep up with Twilight as she rushed to the Town Hall with Spike riding on her back. He was still too unused to his four legged form to run faster without tripping.
"Twilight, wait up!" Hearing his voice, Twilight reluctantly slowed down. As hurried as she was, she didn't want to leave Shirou too far behind.
"Come on Shirou, we're almost there. What happened to that speed I saw when you pushed me out of Rainbow Dash's way?"
"That was different, it was a simple case of reacting in time and launching myself forward. Trying to run on all fours when I've lived my life on two legs is a lot harder, you know!"
"If running is so hard for you then I'll just carry you over myself." With that declaration Twilight telekinetically grasped Shirou and levitated him behind her as she resumed her galloping pace.
Shirou relaxed himself to lessen the strain on Twilight's grip, but it didn't sit well with him to be this useless. What good am I if I can't even keep up with a normal pony. I know Celestia wanted me to keep this form as long as possible but if anything does happen I won't be able to do much without changing back to a human. Shirou lightly grimaced at his own frustrations.
Finally arriving at the Town Hall, Twilight let Shirou down as she tried to make her way through the crowd. Shirou did his best to stick close to her as she paved a path to the front of the gathered ponies.
Standing upon a stage was a bespectacled mare who looked over the ponies. Seeing that everypony had arrived she cleared her throat to get their undivided attention.
"Fillies and gentlecolts, we gather once again to celebrate the raising of the sun by our wonderful Princess Celestia. As mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the commencement of the Summer Sun Celebration!" Cheers rang out as the ponies were filled with excitement. "In a few minutes, we will witness the glorious magic of the sunrise. From there we will celebrate the longest day of the year!" The cheering commenced once more before the Mayor continued. "Now it is my greatest honor to introduce to you the ruler of Equestria. The pony who raises and lowers our sun and moon everyday, who is most wise, good, and fair. The keeper of harmony throughout the land, Princess Celestia!"
With that final declaration, the curtains were pulled aside only for everypony to stare in confusion. For there was no pony present behind the curtains. Panic began to set in as the ponies realized their Princess was missing. None were worried more than Twilight who dreaded what this truly meant.
"Shirou, this is terrible," was all Twilight could say as she began to look around for any signs of the one she feared. She saw the mayor trying to calm the ponies down to no avail.
"Both of you, get behind me. I can't let any of you be exposed to a possible attack." Shirou carefully scanned the surroundings as well. I can't let any of these ponies be harmed. I have to protect them at all costs!
A magical scent entered his nose, it smelled like a heavy ocean breeze with a bit of ozone from a coming storm. It also had a smoky tinge to it which added to Shirou's discomfort at the situation.
Upon the balcony, from which Celestia was supposed to have appeared, a dark cloud of smoke began to form. As the smoke grew, Shirou's dread grew. This power was greater than even Celestia's. It felt raw and primordial. From the cloud emerged a figure, donning her dark armor, she gazed at the ponies below.
"I've come to greet you, my beloved subjects! I see your sun-loving faces are as adorable as ever." Nightmare Moon smiled upon them, her fanged grin freezing most of the ponies in fear.
"What have you done with Princess Celestia!" Rainbow Dash was outraged that somepony would dare take the place of their Princess. Unknowing the danger she faced if she truly angered Nightmare Moon.
"My, my, some of you have become quite impudent in my absence. That is no way to speak to Royalty." Nightmare Moon used her telekinesis to seize the offending Pegasus. "Tell me, do you even know who I am?"
"Let me go!" Rainbow Dash thrashed around in her grip, glaring at her the whole time. Shirou nearly jumped out to try and rescue her. He was only stopped by the realization that doing so might place Twilight in danger or anger Nightmare Moon enough for her to truly cause damage. He could only bide his time, so long as Nightmare Moon didn't attack he'd have to remain passive. Such was the gap in their strength. He hated being so pathetic, unable to keep others safe.
"How quickly you've forgotten me. It's only been a millennia since I was banished. Yet you all act as if my crown has no meaning anymore. Did you not see the signs so clearly written in my legend?" She released the Pegasus seeing that she wouldn't get anything useful out of her. Her lack of recognition at her appearance simply served to anger her.
"I saw the signs and I know who you are. You're the mare on the Moon, Nightmare Moon." Twilight's words drew Nightmare Moon's attention, as she smiled down at her. Her anger faded as somepony finally gave her the attention she deserved. Though the Stallion next to her gave off a strange vibe, Nightmare Moon elected to ignore him. The mare before her was far more interesting after all.
"Truly wonderful, my dear sister's star pupil should know me. She has trained you well, Twilight Sparkle." Her grin grew as Twilight's expression became anxious at her knowledge of her relation to Celestia. "Did you think I had no way to observe the ongoings of Equestria while banished? The moon sees everything at night my dear, and now it will also serve as your guiding light. For this has been your final day, I hope you all enjoyed it. From now on, my eternal night begins!"
Shirou wanted to grab Twilight and bolt, but he knew doing so would leave everypony here at the mercy of Nightmare Moon. I could attack her but I doubt my normal blades would do anything. To access any of my stronger Noble Phantasms I'd have to drop the disguise and I know she'll strike me down before I can return to my human form. Dammit, can't I do anything?!
"Seize her, she must know where the Princess is!" The mayor had finally regained her senses and ordered the Royal Guard into action.
"How foalish, do you think these mere mortals could possibly be a match for me?!" With a shockwave of magical energy, Nightmare Moon blasted the Royal Guards away. "Your hospitality has been lacking, and I still have other business to attend to before assuming my place on the throne. Goodbye my little ponies!" With that, she assumed her smoke form and exited the building. Rainbow Dash, who'd shaken off her fear, tried to pursue her to no success.
Twilight breathed a sigh of relief that the danger had passed for now. She still needed to find a way to take down Nightmare Moon. Especially if Princess Celestia wasn't around to stop her.
Shirou could only feel disappointment at his inability to do anything. It was only a matter of time before Nightmare Moon would come back. If anything, to take Twilight as she knew her to be Celestia's student. Once again he was unable to help, much less save, anyone. What kind of hero could I be when I simply stand aside. I'm only fortunate she decided to leave before anypony got hurt.
"This is very bad, Shirou we need to find the elements of harmony. There's no other way, but we don't even know where to look!" Before Twilight could panic, she noticed that Spike had slumped over her. It seemed that all the events up to then had taken a heavy toll on the baby dragon. "Poor Spike, I'll have to get him to bed. Then we can begin searching the library for anything to point us in the right direction."
Shirou simply nodded and followed her out as they returned to the library. He was still contemplating what he could do to take down Nightmare Moon with his blades. So far he'd only come up with one possibly successful solution. It would require everything he had, but hopefully it would work out.
As they left the Town Hall, they failed to spot Rainbow Dash looking on from above.
Their priority now was the Elements of Harmony and stopping Nightmare Moon.