It's Been A Long Night

Looking around the decrepit chamber which we were now stood within, I couldn't help but wonder as to what led to this castle being in such a ruined and disgraceful state.

'I studied architecture for a while, before dropping out of Uni, and this place right here? This room? This isn't just age or neglect. Sure, most of it is, judging by the moss, but just look at those windows, man. Parts of them are still perfectly intact, the glass is still there, whilst the rest are shattered. They had to have been smashed by something. Or someone. No, wait, some 'pony'. Uh, can't believe I'm saying that shit, man. I'd blame vandalism, but who in the hell would come all the way out here just to fuck with some old, rundown shithole in the middle of Satan's garden, out here. Nah, it couldn't have been vandalism. This had to have been a fight of some sorts. Maybe some sort of explosion, perhaps?'

Turning to face the rest of the group, who were all looking around in equal wonder, I couldn't help but laugh.

"Well... This is anticlimactic, to say the least" I remark. "Where's this Nightmare Moon, then? You'd think she'd be trying to guard this place if it has the only thing capable of kicking her ass, right?" I say, pointing to the middle of the chamber, where a weird looking set of stones were placed. 'Are these the Elements Twilight won't shut up about?'

"The Elements of Harmony! We found them!" 'That answers that' With both Fluttershy and Rainbow collecting the stones from their pedestals, and forming a circle with them, I quickly came to the realisation that there was something wrong here.

"One, two, three, four... There's only five!" Pinkie pointed out.

"Really? What gave it away, Pinks?" She stuck her tongue out at me in response, receiving a smirk in return.

"Where's the sixth?" Questioned the rainbow mare. Looking to Twilight for an answer, she leaned forward on her hooves, inspecting the old stones.

"The book said: when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed." 'Well, here's your five stones, Mr Spark. Do us a favour and get your ass in here, perhaps?'

"What in the hay is that supposed to mean?" 'Did you even listen to a single word she just said?'

Stepping into the middle of the circle, I lean down to inspect the stones as well, blocking out the conversation taking place behind me. 'They're pretty bloody old, that's obvious. And what's with these symbols? What do they represent? Hell, why am I even trying to figure it out when I don't even understand half the shit that's led up to this. Sort yourself out, Alex' My thoughts were interrupted (as is the norm, apparently) by Twilight, who tapped me on the shoulder

"Greyson, I'll need to ask you to give me some space. I have an idea that could work, but I need you to get back" She informs me. 'It's your funeral'.

"Fair enough" I reply. Getting back to my feet, I'm about to leave the circle when all of a sudden, I'm surrounded by a purple mist. Shouting out in surprise, I'm unable to physically react before I'm hoisted up into the air by the force, which had now formed into a makeshift cyclone. "WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO, TWILIGHT!?" I shout at the lavender mare down below, who had jumped back in shock and surprise at this sudden turn of events.

"IT'S NOT ME! IT'S NIGHTMARE MOON!" She screams back.

"WELL TELL HER TO FUCKING STOP, THEN!" Our shouting match was interrupted both by our friends, who had dashed back into the room, shouting our names, and by the fact that myself, Twilight and the stones had vanished into thin air, taken by the purple tornado. The last thing they heard before then, however, was my rage filled shout.

"I'M SO SICK OF THIS SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-"

"IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT-*oof*....Awh hell...This takes me back..heh.." Deja vu aside, I realised that I was now no longer in the same room where I used to be. Climbing to my feet, I ran to Twilight's side, who was still recovering. "Oi, Sparky, you okay?" Recieving a nod in response, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Good. Now get your ass up and tell me what in the hell just happened to us." Before she could provide me with an answer to my question, I heard something that really put me on edge.

Laughter. And not the joyous kind, no. This was one of evil and malevolence incarnate. 'Oh boy, here we go.'

Turning to the source, I found myself looking upon the one responsible for both my unhappy landing moments before, and all the events beforehand in the forest. This mare was as black as night, covered in what appeared to be armour, and giving the pair of us a dark smile. 'This is Nightmare Moon? Yay'.

"Well, well, well. It took you long enough." She says, staring at Twilight, a dark smile adorning her muzzle.

"Yeah, sorry about that, love. The queue to this place was, like, a goddamn mile long." I reply without thinking, her attention now shifted towards me. 'Oh now you dun fucked up, Alex.' Before I could react, the purple mist from before shot towards me, gripping my arms and legs, and hoisting me into the air. Levitating me towards her, I could do nothing but meet her wandering gaze, as she trotted around me, a playful smirk on my face and a look of curiosity on hers.

"In all my years, I have never seen a creature like you, before. What do they call you?" She asks, stopping right in front of me, eyes shining, like a pair of luminous sapphires, and yet hiding an ancient and terrible evil behind them. 'If this hero business doesn't work out, and/or I survive the next minute, I could be a poet'.

"Well, my friends call me Greyson. But for you, sweetheart? You can call me whatever you like." I reply, flashing a winning smile and sending playful wink her way. I'm rewarded with an amused chuckle from the dark mare. 'Even with the evil ones, you've still got it Alex!'

"Oh, you are an interesting one, Mr Greyson." Cringing at what she'd called me, I could do nothing but listen to the mare as she continued to examine me. "Hmm... You truly are an exotic creature, Mr Greyson-

"Please, call me Greyson"

"-and I'd like to make you an offer." 'Oh really?' Out of the corner of my eye, however, I see Twilight sneaking up to the stones that had been transported along with us. Knowing exactly what she was up to, I realise that I needed to keep Nightmare Moon distracted for as long as possible, so as to allow the unicorn to do her thing.

"Oh really? I'm intrigued, do tell". I reply. 'Here we go. What's she gonna offer me, then? A way home? Money? Alcohol? All three?'

"Rule with me." 'Oh.. Well, that escalated, quickly.'. Unable to keep my surprise hidden, Nightmare released yet another dark chuckle. "I can see that you are surprised, Greyson." 'No shit' "So allow me to explain. For the past 1000 years, I have been trapped on the moon, unjustly banished by those who would see my dreams of eternal night not come true. The ponies will have been told stories, by the Princess, and all who would support her, about the terrible 'Nightmare Moon', who would bring about nothing but pain and suffering to all!" 'Yeah, trying to bring about eternal night will do that to a mare's reputation' . Keeping silent, lest she tighten her magic grip on me, I continue listening to her life story.

"But their tales are lies! I would be just as peaceful and benevolent as Celestia ever was. I would keep them safe under my stars! My night would be an like an eternal blanket, and they would never know sadness nor pain nor suffering! I would make it so! All I need, however-"

Suddenly, the mist gripping my body dissipated, allowing me to stand on my own two feet. Looking up, I come face to face with the mare, looking me dead in the eyes, an evil, yet hopeful smile on her muzzle. 'Whoa, she's actually serious?'

"-is somepony to stand by my side, and help to me rule. Just think about it, Greyson! We could rule these lands together, we could be King and Queen, and nothing could stop us! Not the Elements, not Celestia, nothing! Does that not interest you, Greyson? All that power, the riches, the fame? Join me, Greyson, and together we can rule Equestria!" She finished, keeping her eyes set upon my own, awaiting a response to her seemingly flawless offer.

'Well shit, that is a lot to think about, and it could take me a while to answer.'
...
...
...
'Fuck it.'

Rising to my full height, I give her a smile, which she returns, albeit not having the same meaning as mine.

"I tell you what, Nightmare Moon. That offer? Brilliant. Outstanding. A goddamn star. And any normal pony would be a fool to say no to one as powerful and beautiful as yourself." I say, receiving a slight blush in return. Thinking she's won, she begins to turn towards Twilight, a triumphant smile upon her muzzle, before I speak up again.

"However" I say, drawing her attention back towards me. "I'm not a pony" Her eye twitches. Realising I had to choose my next words carefully, lest I take a lightning bolt to the throat, I attempt to placate her. "However, I have a counter offer for you." I say, giving the mare an innocent smile. Tilting her head in curiosity, it is now her turn to be surprised.

"Oh? And what might this offer be?" 'It's now or never Twilight.'

"How about, I take this finger right here-" I say, raising my middle finger to her face, "-and I shove it, right up your fucking arse!" I say, unable to keep the shit eating grin off my face. Her face quickly changes from one of confusion to one of pure anger at my defiance.

"YOU INSOLENT FOA-"

"NOW TWILIGHT!" I shout, before being launched backwards by the mare in front of me. She didn't stay focused on me, however, as my shout had drawn Nightmares' attention towards the third occupant in the room, who had just finished casting her spell onto the Element stones. 'HAHA! TOO LATE, YOU TWAT!' I cry in my head, thinking victory had all but been assured.

Suddenly, Twilight was blasted back by what appeared to be some form of lightning, landing just to the side of me, as Nightmare Moon quickly teleported to the stones. 'Oh shit. Fuck fuck FUCK!. Seeing that the stones were still glowing, I believed that Twilight had successfully done something right.

"No! No!" Cried Nightmare Moon. 'YES! Let's fuckin; go! Suck on it, you bitch!'

My elation soon turned to horror, however, when I realised that there was yet to be a 'spark', meaning there was still no sixth Element that Twilight so desperately needed. Turning to the mare in question, I saw that she was having the exact same realisation as I was.

"But... where's the sixth Element?!" She cried. Nightmare's shock quickly turns to one of triumph once more, as she proceeded to smash any hope we may have still had. Literally, by shattering the stones. 'Well damn. We're dead.'

"You little foals! Thinking you could defeat me? Now you will never see your princess, or your sun! The night will last forever!" She declares, letting loose another bout of triumphant laughter to really let her victory sink in.'Well shit, this aint good'.

Suddenly, her horn lit up, and she lowed her head in the direction of the unicorn beside me. Turning to Twilight, I saw she was paralysed in fear at what was coming her way. Knowing she wouldn't move before the spell had already hit her, I did the one thing I was good at. The one thing that nobody else could beat me at doing.

I did the stupidest thing I could possibly do to myself.

Diving towards Twilight, I managed to push her a couple metres away from where she was standing moments ago. Looking back towards me, I was just about able to hear her call my name in shock...

...Right before I was sent flying into a nearby pillar, courtesy of Nightmare Moon Airlines. Hitting the pillar, I collapse to the ground in a heap, unable to stand due to the pain. Already I could feel the familiar effects of unconsciousness fast approaching. Before I could fade into unconscious, however, I noticed multiple shadows had suddenly appeared, standing over my prone form. Looking up, I realised that the rest of the girls had finally arrived, and were looking at me with faces of both shock and horror. Using the last of my strength, I point towards Twilight and the fucker who had done this to me.

"Help...Twilight...*Cough*...kick..*Cough Cough*...Nightmares...Ass.." And with that, I was out like a light.

I don't know how long as I was out for, or if I we had even defeated Nightmare Moon. Hell, I wasn't even sure if I was still in the same place that I'd been launched to by said mare. But there was one thing I knew for certain.

And that was that my head felt as if it had headbutted a pillar. Oh wait, It had.

"Awh mate...My fucking head is throbbing." I announced. Sitting up from where I'd been lying for god knows how long, and taking in my surroundings. Looking around the room, however, I noticed I wasn't alone. Along with the familar six I'd been travelling with, there were now two more ponies in the room with us. And Jesus Christ were they huge. Before I could comment on as to who the new arrivals were, my attention was drawn to Twilight and co. More specifically, the fact that they were now galloping/flying/bouncing full speed towards me.

"GREYSON!" The girls cried, seemingly elated at the fact that I was still breathing. 'Aww, that's cut- wait, why the hell are they running towar-OH GOD NO!'

"WHOA WHAT THE FU-" Before I could finish, I was enveloped in a sea of warm, comfortable fur, ranging from such colours like white and purple, to orange and blue. Struggling to breath, I was just about able to get my head out from underneath them all, wrapping my arms around a few of them at the same time.'I'll admit it...this is nice'

"You're alive!" 'No shit, sherlocks'

"Oh really? What gave me away?" I reply, raising my eyebrows in mock surprise, yet unable to keep the joyous smile off of my face at myself and the girls still being alive. Receiving a sharp punch to the shoulder, I turn to Rainbow, who was holding the exact same smile, yet trying not to burst out laughing at my antics.

"We thought you were dead, you big doofus, and the first thing you do is crack jokes?"

"Well, laughter IS the best medicine, so they say." I reply.

"That's what I say, but Nurse Redheart still won't take my book: 101 Ways To Save a Pony!" Looking down at the pink pony, who was latched onto my side, I shake my head.

"Pinkie?"

"Yes, Greyie?" 'Never call me that again?'

"Never change." I say, chuckling at the quite possibly insane mare, getting an even stronger hug from her in return. The feel of something wet landing on my shirt draws my attention away from the pink pony, and instead is diverted to Twilight, who was busy crying into my abdomen. Releasing Pinkie and Fluttershy, who had managed to wiggle herself under my other arm, I wrap one arm around the distressed mare, and use my other to turn her head to face me.

"Now what's up with you, Sparky? Seeing as how I'm still here, and not thrown out the nearby window, we must have won, yeah?" I ask, looking to both her and the other mares for clarification, receiving multiple nods in return. Looking back down towards Twilight, I continue. "So if we won, why are you crying, hey? Was it because I missed you wipe the floor with her?" I joke, failing to notice the small smile forming on the alabaster pony, who had come to stand nearer our group, along with the smaller, yet still large pony standing beside her. Wiping away her tears, she looks into my eyes.

"I know, but...but... We almost lost you!" She cried, tears returning in full. 'Oh.. Yeah, should've seen that coming'. Not saying anything, I allowed her to continue. "If it wasn't for me being so scared, you would not have had to push me away from Nightmare's spell, and you wouldn't have been hurt! This is all my fault!" She said, diving back into my shirt, the tears flowing freely once more. Chuckling, I raise the mare's head, looking into her eyes and wiping her tears away.

"Now listen up, Twilight Sparkle, because I'm only going to say this once. What happened back there, was not your fault. It was not my fault either, but it was most definitely not yours. If anyone is to blame, it was the cheeky cunt who put me here in the first place, that being Nightmare Moon herself." Out of the corner of my eye, I notice the darker of the two new ponies look away. 'What's up with her?' Ignoring said pony for the time being, I carry on speaking. "Do NOT blame yourself for the actions of another, because that is not fair to yourself."I say, placing her back onto the ground. A few moments later, she nods, and gives me a sad smile. Before I could comment any further, an unfamiliar, yet motherly voice, makes itself known.

"I could not have said it any better myself, Mr Greyson." 'Oh for fu- this shit again? Can we not?'

"Cheers sweetheart, I do try my best." I reply to the large, white pony. Oblivious to the mortified looks I was receiving from the ponies stood beside me, I stand to my full height and turn towards the unnamed pony. "And seeing as how I could never forget a mare as beautiful as yourself, may I perhaps be given the pleasure of knowing your name, m'lady?" I ask, wink and winning smile going along with it. I'm met with silence.

Looking around the room, I finally take notice of the looks I was being given by my friends. "What? Was it something I said?" I say, turning back and forth between the pony in front of me and the ones behind me. Finally, a soft noise attracts my attention, as I turn back towards the unknown mare in front of me. After a moment, what was once a light chuckle was now turning into full blown laughter, tears and all. A minute later, the laughter finally dies down. 'You good?'

"You get that out of your system?" I ask.

"In all my years of ruling, not one pony has ever spoken to me like that." She admitted. 'Wait a minute....Ruling..?'.

Noticing my confused expression, she raised an eyebrow. "You don't even know who I am, do you?" Shaking my head in response, she gives me an amused smile. "I am Princess Celestia," she declared. "and I, along with my newly reformed sister, Princess Luna," she nods to the dark pony standing beside her, "are the rulers of Equestria, the land in which you currently find yourself. Together, we are the princesses of the Day and Night, respectively." 'Oh....that's the princess....I just flirted with the princess....in front of her own sister, no less...Wow. Meh, not the stupidest thing I've ever done.'

"Aah, so you're the Princess Twilights' been telling me so much about!" I exclaim. 'Let's see how far I can ride this train before it crashes.' "I see the stories of your beauty have been severely watered down" I say, bowing along with it. Putting her hoof to her mouth, the princess let out another chuckle, shaking her head at my honest-to-god compliments. 'One down, one to go'

Turning to Princess Luna, I bow. Before I could even begin wooing her, however, I was caught in yet another hug. This time, from the princess herself! 'Shit, I hadn't even begun to compliment her yet!' Returning the embrace, my surprise soon turned to confusion, however, when I noticed that she was crying.

"Princess, are you alright? I hadn't even begun to compliment you yet and you've already been moved to tears? What's up?" I say, genuinely confused as to why this mare was crying. Before I could question her any further, something clicked in my mind. With the mare still sobbing into my shoulder, I turn to face Celestia, the confusion on my face evident to all present. "Princess Celestia, if I may ask, what did you mean exactly by 'newly reformed'?"

Letting out a sigh, she looked between both me and the princess in my arms. "In your arms is my sister, Princess Luna. But a few minutes ago, she was a completely different pony" She said. Realisation dawned on me, however, when I took another look at Luna herself. 'Nightmare Moon was as big as Celestia... And this right here is her sister...Twilight never mentioned she had a siste-Oh my god.... Luna....she....SHE was Nightmare Moon?' Seeing my shocked reaction, Celestia merely nodded. Looking down at the still sobbing Luna, I realised why she was crying.

'She's doing exactly what Twilight was doing... Except I literally just blamed her for what happened to me...Oh fucking hell' Falling to my knees, with the princess in my arms, I began stroking mane back.

"You blame yourself as well, don't you?" I got no answer, but I could tell that she did anyway. "Okay, I'll take that as a yes. So, let me ask you something, Princess. Did you hear my little speech to Twilight a minute ago?" I say. Whilst she once again didn't answer, she did at give me a small nod. 'Okay, that's progress'.. "Good. Then that applies to you as well. Do NOT blame yourself for the actions of others" This got her attention.

"What does thou mean?" She whispered. 'Oh my god she's speaking medieval.... That's cute as fu- WAIT, PRIORITIES ALEX! SORT HER OUT FIRST!'

"When I said to blame Nightmare Moon, I meant it literally. Blame Nightmare Moon." I tell her, releasing her in the process. Giving me a look of sadness, whether that be from what I'd said or the fact that I'd stopped playing with her mane, I'm not sure.

"But-"

"No buts! Listen to what I'm saying, Princess. Were you Nightmare Moon?" I got a nod in return. "Wrong answer. I'll say it again. Were you Nightmare Moon?" I repeat. Understanding exactly what it was I was implying, she shook her head.

"Exactly! You were NOT Nightmare Moon! You? You are Princess Luna! When I said to blame Nightmare Moon, I meant it. You were not in control of your actions, Princess, and thereby can't be at fault for the actions or intentions of that monster." I reassure her. "So I'll say it one last time. Do NOT blame yourself for the actions of others." Allowing my words to sink in, she stares long and hard at the ground for a couple of moments, before looking into my eyes.

"So... does thou forgive us?" She asked, her voice filled with hope.

"My dear Princess, I can't forgive you." I admit, watching her face drop. 'I'm not done yet'"I can't forgive you, for the fact that there is nothing to forgive" I say, unable to keep the smile off of my face. Before I could do anything further, I was yet again enveloped by another hug from the princess of the night, who had begun crying yet again. This time, however, the tears were of joy. 'I should start up my own therapy clinic.'

"Hey! You know what this calls for?" Cried Pinkie, who had just finished drying her eyes, along with half the other mares in the room.

"A party?" The room unanimously replied.

"A party!" She confirmed. 'Thought so'. Releasing the smaller princess, I return to my feet, turning to face the rest of the group. Before I could speak, however, Celestia trotted up beside me.

"Before we return to Ponyville, I would like to discuss something with you, Mr Greyson." Facing her with a raised eyebrow, I allow her to continue. "I need to return my sister to the castle, as we have much to discuss about what she has missed during the time that has passed since her transformation, and I need to inform her as to what has changed.". 'Understandable'. "However, in a weeks time, I would like for you to come visit myself and my sister in Canterlot-" I'm unable to hold back a snigger at the name 'Canterlot', "-so as to discuss your future in Equestria."

"Wow, Princess. We've only just met and you're already inviting me home? You're a fast one, I'll give you that" I reply, wiggling my eyebrows for extra effect. The sound of most of the mares in the room nearly tripping over their hooves, and both Rainbow's and Luna's laughter, brought a smile to my face.

"As charming as you are, Mr Greyson, I do believe I may just be a bit old for you" She replies, a playful smile on her muzzle. "Now, how about we all return to Ponyville, and conclude today's adventures." The Princess of the sun suggested. Whilst the girls nodded in agreement, I asked one last question before we could depart.

"Quick question, Princess, and you lot for that matter," I nod to the six smaller mares, "last time I checked, I wasn't a pony. And we know what happened last time I walked headfirst into that place" I say, once again raising an eyebrow towards Rainbow, who returned my look with a smug smile. "And as much as I love being knocked out every once in a while, it loses it's appeal when it happens, like... three times in a day?" I point out. Realising exactly where I was coming from, Celestia assuages my fears.

"Have no fear, Mr Greyson. When we return to Ponyville, I shall inform my little ponies that you are a friend to both myself and the Element Bearers," she says, using her wing to point out the six mares in front of me, "and that you mean no harm and are to be trusted".

"Cheers Princess, means a lot to little ol' me, knowing that I won't have any pegasus deciding to use my head as target practice anymore" I reply, ignoring the exasperated sigh from Rainbow. 'I'm never letting you live it down, skittles.'

"It is my pleasure, Mr Gre-"

"STOP CALLING ME MR GREYSON!"

"...Greyson. Now, shall we depart, my friends?"

Arriving back in Ponyville, and one 'This-Handsome-Bastard-Right-Here-Will-Not-Eat-Your-Children-In-Your-Sleep' speech later, I was now lying down on a couch inside Twilight's new home, reading one of the books that I'd randomly found on the floor. As it turns out, Twilight was originally meant to return to Canterlot with the princesses, but upon realising that she had no desires to leave her new friends, she voiced her sadness to her mentor.

The total G that she is, Celestia permitted her student to remain in Ponyville, and write some 'Friendship Report' or some bollocks to her every now and again, to ensure that she was still keeping up with her studies. Since then, she'd been unable to keep the smile off of her face.

"Keep smiling like that, Sparky, and it's going to fly out the window at some point" I remark, not looking away from the book I was reading, getting a giggle out of Spike. 'I don't think I'll ever get used to the fact that she has a baby fucking dragon as her assistant. This place is truly mental.

A sudden impact to my side caused me to drop the book on on my face. Removing the offending item, I looked to what hit me, seeing a book covered in a violet aura. Looking towards Twilight, I noticed the smug look on her face, along with her horn glowing. 'Oh you cheeky bitch'. Picking up the book, I stood to my full height, and sent her a dark smile. Her smugness faded away into one of unease, backing up away from me. I kept advancing, book in hand.

"Do you wanna play this game, Sparky? Do you REALLY wanna play this game?" I say, holding up the book, looking deep into her eyes. Looking for a way out, she looks at me, smiles, and runs for the stairs, laughing as she goes.

Hearing another laugh to my side, I stare at Spike with the exact same look on my face. He has the same reaction as Twilight.

"TWILIGHT! WAIT FOR ME!" He shouts, running after the fleeing mare. Laughing, I give pursuit, book still in hand.

'You know what? For a world full of cliche magic and overall bullshit, I could get used to this.'
...
...
'Oh god they're rubbing off on me. I need mental help.'

Author's Notes:

And there we go! In the space of a day, I've written two chapters, both above 4,000 words. Can I please be fed, now?My hands are bleeding but I must continue forwards.

With the defeat of Nightmare Moon, our protagonist can now take a break, or so he thinks. I mean, how much trouble can our loud mouthed Alex get into? Only one way to find out.

Once again, leave feedback for me and excuse any and all errors you may find. I am trying my hardest to ensure my writing is up to a good standard, but I can't catch all my mistakes, as hard as I try.

Finally, I may not update this story again until after Christmas. So until we meet again, Merry Christmas folks! Peace.