Night Terrors

Daybreak

Much has transpired.

This night, there has been a bloodbath. Not one but two bodies have been left at my door, looking for all the world like the most ghastly threat.

First, I must report the death of Victoria Valentine. She was loyal until the end, being not only a Noble, but the Queen at that. Truly a tragic loss to us all.

And that is not all. Beside her, sprawled out upon the flagstones, was the body of Eustace Scrubb. The dragon was likewise a Noble, and at that, the Princess! And the Pacifist Soldier to boot. Two disastrous losses, I am sure all will agree.

All but the Ghosts, that is! It is time to do something about them, for you have failed thus far.

Tonight, there must be two executions. If you fail to kill any Evil Ghosts today, they will surely overrun you, and put an end to all in this castle. This is your final chance to identify them.

And the ballot must be secret. Do not post emojis. Instead, message me, your Cardinal and Regent, with the names of the two people you wish to see executed. Whichever two have the most votes - in a first-past-the-post system - will be executed.

I hope, for the sake of the castle and the kingdom, that you are thoughtful and prudent in your choices this day.

The last words of Victoria and Eustace:

Hullo everyone. 

Well, I’m dead. I suppose I should be furious about that, but to be honest, I feel quite alright about it. I’ll explain why in a moment, if that’s alright - I know now I’ve been a pill, and perhaps I should’ve kept my mouth shut more than I did, but I hope you’ll indulge me all the same. 

September fourth. Asleep in some dark and dusty corridor. All alone, when suddenly I heard a footstep - a quiet one, and yet somehow the loudest footstep I’ve ever heard in my life, and ever shall. I looked up and saw - Aslion, huge and golden and terrifying! You know I always thought Sir Reep’s stories were a load of old rubbish, but it turns out that Cat was right about at least one thing, for his Lion is real, and I can’t explain it but I knew him right off. 

Aslion came right up to me, and he said to me:

“Eustace, are you pleased to be as you are now?”

And I said of course not, was he thick? I was a great lumbering beast and I didn’t like it one bit. And he smiled - I can’t tell how - and he said to me:

“Eustace, would you be as you once were?”

And I’ve been asked this question more than once, as you know, and let me tell you now that each time I thought I’d say I’d change back like a shot given even half a chance. But I never could say so - again, can’t say why - except that being a Dragon, while ever so dreadful, make me really Think about what it was to be a Boy - or to be the type of Boy I was at any rate, scoffing at everything and terrified always and never having any friends - and I answered Aslion truly, and I told him I shouldn’t like to be that person again, not for anything. 

And he said to me:

“Well, Eustace, what would you become?”

And I said I didn’t rightly know, but I supposed I should like to be someone happier, and less afraid of what was strange, and - for I had had a lot of time to think, really - someone who was kinder to others, and could be friends, and who might even be missed, as I was sure I mightn’t be, if I went away.

But aside from that I wasn’t sure. 

And that Lion smiled again, and he said: 

“Well, child, you will have time enough to find out.”

And then, wouldn’t you know it, I was dead? 

It’s all light here where I am, but I think there’s more here to discover, and more life to live. I don’t think that old Lion was lying. And I think I know just what I’ll do - I’ll go and find Sir Reep, and say sorry for being such a total arse, and perhaps we can go on Adventures together. And I can work out what sort of Boy I’d like to be - or something else, even.

Goodbye, everyone. I don’t suppose you’ll miss me, but I hope you’ll forgive me. And give my journal to my parents if you’re ever in Cambridge, and tell them I love them - and my queer old cousins, too. 

To my fellow Nobles - I wish you all the best. I say you ought to think about who would’ve known to kill both Victoria and myself - for surely this must’ve been planned - and aside from that, I hope you catch your Ghosts and give them the old what-for. 

As the survivors approach Victoria’s body, they find some sort of phone with the logo of the Shinra Electric Power Company on it, almost drenched in blood. They pick it up, and on it, there is a video file open: Victoria’s Final Moments, as telepathically transcribed: 

Victoria turned away and walked away from the revived Captain, Gemini, relieved, but still feeling guilty.* 'If I hadn’t made that vote, would Sir Jo not still be here?' she wondered as she wandered through the castle’s cold halls.

'Are you that intent on torturing yourself, Vessel?' 

'Maybe.' She shivered. She seemed to be being followed by spectres without form swirling around her, but when she went for a second look they vanished like smoke on the wind. She turned a corner and saw, at the end of a corridor, the dragon that had been Eustace’s body…and her heart dropped.

No… She stopped to take a sad look for a moment, but she had no time for more and hurried past, sorrow and dread rising within her. She turned another corner now, nearly at the destination and saw the spectres  swirling. She doubled back and took an alternative route, almost running along the corridor.

Chaos? She asked, unable to to contain the question that was now choking her. What do you think happens to us if we die here? 

Chaos was startled by the sudden question. Normally Victoria avoided addressing her, but she presently responded. All must return to the lifestream, Vessel. We…are no exception. 

But…will we? We’re not in Gaia. Maybe we will return to the lifestream. But what if we just stop. Maybe that’s for the best. Mother and father will expect their precious little son. I’d only be a disappointment. And anyway, maybe that’s my penance. For Gemini. For Sir Jo. For all of my sins. For failing Lucrecia and her son. For ever working for Shinra! Victoria’s voice was shaking.

'Vessel…please.' Chaos’ voice was almost pained. ’You didn’t fail Lucrecia - she made her choices, and if she truly cared about you she’d have let you die, instead of bringing you back with me! You know what this is really about - you don’t want to accept that you couldn’t have stopped it. If you convince yourself you could, you don’t have to admit you were powerless. You’ve always hated feeling powerless.’

'I…tch. Thanks.' Victoria hugged herself, her feigned coolness contradicted by the tears glistening in her eyes. We could end up wherever Gemini came back from. It might be kinder there. Perhaps we’ll just wake up where we where, back in the Shinra Manor.

A familiar yet distorted voice laughed behind her.

[Ha. A touching fantasy. And your final fantasy. Time for you to sleep again, Victoria. Sleep eternal.]

Victoria turned and saw the swirling spectres at the other end of the corridor, and ran forward…only to see them appear at this end too. She was trapped.

Victoria’s voice quivered. ‘After all the time I’ve had to think about it…I don’t think I actually want to die.'

I don’t want you to either!

The ghosts rushed towards her, when suddenly-

[LIMIT BREAK] 

[Chaos]

Victoria’s human form was gone, in its place a demonic creature with large leathery wings appeared, and attacked the ghosts.

Everything went black.

When she came to, Victoria had returned to her normal form. She was lying in a pool of her own blood next to the body of Eustace. She groaned, and reached out a hand to weakly caress its scales.

Sorry, Eustace. She took several pained breaths. I know there’s a device recording my thoughts. Shinra tech’s…sometimes useful, the fuckers. 

Remaining friends of Spookalot castle, listen to me. I know I’m dying, I’m no fool. I can’t die by normal means, but whatever just happened…I can feel myself slipping away. I was the Queen, yes. Eustace was the Princess. Wonder how he felt about that. Anyway, I was on my way to check the boy possessed by a shark, but I never made it. That’s reason enough to suspect him. The chef is also cooking up something foul and possibly incomprehensible. But I think the real one to suspect is the very attractive witch, in this Murder She Wrote (or possibly translated). Good luck. I’m sorry I didn’t know you all better. 

'I’m sorry I couldn’t…save you.'

'You mean…Chaos, you really did come to care for me?'

Victoria…living inside your head, how could anyone not care for you?

A tear rolled down Victoria’s cheek, and she went to greet whatever awaited her.

Captain’s log, stardate 77676.0: It seems some of my words the previous night were premature. In the night, our princess and queen were murdered by the ghosts: both of those roles were quite powerful, and their loss is deeply worrying. 

However, we have admitted a potential noble into our ranks: Ensign Artoria Avalon, who ardently defended me during voting for my execution. Her arrival means we know who the ghosts are by process of elimination: the shark and his boy, the witch, and the chef, just as the rabbit said in his note. It is still possible for us to win, but it will be very tight, with no margin for error.

In other words, a near Kobayashi Maru. But I do not believe in the no-win scenario.

Meanwhile, I was fortunate enough to speak to Victoria just before she died… I have made many friends in my time here in this wretched, cursed castle, and I am grateful for all of them. Victoria... her loss, perhaps, hurts the worst. 

Hers was the final vote that sent me to my death just two days ago, but despite this... I cannot find it within myself to hate her. There was much about herself she did not tell me, and now never can... wherever she is now, I hope she is safe.

Rest well, Victoria Valentine. Your captain forgives you.

Gem watches, horrorstruck, as Victoria and Eustace are struck down in front of her. She can't do anything about it. She only watches, powerless, as two close friends die.

She straightens up, tugging on her uniform tunic one more time, her green eyes filled with righteous fury as she sets her phaser to kill.

She climbs on top of a table and stands on it, projecting her voice throughout the building.

'GHOSTS OF SPOOKALOT CASTLE! TODAY, YOU HAVE DRAWN YOUR FINAL DROPS OF BLOOD! I WILL NOT PERMIT ANOTHER SOUL TO DIE BY YOUR HAND! YOUR REIGN OF TERROR ENDS TODAY, AND IT ENDS RIGHT NOW! THE LINE MUST BE DRAWN HERE, THIS FAR, NO FURTHER! NO! MORE!"

And with that, she fires her phaser, carving the last two words into the nearest wall with its beam.

SMG: I've lost so many people 😭

Gem: "We'll avenge them, I promise you... on my word as an officer, we will not let them die in vain."

Agatha: Oh no, oh no. Agatha falls to her knees beside the little table she’d been sitting at More Noble deaths. How awful.

Agatha happens to glance at the table and spots something odd What’s this?

She moves forward, reaches out, and gingerly removes something from under the tabletop. A rectangular something, seemingly canvas stretched over a wooden frame. She flipped it over. Staring back at her was a rabbit, with an apple.

It was hidden in the room with us the whole time. Aife, I think I have found Buster’s painting! Come and see!

She props the painting up beside the table Come and see.

Gem: "Well now.. this is an intriguing development."

Aife: She walks over and picks it up. Looks at it sadly. "A shame he couldn't be reunited with it before his death. To die falsely accused without this painting after searching for so long... my heart is heavy. I feel responsible."

"It's this whole accursed situation, Number One," says Gem softly. "Utter barbarity in every way imaginable... But yes... I share your feelings."

Agatha: You always find that you’re asking yourself, ‘What did I miss? How could I have put the pieces together before all this happened? What can I do to stop it all from continuing?’ It is a heavy burden. Alas poor Buster, we hardly knew him

Artoria is sobbing in the giftshop. Two more friends gone. She wasn't even able to help either of them with their problems before she died--maybe she should have lied to them that she could do more so they'd have at least died in more peace. She sobs and sobs, and then wiping her tears opens the shop up for the day. Why not? Maybe someone will come by. She opens her bag, and looks inside, then frowns. How did that get in there? Oh well, well, if the worst doesn't happen, maybe she'll wear it later.

"....Eustace.... Victoria.... I'm so so so so sorry... I'm a failure of a mage... but I can do other things too.... I won't forget you... I promise. I will hold you both in honor in my heart. And if I become King, they will sing your songs in my court."

Aife: She nods sagely. And tries to crane her neck around to see what's in the bag.

Gem looks up at the sound of Artoria crying and goes to her, hugging tight.

Artoria: closes bag, trying to make a cute wink despite her red puffy eyes (unsuccessful) that's for later, if there is one for me.

Aife: "As you wish." She joins the hug. It's all getting a bit mushy again.

Gem holds them all close, running her fingers through their hair.

Captain's log, supplemental: The end approaches. Buster and Victoria both named our suspected ghosts in their last words, and the time has come for us to make our final accusations. As is her right, King Gellar will be leading. We will see justice done today... I swear it.

SMG: First, well played to the Ghosts. You’ve got us on the ropes, and if the alliance have this wrong, you probably win. If we’re right, it’s game over our way instead.

To outline the state of play - Christa is a confirmed rook and good guy. I’m a confirmed King and good guy. Clara and Laine have both been confirmed as good guys by our recently departed queen and princess. To win, we have to identify the last good guy from the remaining four players, then we outvote the ghosts and kill two with tonight’s vote. 

I’d hoped to do this with Kim and/ or Michelle's powers, but the ghosts correctly figured out how important they were (well done), and killed them instead of me and Laine after we jumped around yesterday saying “look at me, I’m a target!”. So the alliance had to do this with deduction instead. Are we a Velma at solving mysteries, or are we a Fred? Let’s find out.

First off, the herald is useful power. It works just the same if it’s held by a ghost or a noble. It’s somehow survived the game, which is good for gleaning information throughout the game, but also useful when you get to the endgame and realise “hey, the herald’s survived the whole game! That’s lucky! Unless…”. Titus, you’re a ghost.

Secondly, Moo. Our Bishop. On Thursday night, Caitlin asked him to protect her, claiming to be the queen, then got killed the next night. Before her death on Friday night, Caitlin asked Moo to protect Michelle. Michelle survived friday night, but died on Saturday night. The ghosts have obviously just chosen not to kill the people Moo's supposedly protecting to make it look like he’s protecting them, then killed them the next night because those people are obviously important to the alliance. Moo is a ghost.

Which means the last good guy is Jim or Audrey. And that brings me back to Christa’s death on Friday. Jim was devastated, visibly actually real-world upset, not just rp upset. A ghost would not have faked that. Audrey meanwhile, has flown under the radar the whole game, which I said right at the beginning is what at least one ghost would do. It’s almost never the people doing visible big stuff. Jim is a good guy, Aud is the last ghost.

Tonight, to make use of Titus’s powers one last time, the alliance, which now consists of myself, Laine, Clara, Christa, and Jim will vote for Audrey and Moo. Then we come for Titus. If Jim is a ghost and has successfully tricked us, you win. If not, I’m pretty sure we win.

[Seeing the truth has been uncovered and they’re outed as an evil ghost, Bryan’s demeanour shifts and a smirk appears on his face, while Shark just starts to laugh. They turn to address the crowd.]

Took you long enough. It was fun, stringing you all along.

Letting the rabbit act the way he did.

Ripping the dress into threads, the very night she said she’d be checking us..

Watching the axe go down on our Captain’s neck.

Stabbing the queen. Slaying the dragon.

They just want to know why we did it.

I say we don’t tell them and we let them squirm.

I like that.

It’s been an honour serving with you Shark.

Likewise. So many dead by your hand.

I regret nothing.

Gem: The axe may have fallen on my neck, Mr. Bryan and Mr. Shark, but it did not stay there! As you can plainly see, I CAME BACK TO LIFE. As I said earlier this morning: you have drawn your final drops of blood! I will not permit another soul to die by your hand! Your reign of terror ends today! The line must be drawn here, this far, no further! 

Bryan: You say that like there won’t be one more of us alive at nightfall.

Shark: I wonder which of you she will kill.

Bryan: Did you enjoy your brief trip to hell, Captain?

Shark: It’s where we will meet again.

Gem: Actually, I found it had much better company than that which I am keeping right now.

Aífe's gaze is cold. "Bryan. We share a similar curse. I understand why it would turn you to anger. But this wanton cruelty... I cannot understand. You are a disgrace to your father -- and from what Gem has told me of the Russorbaloff, that really is saying something."

Bryan: My only regret is never getting to find him.

We were so close.

If you would hear one last request, from the condemned? Seek him out. Find out why he turned me into this.

They won’t do what you ask.

I hope they will.

Gem has her phaser in hand, pointed directly at Bryan's head. "One more step and I fire. I will not do as you ask! I would sooner destroy my ship than follow your mission!"

Bryan: I understand Captain.

We ask you only to consider our request.

I wonder if you’d dare pull the trigger, end my life.

Regent Poxxy doesn’t like extrajudicial killing.

Come at me, horse-brains.

Gem almost fires... but draws back in the end, holstering her phaser instead. "No, no... the executioner's axe will be your punishment this night. I give you the punishment you gave me... and you will not be coming back."

Aífe's mouth quirks, but she says nothing. No commitment one way or the other.

Bryan: Death comes for you all.

It is life’s only certainty.

If not by Bryan’s hand,

If not by Shark’s jaws,

You will one day reach the end of your life.

And we will see you in hell.

Aife: "I mean, sure. In fifty years or so, genius."

Gem: "To wear a Starfleet uniform is to know that one day, you will die in it. I have done so once already. Your words do not threaten me in the slightest."

Artoria: Who'd have thought the evil ghost shark with a dead child would be ev--oh wait when I say it out loud I feel like I missed a cue.

Gem: "Worry not, Ensign. They had us all fooled."

Artoria: You've been killing my friends! I'll hardly take this lying down, ghost-shark.

Gem: "We've all seen so much death in the past week... for some of us, more than they've seen in their whole lives. I am eagerly awaiting returning to the stars." She glances down at Artoria. "Would you like to join us?"

Artoria: Perhaps. I'm torn. I would like to see the stars but... I also know the people of Fairy Britain are waiting for someone to free them from their chains. I certainly cannot leave them to their fate. If... my time here has taught me anything, its that I have a responsibility to others.

Gem nods in understanding. "A responsibility I am all too familiar with. You have a way of reaching me, should you need it." She gives Artoria a hug. "I think you'll make for a wonderful queen when the time comes."

Poxxy: I sense strange shadows in the air. The sky is growing dark, even as it is noon. There are forces at work of which we know little.

I fear that this night will be long. A long and painful night, if we folk of the castle even survive to see it. A long and strange night, filled with terrifying possibility.

I am afear'd. So I declare that we must retire early to bed this night, lest we all be caught in the shadow.

If, by six o'th'sun, the votes be all cast, then we shall a'bed at that hour. If, by six o'th'sun, the votes be not all cast, then we shall await their casting, and conduct the executions and flee when the moment of their conclusion doth arrive. And then, we may await and fear what fresh terror the morn will bring.

Gem: "An early nightfall... fascinating. And I thought only Equus had someone to raise the moon."

Artoria pauses Perhaps now is the time... I need to face my enemies... and my own destiny head on, don't I?

Gem nods. "Make it so, Ensign."

Artoria reaches into her bag, and pulls out.... a crown!?!? "Alright then Merlin, you tricky little bastard.... we're in the endgame.... and I accept what you made me to be. Someone who protects the weak, and fights the shadows."

she places the crown on her head, and there is a brilliant blinding light and then-- She has become royalty!

Gem opens her eyes as the blinding light fades, and instinctually bows. "Your Majesty..."

Artoria: smiles You may rise--and stay risen. We're friends after all. raises chin "But I am now King Artoria Avalon, first of her name, who will defeat these ghosts, and then go home and free the people of my homeland.

"Merlin really enchanted the crown so it gave me a new outfit, huh? Of course he did."

Aífe is stunned. "It, uh. It looks well on you, Artoria." She smiles widely.

Artoria: "Thank you, Aífe. You've been... well I couldn't have gotten this far without you. I promise, I will always be ready to give you my aid. Your friendship has meant.... more than I can say."

Aife: "I feel the same way. I expect the road ahead for you is full of perils -- I will do what I can to guide you, if I can." She crooks a smile. "Although, you cut so striking a figure. Perhaps you'll be guiding me!"

Artoria: "M-m-me g-guiding you? I mean--I don't think I--but you're--I mean I've been looking up to you this whole time so... well.... I'll d-do my best!"

Gem smiles, "It suits you well. I shall call you King from here on: I don't think ensign fits."

Artoria: Fair enough. But you'll always be my Captain.

Gem's heart melts at that, and she embraces the royal, tears in her eyes. After a few moments, she adds: "One more thing... should you require assistance in your task, I happen to know somepony with experience in freeing the trodden-upon from captivity. Her name is Emerald Wave, and she travels the stars with her marefriends, Marena and Kyla-82 Verger, helping the helpless as part of the Fenris Rangers. She'll answer your call, if you make it."

Artoria: "I could certainly use all the help I can get. Morgan Le Fey is a fearsome foe, after all!"

Gem smiles, "Then, a moment please." She goes to a quiet corner for a few moments, and taps her combadge in a specific pattern: three rapid taps.

"Shadow to Wave: do you receive me?"

"Buckin' straight I do, Gem. What's up?"

"I must call in a favor: my dear friend King Artoria Avalon will soon be attempting to overthrow Morgan Le Fey, and she'll need all the help she can get. Can you do it?"

"Absolutely, I think I know her planet. The gals and I will start heading over there."

"Excellent. Thank you, Emerald."

"Always, Gem. Wave out."

Artoria: "....Thank you Captain. If we all get out of here--and I hope we do--I feel confident we can save my people now. Everything is in place..." deep breath "Here we go."

Gem: "The long night draws near... but it will end. And I believe we'll be there to see the dawn." In the meantime, Gem makes herself a cup of tea (earl grey, hot) and settles in to watch the sky. Far above them, her ship continues orbiting. She records a new log entry in the meanwhile.

Aífe listens to Victoria's last words, and to Gem's log as she records it, with a heavy heart. The friends made here in this wretched, cursed place... She wished she could protect them better.

Like Artoria, who was striding about in her new robes, all business. It seemed this child, burdened with terrible prophecy, knew who she was now. There was a joy in that, but also a curse – a curse in not being able to choose one’s own path.

Words from a friend flitted across her mind: even with all the death and unhappiness here, she had found joy. Friendship. Love. Family.

How do you break a family curse?

And just then, everything about her life, everything about the world, fell into place like locks in a tumbler.

One hundred years ago, her great-great-grandmother had created the curse by taking a sapling with magical protection and throwing it off a cliff. The sapling of an apple tree.

She jumped to her feet and dashed down the corridors. Nightfall was coming early. Would there still be time? The thought that the solution was in the room with her since she entered the castle but lay unobserved until a moment too late was unbearable, unthinkable.

It was still there on the table. Rabbit With Apple. That painting which had, like all of them, travelled such a great distance: the Van Haretyl painting beloved by a Miss Crosswire, left in her will to an Arthur, who in turn left it to Buster, who lost it and died before it could be found.

Regent Poxxy said, upon the passing of Sir Reep, that all the dead would be buried in the manner of Chesserton custom. Aífe seized the painting and sprinted outside.

The land was barren, all rock and sand. But that’s the only kind of earth that some apples have ever known. The graves were lined up neatly: Sir Reep, Captain Hook, Moment, Gemini Shadow, A Floating Dress, Victoria, Eustace. And Buster.

It seemed Bryan would not be the only grave-robber this week.

She set down the painting by Buster’s grave, took up the spade beside it, and made to dig a hole.

In on top of the dead rabbit, she lowered the painting, threw the earth back over it, patted it down until there was dirt under her fingernails, like she’d dug up a treasure, a lost secret, a curse.

She stood back. And at last, it wasn’t just her. The whole castle was thick with it. The air smelled of apples.

Out from Buster Bunny’s grave, all in one go, grew an apple tree.

In the right conditions, it takes seven years to grow an apple tree. This one – the trunk widened, the branches multiplied, broke into buds. The buds flowered into fat, shining apples big enough to harvest.

She took eight, one for each person left, even the ghosts. And she took a bite out of her own. It tasted like all their histories. It tasted like a story on the cusp of an ending.

So many of them were connected, by blood and beyond blood. Gem, the only other woman like her she had ever met. Artoria, a child of a prophecy she never asked for, and Sir Jo, forced to perform a sacrifice they never volunteered for. Sir Reep, unable to forgive himself for his mistakes. And the demonic possession that afflicted Victoria – and Bryan too, for his sins.

And as she felt her teeth strangely dull themselves from their banshee sharpness, as the colour returned to their eyes and the pale, sickly aspect left her complexion, Aífe understood. There had never really been a curse. This was the whole world. Many people are denied the chance to choose their own path; many people are deemed rotten by society and cast off.

How do you break a curse like that?

Joy. Friendship. Love. Family.

As the sun inched ever closer to the horizon, their family tree, in full bloom, swayed in the breeze.

Gem had stood and watched all this activity with fascination, and now went to stand next to her first officer, taking her hand once again.

"Congratulations, Number One," the unicorn whispers, gazing up at the tree and its fruits. "The tree of knowledge now finds its new home... a haven in a world of darkness and tragedy. Truly, it is the Eden spoken of by ancient humans." 

She turns to face Aife, her eyes still red with earlier tears, and smiles a gentle smile. "You are magnificence itself."

Aife: She smiles, peaceful and satisfied, and offers her Captain an apple.

Gem accepts and takes a bite, chewing for several moments. When she can speak again, she says: "Stars... it's the most beautiful thing I've ever eaten..."

Artoria: "...I'm so happy for you, you really did it. You really did. walks over to the tree and touches the trunk "...you know, I only just realized, I guess we all did put down roots together. How yours have blossomed."

Aife: "And yours, pet. And yours." She beams.

Gem: "Truly, we have." Gem goes to sit beneath the tree, tucking her legs up. "When I first came here, my first and only mission was to get back to my original crew as soon as I could... but in a short time, I found myself with another." She smiles. "We are not just a bunch of creatures from scattered times and places... we are a family. And we always will be."

Artoria: "Its... melancholy. I've had so few friends. I've always been training, or locked up, or... well it doesn't matter. But... I truly care about you both. I love you both as family, even though this has been a short time together... but it's only through this closeness that I learned I couldn't turn my back on my people. I wish I could go to the stars with you, Gemini, but... thanks to you, and Aífe, I understand that I have to help others first. Maybe someday I'll join you. The help you've offered will certainly aid in that but.... till then, I'm glad to sit here under the branches of this family tree."

Gem smiles and kisses Artoria's forehead gently. "We'll be waiting for you, Artoria. There will always be a place on my bridge for you."

Agatha: A family. I’ve not really had that in my life, not after I lost my parents. My uncle is kind, but distant. But our traumas have really brought us together, haven’t they?

Gem: "They certainly have... I've encountered the same phenomenon on many other worlds, and yet never dared dream it would happen to me... maybe this is why Q sent me here." And somewhere, somehow, Gem hears a familiar voice: "Well done, mon capitaine. I'm proud of you."

Artoria: They have. And.... since we all know we know pain, we can carry each other through it. I'm so glad you're here too, Agatha. 

Artoria takes her crown off for a moment, to just be with her found family, and raises her staff. She learned from the mage of flowers Merlin, she should be able to manage this much? Petals burst forth, fluttering down like snow, and layering the ground. Artoria sits down, and watches it fall. A little gift for Aífe, a celebration without words. The smell of the apple blossoms fills the air.

Aífe beams at them. "These are beautiful! Thank you, Artoria." She looks at her. "You're a right talent, you know that?"

"Agreed.. you could give some of the more powerful unicorns of Equus a run for their bits." Gem nuzzles Artoria's cheek affectionately.

Bryan: Early nightfall?

It seems time itself wants us to face justice.

Justice… justice would be finding the Russorbaloff.

I have already set plans in motion for that.

What?

I sent a telegram through time to the future.

How?

With my insane skills.

I see.

There is a bounty on his head. Some people in the far future will want to track him down.

He will rue the day he wasn’t straightforward in his video message.

Thousands of years later, thousands of light years across space, a message fails to arrive. It looks like Bryan didn’t understand how to send it properly to the far future or into space. Instead it ended up in early 20th century England.

General Sir Reg Moogenes picks up the message and reads it with interest. The favourite of King George V, deep into his middle age but still full of life, sips his tea. “What’s this? Looks like a bounty for a disgusting creature from beyond the stars, hidden in the far future.”

General Sir Reg Moogenes immediately sets off for the palace and shows the king his instructions. His royal highness is surprised. “I seek permission, your majesty. May I accept this commission?”

The king nods, and directs General Sir Reg Moogenes to the secret royal vault. Inside is a special device confiscated centuries earlier by the regent of a different kingdom. It’s a vortex manipulator. The general straps the manipulator to his wrist and arms himself with another device found in the vault: A laser gun. It’s small and pocket-sized. The general places the weapon into his coat pocket and sets off to the future of space and time.

General Sir Reg Moogenes has a simple mission: Find and kill the Russorbaloff. He has no intelligence on where or when to look. But he’s gonna find him eventually. Just you wait.

I hope I sent that message to the future properly Shark.

Me too. If we’re going to die, the least we can do is set in motion a punishment for the Russorbaloff.

It would be a shame if it didn’t get to the right point and ended up with someone really random.

We can only hope whoever gets the bounty will seek him out and not end up in a similar situation with a bunch of disguised murderers and colourful characters.

Let’s hope so.

SMG walks in, sits at a distance from Gem, Artoria, Aife, and Agatha

Sorry I haven't been around much. Wasn't exactly expecting to be cursed with monarchy, I had too many responsibilities to spend time getting to know all of you. Turns out solving mysteries and fighting ghosts... isn't so fun in real life. I'm glad we're here together, at the end of all this

"As am I, your majesty." Gem smiles. "For now, at this moment, with all of you here... I am home, and at peace."

Aife: "Thank you for all you've done, Sarah Michelle Gellar."

Artoria: "I'm glad too. If you'd like, I'd love to hear some of your tips on being King since uh, I'll have to do that myself pretty soon turns out... you've done so much for us. There's no way I can repay your kindness d sacrifices, but truly your Majesty and award winning screen actress, its been an honor."

Gem: "When I return to the ship, I'll be taking in your entire filmography... even the ones you haven't made yet. Perhaps, in the worlds of all your alter egos, I may come to understand you." She holds her hand up in a Vulcan salute. "Live long... and prosper."

Aife: "I'm sure that Scooby-Doo will lead to a long career of big roles for you!"

Galdalf: "Alright then, it's me!"

Agatha: You're not actually here to translate the Bad Ring, are you?!

Gem: "At last, the witch speaks! You, madam, are an insult to all of us fortunate enough to practice the arts of magic! How dare you!"

Artoria: Galdalf! How could you! Okay I mean I already knew it was you for a little but still HOW COULD YOU!

Bryan: Oh hello comrade.

You’re finally awake!

We didn’t confess why we did it.

But over to you if you want to give your reasoning.

Galdalf: I'm good at this.

SMG: Not so good, it seems

Gem: "I will not deny, you both had us all tricked... but all tricks must come to an end, and I daresay yours is close at hand."

Galdalf: What's the point in being alive?

Artoria: To make people happy, and do standard rate translation work. And not murder your friends!

Gem: "So much! To seek out the strange and new, to discover the unknown, to go boldly where none have tread! But you... you who have spent so much time planning the murders of innocents... you disgust me! You would not know the beauty of life if it confronted you directly!"

Galdalf: I'M FED UP WITH THIS WORLD!

Artoria: YOU ARE TEARING ME APART GALDALF!!!

Gem: "Those who would destroy worlds rather than rebuild them... they stand against everything that I have ever believed in! And they must be fought!"

Aife: "Wicked witch! I have an apple for you 🙂  It's not cursed, but I think we can arrange for you to sleep forever 🙂 "

Galdalf: You will see me again!

Artoria: Hey! Get back here! Gimmie that magic ring!

Gem: "And we will be ready to strike you down!"

Bryan: Why did you react like that, Artoria? They’re not onto you yet!

Gem scoffs. "Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Bryan. Artoria is a kind and honorable woman, she would never betray her crew!"

Bryan: I wonder if that’s true.

Artoria: S-sorry? You think I, Artoria Avalon, king of the Britons, am a ghost? Absurd.

Gem: "How dare you, insinuating something like this at the eleventh hour! She's one of ours, not yours!"

Bryan: Only a few minutes until nightfall.

Have you got any last words prepared Bryan?

Only that I wish we had finished killing everyone. Then we could leave.

Execution is a sort of leaving?

I suppose.

It’s all fine for you anyway. Me, I’ll have to find a new host.

Moving on so soon? Heartless!

After all I did for you? Ungrateful!

Heartless!

Ungrateful!

Heartless!

Ungrateful!

…

We’ll come back to haunt you!!!!!!!

Gem: "You will not, demons."

Nightfall

“AND I’D DO IT AGAIN!” screams Galdalf. “I hate you! I hate you all! And I was Galdalf the Red all along!”

She is dragged to the scaffold. For yes, she was the winner of the first vote for execution, carried by five for and three against. As she is burned to a crisp with the fires of hell - which are kept for just such an occasion by the Cardinal - you see the truth: she was an EVIL GHOST! And she didn’t even have any patronages.

But wait! There is another slated to die today.

“You can’t kill me, I’m the bishop!”, says either Bryan or the Demon Shark. He’s right on one of these points - he is the bishop. But you can kill him, and you do! He explodes into bits of demon and bits of boy, making a complete mess of the carpet. And Bryan was, indeed, an EVIL GHOST.

Artoria Avalon, the Noble Prince, is pleased to see these developments. “Well, that should only leave o-”

BLAM! Aife bursts in with a laser gun! Where did she get it? You don’t know! You don’t even know what it is! Before anyone can say anything else, she’s used the laser gun to zap the Chef  right in his muppetty face! 

“Bork… bork :(“ says the Swedish Chef, as he evaporates. He was an EVIL GHOST too! And the Herald at that. Fortunately, it doesn’t matter that the Herald is dead, because the horrible green gas that gets blasted into dust is so obviously a demonic ghost that you hardly need confirmation on this point.

“Where did you get that laser gun?” asks Sarah Michelle Gellar, who is the King. “I made you Paladin of the Dead, not a killer!”

“Eustace gave it to me :)”, explains Aífe, who is also a Noble.

“That makes sense!” declares Captain Shadow, whose brush with death revealed to her the secrets of the Noble Dead, including their ability to hand out laser guns to medieval nobles. Gemini is proudly the Rook, as before she died, and a Noble at that.

“So we sorted everything?” asks Agatha. “This really has been quite a marvellous adventure! I’m glad I didn’t have to die, what with being the Vao. And I suppose I shall always be the Queen of the Underworld.” She smiled at her Noble companions.

“Oh, and Cardinal?” says the King.

“Hm?”

“You’re fired as Regent, and exiled from the kingdom! You truly are… the King’s Least Favourite!”

But wait! What is happening!?

“Oh Christ,” says Poxxy. He knows what this means.

But wait! What is happening!?

“Oh Christ,” says Poxxy. He knows what this means.

All around the six of them, the walls are filling with noise and chaos. New ghosts are being born! Everyone who has been killed is coming back to life!

“I’m definitely out of here,” cries the ex-Cardinal, as ghosts suddenly repopulate the castle. “Can’t be doing with any of this Undead nonsense. Is nothing sacred any longer!?”

The heroic ghosts swarm, delighted to be reunited at last.

But lo! It turns out you can’t kill a ghost after all, not even with the fires of hell. The Evil Ghosts are back too, albeit powerless to kill the living any longer.

Gem: As new ghosts appear, she smiles. She glances to Aife, and says. "Number One, I do believe it is long past time for us to be going, wouldn't you say?"

Aife: "Make it so!"

Agatha: Don't leave me behind!

Gem: "Certainly not, Ensign! Join us here, won't you?" She's standing somewhere in the middle of the room, watching her ship out the window. It was almost time.

Agatha gathered her things and dashed over to stand beside Gemini and Aife. I'm ready to go!

Artoria: ...goodbye everyone. Our time here meant so much to me. Whenever I look up at the night sky, I'll think of each of you.

Gem: Gem gives Artoria one last kiss on the forehead, and holds up her hand in a Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper, King Artoria Avalon. We will see each other again."

Agatha: You're going to be an excellent king, Artoria!

Artoria: Thank you both. When I reclaim Camelot, come visit! We'll have feasts!

Jo: Mina???

Artoria: Sir Jo!

Gem: "Sir Jo!" Gem smiles at the sight of the blue knight, "I hope you got my letter?"

Jo: I DID, thank you so much 💜 but… it seems that conveying my dead body back to Carcassonne may no longer be necessary? I’m a little confused

Gem: "No, I suppose not." Gem smiles, "Welcome back to the land of the living, sir knight."

Eustace: I - I'm alive? Well! I suppose that old Lion knew what he was on about - though not quite in the way I expected. Typical, really. Sir Reep, I don't suppose Nernia is on the way back to England, at all? Maybe we could still go on Adventures for a little while?

Reep: Funny you should say that my boy, I know just the ship… It is good to be back amongst the living! Aslion’s grace prevailed! Bravo ye stalwart heroes who thwarted the wicked ghosts and saved the day!

Gem blushes brightly at that and tugs on her uniform tunic. "All part of the job, Sir Reep. I am very glad to see you again too!"

Reep: Bows low It has been a pleasure fighting alongside thee, Captain

Gem bows in return, still blushing.

Aife: "Goodbye, Artoria. I'm sure we'll see each other again before too long. Whatever may be ahead for you, I trust that you will face it with grace and valour."

Gem looks around at all their returned friends, and smiles. "I have never believed that goodbyes are truly permanent. We will find each other again, somewhere in time and space. So... perhaps, goodbye until then. It has been an honor."

Artoria hugs each of them one last time, then waves. ”Goodbye friends... but goodbye doesn't mean forever. Till we meet again, in the Kingdom of Avalon.”

With a sigh, Gem takes one last look around the castle. Her gaze falls on the apple tree. “We may leave… but the tree, and what it represents, will remain forevermore.” Then, turning to smile at Aife and Agatha, she taps her combadge. “Endeavour, three to beam up, please.”

Artoria watches the three disappear, waving until she knows they’re gone. Then she turns, and begins packing her things. She has a long journey ahead of her: back to her homeland, and then she will need to raise an army, and fight several climactic battles and duels. It would surely tell a story all its own. 

But for Artoria, she will remember that moment in the castle, reaching up toward the stars, her hand falling just short. And each night, she will reach up again, pointing to the lights that guided her this far, and guides her still, until they day they are reunited: her beloved friends. Her first family. Her stars.

Gemini, Agatha and Aífe reappeared in the Endeavour’stransporter room, and Gem expertly stepped down, then helped Agatha and Aife down too.

O'Brien the transporter chief smiled at Gem as she arrived. "Welcome back, Captain. These friends of yours?" she asked.

"New crewmates," Gem replies, gesturing to each of her fellow survivors. "Ladies... welcome aboard the Endeavour." She guides them through the door and on a quick tour of the ship, passing through corridor after corridor. Various crew members in uniform go about on their own business, saluting their captain as she passes by.

Aífe's eyes are wide. "This technology! It's beyond anything I've ever seen! Those round glass things above us — they seem to be producing LIGHT by use of ELECTRICITY!"

Gem lets out a soft laugh, "Welcome to the twenty-fifth century, Number One. I expect you'll have a lot to learn!”

Soon they reach a turbolift, which takes them up to the ship’s main bridge. Kyla stands behind the tactical arch as always, with Starlight Glimmer at one of the science stations, and Luster Dawn and Moondancer at helm and ops.

Commander Michelle Lykos gets out of the command chair, looking to Gem and her two new crewmates. “Welcome back, Captain… civilians?”

“For now, Commander,” Gem replies, gesturing for Aife and Agatha to sit down. They each take the additional seats on either side of the three command chairs.

Gem goes to sit down in her own chair, practically sinking into the material. After everything she'd been through, this was where she belonged: Her bridge. Her ship. Her home.

Michelle looks at her, puzzled. “Captain… what the hell happened to you down there? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

“I certainly did,” Gem replies. “Three, in fact. We’ll tell you everything soon enough… no doubt Starfleet Command is as curious as you are.”

Michelle smirks. “Well, yeah, actually. You were gone practically a week with no explanation except for Q! I didn’t have the faintest clue where you went! They made me acting captain!” She leans in close. “Picard had started to think you were dead!”

“And indeed, I was,” Gem tells her. At Michelle’s astounded expression, she just laughs and replies, “All things in good time, Commander. All things in good time.”

She turns to the front. “Ms. Dawn, set course for... anywhere. Any heading you like. Warp factor nine.”

"Anywhere, ma'am?" asks Luster, sounding surprised.

Gem nods. "Anywhere, Lieutenant.”

Michelle pipes up: “Screw that, this pony looks like she could use a month on a leisure planet or something.”

“If you’re thinking of Risa, Commander, think again,” Gem replies, smirking. “I change my mind: set course for Equus please, helm. After all this… I could use some time at home.”

A brief pause as Luster taps at her console. "Course laid in, ma'am."

Gem nodded. "All stations?"

"Ready for departure, Captain," replied Moondancer.

"Some problem, Aife?" Gem asked, glancing to the young Irishwoman.

"Just hoping this isn't the usual way our missions will go, Gem," Aife replied.

Gem smiled. "Oh no, Number One. I'm sure most will be much more interesting." 

She turned back to the front and pointed forward, into the stars.

"Let's see what's out there. Engage."

And with that, the castle dwellers would see something they'd remember forever: the sight of a Starfleet ship soaring into the cloudless night, and disappearing as it jumped to warp.

The USS Endeavour and her crew were gone for now... but they would return.

Captain’s log, stardate 77676.9: I am happy to report that the Chessteros crisis that has consumed me for the past week is finally, mercifully over. The past seven days have, without a doubt, been some of the strangest I’ve ever faced in my nine years as a Starfleet officer, and five as captain of the U.S.S. Endeavour. 

No doubt, what I experienced will weigh on me as heavily as Picard’s assimilation did on him. Mutiny, even one predicated on poor information as mine was, is still hard for any commanding officer to go through. Even now, I somewhat feel as though I failed my castle crew in allowing myself to be killed. (Though it has been made clear to me there was nothing I could have done to prevent it.)

Still, my time in this castle has not been all disastrous. I returned to life after an ignominious death. I gained new crewmates, and found a family of sorts. Aífe and Agatha will always be close to me, and I intend to visit Camelot to see Artoria as soon as possible. 

As I sit here in my true ready room recording this entry, I feel compelled to summarize all that I have learned. I would say that even with all the death and unhappiness here, I have found joy. Friendship. Love. Family. These are the things that ponykind holds most dear, and it has always been my mission to spread these values across the stars. And it will continue to be so, with my Spookalot crew by my side.

I have a new lease on life. I intend to make use of it.

The Endeavour zoomed through space, stars streaking past its many windows like drops of rain. 

Watching them fly in her ready room, Captain Gemini Shadow felt some familiar words on her tongue... an oath, in fact. One taken by every Starfleet captain upon the first voyage of their ship.

And as she considered all that had happened to her these past several days, she thought: perhaps it was time to take it again. A new life, a new crew... new endeavours.

"Space... the final frontier."

"These are the continuing voyages of the starship Endeavour."

"Her ongoing mission... to explore strange new worlds."

"To seek out new life... and new civilizations."

"To boldly go... where no one has gone before."