The Crescent Nightmare

by ChaosKing

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Princess Celestia, Sex, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Princess Luna, Original Character
Length: 9472

There was never just one student of the Princess's, and now Twilight and Luna both have a great power to try and stop before Celestia meets her fate at this young woman's hands

Some time before the Nightmare Incident Luna took in a young filly. Now that filly returns one thousand years later with anger in her heart and vengeance in her soul. Can Luna fight her own daughter? And can Twilight manage to stop an enemy that has spent a millennia becoming the equal of even the Alicorns? And in the end...is Crescent even truly the villain of this tale, or Celestia?

Published 2013-04-29 21:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-05-25 16:40:01 UTC

Chapter 1

Luna’s POV
I allowed myself a moment to enjoy the warm sun my sister had conjured up today before pulling a simple brown cloak over myself. Every time we had to come around the county to make royal announcements it threw off my sleep, and I had knew I would need weeks to get back to sleeping during the day.
I let my sister proclaim in the royal voice to the peasants. I never liked speaking with the commoners that much. They always were so quick to judge.
I let myself wander the markets and browse. I let them think I was a unicorn by keeping my wings tight against my side. I enjoyed one thing about commoners at least. They knew how to haggle.
I was looking at some apples wondering if I could tempt my more righteous then thou art sister with one when I felt a collision with my leg. I looked down to see a small unicorn hiding behind my legs.
“Stop! In the name of Celestia!” I saw a trio of royal guards coming towards us. I looked down and saw crumbs all over the little foals face. I could only guess she had been stealing from the royal banquet and had gotten caught.
I looked in her eyes and saw her pleading, “Please don’t let them take me!” I could only be shock at how scared she was. I honestly think that she thinks they are going to kill her.
I looked at the stallions coming towards us and knew that I had to stop this. I tried to go meet them halfway, but the little girl wouldn’t let go of my leg and her crying was starting to get hysterical.
“You! Unicorn! I hereby order you to give up that little street trash now!” I felt ashamed for having such mean guards. I had to talk to Celestia about our recruiting.
“Halt guards! You are not to touch this filly!” I kept my voice an octave higher than usual, and avoided the royal voice to not frighten the child. Besides I was curious just how our guards acted when we weren’t around.
“Out of the way wench! We have business with your little brat, and unless you have some ‘compensation’ for the food she stole then I think we’ll just take her now.
I couldn’t hide my shock. These guards just proposed I give them sex to make them ignore a theft. It was official. I. Was. Mad.
I pulled back my hood and let them realize just who they were dealing with. I got a dark pleasure at their faces, and let them proceed to grovel.
“Please dear princess! We were merely jesting! We simply were-“
“You were merely trying to hurt a young filly for no other reason than for trying to eat! If we couldn’t stand to lose a few pieces of bread then we would be the poorest princesses in the world! I don’t know your names, but if I ever hear of any behavior like this again… I will.
They all took off screaming. I looked down at the small filly and took stock of her. She was small, and by that I mean smaller than was normal for someone her age, and she was so skinny I could count individual ribs. She was pure black with an emerald green mane that hung around her face like a curtain. Even though she was safe now she was still freaking out.
“Please. Please. Please. I don’t wanna go! I don’t wanna die!”
“It’s all right little one. I have sent them away. It will be all right.” I could see her getting more distraught, and I had no idea what to do.
“NONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONO! I won’t go! I WON’T GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I felt only a brief spike of energy before it happened.
Magic was pouring out of the filly like an explosion. I couldn’t even see around me from the sheer heat the expending of magic was producing. I could hear the people around us screaming, and I knew it was not going to stop unless I made it.
I forced my way through the storm and kneeled next to the filly. I erected a spell to block the magic coming out of her, but I knew I might only get one chance. I touched my horn to hers, and suddenly everything went quiet.
I looked around to see the market in ruins, and fires burning all around the area. I looked down at the little filly and found her crying into my legs.
“It was an accident.” She began to hiccup and sob at my feet, and I knew at that moment I couldn’t bring myself to be mad.
“Sister! What happened here?! I leave you alone for five minutes and you get into trouble!” I let out a groan. This wasn’t going to be pretty.

A few hours later…
Luna’s POV
“I just can’t do it!” I couldn’t believe my sister! She not only wanted to punish the little filly, she wanted to make me punish her myself! That poor little girl didn’t do anything wrong!
“I know it’s harsh, but she destroyed a major chunk of the marketplace. I wish it was different, but she would be punished even more severely after we left if we did nothing.”
“Still! I don’t see why we must be so cruel to her!” How was giving the girl twenty lashes a light punishment? I could maybe see it if she was a healer, but the poor girl didn’t even seem to know how to tap into her own magic.
My sister sighed, “One day Luna you must grow up. I take no pleasure in this, but it must be done. It is going against our own desire that keeps us from the darkness of Sombra and Discord.”
I groaned and left before my dear sister really got going on the whole light vs. dark malarkey. I went to where the filly was being kept to see just what my opinion of her really was.
She was just like she was after the incident. Her face was tear streaked, and she looked far too skinny for the size she was. At the sight of me she started crying and tried to bury her head in her hooves to avoid my gaze.
“Why do you cower child?” I wasn’t that scary looking right…Right?
“I just wanted some food.” She was so quiet I barley could hear her, “Please don’t be mad. I didn’t mean to, but some boys stole my food that morning, and I couldn’t find anything else.”
“Was there not any charity giver around? They are supposed to be stationed in every town for just such a problem.”
She looked at me curiously, “What’s charity?”
I didn’t even have a chance to bluff her, “Charity is- Charity is when- It occurs when someone-.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’m probably gonna be dead tomorrow anyway.”
“Why?”
“I’m a freak. I don’t look right, I can’t find anything I’m good at, and I’m so ugly not even the pleasure fillies will take me in. I probably will be stoned by nightfall.”
I knew right then I wouldn’t punish her. No girl should even know what death is at her age. I had some things to discuss with my sister… but first I needed a name for this filly.
“What is your name?”
She looked at me strangely again, “Don’t got one. No one ever thought I needed anything other than street trash.”
“Well then I just will have to give you one… let me think.” I tried to come up with a good name for the little girl, but nothing stood out. I looked at her, and noticed she had a cut on her flank in the shape of a crescent, almost like a message.
I looked at her with a smile, “You are Crescent. Come with me”

1000 and some years later…

Crescent’s POV
I awoke with a bolt and let my fear take hold for a moment. I had always hated that memory.
I looked out at the skyline of Canterlot. So unchanged for so many centuries, and I knew just what I was going to do when I got there.
I allowed my thoughts to grace the night, “Watch out Celestia… little Crescents coming home…and this time I won’t be the one who loses everything!” I allowed a small chuckle I had turn into a mad cackle. Call me cliché but I really am somewhat crazy. Being over 1000 and with no real childhood for most of your life will do that to you.
But soon I would be home, and I would get the happy ending that a hero deserves.

Author's Note

A.N. This will only be an experiment to see if I can pull off a MLP fic. Let me know if I should continue.

Chapter 2

Twilight’s POV
I let out a whoop of joy as I flew through the air. I could be up here for a thousand years and I wouldn’t lose the excitement of flight.
I heard Rainbow Dash praise me for the more advanced maneuvers I had just preformed, and knew that soon she would want to race. I couldn’t help but get excited at the prospect.
I was just about to do a U-turn to get back to her when suddenly I felt a change in the atmosphere. I was about to warn Rainbow when a bolt of lightning struck me in the side, causing me to crash into the ground.
I looked up to see a clear blue sky and wondered just what the hay had hit me. I looked around for the source and felt a dark presence in the vicinity.
“You Canterlot crowd! Never able to see what’s coming even when its right in front of you!”
I turned to see a young mare with a coat as black as night, and two emerald green braids coming together to make a loop on her back. I could see smoke coming from her horn, and saw a cutie mark on her flank showing a crescent moon in a flame of dark fire.
“Who are you?!” I cried.
She looked at me with a smile before replying in a voice that sent chills down my spine, “Your worst nightmare.” With that she sent a blast of energy and power out to knock me off the balcony I had been using for a landing pad during practice.
“Let’s see who the truly better student is Twilight!” I heard her cry.
I righted myself easily, but I felt rage building up. Just who did this mare think she was? I was going to go back up there and teach her a lesson.
Before I could get even halfway up the tower I felt a sudden wind spike. I was launched halfway to Ponyville and had my trip stopped by a tower. Ow.
I looked around from the impact zone and saw half a dozen tornadoes devastating the higher regions of Canterlot. I felt my jaw drop at the site. Disaster spells had been outlawed and all text destroyed centuries ago, and to even do one required a lot of magic.
I might just be in over my head.

Crescent’s POV
This was too much fun! I watched as Twilight began to use her magic to try and calm the twisters I had conjured up, and felt delight when she was repeatedly thrown against one tower or another.
I felt a spike in magical energy before seeing a pink form appear and begin to help Sparkle. I almost felt flattered that Cadence had to be called out to stop my fun.
I heard two sets of hooves coming up the stairs and felt a tightening in my chest. I was about to face her.
Would she recognize me? Would she run out to cover me in her wings like she used to so long ago? Would she even care that I had spent the last millennium trying to make her proud?
I would have to save those questions for another day. I had a plan, and this was simply the preview of it.
Celestia and Luna stormed in the room (stormed in… get it? Because there are storms right out- you know what? Just forget it.) and stopped dead at the sight of me.
Luna looked at me and ran her eyes over my form. I could feel her magic checking my own personal magic signature to know for sure it was me.
She took a step forward with a look of one who had just awoken from a dream more like life than they could recall, “…Crescent?” she whispered.
I looked at her for a moment before responding, “Not quite.”
“But I thought you died almost a millennia ago! How have you survived so long?!”
I ignored her question and spoke the lines just as I had rehearsed them, “I’m here for what’s mine mother. And if you’re smart you’ll help me. I’ve waited for this time for 1000 years. I can wait a few weeks more.”
And with that I jumped off the balcony.
And then the princesses realized I lacked wings.

Author's Note

To whom it may concern... the reason I have both Twilight and Twilicorn on this story is because I have no idea what separates them as a character. All I see is one has wings and one doesn't. If there is supposed to be a major difference then please inform me.

Chapter 3

Twilight’s POV (2 hours after last chapter’s end)
I looked over at Cadence and Rainbow Dash to see if they had any ideas, but they both shook their heads. It looked like we might have to try to find the unicorn another time.
It had looked like she had committed suicide when she jumped, but this was a unicorn with serious power, and she blinked away like a shooting star. We had spent an hour looking for her to make sure we were safe.
Celestia and Luna were discussing who it could have been, but I and the others had been brainstorming what she could want.
“I hear that Rainbow Dash is training a princess and I see her battling tornadoes! Where is that little overgrown filly!”
I hadn’t heard someone come into the palace lobby where we were waiting, but we all jumped at the noise. I saw a Pegasus with a coat and mane as black as night come into the building. I looked at Rainbow to see her face look puzzled at who this man was.
He stomped over to us, “I have never in all my years seen such a reckless, overbearing, and totally horrible display of flight by an alicorn in all my life!” he looked at Rainbow, “And I couldn’t be more happy to see my old student teaching this train wreck with wings.” He said with a chuckle.
Rainbow’s face lit up with a joy I had previously thought was the sole property of the Wonderbolts. I watched as she embraced the colt and took him into the sky almost colliding with the ceiling.
“Shadow Wing!” she cried, “I haven’t seen you since that fiasco at the Wonderbolts derby a few years ago! What’s an old horse like you doing here?”
He chuckled, “I just had to see what my favorite student was doing. Plus I had to make sure you weren’t planning a repeat of that little incident with that poor colt at flight camp.”
She stopped dead and they fell back to the earth. I looked at her to see a blood red blush covering her face, “You swore never to mention that again! It wasn’t my fault that someone spiked the punch! I barely even remember that night!”
He let out another chuckle, “Same old Rainbow Dash. Nice to see at least some things never change.” He looked over and saw me and Cadence watching, “Oh! My apologies ladies! I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I simply couldn’t wait to see my old student again.”
I looked at Cadence and we shared a look. We didn’t know him, but experience said Rainbow always was a good judge of people (minus the whole Gilda incident) and she seemed to trust him.
Rainbow looked at us and seemed to realize that she hadn’t done introductions properly, “Oh my bad guys! This is Shadow Wing! He was my trainer at flight camp when I was a filly. He’s been my best friend for my entire life!”
He walked over to us and took my hoof, “Princess Twilight I presume?” he kissed the back of my hoof, and then did the same for Cadence. He then looked over at Rainbow and asked, “Would you have a moment to walk with me Rainbow? I have some matters I have been meaning to ask you about.”
“Oh sure Shadow! That is… if it’s okay with Twilight?” She looked at me with the question on her face.
I felt my eye getting ready to twitch. This was the one thing I hated about being a princess. Ever since my coronation my friends seemed to need my permission to leave my side for anything; family, friends, even their jobs. I hated the fact that they felt they needed to put me before themselves.
“Sure Rainbow. You don’t have to ask.” She smiled and they took off out into Canterlot.
She wouldn’t remember not to ask. None of my friends did.

Rainbow’s POV
Shadow Wing took us to a small café near the center of the city. I had to bite my cheek to keep a squeal from coming out. Shadow Wing! Here! I hadn’t seen him in so long, and he never gave out any address or mail place to contact him.
I could still feel the strain of his exercises when he was my instructor. He had been ruthless, cold, and the most demanding person I had ever met.
And I loved every second he had trained me.
He ordered us both teas, a favorite of his. He and I shared our drink while I thought about what he could possibly want of me. He wasn’t the kind to ask favors, and he never had needed help. I could only assume that he wanted to tell me something important.
He looked over at me and started to talk, “I’ll be honest Dash, that much you deserve. I’m retiring from training, and am moving to the country.”
I felt my jaw drop. Shadow had been training pegasi for over twenty years. Every single current Wonderbolt had trained under him, and he had a whole wall of awards. I couldn’t imagine why he would retire.
“Why?!”
He sighed, “I’m not as young as people seem to think I am kid. I feel like I’ve been burning the candle at both ends, and I need a change of pace. I just wanted to see you and ask you something before I make it official.”
What could he need my permission for? “What do you need?”
“Can I move into Ponyville?”
I felt my jaw hit the floor.

Crescent’s POV
I looked around the ruins of the Castle of the Sisters and began to begin a repair spell. I needed a place to be safe, and a place Luna would be able to find. I could only imagine the thoughts going through her head.
Soon we would see just how strong a mother’s love for her child truly is.

Author's Note

If you guys and gals could give feedback then let me know. I accept any and all criticism. Please do this so I know if you want more of this story or if you have any non-spoiler questions or suggestions.

Chapter 4

Twilight’s POV
I was walking along the hallway to Celestia’s quarters. Cadence had left to go be with Shining for a little while, and Rainbow was off with her old friend. I knew there was something I should be doing to help my teacher, but right now I just had no clue.
I had reached the admittedly slightly intimidating double door that led to my teacher’s room. I paused when I noticed the door slightly ajar, and then did a double take when I heard what sounded like arguing.
“I will not allow it!” I heard what sounded like Luna say.
“It doesn’t matter what you allow sister! What matters is that justice is done! She has destroyed buildings that had stood through the history of this city, and it is a miracle that no one was killed! As the rulers of this land you and I have to set an example and punish her!”
“It’s always been that way with her hasn’t it?! You never liked her! You never wanted anything to do with her!”
I couldn’t understand who they were talking about, but I could tell that this was one fight I shouldn’t get involved in.
Celestia spoke up, “I admit I always had a bad feeling about her, but you must admit that circumstance has seen to prove me correct.”
Luna seemed like she also was trying to be more restrained, “You know what she and I had. You know that I care for her like you care for Twilight. You need to let me go to her sister. You and Twilight have always been the best of friends, but you know not what it’s like to be a mother.”
“No.”
“Please! For the love you have for me let me do this! You don’t know the torture that a mother goes through when she can’t be with her child!”
Suddenly Celestia seemed to go under a much darker mood, “At least I can still be a mother! You preach to me after so many centuries of losing friends and companions that I wished I could help! I don’t take orders from a would-be usurper like YOU!
I heard a gasp from Luna, and the sound of breaking glass. I ran in to find Celestia standing in front of the door to her balcony. She turned to reveal tears in her eyes and a frown on her face.
“Twilight… for over a millennia I have studied, and trained, and learned. But I am now, as always, a fool.”

Luna’s POV
I felt hot rage burning in my chest. How dare she?! How dare she bring up the sacrifice I had carried with me!
I breathed a little and felt a little calmer. I needed to be composed. A princess never let others see her composure break.
I knew where my dear child was. She was at home.
The castle of the Royal Pony Sisters had been sort of a vacation home. It was where my sister and I could go to escape the world of politics and deceit.
I loved it when I had taken Crescent there. She would run around and befriend the creatures, and then would come back and curl up in my arms when a creature snapped at her.
I felt a tear roll down my eyes, and shook it away. I had to meet my daughter in all but blood. She had to be talked to before she went out of control.
It was going to be a long night…and one that had been one thousand years late.

Time Skip

I landed at the entrance to the castle with nary a sound. I knew she didn’t plan anything evil for me, but I was still somewhat hesitant about entering. It had been here I had done so much damage in my fit of anger, and I had tried to proclaim it my throne of the night.
I opened the door with magic to see a warm, cozy entrance lit by a roaring fire in the central hearth that sent heat to every room in the building. I let a small smile cross my face as I remembered the cold winters next to the fire reading about knights and true love.
“Welcome…Mother.”
I looked up at the staircase to the left to see Crescent descending. I let my eyes follow her and take in how beautiful she had become in time. I felt the desire to embrace her, but I restrained myself. It wasn’t what I had come to do.
“I thought you might be here. I think this day has been to long coming.”
She put on an innocent face, “Oh really? I hadn’t noticed how you were gone for ONE THOUSAND YEARS!!!” her anger was so fierce I almost lost my footing. I could feel all her uncontrolled magic simmering at the surface, just waiting to explode.
“I never meant to leave Crescent.” I sounded like I was making excuses even to my own ears.
I looked at her face and saw her battling over something. After what seemed like eternity she spoke, “I’ve been fighting, surviving, and hurting for a millennia…all that time waiting for you so we could make things right…and now…”
I suddenly felt a force hit my chest as she buried her face and tears in my mane, “I’ve finally got you back.”
I felt my wings extend to cover her like a blanket. Screw being a princess, and screw Equestria. Tonight I was a mother, and I was going to do what I had earned.
I was going to love my daughter…if only for one last night.

Rainbow’s POV (Yes people there’s more!)
I stood there looking at him for a moment before speaking, “Why do you think you need my permission about that?”
He looked at the ground bashfully, “I didn’t want to risk causing any trouble, or stealing any of your thunder. That and I didn’t know if you wanted an old grouchy man like me around. I mean you probably have your hands full already with the weather and this training thing right?”
I looked at him for a moment and wondered what he was talking about, “Training thing? I’m just helping Twilight learn the advanced moves. Once she flies a bit in a storm she’ll be golden. I don’t have anyone else I’m ‘training’.
He looked at me with one of his mischievous smiles, “I’d of thought I’d see a small fleet of rainbows down in Ponyville by now. I mean you do plan on tormenting me when I’m old right? Oh sorry, older!” he let out a chuckle.
I felt my jaw drop, “You mean- but I- what? You think I’ve got a guy?”
He laughed at me for a moment before settling down, “Just kidding kid. Sheesh and you use to call me a drama queen.”
“That isn’t something you joke about with me! You know what growing up was like for me!” I tried to keep it down, but it was hard when I got going.
He looked at the ground in shame, “Sorry kid. I know that family is a sore subject. I just was having a bit of fun. I really am surprised though that you don’t have any protégé’s!”
I started to get nervous, “Well…I sorta have one kid I’ve taken under my wing…but I think of her as more of a sister than an apprentice.”
“Oh really? What’s her top speed? Best weather hazard? Come on kid I want details.”
“It’s not that simple Shadow…She’s like me…from when I was a kid.”
He looked at the ground again, “Oh…”
“Yeah…oh”
“Do any of your friends know? Does she?”
“No. It’s not that I don’t trust them, but I just don’t want their pity. And if you respect me you’ll keep your mouth shut! I don’t want to have to give my whole life story okay!”
He let out another chuckle, “Ma’am yes ma’am. Just one question left though before I head off to pack kid.”
He began to walk away towards the waiter, presumably to pay the bill, and then stopped, “If you can’t trust them with your past…then who can you trust?”
And with that he was gone.

Author's Note

A.N. Let me know if you think I do something wrong. I don’t want total praise; I want to grow as a writer.
Also I have been told by my ONE commenter that I am going fast. This story is still in setup. After about one or two chapters after this it will be slowing down a bit.

Chapter 5

Shadow Wing’s POV
I arrived at my small, unassuming Canterlot flat and looked fondly at the walls littered with old nick-knacks and fond memories. There was Spitfire and Soarin after the whole spiked punch incident, and there was Rainbow and I side by side after she won her first race.
I would miss this place.
I went to my small little kitchen and put on a pot of water to boil. Common tea was fine, but my own brew was so good that just the ingredients demanded a king’s ransom, let alone the recipe!
Once my tea was done I sat on my old recliner and let my mind wander. I had so much to do, and so little time.
I thought about all the plans I had made over the years and the people I had met, and I knew that all of it would be useless now. No more politicians to woo and no more women to win. I was an old man at heart…
But I still had strength, and I intended to use it. Rainbow had a protégé that she would need help teaching, and I had plans for Ponyville.
I just hope that things went right for me for once.

Twilight’s POV
I walked down the corridor to the suite I was staying in while in Canterlot. I could have stayed with my parents, but I didn’t feel like I belonged in my old bedroom anymore.
I got into my room and got ready for bed, and then I lay there as the things Celestia told me replayed until sleep took me.
Flashback
“A fool? What do you mean?” I had never seen Celestia cry like this. A tear for Luna’s return, and tears of joy for the royal wedding, but she looked like she was just empty now.
“I believed I had changed, and had become a truly benevolent ruler, but I am still the same paranoid politician I was when Equestria was young.” She looked at me as if I wasn’t there, as if she was seeing the past.
“When Luna and I were young we didn’t have the power we enjoy now. We had to haggle with the ruling class for any laws or decisions we wanted to make. We had been hearing rumors of the Mad King of the Crystal Empire for years, but couldn’t confront Sombra without the consent of the council.”
I had to interrupt, “Why would they not want an evil unicorn like him stopped?”
She sighed, “Because we all knew there was the potential we could lose. They didn’t like to take any chances or make any bets they didn’t know would pay off.”
She looked out towards the horizon where the Lunar Princess had fled, “Luna volunteered to go in undercover to confirm the rumors, and to gain some intelligence, but the moment she entered the empire was the moment everything went wrong.”
Again a tear seemed to shine like quicksilver in the moonlight as she spoke, “Luna had always been good at disguise. I had thought she would be able to fit in amongst his staff like anyone else, but as always I underestimated my opponent. He discovered her on the first day,” she began to openly sob, her royal calm gone, “He overpowered her and bound her in chains, and then…”
“He raped her.”
“He raped her daily for weeks while I awaited a letter from her telling to invade or come for her. By the time I started to get worried she was in trouble it was too late. Sombra had gotten her with child, but we alicorns don’t have as easy a time with carrying children as other species. The foal was born early, and Sombra took it away and killed it after she gave birth.”
She looked back at me, her face looking like it was trying to regain its calm, “She was damaged by his treatment and the birth so much she became barren. I eventually rescued her from his dungeons, but I didn’t know of what he had done to her till much later.”
I could see that she wanted to seek comfort, and I walked up and wrapped my hooves around her neck to show her I understood, “She and I overthrew him, but she didn’t ever tell me of what happened there. I didn’t know of her sacrifice until months into her banishment. I always knew that it was my fault Twilight. If I had just been there more, just been a good big sister then she wouldn’t have become Nightmare Moon. Instead I just stood by and brushed her off while she found solace raising a street rat she had taken a liking to.”
She seemed to have reached her limit for now. She became silent as the grave, and I slowly led her to the bed nearby and put her to sleep. I knew she would probably either apologize for her misconduct, or ask I never bring it up again, but I knew that I had learned one thing that I could never forget about Celestia.
She was a pony who could take a lot. She could handle a thousand years of grief, and pain greater than any I had knowledge of.
But even she had a breaking point.

Luna’s POV (P.S. Song Time)

I looked upon my sleeping child with a small frown. I had ceased my comforting of her only to find her asleep in me embrace. I had taken her up here so she could rest until morning.
I knew I would have to confront her tomorrow, but I dreaded what her reaction would be. I could still feel the power lying just underneath her skin, and knew she had more power than either I or my sister, maybe even both of us combined.
I tried to sleep in another room, but when my eyes closed all I found was a memory of the night she and I had first become as a family.

Flashback

I looked down on the quivering ball of fur with a non-too hidden grimace. This was the third night in a row the girl refused to sleep quietly, and now she was starting to have magical bursts whenever someone came close.
I sighed and composed myself. I had known it would be hard to take care of her, but Celestia had made it clear that it was either I do this myself, or I throw her out.
I approached her cautiously, and felt the swarm of angry magic floating around her. She had said she was practicing the basics of her lesson from when she moved in, but if so she wasn’t having much success.
“Crescent?”
Suddenly a fireball formed in midair and tried to roast me, but I made a bubble and suffocated the offending flame.
I made a porous shield to protect me from the flames shooting at me, and touched her shoulder.
She gasped and suddenly the flames ceased. I saw her look around as if she was unaware of her location. I saw her look at me, and then a flood of tears started to flow.
“I’m sorry Princess! I didn’t mean it! I was having a bad dream, and I just couldn’t get away! I didn’t mean to hurt anyone!”
I raised a hoof to silence her, “You didn’t hurt anyone Crescent. I only am concerned about these dreams.” I closed the doors and soundproofed them to give us some privacy, “What was it about? Only truly dark nightmares can emerge in my dwelling child.”
She shivered at the memories still fresh in her mind, and on a whim I lifted her up and put her between my hooves as I lay down on the floor.
“I was in the throne room…I felt angry, and I mean really angry. I was in front of Celestia, and she and I were fighting… I hurt her bad Princess, so bad I thought she was going to banish me. Then when she spoke to me all I heard was you. You said you didn’t want me around, that you were ashamed of me living here.”
I understood now why she was so scared. I looked into her eyes and nuzzled her head. There was only one thing I knew of that could curb a nightmare like that.
I rose and opened the window. She looked at me with tear filled eyes as I was silhouetted against the moon.
“Do you trust me Crescent?”
She nodded, and I let a smile come to my face, “Then jump on my back, and hold on tight.”
She jumped on and let out a whimper as I took off into the night sky. I knew it was scary not having wings of her own, but she had yet to truly see the night, and by the moon she would know of its wonders.
That it would help calm her was merely a bonus.
She looked at me with a questioning look from my back as I flew through the sky, “Princess, what did you bring me here for?”
I knew it would be cliché to sing a song, but the night could only be introduced once, and by the moon she was going to love it.
Luna: I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?
“What do you mean?” she looked around for what I meant.
Luna: I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride
“Where?” I chuckled and motioned for her to join in.
Chorus: A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming
I began to bring the stars in a dance as we sang. I felt her hooves tangle in my mane as she began to sing on her own.
Crescent: A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here, it's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Now I'm in a whole new world with you
I saw her eyes get wide eyed at the night sky, a sight I never saw in the average pony.
Crescent: Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky
I began to do a dive as we continued.
Chorus: A whole new world
Luan: Don't you dare close your eyes
Crescent: A hundred thousand things to see
Luna: (Hold your breath, it gets better)
Crescent: I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back
To where I used to be
A whole new world
Every turn a surprise
With new horizons to pursue
Every moment red-letter
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Luna: Let me share this whole new world with you
Corus: A whole new world
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me

Time Skip

I tucked her into bed after the flight. She had a smile on her face, and I knew the nightmares would trouble her no more.
I was just about to leave when I heard words that brought tears to my eyes.
“Night-night Moma.”
I was about to correct her when I stopped. Who was I to change her mind?
I sighed as I closed the door, “Fine then…I’m Moma.”
I didn’t know what this would mean, but one thing was sure.
Celestia would be royally pissed.

End Flashback
I sighed at the memory. I showed her the sky that night. Now I would see if she still loved me as much as she loved it.

Celestia’s POV
I awoke with a start as I recalled my fight with Luna.
Was she okay? Where was she? What had been wrong with me?!
I tried to calm down. Luna was more solitary by nature than I, and I knew she would return. I looked down at the bed and tried to recall preparing for bed.
Suddenly the memories of Twilight and I hit me like a train. I hadn’t spoken of such things out loud ever since I revealed to Luna I knew of her sacrifice.
I walked over to the vanity mirror to try and remove the evidence of my incident. I should never have told such things to Twilight. Of course I hadn’t had many opportunities to vent either.
In the old days I would have sought out a delicious cake, or partaken one of the three royal concubines that were kept on principal for the pleasure of the Princess’s and other important guests. However, it had been centuries since I had taken part in such devilish rituals that they were trained to partake in.
I looked at my reflection and recalled another student I once had. Her name had been Reflective Beauty…
“You killed him! You murdered him!”
“No.” I whispered, “I was removing a conspiracy. I didn’t know he was your husband.”
Suddenly another voice spoke up.
“Why?! Why do you do this to me?!”
I tried to block out the memory of that poor man jumping from the tower in passion for me. Suddenly another woman was screaming over the body of her newborn son, a man possessed to raping his own sister to drive her to create magic I would need for the guards, a young filly holding her babe close as I lean forward…
“NO!!”
I suddenly banished the phantoms. I had done horrible, unforgivable things, and all across Equestria people whispered names and curses on me.
But I had done my duty. I had used my limited scrying abilities and my political skills to create beauty and peace. I had taken all the evils of the world and done away with them. If I had to sacrifice my own sanity and purity for it…so be it.
I looked at my reflection again.
This time all I saw was an old witch and all I heard was the worst insult of them all.
“Traitor.” Luna’s phantom said…just like all those nights ago.
I took it like always and prepared to put on my mask of calm. All the while a dark ball of self-hatred seethed in my heart.

Author's Note

Let me know what you think of using Disney songs in my story. Also I will only have one more chapter or so of setup. So anyone who has been feeling rushed while reading; I just ask a bit longer before we will allow everything to slow down and get to that little sanctuary of mayhem and destruction known as Ponyville.

Chapter 6

Celestia’s POV
I looked down at the bickering petitioners with little enthusiasm. I hated it when I had to stay here and listen to their irritating voices.
I once didn’t have to put up with things like this, but as always nothing stays the same. I had been tortured by these ponies for decades ever since I declared that I would personally handle any complaints of how the crown functions.
I so wished to look for that little brat Crescent. I couldn’t explain it, but I had always had fierce hatred for that little filly. I hated that she caused the rise of Nightmare Moon, I hated that she had taken my sister away, and I hated that she had such potential!
I felt my mind wander to the darker side of myself. I entertained giving in to my dark thoughts and base lusts and letting my inner demon let loose on these pathetic creatures. I would gather those close to me and make them live like gods with me until the world around us collapsed into pure chaos-
I shook my head. One thousand years gave one far too much time to ponder things of this nature. I had always known I could conquer all if I willed it, but it would never come to be. I merely allowed such thoughts to fester so I could have moments of madness to keep my mind from totally collapsing under the pressure of my façade.
Perfection…How I hated that word. They all threw it at me like I was the definition of it. I sometimes just wished to scream at them how corrupt and despicable I was so I could have them leave me be. I wished sometimes that I could leave all of this behind and just be alone.
However, such was not to be.
I looked at the petitioners and nodded at them to show I was listening. I eventually sent them away promising to look into the matter.
I then set off to, as Luna would say, ‘stuff the royal gullet with baked goods.’
I really needed to kick this habit cold turkey…whatever that means.

Luna’s POV
I woke in the earliest part of the morning dawn. I looked around lost for a moment as to where I was. I suddenly felt the night before hit me like a brick, and immediately searched for a trap to be sprung. I didn’t think she would hurt me, but one doesn’t live long in Canterlot without caution.
I sensed nothing and decided to get some sustenance before confronting my daughter about her little ‘display’ the previous day.
When I reached the ground floor I found a small, simple spread of toast, oats, and other breakfast stuffs. I saw Crescent over by the fireplace stirring a pot while humming a tune.
I kept quite as I went down the stairs. One could learn a lot by seeing how someone acts in their absence.
“I know your there.”
I jumped at the sound. Crescent looked over her shoulder and gave me a smile before continuing to stir the brew.
“Be lucky I had a cup of this stuff earlier. I usually am quite irritable when I wake up.”
I looked at the pot, curious as to what could be inside, “What exactly is that Crescent?”
“Tea of course. You do remember what tea is after all this time right?”
She dipped a cup into the pot and sent it to me. I took a cautious sip, wary of anything she could have put in there. However, from the moment it touched my lips I suddenly felt a sense of calm and peace come over me.
“Great stuff huh? The recipe is to die for. Maybe later I could show you.”
I looked at her for a moment before the words registered. She expected me to stay here?
“Um…I don’t know if that’s a good idea dear.” I said bashfully
She scoffed, “Oh please. I have servants on the way that will put those silly ponies in Canterlot to shame. Trust me mother, I have a plan.”
Servants? Who would serve a terrorist willingly when the opposition is an Alicorn? And a plan? Just what was in her head?
“What do you mean by plan?”
She laughed, “Oh nothing. Just the plan I have to conquer all of Equestria and make you my adviser so we never have to be apart again.”
“Oh…yes…that makes total sense now.”
“I know right. It’s like it was meant to be. I just need a little time to get all the pieces in place, and then I’ll strike.”
I had to warn my sister. I couldn’t hurt Crescent, but I could play double agent for a while, “Why yes, of course. Send me a letter via courier if you need any assistance dear.” I turned towards the door.
“You mean you aren’t staying?” I could hear the disappointment in her voice. It crossed my mind how young and naïve she sounded right now.
“No…I can’t I must stay in Canterlot. It is where I need to be.”
“…Fine then.” A cold edge had gone into her voice just then. I could feel her anger from here.
“Yes…I’ll see you soon child.” I left the castle as quickly as I could. I didn’t think I could ever feel so much malice from that girl.

Twilight’s POV
The train ride back to Ponyville was very dull today. I had been ordered by Celestia to allow time for an investigation to find info about this mare before we go after her, but I didn’t have to like it.
I just wanted to make sure that my friends wouldn’t be hurt by this crazy lady. She had a very powerful aura of magic when we met, and I didn’t want her within five feet of my home.
The train was just pulling into Ponyville around noon. I felt happy no one knew when I was returning from Canterlot, so no reporters at the train station. These days I knew why the princesses always stayed in castles, to get away from the paparazzi.
I walked down to the library for a well-deserved reading spree with a mug of hot cocoa, but before I got there I met a certain dragon in the streets.
Spike was standing in a line for some cake samples being given out courtesy of the Cakes. I waved to him and smiled as a minute later he brought me a slice.
“Hey Twilight! How was the trip?”
I felt a frown come onto my face as we began the walk to the library, “Oh nothing Spike. I’ll tell you later.”

Shadow’s POV
I felt the house creak as I was about to close the door for the last time. I knew I wouldn’t be back. Ever. I thought about Rainbow and how much I needed to do before things got out of control.
“Forgive me for what I must do Rainbow. I thought you might not be it, but that old fortuneteller was right after all. I have to train you in every piece of knowledge I know… if I fail… then both of our lives might be forfeit.” I thought.
I launched into the air. I could use my full power and be there in less time than Rainbow could manage, but I had learned the meaning of patience years ago.
I tried to recall who I would be meeting in Ponyville while I flew.
Applejack, an honest, hardworking mare with a good amount of competitiveness.
Fluttershy, the cowardly, kind little filly from way back when.
Rarity, a unicorn with a passion for fashion, and always an ear or shoulder for her friends.
Pinkie Pie, a physics defying mare with a love of laughter and parties.
And the most famous of all…Twilight Sparkle.
I felt a smile come to my face at the thought of Rainbow’s friends. This little town might not be so bad.
I just hoped that things stayed quiet for a good long while.

Author's Note

I hope anyone who's reading will enjoy things now that I'm slowing down in Ponyville for a while. Next time we'll see Shadow meet some familiar faces, see Pinkie have a sense attack, and see a very interesting scene in Canterlot.

Chapter 7

Luna’s POV
I arrived in my chambers late that day. I was so lost in thought during the trip it didn’t cross my mind that I had forgotten to raise the moon until I was in the castle with the early night coming on.
I looked at my bed with a slight gasp. Celestia was lying in my bed, the covers a mess with her tossing. Beside the bed was a platter of cake that I knew well. It’s two halves, black and white.
We called it Sweet n Sour Cake, or the Makeup Cake. It had two distinct halves, one so sour it brought tears to your eyes, and another so sweet it made the tears fall. Tradition stated that only two pieces could have both sweet and sour evenly, and that the two making up would share those pieces together. It also said that the offender had to endure the remaining sour half as punishment.
I looked to see two perfect pieces waiting comsuption, and the remaining black half gone. I looked at my sister with a smile. She and I knew she hated sour.
I used magic to smooth the mess of her mane and put a blanket over her form. We could share our treat later, but for now the night was nigh, and I had to tend to the stars.

Twilight’s POV
I explained everything to Spike later that day. I didn’t tell him my fears about this new threat, but I let him know everything else. He looked at me strangely for a second before speaking.
“Well it only makes sense Twi.” I felt my mouth hit the floor. Was Spike defending her?
“What do you mean ‘It makes sense!’” I cried
“Just hear me out Twi. You’re an Alicorn now, and that means you’re the most powerful type of mage possible. It only makes sense that only the strongest threats would even try and mess with you now.”
I wanted to rebuke his statement, but he was right.
“I guess there really isn’t much rest for the weary eh?”
He chuckled, “Guess not.”
“Hey Spike?”
“Yeah pal?”
“Promise me you’ll never change.”
He smiled and wrapped his arms around my neck, “Promise.”

(Time Skip- 1 week)
Rainbow Dash’s POV
“OHHH! Just a little more!”
“Just hold miss Dash! I think I’ve almost found it!”
“Stop holding back and really dig in there! I’m tired of waiting!”
“Oh you Pegasus are so impatient! I might just have to hold out on you for that whining.”
“Oh come on Lotus Blossom! You know you’ve addicted me to these massages of yours! I can’t go more than two weeks without one now!”
Lotus giggled at my whining for a little longer before responding, “I am just jesting with you dear. I know how you look forward to these little meetings.” She began to dig into my back right where I had a killer knot from some mean loops I did this morning.
“Oh that’s the spot Blossom! I would never have refused that treatment before if I knew you two had this type of service.”
“Oh it is our pleasure to serve Miss Dash. We don’t mind if the more athletic mares take a while to visit.”
“Just make sure you don’t let a boy photographer in again okay?” I chided.
She blushed furiously at that, “Oh Miss Dash for shame! We almost had a scandal on our hands! It was a miracle he didn’t see anything he shouldn’t have!”
I chuckled and winked to show I was kidding. She smiled and went back to the massage. If this was the life than I was glad to be living it.

Shadow’s POV
I walked out of the small cottage I had chosen at the edge of the Everfree Forest and decided that the house was properly broken in. I now could leave it and come back without feeling like no one lived in it.
I chose to take a walk down by Ghastly Gorge on the way to town. I was in no hurry to have to face the horror of Pinkie Pie.
I was almost at Ponyville when I heard a voice right by the gorges edge. I decided that I should make sure some foals weren’t fooling around by the pit.
I found a young mare standing by the pit with a herd of small animals surrounding her. She was a pleasant yellow with a long pink mane, and I instantly recognized her as Fluttershy from Dash’s description.
“Oh but I AM trying Angel. I can’t just jump off like Rainbow Dash. I can’t do a hairpin turn at the bottom of a dive! I want to go home!!”
I gathered that she was trying to learn how to do a dive and level just before hitting the bottom.
Do I dare interfere and offer my services? Oh what the hay! What could possibly go wrong?!
“Excuse me miss!”

Meanwhile in Ponyville…
Pinkie was walking to another party when suddenly…
Twitchy tail
Grumbly belly
Full body shake…
Pinkie’s eyes widened, “Oh no.”

Author's Note

Be honest...how many of you fell for that massage scene?

Also tell me if I got Lotus right please!