Royal Oppression

Chapters

Falling Stars
The Morning Sun
A Helping Hoof
Trouble in Dreamland
The Morning After
Awakening Anew
Memories Shattered
Multiplied Nightmares
Epilogue

Falling Stars

Princess Celestia, princess of the sun, had finally found some free time in her busy life. Some time to simply relax and stare out at the night sky. “Luna’s done such wonderful things for the stars since her return.” Celestia said as a shooting star crossed the horizon in front of her, almost making the night sky appear to smile for a flicker of a moment. Celestia giggled a little bit at the apparent coincidence. “I think she may be listening in on me.” She said.

“Your balcony is just above mine, sister.” Luna said. “I can hear you just fine down here.” She said as she used her magic to brighten a few more stars near the edge of the horizon.

“You really are quite the artist with the stars though, Lulu.” Celestia said, causing Luna to blush at the use of her nickname. “For a thousand years I’d wondered if the night sky would ever look this beautiful again.”

“Sister, you flatter me.” Luna said, giggling slightly. “Get your rest though. You’ve had a busy day.”

Celestia began to sigh, but it quickly became a yawn. “I suppose you’re right.” Celestia said as she stood to enter her bedchamber. “Good night, Luna.”

“And you as well, Tia.” Luna said. “May your sleep be safe and your dreams be pleasant.”

“One can only hope.” Celestia thought as she closed the balcony window behind her.

Celestia took a bit of extra time walking over to her bed. She hadn’t told anypony yet, but she hadn’t been sleeping well for the past couple of weeks. Canterlot was still under reconstruction after the changeling attack, and the events of that day had weighed heavily on the sun princess’s mind. Ever since her battle with Queen Chrysalis, Celestia had been having a difficult time getting any meaningful amount of sleep.

Eventually, the princess sighed and eased herself under the covers. “Maybe tonight will be better.” She thought as she closed her eyes and attempted to let sleep take her away.

When Celestia opened her eyes, she was drifting through outer space. Floating among the stars her sister had so carefully placed. Every move she made sent a few bits of sparkling stardust moving every which way. Experimentally, Celestia tried moving her wings. She was elated to see that she could still fly, even in the void of space as she soared through the stars.

Celestia traveled the galaxy, visiting all of the constellations she recognized. “I never thought the big dipper would be so small up close.” She mused as she lowered herself into the cup of the constellation, finding a solid surface of stars at the bottom. As her hooves touched the basin, the stars she touched lit up in an almost hypnotic way as she walked.

However, all good things must come to an end. The stars seemed to dim as they took on a greenish glow, casting Celestia’s shadow in ominous ways.

“Princess Celestia…” A feminine voice called out through the vastness of space. “How wonderful it is to see you once again.” The voice said with a little chuckle at the end.

“No. I’ll not entertain your intrusions!” Celestia shouted as she looked around herself for the source of the voice.

“Silly princess.” The voice sighed. “I’m not intruding. I’ve simply come to check up on you. You’ve seemed awfully tired as of late, and I would like to help you with that problem.” It said as the stars completely disappeared, leaving Celestia in a completely black void.

“Begone, foul entity!” Celestia commanded through her fear. “I banish you from this place!”

“Don’t you see?” The voice asked as the floor under Celestia’s hooves glowed a sickly green color. “You cannot command me. You hold no power here!” The voice boomed as green tendrils shot out of the floor and wrapped themselves around the princess.

“Release me!” Celestia ordered, panicking as the tentacles began to meld together, solidifying into a transparent green shell.

“Relax, princess.” The voice said soothingly. “It will all be better soon.” It said just before being replaced by an insistent buzzing sound. The white noise seemed to come from everywhere at once, forcing Celestia’s thought out of her mind.

“No! No! Noooooo!” Celestia screamed as she bolted upright in her bed. She was drenched in a cold sweat, and the covers had been tossed halfway across the room at some point.

“Princess Celestia!” Her night guard called as he knocked on the door. “Is everything okay in there?”

“Yes.” Celestia said, breathing heavily. “Yes, everything is fine.” She said as she tried to regain her composure. After taking a couple of deep breaths, Celestia got out of bed and opened the door to her room.

“I thought I heard you scream.” The white unicorn guard said as he snapped off a salute.

“I did.” Celestia said. “It was simply a bad dream though. Nothing more.”

“A bad dream?” The guard asked. “I was not aware that you suffered from such mundane troubles, princess.”

“I may be a princess, but I am no more or less a pony than anypony else.” Celestia said with a smile. “I have the occasional nightmare, just like anypony else might.” She said as her eyelids drooped a bit.

“Princess, are you sure you’re okay?” The guard asked, taking a step forward.

“Yes, I’m quite alright.” Celestia said. “I just need to get back to sleep is all. Please, resume your duties and don’t worry about me.” She said as she turned and closed the door to her chambers.

Celestia set about making her bed once she was alone, levitating the discarded sheets in a golden aura and gently settling them back into place. A brief search revealed that her pillow had somehow ended up near the balcony window. After returning that to its rightful place as well, Celestia risked a glance at her clock. She sighed in disappointment when she realized that it would still be another several hours before it was time to raise the sun.

“I suppose I’d best try to get back to sleep.” Celestia sighed as she slid herself back under the covers and closed her eyes. She tried sleeping on her back, but sleep would not come. Either side yielded the same result, and lying down on her belly failed to help matters as well. After an hour of tossing, turning, and once again ruining the bedspread, Celestia sighed in defeat and stared out the window. At least she could take solace in the beauty of the night sky.

The Morning Sun

Celestia’s hoof was on her alarm the instant it began to ring. Since her nightmare, she had failed to get any more than a wink of sleep the whole rest of the night. Her eyes were bloodshot with clearly visible bags underneath. As usual, the alarm had left Celestia enough time to get through the usual morning rituals before willing the sun to rise in the east.

As Celestia turned on the shower in her private bath chamber, she relished the feel of the water heating up as it ran over her hoof. When she stepped into the shower, Celestia could practically feel the fatigue washing away as the hot water cascaded over her. She knew it wouldn’t last, but she planned to enjoy it while she could.

After her shower, Celestia felt significantly more alert. “Time to raise the sun, I suppose.” She sighed to herself as she walked out onto her balcony. She focused all of her thoughts on the sun. It’s warmth, its beauty, and its light. As she concentrated, Celestia felt a sharp pain as if being struck by a sudden migraine.

As the headache worsened and worsened, Celestia began to hear a familiar high-pitched buzzing sound. It sounded to her as if she were being surrounded by a swarm of mosquitoes. She shook her head in an effort to quiet the dreadful noise, but her struggle only seemed to make it worse as Celestia fell to the floor.

The buzzing sound grew even more intense as Celestia began writhing on the ground in pain. “No…” Celestia groaned as the pain intensified several times over. “Please just make it stop!” She exclaimed as she put her hooves over her head. Just as her head felt like it was about to explode, the buzzing and the pain simply stopped. It was as if they were never there to begin.

“Sister, are you in there?” Luna called through the door. “Are you coming to breakfast?”

“Yes.” Celestia said as she stood up. “I don’t want to worry Luna.” She thought as she walked over and opened the door.

“Tia, there you are.” Luna said as she greeted her sister. “Is everything alright? You usually raise the sun from the throne room.”

“Oh, yes. I’m quite alright.” Celestia said with a smile. “I’m afraid I must have lost track of time in the shower.”

“Well, I suppose it doesn’t matter.” Luna said. “The sun is up either way. Now come on down to breakfast. The royal chef has prepared a marvelous spread for us today.” She said as she went to the royal dining hall ahead of her sister.

Breakfast came and went uneventfully that morning, although feeling as well rested as she did certainly helped Celestia enjoy the food much more than she had been lately. The whole time though, the sun princess couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. She had slept far worse than usual, and yet she felt better than she had in days. Seeing Celestia so consumed in thought as she ate concerned Luna a bit, especially from what her sister’s night guard had reported at the end of his shift.

“Sister, I’d like to have a brief word with you.” Luna said as she let her levitated spoon fall into her half-full bowl.

“You know, I had never really thought of oatmeal as a particularly royal meal.” Celestia said as her spoon also drifted into her bowl. However, the light clink of metal on china made it clear that her bowl was already empty. “But if Bon Appetit keeps making it like she did today, I could eat it for every meal from now on.” She said, laughing a little bit.

“Sister, could I ask you a question?” Luna asked.

“Oh, of course, Luna.” Celestia said as if having been addressed for the first time this morning. “What’s on your mind?”

“I received a report from your night guard that worries me slightly.” Luna said, causing Celestia to frown ever so slightly. “His report stated that you had been awoken in the middle of the night by a bad dream.”

“Yes, I suppose I was.” Celestia said. “It isn’t that serious though. Everypony has bad dreams every so often.”

“This is true.” Luna nodded. “But I would not expect you, of all ponies, to allow something like that to keep you up at night.”

“Luna, whatever are you talking about?”

“Sister, I am the princess of the night.” Luna said, her expression deadpan. “I would be remiss if I were to become unaware of my own sister’s sleeping habits. And I know you haven’t been getting a healthy amount of sleep lately.”

“Now Luna, I assure you that it is nothing to be concerned about.” Celestia said with a smile.

“Horsefeathers.” Luna said with a shake of her head. “I happen to know that you did not return to sleep last night after your dream. If only I had known that that was what was causing your erratic sleeping I-”

“Princess Luna, we’ve been over this before.” Celestia said, interrupting her sister. “You have more important tasks than making sure my dreams are safe. I have lived long enough to handle a nightmare or two. All of the young fillies and colts in Equestria need your dream tending abilities far more than I.”

“Is that really why?” Luna asked. “Seeing one more pony’s dreams each night would be no trouble at all. If you would just allow me to-”

“Luna, we will not speak of this right now.” Celestia said, her voice stern and resolute. “Suffice to say that my dreams will remain off limits, and you will focus your attentions on our subjects.” She said as she stood up and began walking towards the door. “Now if you’ll kindly excuse me, I have matters that need to be attended to. Have a pleasant sleep, dear sister.” She said as she left the dining hall and made her way towards the throne room.

“Tia, just let me in for once.” Luna whispered to herself as she looked down at her half-empty bowl of oatmeal. “What are you hiding from me?”

A Helping Hoof

About a week had passed since Celestia and Luna shared a somewhat tense breakfast. With each passing day, Celestia seemed to grow more and more detached as she got less and less sleep. It got to a point where she barely even spoke with Luna, let alone anypony else.

“Sister, please.” Luna begged. “Let me help you tonight.”

“For the last time, Luna. No!” Celestia said. This had been happening each night for the past week. Luna would offer to help clear up her sister’s dreams, but the end result would always be the same. “You will not enter my dreams tonight, or any other night!” She said as she walked past her sister and into her room. “Now please leave me be. I’m very tired tonight and do not wish to be disturbed.” She said as her door glowed golden shortly before slamming shut behind her.

“Sister, please.” Luna said with tears in her eyes as she pressed up against the door. “I just want to help you-”

“Good night, Luna.” Celestia said through the door.

“If you’ll just hear me out-”

“I said good night!” Celestia shouted, ending the conversation.

Slowly removing herself from the door, Luna sighed in defeat yet again as she solemnly hung her head. “Why don’t you trust me with this?” Luna asked quietly as she made her way to the stairs and headed down towards her balcony.

“If I’ve told her once, I’ve told her a thousand times.” Celestia grumbled as she paced in her room. “I’ll not have my sister waste her time in my dreams when there are so many ponies who rely on her each night.”

“But is that really the reason?” Celestia heard herself ask in her head. “Is that really why I don’t want Luna in my dreams?” Celestia’s mind asked in a questioning, echoic voice.

“But of course it is.” Celestia said, stopping her pacing as a light buzzing sound began to permeate her thoughts. “Everypony relies on her to keep their dreams safe at night.”

“Everypony except for me.” The inner voice said. “And just why is that, really?”

“I simply don’t need that type of help is all.” Celestia rationalized, apparently ignorant to the fact that she was talking to herself.

“Please.” Celestia’s echoing inner voice scoffed. “How can I bear to lie to myself like this?” She mused as the buzzing grew more intense. “It’s plain to anypony that the past week has been absolutely dreadful.”

“That is my own problem to face. I needn’t get my sister involved.” Celestia said.

“But what of friendship?” The voice asked. “Is Luna not my friend?”

“Of course she is, but-”

“I seem to recall a letter from Twilight some time ago about the importance of letting friends help each other and working together.” Her inner voice said, actually interrupting Celestia mid-sentence.

“I suppose that is true, but this is different from bucking apples.” Celestia said, remembering the letter in question.

“The situation is different, but the principle remains.” The voice said as the buzzing sound increased in intensity once more. “She seems desperate to help.”

“She... Does seem desperate to help.” Celestia said, closing her eyes and furrowing her brow as a migraine began to rear its ugly head.

“I’ve been turning her away for a while now, and I’ve hurt her in doing so.” The voice said.

“No… I would never want to hurt Luna.” Celestia said as she put a hoof to the side of her head and rubbed gently in circles to ease the pain.

“Then you know what you must do. Don’t you?” The voice asked, no longer sounding quite like her own.

“I… I need to apologize to Luna.” Celestia said as the buzzing sound disappeared.

“And what else?”

“I suppose…” Celestia said, thinking hard about what to say next. “I suppose I should give her a chance to help out. I mean I have been rather sleepless lately.” She said, unintentionally punctuating her sentence with a yawn.

“Very good.” The voice in Celestia’s head cooed as the migraine subsided. “Now go to your sister.”

“Yes.” Celestia said, standing up a bit straighter. “I need to ask Luna’s forgiveness.” She said as she reopened her doors and started towards the stairs. As she began her descent, Celestia swore that she could briefly hear a strange echoing laughter in her head.

“I suppose it can’t be helped.” Luna sighed as she brightened a few stars close to the horizon. “Her mind’s been made up. All I can do is hope that she manages to solve the problem herself.” As she dimmed another star to bring out the previously altered ones, there was a light knock on her chamber door.

“Luna? May I come in, please?” Celestia asked through the door.

“Sister?” Luna asked, turning and opening the door with her magic while remaining on the balcony. “What is the matter? Did you have something else to say?” She asked, a hurt expression crossing her features.

“Yes, I did.” Celestia sighed as she entered. “I wanted to apologize.”

“Say what now?” Luna asked, obviously not expecting this.

“I’ve been acting very badly towards you, and I wanted to make it up somehow.” Celestia said, scuffing the floor with a hoof. “I’d like you to take a look into my dreams tonight. If you’d still be willing, that is.”

“I- I don’t know what to say!” Luna exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy. “I’d be more than happy to help you, Tia. All is forgiven, so don’t you worry a single moment.” She said, stepping forward and nuzzling her sister affectionately. “I’ll have your dreams put in order by the end of the night. I promise you that.”

“Thank you, Luna.” Celestia said. “I’m sorry I took so long to let you help me. I was acting foolishly.”

“No harm done, sister. Now go to bed.” Luna said, gently shooing Celestia out of the room. “I must prepare to enter the dream world.”

“Very well.” Celestia said. “And… Thank you again, Lulu.” She said as the doors closed and she made her way back up the stairs to her own room.

“Finally, I have a chance to aid my dear sister.” Luna said with a smile. “Whatever ails her sleep shall be no more by the time I am finished.” She said as she made a couple of final adjustments to the night sky. Satisfied with her work, Luna spent the next half hour in meditation as she waited for her sister to fall asleep. Sensing Celestia’s consciousness enter the dream realm, Luna focused her mind and magic as she entered as well. “Worry not, Tia.” Luna said as she easily slipped into her sister’s subconscious mind. “I’m here to help you.”

Trouble in Dreamland

As Luna surveyed the empty white dreamscape around her, she felt strange. Though she had never been inside her sister’s dreams before, Luna imagined that it would be no different from the dreams of anypony else. But despite her familiarity with dream traveling, Luna felt somehow uneasy being here. She felt almost as if she was being appraised and judged from beyond her vision.

“It’s time to get to work.” Luna said as she said as she looked around a bit more. “But where can I start?” She asked herself as she tried to pick any kind of detail out of the sea of empty whiteness. Just as she took a cautious step forward, the white void exploded to life as it was filled in with dark, gnarled trees and a deep black night sky. “What is this?” Luna asked as she looked around. “Why does this feel so… Familiar?”

“Please, why won’t you listen to me?” Celestia’s voice rang out through the forest.

“Sister?” Luna asked as she ran in the direction of her older sibling’s voice. As she came to a clearing, she saw something she wished she couldn’t recognize. Before her stood the Everfree Castle. And on top of the ramparts stood Princess Celestia, and Nightmare Moon.

“Why should I listen to you?” Nightmare Moon scoffed. “Is it because you’re so used to everyone bowing to your every whim? Or is it because you find yourself and your oppressive day so superior to me and my glorious night?”

“No! That’s not it at all, and you know it!” Celestia cried, shaking her head. “Luna, please listen to reason!”

“Do not call me by that name!” Nightmare moon barked, gnashing her teeth together. “Timid little Luna is gone now! All that remains is Nightmare Moon!” She yelled, letting out an evil cackle as lightning struck behind her.

“If you won’t back down, then I will be forced to stop you.” Celestia said. “Please don’t make me have to do that, sister.”

“And what do you think you can do against me?” Nightmare Moon asked, Luna mouthing the words unconsciously as they were said with tears stinging her eyes. “All you can do is watch as I take my rightful glory!”

“If that is truly what you think, then you leave me no choice.” Celestia sighed. “I must call upon the power of the elements of harmony!”

“You think that will work?” Nightmare Moon said, laughing out loud. “You know as well as I that we are both wielders of the elements. You can’t use them against me any more than I can use them against you.”

“That is not true.” Celestia said. “You are not a wielder of the elements. My sister, princess Luna is!” She said as the tiara on her head began to glow with a magnificent light.

“What? No! This can’t be!” Nightmare Moon cried as she backed away slightly.

Then something happened that Luna never expected. Celestia’s tiara disappeared in a sudden puff of green fire, and the magical glow left with it.

“What?!” Both Luna and Celestia exclaimed at once when they realized what had happened.

“Well, would you look at that.” Nightmare Moon said, walking towards Celestia with a sinister green glow in her eyes. “It seems you’ve lost, princess.” She said, firing a green bolt of magic from her horn and striking Celestia in the chest.

“Sister!” Luna cried as Celestia collapsed to the ground.

“Night after night it’s the same tired old performance.” Nightmare Moon sighed. “Each night that you have this dream, it always ends the same way. You banish your own sister to the moon, and then you cry.”

“Stop it, please.” Celestia sobbed as tears began flowing down her cheeks and onto the cobblestone below.

“But tonight we have a spectator to our little performance.” Nightmare Moon said, turning her head to look directly at Luna. “Unfortunately, she already knows how this little story ends. So I’ve decided to take a few… Artistic liberties. I hope you don’t mind!” She said as she blasted Celestia with another ray of green magic, causing her to writhe in pain.

“Enough!” Luna exclaimed as she leapt to the rampart just behind Nightmare Moon and loosed her own blue magical blast at the evil mare.

Nightmare moon jumped gracefully out of the way, causing Luna’s blast to harmlessly impact the cobblestone and leave a small scorch mark. “You honestly think you have the strength to defeat me?” Nightmare Moon asked as she hit Luna directly with a green ray, causing the lunar princess to recoil in pain before unleashing an easily avoided counterattack.

“You are nothing but a specter. An embodiment of my sister’s grief and remorse.” Luna said as she fired again, scoring yet another miss. “You hold no real power in this world! Return from the ether from whence you came!”

“A specter?” Nightmare Moon asked. “I would think that you, of all ponies, would be able to see the falsity in that.” As she spoke, she fired another magical beam and hit Luna directly in the chest again.

Luna could feel her body begin to heat up as if she were on fire. It was all she could do to keep a straight expression in the face of such pain. “It matters not what manner of beast you are!” Luna said, firing another blast and growling an annoyance as it went wide like the others. “You shall trouble my sister’s dreams no more!”

“Oh, I surely won’t be.” Nightmare Moon laughed. “I already have plans to leave this dream realm. After all, I have much to prepare for.” She said, her eyes briefly flashing green with slitted pupils. “But I’m afraid I’ll need some extra help to make my plans a reality.” She said, nonchalantly admiring a forehoof.

“You’ll not be around long enough to find that help if We have any say in the matter!” Luna shouted in her best royal Canterlot voice as she fired one more intense blast of magic at Nightmare Moon.

The magical beam flew true this time, on a direct course for Nightmare Moon’s center of mass. Just as the ray was about to connect however, Nightmare Moon disappeared in a plume of green fire. “On the contrary.” Nightmare Moon’s voice echoed throughout the world. “I’ve already found all the help I need.”

“What trickery is this?” Luna asked just before being struck from behind with a powerful burst of magic. As the magic was sustained, the pain Luna experienced began to multiply time and time again. She could feel darkness creeping in on her vision, blurring her perception of the dream world as she heard echoing hoofsteps behind her.

“Your time is over.” Nightmare Moon said as the magic subsided and Luna fell to the floor. “It is time that a new order arose in Equestria. And you, my little princess, are going to help me make that idea a reality.”

Nightmare moon began laughing maniacally as Luna’s vision went green and she felt the world being closed off around her. Within minutes Luna felt as if she was floating in some sort of liquid. Just after the cocoon sealed itself completely, Luna finally lost herself to unconsciousness.

Seeing the lunar princess properly contained, Nightmare Moon allowed her laughter to subside. “Perfect.” She said. “That went far better than I had dared to hope. She really is much weaker than her older sister. And speaking of the pony…” She said, turning to face princess Celestia again. “I do hope you enjoyed the changes I made to this little dream of yours. It may not be quite historically accurate, but that won’t matter to either of you for much longer.” She said as Celestia began to stir. “Oh well. Until tomorrow night, my little princess.” Nightmare Moon said as the castle and the forest disappeared around Celestia, leaving her in a comforting void.

Celestia sighed in relief as the pain from her previous encounter began to subside, and all she felt was comfort and relaxation.

Comfort and relaxation.

The Morning After

As princess Celestia’s alarm rang out in the night, the princess of the sun yawned as she turned over in bed to turn it off. As the machine stopped its incessant ringing Celestia stretched with satisfaction as she reveled in her first good night’s sleep in ages.

“By the elements, how could I have been so foolish?” Celestia chuckled to herself. “I should have asked for Luna’s help ages ago.” She said as she focused her magic to raise the sun. With greater ease than she had in the past week, princess Celestia raised the sun into the sky, allowing the moon to rest for the day. “Well that can’t be right.” She said, looking up at the sky and seeing that the moon was still there.

Now slightly worried, Celestia began making her way down the hall and towards her sister’s chamber. “Luna? Sister, are you okay?” She asked as she pressed herself to her sister’s door. “Are you not feeling well?” She asked as she began inching the door open little by little.

“Uuuugh…” A groaning sound emanated from within the room as the door opened the rest of the way.

“Lulu? Are you okay?” Celestia asked just before gasping in surprise at her sister’s condition. Luna was lying perfectly motionless with her head up and her mouth hanging open. She was staring into the distance, and her eyes had glazed over and pulsed with a dim green light. “Luna!” Celestia cried as she ran to her sister’s side. “Sister, speak to me!” She yelled as she shook Luna with a hoof.

Luna’s eyes closed and she fully slumped down onto her cushion once Celestia touched her. She did not move, and she did not make a sound.

“Hold on Luna. I’ll help you.” Celestia said as she focused a strong pulse of positive energy into her horn and willed it to her sister’s prone form.

The room began to glow with an angelic light as Celestia struggled to focus her magic in a ray of light brighter than the sun itself. In the midst of her concentration though, Celestia began to hear the same high pitched buzzing sound that had plagued her for the past week. She soon found herself unable to concentrate as her spell failed to cause any change in Luna’s condition.

“You can’t fix this problem yourself.” A voice said in Celestia’s mind. “It’s all your fault. All you can do is wallow in despair, as your sister’s fate remains uncertain. Best leave her to the royal healer so you don’t do any more damage.”

As Celestia panted from the exertion of the spell, she realized that she couldn’t do this herself.

“Guards! Help!” Celestia called, craning her head towards the door as three royal guards appeared in the doorway.

“What is it, Princess?” The guard at the head of the group asked.

“Fetch the royal healer immediately! Princess Luna is not well!” Celestia commanded as she pointed out the door with a hoof.

“Yes! Right away, Princess!” The front guard said with a salute just before he and his subordinates rushed down the hall.

“Hold on, Luna. You’ll be alright.” Celestia said as she stroked her sister’s mane. “What have I done?” She mentally asked herself as she hung her head in shame.

“Princess. I have unfortunate news.” The white robed unicorn mare said as she exited Luna’s room, closing the door softly behind her.

“Were you able to find anything out?” Celestia asked. “Anything at all that I might have missed.”

“I doubt I found anything that you missed, considering I learned my skills from books you yourself wrote.” The healer said, removing the hood of her robe to reveal her face to the princess. Her pure white coat and pitch-black mane brought out her emerald eyes; Emerald eyes that betrayed a sorrowful expression. “Unfortunately, princess Luna seems to be in a deep sleep. Nothing I’ve done has been able to rouse her.”

Celestia sighed as she looked down sorrowfully at the younger mare. “Thank you for trying, Heart Murmur. I appreciate you coming on such short notice.”

“I wouldn’t dare pass up this opportunity.” Heart Murmur said. “I’d gladly do anything to help you and your sister.”

“I just wish there was something that could be done.” Celestia sighed. “I’ve never been at a loss for what to do like I am now.”

“Sudden occurrences like this can rattle anypony, princess.” Heart Murmur said with a gentle shake of her head. “Princess Luna is alive and well. It’s just a matter of finding out how to awaken her.”

“I appreciate your kind words. I suppose all we can do is hope she recovers soon.” Celestia sighed.

“Actually. There is one thing I could try.” Heart Murmur said, raising a hoof to her mouth thoughtfully.

“Really?” Celestia asked, confusion crossing her features. “Something that hasn’t been tried yet?”

“There have been recent breakthroughs in medical magic, and they have revealed some experimental spells that may help in this particular case.” Heart Murmur said. “The procedure is very safe, but I cannot guarantee success.”

“I knew contacting you would be a good idea.” Celestia said with a smile. “Please, do whatever you can to help my sister. She means the world to me, and I don’t want to lose her again.”

“The procedure is new, but it has been showing favorable results.” Heart Murmur said with a smile. “With any luck, your sister will be back to normal within the week.”

“Thank you so much.” Celestia said. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She said as she gave a grateful bow. If you’ll excuse me, I have matters that need attending to. I’ll be back to check on my sister in a few hours.”

“Very well, Princess Celestia.” Heart Murmur said with a bow. “Hold on to hope for your sister. If these procedures are as effective as predicted, we should see an improvement within the next few days.” She said as Celestia returned the bow, turned around, and walked away. Once the princess was down the hall, Heart Murmur took a deep breath and went in to see her patient.

Princess Luna was in her bed, eyes closed and breathing deeply. It seemed as if she was simply in a deep and peaceful sleep, but the younger unicorn knew better. “This has to be the most powerful and complex sleeping spell I’ve ever seen.” She said, looking the sleeping alicorn over. “My glorious Queen has really outdone herself.” She said with a smirk as her horn glowed green and coated Luna’s head in a same colored aura. “Hello, my little princess.” Heart Murmur said as she leaned in close to Luna’s ear. “You may be used to giving orders, but it’s time for you to listen to me now. Very. Very. Carefully. Our Queen has some very big plans for you.”

Awakening Anew

Throughout the next few days, Celestia had stopped to check up on her sister whenever her royal duties would allow her. Each time, she wouldn’t speak. Celestia would simply lie down next to her sister for a minute or two, nuzzle her mane, and walk out of the room with a tear in her eye. Thankfully, Heart Murmur was more than happy to allow these visits, on the condition that it wait until after the current round of treatments were complete.

It has been almost a week since Luna slipped into a deep slumber. She seemed to be breathing more easily after the third day of treatment, but otherwise remained unresponsive. The treatments continued after that, but no further improvement was evident. Despite Celestia’s deepening worry, Heart Murmur was always there to reassure her that she was on top of everything.

“Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.” Celestia said as the large, red earth pony stallion in front of her bowed respectfully. “I’ll see to it that somepony investigates Sweet Apple Acres soon.”

“Thank you, Princess.” The pony said without getting up. “Things just ain’t been normal as of late. Cows been actin’ funny. Got a weird gleam in their eyes.” He said, shuddering a bit as he stood up.

“I understand.” Celestia said with a nod. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I’ll make sure that it is taken care of.” She said, indicating that the meeting was over.

“Thank you, Princess.” Big Macintosh said with a nod as he turned and left the throne room.

Celestia let out a sigh as she stood from her throne. “That’s the third report of animals acting strangely this week.” She said as she walked towards the large doors at the end of the room. “Something must be going on, but I can’t be sure what.” She said.

“I’m sure it can’t be anything too serious.” Celestia thought, her head beginning to ache slightly. “I’d rather not send somepony out there just yet. At least not until I know more than idle rumors and suspicions.” She thought, stopping to shake her head briefly.

“And just when I thought I’d been able to get enough sleep.” Celestia muttered under her breath as she descended the stairs toward her sister’s room.

“Good. I’m glad to see that the treatment has worked perfectly.” Heart Murmur said as her horn lost its green glow. If I’m familiar enough with your sister’s schedule, she should be here very soon to check up on you.” She said with a smile. No sooner had she finished talking than a knock was heard on Luna’s door. “Ah. Speak of the pony.” She said as she walked over to the door and opened it slightly with her magic.

“Pardon me, Heart Murmur.” Celestia said as the door to Luna’s room opened up.

“Princess! We’ve been expecting you.” Heart Murmur said with a smile as she stepped aside for the princess. “You’re free to visit your sister now. We just finished the final treatment together.”

“Final treatment?” Celestia asked as her ears perked up. “Lulu, are you okay?” She asked as she rushed into the room and practically pounced on her sister.

“Tia!” Luna exclaimed as Celestia landed on top of her. “I haven’t seen you like this since we were fillies. Don’t worry, I’m alright.” She said with a laugh.

“I was just so worried that I’d lost you again.” Celestia said, a couple of tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Tia, don’t worry so much.” Luna said as she gently pushed her sister away. “I’m fine, see?” She said, standing up and turning around slowly to show that she was fine.

“Luna, how can you be so nonchalant about this?” Celestia asked. “You’ve been out for almost a week! You must at least be a little concerned.”

“Not really, sister.” Luna said. “I’ve heard of this kind of thing happening before. After all, I’m not the first pony able to dreamwalk.”

“I’m not entirely sure I follow.” Celestia said. “I suppose I’ve never fully understood how that power worked.”

“Well that’s because you never asked me.” Luna said. “In any case, when one enters the dream of a pony with enough magical power, there is a risk of what’s been called dream backlash.” She explained.

“I honestly always thought that you were the only pony ever able to enter another pony’s dreams.” Celestia said. “If there are texts on the subject of dreamwalking, I’ve never seen them.”

“That is because the information is passed on through dreams.” Luna said. “There are other dreamwalkers out there in the world, and they have been kind enough to share their stories and experiences with me.”

“And to think that there was this whole other world of which I was unaware.” Celestia mused as she sat down to listen to her sister.

“Indeed.” Luna said with a nod. “As I was saying though, dream backlash happens when one enters the dream of a particularly powerful unicorn and isn’t prepared properly for the transition. You being an alicorn essentially triples the likelihood of the condition.”

“I’m sorry.” Celestia said. “When I allowed you to help, I had no idea. Why didn’t you warn me that this might happen?”

“I was so eager to help you that I ignored the risks. And I thought that if I told you just how risky it was, that it would cause you an uneasy sleep. And that wouldn’t be very productive at all, now would it?” Luna asked.

“No, I suppose not.” Celestia admitted. “Still, I wish that you had given me at least some information before making such a bold move.”

“I’m sorry to have worried you, sister. But it turned out well, didn’t it?” Luna asked. “Heart Murmur tells me that you have been sleeping more soundly, even if you seemed more stressed when awake.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Celestia said. “But are you sure everything is alright? There aren’t any kind of lasting effects of dream backlash, are there?”

“No, none at all.” Luna said. “In fact, Heart Murmur has informed me that I should be able to return to my royal duties tonight as long as I take it easy the rest of the day.”

“Indeed, she should be as good as new.” Heart Murmur said with a proud smile. “I’m honored that I was able to help you, princesses.” She said, giving a polite bow.

“Please, there is no need to be so formal.” Celestia said. “You’ve done us a service for which I can never repay you.”

“Oh, please.” Heart Murmur said, gaining a light blush. “There’s no need for that. Your thanks is payment enough. Besides, this has helped with my career immensely. The fact that my procedure worked so well will surely help me to reach my dreams.” She said, getting a far off look.

“Well I wish you the very best in all your endeavors.” Celestia said, rising from her seated position. “I’ll be back to check on you again later, Sister. Please, concentrate on getting your rest before jumping back into your responsibilities.”

“I will, Sister.” Luna said. “Thanks for checking in.”

Celestia gave a thankful smile to Heart Murmur and Luna before leaving the room and closing the door gently behind her.

Heart Murmur and Luna sat in silence for a few moments as they listened to Celestia’s hoofsteps echo up the stairs and out of earshot. Content that they would not be overheard, Heart Murmur turned to Luna. “That was very clever of you, princess.” She said, allowing herself to revert to her changeling form. “What did you call it? Dream backlash?”

“It’s true that there are no books on the subject of dreamwalking.” Luna said. “And that’s only because I’ve never bothered to write any. After all, what’s the point when I’m the only one capable of doing it?”

“So all of that was a lie then?” Heart Murmur asked, cocking her head to one side.

“Indeed. I’ve never once encountered another dreamwalker. So as far as I know, they do not exist.” Luna said.

“What a shame. I was hoping that our Queen might be able to learn to dreamwalk as you do.” Heart Murmur said.

“As powerful as she is, I would not be surprised if she found a way.” Luna said. “I would of course be more than happy to help in any way that I can.” She said as her eyes briefly flashed green.

“Of course you would.” Heart Murmur said, walking up to Luna and lightly patting her head with a hole-ridden hoof. “After all, you’re just Queen Chrysalis’s obedient little pet princess now, aren’t you?”

“I live to serve Queen Chrysalis, and all of the changeling hive.” Luna said. “I’ve already received my first task from the Queen, and intend to begin tonight.”

“Very good.” Heart Murmur said as she changed back to her unicorn form. “Remember. Do the Queen proud, and you might just receive a new body to appropriately match your new mind.”

“I exist to obey my Queen.” Luna said. “Any rewards she decides to bestow upon me are simply added bonuses, and any punishments an unfortunate necessity.”

“Very good.” Heart Murmur said, patting Luna’s head again. “I think you’ll do very well in your new life, princess Luna.”

“And if all goes well, so will my sister.” Luna said. “I look forward to sharing the glory of the hive with her tonight.”

“Remember that our Queen wants this to be a lasting process.” Heart Murmur said. “Breaking her in one night will not give our Queen the satisfaction she desires. Celestia needs to go to Her.”

“Of course.” Luna said. “May Her will be done. All will soon hail Queen Chrysalis. The one true Queen of Equestria.”

“Perfect.” Heart Murmur said. “I’ll be in to check on you periodically. Just do your best, and everything should work out exactly as our Queen has planned.” She said just before opening the door and walking out into the hall. “It’s the beginning of the end.” Heart Murmur thought as she shut Luna’s door behind her.

Memories Shattered

“Are you certain that you’re feeling well enough for your royal duties tonight, dear sister?” Celestia asked as she and Luna approached the doors leading to the Sun Princess’s bedchamber. “You’ve had a faraway look in your eyes half the day.”

“I’m fine, sister.” Luna half sighed. “Please. You must stop worrying so much about me.” She said, giving her sister a playful nudge. “I’ve just been a little unfocused today. It won’t interfere with my duties, I promise.”

“If you’re sure…” Celestia said, hesitating as her bedroom doors opened.

“I’m sure.” Luna said with a light giggle. “Please, just get some rest.” She said as she gently nudged Celestia towards the bed. “I hear that you’ve been sleeping a bit better since I helped you out. I want you to do me a favor and prove it tonight, okay?”

“Okay, okay.” Celestia chuckled as she walked over to her bed. “I promise I’ll try to get a good night’s sleep for you”

“That’s better.” Luna said. “Just remember that even though you’re the big sister, I can still worry about you too.”

“Alright, Luna. I get it.” Celestia said, playfully rolling her eyes. “Good night. And good luck on your first night back.”

“Please, sister.” Luna said. “I don’t need luck. I’ve got tonight all figured out, and I’m sure that you’ll be pleased with the result. But enough talk. It’s time now for sleep, dear sister. I’ll leave you to your bedding.” Luna said as she stepped out of the room and closed the double doors behind her.

“I’m so grateful to have Luna back.” Celestia thought as she lay down in her bed. “I was worried that she might not wake up.”

“Oh, now that would be a real shame, wouldn’t it?” A dark voice sounded through Celestia’s mind.

“Who’s there?” Celestia asked, picking up her head and looking around only to crane it back down and wince as a sharp pain went through it.

“Oh, there’s nopony here but you, princess.” The voice said. It’s feminine tone dripping with mockery. “And that’s almost how it became permanently. All because you couldn’t get over your insecurities yourself.”

“No! Stop it!” Celestia commanded as another jolt of pain shot through her mind like a bullet.

“But I’m not doing anything wrong.” The voice said, keeping its mocking tone. “Why don’t you get some sleep? That will probably… Clear your head.” The voice said just before snickering as it faded away.

“Hello?” Celestia asked, looking around her room again. “I really should get some sleep.” Celestia rationalized with a sigh. “I’ve been so stressed lately that I’m starting to hear things.” She thought as she laid her head down on the pillow. She sighed in contentment as sleep took her with little delay.

“So, is your sister asleep yet?” Heart Murmur asked as Luna sat on her bed in a meditative state.

“Yes. Princess Celestia is about to enter the dream world.” Luna said. “I will make sure that all goes as planned. For the glory of the Queen.”

“For the glory of the Queen.” Heart Murmur agreed with a nod as Luna took a deep breath and sent herself into the dream world for the first time since waking up.

“Be still, my sister.” Luna said as she willed herself into Celestia’s dreams. “This will not be pleasant for either of us, but it will all be worth it in the end.” She said as she stepped out into Celestia’s dreamscape.

Before her was a wide-open field in the height of springtime. All of the flowers were in bloom, painting the landscape a mix of bright pinks and cheerful orange hues. The sun shone brightly in the sky, and the birds were singing a pleasant tune.

As the wind blew through Luna’s mane, she saw something that made her gasp in surprise. A little filly that could only be a much younger version of herself was galloping towards a young Celestia as quickly as her little legs could carry her.

“Lulu! I’ve been waiting for you.” Celestia said when she saw Luna approaching.

“Oh, Tia! I’m so happy to see you!” Luna squealed as she ran up to her older sister and leapt into an affectionate hug. “I missed you SO much when I was out with Starswirl.”

“You didn’t give him too much trouble, did you?” Celestia asked, smirking a bit as she looked down at her sister.

“It wasn’t that bad.” Luna said. “He only had to yell at me once or twice.”

“I suppose that isn’t too bad after all.” Celestia said with a chuckle. “When I was your age, he had to yell at me at least a hundred times before we got home.” She said with a flourish of her hoof.

“Really?” Luna asked, her eyes twinkling as she looked up at her sister. “A hundred times?”

“A hundred times.” Celestia said, chuckling again.

“Whew.” Luna said with a heavy breath. “Then I feel a lot better about him actually yelling at me eleven times.”

“E- eleven?” Celestia asked, stepping back briefly. “That much? Really?”

“Yeah. But that’s not so bad, right?” Luna asked.

“No.” Celestia giggled. “No, it isn’t I suppose.” She said, breaking out into laughter as she began wrestling with her sister in the grass.

As Luna watched her younger self and sister playing so happily, she found herself hesitating. Her head began to throb as a small voice called out to her. “I don’t have to do this!” The tiny voice chimed. “I’m stronger than this!” It said as Luna fell to her knees in pain, her head pounding. “I will not be that insect’s pawn!”

“What’s this?” A regal voice asked as Luna sensed a powerful presence behind her. “How sweet. I’ve never seen this dream before” Queen Chrysalis said as she stepped up beside Luna. “Such a beautiful moment for you two.”

“No…” Luna muttered as she tried to struggle to her hooves.

“No?” Chrysalis asked, turning to Luna and raising an eyebrow. “I know a thing or two about love, and I would say that this is some of the sweetest I’ve ever seen. Too bad I’m not actually here to collect it. Or do you somehow have a bit of resistance left in you?”

“I… I won’t soil this moment.” Luna said. “It’s… Too precious.”

“I’m sorry.” Queen Chrysalis said. “I’m not entirely sure that I heard you correctly. It sounded to me like you were backing out of our plan. But you and I both know that can’t happen.” She said, putting a hoof under Luna’s chin and forcing her to look into her eyes.

“I… Won’t.” Luna said through gritted teeth.

“You won’t what?” Chrysalis asked as her horn began to glow a menacing green. The light from her horn shone into Luna’s eyes, causing her sight to lose focus until all she could see was the green glow from her Queen.

“I won’t…” Luna repeated as she felt her will fading. “No! Not like this!” The little voice in Luna’s head screamed before being completely snuffed out. “I won’t let you down, my Queen.” Luna said, standing up as her eyes glowed green and pulsed in time with Chrysalis’s horn.

“Very good.” Chrysalis said, walking away from her thrall. “I’ll overlook your brief indiscretion if you can complete your task. Be grateful that I’m a benevolent ruler.” Chrysalis said as she faded into nothingness.

“I must not disappoint my Queen.” Luna said as her horn lit up in a blue aura.

“Huh? Sister, what’s going on?” Luna asked her sister as the sky began to grow dark, menacing clouds blocking out the sun with an ominous roll of thunder.

“I’m not sure.” Celestia said as she and Luna stood up and looked at the sky together. “But I have a bad feeling about it.”

“Sister. I… I don’t feel so good.” Luna said as she curled up on the ground and started sobbing.

“Lulu! What’s wrong?” Celestia asked as she knelt over her sister.

“Tia. It hurts. It hurts so much.” Luna said, tears rolling freely down her face.

“What hurts? Luna, please tell me what’s wrong!” Celestia said, her eyes beginning to fill up as well.

“I… I don’t… AHHHHHH!” Luna suddenly screamed out in pain as black ooze enveloped her.

“Luna!” Celestia cried out as her sister’s screams intensified.

“Tia! Help me!” Luna sobbed as the black mass began to pulsate. “AHHHHHH!” She screamed as her voice began to deepen and she began to grow.

“What is this?!” Celestia shouted as thunder and lightning pounded through the sky, the wind whipping into a howling gale that flattened the plains.

“This is the end of your happiness, dear sister!” Luna shouted in a booming, regal voice as her eyes shot open through the black substance. Her pupils were slitted, and her body was now twice the size of her sister’s.

“What are you? And what have you done with my sister?” Celestia cried.

“Silly foal! I am your sister! I am. Nightmare Moon!” Nightmare Moon bellowed as she rapidly extended her wings, throwing aside the remnants of the black ooze that had covered her.

“But I don’t understand!” Celestia said, backing away from the larger mare. “How can this be?”

“It is because of you that this has happened to me!” Nightmare Moon shouted, pointing an accusing hoof at Celestia. “You are to blame for all of your misfortunes, as well as everypony else’s! You call yourself a princess? Ha!” She scoffed.

“But I am a princess!” Celestia shouted.

“Please. What kind of princess can’t even protect her own flesh and blood?” Nightmare Moon asked. “Nevermind an entire nation of ponies. Face it! You have failed. You are not fit to rule!”

“No! It can’t be!” Celestia screamed, tears streaming down her muzzle.

“That is enough!” Chrysalis’s voice commanded as a green cocoon began forming around Celestia. At the changeling’s command, Nightmare Moon backed off and returned to her true form; That of the elder princess Luna.

“As you command, my Queen.” Luna said with a bow.

“What the?” Celestia asked as the cocoon finished forming. “What is going on?” She asked as it began filling with a green liquid. Before long, the pod was full, and the princess was unconscious. Floating gently in the center of the verdant mass.

“You have done well, despite your insubordination.” Chrysalis said as she again appeared next to Luna.

“Apologies, my Queen.” Luna said. “It will not happen again.”

“I’m sure that it will not.” Chrysalis said as a cocoon began forming around Luna as well. “But I would like to make doubly sure of that fact.”

“I understand, my Queen.” Luna said as she allowed herself to be enveloped in green. Soon, she was slumbering alongside her sister.

“This night has been just perfect.” Chrysalis chuckled as she gently ran a hoof across the surface of Celestia’s cocoon. “It won’t be long now, my little princess. Soon enough, you will be joining your sister in my service. And then all of Equestria will be mine! Just like it should have been at your precious niece’s wedding.” Chrysalis said before breaking off into maniacal laughter as she faded away once again.

Multiplied Nightmares

“AH!” Celestia exclaimed as she woke with a start, the fur on her face stained with tears. “What? Was I… Crying?” Celestia wondered as she dabbed her face with a hoof.

“Princess Celestia. Is everything alright in there?” The door guard asked as he knocked on the door to the princess’s bedchamber.

“Yes.” Celestia said, wiping her eyes as she got out of bed. “Yes, I’m fine.” She said, looking out the window as the night sky. “What time is it?” She wondered to herself as she glanced at her clock. Celestia gasped in surprise when she saw the time. “It’s almost time to raise the sun!” She exclaimed as she rushed to prepare herself. “I must have slept through the alarm!” She thought as she hustled to get her mane under control.

“Princess?” The guard asked again, chancing to open the door this time. “Are you sure everything is okay?”

“Yes.” Celestia said again as she finished with her mane. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“It’s almost time for the raising of the sun.” The guard said. “I was trying to decide whether or not to wake you, but you seem to be on top of things as usual.”

“I appreciate the consideration.” Celestia said with a smile. “Rest assured that all is well.”

“Of course, princess.” The guard said with a bow before stepping aside for the princess.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’m needed in the courtyard.” Celestia said as she walked past the guard.

“Yes, princess.” The guard said as he stood up and retook his post. “Have a wonderful morning.” He said as Celestia walked around a corner and out of sight.

“And how is the princess this morning?” Heart Murmur asked as she appeared next to the guard.

“Healer Heart Murmur!” The guard exclaimed, jumping briefly. “You surprised me.”

“And you call yourself a guard.” Heart Murmur sighed. “Are you going to answer my question or not?”

“Er. The princess is well this morning. She seemed a bit rushed, but rested nonetheless.” He said.

“Just as I thought.” Heart Murmur said. “Now that her sister is okay, I expected that would happen.”

“You did?” The guard asked.

“But of course.” Heart Murmur said with a nod. “It would only make sense. Without having to worry about her sister, the princess is bound to have more restful nights. At the same time, the stress of the past week would have caused her to need a bit more sleep than usual.”

“Well… Okay…” The guard said. “But I’m not sure why you needed to explain that to me.”

Heart Murmur sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know why I even bothered. It would just be much easier to do this instead.” She said, her eyes glowing with a sinister blue light as her horn lit up green.

“What the- AUGH!” The guard spasmed briefly as a magical shockwave knocked him off his hooves.

“Heart Murmur? What is going on here?” Princess Luna asked as she approached the fallen guard.

“P- Princess. Help.” The guard groaned as he looked up at Luna.

“I’m just getting a few things set up.” Heart Murmur said. “Have you done your part yet?”

“But of course.” Luna said. “Come now, and do your Queen’s work.” She said, turning to the window with a smile.

A few moments after her summons, the window opened to make way for a single changeling.

“Wh- What?!” The guard sputtered. His eyes went wide in fear as the changeling hissed.

“No need for the dramatic fear game.” Heart Murmur said, silencing the changeling with a wave of her hoof. “Just hurry up and do your job.”

The changeling sighed lightly before engulfing itself in green fire, revealing itself in the form of the fallen guard. “No!” The guard shouted. “Princess Luna, what is- UGH!” The guard grunted as Luna blasted him with a ray of magic, knocking him unconscious instantly.

“Now then, princess.” Heart Murmur said. “What was this guard’s name? His replacement will need to know the basics.”

“I believe his name is Star Sentinel. He’s a newer recruit. My sister likes to give the rookies a chance to guard her personally. She claims it improves morale.” Luna said, waving a hoof dismissively.

“And to think that the ruler of this land is so careless with her personal guard.” Heart Murmur said, shaking her head lightly. “No matter. Soon Equestria will have a new, far more capable ruler. The pieces are already in place throughout Canterlot and Ponyville. Very soon, our Queen’s rule will be undisputed.”

“I will take care of this little pony.” Luna said, levitating Star Sentinel in a blue and green magical aura. “We wouldn’t want anypony to suspect anything.”

“Very well.” Heart Murmur said with a nod. “The sun will be rising soon anyways, and you will need to get ready for tonight.”

“Of course.” Luna said as she cast an invisibility spell on Star Sentinel and flew out through the window, still carrying the guard in her magic.

“It’s only a matter of time now.” Heart Murmur said, turning to face Star Sentinel’s replacement. “You have received your instructions, correct?”

“Of course, Heart Murmur.” The changeling guard said. You will be making important visits to the princess over the next several nights, and the two of you are not to be disturbed.”

“Perfect.” Heart Murmur said as the sun rose in the distance. “Just play your part correctly, and all will go as planned.”

“Yes. For the Queen!” The changeling said.

“Indeed.” Heart Murmur agreed. “For the Queen.”

“And?” Luna asked as she walked her sister to her room. “How was Day Court?”

“I was pleasantly surprised when Big Macintosh from Ponyville arrived with good news.” Celestia said.

“Oh? Has there been yet another crisis in Ponyville?” Luna asked.

“Not really.” Celestia said. “Just some recent reports of animals acting strangely. It seems to have stopped now though. Surprising though considering he was just here yesterday about it.”

“Strange animals?” Luna asked. “I’m sure it was just a passing illness among the livestock or some such.”

“I suppose that must have been it.” Celestia agreed as they approached her door. “Well, best of luck to you with the Night Court tonight, Luna.”

“Oh, I don’t need luck.” Luna said. “It basically takes care of itself as is. After all, not many ponies are even up that late.”

“True enough.” Celestia said as she turned to her guard. “Good evening, Star Sentinel.” Celestia said with a smile. “Has your day gone well?”

“Of course, princess.” Star Sentinel said with a bow. “Your chamber awaits, princess Celestia.”

“So formal tonight.” Celestia said, somewhat surprised. “Is there a reason for the sudden protocol?”

“Uh, no. Not really.” Star said, coughing slightly. “Just thought I might present myself a little more respectfully is all.”

Celestia chuckled slightly at the guard’s nervous movements. “No worries. Just remember that you can be yourself. Even around me.”

“Of course, your highness.” Star said, lightening up a bit as the doors to Celestia’s bedchamber opened.

“Good night Lulu.” Celestia said as she entered her room and closed the doors behind her.

“Good night, Tia.” Luna said, a predatory grin crossing her face. “Be more careful from now on.” She said to Star Sentinel under her breath.

“Of course.” The changeling sputtered. “I’m just not quite used to this role yet. I think I’m getting it though.”

“Good. Be sure that you are, or else you may need to be replaced.” Luna said before walking away.

“Yes. Yes, of course.” Star Sentinel said, letting out a sigh of relief.

“And just what are you sighing about?” Heart Murmur asked as she rounded the corner ahead of the guard.

“Oh! Heart Murmur.” The changeling said. “I didn’t see you there.”

“That’s of little importance.” Heart Murmur said. “Replacing you is a very real possibility is the princess becomes suspicious.”

“R-right. Sorry. It won’t happen again.” Star said.

“Of course it won’t.” Heart Murmur said. “You’ve learned how to blend in more effectively. But even if you hadn’t, it shouldn’t matter much after tonight. Once the princess is fast asleep, Luna will be ready for round two. And this time, I’ll be there to help.” She said, her eyes briefly flashing blue.

“What? Where am I?” Celestia asked as she surveyed the dark void around her.

“You’re in MY world, dear sister.” Nightmare Moon said as she stepped from the darkness.

“No! Luna! Snap out of it!” Celestia cried.

“NO!” Nightmare bellowed. “It is YOU who must come to her senses!”

“What are you talking about?”

“Look around you. Tell me what you see.”

“I see nothing.” Celestia said, looking around again. “There is nothing but cold shadows here.”

“And that is the fate that awaits you, and all of Equestria is the status quo is maintained.” Nightmare Moon said.

“I don’t understand.”

“A princess cannot rule a nation!” Nightmare Moon said. “One such as you simply does not have the power to rule autonomously. Equestria needs somepony more powerful, more capable than you. Otherwise, these empty shadows are the fate that awaits you and your beloved subjects.”

“No! You’re lying!” Celestia shouted.

“You wound me, dear sister.” Nightmare Moon said as she stepped closer to Celestia. “I would never lie to you about a matter of such gravity.”

“I’ve been ruling Equestria for over a thousand years! I have yet to allow it to be brought so low.”

“That is exactly my point.” Nightmare Moon said. “You have yet to do it, but it shall come to pass. There is but one way to stop it.”

“I… Uhh…” Celestia faltered as she suddenly felt woozy. As the seconds passed, so did her desire to disagree with her corrupt sister. “But how can I stop it.”

“You cannot.” Nightmare Moon said.

“But you just said-”

“I said that there is a way to stop it. But you are not the one who can do it.” Nightmare Moon said. “A princess does not possess the power, the status, or the sophistication to stop this tragic twist of fate. Equestria no longer needs a princess. Equestria needs… A Queen!”

“But if not me, then who?” Celestia asked.

“I’m very glad you asked, dear sister.” Nightmare Moon said as she transformed herself back into Luna. “As I am but a weak princess, I am not able to save Equestria either. Nor can your pupil, Twilight Sparkle or her foalsitter, Princess Cadence.”

“But then-”

“The only viable option. The only possibility, and the one true Queen of Equestria is… Her!” Luna said, waving a hoof into the darkness. From where she gestured, a bright green light began to shine. The silhouette revealed by that light was immediately recognizable to Celestia as the Queen of the Changelings.

“Queen Chrysalis!” Celestia exclaimed. “No! I don’t believe it! That thing will never have my subjects in her foul grasp!”

“You foolish girl.” Chrysalis said as she stepped forward. “I already do. You’ve done such a poor job of protecting your precious subjects, that I’ve already converted them to MY rule. Don’t believe me? Why not ask them yourself?”

“Princess Celestia!” A familiar voice called from the darkness.

“Twilight? Twilight, is that you?” Celestia asked as princess Twilight Sparkle emerged from the shadows.

“Yes. It’s me.” Twilight said. “And please, you have to listen. Queen Chrysalis is right.”

“WHAT?!” Celestia exclaimed, her jaw dropping in shock.

“Submitting to her rule is the only way to save Equestria. She is the only one who can save us from this black, horrible fate. Please, Princess. If you love us, you’ll let yourself step down. For our sakes.” She said just before fading away.

“Twilight! Twilight, where did you go?!”

“She’s gone, princess.” Queen Chrysalis said, her voice solemn.

“What have you done to her?! Bring Twilight back!” Celestia shouted.

“I’ve done nothing to your student. It is you, who have allowed this to pass.” Chrysalis said.

“But I… No! I would never allow this to happen!”

“Of course you wouldn’t.” Luna said. “That’s why I know that you’ll make the right choice. Chrysalis’s way is the only way. I’ve already realized this. And soon, so will you.” She said as Celestia was enveloped in a green sinew. A few short seconds later, Celestia was out cold, sleeping peacefully in the embrace of the cocoon.

“Did it work, my Queen?” Luna asked.

“Your sister is weakening, but it will take some time yet to fully break her.” Chrysalis said. “You are doing well. Keep it up, and I assure you that your reward will be great.”

“I exist to serve you, my Queen.” Luna said with a bow.

“I know you do.” Chrysalis chuckled. “Now go. You have Night Court to Attend, do you not?”

“Indeed. There are a few appointments for which I mustn’t be late.” Luna said, bowing to her Queen before fading out of the dream world.

“Soon, princess Celestia.” Chrysalis cooed. “Very soon, you shall be begging me to take your country from you. And I will be most happy to oblige.”

“Heart Murmur?” Star Sentinel asked as Heart Murmur left Celestia’s room. “How did it go?”

“I went perfectly, of course.” Heart Murmur said with a smirk as the doors closed behind her. “A few more nights like that, and the princess will be groveling at our Queen’s hooves.” She said as she left Star Sentinel alone in the hall.

Epilogue

As the nights passed, things continued to deteriorate around the castle. Celestia was becoming more and more unsure of herself, and her ability to protect her subjects. Each night, Luna would enter Celestia’s dreams and torment her about her inability to rule properly. Eventually, the sun princess could take it no longer.

After two weeks of terrible dreams and declining conditions in the castle, Celestia finally had had enough. On the fifteenth night, Princess Celestia submitted to Queen Chrysalis. That morning, she and her sister both ventured to the Badlands beyond the Equestrian border. Following Heart Murmur’s instructions, they managed to find the changeling Hive, where their true Queen awaited their arrival.

After hours upon hours of conditioning and magical manipulation, Luna and Celestia no longer existed. In their places were two specially created changelings. They were allowed to retain the posts of their past lives on the condition that they swear eternal fealty to their grand Queen, Chrysalis. Of course, the royal sisters accepted this generous offer with zero hesitation.

And so Equestria fell under the rule of Queen Chrysalis. But even so, only those who were meant to know ever knew at all.