Under a Crimson Moon

It was late that evening when Twilight Sparkle could still be seen in her lab. Outside the sun was slowly being lowered by Celestia, Princess of the Sun. But while Twilight usually made a point to watch the sunsets of her mentor, today her concerns lay elsewhere.

She didn't understand. That was all Twilight could think of as she stared at the results of her testing. In front of her in a special magic circle floated a tiny image of a human. Twilight had intended to cross the spell with another that would allow her to see the different stages of human growth. But it wasn't the human that she thought the blood had come from. The spell was designed so that remains could be easily identified in case of an accident or misadventure. It was foolproof, unfalsifiable, infallible, and yet what she was seeing now was denying those claims.

She looked up at the sound of the lab's door opening. Spike, her assistant, walked in carrying several bags in his claws. “Hey Twilight, sorry to be so late but Morning Mist had misplaced her inventory in the warehouse.” He called out as he put the bags down in a corner.

It was then that he saw the damage that had occurred earlier in the day, “Holy guacamole Twi! What happened?!”

“Our human friend crashed into one of my machines, and I apparently fainted for some reason.” She said as if talking about the weather. Spike however didn't look the least bit convinced.

“The one you told me about last night?” Spike shook his head in wonderment. “Twilight, she stumbled into one of your crazy machines and it ripped apart?” He deadpanned.

The princess looked uncertain, “Y-yes. I think so. I...kinda passed out?”

“What?!” The baby dragon cried, “Twilight! You should be with the nurses!” Spike moved to the door to get help for the pony.

“Spike! I'm fine!” The pony protested loudly, Spike winced.

“Ok! Ok!” He said with a shrug of his shoulders, “Geez, one of these days you are going to be to sick to shrug it off you know.”

Twilight just smiled, “Thank you for your concern Spike. But really, I'm fine.” She assured him.  “Why don't you head on to bed, I'll be in shortly.”

The dragon gave a large yawn in response, “Ok, Morning Mist really took it out of me this time. See you in the morning Twi.” He called out as he left the room.

Twilight Sparkle just stared down at the image. Various theories ran through her head. The human could actually be a changeling. But she dismissed that though immediately , the spell would have revealed that and not an apparently different human. But the human could just be a shapeshifter in her own world right? However Twilight recalled Krystal saying humans didn't have magic, right?

The princess narrowed her eyes at the enigma while her wings fluttered in agitation. She hated puzzles she couldn't solve. Raising her eyes she stared at the broken machine again. Her assistant had been right, it did seem odd that anypony simply stumbling would rip metal. That was impossible too, right? Twilight closed her eyes as a headache returned again, she shook her head to try to dispel it.

“I just need to run more tests,” She said quietly to herself. Raising a hoof she tried to massage the headache away. But that left one final question, should she tell anyone about the blood?

Twilight pondered that, Celestia had already made clear she did not trust the human. But what she didn't understand was why. She recalled that the ruler claimed a darkness lay within Krystal, but so far Twilight hadn't seen any evidence. She had no doubt that Celestia knew what she was talking about. However with so little evidence it wouldn't be right to accuse Krystal of anything yet, right?

After a long moment Twilight made up her mind, at the slightest hint that Krystal intended any pony harm she would reveal what she knew. But until then or she had more evidence she would keep the results of the blood test to herself. With a smile the princess dispelled the image and headed off to bed.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

It was night and the moon was just beginning to rise over the horizon as Krystal walked through the gardens again. She still felt the hunger burn within her, despite surprisingly enjoying another vegetarian dinner. The creature knew what she truly craved this night, but fought down the instinct to indulge. She knew what lay down that path, and she had already fought tooth and nail to reject that aspect of herself. There would be time later to feed, for now though she needed answers.

Walking around a familiar hedge the creature once again found herself standing in a courtyard observing the elegant dance of a blade. Luna though had changed from what to a normal human would be considered a great-sword for two shorter blades. They swept through the air in opposition and it took a moment for Krystal to realize that Luna was essentially shadowboxing.

As one blade swept forward it's twin moved to parry. The clang of metal on metal rang loud in the silent courtyard as the blades slammed into each other. With the two blades in a deadlock Krystal noticed the strain and grim smile on Luna's face.

She's sure enjoying this. Krystal thought with a smile as she crossed her arms. After a second one blade seemed to win out over the other and batted it away. Sensing the show was over the woman began to clap to show her approval. “Excellent show Princess.” She called out jovially as she walked forward.

Luna smiled in turn, “Good evening Krystal. Are you having trouble sleeping again?” She brought the swords down and lay them in front of her upon the grass.

“Not tonight actually,” the woman said with a laugh. “I was hoping to ask you some questions, but got caught up in the swordplay.” Luna blushed at this which made Krystal smile more. “How long have you been practicing?”

“Well I am a little out of practice, truth be told.” She protested gently. “However before my...stay on the moon I was the most accomplished swordspony in Equestria.” Luna declared with pride.

“Do humans have interest in the martial arts?” Asked the princess with a tilt of her head.

Krystal nodded, “Actually a fair bit. Most though for recreation or self defense. I still practice now and again some sword skills I learned when younger. I find it helps to keep in touch with my roots now and again.”

Luna smiled before floating a blade hilt first to the woman. “I would be honored if you were to show me your technique. I too find it helps to practice my art.”

Krystal smiled as she took the hilt uneasily. The blade was a little lighter then she preferred, and didn't have the curve of a traditional saber which was her trained weapon. But she felt she could make do. “Are you sure you wish to practice against me? Sounds like the best swordsman of Equestria could do better.”

“Please indulge me?” Luna insisted gently.

It's been over a hundred years since I’ve held a blade. Hope the old saying is true, and it's just like a bike. Krystal though ruefully as she shook her head and brought the blade to the ready. Her stance shifted to a basic fencing stance, with one difference being her left hand held in front of her stomach in a fist. The woman's face became neutral as she focused on her opponent. The princess' face also adopting a similar visage.

For a long moment neither moved. But in a single instant Krystal exploded forward. Surprised the princess tried to bring her blade to bear but it was easily knocked aside. In a second it was over with the woman having the edge of her blade lightly pressed against her opponent's throat.

Gently the victor removed the blade and took a step back. “Care to try again?” She asked softly with a smile. But inside she secretly hoped the princess would reconsider, thinking an overwhelming display would derail further interest in the creature's ability.

Unfortunately Luna showed no inclination of backing down. The pony's horn flared as the sword was brought to bear once more. Sighing at the silent challenge the woman herself returned to the ready. This time though she knew the same trick probably wouldn't work twice.

Again both combatants paused, and then at some unseen signal the princess' blade swept forward. Instantly Krystal was put on the defense as she found the blade sweeping around her like an angry hornet. It was all she could do to keep her blade at the defense.

Faster and faster the blade seemed to strike at the woman. Louder and quicker came the sounds of metal meeting metal. Until finally one strike put Krystal's blade out of position, and she felt cool metal pressed against the back of her neck. Krystal's eyes opened in shock before she gently closed them and gave a soft chuckle.

“It seems the years have been kind to your technique Princess.” She said as she gave a bow.

Luna smiled as she returned the blade to her side. The woman noting that though the pony hadn't moved from her spot she still had a sheen to her coat. “You give me far to much credit Krystal, few could have sustained such an effort as you did. Tell me, how did you learn your style?”

Krystal lost her smile at that. She remembered what had happened with Twilight all to clearly, and she was still to weak to experience something like that again. Even with the embrace of the night, there was a limit to what she could endure. But Krystal also felt disinclined to lie in response to the princess' question. In the back of her mind she wondered at that.

Then inspiration hit her, “Do you remember my...comment at dinner the other night?”

“Oh yes,” Luna said with a laugh. “It was most entertaining if enlightening.”

“Yes well, in my world humans and equines work together in many things. One of those things was in defense of our land.” Krystal explained with pride. “In fact, I was part of the cavalry at one point. Humans rode on the backs of our companions and we fought as one.”

Luna stared wide eyed, “That sounds remarkable. Two races working as one, it almost sounds like the foundation of Equestria.”

This piqued Krystal's interest, as it was exactly where she had wanted the conversation to go to begin with. “Really? How did that work?”

Luna smiled as she briefly went over the foundation of Equestira. The three races of ponies coming together and overcoming their differences to live in peace. The retreat of the windigoes at the friendship the three leaders embraced that cold winter's night. How it eventually became the meaning behind Hearth's Warming Eve.

Krystal tapped her chin in thought, “That sounds vaguely similar to a different holiday a lot of humans celebrate. So that's where you, Celestia, and Twilight came from?”

“Well no,” Luna said with a shake of her head. “Twilight Sparkle became a princess when she mastered magic to such a degree to become an alicorn. Specifically it was through the friendship she shares with the Elements of Harmony.”

Elements of Harmony? Just how steeped in magic is this place? Krystal mused. She still hadn't shaken that sense of magic permeating  the land. Though it seemed benign, it still set her on edge if she thought about it to much. “So just who or what are these Elements?”

“They are the five friends of Twilight. Though currently they live in Ponyville to the north. They represent the five elements of friendship: Generosity, Laughter, Kindness, Loyalty, and Honestly.” Luna explained as if she were conducting a lesson. “Twilight though represents the element of magic, and collectively they wield the Elements of Harmony. Which are capable of restoring balance to those out of it.”

Krystal just scratched the back of her head, “Ok, so does that mean that Twilight's friends are....alicorns you called it?”

Luna shook her head, “No only Twilight Sparkle became an alicorn princess.”

“That sounds like her friends got the short end of the stick if they are all these 'elements'.”

Luna shrugged, “Magic is like that, sometimes it wishes to go a way we do not understand.”

“I thought ponies had this magic thing figured out?” Noted Krystal.

“Magic is magic.” Luna replied as if that explained everything.

Krystal sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. In a way it did, after all even after centuries others who shared her curse hadn't made sense of it's origin or purpose. In the end, the ones who cared also just attributed magic to having it's own sick sense of humor sometimes.

“Ok then, but you still left out one part in the history lesson teacher.” The woman said slyly as she leveled a grin towards the pony. “When did you and Celestia take power? What about your parents?”

It was a curious sight, as Krystal had no idea a pony was even capable of going pale. But immediately Luna did at the question, even going so far as to take a step back. “I-I...I don't...” She stammered.

“It is not a concern of yours human.” An authoritative voice called out. Turning her head the woman spotted the ruler of Equestria standing across the courtyard flanked by two unicorns in golden armor. Even in the paler light of the moon, it made for an impressive and imposing sight.

“Ah Celestia. How are you this evening?” Krystal called out in false cheer. The pony in question gave a smile that was neither kind nor welcoming.

“I was pleasantly asleep until awoken by you two.”  Krystal noted that Luna ducked her head, as if a child being caught doing something forbidden by a parent.

“Yes a shame at that, sorry to wake you.” Krystal said as she a gave a small bow. “Now why is Equestria's history not my concern again?” She asked while narrowing her eyes.

“You will be soon be returning to your own world. So surely the details of our past is of little concern.” It wasn't a question by the tone of Celestia's voice.

“What can I say Princess? I'm a curious girl, and I’ve come across quite a few curious things in my short stay here.” Krystal replied while crossing her arms. “Besides, I might find it rather enjoyable here. Already making friends, and Twilight seemed rather interested in my people's technology.”

For a long moment a silence hanged in the courtyard. The woman stared at the ruler and neither backed from the others gaze. Finally it was Celestia who sighed and looked away.

“Perhaps we should be reconsidering where you are staying, Krystal Smith.” She said softly while looking at the woman from the corner of her eye.

Krystal grinned savagely, “By all means Princess, if you think that is best.” Unspoken words lingered afterwords.

“Enough!” Luna cried out from the sidelines. “Krystal Smith, I beseech ye to refrain from taunts against mine sister! Celestia, control thine disdain!” Luna commanded angrily.

Krystal turned her smile towards Luna before letting it slip away. Giving a sigh she nodded to the princess of the night. “As you wish Princess.” Leveling one last look to the white alicorn she began to walk away.

“Have a good night's rest Celestia.” The woman called over her shoulder as she left. Celestia did nothing but narrow her eyes once more. When out of sight Krystal ducked down into the shadows and concentrated. In the distance the sounds of the princesses talking became clear, but she felt the hunger beginning to become more acute within.

“-ent over this Luna. You must give up your practice with these toys.” Celestia's voice was that of a chastising mother.

“It is my talent Sister,” Luna replied defiantly. “My skill with the blade served us well against Discord if you recall. As did your spells, which I know you miss.”

“But there is no need, you know we cannot turn back time. Those skills are useless to us now, nothing more then parlor tricks.” Celestia sighed. “That is why we agreed you would put aside your swords, to prevent the temptation of becoming Nightmare Moon again.”

“Wrong Sister, it was at your insistence. I have been practicing for months now, and I have had no inclination to strike at another or at you. I don't even really remember why I did to begin with.”

“Regardless, these are peaceful times Luna. Crime is non-existent now, we have abolished poverty, there is no more strife between ponies or other creatures in our lands.” Celestia's voice insisted.

Luna scoffed and her voice took an edge, “Yes Sister, and I know of thine crimes to accomplish this feat. Yours and the those of thine pet wizard. Though myself is immune to your actions.” There was a pause for a few seconds. “Tis that why you resent Krystal so? Because she too is immune?”

Crimes? Immune? Immune to what? Krystal wondered frantically. She almost let her concentration slip, and struggled to listen to the rest of the conversation.

“The human may be immune, but we both know that isn't the threat she poses.” Celestia replied harshly. But then the ruler's voice became soft and gentle. “Luna you were there, you know everything I have done has been to keep the people safe. To keep our people safe.” The ruler insisted.

“Yet you allowed Discord to go free Sister. We do not even know where he is now.”

Celestia sighed, “Discord was a gamble, but he is on our side. Or at least is not a threat any longer since we know he is not in our lands. Twilight and her friends did not have the control we did long ago, and the magic would not last forever. Either Twilight would succeed, or I would have had Discord destroyed. Even he would not have survived being ground to dust.”

“Y-you would have done this?” Luna asked sorrowfully. “Even with what he is to you, to us?”

Celestia sighed, “Yes sister, I would have. The damage Discord did the first time was nearly catastrophic. I was not lying to Twilight when I told her his powers could be useful if turned to good. But if he could not...” Celestia trailed off with another sigh

“What is good anymore?” Luna wondered aloud emotionless. “What can we know of good after all we have done?”

“We know it in the happiness of our people sister.” Celestia said softly. “Our people live full lives. They are well cared for, they are protected, and they know we will do whatever it takes to safeguard their future. That is why we are good Luna. That is how we turn a curse into a blessing.”

Celestia walked up beside her sister and began to hug her with a wing while nuzzling her. “Come on LuLu, I’m already up so how about we have the kitchen whip up a few snacks?”

Luna sighed before before he voice hinted at a smile, “Alright Celi, but I will keep you from the cake. Your posterior is larger then it used to be.” She teased before racing ahead. The ruler gave an indignant snort before chasing afterward, laughing all the way.

Meanwhile Krystal allowed the power to fade as she leaned back against the stone wall behind her. For all the answers she had just gotten, another question or two replaced them. She knew she would have to apologize to Luna later, but having gotten the princess in trouble even by accident was a turn of luck for Krystal.

But why did she care? Krystal had no stakes in this land's troubles or future. Why did she feel she had to get involved? What did it matter to her if something bad might happen to these lands? Krystal didn't know the answer to any of this, but she knew hero's never lived long. Especially the kind of 'hero' that goes looking for trouble.

However she felt compelled to solve this mystery. But she refused to take another step until she knew why. As if to answer her a long faded memory swam to the surface.

”Dad, I'm going to join the cavalry. It's good money, and...” He looked up at his father as he held the post steady. “I know it sounds dumb, but I just don't think letting the Union split is the right thing to do.”

His father said nothing as the two finished setting the post. After nailing the fence together they walked to the next post in the line. The son looking up at the father hoping for some reaction. For something to work off of whether it was good or bad. As they finished digging the hole the son's father took hold of the post as he did before. The son gave one more look before working to center the post in the hole.

“So what are you waiting for?” The father gruffly replied. “You already know what I feel about the military and the government. If the southerners want to break off that is their choice, not Lincoln’s. What do you want me to say?”

“I-I don't know Dad. I just thought you should know.” The son said morosely.

The father sighed before squatting down to his son's level. Making sure his son was looking him in the eye before he gave his reply. “Son, it is the mark of a man to do what he thinks is right. Maybe that 'right' isn't what most folks think it ought to be, but that is something else and far to academic for me. There will be damned many a time you won't even know yourself why you are doing it, but you just do what you think is the right thing to do. As long as you can deal with the consequences, to hell with anyone who tells you different.” After he finished the man gave his son one of his few smiles before clapping him on the back.

“I won't say I’m happy son, I won't lie about that. But I will say I'm damn proud of you and always will be.” With that he stood up and took hold of the pole again. “Alright, lets finish this fence up before making sure your mother knows your big plans tonight.”

“You want to tell her together?” The son wondered.

“Hell no son! You are on your own for that!” His father replied while laughing.

Krystal grinned at the memory. She knew her father had been right. Sometimes you felt the need to do what you felt what was right even if you didn't understand why. She didn't know herself why she felt this was a mystery to be solved, but something deep within her compelled her to continue on. For now, she would follow that feeling in her heart. After all that is what makes a man a man, right?

With a nod of her head the woman stood and began to make her way back to her room. The guards would be to alert this night for her to safely steal out of the castle, and taking from someone in the castle was far to risky. She would just have to deal with the hunger for one more day.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

“Now presenting, Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Krystal winced at the booming voice of the court crier. It was the next morning and the woman had decided to see how these ponies conducted their affairs. More specifically she wanted to see how Celestia conducted her nation.

From the balcony above the court Krystal watched as the two daytime princesses walked along the red carpet to their thrones. She had asked a maid that morning if Luna would be in attendance, but found out that since she was in charge of the night Luna tended to sleep during much of the day. The woman wondered if Luna was upset at that.

I don't think I would be. This is far to formal for my liking. Krystal thought as she grimaced. If simple introductions into daily court were this formal, she knew by the time it was over it would be a constant battle to stave off snoring. Though that thought was followed by soft sound of hoofs behind her.

“Curious place to find you, Krystal.” Came a gruff voice from behind Krystal. Knowing who the owner was she drew a big smile before turning around.

“Captain! So good to see you again. How did the hunt for your cousins go?” The smile went from forced to genuine at the discomfort of Captain Snow Bloom.

“I handled the issue. More importantly why are you here?” Snow Bloom deflected while narrowing her eyes from behind her helmet.

Casting a look over her shoulder Krystal noted that court was now in session. “Oh, just thought I would see how ol' Celestia handles affairs. Lot to be said about a ruler and and their use of power, don't you agree?” Krystal caught a flicker of movement from the captain's eyes, as they shifted for a split second between her...and Twilight.

That struck a nerve. Krystal mused. “Tell me captain, why do you dislike Twilight Sparkle so much?” Again the captain shifted uncomfortably at the woman's comments, but she refrained from smiling at it this time.

“I-I mean I don't...” The captain tried futility to deny.

Krystal just sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Snow Bloom, just stop. You might be able to fool Twilight, but I doubt you are fooling anyone else. Especially not me.” Looking into the ponies eyes she laced her voice with a small amount of power. “Would you kindly just tell me what the issue is?”

She knew it might be nothing but a fool's jealousy at power. Krystal had seen it in hundreds of humans in her own world. But the way the captain had reacted to the suggestion of abuse of power made her curious, especially in regards to Twilight. That was why she risked a small amount of the blood she had left to ease the truth out of the captain.

The laced suggestion seemed to do it's job, almost to well in fact. The captain's eyes narrowed as she openly glared for a second or two at the purple alicorn below. With a shake of her head however Snow Bloom regained her composure before looking back at Krystal.

“What do you know of Princess Twilight, Krystal?” The captain asked curtly.

“To be honest, very little other then apparently she is part of these “Elements of Harmony”. The woman admitted with a shrug, “That and apparently she wasn't always a princess.”

“Yes,” The unicorn snorted. “Before then she was just Twilight Sparkle the Student. She was even on the verge of being dismissed on her application day to Canterlot's premier magic school when she had a magic fluke. She lost control of her magic and was rewarded for it by the Princess. Rewarded by becoming Celestia's prized pupil.”

“So that's it? Jealousy? I'm rather disappointed Snow Bloom.” Krystal said in a bored tone. So maybe ponies aren't that different after all.

“No.” Snow Bloom said darkly “It was when she and her 'friends' became the elements of harmony. Do you know how many times Ponyville has had to be rebuilt? It's citizens reimbursed for damages caused by her and her 'Elements of Harmony'? Twilight Sparkle herself even caused an unthinkable riot, and the Princess didn't so much as lecture her! In fact the only time I have ever seen or heard Twilight reprimanded was for disrupting her brother's wedding!”

With a huff she pawed at the carped with a hoof. “She is dangerously reckless with her magic. She is at times more then a little unstable. Yet now she is a ruler with Princesses Celestia and Luna!”

The woman raised an eyebrow at the pony's story and increased agitation. That was only a mild suggestion I put in her, but hell if this pony has some issues. Still, sounds like there is more to Twilight then I might have first taken her for.

“So why put up with it?” Krystal asked casually. The comment seemed enough to shock Snow Bloom out of her tirade.

“W-what do you mean?”

The woman shrugged, “You are a Captain of the Guard. You are answering directly to a ruler you don't like. Why do that? Can't find work doing something else? Isn't there some other nation that might better reward a guard like you?”

Snow Bloom shifted uncomfortably for the third time. At this point Krystal was tempted to reach over and smack the guard to spit it out already. Though it made her pause. When she had first met the captain the guard was sure of herself, confident. Now suddenly she was shifting from hoof to hoof. Internally Krystal winced. Ah geez, don't tell me I accidentally broke her!

“I have to follow my destiny.” Said the captain softly.

“Destiny? What do you mean?”

“My cutie mark, it is my special talent. My destiny is to guard the throne of Equestria, my special talent is that of defense. The stronger my opponent strikes the more steadfast my defense becomes. I was one of the top lieutenants to the last Captain of the Guard.” Snow Drop said glumly.

Krystal shook her head. “Ok, I’m a bit confused. What is a cutie mark, and why would it dictate your 'destiny'?”

Snow Bloom presented her hind end to the woman. On it was depicted a shield with a stylized flower emblazoned upon it's surface. “A cutie mark appears to ponies who have found their special talent, the thing that will make them most happy to perform in life.”

Krystal pondered that. On the surface it seemed like a very limiting concept, you are bound to whatever your talent was. But then again if you were good at something, wouldn't you enjoy doing it? Like the old advice, 'find work that lets you play'. But then again, what if your 'special talent' was something much darker? Though she decided not to voice such an opinion, instead looking back over her shoulder to watch the court below. Noticing the various symbols in a new light, though none seemed obvious to their meaning.

Well, not the information I sought out. But information is information, and yet another puzzle piece. Why would Celestia want what sounds like such a dangerous student? In a way it reminded her of her time in the Army so very long ago. Where one recruit might be favored to where they could do no wrong. Even worse when that recruit didn't seem to know half the time which end of the horse went forward. Those same recruits tended for gruesome fates on the battlefield, their instructors having done no favors in their coddling.

Turning back to the captain she gave a small bow. “Thank you captain, you have been a tremendous help.” Raising her head she caught the captain's confused gaze. “Now you will remember nothing of this talk, you simply thought you heard something on this balcony. But nothing was here.”

A few moments later Snow Bloom looked around dazed before snorting. “Guess it was nothing.” The mare said as she left the empty balcony.

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

Pitchworthy stalked his apartment, his eyes bloodshot. He had seen the truth, to everything. With the power he now possessed he could take on an army, or even two. He was sure of it. He raised a hoof to play with the amulet around his neck. The cord tight enough that it almost broke his skin. He wouldn't be able to remove it, but why would he? Why would he ever wish to go back to being old Pitchworthy again?

No, he was improved. Almost perfect now. He felt his face, where that bitch of a pony had kicked him. The single flaw carried over from his transformation. He would have to respond to that, wouldn't he? To deal with that Vinyl Scratch, and in the process claim what should have been his long ago.

Looking at the clock he realized tonight would be the perfect night. He would break Vinyl Scratch, and publicly claim Octavia. He would show his power to Equestria, to where not even the Princesses or the Elements could stop him. With a chuckle he began to pack his flutes, tonight would be a special night for all of Canterlot!

~ooo~oOo~ooo~

Luna slept gently, laying in her darkened bedchamber. The heavy curtains allowing the normally nocturnal princess to sleep in relative peace. Soundly she slept with visions of dancing swords and noble adventures playing in her mind's eye. But above her the air seemed to shiver and shake as a white mare's head appeared out of the air. Though in an unseen and felt wind her mane shifted to reveal a small knob of a horn peaking through.

“Betrayer.” The apparition hissed in quiet fury. “It is you who should rot, not I. You and your sister.” The ghostly mare's face twisted into a wholly gruesome visage of anger and hate. Then it dissolved into a white mist while floating down into the mare's ears.

The mare twitched fitfully in her sleep. Her dreams shifted into terrible nightmares filled with imagery of the worst kinds. But in the darkness she found herself running towards a familiar figure. In her mind's eye Krystal handed her a sword and the two fought as one against the shadowy nightmares. Dancing between fang and claw, drawing thick black ichor with steel for the monster's troubles.

But the shadows were to much, and Luna felt the darkness envelop her. Krystal was dragged underneath and out of sight. While Luna herself felt claws and talons rip into her. With a screech Luna jerked awake. Shivering she jerked her head around, the terror and phantom pain still fresh.

With a sigh she relaxed, annoyed with herself. It had been years since she had ever had a nightmare. Unpleasant dreams perhaps, but as one of her abilities was to walk in others dreams she in turn had almost complete mastery of her own. But a nightmare was unusual.

Luna got out of bed and walked to a nearby mirror. She was up, and like her sister the night before might as well enjoy it. She reflected on the dream as she brushed her mane. Why had she dreamed of the human? She thought of how they had fought, even if it ended in defeat.

“It was like her, cavalry I think she called it.” Luna mused aloud with a chuckle. “I wonder if that is how they fought on her world?”

After finishing up she made for the door but paused as she passed a table. On it was her ticket to tonight's concert. She enjoyed such outings, as it was one of the few times so many ponies were up late into her night's. But something made her pause as she stared at the solitary ticket.

Upon leaving the room she quickly spotted one of the maids going about her chores. “Fig Leaf, may I have a moment?”

The green mare bowed at Luna's approach, “Of course Princess. How may I help you?”

“Would you be so kind as to contact the concert hall? I would like to request another ticket for tonight's performance.”

The maid bowed, “As you wish, Princess.” As she left Luna contemplated what she was doing. Celestia would be furious once she found out what her sister planned to do. But Luna somehow knew deep inside having Krystal with her tonight would be for the best.