Endless Nightmareby Surprise The PegasusChaptersFriendshipMirror ImageCutie Mark CrusaderPreludeFriendship"And that, Luna, is why we don't use the Royal Canterlot Voice. It scares the ponies." Cooed Celestia. "But everypony's already scared of me." Sighed Luna. Luna scraped the polished wood floor of her chambers with a shoed hoof, then sighed deeply. "Nonsense, Luna. Everypony loves you." Luna just hung her head in response. Then, a white Pegasus with a dappled brown mane and tail trotted in. "Princess Celestia." Said the pony, bowing. She got to her hooves shakily and turned toward the Moon Princess. "And P-P-Princess L-Luna." She bowed hastily, almost slipping due to the cinnamon-spattered cream colored socks she was wearing. Luna lifted her head and groaned. Even a servant was scared by her very presence. "Hello, my dear Cinnabon. Whatever is the matter?" Celestia bowed her head slightly. "Oh, um, I just came to inform you that dinner will be at seven o'clock today." Cinnabon shifted nervously, then casted a worried glance at Luna, who rolled her eyes. "Thank you Cinnabon. You may go." "Thank you, P-Princess Celestia." Cinnabon bowed quickly, then tore off screaming. Luna groaned, then laid her head on her desk. "Luna, it's not so bad…" Luna started to bang her head against her desk, groaning all the while. "Luna, stop it. You know you have friends. Also, Cinnabon was always a shy one, so it's alright. You're not alone." Luna banged her head a few more times, then whipped around to face Celestia. "Yeah, like who?" Luna growled. "Well, what about Twilight?" "I've lost touch with her." "Lost touch? Hmm…oh! I forgot! Twilight's in the castle right now, actually." Luna jumped up. "REALLY!? Since when!? W-where is she?" Luna almost squashed Celestia's cheeks with her strong hooves. "She came to see Cadance, but I'm sure you two can visit. I think she's in the throne room. Go check." Celestia managed to speak through her squashed lips. "Really!? Wow!" Luna released her iron grip and charged down the castle corridors as fast as she could, pumping her wings to boost her speed. "Luna, wait! Don't forget, dinner at seven!" Celestia called after her, but she was long gone. Luna raced down yet another long hallway, blowing over rare vases and moving the lavish tapestries. What Luna didn't see was Princess Cadance trotting down the same hall, in the other direction. Before she knew what hit her, Cadance was flung across the hall, due to Luna's immense speed. Luna trotted over to Cadance and helped her to her hooves. "Um, excuse me? Oh, it's just you." Cadance pushed Luna away and dusted her pink coat. "What are you in a rush for." "Sorry, Cadance. I'm looking for Twilight, she was supposed to be here. Have you seen her?" "Oh yes. She came to talk to me, actually, you see, we're such close friends..." "Yes, whatever, but where is she?" "On her way home right now. You better hurry if you want to talk to her, she's about to take off." Cadance whipped Luna with her tail as she shoved her aside and strolled past. "Oh sh*t, I better hurry!" Luna flapped her wings and flew down several more halls at top speed. .................. "Thank you for visiting, Twiley." Shining Armor hugged Twilight. "No problem. You're my B.B.B.F.F., and I love you." "Bye, Twilight." "WAIT!! Twilight, I'm so glad to see you!" Luna practically tackled Twilight, causing her to stumble into Shining. "AHHH!! Oh, Luna, it's you." Twilight pushed Luna off and stepped back. Spike took one look at Luna and shrank back behind Twilight. "I apologize, my dear Twilight Sparkle. I didn't mean to startle you." "It's fine, really. I see your voice has improved. Hehe…" Beads of sweat started to form on Twilight's brow. "Yes. Celestia has been giving me lessons. I doubt they go to your standards, Twilight. You've helped me alot." Luna smiled, her voice soft. "Well, that's great Lunaa, hahaha." Twilight smiled nervously. "Is something wrong, Twilight?" "Oh no, nothing's wrong, nothing's wrong!" Twilight took another step back. Luna's smile faded. "Oh. I've lost touch with you, so I haven't heard from you in awhile. Did something happen?" "I've been busy studying! And, you know, saving the world and all." Twilight made a circular gesture with her hoof. "Oh, I see. So you don't want to be friends anymore?" Luna's tone darkened, her face a disappointed scowl. "Luna, I never said that!" "You didn't have to. It's like I'm some kind of freak!" Luna's eyes pooled up with tears. She turned around and tore off bawling. "Luna, wait!" Twilight started to move forward. "Twilight, don't go!" Spike grappled onto Twilight's hind leg, preventing her from going after Luna. Shining Armor sighed. With one last look at the castle, Twilight and Spike boarded the awaiting chariot. ........... Luna jumped onto her bed and cried into her navy blue comforter. She lifted up her head and gazed at the picture of her and the Mane 6 together on Nightmare Night. Luna's eyes grew white with rage and sadness, and she swatted the picture off her nightstand. Only when she heard the shattering of glass did she once again stuff her head into her now damp blanket. Luna rolled over and stared at her mirror. It was one of those stand-up mirrors seen in old horror films. Slowly Luna dragged herself out of bed and stood in front of it, studying herself. "I'm such a wimp." Luna shut her eyes and wished she could be loved instead of feared, like Tia. When she opened them again, the reflection she saw wasn't her own, yet it was. "You bet you are, crying over her. Pathetic." It spoke in a glassy, cold, voice that made Luna shiver. "What in Equestria…?" Luna stepped cautiously forward. Then there was a knock on the door. "Luna?" "Yes- um, come in." Luna looked back at the mirror to find her normal reflection inside. "Luna, I told you to come down for dinner. What's wrong?" Celestia noted Luna's strange expression. Luna stared at the mirror, her vision locked on. "Um, N-nothing…nothing…" Luna was completely entranced. Was her mirror magic? Celestia followed Luna's gaze. "What are you looking at…did you go see Twilight?" Celestia flapped her white wings. "Hmm…," Luna snapped back into attention. The wind her sister's wings made was cold. "Oh, yeah, I did." Celestia moved the shattered picture towards Luna. "It seems you didn't get along…" Tears started to stream from Luna's eyes. "She's scared of me, Tia! Just like everypony else! Why can't I just be normal?" Luna buried her head in Celestia's shoulder. "My sweet, darling sister. You are normal. It's just a bit hard for ponies to get used to you, after what happened. They need some time to adjust, that's all." Celestia lovingly stroked Luna's flowing starfield mane. "Everything's changed, Tia. Nothing's the same, not even you." Luna pushed Celestia away, then turned toward her open window and let the rays of the setting sun soak her in its loving warmth. "Luna, what do you mean? I'm still me, I haven't changed." "But you have. I mean, since when did you have a multicolored mane? It was pink before, and- even I've changed. My mane was short, solid blue, and it didn't flow. Even my coat was a lighter blue. What's more is that ponies used to have some degree of mutual respect for me. Now they think I'm a freak. Nothing's the same." "I-I take it you will not be joining us for dessert." Celestia hurt. Luna's words, they hurt her. Her little sister thought she changed. It was almost too much for her to bear. "Cinnabon!" Cinnabon flew in with a red velvet cake on her back and gently set it in front of Luna. She was terrified. Luna walked to where the cake sat, and where Cinnabon was bowing. "Thank you, Cinnabon." Said Luna. Cinnabon looked up at Luna, then rose to her hooves, quaking uncontrollably. "I'll do whatever you wish, Your Majesty!" Cinnabon stared at Luna, her pale brown eyes filled with terror. "For the love of- DO NOT FEAR ME!!" Luna yelled, in the Royal Canterlot Voice. She was fed up with ponies fearing her. She wanted some love and respect, couldn't ponies see that? As for Cinnabon, she once again bolted. Luna pounded her hooves into her chamber floor, almost cracking it. "This is what I mean Luna. You could change too." "What!?" Luna once gain pounded a hoof into the floor. "You could change. I've changed, everypony else has changed, maybe you can too. Try being different. Try to fit in…oh well. Eat, sister. You're hungry. I'll see you in the morning." Celestia kissed Luna's head, then left, gently closing the doors behind her. "Red velvet, my favorite!" Luna knelt down and started to eat her cake, when her living reflection started talking again. "Yes, she shall change. She'll change for good." It whispered. It giggled, then vanished, leaving Luna's usual reflection in its place. Then, no other than Shining Armor strolled in to find Luna with a face full of cake. "Oh, sorry, I didn't know you we're busy." "Hmm?" Luna looked up, then immediately stood, pushed the cake to the side, and wiped all traces of cake off her face with a hint of magic. "Oh my god, I must look like a total pig. Um, sorry Shining Armor." "No, it's fine. A girl should eat." Shining shrugged. "Right. Is there something I can help you with?" "I came to talk to you. Twilight's still your friend, it's just that she's trying to get used to you." "But she was so nice on Nightmare Night…what changed her mind?" "Rumors keep going around about you. Cadance told me one." "Oh did she? What did she say?" Luna scowled. "I don't know if I should be saying this, but she kept going on about how you plan to rule all of Equesrtia with eternal night, the whole package. And, how you plot to kill Celestia…" "WHAT!? Is THAT why nopony's talking to me!?" Luna's face was the picture of pure rage. "I don't know, she only told me! Anyways, I didn't believe it because its just a dumb rumor." Luna calmed down, but she was still a little tense. "She's gone too far. And, Shining, why aren't you wearing your wedding ring?" "Yeah, about that...Cadance and I are having a "marriage vacation". But- Luna, are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost." Luna turned toward her mirror. "I think…I have." Hehehe… Mirror ImageLuna's eyelids fluttered open. She shook her head and stood up. She was in a dark room. The walls were made of tall mirrors that stretched up as far as she could see. "Where…am I?" "Luna, please. You should know where you are." Luna turned to see her living reflection. "Aahhhh!! Who are you!? Stay back! Where am I!?" Luna was terrified. She was in an unknown location with a potential threat. "Calm down, Luna. I'm just, another you. A better you. And, you're in your mind." It stood in the mirror still, sneering as it taunted her. "What do you mean "in my mind"?" Luna's reflection trotted to another mirror, and Luna followed it. "hahaha, you're so clueless. This is just a dream…" "Just a dream? But it seems so real…" "Maybe it would, to a simple pony like you. It's quite sad, really." "What do you mean? TELL ME!" Luna punched the mirror as hard as she could, the glass didn't break, but the reflection rippled a bit. "Sooner or later I'm gonna have to take control of this whole mess." "What mess, what are you talking about?" Luna started to shrink back from the reflection. It was so…intimidating, gloating like it just couldn't lose. "The mess caused by you being Nightmare Moon. You should know that, Luna. It's in your head, and you can't get rid of it." "No, it's not, it's not! It's in the past!" The reflection was trying trying to break her, bend her, make her snap. "Luna, do yourself a favor, and stop believing lies. Celestia said she's forgiving you, but why is she giving you lessons? Keeping you cooped up in the castle, not letting you see…" "Stop it!" "I'm only tying to help you." then voices started to pound her. "Nopony likes you because you're a freak. Sister, I'm not in the mood. Worthless b*tch. Freak, weird. Sister hates you…" "NO!!" Luna sat up with a jolt, only to find herself in bed, the Moon hanging low in the sky. It was time for her to lower it. Keeping a weary eye on her mirror, Luna stepped out of bed, her Foal Blanket draped across her back. Her horn lit up with a sky blue magic, and the Moon slowly sank behind the horizon. She turned her shaking body back to her mirror, then stepped in front of it. "It was all a dream, Luna. None of it is real." "Oh, but it is." "Aaahhhh!!" Luna punched her mirror, then bucked it against the wall. She then punched it again and again, until she was satisfied. Several cuts adorned her wrists, but she paid them no heed. There was a knock on the door. "Luna,what's going on in there?" "Um, nothing!" Celestia pushed the door open and walked up to Luna. "Umm, Luna?" "Tia! Luna rushed up to her sister and threw her hooves around her neck. "Tia, I had the most terrible dream!" "Are you alright? You cut up your hooves," Luna broke the hug, and Celwstia saw the broken mirror. "And what did you do to your mirror? What happened Luna? Why would you smash your mirror? Is something wrong?" "Oh, well, n-nothing. It was just a bad dream." "What was it about?" "Uhh…mirrors! Yeah, mirrors." Luna blindly rubbed her still bleeding cuts. "Ok then. That was an old, nasty, mirror anyway. Lucky for you I bought another one." Luna froze. "What!?" Luna's pupils shrank. Cinnabon pushed in a gold-framed wall mirror. "Here you are, Your Majesty." "Thank you Cinnabon." Said Celestia. "Uh-um- how much did that cost?" Luna's mouth was agape. "It's made of pure gold, so alot. But you're worth it, Luna. You deserve the best." Luna walked over to where the mirror lay on the floor and peered into it. "Hehehehe!" "Ahhhh!!" Luna jumped up. "AAAHHHHH!!" Cinnabon ran off screaming, like usual. "Luna, you need to stop scaring away servants like that, it's not funny." "No, it's just that- I-I-I- this pony- mirror!" Luna was so scared that she couldn't form proper sentences. "I know, I'm getting the mirror on the wall." "But-" "I know, let me just put it on." Celestia levitated the mirror and hooked it on a nail where the old mirror was. "Out with this old mirror," she then levitated the old, battered mirror and put it in the hall to be picked up later. "And in with the new. See, Luna, much better. Right?" Celestia stood with Luna in front of the new mirror. "Yeah, right." Luna's reflection came alive, and punched Celestia's reflection to death. "*Gasp* Did you just see that?" Luna turned to face Celestia. "See what?" "I saw- huh? What in Equestria!?" "Luna, what's wrong!? If you don't like the mirror you should just say so! I'd be happy to have it!" "No, it's just that-" "Keep your mouth shut, Luna. You don't want to put Celestia through this, do you? Then she'd think your even more crazy, and who knows, maybe send you back to the Moon." "*gasp* Uh- um-" "Luna?" "N-nothing! I was just- uh- I'm just so happy! That you got me…that mirror…t-thank you, Sister." "Good. For a minute I thought you didn't like it. I for one like it very much. I might have to get one for myself." "Ahaha. Right…thank you again." "No problem. And, um, I'm sorry about Twilight. Shining told me everything." "He did!?" "Yeah. He's a true friend, Shining is. He seems to really care about you." With that, Celestia walked out, leaving Luna alone once more. "Shining…cares about me? Yeah, right. Twilight's brother." Luna noticed the picture that she had destroyed yesterday was back, in mint condition. "I thought I smashed this." Luna shoved it off again, and crushed it with her strong hoof. "What are you doing?" Luna whipped around to see Twilight staring back. "Oh- oh my god! Uh- nothing! Nothing at all, hehe!" Luna levitated the picture back onto her nightstand. "Why were you smashing that picture?" Twilight stepped forward. "Uh, no certain reason!" "Was it because of yesterday? I came to apologize." "What- really?" "Yeah. You see, Cadance told me you'd gone a bit, well, dark, so I was a little shocked to see you." "Cadance told you that. Why would you trust Cadance?" "Well, because she's my best friend, why can't you deal with that!?" "Twilight, Cadance is a liar and a skank." "Wha- Cadance married my brother, and promised him death do us part!" Spat Twilight. "If you wanna know, go ask Shining. They eventually slipped off their rings because their getting pretty sick of each other. I'm not surprised that Shining would be sick of Cadance." "Uh- you're so difficult!" "What, I was only trying to help." "By telling me that my brother's gone off my best friend!? That's- that's just great Luna. Great help." "Wha- I- what's wrong?" "Well, look Luna. I didn't know you would be so self-centered. I'm gonna go." Twilight started to stomp away. "Wait, Twilight! You're my only friend." "I'm not surprised, because, you know what you're known as to all the other ponies outside Canterlot? Still an evil enemy, Nightmare Moon, waiting to kill us all. They all hate you, Luna. I hate you." Twilight spat out the words with so much venom that Luna stepped back instead of forward, cutting herself on another mirror fragment. "T-Tw-Twilight?" Luna hung her head, utterly defeated. "Now you can trust that." Luna turned to her mirror in shock. "No, not you again!" "ooh, not you again! Get used to it sister. I'm in your mind. In your head. I'm everywhere. I'll always be watching you, Luna." "But Twilight's not really like that! It's Cadance who's made her like that!" "Yeah, and I guess that makes Cadance a b*tch that we need to put down." "Uh…uuaaah…" There was a knock on the door. "Uughh, WHAT IS IT!!?" "God, you don't need to shout at me." "Oh, Cadance. What do you want?" "Chill, I just came to steal your mane straighteners. My mane is TOTALLY gone to mess." "Your mane is always a mess." "Well EXCUSE ME! Hey, is Shining in here?" "No, I'm in my room ALONE, if you didn't notice." "But I heard two voices. Were you TALKING to yourself?" Cadance was practically laughing. "I- no!" Luna's could feel herself blushing. "Uh- ok, quite pathetic." Cadance shoved Luna. "Luna, why don't you just do what I say and PUT HER DOWN!" "Would you just SHUT UP!?" "Exc-use me?" "Oh, not you, Cadance! I wasn't talking to you." "Yeah you were, you told me to shut up!" "No, I didn't!" "Oh, unless you were talking to yourself. Hahaha. Well, later, looser." Cadance started to leave. "Ugh!" "Cadance, there you are!" Shining exclaimed. "Oh, there's my Princey Wincey." The couple then started to kiss, right in front of Luna. "Heh, yeah." Shining pulled away from Cadance and turned to Luna. "Shining!" Luna then pretended to gag. "Really, in my room?" "Sorry Luna. I came to ask:" "Let me guess. For some straighteners for me?" Cadance batted her eyes. "Not exactly…" "Uh- oh well. I'm going to the spa." Cadance trotted out. "Right. Well, um, I have nothing to do this afternoon, so, you know how you say you only have one friend?" "Yeah…" "I was wondering if you wanted to hang out." There was a knock on the door. "Ugh, come in." "Hello Luna." "Hi Tia." "You know how you said you felt lonely? Well, I got you a friend!" The pony that accompanied Celestia was definitely not what Luna was expecting. She was a pony with- fairy wings? She had a very pale pink coat, and her eyes were a deep sapphire blue. Her long, marbled mane was put up into a side ponytail. "Hello." Luna and Shining turned to face Celestia's "friend for Luna". "Woah…sorry to stare, but you have massive wings." Said Shining. "It's ok, I'm used to it." The pony looked up at Luna. "You two can hang out now, now that you're friends." Celestia said happily. "I'm Saraphine Grace." "Um, Luna." Luna shook Saraphine's hoof. "Ok now…wait, Shining Armor? Get out of here, what're you doing? You, the captain of the royal guard, is in my little sister's room." "I'm sorry, Your Majesty-" "He was keeping me company as well." Luna intervened. "Hmmmm…ok then. The more the merrier! See you three later." Celestia then left. "Ok then." said Shining. Luna looked to Saraphine. "So…your name's Saraphine?" "Hehe…yeah." Celestia appeared in the doorway almost as soon as she left. "So, Shining. You're going out with Cadance, right?" "SIS CAN YOU GET OUT OF MY ROOM!?" "Uh, yeah, I'm going out with Cadance." "Then I don't want you spending time with MY little sister." "Seriously, Tia?" "It's fine, it's fine, I'll go. You've got Saraphine now, so, bye." Shining trotted out. "Good. Enjoy!" Celestia followed Shining out and made sure he didn't come back, for the time being. "So…" "So..." "I bet you get tired of everypony staring at you." "Just like you, Luna." "What?" "Everypony stares at you, everypony stares at me. They call us freaks. But you know what, Luna?" "What?" "They're wrong. We're just special. We've got…gifts." "But I was once Nightmare Moon, that's why everypony stares at me." "Who cares? You have a dark side, that's pretty cool, right? Dark." "Uh, being dark is not cool." "But it is! If you're dark, you can control other ponies." "I guess…everyone would fear me." "Luna, you and I are gonna get along just fine." "Haha, ok." Cutie Mark Crusader"So, if we're gonna be friends, we should get to know each other. Tell me about yourself, Luna." Saraphine sat on Luna's bed, as did Luna. "Ok. I started off as a normal filly, living with my parents. Nopony really sees my parents, so I don't know. See, I was really jealous of my sister Celestia, so I turned into this dark mare Nightmare Moon and everypony screamed in terror! I got defeated once, but I actually got defeated twice because of Twilight Sparkle. She's- or was- my friend." "Really?" "I have no friends anymore because I was once Nightmare Moon. But I'm good now because the Elements of Harmony destroyed my evil spirit. How about you tell me about yourself." "Well, to be honest, I'm a Princess to, or, more of a Queen/Empress. But my rule is way less significant than yours. You rule basically all of Equestria. All I own is a small plot of land, which is in Equestria. When I was little my wings were small, but then they grew massive. I couldn't believe it. I was in Starfield Lake, then my wings started sparkling. Then I realized: I'm a Glimmer Wing pony. So then I found other Glimmer Wing ponies in a plot of lush, green land. They saw that I had the spirit and compassion of a true ruler, so then I became Queen/Princess, and I still rule today. It's rather nice having big wings, but they sometimes get in the way, and I end up knocking everything over. No normal pony really likes me, to be honest. Ponies keep staring at me and calling me a freak, and it really hurts." "I know how you feel." said Luna comfortingly. Saraphine looked at the door and saw Celestia watching, then warned Luna. "And that's why I'm a Crystal Pony." Boasted Saraphine. Celestia was watching from the doorway, just checking up on them. "What? You can't be a Crystal Pony, you're not crystally." "I totally am. My wings are." "No way." Said Luna jokingly. Celestia turned and left. Saraphine saw this and released a sigh of relief, then told Luna. "Look Luna, I know exactly what you're going through." Said Saraphine. "And I know what you're going through." Replied Luna. A set of hooves clopped down the hall, then ceased once entering Luna's quarters. "Saraphine Grace?" Saraphine and Luna turned to see Cinnabon standing in the doorway, appearing to not be fearful. "Yes, what is it?" Saraphine raised an eyebrow, and Luna groaned in annoyance. "Your chariot is here to take you home." Cinnabon waved a hoof. "Really, already? It was really nice meeting you, Luna." "It was nice meeting you too, Saraphine. I'm not really allowed to go outside, because everypony would scream and run away. But, maybe, we could go out together, so ponies wouldn't scream…as much." "That sounds wonderful, Luna. It was nice meeting you, but I've gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow?" Said Saraphine. "Sure, just swing by." "Or, you could come over to where I live." Saraphine gave Luna a quick hug, then followed Cinnabon out. Celestia trotted in, her shoed hooves clicking on the polished obsidian that made up Luna's bedroom floor and walls. "Well, how'd it go?" Celestia asked. "It went…it went…FANTASTIC!!" Luna rushed up to Celestia and threw her hooves around her, then backed up. "Thank you soooo much for introducing me!! Now I finally have a friend!!" Luna cheered, a wide grin on her face. "What about Twilight, and Cadance?" Celestia inquired. Luna's smile faded, and her happy tone darkened. "Cadance. Are you kidding me? And Twilight's, well, I don't really get to see her much." Luna lied. "You'll be getting to see Saraphine Grace alot more. If she can, she'll come every day." Luna immediately brightened. "REALLY!?" You see sister, I have a favor to ask." Luna's face was bearing a sly smile. "Oh really? And what would that be?" Celestia was ever so slightly suspicious of Luna's intentions. "Weeeeeeelll…" Luna paused, for a dramatic effect. "CanSaraphineandIgoouttomorrowtoseetheponies!? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?" Luna looked up at Celestia with her "puppy dog eyes". "Luna, I'm not so sure you're ready…all the ponies outside…" Luna's pleading teal eyes penetrated Celestia, all the way down to her core. She could feel Luna's puppy eyes starting to work, but she stood her ground. Luna pushed the look harder. "Pleeeease, Tia? Please?" Celestia could feel herself giving in. That face was too damn cute! "Maybe…" Celestia trotted out, for fear of saying yes. "Tia?" Luna was disappointed. That look worked every time! Pfft. That always means no." Luna's reflection scoffed. Luna turned and trotted up to her new mirror. "You AGAIN!? What do you want?" "What do I want? I want what you want. We are the same pony, after all. But Luna, don't you have some desires, deep down? Think about it. You don't like Cadance, right?" It said seductively. "Right, I-I don't." "And you like Shining Armor, right?" "Yes, I do." "When I say you like Shining Armor, I really mean love. You love him, and you can't deny it. You want him all for yourself. He is a very handsome stallion, after all. Oh, the things you want to do to him. Those twisted, dirty thoughts you think, how you eye his flank when he's not looking." Luna could tell it was brainwashing her, but everything it- or she, said, was true. "No, no, I don't! He's with Cadance!" "I'm aware, and you know I can see right through you, Luna. It's one of your desires, your dark desires. You want to get rid of the competition, don't you? Kill Cadance." "What. No. What are you saying." Luna backed away, her pupils now pinpricks. "Luna, admit it. Deep down you're a thief, a murderer." It cackled. "No, what do you mean "a thief, a murderer"?" Luna was terrified. This thing wanted her to kill somepony. "A thief; steal Shining Armor. A murderer; kill Princess Cadance. It's simple. Why not do it tonight?" "No!" "I knew I would have to take control of this; of you. You're to weak and soft to handle it, so I'll have to handle it for you. Soon." "What!? What do you mean; TELL ME!!" There was a pounding knock on the door. "C-come in!" Luna called. She turned her eyes away for a spilt second. When she looked back, her reflection is as it sould have been. "AGAIN!?" She screeched. "Hey Luna." Cadance said. She wasn't alone though. A very framilliar unicorn filly trotted in alongside the Crystal Princess. "Hi…Cadance." Luna sighed. "Uh- hi- Luna." Cadance scoffed. "Ahhhhh!! Evil pony, help!!" The unicorn filly clutched Cadance's front leg. "Great, just when I was starting to feel better." "God. Kill that child, silence her screams." Luna turned to her mirror. "Shut up, she's just a kid!!" "What did you just say?" Cadance narrowed her eyes and stepped toward Luna. Luna turned to face Cadance, beads of sweat now forming on her head. "Um, sorry, I was just-" Luna was cut off by Cadance. "Talking to yourself. Again. It's a pretty normal thing for a crazy pony like you. But anyway, I came to ask a favor." "Okaaay, what is it?" "Can you foalsit Sweetie Belle for me? Rarity's done with her, so she gave her to me, and I don't want to take care of her. So, I need you to look after her, just for tonight. You see, me and Shining Armor- you can come in, Shining." Cadance explained. Shining Armor trotted in, and stood next to Cadance. "We're going out tonight." "WHAT!?" Luna's mouth hung wide open in disbelief. "So you have to look after her-" Cadance was cut off. "If you can, that is." Said Shining Armor. "NO, DON'T LEAVE ME WITH NIGHTMARE MOON!!" Sweetie Belle wailed. "Sweetie Belle, that's not very polite." Growled Shining. "Stupid foal." Cadance muttered. "What?" Shining Armor scowled. "I mean- don't worry Sweetie Belle, she's not evil, but she used to be evil. She had big, razor sharp teeth she would use to gobble up little fillies and colts!!" Cadance yelled. Sweetie Belle whimpered. "Cadance, you're not making things better." Said Shining. "Why can't Celestia foalsit?" "Because she's attending to important matters, unlike you, who just lounges in your room all day!!!" Cadance shouted. "But nomatter what YOU have to watch her. Bye!" Cadance stomped out, and dragged Shining with her. "Have fun foalsitting!!" The doors clanged shut behind the couple, leaving just Sweetie Belle and Luna. "Um, hi, I'm Luna." Luna held out her hoof. "AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Sweetie Belle bolted for the door, hit her head on it, then slumped to the floor, unconscious. "Well, that's just fantastic." Luna sighed. "That filly is a waste of time." Luna turned to her mirror. "Tell me about it." Luna trotted over to where Sweetie Belle laid by the door. "Did she just agree with me?" Luna's reflection was puzzled. Luna never agreed with her. Luna gingerly nudged Sweetie Belle, and she was up and out the door in a flash, Luna hot on her heels. After chasing Sweetie down the narrow corridor, they reached the main hall, where Equestria's artifacts lined the walls. Sweetie Belle charged down the hall, knocking over precious statues and breakable items, even the legendary Glass Sword. And, of course, causing a ruckus with the castle staff, and the Royal Guard. "No, not those! Those are one of a kind pieces of Equestrian history!" Luna glanced at all the shards of pottery and glass, even chunks of stone that now lined the hallway floor. The only safe path was in the middle of the red velvet carpet that stretched the entire hall. Luna continued to race down the hall after Sweetie Belle. "Tia's gonna kill me!!" Sweetie Belle rounded a corner, then clambered on top of a high pedestal before Luna caught up. Luna looked around the room that Sweetie Belle had run into. She could have sworn Sweetie Belle turned this way! Luna then heard heavy breathing from on top of the high pedestal. Luna looked up to see Sweetie Belle crouched on top. "Sweetie Belle, can you please come down?" Asked Luna. She highly doubted Sweetie to come down, but it was worth a shot if it meant Tia wouldn't murder her. "NO!! NEVER!! I'll never surrender to you, you WITCH!!" Sweetie Belle screamed. "Alright then, I'll just come get you." Luna flapped her wings, and she was soon next to the terrified Sweetie Belle. "So, are you ready to try this again? I'm Luna, nice to meet you." Luna smiled nervously. God, I hope this works! Luna thought. "AHHHH!!" Sweetie Belle backed up until she was on the edge. She stepped off the edge, bracing herself. She landed on a pile of cardboard boxes, scrambled to her hooves, then galloped out the door. Luna facehoofed. "How much engergy does this filly have!?" Luna panted. She ran out the door after Sweetie Belle. Luna chased her throughout the castle, until she had the filly cornered in the library. "Look Sweetie Belle, books!" Luna pointed to the book series on the shelf next to them. "Books, I like books, hehe." Sweetie Belle looked at the books. "Twilight…wait Twilight!? NO, NOT TWILIGHT!!" Sweetie Belle hated the Twilight books more than anything, even more than not having a Cutie Mark. Sweetie Belle than sprinted for her life. "I know, right? These books really are crap." Luna panted. Luna noticed Sweetie was gone. "WAIT!!" Luna tore off after her. Sweetie Belle skidded to a halt before another series of books. "Ooh, Lord of the Rings! Now that's more like it!" Sweetie Belle cheered. Luna caught up, then stopped beside the small filly. "THAT'S IT!!" Luna bellowed. Her horn lit up. "Get ready to feel the wrath of the witch!!" "Oh, crap." Said Sweetie Belle. Luna noticed the books on the shelf. "Wait, you like Lord of the Rings?" Asked Luna. "Yeah, I love it!!" Luna's magic faded. "I like it too." "Really? Who's your favorite?" "I like Gandalf. He's a hero." "I thought your favorite would be an evil character, because your evil. Wait- maybe you aren't an evil witch. You tuned into a good witch. A Princess!" "Yes, that's right. I'm a good Princess." Luna smiled. "And you are too!" "No I'm not. I'm just a normal filly." "Yes you are. You're a pretty pretty Princess." Sweetie Belle brightened. "Really? I'm a pretty pretty Princess?" "Of course you are. Just like me." "But I don't have wings. I can't fly. I can't even use my magic. I'm a failure. Cadance tells me that every day. She tells me that no wonder Rarity gave me away." Sweetie Belle banged her head against the bookshelf, tears streaming down her face. "Hey now, don't cry. I know what'll make you feel better." Luna put a wing around Sweetie Belle. "What?" Sweetie sniffled. Luna's horn lit up, and Sweetie Belle was airborne, enveloped in Luna's magic. "Huh? What's going on? I'm flying, I'm flying!!" Sweetie Belle cheered. Luna carried her around the library. "I'm just like a bird!" Sweetie spread her arms and flapped them. "Or, I'm flying like a Princess!!" Luna lowered Sweetie Belle back down, then released her magical grip. "C'mon Princess, lets get you to into bed." "Aww." Luna led Sweetie Belle back to Luna's room. "Time for bed, Princess." "But where will I sleep?" "You can sleep in my bed." Luna hoisted Sweetie onto the plush cloud bed. "Where will you sleep, Luna?" "I can't sleep tonight, I have to guard the night, and make sure no enemy creeps into the Dreamscape." "What's the Dreamscape?" Asked Sweetie. Luna sat on the bed and looked at down at her, smiling warmly. "The Dreamscape is the place where you visit when you sleep each night, where dreams are created. Do you ever remember your dreams?" "Yeah, sometimes." "Your dreams are your visits to the Dreamscape." "Really?" "Yes." "Does the Dreamscape have a Princess?" Sweetie Belle yawned. "The Dreamscape is ruled by the ponies who visit it. But there are a few chosen ones to guard it from evil." "Were you chosen?" "Yes, I was. But there are others." "Do you know them?" "No, I don't know them personally, but I know of them, who they are." "Who are they?" Sweetie yawned. There are 7 of us, one to guard each night of the week. There's me, Princess Luna. Then there's Meridia, Namira, Vearmina, Flickering Lights, Summer Dream, and…King Sombra." "King Sombra?" But isn't he evil? "He was, but that is in the past. You see, he was only evil because something made him evil, like with me. He's a very kind pony at heart. Believe it or not, Namira is his little sister, and they guard the Dreamscape together." "Wow, the Dreamscape is really cool. Do you know where the other Guardians came from?" "Hmm, let me see if I can remember. I come from Equestria, of course. Meridia and Vearmina come from a mystical realm called Oblivion. Vearmina rules a plain of Oblivion called Quagmire. Namira comes from the shadow dimension, Flickering Lights and Summer Dream come from Equestria, and King Sombra comes from the Crystal Empire." "How do you know all that?" "I've been alive for a long time, my dear Sweetie Belle. You should sleep now." "Ok." Sweetie Belle slid under the navy blue comforter and rested her head on the cloud pillows. "Good night, Sweetie Belle. Luna sucked in a breath, preparing to blow out the candle. "Luna, can you sing me a lullaby?" "Can you get to sleep without one? I'm not very good at singing…" Luna blushed. "Please Luna? My mommy used to sing to me." "Where is your mommy, Sweetie Belle?" "I...I...don't know." Tears welled up in Sweetie's eyes. "Don't cry, Sweetie Belle. I'll sing for you. But I'm warning you, I'm not the best at singing." "Mhmm." Sweetie Belle nodded. "Celestia used to sing this one to me when I was a little filly, like you." Luna took a breath, then began to sing. "Stars and moons and air balloons, fluffy clouds to the hori-zon. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again. Teddy bears of pink, ducks and lambs of white. Don't you cry dear I'm here now, I'll be your nightlight. Stars and moons and air balloons, fluffy clouds to the hori-zon. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again. Smiles to cure the frowns, twirling and tumbling in laughter, someday life will always be, happily ever after. Nevermore will the storms come to destroy your little world, Nevermore will the waters rise till the mountains no longer touch the skies. Stars and moons and air balloons, fluffy clouds to the hori-zon. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again…" Sweetie Belle was now asleep, adventuring in the Dreamscape. Luna leaned down and kissed Sweetie's forehead. "Good night, my little Princess." She then blew out the candle. PreludeHello. My name is Princess Luna. I rule the night, I raise and lower the moon. I'm struggling to fit in around here. Everypony is afraid of me because they still think I'm Nightmare Moon. But I'm not…the Elements of Harmony destroyed my evil spirit, so I can't possibly be her. My older sister Celestia is giving me lessons on how to "fit in" with other ponies, but it's not helping. I've lost touch with my only friend, Twilight Sparkle. Now her brother's living here with us, with his wife "Princess Cadance". They keep kissing in front of me and it's rather gross. I'm all alone, with nopony to talk to. Even Celestia, because she's usually busy with some royal matter. Although, I always get the feeling that somepony…somepony is watching me. But I'm not Nightmare Moon anymore. I'm just…me.
Friendship"And that, Luna, is why we don't use the Royal Canterlot Voice. It scares the ponies." Cooed Celestia. "But everypony's already scared of me." Sighed Luna. Luna scraped the polished wood floor of her chambers with a shoed hoof, then sighed deeply. "Nonsense, Luna. Everypony loves you." Luna just hung her head in response. Then, a white Pegasus with a dappled brown mane and tail trotted in. "Princess Celestia." Said the pony, bowing. She got to her hooves shakily and turned toward the Moon Princess. "And P-P-Princess L-Luna." She bowed hastily, almost slipping due to the cinnamon-spattered cream colored socks she was wearing. Luna lifted her head and groaned. Even a servant was scared by her very presence. "Hello, my dear Cinnabon. Whatever is the matter?" Celestia bowed her head slightly. "Oh, um, I just came to inform you that dinner will be at seven o'clock today." Cinnabon shifted nervously, then casted a worried glance at Luna, who rolled her eyes. "Thank you Cinnabon. You may go." "Thank you, P-Princess Celestia." Cinnabon bowed quickly, then tore off screaming. Luna groaned, then laid her head on her desk. "Luna, it's not so bad…" Luna started to bang her head against her desk, groaning all the while. "Luna, stop it. You know you have friends. Also, Cinnabon was always a shy one, so it's alright. You're not alone." Luna banged her head a few more times, then whipped around to face Celestia. "Yeah, like who?" Luna growled. "Well, what about Twilight?" "I've lost touch with her." "Lost touch? Hmm…oh! I forgot! Twilight's in the castle right now, actually." Luna jumped up. "REALLY!? Since when!? W-where is she?" Luna almost squashed Celestia's cheeks with her strong hooves. "She came to see Cadance, but I'm sure you two can visit. I think she's in the throne room. Go check." Celestia managed to speak through her squashed lips. "Really!? Wow!" Luna released her iron grip and charged down the castle corridors as fast as she could, pumping her wings to boost her speed. "Luna, wait! Don't forget, dinner at seven!" Celestia called after her, but she was long gone. Luna raced down yet another long hallway, blowing over rare vases and moving the lavish tapestries. What Luna didn't see was Princess Cadance trotting down the same hall, in the other direction. Before she knew what hit her, Cadance was flung across the hall, due to Luna's immense speed. Luna trotted over to Cadance and helped her to her hooves. "Um, excuse me? Oh, it's just you." Cadance pushed Luna away and dusted her pink coat. "What are you in a rush for." "Sorry, Cadance. I'm looking for Twilight, she was supposed to be here. Have you seen her?" "Oh yes. She came to talk to me, actually, you see, we're such close friends..." "Yes, whatever, but where is she?" "On her way home right now. You better hurry if you want to talk to her, she's about to take off." Cadance whipped Luna with her tail as she shoved her aside and strolled past. "Oh sh*t, I better hurry!" Luna flapped her wings and flew down several more halls at top speed. .................. "Thank you for visiting, Twiley." Shining Armor hugged Twilight. "No problem. You're my B.B.B.F.F., and I love you." "Bye, Twilight." "WAIT!! Twilight, I'm so glad to see you!" Luna practically tackled Twilight, causing her to stumble into Shining. "AHHH!! Oh, Luna, it's you." Twilight pushed Luna off and stepped back. Spike took one look at Luna and shrank back behind Twilight. "I apologize, my dear Twilight Sparkle. I didn't mean to startle you." "It's fine, really. I see your voice has improved. Hehe…" Beads of sweat started to form on Twilight's brow. "Yes. Celestia has been giving me lessons. I doubt they go to your standards, Twilight. You've helped me alot." Luna smiled, her voice soft. "Well, that's great Lunaa, hahaha." Twilight smiled nervously. "Is something wrong, Twilight?" "Oh no, nothing's wrong, nothing's wrong!" Twilight took another step back. Luna's smile faded. "Oh. I've lost touch with you, so I haven't heard from you in awhile. Did something happen?" "I've been busy studying! And, you know, saving the world and all." Twilight made a circular gesture with her hoof. "Oh, I see. So you don't want to be friends anymore?" Luna's tone darkened, her face a disappointed scowl. "Luna, I never said that!" "You didn't have to. It's like I'm some kind of freak!" Luna's eyes pooled up with tears. She turned around and tore off bawling. "Luna, wait!" Twilight started to move forward. "Twilight, don't go!" Spike grappled onto Twilight's hind leg, preventing her from going after Luna. Shining Armor sighed. With one last look at the castle, Twilight and Spike boarded the awaiting chariot. ........... Luna jumped onto her bed and cried into her navy blue comforter. She lifted up her head and gazed at the picture of her and the Mane 6 together on Nightmare Night. Luna's eyes grew white with rage and sadness, and she swatted the picture off her nightstand. Only when she heard the shattering of glass did she once again stuff her head into her now damp blanket. Luna rolled over and stared at her mirror. It was one of those stand-up mirrors seen in old horror films. Slowly Luna dragged herself out of bed and stood in front of it, studying herself. "I'm such a wimp." Luna shut her eyes and wished she could be loved instead of feared, like Tia. When she opened them again, the reflection she saw wasn't her own, yet it was. "You bet you are, crying over her. Pathetic." It spoke in a glassy, cold, voice that made Luna shiver. "What in Equestria…?" Luna stepped cautiously forward. Then there was a knock on the door. "Luna?" "Yes- um, come in." Luna looked back at the mirror to find her normal reflection inside. "Luna, I told you to come down for dinner. What's wrong?" Celestia noted Luna's strange expression. Luna stared at the mirror, her vision locked on. "Um, N-nothing…nothing…" Luna was completely entranced. Was her mirror magic? Celestia followed Luna's gaze. "What are you looking at…did you go see Twilight?" Celestia flapped her white wings. "Hmm…," Luna snapped back into attention. The wind her sister's wings made was cold. "Oh, yeah, I did." Celestia moved the shattered picture towards Luna. "It seems you didn't get along…" Tears started to stream from Luna's eyes. "She's scared of me, Tia! Just like everypony else! Why can't I just be normal?" Luna buried her head in Celestia's shoulder. "My sweet, darling sister. You are normal. It's just a bit hard for ponies to get used to you, after what happened. They need some time to adjust, that's all." Celestia lovingly stroked Luna's flowing starfield mane. "Everything's changed, Tia. Nothing's the same, not even you." Luna pushed Celestia away, then turned toward her open window and let the rays of the setting sun soak her in its loving warmth. "Luna, what do you mean? I'm still me, I haven't changed." "But you have. I mean, since when did you have a multicolored mane? It was pink before, and- even I've changed. My mane was short, solid blue, and it didn't flow. Even my coat was a lighter blue. What's more is that ponies used to have some degree of mutual respect for me. Now they think I'm a freak. Nothing's the same." "I-I take it you will not be joining us for dessert." Celestia hurt. Luna's words, they hurt her. Her little sister thought she changed. It was almost too much for her to bear. "Cinnabon!" Cinnabon flew in with a red velvet cake on her back and gently set it in front of Luna. She was terrified. Luna walked to where the cake sat, and where Cinnabon was bowing. "Thank you, Cinnabon." Said Luna. Cinnabon looked up at Luna, then rose to her hooves, quaking uncontrollably. "I'll do whatever you wish, Your Majesty!" Cinnabon stared at Luna, her pale brown eyes filled with terror. "For the love of- DO NOT FEAR ME!!" Luna yelled, in the Royal Canterlot Voice. She was fed up with ponies fearing her. She wanted some love and respect, couldn't ponies see that? As for Cinnabon, she once again bolted. Luna pounded her hooves into her chamber floor, almost cracking it. "This is what I mean Luna. You could change too." "What!?" Luna once gain pounded a hoof into the floor. "You could change. I've changed, everypony else has changed, maybe you can too. Try being different. Try to fit in…oh well. Eat, sister. You're hungry. I'll see you in the morning." Celestia kissed Luna's head, then left, gently closing the doors behind her. "Red velvet, my favorite!" Luna knelt down and started to eat her cake, when her living reflection started talking again. "Yes, she shall change. She'll change for good." It whispered. It giggled, then vanished, leaving Luna's usual reflection in its place. Then, no other than Shining Armor strolled in to find Luna with a face full of cake. "Oh, sorry, I didn't know you we're busy." "Hmm?" Luna looked up, then immediately stood, pushed the cake to the side, and wiped all traces of cake off her face with a hint of magic. "Oh my god, I must look like a total pig. Um, sorry Shining Armor." "No, it's fine. A girl should eat." Shining shrugged. "Right. Is there something I can help you with?" "I came to talk to you. Twilight's still your friend, it's just that she's trying to get used to you." "But she was so nice on Nightmare Night…what changed her mind?" "Rumors keep going around about you. Cadance told me one." "Oh did she? What did she say?" Luna scowled. "I don't know if I should be saying this, but she kept going on about how you plan to rule all of Equesrtia with eternal night, the whole package. And, how you plot to kill Celestia…" "WHAT!? Is THAT why nopony's talking to me!?" Luna's face was the picture of pure rage. "I don't know, she only told me! Anyways, I didn't believe it because its just a dumb rumor." Luna calmed down, but she was still a little tense. "She's gone too far. And, Shining, why aren't you wearing your wedding ring?" "Yeah, about that...Cadance and I are having a "marriage vacation". But- Luna, are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost." Luna turned toward her mirror. "I think…I have." Hehehe…
Mirror ImageLuna's eyelids fluttered open. She shook her head and stood up. She was in a dark room. The walls were made of tall mirrors that stretched up as far as she could see. "Where…am I?" "Luna, please. You should know where you are." Luna turned to see her living reflection. "Aahhhh!! Who are you!? Stay back! Where am I!?" Luna was terrified. She was in an unknown location with a potential threat. "Calm down, Luna. I'm just, another you. A better you. And, you're in your mind." It stood in the mirror still, sneering as it taunted her. "What do you mean "in my mind"?" Luna's reflection trotted to another mirror, and Luna followed it. "hahaha, you're so clueless. This is just a dream…" "Just a dream? But it seems so real…" "Maybe it would, to a simple pony like you. It's quite sad, really." "What do you mean? TELL ME!" Luna punched the mirror as hard as she could, the glass didn't break, but the reflection rippled a bit. "Sooner or later I'm gonna have to take control of this whole mess." "What mess, what are you talking about?" Luna started to shrink back from the reflection. It was so…intimidating, gloating like it just couldn't lose. "The mess caused by you being Nightmare Moon. You should know that, Luna. It's in your head, and you can't get rid of it." "No, it's not, it's not! It's in the past!" The reflection was trying trying to break her, bend her, make her snap. "Luna, do yourself a favor, and stop believing lies. Celestia said she's forgiving you, but why is she giving you lessons? Keeping you cooped up in the castle, not letting you see…" "Stop it!" "I'm only tying to help you." then voices started to pound her. "Nopony likes you because you're a freak. Sister, I'm not in the mood. Worthless b*tch. Freak, weird. Sister hates you…" "NO!!" Luna sat up with a jolt, only to find herself in bed, the Moon hanging low in the sky. It was time for her to lower it. Keeping a weary eye on her mirror, Luna stepped out of bed, her Foal Blanket draped across her back. Her horn lit up with a sky blue magic, and the Moon slowly sank behind the horizon. She turned her shaking body back to her mirror, then stepped in front of it. "It was all a dream, Luna. None of it is real." "Oh, but it is." "Aaahhhh!!" Luna punched her mirror, then bucked it against the wall. She then punched it again and again, until she was satisfied. Several cuts adorned her wrists, but she paid them no heed. There was a knock on the door. "Luna,what's going on in there?" "Um, nothing!" Celestia pushed the door open and walked up to Luna. "Umm, Luna?" "Tia! Luna rushed up to her sister and threw her hooves around her neck. "Tia, I had the most terrible dream!" "Are you alright? You cut up your hooves," Luna broke the hug, and Celwstia saw the broken mirror. "And what did you do to your mirror? What happened Luna? Why would you smash your mirror? Is something wrong?" "Oh, well, n-nothing. It was just a bad dream." "What was it about?" "Uhh…mirrors! Yeah, mirrors." Luna blindly rubbed her still bleeding cuts. "Ok then. That was an old, nasty, mirror anyway. Lucky for you I bought another one." Luna froze. "What!?" Luna's pupils shrank. Cinnabon pushed in a gold-framed wall mirror. "Here you are, Your Majesty." "Thank you Cinnabon." Said Celestia. "Uh-um- how much did that cost?" Luna's mouth was agape. "It's made of pure gold, so alot. But you're worth it, Luna. You deserve the best." Luna walked over to where the mirror lay on the floor and peered into it. "Hehehehe!" "Ahhhh!!" Luna jumped up. "AAAHHHHH!!" Cinnabon ran off screaming, like usual. "Luna, you need to stop scaring away servants like that, it's not funny." "No, it's just that- I-I-I- this pony- mirror!" Luna was so scared that she couldn't form proper sentences. "I know, I'm getting the mirror on the wall." "But-" "I know, let me just put it on." Celestia levitated the mirror and hooked it on a nail where the old mirror was. "Out with this old mirror," she then levitated the old, battered mirror and put it in the hall to be picked up later. "And in with the new. See, Luna, much better. Right?" Celestia stood with Luna in front of the new mirror. "Yeah, right." Luna's reflection came alive, and punched Celestia's reflection to death. "*Gasp* Did you just see that?" Luna turned to face Celestia. "See what?" "I saw- huh? What in Equestria!?" "Luna, what's wrong!? If you don't like the mirror you should just say so! I'd be happy to have it!" "No, it's just that-" "Keep your mouth shut, Luna. You don't want to put Celestia through this, do you? Then she'd think your even more crazy, and who knows, maybe send you back to the Moon." "*gasp* Uh- um-" "Luna?" "N-nothing! I was just- uh- I'm just so happy! That you got me…that mirror…t-thank you, Sister." "Good. For a minute I thought you didn't like it. I for one like it very much. I might have to get one for myself." "Ahaha. Right…thank you again." "No problem. And, um, I'm sorry about Twilight. Shining told me everything." "He did!?" "Yeah. He's a true friend, Shining is. He seems to really care about you." With that, Celestia walked out, leaving Luna alone once more. "Shining…cares about me? Yeah, right. Twilight's brother." Luna noticed the picture that she had destroyed yesterday was back, in mint condition. "I thought I smashed this." Luna shoved it off again, and crushed it with her strong hoof. "What are you doing?" Luna whipped around to see Twilight staring back. "Oh- oh my god! Uh- nothing! Nothing at all, hehe!" Luna levitated the picture back onto her nightstand. "Why were you smashing that picture?" Twilight stepped forward. "Uh, no certain reason!" "Was it because of yesterday? I came to apologize." "What- really?" "Yeah. You see, Cadance told me you'd gone a bit, well, dark, so I was a little shocked to see you." "Cadance told you that. Why would you trust Cadance?" "Well, because she's my best friend, why can't you deal with that!?" "Twilight, Cadance is a liar and a skank." "Wha- Cadance married my brother, and promised him death do us part!" Spat Twilight. "If you wanna know, go ask Shining. They eventually slipped off their rings because their getting pretty sick of each other. I'm not surprised that Shining would be sick of Cadance." "Uh- you're so difficult!" "What, I was only trying to help." "By telling me that my brother's gone off my best friend!? That's- that's just great Luna. Great help." "Wha- I- what's wrong?" "Well, look Luna. I didn't know you would be so self-centered. I'm gonna go." Twilight started to stomp away. "Wait, Twilight! You're my only friend." "I'm not surprised, because, you know what you're known as to all the other ponies outside Canterlot? Still an evil enemy, Nightmare Moon, waiting to kill us all. They all hate you, Luna. I hate you." Twilight spat out the words with so much venom that Luna stepped back instead of forward, cutting herself on another mirror fragment. "T-Tw-Twilight?" Luna hung her head, utterly defeated. "Now you can trust that." Luna turned to her mirror in shock. "No, not you again!" "ooh, not you again! Get used to it sister. I'm in your mind. In your head. I'm everywhere. I'll always be watching you, Luna." "But Twilight's not really like that! It's Cadance who's made her like that!" "Yeah, and I guess that makes Cadance a b*tch that we need to put down." "Uh…uuaaah…" There was a knock on the door. "Uughh, WHAT IS IT!!?" "God, you don't need to shout at me." "Oh, Cadance. What do you want?" "Chill, I just came to steal your mane straighteners. My mane is TOTALLY gone to mess." "Your mane is always a mess." "Well EXCUSE ME! Hey, is Shining in here?" "No, I'm in my room ALONE, if you didn't notice." "But I heard two voices. Were you TALKING to yourself?" Cadance was practically laughing. "I- no!" Luna's could feel herself blushing. "Uh- ok, quite pathetic." Cadance shoved Luna. "Luna, why don't you just do what I say and PUT HER DOWN!" "Would you just SHUT UP!?" "Exc-use me?" "Oh, not you, Cadance! I wasn't talking to you." "Yeah you were, you told me to shut up!" "No, I didn't!" "Oh, unless you were talking to yourself. Hahaha. Well, later, looser." Cadance started to leave. "Ugh!" "Cadance, there you are!" Shining exclaimed. "Oh, there's my Princey Wincey." The couple then started to kiss, right in front of Luna. "Heh, yeah." Shining pulled away from Cadance and turned to Luna. "Shining!" Luna then pretended to gag. "Really, in my room?" "Sorry Luna. I came to ask:" "Let me guess. For some straighteners for me?" Cadance batted her eyes. "Not exactly…" "Uh- oh well. I'm going to the spa." Cadance trotted out. "Right. Well, um, I have nothing to do this afternoon, so, you know how you say you only have one friend?" "Yeah…" "I was wondering if you wanted to hang out." There was a knock on the door. "Ugh, come in." "Hello Luna." "Hi Tia." "You know how you said you felt lonely? Well, I got you a friend!" The pony that accompanied Celestia was definitely not what Luna was expecting. She was a pony with- fairy wings? She had a very pale pink coat, and her eyes were a deep sapphire blue. Her long, marbled mane was put up into a side ponytail. "Hello." Luna and Shining turned to face Celestia's "friend for Luna". "Woah…sorry to stare, but you have massive wings." Said Shining. "It's ok, I'm used to it." The pony looked up at Luna. "You two can hang out now, now that you're friends." Celestia said happily. "I'm Saraphine Grace." "Um, Luna." Luna shook Saraphine's hoof. "Ok now…wait, Shining Armor? Get out of here, what're you doing? You, the captain of the royal guard, is in my little sister's room." "I'm sorry, Your Majesty-" "He was keeping me company as well." Luna intervened. "Hmmmm…ok then. The more the merrier! See you three later." Celestia then left. "Ok then." said Shining. Luna looked to Saraphine. "So…your name's Saraphine?" "Hehe…yeah." Celestia appeared in the doorway almost as soon as she left. "So, Shining. You're going out with Cadance, right?" "SIS CAN YOU GET OUT OF MY ROOM!?" "Uh, yeah, I'm going out with Cadance." "Then I don't want you spending time with MY little sister." "Seriously, Tia?" "It's fine, it's fine, I'll go. You've got Saraphine now, so, bye." Shining trotted out. "Good. Enjoy!" Celestia followed Shining out and made sure he didn't come back, for the time being. "So…" "So..." "I bet you get tired of everypony staring at you." "Just like you, Luna." "What?" "Everypony stares at you, everypony stares at me. They call us freaks. But you know what, Luna?" "What?" "They're wrong. We're just special. We've got…gifts." "But I was once Nightmare Moon, that's why everypony stares at me." "Who cares? You have a dark side, that's pretty cool, right? Dark." "Uh, being dark is not cool." "But it is! If you're dark, you can control other ponies." "I guess…everyone would fear me." "Luna, you and I are gonna get along just fine." "Haha, ok."
Cutie Mark Crusader"So, if we're gonna be friends, we should get to know each other. Tell me about yourself, Luna." Saraphine sat on Luna's bed, as did Luna. "Ok. I started off as a normal filly, living with my parents. Nopony really sees my parents, so I don't know. See, I was really jealous of my sister Celestia, so I turned into this dark mare Nightmare Moon and everypony screamed in terror! I got defeated once, but I actually got defeated twice because of Twilight Sparkle. She's- or was- my friend." "Really?" "I have no friends anymore because I was once Nightmare Moon. But I'm good now because the Elements of Harmony destroyed my evil spirit. How about you tell me about yourself." "Well, to be honest, I'm a Princess to, or, more of a Queen/Empress. But my rule is way less significant than yours. You rule basically all of Equestria. All I own is a small plot of land, which is in Equestria. When I was little my wings were small, but then they grew massive. I couldn't believe it. I was in Starfield Lake, then my wings started sparkling. Then I realized: I'm a Glimmer Wing pony. So then I found other Glimmer Wing ponies in a plot of lush, green land. They saw that I had the spirit and compassion of a true ruler, so then I became Queen/Princess, and I still rule today. It's rather nice having big wings, but they sometimes get in the way, and I end up knocking everything over. No normal pony really likes me, to be honest. Ponies keep staring at me and calling me a freak, and it really hurts." "I know how you feel." said Luna comfortingly. Saraphine looked at the door and saw Celestia watching, then warned Luna. "And that's why I'm a Crystal Pony." Boasted Saraphine. Celestia was watching from the doorway, just checking up on them. "What? You can't be a Crystal Pony, you're not crystally." "I totally am. My wings are." "No way." Said Luna jokingly. Celestia turned and left. Saraphine saw this and released a sigh of relief, then told Luna. "Look Luna, I know exactly what you're going through." Said Saraphine. "And I know what you're going through." Replied Luna. A set of hooves clopped down the hall, then ceased once entering Luna's quarters. "Saraphine Grace?" Saraphine and Luna turned to see Cinnabon standing in the doorway, appearing to not be fearful. "Yes, what is it?" Saraphine raised an eyebrow, and Luna groaned in annoyance. "Your chariot is here to take you home." Cinnabon waved a hoof. "Really, already? It was really nice meeting you, Luna." "It was nice meeting you too, Saraphine. I'm not really allowed to go outside, because everypony would scream and run away. But, maybe, we could go out together, so ponies wouldn't scream…as much." "That sounds wonderful, Luna. It was nice meeting you, but I've gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow?" Said Saraphine. "Sure, just swing by." "Or, you could come over to where I live." Saraphine gave Luna a quick hug, then followed Cinnabon out. Celestia trotted in, her shoed hooves clicking on the polished obsidian that made up Luna's bedroom floor and walls. "Well, how'd it go?" Celestia asked. "It went…it went…FANTASTIC!!" Luna rushed up to Celestia and threw her hooves around her, then backed up. "Thank you soooo much for introducing me!! Now I finally have a friend!!" Luna cheered, a wide grin on her face. "What about Twilight, and Cadance?" Celestia inquired. Luna's smile faded, and her happy tone darkened. "Cadance. Are you kidding me? And Twilight's, well, I don't really get to see her much." Luna lied. "You'll be getting to see Saraphine Grace alot more. If she can, she'll come every day." Luna immediately brightened. "REALLY!?" You see sister, I have a favor to ask." Luna's face was bearing a sly smile. "Oh really? And what would that be?" Celestia was ever so slightly suspicious of Luna's intentions. "Weeeeeeelll…" Luna paused, for a dramatic effect. "CanSaraphineandIgoouttomorrowtoseetheponies!? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?" Luna looked up at Celestia with her "puppy dog eyes". "Luna, I'm not so sure you're ready…all the ponies outside…" Luna's pleading teal eyes penetrated Celestia, all the way down to her core. She could feel Luna's puppy eyes starting to work, but she stood her ground. Luna pushed the look harder. "Pleeeease, Tia? Please?" Celestia could feel herself giving in. That face was too damn cute! "Maybe…" Celestia trotted out, for fear of saying yes. "Tia?" Luna was disappointed. That look worked every time! Pfft. That always means no." Luna's reflection scoffed. Luna turned and trotted up to her new mirror. "You AGAIN!? What do you want?" "What do I want? I want what you want. We are the same pony, after all. But Luna, don't you have some desires, deep down? Think about it. You don't like Cadance, right?" It said seductively. "Right, I-I don't." "And you like Shining Armor, right?" "Yes, I do." "When I say you like Shining Armor, I really mean love. You love him, and you can't deny it. You want him all for yourself. He is a very handsome stallion, after all. Oh, the things you want to do to him. Those twisted, dirty thoughts you think, how you eye his flank when he's not looking." Luna could tell it was brainwashing her, but everything it- or she, said, was true. "No, no, I don't! He's with Cadance!" "I'm aware, and you know I can see right through you, Luna. It's one of your desires, your dark desires. You want to get rid of the competition, don't you? Kill Cadance." "What. No. What are you saying." Luna backed away, her pupils now pinpricks. "Luna, admit it. Deep down you're a thief, a murderer." It cackled. "No, what do you mean "a thief, a murderer"?" Luna was terrified. This thing wanted her to kill somepony. "A thief; steal Shining Armor. A murderer; kill Princess Cadance. It's simple. Why not do it tonight?" "No!" "I knew I would have to take control of this; of you. You're to weak and soft to handle it, so I'll have to handle it for you. Soon." "What!? What do you mean; TELL ME!!" There was a pounding knock on the door. "C-come in!" Luna called. She turned her eyes away for a spilt second. When she looked back, her reflection is as it sould have been. "AGAIN!?" She screeched. "Hey Luna." Cadance said. She wasn't alone though. A very framilliar unicorn filly trotted in alongside the Crystal Princess. "Hi…Cadance." Luna sighed. "Uh- hi- Luna." Cadance scoffed. "Ahhhhh!! Evil pony, help!!" The unicorn filly clutched Cadance's front leg. "Great, just when I was starting to feel better." "God. Kill that child, silence her screams." Luna turned to her mirror. "Shut up, she's just a kid!!" "What did you just say?" Cadance narrowed her eyes and stepped toward Luna. Luna turned to face Cadance, beads of sweat now forming on her head. "Um, sorry, I was just-" Luna was cut off by Cadance. "Talking to yourself. Again. It's a pretty normal thing for a crazy pony like you. But anyway, I came to ask a favor." "Okaaay, what is it?" "Can you foalsit Sweetie Belle for me? Rarity's done with her, so she gave her to me, and I don't want to take care of her. So, I need you to look after her, just for tonight. You see, me and Shining Armor- you can come in, Shining." Cadance explained. Shining Armor trotted in, and stood next to Cadance. "We're going out tonight." "WHAT!?" Luna's mouth hung wide open in disbelief. "So you have to look after her-" Cadance was cut off. "If you can, that is." Said Shining Armor. "NO, DON'T LEAVE ME WITH NIGHTMARE MOON!!" Sweetie Belle wailed. "Sweetie Belle, that's not very polite." Growled Shining. "Stupid foal." Cadance muttered. "What?" Shining Armor scowled. "I mean- don't worry Sweetie Belle, she's not evil, but she used to be evil. She had big, razor sharp teeth she would use to gobble up little fillies and colts!!" Cadance yelled. Sweetie Belle whimpered. "Cadance, you're not making things better." Said Shining. "Why can't Celestia foalsit?" "Because she's attending to important matters, unlike you, who just lounges in your room all day!!!" Cadance shouted. "But nomatter what YOU have to watch her. Bye!" Cadance stomped out, and dragged Shining with her. "Have fun foalsitting!!" The doors clanged shut behind the couple, leaving just Sweetie Belle and Luna. "Um, hi, I'm Luna." Luna held out her hoof. "AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Sweetie Belle bolted for the door, hit her head on it, then slumped to the floor, unconscious. "Well, that's just fantastic." Luna sighed. "That filly is a waste of time." Luna turned to her mirror. "Tell me about it." Luna trotted over to where Sweetie Belle laid by the door. "Did she just agree with me?" Luna's reflection was puzzled. Luna never agreed with her. Luna gingerly nudged Sweetie Belle, and she was up and out the door in a flash, Luna hot on her heels. After chasing Sweetie down the narrow corridor, they reached the main hall, where Equestria's artifacts lined the walls. Sweetie Belle charged down the hall, knocking over precious statues and breakable items, even the legendary Glass Sword. And, of course, causing a ruckus with the castle staff, and the Royal Guard. "No, not those! Those are one of a kind pieces of Equestrian history!" Luna glanced at all the shards of pottery and glass, even chunks of stone that now lined the hallway floor. The only safe path was in the middle of the red velvet carpet that stretched the entire hall. Luna continued to race down the hall after Sweetie Belle. "Tia's gonna kill me!!" Sweetie Belle rounded a corner, then clambered on top of a high pedestal before Luna caught up. Luna looked around the room that Sweetie Belle had run into. She could have sworn Sweetie Belle turned this way! Luna then heard heavy breathing from on top of the high pedestal. Luna looked up to see Sweetie Belle crouched on top. "Sweetie Belle, can you please come down?" Asked Luna. She highly doubted Sweetie to come down, but it was worth a shot if it meant Tia wouldn't murder her. "NO!! NEVER!! I'll never surrender to you, you WITCH!!" Sweetie Belle screamed. "Alright then, I'll just come get you." Luna flapped her wings, and she was soon next to the terrified Sweetie Belle. "So, are you ready to try this again? I'm Luna, nice to meet you." Luna smiled nervously. God, I hope this works! Luna thought. "AHHHH!!" Sweetie Belle backed up until she was on the edge. She stepped off the edge, bracing herself. She landed on a pile of cardboard boxes, scrambled to her hooves, then galloped out the door. Luna facehoofed. "How much engergy does this filly have!?" Luna panted. She ran out the door after Sweetie Belle. Luna chased her throughout the castle, until she had the filly cornered in the library. "Look Sweetie Belle, books!" Luna pointed to the book series on the shelf next to them. "Books, I like books, hehe." Sweetie Belle looked at the books. "Twilight…wait Twilight!? NO, NOT TWILIGHT!!" Sweetie Belle hated the Twilight books more than anything, even more than not having a Cutie Mark. Sweetie Belle than sprinted for her life. "I know, right? These books really are crap." Luna panted. Luna noticed Sweetie was gone. "WAIT!!" Luna tore off after her. Sweetie Belle skidded to a halt before another series of books. "Ooh, Lord of the Rings! Now that's more like it!" Sweetie Belle cheered. Luna caught up, then stopped beside the small filly. "THAT'S IT!!" Luna bellowed. Her horn lit up. "Get ready to feel the wrath of the witch!!" "Oh, crap." Said Sweetie Belle. Luna noticed the books on the shelf. "Wait, you like Lord of the Rings?" Asked Luna. "Yeah, I love it!!" Luna's magic faded. "I like it too." "Really? Who's your favorite?" "I like Gandalf. He's a hero." "I thought your favorite would be an evil character, because your evil. Wait- maybe you aren't an evil witch. You tuned into a good witch. A Princess!" "Yes, that's right. I'm a good Princess." Luna smiled. "And you are too!" "No I'm not. I'm just a normal filly." "Yes you are. You're a pretty pretty Princess." Sweetie Belle brightened. "Really? I'm a pretty pretty Princess?" "Of course you are. Just like me." "But I don't have wings. I can't fly. I can't even use my magic. I'm a failure. Cadance tells me that every day. She tells me that no wonder Rarity gave me away." Sweetie Belle banged her head against the bookshelf, tears streaming down her face. "Hey now, don't cry. I know what'll make you feel better." Luna put a wing around Sweetie Belle. "What?" Sweetie sniffled. Luna's horn lit up, and Sweetie Belle was airborne, enveloped in Luna's magic. "Huh? What's going on? I'm flying, I'm flying!!" Sweetie Belle cheered. Luna carried her around the library. "I'm just like a bird!" Sweetie spread her arms and flapped them. "Or, I'm flying like a Princess!!" Luna lowered Sweetie Belle back down, then released her magical grip. "C'mon Princess, lets get you to into bed." "Aww." Luna led Sweetie Belle back to Luna's room. "Time for bed, Princess." "But where will I sleep?" "You can sleep in my bed." Luna hoisted Sweetie onto the plush cloud bed. "Where will you sleep, Luna?" "I can't sleep tonight, I have to guard the night, and make sure no enemy creeps into the Dreamscape." "What's the Dreamscape?" Asked Sweetie. Luna sat on the bed and looked at down at her, smiling warmly. "The Dreamscape is the place where you visit when you sleep each night, where dreams are created. Do you ever remember your dreams?" "Yeah, sometimes." "Your dreams are your visits to the Dreamscape." "Really?" "Yes." "Does the Dreamscape have a Princess?" Sweetie Belle yawned. "The Dreamscape is ruled by the ponies who visit it. But there are a few chosen ones to guard it from evil." "Were you chosen?" "Yes, I was. But there are others." "Do you know them?" "No, I don't know them personally, but I know of them, who they are." "Who are they?" Sweetie yawned. There are 7 of us, one to guard each night of the week. There's me, Princess Luna. Then there's Meridia, Namira, Vearmina, Flickering Lights, Summer Dream, and…King Sombra." "King Sombra?" But isn't he evil? "He was, but that is in the past. You see, he was only evil because something made him evil, like with me. He's a very kind pony at heart. Believe it or not, Namira is his little sister, and they guard the Dreamscape together." "Wow, the Dreamscape is really cool. Do you know where the other Guardians came from?" "Hmm, let me see if I can remember. I come from Equestria, of course. Meridia and Vearmina come from a mystical realm called Oblivion. Vearmina rules a plain of Oblivion called Quagmire. Namira comes from the shadow dimension, Flickering Lights and Summer Dream come from Equestria, and King Sombra comes from the Crystal Empire." "How do you know all that?" "I've been alive for a long time, my dear Sweetie Belle. You should sleep now." "Ok." Sweetie Belle slid under the navy blue comforter and rested her head on the cloud pillows. "Good night, Sweetie Belle. Luna sucked in a breath, preparing to blow out the candle. "Luna, can you sing me a lullaby?" "Can you get to sleep without one? I'm not very good at singing…" Luna blushed. "Please Luna? My mommy used to sing to me." "Where is your mommy, Sweetie Belle?" "I...I...don't know." Tears welled up in Sweetie's eyes. "Don't cry, Sweetie Belle. I'll sing for you. But I'm warning you, I'm not the best at singing." "Mhmm." Sweetie Belle nodded. "Celestia used to sing this one to me when I was a little filly, like you." Luna took a breath, then began to sing. "Stars and moons and air balloons, fluffy clouds to the hori-zon. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again. Teddy bears of pink, ducks and lambs of white. Don't you cry dear I'm here now, I'll be your nightlight. Stars and moons and air balloons, fluffy clouds to the hori-zon. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again. Smiles to cure the frowns, twirling and tumbling in laughter, someday life will always be, happily ever after. Nevermore will the storms come to destroy your little world, Nevermore will the waters rise till the mountains no longer touch the skies. Stars and moons and air balloons, fluffy clouds to the hori-zon. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again…" Sweetie Belle was now asleep, adventuring in the Dreamscape. Luna leaned down and kissed Sweetie's forehead. "Good night, my little Princess." She then blew out the candle.
PreludeHello. My name is Princess Luna. I rule the night, I raise and lower the moon. I'm struggling to fit in around here. Everypony is afraid of me because they still think I'm Nightmare Moon. But I'm not…the Elements of Harmony destroyed my evil spirit, so I can't possibly be her. My older sister Celestia is giving me lessons on how to "fit in" with other ponies, but it's not helping. I've lost touch with my only friend, Twilight Sparkle. Now her brother's living here with us, with his wife "Princess Cadance". They keep kissing in front of me and it's rather gross. I'm all alone, with nopony to talk to. Even Celestia, because she's usually busy with some royal matter. Although, I always get the feeling that somepony…somepony is watching me. But I'm not Nightmare Moon anymore. I'm just…me.
