The Memories of Star Light: The Untold Origin of Nightmare Moon

Though many thought that Estella’s greatest day was when she became the regent to Princess Luna, Estella found it contested the day with two others; Her wedding day and the birth of her first child. Estella had met her one love while finishing the Princess’ observatory. The construction had drawn many star gazers to site, but none was as handsome as a gray pegasus name Stratosphere. She couldn’t wait to regale their child with the story of how her husband had crashed into her the first time they met and had the nerve to ask her to dinner on her way to the hospital. Estella wanted to tell him of how his father took nearly three years to purpose because every time he worked up the nerve he feared her rejection and backed down. Estella want to tell him of how she and her aunt Luna spent seven hours searching the cosmos for a name. There was so much to tell and Estella wanted to share every moment with the baby. At the moment however Estella had tucked the stories away as she attempted the rock the baby unicorn the sleep with her magic. The little stallion took after his father with his purple eyes and black hair, but he had his mother’s coat as well as her sleep schedule. All day the baby would sleep peacefully, but at sunset there was simply no peace. Comet cried and cried as Estella tried to sooth him with anything she could think of.

“Hush, oh please hush.” Estella cooed rocking the crib.

A bottle floated upstairs from the kitchen. Setting the baby up Estella feed the child. With the bottle in his mouth Comet was calm for the moment. If Estella did not find a way to keep him from crying so much her neighbors were bound to start complaining whether she was a royal advisor or not. Full and now grumpy once more Baby Comet returned to wailing. Estella set him down on the floor and tried to appease the child with offering of toys. He was not satisfied with the gifts and continued to cry.

“Oh please stop.” Estella said crumpling on the floor.

Magically the baby stopped crying. Cautiously Estella peeked to see what had pacified the child. She was somewhat relieved to see the purple Alicorn standing in the doorway. Luna leaned over her and smiled.

“What would you do with out Aunty Luna?” She giggled.

“I do not want to even think about it.” Estella replied getting up.

Comet sat at the Alicorn’s feet giggling joyfully as he played with his reflection that shined in the shimmering metal boots Luna wore over at her hooves. Her son was so easily entertained around Luna that Estella couldn’t understand why he was so loud when she was gone.

“Where is Stratosphere?” Luna inquired.

“Asleep, he could sleep through a hurricane.” Estella replied. “I have tried to get him to take work off and get Comet to stay up with his every now and again, but he cannot seem to catch a break. If this keeps up Comet is bound to be a night owl like his mother.”

“Is that so bad?”

“Only if he keeps crying.” Estella returned with a laugh. “Did you finish your work?”

“My finest if I do say so myself.” Luna said proudly. “Are you going to map it?”

“You could not stop me, but do you think you could distract Comet for a few hours so I could find a quill?”
“Of course. Comet…”

The little colt hopped up and down hearing his name. Luna bent down on to the floor and touched it with her horn. The floor was swallowed in darkness, but it was merely an illusion. One by one stars appeared and Luna explained the constellations the formed. Even though the infant could not comprehend her word he enjoyed the soothing sound of her voice. The baby hopped from star to star trying to grabbed them. Luna laughed as she enjoyed the illusion just as much as Comet did. Estella smiled as she worked.

“Would it not be wonderful if night could last forever?” She mused.

“It would… Estella?” Luna asked her eyes falling upon her friend.

Estella’s quill fell to the floor as the unicorn simply stood there, gazing up at the stars. Her mouth hung open and she breathed heavily.

“Estella?” Luna asked again.

The illusion disappeared and Comet turned his attention back to the Princess’ shiny boots. Luna pushed the child out of her way and rushed over to her friend who was still standing there. Luna touched her side and felt that the Unicorn had grown cold. Gasping for breath Estella leaned on the window sill for support.

“Estella tell me what is wrong?” Luna demanded.

“My…my ch, ch, chest hurts…”

Estella collapsed the to floor. Luna cried out in shock and began to scream. She called for Stratosphere, guards, any pony who could help her. Comet began to blubber and nuzzled against his mother. He spoke his first words in those moments. Estella had always hoped it would be something like comet, star or even constellation if he was a smart as she boasted, but sadly it was only ‘mama’. Estella, despite the pain and weaknesses, felt extremely proud even though it was so simple. She forced out a few words.

“I… L…l… love… you…" Her gazed drifted upas her eyes closed. "all… of… you…”

Late in the night Estella was rushed to a private hospital wing with her husband and child who was now once again screaming. Luna was the most terrified of all of them as she paced about the waiting room. The stars grew so dim that night. Celestia took notice from her tower. She did not need the guard to tell her what she already knew; Estella Dusk was dying.