Stargazing Together

by Slateblu1

Rating: teen
Tags: Nightmare Moon, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 52047

Luna's mind is fractured, broken. If she is going to return as a princess of Equestria, she needs time to heal, as much as she can. But who is going to help her heal, and who will she be at the end of it all?

When Luna first fell, and became Nightmare Moon, her mind split. Her memories shattered like glass, and were stitched back together. And when Nightmare Moon was defeated by the new bearers of Harmony, the fragile balance that had been crafted vanished, like a puff of smoke. While Luna, the pony everypony else knows and sees, may be fine, the rest of her, the majority of her, is still fractured, still broken.
It's going to take help from everypony who can help, both those closest to Luna, if they ever find out, and those trapped in her mind, if they can ever escape.

This is a total rewrite of my previous story by the same name. I've taken that one down and am separating this one so it can stand alone, and earn its own place. Stargazing Together was my most well known story, and I want this version of it, which hopefully you all will agree is better, to have a chance to be something else, not tied up by the expectations of the other story.

Cover art is by the wonderful TehJadeh on DeviantArt, used with permission.

Published 2013-09-17 21:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-02-07 05:13:00 UTC

Prologue

Chapter zero

A black alicorn slowly faded into existence. Had one been watching, they would have seen an empty space, with just the slightest hint of blackness to it. A blink later and the blackness would have become a shape, one of some being. Another blink and the being becomes a pony, tall and majestic, laying on its side. A final blink and she was there, as if she always had been. Alas, there were none who saw this calm and slow spectacle. For there was only this pony upon the moon, and no telescope was strong enough to pierce the distance between Equestria and the lunar surface.

It was a few minutes before the alicorn slowly opened her eyes. Her teal irises and slitted pupils looked around, slowly taking in the sight before her. She blinked in confusion, wondering why the world was on its side. As the realization of her position dawned upon her she turned, rolling to her stomach. Again, she blinked, still slightly confused, though now her confusion was directed towards her surroundings. She knew of no place on Equestria as pale and empty as this.

Slowly she rose, intent upon getting a better view of her surroundings. She found her legs sore and stiff, barely able to hold her weight. I feel like I’ve walked the length and breadth of Equestria, she thought to herself. But still, she rose, sighing deeply as she stood, tall and proud. She was, after all, a proud pony. A short scan around her revealed she was in some form of bowl, curving up and away from her. Her eyes trailed up, finding the horizon quickly. The sky above it was black as night. It would be a climb to reach, but she knew she had to leave her present location if she was to determine more about where she was.

The sides of the bowl weren’t that steep, though they quickly tired the mare out. Upon reaching the cusp she collapsed onto the ground, surprised at being so winded. As she inhaled deeply, intent on catching her breath, the sight before her caused the air to catch in her lungs. The blank whiteness of the bowl continued, stretching out before her in every direction she could see. Again she shakily rose to her hooves, turning slowly. Around her, in every direction, was the same blank landscape. The only mark upon them the numerous craters that she could make out between her and the horizon. A single thought crossed her mind as she stared. This is the moon. The thought had barely exited her mind before she fainted, her mind not willing to accept her surroundings. She crashed to the ground, her legs buckling underneath her, a cloud of lunar dust billowing out around her.

~~~~~

As the pony awoke, she bolted to her feet, her eyes sweeping out over the landscape in front of her. It had not changed, much to her dismay. So I am on the moon, She thought with a sigh. Why am I on the moon? was her next thought. Her mind slowly ordered her memories, going over the important pieces leading up to waking up on the moon. Everything was jumbled around, and it took her some time. There was the war she had waged against her sister. It had lasted years, and was the most prominent memory she had. But that war had ended. I ended it myself. And it had ended with her defeat. But then.... what? The black alicorn slowly worked through her memories, a frown spreading across her face. I surrendered. She remembered. I went to Celestia, and gave myself up. We were losing the war, and I knew it would be over soon. I didn’t want any more casualties, on either side.

The mare slowly opened her eyes, a sad smile spreading across her face. So this is my fate. This is how the Elements of Harmony decided to punish me. She shook her head, her mane falling to lay next to her, the unseen breeze not present on the lunar surface. So this is the end of me, the end of Nightmare Moon. Nightmare sat down, tired. I had a good run. I just wish Luna’s plan had worked. She deserves the love of her subjects.

They will never love me, Nightmare. A soft voice responded, followed by a long sigh.

Nightmare jumped up, staring around wildly. “Luna?” she cried out, spinning around, trying to find the blue alicorn. The voice had seemed to come from all around her.

Yes, it’s me. Though I don’t know where I am. Luna responded slowly. She sounded almost tired. As if it took almost everything she had just to speak. Where are you?

“I’m on the moon.” Nightmare replied. Her eyes narrowed, trying to more accurately scan the lunar surface. “What can you see? I’ll come find you.”

I don’t think I’m anywhere Nightmare. Luna responded after a moment. I can’t see or feel anything. I can’t even feel myself. There’s just your voice and mine here... wherever here is.... Luna trailed off, the fatigue evident in her voice growing stronger.

Nightmare stopped, a hoof in the air. She had been about to take off at a gallop to look for Luna, but now she didn’t know what to do. I have to get back to Equestria. She decided suddenly. I don’t want to stay here, and I know Celestia needs her sister, and Equestria needs her princess of the night. She put her hoof back down, and sat, starting to form a plan.

Nightmare, don’t bother. Luna responded after a short pause. Nightmare jumped, not having expected Luna to hear her thoughts. Don’t worry about me, Tia can rule Equestria without me. It’s better if we don’t return. Another short pause. Nightmare was about to call out when Luna continued. They don’t want us anyway.

“No, Luna,” Nightmare replied sternly. “They don’t want me. I’m the one they’re scared of. And I know your sister misses you. Celestia wants you back, I can feel it.” Nightmare sat down slowly, almost tiredly. “I’m going to get you back Luna.” She added, a small smile across her lips. “Even if it kills me.”

Luna sighed, fading back from Nightmare. The black alicorn felt Luna’s presence leave her, noting the strange loneliness that she felt. She hadn’t noticed it before, but now that Luna was gone, the space left felt like a void in her mind, in her heart. A quick shake of her head brought her mind back to the task at hand. It won’t be easy, overpowering the Elements. I have to work in small, slow ways. Nightmare sat, her brow furrowed as she planned. I can use the stars though. If I store enough magic in them, when the time is right, I can use it to undo this prison. I can return Luna home. Her horn began to glow as she weaved the spell to break her and Luna free.

Though she may not have acted like it to the outside, Nightmare had always cared for Luna. She had tried to take over Equestria, she had tried to bring about eternal night, but it had not been out of malice or hate. She had done it to cheer Luna up. Luna had been miserable for centuries. She felt alone and unloved so Nightmare had tried to bring her the love of the ponies. When Luna felt that her sister was ignoring her, Nightmare had risen up, trying to force Celestia to take note. And when that failed, she had lashed out in anger, enraged at Celestia’s apparent lack of concern for her own sister. Her anger had only been directed towards Celestia, she held no ill will towards the ponies they had ruled over.

She smiled as the spell cast, laying itself amongst the stars. It would lay dormant until she unleashed its power. Between now and then, it would grow, slowly soaking up the raw energy the stars constantly produced. Her smile quickly faded though as her thoughts turned back. I lashed out like a child. She thought bitterly. I was naive and a fool. I shouldn’t have just attacked Celestia. If anypony is to beat her, they need to plan, and to slowly work their plan. I should have planned. Nightmare shook her head. That’s the past now. Right now, I need to focus on getting Luna back. I can take my revenge on Celestia later, if ever.

~~~~~

Nightmare Moon fell back onto her flank, a cloud of lunar dust rising up around her. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she looked up at the vast expanse of space. It was empty, save the stars, and the giant blue and green disk that was Equestria. Nightmare knew every inch of the ball in front of her, having watched it turn and change above her for the past millennium. And though she couldn’t see it at the time, Nightmare knew the sun was just on the other side of Equestria, floating just out of sight. Another deep sigh rolled out of her mouth, barely disturbing the dust around her.

“Soon, we shall return Luna. And we will try again.” She spoke aloud, her eyes never leaving the orb floating above her. A smile touched her lips as her eyes narrowed. “We will make the ponies of Equestria love our night. And we will put Celestia in her place.”

No Nightmare. Luna’s voice slowly responded in Nightmare’s mind. Not again. Luna’s voice was faint and weak, as if it took every ounce of strength she had to say those few words. Nightmare felt Luna take a deep breath, preparing for more. We tried to force them before and you tried to take on Celestia. And you see where that got us.

Nightmare’s face fell. She knew the truth in Luna’s weak voice, no matter how much she wanted to deny it. Trying to force the ponies to love their night would never work. And even if she tried again, Celestia would surely use the Elements again. Even if it meant risking the life of her sister, she would do it to protect Equestria. “Fine. Then what will we do? We still want the ponies to love our night as much as Celestia’s day.”

A prolonged silence followed Nightmare’s statement. She was about to ask again when Luna spoke. I don’t know, Nightmare. Another silence followed, though much shorter, before Luna continued. But hopefully, in time, they will. Nightmare could feel Luna’s presence fade, knowing she had used up the last of her energy.

The black alicorn slowly rose, turning around. The distant, and slightly obscured, glow from Celestia’s sun was enough to light the lunar surface, though it cast long shadows everywhere. With Equestria at her back, she trotted off, looking for the crater from which she would leave.

She slowly made her way across the surface, smiling as she reached the blackened craters. The very same magic that trapped her here had marked her once pristine moon. Though they had originally annoyed her, she had come to appreciate them. She had spent years wandering through them, tracing their shape. And long ago she had realized that they made a very stylized face on the surface, to anypony who looked up at night. She had wondered just how many ponies had noticed over the years, if any.

In the middle was a single clear crater. Though it had confused her at first, once she realized the image that was formed, she recognized it as the eye of the face. It was the very place she had woken up in when she first arrived, a thousand years ago. “And the place from which I shall leave.” She chuckled to herself. “And even if Luna wants me to give up the eternal night thing, I won’t. Not yet. I’ll give it one last chance. And perhaps that will be the end of me.” Nightmare sat in the center of the crater, her magic slowly reaching out, finding the energy in the stars around her. The spell she had cast a thousand years ago was ready. It was imbued with a millennium of stellar output, creating a spell powerful enough to break the hold the Elements of Harmony had on her. She cast a small spell, letting the intricate weaving she had laid into the stars take hold, slowly breaking the prison around her.

As she waited for the spell to finish, her thoughts turned back to what was about to happen. She knew that she would once again attempt to bring about eternal night. It was worth a chance, even if it was doomed to fail. And it was certain to annoy Celestia, which easily made it worth it. But, she knew the Elements of Harmony would rise up to stop her if she tried. They always would rise up to prevent such chaos from taking seed in the world, that was their role. Whether Celestia herself would wield them, or mortal ponies blessed with their power, it made no difference. They would be there to stop her. But it would be her who was stopped, who was sealed away, not Luna. With a heavy sigh her face fell. And perhaps this time they’ll destroy me, and return Luna to how she should be. After all, I’m nothing more than a piece of her mind, here to help her get what she wants. I have to return eventually. Nightmare shook her head, her mane falling about her face. Perhaps it is Luna who will truly come out victorious after all this, she thought with a smile. I’ve had my chance. I suppose it is time for me to go. Nightmare looked up, a sad smile on her face as the spell finished. She felt the wave of magic rush out over the moon, destroying the last traces of the prison that held her. She knew that if anypony was watching, they would see the face on the moon vanish in a flash of light from the nearest stars. Show time. She thought, teleporting back to Equestria, back home.

~~~~~

As she stood on the platform the town had prepared for Celestia, looking down at the crowd, she wondered who would take up the Elements to stop her. A purple unicorn in the crowd caught her attention, and named her. Perhaps she will lead them. Nightmare thought. Perhaps it won’t be Celestia who faces me this time. As the sun goddess hadn’t shown up yet, Nightmare could only assume that six mortal ponies would take up the mantle of the Elements. She flashed some lightning, sending the few guards scattering. Not like I know where she is. She thought with a huff, turning herself into black smoke before flying away. I didn’t do a thing. That coward likely doesn’t want to face me. She quickly doubled back, scanning the town, looking for the ponies whose fate it was to stop her. I may be playing this role for now, the villain, so that Luna can return, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it. And perhaps I can help them along the way. Below her, the same unicorn who had named her was running through the street, a baby dragon on her back. Nightmare followed her, wondering if it would be she would would rise against her. Shortly after a group of five ponies, two pegasi, two earth ponies and a unicorn followed in. They conversed for a while before the purple one found a book. Nightmare listened in as the unicorn read off the list of the known Elements of Harmony. It will be her who rises against me. And those five. I hope they’re up to the task.

With a smile she flew off, making her way to the Everfree forest. She stripped off a few pieces of herself as she flew, setting them around the forest, in hope they would create the ‘obstacles’ the girls would have to overcome to become the true bearers. After all, while five of them may be good friends, only if all six are as close as can be will they be able to wield the Elements. She then continued on to her old castle, smiling as she landed. Such a wonderful place. And as good of a place as any for a final battle. She thought with a smile. After all, my time is at an end. It will soon be time for Luna to take the reigns.

~~~~~

As Twilight counted off the Elements, Nightmare found herself smiling inwardly. Good to see that the mortal ponies are able to take up the mantle of the Elements. She wanted to congratulate them, end the fight now and surrender. But she had a role to play. And if she didn’t, not only would Luna never be free, but the Elements would never accent their bearers. She let them have their moment, knowing her time was close at hand. She grinned as the magic of the elements took hold, empowered by the spirits of the ponies they had chosen. A rainbow colored burst of light erupted from the group, arcing through the air towards her. And though her lips screamed ‘no’ as the magic of the elements shot towards her, her mind screamed ‘yes’. It is time. Goodbye Equestria. Don’t blame Luna for my mistakes. And Luna, good luck.

And with that, Nightmare Moon knew no more. And Luna awoke.

Author's Note

Thanks to Faoiltiama for their wonderful help with editing this thing.
On a side note, this chapter, as with all in this story, have some serious formatting. And it doesn't translate from Google-docs very well. As such, I had to redo all the formatting when I posted here, so I may have missed something. If you notice any errors, formatting or otherwise, let me know, I'll fix them.

Awakening - Revised -

Awakening - Revised -

Chapter One

Celestia sat in her private dinning hall. It was one of the few places in the castle she could be alone. The room was silent, save the occasional scraping of fork on plate as Celestia ate her meal. It was nothing extravagant, just a simple salad with a glass of apple cider on the side. “Anything else I can get you madam?” A cook asked, sticking his head into the room. He had long since learned to drop all formalities when addressing the ruler of Equestria when she was alone.

“No thank you, good sir.” Celestia took another bite, calmly chewing and swallowing before continuing. “Though I would appreciate it if you would throw together something for my sister. She should be waking soon.” The cook nodded once before his head disappeared back into the kitchen. Celestia smiled, returning to her meal. It had only been a week since Luna had returned, and already the younger alicorn was asking to get back to work. Silence fell again upon the room as Celestia waited for her sister.

She did not have to wait long before Luna strode in. A yawn rolled out from between her lips as she sat next to Celestia. “Evening, Tia.” Luna stifled another yawn, looking around. “What are we having?”

Celestia opened her mouth to answer just before the chef from earlier walked in, carrying a plate upon his back. “Here you are, madam.” The chef slid the plate off his back and onto the table in front of Luna. “A simple salad, perfect for starting the night.” With a bow he turned to leave.

“Princess...” Luna mumbled sleepily, a yawn escaping her lips as she tried her best to glare at the pony before her. “And a pot of coffee.”

The chef gave a small bow, realizing his mistake. “Very sorry, princess. Would you like milk or sugar in your coffee?”

“Neither, servant.” Luna replied, a neutral expression on her face. She looked down, lifted her fork, and set to work on her meal.

The chef raised a hoof, his eyes narrowed. Before he could get a word out however, Celestia shook her head lightly. The chef returned his hoof to the ground before returning to the kitchen, still slightly offended at being called a servant. As soon as the door was closed behind the pony, Celestia turned to her sister. “Luna, they are not our servants. I’ve told you this before.” She let out a short laugh. “They are masters of their craft, and take much pride in what they do.”

Luna turned to reply, then faltered. Her body jerked slightly as if she had been hit by something. It happened only once before she turned back to look at her sister. “Celestia?” she exclaimed, a certain amount of fear in her voice.

“Yes, Luna? What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Celestia reached out a hoof, intent upon laying it upon Luna’s shoulder, but the younger sister backed away, falling out of her chair. “Luna, what’s going on? Are you hurt?”

Luna sprang to her hooves, fear etched across her face. Before she could move, the chef returned, a pot of coffee on his back, with a single cup. Luna grabbed the pot and cup in her magic, and bolted from the room, sprinting away as fast as she could. Celestia and the chef stared after her, thoroughly confused. “I think you should go after her, Princess” the chef said quietly. Celestia nodded once, snapping out of her reprieve, and dashed after her sister.

Luna meanwhile, was tearing down the halls of the castle, lost. What is going on here? She thought wildly to herself. I should be dead, or gone, or whatever. I can’t come back! Luna turned a corner, and stumbled, her legs freezing momentarily. She took a few more steps, leaning against the wall as her vision went black. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?

Luna stood back up, looking around. “Hmm... This isn’t the way to my office,”-

Why am I still alive?

-she mumbled to herself. “Must have made a wrong turn.”-

The Elements of Harmony should have destroyed me, and fixed Luna.

-She turned around, poured herself a cup of coffee, and set off.

So why am I still here? And what just happened, too? One moment, nothing, just black. Then, suddenly, I’m being thrust into a dining room, with Celestia. And she’s treating me like Luna. Shouldn’t she still hate me? Has she forgiven me?

As she reached the end of the hall Celestia went racing past, skidding to a halt a few feet away.

And why is Luna suddenly back in control, and why can I see all of this? Could she see what I did?

“Luna! There you are!” Celestia exclaimed, quickly running back to her sister and pulling her into a tight hug. “Are you alright? What happened back there?”

No, she can’t know. She wouldn’t have simply thought she made a wrong turn if she did. So what does she remember?

“Ah, yes, I’m sorry for leaving so suddenly,” Luna replied, smiling. “But you see, I wanted to get an early start to my first night back! I’ll see you later, Tia!” Luna set off again, smiling and sipping her coffee.

“What’s going on here?”

What’s going on here?

Luna smiled as she left, leaving Celestia standing, staring off confusedly after her, and made her way back to her rooms. Celestia had set aside a whole wing for her back when the castle was first built. While the rest of the castle was white marble, with gold and violet accents, Luna’s wing was a midnight blue, filled with cooler colors, from deep purples to dark blacks. She had yet to hoof pick her night guard, and so the few who were posted around the halls were on loan from Celestia’s personal guard.

Luna had set aside one room to use as her office. Celestia had suggested she put her desk in her room, but Luna knew it was a bad idea to work in the same room she slept in. She sat down on a small cushion behind her desk, and levitated a small stack of papers onto her desk. It was only her first night back, and Celestia had insisted she start with paperwork, to let her slowly get back into the swing of things. With another smile she began sorting through them. “Let's see...” she mumbled to herself. “What has changed in the years during my vacation?” Luna mumbled to herself, looking over her papers.

Does she think she just went away for a year? Or a thousand? What is it she thinks happened?

My vacation was quite boring, now that I think about it, Luna thought, flipping through the pages. Let’s see now.... Ahh, well this look promising, census reports. And so Luna began to read-

Those do sound interesting. Good measure of how the population has grown and moved, Nightmare thought, looking through Luna’s eyes, reading along with her.

Luna slowly scanned the page, taking the information in. More ponies are living in cities it seems, and the cities are growing larger-

They’re stronger, healthier than they were in our time. They’ve grown from the small rural villages to large, thriving cities. They’ve recovered from what happened, and moved past it.

-while the farms are becoming fewer and farther between. Well, it has certainly worked so far, lets hope it can continue- Luna’s thoughts were cut off as a small knock came at her door. “Come in,” she called, her eyes not leaving the papers before her.

Celestia is back, and I think she wants to talk. What do I do if we have a repeat of earlier?

“Luna, dear, how are you?” Celestia asked happily, closing the door behind her before sitting next to her sister.

I’ll have to play along. I can’t run off again, it will only make Celestia more worried. I need her ignorant of me for now, while I determine what needs to be done.

“I’m well, thank you,” Luna replied cheerfully, looking up. “I was just going over the census reports, determining what’s changed during my vacation-”

Shit. That can't be good for me.

“Vacation?” Celestia cut in, puzzled. “You mean your banishment? Vacation seems an odd word for it...” she pondered out loud.

Luna’s face grew confused. “What are you talking-” she began, before suddenly yawning, a hoof raising to her mouth in an attempt to stifle it. “Yes, sorry... Thinking of it as a prolonged vacation helps me deal with it...” Nightmare replied quickly, looking down.

Celestia sighed, wrapping a wing around Nightmare. She leaned over and gently nuzzled her sister, whispering, “Sorry, I should have realized. I’ll try to remember from now on.”

Nightmare smiled a small, sheepish smile. This is going well, now if I can just get her to leave... “Ce- Tia, was there something you wanted to talk to me about?” she asked.

“Ohh, yes. Well, I know how much you like things to be organized, even if the organization appears chaotic.”

Nightmare shifted, stretching her muscles to try to wake herself up. “Yes, well, I hope you don’t mind. It works for me,” she quipped. “Why do you bring it up?”

“It’s just, my student was much the same,” Celestia replied kindly. “Every time I visited her rooms, she would have scrolls and books strewn everywhere. If I tried moving anything, she’d panic. It was adorable. She didn’t want to yell at me, but she needed to know where everything was.” Celestia smiled fondly, caught up in her memories.

Nightmare, meanwhile, was frantically trying to dig through Luna’s memories from the past week. While it had momentarily surprised her that she could, she had decided to think about it later. Who is this student of hers? She didn’t have students before, has she mentioned her to Luna yet?

“Tia, I’m sorry, but ‘student’? I don’t think you’ve told me about her yet.” Nightmare gave her best puzzled expression, still trying to mask her panic.

Celestia laughed. “You’re right, I’m sorry!” With a shake of her head, she explained. “So, a few hundred years ago, I set up a school to teach especially bright young ones. After a few years, I noticed that some stood out even amongst the best. So I started taking them as my personal student, and taught them myself.” Celestia paused again, a reminiscent smile playing across her lips. “Twilight Sparkle is my most recent student, and in many ways, she’s stood out even from the rest.”

Nightmare slowly nodded, trying to piece everything together. Thinking back, that little purple unicorn did a good job telling me the names of her friends, but not her own. I wonder... “So, Tia, is Ms. Sparkle a young purple unicorn?”

“Yes, she is.” Celestia gave Nightmare a quizzical look. “Don’t you remember her from... the party?”

All I remember is an uppity little unicorn not giving me or you any respect, Nightmare thought bitterly. “All I remember before coming to the castle was a party. I was kinda on autopilot for the whole thing,” Nightmare lied. “I’ve been trying to not remember anything from when I wasn’t in control of myself.”

Celestia nodded somberly, understanding. “You know what, I think you could do with meeting with Quiet Thoughts. I think she can help you deal with everything that happened.”

The sisters sat in silence for a bit, Celestia worrying for her sister, Nightmare wondering who this Quiet Thoughts pony was, and how she could help. Eventually, Nightmare asked, “So, why did you bring up Ms. Sparkle?”

“Oh, right!” Celestia perked up. “So, as part of her staying in Ponyville, she is supposed to write me letters every week about friendship.”

“I’m sorry, but I have to ask,” Nightmare interrupted. “You have a student so sheltered that in order to get her to make friends, you had to make it a school assignment?”

Celestia let out a knowing laugh.“Yes, she is a bit sheltered.”

Well if that isn’t the understatement of the year.

“Anyways, her reports should be about how she’s making friends, the troubles they have and the triumphs they share. I was wondering if you’d be interested in reading them too.”

“What do-” I need to tone back the sass. Luna would never be this uppity with her big sister. Nightmare realized. “I’m sorry, Tia. I’m afraid I still don’t see why you want me to read them.”

“I just thought that, since both she and you are going to be starting anew, albeit under different circumstances, it might help you readjust. Let you live a little vicariously through her, get some second hand knowledge of how ponies interact before you go out and do it yourself.” Celestia gave her sister a light nuzzle, trying to reassure her. “I know how much it means to you, having ponies like you, so I wanted to help you put your best hoof forward.”

Nightmare stared at Celestia, surprised at the forwardness. She wants to make sure Luna’s first public appearance goes over as smoothly as possible. Before replying, Nightmare smiled. “Tia, I would love that. I don’t want them to hate me from the start.” A small flicker of fear flashed across Nightmare’s features. “But, please, make sure Twilight is okay with it first. I would hate to intrude upon her privacy.” Well, Luna would. I have to do everything I can for Luna. No matter the cost. That’s the plan at least. What is my long term plan?

“I’ll ask her right away. Though, I really doubt she will have any objection. She usually readily agrees to anything I ask of her.” Another pause hung in the air. “Sometimes a little too eagerly. Huh.” Celestia shook off the thought. Turning to her sister, she asked, “Luna, how are you?” with only a hint of worry in her voice.

Tilting her head back to look up at the ceiling, Nightmare thought. I’m barely keeping my panic under control. I’m trying to keep you from trying to kill me. Oh, and there’s the whole deal with me still existing, Luna’s mind still being a fractured mess and all. Other than that, just fine! “I’m doing alright sister,” she replied, forcing another loving smile onto her face. “But, I was doing some work before you came in...”

Celestia got the hint, quickly standing. “Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be keeping you. Well, good night, dear sister.” She turned and began to leave. “I’ll go ahead and check with Twilight. If it’s alright with her, the first letter should be here within a week. Have a good evening sister.” And with that, Celestia left, gently closing the door behind her.

Nightmare nearly let out a scream. Finally she leaves. Though, I must admit, I’m interested in this Twilight Sparkle. She looked up to find that Luna was back in control, humming to herself as she continued with the paperwork. As if nothing happened. Of course. Hmm... I wonder. LUNA! Nightmare screamed in her mind, trying to get her counterparts attention. Luna continued working, nothing to indicate that she had any idea Nightmare was mentally yelling at her. Well, that answers that question. Either she really wants to ignore me, or she actually can’t hear me.

So, question time. Nightmare found she was able to retreat slightly from Luna’s mind, as if she was in a spacious room, one wall playing out what Luna saw while speakers relayed what she thought and heard. So, I can see and hear what she does. But I don’t think she can see or hear while I’m in control. Nightmare began to pace inside Luna’s mind, putting together what she could. Her memories of my time are altered, but I don’t know to what end. Furthermore, she has seriously altered memories of what happened a thousand years ago.

With a sigh, she stopped her pacing. This is Luna’s body, Luna’s mind. I have to work to restore her, to make her whole again. I’ll need to research, learn what I can. But I’ll also have to make sure that I play my role well, whenever needed. For now, no one can now I still exist. To the outside world, Luna is healed.

The First Meeting - Revised -

Chapter 2

The next few days passed in short order. Luna’s evening routine was exceptionally consistent. She awoke about an hour before sunset and met Celestia for a light meal. While Celestia would usually have a full dinner, Luna was content to eat a simple breakfast. She quickly fell in love with the bowl of oats Celestia called oatmeal. Each evening she arrived at her and Celestia’s private dining room, a bowl already set for her, with a different fruit each day.

The sisters would then work together to change over the day for the night. Celestia, for the first few nights, had trouble not just doing it herself, as she had gotten used to over the past millennium. Nightmare only once had to step up and ask Celestia to please let her do her job.

After the night began, Celestia would retire to her room, ready for sleep. Luna would take a pot of coffee, a drink she learned of her first night back and instantly became enamoured with, back to her office to do some paperwork. She had agreed, after talking with Celestia, and some small help from Nightmare, to wait at least another week before resuming the night court. So, until then, she got to review paperwork, sign royal decrees, and, her favorite, watch over the dreams of Equestria.

Though she couldn’t bring herself to intervene in nightmares just yet, another thing Nightmare worked hard to steer clear of, she did what she could. When she did find a nightmare, which were, happily, very rare, she would use a small bit of magic to gently end it, and let a happier dream take it’s place.

For the most part, Nightmare kept to herself. Luna seemed, at least so far, able to handle herself. The few times she got dragged out were when something came up which didn’t fit with how Luna was remembering things. Once those moments passed, Nightmare slid back and made room for Luna again. With the rest of her time, she relaxed, and learned.

Though Luna may not have been paying attention to everything around her, Nightmare was. She studied how her guards talked when they thought she couldn’t hear. She tracked Celestia’s expressions as the sisters talked. And when she got the chance, she read everything in sight. She planned to, if she ever got the chance, request a few books on the mind, to try to figure out what had happened to Luna, and find a way to fix it.

As the week wound to a close, Luna was sat in her room, smiling softly as she read over the pages before her. Nothing very interesting, sadly, she thought idly, flipping through the pages. She continued flipping through them, barely taking them in, her eyes glazing over until a small tap came at her window. She looked up, slightly startled, staring at the scroll floating outside her window. I wasn’t expecting any mail.... was I? she puzzled, opening her window, letting the scroll float inside upon it’s own magic.

The scroll slowly floated to her desk, before the unseen magic released it, letting it fall to Luna’s desk with barely a sound. Luna stared at it, mildly confused-

Ah, this must be the letter Twilight sent Celestia. I take it she’s okay with the idea then.

-before she remembered that she was indeed expecting a letter. The first letter Twilight wrote to Celestia about friendship was indeed sitting upon her desk. The seal was broken, Celestia had clearly read it herself before sending it along to Luna. “Oh, right. I did say I would read these.” Luna lifted the letter in her magic, unfurled it, and began to read.

Well.... Nightmare thought to herself, reading along with Luna. She cares more about her friends than the Gala. They must have a strong friendship if she’s going to turn down her own chance at going.

I never thought anypony would care about their friends more than the Gala. There must be something wrong with her if she’s going to give up this chance, Luna thought, incredulously. I remember a time when ponies would go to war over whom they would be taking to the Gala... Poor Helen

They’ve grown, changed. Ponies, at least Twilight, don’t care about vanity or how others see them, but they do care about each other. Maybe she’s better than I gave her credit for. She did catch Celestia’s eye after all.

Luna shrugged, rolled up the letter, and, with a puff of light blue smoke, sent it back to Celestia’s room. She turned back to her papers, her smile returning. Well, the ponies of today may not make any sense, but these papers do, no matter how boring they are.

Nightmare found herself sighing. Luna, Luna, Luna... Are you ever going to stop assuming that the ponies have only gotten worse? They’ve grown, and become better. Nightmare shook her metaphorical head, sighing again. She took a moment before glancing back at what Luna was up to. More paperwork? Fine... Nightmare glanced around, trying to find anything more interesting to look at. But as Luna was focused on the paperwork, and the guards were silent, she quickly grew bored. Well, I’m bored. Let’s see if I can sleep.

Luna continued her work through the night, her small grin never leaving her face as she looked over page after page of numbers and documents. As the night wound to a close, Luna rose, yawning. “Time to change over the day with Tia,” she mumbled sleepily, slowly making her way to the sisters private dining room.

Luna found Celestia waiting for her, sleepily munching on a bowl of oats. “Morning Tia,” Luna mumbled, sitting down next to her sister.

“Morning Luna. I hope the night went well,” Celestia yawned, failing to stifle it with a hoof. “Did you enjoy Twilight’s letter?”

Luna slowly nodded as a bowl of oats was placed before her as well. She smiled before closing her eyes, her body slumping forward. Nightmare caught her head before it landed in the bowl, and slowly sat up. Looks like I can sleep... yay. She looked around, mildly smiling, until the sight of Celestia next to her stopped her mid yawn. Ohh.... Not good. Nightmare blinked, putting on a warm smile. “I’m sorry, Ce- Tia, what was that?” she asked, trying to sound and act normal.

“I was just about to say that you look tired. Was it a long night?” Celestia asked with a small chuckle, wrapping a wing around her little sister and pulling her closer.

Nightmare balked. She had no idea what Luna had been up to after reading Twilight’s letter. Scanning Luna’s memories quickly, she replied, “Mostly paperwork, sadly. Nothing very interesting. It was hard staying awake while reading some of that stuff.” Nightmare stifled a yawn, hoping it would add to the lie she was working. “You know, I think I might be ready to start my court back up soon, if it’s alright with you.”

“Ohh yes, well, are you sure?” Celestia asked, worried. “Some ponies come in quite angry. They keep themselves in check with me, but I’m worried they might lash out at you.”

Nightmare deadpanned at Celestia. “I’m not a child, sister,” she replied with real indignance. “I can handle a few irate ponies. I don’t need you codling me.”

At that, Celestia wilted. “Sorry, Lulu. I just don’t want you freaking out over a simple matter. I saw how upset you were when Sliced Pear didn’t call you Princess. I don’t want a repeat of that. Or worse.”

With a roll of her eyes, Nightmare chuckled. “Yes, well, I was tired. And while you may be comfortable with our subjects calling you by name only, but I will still ask for a measure of respect,” she added indignantly.

Celestia chuckled. “Very well. But, we’ve gotten off track. What of Twilight’s letter? Did you find it interesting?” Celestia asked again, smiling hopefully.

“Oh, yes. While I don’t know if most ponies would follow that young mare’s example, I am glad to see that at least some ponies value unity and friendship over vanity,” Nightmare replied honestly, a small smile touching her lips.

“Yes, more and more ponies are. They still care about appearances, but they’re willing to put those aside for those close to them,” Celestia replied, pulling her wing back. “Well, I think it’s time to change over the night to the day.”

Nightmare slowly nodded, standing slowly. I can do this. I’ve done it thousands of times before. Just have to feel it out, she told herself, following Celestia. After a short walk Nightmare found herself on a balcony with Celestia, the moon just setting off to the west, and the sun poking out over the horizon on the east. Celestia’s horn lit up as she began giving the sun to push to move it around for the day. Nightmare also lit her horn, stopping only as a brief thought to force the sun away flashed across her mind. With a shake of her head she dispelled the thought and set the moon to give way to the day. “Well Tia, I’m going to finish my meal, then turn in. Have a wonderful day.”

“Before you go, I was hoping to discuss one last matter with you,” Celestia replied after the retreating mare. Nightmare stopped and turned, an eyebrow raised. “A week ago I mentioned that I think you would do well to meet with Quiet Thoughts. She’s the royal psychologist. Her vacation is ending, and she will be returning to the castle tomorrow. I was hoping that you would meet with her soon.”

“And what exactly does a psychologist do?” Nightmare replied, curious.

“Well, much like how a doctor helps to solve problems of the body, a psychologist seeks to solve problems of the mind. Now, many times the problems have much more complex solutions, if any at all. But they do their best, and they help,” Celestia answered. She paused, considering her words before continuing. “I know this must be difficult for you, there is so much going on, and I thought it might be good for you to speak with her.”

Oh, if you only knew, dear sister. Nightmare tried to plaster a smile on her face, but her worry seeped through. “If you think it a good idea, sister, then I would gladly meet with her.” After much struggle, Nightmare was able to regain her fake smile. Need to work on it if it’s that easy to break. “Now, I must be going, Tia, I must sleep.” Celestia nodded as Nightmare left. Having made her way to the kitchen and retrieved her food, Nightmare returned to Luna’s room.

“Well, I’m awake,” Nightmare mumbled to herself, munching on her oats. With a glance inward, she found, to her surprise, that Luna was sleeping happily. Looking around, she determined nopony was in the room, and the only way somepony could look in was through the balcony. With a flash of her magic, Nightmare closed the blinds on the balcony, and locked the door. “After all, they think I’m asleep. I shouldn’t be bothered.” Nightmare stood, setting her bowl of oats down next to her. With a deep breath, she worked her magic, feeling at her body. With a smile she found the glamour that showed everypony else Luna, regardless of who was in control. With a content sigh, she undid the glamour, allowing her to see herself as she truly was, as tall as Celestia, her coat as black as the night sky, and her cutie mark, a splash of the same color as Luna’s coat, and a crescent moon.

That’s better, Nightmare though, sitting down on her bed. I only wish I didn’t have to hide. With a sad sigh, Nightmare replaced the glamour, a sad frown across her lips as her form changed.But I can’t risk it. Nopony can know of me. By all rights, I shouldn’t exist. Not to mention the panic seeing the real me would cause.

Nightmare relaxed onto the bed, her eyes glazing over. “But, I am here...” she mumbled to herself, staring at nothing. So, what’s going on? Let’s take a quick inventory. Again. Maybe I can figure out something new. Nightmare rose and began to pace. First, my plan went off without a hitch, everything went just how I wanted. The Elements got used on me, and put Luna back in charge. She’s even been accepted back into society So why am I still here? Nightmare’s brow creased as she began pacing faster. For the most part, she’s the one in charge. It’s been two weeks now, and I’ve had to take charge less than a dozen times. I only come out when something happens which differs from Luna’s ‘reality’. Well, there was that one time Celestia brought up what happened to our parents. Luna has to know they’re dead, so that shouldn’t have been a reality break. I wonder why that time? Oh, and the first time, when Celestia was about to reprimand Luna for insulting the staff.

And let’s see, when Celestia brought up the banishment, I was pulled out because Luna didn’t accept it as happening. That was the first major time. Then, after Celestia left, Luna regained control. Why that late, why not as soon as we moved past the banishment? Moving on, she either doesn’t notice the break in time, or her mind is crafting something to keep things smooth. Other than that, there were a few times when paperwork handled stuff before we returned. I guess whatever controls the split didn’t want Luna to even touch on that. The only other time I have gotten control is now, when Luna’s mind is asleep. I would assume any other time Luna’s mind isn’t active I take control.

Nightmare stopped to stare at her balcony. With a flash of magic she pulled the curtains open, and stared at the dawn sky. So, am I just here as a reserve, as a part to keep the reality of Luna’s mind from breaking? If so, why have me at all? Why is there a split? The mind is an amazing, powerful thing, but it acts for a reason. At some point, our subconsciousness, well, I assume our, I have no way of knowing if they’re separate... I guess I could try and see Luna’s dreams... but that’s redundant, I can either way... I’ll deal with that later. Wait, is this even the same Luna as from the moon? It doesn’t seem like it. The Luna on the moon with me, and before our banishment was aware of me, and incredibly depressed. This Luna is happy, almost all the time. She enjoys her work and does it with a smile, no matter what happens... This can’t be the same Luna, so what happened to that Luna?

Nightmare’s eyes grew wide with her revelation, her mind working twice as fast. If the old Luna is gone, where did she go? Has she been destroyed? Is the old Luna the whole, and this Luna and I are only pieces? Nightmare shivered. What happened to her? With a sigh, Nightmare slowly relaxed. I have no way of knowing. All I can do is try to make the best of what’s going on. At least I’m figuring out more about what’s going on.

Nightmare’s expression hardened as she began to plan. So, the Luna that exists now is in control most of the time. However, she doesn’t seem right. She’s always happy, but she’s ignoring a large portion of the world, of reality. But it’s not her choice, she’s being forced to only experience certain parts of it. So, is she only happy because she doesn’t experience anything that could cause other emotions? I’ll have to find out. Either I force Luna to accept pain as a part of life, or I know she can’t. I’m still left with the problem of why we exist though. Why didn’t Luna’s mind heal? Well, given the power of the mind, if it’s forcing Luna to only experience the good, then that’s its plan. But why? Why is it taking the good and sectioning it off from everything else? Nightmare looked up at her ceiling, trying to answer her own question. It was a few minutes before an answer came to her. Luna, before the split, was depressed, incredibly so. Even after the split, she stayed depressed, no matter how much I tried to cheer her up. What if this splitting of the mind is its attempt to be happy? What if Luna’s mind, the original one, shuffled us around after the elements hit, giving the new Luna all of the joy, to make sure there was joy? And if so, where does that put me? Am I just here to hold everything else? And what if Luna can’t hold anything other than joy? If the original Luna created her to always be happy, and used me to hold everything else, then can ‘Luna’ ever be whole? If she can’t, does that mean, for the sake of my own sanity, that I have to ‘heal’? And should I even be allowed to consider my own sanity?

Nightmare curled up on her bed, forcing herself to stop thinking. She was scared of the implications of what she had just thought of, and didn’t want to face them yet. Slowly, the black alicorn of the night fell asleep, forelegs around her hindlegs, tears slowly streaming down her cheeks.

It was a few hours later that Nightmare finally awoke. Groggily she sat up, yawning slowly. “That was a good nap.” Then Nightmare sighed. “I’m going to have to accept whatever happens. It won’t do anypony any good to worry over it.” Nightmare slowly stretched, feeling each muscle relax. Nightmare’s stomach growled. With a deadpan expression, Nightmare stared at her stomach. “Ohh, fine, I’ll get food.” Her expression shifting to one of mild annoyance, Nightmare got up, and left for the kitchen.

The path back to the kitchen was much longer than from that morning, as Nightmare was taking back hallways and passages to get around unseen. She didn’t mind the guards seeing her, but she didn’t want to cause a panic or an outcry amongst the common ponies. Heh, common ponies. Nightmare thought, teleporting past a hallway full of ponies waiting to speak with Celestia. I wonder if they do still fear me... Well, not finding out today. Just food.

Nightmare smiled as she opened the door to the dining room, sitting down at her and Celestia’s table. Within moments a chef appeared, a confused smile on her face. “Princess, how may we serve you?” she politely asked, bowing. “And, if you don’t mind me asking, what are you doing awake? I thought you would be sleeping through the day.”

Nightmare faked a yawn, bringing a hoof up to ‘stifle’ it. “I awoke and found myself hungry,” she answered, turning to stare blankly at the mare. “Bring me a sandwich. Don’t care what’s in it.” With a nod the mare turned and trotted off. A few minutes later she returned with a glass of water and a sandwich for Nightmare.

“Would you like anything else?” The chef asked hesitantly. Nightmare simply shook her head and began eating. The mare nodded, then bolted out of the room, much to Nightmare’s surprise.

“Well... that was odd,” Nightmare mumbled around her food. She glanced down at her foreleg. “I look like Luna,” She whispered to herself. “And if I had looked like Nightmare she would have run the moment she saw me, not serve me food.” With a shrug Nightmare dismissed her worry, returning happily to her sandwich.

Nightmare slowly, happily, worked her way through her sandwich. Finishing off the last bite, and the last sip of her drink, she was about to get up to leave when Celestia walked in. “Luna! What are you doing awake?” she asked, sitting down next to Nightmare with a smile.

Nightmare sighed and settled back into her chair. “I awoke, and found myself hungry, Tia,” she responded, leaning against Celestia. “So, I came down here and got some food. I was wondering where that mare had run off too.” Nightmare stifled a quite real yawn, sitting back up and stretching.

Celestia wrapped a wing around her sister. “Well, glad to see everything’s okay.”

“What, just because I got hungry you assume something’s wrong?” Nightmare replied jokingly. The two alicorns shared a short laugh. Since Luna’s asleep, can she have any memories of this? Let’s set something up and find out. “Actually, now that I think about it, there is something I’d like to ask you.”

“What do you need, Lulu?” Celestia happily responded, turning to her sister. “I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Well, I was hoping to talk to your student.”

Celestia blinked. “Umm... Well, sure, but, why?” she asked, confused.

“Well, I would like to have somepony to talk to.” Nightmare replied. “One who isn’t going to grovel at my hooves,” she added before Celestia could interrupt. “I know if I called upon almost any other pony in Equestria they would spend the entire time groveling. I want somepony to talk to. A regular pony, with a regular life, who can talk to me about regular things. In her letter to you, and from what I remember of the party, she was very casual with you. So, I was thinking she might be able to just talk with me.”

Celestia slowly nodded, a smile growing across her face. “Alright. I suppose you have a point. And, I expect when she first meets you she will grovel a bit. Just tell her and she’ll stop.” Nightmare nodded, smiling. “I’ll send her a letter, asking her to come some night soon.”

Nightmare thought for a moment. While I don’t want to impose, I need to see what can force a switch, so I need Luna conscious... Alright, during the night it is. She nodded. “Alright, just let me know when to expect her.” I’m not sure what each outcome means yet, but it will be interesting to find out. With a final nod and a smile, Nightmare rose from her chair. “Well, good day, Tia. I’m going back to bed.” Celestia chuckled as Nightmare left the room. Well, we shall see, what we shall see.Nightmare thought to herself as she returned to her room. She curled up on her bed, made sure she was comfortable, and grabbed a random book. With a smile, she began to read.

Nightmare finished her book with a slow yawn, replacing it upon the shelf. Alright, time to let Luna take over. I just hope nothing comes up, I want a chance to sleep... maybe this will become the usual, Nightmare thought, closing her eyes. I have control during the day, Luna at night. If so, I’ll need some excuse for staying up.... Nightmare pulled the blankets over her, quickly drifting to sleep.

The next few days passed without incident. Luna would work during the night, holding her Night Court and doing paper work. Nightmare spent much of the days reading, from recent fiction to modern textbooks. And while Luna took care of all of the princessly duties that were expected of her, and enjoyed doing so, Nightmare learned everything she could about science, art, literature, and how ponies interacted. And while Luna was happy, Nightmare was bored. Nightmare spent many days in the palace library, hiding from everypony else, reading.

A few days after Nightmare’s first foray into the library, Celestia found her. “Lulu, the librarians are getting spooked. They say books keep vanishing and reappearing,” Celestia said, poking her head around the corner to look at Nightmare. “They got used to Twilight doing it, but she’s not here. Could you stop scaring them?”

Nightmare looked up, smiling sheepishly. “Ohh. Ya. Sorry, Tia,” she mumbled, replacing her book with a dark flash. She had never meant to scare anypony, she just didn’t want to worry about their reactions. From a few dozen shelves away came a high pitched squeal of terror. Celestia glared at Nightmare, who wilted. “Opps... I’ll go apologize...”

Celestia shook her head, trotting behind her sister. “Honestly, I had one of the librarians come running into my court screaming of dark creatures destroying the library...” Celestia gave Nightmare a quick bonk on the head. “So, what are you doing up? Just reading?”

“Yep,” Nightmare replied, trying to stay out of reach of Celestia. “I haven’t been sleeping well lately, and rather than lay in bed, I figured I might as well learn about the advancements made in the past thousand years. Some of them have been very interesting.” The two sisters spent much of their time discussing the various changes over the past millennium. As they reached the front desk, Nightmare smiled sheepishly at the librarian. “I’m very sorry, madame. I had no intention of scaring you, I simply wished to read.”

“So you’re the one who’s been taking the books...” The librarian sighed. “Princess, as much as I love your enthusiasm for reading, you could give Twilight a run for her money. If you want to take them out of here we need to know so we can keep track of them. And, you’ve misplaced a few books. If you’re not sure where they go exactly, just put them on the desk.”

Nightmare nodded and thanked the librarian before leaving with Celestia. They walked a bit before Nightmare turned to her sister. “So, have you heard back from Twilight? I kinda thought she’d have replied by now...”

It was Celestia’s turn to smile sheepishly. “Oh, right. Well... She responded not long after I sent the letter,” the alicorn mumbled, looking away from her sister. “She’ll be here tonight,” Celestia added happily.

Nightmare deadpanned at her sister. “And why, pray tell, did you neglect to tell me this earlier?”

“I... Forgot?” Celestia offered, smiling weakly.

Nightmare sighed and rolled her eyes. “I’m going to bed then. I want at least some sleep before she gets here.” With that, Nightmare turned around and left for her room. Again, she had to take back corridors to avoid as many ponies as possible. Of course she forgets to tell me. Just like she forgets everything about me. And I have still have to hide from the commoners, all because she’s worried I might scare them! Nightmare grumbled to herself as she stalked through the hallways. Maybe I will cause a panic, and then calm it all down, just to show her! Once she finally reached her room, she pulled the shades and jumped into bed. Luna will take over for the night. Let’s see if I have to take over at all.

A few hours later, just as the sun was beginning to set, Luna awoke. She sat up, mumbling tiredly, and stretched as she dragged herself from her bed. Slowly working her jaw, she set off into her bathroom, preparing for her night. After her routines were finished she left, making her way to enjoy a quiet breakfast with Celestia.

“Good evening, Luna,” the elder sister yawned, munching on a small salad.

“Good evening, Tia,” the younger replied, sitting down. Within a few seconds a chef had brought out a bowl of oats for Luna to enjoy. Luna happily enjoyed her breakfast, not a care in her mind.

A few minutes of silence passed before Celestia spoke up. “You know, Twilight sounded most excited to see you when she replied.” Luna stared blankly back, frozen, her eyes starting to glaze over. “Though I must admit, given her love of the night sky, I can’t say I’m at all-” Celestia paused as she saw the lack of understanding in Luna’s eyes. “Sister, are you-”

All of a sudden, Nightmare lurched forward, shaking hard. What in all that is holy! Nightmare panicked as she was forcefully and painfully dragged from her slumber. She cast her eyes about wildly, trying to determine the source of her pain. Her eyes found Celestia’s, and rage flew into her heart. “What is going on?” she asked incredulously. She couldn’t have woken me. The thought flitted through Nightmare’s mind as she stared daggers at Celestia.

“You froze up for a second, then had a, well, a fit,” Celestia replied, trying to calm her sister. She gently reached a hoof out to place upon Nightmare’s, only for the younger sister to jerk away. “Are you alright?”

Nightmare’s heart slowly calmed as she got a bearing on her surroundings. She couldn’t have. Again, the thought flitted through her mind, almost out of her control. “I, I think I’m fine.” Something must have happened to Luna. Something which forced a switch. Now, damage control. Nightmare let out a yawn, her mind still slowly waking up. “I just had a momentary mental lapse, nothing more.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure, Lulu?” she asked quietly. Nightmare nodded, still calming her heart. “If you’re absolutely sure...”

Nightmare stood and stretched before sitting back down at her bowl. “I’m fine sister. Let’s finish our meal.” Celestia nodded before returning to her meal, though she kept glancing over at her sister. As both finished, they rose, walking to the nearby window. “Where will Twilight be meeting me?” Nightmare asked, her horn aglow.

“I told her to meet you down in the gardens,” Celestia replied, her horn lit as well. “I know you both like it down there, so I thought it would be a good place to start to talk.” Celestia smiled as day passed into night. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

Nightmare smiled and nodded, watching as her sister left. Well, time to go meet with Twilight. So, looks like Luna can’t be aware of, or participate in anything related to what I do while she sleeps. She left the kitchen, making her way through the castle. She nodded to guards as she passed, who saluted in return. As Nightmare came upon the doors leading into the garden, she stopped. Through the glass doors Luna could see Twilight, sitting with her back to her in a pool of moonlight, staring up at the stars. Nightmare silently strode up and sat next to and just behind Twilight.

The two sat for a moment, staring up at the stars. Nightmare was tempted to look into Twilight’s thoughts, So much I could learn about this mare... but not now. “Good evening, fair Twilight,” she whispered, trying to not scare her guest.

Twilight gave a small start, having not heard the princess approach. “Oh, Princess Luna!” she gasped, spinning around and dropping into a low bow. “My most sincere apologies! Princess Celestia requested I wait indoors but-”

“Twilight.”

“I wanted to come and stare up at the stars, I’ve always loved them,-”

“Twilight!”

“And I couldn’t resist! Please don’t banish me!”

Nightmare’s jaw hung open, amazed at the terror in Twilight’s voice. She’s Celestia’s personal student, has been studying under her for years and yet is this afraid of me? I’m screwed. “Twilight, please, do not worry. We would never dream of banishing our savior.” At this, Twilight looked up, puzzled. “You saved us from the Nightmare,” Oh, if only, if only. “And for that, We are eternally grateful.”

Twilight’s mouth gaped for a moment. “Ohh, um...” She sat there, her jaw working as she tried to form a sentence.

“Furthermore, my good Twilight, We am most honored that you would choose to stare at our stars, of all things. Never would We dream of punishing someone for ignoring a request to stargaze.” Nightmare smiled as she stood, and motioned for Twilight to do the same. “Please, follow.” With that, she set off deeper into the gardens.

Twilight blushed, smiling sheepishly at Nightmare as she followed. “Umm... I know Princess Celestia may have told you that the royal We is still in use, and all that, but well...” she mumbled, not sure how to break the news to Nightmare.

“Yes, what is it?” Nightmare replied, raising an eyebrow, glad to see Twilight behind her.

“Well, it hasn’t been in use for about eight hundred years.” Twilight rushed through, looking away.

Nightmare paused to glare up at the castle. “Thank you. She does like her pranks.” Nightmare shook her head, mildly annoyed, before continuing.

“Any time, Your Highness,” Twilight replied happily. “Now, how may I be of service? Celestia’s letter said you wished to speak?”

Nightmare sighed as she reached a few cushions near the edge of the gardens. The gardens backed up against nothing, providing an uninterrupted view of the land below them. Twilight gasped in amazement, rushing over to stare out over Equestria. “Yes. But a few things first,” Nightmare began,settling onto a cushion. “One, please just call me Luna. I have no desire for that formality between us. Two, treat me like you treat your friends. I may be the princess, but that doesn’t mean I want you groveling the entire time. I want to be able to have a conversation most would consider normal. Three, why don’t you look up?”

Twilight nodded slowly, very unsure of what was going on. “Alright, I can do that... but, why-” Twilight paused as she cast her gaze towards the heavens. With no lights near to wash them out, each star shined brilliantly. “Princess Luna, they’re amazing.”

“Why thank you, Twilight,” Nightmare replied. The two stayed silent for a time as Twilight gazed up at the stars, taking in everything she could. “Twilight, if I could bring you back down?”

With a jump, Twilight spun around, looking at Nightmare sheepishly. “Sorry, Pri- Luna.” Twilight scuttled over and sat next to Nightmare, biting her lip. “So, what did you want to talk about?”

“Simple. I’ve been away for a thousand years. Things have changed, and I wish to be brought up to speed,” Nightmare replied, turning to smile warmly at Twilight. “I was hoping that over the course of the night you would inform me as to the major changes, but most importantly, the changes in how ponies interact. I haven’t had anypony to talk to for a thousand years after all...”

Twilight’s face beamed. “I would be glad to. Is there anywhere in particular you would like to start?”

“Yes. In your letter last week you said you would didn’t want to go to the Grand Galloping Gala if all of you friends couldn’t go.” Twilight nodded. “Why? Last I checked the Gala was the biggest event of the year.”

Twilight smiled, looking up at the stars. “Simple. I wasn’t going to hurt one of my friends by not bringing them with me. But then Princess Celestia gave me enough tickets for everypony, so I guess it all worked out.”

“So, your friends mean more to you than the biggest social event of the year?” Nightmare asked, slightly surprised.

“Of course,” Twilight responded, turning to face Nightmare. “Without my friends, I wouldn’t be the pony I am today. Without my friends....” Twilight trailed off, looking hesitantly at Nightmare, as if worried she had almost gone too far.

“You wouldn’t have defeated Nightmare Moon.” You wouldn’t have made this situation worse... Nightmare smiled. “Let’s move on to happier topics.” Twilight quickly nodded, looking back at the stars. “You really like the stars, don’t you?”

“I love them.” Twilight sighed, laying on her back to stare at the stars. “They’re beautiful. Like twinkling gems hung on an infinite tapestry.” Nightmare smiled happily, looking up as well.. “I’ve always enjoyed stargazing... ever since I was a little foal and my brother told me a story.”

Nightmare blinked back a few tears and sighed, taking a deep breath. That’s the first time anypony other than Tia has praised Luna’s work... If only she were around to hear it. “And what story was that?” Nightmare asked, not taking her gaze from the stars. Twilight smiled and closed her eyes.

“There was once a pony. She lived many, many years ago. She created the stars and the moon, and kept watch over them. And every night she would bring forth the moon and the stars, and watch over everypony as they slept, watching over their dreams to make sure nopony had nightmares. But, eventually, she became jealous of Princess Celestia. The ponies loved Celestia’s day, but always slept through her night. So, one dawn, She tried to hold back the day, and make the ponies at least see her wondrous night. But Celestia forced the day forward, and trapped the pony in the moon. All She wanted was a friend. I said I’d be her friend.” Twilight turned to smile at Nightmare. “Of course, I only recently figured out who that pony was,” she added with a small chuckle.

Nightmare took a few deep breaths, bringing her emotions under control. “You brother doesn’t seem to like Celestia much, if that story is anything to go by.” she joked, turning to smile at Twilight. “Seems like he holds her in contempt.”

Twilight chuckled. “That story has been passed down in our family for generations now. But, well, Shining Armor loves Equestria. And he always seemed to hold a certain amount of disdain for Princess Celestia, I’m guessing after he was first told the story. Apparently she called him in about it once, but he didn’t get a reprimand, or anything really. Just came back with a sad smile. He’s liked her more since then.” Twilight shrugged.

Nightmare shook her head, chuckling silently to herself. “No, I suppose she told him the truth.” She stared up at the stars with Twilight. “That’s what happened though. Over simplified, but still, that’s the story of my banishment.”

“Well, I like your night sky, Luna,” Twilight said quietly.

“Thank you. Would you like me to tell you about it?”

“I would love that, Princess.”

A Budding Flower

Chapter 4

Nightmare stormed through the halls, her anger rolling off in waves. “How dare she insult Luna like that!” she growled. News travels fast in the castle, and it wasn’t long before the corridors between the Hall of the Heavens and Luna’s office were cleared of all but the essential guards. Nightmare flung the door open, letting it smash against the wall as she strode in. “She’s back for barely a month, and they’re trying to get rid of her the first chance they get.” With a flash of her horn, Nightmare slammed the door shut.

“That insolent mare should realize just how lucky she is I didn’t execute her for that.” Nightmare began pacing around the room, still fuming. “Need to let Luna take over,” she mumbled. “I’ll keep the anger and she can get to work. All I’m good for it seems.” A knock came from the door, causing Nightmare to whip around, growling. “Who dares disturb us?” she roared, flinging the door back open.

The hall was empty, save the two guards who were stationed outside her door. “The kitchen staff brought this up for you, your highness,” a guard replied without turning around. He gestured to a serving trolley which stood between them, upon which rested three silver domes. With a raised eyebrow, Nightmare wheeled it into her room and closed the door.

Now more curious than angry, the dark alicorn lifted the middle cover. A tea kettle rested beneath, along with a teacup. Breathing deeply, Nightmare noted the distinct aroma of peppermint tea. She smiled. Well, I do like a well brewed cup of tea... Lifting the other two covers, Nightmare’s smile grew. “I know they’re playing me, but I don’t care. They’ve played well.” Under the other two were a few dozen moon pies.

Levitating a few of the treats over to the desk and pouring herself some tea, Nightmare sat down. “If Luna won’t come out, I guess I’ll have to do the paperwork.” Breathing deep of the aroma, Nightmare took a sip. “Ohhhhh, they did good.” With a sigh, Nightmare began sifting through the papers.

Despite the paperwork being boring enough to put her to sleep, Nightmare stayed in control. She fought through the boredom and powered through. With a grumble, she signed off on the last piece. I’ve still got a few hours before I need to lower the moon, she thought with a groan. And it doesn’t look like Luna will be coming out again tonight. Don’t blame her, that was rough.

Nightmare stood and stretched, rolling out her shoulders. Her horn glowed briefly and the doors gently swung open. "Sirs, I must apologize for my outburst earlier. I have no reason to take my anger out on you." Although the guards didn't move, Nightmare could just make out the smiles on their faces. Closing the door again, Nightmare turned back to the office. I suppose I have time to check on the dreamscape.

The balcony was quite small. It held a small potted moon-lily, which Luna and Nightmare liked to take care of. Other than that was a single large cushion, perfect for curling up upon. Nightmare sank her hooves into the plush material and sighed happily. "I've missed this," she said to no one in particular.

Closing her eyes, Nightmare let herself drift into the dreamscape. The plane shifted around her, the blues and greens swirling into a semi-ordered pattern. Nightmare strode through it, letting various dreams surface just long enough to check them, before letting them settle back into the chaos. It's always so peaceful, she thought. Settling down, Nightmare began to more quickly scan through the dreams, searching for the telltale twinge of fear which always came with a nightmare. It was cruel of me to actually cause those terrors, she reminisced sadly.

Nightmare's attention was dragged forcefully back as her scan stopped on a particularly terrified dreamer. "This is almost as bad as my terrors," she thought aloud. Her face set with determination, Nightmare plunged herself into the dream, determined to help. "What poor soul-" Nightmare froze once the dream formed around her. Massive stone walls towered on either side of her, creating a narrow passage. Twilight Sparkle sprinted past, her eyes wild with fear. Before she could react, Nightmare Moon strode around a corner, saliva dripping from her fangs.

"Come back, little pony," the dream-Nightmare called out.

Oh Faust, is that how I sounded? Nightmare shook her head. No, I have to end this. With a flash of her horn, Nightmare entered the dream, taking over her dream self. With another flash of her horn, the walls turned to smoke and blew away in the wind. "Twilight Sparkle!" she called out, turning slowly.

"No! Stay back!" came Twilight's response. Twirling to face her, Nightmare found Twilight pressing herself up against a wall, trying to be as far from her as possible. "Get away from me!"

Nightmare froze. The pure terror and hate in Twilight's voice stung. I could never hurt her, she realized with a start. But, there's no way for me to help her right now. I have to just end this. Nightmare hung her head. "Then I shall leave." With that, she ended Twilight's dream, letting the young mare's mind stitch together a new, calmer dream. "I had no idea she was so scared of me..."

She's not scared of me, she's scared of the character I played. Shaking her head, Nightmare returned to the rest of the dreamscape. I don't want her scared of me.

The rest of the night passed without incident. Twilight's dreams returned the the usual chaos and melted into the background. Nightmare kept an eye on everyone, but couldn't keep her mind off how terrified Twilight had been.

When dawn approached, the dark alicorn returned to her body. With a sad smile she set the moon to rest. I'm sure Celestia has heard about what happened by now. Nightmare strode confidently out of the office and down to eat with her sister. The halls were quiet, allowing Nightmare time to think over what she would say. When she entered the dining room, she found Celestia already seated, waiting for her. "Good morning, Tia. I hope you slept well."

"I slept fine, thank you. How was your night?" Celestia replied, her face a mask for her emotions.

Well, shit. How mad is she? Nightmare knew that Celestia only kept her emotions hidden when she wanted to fairly judge someone. "Well, I'm sure you heard about the little incident with one of the nobles."

Celestia nodded. "Sweetie, Lulu." Celestia paused. "I want to hear your side of things. I love you, and I trust you, but I need to hear, from you, what happened."

"Let me guess," Nightmare replied defensively. "You've already met with the noble, and she gave you a pathetic sob story about how I lost my mind and lashed out at her over some inane reason." Who's she going to believe? Some stuck up self-serving noble or-

"Actually no." Celestia's voice was calm and loving. "I haven't met with her. The guards informed me of what happened." A brief silence followed as Nightmare processed what Celestia said.

"Oh, sorry," was all Nightmare could think to say. I guess I should give her more credit. She's actually trying to listen. "She waited until the end of court. She stood and made her proposal. Which would basically strip me of everything and make me face trial for what I did a thousand years ago. It was a petty attempt at a power grab," her voice hardened as she finished.

With a gentle nod, Celestia smiled somberly. "I should have expected as much. I'm sorry. I should have made sure they behaved themselves. I should have-"

"Tia." The sisters eye's met, and a moment of understanding was passed between them. "You’ve been ruling Equestria, by yourself, for so long. You've had to tell yourself so many times that you can handle everything." Nightmare walked over to sit by her sister. "You don't have to any more. We're in this together. I can take care of myself."

Celestia nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry. I can't keep treating you like a child." The two fell silent again as they nuzzled. "Luna. I can't say I would have done what you did." Nightmare rolled her eyes. "I've seen the transcript. I know what she asked. I'm not saying I wouldn't have been just as enraged. But, well, you were always the more honest of the two of us. You always showed your emotions."

"And you love to hide them behind that mask you perfected over years," came Nightmare's snarky retort. "You were always the one with more control."

There was a content silence between the two as fond memories surfaced. Celestia was the one to break it. "I must inform you, the courts do not work as they did previously.”

Nightmare rolled her eyes. “Of course, what else is new? Do I no longer get to pass down judgement from on high?”

The older alicorn chuckled. “In some cases, we do. But most of the time, there is a system of courts set up to handle these kinds of matters.” She paused, a sudden yawn escaping her lips. “Anyways, when something comes up involving me, well us now, there is a specific court which handles it.”

“Do you mean to tell me that a common pony is given the power to pass judgement upon us?” Nightmare replied incredulously.

Celestia nodded. “Sister, you must admit that it is hardly fair for one of us to pass judgement on a matter in which we are directly involved. How could we expect our subjects to accept that we are considering their side in things?”

Nightmare grumbled. “I know, I know. I was just hoping to strike a little more fear into her. I’m still pissed.”

An alabaster wing wrapped around the younger alicorn. “I know, Lulu. I’ve felt the temptation many times myself. But we have to rise above it.”

Nightmare rolled her eyes. “Alright. Where’s this going to take place? I want to get this over with.”

Ice Blossom, the noble who had made the proposal, and the five others who made up the defendants, sat quietly in their chairs. Nightmare sat on the other side of the room, her face calm. Blossom’s attorney had just sat back down, having given his final statement. Nightmare’s had preceded it. All eyes were on the judge. The room was silent.

The judge sat, his hooves together. His eyes moved slowly back and forth, lingering on Nightmare and Blossom.

It was a full ten minutes before he spoke. “I thank you all for your time today. This has been a most interesting morning.” Rising to his feet, the judge continued. “You have both presented your cases, and I am now prepared to render my verdict.

“Ice Blossom.” The mare stood, still shaking slightly. “Your petition was reprehensible. We have laws to prevent a pony from being tried repeatedly for the same crime. It is my understanding that Princess Luna has been tried, convicted, and has indeed finished her sentence.

“Furthermore, to ask the princess to step down, and surrender her throne, I do not have words for that. I appreciate your argument that she has earned her freedom by serving her sentence, but not her crown. But then, we must determine by what standards the crown is earned. If not by right of being an alicorn, if not by right of being sisterhood with Princess Celestia, then surely Princess Celestia has the right to grant it. And she has.

“Lastly, to the point of her right to rule.” The judge turned to look at Nightmare, his face an expressionless mask. “On that, I find myself swayed. While yes, the nobility is given the right by birth, they can also have that right stripped of them for their actions. The same must be true of a princess. In this, I would, again, defer to Princess Celestia. She believes that you had earned it back. Recent events call this into question, however.

“You are certainly justified in your anger, your highness. The blatant disrespect is certainly enough. And no, I should not, cannot, and will not hold you to the same standard as your sister. But I will hold you to the standard everypony is held to. Anger and outrage is one thing.

“However, imprisonment without trial, a grave misuse of your authority, is another. As is your threats upon her life. As is the manner in which your guards treated her. They are under your command, and you, ultimately, are responsible for them.”

The gavel floated up next to the stallion. His gaze returned to Blossom. “I have received much council today, and feel prepared to render my verdict. Ice Blossom.” The noble mare looked up at her name. “You and those who conspired to draft your proposal will be stripped of your titles. Your families will retain their status, and they are welcome to keep you, but the six of you will be as nothing more than commoners. Princess Luna,” the judge turned to look at Nightmare, who returned his calm gaze. “You shall remain a princess of Equestria. However, your executive and legislative authority are hereby revoked. I understand you have previously met with the royal psychologist. The court hereby orders you to meet with her weekly, so as to solve your anger problems, along with any other you may have. Once you have been deemed of sound mind, we will turn over reinstating your power to Princess Celestia, in whom we will place our trust.” The gavel banged against the wood, reverberating loudly. “Court is adjourned.”

A gentle buzz filled the air as the nobility rose and began to leave. Nightmare was thankful that the trial had been closed to the public and the media. She had barely returned to being a princess when she found herself stripped of her authority. The room quickly emptied, but Nightmare remained in her chair. She wasn’t ready to stand quite yet; she was having a hard time coming to terms with what had happened.

I’m still a princess, but I don’t have any authority? Nightmare’s head tilted slightly. So, I assume I still bring forth the night. And I don’t think they even know I tend the dreams, so I’ll just keep doing that. Nightmare finally stood, albeit slowly. But it sounds like no more paperwork. Can’t say I’ll miss that. What about my court? I think-

“Luna?” Celestia’s soft voice drifted through the courtroom. Nightmare turned and saw the older alicorn standing in the doorway. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be here for you, court went long.” A pause as Celestia took in Nightmare’s mostly blank look. “Luna, are you okay?”

“I must admit I’m not sure I fully understand the verdict, sister,” Nightmare replied.

Celestia blinked. “Ohh, ummm....” She had, of course, been briefed on the matter, but wasn’t sure what to say. “Shall we go back to your room to talk?” Celestia asked hesitantly.

Nightmare shook her head. “No. I’m sure you have a plethora of meetings this afternoon. I was merely hoping you could give me the short version of what will change. Also, I am tired, and wish to sleep.”

Nodding slowly, Celestia leaned against the railing. “Well, you won’t be doing any more paperwork. You also won’t be allowed into any of the meetings with the ministers.” Celestia looked off into the distance, a few tears welling in her eyes, and wondering what else. “Oh, and you can still hold your court if you wish, but any legal petition will have to be passed off to me.” A brief pause before she continued. “I’m sorry, I know-”

Nightmare interrupted her sister, nodding. “Thank you, sister. I will speak with Ms. Thoughts about scheduling our next talk, and then go to bed.” Her face still expressionless, Nightmare left the courtroom. Celestia watched her go, sorrow in her eyes.

It was three days before Quiet Thoughts was able to meet with her again. Quiet had entered the room in silence and sat down across from Nightmare, who was splayed out on her bed. A book was floating before her, though she quickly marked her place and set it down. She did not look at the young mare. “Good evening, Princess,” Quiet began.

“I would hardly call it that,” Nightmare retorted.

“You have a point, I suppose,” Quiet replied. The two sat in peaceful silence for a minute. “Your highness-”

“Please, call me Luna,’ Nightmare replied. I’m hardly a princess anymore, she thought to herself.

“Luna then. Tell me, how are you doing?”

Nightmare let out a long, slow sigh. Her face heavy, she turned to look at Quiet. “I’m exhausted. And I shouldn’t be, all I have to do anymore is sleep, eat, and read. And I’m bored. I’m not sure what to do. Apparently I’m allowed to hold my court still, but after that fiasco, I just don’t feel up to it. And what would be the point? If it’s a legal matter, I have to send it to Tia, I don’t think I’m even allowed to hear it. If it’s a civil thing, like blessing a foal, who would want me over my sister?” She slumped down onto her bed, staring off into the distance.

“I’ve been snapping at the guards and staff these last few days. I don’t know why, but it’s over the smallest of things.” Nightmare curled up. “I yelled at a maid yesterday because she hadn’t yet cleaned up some petals that had fallen off some flowers. I sent her to tears.”

Quiet stared at the defeated look on Nightmare’s face. A look of scholarly interest spread across her face. “Why aren’t you angry now?” Nightmare blinked, puzzled. “You just had the majority of your job and your power taken from you, and you admit you’ve been quick to anger the last few days. So why aren’t you angry right now?” There was no accusation in her voice, nor judgement. Quiet’s tone was purely curious.

The look of confusion did not leave Nightmare’s face. “What is there to be angry over? I willingly submitted myself to the judgement of the court, presented my case, and I have accepted the verdict. I may not like it, but I will not go against my country, and my sister, over such a small thing. I don’t even know why I’ve been angry with the staff!”

“Luna, you heard my testimony in court. I strongly believe you have an anger management issue. Celestia informed me that barely a day back you were snapping at the staff. You lost control during our first meeting. You threw a mare into the dungeons and threatened her with execution over a matter which, quite frankly, you could have simply ignored. When she presented you with the petition, you could have denied it. So, again I ask you, why aren’t you angry?”

“I don’t know!” Nightmare snapped back. “I just don’t care enough anymore. I try to feel anything, and I’m just too tired.”

“So, what are you feeling?”

“I don’t know, okay?” Nightmare turned to glare at Quiet. Her anger only lasted a moment before she slid back down onto the bed. “Whenever I get angry, I just can’t stay angry. It comes in red hot flashes, then sizzles away, leaving me feeling tired. I’m too tired to be angry anymore.” Her voice was still hard, even if her body had gone limp.

“You sound angry.” Quiet pushed. “Are you upset with me for my testimony?”

“What? No!” Nightmare quickly replied. “I’m not angry with you, you just did your job. I don’t get mad at the weather ponies when they make it cloudy at night and I can’t see my stars...”

“Are you angry at all?” Quiet’s voice was calm

“I guess. But I don’t know why. I can’t stay angry at anyone.” Nightmare sounded defeated.

“So, you’re not angry with Celestia?” Quiet offered. “She helped write the laws which gave the judge his authority, and which currently bind you.”

“She did so for the sake of Equestria. It’s not like she did it to hurt me.” Nightmare rationalized.

Quiet pressed on. “How about the judge? You presented a strong, sound argument. He needn't have taken your authority away. In fact, ordering you to meet with me weekly was somewhat redundant, as I was already planning on talking with you.”

A hint of annoyance crept into Nightmare’s voice. “Perhaps, but he must do what is best for Equestria, given the facts. He felt I presented a credible danger to others, given my state. He did the right thing.”

“So who are you angry with?”

“No one!” Nightmare snapped. “I’m not angry with anyone. No one can take the blame for this.”

“You’re still angry, Luna. Until you know who you’re angry with, you can’t begin to work on it. So who are you angry with?”

“EVERYONE!” Nightmare practically screamed. She ran her hooves through her hair, pushing it from her face. “Celestia, you, the judge, those damnable nobles! You all had a part in this!” The rage lasted mere moments longer before Nightmare collapsed, spent. “So why can’t I stay mad at you?” she practically sobbed out.

“Are you sure you’re mad at us? It’s okay if you are, I just need to know who has drawn your ire.”

The dark alicorn covered her face with her hooves. “I’m not. I can’t put the blame on any of you, it wouldn’t be right.”

“Why not? We all had a hoof in this. Surely you can-”

“Because I’m angry at myself!” The words were out of her mouth before Nightmare even realised she said them. And then she realized that she meant them. I’m upset with myself. All of this has been my fault. All the way back to the war I waged in Luna’s name.

Quiet smiled. “Why are you mad at yourself?” Her voice was again calm, not pushing, just asking.

“This has all been my fault. I lost my temper over being addressed by name. I lost control when we first spoke. I waged a war against my sister for control of Equestria, all because I was upset. Everything has always been my fault.” Nightmare curled up on herself, not looking at Quiet.

“You still blame yourself for what happened a thousand years ago?” Quiet asked gently. “You can’t blame yourself for what you did under the influence of dark magic.”

“There was no dark magic,” Nightmare whispered. “All of it was me. It was all my anger and pain. I let it boil over and drive me to further and further atrocities.”

“Let’s talk about what happened then. History books can only tell me so much, and Celestia has been quite quiet on this. And I clearly don’t have the full story.”

Nightmare stood and walked over to her balcony, motioning for Quiet to follow. The pair sat down, the pegasus watching the alicorn, who in turn watched the stars.

“The full story would take many hours to tell, so I’ll give you the short version.” A deep breath later, and Nightmare began.

“I’m sure the story you’ve heard is, in general, true. Celestia and I ruled together for many years, working to bring harmony to Equestria. We had been ruling for a few thousand years before things started to go sour. She took charge of the day, and I the night. At first, my role was much more active. There were many threats facing our young nation. I, often alone, stood against them, guarding the land by night. But eventually, we had peace. And with peace, came less for me to do. Eventually, ponies forgot that I had stood against the darkness.

“They knew that I dealt with the things that threatened Equestria, but the idea became twisted. I went from guardian to terror. Ponies began to think that I had become corrupted by my dealing with the forces of evil. They thought I was going to attack them. So, they began to shun me. Petitioners to my court dwindled. Where before either of us would met with cheers and praise, it stopped coming for just me. Celestia had, in her centuries of dealing with nobles, brought her emotions under perfect control. I often lost my temper in the heat of battle.

“It came to a point where I was actively viewed with suspicion and fear. There were those who stayed loyal to me, who did not believe the lies being spread. But they were few and far between. I tried to reach out to my sister, but she would not act fast enough. My rage blinded me to her reassurances. She counseled that it was simply that the relationship between myself and our subjects had changed, and they were scared. I merely needed to give them time. But I didn’t listen.

“One day, I snapped. Morning came, and I refused to lower the moon. I attacked first. Celestia, for her part, didn’t really fight back, she was all defense. I was trying to kill her. During a small lull, one of her guards charged me. I ripped him apart with a thought. The rest backed off after that. Tia and I fought. Except for the massive amounts of destruction that we brought upon the land, it was a truly epic battle.

“I lost when she used the elements on me. I spent the next thousand years on the moon.” Nightmare shrugged. “That’s the basics. I killed a stallion, in the most painful way I could think of at the time, simply for wanting to defend his princess. I seriously tried to kill my sister. I had completely lost my mind.”

Quiet sat, looking up at the stars. “I’m afraid that’s all the time I have this evening,” she whispered. “I’ll see you again in one week.” She stood and went to the door, leaving Nightmare to sit and stare up at the stars. “Luna?”

“Yes?”

“I have a task I’d like to ask of you this week.”

“What is it?”

“When you find your anger rising, repeat this to yourself: This anger is not for them. You’re angry with yourself, and I am going to work on that with you. However, in the meantime, you need to get control of your outbursts. Also, at least once each day, I want you to spend fifteen minutes doing some yoga.”

Nightmare turned, confused. “What is yoga?”

Quiet chuckled softly. “Very relaxing. I’m sure Celestia can tell you more. I really must be off. Good night, Princess.” With that, Quiet Thoughts exited Luna’s room.

Nightmare turned back to the stars, her face blank. I hadn’t realized just how angry I am with myself. I blame myself for so much... She turned to her moon, watching it slowly travel across the sky. And I deserve every ounce of it.

Two days later, Nightmare and Twilight were again sitting on the balcony, looking up at the stars. The alicorn, having little to do beyond raising the moon these nights, had arrived first. Twilight was quite surprised to find the princess already waiting for her.

“If you don’t mind me asking, how was your week, Princess?” Nightmare’s face darkened considerably, which did not escape Twilight’s notice. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to- please don’t banish me!”

While Twilight said it in a state of pure panic, it helped defuse the situation. My anger is not for her, Nightmare recited in her head; Twilight’s plea to not be banished brought a twinge of humor to her mind. “Do not fret, young Twilight. I have simply had a trying week. It has left me feeling angry at many, though mostly at myself.”

“Do you, do you wanna talk about it?” Twilight asked hesitantly. “I’ve read some books on psychology and they say talking about your problems can be very helpful in overcoming them.”

Nightmare shook her head. “Thank you for the kind offer, but no. My ills need not trouble you.” Looking up at the stars, Nightmare allowed a few seconds of silence before continuing. “I thank you again for allowing me to read your reports on friendship. Though I must ask, what is a true friend?”

“Huh, well...” Twilight took a moment to stare up at the stars. “I guess a true friend is somepony who will stay by your side through the thick and thin. One who will be nice to new friends and old, even if they don’t like them at first.” She shrugged. “Rarity provided the phrase. I’m still figuring out what it means myself.”

“Ah yes, I forget. You are new at this as well.” The pair shared in a content laugh. The two stared up at the stars in silence for a few minutes. It was a comfortable silence, shared by two mares enjoying a work of art.

“Why did you create the first stars?” Twilight suddenly asked. Nightmare gave a small start. “I’m sorry! If that’s too personal, I understand, I was just curious and-

“Twilight”

“ohh that’s twice now I’ve said something bad-”

“TWILIGHT!” The young unicorn froze, her mouth open. She quickly shut it, her blush turning her cheeks a bright scarlet. “As you said, you are new at this, as am I. So how about I share something I learned with you?”

Twilight blinked. Then what Nightmare had set registered. “I’d love to hear!” she exclaimed, sitting up straighter.

“It’s related to why I’ve had a bad week. I don’t wish to say to much, but I learned that no matter what somepony may say about you, no matter how harsh or cruel, you should never respond with anger. It is irresponsible to allow your anger to control you.”

Twilight sat back. “Huh. I never thought about that. But you’re absolutely right. Anger is never a good response.”

Nightmare chuckled. “Now, if I had only learned that a thousand or so years ago.” Her face turned pensive as she looked up to her stars. “I suppose if I had, though, I likely wouldn’t have gotten to meet you.” She shrugged.

Twilight glanced around. “I can’t say getting to meet you was worth you being stuck in the moon a thousand years, but I’m glad I got to.”

“Thank you, Twilight.” Turning to smile at the unicorn, Nightmare felt a certain wave of calm settle over her. I wonder why I feel so comfortable talking with her. She certainly is easy to talk to. “Now, you asked me a question, and I would like to give you an answer.”

Twilight’s face lit up. “Hang on, let me get some quills and parchment, I want to take notes. Wait, can I take notes?” She gave the princess a sheepish smile.

“I doubt you’ll need any notes for this.” Nightmare brought herself up to her full high, while still sitting. “I made the first stars because-!” She wilted. “I was bored.”

Twilight's jaw hit the floor. “WHAT? YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS!” She cried out. “Thousands of stars, some of the most beautiful pieces of art in history, the inspiration for countless poems, stories and paintings, all started because you got bored!?”

Nightmare chuckled. “Twilight, I created the first stars-” She did some quick mental calculations. “A little over twelve thousand years ago. Celestia and I had recently, well, okay, sometime in the previous decade, gotten our cutie marks. I was raising the moon because Mother told me to. She had decided to charge me with shepherding the night. The night sky was just the moon back then. After raising it enough times, okay, for a few years, I was so bored I had to do something. I liked how the gems on a dress I saw sparkled, so I decided to make some gems for the night sky.” She shrugged. “So, I did.”

Twilight could only stare at the princess. Her world had been rocked to its very core. The very idea that the stars she spent hours studying and watching had all started because the night alicorn had gotten bored simply didn’t mesh. She began stuttering, trying to put words together, but none would come.

With a chuckle, Nightmare wrapped a wing around Twilight. “Do not worry, young one. The stories behind most of the rest are far more interesting.”

Finally able to put words together, Twilight asked, “Which ones were first?”

Nightmare smiled, pulling her wing from Twilight. She pointed a hoof up towards the moon. “Do you remember the four stars which converged upon the moon and disappeared when Nightmare returned?”

“Those were your first? But, why there? Why destroy them to escape? I have so many questions.”

Smiling, Nightmare returned her gaze to her charge. “I placed them by the moon because there was no reason to place them anywhere else. Remember, the night sky was empty, so anywhere else they would have just been floating around, seemingly randomly.” With a shrug, Nightmare settled down onto a cushion. “And I didn’t just consume their power. I used them to channel and power a spell strong enough to break the binds the Elements of Harmony placed. I’ve considered replacing them, but I don’t have a reason to add any new stars yet. I don’t just add stars for no reason after all.” Nightmare chuckled.

Twilight groaned. “Right, right.” She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. When she spoke, there was a hint of false anger in her voice. “Look, Luna, I need some time. I mean, I can accept you being consumed by darkness and trying to bring about eternal night. You had reasons for that. Maybe not the best, but reasons. And that’s important. Having a reason for doing something is important. But making stars; the stars! For no better reason than boredom? You, ma’am crossed a line.” She began chuckling lightly, unable to keep her straight face.

Nightmare chuckled. “Oh, well then. I guess I won’t get to tell you about the stars I created to commemorate my curfew getting extended.”

Twilight burst out laughing at that. “Wow. I never thought of you as having a curfew.”

“I was a filly once, just like you.”

The two sat, swapping stories of their youths, for almost an hour. Twilight learned more about Celestia before she became a princess than she ever had before, while Nightmare began to understand Twilight a little more.

Dreams

5

Luna awoke the next night feeling refreshed. The last few days had been trying for her, but her meeting with Twilight had been nice. She had a few minutes before the sun would set and she would need to raise the moon. It didn’t take her long to prepare for the night, mostly just needing a gentle splash of water on her face and a brush through her hair. While it didn’t have her sister’s ethereal flowy-ness, it had begun to darken slightly, along with her coat.

Once it was time, Luna walked to her balcony and looked out over the city. Lights had begun to flicker on and light up the night, but the city was still mostly lit by the reds and pinks of Celestia’s setting sun. As the last of the light faded, her horn alit. Closing her eyes, Luna reached out to the moon. With a practiced ease, she channeled her magic into it, slowly bringing it over the horizon to begin its journey. As the moon passed the horizon, set for the night, Luna turned her attention to the stars. In a wave travelling outwards from the moon they lit, further brightening the night sky.

Nightmare stayed curled up in the back of Luna’s mind, silently watching. She smiled as the moon crested the horizon, and her smile widened as the stars flared into life. Such a wonderful art she has.

With her task done, Luna turned back to the city, giving it one last glance before returning to her room. Nightmare chanced a glance down at the city, but it was too far to tell if anypony was watching. The night again set, she made her way from her chambers, winding through the many halls of the castle, to the private dining room she shared with Celestia. The older sister was already there, quietly munching on a sandwich. She gave Luna a smile as she entered, and gestured to a waiting bowl of oats.

Nightmare looked intently at Celestia as Luna went to sit down. Satisfied that she was still in the dark about their condition, she returned her attention to the bowl of oats. She had to agree with Luna, they tasted wonderful.

The two mares didn’t talk much as they ate, just their usual conversations regarding recent actions from the nobles, plans for the coming days, and a promise to find a day or night they could spend together, as sisters.

With their meal over, Celestia stood and bid Luna a good night. Luna returned the wish, smiling as the older mare left. Enjoying the silence, Luna only stayed a minute longer. With much of the country not going to sleep for another hour or so, Luna began to wander the halls. Most of the staff had gone home for the night, leaving Luna to explore on her own. She didn’t have a destination in mind; rather, Luna simply turned where she felt, opening doors as she saw fit.

This was not Nightmare’s first time watching Luna wander. While she had worried the first few times, mostly over what other ponies would say if Luna was found, she had relaxed greatly. They had never encountered anypony beyond the guards, and tonight was no exception.

Luna’s wandering soon took her to a part of the castle she hadn’t yet visited. It was one of only a few such wings left for her to explore. This particular wing happened to take up one of the southern towers. With a smile, Luna entered, prepared to suss out any secrets waiting to be found.

Upon entering the tower, she noticed the particularly increased guard presence. While there were guards everywhere in the castle, this tower had a good number more. Though she didn’t mind much at first, her curiosity soon got the better of her.

Turning to trot over to the next guard she met, Luna smiled as she greeted him. “Evening, good sir. How is thine watch, this fine night?”

Snapping to attention, the guard saluted her. “Reporting all clear, your highness,” he replied, having the good sense to keep his volume to a softer level, rather than the usual full throated reply.

During the guard’s answer, Nightmare slipped gently into control. It was getting easier for her, the dozens of times, and few recent nights she had almost full control, giving her the needed experience. Keeping up Luna’s generally happy demeanor, Nightmare turned to sit by the guard, looking out over the hallway with him. “At ease, good sir.” Though she did her best to mimic Luna, her voice was always firmer. She simply couldn’t fake that sincere cheer Luna held onto. The guard did relax slightly though, returning to his watchful gazing. “We hath noticed the increased guard presence in this area. Tell Us, what is the need?”

“Two reasons, ma’am. First, these rooms are the designated rooms for Miss Twilight Sparkle, wherever she chooses to stay. Second, as was originally requested, Miss Sparkle’s rooms have their own entrance. As such, we consider this another possible entry point, and must be guarded as such.”

Nightmare frowned slightly. A flash of possessiveness shot through her; She didn’t like the idea of Twilight being so vulnerable. “Surely Miss Sparkle’s rooms do not open directly to the city?” she inquired, doing her best to keep the rising emotions out of her voice.

“No ma’am,” the guard assured her. “There is, two floors down, an entrance. The doors are guarded just as heavily as the main gate. Miss Sparkle’s rooms begin on the floor above us.”

Nightmare nodded. Regardless, I want this wing given it’s own full complement of guards. She had to take a deep breath to bring her emotions back under control. No, that wouldn’t be in keeping with Luna’s character. Can’t break the act. “Very well, We shalt leave her rooms undisturbed then. Good eve, good sir.” With that, Luna, now back in control, arose, turned, and left Twilight’s rooms.

Tia must love her, giving her her own wing of the castle, Nightmare mused as Luna began wandering again. I wonder exactly why. If I get the chance, I’ll make sure to ask. Rolling her eyes, Nightmare chuckled to herself. Just add it to my growing list of things to ask... Settling back into the back of Luna’s mind, Nightmare prepared for another slow night. Still, I’d rather she stay in my chambers. There, at least, I know she’ll be safe.

Is that the only reason you want her in your bedchambers? The voice that echoed in Nightmare’s mind was her old voice, dripping with lust and passion as it growled. Despite it sounding clearly in Nightmare’s mind, a quick glance told her Luna hadn’t noticed anything.

What-? Who-? When no reply came, Nightmare grumbled. I must be exhausted, talking to myself like that.

As it was now late enough for the dreamscape to be full of dreams, Luna found a quiet room to settle in. Her frequent walks had left her with a good knowledge of which rooms would be open at this time. It didn’t take her long to find one. With a gentle pop, Luna teleported in a few cushions from her room. Setting them in a pile, Luna climbed onto them and settled. With another flash of magic, she put herself to sleep, and entered the realm of dreams.

As they flowed into the dreamworld, Nightmare took over, as had become the norm. She landed in her usual lucid dream, a plain field with the stars glittering above. When she had been consumed by her anger and hate, the field was often either burning under an oppressive sun, or chilled beneath endless night. She was glad for the change, neither endless fire nor ice had been very welcoming.

Nightmare walked forward, quickly leaving the field behind. The world shifted around her when she left her dream, forming a star filled plane, dark and calm as her night sky. Countless doors littered the plane. Behind each door was the dreams of a pony in Equestria, along with a few zebras and griffons. While Nightmare and Luna could extend their reach to enter the dreams of just about any sentient in existence, out of respect for the sovereignty of other nations, they only entered the dreams of Equestrians

Upon her return, Nightmare needed to inspect each dream individually, as she had not yet regained her former command of dreams. Now, she only needed gaze at a door to sense the dreams behind it. She could determine whose dreams were happy, whose dreams were not, and whose dreams needed to stay private. She had walked in on one too many wet dreams by accident to not learn to tell those apart.

As Nightmare walked down the dream path, she could only smile as the vast majority of her dreamers were having pleasant dreams. Only one subject’s dreams were beginning to slide towards her namesake. A quick inspection, however, told her this was not a terror born of stress, but of random chance. She sighed. Even a thousand years later, the corruption I left in the dreamworld is as strong as ever. Nightmare placed a hoof upon the door, sighing. I poured my anger and hate into the dreamscape. I let all of that loose in here, hoping for this exact result... She turned to look around, noting the darker blues and purples amongst the lighter cyans and teals that marked her dark influence.

Turning back to the dreamer, Nightmare shook her head. I have to do something about this... After a few seconds of thinking, her face hardened. I need to remove the corruption. I’ll find something to do with it later. Her horn lighting, Nightmare began to draw the corruption she had left out of the dreamer. The black, star filled smoke glowed purple as it flowed into her.

When the last bit entered her, Nightmare shuddered and slid down to the ground. Cleansing his dream hardly left a mark on the level of pain I pushed into here. If only I could pull it directly from the plane... Nightmare sighed. This is going to take a while... She sat there, leaning against the door for a while. A few tears of regret slid down her face. Eventually, she stood, and finished checking dreams.

Satisfied that, at present, no dreamers were in need of her, Nightmare returned to her meadow. Time is fungible enough here, she mumbled to herself. I should be able to have a few minutes of peace to myself before Luna returns. Her eyes turned to her stars, Nightmare relaxed.

After Luna awoke, she stood and stretched. While her short dreams did not cause any real discomfort, it was her usual routine. A gentle pop later and her pillows left, leaving the room as she had found it. Leaving the room herself, Luna again began to wander. She soon found herself entering the library, having followed her hooves there. “I suppose tonight would be a fine time to learn more tax policy changes,” she said, mostly to herself.

Inwardly, Nightmare groaned. I understand that we need to know this, that it’s a vital part to knowing how things have changed, but still. IT’S SO BORING! Nightmare settled back, preparing for another boring night. I wonder if I can do anything on my own while Luna reads...

Quickly trotting back to the relevant section, Luna scanned shelves, looking for pertinent titles. Grabbing a few which looked interesting, the night princess made her way over to one of the study tables. It didn’t take her long to make herself a little den of cushions to curl up in while she read.

She had just settled in for a night of tax laws when a loud snore rent the air.

OH THANK FAUST! Nightmare practically screamed. That saves me the trouble of finding something to do. Now, who is sleeping in the library?

Luna stood and searched around, wondering who else was in the library. She quickly found Twilight, who had fallen asleep, her head resting on the open pages of a book. Luna chuckled softly to herself. “Poor dear.” Before she could take a step towards her, however, Twilight whimpered and curled up slightly.

Despite the shock of seeing Twilight like that, Nightmare was able to take control without missing a beat. I hope she’s cold, and not having a nightmare, she mused. Another whimper escaped Twilight’s mouth, causing Nightmare to speed up. Upon reaching her, she placed a hoof on the younger mare’s back. Immediately, the fear flowed into Nightmare. She had to fight to not jerk back. Okay, what’s scaring her this time? Closing her eyes, Nightmare slipped into Twilight dream.

Twilight and her friends charged through the old castle. Pieces of the walls fell around them as they wound through the halls. “Come on girls, she’s just up ahead, we can stop her!” Twilight’s voice betrayed a hint of panic. Racing around another corner, the six mares came skidding to a stop. Before them was a pair of large wooden doors.

Drawing herself up to her full height, Twilight turned to Applejack and commanded “Applejack, kick the door open.” With a curt nod Applejack turned around, readied herself, and bucked the doors open. They crashed inwards, blown off the hinges. Charging into the room, Twilight cried out, “NIGHTMARE MOON WE’VE-”

“Oh, there you are Twilight!” Celestia interrupted. She and Nightmare Moon were seated next to each other, the five Elements of Harmony sitting on the ground in front of them. The dark alicorn raised a hoof and waved, a cheery smile on her face. “I was just having a wonderful chat with my sister.”

“Your sister?” Twilight cried out in confusion. Twilight’s panic grew as she realized she had been about to strike down a member of the royal family. “But, but-! You sent me here to defeat her!”

“Defeat her? Twilight, she is my sister.” Celestia wrapped a wing around the other alicorn. “Didn’t you read the story? Did you learn nothing from it?”

Stepping back, Twilight looked around for her friends. But she was alone; There was no hiding from Celestia’s eyes. Her heart began to race as the panic kept building. “But, but-”

“Twilight, have you learned nothing from me over all these years?” Celestia shook her head, a somber expression on her face. She rose and walked towards Twilight, who had fallen prone in terror.

“But, the story said she was a wicked mare of darkness!” Twilight tried to reason with her mentor, tried to explain her actions. But even as the words left her mouth, Twilight couldn’t help but admit they sounded foolish.

The princess’ voice was stern now. “And you think I would send you, a child, and my favorite student, to face my immortal sister?” Celestia towered in front of Twilight now, looking down at her, a mixture of sadness and fierceness in her eyes. “Did you think I sent you on what would clearly be a suicide mission? I sent you to Ponyville to make friends, nothing more.”

Twilight was shaking now, barely able to form words. “But I thought-”

“Clearly you didn’t think hard enough, Twilight.” Celestia raised a hoof, lifting Twilight into the air. “I suppose I have no choice but to send you back to Magic Kindergarten.”

Twilight flailed in the air, looking around wildly. “NO! Please! I can do better. I’ll triple read everything and give you a report on my course of action every day! I only did what I thought was best! Please, I’m sorry-”

“Goodbye, Twilight. Perhaps next time you’ll do better.”

In a bright flash, the world around her faded away, leaving Twilight screaming in terror. “Please, no! I can do better, I-”

“Twilight,” Nightmare said calmly, stroking her back. “It’s okay,” Continuing to mumble incoherently, Twilight began rocking back and forth. “It’s just a dream...” She lifted Twilight’s head off the book and shifted her back. With a gentle pop she teleported in a pillow and blanket for the young mare. With the purple unicorn settled in a far more comfortable position, she returned to the delicate task of waking Twilight while easing her fears.

Twilight slowly awoke. A thick, warm blanket was draped across her back, with a soft pillow under her chin. Looking around, she noticed both the blanket and pillow were a dark, midnight blue. With a dull smile she burrowed deeper into the warmth, her lingering fear still sending shivers down her spine.

“Welcome back, Twilight,” Nightmare whispered. Twilight slowly looked over, registering the princess before her. “I’m sorry I couldn’t wake you sooner.”

Twilight curled up, the warmth of the blanket finally beginning to ease her shivers. “What,” Twilight let out a long yawn. “What do you mean, ‘sooner?’” Twilight pulled herself into a sitting position, wrapping the thick blanket protectively around herself.

Nightmare sat down next to Twilight. “One of my many charges is the realm of dreams. It is my duty and privledge to safeguard my subjects from nightmares.” She turned to smile at Twilight. “You were having one, and so I spared you further terror.” Twilight took a few deep breaths, finally stopping her shaking. “I am sorry to say this is not the first I have ended for you. These night terrors are often brought on by stressors and fears in one’s waking life, and while I am more than happy to help you with those fears, I don’t believe this is the time to discuss such things. I believe you need to go to your room and sleep in your bed, not on a pile of books.” Nightmare gestured to the number of books surrounding, and, in one case, under, Twilight.

Twilight blushed. “What was the other dream about?” she asked, her voice still slow and sleepy.

Her attempts to stall did not get past Nightmare. However, she answered nonetheless. “You were trapped in a maze, running from Nightmare Moon.” Twilight blushed again. “Before I send you back to your room, however, I must ask. What are you still doing here in Canterlot?”

Twilight chuckled. “Princess Celestia asked me to do some research for her. Something to do with psychology.” Twilight chuckled. “Oh, oh!” Twilight’s eyes suddenly lit up. “So, when I got here earlier, I asked the librarian if she had any books on Pavlov’s dogs, or Schrödinger’s cat. She said the names rang a bell, but she wouldn’t be sure until she checked!” Twilight crumpled, laughing hysterically.

Nightmare forced a placating smile, not getting the joke. “I see.” Nightmare paused for a moment, letting Twilight gather herself. “Well, would you like me to escort you back to your room?”

Shaking her head, Twilight stood slowly, still chuckling at her joke. “I’ll be okay. I’ve walked back from here, half asleep, plenty of times before.” She swayed on the spot, momentarily looking like she was about to fall again, before steadying.

“Twilight, how long have you been awake?” Nightmare stood and moved closer, prepared to steady the half asleep mare, or catch her should the need arise.

“Um...” Twilight swayed again. She looked off for a moment, thinking. “Well, not counting that small nap... Since yesterday morning!” Twilight finished cheerfully, turning to grin at Nightmare.

The alicorn deadpanned. She raised an eyebrow for a moment, then grinned as Twilight tipped over, losing balance. Having fully expected her too, Nightmare was ready to steady her, gently setting her down on the ground. “Twilight, please. Being able to walk back on your own does not mean you should.”

Smacking her lips, Twilight looked at Nightmare, then the ground, then the distance to the doors to the library. “Okay... But, I’m walking. I’m a big mare, I don’t need to be carried.”

Nightmare chuckled as Twilight shakily rose to her hooves. She stood next to the younger mare, prepared to support her. “Then allow me to offer you some support.”

Twilight giggled happily. “Okay, sure.” Leaning against Nightmare, Twilight pointed a hoof towards the door. “That way!” she said with far too much enthusiasm.

Nightmare snickered before slowly trotting forward, making sure to stay next to Twilight. It took them a few minutes, Twilight kept stumbling. Once they were past the doors of the library, Twilight turned to look up at her walking companion. “Princess Luna?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yes, Twilight?”

Twilight paused, looking around, trying to find the right words. “You mentioned that you help ponies when they have nightmares, but well... I guess I want to know where they come from, what you do, and what was done for the last thousand years.”

Nightmare smiled. “There are two sources of nightmares,” she explained. “The first come from fears and stressors in your waking life. For example, an upcoming exam upon which much lies can cause these night terrors. It can also be fears that a pony has, say a fear of the sea or a terrifying story.”

Looking off into the distance, Nightmare smiled as she reminisced over her charge. “For those, I do my best to talk with the pony. Often times, the true source of one's fear does not manifest so readily, and I help ponies identify it. After that, I work through it with them. All within the safety and privacy of dreams.” Her expression hardened suddenly. “Before my fall, there were ponies who refused my help. It was painful to be denied my favorite charge, but I respected their wishes.”

Twilight nodded along, absorbing everything the princess said. “And the other kind?”

At that, Nightmare stopped. A few tears welled up in the corner of her eyes. “I made them,” she whispered, barely loud enough for Twilight to hear.

Twilight blinked, not sure she had heard right. “I’m sorry, what?”

Composing herself, Nightmare turned to the unicorn. “Nightmare Moon made them,” she retconned. “One night, she poured her anger and pain into the dream world. She corrupted it. That corruption flits about, randomly striking fear into the minds of our subjects.”

Twilight stood, open mouthed. “Wow... she really was evil...” she said, more to herself.

Nightmare’s cheek twitched. Realizing what she had said, Twilight began trying to stammer out apologies. “Twilight. You have no need to apologize. You are right. She was a cruel and dark mare.” But I’ve changed. I’m not the pony I was then. I’m working to fix my mistakes.

Twilight blushed. They walked the rest of the way in silence, Twilight was too embarrassed to ask any more. “Well, this is my room,” she mumbled, pointing towards her door. A slow yawn escaped her lips, which she tried to stifle.

Nightmare opened the door to Twilight’s room for her. “Thank you, Twilight. It is good to talk of some of these things. Now, I believe it is time for you to sleep. And don’t let me catch you staying up all night again,” she added with a chuckle. “You need your sleep.”

Nodding, Twilight stumbled into her room. Nightmare closed the door behind her, trusting the young mare to make it to her bed on her own. Add to the list: What did Tia ask of Twilight that has her working this hard?

As she returned to the library, Luna stepped forward. She hummed merrily to herself. Though Luna did end up spending the night researching tax code, only once more checking the dreamscape, Nightmare had plenty to distract herself with.

Specifically, she wanted to know the source of Twilight’s fears of her. She knew that the fears had to do with her, and her specifically. There was no fear of Luna in Twilight’s heart and mind, only a fear of the Nightmare. A fear of me, of the evil she thinks I represent, sure that makes sense. But, why only her? None of the other five have any of these fears.

Nightmare began to pace, only occasionally glancing up to check on Luna. But is it just me? There was also a fear of disappointing Celestia in that last dream. Is her biggest fear just failing her mentor? But then, where do I fit in? Why does that fear revolve around me?

Nightmare shook the thoughts from her head. I need more. I need to know more.

Nightmare Moon sat upon the Equestrian throne. She was getting impatient. Her black hoof tapped slowly against the polished white of the chair. She shifted a little, getting more comfortable on the cushion. She glanced out the window, staring at the moon, hanging low in the sky. Where are they? She thought angrily. They should be here by now...

Turning to her side, she smiled at Celestia. The other princess was curled up next to the throne, head resting on her hooves, dozing. “Sister, where is your student? Should she not be here by now?”

Celestia merely shrugged. “It’s only been an hour, and the trip is long.”

Nightmare growled. “Still, it is not proper to keep-” She stopped as she heard the distinct sounds of approaching hooves, just beyond the closed doors. “Ahh, good.” Nightmare settled back into her chair, grinning.

The doors swung open, revealing a calm looking Twilight and her friends. “Princess Luna, is everything-” She froze mid step as she saw the black alicorn upon the throne.

Nightmare’s grin widened as Twilight stepped in. Good now- Her thoughts were interrupted as a wave of anger, hate, pain, and jealousy washed over her. The force of them knocked her forward, though she was able to gracefully catch herself. “Twilight Sparkle, how good of you to come.”

Twilight finally found her voice. “Princess Luna, what is going on? Why have you not lowered the moon?”

“Can you not tell, Twilight?” Nightmare let her rage drip into her voice. “You should have tried harder to get rid of me. I’ve been here all along. And now,” Nightmare let out a high, cruel laugh. “Now, I’m getting my revenge.”

Twilight blinked. It took her a moment to process what she was being told. “Girls! Elements, now!” The six girls quickly donned their elements before standing in a circle. “Nightmare Moon. We defeated you before, we’ll do it again!”

Another cruel laughed burst forth from the dark alicorn. “Ohh, yes! I remember that well.” With a flash of her horn, Nightmare blasted the purple unicorn, sending her body to slam into the closed doors behind them. “Well enough to know how to stop you!”

The five other girls ran to their friend, helping her up. Twilight stood on shaky legs before turning to Nightmare, standing strong. “I won’t fall that easily,” she growled. “And you’re not the only one who’s had a chance to prepare.”

In an instant, the six girls were floating in the air, rainbows of magic swirling around them. Nightmare could only keep laughing. “Yes! Go ahead! Try!”. Celestia jumped up and stood with Nightmare facing the swirling magic with her sister. Nightmare grinned, having known what Celestia would do. “Strike us both down! If you can bear to watch your beloved mentor blasted apart along with me that is!”

The magic continued swirling around the six girls, but it didn’t strike. After a few moments, Twilight voice boomed out, magically enhanced. “Princess Celestia. Why do you stand with her?”

“Because I must. I failed my sister once, and I won’t do so again,” the solar alicorn replied.

Nightmare laughed her cold, cruel laugh again. “So, what will you do, Twilight Sparkle? Can you strike down your beloved mentor?”

She didn’t have to wait long for an answer. The swirling magic soon died down, and the six girls floated back down to the floor. “What did you do to her, Nightmare?!” Twilight cried out.

“Oh, just made her see my side of things,” Nightmare replied. “Would you like to join her?”

Twilight’s eyes went wide. “What-?”

Before she could finish her though, five bolts of darkness flew past her and struck her friends. She turned around and watched in horror as her friends visibly changed. Their coats changed and darkened. Their pupils narrowed to slits. Their teeth grew fangs. In fear Twilight scrambled backwards, only to run into something. Slowly, she turned around, staring up into Nightmare’s face, fear etched upon hers.

“Ohh don’t worry,” Nightmare whispered. “They’re still your friends. They’re just loyal to me now.” Another chuckle, this one considerably quieter, escaped her lips. “In fact, the elements will still respond to them.” Nightmare reached up a hoof and stroked Twilight cheek, her grin turning lascivious. “I have a special torment in mind for you.

“You see, the Elements of Harmony are still the best way to defend Equestria. I can’t jeopardize that.” Nightmare forced the unicorn to stand before her. Behind her, her five friends had finished their transformations, and were all bowed before their new queen. “So, you get to use those wonderful elements, but on my order.”

“I will never take orders from you,” Twilight spat back at the alicorn.

“You would watch Equestria fall, let your friends fight, and likely die, on their own, just because you hate me? Out of spite?” Realization dawned in Twilight’s eyes, and Nightmare grinned. “So, what will it be?”

Twilight shook, trying to find a way out, trying to come up with something. She turned to glance back at her friends, and her heart sank when she saw them bowing. “Okay,” she whispered. Still shaking, Twilight slowly bent a knee. Slowly she bowed before Nightmare. “I will serve you,” she answered, barely able to form the words.

“Good.” Nightmare ran the back of her hoof along Twilight’s side. “In time, I think you’ll come to enjoy serving me.”

Nightmare bolted upright, sweat pouring down her face. Her eyes bulged as the terror from her dream coursed through her. “No Twilight! You have to stop me!” Her eyes darted around, trying to find the young mare. It took her a few moments to realize that she was sitting up in her bed, in her room. Twilight was on the other side of the castle. Her eyes quickly looked down, staring at herself. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw only her dark blue coat.

“T’was only a dream...” she mumbled to herself, laying back down. Just as she was about to drift back to sleep, she sat bolt upright again, concern now etched into her face. “Wait. I don’t get nightmares.”

The Voice of Reason

Nightmare Moon made her way down to join her sister for breakfast. The memories of her dream still sent shivers down her spine, and she was doing her best to ignore it. Having spent hundreds of years helping others with their night terrors, she easily figured out where her own came from. She was still scared of who she had been, she knew that. Considering the cruelty she had visited upon others, her fear wasn’t entirely unfounded.

What concerned her more was the fact she had dreamt at all. For thousands of years, Luna had had nothing but lucid dreams. Even in her comparatively brief time, Nightmare had never had anything but a lucid dream either. She couldn’t shake a deep sense of foreboding.

“Luna! Did you sleep alright?” Celestia’s voice was bright and cheerful, only the slightest hints of concern slipping through. “The guards reported they heard a disturbance earlier?”

Nightmare considered lying to her. She briefly cast her mind around, wondering what to say. Then she met her sister’s eyes. They were filled with the genuine concern that had been missing from her voice. Nightmare let her head hang. “I had a nightmare last night,” she whispered.

Celestia gasped. “I thought you didn’t dream! How could-” Her voice was now full of concern and panic.

“Please, Tia. I’m working through that on my own.” Nightmare slumped down into her chair, suddenly exhausted. Her voice was quiet and weak. “I don’t want you to worry about this.”

Celestia scooted her chair over and wrapped a leg around her sister, giving her a gentle hug. “Lulu, I’m here for you. I’m always here to talk.” Pulling back slightly, Celestia lifted Nightmare’s chin up to look into her eyes. “And don’t tell me not to worry. I’m always going to worry about you.

With a soft chuckle, Nightmare met her sister’s gaze. “I know. Still.”

Celestia gave Nightmare a warm smile before sitting back. She ignored her meal, entirely focussed on her sister. “So, what was it about? If you don’t mind me asking.”

Nightmare looked down into her bowl. As much as she wanted to say she didn’t remember, to come up with some excuse to get Celestia to back off, she couldn’t bring herself too. It wasn’t about deceiving her sister, she was doing that on a daily basis; It was about lying to herself. She knew she had to face her fears if she was to overcome them. She could hardly counsel others to do so if she wouldn’t even talk about her own.

“I was Nightmare again. I had defeated you and was defeating Twilight. I took a perverse glee in tormenting her.” She let out a shuddering breath she hadn’t realized she was holding back. A few tears slid down her cheek. “I’m afraid I’ll never be more than who I was.”

Celestia leaned over and wrapped both her forelegs around Nightmare. “You will always be my sister, Luna. I failed you once, I won’t do so again.” A shudder ran through the younger mare as she recalled her dream saying almost those exact words. “You’ll always have me.”

Nuzzling closer, Nightmare buried her face in Celestia shoulder. “I know. I worry it won’t be enough.” The two held each other silently for a minute. They didn’t need to speak to share their love for each other. When they broke apart the younger alicorn was visibly relaxed. “Tia,” she started hesitantly. “I’ve some questions for you.”

Celestia sat back and took a bite of her meal. “Certainly,” she said through a mouthful of food.

“So, I noticed Twilight is still here in the castle.” Celestia nodded. “Well, why? She mentioned something about you asking something of her?”

Slowly chewing her food, Celestia pondered. After swallowing she made a face of puzzlement. “She staying because she wanted to visit her parents. I assume she’s over there now.” Celestia looked off, straining her memory. “As for me asking anything of her... I can’t say. I’m not sure what she’s talking about.”

“She mentioned something about the history of psychology? Does that ring a bell?”

At that, Celestia pulled a face and groaned. “I love her. But sometimes...” Celestia shook her head and gave Nightmare a small smile. “I mentioned that I was looking up some info regarding when I pushed to start the field. I wanted to give you something. I know how much dreamwalking means to you, and I wanted to assure you that even during your, vacation, the ponies were still being taken care of.” A small blush graced Celestia’s cheeks. “I pushed for it to be created, because I knew that, until your return, I’d be dealing with problems I can’t even understand.”

Nightmare was torn. On the one hoof, she was a little insulted. Knowing that hundreds, if not thousands, of ponies now did the very work she prided herself on stung a little. It felt as if she had been slowly replaced. On the other hoof, it reminded her of just how important she was to Equestria. And having Celestia recognize that meant a lot to her. “Thank you,” she settled on. Nightmare looked up and smiled. At least she recognizes how important Luna is. “I do have one other question, if you don’t mind.”

Celestia smiled. “Certainly. If you’all permit one of my own.”

Nightmare chuckled. “Of course. Mine is quite simple. Why does Twilight have her own tower in the castle?”

Celestia’s looked sheepish for a moment. “Two reasons, really. One, as my personal student she is given a tower to reside in. All of my students for decades now have resided in that tower.” Nightmare waited for Celestia to continue. “And, because she’s like a daughter to me. More so than any other student I’ve taught.” A content smile spread across Celestia’s face. “I love her.”

Ohh, great. Now we’ll have to ask Tia before we rut Sparkle senseless.

A look of horror and anger spread across Nightmare’s face. WHAT???? Shaking her head to clear her mind, Nightmare was glad to see Celestia didn’t seem to have noticed. Forcing a smile onto her face, Nightmare said “I have missed having family beyond just you. A sister is always welcome, but sometimes the love of a child is needed.”

Or that of a lover.

Will you shut it?! Nightmare had to fight to keep the smile on her face. “So, your question?” she asked quickly, trying to move to conversation back to less risky topics.

“Well, how have you been holding up?” Turning to her sister, Celestia’s smile was full of love and care.

Nightmare didn’t return it. She looked down at her plate. “Tis hard, some days.” Her voice was slow and measured, devoid of emotion. “Ms. Thoughts has pointed out I have anger issues, and has given me tasks for how to begin to handle it. I have also been lonely. The castle is empty and quiet at night. While I am glad to avoid the cacophony I have witnessed on the rare occasion I am awake during the day, I would like somepony to talk to.” Feeling a little better having spoken her thoughts aloud, Nightmare gave a small shrug. “But, I am content most nights.”

Celestia’s face fell slightly. “I’m sorry to hear that...” She looked down at her clean plate, then glanced at Nightmare’s mostly uneaten meal. She rose. “Well, it is time I turned in for the night. Nightmare gave a curt nod, returning to her food. Celestia opened the door to leave, and stopped. “Oh, hello Twilight.”

Nightmare’s ear’s perked up instinctively. She couldn’t make out what Twilight was saying, Celestia’s body was blocking most of the doorway.

“Well, she’s here, having her breakfast. Why?”

Nightmare could see Celestia’s shoulders slump. Twilight must have said something she didn’t like. It was only for an instant, though.

Turning, Celestia looked back at Nightmare. “Luna, would you permit Twilight to join you?”

Yes. Bring that sexy flank in here.

Again, Nightmare barely kept her anger in check. You will stay silent while we dine. “Gladly.”

Celestia stepped aside and let Twilight in past her. “Well, I hope you to have a wonderful evening together.” With a spring in her step, Celestia left, closing the door behind Twilight.

Nightmare gestured to Celestia’s vacated seat. “Please, sit. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”

Nervously fidgeting, Twilight sat down.

Ohh, she’s adorable when she’s nervous. Imagine her face when we go down on her for the first time. Nightmare’s cheek twitched.

“Well, I was hoping to spend more time with you.” Twilight looked up, smiling nervously. “One of my books on friendship said that I should take the time to understand my friends life. I made it a point to spend a day with each of my friends in Ponyville to get to know them better. Since I’d like to think of you as a friend, I thought I should do the same with you.” Twilight gave a sheepish smile.

Ohh, she wants to spend the night with us?

A shudder ran through Nightmare. The tone the voice spoke with chilled her to the bone. I told you to be quiet! “Well, thank you for the offer, Twilight. But I believe I asked you last night to make sure you got good sleep?”

Twilight blushed and looked down at the plate. “I know, but, well, when else am I going to get to spend time with you?”

She can spend all the time she-

YOU WILL BE SILENT! Her smile faltered long enough for a grimace of anger to slip through. Long enough for Twilight to notice. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to... I’ll go now.” Twilight rose from her seat and made to leave.

Now look at what-

“Stop!” Nightmare’s voice shook with anger. She wasn’t sure if she was talking to Twilight or the voice more. This anger is not for Twilight. Maybe for that nympho, but not Twilight. With a deep breath, Nightmare was able to calm down. “I apologize, Twilight. I-” Nightmare searched around for the best explanation. “I’m afraid a thousand years of isolation has left me worse for wear. Some impulses are harder to control than others. Specifically, my anger. I am working on it, but I fear that now is not a good time for me.”

“Ohh...” Twilight bit her lip. “Would you like to talk? Friendship Weekly says that talking about your problems with friends is a great way to work through them, and bond.”

Nightmare turned to the unicorn. Did she say- She can’t actually- Did somepony really- “Friendship Weekly?”

Her cheeks turning a bright red, Twilight quickly began inspecting the floor. “It’s a magazine.” she said meekly.

Nightmare chuckled. “I’m sorry. I truly am. But this is not something I feel comfortable discussing with you. And while I would love to spend time with thee, you really must maintain a good sleep schedule. Not doing so can have disastrous effects on your waking health.”

Twilight’s ears drooped. “Okay. Can I still come meet with you to talk about the stars next week?”

A gentle chuckle escaped Nightmare’s lips. “Certainly. I look forward to it.” As much as I worry about spending time with her, I don't think I could survive without some interaction with, well, anypony. Having finished her oatmeal, Nightmare stood. “Now, I would like to accompany you back to your room.”

Confused, Twilight looked up. “Why?”

“I have heard a great deal about you from my sister. And about your penchant for sneaking off to the library when you should be sleeping.”

Giggling, Twilight bit her lip, the blood returning to her cheeks in force. “Ohh. Right. Okay.”

A few nights later, Nightmare wandered back to the library. Without her court to keep her occupied, she had turned, heavily, to reading. It was quickly becoming her way of passing the time. She would pick a book, mostly at random, pop in a few pillows and blankets from her bed and nest in them, curled up to read. During the last few nights, she had passed hours like that, losing herself in some book.

It wasn’t that she had any great desire to read, or that she got any enjoyment from doing so. Her drive to read was purely to pass the time. She didn’t have much else to do. Her nights were lonely, with only the night shift of guards awake, and a dozen or so staff. There were no royal duties that were needed of her, beyond raising and lowering the moon, and the errant minor royal decree. She only broke from her book a few times, twice to check on the dreamscape, once in between to eat, and as needed when nature called. Otherwise, she just sat and read.

Tonight was going to be no different. Nightmare let her hooves wander until she was deep in the fiction section of the massive library. It hadn’t taken her long to read through the non-fiction books she had too; Taxes had just been the latest. If some matter came up that required more knowledge from her, she had planned to spend her long nights reading up on that. Not much else to do anyways.

Running a hoof down the spines, Nightmare paid little attention to the books, letting her subconscious guide her. Countless books went by as she strode deeper and deeper into the stacks. She didn’t stop until a large brown book, sticking out slightly, caught her hoof. Nightmare turned to stare at it. There was no title on the spine, not one she could make out anyways. Pulling the tome off the shelf, she flipped it around to appraise its cover. I know better than to judge a book by its cover, but this book is… odd. The cover was adorned with only a stylized image of a green unicorn with a gold lyre cutie mark, wearing some form of dark jacket.

Shrugging, Nightmare took the book with her and returned to her blanket nest. No reason to not read it at least. Settling in, she began to read.

The hours passed in a blur. The story was certainly a sad one. Unintentionally, she delayed her first break, the story simply demanded that much of her attention. By the time she did break, it was almost time for her to eat.

Her foray into the dreamscape was the same as it had been. Equestria was largely a worry free country, and so produced few nightmares for her to calm. There was a dreamer in trouble tonight; However, this one was caused by the hate she had poured in herself. With a small sigh she withdrew the corruption into herself. Same as last time… she muttered to herself.

Her trip to the kitchen was short. Her meal consisted of a small sandwich she made herself. She wasn’t that hungry. With a poof she went back to the library, munching lazily as she returned to her book.

The rest of the night passed in similar fashion. The breaks she took were uneventful. She was only halfway through the story when morning began to approached. Not in the mood to face Celestia, she slipped into the kitchen and had a quick meal before her sister arose. She had another small sandwich, declining the grander meal the staff had prepared for her. She did thank them for their effort, however. I do appreciate the effort they put into it.

Slinking through the castle, Nightmare avoided Celestia before quietly entering her room. She took a few minutes to do some yoga, she was finding it as relaxing as Quiet had indicated. She was also quietly dreading the nightmare she expected, and wished to put off sleeping as long as possible. She hadn’t had one since the first, but she reasoned that collecting the corruption would trigger another.

She was not disappointed.

“So, Luna, how was your week?”

Nightmare stared up at her ceiling. Quiet had decided to come to her room for their meeting again. Fitting, since she wasn’t in much of a mood to leave her room. Casting her thoughts back over the week, Nightmare mused over the question. “I suppose I’ve had worse weeks. In fact, I’ve done a lot of reading this week. Not having any of my usual work left me with quite a lot of time. It was relaxing.”

Quiet smiled. “Well, I’m glad to hear that. How’s your anger been?”

Shrugging, Nightmare turned to the psychologist. “I’m still quick to anger. I’ve done my best to keep from yelling at ponies, but it’s hard.”

“Alright. Did you get a chance to try some yoga?” Her voice was calm and relaxed, simply curious.

Nightmare’s head bobbed back and forth, neither yes nor no. “Well, kinda. I missed the first two days as I was unable to find any information on it, but Celestia quickly pointed me in the right direction. I must admit, it has been relaxing.”

Nodding, Quiet moved on. “Alright, well as we learned last time, a large portion of your anger is directed at yourself.” A sad nod from Nightmare prompted her to keep going. “You feel the blame for your actions a thousand years ago lies with you. You’ve said that there was no dark spirit or force which corrupted you.”

“It was all me.” Nightmare eyes blanked over as she stared ahead. “Every pony killed was killed by my hoof. I was fully prepared to destroy all life in Equestria out of anger.”

“Right, well, I have some more questions for you, if you don’t mind.” Quiet sat with a quill and a few pieces of parchment.

“More questions?” This anger is not for her. Taking a deep breath, she continued. “What more do you wish to know?”

“Well, you said that there was no external force influencing your actions. So, that leaves me with one pressing question, which I’m sure will lead us to more. Who, exactly, was Nightmare Moon?”

A shock ran through her. Nightmare had no idea how to answer that, even truthfully. “I’m sorry, what?” was all she could sputter out.

“Again, I recognize that the commonly held histories could be wildly inaccurate, so I am trying to form a more complete picture.” Quiet was calm and collected. She had brought her hooves together and was looking at Nightmare over them. “Many of our stories and tales talk of Nightmare Moon. She is oft depicted as an evil corrupting force that took you over and/or drove you to madness. Upon your return, what small scattered stories I have heard speak of this Nightmare Moon doing something to your sister before-”

Quiet stopped speaking at Nightmare’s raised hoof. Her horn glowing, she locked the doors, pulled the curtains, and fully soundproofed the room. “Tell me again the privacy rules for these meetings. Under what circumstances will you divulge anything that I say in confidence?”

Very confused, Quiet looked up pensively. “Um... If you’re planning to harm somepony else, or if you’re planning to harm yourself. And then, only if I feel the threat is credible.” Quiet cast around for a moment. “Also, there are certain laws, none of which I think are going to apply, that allow the government to require I hand all records over.”

“Which laws?”

“Oh, um... There’s one pertaining to ponies looking to be employed in certain parts of government, another pertaining to guards and the standing military. It’s mostly related to government work in some way. I don’t think any could be used against you, and not without a serious stretch of precedent.”

“Okay. I recall you mentioning something about threats to national security?”

Quiet’s mouth fell open. “Yes. You’re not planning to tell me about any plots you have to overthrow your sister, are you?” She asked, quite incredulously. “Because, that I’d have to-”

“Nightmare Moon is a part of my mind.”

Quiet blinked. “I’m sorry?”

“She was not some force invading my mind. She was completely internal.” Nightmare shook herself, preparing for a spiel. “I cannot explain to you what happened. You’re the psychologist. I can tell you that one day, she began to talk to me. She started off as just a voice in my head with which I argued sometimes. I’m sure you’ve argued with yourself. I thought it nothing more than that.

“She wanted me to be happy. I wasn’t that happy at the time. I was a churning ball of emotion, but mostly sadness. She kept pushing for me to do something, anything, to get the citizens to like me again. Parades, national holidays, anything. For years I mostly ignored her. When she gave good advice I took it, but that was pretty rare.

“But, as things got worse, I started listening to her more, just as she started getting more and more angry. It was like all of my anger was being pushed into her. The actions she suggested, and which I started considering, got worse and worse. But I couldn’t act on anything, I was too scared, to upset. Eventually, she asked to be put in charge. It was the perfect out for me, she explained. She had an idea, and if it worked, great. If not, I could always blame it on some madness that had taken hold.”

Nightmare cast her mind back to the months she spent convincing Luna to let her out. To allow her anger and rage free reign. Her eyes glazed over before she continued, not fully paying attention to her words. “It didn’t work. I took over and let out my rage at Celestia. It was morning. I brought the moon up and blocked the sun.

“Of course, she tried to reason with me. I didn’t listen. I declared war on her. I told her that if she wasn’t going to stand with me, she was against me. And that I’d take her down. We fought. I was trying to kill her. Not defeat her, kill her. We fought. Rather, I fought. She ran. I chased her through the city around our old castle, destroying large parts of it. Eventually, I knocked her down. A dozen of her guards came, trying to stop me.” A shudder ran through Nightmare as images of what she did surfaced in her mind. “I tore them apart. Literally. I’m sure around then is when Celestia gathered the elements. She defeated me, and I spent the next thousand years on the moon.”

Nightmare let out a deep sigh. “I am Nightmare Moon,” she whispered, mostly to herself.

Quiet listened intently through the princess’s speech. She nodded along, taking notes. She paused briefly when her pronoun use changed, but otherwise kept writing. Once Nightmare had finished, Quiet read back over her notes. Nightmare looked at the ground, her shoulders slumped.

“I think I see.” Quiet looked up and gave Nightmare a warm smile. “You don’t blame yourself for someone else’s actions. You see them as your own actions.” Nightmare nodded slowly. Letting out a deep breath through her nose, Quiet approached the princess. She wrapped her forelegs around the alicorn and held her. “You’re also afraid you’re going to relapse back into that. That that will always define you.” Nightmare pushed her head into Quiet’s shoulder and nodded.

“I don’t want to be who I was again. I want to move on. I want to be better…” Nightmare broke down, shaking as tears started pouring down her cheeks. Quiet held her, gently patting her on the back. She whispered words of calm while Nightmare shook, the tears cascading down and soaking her shoulder.

Eventually, Nightmare was able to stop crying. Once she did, she pulled back from Quiet’s hug. “Thank you,” she whispered. Calming down, Nightmare sat back. She turned to look out her window, staring off at her night sky.

“That is what I’m here for, Princess,” Quiet replied. She shifted so she was sitting with Nightmare, looking out the window with her. “The stars are quite pretty.”

Ohh, let’s rut her too.

THAT’S ALL IT TAKES FOR YOU?!?!

Nightmare breathed deeply through her nose. “Thank you. There is something else I’d like to talk with you about.”

“Of course, fire away.”

“I’ve been hearing a voice as of late.” Quiet turned to stare quizzically at the princess. “It…” Nightmare paused, unsure of the right words to use. “Well, it is very focused on sex.”

Quiet blinked. She blinked again. “Really?” Nightmare nodded. “In general, or is there a specific act or pony it’s focused on?”

Nightmare blushed and looked away. Twilight…

Mmm, Twilight…

The color drained from Nightmare’s face. Again, the voice was full of lust. Quiet noticed and raised an eyebrow. Nightmare let out a long breath through her nose. “Yes. Twilight Sparkle.” Her voice was flat as she tried to keep all emotion out of it.

Quiet smiled. “Well, I guess there are two things I need to ask. First, How does this voice differ from Nightmare?”

“This one doesn’t talk to me, not as much at least,” Nightmare explained. Emotion had slipped back into her voice; She sounded exhausted. Defeated. “It just says things relevant to the current situation. Which I guess is better, but it’s really getting annoying.”

Quiet nodded along as Nightmare spoke, taking a few more notes. “So, I know you have been seeing Ms. Sparkle weekly. My next few questions all tie together so I’m going to ask them together and let you answer them all as you see fit.

“Is this voice straining your relationship with Twilight? What is your relationship with Twilight? What do you want your relationship to be? Are you attracted to Twilight? Do you think it’s safe for you to be near her?” Quiet paused for a second, bobbing her head back and forth. “Ya, that’s it.”

It took Nightmare a moment to process all the questions. With a deep breath, she began. “I have no idea what our relationship is. Nor do I know what I want it to be. I’ve found myself thinking of the two of us in, well… very lewd acts.” The blood returned to her cheeks. “I can’t say that no part of me is attracted to her, she is a beautiful mare. But I don’t know how attracted to her I am. If I could jump forward to a time when the two of us are in that kind of relationship, I wouldn’t object. Part of that is because I’m in need of release, part is because I like her. I don’t know how much is each. But I’m not sure if we’re even friends yet. And I do know that approaching her about that right now would likely ruin whatever it is we have.

“And,” Nightmare paused. She pointedly looked out the window at her moon. “I am afraid of what I’d do to her. She has already asked to spend more time with me, and I told her no. I didn’t tell her why, just that I’m not doing well right now. I didn’t want to tell her that I’m worried I might rape her. I mean, how would she take that?” Nightmare was rambling at this point, the words tumbling out of her mouth. “I don’t want to scare her. I’m scared enough as it is. Early this week I had a nightmare where I had returned to who I was. Two nights ago I had another, a follow up almost, where I had taken Twilight as a kind of personal sex slave. And I woke up soaked! As much as the thought of doing that to her terrifies me, the thought of her wanting it turns me on so much.

“Yes, I want her body. But, no, I don't. I want her love. I think I love her. I don't know! How could I not? She's kind, a good friend, loves my nights, loves to stargaze, has listened intently to everything I've taught her about the stars. She treats me like a pony. She doesn't put me up on a pedestal, she doesn't see me as some unknowable, untouchable goddess, just as a pony. I can't begin to explain how much that means to me. And I'd rather watch her be with somepony else, watch her grown old and die, than lose her friendship. But I want so much more from her, I-”

“Princess!” Quiet had to yell to get Nightmare to hear her. The dark alicorn turned to her therapist, biting her lip and blushing. “It's okay. I believe I understand.”

Her cheeks still flushed, Nightmare hung her head. “I apologise, I don’t often ramble.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, Princess,” replied the therapist. “In fact, your rambling is good; it helps me to understand you better.” With a calm smile she reached out and placed a hoff on Nightmare’s shoulder. “But, tell me if I’m wrong, but I’m willing to bet you don’t think you’re deserving of her.”

Nightmare blinked. She hadn’t thought that far, and yet Quiet’s words rang true. “I hadn’t thought about it, but ya, I guess I don’t.”

“Princess, I believe it’s time for me to go.” Nightmare sighed. “I know, I know. I enjoy talking with you too. But I can’t give you all of my time.” At that, a small, understanding smile crossed the alicorn’s face. “Before I go, I want to share some observations I’ve had.”

Nightmare cocked an eyebrow and turned to her therapist. “You’ve talked with me for a few hours and you’re prepared to diagnose me already?”

Shaking her head, Quiet rose. “No, not yet, though I do have some strong theories. No, right now I just want to share some thoughts I’ve had, and have you think over them. Often times it takes somepony else pointing something out, especially about ourselves, for us to actually see it.

“You’re angry at yourself for what you did a thousand years ago. You’re scared you’re going to repeat those mistakes.” Nightmare nodded, she already knew that. “Furthermore, you don’t know where you belong. When you returned you weren’t sure where you fit in, and now with so little to do, that feeling of not belonging has only grown worse. There’s a part of you, I’m guessing a pretty large part, that says you don’t deserve to be happy, because of what you did. You still think you need to serve penance for what you did.”

Nightmare hung her head. As much as she reflexively wanted to deny it, to say she was fine, she knew the truth in those words.

“I don’t expect to change your thinking with a few words, but I want you to start thinking about this.” Quiet stood up and placed a hoof on Nightmare’s shoulder. “The past does not define us. It shapes who we are, yes, but we can always decide to change. We are never so set in our ways that we cannot choose to be different. As with anything, it will take time, but you have started down that path.” Taking her hoof from Nightmare’s shoulder, she strode towards the door, which Nightmare unlocked for her.

“Oh, and one last thing.” Nightmare turned to face the pegasus, who was mostly outside the door, speaking over her shoulder. “I know it’s hard to believe, but you can trust me, Nightmare.” With that, Quiet let the door close and left, leaving a confused and scared Nightmare behind.

Revelations

She wanted to run after her. She wanted to hunt her down and confront her. She needed to know how she knew, how she had figured it out. Did I slip up? Did I say something that clued her in? Nightmare’s mind raced as she tried to understand. She couldn’t run after her, though. She was scared. She didn’t think she could face Quiet if she had found out. If she hadn’t, but suspected it, her reaction would only confirm it. It was too big a risk.

Pacing back and forth, the night princess focused on determining how her therapist had figured out her darkest secret. “If she had been asking Celestia or Twilight questions, they would have told me,” she reasoned. “But, they’re the only two I’ve really talked to…” With a growl of frustration, she threw her head back. “Alright, what could they know, and have told Quiet?”

“Twilight first,” she decided. Mmmm, yes, Twilight will always be first… Nightmare growled again, much louder. “Would you be quiet?” she screamed at the voice in her head. With a blast from her horn she threw the doors to her balcony open and stormed out to glare into the distance. A cold night wind blew through her wings, but it did little to soothe the burning anger in her chest. “Twilight Sparkle is our friend.” She growled mostly under her breath. It was a struggle to keep her voice down. “She is not some hussy for us to go lusting after.”

Only a content snicker echoed from the depths of her mind. With a deep breath, Nightmare sat down on the balcony. “Twilight.” Another deep breath, and she looked out over the plains at the base of the mountain. “She’s scared of me still. I’d rather she wasn’t, but I understand.” Her features turned sour before she continued. “But she’s only met me as Luna. I’ve been very careful to not let myself show through. Moreso her than anypony else.” A dark chuckle escaped her lips.

“What about Tia?” she asked herself, standing and moving to the railing to stare out at her sister’s tower. “She may have noticed some odd behavior from me. That first time certainly didn’t go well…” Biting her lip in worry, she continued to stare. “If Quiet is as good as she says, that may have been enough for her to figure it out. Or at least suspect.”
Resting her chin on the railing, she let her eyes unfocus and stare off into the distance. I don’t know what to do. Her mind wandered as she gazed out over Equestria.

When Twilight next arrived, Nightmare was waiting in the garden for her. She was tired, but happy to see Twilight again. “Come, Twilight. I have many questions for you this week.” She had briefly considered whether or not to confront Twilight and determine what she knew, if anything. In the end, she decided that the risk was to great. There was only a small chance Twilight would have anything to tell, and wouldn’t break down, and a large chance she would break down or run screaming.

A spring in her step, Twilight darted forward and settled in next to the princess. “Certain-” before she could finish her word, a cold winter breeze swept through the gardens. Nightmare was more than used to the cold; her millenium on the moon had been far worse. Twilight, however, had grown accustomed to the warmth of Ponyville, and had forgotten the cold mountain air. A heavy shiver ran through her body. “Ohh wow. It is cold tonight.”

Nightmare glanced over, having barely registered the cold. Seeing her shivering there, she felt a sudden, instinctive need to protect the young unicorn. She wanted little more than to wrap her wing around Twilight and pull her tight against her barrel. A nagging doubt in the back of her mind stopped her. “Come here Twilight.” Her voice was gentle and loving as her horn lit up. Why don’t we take her back to our bedroom? It’s plenty warm in there, the lascivious voice asked.

Twilight looked up expectantly as she scooted closer. “Yes, Princess?”

Nightmare gazed out over the royal gardens, internally at war with herself. The spell faded from her horn as she argued back. I can’t invite her back to my bedroom! She may be sheltered but I doubt that would get past her.

She reads a magazine called ‘Friendship Weekly.’ How much more sheltered can she get?

Regardless, it would be most improper of me to invite her there, regardless of her response.

So invite her there for warmth. You’re room is much better suited to stargazing and talking, is it not?

I-

“Luna?” Twilight hesitantly asked, gently placing a hoof on Nightmare’s side.

With a jolt, Nightmare was brought out of her internal monologue. She turned to face Twilight, fighting to keep her face neutral. Twilight looked up at her, a look of interested wondering on her face. “It has been cold these last few nights. I’m afraid the weather ponies have a storm blowing in soon. Why don’t we move inside?”

Twilight smiled. “That sounds lovely. Where shall we head?” the purple pony asked as she stood.

Nightmare stood next to Twilight, a half smile on her lips. “Unless you have any objections, I was thinking we could adjourn to my chambers.” Please say no. Please say no. Please-

“Ohh, that sounds delightful, princess!” Twilight replied happily, turning back towards the castle. “Princess Celestia and I would spend hours talking in her room when I was younger. Ohh! And I’ve never seen your room before! I admit I’m a little curious as to how you’ve decorated it.”

See, she doesn’t suspect a thing. Nightmare shook her head, forcing out a chuckle. “Come then. There is much in my chambers I think you’ll find interesting.” Once the pair were inside the castle proper, Twilight fell back a little, following the princess. Ohh, and she was nice and warm… Ohh well. I’m sure we’ll get more time with her later. The voice added a very clear purr at the end, making Nightmare’s cheek twitch.

Nightmare, growling softly, stretched out her neck to keep from outwardly snapping. Please. Just be quiet. I want it as much as you, but if we push to fast we won’t get any.

In short order, the pair reached the princesses chambers. The solid black wooden doors stood shut, a pair of guards flanking them. As Nightmare approached, the guards bowed and pushed the doors open for the pair. With a smile, Nightmare stepped aside and allowed Twilight to enter first. Her grin grew as she heard Twilight’s adoring oohs and ahhs before following her in.

Standing in the middle of the room, and slowly spinning, Twilight was taking in the sights all around her. On the walls hung grand tapestries of constellations, many she knew and clearly some which only the princess saw. On the ceiling was carved an intricate mural of the night sky which, to Twilight’s delight, was enchanted to perfectly follow the actual sky. “I should have guessed! Of course you would have everything themed after the night sky and the stars! Why wouldn’t you, you made them!” Twilight laughed in joy and delight as she spun, taking in everything.

There was a desk of mahogany, papers littered across its surface. An indigo seat cushion trimmed in silver sat behind it, with a half dozen more strewn across the room. While the rest of the castle walls had been painted in the bright tones of Celestia’s mane, Luna’s room had been painted in various blues.

Nightmare strode to her seating cushions and sat, giving Twilight time to enjoy. Ohh, you should have invited her to sit on the bed with you. Nightmare barely managed to keep her anger from flaring. “Twilight!” she called out, bringing the unicorn’s attention back to her. “Please, sit with me.”

Grinning broadly, Twilight bounded over to the princess and sat down. “It’s lovely!”

A sheepish grin spread across Nightmare’s lips. “Thank you.” She took a moment to smile happily at the unicorn, just taking her in.

Still looking around, Twilight’s face slowly grew confused. “Where’s your telescope?” she eventually asked. “I figured you’d have a really nice one, or maybe just a simple one. But I don’t see one at all.”

Rolling her eyes, Nightmare strode to the center of the room. “Come here, Twilight.” As Twilight approached, a flash of light blasted from her to the carvings above them. The room around them faded into black and as a whole simply faded around them. The stars shone brilliantly above them, growing brighter as the darkness around them exploded with light as the rest of the stars burst into being around them.

“I really have no need of a telescope,” she said quietly, letting Twilight gaze in amazement. “Celestia worked the base for these enchantments into the room before my return. I’ve refined them since, and added a few of my own.” She exhaled as memories of her old observatory rose to her mind. “I would love to find my old observatory one day, but this will do for now.” With another burst from her horn the room returned to normal.

Collapsing from excitement, Twilight stared up at the princess, eyes wide with wonder. “But that is a tale for another time.” Twilight’s face fell, but only briefly. She followed the princess back to the cushions and settled down, filled with a new appreciation for the princess. Once they were settled, Nightmare returned to their conversation. “I’m sure you have many questions for me, but I hope you can save them. I do promise to get to them at some point, but there were some things I wanted to ask you.” A deep breath escaped Twilight as she deflated a little, but nodded nonetheless. “I enjoyed the letter you wrote this week, about your friends overcoming their differences.”

“It was wonderful, if a little scary at times,” Twilight explained. “The weather team had a little mix up, last week they missed a rainy day, so they made up for it this week with a really strong one.” Though Twilight didn’t go into every last detail, she still spent half an hour recalling her first every slumber party. Nightmare oohed and ahhed in all the right places, and even gave a few tuts under her breath at the antics of Twilight’s friends. “It was great getting to see them put aside their differences and come together in the end though. The night was wonderful, all in all.”

Nightmare had stopped paying explicit attention after a few minutes, having learned from dealing with the nobles in years past. Instead, she found herself drawn to the energy and joy with which Twilight spoke. She watched the way in which Twilight moved as she spoke, listened to the tones and layers in her voice. As she did, a warmth built inside her, one that reached from her core out to the tips of her mane. It took all of her willpower to not just curl up and lay her head in Twilight’s forelegs. I haven’t felt this calm in a long time… she thought, relaxing. I like it.

“Princess?” Twilight asked, giving her a gentle prod with her hoof.

A small noise of surprise escaped Nightmare as Twilight nudged her. She bolted upright before a small blush rose to her cheeks. “My apologies, Twilight. I’m afraid,” Ohh, admit it. She’s gorgeous. The blush on her cheeks darkened and she turned away, looking out past her balcony. “Well, it’s just that you have such a beautiful voice. I got lost in it.”

It was Twilight’s turn to blush. “Ohh, it’s okay.” she muttered.

They sat in silence, staring out past the balcony. Eventually, Nightmare managed to find some words to break the quiet. “If you don’t mind me asking, there is something I’ve been wondering,” Nightmare began, genuine curiosity in her voice. “You told me a few weeks ago that your brother told you the story of the mare in the moon, and that that sparked your interest in the stars.” Twilight nodded. “Well, it’s just…” Nightmare heaved a heavy sigh. “Very few ponies have ever taken such a deep interest in the stars. I guess…” she trailed off, her voice on the verge of cracking. “I guess I just want to hear what they mean to you. Why you love them so much.”

Twilight saw the deep blush on the princesses cheeks, a somewhat confused blush on her own. In a smooth motion she stood and moved towards the balcony. She stood just inside the doors, the moonlight framing her as it cascaded in the giant windows. “I’m not really sure. It’s just…” her voice trailed off as she opened the doors and moved to the balcony. Nightmare followed a few steps behind her. They stood side by side, Twilight staring up at the myriad of stars, Nightmare watching her intently.

“They’re beautiful.” Twilight eventually said, making Nightmare fight back tears. “Every night as a filly I would love to stay up and look up at the stars. My father is an astronomer, and I can’t count the number of times I would watch the stars with him. As far back as I can remember, they’ve always been a part of my life. I honestly thought I’d be an astronomer like him back then.” She sat down, resting her chin on the railing.

“When I became Princess Celestia’s student is when it really changed, I think.” While a small smile crept onto Twilight’s face, Nightmare’s grew puzzled. “The only subject not taught at Celestia’s School for Gifted Students is astronomy. Even as her personal student she refused to teach me anything.”

“Why not?” Nightmare couldn’t help but interject, anger, pain and fear in her voice. “Did she not like my stars, did she-”

“No no no.” Turning to face the princess, Twilight smiled. “I eventually asked her about it. She told me that she wasn’t qualified to teach about them. That if I wanted to know more about the stars, I’d have to do that myself.” A few tears came to Twilight then. “She said that the stars should not be introduced as a subject to be studied, but a love to be found. That the stars are a deeply personal experience, and had to be discovered by myself.”

Her gaze returning to the night sky, Twilight continued, albeit much softer. “So I did. She provided me the tools I asked for, but that was it. I had to discover everything about them myself. That’s why I love them, I think. Everything else I was taught. I read from books or learned from those who had studied themselves. The stars, your art, I discovered for myself. They’re something I can feel a personal connection to. They’re not just another subject, another book. They’re so much more. In a way, I can feel like they’re mine.”

Nightmare felt the tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt joy she hadn’t ever before flooding her chest, filling her with warmth. A hiccough escaped her as she slumped down to the cold stone of the balcony. The tears flowed faster into her forelegs, which now covered her eyes. Twilight heard the soft crying and, panicked, turned to the princess. She dropped to her knees and, before she could begin stammering her apologies, was pulled into a tight hug by Nightmare. “Thank you, Twilight,” she whispered between the tears.

Twilight only wrapped her forelegs around the princess, softly comforting her. “It’s no big deal,” she whispered. “I mean, I guess you should thank Princess Celestia, she’s the one who pushed me to the stars after all.” Nightmare froze as Twilight let out a nervous chuckle.

Memories from ages past echoed in Twilight’s words. She remembered the only pony she had ever loved saying almost the same thing. It was Tia, really. She pushed me to the stars after all. The words floated back to her mind, tinged with pain and sorrow. “What did you say?” she asked shakily, pulling back to look into Twilight’s eyes.

“Uhh, I guess you should thank Princess Celestia? She pushed me to the stars?” Twilight half asked, half answered.

A twitch ran through Nightmare’s cheek. “Did she think I would have forgotten?” she growled to herself. Centuries of anger rose to the surface, churning with a mixture of insult and outrage. Standing up quickly, Twilight fell off her. “Did she think I would let her play at being a goddess again? That I would let her play with fate again?” she growled louder. Memories of the last time Celestia had worked to tip the scales came freely to the surface.

“We are not goddesses, sister!” Luna cried in outrage. “The ponies of Equestria are our subjects, not toys for thine enjoyment.”

Celestia rolled her eyes. “Thou were’st happy with him, no?” she shot back. “So what if I nudged him along a bit? What does the how or why matter?”

“The ends never justify the means, sister!” Luna’s voice was tinged with venom. “We struck down Discord to end this very meddling in the lives of ponies!” A look of pure rage filled Celestia at the comparison. “I will not stand by and let you become like him!”

“I AM NOTHING LIKE THAT MONSTER!” Celestia roared back, her voice magically amplified. Glowering, Luna made to leave her sister’s chambers. “He did nothing but bring pain while I have brought joy, even to you!”

“You take away their agency in life, Tia.” Luna stood in the doorway, facing away from her sister. “You take away the most fundamental right of living, the right to choose.” Slamming the door, Luna stalked away.

You can’t stand by and let her do this, Luna. Something must be done.

“Princess?” Twilight’s voice cracked with fear. Nightmare had drawn up to her full height, a mystical force whipping up her mane and tail. She stomped a hoof in anger, sending cracks spider webbing out from the impact. “Princess Luna, what’s wrong?” she half cried, backing away.

The sound of Twilight so scared managed to soothe Nightmare’s rage. At least enough for her to regain control of herself. “I’m sorry, Twilight. This is something my dear sister loves to do.” She spat the word out as if it was a disgusting, rotted piece of food.

“Do what?” came Twilight’s nervous reply.

“Play matchmaker.” With a sigh, Nightmare sat down. The wind had died, leaving her mane a slightly tangled mess. Lighting her horn to repair the balcony, she managed to find the right words. “I suppose you are deserving of an explanation.” She had to take a deep breath before she could begin. “I don’t love often, Twilight. There is only one stallion whom I can say I have truly loved before. I’ve had many suitors, many who vied for my hoof. Only one won it.” Another twitch ran through Nightmare’s cheek. “But, unbeknownst to either him or myself, he had been groomed to win my heart, almost from birth, by Celestia.

“Having been sisters for milenia, she knew me better than any. She took him under her wing and, over the course of years, shaped him into the perfect match for me. It worked.” Nightmare let out a dry chuckle. “I loved him dearly. I happily carried our child. I kept my family close for generations.” A deep sigh ran through Nightmare. “It was almost four hundred years later that she told me what she had done. For fifteen years before he met me, she had groomed him. She pushed him to share interests with me. She made him love my night more than any before. He knew just what to say, what gifts to give, what experiences to share with me. He knew when to back off and give me space, when to press close and hold me. He was perfect for me. Just as she made him to be.”

Nightmare turned to Twilight. “He said almost those same words to me. I didn’t recognize it at the time, I just took it as a subtle gift from my sister. ‘It was Tia, really. She pushed me to the stars,’ he said when I asked him where his love of them came from.” Collapsing, Nightmare slid to the hard stone beneath her. “I didn’t love him any less after I learned what Tia had done. Whether she had chosen him to be my love or fate had brought us together didn’t matter. I loved him with all my heart. I was upset at her for what she had done, yes, but I was willing to look past it. She gave me some of the best years of my life.

“What I couldn’t forgive was how she looked back on it. She saw us as nothing more than pawns she had expertly maneuvered into position. We were little more than toys to experiment with to her. I kept a closer eye on her after that. She was doing it everywhere. Delivering gifts to children to seed an interest. Inciting conflict at one point and peace at another, all to drive ponies together. She worked meticulously to bring ponies together at the right time to build the relationships she wanted to see. Sometimes she did it to end family feuds. Other times it was to bring ideas together. But most of the time she did it because she could.

“I was her greatest challenge, I discovered. She decided to build the perfect lover for me. She tried hundreds of times over the years before ‘getting it right,’ as she would say. But that was all it was to her. It wasn’t a gift for me. It wasn’t her trying to bring me joy. It was her way of alleviating the boredom of immortality.” Nightmare looked away from Twilight before continuing. “I admit, when I lost myself and attacked her, my pain over all of this was part of it.”

Twilight took a step back, unable to fully process what she had been told. “What does this have to do with me?” she asked hesitantly, scared of the answer.

Rising back up, Nightmare stormed back into her room, her anger rising again, barely under control, with Twilight hot on her heels. “She is at it again, Twilight. This time, grooming you to be my suitor.” Nightmare’s horn briefly glowed before she blasted her doors open. The guards were unable to get out from next to the doors, such was the ferocity with which Nightmare blasted them. Twilight, unsure of what to do, grabbed them with her magic and lifted their stunned and groaning forms out of the debris before chasing after the princess. “I have no qualm with you, Twilight,” came Nightmare’s cold, true voice, dripping with venom as Twilight caught up to her. “Please do not try to stop me.”

Twilight was unable to find words, and instead just followed silently behind the princess. They wound through the castle, before reaching the tower which housed the solar diarch. “Princess Luna,” Twilight managed to say. “I don’t have any idea how angry you are, I don’t think I can. If what you suspect is true, I would be angry myself. But please, I beg of you, let her sleep. Confront her in the morning.”

Nightmare paused at the end of the hall, opposite the grand white doors which led to her sisters bedchambers. She turned, an eyebrow raised, to look at Twilight. The unicorn stood, shaking with fear, but her eyes pleading. “You do not disagree with my anger?” Twilight shook her head. “You would confront her yourself?” At that, Twilight shrugged, clearly torn between outrage at the princess and her love for her. “So why do you ask I let her sleep of all things?”

Hanging her head, Twilight could only mumble. “I know I hardly have the right to ask this of you, I recognize that the night is your domain, but I beg that you let her sleep. I learned years ago that she doesn’t sleep well. From what I’ve been able to piece together, she almost nightly suffers nightmares. I don’t know why, but the sleep she gets is barely restful at all. She needs all she can get. Please let her sleep. Please confront her in the morning.” Twilight had sat down as she talked, shaking with emotion.

Nightmare couldn’t stop her mouth from hanging agape at Twilight’s explanation. “If she’s suffering nightmares, why didn’t she come to me?” she asked aloud. Wheeling around, she stared at the doors between her and her sister, indignation adding to her fury. “It’s what I do!” she nearly screamed. No. Luna heals nightmares. I make them, the thought came, unbidden, to her mind. I didn’t just corrupt the dreamworld with my anger. I corrupted Celestia’s dreams. I made sure this would happen, that she wouldn’t get a restful night of sleep. Her shoulders slumped, Nightmare grimaced.

I have to fix this. But, after a thousand years of it growing, feeding off her, and a thousand years without practice, will I be able to? Nightmare looked around, hoping to see the answer to her problems. Her eyes landed on Twilight. Twilight could help. She loves Celestia. I can use that strength.

No, I have to respect the privacy of the dreamer. That is the cardinal rule.

Twilight couldn’t understand anything she sees anyways. Celestia can barely understand dreams.

That’s a horrible excuse.

I don’t have any other options.

Is it worth it?

Celestia has suffered long enough. I did this to her. I need to fix this.

“Twilight, come with me. I may need your help.” She set her face with determination and moved towards the doors.

“What?” Twilight replied, full of confusion. She looked up just in time to see the princess gently opening the doors before them. The guards either side stood at attention, allowing the night princess to pass. Jumping up she raced forward, slowing to a gentle trot as she crossed the threshold into Celestia’s room. “What do you need my help with? Please don’t wake her,” she begged, keeping her voice to barely a whisper.

With a shake of her head, Nightmare closed the doors and sat down in the middle of the room. Celestia was curled up, shaking slightly, under her blankets. Nightmare didn’t need to enter the dreamworld to feel her pain; it rolled off Celestia in waves. Patting the ground next to her, she invited Twilight to join her. The unicorn did so hesitantly, baffled by what was going on and the rapidly changing mood of the princess.

“Do you remember the two sources of nightmares?” the alicorn asked softly. Twilight shook her head, apologizing. “It is alright. The more common come from fear or stress in the waking world. But that is not all. I poured much of my hate and pain into the dreamworld and corrupted it. I had forgotten, or maybe made myself forget, but I didn't do it at random. I targeted Celestia.” Looking up at her sister, a few tears dripped from her eyes. “It was cruel. I made sure that Tia would never again have a restful night of sleep.”

Twilight’s eyes went wide. “So why do you need me?” came her halting reply. She would deal with the whys later. If Celestia needed her, nothing else was important.

“I can drag the corruption out of her, but only from the dream itself,” Nightmare explained. “But it has had over a thousand years to fester. A thousand years of fear and pain to feed on. I may need your strength to make it submit so I can free her.”

Twilight nodded, suddenly serious. “Okay. Whatever I can do to help her. What do I do?”

Nightmare took a deep breath. “Whatever happens, whatever you may see, I need you to trust me, okay?”

Nodding faster, Twilight answered “Of course princess.”

“Then close your eyes.” With a nod, Twilight did so, settling onto the cushion she had chosen. A thin strand of white light weaved it’s way from Nightmare’s horn to Celestia’s forehead. Another identical strand then wound its way to Twilight. With a flash from Nightmare’s horn, Twilight collapsed, Celestia calmed, and the princess of the night went still.

Dreams and Nightmares

Author's Note

This chapter, and those moving forward, will be from Twilight's perspective.

This chapter takes place in the world of dreams, and nightmares. Near the end of the chapter it delves into more general fears. Reader be warned.

Dreams and Nightmares

Twilight sat, as she always did, between Day and Night. To her left sat the princess whom she adored. Her white coat radiated warmth and love, and filled Twilight with peace. To her right sat the princess whom she barely knew, yet intrigued her so. Her black coat blanketed the room with the peace of a still, starlit sky. The three sat at the formal dining table, the princesses opposing each other, balancing each other, as they always did. The sisters talked, joked, teased. Their banter was loving, though Twilight could not bring herself to share in it.

“You must choose one of us, Twilight,” one of the alicorns said. Twilight looked around wildly, trying to determine which. Neither princess had broken their laughter.

“Being pulled between Light and Dark will destroy you.” The other spoke this time. Again, Twilight tried to discern which. Yet again, both princesses simply continued their banter.

With a scream, Twilight felt each princess begin to pull on her. At once she was pulled towards both of them, towards Light and Dark. Their pull grew stronger. Twilight felt like she was going to be ripped in half. She could feel her shoulders begin to give. Her eyes grew wide in horror, wondering which would give out first. Like bad stitching, her shoulders began to unravel, began to rip. With a final screech, Twilight’s leg came off and-

“Twilight, it is time to go,” a soft voice whispered behind her. Twilight collapsed to the ground, panting. Frantically, she checked each of her legs, confirming each was still attached. Still panicked she spun to face the pony who had spoken to her.

A smile spread across Twilight’s face as she locked eyes with the night princess. The smile faded the moment she remembered what was happening. “Is Princess Celestia okay?” Worry tinged her voice, and she barely kept it from cracking.

Luna shook her head. “No, she very much is not.” Twilight’s eyes grew wide in fear. “Calm thyself, Twilight. She will be.” Placing a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder, Luna smiled. “With thy help, she will be just fine.”

Taking her hoof back, the princess turned and strode away, beckoning for Twilight to follow. She hesitated; the mare walking away from her had a coat as black as ink, with a mane and tail made of some nebulous mass of smoke and stars. Blinking, she shook her head, and once again it was Princess Luna leading her away. She galloped to catch up, falling in step behind the princess.

The fog that had surrounded them, unnoticed by Twilight until then, slowly began to change. It faded from gray to a light blue, slowly filling with motes of light. Filled with wonder, Twilight looked around the star filled landscape. She noticed the pathway of stars beneath her hooves and marveled at the explosions of color that shaped the world surrounding her.

“Dreams are a strange thing, Twilight. Born of the mind, yet existing in this realm.” Luna voice was inviting as she gestured around. Twilight gasped in awe as the thousands of doors floating around them became known to her. “Each door leads to a different dream, a different dreamer, pony or otherwise, resting soundly somewhere in Equestria.”

“There are so many!” Twilight exclaimed, turning to take in as much as she could. “Wait, what do you mean, ‘or otherwise’?” Luna was on the path ahead of her again, facing her with a smile.

Motioning the young mare onward, she continued, a musical laugh leaving her lips. “There are more than just ponies in Equestria, Twilight” she answered with a grin. “Take thy little assistant, for instance.” Luna waved her hoof once and a purple door with green trim floated to the forefront.

A grin borne of learning something new spread across Twilight’s young face. Embarrassment quickly reared its head as Twilight recalled some of her more private dreams. “And a door for me?” she asked quietly, a little scared of the answer.

Luna turned, her smile faltering at the fear etched on Twilight’s face. “Indeed, Twilight. Tis behind you.” Luna pointed a hoof past Twilight. Turning, the young unicorn found a mulberry door with a dark purple trim floating at the end of the path. “We just left from it.”

Twilight bit her lip. She didn’t want to question a princess, but she felt like her privacy had been violated. “What if I don’t want you in my dreams?” The words slipped quietly from her mouth before she could change her mind.

The musical chuckle left Luna’s lips again. She gently placed a wing on Twilight’s back, holding her gently. “Twilight, I swear to you upon the moon I shepherd, I would never violate your privacy in the way you fear.” She sat and turned Twilight to face her with a gentle nudge of her wing. Twilight sat, still chewing on her lip. “There are two times I will enter a dream. One is when I am invited from the waking world. When I do, I bring my dreamer to a lucid state so they may hide anything they wish from me. But that is a rare thing indeed.”

Luna’s smile faltered again, this time failing entirely, before she continued. “The only other time I enter is when a dreamer under my charge is having a nightmare beyond their control. I work to end the terror from outside, but there are times when I must enter. Again, I bring the dreamer to a lucid state, though in that instance I do so to help them face their fears.

“There is one exception to that, though.” Luna stood again. Twilight jumped up and fell in step with the princess as she spoke. “As princess, I tend the dreams of my subjects, the citizens of Equestria. My sister is, quite simply, not one of my subjects.” Twilight couldn’t help but share a laugh with the dream princess, not that she didn’t want to. “Out of respect for her and her privacy, I do not tend to her dreams.”

Twilight looked around, expecting more doors. Instead, she found a field of grass, stretching in every direction, going on for what seemed forever. “To that end I have moved her door, so that I do not accidentally invade her dreams.”

“Where are we now, princess?” Twilight questioned, fighting to not get lost in the beauty of the field around her.

Luna’s voice was full of mirth as she replied. “This is my dream, Twilight!” Seeing Twilight enjoying the peace of her own dream had filled Luna with cheer. “I’ve long been a lucid dreamer, with full control over my dreams.” Waving her hoof, the ground beside them caved in and flooded. In moments there was a vast watering hole, full of crystal clear water. Twilight giggled and ran in, splashing around in the cool water. “Most days I retire here to relax. Though, I will admit,” here Luna lowered her voice and leaned in close to Twilight, whispering conspiratorially. “Sometimes I do conjure fantastical adventures to enjoy.”

Twilight’s face exploded with barely contained glee. “Really?” she asked. Turning she found Luna in resplendent armor, standing proud.

“I’ve many times slain the fiercest of hydra to rescue the charming prince,” Luna said with a straight face, a blade of magic floating at her side.

Twilight barely tried to contain her laughter. It came in great guffaws and raucous roars. She fell into the water with a splash, rolling around in mirth.

“Vile knave!” Luna challenged, kicking a spray of water at Twilight. In turn, Twilight only laughed harder, simply rolling out of the way. Though she fought to keep her stoic face, Twilight’s infectious laughter quickly brought Luna to the ground as well, joining the young mare in her boisterous belly laughs.

For what felt like hours the two played in the water, splashing each other, swimming, diving, and simply floating. “Tis been a long time since I’ve enjoyed myself like this, Twilight,” Luna mumbled, lazily drifting on her back.

“This is amazing, Luna,” Twilight replied, curled up in the shallows.

A rumbling sigh left Luna’s lips as she stood. “Unfortunately, we have a task at hoof.”

An equally unhappy sigh left Twilight. She stood to meet the princess as she exited the water, a sad smile on her face. “Is it okay that we spent so much time playing?” she asked meekly.

Luna shook out her mane, spraying Twilight with water, causing the young unicorn to eep in surprise. “Time is meaningless in dreams, Twilight. I’ve lived entire lives in a matter of minutes, and stretched seconds out over hours.” Closing her eyes, Luna restored the tranquility of the field and dried the pair. “But it does not do to dawdle and forget one’s purpose.”

Twilight nodded. Her face was set with determination. “So, what do you need from me?”

What little mirth remained in Luna’s face drained away. “Her dream is mired in pain. Pain forced upon her a thousand years ago and left to fester.” When she turned to face Twilight, her emotions were hid behind an expressionless mask. “The two of you care deeply for each other. She is like a mother to you, and she loves you as her own. I need you to focus on that bond you share.” Suddenly serious, a hint of determination crept into Luna’s mask. “No matter what happens, whatever you may see, however horrible it may be, do not forget that love you hold for her.”

Twilight nodded. She was not shaken by the intensity with which Luna spoke. “Okay.” A thought came unbidden to her then, and passed her lips before she could stop it. “Where do we go?”

The chuckle that passed from Luna’s mouth refreshed Twilight like a cool summer night’s breeze while stargazing with her father. The corners of her mouth twitched upwards as the joy in that laugh filled her. “Tell me, Twilight, if you stood at the south pole and began to walk, which direction would you be going?”

Furrowing her brow, Twilight thought. “I’d be going north,” she replied after a fashion, unable to spot any trick in the question.

“Correct.” Luna spun, gesturing at the field around them. “Think of my dream as the pole. From here, we go ‘north’ to reach the dreamscape.” Returning to face Twilight, she smiled. “But Celestia’s door is not north of us. It is outside my dream, but separate from the rest of the dreamscape. So tell me, where should we go?”

Twilight bit her lip and furrowed her brow. Shortly she began to pace, walking in circles around Luna, trying to puzzle out the riddle. It wasn’t long before she admitted defeat. “I don’t know. Where do we go?”

Pointing a hoof skyward, Luna smirked. “We go up, of course.” Stepping aside, Luna revealed a silver staircase which spiraled up into the clouds and out of sight. “Come, young Twilight.” As her hoof landed on the first step, the princess of the night turned back to the unicorn, her face hard. She spoke with force, both reassuring, and reminding. “Remember, Twilight. We go to a dream of pain and terror, a nightmare the likes of which you have never seen. You will dream with her and share her pain. You must endure whatever horror she suffers and never lose yourself. Only through sharing her pain can we save her.”

Twilight set her face, determined. “I will do anything to help Princess Celestia.” She spoke with a conviction borne of love and duty.

“Do not forget that she loves you, Twilight. No matter what you see, hear, or say yourself, keep hold of that love. Our love for her will pull her from the darkness, and her love for us will guide our way. We need only keep it alive.” With that, Luna turned and began up the stairs.

Faster. Twilight had to keep running.

Faster. She couldn’t let herself be caught.

Faster. A chill ran down Twilight’s spine. She could hear the breathing. It was getting closer.

Her hooves scrambled on the hard, slick floor as she turned the corner. The walls here were the same. All the walls were.

“♪Twi-liiight!” Her eyes went wide; she feared that voice. It was too musical, too cheerful. It was fake. It had to be.

Faster. Her hooves beat out a faster rhythm as she sped up. No time to worry, no time to-

A T junction. Twilight knew the rule, pick a wall and keep it. Right. Always the right wall. She turned, leg twisting to push her in a new direction. She hit ice. One, two, four legs slipped. Her yelp of pain rent the air as she slid into the wall.

FASTER. She couldn’t stop she had to keep-

Black smoke oozed down the hall. It cracked open, the insides bright purple.

“♪Twi-liiight!”

Her neck cracked as she turned back. There she was. Walking. Slower, slower. Closer, closer. Her onyx slippers clacked with each step.

Can’t go back. Can’t go Right. Faster. Left. FASTER!

Twilight dug her hooves into the slick floor, turning around. She had a new wall to keep. Her hooves found purchase. Don’t look back. Keep going.

More corners. No junctions. No options. Just walls. Floors. Turns.

She had to look. Had to check. Had to know. She was there. Still there. Always there. Always a turn behind. Twilight had to keep-

Wall. Three walls. No turns. Dead end. Wide eyed, Twilight slowly turned around.

“♪There you a-re.♪” Still musical. Still cheerful. Still fake.

Twilight fell to her rump, shaking. Each clack of the slippers rippled through her spine. Frantically she pushed back. She had to get away.

Her flank met open air. Twilight stopped. A cliff. A drop. She sprang to her hooves, spinning around. Not a cliff. A chasm. A void. A hole. Black, deep, empty.

A hoof on her back. No. A slipper. Twilight froze. She could feel the warm breath on her back. Up her neck. “Twilight,” the voice whispered.

Falling. The wind in her hair.

Falling. The ground rushing to meet her.

Falling. Twilight snapped her wings open.

Pain. Agony. Her wings were going to be ripped off. Her feathers pulled out.

The pain grew. Grew. Spread. Filled her.

No more. Her wings caught the wind. She was soaring. Flying. The breath left her chest in a whoop of joy. She circled. Downward. Tighter, smaller, faster circles.

There. The balcony. Her destination. Long royal purple legs folded out beneath her, gently landing on the stone. With a ruffle of her wings, she drew them in, folding them against her body. She was here on a mission. The purple obsidian slippers wrapping her hooves in vicious looking spikes clacked with each step. They echoed in the stillness.

“Where are you, Celestia?” she cried out. Her hooves beat a gentle rhythm as she galloped down the hall. “Come and face me!”

“Please Twilight!” Celestia’s voice echoed down the long hallways of the castle. “This isn’t you! You’re a kind, loving mare!”

The laugh that left Twilight was high and cold. “Kind? Loving?” She threw her head back and cackled as she slowed to a trot. “I’ve never been those things, Celestia. I faked it so you’d give me power!” Twilight let loose a blast of magic with a roar, tearing a massive hole through the castle. “And you did! You gave me all the power I could want!”

“Twilight, please. Don’t do this.” Celestia slid to the floor, her back against a wall. Tears streamed down her face. “I already failed once. I can’t bear failing again.”

“Again?” Twilight whispered into Celestia’s ear. Screeching in panic, Celestia leapt to her hooves and backed away. The grin plastered across Twilight’s face was sinnister, sadistic. “Who were they, Celestia?” Her once gentle voice now dripped with cruelty.

“She was my student before you,” Celestia stammered. She had to keep talking, had to keep Twilight talking. Had to come up with a plan, but she needed time to do so. “Her name is Sunset Shimmer. She was arrogant, vain, power hungry. Demanded I make her a princess.”

Twilight barked out a laugh. “Sounds like my kind of girl!” Orbs of deep pink energy formed around Twilight, crackling with power. “She’d make a great student of my own! Where is she?” Her voice sharply turned harsher, sparks of magic flying from her lips.

“I don’t know!” Celestia cried out. “After I refused to make her a princess she ran away!” The tears streaming down her face blurred her vision. With a panicked cry she let loose a beam of magic at her student. She had no idea if it struck true.

“Liar!” Twilight roared back, flinging her orbs towards Celestia.

The ancient alicorn met each orb with more beams, shattering them into sparks. “Twilight, please! Stop!” As reply, Twilight spread her wings and took to the air, sending blasts of magic raining down at her former teacher.

Still sobbing, Celestia took to the air herself. She had to direct Twilight’s attacks away from the city. As she passed the tops of the castle towers, another blast from Twilight rocketed towards her. A shaky breath left her as Celestia let her years of experience take over. Tilting, she wove around the blast from Twilight, spiraling around it.

Twilight let loose a screech of frustration, stopping her attack to let out a pulse of energy. Instinctively, Celestia teleported beyond the pulse, reappearing just above the new alicorn. Twisting, she flipped to face away from Twilight, pooled her magic in her back legs, and bucked. She felt bones crack as her hooves made contact with soft pony flesh.

A second later Equestria shook as Twilight’s body crashed into the plains at the foot of Mount Canterhorn. “I’m so sorry Twilight,” Celestia whispered, gathering magic to her horn. The tears that streamed from her cheeks burnt away from the crackling energy as it was released. Equestria would have a new lake, and she would name it for her fallen student.

Falling. Twilight was falling again. All around her was black. She had no wings to catch herself this time. She twisted, facing down. The wind pulled her hair back. Moving her legs, she found it felt like running.

She was running. Running through the air. She closed her eyes. She could hear her hooves on the ground, feel her heart pound in her chest. She could just keep-

“♪Twi-liiight!” the voice was back. That dreaded voice. Twilight’s eyes flew open. Her hooves pounded on the stone floor, racing her past high walls of stone. She had to escape that voice. A turn. She skidded around it. A junction ahead. She knew this one. Right was full of that smoke. She couldn’t go Right. But left was an end. There was no Left to go.

Panic set in. Twilight skidded to a halt, stuck. Can’t go Left. Have to keep going.

“TWILIGHT!” a voice cried out from the roiling smoke. Celestia! Her head snapped around, staring into the creeping smoke.

“♪Where a-re yo-u?” The voice was closer. No time to worry. Have to go. NOW!

Full speed, Twilight sprinted towards the smoke. It split, revealing an endless pool of swirling purple light. Without hesitating, Twilight leapt into it.

Pain. Every nerve hurt. Every muscle hurt. Her horn screamed at her. The noise around her was deafening. The taste in her mouth made her gag.

With a start, Twilight bolted upright, breathing deep. It was okay. She had drifted off. Smiling she looked down. A test! Yes! Twilight liked tests. She was good at them. Picking up her quill, she read the first question.

Calculate the expected friendship differential if two friends meet again after thirty seven days during which one went on vacation while the other worked.

Twilight blinked. What? She shook her head and read the next question.

If seven friends, A-G, order a pizza, which comes in eight slices, based on the following, who gets the extra slice?
A,B,D have each had two more slices over the past year than the others
C,E,G have had one more slice
B,F,G each declare they only want one
C owes A a favor
F owes G a favor
D and E are dating
A and F are dating

Panicking, Twilight looked up at the header of the test. CSGU Friendship 317, Ordinary Friendship Equations. I’m not in that class. Am I?Twilight looked around. She didn’t recognize anyone else taking the test. Her eyes darted to the front of the room where Celestia sat behind a desk. She had a stack of papers in front of her, a red quill scratching through them. I can’t disappoint her!

She was breathing faster now. The colt next to her got up and turned in his test. Then the mare to her left. A filly from behind her. A stallion from the other side of the room. They were leaving. The room was emptying.

It was just Twilight and Celestia. Sweat poured down Twilight’s face. She didn’t have any answers. She didn’t know where to begin. I’m going to fail. Magic Kindergarten. She was going to be sent back. She’d be an adult in a room of foals. She could hear them laughing at her. Laughing and pointing.

I’ll never see my friends again.

I won’t be Princess Celestia’s student anymore.

A deep shiver ran through Twilight. Tears mixed with the sweat pouring down her face. Twilight put down her quill. The only thing on her test was her name. Shaking, Twilight rose from her seat. She would not run from her failure. Celestia had taught her better than that. She took a step towards Celestia. Another. A third. The distance to the desk seemed to stretch on forever. Darkness fell over the room; only Celestia was lit in a puddle of light, flickering from a single candle.

Twilight was running. She had to reach Celestia. She had to tell her. Tell her.... Tell her something. Nightmare. A single word. A name. Twilight had to warn Celestia. Had to apologize to her. Had to get to her before She did. Twilight dropped the test. It wasn’t important anymore.

No sound. Only panting. Never closer. Always far. Why was Celestia always so far away? So unreachable? So untouchable?

The light went out. Darkness. Only darkness.

Light. Pale, cold light. Twilight looked up. Moonlight. A sliver of silver moonlight fell upon her. All else was dark. Where is-

A teal beam, marbled with black, sliced across the world in front of her. Noise erupted from around her. A rush of air blew through her mane. A scream for help shattered the stillness.
The star-filled sky twinkled above her. The grass waved around her hooves. Screams erupted behind her. Hundred meter high flames roared to her left, casting long shadows. Pounding hooves echoed around her.

Twilight’s eyes fixed upon the sky above her. Teal blasts met orange jets, exploding into millions of sparks. Celestia and Nightmare Moon. Twilight was too late. They warred. Soon, one would die.

“Monster!” Celestia’s voice cut through the cacophony. “Give me back my sister!”

They traded blows again. “I am your sister, moron!” Each blast sent shockwaves blasting through the air.

How do I stop them?

A high, shrill scream reached Twilight’s ears. EVIL. Every nerve in her screamed that the noise was wrong. She could feel it in her bones.

A blast of teal collided with Celestia. The noise stopped. A burning husk crashed into the ground. The body dug out a deep trench in the ground.

Nightmare Moon landed next to Twilight. “What did you do!?” Twilight screamed. Her mentor, her teacher, the sun itself, was dead. “How cou-”

“Silence!” Nightmare’s voice was hard. “That is our foe.” A cold shiver ran down Twilight’s back. The flames were silent. The town was still. Only the cloud of dust filling the crater moved. “If you wish to help Celestia, save her from that.” The dream princess pointed towards the cloud.

Twilight turned. A figure was silhouetted in the dust. Moving closer. A pony. An alicorn.

No.

There was more. Tendrils. Something behind the alicorn. Thin strands of purple held the body aloft. A puppet. It’s movements were jerky. Wrong. The legs bent back with each step. The head hung, rolling side to side.

Something more. Twilight couldn’t look. It hurt. There was too much to see. She focused on the alicorn. She could understand that. It’s mouth opened. Wider.
Wider.
Wider.
Rows and rows and rows of teeth. Impossibly sharp. Dripping ichor. An acrid smell. A black miasma oozed from her mouth, rolling and roiling over the ground.

The wings. She could look-
More wings. Four. Six. Twelve. Leathery. Massive. Twenty. Fourty. Eighty meters. The stars were gone. Blocked by the wings.

Hooves. Each step cracked the ground. The legs didn’t bend. They twitched. Slithered.

Twilight stepped back. “What is that?”

“The Tantabus. A being crafted of fear itself.”

“What do we do?”

“We?” Nightmare laughed. High. Cold. Happy. Sad. Regretful. “You are nothing to it. A ant. Lower. A spec.” Twilight shivered. She looked to Nightmare. “I am the mistress of Dreams, Twilight.” The Nightmare. The original. Fear incarnate. Rows of razor teeth grinned down at her. “To me, ‘tis but an insult. Dreams are full of joy. Laughter. But also fear.” Nightmare grew. Taller. Taller. “Tis nothing more than fear. Tis a small fraction of what I am. I am so much more.” Legs. More legs. Eight. Twelve. Twenty. Jointed, segmented. Chittering. “It cannot stand against me. I will hold it.”

She looked down. A dozen dozen eyes for each of Twilight’s locked with hers. “Do you remember what I told you?” A thousand mouths spoke with a single voice. It echoed and shook around her. It came from all and from none. They spoke a thousand languages, tongues lost to time. They chattered and clicked and growled and roared and bellowed and chanted and sang. “Do not forget your task, Twilight.”

A thousand pointed legs skittered. A thousand mouths screeched. The ground shook. Twilight stared at the things as they fought. Both were horrors. She could hardly bear to look at either. But one was so much more. It was everything and nothing at once. The fear it evoked was not complete; it could not squash a feeling of calm inside Twilight. It bolstered it. She was calm and scared and happy and cowed in awe. Freedom. She knew what it was.

She was not watching two beings of fear fight. This was a horror dredged from the pain of an immortal alicorn breaking against an impervious bulwark of dreams, of freedom. The princess was right; it was nothing against her. All at once, Princess Luna returned. She stood there, massive, imposing. A literal wall between the evil and Twilight. She had not understood before. She had only seen fear, where now she saw so much more. She could not understand, but she could know what not to fear. Luna was not to be feared.

Twilight stumbled. A tentacle, severed and still twitching, thousands of meters long, crashed in front of her. It was screaming in pain. The noise, that awful noise. It made it. Twilight’s ears began to bleed. The world twisted, folded, stretched, exploded.

A shattered landscape. Islands of land, a sea of stars. Screaming. Agony. Pain. I need to help them. The cry sounded from below. Twilight tore her eyes from the battle above her. She could not understand it regardless. The things that fought were beyond her. Not mortal. Not real. Beyond comprehension.

“CELESTIA!” Twilight saw her. The alicorn writhed in pain. Dark tendrils weaved through her body. Twilight understood. She remembered. Keep hold of that love. Our love for her will pull her from the darkness. Luna’s words echoed through her mind.

She leapt from the piece of land. Flew. Tumbled. Fell.

No. I flew.

Twilight flew. Outstretched wings caught the air. Carried her. She sailed. Uncounted voices sang to her. Willed her to surrender. To fall.

I will not. Twilight knew. She knew her mission. Celestia needs me.

The path was long. Infinite. Celestia never grew closer. Always far.

You will reach her.

Tendrils of smoke sundered the space around her, forming spears of pain.

They are nothing. Ignore them.

Twilight closed her eyes. Nothing but Celestia mattered. Think of Celestia. Only Celestia.

Her eyes opened. The smoke was gone. Celestia was below her. Twilight smiled. Her wings left; she had no need for them. Without a sound, Twilight landed next to her mentor. “I’m here Celestia. I’m here to help.” The tendrils pulled at the alicorn. Her body stretched. Sinew and muscle and bone bent. “We’re both here. To help you. Luna and I.” Twilight placed a hoof on her mentor. “We love you.”

Nightmare Moon stood facing Celestia. She couldn’t help but let a sad smile come to her lips. “Thank you, sister,” she whispered. “This will be over soon.” A ribbon of light stretched from her horn and connected with Celestia’s. All at once, the mare went still, floating helplessly. Her head slumped forward, a purple star-filled smoke pouring out of her mouth.

Twilight stepped back from the smoke. It filled her with a sense of pure dread. This was the Tantabus Luna spoke of. It was evil. It was hated. Twilight wanted at once to both destroy it, obliterate it, and to run from it, to put as much distance between her and the vile smoke as she could. Frozen to the spot in fear and indecision, Twilight could only watch as Nightmare worked.

“I apologize for doing this to you, sister.” Nightmare’s voice was little more than a whisper though it carried such weight with it. The smoke poured faster out of Celestia, as it was alive, fighting to escape. “Your only crime was not being there for me, for not saving me as I turned down a dark path. I cannot hold that against you.”

The smoke stopped spewing from Celestia’s mouth. It formed a ball of miasma between the alicorns, quivering. Twilight found she was unable to look directly at it. Every time she tried she felt as if she was falling into a deep pit, as if she was staring into eternity itself.

“You are my charge,” the night princess said, glowering at the miasma, letting the ribbon between Celestia and her fade. “I made you as a tool to punish.” A dark chuckle escaped her lips. “It is only fitting that I am your victim. Come to me, my Tantabus.”

Twilight tried to scream. She tried to say anything, to get Nightmare to stop what she was doing. She hated the mare. To Twilight, Nightmare Moon stood for everything that Twilight hated. But not even a pony as evil as Twilight saw Nightmare deserved to have that evil thing eating away at them. But she couldn’t. She couldn’t move, she couldn’t open her mouth. She could only watch in horror as the Tantabus shot a spike of darkness into Nightmare’s chest before infusing itself into her.

Departures

The first rays of sunlight slipped in through Twilight’s cracked curtains. For the briefest of instants, the morning sun lit up the insides of her eyelids. Then they fluttered open. With a morning groan and stretch, Twilight sat up. She smacked her lips while her eyes slowly focused on her surroundings. With a smile, she noted the curved walls of her old room, all the way in Canterlot.

With another mighty yawn, Twilight slipped out of bed. She took two steps towards her adjoining bathroom before a spray of color caught her eyes. Briefly confused as to what Rainbow was doing in Canterlot, and more importantly why she was on her balcony, she turned towards the chromatic hair. “Rainbow, what are you doing here?” she asked, trying to speak over another yawn.Still blinking as she looked out towards the morning sky, Twilight could only make out Rainbow’s quite distinctive hair, muted, she was sure, by the frosted glass of her door.

When her pegasus friend didn’t respond, or indeed move, she sighed. “Rainbow, it’s got to be freezing out. Come inside.” She spoke a little louder this time, gently pulling the door open with her magic. It took her a moment to register who was sitting on her balcony, but when she did, she froze. The rainbow of hair was not attached to the head of a brash cyan pegasus. Instead, it was a large, white alicorn body that held the hair up in the morning wind. “Princess Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed, adrenaline rushing through her, waking her up instantly. Instinctively, Twilight dropped to a knee, bowing before her ruler.

“Good morning, Twilight.” Celestia’s voice was tired. “Please, come sit with me.”

Celestia was unusually still, Twilight noted. The princess was of course able to sit through hours of meetings with ease and could keep her emotions perfectly contained when needed. It’s almost like she doesn’t have the strength to move, Twilight realized. She could make out the subtle twitch of wings to indicate breathing, but that was it. Nervously, Twilight approached the princess and sat near her. This was not her first time sitting with her beloved mentor, of course; Celestia had invited her to join her for the royal court a few times. But they had been nothing like this. Seated by her mentor, Twilight glanced at her eyes, then followed them to see what the princess was staring at. Far off in the distance, barely on the horizon, was the Everfree Forest. Twilight couldn’t fathom why her mentor was staring out at it.

The pair sat in silence for what felt an age to Twilight, the sun slowly rising to the east. Eventually, Twilight could take the unease no longer: “Princess Celestia, is everything okay?”

Celestia said nothing at first. Twilight was about ready to open her mouth to ask again when the princess finally spoke. “No, I suppose not, Twilight.” For the first time since Twilight had joined her, Celestia moved. It was the barest of movements; if Twilight hadn’t been focusing everything she could on the princess, she would have missed it. Celestia’s head tilted, ever so slightly, to the left. “I have many questions for you, Twilight.”

This, naturally, perked the young mare right up. “Of course, Princess! I’m happy to help.” She wiggled slightly as a new wave of endorphins rushed through her.

“I suppose my first question must be this,” Celestia said after a moment. “What do you remember of last night?” Still, Celestia did not move, except to return her head to its natural position.

Twilight blinked. There was a long list of questions she had expected. Even more that she would have felt comfortable answering. If she didn’t know the answer, she was always confident she could arrive at a logical conclusion and present that, if needed. Asking her what she could remember, however, was nowhere near that list. She turned to stare off into the distance, her eyes unfocusing as she went deep into thought.

Casting her mind back, Twilight considered the previous night. With a shrug, she started with the first relevant thing she could recall. “Well, the chariot picked me up, like usual. The ride here was uneventful. Then…” Trailing off, Twilight found her memories beyond arriving at the castle were fuzzy at best. She was vaguely aware of talking with Princess Luna, and a charged discussion, but little else. The night was, for the most part, a blur. “Well, not much after that. Sorry.”

Another movement from Celestia, a tiny, almost imperceptible nod. “That is alright, Twilight.” Silence again filled the space between them, before the morning birdsong was finally loud enough to reach them. “What do you think of my sister?” The alicorn asked suddenly, startling Twilight from her drifting recollection.

Once again, Twilight was thrown for a loop. “Well, I mean…” she stammered, not sure how frank to be with her answer.

“I will not judge you, no matter your answer, Twilight.” Celestia’s voice had regained the calm, motherly tone Twilight knew so well. It went a long way to putting her at ease.

A breath she had only just realized she was holding slipped from her chest as she relaxed. “I like her. She’s interesting, fun, funny.” Twilight turned to look off towards the west and the recently set moon. “I’ve always enjoyed her stars; there is so much beauty in them. And she’s told me so much about them, constellations only she knows, patterns lost to time. I’ve loved these talks I’ve had with her.”

A small jerk of her head and Celestia nodded. “I understand.” The emotionless, tired, tone had returned. “If Nightmare Moon were standing before you, right now, how would you react?”

“What.” The word left Twilight’s mouth before she could stop it. It was less a question and more a brief utterance of confusion. Her head had snapped around to stare, wide eyed, at the solar princess, who sat impassively, still looking at the forest barely on the horizon.

The first two questions had at least sort of made sense. Together, they had almost seemed to lead to a discussion of Princess Luna, and Twilight’s relationship with her. While not something she was entirely sure she was comfortable talking about with Celestia, Twilight was more than willing to do her best.

When Celestia made no move to respond, Twilight let her eyes drift towards the fields and plains at the foot of Mt. Canterhorn. She took her time in responding, trying to sort through the ideas and images running rampant through her mind. “I guess it would depend on her actions at the moment.” She was still uncertain of her words, still trying to make sense of the snippets of thought in her head. “I’d be more than happy to give her forgiveness if she asked for it, and meant it. I’d be okay with giving her another chance. There is so much about her I don’t understand.

“If she was trying to take over Equestria again, I guess I’d try to find a way to reason with her.” Twilight paused briefly, a small, sad smile creeping onto her face. “I regret not giving her a chance, not talking to her first. After Gilda, Trixie, and that dragon, I’ve learned that just talking to somepo- somecreature might just be enough to handle the issue.” A tiny hint of blush colored her cheeks before she continued. “Actually, I was looking over copies of all the letters I’ve sent you and found the one you sent me off to Ponyville with mixed in. You said, “You simply must stop reading those dusty old books!” Twilight bit her lip. “I’m guess it was because I was saying some pretty mean things about your sister.”

Celestia was silent for a moment before asking, “So you’d give her a chance?”

Twilight nodded. The thinnest of smiles crept onto Celestia’s face. The pair sat silently for a while longer. A small shiver ran through Twilight; it was indeed cold, as her sleepy mind had predicted earlier.

It was another few minutes before Celestia spoke. Her words were measured and careful, but her cadence seemed to indicate a prepared speech. “I have a confession to make, Twilight.” Of course, as with anything the princess said, she had Twilight’s full attention. Celestia didn’t notice though; she was staring off into the distance, her eyes unfocused as if her mind was far in the past. “Being immortal means many things, Twilight. I have watched the birth and fall of empires. Entire forests have grown under my watch. I can remember so much of the history of Equestria.” Celestia heaved a deep, tired sigh. “History doesn’t ever quite repeat itself, thought it certainly tries. In the course of thousands of years, though, I’ve almost seen it all.”

Celestia shook her head. “While there are certainly many other detriments to being immortal, one of the worst is one of the simplest. Boredom. You have all the time to achieve your goals. Finish your dreams. Take up a dozen hobbies, keep at them for hundreds of years. Even create a few new ones. But in the end, everything else ends and you don’t.” She turned to stare up at the sky before continuing. “One thing I found to alleviate the boredom was meddling in the lives of ponies. I wanted to see what I could do.

“Turns out, with enough patience, almost anything. I could fill years recounting all the scheming I did, but I’ll skip to what’s relevant right now.” For the first time that morning, Celestia made eye contact with Twilight. For a brief instant, Twilight saw a thousand years of pain flash behind those purple eyes. “Not long after I met you, I realized you could be the one to save my sister. So I trained you for it. I had already spent a thousand years planning, I just needed the right pony at the right time. The short term plan was to put you on the right path so you would save my sister.

“To be honest, that was pretty easy. What was harder, and took a lot longer to plan out, was the long game. My sister fell to her inner demons because she felt unloved and unnoticed. She had grown bitter and resentful over decades. The Elements of Harmony couldn’t make her happy, all they could do is soothe her anger. I needed somepony to be her friend. I chose you.

“My reactions were carefully measured to push you towards interests you could share with her. I went out of my way to ensure that your love of stargazing wasn’t borne of academic reasons, but personal love. I used everything I knew of you, and how much I meant to you, to manipulate you, to mold you into the perfect companion for her.”

Celestia finally broke eye contact with Twilight, returning her gaze to the Everfree Forest. Twilight simply sat and stared, her brain struggling to rationalize her beloved mentors actions. A part of her wanted to be outraged, but she kept fighting to excuse the princess’ actions. The years of complete trust she had in her mentor, for the most part, won out. There was only a single, lingering, half remembered question in her mind. “Why did you do it?”

For the first time in her life, Twilight saw Celestia’s shoulders slump and her body go lax. To Twilight’s surprise, tears started to trickle down her cheeks. “Every morning when I set the moon I whispered to the air that I was doing it for Luna. Every night when I ticked off another day until her return I told myself it was for the best, that I wasn’t harming you.” A groan of exhaustion freed itself from Celestia’s chest. “But I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that I was bored, that I was doing it because I could, that I enjoyed the manipulation.”

Twilight wasn’t sure how to respond to that. She still wanted to believe the best in her mentor, but that small voice of doubt was getting larger. Sitting there, Twilight stared up at Celestia. Instinctively, she knew that the right thing to do was comfort her. Unfortunately, to Twilight, there had always been a gap between them; it was okay for Celestia to cross it, but Twilight didn’t know if she was allowed to, or even if she could.

Still, the fact remained that the mare she looked up to more than any other was crying and clearly in pain. She knew that when she had gotten scared or panicked, Celestia would wrap her forelegs around her and hold her close. Scooting closer, Twilight tried to do the same, hesitantly wrapping her front legs around Celestia’s barrel, only to find she was much too small. “It’s okay,” she whispered softly, trying her best to comfort the crying mare.

Looking down, Celestia couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. “Come here, Twilight,” she whispered between sobs. Wrapping a wing around her young student, Celestia leaned into the affectionate hug. “I’m so very sorry, Twilight. I went too far, didn’t I?”

Twilight shook her head. “I don’t think so, Princess.” Hugging her tighter, Twilight gave the princess a small nuzzle. “You’re immortal. You know so much more than me. I trust you, completely. I’m happy with who I am. You helped to raise me. How can I be upset with you for doing what you thought was best?”

Celestia shook her head. “I….” A slow sigh escaped her lips. “Thank you, Twilight.” The pair sat silently as Twilight continued to comfort her mentor. Thought it only took a few minutes for the tears to stop, it felt an age to Twilight. With a deep breath to calm herself, Celestia sat up fully, though she left her wing around Twilight. “My apologies, Twilight. I doubt very much you wanted to start your day like this.”

A light chuckle on her lips, Twilight replied, “Well, no. But… I guess…” she trailed off, not knowing how to put her feelings into words.

“It is alright, Twilight,” replied the princess. “I know what you’re trying to say.” Again, silence filled the balcony, though this time it was comfortable. Neither had anything to say yet, and both were content to just sit.

Celestia did, however, have more, and so she eventually spoke. “I’m afraid I have some bad news, Twilight. Luna has left to castle for the foreseeable future.”

Twilight gasped. “Is she okay?”

Again, the alicorn’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t know, Twilight. She ran away last night after you fell asleep.” Twilight gasped in worry. “We had a… fight, last night. I said some things I greatly regret. She is still hurting, and I’m afraid I’ve only been making it worse as of late. There is still so much between us; I had forgotten that the past is so much more recent for her than me.”

A shiver ran through Twilight. “Did I do anything wrong?” she asked, a note of panic rising in her voice.

“No, Twilight. You-” Celestia let out a pained laugh. “She said you’ve been a wonderful friend these past few weeks, and she’s going to miss you greatly.” Celestia fell silent, a strained smile on her lips.

“Princess?” Twilight asked hesitantly, worried her mentor was going to break down into tears again.

“It’s just, I raised you to be the perfect friend for her.” The words tumbled out of Celestia’s mouth, faster and faster. “And you were! You were everything she needed you to be! I think she even began to love you, a true, deep love! Like last time! I know I didn’t do it for the best of reasons, but I did it for her. She’s worth it to me!” A hiccough escaped Celestia. “And now she hates me for what I did!” Jumping to her hooves, Celestia’s horn ignited with a golden glow. “I’m sure I’ll see you again soon, Twilight,” she said before vanishing in a blast of light and warmth.

Twilight stared, dumbstruck, at the point where Celestia had stood moments before. She blinked a few times, trying to wrap her mind around the idea that her mentor had just run away crying. It went against everything Twilight knew. She would have spent hours sitting there if her clock had not chimed away the hour. Jumping to her hooves, the chime sent Twilight into a panic. My chariot leaves at 6! I’m late! Her horn lighting, she gathered her brushes and washes, tossed them into her bag, and raced out the door.

At her frenzied pace she almost crashed into a number of maids and castle staff, though most still remembered her enough to dance out of her way. It under two minutes, a new personal best for her, Twilight arrived at the chariot pad. “I’m so sorry for the delay, sirs!” she yelled, leaping into the back of the chariot. With a whinny the pair of guards reared up and took off, flying towards Ponyville.

After checking through her bag to ensure she had everything, Twilight settled in to the ride. It was certainly faster than the train, but would still take a few hours. As usual, she took a few moments to contemplate the chariot Luna had ordered for her. Unlike Celestia’s, this one was dark blues and blacks, drawn back into a number of elegant spikes. The guards pulling the chariot weren’t the standard Solar Guard either; Twilight assumed their leathery wings, furrier ears and slitted eyes were standard for Lunar Guards.

While the guards had given her a bit of a fright the first time, she quickly learned they were no different than the royal guards she knew. If anything, they were a little more lax about the rules. The first time she had asked why she had been sent a chariot and wasn’t just taking the train. The guards had shrugged. So every time she rode the chariot, Twilight spent her time trying to figure out why Luna had seen to fit to order it, every single week.

Like usual, however, she quickly got nowhere.

A yawn on her lips, Twilight pushed open the door to her treehouse home. With a pop she teleported her bag up to her room, then made her way to the dining room. The moment she walked in, Spike waved at her from the table, a plate of pancakes ready for her. With a smile, Twilight sat across from her assistant and ate.

“Hey, Twilight. How was your evening in Canterlot?” Spike asked around a mouthful of food.

Swallowing so as to not be a hypocrite, Twilight retorted, “Spike, please don’t speak with your mouth full. It’s rude.”

Spike rolled his eyes, but quickly chewed her food and swallowed. “Sorry. How was your night?”

Twilight allowed herself a smile. “It was fine. Unfortunately, it sounds like I won’t be going back next week. Princess Luna has decided to…” Twilight trailed off, unsure of how to explain away the princess’ absence. “Well, Princess Celestia said she’s left, but I don’t really know why…”

Spike shrugged before going back to his pancakes. Once they had finished and cleared their plates, Spike made his way to gather the mail while calling over his shoulder, “Oh yea, Princess Celestia sent a letter earlier. I left it on your desk.”

“Thanks Spike!” Twilight called back, settling behind the librarian’s desk, ready for the day. She grabbed the scroll sitting on the wood, broke the gold seal and unwound the red ribbon.

My most Faithful Student,

It is with regret that I write to inform you that Princess Luna has decided to take time to herself and travel the country. She has asked for time and distance from everypony, and has indicated she will be traveling in disguise. Further, during her travels she plans to simply live amongst the populace and gain a new perspective on Equestria.

As such, she will not be available either by mail or visit. This does also mean that your regularly scheduled weekly meetings will be put on hold until such a time as she returns. I apologize for the abruptness of this letter, and hope it finds you well.

Your mentor,
Princess Celestia

Twilight’s eyes narrowed. Princess Celestia had already told her the real reason Luna was gone, so Twilight assumed this was some kind of cover story, something better than ‘Luna ran away’. However, the tone that the princess had written to her in was very off. Her horn lighting, Twilight thought to begin probing at the letter, checking for any illusions or enchantments covering the letter. Before she could start, however, Spike’s voice echoed from the front. “Twilight! You’ve got… Uhh...” He fell silent, unsure of his words as he walked towards her. In his claw he held another scroll, wrapped with indigo twine and sealed with silver wax bearing a crescent moon.

Twilight gently tugged the scroll free with her magic to bring it closer. The moment her magic enveloped the scroll she felt dozens of enchantments and protections on it. “Uhh, stay back, Spike. I think Princess Luna put a lot of wards on it.” Not willing to risk anything to do with alicorns and their magic, the young drake took a few quick steps back. Closing her eyes and bracing for the worst, Twilight broke the seal.

After a few seconds of nothing happening, Twilight permitted herself to crack open an eye. The scroll continued to float, harmlessly, in her magic. Somewhat braver this time, she unrolled the letter and brought it closer to read.

Twilight Sparkle,

I wish to apologize for my abrupt departure last night. No doubt Celestia has already told you that I left, and part of the reasoning. Simply put, I needed to get away from everything. At the moment Canterlot holds too many conflicting emotions for me.

I also need to find myself. It has been well over a thousand years since I was last integral to society. My duties as princess are not needed, Celestia proved she can handle the sun and moon together. I feel worthless in Equestria. So I will be travelling over the coming months, meeting new ponies and exploring new things. I hope that come my return I will have a better understanding of myself.

Further, I wish to apologize for leaving you. While it is sad of me to say, you are my only friend. I shall greatly miss our weekly talks. I feel I have learned so much from you. For the generous gift of your time, of your company, I cannot fathom how to repay you. No doubt you would deny such recompense, but still, I find myself needing to repay this debt I owe you.

I know that coin would have little meaning, and indeed be an insult to our friendship. However, I have little else to give. My knowledge is a thousand years out of date, my skills a millenia behind. Should I come across something able to repay this debt, I will make all haste to return the kindness you have shown me.

During my travels, if it is alright with you, I wish to correspond with you. I hope to share some of the things I discover and learn with you. Perhaps you could share some things with me? I understand if you do not wish to, though.

If you do, write your reply on the back of this letter and drop in the mail. It will find its way to me. And do not fear the enchantments upon this scroll. So long as only either you or I open or read this letter, nothing will happen. The spells are designed to ensure privacy in our communications.

Sincerely,

The Night Princess.

Postscript: If you’re interested, Celestia says you’re a wonderful chess player. I typically take black, so the first move is yours.

Unable to stifle a small, relieved, chuckle, Twilight flipped the scroll over and scrawled a reply.

Dear Princess Luna,

I would love to hear of your travels! And I think I understand why you left. At least a little. I will also miss our weekly talks. On the other hoof, we may be able to talk more often through letters.

Also, please don’t worry about paying me back. I expect you expect this response, but I must give it anyways: I am happy to spend my time with you. You’re a much more engaging conversationalist than you give yourself credit for. And I don’t think all of your knowledge is old. Your knowledge of the stars is certainly beyond anything ponykind today knows.

I’m not sure what you’re hoping to hear from me, though. I’m sure my life will be very boring compared to your travels. All I have to do is go to parties my friend throws, take care of a library, and hope Princess Celestia doesn’t send me on any more

The scratching of Twilight’s quill abruptly stopped. Ya, like the time she sent me to fight Nightmare Moon… Chewing on her lip, Twilight scratched out the last few words.

All I have to do is go to parties my friend throws, take care of a library, ~~and hope Princess Celestia doesn’t send me on any more~~ and keep my friends from fighting too much.

Yours,

Twilight Sparkle

PS: I’d be happy to. I’ve long enjoyed a good game of chess. Pawn to C4.

“It’s just a letter from Princess Luna,” Twilight told an expectant Spike. “She’s really worried about privacy though, so don’t try to open letters from her, okay?”

Spike heaved a deep sigh of relief. “Ohh, good. I was worried for a second. You find out why she left?”

A small smile came to Twilight’s lips. “She wants to explore Equestria and find her place in it. That’s all,” she lied. That was all Spike needed to know, she reasoned.

“Okay, well, there’s also a Pinkie Pie invitation,” Spike replied, quickly tossing the bubble-gum pink letter onto the desk. “I’ve flipped the sign around. Rarity was asking for me earlier, mind if I head out?”

Twilight waved him off with a smile. At least I’ll still be able to talk with her a little.

Letters

Whistling merrily, Twilight cantered down the stairs into the library proper. She had slept well, awoken easily, and was looking forward to Princess Luna’s latest letter. It had been six days since the last, and they always came on time. She liked that about Luna; Twilight was always one for being punctual.

Almost bouncing on her hooves, Twilight entered the kitchen to find Spike glaring at her. “What?” she asked happily, grabbing a short stack of flapjacks. She coated them in whipped cream and chocolate chips, as was her usual.

“Do you have to be so cheery so early in the morning?” he grumbled. His stack was plain, and half eaten already.

“I’m looking forward to the mail, Spike.” With a giggle, Twilight dug into her meal. Rolling his eyes, Spike continued his. The pair ate in silence, except for the occasional morning grumble from Spike. When the mail slot squeaked open, its old, rusted hinges protesting loudly, Twilight jumped up and ran to the door. She usually let Spike get the mail, but when she was expecting a letter from her pen-pal, she couldn’t resist. That and Spike had been wary of even touching the twine bound scrolls ever since his claw had caught on the seal and received mild frostbite for it.

Gathering up the mail in her magic, Twilight separated Luna’s letter, then sorted through the rest. Most of it was the usual coupons and mail-adverts, though there was a flyer for a new bar opening in town that caught Twilight’s eye. “Nothing important, Spike,” she called out, knowing he liked to be informed.

Extending her magic to the other side of the door, Twilight flipped the sign to open while making her way to her desk. The sounds of Spike cleaning up after breakfast floated in from the kitchen by the time she sat down. Mrs. Cheerilee was bringing her students over in a few hours to gather books for a research project they were working on, and Twilight wanted to be able to give her full attention to that. So she settled into her chair, opened the letter, and quickly read.

The expression on her face started out joyful and full of optimism. With each line that her eyes scanned, that joy faded, slowly replaced by confusion, before concern set in, with a twinge of panic. By the time she had finished, Twilight was chewing on her lower lip, her hoof tapping out a fast staccato rhythm on the floor.

Spike walked in, an eyebrow raised at the noise. “Everything okay, Twilight?” Though he was mostly used to Twilight’s nervous twitches, he always asked.

“NO!” Twilight squeaked back, her voice cracking with worry. “Remember Trixie?”

“Of course. She turned Rarity’s hair green!” The young drake growled, clearly still upset about that.

Twilight deadpanned. “Really? That’s what bothered you the most about her?” Spike shrugged. “Whatever. Anyways, she’s royalty!”

“WHAT?”

With a twitch of panic, Twilight leapt to her hooves and began pacing. “So, Princess Luna, hundreds and hundreds of years ago, had a foal. Through the years, the line has survived. Trixie Lulamoon is Princess Luna’s great times a hundred granddaughter!”

Spike chuckled. “Wow. Guess the apple does fall far from the tree sometimes.”

“Spike! This is serious!”

“Twilight, seriously. Chill out. It’s not like Trixie knows or anything.” With a flippant wave of his hand, Spike started to head into the stacks with a cart of book returns. “Actually, how do you know?”

“Because, Spike, Princess Luna just told me. In her letter. She met with Trixie a few days ago and loved her performance!” A muscle in Twilight’s temple had begun to twitch. “And she’s heard Trixie’s side of the story of what happened!”

Spike stuck his head out from behind a bookshelf. “Oh. So she’s not happy with you.”

“She wants to, ‘Hear my side of things,’ before she decides anything!” Twilight made air quotes with her hooves before returning to her pacing. “How am I supposed to defend myself against Trixie? Who knows what she’s told Luna!” With a sympathetic smile, Spike returned to shelving books.

Grumbling, Twilight grabbed a quill, wet it, and started scrawling a response.

Luna,

I’m glad to hear you’ve found your family. I imagine reconnecting with them after all this time must have been wonderful.

Twilight stopped, biting her lip. She didn’t know how to smoothly transition into what she wanted to say. She couldn’t just come out and accuse Trixie of being a self absorbed, self-important braggart, not if she was technically royalty.

Could she?

Twilight pondered that a while. She and the princess had been growing closer other the past few weeks. Kinda funny how we’ve grown closer through letters than we ever did while actually together…

With a sigh, Twilight took a step back, metaphorically. She went back to one of her best skills, analyzing a problem. If this was any of my other friends, anypony else in Ponyville, I wouldn’t hesitate to tell them about Trixie. I’m only worried because she’s the princess.

She’s asked me to not treat her as a princess, but as a friend. She said she doesn’t want that layer of formality between us. Perhaps that’s why it’s been easier to talk with her; I don’t feel pressured to be my best for her over letters. I can just be honest.

Nodding to herself, Twilight wet the tip of her quill again, and returned to her letter.

However, I must share my concerns regarding Trixie. As I’m sure she has told you, she was in Ponyville a few weeks ago. Her performance, to start, was actually quite good. She is a talented showmare. However, my friends thought she was being too boastful, made their thoughts known, and it went downhill from there. I won’t lay the blame for what happened beyond the scope of her act at her hooves. No, that is squarely upon two colts.

Her act, however, did devolve into petty acts of one-upmanship, insults, and bragging. It was bad. I don’t think she meant ill. It was a bad situation all around. I hope she learns to brag a little less. She’s certainly a talented magician, but I fear her self-centeredness is hurting her career.

As I said, the blame for the incident with the Ursa Minor falls wholly upon the two young colts. While it was Trixie’s bragging that pushed them to it, one could argue, they still ventured into the Everfree Forest and woke the poor thing. I would also like to state that when confronted with her lie, Trixie owned up to it and admitted she couldn’t handle it.

You asked me for my side of the story here. Well, that’s it. Nopony is perfect. If she’s willing to work on her pride, I’d be willing to give her another chance. She is a great showmare, and clearly a talented magician. I would appreciate the chance to talk to another pony studied in magic.

Yours,

Twilight Sparkle

Nxe5

Twilight pulled back, lifted her letter, and read over it. The writing wasn’t her best, certainly not to the level of a letter she’d send to Celestia. But, she reminded herself, I’m not writing to the princess. I’m writing to my friend.

Nodding to herself, Twilight wound the parchment, tied it shut with a length of mulberry ribbon, and set it aside. She’d drop it off in the mail when she went for lunch.

Tavern Smiles

I still can’t get that image out of my mind. Her face. Her smiling, laughing face. The way her cheeks scrunch up. The stretching of her lips as the part to reveal two perfect rows of teeth. The little twitch of her nose and the way her ears perked up. It’s all etched into my mind. I can close my eyes and see it as clear as if she’s standing in front of me again. I can see her mane falling around her face, framing it, drawing your eyes in. The laugh that slips out is musical; light and airy.

But it was those eyes that I couldn’t look away from. The smile on her face died at the edges of those teal orbs. They’re filled with pain. So much pain I can’t begin to fathom even a fraction of it. I’ve only seen it once before in all my years running this bar. In the eyes of a mare who held her newborn foal as they passed from this world. It was that same kind of pain. The pain of one who had watched as everything good in their life had died and withered.

I don’t know how she keeps going. I can’t begin to understand that kind of pain. Even half of it would have sent me to an early grave, and yet there she stood. Still somehow managing to bring out a laugh. I can only guess as to how she keeps going, how she keeps getting up in the morning. Not that there is much else to do, I suppose.

The night she walked into my little bar was a lively one. The place was packed; ponies had trouble just coming up to the bar to place their orders. I had called all hooves on deck, begging for two of my workers to come in on their nights off. But as the door swung open, the room froze. Like time itself waited for this mare’s approval. As one, everypony in the place turned to look at her. We drank in her presence like it was the only thing keeping us alive. All for a moment, before the door clicked behind her. Like a spell being broken, one we didn’t even know we were under, everypony returned to what they were doing. I’m not sure anypony else even noticed the pause.

I watch her out of the corner of my eye as she makes her way to the bar. I don’t know if it was her, or just pure luck, but the stallion at the far end got up with his mug and tottered off. I didn’t care where he went, so long as the only seat available remained. She slipped up onto it, her expression a long perfected mask. I can’t very well justify skipping everypony else to go wait on her, though a voice tells me nopony would complain. I know I served everypony between her and I, but they’re all a blur, a fresh dot on an already filled page.

By the time I reach her, a few bits are waiting for me on the counter. “Mulled wine. Warm.” Her voice is calm and direct. For an instant, the bar stops again, letting her words cut through like a knife. Blinking at her preparedness, I scoop up the bits, count them for accuracy, then nod and move off. For some reason, I’m disappointed I didn’t get to talk to her, to hear more of her voice. But the night is young and I have plenty of time.

Over the next six hours, I watch as the crowd flows and ebbs, slowly trickling out into the moonlit streets. She never moves. Each time I pass her, making sure her mug is full and her stomach happy, I study her face a little more. There are wrinkles hidden in her sky blue coat. She made no effort to hide them, though they were mostly hidden under her fur. The bags under her eyes were deep and mournful; they spoke of long, sleepless nights and troubled, painful days. For reasons I still don’t fully understand, I wanted to reach out and stroke her cheek. Tell her everything would be fine. Hold her close as she drifted to sleep before watching over her to ensure her sleep was deep and restful. I felt called to take care of her like she was my own.

The whole night she watched the crowd. I watched as her eyes drift from the band to the tables and across everything in between. There is no judgement in her eyes, unlike most ponies who pony watch. She merely observes and takes note, like somepony who had no real interest, but needed something to do.

At the end of the night, with dawn only a few hours away, everypony has left. Everypony, except her. Now she watches me, observing as I clean the counter. I should have asked her to leave already. I needed to close up, pay my employees, and head home. Something stops me though. I can’t bring myself to ask her to leave. I can’t even bring myself to talk to her yet.

I don’t get long to put it off though, as my cleaning brings me to her quickly enough. Her head is cocked to one side, regarding me as one regards a misbehaving foal from afar; My actions intrigue her, but they are of no concern to her. “Ma’am I- I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave soon.” It’s all I can bring myself to say.

Her nod is slow and calculated, but her expression doesn’t change, it doesn’t leave my face. “Tell me, Mr. Cider,” she gestures over my shoulder at something on the wall. “What is with that sign?” Now that I can hear her clearly, without the din of the bar, her voice sends a shiver down my spine. For an instant, I’m reminded of the night my father passed. I watched the stars for hours, hoping for some kind of sign. Pulling myself back to the present, I glance to see what sign she is referring to. I can’t help but let out a small chuckle.

“In the Princesses we trust. All others pay in bits.” I read aloud, the laugh still on my lips. Some ponies take it way too seriously, seeming to hold it in religious regard, almost like they worship Celestia. I put it up because I got a kick out of it, and because a few too many patrons had tried to renege on their tab. “Exactly what it says, ma’am. You’re not one of the princesses, so I expect you to pay in bits. I don’t do trades or take any other form of payment.”

She shook her head, a soft smile lifting the corners of her lips. “Nay, ‘tis the ‘princesses’ part that concerns me. I-” She paused, like she caught herself before saying too much. But then she thinks, like she’s choosing her words carefully. “Princess Luna has been back nary four months. Has thou always had that sign?”

The old ponish catches me off guard, but I shrug it off. A few of the noble houses seem to like using it, and so long as I understood her, it didn’t bother me. Looking up at it, I frown. “Well no. Didn’t know Princess Luna existed till recently. Came as a real shock. But,” I pause, trying to find words myself. “You could say the night princess is my patron. With her here now, I couldn’t very well leave her off my sign, so I custom ordered a new one.”

“Your patron?” she asks, her voice lilting with an accent I can’t place.

“Well, not directly no. Would love if she was, don’t get me wrong, but that ain’t ever gonna happen.” I turn to regard her again. Her face is calm and relaxed, but her eyes are focused and slightly narrowed at me. “I just mean that my bar here makes its profits at night. So, the princess who watches over the night is kinda my patron.” I pause, unsure of myself. “If’n you get what I mean.”

She nods slowly, draining the last of her wine. In the instant she set the mug down, a flash of emotion flits across her face. In that moment, I realized that she is wracked with a deep pain. “Mr. Cider, if I may,”

I shake my head. “Please just call me Cider. No need to be so formal.”

That laugh of hers escapes again. Her eyes lock with mine, and for a moment, all my worries are gone. I can feel a cool night breeze roll over my back and I can see the night sky in her eyes. Just as quickly as it came, the moment is gone. “Very well, Cider. Might I inquire for some advice?”

I’m torn. It’s so late it’s early. I’m ready for bed. I really should have kicked her out by now. But something deep inside tells me not to worry. Reminds me that I have always helped out a pony in need. Tells me that Luna, my self proclaimed patron, wouldn’t like me showing a needy pony the door. “It’s late, but I suppose I can try and help.”

Her thanks are barely from her lips before the mirth drains from her face. With a groan she turns to look out over the now empty bar. Her troubles don’t take long to explain; She’s fought with her sister again. Another bitter fight with painful words thrown from both sides. The love she holds for another was brought up and used against her. She worries her love is unrequited, that the one she longs for is simply an unwitting pawn being used to hurt her.

Worst of all, she’s unsure of who she is anymore. Her sister calls her a monster, and she knows there is merit behind it; There are things she’s done that warrant that title. She doesn’t know if her love thinks of her the same of her, or is just oblivious. The monster that her sister sees, she says, is still there, hiding below the surface. But she doesn’t want to be that thing anymore, she wants to be better.

I mull over what she’s told me for a while. Can’t say I’ve ever had that kind of trouble before, but a few friends of mine have taught me some important lessons. “There’s a thousand different versions of you,” I explain. “There’s the you who you think you are, and there’s the pony you want to be. And then everpony around you has their own version of you in their head, based on what they’ve seen you do. All anypony can judge another on is their actions, as we can’t see into another's mind.” I give her a small, comforting smile. “Best we can do is make our actions reflect the pony we want to be. If we make ourselves be who we want to be, and act like it, well-” I shrug. “Nothing you can do beyond that.”

Her incredulous gaze is boring holes into my side. I shake my head before continuing. “I can’t recall the words exactly, but there’s this philosophy my pa taught me. Something about controlling what we can and accepting what we can’t.” I try to recall the exact phrase for a little before giving up with a shrug. “Anyways, point is: You can’t control how others see you. All you can control is what others see of you. Your actions are yours to decide. Their thoughts are theirs to think. If you live the life you want to, and they don’t like it, well, too bad.” I can’t help but laugh. “You can’t make everypony like you. In fact, you can’t make anypony like you. They have to come to like you on their own. All you can do is be you.”

She closes her mouth and mulls over what I’ve said. “I suppose your words have merit, Cider,” she says slowly. “‘Tis true indeed that we can not control another’s mind.” There’s a brief pause as she rises. “Thank you.” A bag of bits appears from under her cloak and she drops it on the counter. “‘All others pay in bits’ I believe.”

I laugh and roll my eyes. Picking up the bag I can immediately tell it’s far too full. “Miss you-” I look back up to confront her, to insist that she need not pay so much, but she’s gone. I don’t know where she went, or how she went so fast. But for some reason, I’m reminded of the dew at dawn. Blink, and it’ll evaporate before you can see it.

Author's Note

Lord, grant me the Strength to change the things I can
The Courage to accept the things I can't
And the Wisdom to know the difference

The Start of Something More - Revised -

Chapter 3

Nightmare sat upon the platform from which her and Celestia’s chariots took off and landed, watching her chariot, with a certain purple unicorn, who happened to be fast asleep, fade into the distance. That was a wonderful night, she thought happily, rising from the cold marble. Though I find myself wanting to spend more time with her... Nightmare sighed as she entered the castle. Five bits says Luna takes over within a minute, she mumbled cynically under her breath.

Nightmare brought a hoof to her mouth, stifling a yawn as she trotted down the hallway. Luna put her hoof back down, slowly working her jaw. “That was a wonderful night,” she said to herself, making her way to her office.

Where’s my five bits, universe?

“I wish Twilight could have stayed longer, twas truly a wonderful conversation,” Luna thought aloud.

Wait, she remembers the conversation? But? Which parts? What?

“Oh well,” Luna mumbled, making her way to her room. I believe it’s time to retire for the night.

No, she can’t, there wouldn’t be any reason for the switching otherwise. She must be only aware of it on the surface, no real memories of it. And those were her thoughts. Great... I’m interested to see what she does remember though.

Luna made her way to her bedroom with a smile on her lips, happily greeting the guards she passed. Tonight was lovely, [she thought to herself as she entered her room.

I should have set up some kind of weekly meeting with Twilight. I’ll ask Celestia tomorrow.

Luna happily climbed into her bed, curling up under her covers. With a content sigh she drifted off to sleep.

Great, now I’m in control, Nightmare thought as she sat up. And I’m tired. Do I force through the day? I could. It’s not that long, and I did get some sleep. Nightmare got up slowly, her mind made up. First, breakfast with Tia.

Nightmare calmly made her way to her private dining room, which she shared with Celestia. The older alicorn already sat within, blearily munching away on a bagel. “Good morning Tia,” Nightmare said gently as she entered. She could tell her sister had just awoken.

“Morning” Celestia replied, taking another bite of her bagel. “How was your date with Twilight?”

“I would hardly call it a date, Tia,” Nightmare replied quickly. With a smile she thanked the chef who brought her a sandwich. “It was nice though. We talked of many things.” Nightmare turned to level a cold glare at her sister. “She also informed me that the Royal We has been out of use for centuries now.” Celestia froze, mid-bite. “A very interesting tidbit of information, I must confess. You had assured me that it was still in use not three days ago.” Nightmare raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, well, you see.....” Celestia mumbled, fully awake now. “I was merely trying to ease your transition back into the world. I figured having you make small changes would be better...”

Nightmare continued to look skeptical. With a flash of her horn, she stole Celestia’s bagel. “So rather than having me make all the necessary changes at one, you would have had me mocked... Brilliant.”

Celestia looked at her sister, a pleading look in her eyes. “I’m sorry, may I have my bagel back?”

“No,” Nightmare replied with an evil grin. “But I will return it, after we have a long discussion, Tia.” Celestia sighed, nodding. “First, what is the Summer Sun Celebration? It was mentioned a few times in some of the books I’ve been reading through, but never explained.” Nightmare brought her sandwich up and took a bite, waiting for an answer.

Again, Celestia froze. She turned to look at her sister, her face an expressionless mask. “It’s a holiday to commemorate the defeat of Nightmare Moon,” she whispered.

Nightmare twitched. She made a holiday to celebrate WHAT? “I’m sorry, what?” Nightmare stared at her sister. “You made a holiday to celebrate banishing me? I mean, it had to be done,” Nightmare admitted. I had done some horrible things. But still! “But to make it into a holiday?”

Celestia cowered at her sister’s sudden, yet justified, rage. “I didn’t want it Luna!” She cried back, on the verge of tears. “The ponies wanted it. It was the end of one of the worst wars in our history. To the ponies, it was the best day they had had in almost a decade!” Celestia’s sorrow got the best of her, tears streaming down her face. “Every year it served as a reminder of what I did to you. Every year I put on a smile and faked my happiness. Every year, after the spectacle in the morning, I locked myself in my room, and spent the rest of the day coming up with ways I could have saved you. That was the punishment I gave myself.”

Nightmare’s anger quickly deflated. Ohh. So she didn’t want to celebrate it.Nightmare sat back down, looking away from her sister. “And the calendar?”

"Another reminder. Each year was both a step closer to you, and another year to remind myself what I had done to you, my own sister. I put as many things in place as I could, so that no matter where I looked, no matter what I did, there would be something to remind me of what I did to you... I never forgave myself,” Celestia whispered.

The two mares sat there, quietly. With a small poof, Nightmare returned Celestia’s bagel. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize-”

“Don’t be. You have every right to be upset with me... What I did was horrible.”

The two sisters sat in silence for a while, before Celestia spoke up. “Luna, can you ever forgive me?”

Nightmare remained silent for a time, thinking. Her face a mask for her emotions, she looked at Celestia and replied, “Ever? Yes. But not yet.” Celestia’s face fell, as a few tears dripped off her muzzle. “I was stuck there for a thousand years.... It just... It hurts to think about still.” Celestia nodded. Silence once again reigned, and the two mares ate. “So, what do you have planned for today?” Luna asked, trying to change the subject. Celestia looked up, slightly confused. “Well, I assume you still plan to perform your daily duties.”

Celestia smiled weakly. “I’ve got a meeting with the nobles in an hour. After that I expect it will be lunch time. Then the minister and the rest of the heads of state want to have a budget meeting, so I’ll be there. You?”

“I may try to sleep, but I think I’ll just end up reading again...” Nightmare replied with a small sigh. “Also, do you think you could ask if Twilight would like to make our meetings a weekly thing? It was very nice.”

Celestia smiled. “I’m sure she would love that. I’ll ask her later.” With a mutual smile the sisters embraced. Nightmare smiled as she left the room, her horn gently flashing to lower the moon as Celestia raised the sun. Slowly Nightmare made her way down to the library. She gave a smile to the librarian who waited inside, who returned the smile in kind. Though she only looked for a few minutes, Nightmare quickly had a large stack of books floating behind her. With a nod she checked them out, the librarian rolling her eyes at the stack of books. Nightmare carried her books back to her room. With a yawn she sat down, pulled the top book to her, and began to read.

The next few days passed in kind, Nightmare Moon reading through the day and sleeping through the night. She ate with Celestia when she could, and each time the two sisters talked. Neither brought up Luna’s banishment again, neither wanting to relieve bad memories. Luna, for her part, was spending more and more time doing her paperwork, seeming to retreat into it. Nightmare awoke each morning, scanned Luna’s memories, and each day worried a little more about Luna.

The day before Twilight’s next visit, Nightmare had an unexpected knock on her door. She glanced at the clock on her desk, which told her it was barely past noon. “Tia didn’t mention any visitors,” she mumbled to herself, regarding her door with confusion. “And Twilight’s letter came yesterday.” When the knock came again, Nightmare blinked. “Ohh, right. Come in!” she called out, doing her best to sound pleasant.

A somewhat young pegasus mare, with a rich sky blue coat, and a cutie mark of a brain with a few Zs coming off it, walked in, bowing low. “Good afternoon, princess. My name is Quiet Thoughts, and I am the royal psychologist.” Quiet Thoughts stood, smiling happily at Nightmare, as if her actions were perfectly normal. “I believe Princess Celestia set up this meeting.”

Nightmare, in return, raised an eyebrow. “The royal what?” she asked, completely at a loss.

“Psychologist,” Quiet repeated. “It is my duty to make sure that both princesses are sound in mind, and to help when they stray.” The mare continued smiling at Nightmare, perfectly pleased with herself.

Nightmare nodded slowly, closing the door to her room. “So, you are a doctor of the mind?” Nightmare inquired. Quiet happily nodded her head. “So, what is it you intend to do? I, for one, will not be allowing you to cut my head open-"

“Ohh of course not, Princess. Those treatments are reserved for only the most serious of cases.” Nightmare stared at the pegasus, unable to determine if she was joking or not. “No, for now, I wish to simply talk with you.”

Nightmare sat down on her bed, pulling out her comfy chair from behind her desk and offering it to her guest. “So, does my sister meet with you?”

Quiet Thoughts nodded, her smile relaxing as she realized the princess of the night wasn’t going to do anything rash. “I meet with her on a bi-monthly basis. Though, to be honest, I don’t need to be meeting with her that often. Unless I had some specific worry, I’d be content to meeting just once every six months, or even once a year.” Quiet Thoughts finally relaxed into the chair, smiling gently.

Nightmare nodded, racking her mind for more ways to stall. She was very uncomfortable with the idea of somepony trying to figure out her mind. What worried her most was this pony discovering what was going on. “What about the rest of the staff? And the guards?”

“Ohh yes, I regularly meet with them as well,” Quiet replied. “I make sure to meet with everypony working in the castle every few months. The guard, however, has their own psychologist, somepony who specializes in helping those who serve or have served.” Nightmare nodded, keeping up her fake smile as Quiet finished. The two sat and smiled at eachother before Quiet spoke up again. “So, is there anything you would like to talk about, your highness?”

Nightmare balked. She hadn’t expected the pegasus to be so focused. “Well, ummm,” Nightmare tossed about her mind, trying to find anything. “Well, yes. But, first, everything I discuss with you stays in this room, correct?”

Quiet nodded. “Of course Princess. Unless it concerns harm to yourself, intent to harm others, or a matter of national security. Though i’m not worried about the last one too much.”

Nightmare let out a soft chuckle. If you knew who I really am you wouldn’t be so calm. “Right, well, you see.... this is hard to admit.” Quiet simply waited, not pressuring Nightmare in any way. “Well, I’m horny.” Might as well start with something truthful.

Quiet blinked. That was not at all something she had expected. “Oh. Well, do you know why?” she asked tactfully, hoping the princess wouldn’t let her mood cloud her judgement.

“Oh, I know exactly why,” Nightmare sighed. “It’s been over a thousand years since I’ve so much as touched another pony, much less had any intimate contact.” Quiet’s eyes grew wide. “While Nightmare Moon may have been trapped in the moon, my body couldn’t be. Magic doesn’t work quite like that. And so, I spent the thousand years with none but that mare for company. Walking the surface of the moon. It was incredibly boring.” Nightmare looked up at her guest. Well, that’s mostly true at least. If I can trust this pony, I’ll need her to trust me.

Quiet nodded slowly, processing this new information. It had never occurred to her that the princesses would have such basic needs. “Well, have you tried, well, self stimulation?”

Nightmare’s expression immediately deadpanned. Yes I’ve tried- “Yes, I have. It’s like giving a starving mare an appetizer. I want the buffet. With all the trimmings.” Nightmare glared out her window, in the direction of the throne room. “Tia disbanded the royal harem a few hundred years ago. Had she not, this little problem of mine would have been solved.”

“Have you tried just finding a pony willing to have a purely physical relationship?” Quiet asked delicately, noting Nightmare’s rising tension.

“Ohh, right, like I can even have a normal conversation with a pony, much less casual sex!” Nightmare replied venomously. “Even you, the mare who’s supposed to be helping me sort out the issues in my mind, is unwilling to be frank with me! Is it too much to ask that We be treated the same as you would treat any other patient? Must We order you to drop the formalities and be blunt with Us?” Nightmare cried out, her voice raising close to the Royal Voice, her eyes glaring daggers at Quiet Thoughts. “You’re barely out of school, and you think yourself skilled enough to handle the royal sisters! You’re a foal compared to Us. What makes thou thinkest thou hast enough knowledge to begin to fathom the depths of Our mind and Our problems?” Nightmare’s voice echoed around the castle as she shifted into the Royal Canterlot Voice. The pegasus sniffed, trying to hold back a cascade of tears. “Ohh begone with you, snivelling foal.”

Quiet Thoughts stood her ground, slowly bringing her emotions back in check. “Life is pain, highness,” she said through gritted teeth. “Anyone who says differently is selling something,” she added, glaring at the princess. “I make no pretense about life. It sucks. Everything in life tests us in some way, and we get almost no reward for it.” Quiet sighed deeply, calming herself. “Look, I stayed formal because I wanted to show you respect. I don’t know you, or anything about you. I know your sister because I’ve spent years talking with her. I didn’t want to offend you on our first meeting, so I stayed formal. If you would rather I didn’t, I won’t.” Nightmare nodded, still frozen from Quiet’s sudden forcefulness. Quiet nodded in return. “Alright. Now, coming into this meeting I knew you had problems. Everypony does. Some are just more serious than others.” Nightmare sat quietly, chewing on her bottom lip. “Would you like to talk about the problem you brought up earlier?”

“Is that what you do?” Nightmare asked, stalling for time. “Talk with ponies about their problems?”

Quiet smiled. “Mostly. I talk with ponies about their issues, and help them find ways to deal with them. Most of the time, just talking is enough for ponies to make progress. Sometimes however, there are chemical imbalances in the brain that cause the issues, and for those, I prescribe medication.”

Nightmare blinked. Medication? What- Nightmare took a calming breath. “What do you mean by medication?”

The pegasus chuckled. “Pills containing a set amount of chemicals in them. When taken in the correct dosage, by the pony requiring them, they serve to fix the physical issues with the mind.” Quiet let out a small sigh. “Now, I know you’re stalling. Celestia has done it many times. I won’t force you to stop, but understand you’re not doing a good job of fooling me.”

Nightmare blinked, taken aback. “Oh, you noticed then.” Quiet nodded. “Alright, well, yes I am. You must understand, I’m scared. The idea of somepony trying to pick apart my mind, well-”

“I understand, princess,” Quiet interrupted, holding up a hoof. “However, I hope you can understand the good that comes of it.”

Oh yes, so much good would come of anypony knowing who I really am. Nightmare nodded, smiling softly. “I’m sorry for my outburst. May we continue where we were earlier?”

Quiet nodded. “Certainly. Now, I understand how hard it must be to just talk with somepony, let alone build a meaningful relationship. But, how, pressing, is your need?”

Nightmare’s face slumped as she thought. “Well, on a scale of one to ten, one being ‘eh’ and ten being I’d pounce on you and be done with it,” Nightmare gave a noncommittal shrug. “I’d say somewhere closer to a four. But I have had years of experience controlling myself. A five for me would be a ten for a normal pony.”

Quiet’s eyes grew wide. “Okay, so you’re-”

“Ready, willing, and wouldn’t say no to a reasonable offer.”

Quiet nodded again, biting her lip. “Well, I know it would take time, but it seems developing a relationship with somepony, and hoping that it develops into something more may be your best option. That, or finding a pony who is willing, and able, to have a purely physical relationship with you.”

“Well, there are only two ponies, other than my sister, who are willing to at least have a normal conversation with me,” Nightmare replied. “And most of the rest are too terrified of the thought of Nightmare Moon to even talk to me.”

“I wish I could say it was otherwise,” Quiet replied. “I myself came in here a little worried about Nightmare Moon.” Almost as an afterthought, Quiet added, “and I would have to decline if you asked.”

“I could order you to. I am a princess after all,” Nightmare replied, an eyebrow raised.

“True, but one, that would be rape,” Quiet quickly replied, “Two, you would feel incredibly guilty afterwards. And three, that would be a breach of my code of ethics. Which would get my license to practice suspended, and likely revoked, and, of course, I would be fired.” Quiet Thoughts chuckled lightly. “And I’m pretty sure one and two would apply to most ponies.”

The lunar princess grumbled to herself. “Why do you have to have a valid point?”

“Actually, it’s in my job description.” Both mares chuckled happily. “Now, sadly, I have to go. I don’t have all day to talk with you, though I wouldn’t mind.” Quiet rose from her chair and trotted towards Nightmare’s door. “And princess?” Nightmare looked up. “Do try to get some sleep.”

Nightmare watched as Quiet left her room, smiling softly to herself. Well, I guess I can talk to Twilight about that tomorrow..

While Nightmare did not in fact bring up her problem, fearing that such an intimate topic would end their budding friendship, she enjoyed their talk nonetheless. It again started with what Twilight had been up to, before quickly turning back to the stars. Nightmare was more than happy to teach anyone about Luna’s work, and with how rapt Twilight was, she couldn’t but begin to grow fond of the little unicorn.

Two nights later, just after Luna had raised the moon with Celestia, the older mare asked her to hang back for a moment. “Yes, sister? Was there something you needed?”

“I’ve been thinking it over,” Celestia replied, a warm smile on her face. “I think it’s time we, well you, started the night court again.”

Luna’s face lit up at the prospect. “Are you sure, Tia?” The blue alicorn’s face fell slightly. “But, what if nopony shows up?”

That would be horrible, Nightmare realized. Court is supposed to last for two hours. If Luna ends up sitting there, doing nothing for that long, she’s going to feel abandoned.

Celestia opened her mouth to say something, then shut it. Luna raised an eyebrow, confused. The older sister repeated her actions a few more times before eventually looking down, scuffing a hoof on the floor. “I’ve taken care of that, Luna,” she whispered softly. Both Luna and Nightmare raised an eyebrow, curious as to what she meant. Before the silence could stretch too long, Celestia continued. “I asked a few ponies who I wasn’t able to see during my day court to see you tonight instead.”

Oh, so we’re just getting her overflow? Nightmare thought bitterly. Better than nothing, but still...

“Oh, thank you sister!” Luna replied, jumping forward and giving Celestia a hug. “I promise I won’t disappoint you!” With that, she took off for the royal court room, not giving her sister a chance to explain anything further.

Luna, calm down! You have to enter as a princess, not an eager filly! Nightmare yelled out, briefly forgetting Luna was unable to hear her. You have to do this right!

Luna wound her way around the castle, rushing to make it to her first Night Court on time. She skidded to a halt just outside the room behind the royal court room. With a massive grin, she gently pushed the door open. The small room allowed the princesses a moment to breath or collect their thoughts before or during their respective courts. Alright, this is going to be great!

Or it’s going to end in a horrible disaster, Nightmare thought cynically. For Luna’s sake, I hope it goes well.

Luna glanced down at herself, running through a checklist for court. I need my royal vestments! She realized with a start. With a quick flash of her horn she teleported them from her room and began putting them on. The tiara fit just fine, but the shoes conformed themselves to her actual form. Luna stared as the shoes, seemingly two sizes two big, moved around as if stuck to her hoof.

Ohh, not good. Does Luna-

Luna let out a happy laugh before dropping the glamour. With her full size now apparent, the shoe fit just fine. Ohh of course! Luna smiled to herself as she donned the rest of the royal accouterments. The glamour wasn’t applied to them! How funny that looked!

Well, I guess she remembers the glamour. And doesn’t seem to have a problem with how we really look... Nightmare mumbled to herself. So long as she puts the glamour back up, it’s no problem.

Luna shifted and stretched, having grown accustomed to the glamour. “Oh, I’ve missed this,” she whispered to herself. Lifting a hoof, Luna smiled down at her ink black coat. “One day they’ll accept me,” she mumbled to herself.

With those words, a twinge of sorrow coursed through Nightmare. I really hope they do, Luna. But please, don’t walk out there without the glamour. It will only cause pain.

Luna glanced over towards the mirror, admiring herself. “Well, don’t I look amazing?” With a shrug she reapplied the glamour. Once again shrunken down to the size of a regular pony, Luna sighed softly. “Well, time for my first court since my vacation!” With that, Luna swept into the royal court room, carrying herself as a mighty and powerful princess.

The Hall of the Heavens was a massively long hall, capable of housing well over a thousand ponies. Along each wall was a gilded box, one made of a rich ebony, with silver trim, the other white pine and trimmed with gold. Each box contained an assortment of nobles, though neither was full. On the far side of the room from the throne was a large crowd of ponies, milling about. The rest of the room was filled with advisers and guards. The nobles had been chatting between themselves, but quickly fell silent as Luna entered. With a broad, welcoming smile, Luna strode up the dais to the single throne. The throne had been made of a rare white-black marble. Tia thought of me when she made it Luna thought happily. She sat on the throne, shifting until she was comfortable.

Beside her, a slate gray unicorn stepped forward. “The Royal Night Court is now in session! Your Highness, Princess Luna, do you have any words before we begin?”

Luna stood slowly, taking a deep breath. “We are most pleased to once again preside over our Royal Court.” Luna spoke with the full force of the Royal Canterlot voice, her words echoing around the chamber “It hath been far too long since we last spoke with our subjects. For many years, We presided over the Night Court, a time for ponies to bring thy requests and concerns to Us. Our sister’s court traditionally dealt with matters of state, whilst our court was more intimate, allowing our subjects to have more personal matters addressed by the crown. It is our hope that this once glorious tradition might continue.”

Great, she’s using the royal We and the voice... Nightmare grumbled inwardly. I’ll have to keep that in mind if I take over... Hmm... I wonder just what her memories of the chat with Twilight include. Nightmare’s thoughts began to drift away from the task at hand, and concerned themselves with the split between reality and Luna’s memories.

“Would the first petitioner step forward!” the gray unicorn called out.

A noble with a white coat, and blue mane, wearing a suit jacket and monocle, stood up in the Lunar box. “I would speak first, if your highness will allow it,” he said plainly, holding his head high.

“What is thy name, noble?” Luna responded, eyeing the stallion suspiciously.

At a twitch of Luna’s cheek, Nightmare took over. The nobles had been some of the cruelest in the years before her banishment. They had been amongst the first to turn against her, and some of their words had been the cruelest. It was a faction within the nobles that had originally decried her as a monster, and had been the first to refuse to attend her court.

The stallion blinked. While Celestia knew all of them by rote, for the Princess to specifically ask for one’s name was quite the honor. The noble bowed low. “I am Fancy Pants, Your Majesty,” he answered. “I am patron to house Pants.”

Darn. The Lulamoon’s were the only house to stand by me, and I doubt they kept their titles after that. I guess it was too much to hope for, Nightmare grumbled inwardly. Well, the Pants were not one of the houses calling for my imprisonment at least. With a sigh, Nightmare nodded. “What doth thou ask of Us, Sir Pants?”

Fancy Pants gave a brief smile. “Your Highness, Canterlot has not had a proper introduction to our returned princess.” Fancy Pants stood tall as he spoke, no hesitation in his voice. “Many of the noble houses wish to meet you, in a less formal setting. To that end, I ask that you attend a gathering, in your honor, in two weeks time, that I will be hosting.”

He is quite the confident stallion as he invites Luna to a party. What is he playing at? “Thy request is reasonable, Sir Pants.” Narrowing her eyes, Nightmare studied Fancy Pants. He stood strong and proud, but kept his gaze down at the base of the dais. “Thou hast respect for Us. We shall take thine offer into consideration.” Despite Nightmare’s desire to go, it would be the perfect opportunity to meet the new generation of nobles, she knew that it could easily be disastrous, if there was even the time.

“I thank you for your time and consideration, Your Highness,” Fancy Pants replied. With a bow he sat back down, a content smile upon his lips.

As Fancy Pants sat, Nightmare slid back, making way for Luna again.“Would the next petitioner step forward?” the slate gray unicorn to Nightmare’s side called out.

A lime green pegasus stepped out of the crowd of commoners, strode forward and bowed low before the princess. “I thank you for seeing us this evening, Your Highness.” He kept his head low as he spoke, not allowing himself to make eye contact with the princess. “I, and many others, have but a single request.”

“What doth thou ask of Us, little one?” Luna replied, letting her voice drop to a more measured level while keeping her warm smile on her face. I hope he isn’t afraid of me, she thought.

I doubt Celestia has kept these things this formal all these years. How long has Tia spent coaching these ponies? Nightmare wondered cynically.

“Many of us would like to hear, from you, why Celestia banished you, and what happened upon your return.”

Nightmare blinked, the word banished having pulled her back to the forefront. She stared down at the pegasus, confused. I’m sure Celestia spread the word so- no, Celestia specifically chose these ponies to attend the first Night Court. She wanted this asked. She wanted us to tell them ourselves. Nightmare nodded. “That is quite the tale to tell. Are thou not satisfied with Our sister’s tale?”

"Princess Celestia told us that you are her sister, and asked us to give you our trust and respect,” the pegasus replied. “There are stories and old mare’s tales which speak of the events a thousand years ago, but we wished to hear it from you.”

Nightmare slowly shook her head. “Very well.” A pause before, “We allowed our anger to control us,” she began, her voice booming to ensure everypony in the room heard, before staring up at the ceiling. “The ponies of the era chose to ignore our gorgeous night, among other sins.” Nightmare’s voice was the only sound in the room, everypony else having quieted so as not to interrupt her.

“We had worked hard such that our ponies, thy ancestors, would never have to spend another night in fear. In thanks, we were ignored. Reviled. Our court was abandoned in favor of our sister’s. Our proclamations fell upon deaf ears. So, we lashed out. Our dear sister did what was necessary, and sealed us away.”

The hall was silent while Nightmare took a breath. “One month ago, upon our return, we were still consumed with rage and pain. So, six ponies, wielding the Elements of Harmony, did what our sister could not. They calmed our rage, and allowed us to find peace.” At least, that’s the line Celestia and I are following.

The hall was silent as Nightmare finished. “Your Highness, surely-”

“That is all we will disclose tonight,” Nightmare snapped. “Whom shall speak next?” Calm down, there is no need to rage at them. And I don’t want them thinking Luna is still full of anger.

Luna let out a slow sigh. “We apologize. Our temper is still a little short. Whom shall speak next?”

A slow murmur went through the crowd before two earth ponies stepped forward, one pale orange, the other a light cream. The pair walked forward and took their place before the throne. “Your Highness, Princess Luna, we thank you for taking this time to speak with us and hear our request.”

“What is it you ask of us, my little ponies?”

The earth ponies took a deep breath before speaking. “We humbly ask that you bless our marriage.” The stallion shook with fear as he spoke.

Nightmare laughed inside Luna’s mind.Oh, thank you Celestia. Luna always loved blessing these unions.

Luna stood, grinning broadly. “It would be our pleasure,” she replied. Taking the steps two at a time, Luna bounded over to the couple and stood over them. “Stand.” The couple did as commanded, hesitantly smiling at the princess. “Thy union is strong,” she began, her horn glowing softly. “We feel no hesitance, for thy love is true. Thou asketh for our blessing, and We gladly provide. What art thy names?”

“My wife’s name is Flower Field,” the stallion replied.

“And my husband is Grassy Field,” the mare finished.

“Then, Flower Field and Grassy Field, We gladly bless thy union. May thy share in triumph and stand strong through despair. May thy love never waver, and be ever reaching.” Luna cast her spell, a gentle blue aura glowing around the pair before fading. “Thy union is blessed. Go, young ones, and let the stars guide thy hoofsteps.”

Wide grins spread over the couple's faces at Luna’s words. “Thank you, your Highness!” Flower Field exclaimed. The two gave one final bow before happily turning and leaving.

We should make an extra effort to watch over them, Nightmare thought to herself. Wouldn’t do any good to have Luna’s first blessing end in tragedy.

With an equally broad smile, Luna returned to her throne. “Whom would speak next?”

The next hour passed in peace. The common ponies waited respectfully for their chance to speak, and each gave Luna the proper respect. Nightmare watched through Luna’s eyes, happy to see Luna being treated so well. She was not pulled out again, as most of the ponies had come just to pay their respects to her. After each spoke their piece, they bowed and left, the crowd slowly diminishing.

When the last pony had left, Luna stood, prepared to leave. “Doth any of the nobles desire to speak?” A noble in the solar box stood, bowing. “What is thy request?”

“We, a group of nobles, have a request for our esteemed Princess Luna.” The noble stood with a smile, staring down Luna.

Nightmare narrowed her eyes as she took over. The noble’s tone may have been relatively neutral, but her eyes shone with a level of malice. Nightmare stood and strode forward, keeping her gaze fixed on the noble.

“Several of us have gotten together to discuss what should be done concerning you and your history.” Nightmare’s eyes narrowed further, not liking where this was going. “We have come up with a proposal we have deemed satisfactory.”

“And what doth thou propose?” Nightmare all but growled. She better watch her words carefully. And I need to keep my anger under control. They’re scared of my temper, wouldn’t do to lose control. She took a small, calming breath, before letting the noble continue.

Unrolling a scroll she had brought in with her, the noble spoke. “Our proposal is for you to, with all due haste, remove yourself from any and all positions of power.” The hall was silent as the weight of her words began to sink in. “Second, you will accept a magical inhibitor ring, for the safety of those around you. Third, you will submit yourself to a trail where you will be tried for your crimes against Equestria. At that time-”

The mare stopped when a light blue aura surrounded her, lifting her into the air. “Thy honestly thought this deception could work?” Nightmare’s voice oozed malice. Her eyes began to glow green as her horn was wrapped in dense purple smoke. “Over a thousand years ago We wrote a specific law against what thou hast just done.”

“Princess! Please, I merely meant to-” the mare stuttered, her eyes wide in fear. The look in Nightmare’s eyes and tone of her voice had made it clear that she was livid. The aura surrounding the young mare slowly changed from a calm blue to a more violent purple. A small whimper of pain escaped the nobles mouth as the aura began to slowly squeeze her.

“Silence! Thy meant to insult Us!” Nightmare screamed back, stalking down the steps towards the mare. “If thy proposal was true thy would have taken it to Our sister, or to the minister of defense. This matter is their purview.” With a jerk of her head, Nightmare brought the noble to float before her. “A thousand years ago We would execute you on the spot for such insolence. But today, we will show mercy. Guards!” A half dozen guards sprang forward, forming a semicircle behind the floating noble. “Take this insolent wretch to the dungeons. Come the ‘morrow she shall stand trial before the crown.” With that, Nightmare dropped the terrified unicorn to the ground. The guards grabbed her and immediately dragged her out. “The Night Court is ended!”

Author's Note

As always, edited by the wonderful Faoiltiama.
And also, if you notice any errors, let me know, and I'll fix them.