Chapters A Nightmare's Reign: A quest for Harmony
Prologue
Once upon a time in a far away world laid the beautiful lush realm filled with wonder and magic beyond anyone's comprehension, this was the Kingdom of Equstria. This was a place were mythical creatures of all sorts, Earth Ponies Unicorns, Pegasus, Griffons, Dragons, and other creatures of strange form, size and ability lived in peace and harmony with one another for thousands of years, under the protection of the two Pony Princesses, Celestia of the Sun and Luna of the Moon. For several years these two Princesses ruled with wisdom and kindness, razzing the sun and the moon changing the skies from day to night. But this era of harmony would not last forever for the younger sister Luna being the Princess of the Night started to become jealous of her sisters day and how it was better appreciated by her subjects then her glorious shining moon. Year after year the light of sister began to outshine ever her, her anger growing with each increase of light. Soon it became a point when she hated her sister Celestia and believed that she was holding her back from the greatness she rightfully deserved. Consumed by anger a dark power grew inside Luna until finally she rose up against her and became the dark and terrible ruler of the night Nightmare Moon. She tried in vain to overthrow her sister and rule Equestria in eternal darkness, but she failed was cast to the moon for a thousand years never to be heard from again. For a thousand years past and Nightmare Moon returned. For a thousands years she had been banished for a thousand years she had been stuck their alone only her hatred, her anger, her thirst for revenge grow and grow, her only thoughts was to finally have victory of her sister, Princess Celestia once and for all. Then after a thousand years her time had now come.
It was on Summer Sun celebration which is the longest day in Equestria and the stars in the sky had perfectly aligned, allowing Nightmare Moon's power to increase ten fold giving her the ability to finally break from her moon imprisonment once and for all and return to Kingdom which she claimed was rightfully hers to rule alone. Slowly each any every one of her wishes was finally coming to pass. With ease she had managed to defeat her sister Celestia and banish her to the sun for a thousand years. She managed to consolidate power in Equestria and establish a new realm of Eternal night, finally her night would appreciated by the Ponies whether they wanted to or not. Finally she had one and no one could stop her, or so she thought.
For in this ocean of darkness a small island of light emerged. Six Ponies emerged ready and willing to challenge Nightmare Moon and restore balance back to Equestria. These ponies were Rariry, Applejack, Rainbowdash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and they were led by Twilight Sparkle a former student of Princess Celestia and a Unicorn with great knowledge of magic. Their goal was to head to the abounded palace of Pony sisters and find a ancient power known as the Elements of Harmony. The Elements of Harmony, according to legend were the only power in the world to destroy and threat to Equestria thus this was Equestria last hope to stop Nightmare Moon from ruling in Eternal Night forever.
Finally the hour had come and these six brave Ponies united in their mission to defeat Nightmare Moon wielding the Elements against her. The Elements Magic struck Nightmare Moon who tried to deflect it with her darkness. As quickly as she had achieved victory it was being taken away from her. But no. No she would not allow this, she wouldn't allow a thousand years of banishment be wasted. As the magic of the Elements began to close in on her, her anger began to take hold, she wouldn't succumb to the Elements, they would succumb to her. Using ever ounce of her strength and will she doubled her energies and stuck back against that magic that dared to resist her causing it to retreat and distant itself from her until finally the light broke and the darkness won.
At last everything she had wished for had come to a end, all light from the world had been whipped from Equestria, the dreams were dead. The era of Nightmare's have begun.
A Nightmare's Reign: A quest for Harmony
Eternal Night of Dreams
It was a dark night the moon shined bright in the sky lighting the darkness that covered the lands allowing those who traveled upon it to move with ease. But not all those who traveled these realms were those with noble goals and ambitions, for on this peaceful night galloping down the muddy dirt roads, the tips of there spears, torches, and black flags scene from afar, came the black armored Stallions of the Equestrian Royal Guard. Emerging from the roads that led to Cantelot they arrived at a small Equestrian town simply known as Ponyville the sound of their armor clanking as they approached the small town. Swarming in by the dozens they entered the village and began to ransack and burn every singe home or shop that was near them causing mayhem and destruction wherever they went creating a great panic among the local pony populace as they tried to escape from their wrath running in every direction that was possible.
As the chaos began to spread and more homes and shops began to burn, one guard remained stationary throughout most of this raid observing the whole thing with a evil smirk on his face. He was the oldest of them, he was a dark blue Unicorn with yellow cat like eyes his mane was grey and dull as well as he beard. However what stood out the most about him was a long jagged scar that ran straight through his left eye that was blinded by it. After a few more moments of letting the other guards rampage and cause destruction through the town the elderly guard held up his hoof and shouted in a cold authoritative voice. "Alright men round them up!"
As he commanded the legion of guards suddenly stopped there raid and began to round up several of the citizens as they could find gathering them around their commander who was on the steps of the towns city hall allowing him to view the citizens from above as he he glared at them causing them to shiver in fear.
Smiling sadistically, the guard began to make his speech as he paced back and forth like predator observing his prey. "Alright you little runts, as you know, I Captain Scarred Eye, head of the Royal Guard, am here by orders of her majesty herself Queen Nightmare Moon, because it is rumored your town has a traitor in it's midst's.'
Suddenly the gathering crowed started to whisper to one another shocked to here about such rumors about treason in their town their faces filled with fear and mistrust.
One of Captain Scarred Eyes men headed to him and pulled a piece of parchment showing it the crowds. "This....is the traitor. On the parchment a image of orange Earth Pony with a yellow mane wearing a cowboy hat was on it above her head the word Wanted was over it.
"The traitor Applejack has been spotted near your town, she along with five others ponies are fugitives and must be captured at once." Captain Scarred Eyed explained as he continued to observe the crowds searching for any suspicious looking ponies in the area his eyes shifting from left to right in a flash. "In exchange for her whereabouts you will receive the reward of one million bits!"
There was silence in the crowds no one seemed to want to answer either out of defiance or just out of petrifying fear, either way it Scarred Eye was becoming displeased with this defiance his anger showing on his face. "So none of you want treasures and riches beyond your imagination.". The crowds continued to remain silence this time seeming more defiant .Turing around Scarred Eye nodded to one of his guards and had him grab a young orange Pegasus with a purple mane from crowds and had him point a sword to her neck.
Looking at the crowds who started huddling together in fear of being taken the guards as sacrifice Scarred Eye shouted. "Are you sure you don't have any information!"
"Hey let me go you big bully!" The young filly spoke trying in vain to wrestle her wait out of the guards tights grip.
Hitting her in the flank the guard shouted back, "Silence you runt!" he placed the sword a little closer to her next.
"If you don't give us her or any of their whereabouts, this young filly will die." Scarred Eye shouted making sure to emphasize that this was his last warning to the crowds.
The crowds continued to whisper this time with more urgency. It seemed as if they were almost ready to break Scarred Eye could see it in their eyes, he was soon about to have the information his Queen wanted so desperately. Suddenly in a dash of speed the guard carrying the filly was flung into the air hitting the nearby knocking unconscious by the impact. At once all of guards drew their spears and swords wondering what had attacked him, Scarred Eye in particular looking intense.
Then all of a sudden a few of the rocks lying around the ground began to levitate surround by a magical purple energy and hit two of the guards knocking them out from behind.
"WHO'S THEIR!" Shouted Scarred Eye as he and the rest of his men looked around for the mysteries attackers their fear slowly getting the better of them as all they could hear was the sound of their own hooves crushing the grass beneath them. Turning towards his men Captain Scarred Eye ordered them to move out and search the surrounding area.
Two of the guards headed into alley ways between two small apartment houses in the village for those were places criminals would hide first.
"Anything." The first guard whispered to his companion as he moved his torch around the dark corners in order to illuminate them.
"Nothing on my end." Whispered the other guard as he started searching the trash can for any rebels.
Both of them continued searching the alley way only to find the place completely empty. Taking a deep breath the guards began to head out. "Well that was..." Suddenly a heavy pressure was felt behind the guards causing them to fall face flat on the ground. Scarred Eye heard that crack and quickly turned around and saw his prize.
"There's the fugitive, Applejack." Then from the shadows the orange earth pony emerged looking defiant. Scarred Eye growled and shouted, "GET HER!" Forcing his men to attack.
"Come on boys get her down." Applejacked shouted back as the guards started to charge on her. Before their spears could pierce her coat they guards were repelled by purple bolts of energies coming from a purple unicorn.
"It's the fugitive Twilight Sparkle." said one of the guards as he and two of his comrade's headed towards her direction only to be knocked flung into the air by a blue pegasus with a Rainbow mane.
"Thanks Rainbowdash." Twilight said sounding relived.
"No problem, Twi, Fluttershy! You and Rarity ready." Rainbowdash shouted to two ponies standing on top of a roof with a bunch of wooden critters.
"Um....okay." The yellow Pegasus with a pink mane named Fluttershy whispered
sounding extremely nervous. .Her white Unicorn friend pattered her on the back trying to build up her confidence.
"It's okay Fluttershy, Twilight and the other will make sure they'll be safe." Rarity said.
Looking at her animals Fluttershy gave the word and had her small woodland animals taking a deep breath in order to calm her nerves.
"Ugh, gets this thing off me." Shouted one of the guards who had a highly aggressive white bunny on him pushing his helmet below his eyes blinding him from the rest of the battle.
Realizing this battle was becoming a losing one, Scarred Eye ordered the retreat of the guards. Rallying toward their leader they began to head out of town and return back to the palace in Canterlot, but before they could from out of knower a Pink pony with a fluffy pink mane appeared just smiling and staring at them.
"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie what's your name." she said sounding excited as all the guards just starred at her giving confused and bewildered looks.
"Is she serious." One of the guards pointed out.
Suddenly Pinkie Pie jumped. "Oh, are you having a party, I love parties."
"This is getting ridiculous." Scarred Eye shouted as he pulled out his sword ready to strike.
Pinkie Pie continued rambling on about parties. "You know what helps making parties even more fun." Suddenly Pinkie Pie pulled out a large Pink cannon. "PARTY CANNON!" She fired causing the guards in front of it except for Scarred Eye to fling high into the air and enter the Everfree forest."
Realizing the game was up Scarred Eye used his magic to teleport himself out of the town but not before he could hear the cheers of the crowds. Nightmare Moon's thugs have been defeated!
"Well girls we did for now." Twilight said taking a deep sigh of relief as her and the rest of her friends gathered around her.
Then a grayed hared mare wearing glasses approached them. "As mayor of Ponyville, I thank you for protecting our village, but I'm afraid I can't ask you to stay for long, or we risk another attack."
"We understand Mayor Mare." Twilight nodded. "We don't want to get anypony here in get in trouble or worse."
"Thank you." Mayor Mare said sounding guilty of having to ask the very ponies who had stopped the Royal Guards from rampaging through their homes but she new it had to be done.
As the girls headed back into the Everfree forest which was the only place safe from Nightmare Moon and her forces, they were unaware that the very mare who they were fighting was watching them from afar.
******
"IDIOTS!" Nightmare Moon shouted as she watched them from a magical vortex her guards being defeated by the six ponies who tried to thwart her takeover of Equestria As the vortex vanished the dark mare began to pace around in her chambers inside Canterlot castle her blue metal horseshoes clanking on the marble floors and her soulless cyan eyes narrowing her faced filled with rage. "That was a perfect opportunity to capture them!" Nightmare Moon let out a huge huff of exacerbation as she tried to calm herself. "The Elements of Harmony will not allude me for long."
Nightmare Moon's chambers weren't very large but they were extremely elegant. The curtains were swooned by the finest silk, the walls were covered with elegant paintings pained by the greatest artist in Equestria and in end of the room extremely large comfy bed lied painting in black and blue just as there owner was. The only light that shinned in the room was the light of the candles glowing on their long iron mantles.
During her time at the castle Nightmare Moon had made many changes to this once elegant place of light. Most of the walls were pained over in black or blue much like Nightmare Moon's mane. The throne room had been refreshed and a new stone iron throne was installed so that all those who approached it would know the power of the mare who sat on it. Finally, the dungeons that lied beneath the castle which in long past were once completely empty now were full, full with the poor innocent ponies who only crimes in life were disagreeing with Nightmare Moon's reign over Equestria.
Stepping outside on the balcony Nightmare Moon looked up at the sky extremely pleased with her night that she had created her mind starting to become at ease. "It is beautiful, Eternal Night, for so long these ponies were tricked into loving my sisters sun but now, they can appreciate true perfection."
Her thoughts were soon disturbed however when the doors to her room opened and Captain Scarred Eye arrived looking tired taking heavy breaths to regain his lost strength. Remaining emotionless she turned around to face him hoping that her captains unexpected arrival had a good excuse.
"What is it. Captain Scarred Eye!" Nightmare Moon asked.
Scarred Eye tried to catch his breath having difficulty to talk, finally he managed to regain some of his energy and bowed before his queen. "Your highness I wish to report to you that fugitives have...
"I know that!" Nightmare Moon shouted angrily much to the surprise of her loyal captain.
"My apologies then your highness." Scarred Eye bowed in a sign of respect and fear. "I promise you we shall redouble our efforts to find them. We will not fail."
"For you sake you better not." Nightmare Moon turned around and once again continued to gaze upon her moon with awe. Suddenly she growled gritting her teeth. "If only those accursed Elements of Harmony hadn't used what was left of their magic to allow those six accursed ponies to escape my grip". Listing to Nightmare Moon ramble Scarred Eye remained presence still looking puzzled and trying to say something. Nightmare Moon must have noticed for she spoke. "I assume you are still here to gaze at my glorious moon."
Scarred Eye jumped. "No...I mean yes, I mean your moon is glorious but..."
"Get on with it." She interrupted.
Scarred Eye knowing that continuing to dilly dally would lead to his immediate execution. "Your highness why are we concentrating all our efforts on these six fugitives?"
Nightmare Moon snickered. "For they tried to stop me from achieving my birthright."
"Yes, but you stopped them you destroyed the elements of harmony...didn't you?" Scarred Eye was answered by silence, Nightmare Moon continuing to have her back on him. Slowly she began to speak sounding as if she was gritting her teeth.
"Just....find them and bring them to me." Knowing that his moment was up Scarred Eye bowed and headed out of her chambers leaving her to continue to glance at her moon wondering why she seemed so anxious to find these six fugitives. But her knew it was better not to question her much longer or suffer his mistresses wrath. However before he headed out Nightmare Moon stopped him one last time.
"Wait!" She commanded.
"Yes my queen." Scarred Eye replied bowing before her.
Nightmare Moon seemed hesitant her face looked as it it was struggling to determine the right words to use, finally she began to speak. "Do the citizens of Ponyville love me?"
Scarred Eye looked both surprised and fearful knowing that the wrong answer would lead to his immediate execution, fearful his voiced shacked as he began to blurt out his answer. "Of course they do your majesty your subjects adore you with...all their hears, it's just those six fugitives who are causing trouble.
Nightmare Moon smiled as she continued to look up at her moon. "Thank you, you may go attend your duties now."
With that Scarred Eye left the room leaving his queen in a very good mood.
******
In a dark and twisted woods far off from most civilization and the prying eyes of Nightmare Moon and his forces, the six ponies fugitives began to set off camp for the night, although now a days it was hard to tell whether it was truly night since night was now eternal.
Setting up the campfire Applejack was rubbing to sticks of woods together while Twilight used her levitation spell to place a few logs around the campfire for them to sit on for the night
"Ugh...More camping, I miss my old bed back in Ponyville." Rarity said looking at her hooves which were now muddy and wet.
"We all miss our beds Rarity." Rainbowdash said sounding annoyed by her friends whining. "Boy do I miss my old comfy bed back in my home in the clouds." She looks up at the clear sky. "Darn Nightmare Moon she never puts any clouds up, what she thinks it going to ruin her night!"
"I just wish there was something we could do." Twilight said a hint of depression sinking in. "I feel like all we've been doing is knocking out a few guards here and there. Ever since we lost the Elements how can we stop her."
"Because that's all we have been doing." Applejack remarked still struggling to get the campfire started, this time switching from sticks to rocks.
"Hey you still have that old book of yours right." Rainbowdash asked. Twilight headed to her saddle bag and pulled out a book simply called "The Elements of Harmony.
"Yes." Twilight replied.
"Well maybe that book has something their that can help us." Rainbowdash commented.
Twilight merely rolled her eyes. "I've been looking at this book for weeks, ever since we got teleported out of the old castle I've been looking for like ... a fail safe or something, but so far nothing."
"Well I'm sure you'll find something in time, if Celestia made you her number one student I'm sure you'll think of something." Rarity said trying to boost Twilight's confidence.
"Yeah, I'm sure you'll find something faster then I'll start this darn campfire." Applejack responded her voice becoming annoyed and she continued in vain to start the campfire."
"Oh here." Rarity walked up the campfire grabbed the two rocks from Applejack's hand and clicked them together starting the fire on the first try.
"Wow! How'd you do that?" Applejack said looking amazed.
Rarity smiled. "It was easy really you were just hitting the rocks in the wrong places. I know how to tell these sorts of thing, trust me, when I make my dresses if I get one string out of place the whole dress is ruined. "
Twilight chuckled watching the whole thing while continuing to read her book. Suddenly Pinkie Pie jumped up from behind Twilight trying to cheer her up. "Hey Twilight, still looking."
"Yes" Twilight responded.
"Oh...Found anything yet." Pinkie Pie asked smiling.
"Nope." Twilight Responded.
Their was silence.
"Anything yet." Pinkie Pie asked again.
"No." Twilight answered again.
"How about now?"
"No!" Twilight started becoming annoyed again.
"What about..."
"No Pinkie Pie I haven't found anything yet" Twilight shouted getting annoyed.
"Okie Dokie Loki." Pinkie Pie smiled deciding to stop bothering Twilight and leave her alone.
Feeling tired she took a deep yawn and began to lie down on the grassy tundra of the forest using her saddle bag as a pillow to rest her head on. "Well I'm hitting the hay, good night."
"Good night!" all her friends replied as they to decided it was time to rest of the night wondering were they'll next location would be now that they were on the run from Nightmare Moon and her forces.
Bright lights, that all there was, nothing but bright white light as far as they eye could see from ever corner of Twilight eyes.
"Were... were am I." Twilight asked herself as she looked around at the nothingness that surrounded her.
"Hello" she shouted hoping to find someone 'Anyone their. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbowdash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity! Hello!
"Twilight said a familiar sounding voice coming from the distance, Twilight quickly looked around trying to conform on who it was. "Twilight" The voice said again this time much louder. Then from the light a image began to emerge a familiar looking image, although it was hard to see the shape of a large unicorn with wings began to appear and slowly it began to emerge.
"Celestia!" Twilight shouted as she quickly woke up returning to the realm of reality once more.
All of sudden, Fluttershy woke up as well wondering what had just happened noticing Twiight wide awake sweating. "Are you okay Twilight, did you have a bad dream"
Twilight slowly began to regain her thoughts. "I...I'm sure but I think....I think I just saw Celestia."
A Nightmare's Reign: A quest for Harmony
A Second Chance
"Celestia really." Applejack said sounding astonished as did the others as they listened to Twilight's recap her strange dream around the campfire.
"I know it sounds strange but I heard her voice and she was calling to me." Twilight explained still not sure what exactly had just accorded to her. The mystery was killing her, she wanted to know so badly what had just happened perhaps it was a sign that her teacher who she had known since she was a filly was safe.
"Well, what did she say?" Rainbowdash said flying towards her and interrupting her thoughts.
Twilight tried to remember what had exactly happen in the dream world once again. "Well she just called my name that's it. She didn't say anything. I didn't really get much of a chance to see her since she was covered by the bright light."
All of sudden Rainbowdash looked suspiciously at Twilight as she began to stroke her chin with her hoof. "Maybe it wasn't Celestia after all, maybe it was a trick by Nightmare Moon trying to get us of guard. She can do that stuff you know!"
"It's possible." Twilight said. "But still it didn't seem like it, bright lights are not her style."
Rainbowdsah looked at Applejack hoping to get an answer from her. Applejack looked at the both of them and stated, "Well I don't know anything about any of this magical mumbo jumbo so I don't really have a honest opinion."
"Fluttershy." Rainbowdash said hoping for her opinion.
"Well Twilight did seemed scared when she woke up, but I guess I'd be a little scared to if I met Princess Celestia in person." Fluttershy whispered the mere thought caused her hoofs to tremble.
Twilight started to speak again as she paced back and forth around the campfire thinking about what had happened. "The real question is why this accord now and not several weeks earlier when we lost to Nightmare Moon." Twilight continued to pace still not sure what to do.
"Oh, maybe it's a invitation to a party!" Pinkie Pie suggested sadly no one took her seriously on it.
Twilight sat back down near the fire place while the rest of her friends decided it would be best to get a little more sleep until they move out to head to whatever village or town would take them.
"Wonder what this means. Twilight thought to herself as she continued to ponder the strange dream. Her stomach began to tighten as she continued to think of her formal teacher Celestia. How she mist her, she could really use her guidance right now. Twilight tilted her head into the sky and looked at the dark moon that encompassed it. She liked the moon as much as the next pony but she missed the old days when the sun would beam across a clear blue sky the sound of the birds tweeting as they zoomed across it.
A tear began to slip down Twilight cheek as her slowly began to sulk between her legs . How did this happen? What did we do wrong? I thought the elements were supposed to help us.
All of sudden the sounds howling was heard in the distance causing everyone in the encampment to wake up in instant.
"Uh oh." Applejack said her face become consumed by fear looking around with great urgency. " I know that sound anywhere."
"What....What is it." Fluttershy whispered now really frightened.
"Those are timber wolves. My Granny Smith used to talk about them during Zap Apple jam season." Applejack explained. "We better get moving, we don't want those things to catch up to us unless we want to be chop pony."
"Um...Girls." Fluttershy whispered pointing her hoof towards something. "Look." Sharply turning around they saw three pairs of glowing yellow eyes creeping their way towards them. From the shadows a large wooden claw with sharp crooked nails poked its way out of the trees, then the large snout emerged along with the mouth wide open to reveal sharp teeth ready to kill on sight. The Timberwolves began to enclose on the six ponies looking at them with great enthusiasm and lust.
"Uh, guys does anyone have any bright ideas." Rainbowdash said sounding scared as they creatures drew in from the kill
Looking around for a escape root Applejack needed to find something quick less she became these wooden creatures dinner. Quickly, remember what her Granny had taught her, Applejack grabbed one of the rocks from lying around and threw it inside the Timberwolves mouth. Suddenly the creature started cocking trying to get the pebble that was stuck in its throat. As the creature continued to hack off a storm the other two Timberwolves became distracted and started to take notice of their fellow wolf. Using the ponies made a run for it as fast as they could into the forest thick fauna.
"Good job Applejack." Twilight said as ran along side her friend.
Applejack smiled back "No problem!" Suddenly the sounds of howls were heard again as the Timberwolves began to gain on the ponies tales looking warped into a frenzy for blood.
Continuing to run through their jungles using every once of their horse power, they tried in vain to outhoof the Timberwolves. They could feel the sweat running down manes as they continued to run through these muddy dirt roads.
Finally Twilight could see the end of the forest and open valley approaching them. One by one each of them exited the large bushes only to end up at the every edge of the forest trapped by a endless chasm with no crossing to be seen. The Timberwolves then emerged this time it seemed their would be no escape as they were closed in at all corners and they only way out was to plummet down into the jagged rocks that laid beneath them.
"Well looks like this is it." Twilight said awaiting the inventible.
"Maybe we can through a were dead party once we've been eaten." Pinkie Pie said her voice shaking in fear.
Rainbowdash nodded "For once Pinkie I agree with you."
This was it the end, Twilight thought as the Timberwolves closed in on them. After only a few weeks on the run they were about to be eaten alive by mythical wooden monsters and they had no way to escape. Not even Twilight's magic was strong enough to get them out of this mess. Closing her eyes she awaited the inevitable. But nothing occurred, Twilight quickly opened her eyes to see that the Timberwolves were no longer facing the Ponies but they were now facing a strange figure wearing a brown robe the face covered by the hood. The Strange figure started distracting the Timberwolves avoiding their attacks with her great agility.
Suddenly she pointed her hoof to the woods signaling she wanted the six ponies to enter into the forest were they would be safe from the Timberwolves.
"I don't know should we trust this pony." Fluttershy whispered to Twilight.
"I don't think we have a choice." Twilight responded as she started heading into the woods.
Following her direction, Twilight friends followed her into the forest passing the Timberwolves as they continued to attack the mysterious figure only to miss with each strike of their claws. Once again heading into the tick and think of the forest the girls ran as far as they could notching a strange glittering substance on the ground that formed a pathway for them to follow. Eventually the reached a empty area of the forest were the only thing in sight was a small wooden hut.
"This is what that pony was leading us to her house?" Rainbowdash said sounding confused not quite sure what to make of the hut.
"My home is safe I do assume, especially from the forces of Nightmare Moon." All six Ponies turned around the hooded figure began to approach them and removed her hood, revealing herself to be a female zebra.
"It's a zebra." Fluttershy stated looking shocked. "I've never seen one before."
"Thank you for saving us." Twilight said approaching their strange new alley. "My name is Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends...."
"I know who you are young one, and your lives as of now must not be fun." The Zebra said continuing to speak in rhyme. "But my manners were have they gone, Zecora is my name and that is not wrong."
"Well thank you Zecora for rescuing us." Twilight said the sounds of the forest were creeping on toward them.
Zecora started to head inside her hut. "Come with me and I will brew us some tea."
The six ponies followed Zecora into her hut, it was small, mostly made of mud and leaves that could be found around the forest, the place only had one room for one, and most shelves that she owned were covered from head to toe with all sorts of urbs and potions giving the place a sense of mystery and mystiques. Zecora headed to her cauldron in the center of her home and began to brew them some tea.
"Here is you tea, it's a ancient family recipe." Zecora said as she gave each of them a cup for them to drink. "For quite some time I have watched, making sure your mission did not botch."
"Are you friends with Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked sounding curious.
"Yes I am young one, for many years we have been friends, until Nightmare Moon came and put that to and end." But now from what I hear strange dreams have started to appear."
Twilight chocked on her tea for a few minutes shocked that Zecora new about her dreams. "You...You know about that."
Zecora merely smiled. "Many things of magic I do know, perhaps I could help if you wish so." Everyone in the room looked intrigued by her offer.
"Well...I don't know. I'm not quite sure if these are just dreams our not." Twilight said sounding uncertain about her offer.
Zecora started to examine Twilight. "Dreams are a void into our heads, but sometimes more could be read. A spell I could use to observe with you and see what these dreams meaning is true."
"I don't know Twilight, sure were happy you saved our lives an all be we just met you." Rainbowdash looking suspiciously at Zecora who merely shrugged it off.
"Your fears are justified that is for sure, but trust me you I can assure. The spell will not be intense, so that you can contact the Princess."
"Well if It will help us contact the Princess, then I say we should do it." Applejack said with a note of confidence.
Twilight take a deep breath and made her answer. "Yes, lets do it."
Hours passed and Zecora was brewing the spell in her magical cauldron putting all sorts of mysterious herb and concoctions in the bubbling pot creating a strange stench that consumed the entire hut much to the ponies discomfort. But it would be worth it if it meant that they had a chance to contact Princess Celestia. The last piece of the brew that was needed was a piece of Twilight's mane.
"Okay...Here I go." Twilight plucked out a two locks of her mane and have it to Zecora who put it in the cauldron to mix with the other ingredients
Zecora pored the magical substance into a small cup and handed it to Twilight. "All you need to do, is drink this brew. In order to control you dreams, this is true. "
Seeming resistant Twilight slowly began to put the cup in-between her lips and began to drink the magical brew which tasted considerably horrid to the point were she started to choke on it a little. Suddenly she started to feel weak her eyes began to droop and legs feeling weak. Quickly, her friends found a few pillows near by and put them around Twilight who plopped onto the ground closed her eyes and fell to sleep.
*****
Slowly the darkness began to disappear and once again be replaced by a bright white light but unlike last time Twilight seemed much more awake then asleep feeling in control of her own body. Finally realizing were she was she looked around and continued to see nothing but void for what seemed to be miles on end.
"Hello!" Twilight shouted. "Anyone there?"
There was no response just the echo of Twilight's own voice bouncing of the unseen walls. She continued to look around to see if there was anypony there still continuing to end up short. Then slowly descending downward from behind her a bright ball of energy emerged behind Twilight causing her to quickly turn around. It was strange but the minute she looked at it a calm conforming feeling emerged within her as if all the pain and agony of the world seemed to be gone. Twilight tried to touch the ball with her hoof only for it to slowly back away from her.
"Hey wait up." she began to follow the follow it wondering were the strange ball of light would take it.
*****
In Zecora's hut Twilight's friends watched and waited for something to happen although they were not quite sure what it was. Twilight remained stationary laying on her back on the pillows they had gathered from her asleep.
"So, how long do we have to wait?" Rainbowdash asked becoming impatient by all the waiting.
Twilight body all of a sudden began to move as she bent her legs and propped herself back up.
"Wow that was quick." Pinkie Pie said sounding excited. "So did you find out what the dream meant? Twilight?" Twilight remained silent and her eyes shut as she began to walk towards the door and exited the hut.
"Is she....Sleepwalking?" Rarity asked.
Rainbowdash turned to Zecora looked angry. "This is your potion, stop it.!"
Zecora continued to remain calm. "The potion is working that is for sure, but dangers in forest she will endure."
"Then I guess we have to make sure Twilight has a nice walk then." Applejack said as she and the others headed out the hut to make sure Twilight's sleeping walking wouldn't end up being permanent.
******
In the dream world the ball of light continued to move farther away from Twilight as she continued run down the endless void trying in catch the ball of light always so close but yet not close enough to catch the ball of light.
As she continued down the endless void the bright ball of energy conjured up a wooden doorway and went straight through it. Twilight opened the door to continue her chase of the light only to find herself now in the dark narrow passage way. The only thing that could be seen was another wooden door in front of it."
"This is strange." Twilight thought aloud as she slowly walked down the narrow paths. "But then again, these are dreams."
Making her way down the dark passage images began to flash in Twilight's mind images from her past when she was just a littel filly. Images of her time in Canterlot as Princess Celestia private protégé. One by one these images started appear on the wall as Twilight continued down the pathway. Then more darker images began to appear images of Nightmare Moon arising again, how she conquered Equestria and how she destroyed the Elements of Harmony. Images of the her guards terrorizing the citizens of Canterlot and Ponyville as they rampaged through the streets burning down homes and shops. Twilight began to slow down the haunting images begging to get to her nerves.
"No...No...I can't let these memories get to me." Twilight said to herself trying to continue to move on. The images began to flash even more violently than before. "No...I...I failed." The images of Twilights failure began to cover the dark walls of the corridor. That images of Nightmare Moon using her dark energies shattering the Elements of Harmony. The images was so strong that the same dark energy began to enter the very corridor oozing out from the walls and consolidating in a large smog of darkness .
*****
"Hey Twilight wait up!" Pinkie Pie said running along with the other trying to catch up to Twilight who's sleep walking had become sleep running.
"What's going on looks she's having a nightmare." Appleajack pondered as she started sweating.
Zecora nodded her head "Perhaps the dreams have made a dark turn, turning happy thoughts into monsters."
"Does she always rhyme." Rainbowdash whispered to Fluttershy as the two of them soared above the rest of them.
"Um...Rainbowdash I think we have bigger problems." Fluutershy pointed her hoof down as she saw Twilight was heading to the very edge of the forest were a giant chasm blocked her from the other side.
Rainbowdash rolled her eyes in frustration. "OH COME ON! NOT THIS AGAIN!"
*****
The dark smog slowly began to surround Twilight ready to engulf her in it's evil essence. Twilight tried stepping back hoping to avoid being trapped by it but the smog just continued to surround her. Then she remembered what Pinkie Pie had told her about Nightmare's and how to deal with them. Making her stand Twilight started laughing at the evil smog trying to show how ridiculous it is. At first it was working the evil smog began to retreat and slowly denigrate.
"Ha! Your not that scary after all." Twilight boasted. But her moment of confidence came to quick end as the dark smog grew again large than before and projected itself towards Twilight. Closing her eyes she awaited the inevitable but suddenly the small bald of energy emerged and illumined weakling the darkness and destroying it saving Twilight from certain doom.
There was silence, Twilight slowly was opening her eyes seeing that everything was calm once again. She starred at the ball of light that starred right back her until it drifted away through passage way and through the door at the end of it.
****
In reality Twilight's body slowed down and stopped right and the very edge of the chasm causing her friends to take a huge sigh of relief.
Pinkie Pie looked around and noticed something odd ."Hey, this place seems really familiar."
****
Twilight opened the door at the end of the corridor, to her surprise she ended up once again in bright white room.
"THIS IS IT!" Twilight shouted sounding annoyed. "I'm back were I'm started!" she groaned in anger, all that effort seemed to be for nothing. She lowed her head in-between her hooves as she lumped onto the white floor exacerbated. In that moment of depression the ball of light that had led her to this room slowly approached her once again. Razing her head Twilight once again became drawn to it as she slowly began to extend her hoof towards it this time managing to touch it.
All of sudden the ball of light began to illuminate brighter until in a flash it morphed into a majestically treasure chest that opened up before Twilight. Slowly she looked inside Twilight noticed the only thing inside it was a piece of parchment. Twilight took and saw that it was completely blank.
"So strange." Twilight thought examining the piece of parchment with interest.
"What do you wish most." a calm female voice echoed shocking Twilight forcing her to look around the room
"Celestia?
"Ask it what you wish most." the calm voice said again.
Twilight didn't understand, what she whished most, she wished many things, she wished to be out of this room, she wished to be with her friends and parents again, she wished she could fix her mistake.
Suddenly the piece of parchment began to glow as she thought about that last wish. It hit her, Twilight new what she wanted, she wanted to fix what she had broke by failing in her mission to defeat Nightmare Moon. She wished she could bring back Celestia and restore Equestria back to harmony. The piece of continued to grow and appearing on it a map of Equestria emerged all the locations that were recognizable to her appeared.
"I...I don't get it, it just a map of Equestria." Twilight said sounding puzzled, she continued to look at the map turning the parchment upside and inside out wondering how a map would help them in any possible way. Her questioned was answered as six tiny stars appeared on it some were stationary while other moved around the map.
Looking at the map Twilight took a hard look at these six little ink blots. "What are these." she asked aloud.
The calm motherly voice returned again this time much louder then before. "Go to them Twilight, follow the light."
"Wait.. What do you mean by that." Twilight asked again.
"Follow the light."
"But Celestia what does that even mean." Before her question could be answered the map began to glow blinding Twilight with its light consuming the entire void.
*****
"AH!" Twilight opened her eyes and fumbled face flat onto the ground landing on hard stone. Slowly lifting her head she realized that she was no longer in Zecora's hut but rather she found herself in a old ruin, it was the castle of the pony sisters.
"How did I get here." Twilight said, all of sudden her friends joined her and helped her back up on to her hooves.
"You were sleep walking, and almost plummeted to your death but thankfully you ended up here." Applejack explained candidly.
"Oh..."Good thing then." Twilight said a little shaken.
"Yeah, it was weird you were all running then walking, then you used some strange magic and found that funny looking map." Pinkie Pie explained, pointing to a piece of parchment on the ground. Twilight picked up and saw that it was the same map that was in her dream.
"What's the map for Twilight?" Rainbowdash asked.
Twilight kept looking at the map still examine it. "I don't know....Zecora what do you think?" Twilight gave the map to Zecora for her to look over.
"A map this definitely seems to be but what it leads to is hard to see. But if your dreams lead you to this, I would not take that for a miss."
"So you think we should follow it then?" Twilight asked.
Zecora merely nodded yes handing Twilight back the map.
"Speaking of dreams did you see Celestia Twilight." Fluttershy asked.
Twilight didn't know how to answer that question for she herself didn't know. "No...Well...yes....I'm not sure, but I think that she too wants us to follow this map as well."
Meanwhile as Twilight and her friends looked at the map high above the ruins walls a small harmless bat watched hanging upside down from it's perch. Suddenly the creature extended its wing and flew as fast at it can towards Cantelort castle to warns it master what had transpired before it was to late.
A Nightmare's Reign: A quest for Harmony
Night Ends and Chaos Rises
Night Ends and Chaos Rises
Sitting on the throne was always a wonderful pass time for Nightmare Moon. Oh how she enjoyed being basked with praise by her royal court as she looked upon them with superiority. The rich and the best of brightest praised Nightmare Moon calling her "The greatest ruler Equestria had ever had." and "The Hero of the Kingdom." .Captain Scared Eye also enjoyed the praise or what little Nightmare Moon would give him as he stood by his Queens side.
Nightmare Moon's joy would soon end as the massive doors opened and a small black bat entered the room much to the soared towards the throne much to the confusion of the entourage in the room. Landing near Nightmare Moon's ear she listened for a brief moment taking in the information, once dune her face turned to one of fear and anger.
"OUT! EVERYONE OUT!" She shouted shocking everyone in the room. Not wishing to incur her wrath. Even Captain Scared Eye was forced to leave the room along with the other Royal Guard stationed at the end of the hallway. Once the room was empty Nightmare Moon quickly began to pace back and a sense of fear starting to come over her.
"How did this happen. No! I can't let my fear get to me, I am the mistress of fear the ruler of Nightmares!"
"Some Ruler of Nightmares you turned out to me." Said a cold sarcastic voice appearing from out of nowhere.
Nightmare Moon turned around sharply looking for were the voice had come from. "Who's there! Show yourself!"
The voice started to laugh sounding as if he was enjoying her torment. "Oh come on now Mon Princess, you know who I am." Suddenly a bright ball of energy began to emerge illuminating into a flash of light. Emerging from it a strange looking creature appeared, he had the head of a normal pony but he had two strange antler horns sticking on his head, his body was long and snake like, he had two arms but one was the arm of a lion the other the claw of a eagle even his legs were miss matched one was the alligators foot and the other a goat hoof.
Glaring at the strange creature he eyes narrowing Nightmare Moon whispered his name in a tone of pure hatred. "Discord."
The moment his name was spoken he gave a respectful bow as he grinned sinisterly at her. "Why yes it is. Been some time Princess, I love what you've done with the place much better then under Celestia." He started walking around the throne room observing all the decor with interest. Nightmare Moon continued to glare at him gritting her teeth.
"Why are you here!" She shouted.
Discord wagged his fingers condescendingly. "Manners, manners, a please won't go a miss. But to be honest I think you know why I'm here."
"You are supposed to be trapped in stone! My sister...."
"Your sister!" Discord interrupted. "Used the Elements of Harmony to trap me in stone. But thanks to you, there gone."
Nightmare Moon eyes narrowed as she continued to scowl at Discord.
Discord merely laughed at Nightmare Moon as she continued walking around the throne room relaxed and calm. "Oh come now Princess you knew this would happen, or has anger made you stupid to for that my dear is one deadly combination."
Nightmare Moon was getting tired of these games, she wasn't about to let Discord toy with her mind, this was her realm and she was going to remind him of that. "Listen, imp. I am not my sister I'm not going to let you roam around free and destroy my new kingdom."
"Oh are you." Discord said giggling with glee. "I'd like to see you try." As Nightmare Moon's horn began to glow about to let out a burst of magical energy Discord began to raise his eagle claw up into the air and then in a instant he snapped his fingers. Nothing happened.
Laughing Nightmare Moon fired the bolt of energy at Discord who dogged in by vanishing and then re appearing in another part of the room. "Looks like your magic is getting rusty Discord.
"Oh really." Discord said with a smirk on his face. "Call your royal guard."
"Very well. GUARDS! GET IN HERE." As ordered the doors to the throne room opened but instead of a legion of armored guardsponies storming small tiny black mice emerged swarming in shocking Nightmare Moon and causing Discord to laugh in joy.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" Nightmare Moon shouted.
Discord smiled. "I turned every one of the guards you have across the entire Kingdom into a mouse. I don't think you be able to crush any resistance against you unless your enemies were made of cheese."
"Change them back!" She demanded trying to shake off one mouse who was attached to her leg.
"I will if you agree to my terms." Discord said enjoying every moment of the chaos that was around.
Nightmare Moon was hesitant at first, she didn't want to give into this imp. She still felt at first that her magic could defeat him but as she saw the mice swarming around her throne room who used to be her mighty royal guard and knowing that every single guard she had all over the real was turned into this small miserable creatures she realized she had no choice. "Very well. I'll listen."
Discord gave a small as he snapped his fingers again turning the mice back into the guardsponies they used to be.
The guardspony seemed dizzy and confused not quite sure what had to befallen them slowly they began to get back on their hooves and headed toward their Queen for orders. "Leave us." She commanded, obeying the guards once again left the throne room leaving Nightmare Moon and Discord to begin their "negations."
Nightmare Moon looked up at Discord who floated above her his bat wings constantly flapping. "Alright Discord what are your terms, but if you think I will hand over the reigns of power to you I will..."
"No ,no ,no ,no." Discord said sounding reassuring. "Trust me my dear, I have no interest in ruling over these lands like I did in the days of old. Trust me governing is not what is quite cracked up to be., I realize this now. No! What I want is something more simple."
"Like what exactly?" Nightmare Moon asked sounding suspicious of the imps ambitions.
"First!" Discord shouted raising one his claws. "I want full and unrestricted access to all corners of your realm and to interact with whoever and whatever I want. Second" Discord held up another claw. "I want a large piece of real estate.
The second requested seemed to puzzle Nightmare Moon for her face looked confused and dazed. "Real estate?" she asked.
"Yes." Discord said bluntly. "I live a very interesting and bizarre lifestyle and I require a large piece of land to build a home to fit that lifestyle."
"Very well." Nightmare Moon responded so far the terms Discord had required seemed to be quite reasonable even for him, but that wouldn't mean she wouldn't put her guard down, she had known Discord for many centuries she knew that he would ask for something that she would have difficulty giving.
Discord must have realized this too for his evil grin widened as he put up his third claw. "And third... I want you to once again raise the sun."
This was it, this was the request she had to refuse. "NEVER!" she shouted sounding defiant. "I will never raise the sun not again. I would fight you to the death before I allow you to destroy my glorious night."
"Who said anything about destroying it." Discord responded sounding puzzled. "All I want is for the normal day and night cycle to continue once more."
"NEVER!" Nightmare Moon horn began to glow as she aimed it at Discord ready to strike.
Discord snapped his fingers removing the horn from Nightmare Moon's head causing her to go into a range.
"GIVE IT BACK" She demanded.
"I will, I will when you see reason." Discord said trying to calm her down.
She merely smirked at him. "Since when have you been into reason."
"Well being turned to stone for a thousand years does give me a lot of time to think now does it." Discord responded. "Besides lets think of this way. When your sister ruled alone she raised both the day and night, she didn't impose internal day now did she."
"What is your point." Nightmare Moon snapped.
Discord wagged his finger in disapproval "Patient please goods stories weren't told in a second. Now she raised both the day and night. So think about it she controlled your night, what better way to spite her then to control her day."
All of sudden a small smile began to appear on Nightmare Moon's face much to Discord's pleasure. "For once draconequest your actually right. Very well I will raise the sun again but this time it will be my sun the rises above the ponies of Equestria and they will bask in it's glory."
Discord smiled back. "Sure they will good luck." Discord then started to head out of the throne room but Nightmare Moon stopped her by blocking him with a blue force field that she had conjured. Noticing this Discord too a deep sighed. "It seems our conversation is not over. He slowly began to turn around and face Nightmare Moon his arms folded.
Nightmare Moon slowly walked up to him eyeing him with great interest. "I'm surprised at you Discord. You don't seem worried at all about what has recently happened."
"I have no idea what your talking about." Discord said trying to sound clueless
"Oh yes you do." Nightmare Moon said responded an evil grin appearing on her face. "You know everything and you know what those six little ponies are up to. And you know that if they succeed it will be quite unpleasant for the both of us."
Suddenly Discord expression turned to one of the great joy and glee. "Oh really. For the both of. I'm not the tyrannical ruler of the nation who allows their guards to rampage through the country side. I anything you are the only who's in trouble here."
"Bah! Your a fool then." Nightmare Moon scowled. "My subjects love me."
"Yes I'm sure they do." Discord said sarcastically. "They love you enough to let you hang the moment you become powerless."
Nightmare Moon face began to tighten as Discord started to get to her "Silence! You don't know my subjects."
"And I'm the fool" Discord smirked. "Now if you don't mind." He waved his claw causing the force field that blocked the exit to melt away leaving a pile of magical ooze on the marble floor. "Were done for now." Discord turned around and headed out of the throne room. "If you wish for my assistance for anything in future I'll be more than happy to make a trade. Arrivederci" In a flash of light Discord vanished leaving Nightmare Moon alone knowing her reign had just become even more unstable now that Discord the Spirit of Chaos had returned.
*****
It had been several hours since the ponies had returned back to Zecora's hut after their little escapade to the only ruins in the Everfree forest. Outside the darkness began to dissipate and a glowing yellow light emerged through the window causing Twilight to slowly wake up. As her eyes began open she noticed the light coming from outside. Getting a sudden burst of energy Twilight quickly went outside and to her joy she saw something she thought she though she would never see again. The sun.
"Guys. Wake up!" Twilight shouted walking her friends as they joined her outside and looked amazed the moment they saw the sun beaming above them.
"The sun its back! Hurray!" Pinkie Pie said jumping up and down.
"Thank goodness." Fluttershy said.
"I know, maybe Celestia back maybe she..."
"Um guys." Applejack interrupted. " I don't mean to burst anyone bubble but does anyone remember the sun having that strange marking before." Applejack pointed at the sun and revealed to them a strange marking that was in the shape of a unicorn head.
Suddenly everyone's face began to sulk.
"So that means." Twilight said having trouble finishing her sentance.
"This is Nightmare Moon work for sure, of this I do concur." Zecora stated as she came out from her hut looking up at the sky.
Everyone started to feel depressed for their one moment of hope was dashed in a second. Now Nightmare Moon was both the master of day and night and even and all they had to go on was one mysterious map.
