Moonlightby Ocean HeartChaptersAnother Quiet Night Yet Who Still Dreams of TheeBrotherly Reunion So CloseThe PastThe PresentA First DateBeauty Like the Blue Nights MoonThe Darkness of DreamsThe FutureIs the Dusk Coming?To Rise So High... And Fall So Hard...MoonriseMoonrise(Uncut version)Epilogue: The Midnight HourThe Secrets OutEpilogue Part 2: We All Find A Way to Move OnAnother Quiet Night Another Quiet Night In the beginning, there was chaos. Unhindered and uncontrollable chaos that plunged the world into darkness, the fires never ceased and His rage tore apart nations. Crops were but ash floating in the wind, water fouled by his hatred and air poisoned by his greed. Yet it was His heart, the blackened heart of a god, that plunged into the most shattering chaos. The All Mother, the one who birthed the first light in the darkness; in her grace and strength, stood against His rule; but in time...she fell. For years, chaos was the only reality the world knew...until two lights, flickering in the darkness...became a blaze that swept the nations, destroying everything He built and mending the things He tore down. It was the children of the All Mother, two sisters born of immeasurable power, gifted from a world beyond ours....The power gifted from the very sun and moon. Celestia, with her mothers grace and intelligence..and unspeakable beauty. Luna, wrath given the form of disarming mystique and artful cunning. They alone were unable to overthrow the mad god...His cowardice kept Him in power long enough to undo the efforts of the Sisters. Until they found the last relic of their Mother's grand creation. The Elements of Harmony. In these relics lie the things the world was deprived: Loyalty, when the mad god abandons all; kindness where there was none left, honesty, laughter.. all the emotions and feelings He repressed to keep his rule...all unleashed on one fateful day. Now the mad god lies trapped in stone, Chaos never to rise again so long as the Harmony is kept in the world. Years drift by, the world rebuilds around their new goddesses. Each given higher status for their deeds, Celestia quickly falls into her new position of power and leads her people to the light of day; full of infectious hope and love. Luna however, steps aside to let her sister take on the task..for she is far too humble to seek such responsibility or praise. But the sisters have grown apart...decades pass like water though a stream and yet something is eating at the younger...the darker sister's mind. She realizes that she is but a shadow compared to her sister......thoughts of inferior nature take root, turning into bitter hate as the years pass...and now we come to a cross road. The Harmony is wavering, and yet while the mad god lies trapped...how long will He remain in stone, should the harmony be broken... Or is there another threat hiding on the dark side of the moon... _ _ Chapter One: Another Quiet Night The sun had set on another day of politics, policies and new politicians biding for good favor. All the same faces begging with fancy gifts and a silver tongue for Princess Celestia to lend an ear to their own ploys of plight and trouble, even though the dark times were long over. Princess Luna stood on a balcony looking east and closed her eyes; her horn lit up blue and the wind around here created cyclones of leaves and dust as the ground around her withstood the force she was exerting. The world was dark for mere seconds until the moon broke the horizon, rising silently in the night and stars coming into view as the sun grew farther away. Time passed without the princess noticing, her full focus on the task at hand until the moon was high in the sky shining beautifully to light the night in calm and cool, majestic light. Luna opened her eyes and a bright light in them faded until her normal light blue eyes remained. Looking up at the glistening sky with pride...but lowering her head when the she remembered... Why doth they fear the night... A question the princess constantly asked herself, she wished the answer was simple but she knew it was something deep down that nopony wanted to answer her. "Sister?" Princess Celestia asked, Luna didn't hear her enter the room, but she turned around and put on a soft smile. "Sleep for now, I shall guard the night as I always have and always will." Celestia smiled and walked to her younger sister. "I know thee will. I only hoped to wish you a goodnight." Luna sighed and nodded to dismiss Celestia, turning back around and staring out into the starlit void of the night sky. Celestia knew something was bothering her sister, but Luna lived such a solitary life; she was unsure how to approach the princess of the night about her growing concerns. "Sister...is there something plaguing thee?" Luna looked back but didn't bother to turn around, soon enough her sister would leave to sleep away the beautiful night. "Not at all, go ahead and rest. I will be fine here." Celestia still looked worried but reassured by Luna's words; it was enough to put her mind as ease and for now...she departed, closing the door behind her and leaving the princess of night alone with her thoughts. Luna looked up and started finding stars again; picking out large bright ones and small dim lights and giving them names if they already didn't have ones. "Hello, Vigil." A star close to the moon, not bright or impressive compared to the others but it was the first she named back when she was just a child, star gazing with her mother. Of course no answer returned, but she found it comforting to be able to talk to something she could consider a friend. "The gentlecolt from the eastern town came by again, he demanded to be seen by my sister...she forced him to wait two hours until she approached him just to turn him away when it was talk of money..." Luna sat down, staring at the star and managing a small smile... "He was so furious that the guards were forced to throw him out." She laughed quietly, remember the representatives face when his flank hit the ground and he crashed into an angry mare passing by. Luna looked back down at the ground and tapped her hoof quietly to her favorite song...a piano number written after the fall of the evil of the world that was soft, somber and calm but the pace could change depending on how you want to remember it; perfect for the princess and she even quietly sung the words under her breath. Another cold night alone...the world is crashing around me... Her hoof tapped harder as the beat picked up and she smiled a bit brighter when the words filled her soul with a strange peace. The lies of a god, and the truths of the wicked...show me a life not worth living... Luna felt her heart pick up with the beat; soft drums echoed in her mind and gentle wind flowed across the balcony... The cities are burning...and the mad god gazing on his destruction...playing a sad song for those still running.. Luna spread her wings and took off from the balcony, flying into the night sky with speed in her heart when she heard the cello and violins chime in. Speeding up the pace of the song and sending the beat reverberating in her body. "And the great queen lies shattered! And the children stand screaming...for a hope long forgotten...and a dream worth dreaming!" Luna passed though the clouds, spinning to send the dense veil around her body like water frozen in time once she left the thick mist. Luna heard the choir echoing in the sky and she hung onto the last lyric until she leveled out. "You won't see...a fool like me, rushing into battle...Thy fortune is not mine, nor fight ours to win..." Her tone turned quiet and the song slowed down for the last part, the part she always forgot about... "And all I need for this chaos to end...is my love to show me how to truly live..." _ _ Deep in a forest, far off the beaten path and only illuminated by the moonlight shining down and the fireflies that spotted the clearing. A lone stallion was waking in a clearing with a full saddle bag, the weight was not that much but to the thin framed stallion, it was an effort. He found his spot and dropped the bag, putting on a dirty old smock and looking out at the meadow to find a muse. The painter perked his head up when he heard an echo...somepony was singing. He set the canvas down as he looked up to listen... "Is my love to show me how to truly live..." The voice was full of sadness, floating though the sky and carried on the wind. The tune was unfamiliar to him, but the voice was stunning. Grabbing the canvas and easel from his bags he tried to hang on to the voice as he prepared the paints and began giving vision to the beautiful melody that echoed in his mind. Inspiration was calling his name, and as the dark blues and heavy greens flowed onto the canvas, he started losing track of where he began; painting and creating though the night. "Milady...thy voice was as cold as a winters night and sorrowful as a mother who hath lost her foal....How is it thee could sound so beautiful and yet heartbroken? Acrylic Evenfall picked up more colors from his bag and worked faster, the memory starting to blur as time went on. Working in the bright lights of the lightning bugs and doing his best to create an image to the voice he felt so much inspiration from. "Acrylic lad...thou are in love with a voice in the sky...Or perhaps in thine head." He laughed and kept working though the night on the canvas. Thinking about how long it will be before he hears the voice from the heavens again. His hooves were stained by paints and smock hanging off his side, custom made and self stitched to stay out of his way when he got carried away with the brushes. The moon hung in the air and a cloud move out of the way to illuminate the meadow completely; his emerald eyes sparkled in the night and ashen coat specked with paint when he clumsily dug into the smock pocket for more colors. The brush waved in the air blanked in dark green magic; and he laughed quickly when an idea for an image struck him. Acrylic made a few adjustments and brought in more light to bring a natural spotlight on the center of the meadow, a mare cloaked in darkness and a dark hood obscuring her features took the center of the painting, singing into the sky and he noticed a tear running down her face. A second small brush was in the air with the aqua color wrapped in green magic. Painting is a hobby for some but for Acrylic Evenfall...it was second nature, he even found himself painting things in his works that he never knew he added. Something in the back of his mind knowing how to add just that small detail that makes a work pop. "I hope I can lower the cowl off thy head someday..." _ _ Luna returned to the castle in Canterlot after a little longer clearing her head in the sky. Landing with practiced grace on the balcony and walking slowly out of her room and down the near empty halls, a guard passing by occasionally and avoiding eye contact with the princess. Luna walked far into the castle, until she found herself outside of a room that her sister planned on having as a 'Room of Reflection'. Nothing but stain glass deceptions of history; it was a sound idea but Luna did not care for the past... Walking quietly back to her room and going back to star gazing, not feeling any fatigue from the flight or the late hour. Simply watching the sky and trying to find a reason to open her mind to the dreams to ward off nightmares of the ponies below who shunned her night... "There is no point, is there, Vigil?" Who cared if somepony had a bad dream, her life was a walking nightmare of solitude. Nopony ever came to rescue her... The only comfort she found was in recalling melodies to sooth her mind and books to distract herself with during the nights. Luna was humming to herself for the rest of the night, flipping though books and enjoying an adventurous tale of a knight and dragon... Hoofsteps came from the hallway and she closed the book,laying it on her bed and standing back up to look like she kept her promise to that watchful. Staring out into the night in the doorway of the balcony until a soft voice addressed her. "It is nearly time again, sister." Celestia yawned and fixed her mane a little, the light pink flowing mess, knotted with bedhead. Luna turned around to greet her but held back a startled laugh. "Oh do not laugh! I want to raise the sun before the shower so I have time to fix this mess." Luna couldn't help but let a boisterous laugh escape her; Celestia let out a suffered sigh and walked past her struggling sister. Celestia's horn lit up and the moon was sinking back into the horizon; just as the last light of the moon vanished the bright sunrise broke the horizon. A soft wind picked up from her sisters immeasurable power exerted in raising the sun and noise below started to pick up as the citizens awakened to bask in the suns warmth... Luna sighed quietly and waited, once the sun was in the sky and Celestia could relax, she immediately tried to get her out of the room so she could sleep. "And with that, I wish to bid you another fine morning...now I doth apologize but I must ask thee to leave a little hastily today, I seek to rest my weary eyes as soon as time permits..." Celestia nodded understandingly and stepped out, the door shut behind her, and Luna was left to watch the curtains glow in a blue swirl; shutting with a small exertion of magic. The room fell into darkness and Luna climbed onto the large bed. Dense covers and soft sheets welcomed her with open arms; she fell asleep thinking back to the adventurous hero of the book, how other praised him for his good deeds and the dragon that hung over his head waiting to breath its flurry of blaze and lava as soon as he lowers his guard... Author's Note A story I began three years ago with a single idea. This is for lack of a better idea...the great setup. While I enjoy the idea of this story I have no idea what's going to happen. I have a beginning a middle and an end...and doesn't that frighten me to death. I hope you enjoy a different look at the history of The Rise of Nightmare Moon. Sorry if the singing sounds bland but try and work with me here ^~^;; Yet Who Still Dreams of TheeA bird flew into the open window and fluttered around the sleeping form under the covers, singing happily and dancing in the air before settling down on the oak backboard of the bed, tilting its head curiously until a loud yawn scares the bird into a panicked flight back outside. It was nearly midday when Acrylic Evenfall woke up in his bed, the canvas from last night drying in his Still Room. Acrylic was proud of his home, two stories made completely of the trees that surrounded him, books lined shelves in his room on the second floor and the bright afternoon sunlight shone though the window by his bed. Evenfall didn't bother fixing his mane in any style, letting it look more like a spiky mess that draped to the side of his neck than the well trimmed look he had in his youth. Sliding off the bed and kicking aside a discarded coffee cup on the ground; the birds sung in the air and a soft wind blew a few leaves in the window. It wasn't impressive, clean or extravagant...but it was his home, and in his mind, that was just what it needed to be. Acrylic ignored the ever growing mess and walked downstairs, looking around to make sure everything was still in place and checking the door on the far side of the room to make sure it was locked. The drying room was something he never liked entering unless he had to, lest he find something amiss in a still drying painting and ruin it with his compulsive nature... Picking up a small bag on the stand by the door and slinging it over his back, he turned around and bucked the door open to tear though and let the door shut on its own as he ran though the forest. It was all a green blur as he ran, the cool wind blowing his mane back; skipping over roots and hopping ditches until he broke free into the open air overlooking a small settlement. "One must wonder just what song thee rang in the night sky, perhaps tis a verse of opera..." Walking calmly down the hill and heart set on finding that song so he could have a lead on who the voice belonged to. It sounded too somber to be typical music for this age of peace. The settlement was busy with happy life, loud vendors and..interesting smells. Acrylics nose hit the air and the heavenly smell of sweet rolls broke though the dirt and grime. Following his stomach rather than his mission he worked his way to a small wagon set up as a bakery, fresh sweet rolls and loafs of bread sat out on a counter with a bright eyed filly standing behind it; he let out a quick laugh and stepped up to the wood shelf. "Morning, sir, My maw just made these, they're really good!" Sure enough a older looking mare came out of the wagon with a tray, setting it down to take up the last spot on the counter and smiling brightly. "Little ones right, fresh out the oven and the best in the west." The mares vernacular was indeed from a pony that lived far west, not like what he was used to but it was definitely friendly..and the smell of the food was making his mouth water. " Are thou feeling alright, sir?" "Absolutely! How much are a dozen of the rolls?" The filly snickered and the mare walked back in the cart while and answering back. "Twelve bits, ye from Canterlot, sir?" Acrylic raised a questing brow... "Yes...is it that obvious?" The mare walked back out with a box of sweet smelling rolls, his eyes locked on to it and he reached into his bag to fish out the bits. "Thee might not be as snooty but I can hear it in thine voice." The mare said in a friendly and a little humors manner. Acrylic suddenly remembered his goal and put the bits on the counter, the filly took them eagerly and stuffed them in a pouch. The sweet rolls tempted to take his attention again but he did his best to ignore the arguments of his stomach. "I don't suppose ye have been to Canterlot recently?" "About a month ago, why?" Acrylic thought about how to ask, going off of one sentence in a whole song was near impossible if you don't know just where to look. Even then it might come down to a trip back to the great city of Canterlot and finding a composer to answer his burning question. "Did thee visit a concert hall, I need help remembering an old song..." The filly piped up on that one, she jumped back and forth eager to help. "Me, I did! I snuck into this place that played lots of music!" The mare rolled her eyes and the filly remembered that technicality a few rules might have been broken... Luck just might be on my side. "They uh...well what kinda song do ye need to find?" "Doth thou remember the words 'is my love to show me how to truly live.' do thee?" The mare sighed wistfully, no doubt the words recalled memories while the filly just looked confused. The mare patted her foal on the head and laughed a little, Acrylic felt his heart drop but it was not completely unexpected. "No my dear, I don't think we're familiar with that one." Acrylic nodded in thanks and picked up the box, storing it in his pouch haphazardly. The town was no help in his search the rest of the afternoon, he searched high and low for anypony with information but it was to no avail. There simply wasn't enough to go off of and all his effort earned him was a new set of paints to replace the ones from last night and a box full of rolls. The sun blazed high in the sky and it was well into the afternoon when Acrylic gave up the search; returning defeated back home and forgetting about the box in his bag, he just tosses it on the table and ascends the stairs slowly. "I guess my answers lie in Canterlot...still..." Acrylic slumped on the bed and let out a long sigh; Canterlot was his home for most of his childhood, the tall towers and wealthy estates made him feel like an outsider at all times. Poor orphan colt stuck in the grand city with no place to call home, he was lucky to finally make it out and earn enough bits to live far way from the mess of the illustrious city. The soft breeze helped calm his mind and soon the sheet hung to the side of the window was pulled loose by a small flick of his dark green magic; blanketing the room in darkness and allowing him a rather peaceful sleep. Acrylic worked out a plan in his head, first thing in the morning he would board a train and meet up with an old friend for tea and hopefully the contact in Canterlot would have more information... "I will find thee, milady...somehow..." _ _ Luna looked up at the night for what felt like hours, the dark shadows and dull moonlight cast somber shadows in the dim room. Fireflies floated down below tonight and Luna occasionally took her attention off the sky to stare at the dancing lights below; it was another long night and thankfully it was almost over. "Five more hours..." Luna sighed quietly and started thinking about the knight again...how his greatest challenge was facing the dragon and yet part of the challenge was bitter defeat, forcing the hero to strengthen his resolve and perhaps even...A song suddenly snapped the princess out of her thought,it was a deep echo into the night sky... "No...that is not right..." The song was from a dream; it was quiet but it somehow called out to her. Luna stood up and closed her eyes, focusing on the voice and letting her mind meld with the night sky, feeling non existent until a lush forest surrounded her. The night moon lit up a wide clearing and more lightning bugs floated gently in the air; a pony casted in far to much shadow was humming into the air...It was excitement for the first time in ages and impatience was winning slowly over her demure nature. It was bad luck that the song was over when Luna arrived but she was certain this was the right dream. Soon the pony in the shadows was joined by a figured wrapped in mist; the figure was cloaked but defining details like wings stood out under the dense shadowy cloak. Acrylic reached for the hood of the cloak but when he touched it the figure faded into mist around his hoof; a single tear hitting the ground as a haunting voice froze the princess where she stood. The figure looked up to the sky, body erupting in fireflies from the hooves and traveling up the cloak, lighting up the dark meadow. "Is for my love to show me....how to truly live..." It was the song from yesterday, not only was somepony calling on the princess of the night..it was an admirer. Every day her sister had to deal overzealous stallions and far too confident romancers but Luna was left in the shadow of fear and distance. Luna waited a bit longer but the pony simply gazed at the impossibly beautiful moon hanging in the sky between the clouds and the stars; the dream faded around her and within moments the cool air and gentle breeze of her balcony filled her world. Luna's breathing was soft and it echoed in the silent night, her heart was racing with a curious excitement. For the first time in far too long a genuine smile was stuck on her face, getting up slowly because of her stiff legs and walking back inside; the doors close behind her. The night had a few hours remaining and Luna brought down the red covered book off her bed, still smiling when she opened back into the fictional world. The knight was training against monsters of many sizes and shapes, thinking of the dragon building is hoard of treasure and leaving ash in its wake...it was a challenge of his valor and strength but Luna knew he was up to the task...somehow he would have a happy end. Brotherly Reunion Brotherly Reunion Acrylic stood outside the Still Room, glaring at the door handle and trying to make up an excuse as to avoid going in. It was early in the morning and the train was departing in only a half an hour, his goal was clear but he wanted to take the painting to his old friend in Canterlot. "But I don't want to go in..." He said like a whining foal. Acrylic trotted in place in frustration before closing his eyes and using a bit of magic to unlock the door; kicking it open all the way and trying to keep his eyes on the ground until he... "Found thee!" The heavy canvas levitated in the air and followed the stallion out, wrapped safely in green magic. Acrylic took a deep breath and let the door close behind him, locking with a heavy click once again, he placed the canvas on the ground carefully and took a step back before opening his eyes once again... "Oh..my..." The colors were breathtaking to say the least...the night sky rolled with streaks of dark grey and every shadow cast on the moon was caught in a moment of perfection. Lightening bugs dotted the sky and seemed to jump off the canvas with virbrant yellows and golds that glittered with their reflecting light bouncing off the stars glittering in the night sky...the mare in the center was still hooded to no surprise.. "Well come on then, no sense in stalling." He said to the painting more than himself. Acrylic took the heavy case leaning against the wall next to his Still Room and slid the painting in with a small exertion of magic, tying the knot on the flap to secure it. Acrylic stood on two legs and threw the strap over his shoulder and tightened it to his chest, falling back on four legs and wincing at the new weight on his back. "...Come on, lad...tis only a moments walk..." The door swung open with a clumsy use of magic, Acrylic walked out slowly into the bright morning; a bird flew past his head and into the bright sky. Acrylic found the morning as peaceful as night at times but he was thankful that he didn't wait until the sweltering afternoon. The struggling stallion pushed forward on his new adventure, bearing the weight with more pride than fatigue. The train station was in sight when he cleared the forest and within the hour Acrylic Evenfall would be back where it all started... _ _ "Now your majesty, thou must see this from our eyes, the city must expand higher into the mountain if tensions with the gryphons keep rising. The sky will be a battlefield and we need to be ready to defend from the air as much as on the ground." Princess Celestia was growing tired of her captain of the guard...his rantings on war were stale to everypony in the castle, but to visiting diplomats; it just spread unnecessary rumors. True, the relations with the gryphons over the water was unsteady at best but she felt no need to feel threatened by such simple creatures... "Captain, I understand thy concern but the world has just recovered from a long war-" The guardpony slammed his hoof down to cut Celestia off... "That was a war of the gods! This be a war for mortals and if ye show no consideration to the lives lost should this feud escalate, then allow me to take full command of the army; I will have a plan standing by should diplomacy fail." Celestia glared down at the guard...his stance did not waver and her patience was wearing thin. The audacity it took to speak out of turn in her court and not even flinch at her gaze made Celestia feel a small pang of guilt; the guard was right, Celestia had no place lowering the value of an individual life. Even if the war never happened there would be nothing the princess could do to prevent a first and devastating strike after being already stretched so thin by politics and her duty to Equestria. "Fine.." Celestia spread her wings and the room was filled with pure light, her eyes glowed with power and the guard stood at attention while his armor thickened and color changing from gold to a dark silver as a sign of his status. "I hereby promote Captain Immits Sun to Commander of the Royal Army, in this status I will only act as a consultant and succeed all command over the royal army...but should ye make a decision that the Sisters Of Harmony find heinous, you will be tried as a war criminal and sentenced to death." It was all for looks, Celestia didn't care that the guard wanted more power; she didn't care that he would soon go boasting though the barracks of his status. All she cared about was keeping the peace, if that meant adding a new player to the game for gods, then so be it. The light faded from the room slowly and Celesita's eyes returned to normal; mane flowing quietly in the air and gaze holding nothing but judgment for the ambitious guard...and yet it was nice to just hand the responsibility over. For now it was no longer her problem what the royal guard did, as long as peace was held in Equestria, her promise would be upheld... Immits bowed before exiting the Great Hall, shrugging the heavy new armor around until it felt more natural. The guards outside the doors snapped to attention when he walked out, one of them relaxed seconds after and saluted the Commander, a warm smile on his face. "I knew you'd get through to her, sir. What are your orders?" Immits waited for the door to shut before signaling for his friend to follow closely and he made sure the guard in gold wrote down his plans; Equestria would stand tall soon. No feather brained freak will stop that... _ _ Celestia let out a deep sigh...the problems of the world are stacking more heavily lately and there was only a few things the Princess of the sun could do to ease her mind, thankfully one of them walked to her side and put a dense and dark blue wing around her. "I worry for thou sometimes, Tia..." Luna was standing between the two massive thrones to be close and comfort her stressed kin, more and more the two were growing apart in their duties but it was times like these they could take comfort in each others company. Celestia felt the guilt creeping into her mind again but Luna moved from her side and stood in front of her to fill her vision; the windows darkened and the room was dimmed to ease the strain from the light reflecting off the white marble and into Celestia's eyes. "Thou can not take on more than just Equrestia's problems by thyself, I trust he will do well so feel no guilt in thy decision." "It is not just the guard...I feel like I might need a day off, just all these ponies and politicians, most of them have putrid breath thanks to good hygiene and-" Luna laughed and put a hoof up to stop her sister's ranting. "Please, Tia, thou are alliterating again..." Celestia scoffed like a stubborn filly, Luna knew it was just a jest that began when they were both just fillies. It reassured Luna to know her sister wasn't above making a childish joke yet. Luna heard a knock on the large doors, Celestia sighed heavily and looked up once again. "If you want to get some rest early tonight, we could have tea tomorrow so that we can catch up properly." Luna let her power lift from the room, windows letting in the sunlight once again and the seals on the door releasing to allow the group that had built up in such a short time to enter. All of them hesitating when they noticed the grim figure of the Princess of the night... "That sounds wonderful, enjoy the assembly of altruist-" Celestia laughed quietly and pushed her sister to her side of the throne before she finished the insulting alliteration, the group looking confused and timid to speak first. Luna just nodded in greeting to the group and they all bowed, cueing the princess to return to her quarters so the diplomats could find their courage once again... _ _ Acrylic Evenfall woke up with a shock when the trains horn blasted him back to reality; the short nap was well earned after the long haul down the hill and over a creek. The conductor offered to help get the case inside but Acrylic needed to keep a close eye on his work and nopony was going to take the accomplishment of carrying a fifty pound case and painting on his back for a quarter mile...though he ripped the tag off as soon as he set the case down on the bench, the ticket booth dare say his case was too small to be considered 'special' luggage; the scale was way off at only twenty twenty two pounds... "Hmph...amateurs.." He picked the case back up and walked off the platform and into the bustling city of Canterlot. only a few tall towers meet the skyline but it was much bigger than when he left it all those years ago, there was even signs of plans for more towers on the cliff side like lumber and builders talking over coffee about expansion. Acrylic scanned the crowed and spotted a black mane and metallic colored horn peaking over the heads of others. "Evenfall!" Acrylic smiled brightly and pushed past the thick crowd, pushing his friend into the alley between a coffee shop and mannequin filled store to give them room. Wintered Tail, the metal pony from far north that visited the grand city when it was first being re-built, his dense coat and thick frame made his kind gold in the construction business and when his family heard about the bits rolling in for Metal ponies... One night though he stumbled upon a sickly looking teenager roaming the streets of the dangerously fragile city, after a long talk and a later argument between his father, they welcomed Acrylic Evenfall like family... "Tail...it has been far too long, brother." Wintered Tail rolled his eyes and grabbed the frail stallion in a crushing hug, thankfully under the canvas on his back, now choking him while Tail crushes him in the air. "I missed ye, Acrylic..." Between what he was sure was bones snapping, Acrylic managed to get out something along the lines of... "Miss....thee.....too..." Tail put him down and helped the poor stallion stay upright until he regained his footing; laughing quietly and dusting off the case for Acrylic. All the memories came flooding back, the warm food, friends and adventures though a shell of what is now the center of Equestria. Tail talked about the good old days all the way back to his home, the sun was setting by the time they made it back and soon the moon would take its place high in the sky. Tonight though Acrylic wouldn't stay up to star gaze, the traveling took too much a toll on his body and if he had any hope of finding that song, he would need all the rest he could get.Yet there was that bitter memory that resurfaced the moment Wintered Tail called out to him, it made the reunion more of a guilt trip for Acrylic seeing as they parted on such bad terms...yet Wintered was kind, sweet and a brother again; perhaps he had really forgiven and buried the past. All Acrylic could do was hope. Author's Note I LIKE ALLITERATING In retrospect...I ask why? Celestia is so young still so I like to think she would be much more irresponsible with her power and perhaps even openly judgmental... Also that she wants to be like her mother in every way, seeing it as an expectation that others hold...it makes it weird when you try and approach your sister like her mother, huh? So CloseAcrylic Evenfall woke up in a warm bed fit for Celestia in a luxurious guest room, he found it strange to be back in the room he first called home. All the memories made for a pleasant night of dreams reliving his past, at least the good parts. Regardless, he was happy to be with family again after so long. It was sobering to Acrylic to walk down the stairs of the mansion, the walls had a new dark and velvet shade of red and soft tapestries now hung to fill the home with a sophisticated air. Walking down and seeing small foals with metallic coats running into the kitchen; both of them carrying some kind of resemblance to his brother. Evenfall walked into the large dining room after admiring his old art hanging on the wall. His attention was dragged to a centerpiece on the table...bright green crystals mixed with blue and yellow to make a carved bouquet made of pure crystal; lighting the room on its own and Acrylic assumed if the lights on the wall were quelled, the crystal would make a pastel of light and color across the walls. Wintered Tail walked in with a few plated in tow suspend by a green and black field of magic, the foals following closely and trying to grab the plates out of the air, arguing with each other. "Ah! Glad to see thou are awake, How long has it been since ye had a real breakfast?" The foals stopped and looked over at Acrylic, both their eyes widened and smiled nearly melted his heart... "Uncle Acrylic!" They both said in unison. Acrylic laughed and rubbed the back of his head, he liked kids but he always felt like he would be a bad foalsitter due to his distracted nature...nevertheless, the twins charged him and tackled the unprepared stallion to the ground in a lung crushing hug. Their coats weren't as dense as an adults but he still felt like he was hugging pure fluff. "Oof! Tail, they're...crushing me!" Acrylic said, finishing with a long laugh. Tail rolled his eyes and set the food down, walking to hover over Acrylic and trying to control his own laughter. "Alright alright, get off the lad, thou know he has fleas." Both foals jumped up quickly, the filly ran in circles trying to toss off any insect while the colt just laughed at his sister. Tail rolled his eyes and helped Acrylic off the ground; after regaining his breath he punched Tail in the arm, causing the metal pony to just laugh harder while Acrylic pretended he didn't hurt his own hoof. "I don't have fleas..." Tail laughed and looked back to the twins, picking up the filly in the air with a bit of magic to calm her down. After flailing in the air for a moment she slumped over and looked worried still... "Uncle Acrylic doesn't have fleas, now both of ye stay here and eat. Uncle and I are going out for a bit." They looked upset that Acrylic was already leaving but their rumbling stomachs took their attention to the warm food waiting. Acrylic dusted himself off and picked up the case he left by the stair case, unhooking his bag from it, admiring his sense of function and fashion... "How many dirty bags do ye have tucked away, brother?! The maids will be cleaning for hours...." Acrylic rolled his eyes and threw the light bag over his shoulder,checking the knot on his case and turning back to face Tail. Acrylic looked over his brothers shoulder and saw the foals destroying their meals and he smirked... "Why did thee stop sending letters?" Tail suddenly changed his demeanor to guilty... "I...got pretty busy once the two started growing up...and when Tome got his mark of destiny, it was utter chaos trying to keep him from thinking he was suddenly an adult." Acrylic look again to try and see the mark on the colt, it was a old looking book with a rusted lock and quill. Feeling a little pride for taking the time to visit when they were younger...perhaps his talent inspired the colt. Either way, it was always nice to see more ponies with a talent in something that came from the heart. "Just give me a moment to check my painting, the travel might not have been kind.." Tail nodded and grabbed a black silk scarf off a stand, wrapping it with practiced grace and heading out the door to wait on Acrylic...giving him a chance to take out a box from his bag. Walking briskly to the table and getting a curious look from the foals, he smiles slyly and put out a sweet roll for both of them; the colt gasped and grabbed it eagerly but the filly shook her head at her brothers lack of etiquette, Acrylic laughed quietly and turned to join Tail outside. Wintered Tail was looking up at the bright morning sky when Acrylic finally joined him, there was an unusual level of noise for so early in the morning but Tail just thought it was another snake oil salesmen like the two stallions last week making a rabble. Regardless,it was nice to finally get to catch up with his solitary brother. "So, Acrylic, I thought we could sit down over some coffee and snacks and discuss what brings thee here after so long." Evenfall looked around at the new buildings and admired all the shining towers, nodding in agreement absently. Tail rolled his eyes and pulled Acrylic to his side so he wouldn't miss the turn into a new street. "Sorry, Tail...It's just so different." Wintered Tail nodded, it was because of his family that most of the tall towers stood against the cold winds in winter and harshness of summer so naturally he felt a little family pride when Acrylic admired the new city. They kept walking until Tail lead him to a small coffee shop, a large crowd was gathered outside but the owner was trying to shoo them away. "Is this normal?" Tail tried to get a clear view but shrugged. "Probably a special going on." Acrylic shrugged in kind and they both took an empty table tucked in a corner under a thick umbrella to shade the table. The crowd dispersed soon and a waitress trotted over,trying to wipe the stress off her face. "I apologize for the wait, how can I serve thee?" Tail ordered a black coffee and Acrylic simply requested a slice of apple pie, the mare smiled brightly and trotted back into the store; leaving them to catch up... _ _ Celestia was thankful that the owner managed to shoo away the onlookers, true,they would've had a private date but Celestia insisted on being more social; perhaps it was a good change for her reclusive sister. Luna felt a little uncomfortable but she admitted it was nice to get this kind of attention. More often she found herself at odds with what kind of attention is good... "Sister?" Celesita snapped Luna back to reality, no onlookers remained and it was finally a quiet morning to have tea and chat. Luna smiled warmly to put her sister at ease. The conversation began dryly but soon it picked up when they got to nit pick at each other. "Do not bring up that old tale!" Celestia pleaded in jest. "Ye were covered head to toe in mud, mother was so furious but when thou started arguing and-" Luna had to stop from the fits of laughing taking over. Celestia shook her head and tried not to laugh and encourage her sister. "Thee...Thee tripped over my wing and fell face first into the marsh again, thou were crying for hours about the worms thee swear ye swallowed!" Celestia buried her face in her hooves and she was trying to hide the embarrassment over her sisters giggling fit. True she wanted to argue that there was a few details Luna was forgetting like how they even ended up in that mess in the first place but there would be no point. "I think I remember thou were confined to thy room whilst I was absolved of responsibility." Luna rolled her eyes, shrugging off the reminder and taking a sip of the warm tea...Celestia smirked playfully and Luna knew embarrassment was on the horizon... _ _ Acrylic took a bite of his warm and flaky pie, trying to keep it down between his laughing and Tail's way of telling stories. Wintered Tail was a hard working stallion but when it came to having fun, no pony was more animated with their expressions or boisterous acting. Sure enough, Acrylic was in tears just listening to Tail's everyday life with two hyperactive twins... Wintered Tail took a moment to enjoy the coffee; the bitter smell was enough to make Acrylic turn his nose when it first was brought to the table but somehow the metal pony seemed to enjoy it. They both sat in contented silence for a moment until Acrylic hear a voice that made his eyes nearly jump out of his head widening... "Tail...Tail, is there a mare behind me somewhere..?" Wintered raised a brow and looked over his brothers shoulder, his own eyes widening... "Tis the Sisters of Harmony!" Acrylic tilted his head in confusion, his time in seclusion kept him out of touch with current events; indeed the lack of strange weather and odd occurrences was a relief but he thought nothing of it because it never affected him. Evenfall turned his head just enough to glimpse back and he noticed two ponies unlike anything he has ever seen... "Brother...they have wings..and horns?" Tail nodded quickly, smieling brightly in admiration. "Aye! They have a gift from the AllMother that allows them to raise the sun and call forth the moon!" Celestia glanced back,overhearing the loud comments and they bother snapped back to each other. The goddess shrugged and resumed her conversation, Luna cut her off and started laughing; a sound that Acrylic somehow knew yet... "Tail, who is the one with her backs to us?" "That be Princess Luna...I'm afraid to say I or anypony I know knows nothing about her other than she summons the moon and....brings nightmares..." Acrylic turned back around and tried to hear just what was being said between the two. To bring nightmares to the dreams of ponies took a dark madness that just seemed ludicrous when he looked at the lunar princes. Surely Tail was wrong about the princess....surely... "-Just wish I could enjoy more time like this with thee..." Celestia nodded in agreement, but in reality,their duties would always pull the two apart. Acrylic though didn't know or care about what Tail said...the voice...he heard the same deep longing buried under a lighthearted facade. Tail was taking another drink when Acrylic got up and started towards the two... Tail spat up the coffee and stuttered trying not to draw attention, yet stopping his brother was impossible and within seconds he was standing just behind the night princess. "Excuse me...your Majesty?" Luna rolled her eyes and scooted to the side to let the brave follower speak to her sister, though Celestia just looked confused and Luna heard the stallion repeat himself. "Princess...Luna, is it?" Luna felt her heart quicken; to suddenly find the spotlight was completely unfamiliar to her. Especially to have somepony desire her attention after opening herself up in public to enjoy a laugh with her kin. It took a moment but she turned around with a blank expression. "Yes..?" Acrylic did his best to control his overflowing joy, giving a deep bow and speaking to the ground in reverence. "My name is Acrylic Evenfall. I would simply like to thank thee, from the deepest part of my heart for giving me new inspiration with thy stunning beauty of the night..." Luna was speechless...in nearly five-hundred years, she never saw a smidgen of appreciation. Now a scruffy and paint spotted stallion has his head lowered and hoof outstretched not for Celestia or the Sisters of Harmony...But for her. Acrylic remained lowered for a moment longer before standing up again, the display was overzealous to say the least but even Celestia could see what was behind those emerald eyes staring into Luna. The princess of the night cleared her throat and Acrylic shook his head out of his daydream, face turning a slight shade of crimson. "My apologizes, milady; enjoy thine afternoon." Celestia looked at the stallion until he grabbed the bulky looking metal pony and started running back into the streets...worry starting to sink in when Luna was watching, still awestruck... "That was nice to see...I told ye ponies love thy night." Luna nodded happily, the same smile from a few nights ago now stuck on her face for she knew who that pony was. It took a moment to sink in but she realized the paint spots, the raggedy mane...it was her admirer. Now she knew this wasn't a enigma; this stallion was just like her, solitary... "Sister?" Perhaps she would find his dream and actually muster the courage to talk to him, perhaps there were more that basked in the moonlight that she was unaware of... "Sister??" Luna snapped back to Celestia, the white alicorn looked worried but Luna dismissed the stress and finished her tea. The princess was racked with questions but she knew that the night would hold her answers when she payed a visit to her admirer's dreams...to Acrylic Evenfall's peaceful sleep... Luna walked into her dark room eagerly, closing the door behind her and smiling happily when she heard the soft click of her lock securing in place with a gentle nudge of her magic. Curtains flying open and getting the brilliant orange glow of dusk; a warm smile growing on the princess's face, Celestia was in her room and after today's excitements, she was already in bed awaiting the warm embrace of sleep. The guards walked the castle to make sure no malcontents lingered, empty halls darkened and quiet chambers grew cold when the shadows took over once more. Luna stood on the balcony, forcing her mind to quell all the thoughts about him; once the sun fell to the horizon, her horn lit up luminously blue and like the light of a newborn foals eyes...the moon broke into the sky to bring the gleaming stars into view. It was the brightest night since the fall of chaos, not a cloud in the sky could stop the light shining into the city and dimming the street lanterns that couldn't hope to outshine this night... "Perfect..." Luna opened her eyes again to really admire her work; smiling happily and proud before making a quick turn and shutting the glass doors and sitting down on the soft rug in the center of her room. Closing her eyes once again to seek out her follower in her world of dreams. "Acrylic...Evenfall..." Luna felt her body suddenly become weightless and when she opened her eyes, a bright light blinded her momentarily.. "Nightmare Moon....?!" A panicked voice said though tears. It was the voice of a young mare, when Luna's eyes adjusted she realized she was in a classroom... Oh sweet sister no... It was obviously a nightmare, a poor mare was having about some embarrassing moment in school, judging by the detail and age of the mare as well as the wings on everypony in class; it had to be an advanced flyer class. Now it looked like she was the one who brought this mess. "I-I'm sorry for whatever I did!" Luna started to feel guilty somehow, even though she never caused it; yet it was more disconcerting that she had a very unflattering nickname...Luna's horn glowed softly as she tore apart the dream until a soft whiteness dominated the dreamscape, almost like a limbo. "Do not fear, young one...ye did nothing to anger me-" The mare wiped tears off her face and shouted back in confused anger. "T-then why did thou make Sleight Wind loath me?! All I did was...tell her how I feel..." Oh...it can get so much worse... "Please little one...stop thy tears and calm thine troubled mind." "How can I?! Did the god of chaos find it funny to curse me with these...impossible feelings?" She pleaded though the tears. Luna couldn't stop feeling guilty and now she felt a deep sadness. It was not....unheard of that ponies might have feelings for somepony of the same type...but it still normally meant that the certain pony would live a miserable life persecuted by friends and family. Even Luna hard a hard time thinking of how this happens and it took even more for her to accept it now. "He is no longer with us..." Luna said absently...when she looked up she saw a pony wearing a smock and ragged mane specked with paint..nodding in approval and waving as if to encourage her before fading into the light. Luna strengthened her resolve and put a soft hoof on the mares shoulder to get her attention; wide eyes still watery but more curious than afraid... "It is okay to have these feelings..Love is something that nopony can force upon one another. Take confidence in who thou are, because if ye stay quiet and afraid...ye will never know just what is possible." The mare wiped her face again, sniffing quietly and lowering her head... "B-but...what if she hates me if I say anything?" Luna closer her eyes to look into the light brown mare's mind...she indeed saw the cyan mare that had her affections; light yellow mane flowing in the wind as they flew together. The two were wing mates and from what she gathered, good ones. Best team in the class because they played off each others strength and weaknesses to balance and boost rather than try and avoid exposing any short comings to the class instructor. They had to trust each other when performing, a thousand feet in the air and one mistake could be the last either of them make...that kind of trust is rare to truly find...Luna smiled softly and opened her eyes once more. "Sleight Wind did not help thee reach where ye are now, the sleepless nights training, long hours studying with thee, to just remain a friend. Little one, thine fear is blinding you to the answer you seek..." Luna said with a kind laugh. "Princess..." "Do not let anypony stop fate, and have no fear." The mare looked up at the lunar princess in pure wonder, every rumor shattered by solid reassurance and the best support the mare has ever known. It almost second nature to be a comfort, Luna always knew what to say to somepony to ease their mind or bestow confidence; almost like she had an air of love that she could readily call upon to uplift troubled souls. That air was lifting the mare into a lighter state of mind, the soft smile and warm tone...almost like a mother, a mother to the unfortunate few who knew no love. As the comforting silence stretched on, Luna knew it was time to resume her real mission and her search;the dream fading around her to white as the mare woke up with a new peace... Acrylic lay asleep with the twins in the living room, recanting an old tale from the glory days of Acrylic and Wintered against the world...it put the two asleep long before Wintered could take them back to their rooms, making the soft rug in the living room by the warm fire a temporary cot for three; for Acrylic even nodded off remembering the past. So the tree snored quietly curled up, the twins just enjoying the fact that their cool uncle had returned... In his mind, the tall towers of Canterlot loom over him in darkness and a shadowy figure ducks though the streets to avoid him. The cloak billowing in the wind and gleaming blue eyes shooting him nervous glances when he got within line of sight. Acrylic broke out into a run down the claustrophobic streets, buildings passing in more of a blur of grays and blacks mixed and racing by. "Stop! Please!" He shouted in vain. No matter how fast he ran, the figure just ran faster or somehow lost him...the sun had set and it would soon be impossible to keep up with who ever that was...until he rounded a corner and ran face first into the figure under dense cloak. The princess had no idea why she entered this dream with a cloak on but even she winced when a mare struck her chest and landed on the ground... "I-I'm so sorry! I seem to have found the wrong dream yet again..." The pony sat up back into the light of the moon again and the emerald eyes gleamed with wonder... "I..." They both said in confused unison. Both were standing, staring at each other and just when he needed it the most; Acrylics sense of calm and collected awe from earlier that day was thrown out and replaced by hesitant fear. The dream began to reflect that inner conflict when the buildings started to crumble and a more destructive tone took the peaceful setting. Luna failed to notice it due to a smile creeping across her face; she never noticed it before but she always imagined any admirer to be a bit...bigger. The books talk of hard muscles tested by trials, big chins with masculine beards and kind hearts for the princesses...Acrylic was just a little short to the standard... "What are thou laughing at?" Acrylic said a little nervous. Luna closed her eyes and set the dream back in place. Buildings standing straight again and moonlight chasing away shadows of doubt. Smile contorting as she tries to hold back her fits for Acrylic's sake... "Tis nothing..." Acrylic stood upright and tilted his head, ears falling against his head and worry starting to show more than he would like. Luna managed to get herself under control when the dream was set in place once again...though even she gasped in shock when the cloak became warm before erupting into fireflies that danced in the night sky around them; causing her face to turn a slight red, thankfully it seemed Acrylic failed to notice the change. The princess took a moment to remember why she wanted to visit his dream. "Hello, Evenfall-" "Call me Acrylic if ye like.." He said, throwing Luna off again with the kindness in his voice... "...Acrylic.." A soft smile grew... Never has she referred to anyone other than her sister by their first name, let alone have a...semi-normal conversation with them. Acrylic looked to the sky just as a shower of heavenly meteors streaked the sky and created a brilliant display of lights across the moon and stars; Looking back down to see the reflections in the Princess's teal eyes. "This is surreal..." Acrylic said in disbelief. "It is a dream." Luna said with a warm laugh. The dream might be her doing but the detail and beauty could only be from an artist's mind. The silence felt almost pleasant rather than awkward, They both admired their creation, even though neither of them would take credit. Something about the moment made it feel like forever but when their found each other once again...Luna finally had the courage to ask him the all important question... "Even-..Acrylic...I just-" Luna felt her heart stop as the dream was torn apart in seconds by a bright light; back in the princesses room, Celestia was applying her own magic to shake her sister out of the deep trance. Worry in her eyes but a little impatience working its way into her mood. Luna breathed sharply when her eyes shot open; room spinning slightly and limbs stiff. Oh no,I forgot! The dreamscape was very different from the real world...in Luna's kingdom, the laws of reality could be bent and broken at a whim...but the cost of such a freedom was time. Time moved at breakneck speeds back in the real world; the better the dream, the faster it was over...and it seems this one was over long before Luna thought it would be... "S-sister! I-" The look in the sun goddess's eyes told it all...she knew Luna had forgotten about the raising of the sun, the moon still hung high in the sky and it was nearly a half an hour into what should be sunrise....but she was so close...she had to go back and finish her question. "Sister, please, Let me have just a few more moments! There was a mare in desperate need of my help!" It wasn't a lie...not completely, there was no need to tell Celestia about the later visit to Acrylic. Yet there was a small if not see though loophole.. "Lulu...I am sorry, but thou knows what Mother told us..." Luna bit back a retort and abandoned her cause as soon as she was brought into the argument. It may have been centuries, but Luna remembered the guilt on her mothers face the day she left them... Luna lowered her head and the moon sank into the horizon faster than normal to make way for the waiting sun. Celestia walked past her sulking sibling and performed her duty to not just Equestira...but to honor their mothers last wish. It's not fair... Author's Note I cant help but get off track sometimes, I get stuck on exposition when I should be focused on the main story and moving forward, but hope fully now that I can recognize it; I can stop it before it takes my story away from me. Trust me...I had a far too elaborate plan that would've taken at least three chapters before I resumed the ACTUAL love story..... The Past"H-hey, Celestia..." A timid voice said in the cover of darkness.. It was midnight, Lulu was in bed and mother was patrolling the east to find new colonies...in the mean time...she wouldn't mind her daughter sneaking out into the dangerous woods to see a boy; as long as she never knew. The soft and silly face of her dear friend was blanketed by darkness and his nature would make it a challenge getting him into the light she stood under. "Don't be foolish, you...come out here." Shy eyes darted around and Celestia heard stuttering but no real excuse coming from him... "Oh please..." She pleaded. "No one will see us!" "I think I am fine here..." The timid voice peeped. "Funny Face..." Celestia could see a big lions paw cover his face in the shadows; even though she couldn't see, she was sure that his face burned crimson at the nickname. "Pleasssssse?" She whined...pushing her pink mane back a little so he could see both her glowing eyes widen and shine in the pale moonlight. "....Oooh fine! Just stop it with the look..." He said in the cute little accent that she loved...though he tried to hide it most of the time. Celestia backed up a little to give him room and after a moment to gather his courage...the green scales on his leg stepped first into the moonlight and glowed a little thanks to the clear night; soon a goats fuzzy leg followed and then his serpent body hunched over joined suit...looking down at the princess with shifting blue eyes. "See? Was that so hard now?" Discord rubbed his arm shyly and couldn't seem to look directly at the young princess, she rolled her eyes and stepped within inches of him; making sure he had no choice but to look down at the soft smile of the white alicorn. Hoots of owls commentating on the scene in the small clearing made her glance back shortly to make sure it wasn't her mother that startled them, Discord looked over curiously and inadvertently forgot how close they were; bumping into Celestia and suddenly looking down in frozen shock, both of them stepping back and laughing awkwardly at their paranoia. "How have you been, friend?" Discord straightened a little now that the initial awkwardness wore off, smiling back finally. "Better...the urges are becoming more silly rather than...destructive." Celestia leaned in curiously.. "W-well..I mean that I made it rain coco instead of hurting somepony with my..." Discord bit back the last word...Celestia knew that he was deathly afraid of making anypony cross when he couldn't help himself. After all, his strange gift was uncontrollable and the only way to quell it was to cause havoc. Discord was on the edge of self-hatred were it not for the kind words of a certain alicorn, though of course her mother saw the two and for some reason..forbid them from meeting...of course that only encouraged the two. "That is good!" Discord's head lifted a little and the white tail flicked up happily. "I know you can learn to control this gift..someday the ponies of Equinans will need you and your power to lift their spirits just as you lift mine." Celestia didn't realize what the words implied but the realization sank in faster than she could catch it, bright blue eyes widening and face tuning a slight shade of red. Celestia thought about the deeper meaning and it only took moments to look up at the goofy looking face of the draconequus and lean up to affirm his thoughts...cut short but a disappointed yell from the sky while a massive shadow of wings fell over them... "Celestia!" Discord looked up and vanished back into the shadows...not without hesitating and looking back to wave timidly; that small act made the scolding coming on wings of fire just a bit easier to take... I'll convince her somehow that you're not bad...my very special somepony... Author's Note Equestia sounds too peaceful for a brand new world full of untame dangers so I though changing it up would make it more. Sorry it was so short but thats the point, ladies and gentlemen...the past. The PresentAcrylic Evenfall worked deep into the night, the heat from the furnace made the stone room feel sweltering compared to the chilly night outside. Dark corners hid different things that Wintered Tail liked to keep in his workshop, gym equipment to clear his head when things got a bit stressful and cabinets of paint, charcoal, pencils and pens for whatever he might want to do to pass the time; there was even a small typewriter on a desk by the door. Thankfully for Acrylic though, he even had a small station for metal work; likely for sculptures but Evenfall had a different plan in mind... The magic in the stallion was starting to run dry halfway into pounding the metal into the right shape. Finishing when it was a lumpy but identifiable shape, he wiped the sweat off his brow and grinned down in pride and determination at his latest crave...something for the princess of his dreams. The door creaked open while Acrylic was in a closet for paints and Wintered Tail poked his head in the workshop and waved smoke out of his face, eyes growing worried but sighing at his brothers simple mistake. "I see ye wish to kill thineself sitting in all this smoke..." Acrylic turned around with paint hovering in the air behind him, tired but lively smile on his soot covered face. "Well how should I vent all this mess then?" Laughing and heading back over to the crafting table. Tail rolled his eyes and walked to the burning furnace, using his hoof to gently nudge a valve; the fire burned brightly with new oxygen as the smoke shot up the fireplace in the living room and out the pipe on the roof. Acrylic peaking over his shoulder shocked and Tail just standing over the fire with a disappointed look. "Right..." Acrylic said flatly before turning around and fixing his work up more. Wintered stepped over to the bench and tried to get a look, all it seemed to be was a large metal...ring? It was too oddly shaped to be just a ring and the blue paints waiting on the side means it would be something that only had meaning to the artist. "What is it?" Tail asked. Acrylic took a deep breath and took a step back, forcing his brother to back up swiftly. "I noticed that the sun sister had a elegant looking set of royal attire. The gold chest plate was stunning...but Luna didn't...just thought i'd save them the time of finding a craftsman." The last of the sentence sounded absent minded, lost in thought about how his creation would look when its done. Tail looked down at Acrylic, starting to get more worried as he came to realize what gleamed in the stallions eyes. "No...No, really?! Thou are in love with the princess!" he shouted with a laugh. Acrylic reddened a little and turned around, shoving Wintered playfully "And what is wrong with that? We are a lot alike if you think about it." Wintered shook his head, sure Acrylic was a little anti-social but that didn't mean he was crazy like the princess of nightmares...strange as it is though, rumors were floating around of the night princesses kindness rather than the normal rabble of hatred. Something was wrong in town and even though no pony was talking...it was something in the air. "Besides, being here made me realize how...lonely I was." Acrylic said with a somber tone... The smile faded off of Tail's face slowly; deep down he knew that eventually his brother would return when living alone becomes too dull. Though it still pained him to hear the surprising amount of pain in his voice. Acrylic smiled again reassuringly while the tools levitated off the table again, wrapped in green magic. "That is why I have to try." With that he turned around and began shaping out the bumps and dents to hopefully make something Princess Luna could love.. Author's Note Hope you enjoy me breaking my...break... A First DateLuna slept in for a while, the princess felt the heaviness of her words weighing on her mind painfully...each passing moment was a war between what she was standing for and how her sister felt about the change. Princess Luna knew Celestia was selfish as a child, and it did bear its own marks even now as an adult, but it was still hard to think that it came to such a bitter argument to end the divide...yet start a new one. With a heavy sigh, Luna sunk deeper into the sheets; feeling the all too familiar lump of bitter emotions and regret in her throat, as her eyes watered against the soft feather pillows... I...I need to escape... Luna rolled to her side and pulled the covers over her head to block what little light entered the room. Silencing her thoughts as best she could so that the sweet embrace of sleep could comfort her until the sun fell to the horizon. The one thought that refused to be silenced was every worry and anxiety she had about the strange Acrylic Evenfall. Much to her disappointment, no other pony came forward like he has, even worse that it seemed that this Nightmare Moon title was sticking. If the ponies of Equestria see fit to mock their princess...who only wants to save them from nightmares...then the suffering few can save themselves. Acrylic Evenfall picked up the metal work and admired the effort he put into shaping it properly, a coat of paint already drying on it. The sketch of his design still holding up if not a little soot stained and burnt on the edges; he looked up at it to check if his original design was the same as what it was physically...thankfully it was. The soft rounded edges looked elegant and the stencil of the crescent moon waiting to be painted. It even made him smile softly as he put the very fine and very expensive, luminescent white paint into the moon. "Uncle?" The boy twin piped surprisingly...Ancient Tome was standing behind Acrylic and watching him work for some time now, but not really talking or asking questions... "Yes? What is it lad?" Acrylic said without taking his attention off the careful painting. Tome started fidgeting around the furnace, using his magic to shift the still hot coals around and send flurries of embers into the pipe and up... "Well...what did the princess say to thou?" Tome said innocently, as if dancing around a subject... Acrylic furrowed his brow in thought and put the brush down, turning around in the chair to gauge the colts expressions.. "What doth thou mean?" Acrylic asked. Tome turned around to face him properly and had an odd determination in his silver colored eyes. "I need...advice...Thou knows I have a fondness for writing, but my father said...that writing is dangerous.." Tome said with a confused look, head cocked and ear titled down curiously. Acrylic was a little surprised at his brothers frankness with such a young child, but in truth; any form of art can be dangerous...writing is the most harrowing though. With the right words, countries can topple and tyrants can fall...ideas are spread and even twisted if in the wrong hooves. Acrylic did not expect a child to understand, but Tome was a surprisingly mature colt under the initial goofy tendencies one would expect. "The reason it is dangerous, is because of the freedom it holds. Imagine that you can turn ponies ideas into movements, fiction becomes fact and the most terrifying part...is that nothing can stop or limit you. There is nothing on this world or any other that can hinder you, because you work...in ideas and theories." The colt sat down and looked dumbfounded...Acrylic had his own way with words, even so though, everything he said was true. This was one of those moments where Tome questioned his talents and abilities; which means that Acrylic was all the more proud to help bestow confidence and pride in taking on such a talent. As a child he didn't have a hope of understanding what Acrylic meant, later in life though he can look back and have a deeper appreciation of the words imparted here and now... "That makes very little sense..." Tome said frankly. Acrylic smiled and rubbed the colts head, a goofy grin coming back to the young ones face... "You have more power with a pen than any princess can hope to achieve." Ancient Tome got a more determined gleam in his shining eyes and ran off, his sister chasing him past the doorway; no doubt she was listening in from the start and perhaps it would spark a little more fuel to the sibling rivalry. In a way it was refreshing to see a new mind take to such an old art, to even bring new life to it when he reaches a more time weathered age. Acrylic turned around and took up the brush again, dipping a new bit of the luminous paint on it and resuming his work...though he had been working for so long that he didn't realize that he had worked though the night and well into the afternoon. After spending a few extra moments on the moon, Wintered Tail found his brother sitting in the chair with his head on the desk, a pool of drool forming around his jaw. "Brother...I should just leave you, Celestia knows the moment thee wakes up, it would be back to work." Tail sighs and walks quietly over to his brother, picking up the unconscious, rather than sleeping stallion. "Thou are lucky that you grew to be such a light weight..." Tail said with a chuckle. Wintered steped up the small amount of stairs and walked calmly into the living room, deciding it would be better to just let his brother sleep on the couch rather than carry him all they way up to his room. With a flop, Acrylic landed on the soft sofa and let out a soft snore; Tail just shook his head and laughed again. Tail sat down in front of the couch and slowly the normal cheerful smile faded to a worry....his brother was smitten with a pony of nightmares...it reeked of just an idea of loneliness, Acrylic had been away for so long with nopony to talk to; now he thinks that the first mare he see's is the love of his life.... "Why did it have to be Nightmare Moon...of all the mare's in equestria..." Acrylic opened his eyes, gasping sharply when he realized the air was different. The light in his eyes took time to adjust to, yet when his vision cleared...he was in a ivory and rose garden, butterflys float though the air and birds sing happily on the bushes. Acrylic took a look around and noticed details shifting constantly...the green of the leaves brightening and veins and edges becoming defined while the roses bloomed and let forth their sweet scent into the crisp spring air. Things changed so vividly that Acrylic let his jaw drop when he looked up...the moon hung high in the sky and beamed down brighter than any sun he had ever witnessed; it was such a strange sight...he was simply at a loss for words. "I knew only an artist could finish my creation..." Acrylic felt his heart skip... "Princess..." Acrylic said as he looked back down. Luna...but by the All Mother... The princess of the night was dressed in a pure white gown, an airy dress that floated in the light wind. No...it wasn't white...it was a light blue, a sweet shade of blue that accented her natural color perfectly somehow. Acrylic though was more shocked at the fact that her mane was tied up and styled to resemble the luxurious look of royalty of the Crystal Empire, a singular small gem trailing on the side...deep emerald. "Well..do not stare..." Luna said...eyes finding the ground, her idea of what would happen is already getting de-railed. Acrylic shook his head and looked at himself, still covered in soot and paint... "Princess....?" He asked quickly. "Is this...a date?" Luna felt her face burn crimson, luckily able to control most of it..most... "Ah...then I am dreaming?" Luna nodded slightly. Acrylic took a deep breath to regain his composure, out of touch with social standards and even society itself could never take away his years living with a fancy and upstate family. Within moments the soot was gone and his mane was fixed...sort of...just being a little spiky rather than unkempt, no matter what though, it was never his style to wear a fancy suite or other nonsense; instead he imagined up a black collared button up, sleeves rolled down so he could look decent and still be comfortable. Luna looked up and took a moment..letting out a small laugh. "Endless possibilities, and thou choose a shirt that could cost three bits..." Acrylic looked at himself a little and reddened a little... "No, tis...fitting...Hard to see thou having a good time in a stuffy suite." Luna said, now it was official...they were dressed to impress and eyes locking. Acrylic...seeing nothing but a gorgeous soul full of loneliness due to a shy nature...Luna...for the first time, a pony seeks her affection; not just that, he was truly kind natured and even a little silly... Luna snapped out of thought, while it did feel strangely fun to have this back and forth, she needed to ask the important question... "Acrylic...what does thou see in a...in somepony like me...because I can see how thee see's into me." Acrylic tilted his head a little in confusion...he already knew..from that night that seemed so long ago he knew. The wide, luster filled eyes and stunning dress was just a fraction compared to what he could hear in just her voice, a feeling of complete difference from everypony she knew, always hiding her true emotions; never letting anypony inside unless she knew...deep down...that they were special... "I see somepony, a reflection of myself and my life...I've been alone...for so long, looking back it seems i've been running from something. Looking at thee...I see something I can run to; a reason to talk and play, to laugh and cheer with so much joy! ...A reason live life as it was meant to be...with somepony you love..." Beauty Like the Blue Nights MoonI do not understand this feeling... Yet it feels as if I have known her all my life.. Mother...what is this new found warmth in my heart...yet fear in my mind... I am at war with what I know and what I feel... He is different.. She is the same... But both of us must take that leap... Take the plunge Into the unknown and ignoring what others might say, we fall To finally open up and find peace in each other embrace. Jump... Acrylic jolted awake, gasping sharply with half his ragged mane hanging over his face; panting breathless, sweat staining the couch he lay on and heart beating to a new pace...faster...faster it beat as he scanned the room in disbelief and shock. Slower...slower until it found a steady rest, his heart caught up to the real world once again and Acrylic was able to understand what just happened. Luna was in the castle just a few blocks away thinking of him enough to give him a chance at a date...and it was fantastic! Acrylic grinned widely and let his jaw hang, trying to find the right words to express himself but still speechless from the life altering dream. It was everything he could've hoped for! "I knew it!" Acrylic shouted, heart fluttering with reassurance..and love... Wintered Tail was startled awake, he had managed to get comfortable by the fireplace while keeping watch over his brother; even falling asleep once the clock rang ten. Now though, Acrylic was awake and he seemed to be overflowing with energy and excitement. "Acrylic! Silence! The twins are still asleep.." Acrylic looked to find the voice, stopping when he lowered his eyes on his groggy looking brother, feeling a bit guilty he completely forgot where he was. The pony rubbed the back of his head and flattened his ears... "Sorry...I just...had an amazing dream." Tail sat up, wincing when his old back was painful to move after sleeping on the rug in front of what once was a comforting fire. "Acrylic...brother, this obsession is consuming ye. The mare of the night is twisting you mind!" He said with as much a hushed tone as he could muster. Acrylic felt the smile fade..after all the work making his gift to her, the date and even finding out that she shares the same feelings. Tail looked so worried...beyond what Acrylic had ever seen, he was actually assuming that this sweet mare..this gentle soul and shy princess was twisting his mind?! Acrylic felt anger build... "Brother...I have not visited this place in a very long time, nor have I ever felt this...this..." Acrylic found he had no words to describe his feelings...so many emotions that he had never experienced, it just made him more frustrated.. "But do not speak of Luna like that! Thou cannot fathom what she and I feel!" He yelled, getting off the couch and not caring if he woke the twins... "Listen to thyself! Ye have known this mare for a few days-!" "And yet I feel as if I've known her all my life! I am not the greatest with emotions, but I know what I feel for her...and I am willing to take the time to show thee my love be true..." Acrylic looked down, blinking away the water in his eyes while trying to contain his own growing anger at his brother...but regardless...it was said...he admitted his true feelings. Wintered Tail backed up a little in shock, failing to notice his children peaking down on the staircase when the guilt and confusion became frustration and worry...turning it into his own anger. "Acrylic! Think on this fools errand! Nightmare Moon only causes pain and suffering, at night I worry she might yet draw my foals into her twisted world of shadows as she has done to others!" "She has done no such thing!" Acrylic defended. "She has! ...please listen to your family! We love you, but she means to tear your heart out! Stop and think you twat!!" That was the final straw...Ancient Tome rushed from the stairs much to his sisters surprise and just as Tail saw the first tear run down his face and stain the ground, others flowing to join it; Tome was there to hug his uncles leg in a hope to comfort him, glaring up at his father... "Leave him alone, dad! Didn't thou tell me to follow my heart?! J-just leave him alone!" Tail immediately felt his heart sink...his daughter following her bothers lead and standing in front of Acrylic. Tome did his best to comfort Acrylic, yet the shaking rage and tears still feel freely. Tail was suppose to be there to support his own brother, even if they didn't share blood. It was his promise to take care of Acrylic...now he stood against his son, daughter and brother as the only one who saw how dangerous this attraction was. With the determined glare of his colt, spiteful stare of a filly and sorrow written on his brother...his heart couldn't take this much and still hold a strong resolve. After a few tense moments, Tail let out a heavy sigh and say down, rubbing his head from the brimming headache. "But Acrylic...I...This is not.." He sighed heavily once again... "I have done everything to help ye, and while I still very much do not like this...it seems I cannot dissuade thee.." Tail felt the worry mount even higher when Acrylic looked up with a slight smile as his words sunk in. Tail bit his tongue and turned around, leaving Acrylic to keep himself from arguing more like he so wanted to. This was his step to take now, and as much as Tail was burning inside...Acrylic would just have to figure this out on his own... Luna smiled softly, sitting in her throne aside Celestia while a politician droned on about a silly problem...well to her it seemed silly...Celestia though had to keep an image, listening intently. Perhaps the reason the stallion stuttered occasionally was because of Luna's whimsical attitude, that or her natural darkness was cast on the grand hall to suit a joined court rather than a sun dominated one. "In summary...I simply wish to make a more permanent residence for some of the caravans with a farm. I need a expansive plot of land to even begin this undertaking, yet if the first harvest is a fraction of what I expect, then Equestria will never fall short of food ever again." There was a silence, Luna looked to her sister who's face had become unreadable. From what bits she listened to, the idea was sound and the stallion seemed true to his nature as a farmer. After the famine during the years of chaos, it was hard to imagine what would happen should one of the small and few farms produce a foul crop. Perhaps what they needed really was a major source of food... "I will grant you ownership...on the condition that should ye fail to meet your promise. I shall remove thee and ye shall pay back the cost of the land that I am lending thou." Celestia looked to Luna for the affirmation she already could see. While Luna did nod in agreement, she was a little upset that Celestia assumed she would agree. "I thank thee with all my heart. I shall deliver the first apples to thou- er..my apologizes...both of ye personally as a thanks." He said with an eager smile and a bow, turning curtly and leaving the hall quickly. Again, Luna was added as an after thought in fear more than respect. Once the door was shut, Luna stood up to stretch her legs and sighed heavily. "Sister, I know it is frustrating...but give them time, they are simply getting accustom to the change." Luna drew her attention to the knock at the grand hall doors, yet another stallion wishing to speak his mind. Luna didn't bother to answer her sister before she sat back down, guard opening the door and letting in a stallion dressed in an expensive looking suite and an angry glare in his eyes... Oh...now this might be interesting.. "Princesses...I come before thee today in a very awkward plight. I will be frank, for my mind is too unsettled by recent events...My daughter say's that Princess Luna encouraged her to 'Follow her heart'" He said with a disgusted tone... Luna's eyes widened when she realized what this was about... "She speaks of affections...for a mare..this alone causes me alarm, yet as the one's who are currently in a position of power and influence, It unsettles me greatly to hear that they would use that power to corrupt the minds of our youth!" Celestia kept her stone face, Luna however was purely offended that he dare take this sort of tone with the princess of the night. Though she did her best to let the stallion finish his rant before she retorted... "I wish to see action done to reverse this spell cast on my daughter, and punishment for the one responsible." He said, regaining his snooty composure... Now it was Celestia's turn to take offence...so instead of going with her original plan of showing this self-centered stallion the door, she looked to her sister; allowing her to stand up for herself and explain...that and she would like an explanation as well... Luna nodded at her sister and stood up, clearing her throat to gather her thoughts. This was not the first time a privileged citizen thought his opinion was above the god-sisters...and Luna enjoyed hearing her sister use the Royal Canterlot voice to silence all that would blind themselves with their own ego and narcissism. "Now sir..I believe that where thou find's a problem, I glimpsed a solution. Tis my duty to safeguard the truths and secrets of all...and in thy daughter I saw a secret burning to cry aloud. I understand that it is hard to accept, but not even I nor my sister can alter the fate of true love...I merely helped her end the war that raged inside. My suggestion to thee is to go home...show thy daughter that ye will support her no matter what, for thou are her father...and tis thy responsibility to support her and love her for who she is." Celestia smiled slightly and nodded in approval, the speech was moving...it made her realize just how deeply Luna cared for the dreams of Equestria. Unfortunately the stallion would not hear of it... "Bollocks! Thou sister runs amuck into other ponies dreams and pulls and twists at our minds! My daughter is a freak thanks to her!" Celestia stood up now..the trademark glare of fury somehow not stopping the enraged stallion... "I demand retribution! Put that mad dog on a leash before she tears this kingdom apart!" Luna felt her last button pushed...Before Celestia could even call in the guards to arrest this out of control noble, Luna's eyes glowed a bright white and mane pouring out a terrifying black...taking a deep breath before bringing out the full Royal Canterlot voice... "Nave! Still thy tongue before I rip it out of thy disgusting mouth! Thou has the right to enter our court because we only seek to FIX problems, not make them worse! Now that you have made a fool of thyself, leave this hall and be assured that if any harm comes to thy daughter, I will personally exact justice." Letting as much venom seep into the last words to make sure her point got across... The stallion was speechless..suddenly, even in the expanse of the great hall, he felt cornered. Shadows closing around him and threatening to harm him while the earth shattering voice of the enraged princess shook the windows. Luna didn't mean to..but she used some of her dream powers to make sure her ideas of punishment flashed vividly though the stallions mind. Somehow he felt like a colt again stuck in his worst nightmare...eyes not able to leave the horrifying sight of the princess and mind racked with tormenting images. In truth...he even felt like his bladder wanted to give way to the fear that suddenly filled every corner of his mind... "M..M.....M-m-y...a-apologies...I shall...l-leave..." The stallion turned and bolted for the doors, tearing though as fast as his shaking legs could take him. Luna smiled slightly and took a deep breath to compose herself again, mane shimmering blackness and eyes glaring like a predator...it made Celestia shudder just looking at the serpent like eyes now on her sister... "Lulu...?" Luna blinked and the viper eyes vanished, mane slowly flowing back to elegant blue. Luna let out a deep breath and sat back down in her throne, wishing dearly that the cushions were just a tad bit softer.. "I apologize...I do not know what came over me..." She said quietly. Celestia now knew this change wasn't a coincidence, something was changing in her sister...perhaps it was her troubles from earlier that was the source. Yet she resolved that... which means that this was yet another issue dividing the regal sisters. Luna slowly hunched over and felt herself quivering in rage still, if this is what her sister had to deal with on a daily basis...perhaps it was understandable why the sun goddess grew so cold over the years. Strange though...it felt good to let some of the anger out, to just let go and empty out all the built up emotions she had buried. Which is why she sat back straight and regal again, a soft smile on her face that Celestia could let out a sigh of relief from. "Feeling better, sister?" Celestia asked quietly. Luna nodded...telling the truth in the gesture. Perhaps this could be a dynamic that Luna could use...Celestia would be the calm voice and Luna could be the powerful hoof. The sword and shield...in fact...the more she thought of it, the more it made sense. Ponies already had a fear for her because of a misunderstanding, so she would always have an advantage by just using that... That's it! That was the lesson mother wished to impart! Luna was so caught up trying to be like her sister..she completely failed to realize that she could be better in her own way. Equestria needed a leader, Celestia filled that role perfectly, being calm and wise in all her actions; but they also needed a protector...that role was to fall on her. The smile on Luna grew, Celestia felt more reassured than ever..her sister had a look that spelled confidence and leadership. Luna had finally broken out of her shell and was ready to take on the world it seemed, she even greeted the next guest before Celestia once he finally had the courage to enter, after seeing the noble run out with his tail between his legs The rest of the day it was like this, Luna was taking charge and trusting herself to share the court with a leader such as her sister...it even forced Celestia to blink away a few tears while the smile she had refused to leave. Even if the realization came with a dark undertone, it was still astounding to see the light in Luna's eyes that was gone for so many years. Mother would be so proud, Lulu... _ _ After a long day of helping the citizens of Equestria sort out the problems, Luna was still full of energy. Ready for the coming night of actual vigilance over the dreams of her subjects. Celestia on the other hand was ready to climb into her bed...it was tiring keeping up with how fast Luna could process the different problems that each pony presented, that though made her all the more proud to see her sister step up and take a firm place in the courts. Yet the sun was setting and soon it would be the moon's turn to take its place in the sky and heavens, eternal and ethereal to shine its pale light unto the world to let know that the princess of the night stands guard. Luna smiled and stood up from the throne, stretching her legs out and looking to her sister. "I am off to my room, enjoy thy restful night, sister." She said with a cheer, something that Celestia couldn't help but smile back at. "Goodnight, Lulu..." Luna was walking back to her quarters but looked back. "Rest well, Tia..." Celestia got up and followed her sister back behind the thrones and into the hallways, turning for her room while Luna went the other direction. Celestia soon fell into her soft bed with a less than graceful manner, eager to wrap herself in the soft sheets and think on today's events until she felt the warm comfort of sleep taking her mind off the world and sending her into the peaceful night she so needed. Luna however, stood at her balcony and watched the moon rise into the sky slowly, it was another outstanding night that stood out in her memory. After a few moments she noticed another pony was on a rooftop watching the moon rise with her! Today was just her day...she found her place in Equestria and finally more ponies took the time to enjoy her night. "Tis silent and wondrous that make's it so astonishing and beautiful...wouldn't thou agree?" Luna felt her heart quicken and that confident grin was quickly replaced by a shy and flattered smile... "Acrylic...I thought ye would be more interested in sleeping early so we can see each other again." The pony turned around, emerald eyes gleaming up at her and a soft smile on his face that made Luna redden a bit more. "We are seeing each other now, correct?" He said with a snarky grin. Luna rolled her eyes and laughed quietly. "I could just go inside though, then what would thou do?" Acrylic sat down, while Luna partaking in this banter was reassuring, he wanted to truly...truly tell her how he felt..that is also why he spent all day brushing up on his poetry.. Just as Luna thought that the pony was left without a retort as she turned her tail and ever so slowly stepped back inside, he called out to her.. "Yet all day's are nights to see till I see thee, And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me..." Luna couldn't hide the blush this time... How in Equestria had he known that she loved the tales from Flankspeare, she would never guess...yet here he was, reading lines from his poetry...and it was divine... "Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?" Luna said to retort, turning back around with a bright gleam on her face. "But love is blind, and lovers cannot see the pretty follies that themselves commit; for, if they could, cupid himself would blush..." That was it...this stallion was the love of her life, suddenly Acrylic found himself floating in the air by blue magic; he flailed for a moment but found that it was the princess pulling him to the balcony. The princess backed into her room to hide her stark red face, but the moment his hooves found the ground, the princess rushed him with a warm embrace, wings closing around him and their lips locking in true love's kiss for the first time... Acrylic felt his face flood crimson but within seconds, he melted into the sweet moment, eyes closing and feeling the flame in his heart stronger than ever. Luna let this moment last...savoring each second that she let her special somepony know how much she cared. Acrylic leaned back slowly, eyes opening again and looking deeply back at Luna as she broke the kiss as well...here they were...two lonely souls just drifting around endlessly until one day..until this very day...they found each other. Somehow I would have a happy end... Luna was breathless for a moment until she regained her composure, Acrylic placing a hoof gently on her cheek and smiling softly, pressing his head to hers so their horns crossed. "I love you..princess of the night." He said quietly. "I love you too...my raggedy artist..." She said with a small laugh. Acrylic let a small smirk cross his face before he kissed her once again..hoof wrapping around her back. Luna was the one to break this kiss this time, giving Acrylic a smile before letting him go; she stepped back to let her herself wash in pale moonlight. This was it...this was truly the day that Luna had wished for all these years. The day that she found happiness once again, as well as purpose, no thoughts of the future of the past could ruin this exact moment. For this was her moment...her's and Acrylic's, and with a graceful turn and a flick on the chin with her tail, Acrylic found out quickly that she had even bigger plans to mark this night... "I wish to show thee something, my love..." She said as she walked with a hypnotic stride. Acrylic wasn't sure how to react...now it seemed things were moving a bit fast for him all of a sudden. The thumping in his chest was the only sign of his nervousness that he couldn't mask as he followed into the princess's room, nearly jumping out of his skin when the balcony doors shut behind him. When he turned back around to face Luna, he found her on the massive bed drapped in silk blue sheets, those eyes making his ear tips burn red and the way she bit her lip...suddenly he remembered a very vital detail about himself that he neglected for a very long time. Oh...this...she's waiting for me..but what do I do?! Luna could easily see Acrylic's indecision, that slight sweat and ever reddening face made her realize...yet another thing they share in common. Oh sweet sister...I should help him...but he is so cute like this... Luna smiled warmly and sat up, grabbing the petrified stallion and dragging him with her into the bed, pulling the sheet covers over them both and helping her lover get the idea of what to do next with a ever so gentle nudge here and there. The last clear thought that Luna had was casting a sound barrier over her room just before her sister could hear the adorable sounds that Acrylic was making as Luna...nudged here and there... After many hours standing a watchful duty over the night... Acrylic was still panting next to Luna, the sheets were covering over their lower half and Luna was wrapped snugly around the stallion, her mane disheveled and wings sticking out under the covers. While Acrylic first thought a warm moment between new lovers would end after the first...encounter; to his surprise, it finally ended after three more...leaving him unable to move, even if he wanted to. Under the surprise of endurance...under the sudden leap between them..under the soreness between his legs...he rolled over and wrapped his hooves around Luna once again, pressing heads and closing his eyes to simply enjoy the afterglow and cherish their love... Luna opened her eyes slightly, just as exhausted but smiling back when Acrylic held her tightly. It made her feel warm...loved...and wanted, she nuzzled affectionately against Acrylic and tightened her embrace a bit. Acrylic opened his eyes in return and nuzzled back, knowing full well that at any time, they could fall asleep and know that they no longer needed to see each other in the dream realm. Acrylic even felt his own question arising to him mind...and he thought on it...he thought for a long while as they held each other until he smiled even brighter and surprised her with a warm kiss, making it quick but meaningful when he leaned back and said... "Would thou marry me...?" The Darkness of Dreams"...Yes...Yes, YES a thousand times yes!" Luna felt tears roll down her cheeks as she rolled on top of Acrylic and locked him in their most passionate kiss yet. Acrylic's eyes widened, and even through the kiss he smiled and let his arms wrap around the princess once again. In truth...Acrylic expected a delay or perhaps...perhaps even a no. Wintered Tail's words echoing in his mind unplesently, he really did want to show him that Luna was not a mare of terror...Now though it seems that he was proving Tail right by how fast he was moving. Luna broke this kiss and felt her heart sink as they pressed heads again; Celestia would never approve of a wedding...no matter how much Luna would plea, the look in Celestia's eyes still haunted the princess of the night, and chased away any thought of a royal wedding. Luna tried to bring herself back to the moment, yet the thoughts still racked her mind. The thought of her...wearing a shimmering dress colored pure white...something not overly complex, just a light and beautiful gown that would astound the guests. Looking out from under an elegant veil at him...the raggedy artist..the short romantic in a dashing ebony suite and deep blue tie. None of it would happen.., "Luna...?" The princess blinked quickly and realized she was lingering in thought for far too long. "Oh...yes?"She asked quietly. "You have gone tense.....we can wait, if that is what thou wants." Luna smiled brightly and blinked away the tears, hugging her lover tightly and burying her face into his warm and comforting fur. Acrylic still felt the tears fall and soak on his chest..making him even more worried and anxious.. "No, I do not want to wait for my sister to come to her senses...this is our wedding...and it shall be magical,in the castle or in a garden..." She answered warmly.. Luna lifted her head back up and kissed Acrylic one last time before she knew that her time was up. The moon was sinking back into the ground, she wanted to just enjoy a few more moments with her lover...holding him affectionately as the moon falls to the horizon. Soon she found herself drifting to sleep, the moon was still half way in night sky, perhaps she would be allowed a few hours of sleep yet...with a crash against her door and high pitched cry of shock that Luna received, was the only warning of how wrong she actually was. "Sister..? Why is thine door locked?" Acrylic's eyes widened almost as big as Luna's...almost. "T-tia! One moment, I am...using the little fillies room and merely forgot my door was locked for the night!" She said, hoping she was more convincing than it sounded... "Can thou teleport?" Luna asked in a hushed panic, jumping up and rushing to fix the things back on the nightstand and use a bit of magic and perhaps luck to get out of this without suspicion. "No! Doth thou remember how advanced that magic is?" Acrylic jumped up as well and rushed to the balcony, wondering why Luna was this panicked, yet not arguing with getting caught in bed by her sister...the goddess of the sun... Luna wanted to kick herself for asking such a obvious question. Seconds seemed like hours and Acrylic was still trying to find a way out without jumping out of the castle tower...Acrylic,just leaning over the rails of the edge and looking down at the ground with his tail giving an anxious flick. Luna looked at his pastel of colors markon his flank and realized there was only one way she could get out of this mess... "Maybe I could...levitate myself-?!" "I'm sorry, love..." She said with awkward remorse. Luna unlocked the door and watched it fly open with Celestia tumbling in, Acrylic though busy falling in a blue bubble with bright red hoof marks on his flank, apparently the princess thought the fastest way down was plummeting at the mercy of gravity in a soundproof bubble...so in a way he at least was relived enough that Luna was still thinking about his safety. While Acrylic was tumbling though town "out of harms way", Luna stood as confidently as she could and did her best to hide her anxiety. Celesita got up and rubbed her head, looking up at Luna with mixed concern and curiosity... "Sister...?" Celestia recovered slowly due to morning grogginess...yet she was awake enough to know something was amiss. "L-luna...?" She said with a slight giggle and stutter. Luna did her best to keep the act up..the feeling between her legs making sure she was painfully aware of the fact she spent all night with a secret lover and failed to shower yet... "Lulu...please tell me I get to make fun of thine mane this time?" Luna was so stunned that it took a moment to understated what her sister was saying. Of all the things...the mess by the bed, her sheets disheveled more than anytime she could recall and the stark lie just moments ago...Celestia only saw a messy mane and an opportunity to get playful revenge... Thank mother, father and even distant cousin for this blessing... Luna looked up at her wild mane and let out a shaky laugh, pretending that her tail wasn't covering between her for and rear legs while she sat and keeping focus on the little joke; tugging at the mangled mess and blushing slightly. "Oh, yes...karma would have that my mane resemble a gryphon nest during a hurricane..." She said with a real laugh this time. Celestia scrunched her face and pouted, seems that gryphon comment was her joke as well. Luna laughed hard that time...her sister like a filly again with that face, now all she needed to do was pony-tail her pink mane and it would be foalhood all over again. Celestia smiled and laughed with her, glad that she could still make her baby sister laugh with funny faces. Luna felt her ear twich at the sound of her spell bubble crashing to the ground up into her room, Celestia seemed to miss that one as well during her giggle fit. "Thou are so foalish, Tia." Luna said, feeling strange to be the mature one for once. Celestia smiled softly and re-assumed her regal posture, the warm smile comforting and full of sisterly kindness. It almost made her forget the stallion, no doubt stumbling and dazed after a crash landing in the streets below. Once the two fell int silence, Luna knew it was time yet again... Luna closed her eyes and felt the god powers flowing though her...wind causing gusts in her room and blowing the drapes on her balcony door around mystically. The moon slowly completing its decent into the darkness once again to make way for the coming sun...and like a flare it rose, the great ball of light and fire breaking the horizon and casting bright orange hues across the sky and clouds that lay flat over the city. It almost rivaled her night... "Get some rest, sister...judging by the look in thy eyes...thine bed must look very appealing." Celestia said once her part was complete. Luna nodded but didn't move, not wanting to chance reveling her secret.. "Oh..I apologize, sister..I shall take my leave." With that soft, yet understanding tone, Celestia turned and left for the court. Luna would join her in the afternoon no matter what, yet the moment that the door shut, she collapsed on the bed once again and felt a big grin wash over her face; just barely keeping the joyous laughter inside. The princess of the night just got away with murder... Luna let out a long sigh in relief.... Somewhere , Acrylic was hopefully recovering without injury down bellow; Luna would have to find him later and apologize...but for now...it was her only chance to get some much needed sleep before her second day in the courts. Luna pulled the sheets up to cover her head and avoid the light of the rising sun, a swift flick of magic brought her curtains down over the balcony door, washing the room in darkness once again. The soft bed felt empty though...Luna wished that her special somepon- ...that her fiancé was with her, unfortunately, she would have to settle with pulling the sheets tightly around her and finding comfort in the scent of her raggedy artist left on the sheets. _ _ "Princess?" Celestia blinked and looked back up, a guard was trying to get her attention for a few moments now. Celestia didn't realize she was still outside Luna's door...but she was trying to figure out what was different about her sister. A little nap after a long first day is understandable, so she excused the fact that her sister more than likely forgot her duties for a few hours...yet this was just plain off. Luna's room was a mess, which never happened; and her room had a very...very odd smell. In fact...the only thing Celestia could label the smell as was... "Oh my word, Luna..." Celestia said with a crimson blush and facehoof... The guard tilted his head, Celestia had to dismiss him before he got any wild ideas...the smell was of course seeping into the hallway, and if she could catch it... "She is...merely going though a stage in her life...as I did before her." Celestia rationalized as best she could... _ _ "Tail! Tail!" Acrylic shouted as soon as he burst into the mansion. Wintered was reading in the living room when Acrylic burst though the door, Tail set the book down and sighed to himself. After the eventful morning, Tome surprised his father by sitting him down and making him promise to support Acrylic...no matter how things got. Just further proof that his son had wisdom beyond his age... Tail smiled warmly when Acrylic ran pas the living room, rushing back when he realized his brother was simply waiting. With excited glee, he skipped into the room with noting but joy in his jumps and smile. "Brother! It has happened!!" He shouted happily. Concern started nagging at his ear... "What has happened?" Tail asked, still smiling. "I am to be married!!" Wintered Tail couldn't hid the disappointment on his face. The false smile grew into a worry filled stare, though this time it did nothing to dampen his spirits. "I know what thou would say...but I know this is serious! Luna has no intention to harm me." Tail was about to add his thoughts but was quickly cut off. "Ah! I don't want to hear it! She is the love of my life and I to her. Now no matter what, I wish you to be there. To be at my side...like ye have always been..." Wintered resisted snapping back at Acrylic, the way he smiled, that light in his eye...this was completely different from the brother he knew. Tail knew a sulking and hostile teenager that matured into a humble and quite artist, this...he was happy. Acrylic Evenfall was just happy to be with somepony that understood how he felt...he found another outsider...and it made Tail's heart break. Wintered just couldn't even see just how his only brother could be this blind... "To be at thy side..." Tail said absently. Acrylic nodded happily...Tail though felt himself starting to lose his composure. Old memories were bubbling to life under Acrylic's words, some of the memories that were best left forgotten... Thou cannot fathom what she and I feel! It echoed in his mind over and over while Acrylic rambled on about his own plans for the wedding. The look on his colt..the glare on his filly...Acrylic had caused all this with his naive actions. Would he drag them all into this madness by actually inviting him to the wedding? Could he watch his foals fall under Nightmare Moon's spell....? Be at my side...like ye have always been... "When have thou been at my side...?" Acrylic stopped his rant and blinked a few times, caught off guard by the hallow tone in the question. Wintered Tail got up and forced him to take a step back, the look on his brothers face was filled with the worry and anger that was buried inside. All of it surfacing when the metal pony could no longer keep inside what was truly happening.. "Doth thou understand what I say? Thee asks us to join in this...matrimony...yet where were ye? Thy were late to my wedding and then thou fails to even show up at her FUNERAL!" Acrylic cringed visibly and lowered his head...he knew that someday, this would haunt him. When he first chose to live alone, he received a letter after a few months from his brother, telling of the horrific last moments inside this hospital...where Celestia chose her life...for two new ones... Tail was shaking with rage, eyes watering up from the old memories he thought left long buried. The pain still seemed just as fresh as the first day. What Tail didn't know...was how deeply it hurt Acrylic, knowing he had to live with that shame. The shame that he let his only brother down and spat on family ties by ignoring the death...Acrylic sat down and lowered his head deeply, grey mane falling to cover over his face and voice holding a deep sorrow that made Tail re-think his choice of words...but not his anger. "I know...I know I failed thee....I know I was never there, to see her to the next life...and I won't defend myself. I wish I could go back and change what I've done...but I can't..." Tail felt the water in his eyes build up more until he shouted in anger, striking his brother hard with his hoof. The metal pony saw red, his only brother was still under this spell of nightmares, and he had the gall to even try and make him feel guilty. How could he understand how he felt?! To lose the love of your life, forced to continue on like it never happened for the sake of the foals she died bringing into this abysmal world...it wasn't fair.... "HOW IS IT FAIR, THEN!?!" Tail screamed though the tears, striking Acrylic again... "Why do ye get to look so happy?! So joyous while thee ignores thy own brothers problems!? How is it fair that I suffer everyday, to see her in my daughter and son but know that she is never coming back! Whilst thou...thou speaks of feelings that I cannot understand..." Acrylic felt blood run down his nose,mixing with his own tears of shame...he couldn't bring himself to speak, even if he had an argument. "I will not be at thy wedding, brother...nor will my foals." Tail said, now that the anger was boiling down to hatred... Acrylic nodded in understanding. Wintered gave his brother a glare that spoke a thousand words...all of them telling him to get out. Acrylic wiped the blood pouring from his nose and lip, turning around without looking up at his brother and walking slowly for the door. Tome and his sister was listening on the staircase again...both of them holding each others hoof for comfort as they silently let tears flow... watching Acrylic grab his painting case and stand in the doorway; leaving a small trail of blood staining the carpet in his wake. "T-tome..." The colt wiped his face and blinked away as much of the water as he could, unable to answer without losing all control and breaking down...and he had to be strong for his sister... "Silent Hope...I'm sorry...for not being there..." Before they could form some answer, Acrylic walked though the door and let it shut slowly behind him. Somehow he knew...as he walked onto the streets of Canterlot...with all the bustling streets, and loud ponies...that he would never set hoof in this city again. Luna would run away with him...run back to his home deep in the forest and leave this life behind...this life of living in shadow and fear...where they could be happy together... To my brother... It must be strange to be here...after all these years, to finally see thine brother wed. Yet I know that with this came sorrow, I would be a fool to say I was ignorant to thy pain...Radiant Soul filled our hearts with light and laughter, and while I know you can never forgive me for what I've done....I only ask..no..I beg that ye will understand my actions. I know one day that you and I will once again be brothers...but until that day, ye will have to settle with a new sister-in-law. Mind you, she has a few extra quirks than your average mare..but would it not be me, to see only a mare that can be called astonishing and surprising...rather than average? So let us drink! Let us drink, eat and be merry, for the sun rises soon; and our festivities must last us a lifetime of moons... Author's Note Whelp...I finally wrote something that made me cry... up next is The Future I need time to deal with these feels The Future"Princess, we must leave!" The walls shook and pillars crumbled under the assault... "No! What if we are no longer here and she returns?!" Celestia shouted. Immits glared, Celestia stood her ground by the throne and did her best to manage the magical castle defenses from her crystal command board, gryphons and guards clashed in the sky above and ground below; blood rained across the grass and trees...it tainted the very soil. Celestia felt tears running down her face as she watched her creations take aim and fire with a thunderous sound of crystal against crystal..and yet it was still a losing battle. The sun goddess's mind was overwhelmed... "Your Majesty!!" Her captain shouted again. No...she would never leave...to leave would be like abandoning her last hope for her sister. If she stayed, maybe there was a chance the elements could be used to yet save her exiled kin. The tears flowed even more as the thoughts of Luna started consuming her. Another barrage shook the castle and glass shattered when a gryphon broke though the line... "Prepare to die for thy sins!" The feathered solider shouted. Immits dispatched him quickly with a precise spear...but he already completed his mission, her troops had lost the last line of defense. Soon the battle would pour into her castle if it still stood, Celestia would rather die than leave. So she kept firing the cannons...she wouldn't leave...she wouldn't abandon her... "Celestia!! No... I won't leave you..I swear I wont leave you, Lulu...I swear I wont! Celestia was shaking, quiet sobs left unheard though the fighting and slaughter of her guards. "Sir, look!!" By the All Mother...brace!!!!" Celestia blacked out...the ringing in her ears was painful, her rear leg felt strange and the cannons no longer responded to her orders. The dust in the air made it hard to breath, her sight returned quickly, yet it was blurry and unreliable. The captain of the guard suddenly grabbed the princess and shouted something...his mouth moved but...what was he saying... Luna...I swear... The ringing suddenly faded and the guardpony's voice rang clear... "-Need to leave!! Celestia! This battle is lost, I beg thee, call retreat!" Celestia now knew she was off her throne, she was actually a distance away from her command perch...but why was she so far away suddenly? Why weren't her cannons responding... "Retreat...?" She asked absently. Immits cursed silently and took it as an order to save his guards. Celestia watched what was left of her guard run into the catacombs, a last ditch effort to find a way out from the surrounded castle. "Get the word out, rally at the secondary command, we can fight them back once we dig in there!" The guards in the throne room saluted and ran for the escape, Celestia tried to stand but found he leg dead weight, when she looked... "Celestia! Listen to me!" Immits grabbed Celestia's attention with his hoof and forced her to keep eye contact, she was still their last hope of keeping the fighting will in the guards. Without her...the gryphons might as well have won. "Listen to me...I know it is hard...but this is no longer just about Luna, if thee dies, we all die." Gryphons shouted orders to each other, waiting for the dust to settle before storming the throne room. They both had seconds before an untimely demise would hit them both on the wings of a sword or spear... Luna... "Enough of this!!" Immits horn glowed brightly, Celestia felt a light envelop her, and in a flash...the castle was miles away... The captain let out a pained groan when he and the princess stood in the armory of his secondary command, it was the safest place he could think of at a time like this. The room went silent, the sounds of the destruction only a few miles away echoed. Immits wanted to rush for food and water after such a exertion to save them both...his fury though, was not dampened by his exhaustion. Guards around them gasped in shock, some of them felt their stomachs turn when they saw the condition of their only goddess.. The captain panted softly...glaring at the princess in contempt. "How DARE you! I of all ponies understand that ye are suffering...but how dare ye let thy worries cost the lives of my guards!" Every guard was petrified, none of them understood what was happening..for none of the guards from the battle of Everfree had made it back yet...and may never make it back. "What will I say to the families?! What would ye wish me to say?!" Celestia sat up slowly, careful not to move her bad leg. The blood loss was making her a little dizzy, her captain's words finally took root though. The guilt overwhelmed her and consumed any hope for herself...she broke her promise...she abandoned her sister...there was nothing left for her to fight for. Celestia hung her head low and surprisingly...had no more tears left to cry. There was no choice left,the princess of the sun was broken. The harmony lost when she was forced to shoulder so much burden, Immits Sun began this duty with high hopes for a triumphant war...but with Luna gone, he was left to fight this on his own. Celestia felt like a shell...a husk of a dieing star in its final stages of life; for what was left for her? Guilt for the centuries to come and shame she would suffer alone. "I hereby remove Princess Celestia from command as unfit for the duty and responsibilities her position holds...Get a doctor for her put her somewhere safe.....may the All Mother help us all..." Author's Note One hundred years after Luna's banishment,war has broken out due to the last remaining princess no longer tending to her duties. An unstable relationship becomes conflict when the gryphons see the ignoring as an insult. The worst battle in the history of the war, was the battle for Canterlot. The blood and fighting made the castle into a ruin and left the city to overgrowth, cursed to be blighted. So the princess was forced to leave her home for the last line of defense, New Canterlot, which was dubbed simply Canterlot to forget the memories of that brutal battle that laid waste to a hopeful city and left nothing but a scar of darkness on the world. Is the Dusk Coming?"Ha....Doth thou know what is strange...?" "No?" "The solar eclipse is coming soon...the first one since the fall of chaos..." "What does that mean...?" "It means...for a few hours, Night will control the heaven and the earth. Mother always did the eclipses for us...she said it was dangerous......" "I can't imagine how, its just the sun and moon crossing, right?" "....Right." Acrylic Evenfall fell asleep after some time, his nose still hurt and his face had a nasty bruise...the pain but a pin prick compared to what his heart was feeling. The bitter agony had settled to a melancholia, Luna was laying across from her lover on a grassy hilltop under a moonlit sky, the dark clouds drifting lazily in the air and stars shining down on them with a flickering light. Acrylic turned his head, just to gaze at the reflections of the stars in the princess's eyes, the teal glow shinning, shimmering wonder that made Acrylic's heart feel just a tad better... "Is it paradoxical to fall asleep in a dream?" Acrylic asked with a chuckle. Luna shook her head and laughed... "Thou knows the dreams...where it is simply a blank expanse, and you just wake up without dreaming?" Acrylic let a guffaw escape him at the realization. "I never knew what that was..." He said quietly. Luna looked over, Acrylic was already back to star gazing. They both knew that the dream would be over soon...Acrylic would wake up on a bench with his bag clutched and Luna would take her place by Celestia. It was a gut feeling that the wedding was going to take time...as much as a storybook romance would teach, Luna could never just sneak away without getting noticed. When was the question...when and how could she get away. The thought of a wedding in the dream realm crossed her mind, yet this was something she wanted to feel, not see; to experience and not just create. Acrylic thought on his brother...Tail took his love as a joke, now that he persisted; Wintered wanted nothing to do with a wedding. It did make him smile slightly that Wintered Tail gave the set of royal attire back once he realized Acrylic left it. Emotions ran high..things were said that nothing could do to take them back, yet Tail still was kind....which means there was hope. "Goodbye for now my shimmering star..." Luna blinked and rolled her eyes this time, looking back over at Acrylic with disappointment in her gaze. "Now thou art just being a fool." She said with ice in her tone. Acrylic laughed quietly, Luna joining in as white light slowly burned the field into nothingness... _ _ Luna woke up slowly, it was almost midday, her room was still a mess and she realized her covers had a certain stench to them... "Oh dear..."She said quietly. The princess slowly got to her hooves out of bed, light blue comforter falling off around her as she shifts. The sun seeped though the gaps of her window, it sent a small glow into her room that gave her a calm feeling...it was nice. Luna found herself looking around her room with new eyes, the books on the shelf were out of order...she needed to organize them later. The luxurious washroom had a growing pile of towels that the maids were failing to keep up with...perhaps she could help them during a late night? Luna smiled..she felt energetic surprisingly. With a new found strength she faced her bed and let it wash in blue magic, fixing and rearranging it to better suite somepony of her status. No longer a sulking child...she had to be mature now, to take problems and fix them herself. The door swung open and Luna stepped out proudly, closing it behind her gracefully and walking the well lit halls. It was a peaceful day with the soft chatter of guards and servants, she started a slow walk to take in the scent of flowers in the air and enjoy the colors that drape the walls. The decor had a flawless sense of royalty, Luna even got a little giddy when she head a piano playing somewhere in the castle..a soft number she easily recognized. God..save..the..queen. It put even more bounce in her step as she walked, humming the tune to herself. Suddenly she spotted a few maids cross her path into another hallway, she followed a bit quicker and called out. "I wish thee both a fine afternoon." She said, the maids turning back smartly with shock under their smiles. "And a fine afternoon to thee, Your Majesty." They said in unison. Luna continued on, humming again and making her way to the courts to join her sister once again. _ _ "Are we dreaming...?" Spotless said quietly when they continued on. "I don't think so...maybe she is playing with our heads?" Dusty Shine remarked.. They walked quickly to get to their chores... "Why can't Nightmare Moon just save it for night then?" Spotless said, just as a gold clad guard stepped from another corner and halted their walk. Scolding them on manners for disrespecting the princess... _ _ Celestia couldn't ask for better timing when Luna walked though the archway behind her and took a seat with that confidant smile and posture. Thankfully, even a room full of grizzly looking gryphon representatives couldn't scare her baby sister. Celestia looked back down at the gryphons and took a deep breath... "I would like to introduce my sister, Princess Luna, the guardian of the night." She said with as much command and ice in her voice as possible to get the point across...her sister was a force to be feared...and Luna's unreadable face was the last hammer to the nail for her formal introduction. Each gryphon bowed in respect, the center and larger one lifting his head up first; a permanent scowl on and a scar down his the side of his face. Fernar was his name, the single voice for the dozen clan lords that held stake in the gryphon kingdoms; born of battle and a demon in flesh if there was such a thing. While the clan leaders had expensive looking attire and an air of intelligence...it spoke of how relations were sliding if they send a warlord to speak of peace. "Humbled...Now, if it is alright with the clans, may we begin?" He said slowly, like a predator coiling to strike. The other gryphons nodded to the center leader, Celestia steeling herself for a long day ahead. "As we spoke of in the letters, Pegesi clutter our sky day in and day out, yet pay no tolls to enter our kingdoms, and even steal from out citizens. It would seem that these ponies, while few, think themselves above the word of law. While I would normally attest this to common criminals..." With venom seeping from his tone when he said the last few words... That was a shot to the gut to call ponies common criminals...Celestia let it slide. "I grow worried as this trend increases...our people lose money, valuables and cherished family items, items of our culture. To be sold or destroyed. Not only does our culture suffer, but with so many insurgents inside our walls...it begs the question...Should the gryphons fear a hostile takeover?" That was a shot to the face....this warlord...this thug knew that travel between borders was allowed, what happened as a result was a problem for each country. Celestia had to oversee a few gryphons on trial for crimes, yet there was no plan! Celestia wanted to retort...she was burning alive inside...but the floor still belonged to the guest until he turned it over. Luna somehow was still unreadable... "And it only solidifies the implications when thee tries to scare us with such an underhanded tactic...Nightmare Moon may be a horror story in your land, Princess...But tis not in ours." He gave a determined glare at Luna, he was doing everything he could to invoke anger... "Your Majesties..." He finished. Celestia had a plan already...it was there in her head, a way for everypony to be happy for just a little longer. So why couldn't she speak? The anger clouded her mind and made it a challenge to think of the right words, one false statement would send the room into a flurry of feathers and rage. Luna let out a calm breath.... "I would refrain from disrespecting the hosting party during negotiations. Thou may refer to me a Princess Luna. As far as thy concern...It seems foolish to say thy predicament is a simple one, and we are on the same side of the field; so I do not see why we could not come to an agreement." Luna smiled back at the gryphon..a knowing...venomous smile that made the warlord tense when he realized his job would not be that simple. It gave Celestia time to find the right words and the confidence to say them. _ _ The warlord had to sit down, it may have been rude or ill mannered...but he had to sit. The princess of the sun had droned on for what seemed like hours, sure the clan leaders were listening...of course they were! All of them spoke of family blood that gave them right to rule; defiance to the invasive and overbearing Sisters rang in the halls back home like a jester with a twitch....yet their beaks were soft and feathers more fitting on a foul swan than those who carry such weight in his people's name. Fernar nearly vomited when he saw them enraptured by the Princess's almighty wisdom. Fools... The sun sister was calm and collected, the lunar sister staying silent...her icy glare suddenly found his, his soul felt cold and a sudden darkness cut into his mind like an ax...she was onto him from the start. Celestia was a dense child playing queen in the absence of her mother...but the glare that tore though his ruse and put fear into his heart...this was a true queen. Suddenly the demon of the wind found his tail flicking anxiously under the unflinching gaze of the lunar princess... "I know what ye seek, monster." Fernar found the room fell silent, the gryphons he protected spoke...yet no sound left their beaks. "What magic is this...? This is an act of violence against a peaceful conciliate! he shouted in his mind. A cool laugh echoed all around him...it came from every corner of the room, and the deepest recess of his mind. The gryphon tried to move but found his limbs heavier than a mountain. "Do not tempt our hoof...Thy came here to begin a war, mayhaps you fail today...yet thou seek the bloody goal all the same. Luna stood up from her throne...the dark blue figure remained sitting. This was no longer the Princess he saw sitting on her high perch...this was something else... It had her form..her eyes and her poisonous smile. Mane black as ebony and glittering like the night sky with serpent eyes boring into his heart and planting weeds of fear. The gryphon did his best to remain calm... "If ye thinks this a jest...we feel shame to disappoint thee." Resolve shattered like fine glass against rough stone...Fernar now felt panic setting in as the phantom walked off the throne on shadowy steps. "Understand this...If ye returns with so much as a hint of insolence..." Her tone seeped darkness and evil. The gryphon felt his heart begin to slow...his claws dug into the marble and cracked it from the pain. "I will make ye wish my mother for the sweet fire of hell. The nightmare was inches from him now, his heart trying to beat against whatever power that threatened to take his life. Those haunting eyes...they would not blink nor waver. As the ebony mane began to swirl around his neck like a ghost and tighten, he gasped out sharply and lifted his head up. The other gryphons were staring at him with concern and Celestia seemed furious...Luna just kept that nightmarish smile. "Counselor...Did thou just fall asleep during court...?" Celestia asked as calmly as she could. Was that just a dream...? "Sister...I think he seeks to make a statement. This gryphon finds dreams more entertaining than how his country fairs...is this how all gryphons feel?" She is twisting this! Wretch!! A clan lord quickly grabbed Fernar by the arm and started dragging him out of the hall, the others quickly apologizing as best as they could for the deadly mistake. As soon as he was tossed out the doors he shouted out a string of curses... "That witch! How dare she ploy my simple mistake against me! Tis her fault for saving that child's flank. That mare put some spell of nightmares on me and twisted it to send me away, I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS!!" The gryphon shouted out in anger and hit the ground...a tear welling up as soon as he made contact. "Argh!!!" He shouted in pain and fury. This castle is madness incarnate! He was Fernar of Lightning! Demon of the wind and speaker for the clans!!! How could simple stone hurt him... That's when he realized his talons were bleeding... Fernar lifted the claw up and examined it... The talon on each digit was bleeding profusely, the pain swept him unspeakably swift. It felt like someone yanked out his talons one by one! Then he remembered..... In his dream, he could only move enough to dig a claw into the ground in primal fear....he couldn't have done that in real life without waking up from the pain. It's just impossible... "More possible than thou thinks, darling..." That voice rang clear as day in the halls. A loud laugh echoed in the halls again, or was it in his mind? It echoed and echoed, sending that same fear into every corner of his heart until he found himself looking everywhere for a source of the malicious laughter. It was lighting every danger signal in the gryphon's mind, he backed up in reflex only to find something block his path...he looked up slowly... That face will now haunt his dreams and waking nightmares... "Take flight..." It said with a chilling toneless nature. _ _ "What a joyous turn of events!" Celestia said the moment the doors shut. Luna smiled and nodded, the warlord was no politician...his tactless nature was ultimately his downfall. Luna felt more pride than she would admit to her sister, to use such a tactic as to invoke the anger of a goddess...it was not a wise move. It was indescribable to see 'The Sword' taking action, that gryphon hopefully learned his lesson on respect; if he didn't...more fun for her. Luna beamed proudly and let out a short laugh, which quickly became a boisterous fit. Celestia was unsure why her sister was laughing, yet she found herself joining in when the fit spread. What started off with Celestia playing defense, ended with the gryphons agreeing with anything she said...Luna didn't even force the warlord to sleep, that was his mistake. One he payed dearly for... Luna got up to get her blood flowing, stretching out her stiff legs and neck to prepare herself for the rest of the day. "Indeed, how could he just fall asleep like that? In the middle of our negotiations." Celestia looked over when the 'our' sounded strange... "But we taught him not to disrespect the power of the Sister of Harmony." She said plainly, sitting back down and looking over at Celestia with a friendly smile. "Luna...thee did not..." Luna laughed quietly and nodded. "Did." Luna said mischievously. "Admit it, he needed a slight attitude adjustment." Luna said with sureness and no edge of guilt. To use her power of dreams on a diplomat...while rude and ill mannered....it hinted of things that put worry in the sun princess's heart... "Lulu...please, don't do that ever again. Were it to go poorly, ye could cause more problems than fix." Luna rolled her eyes and looked back forward to the doors when they opened again, Celestia coudn't just ignore this..but duty comes first, hopefully it would be an easy day after such an eventful afternoon. Thus with a giant bag and paint spotted hooves entered... "A fine evening, your majesties!" Acrylic said quickly. What are ye doing, fool?! Luna screamed in her mind. Acrylic was calm, he knew he had one shot to make a good impression. With a thud, he set the dusty bag down on the ground and began rummaging though it. "I..am Acrylic Evenfall, a craftsman from the deep Everfree." "Is that not the forest that lies at the foothills?" Luna suddenly asked..she was surprised that anypony could even live there all alone like that... "Tis! Now..if I could fetch it.......ah!" Acrylic yanked out a heavy metal chest plate, painted a deep blue with the enchanting moon painted on it. Complete with silver and elegant looking shoes that would match its somber but elegant look. The set rested on the marble, Celestia speechless at the suddenness..and the beauty that the metal held. "A gift for the Princess of the moon and stars." He said with confidence. Luna was just a speechless...until a large smile grew on her face. The princess got up and walked down the stairs slowly, eyes locked on the bowing form of her love...his dedication true and that slight eye open watching her smugly... I should kill ye for scaring me like this... Luna lifted the elegant attire in the air with her magic and slipped it on, the metal was comforted by what felt like thick cloth..she realized it wasn't just cloth; it felt like it was old... The silver shoes fit perfectly, it made Luna feel more like her sister finally...to have a set of regal attire. Luna was examining the metal work until her sister clear her throat. "Um...well...we both thank thee for this kind gift-" Celestia started. Acrylic cut her off with a quick laugh, Luna looking up in confusion. "I have a second gift...yet I wish to ask the Sisters of Harmony a favor...." Celestia had strange visits before, this one though was a bit high on the list. Luna seemed enraptured by this guest, and all these gifts....what was he after? "I merely seek a roof over my head and food for the few days that I remain in the city. I was hoping it could be payment for the materials I used..." There was no easy way to ask an immortal goddess with control of the sun to crash at her place. Acrylic thought he managed the best way he could do it though. Celestia wasn't sure what to say, the rooms they had empty were only for consulates or representatives visiting..yet with the gryphons and their prideful nature, the rooms were currently available... "I think my sister and I would love to host somepony with such a talent and generosity as ye for the time being." Celestia blinked in surprise and looked down at her sister..was Luna getting too confident...? To quiet the courts or make an assertive point was one thing...but to directly invade anothers mind... Celestia decided to allow the guest quarter, but only to allow time for herself to get a straight answer from her sister. When the pony slung the bag on his back again and exited the grand hall, Celestia stood up... "Sister..." "Do not, sister, us." Luna said coldly... Luna turned around and faced Celestia. "We are perfectly capable of making decisions on our own." Celestia felt he jaw hand slack slightly...what in the world had gotten into Luna?! Was this an ego forming in the goddess of the night? Celestia did everything she could to make her sister happy...did she foster this behavior...? Could this be her fault somehow...Luna still stood her ground unflinching, and while Celestia could never fear her sister...she did hesitate. Hesitation was all it took, Luna smiled and walked back up the steps, proud that for once, she won an argument; and why shouldn't she be proud? Celestia was overbearing and judgmental, she needed to be knocked down a bit...Not to say Luna was trying to hurt her sisters feelings...more she was just letting Celestia know that she was no longer playing second best. Luna sat down on her throne, the new attire matching her sister and finally putting them on an equal field. Celestia felt something unfamiliar...it was like her heart was afraid, yet unsure what it was afraid of...was it change...Would mother approve of this? It just felt wrong to see Luna stealing her spotlight... What?! Celestia nearly lost all of her composure when she realized the what the fear was. Between stunned self-hatred and baffled laughter...Celestia realized that it was sibling rivalry. That had to be it...just petty sibling rivalry that would twist simple actions and layer them with dark tones to give reason to ludicrous ideas. The princess let out a sigh of relief... "I apologize deeply for doubting thee, dearest sister..." Celestia said, making Luna lighten up and smile pleasantly. That had to be it... Acrylic was busy setting up in a room, the gold armored guard helped him move the canvas bag. The stallion couldn't help but feel a little pride that he actually got a room...and hopefully, Luna would love his painting. The room he was granted was massive, a royal sized bed in the center of the room...small bookcase holding a few references on Equestrian culture and history. The center piece was a pot of blue and white rose flowers sitting on the nightstand, sending wafts of their sweet scent into the air that drift though the wind.... I hope I can see her tonight... Acrylic removed his second bag again, looking down at it and trying to remember how many days ago it had been...four? five? They had to be good still. Setting the bag down on the bed and standing back from it.. "One shot..." The green magic wrapping around it started to cause it to spark...plumes of green poured from the bag as he poured everything he had into it. Acrylic knew he had to do something, something to say he was sorry...that's why the spell had to work. The bag shook and lifted into the air for a moment..suddenly the air ignited with a deafening crack and the box disappeared with a blinding flash. Acrylic collapsed on the ground the second the box was gone, for a few moments, all he could do was breath and try and regain enough strength to see. Regardless of his efforts to stand, his limbs refused to move from exhaustion; leaving him to fall asleep on the ground... _ _ A loud crack snapped Wintered out of his thoughts, the sound made his fillies shriek upstairs. "What in the world.." Tail got up from the sofa and walked slowly towards the source..the kitchen. When he entered though the archway, he saw a smoldering bag sitting on the table. Its corners charred like embers and area covered in ash...and something smelled sweet... "Dad, what happened?" Tail turned his head...it was Tome that stood in the doorway with his sister, both looking at the bag with fear edging into their minds; yet childlike curiosity gleaming in their eyes. Tail walked to the bag and nudged it to be safe...it was still warm to the touch. Opening the flap carefully, he removed a pink colored box that had a slight weight to it. The lid was charred slightly, yet when he flipped the lid, the sweet scent reminded him that it had been far too long since he had eaten... "Sweetrolls...?" He said quietly...not quietly enough though. "Those are from Uncle!" Tome shouted, charging his father and trying to reach up to snag the box. It was a peace offering...one that made his twins laugh with excited joy as they clambered around the metal pony to get at the sweets. Wintered was still furious...he was still disappointed and still not changing his mind....yet it did make him feel better, looking at the simple gift. It was hope...a sign that while the darkness might consume us, a light always is there to mend. Tail felt water building up in his eyes, hope chasing away the shadows in his heart slowly but surely. .but first...he needed to make things right. What he said in the blind rage...it was unforgivable...and he knew that somewhere, Radiance was watching over him; disappointed in his actions. Brother...I'm so sorry... There was a note...Tail put it down when he realized the heat destroyed most of it... -Wintered Tail I am sorry..for everything...from the start, I caused ye heartache. I have no right to call thee brother...and never have. I thank thee for helping me regardless, the pain I caused is unimaginable; thou truly has the kindest heart for putting up with a monster such as I. Take comfort, I will no longer cause thy family to suffer, enjoy these...tis not much...but it shall ease my mind knowing I at least made the foals smile one last time. With Best Wishes-Acrylic Evenfall Author's Note Conceal dont feel To Rise So High... To Rise So High... Three weeks later... Luna stood looking out at the nothingness of the void. Comforting silence, dark but easily visible still; a glow to the path she walks. Stars shine to light her way as she walks deeper into the darkness, fear does not ebb into her step, for she has ventured into this realm many times before. Soon she found a star blocking her path, its light growing until it blinded her, and sent a flash of memories echoing into the void. "Tis my blanket!" A small voice shouted in the darkness, echoing into nothingness. Childhood memories...Luna shook off the thoughts and continued on; for something was amiss. Days pass quickly, nights trickle on like sand in an hourglass...yet she found herself having moments of...sickness...both physical and mental. Something was growing in her mind, it felt foreign, unhealthy...something felt different. Another star blocked her path, the emotion hitting her hard this time. "I love you..both of you so much..." The memory stirred up tears, Luna fighting them back easily while continuing on. It felt like hours until she found the source of her strange feeling. It was a door...a door that existed only in her mind, wrapped in dark and elegant patterns, the heavy looking handles bared by thorny chains. The door was all but consumed by thorns and overgrowth, spawned by shadow and darkness. Star light began to dim around her...a heaviness in the air made the princess rigid with anxiety... "What is this..." she asked herself quietly.. Pain in her stomach suddenly grew, the door nearly flew open when something on the other side pushed against it. Straining on the vines and growth, it howled like a beast, Luna stumbled back in pure shock...turning to defiance. "This is my mind! I will not stand for a dream taking such grotesque root!" "Ah but tis a dream of yours, not mine..." a voice said..it came from behind the door, muffled but still sending a chill down Luna's spine.. "A wanton dream born of ire....a reflection of your...our innermost desire." The voice laughed, cool and full of malevolence. "Cute..." Luna said, annoyed that she let this fester as it has. Poisonous, but it was still a dream. Merely an idea given tangent form, a form she would soon destroy. Luna's horn lit up, power flowing though it and breaking the frame...the pain in her stomach got worse. The entity laughed from behind the door, suddenly the vines constricted over it, hiding it from her power. Luna glared and extended more of herself, the vines building faster than she could tear them away...soon the corruption was twice its size...and she realized; the pain forced her to stop, tears welling up when the acid in her mouth got unbearable, were this real, she would've emptied the contents of her stomach right there.... She panted when she regained her focus...glaring up at the door that slid from the vines once again. "...Wha...what have ye done to me?" She demand. "Nothing...it is what have ye done to thyself. All love bears its boons, even a love of hatred." "Sister?" Luna shot awake, the pain only minor now and the acid in her mouth making it uncomfortable to talk. Scanning the room quickly..she was in the grand hall...it had been another slow afternoon, the sister often found time to chat between meetings. Though with Luna's late night adventures with Acrylic, she had fallen behind on sleep. Today she actually fell asleep sitting on her throne... "That is...unsettling. I must retire early, sister dear...I had a very troublesome vision..." Luna had no energy to lie, thankfully though, the situation and its ominous meaning called for truth. Luna felt the cold dagger of fear working into her heart; she needed to know what was behind that door... Luna got up slowly and felt the world spin... Celestia looked more worried than ever, things around her were changing all too fast. First with the joined court, the attitude of her sister...and this Evenfall..the stallion had Luna on a leash practically. Everywhere Luna was after court, he was there. They laughed until they noticed her, then they avoided speaking to each other... "T-tia.." Luna said just as she collapsed. _ _ Luna sat weakly in her washroom..panting..sweating and wishing dearly for the bitter taste in her mouth to leave. Suddenly her stomach rolled over again and threatened to lose control yet again. It felt like the worst misery she had ever endured...her head was throbbing and body weak beyond anything she ever felt. Luna felt her eyes unfocused without her permission and her stomach give a threatening gurgle. "Oh no-!" Was all she was able to get out... _ _ With a last flush, Luna found enough strength returning to stand and walk carefully to the mirror. The reflection...a destroyed mane, fur sticking up randomly and eyes heavy with dark rings under them. Out stretching a hoof, she turned on the water and began washing her face, drinking a little to get the acids out of her mouth. It was a hour after her collapse that she exited the washroom, mane fixed as best she could and using a slight amount of makeup to draw attention away from different areas... The moment Luna closed her bathroom door,her bedroom door opened; the grim looking and scholar dressed...Starswirl... The serious look sending a wave of bitter annoyance into her already foul mood. "What is it, wizard?" She asked scornfully. Starswirl gave her a glare that cut down any childish defiance or moody anger and replaced it with guilt and depression. Luna held her ground for a moment..until she sat down again and began crying, tears falling freely and every emotion pouring out at once in a deep and sorrowful stream. Starswirl let out a cool sigh and walked over to the princess, discarding his hat on her bed and doing the only thing he could...he wrapped his arms around her and found the gesture returned swiftly, Luna's tears rolling down his back and sinking into his cloak. They were like this....for a long time....a friend comforting a dear and hurting friend. Eventually...Luna's sobs turned to silent sniffling, and Starswirl let her go gently. "Luna...I am deeply sorry....I was unaware." He said softly. Luna let him go, keeping her head low and trying to stop the still flowing tears. "I can't do this..." she said with cold hopelessness. The old unicorn put a hoof under the princesses chin and lifter her head up, she needed to see the truth in what he was about to say.. "...This does not hold such a darkness ye thinks. Understand, this is a beautiful...magical miracle. I shall not inquire nor speak of this to another soul as long as I live...but no matter what, I will help thee. This is something ye can do...it just takes the love of friends...all of us willing to stay by thee to the end." Luna felt the tears slow...she looked into the wise, grey eyes of the unicorn. Even though she still felt hopeless..she felt a little reassurance, though it opened up new ideas,like how can she tell Acrylic... Would he reject her? Would he expose her...? No...he didn't have to know. Not until the wedding, where she could be sure his love was as strong as hers. Luna wiped her face clean, the makeup useless at this point; so she took some time to wipe the remains of it off her face...it was foolish to try and hide this pain. As long as she could keep its source hidden, there was no need to worry. Though Acrylic would spend tonight alone, hopefully he would understand. "May ye...stay the night with us..." Luna said quietly, feeling more alone than those weeks ago, watching over the city as it sleeps. Starswirl nodded and smiled warmly, walking to the balcony doors and opening the curtains, the dusk sun still clung to the horizon. Soon Luna would have to turn her attention to her duties, but in such a state...the old unicorn had to do something to turn her attention to the moon. "Princess...it is time." He said as gently as he could. Luna looked over at the burning sun, the constant reminder that her life was on a timer. By day, a shadow, a second flute to her glorious and awe inspiring sister. By night, forgotten...simply left to rot alone in her chambers. No matter what time it was, though...she was alone....Until Acrylic found her on that day, ages ago. The way he bowed to hide his crimson face, it couldn't hide his burning red ear tips; she remembered every detail of their date. Dry white wine, the finest selection with a plate of pasta for them to share..he was such a hopeless romantic...but she loved that about him. It seemed nothing could cast a shadow on him, nothing could ever dampen his spirits. Luna took a deep breath and let thoughts of Acrylic fill her heart; his light shining away her doubts and fears..and with a slow stand, she took her place on the balcony and focused that light.. The sun's light was gone...emptiness took the sky...until the moon broke the horizon once again and chased away the darkness with its own light. Stars flickering back into the sky and letting the city wash in its pale glow; the moon rose higher and higher until it took its rightful place... _ _ "Wow..." Acrylic said quietly... Even though the moonrise was a little late, it was still just as stunning. When he had heard of Luna falling unconscious, Acrylic did everything he could to see her, everything short of begging on the ground to royal guard to let him in her room. That's why tonight's moonrise was special...it was the only sign he would get that his love was okay. With a long sigh, he returned to his room; closing shut the windows to the outside. It was everything he could ask for...the princess had accepted him as the Royal Craftsman, his only job to make breathtaking works of art to present as gifts to visiting dignitaries or simply because the Sister's wanted one. All for the simple things such as room, food and the company of his love. The captain of the guard approached him, though... Speaking of "How an artist might build a city." The guard wanted a fortress, towers looming with plenty of room for ballista mounts. Space in a new castle to hold weapons and armor...even where he can build if he wanted to build on the side of a mountain. Talking of...fresh opinions and a different idea...Acrylic could smell the greed. This captain stunk of greed and a lust for glory, Acrylic was hard pressed. but he presented a prototype to the guard after a week and trying to avoid the subject. In return, the guard gave him a very generous tip...it made Acrylic feel wrong to use a gift like his to fuel that stallions ideals..but he was in no position to argue. Bah..enough dwelling..the past is done, I must focus on the future. Acrylic refused to think of the past...lest it go too far and remind him. "Princess...I wish I could be with ye right now." He said quietly. "Please don't be hurt...please, please don't be hurt..." _ _ It was nearly time...it had been over a thousand years but it was finally nearly time... The time where it would finally be free...and would it be free... Hatred, dis-trust, loneliness....envy. Delicious envy... It would make her pay for trapping it in such a weak form. The pale prison, silent in the sky and leaving its screaming rage unheard...until a bond was formed. She opened herself to it, willingly let it inside her heart to perform her duties. But what name would it take..? It had been so long,its name was but a blurry half memory; left behind long ago to take on such a powerful form all those eons ago. It would never submit to taking such a pitiful name such as Luna... Even saying the name gave it a bad taste. The name was weak, subservient...it needed a strong name, one that strikes fear. One that everypony would praise and worship once its tyranny had overthrown the ditz of a sun god...soon it found a memory...an echoing thought that sent waves of hate and depression though the lunar princess's core... Nightmare Moon... ...It was perfect... Author's Note After hours of brainstorming of how to make the ending as gut wrenching as possible....I think ive come up with the most evil thing I could ever do in a situation like this And the best part.... It works... So we're down to the last few chapters, Luna's leaning on that "our" stuff, aint she? What a delight...Luna...Im actually sorry for what im going to do to you. Me, sorry for a fictional character; whats this world come to? One more story arch before the conclusion ladies and gents, I suggest you get the tissues...lord knows i'll be going though a box or two.... And Fall So Hard...One step is all it would take... It would be over...they could be happy again. Happy as just them, nothing to hold them back. There were rumors that all it would take is a fall... seven weeks, she was starting to show...and all she needed to do was to step forward. There was too much tension between them after she said the truth, she knew it would be over if this continued...she couldn't lose him. Not after working so hard to hide her feelings from the world, not after falling in love... What choice is there? The phrase echoed in her mind, it sunk into her very blood that coursed with the poisonous touch of Nightmare Moon. Luna understood the need...the spirit was right. In her folly, she is driving away the only thing that ever loved her; so she needed to make sure he would never need to leave. Lifting a hoof in the air over the staircase, she hesitated...tears ran down her face as she gazed down the sinking hallway. How could she keep going if he left...it was bitter irony that she remembered the look Celestia gave her what felt like a lifetime ago...her sunken eyes and utter depression. To fall apart for love.. That why she had to do it...she needed to make sure the timing was better, when they had reason or want... but not now. It was impossible now.. I'm so sorry... "Sister!" _ _ 72 Hours Earlier... "Acrylic! I missed ye so much!" Luna said,wrapping the stallion in a warm and crushing hug the second the door was surely closed. Evenfall returned the embrace and leaned into Luna, letting her go after a moment and smiling brightly. Luna's mood was infectious, she was so happy to be well again... "Princess...thou are glowing like the moon today." He said truthfully. Luna blushed a little and smiled, kissing Acrylic on the cheek before taking a step back. Letting out a content sigh, she looked around at his room; scattered papers and sketches litter the desk and the floor around it, the bitter sweet smell of the castles coffee was the more dominating feature...it gave Luna an idea. "I thank thee...but thou do not have to bolster our mood today. Are ye free at the moment?" Acrylic's eyes lit up and he nodded. "Then follow us." She said with a mischievous air... They exited the room, Luna striding down the hallway and making sure Acrylic was behind her. Today's court was over, the sun was sinking into the ground...but Luna seemed to have another plan for tonight. The stallion started to get confused when she took him to the west wing...he never went there. Running into Celestia one day proved very hazardous, she began picking away at the half-truths and dodged questions; thankfully the captain took her attention before she could pull apart his real reason for being at the castle. Like clockwork, Luna found her sister walking the halls; the sun goddess's eyes bearing down on them as they approached. Celestia kept a unreadable expression and looked at both of them in question. "Sister, I wanted to let thou know that we plan to treat The Royal Craftsman to an evening out of the castle. After all the work he has done for us, I see it unfair to not occasionally show our thanks for such a deed. If thou wishest to join us..." Luna kept the grin down, her plan was already going well and Acrylic was keeping quiet and as out of the conversation as possible. If Luna was right....she knew that Celestia would never be able to miss a nights sleep; too strict and boring to enjoy the nightlife...but as Celestia took more time to respond, Luna became a bit nervous as to how strong her plan really was... "...No, no I do not think I will join thee. Tonight I plan to catch up on some literature, a book I borrowed from thine collection...I hope thou does not mind." Celestia was still unreadable, but her plan worked...so she smiled kindly and laughed a little. "Tis fine, sister. Enjoy then." With that, she turned around and exited the wing as quickly as she could...without looking like she was in a hurry. Acrylic hesitated leaving for just a moment, bowing to the princess and trotting a bit fast to catch up with Luna. Once they crossed into the East wing, Luna quickly lead Acrylic to her room, bringing him in and shutting the door; a small click signaling to Acrylic that it was locked... Acrylic looked back at the door and raised an eyebrow. "Luna-..!" The princess nearly tackled him to the ground and begin quite the forceful tongue wrestling session... Stunned...would be a weak way to describe the look on Acrylic face the moment he did fall to the ground. The stallions face flushed red when he started feeling Luna very purposely bump and rub between his legs. Acrylic managed to get his head away to breath, panting out and eyes heavy..but mind ablaze with questions. "L-Luna..now is not the time!" He whispered. Luna didn't care...the only thing on her mind was the blazing heat that she just couldn't ignore. Where it had come from was the nagging question at the back of her mind, but she kept up her teasing assault, Acrylic squirming to try and get out from under her...he knew how risky this was. A guard could hear the noise, he could end up getting caught by one..or worse...caught by Celestia. The door knocked lightly. Oh buck... They both said silently. "Sister?" No way... "Sister...please tell me thou are not..." I can't believe I'm saying this.. "Enjoying me time...when ye needs to raise the moon..." Are we cursed?! Luna flushed red and got up as fast as she could, picking Acrylic up by the scruff of his neck with a blue wisp of magic and tossing him into the washroom, shutting the door loudly to make it seem she was simply using the little fillies room again.. Luna quickly walked to the door and opened it, Celestia not bothering to hide the way she rapidly scanned Luna's room the second the door opened. After looking to confirm a hunch...and she smiled and sighed in relief that she was wrong. "Don't be ashamed, Lulu...I went though it just as ye are." Celestia said with a chipper tone...Luna realized that her sister would deeply enjoy this opportunity to tease... "Tia...we swear if thee continues this conversation..." Celestia laughed softly and thought of the first story that came to mind to help ease the tension... Acrylic was doing his best to remain unnoticed in the washroom..until he realized that Luna...by the stars was still messing with him! Suddenly a blue feather left on the tile lifted in the air, washed in blue magic wisp its way around him...circling lower and lower down his frame until... Celestia laughed a little louder when Luna was able to recall the very old and..very embarrassing tale of when Mother first stumbled upon Celestia's 'Secret Spot' in the woods. Mother refused to talk to Luna about it but a young Celestia spilled all the details after a little peer pressure from Luna... "I did't use that!" Celestia said, trying to hold back her laughter. Luna smirked and rolled her eyes, Celestia would never tell the truth about that detail. A stifled guffaw came from the door to Luna's bathroom, catching Celestia attention... "Did..-" "Tia.." Luna whined. "I think we've reminisced enough, is it not time to lower the sun?" Acrylic was on his back in desperation, biting his hoof hard as his face sweat cherry red and eartips burned like a fire, using his free hoof to swat as hard as he could at the feather... "Oh..yes, I do apologize." Celestia said, turning her attention to the sun. With a slight effort, Celestia focused her power and brought down the flaming ball of light, Luna exerting her own powers to bring forth the silent moon...the celestial bodies switching place seamlessly and bringing the calm dark that the ponies needed to find peaceful sleep. Luna strengthened the spell slightly before Celestia opened her eyes again. Luckily Acrylic was still able to keep quiet...it sent a rush of adrenaline though Luna; to have so much fun with her lover and slip right under her sister's nose. Luna made a mental note to make this a regular game... "Goodnight, sister." Luna said, trying not to smile too much.. Celestia nodded and left, the door shutting with a brush of golden magic...and locking again with a flick of blue. "Oh Lover.." Luna chimed musically. The bathroom door opened when Luna pushed against it, she nearly burst out laughing when Acrylic was nearly passed out on the ground, sweating profusely and from what Luna could see...very much enjoying her bewitched feather. "Make it stop..." He said between breaths. Luna's horn flashed blue and the feather dropped on his chest. Acrylic let out a long sigh and lifted his head up, trying to catch his breath. "O-Okay...I think see thine point.." He managed meekly. Luna shook her head and laughed a little...sad fact is, Celesta's visit had killed the mood...and her assumptions had made her a little embarrassed that she let urges dictate action. Acrylic lifted his head back up and looked at her curiously... "...I don't mean to sound anxious." Luna laughed even more, not that she was laughing at Acrylic...more the situation itself was making the princess laugh. Poor stallion... _ _ It was a sweet summer evening...the moon hanging in the sky and casting its glow down on the empty the restaurant. Luna picked a fine place to enjoy the night, Thankfully it didn't take much convincing to get the cooks to stay behind for a few hours to prepare this meal. The food was mouth watering and wine bearing a good year to accent the meal. Unfortunately..Luna declined to partake in the drink, Acrylic was shuffling in his seat nervously as they picked at the food... Luna sighed quietly as she stared into her glass of water...Acrylic was looking at her concerned, it had been a one sided date this entire evening. Acrylic did his best to bring Luna to the moment and enjoy the together time, but she was focused on something else all evening. Sighing and setting down the fork, he lifted the wine glass in the air and smiled brightly; a last try before he asked her directly... Luna looked up and smiled weakly, raising her glass with a blue field. "To us, aye? The things we went though to get to this part..." Luna nodded and sighed..she knew there was no longer time, no more stalling, no more avoiding...now was the time. "The wedding is tomorrow night.." She rushed. Acrylic gagged on the wine he was drinking and coughed.. Luna grit her teeth and lowered her head ashamed..expecting a onslaught of questions or an argument on his part for some strange reason. Acrylic simply regained his composure, setting the glass down and smiling warmly at her.. "I understand...Sorry I didn't sound as excited as I really am, it was surprising the way ye suddenly said it." He said with a quick laugh. It was a little reassuring...to know that Acrylic was just as ready to take that step. Often she found herself thinking of how Acrylic will handle being a father, would he be strong enough to raise a demi-god...or goddess...Luna felt a warm spark when that thought crossed her mind. The wizard was right, Acrylic smile was hope shining in the darkness of the night, his confidence and kind spirit would indeed be enough. "We had an idea...a wedding by the lake, twas enchanted a long time ago by our sister; The Still Waters of the Sky...The Midnight Lake..." It was a bitter-sweet memory, it was the place where the young goddesses buried their mother... Acrylic had no idea what the place meant to her, frankly he didn't even know a Midnight Lake existed. If it meant making Luna happy, he would always agree,Acrylic nodded and the light returned to her eyes, a soft smile growing as the candle between them burned though the last inch of wax..the moon high over the city watching over the two as they stood up and drew closer to each other... Luna swore she heard a piano in the background...slowly chiming out a soft tune. Just as the light of the candle flicked out, they crossed horns with a turquoise spark glowing the second they locked lips once again... Celestia was speechless....rare was it that she was so shocked that she had no words to give meaning to her feelings. Utter shock and terrified worry screamed into every part of her mind. It started out simple...just a night of reading, all she wanted was a stress free evening to read and take a step out of her own world. Dragon's Wrath was the title, a straight forward tale of adventure, a simple book she could delve into.. The sun will fall Written in ink and taking up an entire page with its chaotic style and fury dipped quill. It was on the next page as well...and the next. Soon Celestia found an entire page repeating the phrase Give way to eternal night! Like an anthem...a sick cheer of battle. Celestia was slack jawed as the pages flipped frantically, words spilling across the pages at random places but all reading the same battle cry. Eyes watering...she slammed the book shut and threw it across the room like a living demon, breathing rapidly and the pain of worthless strife sinking into her skin... "Luna...what have I done wrong..." 48 Hours... Luna took a deep breath, it was nearly morning...Acrylic lie sleeping in his chambers and Celestia would soon open her door and allow the princess of the night to sleep. By this afternoon, she would fake another vision and get out by perhaps three o' clock, track down Starswirl and enlist his help in getting ready for the wedding. Evening, the dress would be ready and in her closet, Celestia would lower the sun and leave Luna alone for the night; hopefully the whole night would remain uneventful so as to keep the wedding unhindered. Now that her plan was thought through, checked and rechecked...time was the last step; to wait until moonrise and begin the last step to starting a new chapter in her life. Soon, as she lingered in thought...it seemed more like a goal that was just out of reach, closing into her grasp inch by inch as each hour passed. The nagging voice of doubt worked its way into the front of her mind and started making her worry... Celestia will find out... It was impossible.. She will forbid the love... Luna refused to allow that.. She will take the child... Luna's eyes broke wide; that was not her voice. It may have sounded like her, but that voice held the same darkness of her festering dream, the infection was growing stronger...Luna remembered that she had yet opened that door and faced the demon that dwells inside. No...leave the door closed, conceal the pain, let it grow... Luna felt sharp pain work into her stomach again...but this was not an expected pain...this felt like a dark threat. Luna took a calming breath and opened her mind to the world, letting to soft breeze of the night flow around her; taking her mind to the realm within. It took a moment a falling..falling in the darkness with the same stars flashing by until she slowed the decent, landing gently on the onyx floor of her dream realm. Plague...it seeped from every inch of the door in a vile green fog, the door that now dominated her dreamscape with its foreboding thorns and overgrowth holding it in place. The monster on the other side had damaged the door, yet the vines holding it shut were undamaged; meaning sooner or later, she would have to deal with it... Luna looked up and noticed a new moon in the sky...suddenly her heart sunk and fear poured into every fiber of her being when she realized that it was not a new moon...but the dark side of the moon. The one vantage she could never present to the world, like it was cursed to remain unseen and unknown...now her mind flooded with burning fear. The door grew in size..creaking and splintering as new frame jetted out and made way for the ever present demon growing in strength. "Celestia!!" Luna shouted... "Sister!" Luna shot awake and gasped sharply, coughing when she inhaled the acids that had bubbled up. The moon clung to the low sky, dripping in sweat, Luna felt panic rush her mind. She will take away the child! It echoed over and over, maddening in its tone and meaning, Luna jumped up and looked behind her.. "No, get away from us!!" She cried. Luna cast a shockwave as a warning, the books on her shelf falling to the ground and Celestia only just barely getting a defensive shield up in time to stop the blast in its tracks. It still sent her stumbling back with the sheer force behind the spell, Luna was panting, her stance not wavering or mind able to rationalize...she had the same serpent eyes again. "Luna!" Celestia shouted, hoping to get though whatever possessed her to act so violently. The sound sent the dark voice back into the recesses of her mind...letting her see the situation for what it really was. Celestia snapped Luna out of the nightmare and she nearly hurt her only family...and it tore apart her heart. Celestia watched as her sister fell to the ground in exhaustion and began sobbing helplessly. It was all falling apart...her plan, her secret...her one chance at happiness. All she could do was let the tears flow while Celestia watched, stuck in fear stricken indecision. Suddenly, Starswril burst into the room, sweating frantically and looking more disturbed than Celestia had ever seen the quiet scholar... "Your majesty!" He shouted as he tore past the solar princess. "Why didn't ye tell me..?" He asked softly as he helped her upright. Celestia couldn't stop thinking of her mother's words... Love her...no matter what happens...and be there for her. Celestia felt the emotions and confusion mix violently, the wizard was doing his best to bring Luna back down...so why couldn't she move. It was fear... For the first time, Celestia felt fear for her sister...and it was strangely mortal for her fear to turn to anger, lashing out at the only thing she could... "Luna! What did I do wrong?!" The hatred in the book was nothing compared to the sun goddess's blazing fury. All the work she did to make sure her sister was happy..just to be refused and now loathed; what would mother think if she could see how spoiled Luna had become. Celestia walked over to her sister and loomed over her, glaring down and just holding back her ear shattering Canterlot voice... "What am I doing that upsets thee so much?! Just tell me!!!" She screamed. Luna looked up with the venomous eyes again..tears still streaming down but fury taking the place of her sorrow. "It is thine EXISTENCE that angers us!! If ye would just leave us alone, but no..." Luna got up...and Starswril realized he might be in the middle of a very deadly argument. "No, ye must be everywhere! Stealing our light and being the selfish child ye always were! Mother's death has taught thee nothing about growing up, has it?!" The room was shaking with the radiating power pouring off the princesses, the scholar felt like he was between a frozen tundra and scorching desert...but that was it...that was the one chord that she would not stand for being touched. Celestia took a deep breath and stood straight, turning around and unable to even look at her sister... "Sister...I am going to leave, but I want ye to think about what thee has just uttered." Celestia was shaking with rage, her eyes nearly burned with her fury; but now that Luna had just used their mother in an argument...anger can wear off, but disappointment left a lingering touch. The door shut with a slam, Luna breathing unsteadily...she wanted it to be over, to just crawl into bed and ignore the world and her feelings for just a few hours...but the moon sunk into the ground and gave way to the sun; all without her permission. Luna turned around and watched..slack jawed as the sun sent the moon back into darkness and rose in the sky. The one thing she had left...the only thing she could call pride...was just taken and shattered right before her very eyes. Luna could only scream in bloody fury... 36 hours... What is left when thee strips away family? After that, what remained after thou takes away friends, freedom, courage, hope? What I saw that day haunts me..it permeates my mind and plants weeds of fear. The roots break down my foundation, they crawl in my skin, creeping slowly and distorting my body with their agonizing corruption; only one thing could stop this madness, one pony who could shine a light in this darkness that the castle is suffocating in. Please...Please let this be part of thy grand plan for us, let this light wash away the darkness....and not drown in it just as we have. Luna stood in front of her closet mirror... The pearls hugging her ear were lovely, the white dress; a light gown that fit comfortably loose and flowed down her body to rest on the ground. It shimmered under the moonlight that flowed though the balcony. The sheen that came from the eye shadow was enchanting, the wizard was indeed one of many unexpected talents... Luna took another look at the rose color adorning her lips; it took hours to find the right shade of red, not wanting to look too vain and leaving the color to dominate the dress...yet not wanting to make the color too dark and send off the wrong signals...and even though it took all day to calm down and take her mind away from the betrayal...she managed a weak smile when she looked at how beautiful she was in the dress. "Are ye sure tonight is right..?" Starswril asked. Luna nodded, nothing could stop what was happening tonight. "Then allow me to make some preparations..." The princess turned around but he was already gone...of course she told him where the wedding was going to be, but what could he do that required such immediate attention...? Acrylic looked in the mirror with a sullen face...his mind refused to leave the past where it was; thoughts of his brother still lingered and even took what was going to be the happiest moment of his life...and turned it into what felt like the greatest sin. With a deep breath, Acrylic fixed the royal blue tie and looked up to make sure his mane was still in its presentable fashion. Exiting the room,the clocks in the castle rang out ten times...it was time. Acrylic trotted quickly though the halls and was careful not to catch the attention of a patrolling guard. Turning left, he entered the grand dining hall; ducking though to avoid a sentry posted at the door, he snuck his way all the way to the exit..the long foyer. Walking slowly so his steps did not echo; closer..closer he got to the doors. Sweat began rolling down his head as chatter echoed from another part of the castle and sent a spike of alarm into his body. Acrylic picked up the pace, smile growing wider until he grabbed the door and... "Craftsman!" ...So close. Acrylic turned around and put on a false smile...changing suddenly to confusion when the ghastly sight of the court wizard was looming over him...as if he followed him the whole way...with an oddly warm smile. "I wanted to wish thee a fine evening.." His horn glowed its pale color. "...Are thee going to see thine brother at this hour?" Acrylic looked left and right..backing up to try and get away from the conversation as he tried to come up with a good excuse. "Or perhaps ye have a fine date this evening...judging by how thee are dressed." Now it was getting disturbing how this pony was picking apart Acrylic's thoughts... "...Y-yes! My brother! He...asked to see me while he was in town." The old pony nodded and looked over Acrylic...gaze going empty while his horn glowed brighter. "I see..." Acrylic turned around and saw only the door, when he looked back...the wizard was gone. Acrylic was looking frantically for the stallion, only to hear more guards talking as they grew near; it was now or never. Acrylic tore though the doors and rushed out into the streets, hoping that he would not falter in his step and ruin the suite..or worse, get the directions to the Midnight Lake wrong. Acrylic winced when his head began to throb, stress was starting to get the better of him...or did it have something to do with that wizard and the way he read into his mind... Either way, he had put it behind him. Now was the moment he had worked for, for the past few weeks he had skated a line around Celestia and her captain; now though was the time for all his work to pay off...now was when she would run away with him. _ _ Luna walked slowly into the clearing...a mass of bushes and trees would hide the clearing from the ground, but the enchantment placed on the area made it invisible from the sky and impervious from any magical interference. It was a place locked in the moment of its creation. With a deep breath, Luna walked forward, parting the growth with her magic to keep her dress clean until she broke though the spell and found the clearing... It's perfect... Somehow, Starswril had managed to set up an alter with its own archway covered in climbing roses, butterflies float in the air and cast a luminescent blue and white glow as they flutter, the grass shifted from the gentle breeze and the singular tree hanging over the lake swayed its ivy branches that almost touched the ground...Equestria's sorrow given form of a lush weeping willow to mark the grave that lie under the still water of the lake. The moment Luna took a step forward, fireflies burst from the tree and began to dance around her, she had to stop just from the wonder that was a thousand lights fluttering around the lunar princess and suddenly dispersing into the air, leaving one light on her chest like a shining jewel. Luna felt warmth breaking into the cold barrier of her heart and soon, she stepped forward again and looked at her love from under the veil...just how she imagined it... and it was a moment that Luna could say, was breathtaking. Luna breathed slowly once she stepped unto the alter made of grass, doing her best to calm her racing heart. Starswril just smiled calmly and closed his eyes to gain his own calm while Acrylic stepped to be right next to his love. Starswril opened his eyes again and looked at both of them. "Princess...Stunning as the full moon in an apex of light.....Shall we begin?" They both nodded... _ _ "I swear he said this way!" Tome whispered. Hope rolled her eyes and took off in the opposite direction. Tome turned around and stammered out his frustration as he ran, disagreeing the whole way until she saw what looked like light. Tome took off the second the lights began and sprinted though a wall of brush; Hope following quickly. The stallion stopped talking and smiled warmly when he saw the two dash into the open of the clearing, Uncle turning around with confusion...turning to awe when he saw the two. Luna looked worried but when she noticed the slight smile on Acrylic's face.. "Uncle! How could ye not invite us!?" Tome said with a laugh. Silent Hope nodded in agreement, making Acrylic just let out a soft chuckle. "I didn't think...thou wanted to come." He said with a noticeable edge of depression. "Frankly, I didn't" Acrylic felt his heart stop... Wintered Tail walked out of the brush with a few others, a grey stallion with haunting purple eyes; another stallion who looked whiter than snow and a mare...the light brown mare had another with her, a cyan counterpart with golden hair tied up in a bun. All of them entered the clearing and had a formal air about them...the stallions were in suites and mares in dresses, all but Tail it seemed was prepared for the evening. Luna looked at Starswril with an incredulous look of shock. "Who are all of thee?" Luna asked the moment she turned back around. The grey pegasus stepped forward first. "Honor Knight." He said and then bowed. "Pure Heart..." The snowy one added.. "Ace Winds..and Sleight Winds..." The brown mare said. Luna couldn't hide her slack jaw when her suspicions about the mare's were confirmed.. "I'm Ancient Tome! And this is Silent Hope and my dad." "Wintered Tail..." Acrylic said quietly... Tome jumped to the front of the group when it seemed no one was able to find the words to explain for the couple now put in the spotlight. "The wizard pony said to come here at night, he said that it was where the wedding was..." Tome suddenly lost the courage he had before when all eyes fell upon him. Knight cleared his throat and took it up to finish the story. "He said that if we ever wanted to show how much the princess of the night has done for us...and thank her. Then we needed to come here." Luna looked back at Starswril, simply smiling as the fireflies danced in the air again and started a flurry of a light show. Looking back at the small group of guests, then at her son to be husband...and he was calm. Acrylic looked back to her and turned back to the alter, putting a hoof over Luna's and digging a small box from his coat. "Tome..take this." Acrylic levitated the box in the air and let it fall gently before the colt. Tome opened it up and couldn't help his eyes widening to an almost comical point. Starswril cleared his throat again and opened a book from behind the alter... "Dearly beloved..." _ _ It took a long time...nearly the entire ceremony before Tail relaxed. While he was furious that his foals would sneak out to see what he thought would be a dark travesty...he felt more guilt overbearing that anger. Under-dressed, late and unwelcome; who was he to show up unannounced..? As the reading continued on he realized that the lunar princess was not the nightmare that everypony claimed. Perhaps his brother was right...in the way she held herself, the way she looked, even the way she said "I do." ...She was far more equine than any goddess he had ever seen. I begged the question...did he let his emotions and the judgment of others really cloud his own opinion..? It felt bitter to realize he might have just lost a brother and a life long friend to pettiness. Tail actually felt water build up on his eyes when he saw his colt timidly walk to the alter with the ring... Later on, the group had began dancing under the moonlight; surprisingly, Honor Knight was a talented musician, all it took was the help of Starswril to get a few instruments and a quick enchantment. Once the first dance was over, Luna took some time to be by herself and think by the lake, Acrylic understood and took this moment to talk to the wizard about the significance of this spot. "I see...Though i'm still surprised she would pick this lake then..." "I holds deep meaning to the sister's. It is the place they hold more dear than any." Starswril affirmed. "Brother...may we speak?" Acrylic felt his body tense...the wizard caught the hint and departed. Now was the time to make amends...Tail knew he had one chance to make peace before the rift would grow too large. Acrylic turned around and took a deep breath to calm himself. "I thought...ye never wanted to see me again." Wintered looked around ashamed, lowering his head in penance. "I didn't think thee were so serious about thy love...and when it became apparent that ye would not stop...I was afraid. I was afraid that I would lose a part of my family, thou knows family is everything to me...and now...Luna is apart of that family. While I was rude and outright wrong at the start...I just want to ask for forgiveness." Acrylic lowered his head and turned away...it wouldn't do to let Wintered see the water in his eyes. "I'm not family...remember?" Tail felt his hopes plummet... "All but in blood! Please, I made the mistake, just let me make it right." Acrylic looked up into the sky, letting out a cool sigh and looking back at what was once his brother. Did he not read the note...? Did he not see that he was a danger to the foals? The life he must live is one away from the normal, he tried to escape that fact by coming back to his adoptive family...it ended with bruises and scars; and he wouldn't make the same mistake again. "I can't come back..I don't want to hurt anypony else...ye shouldn't have come." Acrylic walked away before Tail could come up with a counter, resigning to join his new wife by the lake in content silence while the small group still enjoys the night. Knowing that nothing could hope to lift his mood now. Soon, a soft piano tune rang in the clearing, a slow dance for the mare's to enjoy so for just a song, they could have the dance floor all to themselves. Luna looked up and saw him sitting next to her, her mind going over the right words she had chosen to tell her husband that he was to be a father... "Acrylic..." He looked up and managed a small smile.. "What would ye name a foal..?" The question made him think...his brows furrowed in thought and soon he rubbed his face with his hooves. Wintered had all but exhausted Acrylic's ability to find happiness, even he had a limit to what he could overcome with a good nature and joyful heart. Luna felt a cold fear take her hear when Acrylic looked distantly back out at the lake. "Oh..." Was the last thing he said that night... And the next day... _ _ That's why she had to do it, after she opened the door..it made sense of why the spirit told her to do it; because the spirit was her...it was her own feelings given form of an understanding protector. All it wanted, was to see Luna rise to her full potential and help her bring a sinking relationship back to steady waters. It wanted to help... Don't let her take the child away from us... It cared just as much as she did about her child...but it was stronger, it helped Luna make the decision no parent wants to make. In order to save them, she had to do it. It was obvious to her that Acrylic did not want a child...not yet, Celestia would find out undoubtedly during the later months. Leaving the option she just couldn't bring herself to admit out loud. I'm so sorry... "Sister!!" The sudden voice forced her decision, Luna leaned forward and felt tears wash down her face and fly into the wind as she fell. Past the first step and tumbling freely. It felt like hours before Luna came to a stop on the hard stone, blood freely flowing down her head and one eye shut from the rapid swelling. Strangely, she couldn't feel her left rear leg properly..yet it was done. The feeling in her stomach that started those weeks ago had ceased. The sound of guards rushing to her were muffled by the pain, tears still flowing like a river and mixing with the blood that began to pool on the ground. Luna gave in...her will broken and her want to live no longer existent. "No...Luna!!!" Acrylic shouted the moment he shoved though the guards to see his wife...eyes empty and body twisted by the fall down merciless stone. "What have I done wrong..." Author's Note I thought on the song really hard, and without music or tone I cant really say I would feel happy exploiting songs if it cant live up to its full potential. So the song will be apart of an ending bonus, not needed but if you really want to, there it is. I feel like NNM is like The Darkness from Darkness 2 Luna is such a tease And holy sh*t did it get dark in here... One chapter to go, the grand ending to this adventure...But like I said, this is really only the start. The epilogue will have a preview of whats to come as well as put a nice bow on this story. Boy was that a different perspective on how much Luna enjoyed that book as things got worse, huh? *evil laugh* Everything is falling into place.... Look at Celestia..still being the mature one and walking away...mm..brings a fuzzy feeling to me. Is it just me or do fyre-flye's tend to show up during big moments in Luna's life?(*overly proud for making that connection*) Score: Twentyfour...sorry twentyfive Full Throttles(blue demon cause its the best) and eighteen cups of coffee were used to write up to this point. No I don't have a caffeine problem I swears the precious isnt hurting me.... MoonriseAuthor's Note To start, I cant thank you guys enough for sticking with me to the end and leaving such amazing words of encouragement. Its things like this that will get me started on a real path to become the writer I hope to be. The most likes of all my stories and damn near 600 views...I cant say how much I enjoyed this and I'm super hyped to start the first part of the epic continuation of this timeline. That being said, I DID go back and edit the living S*** out of this story, a lot more emotion, a lot more dialog and much higher quality. I would hiiighly suggest going back and starting over so you can get the whole experience. Again thank you all,and I hope you join me on the next adventure featuring a character dear to my heart. I've been constructing him in my free time for five years until I could get to this point and write him properly. So join me and The UnKnown on a journey across equestria to challenge the way everypony see's right and wrong... Warning: It gets..waaaay darker than I planned for this chapter. Frankly I might need to change the tag from Teen to Mature with whats about to happen to Acrylic Yup, this is deserving of mature status. OH MY GOD IT HURTS WRITING THIS BUT I CANT STOP, NIGHTMARE MOON HAS TAKEN THE STORY, HIDE YO KIDS HIDE YO WIFE Disclaimer: I actually watered this chapter down...if you can believe that. The uncensored version will be up later on as a bonus with the song. Seriously, prepare your bodies for this. Oh gawd here it comes o-oh I cant stop it! *Space Walkin* (10 internets for those who get that one) Moonrise Remembering everything is a...difficult thing to do. Where do the lies begin? When do they stop? Perhaps they never ended at all; she tried to remember everything so she could put together what happened. A dream...then a fall...but what happened in the dream?! Why did she feel so powerless, even injured she could normally recall with crystal clear vision...yet that one spot refused to come into focus. Struggling to move, she found most of her body restained securely; she wanted to struggle more, but a soothing voice told her to lay still. A pin prick tapped her left leg and she winced. The voice told her that the pain was a good sign, she moved more to try and gage how secure she was...ankles tied with leather braces, arms held at her side with more straps and chect rising and falling against a set of leather tied to the bed. "Where am I...?" The voice came again, comforting and loving. "Ye are safe...doth thou remember how ye ended up like this?" "N-no..." The voice sounded like it was moving, she wished the bandages over her eyes would let her see who the voice was. It sounded feminine and very familiar...yet different. "Do thou remember thy name?" "....No." The voice put a hoof on her arm and loosened the straps a little to make her more comfortable. "Nightmare Moon, remember?" It sounded familiar...questions started racking up while the soft touch was lifted, she strained against thr bindings again in the false hope that the pony would return to her side. "No..wait..." The voice put a gentle hoof on her stomach, it calmed her down again and she began recalling more and more. Nightmare Moon...so many ponies called her that, it had to be her name. Celestia...she caused this, she put her in this state with her selfish actions. Then there was Acrylic...it was his fault, too; he pretended to love her...he used her. Nightmare Moon felt a little shame that she let such a pitiful stallion so deep into her heart, the touch lifted again and she felt strong enough to keep her composure. "I will watch over thee...but when the time comes, we will make them all pay." Nightmare Moon nodded slowly, whoever the voice belongs to was wise to know her vengeance would not go unanswered. Celestia will die the child she always was, Acrylic however...he needed to pay much more dearly. To fight with swords is honorable, to fight by toying with emotions and false promises...he needed to suffer. The doors opened and suddenly the room felt warm, the sound of hooves stoping dead after a few steps made her anxious until the male voice called out. "She is awake!" The male shouted as he rushed back out. Nightmare Moon remained calm, she knew an deceit was her only friend; first she needed to be free of these restraints, then she could start thinking of a way to get revenge...in fact...she already thought of a wonderful way to pay Acrylic back for the lesson he imparted. Don't trust anyone...everyone will hurt you in the end. It echoed in her mind until it became a motto, a way the future queen would rule her kingdom. Nightmare Moon held back a cool smile when she pictured ponies bowing before her...gryphons and even the lesser species all begging for mercy while the defiant ones like Celestia were erased from existence. A laughing fit broke though her will, a almost demonic cackle as she pulled against the restraints, the leather rubber her chest and arms, sending bolts of excitement though her body as she laughed... "Luna...Luna please stop this...." She stopped laughing. That was Celestia's voice this time, she remembered that an act was needed to get free. Normally a small exertion of magic would free her, yet it seems a spell was cutting her off from the mystic power. So she had to play their game... "S-sister...what's happening to us?" She asked, mocking a terrified tone. "We can't see...please sister, we can't see!" Nightmare Moon began a false panic attack, thrashing and crying out in fear until a soft glow enveloped the bandages and lifted off her head. The light was blinding for a moment...but soon the visage of the betrayer was clear. Celestia stood by the door in the small room made of stone and marble, worry replaced by a certain disgust when the queen opened her eyes...like vipers seeking prey, they stuck to the sun goddess and looked at her with a hungry edge... "Sister...what happened?" Celestia wanted to believe the lie so much...just give in and accept it...but the look in Luna's eyes was feral. That though, was not her concern...it was what the doctor had found; a child...an unborn child that suffered for a crime it did not take part in. The doctor said that it was on the edge of death, and would more than likely pass in the coming days. Luna's lies had not only nearly costed her life, but cost the life of an innocent. How could she even begin to forgive Luna... Even the doctor's said that she was mentally ill, but she knew such things were below the goddesses...and yet...she still loved her. Luna was unwell, she lied for months and even nearly took her own life...but she was the last thing Celestia had. To lose her would be like reliving the horror of losing Discord, watching him burn a county in his fury and turn to madness; losing Luna would mean the end... "Luna...I'm so...." She felt water on her eyes well up and fall slowly. "I'm so sorry..." Celestia lowered her head and stood there, unable to make the decision she knew that had to be made. What could she do that would suffice? How can you punish an immortal goddess with power beyond mortal understanding...so she flicked the restraints with a wisp of magic and they snapped open; it was no longer her decision what happened to Luna, she couldn't bring herself to harm the one thing she loved. Nightmare Moon was stunned when the restraints were broken, seems Celestia was too much of a coward to deal with the problem herself... Always a selfish child... Just another reason she was to be queen, Celestia didn't understand how to make the difficult choices, she was weak. In reality, Nightmare Moon could just obliterate the petty child right now were it not for the injuries still cutting her magic. An annoyance, but minor. It just means that Acrylic can be the first to suffer for his actions. The dark mare got up from the bed and stepped down gracefully, walking around Celestia with no remorse, even spread her wings in a proud manner. "I thank thee..sweet sister." She mocked. Celestia sat down slowly and did the only thing she could do...let the tears flow; she wanted to be strong, she wanted to make her mother proud...but she failed. In Celestia's mind, nothing else mattered anymore, so she let the dark stranger pass and what let ever fate befall her. "Luna! Luna, tell me the child is well!" Pitiful. Acrylic was waiting outside her room, the stench of stress reaking off him with the unpleasant smell of weakness. The stallion's eyes were bloodshot, evidence of his worthless tears. Nightmare Moon nearly vomited just looking at him. Instead of seeing it as a fault..she saw it as an opportunity. Looking down as if sullen, her face tuning to a heartbroken facade, Acrylic was so worried that he didn't even notice her jet black mane. Acrylic on took a step back in horror until she looked up and let put a lighthearted laugh, it chilled the stallion to the bone how heartless it sounded. Nightmare Moon stepped close to him, running a icey hoof down his confused face and laughed softly. "Oh come now, it was quite obvious that ye did not want a child." She chided. Acrylic was speechless, he saw the poisonous eyes and heard how cold the voice was..this was not the mare he fell in love with. Yet he didn't know how to explain it, suddenly she circled him like a predator and glared down at him with a haunting smile. The ideas of what she was about to do to him running over and over like her favorite play repeating itself. "We just did what we thought best, termination..." Nightmare Moon felt power return, once her mind had time to focus, it all returned. Once she was behind Acrylic again, she forced him into her room and slammed the door behind her, a dark smile growing on her face. Acrylic stumbled in and quickly began to panic, he looked at the balcony doors but even they shut and locked. Wintered Tail's words echoed again the moment he turned back around and saw the looming darkness with its threatening grin. "Darling...we want thee to call us, Nightmare Moon." She backed him up more until he bumped into the massive bed "Think of it as a play name...for the fun we're about to have." Acrylic Evenfall...he needed to suffer. Suffer for his insolence, for his betrayal, for his grave mistake...and what a better way than to toy with his feelings, and eye for an eye as some might say. The poor stallion was still speechless when his arms were bound by sheets controlled by her magic, dragged to the center of the bed and spread like a the vulnerable pervert he was from the start. Acrylic however....his mind was racing with confusion, fear and heartbreak; what happened that drove the love of his life down such a dark path, he fought against the sheets and finally found the strength to speak. "Stop this! Luna-" He shouted in vain. "Nightmare Moon! Thou will show respect to us." Acrylic struggled more until she jumped on the bed and hovered over him. "Stop. Moving." She commanded. Fear forced its way deep into his core, the way his love looked at him with overwhelming contempt yet keeping an almost murderous smile. Acrylic's heart raced as a blue light burned in the air over them and created a shard of glass...more deep blue crystal that hovered in the air ominously. "Luna-" He was silenced by another spell; it cut off his air and the crystal shot down like blue lightning and spilled the first blood ... The Sun Will Fall...she physically shuttered just thinking of the phrase. Acrylic let out a rough word, unable to hear him though the agony in his voice, Nightmare Moon leaned down again and gave him an ear.. "What have..." He took a shaky breath."Where is my love..? Where is Luna?" That did make her laugh, and laugh hard; his last defense was keeping the act up. A hope that she might fall for him yet again and free him, neither which would happen. So she sat down on his exposed lap, grinning when his face flushed red and primal desire began to take his body away from him. "I am Nightmare Moon...my love. I now see that my old self was weak, I even fell for a hopeless, pervasive stallion such as thyself." Rocking her hips to only make the stallion suffer... "What is it my love..? I thought ye would only seek to lie with a princess. To just play her emotions and let her deal with thine mistakes." Acrylic whined quietly as a tear began to form, unable to stop his body from reacting anymore... "S-stop...I beg thee..." He said quietly... The crystal twisted and he let out a agonizing scream once it was yanked out, all blocked by the sound barrier. Acrylic's suffering was delicious, it made her a lot more excited than she expected...but she only used that as more torture; the trapped stallion under her complete control. Now was the time to really have fun...maybe an hour..maybe two or three even...she would torture and tear at his body until she was satisfied, then a slow death would be the end for this chapter in her life. The door was thrown open and Acrylic felt his vision blur from the blood loss, yet the tough look and jet black mane was instantly recognizable...Wintered Tail. "Demon! Get off my brother!" Acrylic blacked out just as Luna leapt off the bed and tackled down his last hope... _ _ How did it come to this? Over and over she asked herself this question as she looked out over Canterot, the sun was still high in the air and it cast the bright glow on the city below; all those happy faces passing by, unaware of what darkness is creeping to the spotlight. Celestia ignored the knocks on her door, diplomats can wait, protesters or what ever nonsense that desired her attention cant take precedence over thought. Spending hours just thinking of the past and trying to find a rhyme or reason to the madness, it crossed her mind if Discord could somehow be responsible for this; the thought crushed when she began picking apart the flaws in such an idea. What was she to do? Luna needed to be examined, perhaps it was grief that had too much time to take a toll on her mind. They needed a doctor, physiologist or just time to work things out. Just the two of them with a few days to let everything out without duty or distractions to make the problems worse. But how could she stand up to her? It was family, the last family she has left in the world; 'living immortal' seemed more like death ever lasting more and more. The decisions she had made, friends she hurt and love betrayed...how could she bring herself to harm family. "Luna...please don't make me choose." She said quietly. The life she had, royalty, love and peace. The life she might live....in fear for the coming storm. What did mother never tell them? As Celestia thought, she realized that the Lunar eclipse was tonight. With no understanding of a deeper meaning, she couldn't see how it affected them...yet the lack of understanding was also what was bring more questions to the table. Mother kept so many secrets to protect them when she passed, but something told her that Mother knew this would happen...but why not prevent it? Why let her children suffer? What if she couldn't bring herself to tell her only children that one day they might draw blood...? Would it come to that? The look in Luna's eyes was cold and unfeeling, no longer the caring and soft spoken sister she grew up with. This hungered for blood; this...thing was going to tear the world apart in its fury...and after another hour passed, she understood this fact. There was only one option, to either let her sister continue and pray she finds the light, or stop her...what ever the cost. Celestia decided to walk to the garden, when she opened the door the guards and maids all were forced back by a gentle push of a light barrier.All of them shouted questions, the captain was there as well...only looking at her with a gaze that cut deeper than any knife. _ _ The metal pony was a mere annoyance, Nightmare Moon did feel disgusted that she let herself lose control for a moment and attacked him with a much more wild nature that was bellow her. Regardless, the guards had not seen him or had the courage to investigate the noises that came though her room when the stallion struggled on the floor. Wintered Tail was bound by gleaming blue magic, gagged by a pillow case wrapped around his head. A light laugh escaped her when Tail let out a string of muffled curses, a pathetic way to pretend he still had a edge against her; she sat down and let out a chiding hush like a mother to a temperamental foal; resting her body against the ground so she would be eye level with him, an obvious panic setting over him... "Tis alright, little one." Tail was breathing heavily as he struggled again. Nightmare Moon looked at Acrylic again and smiled.. "Brothers...how cute...we had a sibling once, she will soon be no more. Once that is done, thou will be no more as well...and then Acrylic will join thee in the next life after a little more fun." Tail screamed against the gag in fury when she got back up. "A fitting end...a just end." Acrylic was still unconscious, the blood stopped by his captor so she could prolong his suffering yet... "Dad!" The voice make Nightmare Moon blink, whiping around to see a colt standing in the doorway. Anicent Tome knew the moment his father said he was going to the castle that something was wrong. Maybe he came to simply speak to his brother and try to mend the rift still; but the pained cries was all it took to send a horrifying message. Tome and Silent Hope followed to help...but now as the filly walked in and let her jaw hang at the sight....Luna finally felt the glass. The dream! Time stopped...it was like looking though a window, she could see and even feel what was happening...but why could she no longer move. Thou are mine.... The colt rushed past the frozen mare and tried yanking at the gag, getting it loose after a few moments just to be yanked up high by his neck. Nightmare Moon had a grin that put real fear into the metal pony's heart... "No! Please don't!" He shouted, pleading. Tome struggled, thankfully he was only being carried; Nightmare Moon walked over and guided the filly in, she was stuck paralyzed in fear, looking to her father to save them. "Well...I do hope that this will be our last interruption. I'm guessing that these are the two from the wedding...how cute..." Silent Hope backed up rapidly when the princess leaned down with a soft smile.. "And I don't think I got thy name, little foal." Leave her alone! "It's going to be okay, Hope!" The filly looked back at her father, attention quickly dragged back to the nightmare before her by a gently hoof. It felt like ice, like the blood in the princess's veins were no longer pumping. Hope strained against the touch but found herself unable to move...it was like her worst nightmare...trapped and unable to look away. "Hope...and what doth thou think of thy princess of the night? Do thou love her? Cherish her night...?" "Leave her alone!" Tome cried. Mustering up all the strength he could, he looked down and saw the fear on his sister's face...she needed him..they all needed him. The first spell he could think of bursting from him in a powerful blast of dark magic, Nightmare Moon looked back wide eyed when the blast caught her and threw her off the ground, sailing over Silent Hope and hitting her head against the wall...hard....bring the world around her to a halt. _ _ "Thou are so weak." Luna looked out into the darkness and saw nothing, the voice however, was everywhere. Looking around faster as panic set in, her memory was a complete blur; she came to realize she was in a dream...a massive burst of light blinded her...it looked like a doorway.. "But once I am free, I will no longer need thine pathetic powers. I will have my own..." Luna looked and saw the figure clear, the dark armor and venomous eyes glared into her and caused the panic to become pure fear. Suddenly she remembered every detail... The door was opened after the wedding...the pony...the thing convinced her to- The baby! "What have you done?!" Luna screamed. The spirit laughed and stepped forward, the doors shutting and light dimming once again; leaving Luna to look upon the ghostly image of...herself? With mane as black as ebony and eyes with piercing slits for pupils, it walked toward her slowly with a smile that seeped malice. Luna backed up, unable to understand what she was looking at; knowing full well that this...grim figure was not her...and yet it was. It began to frustrate her as the pony kept walking forward, the distance between them seeming great, even though the floor was made of blackness, she tried to step forward; seeking answers from one she felt...a betrayal from. Luna came to the horrifying realization that shadows clung to her, binding her to the ground,bits and pieces of her memory started to come into view...and when she looked down to confirm the binds made of pure darkness, she looked up to see that her doppelganger had closed the distance in a blink and smiled with nightmareish delight. "Hello, Lulu..." It said, creeping closer and forcing her to lean back. "Get away, demon spawn!" She shouted, only coming out as a whisper. It laughed and took a step back. "Thou has no voice in this place, and I am no demon spawn." "Then who art thou?" She mouthed, no sound escaping this time. "I have had many names...long forgotten in my prison, I am the darkness of the world, the moving shadows and living corruption....but to make it simple, call me, Nightmare Moon." The name echoed in the air, Luna started to panic and struggle against the darkness keeping her trapped; memories came back in bits. The door...when it was opened, the reflection came forth, speaking of a way to be loved; a way to be better than her sister. How could it end like...the child... Luna's thought's turned to her child...how could she be convinced to.... No...no, no how...HOW?! T...Thou killed my child! "No, dear princess..twas ye that killed him." Luna wanted to cry, or vomit in self disgust; she had left her own hate open the door to this demonic presence, What could she do anymore...? Trapped in the very prison that her subconscious created and by binds made of the dark actions influenced by this monstrosity now in control. It turned around, no longer needing to break down her will, and its time was soon; Acrylic or the metal pony might have escaped, but they were ants compared to what she was truly hunting, Luna was after petty revenge against a lover; Nightmare Moon was after a night more than a thousand years in the making. Once light shined down on the dark side of the moon, her power would be truly free, no longer a ghost dancing in the shadows and pulling the strings of a pitiful princess....she would be the most powerful force the world has ever known, more powerful than the All Mother herself. And when the doors to the light closed, Luna felt the darkness close around her and permanently leave her to fester in her own sins. _ _ Nightmare Moon woke up, Luna no longer under any illusion of grandeur and purpose, Nightmare Moon no longer needed to hide, the power from the moon was starting to free itself. Walked the halls of the darkened castle, Celestia raised the moon once again; irony, Luna would have torn apart a wall for that. Walking until she entered the court,its tapestries cast in a dark glow the moment she entered the room, Celestia was walking back from the garden when she found her standing atop the thrones, glaring down with hatred and fury. Now was the time to choose, to give in and keep her sister, or put an end to this before the last part of her family is lost to become a dark legend,spoken of in hushed tones and lore that puts fear in foal's hearts. Nightmare Moon stepped forward and remembered where it all started...the first light... "Did ye really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in thy precious light?!" The eclipse was happening, power flowed though her as it was freed from the dark side of the moon... "There can be only ONE princess in Equestria...and that princess...WILL BE ME!" Moonrise(Uncut version)Author's Note Warning: I never..ever have done something like this. The best way to describe it is the result of my idea of what Nightmare Moon is vs how Luna was broken down, it made NMM such a strong character, that she took my story from me. So if you are offended by blood, violence, sexual material or have a sensitivity to the material. Proceed with caution. You have been warned. I didn't want too. Im so sorry.(But im still proud of how well NMM turned out that she was independent enough to write her own part.) Moonrise(Uncut version) Remembering everything is a...difficult thing to do. Where do the lies begin? When do they stop? Perhaps they never ended at all; she tried to remember everything so she could put together what happened. A dream...then a fall...but what happened in the dream?! Why did she feel so powerless, even injured she could normally recall with crystal clear vision...yet that one spot refused to come into focus. Struggling to move, she found most of her body restained securely; she wanted to struggle more, but a soothing voice told her to lay still. A pin prick tapped her left leg and she winced. The voice told her that the pain was a good sign, she moved more to try and gage how secure she was...ankles tied with leather braces, arms held at her side with more straps and chect rising and falling against a set of leather tied to the bed. "Where am I...?" The voice came again, comforting and loving. "Ye are safe...doth thou remember how ye ended up like this?" "N-no..." The voice sounded like it was moving, she wished the bandages over her eyes would let her see who the voice was. It sounded feminine and very familiar...yet different. "Do thou remember thy name?" "....No." The voice put a hoof on her arm and loosened the straps a little to make her more comfortable. "Nightmare Moon, remember?" It sounded familiar...questions started racking up while the soft touch was lifted, she strained against thr bindings again in the false hope that the pony would return to her side. "No..wait..." The voice put a gentle hoof on her stomach, it calmed her down again and she began recalling more and more. Nightmare Moon...so many ponies called her that, it had to be her name. Celestia...she caused this, she put her in this state with her selfish actions. Then there was Acrylic...it was his fault, too; he pretended to love her...he used her. Nightmare Moon felt a little shame that she let such a pitiful stallion so deep into her heart, the touch lifted again and she felt strong enough to keep her composure. "I will watch over thee...but when the time comes, we will make them all pay." Nightmare Moon nodded slowly, whoever the voice belongs to was wise to know her vengeance would not go unanswered. Celestia will die the child she always was, Acrylic however...he needed to pay much more dearly. To fight with swords is honorable, to fight by toying with emotions and false promises...he needed to suffer. The doors opened and suddenly the room felt warm, the sound of hooves stoping dead after a few steps made her anxious until the male voice called out. "She is awake!" The male shouted as he rushed back out. Nightmare Moon remained calm, she knew an deceit was her only friend; first she needed to be free of these restraints, then she could start thinking of a way to get revenge...in fact...she already thought of a wonderful way to pay Acrylic back for the lesson he imparted. Don't trust anyone...everyone will hurt you in the end. It echoed in her mind until it became a motto, a way the future queen would rule her kingdom. Nightmare Moon held back a cool smile when she pictured ponies bowing before her...gryphons and even the lesser species all begging for mercy while the defiant ones like Celestia were erased from existence. A laughing fit broke though her will, a almost demonic cackle as she pulled against the restraints, the leather rubber her chest and arms, sending bolts of excitement though her body as she laughed... "Luna...Luna please stop this...." She stopped laughing. That was Celestia's voice this time, she remembered that an act was needed to get free. Normally a small exertion of magic would free her, yet it seems her injuries were cutting her off from the mystic power. So she had to play their game... "S-sister...what's happening to us?" She asked, mocking a terrified tone. "We can't see...please sister, we can't see!" Nightmare Moon began a false panic attack, thrashing and crying out in fear until a soft glow enveloped the bandages and lifted off her head. The light was blinding for a moment...but soon the visage of the betrayer was clear. Celestia stood by the door in the small room made of stone and marble, worry replaced by a certain disgust when the queen opened her eyes...like vipers seeking prey, they stuck to the sun goddess and looked at her with a hungry edge... "Sister...what happened?" Celestia wanted to believe the lie so much...just give in and accept it...but the look in Luna's eyes was feral. That though, was not her concern...it was what the doctor had found; a child...an unborn child that suffered for a crime it did not take part in. The doctor said that it was on the edge of death, and would more than likely pass in the coming days. Luna's lies had not only nearly costed her life, but cost the life of an innocent. How could she even begin to forgive Luna... Even the doctor's said that she was mentally ill, but she knew such things were below the goddesses...and yet...she still loved her. Luna was unwell, she lied for months and even nearly took her own life...but she was the last thing Celestia had. To lose her would be like reliving the horror of losing Discord, watching him burn a county in his fury and turn to madness; losing Luna would mean the end... "Luna...I'm so...." She felt water on her eyes well up and fall slowly. "I'm so sorry..." Celestia lowered her head and stood there, unable to make the decision she knew that had to be made. What could she do that would suffice? How can you punish an immortal goddess with power beyond mortal understanding...so she flicked the restraints with a wisp of magic and they snapped open; it was no longer her decision what happened to Luna, she couldn't bring herself to harm the one thing she loved. Nightmare Moon was stunned when the restraints were broken, seems Celestia was too much of a coward to deal with the problem herself... Always a selfish child... Just another reason she was to be queen, Celestia didn't understand how to make the difficult choices, she was weak. In reality, Nightmare Moon could just obliterate the petty child right now were it not for the injuries still cutting her magic. An annoyance, but minor. It just means that Acrylic can be the first to suffer for his actions. The dark mare got up from the bed and stepped down gracefully, walking around Celestia with no remorse, even spread her wings in a proud manner. "I thank thee..sweet sister." She mocked. Celestia sat down slowly and did the only thing she could do...let the tears flow; she wanted to be strong, she wanted to make her mother proud...but she failed. In Celestia's mind, nothing else mattered anymore, so she let the dark stranger pass and what let ever fate befall her. "Luna! Luna, tell me the child is well!" Pitiful. Acrylic was waiting outside her room, the stench of stress reeking off of him with the unpleasant smell of weakness. The stallion's eyes were bloodshot, evidence of his worthless tears. Nightmare Moon nearly vomited just looking at him. Instead of seeing it as a fault..she saw it as an opportunity. Looking down as if sullen, her face tuning to a heartbroken facade, Acrylic was so worried that he didn't even notice her jet black mane. Acrylic on took a step back in horror until she looked up and let put a lighthearted laugh, it chilled the stallion to the bone how heartless it sounded. Nightmare Moon stepped close to him, running a icy hoof down his confused face and laughed softly. "Oh come now, it was quite obvious that ye did not want a child." She chided. Acrylic was speechless, he saw the poisonous eyes and heard how cold the voice was..this was not the mare he fell in love with. Yet he didn't know how to explain it, suddenly she circled him like a predator and glared down at him with a haunting smile. The ideas of what she was about to do to him running over and over like her favorite play repeating itself. "We just did what we thought best, termination..." Nightmare Moon felt power return, once her mind had time to focus, it all returned. Once she was behind Acrylic again, she forced him into her room and slammed the door behind her, a dark smile growing on her face. Acrylic stumbled in and quickly began to panic, he looked at the balcony doors but even they shut and locked. Wintered Tail's words echoed again the moment he turned back around and saw the looming darkness with its threatening grin. "Darling...we want thee to call us, Nightmare Moon." She backed him up more until he bumped into the massive bed "Think of it as a play name...for the fun we're about to have." Acrylic Evenfall...he needed to suffer. Suffer for his insolence, for his betrayal, for his grave mistake...and what a better way than to toy with his feelings, and eye for an eye as some might say. The poor stallion was still speechless when his arms were bound by sheets controlled by her magic, dragged to the center of the bed and spread like a the vulnerable pervert he was from the start. Acrylic however....his mind was racing with confusion, fear and heartbreak; what happened that drove the love of his life down such a dark path, he fought against the sheets and finally found the strength to speak. "Stop this! Luna-" He shouted in vain. "Nightmare Moon! Thou will show respect to us." Acrylic struggled more until she jumped on the bed and hovered over him. "Stop. Moving." She commanded. Fear forced its way deep into his core, the way his love looked at him with overwhelming contempt yet keeping an almost murderous smile. Acrylic's heart raced as a blue light burned in the air over them and created a shard of glass...more deep blue crystal that hovered in the air ominously. "Luna-" He was silenced by another spell...it cut off his air. Acrylic cried out, muffled when the crystal suddenly bore into his arm with flesh tearing accuracy. The blade he had to guess was ten inches, nearly five stuck into him and nearly causing him to black out, Nightmare Moon leaned down and what was once normal...had become vicious and razor sharp fangs, a simple transformation spell that worked delightfully well when the pearly knives sunk into Acrylic's shoulder. The pain was overwhelming...overwhelming and causing him to twitch and writhe, she lifted her head again, blood pouring from the new holes and dripping from her fangs until they returned to normal. The shard remain in the new bloody pit it had created, lifting the spell and taking great pleasure hearing him cough and groan in agony, desperate for air and freedom..how ironic. All she wanted was freedom, the want burned into her soul and mind to create that battle cry. The Sun Will Fall...she physically shuttered just thinking of the phrase. Acrylic let out a rough word, unable to hear him though the agony in his voice, Nightmare Moon leaned down again and gave him an ear.. "What have..." He took a shaky breath."Where is my love..? Where is Luna?" That did make her laugh, and laugh hard; his last defense was keeping the act up. A hope that she might fall for him yet again and free him, neither which would happen. So she sat down on his exposed lap, grinning when his face flushed red and primal desire began to take his body away from him. "I am Nightmare Moon...my love. I now see that my old self was weak, I even fell for a hopeless, pervasive stallion such as thyself." Rocking her hips to only make the stallion suffer... "What is it my love..? I thought ye would only seek to lie with a princess. To just play her emotions and let her deal with thine mistakes." Acrylic whined quietly as a tear began to form, unable to stop his body from reacting anymore... "S-stop...I beg thee..." He said quietly... The crystal twisted and he let out a scream as blood gushed and even spotted Nightmare Moon once it was yanked out. Acrylic's suffering was delicious, it made her a lot more excited than she expected...but she only used that as more torture; the trapped stallion under her complete control. Now was the time to really have fun...maybe an hour..maybe two or three even...she would torture and tear at his body until she was satisfied, then a slow death would be the end for this chapter in her life. Nightmare Moon felt the stiffness wedge between her thighs and gave a grin when Acrylic flushed red. "Thee are still just a pervert..." Acrylic shook his head and breathed heavily, biting back any sound the moment she begins to toy with his stallion bits. Rubbing a hoof slowly down the length, tears dropping again before he let out a shaky gasp. "I refuse to believe...that thou was once my love. Luna...please I know that ye can hear me!" He shouted. That earned him a hard hoof wedged between his chin and chest, leaving him gasping for air. Nightmare Moon used that leverage to sit herself up, letting that flat tip press and nudge at her dripping azul lips... "Luna...Luna..." It sang...mocking his pain. "There is no more Luna, Luna is a figment of the past; she gave up after how poorly ponies like thee have treated her I am just here to settle that debt for her..." Nightmare Moon dropped down back on his lap easily, letting out a cool moan as she slipped. Acrylic wanted to stop himself...everything about this was wrong, down at the core of it, he was being used in some sick idea of revenge...but his body was responding on a different level. Acrylic couldn't stop the pleasured groan no matter how much he wanted too, it put another grin on her face.... "Can thou feel it...? The slow heartbeat that is soon to stop? Doth thou want to know something....interesting?" Acrylic gasped sharply when she began to grind her hips against his, the words weighed heavily on his heart...this thing was could not even be called mortal,this was a demon in flesh; uncaring, vulgar and sick..it disgusted and sent a tidal wave of guilt to his core, more tears fell against the bed. "The truth is, the child will be our vessel...a...backup plan if thou will. We simply needed to rid it of the life that it held so that we may use it." Acrylic realized what that meant...soon he felt something very strange enter his heart...despair. Not just depression or anger...but pure, hopeless despair. Acrylic wanted to tell her how much he loved her...just one last time before this monster would end his life, yet the lack of air was making it impossible to speak. Funny how the end makes one think...he thought about how he would have done as a father, what would he have named it or what would it even be? Colt? Filly? Even unicorn or even a god like the mother. None of it mattered, the child was poisoned by the demon, it would not be a child...but another monstrosity. The door was thrown open suddenly, and Acrylic felt his vision blur from the blood loss, yet the tough look and jet black mane was instantly recognizable...Wintered Tail. "Demon! Get off my brother!" Acrylic blacked out just as Luna leapt off the bed and tackled down his last hope... _ _ How did it come to this? Over and over she asked herself this question as she looked out over Canterot, the sun was still high in the air and it cast the bright glow on the city below; all those happy faces passing by, unaware of what darkness is creeping to the spotlight. Celestia ignored the knocks on her door, diplomats can wait, protesters or what ever nonsense that desired her attention cant take precedence over thought. Spending hours just thinking of the past and trying to find a rhyme or reason to the madness, it crossed her mind if Discord could somehow be responsible for this; the thought crushed when she began picking apart the flaws in such an idea. What was she to do? Luna needed to be examined, perhaps it was grief that had too much time to take a toll on her mind. They needed a doctor, physiologist or just time to work things out. Just the two of them with a few days to let everything out without duty or distractions to make the problems worse. But how could she stand up to her? It was family, the last family she has left in the world; 'living immortal' seemed more like death ever lasting more and more. The decisions she had made, friends she hurt and love betrayed...how could she bring herself to harm family. "Luna...please don't make me choose." She said quietly. The life she had, royalty, love and peace. The life she might live....in fear for the coming storm. What did mother never tell them? As Celestia thought, she realized that the Lunar eclipse was tonight. With no understanding of a deeper meaning, she couldn't see how it affected them...yet the lack of understanding was also what was bring more questions to the table. Mother kept so many secrets to protect them when she passed, but something told her that Mother knew this would happen...but why not prevent it? Why let her children suffer? What if she couldn't bring herself to tell her only children that one day they might draw blood...? Would it come to that? The look in Luna's eyes was cold and unfeeling, no longer the caring and soft spoken sister she grew up with. This hungered for blood; this...thing was going to tear the world apart in its fury...and after another hour passed, she understood this fact. There was only one option, to either let her sister continue and pray she finds the light, or stop her...what ever the cost. Celestia decided to walk to the garden, when she opened the door the guards and maids all were forced back by a gentle push of a light barrier.All of them shouted questions, the captain was there as well...only looking at her with a gaze that cut deeper than any knife. _ _ The metal pony was a mere annoyance, Nightmare Moon did feel disgusted that she let herself lose control for a moment and attacked him with a much more wild nature that was bellow her. Regardless, the guards had not seen him or had the courage to investigate the noises that came though her room when the stallion struggled on the floor. Wintered Tail was bound by gleaming blue magic, spikes of crystal jetted from his horn and cut any hope of an escape by magic. Gagged by a pillow case wrapped around his head. A light laugh escaped her when Tail let out a string of muffled curses, a pathetic way to pretend he still had a edge against her; she sat down and let out a chiding hush like a mother to a temperamental foal; resting her body against the ground so she would be eye level with him, an obvious panic setting over him... "Tis alright, little one." Tail was breathing heavily as he struggled again. Nightmare Moon looked at Acrylic again and smiled.. "Brothers...how cute...we had a sibling once, she will soon be no more. Once that is done, thou will be no more as well...and then Acrylic will join thee in the next life after a little more fun." Tail screamed against the gag in fury when she got back up. "A fitting end...a just end." Acrylic was still unconscious, the blood stopped by his captor so she could prolong his suffering yet... "Dad!" The voice make Nightmare Moon blink, whipping around to see a colt standing in the doorway. Ancient Tome knew the moment his father said he was going to the castle that something was wrong. Maybe he came to simply speak to his brother and try to mend the rift still; but the pained cries was all it took to send a horrifying message. Tome and Silent Hope followed to help...but now as the filly walked in and let her jaw hang at the sight....Luna finally felt the glass. The dream! Time stopped...it was like looking though a window, she could see and even feel what was happening...but why could she no longer move. Thou are mine.... The colt rushed past the frozen mare and tried yanking at the gag, getting it loose after a few moments just to be yanked up high by his neck. Nightmare Moon had a grin that put real fear into the metal pony's heart... "No! Please don't!" He shouted, pleading. Tome struggled, thankfully he was only being carried; Nightmare Moon walked over and guided the filly in, she was stuck paralyzed in fear, looking to her father to save them. "Well...I do hope that this will be our last interruption. I'm guessing that these are the two from the wedding...how cute..." Silent Hope backed up rapidly when the princess leaned down with a soft smile.. "And I don't think I got thy name, little foal." Leave her alone! "It's going to be okay, Hope!" The filly looked back at her father, attention quickly dragged back to the nightmare before her by a gently hoof. It felt like ice, like the blood in the princess's veins were no longer pumping. Hope strained against the touch but found herself unable to move...it was like her worst nightmare...trapped and unable to look away. "Hope...and what doth thou think of thy princess of the night? Do thou love her? Cherish her night...?" "Leave her alone!" Tome cried. Mustering up all the strength he could, he looked down and saw the fear on his sister's face...she needed him..they all needed him. The first spell he could think of bursting from him in a powerful blast of dark magic, Nightmare Moon looked back wide eyed when the blast caught her and threw her off the ground, sailing over Silent Hope and hitting her head against the wall...hard....bring the world around her to a halt. _ _ "Thou are so weak." Luna looked out into the darkness and saw nothing, the voice however, was everywhere. Looking around faster as panic set in, her memory was a complete blur; she came to realize she was in a dream...a massive burst of light blinded her...it looked like a doorway.. "But once I am free, I will no longer need thine pathetic powers. I will have my own..." Luna looked and saw the figure clear, the dark armor and venomous eyes glared into her and caused the panic to become pure fear. Suddenly she remembered every detail... The door was opened after the wedding...the pony...the thing convinced her to- The baby! "What have you done?!" Luna screamed. The spirit laughed and stepped forward, the doors shutting and light dimming once again; leaving Luna to look upon the ghostly image of...herself? With mane as black as ebony and eyes with piercing slits for pupils, it walked toward her slowly with a smile that seeped malice. Luna backed up, unable to understand what she was looking at; knowing full well that this...grim figure was not her...and yet it was. It began to frustrate her as the pony kept walking forward, the distance between them seeming great, even though the floor was made of blackness, she tried to step forward; seeking answers from one she felt...a betrayal from. Luna came to the horrifying realization that shadows clung to her, binding her to the ground,bits and pieces of her memory started to come into view...and when she looked down to confirm the binds made of pure darkness, she looked up to see that her doppelganger had closed the distance in a blink and smiled with nightmareish delight. "Hello, Lulu..." It said, creeping closer and forcing her to lean back. "Get away, demon spawn!" She shouted, only coming out as a whisper. It laughed and took a step back. "Thou has no voice in this place, and I am no demon spawn." "Then who art thou?" She mouthed, no sound escaping this time. "I have had many names...long forgotten in my prison, I am the darkness of the world, the moving shadows and living corruption....but to make it simple, call me, Nightmare Moon." The name echoed in the air, Luna started to panic and struggle against the darkness keeping her trapped; memories came back in bits. The door...when it was opened, the reflection came forth, speaking of a way to be loved; a way to be better than her sister. How could it end like...the child... Luna's thought's turned to her child...how could she be convinced to.... No...no, no how...HOW?! T...Thou killed my child! "No, dear princess..twas ye that killed him." Luna wanted to cry, or vomit in self disgust; she had left her own hate open the door to this demonic presence, What could she do anymore...? Trapped in the very prison that her subconscious created and by binds made of the dark actions influenced by this monstrosity now in control. It turned around, no longer needing to break down her will, and its time was soon; Acrylic or the metal pony might have escaped, but they were ants compared to what she was truly hunting, Luna was after petty revenge against a lover; Nightmare Moon was after a night more than a thousand years in the making. Once light shined down on the dark side of the moon, her power would be truly free, no longer a ghost dancing in the shadows and pulling the strings of a pitiful princess....she would be the most powerful force the world has ever known, more powerful than the All Mother herself. And when the doors to the light closed, Luna felt the darkness close around her and permanently leave her to fester in her own sins. _ _ Nightmare Moon woke up, Luna no longer under any illusion of grandeur and purpose, Nightmare Moon no longer needed to hide, the power from the moon was starting to free itself. Walked the halls of the darkened castle, Celestia raised the moon once again; irony, Luna would have torn apart a wall for that. Walking until she entered the court,its tapestries cast in a dark glow the moment she entered the room, Celestia was walking back from the garden when she found her standing atop the thrones, glaring down with hatred and fury. Now was the time to choose, to give in and keep her sister, or put an end to this before the last part of her family is lost to become a dark legend,spoken of in hushed tones and lore that puts fear in foal's hearts. Nightmare Moon stepped forward and remembered where it all started...the first light... "Did ye really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in thy precious light?!" The eclipse was happening, power flowed though her as it was freed from the dark side of the moon... "There can be only ONE princess in Equestria...and that princess...WILL BE ME!" Epilogue: The Midnight HourTime drifted by slowly...seems a thousand years can give one time to think if anything. All of the playing by the moment and hoping her next step would be the one that leads to victory was a waste. Careful planning is what she needed, and a thousand years is plenty of time to plan. Yet as the moon watched over Equestria, she felt a strange loneliness as the days turned into months, what was there to for but build a fortress out of the dust and rocks...and then what? Nightmare Moon spent one eternity on the moon already...but Luna felt more trapped in the endless expanse of space than she ever felt in her room back home. A soft kick startled Nightmare Moon out of her daydream, a cruel smile coming to her face when another wave of Luna's shame fed into the dark demon. Proof that a plan is the best course of action, Nightmare Moon used the one thing it could to take root on the world below...the child was empty after the fall...becoming the perfect form for the demon to find its way back. It didn't expect to meet resistance when rebuilding the child; but such petty ways were nothing once the presence had a foothold on the child. Luna pleaded for days, banging on the door to see her child. It was pathetic...she begged and begged like an animal for just one moment. Nightmare Moon still refused. "Any day now, sweetheart....and with you I will finally complete my vengeance and take down the sun." With the child, she could return with a force beyond the sun goddess's comprehension. A thousand years to mold the perfect soldier, with god like strength and wits beyond match...Nightmare Moon would not only have her revenge...but she would destroy the good name of the cursed All Mother's blood line. To let it become just as mortal as it once was until Luna remains the last true daughter of a goddess; and then...a simple slit of the wrist would be the victory she desired. Another kick...Nightmare Moon laughed coldly. "Thee will be the greatest murderer the world has ever seen..." Luna screamed behind the doors, making the demon laugh wickedly. Luna would never be free, eventually she would wither down to a shell and fade out of existence, leaving just Nightmare Moon. _ _ This is MY child! Thy chose this fate!!! The new mother was standing over her foal...it slept against the cold surface of the moon while its mother was raging a war inside to do the only thing she could to save it. Luna fought and tore at her prison, she would do anything to see her foal...she didn't even know what it looked like yet, and nothing would keep her from having one last moment.... "Do...not....fight me anymore!" Nightmare Moon shouted into space. Luna and Nightmare Moon screamed into the black sky, all the darkness rushing though her body, the demonic presence forced out of control and brought to one part of her mind and sealed away in a dream. Luna gasped sharply when she brought her head down again, the joy of having her body back nothing compared to what she saw on the ground, curled up, hugging its tiny tail and small enough to fit in her hoof....a colt. A tiny colt with a horn on his head hidden mostly under a fluffy jet black mane streaked by a white strip, the noise had caused it to stir in its sleep, it made Luna worry that such a loud noise did so little to the colt...normally it would be crying after such a jarring noise. Instead it looked up at its mother with a bright smile, opening its eyes and taking its first look at the world...that's when Luna's heart sunk so far. One eye was as pale as snow, the right the only one with a dark blue color. The fall had damaged him beyond repair...permanently scared by the dark touch of Nightmare Moon, Luna felt the demon slowly breaking down its prison, she had no time to waste. The colt let out a quick laugh when it was picked up by a soft blue glow, outstretching his arms and expecting a warm embrace with his mother...looking questioningly when Luna only started with longing sadness. "The moment between a new day and the darkest night...goodbye, Midnight...." The exile was her's, not the child's; with a simple spell, the foal was wrapped safely in a blanket made of the finest enchanted silk and in a flash...he was gone. Luna had her strength for a few more moments, she sighed deeply and looked down at the world below, all of the life looked upon her but never knew she was there. How could she find forgiveness...how could Acrylic ever speak fondly of her to the child...will she just be a horror story? I will be the most powerful tyrant Equestria has ever seen.... With or without the child, she would have her revenge. The All Mother would see her children shred each other to pieces from that all mighty roost she perched upon in the life after. Just a thousand years...a thousand years trapped in her own mind. Luna felt Nightmare Moon regain control, she felt it come back full force...so she closed her eyes...and fell asleep. Escape into the dream realm so she can weather this storm in peace, and keep her mind in tact as the ages pass. Today is my day...Celestia will fall........usher the coming storm. Author's Note I actually cried at the end of this. My first character, the one that got me into writing and my gem of creativeness....as a little fooooal.. ;O; My half blind mentally unstable foal... He's so widdle and cute in my head D'X The Secrets OutThe princess of the night never slept that day...torn between indecision and anxiety about the night before. Even though her eyes were heavy, her mind was running a marathon of questions that only time would answer. Of course in her state, time was dragging out every second to torment her. Celestia knew something was bothering her sister more than ever, she stood outside the door, silence getting heavier by the second. Even now ponies searched the hallways trying to find the princess of the sun, meaning if she didn't find the courage to speak now; she night not get the time later... "Ah but tis a problem of blood that takes the mind of gods away from duties faster than us mortals can understand." Celestia jumped at the soft voice, turning around as gracefully as she could to hide her inner turmoil, holding her head high and smiling softly. "Hello friend..." The pony blinked his weary looking eyes and gave the princess a suspicious look... "All ye need it to take thine first steps...words shall not fail ye in such a troubled time." He said with a comforting smile. Such a simple idea...but even now his words were wise, all time wasting thinking of what to say when all she had to do was say what her heart told her. This was family, and her only sister; something that Celestia would rather give her life than lose. "I shall guard the door and send any guards away for as long as ye need." As he spoke, voices started coming from the hallway and soon guards would turn the stone corner and spot the princess. Celestia looked back down and sighed out the anxiety. "I thank thee...old friend." With that she pushed open the door with a small push of magic and shut it behind her, loud voices calling just as it shut. "Wait, Starswr-!" The door clicked shut... guard voices muffled. Hopefully the unicorn could muster up a good lie with that vast pool of knowledge he could call upon. Celestia pushed the outside world out of her mind and turned around, feeling her heart skip a beat when she saw her sister staring out the window...mane a infinitely beautiful but somber looking black; gleaming lights like stars flowing quietly in the air. Luna's tail was the same strange color until she turned around and gave a warm smile, coloring flowing back to the normal blue...leaving Celestia speechless... "Sister...?" Luna said quietly. Celestia cleared her throat and put that for a question for later. Though hopefully it was just her sister experimenting with her look with magic...strange as it would be. "Hello, Lulu...I need to ask you a question, and I need a straight answer." Luna tilted her head slightly and nearly lost the calm look when her nickname was used. Celestia knew what was happening..or at least had an idea. Luna lowered her head and after thought...she couldn't keep the emotions inside. Looking back up and eyes glaring down Celestia with a strange hate... "I do not like being used...sister." Celestia's eyes widened and she had to take a step back in shock, jaw dropping a little even. The idea was so ludicrous that were it not for Luna's gaze, Celestia would think the statement a joke. "I...I'm sorry?" Celestia said quietly... "I can not believe! You would use mother's promise to force me to lower the moon." Luna said with a slowly raising voice. Celestia was still floored by her sister's words, Luna was shy and quick to take offense but this was a new level that Celestia had never seen; she almost managed to counter the argument but Luna cut her off again. "Ye have the honor of controlling every part of Equestria's rebuilding, every governor answers to thee and the guard will die at thine command...but all I get is raising the moon that ponies sleep though anyway?!" Luna stomped her hoof, shaking the books on the shelf and sending a strong current of ice cold wind though the room. Celestia felt tears start to build up...the one thing her mother asked was to keep Luna happy, to love her as a sister should and be there to comfort her. Now Luna stood the the shadows of her room glaring down at her own blood with a dark hatred... "Do thee even need my help?" Luna said flatly. "I bet the favorite child could raise the sun and the moon by herself!" Celestia's eyes broke wide and memories came flooding back... Two tiny fillies bickering constantly and while Luna had her moments, you would be a fool to say Celestia had a equal field with her sister...but that was the purpose of mother's lectures on both of their duties! A way to see that they were both equal; but it was the leadership that Celestia was forced into that made it easy to see Luna in the shadow of her regal sister... "Has that vast vocabulary failed ye finally?" Luna said just to add insult to injury... That's when she knew she went too far...Luna saw the water in her sister's eyes and confusion in her shaking demeanor. Luna struck something deep, while she still stood behind her position; it was impossible to sit back and watch her only family suffer... "W-wait...Tia please don't be upset...I-I took it too far..." Luna said as her eyes started to water. Celestia lowered her head and took a deep but fast breath to calm herself. Knowing this was what she was after, the problem that was causing friction was a simple one born of bitter memories and natural insecurities. Which means it was reparable. "I understand what thou mean, Lulu...thou hath every right to be cross with me. I swear I shall move heaven and earth to make sure you have a say in what happens in Equestria. After all, it should be both our decisions...tis what mother would've wanted." Celestia said somberly, looking back up and smiling wearily. Luna was taken aback by the sudden change in her sister, as if she expected this kind of out lash...maybe it was that she still did not know of her deeper feelings...but now would be the time to ask! "I thank thee, Tia...my mind is at rest once again getting that off my chest. I am sorry that I was so harsh." Celestia nodded in understanding and turned for the door once again, talking of how to fix the courts to better suit them both and how fast she would make the changer. Though Luna didn't hear a word of it, mind a buzz with how to present her question until Celestia grabbed the door; shouting out the first thing that came to mind. "Sister! Thou...had a love before...right?" Luna asked like she was trying to avoid a landmine.. Celestia stopped her hoof inches from the door and bit back a bitter retort, the voice returning to her as always Is it...wrong...that I love you..so much? Echoed in her mind like a recording. The last memory of her special somepony. "Yes...." She said quietly. "But I was wrong, mother showed me why love is a horrible thing for us. For ye know why we can not love..." Luna felt her hopes plummet; the only thing Celestia could mean is an alicorns god like longevity. To love is to just cause more pain when your love dies and you must continue for centuries after. "Are you in love...sister..?" Celestia asked just as softly. Luna looked back up and wanted to answer, but the pained look on Celestia's face put a cold shiver down the moon god's spine...the light violet eyes lacked the normal luster they would have and the snow white coat her sister was known for was somehow darker and somber looking. Celestia opened the door and stepped out without a word and Luna was certain her next stop would be the royal garden to clear her thoughts as she always did when the stress mounted to be too much. How could love cause so much pain...to fall apart at the mere mention of a past love is something you only read about. Celestia had to have been over reacting for some reason...its just not possible for something that fills the princess of the moon with so much odd joy for it to consume the princess of the sun with so much pain. "Why can't you come back...show us what we are doing wrong..." Luna said quietly as the curtains in her window finally fell from their hooks with a breeze of willpower and darkness enclosed the young princess in comforting shadow. Author's Note I may have rushed this one but I sure as hell like it, trouble bubbles to the surface for a moment and Luna is starting to get confidant in her feelings for Acrylic. Which means it wont be long before she throws caution to the wind and goes with her heart! dun- na-na-naaaaaa~~ annnd then tragedy! *evil laughter* Hope you enjoy another chapter and Happy festivmas Epilogue Part 2: We All Find A Way to Move OnTen years...ten years since that night, love lost to darkness, child lost to madness and will broken. They say insanity is only in the mind...a humorous saying...but I somehow found a way to beat it and continue on, so perhaps it has some truth. Or perhaps it was that morning...when I heard the crying; a foal lying on the ground by the Midnight Lake wrapped in a cloth that I can only describe as other worldly. Eye as pale as snow and a resemblance that made me shutter when I first saw him, how he was alive and how he was there was a mystery I would happily live without solving..for I had a son...a living, breathing son that filled my old home with laughter and adventure. Celestia hunts me...and my son....she wants to question me, and take the child; her eyes held a dark malice that spoke of the scars she gained banishing her sister...I would rather die than see my son taken prisoner by her. My story is a long, but an exciting one...it starts when I was but a young adult wandering the streets of a hallow city in search of food- "Dad?" Acrylic shook his head slowly over the typewriter and blinked slowly, eyes heavy from the lack of sleep, he turned to look down at the young colt and ruffed his black mane a little; getting a goofy smile in return. "Thanks, I was getting too into my writing, again?" He said with a gravely tone from the lack of water. The colt nodded and leaned his neck to try and see what his father was writing. "Sooo...I was wondering if we could do more magic lessons..." He asked cautiously. The less visible damage the colt suffered was of a mental kind. Control of power comes from a part of the mind that allowed focus and clarity, a mental awareness of limits and resources. The colt had no idea of what his limits were and how to differentiate between lifting a feather and throwing a lead weight. So Acrylic decided to take his mind out of the melancholia to spend time with his colt. "Why not." He said as he got out of the chair and watched the gleam in his son's eye as he jumped back, ready to watch. "Remember the three key factors....Control, Item and Strength. If thou feels ye can't control it, don't try; if thou can not get a physical idea of what the item is, don't influence it. If ye can't extend thyself and not inflict harm...do not over extend thyself." Acrylic looked around and brought over a small music box from his nightstand, wrapped in grey magic until it came to a stop on the ground. The doctor suggested using items of value to improve his son's connection to what he was controlling and in turn, influence a stronger and more stable magical connection. "I know dad...i'll be careful..." The child said timidly. The colt took a deep breath and closed his eyes after studying the object. A few more moments and it was wrapped in a blue cloud, the box shook momentarily but soon it lifted in the air with a gentle lift; the spell holding..if shaky. The sign of progress made Acrylic smile...genuinely smile with pride. "Good....just take it slow." He said, just barely containing his excitement. The box lifted high enough to reach eye level with the old stallion. It started shaking a little more and the magic field became unstable... "Easy...relax." "I'm.....trying..." The colt said, sweat starting to roll down his head. The music box shook harder and threatened to fly free of his control....just a moment longer...his son always pleaded for just a moment longer to have a chance to learn. Acrylic let him have the moment just to learn, taking a step back and watching carefully. The box shook harder and suddenly shot up in the air, slamming back down into the ground when the colt realized what was happening and tried to compensate...the music box shattered into a thousand pieces. They both reeled back from the shards of a memory formed many years ago... "Midnight..." Acrylic said after a silence... The water starting to form in his eyes...all the stories his father told him when the dark of the night prevented sleep, all accompanied by the gentle tunes of the music box that he had grown to love; grown to even associate all stories about his mother to the box...all gone. Midnight sat down with a heavy thud and started sniffling... "Midnight...please, don't cry." Acrylic said softly, trying to sooth the child as best he can. It was futile, Midnight started sobbing quietly. In his mind, he just destroyed the only connection he had to his mother...how does one comfort when it's impossible to understand..? Acrylic never had a family, there was no half memory or even a hopeful relic of times forgotten. Midnight had hope..he had a light...and by his hoof, it was gone. Acrylic walked calmly to the colt and opened his arms, not even getting halfway down before the colt rushed him and dropped him to his flank; burying his head in his fathers fur and crying helplessly. Acrylic was never ready for this;never ready to take on this responsibility alone, this heartache and pain...he let a horrible decision by some doctor cause this. "It is okay...I'm sorry for making you use the box..." "I'm sorry for being u-" He hiccuped and let out another sob. "Useless!" He cried in self-hatred. Acrylic leaned back and tilted the colt's head up gently. "Thou are not useless...my son...my only son...and my family. Thy will do great things one day, like thine mother..and even if she is not here; she will always watch over us from the moon. Luna will protect ye." The colt looked at the ground absently and sniffled... "W...when will she come back..?" he asked bitterly. Acrylic looked up at the sun beaming though his second floor window and sighed heavily. "I don't know...." Acrylic looked in the sky a little longer until he started humming the tune of the music box. Quiet and comforting as he hugged his son a little tighter, the paint on his hooves leaving marks of their own on Midnight's body. The gentile notes made them both relax and fall into the lul of its song, words echoing as they always did in both their minds. Is for my love....to show me.....how to truly live. Author's Note Ack....the feels... Crying a little Just a bit... But the sequel is finally (super close) to being ready. So in the mean time I wanted to bridge a gap and show what happened a little bit after the events of Moonrise. Once the sequel IS ready, i'll be posting a blog on it so everyone that previously favd this can get the update without a hassle.
Another Quiet Night Another Quiet Night In the beginning, there was chaos. Unhindered and uncontrollable chaos that plunged the world into darkness, the fires never ceased and His rage tore apart nations. Crops were but ash floating in the wind, water fouled by his hatred and air poisoned by his greed. Yet it was His heart, the blackened heart of a god, that plunged into the most shattering chaos. The All Mother, the one who birthed the first light in the darkness; in her grace and strength, stood against His rule; but in time...she fell. For years, chaos was the only reality the world knew...until two lights, flickering in the darkness...became a blaze that swept the nations, destroying everything He built and mending the things He tore down. It was the children of the All Mother, two sisters born of immeasurable power, gifted from a world beyond ours....The power gifted from the very sun and moon. Celestia, with her mothers grace and intelligence..and unspeakable beauty. Luna, wrath given the form of disarming mystique and artful cunning. They alone were unable to overthrow the mad god...His cowardice kept Him in power long enough to undo the efforts of the Sisters. Until they found the last relic of their Mother's grand creation. The Elements of Harmony. In these relics lie the things the world was deprived: Loyalty, when the mad god abandons all; kindness where there was none left, honesty, laughter.. all the emotions and feelings He repressed to keep his rule...all unleashed on one fateful day. Now the mad god lies trapped in stone, Chaos never to rise again so long as the Harmony is kept in the world. Years drift by, the world rebuilds around their new goddesses. Each given higher status for their deeds, Celestia quickly falls into her new position of power and leads her people to the light of day; full of infectious hope and love. Luna however, steps aside to let her sister take on the task..for she is far too humble to seek such responsibility or praise. But the sisters have grown apart...decades pass like water though a stream and yet something is eating at the younger...the darker sister's mind. She realizes that she is but a shadow compared to her sister......thoughts of inferior nature take root, turning into bitter hate as the years pass...and now we come to a cross road. The Harmony is wavering, and yet while the mad god lies trapped...how long will He remain in stone, should the harmony be broken... Or is there another threat hiding on the dark side of the moon... _ _ Chapter One: Another Quiet Night The sun had set on another day of politics, policies and new politicians biding for good favor. All the same faces begging with fancy gifts and a silver tongue for Princess Celestia to lend an ear to their own ploys of plight and trouble, even though the dark times were long over. Princess Luna stood on a balcony looking east and closed her eyes; her horn lit up blue and the wind around here created cyclones of leaves and dust as the ground around her withstood the force she was exerting. The world was dark for mere seconds until the moon broke the horizon, rising silently in the night and stars coming into view as the sun grew farther away. Time passed without the princess noticing, her full focus on the task at hand until the moon was high in the sky shining beautifully to light the night in calm and cool, majestic light. Luna opened her eyes and a bright light in them faded until her normal light blue eyes remained. Looking up at the glistening sky with pride...but lowering her head when the she remembered... Why doth they fear the night... A question the princess constantly asked herself, she wished the answer was simple but she knew it was something deep down that nopony wanted to answer her. "Sister?" Princess Celestia asked, Luna didn't hear her enter the room, but she turned around and put on a soft smile. "Sleep for now, I shall guard the night as I always have and always will." Celestia smiled and walked to her younger sister. "I know thee will. I only hoped to wish you a goodnight." Luna sighed and nodded to dismiss Celestia, turning back around and staring out into the starlit void of the night sky. Celestia knew something was bothering her sister, but Luna lived such a solitary life; she was unsure how to approach the princess of the night about her growing concerns. "Sister...is there something plaguing thee?" Luna looked back but didn't bother to turn around, soon enough her sister would leave to sleep away the beautiful night. "Not at all, go ahead and rest. I will be fine here." Celestia still looked worried but reassured by Luna's words; it was enough to put her mind as ease and for now...she departed, closing the door behind her and leaving the princess of night alone with her thoughts. Luna looked up and started finding stars again; picking out large bright ones and small dim lights and giving them names if they already didn't have ones. "Hello, Vigil." A star close to the moon, not bright or impressive compared to the others but it was the first she named back when she was just a child, star gazing with her mother. Of course no answer returned, but she found it comforting to be able to talk to something she could consider a friend. "The gentlecolt from the eastern town came by again, he demanded to be seen by my sister...she forced him to wait two hours until she approached him just to turn him away when it was talk of money..." Luna sat down, staring at the star and managing a small smile... "He was so furious that the guards were forced to throw him out." She laughed quietly, remember the representatives face when his flank hit the ground and he crashed into an angry mare passing by. Luna looked back down at the ground and tapped her hoof quietly to her favorite song...a piano number written after the fall of the evil of the world that was soft, somber and calm but the pace could change depending on how you want to remember it; perfect for the princess and she even quietly sung the words under her breath. Another cold night alone...the world is crashing around me... Her hoof tapped harder as the beat picked up and she smiled a bit brighter when the words filled her soul with a strange peace. The lies of a god, and the truths of the wicked...show me a life not worth living... Luna felt her heart pick up with the beat; soft drums echoed in her mind and gentle wind flowed across the balcony... The cities are burning...and the mad god gazing on his destruction...playing a sad song for those still running.. Luna spread her wings and took off from the balcony, flying into the night sky with speed in her heart when she heard the cello and violins chime in. Speeding up the pace of the song and sending the beat reverberating in her body. "And the great queen lies shattered! And the children stand screaming...for a hope long forgotten...and a dream worth dreaming!" Luna passed though the clouds, spinning to send the dense veil around her body like water frozen in time once she left the thick mist. Luna heard the choir echoing in the sky and she hung onto the last lyric until she leveled out. "You won't see...a fool like me, rushing into battle...Thy fortune is not mine, nor fight ours to win..." Her tone turned quiet and the song slowed down for the last part, the part she always forgot about... "And all I need for this chaos to end...is my love to show me how to truly live..." _ _ Deep in a forest, far off the beaten path and only illuminated by the moonlight shining down and the fireflies that spotted the clearing. A lone stallion was waking in a clearing with a full saddle bag, the weight was not that much but to the thin framed stallion, it was an effort. He found his spot and dropped the bag, putting on a dirty old smock and looking out at the meadow to find a muse. The painter perked his head up when he heard an echo...somepony was singing. He set the canvas down as he looked up to listen... "Is my love to show me how to truly live..." The voice was full of sadness, floating though the sky and carried on the wind. The tune was unfamiliar to him, but the voice was stunning. Grabbing the canvas and easel from his bags he tried to hang on to the voice as he prepared the paints and began giving vision to the beautiful melody that echoed in his mind. Inspiration was calling his name, and as the dark blues and heavy greens flowed onto the canvas, he started losing track of where he began; painting and creating though the night. "Milady...thy voice was as cold as a winters night and sorrowful as a mother who hath lost her foal....How is it thee could sound so beautiful and yet heartbroken? Acrylic Evenfall picked up more colors from his bag and worked faster, the memory starting to blur as time went on. Working in the bright lights of the lightning bugs and doing his best to create an image to the voice he felt so much inspiration from. "Acrylic lad...thou are in love with a voice in the sky...Or perhaps in thine head." He laughed and kept working though the night on the canvas. Thinking about how long it will be before he hears the voice from the heavens again. His hooves were stained by paints and smock hanging off his side, custom made and self stitched to stay out of his way when he got carried away with the brushes. The moon hung in the air and a cloud move out of the way to illuminate the meadow completely; his emerald eyes sparkled in the night and ashen coat specked with paint when he clumsily dug into the smock pocket for more colors. The brush waved in the air blanked in dark green magic; and he laughed quickly when an idea for an image struck him. Acrylic made a few adjustments and brought in more light to bring a natural spotlight on the center of the meadow, a mare cloaked in darkness and a dark hood obscuring her features took the center of the painting, singing into the sky and he noticed a tear running down her face. A second small brush was in the air with the aqua color wrapped in green magic. Painting is a hobby for some but for Acrylic Evenfall...it was second nature, he even found himself painting things in his works that he never knew he added. Something in the back of his mind knowing how to add just that small detail that makes a work pop. "I hope I can lower the cowl off thy head someday..." _ _ Luna returned to the castle in Canterlot after a little longer clearing her head in the sky. Landing with practiced grace on the balcony and walking slowly out of her room and down the near empty halls, a guard passing by occasionally and avoiding eye contact with the princess. Luna walked far into the castle, until she found herself outside of a room that her sister planned on having as a 'Room of Reflection'. Nothing but stain glass deceptions of history; it was a sound idea but Luna did not care for the past... Walking quietly back to her room and going back to star gazing, not feeling any fatigue from the flight or the late hour. Simply watching the sky and trying to find a reason to open her mind to the dreams to ward off nightmares of the ponies below who shunned her night... "There is no point, is there, Vigil?" Who cared if somepony had a bad dream, her life was a walking nightmare of solitude. Nopony ever came to rescue her... The only comfort she found was in recalling melodies to sooth her mind and books to distract herself with during the nights. Luna was humming to herself for the rest of the night, flipping though books and enjoying an adventurous tale of a knight and dragon... Hoofsteps came from the hallway and she closed the book,laying it on her bed and standing back up to look like she kept her promise to that watchful. Staring out into the night in the doorway of the balcony until a soft voice addressed her. "It is nearly time again, sister." Celestia yawned and fixed her mane a little, the light pink flowing mess, knotted with bedhead. Luna turned around to greet her but held back a startled laugh. "Oh do not laugh! I want to raise the sun before the shower so I have time to fix this mess." Luna couldn't help but let a boisterous laugh escape her; Celestia let out a suffered sigh and walked past her struggling sister. Celestia's horn lit up and the moon was sinking back into the horizon; just as the last light of the moon vanished the bright sunrise broke the horizon. A soft wind picked up from her sisters immeasurable power exerted in raising the sun and noise below started to pick up as the citizens awakened to bask in the suns warmth... Luna sighed quietly and waited, once the sun was in the sky and Celestia could relax, she immediately tried to get her out of the room so she could sleep. "And with that, I wish to bid you another fine morning...now I doth apologize but I must ask thee to leave a little hastily today, I seek to rest my weary eyes as soon as time permits..." Celestia nodded understandingly and stepped out, the door shut behind her, and Luna was left to watch the curtains glow in a blue swirl; shutting with a small exertion of magic. The room fell into darkness and Luna climbed onto the large bed. Dense covers and soft sheets welcomed her with open arms; she fell asleep thinking back to the adventurous hero of the book, how other praised him for his good deeds and the dragon that hung over his head waiting to breath its flurry of blaze and lava as soon as he lowers his guard... Author's Note A story I began three years ago with a single idea. This is for lack of a better idea...the great setup. While I enjoy the idea of this story I have no idea what's going to happen. I have a beginning a middle and an end...and doesn't that frighten me to death. I hope you enjoy a different look at the history of The Rise of Nightmare Moon. Sorry if the singing sounds bland but try and work with me here ^~^;;
Yet Who Still Dreams of TheeA bird flew into the open window and fluttered around the sleeping form under the covers, singing happily and dancing in the air before settling down on the oak backboard of the bed, tilting its head curiously until a loud yawn scares the bird into a panicked flight back outside. It was nearly midday when Acrylic Evenfall woke up in his bed, the canvas from last night drying in his Still Room. Acrylic was proud of his home, two stories made completely of the trees that surrounded him, books lined shelves in his room on the second floor and the bright afternoon sunlight shone though the window by his bed. Evenfall didn't bother fixing his mane in any style, letting it look more like a spiky mess that draped to the side of his neck than the well trimmed look he had in his youth. Sliding off the bed and kicking aside a discarded coffee cup on the ground; the birds sung in the air and a soft wind blew a few leaves in the window. It wasn't impressive, clean or extravagant...but it was his home, and in his mind, that was just what it needed to be. Acrylic ignored the ever growing mess and walked downstairs, looking around to make sure everything was still in place and checking the door on the far side of the room to make sure it was locked. The drying room was something he never liked entering unless he had to, lest he find something amiss in a still drying painting and ruin it with his compulsive nature... Picking up a small bag on the stand by the door and slinging it over his back, he turned around and bucked the door open to tear though and let the door shut on its own as he ran though the forest. It was all a green blur as he ran, the cool wind blowing his mane back; skipping over roots and hopping ditches until he broke free into the open air overlooking a small settlement. "One must wonder just what song thee rang in the night sky, perhaps tis a verse of opera..." Walking calmly down the hill and heart set on finding that song so he could have a lead on who the voice belonged to. It sounded too somber to be typical music for this age of peace. The settlement was busy with happy life, loud vendors and..interesting smells. Acrylics nose hit the air and the heavenly smell of sweet rolls broke though the dirt and grime. Following his stomach rather than his mission he worked his way to a small wagon set up as a bakery, fresh sweet rolls and loafs of bread sat out on a counter with a bright eyed filly standing behind it; he let out a quick laugh and stepped up to the wood shelf. "Morning, sir, My maw just made these, they're really good!" Sure enough a older looking mare came out of the wagon with a tray, setting it down to take up the last spot on the counter and smiling brightly. "Little ones right, fresh out the oven and the best in the west." The mares vernacular was indeed from a pony that lived far west, not like what he was used to but it was definitely friendly..and the smell of the food was making his mouth water. " Are thou feeling alright, sir?" "Absolutely! How much are a dozen of the rolls?" The filly snickered and the mare walked back in the cart while and answering back. "Twelve bits, ye from Canterlot, sir?" Acrylic raised a questing brow... "Yes...is it that obvious?" The mare walked back out with a box of sweet smelling rolls, his eyes locked on to it and he reached into his bag to fish out the bits. "Thee might not be as snooty but I can hear it in thine voice." The mare said in a friendly and a little humors manner. Acrylic suddenly remembered his goal and put the bits on the counter, the filly took them eagerly and stuffed them in a pouch. The sweet rolls tempted to take his attention again but he did his best to ignore the arguments of his stomach. "I don't suppose ye have been to Canterlot recently?" "About a month ago, why?" Acrylic thought about how to ask, going off of one sentence in a whole song was near impossible if you don't know just where to look. Even then it might come down to a trip back to the great city of Canterlot and finding a composer to answer his burning question. "Did thee visit a concert hall, I need help remembering an old song..." The filly piped up on that one, she jumped back and forth eager to help. "Me, I did! I snuck into this place that played lots of music!" The mare rolled her eyes and the filly remembered that technicality a few rules might have been broken... Luck just might be on my side. "They uh...well what kinda song do ye need to find?" "Doth thou remember the words 'is my love to show me how to truly live.' do thee?" The mare sighed wistfully, no doubt the words recalled memories while the filly just looked confused. The mare patted her foal on the head and laughed a little, Acrylic felt his heart drop but it was not completely unexpected. "No my dear, I don't think we're familiar with that one." Acrylic nodded in thanks and picked up the box, storing it in his pouch haphazardly. The town was no help in his search the rest of the afternoon, he searched high and low for anypony with information but it was to no avail. There simply wasn't enough to go off of and all his effort earned him was a new set of paints to replace the ones from last night and a box full of rolls. The sun blazed high in the sky and it was well into the afternoon when Acrylic gave up the search; returning defeated back home and forgetting about the box in his bag, he just tosses it on the table and ascends the stairs slowly. "I guess my answers lie in Canterlot...still..." Acrylic slumped on the bed and let out a long sigh; Canterlot was his home for most of his childhood, the tall towers and wealthy estates made him feel like an outsider at all times. Poor orphan colt stuck in the grand city with no place to call home, he was lucky to finally make it out and earn enough bits to live far way from the mess of the illustrious city. The soft breeze helped calm his mind and soon the sheet hung to the side of the window was pulled loose by a small flick of his dark green magic; blanketing the room in darkness and allowing him a rather peaceful sleep. Acrylic worked out a plan in his head, first thing in the morning he would board a train and meet up with an old friend for tea and hopefully the contact in Canterlot would have more information... "I will find thee, milady...somehow..." _ _ Luna looked up at the night for what felt like hours, the dark shadows and dull moonlight cast somber shadows in the dim room. Fireflies floated down below tonight and Luna occasionally took her attention off the sky to stare at the dancing lights below; it was another long night and thankfully it was almost over. "Five more hours..." Luna sighed quietly and started thinking about the knight again...how his greatest challenge was facing the dragon and yet part of the challenge was bitter defeat, forcing the hero to strengthen his resolve and perhaps even...A song suddenly snapped the princess out of her thought,it was a deep echo into the night sky... "No...that is not right..." The song was from a dream; it was quiet but it somehow called out to her. Luna stood up and closed her eyes, focusing on the voice and letting her mind meld with the night sky, feeling non existent until a lush forest surrounded her. The night moon lit up a wide clearing and more lightning bugs floated gently in the air; a pony casted in far to much shadow was humming into the air...It was excitement for the first time in ages and impatience was winning slowly over her demure nature. It was bad luck that the song was over when Luna arrived but she was certain this was the right dream. Soon the pony in the shadows was joined by a figured wrapped in mist; the figure was cloaked but defining details like wings stood out under the dense shadowy cloak. Acrylic reached for the hood of the cloak but when he touched it the figure faded into mist around his hoof; a single tear hitting the ground as a haunting voice froze the princess where she stood. The figure looked up to the sky, body erupting in fireflies from the hooves and traveling up the cloak, lighting up the dark meadow. "Is for my love to show me....how to truly live..." It was the song from yesterday, not only was somepony calling on the princess of the night..it was an admirer. Every day her sister had to deal overzealous stallions and far too confident romancers but Luna was left in the shadow of fear and distance. Luna waited a bit longer but the pony simply gazed at the impossibly beautiful moon hanging in the sky between the clouds and the stars; the dream faded around her and within moments the cool air and gentle breeze of her balcony filled her world. Luna's breathing was soft and it echoed in the silent night, her heart was racing with a curious excitement. For the first time in far too long a genuine smile was stuck on her face, getting up slowly because of her stiff legs and walking back inside; the doors close behind her. The night had a few hours remaining and Luna brought down the red covered book off her bed, still smiling when she opened back into the fictional world. The knight was training against monsters of many sizes and shapes, thinking of the dragon building is hoard of treasure and leaving ash in its wake...it was a challenge of his valor and strength but Luna knew he was up to the task...somehow he would have a happy end.
Brotherly Reunion Brotherly Reunion Acrylic stood outside the Still Room, glaring at the door handle and trying to make up an excuse as to avoid going in. It was early in the morning and the train was departing in only a half an hour, his goal was clear but he wanted to take the painting to his old friend in Canterlot. "But I don't want to go in..." He said like a whining foal. Acrylic trotted in place in frustration before closing his eyes and using a bit of magic to unlock the door; kicking it open all the way and trying to keep his eyes on the ground until he... "Found thee!" The heavy canvas levitated in the air and followed the stallion out, wrapped safely in green magic. Acrylic took a deep breath and let the door close behind him, locking with a heavy click once again, he placed the canvas on the ground carefully and took a step back before opening his eyes once again... "Oh..my..." The colors were breathtaking to say the least...the night sky rolled with streaks of dark grey and every shadow cast on the moon was caught in a moment of perfection. Lightening bugs dotted the sky and seemed to jump off the canvas with virbrant yellows and golds that glittered with their reflecting light bouncing off the stars glittering in the night sky...the mare in the center was still hooded to no surprise.. "Well come on then, no sense in stalling." He said to the painting more than himself. Acrylic took the heavy case leaning against the wall next to his Still Room and slid the painting in with a small exertion of magic, tying the knot on the flap to secure it. Acrylic stood on two legs and threw the strap over his shoulder and tightened it to his chest, falling back on four legs and wincing at the new weight on his back. "...Come on, lad...tis only a moments walk..." The door swung open with a clumsy use of magic, Acrylic walked out slowly into the bright morning; a bird flew past his head and into the bright sky. Acrylic found the morning as peaceful as night at times but he was thankful that he didn't wait until the sweltering afternoon. The struggling stallion pushed forward on his new adventure, bearing the weight with more pride than fatigue. The train station was in sight when he cleared the forest and within the hour Acrylic Evenfall would be back where it all started... _ _ "Now your majesty, thou must see this from our eyes, the city must expand higher into the mountain if tensions with the gryphons keep rising. The sky will be a battlefield and we need to be ready to defend from the air as much as on the ground." Princess Celestia was growing tired of her captain of the guard...his rantings on war were stale to everypony in the castle, but to visiting diplomats; it just spread unnecessary rumors. True, the relations with the gryphons over the water was unsteady at best but she felt no need to feel threatened by such simple creatures... "Captain, I understand thy concern but the world has just recovered from a long war-" The guardpony slammed his hoof down to cut Celestia off... "That was a war of the gods! This be a war for mortals and if ye show no consideration to the lives lost should this feud escalate, then allow me to take full command of the army; I will have a plan standing by should diplomacy fail." Celestia glared down at the guard...his stance did not waver and her patience was wearing thin. The audacity it took to speak out of turn in her court and not even flinch at her gaze made Celestia feel a small pang of guilt; the guard was right, Celestia had no place lowering the value of an individual life. Even if the war never happened there would be nothing the princess could do to prevent a first and devastating strike after being already stretched so thin by politics and her duty to Equestria. "Fine.." Celestia spread her wings and the room was filled with pure light, her eyes glowed with power and the guard stood at attention while his armor thickened and color changing from gold to a dark silver as a sign of his status. "I hereby promote Captain Immits Sun to Commander of the Royal Army, in this status I will only act as a consultant and succeed all command over the royal army...but should ye make a decision that the Sisters Of Harmony find heinous, you will be tried as a war criminal and sentenced to death." It was all for looks, Celestia didn't care that the guard wanted more power; she didn't care that he would soon go boasting though the barracks of his status. All she cared about was keeping the peace, if that meant adding a new player to the game for gods, then so be it. The light faded from the room slowly and Celesita's eyes returned to normal; mane flowing quietly in the air and gaze holding nothing but judgment for the ambitious guard...and yet it was nice to just hand the responsibility over. For now it was no longer her problem what the royal guard did, as long as peace was held in Equestria, her promise would be upheld... Immits bowed before exiting the Great Hall, shrugging the heavy new armor around until it felt more natural. The guards outside the doors snapped to attention when he walked out, one of them relaxed seconds after and saluted the Commander, a warm smile on his face. "I knew you'd get through to her, sir. What are your orders?" Immits waited for the door to shut before signaling for his friend to follow closely and he made sure the guard in gold wrote down his plans; Equestria would stand tall soon. No feather brained freak will stop that... _ _ Celestia let out a deep sigh...the problems of the world are stacking more heavily lately and there was only a few things the Princess of the sun could do to ease her mind, thankfully one of them walked to her side and put a dense and dark blue wing around her. "I worry for thou sometimes, Tia..." Luna was standing between the two massive thrones to be close and comfort her stressed kin, more and more the two were growing apart in their duties but it was times like these they could take comfort in each others company. Celestia felt the guilt creeping into her mind again but Luna moved from her side and stood in front of her to fill her vision; the windows darkened and the room was dimmed to ease the strain from the light reflecting off the white marble and into Celestia's eyes. "Thou can not take on more than just Equrestia's problems by thyself, I trust he will do well so feel no guilt in thy decision." "It is not just the guard...I feel like I might need a day off, just all these ponies and politicians, most of them have putrid breath thanks to good hygiene and-" Luna laughed and put a hoof up to stop her sister's ranting. "Please, Tia, thou are alliterating again..." Celestia scoffed like a stubborn filly, Luna knew it was just a jest that began when they were both just fillies. It reassured Luna to know her sister wasn't above making a childish joke yet. Luna heard a knock on the large doors, Celestia sighed heavily and looked up once again. "If you want to get some rest early tonight, we could have tea tomorrow so that we can catch up properly." Luna let her power lift from the room, windows letting in the sunlight once again and the seals on the door releasing to allow the group that had built up in such a short time to enter. All of them hesitating when they noticed the grim figure of the Princess of the night... "That sounds wonderful, enjoy the assembly of altruist-" Celestia laughed quietly and pushed her sister to her side of the throne before she finished the insulting alliteration, the group looking confused and timid to speak first. Luna just nodded in greeting to the group and they all bowed, cueing the princess to return to her quarters so the diplomats could find their courage once again... _ _ Acrylic Evenfall woke up with a shock when the trains horn blasted him back to reality; the short nap was well earned after the long haul down the hill and over a creek. The conductor offered to help get the case inside but Acrylic needed to keep a close eye on his work and nopony was going to take the accomplishment of carrying a fifty pound case and painting on his back for a quarter mile...though he ripped the tag off as soon as he set the case down on the bench, the ticket booth dare say his case was too small to be considered 'special' luggage; the scale was way off at only twenty twenty two pounds... "Hmph...amateurs.." He picked the case back up and walked off the platform and into the bustling city of Canterlot. only a few tall towers meet the skyline but it was much bigger than when he left it all those years ago, there was even signs of plans for more towers on the cliff side like lumber and builders talking over coffee about expansion. Acrylic scanned the crowed and spotted a black mane and metallic colored horn peaking over the heads of others. "Evenfall!" Acrylic smiled brightly and pushed past the thick crowd, pushing his friend into the alley between a coffee shop and mannequin filled store to give them room. Wintered Tail, the metal pony from far north that visited the grand city when it was first being re-built, his dense coat and thick frame made his kind gold in the construction business and when his family heard about the bits rolling in for Metal ponies... One night though he stumbled upon a sickly looking teenager roaming the streets of the dangerously fragile city, after a long talk and a later argument between his father, they welcomed Acrylic Evenfall like family... "Tail...it has been far too long, brother." Wintered Tail rolled his eyes and grabbed the frail stallion in a crushing hug, thankfully under the canvas on his back, now choking him while Tail crushes him in the air. "I missed ye, Acrylic..." Between what he was sure was bones snapping, Acrylic managed to get out something along the lines of... "Miss....thee.....too..." Tail put him down and helped the poor stallion stay upright until he regained his footing; laughing quietly and dusting off the case for Acrylic. All the memories came flooding back, the warm food, friends and adventures though a shell of what is now the center of Equestria. Tail talked about the good old days all the way back to his home, the sun was setting by the time they made it back and soon the moon would take its place high in the sky. Tonight though Acrylic wouldn't stay up to star gaze, the traveling took too much a toll on his body and if he had any hope of finding that song, he would need all the rest he could get.Yet there was that bitter memory that resurfaced the moment Wintered Tail called out to him, it made the reunion more of a guilt trip for Acrylic seeing as they parted on such bad terms...yet Wintered was kind, sweet and a brother again; perhaps he had really forgiven and buried the past. All Acrylic could do was hope. Author's Note I LIKE ALLITERATING In retrospect...I ask why? Celestia is so young still so I like to think she would be much more irresponsible with her power and perhaps even openly judgmental... Also that she wants to be like her mother in every way, seeing it as an expectation that others hold...it makes it weird when you try and approach your sister like her mother, huh?
So CloseAcrylic Evenfall woke up in a warm bed fit for Celestia in a luxurious guest room, he found it strange to be back in the room he first called home. All the memories made for a pleasant night of dreams reliving his past, at least the good parts. Regardless, he was happy to be with family again after so long. It was sobering to Acrylic to walk down the stairs of the mansion, the walls had a new dark and velvet shade of red and soft tapestries now hung to fill the home with a sophisticated air. Walking down and seeing small foals with metallic coats running into the kitchen; both of them carrying some kind of resemblance to his brother. Evenfall walked into the large dining room after admiring his old art hanging on the wall. His attention was dragged to a centerpiece on the table...bright green crystals mixed with blue and yellow to make a carved bouquet made of pure crystal; lighting the room on its own and Acrylic assumed if the lights on the wall were quelled, the crystal would make a pastel of light and color across the walls. Wintered Tail walked in with a few plated in tow suspend by a green and black field of magic, the foals following closely and trying to grab the plates out of the air, arguing with each other. "Ah! Glad to see thou are awake, How long has it been since ye had a real breakfast?" The foals stopped and looked over at Acrylic, both their eyes widened and smiled nearly melted his heart... "Uncle Acrylic!" They both said in unison. Acrylic laughed and rubbed the back of his head, he liked kids but he always felt like he would be a bad foalsitter due to his distracted nature...nevertheless, the twins charged him and tackled the unprepared stallion to the ground in a lung crushing hug. Their coats weren't as dense as an adults but he still felt like he was hugging pure fluff. "Oof! Tail, they're...crushing me!" Acrylic said, finishing with a long laugh. Tail rolled his eyes and set the food down, walking to hover over Acrylic and trying to control his own laughter. "Alright alright, get off the lad, thou know he has fleas." Both foals jumped up quickly, the filly ran in circles trying to toss off any insect while the colt just laughed at his sister. Tail rolled his eyes and helped Acrylic off the ground; after regaining his breath he punched Tail in the arm, causing the metal pony to just laugh harder while Acrylic pretended he didn't hurt his own hoof. "I don't have fleas..." Tail laughed and looked back to the twins, picking up the filly in the air with a bit of magic to calm her down. After flailing in the air for a moment she slumped over and looked worried still... "Uncle Acrylic doesn't have fleas, now both of ye stay here and eat. Uncle and I are going out for a bit." They looked upset that Acrylic was already leaving but their rumbling stomachs took their attention to the warm food waiting. Acrylic dusted himself off and picked up the case he left by the stair case, unhooking his bag from it, admiring his sense of function and fashion... "How many dirty bags do ye have tucked away, brother?! The maids will be cleaning for hours...." Acrylic rolled his eyes and threw the light bag over his shoulder,checking the knot on his case and turning back to face Tail. Acrylic looked over his brothers shoulder and saw the foals destroying their meals and he smirked... "Why did thee stop sending letters?" Tail suddenly changed his demeanor to guilty... "I...got pretty busy once the two started growing up...and when Tome got his mark of destiny, it was utter chaos trying to keep him from thinking he was suddenly an adult." Acrylic look again to try and see the mark on the colt, it was a old looking book with a rusted lock and quill. Feeling a little pride for taking the time to visit when they were younger...perhaps his talent inspired the colt. Either way, it was always nice to see more ponies with a talent in something that came from the heart. "Just give me a moment to check my painting, the travel might not have been kind.." Tail nodded and grabbed a black silk scarf off a stand, wrapping it with practiced grace and heading out the door to wait on Acrylic...giving him a chance to take out a box from his bag. Walking briskly to the table and getting a curious look from the foals, he smiles slyly and put out a sweet roll for both of them; the colt gasped and grabbed it eagerly but the filly shook her head at her brothers lack of etiquette, Acrylic laughed quietly and turned to join Tail outside. Wintered Tail was looking up at the bright morning sky when Acrylic finally joined him, there was an unusual level of noise for so early in the morning but Tail just thought it was another snake oil salesmen like the two stallions last week making a rabble. Regardless,it was nice to finally get to catch up with his solitary brother. "So, Acrylic, I thought we could sit down over some coffee and snacks and discuss what brings thee here after so long." Evenfall looked around at the new buildings and admired all the shining towers, nodding in agreement absently. Tail rolled his eyes and pulled Acrylic to his side so he wouldn't miss the turn into a new street. "Sorry, Tail...It's just so different." Wintered Tail nodded, it was because of his family that most of the tall towers stood against the cold winds in winter and harshness of summer so naturally he felt a little family pride when Acrylic admired the new city. They kept walking until Tail lead him to a small coffee shop, a large crowd was gathered outside but the owner was trying to shoo them away. "Is this normal?" Tail tried to get a clear view but shrugged. "Probably a special going on." Acrylic shrugged in kind and they both took an empty table tucked in a corner under a thick umbrella to shade the table. The crowd dispersed soon and a waitress trotted over,trying to wipe the stress off her face. "I apologize for the wait, how can I serve thee?" Tail ordered a black coffee and Acrylic simply requested a slice of apple pie, the mare smiled brightly and trotted back into the store; leaving them to catch up... _ _ Celestia was thankful that the owner managed to shoo away the onlookers, true,they would've had a private date but Celestia insisted on being more social; perhaps it was a good change for her reclusive sister. Luna felt a little uncomfortable but she admitted it was nice to get this kind of attention. More often she found herself at odds with what kind of attention is good... "Sister?" Celesita snapped Luna back to reality, no onlookers remained and it was finally a quiet morning to have tea and chat. Luna smiled warmly to put her sister at ease. The conversation began dryly but soon it picked up when they got to nit pick at each other. "Do not bring up that old tale!" Celestia pleaded in jest. "Ye were covered head to toe in mud, mother was so furious but when thou started arguing and-" Luna had to stop from the fits of laughing taking over. Celestia shook her head and tried not to laugh and encourage her sister. "Thee...Thee tripped over my wing and fell face first into the marsh again, thou were crying for hours about the worms thee swear ye swallowed!" Celestia buried her face in her hooves and she was trying to hide the embarrassment over her sisters giggling fit. True she wanted to argue that there was a few details Luna was forgetting like how they even ended up in that mess in the first place but there would be no point. "I think I remember thou were confined to thy room whilst I was absolved of responsibility." Luna rolled her eyes, shrugging off the reminder and taking a sip of the warm tea...Celestia smirked playfully and Luna knew embarrassment was on the horizon... _ _ Acrylic took a bite of his warm and flaky pie, trying to keep it down between his laughing and Tail's way of telling stories. Wintered Tail was a hard working stallion but when it came to having fun, no pony was more animated with their expressions or boisterous acting. Sure enough, Acrylic was in tears just listening to Tail's everyday life with two hyperactive twins... Wintered Tail took a moment to enjoy the coffee; the bitter smell was enough to make Acrylic turn his nose when it first was brought to the table but somehow the metal pony seemed to enjoy it. They both sat in contented silence for a moment until Acrylic hear a voice that made his eyes nearly jump out of his head widening... "Tail...Tail, is there a mare behind me somewhere..?" Wintered raised a brow and looked over his brothers shoulder, his own eyes widening... "Tis the Sisters of Harmony!" Acrylic tilted his head in confusion, his time in seclusion kept him out of touch with current events; indeed the lack of strange weather and odd occurrences was a relief but he thought nothing of it because it never affected him. Evenfall turned his head just enough to glimpse back and he noticed two ponies unlike anything he has ever seen... "Brother...they have wings..and horns?" Tail nodded quickly, smieling brightly in admiration. "Aye! They have a gift from the AllMother that allows them to raise the sun and call forth the moon!" Celestia glanced back,overhearing the loud comments and they bother snapped back to each other. The goddess shrugged and resumed her conversation, Luna cut her off and started laughing; a sound that Acrylic somehow knew yet... "Tail, who is the one with her backs to us?" "That be Princess Luna...I'm afraid to say I or anypony I know knows nothing about her other than she summons the moon and....brings nightmares..." Acrylic turned back around and tried to hear just what was being said between the two. To bring nightmares to the dreams of ponies took a dark madness that just seemed ludicrous when he looked at the lunar princes. Surely Tail was wrong about the princess....surely... "-Just wish I could enjoy more time like this with thee..." Celestia nodded in agreement, but in reality,their duties would always pull the two apart. Acrylic though didn't know or care about what Tail said...the voice...he heard the same deep longing buried under a lighthearted facade. Tail was taking another drink when Acrylic got up and started towards the two... Tail spat up the coffee and stuttered trying not to draw attention, yet stopping his brother was impossible and within seconds he was standing just behind the night princess. "Excuse me...your Majesty?" Luna rolled her eyes and scooted to the side to let the brave follower speak to her sister, though Celestia just looked confused and Luna heard the stallion repeat himself. "Princess...Luna, is it?" Luna felt her heart quicken; to suddenly find the spotlight was completely unfamiliar to her. Especially to have somepony desire her attention after opening herself up in public to enjoy a laugh with her kin. It took a moment but she turned around with a blank expression. "Yes..?" Acrylic did his best to control his overflowing joy, giving a deep bow and speaking to the ground in reverence. "My name is Acrylic Evenfall. I would simply like to thank thee, from the deepest part of my heart for giving me new inspiration with thy stunning beauty of the night..." Luna was speechless...in nearly five-hundred years, she never saw a smidgen of appreciation. Now a scruffy and paint spotted stallion has his head lowered and hoof outstretched not for Celestia or the Sisters of Harmony...But for her. Acrylic remained lowered for a moment longer before standing up again, the display was overzealous to say the least but even Celestia could see what was behind those emerald eyes staring into Luna. The princess of the night cleared her throat and Acrylic shook his head out of his daydream, face turning a slight shade of crimson. "My apologizes, milady; enjoy thine afternoon." Celestia looked at the stallion until he grabbed the bulky looking metal pony and started running back into the streets...worry starting to sink in when Luna was watching, still awestruck... "That was nice to see...I told ye ponies love thy night." Luna nodded happily, the same smile from a few nights ago now stuck on her face for she knew who that pony was. It took a moment to sink in but she realized the paint spots, the raggedy mane...it was her admirer. Now she knew this wasn't a enigma; this stallion was just like her, solitary... "Sister?" Perhaps she would find his dream and actually muster the courage to talk to him, perhaps there were more that basked in the moonlight that she was unaware of... "Sister??" Luna snapped back to Celestia, the white alicorn looked worried but Luna dismissed the stress and finished her tea. The princess was racked with questions but she knew that the night would hold her answers when she payed a visit to her admirer's dreams...to Acrylic Evenfall's peaceful sleep... Luna walked into her dark room eagerly, closing the door behind her and smiling happily when she heard the soft click of her lock securing in place with a gentle nudge of her magic. Curtains flying open and getting the brilliant orange glow of dusk; a warm smile growing on the princess's face, Celestia was in her room and after today's excitements, she was already in bed awaiting the warm embrace of sleep. The guards walked the castle to make sure no malcontents lingered, empty halls darkened and quiet chambers grew cold when the shadows took over once more. Luna stood on the balcony, forcing her mind to quell all the thoughts about him; once the sun fell to the horizon, her horn lit up luminously blue and like the light of a newborn foals eyes...the moon broke into the sky to bring the gleaming stars into view. It was the brightest night since the fall of chaos, not a cloud in the sky could stop the light shining into the city and dimming the street lanterns that couldn't hope to outshine this night... "Perfect..." Luna opened her eyes again to really admire her work; smiling happily and proud before making a quick turn and shutting the glass doors and sitting down on the soft rug in the center of her room. Closing her eyes once again to seek out her follower in her world of dreams. "Acrylic...Evenfall..." Luna felt her body suddenly become weightless and when she opened her eyes, a bright light blinded her momentarily.. "Nightmare Moon....?!" A panicked voice said though tears. It was the voice of a young mare, when Luna's eyes adjusted she realized she was in a classroom... Oh sweet sister no... It was obviously a nightmare, a poor mare was having about some embarrassing moment in school, judging by the detail and age of the mare as well as the wings on everypony in class; it had to be an advanced flyer class. Now it looked like she was the one who brought this mess. "I-I'm sorry for whatever I did!" Luna started to feel guilty somehow, even though she never caused it; yet it was more disconcerting that she had a very unflattering nickname...Luna's horn glowed softly as she tore apart the dream until a soft whiteness dominated the dreamscape, almost like a limbo. "Do not fear, young one...ye did nothing to anger me-" The mare wiped tears off her face and shouted back in confused anger. "T-then why did thou make Sleight Wind loath me?! All I did was...tell her how I feel..." Oh...it can get so much worse... "Please little one...stop thy tears and calm thine troubled mind." "How can I?! Did the god of chaos find it funny to curse me with these...impossible feelings?" She pleaded though the tears. Luna couldn't stop feeling guilty and now she felt a deep sadness. It was not....unheard of that ponies might have feelings for somepony of the same type...but it still normally meant that the certain pony would live a miserable life persecuted by friends and family. Even Luna hard a hard time thinking of how this happens and it took even more for her to accept it now. "He is no longer with us..." Luna said absently...when she looked up she saw a pony wearing a smock and ragged mane specked with paint..nodding in approval and waving as if to encourage her before fading into the light. Luna strengthened her resolve and put a soft hoof on the mares shoulder to get her attention; wide eyes still watery but more curious than afraid... "It is okay to have these feelings..Love is something that nopony can force upon one another. Take confidence in who thou are, because if ye stay quiet and afraid...ye will never know just what is possible." The mare wiped her face again, sniffing quietly and lowering her head... "B-but...what if she hates me if I say anything?" Luna closer her eyes to look into the light brown mare's mind...she indeed saw the cyan mare that had her affections; light yellow mane flowing in the wind as they flew together. The two were wing mates and from what she gathered, good ones. Best team in the class because they played off each others strength and weaknesses to balance and boost rather than try and avoid exposing any short comings to the class instructor. They had to trust each other when performing, a thousand feet in the air and one mistake could be the last either of them make...that kind of trust is rare to truly find...Luna smiled softly and opened her eyes once more. "Sleight Wind did not help thee reach where ye are now, the sleepless nights training, long hours studying with thee, to just remain a friend. Little one, thine fear is blinding you to the answer you seek..." Luna said with a kind laugh. "Princess..." "Do not let anypony stop fate, and have no fear." The mare looked up at the lunar princess in pure wonder, every rumor shattered by solid reassurance and the best support the mare has ever known. It almost second nature to be a comfort, Luna always knew what to say to somepony to ease their mind or bestow confidence; almost like she had an air of love that she could readily call upon to uplift troubled souls. That air was lifting the mare into a lighter state of mind, the soft smile and warm tone...almost like a mother, a mother to the unfortunate few who knew no love. As the comforting silence stretched on, Luna knew it was time to resume her real mission and her search;the dream fading around her to white as the mare woke up with a new peace... Acrylic lay asleep with the twins in the living room, recanting an old tale from the glory days of Acrylic and Wintered against the world...it put the two asleep long before Wintered could take them back to their rooms, making the soft rug in the living room by the warm fire a temporary cot for three; for Acrylic even nodded off remembering the past. So the tree snored quietly curled up, the twins just enjoying the fact that their cool uncle had returned... In his mind, the tall towers of Canterlot loom over him in darkness and a shadowy figure ducks though the streets to avoid him. The cloak billowing in the wind and gleaming blue eyes shooting him nervous glances when he got within line of sight. Acrylic broke out into a run down the claustrophobic streets, buildings passing in more of a blur of grays and blacks mixed and racing by. "Stop! Please!" He shouted in vain. No matter how fast he ran, the figure just ran faster or somehow lost him...the sun had set and it would soon be impossible to keep up with who ever that was...until he rounded a corner and ran face first into the figure under dense cloak. The princess had no idea why she entered this dream with a cloak on but even she winced when a mare struck her chest and landed on the ground... "I-I'm so sorry! I seem to have found the wrong dream yet again..." The pony sat up back into the light of the moon again and the emerald eyes gleamed with wonder... "I..." They both said in confused unison. Both were standing, staring at each other and just when he needed it the most; Acrylics sense of calm and collected awe from earlier that day was thrown out and replaced by hesitant fear. The dream began to reflect that inner conflict when the buildings started to crumble and a more destructive tone took the peaceful setting. Luna failed to notice it due to a smile creeping across her face; she never noticed it before but she always imagined any admirer to be a bit...bigger. The books talk of hard muscles tested by trials, big chins with masculine beards and kind hearts for the princesses...Acrylic was just a little short to the standard... "What are thou laughing at?" Acrylic said a little nervous. Luna closed her eyes and set the dream back in place. Buildings standing straight again and moonlight chasing away shadows of doubt. Smile contorting as she tries to hold back her fits for Acrylic's sake... "Tis nothing..." Acrylic stood upright and tilted his head, ears falling against his head and worry starting to show more than he would like. Luna managed to get herself under control when the dream was set in place once again...though even she gasped in shock when the cloak became warm before erupting into fireflies that danced in the night sky around them; causing her face to turn a slight red, thankfully it seemed Acrylic failed to notice the change. The princess took a moment to remember why she wanted to visit his dream. "Hello, Evenfall-" "Call me Acrylic if ye like.." He said, throwing Luna off again with the kindness in his voice... "...Acrylic.." A soft smile grew... Never has she referred to anyone other than her sister by their first name, let alone have a...semi-normal conversation with them. Acrylic looked to the sky just as a shower of heavenly meteors streaked the sky and created a brilliant display of lights across the moon and stars; Looking back down to see the reflections in the Princess's teal eyes. "This is surreal..." Acrylic said in disbelief. "It is a dream." Luna said with a warm laugh. The dream might be her doing but the detail and beauty could only be from an artist's mind. The silence felt almost pleasant rather than awkward, They both admired their creation, even though neither of them would take credit. Something about the moment made it feel like forever but when their found each other once again...Luna finally had the courage to ask him the all important question... "Even-..Acrylic...I just-" Luna felt her heart stop as the dream was torn apart in seconds by a bright light; back in the princesses room, Celestia was applying her own magic to shake her sister out of the deep trance. Worry in her eyes but a little impatience working its way into her mood. Luna breathed sharply when her eyes shot open; room spinning slightly and limbs stiff. Oh no,I forgot! The dreamscape was very different from the real world...in Luna's kingdom, the laws of reality could be bent and broken at a whim...but the cost of such a freedom was time. Time moved at breakneck speeds back in the real world; the better the dream, the faster it was over...and it seems this one was over long before Luna thought it would be... "S-sister! I-" The look in the sun goddess's eyes told it all...she knew Luna had forgotten about the raising of the sun, the moon still hung high in the sky and it was nearly a half an hour into what should be sunrise....but she was so close...she had to go back and finish her question. "Sister, please, Let me have just a few more moments! There was a mare in desperate need of my help!" It wasn't a lie...not completely, there was no need to tell Celestia about the later visit to Acrylic. Yet there was a small if not see though loophole.. "Lulu...I am sorry, but thou knows what Mother told us..." Luna bit back a retort and abandoned her cause as soon as she was brought into the argument. It may have been centuries, but Luna remembered the guilt on her mothers face the day she left them... Luna lowered her head and the moon sank into the horizon faster than normal to make way for the waiting sun. Celestia walked past her sulking sibling and performed her duty to not just Equestira...but to honor their mothers last wish. It's not fair... Author's Note I cant help but get off track sometimes, I get stuck on exposition when I should be focused on the main story and moving forward, but hope fully now that I can recognize it; I can stop it before it takes my story away from me. Trust me...I had a far too elaborate plan that would've taken at least three chapters before I resumed the ACTUAL love story.....
The Past"H-hey, Celestia..." A timid voice said in the cover of darkness.. It was midnight, Lulu was in bed and mother was patrolling the east to find new colonies...in the mean time...she wouldn't mind her daughter sneaking out into the dangerous woods to see a boy; as long as she never knew. The soft and silly face of her dear friend was blanketed by darkness and his nature would make it a challenge getting him into the light she stood under. "Don't be foolish, you...come out here." Shy eyes darted around and Celestia heard stuttering but no real excuse coming from him... "Oh please..." She pleaded. "No one will see us!" "I think I am fine here..." The timid voice peeped. "Funny Face..." Celestia could see a big lions paw cover his face in the shadows; even though she couldn't see, she was sure that his face burned crimson at the nickname. "Pleasssssse?" She whined...pushing her pink mane back a little so he could see both her glowing eyes widen and shine in the pale moonlight. "....Oooh fine! Just stop it with the look..." He said in the cute little accent that she loved...though he tried to hide it most of the time. Celestia backed up a little to give him room and after a moment to gather his courage...the green scales on his leg stepped first into the moonlight and glowed a little thanks to the clear night; soon a goats fuzzy leg followed and then his serpent body hunched over joined suit...looking down at the princess with shifting blue eyes. "See? Was that so hard now?" Discord rubbed his arm shyly and couldn't seem to look directly at the young princess, she rolled her eyes and stepped within inches of him; making sure he had no choice but to look down at the soft smile of the white alicorn. Hoots of owls commentating on the scene in the small clearing made her glance back shortly to make sure it wasn't her mother that startled them, Discord looked over curiously and inadvertently forgot how close they were; bumping into Celestia and suddenly looking down in frozen shock, both of them stepping back and laughing awkwardly at their paranoia. "How have you been, friend?" Discord straightened a little now that the initial awkwardness wore off, smiling back finally. "Better...the urges are becoming more silly rather than...destructive." Celestia leaned in curiously.. "W-well..I mean that I made it rain coco instead of hurting somepony with my..." Discord bit back the last word...Celestia knew that he was deathly afraid of making anypony cross when he couldn't help himself. After all, his strange gift was uncontrollable and the only way to quell it was to cause havoc. Discord was on the edge of self-hatred were it not for the kind words of a certain alicorn, though of course her mother saw the two and for some reason..forbid them from meeting...of course that only encouraged the two. "That is good!" Discord's head lifted a little and the white tail flicked up happily. "I know you can learn to control this gift..someday the ponies of Equinans will need you and your power to lift their spirits just as you lift mine." Celestia didn't realize what the words implied but the realization sank in faster than she could catch it, bright blue eyes widening and face tuning a slight shade of red. Celestia thought about the deeper meaning and it only took moments to look up at the goofy looking face of the draconequus and lean up to affirm his thoughts...cut short but a disappointed yell from the sky while a massive shadow of wings fell over them... "Celestia!" Discord looked up and vanished back into the shadows...not without hesitating and looking back to wave timidly; that small act made the scolding coming on wings of fire just a bit easier to take... I'll convince her somehow that you're not bad...my very special somepony... Author's Note Equestia sounds too peaceful for a brand new world full of untame dangers so I though changing it up would make it more. Sorry it was so short but thats the point, ladies and gentlemen...the past.
The PresentAcrylic Evenfall worked deep into the night, the heat from the furnace made the stone room feel sweltering compared to the chilly night outside. Dark corners hid different things that Wintered Tail liked to keep in his workshop, gym equipment to clear his head when things got a bit stressful and cabinets of paint, charcoal, pencils and pens for whatever he might want to do to pass the time; there was even a small typewriter on a desk by the door. Thankfully for Acrylic though, he even had a small station for metal work; likely for sculptures but Evenfall had a different plan in mind... The magic in the stallion was starting to run dry halfway into pounding the metal into the right shape. Finishing when it was a lumpy but identifiable shape, he wiped the sweat off his brow and grinned down in pride and determination at his latest crave...something for the princess of his dreams. The door creaked open while Acrylic was in a closet for paints and Wintered Tail poked his head in the workshop and waved smoke out of his face, eyes growing worried but sighing at his brothers simple mistake. "I see ye wish to kill thineself sitting in all this smoke..." Acrylic turned around with paint hovering in the air behind him, tired but lively smile on his soot covered face. "Well how should I vent all this mess then?" Laughing and heading back over to the crafting table. Tail rolled his eyes and walked to the burning furnace, using his hoof to gently nudge a valve; the fire burned brightly with new oxygen as the smoke shot up the fireplace in the living room and out the pipe on the roof. Acrylic peaking over his shoulder shocked and Tail just standing over the fire with a disappointed look. "Right..." Acrylic said flatly before turning around and fixing his work up more. Wintered stepped over to the bench and tried to get a look, all it seemed to be was a large metal...ring? It was too oddly shaped to be just a ring and the blue paints waiting on the side means it would be something that only had meaning to the artist. "What is it?" Tail asked. Acrylic took a deep breath and took a step back, forcing his brother to back up swiftly. "I noticed that the sun sister had a elegant looking set of royal attire. The gold chest plate was stunning...but Luna didn't...just thought i'd save them the time of finding a craftsman." The last of the sentence sounded absent minded, lost in thought about how his creation would look when its done. Tail looked down at Acrylic, starting to get more worried as he came to realize what gleamed in the stallions eyes. "No...No, really?! Thou are in love with the princess!" he shouted with a laugh. Acrylic reddened a little and turned around, shoving Wintered playfully "And what is wrong with that? We are a lot alike if you think about it." Wintered shook his head, sure Acrylic was a little anti-social but that didn't mean he was crazy like the princess of nightmares...strange as it is though, rumors were floating around of the night princesses kindness rather than the normal rabble of hatred. Something was wrong in town and even though no pony was talking...it was something in the air. "Besides, being here made me realize how...lonely I was." Acrylic said with a somber tone... The smile faded off of Tail's face slowly; deep down he knew that eventually his brother would return when living alone becomes too dull. Though it still pained him to hear the surprising amount of pain in his voice. Acrylic smiled again reassuringly while the tools levitated off the table again, wrapped in green magic. "That is why I have to try." With that he turned around and began shaping out the bumps and dents to hopefully make something Princess Luna could love.. Author's Note Hope you enjoy me breaking my...break...
A First DateLuna slept in for a while, the princess felt the heaviness of her words weighing on her mind painfully...each passing moment was a war between what she was standing for and how her sister felt about the change. Princess Luna knew Celestia was selfish as a child, and it did bear its own marks even now as an adult, but it was still hard to think that it came to such a bitter argument to end the divide...yet start a new one. With a heavy sigh, Luna sunk deeper into the sheets; feeling the all too familiar lump of bitter emotions and regret in her throat, as her eyes watered against the soft feather pillows... I...I need to escape... Luna rolled to her side and pulled the covers over her head to block what little light entered the room. Silencing her thoughts as best she could so that the sweet embrace of sleep could comfort her until the sun fell to the horizon. The one thought that refused to be silenced was every worry and anxiety she had about the strange Acrylic Evenfall. Much to her disappointment, no other pony came forward like he has, even worse that it seemed that this Nightmare Moon title was sticking. If the ponies of Equestria see fit to mock their princess...who only wants to save them from nightmares...then the suffering few can save themselves. Acrylic Evenfall picked up the metal work and admired the effort he put into shaping it properly, a coat of paint already drying on it. The sketch of his design still holding up if not a little soot stained and burnt on the edges; he looked up at it to check if his original design was the same as what it was physically...thankfully it was. The soft rounded edges looked elegant and the stencil of the crescent moon waiting to be painted. It even made him smile softly as he put the very fine and very expensive, luminescent white paint into the moon. "Uncle?" The boy twin piped surprisingly...Ancient Tome was standing behind Acrylic and watching him work for some time now, but not really talking or asking questions... "Yes? What is it lad?" Acrylic said without taking his attention off the careful painting. Tome started fidgeting around the furnace, using his magic to shift the still hot coals around and send flurries of embers into the pipe and up... "Well...what did the princess say to thou?" Tome said innocently, as if dancing around a subject... Acrylic furrowed his brow in thought and put the brush down, turning around in the chair to gauge the colts expressions.. "What doth thou mean?" Acrylic asked. Tome turned around to face him properly and had an odd determination in his silver colored eyes. "I need...advice...Thou knows I have a fondness for writing, but my father said...that writing is dangerous.." Tome said with a confused look, head cocked and ear titled down curiously. Acrylic was a little surprised at his brothers frankness with such a young child, but in truth; any form of art can be dangerous...writing is the most harrowing though. With the right words, countries can topple and tyrants can fall...ideas are spread and even twisted if in the wrong hooves. Acrylic did not expect a child to understand, but Tome was a surprisingly mature colt under the initial goofy tendencies one would expect. "The reason it is dangerous, is because of the freedom it holds. Imagine that you can turn ponies ideas into movements, fiction becomes fact and the most terrifying part...is that nothing can stop or limit you. There is nothing on this world or any other that can hinder you, because you work...in ideas and theories." The colt sat down and looked dumbfounded...Acrylic had his own way with words, even so though, everything he said was true. This was one of those moments where Tome questioned his talents and abilities; which means that Acrylic was all the more proud to help bestow confidence and pride in taking on such a talent. As a child he didn't have a hope of understanding what Acrylic meant, later in life though he can look back and have a deeper appreciation of the words imparted here and now... "That makes very little sense..." Tome said frankly. Acrylic smiled and rubbed the colts head, a goofy grin coming back to the young ones face... "You have more power with a pen than any princess can hope to achieve." Ancient Tome got a more determined gleam in his shining eyes and ran off, his sister chasing him past the doorway; no doubt she was listening in from the start and perhaps it would spark a little more fuel to the sibling rivalry. In a way it was refreshing to see a new mind take to such an old art, to even bring new life to it when he reaches a more time weathered age. Acrylic turned around and took up the brush again, dipping a new bit of the luminous paint on it and resuming his work...though he had been working for so long that he didn't realize that he had worked though the night and well into the afternoon. After spending a few extra moments on the moon, Wintered Tail found his brother sitting in the chair with his head on the desk, a pool of drool forming around his jaw. "Brother...I should just leave you, Celestia knows the moment thee wakes up, it would be back to work." Tail sighs and walks quietly over to his brother, picking up the unconscious, rather than sleeping stallion. "Thou are lucky that you grew to be such a light weight..." Tail said with a chuckle. Wintered steped up the small amount of stairs and walked calmly into the living room, deciding it would be better to just let his brother sleep on the couch rather than carry him all they way up to his room. With a flop, Acrylic landed on the soft sofa and let out a soft snore; Tail just shook his head and laughed again. Tail sat down in front of the couch and slowly the normal cheerful smile faded to a worry....his brother was smitten with a pony of nightmares...it reeked of just an idea of loneliness, Acrylic had been away for so long with nopony to talk to; now he thinks that the first mare he see's is the love of his life.... "Why did it have to be Nightmare Moon...of all the mare's in equestria..." Acrylic opened his eyes, gasping sharply when he realized the air was different. The light in his eyes took time to adjust to, yet when his vision cleared...he was in a ivory and rose garden, butterflys float though the air and birds sing happily on the bushes. Acrylic took a look around and noticed details shifting constantly...the green of the leaves brightening and veins and edges becoming defined while the roses bloomed and let forth their sweet scent into the crisp spring air. Things changed so vividly that Acrylic let his jaw drop when he looked up...the moon hung high in the sky and beamed down brighter than any sun he had ever witnessed; it was such a strange sight...he was simply at a loss for words. "I knew only an artist could finish my creation..." Acrylic felt his heart skip... "Princess..." Acrylic said as he looked back down. Luna...but by the All Mother... The princess of the night was dressed in a pure white gown, an airy dress that floated in the light wind. No...it wasn't white...it was a light blue, a sweet shade of blue that accented her natural color perfectly somehow. Acrylic though was more shocked at the fact that her mane was tied up and styled to resemble the luxurious look of royalty of the Crystal Empire, a singular small gem trailing on the side...deep emerald. "Well..do not stare..." Luna said...eyes finding the ground, her idea of what would happen is already getting de-railed. Acrylic shook his head and looked at himself, still covered in soot and paint... "Princess....?" He asked quickly. "Is this...a date?" Luna felt her face burn crimson, luckily able to control most of it..most... "Ah...then I am dreaming?" Luna nodded slightly. Acrylic took a deep breath to regain his composure, out of touch with social standards and even society itself could never take away his years living with a fancy and upstate family. Within moments the soot was gone and his mane was fixed...sort of...just being a little spiky rather than unkempt, no matter what though, it was never his style to wear a fancy suite or other nonsense; instead he imagined up a black collared button up, sleeves rolled down so he could look decent and still be comfortable. Luna looked up and took a moment..letting out a small laugh. "Endless possibilities, and thou choose a shirt that could cost three bits..." Acrylic looked at himself a little and reddened a little... "No, tis...fitting...Hard to see thou having a good time in a stuffy suite." Luna said, now it was official...they were dressed to impress and eyes locking. Acrylic...seeing nothing but a gorgeous soul full of loneliness due to a shy nature...Luna...for the first time, a pony seeks her affection; not just that, he was truly kind natured and even a little silly... Luna snapped out of thought, while it did feel strangely fun to have this back and forth, she needed to ask the important question... "Acrylic...what does thou see in a...in somepony like me...because I can see how thee see's into me." Acrylic tilted his head a little in confusion...he already knew..from that night that seemed so long ago he knew. The wide, luster filled eyes and stunning dress was just a fraction compared to what he could hear in just her voice, a feeling of complete difference from everypony she knew, always hiding her true emotions; never letting anypony inside unless she knew...deep down...that they were special... "I see somepony, a reflection of myself and my life...I've been alone...for so long, looking back it seems i've been running from something. Looking at thee...I see something I can run to; a reason to talk and play, to laugh and cheer with so much joy! ...A reason live life as it was meant to be...with somepony you love..."
Beauty Like the Blue Nights MoonI do not understand this feeling... Yet it feels as if I have known her all my life.. Mother...what is this new found warmth in my heart...yet fear in my mind... I am at war with what I know and what I feel... He is different.. She is the same... But both of us must take that leap... Take the plunge Into the unknown and ignoring what others might say, we fall To finally open up and find peace in each other embrace. Jump... Acrylic jolted awake, gasping sharply with half his ragged mane hanging over his face; panting breathless, sweat staining the couch he lay on and heart beating to a new pace...faster...faster it beat as he scanned the room in disbelief and shock. Slower...slower until it found a steady rest, his heart caught up to the real world once again and Acrylic was able to understand what just happened. Luna was in the castle just a few blocks away thinking of him enough to give him a chance at a date...and it was fantastic! Acrylic grinned widely and let his jaw hang, trying to find the right words to express himself but still speechless from the life altering dream. It was everything he could've hoped for! "I knew it!" Acrylic shouted, heart fluttering with reassurance..and love... Wintered Tail was startled awake, he had managed to get comfortable by the fireplace while keeping watch over his brother; even falling asleep once the clock rang ten. Now though, Acrylic was awake and he seemed to be overflowing with energy and excitement. "Acrylic! Silence! The twins are still asleep.." Acrylic looked to find the voice, stopping when he lowered his eyes on his groggy looking brother, feeling a bit guilty he completely forgot where he was. The pony rubbed the back of his head and flattened his ears... "Sorry...I just...had an amazing dream." Tail sat up, wincing when his old back was painful to move after sleeping on the rug in front of what once was a comforting fire. "Acrylic...brother, this obsession is consuming ye. The mare of the night is twisting you mind!" He said with as much a hushed tone as he could muster. Acrylic felt the smile fade..after all the work making his gift to her, the date and even finding out that she shares the same feelings. Tail looked so worried...beyond what Acrylic had ever seen, he was actually assuming that this sweet mare..this gentle soul and shy princess was twisting his mind?! Acrylic felt anger build... "Brother...I have not visited this place in a very long time, nor have I ever felt this...this..." Acrylic found he had no words to describe his feelings...so many emotions that he had never experienced, it just made him more frustrated.. "But do not speak of Luna like that! Thou cannot fathom what she and I feel!" He yelled, getting off the couch and not caring if he woke the twins... "Listen to thyself! Ye have known this mare for a few days-!" "And yet I feel as if I've known her all my life! I am not the greatest with emotions, but I know what I feel for her...and I am willing to take the time to show thee my love be true..." Acrylic looked down, blinking away the water in his eyes while trying to contain his own growing anger at his brother...but regardless...it was said...he admitted his true feelings. Wintered Tail backed up a little in shock, failing to notice his children peaking down on the staircase when the guilt and confusion became frustration and worry...turning it into his own anger. "Acrylic! Think on this fools errand! Nightmare Moon only causes pain and suffering, at night I worry she might yet draw my foals into her twisted world of shadows as she has done to others!" "She has done no such thing!" Acrylic defended. "She has! ...please listen to your family! We love you, but she means to tear your heart out! Stop and think you twat!!" That was the final straw...Ancient Tome rushed from the stairs much to his sisters surprise and just as Tail saw the first tear run down his face and stain the ground, others flowing to join it; Tome was there to hug his uncles leg in a hope to comfort him, glaring up at his father... "Leave him alone, dad! Didn't thou tell me to follow my heart?! J-just leave him alone!" Tail immediately felt his heart sink...his daughter following her bothers lead and standing in front of Acrylic. Tome did his best to comfort Acrylic, yet the shaking rage and tears still feel freely. Tail was suppose to be there to support his own brother, even if they didn't share blood. It was his promise to take care of Acrylic...now he stood against his son, daughter and brother as the only one who saw how dangerous this attraction was. With the determined glare of his colt, spiteful stare of a filly and sorrow written on his brother...his heart couldn't take this much and still hold a strong resolve. After a few tense moments, Tail let out a heavy sigh and say down, rubbing his head from the brimming headache. "But Acrylic...I...This is not.." He sighed heavily once again... "I have done everything to help ye, and while I still very much do not like this...it seems I cannot dissuade thee.." Tail felt the worry mount even higher when Acrylic looked up with a slight smile as his words sunk in. Tail bit his tongue and turned around, leaving Acrylic to keep himself from arguing more like he so wanted to. This was his step to take now, and as much as Tail was burning inside...Acrylic would just have to figure this out on his own... Luna smiled softly, sitting in her throne aside Celestia while a politician droned on about a silly problem...well to her it seemed silly...Celestia though had to keep an image, listening intently. Perhaps the reason the stallion stuttered occasionally was because of Luna's whimsical attitude, that or her natural darkness was cast on the grand hall to suit a joined court rather than a sun dominated one. "In summary...I simply wish to make a more permanent residence for some of the caravans with a farm. I need a expansive plot of land to even begin this undertaking, yet if the first harvest is a fraction of what I expect, then Equestria will never fall short of food ever again." There was a silence, Luna looked to her sister who's face had become unreadable. From what bits she listened to, the idea was sound and the stallion seemed true to his nature as a farmer. After the famine during the years of chaos, it was hard to imagine what would happen should one of the small and few farms produce a foul crop. Perhaps what they needed really was a major source of food... "I will grant you ownership...on the condition that should ye fail to meet your promise. I shall remove thee and ye shall pay back the cost of the land that I am lending thou." Celestia looked to Luna for the affirmation she already could see. While Luna did nod in agreement, she was a little upset that Celestia assumed she would agree. "I thank thee with all my heart. I shall deliver the first apples to thou- er..my apologizes...both of ye personally as a thanks." He said with an eager smile and a bow, turning curtly and leaving the hall quickly. Again, Luna was added as an after thought in fear more than respect. Once the door was shut, Luna stood up to stretch her legs and sighed heavily. "Sister, I know it is frustrating...but give them time, they are simply getting accustom to the change." Luna drew her attention to the knock at the grand hall doors, yet another stallion wishing to speak his mind. Luna didn't bother to answer her sister before she sat back down, guard opening the door and letting in a stallion dressed in an expensive looking suite and an angry glare in his eyes... Oh...now this might be interesting.. "Princesses...I come before thee today in a very awkward plight. I will be frank, for my mind is too unsettled by recent events...My daughter say's that Princess Luna encouraged her to 'Follow her heart'" He said with a disgusted tone... Luna's eyes widened when she realized what this was about... "She speaks of affections...for a mare..this alone causes me alarm, yet as the one's who are currently in a position of power and influence, It unsettles me greatly to hear that they would use that power to corrupt the minds of our youth!" Celestia kept her stone face, Luna however was purely offended that he dare take this sort of tone with the princess of the night. Though she did her best to let the stallion finish his rant before she retorted... "I wish to see action done to reverse this spell cast on my daughter, and punishment for the one responsible." He said, regaining his snooty composure... Now it was Celestia's turn to take offence...so instead of going with her original plan of showing this self-centered stallion the door, she looked to her sister; allowing her to stand up for herself and explain...that and she would like an explanation as well... Luna nodded at her sister and stood up, clearing her throat to gather her thoughts. This was not the first time a privileged citizen thought his opinion was above the god-sisters...and Luna enjoyed hearing her sister use the Royal Canterlot voice to silence all that would blind themselves with their own ego and narcissism. "Now sir..I believe that where thou find's a problem, I glimpsed a solution. Tis my duty to safeguard the truths and secrets of all...and in thy daughter I saw a secret burning to cry aloud. I understand that it is hard to accept, but not even I nor my sister can alter the fate of true love...I merely helped her end the war that raged inside. My suggestion to thee is to go home...show thy daughter that ye will support her no matter what, for thou are her father...and tis thy responsibility to support her and love her for who she is." Celestia smiled slightly and nodded in approval, the speech was moving...it made her realize just how deeply Luna cared for the dreams of Equestria. Unfortunately the stallion would not hear of it... "Bollocks! Thou sister runs amuck into other ponies dreams and pulls and twists at our minds! My daughter is a freak thanks to her!" Celestia stood up now..the trademark glare of fury somehow not stopping the enraged stallion... "I demand retribution! Put that mad dog on a leash before she tears this kingdom apart!" Luna felt her last button pushed...Before Celestia could even call in the guards to arrest this out of control noble, Luna's eyes glowed a bright white and mane pouring out a terrifying black...taking a deep breath before bringing out the full Royal Canterlot voice... "Nave! Still thy tongue before I rip it out of thy disgusting mouth! Thou has the right to enter our court because we only seek to FIX problems, not make them worse! Now that you have made a fool of thyself, leave this hall and be assured that if any harm comes to thy daughter, I will personally exact justice." Letting as much venom seep into the last words to make sure her point got across... The stallion was speechless..suddenly, even in the expanse of the great hall, he felt cornered. Shadows closing around him and threatening to harm him while the earth shattering voice of the enraged princess shook the windows. Luna didn't mean to..but she used some of her dream powers to make sure her ideas of punishment flashed vividly though the stallions mind. Somehow he felt like a colt again stuck in his worst nightmare...eyes not able to leave the horrifying sight of the princess and mind racked with tormenting images. In truth...he even felt like his bladder wanted to give way to the fear that suddenly filled every corner of his mind... "M..M.....M-m-y...a-apologies...I shall...l-leave..." The stallion turned and bolted for the doors, tearing though as fast as his shaking legs could take him. Luna smiled slightly and took a deep breath to compose herself again, mane shimmering blackness and eyes glaring like a predator...it made Celestia shudder just looking at the serpent like eyes now on her sister... "Lulu...?" Luna blinked and the viper eyes vanished, mane slowly flowing back to elegant blue. Luna let out a deep breath and sat back down in her throne, wishing dearly that the cushions were just a tad bit softer.. "I apologize...I do not know what came over me..." She said quietly. Celestia now knew this change wasn't a coincidence, something was changing in her sister...perhaps it was her troubles from earlier that was the source. Yet she resolved that... which means that this was yet another issue dividing the regal sisters. Luna slowly hunched over and felt herself quivering in rage still, if this is what her sister had to deal with on a daily basis...perhaps it was understandable why the sun goddess grew so cold over the years. Strange though...it felt good to let some of the anger out, to just let go and empty out all the built up emotions she had buried. Which is why she sat back straight and regal again, a soft smile on her face that Celestia could let out a sigh of relief from. "Feeling better, sister?" Celestia asked quietly. Luna nodded...telling the truth in the gesture. Perhaps this could be a dynamic that Luna could use...Celestia would be the calm voice and Luna could be the powerful hoof. The sword and shield...in fact...the more she thought of it, the more it made sense. Ponies already had a fear for her because of a misunderstanding, so she would always have an advantage by just using that... That's it! That was the lesson mother wished to impart! Luna was so caught up trying to be like her sister..she completely failed to realize that she could be better in her own way. Equestria needed a leader, Celestia filled that role perfectly, being calm and wise in all her actions; but they also needed a protector...that role was to fall on her. The smile on Luna grew, Celestia felt more reassured than ever..her sister had a look that spelled confidence and leadership. Luna had finally broken out of her shell and was ready to take on the world it seemed, she even greeted the next guest before Celestia once he finally had the courage to enter, after seeing the noble run out with his tail between his legs The rest of the day it was like this, Luna was taking charge and trusting herself to share the court with a leader such as her sister...it even forced Celestia to blink away a few tears while the smile she had refused to leave. Even if the realization came with a dark undertone, it was still astounding to see the light in Luna's eyes that was gone for so many years. Mother would be so proud, Lulu... _ _ After a long day of helping the citizens of Equestria sort out the problems, Luna was still full of energy. Ready for the coming night of actual vigilance over the dreams of her subjects. Celestia on the other hand was ready to climb into her bed...it was tiring keeping up with how fast Luna could process the different problems that each pony presented, that though made her all the more proud to see her sister step up and take a firm place in the courts. Yet the sun was setting and soon it would be the moon's turn to take its place in the sky and heavens, eternal and ethereal to shine its pale light unto the world to let know that the princess of the night stands guard. Luna smiled and stood up from the throne, stretching her legs out and looking to her sister. "I am off to my room, enjoy thy restful night, sister." She said with a cheer, something that Celestia couldn't help but smile back at. "Goodnight, Lulu..." Luna was walking back to her quarters but looked back. "Rest well, Tia..." Celestia got up and followed her sister back behind the thrones and into the hallways, turning for her room while Luna went the other direction. Celestia soon fell into her soft bed with a less than graceful manner, eager to wrap herself in the soft sheets and think on today's events until she felt the warm comfort of sleep taking her mind off the world and sending her into the peaceful night she so needed. Luna however, stood at her balcony and watched the moon rise into the sky slowly, it was another outstanding night that stood out in her memory. After a few moments she noticed another pony was on a rooftop watching the moon rise with her! Today was just her day...she found her place in Equestria and finally more ponies took the time to enjoy her night. "Tis silent and wondrous that make's it so astonishing and beautiful...wouldn't thou agree?" Luna felt her heart quicken and that confident grin was quickly replaced by a shy and flattered smile... "Acrylic...I thought ye would be more interested in sleeping early so we can see each other again." The pony turned around, emerald eyes gleaming up at her and a soft smile on his face that made Luna redden a bit more. "We are seeing each other now, correct?" He said with a snarky grin. Luna rolled her eyes and laughed quietly. "I could just go inside though, then what would thou do?" Acrylic sat down, while Luna partaking in this banter was reassuring, he wanted to truly...truly tell her how he felt..that is also why he spent all day brushing up on his poetry.. Just as Luna thought that the pony was left without a retort as she turned her tail and ever so slowly stepped back inside, he called out to her.. "Yet all day's are nights to see till I see thee, And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me..." Luna couldn't hide the blush this time... How in Equestria had he known that she loved the tales from Flankspeare, she would never guess...yet here he was, reading lines from his poetry...and it was divine... "Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?" Luna said to retort, turning back around with a bright gleam on her face. "But love is blind, and lovers cannot see the pretty follies that themselves commit; for, if they could, cupid himself would blush..." That was it...this stallion was the love of her life, suddenly Acrylic found himself floating in the air by blue magic; he flailed for a moment but found that it was the princess pulling him to the balcony. The princess backed into her room to hide her stark red face, but the moment his hooves found the ground, the princess rushed him with a warm embrace, wings closing around him and their lips locking in true love's kiss for the first time... Acrylic felt his face flood crimson but within seconds, he melted into the sweet moment, eyes closing and feeling the flame in his heart stronger than ever. Luna let this moment last...savoring each second that she let her special somepony know how much she cared. Acrylic leaned back slowly, eyes opening again and looking deeply back at Luna as she broke the kiss as well...here they were...two lonely souls just drifting around endlessly until one day..until this very day...they found each other. Somehow I would have a happy end... Luna was breathless for a moment until she regained her composure, Acrylic placing a hoof gently on her cheek and smiling softly, pressing his head to hers so their horns crossed. "I love you..princess of the night." He said quietly. "I love you too...my raggedy artist..." She said with a small laugh. Acrylic let a small smirk cross his face before he kissed her once again..hoof wrapping around her back. Luna was the one to break this kiss this time, giving Acrylic a smile before letting him go; she stepped back to let her herself wash in pale moonlight. This was it...this was truly the day that Luna had wished for all these years. The day that she found happiness once again, as well as purpose, no thoughts of the future of the past could ruin this exact moment. For this was her moment...her's and Acrylic's, and with a graceful turn and a flick on the chin with her tail, Acrylic found out quickly that she had even bigger plans to mark this night... "I wish to show thee something, my love..." She said as she walked with a hypnotic stride. Acrylic wasn't sure how to react...now it seemed things were moving a bit fast for him all of a sudden. The thumping in his chest was the only sign of his nervousness that he couldn't mask as he followed into the princess's room, nearly jumping out of his skin when the balcony doors shut behind him. When he turned back around to face Luna, he found her on the massive bed drapped in silk blue sheets, those eyes making his ear tips burn red and the way she bit her lip...suddenly he remembered a very vital detail about himself that he neglected for a very long time. Oh...this...she's waiting for me..but what do I do?! Luna could easily see Acrylic's indecision, that slight sweat and ever reddening face made her realize...yet another thing they share in common. Oh sweet sister...I should help him...but he is so cute like this... Luna smiled warmly and sat up, grabbing the petrified stallion and dragging him with her into the bed, pulling the sheet covers over them both and helping her lover get the idea of what to do next with a ever so gentle nudge here and there. The last clear thought that Luna had was casting a sound barrier over her room just before her sister could hear the adorable sounds that Acrylic was making as Luna...nudged here and there... After many hours standing a watchful duty over the night... Acrylic was still panting next to Luna, the sheets were covering over their lower half and Luna was wrapped snugly around the stallion, her mane disheveled and wings sticking out under the covers. While Acrylic first thought a warm moment between new lovers would end after the first...encounter; to his surprise, it finally ended after three more...leaving him unable to move, even if he wanted to. Under the surprise of endurance...under the sudden leap between them..under the soreness between his legs...he rolled over and wrapped his hooves around Luna once again, pressing heads and closing his eyes to simply enjoy the afterglow and cherish their love... Luna opened her eyes slightly, just as exhausted but smiling back when Acrylic held her tightly. It made her feel warm...loved...and wanted, she nuzzled affectionately against Acrylic and tightened her embrace a bit. Acrylic opened his eyes in return and nuzzled back, knowing full well that at any time, they could fall asleep and know that they no longer needed to see each other in the dream realm. Acrylic even felt his own question arising to him mind...and he thought on it...he thought for a long while as they held each other until he smiled even brighter and surprised her with a warm kiss, making it quick but meaningful when he leaned back and said... "Would thou marry me...?"
The Darkness of Dreams"...Yes...Yes, YES a thousand times yes!" Luna felt tears roll down her cheeks as she rolled on top of Acrylic and locked him in their most passionate kiss yet. Acrylic's eyes widened, and even through the kiss he smiled and let his arms wrap around the princess once again. In truth...Acrylic expected a delay or perhaps...perhaps even a no. Wintered Tail's words echoing in his mind unplesently, he really did want to show him that Luna was not a mare of terror...Now though it seems that he was proving Tail right by how fast he was moving. Luna broke this kiss and felt her heart sink as they pressed heads again; Celestia would never approve of a wedding...no matter how much Luna would plea, the look in Celestia's eyes still haunted the princess of the night, and chased away any thought of a royal wedding. Luna tried to bring herself back to the moment, yet the thoughts still racked her mind. The thought of her...wearing a shimmering dress colored pure white...something not overly complex, just a light and beautiful gown that would astound the guests. Looking out from under an elegant veil at him...the raggedy artist..the short romantic in a dashing ebony suite and deep blue tie. None of it would happen.., "Luna...?" The princess blinked quickly and realized she was lingering in thought for far too long. "Oh...yes?"She asked quietly. "You have gone tense.....we can wait, if that is what thou wants." Luna smiled brightly and blinked away the tears, hugging her lover tightly and burying her face into his warm and comforting fur. Acrylic still felt the tears fall and soak on his chest..making him even more worried and anxious.. "No, I do not want to wait for my sister to come to her senses...this is our wedding...and it shall be magical,in the castle or in a garden..." She answered warmly.. Luna lifted her head back up and kissed Acrylic one last time before she knew that her time was up. The moon was sinking back into the ground, she wanted to just enjoy a few more moments with her lover...holding him affectionately as the moon falls to the horizon. Soon she found herself drifting to sleep, the moon was still half way in night sky, perhaps she would be allowed a few hours of sleep yet...with a crash against her door and high pitched cry of shock that Luna received, was the only warning of how wrong she actually was. "Sister..? Why is thine door locked?" Acrylic's eyes widened almost as big as Luna's...almost. "T-tia! One moment, I am...using the little fillies room and merely forgot my door was locked for the night!" She said, hoping she was more convincing than it sounded... "Can thou teleport?" Luna asked in a hushed panic, jumping up and rushing to fix the things back on the nightstand and use a bit of magic and perhaps luck to get out of this without suspicion. "No! Doth thou remember how advanced that magic is?" Acrylic jumped up as well and rushed to the balcony, wondering why Luna was this panicked, yet not arguing with getting caught in bed by her sister...the goddess of the sun... Luna wanted to kick herself for asking such a obvious question. Seconds seemed like hours and Acrylic was still trying to find a way out without jumping out of the castle tower...Acrylic,just leaning over the rails of the edge and looking down at the ground with his tail giving an anxious flick. Luna looked at his pastel of colors markon his flank and realized there was only one way she could get out of this mess... "Maybe I could...levitate myself-?!" "I'm sorry, love..." She said with awkward remorse. Luna unlocked the door and watched it fly open with Celestia tumbling in, Acrylic though busy falling in a blue bubble with bright red hoof marks on his flank, apparently the princess thought the fastest way down was plummeting at the mercy of gravity in a soundproof bubble...so in a way he at least was relived enough that Luna was still thinking about his safety. While Acrylic was tumbling though town "out of harms way", Luna stood as confidently as she could and did her best to hide her anxiety. Celesita got up and rubbed her head, looking up at Luna with mixed concern and curiosity... "Sister...?" Celestia recovered slowly due to morning grogginess...yet she was awake enough to know something was amiss. "L-luna...?" She said with a slight giggle and stutter. Luna did her best to keep the act up..the feeling between her legs making sure she was painfully aware of the fact she spent all night with a secret lover and failed to shower yet... "Lulu...please tell me I get to make fun of thine mane this time?" Luna was so stunned that it took a moment to understated what her sister was saying. Of all the things...the mess by the bed, her sheets disheveled more than anytime she could recall and the stark lie just moments ago...Celestia only saw a messy mane and an opportunity to get playful revenge... Thank mother, father and even distant cousin for this blessing... Luna looked up at her wild mane and let out a shaky laugh, pretending that her tail wasn't covering between her for and rear legs while she sat and keeping focus on the little joke; tugging at the mangled mess and blushing slightly. "Oh, yes...karma would have that my mane resemble a gryphon nest during a hurricane..." She said with a real laugh this time. Celestia scrunched her face and pouted, seems that gryphon comment was her joke as well. Luna laughed hard that time...her sister like a filly again with that face, now all she needed to do was pony-tail her pink mane and it would be foalhood all over again. Celestia smiled and laughed with her, glad that she could still make her baby sister laugh with funny faces. Luna felt her ear twich at the sound of her spell bubble crashing to the ground up into her room, Celestia seemed to miss that one as well during her giggle fit. "Thou are so foalish, Tia." Luna said, feeling strange to be the mature one for once. Celestia smiled softly and re-assumed her regal posture, the warm smile comforting and full of sisterly kindness. It almost made her forget the stallion, no doubt stumbling and dazed after a crash landing in the streets below. Once the two fell int silence, Luna knew it was time yet again... Luna closed her eyes and felt the god powers flowing though her...wind causing gusts in her room and blowing the drapes on her balcony door around mystically. The moon slowly completing its decent into the darkness once again to make way for the coming sun...and like a flare it rose, the great ball of light and fire breaking the horizon and casting bright orange hues across the sky and clouds that lay flat over the city. It almost rivaled her night... "Get some rest, sister...judging by the look in thy eyes...thine bed must look very appealing." Celestia said once her part was complete. Luna nodded but didn't move, not wanting to chance reveling her secret.. "Oh..I apologize, sister..I shall take my leave." With that soft, yet understanding tone, Celestia turned and left for the court. Luna would join her in the afternoon no matter what, yet the moment that the door shut, she collapsed on the bed once again and felt a big grin wash over her face; just barely keeping the joyous laughter inside. The princess of the night just got away with murder... Luna let out a long sigh in relief.... Somewhere , Acrylic was hopefully recovering without injury down bellow; Luna would have to find him later and apologize...but for now...it was her only chance to get some much needed sleep before her second day in the courts. Luna pulled the sheets up to cover her head and avoid the light of the rising sun, a swift flick of magic brought her curtains down over the balcony door, washing the room in darkness once again. The soft bed felt empty though...Luna wished that her special somepon- ...that her fiancé was with her, unfortunately, she would have to settle with pulling the sheets tightly around her and finding comfort in the scent of her raggedy artist left on the sheets. _ _ "Princess?" Celestia blinked and looked back up, a guard was trying to get her attention for a few moments now. Celestia didn't realize she was still outside Luna's door...but she was trying to figure out what was different about her sister. A little nap after a long first day is understandable, so she excused the fact that her sister more than likely forgot her duties for a few hours...yet this was just plain off. Luna's room was a mess, which never happened; and her room had a very...very odd smell. In fact...the only thing Celestia could label the smell as was... "Oh my word, Luna..." Celestia said with a crimson blush and facehoof... The guard tilted his head, Celestia had to dismiss him before he got any wild ideas...the smell was of course seeping into the hallway, and if she could catch it... "She is...merely going though a stage in her life...as I did before her." Celestia rationalized as best she could... _ _ "Tail! Tail!" Acrylic shouted as soon as he burst into the mansion. Wintered was reading in the living room when Acrylic burst though the door, Tail set the book down and sighed to himself. After the eventful morning, Tome surprised his father by sitting him down and making him promise to support Acrylic...no matter how things got. Just further proof that his son had wisdom beyond his age... Tail smiled warmly when Acrylic ran pas the living room, rushing back when he realized his brother was simply waiting. With excited glee, he skipped into the room with noting but joy in his jumps and smile. "Brother! It has happened!!" He shouted happily. Concern started nagging at his ear... "What has happened?" Tail asked, still smiling. "I am to be married!!" Wintered Tail couldn't hid the disappointment on his face. The false smile grew into a worry filled stare, though this time it did nothing to dampen his spirits. "I know what thou would say...but I know this is serious! Luna has no intention to harm me." Tail was about to add his thoughts but was quickly cut off. "Ah! I don't want to hear it! She is the love of my life and I to her. Now no matter what, I wish you to be there. To be at my side...like ye have always been..." Wintered resisted snapping back at Acrylic, the way he smiled, that light in his eye...this was completely different from the brother he knew. Tail knew a sulking and hostile teenager that matured into a humble and quite artist, this...he was happy. Acrylic Evenfall was just happy to be with somepony that understood how he felt...he found another outsider...and it made Tail's heart break. Wintered just couldn't even see just how his only brother could be this blind... "To be at thy side..." Tail said absently. Acrylic nodded happily...Tail though felt himself starting to lose his composure. Old memories were bubbling to life under Acrylic's words, some of the memories that were best left forgotten... Thou cannot fathom what she and I feel! It echoed in his mind over and over while Acrylic rambled on about his own plans for the wedding. The look on his colt..the glare on his filly...Acrylic had caused all this with his naive actions. Would he drag them all into this madness by actually inviting him to the wedding? Could he watch his foals fall under Nightmare Moon's spell....? Be at my side...like ye have always been... "When have thou been at my side...?" Acrylic stopped his rant and blinked a few times, caught off guard by the hallow tone in the question. Wintered Tail got up and forced him to take a step back, the look on his brothers face was filled with the worry and anger that was buried inside. All of it surfacing when the metal pony could no longer keep inside what was truly happening.. "Doth thou understand what I say? Thee asks us to join in this...matrimony...yet where were ye? Thy were late to my wedding and then thou fails to even show up at her FUNERAL!" Acrylic cringed visibly and lowered his head...he knew that someday, this would haunt him. When he first chose to live alone, he received a letter after a few months from his brother, telling of the horrific last moments inside this hospital...where Celestia chose her life...for two new ones... Tail was shaking with rage, eyes watering up from the old memories he thought left long buried. The pain still seemed just as fresh as the first day. What Tail didn't know...was how deeply it hurt Acrylic, knowing he had to live with that shame. The shame that he let his only brother down and spat on family ties by ignoring the death...Acrylic sat down and lowered his head deeply, grey mane falling to cover over his face and voice holding a deep sorrow that made Tail re-think his choice of words...but not his anger. "I know...I know I failed thee....I know I was never there, to see her to the next life...and I won't defend myself. I wish I could go back and change what I've done...but I can't..." Tail felt the water in his eyes build up more until he shouted in anger, striking his brother hard with his hoof. The metal pony saw red, his only brother was still under this spell of nightmares, and he had the gall to even try and make him feel guilty. How could he understand how he felt?! To lose the love of your life, forced to continue on like it never happened for the sake of the foals she died bringing into this abysmal world...it wasn't fair.... "HOW IS IT FAIR, THEN!?!" Tail screamed though the tears, striking Acrylic again... "Why do ye get to look so happy?! So joyous while thee ignores thy own brothers problems!? How is it fair that I suffer everyday, to see her in my daughter and son but know that she is never coming back! Whilst thou...thou speaks of feelings that I cannot understand..." Acrylic felt blood run down his nose,mixing with his own tears of shame...he couldn't bring himself to speak, even if he had an argument. "I will not be at thy wedding, brother...nor will my foals." Tail said, now that the anger was boiling down to hatred... Acrylic nodded in understanding. Wintered gave his brother a glare that spoke a thousand words...all of them telling him to get out. Acrylic wiped the blood pouring from his nose and lip, turning around without looking up at his brother and walking slowly for the door. Tome and his sister was listening on the staircase again...both of them holding each others hoof for comfort as they silently let tears flow... watching Acrylic grab his painting case and stand in the doorway; leaving a small trail of blood staining the carpet in his wake. "T-tome..." The colt wiped his face and blinked away as much of the water as he could, unable to answer without losing all control and breaking down...and he had to be strong for his sister... "Silent Hope...I'm sorry...for not being there..." Before they could form some answer, Acrylic walked though the door and let it shut slowly behind him. Somehow he knew...as he walked onto the streets of Canterlot...with all the bustling streets, and loud ponies...that he would never set hoof in this city again. Luna would run away with him...run back to his home deep in the forest and leave this life behind...this life of living in shadow and fear...where they could be happy together... To my brother... It must be strange to be here...after all these years, to finally see thine brother wed. Yet I know that with this came sorrow, I would be a fool to say I was ignorant to thy pain...Radiant Soul filled our hearts with light and laughter, and while I know you can never forgive me for what I've done....I only ask..no..I beg that ye will understand my actions. I know one day that you and I will once again be brothers...but until that day, ye will have to settle with a new sister-in-law. Mind you, she has a few extra quirks than your average mare..but would it not be me, to see only a mare that can be called astonishing and surprising...rather than average? So let us drink! Let us drink, eat and be merry, for the sun rises soon; and our festivities must last us a lifetime of moons... Author's Note Whelp...I finally wrote something that made me cry... up next is The Future I need time to deal with these feels
The Future"Princess, we must leave!" The walls shook and pillars crumbled under the assault... "No! What if we are no longer here and she returns?!" Celestia shouted. Immits glared, Celestia stood her ground by the throne and did her best to manage the magical castle defenses from her crystal command board, gryphons and guards clashed in the sky above and ground below; blood rained across the grass and trees...it tainted the very soil. Celestia felt tears running down her face as she watched her creations take aim and fire with a thunderous sound of crystal against crystal..and yet it was still a losing battle. The sun goddess's mind was overwhelmed... "Your Majesty!!" Her captain shouted again. No...she would never leave...to leave would be like abandoning her last hope for her sister. If she stayed, maybe there was a chance the elements could be used to yet save her exiled kin. The tears flowed even more as the thoughts of Luna started consuming her. Another barrage shook the castle and glass shattered when a gryphon broke though the line... "Prepare to die for thy sins!" The feathered solider shouted. Immits dispatched him quickly with a precise spear...but he already completed his mission, her troops had lost the last line of defense. Soon the battle would pour into her castle if it still stood, Celestia would rather die than leave. So she kept firing the cannons...she wouldn't leave...she wouldn't abandon her... "Celestia!! No... I won't leave you..I swear I wont leave you, Lulu...I swear I wont! Celestia was shaking, quiet sobs left unheard though the fighting and slaughter of her guards. "Sir, look!!" By the All Mother...brace!!!!" Celestia blacked out...the ringing in her ears was painful, her rear leg felt strange and the cannons no longer responded to her orders. The dust in the air made it hard to breath, her sight returned quickly, yet it was blurry and unreliable. The captain of the guard suddenly grabbed the princess and shouted something...his mouth moved but...what was he saying... Luna...I swear... The ringing suddenly faded and the guardpony's voice rang clear... "-Need to leave!! Celestia! This battle is lost, I beg thee, call retreat!" Celestia now knew she was off her throne, she was actually a distance away from her command perch...but why was she so far away suddenly? Why weren't her cannons responding... "Retreat...?" She asked absently. Immits cursed silently and took it as an order to save his guards. Celestia watched what was left of her guard run into the catacombs, a last ditch effort to find a way out from the surrounded castle. "Get the word out, rally at the secondary command, we can fight them back once we dig in there!" The guards in the throne room saluted and ran for the escape, Celestia tried to stand but found he leg dead weight, when she looked... "Celestia! Listen to me!" Immits grabbed Celestia's attention with his hoof and forced her to keep eye contact, she was still their last hope of keeping the fighting will in the guards. Without her...the gryphons might as well have won. "Listen to me...I know it is hard...but this is no longer just about Luna, if thee dies, we all die." Gryphons shouted orders to each other, waiting for the dust to settle before storming the throne room. They both had seconds before an untimely demise would hit them both on the wings of a sword or spear... Luna... "Enough of this!!" Immits horn glowed brightly, Celestia felt a light envelop her, and in a flash...the castle was miles away... The captain let out a pained groan when he and the princess stood in the armory of his secondary command, it was the safest place he could think of at a time like this. The room went silent, the sounds of the destruction only a few miles away echoed. Immits wanted to rush for food and water after such a exertion to save them both...his fury though, was not dampened by his exhaustion. Guards around them gasped in shock, some of them felt their stomachs turn when they saw the condition of their only goddess.. The captain panted softly...glaring at the princess in contempt. "How DARE you! I of all ponies understand that ye are suffering...but how dare ye let thy worries cost the lives of my guards!" Every guard was petrified, none of them understood what was happening..for none of the guards from the battle of Everfree had made it back yet...and may never make it back. "What will I say to the families?! What would ye wish me to say?!" Celestia sat up slowly, careful not to move her bad leg. The blood loss was making her a little dizzy, her captain's words finally took root though. The guilt overwhelmed her and consumed any hope for herself...she broke her promise...she abandoned her sister...there was nothing left for her to fight for. Celestia hung her head low and surprisingly...had no more tears left to cry. There was no choice left,the princess of the sun was broken. The harmony lost when she was forced to shoulder so much burden, Immits Sun began this duty with high hopes for a triumphant war...but with Luna gone, he was left to fight this on his own. Celestia felt like a shell...a husk of a dieing star in its final stages of life; for what was left for her? Guilt for the centuries to come and shame she would suffer alone. "I hereby remove Princess Celestia from command as unfit for the duty and responsibilities her position holds...Get a doctor for her put her somewhere safe.....may the All Mother help us all..." Author's Note One hundred years after Luna's banishment,war has broken out due to the last remaining princess no longer tending to her duties. An unstable relationship becomes conflict when the gryphons see the ignoring as an insult. The worst battle in the history of the war, was the battle for Canterlot. The blood and fighting made the castle into a ruin and left the city to overgrowth, cursed to be blighted. So the princess was forced to leave her home for the last line of defense, New Canterlot, which was dubbed simply Canterlot to forget the memories of that brutal battle that laid waste to a hopeful city and left nothing but a scar of darkness on the world.
Is the Dusk Coming?"Ha....Doth thou know what is strange...?" "No?" "The solar eclipse is coming soon...the first one since the fall of chaos..." "What does that mean...?" "It means...for a few hours, Night will control the heaven and the earth. Mother always did the eclipses for us...she said it was dangerous......" "I can't imagine how, its just the sun and moon crossing, right?" "....Right." Acrylic Evenfall fell asleep after some time, his nose still hurt and his face had a nasty bruise...the pain but a pin prick compared to what his heart was feeling. The bitter agony had settled to a melancholia, Luna was laying across from her lover on a grassy hilltop under a moonlit sky, the dark clouds drifting lazily in the air and stars shining down on them with a flickering light. Acrylic turned his head, just to gaze at the reflections of the stars in the princess's eyes, the teal glow shinning, shimmering wonder that made Acrylic's heart feel just a tad better... "Is it paradoxical to fall asleep in a dream?" Acrylic asked with a chuckle. Luna shook her head and laughed... "Thou knows the dreams...where it is simply a blank expanse, and you just wake up without dreaming?" Acrylic let a guffaw escape him at the realization. "I never knew what that was..." He said quietly. Luna looked over, Acrylic was already back to star gazing. They both knew that the dream would be over soon...Acrylic would wake up on a bench with his bag clutched and Luna would take her place by Celestia. It was a gut feeling that the wedding was going to take time...as much as a storybook romance would teach, Luna could never just sneak away without getting noticed. When was the question...when and how could she get away. The thought of a wedding in the dream realm crossed her mind, yet this was something she wanted to feel, not see; to experience and not just create. Acrylic thought on his brother...Tail took his love as a joke, now that he persisted; Wintered wanted nothing to do with a wedding. It did make him smile slightly that Wintered Tail gave the set of royal attire back once he realized Acrylic left it. Emotions ran high..things were said that nothing could do to take them back, yet Tail still was kind....which means there was hope. "Goodbye for now my shimmering star..." Luna blinked and rolled her eyes this time, looking back over at Acrylic with disappointment in her gaze. "Now thou art just being a fool." She said with ice in her tone. Acrylic laughed quietly, Luna joining in as white light slowly burned the field into nothingness... _ _ Luna woke up slowly, it was almost midday, her room was still a mess and she realized her covers had a certain stench to them... "Oh dear..."She said quietly. The princess slowly got to her hooves out of bed, light blue comforter falling off around her as she shifts. The sun seeped though the gaps of her window, it sent a small glow into her room that gave her a calm feeling...it was nice. Luna found herself looking around her room with new eyes, the books on the shelf were out of order...she needed to organize them later. The luxurious washroom had a growing pile of towels that the maids were failing to keep up with...perhaps she could help them during a late night? Luna smiled..she felt energetic surprisingly. With a new found strength she faced her bed and let it wash in blue magic, fixing and rearranging it to better suite somepony of her status. No longer a sulking child...she had to be mature now, to take problems and fix them herself. The door swung open and Luna stepped out proudly, closing it behind her gracefully and walking the well lit halls. It was a peaceful day with the soft chatter of guards and servants, she started a slow walk to take in the scent of flowers in the air and enjoy the colors that drape the walls. The decor had a flawless sense of royalty, Luna even got a little giddy when she head a piano playing somewhere in the castle..a soft number she easily recognized. God..save..the..queen. It put even more bounce in her step as she walked, humming the tune to herself. Suddenly she spotted a few maids cross her path into another hallway, she followed a bit quicker and called out. "I wish thee both a fine afternoon." She said, the maids turning back smartly with shock under their smiles. "And a fine afternoon to thee, Your Majesty." They said in unison. Luna continued on, humming again and making her way to the courts to join her sister once again. _ _ "Are we dreaming...?" Spotless said quietly when they continued on. "I don't think so...maybe she is playing with our heads?" Dusty Shine remarked.. They walked quickly to get to their chores... "Why can't Nightmare Moon just save it for night then?" Spotless said, just as a gold clad guard stepped from another corner and halted their walk. Scolding them on manners for disrespecting the princess... _ _ Celestia couldn't ask for better timing when Luna walked though the archway behind her and took a seat with that confidant smile and posture. Thankfully, even a room full of grizzly looking gryphon representatives couldn't scare her baby sister. Celestia looked back down at the gryphons and took a deep breath... "I would like to introduce my sister, Princess Luna, the guardian of the night." She said with as much command and ice in her voice as possible to get the point across...her sister was a force to be feared...and Luna's unreadable face was the last hammer to the nail for her formal introduction. Each gryphon bowed in respect, the center and larger one lifting his head up first; a permanent scowl on and a scar down his the side of his face. Fernar was his name, the single voice for the dozen clan lords that held stake in the gryphon kingdoms; born of battle and a demon in flesh if there was such a thing. While the clan leaders had expensive looking attire and an air of intelligence...it spoke of how relations were sliding if they send a warlord to speak of peace. "Humbled...Now, if it is alright with the clans, may we begin?" He said slowly, like a predator coiling to strike. The other gryphons nodded to the center leader, Celestia steeling herself for a long day ahead. "As we spoke of in the letters, Pegesi clutter our sky day in and day out, yet pay no tolls to enter our kingdoms, and even steal from out citizens. It would seem that these ponies, while few, think themselves above the word of law. While I would normally attest this to common criminals..." With venom seeping from his tone when he said the last few words... That was a shot to the gut to call ponies common criminals...Celestia let it slide. "I grow worried as this trend increases...our people lose money, valuables and cherished family items, items of our culture. To be sold or destroyed. Not only does our culture suffer, but with so many insurgents inside our walls...it begs the question...Should the gryphons fear a hostile takeover?" That was a shot to the face....this warlord...this thug knew that travel between borders was allowed, what happened as a result was a problem for each country. Celestia had to oversee a few gryphons on trial for crimes, yet there was no plan! Celestia wanted to retort...she was burning alive inside...but the floor still belonged to the guest until he turned it over. Luna somehow was still unreadable... "And it only solidifies the implications when thee tries to scare us with such an underhanded tactic...Nightmare Moon may be a horror story in your land, Princess...But tis not in ours." He gave a determined glare at Luna, he was doing everything he could to invoke anger... "Your Majesties..." He finished. Celestia had a plan already...it was there in her head, a way for everypony to be happy for just a little longer. So why couldn't she speak? The anger clouded her mind and made it a challenge to think of the right words, one false statement would send the room into a flurry of feathers and rage. Luna let out a calm breath.... "I would refrain from disrespecting the hosting party during negotiations. Thou may refer to me a Princess Luna. As far as thy concern...It seems foolish to say thy predicament is a simple one, and we are on the same side of the field; so I do not see why we could not come to an agreement." Luna smiled back at the gryphon..a knowing...venomous smile that made the warlord tense when he realized his job would not be that simple. It gave Celestia time to find the right words and the confidence to say them. _ _ The warlord had to sit down, it may have been rude or ill mannered...but he had to sit. The princess of the sun had droned on for what seemed like hours, sure the clan leaders were listening...of course they were! All of them spoke of family blood that gave them right to rule; defiance to the invasive and overbearing Sisters rang in the halls back home like a jester with a twitch....yet their beaks were soft and feathers more fitting on a foul swan than those who carry such weight in his people's name. Fernar nearly vomited when he saw them enraptured by the Princess's almighty wisdom. Fools... The sun sister was calm and collected, the lunar sister staying silent...her icy glare suddenly found his, his soul felt cold and a sudden darkness cut into his mind like an ax...she was onto him from the start. Celestia was a dense child playing queen in the absence of her mother...but the glare that tore though his ruse and put fear into his heart...this was a true queen. Suddenly the demon of the wind found his tail flicking anxiously under the unflinching gaze of the lunar princess... "I know what ye seek, monster." Fernar found the room fell silent, the gryphons he protected spoke...yet no sound left their beaks. "What magic is this...? This is an act of violence against a peaceful conciliate! he shouted in his mind. A cool laugh echoed all around him...it came from every corner of the room, and the deepest recess of his mind. The gryphon tried to move but found his limbs heavier than a mountain. "Do not tempt our hoof...Thy came here to begin a war, mayhaps you fail today...yet thou seek the bloody goal all the same. Luna stood up from her throne...the dark blue figure remained sitting. This was no longer the Princess he saw sitting on her high perch...this was something else... It had her form..her eyes and her poisonous smile. Mane black as ebony and glittering like the night sky with serpent eyes boring into his heart and planting weeds of fear. The gryphon did his best to remain calm... "If ye thinks this a jest...we feel shame to disappoint thee." Resolve shattered like fine glass against rough stone...Fernar now felt panic setting in as the phantom walked off the throne on shadowy steps. "Understand this...If ye returns with so much as a hint of insolence..." Her tone seeped darkness and evil. The gryphon felt his heart begin to slow...his claws dug into the marble and cracked it from the pain. "I will make ye wish my mother for the sweet fire of hell. The nightmare was inches from him now, his heart trying to beat against whatever power that threatened to take his life. Those haunting eyes...they would not blink nor waver. As the ebony mane began to swirl around his neck like a ghost and tighten, he gasped out sharply and lifted his head up. The other gryphons were staring at him with concern and Celestia seemed furious...Luna just kept that nightmarish smile. "Counselor...Did thou just fall asleep during court...?" Celestia asked as calmly as she could. Was that just a dream...? "Sister...I think he seeks to make a statement. This gryphon finds dreams more entertaining than how his country fairs...is this how all gryphons feel?" She is twisting this! Wretch!! A clan lord quickly grabbed Fernar by the arm and started dragging him out of the hall, the others quickly apologizing as best as they could for the deadly mistake. As soon as he was tossed out the doors he shouted out a string of curses... "That witch! How dare she ploy my simple mistake against me! Tis her fault for saving that child's flank. That mare put some spell of nightmares on me and twisted it to send me away, I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS!!" The gryphon shouted out in anger and hit the ground...a tear welling up as soon as he made contact. "Argh!!!" He shouted in pain and fury. This castle is madness incarnate! He was Fernar of Lightning! Demon of the wind and speaker for the clans!!! How could simple stone hurt him... That's when he realized his talons were bleeding... Fernar lifted the claw up and examined it... The talon on each digit was bleeding profusely, the pain swept him unspeakably swift. It felt like someone yanked out his talons one by one! Then he remembered..... In his dream, he could only move enough to dig a claw into the ground in primal fear....he couldn't have done that in real life without waking up from the pain. It's just impossible... "More possible than thou thinks, darling..." That voice rang clear as day in the halls. A loud laugh echoed in the halls again, or was it in his mind? It echoed and echoed, sending that same fear into every corner of his heart until he found himself looking everywhere for a source of the malicious laughter. It was lighting every danger signal in the gryphon's mind, he backed up in reflex only to find something block his path...he looked up slowly... That face will now haunt his dreams and waking nightmares... "Take flight..." It said with a chilling toneless nature. _ _ "What a joyous turn of events!" Celestia said the moment the doors shut. Luna smiled and nodded, the warlord was no politician...his tactless nature was ultimately his downfall. Luna felt more pride than she would admit to her sister, to use such a tactic as to invoke the anger of a goddess...it was not a wise move. It was indescribable to see 'The Sword' taking action, that gryphon hopefully learned his lesson on respect; if he didn't...more fun for her. Luna beamed proudly and let out a short laugh, which quickly became a boisterous fit. Celestia was unsure why her sister was laughing, yet she found herself joining in when the fit spread. What started off with Celestia playing defense, ended with the gryphons agreeing with anything she said...Luna didn't even force the warlord to sleep, that was his mistake. One he payed dearly for... Luna got up to get her blood flowing, stretching out her stiff legs and neck to prepare herself for the rest of the day. "Indeed, how could he just fall asleep like that? In the middle of our negotiations." Celestia looked over when the 'our' sounded strange... "But we taught him not to disrespect the power of the Sister of Harmony." She said plainly, sitting back down and looking over at Celestia with a friendly smile. "Luna...thee did not..." Luna laughed quietly and nodded. "Did." Luna said mischievously. "Admit it, he needed a slight attitude adjustment." Luna said with sureness and no edge of guilt. To use her power of dreams on a diplomat...while rude and ill mannered....it hinted of things that put worry in the sun princess's heart... "Lulu...please, don't do that ever again. Were it to go poorly, ye could cause more problems than fix." Luna rolled her eyes and looked back forward to the doors when they opened again, Celestia coudn't just ignore this..but duty comes first, hopefully it would be an easy day after such an eventful afternoon. Thus with a giant bag and paint spotted hooves entered... "A fine evening, your majesties!" Acrylic said quickly. What are ye doing, fool?! Luna screamed in her mind. Acrylic was calm, he knew he had one shot to make a good impression. With a thud, he set the dusty bag down on the ground and began rummaging though it. "I..am Acrylic Evenfall, a craftsman from the deep Everfree." "Is that not the forest that lies at the foothills?" Luna suddenly asked..she was surprised that anypony could even live there all alone like that... "Tis! Now..if I could fetch it.......ah!" Acrylic yanked out a heavy metal chest plate, painted a deep blue with the enchanting moon painted on it. Complete with silver and elegant looking shoes that would match its somber but elegant look. The set rested on the marble, Celestia speechless at the suddenness..and the beauty that the metal held. "A gift for the Princess of the moon and stars." He said with confidence. Luna was just a speechless...until a large smile grew on her face. The princess got up and walked down the stairs slowly, eyes locked on the bowing form of her love...his dedication true and that slight eye open watching her smugly... I should kill ye for scaring me like this... Luna lifted the elegant attire in the air with her magic and slipped it on, the metal was comforted by what felt like thick cloth..she realized it wasn't just cloth; it felt like it was old... The silver shoes fit perfectly, it made Luna feel more like her sister finally...to have a set of regal attire. Luna was examining the metal work until her sister clear her throat. "Um...well...we both thank thee for this kind gift-" Celestia started. Acrylic cut her off with a quick laugh, Luna looking up in confusion. "I have a second gift...yet I wish to ask the Sisters of Harmony a favor...." Celestia had strange visits before, this one though was a bit high on the list. Luna seemed enraptured by this guest, and all these gifts....what was he after? "I merely seek a roof over my head and food for the few days that I remain in the city. I was hoping it could be payment for the materials I used..." There was no easy way to ask an immortal goddess with control of the sun to crash at her place. Acrylic thought he managed the best way he could do it though. Celestia wasn't sure what to say, the rooms they had empty were only for consulates or representatives visiting..yet with the gryphons and their prideful nature, the rooms were currently available... "I think my sister and I would love to host somepony with such a talent and generosity as ye for the time being." Celestia blinked in surprise and looked down at her sister..was Luna getting too confident...? To quiet the courts or make an assertive point was one thing...but to directly invade anothers mind... Celestia decided to allow the guest quarter, but only to allow time for herself to get a straight answer from her sister. When the pony slung the bag on his back again and exited the grand hall, Celestia stood up... "Sister..." "Do not, sister, us." Luna said coldly... Luna turned around and faced Celestia. "We are perfectly capable of making decisions on our own." Celestia felt he jaw hand slack slightly...what in the world had gotten into Luna?! Was this an ego forming in the goddess of the night? Celestia did everything she could to make her sister happy...did she foster this behavior...? Could this be her fault somehow...Luna still stood her ground unflinching, and while Celestia could never fear her sister...she did hesitate. Hesitation was all it took, Luna smiled and walked back up the steps, proud that for once, she won an argument; and why shouldn't she be proud? Celestia was overbearing and judgmental, she needed to be knocked down a bit...Not to say Luna was trying to hurt her sisters feelings...more she was just letting Celestia know that she was no longer playing second best. Luna sat down on her throne, the new attire matching her sister and finally putting them on an equal field. Celestia felt something unfamiliar...it was like her heart was afraid, yet unsure what it was afraid of...was it change...Would mother approve of this? It just felt wrong to see Luna stealing her spotlight... What?! Celestia nearly lost all of her composure when she realized the what the fear was. Between stunned self-hatred and baffled laughter...Celestia realized that it was sibling rivalry. That had to be it...just petty sibling rivalry that would twist simple actions and layer them with dark tones to give reason to ludicrous ideas. The princess let out a sigh of relief... "I apologize deeply for doubting thee, dearest sister..." Celestia said, making Luna lighten up and smile pleasantly. That had to be it... Acrylic was busy setting up in a room, the gold armored guard helped him move the canvas bag. The stallion couldn't help but feel a little pride that he actually got a room...and hopefully, Luna would love his painting. The room he was granted was massive, a royal sized bed in the center of the room...small bookcase holding a few references on Equestrian culture and history. The center piece was a pot of blue and white rose flowers sitting on the nightstand, sending wafts of their sweet scent into the air that drift though the wind.... I hope I can see her tonight... Acrylic removed his second bag again, looking down at it and trying to remember how many days ago it had been...four? five? They had to be good still. Setting the bag down on the bed and standing back from it.. "One shot..." The green magic wrapping around it started to cause it to spark...plumes of green poured from the bag as he poured everything he had into it. Acrylic knew he had to do something, something to say he was sorry...that's why the spell had to work. The bag shook and lifted into the air for a moment..suddenly the air ignited with a deafening crack and the box disappeared with a blinding flash. Acrylic collapsed on the ground the second the box was gone, for a few moments, all he could do was breath and try and regain enough strength to see. Regardless of his efforts to stand, his limbs refused to move from exhaustion; leaving him to fall asleep on the ground... _ _ A loud crack snapped Wintered out of his thoughts, the sound made his fillies shriek upstairs. "What in the world.." Tail got up from the sofa and walked slowly towards the source..the kitchen. When he entered though the archway, he saw a smoldering bag sitting on the table. Its corners charred like embers and area covered in ash...and something smelled sweet... "Dad, what happened?" Tail turned his head...it was Tome that stood in the doorway with his sister, both looking at the bag with fear edging into their minds; yet childlike curiosity gleaming in their eyes. Tail walked to the bag and nudged it to be safe...it was still warm to the touch. Opening the flap carefully, he removed a pink colored box that had a slight weight to it. The lid was charred slightly, yet when he flipped the lid, the sweet scent reminded him that it had been far too long since he had eaten... "Sweetrolls...?" He said quietly...not quietly enough though. "Those are from Uncle!" Tome shouted, charging his father and trying to reach up to snag the box. It was a peace offering...one that made his twins laugh with excited joy as they clambered around the metal pony to get at the sweets. Wintered was still furious...he was still disappointed and still not changing his mind....yet it did make him feel better, looking at the simple gift. It was hope...a sign that while the darkness might consume us, a light always is there to mend. Tail felt water building up in his eyes, hope chasing away the shadows in his heart slowly but surely. .but first...he needed to make things right. What he said in the blind rage...it was unforgivable...and he knew that somewhere, Radiance was watching over him; disappointed in his actions. Brother...I'm so sorry... There was a note...Tail put it down when he realized the heat destroyed most of it... -Wintered Tail I am sorry..for everything...from the start, I caused ye heartache. I have no right to call thee brother...and never have. I thank thee for helping me regardless, the pain I caused is unimaginable; thou truly has the kindest heart for putting up with a monster such as I. Take comfort, I will no longer cause thy family to suffer, enjoy these...tis not much...but it shall ease my mind knowing I at least made the foals smile one last time. With Best Wishes-Acrylic Evenfall Author's Note Conceal dont feel
To Rise So High... To Rise So High... Three weeks later... Luna stood looking out at the nothingness of the void. Comforting silence, dark but easily visible still; a glow to the path she walks. Stars shine to light her way as she walks deeper into the darkness, fear does not ebb into her step, for she has ventured into this realm many times before. Soon she found a star blocking her path, its light growing until it blinded her, and sent a flash of memories echoing into the void. "Tis my blanket!" A small voice shouted in the darkness, echoing into nothingness. Childhood memories...Luna shook off the thoughts and continued on; for something was amiss. Days pass quickly, nights trickle on like sand in an hourglass...yet she found herself having moments of...sickness...both physical and mental. Something was growing in her mind, it felt foreign, unhealthy...something felt different. Another star blocked her path, the emotion hitting her hard this time. "I love you..both of you so much..." The memory stirred up tears, Luna fighting them back easily while continuing on. It felt like hours until she found the source of her strange feeling. It was a door...a door that existed only in her mind, wrapped in dark and elegant patterns, the heavy looking handles bared by thorny chains. The door was all but consumed by thorns and overgrowth, spawned by shadow and darkness. Star light began to dim around her...a heaviness in the air made the princess rigid with anxiety... "What is this..." she asked herself quietly.. Pain in her stomach suddenly grew, the door nearly flew open when something on the other side pushed against it. Straining on the vines and growth, it howled like a beast, Luna stumbled back in pure shock...turning to defiance. "This is my mind! I will not stand for a dream taking such grotesque root!" "Ah but tis a dream of yours, not mine..." a voice said..it came from behind the door, muffled but still sending a chill down Luna's spine.. "A wanton dream born of ire....a reflection of your...our innermost desire." The voice laughed, cool and full of malevolence. "Cute..." Luna said, annoyed that she let this fester as it has. Poisonous, but it was still a dream. Merely an idea given tangent form, a form she would soon destroy. Luna's horn lit up, power flowing though it and breaking the frame...the pain in her stomach got worse. The entity laughed from behind the door, suddenly the vines constricted over it, hiding it from her power. Luna glared and extended more of herself, the vines building faster than she could tear them away...soon the corruption was twice its size...and she realized; the pain forced her to stop, tears welling up when the acid in her mouth got unbearable, were this real, she would've emptied the contents of her stomach right there.... She panted when she regained her focus...glaring up at the door that slid from the vines once again. "...Wha...what have ye done to me?" She demand. "Nothing...it is what have ye done to thyself. All love bears its boons, even a love of hatred." "Sister?" Luna shot awake, the pain only minor now and the acid in her mouth making it uncomfortable to talk. Scanning the room quickly..she was in the grand hall...it had been another slow afternoon, the sister often found time to chat between meetings. Though with Luna's late night adventures with Acrylic, she had fallen behind on sleep. Today she actually fell asleep sitting on her throne... "That is...unsettling. I must retire early, sister dear...I had a very troublesome vision..." Luna had no energy to lie, thankfully though, the situation and its ominous meaning called for truth. Luna felt the cold dagger of fear working into her heart; she needed to know what was behind that door... Luna got up slowly and felt the world spin... Celestia looked more worried than ever, things around her were changing all too fast. First with the joined court, the attitude of her sister...and this Evenfall..the stallion had Luna on a leash practically. Everywhere Luna was after court, he was there. They laughed until they noticed her, then they avoided speaking to each other... "T-tia.." Luna said just as she collapsed. _ _ Luna sat weakly in her washroom..panting..sweating and wishing dearly for the bitter taste in her mouth to leave. Suddenly her stomach rolled over again and threatened to lose control yet again. It felt like the worst misery she had ever endured...her head was throbbing and body weak beyond anything she ever felt. Luna felt her eyes unfocused without her permission and her stomach give a threatening gurgle. "Oh no-!" Was all she was able to get out... _ _ With a last flush, Luna found enough strength returning to stand and walk carefully to the mirror. The reflection...a destroyed mane, fur sticking up randomly and eyes heavy with dark rings under them. Out stretching a hoof, she turned on the water and began washing her face, drinking a little to get the acids out of her mouth. It was a hour after her collapse that she exited the washroom, mane fixed as best she could and using a slight amount of makeup to draw attention away from different areas... The moment Luna closed her bathroom door,her bedroom door opened; the grim looking and scholar dressed...Starswirl... The serious look sending a wave of bitter annoyance into her already foul mood. "What is it, wizard?" She asked scornfully. Starswirl gave her a glare that cut down any childish defiance or moody anger and replaced it with guilt and depression. Luna held her ground for a moment..until she sat down again and began crying, tears falling freely and every emotion pouring out at once in a deep and sorrowful stream. Starswirl let out a cool sigh and walked over to the princess, discarding his hat on her bed and doing the only thing he could...he wrapped his arms around her and found the gesture returned swiftly, Luna's tears rolling down his back and sinking into his cloak. They were like this....for a long time....a friend comforting a dear and hurting friend. Eventually...Luna's sobs turned to silent sniffling, and Starswirl let her go gently. "Luna...I am deeply sorry....I was unaware." He said softly. Luna let him go, keeping her head low and trying to stop the still flowing tears. "I can't do this..." she said with cold hopelessness. The old unicorn put a hoof under the princesses chin and lifter her head up, she needed to see the truth in what he was about to say.. "...This does not hold such a darkness ye thinks. Understand, this is a beautiful...magical miracle. I shall not inquire nor speak of this to another soul as long as I live...but no matter what, I will help thee. This is something ye can do...it just takes the love of friends...all of us willing to stay by thee to the end." Luna felt the tears slow...she looked into the wise, grey eyes of the unicorn. Even though she still felt hopeless..she felt a little reassurance, though it opened up new ideas,like how can she tell Acrylic... Would he reject her? Would he expose her...? No...he didn't have to know. Not until the wedding, where she could be sure his love was as strong as hers. Luna wiped her face clean, the makeup useless at this point; so she took some time to wipe the remains of it off her face...it was foolish to try and hide this pain. As long as she could keep its source hidden, there was no need to worry. Though Acrylic would spend tonight alone, hopefully he would understand. "May ye...stay the night with us..." Luna said quietly, feeling more alone than those weeks ago, watching over the city as it sleeps. Starswirl nodded and smiled warmly, walking to the balcony doors and opening the curtains, the dusk sun still clung to the horizon. Soon Luna would have to turn her attention to her duties, but in such a state...the old unicorn had to do something to turn her attention to the moon. "Princess...it is time." He said as gently as he could. Luna looked over at the burning sun, the constant reminder that her life was on a timer. By day, a shadow, a second flute to her glorious and awe inspiring sister. By night, forgotten...simply left to rot alone in her chambers. No matter what time it was, though...she was alone....Until Acrylic found her on that day, ages ago. The way he bowed to hide his crimson face, it couldn't hide his burning red ear tips; she remembered every detail of their date. Dry white wine, the finest selection with a plate of pasta for them to share..he was such a hopeless romantic...but she loved that about him. It seemed nothing could cast a shadow on him, nothing could ever dampen his spirits. Luna took a deep breath and let thoughts of Acrylic fill her heart; his light shining away her doubts and fears..and with a slow stand, she took her place on the balcony and focused that light.. The sun's light was gone...emptiness took the sky...until the moon broke the horizon once again and chased away the darkness with its own light. Stars flickering back into the sky and letting the city wash in its pale glow; the moon rose higher and higher until it took its rightful place... _ _ "Wow..." Acrylic said quietly... Even though the moonrise was a little late, it was still just as stunning. When he had heard of Luna falling unconscious, Acrylic did everything he could to see her, everything short of begging on the ground to royal guard to let him in her room. That's why tonight's moonrise was special...it was the only sign he would get that his love was okay. With a long sigh, he returned to his room; closing shut the windows to the outside. It was everything he could ask for...the princess had accepted him as the Royal Craftsman, his only job to make breathtaking works of art to present as gifts to visiting dignitaries or simply because the Sister's wanted one. All for the simple things such as room, food and the company of his love. The captain of the guard approached him, though... Speaking of "How an artist might build a city." The guard wanted a fortress, towers looming with plenty of room for ballista mounts. Space in a new castle to hold weapons and armor...even where he can build if he wanted to build on the side of a mountain. Talking of...fresh opinions and a different idea...Acrylic could smell the greed. This captain stunk of greed and a lust for glory, Acrylic was hard pressed. but he presented a prototype to the guard after a week and trying to avoid the subject. In return, the guard gave him a very generous tip...it made Acrylic feel wrong to use a gift like his to fuel that stallions ideals..but he was in no position to argue. Bah..enough dwelling..the past is done, I must focus on the future. Acrylic refused to think of the past...lest it go too far and remind him. "Princess...I wish I could be with ye right now." He said quietly. "Please don't be hurt...please, please don't be hurt..." _ _ It was nearly time...it had been over a thousand years but it was finally nearly time... The time where it would finally be free...and would it be free... Hatred, dis-trust, loneliness....envy. Delicious envy... It would make her pay for trapping it in such a weak form. The pale prison, silent in the sky and leaving its screaming rage unheard...until a bond was formed. She opened herself to it, willingly let it inside her heart to perform her duties. But what name would it take..? It had been so long,its name was but a blurry half memory; left behind long ago to take on such a powerful form all those eons ago. It would never submit to taking such a pitiful name such as Luna... Even saying the name gave it a bad taste. The name was weak, subservient...it needed a strong name, one that strikes fear. One that everypony would praise and worship once its tyranny had overthrown the ditz of a sun god...soon it found a memory...an echoing thought that sent waves of hate and depression though the lunar princess's core... Nightmare Moon... ...It was perfect... Author's Note After hours of brainstorming of how to make the ending as gut wrenching as possible....I think ive come up with the most evil thing I could ever do in a situation like this And the best part.... It works... So we're down to the last few chapters, Luna's leaning on that "our" stuff, aint she? What a delight...Luna...Im actually sorry for what im going to do to you. Me, sorry for a fictional character; whats this world come to? One more story arch before the conclusion ladies and gents, I suggest you get the tissues...lord knows i'll be going though a box or two....
And Fall So Hard...One step is all it would take... It would be over...they could be happy again. Happy as just them, nothing to hold them back. There were rumors that all it would take is a fall... seven weeks, she was starting to show...and all she needed to do was to step forward. There was too much tension between them after she said the truth, she knew it would be over if this continued...she couldn't lose him. Not after working so hard to hide her feelings from the world, not after falling in love... What choice is there? The phrase echoed in her mind, it sunk into her very blood that coursed with the poisonous touch of Nightmare Moon. Luna understood the need...the spirit was right. In her folly, she is driving away the only thing that ever loved her; so she needed to make sure he would never need to leave. Lifting a hoof in the air over the staircase, she hesitated...tears ran down her face as she gazed down the sinking hallway. How could she keep going if he left...it was bitter irony that she remembered the look Celestia gave her what felt like a lifetime ago...her sunken eyes and utter depression. To fall apart for love.. That why she had to do it...she needed to make sure the timing was better, when they had reason or want... but not now. It was impossible now.. I'm so sorry... "Sister!" _ _ 72 Hours Earlier... "Acrylic! I missed ye so much!" Luna said,wrapping the stallion in a warm and crushing hug the second the door was surely closed. Evenfall returned the embrace and leaned into Luna, letting her go after a moment and smiling brightly. Luna's mood was infectious, she was so happy to be well again... "Princess...thou are glowing like the moon today." He said truthfully. Luna blushed a little and smiled, kissing Acrylic on the cheek before taking a step back. Letting out a content sigh, she looked around at his room; scattered papers and sketches litter the desk and the floor around it, the bitter sweet smell of the castles coffee was the more dominating feature...it gave Luna an idea. "I thank thee...but thou do not have to bolster our mood today. Are ye free at the moment?" Acrylic's eyes lit up and he nodded. "Then follow us." She said with a mischievous air... They exited the room, Luna striding down the hallway and making sure Acrylic was behind her. Today's court was over, the sun was sinking into the ground...but Luna seemed to have another plan for tonight. The stallion started to get confused when she took him to the west wing...he never went there. Running into Celestia one day proved very hazardous, she began picking away at the half-truths and dodged questions; thankfully the captain took her attention before she could pull apart his real reason for being at the castle. Like clockwork, Luna found her sister walking the halls; the sun goddess's eyes bearing down on them as they approached. Celestia kept a unreadable expression and looked at both of them in question. "Sister, I wanted to let thou know that we plan to treat The Royal Craftsman to an evening out of the castle. After all the work he has done for us, I see it unfair to not occasionally show our thanks for such a deed. If thou wishest to join us..." Luna kept the grin down, her plan was already going well and Acrylic was keeping quiet and as out of the conversation as possible. If Luna was right....she knew that Celestia would never be able to miss a nights sleep; too strict and boring to enjoy the nightlife...but as Celestia took more time to respond, Luna became a bit nervous as to how strong her plan really was... "...No, no I do not think I will join thee. Tonight I plan to catch up on some literature, a book I borrowed from thine collection...I hope thou does not mind." Celestia was still unreadable, but her plan worked...so she smiled kindly and laughed a little. "Tis fine, sister. Enjoy then." With that, she turned around and exited the wing as quickly as she could...without looking like she was in a hurry. Acrylic hesitated leaving for just a moment, bowing to the princess and trotting a bit fast to catch up with Luna. Once they crossed into the East wing, Luna quickly lead Acrylic to her room, bringing him in and shutting the door; a small click signaling to Acrylic that it was locked... Acrylic looked back at the door and raised an eyebrow. "Luna-..!" The princess nearly tackled him to the ground and begin quite the forceful tongue wrestling session... Stunned...would be a weak way to describe the look on Acrylic face the moment he did fall to the ground. The stallions face flushed red when he started feeling Luna very purposely bump and rub between his legs. Acrylic managed to get his head away to breath, panting out and eyes heavy..but mind ablaze with questions. "L-Luna..now is not the time!" He whispered. Luna didn't care...the only thing on her mind was the blazing heat that she just couldn't ignore. Where it had come from was the nagging question at the back of her mind, but she kept up her teasing assault, Acrylic squirming to try and get out from under her...he knew how risky this was. A guard could hear the noise, he could end up getting caught by one..or worse...caught by Celestia. The door knocked lightly. Oh buck... They both said silently. "Sister?" No way... "Sister...please tell me thou are not..." I can't believe I'm saying this.. "Enjoying me time...when ye needs to raise the moon..." Are we cursed?! Luna flushed red and got up as fast as she could, picking Acrylic up by the scruff of his neck with a blue wisp of magic and tossing him into the washroom, shutting the door loudly to make it seem she was simply using the little fillies room again.. Luna quickly walked to the door and opened it, Celestia not bothering to hide the way she rapidly scanned Luna's room the second the door opened. After looking to confirm a hunch...and she smiled and sighed in relief that she was wrong. "Don't be ashamed, Lulu...I went though it just as ye are." Celestia said with a chipper tone...Luna realized that her sister would deeply enjoy this opportunity to tease... "Tia...we swear if thee continues this conversation..." Celestia laughed softly and thought of the first story that came to mind to help ease the tension... Acrylic was doing his best to remain unnoticed in the washroom..until he realized that Luna...by the stars was still messing with him! Suddenly a blue feather left on the tile lifted in the air, washed in blue magic wisp its way around him...circling lower and lower down his frame until... Celestia laughed a little louder when Luna was able to recall the very old and..very embarrassing tale of when Mother first stumbled upon Celestia's 'Secret Spot' in the woods. Mother refused to talk to Luna about it but a young Celestia spilled all the details after a little peer pressure from Luna... "I did't use that!" Celestia said, trying to hold back her laughter. Luna smirked and rolled her eyes, Celestia would never tell the truth about that detail. A stifled guffaw came from the door to Luna's bathroom, catching Celestia attention... "Did..-" "Tia.." Luna whined. "I think we've reminisced enough, is it not time to lower the sun?" Acrylic was on his back in desperation, biting his hoof hard as his face sweat cherry red and eartips burned like a fire, using his free hoof to swat as hard as he could at the feather... "Oh..yes, I do apologize." Celestia said, turning her attention to the sun. With a slight effort, Celestia focused her power and brought down the flaming ball of light, Luna exerting her own powers to bring forth the silent moon...the celestial bodies switching place seamlessly and bringing the calm dark that the ponies needed to find peaceful sleep. Luna strengthened the spell slightly before Celestia opened her eyes again. Luckily Acrylic was still able to keep quiet...it sent a rush of adrenaline though Luna; to have so much fun with her lover and slip right under her sister's nose. Luna made a mental note to make this a regular game... "Goodnight, sister." Luna said, trying not to smile too much.. Celestia nodded and left, the door shutting with a brush of golden magic...and locking again with a flick of blue. "Oh Lover.." Luna chimed musically. The bathroom door opened when Luna pushed against it, she nearly burst out laughing when Acrylic was nearly passed out on the ground, sweating profusely and from what Luna could see...very much enjoying her bewitched feather. "Make it stop..." He said between breaths. Luna's horn flashed blue and the feather dropped on his chest. Acrylic let out a long sigh and lifted his head up, trying to catch his breath. "O-Okay...I think see thine point.." He managed meekly. Luna shook her head and laughed a little...sad fact is, Celesta's visit had killed the mood...and her assumptions had made her a little embarrassed that she let urges dictate action. Acrylic lifted his head back up and looked at her curiously... "...I don't mean to sound anxious." Luna laughed even more, not that she was laughing at Acrylic...more the situation itself was making the princess laugh. Poor stallion... _ _ It was a sweet summer evening...the moon hanging in the sky and casting its glow down on the empty the restaurant. Luna picked a fine place to enjoy the night, Thankfully it didn't take much convincing to get the cooks to stay behind for a few hours to prepare this meal. The food was mouth watering and wine bearing a good year to accent the meal. Unfortunately..Luna declined to partake in the drink, Acrylic was shuffling in his seat nervously as they picked at the food... Luna sighed quietly as she stared into her glass of water...Acrylic was looking at her concerned, it had been a one sided date this entire evening. Acrylic did his best to bring Luna to the moment and enjoy the together time, but she was focused on something else all evening. Sighing and setting down the fork, he lifted the wine glass in the air and smiled brightly; a last try before he asked her directly... Luna looked up and smiled weakly, raising her glass with a blue field. "To us, aye? The things we went though to get to this part..." Luna nodded and sighed..she knew there was no longer time, no more stalling, no more avoiding...now was the time. "The wedding is tomorrow night.." She rushed. Acrylic gagged on the wine he was drinking and coughed.. Luna grit her teeth and lowered her head ashamed..expecting a onslaught of questions or an argument on his part for some strange reason. Acrylic simply regained his composure, setting the glass down and smiling warmly at her.. "I understand...Sorry I didn't sound as excited as I really am, it was surprising the way ye suddenly said it." He said with a quick laugh. It was a little reassuring...to know that Acrylic was just as ready to take that step. Often she found herself thinking of how Acrylic will handle being a father, would he be strong enough to raise a demi-god...or goddess...Luna felt a warm spark when that thought crossed her mind. The wizard was right, Acrylic smile was hope shining in the darkness of the night, his confidence and kind spirit would indeed be enough. "We had an idea...a wedding by the lake, twas enchanted a long time ago by our sister; The Still Waters of the Sky...The Midnight Lake..." It was a bitter-sweet memory, it was the place where the young goddesses buried their mother... Acrylic had no idea what the place meant to her, frankly he didn't even know a Midnight Lake existed. If it meant making Luna happy, he would always agree,Acrylic nodded and the light returned to her eyes, a soft smile growing as the candle between them burned though the last inch of wax..the moon high over the city watching over the two as they stood up and drew closer to each other... Luna swore she heard a piano in the background...slowly chiming out a soft tune. Just as the light of the candle flicked out, they crossed horns with a turquoise spark glowing the second they locked lips once again... Celestia was speechless....rare was it that she was so shocked that she had no words to give meaning to her feelings. Utter shock and terrified worry screamed into every part of her mind. It started out simple...just a night of reading, all she wanted was a stress free evening to read and take a step out of her own world. Dragon's Wrath was the title, a straight forward tale of adventure, a simple book she could delve into.. The sun will fall Written in ink and taking up an entire page with its chaotic style and fury dipped quill. It was on the next page as well...and the next. Soon Celestia found an entire page repeating the phrase Give way to eternal night! Like an anthem...a sick cheer of battle. Celestia was slack jawed as the pages flipped frantically, words spilling across the pages at random places but all reading the same battle cry. Eyes watering...she slammed the book shut and threw it across the room like a living demon, breathing rapidly and the pain of worthless strife sinking into her skin... "Luna...what have I done wrong..." 48 Hours... Luna took a deep breath, it was nearly morning...Acrylic lie sleeping in his chambers and Celestia would soon open her door and allow the princess of the night to sleep. By this afternoon, she would fake another vision and get out by perhaps three o' clock, track down Starswirl and enlist his help in getting ready for the wedding. Evening, the dress would be ready and in her closet, Celestia would lower the sun and leave Luna alone for the night; hopefully the whole night would remain uneventful so as to keep the wedding unhindered. Now that her plan was thought through, checked and rechecked...time was the last step; to wait until moonrise and begin the last step to starting a new chapter in her life. Soon, as she lingered in thought...it seemed more like a goal that was just out of reach, closing into her grasp inch by inch as each hour passed. The nagging voice of doubt worked its way into the front of her mind and started making her worry... Celestia will find out... It was impossible.. She will forbid the love... Luna refused to allow that.. She will take the child... Luna's eyes broke wide; that was not her voice. It may have sounded like her, but that voice held the same darkness of her festering dream, the infection was growing stronger...Luna remembered that she had yet opened that door and faced the demon that dwells inside. No...leave the door closed, conceal the pain, let it grow... Luna felt sharp pain work into her stomach again...but this was not an expected pain...this felt like a dark threat. Luna took a calming breath and opened her mind to the world, letting to soft breeze of the night flow around her; taking her mind to the realm within. It took a moment a falling..falling in the darkness with the same stars flashing by until she slowed the decent, landing gently on the onyx floor of her dream realm. Plague...it seeped from every inch of the door in a vile green fog, the door that now dominated her dreamscape with its foreboding thorns and overgrowth holding it in place. The monster on the other side had damaged the door, yet the vines holding it shut were undamaged; meaning sooner or later, she would have to deal with it... Luna looked up and noticed a new moon in the sky...suddenly her heart sunk and fear poured into every fiber of her being when she realized that it was not a new moon...but the dark side of the moon. The one vantage she could never present to the world, like it was cursed to remain unseen and unknown...now her mind flooded with burning fear. The door grew in size..creaking and splintering as new frame jetted out and made way for the ever present demon growing in strength. "Celestia!!" Luna shouted... "Sister!" Luna shot awake and gasped sharply, coughing when she inhaled the acids that had bubbled up. The moon clung to the low sky, dripping in sweat, Luna felt panic rush her mind. She will take away the child! It echoed over and over, maddening in its tone and meaning, Luna jumped up and looked behind her.. "No, get away from us!!" She cried. Luna cast a shockwave as a warning, the books on her shelf falling to the ground and Celestia only just barely getting a defensive shield up in time to stop the blast in its tracks. It still sent her stumbling back with the sheer force behind the spell, Luna was panting, her stance not wavering or mind able to rationalize...she had the same serpent eyes again. "Luna!" Celestia shouted, hoping to get though whatever possessed her to act so violently. The sound sent the dark voice back into the recesses of her mind...letting her see the situation for what it really was. Celestia snapped Luna out of the nightmare and she nearly hurt her only family...and it tore apart her heart. Celestia watched as her sister fell to the ground in exhaustion and began sobbing helplessly. It was all falling apart...her plan, her secret...her one chance at happiness. All she could do was let the tears flow while Celestia watched, stuck in fear stricken indecision. Suddenly, Starswril burst into the room, sweating frantically and looking more disturbed than Celestia had ever seen the quiet scholar... "Your majesty!" He shouted as he tore past the solar princess. "Why didn't ye tell me..?" He asked softly as he helped her upright. Celestia couldn't stop thinking of her mother's words... Love her...no matter what happens...and be there for her. Celestia felt the emotions and confusion mix violently, the wizard was doing his best to bring Luna back down...so why couldn't she move. It was fear... For the first time, Celestia felt fear for her sister...and it was strangely mortal for her fear to turn to anger, lashing out at the only thing she could... "Luna! What did I do wrong?!" The hatred in the book was nothing compared to the sun goddess's blazing fury. All the work she did to make sure her sister was happy..just to be refused and now loathed; what would mother think if she could see how spoiled Luna had become. Celestia walked over to her sister and loomed over her, glaring down and just holding back her ear shattering Canterlot voice... "What am I doing that upsets thee so much?! Just tell me!!!" She screamed. Luna looked up with the venomous eyes again..tears still streaming down but fury taking the place of her sorrow. "It is thine EXISTENCE that angers us!! If ye would just leave us alone, but no..." Luna got up...and Starswril realized he might be in the middle of a very deadly argument. "No, ye must be everywhere! Stealing our light and being the selfish child ye always were! Mother's death has taught thee nothing about growing up, has it?!" The room was shaking with the radiating power pouring off the princesses, the scholar felt like he was between a frozen tundra and scorching desert...but that was it...that was the one chord that she would not stand for being touched. Celestia took a deep breath and stood straight, turning around and unable to even look at her sister... "Sister...I am going to leave, but I want ye to think about what thee has just uttered." Celestia was shaking with rage, her eyes nearly burned with her fury; but now that Luna had just used their mother in an argument...anger can wear off, but disappointment left a lingering touch. The door shut with a slam, Luna breathing unsteadily...she wanted it to be over, to just crawl into bed and ignore the world and her feelings for just a few hours...but the moon sunk into the ground and gave way to the sun; all without her permission. Luna turned around and watched..slack jawed as the sun sent the moon back into darkness and rose in the sky. The one thing she had left...the only thing she could call pride...was just taken and shattered right before her very eyes. Luna could only scream in bloody fury... 36 hours... What is left when thee strips away family? After that, what remained after thou takes away friends, freedom, courage, hope? What I saw that day haunts me..it permeates my mind and plants weeds of fear. The roots break down my foundation, they crawl in my skin, creeping slowly and distorting my body with their agonizing corruption; only one thing could stop this madness, one pony who could shine a light in this darkness that the castle is suffocating in. Please...Please let this be part of thy grand plan for us, let this light wash away the darkness....and not drown in it just as we have. Luna stood in front of her closet mirror... The pearls hugging her ear were lovely, the white dress; a light gown that fit comfortably loose and flowed down her body to rest on the ground. It shimmered under the moonlight that flowed though the balcony. The sheen that came from the eye shadow was enchanting, the wizard was indeed one of many unexpected talents... Luna took another look at the rose color adorning her lips; it took hours to find the right shade of red, not wanting to look too vain and leaving the color to dominate the dress...yet not wanting to make the color too dark and send off the wrong signals...and even though it took all day to calm down and take her mind away from the betrayal...she managed a weak smile when she looked at how beautiful she was in the dress. "Are ye sure tonight is right..?" Starswril asked. Luna nodded, nothing could stop what was happening tonight. "Then allow me to make some preparations..." The princess turned around but he was already gone...of course she told him where the wedding was going to be, but what could he do that required such immediate attention...? Acrylic looked in the mirror with a sullen face...his mind refused to leave the past where it was; thoughts of his brother still lingered and even took what was going to be the happiest moment of his life...and turned it into what felt like the greatest sin. With a deep breath, Acrylic fixed the royal blue tie and looked up to make sure his mane was still in its presentable fashion. Exiting the room,the clocks in the castle rang out ten times...it was time. Acrylic trotted quickly though the halls and was careful not to catch the attention of a patrolling guard. Turning left, he entered the grand dining hall; ducking though to avoid a sentry posted at the door, he snuck his way all the way to the exit..the long foyer. Walking slowly so his steps did not echo; closer..closer he got to the doors. Sweat began rolling down his head as chatter echoed from another part of the castle and sent a spike of alarm into his body. Acrylic picked up the pace, smile growing wider until he grabbed the door and... "Craftsman!" ...So close. Acrylic turned around and put on a false smile...changing suddenly to confusion when the ghastly sight of the court wizard was looming over him...as if he followed him the whole way...with an oddly warm smile. "I wanted to wish thee a fine evening.." His horn glowed its pale color. "...Are thee going to see thine brother at this hour?" Acrylic looked left and right..backing up to try and get away from the conversation as he tried to come up with a good excuse. "Or perhaps ye have a fine date this evening...judging by how thee are dressed." Now it was getting disturbing how this pony was picking apart Acrylic's thoughts... "...Y-yes! My brother! He...asked to see me while he was in town." The old pony nodded and looked over Acrylic...gaze going empty while his horn glowed brighter. "I see..." Acrylic turned around and saw only the door, when he looked back...the wizard was gone. Acrylic was looking frantically for the stallion, only to hear more guards talking as they grew near; it was now or never. Acrylic tore though the doors and rushed out into the streets, hoping that he would not falter in his step and ruin the suite..or worse, get the directions to the Midnight Lake wrong. Acrylic winced when his head began to throb, stress was starting to get the better of him...or did it have something to do with that wizard and the way he read into his mind... Either way, he had put it behind him. Now was the moment he had worked for, for the past few weeks he had skated a line around Celestia and her captain; now though was the time for all his work to pay off...now was when she would run away with him. _ _ Luna walked slowly into the clearing...a mass of bushes and trees would hide the clearing from the ground, but the enchantment placed on the area made it invisible from the sky and impervious from any magical interference. It was a place locked in the moment of its creation. With a deep breath, Luna walked forward, parting the growth with her magic to keep her dress clean until she broke though the spell and found the clearing... It's perfect... Somehow, Starswril had managed to set up an alter with its own archway covered in climbing roses, butterflies float in the air and cast a luminescent blue and white glow as they flutter, the grass shifted from the gentle breeze and the singular tree hanging over the lake swayed its ivy branches that almost touched the ground...Equestria's sorrow given form of a lush weeping willow to mark the grave that lie under the still water of the lake. The moment Luna took a step forward, fireflies burst from the tree and began to dance around her, she had to stop just from the wonder that was a thousand lights fluttering around the lunar princess and suddenly dispersing into the air, leaving one light on her chest like a shining jewel. Luna felt warmth breaking into the cold barrier of her heart and soon, she stepped forward again and looked at her love from under the veil...just how she imagined it... and it was a moment that Luna could say, was breathtaking. Luna breathed slowly once she stepped unto the alter made of grass, doing her best to calm her racing heart. Starswril just smiled calmly and closed his eyes to gain his own calm while Acrylic stepped to be right next to his love. Starswril opened his eyes again and looked at both of them. "Princess...Stunning as the full moon in an apex of light.....Shall we begin?" They both nodded... _ _ "I swear he said this way!" Tome whispered. Hope rolled her eyes and took off in the opposite direction. Tome turned around and stammered out his frustration as he ran, disagreeing the whole way until she saw what looked like light. Tome took off the second the lights began and sprinted though a wall of brush; Hope following quickly. The stallion stopped talking and smiled warmly when he saw the two dash into the open of the clearing, Uncle turning around with confusion...turning to awe when he saw the two. Luna looked worried but when she noticed the slight smile on Acrylic's face.. "Uncle! How could ye not invite us!?" Tome said with a laugh. Silent Hope nodded in agreement, making Acrylic just let out a soft chuckle. "I didn't think...thou wanted to come." He said with a noticeable edge of depression. "Frankly, I didn't" Acrylic felt his heart stop... Wintered Tail walked out of the brush with a few others, a grey stallion with haunting purple eyes; another stallion who looked whiter than snow and a mare...the light brown mare had another with her, a cyan counterpart with golden hair tied up in a bun. All of them entered the clearing and had a formal air about them...the stallions were in suites and mares in dresses, all but Tail it seemed was prepared for the evening. Luna looked at Starswril with an incredulous look of shock. "Who are all of thee?" Luna asked the moment she turned back around. The grey pegasus stepped forward first. "Honor Knight." He said and then bowed. "Pure Heart..." The snowy one added.. "Ace Winds..and Sleight Winds..." The brown mare said. Luna couldn't hide her slack jaw when her suspicions about the mare's were confirmed.. "I'm Ancient Tome! And this is Silent Hope and my dad." "Wintered Tail..." Acrylic said quietly... Tome jumped to the front of the group when it seemed no one was able to find the words to explain for the couple now put in the spotlight. "The wizard pony said to come here at night, he said that it was where the wedding was..." Tome suddenly lost the courage he had before when all eyes fell upon him. Knight cleared his throat and took it up to finish the story. "He said that if we ever wanted to show how much the princess of the night has done for us...and thank her. Then we needed to come here." Luna looked back at Starswril, simply smiling as the fireflies danced in the air again and started a flurry of a light show. Looking back at the small group of guests, then at her son to be husband...and he was calm. Acrylic looked back to her and turned back to the alter, putting a hoof over Luna's and digging a small box from his coat. "Tome..take this." Acrylic levitated the box in the air and let it fall gently before the colt. Tome opened it up and couldn't help his eyes widening to an almost comical point. Starswril cleared his throat again and opened a book from behind the alter... "Dearly beloved..." _ _ It took a long time...nearly the entire ceremony before Tail relaxed. While he was furious that his foals would sneak out to see what he thought would be a dark travesty...he felt more guilt overbearing that anger. Under-dressed, late and unwelcome; who was he to show up unannounced..? As the reading continued on he realized that the lunar princess was not the nightmare that everypony claimed. Perhaps his brother was right...in the way she held herself, the way she looked, even the way she said "I do." ...She was far more equine than any goddess he had ever seen. I begged the question...did he let his emotions and the judgment of others really cloud his own opinion..? It felt bitter to realize he might have just lost a brother and a life long friend to pettiness. Tail actually felt water build up on his eyes when he saw his colt timidly walk to the alter with the ring... Later on, the group had began dancing under the moonlight; surprisingly, Honor Knight was a talented musician, all it took was the help of Starswril to get a few instruments and a quick enchantment. Once the first dance was over, Luna took some time to be by herself and think by the lake, Acrylic understood and took this moment to talk to the wizard about the significance of this spot. "I see...Though i'm still surprised she would pick this lake then..." "I holds deep meaning to the sister's. It is the place they hold more dear than any." Starswril affirmed. "Brother...may we speak?" Acrylic felt his body tense...the wizard caught the hint and departed. Now was the time to make amends...Tail knew he had one chance to make peace before the rift would grow too large. Acrylic turned around and took a deep breath to calm himself. "I thought...ye never wanted to see me again." Wintered looked around ashamed, lowering his head in penance. "I didn't think thee were so serious about thy love...and when it became apparent that ye would not stop...I was afraid. I was afraid that I would lose a part of my family, thou knows family is everything to me...and now...Luna is apart of that family. While I was rude and outright wrong at the start...I just want to ask for forgiveness." Acrylic lowered his head and turned away...it wouldn't do to let Wintered see the water in his eyes. "I'm not family...remember?" Tail felt his hopes plummet... "All but in blood! Please, I made the mistake, just let me make it right." Acrylic looked up into the sky, letting out a cool sigh and looking back at what was once his brother. Did he not read the note...? Did he not see that he was a danger to the foals? The life he must live is one away from the normal, he tried to escape that fact by coming back to his adoptive family...it ended with bruises and scars; and he wouldn't make the same mistake again. "I can't come back..I don't want to hurt anypony else...ye shouldn't have come." Acrylic walked away before Tail could come up with a counter, resigning to join his new wife by the lake in content silence while the small group still enjoys the night. Knowing that nothing could hope to lift his mood now. Soon, a soft piano tune rang in the clearing, a slow dance for the mare's to enjoy so for just a song, they could have the dance floor all to themselves. Luna looked up and saw him sitting next to her, her mind going over the right words she had chosen to tell her husband that he was to be a father... "Acrylic..." He looked up and managed a small smile.. "What would ye name a foal..?" The question made him think...his brows furrowed in thought and soon he rubbed his face with his hooves. Wintered had all but exhausted Acrylic's ability to find happiness, even he had a limit to what he could overcome with a good nature and joyful heart. Luna felt a cold fear take her hear when Acrylic looked distantly back out at the lake. "Oh..." Was the last thing he said that night... And the next day... _ _ That's why she had to do it, after she opened the door..it made sense of why the spirit told her to do it; because the spirit was her...it was her own feelings given form of an understanding protector. All it wanted, was to see Luna rise to her full potential and help her bring a sinking relationship back to steady waters. It wanted to help... Don't let her take the child away from us... It cared just as much as she did about her child...but it was stronger, it helped Luna make the decision no parent wants to make. In order to save them, she had to do it. It was obvious to her that Acrylic did not want a child...not yet, Celestia would find out undoubtedly during the later months. Leaving the option she just couldn't bring herself to admit out loud. I'm so sorry... "Sister!!" The sudden voice forced her decision, Luna leaned forward and felt tears wash down her face and fly into the wind as she fell. Past the first step and tumbling freely. It felt like hours before Luna came to a stop on the hard stone, blood freely flowing down her head and one eye shut from the rapid swelling. Strangely, she couldn't feel her left rear leg properly..yet it was done. The feeling in her stomach that started those weeks ago had ceased. The sound of guards rushing to her were muffled by the pain, tears still flowing like a river and mixing with the blood that began to pool on the ground. Luna gave in...her will broken and her want to live no longer existent. "No...Luna!!!" Acrylic shouted the moment he shoved though the guards to see his wife...eyes empty and body twisted by the fall down merciless stone. "What have I done wrong..." Author's Note I thought on the song really hard, and without music or tone I cant really say I would feel happy exploiting songs if it cant live up to its full potential. So the song will be apart of an ending bonus, not needed but if you really want to, there it is. I feel like NNM is like The Darkness from Darkness 2 Luna is such a tease And holy sh*t did it get dark in here... One chapter to go, the grand ending to this adventure...But like I said, this is really only the start. The epilogue will have a preview of whats to come as well as put a nice bow on this story. Boy was that a different perspective on how much Luna enjoyed that book as things got worse, huh? *evil laugh* Everything is falling into place.... Look at Celestia..still being the mature one and walking away...mm..brings a fuzzy feeling to me. Is it just me or do fyre-flye's tend to show up during big moments in Luna's life?(*overly proud for making that connection*) Score: Twentyfour...sorry twentyfive Full Throttles(blue demon cause its the best) and eighteen cups of coffee were used to write up to this point. No I don't have a caffeine problem I swears the precious isnt hurting me....
MoonriseAuthor's Note To start, I cant thank you guys enough for sticking with me to the end and leaving such amazing words of encouragement. Its things like this that will get me started on a real path to become the writer I hope to be. The most likes of all my stories and damn near 600 views...I cant say how much I enjoyed this and I'm super hyped to start the first part of the epic continuation of this timeline. That being said, I DID go back and edit the living S*** out of this story, a lot more emotion, a lot more dialog and much higher quality. I would hiiighly suggest going back and starting over so you can get the whole experience. Again thank you all,and I hope you join me on the next adventure featuring a character dear to my heart. I've been constructing him in my free time for five years until I could get to this point and write him properly. So join me and The UnKnown on a journey across equestria to challenge the way everypony see's right and wrong... Warning: It gets..waaaay darker than I planned for this chapter. Frankly I might need to change the tag from Teen to Mature with whats about to happen to Acrylic Yup, this is deserving of mature status. OH MY GOD IT HURTS WRITING THIS BUT I CANT STOP, NIGHTMARE MOON HAS TAKEN THE STORY, HIDE YO KIDS HIDE YO WIFE Disclaimer: I actually watered this chapter down...if you can believe that. The uncensored version will be up later on as a bonus with the song. Seriously, prepare your bodies for this. Oh gawd here it comes o-oh I cant stop it! *Space Walkin* (10 internets for those who get that one) Moonrise Remembering everything is a...difficult thing to do. Where do the lies begin? When do they stop? Perhaps they never ended at all; she tried to remember everything so she could put together what happened. A dream...then a fall...but what happened in the dream?! Why did she feel so powerless, even injured she could normally recall with crystal clear vision...yet that one spot refused to come into focus. Struggling to move, she found most of her body restained securely; she wanted to struggle more, but a soothing voice told her to lay still. A pin prick tapped her left leg and she winced. The voice told her that the pain was a good sign, she moved more to try and gage how secure she was...ankles tied with leather braces, arms held at her side with more straps and chect rising and falling against a set of leather tied to the bed. "Where am I...?" The voice came again, comforting and loving. "Ye are safe...doth thou remember how ye ended up like this?" "N-no..." The voice sounded like it was moving, she wished the bandages over her eyes would let her see who the voice was. It sounded feminine and very familiar...yet different. "Do thou remember thy name?" "....No." The voice put a hoof on her arm and loosened the straps a little to make her more comfortable. "Nightmare Moon, remember?" It sounded familiar...questions started racking up while the soft touch was lifted, she strained against thr bindings again in the false hope that the pony would return to her side. "No..wait..." The voice put a gentle hoof on her stomach, it calmed her down again and she began recalling more and more. Nightmare Moon...so many ponies called her that, it had to be her name. Celestia...she caused this, she put her in this state with her selfish actions. Then there was Acrylic...it was his fault, too; he pretended to love her...he used her. Nightmare Moon felt a little shame that she let such a pitiful stallion so deep into her heart, the touch lifted again and she felt strong enough to keep her composure. "I will watch over thee...but when the time comes, we will make them all pay." Nightmare Moon nodded slowly, whoever the voice belongs to was wise to know her vengeance would not go unanswered. Celestia will die the child she always was, Acrylic however...he needed to pay much more dearly. To fight with swords is honorable, to fight by toying with emotions and false promises...he needed to suffer. The doors opened and suddenly the room felt warm, the sound of hooves stoping dead after a few steps made her anxious until the male voice called out. "She is awake!" The male shouted as he rushed back out. Nightmare Moon remained calm, she knew an deceit was her only friend; first she needed to be free of these restraints, then she could start thinking of a way to get revenge...in fact...she already thought of a wonderful way to pay Acrylic back for the lesson he imparted. Don't trust anyone...everyone will hurt you in the end. It echoed in her mind until it became a motto, a way the future queen would rule her kingdom. Nightmare Moon held back a cool smile when she pictured ponies bowing before her...gryphons and even the lesser species all begging for mercy while the defiant ones like Celestia were erased from existence. A laughing fit broke though her will, a almost demonic cackle as she pulled against the restraints, the leather rubber her chest and arms, sending bolts of excitement though her body as she laughed... "Luna...Luna please stop this...." She stopped laughing. That was Celestia's voice this time, she remembered that an act was needed to get free. Normally a small exertion of magic would free her, yet it seems a spell was cutting her off from the mystic power. So she had to play their game... "S-sister...what's happening to us?" She asked, mocking a terrified tone. "We can't see...please sister, we can't see!" Nightmare Moon began a false panic attack, thrashing and crying out in fear until a soft glow enveloped the bandages and lifted off her head. The light was blinding for a moment...but soon the visage of the betrayer was clear. Celestia stood by the door in the small room made of stone and marble, worry replaced by a certain disgust when the queen opened her eyes...like vipers seeking prey, they stuck to the sun goddess and looked at her with a hungry edge... "Sister...what happened?" Celestia wanted to believe the lie so much...just give in and accept it...but the look in Luna's eyes was feral. That though, was not her concern...it was what the doctor had found; a child...an unborn child that suffered for a crime it did not take part in. The doctor said that it was on the edge of death, and would more than likely pass in the coming days. Luna's lies had not only nearly costed her life, but cost the life of an innocent. How could she even begin to forgive Luna... Even the doctor's said that she was mentally ill, but she knew such things were below the goddesses...and yet...she still loved her. Luna was unwell, she lied for months and even nearly took her own life...but she was the last thing Celestia had. To lose her would be like reliving the horror of losing Discord, watching him burn a county in his fury and turn to madness; losing Luna would mean the end... "Luna...I'm so...." She felt water on her eyes well up and fall slowly. "I'm so sorry..." Celestia lowered her head and stood there, unable to make the decision she knew that had to be made. What could she do that would suffice? How can you punish an immortal goddess with power beyond mortal understanding...so she flicked the restraints with a wisp of magic and they snapped open; it was no longer her decision what happened to Luna, she couldn't bring herself to harm the one thing she loved. Nightmare Moon was stunned when the restraints were broken, seems Celestia was too much of a coward to deal with the problem herself... Always a selfish child... Just another reason she was to be queen, Celestia didn't understand how to make the difficult choices, she was weak. In reality, Nightmare Moon could just obliterate the petty child right now were it not for the injuries still cutting her magic. An annoyance, but minor. It just means that Acrylic can be the first to suffer for his actions. The dark mare got up from the bed and stepped down gracefully, walking around Celestia with no remorse, even spread her wings in a proud manner. "I thank thee..sweet sister." She mocked. Celestia sat down slowly and did the only thing she could do...let the tears flow; she wanted to be strong, she wanted to make her mother proud...but she failed. In Celestia's mind, nothing else mattered anymore, so she let the dark stranger pass and what let ever fate befall her. "Luna! Luna, tell me the child is well!" Pitiful. Acrylic was waiting outside her room, the stench of stress reaking off him with the unpleasant smell of weakness. The stallion's eyes were bloodshot, evidence of his worthless tears. Nightmare Moon nearly vomited just looking at him. Instead of seeing it as a fault..she saw it as an opportunity. Looking down as if sullen, her face tuning to a heartbroken facade, Acrylic was so worried that he didn't even notice her jet black mane. Acrylic on took a step back in horror until she looked up and let put a lighthearted laugh, it chilled the stallion to the bone how heartless it sounded. Nightmare Moon stepped close to him, running a icey hoof down his confused face and laughed softly. "Oh come now, it was quite obvious that ye did not want a child." She chided. Acrylic was speechless, he saw the poisonous eyes and heard how cold the voice was..this was not the mare he fell in love with. Yet he didn't know how to explain it, suddenly she circled him like a predator and glared down at him with a haunting smile. The ideas of what she was about to do to him running over and over like her favorite play repeating itself. "We just did what we thought best, termination..." Nightmare Moon felt power return, once her mind had time to focus, it all returned. Once she was behind Acrylic again, she forced him into her room and slammed the door behind her, a dark smile growing on her face. Acrylic stumbled in and quickly began to panic, he looked at the balcony doors but even they shut and locked. Wintered Tail's words echoed again the moment he turned back around and saw the looming darkness with its threatening grin. "Darling...we want thee to call us, Nightmare Moon." She backed him up more until he bumped into the massive bed "Think of it as a play name...for the fun we're about to have." Acrylic Evenfall...he needed to suffer. Suffer for his insolence, for his betrayal, for his grave mistake...and what a better way than to toy with his feelings, and eye for an eye as some might say. The poor stallion was still speechless when his arms were bound by sheets controlled by her magic, dragged to the center of the bed and spread like a the vulnerable pervert he was from the start. Acrylic however....his mind was racing with confusion, fear and heartbreak; what happened that drove the love of his life down such a dark path, he fought against the sheets and finally found the strength to speak. "Stop this! Luna-" He shouted in vain. "Nightmare Moon! Thou will show respect to us." Acrylic struggled more until she jumped on the bed and hovered over him. "Stop. Moving." She commanded. Fear forced its way deep into his core, the way his love looked at him with overwhelming contempt yet keeping an almost murderous smile. Acrylic's heart raced as a blue light burned in the air over them and created a shard of glass...more deep blue crystal that hovered in the air ominously. "Luna-" He was silenced by another spell; it cut off his air and the crystal shot down like blue lightning and spilled the first blood ... The Sun Will Fall...she physically shuttered just thinking of the phrase. Acrylic let out a rough word, unable to hear him though the agony in his voice, Nightmare Moon leaned down again and gave him an ear.. "What have..." He took a shaky breath."Where is my love..? Where is Luna?" That did make her laugh, and laugh hard; his last defense was keeping the act up. A hope that she might fall for him yet again and free him, neither which would happen. So she sat down on his exposed lap, grinning when his face flushed red and primal desire began to take his body away from him. "I am Nightmare Moon...my love. I now see that my old self was weak, I even fell for a hopeless, pervasive stallion such as thyself." Rocking her hips to only make the stallion suffer... "What is it my love..? I thought ye would only seek to lie with a princess. To just play her emotions and let her deal with thine mistakes." Acrylic whined quietly as a tear began to form, unable to stop his body from reacting anymore... "S-stop...I beg thee..." He said quietly... The crystal twisted and he let out a agonizing scream once it was yanked out, all blocked by the sound barrier. Acrylic's suffering was delicious, it made her a lot more excited than she expected...but she only used that as more torture; the trapped stallion under her complete control. Now was the time to really have fun...maybe an hour..maybe two or three even...she would torture and tear at his body until she was satisfied, then a slow death would be the end for this chapter in her life. The door was thrown open and Acrylic felt his vision blur from the blood loss, yet the tough look and jet black mane was instantly recognizable...Wintered Tail. "Demon! Get off my brother!" Acrylic blacked out just as Luna leapt off the bed and tackled down his last hope... _ _ How did it come to this? Over and over she asked herself this question as she looked out over Canterot, the sun was still high in the air and it cast the bright glow on the city below; all those happy faces passing by, unaware of what darkness is creeping to the spotlight. Celestia ignored the knocks on her door, diplomats can wait, protesters or what ever nonsense that desired her attention cant take precedence over thought. Spending hours just thinking of the past and trying to find a rhyme or reason to the madness, it crossed her mind if Discord could somehow be responsible for this; the thought crushed when she began picking apart the flaws in such an idea. What was she to do? Luna needed to be examined, perhaps it was grief that had too much time to take a toll on her mind. They needed a doctor, physiologist or just time to work things out. Just the two of them with a few days to let everything out without duty or distractions to make the problems worse. But how could she stand up to her? It was family, the last family she has left in the world; 'living immortal' seemed more like death ever lasting more and more. The decisions she had made, friends she hurt and love betrayed...how could she bring herself to harm family. "Luna...please don't make me choose." She said quietly. The life she had, royalty, love and peace. The life she might live....in fear for the coming storm. What did mother never tell them? As Celestia thought, she realized that the Lunar eclipse was tonight. With no understanding of a deeper meaning, she couldn't see how it affected them...yet the lack of understanding was also what was bring more questions to the table. Mother kept so many secrets to protect them when she passed, but something told her that Mother knew this would happen...but why not prevent it? Why let her children suffer? What if she couldn't bring herself to tell her only children that one day they might draw blood...? Would it come to that? The look in Luna's eyes was cold and unfeeling, no longer the caring and soft spoken sister she grew up with. This hungered for blood; this...thing was going to tear the world apart in its fury...and after another hour passed, she understood this fact. There was only one option, to either let her sister continue and pray she finds the light, or stop her...what ever the cost. Celestia decided to walk to the garden, when she opened the door the guards and maids all were forced back by a gentle push of a light barrier.All of them shouted questions, the captain was there as well...only looking at her with a gaze that cut deeper than any knife. _ _ The metal pony was a mere annoyance, Nightmare Moon did feel disgusted that she let herself lose control for a moment and attacked him with a much more wild nature that was bellow her. Regardless, the guards had not seen him or had the courage to investigate the noises that came though her room when the stallion struggled on the floor. Wintered Tail was bound by gleaming blue magic, gagged by a pillow case wrapped around his head. A light laugh escaped her when Tail let out a string of muffled curses, a pathetic way to pretend he still had a edge against her; she sat down and let out a chiding hush like a mother to a temperamental foal; resting her body against the ground so she would be eye level with him, an obvious panic setting over him... "Tis alright, little one." Tail was breathing heavily as he struggled again. Nightmare Moon looked at Acrylic again and smiled.. "Brothers...how cute...we had a sibling once, she will soon be no more. Once that is done, thou will be no more as well...and then Acrylic will join thee in the next life after a little more fun." Tail screamed against the gag in fury when she got back up. "A fitting end...a just end." Acrylic was still unconscious, the blood stopped by his captor so she could prolong his suffering yet... "Dad!" The voice make Nightmare Moon blink, whiping around to see a colt standing in the doorway. Anicent Tome knew the moment his father said he was going to the castle that something was wrong. Maybe he came to simply speak to his brother and try to mend the rift still; but the pained cries was all it took to send a horrifying message. Tome and Silent Hope followed to help...but now as the filly walked in and let her jaw hang at the sight....Luna finally felt the glass. The dream! Time stopped...it was like looking though a window, she could see and even feel what was happening...but why could she no longer move. Thou are mine.... The colt rushed past the frozen mare and tried yanking at the gag, getting it loose after a few moments just to be yanked up high by his neck. Nightmare Moon had a grin that put real fear into the metal pony's heart... "No! Please don't!" He shouted, pleading. Tome struggled, thankfully he was only being carried; Nightmare Moon walked over and guided the filly in, she was stuck paralyzed in fear, looking to her father to save them. "Well...I do hope that this will be our last interruption. I'm guessing that these are the two from the wedding...how cute..." Silent Hope backed up rapidly when the princess leaned down with a soft smile.. "And I don't think I got thy name, little foal." Leave her alone! "It's going to be okay, Hope!" The filly looked back at her father, attention quickly dragged back to the nightmare before her by a gently hoof. It felt like ice, like the blood in the princess's veins were no longer pumping. Hope strained against the touch but found herself unable to move...it was like her worst nightmare...trapped and unable to look away. "Hope...and what doth thou think of thy princess of the night? Do thou love her? Cherish her night...?" "Leave her alone!" Tome cried. Mustering up all the strength he could, he looked down and saw the fear on his sister's face...she needed him..they all needed him. The first spell he could think of bursting from him in a powerful blast of dark magic, Nightmare Moon looked back wide eyed when the blast caught her and threw her off the ground, sailing over Silent Hope and hitting her head against the wall...hard....bring the world around her to a halt. _ _ "Thou are so weak." Luna looked out into the darkness and saw nothing, the voice however, was everywhere. Looking around faster as panic set in, her memory was a complete blur; she came to realize she was in a dream...a massive burst of light blinded her...it looked like a doorway.. "But once I am free, I will no longer need thine pathetic powers. I will have my own..." Luna looked and saw the figure clear, the dark armor and venomous eyes glared into her and caused the panic to become pure fear. Suddenly she remembered every detail... The door was opened after the wedding...the pony...the thing convinced her to- The baby! "What have you done?!" Luna screamed. The spirit laughed and stepped forward, the doors shutting and light dimming once again; leaving Luna to look upon the ghostly image of...herself? With mane as black as ebony and eyes with piercing slits for pupils, it walked toward her slowly with a smile that seeped malice. Luna backed up, unable to understand what she was looking at; knowing full well that this...grim figure was not her...and yet it was. It began to frustrate her as the pony kept walking forward, the distance between them seeming great, even though the floor was made of blackness, she tried to step forward; seeking answers from one she felt...a betrayal from. Luna came to the horrifying realization that shadows clung to her, binding her to the ground,bits and pieces of her memory started to come into view...and when she looked down to confirm the binds made of pure darkness, she looked up to see that her doppelganger had closed the distance in a blink and smiled with nightmareish delight. "Hello, Lulu..." It said, creeping closer and forcing her to lean back. "Get away, demon spawn!" She shouted, only coming out as a whisper. It laughed and took a step back. "Thou has no voice in this place, and I am no demon spawn." "Then who art thou?" She mouthed, no sound escaping this time. "I have had many names...long forgotten in my prison, I am the darkness of the world, the moving shadows and living corruption....but to make it simple, call me, Nightmare Moon." The name echoed in the air, Luna started to panic and struggle against the darkness keeping her trapped; memories came back in bits. The door...when it was opened, the reflection came forth, speaking of a way to be loved; a way to be better than her sister. How could it end like...the child... Luna's thought's turned to her child...how could she be convinced to.... No...no, no how...HOW?! T...Thou killed my child! "No, dear princess..twas ye that killed him." Luna wanted to cry, or vomit in self disgust; she had left her own hate open the door to this demonic presence, What could she do anymore...? Trapped in the very prison that her subconscious created and by binds made of the dark actions influenced by this monstrosity now in control. It turned around, no longer needing to break down her will, and its time was soon; Acrylic or the metal pony might have escaped, but they were ants compared to what she was truly hunting, Luna was after petty revenge against a lover; Nightmare Moon was after a night more than a thousand years in the making. Once light shined down on the dark side of the moon, her power would be truly free, no longer a ghost dancing in the shadows and pulling the strings of a pitiful princess....she would be the most powerful force the world has ever known, more powerful than the All Mother herself. And when the doors to the light closed, Luna felt the darkness close around her and permanently leave her to fester in her own sins. _ _ Nightmare Moon woke up, Luna no longer under any illusion of grandeur and purpose, Nightmare Moon no longer needed to hide, the power from the moon was starting to free itself. Walked the halls of the darkened castle, Celestia raised the moon once again; irony, Luna would have torn apart a wall for that. Walking until she entered the court,its tapestries cast in a dark glow the moment she entered the room, Celestia was walking back from the garden when she found her standing atop the thrones, glaring down with hatred and fury. Now was the time to choose, to give in and keep her sister, or put an end to this before the last part of her family is lost to become a dark legend,spoken of in hushed tones and lore that puts fear in foal's hearts. Nightmare Moon stepped forward and remembered where it all started...the first light... "Did ye really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in thy precious light?!" The eclipse was happening, power flowed though her as it was freed from the dark side of the moon... "There can be only ONE princess in Equestria...and that princess...WILL BE ME!"
Moonrise(Uncut version)Author's Note Warning: I never..ever have done something like this. The best way to describe it is the result of my idea of what Nightmare Moon is vs how Luna was broken down, it made NMM such a strong character, that she took my story from me. So if you are offended by blood, violence, sexual material or have a sensitivity to the material. Proceed with caution. You have been warned. I didn't want too. Im so sorry.(But im still proud of how well NMM turned out that she was independent enough to write her own part.) Moonrise(Uncut version) Remembering everything is a...difficult thing to do. Where do the lies begin? When do they stop? Perhaps they never ended at all; she tried to remember everything so she could put together what happened. A dream...then a fall...but what happened in the dream?! Why did she feel so powerless, even injured she could normally recall with crystal clear vision...yet that one spot refused to come into focus. Struggling to move, she found most of her body restained securely; she wanted to struggle more, but a soothing voice told her to lay still. A pin prick tapped her left leg and she winced. The voice told her that the pain was a good sign, she moved more to try and gage how secure she was...ankles tied with leather braces, arms held at her side with more straps and chect rising and falling against a set of leather tied to the bed. "Where am I...?" The voice came again, comforting and loving. "Ye are safe...doth thou remember how ye ended up like this?" "N-no..." The voice sounded like it was moving, she wished the bandages over her eyes would let her see who the voice was. It sounded feminine and very familiar...yet different. "Do thou remember thy name?" "....No." The voice put a hoof on her arm and loosened the straps a little to make her more comfortable. "Nightmare Moon, remember?" It sounded familiar...questions started racking up while the soft touch was lifted, she strained against thr bindings again in the false hope that the pony would return to her side. "No..wait..." The voice put a gentle hoof on her stomach, it calmed her down again and she began recalling more and more. Nightmare Moon...so many ponies called her that, it had to be her name. Celestia...she caused this, she put her in this state with her selfish actions. Then there was Acrylic...it was his fault, too; he pretended to love her...he used her. Nightmare Moon felt a little shame that she let such a pitiful stallion so deep into her heart, the touch lifted again and she felt strong enough to keep her composure. "I will watch over thee...but when the time comes, we will make them all pay." Nightmare Moon nodded slowly, whoever the voice belongs to was wise to know her vengeance would not go unanswered. Celestia will die the child she always was, Acrylic however...he needed to pay much more dearly. To fight with swords is honorable, to fight by toying with emotions and false promises...he needed to suffer. The doors opened and suddenly the room felt warm, the sound of hooves stoping dead after a few steps made her anxious until the male voice called out. "She is awake!" The male shouted as he rushed back out. Nightmare Moon remained calm, she knew an deceit was her only friend; first she needed to be free of these restraints, then she could start thinking of a way to get revenge...in fact...she already thought of a wonderful way to pay Acrylic back for the lesson he imparted. Don't trust anyone...everyone will hurt you in the end. It echoed in her mind until it became a motto, a way the future queen would rule her kingdom. Nightmare Moon held back a cool smile when she pictured ponies bowing before her...gryphons and even the lesser species all begging for mercy while the defiant ones like Celestia were erased from existence. A laughing fit broke though her will, a almost demonic cackle as she pulled against the restraints, the leather rubber her chest and arms, sending bolts of excitement though her body as she laughed... "Luna...Luna please stop this...." She stopped laughing. That was Celestia's voice this time, she remembered that an act was needed to get free. Normally a small exertion of magic would free her, yet it seems her injuries were cutting her off from the mystic power. So she had to play their game... "S-sister...what's happening to us?" She asked, mocking a terrified tone. "We can't see...please sister, we can't see!" Nightmare Moon began a false panic attack, thrashing and crying out in fear until a soft glow enveloped the bandages and lifted off her head. The light was blinding for a moment...but soon the visage of the betrayer was clear. Celestia stood by the door in the small room made of stone and marble, worry replaced by a certain disgust when the queen opened her eyes...like vipers seeking prey, they stuck to the sun goddess and looked at her with a hungry edge... "Sister...what happened?" Celestia wanted to believe the lie so much...just give in and accept it...but the look in Luna's eyes was feral. That though, was not her concern...it was what the doctor had found; a child...an unborn child that suffered for a crime it did not take part in. The doctor said that it was on the edge of death, and would more than likely pass in the coming days. Luna's lies had not only nearly costed her life, but cost the life of an innocent. How could she even begin to forgive Luna... Even the doctor's said that she was mentally ill, but she knew such things were below the goddesses...and yet...she still loved her. Luna was unwell, she lied for months and even nearly took her own life...but she was the last thing Celestia had. To lose her would be like reliving the horror of losing Discord, watching him burn a county in his fury and turn to madness; losing Luna would mean the end... "Luna...I'm so...." She felt water on her eyes well up and fall slowly. "I'm so sorry..." Celestia lowered her head and stood there, unable to make the decision she knew that had to be made. What could she do that would suffice? How can you punish an immortal goddess with power beyond mortal understanding...so she flicked the restraints with a wisp of magic and they snapped open; it was no longer her decision what happened to Luna, she couldn't bring herself to harm the one thing she loved. Nightmare Moon was stunned when the restraints were broken, seems Celestia was too much of a coward to deal with the problem herself... Always a selfish child... Just another reason she was to be queen, Celestia didn't understand how to make the difficult choices, she was weak. In reality, Nightmare Moon could just obliterate the petty child right now were it not for the injuries still cutting her magic. An annoyance, but minor. It just means that Acrylic can be the first to suffer for his actions. The dark mare got up from the bed and stepped down gracefully, walking around Celestia with no remorse, even spread her wings in a proud manner. "I thank thee..sweet sister." She mocked. Celestia sat down slowly and did the only thing she could do...let the tears flow; she wanted to be strong, she wanted to make her mother proud...but she failed. In Celestia's mind, nothing else mattered anymore, so she let the dark stranger pass and what let ever fate befall her. "Luna! Luna, tell me the child is well!" Pitiful. Acrylic was waiting outside her room, the stench of stress reeking off of him with the unpleasant smell of weakness. The stallion's eyes were bloodshot, evidence of his worthless tears. Nightmare Moon nearly vomited just looking at him. Instead of seeing it as a fault..she saw it as an opportunity. Looking down as if sullen, her face tuning to a heartbroken facade, Acrylic was so worried that he didn't even notice her jet black mane. Acrylic on took a step back in horror until she looked up and let put a lighthearted laugh, it chilled the stallion to the bone how heartless it sounded. Nightmare Moon stepped close to him, running a icy hoof down his confused face and laughed softly. "Oh come now, it was quite obvious that ye did not want a child." She chided. Acrylic was speechless, he saw the poisonous eyes and heard how cold the voice was..this was not the mare he fell in love with. Yet he didn't know how to explain it, suddenly she circled him like a predator and glared down at him with a haunting smile. The ideas of what she was about to do to him running over and over like her favorite play repeating itself. "We just did what we thought best, termination..." Nightmare Moon felt power return, once her mind had time to focus, it all returned. Once she was behind Acrylic again, she forced him into her room and slammed the door behind her, a dark smile growing on her face. Acrylic stumbled in and quickly began to panic, he looked at the balcony doors but even they shut and locked. Wintered Tail's words echoed again the moment he turned back around and saw the looming darkness with its threatening grin. "Darling...we want thee to call us, Nightmare Moon." She backed him up more until he bumped into the massive bed "Think of it as a play name...for the fun we're about to have." Acrylic Evenfall...he needed to suffer. Suffer for his insolence, for his betrayal, for his grave mistake...and what a better way than to toy with his feelings, and eye for an eye as some might say. The poor stallion was still speechless when his arms were bound by sheets controlled by her magic, dragged to the center of the bed and spread like a the vulnerable pervert he was from the start. Acrylic however....his mind was racing with confusion, fear and heartbreak; what happened that drove the love of his life down such a dark path, he fought against the sheets and finally found the strength to speak. "Stop this! Luna-" He shouted in vain. "Nightmare Moon! Thou will show respect to us." Acrylic struggled more until she jumped on the bed and hovered over him. "Stop. Moving." She commanded. Fear forced its way deep into his core, the way his love looked at him with overwhelming contempt yet keeping an almost murderous smile. Acrylic's heart raced as a blue light burned in the air over them and created a shard of glass...more deep blue crystal that hovered in the air ominously. "Luna-" He was silenced by another spell...it cut off his air. Acrylic cried out, muffled when the crystal suddenly bore into his arm with flesh tearing accuracy. The blade he had to guess was ten inches, nearly five stuck into him and nearly causing him to black out, Nightmare Moon leaned down and what was once normal...had become vicious and razor sharp fangs, a simple transformation spell that worked delightfully well when the pearly knives sunk into Acrylic's shoulder. The pain was overwhelming...overwhelming and causing him to twitch and writhe, she lifted her head again, blood pouring from the new holes and dripping from her fangs until they returned to normal. The shard remain in the new bloody pit it had created, lifting the spell and taking great pleasure hearing him cough and groan in agony, desperate for air and freedom..how ironic. All she wanted was freedom, the want burned into her soul and mind to create that battle cry. The Sun Will Fall...she physically shuttered just thinking of the phrase. Acrylic let out a rough word, unable to hear him though the agony in his voice, Nightmare Moon leaned down again and gave him an ear.. "What have..." He took a shaky breath."Where is my love..? Where is Luna?" That did make her laugh, and laugh hard; his last defense was keeping the act up. A hope that she might fall for him yet again and free him, neither which would happen. So she sat down on his exposed lap, grinning when his face flushed red and primal desire began to take his body away from him. "I am Nightmare Moon...my love. I now see that my old self was weak, I even fell for a hopeless, pervasive stallion such as thyself." Rocking her hips to only make the stallion suffer... "What is it my love..? I thought ye would only seek to lie with a princess. To just play her emotions and let her deal with thine mistakes." Acrylic whined quietly as a tear began to form, unable to stop his body from reacting anymore... "S-stop...I beg thee..." He said quietly... The crystal twisted and he let out a scream as blood gushed and even spotted Nightmare Moon once it was yanked out. Acrylic's suffering was delicious, it made her a lot more excited than she expected...but she only used that as more torture; the trapped stallion under her complete control. Now was the time to really have fun...maybe an hour..maybe two or three even...she would torture and tear at his body until she was satisfied, then a slow death would be the end for this chapter in her life. Nightmare Moon felt the stiffness wedge between her thighs and gave a grin when Acrylic flushed red. "Thee are still just a pervert..." Acrylic shook his head and breathed heavily, biting back any sound the moment she begins to toy with his stallion bits. Rubbing a hoof slowly down the length, tears dropping again before he let out a shaky gasp. "I refuse to believe...that thou was once my love. Luna...please I know that ye can hear me!" He shouted. That earned him a hard hoof wedged between his chin and chest, leaving him gasping for air. Nightmare Moon used that leverage to sit herself up, letting that flat tip press and nudge at her dripping azul lips... "Luna...Luna..." It sang...mocking his pain. "There is no more Luna, Luna is a figment of the past; she gave up after how poorly ponies like thee have treated her I am just here to settle that debt for her..." Nightmare Moon dropped down back on his lap easily, letting out a cool moan as she slipped. Acrylic wanted to stop himself...everything about this was wrong, down at the core of it, he was being used in some sick idea of revenge...but his body was responding on a different level. Acrylic couldn't stop the pleasured groan no matter how much he wanted too, it put another grin on her face.... "Can thou feel it...? The slow heartbeat that is soon to stop? Doth thou want to know something....interesting?" Acrylic gasped sharply when she began to grind her hips against his, the words weighed heavily on his heart...this thing was could not even be called mortal,this was a demon in flesh; uncaring, vulgar and sick..it disgusted and sent a tidal wave of guilt to his core, more tears fell against the bed. "The truth is, the child will be our vessel...a...backup plan if thou will. We simply needed to rid it of the life that it held so that we may use it." Acrylic realized what that meant...soon he felt something very strange enter his heart...despair. Not just depression or anger...but pure, hopeless despair. Acrylic wanted to tell her how much he loved her...just one last time before this monster would end his life, yet the lack of air was making it impossible to speak. Funny how the end makes one think...he thought about how he would have done as a father, what would he have named it or what would it even be? Colt? Filly? Even unicorn or even a god like the mother. None of it mattered, the child was poisoned by the demon, it would not be a child...but another monstrosity. The door was thrown open suddenly, and Acrylic felt his vision blur from the blood loss, yet the tough look and jet black mane was instantly recognizable...Wintered Tail. "Demon! Get off my brother!" Acrylic blacked out just as Luna leapt off the bed and tackled down his last hope... _ _ How did it come to this? Over and over she asked herself this question as she looked out over Canterot, the sun was still high in the air and it cast the bright glow on the city below; all those happy faces passing by, unaware of what darkness is creeping to the spotlight. Celestia ignored the knocks on her door, diplomats can wait, protesters or what ever nonsense that desired her attention cant take precedence over thought. Spending hours just thinking of the past and trying to find a rhyme or reason to the madness, it crossed her mind if Discord could somehow be responsible for this; the thought crushed when she began picking apart the flaws in such an idea. What was she to do? Luna needed to be examined, perhaps it was grief that had too much time to take a toll on her mind. They needed a doctor, physiologist or just time to work things out. Just the two of them with a few days to let everything out without duty or distractions to make the problems worse. But how could she stand up to her? It was family, the last family she has left in the world; 'living immortal' seemed more like death ever lasting more and more. The decisions she had made, friends she hurt and love betrayed...how could she bring herself to harm family. "Luna...please don't make me choose." She said quietly. The life she had, royalty, love and peace. The life she might live....in fear for the coming storm. What did mother never tell them? As Celestia thought, she realized that the Lunar eclipse was tonight. With no understanding of a deeper meaning, she couldn't see how it affected them...yet the lack of understanding was also what was bring more questions to the table. Mother kept so many secrets to protect them when she passed, but something told her that Mother knew this would happen...but why not prevent it? Why let her children suffer? What if she couldn't bring herself to tell her only children that one day they might draw blood...? Would it come to that? The look in Luna's eyes was cold and unfeeling, no longer the caring and soft spoken sister she grew up with. This hungered for blood; this...thing was going to tear the world apart in its fury...and after another hour passed, she understood this fact. There was only one option, to either let her sister continue and pray she finds the light, or stop her...what ever the cost. Celestia decided to walk to the garden, when she opened the door the guards and maids all were forced back by a gentle push of a light barrier.All of them shouted questions, the captain was there as well...only looking at her with a gaze that cut deeper than any knife. _ _ The metal pony was a mere annoyance, Nightmare Moon did feel disgusted that she let herself lose control for a moment and attacked him with a much more wild nature that was bellow her. Regardless, the guards had not seen him or had the courage to investigate the noises that came though her room when the stallion struggled on the floor. Wintered Tail was bound by gleaming blue magic, spikes of crystal jetted from his horn and cut any hope of an escape by magic. Gagged by a pillow case wrapped around his head. A light laugh escaped her when Tail let out a string of muffled curses, a pathetic way to pretend he still had a edge against her; she sat down and let out a chiding hush like a mother to a temperamental foal; resting her body against the ground so she would be eye level with him, an obvious panic setting over him... "Tis alright, little one." Tail was breathing heavily as he struggled again. Nightmare Moon looked at Acrylic again and smiled.. "Brothers...how cute...we had a sibling once, she will soon be no more. Once that is done, thou will be no more as well...and then Acrylic will join thee in the next life after a little more fun." Tail screamed against the gag in fury when she got back up. "A fitting end...a just end." Acrylic was still unconscious, the blood stopped by his captor so she could prolong his suffering yet... "Dad!" The voice make Nightmare Moon blink, whipping around to see a colt standing in the doorway. Ancient Tome knew the moment his father said he was going to the castle that something was wrong. Maybe he came to simply speak to his brother and try to mend the rift still; but the pained cries was all it took to send a horrifying message. Tome and Silent Hope followed to help...but now as the filly walked in and let her jaw hang at the sight....Luna finally felt the glass. The dream! Time stopped...it was like looking though a window, she could see and even feel what was happening...but why could she no longer move. Thou are mine.... The colt rushed past the frozen mare and tried yanking at the gag, getting it loose after a few moments just to be yanked up high by his neck. Nightmare Moon had a grin that put real fear into the metal pony's heart... "No! Please don't!" He shouted, pleading. Tome struggled, thankfully he was only being carried; Nightmare Moon walked over and guided the filly in, she was stuck paralyzed in fear, looking to her father to save them. "Well...I do hope that this will be our last interruption. I'm guessing that these are the two from the wedding...how cute..." Silent Hope backed up rapidly when the princess leaned down with a soft smile.. "And I don't think I got thy name, little foal." Leave her alone! "It's going to be okay, Hope!" The filly looked back at her father, attention quickly dragged back to the nightmare before her by a gently hoof. It felt like ice, like the blood in the princess's veins were no longer pumping. Hope strained against the touch but found herself unable to move...it was like her worst nightmare...trapped and unable to look away. "Hope...and what doth thou think of thy princess of the night? Do thou love her? Cherish her night...?" "Leave her alone!" Tome cried. Mustering up all the strength he could, he looked down and saw the fear on his sister's face...she needed him..they all needed him. The first spell he could think of bursting from him in a powerful blast of dark magic, Nightmare Moon looked back wide eyed when the blast caught her and threw her off the ground, sailing over Silent Hope and hitting her head against the wall...hard....bring the world around her to a halt. _ _ "Thou are so weak." Luna looked out into the darkness and saw nothing, the voice however, was everywhere. Looking around faster as panic set in, her memory was a complete blur; she came to realize she was in a dream...a massive burst of light blinded her...it looked like a doorway.. "But once I am free, I will no longer need thine pathetic powers. I will have my own..." Luna looked and saw the figure clear, the dark armor and venomous eyes glared into her and caused the panic to become pure fear. Suddenly she remembered every detail... The door was opened after the wedding...the pony...the thing convinced her to- The baby! "What have you done?!" Luna screamed. The spirit laughed and stepped forward, the doors shutting and light dimming once again; leaving Luna to look upon the ghostly image of...herself? With mane as black as ebony and eyes with piercing slits for pupils, it walked toward her slowly with a smile that seeped malice. Luna backed up, unable to understand what she was looking at; knowing full well that this...grim figure was not her...and yet it was. It began to frustrate her as the pony kept walking forward, the distance between them seeming great, even though the floor was made of blackness, she tried to step forward; seeking answers from one she felt...a betrayal from. Luna came to the horrifying realization that shadows clung to her, binding her to the ground,bits and pieces of her memory started to come into view...and when she looked down to confirm the binds made of pure darkness, she looked up to see that her doppelganger had closed the distance in a blink and smiled with nightmareish delight. "Hello, Lulu..." It said, creeping closer and forcing her to lean back. "Get away, demon spawn!" She shouted, only coming out as a whisper. It laughed and took a step back. "Thou has no voice in this place, and I am no demon spawn." "Then who art thou?" She mouthed, no sound escaping this time. "I have had many names...long forgotten in my prison, I am the darkness of the world, the moving shadows and living corruption....but to make it simple, call me, Nightmare Moon." The name echoed in the air, Luna started to panic and struggle against the darkness keeping her trapped; memories came back in bits. The door...when it was opened, the reflection came forth, speaking of a way to be loved; a way to be better than her sister. How could it end like...the child... Luna's thought's turned to her child...how could she be convinced to.... No...no, no how...HOW?! T...Thou killed my child! "No, dear princess..twas ye that killed him." Luna wanted to cry, or vomit in self disgust; she had left her own hate open the door to this demonic presence, What could she do anymore...? Trapped in the very prison that her subconscious created and by binds made of the dark actions influenced by this monstrosity now in control. It turned around, no longer needing to break down her will, and its time was soon; Acrylic or the metal pony might have escaped, but they were ants compared to what she was truly hunting, Luna was after petty revenge against a lover; Nightmare Moon was after a night more than a thousand years in the making. Once light shined down on the dark side of the moon, her power would be truly free, no longer a ghost dancing in the shadows and pulling the strings of a pitiful princess....she would be the most powerful force the world has ever known, more powerful than the All Mother herself. And when the doors to the light closed, Luna felt the darkness close around her and permanently leave her to fester in her own sins. _ _ Nightmare Moon woke up, Luna no longer under any illusion of grandeur and purpose, Nightmare Moon no longer needed to hide, the power from the moon was starting to free itself. Walked the halls of the darkened castle, Celestia raised the moon once again; irony, Luna would have torn apart a wall for that. Walking until she entered the court,its tapestries cast in a dark glow the moment she entered the room, Celestia was walking back from the garden when she found her standing atop the thrones, glaring down with hatred and fury. Now was the time to choose, to give in and keep her sister, or put an end to this before the last part of her family is lost to become a dark legend,spoken of in hushed tones and lore that puts fear in foal's hearts. Nightmare Moon stepped forward and remembered where it all started...the first light... "Did ye really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in thy precious light?!" The eclipse was happening, power flowed though her as it was freed from the dark side of the moon... "There can be only ONE princess in Equestria...and that princess...WILL BE ME!"
Epilogue: The Midnight HourTime drifted by slowly...seems a thousand years can give one time to think if anything. All of the playing by the moment and hoping her next step would be the one that leads to victory was a waste. Careful planning is what she needed, and a thousand years is plenty of time to plan. Yet as the moon watched over Equestria, she felt a strange loneliness as the days turned into months, what was there to for but build a fortress out of the dust and rocks...and then what? Nightmare Moon spent one eternity on the moon already...but Luna felt more trapped in the endless expanse of space than she ever felt in her room back home. A soft kick startled Nightmare Moon out of her daydream, a cruel smile coming to her face when another wave of Luna's shame fed into the dark demon. Proof that a plan is the best course of action, Nightmare Moon used the one thing it could to take root on the world below...the child was empty after the fall...becoming the perfect form for the demon to find its way back. It didn't expect to meet resistance when rebuilding the child; but such petty ways were nothing once the presence had a foothold on the child. Luna pleaded for days, banging on the door to see her child. It was pathetic...she begged and begged like an animal for just one moment. Nightmare Moon still refused. "Any day now, sweetheart....and with you I will finally complete my vengeance and take down the sun." With the child, she could return with a force beyond the sun goddess's comprehension. A thousand years to mold the perfect soldier, with god like strength and wits beyond match...Nightmare Moon would not only have her revenge...but she would destroy the good name of the cursed All Mother's blood line. To let it become just as mortal as it once was until Luna remains the last true daughter of a goddess; and then...a simple slit of the wrist would be the victory she desired. Another kick...Nightmare Moon laughed coldly. "Thee will be the greatest murderer the world has ever seen..." Luna screamed behind the doors, making the demon laugh wickedly. Luna would never be free, eventually she would wither down to a shell and fade out of existence, leaving just Nightmare Moon. _ _ This is MY child! Thy chose this fate!!! The new mother was standing over her foal...it slept against the cold surface of the moon while its mother was raging a war inside to do the only thing she could to save it. Luna fought and tore at her prison, she would do anything to see her foal...she didn't even know what it looked like yet, and nothing would keep her from having one last moment.... "Do...not....fight me anymore!" Nightmare Moon shouted into space. Luna and Nightmare Moon screamed into the black sky, all the darkness rushing though her body, the demonic presence forced out of control and brought to one part of her mind and sealed away in a dream. Luna gasped sharply when she brought her head down again, the joy of having her body back nothing compared to what she saw on the ground, curled up, hugging its tiny tail and small enough to fit in her hoof....a colt. A tiny colt with a horn on his head hidden mostly under a fluffy jet black mane streaked by a white strip, the noise had caused it to stir in its sleep, it made Luna worry that such a loud noise did so little to the colt...normally it would be crying after such a jarring noise. Instead it looked up at its mother with a bright smile, opening its eyes and taking its first look at the world...that's when Luna's heart sunk so far. One eye was as pale as snow, the right the only one with a dark blue color. The fall had damaged him beyond repair...permanently scared by the dark touch of Nightmare Moon, Luna felt the demon slowly breaking down its prison, she had no time to waste. The colt let out a quick laugh when it was picked up by a soft blue glow, outstretching his arms and expecting a warm embrace with his mother...looking questioningly when Luna only started with longing sadness. "The moment between a new day and the darkest night...goodbye, Midnight...." The exile was her's, not the child's; with a simple spell, the foal was wrapped safely in a blanket made of the finest enchanted silk and in a flash...he was gone. Luna had her strength for a few more moments, she sighed deeply and looked down at the world below, all of the life looked upon her but never knew she was there. How could she find forgiveness...how could Acrylic ever speak fondly of her to the child...will she just be a horror story? I will be the most powerful tyrant Equestria has ever seen.... With or without the child, she would have her revenge. The All Mother would see her children shred each other to pieces from that all mighty roost she perched upon in the life after. Just a thousand years...a thousand years trapped in her own mind. Luna felt Nightmare Moon regain control, she felt it come back full force...so she closed her eyes...and fell asleep. Escape into the dream realm so she can weather this storm in peace, and keep her mind in tact as the ages pass. Today is my day...Celestia will fall........usher the coming storm. Author's Note I actually cried at the end of this. My first character, the one that got me into writing and my gem of creativeness....as a little fooooal.. ;O; My half blind mentally unstable foal... He's so widdle and cute in my head D'X
The Secrets OutThe princess of the night never slept that day...torn between indecision and anxiety about the night before. Even though her eyes were heavy, her mind was running a marathon of questions that only time would answer. Of course in her state, time was dragging out every second to torment her. Celestia knew something was bothering her sister more than ever, she stood outside the door, silence getting heavier by the second. Even now ponies searched the hallways trying to find the princess of the sun, meaning if she didn't find the courage to speak now; she night not get the time later... "Ah but tis a problem of blood that takes the mind of gods away from duties faster than us mortals can understand." Celestia jumped at the soft voice, turning around as gracefully as she could to hide her inner turmoil, holding her head high and smiling softly. "Hello friend..." The pony blinked his weary looking eyes and gave the princess a suspicious look... "All ye need it to take thine first steps...words shall not fail ye in such a troubled time." He said with a comforting smile. Such a simple idea...but even now his words were wise, all time wasting thinking of what to say when all she had to do was say what her heart told her. This was family, and her only sister; something that Celestia would rather give her life than lose. "I shall guard the door and send any guards away for as long as ye need." As he spoke, voices started coming from the hallway and soon guards would turn the stone corner and spot the princess. Celestia looked back down and sighed out the anxiety. "I thank thee...old friend." With that she pushed open the door with a small push of magic and shut it behind her, loud voices calling just as it shut. "Wait, Starswr-!" The door clicked shut... guard voices muffled. Hopefully the unicorn could muster up a good lie with that vast pool of knowledge he could call upon. Celestia pushed the outside world out of her mind and turned around, feeling her heart skip a beat when she saw her sister staring out the window...mane a infinitely beautiful but somber looking black; gleaming lights like stars flowing quietly in the air. Luna's tail was the same strange color until she turned around and gave a warm smile, coloring flowing back to the normal blue...leaving Celestia speechless... "Sister...?" Luna said quietly. Celestia cleared her throat and put that for a question for later. Though hopefully it was just her sister experimenting with her look with magic...strange as it would be. "Hello, Lulu...I need to ask you a question, and I need a straight answer." Luna tilted her head slightly and nearly lost the calm look when her nickname was used. Celestia knew what was happening..or at least had an idea. Luna lowered her head and after thought...she couldn't keep the emotions inside. Looking back up and eyes glaring down Celestia with a strange hate... "I do not like being used...sister." Celestia's eyes widened and she had to take a step back in shock, jaw dropping a little even. The idea was so ludicrous that were it not for Luna's gaze, Celestia would think the statement a joke. "I...I'm sorry?" Celestia said quietly... "I can not believe! You would use mother's promise to force me to lower the moon." Luna said with a slowly raising voice. Celestia was still floored by her sister's words, Luna was shy and quick to take offense but this was a new level that Celestia had never seen; she almost managed to counter the argument but Luna cut her off again. "Ye have the honor of controlling every part of Equestria's rebuilding, every governor answers to thee and the guard will die at thine command...but all I get is raising the moon that ponies sleep though anyway?!" Luna stomped her hoof, shaking the books on the shelf and sending a strong current of ice cold wind though the room. Celestia felt tears start to build up...the one thing her mother asked was to keep Luna happy, to love her as a sister should and be there to comfort her. Now Luna stood the the shadows of her room glaring down at her own blood with a dark hatred... "Do thee even need my help?" Luna said flatly. "I bet the favorite child could raise the sun and the moon by herself!" Celestia's eyes broke wide and memories came flooding back... Two tiny fillies bickering constantly and while Luna had her moments, you would be a fool to say Celestia had a equal field with her sister...but that was the purpose of mother's lectures on both of their duties! A way to see that they were both equal; but it was the leadership that Celestia was forced into that made it easy to see Luna in the shadow of her regal sister... "Has that vast vocabulary failed ye finally?" Luna said just to add insult to injury... That's when she knew she went too far...Luna saw the water in her sister's eyes and confusion in her shaking demeanor. Luna struck something deep, while she still stood behind her position; it was impossible to sit back and watch her only family suffer... "W-wait...Tia please don't be upset...I-I took it too far..." Luna said as her eyes started to water. Celestia lowered her head and took a deep but fast breath to calm herself. Knowing this was what she was after, the problem that was causing friction was a simple one born of bitter memories and natural insecurities. Which means it was reparable. "I understand what thou mean, Lulu...thou hath every right to be cross with me. I swear I shall move heaven and earth to make sure you have a say in what happens in Equestria. After all, it should be both our decisions...tis what mother would've wanted." Celestia said somberly, looking back up and smiling wearily. Luna was taken aback by the sudden change in her sister, as if she expected this kind of out lash...maybe it was that she still did not know of her deeper feelings...but now would be the time to ask! "I thank thee, Tia...my mind is at rest once again getting that off my chest. I am sorry that I was so harsh." Celestia nodded in understanding and turned for the door once again, talking of how to fix the courts to better suit them both and how fast she would make the changer. Though Luna didn't hear a word of it, mind a buzz with how to present her question until Celestia grabbed the door; shouting out the first thing that came to mind. "Sister! Thou...had a love before...right?" Luna asked like she was trying to avoid a landmine.. Celestia stopped her hoof inches from the door and bit back a bitter retort, the voice returning to her as always Is it...wrong...that I love you..so much? Echoed in her mind like a recording. The last memory of her special somepony. "Yes...." She said quietly. "But I was wrong, mother showed me why love is a horrible thing for us. For ye know why we can not love..." Luna felt her hopes plummet; the only thing Celestia could mean is an alicorns god like longevity. To love is to just cause more pain when your love dies and you must continue for centuries after. "Are you in love...sister..?" Celestia asked just as softly. Luna looked back up and wanted to answer, but the pained look on Celestia's face put a cold shiver down the moon god's spine...the light violet eyes lacked the normal luster they would have and the snow white coat her sister was known for was somehow darker and somber looking. Celestia opened the door and stepped out without a word and Luna was certain her next stop would be the royal garden to clear her thoughts as she always did when the stress mounted to be too much. How could love cause so much pain...to fall apart at the mere mention of a past love is something you only read about. Celestia had to have been over reacting for some reason...its just not possible for something that fills the princess of the moon with so much odd joy for it to consume the princess of the sun with so much pain. "Why can't you come back...show us what we are doing wrong..." Luna said quietly as the curtains in her window finally fell from their hooks with a breeze of willpower and darkness enclosed the young princess in comforting shadow. Author's Note I may have rushed this one but I sure as hell like it, trouble bubbles to the surface for a moment and Luna is starting to get confidant in her feelings for Acrylic. Which means it wont be long before she throws caution to the wind and goes with her heart! dun- na-na-naaaaaa~~ annnd then tragedy! *evil laughter* Hope you enjoy another chapter and Happy festivmas
Epilogue Part 2: We All Find A Way to Move OnTen years...ten years since that night, love lost to darkness, child lost to madness and will broken. They say insanity is only in the mind...a humorous saying...but I somehow found a way to beat it and continue on, so perhaps it has some truth. Or perhaps it was that morning...when I heard the crying; a foal lying on the ground by the Midnight Lake wrapped in a cloth that I can only describe as other worldly. Eye as pale as snow and a resemblance that made me shutter when I first saw him, how he was alive and how he was there was a mystery I would happily live without solving..for I had a son...a living, breathing son that filled my old home with laughter and adventure. Celestia hunts me...and my son....she wants to question me, and take the child; her eyes held a dark malice that spoke of the scars she gained banishing her sister...I would rather die than see my son taken prisoner by her. My story is a long, but an exciting one...it starts when I was but a young adult wandering the streets of a hallow city in search of food- "Dad?" Acrylic shook his head slowly over the typewriter and blinked slowly, eyes heavy from the lack of sleep, he turned to look down at the young colt and ruffed his black mane a little; getting a goofy smile in return. "Thanks, I was getting too into my writing, again?" He said with a gravely tone from the lack of water. The colt nodded and leaned his neck to try and see what his father was writing. "Sooo...I was wondering if we could do more magic lessons..." He asked cautiously. The less visible damage the colt suffered was of a mental kind. Control of power comes from a part of the mind that allowed focus and clarity, a mental awareness of limits and resources. The colt had no idea of what his limits were and how to differentiate between lifting a feather and throwing a lead weight. So Acrylic decided to take his mind out of the melancholia to spend time with his colt. "Why not." He said as he got out of the chair and watched the gleam in his son's eye as he jumped back, ready to watch. "Remember the three key factors....Control, Item and Strength. If thou feels ye can't control it, don't try; if thou can not get a physical idea of what the item is, don't influence it. If ye can't extend thyself and not inflict harm...do not over extend thyself." Acrylic looked around and brought over a small music box from his nightstand, wrapped in grey magic until it came to a stop on the ground. The doctor suggested using items of value to improve his son's connection to what he was controlling and in turn, influence a stronger and more stable magical connection. "I know dad...i'll be careful..." The child said timidly. The colt took a deep breath and closed his eyes after studying the object. A few more moments and it was wrapped in a blue cloud, the box shook momentarily but soon it lifted in the air with a gentle lift; the spell holding..if shaky. The sign of progress made Acrylic smile...genuinely smile with pride. "Good....just take it slow." He said, just barely containing his excitement. The box lifted high enough to reach eye level with the old stallion. It started shaking a little more and the magic field became unstable... "Easy...relax." "I'm.....trying..." The colt said, sweat starting to roll down his head. The music box shook harder and threatened to fly free of his control....just a moment longer...his son always pleaded for just a moment longer to have a chance to learn. Acrylic let him have the moment just to learn, taking a step back and watching carefully. The box shook harder and suddenly shot up in the air, slamming back down into the ground when the colt realized what was happening and tried to compensate...the music box shattered into a thousand pieces. They both reeled back from the shards of a memory formed many years ago... "Midnight..." Acrylic said after a silence... The water starting to form in his eyes...all the stories his father told him when the dark of the night prevented sleep, all accompanied by the gentle tunes of the music box that he had grown to love; grown to even associate all stories about his mother to the box...all gone. Midnight sat down with a heavy thud and started sniffling... "Midnight...please, don't cry." Acrylic said softly, trying to sooth the child as best he can. It was futile, Midnight started sobbing quietly. In his mind, he just destroyed the only connection he had to his mother...how does one comfort when it's impossible to understand..? Acrylic never had a family, there was no half memory or even a hopeful relic of times forgotten. Midnight had hope..he had a light...and by his hoof, it was gone. Acrylic walked calmly to the colt and opened his arms, not even getting halfway down before the colt rushed him and dropped him to his flank; burying his head in his fathers fur and crying helplessly. Acrylic was never ready for this;never ready to take on this responsibility alone, this heartache and pain...he let a horrible decision by some doctor cause this. "It is okay...I'm sorry for making you use the box..." "I'm sorry for being u-" He hiccuped and let out another sob. "Useless!" He cried in self-hatred. Acrylic leaned back and tilted the colt's head up gently. "Thou are not useless...my son...my only son...and my family. Thy will do great things one day, like thine mother..and even if she is not here; she will always watch over us from the moon. Luna will protect ye." The colt looked at the ground absently and sniffled... "W...when will she come back..?" he asked bitterly. Acrylic looked up at the sun beaming though his second floor window and sighed heavily. "I don't know...." Acrylic looked in the sky a little longer until he started humming the tune of the music box. Quiet and comforting as he hugged his son a little tighter, the paint on his hooves leaving marks of their own on Midnight's body. The gentile notes made them both relax and fall into the lul of its song, words echoing as they always did in both their minds. Is for my love....to show me.....how to truly live. Author's Note Ack....the feels... Crying a little Just a bit... But the sequel is finally (super close) to being ready. So in the mean time I wanted to bridge a gap and show what happened a little bit after the events of Moonrise. Once the sequel IS ready, i'll be posting a blog on it so everyone that previously favd this can get the update without a hassle.
