Author's Note

Wow, look, another story that will take years to finish like my others! This is a slightly altered universe from my other story, From One Scene to Another, in which Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Cadence, Shining Armour, Blueblood, Discord, an angry reformed Nightmare Moon, and favorite human, Joseph, all live in the Canterlot Castle. A little comedy/shipping going on, do not fear the sex tag, it's a story that will probably eventually have clop, but not the other way around. Other than that, ta-ta!

Chapter 1

Nightmare Moon stood as still as a statue, clenching her teeth as to not let a slew of profanity and insults escape her. Her eyelids felt heavy as she slowly zoned in and out, only to be interrupted by the cacophony of ponies that were scattered around her. Tired eyes met harsh sunlight when she peered out from her mental sanctuary.

Lines formed under her large, serpent-like eyes as she cautiously glanced around at the room's inhabitants. A mix of a sneer and frown graced her lips, while with every deep controlled breath her nostrils flared. It was safe to say she was not enjoying herself.

All around her were things she despised. Daylight, noise, bright colors, ponies. The happy chatter of her fellow castle-mates and guests swirled around her and broke any possible concentration. Carefully she counted to herself as to not entirely go off the deep end, but slowly began to lose strength.

Their light-hearted chatter and giggles pierced her thoughts, and wormed its way into the deepest recesses of her mind. She was slowly going insane from being around everything she hated. A deep need for silence began to manifest itself and weighed heavily in her chest. In her mind, she imagined herself getting sent back to the moon or banished to the wastelands, which would’ve been better than her current punishment.

An impatient and pent-up sigh left her lips, as her eyes reopened to show a harsh glare that settled on the large doors at the end of the throne room. She, along with everyone else, awaited the arrival of their newest castle guest. Though standing in a room full of everything she hates was torture, she’d rather do it a hundred times over than deal with the new comer.

Her glare lessened as another sigh escaped her. Standing in the throne room seemed like one of the longest times of her life. Slowly she glanced to her left, looking at one of the many castle-mates that stood nearby.

Standing tall and proud, was Prince Shining Armor. Since he married into royalty, much to Nightmare Moon’s dismay, he now resided in the castle with his wife. His royal red coat covered his abdomen, displaying many medals and awards and ribbons that made the Queen of the Night sneer. He'd never seen a battle in his measly life. His eyes glanced around the room at his guards, with a scrutinizing gaze as he kept his chin held high.

Nightmare Moon grumbled and rolled her eyes before looking farther down, and nearly snapped. Beside Prince Meathead, stood the wretched Prince Blueblood. The name alone was enough to make her shudder in disgust. His mere presence was enough to make Nightmare’s blood start to boil under her skin. Ever since her return, she’d been trying to figure out how it was possible for a goat such as him to be related to anyone with a social status in the castle. His chin remained high, as a prissy pout settled on his face. Nightmare Moon sneered, giving a glimpse of her razor sharp teeth.

Briefly her brows furrowed in question as she glanced around, looking for Discord. Her thoughts were answered with a bright flash, as his serpent like body came wiggling into existance. He came to rest next to the other two Princes, and began wreaking havoc. The annoyance he became gave her mild joy as she watched the two ponies suffer.

A glance to her right, showed the Princesses of Equestria, standing in all of their glory. Not as great as I. The farthest away stood Celestia, who shared light-hearted words and smiles with the others. The light that was reflected off her coat was enough to nearly blind the Queen of the Night, whose frown deepened. While the mental scars of her banishment and the many fights that were had were still present in her mind, Nightmare Moon didn’t hate her that much.

Until she quickly reminded herself that it was Celestia’s idea to reform her. And that it was also her idea to invite another being to live in the castle with her.

Next to the Solar Princess, stood Nightmare Moon’s dearest Luna. Her frown slowly morphed into a small smile, as she watched the smaller and normally timid mare speak exuberantly to the others. Upon her return, Nightmare Moon had become a protector of sorts to her smaller self. Since they were mostly one in the same pony, Luna had become a younger sibling of sorts to the Mistress of the Night.

Beside Luna, stood the newest inaugurated Princess, Twilight Sparkle. While the mental wound of being defeated by purple smart was still fresh in her mind, she didn’t have much against her. Except for the fact that she was courting the smaller Lunar Princess. Which drew Nightmare Moon's scrutinizing glare whenever she caught the two together.

Lastly, stood Princess ‘Caddy’. Nightmare Moon nearly gagged as the name crossed her mind. The second newest Princess to be introduced to Nightmare moon. While she didn’t do much to anger The Queen of The Night, besides giggling and smiling, she did marry Shining Armor. Why on Equis she’d marry a meathead such as him was beyond Nightmare Moon. Which would also bring about thoughts of how he came about, from such an educated and noble family. Nightmare also didn’t like the fact that she was pink, and cute, and that she reminded her of the other pink menace.

Thankfully the other Elements of Harmony weren’t there. Knowing she’d been beat by a sissy seamstress, a pink spaz, and a dainty butterfly and two dykes was embarrassing enough, but having to deal with them all was another can of worms. Nightmare Moon sighed, calming her thoughts as she continued to wait. Like a miracle, the doors to the throne room opened, sparing her the eternity of waiting. Her mood was immediately soured upon the sight of the strange human.

Nightmare Moon had only seen him a few times, and never bothered to delve into what he was. Everypony else in the room had been constantly fawning over him, and she felt no reason to do so. He wasn’t even that interesting, just funny looking. Immediately everypony in the room began swarming him and greeting him, while Nightmare Moon remained stationary. While they were turned away, she stuck her tongue out and tilted her head from side to side, imitating their near cooes of affection as they all greeted him.

A brief glance to her left showed Blueblood remained where he originally was. A sneer crossed her face as she returned her gaze forward, to find everyone moving towards her. While the human knew most of the ponies around him, the greetings were fast before they approached the two still royals. The strange biped approached Blueblood, and out of the corner of her eye she could see the unamusement on both of their faces. Like the prissy snob Blueblood was, he made a big deal over the greeting.

Prick

Eventually, the biped stood before Nightmare Moon. Her eyes almost widened in awe at the fact that the hairless ape had the audacity to address her.

“I don’t believe we’ve formally met,” The human started carefully, “My name’s Jo-”

Nightmare Moon scoffed as a small smile of realization crossed her lips at her mental epiphany. As if the meaning for life was suddenly explained to her, she simply turned from him and walked away. She didn't have to be here, and the new, sudden thought brought a small smile to her face as she almost happily trotted away. Behind her, the biped stood frozen, watching as the black alicorn disappeared.

“Was it something I said?” The human asked rhetorically after a few moments, slightly downtrodden from his failed greeting.

“Do not fear, she’s just afraid of meeting new ponies.” Celestia answered with a smile, causing everyone to share a giggle at Nightmare Moon's expense.

Just down the hall, Nightmare Moon growled at the joyous sound of their laughter.

* * *