Nightrise

Chapters

Chapter 1: The Darkest Night
Chapter 2: A Gift for the Night
Chapter 3: Planning Ahead
Chapter 4: Before the Summer Sun
Chapter 6: Return of the Nightmare
Chapter 7: A Question of Loyalty
Chapter 8: Assault on The Crystal Empire
Chapter 9: Call of Valor
Chapter 10: Alone Against a Madpony
Chapter 5: Kingdom Under Fire

Chapter 1: The Darkest Night

Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters, 1005 years ago...

"NOOOOOOOOOO," screamed Nightmare Moon as the energy from the Elements of Harmony finally dropped her on the moon, so very far away from all she'd hated and held dear. "WHY SISTER! WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS!"

"You killed her," said a voice, seemingly from nowhere.

"Who? Where art thou," demanded Nightmare Moon. "SHOWETH THYSELF AT THIS MOMENT!"

A strange, bipedal figure materialized in fron of Nightmare Moon, bowing in a dignified manner.

"Allow me to introduce myself," said the figure, "I am Prince John Winter of Solstice, but you, Princess, may simply call me Winter."

"Solstice," repeated Nightmare Moon, "Thy hath not heard of this Solstice. What is it?"

"Solstice is a massive city beyond the former location of The Crystal Empire," said Winter. "It is not often that we deal with ponies, as I have already told you."

Nightmare Moon delved into Luna's memories and found her talking to this 'Winter' in her dreams. Obviously, he knew how to use the Dream Walk spell.

"Wait, how hath thou come to be here," questioned Nightmare Moon.

"I was expecting you," Winter said, gesturing to something behind her. She turned to she something out of the bedtime stories that foals were told to go to sleep.

In front of Nightmare Moon was a giant moon crater, and in this crater was a black castle, a bridge spanning the massive gap between the edge of the crater and the castle doors. Nighmare Moon turned back to Winter. "Why hath thou done something such as this for thy."

"Because," Winter said, "I feel sorry for you. Because I care about you, despite the fact nopony else would."

As that revelation struck her, Nightmare Moon finally lost control of her emotions, and her legs gave out as she began to cry, her head hung down in shame.

Winter sat down beside her and began stroking her neck. "Shhh, it's okay. I know all you need is a little love and compassion, and you'll be all better."

Nightmare Moon nodded through her sobs and leaned against Winter, who was able to hold back even an Ursa Major, so an oversized alicorn leaning against him was as normal a thing as things got for him. "Let's get you to your castle."

~~~~~~~~~~

As Winter had constructed it, it did not take long to navigate the long black halls to get Nightmare Moon to her private chambers. Winter laid her down on the bed, which was...white. Nightmare Moon looked around to find herself back in Luna's room in The Castle of the Two Sisters, but was reminded of where she really was when she looked out the window or into the hallway.

"What is all of this made of," asked Nightmare Moon.

"Stardust," Winter said. "Stars that died long before Luna took the throne. I built it as a kind of private retreat, but figured it would be more fitting if the Princess of the Moon had a castle on the moon, don't you agree?" Nightmare Moon chuckled a bit. "Well, I must be off. I do still have a kingdom to rule, but do not fear, I will return."

As Winter was about to leave, Nightmare Moon called after him. "Winter!"

"Hmm," Winter said as he stopped and turned to face Nightmare Moon.

"Thank you," Nightmare Moon said, "For caring."

"Hey, everyone deserves some love and adoration, right?" Winter said. And with that, he promptly dissappeared in a flash of blue light, leaving Nightmare Moon alone...

Not alone, Nightmare Moon thought to herself, Luna's in here with me, and Winter will be back soon. I'm not alone anymore.

Chapter 2: A Gift for the Night

Lunar Palace, 505 years ago...

Nightmare Moon waited paitently at the end of the bridge for her guest, who should be arriving any minute. Oh, how she so enjoyed Winter's yearly visits! She only wished that he could visit more often. At least she had Luna, that little voice in her head, to keep her company.

A blinding light flashed before her, and Winter appeared with a smile on his face.

"Hello, Winter," Nightmare Moon said with a fanged smile. "I've been waiting for you."

"It's nice to see you too, Moonie," said Winter.

Nightmare Moon was taken aback. "Moonie? You hath given me a pet name!?"

"What, you don't like it," Winter said, mock-hurt appearing on his face.

Nightmare Moon glared at him with eyes like daggers. "I don't like it.....I LOVE IT!"

Winter nearly jumped out of his jacket. Nightmare Moon was still quite the unpredictable mare, even after five hundred years. Sometimes she would be a mature gentlemare, other times he would be an immature filly. It really became confusing after awhile, but Winter coped.

"Mind if we go inside?"

~~~~~~~~~~

Nightmare Moon led Winter through the halls of her palace to the Throne Room, where she sat down in her throne.

"So, what news do you bring for me this year," asked Nightmare Moon.

"Well, the Changelings attacked Canterlot, no doubt this will be the first attempt of many, and Celestia secured a trade agreement with Griffonia," said Winter, "On a side note, I did discover something that could make it a lot less lonely up here for you."

"Oh, and what might that be," asked Nightmare Moon.

"This," Winter said as he cast a spell on her.

Immense pain surged through Nightmare Moon's body. She thought she could feel her very soul breaking in half. Suddenly, as quickly as the pain started, it stopped.

Nightmare Moon looked down at herself to find she still looked exactly the same. She was confused for a momenet, but then she heard it.

Somepony was crying.

She spun her head to see Princess Luna on the floor in front of her, sobbing, and holding her back legs in a foaltal position. Nightmare Moon rushed over to the pained Princess, as they had been a part of each other for so long.

"Are you alright," Nightmare Moon asked, worry being prevalent in her voice.

Luna nodded, so she turned back to Winter, who was staring in admiration. "What did you do?"

"I tapped into the power of the Winter Spire," Winter said, "With it's vast magical reserve, I was able to create an empty shell, and put you into it."

"Wait, are you saying-" Nightmare Moon began before realizing that Luna was wearing her armor.

"A created a shell for you," said Winter. "You are the alter-ego, so you could not command Luna's body, as it is hers, not yours. Look on the bright side, your new body, while immortal like the old, has even larger magical reserves, and you are faster and stronger than you were before, though you don't look it."

Nightmare Moon looked over herself. He was right! She could feel the massive increase in her magic, and her muscles, which felt like they could move mountains. She took a quick run around the throne room. Yep, faster too.

She really didn't know what to say at that point, but remembered the sobbing little filly on the ground before her. She laid down and began to stroke the back of Luna's neck. "Shhh, it's okay, Luna. It's all going to be alright."

Luna looked up at her, tears falling down her cheeks. "Why wouldn't you let me out?"

Nightmare Moon softly stroked Luna's neck again. "You were still angry."

Luna nodded, knowing she was right, and laid her head against Nightmare Moon's soft, black fur. "I like your nickname, Moonie."

Nightmare Moon blushed, but it was hardly noticeable on her black fur. She turned to Winter. "Thank you."

"I'm just doing what I do best," Winter said, "Speaking of which, I best be off. You two have fun, now."

And with that, Winter was gone again for another year.

Nightmare Moon looked down at Luna, and Luna up at Nightmare Moon. "At least we have each other now."

Chapter 3: Planning Ahead

"So, do you like them?"

Winter gestured to the four rows of mares and stallions, twelve alicorns in each row. Each one wore a black Wondetbolt outfit, but these were not Wonderbolts, they were The Shadowbolts, Nightmare Moon's version of The Wonderbolts. Beside them stood another four rows of stallions and mares, these alicorns had bat wings and wore armor made from the same stuff as the castle they now stood in, stardust. These were the Shadow Guard, the name matching their Shadowbolt counterpart. A mare stood in front of each group, both dessed in their respective colours and wearing a helmet similar to Nightmare Moon's. These two stepped forward.

"Captain Nightshade of the Shadowbolts and Captain Twilight of the Shadow Guard," Winter said as the two ponies bowed to Nightmare Moon.

"At your service," both Captains said in unison.

"I am very, very impressed," Nightmare Moon said, responding to Winter's earlier question.

"Good! I'll keep them in Solstice until your return," Winter said before he teleported the ponies back to Solstice. "How have things been?"

"They've been quite good, actually," said Nightmare Moon as Luna returned from a trip to the castle conservatory. Nightmare Moon had to admit, the two of them really knew how to grow the prettiest flowers, though neither of them would ever admit to this. "Ah, Lulu! How was your little trip!"

"Wonderful," exclaimed Luna, noticing Winter was there as well. "They're all good."

"What," asked Winter.

"It's...not pretty," replied Nightmare Moon.

"Withdrawn," Winter said hurriedly. "So, have have you two been?"

"Very good," replied Nightmare Moon happily. Honestly, she was really enjoying being a good, friendly pony. Still, she had been created from hate and resentment, but she had decided that fact would not shape her as a pony, but it may be useful in later days.

"I've been having so much fun," Luna exclaimed. "I never knew two ponies could do so much together! Celestia was never one for fun."

"Oh, cheer up," Nightmare Moon said as she gave Luna a friendly nudge, "Don't think about her. Sure, she was always mean to you. She just didn't know you were upset."

Luna looked up at Nightmare Moon and smiled. "Thanks M."

"Don't mention it," Nightmare Moon said, "Anything for my BFF."

~~~~~~~~~~

Winter left some time later, leaving Luna and Nightmare Moon alone in the Lunar Palace for another year. To pass the time, they had begun expanding the palace, and it was already twice the size it had originally been, with a maze of new rooms, towers, and an entire new palace wing which contained the conservatory and the observatory, the latter of which is where they were now.

"I spotted a new star here," said Luna, gesturing to a point on the three dimensional map. It had taken months of enchanting to get the map to function to all the specifications, but it had been worth it. They could view the sky of any known star or planet now, which was a very interesting thing, seeing the sky from a different perspective. The two of them had a library near the Observatory filled with star charts for these distant planets, all based on the observations they made in the observatory.

"Let's see," said Nightmare Moon as she fired a bolt at the gem that projected the hologram, causing it t ripple before it restabilized. Sure enough, a new star had appeared.

"Do you wanna chart it," asked Luna anxiously.

"Absopositveolutely," said Nightmare Moon in a funny tone, causing them both to laugh.

They spent the next few hours checking out the stars that could be viewed from this new star. It truely was amazing how many stars there were out there, so it took the two mares a few hours to get the charts done. It was well into the morning, so the two of them were fairly tired. In fact, Luna would have slammed her head into the floor had Nightmare Moon not caught her.

"Let's get you to bed," Nightmare Moon said tiredly as she lifted Luna onto her back, making her way to her bedchamber.

When she got there, she laid Luna onto the enormous bed before getting on herself. Luna quickly snuggled up to Nightmare Moon.

"Goodnight, Moonie," said Luna.

"Goodnight, Lulu," replied Nightmare Moon as she too fell asleep.

Chapter 4: Before the Summer Sun

Lunar Palace, 5 years ago...

Nightmare Moon paced back and forth in the Great Hall of her palace on the moon. Luna sat not too far away on smaller throne positioned beside Nightmare Moon's throne.

"Where is he," Nightmare Moon asked, slightly agitated.

"Sorry I'm late," said Winter as he entered the hall. "Meeting with the Council of Solstice took linger than I'd anticipated. Alexander, always one to start a fight."

"What's your plan," asked Nightmare Moon.

"Well, I've located the Bearers of my Elements of Harmony in a town called Ponyville," Winter said. "Celestia is headed there now. Once she gets to town hall, you swap out with her."

"And then what," asked Luna.

"I suspect that Celestia's protege, Twilight Sparkle, who I believe is also the Bearer of Magic, will discover the location of my Elements of Harmony," Winter said. "She will lead the other bearers into the Everfree Forest and to the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. There, you will face off with them." Winter stopped and gestured to Nightmare Moon.

"How will I get out of there," asked Nightmare Moon.

"When the bearers use the Elements, I will summon a shield to stop the magic, but make it appear like the spell was a success," Winter said. "In that moment, I will teleport you to Solstice and Luna to where you were, making it appear as if the spell actually hit you."

"Very clever," Luna commented.

"Are you ready," asked Winter.

"Ready as I'll ever be," replied Nightmare Moon.

"Good," said Winter. "And please, do put on a good a show."

~~~~~~~~~~

Three hours later...

Nightmare Moon crashed onto a hardwood floor after being blasted by the Elements of Harmony. She had to admit, they were as powerful as Winter had said they'd be, which was a lot more powerful than she remembered them being.

Nightmare Moon slowly lifted herself back to her hooves, taking in her surrounings. She was in a grand hall, decorated with purple velevt curtains and tapestries depicting either a four-point star in two shades of blue to simulate light or a white tree with seven stars above it on a blue background. A guard wearing an outfit of black armor and a cape with the tree emblazioned on it approached her.

"I'm General Alexander of the 1st Royal Dragoons," said the guard with a bow. "I presume that you are Nightmare Moon, correct?" Nightmare Moon nodded before he continued. "Prince Winter is busy in a meeting in the War Room, but asked that I escort you to him anyway. Follow me, please."

Nighmare Moon followed General Alexander up the stairs at the end of the great hall, on which was located a throne on the landing, and through the many halls of the palace. The decor remained the same, white marble walls with royal purple curtains over the windows and the same tapertries as in the great hall could be found paired, one on each opposing wall, and two of one on either side of one of the other, making for an interesting design. They soon stopped in front of a large wooden door that had been inlayed with gold accents. Alexander opened thedoor an led Nightmare Moon in.

The War Room was different from the rest of the palace. Instead of white walls, they were grey, but still carried the gold accents, as did the decorative columns that circled the room. The room itself was, in fact, a giant circle. At the center lay a table with a holographic map of Solstice, and around this table were arranged fifteen chairs, Winter sitting in the chair with the tallest back. One of the seats was empty, but Alexander quickly filled this void.

"General Flynn," said Winter, "We have not intervened since the conflict began. Just because that false prophecy is coming to fruition, does not mean that we must act."

"But what if the Nightwings are controling them," asked another General, who was wearing a black overcoat with a dragon emblazioned in white on the back and an armband that had the White Tree emblazioned on it.

"I gurantee you, General Aragorn, they are not being controlled by anyone but themselves," Winter said. The map then changed to that of an island shaped somewhat like a dragon. "Admiral Norrington, I want you to position your fleet off the southern coast, just in case there is the chance the fighting might spread to the mainland."

"Understood, my Prince," said Admiral Norrington, "None shall reach the the shores of Equestria."

"Are you satisfied," Winter asked of the Generals and Admirals that were assembled, and all nodded. "Well then, this War Council is hereby adjourned."

Nightmare Moon ducked behind a row of chairs as the Generals and Admirals left the War Room, leaving only her and Prince Winter.

"Poltics, how tiresome," said Winter. "You can come out now, Moonie."

"How did you know I was here," asked Nightmare Moon as she rose from her hiding place.

"I'm a god, it's my job to know," Winter said simply. "If gods don't know what's going on around them, then the title is meaningless."

"Noted," Nightmare Moon said. "This is quite the place you have."

"The Winter Palace," Winter said, "The crown jewel of the Kingdom of Solstice, in more ways than one, as you can see."

"I do see," said Nightmare Moon. "If this is the Crown Jewel, then what is the heart?"

"That would be the Citadel," Winter said, "It is where the Element of Love is kept, high above in a tower know as The Beacon."

"A seventh Element of Harmony," Nightmare Moon said questioningly.

"Indeed it is," Winter said. "Without the Element of Love, the other six wouldn't be complete, and wold be significantly less powerful."

"I see," said Nightmare Moon, "So, it amplifies the other Elements of Harmony?"

"Exactly," exclaimed Winter, "But it's getting late, and I do believe you've had a very long day."

Nightmare Moon had been feeling tired since she had arrived, and had been wondering why. It seemed she now knew why.

"A bed would be nice right about now," Nightmare Moon said after a bit more thought.

"Follow me then," Winter kindly said, "I've had a room prepared for you, identical to the one in the Lunar Palace to reduce the feeling of homesickness, should the feeling arise."

~~~~~~~~~~

Winter wasn't lying. Nightmare Moon's chambers were an exact copy of her chambers in the Lunar Palace.

"Thank you, Winter," Nightmare Moon said.

"You are most welcome," said Winter. "I'll leave you to it, then."

Winter gentely closed the door. As soon as he did, Nightmare Moon jumped onto the bed, feeling the soft matress beneath her. Within moments, she had fallen fast asleep.

Chapter 6: Return of the Nightmare

Ponyville, Present Day...

Over the past few months, Ponyville had been plagued by horrible nightmares, and nopony had gotten a good night's rest in weeks. Repairs on the Castle of the Pony Sisters had ground to a halt, and Twilight had been focused on figuring out the cause of these nightmares instead of working on how to open the box that had been revealed when she and the girls had returned the Elements of Harmony to the Tree of Harmony. After weeks of reading and testing spells, Twilight had finally come up with something the night before, and had decided to pursue it in the morning.

"Spike, I'm going to be out for awhile," said Twilight as she slipped her saddlebags on.

"Okay, Twilight," said Spike groggily. It still amazed him how Twilight could be so energetic when she hadn't slept in days. Pinkie Pie he could understand, but Twilight? Whatever spell she was using, he wanted to know it.

"Don't be so down, Spike," Twilight said, "Why don't you visit Rarity later, or Princess Rarity, or Ella? "

"I'll think about it," said Spike. He decided then that he'd visit all of them. Trixie was supposed to be visiting Princess Raity today, and her shows had become quite the entertaining spectacle since those two had met. "See you later Twilight!"

Twilight nodded as she made her way out the door. "See you later, Spike!"

~~~~~~~~~~

"...five steps to the left and I'm here," Twilight said, lifting her head from the map levitating in front of her. She had traveled deep into an uncharted region of the Everfree Forest, and now stood at the mouth of a cave that appeared to have been carved from the rock and soil around it. A worn sign nearby read 'Everfree Changeling Hive. Enter at own risk'.

Twilight swallowed hard. "Well, here I go," she said as she cautiously entered the abandoned hive. Ancient Changeling carapaces lined the halls, some half-buried in the dust and dirt that had built up over the ages. If she remembered her history correctly, Celestia had raided this hive, which is where she first met Crystalia, who now shared the Sun Throne with her. It still confused Twilight to think of Crystalia as her mentor and not Celestia, though they both did an equal amount of teaching now. Lost in though, Twilight didn't realize she couldn't see where she was going, and almost tripped over one of the ancient carapaces. She immediately lit up her horn so she could see her surroundings.

She was in the crumbling remains of the once grand throne room. A throne of obsidian stood on the far end of the hall, but the passage of time had worn it away, and one of the armrests had broken off. Twilight shuddered before moving deeper into the seemingly endless tunnels. Eventually, a light appeared at the end of one of the tunnels, and she made sure of this by disolving her own light spell.

Twilight crept slowly down the tunnel towards the strange light, careful not to make any noise. As she got closer she heard mumbling, with became more and more distinguishable as she approached. The voice sounded familiar, but she just couldn't place it. All her doubts were remedied, though, as she turned the corner to face what or whoever was in these tunnels.

~~~~~~~~~~

Four months ago...

Nightmare Moon opened her eyes and gasped for breath. She quickly jumped to her hooves, having no idea what had just happened. She remembered the spear, feeling her life leave her body, and then...then there were the lands that she just couldn't adequately describe in anyway other than true utopia.

She felt so very weak, and could not see at all. Whether it was because of a spell or something else, she didn't know. What she did know was that she needed nourishment, at least enough to keep her alive until help arrived. A thought stuck her. She had the ability to create nightmares and use the fear of others as energy. She fired a life-pulse, an invisible wave of magic that detects living things. Sure enough, there were ponies nearby...

~~~~~~~~~~

Everfree Hive, Present Day...

Nightmare Moon saw Twilight and immediately froze. Twilight had a spell charged and waiting, and she was still too weak to even defend herself, let alone move, which took a massive effort on her part. Nightmare Moon pushed herself off the wall and tried to stand, but quickly fell over and lay sprawled across the cavern floor.

"Twilight, please help me," Nightmare Moon said before passing out.

~~~~~~~~~~

Nightmare Moon slowly climbed back from the embrace of unconsciousness, waking to find she was in a soft bed, though one small for a pony of her immense size. She slowly turned her head to find a little purple dragon looking straight at her.

"Twilight," Spike called, "She's awake."

"I'm coming Spike," Twilight said as hoofbeats were heard coming up the stairs. Twilight came bursting in seconds later and quickly went over to Nightmare Moon. "I thought we destroyed you."

"Please, food," Nightmare Moon said in a raspy voice.

"I beg your pardon," Twilight said.

"I...I need to eat, please," rasped Nightmare Moon.

Twilight pulled Spike back for a second and quietly talked to him. A moment later, they turned back to Nightmare Moon.

"If we feed you, will you tell us whatever we ask of you," asked Twilight.

"Yes, anything, I'll tell you anything," said Nightmare Moon.

A short while later Nightmare Moon had finished eating. She hadn't felt this good since, well, since before she'd died, or whatever had happened to her. She would've left, but a deal's a deal, and she said she'd answer any questions they asked.

She just hoped she wouldn't regret that choice.

Chapter 7: A Question of Loyalty

"Spike," Twilight said.

"Got it," replied Spike, who quickly pulled out a quill and parchment, and also put on a fake moustache, which Nightmare Moon thought was kind of cute.

"First question," said Twilght, "When were you born?"

"One thousand five years ago on the Day of the Summer Sun," said Nightmare Moon, "I was created by the neglect Luna was given."

"Okay," said Twilight, waiting for Spike to finish writing before continuing, "How are you still alive?"

Nightmare Moon had feared this question. She knew that she couldn't tell them that Winter had saved her, but she promised them she'd answer their questions...

"Prince Winter," Nightmare Moon said with a sigh, "He saved me, but I promised him I wouldn't tell anyone about it, so I will say nothing more on this subject."

"Very well," said Twilight, once again waiting for Spike before continuing, "Have you ever died?"

"Two years ago," said Nightmare Moon, "I was run through by Count Vladmane Dracula. He pierced my heart. Don't ask me how I'm still here, because I have no idea myself."

"Okay," said Twilight, once again waiting for Spike to finish. This cycle continued for the next hour or so. Most of the questions weren't very invasive, but there were a few that really annoyed Nightmare Moon. Eventually, though, the questions ended.

"Well, that's all the questions," said Twilight, "Spike, send a message to Princess Celestia. Tell her we have Nightmare Moon at the library in Ponyville."

"WHAT," exclaimed Nightmare Moon. "But I answered your question! I did everything you asked!"

"You're still a menace to society," replied Twilight sternly, "And as such, deserve to be punished."

Nightmare Moon lowered her head. Celestia was gonna kill her.

~~~~~~~~~~

"When you've been around as long as I have, it takes alot to suprise you," said a familliar voice, "This suprises me."

Nightmare Moon turned to see Winter standing in the doorway, smiling at her with a smile that expressed worry and relief.

"WINTER," Nightmare Moon exclaimed as she leapt from the bed and ran to him, wrapping him in her forehooves, "I missed you."

"As did I," said Winter, "Celestia said Twilight had caught you, and I feared she had gone to see you without me. Thankfully, she waited, and we're on our way now."

"You mean this is a dream," said Nightmare Moon.

"Yes, but don't worry, we're arriving at this very moment," Winter said before he dissapeared.

~~~~~~~~~~

Nightmare Moon slowly opened her eyes as a knock was heard on the front door.

"Coming," said Spike, "Helo Princess Celesstia, Luna, Crystalia, Prince Winter."

The conversation continued for a moment before subsiding. Alomst immediately afterwards hoofbeats could be heard entering the building. The hoofbeats grew louder and louder until Twilight appeared in the doorway, followed closely by Celestia, Crystalia, Luna and Winter.

"There she is," said Twilight in a toneless voice.

Before anyone knew what has happened, Crystalia was upon Nightmare Moon with her forehoves wrapped around Nightmare Moon's neck.

"YOU KILLED CELESTIA," she screamed.

Suddenly, a blue aura surrounded her, and she was lifted off of Nightmare Moon, who was now gasping for breath.

"That is no way to treat anypony," said Winter with glare that rivaled The Stare.

"Sorry," said Crystalia, "But she deserved it."

"No she did not," said Winter, "I do believe one thousand years of guilt was punishment enough."

Crystalia lowered her head, ashamed of her actions. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," said Nightmare Moon, "I would have done the same thing."

With that comment, everypony in the room looked at her. The way she'd said it hadn't sounded evil, but more sorrowful.

"When Winter told me I'd killed you, Celestia, I didn't think I could live with that," said Nightmare Moon, "Winter saved me from that, though."

Celestia looked at Winter. "You rehabilitated an evil goddess!?"

"Indeed," Winter said, "I also fell inlove with her. The wedding was not for Luna, but for Nightmare Moon, since for reasons beyond my comprehension, they are still the same mare."

Silence followed as this revelation sunk in on those who hadn't know about it. Of course Luna knew, as they had discussed it before the wedding, and Winter and Nightmare Moon knew, but this was news to everypony else.

"You married Nightmare Moon," said Celestia, voice filled with awe.

"I reformed her," Winter said as he turned his head to face Nigthmare Moon, eyes filled with love and compassion, "Then I fell in love with her."

Chapter 8: Assault on The Crystal Empire

The Vampire Changelings were back.

Count Vladmane Dracula was back.

And while the ponies were interrogating Nightmare Moon in Ponyville, the Vampire Changelings were attacking The Crystal Empire.

And they were winning.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Excuse me," said Winter. A beeping sound had been coming from his jacket, and he now pulled out the object that was making it, an earpiece with an attached microphone. He put it on and pressed a button to accept the call.

Everypony was quiet while Winter took the call, and grew worried when his face became pale.

"Rally the armies and send them immediately," said Winter before he took off the headset.

"Who was that," asked Celestia.

"That was General Flynn," said Winter solemly, "The Vampire Changeling have returned and are attacking The Crystal Empire."

"WHAT," everypony in the room said in unison.

"Count Vladmane is with them as well," added Winter.

"But, but he's dead," exclaimed Nightmare Moon, "I saw him turn to ash just before I died!"

"It would appear he has cheated death once again," Winter said with a sigh, "But this would not be the first time he has done so. Count Vladmane has plagued me for countless centuries."

"We'll help in any way we can," said Celestia and Crystalia in unison. Twilight nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, all of you," said Winter, "Be warned, though, Count Vladmane is very powerful, and nt to be underestimated. He will underestimate you as he did me, and that will be his downfall. General Flynn said The Crystal Empire is still holding strong, and my armies are on their way. If we hurry, we can arrive at the same time they do."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Sir, The Crystal Empire is now in visual range," said Captian Cloudbreak.

Admiral Moonbean nodded. "Open the shields."

As the shields that covered the cabin window retracted, a sight of utter awe lay before them. The Crystal Empire had a shield around it, no doubt being projected by Princess Cadance. The city was surrounded on all sides by the vast Vampire Changeling Army.

"Report," Admiral Moonbeam said into her heasdset.

"1st Fleet Captian Storm of the SRAF Dawnbreaker, all batteries ready."

"1st Fleet Captain Windbreaker of the SRAF Sun's Dawn, all batteries ready."

"1st Fleet Captian Ender of the SRAF Inferno, all batteries ready."

"1st Fleet Captain Lexicon of the SRAF Pathfinder, all batteries ready."

"This is 1st Fleet Admiral Moonbeam of the SRAF Eclipse to the SRAF Dawnbreaker, SRAF Sun's Dawn, SRAF Inferno and SRAF Pathfinder," Admiral Moonbeam said into the headset, "Fire all batteries at will. Take out those Changelings!"

~~~~~~~~~~

The Princesses watched from the train as hundreds of beams of blue light loosed from the cloud thundered through the sky before impacting the Vampire Changeling Army with a loud bang, and such force that the train almost came off the rails, but ground to a halt instead.

"What on Equus was that," asked Twilight as she got back to her hooves.

"That was a volley from the main cannons of the Soltice 1sr Air Fleet's battleships," said Winter, "The other fleets will be arriving shortly, as will the Army."

"What about my Shadow Guard and The Shadowbolts," Nightmare Moon asked.

"They are on their way with the 1st Royal Guard," replied Winter, "Don't worry, I've taken very good care of them."

"Good," said Nightmare Moon.

"Excuse me, but shouldn't we join the fight," asked Crystalia. Everyone turned to see she had donned her Royal Armor, the same armor as she had when the Changelings attacked Canterlot, but this time with more coverage, obviously to protect against Vampire bites. Celestia, too, had donned a similar set of armor, but it lacked the pearl detailing that Crystalia's had.

"Indeed," Winter said as a giant sword materialized, it's hilt in Winter's hand.

Luna donned a suit of armor similar to Nightmare Moon's, and Twilight also put on a set of Canterlot Guard armor, as she did not yet have her own. The group then burst from the train and into the horde that was swarming the train.

On the far side of the city, the Solstice Royal Army was just arriving to kick the butts of these Vampiric monstrosities.

"FOR WINTER," yelled Stormcry as he led the charge in his Citadel Guard armor.

Chapter 9: Call of Valor

Fort Rosethorn, The Badlands...

Fort Rosethorn was a relic of wars long past, and stood as a grim reminder to all of the struggles Equestria has survived. The most significant thing about Fort Rosethorn now was the fact it was still standing.

Mounds of sand reached the tops of the outer walls, but not a grain had landed on the battlements themselves. A path had been tunneled through the sand to the front gate, which showed no signs of decay, and the stones themselves where still as white as the day they were laid. The keep still stood dominant over the landscape, a white tower reaching five hundred meters into the sky, with arched supports running from the side and going into the sand, as the supports ended on the outer side of the wall. Still, the white still gleamed and the golden inlays still shown, standing as a testament to a bygone golden age.

And this was thanks to one stallion.

An elderly alicorn sat in the throne of the fort's keep, though because of the grand decor and tapestries adorning the walls, one might call it a palace or a castle. This stallion called it the latter, Castle Rosethorn. His horn was lit and before him was an image of the battle taking place in The Crystal Empire. It had been years since he'd last fought in the name of Equestria, and as far as they knew, he was dead along with every other guard that had been at Castle Rosethorn nearly two thousand years ago, when the griffons marched on Canterlot, passing the fort and wiping it out. Not him, though, not Captain Valor.

Captain Valor gently rose from the throne as the image faded away, his many medals clanking together as he rose. He turned to one of the hallways and made his way down it, through the maze of adjoining hallways, and to the Castle Armory.

He opened the door to reveal a fully stocked armory, every weapon and piece of armor coated in centuries of dust. These were the armor of his fellow guards, which they had died in. He had decided against laying the armor with the bodies in the crypt, feeling they would not need them in the afterlife, or whatever came after death.

One set of armor was on a mannequin in a glass case. It featured neck plating, a feathered helmet, full body and leg armor, and a flowing gold cape. This was his armor from when he was a Royal Guard back in the day. He carefully turned the knob that opened the case, and stared with determination at his armor.

"I think I'm ready for another adventure."

~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, in The Crystal Empire...

The rest of the Solstice Fleet had arrived, and was now hammering the Vampire Changeling Army, but to no avail. It seemed for every batallion that they struck down, two more rose to take it's place. The Solstice Royal Army wasn't fairing much better. Fate and Elegance, clad in his Flash of Gold armor, had also arrived to lend their aid. They were now with Winter and the Princesses at the train.

"On your left," yelled Winter.

"Thanks," said Celestia after deaing with the Vampire Changeling.

"This is madness," yelled Fate, "These Changelings are supposed to be extinct!"

"I guess not," yelled Twilight in response.

"Wait, where's Nightmare Moon," yelled Crystalia.

As if to answer her question, somepony using the Royal Canterlot Voice boomed above them, causing them to look up.

"CHARGE," screamed Nightmare Moon as her Shadowbolts dove behind her, "GIVE THEM ALL YOU'VE GOT!"

Almost immediately, magical projectiles began raining down from the mass of Shadowbolts, but never hitting the Princes or Princesses, but always hitting one of the Vampire Changelings.

"Some aim," said Elegance.

"Eh, I took it upon myself to train them in Nightmare Moon's absence," said Winter with a shrug.

"LOOK OUT," screamed Crystalia as a Vampire Changeling sucessfully knocked Twilight down. The vampire opened it's mouth to reveal it's sharp fangs, and Twilight closed her eyes, knowing what would come next.

But the bite never came.

Instead, a massive bust of heat and magical energy passed above her, through the vampire. When she opened her eyes, all that was left of the vampire was it's rear hooves, which quickly turned to ash. Everypony turned to see an alicorn in the old style Canterlot Royal Guard Armor, complete with gold cape. Crystalia, Celestia, Luna and Winter knew of only one Captain who ever wore a gold cape, but he had been reported to have been killed.

"Act of Valor, proud to serve you one again," he said in a voice that resonated with age, but also with an unfaltering authority over all who listened. "Shall we?"

Celestia nodded, and the battle recommenced, now with the upper hand going to the Equestrian and Solstician forces.

At long last, the Vampire Changelings reign of terror would end.

But they weren't going to go quietly.

Chapter 10: Alone Against a Madpony

After hours of difficult fighting, the Vampire Changeling Army was finally stopped once and for all. That still left one Vampire, though.

And Nightmare Moon was hot on his trail.

"Give up, Vladmane," yelled Nightmare Moon, "You've lost!"

"I haven't lost as long breath continues to flow through my lungs," responded Vladmane, who was a short disance ahead of Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon had been chasing the Vampire Lord since the battle ended a few hours earlier. She knew very well that if he escaped, he would surely return with an army even larger than the one he'd had, and so if he came back, Equestria would surely be doomed.

She couldn't let that happen. She wouldn't let that happen.

She knew what had to be done.

Count Vladmane Dracula had to die, if not for revenge then for the sake of Equestria's survival as a nation.

The chase led them out of The Crystal Empire and into Equestria, and deep into the forgotten depths of the mysterious Everfree Forest. Eventually, they came to an ancient stone tower, old and weathered by centuries of neglect, and leaning over a large chasm, the bottom of which could not be seen. Count Vladmane entered this tower with Nightmare Moon right behind him.

Count Vladmane finally stopped at the top of the tower, now having nowhere to run, as the top was suspended over the chasm, so the only way was down. He would have flown away, but one of his wings had been mangled during the battle. He took up a defensive stance just as Nightmare Moon emerged from the tower and onto the roof with him.

"You shall never take me alive," yelled Vladmane as he fired a magical projectile at Nightmare Moon, which she gracefully dodged.

"Who said anything about taking you alive," said Nightmare Moon as she fired her own magical projectile, not at Vladmane, but at the base of the tower.

"What are you doing," Vladmane said, firing another projectile, which Nightmare Moon again dodged.

"It would be wrong to kill you myself," said Nightmare Moon as she fired another projectile at the base of the tower, causing the whole tower to shake.

"You wouldn't," Vladmane said with the realization of what Nightmare Moon was trying to do.

"I already did," Nightmare Moon said as another projectile hit the base of the tower, "Goodbye, Count Vladmane."

With that, Nightmare Moon jumped off the tower and hovered in the air to watch.

The stone on the side of the tower facing the chasm exploded into a cloud of dust and debris. The tower began to lean more and more, crumbling as it leaned ever futher over the chasm. After only a moment, the tower slid off it's foundations and began to plummet into the chasm.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooo," Vladmane cried as he fell, the sound gradually decreasing in intensity until all was quiet once again.

At long last, Equestria was safe from perhaps the greatest villain to ever walk it's lands.

But Nightmare Moon took no comfort in what it had taken to do it.

~~~~~~~~~~

Nightmare Moon wandered aimlessly through the Everfree Forest, caught up in her guilt and sorrow. Yes, she had personally dealt with one of the greatest threats Equestria has ever faced, and she hadn't killed him directly, but she still felt responsible. So many innocent ponies had died in the short time that the Vampire Changelings been attacking, and she felt that she had failed them, failed to protect them from the Vampires. It was very depressing, to say the least.

"Nightmare Moon," called a feminine voice.

Nightmare Moon tore herself from her thoughts as she turned to face the speaker. Captain Nightshade of the Shadowbolts stood before her.

"What happened," she asked.

"Count Vladmane is dead," Nightmare Moon said solemly.

"You killed him," inquired Nightshade.

"Yes, I did," replied Nightmare Moon.

A silence hung in the air for a good while. After a few minute, though, Nightshade continued.

"Everypony has been looking for you," said Nightshade.

Nightmare Moon nodded. "Lead on, Captian."

If anyone can cheer me up, it must be Winter, Nightmare Moon thought as she followed Captain Nightshade out of the forest.

Chapter 5: Kingdom Under Fire

Solstice, Two Years Ago...

"ARCHERS! RELEASE ARROWS!"

The archers of the 1st and 2nd Solstice Royal Guard released their arrows at Stormcry's command, sending them flying over the five hundred meter tall wall and into the attacking Vampire Changelings on the other side. Another volley followed moments later. The 3rd and 4th Dragoons were on top of the wall, having ballistic weapons that, like the bows, fired magical projectiles at high velocity, this was the best place for them, in the front. The archers of the 3rd and 4th Royal Guard were also on top of the wall, as well as the Shadow Guard, Nightmare Moon's personal guard.

"SHADOWBOLTS! DIVE," yelled Nightmare Moon from high above. Almost instantly, the Shadowbolts dove from the clouds and began raining a barrage of magical projectiles upon the Vampire Changelings far below. The Solstice Fleets followed after, releasing fighter craft to dive-bomb the Vampire Changeling army. If they did deserve one thing, it was no mercy, as they had no pity or consideration for other races.

As Nightmare Moon neared the ground, she caught sight of their leader, Count Vladmane Dracula, a Changeling King, which was a very rare thing to behold. If only it hadn't been a Vampire, Nightmare Moon might have admired him.

"THERE'S THE COUNT," yelled Alexander, who was on the wall commanding the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Dragoons. "FOCUS FIRE ON HIM! TAKE HIM DOWN! TAKE HIM DOWN!"

All weapons fire converged on the Count, but he simply erected a magical barrier and shrugged off all the attacks.

~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, onboard SRAF The Dawnbreaker...

"Are the main guns charged," asked Admiral Norrington.

"Yes, sir," said the pilot.

"All fleets are reporting ready to fire," said the Communications Officer.

"Give them the order," said the Admiral, "Fire at will."

~~~~~~~~~~

A loud buzzing sound could be heard as a massive laser was fired from each of the fleet battleships, headed directly for the Vampire Changeling Army. Nightmare Moon looked up just as the lasers impacted, sending her flying out of the air and into the wall.

As Nightmare Moon got back to her hooves, she suddenly felt an immense pain in her chest. She looked to see Count Dracula standing over her...

...and pressing a spear into her chest.

In that moment, she could feel the cold of the blade that had pierced her very heart, the life slowly draining from her body. In that moment, she could see and feel everything in on Equus. As Count Dracula disintegrated into a cloud of black ash, the last of Nightmare Moon's life left her body.

Winter had returned from his wedding too late to save her.

Nightmare Moon was dead.

...or was she?