Night's Children

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3 Darkmoon
Chapter 4 Princess of the Night
Chapter 5 No Choice Left

Chapter 1

Night's Children

by Admiral Q

inspired by Children of the Night

My Little Pony belongs to Hasbro

There was darkness around her looking like mist. She was normally not afraid of darkness, it was her element after all but this was different. She felt anger from it, power from it, hunger. And those green eyes that it now has. They were eager and began to close in.

With a start Luna awoke from that nightmare. She panted as she took in her surroundings. She was in the quarters her sister set up for her in the Canterlot Castle. Her sister has rule Equestria from this place since the night they fought and left their castle in ruins. There is so much she regrets that night, destroying the castle they work so hard together to make that castle. So much of themselves and she destroyed it in a fit of rage. She missed it. She heard that Twilight Sparkle had thought about restoring the castle and Luna hoped she did. It me a nice retreat from Canterlot. She got up from her bed and check the sun. Due to her royal duties she kept odd hours thus the very heavy curtains to keep out the sun while she slept. With a flick of her magic the curtain was put aside and saw the sun lowering it would be time to raise the moon soon. She went to her bathroom and took care of business and brushed her hair. She then put on her hoof covers and crest armor and last but not least her crown. She looked out the window and her horn glowed and soon the moon rose and past the sun as it set for the night. Satisfied the moon was where it needs to be she opened the door and saw a servant nearby. Seeing the servant cemented her guts urge and ordered. “have my carriage prepared for a long journey.”
“At once Princess.” She replied and Luna went to go after her sister.

She found Celestia in the throne room looking over something. She looked up and Luna saw the smile in Celstia's eyes. Far different from the tear filled eyes she had when she used the elements on her. At times she is still surprised how forgiving her sister was. She tried to kill her but considering the lengths she seemed to have done to get her back shows how much her sister loved her. “Good evening sister, sleep well?”
“No my sister. My dreams disturb me greatly. I fear something is brewing.”
“You be right my dear sister. I just got reports from the north. Something is going on just beyond our borders that mainly happens at night. It's on the other side from the Crystal Empire and I rather not send Twilight out again so soon. She still moving into her new castle and deserves some rest after the fight from Tirek.”
“Sister, you know it has to be me. It's at night which is my element and though I have great confidence in Twilight and her friends but we shouldn't rely solely on them. We are princess ourselves. I'm having my carriage prepared as we speak.”
“It seems you are determined to do this dear sister.” Celestia closed her eyes a bit and sighed. “Very well. Will you join me for my dinner before you go?”
“Of course, I haven't eaten yet.” They both head to the dinning room and saw the servants already setting places for both of them in their usual spots. Both looked at each other and smirked before teleporting to the OPPOSITE end on the table. The servants racing over trying to quickly set the new spots and bring the food around cause the two sisters to chuckle. Luna smile was bright for this showed how much their relationship has healed that they could have some innocent fun with each other. While they ate the talked to each other about their day. Celestia took care of the problem in Manehattan Then checking in on Twilight. “I tell us Luna, it is quite amusing how out of bent she gets when she hasn't had time to prepare for me. Took an HOUR to calm her down enough and talked about magic over lunch.” Luna did laugh but pointed this out.
“I think it's mainly you sister. I dropped in unannounced during their Nightmare Night and she was on the ball. She was the first to accept that I was Luna not Nightmare Moon and went to lengths to help me that night. I can see why you took her as a student. She is intelligent, wise, and witty. However I believe she regard you as likely her second mother and will go to extremes to please you.” Celestia did look down before replying.
“I believe you're right sister. You and I have no children and given our status as immortal rulers likely to never have any. Twilight filled that hole, especially while you were banished. She has time and time again made me proud of her and I will be sadden the day she dies.”
“I think she will be with us a long time. I don't think it's coincidence that her name is Twilight Sparkle, but only time will tell.” Luna finished her apple cider, imported from Sweet Apple Acres. After Nightmare night she loved those apples and ordered a routine supply. “Well sister I should get going. Rest my sister the night is mine to watch over.” Celestia nuzzled Luna.
“Be safe my dear sister. I didn't endure a thousand years to lose you again.”
“You won't, you got Twilight and her friends on stand by. If I need them I'll send for them.” With that the two sisters went their separate ways.

Minutes later in the courtyard her chariot awaited her. Celestia had it made as she restored her connection to the moon and assigned two Pegasi Royal Guards to her. While cold at first they eventually warmed to her and even allowed themselves to be altered to signify their royal duty to her. They were the closest thing she had to friends for other then Celestia they see her the most. With a mental command her bat cloak formed around her and she greeted her guards. “Silver Sword, how is the family?” The Guards look in her direction and smiled and the closest one answered.
”Great your highness. Little Silver Sparkle got her cutie mark today and we had an impromptu party to celebrate.”
“Well you must arrange a more formal party so I can attend and give my best wishes to your daughter.”
“Oh of course your highness.”
“Quick Arrow have you found the mare of your dreams yet?”
“Not yet. Not ready to settle down yet.” Luna just rolled her eyes.
“Well gentlecolts, are we ready to go?”
“On your word your highness.” With a smile Luna pulled her hood up and ordered.
“Take off.” And with a rush the carriage took off and quickly left Canterlot. Luna looked to her left and saw Ponyville and the new Castle next to it. Her smile grew bigger. While Twilight is more informal out of the four princesses it is good she had a place to focus the more formal elements of her role. She even saw the ruins of her old castle in the Everfree Forest and watched it with a hint of sadness till it was out of sight and she looked forward again and the job before her.

For hours they flew on Luna enjoying the night and remembered the days she flew among the clouds with a handful of young children who loved the night as she did. She believed they delayed her change to Nightmare Moon and when she returned from her Nightmare she tried to find out what happened to them but couldn't find a clue. Celestia never knew them and records around that time are sporadic. Heck Nightmare Night had so much wrong about her alter ego yet cemented in the culture. Even the Elements were nearly lost to history before Twilight and her friends found them. She must have been in those inner thoughts when Quick Arrow jolted her out by speaking her name. “Yes Quick Arrow?”
“We are tired and it seems dawn in closing. There is a town just ahead.”
“Sounds good.” The head down and landed next to a large tree with the sign. Tree house Inn. As the guards took care of carriage Luna entered the Inn. A young barely adult mare was nearly asleep at the desk. With a smirk she walked up and stomp her hoof jolting the mare awake.
“Oh excuse me. Welcome to the Tree House Inn.”
“I need three rooms for the day.”
“That be two bits per room.” Luna paid and glanced out the window. She went to a nearby window. Pullback her hood and lowered the moon making way for the day. The mare gasp as she realize who was staying at their inn. Luna just smiled at her and when outside and handed two of the room keys to her guards as her cloak became bats again and flew away. The mare still had a drop jaw and Luna went up and headed to the room she choose. Once in she locked the door and stripped off her crest armor and hoof covers before taking her crown off. She shut the blinds and took out from her saddle bag an eye cover. Most blinds aren't thick enough for allow her to sleep during the day. The bed was comfy though and soon she fell asleep.

It was the middle of the night and She stood upon the a balcony on the castle she shared with her sister. She shook her head in sad bitterness. So many of her subjects sleep instead of enjoying the night. They do need to sleep at some point but to waste so much of her beautiful night. She has to take some action. She starts singing a song and leaps off the balcony and flies to the nearby city of Canterlot. As she slowly flew singing she felt some children awake and approach the light she was now emitting. With her magic she brought them to her and with it every pony child, unicorn, earth, even pegasus flew with her and like her enjoyed the night. Eventually to her sadness she had to return them to their homes as the night waned but it would only be the first of many nights with them.

Luna slowly awoke from the dream, or was it a memory? She flicked up her eye cover and checked the time. A couple hours before sunset. She stretched and decided to take a bath. It was relaxing and refreshing for the hour she was in it. She took care of her other needs and was fresh and proper when she emerged from room. She returned the key to the front desk and headed outside. She saw her guards already checking the carriage but soon noticed a crowd forming. This was probably the first time any pony in this town saw any of the four princess. She took a breath and remembered the lessons she learned from Twilight Sparkle and her friends. She look over and saw the sun setting. Perfect. She floated into the air and pointed her horn to the horizon and with a beam brought out the moon. When it was at it's proper spot she turned off the beam and and with a slightly leashed royal Cantoerlot voice she announced. “My subjects behold the night and enjoy it's beauty.” That actually got some cheer and the princess sheepishly smiled as her guards grinned at each other. Their charge was getting better at greeting her people. Luna noticed a mare nearby and looked at the mare and asked. “Good mare, my guards and I hunger. Do you know where a fine establishment can be found here?”
“Oh yes your highness. Acorn Alcove is among the best in town and it's only over there.” The mare points her tail to a building shaped like an acorn.
“Thank you citizen.” She and her guards head in and order their food and chow down. All while the other patrons stared at them. Some in fear, some in awe, some in curiosity. After their meal they went back to the carriage and with a dramatic flash Luna summoned her bat cloak to the oohhhs of the crowd and step onto her carriage and flew off into the night with the sound of cheering behind her.

They had two more stops along the way but they were finally over the border into currently unclaimed lands according to the map Luna had. The last town they stopped in reported strange lights in this area. “Be cautious guards we are in are target area.” She saw them nod and begin scanning around. She did as well, it was a wooded and mountainous area and she saw a couple lakes in the distance.
“What's that?” Quick Arrow asked. Luna looked over to where he was looking and saw a green light. That was getting bigger. “OH CRAP! LOOK OUT!” He tried to turn the carriage but it was too late and the bottom took the full hit. Luna felt the blast and her carriage and bat cloak were destroyed. With a quick look she saw her guards circling around to get to her with the ropes of the carriage still trailing them. She looked to where the attack came from and three beings approached them. They were bipedal with claws on their feet and hands. The had dragon style wings but the last two features most disturb her. Their bodies were as black as night and mist seemed to cover them but there eyes, there eyes were the blank with the green she had seen in her dreams. Magic glowed from her horn and she shot a blue beam of magic impaling one of the attackers who felt from the sky. Revealing another three attackers. Quick Arrow pummeled another one and it quickly fell as Silver Sword created a tornado on a third. Quick Arrow was swinging around when a claw impaled him. Quick Arrow managed a head butt dazing his killer before life left him. Tears filled Luna's eyes as they glowed white and with a command several lighting bolts struck the being instantly killing the creature. She then shot another beam vaporizing other creature. The last however was out of sight. She looks around for it. However she isn't looking the right way. The being was charging at her and charging it's energy for a kamikaze move. Silver Sword however saw it and rushed to intercept it.
“PRINCESS!” He is between Luna and the creature thus takes the hit instead. Luna only see a bright green light and shooting pain before blackness.

All Luna knew was pain, searing pain. Everything hurt so much and she just couldn't move. Eventually time past as she past in and out of conciseness and during a concise phase she heard movement. “I found two more.” A female voice said. She felt something lifted off of her and something else touch her causing her to moan in pain.
“By the night princess she's still alive.”
“Out of the way.” Luna heard movement again.
“How in the light of the moon is she still alive? Well get a stretcher made I'll take care of her.' Luna then felt healing magic and blacked out again.

Luna came to again with a start and yelped in pain before she felt a hoof on her. “Easy now your still badly injured but you are safe now.”
Luna looked at the voice and saw a unicorn mare with black fur with dark purple covering her back and her upper limbs and masked her light orange eyes. The things that interested her the most was her cutie mark. A crescent moon with a shadow extending from it. Her main was a lighter black with a streak of the purple in it as well. And the most surprising was a collar with her mark on it.“My guards?” Luna asked. The unicorn looked sad.
“You were the only survivor. One was impaled through the chest the other, well it was a charred husk. Luna closed her eyes and cried. Quick Arrow and Silver Sword deserved better fates. OH by the night Silver Sword took a blow meant for her. “I am sorry. We gave them proper burials and have what items we could savage stored away for you to go over.” Luna opened her eyes and looked at the unicorn and tried to get up.
“I have to see them. They died defending me.” The unicorn forced her down.
“Not at this moment you don't. You are blessed by the Night Princess that you are even alive. Rest, when you are strong enough I take you to their graves personally.” Luna relented with a sigh and lowered her head and saw the light blue of her hair drop down....wait light blue? She looked down at herself and saw the blue fur of her birth form. I form she hasn't had for ages except after Twilight used the Elements of Harmony against her alter ego Nightmare Moon. This means her connection to the moon was severed. Just great, it took her months to reestablish it last time. That's why she was so excited to celebrate Nightmare Night. Not only was it a chance to show her people the true Princess of the Night but a chance to be outside again after all those months with Celestia help her retake her role over the moon and night. Not to mention Celestia will be very worried when she doesn't lower the moon. Not a great way to start a quest. But she did look at the unicorn and demanded.
“What are these THINGS that killed my guards? For I shall avenge them.”
“We call them spirit shadows. We don't know where they came from, only that they appeared in our settlements a few years ago and we have been fighting a losing war with them since.”
“And who are these we you mention?”
“Don't you know that? You bear her crest after all. Perhaps your from a separate group the fled to. We are the Children of the Night. Descended from the children the great Night princess chose to enjoy her beautiful night and fled Equestria when she was attacked by her older sister. But I haven't introduced myself. I am Nightshadow, daughter of Mare Moon and Eclipse. You.” Luna was speechless. Here in front of her was what she tried to seek since her return. Her children had survived and she just crashed into them on another quest.
“My name is Luna and I have a story to tell you. For I am the Princess of the Night.”

Chapter 2

The response Luna got was not what she expected as Nightshadow put a hoof to hir muzzle trying to prevent something coming out but failed and Nightshadow fell down laughing and hugging her sides. "You the Princess of the Night, that's rich. WOW what a statement!" Luna lost her temper and got up.
“ Tiss TRUE! You Ungrateful Whelp!”She stomper her hoff then felt very weak and collapsed back onto the cot. Nightshadow stopped laughing and went to her.
“Easy now, you are darn lucky to be alive. Now get some rest you'll need your strength.”Luna did feel tired and did as asked and quickly fell asleep. Nightshadow did one last check on the strange mare before going on to her other duties in the hospital. After checking on some of the patients she ran into Night's Touch the head doctor for the Children.
“So how is are guest?”
“She's resting right now and i have treated her wounds but I think she took a blow to the head. She goes by the name Luna and claims to be the Princess of the Night.”
“You sure she's one of us?”
“Pretty sure. She has the crest of the Princess and hir color and cutie mark are in our style. But she is of a type of pony i have never seen before. She has pegasus wings and a unicorn horn. I didn't think it was possible for a pony to have both?”
“I haven't heard of it either. Well she is your responiblity now so keep an eye on her till we know for sure.”Nightshadow nodded and with the injured and sick taken care of she went to her remaining duties.

Luna awoke sometime later feeling the aches and pains of her wounds and she took stock of herself. She had scratches, bruises and bandages all over her body and one wrapping her left wing. She was still disturbed by the fact she was in her original form. This was going to cause Celestia to worry. When she assumed Luna's role after banighing her to the moon it took her a couple days to have full control over it. But it helped that even banish on the moon Nightmare moon still had a bond with it even if she couln't control it anymore. But when she returned it took MONTHS to get her powers and bond back. Looks like Clestia has to do both roles for the time being again. What a way to start a quest. Celestia might even send out Twilight Sparkle and her friends. While they would no doubt help and be an asset they deserve some time off after the whole Tirek incident. And she was the Princess of the Night for pony's sake. She should be able to handle this. She looked back at herself and noticed two of her hoof covers gone and she didn't feel the small weight of her crown on her head. Well she was still alive. She can handle the rest. And first up was the call of nature. Finding a nearby chamber pot she took care of that and began the long process and bonding to the moon again. She does this for shi doesn't know how long when she hears. “How are you feeling Luna?”
“Stiff and sore and hungry.”
“Well just stay therre I'll get you something to eat.” Nightshaow left and return a few minutes later with a tray of food. Luna couldn't hold back as she chowed down. After a couple minutes she slows down and says.
“I haven't had food this good since Sweet Apple Acres.”
“Well our farmers try their hardest to provide food for us all.” Luna sensed some weight in that.
“You know i am curious how your branch of the Children got started. Regale me with your history.”
“Okay I can do that. We once lived in Equestria with all the otehr ponies and lived under the tryanny of the Choatic one till two brave sisters appeared and defeated him. The two sister then ruled Equestria for centuries onward but the rebuilding and maintain of the land took it's toll. The Princess of the Night was weary of her daily struggles and wanted to take those like her who loved the night to form our own colony. But the Elder Sister refused fearing to would forever divide the kingdom. We don;t know exactly why but the Princess of the Day attack the Night and won. We her children fled Equestria fearing the Days wrath. Eventually we found fetile land beyond the known boarders of Equestria and decided to settle there. We found ruins here and best we could tell this was the original pony homeland abandoned so long ago. We considered it an omen that we were meant to be here and we grew strong and happy under the moon. Till a few years ago, we were attacked but not from Equestria as we always assumed but from the opposite direction by beings that walk of two feet and batlike wings and all dark and mist with green eyes. We fought hard but with our defenses geared for the opposite direction we were vunerable. About a year ago we ell back to this place. Originally our military's command and control for our first line's defenses against Equestria it now houses all that's left of us Children of the night or so we thought till you showed up. With Equestria at our backs and this horde closing in we are not in good shape but we have held here for now.” Luna frowned, so much wrong there but she was proud of them. They had survived all this time on their own and a unneeded fear keeps them from seeking help or escape.
“Among my duties is to watch Equestria Nightshadow. There is no reason to fear them anymore. They will help, they have changed. Please for the sake of all consider it.”
“That's not my call to make.”
“Then tell it to someone who is. The future of the Children of the Night depend on it.”
“I will I promised just don't get riled up okay?” Luna nodded and relaxed a bit. Before they could continue they both heard young cheers and Luna saw dark blue unicorn filly with purple mane and tail and the pegasus filly with black fur and white mane and tail run over and around Nightshadow. Both were without their cutie mark and like Nightshadow they wore an artical of clothing with her mark on it. Eclipse, Twilight Moon come here!” The two young fillies came over and nightshadow gave them a stern look. “Now what did i tell you about coming in here? This cave is full of sick and injured ponies.”
“But we missed you.” Luna saw a sad smile on the unicorn's muzzle. She put a foreleg around the two and said queitly. “I want to spend more time with you but many ponies need my help and we need food on the table.” Nightshadow looked up at a clock. “Now it's past your bedtime and you should be in bed.”
“But the moon isn't even close to setting.” Nightshadow frowned but replied. “It's still your bed time. Now just let me finish with Luna here and I'll tuck you in.” The two fillies looked at Luna and the pegasus spoke first.
“Cool another pegasus!”
“No she's not, she's got a horn.” The Unicorn filly replied. Luna smiled at them and interjected.
“I am an alicorn. A combonation of all three tribes.” Both of the fillies looked at her in awe as Nightshadow looked confused.
“Well say goodbye to Luna and I'll be over in a few minutes.” The two said goodbye and trotted of with Nightshadow smiling at them.
“You make a good mother.” Luna commented. Nightshadow looked at her with a sad smile.
“I am one now am I. They both lost their parents a year ago during the final retreat. I've been doing my best to take care of them since no one else stepped up.”
“Life doesn't always give you tested you are prepared for. I know that first hand.” Luna then yawned and Nightshadow smirked at her.
“YOU get some sleep.” Luna had to nod and laid down and was instantly asleep. Nightshadow took one last look over the injured mare and satified with the healing she left for her alcove. She passed Night's Touch and the elder Unicorn asked how Luna was doing.
“Still healing but i have to ask. You ever heard of an alicorn?”
“Can't say I have.”
“Well Luna is claiming to be one and since I have never encountered a winged unicorn before it seems to make sense. Where do you think she comes from?”
“No clue Nightshadow. I have Lunar light check the old records for any mention of Alicorns. But you get to the kids and rest okay?” Nightshadow nodded and continued on. When she got into her alcove she saw Twilight Moon trying to lift a cookie out of a jar with her horn magic when Nightshadow took it. Shakeing her head at the unicorn foal.
“Too late for that Twilight.” Nightshadow replaced the cookie for some milk and a carrot. “Here you go little sis.” There was a slight frown but the fillies was too hungry to care. Nightshadow had a snack herself as she watch the two play a little before tiring out. She helped them to bed and just watch them sleep. From tbhe door she saw a streak of light. The sun had come up finally. While the Children of the Night love and revere the moon they understand the need for the sun. But it was concerning that this took as long as it did. The children assumed that the Princess of the Sun took both roles and gave time equally to sun and moon. The last such occourance was four years ago when the night lasted but longer. Many of the Children thought their mother had returned but nothing more happened with that. With a yawn Nightshaow decided to join the fills in the land of dreams.

It took a week for Luna to have the strentgh to walk and the first thing she demanded was to see her guard's graves. Nightshadow directed her to a pair of graves just outside the main wall. They were mounds with a stick with her mark. She cried hard then. These two were among her few friends and now they were gone. Nightshaow stood respectively away as Luna mourned. “Their names were Quick Arrow and Silver Sword.”
“I'll see that their names are added.” Luna nodded and as she turned from their graves she saw the others a few rows of graves with her mark above them with a cutie mark name and dates on them.
“How many Nightshadow? How many have died?” Nightshadow look to the graves with a sad look and replied.
“Here? About a hundred and about half of us since this all started.” 'BY THE MOON!' Luna thought, she hadn't heard of devestation that bad since Discord's reign. She had to regain her bond to the moon quickly. Nightshadow gave her a quick tour of the compound. The bulk of the place was built into a mountain rrange and she saw several holes in the side facing away from Equestria. Some where firing holes, some where windows, and some where balaconies for pegasi to land on. A stone wall protected the ground enterance with a couple of buildings. While by the graves she saw fields and orchards for food. Their water source mush be underground. Begining to tire again Nightshadow lead them back to the hospital area. But as they grew close night's Touch stopped them.
“I'm sorry Luna, I know you are still healing but we need that cot for more injured ponies. The elders have brough another cot into Nightshadow's place for you and here is some herbs to help your healing further.”
“It is alright Night's Touch. Thank you for everything.” They then head over to Nightshadow's alcove and they saw the cot and Luna laid down with her legs relieved of her weight and sighed at the feeling.
“Oh they brought these over to.” Nightshadow said and brought a bag over. Luna used her magic to opened and saw her guards armor. She smiled sadly at them and stroked a helmet.
“At least I have something to give their families. They were good ponies.”
“Where do you live?” Nightshadow asked. Luna smuiled a bit.
“A ways from here. I was sent by my older sister to check out strange activity here and I found out the hard way.” Before Nightshadow could reply they both her shouting. Nightshadow opened the door and both she and luna looked out. Outside their alcove they saw a mare the same age as nightshadow arguing with an elder unicorn.
“I told you before Darkmoon the old ruins are too dangerous to explore at this point.”
“But elder we can not continue like this. Our backs are against the wall here. We have no where left to run with Equestria at our backs. I am working on a spell that could save us all but there are things i need from the old ruins.”
“We have lost too many good ponies Darkmoon and it has been sujested that we could try Equestria.”
“WHAT!? Are you insane? They would kill us if they knew about us.”
“Maybe a thousand years ago yes. But among our flaws is that we haven't had anyone of us see the views of the Equestrians since we fled. Yes we look for approaching armies but we haven't spied on them and how they view us. They may have even forgotten us. Yes we our on the rails which means we have to take drastic measures and I rather risk our brothers and sisters to Equestria then to to a plan they may never work. I'm sorry Darkmoon, I can not allow that but i appreciate your work. We are sending our scouts out tomorrow night.” The younger unicron just shook her head and stomped off.
“Who was that?” Luna asked.
“That was Darkmoon, one of our fiercest unicorn fighters and a mage at that. We be worst off without her but she has occasionally bang heads with the elders on things.” Luna nodded and then looked at Nightshadow.
“Nightshadow if you are sending a scout team to Equestria i like them to deliver a message to an agent in Ponyville named Applejack. She can let my people know I'm still alive and in good hands.”
“I can try no gurantees.” Again Luna nodded and the both head back inside.

About a week earlier

Celestia looked out her window as for the second time she had to raise the moon. “What has happened my dear sister. Whatever it is please be alright. I did not wait a thousand years to lose you again so soon.” She walks back to her throne and with a sigh sits. She doesn't sit long when a scroll magically appears. It read.

Dear Princess Celestia,
I have noticed the issues with the moon lately and can only conclude that something has happened to Princess Lluna. Please let me know if there's anyway i can help.

Princess Twilight Sparkle.
That letter caused Celestia to smile. Her former student is on the ball as always. She wrote back.

My Dear Twilight Sparkle,
I sent Luna on a mission a few days ago to the northern boarder. We felt that you and your friends deserved a break after the Tirek issue and while we trust you and your friends to do anything we ask she shouldn't always rely on you. We are after all the Royal Sisters. But i admit i haven't her back from her in a couple days and the Moon not setting did concern me and I have taken Luna's Moon duities for the time being. I am giving my sister a little more time before i send help. But when I do send help it will be you and your friends so be ready.

You former teacher,

Princess Celestia
She rolled it up and sent it to Ponyville and hoped she made the right choice.

Chapter 3 Darkmoon

Luna awoke to the sound and cheerful fillies. She looked over and saw them at the table eating their breakfast. Nightshadow saw her and smiled. “Good evening Luna, hungry?”
“Yes I am.” She got up and didn't feel any aches. A good sign.” She walked over to the table and Nightshadow put a plate of oats and apples in front of her.
“You look a lot better tonight.”
“I feel better, almost myself again.” And she began chowing down.
“Well that's good. Okay fillies finish up and go to school okay.”
“Okay sis.” Luna smiled. At the exchange. She's got to convince them to return to Equestria And the best way to do that is to convince them she is the Princess of the Night. And the best way to do that is get her bond with the Moon back.

After breakfast or dinner in Equestria Luna tested out her wings. They were a little stiff at first but she was able to take off and fly around and got a great view of the compound and they got a great view of her. She saw some look at her and some hoof pointing before she landed on a ledge under the moonlight. She closed her eyes and basked in the moonlight and again resume the process of rebonding to the Moon. She was like that for hours before she heard a flap of wings and she opened her eyes to see a pegasus mare floating next to her. The mare was dark blue with a short cut purple mane and tail, had yellow eyes and a horizontal lightning bolt cutie mark. “Hey haven't seen you around here before and that was not a bad warm up either.” Luna smirked.
“Been recovering from some injuries I got last week. First time I was able to fly since.”
“That sucks. I know what's that like after I busted a wing during one of our battles. I'm Night Streak the best flier in the Children you?”
“Luna, you remind me of a pegasus I met sometime ago named Rainbow Dash and I have to admit she's among the best fliers I've seen.”
“Well I got to meet her some time just to prove how more awesome I am.” Luna smirked and replied.
“Even done a Sonic Rainboom?”
“A what?”
“A Sonic Rainboom. It happens when a pegasus goes so fast they create a shockwave of magic energy in the from of a rainbow.”
“You got to be joking there. If any pegasus could do it it would be me because there's not enough room on this world for two ponies as awesome as me.” Luna smiled at her and replied.
“I wouldn't be sure of that.” Then Luna glanced behind the pegasus and saw many flying objects heading towards the compound. “Nightstreak are those ours?” The pegasus look to where luna was now pointing.
“No it's the enemy.”
“Then move a side and cover your ears.” Luna to a deep breath as the pegasus looked confused and said.
“Huh?”
“CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT YOUR ENEMY APPROACHES FROM THE NORTHEAST! READY YOURSELEVES!”
“AAAGHGGHHH what was that? My ears are ringing.”
“That was the old Royal Canterlot voice. Glad I found a use for it again.” Luna then took off with the pegasus behind her and they saw the defenders take up positions.
“Okay Luna you have wings so you're under my command. Think you can handle being my wing pony?”
“Of course.” The two took positions in the center of the pegasi formation. As the creatures came in closer she saw unicorn blasts fill the air. Many hit and she heard cries of pain and some fall to the ground but the bulk kept coming and the unicorns kept shooting. As they got closer to the walls the first line pegasus hopped on nearby clouds and lighting bolts struck out hitting more.
“Second wave jump in!” Nightstreak ordered and dived in with Luna quickly follow behind the pegasus. The two would hit a run the creatures at first but as the battle continued that wasn't possible. Nightstreak was jabbing and bucking a creature and delivered a fatal blow and just saw another in close coming for it's on killing blow when a beam of light blue drives right through the creature and it disintegrated. Looking over she saw Luna there with her horn glowing. “Nice save Luna.” The alicorn just smiled back and they got back into the fray with Luna blasting away. Luna saw an injured pegasus falling and she dived in and caught him. Luna then heard the sound of something flying past her and a scream came out. She glanced and saw another creature with a lance through it's chest as it fell to the ground. Looking the opposite way she saw an Earth pony crew manning a large crossbow and waved at them before dropping the wounded pegasus to a medic team.

An hour later the battle was over with they remaining creature's falling back. She and Nightstreak landed and the pegasus spoke out. “Not bad Luna, had a couple of nice saves back there. You can fly with me anytime.”
“But she shouldn't be with you in the first place Nightstreak.” The two look over and see a slightly battered Darkmoon approach them. “As a magic user she falls under my command.” Nightstreak frown and retorted.
“Well she was wings too and a decent flier so she also fall under my command.” And that started an argument that ended with Luna yelling.
“SILENCE!”
“AAAhhh my ears again!” Nightstreak whined. But both looked and Luna.
“This bickering is pointless. I will help out where I'm needed so if that means flying with Nightstreak or casting with Darkmoon I will do it. The last thing we should do is fight eachother.”
“She's right Darkmoon I can admit when I screw up.” The unicorn mare sighed and said.
“I'm sorry. I'm just frustrated. This was the biggest assault to date against us and they will win by attrition or sheer force. We need to do something drastic or all is lost but the Elders won't listen.” Luna put a wing on the unicorns shoulder.
“That can wait till later. Right now there are ponies that need our help.” The three look around and break off to assist with the damage or the wounded.

It was nearly dawn by the time Luna walked into the alcove that she now shared with Nightshadow, Twilight Moon, and Eclipse. She saw the two fillies huddled in their bed but looked too scared to sleep and poor Nightshadow looked haggered. Luna saw her on the firing line earlier and then saw her tending to the injured so she had to be tired. “Good to see you Luna. I can't get them to sleep, you have any idea's?” Luna smiled.
“I think I have one that will work.” Luna approached the bed and laid down next to it and began singing.

“Come, little children, I'll take thee away
Into a land of enchantment
Come, little children, the times come to play
here in my garden of shadows

Follow, sweet children, I'll show thee they way
Through all the pain and the the sorrows
Weep not, poor children, For life is this way
Murdering beauty and passions

Hush now, dear children, it must be this way
Too weary of life and deceptions
Rest now, my children, for soon we'll away
into the calm and the quiet

Come, little children, I'll take thee away
Into a land of enchantment
Come, little children, the times come to play
here in my garden of shadows.”

The two fillies were asleep with smiles on their faces when Luna was done. Luna smiled and lightly nuzzled both before walking over to Nightshadow.
'Wow you good.” Nightshadow proclaimed. “I can't believe I forgot that tune.”
“I have had practice with it but it has been a while since I last used it. No why don't you get some rest. You drained yourself more than me.” With a reluctant nod the unicorn does and Luna resumes her bonding with the moon till it sets and the sun comes out.

While the bulk of the Children head for bed Darkmoon was not. She got passed the walls during a shift change and she headed out into the country side. She was not going to let the Elders stop her. She needed to do this for the sake of her people. She walked for a couple hours before she found what she was looking for. The ruins of an ancient castle next to a cliff. Before the invasion they confirmed this was the old capital of the Unicorn faction and thus where her treasure lay. It took an hour for her to find the old throne room and she began looking for what she needed. In the olden days when the three tribes lived here there were no royal sisters that controlled the sun and moon. The unicorns did it but her kind has lost that knowledge and power but here in these walls the spells that contained it might still remain. She has spent the last two years studying the records they gathered before the invasion and believed she had found a secret room that could contain that knowledge. She went behind a raised platform, probably where the unicorn king and queen once sat on thrones. She looked over the back of the platform but could see any tell tale signs of a door. 'Okay gonna have to do this the interesting way.' She thought and began a spell she worked on. While much ancient unicorn knowledge had been lost that didn't mean the unicorns were impotent. Her horn flared purple and she was able to project a beam that allowed her to see through the stone. She was able to see the mechanism left behind. Smile she hit the appropriate stones and heard click and saw a stone right next to her move till she heard snapping and clanging and the stone stopped. Looking back at the platform with her spell still on she saw the mechanism in pieces. Opening the door was too much for the mechanism that had for eons gone unused. Still it showed her where the door was so turning of the spell she then directed her energy to the door itself and moved it on her own. When opened she saw stairs and went down. It went a ways before stopping at a stone door with a lock. The key was long gone so Darkmoon blasted it instead. With the lock gone Darkmoon pushed open the door. It was dark as the night and Darkmoon illuminated the room with her horn. She saw shelving with many objects on them but not much more. She then notice a crystal near her. It was an illumination crystal. They had some at the compound. But a little unicorn magic and it would stay light for hours. She lit it and saw more crystals and lit them to reveal a decent size library. She walked up to the nearest shelf and saw book made out of stone tablets. Sensible way to preserve knowledge. She began slimming it. All of it in ancient pony language but since they found out this was the ancient pony homeland the Elders made it part of school reading to know the language as well as the modern version. Thus Darkmoon really began her search.

Hours later Dark moon left the ruins with her saddle bags full of book and tomes. While much was left behind she could return for them later. These had what she needed right now. With a nod she past the guards at the gate and went for her room. As the premier mage of the Children her place was among the largest in the compound and filled with scrolls, books, and tomes on magic. While any unicorn can ask her about borrowing a item from her stock it was her duty to keep and maintain them. She went to her desk and took out the first tome and began reading hard. She needed more power to defend her brothers and sisters ans these tomes and books can provide the answer.

It has been a couple weeks since the major attack against the compound. While the creatures did a couple of minor raids against their farms those were quickly replied. Luna proved to be quite the versatile soldier, either flying through the air as Nightstreak's wing pony or casting spells with Darkmoon. She even manage to keep the Air Commander and the mage Commander from going to blows better than anyone else and was now considered among the leaders of the militia. Despite her rising fame in the Children she still stayed with Nightshadow and her charges despite being offered her own place. The young fillies have taken to calling her Auntie Luna which seems to make the strange wing unicorn very happy. Nightshadow thought to herself as she walked along the woods on the Equestrian side of the mountain. It's a sad state of affairs that a side they always thought the enemy would come was safer then the side facing north. As she walked she thought of recent events. First is Luna's type of pony. The Elder historian Moon Marked found reference to Alicorns in the records but on the fact they were very rare type of pony. Then there was the song Luna sang to them. She remembered her own mother singing that song. Or more accurately one close to it. She remembered her garden of shadows no my garden. The song was always sung with the idea of the Princess of the Night taking them to a world of wonder and beauty yet Luna said she was. Her thoughts are interrupted by the sense of powerful magic. She followed the sense to a clearing in the woods. There she saw Luna seemingly bathing herself in moonlight. And she was different than what Nightshadow has seen. Her hair has gone wavy like it's caught on a breeze but there was no breeze out tonight. And her fur....Her fur was a darker blue then it usually is. With fear and concern she says. “Luna?” The pony opens her eyes in shock and immediately reverts to the form Nightshadow remembers. Luna quickly glances around herself and says.
“HORSE APPLES! I was so close. So BUCKING close.” Luna snorted then noticed Nightshadow. “Ah Nightshadow do you need anything?”
“No but I notice the power you were emitting. Just what were you doing?” Luna rolled her eyes.
'You wouldn't believe me if I told you.”
“I'm willing to listen.” Luna frowned and sighed.
'Very well. I was trying to reconnect by bond to the moon. I lost it when I nearly died coming out here and I need to get it back not only for tiss my royal duty but doing so will ease my sisters worry over me. I am the Princess of the Night. I stood with my sister Celestia as we took down Discord and were crown Princess and rules of Equestria in thanks. And we ruled for centuries before I made a foalish decision. Your history is wrong. I did not want to start a new colony. I was jealous of Celestia and how the ponies worshiped her days and ignored my beautiful nights. So in my anger I changed but mentally and physically and declared eternal night and tried to kill my own sister. I left her no choice but to banish me to the moon and there I stayed for a thousand years ago till I got out and was eventually freed from my alter ego by six brave ponies and a power far greater then mine or even Discord's. And in the end when I was like this, stripped of the bulk of my power waiting more my sister's vengeance it didn't come. Instead she asked me to join her once again in ruling. To leave the past behind us. As much as I hated her as my other self in truth I really did love her. So I took what she offered and got my life back together. Wasn't easy, took nearly a year to get the moon back under my control then use to the customs of modern Equestria. I look for the fate of you who loved the night as I do but could find none. Yet here in of all places the former homeland of the pony tribes I find you. The Children of the Night. You have made me so proud of what you have done the past thousand years. This is why I want you in Equesrtia. Not only to save you from this menace you face but reunited you with you fellow ponies. I will stay with you for as long as it takes to convince you to come back to Equestria.”
“I believe you mean that. Whether all of it is true I don't know but I believe you are sincere.” before they could continue a pegasus came by.
“Everyone has been ordered to the courtyard. Darkmoon has an announcement. “ They nodded and she flew off.
“I wonder what this is all about?” Luna asked.
“Beats me. She's been holed up in her cave for the past couple weeks. Only coming out to help defend during those raids or to eat. Seen her do that before but never his long. The both approach a open doorway in the ground. Originally meant for ambushing attack Equestrian forces but now serves as an easy way into the compound for those enjoying this side of the mountain. It took them a few minutes to emerge onto the courtyard where they saw Darkmoon waiting with a smile on her face. Eventually all of the children not on duty were gathered and the unicorn mare began.
“Brothers, sisters of the Night. We have fought long and hard to make this land our own. While we had great success these invaders have pushed us to the brink. Some even want us to flee into Equesrtia hoping for mercy at the hands of those who follow the Princess of the Sun. Most of us wait for our dear mother to return but I fear she may have been killed by the Princess of the Sun so we must not wait for her, we must save ourselves. And I have the key. With this spell I shall gain the power needed to rid ourselves of this enemy and get our homeland back. Note this day for it is when we really fact back!” There was a mighty cheer and Darkmoon began her chant. She spoke in a language most didn't recognize, even Luna had trouble with it but she looked at the Moon and began to fear. Darkness began to cover the moon and with a beam of magic from Darkmoon it focused and shot back at the unicorn mare. It whirled around her and lift her in the air. She looked a little surprised before the darkness formed a sphere around her and a molten glow appeared from inside it before it got bigger. It was like that for only a few seconds before the sphere bursts. From the sphere emerged a form. I tall black mare and Luna managed to say.
“Oh no.” Especially since she sees a dark purple star studded main and tail with light blue helmet and armor and the turquoise crescent moon surrounded by dark purple fur. Not to mention black wings with her long horn. Then she opened her eyes with turquoise coloring all her eye except a dragon like slit of black. One of the nearby ponys fearfully queried.
“Darkmoon?”
“No.” The mare said in a voice that haunts Luna to this day. “I am no longer that brave little mare. She has sacrificed herself to bring me back. Behold my Children for you look upon your Princess of the night. NIGHTMARE MOON.”

Chapter 4 Princess of the Night

Luna just looked on in shock with her head yelling, 'Nononononononon' as her alter ego is given new form. 'By the heavens Darkmoon why have you done this?'

Meanwhile the former Darkmoon reveled in her new power. 'Yes, with this power I shall protect my children. Then we shall take our rightful place. Before that could get further one of the lookouts reported in. “We have a very large force heading for us.”
“Well they will learn that the Children's mother has returned. Everyone to you defense stations!” With that Nightmare moon rose to the sky and flew towards the approaching force. A dark cyan beam emerged from the black alicorn's horn cutting a huge swath in the enemy force followed with a whirling and several lighting bolts. The Children looked on in awe and Luna a serious expression as the fight was out of their range. Luna looked around her at the ponies looking at the battle. She then looked at Nightmare moon and frowned. She was making great progress flying through the dwindling ranks of the enemy. Even a being such as Nightmare Moon couldn't do it alone and as much as Luna hates what she represents she was defending the Children and she just might get to Darkmoon and get her back. She took off to assist her alter ego.

A creature swipes at Nightmare Moon's head then jerks her head back and impales her horn in the head of the creature killing it instantly. She saw another coming when a blast destroyed it. Looking back She saw Luna closing in. Nightmare moon smiled at the sight of her child coming in to help but the sight of her cutie mark caused her unease. She felt like she should despise it but couldn't remember why. Well that could wait and together they decimated that enemy force. Finally what was left of the enemy force were retreating but that was not enough for nightmare Moon. With her ethereal mane she caught one of the creatures and brought it close. “Now listen carefully creature. Tell me where you base from and you won't suffer.”
“I will tell you nothing ACK!” Nightmare Moon tighten her grip on it's throat. “Dear Luna I wonder how long till it's head pops off?” The black creature struggled a bit more but giving in.
“Alright, ALIRIGHT! We are staging in the Kepuor mountains on the right now please stop.” Nightmare moon smiled.
“Thank you for your help.” With a quick twist she snapped it's neck and allowed the body to fall. She then looked at Luna. “I promised it wouldn't suffer not it wouldn't due. Now come on time to nip this threat in the butt.” The two flew to the northern mountains. They arrived in an hour and Nightmare Moon told Luna. “Keep them off me while a charge an attack. The smaller alicorn nodded and intercepted a defending force. Nightmare Moon then began charging. Her eyes glowed white and a white field appeared beneath her hooves. A dark cyan glow surrounded her horn and that was all she knew till she felt it was ready. “LUNA! MOVE!” She felt the alicorn zip out of the way and she pointed her horn at the base and unleashed a blast of magic energy. It was twice as big as herself and contained the bulk of her energy. The resulting explosion was the biggest anyone has ever witnessed. With nothing but a smoking crater Nightmare Moon nodded and began the trek home with Luna by her side. “Thank you for your support Luna.”
“I did for the Children.” Luna said coldly.
“Why are you so cold to your mother?”
“Because you are not my mother.” Luna sighed. “Look Nightmare Moon, We have severely helped the Children and they deserve a night of celebration. My issues with you can wait.” Nightmare moon nodded and the two head for the compound.

When they returned there was great cheer among the Children. Luna quickly walked away from the crowd heading for the forest area again. “Luna, you okay?” The princess looked over to see Nightshadow looking concern.
“I am not my friend. Please give your fillies a kiss for me. I will not be joining you tonight. Darkmoon has chosen a path that I would not wish on any pony and I need to be as ready as I can be for her.”
“Why? She has become the Princess of the Night, what could be bad about that?”
“She has become the dark side of the Princess of the Night and that is not good. But there is hope. Goodnight my friend.” Luna flew away before Nightshadow could ask any more. She found the clearing again and with more desperation then ever to reconnect to the moon.

Meanwhile Nightmare moon entered Darkmoon's chambers. They will serve for the time being as hers. Besides it felt familiar, She maybe Nightmare moon but a part of her will always be that brave pony who has given her body for her Princess. She took off her armor and had to do some rearranging to make a bed big enough for her form and she laid down and grabbed a book to read to tired herself out. A knock on the door interrupted her. “Come in.” The door opened and an Earth pony mare came in.
“Pardon me Princess Moon but I thought you would like a bite to eat after your efforts tonight.” That caused Nightmare moon to smile.
“That's not a bad idea, thank you.” The Earth pony, Night Hammer she recalls from Darkmoon place the tray down and nightmare moon started eating. In minutes she noticed a concern from the Earth pony. With a sigh she stated.
“You have a question night Hammer. Please ask it.”
“I'm sorry your highness but I wonder if Darkmoon was in there with you?”
“I'm afraid not. I have her memories added to my own but I am not her I am Nightmare Moon but that doesn't mean I don't consider you a friend. Honor her sacrifice, I do and any friends of her our friends of mine.”
“Thank you for your honestly your highness.”
“You are quite welcome my child. Tonight's the start of a new era for my children and Darkmoon made it possible.” Night Hammer left after that and with a yawn Nightmare moon laid down to sleep dreaming of the coming days.

The next evening Nightmare moon called everyone together for a meeting. Luna herself went to bed when day came and sadly still in her unbound form. She gathered with Nightshadow and Twilight Moon and Eclipse. She feared what this Nightmare Moon will say, she had to protect her children. With everyone gathered Nightmare moon began. “My Children tonight truly starts the beginning of a new era. We will rest and rebuild ourselves then we will go to Equestria and take it over from the sun loving faces of those ponies and bring about Night Eternal!”
“YOU WILL NOT NIGHTMARE MOON!” Many gasped and moved away as Luna approached the black Alicorn.
“Luna why? After last night I thought you be among my greatest supporters.”
“Last night you were defending the Children of the Night which I could support but this I can not. Look around you, the Children have fought long and hard against those creatures and are depleted and you want to go against Equestria? Not only will you have to face the princess of the Sun, MY SISTER Celestia but the Princess of Friendship Twilight Sparkle and the Royal Guard. I plead to you Darkmoon to not go down this path. I did, I WAS Nightmare Moon the first Nightmare Moon and that is a path of jealousy, hatred, and is ultimately self hurting. Darkmoon do not got down this path, you have power but don't use it this way.”
“I will not have you deny us our right and I AM Nightmare Moon the Princess of the NIGHT!” Luna closed her eyes and sighed.
“Then you leave me no choice, goodbye Darkmoon.” She took to the air. “I Luna, the true Princess of the Night and co-ruler of Equestria I will do all in my power to stop you.” With that she charged and attack and fired on Nightmare Moon. Nightmare moon raised a shield and the attack hit harmlessly.
“YOU FOAL!” Nightmare Responded and fired her own beam and Luna raised her own shield that held. But Nightmare wasn't done and poured more magic into her attack. Luna's shield began to crack so he put more magic into it and it was repaired and with more magic glowing from her horn Luna teleported and appeared behind Nightmare and blasted her in the back before flying away. “AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!” Nightmare screamed in pain then her eyes went white and did a quickly blast that hit Luna dead center. Luna lost her shield when she teleported and thought she could dodge any attack quickly. The attack blasted her out of view. Nightmare Moon then looked at her Children. “Let that be a lesson my children. Do not oppose me but with me by your side we can do much now get ready.” The crowd dispersed and Nightshadow ran in the direction Luna flew.

Nightshadow raced through the woods trying to find Luna, Twilight Moon and Eclipse huddled on her back. A bright light of dark cyan appeared ahead of her and she raced in that direction hoping that Luna was okay it took her a half an hour to finally get to a small clearing and spotted a bluish form on the ground. She raced over with her kids hoping off her back. “By the moon Luna, please be alive.” She activated her horn and her healing spells and got started on the alicorn trying to heal her wounds. She was in bad shape with scorched marks all over but she was alive. She can survive this she HAD to. She survived worse. “Please Luna don't leave. I rather serve you than Nightmare Moon. You have always shown care and compassion for us. You've always been in the thick of it defending us and even this last fight was you trying to protect us. Nightmare Moon seems to be more interested in power and revenge and I fear she will destroy us with that thirst. She may be the Princess of the Night but you deserve it more. Besides you have your nieces to help me take care of and......and I need you.” Nightshadow began crying and her tears dropped onto Luna's body. Even Twilight moon and Eclipse cried with their adoptive mother. Unbeknownst to them something was happening to the moon. It was in crescent form this night it now has gone to Full moon and suddenly a narrow beam of white light shot from it and onto Luna. Nightshadow and the fillies backed off and Nightshadow looked at the moon. “By the night!” The White beam pulsed where Luna laid and Nightshadow felt a massive increase of magic. She couldn't even see Luna in there just a beam of white. After a few minutes though a figure stood in the beam. Taller then the average pony the being had a pony form and the beam ceased and Nightshadow looked on in shock and manage to say. “It was true, it was all true.”

Author's Note

I little short I know but i had to end this chapter there

Chapter 5 No Choice Left

Nightmare Moon basked in the moonlight, feeling it's caress against her as she laid on a rock ledge attached to the mountain. She dreamed of the near future. She defeats the Princess of the Sun who ignored her plight and shunned her proposals. She takes her rightful place on Equestria's throne with the Children of the Night forming her new government. In hours they will begin to fear as moon fails to fall. The sad look forming on their sun loving faces as the realization (snicker) dawns on them. She looks at her moon and her mood sours. Her moon had changed. It had gone from crescent to full and was moving again. She stopped an hour earlier yet to her senses it was moving again. She did feel some resistance initially but over came that. She exerts her influence on the moon again but felt a stronger resistance then last time and she only manage to slow it down. She stands and demands. “WHO DARES MESS WITH MY MOON!”
“I DO. For it is MY MOON!” Nightmare look, while the voice said Luna the body didn't. The pony has bigger then Luna, with night blue fur, a mane and tail that here now a starfield with dark blue background and dark purple outline that flowed like there was an ever present wind on her. She also had the chest piece Luna wore with the Crescent Moon. But it was not the battered piece she wore but a pristine piece. Her hooves with covered in fancy silver hoofwear and on her head a black tiara.
“You're kidding, Your just kidding me right? I already beat you once. You think an appearance change will help you?”
“No I am restored now. My bond with the moon cemented.” A bkue glow began around Luna's horn and she fires. Nightmare jumped and flew through the air and charges her own attack as Luna takes to the air. The two begin to dogfight shooting blasts and summoning lighting.

As the two alicorns dueled Nightshadow looked on and looked back to the few minutes earlier.

The white beam ceased and Nightshadow look to where it used to be and saw a pony bigger than her and the truth dawned on her. “it was true, it was all true.” Before here was the pony she always dreamed the Princess of the Night would be. A physical embodiment of the night sky. She even got fancy clothes from this and a tiara or more accurately a crown. “L-luna?” The alicorn gave a familiar smile greeted her.
“Tiss is I Nightshadow. This is my true form. My bond with the moon has returned. Now I must bring an end to this Nightmare Moon. Stay here.”
“No I want to go with you.”
“You must think of your children. They have lost their birth parents. They cannot lose you to.”
“Please, I can't just sit here.” Luna sighed.
“Okay I'll get you closer but promise me this. Should I fall you flee to Equestria.” Luna lifted a rock and which her magic it was turned into a crest with a unified sun and moon. “Take this and present it to a royal guard and tell them that Nightmare moon has returned and that Twilight Sparkle and her friends are needed and the guard ready.”
“I promise Luna, now go be the Princess of the Night.”

Luna teleported them with in view range of the compound and she now watch her good friend fight for the future of the Children of the Night.

Luna was knocked off balanced as a gust a wind hit her. She went with it and barrel rolled dodging maybe magic bolts from Nightmare Moon. With a quick turn Luna faced her alter ego and fired back. Hers hit causing the black alicorn to growl in anger. Darkmoon may have her alter ego's power and personality she didn't have her experience thus Luna had the aerial edge. As she banked away several lighting bolts struck at Nightmare Moon. But Nightmare was quick to retaliate. Monstrous lighting bolt shot at her and she manage to dodge some but few did hit. Gritting against the pain Luna did a series of loops before unleashing a spread of energy crescents. Nightmare Moon did a quick dodge but she did get nicked and responded with a quick blast before diving to the ground with Luna following in. The flew through the trees moving too fast for either to take a shot. They get close to the mountain and Nightmare moon races up the side and blast a boulder causing it to fall. Luna barely dodges it and it hits her hoof. Ignoring the pain she focus to follow Nightmare Moon but she lost track of her. Then she got plowed on the side and manage to bring up a shield for her back as she and Nightmare moon plowed into the ground. The shield prevented her wings from breaking but the plow still hurt. She bucked with her rear hooves and that got nightmare moon off her and she flipped so she was standing again and summoned an tornado to twirl the black alicorn around. With a burst of magic Nightmare moon frees herself from the tornado and it fades away. Luna rises to the air and Nightmare Moon makes her eyes glow and the veil of magic appears below her hooves as she charges a massive attack. Knowing the move since Luna tried it on Celestia on that fateful night she begins her own charge. Soon blow lower their horns and sphere's of raw magic appeared. One a dark cyan the other a night blue before massive beams erupted from the alicorns. They hit dead on and now the duel of magic power began. For minutes the two seemed even but Nightmare poured more magic into her attack and it started going forwards. Luna saw this and went for broke pouring every ounce of magic she had. She didn't have the Elements to use so this had to be all or nothing. With all that magic her beam quickly covered ground and pushed onwards. Nightmare moon was shocked by this move and tried to counter but it was too late. She screamed as the blast carried her away and into the horizon before a massive explosion. Luna sighed and and fell. She managed to get her wings out and glide down and collapse onto the ground. She panted from the exhaustion but her fur was still dark and she could still feel the moon. Heck she could feel all of it. Light and dark side now under her control. She heard a sound of something flying fast then with a whoosh she heard something land. “Wow Luna you are pretty messed up.” The voice was that of Nightstreak's. The pegasus lifted her up and asked. “I know you're tired but could you help me out a bit?” Luna nodded and manage to get onto the pegasus back. “Okay hold tight your highness I'll get you back.” And with that Nightstreak set off to the compound.

Luna had recovered some energy when they landed but winced in pain as her right hoof touched the ground. Nightshadow was the first to run over and provide medical care. As she was being tended Luna looked at the crowd. “Nightmare moon has been defeated. I hope that proves to you all what I say is true.” And elder Earth pony approached.
“Dear mother as head elder of the Children of the Night I ask of your will for us?”
“Start packing tonight for tomorrow we head for Equestria, not as conquerors but as lost family being reunited. Equestria has changed and I want my children to be a part of it.”
“Well you heard our mother let's get packing.” Nightstreak said to the cheers of many which brought a smile to Luna's face. Nightshadow helped her limp to their place and she lied down and quickly fell asleep.

When she awoke she found the fillies sleep next to her. The door opened to reveal a sunset happening before it revealed Nightshadow. “That bed is the last thing left Luna.” Luna then nudged the fillies who slowly woke up.
“Come on you two we have to get going.” luna said and help the kids out before she got off. Her hoof was still a little tender but she could walk again. Nightshadow took the bed and stuffed it into a nearby wagon as an elder approached.
“My Princess several Ponies refused to leave with us. Perhaps you can talk sense into them.”
“I will try.” She followed the elder till they came to about thirty ponies of all tribes. “The elder tells me you don't want to go. Why?” And Earth pony mare spoke out for them.
“We wait for our true mother Nightmare Moon.” Luna sighed at this.
“Dear one. Nightmare Moon could very well be dead and if not she is the twisted persona of myself. Please do not follow her path. We already lost Darkmoon to her I hate to lose more.”
“We prefer to wait. We will follow her path.” Luna shook her head and addressed the elder.
“Make sure they have enough supplies to survive.” With a nod she addressed the ponies again. “ Wish you were not doing this but I can't force you. Be well.” With that she turned and walked away. Minutes later they were set and she addressed her ponies. “My Children I know many of you are unsure or scared of this path. That is why I will stay with you all they way to Canterlot. Trust in me, trust in your brothers and sisters. You have survived many trails but it's time to come home. NOW ON TO EQUESTRIA!” With spirits lifted the Children of the Night leave the compound and return to a home they fled a thousand years ago.

The first couple days pf the trip she rested her hoof and played with her nieces. Smiling and their love of life and play. After that she would fly over the caravan giving the Children reassurance that she was still with them. And she always made sure she was outside when she brought out the moon to the awe of the Children. Eventually Nightstreak dashed up to her. “My princess I see a town in the distance we will be there before dawn.”
“Good have the Children stop here and get everyone to sleep. We will enter town during the day.”
“Gotcha.” The pegasus zipped off to spread the word and though she heard some grumbling her Children did as she ordered. She herself rested in the glow of the moon conserving her energy for tomorrow. Slowly the night gave way to day and Luna used her magic to open the shades on the carriages to wake her Children. She heard groaning and saw sleepy forms come out. Some of the Children who did stay awake to guard the caravan were allowed to sleep and the caravan moved out. Hours later they have reach the the outer part of the town and Luna stood on top of the lead carriage and the locals look on in awe. Luna looked around and waved at them and then she noticed a pair of royal chariots and four pegasus Royal Guards before something pink popped in front of her.
“Princess Luna! We were sent to find you and now we found youandwhoarealltheseponies!” Luna put a hoof in the pink pony's mouth.
“It is good to see you Pinkie, these are the Children of the Night. Ponies who love the night as I do and now they are returning to Equestria.”
“OOOOHHHH! You know what that calls for!? WELCOME BACK PARTY! I got to get ready be back!” The strange pink pony hopped away. Nightstreak hovered next to Luna.
“She's...”
“She's Pinkie, don't even try to understand her you'll lost your mind. Even my sister's top student couldn't figure her out. Luckily she's not typical of Equestrian ponies.” Luna then sees five other ponies approach. One a fellow alicorn. “Twilight Sparkle, it is good to see you again. Sorry you came out here for nothing.”
'Well we were concerned for you. Especially when the Moon stopped. What happened?”
“Short summary. I met the Children of the night, a group started by kids you loved the night as I did a thousand years ago and fled when I was banished. They've been under attack for the last four years and one of them performed a spell and ended up as nightmare Moon.” Twilight had a drop jaw amusing Luna. She took out a scroll and handed it to Twilight. “here's a more detailed report. Now you get back home and I'll see you in Ponyville before we end up in Cantorlot. Pinkie can throw her party then. In the distance they heard an
“AAAAWWWWW! But I wanted to do one now.”
“CANTERLOT PINKIE. YOU CAN DO IT THEN I PINKIE PROMISE!” Luna said in that direction.
'You do know how big a Pinkie Promise is right Luna?”
“Yes I know how serious it is and I mean it. She have several days to get it all set up and be full of fun.”
“Why is a Pinkie Promise so serious?” Nightstreak asked. It was Twilight who answered.
“A pinkie Promise is made between friends in full trust. You break a Pinkie Promise you lose a friend's trust and possible a friend.”
“FFFOOOOORRRRREEEEEVVVVVEEEERRRRR!” The hear Pinkie Pie in the distance but they couldn't see her.
“How does she even do that?” Luna asked and Twilight just shrugged.

They had breakfast as a local cafe and Luna introduced Nightshadow, Twilight Moon, And Eclipse to Twilight and her friends though both Rainbow Dash and Nightstreak left quickly to prove who was more awesome. Minutes later everyone heard a BOO-BBBOOOOMMMM! And all alicorns and unicrons felt the magic surge from it. “Wow a double Rainboom. That had to set a record.” Twilight commented. The door burst opened and a shocked Nightstreak came in with a smug Rainbow Dash.
“Wow I guess there was room on this world for two ponies as awesome as me.”
“Well your the first to do a Rainboom with me and that was totally awesome. You're defiantly Wonderbolt material you should apply.”
“I'd sponsor you Nightstreak.” Luna said and Nightstreak was speechless. After small talk the Former Element Bearers left for home while Luna helped the Children restock supplies and that night were on their way to Canterlot.
A couple weeks later they had arrived at Ponyville and Twilight Moon and Eclipse looked at the nearby castle in wonder. “What's that Aunt Luna?” Twilight Moon asked.
“That is Twilight Sparkle's new home. She got it from the Tree of Harmony during her fight with and old enemy called Lord Tirek, As the Princess of Friendship she rules over Equestria through it and promotes friendship everywhere. Friendship is a very powerful magic little Twilight Moon and Twilight Sparkle gain her alicorn form by mastering it and finishing a spell to make it happen. She even helped me adjust after being on the Moon for a thousand years. And over here.” Luna points to the mountain range and the fillies see a large castle attached to the side of one. “That is Canterlot the capital of Equestria and where I now live with my sister Celestia. You'll get to meet your other Aunt and she's goning to love you.” Twilight met them and Applejack showed up with a cart load of Sweet Apple Acres finest and woin many fans among the Children. What shocked the Children the most was the reaction of the ponies of Equestria. Every town they visited they were met with curiosity then friendship. Much different then what they were taught and they gain confidence making Luna proud of them. The next day they headed for Canterlot and arrived late in the day. The Children settled in and Luna went to meet her sister.

Celestia was in the throne room reading a scroll when Luna walked in. The white alicorn's face brighten and she smiled, threw the scroll and raced to her sister's side. “My dear sister I am so glad your safe. You scared me so much this time. Especially when I was being prevented from lowering the moon. I am also eager to meet these Children of the Night.”
“You will tomorrow, give them a night to rest and I have something personal to take care of tonight. Sorry I can't stay right now but I need to do this.”
“Very well dear sister, take care and take it easy. You have a hard month.” Luna nodded and after nuzzling her sister she left to do the duty she needed to do.

Lens Flare had just finished cleaning the dishes she and her daughter Silver Sparkle used for tonight's dinner. She heard that Princess Luna had returned and she couldn't wait for her husband to come home. He was probably getting debriefed before getting let go. There was a knock on the door and that puzzled Lens Flare. She wasn't expecting anyone and Silver Sword wouldn't knock. She walked over and opened the door to see Princess Luna. “Princess! What are you doing here?” then she remembered to bow.
“Please do not bow Lens Flare. I came to deliver this.” She brought out a Lunar Guard Helmet. It was scorched and battered but Luna spent a lot of time fixing it for tonight.
“What, no no please.” Tears form in the pegasus eyes. “How, how did it happen?”
'We were ambushed by creatures and Silver Sword took a suicide blow meant for me. He died instantly but he saved my life.” Anger came to Lens Flare's and she started pounding the alicorn princess.
“WHY!? WHY DID HE HAVE TO DIE? WHY COULDN'T YOU SAVE HIM? WHY?” She collapsed and wailed and Luna hugged her close and covering her in her wings.
'I'm so sorry Lens Flare. If I had any chance to save him I would have. He was my friend. Among the few I have. But he was a Guard Pony. He wanted to defend ponies and that night he defended me the only way he knew how. I owe you and Silver Sparkle a debt I could never repay. Anything you need you let me know and I will get it done to the best of my abilities. You don't have to do this alone Lens Flare, i'll always be there for you and your daughter.” It was this time Silver Sparkle appeared and saw the scene and weakly said. “Where's daddy?” Luna explained what happened to her dad and join the hug mourning her father.

Middle of the next day was a rare event. All four Princess in full regalia and all of Canterlot was waiting to hear the great announcement to come. Celestia stepped forward and the crowd became quiet. “Citizens of Equestria, as you know my dear sister Princess Luna was away for over a month. She was on a mission to check out disturbances beyond our northern border and while she found a potential threat and faced an old one of ours she also found something wondrous. She found a colony of ponies that fled Equestria over a Thousand years ago fearing their love of my sister's night would lead to wrath by me or their fellow ponies. They had thrived their all that time and even found the ancient homeland of the three tribes and have collect much knowledge from the ruins and thanks to my sister I can stand here today and proudly present to you your lost brothers and sisters, THE CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT!” A deafening cheer erupted and maybe Children were in shock at the response and Nightshadow and an elder looked at eachother and the elder nodded and the unicorn approached Luna and whipsered in her ear and the Night Princess then whispered in her elder sister's ear and she smiled and nodded. With a raised hoof she manages to quiet the crowd. “A representative of the Children will like to speak. I present Nightshadow, go ahead my little pony.” Nightshadow gave a meek smile and the large alicorn and readied herself and walked in front of the regal alicorn.
“People of Equestria, my people have long believed we be hated and reviled by those you worshiped the day because we worshiped the night and fled in fear. We built ourselves when we found a home and waited for our mother's return for we were her children of the night. When we came under attack and forced to the edge of your border we still prayed for our mother's return. And she did in a way we didn't expect but did what we always believe she would do. Guide and protect us and it was her that convinced us to return to Equestria. We your afraid but she kept on encouraging us and we have never been prouder of being wrong. We have seen nothing but welcome and friendship from the ponies of Equestria and we hope for a long and prosperous age for us and our fellow Equestrians.” She got an even louder cheer from the crowd and it took Celestia five minutes to get it to die down.
“Now it is time to celebrate the return of my sister and our lost ponies. May the party begin.”
“YIPPPPPYYYY!” Came from the energetic pink pony next to Twilight Sparkle.

Hours later the sun has set but the parties continue and Nightshadow was on the balcony gazing at the moon and stars. “Taking a break from the party Nightshadow?” The unicorn looked back and saw Princess Luna there smiling at her.
“Yes I was. You have a beautiful view of you sky here.”
“Yes we do but that wasn't the only thing on your mind.” Nightshadow sighed.
“You be right. I don't know what to do. One of the elders is joining your sisters count to represent the Children and many are either going to Ponyville because of the castle ruins in Everfree or Cloudsdale to learn how you do weather now. You have plenty of doctors so i'm not needed there so other then raising Twilight Moon and eclipse I don't know what to do.”
'Hhhhhmmm that is an issue, but one I have a solution for.” After a pause Luna continued. “How would you like to be my apprentice? You have much magic potential. You're intelligent, resourceful, and caring. Twilight was Celestia's before her ascension and I figure to try my hand and you fit the bill. Plus I get to see my nieces more.” That caused Nightshadow to smile but asked.
'Why me?”
“Because wile you didn't believe my claim you were still kind to me and kept an open mind and thought of the best for your brothers and sisters. All great traits to have. So will you accept?” Nightshadow thought on it. To be the personal apprentice to the Princess of the Night herself would be a dream come true of any unicorn mage among her brothers and sisters. She was just an average unicorn pony but Luna wanted her and she'll likely be hounded by press ponies or the local upperclass. She looked at Luna who smiled at her. More than anything else Luna has been a friend. 'What the hell.'
“I accept.” Luna hugged her and said.
“I'm glad now come on, let get back to the party before Pinkie Pie spots us.”

Author's Note

The Title for this chapter was inspired by this piece of music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIrVpIJ2hRk