Nightmare's Nightmare

by Draconaquest

Rating: teen
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Sad, Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna, Princess Celestia
Length: 3927

Princess Luna has been back in Equestria for over a year, and one nightmare has always haunted her. Now, that nightmare has come true.

It's Nightmare Night once again, and Princess Luna is enjoying some time with Twilight. But when Twilight and Celestia, go missing, Luna and the rest of the mane 6 must go on the impossible journey, and Luna must face her worst nightmare.

Published 2014-06-24 21:40:04 UTC
Last updated 2014-06-24 21:40:04 UTC

Nightmare Night

“So Twilight what are you going to do for Nightmare Night?” Spike asked Twilight. She was setting up a library in her new castle.

“Huh?” Twilight asked. She flew down from where she was putting a book in a shelf. ”What did you say Spike?”

“I asked what you are doing for Nightmare Night.” Spike replied.

“Well Princess Luna’s coming again so I’ll be helping her.” Twilight said, “And Cadance and I have set up a gag that we’ll dress up as each other.”

“Cool.” Spike said.

“What about you Spike?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, I’ll be dressed up as Fluttershy.” Spike said.

“Luna will arrive soon,” Twilight said “So I should get ready.”

Night fell on Ponyville, and Nightmare Night began. Fillies began to get into costumes. Mares and stallions also got into costumes, but not for the candy. Unless you’re Pinkie Pie.

Twilight got into her Cadance costume. Spike got into his Fluttershy costume.

“So what do you think?” Twilight asked in her Cadance costume. But before Spike could answer, there was a ring at the door.

Twilight walked to the castle door. When she opened it seven fillies where standing there.

“Nightmare Night! What a fright! Give us something sweet to bite!” The fillies shouted.

“Hey, where’s Princess Twilight?” A filly asked.

“I am Princess Twilight.” Twilight said pulling off her fake mane. “Here,” Twilight said, putting two pieces of candy in each of the filly’s bags.

“Thanks, Princess!” the fillies said and left.

Twilight put her fake mane back on, and her and Spike left the castle.

They walked over to Applejack’s apple bobbing area.

“Princess Cadance!” Applejack said with glee. “I didn’t know you were coming to Ponyville.”

Twilight chuckled. “Applejack it’s me.” She said.

“Oh sorry Twilight, I thought you were Cadance.” Applejack said.

“It’s all right, Applejack.” Twilight said.

Suddenly there was a crackle of thunder, and clouds swarmed the sky. “Enjoying yourselves?” A familiar voice said. “I hope so. For you must still give me candy, OR ELSE!”
Fillies screamed and dumped candy in the center of the celebration.
“Good. Now, go enjoy your selves!” The voice said with a gleeful tone. Then Princess Luna flew out of the clouds and landed.
“Ponies!” Luna said. “I am back, so enjoy yourselves.”
The fillies then went about their business.
“Princess Luna!” Twilight shouted.
“Cadance?” Luna said in confusion. “I was unaware that you were in Ponyville tonight.”
“Princess Luna it’s me.” Twilight said.
“Oh, that costume is well made.” Luna replied.
“Thank you. So how are things in Canterlot?” Twilight asked. The princesses then began to stroll in town.
“Things are fine” Luna said. “Celestia has been acting a little strange, but everything else is fine.”
“Strange? How strange?” Twilight asked.
“She’s been asking strange questions, questions she wouldn’t normally ask.” Luna replied. “With that in mind I was wondering if I could stay in Ponyville tonight.”
“Of course you can stay in Ponyville,” Twilight said. “My castle has an extra room you can stay in.”
“Thank you Twilight.” Luna said.
So when Nightmare Night ended Twilight and Luna went back to the castle, for a good night’s sleep.
“Good night Luna,” Twilight said.
“Good night Twilight.” Luna replied.
So that night, the princesses slept, preparing for the perils they would face the next day.

A Mysterious Letter

When Luna awoke, she saw a baby dragon pleading in front of her. “Spike?” Luna asked. “What is it.?”

“Twilight! Celestia! Missing!” Spike shouted.

“What!” Luna yelled. She dashed out of bed and ran to Twilight’s room. Twilight was not in bed. “Spike, get Twilight’s friends, but don’t tell anypony else. We don’t want ponies to panic.”

The mane six arrived only a few minutes after being summoned.

“What is it Princess?” Applejack asked.

“My sister and Twilight have gone missing.” Luna said. The mane six gasped. Spike looked as though he was going to be sick.

“Are you okay Spike?” Rarity asked.

Then Spike belched and a letter appeared out of the fire he expelled.

Luna levitated the letter anscared. Well d opened it. She read it out loud:
Hello my little ponies. I hope you’re not too anyway I bet you’ve noticed that two of your princesses are missing. If you want them back you must go beyond Equestria to the north. You know, the wastelands. There you will find a castle , inside you will find your princesses. You have one day to find them. After that day is up, I will sentence them to death. I wish you luck. You’ll need it.

Dreamscape
"Who the hay is Dreamscape?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I am not sure.” Luna said. “But if we want Twilight and Celestia back, we must find this castle.”

“So then we go to the east, big deal.” Rainbow said.

“It is not going to be that easy,” Luna said. “The east doesn’t help. That could be anywhere.”

“Then why don’t we just look till we find this castle?” Dash asked.

“We have three days.” Luna replied. “I think we should go directly east. Spike send a letter to Princess Cadance telling we’ll be gone. Everypony I suggest you get whatever you need. We will meet back here in an hour.”

And so everypony got ready for a three day journey in hope to find to castle of light. This journey would be full of perils and danger.

The Northen Wastelands

The Northern Wastelands were known for their bogs and swamps. They were full of geysers and quicksand, concealed by the fog and mist that flows in the air. The Wastelands were always ready to take a ponies life. Nopony ever came there, unless in dire circumstances. And right now, the circumstances were dire. So when Princess Luna, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, arrived in the Wastelands, they had to be careful.

"Watch your step," Luna warned, "You never what could be under the soil,"

"That's a happy thought." Rainbow said sarcastically.

"Who would have a castle here?" Rarity asked.

"Somepony who either wanted to be left alone," Luna explained, "Or a pony who wanted to hide something from somepony."

The soil shifted behind them. A create resembling a prairie dog came out of the soil. Fluttershy looked at it and thought it was cute.

"Aww," She exclaimed. "And who are you little guy?"

Luna looked behind her, and spotted the Fluttershy admiring the prairie dog-like creatures. Luna gasped. "Fluttershy!" She shouted. "Get away from that thing!"

"But it's just a little prairie dog." Fluttershy said. Just then the creature became covered in spikes and opened it's mouth to take a bit out of Fluttershy's hoof. Fluttershy pulled her hoof away just in the nick of time. "What are those things?!" She yelled.

"They're zellies!" Luna explained, "They look cute and cuddly one second, but the next, their covered in spikes trying to make you their dinner!" The ponies gathered in a circle, ready too defend themselves. Suddenly Luna had an idea. "Rainbow Dash! Fluttershy! Grab Applejack and Pinkie Pie, and fly up!"

"Where?" Rainbow asked.

"Straight up!" Luna shouted.

As the zellies closed in, Rainbow grabbed Applejack and flew her up, Fluttershy grabbed Pinkie Pie and did the same, and Luna grabbed Rarity, and lifted her out of the reach of the zellies.

"Where to now?" Dash asked.

Luna cocked her head to the left and said, "That way. And keep your eyes pealed for that castle."

The pegusi and Luna carrying the others flew to the left and looked for a castle.

"So what will this castle look like Princess?" Applejack asked.

"I'm not sure." Luna admitted. "Though I believe it might look a little old and crumbled."

They flew for a few more minutes with no sight of anything in sight. "I'm getting a feeling that the letter was a hoax." Rainbow said.

"It's possible." Luna said. "But we shouldn't stop looking."

"Come on!" "Rainbow exclaimed. "My arms are getting tired."

Applejack glared at Rainbow Dash. "Well, would you rather put me down and have me get eaten?"

"Um, girls?" Fluttershy mumbled.

"I'm starting to want to!" Dash yelled at Applejack.

"Then what's stopping you?" Applejack asked.

"Girls?"

"Luna's stopping me!"

"What? No, don't drag me into this! Although I am stopping you!

"Uh, girls?"

"So why don't you just drop me, and let the zillies eat me?!"

"GIRLS!!!" Fluttershy shouted. Everypony looked at her. "Is that the castle?" Fluttershy asked cocking her head to the left. The ponies gasped at the sight of an old, crumbling castle. It looked like it would collapse at any second.

"That looks about right." Luna said. The ponies flew to the ground and stared at the castle. They could feel the evil emanating from it, as if it would soon attack them.

"Do we have to go inside?" Rarity asked.

"Do you wish to see Twilight and Celestia again?" Luna asked in response.

"Of course I do!" Rarity said.

"Then we must enter." Luna replied. The ponies entered the front gate, with Luna in front of the pack of ponies. The main hall was dull and crumbling. Tapestries were ripped and torn, walls falling apart, and the ground squeaking beneath their hooves.

They enter the throne room, where they spotted Twilight Sparkle sitting in a cage. "Twilight!" Luna shouted.

Twilight turned around and spotted the ponies. "You came!" She shouted with glee. Twilight was covered in bumps and bruises, as if she had been in a fight. "This cage is magically sealed! I can't get out!"

"Don't worry Twi!" Rainbow shouted. "We'll get you out of there!" While Twilight best friends went to her, Luna walked to the center of the throne room.

"Dreamscape!" Luna shouted, "Reveal yourself!"

A pony then walked out of the shadows, a pony with a sparkling mane and tail. Everypony looked and the pony and gasped, even Luna.

"Hello, Luna." Princess Celestia said.

A Nightmare's Return

Dreamscape cackled and laughed. Everypony backed away. "No.." Luna said.

"EVERYPONY FOR HERSELF!!!" Pinkie Pie shouted. She dashed to the door.

"Now, don't be so hasty." Dreamscape said. Her horn shone and Pinkie crashed into a magical barrier.

Luna used a spell on Twilights cage. "Get Twilight to safety." Luna told the ponies, "Return to Ponyville. I must face Dreamscape. "

"You got it Princess Luna!" Rainbow Dash said and Everypony dashed to the entrance, only to be stopped by another magical barrier.

Luna approached Dreamscape. "I don't wish to fight you sister." Luna said.

"Oh please," Dreamscape said, "You're really going with that routine? Well, in that case.." Dreamscape shot a magical beam from her horn at Luna, sending her flying into a wall.

"Very well, sister." Luna said. She shot a beam at Dreamscape. Dreamscape created a force field deflecting the magical beam. Luna flew around Dreamscape and created images of herself to confuse Dreamscape.

Dreamscape flew into the air and, shot several shot at the fake Luna's. The real Luna came up behind Dreamscape and shot a magical beam at Dreamscapes back. Dreamscape crashed into the ground, and the force field surrounding the castle dissipated.

Twilight and her friends ran out of the castle as fast as they could, while Dreamscape stood up. She opened her wings and flew at Luna tackling her. Luna crashed into the castle's ceiling, and fell to the ground.

Luna stood up and dodged a beam shot by Dreamscape. Luna levitated part of a broken wall, and put it in front of her. However, it only took one of Dreamscape's beams to break through it. Luna then shot a beam at Dreamscape and quickly created a force field to protect her.

Luna knew that the force field wouldn't last very long, not with how strong Dreamscape was. Luna also knew that there was only one magic that could defeat Dreamscape. Darkness. A darkness that Luna swore she would never awaken again. But, she had no choice. She had to awaken the nightmare within.

Luna's eyes shone white, and she began to rise up. a dark cloud surrounded her. Her coat turned darker than night and her mane became flowing like a huge cloud. Light blue armor covered portions of her, and her pupils became silts. Her teeth became jagged and there was a blinding flash of darkness.

The cloud dissipated and Dreamscape looked into the face of Nightmare Moon.

Looking Back

"Wait, stop." Twilight said. She and the rest of the main six were a few miles away from the castle. They had left the Northern Wastelands, and were heading back to Ponyville.

"Why?" Rarity asked. "Princess Luna told us to head back to Ponyville."

"But, what if she can't handle Dreamscape on her own?" Twilight replied. "We have to go back."

"We can't go back." Rainbow Dash said. "Dreamscape would shred us!"

"Then she would also shred Luna!" Twilight shouted. "If we don't help her, Equestria would become just like Celestia is now, corrupt and full of jealousy."

"You have a good point," Rarity said, "But what would we do?"

"Anything! Anything we can." Twilight replied.

"Your right Twilight!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "We DO have to go back." So the company of six friends began their return to the Northern Wastelands, unaware of the tragedy that would happen.

The Final Battle

Nightmare Moon stared into Dreamscape, seeing her deepest fears. Nightmare was surprised to see that Dreamscape's worst fear was eternal night. However, Nightmare Moon would only defeat Dreamscape, and then return to Luna.

Nightmare heard a gasp behind her. She looked around and saw Twilight Sparkle and company. "Do not fear me Twilight Sparkle, for I am still Princess Luna." Nightmare Moon explained. "Unlike Celestia, I've only taken the form of Nightmare Moon to defeat Dreamscape, and then return to Princess Luna."

Twilight's horn glow, and then created a force filed around Nightmare Moon. Nightmare realized that Dreamscape had shot a magic beam at her, and Twilight protected her. "We're with you all the way Princess Luna!" Twilight shouted. Nightmare smiled and returned her gaze to Dreamscape.

Anger filled Dreamscape's face as Twilight and company lined up around Nightmare Moon. "How dare you help her?!" Dreamscape shouted. "Do you forget that it was Nightmare Moon who threatened to plunge your world into eternal night!?"

"We don't forget." Twilight replied. "But it was the Nightmare Moon crisis that brought us all together! You even got your sister back! Now you have let fear and jealousy cloud your judgment! And your friendship has been lost. So let it's magic return you to your former state!"

Twilight began to create a spell, but Dreamscape knocked them all into a wall and created a force field around them. "Twilight!" Nightmare Moon shouted. "Use your magic to create a hole in the force field! I will take care of Dreamscape."

Nightmare Moon charged at Dreamscape, knocking her into a wall. Dreamscape retaliated by levitating Nightmare into the ceiling. Nightmare Moon fell to the ground. When she looked up the section of the ceiling she hit fell on top of her.

"No..." Twilight mumbled. Dreamscape cackled and laughed. Then blue magic destroyed the shingles revealing Nightmare Moon. The ponies in the force filed cheered. Nightmare levitated the shattered shingles and rapidly fired them at Dreamscape. Dreamscape created a force field turning the shingles into dust.

Dreamscape shot a beam from her horn. Nightmare Moon dodged it and shot a beam of her own. Dreamscape created a force field. Nightmare Moon then figured out Dreamscape strategy. To make sure, Nightmare shot several projectiles at Dreamscape. Dreamscape created a force field.

Nightmare Moon spoke, "Well sister, I think I've figured out your strategy."

Dreamscape filed with anger. "I'M NOT YOUR SISTER!!!" Dreamscape flew into the air, and fired the most powerful beam of magic she could. Nightmare Moon did the same. Twilight and her friends broke out of the force field.

Nightmare Moon's beam was getting beating. She was sweating, trying not to loose her composer. Twilight shot a beam at Dreamscape. The tension shifted in Nightmare Moon's favor. Dreamscape's beam was getting beaten. She put all her strength into the beam, but it was not enough.

Nightmare Moon's and Twilight's beams hit Dreamscape's horn, causing her to fly backwards, and a shockwave formed and destroyed part of the castle walls.

Dreamscape's horn sizzled as most of her magic left her. Nightmare Moon walked up to her. "You have created a monster out of yourself sister." Nightmare said. "Now I hope you realize that I must stop you. Good-bye Dreamscape."

Nightmare Moon eye's shined white, as her horn created a field darker then night. It consumed Nightmare Moon and Dreamscape. Suddenly the sky turned dark, as the moon appeared in the sky. Then a blue beam of energy shot down from the moon. It hit the black field. The beam wrapped around the dark void. The field turned blue and then exploded with a bright light.

Then with the moon lighting the sky, stood Princess Luna looking down on a weakened Princess Celestia.

Apologies

Luna stared at Celestia. Luna was worried. Celestia had always been wise and thoughtful, to see her become Dreamscape, Luna couldn't take it. And having to become Nightmare Moon again, Luna just wished she knew why.

They had moved Celestia to the Canterlot Hospital. Shortly after they had left the castle, it had collapsed. if they had stayed there any longer, the roof would have crushed them. That was three days ago. Since then Twilight had been in Canterlot, overseeing any royal duties that would normally be Luna's or Celestia's.

Twilight's friend had been at her side the entire time. Luna however, had not left the hospital. Celestia had been wounded greatly, move mentally than physically. Celestia had not awoken. Luna knew she was fighting a storm inside. Luna had felt it herself once.

When Celestia awoke, it had been nine days after the events of The Northern Wastelands. She awoke crying, pleading to see Luna.

Luna entered the room with a worried look on her face. She looked over at Celestia. Her wounds were mostly healed, but her face had a look of sorrow, of sadness. "You asked to see me sister?" Luna asked quietly.

Celestia looked Luna right in the eyes, a pleading look surrounding them. "Luna," Celestia said. Her voice was horse, and in pain, but Celestia had to speak. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry..."

"I know sister." Luna replied. "I once felt the same feeling you are feeling."

"Why didn't you banish me?" Celestia asked. "Like I did to you?"

"Honestly sister," Luna began. "The thought never even occurred to me."

Celestia smiled. Luna returned the smile. The sister were reunited.

Afterwords

Soon Celestia had the strength to stand, and return to the castle in Canterlot. Luna had helped her the entire time. Celestia then did something unexpected. She passed the primary ruler job to Luna.

"But, why?" Luna had asked.

"Because, I'm no longer fit for the primary throne." Celestia explained. "I need time to rest. Time to sleep, and interact with my subjects. I've remained too isolated from them, which is part of the reason Dreamscape came to be."

So Luna had another coronation. Now she was the new leader of Equestria. Luna didn't like this. Luna preferred to interact with her subjects, not rule over them. As soon as Celestia was back on her hooves, Luna passed the primary leader job back to Celestia.

Celestia didn't mind. In fact she preferred it this way. Celestia wasn't very social. Soon there were three more stained windows in the hall of ceremonies. They were showing Nightmare Moon's defeat of Dreamscape, Luna's coronation, and Celestia's coronation.

Luna and Celestia became closer than ever, becoming great friends and sisters. Twilight and Cadance also became closer to the royal pony sisters. They were family, not friends. Celestia, Luna, Twilight, Cadance, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike.

And as Luna stood on the balcony, thinking about past events, she looked to the future, and all it's glory.

Speculations

It was Nightmare Night once again. Fillies all around Equestria would be putting on costumes and make up pretending to be monsters. Even full grown mares and stallions would be getting ready for this special night.

And last of all, the princesses would be getting ready. Well most of the princesses.

“So where are you off to in such a hurry?” Princess Celestia asked her sister, Princess Luna.

“To Ponyville.” Luna replied. “Twilight asked me to come early so I could get ready. Besides last Nightmare Night I promised the fillies that I come scare them again.”

“You want to scare them?” Celestia asked.

“They asked me to,” Luna said. “So I figured that I would come.”

“You like having a holiday dedicated to you, and you only,” Celestia said.

“What do you mean?” Luna asked.

“Well it’s just that you have not one but two holidays about you.” Celestia explained. “Nightmare Night, and the Summer Sun Celebration.”

“Sister, having all the glory does not matter to me anymore,” Luna said “And besides, Nightmare Night in merely a cloak for what is really going on. Nightmare Night is about fillies going to get free candy and enjoy being scared.

“The Summer Sun Celebration is about Nightmare Moon Being defeated. I do not think they center on me per say.”

“But, you still have to do with them greatly.” Celestia implied.

“I will not argue with you, sister.” Luna said. “I’m off to Ponyville. Good-bye!”

Luna then flew to Ponyville, to meet Twilight. But thoughts were brewing inside Celestia, thought that if kept unchecked could mean disaster.

Dreamscape

"Celestia?" Luna asked. "What's going on? Why are you not in a cage like Twilight?"

"You really think there would be somepony powerful enough to capture not only Twilight, but myself as well?" Celestia asked, with a strange tone in her voice.

"Well, their was Tirek..." Luna stuttered.

"Tirek?!" Celestia chuckled, "Tirek only got our magic because we let him! Don't you remember?"

"You never answered my question!" Luna shouted, changing the subject.

"Touchy, aren't you?" Celestia said.

"Where is Dreamscape?" Luna replied sternly.

"Really?" Celestia said. "You really think that we were still captured? Well why don't you ask Twilight who captured her."

Everypony looked at Twilight. "Twilight?" Luna insisted.

Twilight couldn't bring herself to speak. She raised her hooves and pointed at Celestia. Luna turned around and stared at Celestia, anger burning within her. "Why would you do this?!" Luna shouted.

"All of the other princesses get all the glory and attention!" Celestia shouted, "Cadance gets to rule the Crystal Empire, allowing all of them to praise her. Twilight gets to have all the attention by being the new princess, no seems to care about who allowed her to become a princess." Celestia stared directly at Luna. "And you get to have full holidays for you. Nightmare Night, The Summer Sun Celebration. Well no more. I will have all the glory, for I am DREAMSCAPE!!!"

Celestia shot a beam out of her horn, creating a massive firework. The shrouds of the firework wrapped around Celestia, Raising her up and changing her. Her mane became a darker color, golden armor covered her. Her pupil turned into a silt, and a blinding flash of light covered Celestia.

A pony stood there with golden armor, and a dark orange, plum, blue, and dark green mane. The pony that stood there was no longer Princess Celestia, instead was Dreamscape.