Chapter 1 The Mirror Plan
Nightmare
In the Lunar Republic
By Admiral Q
Nightmare Moon strutted through the old ruins. This was a better place to enact her plans than the compound which her enemies knew of, thanks to the misguided Children of the Night that followed that fake princess Luna. So she and her remaining followers were in the ancient ruins of the old homeland of the Three Tribes. She looked out at the night, feeding upon its beauty. She wished she could do more but her connection to the moon severed. She was lucky to find a new way to regain the bulk of her power, thus her ether mane had return. “We're ready mother.” Nightmare Moon turned to her lieutenant Night Hammer smiled and replied.
“Let's begin then.”
They walked into the main room. There, four unicorns stood, facing a circle with a large mirror in the center. After months of thinking, Nightmare had come to only one conclusion. She had to go back in time. They numbers of her group were too few to challenge Equestria, and with Equestria now aware of them, they could never spend the centuries to build up enough power to challenge them. Going back in time before Luna is the only solution. She will have the bulk of the Children and time to build her power base. Then, she will bring the reign of night. She took her spot and the five of them began chanting and summoning their magic energies into the mirror that will host the portal into the past. The runes written onto the floor began to glow, and the air crackled with energy and magic. They heard explosions outside.
“They have found us. Quickly, my Children! We must finish!” They renewed their attempts, trying to ignore the approaching sounds of fighting outside that got closer. Then, a blast came from a wall and a couple of her Children flew through, followed by Luna, Nightshadow, and six mares, one a purple alicorn. Her unicorns turned to face them, but blasts from the alicorns and unicorns were knocking them down.
“Mother, you can't stay here. You have to go in now!” Nightmare heard Night Hammer say. She just looked at the earth pony, unsure of what to do. Night Hammer got mad and shoved Nightmare through and the saw thing she saw was Night Hammer with a tears in her eyes. “I love you, Darkmoon.” Then Nightmare was taken by the spell.
When Nightmare Moon awoke again, she found herself in a room that was dark and fairly cramped for a pony of her stature. She stood and tried to flap her wings, only to feel them pinned. She looked over to see strapped down with sturdy locks. She snorted and tried using her magic to pick the locks and get her wings free. Only her magic didn't respond. She lifting a forehoof to her horn she felt a ring on it. She had to hand it to the Equestrians, they were detailed. She had failed. Failed in traveling through time. She had failed Night Hammer and her children. Rage went through her and she kicked the bed, sending it flying. And screamed in rage.
“HEY! Keep it down in there!” she heard a male voice say and she looked over to see a slit open in the door, a slitted eye peering through.
“And why should I, Equestrian? You won, my Children are defeated,and you have me in your clutches. Now all of pony kind worships the sun, and those you follow the night follow that imposter Luna instead of ME! NIGHTMARE MOON, PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT! Do with me what you will, I have nothing left. My one trump card has failed.” She went over and put the bed back. She laid down, facing away from the door, and silently cried as her failure poisoned her, slowly pulling her into the clutches of sleep again.
***
Luna sat on her throne, going through the latest reports, when she heard a knock on her throne room doors.
“Yes?” she asked. The door opened to reveal one of her Lunar Guards that was usually stationed there Star Flare popped her head in.
“Princess, a guard wants to speak with you. It involves with that pony they captured.”
“Very well send them in.” The doors opened fully and the third guard sheepishly came into her throne room. Luna warmly smiled at him. “Guard, I will not harm you. Please approach and tell me what caused you to come before me.” Her smile and calm voice worked as his onerousness left and he came forward with a slight smile. He then bowed.
“Dear Princess, I just got off shift from guarding the strange black alicorn. She was awake for a bit, and she said some strange things. She sounded like she came from outside Equestria, She called herself 'Nightmare Moon', and the title Princess of the Night. And claimed you an imposter.” Luna put a hoof to her muzzle.
“Strange. I AM the Princess of the Night. Why would any pony dispute that? Guard, what is your impression on our captive?”
“She's broken, your highness. From the sounds of it, she feels like she lost her battle and awaits her fate.”
“Thank you, Guard. Go get some rest.” He bowed again.
“As you wish, your highness.” He left and Luna was left to thinking on this strange black alicorn.
***
The sound of a door unlatching awoke Nightmare Moon. She moved her head to face the door and squinted from the light. When her eyes adjusted, she saw two guards in blue armor with a strange crescent logo on the chest piece.
“Come on, Princes Luna wants to speak with you.” She got up and walk towards them, determined to meet her fate with royal dignity. Outside her cell, she had four guards waiting. She followed them, and discovered that she was in a castle that was trimmed in dark blues, purples, and black. She also noticed banners. They were all either a strange crescent moon on it's side facing up with a star above it with wings then a more normal white crescent moon that Luna wore. She also noticed how all the guards looked. All had the same light gray fur, bat like wings, and gold colored eyes that were like her own. Must be some magical enhancement to their armor.
Her group approached a set of dark blue doors with a large winged logo and more normal crescents as handles. The guards stationed there opened upon their arrival. They entered a throne room with pillars to either side displaying banners with the normal crescent and on the left side, a rising sun shone through the pillars. Looking forward Nightmare Moon saw a black throne with Luna sitting on it with the regalia she had last seen her wear. At her side was the gold colored unicorn with red and gold hair and green blue eyes and above them was the winged crescent. Her group stopped ten hoofsteps away from the throne.
“So Luna, are you gonna gloat or just give me my punishment?”
“You will treat the Princess with respect!” The unicorn stated, when a dark blue wing went in front of her. She looked over to Luna.
“Peace, my student.” Luna then looked at Nightmare moon with a very curious look. “Now... Nightmare Moon, was it. I am not aware of you breaking any laws of the Republic, and I think I would be aware of an alicorn breaking them. I have never met you before.”
“That's impossible! You were there when I was reborn! You and I defeated the darkness that was attacking the Children of the Night! Then you challenged me for the title, and sadly won. They were big moments for me I can't see why they wouldn't be for you!”
“I have no memories of these events.” Nightmare moon just dropped her jaw in shock and Luna put a hoof to her muzzle and tapped it a couple of times. “Tell me, Nightmare Moon, do you know how to cast a truth spell?”
“Yes, at limited range.” Luna got off her throne and circled the larger alicorn. She noticed her cutie mark the taller alicorn had: Like hers, but teal, and facing the opposite way. She then used her magic to remove the ring.
“Your highness!” the guards and her aide screamed.
“SILENCE!” Luna used her royal Canterlot voice, then innocently smiled at Nightmare Moon. “I trust you won't try to escape?”
“Where would I go. Apart from being in your castle, and who knows where but other than Equestria. Why would you allow me to cast the spell?”
“Consider it a gesture of good will.” Nightmare Moon castes the spell.
“There, any answer given is truth as you perceive it.”
“Good. Then I swear before you that the even you describe I have never witnessed. I have been preoccupied with my issues with my sister.” It was truth to Nightmare's spell.
“What year is this?” Nightmare asked.
“Three thousand A.D.” (After Discord)
“That's five years ago. Could my time travel spell have worked? Please, have you ever heard of the Children of the Night?” Luna thought for a bit before responding.
“I believe some called those who loved my night by that name and all of those formed the core of the initial Lunar Republic. Please, tell me about them?” Seeing nothing to lose, Nightmare told Luna about the Children of the Night up till she fled through the portal.
“Strange, There was a fight between me and my sister, but the only thing that could banish me is the Elements, and they were not used that night. I was forced to flee my home that night, gather my supporters and started the Lunar Republic.” She then looked over to the unicorn. “What do you think, Sunset Shimmer? I know you study many things. Is what I believe possible?”
“That Nightmare here is from another Equestria? Very possible, my Princess. She is using a truth spell, so judging by that, we can't doubt her words. Now, she was working on the time travel spell to change her history, but never really got it completely finished. My studies on other worlds and traveling to them showed a close connection to time travel spells. My guess is that the unfinished spell sent her here rather then to the chosen target. So the events she witness did happen, but didn't happen in this Equestria.”
Nightmare took all this news in. She was in a different Equestria. The events that had caused her Children of the Night to exist had happened differently. But as different as they were, enough was the same, which means she had to come to a dark truth. The Luna from home was right, she was the Princess of the Night. She had turned against her own princess, the mother figure of her people. She had been wrong, and how many had lost their lives because of it. She took off her chest plate and brought it to her face. A light blue armor piece with her teal crescent moon in the center. The symbol mocked her. In anger and disgust she tossed the piece, followed by her helmet, to the surprise of everyone. She then sat on her haunches and kept her head low.
“Nightmare Moon, what is it? What's wrong?” Luna asked.
“I just realized I was wrong. As much as things are different here, there is much the same, and that only tells me that my world's Luna was right. She was the Princess of the Night, and I'm a fraud. A fraud a good pony sacrificed her life for. Then several more gave up everything to support me, and I led them down a path of lies. My only excuse is that I didn't mean to deceive them.” She closed her eyes and was on the verge of tears. She, Nightmare Moon, on the verge of tears. The mighty have truly fallen. She then felt a feather touch her muzzle, and she opened her eyes to see this Luna looking at her. And looked at her with compassion. Something she had never thought she see.
“Okay, you made bad calls as both Darkmoon and as Nightmare Moon. But the one thing I see most of all is that you gave everything for your people. I have witnessed the two main drives that I see in you. I share the drive to protect your people. As a princess, I can do no less. But I have also seen the drive that puts your needs above the people. That is what you must control, Nightmare Moon. I'll tell you this. You made mistakes, but that doesn't mean you can't correct them. In fact, I could use your help.” Luna then unstrapped the binders on Nightmare's wings. “You are no enemy of mine, Nightmare Moon, but you could be an ally. Follow me.” She watched Luna walk away with Sunset following. With nothing better to do, or place to go she went with them, followed by the Guards.
They left the throne room and traveled the halls for a few minutes before they entered another great room. There was a balcony above them with several ponies around doing various tasks. A handful were in front of the large table with a map of Equestria and parts of the nearby regions. Nightmare Moon also noticed how big Equestria was in this realm. The area where her Children of the Night had settled was labeled on the map with a castle and a city with a handful of blue colored troop markers. She looked over the map and saw markers in blue and red strategically placed all around Equestria.
“For the past thousand years, my sister and I have fought each other,” Luna began. “As you can see, both sides are pretty even in territory. Both of us have the resources to care for our own section of Equestria and supply our war effort. Even our battles do not get momentum going. I take a city, she takes a mountain range elsewhere. The only edge she has got now is in tactical ability. Recently, I felt the Elements of Harmony change, and that could mean only one thing. They have new bearers, and since they're none of my ponies, they have to belong to my sister.”
“Elements of Harmony? That sounds vaguely familiar.” Nightmare commented.
“Celestia and I found them and used them to defeat Discord back in the day, but they hadn't been useable since my sister and I fought. Our bond to them had all but broken. I am worried about on how my sister will use them. Then you appeared. Another alicorn on my side could tip the balance and bring an end to this horrible war. You have power, Nightmare Moon. I see it in you, and I can guess where you get it from. The deal I can make you Nightmare Moon is this; help me restore peace to Equestria, and I'll do all in my power to get you home.” Nightmare looked at the map, then at Luna.
“I...I have to think on this,” Nightmare replied and Luna nodded.
“Tis not a simple thing I ask, is it? Take the time you need. 'Til then, you are a guest here. Corporal Mayweather, escort Lady Moon to some guest quarters.”
“Yes your Highness, This way please, Lady Moon,” a mare in guard armor said. Deciding to be polite, Nightmare addresses Luna.
“Good night, your Highness.” She followed the guard out.
Minutes later, Nightmare found herself in a spacious room. Multiple couches, a handful of seats, a couple of tables and a small bookshelf were immediately viewable. She walked in, getting a closer look at things, when she heard the guard speak. “Do you need anything, Lady Moon?” Looking back at her Nightmare replied.
“Food and drink, if you please.”
“We'll get right on that, my lady. Just tug that rope and a servant will come.”
“Thank you guard pony.” The guard nodded and left. Alone again, Nightmare went to the window. Night had truly come and Nightmare decided to watch it from a window after moving a couch under it. She loved the night as both Darkmoon, as she had once been, and as Nightmare Moon. It helped her think. Here she was in a different world. One where the true Princess of the Night fought against her own sister for control of Equestria. What options did she have anyway, She has no support here. No way to replicate the spell on her own and has no resources to make any of it happen. Join a thousand year war, joining sides with a pony she tried to kill at one point, scratch that one that looks like a pony she had tried to kill. Even knowing that fact, this Luna is still willing to ask for her help. A knock on the door broke her train of thought. An Earth pony mare pushed a cart in, filled with food and a goblet of liquid.
“Your dinner, ma'am,” She said and walked out. Nightmare treated herself to the meal while still thinking on what to do. This wasn't her fight per se, but it shared a common cause with her own at one time But her cause had nothing but a lie. Luna in this realm proved it..
She....She needed to fly and clear her head. To her pleasure, the room had a balcony, so she went on to it and lifted off. She first flew around the castle, it was a big castle and easily could fit hundreds of ponies in it. It was made to handle a pounding, by the looks of it. Yet it was also graceful and built of dark materials, going with the theme of the night she had seen inside. She realized she recognize the area. They were near where her ponies lived in for nearly a millenium. She flew low when she heard
“Rain Cloud, get down from there!”
Nightmare looked and saw a young pegasus mare playing on a battlement roof, of all things, with an earth pony mare below her. The filly ignored her mother and cheerfully played till she slipped and fell over. The filly screamed and, in her panic, tucked her wings in. Nightmare dove in and caught the young filly. She had closed her eyes during the fall, she managed to open them, and saw Nightmare. The black alicorn smiled at her and swooped around to land near the earth pony.
“Mom!” The filly yelped and hopped out of Nightmare's grip and ran to her mother, crying as the tear filled mare hugged her daughter.
“Rain Cloud, don't you ever scare me like that again! I couldn't lose you too!”
“I'm sorry, mom, I'm sorry!” The mare then looked to Nightmare.
“Thank you, Thank you so much. I lost her father in the war, and she is all I live for.” Nightmare just nodded and turned to lift off when the mare spoke again. “Ma'am, can I please know the name of my daughter's savior?” Nightmare looked at her and smirked before answering.
“My name is Nightmare Moon.”
“That's a beautiful name. Again, thank you.” The mare then urged her daughter and they started walking away but little Rain Cloud turned and waved.
“Bye Nighty, and thanks again.” Nightmare couldn't help but wave back. She took off, heading back to her room.
Once back in her room, she noticed a maid pushing a cart in with her armor on it. “What are you doing?” Nightmare asked. The maid was startled, but recovered quickly.
“Ma'am, you left these in the throne room. The Princess thought you might still want them.”
Nightmare approached the armor she had throw off when she learn she was a lie. She picked up the helmet and looked at it. A new thought entered her mind. Yes, what she had recently fought for was a lie but she had forgotten a very important fact. Darkmoon had cast that spell to have the power to save the Children of the Night from extinction. Now, Nightmare didn't think she realized the full cost of that spell, but she always honored the unicorn's sacrifice. She had been summoned to protect, but she forgotten that but no more. The maid was still there, waiting for a command.
“Deliver a message to the Princess for me.”
“Of course ma'am, what is it?” Nightmare put the helmet back on her head.
“Tell her she has Nightmare on her side.”
***
Meanwhile in Canterlot, Celestia looked out into the night from her balcony. She had a very serious expression on her face. She felt it, she had felt a powerful presence enter the world. Scouts had not reported any sighting in the territory under her control, which means Luna has met this power first. She walked away from the balcony. She could not let her plans be undone now. Not after a millennium of planning. She went to her desk, and took a sheet of paper and a quill and began writing.
To my Faithful Student,
I have felt a new power enter our world and fear it is now in the hands of the Lunar Republic. I do not know when or where this new power will show itself, but I want you and your new friends to wear you Elements at all times so you can be ready to be deployed at any times. If you can take the power, or if it's a pony, convince them to join us do so, but be prepared to take all measures if hostile. Hopefully it won't be needed, but Equestria must be protected.
Princess Celestia.
Author's Note
Again thanks to Jomintine for editing. a Trailer of this story series is here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCPZImHIbFY
Chapter 2 Lady Moon (Uneditted)
A beam of sunlight awoke Nightmare Moon from her sleep. She glares at the light and groans as she wakes up. It has been days since she agreed to help out this version of Luna. Luna decide Nightmare Moon should eventually run her republic during the day, but only after they reveal her in battle. She was their secret weapon. She stretches out as her doors open. A unicorn mare with sky blue fur and a purple mane and tail. Lavender Sky was Nightmare Moon's top aid and the one least intimidated by the alicorn's appearance.
“Uuuhhhh!” Nightmare stretches, “Morning Lavender, what's on today's schedule?”
“Good morning Lady Moon.” The unicorn pulled out a scroll and quill. “Hhhhmmmm, well you have breakfast with the princess, then your latest lessons on republic laws, lunch, then some magic practice with the Lunar Guard, free time, dinner with the princes, military meeting before the princess's Night Court.” Nightmare Moon went to her vanity mirror and applied her eye shadow before commenting.
“I hope this is the last day of republic law, it is far more complicated then the rules of the Children of the Night.”
“You can blame the House of Nobles for most of it, though the House of Commons does have a hoof in it. But yes we should be done by the end of the day.”
“Thank the moon.” Nightmare Moon decided to skip her armor for now and heads to the private dining room Luna used when not entertaining guest or foreign officials. As she walked the halls with Lavender in tow she noticed the guards eye her. She has yet to earn there respect and as it should be. Before she realize the truth she would have been annoyed at this reaction but she couldn't let it get to her. She was an alicorn of the night yes, but she was not the Princess of the Night. It's ironic, she had hoped to get her Luna to join cause with her at the Children's compound. Yet here in this world when the truth of her existence was all but slapped in her face, THIS Luna gave her a purpose to live for and got Nightmare Moon to side with her.
The doors to the dining room open and Nightmare Moon saw Princess Luna settling into her chair and notice Nightmare Moon walk in.
“AH, my dear Moon, I trust you had a good rest. I didn't notice any (snicker) nightmare's last night from you.”
Nightmare shook her head and groaned.
“That was bad princess, really bad, however I did have a good night. I think by body is getting use to being awake during the day.” Nightmare Moon sat down as a waiter came up to her as another brought out a pasta of some type to Princess Luna. Nightmare Moon scanned the menu and ordered some pancakes. The waiter quickly went to lavender who just ordered a daisy sandwich.
“So how does your lessons progress?” Luna asked as she took a bite of her pasta.
“Well according to Lavender I should be done by the end of the day.” Nightmare Moon glared at Luna. “You have way too many laws for practicality.”
“Yes, I know.” Luna sighed. “The nobles are hell bent on their traditions. They seem to forget that many of these are also shared by the Solar Empire. I use the Royal Canterlot Voice so often that my guards have their own tradition betting on how long it takes me to use it and how many times I use it a night. I think the current record is thirty minutes and fifty times.” The small smile Luna had suddenly died. “Handling the nobles like this was Celestia's job when we ruled together.”
“You miss her don't you?” Nightmare Moon asked.
“Yes I do. We were always there for each other, amusing ourselves with the antics of Equestria's nobles. I don't know what your Celestia and Luna are like but my Celestia was not only my sister but my best friend, but I lost her a thousand years ago.” Luna broke down and cried at her lost. Nightmare Moon extended a wing and hugged the smaller alicorn.
“I believe the relationship of my world's sisters was similar to yours. The Children's tales of them says they rule well and together for centuries or even millennia. The idea of the colony that started the Children of the Night and wanting more to appreciate it tore them apart. I cannot replace your sister, who could. But you have a friend in me. You gave me a reason to exist. I thank you for that. Time will not take me from you.” Luna answered by hugging her.
“Thank you Nightmare Moon, my dear friend.”
“Anytime, no finish your meal.” Luna pouted before replying.
“And who gave you permission to order me around?”
“Well I am the bigger alicorn.” Nightmare Moon replied with a smile. Luna smirked back before glowing white and expanded. When the glow faded Nightmare Moon saw a much taller and slightly more purple tinted Luna.
“I can be big if I want to, but I prefer the smaller size to better relate to my little ponies.”
“Well your pasta will get cold.”
“Fair point.” Luna goes back to her default form and takes a bite as Nightmare Moon's pancakes arrive. Ever since she discovered pancakes she has loved them. Especially with that maple syrup, YYYYUUUUUMMMM! The two alicorns ate and made some small talk. Eventually the food and drinks were gone and Luna yawned. “Well I am off to bed, may you have a pleasant day Nightmare Moon.”
“Rest well Princess Luna.”
Hours later a frustrated Nightmare Moon walked back to the dinning room. She was FINALLY DONE with lessons on republic law. She was sorely tempted to burn that entire room to ash so she didn't have to look at it again. Almost worth any scolding Princess Luna would give her.
“Lavender, if I see one more scroll of laws I will reveal why I took the name NIGHTMARE MOON!” While Lavender was tempted to joke that there was one more scroll the lighting flashing in Nightmare's made said to lay off the joke. As they got into the dinning room Lavender went to the kitchen.
“Whatever Lady Moon orders have a cake made as well.” Princess Luna suggested this action if Nightmare got this tick when she was assigned to the new lady of the court. Why she didn't know but Lavender was willing to try anything to cool her employer down. After placing her own order she joined Nightmare Moon at the table and she still felt the angry aurora. She didn't say a thing and let her charge simmer down. Their meals arrive and ate in silence but when that dark chocolate cake came in is a sight Lavender will never forget. Nightmare Moon was drooling at the sight. And just as it got in range, Nightmare Moon's canines chomped down and a carnage of cake ensued.
'Note to self, NEVER get between Nightmare Moon and a cake.' She mentally said as the cake disappeared in the splatter of frosting. Nightmare Moon final came up from the plate. 'Did she even breathe during that?' She licked her muzzle. Nightmare Moon noticed Lavender's shocked look and said.
“I regret nothing!”
“Feeling better now?”
“Much, thank you.” Lavender just nodded and after a visit to the little filly's room and retrieving her armor Lavender left Nightmare's side and she joined the part of the Lunar Guard that Luna tasked with her exercise.
The unicorns tester her magical prowess. Luna already knew that as an alicorn Nightmare Moon had tremendous reserves of magic but how could she use it in combat was the question. She proved she had a vast array of spells for combat and could cast quickly and repeatedly. However her telekinetic skills with a weapon her a bit lacking and the guards will focus on that in further days.
The earth pony guards tested her hoof to hoof combat and proved skilled and equal to them so other then keep her in shape they were fine.
Pegasus, or bat pony in this case on the other hand showed while she was competent in flight she wasn't Shadowbolt material. That was among the things Princess Luna of her world showed an advantage in. Most of her remaining training time was with them practicing.
After that she took a relaxing bath and saw the sun go down. Checking the clock she saw it was only six o'clock. Then she remembered the situation of this world. With the Royal Sisters fighting one another in this civil war and agreement was made till the war was decided that each day was six am to six p, and every night was six pm to six am. The world did not want a repeat of Discord's reign. She got out and dried herself before meeting with Princess Luna for dinner.
After a nice dinner (where many familiar with the lore would consider unbelievable) the two alicorns further bonded before heading to the War Room. There many of Luna's top general's were studying the map of Equestria and the figurines on it. Many looked up in surprise at the site of Nightmare Moon.
“My Generals, this is Lady Nightmare Moon. She has recently join our cause and I have kept her secret so that we may surprise our foe when she is revealed.”
“Gentlecolts.” Nightmare Moon nods to them.
“Generals, spring has arrived and thus sadly the return of war. We need to plan our next move either defensively or offensively.”
“Well your Highness,” one of the generals began. “ We plan on a campaign to take Cloudsdale starting with the seizing of the town of New Hoof. From there we hit Trotville then Coltanapolis then Cloudsdale itself. If we take Cloudsdale we'll have weather domination for the Empire will have to rely on whatever pegasi weather teams that any town will have and it will be a great staging area for a push to Canterlot.”
“Defenses?” Luna asked them.
“The first two towns appear to be relatively light, militia primary. But there is a decent garrison nearby and Coltanapolis has a sizable garrison and of course Cloudsdale houses the bulk of Celestia's ariel power including her Wonderbolts. We have already made initial preperations for our main army to head in that direction so at most the Empire knows which coast we are focused on and could guest our intentions but we haven't made any clear moves to show our goal for there are many resource rich territories in the area.” A pegasus stepped forward and pointed a hoof on the other coast.
“However a civilian in occupied land gave us disturbing news at Hurricane Falls. She reported the gathering of several mercenary groups in the area and saw a noble paying them bits or gems. The description she gave make it to likely be Prince Blueblood.”
“So my so called nephew is out for glory. How big is his force?”
“Enough for a division.” The pegasus general replied.
“That could cause a lot of trouble in the region.” An earth pony general replied. “Likely target?”
“Crescent Glade. It's the main mining town in the region.”
“From what I've heard my nephew is vain and greedy. This little army of mercs would have eaten his pockets and the bits and gems in Crescent Glade will replenish them and the glory of conquering a town will raise him a bit in my sister's court.”
“And if he plans it right he could be trying to also negate our attack run on Cloudsdale by redirecting troops to stop him.” Luna snorted.
“More likely my sister is make use of his actions rather then directing him. What kind of defenses to we have in the region?”
“A couple of battalions in garrisons troops and several militia forces.”
“So another battalion should do from our regular forces. But who should lead our forces?”
“I will.” Nightmare Moon stated. “My most recent experience has been defending and you have better equipped forces then I worked with. And they are expecting you with the main force right?” She asked Princess Luna. Princess Luna nods. “So they won't be expecting an alicorn in Crescent Glade.”
“An excellent choice Lady Moon. I'll send part of my Lunar Guard and one of my best colonels with you. It will take a couple days to get them organized and I suggest you disguise yourself till the time is right.”
Nightmare Moon got a malicious grin. “They will never know what hit them till it's too late.”
“TO FREEDOM, TO EQUESTRIA, TO THE LUNAR REPUBLIC!” The generals chanted and Nightmare Moon prepared for war.
Nightmare Moon woke up as the sun got in her eyes. She blinked a couple of times before eying the object with distaste. She may not be the Princess of the night but she was an ALICORN of the night. As much as she wanted to sleep more she didn't have time for that. Her troops where leaving for Crescent Glade in a couple hours and she had to be ready. She got up and stretched out before deciding on her disguise for the time being. Her mane and tail swirled around her and covered her before shrinking. Then her mane and tail unraveled to reveal a unicorn with Nightmare's features. Her mane and tail even lost their etherealness making her look like a offspring of a bat pony and a unicorn. Perfect. She adjusted her armor to fit her new form and with that left to get breakfast.
When she entered the Princess's private dining room and saw Princess Luna and Sunset already there eating. Luna looked over and smiled.
“Ah, my dear Nightmare. An excellent look, mysterious and regal. I like it. Come, join us in a hearty dinner, or in your case breakfast.” Nightmare took a seat besides Luna and when a waiter appeared gave her order. When done she looked back as Luna.
“So when are you heading out?”
“Me and Sunset will leave a couple hours after you. May your trip be uneventful since you will have plenty when you arrive. Colonel Quick Wing will be your second in command. He knows of your true form and you can trust him. He is among the finest officers in my army.”
“Sounds good, be nice to have a properly trained army for once.” Their meal arrived after that and any discussions were halted as they ate.
* * * * * *
After breakfast Nightmare was directed to the west wing of the castle there she was met by Quick Wing. Quick was a pegasus mare with a sky blue fur with a dark purple mane and tail. The mare saluted Nightmare and said.
“Colonel Quick Wing reporting for duty my lady.” Nightmare returned the salute.
“How are the troops Colonel?”
“Ready and willing to go my lady.” Before Nightmare could comment more she noticed Lavender gliding down.
“Lavender! What are you doing here?” The mare landed and tilted her head with a smirk.
“I'm still your assistant Lady Moon. I'm going with you.”
“Okay dokie. Colonel I want to inspect the troops before we head out.” She nodded and they came around the ground carriage.
“Troops attention! Your commanding officer will inspect you.” Nightmare hear a sudden clatter as the troops stood at attention. She saw rows of troops ready to move out. She moved about them inspecting their gear. It was good stuff, far better quality then what Darkmoon had to use back home. She shook one pony to see how well the gear stayed on. And it was on tight. She walked back to the colonel and said in her ear.
“Good group, I think we can move out now.”
“Aye, ma'am.” Louder to the troops she said. “Lady Moon praises your condition. I hope the same quality will be seen in the battle to come. Now, MARCH FORMATION!” The troops resembled into two columns. Nightmare then entered the carriage with Lavender and the carriage took off down the road. “Troops forward march!” Nightmare heard the marching of hooves over the noise of the carriage. Soon Quick Wing flew through the window and joined Lavender on the opposite side of the carriage from Nightmare.
“So how long will it take us to get to Crescent Glade?”
“About a week if we keep a steady pace. Sadly we have no rail line to that town yet otherwise we could be there in a couple days.”
“Very well. Nothing to do but wait.” They sat in silence for a few minutes before Lavender spoke up.
“Lady Moon, tell us of your original home. Is it anything like ours?” Nightmare took a deep breath and looked out the window.
“I expect your origin and ours is very similar. The Children of the Night were the handful of ponies that loved the night and Luna. They weren't sure what started it but our sisters fought as well but the ending was much different. They received news that Luna had been defeated and banished to the moon and fearing a similar fate they all fled Equestria. Like you they found the old homeland of the tribes and setup shop. In the centuries to follow they built their own kingdom and focused their defenses towards Equestria still fear an attack from the sun lovers. Also during that time the Children lost Luna's name and just called her the Princess of the Night. Sadly our defenses were facing the wrong way. A thousand years after her banishment the moon stopped bearing the imaged of the Mare in the Moon. Many of us hope that meant our Princess and surrogate mother had returned. Instead what show up were dark creatures from the opposite direction. For four years wed fought them but it was a losing battle. What was left of us held up in what was supposed to be are front line headquarters against an Equestrian invasion. We held there but it was hard going. In the final days we received a surprise. A strange light blue mare was found beaten up in the woods nearby. She had a horn and wings and went by the name Luna. She mourned the loss of her companions and when well enough assisted us in the defense of our home. But even she wasn't enough in the mind of Darkmoon, a unicorn mare in charge of the ground forces for the Children. Darkmoon was also a researcher and found documents left over from the old tribes and believed she found a way to become the Princess of the Night. She cast the spell and I was the result. I with help from Luna destroyed the dark creatures hunting us but when I wanted to bring Eternal Night is when Luna opposed me. At first I beat her and assume control. However she came back different, more like yours in looks rather then the light blue mare she was before. Again we fought but this time she won and assumed control. That lead me to end up here and that's everything in a nutshell.” The two mares were speechless for a time.
“That is quite a story.” Quick wing said at last. “How do you feel about our Luna?” Nightmare looked at the mare and replied.
“She gave me a purpose. When she reveal who she was I figured out I was a lie. I felt like a waste of time effort and sacrifice. She gave me a reason to go one and I will do everything in my power to help her.”
“Fair enough.” Quick said and the trip was quiet till they found a spot to rest for the night.
* * * * * *\
The rest of their trip was uneventful and soon they were on the outskirts of the town. It was a small town next to a canyon where they likely mine the gems and other precious metals useful to the Republic. She also viewed the defenses. Logically it was a stone wall surrounding the town made from the stone they cleared from the tunnels. They went through the gates and found the housed made of of wood with thatch roofs with an occasion stone building here and there. Their carriage stopped before a large stone building and she saw an earth pony in a business suit waiting in front of the door. She got out and addressed him.
“I am Lady Nightmare Moon. My forces are charged to assist with the defense of your fair town.” The Earth Pony bowed before replying.
“Lady moon, I am Mason Driver, the mayor of this fine town. Why would we need help? My captain hasn't reported anything from his meetings with the garrison's commander.”
“I prefer to discuss that in private but send a message to both of them that Luna's commander has requested their presence.”
“Very well. Come enjoy the hospitality of our town.” Nightmare followed them inside where they were offered drinks and snacks while a bat pony came in and reported that the troops have camped down for the night.
Finally the captain and garrison commander had arrived. The captain was another earth pony of fairly large size. Probably would get up to her shoulder in her true form. The commander was a Pegasus with a Republic uniform with a major rank. Mayor Mason made the introductions.
“Major Clear Skies, Captain Gem Clyde meet Lady Nightmare Moon, Colonel Quick Wing, and Lady Moon's assistant Lavender Sky.” The both saluted Nightmare which she returned.
“Now that you are here We can discuss the reason my forces are here. Mercenaries under the command of Prince Blueblood are planning an assault against Crescent Glade.” The three locals looked at each other in surprise. The major regained her composure first.
“Surely my forces alone could fend off a couple hundred mercenaries.”
“Sure, if it was only a couple hundred. Blueblood went all out on this has a division worth of mercenaries with him.” And there was the jaw drops.
“Why so many?” Gem asked.
“Because he could and for glory. Likely he picked your town for the riches he can use to replenish his wealth after hiring them all. Luckily we still have time since you haven't picked them up on your patrols. Now do you have a map so we can plan the defense of this town?”
“Yes, my lady in my study.” Mason replied.
“We will move there then.” She followed the mayor to his study and looked at the map on the wall. It showed the surrounding area with the town in the middle of it. “How well stock are you in case of siege?” She asked the mayor.
“If it happened right now about a month. With preparation can get a few months in.” Nightmare Nodded and looked the the Major and she saw the question repeated in Nightmare's eyes.
“Two months as is and six months with time.” Nightmare nodded and looked at the map again.
“What about support? Can we maintain the garrison if the town came under siege or do we have to try to fit everypony in the town walls?”
“We can maintain both easily my lady. When the garrison was planned We though about that issue. We have a tunnel under ground between the garrison and the town. We can easily move supplies and ponies from both sides if needed.”
“Excellent.” Nightmare thought for a moment before asking. “Will your ponies have a problem housing my troops?”
“For now yes but if your right and these mercs are coming I can convince them to house your troops.”
“Well it can wait till we have visuals on the enemy. What about the garrison?”
“We can hold some of your troops easily.” Clear Skies reported. “I'm currently only using a quarter of the space. It was meant to house additional forces like yours But not all of them. But comfortable half.”
“Very well. Tomorrow I'll send half my troops to your base the rest stay6 where they are for now. Now let's hope our preparations work.”
“If they don't?” The mayor asked.
“Then we play my trump card.”
“Which is?” Major Skies asked. Nightmare gave her a devilish grin.
“ME.”
Author's Note
Yes been awhile but I figure I do a chapter if a tad short one.
