My Love, the Night

by Distorted Flare

Rating: mature
Tags: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance, Sex, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, Nightmare Moon
Length: 6359

Dusk Shine and Nightmare Moon had been dating in secret for months now. But when the two are caught by Dusk Shines friends and mentor, the two find themselves at the mercy of the scrutiny and disgust of other ponies.

I never win our little games we play together. She always beat me, be it strength, tactical brilliance, or skill with a blade. No matter what I do, I never beat her. But did that discourage me from trying? Not even for a second. Underneath her cold, mistress of the night façade was a mare that merely wished to be loved and accepted.

r63 Twilight Sparkle

Published 2014-10-18 04:30:10 UTC
Last updated 2017-02-20 20:33:08 UTC

Cat and mouse

Author's Note

This is an idea that I have been tinkering with for a while. Please leave any feed back you can give in the comment section or PM me

Cat and mouse

Jeez this was a bad idea, I mentally sighed. The ominous silhouette of the ancient castle sent chills up my spine. Trotting along the rickety bridge, I felt my nerves slowly abandon me as I took into account just how crazy this plan was. The black night made it difficult to see the hazed outlines of trees and the castle. My horn and a partially concealed moon were my only source of light in the darkness.

The bridge groaned under my body weight, gently swaying from side to side, pricking at my quickly shrinking nerves as I hurriedly tried to cross it. Each hoofstep gained a sharp creak or in some heart stopping cases, cracks. The wood was rotten and what little could be seen beneath the grime and moss was black and waterlogged.

The bridge suddenly lurched to the right as a strong gust of wind rocked the rotting bridge back and forth. An undignified scream left my lips as I dropped to my knees, holding on for dear life.

Slowly, the rocking eased, allowing me to stand once again. With an added haste, I made my way to the other side, not wishing to risk the bridge collapsing. My eyes flickered up, giant gargoyle statues lining the colossal castle. Their malicious grins made me shiver.Gentle droplets of rain tickled my nose as I looked up the black clouds blocked out the moon as in the distance a small flash of lightning announced the arrival of a storm.

Hurrying inside my body had barely crossed the threshold before the first roar of thunder was heard from behind. Their was a pause before the heavens above opened rain pouring down mimicking the sound of a thousand ponies galloping on concrete. The harsh rattle of rain striking stone was muffled as I shut the large doors.

Turning I found myself in the entrance hall. Two large glass panels depicting the alicorn sisters rested near the back, above a set of steps. One of the panels showing Celestia had a large hole in it where her face was, rain and the cold wind rushing into the hall, causing me to shiver. The harsh howl of the wind made it hard to hear anything else. Moving forward, I followed the small map I had brought along to help me find my target.

If I was right, the Elements of Harmony were in the throne room, which was at least four corridors away. I would need to move quickly, otherwise risk being caught by the nightmare herself. Another sharp crack of thunder made me jump, the fur on my neck standing on end. This castle gave me the creeps and I hastily made for the corridor in front of me. A flash of teal made me freeze. Turning, I was met once again with darkness.

“Easy, Dusk,” I said, trying to sooth my racing heart as I made my way down the first corridor. Despite my logical side telling me that I was fine, I could not shake the feeling that I was being hunted. Though, nothing seemed out of place, so I chalked it up to my imagination.

The halls were large and seemed to go on forever. Sadly, what at one point would been beautiful décor was now ruined, destroyed by the elements and time. Faded carpets and decaying portraits were accompanied only by the occasional spider web and thick layer of dust.

Another brief glance at the map showed that I was nearing my destination. Another left here and then, yes,I mentally cheered. I was met by the sight of an immense throne room. Wild vines and moss littered the cracked filth riddled floors, mould clinging to the walls as I gawked at the sight. Banners and curtains that were once lush and spectacular in appearance were now nothing more than torn rags that swayed gently in the breeze.

Two mounds of stones sat at the back of the room and atop a set of stairs, the old thrones belonging to Celestia and Luna. I cautiously ventured forward, the crunching of my hoof-steps reverberated across the ruined hall. Goose bumps slowly rose on my body and wings, the ice-cold sensation caused my teeth to chatter.

In the center of the room lay the Elements of Harmony. Nervously trotting in, I kept my eyes glued to the six stones in the center. A soft chuckle broke my focus, and I froze. A soft silhouette darted behind a pillar as I increased the light around my horn.

“Hmm, impressive,” a smooth voice chuckled. My ears splayed against my head as I crouched down defensively, scanning the surrounding area. “You were able to get past every obstacle I set for you. But then again, you are so much more than those pitiful, pitiful princesses,” the feminine voice continued, my body shaking as I looked for any hint at the source.

"Whats the matter young Dusk Shine? Afraid...nervous? You can turn back if you want. You would like that wouldn't, you to run and never look back like a sniveling foal." The voice whispered having no clear source as it bounced around the room.

“S-s-show yourself,” I stammered, any notion of bravery quickly fleeing as the mare cackled in response.

“As you so wish,” the voice hissed, her breath tickling my ear and I spun on the spot. Standing a few feet behind me stood the Mare in the Moon, Nightmare Moon. My horn flared up in an aggressive display as she giggled, circling me like a predator. “A male Alicorn is quite a rare sight,” she purred, her cat-like eyes examining my body with intrigue. “So, tell me, little Alicorn, why have you come here?” the mare questioned, seating herself in front of me as I gawked at the size of her. She easily dwarfed me, my head coming up to just below her chest.

“I… I came here to... stop... you,” I whimpered, my voice growing quieter with every step she took towards me. Towering over me, the mare lowered her head so it was level with mine, her razor sharp teeth making me shiver.

“Really now?” Nightmare Moon said, a playful look on her face. “And how did you, a young alicorn, plan to defeat me? I am thousands of years old and have access to the most powerful magic available. Surely you would have brought back up... no?” she smirked. My confidence had all but diminished at this point as her words rang true. She was far stronger than I was and with my friends absent, I only had my magic to rely on. I felt fear trickling into my demeanor as I bit my lip.

“I... uh,” I stammered out, backpedaling from Nightmare Moon as she followed me, a twisted smirk on her lips. I threw up a magical shield hastily, my body shaking as she paused. With a mocking smile, she lazily pushed past the barrier, shattering it like fine china as I whimpered. I tried to bolt, only for her to nimbly jump back and forth preventing me from getting past her. It was like playing cat and mouse, and it was a game I was quickly losing.

My horn flared up as I fired a bolt of concentrated magic at her. The beam withered and died on contact with her sleek ebony form. Again and again my magic struck her, leaving no sign of damage as the smug look in her eyes showed the futility of my action. Taking to the sky I flapped my wings with all my might to escape her. The two of us flitted across the sky the wind making my eyes water as the mare behind advanced on me. The sharp whistling in my ear made me flinch as the winds turned treacherous.

Her hoofs struck my left wing, almost lazily as I tumbled. Seeing the elements right in front of me I dive bombed toward them my wings resting against my sides as I shot towards them. I was so close I could almost touch them.

I gave a sharp yelp as I slammed face first into the Nightmare shaking my head as I stumbled backwards. This time though she left no room to get airborne as she trotted towards me at an alarming pace.

Eventually, the mare managed to trap me in a corner. With nowhere else to run, I crouched down, shivering as she looked down at me with a triumphant grin. Her wings spread to their full length, dwarfing me as I defensively flared my own out.

“Nowhere to run now,” she growled. Acting in desperation, I lashed out with my hoof smacking her chin, causing the mare to recoil slightly. Taking my chance, I bolted for the Elements. If I could just get them...

My thought was silenced as the mare materialized in front of me, her rear wiggling much like a cat about to pounce. She slammed into me, the two of us tumbling until I ended up beneath her. Her chest trapped my lower half as her hoofs kept mine pinned. “Game over, little pony,” she smirked, leaning down as I waited for the inevitable. I yelped as the mare bit down on my ear, a playful smile on her face.

“That makes eighty nine to zero, Dusk.” she giggled, playfully licking me on the nose as I glowered.

“You cheat, though,” I sulked, causing the mare to snort as she got to her hooves.

“Just because you are terrible at this game does not mean that I’m cheating,” she replied indignantly. “If you could actually touch the ‘Elements’ before I stopped you, then maybe I would resort to cheating. As it stands, you just aren't fast enough,” she finished.

After Nightmare Moon had been purged by the elements, the mare had been left as nothing more than a weak shade. Without her host, she was unable to take a physical form. It had not been until Sombra’s defeat that she had managed to gain access to his horn and rejuvenate herself. Our first encounter had been less than pleasant. Being a newly ascended Alicorn, I was still getting use to my magic. The two of us had gotten hurt pretty badly in our first fight.

The two of us had been less than fond of each other, but we had eventually agreed to a truce. I was not strong enough to beat her, and she was too weak to overpower me. I had agreed to let her be and kept my mouth shut about her return, as long as she promised to cause no harm to the ponies of Equestria, or anyone else. I had come back often to check on her and make sure she was staying out of trouble.

[Flash back]

“Oomph,” I cried, Nightmare Moon pinning me as I groaned. “Do you have to be quite so rough?” I complained, the mare smirking at me as she offered me a hoof up.

“You are strong, Dusk Shine, but you need to learn not to rely on magical might alone,” Nightmare Moon said. “Your studies with me go well and these games help you to think on your feet. But you still have a long way to go. You are strong, but both myself, Celestia, and Luna still have thousands of years of experience over you. These games are amusing and I do enjoy playing them, but they are also there to teach you how to survive in a fight,” Nightmare lectured, lightly cuffing me around the head as I sighed.

These games were fun, but I never seemed able to win. As Nightmare walked in front of me, I couldn’t help but stare at her plot. Nicely rounded and padded, it jiggled slightly with every step the mare took. For the past few months now, I had been struggling with these new emotions I felt towards my friend. These feelings were ridiculous and if she knew... it could potentially destroy the friendship between us.

The two of us when not playing that silly game would usually study in the library. Nightmare Moon had insisted on teaching me how to be a proper ruler. She seemed to think that the princesses were failing to help me reach my full potential.

Yet, I could not help but ogle her form. Her body was toned and sleek, yet her backside retained a nice layer of fat, giving it a firm yet nicely sized rear. I walked in a trance-like state, my eyes never leaving her backside.

“See something you like?” the teasing tone of Nightmare made me jump as I squeaked in surprise. The mare looked down at me with an amused grin as I shied away. “What’s the matter?” she purred, walking towards me, her hips swaying from side to side. “Cat got your tongue?” she hissed, her face centimetres away from me as I gulped.

“I... uh... can explain!” I mumbled, my eyes looking at the floor as I shied away from the Alicorn. The mare raised an eyebrow, waiting for me to reply as I licked my lips. “Well, y-you see the thing is I, um... kind of... like you,” I finished pathetically. A smile worked its way up onto Nightmare’s face as shame welled up inside of me.

I had sounded like a nervous colt confessing a crush on his teacher. I had blown it. If she did not blow my stupid ass to smithereens, then she would laugh at my pathetic attempt all the way back to Ponyville.

“Oh, Dusk Shine, do you really think I was blind to you infatuation? Did you honestly think you were being discreet?” She smirked, my body shaking like a leaf as she circled me. “That I would not notice?” She snorted, her tail resting under my chin, the ethereal tail forcing me to look up.

The teasing smirk and playful look in her eyes brought tears to mine as I waited for the crushing rejection. Closing my eyes, I waited, expecting the harsh reprimand. Instead, a hoof lightly tilted my chin.

Her lips brushed against my own as I recoiled in horror and confusion. Inside, I felt hope bubble in my chest as I leaned forward, desiring to feel her lips against mine as she smiled.

“You naughty colt,” she chuckled, flicking me on the nose with her tail as she turned. “If you can catch me then I might reward you with another,” she finished, winking before darting off, her form vanishing as she tore around a corner.

Shaking my head, I gave chase, determined to catch her if only for another chance of a kiss.

From there our relationship had blossomed. The two of us had taken it slow to begin with. Neither myself or Nightmare Moon had much experience in dating. So we had taken it nice and slow not doing anything too drastic other than making out which was awesome I mentally chuckled. After dating for a few months during Nightmare Moons heat the mare had coerced me into taking out relationship a step further. I had been reluctant to do it at first, not wishing to take advantage of her. Nightmare Moon had reminded me, that being in heat made her horny not stupid. She drove home the fact that she was making a choice to take our relationship further. Another fear that I had been plagued with was my virginity I was terrified of disappointing her with my inexperience. To my surprise Nightmare had admitted to me that she was hardly experienced herself. Though with neither of us being experienced, our first couple of tries had been disasters.

The game we played on top of training me was more to keep Nightmare Moon amused as well as train me to think on my toes. The two of us had gotten so use to the game that we got into character for it. She got awfully bored being stuck in the castle with nothing to do but wander, yet until we could prove that she had changed, neither of us could take the chance of Celestia—or worse Luna—finding out. Though, being honest, the two of us always went over the top when role playing. To us, it was more than just a silly game. It allowed us to unwind and just have fun. Though, Nightmare Moon did occasionally let me be the bad guy.

But, regardless, the result was always the same: me becoming her slave or getting my plot handed to me by the Elements, which in reality were just some stones we had found lying around. The game had taught me how to use my wings more efficiently in escaping and avoiding attacks. Whilst Moon would never purposely hurt me she did not go easy on me.

Getting to my hooves, I watched as Nightmare playfully pranced in front of me, wiggling her rump invitingly. Her eyes twinkling with impish delight at her victory. Chuckling, I lowered myself to the ground, my eyes narrowing as I pounced. Nightmare gave an indignant squawk as I knocked her onto her back. She giggled as she playful kissed me, her... tail brushing over my flanks, the ethereal strands dancing through my coat, leaving behind a comfortable warmth, like a thick blanket on a winter's night.

Unlike normal ponies, Nightmare Moon’s hair was ethereal. This gave the Alicorn complete control over it. Her mane and tail had a strange texture to it, almost like a warm blanket, and it was incredibly pleasant to cuddle up against at night. Kissing her on the nose, I swatted her rear before galloping off, sticking my tongue out as the larger Alicorn gasped. Jumping to her hooves, Nightmare Moon gave chase. The two of us spent hours chasing each other around the castle, our laughter filling the empty halls.

Eventually, the two of us collapsed, out of breath from laughing. Lying on her back, Nightmare looked down at my slumped form. I rested on her stomach, my legs dangling lazily on either side of her barrel as her hoof tenderly stroked my mane. Nightmare’s tail and mane illuminating the dark bedroom, the countless stars within her mane mesmerizing to look at. The bed was old and creaked terribly, but was at least comfortable to sleep on.

As I snuggled into her warm fur, the mare wrapped her hooves around me, pulling me into her chest as she rolled over. My body fit snugly in between her front and hind legs. Nightmare Moon hummed contently, wrapping her larger frame around me as I sighed. Her wing stretched over me, covering my body in a protective blanket as I settled down.

Luckily, I did not have to worry about the castle, as guards and maids were present to see to its protection. Spike was spending the nights at Rarity’s and as far as my friends were concerned, I was just away on royal business a lot. The princesses and my friends were none the wiser and that was for the best.

Gently biting my ear, Nightmare gave a small whine as she rolled me over.

“How about we do something a little more,” she giggled, leaning down to breathe in my scent. Her tongue ran along the side of my muzzle, causing me to shiver. Realising that sleep was out the question, I pulled Nightmare into a small kiss, gently suckling on her lower lip as her wings twitched in pleasure. Lighting a few candles for atmospheric purposes, the two of us explored the others body.

“You are mine, Dusk Shine,” she growled, her words muffled as I gave her rump a sharp slap. Smiling, I pushed the mare off of me, winking as she nodded. Rolling onto her back, Nightmare Moon presented herself to me as I admired her bits.

Placing my hoofs on her chest, I lined myself up with her. With a heated moan, Nightmare nodded for me to proceed. With a small push, the mare hissed in pleasure, her hoofs pulling my head to hers as she possessively kissed me.

“I love you,” she whimpered, a small string of saliva attached to her chin. Just as I was about to respond, I felt a presence behind us. Whirling on the spot,I gasped as I saw the intruders. Standing at the doorway were my friends and even worse the princesses.

“P, P, Princess Celestia? I stuttered.

The cats out the bag.

Author's Note

Sorry I have been out the game for so long. I am just experimenting with this chapter if people don't like it i can go back to the drawing board.

The cats out the bag.

Stuck between a rock and a hard place. A phrase I found very appropriate for the currant situation. Caught in act and worse with a pony that was suppose to have been killed when the elements freed princess Luna. I had no idea how I was going to talk my way out of this situation but as the seconds crept by the awkward silence only seemed to worsen.

Silently I fumed at myself. How could I have been so reckless. my failure to take precautions had caused this mess. The problem was how was I going to get the two of us out of the mess, bodies intact.

My eyes flitted to where Celestia stood her face Somber though I could see the rage slowly building behind her magenta pupils. Behind the two stunned monarchs stood my friends, a myriad of expression making me cringe. The looks of betrayal and anger left me quivering like a foal. I feared what any of them would say.

Quickly pushing back I hastily covered my shame blushing profusely. Nightmare Moon made no show of moving as she lovingly stroked my mane. Her cold demeanor showed no weakness as she lazily observed the group. A grin slowly crossed her lips. Taking a dark and petty pleasure in seeing the distress on my friends and fellow rulers faces.

Rainbow Dash, pawed at the ground her wings flared as she looked from the princesses to me. I knew she was at a loss her loyalty to me and her hatred for Nightmare Moon leavening her unsure of what to do. The rest including even Fluttershy moved forward prepared for a fight. Whilst I was touched at the care my friends but it was misplaced and if I did not do something soon all Tarturus would break lose.

"D-dusk Shine... ?" Princess Celestia whispered, pausing as words seemed to elude her. Her eyes filled with confusion and hurt as she looked back and forth. Princess Luna on the other hoof was more furious than she was confused. A sneer etched onto her face, eyeing her dark counterpart.

"What—is the meaning of this? What have you done with Dusk Shine, foul enchantress?" Luna snapped, Crushing one of the floors large tiles with her hoof.

"Done? More like what have Dusk shine and I done." Moon taunted, daring the smaller alicorn to make a move as her horn glimmered in the dimly light room. A look of revulsion crossed the faces of my friends as I suddenly felt great shame. I never wanted them to find out like this but with Moon's argumentative and stubbornness in full swing I feared that this was going to end badly.

Moon took the reactions in stride leaning down as she gently ran her tongue up the side of my neck. Making sure the mares knew who I was claimed by. The delight she took in the looks of horror and outrage was not helping as I shot her a dirty look.

Luna's body twitched, her eyes glimmering as a white mist seemed to extrude from the sides.

"Princess Luna wait!" I gasped, clambering off the sheets. "ahh" I yelped tripping over the sheets, landing in an undignified heap on the floor. A shark crack rang out, followed by pain as I felt warmth trickle down my nose. Groaning I shakily climbed to my hooves, my head throbbing from the hard floor.

Moon gave a concerned cry as she gracefully jumped off the bed, leaning down as she inspected me. Her wing instinctively wrapping around my smaller frame.

"Your nose." Moon gasped, her magic gently grasping my head as she examined me ignoring the mares behind her. Tilting my head up, her eyes peered into mine. I felt the gentle touch of her magic. The warm sensation seeping into my skin, repairing bone and mending flesh.

Quick as lightning the mare pushed me to the ground turning as she fired off a powerful bolt at the ground in front of my friends taking them by surprise

"MOON WHAT THE..." I was silenced as she wrapped her hooves around my chest. With a sharp pop I grimaced as I squeezed my eyes shut. Teleportation always left me feeling nauseated, stumbling around I tried to stop the world spinning. Groaning I weakly shook my head looking around as I spotted Nightmare Moon pacing back and forth. That teleportation had been erratic and violent making me feel all the worse as I tried not to throw up. 'My castle?' I mentally noted, wondering why she had brought us here of all places. Surely she knew that this would be the second place the princess's would look.

The mare in question was currently pacing a scowl on her face as I tried to call out. I could see it in her eyes the extent of her anger. I had no idea what she was muttering under her breath but I knew for a fact that what ever it was, it was less than flattering towards my friends.

"Stupid fat cow, even now she just can't help but meddle." Moon huffed throwing a chair across the meeting room leaving it embedded in a wall. "That prison charm will only last a few minutes at most before they manage to tear it down. We need to do something." Moon barked looking to me to think of something as I gave a confused shrug. The mare sighed her shoulders slumping. Pacing back and forth the mare muttered to herself trying to strategies a plan to incapacitate Princess Celestia and Luna. If she managed to do so it would give us time to escape but would also brand me a traitor and make it so I could never return to Equestria. The idea scared me more so the thought of Moon or my friends getting hurt.

What could we do? We were trapped either we surrendered and Moon would most likely be killed. Or we fled and were hunted by the royal guards for the rest of our immortal lives. I truly felt lost and Moon's pacing was not helping. Already my panicked mind pictured all the ways we would be banished or imprisoned. But surely they would listen to reason. Understand that Nightmare Moon was no longer a monster. I mean we were able to redeem Eris and even after the Tirek event she was given a second chance. So why not Moon. Sure she had a temper on her and first impressions had not been good but my friends trusted me and I know they would give her a chance.

"Dusk you back?" a soft voice called out. Freezing I licked my lips as I heard sharp hoof steps coming towards this way. With a sharp click the door opened, starlight Glimmer's walking though with her head buried in a book. A few instruments floating behind her, as she muttered about the complexity of her project. Pausing the mare looked up her smile brightening as she looked at me.

Her face twisted in a look of horror as her eyes caught sight of the mare behind me. A sharp clatter sounded as the instruments and book crashed onto the floor.

"N-n-n nightmare M-m moon. She stuttered. Shaking the mare's horn exploded in a fierce glow preparing a spell to strike the alicorn as Moon regarded her lazily. "Get away from Dusk Shine!" She demanded flinching as Moon took a step in her direction.

"Starlight enough." I barked the stress of tonight's events getting to me as the mare squeaked. Looking back between the two of us the mare crept forward.

"What in the name of Celestia is going on?" Starlight glimmer demanded. "Why is she here, more to the point why are you defending her?" the mare finished glowering as I rubbed the back of my head. Moon moved forward puffing out her chest as she stood beside me. Not physically touching yet too close to simply be friends. Starlight processed this, her mind clicking followed with a intake of breath.

"So you have a pretty little mare living with you? Should I be jealous?" Nightmare Moon teased giving a small laugh as I looked away.

"No it is nothing like that, I am simply teaching her about the magic of friendship." I replied my pride taking a kick as Nightmare Moon laughed.

"Is that one the young ponies call it these days?" She teased, sticking her tongue out as behind me Starlight made a small noise in her throat.

"My relationship with Dusk shine is purely platonic. More so I fail to see how it concerns you!" Starlight bit back, glowering at the alicorn her attitude returning as the alicorn smiled. Turning she pressed her mouth against mine her tongue slipping between my lips. I gave a small grunt of surprise at the sudden but not unwelcome intimacy. Sighing as she pulled back i raised an eyebrow as she gave a smirk.

I was not fooled by her laid back attitude. Despite her teasing she was not happy about Starlight living with me. She was making it known that I was claimed. Though why now when we had mere minutes before the rest of the group showed up was beyond me.

"Is now really the best time to be getting jealous? We need to do something before my friends arrive. " I whispered the mare huffing but giving a stiff nod in acknowledgement. "Look I don't like this anymore than you, but given your... past. Maybe it would be best if you waited in the bedroom. I will speak to my friends and try to talk this out." I finished uneasily,Moon's eyes narrowing.

"I don't like this and less so the idea of leaving you alone with those two. Despite what you might think Dusk Shine my other half and her precious sister are not infallible . They are stubborn and more so hateful towards me." Pausing to lick her lips I shuddered at the thought of losing her. "But I trust you. Be safe my love." Moon finished strutting past me as her tail flicking me on the noise.

Snorting I turned my attention back to Starlight who had been surprisingly quite the whole time.

"I don't know what is going on, or why you are with her. But I trust you and your friends trust you. Be honest with them." She finished slowly placing a hoof on my shoulder as I gave her a grin.

"I wish I had your confidence." I smiled the mare giving a small smirk as I heard a sharp crack behind. Turning I grimaced as I was subjected to my friends looks of confusion fear and betrayal for a second time that day. The princesses looking for Nightmare Moon as Fluttershy went to move forward. Luna stuck out a hoof halting the yellow pegasus as she looked up in confusion.

"Dusk Shine." Celestia whispered, eyeing me suspiciously as I took a determined step forward.

"Princess Celestia." I replied bowing as her eyes softened. Inside I could see that she was internally struggling. She had been a second mother to me but at the same time her fear for Nightmare Moon and her "influence" on my mind made her wary. With a small inhale I prepared myself for what was to come.

"She has changed." The statement seemed to catch the group of guard.

"I know not what spell she has on you Prince Dusk Shine but if you come with us we can reverse the damage. You can fight it." Luna replied brushing my statement aside. "Now where is the beast!" Luna demanded a glint in her eye, her horn glowing menacingly. Taking a step forward my horn ignited as I prepared myself for what ever might come. Princess Luna recoiled as if I had physically struck her. The hurt in her eyes at my aggressive stance making me wince. "Dusk Shine please your friends care for you. We care for you. Please do not let that monster poison your mind with lies of redemption. She is the spawn of evil. She can't change!" Luna pleaded. Taking another step forward.

"Dusk shine enough! You are not going to convince them." My heart dropped as the familiar sultry voice of Nightmare Moon sounded from behind. "Well princess's you wanted the big bad mare in the moon. Well here I am!" Nightmare Moon spat, eyeing the two princesses as she stooped by my side.

"Moon I told you to stay in the bedroom." I hissed the mare giving me a playful grin.

"And when have I ever listened to you." She teasingly responded.

"I need to face them alone!" I replied. "You know to convince them that you are not an evil tyrant!" I finished exasperated by her stubbornness.

"Come now Dusky. Don't think I don't see what you were doing. Locking me away in our bedroom so you could flirt with the pretty princess's," Moon laughed.

Luna coughed violently in the background as I gasped, my body suddenly feeling very warm.

"Or is it the other way around." She smirked, eyeing Celestia as the mare spluttered indignantly at the accusation. 'well we're screwed' I mused, my body slumping as my carefully constructed plan was smashed to bits before my eyes. Maybe my mistake was thinking Nightmare Moon would pass up on the chance to fight the two princesses. From day one the mare had made no attempt to hide her distaste for the two.

At the moment the only thing separating two furious alicorns and Moon was me. As long as there was a chance they might hit me I was managing to keep both sides passive. Though from the look on Luna's face she looked like she was prepared to take the risk. I had never in my life seen her so furious. Any courage and valar I had was quickly draining as my mentor's eyes locked onto me. Ignoring Moons taunting the mare's eyes softened.

Celestia took a cautious step forward her eyes never leaving mine as I held my ground.

"Princess... Please." Celestia paused, sighing she gave a sharp nod

"Very well." She replied, Luna looking at her incredulously. "The floor is yours Dusk Shine." Celestia finished, taking a step back.

"Sister this is madness. What do you think you are—." Celestia threw a sharp glare in her sister's direction, silencing her outcry. The rooms attention on me I crept forward. Clearing my throat I noted how shaken I was. My heart harming in my chest as I licked my lips.

"I guess I should start from he beginning."

Celestia's POV

"As Dusk Shine spoke I found myself silently cursing myself. A year Nightmare Moon had been roaming this planet and right under my nose. How this had happened was beyond me. Nightmare Moon was not a pony. She was not even a living being. Simply malice given shape by my sisters bitterness and loneliness. Yet there she stood, the same demonic armor and fur as black as night.

Yet as I watched her I noticed glaring differences. When ever her gaze shifted to Dusk Shine, I saw genuine affection. The way her tail would subtly brush against his flank. Or how a small smile would creep across her face. This was not the same being that had tried to bring about eternal night twice. But then what was she?

Dusk Shine explained the circumstances of their meeting. How he had found her half dead and powerless. How he had rather than destroy her had helped her. Wanting to see if like Discord, she could be reformed. The more time he had spent in her company the more he had come to view each other not as enemies but as friends. Nightmare Moon had been stubborn but she had fallen for the stallion in the end.

I could not deny that Nightmare Moon being here was a large problem. Looking past my sister and I's issues with her. How would the rest of Equestria react. And worse that she was dating Dusk Shine. The press would have a field day. His reputation would be torn to shreds. These thoughts raced though my mind as I winced at my sisters expression. her glower only seeming to darken the more the two spoke.

But what could I do? I could not preach forgiveness and allow powerful entities like Discord a second and third chance. If I was not even willing to do the same for the alicorn before me. But why did it have to be her? Of all the villains why did it have to be the mare that was a reminder of my failure as both a ruler and a sister.

"Very well" I spoke up startling the pair as I felt Luna tense beside me.

"You get one chance. If she turns out to be untrustworthy, the blame will fall on you Dusk Shine." With that I turned ushering my sister out as the mare cried bloody murder. Internally my mind was screaming foul. But Dusk Shine was not a naive little colt any more. He had grown and proved himself time and time again. So why deep down did I feel so bitter?