Just Another Knight Mare
Hello there my loyal subjects, I bring you a story told to me at first, then written down on a blank book. My dearest sister, Luna, wrote this down a few years ago. I myself took part in writing this story, but a mere translation, was what I did. So if you're wondering why Luna doesn't seem to speak archaic language, it is because I have translated it to the modern way of speaking, the common language we have in Equestria we all know and love. Well? Read on everypony!
Everypony knows about the story of Nightmare Moon, well actually, my story. What everypony doesn't know, is what really happened on the moon.
A thousand years ago, the day I was banished to the moon, was one of the worst days of my life. I didn't mean to grow dark and evil. Something just took over me!
I wanted everypony to appreciate the moon, and how beautiful the night could be, not to keep the night forever and turn into a witch!
Sadly, it happened. I knew what was happening, I was turning into a monster. I tried fighting, but I couldn't fight the nightmare. It took after me and tried to destroy my sister. She doesn't realize though that my sister is powerful. Without noticing Tia uses the elements of harmony against me. So, after the bright light, that my sister's magic has brought upon me, I open my eyes and see myself, on the moon, alone on a barren surface.
Then I realized, I still couldn't move, I was still, Nightmare Moon.
I felt like a puppet, I could see, hear, and feel everything that she felt, but I wasn't in control. After looking around, the anger that was inside her just rushed out. It started with a groan, then a few insults to Tia and then shouting at inanimate objects. After that, she started screaming and throwing rocks with magic, then she started to use magic to bring ourselves back to Equestria. The Elements were powerful, so she couldn't do anything. We were basically the only pony on the moon.
She flew around and over rocks and craters. She stops at the edge of light on the surface of the moon. The border between the light and the other side. Yes, the plunging black void everypony calls, the dark of the moon. She was not afraid at all, with all her pride and her powerful,surging magic. But as she approached the other side, just one step on the line, just small tip of her hoof reaching it, our strength dropped. I myself, felt the strong pressure on me. The more we moved further, the more we've felt weaker and weaker. I wanted to stop, but curiosity, her pride, and of course, her adamant personality, kept her going. I felt more and more light-headed as she kept fighting her way through, and as soon as I knew it, we were on the floor on our knees. We were about a few meters from the border, but it felt so far away. Although I gave up and just waited for this to end, Nightmare kept shouting and using her magic, because she really wants to know the source of this power, and wants to use it for herself. Nothing was working, but she wouldn't quit the struggle. When I thought it was the end of me, I hear a voice in my mind, it whispered, "Get out.... ... Get out." with this cold, ghost-like tone. At first it scared me, but I didn't mind it, because after I heard it, the pressure on us, went away. Knowing Nightmare, she slowly stood up with that evil smirk on her face.
"Show yourself! I hear you, coward. You think I'm afraid of you? Not even a bit. You dare not show your face to me? Pathetic! I'm far more powerful than a coward like you! I will not leave. I will not go near that light." I remember her say all those words. I guess she heard him too. After that, a moment of silence in the vicinity. Then the voice speaks again, "Get away from her." but this time, a more serious, smooth voice. More pony like, but with echoes. Nightmare doesn't stand down and still pushes through, but there was a barrier blocking her way. She used all her magic to try and break it, but it wouldn't come through. As she tries to stand, even if she couldn't anymore, after being drained of energy on what happened when we were on the borderline, and after using all her magic, she was stopped once more. It was the mysterious pony's voice, talking to us once again, yet this time, he was shouting. With the fierce tone, he started to say the words he's been trying to get in that stubborn pony's head. In my shock, she did. She went out of the dark, but for one condition. After shouting, she made a condition that he would show himself to us if she stepped out.
.... He did.
As soon as she stepped out, we turn around and look back to the dark side. We start to feel something moving, slowly stepping out of the other side.
I was curious myself to know what he is, since he sounds like this monster, this stallion, this, creature.
I was shocked as the first glance of his face peering through the border, his eyes closed, chin up, black, short, messy mane flowing through his back, then his black chrome horn, mounted on his forehead, he looked intimidating.
But what shocked me more, was when he stepped out, he stretched out his wings, then he folds them back to place.
He was an alicorn, which is almost impossible, because it was only me and Tia who were alicorns.
What intimidated me more was that he was tall, he was a big alicorn, he was twice our size. I could tell, Nightmare was scared. She didn't show it, she was still holding her ground.
...He opened his eyes, looking down on us.. It was spine-chilling, after seeing his red colored eyes, and that serious, emotionless look...my heart stopped. I was never this afraid in my entire life.
He said once more, "Get out of her. Get out of her." She couldn't understand what he meant by that, so she just stood there staring at his blood red eyes. She tried to look at him with a fearless expression, but the amount of terror she felt in his voice and his eyes was far too much to handle. Her knees started to shake, but she tried so hard to hide it, that the mysterious pony in the shadows stepped closer. Slowly step by step, he stood right in front of us. Nightmare was frozen with fear, she couldn't do anything.
He lowered his neck and just stared at us, her face was so close to his that I could feel his icy cold breathe. The next thing I knew, he told her to leave again. She wouldn't listen, her horn disappeared, and so did her wings. Her mane lost it's power and her armor was gone. In one blink of an eye, he made them all fade away.
Nightmare was furious, but more afraid to fight back. As she tried to run, she couldn't move, something was preventing her to. She wanted to fight back, but all she said was the last words I heard on that day.
"W-what are you..?! W-what h-have you done to me!?" Instead of replying to her, he talked to me instead.
"Luna, try to close your eyes." he said to me softly.
I did, but it was useless, I wasn't control of my body.
As I was trying, he raised his head once more, and he closed his eyes.
A bright white light flashed from his horn and I whited out.
Next thing I knew, I wake up lying on the ground, still stuck on the moon. I look around and see that the alicorn was gone.
Then I realized.. I could move, I could jump, I can use my magic. I flew around with all the joy in my heart. I felt strong and recharged. Then I land and lay on the ground. I look in front, and I see the world. It was a beautiful sight to see...
I sat down and come to realize again that I was still alone. I wanted to look for that pony but he's probably gone by now. I still look around realizing that there's nothin todo
I had nothing to do there but think about him. I was just so curious. While thinking I came to realize, and remember what he said, as I sat there by myself. I remembered how he called be by my name. Well he could've read my mind, because he did talk to me in my head, but it felt like...he knew me...and it felt like...I knew him...for a long time... I wanted to ask him so much things. So I tried calling him through my mind.
"Dark alicorn...sir... a-are you there? C-Can you hear me?"
It made me nervous... calling out to a stranger. I waited for a moment but nothing replied.
I gave up and just got up and roamed around, but then I had an idea. "If he won't go to me. I'll go to him!" I just wanted someone to talk to...so it seemed like a good idea, right? Well when I got to the border, I called out "Dark Alicorn" again, but nothing happened. I blew a hair strand up with disappointment. I know it wasn't a dream. I know he saved me from Nightmare Moon. I was so willing to take the risk of waiting for someone, so that I won't be so alone anymore. So I sat there and waited for him.
After a while, lying there watching the stars, my stomach started to grumble...it was embarrassing. Luckily no one was there...
...well that's what I thought.
"Good morning princess, would you care for some breakfast?" out of nowhere somepony asked me with a smooth, soothing voice. I recognized that voice. I look back as he approached me from the border. It wasn't that same alicorn I've seen, he was, my size. I knew it was him though, the way he looked me with those eyes, and that voice, was the same as the day before. His eyes were deep ocean blue, mixed with shallow water green, they were mesmerizing. His mane was black chrome and glistened in the sunlight. But what got me more curious about him is that, he still had no cutie mark.
"Breakfast..? H-how do I eat breakfast.. on the moon..?" I embarrassedly replied.
His face was serious and sat down beside me. I wasn't afraid, like the first time. This time, I felt safe. Like no one could hurt me, like he was my guardian.
"No need to be shy, princess. Also, don't worry, there will be food."
"B-but h-how?"
"Magic."
I looked at him with a puzzling look, as he was talking, but his eyes are like the deep ocean.. it's really just so hypnotizing and so calming...
"Is something bothering you, Princess Luna?"
he said, while still looking so serious. I guess he noticed me staring in his eyes, and that the fact that I still haven't answered his question.
"Oh u-um nothing at all. Erm, well what do you have?" I've never been this shy.
"I have all that you could ever want, you'e food selection could be from anywhere all over Equestria."
I had a craving for cake. Like those big celebration cakes.
"Cake it is. Close your eyes for a moment, I'll give it to you in an instant."
I closed my eyes and waited for something to happen.
Everything was still.
Then I hear his soft voice, "Open your eyes." he said.
Then there it was, a three layered cake, dressed in white, with cyan icing beautifully designed, placed on a black foldable table. There sitting on top was a small chocolate pyramid. There he was, standing beside it. After admiring the cake for a while, I realized, how'd he know I wanted cake? When I was about to ask him, he interrupted me.
"All for you, princess, enjoy.
Oh, and forgive me for reading your thoughts, I know you're really hungry. So I thought of quickening up your decision. I vow not to do it once again." He doesn't smile. He doesn't change his facial expressions, but his tone is very filled with emotion.
As we sat down and ate, I started asking him questions in my mind.
"Erm, sir wha-"
"Oh where are my manners, forgive me, my name is Ocean Eyes. Please, call me Shades. If you wish."
I bet he read my mind that time.
Even though I knew he's the same alicorn, I still asked him anyways. Just to make sure.
"Ah..sir Ocean Eyes, do you know anypony else here on the moon? Like, another alicorn?"
"Yes, I do. That was me. I tried to scare Nightmare Moon. It worked anyways. I don't need to put that costume in front of you, princess."
"Please, you can call me Luna.
So, that was your power that held us down? And took away her magic?"
"Yes, yes, and as you wish, Lulu."
See, I bet he read my mind again. Only Tia calls me Lulu.
"How'd you kn- never mind, that's not important. So.. um.. I just want to ask what magic did you use? A-against Nightmare Moon? Your power felt different, and your aura didn't seem to be magic."
He didn't look like he wanted to talk about it.. I watched him lower his head and look to the other direction
"You really are quite curious, aren't you? Well, excuse me, I have matters to attend to, I hope you find your meal quite delightful." After that he stood up and said,
"I'm sorry, goodbye Luna. We'll meet once again." Before he could go away, I grabbed his left forehoof. Out of pure instinct. I didn't know why I did it, but when I did, he looked at me with a shocked look in his eyes, then he started blushing. I had to make an excuse. I just had to.
"P-please stay with me, I can't finish this cake alone..."
I was so embarrassed. It was a good excuse anyways. He laid down once more and ate the cake with me, but back to that serious face of his.
So since the last question almost made him uncomfortable , I had to ask him another question.
"So um. Where's your cutie mark?"
"I have none, sadly."
"Oh... I see.. Don't you have any talents? You're good with magic."
"Not as powerful as you, princess."
"Can you...Fly fast? Kick rocks? Spit meteors?"
"None of the above." He looked really depressed. I want to ask what's wrong but he probably wouldn't tell me.
"I have finished the meal, have a good day, princess. Farewell."
He stood up and disappeared, without a trace. The table was gone and the cake was finished.
Two months have passed since that day, and I've been getting free food, but no one ate it with me. In those days I just started watching the stars, the planets, and just had millions of thoughts to keep me occupied.
Once in awhile, I get stacks of books to keep me entertained. Sometimes I even use magic to make more craters on the moon by blowing up the ground when I have nothing else to do.
During the last night of the second month, he sent me gifts again, he gave me a small,purple ad what ge called a "camping tent" I could stay in, and some new books too. A few hours after that, it was probably night. As I was reading one of his books, I see silhouette knocking on the tent. Of course, it's Shades. Who else could it be? I unzip the tent, but I looked outside, no one was there.
Then I looked to the left, and there was this birthday cake, other food, a table, wrapped gifts, blue balloons, and two chairs. I approach the table, and see a little note card, saying "Happy Birthday!" I forgot, it was my birthday. I opened my gifts and got tons of empty books, and boxes of ink bottles. He gave me some quills and scrolls too. What stood out from his presents was this contraption, powered by lightning. It had a glass screen that showed moving images when I touch a button. I realized it was a game as the image started moving, and I received more points, as it said on the screen.
This was all from him. All of it.
I put all my gifts in another tent, not my small camping tent, a bigger one, it's white and as big as an average tree. I called it my storage tent.
I go back to eat, but I found a small gift. I probably didn't see it the first time, with the pile of gifts and all.
I unwrap it and I find a small picture album. I lie on the floor and open it. It was filled pictures of my parents, my sister, my house, my foalhood. There were pictures of my first birthday, my first spell, my first picnic, and that time I spilled juice on Tia's mane. Also those times when our family would just rest on a plain, and watch the sky. I couldn't help but cry. All of my filly hood, and my other joyful memories, all in one small book. I missed those days. They made me to who I am today.
"I should have never been jealous of my sister, or none of this would have happened. " I thought. I flipped through the pages, and watched my tears drop on some of the pictures. I stopped on the page with one picture. The picture filled the page. It was our family picture. My mother, my father, Tia, and me, sitting together. It was the night of the falling stars. We were huddled together because of the chilly wind. It was the end of winter. That night was the happiest night of my life. I was running around playing with Tia, then our parents started to join in. They started laughing and telling stories. Stories that made me believe in the power of harmony. Stories about their adventures when they were young, and when they first met. I never could've asked for a better night.
Well, the next thing I knew, the page was filled with teardrop marks. I tried to stop crying, but the memory was far too evocative. As more tears stream down on my face, I see a hoof, reaching out to me. After two months, he finally showed up. At first I stood up and wanted to smack him, but when I stood up, he just grabbed me, and held me in his arms. I fell to my knees, my forehooves were touching the ground. I was in shock. I stopped crying for that moment.
"I'm sorry. For everything. No princess deserves to be this sad on her birthday. Let it out. Let it all out." He whispered in my ear. He pressed me against his chest. He felt warm and comforting. His heartbeat slowly calmed me down. When I thought nothing else would soothe me, he started to sing to me. I remembered every word of it.
"Can you hear my heartbeat whispering?
I know you're awake and listening.
Listen to it close, my dear,
and let all sadness disappear.
Cry it all out, weep to me,
So you can smile again, happily.
I'll be here by your side, don't worry.
Just let it all out, no need to hurry.
Princess Luna, you must not cry,
Cry again, and I swear I'll die.
I'll make you laugh, I'll make you smile,
Even if it's just for a while.
I'd rather see you smile than me, cause' when you do, it shows your beauty,
I lie awake, every night, hoping that you'd be alright.
So listen to me plead, listen to me cry. Just listen to me once, then you can say goodbye."
After I listen to his smooth and relaxing voice, I gently pushed him away from me, and I looked at his eyes. He was staring at me, seriously, but not angrily. So I smiled and stretched out my hooves, and I hugged him back. I started to cry a little, but I just snuggled in his arms and stopped. I listen to his heartbeat again, and it went faster. I tighten my hug and his body was starting to get warmer. I looked up and I see him blushing. He looked back at me and said, "Let's eat." I knew he may not be smiling in the outside, but I was pretty sure he's smiling on the inside.
We sat down and started eating. I wiped away the tears in my eyes and ate. After a few hours, we just finished the food and started chatting.
"You showed up. I thought I'd never see you again." I said with a smirk.
"I've been busy preparing for this day. Yet, I didn't expect that I'd make you cry. I'm sorry."
"You did nothing wrong. I would actually like to thank you. As much as it hurts me to remember the day my parents died, I have learned to move on. It took a few decades, but it's nice to remember those days."
"It was my fault that all of this happened to you. Forgive me."
I looked at him. He was disappointed. I didn't really understand how it was his fault my parents died, and how I became Nightmare Moon. So I asked.
"What do you mean?"
"....
It was I who took away your parents. It was I who turned you into Nightmare Moon."
I couldn't believe what he was saying. I was just staing at him, puzzled.
"W-what..?"
"During their last night, they went out on a stroll, I see them in the park admiring the environment.
...I was flying over them.
...I spot them startled.
...They knew I was watching them.
...Before they could make a move, my wings hardened to steel, feathers into knives, and in a blink, I swoop down and stab them in the heart.
...
I watched them scream in agony and pain.
...They stared into my eyes with their tears streaming down.
I suck out their souls and then ran into the shadows.
...Their bodies turned into light, and faded away."
I was speechless. I stopped him from saying more. That was all I needed to hear. I didn't need to hear the rest of his stories.
I have never been so frustrated.
... I slapped him.
... I felt like I couldn't even cry anymore. My eyes were holding back the tears, so I just got up, went back to my tent, and locked myself in. I realized crying was useless, so I just lied down and moped. I didn't want to believe what he said, but the look in his eyes, shows so much seriousness and honesty. I just kept arguing with myself; throwing arguments and questions in my mind.
"... I know he would never do that. I know he's kind and caring, even if with that serious face of his. I mean, how could he?
...He's made me smile, but why make me cry again?
...Why did he tell me? After all the things he's done?
...Does he want me to hate him?
...I know he has the power to, but he has a heart that won't let him do it."
It was painful as much as it was confusing.
There were just so much thoughts that kept me guessing. I just thought too much that I got so tired and fell asleep.
After awhile, I open my eyes, and see myself, back in Equestria. Back in our old home. Back on my bed. I get up and walk out my room and look around. My parents were strolling in the hallways. Smiling.
... I didn't run to their arms. It took me decades to get over their death, nothing will make me believe this is real.
...I knew it was a dream.
...I had to force myself to wake up.
The light in the hall started to brighten, slowly blinding me, seeing nothing but their silhouettes until the light completely turns to white.
I open my eyes again staring at the purple screen walls with heavy eyes, I knew, I was back to reality. I woke up with an awkward feeling, though. I felt warm and cozy. There was a blanket on me, but I don't remember tucking myself in. Then I felt like, something was squirming beside me. I look to my right and I see a black pony sleeping beside me. I don't know why but, my wings just suddenly popped out of the bedsheets. It smacked him and woke him up. He looked back at me with a hungover look. I just stared at him and struck him with my wing again. He didn't react, so I smacked him... again. He got up and unzipped the tent. He walked out and he looked back at me. I just glared at him and threw a book. I folded my wings back as I go out.
"What? What do you want? Did you come here to kill me now too?
I don't even want to ask anymore. Here, just eat my soul and get over with it."
My eyes were filled with rage and sorrow as I watched him approach me. I hold it back but as he draws close, I pushed him back and I couldn't help but start to tear up.
"You say these things as if they're real, as if you want to hurt me. If what you say is real, why are you here? Aren't you supposed to leave and sulk in the dark side? You think I'll just, run into your arms and expect me to forgive you?"
He stared into my eyes. He didn't say a thing. That really got me agitated.
"What? Are you just going to stand there?! You can go away now!" I shouted.
"I am unable to leave, for you have something on your mind."
"No. I don't. J-Just go away! Can't you just get away from me?!"
"You're a horrible liar, princess."
"Stop it! Stop acting so serious and cold! You think you know me but you don't! What makes you so special? Nothing! You've already caused me enough pain, why can't you just leave me alone already? You did it once, you can do it again! You left me and Tia alone. You turned me into a monster. What more can you do?" He gives me a blank stare, not even a small essence of disappointment in his eyes.
"Why don't you just kill me to get on with it? You wouldn't know the feeling of losing somepony. The feeling of being alone. You wouldn't even care if I died, would you?
...You're just a heartless demon."
"I killed them because I needed to. Not because I wanted to."
"Oh right sure, that's supposed to make me feel better."
"I've read you're stories, Luna.
Especially about that foal, lonely in the night, wandering in the forest, looking for someone to at least, talk to. No family, no home, no possessions, merely a lonely pony.
It represents you? Doesn't it?
...
...You're not the only lonely pony, Lulu."
He stared into my eyes with a sharp look and slowly approached me.
"...I said these things to you because I know you need to know. It's the truth and it's inevitable. It will be said sooner or later, but I might as well tell you now, while we're stuck on the moon, alone. I didn't say this to hurt you." he stopped a few feet away from me. I watched him approach me. Then I smacked him, the second he went near my face.
"Why dammit, why? Needing to kill someone? What kind of an excuse is that? That's just pathetic. Go away already!
...W-Why can't you just leave?
Please.
Please just leave me alone."
I stood there, shaking with anger.
Silence brewed.
Nothing happened, just a blank stare between us.
He closed his eyes, and looked at me, as if he's determined to change my mind.
"I saved you're parents. They're out there, in the stars, balancing the universe. It may have been painful for them to be in this situation, but it was the only way. If they stayed longer, Discord may have taken their powers, and give them endless torture. Would you want that? They had no idea about the Elements of Harmony. Only you and your sister did.
They had no chance against that psychotic beast. If I didn't kill them, Equestria would still be in chaos until today.
I myself could have defeated Discord, but his mind was too much for me to handle. He feared me. He couldn't stand me. I gave chills down his awkward looking spine, but as soon as I step in his mind, I lose my sanity.
Do you understand now Luna? It was up to both of you, to defeat Discord, and it was up to your parents to balance the universe."
I was holding back my tears, I stared into his eyes, I didn't know what to say.
All I thought of was, that all of it was just a stupid excuse.
It was a lie. I knew it was a lie. He had no proof. All of it was stupid.
Every single word of it.
Then I realized, he was telling the truth. I overheard my parents one night, saying that they have to leave with us, and live amongst the stars, but we couldn't leave because apparently, Equestria needed me and Tia.
Before I could say anything, he spoke again.
"Both of you thought Discord captured your parents right? That's how the spark in both of you bring out the Elements of Harmony."
I just looked away. It was true. We both thought Discord did it. That's how we found the Elements of Harmony.
"You remember me, don't you? I was one of the Royal Canterlot Knights. I know you remember me."
As a matter of fact, I kinda did. He looked really familiar when I imagined putting silver armor on him.
Then it hit me, I do remember him. He was the right hoof of my sister, during the Chaotic Reform Era. I barely saw him, but when I did, he was usually squiring my sister.
He helped fix the damage left by Discord and helped put back up the cities and towns. He led the RCK too, fighting off rebels and coup d'état plans. Although, one day, after all the reforms were finished, he disappeared. He was never found again. By that time, I didn't help my sister that much, I was just raising the night, day after day. Tia didn't let me out of the castle much though, after moving into Canterlot. She said it was far too dangerous.
He continued with a small amount of joy in his words.
"You do. I knew you would. I'm glad that you remember me, princess."
He paused. The expression on his face changed, became more depressing than his usual look.
"Anyways. Going back to the matter at hand, I was one of the knights who helped Celestia. I was also the one who told her about your parent's death.
...
She didn't want to tell you yet.
You were far too young to understand.
I explained to her what happened. Why it happened. What's supposed to happen next. She forgave me for what I've done, and let go of her anger.
I just hope you would understand too."
I understood. Not the part where he said my parents were part of the stars, but his explanation.
I just walked back
in shame back to my tent, speechless, sniveling, not even looking at him.
I just lied down on the bed and closed my eyes. I didn't even bother to close the tent flap. I just left it open.
I instantly fell asleep, as soon as I felt the cold touch of my pillow.
