Returning thoughtsby darkflameChaptersChapter one ~ nightmare returnsChapter two ~ The first of manyChapter three ~ Pinkies demiseChapter four ~ Loyalty fallsChapter five ~ ComplicationsChapter six ~ The truth hurts.Chapter one ~ nightmare returnsPrincess Luna gazed around at the kingdom that was Equestria. She was on the balcony that connected from her room high up in the castle and it was a clear and beautiful night. Luna gazed at towns, a few lights glimmering far off in the distance, but the darkness weighing heavily over all of Equestria and Luna continued her routine watch over the night. Celestia had forgiven Luna for her betrayal and attempt to shroud the world in darkness, but Luna was unsure of whether she had forgiven Celestia yet. One thousand years she had sat up on the moon, plotting her revenge, and she was defeated by twilight sparkle and the rest of the elements of harmony before she had a chance to even explain herself. Twilight had shown her kindness and how to interact with the ponies, but they still did not like her as much as Celestia. Twilight wrote Celestia stories of her life and lessons every day, but did anypony mention her or write to her? No, I must stop thinking like this Luna thought to herself as she continued to keep vigilance over all of Equestria. She shook her mane and flew off to make sure nothing went wrong in the further reaches of the land. In the morning Luna passed her duties off to Celestia and jumped into her bed, and tried to get some sleep. No matter how hard she tried she could not sleep. Her mind kept returning to thoughts of eternal night and being the Sole Queen of all of Equestria. NO. She reminded herself I am happy as I am now. What of your powers? Another thought cut in. What of your control over the moon and the way ponies treat you. Luna turned over and slammed one of her pillows onto the top of her head. She sat up and stared around her room. Her room was painted like a night sky to match her mane at night, but there was magic infused within the walls to give the walls the aspect of twinkling stars and shifting clouds. Even staring at this masterpiece could not calm her mind as she thought back to her years on the moon and how much more people enjoyed the day. When night fell and Celestia came back to switch with Luna, Luna had still not slept. Her hair had strands sticking up out of it and she didn't pay much attention as she walked out to her balcony and started her watch. As usual there was no ponies awake and nobody out to talk to. As she circled the night air above the castle her thoughts once again wandered back to her imprisonment. Your sister, Your own FLESH and BLOOD left you to ROT for a thousand years and you are just going to take that? Shut up me. Try as hard as she might, she was unable to keep these thoughts from floating back to her. The changeling Queen, Chrysalis, as she was called triumphed over her sister. So who's to say she couldn't beat her as well? Even if I was to betray her the elements of harmony could still defeat me. Then I guess you better deal with them first. Get rid of the elements? Celestia's greatest weapon? It could work. There is absolutely nothing to get in the way as long as the elements were useless. She had underestimated their power twice now, but not again. Luna spent the rest of the night contemplating ways to secretly dispose of the elements while not alerting any of the others of what she was doing till it was too late. She caught herself as she switched guard duty with Celestia. What am I thinking? Life is good, there is no reason to overthrow my dear sister. Except for maybe what she did to you. Would you have banished her for a thousand years then not inform you of all the changes? Her evil nightmare told her reminding her of nightmare night when the ponies ran and no pony had used the royal Canterlot voice in centuries. What would you have me do? She questioned the voice, Kill them all and go to the dungeon? No, kill them secretively. Make excuses to where they have gone and when the time is right...Strike at HER Luna pondered this. The one and only ruler? Loved by her subjects whether they wanted to love her or not? A smile grew across Luna's face. Not one of happiness, but one of terrifying glee and hatred. Luna smiled to herself as she lay in her room debating the possibilities. I would be Queen. Unchallenged by all and sole ruler of Equestria. Maybe I would move into the lands beyond Equestria and attempt to conquer the world! She thought to herself as she squirmed and giggled her her bed. Don't get too ahead of yourself. The voiced warned. Weening its way back into her thoughts. First we must defeat the elements. And how should I do that? Luna questioned the evil within. Why the only way that would make sure they never trouble you again. Kill them? But won't I go to the dungeon? Not if you hide your tracks well, and say that they are on vacation or make up some other excuse make sure nopony suspects you. That just might work. Luna turned over and turned off her light as she drifted into a dream about slaughtering and butchering all who stood in her way. When Celestia and Luna switched places at dusk Luna looked a lot better, she was calm focused and looked over joyed. "Goodnight sister dearest." Luna said and bowed her head a little as she passed. "And a good night to you too Sister." Celestia smiled back, completely oblivious to the hatred and demonic glee growing inside Luna. Who should I take out first? Luna wondered. There was that Rainbow one... Rainbow Dash I Believe her name was. Why not started with the ringleader herself, Twilight? No, that would be too obvious if the letters stopped coming. I think I will start with the Pink one. The one who caused me so much trouble on Nightmare Night Luna smiled her devilish smile as she flew off towards ponyville, and towards the first of her victims. Chapter two ~ The first of manyThe night air was cool and the wind blew towards her target, speeding her progress as she stared down at the town of the elements of harmony. Ponyville was dark and quiet with all the little filly's tucked into their beds and their parents going to bed themselves. Luna flew down towards Sugar cube corner and flared out her wings to slow her decent and land carefully and quietly on the grass and started trotting towards the door. Luna tried to open the door, but the Cakes must have locked up the shop for the night. Luna bent her head down and her horn flared blue as she cast her spell to unlock the door. Luna heard the lock slid up and click and she slowly pushed the door open. The inside of the shop was dark and filled with cakes and baked goods the cakes had left over from the day. Luna slowly crept up the stairs, wincing at every creak of the floor boards. As she reached the top of the stairs she looked down the long dark hallway and tried to see which one might be Pinkies. There were no markings on the doors that would hint at who was inside them, so Luna opened the first door in the hallway and peered inside. Luna's head poked through the door and she saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake sleeping in the bed, They were sleeping peacefully and were cuddling each other as they slept. Completely unaware of what was about to happen to their beloved Pinkie. Luna smiled at the thought of finally taking down one of the elements. They have probably grown cocky and arrogant in their wins against herself and Discord in the past, but never would they suspect that somepony would target them first. The cakes would be suspicious if Pinkie suddenly went missing Luna thought and quickly went back downstairs. She grabbed a Pen and paper from downstairs and wrote up a quick note from Pinkie to them informing them that she had gone on a trip to learn baking trades from all over the world. Luna then closed the door and made her way over to the next closest door. The door opened with a creak and the second Luna caught a glimpse of the inside of the room she knew it had to be Pinkies. She pushed the door open further to see Pinkie sleeping on the bed. There was confetti all over the floor and the walls were a bright pink color, much like Pinkies own color. Her closet was open revealing her huge party cannon and her welcome cart. Luna slowly tiptoed her way into Pinkies room until she was standing right over top of the pink party pony. Should I go through with this? Luna thought to herself, This is your last chance to back out. She gazed down at the pink pony and remembered Nightmare Night. Pinkie had drove away every friend she made multiple times, before she finally settled on being a friendly monster to give the kids a good scare every once in a while. With her out of the way, you would be able to make as many friends as you please and stop this boogeyman nonsense. Luna thought about it for a moment before casting a sleeping spell on the already sleeping pony to make sure she didn't wake up before Luna got her somewhere that she could have a little fun. Luna lifted Pinkie up using magic and quietly snuck out of the Cakes house and started flying away from Ponyville. Pinkie Pie slowly opened her eyes to find herself in an old warehouse looking building that was probably shut down years ago, strapped down to an operating table staring at the ceiling. Pinkie squirmed as much as she could while restrained and called for anypony to come help her. There was no answer and so Pinkie sat there as the hours ticked away until finally she could hear somepony walking up next to her. Pinkie smiled and called out to them "Can you help me out of this crazy contraption?" Pinkie heard a laugh from the person, a deep, but feminine chuckle that held an air of wicked intent. "Oh, but why would I let you out party pony? I was the one that strapped you in all nice and comfortably." Pinkie tried to crane her neck to see who it was, but she couldn't seem to look up far enough to see who it was. "Show your face you coward!" Pinkie yelled defiantly at the figure standing a ways back from the table. "Gladly." She responded as she drifted over to the table and started giggling. Pinkie gasped when she saw who it was. "LUNA?!" The figure smirked and leaned closer to her. "I am Luna no longer. You shall refer to me by my previous name. Nightmare moon!" Pinkie noticed that Luna had indeed transformed back into her dark and twisted form. "Why did you drag me out here?" Pinkie questioned her fears rising. "Why, to gobble you up of course!" Nightmare responded throwing her head up and laughing. "Come on pink one. I thought you LOVED laughing!" Pinkie Glared defiantly as Nightmare calmed down and walked away from the table. Pinkie thought for a moment she had left her alone to starve when all of the sudden the operating table tilted up and Pink was face to face with Nightmares dark, black eyes. Nightmare moon started laughing as she grabbed a surgical knife off the table she had wheeled over and held it up to Pinkies face. "Jeez Pinkie. I didn't think anypony could take away your smile THAT easily." Nightmare laughed as she danced the blade in front of Pinkies eyes. "Perhaps I should carve your smile into your corpse to make sure your laughter and 'fun' never ends!" Nightmare suggested as she shoved the knife into Pinkies mouth and ran it around the inside of her mouth. Pinkie looked up at nightmare pleadingly as she pulled the knife out of Pinkies mouth and grabbed a meat cleaver from off the able and turned back towards Pinkie. "Time to have some FUN!" Nightmare laughed with an evil glint in her eyes. Chapter three ~ Pinkies demise~A warning here and now. This is when things start getting messed up. this entire chapter will be very dark and if you don't want to see grimdark, please just overlook this chapter and do not read this. This is where all the gore and death shows up.~ Nightmare raised the meat cleaver high into the air and brought it down on pinkies front left hoof tearing through most of the skin and bone, but not all. Pinkie screamed out in pain as blood spurted from the wound. Nightmare once again brought the cleaver up and cut off Pinkies hoof completely. Blood squirted out and splattered the floor as nightmare laughed and moved to the other side of Pinkie. Pinkie looked up into Nightmares eyes pleadingly and begged "Please let me go Luna, I won't tell anypony. I'll keep this a secret if you would only let me go!" Nightmare moon smirked and replied "Luna isn't here anymore." And then she brought the cleaver down on pinkies right hoof. Pinkie screamed and cried, pleading. As Luna sliced at it two more times, and on the third slice completely cutting it off. Luna picked up the hooves and clacked them together and then threw them into the darkness behind her. "You won't need those anymore." She giggled as she put the meat cleaver down. "Let's try something, a bit more delicate." Nightmare picked up the scalpel and walked back over to Pinkie. "Why the long face?" Nightmare asked as she ran the scalpel up Pinkies stomach leaving a red line behind in its wake. Nightmare stared into Pinkies eyes as she whimpered and looked back pleadingly. Nightmare took a step back, so she was at Pinkies stomach, and dug the knife into her chest. The knife didn't go deep enough to kill Pinkie, but that was not Nightmares intent. Nightmare carved a line into Pinkies chest, and another on the opposite side. She then carved a huge crescent shaped cut into Pinkies stomach and took a step back. Nightmare had carved a huge smiley face onto Pinkies chest and stomach causing her to bleed profusely from the wounds. Nightmare started to laugh, and realized just how much fun she was having with this, but she could see Pinkie fading fast and knew if she didn't do something to keep her awake Pinkie may not be awake to see the finale. Nightmare walked over to the table and grabbed a syringe. "This should keep you going my dear." she chuckled as she stabbed the syringe into Pinkies arm. Adrenaline pumped through Pinkie as Nightmare emptied the syringes contents into Pinkies blood stream. Pinkies heart started pumping faster, which increased the blood leaving her body, but it would keep her awake long enough for Nightmare to finish her job. Nightmare pulled out the syringe and put it back down on the table as she drifted her hoof against the contents spread across it, mostly knives and other forms of torture, she spotted something that caught her interest. Nightmare turned back towards Pinkie, this time holding a hack saw. Nightmare walked up to pinkies back legs and started sawing them off near the hip. Pinkie screamed as the hacksaw broke flesh and blood started pooling on the operation table. Nightmare slowly cut through her left leg, and then after she had cut through the bone she grabbed a hold of Pinkies hoof and pulled with all her might, tearing Pinkies leg off. Pinkie screamed and her eyes rolled up into her head as the blood pooled out of her leg and dripped onto the floor. "Almost done Pinkie!" Nightmare said cheerfully as she put the hacksaw down and grabbed the meat cleaver yet again. Nightmare approached Pinkie with the meat cleaver, the poor party pony could barely stay conscious. Night sighed at the fact that this would soon be over, and she would have to go back to pretending to love and care about all the ponies in the land. Nightmare stood by Pinkies head and raised the meat cleaver high over her head and slammed it down on Pinkies neck. Silencing the pink pony forever and beheading her. Pinkies head rolled off the table and Nightmare picked it up looking at it. "You always were one to make others smile." she laughed as she threw the head backwards and then bucked it as hard as she could with her hind legs indenting the skull and sending it flying across the room. Nightmare cleaned off her knives and other utensils on Pinkies corpse. Nightmare looked the dead body over and saw she was no longer pink, but her entire coat had been covered in so much blood she was now a deep red color. Nightmare laughed and packed up her things and flew back to the castle. Day time was coming, and she had to be prepared to trade places with her sister. Nightmare moon changed back into her Luna form and disposed of her tools, hiding them in a cave far inside the evergreen forest. Luna then rushed back to the castle while she could see the sun rising in the distance. She made it back to her post just in time for just as she landed and started walking towards the door Celestia walked outside. "Good morning sister." Celestia greeted moving to take her place. "A good morning indeed!" Luna replied as she walked past her sister and went into her room. Luna couldn't seem to calm down from the adrenaline rush she was having from killing Pinkie. What am I becoming? she thought to herself as she realized what she had done. You are becoming everything you need to be to take what is yours. Luna blocked out her empathy and saw the truth in the voices words as she climbed into bed and drifted off to sleep. Chapter four ~ Loyalty fallsLuna was dreaming of her time with Pinkie when she was suddenly awoken by her sister, Celestia. "It is your turn yet again sister." Celestia explained, before sighing wearily and slowly making her way towards the door. "What is wrong 'Tia?" Luna asked. "It's Pinkie," Celestia explained, "apparently she went abroad to learn how to bake better, but nopony has seen her all day and I spent the entire day flying across Equestria trying to help twilight find her." Luna gasped "Oh dear, perhaps I shall try to find her tonight." "I wish you luck dear sister." Celestia finished before leaving the room to go collapse into her own bed. Luna giggled inside of herself as she bounced her way to the balcony and with a huge leap took off into the night. Luna knew that she would have to keep acting fast if she didn't want anypony to discover Pinkie, so she decided to take her next victim tonight. Luna thought through the rest of the elements of harmony. There was Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and finally...Rainbow Dash! The second Luna remembered the rainbow maned pony she knew that was her next target. Luna deviated a little from her path and flew towards the clouds above Ponyville to find Rainbow Dash. Luna did a quick check over the clouds until she saw a house floating in the sky. The house looked so grand and superior to the houses all the other ponies were living in Luna knew it had to be the home of the arrogant and egotistical Rainbow Dash. Luna landed on a cloud near Rainbow dashes house and thought about how she should approach her victim. She knew if Rainbow awoke that she would never be able to catch her, so she would have to surprise her. Luna beat her wings and took off again and started using magic and her wing power to push Rainbows cloud house away from Ponyville. After about an hour of pushing Luna thought she was far enough away nopony would here her screams and she entered the house. Rainbow Dash was sleeping soundly in her bed, posters of the Wonderbolts were hung up all over her room and she also had some trophies from competitions she had entered. Luna slowly crept through her room until she was standing over her bed looking at Rainbow Dashes sleeping face. Luna took out the meat cleaver she had used on Pinkie and raised it high above her head and aimed for Rainbow Dashes left wing. She brought it down in a swift arc and completely severed the wing from Rainbow with a sickening crunch, then the squirt of blood and Rainbows scream of pain as she sat upright and stared at her former wing. Rainbow looked back to Luna in surprise as she just sat there, not moving or saying a word, completely in shock of the fact that she would never be able to fly again. Luna knocked Rainbow dash back down on her bed and transformed into Nightmare Moon. "Keep quiet or I'll carve your tongue out of your mouth. Nightmare hissed as she dropped the cleaver behind her and pulled out the surgical knife. Rainbow Dash instantly knew what was coming and would not give up without a fight. She brought back her hoof and tried the ram it into Nightmares face, only to be stopped by Nightmare swiftly bringing the knife up to intercept her jab causing Rainbow to slam her hoof into the knife, cracking the hoof and lodging the knife almost entirely into Rainbows leg. Rainbow howled in pain and brought up her hind legs and kicked Nightmare off of her sending her flying into the wall. Rainbow rolled onto her belly and tried to stand up, but with the knife in her hoof and one of her wings cut off there was no way she was going anywhere fast. Nightmare Moon slowly stood up and shook her head, trying to walk off Rainbows kick. Rainbow dash slowly dragged herself through her bedroom door and got to the stairs before she was hit from behind with a blunt object. The room was fuzzy and unfocused as Rainbow Dash picked herself up. The blow had knocked her forward sending her tumbling down the stairs. Nightmare Moon was at the top of the stairs holding Rainbows severed wing, which she had just clubbed her over the head with. Rainbow Dash glared defiantly at Nightmare Moon, not saying a word as she started to slowly back up and Nightmare came inching closer and closer. Rainbow Dash knew she couldn't run away, she wouldn't be able to fly down, but perhaps she could yell loud enough for somepony to hear. Nightmare moon walked down the stares at a steady pace as Rainbow Dash dragged herself to her front door. Rainbow Dash was just nearing the front door as Nightmare got to the bottom of the stairs and started walking towards her. Opening the door took a second or two and Nightmare was right behind her as Rainbow Dash collapsed through the door and yelled as loud as she could. She looked up to find that she was nowhere near Ponyville. Nightmare smiled gleefully as she watched all the hope drain out of Rainbow Dash as Nightmare bent down and pulled out a second surgical blade. "I told you not to make a sound." She laughed and pulled on Rainbows hair causing her to open her mouth to yell in pain. The second her mouth was open Nightmare jabbed the knife into it and stabbed and sliced it around until blood was pouring out of her mouth. Nightmare Moon then pulled the knife out and saw Rainbow dash spit out a large hunk of her tongue and other bits of her mouth, including some teeth. Nightmare moon laughed as she stepped on the back of Rainbow Dashes wing and pulled up, causing the bones to break and poke out through the skin, making Rainbow lose even more blood. Rainbows vision slowly faded as Nightmare Moon walked away, giving her a moment by herself. Rainbow Dash had never felt pain like this before, and knew she would die. All of her hopes and dreams of joining the Wonderbolts, becoming famous, and being the best flyer in Equestria seemed to all go out at once. There were only regrets in Rainbows head as Nightmare walked back to her with the meat cleaver in hoof and brought it down on Rainbows neck. Nightmare Moon laughed as the blood pooled all over the cloud, turning it blood red and making it appear as if the cloud was raining blood. Nightmare moon kicked the cloud hard, so it disappeared and watched Rainbows corpse, head and all, tumble into the darkness below. Chapter five ~ ComplicationsNightmare Moon transformed back into her Luna self and took off flying back towards the castle. As she arrived the sun was just starting to rise and so she went to wake up Princess Celestia. Luna walked into her sisters room to see her sleeping peacefully. Luna slowly made her way over to Celestia and stared at her in her sleep, slowly pulling the surgical knife out and was about to slit her throat when she thought about it. If she took out the Elements first, she would be able to have fun with her sister, not just a quietly slit throat in the morning. Luna put the knife away and then woke Celestia up and told her it was her time to guard the land. Celestia nodded before asking "Any news of Pinkie?" Luna shook her head and responded "Unfortunately not." in a somber tone. Celestia looked down at the ground with a sad pitiful look in her eyes before walking out of the room to see what royal duties needed to be attended to. Luna walked back to her room and laid down in her bed gazing at the stars on the ceiling and walls. She knew by now they would notice Rainbow Dashes disappearance and would probably be looking for her. I could forget I ever even thought of this plan and act like nothing is my fault when they find the bodies Luna thought to herself. Or you could continue taking them out. These clueless foals will never even have time to react. But what about the few of them who were kind to me? None of them were ever kind to you. Fluttershy was forced into helping you speak, Applejack was told to make people like you, Rarity has never even spoken to you, and Twilight? Twilight will do anything her precious princess tell her to do. Luna thought about what the voice had said. Its logic was flawless and its reasoning was solid, but something felt off to Luna. Where did the voice come from? Why did it want her to become the ruler? Was it just her inner wants? Or something much more devious.Luna cast these thoughts aside and went to sleep, the sun rising over all of Equestria and the elements discovering yet another missing friend. Fluttershy flew through the town as fast as possible going straight for the library where Twilight slept. Fluttershy landed outside of Twilight's house and knocked on the door fast and hard. Twilight rolled out of bed and wearily went downstairs to answer the door. Twilight's mane was a mess and had strands poking up all over it. "I'm coming, I'm coming." Twilight called out in a weary voice. She had been up most of the night trying locator spells to find ponies (most of which didn't work unless the pony was alive.) and so she had barely gotten any sleep. When she answered the door Fluttershy barged in and started to explain herself "IwenttoRainbowshousethismorningto-" Twilight cut her off, "Whoa, calm down Fluttershy, tell me slowly." Fluttershy calmed herself down and started speaking at a regular pace. "I went to Rainbow Dashes house this morning to visit her, and ITS GONE!" Twilight gasped, "How can it just be gone?" Fluttershy broke down crying and collapsed on the floor. "Rainbow has been my best friend since we met in Cloudsdale." Fluttershy sobbed, "I have no idea what I would be doing without her. Please help me find her Twilight!" Twilight looked at Fluttershy sympathetically, we will find her, and Pinkie too, don't worry. Fluttershy stood up and wiped away her tears. "Thank you." Fluttershy said before she hugged Twilight and slowly walked out of her house to deliver the bad news to the rest of Ponyville. Twilight collapsed after Fluttershy left, the idea of Rainbow Dash being gone... It couldn't be possible, could it? Maybe Pinkie wasn't learning to bake, but rather no longer alive, which is why nopony could find her. No, twilight thought to herself. I must not think too negative about all of this. Twilight picked herself up and stared through her window at all the ponies outside. First Pinkie Pie and now Rainbow Dash. One third of the elements were already gone, who would go next? It could be Rarity, or Applejack, or even Twilight herself. "Somepony has to put a stop to this!" she yelled as she stomped her foot on the ground and walked out of her house. All the citizens of Ponyville gathered around the town square because the mayor had called a meeting to talk to everypony. The mayor walked up to the podium and addressed the crowd, "Citizens of Ponyville. We don't know what is going on, but Ponies are disappearing. We need to prepare for the worst. Everypony lock your doors and windows at night, and sleep in the same room. We will be posting guards all around Ponyville to help protect our citizens from harm." Everypony started talking to each other with their own ideas of what might be going on and how to help. Twilight sighed to herself from behind the stage. Everything was so great these last few days, The changelings had been defeated, driven back to wherever they came from, her brother had gotten married, and everything was normal (or as normal as you can get around here.). What pony would be crazy enough to kill or kidnap their friends? Was it Discord? No, Princess Celestia would know if he had escaped his stone prison, and chaos is his method not mindless slaughter. Twilight couldn't figure out who it was for the life of her, but she knew that if she wasn't prepared, she could be next. Chapter six ~ The truth hurts.Luna quickly bounced out of bed and trotted her way out to her sister. She had woken up early so the sun was just setting, but Celestia looked very weary. "Whats got you looking so down sister?" Luna questioned, looking at Celestia sympathetically. "Its the elements," Celestia explained. "They are disappearing. First Pinkie Pie, and now Rainbow Dash." Luna gave her sister a hug. "I'm sure Rainbow Dash just found Pinkie somewhere and they are heading back even as we speak." Celestia looked up at her sister and smiled. "I hope you have some luck in finding them tonight." she said as she walked into the castle to sleep through the night. Luna smirked, It's quite funny how much she trusts me after my imprisonment. she laughed to herself and she beat her wings and lifted herself into the chilly night air. As Luna flew over Ponyville she noticed a difference tonight. There were guards stationed all around the city and it seemed like there was going to be no way she could reach her target. Luna had wanted to dispose of Rarity next, but it seems as if that would be impossible. Luna flew around the city trying to think of a way to get inside when she spotted a barn far away from the lights and guards. Luna realized she had forgotten one of the elements who was the furthest away from help. Applejack lived too far away from the main part of Ponyville to station guards out there just for her. Sweet Apple Acres was dark and empty, it was past apple bucking season and the leaves had started falling from the trees. The Apple family were all asleep in their rooms as Luna flapped her wings as she descended to the ground and lightly landed in the Apple orchard. She then silently tip toed her way towards the Apple's house, casting a long shadow on the trees she past in the full moons light. Luna slowly creeped up the front steps of the house and unlocked the door with her magic. She slowly swung the door open, its hinges creaking from overuse and lack of proper treatment causing Luna to wince at the sound and listen to see if anypony has heard it. Standing perfectly still, Luna listened for any sounds of movement from inside the house and after five minutes she started to tiptoe he way upstairs to find Applejack. Applejack was sound asleep in her room when she heard the front door creak open. She had heard about Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash going missing and knew this could be the pony who took them. Applejack had sent Applebloom to the town with Big Mac to make sure she was safe, the Apple house was empty except for Granny Smith and herself, and Granny Smith could sleep through a tornado. Applejack waited to hear a sound and after about five minutes she thought she was in the clear until she heard the light footed steps of somepony downstairs. She slowly got out of bed and tip toed towards her door opening it a crack to see if she could catch a glimpse of who was in her house. Luna got to the top of the stairs and looked down the dark hallway. She couldn't make out anything, but knew behind one of these doors was her next victim. As Luna moved forward door began to come into focus, one of which was marked with pictures and obviously Applebloom's. Another door she past was wide open and empty, obviously not the honesty orange ponies room. Luna approached the last two doors in the hallway, both looked exactly the same and the house was completely quiet. She tried the door on the right first and she slowly opened it to find Granny Smith sleeping quietly on her bed. Luna backed out of the room and shut the door before getting kicked in the back and slamming face first into the door. The Alicorn quickly jumped back up to her feet and turned around to find Applejack staring right back at her with hate in her eyes. Applejack blinked a few times and squinted at Luna. "Luna, is that you?" She asked with her country accent. Luna laughed and replied "I am not the Luna you once knew. I am once again Nightmare Moon!" With her last two words she jumped up and flapped her wings to keep her stead as she transformed into her Nightmare Moon form and then kicked Applejack in the face with her hind hooves. Applejack recoiled from the hit and instantly jumped on Nightmare Moon. The two mares started biting and scratching at each other and rolling around on the floor trying to gain the advantage. Nightmare moon kicked Applejack off of her and quickly ran downstairs. Applejack followed her and found she had disappeared. Nightmare Moon was somewhere in the house and Applejack didn't know where. Both mares crept quietly around the house playing a sick version of hide and go seek. Applejack was slowly moving along when she heard a creak from behind her, she whipped around to find nothing there and then she gasped. Nightmare Moon had used her magic to make the floorboards creak behind Applejack so she could sneak up behind her and stab her. Applejack fell to the floor and Nightmare moon grabbed Applejack's head and bent it backwards, exposing her neck. AppleJack was gasping for air as Nightmare Moon lifted the knife and cut a gash along Applejack's neck, letting all of her blood spray onto Nightmare Moon and splatter the floor. Luna quickly dragged Applejack's body outside and dug a hole deep enough to hide the body in. This wasn't the type of killing she was used to, but it would have to do. After Luna had a hole about 5 feet down she threw Applejack into it and started to fill it in. It was a lot of manual labor, but she knew she would have to hide the body properly if she wanted to keep her actions hidden. Luna then went back inside the house and cleaned the floorboards of where Applejack's blood had sprayed. She then quickly raced upstairs to see if Granny Smith was still asleep, which she was. Luna was pleased the old mare was such a heavy sleeper or else who knows what kind of trouble she would be in right now. Luna quickly shut the door and flew off towards Canterlot and then changed direction to Ponyville to make it seem like she was coming from the castle.
Chapter one ~ nightmare returnsPrincess Luna gazed around at the kingdom that was Equestria. She was on the balcony that connected from her room high up in the castle and it was a clear and beautiful night. Luna gazed at towns, a few lights glimmering far off in the distance, but the darkness weighing heavily over all of Equestria and Luna continued her routine watch over the night. Celestia had forgiven Luna for her betrayal and attempt to shroud the world in darkness, but Luna was unsure of whether she had forgiven Celestia yet. One thousand years she had sat up on the moon, plotting her revenge, and she was defeated by twilight sparkle and the rest of the elements of harmony before she had a chance to even explain herself. Twilight had shown her kindness and how to interact with the ponies, but they still did not like her as much as Celestia. Twilight wrote Celestia stories of her life and lessons every day, but did anypony mention her or write to her? No, I must stop thinking like this Luna thought to herself as she continued to keep vigilance over all of Equestria. She shook her mane and flew off to make sure nothing went wrong in the further reaches of the land. In the morning Luna passed her duties off to Celestia and jumped into her bed, and tried to get some sleep. No matter how hard she tried she could not sleep. Her mind kept returning to thoughts of eternal night and being the Sole Queen of all of Equestria. NO. She reminded herself I am happy as I am now. What of your powers? Another thought cut in. What of your control over the moon and the way ponies treat you. Luna turned over and slammed one of her pillows onto the top of her head. She sat up and stared around her room. Her room was painted like a night sky to match her mane at night, but there was magic infused within the walls to give the walls the aspect of twinkling stars and shifting clouds. Even staring at this masterpiece could not calm her mind as she thought back to her years on the moon and how much more people enjoyed the day. When night fell and Celestia came back to switch with Luna, Luna had still not slept. Her hair had strands sticking up out of it and she didn't pay much attention as she walked out to her balcony and started her watch. As usual there was no ponies awake and nobody out to talk to. As she circled the night air above the castle her thoughts once again wandered back to her imprisonment. Your sister, Your own FLESH and BLOOD left you to ROT for a thousand years and you are just going to take that? Shut up me. Try as hard as she might, she was unable to keep these thoughts from floating back to her. The changeling Queen, Chrysalis, as she was called triumphed over her sister. So who's to say she couldn't beat her as well? Even if I was to betray her the elements of harmony could still defeat me. Then I guess you better deal with them first. Get rid of the elements? Celestia's greatest weapon? It could work. There is absolutely nothing to get in the way as long as the elements were useless. She had underestimated their power twice now, but not again. Luna spent the rest of the night contemplating ways to secretly dispose of the elements while not alerting any of the others of what she was doing till it was too late. She caught herself as she switched guard duty with Celestia. What am I thinking? Life is good, there is no reason to overthrow my dear sister. Except for maybe what she did to you. Would you have banished her for a thousand years then not inform you of all the changes? Her evil nightmare told her reminding her of nightmare night when the ponies ran and no pony had used the royal Canterlot voice in centuries. What would you have me do? She questioned the voice, Kill them all and go to the dungeon? No, kill them secretively. Make excuses to where they have gone and when the time is right...Strike at HER Luna pondered this. The one and only ruler? Loved by her subjects whether they wanted to love her or not? A smile grew across Luna's face. Not one of happiness, but one of terrifying glee and hatred. Luna smiled to herself as she lay in her room debating the possibilities. I would be Queen. Unchallenged by all and sole ruler of Equestria. Maybe I would move into the lands beyond Equestria and attempt to conquer the world! She thought to herself as she squirmed and giggled her her bed. Don't get too ahead of yourself. The voiced warned. Weening its way back into her thoughts. First we must defeat the elements. And how should I do that? Luna questioned the evil within. Why the only way that would make sure they never trouble you again. Kill them? But won't I go to the dungeon? Not if you hide your tracks well, and say that they are on vacation or make up some other excuse make sure nopony suspects you. That just might work. Luna turned over and turned off her light as she drifted into a dream about slaughtering and butchering all who stood in her way. When Celestia and Luna switched places at dusk Luna looked a lot better, she was calm focused and looked over joyed. "Goodnight sister dearest." Luna said and bowed her head a little as she passed. "And a good night to you too Sister." Celestia smiled back, completely oblivious to the hatred and demonic glee growing inside Luna. Who should I take out first? Luna wondered. There was that Rainbow one... Rainbow Dash I Believe her name was. Why not started with the ringleader herself, Twilight? No, that would be too obvious if the letters stopped coming. I think I will start with the Pink one. The one who caused me so much trouble on Nightmare Night Luna smiled her devilish smile as she flew off towards ponyville, and towards the first of her victims.
Chapter two ~ The first of manyThe night air was cool and the wind blew towards her target, speeding her progress as she stared down at the town of the elements of harmony. Ponyville was dark and quiet with all the little filly's tucked into their beds and their parents going to bed themselves. Luna flew down towards Sugar cube corner and flared out her wings to slow her decent and land carefully and quietly on the grass and started trotting towards the door. Luna tried to open the door, but the Cakes must have locked up the shop for the night. Luna bent her head down and her horn flared blue as she cast her spell to unlock the door. Luna heard the lock slid up and click and she slowly pushed the door open. The inside of the shop was dark and filled with cakes and baked goods the cakes had left over from the day. Luna slowly crept up the stairs, wincing at every creak of the floor boards. As she reached the top of the stairs she looked down the long dark hallway and tried to see which one might be Pinkies. There were no markings on the doors that would hint at who was inside them, so Luna opened the first door in the hallway and peered inside. Luna's head poked through the door and she saw Mr. and Mrs. Cake sleeping in the bed, They were sleeping peacefully and were cuddling each other as they slept. Completely unaware of what was about to happen to their beloved Pinkie. Luna smiled at the thought of finally taking down one of the elements. They have probably grown cocky and arrogant in their wins against herself and Discord in the past, but never would they suspect that somepony would target them first. The cakes would be suspicious if Pinkie suddenly went missing Luna thought and quickly went back downstairs. She grabbed a Pen and paper from downstairs and wrote up a quick note from Pinkie to them informing them that she had gone on a trip to learn baking trades from all over the world. Luna then closed the door and made her way over to the next closest door. The door opened with a creak and the second Luna caught a glimpse of the inside of the room she knew it had to be Pinkies. She pushed the door open further to see Pinkie sleeping on the bed. There was confetti all over the floor and the walls were a bright pink color, much like Pinkies own color. Her closet was open revealing her huge party cannon and her welcome cart. Luna slowly tiptoed her way into Pinkies room until she was standing right over top of the pink party pony. Should I go through with this? Luna thought to herself, This is your last chance to back out. She gazed down at the pink pony and remembered Nightmare Night. Pinkie had drove away every friend she made multiple times, before she finally settled on being a friendly monster to give the kids a good scare every once in a while. With her out of the way, you would be able to make as many friends as you please and stop this boogeyman nonsense. Luna thought about it for a moment before casting a sleeping spell on the already sleeping pony to make sure she didn't wake up before Luna got her somewhere that she could have a little fun. Luna lifted Pinkie up using magic and quietly snuck out of the Cakes house and started flying away from Ponyville. Pinkie Pie slowly opened her eyes to find herself in an old warehouse looking building that was probably shut down years ago, strapped down to an operating table staring at the ceiling. Pinkie squirmed as much as she could while restrained and called for anypony to come help her. There was no answer and so Pinkie sat there as the hours ticked away until finally she could hear somepony walking up next to her. Pinkie smiled and called out to them "Can you help me out of this crazy contraption?" Pinkie heard a laugh from the person, a deep, but feminine chuckle that held an air of wicked intent. "Oh, but why would I let you out party pony? I was the one that strapped you in all nice and comfortably." Pinkie tried to crane her neck to see who it was, but she couldn't seem to look up far enough to see who it was. "Show your face you coward!" Pinkie yelled defiantly at the figure standing a ways back from the table. "Gladly." She responded as she drifted over to the table and started giggling. Pinkie gasped when she saw who it was. "LUNA?!" The figure smirked and leaned closer to her. "I am Luna no longer. You shall refer to me by my previous name. Nightmare moon!" Pinkie noticed that Luna had indeed transformed back into her dark and twisted form. "Why did you drag me out here?" Pinkie questioned her fears rising. "Why, to gobble you up of course!" Nightmare responded throwing her head up and laughing. "Come on pink one. I thought you LOVED laughing!" Pinkie Glared defiantly as Nightmare calmed down and walked away from the table. Pinkie thought for a moment she had left her alone to starve when all of the sudden the operating table tilted up and Pink was face to face with Nightmares dark, black eyes. Nightmare moon started laughing as she grabbed a surgical knife off the table she had wheeled over and held it up to Pinkies face. "Jeez Pinkie. I didn't think anypony could take away your smile THAT easily." Nightmare laughed as she danced the blade in front of Pinkies eyes. "Perhaps I should carve your smile into your corpse to make sure your laughter and 'fun' never ends!" Nightmare suggested as she shoved the knife into Pinkies mouth and ran it around the inside of her mouth. Pinkie looked up at nightmare pleadingly as she pulled the knife out of Pinkies mouth and grabbed a meat cleaver from off the able and turned back towards Pinkie. "Time to have some FUN!" Nightmare laughed with an evil glint in her eyes.
Chapter three ~ Pinkies demise~A warning here and now. This is when things start getting messed up. this entire chapter will be very dark and if you don't want to see grimdark, please just overlook this chapter and do not read this. This is where all the gore and death shows up.~ Nightmare raised the meat cleaver high into the air and brought it down on pinkies front left hoof tearing through most of the skin and bone, but not all. Pinkie screamed out in pain as blood spurted from the wound. Nightmare once again brought the cleaver up and cut off Pinkies hoof completely. Blood squirted out and splattered the floor as nightmare laughed and moved to the other side of Pinkie. Pinkie looked up into Nightmares eyes pleadingly and begged "Please let me go Luna, I won't tell anypony. I'll keep this a secret if you would only let me go!" Nightmare moon smirked and replied "Luna isn't here anymore." And then she brought the cleaver down on pinkies right hoof. Pinkie screamed and cried, pleading. As Luna sliced at it two more times, and on the third slice completely cutting it off. Luna picked up the hooves and clacked them together and then threw them into the darkness behind her. "You won't need those anymore." She giggled as she put the meat cleaver down. "Let's try something, a bit more delicate." Nightmare picked up the scalpel and walked back over to Pinkie. "Why the long face?" Nightmare asked as she ran the scalpel up Pinkies stomach leaving a red line behind in its wake. Nightmare stared into Pinkies eyes as she whimpered and looked back pleadingly. Nightmare took a step back, so she was at Pinkies stomach, and dug the knife into her chest. The knife didn't go deep enough to kill Pinkie, but that was not Nightmares intent. Nightmare carved a line into Pinkies chest, and another on the opposite side. She then carved a huge crescent shaped cut into Pinkies stomach and took a step back. Nightmare had carved a huge smiley face onto Pinkies chest and stomach causing her to bleed profusely from the wounds. Nightmare started to laugh, and realized just how much fun she was having with this, but she could see Pinkie fading fast and knew if she didn't do something to keep her awake Pinkie may not be awake to see the finale. Nightmare walked over to the table and grabbed a syringe. "This should keep you going my dear." she chuckled as she stabbed the syringe into Pinkies arm. Adrenaline pumped through Pinkie as Nightmare emptied the syringes contents into Pinkies blood stream. Pinkies heart started pumping faster, which increased the blood leaving her body, but it would keep her awake long enough for Nightmare to finish her job. Nightmare pulled out the syringe and put it back down on the table as she drifted her hoof against the contents spread across it, mostly knives and other forms of torture, she spotted something that caught her interest. Nightmare turned back towards Pinkie, this time holding a hack saw. Nightmare walked up to pinkies back legs and started sawing them off near the hip. Pinkie screamed as the hacksaw broke flesh and blood started pooling on the operation table. Nightmare slowly cut through her left leg, and then after she had cut through the bone she grabbed a hold of Pinkies hoof and pulled with all her might, tearing Pinkies leg off. Pinkie screamed and her eyes rolled up into her head as the blood pooled out of her leg and dripped onto the floor. "Almost done Pinkie!" Nightmare said cheerfully as she put the hacksaw down and grabbed the meat cleaver yet again. Nightmare approached Pinkie with the meat cleaver, the poor party pony could barely stay conscious. Night sighed at the fact that this would soon be over, and she would have to go back to pretending to love and care about all the ponies in the land. Nightmare stood by Pinkies head and raised the meat cleaver high over her head and slammed it down on Pinkies neck. Silencing the pink pony forever and beheading her. Pinkies head rolled off the table and Nightmare picked it up looking at it. "You always were one to make others smile." she laughed as she threw the head backwards and then bucked it as hard as she could with her hind legs indenting the skull and sending it flying across the room. Nightmare cleaned off her knives and other utensils on Pinkies corpse. Nightmare looked the dead body over and saw she was no longer pink, but her entire coat had been covered in so much blood she was now a deep red color. Nightmare laughed and packed up her things and flew back to the castle. Day time was coming, and she had to be prepared to trade places with her sister. Nightmare moon changed back into her Luna form and disposed of her tools, hiding them in a cave far inside the evergreen forest. Luna then rushed back to the castle while she could see the sun rising in the distance. She made it back to her post just in time for just as she landed and started walking towards the door Celestia walked outside. "Good morning sister." Celestia greeted moving to take her place. "A good morning indeed!" Luna replied as she walked past her sister and went into her room. Luna couldn't seem to calm down from the adrenaline rush she was having from killing Pinkie. What am I becoming? she thought to herself as she realized what she had done. You are becoming everything you need to be to take what is yours. Luna blocked out her empathy and saw the truth in the voices words as she climbed into bed and drifted off to sleep.
Chapter four ~ Loyalty fallsLuna was dreaming of her time with Pinkie when she was suddenly awoken by her sister, Celestia. "It is your turn yet again sister." Celestia explained, before sighing wearily and slowly making her way towards the door. "What is wrong 'Tia?" Luna asked. "It's Pinkie," Celestia explained, "apparently she went abroad to learn how to bake better, but nopony has seen her all day and I spent the entire day flying across Equestria trying to help twilight find her." Luna gasped "Oh dear, perhaps I shall try to find her tonight." "I wish you luck dear sister." Celestia finished before leaving the room to go collapse into her own bed. Luna giggled inside of herself as she bounced her way to the balcony and with a huge leap took off into the night. Luna knew that she would have to keep acting fast if she didn't want anypony to discover Pinkie, so she decided to take her next victim tonight. Luna thought through the rest of the elements of harmony. There was Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and finally...Rainbow Dash! The second Luna remembered the rainbow maned pony she knew that was her next target. Luna deviated a little from her path and flew towards the clouds above Ponyville to find Rainbow Dash. Luna did a quick check over the clouds until she saw a house floating in the sky. The house looked so grand and superior to the houses all the other ponies were living in Luna knew it had to be the home of the arrogant and egotistical Rainbow Dash. Luna landed on a cloud near Rainbow dashes house and thought about how she should approach her victim. She knew if Rainbow awoke that she would never be able to catch her, so she would have to surprise her. Luna beat her wings and took off again and started using magic and her wing power to push Rainbows cloud house away from Ponyville. After about an hour of pushing Luna thought she was far enough away nopony would here her screams and she entered the house. Rainbow Dash was sleeping soundly in her bed, posters of the Wonderbolts were hung up all over her room and she also had some trophies from competitions she had entered. Luna slowly crept through her room until she was standing over her bed looking at Rainbow Dashes sleeping face. Luna took out the meat cleaver she had used on Pinkie and raised it high above her head and aimed for Rainbow Dashes left wing. She brought it down in a swift arc and completely severed the wing from Rainbow with a sickening crunch, then the squirt of blood and Rainbows scream of pain as she sat upright and stared at her former wing. Rainbow looked back to Luna in surprise as she just sat there, not moving or saying a word, completely in shock of the fact that she would never be able to fly again. Luna knocked Rainbow dash back down on her bed and transformed into Nightmare Moon. "Keep quiet or I'll carve your tongue out of your mouth. Nightmare hissed as she dropped the cleaver behind her and pulled out the surgical knife. Rainbow Dash instantly knew what was coming and would not give up without a fight. She brought back her hoof and tried the ram it into Nightmares face, only to be stopped by Nightmare swiftly bringing the knife up to intercept her jab causing Rainbow to slam her hoof into the knife, cracking the hoof and lodging the knife almost entirely into Rainbows leg. Rainbow howled in pain and brought up her hind legs and kicked Nightmare off of her sending her flying into the wall. Rainbow rolled onto her belly and tried to stand up, but with the knife in her hoof and one of her wings cut off there was no way she was going anywhere fast. Nightmare Moon slowly stood up and shook her head, trying to walk off Rainbows kick. Rainbow dash slowly dragged herself through her bedroom door and got to the stairs before she was hit from behind with a blunt object. The room was fuzzy and unfocused as Rainbow Dash picked herself up. The blow had knocked her forward sending her tumbling down the stairs. Nightmare Moon was at the top of the stairs holding Rainbows severed wing, which she had just clubbed her over the head with. Rainbow Dash glared defiantly at Nightmare Moon, not saying a word as she started to slowly back up and Nightmare came inching closer and closer. Rainbow Dash knew she couldn't run away, she wouldn't be able to fly down, but perhaps she could yell loud enough for somepony to hear. Nightmare moon walked down the stares at a steady pace as Rainbow Dash dragged herself to her front door. Rainbow Dash was just nearing the front door as Nightmare got to the bottom of the stairs and started walking towards her. Opening the door took a second or two and Nightmare was right behind her as Rainbow Dash collapsed through the door and yelled as loud as she could. She looked up to find that she was nowhere near Ponyville. Nightmare smiled gleefully as she watched all the hope drain out of Rainbow Dash as Nightmare bent down and pulled out a second surgical blade. "I told you not to make a sound." She laughed and pulled on Rainbows hair causing her to open her mouth to yell in pain. The second her mouth was open Nightmare jabbed the knife into it and stabbed and sliced it around until blood was pouring out of her mouth. Nightmare Moon then pulled the knife out and saw Rainbow dash spit out a large hunk of her tongue and other bits of her mouth, including some teeth. Nightmare moon laughed as she stepped on the back of Rainbow Dashes wing and pulled up, causing the bones to break and poke out through the skin, making Rainbow lose even more blood. Rainbows vision slowly faded as Nightmare Moon walked away, giving her a moment by herself. Rainbow Dash had never felt pain like this before, and knew she would die. All of her hopes and dreams of joining the Wonderbolts, becoming famous, and being the best flyer in Equestria seemed to all go out at once. There were only regrets in Rainbows head as Nightmare walked back to her with the meat cleaver in hoof and brought it down on Rainbows neck. Nightmare Moon laughed as the blood pooled all over the cloud, turning it blood red and making it appear as if the cloud was raining blood. Nightmare moon kicked the cloud hard, so it disappeared and watched Rainbows corpse, head and all, tumble into the darkness below.
Chapter five ~ ComplicationsNightmare Moon transformed back into her Luna self and took off flying back towards the castle. As she arrived the sun was just starting to rise and so she went to wake up Princess Celestia. Luna walked into her sisters room to see her sleeping peacefully. Luna slowly made her way over to Celestia and stared at her in her sleep, slowly pulling the surgical knife out and was about to slit her throat when she thought about it. If she took out the Elements first, she would be able to have fun with her sister, not just a quietly slit throat in the morning. Luna put the knife away and then woke Celestia up and told her it was her time to guard the land. Celestia nodded before asking "Any news of Pinkie?" Luna shook her head and responded "Unfortunately not." in a somber tone. Celestia looked down at the ground with a sad pitiful look in her eyes before walking out of the room to see what royal duties needed to be attended to. Luna walked back to her room and laid down in her bed gazing at the stars on the ceiling and walls. She knew by now they would notice Rainbow Dashes disappearance and would probably be looking for her. I could forget I ever even thought of this plan and act like nothing is my fault when they find the bodies Luna thought to herself. Or you could continue taking them out. These clueless foals will never even have time to react. But what about the few of them who were kind to me? None of them were ever kind to you. Fluttershy was forced into helping you speak, Applejack was told to make people like you, Rarity has never even spoken to you, and Twilight? Twilight will do anything her precious princess tell her to do. Luna thought about what the voice had said. Its logic was flawless and its reasoning was solid, but something felt off to Luna. Where did the voice come from? Why did it want her to become the ruler? Was it just her inner wants? Or something much more devious.Luna cast these thoughts aside and went to sleep, the sun rising over all of Equestria and the elements discovering yet another missing friend. Fluttershy flew through the town as fast as possible going straight for the library where Twilight slept. Fluttershy landed outside of Twilight's house and knocked on the door fast and hard. Twilight rolled out of bed and wearily went downstairs to answer the door. Twilight's mane was a mess and had strands poking up all over it. "I'm coming, I'm coming." Twilight called out in a weary voice. She had been up most of the night trying locator spells to find ponies (most of which didn't work unless the pony was alive.) and so she had barely gotten any sleep. When she answered the door Fluttershy barged in and started to explain herself "IwenttoRainbowshousethismorningto-" Twilight cut her off, "Whoa, calm down Fluttershy, tell me slowly." Fluttershy calmed herself down and started speaking at a regular pace. "I went to Rainbow Dashes house this morning to visit her, and ITS GONE!" Twilight gasped, "How can it just be gone?" Fluttershy broke down crying and collapsed on the floor. "Rainbow has been my best friend since we met in Cloudsdale." Fluttershy sobbed, "I have no idea what I would be doing without her. Please help me find her Twilight!" Twilight looked at Fluttershy sympathetically, we will find her, and Pinkie too, don't worry. Fluttershy stood up and wiped away her tears. "Thank you." Fluttershy said before she hugged Twilight and slowly walked out of her house to deliver the bad news to the rest of Ponyville. Twilight collapsed after Fluttershy left, the idea of Rainbow Dash being gone... It couldn't be possible, could it? Maybe Pinkie wasn't learning to bake, but rather no longer alive, which is why nopony could find her. No, twilight thought to herself. I must not think too negative about all of this. Twilight picked herself up and stared through her window at all the ponies outside. First Pinkie Pie and now Rainbow Dash. One third of the elements were already gone, who would go next? It could be Rarity, or Applejack, or even Twilight herself. "Somepony has to put a stop to this!" she yelled as she stomped her foot on the ground and walked out of her house. All the citizens of Ponyville gathered around the town square because the mayor had called a meeting to talk to everypony. The mayor walked up to the podium and addressed the crowd, "Citizens of Ponyville. We don't know what is going on, but Ponies are disappearing. We need to prepare for the worst. Everypony lock your doors and windows at night, and sleep in the same room. We will be posting guards all around Ponyville to help protect our citizens from harm." Everypony started talking to each other with their own ideas of what might be going on and how to help. Twilight sighed to herself from behind the stage. Everything was so great these last few days, The changelings had been defeated, driven back to wherever they came from, her brother had gotten married, and everything was normal (or as normal as you can get around here.). What pony would be crazy enough to kill or kidnap their friends? Was it Discord? No, Princess Celestia would know if he had escaped his stone prison, and chaos is his method not mindless slaughter. Twilight couldn't figure out who it was for the life of her, but she knew that if she wasn't prepared, she could be next.
Chapter six ~ The truth hurts.Luna quickly bounced out of bed and trotted her way out to her sister. She had woken up early so the sun was just setting, but Celestia looked very weary. "Whats got you looking so down sister?" Luna questioned, looking at Celestia sympathetically. "Its the elements," Celestia explained. "They are disappearing. First Pinkie Pie, and now Rainbow Dash." Luna gave her sister a hug. "I'm sure Rainbow Dash just found Pinkie somewhere and they are heading back even as we speak." Celestia looked up at her sister and smiled. "I hope you have some luck in finding them tonight." she said as she walked into the castle to sleep through the night. Luna smirked, It's quite funny how much she trusts me after my imprisonment. she laughed to herself and she beat her wings and lifted herself into the chilly night air. As Luna flew over Ponyville she noticed a difference tonight. There were guards stationed all around the city and it seemed like there was going to be no way she could reach her target. Luna had wanted to dispose of Rarity next, but it seems as if that would be impossible. Luna flew around the city trying to think of a way to get inside when she spotted a barn far away from the lights and guards. Luna realized she had forgotten one of the elements who was the furthest away from help. Applejack lived too far away from the main part of Ponyville to station guards out there just for her. Sweet Apple Acres was dark and empty, it was past apple bucking season and the leaves had started falling from the trees. The Apple family were all asleep in their rooms as Luna flapped her wings as she descended to the ground and lightly landed in the Apple orchard. She then silently tip toed her way towards the Apple's house, casting a long shadow on the trees she past in the full moons light. Luna slowly creeped up the front steps of the house and unlocked the door with her magic. She slowly swung the door open, its hinges creaking from overuse and lack of proper treatment causing Luna to wince at the sound and listen to see if anypony has heard it. Standing perfectly still, Luna listened for any sounds of movement from inside the house and after five minutes she started to tiptoe he way upstairs to find Applejack. Applejack was sound asleep in her room when she heard the front door creak open. She had heard about Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash going missing and knew this could be the pony who took them. Applejack had sent Applebloom to the town with Big Mac to make sure she was safe, the Apple house was empty except for Granny Smith and herself, and Granny Smith could sleep through a tornado. Applejack waited to hear a sound and after about five minutes she thought she was in the clear until she heard the light footed steps of somepony downstairs. She slowly got out of bed and tip toed towards her door opening it a crack to see if she could catch a glimpse of who was in her house. Luna got to the top of the stairs and looked down the dark hallway. She couldn't make out anything, but knew behind one of these doors was her next victim. As Luna moved forward door began to come into focus, one of which was marked with pictures and obviously Applebloom's. Another door she past was wide open and empty, obviously not the honesty orange ponies room. Luna approached the last two doors in the hallway, both looked exactly the same and the house was completely quiet. She tried the door on the right first and she slowly opened it to find Granny Smith sleeping quietly on her bed. Luna backed out of the room and shut the door before getting kicked in the back and slamming face first into the door. The Alicorn quickly jumped back up to her feet and turned around to find Applejack staring right back at her with hate in her eyes. Applejack blinked a few times and squinted at Luna. "Luna, is that you?" She asked with her country accent. Luna laughed and replied "I am not the Luna you once knew. I am once again Nightmare Moon!" With her last two words she jumped up and flapped her wings to keep her stead as she transformed into her Nightmare Moon form and then kicked Applejack in the face with her hind hooves. Applejack recoiled from the hit and instantly jumped on Nightmare Moon. The two mares started biting and scratching at each other and rolling around on the floor trying to gain the advantage. Nightmare moon kicked Applejack off of her and quickly ran downstairs. Applejack followed her and found she had disappeared. Nightmare Moon was somewhere in the house and Applejack didn't know where. Both mares crept quietly around the house playing a sick version of hide and go seek. Applejack was slowly moving along when she heard a creak from behind her, she whipped around to find nothing there and then she gasped. Nightmare Moon had used her magic to make the floorboards creak behind Applejack so she could sneak up behind her and stab her. Applejack fell to the floor and Nightmare moon grabbed Applejack's head and bent it backwards, exposing her neck. AppleJack was gasping for air as Nightmare Moon lifted the knife and cut a gash along Applejack's neck, letting all of her blood spray onto Nightmare Moon and splatter the floor. Luna quickly dragged Applejack's body outside and dug a hole deep enough to hide the body in. This wasn't the type of killing she was used to, but it would have to do. After Luna had a hole about 5 feet down she threw Applejack into it and started to fill it in. It was a lot of manual labor, but she knew she would have to hide the body properly if she wanted to keep her actions hidden. Luna then went back inside the house and cleaned the floorboards of where Applejack's blood had sprayed. She then quickly raced upstairs to see if Granny Smith was still asleep, which she was. Luna was pleased the old mare was such a heavy sleeper or else who knows what kind of trouble she would be in right now. Luna quickly shut the door and flew off towards Canterlot and then changed direction to Ponyville to make it seem like she was coming from the castle.
