Twilight and the Moon

by Maleficent Fangirl

Rating: everyone
Tags: Dark, Alternate Universe, Romance
Length: 7139

Based on the movie Beauty and the Beast, Twilight Sparkle lives her normal life until her mother is locked up in the castle. Upon entering the castle, she is found by an alicorn that will soon be redeemed.

Based on the movie Beauty and the Beast, Twilight Sparkle lives her normal life until her mother is locked up in the castle. Upon entering the castle, she is found by an alicorn that will soon be redeemed. As she gets to know more about the alicorn, she begins to have feelings for her- and the alicorn is turning out to be actually a gentle and sweet princess underneath the intimidating exterior. But, when the citizens attempt to murder the alicorn, will Twilight Sparkle save the day? Or, will she be too late?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-01-08 18:52:24 UTC

Preface and First Chapter

Long ago in the land of Equestria, there lives a beautiful princess that controls the night. She is always proud of the beautiful night, and she's been living normally until one day, a mysterious pony appeared on the doorstep, holding a rose. The princess refused the rose, demanding that she wants another gift instead of the rose.

The pony curses her, and thus, the princess has turned into a mare with slitted eyes, dragon-like wings, an ebony coat, and some armor. After that, the ponies regretted having the princess as their ruler, and decided to forget about her.

That leads us to the present day in Ponyville. A lavender unicorn is walking through town, and everypony recognizes her. Her name is Twilight Sparkle, and even though she is a bookworm, she hopes to find love someday.

Twilight's P.O.V

I smile at the ponies that wave at me. As I approach the library, a familiar stallion known as Blueblood approaches me. I groan for a minute- he's so boastful and cocky. "Hey, Twilight Sparkle. I wonder if you would like to be my love someday," He said, "The mares love me, and it's no doubt that I can easily attract a mare."

"Are you kidding me? Let me return this book to the library," I replied.

"Hey, what's the book about?"

He grabs the book from me, and I start to feel frustrated. "Give it back!" I said as I grab the book from him. Sheesh, he doesn't know any manners....... I walk into the library, and an old stallion sits at a desk.

"Hello," He said, "How are you, Twilight?"

"I'm great. I'm returning the book. I'm also getting another book," I replied.

"Anything you want, Twilight. It doesn't matter what you choose."

I take a book from a bookshelf, and I thank him as I walk out. I may like to fall in love with a pony someday, but I'm not looking for ponies like Blueblood. I'm looking for somepony that is humble, kind, and sweet. As I walk home, I notice smoke coming from my house. My mother must have failed.

I quickly rush into the house, and I cough a bit as I smell smoke. "I tried to make the pie as perfect as it can be, but something backfired. I'm using the machine for now," Mother said, "I was about to take that to a contest."

"Sorry about that," I replied, "And a stallion was being annoying today, as usual."

"That Blueblood......" She twitches her nose, as if she has smelled something bad.

"I agree. Are you gonna start the machine or not?" I asked.

"Of course," She replied as she pushes some buttons on the machine. The machine starts behaving strangely as it moves out of the house.

We run after the machine until we end up in the Everfree Forest. "Get out. It's dangerous," Mother called as she continues running after the machine.

As the sun starts to set, the forest starts getting more creepy and eerie. More shadows appear, and the red eyes seem to be watching me. "This is not good," I whispered.

A wolf appears, and it leaps at me as I dodge the attack. Everything in my body tells me to run out of the forest, but at the same time, I want to find my mother before she can get hurt by the creatures. "What to do..... What to do......" I concluded.

I continue running through the forest, and my mother is nowhere to be seen. Fearing the worst, I decide to call for my mother. "Mother! Where are you?" I called out into the approaching darkness.

The darkness seems to consume the world as the moon starts to rise. Even though the night is beautiful, I wouldn't risk getting killed by a malevolent and scary creature. "Oh, goodness help me," I whispered as I cross the bridge.

I notice an ominous castle in the distance, and my mother is inside the gates. I rush to her as the wolves attempt to approach me. "What happened?" I asked.

"I don't know. I tried to find the machine by swimming in the moat, and somehow I got trapped! And then I ran out after seeing a scary alicorn," She replied.

The wolves close in as my heartbeat speeds up every passing second. For some reason, Mother disappears as the gates slowly crack open. I quickly rush through as I use my magic to shut the gates. Thunder booms as I look around. The trees seem as if they're going to grab me any second. "This is bad," I told myself.

I walk in, and there's inky blackness inside. I hear ominous music as I walk through a door into a dungeon. I have a feeling that somepony or something is watching me. Just as I walk down the steps, I hear a few voices talking. "Look at this mare," A voice said, "She seems very brave to find her mother. But, I'm not sure if she can redeem our princess that has fallen into Nightmare's grasp."

"I agree," Another voice said.

I shudder at the mention of the word "nightmare" as I walk past a few cells. As I find the final cell, I notice my mother waiting helplessly as she hangs on to the bars.

"How did you get in here?" I asked, but my voice is only a soft whisper.

"This alicorn captured me," She replied, "She got very angry with me for some reason, saying that I'm not worthy to free her from some curse."

I think for a moment. Maybe the alicorn is redeemable, and not so evil like the citizens think. Just as I take a key, a voice booms behind us with anger. I turn around, and standing behind me is an alicorn that is very tall. She is looking down at me, her eyes narrowed with anger. "Who are you to invade the castle? You need to leave! Nopony would save me from the curse," She shouted, "Even you are afraid of me, apparently!"

"Um, I'm just releasing my mother-" I said.

"Silence!" She quickly places a hoof to my mouth, and calms down for a moment, "Your mother only stares at me with fear. She won't even love me! But, maybe you can....... I'm keeping you for a while. I'll lead you to your new room."

I follow her upstairs, and she seems quite mysterious and powerful. Hopefully she can release my mother- else, somepony's taking her down and replacing her with a new ruler. I think she may have closed herself from the world, so nopony can get in anymore. "I wonder why it's so lonely in here-" I said.

"Silence. Let me do the talking. You will reside in the east wing. Don't go into the west wing!" She said, "They called me Nightmare Moon each time they see me. That's why I'm so alone in the castle!"

"What's your real name?"

"You'll find out soon."

My curiosity about this mare continues to grow, but I'm still a bit intimidated by her appearance and her vocal tone. Earlier, when she yelled, she is extremely loud and she sounds commanding. "Can you please release my mother?" I asked without hesitation.

"No!" She shouted as she traps me in a room. She seems very angry. What does she want from me? How can I love her someday if she keeps being so intimidating? It is a bit dark in my room, and a few objects appear.

For a moment, I feel started- it could have been a ghost or whatever. "Hello, young mare. You seem thirsty. You want something?" The teapot asked.

They can talk, too?! Okay, it's getting very weird right now........ "I think so," I said.

"Alright then," The cup said. The cup sounds very youthful, while the teapot sounds motherly. It's as if they are mother and child.

I levitate the cup to my mouth, and the cup giggles at the touch of my lips. Alright, it's so much weirder than before. I keep hearing objects talk- am I losing my mind or what? As I finish drinking, the teapot and the cup smile at me. "Thanks for the drink. I wonder why this ruler overreacts about everything," I said.

"She doesn't get the love she deserves...... Poor thing," The teapot said, "Call me Madame Teapot. This is Teacup."

"Nice to meet you. My name's Twilight Sparkle."

"That's a beautiful name, but this ruler has a more beautiful name that invokes the thoughts of the night."

I nod in response as the moonlight shines through the window. Somehow, I feel safe in the castle- the wolves couldn't find their way in. But, the unsafe part about this place is the ruler. Her tempers are frightening...... Also, I feel compelled to find the west wing to find out about the forbidden fruit. But, at the same time, I couldn't risk another shouting from this alicorn. I'm not saying that she is mean, but her anger is just scary. I think her armor adds to the part- I've always wondered what she looks like without the armor, too.

As I step out into the hallway, I notice a huge painting of a smaller azure alicorn with the same mane as the angry alicorn. She is lighter in color, and she seems like a sweetheart with that smile. Was that when she was younger? I'm not sure, but I wouldn't bother gawking at it for too long. I decide to walk through the hallway until I notice a huge door. My heart hammers my chest as I walk in. I tell myself to calm down as I notice something dazzling- a rose! "Wow," I whispered, "Beautiful."

I start to approach it, and I have the feeling of being watched. Oh, hopefully the alicorn won't jump out at me and shout angry words at me.

An Eventful Night

Twilight's P.O.V

I slowly close in, and I hear intense breathing from behind. "Please don't be the alicorn," I whispered.

As I levitate the glass barrier, a shout booms throughout the west wing. Oh, my gosh! The alicorn lands in front of me, and anger is evident in her features and her pose. Her wings are aggressively spread out, and she is huffing heavily. "HOW DARE THOU NOT LISTEN TO US! GET OUT OF HERE OR ELSE!" She shouted.

"I was just curious, you know......" I replied.

"THAT DOESN'T MATTER!"

I try to put on a brave front, but my insides are jittery from the fear building up inside my heart. "So, why are you defending the rose?" I asked.

"IT'S PART OF A CURSE WE'RE IN!"

"We?"

"THAT REFERS TO US, THE PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT! WE SPEAK LIKE THIS TO ADDRESS OUR SUBJECTS!"

She shoots a magical beam, and I quickly rush out. I don't think I can love a pony that loses it very easily. I rush down the stairs, and I grab a cloak before rushing out into the very cold weather. I forget all about the feeling of safety in the castle, and I begin to think of the castle as a place to fear, instead of a place to live in.

The snow starts falling onto the chilly ground as I run deeper into the forest, trying to find a way out. I pant for a moment as I slow down. I look around, and it's still dark out. I flinch as I hear a faint growling sound. This is not good........ I try to put up a brave front, and I try to stifle a scream that is building up at the back of my throat.

"Stay back," I said, expecting for my warning to be loud, but instead, it is barely a whisper.

I start running again, and I feel as if I'm going in circles. It's easy to get lost in the forest sometimes. Wolves start popping up, and I gasp in horror as they approach me. Run, I told myself as I start running. I rush even deeper into the forest, and more wolves start appearing. They start to surround me, and I shoot a magical beam at them, expecting the magic to be strong, but instead, the magic only angers them even more.

I flinch as two wolves jump at me, and I crouch. I close my eyes, bracing myself for the impact. For some reason, the wolves did not scratch me or even bite me. I slowly open my eyes, and I expect a rescuer to be standing near me. I look around, and out the corner of my eye, I notice the ebony alicorn. "STAY AWAY FROM THIS POOR MARE! SHE DOES NOT DESERVE TO DIE!" She shouted as she shoots multiple beams at the wolves.

The wolves growl as they lunge at the alicorn. Their fangs sink into the alicorn's left wing, and I gasp. She screams in pain as she shakes them off with full strength. The wolves back up, and then they rush off. I stand up, the fear melting away from me as she collaspes to the white, snow-covered ground.

I begin to gather up the courage to help this alicorn. I notice a golden chariot without a guard in tow. "Okay, I can do this," I told myself.

I place my cloak onto the alicorn's limp body, and then I levitate her onto the chariot. I think, because of her size, she would be a bit heavier than a regular pony. I climb into the chariot, and I feel surprised when the chariot moves by itself. "Take us to the castle," I said.

"Of course," The chariot said. To my surprise, it is a majestic voice. Oh, my....... It's more weird each second.

"Okay. How many objects in the castle are able to talk?"

"They are actually ponies, but the enchantress cursed not just my sister, but the whole castle as well. You may think this ridiculous, but you can call me Celestia. I'm like a queen, because I'm the older princess. When you ran out of the castle, I told Luna about what you are doing, because I have the feeling that you will be the pony that will free us all...... You're the Chosen One, and that is why Luna can't bear to see you get endangered."

"My name's Twilight Sparkle. Which objects are actually ponies? And I've met the talking teapot and the talking teacup. I've heard other voices in the dungeon earlier."

"Life is always full of surprises, Twilight."

"Were you an alicorn once?"

"Of course. Not all objects in the place are actually ponies...... Just some."

"Like who?"

"There's Candlebra and Old Clock. They are close friends, to be exact. Then there's Cleaning Mop and Empty Plate.Their names are changed because of the curse."

"Did you and Luna have friends back then? The castle seems lonely."

"About five years ago, we once had five visitors and they were our friends. When the curse happened, they never came back again."

"Oh, okay. So, how did you keep your name?"

"I intended to."

I realize that Luna and I are high up into the sky, and I start to feel a bit nervous about falling down. "Whoa, no need to be so high up. The castle is close by," I said with a chuckle.

"Sorry about that," Celestia replied, "I don't know you're afraid of heights. What else might you be afraid of?"

"Are you silly? I'm not a coward. I'm just nervous around aggressive creatures and sudden noises, and the height sometimes frightens me. I like the night, but not the shadows or the ghosts."

"So, you're brave most of the time?"

"I try to be."

"Don't be hard on yourself- and trust me, Luna can be really kind if you respect her very well. She's not always frightening or fearsome."

"Not always? Maybe that can explain her aura of kindness in a painting."

"Of course. There aren't as many paintings of me right now. Most ponies seem to have forgotten about me."

"I wonder how they would react if the curse is broken and you're back to normal. Maybe they'd be a bit nervous around you."

"They're more nervous around my sister, silly mare."

As we arrive at the castle, I thank Celestia, and then I take Luna into the castle. A candlebra and a clock appear, and I smile. "Luna's fine. I'm just gonna heal her, you know. She protected me when we were in the forest," I said.

"Cool," The candlebra said, "Perhaps you're the one for her, minus the fact that you're a mare and she is of the same gender."

"There's nothing wrong with that. Anypony can love either gender."

"I haven't seen that kind of romance."

"How long are you and your friends in the dark, lonely castle?"

"Many years."

I know, this place is always lonely, no matter what happens in the castle. Luna slowly stirs, a sign that she's still alive. She groans for a second as she slowly opens her eyes.

Something More?

Twilight's P.O.V

I take Luna into the living room, and then I place her onto the couch near the fireplace. I notice some scratches on her legs. If she can take off the armor, then the harshness of the pain will be lessened. "Luna....... What you did out there....... Thanks for protecting me," I said.

Luna stays quiet for a bit longer, and I levitate her helmet just a bit. "What art thou doing?" She asked.

"I think the armor can make the pain worse," I said.

"Thou don't have to. We're fine. Forgive our outburst earlier."

"No offense, but your way of speaking sounds a few centuries old."

"That's because we..... I mean, I have lived many years. I'm not an old mare, but I'm just as ancient as an old building."

"Is your sister much older?"

"Of course. Tia hasn't left my side, but she acts afraid of me sometimes."

"But, she didn't seem afraid when she carried you into the forest."

"That's because...... Well, when you ran out, I realized what I did. And I told Tia to help me to find you."

"So, why do you call your sister 'Tia' instead of Celestia?"

"It's a nickname, just as she used to call me 'Woona' when I was young."

"That's an adorable nickname. Your sister must love you."

She pauses once again. "Love....... I've never felt love ever since the curse started. It feels as if I have forgotten that," Luna said.

I levitate a damp cloth, and then I rub it on her wounds. She hollers with both anger and pain. "Whoa, calm down," I said, "It's just water."

"I know, but it stings! Sheesh, be more gentle," She replied.

"I'm trying to be gentle."

"Alright, I'll calm down."

I continue to rub her wounds in a more gentle way, and I find myself staring at Luna's beautiful mane. Her mane reminds me of the night sky. When I was young, I would stargaze and study constellations. One question about the night, that I have, is that I wonder why the moon seems to radiate with either sadness or anger.

I then gaze into her eyes. Even though she acts angry, and even though she seems scary, I can see past this facade. Perhaps the alicorn in that painting is hiding underneath, waiting to come to the surface. I wonder how kind she will be- maybe as kind as a benevolent ruler would be. "They forgot that you were benevolent," I said.

"Do you mean my subjects?" Luna asked, "Both my sister and I were benevolent, but she is more like a queen. I am still a princess, but mysterious and feared."

"If you would be free of the curse, then they would have no reason to fear you....."

"Only love can save me from the curse."

"It's interesting how earlier, you said that I'm worthy of loving you."

Luna nods in response as I successfully take off her helmet. "You look much less intimidating without your helmet," I said.

I also hear a few voices speaking in the background. I look at the door, and four objects are speaking. They're probably talking about me or Luna. Those objects are the clock and the candlebra from earlier, along with the teacup and the teapot.

"I feel the love coming soon," Candlebra said.

"I agree," Old Clock said.

"It's probably going to be different from straight pairings," Madame Teapot said.

"Possibly," Teacup said.

I decide to ignore their conversation as I continue to focus on Luna. "What year is it when you were cursed?" I asked.

"It was around the year 1400. My sister and I have lived for many years," Luna replied.

"Many years? Are you immortal?"

"Of course."

I somehow find myself staring into this alicorn's eyes. I don't see anger, but I see a hint of kindness and benevolence. It seems to last for hours because the only pony in my gaze seems to be this alicorn right now. Luna starts to speak, and she sounds a bit puzzled.

"What are you looking at?" Luna asked.

I blush as I turn my head to the side. "I was just thinking about something," I replied.

"Were you thinking about me?"

"Maybe so."

"You don't need to be so shy around me."

I turn my attention to Luna, and she is smiling right now. "I think you're cute when you blush," She said.

"Thank you," I replied as I blush a bit more. My cheeks are very warm right now.

"Also, I may release your mother. My wounds are feeling better now."

The castle is still dark as usual when I walk into another room. It is a darkened throne room, with two thrones- one is yellow, and the other one is blue. Everything in here is old, and as I look around, there are statues of ponies in armor. There are many doors. This place is probably really big.

Luna's P.O.V

I walk into the dungeon as the thoughts about my past swirl around my mind. "Unless the curse becomes broken by love, you will be Nightmare Moon forever....." The voice repeated.

I shake my head for a second as I release Twilight's mother. She quickly rushes out of the dungeon, and memories of being called "Nightmare Moon" by some citizens come to my mind.

It's been a long time, being cursed and all....... My thoughts now center on the paintings of my beautiful self. My beautiful self has a dark blue coat, a sparkly mane with form, and a crown instead of a helmet. I've always been proud of the beautiful nights, with the countless stars in the sky and the moon that shines through the night.

But, my sister's sun is much brighter, so the moon is more gentle on the eyes. The citizens really don't realize that I have a heart and a soul. A warm soul that hides beneath my tough and scary exterior.......

Conversations and Playfulness

Twilight's P.O.V

It is the middle of winter, and I am outside with Luna. I am feeding the birds, and when Luna asks me if she can do that, I told her that she can. Okay, maybe I did put a bit too much trust in her. Princess Luna sort of rushes towards them right away, and the birds back up quickly. "Maybe a less intimidating approach," I said, "I'll show you."

"Okay," Luna said.

I place the bird food onto the ground, and the birds gather around it. "You try," I said.

Luna places the bird food onto the ground, and she tries to act gentle. There is the rest of the bird food in the sack next to her, so the birds gather around the sack instead. One of them landed onto her head, and she smiles for a moment. She giggles a second later. The rest of the birds land onto her back.

"That's a bit easy for them to adjust to me," She said, "How come they didn't take notice of my cursed appearance?"

"It's kindness that wins their trust in you."

"Kindness?"

"Of course. You have to act less intimidating."

"I should do that more often, right?"

"Right."

Luna's P.O.V

I have a feeling that I'm tapping into my beautiful self- which is good. I don't like that I have to wear a helmet that causes a pony to seem more intimidating. And, my feelings for this mare are getting stronger. Could it be love? Would she ever love me? A minute later, I come up with an idea. Maybe there's something that she really likes the most.

"Twilight, what do you like?" I asked.

"What do you mean?" Twilight replied.

"I'm going to be more specific right now. Do you like to read?"

"Of course. And I also like the night. Why do you ask?"

"I'm just curious."

"And, Luna...... What do you like?"

"I'm not sure, but I'll tell you this....... Long ago, before the curse, I really enjoyed seeing some ponies appreciate my night, but there's many others that like my sister's day. I would stargaze when I have free time at night. Before the curse, it was easy for me to defend my subjects and the kingdom of Equestria. Now, it's hard, since nopony would appreciate me trying to defend them from some danger. They didn't know where Tia went- perhaps they've never seen her before. Because Equestria has forgotten its rulers, some towns and cities have become violent...... And more rogue criminals are able to escape punishment. No, it's not too violent, actually. It's more problematic in big cities with a lot of grey fog."

"But how do you know, if you've never left the castle? And do you think any kind of love could break the curse? I've never loved a mare before, but a stallion from Ponyville is trying to marry me. He's just annoying."

"I know because I have dreams about what's currently happening to Equestria. Before I ever saw a dream involving you, I dreamt about falling in love with a stallion. Every afternoon, I would wake up from the dreams, and realize that I'm still cursed. I feel like I am not worthy of love or even respect from other ponies."

"Not worthy of love? That sounds a bit horrible, living without it."

"You misunderstand how it feels. When you don't feel worthy of such a thing, you feel bitter and sour."

"Maybe that could explain how you were when we first met."

I was about to ask her a question about preferring other mares over stallions, but I'm not sure how she would react. I keep my mouth shut as I focus more on gaining her trust and possibly befriending her- if that's really possible. "Is something wrong?" Twilight asked.

"I was about to ask you something, but I decide not to," I replied.

"Oh. Was it ever a bit natural for you to be a bit withdrawn and shy?"

"Sometimes."

"You can ask if you feel a bit more comfortable. I'm not fake."

"What do you mean, you're not fake?"

"That means that I am not judgmental or snobbish. I know what matters most- inner beauty, that is."

"That explains it."

Twilight smiles broadly, and I smile in response. She starts to giggle a bit. "The birds have really taken a liking to you," She said.

"Is that funny?" I replied.

"Not really."

"Oh, come on!" I start to feel playful as I levitate a small ball of snow, and I toss it at Twilight.

Twilight does the same thing, except that I duck the snowball as I quickly get behind her to playfully scare her. "Boo!" I said.

Twilight spins around, and giggles lightly. Suddenly, I hear a familiar voice chuckling lightly in the distance. "It's the Luna I know- she gets quite playful when she feels like it," The voice said.

I turn my attention to the source of the voice, and to the left is the carriage- or to be more exact, my sister Celestia. My sister is quite like the mother sometimes. I feel young once again because of that. "Tia, were you watching us the whole time?" I asked.

"Of course," She replied.

We both chuckle for a moment, and Twilight joins in. "And you must know that the stallion from Ponyville is such an arrogant and overconfident 'flirt' trying to steal other mares," She joked.

"So true," I said, "Tia, she told me about him!"

"Twilight is smart to know the different between fake beauty and real beauty," Celestia said.

"Yup. Blueblood's a fake," Twilight said.

We laugh harder with her. Something in my chest is getting out- perhaps negative emotions that get out of control. I haven't felt positive emotions in such a long time. And it feels so good to laugh and be cheerful and the like.

A Dance, and Proving Twilight's Mother Sane

Normal P.O.V

Twilight Sparkle gets ready, and she is wearing a dark blue gown with the stars on it. She is wearing a blue hair clip in her mane, and she has just finished putting on a bit of makeup. She walks out of the east wing, and notices Luna. Luna looks beautiful, with a purple gown and the royal regalia.

Twilight walks down the steps, and so does Luna. Luna holds out her hoof, and Twilight takes her hoof as they walk down to the ballroom. As they start dancing, Madame Teapot starts singing.

"A tale, older than time..... As surreal as it can be....... We see how it is changed, for the two mares are dancing tonight, under the sparkling stars and the glowing moon......" Madame Teapot started.

"A growing love, unexpected as time passes by, the feelings not denied any longer..... Surely, the lonely moon has found her star, and sensed the love coming from the young mare...... The star, who always wishes for love, has found the one........ The star has expected it to be a stallion, but it has turned out to be a mare," She sang.

"Neither prepared for this rare love, and both in hesitation at first....... Twilight and the Moon....... Ever different, more so a surprise...... A love that knows no gender, but true love....... The feelings close to the surface, and the love hidden no more........ Never before, just as the moon will rise......."

Twilight and Luna dance around, and they stare into each other's eyes. In Twilight's eyes, there is a hint of growing feelings. And in Luna's eyes, there is a hint of growing compassion and love. "Twilight," Luna said, "I never expected to fall for a mare, but we are truly meant to be........"

"Luna....... You're so sweet and kind," Twilight replied, "Like the mare in the painting......"

Luna smiles as Twilight rests her head on Luna's chest. Luna's heart melts for a moment. She surely is feeling the love tonight.

"A tale, older than time, a love, rare and strange....... Romance blossoms, and in the moment, there's not a care this night........ The night, where love is blooming....... Finding you can love anypony, regardless of gender or age......... No matter how different you both are...... Actual, as the moon rising in the east...... A tale, older than time..... Song, new as rhyme..... Twilight and the Moon....... A tale, older than time..... Song, new as rhyme......." Madame sang.

Twilight and Luna walk out onto the balcony, and they gaze at the stars. Twilight sits down as Luna sits next to her. Luna grabs her hoof, as Twilight looks to the left. "Twilight Sparkle, I'm fairly certain that you will break the curse with love," Luna said, "Don't you forget that......"

"I won't. Anyways, Luna...... I wonder if they will accept this kind of love....... It feels different from dating a stallion....." Twilight replied.

"They may. It will take some time......." Luna hugs Twilight, and nuzzles her neck for a moment.

"Twilight...... And the Moon........." Madame finished.

Twilight continues to have a bad feeling about something, and Luna starts to become concerned. They walk into the darkened living room with the fireplace, and Twilight starts speaking once again. "I want to check on my mother," She said, "I'm sure she's out of the castle. I want to know how she's doing......"

"I'll let you use the Enchanted Mirror," Luna said.

She levitates a mirror in front of Twilight, and the mirror shows Twilight's mother in a bedroom that is all white. "I.... I'm not insane," Twilight's mother said.

"What did they do to my mother? I'll go and find out," Twilight said.

"Okay...... I hope you hurry," Luna replied as she looks at the rose, "There's not much time tonight......."

"I will. Please hang in there."

Twilight hugs Luna quickly before getting out of the castle. She runs out into the forest, and enters Ponyville to find the asylum. "Hey, you're back. Marry me?" Blueblood said.

"No!" Twilight replied, "Let me hurry and find my mother!"

Twilight rushes into the asylum, and finds her mother lying in bed. "I've come here for you. The black mare, who is actually the Princess of the Night, is benevolent, not malevolent. You are not insane. I know you once saw her. It's time I prove the villagers wrong," Twilight said.

"I'm not sure about this," Her mother replied.

"I'm confident that it will work."

They walk outside, and Twilight levitates a mirror. "See? My mother's not insane. She saw this mare, who is actually a benevolent ruler........" She said.

"This tyrant has tricked you!" Blueblood lied.

"Down with this mare! To the castle," The villagers shouted.

They march to the castle, but Twilight, gathering up her courage, attempts to stop Blueblood in his tracks. "Stop this nonsense! Because you're trying to act like a hero when you're actually not, you only made yourself weaker! This mare is strong, because she can change. She is strong because she is kind and benevolent! And she will never hurt an innocent soul! Princess Luna is a lot more heroic than you are. She's a hero...... And you're the villain," She said, "You have such a cold heart! She has a warm heart, unlike you!"

"Quit blabbering! You're crazier than your mother! Stay in the basement," Blueblood retorted as he allows the villagers to throw the two into the basement of Twilight's house.

Luna is hearing shouts in the distance. She's sure those are shouts of violence, hate, and threats. A golden carriage rushes in. "You must hide in the west wing somewhere. They're looking for you. I will tell the servants and the guards to stop them," Celestia warned her.

"Okay," Luna said, "That's good. I don't feel like fighting back."

"You seem gloomy lately. Did Twilight leave?"

"Yes. She tried to find her mother, and I'm not sure where she is right now."

"We must hurry. They seem to be getting closer! Hide!"

Luna rushes to the west wing, and she looks out the window. She doesn't see Twilight anywhere, and the rose is close to losing the final petal. "Twilight, you must hurry...... There's not much time........ My fate depends on your decisions......." She whispered.

When she hears the entrance doors being opened violently, she becomes more worried, but she also feels hopeful.

Teacup has somehow found his way into Ponyville because he is using a machine. The machine rams into a trapdoor, and the axe chops the trapdoor as quick as it can.

Meanwhile, Blueblood walks off to find Luna. He walks through many corners and many rooms, still looking for the princess. "Nightmare Moon! Come out, wherever you are!" He called out. There is no response.

Princess Celestia hears Blueblood's shout, and quickly rushes to the west wing to guard the door. "Nopony's getting to my sister," She told herself, "Not even the stallion......"

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle escapes the basement, and rushes towards the castle. She can't let a terrible fate happen to Princess Luna...... She must save her from that fate....... She gallops harder, sweat falling down her forehead as her heart beats harder. All that adrelaine is bringing more courage to her soul.

She rushes past the villagers, not even bothering to stop for a fight. She runs into the castle, and quickly looks for the west wing. She doesn't care what rules apply at the moment about the west wing. Twilight rushes towards the west wing, and she notices Celestia guarding the door. "Let me in quickly," She said.

"Okay," Celestia said, "I'll make sure that the servants and the guards are still fighting against the villagers. Protect my sister, as she's in grave danger....."

The carriage rushes off as Twilight enters the room. "Luna!" She exclaimed as she approaches Luna. They walk out onto the balcony as they hear a thump behind them.

"Who is that?" Luna asked as she turns around.

Blueblood jumps out at Luna, and attacks her with a knife. Luna screams in pain as she shoots a magical blast at Blueblood. Luna's magic surrounds him, and Blueblood is unable to fight back. Luna flies to the top of the castle, and she glares at Blueblood. "No....... No," She said.

"How can this be?! You're supposed to die," Blueblood retorted.

"I will not allow you to murder me. I'm more capable than you think. I'm not a mere damsel in distress. I'm the protector of this land, and of my subjects, and of my own family. You don't belong here. I will decide your fate....... For the royal family is not kind to those who have wronged them!"

Luna locks her gaze with Blueblood's eyes, and her expression hardens. "I am the hero. You are not," She concluded, "Stop acting like you are one...... Twilight does not deserve a boastful coward like you!"

Twilight climbs the tower until she reaches the top. She watches as Luna decides Blueblood's fate. The thunder booms loudly as the rain pounds the roof of the tower. "You will not, and will never win Twilight's heart!" Luna finished, "Until you can prove yourself guilty for this wrongful act, you will not live!"

Luna's magic drops Blueblood, and Blueblood screams with anger as he falls all the way down. Luna pants heavily, and she collaspes to the ground. "No!" Twilight shouted, "This can't be......." She approaches her, and places her head on Luna's neck.  Tears rush down her face, and the tears mysteriously find their way onto Luna's chest, entering the wound.

"Luna, I love you......" Twilight sobbed.

Twilight Sparkle's Surprise and Her Mother's Cowardliness

Luna's P.O.V

That afternoon, I am about to surprise Twilight. Her eyes are closed, and I use my magic to open the door. "Where are we?" She asked, "Can I take a look yet?"

"Not yet," I replied.

We walk into the room, and I open up the curtains with my magic. I hear Twilight mumbling and giggling. As the room brightens up, the light reveals many bookshelves. "You can open your eyes now," I said.

Twilight opens her eyes, and takes a look around. "Wow..... That's so many books," She said, "Luna, I must tell you something!"

I smile in response as she dances around me. "Thank you, thank you so much! That's the kindest surprise ever," She said.

"I thought you would like books, so I surprised you with this library. You can now read anything you want to read," I replied.

"That's also thoughtful of you!"

Twilight grabs my right hoof with her own, and she smiles. She gazes into my eyes for a second. My heart warms up at the sight of her smile.

Meanwhile, Twilight's mother, Twilight Velvet, is trying to convince the villagers to "rescue" her daughter from the dark mare.....

Normal P.O.V

Twilight Velvet rushes into the villagers, and she starts babbling about what she saw in the castle. "I'm not insane- it's just that..... I saw a scary black mare, and she took my daughter! And then she released me. I don't think she ever had a heart at all when she released me! I think she wanted something to do with Twilight," She said.

"Whoa, you're totally insane. Your imagination scared the daylights out of you this time, huh? It's time you stay in the insane asylum, unless you let me marry your daughter," Blueblood said, "No wonder old mares like you were cowards....."

"Are you kidding me?! I'm not insane, it's proof!"

"I'll have you thrown into the insane asylum."

"No! I'm not insane!"

"Then what is this stuff about the mare all about?"

"I already told you!"

Twilight Velvet groans in frustration as she allows a few ponies to lead her to the insane asylum. She knows she's not insane, but she doesn't know that the black mare is actually a kind princess of the night.

Transformation and Ending

Twilight continues sobbing for a few seconds as the last rose petal falls off. "We've run out of time," She said.

To her surprise, Luna flies into the air as magic surrounds her. She is transforming into a beautiful navy blue alicorn with a starry night mane, and her splotch has changed from purple to black. Her crescent moon cutie mark is still there, and in place of the armor is her royal regalia. Her eyes have changed from slitted to normal. Her wings are no longer dragonlike.

Luna lands onto the ground, and there is no wound on her this time. She is slightly shorter. Twilight recognizes her as the mare in the painting, and gasps with happiness. "Oh, Luna! It is you!" She exclaimed as she approaches her.

"I'm happy to be released from the curse," Luna replied.

They kiss deeply, and the curse on the rest of the castle has lifted off. The sky clears up, revealing the sky illuminated with the sunrise. The moon sets, and there is a beautiful combination of dark and light in the sky. "You have done well, saving my sister from the curse," A majestic voice said.

Twilight and Luna look up, and they notice a white alicorn in place of the carriage. "Tia!" Luna said, "You're back to normal!"

"This is so wonderful," Twilight said.

"Let's go down to the ballroom. Our servants are waiting for us," Celestia said, "Let's celebrate......."

They all go down to the ballroom, where the servants are waiting. The servants are now in pony form, awaiting the dance. Twilight and Luna start dancing, like the perfect couple they were, and the servants watch on. Even Celestia is watching them dance.  The sunlight illuminates the land as the castle is transformed into an elegant castle with a modern touch.

                                                                       The End