Edited by Dragon Angel Knight

Chapter 4

It was rare that Twilight Sparkle couldn't immediately think straight after opening her eyes. This particular time, it was due to an excrutiating amount of pain coming from her jaw. She attempted to ask what had happened, but was quickly shushed by Applejack.

"Don't try to talk, sugarcube," She said sounding concerned and angry.

Twilight reached up to try and feel what was wrong with her jaw, but again, was stopped by one of her friends, Rarity this time.

"Darling, I don't think that's the best idea right now," she said in a matronly tone. Twilight ignored her and felt a bandage wrapped around her muzzle before Fluttershy grabbed her hoof gently and pushed it back down to the bed side.

"There's a nasty bruise on the side of your muzzle, Twilight," Fluttershy said in her soft voice, "We thought there might be a fracture as well, so we took you to the hospital.... I hope that's alright...."

Several thoughts began to spin in Twilight's head, first she wondered where Spike and Celesta were, next was why her head hurt so much more than a bruise or fracture ('Never drinking hard cider again!' Twilight swore to herself), last was why there was yelling coming up the hallway. She looked around and found a pad of paper, a quill, and some ink lying on the bedside table. She grunted with the effort of raising it with her horn and brought it over to her bed and began writing out what was on her mind.

'Where are Spike and Celestia?' Twilight wrote.

"Welllllll.... They're both outside right now, arguing," Pinkie said a bit morosely, "But I'm sure they'll get back to you later if you leave a message after the beep!!!"

Before Twilight could write out her retort, Pinkie let out a loud beep, then Spike and Celestia came in the door, arguing loud enough to wake the dead.

"Damn it all, Celestia!" Spike was saying, "You could have handled that differently! There wasn't any need to put Twilight into the hospital!"

"Oh so now I'M the one on trial here?" Celestia asked, "How would you handle one of the few ponies you trusted with your life waltzing in and forcing hersef upon you?"

Celestia turned to glare at everypony in the room as if daring them to say something. Then, she noticed Twilight awake and said, "So... You're awake. Anything to say for yourself?"

Twilight looked down at her pad, then wrote out an apology, "I'm sorry... I wasn't thinking straight and, honestly, I thought you might have similar feelings."

"You forced yourself on me, tried to rape me, and all you have to say is 'sorry'?" Celestia asked coldly, "Do you really belive it's that easy?"

Twilight shook her head, then wrote, "I'm sorry, Celestia! I love you..."

Celestia's face grew dark as she said, "If you really loved me, you would have TOLD me instead of trying to RAPE me..."

Twilight wrote out frantically, "I didn't mean to rape you, I swear! Please just let me explain. Shortly after you left Nightmare Moon's room, she said that you weren't as easy going and fun..."

"Oh, so you're taking advice from my sister, the bringer of Night Eternal and usurper of the throne?" Celestia asked. She sighed heavily, then turned away from Twilight, who had started sobbing uncontrollably, "I don't know what to think anymore, Twilight.... I'm starting to think you failed on purpose..."

Too late, Celestia realized what she had said and put a hoof to her mouth... But the damage was already done. Twilight, in her shock, had dropped the writing board with a clatter, her eyes the size of dinner plates and her pupils shrunk to the size of pinpricks.

"Twilight, I..." Celestia said hesitantly, "I didn't mean.... I'm sorry..."

Twilight just turned away and started sobbing quietly. Celestia tried to move closer, but found her path blocked by Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The former with a smoldering glare, and the latter with an extremely aggressive posture.

"Princess, Ah think it may be a good idea for you to leave," AJ said quietly.

"That was totally uncalled for, sun butt!" Rainbow said bitterly, "After everything She's done for you, you go and say something like that?!"

"I.... Yes..." Celestia said, hanging her head and turning to leave the room, "I'll just go now... For what it's worth, Twilight, I do appreciate what you've done for me."

"Good riddance to bad rubbish," Rainbow said angrily. Applejack nodded in agreement as the former alicorn of the sun left the hospital.

***

Celestia walked through Ponyville, tears in her eyes. She really had messed up quite alot recently. She had planned to get her true sister back and that plan backfired quite extravagantly. She had planned on letting Twilight down easy, but again, it backfired. And now, she was down one lavender unicorn as a friend, probably the rest of the Element bearers as well from the looks of things.

So distracted was Celestia that she didn't notice where her hooves had taken her and she bummped into a guard. She got to her hooves and looked at the guard she had intended to appologize to and took in her surroundings. She was at the gate to the newly rennovated castle.

"Lady Celestia, are you alright?" the pegasi guard asked, concern on his face.

"Truth be told, Cloudbuster, no," Celestia said with a heavy sigh, "And before you ask how I knew your name, even with the change in armor, the enchantments on the armor don't change the look in a pony's eye. It's different for each individual."

"Ah," Cloudbuster said, "Well that's that question out of the way. But, if I may ask... .why are you here?"

"Is my sister holding court right now?" Celestia asked.

"Of course. Shall I escort you?" Cloudbuster said.

"I'd like that," Celestia said.

***

Nightmare Moon looked around the throne room, her visage unreadable as she asked, "Are there any other petitioners for this evening?"

The guard at the door poked his head out and looked around, stopping once in recognition, then retreating to the throne to say, "Lady Clestia has come seeking an audience."

"My sister?" Nightmare asked with a comically bemused look on her face, "Send her in, please."

Celestia walked into the chamber and looked up morosely as Nightmare said happily, "Celestia!! It's good to see you again!"

"It's good to see you too, Lulu..." Celestia said quietly, hoping that Nightmare Moon still remembered thier little code for when they needed to talk privately.

Apparently, she did remember and got the hint instantly because she turned to the guards and said, "Night Court is closed for the evening, tell any new petitioners that they may come and be heard tomorrow. I am not to be disturbed unless all of the other nations have decided to declare war on Equestria and the castle is crumbling from thier combined assault, do I make myself clear?"

"Clear as Crystal, Your Highness!" the guards in the room all said in unison.

"Good, now if anyone needs either myself or my sister, we shall be in my chambers," Nightmare Moon said as a silvery aura enveloped her horn and they teleported away in a flash.

Celestia and Nightmare Moon reappeared in the Queens chambers in a flash. Nightmare Moon trotted over to a cabinet and pulled out two glasses and a bottle saying, "Apparently, the Apple family makes a pretty good moonshine called Applejack Daniels. They usually don't sell it, prefering to keep it around for medicinal or recreational purposes. Ms. Applejack, the mare the drink is named after and creditied for brewing, thought it would make a nice house warming gift. Though, by this point, I'm pretty sure you'll want a drink more than I will."

"I thought moonshining was outlawed..." Celestia said slowly.

"Nope, I looked. Just the sale and transportation of the alcohol," Nightmare said with a cocky grin, "Something I changed about a week ago, while the capitol was still in Canterlot. Drink?"

Celestia took the offered glass in her pale yellow magic and swirled it around before taking a sip. Nightmare Gauged her reaction before saying, "So.... what's wrong?"

With a sigh, Celestia started explaining the problems she was having, saying, "I messed up big time sister.... First with trying to get you back, then with Twilight.... What's next? A Changeling invasion right under my nose with Cadence being impersonated by Chrysalis?"

"Funny you should mention the Changelings, sister," Nightmare Moon said, "Chrysalis just came by the other day, congratulated me, and asked if I would be willing to let them integrate into society... I agreed considering that the entorage she had brought looked starved... But I digress, you were saying?"

"I was about to ask if that position at the castle was still open or not," Celestia said slowly.

Nightmare paused for a moment, to be sure she had heard correctly, then said, "Are you sure? You seemed rather put off by it when I first put it on the table..."

"I am," Celestia said with a slow nod, "I don't like the prospect of being a servant... But I believe, due to recent events, I've over stayed my welcome in the library."

"Alright, only if you're sure, though," Nightmare said, "Let me show you to your room, sister."

They made thier way to the servants quarters in relative silence. Celestia only said something when she noticed the rest of the servants staring as they passed by. To which Nightmare scoffed and said, "Because we're alicorns. You'll get used to it, Celly."

They reached a large door at on end of a hallway and Nightmare Moon flared her magic, opening the door. It led into a modestly decorated, but rather large bedroom. If it wasn't for the fact that it was in the servants quarters, Celestia would have mistaken it for her private suite back in Canterlot.

"This is my room?" Celestia asked, unsure of whether to be flattered or insulted by the many sun related images through out the room.

"Yes," Nightmare said, "I had it made specifically for you... In case you ever took me up on my offer. As for the imagry... I thought you might like to see your sun. Even if it is only on the wall."

"Thank you, sister," Celestia said quietly.

"No problem, Celly," Nightmare Moon said, "Your uniform is in the wardobe over there... and I'll introduce you to your staff tomorrow. For now, get some rest. You look like you could use it."

A moment after Nightmare finished speaking, a guard knocked twice, then entered the room and trotted up to the Lunar Queen and whispered something in her ear.

"What?" Nightmare Moon asked, "AGAIN?! Ugh... I'm sorry, Celly, but duty calls, I suppose. You're welcome to come along, if you wish."

***

Quick Note, the guard that had come for Nightmare Moon fell into step beside the Alicorn sisters. Nightmare Moon cleared her throat, which prompted Quick Note to say, "Your agenda for the next few days is pretty full up. There are a few appearances planned for tomorrow night, all of which are here in Ponyville. First on the list is the meeting with Mayor Mare, then the Banquet Prince Blueblood planned for the former-Canterlot Elite...."

"Ugh... I hate that insufferable Prat I am unfortunately related to...." Nightmare Said, "Is there any way I can cancel that particular appointment?"

Quick Note chuckled and said, "Unfortunately, no, you can't. Most of the Elite moved out here to Ponyville to keep close to the palace. Though, with it being in the Everfree, I doubt that they'll be heckling you too much... Damn Snobs..."

"I heard that last part, Note," Nightmare said with a chuckle, "But don't worry, I'm of the same opinion."

Note laughed and said, "Yes ma'am, I thought you might be. But most of these eliteists are supporters. Still snobbish, but support is support, am I right?"

Nightmare nodded, then asked, "Anything else on the agenda for tonight?"

"Yes, a visit to Ponyville Hospital," Note said, checking the list, "Then you're free for the rest of the evening, ma'am."

Nightmare blinked, then a grin slowly spread on her face. A visit to Twilight was just the thing she needed right now. And, if the black Alicorn was completely honest with herself, Twilight was more than just a conquest.... And, according to Celestia, Twilight was on the rebound, which meant it was the perfect time to ask her out!

***

Twilight sat on her bed in the hospital a few hours later, tears streaming down her face. She didn't honestly think that words could hurt so much, but, then again, she also didn't think that it would have been Celestia saying them. It was almost as if Twilight had given up on life. Not even the presence of her closest friends could do anything to cheere the unicorn up.

Just as Applejack was about to say something, there was a light knock on the door. AJ went to it and opened it up, to find Nightmare Moon sitting outside, waiting to be let in. Everypony who could bowed. Normally, Nightmare moon would have enjoyed the sight, but right now, Twilight was her main concern. Even though the lavender unicorn was pointedly ignoring her.

Nightmare moved to beside the bed and said, "Twilight, I'd like to apologize for my sister."

Twilight looked up into Nightmare Moons eyes and wrote out on her board, "Thank you, but that should be her apologizing, not you."

The rest of the group looked on apprehensively before Spike cleared his throat and said, "I don't know about you guys, but I'm hungry. Anypony want something to eat?"

The rest of the girls latched onto the idea and left with the little dragon to get some food and to leave Twilight and the queen to their privacy.

"I didn't expect you to come and apologize, Nightmare," Twilight wrote out, "Somehow, I just didn't think it suited you."

"I agree, it leaves a rather bitter aftertaste," Nightmare said, "But, then again, there are certain ponies I believe merit having at least an apology."

"Do you know what happened?" Twilight asked.

"Yes," Nightmare said, "Celestia came to me and told me. She seemed rather upset by it all."

"I'm not really sure I care about her anymore," Twilight wrote out, "It's not as if she wanted to be with me anyway..."

"I know it may seem like the end of the world, Twilight," Nightmare cooed, nuzzling the filly comfortingly, "But believe me when I say that things can only get better from here."

"How can you say that?" Twilight asked, "Do you know what I would have done for her? What I would have given up to make her see me the way I saw her? I can't believe I was stupid enough to fall for her..."

"Don't dwell on the past, it will only end up eating away at you," Nightmare said quietly.

"Why do you care what I'm feeling," Twilight asked, "It isn't as if you love me or anything, is it?"

"Well...." Nightmare said, blushing, "I think that may be the case, Twilight."

Twilight blinked in disbelief and wrote out a simple question, "Why?"

"The night I returned," Nightmare began, "You and your friends stood up to me. You in particular struck a chord in my heart with your bravery. You were willing to fight and die if need be when you charged me. It's also because of you that I was reunited with my sister. Even if it wasn't exactly the way she had planned it to begin with."

"If that's true, then why didn't you force me to be your bride or something?" Twilight asked.

"If there's one thing I hated about Discord, it was that he took away a pony's free will whenever he did mess with them," Nightmare said matter-of-factly, "He never killed anypony, directly, which I will give him some leeway for, but I cannot become like him. I won't force anypony to do something against thier will, especially if it's as life changing as marriage or courtship. I wanted you to be my lover because you want to be, not because I forced you into it."

There was a thump at the door, which both ponies disregarded as an eavesdropping friend fainting. Twilight got lost in thought, however, trying to come up with reasons to believe this.

"I.... I'm going to need some time," Twilight wrote out eventually, "I'm not ready for this, especially not after what just happened with Celestia. It's just too much all at once. Do you understand?"

"Of course, Twilight," Nightmare said with a small smile, "But all I sak is that you think about it for a little while. And let me know when you come to a decision."

***

A week after the incident, Twilight was release with the suggestion that she should eat soft foods for another week, to make sure her jaw had healed completely. During the week, the path towards the Castle had become an actual road. The Everfree Highroad, the posted sign said. There was also a railway being built that would lead to the castle, but it would take another month or so before it was finished.

It was the gate at the end of the Highroad that Twilight Sparkle found herself standing at, speaking to a guard. "I was wondering if I would be able to speak with Queen Nightmare Moon. Is she available?" Twilight asked the guard.

"I'm sorry, but that isn't possible right now. Her Royal Highness is currently in Fillydelphia on bussiness and won't return before...." The guard trailed off, watching the sky behind Twilight as Nightmare Moon swept in for a landing, beating her chariot by a good minuet and a half.

"Twilight!" Nightmare said in good spirits, "What a nice surprise!"

"Queen Moon.... Could we talk somewhere private?" Twilight asked.

"Of course. Guards, I'll be teleporting Twilight and myself to my private chambers," Nightmare said, "Do not disturb us unless it is important."

The pair dissappeard with a flash and a pop of magic and reappeared in Nightmare Moon's chambers. Twilight had been in Celestia's chambers before, and these were very much the same, only everything was moon themed instead of sun themed.

"So, what did you want to talk about, Twilight?" Nightmare asked in a cheery tone.

"Did you... really mean what you said at the hospital the other day?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, Twilight," Nightmare Moon said as she removed her helmet and set it on a nearby table, "I did. I'm not the kind of mare to lead someone along like that and shatter their hearts. Even if the foals tales have me swooping down and gobbling up ponies who don't leave me candy on Nightmare Night."

Just then, a knock on the door made Nightmare look up and say, "It's open!"

In walked Celestia, followed by another pony, who quickly introduced herself as Silver Smith, the local jeweler. Celestia either didn't notice Twilight or didn't think it wise to make a remark on her presence in Nightmare's room because she nodded toward the black alicorn and left without a word, her maids skirt trailing in her wake.

"Ah! You're here about my crown, yes?" Nightmare said with obvious enthusiasm.

"Yes, your Majesty," Silver Smith said, "I've brought the finished crown and it's ready for you to try on, if you wish."

"Wait... Why would you need a crown?" Twilight asked curiously, "I thought your helmet was your crown."

"While a helmet is good for intimidating ponies," Nightmare said with a laugh, "A crown makes me seem much more approachable. That, and I'm quite tired of the hat mane I get with that thing."

Nightmare took the crown from Silver Smith and gently placed it upon her head, just behind her horn. Her mane, which was a billowing cloud before, now more closely resembled Celestia's mane whenever Twilight had been with her in court, with the exception that it was made of star dust and moon beams not sunshine and rainbows.

"Huzzah!! This is fantastic work, Ms. Smith!" Nightmare exclaimed happily, "Guard! Please ensure that Silver Smith is paid in full for her hard work and have Celestia escort her to the gate."

Twilight tensed up at the mention of her mentor's name, a motion that did not escape the notice of Nightmare Moon, who waited until Silver Smith left before saying, "She really is sorry, you know."

"Once upon a time, I would have followed in her wake, drinking in everything she said as if it were the Elixer of Life," Twilight said solemnly, "Now, I'm not sure what to think about her."

"Well, now that the pleasantries are out of the way, have you made your decision?" Nightmare asked.

Twilight took a deep breath, let it out, then turned towards Nightmare moon and said with all the courage she could muster, "I'm not entirely sure I'll be able to trust you enough for that kind of relationship.... But I'm willing to be friends. At least for now."

Nightmare smiled a small smile and said, "A friend. I think that will work, for now."

Author's Note

So! It's done! The new Chapter! I hope you have enjoy it! ^^