The Chronicles of Moonshade

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter Two; Attempt to Befriend
Chapter Three; The Fair
Chapter Five; Preparations
Chapter Six; Glimpses Into the Past
Chapter Seven; The Battle of Fate
Epilogue
Chapter One; Confrontations and Revelations
Chapter Four; Past Memories and Revalation

Prologue

Author's Note

Hey all, finally my first story is back to being published, YAY! I've been working on trying to fix it up some before I republish it.

Prologue

Throughout the castle halls, a couple of guards rove on their normal scheduled patrols while more stand statue still next to certain doors, keeping vigil in the darkness. The silence of the princess’ abode is broken by the steady purposeful hoof falls of those walking the deserted, gray stoned hallways and the sounds of a mare crying her heart out.

"Luna, dear sister, how are you doing? I heard you crying." Celestia's worried voice comes from the slightly ajar door, concern glistening in her purple orbs as she looks over at the form of her younger sister, abdomen swollen greatly as she lays on her opulent bed, surrounded by ice cream mixed with jelly and jalapeños.

"You still love him, don't you, Lulu?" With a sniff the lunar princess could only nod before burying her head into her pillow and mane.

"Why sister, why did he turn on us?” As another series of sobs wrack the dark blue alicorn, her forehooves interlock behind Celestia’s neck as tears soak into the trio colored strands. “On me?”

"That I cannot answer unfortunately sister. But despite him not being here, your foal will not go unloved. We shall teach and raise it together." Celestia attempts to console her younger sister gently.

As they stay locked in the embrace Luna lets out a pained noise as tremors crash through her body. Her words groaned out. "Ti...Tia it's.... it's almost.... time."

A barked order from the elder alicorn has a mirade of royal nurses and doctors swarming the room and getting Luna ready to be moved.

After the frantic rush from the room, the sisters find themselves in a clean hospital room smelling of disinfectant while Luna is covered in a thin blanket. Her breathing is rapid and irregular as Celestia holds her sister's hoof. A royal doctor settled between the moon princess’ haunches. "Ok princess, now breathe and puuussshhh." The lunar sister's screams of pain and labored breathing can be heard throughout the castle’s empty halls, startling the guards on shift as the doctor continues to instruct and encourage her. Celestia, in the meantime, screws her eyes tightly shut, her upper teeth biting into her lower lip hard enough to draw a trickle of blood at the powerful grip Luna has on her hoof, nearly breaking the bones. The mixture of pained screams, the doctor's orders and even her own words of encouragement mix with each other in Celestia's ears until it becomes a jumble of sound.

Luna's screams turn into whimpers that mix with Celestia's as another sound, louder than the pained screams of the ruler of the night from earlier, is heard for the first time. It's the crying of a just born filly taking her first breaths. A little while later the filly, revealed to be a unicorn, is wrapped tightly in a pink blanket and gently passed into Celestia's hooves first. The visible coloring of the coat is unusual, primarily her father's dark grey as a patch of dark blue surrounds her muzzle and left eye, the same color as her mother's coat. The ebony flecks in the dark blue mane are also a telltale mixture of the filly's parents.

"She's so beautiful sister, what name are you going to give her?" The daytime ruler asks as she passes the wrapped, squirming bundle into Luna's waiting hooves. At that point the fillies’ eyes blink open rapidly, exposing the left eye to be a very bright red while the right eye is a darker cyan.

"We think her name shall be..... Moonshade." Upon naming her, the filly rolls over onto her right side and yawns, nuzzling against Luna's chest as the blanket unwraps, exposing the whole left hind leg and flank to be completely dark blue.

"Moonshade, it is a fitting name, sister." The royal sisters stare lovingly at the newest member of the royal family who yawns again and stretches before curling up, falling immediately asleep.

~~~~~Five years later~~~~~

"Moon are you excited for your first day of school?" Celestia asks, giggling as she watches me bounce energetically into the dining room while carrying my saddlebags with my magic.

"Oh yes, Auntie Tia, We can't wait. Momma and thee taught us so much already. We can't wait to learn more and make some friends!" Excitedly, I hug auntie happily and eagerly, practically bouncing off the walls before settling at the table and wait for momma to join us for breakfast. The wait is short lived as she sits next to me, smiling tiredly as she hugs me happily.

"And how is our little Moon today? We see thou art excited for this day." Comes Momma's exhausted voice as she surveys my plate and adds a few more pieces of fruit. Despite how busy the rest of the castle has been, so far the dining room is empty, except for the three of us gathered at the high table. The emblem of the two sisters is centered in the highly polished wood where mom and Tia sit.

"Oh yes, Momma We can't wait! Oh, thou should see something, Momma, Auntie." Anxiously I look about, smiling as I find a big enough pool of shadows to work with, which is hard despite how large the room and the number of tables inside. Immediately I begin to focus on the shadows, beads of sweat covering my face as I strain to show off. Eventually the shadows rise and tendrils dance in the air as I open my eyes, smiling widely. "Look Momma, Auntie, isn't that amazing? Can either of thee do something like this?" My smile begins to fade as I look from Aunt Celestia to mom, their looks of surprise and concern starting to worry me. "Wha.... What's wrong?"

"Please Moon, don't do that ever again." Momma's voice loses its exhausted tone but is instead replaced by surprise, alarm and worry at the show of my newly discovered ability.

"Why mom? Is it evil?" After a few minutes of awkward silence, she finally responds.

"No little Moon, it's...... complicated." I can't help but note the tears and sadness in mom's eyes and voice, causing me to direct my gaze to Auntie questioningly.

"No more time for questions, Moon. It's time to leave. You don't want to be late, do you?" Auntie responds, cutting off any questions I might have. The mention of the possibility of being late makes me immediately forget them.

Once my bags are properly secured, both Celestia and Luna work a shape altering spell to hide their true selves before escorting me to the school. “Mom, why are thee and Auntie in disguise? Are ye not supposed to be out in public?” I ask as we exit the outer doors of the castle, staring at their changed form in shock

“No little Moon, but we do not want to cause thee any problems that may arise when the foals thy age see who thine true family is. Too many ponies around here will take advantage of thee or seek to cause thee harm just to get our favor or to hurt us. Please, do not tell anypony who thou are.” The answer comes from Momma as we near the building, surrounded by many foals my age.

Despite how early we left by the time I’m dropped off at the door the bell begins to ring, giving me just enough time for a quick hug and bye.

***** ***** *****

Later on that day, after taking care of their royal duties, from dealing with ambassadors from Gryphonstone, Yakyakistan, Zebrica and other places to the most minor of land claims, the two sisters head back to the school with Celestia noting the growing change in Luna’s demeanor. “What is wrong dearest sister?”

"Sister, we are worried; what if the darkness that affected him came to plant a seed in our daughter?" The younger asks as they stand just outside the door of the school, her gaze focused on the empty playground or beyond while waiting for the bell to announce the end of the school day.

Celestia, not knowing how to alieve her sister’s fears, nor her growing worry at Luna’s ever growing depression and shorter temper, takes in their surroundings. The sky, while still a light blue is dotted by slightly grey clouds in the distance, probably full of rain. The breeze is fairly strong today and whips the lush, green grass into furious waves, loose leaves and other natural debris are pushed along past the growing crowd of waiting parents and strike against the dark red wood of the single story school building.

The silence between them grows to much for the elder and finally she answers, but in a low whisper so none of the others can hear her. "I do not know sister, the ability your daughter has to be able to manipulate shadows can be turned into a blessing in disguise. If we can teach her how to properly control them as well as give her the knowledge to know when and how to use her gift..."

Celestia’s train of thought is broken by a small, smiling missile aimed directly for Luna and herself. Small hooves wrap tightly around her sister’s neck, causing her to smile at the added extra weight suddenly hanging from Luna. "How was school sweetie?"

"It was good Auntie.... we made a new friend and.... we played tag and we learned.... there is a lot more to magic.... then what thee and Momma already told us. We.... we never thought there'd be so much history to learn.... about Equestria and the math was really fun and.... easy as well." My words coming out in bursts as I try to regain my breath, breathing heavily through my nose as droplets of sweat forms on my forehead.

"Oh sounds like somepony had a very upbeat day today." Comes Momma's voice, sounding different, though the excitement of my first school day distract me. All throughout the walk home I talk nonstop about what happened at school.

Once inside the castle, both Mom and Auntie drop their disguises, and our first stop is the kitchen for some after school snacks. Auntie suggests we take the snacks out into the garden. Still riding high from the excitement of my day at school I bounce around like a large rabbit as we walk down the path created by large, smooth stones mixed with swirls of white and grey. The breeze lightens up some to where it barely causes the various flowers to dance for us. The dancing, various colored petals mixed with the sweet scents blowing into my nose and the chirping of the many birds around bring a sense of peacefulness to me as we go over the large stack of papers that the teacher handed out, making a list of what supplies I’d need and eat the snacks.

For the the rest of the day the three of us spend time before and after dinner playing together until it’s close to bedtime, as much as I don’t want it to be.

That night, I'm plagued by terrible dreams of monsters so evil I wake up with a scream and start crying. Surprisingly it's Auntie Tia, not Momma, who comes and comforts me, even singing my favorite lullaby. The next morning I'm awoken early by the angry shouting of Auntie. Curiously, I get up and follow her voice, taking cover as it leads to the main hall, crawling and wiggling to spy from one of my favorite hiding spots.

"Sister please..... don't do this.... don't follow in Sombra's hoofsteps.... don't make me punish you, Luna! Think of Moonshade, and how devastated she'll be knowing her own loving mother ended up leaving her like her father did!" As the scene unfolds, I notice Momma is standing on top of the raised balcony looking down at Celestia, a large window is behind her, bathing Momma in the silvery glow of the full moon.

The rest of the argument is a blur as I take in what I just heard and am witnessing. My body frozen as I watch in horror while Momma is surrounded by darkness and transformed into a new form before she and Auntie begin to fight, the sounds of their fighting scares me so much I huddle in a tight ball onto the cold stone floor, crying and screaming as loud as I can while wishing for it to be nothing more than a dream.

The destruction caused by the battling sisters loosens some of the stones of my hiding spot, and in terror, I look up just in time to see a stone fall straight for me. Trying to scramble away, I realize that my left hind hoof is caught under some rubble. As I let out another scream and cover my head, I cringe while trying to steel myself for the unavoidable impact.

Darkness surrounds me as pain courses through my body. My final image is of my transformed mother about to beat Celestia as my eyes close and I go limp.

***** ***** *****

I have no idea how much time has passed before I finally come to. The last images I remember are of a dark, ominous figure bathed in the moonlight and then the strange voice that kept me company with whispered dreams of power and glory and unbridled magical strength.

With a groan I try to stretch, only to find myself encased in total darkness as I open my eyes. After a couple of seconds of pounding against the barrier it finally gives way, revealing myself to be trapped by gray, moss covered stone and rubble. As panic begins to set in, my magic surges through me. Despite the growing pain in my head, an opening is formed just big enough for me to scramble through. Once I'm free, I find myself laying down on the cold floor of a ruined tower. Looking around weakly, I notice the room I’m in is overrun with vegetation and all the windows are broken out, there are even gaps in the wall, exposing a wild looking forest.

As I try to stand, voices come from the distance, but my weakened state prevents me from shouting or galloping to them. As I lay there, a flash of light appears, forcing me to shield my eyes for a moment. Once my vision clears, the only thing I can see is a cloud of starry shadows until the figure of my dreams appear. I stare in awe of her power, confidence and demeanor. However, the sight of a purple unicorn defiantly standing up to the royal looking figure angers me. As the fight begins, I can't help but feel my eyes begin to roll upwards, and I pass out.

‘Wake up my daughter.’ I immediately recognize the voice as that of the one who has kept me company for as long as I can remember. Groggily, I get up onto unsteady legs with my stomach aching painfully, forcing me to stand and walk despite the weakness to find nourishment.

Going through the woods nearby, I get this feeling of unease, though I push it away, more concerned with finding something to eat. As I’m standing around in the overgrown grass I begin to munch on the strands, trying to ignore the taste. A sound close by grabs my attention and there in front of me are two furry, long eared things with a bump for a tail. One of them is white and the way it stands seems a bit bossy while its companion is more greyish and is standing slightly further away. The grey one hops forward and holds out a long orange stick to me with a pointed end, its nose twitching weirdly.

The sight of these two for some reason triggers a rush of… I have no idea how to explain it, but I can feel myself tense up as my muzzle lifts, a snarl sounding from somewhere. Alarmed the pair start to run off but before they could get far a black, pointed spike catches the grey one and pulls it towards me, despite it’s protesting screams and struggles. The sounds it is making brings my lips to curl as one thought crosses my mind, I wonder what it tastes like. Blood coats my muzzle as I finish and instinctively I run my tongue along the red stained fur, which only makes my curling lips grow wider.

After a short nap, the images of that dark figure from earlier fill my mind as I wander the ruined halls. The walls are overgrown with vines, the once colorful tapestries and paintings are destroyed or dulled. I still study them as best I can while exploring my current home. Eventually I find myself in what used to be a library. What I find the most surprising however, is the fact that the room and the books are in good condition, unlike the rest of the castle. I excitedly go through the books, ignoring the more whimsical ones in favor of the ones that seem the most educational. Many days and nights pass as my time is spent between honing my magical prowess, strengthening myself physically and studying any of the books I find interesting. I gravitate towards the ones focusing on magical instruction and theory.

Finally, after an unknown amount of time spent in the castle, I take my first purposeful steps outside and away from the place I called home. Determined to explore the world as well as find out who the mysterious dark figure is that I saw, I travel down a dirt path, unsure what I might find. My trip is interrupted by many creatures. Some, I fight, while others either run or just leave me be. The weakness shown by each creature that runs disgusts me to no end, but especially the chittering of the small animals who try to offer help are most annoying. Those I am able to catch are turned into a quick snack. Their cries of terror make it just a little more enjoyable as my fangs dig into their flesh, painting the ground with their life essence.

Eventually a small, quaint town comes into view, causing me to break into a trot. At first, the ponies I come across wave and smile at me before taking a good look at my appearance, causing them to stop and stare at me in fear or run away. Pathetic weaklings, they don’t deserve to live.

‘True my daughter, but we have work to do after you satisfy your curiosity and it won’t due to be thwarted this early.’

Ignoring the voice with a huff, I step inside the first building I spot after slowing my pace. A wooden sign decorated with a piece of candy hangs above the door. "Hello there and welcome to Bon- Bon's BonBons Candy Shop. I'm Bon- Bon, may I... help… you?" The shopkeeper pipes up cheerily as I step inside. Her last couple words are a bit shaky as she takes a look at me while I stand there, winded.

"Where am I, what is this place." I demand, my tone of voice obviously unsettling the cream mare even more. While waiting I look around the pink walled room and the many shelves holding various pieces of food in many different colors and shapes.

"Well uh, you're in Ponyville, and this place is a candy store."

"Candy store? Nevermind, tell me, do you know a pony that looks like this?” Immediately Bon-Bon cowers and attempts to hide as I conjure up an image of the dark nare of my dreams while a mint colored unicorn mare yelps and shoots off to hide as well as she was making her way down the stairs.

"T- that's N- Nightmare M- Moon!" She answers, terror quickly filling her voice.

"Oh, and where can this Nightmare Moon be found?" Bon- Bon's fear stirs up an emotion that I can't name, causing my heartbeat to increase rapidly as I press her for more information.

"S-she's n-now kn- known as P-Prrincess L-Luna a-after T-Twilight S-Sparkle d-defeated h-her." As she continues, I start to get upset while also enjoying the feelings her fear awakens inside me.

"What does this Twilight Sparkle look like and where does she live?" I demand, my voice getting harder and more intense, my eyes widening as the terrified mare describes Twilight and where she lives. As she finishes I storm off, each step hard and filled with rage as I approach the library.

"TWILIGHT SPARKLE, SHOW YOURSELF!" I shout out as I slam the door open, the commotion causing every pony to stop and stare before scurrying for safety. An owl hoots in fright as it leaps and flies away in alarm. After a couple more minutes of waiting, I start to tear up the place with my magic. Books I don’t find interesting are destroyed while I smash the table into the wall with enough force that it is embedded in the wood. A beam of magic blows out the only window and I make my way upstairs, tearing apart the single bed and the basket with tendrils of shadows. A crowd gathers around the tree and looks on in horror as I exit, my new purpose is to find both Twilight Sparkle and this Princess Luna, beat the former and return the latter to her powerful true self.

'The time for revenge has to wait, but it will come. In the meantime you have a more important mission. Find a certain ritual and spell, the general location is known but you have to seek out the exact location.' The voice urges and mentally shows me a couple locations.

Who are you and why have you been contacting me? The voice isn’t my own and as I focus I can feel another presence somewhere in my mind.

’I am your mother. As for why I have contacted you is because I need your help in making my dream a reality.’

Chapter Two; Attempt to Befriend

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter Three; The Fair

I have no idea what time it is when I finally come to, just that it is daytime, judging by the harsh light assaulting my eyelids. What happened? And why does my head hurt so much? Gah, even thinking hurts. I can hear voices around me, but they seem so distant and jumbled and of no concern at the moment. For some reason images similar to the ones from… however long it’s been return, this time with audio.

The scene I’m witnessing takes place in what looks like a very opulent, and vast kitchen. A couple jars, cans and bags are broken, smashed or torn and left on the floor. Almost every inch of the shiny stone is nearly covered in some kind of powder, frosting, flour or splotches of dough. ”Moonshade, what hast thou gotten thyself into this time?” From my view of the scene, it seems as if the fake ruler of the night is addressing me, looking down at me through a serious gaze.

“Nothing momma, we just… we wanted to bake thee a cake for thine birthday today.” Even though I don’t say anything the reply sounds like it comes from a younger me, filled with fear as the view shifts as if I’m backing away with my head lowered.

This has got to be a memory charm Discord played on me. Why would he---

My thoughts are interrupted by a flash of white light and instantly the devil herself, Luna appears. “Those are not false memories, Moonshade. They are yours, of a… happier time.”

“Even if I were to believe you, false princess, why are you in them? Why would I care about baking you some nasty cake for your birthday? I could care less about you.” I try to add as much venom into my voice in an attempt to mask the confusion and surprise.

As I stare daggers at Luna and take my usual combat ready stance, something inside me feels sad at the sight of tears forming in her eyes and her lowered head, even her tail is lowered sadly. “You did, at one point in time. It seems life has been cruel to the both of us for the thousand plus years.” As she talks, I can see the regret in her eyes and hear it in her voice as she approaches.

“Why do you say life was cruel to you? You became the most powerful alicorn ever, you should be on the throne Celestia occupies, not her. And how can you say life was cruel to me? You don’t even know me!” Each step she takes closer to me is followed by my own step away. I try to maintain my snarl and glare, but I can feel something inside me starting to break, and I don’t know what it is. Angrily my tail swishes, a clear sign I want this conversation to end, now.

“Yes, I did have the power to rival my sister’s. However, that power came at a price, it alienated me from the two ponies who loved me, my sister and my daughter. That power eventually caused them both to be hurt in different ways.” The way she said daughter gives me a very bad feeling in my stomach as she looks at me. “As for your comment, I don’t even know you, I do, or at least I used to. You are my daughter, Moonshade.”

It… it can’t… she… she’s lying. She must be lying. Even as I continually repeat that line, something deep down inside me keeps saying the opposite. The warring thoughts and feelings are strong enough that it hurts my head, badly. “I must be going, my little Moon. Please, fight whatever influence has taken its hold on you.”

In a flash she leaves, as if something forced her out. Who should I believe? What is the truth? Where are you! The voice I have grown so accustomed to is nowhere to be heard, the same goes for the figure that has shown up a few times during my dreams.

"Moon, wake up. We gotta go, we need to meet the others and have breakfast." Was that… was that just a dream? Why does my head hurt so much? The feeling of my body rocking only increases the headache and brings about a feeling of nausea as I slowly come to.

“Stop it, Lily. I’m getting… sick.” As the rocking stops I try to open my eyes, but the blinding brightness greeting me only increases the throbbing pain in my forehead. Instinctively I reach for my magic and attempt to darken the room, but nothing happens. I can’t even feel that surge of power as my horn activates.

I have no idea how long it takes but eventually I am able to get up and ready, though I feel as if I’m moving at a snail’s pace. I think this is the worst wake up I’ve ever had that I can remember. Damn you, Celestia and your infernal ball of brightness.

"Wonderful to see you ladies up and about this fine morning, I hope you slept well." Discord's cheerful greets as we finally join the others, his voice again sending a wave of pain through my skull.

"Morning Discord, I slept ok, but......" She cuts off, glancing wearily at me. “I don’t think she did, or she is not a morning pony."

"Oh what ever is the matter Moony, nightmares?"

"I don't have nightmares, ever, I give them." My reply comes grumpily and quietly as I lower my ears in an attempt to block out most of the noise around me.

"Hmm, I might have just the pony in mind to help. Dear Lily would you mind keeping an eye on our new friend while I'm away. Go and do something fun together, raise some chaos for me."

"I could, if I wasn't chained down like this."

"Ah, but there's a difference, my dear in the kind of fun chaos I create and your terror, now Arrivederci." With a bow he disappears in a flash, leaving a huge bag of bits on the table. The flash causes stars to explode in front of my eyes, bringing back a wave of nausea.

"Well since we have all this what do you guys wanna do?" Sunstreak asks cheerily.

"Well... I heard there's a carnival in town. And since we don't have anything else to do, why not go there?" If I could, I’d cut your tongue out, Lily, just so I cannot hear your voice again.

"Sounds like a plan Lily, what do you think Moon?" Almond says with a chuckle.

"Shove off and die already."

"Its decided, let's go guys.... Uhm Moon, you do know how to have fun don't you?"

"What is fun?" A collective groan escapes the three before Lily responds.

"Just..... watch us and please try to relax and maybe smile every once in awhile."

"Sure." I mumble under my breath as they head out with me trailing behind as far as the invisible chains will let me. My murderous scowl and glare, along with my eyes, cause some of the street goers to hurry inside or find places to hide as we pass.

A brave pair of colts actually make the worse decision of their short lives as a pair of cans whistle through the air, hitting me squarely in the side. Once I have located them, I approach quickly with my fangs barred. The chains give me enough room to reach them and the two fall on their sides in an attempt to flee in fear. As they recover from the landing they look up in terror as their eyes focus on my hooves racing down to crush their skulls at the same time, my blood colored eyes shimmering with the chance to release some of my pent up rage.

"MOON NO!" Lily screams, the flurry of action drawing her attention. Just before my hooves land, a hard yank jerks me away and onto my side. As I recover, I glare back at her, my voice pure venom.

"You will pay for that, trust me." It takes some time, but the incident is cleared up with the colts and their parents. Once they are freed, the two colts race away fearfully, and we finally reach our destination.

The sounds of laughter rings through the air, drifting on the slow breeze along with the scents of various foods. Brightly colored banners hang all over the place and there seems to be a huge crowd inside. I can see from my spot various things rising into the air, one looks like a large wheel, another looks like a large tower with four arms coming from it and finally there is what looks to be a large, bumpy flat surface that angles towards the ground. The multiple conversations going on around me start to bring back the headache I thought was gone.

"Four tickets please." Almond says as we finally come up to the booth occupied by a bright green unicorn stallion who is wearing a red and white striped shirt. His mane is a darker green with a blue streak going through the center.

"Here you go, sir.... Uhm what's wrong with your friend there?" The attendant asks after spotting me. A glare promising death quickly silences the foal, making him shift uncomfortably.

"Stop it, Moon. Here take this." Lily sighs as she looks back at me, one of the pieces of paper in her left hoof.

"Ugh, why do I need this piece of paper."

"It's to show that you paid to enter here and so you won't get into trouble."

"But I didn't pay, Almond did."

After taking a deep breath as we step inside Almond replies. "Yes, but I'm being nice and giving you one so you don't have to spend any bits."

"Fine." With that I reluctantly take it.

"So what shall we do first huh?"

"I know, since we're supposed to be helping Moon why don't we let her decide what we do?"

"You sure that's a good idea?"

The conversation between the trio is mostly ignored as I keep my ears flat against my head in an attempt to drown out the multitude of sounds assaulting me.

"Yes, so Moon, does anything catch your attention or curiosity?" The trio staring at me anxiously draws a sigh of frustration as the question snaps me out of my thoughts. My eyes brighten after falling on something called the house of horrors.

"There, if you're going to make the choice mine."

"Alright let's go!" Lily's shout and eager steps confuse me as yet again I'm being dragged along as my headache is definitely making itself known.

As we enter the building terrified cries and screams of not just the three annoyances but also other ponies echo throughout the building. Strange figures and images, some vaguely familiar greet us at every twist and turn. The ponies and decoys jumping out at us causing Lily, Almond and Sun to shriek, laugh and jump while I just glare at the foals, trying to keep up on three hooves as my fourth is messaging the side of my head, near my horn. As we exit the building their laughter confuses me as we stand around, the trio try to get themselves under control but fail, their laughter causes them to fall onto the ground.

"That was fun, what'd you like Lily?" Finally they get themselves under control and Almond looks over at the pink mare.

"Hhhmmm I don't know, it was all fun. How about you Moon?" Lily lets out a few more chuckles before looking up at me.

"You call that horror? That was nothing."

"Please relax Moon, your kind of horror isn't fun. Do you honestly not know what fun is?"

"No I do not, but it sounds weak and pathetic."

"When was the last time you did something you enjoyed doing and couldn't wait to do again? And exclude any killing or torture or even the slightest thoughts of either."

"Well if that's the stipulation, never then."

"Oh sweetie, I'm sorry to hear that." Lily wraps her hooves around me again sorrowfully. This time the two stallions cringe at the closeness, fearful how quickly I can attack despite not being able to use magic or my abilities.

"Can we just get this over with and get back to our rooms." I growl as the other mare holds onto me tightly.

"Nope, we're staying until we see a smile form on your lips."

In response to Almond's statement I force my lips to curl, a forced smile somewhat appearing. "See I'm.... smiling, let's go." I continue to hold the fake smile as I talk.

"Nah thats a fake. We want to see a genuine smile." At his words I resume scowling, inwardly cursing Discord to suffer the most painful, longest unimaginable death possible. "So what is next, Moon."

"Nothing."

"If you don't choose, I will." A mischievous grin plays on Lily's lips as the two chuckle.

"Whatever."

"Go on boys, you probably won't like what I got in mind."

"We'll wait for you two at the end, we're curious as to Moon's reaction."

With grumbled curses I reluctantly follow her when my eyes fall upon the poster of our destination. "Wait, what's this?"

"You'll see, now let's get in the boat." As she starts to get closer I begin to struggle with all I have, my hooves digging deeply into the earth while I begin to throw my weight around, all to no effect as finally I'm stuck in the boat next to her. "Now just relax and try to enjoy yourself, Moony." With a smirk we shove off heading towards a colorful cave. As we get nearer to the mouth, the sounds of sappy, sickening music flows towards us and Lily relaxes as one of her hooves fall gently across my shoulders. A wide smile forms on her muzzle as she looks at me. "What do you think so far, Moon? Lovely isn't it?"

"Ugh is this payback for for me terrorizing you with my spell?"

"Not fully. Discord did want us to help you learn friendship as well." As we slowly travel down the path, the images and characters get nauseatingly more colorful and sappy. Lily however sighs as she rests her head on my shoulder, smiling sweetly up at me. Angrily I throw her arm and head off my shoulder and glare at her. "You know, despite your evil looking eyes and fangs, you do look kinda cute when you glare, at least once somepony gets to spend some time with you and you can't hurt them."

Growling I settle back, waiting for the ride to finally finish. "I can't wait till I'm able to paint your blood on my blade." Her only response is a giggle as we finally near the end.

"So how many times did she threaten you, Lily?" Almond asks as we get out, my look of disgust drawing laughter from the two stallions.

"Oh, bout three or four times, but I wasn't counting. Seems I may have made a very small nick in her scary shell." She again nuzzles against me, drawing even more laughter from the others and a growl from me.

"Now, are you gonna make the rest of the decisions, or will we have to resort to more torture?" Sunstreak asks, causing Almond to pipe up.

"Maybe we should 'torture' her some more until that nick becomes a crack."

"Fine, let's go on that ride." I motion to a ride with all kinds of different blades and other attempts to frighten.

"Sorry, new rule Moony. Nothing with weapons or any themes meant to frighten, pick again."

"Ugh fine." Growling I stomp off towards a game booth.

"Ohhh fun, you know how to play Moon?"

"No." Where are you? I need your advice, NOW!

"Well watch and learn." Lily says, oblivious to my inner dialog and takes a ball. Sticking her tongue out to the side she takes a few seconds before throwing, the ball landing on the edge of the center bowl and falls into a different bowl.

"Close miss, which one do you want?"

"Hmmm… That one." Lily points excitedly to a stuffed doll of an alicorn with a pink coat that I haven't really paid attention to. "Here you go, Moon. Take a throw." A ball is shoved into my hoof, which I take with an eye roll. Not really caring I lob it hard towards the bowls, hitting the side of the front most bowl and lands on the ground.

"Try again miss, but a little higher and softer." Again a ball is placed in front of me and a glance at the others tell me we aren't leaving till I try again. This time my throw is harder and hits the front bowl again, but this time breaking it and causes some of the other bowls to topple over, smashing against the ground.

"MOON, NO!" Lily shouts as she realizes what I did just before the ball hits.

"OUT NOW!" The stallion yells as the destruction ends, a grin of anger curls my lips as I stare at him.

Chapter Five; Preparations

Author's Note

Yes, I finally got finished with this chapter. I can't believe how hard this was to finish. Hopefully the next chapter won't be as hard to fix.

Chapter Five; Preparations

As I wake up groggily, I realize that I am surrounded by both alicorns who have me in a sleepy embrace. Their wings are wrapped gently around my barrel. The bed we are laying on must be Celestia’s, if the sun motif that adorns the room is to judge by. The bed itself is large enough to not only support the three of us, but possibly two more ponies. As I take in the opulent room filled with multiple floor to ceiling shelves which are filled with books and various nicknacks, the nicely embroidered tapestries hanging off the walls along with a couple masterfully done paintings, I can feel a raging inferno starting to grow in the pit of stomach.

Quietly I get up and out of the bed as best I can while contemplating my next moves despite the lack of communication still with my mother. My grogginess makes it difficult to not only coordinate my movements but my thoughts as well as I find myself sitting on the balcony, still as a statue.

"Good morning Moonshade, did you sleep well?" Celestia asks as she spots me after waking up, her words are slurred by the yawn she lets out followed by groaning as she stretches, waking up Luna as well. Both of them approach me happily, only to be shoved away by a wall of shadows in front of them

"You know 'aunt' Celestia, 'mother', I almost believed your story last night." I speak as I keep my eyes closed, my tone full of venom and anger. "How you said you both 'loved' me so very much and how you, Celestia 'tried' to find me. It was nothing more than a lie… A LIE TO COVER UP THE TRUTH!" Angrily the walls curl around the alicorns, trapping both rulers before pulling them closer to face me. My eyes open in that moment as I stare at both of them and I can sense the purple wisps coming out of them.

"Wh-what's going on? let us go, Moonshade. NOW!" 'Mother' commands, earning a smirk and chuckle from me as she stares back. Her horn begins to glow with her magic, but before she could do anything I encircle her horn with the magic inhibitor that was removed the day before.

"What we told you last night was the truth, little Moon. Who told you it wasn't?" Celestia inquires as her magic also activates in an attempt to free herself and Luna.

"Why, my real mother told me, of course. Normally I am able to talk to her telepathically, but for some reason I cannot at the moment." As I watch both of the princesses I let out a chuckle as the younger is fully enveloped in shadows. I can even feel them completely covering her muzzle, cutting off her air supply, sight and hearing.

"What do you mean your real mother? Luna is your real mother! NOW LET HER GO!" Celestia's voice becomes aggressive as she watches her little sister struggle for breath in the black cocoon, with each passing second her struggles grow weaker and weaker.

"I mean Nightmare Moon of course. I might not remember everything from my past, but what I do remember is her protecting me. Which is more than you EVER did!" Glaring at the sun princess I let my last words echoing around the room before I vanish from the room, transferring both myself and Luna to the shadow realm. "Now that I have Nightmare Moon's vessel I want Twilight Sparkle, and ONLY Twilight Sparkle to come to the abandoned castle in the Everfree. If she doesn’t, then I will destroy her new home, Ponyville."

Swiftly I make my way through this shadowy version of Equestria, directly to the replica of the Castle of Two Sisters. While there is more color here than one would think, it is heavily darkened. None of the denizens of this realm, which is the only difference between this place and the real Equestria, bother me on my journey, despite my being practically a stranger. Even the few shadow demons I run into end up giving me a curiously wide berth while gibbering in their own tongue. The few times I have tried to ask them about it, they ended up scattering, though my mother said it had to do with them knowing who I am and who she is.

The walk through the constantly shifting and dark mockery of the Everfree Forest is dull, though there is a patch of flowers I take a few moments to lay by. The petals are a silvery white with greyish yellow stems. The petals in turn form a full circle, with dark splotches of various sizes along them, making them look like a miniature moon. With a smile I pluck one magically and places it behind my left ear before I continue.

As I approach the outside of the run down castle I can sense something is inside. Right there, just inside the ruined doors is a half-demon pony. Who does he think he is, claiming MY home while I am here?

“He must be taught a lesson, my daughter. It is obvious he does not know who you are.” It is only in this realm that I am able to see Nightmare Moon, though she is nothing more than a hazy, black silhouette with glowing cyan eyes. Silently I bow and drop the still form of Princess Luna before approaching the sleeping stallion.

Without even giving him a chance to wake up and defend himself, I charge up my magic, ignoring the pain that surges through me as I focus on a light type spell. Through gritted teeth I continue to focus. “HEY WH- WHAT IS… OH GODS, IT HURTS! MAKE IT STOOOOP!”

Looking at the creature as I finish casting, panting with the amount of exertion needed, I notice the spell performed just as I wanted it to. A brilliant, white glow can be seen emanating from his stomach and growing as he is slowly vaporized from the inside.

As he writhes in agony I just leave him there while I find my way to the makeshift dungeon. "Now, 'mother' sit back and relax. I have some unfinished business to tend to. Also, don't be expecting a rescue anytime soon, I doubt they will find you in this realm." Shackles magically enclose her legs, horn and neck as soon as she is dumped from the cocoon. A shiver rolls down my spine at the look of fear in her eyes and the slight whimper she lets out as Nightmare Moon comes up to float in front of her. “Not even Discord can find you here.”

Once I step in a particularly dark spot, I vanish in a flash, leaving again for the real Equestria. Time to get the last pieces I need. It is good to hear from you again, mother.

'Yes, and I am glad to have been able to recontact you as well. That anti-magic collar must have cut my connection with you.’ Reforming in the real world I find myself exactly where I want to be, right behind the trio I was forced to befriend. My sudden arrival startles the three ponies I was forced to spend a day with.

"So, did you three miss me?" I grin wickedly as I have startled them into jumping. The only questions they can get out are the ones asked by their terror filled eyes as they are wrapped in a bubble and teleported with me back to the shadow realm.

It's still a little early to gather the materials but you never know what exactly is gonna ruin your plans. The four of us return in the castle, exactly in front of Luna, who is just now starting to come to. With a laugh I chain them tightly next to the lunar princess, her eyes are her only means of communication seeing as how her muzzle is forcibly shut.

"H- how are you freed of Discord's chains? W- What is Luna doing here? W- What are you planning on doing, Moonshade?" Lily's terror filled questions are barely heard due to how quiet she is talking. I can tell she is slowly succumbing to her growing fear.

As soon as Lily finishes her questions and falls into a crying puddle, Almond immediately shouts at me, lunging in an attempt to tackle me, followed by Sundance. "I thought we were at least starting to become friends! Was that just a ploy?"

‘Do you feel their fear, my faithful disciple? Intoxicating isn't it?'

Yes, I can. And I can almost taste it. With a touch of purple smoke tinging my eyes, I glare at my four captives. "Please, who said I was starting to befriend you three? As for you Lily, you can thank your precious Celestia and Luna here for freeing me." As I answer I look over at the two stallions with a fang exposing grin. "As for your second and third questions, Luna is here because I'm going to release Nightmare Moon, and I need something from you three to help me do that."

With another, final grin I turn to my audience of bound earth ponies, who are now joined by the shade of Nightmare Moon. "Now, I have some pent up frustration and rage to relieve. I hope you four are comfy."

“Careful, my daughter. I sense something bad is going to happen, and soon.” She wraps a hoof around my neck before I teleport back to the real world.

I waste no time with disguises as I reform, instead I head straight into the heart of the small town. Everypony's smile just intensifies the hard knot growing in my stomach. Eventually a couple of ponies stop and hide as they recognize me from my last visit into town, which causes a domino effect quickly amongst the populace.

To add to the growing chaos, I grab the closest pair of ponies in a couple of tentacles, which slowly begins to squeeze their barrels. However, a blue streak cuts through the shadowy appendages before I could slowly crush the life out of them.

"Hey, why did you do that? STOP!" A cocky, rough voice comes from the blue pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail asks me aggressively, only earning a dark laugh from me in return.

"Ya'll better stop, now." A southern accented voice comes from behind me, quickly following the question from the pegasus.

'Well it seems you've attracted the attention of the Elements of Loyalty and Honesty. Show them your strength, MY strength.’

"So, two of the Element bearers are here, good. Now, where's Twilight?" My heart rate increases dramatically at the prospect of a battle, my muscles tensing as a gleam comes to my blood colored eyes.

Instead of answering a blue missile rockets out of the sky directly towards me. Immediately I begin to cast, my horn lighting with an ebony glow. My chosen weapon, a glaive, slams down into the ground as four more appear, hovering on their own in front of me.

Just before the mare makes impact, the weapons rise and dart towards swiftly on an intercept course, causing her to focus more on them. Timing my next move I wait till she is in range, and with a quick calculation I jump and smash into her while her focus is solely on the blades.

As I land on my hooves and the mare crashes hard onto her side, a solid orange mass surges to my side and twists. Before I could react, the earth pony lands a solid blow on my flank, causing me to roll across the ground. Huh, she’s faster than I thought. That changes things, but not much.

As I stand I realize I can't put weight on my left rear leg, but despite the injury I chuckle and eye the brave cowpony. A thrashing tentacle from nearby grabs her tail and tosses her into the nearest building which is only a foot behind her, her body going through an open window. I can hear her groan of pain following the sounds of a hard collision. Ignoring her I approach the downed pegasus, showing her my fangs as she tries to unfurl her left wing, but fails.

"Ah don' know what yer plan is, but we'll stop ya'll, trust me." The orange mare responds as she recovers surprisingly fast, standing next to her friend. I can, however tell how much she is hurting due to her huffing as she finishes checking on her friend as the cyan mare stands there shakily. The commotion of both the screams and the fight has drawn the attention of two other Element bearers to our location, though they were slowed by the panicking crowds. Both stop as they look about in shock at their injured friends before they glance in my direction.

"Oh you can try, but you won't succeed. Unfortunately, right now I have better things to do, so I'll make this quick." Turning I face the white, regal looking unicorn and curly maned, pink earth pony, my eyes glowering at them as they join the fray.

"What is the meaning of this, Applejack?" The flawlessly looking unicorn asks in confusion as she takes in the sight of her two friends somewhat battered and bruised.

"It sounds like a party, but parties are supposed to be fun and nopony is supposed to be getting hurt." Quips the pink one in confusion, her gaze going from me to the other three mares.

"So, now I'm lucky enough to face off against four of the six Bearers. Where is the fifth one and where is Twilight Sparkle?" My razor sharp tone and laugh confuses the four mares, two of them because they are unsure what is going on and the other two because my unsteady combat stance, thanks to my injured leg. The weapons are in a ready strike pose as well, the four magical ones in front while the real blade is behind me at an angle.

"What do you want with Twilight, darling? And why are you doing this?" The ivory coated unicorn asks, still somewhat stunned by what she has witnessed so far.

"Oh oh, let me guess, I wanna guess... You're an old… and I mean reeeeally old pony who witnessed Nightmare Moon's transformation and fight. Then after being asleep for a veeeery long time you witnessed her return and you were so enraptured by Nightmare Moon's power you have found a way to bring her back. Am I right, huh huh huh?" As the overly energetic mare blurts all of this out blurts out, her companions just roll their eyes in disbelief.

"My reason is none of your business. Now last chance, where is Twilight Sparkle."

"You think you're so tough huh? You're out matched, its four on one." The cocky pegasus, despite her injury, has been able to get airborne again as she replies confidently while hovering. Instantly she dives towards me, a rainbow trailing her as she slams hard into the ground where I once stood, right in the center of a large pool of shadows.

"So reckless but full of spirit, that is a bad combination." The shadows quickly expand and completely cover the brash athlete before expanding even further until all four mares are blocked from each other's sight. As I stand in the middle of the darkness I focus, pinpointing each ponies' location and head towards the nearest ping.

"Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie!" Even with the growing surge of fear, there is no mistaking the unicorn’s voice as she calls out in desperation. As I step in front of her she bumps into me, shrieking in horror.

"Wrong guess. Now, let's see what your worst fears are." My magical aura wraps around her horn and soon she falls asleep. With another magical surge I ensure her sleep is anything but restful as nightmares begin to flood her mind.

"Is this a game huh huh huh? If so, you're it." A hoof smacks hard against my injured leg, causing me to yelp and flinch. With a growl I spin sharply around, but the giggling mare is already gone. With a deep breath I focus again on the remaining trio and where they are at. "Run AJ, Dashie, the scaaary mare is now it." she giggles after calling out.

"Rarity, are ya okay? Pinkie, where are ya an’ Rainbow?" The farm mare tries to call out as I approach. Her movements are slowed by the density of the dome I constructed, nervousness colors her voice as she tries to find her way to her friends.

"My my, I will say you are the strong one in the group, and not just physically. Why waste your time with these weaklings when all they do is hold you down?" I ask, using a telepathic spell as I stalk her, trying to keep my breathing and hooffalls as quiet as possible.

"Ah'm strong ‘cause mah family an’ friends need me ta be. They ain't holdin' me down, either. They’re the ones Ah get mah strength from." The nervousness that once filled her voice is now broken up and replaced by her growing anger.

"Oh, you'll see soon enough. Now, I offer you this chance, and this will be the only chance you will have. Join me and take your place at the real princess of the night's left side, or die." I continue with my mental assault, taken aback a little at her stubbornness. As I continue to taunt her, I begin to add images of her family and friends, who are either crippled or dead, and make them stare at her in an accusing manner. The mental assault eventually breaks through her will, causing her to collapse in a heap before me. With an annoyed huff I refocus and jump as a ping bounces right behind me.

"You're a meanie mean bully pants, wanting to hurt others. You need to learn how to be nice and have fun, not hurt other ponies."

"H- how did you find me in this darkness?" My surprise is evident as I jump and turn till I’m facing the pink pony.

"psst, it's a secret." She answers with some laughing, just before I get hit by a burst of air, followed by a mass of confetti. My yelp of pain sounds throughout the darkness as my injuries are compounded by the surprise attack. Upon hitting the ground, I let loose a snarl as the shadowy dome disappears.

Looking at the fallen group of Element bearers, I decide to step back to the shadow realm,not wanting to risk fight against the strange, pink earth pony with a bouncy mane. Just in time too, I don’t want to mess with him, either. Before I leave, a flash comes out of nowhere, announcing the arrival of Discord.

Using the shadow realm, I travel to Manehattan as quickly as I can in search of a doctor. Before I reemerge into the real Equestria, I shroud myself in a new disguise, even going as far as to hide my horn.

With a painful groan I find myself in an alleyway right next to the hospital. The stench of rotten garbage and decaying food assault my nose as soon as I can gather my senses, making me gag and cough. Taking as few breaths as I can without passing out, I make my way up to the entrance of the white walled building. As I walk inside, the overlapping words and the smells of disinfectant already cause a migraine to develop. As I walk through the plain white halls I keep my ears pinned against the back of my head in an attempt to block out the noise.

“Miss, here, you shouldn’t be walking on that. Let me help you.” A young unicorn mare appears from one of the side doors I just past, possibly drawn out by the accidental smacking of my highly agitated, swishing tail on the wood. The mare is white coated with what used to be a neatly styled mane the color of mint with a slight streak of light brown down the middle. Her haggard appearance, tired looking eyes and the bags under her eyes makes me think she has been working hard for a while now.

Despite her tired looking appearance she flashes me a tired smile while she pulls a stretcher over with her magic. I can tell that her reserves of magic is dwindling, and nearly depleted just by how weak it feels. ‘I warned you to be careful, didn’t I?’

With a pained groan I manage to get up on the offered bed, too hurt to get mad. “I need a doctor, stat, and bring a rape kit as well!” Do I really look that bad to the point they think I was raped? They must be stronger than I thought, specially that farmer. She WON’T get the jump on me like that again. So in grained am I in my own thoughts that I failed to realize we have entered a large room, where more ponies are waiting.

After a long and thorough exam I find out the damage is worse than I originally thought. A pair of broken ribs and a broken thigh on my left side top off the list, followed by multiple bruises and cuts, even a single long gash on my left flank. As soon as I'm patched up, which includes stitches for the deep gash and a specialized cast, I try to leave. However the drugs flowing through my system make it impossible and I fall hard back into my pillow as the attending nurse rushes to my side. "How much longer am I gonna have to be here?"

"It's mandatory for us to have patients under a twenty four hour watch, miss. Though in your case you may be here for a lot longer. Now, lay back and try to relax, please." The nurse replies without taking her attention away from the other patient.

With a groan I settle back, cursing mentally as another nurse enters, glaring while waiting for a chance to disappear. "Oho, seems like somepony got herself in a little scrape. I do hope you get better soon, Moody." Instantly I groan again upon recognizing the voice.

"What do you want, Discord? Wait, let me guess, you want me to free Nightmare Moon and the others, correct?" I turn to the new arrival, unsurprisingly it's Discord disguised as just another pony. Despite asking out loud, neither my 'roommate' nor the other nurse respond to my questions. "You can forget it, pest. I'm seeing this through, and nopony is going to stop me."

"It hurts me to hear you talk like that, little Moon. Please... forget this dream of yours and release my sister." Celestia's saddened voice pleads from off to my side. That's when I notice her as well as a pink alicorn with a crystallized heart cutie mark and Twilight Sparkle, my gaze narrows as I snarl and try to cast a spell directed straight at the unicorn. However I know it failed immediately due to the mixture of drugs and chaos magic. With only a look from the crying solar princess the strange alicorn approaches despite my bared fangs and bloody stare, undaunted by the display.

As she stops besides the bed her horn begins to glow, surrounded by a teal aura. "I'm sorry, Aunt, but whatever darkness that has infected her has taken root in her heart and has very nearly consumed it." She admits gravely, eyes downcast as she finishes her scan.

"Is- is there anything we can try to do to save her?" Twilight asks in a whisper, looking hopefully at the smaller, pink alicorn before glancing back at me.

"Do you know this pony, Aunt Celestia?" The stranger asks in concern as she resumes her exam.

Chapter Six; Glimpses Into the Past

With a heavy sigh and lowered head 'Aunt' Celestia answers the smaller pink alicorn reluctantly. "Yes I know her,” The eldest alicorn tries to hold back a sniffle, her words sounding as if she is both relieved and horrified at having me back. “She is Luna's daughter from before she was banished and her father is, well… was Sombra before he took over the Crystal Empire."

At the revelation both Twilight Sparkle and the other alicorn just stare at me, their mouths working as they try to form a question for a couple minutes. Celestia just stands there, her head lowered as her mane covers her face, though her body trembles as more sniffling comes from her.

"H-How...? " Twilight begins as she turns to the biggest alicorn, unable to comprehend the revelation that she has just borne witness to.

As I lay there, still glaring at the four unwanted visitors, Celestia continues, tears staining her coat along her cheeks. "I... I don't exactly know what happened.” She pauses, probably trying to carefully choose her next words and to collect her thoughts. “But after my fight with Nightmare Moon, the castle was destroyed... I-I thought she was..." The celestial regent begins to break down even more as she tries to continue, earning a smirk from me. Say what you will, but as far as I know, she isn’t my real family. No matter what she said back then.

"I- I maybe able to help, but... It's going to take some time." The pink coated alicorn says softly while comforting the solar ruler, leaving Twilight to stare at me, our eyes burning into the other.

'She's scared of you, they all are. They know they can't defeat us'

"I- I don't… how… what… what can cause somepony to be so… cold and… hard?" Twilight asks nervously as she to begins to gather tears in her eyes as well after glancing over at the now crying ’princess’

"I just so happened to have paid our dear friend Zecora a visit. I must say, her home is very intriguing, though when I left it was even more fun than before. Anyway, I think you might be interested in this particular brew, Twilight." Discord produces one bottle filled with a white liquid, swirling it in front of the unicorn’s nose before pulling it away. “However this bottle is for Moonshade.”

I continue to glare at the bottle and the others in the room as the bottle is forced to my lips. Once I finish drinking I find myself in an unfamiliar scene.

~~~~~

Unable to stand for the moment, I lay there watching the battle between Nightmare Moon and Celestia. Over the sounds of them fighting another sound can be heard coming from behind me. It's my voice, only younger and obviously terrified.

Despite the pain I eventually force myself onto my hooves and hobble closer to the noise, snarling with each step. Even with the building falling apart around me I continue until I come to the opening of what looks like a secret passage.

Without even thinking I continue to look, my eyes narrowing at my younger self, trapped in the tunnel before a shield of some kind forms around the younger me and disappears from sight.

I have no idea how long I stood there, staring at the spot before I realize the fight is over. Looking over at her, Celestia is sitting inches from me, her head bowed as the Elements of Harmony, now stone, lay around her. Even with her disheveled mane covering most of her face I can see her tears as they splash onto the stone floor.

After a couple seconds of mourning and one last sniffle, she stand up and hurries towards where the royal chambers used to be as her shouts echo throughout the ruined castle. "MOONSHADE? MOONSHADE SWEETIE! ANSWER ME!"

As I try to follow her frantic charge, her scream of utter terror finds its way back towards me as I reach the hallway entrance. "NO! PLEASE NO,” Once she gets into view I can tell she is in a lot of distress as her legs give out, a cloud of dust bursts upward as she falls onto her belly. “MOONSHADEEEE!"

As I take in the scene of what I am guessing is, or was, my room beyond the sobbing, pitiful form of Celestia I can’t help but let out a shocked gasp.

Atop the bed is a large pile of stone and wood, a red puddle forms on the floor closest to us as multiple scarlet tendrils snake their way down the comforter.

For some reason I have this urge to go up to her and comfort the Sun Princess as she lies there, clutching a bloody teddy bear in her front hooves.

What… is this? This has to be a lie, doesn’t it? I can feel the prickling of my own tears as they gather in my eyes and in response I shut my eyelids, but soon I find myself trying to cuddle next to the devastated alicorn.

~~~~~

"What did you see, Moonshade? What happened?" The two alicorns ask as I carefully shake my head, not just to wake up, but to clear my thoughts as well.

If, if that... that's true than have I been... living a lie all this time? Does Celestia and Luna truly love me?

'No, that was a trick. They fear you so much they'll do anything to stop you, even lie.' The voice of Nightmare Moon replies, causing my eyes to tightly screw shut at the growing headache as my thoughts and emotions conflict with each other.

If… if that's a lie then I- I don't know who, or what to believe anymore. Please, just… leave me alone for now.

'See? Their plan is working. You need to trust me as you have in the past. I can help you. I am the only one who truly loves you.'

Please, just... be quiet.

’I can't and you know it. It is for your own good and protection. I love you, my daughter.'

Shut up.

You know I'm speaking the truth.'

Shut up!

'Let me save you.'

"SHUT UP!" My scream pierces the ears of the visitors and four pairs of eyes turn to face me as tears again pour from my tightly closed eyelids.

Pain suddenly blossoms from my chest and abdomen, as if something is trying to force itself out of me. It started with a slight burning sensation but quickly grows until I can only imagine what it is like to be flayed alive. "S- something's happening with her!"

"RESTRAIN HER, NOW!" I can barely hear the frantic command as the pain intensifies and the sensations of my back going rigid while arching till it nearly snaps is distant to almost unnoticed. The intense pain paralyzes my vocal chords so I can’t even scream.

"Wh- what is going on? WHAT IS HAPPENING?" I barely make out some pony's panicked voice as I feel something starting to separate from me.

With as much willpower as I can muster I open an eye, unable to gasp as I watch a tiny, shadowy form starting to peel away from me, right where my heart is. For a second I just stare at it as both of my eyes open wide, my gaze falling upon a very familiar, hate filled gaze.

“Fine, you don't want my gift? It's almost time anyway and you haveve already gathered the required materials, I can finish this myself!” As the shadow tears away and vanishes I pass out.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

“W- where am I?” I find myself in some kind of building. The floor is made of some kind of reddish marble, while the walls are the traditional white and black marble. The room is basically barren as only a chair and desk is the only furniture. From my viewpoint I can see three doors on the wall I’m facing, one is made of wood, the other is made of stone and the final one is metal.

With a shake of my head I clear out the fuzziness as I stand up unsteadily on my hooves. My steps are wobbly as I stagger towards the stone door. Cautiously I open it, revealing a long hallway lit by torches.

For what feels like a long time I travel this strange place, looking nervously at the walls, decorated by empty picture frames. A whispered voice carries through the windless air, as if beckoning for me to follow, leading me towards a clearing before it stops. As far as I can see there isn’t a single tree, bush or flower in the still grass. The sky is a light blue but there is no sight of a sun or a single hint of a cloud. There is also a surprising absence of animals as I look around.

“You tell me. Where do you think you are?” Comes a voice from behind me, starting in that same quiet tone but gets louder with each passing word.

Turning around defensively, I come face to face with… something. As I watch, it begins to materialize as a vague outline about my height. The only thing visible is its eyes, one is blood red while the other is cyan and they bore into mine, as if searching for something.

“A- am I… dead?” The question comes out as a whisper as I continue to stare at the outline with the mixed eyes, my ears pinned back.

Unexpectedly it laughs. “No not yet, but seems you are at a crossroads. Follow me.” With my head lowered I'm led to another hallway lined with moving images. “Tell me, what do you see?”

As I take a look at the frames the spectre, or whatever it is, steps up next to me. Its presence as it solidifies draws my attention. It… What… but that… it can’t be! I find myself looking at a clear copy of myself, despite the difference in our eyes and expressions.

With a hoof the other me giggles while turning my head to face back towards the frames as they now show different snapshots of my past. “These… these are what I've done in the past… all the ponies I've killed and hurt… all the lives I've destroyed.” As I watch the multiple images, my legs go weak and I just crumple into a heap, curling into a ball as a swarm of emotions swirl around me.

“Yes, they are. Now you have figure out, is that the real you? Or is this the real you?” With a swish of her tail and a wave of her hoof the images change. This time a couple images of the day spent at the fair with the three ponies who tried to befriend me are on display. More images, I’m guessing of my past, also fill the frames.

There is one of a filly standing in the middle of an extensive kitchen, a large mess of batter, flour and icing cake the floor and walls, even the ceiling. How the mess was able to extend that far I have no idea. Another frame shows an image of the same filly in a classroom, laughing and having fun with another filly as they pour over a text book.

“I- I don't… I'm unsure… how do I know which to choose?” My question comes as tears mat my pelt as I go from one image to the other before looking at my other self. “HELP ME!”

“I cannot choose for you. This is a choice you have to make on your own.” She responds neutrally while beginning to fade. “But I must warn you, the longer you take, the longer you'll remain here. Take too long and you won't be able to influence the upcoming events to unfold.” Her last sentence also starts to get quieter and quieter, until it sounds like she is whispering from a distance.

“Which do I choose? How do I choose? SOMEPONY HELP ME!” I just stare blankly at the hallway frames, the ones on the left are continuously looping happy, or at least positive memories while negative images run along my right.

Blindly, unable to watch anymore, I rush headlong down the corridor and I can feel the tears splash against my sides and flank.

The next room I find myself in is a plain stone room without any decorations or furniture. But it all changes once I step in the center. Colors rush around me and soon I find myself again next to Celestia. Her coat, mane and tail are so unkempt it takes me some time to recognize her. Even her wings look like a mess, as if she hadn’t preened them in a year.

As I look around I find we are still in my room and as I carefully look at her, I can tell she has lost weight, as if she hasn’t eaten in awhile. Even her gaze is different. Her eyes are dull, empty and bloodshot. How bad must she be hurting, to be in such a condition.

As I watch her she somehow manages to muster enough magic to lift the boulder. I know that I’m not under there, but what happened to cause that red stain? A sobbing gasp breaks my thoughts as I look over at the solar sister.

On the bed is I’m guessing one of the chambermaids, a young unicorn who must have been coming to find me but ended up getting crushed under the rubble. After the maid’s lifeless body is removed, Celestia lets the stone crash back onto the bed.

Why, why did this have to happen? Soon the room swirls around and yet again I find myself standing next to Celestia, who is still just as disheveled as before, even her voice sounds dull, as if she lost all hope. “Search the castle for her. Moonshade is still in there, somewhere.” Even in her condition Celestia goes with the impromptu search party, and from the looks of them they are the remainders of the castle staff and royal guard who are not seriously injured.

Curiously, I follow her as she goes straight for the throne room, which is almost completely obliterated. Just beyond where the thrones used to sit she begins to clear out a hidden passage that caved in and immediately I recognize it. “Please Moonshade, honey, please be alright.” Even though the words are whispered I can hear the desperate plea in her voice.

As expected, the entire tunnel is cleared out and there is no sign of my filly self. As the scene begins to slowly swirl around me another pony joins us, and sounds like he is a member of the royal guard. “Your highness, there is no sign of your niece anywhere in the castle. I am sorry, Princess.”

“No! It… how could she have just… are you certain, Sergeant?” The swirling room speeds up and the voices grow more and more distant.

“Yes your highness, we even searched the hidden tunnels---”

As the room rearranges itself I find myself in the shadow realm for some reason, right in front of a black sphere. As I continue to look at it, the part I’m looking through shifts and becomes clear, revealing my younger self inside with a cord attached to the stomach and another having formed into some kind of mask that is fitted around the small muzzle.

“Mommy? Aunt Celestia? Where… where are you? Where... am I? HELP! SOMEPONY, PLEASE!” A voice, mine but younger and sounding terrified echos around me, though the filly’s mouth does not move.

“Shh, I am here, my daughter. Relax.” Another voice comes from out of nowhere, one I am very familiar with, Nightmare Moon’s.

“You… you aren’t my mom. You sound like that scary mare that took mom’s place and attacked Aunt Celestia! W- who are you? Wh- what do you want? What did you do with my mom?”

“I am your true mom. As for what I want, I want help in regaining what is rightfully mine, what your aunt kept from me because she does not want to share the spotlight. She kep me oppressed because she could not stand the thought of being equal to another. Celestia wants to be the only ruler of Equestria, she wants to be worshipped.”

“That, that isn’t true. Aunt Celestia loves all of her subjects, and her sister. She would never consider herself-”

“Yes, she does consider herself above all others. You have not noticed it before? You need to open your eyes. You know the truth about how Celestia truly works.”

“Bu- but why… why would she do that? Sh- she loved you, sh- she loves us. She has even said so herself.”

“Those were just lies to keep us happy and under her control. She is jealous and does not want to share her power with anypony, even if they are family.”

As I listen to the back and forth conversation I fall onto my side, curling up into a ball while listening to how easily I have been swayed to the Nightmare’s point of view. What I don’t know is how many days I have spent listening, as the darkness around us barely changes. I… I know that the Nightmare was lying that Celestia didn’t care about me, but... is she wrong about her observations when it comes to Celestia and how she treats her subjects? By how protective of her status Celestia is?

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

The first thing registering as I find myself coming to consciousness is pain. A distant, constantly throbbing pain in my head, chest, sides and left hind leg. The next two things I am able to recognize is a surprising softness around me along with an uncomfortable dryness in my throat. My eyes barely crack open but immediately squeeze tight again at the intrusive brightness that overwhelms me. My hoof attempts to reach out but it feels too weak to do anything but flop uselessly at my side.

"Shh, don't move. Close the blinds and dim the lights." A voice sounds from my left quietly but with an air of authority. Before I can try to speak a glass is pressed against my lips, from which I eagerly I drink while sitting up some. The cold liquid flows down my throat and my chin, soothing the parched feeling in my mouth and throat, but before I can drink too much the glass is pulled away. "No, not to much, Moonshade. It'll make you sick."

As I lay back with a dull thud I finally find my voice, though it’s weak. "Wh- where am I?" seeing as how I can't sit up, despite multiple attempts, I reopen my eyes, blinking rapidly to clear my vision, thankful for the semi darkness around me.

"You're in Canterlot castle, Moonshade. How are you feeling?"

"H- how long have I been out?" I ask weakly, swallowing against the still irritating scratch in my throat. My view, blurry and unfocused, falls on the white form next to me.

"Two weeks. Please, you have to tell me, where did you hide my sister and the others?" Celestia pleads. “They were not at the ruined castle. Where would they be, Moonshade?”

"I- I'll be surprised if they... they did. Nightmare would have seen to it." With a groan I again try to rise from the bed, causing the various machines to go off as I begin to tear the needles and pads off my body. I am finally standing up on my good three legs shakily and almost ready to topple over, breathing heavily through both my nose and mouth while my eyes are tightly closed with the effort.

"Please, lie back down. You are going to---" Celestia approaches me cautiously, but stops as I snarl at her, showing off my fangs as I narrow my eyes.

"I- I gotta go, now." I grit out from between my teeth as I struggle to approach the closest window.

"You can't… get back in bed, now! MOON!." Her concern rises as I slither out of the window and take my shadow form, hurrying towards the old ruins as fast as I can, leaving a shouting Celestia behind me, who tries to catch up with me but to no avail as I lose her in the darkening clouds above us.

"My my, seems like somepony is feeling better, or is this just a ruse?" Discord's voice comes up from my left as I spot him in a rowboat, the oars moving of their own accord as he is holding an umbrella while fixing a cup of tea. Instead of an answer I struggle to go faster to get away from him. Unfortunately, I have already used up what reserves of energy I had until I finally land hard on the ground, unable to maintain the gaseous form any longer. My breathing is rapid as I lay there on my side, watching as he floats down next to me using the umbrella.

"Tired already, Moody? I figured a pony like you would have toughed it out for another inch or so. Let's get you back to the castle." With a snap of his fingers I am lifted up into the air, held in an invisible grip.

"N- no time. I… I need to get back---" Groaning at the growing headache, I let my body go limp in the invisible grasp after trying to force myself back onto my hooves while watching him carefully in case he tries something.

Without a word, Discord summons a feast which is carried by bowls, plates and glasses that seem to be semi living as they walk towards me. The utensils move on their own as well, using small wings to fly as I'm fed, even a straw dances its way to the cup of water in front of me and extends to my lips every so often to allow me to drink. I watch as Discord eats as well while smiling at me, which I can’t even attempt to snarl at him in response due to how drained I am.

Eventually I’m filled up and can feel some energy returning, but not much. After resting for a couple minutes I get up slowly, still unsteady on my hooves but not as bad as when I first woke up. I’m still too weak to travel to the shadow plane, so I take to the air once again. I expect Discord to follow me, but I’m surprised, and a little relieved, he doesn't.

As I get closer to the ruined castle, I notice a black figure with a wavy, spectral mane on in one of the openings. It is just a shadowy outline right now and seems as if it has been waiting for me for some time. I guess it can’t take a solid form yet.

"Well well, my prodigal daughter returns. I am glad you have made the right decision, I was afraid that Celestia’s tricks would have changed your mind." The shadowy mass says as she pets me, concern and relief are clearly present in her voice. "It's too bad, however, that you couldn't defeat Twilight when you had the chance."

I fight to keep from passing out as I look up at her, my breathing labored as I speak. "Y-yes, I have… mother. I can… I can still defeat… Twilight Sparkle." As my breathing begins to slow down I stand more firmly on my three hooves, my voice getting a bit stronger as I look up at her. "I- I'll defeat her… right now for you, mother."

The form just laughs as she hugs me. "I know you're eager, but I need you to rest now. You are not strong enough yet, not in your current state. Besides, she doesn't need to be beaten until just before or during the ceremony."

"Ye- yes, mother." With a nod I find a comfortable spot to lay down, grinning as I pass out.

*****

With a yawn and stretch I wake up, surprised at the lack of pain from my leg, ribs or any other part of my body. I wonder what Nightmare did, or was I asleep for a very long time? Did I--- don’t tell me I missed it! I hurry to the throne room, not caring to take the time to take a shower or even fix my messy mane and tail. “How… how long have I been asleep for?”

"Good to see you are awake finally.” With a chuckle she looks over at me and I realize we are in the realm of shadows as I stand there. “Do not worry, daughter, you have not missed it. If you are curious, I was able to get you healed magically while you were sleeping. You have slept for a total of five days.” As a shadowy mass wraps me in a hug she looks down at me, her gaze boring into my own eyes. “Now, get yourself ready for combat. I am going to transfer all of us back to Equestria now.”

"Good, thank you, mother. I feel better than I ever had, like I can take on the entire royal guard on my own.” in a swirling ball of shadows I am soon encased in my usual set of armor, pitch black with the cyan emblem of Nightmare Moon proudly displayed on my chest. A helmet that almost looks like Nightmare’s sits atop my head with my mane pulled back into a high ponytail. The armor even surrounds most of my neck and reaches up to my barrel on my legs. A scythe with a backwards bent handle rests against my side. “Ready, mother.”

A large amount of energy is used as myself, the bound and caged Luna, Lily, Sunstreak and Almond are encased in a sphere and soon the six of us are brought back to Equestria in a flash.

Once I gain my bearings I go to work setting multiple traps around the throne room, preparing for the final battle. Just in time to, because I can hear the sounds of hooves quickly approaching our position.

"MOONSHADE! DON'T DO THIS! YOU HAVE THE POWER TO STOP THIS!" Twilight’s desperate plea comes from the hallway, the words are tinged with fear. Sure enough there she is, flanked by her friends. Even Celestia has appeared, though she tries to come in through a hole in the ceiling. They got here quicker than I imagined possible, but no matter. We are still ready for them. Glancing upwards I grin as she tries to enter, but finds herself pushing against an invisible barrier.

“Release my sister, Moonshade and stop this now, please!” Her golden aura is visible as she tries to break through the barrier. However, all she manages to do is get herself trapped as a pyramid like barrier encases her.

Before any of us can react, a cyan streak races towards me, trailing a rainbow. Hmph, just as impatient as last time, thank you, Rainbow Dash. You made this much easier. As she passes the threshold a black wall forms in front of her, but instead of bouncing off the surface the wall bulges before surrounding her completely.

"Let's settle this, Twilight Sparkle. The favored student of Celestia versus the gifted student of Nightmare Moon, let us see who is better. Either accept my challenge or Rainbow dies! RIGHT NOW!" Her violet pools, narrowed in anger, meet my own bloody orbs at the threat. The rainbow pegasus’ shouting to be released can be from her prison, though it is muffled. With a quick burst of magic the sphere shrinks a little, and the angry shouting turns to a yelp of pain as pressure is applied to her.

"Fine! but release her first!" The purple unicorn angrily demands as she advances towards me. Once she gets within a couple feet from me, her stance widens as she lowers her head, glaring at me.

Without a word I release the brash pegasus while forming a clear barrier to keep her and Twilight’s other friends from interfering.

Chapter Seven; The Battle of Fate

"Do not do this, Moonshade! I know you are not evil! You do not have to follow Nightmare Moon's path!” She begs one last time, just before a black bolt whizzes towards her, which she barely blocks with a shield. Seeing that trying to reason with me will not work, she fires off a volley of her own, the lavender shots are deflected by the scythe’s blade.

"Come on, bearer of the Element of Magic, show me your true power. The power that granted you your element. If I'm going to beat you, I want to face you at your best." I mockingly laugh at her feeble attack and rushes in, my scythe held behind me in a ready to strike position.

"I do not want to hurt you, Moonshade. I know that deep down you're a good pony." Twilight continues to plead as she blocks the weapon with another shield as the hooked blade comes down before going on the offensive, another quartet of bolts are fired at me at point blank range followed by an entanglement spell. As the bolts bounce off my armor harmlessly the entangling spell hits, trapping my hooves to the ground in a thick pile of goo.

"Please, I know you can do better than that, Twilight Sparkle. Or do you still refuse to take this fight seriously?” Laughing, my horn is encased in a black aura and thick tendrils of shadow rise up swiftly from below, taking her by surprise.

The tendrils hold her in place while I quickly work to dispel her trap. "So naive, Element Bearer, trying to appeal to my better nature? Won't work." As soon as I am freed, I jump back away and with another burst of magic the tendrils explode around her, sending millions of tiny needles in all directions, even towards the trapped unicorn.

"You have no idea what kind of terrible things will happen if Nightmare succeeds, nor the disruption her eternal night can cause!" With a chuckle I notice a shimmering shield surrounding her, though judging by some of the cuts she gained she wasn’t completely successful at protecting herself. "Do not make me hurt you, Moonshade. Please!”

Without answering I teleport under her and kick with all four hooves as hard as I can into her belly and chest. "I told you Twilight, it won't work." As she stands there, wheezing I magically grasp her tail and flings her up towards the ceiling as hard as I can.

Before she makes impact she teleports in a flash, landing behind me. The second she reappears her horn charges up again. This time she hurls sharp, crystal like shards towards me, catching me off guard. The sting of gashes opening up on what is exposed of my legs and cheeks brings a smile to my muzzle before I turn to face her.

With another flash she disappears, again teleporting someplace. All of a sudden I find myself encased in a violet sphere that suppresses me from using any kind of offensive magic. Unfortunately for her, her next step triggered another trap, causing her to break her concentration on the containment sphere as she teleports again.

From above a stream of magic shoots down, the pressure driving me to my front knees while I shield myself from the attack.

"Finally, starting to take this serious. Good." Laughing I again charge at her, only to meld into the floor. Reappearing behind the unicorn my scythe is poised for a perfect beheading strike, which Nightmare Moon laughs at as time seems to slow down. I can see the terror in my opponent’s widened eyes and can only imagine what Princess Celestia must be thinking.

Suddenly, a bright flash breaks through from the ceiling and I find a golden halberd blocking the Scythe's path. Standing off to my side is the sun princess herself, her wings unfurled and her horn glowing. This changes things, but it should not be long for the finale. “Moonshade, as princess I demand you drop your weapon and stand down. Surrender yourself and the courts may be merciful to you.” The authority and command in her voice is unmistakable as she approaches.

“Sister, so good to see you, in a sense. You and I have some unfinished business.” The shadowy form of Nightmare Moon rises above the bound Luna, nearly encasing her. “However, thanks to my faithful student, the outcome will be much different!”

A golden beam rockets towards the gaseous Nightmare, only to bounce off of a shield. “ENOUGH OF THIS!” As her eyes turn white a burst of golden energy radiates from the alicorn, heating the space around us along with destroying the barrier holding Twilight's friends in place. The shield protecting Nightmare and Luna on the other hoof is still intact.

With a flap of her wings Celestia takes off, flying towards her sister frantically as I’m now faced with all six of the Element headers, their jewels displayed as they form a semicircle around me. “Give up, Moonshade. No matter how powerful you are, no matter how much magic you know, you will never be able to defeat the magic of friendship!”

My laugh begins as a silent chuckle but soon evolves into a loud, body shaking laugh. I can sense how nervous the six before me are getting. I can almost feel them backing up a few steps as one of them speaks up. “Sugarcube, Ah don' think she is listenin’ ta ya.”

“Oh, I am listening, farm trash. I was laughing at how ridiculous your 'leader’ sounded. But if you want, we can finish this soon.” My front legs part as I lower myself a little, my eyes glow a bright red as purple smoke wisps from my eyes. All around me a circle of multiple tendrils appear, writhing eagerly. “Bring it on if you think you can beat me!”

From my new position, I risk a glance upwards, and the full moon has finally reached its peak. The sounds of Luna’s screaming draws the attention of all eight of us. My laughter joins in, mixing with the screams as the dark blue alicorn is lifted up into the air as a black mass swirls around her. NOW!

Taking advantage of the distraction, the forward six tentacles twist and combine into one as it shoots towards the gathered mares before me. In response the Elements activate, fighting back against the shadows, blackness mixes with the six colored rainbow as they fight for supremacy.

Dropping the assault, I teleport onto the ruined dais, the multi- colored stream barrels to me. A shield blocks me the constant attack, streams of colors reflect in multiple directions as I force myself to cast another, more powerful spell while holding the shield up.

As I power through the strain of maintaining two very powerful spells I can feel my energy rapidly deplete as perspiration beads on my forehead and my knees buckle. I knew this would take a toll on me, but not this bad. The spell is finally ready to be released, and with a flare of effort my shadowy shield mixes in with the now formed dome made of the combined power of the Elements.

Guiding the dome I force it to expand outwards, eventually covering the entire room. The bright, swirling colors makes seeing things nearly impossible, so I have to have faith that my second spell hits my target in a blind, wild shot. I drown out the confused shouting of not just the Element yielders but also from the solar regent as an explosion happens, centered on me and washes everything in pure witness, only my sense of hearing alerts me to the sounds of bodies hitting various walls. Even my own impact registers, but barely, as my eyes are squeezed tight.

Multiple groans can be heard as ponies begin to stir as I am left on my side, unable to move anything but my mouth, my magical reserves are also fully depleted, so using magic is also out of the question. In the distance I can see five blurry shapes. Orange, white, blue, yellow and pink surrounds a white, larger mass that remains motionless. Above me a very distraught unicorn looms, her voice frantic. “WHAT DID YOU DO?”

“She freed me, that is what she did.” Another shape, this one dark but unmistakably an alicorn stands opposite Twilight, towering over me as the smoke around her slowly dissipates. Twilight backs away from the mare, her ears flattened against her skull as she lowers her head, clearly afraid. “And for that I thank you, my daughter.” Darkness overtakes me as I try to smile back.

Finally, it is over. I just hope I have made the right choice.

Epilogue

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Chapter One; Confrontations and Revelations

"NO PLEASE, I… I BEG YOU… DON'T... DON'T KILL ME!" The pathetic creature before me screams while trying to scurry away from me, covered in a mess of shallow cuts all over his body. slowly I advance, cloaked in the shadows so only my eyes are visible, shining like a pair of blood diamonds.

"You don't wish for death, pathetic creature? Fine, I’ll let you taste something sweeter than death." With a smirk my horn glows, pointed directly at the near comatose unicorn stallion. His eyes bulge as my black aura wraps around his own horn. As the spell begins to take hold, a scream of pure terror rings through the night just before he falls onto his side, the rapid movements of his chest as he breathes is the only indicator he is still alive.

As I close with the fallen stallion, my blood colored eyes examine his rigid body, my smirk growing wider. I bring my muzzle next to his ear, which the top has been torn to ribbons, and I whisper coldly, though I doubt he can hear me. Maybe his subconscious will remember this, though. "There are worse things than death. Enjoy your time in my spell. I'll see you when you wake up." The faintest sounds of galloping hooves approaching reaches my ears as I start to leave. However, curiosity takes hold of me and I take cover, waiting and wondering who is going to discover my latest victim.

The wait is not long as they close in, multiple voices are barely heard in the distance, but quickly getting closer until I can make out the words. "What... was that... scream?"

"I don't… know... You...You think that...?"

"I… I hope not... I… I can't take seeing... another corpse"

"Please Celestia... don't let us… get there... too late." Upon mention of the solar princess I perk up, watching as four forms, two unicorns and two earth ponies come into view, wearing the uniform of Celestia's royal guard. Upon the realization of who is coming I have already decided on my next course of action. "I... is he… dead?" huffs one of the earth ponies, his voice chalk filled with dread as a unicorn, surprisingly a mare, approaches the fallen stallion. Immediately my attention focuses mostly on her, noting mentally her insignia of rank.

"No he... he's still... alive, thankfully… but is caught up in some weird dream or something." She answers as her scan is completed, a relieved breath escapes from the quartet simultaneously. "This… this isn't like the… the monster, normally it just---”

"So Celestia's vaunted royal guard finally caught up to me, huh?" My voice booms all around the darkened alleyway, interrupting the unicorn mare and causes all four to drop into a combat stance with weapons drawn, their swords glinting in the moonlight.

"SHOW YOURSELF, MONSTER!" An emotionless chuckle quickly answers her as I step out of the shadows purposefully, my eyes closed as tendrils of black swirl around me, some attaching to my barrel, others to my legs and more to my head while another tendril begins to take the form of a scythe. "By Celestia's command you are under arrest, lower your weapon now!"

"So this is what She sends after me? I'm disappointed, I was expecting her favorite toys to show, or at the very least herself." Once the armor solidifies I give the foals a clear look at me through the bright light. "I'll say this once... return to her ‘highness’ and tell her I'm looking forward to meeting Princess Luna alone in her old castle in a month's time."

"No, you're coming with us. Now drop your weapon and surrender peacefully." Irritation and rage color her voice, the emotions awakening my blood lust.

"You will deliver my message, only now there will be two less of you to deliver it." As my eyes snap open, the scythe slashes forward, catching the other unicorn in his eye before he can react. A tendril of shadow stabs upwards at the same time, catching one of the earth ponies in her abdomen, piercing through her armor and body to jut out from her back.

The two remaining guards jump into action, the Lieutenant's aura surrounds me as the remaining earth pony guard races forward, a collar locking around my horn as cuffs are snapped around my front hooves.

"You'll pay dearly for what you have done, monster." The mare says coldly as she approaches, her voice and glare filled with nothing but rage. "And I hope they'll let me be the one to execute you." She whispers in my ear, a hint of a smile in her words.

With a smile of my own my form begins to melt, the antimagic collar and cuffs clanking as they hit the ground, taking both ponies by surprise as the figure they thought was real melts into a puddle of shadows. "please, you think I'd make it that easy for you?" More tendrils from the shadows wrap around and capture the two guard ponies, holding them in place as I step back into view. "So lieutenant, are you going to go and relay my message yet, or do I have to convince you further?" Her snort of disgust and refusal are all the answer I need.

"Why are you so inter… You want to bring Nightmare Moon back don't you?"

"Maybe, but that is none of your concern. Last chance to leave here peacefully."

"NO I WON'T LET YOU!" with her cry of fury her sword flashes, wrapped in her magic and buries itself in my back, a non lethal blow meant to incapacitate me. Her eyes widen as her faux victory crumples, the sword imbedded in a large solid mass of shadows that has grown from my armor to catch and hold the blade before it is extracted by my own magic.

My horn begins to glow again with it’s black aura as I touch the tip against her own horn. Before I release my spell I lean in to whisper in the lieutenant's ear, watching her reaction just before the spell engulfs her mind. After a short while the spell is released, perspiration flowing steadily from the lieutenant as she wakes up, her breathing is heavily labored as her eyes are filled with pure terror as she cries.

"Th- that can't... No." Tears begin to spill uncontrollably from her tightly closed eyes before she passes out in a heap.

"Now, take your leader and deliver my message and this warning. If anyone but Luna shows up at the castle, especially Celestia's pets, I shall destroy a town per day until Luna appears, starting with Ponyville. Now GO!" I release the two, watching in disgust as he picks up his commander and hurries back in the direction of Canterlot.

As the pair disappears, I turn and examine the wreckage around me. The two dead Royal Guard lay broken and twisted, their blood feeding the shadows as the still comatose unicorn locked in my spell is right where he was left. With a snort the shadows fall from my body, becoming gaseous before completely wrapping around me again, changing my outward appearance and hiding my horn.

When my new disguise completed, including a voice changing spell, I scream at the top of my lungs, using my magic to project traces of fear into my words. "HELP! SOMEPONY... IT... IT STRUCK AGAIN!" As my words echo through the night, the sounds of many hurrying hooves break the stillness, converging on my position.

"What the..... Royal Guard?! This thing killed them?" one of the crowd blurts out, completely in shock.

"I...is he...?"

"No he's still alive."

"Wait, I... I recognize one of those guards!"

"I'm gonna be sick."

"Hey, are you ok?" A silent chuckle bounces around my mind as I stay still, pretending to be unconscious as a few of the crowd notices me, their jumbled conversations ending abruptly.

A few hours later I wake up, feigning grogginess and confusion, mentally noting my roommate is the unicorn from last night. "Shh don't make any sudden movements, are you okay?"

"Wh- Where am I?" the voice alteration spell is still going and inflects the proper tones of confusion and surprise as I speak, adding onto the performance by rapidly darting my eyes around, increasing the tempo of my breathing and even some shivering.

"Canterlot hospital. We were going to keep you back in Hoofington, but due to what happened, Princess Celestia wanted to talk to of you two personally." The nurse replies, concern and fear slowly fading from her voice.

"The... The Princess?!... she… she's coming here?" This is an interesting yet unwanted development. I already begin to sort through my possible options, looking for the most beneficial ones to cover any possible situation. At that time I let my eyes fall on my victim, and another fake shiver courses through my body. "Wha..... What happened to him?" I wonder if these idiot know exactly what is going on or just guessing.

‘Don’t get too cocky. We do not want to have our true purpose discovered, especially not by the false princess.’

Relax, I have all my possible escape routes covered, and even a couple of distractions.

Before the voice can retaliate the nurse answers me. "All we know is he's trapped in some weird spell, but we don’t know what spell specifically." With an inward smile I settle back, deciding to wait for a bit. The nurse finally gives me an opening as she leaves, the only pony with me is my comatose victim.

I form a clone from the nearest shadow to look like my current form as I meld into a cloud and hide inside the ceiling vent. Eventually the wait is over as a flurry of activity picks up in the hallway, the unmistakable voices of the celestial sisters drift into the room. The arrival of Luna yet again throws a rock into my plans, forcing me to reevaluate my options. Before I can decide what path to take, the sisters enter, Luna's pools of cyan going from the clone to the stallion back, her gaze attempting to bore into me as I meld my senses with that of the clone’s.

"I feel it most strongly in here my sister. Darkness is surrounding both of these ponies, specially the mare."

"I see, Luna, and what do you make of it?"

‘Buck it all, we need to leave, now. The fake moon princess can easily sense my presence. And while you are strong and have been trained well, you cannot hope to take on both alicorns at once.’

I’m not, I just want to ensure my message gets delivered.

"Princess, the stallion here is under the influence of some kind of spell, but we can't make out what is going on." The nurse interrupts as she reenters, the charts floating before her.

"Very well, thank you nurse, I shall see what I can find out." Luna's horn begins to activate and glow as she focuses on the stallion. Anxiously Celestia and the nurse wait for her discovery and ideas. "He's locked in some kind of… nightmare, just like the lieutenant was. Now what is wrong with her?" With Luna's focus now directed at my clone it reawakens, forming an expression of surprise at the sight of both rulers. Before it can say a thing Luna's spell is directed towards the fake me and I can immediately feel her presence in my clone's mind. Her mental probe is short lived as her eyes widen in surprise and anger. "GUARDS! SEIZE THIS ONE, NOW!" with her alarm raised Celestia looks at her younger sibling in concern as the room fills with Luna's own lunar guard mixed with royal guard.

"What is it, Luna?"

"She's the one that has been causing this fear amongst our citizens. She is the one responsible for the recent deaths, Tia." Luna explains, covering the clone in her aura as the guards quickly shackle it.

"Hm, you're not as easy to fool as these others are, Luna, or should I say, Nightmare Moon." As I quip back the clone’s disguise falls, revealing my true form, causing me to chuckle a bit as the lunar imposter gives a shiver of disgust at her true name. "You WILL meet me in your old castle in a month’s time, Nightmare Moon, and you WILL come alone."

"And pray tell, how are you going to pull off being there whilst you are in the dungeons or worse?"

"You'll just have to wait and see. As for you, Celestia, don't even try to interfere or sick either your oh so loved Element wielders or Discord on me. If either arrives I will destroy a town of my choosing, as well as wreck the lives of those you hold dearest." As I finish, my clone's body begins to become undone, melting into shadows as the sisters jump in surprise, though Luna’s face also registers shocked recognition.

“M… Moonshade? Is that… is that... really you?” Luna’s question is soft and full of sadness but is slightly tinged with hope and plenty of surprise.

“It… it can’t… how… Moon?” Celestia’s words are filled with pain and in my anger and confusion I accidentally alert them to my escape with a ringing against the metal surrounding me, causing her and Luna to shout. “MOON, WAIT! DON’T LEAVE!”

What was that? Why did they call me Moonshade? And how come they were able to recognize me so quickly?

‘I do not know, you have a plan to escape, right?’

With a snarl I wind my way through the vents before finding an opening. As I take it, the sisters exit the building and frantically survey the area, even doing flybys of the surrounding area. Their attempts only make me laugh inwardly as I veer towards the south and loose them.

Once I’m sure I’m in the clear I land on the dirt path I’ve been following and take my solid form. As I walk in silence I stick to the woods as much as possible until day begins to show signs of breaking. My eyes seek out any hint of a safe, hidden place to sleep the day away. Finally I just settle for laying in a field, as far from the road as I can just as the sun begins to fully clear the horizon as I use my magic to create a small shelter, which camouflages into the surroundings.

Unfortunately, sleep eludes me as I lay in the dew covered grass, watching the nauseating colors of the dulled but still vibrant sunrise, my frustration growing. After a decent, scrounged breakfast and a short nap I take on a new disguise before continuing, pushing myself onward while ignoring the weakening in my legs as the hours pass by.

Eventually I collapse, huffing as the day draws to an end and my legs become rubbery. The lights of the closest city start to grow brighter, taunting me with its closeness which only angers me. As I settle onto my belly I gather any nearby edible plants and berries magically. While there are small critters around, the attempts to catch them quickly drain me of what energy I have.

As I finish my scant snack a couple of ponies in a caravan approaches, stopping as they come alongside me. "You know miss, it ain't safe to be staying out here all alone."

"Is everything ok, you're not hurt, are you?"

"Poor thing, it looks like she hasn't slept for days. Just look at the state she's in. I'll bet she's starving as well." As the trio unhook themselves from their wagons they keep a bit of distance from me, giving me time to respond. My brain quickly formulates what the best response would be and the proper tone of voice to include as they wait.

"I know, I… I didn't realize how far I had to travel and miscalculated. I'm fine, just... tired and hungry." I let loose a yawn as a loud rumbling from my stomache follows, both of which require no faking or magic to produce. "I didn't pack properly and it... has been a while since I ate some real food. And yes, I haven't been able to sleep well lately." As I finish responding two of the ponies lift me up and settles me into a wagon.

"Don't worry miss, you can rest on there, we'll take you the rest of the way." The light pink coated earth pony mare opens a box and empties it of the contents. "Now go ahead and eat, we packed too much and don't want to waste any food. And before you say anything, no we don't want any payment for this." As they hook back up and head towards the lights, the mare of the group focuses on me with a smile, her sea green eyes sparkling with happiness. "What's your name by the way? I'm Lily Bloom, the stallion to my right is Almond and the other stallion is Sunstreak."

"Howdy." The blonde coated earth stallion with a brown and white mane that is sorta spikey greets as Lily points to him first. He turns his head back towards me and nods as he is the one hauling the cart I’m currently occupying.

"Hello there." As she introduces him, my attention turns to the orange stallion to her right. His mane is cut short and neat, red streaks apparent in the yellow.

"So, what's your name?" Lily asks after a couple of minutes of silence, in which I spent examining the scenery, ignoring these three. On both sides of us are a small patch of woods behind a large field dotted with yellow flowers. A couple birds and small animals move through the dancing grass blades. The sun now throwing off its last rays of light.

"Huh, oh it's....." Their interest in me is confusing and increases the unsettling feeling that is quickly growing inside me. A quick shake of my head is a pretense to clear it as I try to think of a name, not remembering if I ever had one or not. "Moon, my name is Moon." I say as I remember the picture that decorates my flanks before I go back to being silent. The stirred up feelings awaken a darker but more comfortable feeling I’m used to, conjuring up images of these three laying in a pool of blood just before the entrance to the city. Maybe I’ll keep Lily alive but destroy her mentally, turn her into a mindless servant or something. For now I just relax and eat my fill before drifting off to sleep as multiple images of these three cross my mind while they engage in a personal conversation, not a hint of unease or fear colors their voices as they laugh and joke.

As night fully falls we near the city and I jump off silently. Sufficiently rested, I disappear into the shadows and cast, surrounding them in a shadowy dome which allows just enough light so they can watch helplessly as I appear, my disguise dropped while I wield my favored weapon.

"Wh... What is going on? Wh... Who are you?"

"What's the meaning of this? let us go!"

"Don't step any closer fiend!" the trio respond at the same time.

"For helping me, I'll reward you by making your quick and painless, Almond and Sunstreak. As for you Lily, I think you'd make a good slave."

"MOON?! WHY… WHY DO THIS? WE JUST HELPED YOU!" Lily cries, huddling behind the two stallions, tears streaming down her cheeks as she shivers, her fear is so thick I can taste it, exciting me as I move in, the scythe ready to strike behind me.

Chapter Four; Past Memories and Revalation

"I am so terribly sorry about that mister, she's been… a bit upset. Can we pay you for the trouble?" Offers Almond.

"I guess you can pay, that'll be a hundred bits. And you can help clean up and reset the new bowls." As he answers the question his stare is focused on me, I guess in an attempt to frighten me.

"Go on Moon, you broke it you fix it." Lily states, her hoof clenching on the invisible chains which causes me to yelp and growl as the pressure on the cuffs become intolerable. After thirty seconds I finally relent and begin the task, cursing under my breath throughout it all.

Once the cleanup is finished the stallion turns to me. "Thank you for that. Here, take one, I insist." He points at the large collection of stuffed alicorns. The sight of Luna’s and Celestia's dolls hanging with permanent, idiotic smiles brings a snarl to my own lips and the sight of a Twilight plushie and another of an alicorn I cannot identify causes my lips to lift higher, exposing my fangs.

“Moon, relax and choose one. There is no need to get so aggressive, just choose one, please.” A frown crosses her lips as I look at her, and with a huff I finally relent.

"Fine, I guess I'll take the Princess Luna one if I have to choose."

As we walk away, Lily thrusts her plushie into my hoof as well. "Here, you can have mine as well, and no I will not take it back nor will I allow you to destroy it." Before I can retort back a rumbling stomach sounds off, interrupting my thoughts. "Looks like it's time to eat."

"Finally, a break from all this sappiness." I mumble before we head off to eat, my scowl confusing the ponies we come across as they spot the pair of plushies popping out of a saddlebag around my barrel.

Standing in the line my glare focuses on a pair of foals playing in the dirt as my mouth begins salivate. I wonder what it would be like, tasting another pony’s flesh. My thoughts of cannibalism are broken as I’m jerked up to the front of the line. “Hello miss, what can I get for you today?” The orange unicorn stallion in the window asks before taking a glance at my fangs and gulps.

“We are paying as one. Go ahead and order first, Moonshade.” I just snarl at Lily, which earns a snicker from Almond and Sunstreak while she just bats her eyelashes at me.

“You don’t serve meat here, do you?”

A louder gulp and a visible shiver runs through his body at the question as he shrinks back away from me, stammering. “I- I don’t… we don’t serve any… meat here. W- what kind of… m- monster are y-you to be asking th-that?” The line of ponies behind us back slowly away, parents shielding their foals or dragging them away to another food stand.

“Fiiine, a hayburger and large fries with a cherry soda.” The clear annoyance at his question makes me really want to gore him with my horn, though I know lilybutt won’t let me. With a growl I step off to the side, furiously kicking a rock as hard as I can. These simple, idiotic foals. I’ll destroy them when I’m free of these accursed chains.

"Just curious Moon, do you… remember anything about your past?" The question comes as we gather our food, the ponies around us backing away even more as we walk away, even those at the available tables nervously back away from us.

"No." My lie slips quickly off of my tongue as my gaze falls on the Luna plushie and keeps my attention. Flashes of images race through my mind, images of Luna being consumed and turned into a taller, darker being.

Our meal goes by without much incident, though the three foals surrounding me keep pestering me with personal questions, which I either avoid or give short answers to. The questions range from if I’m enjoying myself, any hobbies I have, where I’d like to live, what I’d like to do for a living and so on.

"Well that was good, what's next?" Almond asks after he lets out a loud, extended burp and pats his belly.

"Nope, need to take some time and digest." Retorts Sunstreak as he just leans back with eyes closed, almost as if he is sleeping. “I don’t think I should have ordered that extra helping of pie, I am full.”

"Hey guys, can you two leave us for a second, please?" For some reason I

"Wh... Okay sure."

After a few seconds Lily walks up and softly whispers. "Hey, everything okay?" Her question snaps me out of my trance.

"Huh, of course why would you ask that." My tone, soft at first quickly sharpens with anger.

"By the way you were looking at your Luna doll, something's on your mind, I can tell. Please tell me."

"No, now stop bothering me."

"I'll make you a deal. If you tell me I'll talk to Discord about loosening your chains a little."

"Fine, but not here."

"Okay, it's a deal. Let's go guys and do a few more rides and play some more games." Finally, after a few more hours in that place of torture we head back to our hotel. The pair of saddlebags I’m wearing on my sides are over filled with stuff given to me by the three foals surrounding me.

"Night Lily, night Moon." The two stallions reply in unison as we exit the stairwell and they split off to their individual rooms.

"Whatever." With a humph I barge my way into our room. Before I have a chance to step onto the balcony after dumping my bags onto the floor,r Lily steps in front of me, the Luna doll in her left hoof.

"Okay, let's talk now."

"Fine. I had a... something of an... image of watching Princess Luna turning into her true form, Nightmare Moon. I also, for some reason remembered another name, Sombra, the rest is blank." She settles next to me with a hoof draped lightly across my shoulders as she places the Luna plushie in front of me.

"Well, that is a bit of a breakthrough. Let's see what else we can drudge up."

"Why... Why are you trying so hard to… What's the term? Why do you care so much?" Despite the uncomfortableness of how close she is to me I can’t seem to drudge up the energy to push her away or move. It must be because of the memory of the mental visit from Luna.

"Befriend Moon, the word you're looking for is befriend. As for why? You obviously need a friend, someone to care for and love you, like somepony must have done once a long time ago." She tries to lock her eyes onto mine with a soft smile, but I actively avoid her gaze.

At her explanation a small snippet of conversation flashes through my mind, two voices, both familiar and female echos through my mind. 'I love you my little Moon.' 'I love you as well Moonshade.' Forgetting I have an audience, I unconsciously mumble out the name that was said. "Moonshade."

"What was that? Moonshade? Did you remember something Moon?"

"Huh? I... I need to be alone now. Go, just... just go." With a frown she leaves surprisingly with nothing more than a nod. As soon as she leaves the room, quietly shutting the door, I shout out. "DISCORD, SHOW YOURSELF NOW!"

"You rrrrang little Moony? And I must say, this new look is a lot better than your old scowl, but it's still too depressing. Your day o..."

"Quiet, just… quiet. I need to see the princesses, NOW!"

"Fine then, let's cut the small talk miss Moody, hold your breath." With a pop we leave the hotel and we reappear in the Canterlot castle in a flash. The guards jump but immediately relax at the sight of Discord.

"CELESTIAAAA...... LUNAAAA....... GET DOWN HERE, NOW!" I scream out, causing Discord to flinch.

"Sheesh, give a little warning before doing that. It is, however, remarkable… you have the same style of shouting as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna used to have." Discord remarks while making his head shake violently as he pulls something out of his ears, smiling.

Yawning, Princess Celestia appears without her royal accoutrements as her lunar sister hovers down the stairs, both staring surprisingly at me as I stand there, my lips curled up in a snarl as I bare my fangs. "Hm, we see your attempts to help this one hasn't been as successful as you led us to believe, Discord." Luna observes, before he can retort I glare at him.

"Leave Discord, now... I got something to discuss with the 'Princesses'."

"Oh seems like my methods have done some good after all. Well then, I'll see you ladies later." With a pop and flash he leaves with the two rulers staring down at me as I glare back. His departure also removes the cursed chains from my body. In relief I shake myself before finally speaking.

"You know, don't you?" I try to fill my voice with as much venom as I can, my eyes glaring daggers at the two alicorns. The two sisters just stare at me sadly.

"Know what my little pony?" Celestia asks softly, attempting to calm me down.

"YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHO I AM, DON'T YOU!" I snap after a couple minutes of huffing angrily, then turn to Luna. "I... I SAW YOU TURN INTO NIGHTMARE MOON. I… I HEARD YOUR VOICES, BOTH OF YOURS.... SAYING THAT YOU... THAT YOU… THAT YOU LOVE ME. YOU… YOU… I DREAMT YOU VISITED ME AND SAID THAT I… THAT I WAS... WHO AM I?" A strange, unknown sensation envelopes me as wetness begins to fall from my eyes, leaving stains down my cheeks as I tightly shut my eyelids.

"Yes, we know who you are, Moonshade. After we met at the hospital Luna and I know exactly who you are." Celestia offers softly as a hoof and wing wraps around my left side.

"We thought you were dead. When my sister searched the ruins and failed to find you, she thought you were dead." Luna adds as she moves over to my other side, trapping me like Celestia did with a hoof and wing.

"Who am I then? WHAT AM I?" The wetness flows faster and thicker down my cheeks as I continue to stare up at them.

"You're special Moonshade, and have been so sorely missed-" Celestia says while she leans down and nuzzles me behind an ear tenderly.

Luna finishes her sister's sentence after giving me another nuzzle. "Dear Moonshade, you are my daughter from before I was banished."

With that revelation I jump away from the two, my heart and mind racing faster than ever before as I look at them incredulously. "WH... WHAT? TH... THAT CAN'T... NNNOOOOO… HOW… WHY?! WHY DIDN'T YOU TRY TO FIND ME IF THAT'S TRUE? WHY DID YOU ABANDON ME?” My legs give out once I finish shouting, causing me to crash hard onto the floor. The two sisters approach gently, wetness, tears I think they were called, soaks their cheeks and gathers in their eyes.

"After the fight with... Nightmare Moon, the castle was a ruin. I searched everywhere I could, but you weren't in your room and I couldn't find you in your favorite hiding place." After a few minutes of silence mixed with me making the same strange sounds Lily made the previous night, darkness finally begins to take over, the sensation of being picked up barely registering. Eventually I'm being lain upon a soft bed, surrounded by two bodies.

"We are truly sorry for not being there for you, our little Moon. And we are sorry you had to grow up alone. We hope someday you can forgive us. We love you so much and never stopped loving you." Those are the last words I hear from the two before unconsciousness fully consumes me.