I Am The New Nightmare Moon!
"Mommy, why do I have a white aura around me?"
Luna dropped her glass in surprise. Her daughter, purple coated and pinkish-blue mane, asked her the second last question she want to hear.
Constell Moonbeam had white aura around her and Luna said she was born with it. Constell somehow wanted to know more, so she urged her to explain why she had those things.
"Well...that's because you're special!" Luna nuzzled her, but inside she was terrified if her daughter knew the truth.
Constell giggled as she hugged her mother, "I love you, mom."
Luna gave a smile, her heart stinging in pain, "I love you too, my Moonbeam."
"Mom!" Constell wailed, now at the age of sixteen. "I'm old enough! I can go to Prism's party!"
Prism Dash was the son of Rainbow Dash and Soarin. Constell had a huge crush on him, and now she was begging to go to his party. Luna glared at her, "No, Constell. Princesses do not go to 'rock parties'."
Constell felt tears in her eyes, "You don't understand, mom!"
"I do understand!" Luna stomped her hoof on the ground. "That party will be a bad influence to you, Constell. You must understand!"
"I hate you!" She sniffed before she ran to her room, sounds of wailing echoing after her. Luna sighed heavily as she heard the door slam shut.
This wasn't the first time she rejected her. It was the tenth. "She'll understand," she assured herself.
"Luna, you can't hide this secret any longer."
Luna jumped at the sound of her sister's voice. She turned to see her staring at her. Luna looked down, "I don't want her to get hurt."
Celestia put a hoof on her sister's shoulder, "It will hurt even more if you don't tell the truth."
Luna sighed, "Two more years, Sister. Give me time."
"There is no time," she shook her head. "But if that's what you wanted, then very well."
Luna watched her leave the chambers before she sat on her flank. She closed her eyes, memories rushing through her brain,"I don't want to remember you. I don't..."
"Happy birthday, Constell!"
Constell gasped as she saw all of her friends and family in the dining room. "Thank you so much, guys!"
Prism smirked as he boasted as usual, "I planned it all!"
Constell blushed heavily as he hugged her and gave her the present. "T-thanks, P-Prism..."
"I know!" He smiled, "I'm awesome!"
Glamour, the daughter of Rarity, nudged him, "Not your looks and awesomeness, darling, your gift!"
Prism blushed in embarrassment before clearing his throat, "I-I knew that!"
Constell beamed as they urged her to blow the candles."Oh oh oh! Make a wish, make a wish!" Party Balloons chanted.
I wish...I knew who my father is, she wished silently. Then, she blew the candles, making the crowd cheer.
"What did ya wish for?" Asked Applebuck.
"She can't tell you, silly!" Balloon giggled, "If she did, then it wouldn't be a wish!"
Applebuck chuckled awkwardly, "Oh...right..."
"Well, time to open the presents!"
"B-but mom! Why can't I go with you?" Constell whined. "I'm twenty one years old! I can handle anything!"
Celestia smiled softly, "I'm sorry, Constell, but you can come with us next time. This is a very dangerous matter we should do."
Constell sighed, "Fine..."
"Be a good filly and we'll send you letters, okay?" Luna kissed her forehead.
Constell grunted, "Fine..."
"Bye, my moonbeam!" Luna waved as Constell watched them fly away.
Constell made her way back and thought she could invite her friends to a party. Especially Prism.
"Having thoughts about parties, Princess?"
Busted.
She snapped out of her thoughts to see Captain Shadow Wings of the Lunar Guards. Luna had a crush on him since the very time she saw him. Constell wondered why her mother wouldn't have dated him long ago.
She blushed bright pink, "Oh..um...no?"
Shadow smiled, "Don't lie, Princess, I know you are."
She groaned, "How did you know?"
"The look on your face tells me something's going on," he chuckled, trying to make it mysterious.
"Well, can I?" She brightened up, her heart filled with hope. Again, she was met with another chuckle.
"Sorry, Princess," he smiled, "Your mother knew this was coming, so she asked me to make sure you weren't hosting any parties."
Her smile faded away as she darkly whispered, "Well played, mother, well played..."
"But look on the bright side!" He pointed at the gardens, "There's a lot going out there. Why don't you go outside and check out some events going on?"
"Says somepony who doesn't even goes out in the sunlight," she smirked playfully.
"D'aww, you know what I mean," he nudged her slightly. "A princess like you needs to stretch her wings and soar in the sky."
Ding! Constell suddenly had an idea...a very evil one. She did her best to hide her smirk, "Sure, Shadow! I'll do that!"
"Glad she took my advice," he smiled as he watched her gallop to the left; but a part of him was telling him something bad was going on.
The dusty door creaked open. Constell made sure no pony was after her. She stepped inside the old attic. It was covered in dust and spider webs.
"I want to know what this white aura is about," she said to herself, peeking at the lockers. "Hmm...wars...literature...family book...'Journal'! Perfect!"
She grinned as she read the first entry:
ENTRY ONE
I have fallen in love with the bravest colt I've ever met! He was charming, I have to admit, and his name is Champion! He's the colt any mare could ever dream of, and he's the Captain of the Lunar Guards!
But somehow, Tia doesn't like him for some reason. She told me that he was toying me around, but Champion could never do that! She told me it was my choice whether to open up my eyes or not. What was that supposed to mean? I can see just clearly and fine!
Anywho, Champion and I have been dating for months until I felt uneasy...I went to the doctor, and he confirmed that I was having a foal! I'm a bit scared of having one though. I never wanted one!
Constell frowned at that. She had a sister or a brother? Is that why her mother didn't tell her? Is that why she's acting so suspicious? But Constell kept reading to find out more.
ENTRY TWO
This can't be happening! The stallion I once loved has turned his back on me! I found him sleeping with another mare! I felt so betrayed and angered as he told me he wanted just the riches. I ran away, dejected, and I should've listened to Celestia. I don't want a child! I was never even ready for this!
Constell gasped in horror. Her mother never wanted a daughter at all? So she and perhaps her sister or brother were just mistakes?
Tia told me that what is done, is done and there's nothing she can do about it! She gave me all the support I need, but I'm feeling so worried right now...I can't believe he would do this...
Constell flipped the page and read again, her eyes beginning to water.
ENTRY THREE
It's...a girl...she's a...unicorn...just like her father...b-but I wanted her to believe that her father is an alicorn, so I asked Celestia to make her wings. She said my...filly couldn't fly with fake wings, but I urged her to make it anyways...Why am I such a fool?
Constell slammed the book shut, her eyes squeezed together before she let out a sob. "M-mother lied to me..."
"Constell?"
"She lied to me!" She roared, throwing the book away in anger. The door clicked open and in came Shadow.
"Princess? Is everything alright?" Asked Shadow.
"YOU!" She glared at him. "You knew I was a unicorn and a mistake, do you?!"
"Wha-what are you talking about?!" Gasped Shadow. Clearly, he didn't know anything about this.
"You knew mom was with a pony and my father broke up with her! I was a mistake aren't I?! I'M BEING BETRAYED BY MY OWN MOTHER!" She yelled, tears streaming down her face.
"Constell, calm down," he soothed her, putting his bat wing over her. "Tell me what's wrong..."
Constell sniffed, looking down shamefully, "M-mom got p-pregnant and h-her coltfriend just b-bailed on her a-and...she s-said she n-never wanted m-m-me...She said...I'm just a-a u-unicorn..."
Shadow looked at her in shock, "I'm sure there's a reason for this...This is something Luna wouldn't do..."
"But she did!" She cried out, hugging him. She always looked up at Shadow like a father. She believed in every words he said, and none of them were false. Whenever she's alone, he's always there to guide her instead of her mother.
Her connection with her mother was getting scarce though. Her mother was too busy to even care about her!
"Shh, shh, it's okay," he hushed her. "She loves you very much. I'm sure of it..."
Her eyes turned red as she growled, "She lied to me...she made me a mistake..."
"Don't be foolish, Constell," he scolded her gently, "Yes, she never expected you to come at that time, but she really loves you."
"Look at her!" She screamed, "She didn't even have the time to talk with me or play with me! She's too busy on many other ponies, so why not me?!"
Shadow stroked her mane softly, "Don't say that. Things have been turning upside down since the drought in Manehattan. She have a reason."
He pushed her away and stared at her sternly, "Listen to me: It is your decision to become evil or good. Don't let your grudge and jealousy take over you. Talk with your Mother. The key to understanding is facing the truth and your fears, understood?"
Constell could only nod at this, "O-okay...dad..."
Shadow's eye widened at at hearing this. She had never called him 'Dad' or some nicknames like that, but it made him proud for her to call him that. "I love you, and I'm proud of you in every good thing you do. I'm proud that you understand me," he whispered. "Now go to your room and wait for your mother to come. You will talk to her about this."
Constell nodded before speaking up meekly, "C-can you c-carry t-there me, p-please?"
Shadow smiled, "With pleasure."
"Constell! I'm hoooome!"
Luna peeked through Constell's bedroom door with a smile on her face, "Guess what I got?"
Constell has her back facing Luna. Luna frowned when she got no response or hug from Constell. She lifted her hoof to step in, but Constell's sharp voice threatened,
"Don't come any closer."
Luna shivered at the coldness of her voice. Some parts of her were worried that her suspicions and fears are coming true, "C-Constell? Is e-everything alright?"
"Don't pretend like you don't know, Mother," she chuckled darkly as her blue skin turned dark. Luna gulped as Constell continued, "You know exactly what's going on."
"C-Constell," Luna gasped as Constell turned to her, revealing her evil grin and bloodshot eyes. Those eyes reminded Luna of Nightmare Moon's eyes. "W-what happened t-to you?!"
Constell sighed dramatically, "Oh, Mother, how foolish of you to not tell me about the real me."
Luna shook her head as her daughter's white aura turned black, "No, this is not you! Control yourself!"
Constell smirked, "But it is! You remember the time when you told me about Nightmare Moon?"
Luna let out a gasp as Constell's horn glowed. Chains came rattling out of nowhere as it tightened around Luna's neck, making her choke. Constell laughed, "You told me not to become Nightmare Moon, but I want to..."
Luna's eyes widened in shock. Her suspicions were confirmed. Luna gasped for air but none came in. Constell smiled, "This is my dream, Mother. I want to become *NIGHTMARE MOON!!!*"
"CONSTELL MOONBEAM! LET HER GO!"
Constell immediately let go of Luna in shock, "Dad..."
She turned to her left to see Shadow running to Luna to make sure she's okay. When he did, he glared at Constell, stomping the ground sternly, "Don't be the monster Luna once was! Try to fight it!"
"I-I...can't!" Constell cried, "She lied to me!"
"You must learn to accept the truth! Let her explain!" Shadow shouted over the wind swirling around Constell, wanting to possess her. Constell gritted her teeth before she glared at Luna,
"Explain. Now."
"I am sorry for not telling you sooner," Luna sobbed, clinging onto Shadow tightly with her watery eyes meeting Constell's. "I had a vision about you turning into Nightmare Moon, and I...I never wanted that to happen!"
"Well too late for that, *Mother," Constell sneered once the black aura engulfed her. "I think it's coming true! And now, there shall be only *ONE princess!**"
She transformed into Nightmare Moon the same way that Luna did which caused Luna to cover her eyes from the light.
"And that...princess...will be *ME!*" Constell stomped the ground, breaking the marble floors.
"Constell, you know this isn't you!" Shadow shouted, dodging any sharp objects Constell threw at him. "Fight it! Your mother only tried to prevent this disaster!"
"Shadow, what is done, is done," Luna cried. "We can't do anything about it..."
Constell cackled, "Listen to your princess, Shadow! I'm not Constell nor Nightmare Moon...I am Dark Light!"
Luna sobbed as she was being carried by Shadow. Shadow galloped fast before spreading his bat wings. The air picked him up as he yelled, "GUARDS! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!"
The guards who have been sleeping during their posts, woke up and snorted before they realized what Shadow said.
"YOU CAN RUN, MOTHER! BUT YOU CAN'T HIDE!"
"Tia, she would know what to do!" Luna informed Shadow. Shadow took a turn before they burst into the throne room.
"Ah, Luna," Celestia smiled. "Did she like th-"
"No time to explain, sister!" Luna interrupted hastily. "It's coming true, Celly. The vision tis not a lie."
Celestia's eyes widened before she calmly asked, "How big is her magic?"
Shadow gulped, "I may not be a unicorn, Your Highness, but it is as if your magic was combined with hers!"
Celestia shook her head, "When I gave her those wings, it was with white aura. That is my magic, and I believe that she sensed its strong power so she used it."
Celestia's face hardened as she spoke sternly, "We have no time to lose. While the guards are distracting Constell, we must be prepared to send her to...the moon."
Shadow and Luna gasped. "But sister! Isn't there any other way?" Luna asked with tears in her eyes.
Celestia shook her head, "No, there isn't. My bit of magic is in her lungs. We need to summon the Elements of Harmony."
Celestia wrote a letter quickly before she sent it with her magic. "Come, we need to await their arrival. We still need more time. Shadow, you studied every last part of the castle. Which do you think is best to hide in?"
Shadow answered, "The attic."
"Come on, girls! Princess Celestia is in danger!" Princess Bright Light, daughter of Flash Sentry and Twilight Sparkle, urged her friends.
They reached the castle and burst in, just to find Shadow waiting for them. "Hurry," he whispered, "we'll explain later."
They ran to their hiding place quietly before they found Celestia and Luna. "Princess Celestia! Princess Luna! What's going on? Where's Constell?" Asked Bright.
Celestia raised a hoof to stop her from asking more, "Our suspicions were confirmed. Constell has fully turned into Nightmare Moon."
They gasped loudly before Prism asked, "What are we going to do then? Hide all day?"
"We must send her to the moon," Celestia sighed, "Little of my magic is running through her veins. We have no more choice!"
Luna sniffled, "It's the only way."
Celestia and Shadow placed their hooves on her shoulder. Celestia looked mournfully at Luna, "I'm sorry, sister. I do not want to do this, I don't."
"I know," Luna whimpered. "It's all my fault."
"Don't say that," Celestia hushed. Luna remained silent as Celestia said, "We're wasting time. We must battle against her."
"CONSTELL! WE'RE GIVING YOU ONE LAST CHANCE! STOP BEING NIGHTMARE MOON, OR WE'LL BANISH YOU TO THE MOON!" Luna yelled, her fur soaked in tears.
Constell, or rather Dark Light, snorted, "Banished? Just like you, Mother? That's so pathetic! You wouldn't do this to your daughter would you?"
She made her best pouting face which caused Luna's eyes to widen, "I.."
"Luna! Concentrate!" Celestia instructed, her horn glowing bright.
"No, you're not the Constell I know anymore!" Luna wiped her tears away as she glared at Constell.
"Now!" Bright Light shouted as the group were lifted up in a golden aura.
Luna felt her tears hot as she felt them down her cheeks again. "I'm so sorry," she gritted her teeth as she closed her eyes.
"No...*NOOOO!!!!* MOTHER!"
Luna gasped as she heard Constell's voice. She snapped her eyes open to see Constell, desperately trying to reach Luna. But she was held back by the black tentacles.
"Why are you doing this to me?"
Luna watched her daughter in horror as Constell was engulfed by the golden light. She dropped to her knees, paralyzed of what she had witnessed. She had failed...again.
She let out a choking sob as the tears hit the floor. The others could only watch in sadness. "Oh, Constell..." She whimpered, "I'm so sorry."
And yet, the moon was once again marked with the dark spots shaped like a mare. There was nothing left to do, but grief and move on.
Time flew by, and no one had forgotten the traumatic experience they had. Luna, of course, took it the hardest. She would give anypony the blank stare she had since the incident. She didn't talk much, but she continued to lower and raise the moon.
The only thing that was repeating in her mind was:
What have I done?
