Nightmare's Pain

by vangrimm212

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Princess Celestia, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sad, Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna, Original Character
Length: 4982

The Tale of a General in the Royal Equestrian Army. pre-NMM

In the time before Nightmare Moon came into existence, after the time of Discord. the main character of this story will be my oc Frost Tundra. The Tale of a General in the Royal Equestrian Army. pre-NMM

Published 2012-06-19 07:14:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-08-28 06:33:06 UTC

Ch. 1

AN: WOOHOO I finally did the first chapter for my remake story! Shut up I know it's not that impressive, so don't ruin my moment. Serious, I've been working on this since, well, the last chapter of the first story.
Disclaimer: I does not own MLP:FIM or Hasbro I only own my OCs
Nightmare's Pain
Chapter 1: Beginning of the Nightmare.

“Once upon a time there were two beautiful princesses, Celestia, the eldest, and Luna, the youngest. Princess Celestia's visage and power brought her to control the Sun and with it the day. Luna's visage and insight allowed her power over the moon and stars to brighten the lifeless nights.

Together they founded the Kingdom of Equestria to end the everlasting chaos brought upon by the first immortal, Discord. A beautiful land of harmony to it's three pony races. The first, the enduring earth pony, strong and kind folk. The second, the loyal pegasus pony, adventurous and energetic. The third, the mysterious unicorn, wise and sagely. Though the princesses were none of the three races, but of a fourth the Alicorn. An Alicorn is the combination of all three...”

“Wait, what do you mean all three? Can that happen?” interrupted Ice Tundra
“Yea, uncle Frost are you making this up?” also interrupted her twin Snow Tundra

“Why would I make up such tall tales? This, my dear nieces is the truth our princesses are in fact, Alicorn, they have to be so they can't pick favorites in their court. Now, as I was saying...”

“But, if they can't pick favorites, what if the got kids...”
“...can't favorite them over everypony else?”

“Hmm, that's a good question. And don't know the answer to that question, since neither have children. But, oh, look at the time, its your bedtime. Goodnight Ice, Snow.”

“Goodnight Uncle Frost!” They said in unison as their uncle left the room.

Frost Tundra, most trusted general and adviser of Princess Luna. Frost is tall and strong stallion of the pegasai, his coat is a blue gray color with his hair, mane, and tail a light gray and purple highlights. With dark blue eyes . He was still relatively young even though his high position in his princesses' court. His cutie mark consisted of a white snowflake on top of a silver shield.

“Off to bed are we?” came a question from a female speaker.

“Well, the princesses have asked me to come early to the Palace for a meeting tomorrow. Something about Discord's prison.” Frost replied

“Brother I wish you would let me tell my children a bedtime story sometime.” said Winter Tundra sister of Frost

“B-But, your the one that asked me in the first place. Besides, they said they like my stories more anyway.” whined Frost

“*sigh* Be that as it may, I said that when I asked you to babysit, last year.” she deadpanned

“Your mean. Well anyway, good nite sleep-tight, don't let the cloud bugs bite.” Frost said happily while trotting to bed.

'Why, does he live here with us instead of somewhere in Canterlot near the palace? Goodness knows the princesses would probably get him one.' thought Winter.

~~The next day, 4:25 A.M. E.T.Z.~~

“*yawn*, I hate mornings, always so bright and morning-y.” Frost said to himself. As he looked to the window As he saw how high Celestia's sun was getting he absentmindedly noticed that if he didn't get he flank moving he was going be late...again.

After he finished his morning rituals, he walked over to his armor mannequin. After a few moments of admiring the craftponyship of the modified version of the heavy armor, usually worn solely by earth pony troops, so that his wings fit and fly unhindered. Frost couldn't fly all that fast anyway since he didn't have hollow bones like other pegasai, he blamed his earth pony father on that one.

The armor's color scheme was that of Princess Luna's Royal Guards, a lavender purple as the main color with black trimming. Armor for regular troops were enchanted to make them to look and sound alike to each other, only mid to high ranked officers are given a choice for the enchantment or not.

Frost, needless to say didn't have such enchantment.

After placing his armor one piece at a time starting with the crupper, the easiest to put on in his opinion, next the crinet which the peytral latches onto, and finally the saddle flanchard with the modified in slots to allow flight. He decided to put his helmet on once he left for Canterlot. After checking himself in the mirror on the far side wall to make sure everything was buckled and fastened correctly, he made his way towards the kitchen for a quick breakfast.- still in his mouth running out of the cloud-house located in Cloudsdale. Frost was dreading the somewhat long trip to Canterlot castle.

~~Three hours Later~~

'Hey, I actually might be on time this time!' Came the excited thoughts of one Frost Tundra as he finally neared Canterlot castle. Frost always enjoyed the architectural and natural landscape defenses. Even Discord's forces couldn't punch through the walls. (AN: this is the one in the Ever-Free forest, though I guess it would look the same as the one on the mountain side.)

Finally, he made it to the palace main gate, where he landed a few off. The gate/wall guard barracks was on the other side of the gate on either sides. As he neared the checkpoint for military personnel, he saw many different ponies, griffins, and zebras that have come far and wide visit Canterlot for various reasons, the most common these days were traders buying and selling goods for profit.

When it became his turn to enter. A unicorn guardstallion stopped him, “Please present your identification badge.” he stated in the standardized manner of the guard. The training was similar to that of his soldiers, except with investigation and more subduing the suspect than killing them. As Frost searched through his saddlebags in search of his I.D.B., he noticed that the guard was looking at him funny, well guard had to look up considering that frost is about a foot taller that the guard.

“Can I help you?” Frost ask while still looking for his badge that was hiding and being a pain in the flank.
The guard looked startled for a moment and blushed at being caught staring, “I-I'm sorry sir, but aren't you, um, General Frost Tundra by any chance?” the guard asked rather timidly

Frost was confused at this, usually the Canterlot Guard were more stoic than this, but decided to answer him while switching to the other saddlebag, “Yes I am. Is there something you needed?” frost responded to the now excited looking guard.

“Oh thank the Moon and Stars! Sir, Second Lieutenant Twilight Dawn reporting!” Dawn saluted, “I submitted a transfer request to your division. I was wondering if it may have crossed your desk at all?” he asked him.

Frost stopped looking for his badge, mainly because he found it, and gave the Lieutenant studying gaze. Frost couldn't gain much from appearance, but from Dawn's body language and facial expressions, it was like reading a picture book, and Frost wasn’t that great at that sort of thing. After what, to Dawn, felt like hours frost spoke, “I do not recall seeing such a file,” Dawn deflated at that, “But I shall ask one of my Warrant Officers to see if one of them has. I apologize, but because of the war with Discord, I’ve been stuck with so much paperwork, that I have some of my lower ranking Warrant Officers taking some off my hooves just make it to the council meetings on time.” Frost told him, jokingly at the end.

Dawn perked up at that. “T-Thank you sir, but I still need to see your badge General.” Frost presented said item and Lt. Dawn scanned with his magic to verify its authenticity, “Very well, welcome to Canterlot and have nice day.”

The trip to the castle took about 15 minutes, and to get to the meeting hall took around 7 minutes.

And before he knew it he was in front of the meeting hall, and not late according to the Sun and Moon Dial he saw on the way up, maybe even a little early for once! The meeting hall itself is rather plain compared to the rest off the castle, it's décor is in Princess Luna's honor, she is Commander-in-Chief of the military.

From what he remembers of the the meeting hall was the War Table, a large round table with a map of the known world in the middle, that sat up to eighteen councilors, but from what Frost's second-in-command informed him of there would only be six in attendance today. More than likely besides the Princesses and himself, it would be a Grimm rep, he didn't know why the old fart didn't just ask him about the meeting instead of sending Von Greth, an interesting earth pony. And then there would be he two civilian councilors, probably Trixif a unicorn with a blue coat with silver hair that had gray in it show his age. A good stallion if a bit shrewd. And more than likely that stuck-up, pain in the flank Alicorn, Count Paris. The only reason he can see for the Princesses to even keep him around is because, he's their second cousin, grandson of their grandfather's sister. Frost did have to hoof it to him for his business prowess...still an ass.

And with that thought he walked in. But as soon as he walked in the looks of surprise on everyponies face except for Von Greth, whom looked amused, was priceless. Luna was the first to recover from the shock of Frost breaking his streak of being late to every meeting and appointment he ever gone to.

“Ah, General we are glad that you have made it, on time no less. This has made us proud that you are taking this meetings discussion seriously.” Luna said with a small smile before turning to her usual no nonsense mood, “Sister, now that all of us are here shall we commence with the council?”

Celestia nodded in agreement. “The matter of this meeting, is the future of our guest. We are open for suggestions on the matter.” she stated

“I move that we destroy that thing and be rid of it.” sneered one Count Paris, “I mean look at it! It's even worse to look at than Tundra. Speaking of which, dear Celestia why is this peasant even here.” Frost looked very unamused at the direct insult towards him.

Frost could retort, Luna spoke first, “He is here, cousin, because without General's aide Canterlot would be in ruin without his heavy defenses. General Frost has more right to be here than you do, count yourself lucky to be here cousin Paris.” Shocked at being talked down then angry, but reined it in. He knew better then lash out her.

Trixif spoke after a bit silence, “I know little of militarism and the like, but wouldn't this be a purely military matter? Isn't long term imprisonment is their turf?” he asked.

Celestia looked over to him, “Normally yes, but this is of unusual circumstances. Discord is the deity of chaos and mischief, with his powers he can somewhat bend the rules of reality to his whim. And the prison he is within is powered by the Elements of Harmony, meaning that looking him away somewhere isolated would lead to his release, and surely another cult of forced worshipers. In order for the magic remain, it would have to be surrounded in harmony and peace. Somewhere public.”

The revelation caused Trixif's eyes to widen and made Paris confused, “But, wait. If we put it out the open wouldn't that be dangerous. It could escape and terrorize the public!” Paris said

Frost looked over towards Von Greth, whom had remained silent the entire time. “Von Greth.” getting his attention, “You have been quiet since I’ve arrived. Do you have any ideas? ” Frost asked.

Greth glanced at him before answering, “Lord Von Grimm and I have a thought on the matter, a place often visited but still nearby for troop deployment enemy containment.”

Luna heard and thought about where a proper placement could be, before a lightbulb went of, “The Great Maze in the courtyard would bring such qualities and still keep it discrete.” Luna presented to the rest.

Celestia nodded to her sister and looked to the four others in the room, “We will put this to a vote, all in favor?” All raised there hoof.

“Very well, it shall be placed infront of The Great Maze along with the other statues, to show future generation what disharmony can lead to.” declared Princess Celestia “Councilman Trixif I task you with this. Meeting adjured.”

~~Outside Meeting Hall~~

“General, may we have a word with you for a moment.” Luna said in a way that meant it wasn't a question.

“Yes, my princess.” saluted Frost as he followed her down the hallway.

As they walked Luna spoke, “General Tundra, we are proud that you have arrived on time, tell us how time came to be.”

Frost was surprised, 'When they're surprised and proud of when on time, it speaks volumes of your tardiness...now I kinda feel bad.'

“General?”

“Wha? oh sorry Princess I was thinking. And to answer your question. Nothing new, except that ate breakfast on the way here instead of at the table.” He replied sheepishly

“*sigh* We think that should you do that more often. Especially if your tarty streak.” commanded Luna

“Yes Princess!” he saluted

“And to make sure it does, I'm giving you a house here in Canterlot.”

“Princess, thank you but what of my family? They live in Cloudsdale, can't just leave them.”

“That is why your going to live my appointed general's mansion. I know that you and your sister with her children are the last of the legendary Tundra Family, but think of this as a new start to your family to make it great again.” came Luna's small speech.

“Thank you, my princess. It means so much to my family that you think of my family so highly.” Frost stated with barely contained tears of joy.

“Come let us go to your new home.”

~~At the New Tundra Family Mansion~~

The walk to mansion was quite short. 'Probably to make sure I'm not late again.' thought Frost.

The mansion itself had a gray-blueish stone with a light blue as the trimming. Average white metal double doors, standing at three stories with a tower near the back that was two stories taller than the rest of the house. From what he can see, there 5 windows including the one on the tower. Over all a very plain house even if its a mansion.

“Welcome to your new home Frost Tundra, enjoy. And try not to be late to tomorrow, your the only one who can get both our troops and G.W.C. To behave like proper soldiers.” As she was about to walk back towards the castle, Luna stopped when she heard Frost call out to her and turned to face him, “Yes General?”

Frost looked a bit embarrassed, “um, ah, Princess Luna, I would like to invite you to dinner with my family, when we move it as thanks. My sister and her kids would like to see you again.” Luna looked surprised, then smiled.

“We would love to.”

AN: So, obviously this takes place sometime after Celestia and Luna defeat discord the first time. Since Hasbro hasn't specified they time distance between that and Luna becoming Nightmare Moon, I'm only going to make it maybe 5 years maybe more.

Ch.2

AN: This going to a be time skip chapter, don't fret if something important happens their will be flashbacks! This takes place at the old castle in the ever-free forest
Disclaimer: I does not own anything, except the clothes on my back and my OC.

Chapter 2: The Nightmare's True Beginning

In the years after Discord's prison was placed within The Royal Canterlot Gardens. The twins, Ice and Snow Tundra, had just started their second year at Flight School in Cloudsdale, Frost couldn't help them much since he never went himself. Frost has also payed close attention to his new lieutenant, Twilight Dawn, good lad if a bit eccentric whenever he addressed Lt. Dawn himself, but the lieutenant has shown himself to be a excellent leader.

Frost had also received some troubling news, first was that he is apparently the current Grimm's apprentice, which the only way out is to either die, or kill the current Grimm one on one in Tod-Kreis. There was to things wrong with this, the was Frost liked the old crow and didn't want to have to fight, let alone kill, him. Frost wasn't even sure he could win, the old crow may old but he became Grimm for a reason. Second, upon taking the name of Grimm you have to cut ties of your old life. You have no name, it is only Grimm, you have no birth, it is only Grimm. Though he heard that if you held a title before you could keep that, since he is a general he would be know as General Von Grimm. As Grimm, he would be the leader of the Grimm Weapons Corporation, the oldest living Mercenary Band in history.

The other news is that Princess Luna seems to be losing popularity amongst the general public outside of military families and war born clans, and are favoring mainly Celestia. Frost doesn't know if Luna read any of his officers' reports, he hoped she didn't. The Princesses have been divided as of late of most discussed topics during council. The tension could've been cut with a knife during the last meaning. Frost hoped things cooled down before they got out of hoof.

~~Tundra Manor~~
A Mid-Winter Day, 7:24 A.M.

Sitting upon a comfy wooden chair infront of a ornamented desk within a private study, stacked neatly on said desk are about 30 folders, each with a mare or stallion's picture clipped to it, all have high potential of joining Princess Luna's Royal Guard. But, only one would make the cut.

And the one who had to pick that soldier was none other than, General Frost Tundra. All the while drinking his favorite Jasmine tea. He sighed, 'I've got my work cut out for me,' he thought, 'They all got the experience and skills, I wish she didn't leave the final decision to me. Celestia is already wanting me to assign more soldiers towards her guards, and the old crow is wanting me to let him set a recruiting program for G.W.C.' he sighed again. Frost felt like his job was sucking up his life away, and was gonna turn him into an old crow, 'I'm only 26 for Pete's sake!' Frost whined with fake tears.

The general felt a strange sensation within his tummy, and with a dramatic pose he decided he was hungry. Frost got up from his comfy chair and walked out of study, and making sure to shut and lock his door. Making his way towards the kitchen for some well deserved breakfast.

Once he reached the kitchen door he could smell something cooking, it smelt a lot like eggs and toast. And if Frost can smell eggs and toast that could either mean that Winter was up and making breakfast or the twins were making breakfast.

'Please be Winny, Please be Winny, Please be Winny!' Frost cried mentally.

Frost quietly opened the kitchen door and poked his head through, and much to his relief his sister Winter was cooking with the twins pouting at the table from more than likely being denied the right to cook breakfast.

And with a trained stoic face he entered the kitchen. Only when he sat at the table did the twins notice him and proceed to nearly rupture his eardrums with their morning greeting, but his face remained set in stone, an impressive feet no. Winter was not so lucky as she almost dropped the plate of food she was about to serve.

“Girls! No yelling at the table.” Winter heatedly said making the twins sink in their chairs from the fear of an angry Winter. Winter then turned towards Frost, setting the plate on food down “Brother the girls and I will be going to Cloudsdale for a few days.”

Frost rose a brow at that, “Hmm, what for?” he asked her

“We're going to...”
“...be in a flight competition...”
“...and if we win we'll get trophy!” The twins said excitedly

“Oh? And what are the events at this flight competition? And is this part of that 'Flight School' you two go?”

“Oh Frost, it's just bit of fun for the foals. And the girls are in the top ten fliers of their graduation class.”

“Really? How students are there?” Frost asked with his face set in stone, but an eyebrow raised.

“Sixty!” the twins answered in unison

“Ages?”

“Most are are adolescent. But I saw some that are the girl's age. Now eat your breakfast a carrier hawk arrived earlier it wasn't marked top secret, but was marked urgent. Here.” Winter said before give the message

Frost nodding to her in thanks, opened the envelop it read:

'General Tundra,

We the council request your presence, it is needed posthaste on a urgent matter regarding a report make Warrant Officer Howitzer. It's contents are disturbing at best. Please meet us at the council room as soon as possible.'

Frost gently folded the note back up and placed it within his left side saddlebag. Frost got up from the table and turned to make his way out of the kitchen.

“I'm sorry, but the council requires me for a meeting. I’m afraid wont be able to go the the flight competition, if this goes the way I think it will.” Frost informed them a bit of sadness in his voice.

Winter and girls nodded in solemn understanding, Frost knew they're upset, but his military duties came first, so long as he remains in the military he will follow his princesses' commands, well mostly Luna's commands. Celestia usually just requests things to be done, like added patrols because of a robbery.

And with that he left to go the castle.

~~Later at the Palace~~

'I can not believe this! There is no excuse for this. For them to forget about me and bow in gratitude at Celestia for Discord's defeat, it was my soldiers who fought it was my tactics and cunning let us get even that close freeing our Father's kingdom from that monster. It was I whom had brought those war clans to join us, not Celestia. She my be a politician, but only a warrior can understand an other warrior, and Celestia is no warrior. I wonder if she even notices her increase of popularity and the drop in mine whilst during council meetings. And on that matter why is there a council in the first place? Isn't this a monarchy, true there hasn't been a true king or queen since mother and father died. But only Celestia and I are supposed to rule not some merchants who got lucky off other's misery during harder times. Some...sometimes I get the feeling the I’m being undermined by the civilian side of kingdom recently and since the that there the lack of conflict around civilian gain get more egotistical and so self assured that military isn't needed.”

As Luna finished her mental rant, Frost entered her chambers “Princess, I apologize for intruding, but you did not answer when I knocked and I heard you stomping I was worried, did something happened.” Frost asked worriedly with some fear that she read the report of her gradual loss civilian support.

Luna nearly jumped out of her horseshoes, but quickly composed herself “All is well, dear general what do you need?” replied Luna

“Princess... I have some bad news.”

“Yes? What is it?” she awaited with narrow eyes

“The civilian council and Princess Celestia have ordered the Royal Equestrian Army be disbanded so that only 17 percent remain as guards. I believe this is why she asked for more guards, your guard and her's makes up around 5 percent and Canterlot's makes up around 12. The council sent for a meeting with me this morning...

Flashback

“What do you mean disbanded! You can not do this! Only Princess Luna and with your agreement can, and are you ever thinking about the lives you'll be ruining by doing this? The soldier population of this nation make up nearly half including the families!” shouted Frost outraged, angry, and scared for the future of soldiers.

“Yes general, we have considered the risks of doing this, but the military is of no other use at this time. The former soldiers can get jobs as farmers.” stated Celestia in a calm voice with smug looking civilian councilors and nobles looking on the helpless looking general.

“Have you even thought of how your sister will react to this she will not stand for this and neither will Grimm, could you afford to lose their support.” Frost shouted at Celestia

Count Paris scowled at him, “Remember who you're speaking to knave, you are but a lowly peasant and you are within the presence of your betters!” Paris declared at Frost, who becoming more angry with every syllable that arrogant Alicorn. And once Paris finished Frost's anger was peaked, with powerful flaps of his wings nearly caused a wind storm with the room, stunning most of it's occupants.

“SHUT UP!” Frost drew his sword and charged at Paris wilts in midair blade at the ready...

TO BE CONTINUED...

AN: Part 2 will be up soon. Sorry it took so long file got corrupted and had to start from scratch.

Ch.3

RECAP:
Count Paris scowled at him, “Remember who you're speaking to knave, you are but a lowly peasant and you are within the presence of your betters!” Paris declared at Frost, who becoming more angry with every syllable that arrogant Alicorn. And once Paris finished Frost's anger was peaked, with powerful flaps of his wings nearly caused a wind storm with the room, stunning most of it's occupants.

“SHUT UP!” Frost drew his sword and charged at Paris wilts in midair blade at the ready...

...Only to be blocked by a magic barrier when he was only a few inches from killing one of the few remaining Alicorn left in the world. Frost withdrew his sword and promptly landed, the anger he felt burning in his chest remained even as his face was stoic as stone. Looking at Princes Celestia whom was the one who erected the barrier which was still up infront of a feinted Paris.

Celestia's eyes were borrowing into him with great anger, “General Frost Tundra, you are hereby stripped of your rank and titles as well as banished from Equestria, I will give 3 days to do so. Your family is free to stay as well within the estate.” Frost knew their was nothing else to be said left with three soldiers, two at his sides one behind him, he could tell that these weren't one that under his command.

End Flashback

“...And from there I came here. I would like to apologize, I have done something incredibly stupid that can discredit all the good the military has done and can do.” Frost said with shame visible on his face.

“General...”

“Princess I'll be leaving within the hour and I’ll notify the soldiers that are within..”

“General...”

“...the barracks see if any would follow me instead of being forced..”

“General!” Luna yelled tired of Frost continued rambling, “What you did is inexcusable, and had you been anypony else sister would've had you executed. And I know Count Paris is arrogant and rude to non-Alicorns but to attack him, over petty insults, is disappointing.”

“I did not attack him because he insulted me, but because he and Celestia are ignorant of the sacrifices of those who fought those cultists, I saw my brother, my sister's husband executed before me by those madponies. And now they expect ponies, who have spent most of their lives as soldiers, to just change like it's nothing! And you think for second that Grimm will sit idly by while she just cuts the military away like it's nothing, either they'll leave or they will attack. Since I have been banished I try and convince them to leave with me, but things are really out of hoof right now.”

“Gen-Frost I would like it if you would call me Luna, you are as much a part of Equestria as Terra is, I am certain that your departure will sadden him.” Frost snorted at that making Luna giggle.

“...Alright Pri-Luna. This is good-bye.” Frost said bowing to her with a smile on his face. He then turned and walked out of the room

“Good-bye Frost.” turning to the window she felt something hot and wet fall down her face raising a hoof she found it was a tear and in that moment she felt something else in her heart and her mind, something small, a crack had formed. But unbeknownst to her something dark and terrible had filled those cracks and was ebbing away at the sides to up more space like a evil cancer.

AN: MUHAHAHAHA THE EBIL CLIFFHANGER RETURNS. Sorry for the wait I was busy with...stuff. -cough- But worry not for the next chapter up shortly, also I need help with a new title for this story the currant one is...Stupid and has nothing to do with the story itself. R/R