Chapters I had always stood second to my sister. As I did now, sitting patiently by her side as she addressed the court.
"Everypony, as your princess....." I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. It was shocking she still referred to herself as a princess! She nearly declared herself queen the moment Mother and Father left, now that they are missing in a world untravelled by anypony, Celestia took complete control.
I imagine it's just a way to keep in touch with the public, everyone is misting over the fact that their King and Queen have been missing for years with blank, heartless smiles and wishes of their safe return. But Celestia announcing herself Queen would be a direct assumption of unproven death of the King and Queen, this would also raise suspicion that she herself conspired the disappearance or is power-mad and anxious to take the throne.
I felt as if I were the only one who truly did wish for their safe return, but I knew chances were slim a "few" years ago.
In my wonderings I forgot to pay attention to what Celestia was saying, and before I knew it we were rising to leave.
In case you hadn't noticed, yes I do speak "normally" now. For a few weeks after Nightmare Night, Twilight Sparkle and her Ponyville friends caught me up to speed with time that I had missed while in banishment. A thousand years is a few pony centuries and most common-ponies had no knowledge of a second Princess, except in a few dusty old storybooks, let alone a King or Queen, the only ones who did know were the immortals of the court. This means that I was severely left behind.
I hate to admit it but I was scared of simple objects around Equestria that were merely new inventions, such as electricity and all that came with it, and I knew nothing of the current goings-on. So I spoke traditional (practically medieval) equine, and was a little lost around the towns that now looked so different. The only thing that hadn't changed too much was the castle.
The garden was different but on it's edges remained my favorite tree, the statues (with only a few new additions) remained the same, and the castle layout was similar, having to be changed slightly with the few refurbishments that occurred over the years. I enjoyed walking through the Hall of the Elements, with the beautiful gems and stained glass windows.
They had saved me from Nightmare Moon, mostly, defeat Discord returning him to his marble prison, defeat the changeling Queen Chrysalis, and after saving all of Equestria three times, they had even shown enough kindness to plan a wedding and help me learn to adjust to this new world.
I respected them, seemingly appreciated them more than the rest of court who did nothing to acknowledge these heroics other than have the craft ponies create stained glass windows in their honor, in a hall rarely seen by common-ponies.
It was worst with my sister. She completely ignores the fact that she has grown weak since we lost the Elements. She herself can no longer stand as the almighty goddess of Equestria and protect her subjects.
I have grown weaker as well. I feel like a failure to my people, how I cannot simply protect them as I once did alone.
But the fear, fear of me. Is excruciating. I know I was once a creature of darkness, of jealousy and..... hate . And I will never live that down. It haunts me every night, in all of my dreams. I see it in everyponies eyes, wishing I could take away what I had caused, what I had become.
But I fear something worse than my own descent into darkness. Worse than the idea of Changeling's conquering. Worse than anything Discord could create. Alone, as of course no other pony wants to think of it. But I fear that even in the absence of Discord, Equestria is losing Harmony, the one thing that separates this land from others and keeps it a strong empire. Faster than anypony is willing to imagine or believe. And it has been since I became Nightmare Moon. I've been trying to study this, find it's cause and how to stop it, but I fear just as many strong empires before, after, and around us; Equestria will fall.
Sadness...... Lies...... Mistrust..... Greed...... Hatred .
War .
And just think, we were the spark. Nightmare Moon's voice rang in my head.
The irony. Twilight Sparkle preached about a spark, right before attempting to destroy me. But she didn't see the real spark. she laughed menacingly.
In my mind I saw images. Everything I knew and loved, drowning in flames. Ponies, even tiny foals, running and screaming as their homes burned. As their loved ones died in battle, blood staining every blackened and ashy inch of ground in Equestria. The sun seemed to never shine, the night darker than ever, without the moon or stars. Everything going up in smoke that enveloped and suffocated us. Death and plague ravaging to quickly for ponies to be buried, their bodies laying in the streets.
I was the spark to those flames. I was the cause of the deaths soon to come. Everything would be my fault. Everypony's death, their blood, was practically on my own hooves.
It's better than I ever imagined!!! Nightmare laughed deep in mind, where only I should be......
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Intense first chapter. Hope you like it. :)
As Celestia's sun went down, I prepared to raise the full moon. My wings beat rhythmically against the sky as I hovered miles above Equestria, floating in the twilight sky. I felt slightly exhilarated as the day was coming to a close.
And wouldn't it be nice to feel this nocturnal adrenaline all the time? a voice that only I could hear whispered tauntingly. I shook my head closing my eyes to try to dispel the voice.
I was grateful for my sister's ignorance towards my emotions sometimes. If she would pay attention, she would realize that our old friend, Nightmare Moon, wasn't gone. No, just like Discord she merely lay dormant, whispering to me from time to time. Attempting to seduce me into her dreams of Everlasting Night. Of blocking out Celestia's sun for eternity, in solitary rule of Equestria.
I love my sister, but everyday it grew harder to repel Nightmare Moon, and sometimes I'd find myself agreeing with her. Hating my sister's holier-than-thou semblance, and complete disregard for me. Why is it she carries herself as a god, and through her tyrannic reign influences ponies to rejoice in her sun, while the shun the beauty of my night with their slumber dreaming of another day?
And whilst I lay perishing on the cold surface of the moon, she allowed; even encouraged, the slander of my name. The inattention of my status as her equal, and the use of my image to frighten the hearts of little foals. I was a laughing stock, as well as something to be feared. I wasn't to be regarded as a serious monarch, or trusted alone ever again.
And it would be worse if she ever discovered the remaining existence of Nightmare Moon in me.
And if that wasn't enough, she even had the audicity to elicit the praise and recognition for the night I still produced, as I wasted.
"What is rightfully mine." I said threateningly, "None of this was ever yours, and as far as I am concerned, it never will be."
You shun me so thoughtlessly, she hissed, But if not for me you would have sat and rot on the moon for a thousand years, of which every second I was the one there with you.
"I would have never been banished there if not for your greed. Your own gluttonous desire for power, preying upon my weak mind in hard times, is what sent us there in the first place. Hardly chivalrous of you."
I have made you way more powerful than you could ever have been on your own!!! she screamed indignantly.
"I am Luna. Princess of the Night. I control the moon and millions of stars. I create meteor showers, lunar eclipses, and the beautiful night sky for all of Equestria to behold. I'm immortal." I said angered by the ever present voice.
So, her calm hiss had returned, Explain to me why exactly you are made a mockery, and banished by the sleeping eyes of ponies, while your sister rules on high. I have made you so much more! With my help, you could be the sole ruler of Equestria.
"Nothing a worthless parasite like you could make me more powerful!!!" I said finalizing the end of the argument. For now.......
Fighting with a voice in your head to keep sane. I've reached an entirely new stage of insanity.
It was finally time and I rose the full moon to shine above Equestria. It was time for me to go visit the ruins.
"Hello sister." I said with a small smile.
She smiled wearily, "Your moon is beautiful tonight, Luna. Quite a sight to behold."
It has been a long time since my sister has complimented any element of my night.
"Thank you sister, it brings me joy to hear that." I said bowing my head in thanks.
She sighed, "But now I must rest. As I remember you had business tonight, yes?"
I nodded, feeling slightly ashamed now. She was kind enough to praise my moon, and here I am, off to the ruins to greet my secret followers.... How could I do this to my own sister? Why is it she can't just see me as her equal, and we can once again rule together in perfect harmony? Why must it come to this and I be the one to bring it about?
Because she has changed, just as much as you have. Nightmare Moons voice echoed quietly in my mind.
I didn't change. I said in return. But the second I said it, I realized the lie. I had changed, not just at the fault of Nightmare Moon's control. I had lost a little of myself from the hurt of Celestia's ignorance, from the cold and empty surface of the moon, and from my own weakness; my foalish jealousy and adolescent pain had created the rift whose dark depths now separated my sister and I. Nightmare Moon, had merely risen from that schism and taken advantage, preying on my weak constitution and mind.
"Rest my sister. I will return before the rise of your sun." I said calmly, holding my head high.
She nodded and began her descent to Equestria, to our castle in Canterlot.
Again, the feeling of shame filled my heart, making it heavy. Tears silently trickled down my face, and I found it somehow difficult to breathe as I flew swan dive, letting myself fall towards the ground for a few moments, before gliding in the direction of the castle ruins of the Everfree Forest.
I flew. Towards the ruins, but avoiding a direct route. I didn't want to appear as distressed as I was.
My heart was heavy, as if it was made of some dense, but it hurt to much for that to be true. Yet still it tried over and over to drag me to the hard ground. Like it was the iron core of a star, collapsing in on itself before shattering to nothing. To become mere, unseen particles in the sky.
The pressure in my chest pounded menacingly as I tried to hold back the impending sobs.
I landed on the ground, somewhere in the middle of the Everfree Forest. I squared my hooves, my legs feeling weak. My eye closed as I battled my tears, my breathing was more like deep gasps as I fought.
But my deep, aching sadness soon turned to anger as I refused to let her break me so easily. I squeezed my eyes shut and craned my neck, like a swan. My horn glowed with midnight blue magic and my eyes opened to glow white as they had done many times before when my magic overwhelmed me. My ears rang with my screams of rage, I bucked, kicked trees, and shot my magic at large rocks nearby, blasting them to pieces.
Nearby twigs tore at my mane and coat, shrapnel from the rocks hit me, leaving a few scrapes and soon-to-be-bruises sore spots, as I threw myself around in this fit of wrath.
Memories passed before my eyes, some fueling my frustration, but most made my eyes sting.
"Celestia, wait up!" I shout.
She pauses for a minute and looks back, she heard me! But one of the colts ahead returns to her.
"Come on Celestia!" he says eagerly.
"I have to wait for my sister." she says, she doesn't seem happy about that.
"But we don't want her she's weird and small." he says grimacing.
"I know. She tries to be just like me, but she's nothing like me." she said, as I reached her side. I was hurt by her words, what made me so different from her? I'm just smaller.
I let them go as they race off this time.
I run away from them now. All the fillies and colts are chasing me, calling me names. I cry for them to leave me alone. Celestia says nothing, she sits there with a smirk on her face sitting in the background. I look at her with tears in my eyes, doesn't she care?
Rounding the next corner, I accidently bump into something. I fall to the ground but I feel someone's nose trying to help me up.
"Whoa, are you okay?" a strange colts voice says.
I look up to see a pony I've never seen before, a colt about Celestia's age.
"Hey," he said with a smile, "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." I said standing with a little of his help. He was odd looking, not like anypony I had ever seen before.
Mostly ash grey, but he had giant patches on his coat that were more of a grey-toned sand color. I had never seen a two-toned colored pony. His mane was dark purple, and pulled back in not just one, but many braids. An alicorn, but his horn was curved, and he even had to small spikes on either side and behind of his horn.
I hadn't seen another alicorn aside from myself, my sister, and parents. And he had to be the most odd looking alicorn ever!
"You're really weird looking.... Who are you?" I asked him as I stood.
"I'm Shadow Haze," he replied with a smile, "Who are you?"
"I'm Luna." I said standing.
The others caught up to me. "Look! There's the little shrimp." I quickly hide behind Shadow Haze. "Look! What a baby!" they taunted and laughed.
"Hey, leave her alone!" Shadow Haze said defiantly. I guess that's when they realized he was there, at the mere sight of him they all left.
Celestia is smiling, Mom and Dad watch over us proudly as we are presented before the crowd of ponies in the Great Hall. I don't want to be here. Everypony is talking about Celestia's new cutie mark, a simple sun, but it seemed to glow with her newfound talent of manipulating the sun. But nopony notice the midnight blue patch with a small, white radiant moon that now showed on my flank with my talent for raising the moon and stars.
"What does your cutie mark mean?" Shadow Haze asks from behind me.
"I control the moon and stars." I say proudly.
"Wow! One filly can do that?" he asks with wide eyes, clearly impressed.
"I guess." I say laughing. Shadow Haze is my best friend, he has been ever since that day he stood up for me.
Celestia trotted past us, with a prideful smirk, and a fake smile directed at Shadow.
It's my birthday, I'm a young mare, my light blue mane is getting long and slowly becoming like mom's, always flowing. I hope my mane will soon look like dad, dark but covered with stars like my night sky. Celestia's looks almost like a rainbow, as seen after rainy days and flows a little better than mine. She wears her golden tiara and matching jewelry, similar to mother's, with pride and confidence. I get my tiara today, I'm so excited!
A hush goes over the crowd and my father's voice sounds through the room.
"Mares and gentlecolts of Equestria. On this glorious night, I am blessed with the honor of presenting you your second princess and heir to the throne, night embodied Princess Luna Selene Nocturne!" The crowded Great Hall erupted with cheers. I could hear Shadow Haze's voice trying to cheer louder than those surrounding him as father placed the dark blue tiara, styled like his own crown, on my head. I smiled and blushed, I've never felt so happy!
I'm sitting outside with Shadow Haze, under the giant Aurora tree in the gardens. It's my favorite tree, the entire trunk looks like its several small trunks, braided and spiralled together. It's leaves were fantastic, during the day a lucious green that shone like a thousand emeralds, but at night is when their true beauty glowed. Literally. The leaves simply radiated with some mysterious and ancient magic, as well as shifting colors in irregular patterns and creating the most beautiful sight I had ever witnessed. We laid there, watching the gorgeous leaves. It was a spectacular show of color and light, with fireflies dancing through, the scene was purely magical.
I sighed and wanted so badly to capture this moment and seal it away in a bottle forever.
"This is a horrible time to give bad news isn't it....?" Shadow Haze said quietly.
I looked at him shaken out of my sleepy trance. "What 'bad news?'" I asked curiously.
"I leave for home tomorrow." he said sighing, he looked me in the eye, "Back to Miasma."
Miasma, the Land of Vapor. The mist covered expanse that bordered the Old World, just outside of Equestria Influence, though the two lands were on friendly terms.
Shadow Haze was prince there, that's why he was one of the few alicorns I knew outside my own family.
I looked away, and remained silent for a long while. I didn't know what to say. I didn't want him to go, he was my best friend, he had been there for me so long....
But I knew as well as anyone that he must return to his subjects and his home.
"I'll miss you." I said finally breaking the silence between us.
"I'll miss you too." he said turning slightly, putting him closer to me. I snuggled close to him and closed my eyes.
Shadow is about to leave. I'm very sad. Last night didn't last forever as I had wished. It's hard to see him go.
I race to the throne room, once there I find Shadow with a face I've only seen a few times, solid stone and emotionless. I wonder silently what has him in such a state.
Approaching the throne I bow.
"I'm glad you have arrived Luna." father says waving for me to raise.
"Father, may I ask what is the urgent business?" I was slightly worried. Mother's face is similar to Shadow's, both more prone to smiles, the lack of emotion was frightening.
"Luna, your mother and I are forced to leave for Boardor, the Land of Fire." he said gravely.
"Why Father?" Celestia asked.
"There has been trouble. Something to do with the Lost World. We fear a large clan of dragons have tried to migrate there. We cannot let this happen." Mother's voice rang clear. "Your father and I must travel to Boardor and sort out this situation. We leave you and your sister to rule Equestria, together, for the duration of our absence."
"We also trust you Shadow Haze,and hold you in betrothal to Celestia." Father said.
"Betrothal?!" I had to run the words through my head a few times. "To Celestia?" No, no that wasn't right! Celestia couldn't marry Shadow! He's my best friend! This isn't possible, this can't be happening.
"Yes, Luna. Shadow's parents, have arranged with us a treaty upon the marriage of him and one of the daughters of Equestria." I could faintly see Shadow lower his head, but his neck remained still leaving him looking like an charcoaled swan.
I felt like the floor was going to split and devour me whole, or I wished it would. My head fell as tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't believe this was happening. I was always losing everything to her. And now I was even losing Shadow......
I cry in my chambers. Mother and Father have gone and it's the day of the wedding. The worst day in history for me. I couldn't possibly imagine anything worse than Shadow and Celestia pronouncing themselves as mare and colt and vowing to remain as that for a very real and long eternity.
There is a small knock at my door, and I am forced to contain my sobs. "I am not attending the wedding!" I shout to the pony outside the door, "Leave me!" But against my wishes I hear the door creak open. My back is to the door and I don't look to see who has entered. I don't care. I just want to be left to my mourning.
"Luna.....?" the most familiar voice to me.
I turn to see the owner of that voice. "Shadow....." I say looking in his eyes, the blue-grey of mist and fogged pupils making him appear blind though I was sure his eyesight outranked mine, they appeared to be sad. I tried to wipe away the tears left on my face, betraying my pain. "What are you doing here?" I ask quietly now avoiding his gaze.
"Luna, I......" he began then his hoof touched to my cheek gently caressing before turning me to face him. "Luna, I didn't want this. We've been friends for so long and I......... My parents arranged this, I didn't know........ I never wanted to hurt you....... I'm so sorry." he said with a pained expression.
I fought tears. Quickly, I pushed towards him, cradling my head in the crook of his neck. We stayed like that for a long time. I was almost hiccuping with the dry sobs that were inexorable.
"I can't marry her." Shadow said quietly, "I just can't..... I'm leaving for Miasma. I can't do this."
He pulled away gently. "I'm sorry I have to go."
As the door closed, I felt a bit of my heart leave me and never return.
"Luna, how could you!" Celestia shouts angrily.
"I didn't do anything." I say quietly.
"You may have just broken a treaty between lands, this could mean war! And for what?!" she was in a rage.
"I didn't do anything." I said looking her in the eye defiantly. "He came to my room and told me he couldn't do this, and left. It's not my fault."
"You've ruined everything! You always ruin everything!" she screamed.
"I didn't say anything." I said once again.
"How dare you play immature games with matters of state! You act like a slow-witted foal! How could you......"
"For the last time, it's was NOT MY FAULT!!!" I shouted wrathfully. I had never been so cross with my sister, and the surprise was plain on her face. I stormed out of the room in outrage.
"Why do you all think Celestia is so much better than I?! Why? WHY?!"
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"Who are you? Leave me alone!"
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"You will never see the sun again! Never!!!"
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"Princess Luna, for your crimes against Equestria, your are hereby banished to the moon for one thousand years."
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When I finally ceased, my screams subsided to silent tears, the waves of anger ebbed; I was exhausted.
I fell to the ground with a soft thud. My entire body was sore, as I drown in the oncoming flood of sobs that I tried to desperately to push away. But within a few breaths, I was ultimately able to contain my snivelling, and lock it away. Had Celestia's small comment, which most likely held so much more meaning (both good and bad) than she intended, really affected me to such degree that I was reduced to a childish tantrum and wails?
I had made a fool of myself, with luck no one was present to witness it, but that did not justify that I, a princess, had lowered myself to immature hysteric outbursts of emotion. And it is not in anyway condonable for a leader to throw away dignity and prestige to do such a thing. In a small sense, I had failed my sister, my subjects, and myself; for that I was angry with my own petty emotions.
You consider yourself lesser than anypony, simply because you have emotion? Nightmare Moon spoke up in the recesses of my mind.
You've been silent for a while . I said rolling my eyes.
I thought I'd give you a little peace to work yourself out. she replied simply.
And now what? Here to prey on my emotions once again? I stood and began to pace.
I could feel her sigh, full of agitation, I don't prey on you as you so choose to believe. I am a piece of you now, trapped within your mind, and entangled in your soul. Meaning I feel as you feel, I am merely more motivated for revenge than you are.
My anger was multiplying quickly, And I am to believe that you are just as helpless as I am? That you merely care for my feelings?! That this isn't about having power over Equestria? I know you Nightmare Moon, you thirst for power and that thirst is completely insatiable. Your plans have nothing to do with me, other than my involvement as a puppet for you to control.
You want this war just as much as I do, regardless of which one of us thinks of the other's motives. When will you realize I am one of the few that is on your side?
"The day I drop dead." I said with a small hiss.
I dragged on, sluggish, feeling exhausted. I couldn't tell if the pain in my chest was the aftermath of my sobs; my lungs raw with each raking breath and shaky dry hiccups, or the shattering feeling in my heart.
I trapped myself in a small box in my mind. A blank void that seemed endless, but then again the walls were very clear, the barriers keeping Nightmare Moon's haunting voice and my own thoughts at bay as I neared the ruins by foot.
The silence was nice, but at the same time suffocating. I had no idea why, but the thing I wanted most, peace from the vicious onslaught of memories and Nightmare Moon's incessant thinking, wasn't enough. Like I was trapping myself within my own imagined sanctuary.
But my silence was broken as soon as I heard a twig snap. My head whipped around to see a pony. As soon as the pony stepped into the moonlight, I relaxed as I saw navy, silver-lined armor that was gifted to my army.
“The commander sent us to find you. You were late and we began to worry. The others will arrive shortly. Our messenger has already announced to the others of your arrival.”
And soon enough, more ponies all donning the same armor came out of the flora around me. I was going to speak to them, but no sound came out of my mouth. I hesitantly looked at everypony surrounding me, taking in their confused looks.
I’m assuming you don’t look your best right this moment. You probably look like you went to gates of Tartaurus and back. It’s no surprise your subjects are beginning fidget.
I snarled at Nightmare Moon, imagining the smug look on her face. Noticing the ponies around me had begun to panic, I realized that I was not alone and had accidentally directed the snarl at my loyal ponies instead. I began to breathe heavily as they all began to slowly back away from my prone form.
Speak to them you fool! Show them you meant no harm and are all right! You can’t have them disappearing into the woods at such a crucial time!
I watched the distraught ponies in utter helplessness. It was the right idea, to speak, but there was a small problem. If there was one trait that my sister had that I didn’t, it was public speaking. The lack of strength in my body refused to let me calm my nerves enough to address the crowd of ponies before me.
They were muttering to themselves, doubtful of my power – and in my current state, who could blame them? How could I hope to win this war if I was causing my soldiers to lose faith? Weakened as I was, there was no chance of even appearing strong to boost the morale of my troops.
I have to. If I don’t, they’ll just give up. How can they have trust in me if they don’t have in themselves?
Right as I was about to open my mouth to address the tense crowd with a shaky voice, a soft yet strong voice filled the air.
“ Silence!”
The restless crowd all suddenly turned to attention before parting to reveal a single, white, pegasus mare clad in red-lined armor. I knew that mare. There was only one pony I knew to be able to have such an influential voice, and it was one of my commanders, Silver Tongue.
“We cannot spend our time fretting over trivial matters. The time has come to take back what is rightfully ours. The sun has blinded everyone, mares and stallions alike. We need to show each and every one of them that it ends now. We’re here to make them regret – to show them what happens when you go too far. “
Silver Tongue stood from her seated position on the floor before lifting her helmet and placing it on its resting place atop her head.
“They have all reduced our beloved Princess to a mere joke, a story to tell foals at night to behave. This ends now.”
The mare began to slowly walk towards me. I began to notice that every pony who was expressing doubt was beginning to straighten, eyes hardening.
I could feel the power as well, energizing me. Placing a hoof firmly on the ground, I tried to stand but was more drained than I previously thought. Almost toppling over, a firm force pressed against my left side, straightening my posture. Looking down, I saw my other commander, Clover Spirits. Her face was stoic as she stood next me, holding me up. I then turned to watch Silver make her way closer.
“We are all different, but we have one thing in common—we never believed the nightmares. We knew, deep in our hearts, that the truths given to us were merely lies. We knew that one day, the supposed horror of Nightmare Moon was going to guide us into a new era…an era free of the tyranny of Celestia.”
She stopped on my right before turning towards the silent crowd. I could feel the underlying excitement to my troops. A grin began to grow on my face as I saw Silver’s red eyes flash with resolve.
“We are here for one purpose, and one purpose only. We are here to support and stand by our Princess despite the lies and slander thrown at her. She gives us purpose, and we in turn shall give her strength and honor.”
My eyes began to water. The determination these ponies had to make me feel proud of them was overwhelming. Even Nightmare Moon had no biting remark to say as she silently observed.
“We may be outnumbered, but it doesn’t matter. We are skilled and want to achieve our goal. We’ll show them what we’re made of, and we’ll show them on our terms. We have come together to show them the strength of our minds and of our bodies. No more running, no more waiting. It’s time that those of the sun understand that the night is to be forever cherished and loved!”
With a stomp of her hoof, Silver Tongue had ended her speech, sending every troop before her to roar their approval.
Not a soul was left to doubt, but was instead filled with a desire to fight.
The War had begun..........
Wow!!!! I'm totally impressed with this Chapter. And most of the credit goes to my friend Silver Tongue, a.k.a. Yay~! Thanks Silver! And for the readers, let me know if you can spot the reference!!!! :D
The end of the night was approaching as I made my way home to the castle. The predawn are was crisp and refreshing as I twirled gracefully among the starlit clouds. I loved it up here, far away from the worldly troubles that simply could not exist at this altitude. Ever since I had learned to fly, any spare moment I could find was usually spent in the serenity of the giant masses of fluff. And trust me, you have yet to live if you have not flown through a storm! Which normally angers the weather-pegasi, but it's the most exhilarating thing in the world.
I could almost always rid myself of all the mundane stress and problems that plagued me down below. In the company of the clouds you could just exist. No problems, no worries. Just a blissful sense of peace.
As I neared the castle, I shot high in the air, floating a mile above Equestria as I prepared to lower the moon to make way for the dawn.
'Tia was waiting for me above the clouds. A scowl set on her face as she watched me arrive.
"You're late." she barked.
"Only by a few minutes." I said struck by my sister's harshness. I was only a little over 5 minutes late.
"Luna," Celestia spoke condescendingly as she held her hoof to her forehead, kneading it slightly. "How many times do I have to tell you? Everypony expects my sun to be up at a certain time. And I will not let your foalish ways disturb the harmony I work so hard to keep across this land!"
"What are you talking about 'Tia? You act as if I have been repossessed by Nightmare Moon. I'm not refusing to lower the sun, I just didn't fly fast enough and I'm a few minutes late, it's not a big deal." I said confused by my sister's sudden anger.
"Just lower the moon Luna!" she snapped with a dismissing wave of her hoof, as if I were no more than a pest.
I couldn't help but grumble under my breath, which earned me a dangerous scowl from 'Tia.
Somepony's in a bad mood...... Nightmare Moon commented in my head.
You're telling me..... I said resisting the urge to wince. I just agreed with a voice in my head..... The voice of Nightmare Moon no less.
Oh please! she said with a mental eyeroll.
I am supposed to hate you, you know. I said rolling my eyes myself, which most likely got me another scowl from 'Tia, but I wasn't focused on her.
All I could feel from Nightmare was something that would be the equivalent of a scoff, I'm guessing.supposed to hate her. But somehow I didn't. I hated what she did. How she got me banished, how she refused to leave my mind, how she tried to persuade me. But somehow I didn't hate her . And that disturbed me a little.
I shook my head and focused on the moon, I could sense 'Tia was getting even more antsy and I didn't want her to blow up on me again.
It was a draining job, but worth every bit of the energy it took. To feel that kind of power rush through you with a tingling warmth was more than a bit satisfying. And the effects of such power are plain for everypony to see.never helped her, but I did.
But the moon was down, and though the tingling feeling of magic still coursed in my veins, I grew sad at the absence of my moon and stars. A few moments later, my sister's sun rose on the eastern horizon, bringing light to Equestria for the new day.
I yawned, weary from my nights events. Once again I caught an angry scowl from Celestia.
"Home, NOW ." She said ever so condescending, as usual.
I rolled my eyes, but flew home at a decent pace. I was in no rush to deal with 'Tia this way, but it would only make it worse if I dragged my hooves. I grumbled endlessly as I approached the castle.
The castle doors blasted open. If any guards were drifting off to sleep, they were wide awake now. Some even held attack positions, almost believing an intruder was storming the castle. My sister stormed through the grand hallways, paying little attention to the panic and curiosity she was inciting in the masses.
I followed her in a brisk walk, trailing just enough to not agitate her, but keeping a good distance and steady pace.
We burst into the throne room in the same fashion we had entered the castle, and my sister quickly whipped around to me. her breathing was ragged and her nostrils flared.
"Princess Luna I cannot believe you!" she shouted with a stomp of her foreleg. The sound of the gold slipper cracking against the marble echoed like thunder in the grand room.
"My dear sister, you are creating a scene causing discourse amongst the castle dwellers." I said calm and indifferent.
"I cannot believe how much you have embarrassed me! Did you not learn of your misbehavior on the moon? Must I banish you for another thousand years?!" she her voice resounding off the walls and growing shrill.
"You are making too much of this Celestia..... What is that saying? Making a mountain out of a molehill? You're overreacting. I was a mere few moments late." I said rolling my eyes.
"You have shamed this entire castle once again Luna! I cannot continue to bear your constant insubordination!"
I was becoming too aggravated to remain indifferent. "Oh for ponies sake, Celestia! I was five MINUTES late! I remember you being four hours late, and you covered it up by saying it was the way of summer to have longer days!"
"I am the eldest Princess of Equestria! You will not make a fool of me like that ever again, or so help me you will be banished to the moon PERMENANTLY !" she shrieked stomping once again.
I threw up my hooves in exasperated surrender. Nothing was getting through to her! She kept acting like a sunrise being a mere few minutes late was going to unravel the fragile peace and harmony throughout Equestria!
"I give up! I'm retiring to my chamber."
And I stormed out and headed for my room.
I walked so quickly my gait could almost be counted as a trot. In the echoes of my angry hooves against the flawless marble floors, I could hear Celestia shouting for me. Wanting to continue our argument, as one sided as it was I couldn't tell if argument would be the correct word to use. I huffed angrily and continued towards my room. I began to slow down, nearing the staircase leading to my private chambers. When I heard another set of hooves behind me. I stopped dead, almost shaking with anger.
"Celestia, I'm retiring to my chambers. Leave. Me. Alo-...." but the words caught in my throat, as I whipped around to shriek at my sister, I found a completely different pony in her place.
My words died and my heart dropped to my hooves, as I inspected my company.
Standing before me was a figure I had only seen in dreams and memories.
An ash grey and sandy grey painted alicorn stallion, at least one hand taller than me. A dark purple braided mane, and long wispy tail. A curved horn, with a small crown of some smaller spikes of horns, as well as an actual steel crown protruding from his groomed yet somehow seemingly unkempt braids. Eyes the color of a mist over the sea with hazed pupils that made him appear blind, though I knew he could probably see better than I could. A familiar smirk set on his lips.
I froze, unable to believe the apparition before me. Surely this was some sort of hallucination? Some trick of the brain? He couldn't possibly be standing right here in front of me, only a few steps away.
I could have sworn my heart had stopped at the sound of his deep voice.
"Hey Lunie. You miss me?"
"Shadow Haze? Is that really you?" my voice was quiet and quivering, but I was amazed I had found my voice at all.
"The one and only." he said with a grin.
I laughed, but I swore it sounded closer to choking and that's what it felt like. "Shadow! I can't believe it's you!"
"Was I disturbing you? I can let you retire and speak to you later if you'd like." He said, his ears folding back sheepishly.
"Oh, uh... No, I was just..... No, you weren't disturbing me." I said with a smile slowly spreading across my face. "Wha- What are you doing here?" I asked.
"How rude, after all this time I come to say hi and all you say is what are you doing here?" he teased with his usual smirk.
With a sly smirk of my own I stated, "Well, first of all, it has been years since I have seen you last and you are in my kingdom, therefor I have the right to know of what business you have here."
He chuckled, and I continued.
"Futhermore, you are mere steps away from my private chambers, thus I must know why you are stalking me and have you arrested immediately if your intentions prove harmful to my well-being." I said with a big grin. "Shall I save us all the trouble and simply call for the guards now?"
"Princess! You insult my honor?" He feinted hurt with a dramatic flair.
"A swine like you has no honor! Especially when attempting to thieve the honor of the Princess!" she said with a taunting smile. "Alas, you bring no means of force. No guards of your own to enforce your plan and remain watchful. Tell me, what are your means of force?"
"Force? You insult me once again Princess! I intend not to force anything upon you but my dashing good looks and charm!" He said stepping forward, leaning into my face his voice dripping with sarcasm as he appeared as narcissistic as Prince Blue Blood. I rolled my eyes at the thought. Even as distantly related as he was (far removed) I still couldn't believe my blood contained any relation to that pompous twit. I giggled as Shadow bat his eyelashes theatrically, as if this would somehow make me swoon.
"Oh, my head!" I said flinging my foreleg across my face in dramatics, "I feel so light-headed.... As if I am under a spell! It must be that horrid smell wafting from in front of me."
And with that, we both burst into a fit of laughter.
I couldn't believe it was him. It was really him! My childhood friend. My best friend.
Oh, will you two get a room already?
I was sent staggering slightly at the reminder of the voice that haunted my mind.
Yes, I am here. And sick of you two and all your mushy flirting.
"You okay Lunie?" He said, calling me by my old nickname from when we were much younger.
"Fine," I smiled. Keep quiet. "I just can't believe you're here, after all this time!"
"Yeah I haven't been here since... Well you remember." He said ducking his head.
I nodded. I did remember. It was one of the worst days of my life. The day I found my best-friend, the only person I truly cared for outside of my family, was to wed my sister just before the final departure of my parents. I hadn't seen Shadow or my parents since. And not long after, I was banished to the moon.
"Look, I am truly sorry for.... Everything that happened that day. I just... I didn't know what to do and I knew the betrothal had hurt you in ways I may never completely understand. And then your parents disappeared..... " he said looking of in the distance, as I myself had taken to staring at the floor. "And I just left you. And I am so truly and completely sorry for that."
"I should be the one apologizing." I said weakly. I cleared my throat hoping to gain volume. "I was selfish, and I let you break a treaty that could have meant a lasting peace between our kingdoms."
He shook his head, a smirk pulling at the corners of his lips. "Luna, there has never been any real tension between our kingdoms. And even without the marriage we have maintained peace and a healthy alliance with Equestria."
I nodded, "But it still was not my place to interfere with matters of state."
"It wasn't just you." he said looking away again. He shrugged, "Well a lot of it was, but I could never have married Celestia."
Just then the two heard a set of hooves donned with some sort of metal shoes. I rolled my eyes, "Speak of the alabaster devil."
"Prince Shadow Haze, I did not expect you to be here." Celestia remarked with a descending raised eyebrow in my direction.
"I simply came to greet Princess Luna." Shadow said with a curt smile.
"So I see." she muttered glaring at me, then smiling at Shadow. "I trust your room was found suitable?"
"Quite, I appreciate the hospitality extended from Your Royal Majesties."
A scowl tinged the corners of 'Tia's lips before being replaced with a sickly sweet smile. "The pleasure is ours. And I will see you at breakfast?"
"Yes." Shadow Haze said politely, "Princess Luna, will you be joining us for breakfast?"
I was shocked. I could read by my sister's current frown that I was expressly not invited, but Shadow Haze had invited me......
"Yes, I would enjoy such a pleasure. " I said shooting a not very discreet glare back to 'Tia. Shadow Haze smiled widely, pretending to be oblivious to the tension between us.
"Wonderful, this will be a delight. But I must rest a little before the meal, as I am very tired from the long trip here and I could use some relaxation. Excuse me Your Majesties. Princess Celestia," he said with a nod. "Princess Luna." He bowed slightly with a wink.
I nodded, "Prince Shadow Haze." I resisted the urge to grin. If there was anyone good at irritating 'Tia more than myself it was Shadow Haze. He knew without being told exactly what would pick at her nerves, and it was a practice he found comical.
And with that we parted to our beds.
The heavy wooden doors groaned against the floor. The hinges creaked and they slowly closed with a resounding echo.
I couldn't believe it.
Shadow Haze. He was here. After so many years!
I didn't think about why he was here. Or think about the reality that, eventually, he would have to leave again. I simply reveled in the fact that he was here. This wasn't a dream.
He hadn't changed much. He was taller, and more solid looking. But he was the same old Shadow.aching to get to breakfast, and it was still about an hour away. There was so much to catch up on with Shadow, and I couldn’t wait.
I then realized something. I haven’t seen Shadow since the time just before I was sent to the moon….
Had he heard of that?
What would he think of me?
I swallowed hard, forcing down the lump now in my throat.
He would hate me.
I hated myself.
To my relief, Nightmare Moon remained quiet, though she was perfectly aware of my thoughts. Though it was nice to be free of her relentless taunting and contradictions of my thoughts, it scared me a little.
I didn’t want to go to breakfast anymore. I definitely didn’t want to go out of my way to see the look in Shadow’s eyes when he knows, if he doesn’t already, that I was a monster.
I had become Nightmare Moon.
I rebelled my sister.
And I had brought about what was meant to be, and could have been, eternal night. Stealing the light away from the ponies of Equestria.
I couldn’t even pace anymore. I was shaking. Tears stung my eyes.
I was a monster and he would hate me for it.
I struggled with my thoughts, as I forced myself to walk to the dining hall. The echoes of my hooves on the marble floors was a discordant rhythm as I couldn’t keep to a steady beat. I couldn’t tell if I really want to gallop or freeze on the spot. Adrenaline rushed through my veins, and shame flooded every fiber of my being. I had never felt so guilty for the crimes I had committed against Equestria than when I realized I had to face Shadow with them, but I couldn’t wait to see him.
The grand doors of the dining hall seemed to tower over me, showering me with the fear of facing the only pony I wanted to see. I waited there. Staring at the only thing now separating myself and my fate, though it remained undetermined. Each minute seemed to take hours. What would I say to him? It wasn’t me. I’m not like that anymore, I’ve changed.
That sounded like the vague and empty lies a colt told his marefriend after being caught red handed with another mare.
“In case you were wondering Princess, this giant object is called a door, you have to open it to walk through. Isn’t it amazing what good old pony engineering can do now-a-days?” Joked the voice that had consumed all my thoughts. I was wrong. The door didn’t separate me from Shadow. He hadn’t yet arrived, until now. I ducked my head unsure of how to proceed to tell him that I was a monster.
He cheerily walked up beside me. I couldn’t will myself to even look at him.
"Luna, I'm serious, what's wrong?" Shadow asked, and in the small moment, the moment I knew I should have held my gaze on the ground. In the small moment I looked up and saw the painful concern in his eyes. I probably could have held my ground, and not said a word, but that look in his mist grey eyes crushed any resistance I had.
“I was in my room.... And I was thinking.....” I said slowly. I looked down, swallowing hard again. “Shadow, do you know where I’ve been all these years?” I looked up to his gaze sheepishly.
He didn’t falter. “The moon.” he said with a shrug in his voice.
I, however, was taken aback. “So you know? You know.... What I was?” I asked.
“I believe they called you ‘Nightmare Moon?’” he said, once again, without falter.
I was stunned for a moment, but though he didn't waver at the knowledge of my past, he may have strong feelings about it and easily had the time to adjust to it.
"So......" I said looking back at the hard stone beneath my hooves, "Um.... I guess the best way to word this would be.... What do you think?" I waited for the cold and painful blow that was almost certain to happen now.
"Well, to be honest, Princess, at first I was sure that it was impossible. I never assumed that a spirit such as yours could be controlled by anything." Shadow sighed deeply, "But then, I really thought about it. And you had been slipping, little by little, since the first day I met you. There was something about the animosity between you and your sister that just.... Seemed like a little more than basic 'sibling rivalry.' And I knew that over time, it simply progressed. I saw it with my own eyes and never realized it."
"Then I realized it might have been my fault." he said now taking his turn at staring at the marble beneath us. "As I said, you had always been slipping little by little. But the day I left was when everything snapped into a break-neck acceleration, and it was my fault for not....." He paused. "I would say 'staying and marrying your sister' but that is definitely not what I mean. I guess just staying. I was being selfish and I ran, leaving you and your sister, now without the help of even your parents, to clean up the mess and deal with all the stress that is running an entire kingdom." he looked at me at the conclusion of this speech.
I was silent for a long moment once again. I wasn't sure what he had meant by a lot of what he said, but there was one thing I had to make sure was absolutely clear.
"What I really want to know is... Do you.... Hate me for it?"
He blinked, now his turn to be taken aback, "No." he said simply.
"But I was a monster." I said frowning. I could feel Nightmare Moon's indignant snort in my head.
"Luna, you were.... Possessed by a creature in a weakened state. It's not your fault. And I could never hate you." he said with a cheerful smile.
I returned his smile. I felt completely ecstatic knowing that I would not yet lose him.
"Now come on. Let's get some breakfast."
The dining room echoed lightly with the sound of three ponies eating.
“Yes, Princess, I owe you both my gratitude for your hospitality and kindness.” Shadow said seemingly uninterested in maintaining a conversation with her. He looked to me as if he was about to say something but Celestia interjected.
“It’s no trouble at all, Prince Shadow, it is rather lovely to see you in Equestria once again. It’s been a rather long time since your last visit.” she said calmly, appearing unaware of Shadow’s attempt to change the subject.
“Yes it has. Speaking of, Princess Luna, you still owe me a lot of catching up.” he said smiling at me.
But again, just as I opened my mouth to speak, Celestia’s voice rang instead.
“Actually, I invited you here on rather crucial matters of State, Prince Shadow.” she said curtly.
“May I know what exactly?” he asked.
“I thought we would discuss it later, privately, being such matters of State.” she said clearly.
“We can send away the guards, I see no reason why we need move this meeting elsewhere. I do believe your sister and co-ruler would be interested in these matters before she returns to her chambers as well.” I knew Celestia would be offended by that, but I think Shadow was actually making an effort to keep me here, most likely he knew a little of exactly what matters my sister spoke of.
“Very well then.” Celestia said, clearly agitated by his remark. “Prince Shadow Haze, I called you here with the intentions to extend another invitation to you.”
“I wish to reinstate our betrothal, and marry.”
Authors Note
Hey guys, I am SO SORRY. I know it took forever and a day to get this dang update up but with the major move and work/school/whatever you want to call it, I've been insanely busy. Also, I don't have internet access in my dorm so finally posting was kind of a pain in the rear. Hope you guys like the new chapter! Not much input from Nightmare, but definitely some drama. -Clover
The room was spinning uncontrollably as my sister’s words echoed in my head.
Marry. Marry. Marry
Looks like Tia’s chomping at the bit to marry this stallion. I don’t see what you two see apparently.
I couldn’t even bother to argue with her.
“What?!" the quiet, surprised squeak escaped my lips breaking the silence that clouded the room, thick as smoke.
I hardly noticed Shadow's reaction, though he was instantly tense and rigid as stone.
My mouth was agape and tears stung my eyes, "Tia.... Tia how could you?" I whispered.
She pretended she didn't hear me, "It is as our parents intended and I would like to fulfill their wishes and strengthen our kingdoms."
My hooves slammed down hard on the table, causing a loud bang and drawing every pair of eyes to me except for Shadow's.
"How could you!" I shouted.
"Luna." She spoke sharply, as if scolding a child.
"After everything, everything , how-" My voice caught. A hard lump stuck in my throat and I felt I would be sick.
"Luna, I am trying to rule a kingdom....."
I cut her off. "That is not yours to rule!" my voice rang in the now dead silent room.
Celestia glared at me ruefully, "This is a matter of State...... "
"If you want a matter of State , consider this a declaration of war." Nightmare's voice bled into mine, but the words equally belonged to me. I stormed out of the room.
I burst through the heavy wooden doors and into the mostly vacant hall. The guards stood warily, unsure of how to proceed. I had declared war, yet it was their duty to protect myself as well as my sister.
"Luna!" A voice called. I froze. "Luna, where are you going?" Shadow questioned.
"To war." I said simply.
"Why are you doing this?" I heard the hurt in his voice, but I couldn't figure out what lay behind it.
"Because it is long past time for my sister to learn that there is more than one star in the sky." I said angrily. "I'm sorry." I whispered fighting the tears that threatened to break me and galloped away.
Anger boiled up inside me once again, I could feel Nightmare try to move into control because of it, but I was too angry to let her. This rage was mine, and as it consumed me I would hold on to every shred of myself. I didn’t want to forgive Tia, or stop being angry, but I didn’t want to lose myself to the darkness again.
I burst through the main palace doors, into the world, taking flight in the crisp dawn air. I felt myself beginning to fade.
“No!” I screamed in rage refusing to give in to her.
But in my mind I heard her maniacal laugh consume me as she now controlled me once again. My body began to fall towards the earth, trees of the Everfree Forest now rushing up at me. I slammed into outreaching limbs, everything from pine needles to branches and brambles scratching at my skin as I hurtled towards the ground. I was conscious, but not in control. When my head moved, it was not by my command, though I could still see through my eyes. They looked upon a small glistening pool of water. I was surprised to see myself. Not the appearance of Nightmare Moon. She controlled me, but she didn’t take her true form, hiding behind mine.
NO! I screamed, but now merely I was a voice in my own head.
From my own lips came Nightmare’s maniacal laugh once more.
“My turn, Princess.” She said chuckling darkly. “It is time for the moon to block out the sun.” She stood, stretching my wings and with another evil laugh launched into the air.
What have I done?
The commanders awaited our arrival, the naïve little puppets. It’s slightly amusing to know Luna’s few gentle smiles, victimizing tears, and innocent eyes could bend their will so easily.
I landed before them with a loud thud, raising a cloud of dust atop the tower ruins.
I looked down on them. “Commanders.” I said, already annoyed with playing with these toys. Hand them a simple rank, like a golden star sticker to a filly, and they bow to your every demand. Pitiful.
“Princess Luna!” They said bowing in unison. Poor foolish creatures.
The unicorn commander, a dark purple stallion that looked scrawny and meager; not one to usually speak first or to a crowd, piped up first. “What news?”
I smiled at them, “At noon, we fight.”
“So soon?” the pegasi commander inquired.
I nodded, “As the sun reaches its peak in the sky, the moon will rise against it and block its light from Equestria, at this time we march to battle, at this time we are at war with Princess Celestia. And her tyranny shall end.”
Cheers and battle cries shook the ruins as the ponies grew excited for war.
I laughed.
It was amusing to know that Celestia and Luna believed these creatures so good and pure, and yet here a small and petty quarrel between jealous sisters (of course over a mere stallion) easily becomes their reason to quench their thirst for blood. War is so easily triggered, as all creatures quickly jump to shedding their own blood and that of their brothers over the most simple and trivial qualms of their foolish leaders. These creatures so easily incited to kill, are pure and good?
I suppose being the creature of evil, I thought quoting Luna’s own thoughts, that I know nothing of purity and good, do I? I chuckled.
You will never know ANYTHING about this!
Pitiful Luna. I know that you are jealous of your sister. I chuckled. But, instead of having some courage and facing her, you turn and tuck your tail like a cowardly dog and run to these foolish puppets! You bat your pretty, tearful eyelashes and ask them to give their lives and take that of their brothers, in order to settle this little emotional matter! You are nothing but a insignificant and manipulative coward!
You are the one leading these ponies to war! You are the one that planted the seed of hate and darkness within my mind! You’re the manipulative coward!
This made me chuckle once more, Manipulative I’ll admit to and that seems to be working quite nicely in my favor doesn’t it?
I laughed, the sound echoing through the ruins as the foolish ponies cheered as the clock ticked closer to noon……..
Author's Note
I know this one took forever guys! I'm so sorry.
