Dark Descent: The Night Cometh

Chapters

Part 1: Sisters
Part 2: We Are One
Part 3: Unfinished Business

Part 1: Sisters

Princess Luna's hooves clapped against the marble floor as she walked through the adorned hall of the castle. She had received a letter from her sister earlier today to meet her in her chambers late tonight, and she knew if it had to be late, that something was troubling Celestia. She had hoped that she would be able to speak to it tonight, but it seemed that was not going to happen due to whatever troubled her sister. The letter she had written was short and simple, unlike her regular letters that were descriptive to a degree that would make Luna just skip to whatever the point of the letter was.

"Princess," said a couple of Solar guards as they assumed a bowing position as she passed by. She didn't bother responding to them. They were Solar guards for a reason, and Luna had no business to be mingling with the likes of them.

She continued down the hallway as she tried to guess what her sister would summon her for. There have been neogations she had caught whispers of with the Changeling queen, Chysalis, that Celestia had been pursuing. Could this be the reason she needed her? Maybe it was just personal issues that her sister was having? Or maybe Celestia knew the truth.

Luna chuckled to herself as the last thought ran through her mind. There was no conceivable way that Princess Celestia knew about Luna's sin. It had been only two years since she had killed four of the six elements, but no pony suspected her. The kind Fluttershy, the daring Rainbow Dash, the hard working Applejack, and the sophisticated Rarity were all dead by her hoof. She could still hear their wonderful screams and see all the blood that their bodies had spilled for her.

It was almost bliss to replay the images in her mind as she saw Fluttershy's head fall to the ground as she severed it off, and ripping out the organs of a certain cerulean pegasus. She would have to say the best ones were Rarity and Applejack, as they had probably suffered the most. She had ripped Applejack's face clean off and only nerves and muscle remained, and then to finish her, she burned the farm pony and watched as peices of her flesh melted right off of her. Now, Rarity was a sight to behold. Luna had took pride in the way that she killed that defiant unicorn. She had taken the liberty of lodging two beautiful blue gems into her eye sockets, ripping out chunks of her lovely mane, and even biting her ear clean off her head. She went a step further and ripped off both her cutie marks from her flanks as they had annoyed her. Rarity was ugly to her, as she looked innocent and selfless, but after becoming a dead corpse, and the blood that flowed from her sockets, she was beautiful in her teal eyes.

What was even better about all of this for her? She had turned two friends, two lovers, into enemies. Pinkie Pie was supposed to die that night along with the four, but thanks to Rarity, she had escaped her grasp, but Luna was a smart alicorn, and had planned for such a situation. Frame Pinkie for their death's and have the Element of Magic find her and bring Pinkie to her. Luna fed Twilight a lie of Pinkie being the one repsonsible for killing her friends, and Twilight accepted it broken heartily. She knew that her sister's student would never question a princess, as she was raised with having full trust in one, but it was also her weakness of such trustworthiness. Luna knew that she would have to sacrifice much time if she chose to have Twilight pursue Pinkie Pie, but she was a patient princess, and she would use that time to become more powerful, and when the time came, she would use it to take the throne and rule Equestria.

Now one may call her evil or insane if they knew her thoughts and past actions, but she did not view herself this way. Everything she did was for a purpose. A purpose set by it.

Power.

It was something she never had until it showed her the way. Many moons ago, Luna was weak and useless. She had no desire to pursue power and was comfortable with her feeble self. She was kind, loving, compassionate, and held a high regard for her dear sister Celestia. She only strove to please her, and never wanted to disappoint her again as she did thousands of years ago when she was Nightmare Moon, but one day she heard a voice that she had thought was long gone. The voice of Nightmare Moon had rang in her head, and spoke to Luna of evil thoughts. She spoke to her of how she deserved power, and that her sister was weak and deserved to die. Luna was terrified of such thoughts and desperation took hold of her. She searched for a remedy to silence Nightmare Moon that haunted her thoughts, and came across a book that told of an ancient aritfact named Rebris.

Rebris was a necklace that was forged by the god of chaos himself, Discord. It was rumoured that he created it to help silence his own voices that spoke to him in his mind, but also had the ability to take the power of the elements and channel their power to the wearer, making them into some would say, a god.

Luna had pursued this item, not for power, but for release, and learned the location of such a necklace from Discord himself, but she should have known better. When she had finally found Rebris, she expected salvation from the evil, but instead, she recieved damnation for her choice. Nightmare Moon was released and it consumed the naive princess. Her mind was twisted with thoughts of death and power, her heart was corrupted, as it no longer held love and compassion, but hate and a need for destruction, and her soul became tainted. Nightmare Moon had become Luna, and Luna became Nightmare Moon. They were one, but yet still two. Nightmare Moon was always with her, and guided her on this path that she so willingly took.

This was why the elements had to die. She wanted to become a god, and the only way she could achieve such ambition was through the element's deaths. Once she had all of the elements essences, a power that only the bearers held, she would ascend, as she would call it, and have power beyond imagining. Only Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie remained, and she had plenty of time to wait, for eventually, she would grant them the same fate as their friends

Luna had finally made it to her sister's chambers and proceeded to knock on the door, but was stopped.

"Come in Luna," a muffled voice said behind the door. Celestia had already expected her.

She obeyed and pushed the doors open with her magic and closed them as she entered, as no pony else didn't need to be eavesdropping on whatever her sister had wanted to tell her.

"You summoned me?"

Celestia had her back turned to her as she looked at the small crrackling fire and stood silent, not answering her query. Luna asked once more, as she didn't really want to waste time here.

"We are here sister. You said you had wish to speak to me?"

"You said 'we' again Luna," Celestia said with a chill to her voice.

Luna deadpanned. Celestia had just begun lessons of 'regular' lingo to her a few months ago, but still slipped a few times, but if this is what she called her for, to ridicule her speech, then she needed to leave. She had better things to do like plan how she was going to kill Celestia when her day came.

"Do you plan to ridicule us for our speech sister, or do you have something important to tell me?" Luna asked in annoyance.

"I do, but I need to ask something first," Celestia said as she turned around with a look of dead seriousness.

A sudden chill ran through Luna's spine as she saw the regal's face.

Does she know?!

Her dark mind raced with the possibilty that her sister knew the truth. Something about the look seemed to portray as if she knew something that Luna had done.

"Why the look sister? Have I upset you in some way?"

Celestia walked toward her as Luna could sense the anger boiling in her sister.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

A drop of sweat went down Luna's brow.

She knows! How could she have known?!

Luna kept her demeanor, but was beginning to build up her magic inside of her, preparing herself. If Celestia knew the terrible things she's done, no doubt that she would seek retribution upon her and punish her for such crimes.

"Tell you what sister?"

Celestia came closer to her as she her eyes stared into Luna's. She was so close that Luna could feel the hot air rush out of her sister's nostrils.

"You never told me that YOU tasked Twilight with finding Pinkie Pie," Celestia said with a firmness in her voice as she tried to hold back her anger.

A rush of relief swept through her. She had thought Celestia had somehow uncovered the truth of her being the one that committed the murders a couple years ago. It would have been unfortuanate if she had to kill the white alicorn so soon, as she didn't have the rest of the pieces set in place to take control yet. Killing her would only be seen as treason, and she certainly didn't need that .

"Twilight Sparkle chose to find Pinkie Pie. I simply gave her my blessing as her princess. I am actually quite surprised you are just learning this sister."

Celestia stomped her hoof as she was obviously displeased with Luna.

"I was quite surprised too when I find out from my Captain that you had tasked my student of finding Pinkie Pie!"

Luna wanted to laugh at her. She had now resorted to a controlled yelling as if it was supposed to phase her somehow.

"It was not your postition to give her that Luna! That should have been my call! She is my student and you were out of your authority to grant her such a task! You must learn that I have to decide around here, not you!"

Anger rose up in Luna as her sister scolded her. She wanted to rip her horn right off and lodge it right through the back of her throat to silence her insolence. No pony was allowed to speak to her this way, even her own sister, had no right nor power to talk to one as superior as her, but she had to play the part, and keep herself from ripping Celestia's heart from her chest. She pressed her muzzle against Celestia's as their eyes narrowed at each other.

"The student that YOU haven't spoken to or written in two years sister?! She wanted to find her, and I gave it to her. I have been the one that has been tending to her, not you! I even venture to say I'm more of her teacher than you are!"

That hit a nerve and she knew it. She wanted to see the all powerful Princess Celestia lose her temper and give her a reason to put her in her place. Right beneath her sparkling hoof.

She saw Celestia snap as her horn began to glow a yellow aura, but Luna didn't back away.

"How dare you say such a thing to me! I am your sister!"

Laughter spilled out of Luna's mouth.

"What's the matter then sister? Are you upset? You act as if I'm trying to harm you. Do you plan to hurt me for what I said? Wouldn't be the first time as you have done thousands of years ago."

If only Equestria's ruler knew the harm she wanted to do to her. Unspeakable, painful, gruesome harm were the only things that Luna wanted to put upon her.

"Don't test me Luna! That was in the past and I never wanted to do it. You don't understand the daily headaches and pain I go through and if you haven't heard, I'm trying to make peace with Chrysalis so Equestria will be safe! I have a lot on my plate unlike you!

"Then step down if you can't handle it!" Luna sneered.

Her sisters white horn was glowing a brighter yellow but Luna knew she wouldn't try to hurt her. She was too weak to do such a thing to her. All she was spewing excuses, a quality not befitting an authority of power, but Luna wanted to have more fun with her.

"Do you plan to attack me sister?" Luna said calmly as she gave a sly smile and stared intently into each other's eyes. How Luna hated seeing her light magenta eyes...she hated her to a burning degree. If only she could gouge them out...

Celestia stared at her but Luna knew that she had broke her. She could see her lower white lip trembling as she knew she had hurt her feelings. They were no concern to her. She watched as Celestia's eyes began to water and turned away in defeat.

"I'm...sorry Luna. I shouldn't be yelling at you like this. I love you dearly, but must you really say such things to me?"

Princess Luna didn't care for her pathetic feelings. They were just feelings that served no purpose, but she kept her appearance the best she could.

"I apologize," Luna stated flatly.

It was a false apology, as she was actually taking pride in making this weak ruler feel broken and demoilished. Celestia had no idea how much Luna hated her, let alone how much she angered her every single day, so it was nice to see her in emotional distress.

"I apologize also Luna. I should not treat my own sister this way."

You will learn.. she thought to herself in her dark inner eye.

"Let us forget this small qualm then, and get back to the issue that you take offense to. I did not mean to overstep my boundaries, but you have not seen how broken she was. Finding Pinkie Pie will help her vent the feelings she no doubt has, and put it to use. I am only trying to help your student and lessen your burdens."

It was all but a small qualm, but she knew that this was only the first of many to come, but it won't be simple words and looks, but blades and blood that would speak for them, and she would release her of all her burdens... permanently.

Celestia turned back to her, holding the tears that Luna about caused. It was a disappointing for the dark regal.

"I understand Luna, but you must know that she is more than a student to me. She is like a daughter, and I simply don't wish for her to tread such a path. She looks for her friend's murderer, but even if she did find her, those feelings will never go away. Her friends will still be gone, and she will no doubt seek revenge against her."

"Then what will the small unicorn have then Celestia? Without this, she will have nothing, and will end up only destroying herself. She is your student, and she dosen't have the ability to take a pony's life. She knows that if she should find the pink one, then she will bring her to me to set justice for her."

"I suppose so... but I can only imagine how she..."Celestia trailed off and hung her head.

Luna heard a small sniffle from the white alicorn and deduced that she must have began weeping. Such a pathetic sentitment. If Celestia viewed herself as a mother to Twilight, then she was a terrible one. Luna would never have children of her own, nor did she wish to. Foals were beings of innocence. They were a lie. There was no such thing as innocence in this world. Not saying Luna thought herself as a mother to Twilight either, as she was only using her as a means to further her plans, but she knew well enough if she ever had foals, she would simply kill them. They were feeble and weak creatures that only represented lies.

"I'm sorry Luna," Celestia said as she seemed to gather herself from her short moment of soft cries, "I am simply not well is all. I have a lot of things on my mind."

Luna sighed under her breath. This was all nice and fun to see such weakness, but she really wanted to leave.

"Very well then sister, but I must ask if we are done here though. I have some reading to do back in my chambers and some courier's to send off tonight for some very important assignments, not to mention it's very late for you. You will need to be at full alert to run your court in the morning," Luna said in the most sincere tone she could muster.

"Yes, of course Luna, forgive my outburst earlier. I do not mean to waste your time here as I know it's valuable to you."

More than you know.

Celestia's horn glowed a soft yellow as she summoned a scroll that sat atop her fireplace. Luna watched as the parchment with a black sash binding it floated to Celestia, wondering what it contained to be so important.

"What is that sister?"

Princess Celestia opened the scroll and seem to study it for a few moments.She then looked over to Luna to finally reveal what it was she had truly requested her presence.

"I have received a report from one of the patrols this morning."

Princess Luna looked at her in confusion as Celestia paused.

"Why is this important? Celestia, I ask you to just tell me the reason I am here, for I grow impatient," she said with disdain. She not only hated her as her sister, but now she hated her for wasting precious time of her life.

"That's not all Luna. I wouldn't simply ask you to be here for a report unless it was something that I think would be very important."

Tis' true. She knew Celestia well enough that she knew better than waste her time with such mundane news.

"Anyways, there has been a sighting outside the skirts of Canterlot that I think will interest you."

Luna cocked up her brow in curiosity, now eager to hear.

"And what would that be?"

Celestia levitated the piece of parchment over to Luna, and she now took control of it with her magic as she brought it to her face. Her eyes went large, not in shock but sudden excitement. It was like fate was looking down upon her and smiling on her, for what this seeminglty small report held was something that would significantly speed up her plans.

Your Majesty, Princess Celestia:

Your Solar guard were making their daily patrols around Canterlot this early morning and have came back and reported something that I think that may interest your highness. I have recieved reports from multiple patrol teams that they have caught glimpses and few sightings of a cloaked pony with a curly pink tail on the outskirts of the city. I send this to you for you are my Princess.

Loyal Subject and General,

Blaze

There was only one pony with a tail like that.

The pony that had gotten away.

The pony that had gone into hiding.

The pony that was now going to be dead, as she should have been two years ago.

She said the name as she pictured the party pony.

"Pinkie Pie."

Part 2: We Are One

Luna landed on her balcony as the dark night had long stretched it's black veil across Equestria a while ago. Canterlot was quiet and peaceful as it's residents slept soundly in their homes and beds. The moon glowed and the stars shimmered in the dark sea.

Princess Celestia had granted her the task of finding the elusive Pinkie Pie and she would not waste any time in doing so. If Pinkie Pie was close then she would need to act quickly and swiftly. She would set out in the morn with a small group of her guard and search the area for any signs of a certain pink, bouncy pony. Her mind was filled with ideas of how she should end her. Maybe ripping out her organs from her skull? Or maybe she could let her guards have their way with Pinkie and have her suffer emotional and mental chaos and then split her body in her two. Too many ideas for one late night though. It would have to be something that would have to wait till tomorrow unfortuanatly.

Luna opened the door from the balcony that led into her private chambers. It was dark but a few candles dimmed the room. There was a bed of grandeur, fit for a princess as her, and it was covered in silk, sparkling blue linen with three pillows that were simply as dark as her night sky. Adjacent to her bed was her mirror that she would look at every morning and night, but not to look at appearances. On the opposite wall was what seemed to be a coat hangar but she never used if for coats and such. She made her way to it and unhooked her dark regalia and hung it around one of the posts with her magic and set her crown upon her bed. Only one item remained on her as she now stood, naked, so to speak. The gold chain wrapped around her neck as it held it's black gem that gently hung over her chest.

Rebris was with her at all timesand this was more than a simple trinket or piece of jewelry. It was the bedrock of her ascension. She felt safe and powerful with it, and knowing that she had four of the elements essences within it was even more empowering. Without it, she felt vulnerable and weak, a feeling she would never have again. How foolish she thought she was when she looked back at the time when she never desired power or the sight of beautiful red blood pouring before her.

The Princess of the Night now went over to the mirror that sat idly as it awaited her. She sat down and situated herself . Her eyes met her reflection, and she simply stared into it. Her teal eyes glowed within the dim light. They seemed like two small beacons in the semi-darkness, and her dark sapphire fur was illuminated by the gentle glowing of the few candles. Her ever flowing mane of the night gently seemed to sway, though there was no breeze that flowed through her dark sanctuary. It was routine for her to just wait in front of this reflecting glass for command. She would hear it every night, and the command was always the same. There was nothing hard or strenuous about it, but she had to hear it, for it was her guide and master.

Sleep.

Luna obeyed the dark voice and she gently closed her eyes. Her master was calling her, and she would obey, for it was not her that she would be speaking with, but a different side that was locked away inside her. A side she despised and loathed. A side that must be tamed within her.

Luna drifted off into the black abyss of her corrupt mind as darkness surrounded her.

Nightmare Moon was waiting.

It dripped slowly at first, like a water faucet, but slowly the frequency of the drips increased, and eventually was full blast pouring out of the black void abyss above her.

Luna cried out in pain as blood poured onto her body from the pitch black void. The crimson liquid ran down her face and body. Her beautiful coat was drenched in the color of red as the blood dripped from her body. A searing, burning pain reverberated through her nerves from it. It was almost like this liquid was actually burning lava, and it only wished to wrought pain upon her.

This was innocence being tortured at it's finest.

This was Luna.

The real Luna.

The kind and caring princess that once existed to only to be accepted by her subjects and dear sister. This was the one that had let her desperation take hold of her, and lead to her corruption. She was locked within her own mind, and day by day, every waking moment, she was tortured by her once alter ego, Nightmare Moon.

How long has she been here, locked within the recesses of her twisted, convoluted mind? She did not know, for there was no time here. Time was irrevelant in this place. Nightmare Moon was all that existed here. She was supreme, and she was Luna's judge, jury, and executioner. There was no escape and no hope of liberation.

Luna was alone in this dark void, alone with her pain, her guilt, and her regret. It was her living hell. A hell that held a terrible voice within it as it took pleasure in torturing the innocent regal.

"Feel the pain of the blood you have spilled Luna! Hear the screams of your friends as you put them through agony! It was you Luna! You killed them, and you will kill more! " A terrible voice screamed at her.

Her head throbbed with immeasurable pain as she slammed her front hooves on the floor. Everytime Nightmare Moon spoke to her and spat her words of guilt and hate, her head would, for some inexplicable reason, throw itself into a massive headache and migraines. She sat in the pool of blood and looked down upon her sins. She could see their faces in it as they seemed to cry and yell at her. She closed her crying teal eyes as the image of her friends, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack haunted her. Luna knew what had happened to them for she was forced to watch it. Like a movie through her own eyes, she had seen the things she had done to them, and every moment was the same. She could never stop seeing them.

"I'm not this...I'm not this...I would never..." Luna stammered through her barrage of tears.

"But you did! This is you! Don't you love it?!" the voice screeched as it began to render a laugh of pleasure and amusement.

"Silence! This is not me! You made me do this to them! You're a monster Nightmare Moon!" she yelled in defiance.

She was not this insane killer whot took pleasure in the suffering of innocents. She was only being controlled by one, but what pony would believe that she was not a monster? They did not know of her mistake and that she was bound within her own psyche.

"Monster? Who is truly the monster?" Nightmare Moon's voice echoed through the expanse, pausing from it's blood curdling yells.

Suddenly, the black void seemed to melt away as it gave way to something underneath it. Luna looked frantically around to see what form of torture would be brought upon her now. The void now turned into a mass of refelcting glass, and her own visage surrounded her.

Reflections of her bloodied self stared at her as she still sat in the pool of idle blood. All she could see were the images of a broken alicorn. Not the once beautiful Princess of the Night, but a broken, bloodied, and hopeless princess. More tears poured out of her eyes as her own appearance terrified and saddened her. She wanted the warm comfort of her sister, but there would be none.

Nightmare Moon would not have it.

"I ask again my precious Luna, who is the real monster?" Nightmare Moon asked again within the room of glass.

"Y...you..you are," she answered. Luna frantically darted her eyes around looking out for any tricks or traps. Nightmare Moon was not one for just simple talk, but one to see her in pain while she spoke to her.

A sadisitic laugh echoed and Luna threw herself to the ground. Her head was throbbing even worse and her heart was about to explode with fear.

"Am I? You may not realize it, but I am helping Equestria. Through blood and suffering, it will prosper and become the greatest kingdom this world has ever seen. Not one would stand against us-"

"There is no us! This is you! I never wanted part in this! I only wanted freedom from you!" Luna interrupted.

A gust of wind blew in Luna's face as a black swirling cloud appeared out of the ground that was now glass. It made it's way slowly upwards as it left in it's wake Luna's jailer, Nightmare Moon. She wore her signature helmet and regalia. Her hooves sparkled with her light blue armor. Her slits for eyes looked demonic as they stared gleefully at Luna, and she smiled showing her white sharp teeth.

"Freedom? Are you really that daft Luna? There is no freedom from something that has always been a part of you," she said in a dark smooth tone.

Princess Luna had been here a long time, or at least that's what it felt like her for, but she still had a spark. She was hopeless, in despair, and alone, but it wasn't the first time. She had been banished to the cold moon for a thousand years and survived. Luna was broken but not beaten, and she would defy this evil that held her to the end, for she still had that spark of fire that hated Nightmare Moon, and she refused to lay before her in defeat. She staggered onto her hooves and stood as blood dripped from her body and she gritted her teeth.

"You are not part of me. You never have been and never will Nightmare Moon, and I will defy you no matter what you do to me."

Nightmare Moon cackled, and Luna felt shocks go through her head, but she only gritted her teeth harder as she endured it.

"Then what is all this Luna? Why are you under my control and not the other way around? You fail to see the obvious Luna. the truth is no matter how much you deny me, no matter how much you say to yourself that there is no we, the fact stands that we are one in the same. You are me and I-"

"No! I am not you and never will be!"

A light blue aura surrounded Luna's horn and shot several blasts of built up magic within the glass room as they sped towards Nightmare Moon. Luna had had enough, and used the little fight she still held onto against her. Nightmare Moon simply stepped away as the bolts bounced back at her, and hit Luna all over her body, sending her crashing into the glass behind her, breaking it and lodging shards of glass into her back. She cried out in pain as the shards stabbed into her, and her sapphire, bloodied coat had scorch marks across it. It was obvious that this hell has affected Luna's mind dramtically, as she should have seen very obviously that she was surrounded by glass. Magic could be reflected by such planes, a foalish error on her part.

"Pathetic. Come now Luna, you can surely do better than that? Here, I'll help you."

Nightmare Moon became a blur of dark smoke and within seconds, appeared right before Luna as she looked up into it's slit eyes.

"Let me show you how it's done, for you need much practice if we are going to rule. Your first lesson if you will Luna."

Luna felt her body lift into the air as Nightmare Moon's dark grasp took hold of her. She felt her back slam back into the glass wall that she had cracked earlier, and the shards of glass that were in her back were shoved deeper into her flesh. The force of the hit along with feeling the shards shove into her caused dark blood to squirt out of her nostrils.

"Bleeding already? You have much to learn," Nightmare Moon said as she now threw the helpless princess into another glass wall.

Luna's side smashed into it as it cracked, and she felt her ribs crack along with it, and coughed out blood. She fell to the ground as the side of her face smacked against the fragile ground and yelped as blood trickled from her bottom lip onto the glass plane. She could only lay there as her body was sore and aching, to say the least. How foolish of her to stand up to such a being that dominated everything that was her.

"Poor Luna. Once again you bleed and lay in defeat, but this will change, so don't lose heart. You and I are no different from each other."

Luna lifted her head slowly, refusing to stay silent as she was compared to her.

"You and I, are nothing close to the same Nightmare Moon. I love my subjects and my sister, unlike you, you only wish to enslave and kill them, and my sister along with them." She coughed again as blood spattered and breathed heavily.

"You accuse me of not loving our subjects? We love them greatly, and only wish the best for them, but there are many who are weak and spread and reproduce like cancer, and we are the cure. We only kill who we deam unworthy of the strong kingdom that we will build. As for Celestia, well, "Nightmare Moon snickered as she paused, "I love her so much, that I'm going to have you make a modern art masterpiece out of her when you kill her."

Tears ran down her face at the thought of killing Celestia. She only hoped that somehow Celestia found out about the things her corrupted self has done, and end her life so she could be free from this everlasting hell.

"Why do you do this to me?" Luna asked as she sobbed in pain and sorrow.

She heard Nightmare Moon walk toward her and saw her dark hoof right in front of her face.

"Because Luna... "

She bent down so her face meet her prisoners. Luna's eyes went large as she felt something wet slide across her bloodied muzzle. Nightmare Moon had licked her in a twisted, almost loving passion and smiled at her with such darkness that Luna swore her heart stopped.

"We are one."

Suddenly, Luna felt her face pounding with pain and she clapped her hooves against her cheeks. She actually felt something moving in her face, like a bug that had burrowed it's way into her skin and now ran through her flesh. One of her cheekbones cracked and she yelped. It kept cracking and breaking on the left side of her face. She could hear the cracks and grinding of bone in her ears, and just as quick as it came, it stopped. She looked down at the floor, and noticed that the left side of her face was black and her cheek was much thinner than her other. Luna shook as she now realized what was happening, but pain would overtake her once again.

"AHHHHHH!" Luna screamed as one side of her mouth was ripped open. The now black flesh tore apart as it revealed the pink sensitive meat inside her cheek. Luna's teal eyes looked to the ceiling of glass as it showed her the monstrosity she was becoming. Tears ran down her face in pain and terror as she could see the side of her face becoming more and more like Nightamre Moon's.

"No! I'm not you!" the poor soul screamed.

"We are one," Nightmare Moon repeated.

Luna could only see out of one of her eyes as the other seemed to black out and actually move on it's own. Whispers began to surface in one side of her head as they spoke of power, death, destruction, pain, and blood. She dragged her tongue and felt that the one side that was changing into her hated alter ego's visage teeth were now sharp, and she could feel saliva running down the side of her mouth.

"What have you done to me?!" Luna screeched in terror.

"Do you see how perfect we are together Luna? I am trying to show you that we are one!"

The whispers were becoming louder in Luna's head as the one side of her face that has been twisted seemed to speak it's own mind against hers.

We Are One.

"No!"

We Are One.

"No!!"

We Are One.

"NO! SILENCE THESE VOICES! SILENCE THESE LIES!"

The whipers were driving her mad, and Nightmare Moon only watched in amusement.

"Say it Luna. Say it and please your master."

Luna rolled onto her cracked ribs as searing pain shot through her, but the whispers were much more painful in their own respect than her physical ailments. She felt something rising within her, and trying to force three certain words out of her.

"No! I won't say it!"

"Don't fight it Luna. The sooner you accept this fact, the better this will all be for you."

Luna refused to believe her. There was nothing here that could bring her comfort, and she would not give in to Nightmare. She was one of the royal sisters, and it wsa not in her nature to be dominated other's who only desired evil and darkness for her, or Equestria.

"You lie! This is all a lie!"

Nightmare Moon kicked her hoof against her face as her neck made a sick cracking noise.

"Enough! I have been patient with you Luna! You will say the truth before me!"

Dark shots of electricity shot out of her dark horn and engulfed Luna as she screamed in body wracking pain.

She could feel the electricity running through her very bones as they flet like they were shattering within her.

"Say it!"

"No!"

More electricity covered her body for her defiance. Her screams echoed through the glass domain. Her flesh was starting to burn off of her, and she screamed louder.

"This will never end for you Luna! Say it, and I will be merciful and offer you a small moment of relief!"

The pain was indescribable at this point. Luna had fought her, defied her, and to only end up on the floor at Nightmare Moon's mercy as she tortured her. Were they really one? Was Luna the same as Nightmare Moon? Did they have the same goals, desires, and ambitions, but she simply didn't know it? What proved otherwise? She was stuck in this hell of her own doing, the hell of her twisted mind. Luna relented but that spark that she had had died, and her soul screamed for a moment of peace. If Nightmare Moon was offering it, she would take it, even against all that she stood for. Luna was strong, but she had been broken now to her lowest dominator. She screamed the words that her master wanted to hear in defeat and finality.

"Say it!!!"

"We are one! We are one! We are one! Please stop!" Luna cried.

Nightmare Moon ceased and looked upon a bloody and burnt princess.

"Was that so hard Luna? You feel better now don't you?"

Luna's breathing was slow, and her heart was dangerously beating at a sluggish pace. She was going to die...again. This was her own mind, and this was why it was torture. The blessing of death would never come for her, as she would die, but then come back, unscathed and renewed, just to prepare for another round. Nightmare Moon used her as some toy or testing doll, seeing how many painful and gruesome ways she could kill a pony, and Luna was the guinea pig, and this was every single day and night.

Never ending pain.

"We...are...one," Luna whispered involuntarily as she began to close her eyes and let the darkness take her that she knew so well. She just wanted to be free, and die.

"Very good Luna. You warm my black heart to hear such truth come out of your mouth. I am a mare of my word and I will grant you a moment of relief. You should feel proud of yourself."

Darkness was all that she was seeing, but it only would give her a small moment of peace. She would come back soon to endure a new means of mental and physical chaos. At least she had...

"And your moment is up! Don't die yet Luna, for I have much more for you!" Nightmare Moon laughed and resumed the bolts of black electricity on the broken soul.

...this.

This was Luna's punishment.

This was Luna's torture.

For the truth was obvious.

They were truly one...

Part 3: Unfinished Business

The morning sunlight spilled in through Luna's window and the sun's radiance ran across Luna's dark eyelids. Teal eyes opened as they met a familiar face staring back at them. She was settled in the same chair, same sitting position, as she was from last night. A small yawn escaped her mouth as she continued looking at her reflection, as if it was a ghost just watching her.

It had been a restful night. She felt refreshed, rejuvenated, and more importantly, powerful. Today was going to be a good day, for this day was going to accelerate her plans much faster than anticipated. If the report severs true, then Pinkie Pie was near, and her death would be in a manner of hours. How foolish for Pinkie to be spotted, and to be so close to the very thing she feared.

Luna.

She didn't know if this was Pinkie's way of being defiant and brave, but it wouldn't matter. If she really wasn't afraid of her, she would soon learn to be when she is ripping out her skeleton... slowly. Luna felt her spine tingle with sick pleasure at such a revolting thought. She lifted herself up and summoned the black crown that rested on the silk sheets. It floated towards her as her horn lifted it from it's still positon. It sat gently atop her head, and she continued walking as her black regalia latched itself around her, covering her chest.

Princess Luna was now ready, and the day was waiting. The small wooden door opened on cue, letting the dark princess out and the sun's early morning rays radiated throughout the sky. The sky was covered in a hue of early orange, and a soft red, rising slowly to wake Equestria's occupants.

Red was a lovely and exquisite color for Luna. Besides black, as it represents her night and darkness, red represented blood and life. Blood was the flowing substance in all ponies, and it was a precious liquid to have. Without it, life would not succeed. Life that was hers for the taking.

Princess Luna looked down from her balcony that towered over Canterlot and noticed how peaceful the city was. The cobblestone roads were empty and desolate, and none of the shops were open for business to take ponies hard earned bits. They would all wake up soon, and go about their daily lives, as if it was perfect and care free. How naive and oblivious they were to the darkness of their world. They were sheltered by the walls of their own ignorance, and blind to see the evil. They would all learn in time that there was nothing good in this world, and evil was necessary to achieve noble goals.

"Luna."

Luna sighed under her breath, knowing exactly whose voice it was. She swore she could never just be away from her, especially on a morning like this. Pinkie Pie was out there somewhere, and she was going to be held back once again.

"What is it Celestia," she said, making clear that her disturbance was not welcome.

Celestia landed on the balcony as her golden hooves made a soft click sound against the stone, and folded her wings into her body. Luna didn't bother turning around to talk.

"I see that you're already going to begin your search."

"Obviously. I told you that I would set off in the early morn to find Pinkie Pie if the report serves true."

Celestia knew that Luna was annyoyed, but for what reason, was beyond her.

"You sound agitatated Luna. Did you get enough rest last night?"

"Yes sister. Now please, what brings you here? I wish to begin my search so that I may have time to enjoy the rest of the day," Luna said as she finally turned around to meet Celestia's eyes.

"Of course Luna.Before you go, I came here to apologize for last night's argument. I should've realized that you only held your best interests for Twilight, and I appreciate it. I really do."

Luna wanted to roll her eyes, but seeing that Celestia was right in front of her, it was wise not to. She didn't need another argument breaking out and slowing her down.

"I told you last night to forget our small disagreement. It's nothing to worry yourself over."

Celestia stepped closer as a look of sincerity, and a hint of sadeness swam within her eyes.

"I know Luna, but I couldn't help it after you left last night. I already lost you once due to our grievances, and I don't want to lose you again."

Celestia wrapped one of her forelegs over Luna's neck as she embraced her.

"I'm sorry Luna."

Luna releuctantly put her own arm around her white neck. It was tempting to try and just choke the life out of her and see her eyes roll back into her skull. It was very tempting, but she resisted, much to her dismay. They hugged for a few moments until they broke away.

"Well, I better go. I just wanted to get that out and see you off. The court will be in session soon, and I'm needed."

Please do go. I have a pony to kill.

"Very well sister. I will go out and begin my task. If I find any trace of Pinkie Pie, I will report it immediatly."

Celestia nodded and unfurled her wings. She bent her legs and flew off into the early morning.

"Too bad there won't be anything to report," Luna said slyly to herself. Celestia thought she was so smart and insightful, but the dark alicorn was playing her right under her muzzle. Luna followed suit as a small smile spread across her face, and took off into the sky.

The warm air slapped against her face and the wind whipped past her ears. It was truly a quiet morning as she flew over Canterlot. No pony was out or moving about, while darkness flew over them. How easy it would be to burn all of them while they slept, feeling safe and secure, but this would be senseless.

Now, the report was vague in stating that Pinkie might have been seen on the outskirts of Canterlot, but Luna had a keen eye, even from bird's eye view. She flew over the walls of Canterlot and was now beginning her search. Trees were abundant and covered her view of the ground. Besides the railroad track that guided the express, Canterlot was surrounded by forest and variety's of foliage, so to a regular pony, this task would prove difficult. Luna was one of the regal sisters, and tracking other ponies was not something alien to her. It wasn't difficult that night when she killed the four elements, so it wouldn't be difficult now.

But what if they were wrong?

The thought pierced Luna's mind like a poison. What if Celestia's guards were wrong? What if she was looking for a pink pony that was never here? Luna could only hope for Celestia's guard sake that they had half a brain to know what they saw, or all her anticipation and yearning would be all for not. Some pony would die today, if not Pinkie, then she will decided to makes usre to find the guards who gave such ludicrous information.

Luna continued scanning the area for anything out of the ordinary as she was just barely over the treeline. Her head went left to right, as if it was on a swivel, and took in every little detail, but nothing was coming up out of the ordinary. It would be nice to see just a blur of pink come across her sight, making this a bit easier for Luna. Her search was proving fruitless, so Luna desceneded into the forest and landed on the dirt, careful not to hit any branch or tree on the way. If she couldn't find anything from the air, then be close to the ground. Pinkie Pie has eluded her for the past two years, so there must be a reason why she was good at concealing herself. Luna couldn't let anything go amiss.

It was somewhat dark, but the morning sun's rays were penetrating through the canopy of trees and lightened up the ground. She walked as she looked at the ground and trees, and kept her ears perked up for the slightest sound of a hoof, or even the crunch of a dead leaf. There was much forest to be searched, but she could only hope that she was in the general area of the sightings. Celestia had told her that the sightings have been appearing north of the forest, but there was much north to search. She could have brought her own guards to search the entire area, but she needed to do this. She had to kill Pinkie Pie herself.

Crick

Luna quickly turned around hearing the crack of a stick near her. Her heart jumped with excitement, hoping to see a pink bouncy mane. What befell her was not a pink mane, but a simple small squirrlel. It went over to her as it sat next to her hoof and looked up at her with bulging black eyes. Alicorns were a different race of pony of course, but many didn't know that Celestia and Luna had a connection with nature itself, being that they raise the moon and sun, bringing day and night to Equestria.

"Have you seen a pink pony around here?" Luna asked as she looked down at the small critter smiling.

It shook it's head, not knowing of what she was speaking about.

"Pity."

She raised her hoof and smashed the creature as it's eyes popped out of it's skull and blood splattered on the ground. The squirrels skeleton cracked and broke under such power, and its only remains were smashed organs and bones drenched in blood.

"I guess you are of no use to me then."

She figured if she didn't find Pinkie, at least she killed something that she despised. She continued walking as dead leaves crunched and sticks cracked under her hooves, and one of them covered in rodent's blood. She took in every detail. The bark of the trees, the shadows, and even the insects that scurried away from her.

You better be here Pinkie. I would hate to have to waste time here. Make it worth it.

She had so many plans for that sweet mare. Death would be a welcomed luxury by the time she was done with her. Dark thoughts of torture and defilement ran a plenty in her twisted mind, but she needed to find her first to make them reality.

Luna continued as her patience was waning but shortly caught wiff of something. A pleasent smell filled her nostrils. It was a smell she knew a long time ago when she was younger. It was the odor of cooked oats with a mix of wildberries. Luna quietly and quickly followed the odor to it's origination, hoping it was Pinkie cooking her final meal. She was vigilant to keep quiet. She didn't need her hearing her before she got there. She passed trees and woodland critters as the smell became more and more powerful within her nostrils. She continued as her dark heart raced with excitement at the possibility of progression of her goals.

Teal eyes squinted as she made out a small house out in the distance. This must be where the delectable smell was coming from, but the odor could not distract the alicorn. Only thoughts of death consumed her, and the stench of a corpse mixed with blood would be the only odor to whet her appetite for any nourishment this day. She was appraoching the small house slowly as her eyes darted, taking in the phenotype of such droll architect. It was a simple place of residence. It was built by logs of wood with one window and a small chimney bellowing out white smoke. It was a log cabin, a cabin that was never metioned within the report. How could Celestia's guards not mention this, seeing that smoke rose from it. How could any pony miss that?

She appraoached the door, but was unsure if to knock, or simply let herself in, but that trivial uncertainty was dissolved away as the door opened and revealed it's inhabitant. An earth pony with a black fedora hat and a scar that ran down his lower lip met her.

"Oh, well this is a surprise" he said, "I didn't expect to see one of the regals at my doorstep."

Luna was quick with her answer.

"I am sorry. I seemed to have stumbled upon your home, and was about to preceed to knock and inquire about that lovely smell that seems to uplift this forest air."

She was quick indeed. Luna didn't know if Pinkie was here, but she could always search. Maybe she was hiding in here with this unknown stallion. Either way she knew she wouldn't be denied entrance, even though it would be under a different guise of intentions.

"That would be my breakfast that I'm currently cooking."

"Well, it simply does smell delicious."

Luna was somewhat puzzled as she put on her mask of friendliness and compliment. Usually when ponies saw her, they would immediatly bow to her in fear, though their fear was misguided. There was something to fear of her, but ponies knew not the reason. This stallion didn't bow to her or showed any apparent signs of fear. Even his speech was one of just causality. In a way, she admired it.

"Yeah, and I was just coming out here to get some berries, until I ran into her highness," the stallion said with a small smile.

"Oh I see. Well while were at the subject of food, I can't help but to ask if I may dine with you. I am quite famished and smelling this work has really whet my appetite. Unless of course, you have family or guests.." Luna trailed off, giving her most sincere and innocent look.

It was sudden, especially to ask a complete stranger for such hospitality, but she knew she wasn't here to eat. She needed to know if Pinkie was hiding here, or at least if she's been here, and she needed to be forward. Besides, why would this stallion deny her? She was, again, a princess.

"Oh of course Princess Luna. I would be honored to have one of the regal sisters eat with me."

"Will I be interrupting anything? I don't mean to intrude on any other family or guests you may have," Luna said, trying to fake her consideration.

The stallion smiled once more.

"No, no, I live by myself here. Have been for the past three years actually."

He was lying.

Luna saw his eyes move to the left for a second when he answered her, and a small nerve was twitching within his face. No pony would have noticed such small and supposedly meaningless features, but she was a mare of detail. Some pony was here or is here with him, and he didn't want her to know. Hopefully he was lying for a certain pink pony. She continued playing her part.

"Very well. Shall we go inside so I may admire your furnishings and such?"

He nodded and turned to lead her inside. She caught a glimpse of his cutie mark. It had a black quill over a notepad with scribbling over it. A journalist perhaps, and possibly a dead one if Pinkie was cowering with him. She enetered the cabin and the smell of oats overpowered her senses. The smell was much stronger and almost nauseating. There was a small table with a white cloth over it with two chairs on opposite sides.

Another mistake.

He claimed to live alone, even though Luna knew it to be a lie, but yet had two chairs at a dining table. Why would he need two chairs for some pony that was alone? The answer had to be that some pony is here with him.

"Take a seat Princess," he said as he motioned for a chair.

"Thank you for such kindess. I would address you by your name, but you have not introduced yourself," Luna said as she sat in the chair, curious to what this liars name was.

He went over to a pot that was boiling over a fire pit that sat in the middle of this makeshift kitchen. Luna looked around quickly to know her surroundings. There were no pictures or anything pointing to other ponies being here. There was a small entrance that looked like it led to the main room, as it seemed bigger and more open than this somewaht dainty kitchen she sat in.

"Oh! Sorry about that. Forgot my manners. My name is Quill."

"Quill?" Luna said, cocking her brow at such a strange name.

"That's right Princess. Just Quill," he said cheerfully as he grabbed a couple bowls and started to pour the meal into them.

Your parents must have despised you to give you such a name.

"Very well then Quill."

Quill went and put the bowl of warm oats in front of her with a pristine silver spoon, and he preceded to take his seat across from her.

"Like I said before Princess Luna, I was going to get out and get some more berries for this, but couldn't deny royalty at my door now could I?"

"Well, your princess appreciates such hospitality," Princess Luna encouraged as she brought the spoon of oat into her mouth. She didn't even notice the taste, as her focus was on something bigger than food. Quill had lied to her, and for a reason. Pinkie could be that reason.

Quill also took a bite of the meal, and preceeded with small talk.

"So do you come out here often Princess?"

Luna swallowed the food as she began her web of lies.

"Yes, very much so. It relaxes me to walk under the warmth of the morning sun. I work very hard during the night, so it's nice to have some peace at times."

"I know the feeling. Believe me."

Luna took another bite, eyeing Quill carefully. She was looking for any sign of tension within him, any tell tale sign that would give him away. She had to make him slip,and see what he was hiding.

"So what is your profession Quill?"

He took another bite.

"I'm a writer of short stories and such. Nothing much."

He was a writer. It meant that he was creative and intuitive. He could be a good liar, but he can't lie to one that has been around for so long. She had to press him. She didn't have time for trivial talk, because if she was wrong, then Pinkie was never really here and the report was wrong, or she was too stupid to find the mare. She would not have either.

"So, you said you have been living out her for the past three years?"

Quill gobbled another bite of oats.

"Yeah. I came from Las Pegasus. Got really tired of all the noise and stuff, so I moved near Canterlot in the forest. It's quite here."

"Las Pegasus can be bothersome. I can imagine you don't get many visitors here."

"Sorry to say, no I don't, but it's okay for me. You would actually be my first visitor Princess."

Another lie.

His left eye slightly twitched when he said 'first.' She's not his first visitor, so there's been some pony else. She took another bite, antsy to get the truth. The truth that he has seen Pinkie Pie.

"Really? Well, glad to be the first then," Luna said with her fake smile, "It's nice to have a simple breakfast once in a while. Gives some simplicity in life."

"I can imagine. Being Princess probably has it's complexities," Quill replied as he finished his bowl.

Luna got him.

"Yes it does, and searching for a murderer is only making it more complicated."

Quill didn't faulter as he put his dish in the small sink and ran water across it.

"Oh yeah, I know what you're referring to Princess. I heard about that when I went into Canterlot one day. It was all over the tabloids about Pinkie Pie and her friends in Ponyville. It said that it was gruesome to say the least. Glad that you were there for that unicorn, err.."

"Twilight Sparkle."

"Ah, yes, that was her name."

He had slipped up big time. He mentioned Pinkie Pie's name, as identifiying her with being the murderer. This was true, but her name was never disclosed within the tabloids as she made sure that it wasn't. The only ponies that knew were the residents of Ponyville, and any realtives they shared. As far as that, ponies only knew the murder, nothing more. He knew who Pinkie Pie was, and no doubt she was here. She curled her lips in a satisfying smile as he continued cleaning his bowl and spoke.

"It's a shame really. She was the Element of Laughter and such. Damn shame," he turned with a look of seriousness, "I hope you find her soon. She needs to face her crimes for such things."

He must've have thought he was playing her as a fool. She was going to enjoy breaking him.

"As do I, but something strikes me interestingly that I wish to ask you about.

Quill turned around with curiosity.

"And what would that be Princess?"

"How do you know that Pinkie Pie did it, when the tabloids never mentioned the murderer's name?"

"Who else would it be? We all know Twilight didn't do it, and Pinkie went missing."

He was good, but it was still a fatal flaw on his part as he didn't answer her question.

"But it was never confirmed in the tabloids Quill. I made sure of that."

Quill sat back down in his chair, but Luna noticed his demeanor of cheerfulness had left, replaced by a sense of seriousness and if she wasn't mistaken, a hint of hate.

"Then my memory must be getting weak I suppose. With all the sleepless nights writing and such, I'm not surprised. My mistake then Princess."

Luna put her spoon to her mouth once more, thinking. She was sure that he had an idea about something, but his web of lies were tangling him. Either he was telling the truth and he was simply daft, or he was a terrible liar.

"How are the oats Princess? I hope it serves well for such a sophisticated pallet as yours," Quill said trying to change the subject.

Luna knew what he was doing, and she would not relent.

"It's good. Thank you, but back to what we were discussing. What makes you think that Pinkie Pie committed such acts? As I said before, it was never metioned within the press, and I certainly have not disclosed such information, as I know who the killer is."

Quill raised his brow.

"And who would that be Princess? Most ponies believe it was Pinkie Pie, but if you know who really did it, then shouldn't the public know so they dont convict an innocent?"

Luna couldn't help but smile.

"Are you implying that the killer is not Pinkie? I didn't say it wasn't Pinkie or not, just that I know who the killer is."

He was going to fall. There had been too many mistakes in his demeanor and statements. Quill was hiding something.

"Would be a shame wouldn't it Princess? Being blamed for something that you didn't do?"

She could sense anger underneath his words. There was no doubt now.

"Yes, yes it would. So let's quit the games then Quill."

She stood up, keeping the smile on her face. She was enjoying this small mental game with this stallion, but it had been enough. He stood up also as he planted his fore hooves on the table.

"There's no game being played here. I know what your looking for Luna. I saw you even before you got here hovering in the sky."

"So, you know the truth then. That means you seen her."

Quill kept his stance, not faultering in his posture.

"Your insane Luna. How could you do such a thing? You're a princess, some pony that's supposed to care for her subjects."

Luna scoffed.

"Do not lecture me. Tell me where Pinkie is, and I may spare you. I should kill you where you stand for trying to play me as some foal. You know where Pinkie is, and you will tell me where she is."

Quill narrowed his eyes in defiance.

"I'm not telling you shit. After what I learned, you're a monster. A monster that needs to be put down."

Luna laughed at such hollow threat.

"It's funny how you were so friendly moments ago Quill, and now you threaten your princess? I will ask one more time. Where is Pinkie Pie!?"

Luna and Quill stared at each other as tension grew silently in the room. A weak stallion againt a powerful alicorn. Did he not know the horrors she could bring upon him? Luna lost her patience, recieving no answer from him.

"I see you made your choice. So be it Quill."

"Wait!"

Luna's heart stopped. The voice, the voice that sang into her ears. She turned around and her teal eyes filled with satisfaction at the sight before her.

It was Pinkie Pie, covered in a black cloak with a hood that was pulled back. She still had the same blue irises, but her mane was flat along with her tail. Her coat was a darker shade of pink than she remembered. The mare that got away, was now before her.

"Well, it's been a while Pinkie Pie," Luna said.

"Don't hurt him Luna."

Her voice wasn't bubbly and bouncy as it was a couple years ago, but it sounded sad and depressed. It was innocent but filled with fear.

"Pinkie! Why are you back here?!" Quill yelled from behind Luna, but he was quickly silenced.

"Enough of your talk!"

Luna's horn released a bolt of magic as she turned to him, and it smashed into the earth pony's chest, knocking him out in an instant.

"No!" Pinkie yelled, but she dare didn't take a step.

Luna turned back towards her with her wicked smile.

"Don't worry about him, he will be fine."

Pinkie Pie looked at her with a fear. The same fear that she saw within her the she killed her pathetic friends. She had gotten away before, but here they were again, only this time, she would not let her escape.

Pinkie Pie will finally die.

" Now Pinkie, I think you and I have some unfinished business to take care of."