Eternity

The ballroom of the Castle of Friendship was filled with ponies of all races, each dressed in extravagant, perfectly tailored clothing. Lively conversation and joyful laughter filled the room, accompanied by the gentle melodies of the performing band.

The calmness was obliterated by an excited, ear-piercing shriek. "TWILIGHT!"

Everyone within earshot turned, curiosity and annoyance mixed in their eyes. A mare with a bright pink coat had tackled a lavender alicorn to the ground in a tight hug, practically strangling her. Realising it was nothing to be alarmed by, the guests returned to their business as if nothing had happened.

The crowned Princess of Friendship known as Twilight Sparkle weaved her way through the crowds, her friend literally bouncing along beside her. "So Twilight," she asked, eyes gleaming with joy. "What's the flower for?"

A purple glow surrounding the pink rose in her hair, Twilight sighed as she gently withdrew it. Her eyes welled with unshed tears, her voice soft as she choked back a sob. "For Celestia," she whispered.

Pinkie Pie's smile faded, her ears flattening against her head. She cast her gaze to the ground, guilt filling her chest. "Oh. Sorry I said anything." She stopped walking, merely watching as the princess continued towards the small shrine at the back of the ballroom.

"Don't beat yourself up over it, dear," said Rarity with an articulate, soothing voice nearby. "She knows you mean well."

Forcing herself to smile, Pinkie Pie turned to greet the white unicorn. "Thanks, Rarity." Taking in the fashion designer's appearance, she whistled. "Wow..."

Rarity smirked, flipping her head so that her mane - neatly tied in a ponytail- was draped over her shoulder. "Why thank you darling," she purred. "It may have taken me ten weeks, but I think it paid off."

Pinkie grinned, "Paid off? It did more than that! You look so good!" she exclaimed, enveloping the mare in a tight hug.

The unicorn frowned, lightly patting her friend on the head like one would do to a foal. "Yes...thank you." Abruptly, she pried herself away from the pink mare's crushing hold. "But please, you're going to wrinkle the dress."

"Okay," she muttered. A thought occurring to her, she questioned. "Where's Fluttershy?"

"She didn't want to come. Something about being uncomfortable in big social events where people might recognize her."

Pinkie nodded in understanding. Fluttershy's work with animals had progressed over the last five years, to the point where she had been requested by a few Canterlot elite to care for their pets. So if she had attended the Gala, there would have been at least a few ponies who would have acknowledged her.

"Oh, and it seems Rainbow is over there with the Wonderbolts," continued Rarity, catching a glimpse of a blue coat and multi-colored mane and tail in the group of elite flyers.

Before Pinkie could question further, a short melody of trumpets rang out.

The room grew silent, everyone's gaze turning to the grand staircase. Luna - The Night Princess - slowly emerged, her posture straight and expression blank. Her gown was a deep, royal purple, with black feathers decorating the back and dragging behind her as she descended the stairs. Silky black socks encased her forelegs, and her mane was done in an intricate bun, with several curls brushing against her cheeks.

Raising her chin, she addressed her subjects with the professional tone she had mastered over the years. "Welcome, everypony. I sincerely hope you all enjoy the evening."

No sooner had she finished speaking than the music started again. Luna began walking through the crowds, greeting all with a smile, although her mind was elsewhere. Her cousin, Prince Blueblood, was apparently among the guests. To say it concerned her was an understatement.

While it was true that the prince was spoiled and childish, that was not what worried her. In the past, he had made no secret of wanting to claim the throne of Equestria, being fourth in line in his own kingdom. Because of this, he was extremely judgemental, clutching onto even the slightest imperfection or flaw in her and her rule, to make himself appear better.

"Ah, Luna. How lovely to see you."

She barely suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. Speak of the devil, and the devil shall come. Forcing a pleasant smile, she turned to the white unicorn stallion as he approached. She had despised him her entire life, and from what she could tell the feelings were mutual.

Blueblood greeted her with a polite nod of his head. He narrowed his eyes and swallowed, fighting to keep a civil tone. "You look well."

A smirk danced across Luna's mouth. He almost sounded disappointed. Hoping I would fall ill, cousin? How cruel...but I suspected nothing less from you.

"The Gala looks lovely," growled Blueblood through gritted teeth. Seeing the smugness on the mare's face nearly sent him into a rage, but he pushed it back. He had to keep up appearances, just for a little while longer.

Seeing his gentlemanly facade beginning to crack, Luna broke into a grin. Now would be the time when he would usually throw some foalish tantrum and make a fool of himself.

But she hadn't been expecting his true reaction.

Blueblood stepped back, a faint glow surrounding his horn. A sword appeared from nowhere and hovered in mid-air, the unicorn's magic holding the golden hilt. Ponies screamed and scattered, putting as much distance between the two cousins as possible. The tension in the air was thick as Blueblood stared at the mare, eyes aflame with jealous rage.

Luna merely stood in place.

Blueblood gave a cold laugh, "Come on Lulu," he taunted. "Say something!" Receiving no response, he stamped his hoof and aimed his sword at her heart. "Come on!" he yelled. "Beg for my mercy!"

She sighed as if incredibly bored, clearly unfazed by the threat of death. "Put that away before you hurt yourself."

Blueblood tensed, bringing his sword back and preparing to run it through her chest. "Die!"

It all happened in seconds. Blue smoke snaked its way through the cracks in a nearby window. The smoke swiftly took form, becoming a tall alicorn. The creature fixed its furious gaze on Blueblood. "You know," she purred, "The world would prove to be very boring if it weren't for foolish little foals like you."

With a yell of rage, Blueblood threw the sword, sending it sailing through the air, the point bearing down on Luna's heart.

Nightmare Moon moved her head, catching the weapon between her teeth just a hoof length away from the princess. She bit down with little effort, the blade snapping in two like a twig. The broken metal chimed against the floor as it fell at the creature's hooves, a deep chuckle coming from her throat.

Luna smirked, eyes half-lidded in satisfaction at her cousin's terrified gaze. "I assume you were expecting to only have to deal with guards when you planned to kill me. Well, I assure you, Prince Blueblood, that any ordinary guard pales in comparison to what you see before you."

Nightmare Moon's breathing was heavy as she ran her tongue along her pointed teeth. "Give me your orders, my Mistress. By your command, I will destroy this traitorous scum without a second thought."

Her smirk faded, becoming a vicious sneer of hate. Wrath gleamed in her steely eyes as she took a single step forward. "Kill him!" she commanded sharply, "Cut him down where he stands, Nightmare! I do not want my family name tainted with his existence!"

"As you wish."

The monstrous alicorn lunged, swiftly running her long horn through the traitor's chest. Blueblood's screams were muffled by gargling as his mouth filled with blood. Death took him swiftly, his eyes glazing over in lifelessness and his body slumping over like a doll. Indifferently, Nightmare Moon bent her head, the dead unicorn sliding off her bloodstained horn and onto the floor. The body suddenly erupted into blue fire. Within seconds, the fire slowly extinguished itself, leaving not a trace of the assassinated prince. Any traces of blood disappeared, the crimson liquid dripping from Nightmare's horn seemingly absorbed into her skin.

Luna's eyes traveled to the crowds of ponies, huddled together in speechless horror. She needed to deliver an explanation, and quickly. Clearing her throat loudly to draw everyone's attention, she raised her chin and projected her voice. "Please, no one needs to fear. Nightmare will not be a threat to you. She has been under my control for the past five years; that will not change. You need not worry for your lives."

Only murmurings amongst the crowds followed, to her relief. The last thing she needed was an uproar or some kind of disorderly panic. Calmly returning her gaze to her servant, her expression went blank once more. "Come, Nightmare. We're leaving. I don't think our presence will do anything but put everypony on edge."

The monster bowed her head, "Yes, my Mistress."

OOO

The roads were quiet, with only the low hum of insects and various nocturnal animals as the only sounds from nature. The clicking hooves of four muscular stallions could be heard as they pulled a carriage along, the light from the moon seemed to reflect off the roof.

Inside sat Luna, eyes closed and her head resting against the back of her velvet seat. She could feel the dark energy radiating from the creature beside her, could feel its eyes watching her every movement.

Yet she didn't fear for her life. Not only because she knew Nightmare couldn't harm her...but because she could no longer feel fear. As each year passed, many emotions had become but a faded memory. She could no longer feel things such as joy or excitement, sadness or compassion. She barely even remembered what those words meant anymore.

Only two emotions remained within her: pride and anger, both of which she had experienced when her cousin had threatened to take her life just moments ago.

"I think you handled this evening very well, Princess," complimented a voice. It was smooth, articulate and soft, almost soothing.

Luna smiled, opening her eyes to observe the unicorn stallion who had addressed her. His coat was a dark gray, like smoke from a fire. He sat in front of her, watching the ponies pulling the carriage to catch sight of any limping or other issues. His straight posture coupled with his slim body made him seem even taller than he already was, his long mane and tail as black as the midnight sky. His mane was tied back in a neat ponytail with a piece of red string, although a few strands fell over his handsome face.

The soft moonlight showed a clear view of his cutie mark: a bright blue scythe.

Luna caught the reflection of his deep blue eyes in the small mirror above him. The somewhat darker color of his right eye meant that he was unable to see clearly. That is, without the assistance of the monocle currently secured in place around the faulty eye.

The unicorn sighed, his gaze focused on the road ahead. "Well, I assume now it's acceptable for me to voice my hatred of that overgrown foal. He really was a royal pain, Princess." A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth, "Not to speak ill of the dead, of course."

Luna huffed, glancing out the carriage window. Greystone Sword, her personal butler, may have been a trusted companion, but he also tended to have a dark, twisted sense of humor. Perhaps she would have had one as well if anything, at all, could still amuse her.

Blowing a lock of her mane out of her eyes, the alicorn princess continued watching the scenery. She had always thought the world was far more beautiful at night. It may have been vain of her, but she adored the placement of stars and how the moonlight would cast its glow on even the smallest of things to weave them into the night.

“You and your night have many similarities,” Nightmare commented casually from beside her. “Like you, it is cold and without mercy or care.”

Luna’s only response was a small snort. There was a part of her - a part she desperately tried to repress - that knew her servant was correct. She was indeed merciless to any and all that opposed her, even if they shared her bloodline.

She truly had become like the night itself: cold and unforgiving.