Chapters PROLOGUE - RELEASED NIGHTMARE
I have to free myself from this prison in my mind...if I don’t at least try, I will be doomed to a life of misery . These were Luna’s only thoughts as her hooves clicking on the polished stone as she walked through the quiet halls of her castle. The moonlight from her precisely crafted night shone through the arched windows, illuminating the stained-glass designs of various royalty that had come before.
It had only been two days since the incident in Canterlot at the royal wedding of Princess Cadence. Only two days since the invasion of Changelings. They had been defeated, but nothing could be done to erase the terror that still lingered in the hearts of ponies. The guilt of her actions was already proving too much to take. What she had done...it had cost her a loss that she feared she would never recover from. Her older sister.
Her steps grew heavy as she approached the gigantic doors leading to the library.
"You should be proud...we will finally be Queen ."
Luna clenched her teeth as the voice invaded her mind. How she still managed to have a single coherent thought of her own was beyond her. She couldn't go a single day without seeing some kind of hallucination, lashing out at nothing or seeming to talk to someone who no one else could see.
She had heard the whispers of ponies around Canterlot. She knew that many deemed her a mad-mare, saying that the mental stress caused by the use of The Elements of Harmony on her had caused her to snap. But how could that be true, if she was well aware that her behavior wasn't normal? How could that be true when it had been confirmed that there really was another presence in her head?
It was that same other constant presence that had controlled her, manipulating her to do the unforgivable.
"Do not be so melodramatic, Luna ," chastised the familiar voice in her mind. "We have finally won. No longer will we live under our sister's shadow ."
She slammed her eyes closed. "SILENCE NIGHTMARE!" she yelled, her strong voice echoing through the corridor.
"You will never get away from me. I am here to stay, no matter what you may pretend ."
Opening the library doors, Luna sighed, struggling to keep her voice calm and subdued. "There is no way to get rid of you permanently, that much is true. But there is a way to be rid of your control."
The voice hummed, seemingly intrigued. "Do tell, sweet princess ."
Luna growled in rage, refusing to answer. She merely headed for the spellbook she had previously set on the table, to be ready when she needed it. Her horn emitting a pale blue glow, she opened the thick book. It was centuries old, the rough pages held together by a rapidly fraying thread. The stale smell assaulted her nose. She peered at the cursive writing and faded illustrations, committing the instructions to memory.
Luna drew a deep breath, dread twisting in her stomach. She knew this was going to be painful, and there would be no way to reverse it. But it didn't matter. There was no going back now.
Power surged inside her horn, the glow changing to a vibrant red. She stepped back, closing her eyes and balancing her stance, feeling a dull tugging on the tip like someone pulling on a numb limb.
She stumbled back with a grunt of pain, leaning her full body against the wall. Her body, shaking and already coated in sweat from the intense use of magic, could barely stay upright. Weakly, she attempted to open her eyes before slamming them shut again with a cry, a sharp stabbing pain going directly to her head.
She choked back a sob, trying desperately to close her eyes as much as possible. As if the agony would lessen if she didn't acknowledge it. She could hardly breathe, feeling as though the air was slowly being sucked from her lungs.
Without warning, it all stopped.
For a few moments, she was still, her eyes remaining closed until she was sure no further suffering would come. Slowly opening her eyes, she gazed upon the sight before her.
Staring up at the monstrous alicorn towering over her, she briefly wondered if this was all a simple illusion. Perhaps the spell hadn’t truly worked. After all, the only thing the creature was doing was standing there. I-Is this real? With a shake of her head, she decided it had to be. The spell had been especially created to remove parasitic dark forces like Nightmare Moon, giving them a separate physical form so they would no longer be able to control their former hosts.
But it also meant they were bound in eternal servitude.
The alicorn remained quiet and unmoving, like a statue, as its glowing eyes studied her closely. Suddenly its long legs bent and it bowed its head to Luna. The Night Princess's breathing was heavy as she took in the creature's appearance.
Her body was a dark blue, almost black, her eyes a piercing turquoise and pupils slit like a cat. Her facial structures were angular and sharp. Her dark mane and tail reached the floor, both seeming to move of their own free will like creeping shadows. She grinned, revealing a mouth filled with pointed teeth, the razor-sharp tips catching the light.
Her voice was deep and sultry, almost hypnotic. "I am yours to command, Night Princess."
Luna ignored her, moving towards the spellbook still lying open on the table. She had an awful feeling that there was something she had overlooked. But perhaps it was only her nerves. Only her mind trying to process what she had done.
Glancing down at the spellbook, she muttered the final passage to herself. "Please note that the performance of this spell will result in a gradual loss of certain emotions..." she trailed off, slamming the book closed with the magic of her horn.
She stepped back, her eyes wide and her heart pounding. L-Loss of emotions? Which ones? How quickly? She shook her head, stamping the floor with a hoof and shoving those thoughts to the back of her mind.
Perhaps it wouldn't be that bad, to lose the ability to feel a few emotions. It would lessen the agony of her guilt. It would enable her to rule Equestria without crippling sorrow holding her back.
She rounded on the alicorn creature behind her, who had returned to standing. Still, that sharp-toothed grin was spread across her face. "Give me your orders, my Mistress."
Luna straightened her posture, raising her chin. Clearing her throat, she projected her voice. "What shall I call you?"
The creature bent her head, looking the princess in the eyes. She blinked, "Why, you may call me what you always have...Nightmare."
CHAPTER ONE - UNFORGIVING
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.
CHAPTER TWO - DAMAGE CONTROL
Luna's enraged cries could be heard all throughout the castle. "Oh bucking Tartarus!"
The alicorn snorted in frustration, spreading her legs apart so she would remain perfectly balanced. Muttering a string of curses she lowered her head, her horn pointing to the arched window in front of her. Let's try this again .
A bright blue glow surrounded her horn and she raised her head, grunting from the effort and sweat dripping down her face. Her eyes were shut tightly, both from pain and sheer concentration.
Slowly, the sun rose to its place in the sky.
The glow of her horn vanished and she stepped back, eyes wide and gasping for breath. She had undertaken the responsibility of raising both the sun and moon ever since her sister's death, yet it still proved to be a difficult task.
An irritatingly cheerful male voice attracted her attention. "Why, if it isn't our fearless leader, The Night Princess. You know, I could always raise the sun for you."
She rounded on him, eyes burning with rage at the mere suggestion. "Watch your tongue, vile draconequus! We would rather die than have thou unholy power be used to raise our sister's symbol!"
"Careful, princess," taunted Discord. "Your old speech patterns are coming back."
"What do you want?"
"Only to offer my condolences about your ‘beloved’ cousin."
Luna clenched her jaw, "I do not mourn his death. He was nothing but a traitor, an assassin that had to be disposed of."
Discord smirked, "You seem tense, Lulu...here." He clicked his claws, a lit cigar appearing between the princess's teeth.
She spat it out immediately and stamped her hoof, unamused by his antics. "You obviously want something, so out with it."
Discord laughed, "Is that any way to talk to someone who's trying to help?" he purred.
She scowled, suspicion in her eyes. "Just what is it that I need help with?"
The draconequus raised a disbelieving brow, "Just last night you were attacked and nearly killed by a member of your own family. Don't you think that's a reason to be a little more careful?"
An echoing, disembodied voice was his answer. "Why would my Mistress have a reason to fear such trivial things? That miserable foal was easily taken care of."
Whereas most would have been frightened or disturbed by the new presence, Discord smiled as if hearing the voice of a much-loved friend. "Why, if it isn't Lulu's most precious little toy. Tell me guard dog, do you roll over and play nice as well, or is biting all you’re good for?"
Easily phasing through a wall to stand beside Luna, Nightmare Moon narrowed her eyes. "You disrespect me in such a way and expect me to let you live?"
Luna cast a cold glare up at her, "Nightmare," she growled. "Calm yourself. He claims to be useful."
Nightmare eyed him expectantly, as if she was genuinely curious. "Do tell."
Discord clapped his hands together, "Ah, so it seems we're all on the same page now. Terrific!" His smile faded somewhat, and he glanced down at his claws, seemingly inspecting them for dirt. "My help is more of a...warning than anything."
Luna's expression remained blank. "Continue."
"Well it seems those pompous stuck-ups think you aren't fit to rule, after your cousin's failed attempt to kill you. Apparently, they've been spreading all forms of nasty gossip. Oh, and of course, the unexpected appearance of your..." he glanced briefly at Nightmare, "Um...personal guard...certainly didn't help the way some ponies see you."
Luna nodded, "Very well." Without ever breaking her gaze from Discord, she ordered. "Nightmare, inform Greystone that we are holding a meeting with the Canterlot nobles as soon as possible."
"As you wish, my Mistress," she replied, before disappearing back through the wall.
Luna gave the smallest hint of a smile filled with smugness. "After today, there won't be any further issues, Discord. I thank you for the information. You may go."
OOO
One would imagine that, since the Royal Throne of Equestria had originally been built specifically for Celestia, The Night Princess would look foolish sitting upon it in her sister's place. However, as the nobles entered they were speechless with a mix of fear and awe.
Luna sat in the throne with perfect posture, her eyes steely and focused on the approaching visitors. Whereas there had once been up to twenty guards surrounding the princess, there now only stood two ponies. A large, dark alicorn mare to her left, and a slim, sharply-dressed unicorn stallion on her right.
One noble - an unicorn mare with a pink coat and strawberry blonde mane - spoke first. "Princess Luna," she said carefully, "We have some...concerns about your way of doing things."
"Concerns?"
The unicorn went to answer, but a pegasus mare interrupted. "Quite frankly, Princess, there must have been a reason that your cousin would try and kill you. There must have been a reason he was unhappy with you."
There was a collective gasp. The temperature in the room seemed to drop.
A growl like rumbling thunder broke the shocked silence. Nightmare was glaring down at the mare, her lip curled back and baring her sharp teeth. However, a single movement of Luna's hoof stopped her from saying a word.
The Night Princess slowly descended her throne. "Miss...Valentine, was it?"
The pegasus nodded, her legs beginning to shake. "Y-Yes, Princess."
Luna stopped milimetres from the offending mare's face, their noses almost touching. She spoke in a low, chilling tone, barely above a whisper. "Well Miss Valentine, let me make one thing perfectly clear. My cousin was attempting to take the throne even when my sister was alive. Now, you wouldn't dare say anything...uncomplimentary about Celestia, would you?"
"O-Of course not."
Suddenly, a stallion noble cleared his throat. "Princess...where is Miss Crown?"
Luna whirled around in confusion. Indeed, the unicorn from earlier - Miss Whimsy Crown, apparently - had disappeared. Instantly, the princess cast a puzzled look to Nightmare. Oh Faust...don't tell me she ate her!
Seeing her Mistress's accusing glare, Nightmare blinked. "Do you truly think I would eat a noble, especially in your presence?"
Luna sighed, returning to her throne, "I suppose not." She remained silent. Something about the sudden disappearance didn't sit well with her. She was unable to truly feel it...but she just knew she felt...off.
She turned again to Nightmare, only to see that she was staring off into the distance, eyes glazed over and unfocused. The princess smirked. Given her nature, Nightmare Moon was able to see anywhere she wished in the castle. Any location, at any time.
She was already searching for the unicorn.
Suddenly, Nightmare's eyes returned to their normal state. A grin slowly spread across her mouth, her eyes gleaming with a sadistic glee. "She's coming...with an army. She has an army of strange ponies, ones I have not seen before. If I'd hazard a guess, she's coming to kill you, Mistress...and possibly the rest of us.”
The remaining nobles began whispering to each other, shivering in fear. Luna, however, remained unnaturally tranquil, practically indifferent. "Nightmare, you will stay here and protect me and the rest of our visitors..."
A panicked earth pony stallion interrupted. "Is she our only defence? They need to be stopped before they get here, or she won’t be able to protect us all!"
Luna gave a sly grin in response. "Actually, she is not our only defence." She paused for a few moments, inhaling a deep breath. "Greystone...go teach these foals a lesson. They are not to leave here alive."
"Yes, Princess."
OOO
Whimsy Crown smirked as she walked down the long corridors of the Royal Castle, a small army of bat-winged ponies behind her. The sharp fangs protruding from their mouths were not decorations, but were in fact genuine.
She still found it amusing how her real bat-ponies had managed to outdo Luna's guards.
Suddenly, a blinding silver light erupted in front of them for mere milliseconds. Rubbing her eyes, Whimsy frowned in confusion. Standing in their path, was Luna's butler, a grey glow surrounding his horn.
Something blue flashed before her eyes.
Her entire first row of ponies literally fell apart into pieces, pools of blood staining the floor and her hooves. Her eyes widened and she tried to speak, yet no words came out.
Greystone approached slowly and calmly, and she could now identify what the strange flash of blue had been. Ten incredibly thin wisps of blue magic, almost invisible, swirled around him, coming from his horn. They seemed endless in their length.
Greystone smirked, although there was a darkness to it that made her shudder. "Hello again, Miss Crown. Lost your way?"
The mare growled, then glanced over her shoulder at her remaining army. "What are you idiots doing? Kill him!"
They rushed forward, weapons drawn. Greystone stayed in place, utterly unafraid. Suddenly, when he had deemed the intruders were getting too close, he attacked. Greystone moved forward in a blur, thin magic wrapping around the limbs of three guards at once. With a simple tug they were torn apart, explosions of blood spraying around them. But the butler didn't slow. With another small tug, another enemy came apart.
He raced through the creatures, each falling in pieces as he passed them. He halted as more approached, one of them managing to knock him back. He slid on the ground, his breathing deep, and locked eyes with the bat-pony, silently daring him to do it again.
His magic moved like a whip, wrapping around the pony's legs before breaking them off completely. He grinned sadistically as the creature fell to the ground and started crawling towards him, seemingly determined to kill. Greystone merely placed his hoof on the pony's head and pushed down.
The skull cracked, then broke completely.
With one last glance down at the motionless, headless body, he turned his attention back to the few remaining attackers. What a shame...only four to go. Oh well, I best get this over with . Enemy after enemy fell, until all that remained was a floor coated in blood and several dismembered body parts strewn through the corridor.
Greystone turned, to see Whimsy galloping to the door in a frenzied panic. His magic caught up to her, winding itself around her hind legs before dragging her back. "Come now, the least you can do is stay for a chat. You don’t want to look like a coward now, do you?"
She squirmed in the tight grasp of his magic, "Buck you!"
"A young mare like you shouldn't use such...colourful language." He frowned, the magic around her legs only growing more and more constricting. "If you don't stop moving," he growled. "I will cut these right off, just like I did to your little friends." Smiling in satisfaction when the mare ceased her struggling, he headed back to the throne room, carrying the captured unicorn in his magic.
