Midnight

by Babetteisawesome

Rating: mature
Tags: Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna, Drama, King Sombra, Queen Chrysalis, Fluttershy, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe
Length: 6154

As war threatens Equestria, their most legendary threat may prove to be their salvation.

For five years, Equestria’s most legendary threat has been imprisoned beneath The Royal Palace. Few know of her existence, and those who do are sworn to keep it from the blissfully unaware populace.

When her dark power reaches far beyond her cell, it sets off a chain of events that will leave a permanent mark in Equestria’s history. But hiding in the shadows, long thought dead, is an evil even greater than this legendary threat. Fueled by hate, they have been plotting in secret for years for the ultimate bloodbath to satisfy their vengeance.

Pushed into a corner, Equestria’s monarchy creates their own monsters to combat the overwhelming forces. They must fight to prevent these new threats from rising. If they fail...all of Equestria will be plunged into war.

Published 2017-07-24 21:30:07 UTC
Last updated 2017-08-24 04:52:15 UTC

Chapter 02: Death Bringer

FIVE YEARS LATER

(PRESENT DAY)

===== * * * =====

The Royal Palace’s throne room was gigantic. The polished, white marble floors made every step echo throughout the vast space. A large golden chandelier hung from the ceiling, tapestries hanging off of it towards the edges of the room. Stained-glass windows lined the walls, depicting designs in the colours of all four princesses. A red carpet made it's way from the doors up toward the dais fit for a sun goddess. Solid gold was ornately forged into a massive throne. Water fountains poured to either side to keep the mood calm and the mind flowing.

Luna observed the company before her with barely concealed boredom. Certain hoof-picked ponies made up the Equestrian Royal Court. An official Court session was hardly ever held, when they were they were often held in the early morning. So she was hardly awake.

“...And while the mime did survive, he’ll never walk again…”

The concerns voiced by her subjects were beginning to sound muffled, like she was under water. Not only was she barely staying awake, her eyelids heavy, but the Court session had been going on for hours.

“Sister,” came Celestia’s soft voice, “What troubles you?”

“Nothing,” she replied with an exasperated sigh. She doubted she would be able to stay conscious for much longer.

The gigantic doors suddenly swung open, striking either side of the entrance. Luna nearly jumped in her seat at the sudden noise, but her body only tensed further when a unicorn stallion galloped inside in a panicked frenzy. His brown mane and tail were a matted mess of twigs, dirt and dried blood. His chest rose and fell as he panted, clearly out of breath, a still-bleeding scar below his right eye. His gaze was wide and terrified, as if he had seen some kind of gruesome slaughter.

Luna swallowed the lump in her throat. The stallion was Captain Ironhoof, a pony that had been sent to guard Equestrian delegates while they attempted to make peace with Queen Chrysalis. But it seems that those weeks she and Celestia had spent tracking down the changeling had been for nothing. She clearly didn’t want an alliance.

Now there would be no other choice. They would turn to Plan B.

Twilight Sparkle, who sat on her own throne to Celestia’s left and had been silent until now, gasped. “Wh-What… happened… to...?” she pointed a shaking a hoof at the Captain.

He looked to each of the princesses in turn, his voice weak with fatigue. “Queen… Chrysalis… she… has birthed more… changelings. They were waiting for us. We were ambushed.” He lowered his head, staring at the ground, his eyes filling with a mix of shame and sadness. “I… I was the only survivor.”

There was a blur of purple, and Twilight tackled the unexpecting guard, pinning him to the ground. Her eyes wide, she pressed her face nose-to-nose with his and spoke all at once without a single breath. “Did you see her? Did she say anything? How many changelings were there? Did they kill ponies or just drink their love?” She then grabbed the stallion’s shoulders and began to frantically shake him, as if she hoped the answers would fall out.

This only caused the crowd to go into an uproar. The room turned to a cacophony of noise, the Canterlot nobility demanding answers or simply screaming in terror.

Celestia frowned, using her magic to lift the Princess of Friendship into the air and place her back on her throne. Despite how she wanted to scold the younger pony for her actions, her voice was calm. “Twilight… this is not how we handle things.” Twilight fought against the magic for a moment, before settling down, and collected her resolve.

Luna stared at the chaos of the crowd. Clearing her throat, she straightened her posture. “Everypony, please, calm down!” However, the panic and noise only continued, and she narrowed her eyes. Why don’t they listen to me?

Celestia, seeing her sister was struggling to calm the members of the Court, spread her wings and raised her voice. “Everypony, stop this! Please, this is pointless! This madness will lead us nowhere!”

Instantly the noise stopped. The room growing quiet enough to hear a pin drop, everypony in attendance turned their attention to the Princess of the Day. Seeing she was successful in regaining control over the situation, the white alicorn folded her wings with a satisfied smile. “Now then, shall we continue?”

Luna glanced up at her older sister, her heart feeling heavy. Even after five years of ruling by her side again, a part of her still felt pathetic next to Celestia. Her voice was meek, almost timid, like that of an embarrassed foal. “How do you do that?”

Celestia glanced down at her in confusion. “Do what?”

“Getting everypony’s attention like that...how do you do it so easily?”

Celestia’s gaze softened, “Oh Luna...someday, you shall accomplish wonderful things. Someday, such an act as controlling a Court will be nothing to you.”

Luna took a deep, calming breath, returning her attention to the gathered crowd before them. Her mind whirled, wondering how she was supposed to address them. Deciding to mimic her sister’s actions, she drew a deep breath, spread her wings and projected her voice. “EVERYPONY, MAY I PLEASE…”

Celestia placed a hoof on her sister’s shoulder, “Luna,” she said gently, “Um...inside voice, please.”

The Night Princess blushed nervously, “I’m sorry.” Pursing her lips, she attempted to address the noble ponies again. “Everypony, may I please have your attention.” After a pause, she continued. “We have attempted to make peace with Chrysalis, but it seems we are now left with no other choice. That is why we have hired a...specialist to dispose of any changelings that even think of threatening Equestria.” After the small introduction, she turned her attention to an unseen figure and nodded her head.

A pony stepped forward from the side of the room, where he had been waiting and watching in silence.

To the surprise of the Court members, the stranger was a young unicorn colt, clearly no older than fourteen. His mane and tail were black as onyx. His coat was grey, his build slim, and his cutie mark displayed a falling wine glass spilling what appeared to be red wine.

Luna nodded to the crowd, “May I present Debonair Shard. He will stand as both our butler and the...pest exterminator.”

A red earth pony - Strongheart Valentine - pointed a hoof at the colt, his face twisted in anger. “Do you seriously expect me to believe a useless foal is going to protect us?”

Seconds later, a long cut appeared across the stallion’s hoof, a thin line of blood rising from the wound. Strongheart let out a yell of pain, cradling the injured limb. His lip curled back into a snarl as he watched a smirk dance across Debonair’s mouth. His eyes widened when he noticed that the young unicorn’s horn was surrounded by a pale blue aura of magic.

What appeared to be ten incredibly thin piano wires swirled around him, controlled by his horn. They were almost invisible, aside from the occasional flash of blue as they caught the light.

Debonair chuckled in apparent amusement. His voice held a clear accent, refined and articulate, yet the pitch was still slightly feminine from his age. “As you can see, Sir Valentine, I am not the useless foal you claim I am.” His bright blue eyes narrowed at the earth pony. “Not to worry, your wound will heal quickly. Had I truly meant to hurt you, you’d currently be on the floor in pieces.”

Celestia cleared her throat, directing the attention back to her. “As you can all see, Debonair is more than capable of his duties. As my sister said, not only shall he serve as our butler, but he will also eradicate any changelings that threaten Equestria.”

Debonair couldn’t help but grin slyly at the white alicorn’s words. He supposed the princess wasn’t entirely lying… she just wasn’t telling the entire truth. His duty was not restricted to simply changelings, but all threats to Equestria. It wasn’t that he minded his job either. He did, in fact, revel in the bloodbath of a fight.

Celestia spoke up again, bringing him from his thoughts. “Debonair Shard...do you accept your place here and the responsibilities that come with it? Do you swear your complete loyalty to us and to Equestria, and promise to do your duty?”

Debonair closed his eyes, gracefully sweeping into a gallant bow. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Chapter 03: Blood Moon

The usually bright, colourful houses of Ponyville were decorated with fake cobwebs, spiders and other Nightmare Night decorations. Fillies and colts wore costumes of all kinds, some complex and stylish, others simple and homemade. Among those also in costume were grown mares, although they chose to wear more… unique designs.

Fluttershy blushed as a mare dressed in a rather provocative maid outfit passed her by. She was already uncomfortable enough. Why did I let Rainbow convince me to join everypony tonight? She knows I hate Nightmare Night.

“Hey Fluttershy! Over here!”

The yellow pegasus yelped at the sudden noise, quickly facing the source of the noise with wide eyes. The terror quickly faded when she caught sight of Rainbow Dash hovering a short distance away, her signature multi-colored mane and tail blowing like flags in the soft breeze.

Quickly walking over to her small group of friends, Fluttershy offered a weak smile. “H-Hello. Sorry I’m a little late,” she nervously kicked a small rock with her hoof, “I-I was... kind of debating with myself if I should even come or not.”

Rarity blinked, “Oh, so that’s why you aren’t wearing a costume,” she commented, the disapproval clear in her voice.

Fluttershy squeaked, flinching at her friend’s tone. “I-I’m sorry,” she stammered, “I j-just didn’t have time to put anything together.” She hung her head with a tiny whimper, fearing she’d angered or upset her friend.

Rarity reached forward, gently raising the timid mare’s chin with a hoof. “Oh, it’s alright darling.” She swallowed, and the pegasus could hear the strain in Rarity’s voice as she continued, “I... suppose you don’t... really need a costume on Nightmare Night.”

Hearing how the fashionista was practically choking on her words, Fluttershy gave a grateful smile. “Th-Thank you.”

A high-pitched whistle suddenly assaulted her ears. This was followed by Mayor Mare’s chipper voice, “Happy Nightmare Night everypony! Now, gather round...our lovely friend Zecora has a new story to tell!”

Fluttershy squealed as she was grabbed and practically dragged over to the stage by Twilight. “Come on girls!” cried the bookworm excitedly, “I want to hear Zecora’s story!”

There was a collective gasp as thick green smoke exploded on the large wooden stage, the familiar female zebra slowly approaching once the smoke had cleared. “There are many costumes of vampires, I see. But allow me to tell you how these monsters came to be.” She paused, seemingly to make sure she had everypony’s attention, before continuing. “When under Nightmare Moon’s control, Princess Luna wanted the Queen role. She realised an army she would need, to take down what she perceived as Celestia’s evil greed.”

She paused again, and Fluttershy could have sworn the zebra was looking directly at Twilight as she spoke. “She created many terrifying creatures, ones with many frightening features. Growling with fangs and blood red eyes, to make you think it was your demise.” She took another step closer to the crowd. “However, unlike in your storybooks, if a vampire got you on its hooks, but you got away to breathe again, you would, in fact, stay quite sane. For the only one to make a vampire was Nightmare Moon, something she considered quite a boon. So as long as she is kept away, vampires will be kept at bay.”

Once her story had completed, ponies began talking amongst themselves. Fluttershy turned to the violet alicorn beside her. “So... um…”

But Twilight was barely listening. She simply stared at the spot where Zecora had been, her eyes as wide as saucers and her mouth hanging open. She didn’t move or make a sound for several moments, until she suddenly spoke. “I... I... I need to go talk to Princess Celestia.”

Before Fluttershy could question her further, she vanished in a flash of purple light.

===== * * * =====

Celestia watched in confusion as her former student paced the floor, after having explained the situation. “So... you’re afraid about vampires coming back?”

Twilight sighed, shaking her head. “No, it’s not that... well, not really. Zecora talking about vampires coming back made me think about Nightmare Moon being imprisoned, and then... what if she escaped... what if she sided with Queen Chrysalis... what if…” she trailed off, gasping for breath as she began to hyperventilate.

Celestia placed a hoof on her shoulder, “Twilight,” she said gently, “Control yourself. Remember what Cadence said.”

“Can’t… it’s... not... working!” Celestia watched as Twilight flailed her hoof back and forth from her chest hyperventilating.

Celestia frowned, concerned that the young princess might pass out if she continued. Draping one of her gigantic wings over Twilight’s shaking form, she pulled her closer in a warm embrace. “Please... there’s no need for you to be concerned.”

Luna nodded, “Yes, we…” she trailed off, looking to her older sister. “Well… if vampires ever do become a problem again and Debonair is unable to handle them on his own... we do have another solution.”

Celestia sighed heavily, slowly nodding her head. “You see Twilight... Luna and I have been working on an ancient spell. With it, we may get Nightmare Moon onto our side. She has immense power, and if we can use it for good…”

Twilight’s enraged yell interrupted her. “ARE YOU INSANE? Nightmare Moon nearly killed my friends and I, and nearly plunged Equestria into eternal night!”

Celestia flinched back on instinct, before her shocked eyes turned steely and her mouth formed a disapproving frown. “Twilight Sparkle,” she said sternly, “That’s enough.”

Hearing the use of her full name, she stilled, staring at the Princess of the Day like a guilty dog. “I-I’m sorry for yelling.”

Celestia closed her eyes for a moment, “It’s alright. I understand why you must be... hesitant about this.”

Luna continued, “But Nightmare Moon is still restrained in the dungeon, so nothing is changing quickly.”

“Can I see her?”

Luna blinked, unsure if what she had just heard was correct. “Um... excuse me?”

Twilight straightened her posture confidently, “You said Nightmare Moon is locked up safely, I just want to make sure. I don’t want any risk of her getting out.”

The royal sisters shared a look, before reluctantly giving in, seeing the logic in her request. Celestia nodded, pressing her lips into a tight line. “Alright.”

===== * * * =====

The closest thing to a dungeon Twilight had ever been in was the Canterlot Caves, but they were nothing like the sight before her. Nightmare Moon’s dungeon was a single, large room. It was surprisingly well-lit, with enchanted torches lining the stone walls. The air was stale and cold, and a thin white mist rolled across the floor.

Nightmare Moon was at the back of the dungeon, bound to the floor and wall by thick silver chains. They were clamped around all four of her hooves, as well as her neck and waist, and there was a large, magic-restricting ring around her horn. For several moments she didn’t move, staying as still and silent as a corpse. A plate of food laid nearby, untouched. On closer inspection, her skin was sunken and her ribcage bulged from her torso.

Twilight watched closely, whispering to Luna. “Is she even... alive?”

The blue alicorn nodded, keeping her eyes on the prisoner. “Yes.”

Hearing Luna’s voice, a low breathy laugh started filling the chamber. Nightmare Moon’s body began to shake before stopping. A smooth and almost seductive voice came from the chained mare. “Why have you come to see me, Better Half? Come to taunt me? Or…” she lifted her head and opened her eyes to reveal slitted pupils that seemed to glow in the low light. “Perhaps you’ve come to release me.”

Twilight took a single step closer. “You seem to be imprisoned correctly.”

Celestia watched her former student warily, “Don’t get too close to her.”

Ignoring her protests, Twilight moved closer. “I just need to make sure that none of your chains are loose in any way.” With that, she teleported to the back of the room. Celestia did not have a chance to counter it and reached for her student. Twilight appeared directly in front of the captured monster. She stuck out her hoof, determined to check the stability of the chains.

Nightmare’s pointed teeth sunk into her skin.

Twilight cried out in agony, struggling desperately to free her hoof from Nightmare’s jaws. All the while the monster kept its cold gaze locked on her eyes, seemingly entertained by the pain she was causing the young alicorn.

Twilight’s pain mercifully stopped when she was yanked away, her hoof removed from Nightmare’s teeth. She dropped to the ground, cradling her bitten hoof. It burned like a thousand ant bites, and blood still dripped from the wound.

Gently levitating the youngest princess with her magic, Celestia turned to her sister. “This was a horrible idea.”

“Forgive me, sister,” replied Luna quietly. “I should have kept a better eye on her.”

Celestia shook her head, “No, don’t blame yourself. Neither of us could have known that monster would do something like this.”

As she watched the royal sisters leave, carrying the injured Twilight, Nightmare Moon’s mouth twisted into a sadistic grin. She let out an almost psychotic giggle, which quickly grew louder and louder, becoming crazed laughter that echoed throughout the empty dungeon.

Chapter 04: Dead Rising

Having gotten used to being awoken in the middle of the night to the cries of Flurry, Cadence groggily unhooked herself from her husband. He mumbled something along the lines of thank you but it went unheard by the still half asleep mother. On practise and instinct alone she made her way towards Flurry’s purple and pink crib that held the crying child.

Taking Flurry out of the crib and setting her on the floor, Cadence stood over her and allowed Flurry to latch to a teat. This gave Cadence some silence to which she began to rest again, but not fully falling back into sleep for when Flurry was done.

A small squeak was heard and her ears swiveled toward the door, but before her mind could accommodate for where the sound was heard, she instead turned her head back towards the bed. “Shining?” But the stallion had not moved an inch from where she left him. Only his slow breathing moved the blankets. Finally catching up with her hearing, she turned toward the door and was startled by an orange stallion.

The small jump dislodged Flurry and she began to cry again, waking Shining Armor, who turned over to see the stallion. Having been caught unprepared he tried to jump into action, only to get trapped in the blankets. He tripped upon trying to move, his head hitting the floor. Grumbling, he looked up to get a better look at the intruder.

“Sergeant Sentry?” The entangled prince shuffled a bit in the covers trying to get himself free, but they seemed to fight him every step of the way. After a moment he gave up with a huff and turned back to the guard. “What are you doing here? Is everything alright?”

“OH! Uhm. I was on my patrol when I heard Flurry Heart crying? I wanted to check to make sure everything is alright.” Flash Sentry looked panicked as he glanced between Shining Armor and Princess Cadence.

“Well you shouldn’t startle us like that. You’re lucky Shining doesn’t shoot first ask questions later.” Cadence laughed. She had gotten Flurry to latch again and silence had resumed. “Well now that you’re here, would you mind going to the kitchens and fetching some milk?”

“Of course your… highness! I’ll be right back.” Flash backed towards the door bumping into it before turning around and opening it and bolted to the right. Noticing his mistake Shining held the door for a moment with his magic.

“The other way is faster!” He called and held the door open to watch as Flash ran passed.

“He seems a little out of it today doesn’t he?” Cadence turned to Shining.

“Please, he’s been out of it since he found out Twilight is my sister.” He shuffled around a bit in the tangled sheets. “Now could you help me out? I can’t see where I’m tangled.”

Cadence tittered at her husband’s antics before using her magic to pull apart the knot. She looked down at her foal which continued to suckle happily, and smiled.

“Well I’m up now. What time is it?” Shining looked towards an ornate grandfather clock that stood in the corner of the room. The hands proudly showed that it was 5:43. “Celestia will be raising the sun soon. Might as well start the day early.”

“Sorry about barging in earlier” Flash returned to the room rubbing the back of his head. The milk floated beside him, a faint green aura surrounding it. “I just wanted to make sure everything was alright.”

“It’s alright Flash.” Cadence took the bottle from his aura and stepped away from Flurry, who began to complain before having the warmed bottle popped into her mouth. “It happens to the best of us.”

Flurry laid quietly drinking her milk in Cadence’s forelegs as she rocked her daughter. Everypony took a moment to look as she cuddled the bottle.

“Would it be alright… If I held her for a moment?” Flash asked, nervously looking up at Cadence.

Cadence paused for a moment. She looked up at Flash who started looking down towards his feet. “Oh, let him hold her for a moment honey. I’ve got to get prepared.” Shining interrupted. He made his way to a dresser with a mirror and began brushing his hair.

Tentatively, Flurry switched hooves and Flash cradled her carefully. He cooed as he rocked accidentally releasing a small chitter. Slowly, Shining stopped brushing his hair and furrowed his brow.

“Say Flash… How did you carry that milk in here?”

===== * * * =====

A loud snore rumbled inside a train car, rustling Debonair from his reverie. He glanced across the mostly empty car towards a white pegasus with golden armor. He huffed. Anyone below sergeant in the military have their armor enchanted to hide their coats and manes. It was meant to help establish an order for the soldiers in the battle field.

Another snore tore its way into the car. The stallion's mouth hung open, his uvula dancing with the vibrations. Sighing, Debonair used his magic wires to tie the muzzle shut, hoping that it would stop the noise.

While for a moment the noise stopped, his eyes shot open and he began to paw at his mouth. Realizing his distress, Debonair dispelled the wire, and the poor soldier took deep gulps of air and fell forward to the floor.

"Sorry, but your snoring was starting to get on my nerves." Debonair’s apology was half-hearted. He used his magic to hoist the stallion back onto his seat

“Hey. Hey! Easy with the magic.”

Debonair, however, was barely listening. After hearing that the changeling queen, Chrysalis, had last been seen near the Crystal Empire, Celestia had sent him immediately. Glancing at the guard to his right, he gave a short, amused chuckle. Didn’t Equestria used to have a fearsome military? They sure have pissed that away. These idiots couldn’t catch a snail.

“Hey...where are your parents anyway?”

His smirk faded, his eyes becoming sad and cold. “They’re dead. They passed many years ago.”

The guard’s angered expression softened. “I’m sorry.” After pausing for a moment, he continued, “Do you have anypony here with you? A foal like you shouldn’t be going to the empire on his own.”

As the train came to a screeching halt, Debonair allowed a mischievous, almost foallike grin to spread across his face. “I assure you sir, I can take care of myself.”

===== * * * =====

The female changeling glared at her male partner, struggling to ignore the dull nibbling and tugging on her ear. “Why the hell am I the one stuck with the baby?”

He scoffed, part of him amused at the sight of her attempting to care for a pony foal. “I dunno...I think you’d be a great mother,” he teased. He ducked seconds later, just barely dodging an attack as the female attempted to spit mucus at him.

She glowered at him whilst attempting to soothe the sleeping Flurry Heart, whispering harshly. “The only reason I haven’t killed you is because if this thing so much as sneezes, we’re all dead!” She cast an uncomfortable look to the infant in her hooves, before returning her gaze to the rest of the team of changelings. Urg, how long does it take to get a stupid horn powered?

They were in the glittering crystal throne room, where four changelings struggled to hold down Cadence as her horn fed magic into the throne, revealing a hidden dark staircase. It was a powerful magic that only an alicorn or high-level unicorn could perform.
Cadence grunted as she fought in vain against her captors, the magic that had to be channelled for the spell sapping most of her energy. Wrinkles had already begun appearing under her eyes from the extensive use of so much power at once.

A male changeling suddenly ran up from the dark stairway, his reflection-less eyes wide from triumph. “Good news, we got the door open and -”

His head flew from his shoulders before he could finish his sentence, spraying black blood like a fountain of ink. There was a flash of blue. Cadence gasped as she felt blood splatter on her fur and mane as the changelings holding her literally came apart.

“Sorry I’m late.”

The female changeling who held Flurry Heart glared at the intruder, a threatening growl to her voice. “Get lost, pony, before you get hurt.” As if on cue, the rest of the swarm emerged from the secret staircase, each of them hissing and baring dagger-like fangs dripping with mucus.

Debonair clenched his teeth, his anger steadily growing. “You dare provoke me, even after what you’ve just seen?”

“KILL HIM!”

The remains of the changeling swarm flew forward, wings buzzing like a thousand insects. Debonair smirked, and with a single flash of blue the entire first row was cut to pieces, blood staining the floor. He dodged the mucus with almost lightning speed as his wires wrapped around the limbs of his enemies, and with a single tug more came apart, explosions of the same inky blood spraying out.

He took cover behind an overturned table, his cold eyes fixed on the female changeling still holding the infant. His horn was still surrounded by the pale blue magic that controlled his wire, as more and more enemies fell. “Come on you bugs, show me a real challenge!”

The room grew silent, as the female changeling was now the only intruder left. She shivered in terror, her knees knocking together, and practically threw Flurry Heart to her now unconscious mother’s side. “H-Hey, have a little mercy! I was just following orders!”

Debonair raised an eyebrow, unaffected by her pleas. “Funny you should say that…’cause so am I.” He neared the female, his voice growing softer and sending a chill down her spine. “I guess that’s something we have in common.”

“Please...don’t kill me…”

Debonair tilted his head, almost in a sick type of amusement. “Kill you? If I did that, I wouldn’t get the information I need.”

“Information?”

The colt narrowed his eyes, “What’s so important about that staircase?”

The changeling’s terrified expression changed to a smug smile, arrogance in her eyes. “Oh, that. Very well, I’ll tell you what I know. Not like it’ll do horse-apples for you anyway.” She paused, as if to add dramatic effect, before continuing. “You see, a while ago, we found a broken horn, just lying in the middle of nowhere. Chrysalis sent us here with orders to power it with the magic from a secret little door under that staircase. Then we are to return it to her.”

Debonair watched her face curiously, suspicion rising in his chest. “Why are you so happy about all this? Your operation was a failure!”

The changeling suddenly broke into hysterical laughter, “You actually believe you stopped us? You’re kidding, right?” With a devilish grin, she looked the colt straight in his eyes. “While you were here chatting with me, a few remaining members of our little squad flew to safety. They’ll be returning the horn to Queen Chrysalis immediately.”

Debonair fought to keep his rage at his own foolishness at bay, his wires tightening around the female’s neck. “Is that all?”

She gasped for breath, struggling with all her effort as her smugness vanished. “W-Wait! You said you wouldn’t kill me since I had information!”

“Correct,” Debonair replied, his wires only tightening. “And now that you’ve given it to me...I no longer have a reason to keep you alive.”

Chapter 01: Terror of the Night

FIVE YEARS AGO...

===== * * * =====

An indigo mare cowered upon a dais, making herself as small as possible as to not be noticed. She heard as her sister had returned, discussing recent events with her pupil, and hoped to not have her ire drawn upon her. This was not meant to be.

“Princess Luna!” her sister's stern voice called, yet it had a gentler tone than first expected.

Luna gasped when she realized she’d been spotted, her eyes flying open and her pupils shrinking in terror. Her heart slammed in her chest, her stomach tightening. Her fear was so intense she felt like vomiting. Desperately, she searched for a way to flee from the wrath that was sure to come.

The taller alicorn neared, looking majestic with her head held high and her wings spread. From below it looked as if Celestia’s magenta eyes glared down at her, her hoofsteps echoing in Luna’s ears, sounding more like the heavy steps of an executioner than her own sister. Before Luna could summon the courage to beg for forgiveness or mercy, Celestia spoke again. “It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this.”

Luna recoiled in fear as Celestia knelt in front of her. She slammed her eyes shut, awaiting some form of final judgment. It never came. Instead, her sister’s voice was soft and kind, almost soothing. “Time to put our differences behind us.”

Blinking back tears, Luna opened her eyes, before shifting her gaze away as Celestia continued. “We were meant to rule together, little sister.” Luna pursed her lips, finally forcing herself to look her sister in the eyes as the older alicorn stood. “Will you accept...my friendship?”

Slowly, the smaller alicorn stood, before leaping towards Celestia, burying her face in her sister’s soft white coat. “I...I’m so sorry!” she sobbed. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she felt the warmth of the other’s embrace. “I’ve missed you so much big sister!”

As the long parted sisters held onto each other dearly the atmosphere in the room grew heavy. The temperature dropped significantly as the shadows darkened. Celestia looked up in time to see streaks of shadows from all around coalesce near the center of the room. She nudged the younger alicorn from their embrace.

Slowly, Luna raised her head, sniffling back her final tears. She grew confused upon seeing that her sister wasn’t even paying attention to her. Instead, she glared in hatred at an unseen figure.

Curious, Luna followed her sister’s intense gaze. She gasped in horror at the sight before her. The rooms new temperature finally hit her sending a chill down her spine. A large alicorn lay limply on the ground, broken but shimmering blue armor decorated her legs, neck and head. Her mane and tail were a mass of blue and purple, stars flickering in and out, her coat as black as a raven’s feathers.

Nightmare Moon.

Luna recoiled in shock, breathing heavily as her heart began to race again. “Wh-What? Sister, this is impossible, is it not?” When only silence followed, she looked to the older sibling, hoping desperately for some form of guidance.

Celestia’s eyes were narrowed, her jaw clenched tightly and teeth grinding together. Her legs shook like leaves, her chest rising and falling with each rapid breath. Her voice came out as an angry growl. “How are you here?”

Nightmare Moon gave no response, weakly raising her head and slowly opening her turquoise eyes, the cat-like pupils shrinking in shock.

Celestia didn’t hesitate once she saw the monster beginning to move. A flash of golden light came from her horn, enchanted chains appearing around Nightmare Moon’s muzzle, waist, horn, and all four hooves. The monster growled in anger, struggling to free herself to no effect. The chains rattled along the floors and tinked against her armor.

A raspy voice spoke up from behind them. “WHAT IN TARTARUS? NOW THERE’S TWO OF THEM?”

Celestia turned around, facing the cyan pegasus, who was now flying mid-air with her forehooves crossed. Taking a deep breath, she addressed her clearly upset subject. “As you can see, it seems that The Elements did not in fact defeat Nightmare Moon. But…” for a moment the weight of her years dragged on her as she let out a sigh. “I shall deal with this complication myself. The important thing, is we have my sister back.”

Rainbow didn’t relax. “But what’s even going on?” She pointed a hoof at the chained monster, “What even is that thing?” Before anyone could stop her, she flew towards the youngest royal, their faces practically touching as she demanded. “Are you even the real Princess Luna? Are you going to kill us like Nightmare Moon tried to do?”

At the sudden verbal assault Princess Luna quivered in fear before the pegasus glaring daggers into her soul. While clearly untrained she could see in Rainbow Dash’s eye the fierce loyalty that clearly lead the element to her. A loyalty to do anything to protect her friends.

Applejack lunged forward, grabbing the rainbow tail between her teeth and pulling. Her words of scorn were muffled by the fur. “RD, quit it! You’re embarassin’ yourself!”

With the pegasus’s gaze being dragged away from her, Luna shook her thoughts from the magenta glare. Instead she brought her attention to her sister, who was inspecting the chains to insure they held the nightmare tightly. “Sister, what is to be done now?”

The white alicorn looked to the younger pony, then back at the six new Elemental Spirits. She straightened her posture. “Clearly this is some kind of side-effect from the use of The Elements.” She lowered her head, almost in shame. “Unfortunately, even I know almost nothing of the Elements or their true power. I do not know why, but it seems they split the mare you know as Nightmare Moon from my sister.”

Luna looked away, swallowing back her tears. It’s all my fault…

Celestia’s voice came again, distracting her from her guilt. “What matters for the moment, is that we cannot allow anyone else to know of this...development.” She looked down at them all, eyes cold and stern. “You will tell nopony else about Nightmare Moon’s continued existence. Not your other friends, not your family, not anypony.”

Each of the ponies bowed in turn, silently swearing their secrecy. Once Twilight returned to her standing position a thought occurred to her. “But Princess Celestia, what about Spike?”

“I’m sorry Twilight but we cannot take any chance of word getting out.” For a moment Celestia looked quite solemn at this before it became more stern as she looked out a window towards the forest. “Panic will not reign over my nation if I can help it.”

A moment of silence fell over the room as everypony contemplated the repercussions of word getting out. Celestia nodded, having decided the matter was handled, and turned to her sister. “Luna...I’m sorry about this. I didn’t want all of this to befall you when you returned.”

Slowly, Luna nodded in understanding. “Tis but a minor setback, sister.” She glared at Nightmare Moon, still struggling against her enchanted chains and shackles. She roared in rage as the metal dug into her fur and flesh. “But before any festivities...we must put this thing far away from anypony else.”