Death's Judgement

Princess Luna strode through the hallways, her destination clear. She needed to learn more about the fate of the Nightshade, therefore there was only one option, ask her sister. She paused, why had it not occurred to her to ask before? It was more then she had told the others, she had forgotten they even existed. As she thought, realization started to breakthrough. Not just her had forgotten. There was no record of the Nightshade, no heraldry, no known lands, no specifics. No nobles claimed descent from them, they had simply vanished. Her thoughts jumbled, she stepped forward into her sister's court.

All eyes turned to her as she spoke before them all, "Sister I wish to have a word with thee about the line of Nightshade."

Celestia's eyes bulged as she sank back into her chair. A momentary crack the mask, but Luna saw and knew. "Day Court is dismissed for the day! All current business and cases will be rescheduled." Celestia shouted. The guard rushed all out of the room, leaving the two sisters alone.

Celestia sat for a moment, every one of her years visible on her face. Luna stalked forward, a question in her mind and on her lips. She remembered the Nightshade, as spies and even assassins at times, but her sister looked scared. As if some great sin was about to be revealed.

"That's it isn't?" Luna said. "When I fell, they fell too?"

"Yes." Celestia hung her head silently, "More so then the Thestrals, they became creatures of absolute terror, of madness. They became the Slender ponies. The Nightshade became the boogeymen that took those that went too far into the forests, into the wastes. They used foals that hadn't gotten their cutiemarks to increase their number. Eventually, I declared a blood hunt on them all. I founded a group of Inqusitorum to exterminate them. As far as I know there is only one left. He stays far out in the wastes, where none go and guards something that none may have. I leave him be because there is no point to killing him, as he has not endangered anybeing in millennia. In this day and age you and I are the only ones that know of them all others have forgotten."

Luna smirked. "Sister you never learn." Luna sighed then continued as if talking to a particularly slow foal.

"The Royals among the Nightshade would most certainly have shared in my contagion. They were all bound to me by blood oaths most severe. But, what of those that where not of the royal line? Those would also be named Nighshade. Where did they disappear too?"

Celestia looked confused, Luna smiled and continued. "All of the Nightshade where masters of memory and perception. They were not just my eyes in the dark, they where also performers and con men. Magnificent Liars and Magical Showponies. They were always a transient people." Celestia's eyes began to show their own realization.

"All your Blood Hunt did was allow the Nightshade to purge their sick. Then they could have simply vanished, always being promiscuous, joining with your ponies would have been no challenge. I think I have found one of their descendants. Trixie Lulamoon, seems to be a prime candidate. There might even be more, even I didn't know everything that they knew or all that their powers entailed." Luna shook her head, "The full extent of the family was never known to me."

Luna knew Celestia needed just one more push and then perhaps the lesson learned.

"Sister, not all who wander are lost, and not all that walk in the darkness nor dwell within the shadows are evil. Beauty and Ugliness mean nothing, for even a sainted appearance can hide a monster, while the blackest of forms can conceal a golden heart."

Luna once again shook her head at her sister's foalishness. "I apologize for interrupting your Court, Tia. I must rest, so I take my leave." She bowed her head once more and walked from the room, leaving her sister in confused contemplation. Walking through the hallways, for the first time since Twilight died, a spring began to form in her step. The former bearer of Laughter, Loyalty and Honesty, smiled as she thought of the performance that was going to unfold.

"He will do no harm." She thought, for the first time realizing what the term Judgement of the Dead alluded too. Twilight wouldn't have wanted those responsible for her death killed. She would've wanted them brought before Celestia, wanted all of the secrets brought to light. Twilight always wanted justice, not vengeance.

"Onyx was right to rebuke us." They had not been thinking, to her shame she had allowed her pain to almost make her do something horrible. All would be right now, the King on The Iron Throne would do as Twilight would have done. He would speak for her and act as her representative, and all would be placed back into balance.

"Now I think I can rest at last." finding that she had turned herself along the way towards her room she made to enter but one of her Thestrals ran to her.

"Princ.....Prin.... Spi......" The Mare tried to wheeze out, Luna placed a hand upon her shoulder

"Alright loyal one, I can not have the message if you pass out from lack of breath." She caught the Thestral's eye and began breathing slow, deep breaths. Soon the Thestral matched Luna's rhythm

"Spike Solaris has collapsed on his Train. He is in Ponyville, Hospital. The Element of Generosity is by his bedside, She has refused to leave. The Doctor claims the collapse was due to exhaustion. He is in stable condition and has been sedated to enforce rest. He is attend by Doctor Suture, and Nurse Redheart, attending. His room number is 35e. It is unknown who found him but, Ms. Belle was the one that had him admitted."

Luna turned and ran, to once again interrupt her sister.