It Happened One Nightmare Night

CHAPTER 1

Ponyville was saturated with a festive atmosphere and for good reason. It was Nightmare Night, a night where fillies, colts and most adults dressed in costumes and indulged in the horror themes that made the occasion famous. The tradition of dressing up on Nightmare Night was really born out of a legend that ponies dressed in costumes as a means to disguise themselves from being eaten by Nightmare Moon during her reign of terror. Donating gifts to Nightmare Moon to dissuade her from eating ponies was also part of tradition. These days fillies and colts rarely cared about the true origins of Nightmare Night. All they knew that it was a night to go door to door to collect candy. Parents and other elders of Ponyville made it their mission to remind the young ones to donate half of their candy to the statue of Nightmare Moon in the Everfree Forest or else Nightmare Moon would gobble up the children. Princess Luna herself would drive home this point by disguising herself as Nightmare Moon to terrify the children into laying half of their candy at her hooves, all in good fun of course. The adults would also set the example by donating some of the candy that they saved for the children.

Princess Starburst, the daughter of Princess Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry was quite fond of Nightmare Night. Though she seemed too serious for her own good, Nightmare Night was one occasion apart from Hearth’s Warming where she could really enjoy herself. Instead of dressing up as a ghost or a zompony, Starburst would often dress up as one of the many legends and military heroes she learned about through her mother, her Uncle Shining Armor and all The Elements of Harmony. There she was in her room putting on an armor made out of aluminum foil and spray painted with gold which was an added touch to the latest legend she was dressing up as for Nightmare Night. She had her mane dyed dark blue and shaped into a Mohawk thanks to some hair gel. She also wore some golden horse shoes and carried a fake sword. The tiny yellow Pegasus stood at attention and spread her massive wings. She smirked and nodded with satisfaction knowing that she nailed her latest Nightmare Night costume. Suddenly there was a creak from the two large wooden doors of her bedroom. A figure with a black mask, black cape, boots, a purple cloak and a large purple wide brimmed hat complete with a purple emblem marked with a light blue capital M on its chest poked its head into the room. Starburst caught a glimpse of the figure’s reflection in the mirror and spun around to see the figure taking one full step into her bedroom. Starburst then let out a yelp and pulled out her fake sword from her sheath getting ready to do battle with the intruder. The figure let out a laugh, a laugh that Starburst recognized all too well. The figure’s hat and black mask were then engulfed in a familiar purple magical aura which removed the items from its face. The figure was revealed to be none other than Starburst’s mother. “What could you possibly do with that fake sword?” said Twilight with a chuckle.

“Geez, Mom!” said Starburst lowering her sword. “What’s the matter with you?”

“It’s Nightmare Night. It’s supposed be a scary time.”

“What are you supposed be anyway? A thief or something?”

Twilight waved her hoof dismissively. “We’ve got guards all over this castle," she said. "There’s no chance a thief could break in here. Of course I made sure of that after one too many incidents involving nefarious villains with magical abilities." Twilight then stood on her hind legs “I’m the Mysterious Mare Do Well.”

Starburst cocked her head in confusion. “You mean that superhero you, Mrs. Applejack and the others made up to teach Mrs. Rainbow Dash a lesson on how to be humble?” said Starburst.

“The one and only,” said Twilight as she landed on all four hooves. “I couldn’t help but go back in time for my Nightmare Night costume this year. I convinced Rarity to fix it up for me earlier this week.”

Twilight then circled her daughter examining her from head to toe. “Are you going out dressed up as yourself?” said Twilight with a look of confusion.

“Mom! I’m Dad,” answered Starburst.

“Really?” said Twilight with wide eyes.

“Isn’t it obvious? The spiked mane, the gold plated armor.”

“Well, I thought you were just playing some random Royal Guard like you always did when you were a filly.”

Starburst groaned at her mother’s ignorance. There was then a slight knock on the door and in stepped Starburst’s father Flash Sentry dressed in a furry werewolf costume. “Hey, Honey, are you ready?” He said.

“I was born ready,” said Twilight excitedly. She then hurried to the entrance. Flash looked back at his daughter and examined her costume. “Are supposed to be Flash Magnus?” Flash said.

“I’m you, Dad!” said Starburst rolling her eyes. “I can’t believe you don’t even recognize yourself!”

“Really?" said Flash smiling from ear to ear. "I'm impressed!" He then led Starburst to the castle entrance.

“It’s pretty cool that Princess Celestia is hosting the Canterlot Nightmare Night Ball for a third year,” said Starburst.

“Yep and you could always count on Discord to spice things up in his usual fashion,” said Flash. “Remind me to prank him for putting that fake eyeball in my punch at last year’s ball.”

“Pranking Discord is easier said than done.”

“So where are you and the others having this Nightmare Night party again?”

Starburst stopped dead in her tracks. Soon a look of nervousness appeared on her face. “At Cotton Candy’s place,” said Starburst not looking at her father. Flash furrowed his eyebrows at his daughter’s quick response. After racking his brain over what this could mean he shrugged his shoulders giving Starburst the benefit of the doubt knowing that his daughter was capable of finding her way out of certain situations and that she would never put her family to shame in any way.

Starburst and Flash Sentry arrived near the entrance of The Friendship Castle where they found Twilight briefing the guards. Starburst then noticed that her younger brother wasn't at Twilight's side. “Where’s Nightlight, Dad?” she asked turning to Flash.

“He’s at Sweet Apple Acres with the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders,” said Flash. “I heard the Apple Family’s Corn Maze is particularly terrifying this year.”

“Are you sure Nightlight’s not just there to hang out with Pixel?” said Starburst with smirk.

“Of course he is. But he won’t admit it.”

Starburst and Flash met up with Twilight just as she was just finishing up briefing the guards. The family soon started to make their way towards the doors when suddenly there was loud knocking on the door which echoed throughout the entrance. The guard closest to the door opened it revealing Princess Cadence and Shining Armor who was by then a colonel in the Royal Guard. Behind them were guards of The Crystal Empire. Flash of course came a long way from being a simple member of The Crystal Empire guard to marrying The Princess of Friendship. Shining Armor was dressed in what appeared to be a mummy costume and Cadence was dressed in blue, ancient Neighponeze attire and a dark green wig. “Twilight!” said Cadence smiling from ear to ear.

“Cadence!” said a beaming Twilight. They rushed towards each other and stopped a few inches.

“Sunshine, sunshine! Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” they said in unison while doing a little dance. Flash stifled a laugh at the scene while Starburst shook her head in disgust.

“Mom, Auntie Cadence, please,” said Starburst. “You’re adults.”

“Don’t be jealous that your Mom and I have a cool greeting and you don’t,” pouted Cadence.

“Who are you supposed to be this year?” said Twilight.

“I’m Mistmane,” said Cadence.

Starburst stared at her Aunt in horror. “But Mistmane is a Neighponeze legend,” she said. “Isn’t that cultural appropriation?”

“You need to stop listening to what kids your age are saying today,” said Cadence. “It’s not cultural appropriation. I’m not trying to mock the Neighponeze or Mistmane herself and I don’t intend to benefit financially from dressing up as her. Besides I’ve shown Mistmane my costume and she was impressed.”

“You guys ready for the ball or what?” said Shining Armor.

“Ready when you’re ready, BBBFF,” said Twilight.

“Is Flurry Heart going to be there too?” asked Flash.

“No. Her boyfriend’s taking her to a Nightmare Night party right here in Ponyville,” said Cadence.

Starburst’s eyes widened in surprise. “I didn’t know Flurry had a boyfriend,” she said.

“Of course she does,” said Twilight. “Your father and I met him at the Crystal Empire last week. His name is Tremex.” Both families exited the castle and started to make their way towards a large golden carriage being pulled by four Pegasai guards. “Starburst, make sure you don’t get into any kind of trouble and be home by ten,” instructed Twilight.

“Yeah, don’t worry, Mom,” said Starburst. Twilight, Flash, Shining and Cadence boarded the carriage and after they waved goodbye to Starburst the carriage took off on its way to Canterlot.

Starburst stared at the carriage as it became barely visible from a distance. She then looked back at the guards who stood post at the door. “Are you sure we shouldn’t dispatch a company for your protection, Your Highness?” asked one of the guards.

“You just stand guard until my parents return,” said Starburst pointing a stern hoof. Soon Starburst trotted away on the path that led to Cotton Candy’s house. She covered about twenty feet when she stopped and looked over her shoulder. The Friendship Castle was at a good enough distance for the guards not to see her. Starburst continued forward at a quick pace. She turned a corner rendering herself completely out of the guards’ view. She then started to trot at a normal pace. Starburst watched the other residents of Ponyville as they trotted around in their costumes and lived it up. Some children ran past her laughing hysterically. She could not quite remember anytime when she was that carefree as a young filly. Even as a child she seemed unable to lighten up. Maybe it was due to the fact that her mother was always busy teaching at The School of Friendship or busy helping Anthea with her magic lessons or due to the fact that her father was busy rising through the ranks of The Royal Guard. At Nightmare Night ponies found it hard to believe that Starburst was enjoying herself due to her serious demeanor and Starburst tried in vain to convince those around her that she was not being a stick in the mud as usual. Starburst made her way between some buildings when suddenly a pegasus in a black ski mask grabbed her from behind. Starburst let out a scream as the pegasus took her to the air. The pegasus held her tight in its grip taking her about ten feet off the ground. Starburst struggled to free herself but the pegasus’s grasp was too tight. She then tensed her face and snapped her head backwards hitting the pegasus square in the face. The pegasus yelled in pain and released Starburst. Starburst in turn flew around the pegasus and wrapped her fore hoof around the neck. She then grabbed the pegasus’s left foreleg and twisted it behind the pegasus’s back. She flapped her massive wings flying straight down with the pegasus in tow. She slammed the pegasus against the ground and pulled off the ski mask. To Starburst’s surprise the pegasus was none other than the older son of Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ Skies. “Prism Bolt?” Starburst said in shock.

“Nightmare Night…," began Prism in pain. "What..a..fright…Give me…something…sweet…to bite." Starburst jumped off of Prism ready to tell him off when she suddenly heard galloping hoof steps. “Starburst!” said a female voice. Starburst turned to the voice to find Claire galloping towards her. The half dragon, half pony daughter of Spike and Rarity had her coat painted in a light green shade with fake wounds. Her mane was disheveled and she had a white contact lens in her left eye. “Starburst, are you alright?” said Claire. She then looked at Prism sternly. “I hope this klutz didn’t give you a heart attack!” she said.

“Hey!” said Prism staring Claire down.

“So you two came up with the bright idea to scare me to death?” said Starburst with fierce eyes.

“Starburst, you know very well that I’m the last one to ever approve of Prism pranking you especially considering those times he pranked me,” said Claire with deep sincerity.

“If it’s any consolation she nearly choked all the wind out of me,” said Prism rising from the ground rubbing his neck.

“Serves you right!” spat Claire.

“So are we still on for that party at the Castle of the Two Sisters?” said Starburst.

“You know it,” said Prism excitedly. He then looked at Starburst’s costume and then looked at his. He had a military armor made out of aluminum foil spray painted dark grey. “You stole my costume!” he said pointing an accusatory hoof at Starburst.

Starburst stared at Prism’s costume. “You stole my costume!” she said pointing her hoof at Prism.

“I’m dressing up as Flash Magnus tonight,” said Prism defensively.

“I’m dressing up as my dad,” said Starburst.

“Well in all fairness, Flash Magnus and Flash Sentry's armors have different designs,” said Claire trying to diffuse the situation. “It’s not all bad.”

“I guess you’re right,” said Prism with a sigh.

“So you’re a zompony this year, Claire?” said Starburst turning to the pony/dragon hybrid.

“Braains...," slurred Claire as she trotted slowly. "Braains..." She then let out a laugh.

“I gotta say, Cotton Candy picked out a great place for this party,” said Starburst.

“You didn’t tell your parents where you were going, did you?” said Prism with a suspicious look.

“All I said that I was going to Cotton Candy’s place,” said Starburst innocently.

Prism and Claire looked at Starburst with deep scowls. They then looked at each other and nodded with smiles. “The less our parents know, the better,” said Claire. The youths then started to make their way towards the Everfree Forest.

“How convenient is it for all of our parents to be at the Annual Nightmare Night Canterlot Ball tonight?” said a beaming Starburst. “Nothing could possibly go wrong.”

Sweet Apple Acres had one of the best attractions for Nightmare Night. Every year The Apple Family built up a corn maze that was laden with horror themed props and all types of terrifying attractions. This year Applebloom, Pipsqueak, Big Macintosh and Mrs. Cheerilee had the honors of hosting the corn maze since Applejack and her husband Caramel were away at the Nightmare Night Canterlot Ball. On this night Applebloom was dressed up as Mistress Marevelous while Pipsqueak was dressed in a brown business suit with a green bow tie representing the time lord that he did pitch sales for. Big Macintosh was dressed up as Rockhoof and Mrs. Cheerilee was dressed up as Queen Chrysalis of all characters. The members of The Apple Family stood at the maze’s entrance welcoming fillies and colts along with a few adult ponies. Among the fillies and colts were Twilight’s younger son Nightlight Jr., Applebloom’s daughter Api, Sweetie Belle’s daughter Pixel Bit and Scootaloo’s daughter Echo. Nightlight was dressed up as Starswirl the Bearded. Api was dressed up as the main villain of the Power Ponies Comics The Maneiac. Echo was dressed up as a Wonderbolt and Pixel Bit was dressed up in a bulky costume that represented the Ponymon character Pikachu. “Who knows what lurks inside this maze?” said Applebloom in an ominous fashion. “Is it a mummy who wants ta suck out yer lifeforce?”

“Or is it weeping Pegasai that freezes you in place with their stare?” said Pipsqueak in a similar eerie tone. “If you ever come across the weeping pegasai don’t look into their eyes.”

“The one who is brave enough to venture in this cursed corned maze and make it out alive will have the honor of getting free candy bars,” said Mrs. Cheerilee in her usually friendly manner. Her tone then changed into one that was deep and ominous. “Just remember, none who entered The Sweet Apple Acre’s Corn Maze ever lived to tell the tale,” she said.

“Eeeyup,” added Big Mac.

The crowd of ponies, young and old made their way into the corn maze. Nightlight was calm and relaxed. Pixel had slight nervousness on her face. Echo trembled in terror with every step she took. Api had a broad smile across her face and marched right into the corn maze. Applebloom and Pipsqueak looked on as their daughter joined her friends in Nightmare Night fun.

“Nice touch with the Weeping Pegasai, Pip,” said Applebloom.

“It was The Doctor’s idea really,” said Pipsqueak. “He said out of all his travels, The Weeping Pegasai were the most horrific creatures he’d ever had the dishonor of meeting.”

Nightlight, Api, Pixel and Echo ventured deeper into the maze darting their eyes all over the place. As they arrived in one particular area Nightlight tripped over a thread. The thread unlocked a fancy contraption and a row of five skeletons dangled from a tree blocking the young ponies’ path. They all let out a scream; soon Nightlight, Api and Pixel crowed in laughter. The only one who didn’t join in the laughter was Echo. She was genuinely afraid of the sight of those skeletons. “Is it me, or are the stuff your family put in this maze getting scarier and scarier every year?” said Echo in a trembling voice.

“Come on, Echo,” said Api. “We had skeletons last year.”

“But not skeletons of Yaks, Hippogriffs and fillies,” said Echo pointing to the hippogriff in the midst.

“Anyways, we don’t plan on staying much longer," said Api. "We’ve got a party to crash.”

“Are you sure you wanna crash that party Gold Delicious’s at?” said Pixel.

“Pixel, for once wouldn’t you wanna know what the older ponies do on Nightmare Night?” said Api.

“Well, we could’ve went to The Annual Nightmare Night Ball in Canterlot,” said Echo. “I mean; kids were invited too.”

“Please! Those parties at the Canterlot Castle are so lame,” said Api. “The teenagers have the most fun and throw the best parties.”

“Where is this party anyway?” said Pixel.

“The Castle of the Two Sisters,” answered Nightlight. The young ponies turned into another corner when Pixel steeped on what appeared to be a little button. A robotic pony whose face was covered in stitched up ponies’ skin crashed from a wall of the corn maze. In its hooves was a fake chainsaw. The young ponies screamed and ran into another corner. They arrived at the corner and stopped to catch their breaths. Soon they all erupted in laughter. All except Echo of course. “So do you know how to get to the Everfree Forest without your parents knowing, Api?” said Nightlight.

“Yup, I convinced Del to build a path towards that old tree,” said Api pointing to the tree at the far end of Sweet Apple Acres. “Remember that great Nightmare Night scare Mrs. Fluttershy pulled on Princess Twilight and the others?”

“Yep.”

“Right under the roots there’s a little tunnel that leads right under a hill. That’s our ticket to the Everfree.”

The young ponies started to make their way towards the tree when they stepped along what appeared to be skeletal bones. The bones were of course made out of twigs and spray painted white. Nightlight, Api and Pixel looked at the “bones” in slight trepidation while Echo stared at them with wide eyes and gulped loudly. “So, how did you find out about this party anyway, Api?” said Pixel.

“Well, I may or may not have overheard Del talking about it with Prism,” said Api.

Five days prior to Nightmare Night Api together with her older cousins Gold Delicious, Applejack and Caramel's son and Red June, Big Macintosh and Cheerilee's daughter were helping set up the Sweet Apple Acres Corn Maze. Api was setting up her end when she heard the buzzing of three ponies on the other side. She spread apart the hay seeing Del, June and Prism at a corner of the maze. “How’s that party setting up?” said Del.

“Cotton Candy and Lance are already putting up the decorations,” answered Prism. “Claire put down an order for the food to arrive a day in advance before Nightmare Night.”

“I don’t know about this, guys,” said June nervously. “What was Candy thinking when she said we should have a party at The Castle of the Two Sisters? The Everfree Forest is already dangerous as it is.”

“Well, for one this is Nightmare Night we’re talking about,” said Prism. “Second, she wanted a haunted castle theme this year and what better place there is than Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s old castle?”

“Well, how are we gonna get pass Ma?” said Del. “Ah already don’t feel good lyin’ ta her. She is The Element of Honesty. She’ll see right through me.”

“Don’t worry,” said Prism confidently. “I got that under control.”

A wide smile appeared on Api’s face as she took in the scene. “A Nightmare Night party at The Castle of the Two Sisters?” she thought. “Sounds like my kinda party.”

“Whoa!” said Pixel. “Del actually lied to his mom, The Element of Honesty? How in the hay didn’t she figured him out?”

“Who cares?” said Api. “The point is we’re getting in that party one way or another.”

“What made you wanna come anyway, Nightlight?” said Echo. “Parties aren’t really your thing.”

“Pixel kinda told me,” said Nightlight sheepishly. Api then glared at the unicorn filly who flashed a sheepish smile. “The last time Mom was there she came across some ancient books,” Nightlight continued. “I’ve always wanted know how Princess Celestia and Princess Luna lived back then.”

“You really are Princess Twilight’s son,” said Api shaking her head in disgust.

The young ponies finally arrived at the large old tree at the edge of Sweet Apple Acres. Under the roots was a tunnel which the young ponies stared at with nervousness. “Careful now,” said Nightlight. “Mom said this tunnel’s a bit of a doozy. I’m gonna need you to help me give some light, Pixel.” Pixel nodded. Slowly Nightlight approached the hole and crawled through. One by one the three fillies crawled through the hole following Nightlight’s lead. Immediately Nightlight’s horn started to glow illuminating the tunnel. Pixel was the third to enter and her horn started to glow. Echo was the last one to enter; soon the young ponies started to make their way down the tunnel. Nightlight and Pixel were clearly nervous while Echo trembled with every step she took. Only Api was beaming with excitement. Suddenly Nightlight made a step which caused the ground beneath the young ponies to give way. The ground disintegrated beneath them and they were sent falling down. They landed about four feet down in the deep tunnel. They groaned in pain as they slowly staggered to their hooves.

“This party had better be worth getting broken bones, Api!” said Pixel angrily.

“Hey, don’t look at me," responded Api with an equally angry tone. "Prince Egghead was the one who made that dumb step!”

“I told you girls," groaned Nightlight. "This tunnel’s a doozy"

The young ponies continued forward down the tunnel with Nightlight and Pixel illuminating the path. They turned into a corner when suddenly they stopped dead at their tracks before three statues. They were stone statues of three Pegasai. The young ponies gasped and jumped back. Echo screamed, fell to the ground and covered her eyes. “It’s the Weeping Pegasai!” she screamed. “Don’t look into their eyes!”

“Grow a backbone, will ya, Echo?” said Api pulling Echo to her hooves. “They’re just statues Dad and the Doctor built.”

Echo stared at the stern looking stone statues with sweat pouring down her face. “If you say so,” she said shakily. Nightlight glanced down a path to his right and saw an opening. “This is the way that leads out of this place, girls,” he said pointing to the direction. “We’re almost home free.” The young ponies trotted towards the opening soon finding themselves out of the tunnel. They looked around cautiously for a few moments. They then glanced over to their left and there they found The Everfree Forest. Api rubs her hooves excitedly.

“There it is, guys," said Api. "The Everfree Forest. Awesome Nightmare Night Party, here we come!”

The young ponies started to make their way towards the Everfree Forest slowly and cautiously. “How are we gonna slip in without the big kids noticing?” asked Pixel.

“The Castle of the Two Sisters is a very old, crumbling building,” said Nightlight. “There should be a lot of areas that could make an easy entrance for us.”

“Wow, I guess you’re not a lame dork after all,” said Api.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” said Nightlight glaring at her. Api pretended not to hear him. Her main focus was to go where no filly her age had gone before: A big kids party. This was sure to get her a cutiemark for added measure.

Princess Nidra stared out of her window with her elbows on the window pane letting out a sigh of sadness. Down in the streets of Canterlot the citizens were getting themselves ready for Nightmare Night. The manner in which Canterlotians celebrated the event was far more different that most common folk. The citizens of Canterlot mostly dressed in more elegant costumes that portrayed folk heroes and mythical beings as opposed to monsters and ghouls. As much as Nidra never had a social life she did enjoy Nightmare Night. It was the one night where she could really let her dark side loose in a manner of speaking. Her ability to shape shift and transform into authentic creatures of The Everfree Forest and Tartarus was her forte. At one time Nidra even disguised herself as Ponyville’s resident Zebra Zecora all for the sake of mock and ridicule. Ridiculing Zecora was one of the shenanigans that Nidra’s mother Princess Luna and her father Supernova frowned upon. There was one particular shenanigan that got Equestria’s first bat alicorn pony grounded on Nightmare Night of all nights. For a long while Nidra had sworn to get back at Canterlot socialite Dulcinea Pearl. Next to the Rich Family Dulcinea’s family have for generations been highly prestigious with extreme wealth to boot owning several hotels and restaurants across Equestria. One time Dulcinea was hosting a party for all the youths of Canterlot who was willing and able to attend. A party Nidra only found out about the day after it was held. This was because Dulcinea was well aware of Nidra’s reputation of being demanding and constantly forcing party guests to attend to her endless demands. Nidra would have guests bring her food, drinks and even carry her around on a throne on their shoulders. She would even force her way into the position as host and loudly denounce the real hosts for poor avenue choices and music choices. To avoid this Dulcinea had the invitations sent out by word of mouth and as far away from the Canterlot Castle. Nidra took the fact that she was not invited as well as ponies expected her to take it. Nidra had Dulcinea pranked. Nidra ordered a selected few of the bat guards to round up Dulcinea Pearl and all of those whom attended the party, placed them in chains and brought to her. The bat guards obviously obliged because as guards they could not question a decree of a Princess of Equestria. Dulcinea and her guests found themselves blind folded in the Canterlot Dungeons. Disguising herself as a demonic shadow, Nidra psychologically tormented them and had them banished to Tartarus for five days. For added measure Nidra had Dulcinea and her guests plastered to the ceiling of the caves of Tartarus in changeling goo. Being of high influence it did not take long for all of Canterlot and Equestria to notice that Dulcinea and her guests were missing. Nidra meanwhile couldn’t care less. She was busy laughing up a storm for all the days Dulicinea and the party attendees were trapped in Tartarus. It all came crashing down when Princess Luna and Supernova confronted Nidra and browbeaten her into telling the truth about Dulcinea’s disappearance. As far Nidra was concerned the prank that she pulled on Dulcinea was not overreacting. Dulcinea, according to Nidra, needed to learn that nopony screwed over Princess Nidra! Of course Nidra pulled this prank without foreseeing that it would get her grounded for three months. The fact that the guards who her carried out her orders were suspended was the least of her worries. They were expendable after all.

When Nightmare Night had arrived Nidra was already in the second week of her punishment. She was to spend all day and all night in her chambers in The Canterlot Castle. Princess Luna had a magical force field around her chambers so that Nidra would not try to sneak out. The blue magical aura that hovered outside of Nidra’s window was all the indication that she would never get out. The only time she was allowed outside was for royal functions and for schooling. However, The Canterlot Castle was hosting The Annual Nightmare Night Ball. Princess Luna was keen that her daughter would not be in attendance. “Why doesn’t she just banish me to the moon while she’s at it?” Nidra thought to herself as she stared daggers at those who were enjoying the Nightmare Night celebrations on the street. Her stomach suddenly growled. One of the luxuries that was bestowed upon Nidra was to have breakfast, lunch and supper delivered to her chambers. She was only allowed to eat in her chambers and not at the dinner table with the rest of the family. Suddenly, Nidra perked up when she had an epiphany. Whenever food was delivered to her chambers the magical force field would be temporarily disabled to allow maids into her chambers. A sly smile creeped along the bat alicorn’s face. All she needed was to wait patiently for one of the maids to attend to her. Sure enough, a knock was heard of the door. Nidra turned to the window and saw the magical aura fade out into the night sky. She chuckled mischievously as the door to her chambers cracked open. Entering her chambers was Hyacinth Ivory, a pale gray unicorn mare with a snow white mane who had recently been assigned as one of Nidra’s personal maids. As was the case with all of the butlers and maids who attended to her, Nidra always trotted over Hyacinth and belittled the young mare. At every opportunity Nidra always criticized Hyacinth’s shy demeanor and her lack of a real fashion sense. Being just a lowly maid Hyacinth was of course powerless to withstand Nidra’s merciless putdowns. “Your supper, Your Highness,” said Hyacinth in her typical soft spoken voice.

“Don’t think I won’t have you fired for suggesting that I deserve to be grounded!” spat Nidra.

“I…I …I never said that you deserved it, Your Highness,” stammered the maid.

“But I’m sure you’ve been talking about it with the other staff and I bet you’ve been thinking it,” said Nidra. “What is this crud?”

“Potato frittata and Prench salad. They’re your favorite.”

Nidra levitated the potato frittata with her magic and squinted her eyes at it. “It’s cold,” she said with a scowl. She then flung the plate with the slice of frittata against a wall. Hyacinth watched in horror as the plate shattered to pieces against the wall and frittata fell to the floor in a lop sided mess. She trembled in terror and faced the princess without meeting the bat pony’s eyes.

“I’ll have that cleaned right away, Your Highness,” said Hyacinth in a trembling voice. Hyacinth then hurried over to the door.

“Hyacinth, wait!” said Nidra holding up a hoof. Slowly the maid turned to face the princess again not looking at her in her golden eyes. Nidra sighed and walked up to Hyacinth. Using her magic Nidra closed the door. “Look, being grounded is very hard on a girl like me,” said Nidra in a soft and sad tone. “I guess I deserved it seeing that I clearly overreacted over some dumb party. I didn’t mean to take it all out on you.” Hyacinth displayed a look of shock. She then looked straight into the bat alicorn’s eyes. It was not like Nidra to ever own up to her mistakes. “I should be more appreciative of all the hard work you and the rest of the staff do to make me comfortable,” said Nidra in a sincere tone. “From the bottom of my heart I really wanna apologize for all the times I’ve been mean to you. Will you ever forgive me?”

For Hyacinth this was too good to be true. Perhaps being grounded for two weeks was starting to bring desired results. Maybe the princess was really starting to turn over a new leaf. The maid felt her heart swell. A small smile then appeared on her face. “Yes, I do forgive you, Your Highness,” said a beaming Hyacinth. A friendly smile appeared on Nidra’s face. Without warning she embraced Hyacinth in a warm hug. Hyacinth eyes went wide. Many times she was fearful that if she ever got too close to the Princess she would get hurt and none of the royals would bat an eye. But on the other hoof, perhaps Nidra was indeed trying to make a change. Soon Hyacinth returned the hug. She was locked in Nidra’s friendly hug for what seemed like an eternity. Suddenly Nidra’s horn began to glow and her magic engulfed Hyacinth. Hyacinth felt her eyes heavy and she let out a heavy yawn. This was a shock to the maid. As far she knew she was not working that hard all day and she always got her eight hours of sleep so she could not understand why she was so sleepy all of a sudden. Hyacinth's fore hooves slid off of Nidra’s back and her hind hooves became rubber. Nidra backed away allowing Hyacinth to fall unceremoniously to the floor in a deep sleep. Nidra chuckled as the maid started snoring. Clearly Hyacinth bought Nidra’s bluff making it easy for the bat alicorn to cast a sleeping spell on the maid.

“How naïve can you be?” said Nidra coldly. “Honestly, I don’t know what Mother was thinking when she hired such a dumb doormat like you. The cats you’ll own will far outnumber the animals Mrs. Fluttershy takes care of.”

Nidra closed her eyes and her body was engulfed in magic. Slowly she started to take a metamorphosis until she assumed the physical appearance of Hyacinth. She looked at herself in her vanity mirror examining her transformation. “Wearing this uniform makes me look like a filthy peasant!” groaned Nidra in Hyacinth’s voice. “But it’s small price to pay if I’m to get out of this castle.” She levitated the silver tray and slowly started to make her way out of the chambers. She then closed the door behind her and locked it. She walked along the hallway and turned a corner. As she made her way towards another corner she heard the familiar voice of the head chef bidding farewell to another staffer. Giovanni was a griffon who served as Canterlot’s head chef for nearly twenty years and the cakes he baked were Celestia’s favorite. Nidra decided that her breakout could wait for just a moment. She quickly made another transformation and at that moment Giovanni walked into her direction.

“Oh, goodnight, Your Highness,” said Giovanni in his familiar friendly tone. By then Nidra had transformed into none other than her own mother Princess Luna. Nidra regarded the chef with huge contempt knowing that he was responsible for the potato frittata that was cold. “Have you seen Hyacinth Ivory, Princess?” said Giovanni. “She was supposed to be helping set the food for the Nightmare Night Ball tonight.”

“That lazy harpy is slacking as usual,” said Nidra in her mother’s voice. “Don’t waste your time with her.” Giovanni stopped dead in his tracks and stared at The Princess of the Night in horror. It was not like the Princess to disparage any of the staff especially since she was trying her hardest not to slip back into the phase that turned her into Nightmare Moon. As Nidra trotted away from the griffon she remembered the cold supper that was prepared for her. “By the way, you’re fired,” she said with a smirk. Giovanni beak went slack and his eyes widened.

“But…But…But…” he stammered.

Nidra turned another hallway finding an opened window. She jumped on the window pane. She looked all around and made sure no one would direct their attention to her position. She stepped off the window pane and fell downwards. As she fell she transformed into a cream colored pegasus mare. She was a few feet away from the ground when she flapped her wings and took to the skies. “Illusion is supposed to be at this party at Mother’s former castle in The Everfree Forest,” Nidra thought out loud. “That is a party that can’t possibly be a party without Princess Nidra as the guest of honor!”