"Dr. Sparkle's research brings an astounding new depth to myth and legend that was otherwise considered history."
-Professor Warden. Q. Mycroft
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-Free Flyer
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-Canterlot Court Scientific Committee
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-Clear Skyes
Dr. Twilight Sparkle,
The Hidden History: Nightmare Moon
Royal Court Publishing Co., MMMCXII
Copyright C 3112 by Dr. Twilight Sparkle, Renewed 3211 by Twilight Publishing Co.
All rights reserved.
This book is printed on an acid free screen.
A Royal Court Edition
Published by Twilight Publishing Co.
175 Fifth Avenue
New Yourk, NY 10010
Royal Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Dr. Sparkle, Twilight, 3083-present.
The Hidden History: Nightmare Moon / Dr. Twilight Sparkle
p. cm.
ISBN 0-312-86355-1 (acid-free screen)
- Historical documents data and collections - Non-fiction. I. Title.
PS3515.E288M66 3112
813'.54-dc20 95-53750
CIP
Royal Court Edition: July 3112
20 19
~In Loving Memory of
Rainbow Dash~
I.
Contents:
Collection One
Point of Origin
Collection Two
Descent
Collection Three
Fall & Fallout
II.
Background:
The politics and events of a thousand years past are fades of what they once were. Many things have changed, many haven't. To impart a full understanding of what led to the fall and treasonous actions of one of Equestria's great historical figures, one must have an understanding of the time.
The date is 2001, sometime in the late fall. We find ourselves in a snow covered Canterlot, in the days before the great castle was moved to the mountainside. The electrifying winds of change gust through the city's great thoroughfares and tenament halls. We are amidst the feet of some of Equestria's greatest larger than life characters, awaiting what will go down in history as the grandest battle of all time.
Who are these characters?
Celestia, a princess and a godess in her own right. She is spry and in her relative youth. Her powers are at their pique, softened only by the unfavoring season. At this point, she stands at the city gate with her sister and her army at her side, anticipating the coming foe.
Discord, the demigod of chaos incarnate. His lengthy war against Equestria all but ended a week ago, his troops few in number and his kingdom in ruins. At this point, he and the last of his troops are marching towards Canterlot in a last ditch attempt to break the war-weary Equestrian army.
Starswirl the Bearded, an innovative magician and co-architect of the fall of Discord's kingdom. In cooperation with Princess Luna, his spells and weapon designs have played a key role in keeping the technological edge over Discord's massive armies and troubling defenses. At this point, he has been hidden among a no-name scientific expedition crew to preserve some sort of leadership should the final battle go south.
Han "Cloudmane" Landa, head of the Canterlot Security Comission (CSC) and commander of Canterlot Security (C-Sec). He is a paranoid, older colt whose politics won him his post. His actual skills are questionable, and his agenda often outshines effectiveness when it comes to policy. At this point, he has been temporarily relieved by Princess Luna, and sits in the war room of the castle, coordinating security efforts.
And, at last, the star of our story, Princess Luna. An audacious young commander and a natural-born strategist, her skills co-authored the defeat of Discord's armies alongside the technological edge provided by Starswirl the Bearded. At this point, she stands alongside her sister, in command of the city's defending forces.
The streets of Canterlot are cold and silent. Its ponies have taken refuge in their homes, their emotions a tense mix of fear and anticipation. Inside the central castle, a skeleton crew of guards patrol the halls. The stage is set, and now the curtains are drawn.
COLLECTION ONE: POINT OF ORIGIN (Part I)
Doc- Diary, Lt. Vantas Skaia, 11-24-01
"I stood atop the wall, standing side by side with my fellow soldiers. We were about to witness the final battle, and perhaps the greatest battle, of the entire war. A thousand different thoughts and scenarios ran through my mind, and I could only assume the same of my brothers.
"We all knew the stakes. We all knew that most of us probably wouldn't come back. All these thoughts, all the anticipation, and the most dominant thing was the silence. It seemed unthinkable, but it was true. Ten thousand stallions at the castle walls, armed, prepared, and completely silent. The only words came from the whisper of the wind.
"And I tried to remember another time like this, a time of such quiet. I couldn't. Before all of our other battles we would sit, chat, drink, and gamble, but not today. Countless battles, and this one was different.
"Each of us stood upright, in silence, staring out into the snow covered expanse extending beyond the walls. Endless white against a horizon of falling snow. I don't know why I, or any of the others chose to stay silent. Even now, I cannot understand why we were so transfixed by the white horizon.
"It wasn't the face of death. I and my friends had stared down the face of death too many times to be moved by it. We all knew we were already dead. It was something more frightening than death. Some irrational fear. An ending worse than death, and it was coming. It would come right across that horizon, and everything would end."
Doc- Log, CO Han Landa, 24th November 2001 est. 13:01
"I have felt many things, but never such an unsettling feeling as brought on by this deathly silence. Even with a security web of C-Sec patrols moving throughout the city, and the constantly arriving reports, this silence persists.
"Already my men seem uneasy. I could easily understand this from the newer recruits and draftees, but even my vets are on edge. It's as if a shroud of unspoken despair is covering the city. The nagging part of my brain insists this is an attack, a preliminary strike of fear being broadcast by Discord.
"I try to tell my men and myself it's the silence before the storm, but I know better and so do my more experienced men. This is something else. Never before has Discord himself personally led his forces. This must be the work of his trickery... If it is, though, and he has managed to pierce the hearts of an entire city with fear without even setting eye on us, then that feat in itself is even more reason for fear.
"Sometimes you forget you fight at the feet of gods."
Doc- Log, Gen. H. J. Farnsworth, 11-24-01 est. 13:09
"We all felt the quiet growing, burning, chipping away at us. Growing greater and greater. We were becoming smaller and smaller. It was then that Luna turned to Celestia.
" 'Discord is using a pressure spell, and I'm pretty damn sure he's cloaking his army too.' "
" 'Good call. I'll bring down the cloak. Once the battle starts, he won't have enough focus to keep up his pressure spell.' "
"Luna nodded, and then I witnessed what might have been the single most spectacular display of magical power I've ever seen. Celestia bowed her head, and, with a sound comparable to a lightning strike, she shot a bolt of magic into the air. It shot up like a flare and exploded at the peak of its arc, revealing a massive army of no less than forty thousand, led by an even more massive demonic creature. This was it."
Doc- Interview, Belanna T. Flair (Civilian), 11-25-01
"I had never felt so terrified by so many things. The thought of an army actually attacking Canterlot, the thought of my son fighting this army, the thought that even behind these city walls, I and my daughter may not be safe, and, even more than that, the stillness.
"The cold, unyielding stillness. It permeated the walls, broke through the doors, and bled straight into you. It was the sound of nothing, an unending nothing. I recall the way my daughter looked at me, hugging at my hoof, trying to find something to hold on to, trying not to get swept away in the stillness, I remember that.
"Her eyes, I will never forget the look of her eyes in that stillness. Wide and brown, boring straight into me in a torrent of emotion. And then the stillness ended. It was torn away by the scream of air raid sirens and the sound of explosions. Griffons dropping bombs into the city.
"It was then she started screaming and crying, yelling to me a thousand times over 'I don't want to die, I don't want to die!' as she closed her eyes and hugged me even harder. And I told her I wouldn't let her. I told her nothing would happen, and that she would be fine, and that she would get to see her brother. I told her so many wonderful things.
"Then a blast. A shockwave of heat and air, knocking me over. A ringing in my ears. I rose amidst rubble, trying to stand steady and get my bearings. It was only then I realized I no longer felt my daughter clutching my hooves. It was only then I looked to see her broken listless body amidst the debris. It was only then that I realized I told her so many wonderful lies."
Doc- Action Report, Head Scribe James Dean Lightfeather
"At approximately 12:45 on the twenty-fourth of November, two-thousand-one, I was ordered to take an observational position inside a large tower along the north wall of Canterlot, and record the battle.
"The fighting began at around 13:12, when Celestia cast a spell that revealed Discord's hidden army less than a few hundred meters away. Allied unicorn artillery immediately opened fire, catching a few clusters of infantry and Griffons off guard. The city sirens began to sound.
"Discord's first act was to dispatch his Griffon air wing. Half of them were carrying incendiary devices, while the other half were meant purely to engage allied pegasi. In response, Luna herself took to the sky with the pegasi, and began to engage the inbound Griffons. The harness mounted weapons of our pegasi were able to take out a large chunk of the Griffon forces before engaging in melee.
"On the ground, Discord set his Diamond dogs to digging. Celestia had her ground forces hold position behind the gates while allowing the artillery to continue firing. When the Diamond Dogs reached a predetermined point, a set of underground eplosives detonated, creating a massive trench mere feet from the gate, and halting the underground assault.
"Celestia ordered half of her forces to exit the gate and take the trench and the other half to charge Discord's remaining defensive contingent of Diamond Dogs.
"In the air, melee combat had reached its peak. Griffons and pegasi alike fell from the sky in droves, their remaining comrades unable to regain any form of discipline or order. Taking advantage of a small opening, the bomb carrying Griffons abandoned their fight with the pegasi and made a beeline straight for the civilian wards of the city. In response, Luna ordered three pegasi to follow her and assist in the take-down of the bomb-carriers.
"Between Luna's magic and the pegasi's harness weapons, they were able to take out half of the bomb carriers and their bombs. The other half, however, managed to release over 34 incendiary devices into the city before being shot down.
"At approximately 13:42, Discord led a countercharge against Celestia's approaching forces. Seconds before they would have met, his dogs tunneled under the army, and he flew over. Regrouping behind Celestia's advance, they turned around and took Celestia's forces by surprise.
"Using the disarray created by his tactic, Discord headed straight to the entrenched troops camped outside the open gate, and began to make short work of them. With their weapons and artillery showing no effect on Discord, they were routed from their trench and into the city. Discord ordered his Diamond Dogs to dig once more, this time so they could capture the now un-occupied trench.
"The remaining Griffons in the air abandoned their fight with the pegasi to pick off the routing troops before they could regroup. Luna ordered her pegasi to intercept and provide air support for the troops to get them back into the fight.
"It was then Luna took notice of Discord wreaking havoc on the wall-mounted artillery positions. With no other troops to spare, she chose to take Discord on herself. She opened with a barrage of magic bolts from her horn, and followed by swooping in at high speed and knocking him over. It was at this point their tussle became an indiscernable mess of punching, scratching, and magic.
"Celestia noticed her sister's action, and came to the conclusion that Luna's chances of winning may not be small, but would certainly be improved if she were there to help. She gave command of the ground forces to her general before heading towards a tangled Luna and Discord.
"At around 13:56, Luna's fight with Discord reached an interesting point. For a few quick moments, Discord was able to pin Luna down, and hold her down for a good ten seconds. During this period of time, there is no apparent struggle. Only after Celestia joined the fight was this stalemate broken.
"After a series of adeptly coordinated kicks, magical blasts, and punches, Discord was subdued for long enough to allow the sisters to use the Elements of Harmony, and seal the squirming Discord in his stone prison (14:02).
"With the artillery returned to a firing state, the entrenched Diamond Dogs became easy pickings. The Griffons, realizing their commander was gone and their forces were bested, chose to retreat. The previously routed Canterlot ground forces returned to the field in a final charge, pressing into the trenches and uprooting the Diamond Dogs.
"At 14:04, all of Discord's forces were all either dead or routing. Despite the cost and odds, Equestria had now become a nation free of oppression and opposition. Let it be known that we have won, and we are free."
COLLECTION ONE: POINT OF ORIGIN (Part II)
Doc- Newspaper Article, Michael Shanks, Canterlot Tribune, "Victory!", 11-24-01
"What has perhaps been the most
anticipated battle of the last four
war-torn years lasted less than sixty
minutes. Discord, the monstrosity
whose name struck fear into the
millions of innocent Equestrians,
was brought to his knees in less
than ten.
"For the first time in eight years,
we, as a people and as a nation,
are finally free. We may all rest
easy knowing that our children
are safe, and our homes are no
longer under duress.
"There is no doubt that our country
is one in celebration, and contacts
suggest that this celebration might
go all the way to the top.
"Word has reached us from the
royal court that rumours of a
celebratory ball may be more
fact than fiction.
"While we have gotten no offic-
ial confirmation of this soiree,
there is little doubt among staff
and our informers in Canterlot's
inner circles that, if a ball is not
already planned, it is in the
works."
Doc- Diary, Luna, 11-24-01
"I know that Discord is gone, but the unsettling feeling he left me with is not. The words he spoke to me when he held me down still ring through my head in absolute clarity. I can see his face as he pinned me, his unmoving maw whispering silent words into my ear, words that have kept me up all night.
" 'The only appreciated light shall be Celestia's sun, and in its shadow you and your stars shall remain eclipsed.'
"I questioned all soldiers who were nearby during this incident, and none of them recalled Discord speaking anything of stars or eclipses. While this could easily be because of the many distractions and the haste of the situation, I am still uneasy.
"At a glance, the words in themselves seem meaningless, but I fear there is something much darker behind them. Tomorrow I shall make a point of seeing my doctor. I shan't tell her of my experience; I don't need it getting recorded just so Landa can make an ordeal of the thing."
Doc- Log, CO Han Landa, 25th November 2001 est. 0:24
"I have read the reports and asked for soldier's accounts, yet one thing continues to bug me. Discord, god of chaos and disorder, a fierce warrior and cunning general, was defeated in eight minutes.
"Eight minutes was all it took to subdue a god. Let the record state I am no stallion to underestimate the powers of our goddesses, but all accounts of Discord's other fights with Celestia and Luna occur over periods of 20 minutes or more, and all of them never yielded a victor.
"As of yet, I have no proof, but I am strong in the belief that Discord is up to something more."
Doc- Patient Profile, Dr. M. Theresa
" Royal Hospital of Canterlot
Triage Center
Littleton District
Patient: Luna
Case Number: 0527-99
Date of Birth: Refused to Divulge
Date: 11/25/2001
Chief Complaint: Eternal Being
Case History: This is a female of unknown age with a history of various minor issues.
Past Medical History: Intussusception, appendectomy, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy.
Last Surgery: Intussusception reduction
Last hospitalization: 2/1908 for Intussusception reduction
Physical Examination:
Vital Signs: Temp: 100.6, Pulse: 64, Blood Pressure: 130/72
Clinical Impression: Unremarkable
Exams: Physical Examination, Mana Probing
Findings: Appendix not identifiable.
Kidneys, liver, bladder, bowel pathology, aorta, inferior vena cava, mesenteric lymph nodes, and abdominal mass all unremarkable.
Pancreas is suboptimally depicted due to interfering bowel gas.
Mana nodes abnormally dense, unable to be depicted. Standard after massive bouts of mana exertion.
Impression: Unremarkable."
Doc- Diary, Starswirl the Bearded, 11-26-01
"I received news of the battle today, and though I am pleased by our victory, something seems amiss. Discord's defeat might seem permanent, but I fear he has become far more powerful. He would not give up so easily.
"The battle ended too quickly. He was defeated too quickly. He fell for Luna's underground explosives trap when all signs suggested his intel had informed him. His Griffons stayed engaged with our pegasi when they could have easily just wrought havoc in the city. He had nearly four times as many troops as we did. His Diamond Dogs even had a fortified position in front of the city, and he still lost.
"This all seems too good to be true. This battle should have been at least a close call, yet it is, by the numbers alone, decisive. Whilst I appreciate our victory and sacrifice, this remains too good to be true."
Doc- Diary, Luna, 11-26-01
"Despite my own thoughts, the doctor has assured me everything is alright. I suppose I'll just write this off to one of Discord's mind games. He always was a sore loser.
"Now, I'll try to get some sleep. Words are only words."
Doc- Correspondence, Starswirl the Bearded, sent: 11-26-01 via post; received: 11-27-01
"Celestia,
"I have gone over reports of the battle, and I am fully convinced that we have not seen the last of Discord. As a trusted friend and confidant, I advise you to keep a close eye on the events of these next few weeks.
"As I understand it, there is a ball to celebrate the fall of Discord coming up this December. I could think of no more a tempting target than this. I don't know if you'd want to tell Landa of this, his flare for the dramatic and love of the press rivals Discord's, and I don't know if he could keep his maw shut if we told him.
"Regardless, measures should be taken, at least for awhile.
"-Starswirl"
Doc- Correspondence, Celestia, sent: 11-27-01 via dragon; received: 11-27-01
"Starswirl,
"Your fears are warranted, for both Discord and Landa; however, knowing Landa's paranoia, he has probably arrived at the same conclusion and merely chosen to keep it to himself. I wouldn't doubt it if he's already drafting a plan to increase security around Canterlot.
"-Celestia"
Doc- Correspondence, Starswirl the Bearded, sent: 11-27-01 via post; received: 11-28-01
"Celestia,
"Considering my talents and skills, it might be a better option to have me conduct a smaller, less invasive investigation rather than let Landa run roughshot over Canterlot.
"-Starswirl"
Doc- Correspondence, Celestia, sent: 11-28-01 via dragon; received: 11-28-01
"Starswirl,
"No. If Discord really isn't gone, the last thing we need is all our leadership in one place. That is unless, of course, you prefer that Landa should assume control if anything did happen.
"-Celestia"
Doc- Correspondence, Starswirl the Bearded, sent: 11-26-01 via post; received: 11-27-01
"Luna My Love,
"News of your fight with Discord reached my ears just this morning. I am dreadfully sorry I couldn't have been there with you. As soon as Celestia permits for my return, I shall make it my priority to return to you and make up for this war's worth of missed dates and romantic rendezvous.
"Do tell, did my imprisonment spell work as it was intended? I wish I could have been there to see such a sight for myself; I am told it was quite the drama, and that you were quite the actress.
"-Yours Eternally, Starswirl"
Doc- Correspondence, Luna, sent: 11-27-01 via dragon; received: 11-27-01
"My Dear Starswirl,
"You must be more careful of your letter's contents. Landa has a terrible habit of reading the public post, and you know as well as I what he would do if he found one of our more private missives. As a fix, I've enclosed some of your magic instant message paper. You really should stop forgetting such things; you know how it aggravates me to have to send you everything you forget.
"As for your return, I'll see what strings I can pull to expedite your trip. A few of my pegasi owe me a favor, and given a few more days and some arguing with my sister, you may be on a carriage back to Canterlot.
"And yes dear, your spell worked flawlessly. Discord's statue shall make an excellent center piece for our garden grounds.
"-Your Lady of the Night"
Doc- Correspondence, Starswirl, sent: 11-28-01 via IM Paper; received: 11-28-01
"My Lady,
"Forgive my absentmindedness. When I was sent off at the beginning of a war, there were quite a few more pressing matters needing attention. Aside from that, I thought I would be home by now. Celestia seems quite intent on keeping me in the shadows for awhile longer.
"-Starswirl"
Doc- Correspondence, Luna, sent: 11-28-01 via dragon; received: 11-28-01
"Love,
"There's no need to be sarcastic, dear. I'll attempt to work around my sister.
"-Luna"
Doc- Diary, Luna, 11-27-01
"I see Discord's face when I sleep. I see his face and I hear those words, over and over. Him and his sick jokes. I'm tempted to ask my love to help me, but I'd rather try and seek a solution for myself first. I don't want to risk sending anything by dragon or over the post. If Landa thinks I'm compromised, I'll never hear the end of him. Besides, I have a whole royal library to look for spells in. It seems kind of pointless to have a library you never use."
Doc- Internal Memo, Luna -> Pegasi Air Transportation
" ORDER: ASSET RETRIEVAL
Package: Starswirl the Bearded, alias: Nightsbane Willingstone
Locale: Arctic Research Base, Map #1421, Grid C8
Authority: Princess Luna, Commander of Allied Forces
Secrecy: Highest Authority, Only At Request
ID Code: 0413-0612-1025
Date of Order: 11/28/2001
Date of Execution: 11/29/2001
Description: You are to retrieve the allied asset known as Starswirl the Bearded, currently under cover in an arctic research base.
---
ADDENDUM 11/28/01: Order redacted on authority of Celestia."
Doc- Form, Starswirl
" FORM 1065: REQUEST FOR RETURN
Name: Starswirl
ID Code: 0625-4434-0296
DOB: 02/23/69
Date of Request: 11/28/01
Reason for Request: Original reason for deployment was to preserve leadership in case Celestia and or Luna should perish in a key battle. Said reason has become invalid, and in light of this situation, I would be much more of an asset in Canterlot.
---
Decision: Denied (11-29-01)
Reason for Denial: (Celestia, 11-29-01) Despite Discord's defeat, he remains a viable threat to both the diarchy and Equestria. You shall remain incognito until 12-01-01, unless otherwise ordered or approved by myself and myself alone. "
Doc- Diary, Starswirl, 11-28-01
"My formal request for return has been denied. While I did expect about as much, it does nothing to allay my growing impatience. The minutes that once separated me and Luna have grown to weeks and months. This damned war just seems to go on and on.
"By all rights, it should be me down there investigating any leads on Discord's continuing presence, not that half-wit Landa. All he seeks is fame, and I fear he does this without regard to cost. That stallion would sell his mother to be on the cover of the Canterlot Tribune.
"The fact of the matter is I'm tired of sitting here, so far from the action, so far from Luna. It's like being kept in a stable. I know it serves a purpose, and I understand the reasoning, but it doesn't make things any easier."
Doc- Form, C-Sec CO Han Landa
"FORM 1040: REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL SECURITY
Name: Han C. Landa
ID Code: 2142-6534-0202
Position/Pay-grade: C-Sec Commanding Officer, SES Grade
Date of Request: 11-28-01
Request Details: Inc. Castle Patrol # (from 15 to 25), Inc. City Patrol # (from 21 to 42), Inc. Patrol Size (from 2 to 3 officers), Inc. Standard Security Detail Size (from 4 to 6 officers), Inc. Suggested On Site Security for Upcoming Events (from 36 to 64 officers.)
Reason for Request: Reasonable suspicion for persisting presence of F4-ALT scale threat.
---
Decision: (Celestia, 11-28-01) Approved"
Doc- Internal Memo, Celestia -> All, 11-28-01
" To: All Staff
From: Celestia
Subject: Security Changes
"A number of changes in security will be taking place in the next few weeks as we approach the upcoming ball. The first of these shall be that all orders from any authority figure are to be relayed to myself and Luna for review and investigation.
"Secondly, the number of patrols, patrolling officers, and officers on security details are going to increase.
"Finally, any attempts to circumvent these policies, or authority in general, are going to be taken seriously, and shall not be without reprimand.
"Thank you all for your time."
Doc- Diary, Celestia, 11-28-01
"Poor Starswirl. He's kicking at the stall door and trying to get out. Here I was thinking he's a thirty year old stallion, but I guess they're all boys when it comes to their love. What's even cuter is he thinks I don't know. I'm surprised he hasn't noticed my sister talks in her sleep.
"My sister's actions concern me, though. I know that it has been quite awhile since her and Starswirl have seen each other, but she's never before tried to directly undercut my authority. She's been quite distant since the battle. I should make it a point to talk to her sometime. The planning for the ball can wait."
Doc- Personal Log, Han Landa, 11-28-01
"After seeing Celestia's memo, I have become concerned that someone may have been compromised. She would not address the undermining of authority unless someone has already attempted to do so. I doubt Celestia will be sharing any information, considering her opinion of me, but I will proceed nonetheless.
"This has prompted the starting of my 'Personal Log'. By classifying it as a personal log, the information is considered both protected and private property. This should make it harder for anyone on the inside to gain possession of these logs as I attempt to find our mole.
"Maybe unearthing this spy will finally get me the respect to leave this joke of a job. I'd like a real job, one that doesn't pay a dog's salary. A high-profile case like this is just what I need."
Doc- Diary, Luna, 11-28-01
"It's getting worse. I see his face when I shut my eyes. I hear those words whenever there is silence. I have searched the library and tried a number of mind cleansing spells, all to no avail.
"I won't bother Celestia. I don't need her help. If Discord wishes to challenge me, then I shall accept his challenge. I have bested his generals, I have defeated his armies, and now I shall finish the deed."
