Prologue: The Canterlot Court of Justice! (Edited)
Edited by Xaldon ajide
Prologue: The Canterlot Court of Justice!
"Twilight?... Twilight?... Wake up, my little pony!"
Twilight slowly opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was a golden chestplate. And there was only one Pony, who wore a Chestplate like that!
"Princess Celestia!!!" Twilight jumped onto her hooves and gave her mentor a big hug. "Princess, did we really do it?"
The regal white alicorn chuckled a bit, before she touched something that was sitting on top of Twilight's head. "Yes my faithful Student, you and your friends did it. You have beaten Nightmare Moon... and you are all now the new bearers of the Elements of Harmony!" Said Celestia, as Twilight´s friends woke up, all of them looking at their new necklaces surprised. Twilight had a tiara on her head.
Suddenly, there was another voice. "S...Sister?" A blue alicorn, laying at the end of the former throne room, got onto her hooves, before she started running towards Celestia and the others!
"Luna? Luna! Sister...." Twilight and the other Elements where more than surprised, as the new, smaller alicorn nuzzled the Princess!
"Princess.....you...have a Sister?" asked Twilight perplexed.
Celestia looked now, with tears of joy in her eyes, to Twilight. "Yes Twilight. This is my little Sister, Princess Luna...."
Luna looked from Celestia to the lavender unicorn. "Are you...the new bearer of the Element of Magic?"
Twilight smiled a bit sheepishly. "Yes, I think I am."
Suddenly, Luna gave Twilight a tight, bone crushing hug! "Thank you! Thank you all for freeing me from Nightmare Moon!"
At this, Rainbow Dash smirked. "Easy smeasy! Well, at least that Mad Mare is gone!"
Suddenly, Luna's expression darkened a bit. "I'm afraid, you are wrong, my little pony!" All of them gave the smaller alicorn a questioning look, before she pointed her hoof towards the old throne.
What layed there, left all of them gasping! There lay an unconscious, pitch black alicorn! Probably the same height Luna had, with a violet tail and short mane. But most importantly was the lack of her cutie mark! Twilight was the first, who dared to say something.
“Is that........Nightmare Moon?”
Two weeks later...
Twilight didn't know why Princess Celestia wanted all of them in Canterlot. She had just made herself at home in Ponyville a week ago, when the letter from the Princess came.
To my Most Faithful student Twilight Sparkle,
You and your fellow Elements of Harmony are requested to attend the Canterlot Court of Justice within a weeks time!
HRH, Ruler of the Sun,
Princess Celestia of Equestria
“What do you think, why we all should come to the Court of Justice in Canterlot?” Asked Rainbow Dash, as she flew one more time upside down in the train wagon. Applejack shrugged at this. “I have no idea about this. And you, Twilight?”
The young unicorn shook her head at this question and opened her mouth to say something, but was cut off by Pinkie Pie. “We are already there! Canterlot!”
As the train arrived at the Canterlot Train station, there was already a certain night Princess waiting for the six Elements. Princess Luna, flanked by two of her own new Lunar Guard, waited patiently, but with a smile on her face. When she saw the six friends she walked over to them. “Well, if this is not Twilight Sparkle and her wonderful Friends. Welcome to Canterlot, all of you!” Luna saw the astonished looks on the faces of the six friends, before Rarity spoke.
“Your Highness.....why.... do you look so different?” Indeed, Luna looked different since the day she was freed from the nightmare. Her coat was now a nearly midnight blue! Her mane was still short, but shimmering like the stars and waving in the same eternal wind like Celestia's, the same was also true for her tail.
“Oh, you noticed it, Rarity! Well, my magic recovered and started to reappear.”
Rarity gasped. “You...you....you know my name???”
Luna chuckled at this. “But of course! I know all of you. And please, I would like it if you all called me Luna. But now is no time for a little chat. Would you please follow me now?”
Fluttershy, silent until now, squeaked. “Excuse me.....um....your Hig...Luna...but can you tell us....why we are here? Umm...if you want...”
Luna looked to the shy pegasus and smirked. “Well, of course! Today is the day, when Nightmare Moon receives her punishment!”
“Woah! I have never seen so many reporters on a single spot!”
Luna shrugged at Pinkie Pie's comment. “I'm not surprised! Nightmare Moon would be the first alicorn, which will be punished for her actions in Equestria's history!”
True, there had never been a Alicorn standing in front of a tribunal before. Suddenly, somepony was yelling! “GET YOUR HOOVES OF ME!!!”
Luna and the six friends looked in the Direction of the pony who had yelled. Four Solar Guards dragged Nightmare Moon out of a prison carriage.
But she has not changed like Luna. Her Mane and Tail were still the same like two Weeks ago. A Magical Bracelet was placed over her Horn and her Wings were tied with a rope. At once, a Dozen of Reporters surrounds the former Mare in the Moon, bombarding her with Questions.
“Nightmare Moon! What do you expect as your Punishment?”
“Do you regret anything?”
“How are you feeling about what you do in the Past?”
Nightmare Moon let out a sharp hissing noise, as every one of this Fools tried to get informations out of her! Then it was enough. “BUCK OFF YOU FOOLS!!!! I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY TO YOU OR ANYPONY ELSE!!!!” Roared the Alicorn in the Royal Canterlot Voice.
It was enough, to scare nearly every Reporter away. Then she saw Luna and the Bearers. “LUNA! IS THIS YOUR THANKS FOR EVERYTHING I'VE DONE FOR YOU????”
Luna´s expression was cold as Ice, before she steps towards Moon.
“What do you think I should thank you for? That you took over my Body and sealed me in my own Mind? For your attempt, to bring Eternal Night and overthrow my Sister? For taking me with you for a Thousand Years to the Moon? For keeping me away from Everypony I cared about?” Luna Face was now only a couple of Centimeter away from Nightmare Moon's Face. Both Alicorns staring Daggers into each other. Twilight was sure, if a Stare could Kill, both Alicorn would drop dead on the Stairs right now!
But then Luna let out a short snort, before turning back to the Group of Friends. “Come on everypony, we should head inside now. Tia is already waiting for us.”
The Group now heading inside, saw dozens of Guards and were greeted by Princess Celestia. “Good Day Sister! Twilight! It is good to see you and your Friends.”
The six Friends bow before Celestia, before Twilight speaking to her Mentor. “Princess, if it not to much to ask, why do you want us all here? I mean, not that we would not come, but your Letter was....well....short and not really informative!”
“Well Twilight, I can't tell you right now, but you and your Friends will be very important, when it comes time for Nightmare Moon to receive her Punishment.”
At this, Applejack raised her Hoof. “If I may ask, what would be the Punishment for a Goddess? I mean, Nightmare Moon is a Alicorn!”
Celestia smiled by this Question. “A very good Question, my dear Applejack. You see, even if nothing else Nightmare Moon is a proud mare, and I think, it is her pride will make this so much easier for us.”
They all looked confusedly up at the Sun Princess. Not even Luna and Twilight could find out, what Celestia was Planning!
Two Hours later...
Rainbow let out a bored groan. “This Court Trial is so Boring!” A hoof was pushed into her Side and she hears Twilight.
"Shhh, be quiet Rainbow!" Whispered the Unicorn, before turning her Attention back to the Process. The Door swung open again and Celestia, followed by Luna and the other Judges, entered again into the Courtroom. Luna was looking at her Sister in disbelief, why? Both Sisters were now taking their Places again, looking over the Room. Nightmare Moon saw the two sisters and snorted contemptuously.
Then one of the Judges raised his Voice. “Stand up, Everypony!”
And everypony did so, except Nightmare Moon, who didn't care.
Now Celestia began announcing verdict. “The Alicorn, named Nightmare Moon, is guilty of the following counts! Crimes Against the Crown and Equestria, multiple attempts at both murder and kidnapping! For these Actions, I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, declare that the judgment will be enforced immediately. Nightmare Moon, as a penalty for your actions, you will stay, for two Thousand Years....”
Suddenly, Celestia was cut off by Nightmare Moon. “WHAT??? IS THIS THE REASON, WHY THE BEARER´S OF THE ELEMENTS ARE HERE?? TO SEND ME AGAIN TO THE MOON????” Shouted the Dark Alicorn now Furrios.
Celestia looks not impressed by Moon´s Outburst. “No, but it is good that you mentioned the Bearers. Twilight Sparkle! Would you and your Friend please come forward?”
Blinking in surprise, Twilight steps forward, followed by her Friends, before the Two Sisters. Fluttershy squeaked, as Nightmare Moon glared at her. Unsure, Twilight bowd. “Your Highness?” Suddenly, Twilight felt something on her Horn. She looked up and saw a Bracelet! “Princess? I don't understand! Are you sealing my Magic? Why?” Nightmare Moon chuckled a bit at this, but the reality hits her again, as Celestia speaks.
“Don't worry, my Faithful Student. I never would do something like that to you.” Said Celestia with a smile, before her Expression darkened again as she glared at Nightmare Moon. “Nightmare Moon, you will stay for the next Two Thousand Years as a private Servant to Twilight Sparkle and her offspring and so on! The Bracelet on Twilight's Horn will allow her to hold complete control over you. You will stay in Ponyville under the Watchful Eyes of the Elements and, their Successors as well!!!”
Everypony gasped in surprise at this! Except Twilight and Nightmare Moon, who both shrieked in union. “WHAT?????”
Chapter 1: And so its starting
Edited by Xaldon ajide
Chapter 1: And so its starting
Ponyville, two Days later
Twilight double checks her Checklist....for the fourth time! It was not easy, to live on, if you have a Evil Goddess, which nearly brought eternal night and rule over Equestria, as your personal Servant!
“Spike! Is everything ready?” Twilight asked.
Spike groaned a little. “Yes! Everything’s ready! But why are you giving her the good bed? Wouldn’t a bunch of Hay, in some corner of the basement, work just as well?”
Twilight rolling her Eyes. “Spike! Even if I don't like the whole Idea of having her as a servant underneath my roof, I could at least try to make the best out of it. For us and for her. So...”
A knock on the Door interrupted Twilight and helps divert her attention back to the important matters. A swift glance at the Clock notifies Twilight that it was time to greet her new Servant... ‘Servant,’ that still sounds wrong! Twilight opens the Door Smiled with joy at who’s on the other side!
“Twily! Long time no see, right?”
“Shiny!” Twilight jumps out of the door and pulls her Big Brother into a tight loving hug! But sadly, it was not to last.
“Oh please! It is bad enough, that I have to stay and serve you and your miserable descendants for two Thousand bucking years, please stop torturing me with your familial garbage!” Growls Nightmare Moon, earning a Death Glare from Shining Armor!
“Shut up! Or I’ll drag your Filthy Flank back to Canterlot and buck you personally into the deepest Dungeon!” Shouted Shining Armor at Nightmare Moon, who only laughed at him. Before Twilight steps between both of them.
“Ok, calm down! Both of you!” Nightmare and Shining Armor looking at Twilight, before Nightmare Moon snorts and turns her Head away.
“Twily, do you think you can handle anything else from here?”
“I think.........well, it would take it's time to accept that me and Spike now have some new company here.”
“Oh, I nearly forgot to say. The Princess wanted me to clarify something about the Bracelets!”
As Shining Armor explains, what the Bracelets do, as two Guards push Nightmare Moon through the Library Door. Which was not easy, as the Nightmare refused cooperate! She refused to accept her Fate! So it was no wonder, that she tried to escape, as the Guards began leaving the Library! Flexing her Wings, she take a look around and seeing a window. “Perfect!”
She walks over to the window as quietly as possible, and push it open. “See you later, you Insects! now to get this stupid Bracelet off my Hooooorn!!!!”
Suddenly, the Bracelet glows green and pulls Nightmare back into the Library! She slams Head First into the Table in the middle of the Library. For a couple of seconds was it quit, before a groan was to heard.
“Uuuuurgh.....ow...what in Tartarus?”
“Oh my....uh.....are you ok?” Moon's eyes widen, but not a second later she narrowed her Eyes and looking towards the Door. Twilight steps a bit unsure through and closed it.
“Are you really asking me, if I am ok? Do you really do that? NO!!!”
“Um... okay. Um, well, we are going to be living under the same roof for some time. I guess i should....um...show you where everything is and where you going to be sleeping.” Twilight smiled unsure by this. The only response was a short snort from the dark Alicorn.
“I don’t have any others choice! Do I?”
“Oookay then...I show you the Kitchen first.”
“Whatever!”
Twilight walks into the Kitchen, followed by an unenthusiastic Nightmare Moon. “So, this is the Kitchen!”
“Obviously!” Nightmare comments dryly. Twilight try's to not get too distracted.
“Well, normally Spike and I are up at 7:15 am.”
“Ugh, great! An early Morning Pony!” If the lavender unicorn heard it she didn't show any sign of it and trots out of the Kitchen. Nightmare hesitated to follow Twilight, seeing a knife block! A evil Grin appeared on her Face, as she levitated all Knifes out of the block and aim them at Twilight.
'Heh, pay more attention to your surroundings, you miserable Pony!' Was Moon's thought, as she throw all of the cutlery at the same Time towards Twilight!
Twilight startled, as the Bracelet on her Horn began glowing red! “What thats was supposed to mean?” She ask herself, before she heard a loud “EEEP!” from behind her. The Unicorn turns around and gasped, as she finally look towards Nightmare Moon, the mare of Nightmares was precariously pasted to the wall, A dozen of Knives haphazardly sticking out around her! The Alicorns Eyes widened in shock!
“Uh......Nightmare?”
Nightmare Moon stops shaking, before she stepped out of the Kitchen with careful steps.
“Okay! If I can't hurt you with my Magic, then I have to do it physically!!!” She raises her left Hoof!
“No Nightmare! Stop!”
But the fallen Goddess don't listen to Twilight and her Hoof coming down on Twilight.......only to bounce of a red Magical Field and smack into her own Face!
“Uurgh!” Nightmare moaned painfully.
“Uhm....uuuh, Nightmare Moon? Do you need something to deal with the Pain?”
“Shut up! Stop acting like you care!” Nightmare shrieked as she rubs her muzzle and cursed inwardly. “What was that anyhow?”
“Well, Shining Armor explained, that the Bracelet prevent you from doing anything that could hurt anypony! Which included me, my Friends, Spike and anypony else in Ponyville! They also prevent you from running away and you can only cast spells with good intentions.”
“Great....just Great!”
Nightmare Moon didn't do anything else for the next Hour, as Twilight showed her around her new home. Celestia's Sun was already gone and Luna's Moon was starting its journey in the Night Sky. Spike, kept a little space between himself and the Nightmare, but she didn't care. Finally, they reach the Room where Nightmare will be living during her stay.
“So, here is your Room, Nightmare. I hope the Bed is big enough for you.”
Nightmare Moon stared at the Bed before her. Yes, it was. “So, it’s been a stressful day for all of us should probably get some rest.”
“I'm an Alicorn! I do not need Sleep!” Growled Nightmare, but so low and quit, that Twilight not hear it.
A while later, Nightmare Moon layed on her Bed. Her eyes were positioned on the ceiling! Was this it? Her Fate? Gritting her Teeth, she turns around and closing her Eyes.
The next Morning...
Twilight get's out of her bed, with a for her typical Bedmane. Rubbing her eyes with her hooves, she take a look on the Clock, 7:00 am.
“Uuuuuah.....Spike.....wake up!”
“Not now.........5 more Minutes......” The Baby Dragon groans. Twilight let out a small sigh. Another, simply normal Day was starting. ‘No, not a normal Day!’ she thought as she noticed the other Soul, which now slept under her roof! Quickly, Twilight get's out of the Bed and walking into the Bathroom. There, she combed her hair and doing her normal morning routine. The young Unicorn looked into the Mirror, before letting out a small sigh.
“Time to wake up Nightmare!”
A couple of Minutes later, Twilight came knocking on Nightmare Moon's door.
“Nightmare Moon? Are you awake?” Nothing. Twilight open the Door and walked into the Bedroom of the Dark Alicorn. She was not surprised, to see Nightmare Moon still sleeping. Twilight trotting over to the Bed and put her hoof on the bedspread.
“Nightmare! Wake up, it is.....now 7:15am!” Nightmare Moon let out a low growl.
“Buck off!......This Alarm Clock is a liar and you know it!” Sadly for Nightmare, Twilight pulls away the Bedspread exposing her to the open air of the library.
“Rise and Shine Nightmare! It is a wonderful Day!”
“Grrr, tell me what is so wonderful on a sunny Day!... fine! I'm up!” Twilight wanted to say something, but was interrupted by two loud burping noises!
“Huh? A letter from Princess Celestia, This early?”
“Twilight!” Spike ran through the Door. He was holding a large Package and a Scroll, but this one did not have Princess Celestia's Seal on it!
“A Letter! From Princess Luna!”
Princess Luna? Twilight take the Letter and starts reading loud.
“Dear Twilight Sparkle
I hope you have not a rough time with your new Servant. Anyway, I just wanted to inform you, that my dear Sister and I have had some time to think about some of the alterations this has cause. For this, see the second Part of the Letter. But now to the Fun part! You should have received a Package with this Letter. This one is for Nightmare Moon. Me and Tia were thinking, that it would really good fit her new position in life. You should reveal it to her soon!
HRH, Ruler of the Night and Moon
Princess Luna of Equestria”
Twilight was unsure, what to think of this, before she opened the Package. Nightmare Moon, who was now suspicious, stepped off the Bed and took a look into the Package...
“HAYSEED NO!!!”
She levitated a Prench Maid Dress out of it. It fit her Body Size!
“You Kidding me right???? There is no way in Tartarus, I will wear this ...Thing!” With those Words, Nightmare Moon throw the Dress into the farthest corner of the Room. But then Spike saw, that there was another Letter in the Package.
“Dear Twilight Sparkle
It is totally clear to me, that Nightmare Moon would refuse to wear the Dress. But don't worry, she has no other choice, it is enchanted to warp onto her whenever she wakes.
You're amused Teacher
Princess Celestia”
“What???” Panicked, Nightmare Moon looks into the Corner, where she throw the Dress into. Only to see, that it was coming back to her on its own!
“NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!”
Kitchen: a couple of Minutes later.
“Actually......it suits you rather well Nightmare.” Twilight spoke grinning sheepishly.
“Shut up! This is embarrassing! I will not stand for visitors like this... it is... unfitting.!” Nightmare Moon was almost crimson red in the Face and crying. Twilight looked to Spike, who was still snickering about nightmare’s situation.
“Well, anyway. I must open the Library in a couple of minutes. I will give you the Day off. I still have no Idea, for what I could need a Maid......I mean Servant......no, I...”
“Stop it! It doesn't matter, which word you pick. It will always be an insult! Now Please shut up. I will NOT leave this tree in these clothes!” Nightmare Moon Growled Irritation almost palpable in the air around her.
Twilight shrinks a bit into her seat, while Nightmare jerked her hoof at her. ‘Well, maybe it was better, to open the Library now.’ She gets up and leaves the kitchen reaching the front door and flipping the sign to open while unlocking the door at the same time. Suddenly, she heard somepony on the other side!
“Look out below!!!” Twilight couldn't figure out, what exactly happened, as the Door burst open and loud Crashing noises were heard!
“R....Rainbow?” Twilight followed the path of Destruction into the Kitchen. There she was, Ponyville’s well known Captain of the Weather Patrol.
“Sorry Twi, new Trick!” Said the Cyan Pegasus proudly, before her eyes widened. She was sitting on somepony and this one was bigger than her!
“Get your lazy Flank of me, you waste of Air!” Rainbow jumps away facing Nightmare Moon with an unamused look on her Face.
“What did you just call me, Punk? If you......” Dash fell silent, as she saw a Angry Nightmare Moon, wearing a Maid dress. ‘That just looks ridiculous!’ Then Nightmare realize, that she was completely exposed and blushed furiously!
“I warn you! If you...” Nightmare was not able to finish that line, before Rainbow Dash burst out into laughing!
“Oh my......thats so rich! Can't... stop... laughing” She flung herself onto Twilights back, while she stood next to her, and still couldn’t stop laughing. Until another Voice was heard.
“What in Tarnation is going on?” Applejack, Rarity Pinkie Pie and last but not least Fluttershy entered the Kitchen. They all look in disbelief at the dark Alicorn, before they also start laughing. Twilight was just annoyed by this. So much for a nice, little Breakfast. And Nightmare? Twilight saw how Nightmare was standing there and her Body language tells everything.
“Stop it! Stop laughing!........please...” It was this one word, which stop everypony. They would never have expected to hear this word from Nightmare Moon. A sudden realization hit Twilight.’Is this really what you meant in canterlot Princess. is it really necessary to degrade her like this Celestia?’ she thought to herself softly while Nightmare’s tears continued falling to the floor.
“Please.....stop laughing about me!” Moon was gritting her Teeth and looked, as when she forced herself to not do something. Of course, Rainbow couldn't resist a chance to throw a barb at the black mare.
“Ha, is the big bad Alicorn now about to Cry? Are you just a little Cry Filly?”
“Say that again and I’ll kick you through the Wall, you useless Slacker!”
“Rainbow, Nightmare! Stop! Both of you, before...” But it was too late!
“Oh yeah? Try your best, Blank Flank!” This hit a nerve Nightmare Moon. It was more than true that she had no Cutie Mark anymore. And this Comment.....it was too much!
“THATS IT!!!!”Before anypony could do anything, Moon charging her Horn and a Powerful Lightning shots towards Rainbow Dash. But then, the Bracelet on Nightmare's Horn glows red.....and the Lightning Bolt came back! “What...”
Then it hit her and she was throwing through the Kitchen Door into a storage room! Everypony was shocked by this.
“Oh my Gosh! Nightmare!” Twilight gave Dash a Hard glare, before running to nightmares aid. Even the others were worried. Twilight walks into the Storage room.....and hears a small sob.
“Nightmare?”
“Leave me alone... Nopony should see me like this... so week... ” The first one who joins Twilight and Nightmare, was surprisingly Fluttershy.
“Oh... my...”
Nightmare Moon lays there, her Dress was ripped open on her shoulder. Her own Lighning Attack having wounded her, causing her to bleed a bit.
“Twilight, do you have a first aid kit or something to stem the bleeding?”
“Yes, of course Fluttershy! I always am prepared in case of an emergency.”
“Can you bring it....please?” The Unicorn nodded and rushed towards the Bathroom, where the Kit was. Nightmare Moon staired at Fluttershy, trying to ignore the Pain, without success.
“Why.....Why you want to help me?”
“Well.....you are still a Pony....and what kind of pony would I be if I showed no Kindness and didn't help?” Nightmare looking at the Yellow Pegasus in disbelief. Then she looking away and gritting her Teeth.
“Please, stop making fun of me! Why would you help me? Out of free will?” The Wound hurt. The dark Goddess had never felt real pain before. When she was one with Luna, one of the strongest Creatures of the World! Real, physical pain was alien to her! ‘But now... I feel... so weak! So... vulnerable.’
“Because....I want to help you.” Nightmare's Eyes widen, as Fluttershy admits this. In the meantime, Twilight came back. Fluttershy takes the Kit and begins tending to nightmares wound, Twilight walks back to the others. Rainbow was surprisingly quiet.
“Ok Everypony, I’ll get straight to the Point. Even if she was once our opponent and now beneath our supervision, all I ask if that you leave her alone! I see now, what the Princess means, Nightmare Moon’s Pride and Honor would be a key in her Punishment.”
“But Twilight! We can't just act, like there was nothing!” Rainbow complained stubbornly. The others nodded in agreement.
“Rainbow is right! Even if she is at the moment no threat, we can't just Trust her.”
“I know that, Applejack. She must earn Trust.” Twilight takes a look behind her, to see if Nightmare let Fluttershy help her. She was surprised, as she saw the Alicorn just sitting there and letting Fluttershy work. Then she again looked at her other Friends.
“Girls, all I ask for is, that you give her a Chance.”
“I try Sugarcube.”
“Me to.”
“I will! Maybe she can help me with some of my Partys!”
“Uuuugh, if I must! But I’m keeping an Eye on her!”
Meanwhile, Nightmare let Fluttershy do her work and getting herself lost in her own thoughts. Why is the shy Pegasus helping her? She was saying she want to help her. Was this really true? No, she must have joking. Nopony would willingly help her, right? Right.....
Author's Note
So, like you all know now, Nightmare Moon did not have a Cutie Mark here. I will give her in a Later Chapter a new one. You all can make suggestions, what a Mark would fit our dark Alicorn.
