The Tale of the Nightmare

As the years hurried on, Sombra visited the Everfree less and less. He didn't seem as concerned about harmony as he used to be in his youth. Luna wondered why. Was it possible that he was having an affair with the princess of Equestria? Did somepony really need to have two lovers at once? Was it Sombra's intention to lead both mares on? No matter what questions Luna asked about the castle, Sombra preferred to keep it private. He didn't think she should be snooping around in his business. Yet Luna was suspicious. What on Earth was going on over there?

Luna became the most powerful defender of the Everfree Forest. Although the Equestrians investigated the border sometimes, they wouldn't destroy the forest as long as she watched. One evening, Sombra visited the forest after days of being absent. She landed behind him as she did in her youth. Her wings now spanned nearly eight feet, which could intimidate somepony who had never met an alicorn.

"Greetings, Sombra," Luna said.

Sombra whirled around. "Oh. I thought you wouldn't notice. How are you?"

"I'm good. Is the princess your other romantic interest?"

"No. She won't rush into a relationship after her husband died. And she has a newborn son to look after."

"You're interested in her?"

"Of course not. You're my first love, and our first kiss wasn't for nothing."

Luna draped a wing over Sombra's back and led him to a glade. There, they lay on the grass, gazing at the starlit sky. She leaned against him. She kissed his mouth. For a moment, she felt as close to him as they were years ago. When she finished the kiss, she moved her head to his ear. "You're one to disappear these days. Can you be honest for once? And don't beat around the bush. I can't stand dishonesty."

Sombra rose to his height. "Whatever you say. I'm not in love with Princess Velvet! As I stated earlier, she's still in mourning!"

Luna jumped to her height. "Don't use that tone on me. Admit it. You're being evasive! It better not be a secret affair!"

"I. Am. Not. Lying!" Sombra narrowed his eyes. "Stay out of my private life!" His horn emitted a red glow.

Luna's wings stiffened. "Just don't. I thought we shared a desire for peace."

Sombra's posture softened. "Oh, right. Forgive me. I won't use my magic against you. Good night."

"Night." Luna watched as Sombra escaped the glade. A familiar flap of wings, and Discord was standing by the trees, his arms crossed. Did he see the whole thing? He had made it no secret that he disapproved of Sombra. Even when they had chatted a few times, Discord made subtle insults. One time, he threatened to banish Sombra to his chaotic dimension.

"Did I hear you correctly? Do I see a break-up in the near future?" Discord asked.

Luna's ears flattened against her skull. She had no time for Discord's jealousy. "Sombra is just distant. I'm sure his job requires more and more of his time, so don't jump to conclusions."

"Oh, come on. I think you're cute."

Luna felt her cheeks redden. "You're not the only one who says I'm cute."

Discord stepped forward. "It's a shame that you're pushing me aside."

"And for a good reason. Why do you hate Sombra? What has he done to you? You can't judge every Equestrian-"

"I've heard that many times." Discord rolled his eyes. "It's like a story about forbidden love. You have me."

Luna made her way to her favorite cliff. Discord trailed behind her. "Let me get this straight. The reason you hate Sombra is because you have a crush on me?"

"I can't tolerate Equestrians," Discord said. "I don't want to lose you."

Luna knew what Discord meant, yet his voice suggested something else. It confirmed her guess about his feelings. He had liked her for quite a while. Why else would he be jealous and protective? Despite his protectiveness, she could take care of herself. Alicorns were stronger than other ponies. She scrutinized the border. Her eyes followed the path to the castle, and she shuddered. It appeared more frigid at night. She never understood her coltfriend's desire to live in that fortress.

"Just be careful," Discord whispered.

Luna nodded. She didn't even look at her friend. The night dragged on, and she couldn't take her gaze off the castle. If Princess Velvet was widowed, it could open up the possibility of Sombra dating her. A marriage might happen, and then what? Would he still consider settling the conflict between Equestria and the Everfree Forest by then? Or abandon his promise altogether? She wasn't one to be jealous unless there was a genuine reason. Even if she were to discuss the potential peace when she met the royal family of Equestria, the king wouldn't listen. He was the one who murdered her parents.

As the sun rose into the eastern horizon, a noise interrupted Luna's thoughts. In the distance, a large army approached. The hoofsteps pounded the ground. There were unicorns holding weapons. All the Equestrians were armed. Not one pony was without the armor. She took to the skies and dashed to the border. The thought of an alicorn ready for battle should intimidate them, right?

"The mysterious Everfree Forest, where all the treasures are hidden!" The leader of the army shouted. "We're not afraid of some malevolent creature!"

"I watched you come," Luna said. "Go no further!" As she spoke, her voice increased in volume. "Return to where you came from!"

The stallion glared at Luna. "A king doesn't take orders from a winged unicorn." He scanned the crowd behind him. "Anypony too afraid to charge at her?" A group of ponies turned to leave. "Crush the Everfree creatures!"

"You... are no king to me! Depart from the border!" Luna hollered. Behind her, the creatures came forward. From diamond dogs to Timberwolves, they were determined to protect their home.

"Those are dark creatures!" The king exclaimed.

Luna charged at the army. Her wings slammed into each pony. One by one, they fell to their sides. She summoned a large magical ball. She was about to eliminate the king. He deflected her magic with his own. The beams pushed back and forth. She descended closer to him. Her horn came in contact with the king's helmet, and she gasped in pain. She jumped back. The king smirked. Who was he to march over here and try to destroy the Everfree Forest? She shot another beam at him, slamming him into the ground as a result.

"You will not have the Everfree Forest! Not now, not today, not ever!" Luna bellowed.

The army retreated to the castle. Luna gave the signal, and the creatures ceased their attack. She flew back to the cliff. And for once, something didn't seem right about her current romance. Would Sombra side with the king? What if he chose to turn against her? It had always been her biggest fear. If he turned against her, how then would there be peace? Since the princess might be the king's child, they could convince Sombra to betray her.

Discord landed next to Luna. "The war is the reason you should reconsider your relationship with Sombra."

"He's not responsible for the war," Luna replied. "Don't pester me about him anymore."

"Go ahead and defend him. I'll mind my own business in the chaotic realm."

Luna dismissed the draconequus. He was stubborn, but this time, it was as though he wanted to change her opinion on Sombra. She'd rather not be pessimistic. Discord's attitude toward Equestria was wearying enough on her soul. She had hoped that he would at least keep an open mind, yet he didn't. What if her dream of peace was too far-fetched? Was he correct in his suspicions? Would a future meeting with Sombra bring out his true colors?