The Tale of the Nightmare

Over the next year, Nightmare Moon had remained vigilant. The danger was imminent, yet there hadn't been any wars as of late. The creatures, though wary of her, had adjusted to the change in the Everfree Forest's leadership. They hadn't needed a queen or a king before. She preferred to spend her time alone. Because she missed her wings, she wore a cape that would flow in a strong breeze. Her armor was created to protect herself against sunstones. As spring took winter's place, her companion visited the castle more often. One morning, Tiberius landed behind her. He wasn't used to his Thestral form.

"Nightmare Moon," Tiberius began. "The king-"

"What?" Nightmare interrupted.

"He has a..." Tiberius' voice trailed off. "No, I mean..." His bat wings unfurled, ready to flee.

Nightmare's glare intensified. "Speak!" Her voice startled Tiberius.

"He has a daughter. Her name is Twilight Sparkle."

Nightmare grimaced. It was a name that she liked, and Sombra dared to ruin it. "Continue. Don't stop at the name. Why is this important?"

Tiberius' ears flattened against his skull. His eyes darted around. "Today, there will be a christening. The celebration will be huge. Don't overreact. Maybe you can, uh... not attack the royal family?"

"Your suggestions don't mean anything. A christening sounds wonderful..." Nightmare smirked. "Let's go."

Everypony in Equestria was invited to the christening. From the highest noble to the lowest commoner, they had a chance to see the newest princess. Nopony could contain their excitement. Not even the king and queen. Countless servants decorated the halls and prepared the feast. Delicious aromas filled a grand dining room. Hundreds of chandeliers had been lit, and the floor was polished until it shone. Little fillies and colts asked the rulers if they could look into the bassinet. Queen Velvet's older son, Shining Armor, scowled at the foals. For a young colt, he was already protective of his little sister. The king and queen didn't seem to mind.

A trio of breezies levitated above the bassinet. Everypony settled in their respective seats. Queen Velvet caressed the stone on her pendant, a stone that originated from the Everfree Forest. King Sombra had given the necklace to her last year. The stone glistened in the light. Sombra leaned closer and whispered into Velvet's ear. Hidden in the shadows, near the grand doors, stood Nightmare Moon. She couldn't ignore the pendant. So, not only had Sombra stolen her wings, he also stole the stone? Anger surged through her heart. And the chatter about Twilight Sparkle! If not for the betrayal, the princess would have been her own daughter instead of Velvet's.

Tiberius, in his possum form, fidgeted as he sensed Nightmare Moon's growing rage. She proceeded to glower at the large crowd. They were so in love with the little breezies. They probably thought that little breezies were adorable and harmless. There had been darker breezies.

Apple Bloom touched Twilight Sparkle's sapphire mane. There were streaks of rose and magenta. "Sweet Twilight Sparkle, you shall have the gift of beauty."

Next, Sweetie Belle granted a wish. "You'll never be blue, only cheerful, all the days of your life."

Scootaloo was the last to give Twilight a gift. "I wish..." She paused as she glanced around. "I wish... excuse me, your majesties... I need to think..."

Nightmare Moon had enough. She could no longer stand by while the ponies obsessed over Sombra's squirming little spawn! Her mane swirled around her, and she transformed into a mist. She teleported to the front of the crowd, startling everypony in the room. A powerful blast exterminated the chandeliers and tossed the headpieces about. Only Sombra recognized her, despite a change in her appearance.

"Luna! I never expected you to attend the christening," Sombra exclaimed, his hoof on his chest. He considered begging his former friend to forgive, yet he couldn't bring himself to do so. "Depart in peace."

The word itself made Nightmare scowl. "Peace? You're kidding, you're kidding, right? You chose Equestria over the Everfree Forest. Regardless, I shall grant your dear Twilight Sparkle a gift." She inched forward. "Quite a grand assemblage, King Sombra. Nobility, the peasantry..." She pointed at the breezies. "Even the rabble."

"You're not welcome here."

Nightmare Moon ignored Sombra's words. "I felt quite distressed at not receiving an invitation."

Sombra shook his head. "You heard me."

Nightmare let out a dramatic gasp. "Oh, dear... what an awkward situation." She peered at the crowd, and the ponies cowered.

Queen Velvet rose from her seat. Despite her fear, the royal upbringing compelled her to speak. "And you're not offended?"

"No, your Majesty." Nightmare Moon approached the bassinet. "You made a wise choice when giving Twilight Sparkle her name. I, too, shall bestow a gift upon her."

Sombra moved closer to the bassinet, prepared to fight Nightmare Moon. "Don't do something you'll regret. I kept telling you to leave, and you won't listen. If you cross the line-"

Nightmare cleared her throat. The sound silenced Sombra as a result. "No. Do not assume." Her horn glowed. "Twilight Sparkle shall indeed grow in grace and beauty... beloved by all she meets." As she spoke, jealousy swirled in her heart like a violent storm. She would never have a filly this beautiful, and nopony to care for. There would never be a foal of her own to carry on her magnificent wings and her hair color.

"It's a nice gift," Velvet murmured, still frightened.

Nightmare Moon whipped around. The crowd gasped at her reaction. "When the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday, she shall prick her hoof on a spindle and fall into a death-like slumber. No power on earth can change it!"

Sombra stepped forward. "Please, Luna-"

"Nightmare Moon!"

"Okay, Nightmare Moon... I beg you."

Nightmare snickered at Sombra. He had the gall to grovel. "I like begging. Do it again, Sombra the traitorous king."

Sombra peered at the crowd, aware of their presence. They were oblivious to what he had done to a certain alicorn. His daughter's life was at stake, so he couldn't give up. "Alright... I beg you. Don't make it any harder than it was. Velvet desired a foal ever since the wedding, and if Twilight dies young... it's your fault."

"The curse can be broken by..." Nightmare paused for dramatic effect. "True love's kiss. The curse shall last until the end of time!"

The grand doors swung open, and Nightmare prepared to leave. Behind her, Sombra signaled the guards to attack. She shot magical blasts at them and fled the throne room, leaving panic and distress in her wake. She teleported to the Everfree Forest. It was time to take extreme measures, as she was now powerful enough to create a sturdy barrier. But she needed a bit of help.

"Discord! Over here!" Nightmare Moon hollered.

The moment she finished speaking, Discord materialized by the border. "You look like Luna, only scarier. What do you need?"

"Plunderseeds. They are known to grow into massive vines."

"What do you need the vines for?"

"To protect the forest."

Discord tossed the plunderseeds into the ground. He snapped his talons, and massive vines sped toward the sky, forming a massive barrier. Nightmare Moon was satisfied with the result, so she smiled. "Good job. Now go back to your chaotic dwelling."

Discord gawked at Nightmare's back. "What happened to your wings?"

"Sombra happened." The pain returned to Nightmare's heart. "It's a sensitive topic."

"Sorry."

Nightmare watched Discord leave. She didn't want his pity. She trotted past the trees and reached her throne. Earlier, she had been unsure of what she should do at the castle. However, her plan came through, and now Sombra would go insane. It was what she wanted to see. One cursed foal meant one less threat to the Everfree. While many creatures were comfortable around her, old friends chose to stay away. Somewhere in her frozen heart, she understood the reason. She had lost them as soon as she lost her wings. She might miss their friendship from time to time, but what was done was done. Her former naivety had caused her so much pain.

And before Tiberius could express his disapproval, Nightmare Moon turned him back into a possum. She cackled at the thought of Sombra's misfortune. By now, the kingdom was probably in an uproar over the curse. And she didn't care. However, her heart might change over the years...