The Devil's Prize

Some time before Nightmare Moon had finally reconnected with Twilight Sparkle...

"What exactly are you chasing? Luna." Celestia's voice rang in Nightmare Moon's ear.

Nightmare Moon was alone amidst the night sky, flying casually in route to Ponyville after her discussion with Cadence. Obviously, such reckless actions were never approved by those in leadership from her guard, but she cared little for protocol during these moments of high emotion. She valued her independence. Sometimes she simply felt the need to get away, process everything, and consider what actions to take next without constant nagging advisors. Ironic, considering she was now going senile with fabricated ones.

Flying next to her was a faint replication of Princess Celestia. "If I'm here, then it must mean you're quite desperate. Has this Twilight Sparkle truly driven you into such a corner?"

Nightmare Moon's expression worsened as she attempted to ignore the alarming projection at first, yet found she was unable to do so. "First you appear in my dreams and now you are manifesting in my reality." She bared no expression, for despite the circumstances she knew it was best to remain calm. "It's obvious I am unwell. Perhaps I should take Tantabus' words more seriously. Because this is simply getting ridiculous."

Princess Celestia snickered then, smiling at Nightmare Moon in slight adoration as she did a casual flying motion that circled her, before gliding steadily next to her. "Well Baby Sister, you may as well make the best of it. You know... if you truly desire my guidance so much you can simply undo that intricate spell of yours and let me join you in actuality."

Princess Nightmare Moon came to screeching halt, simply flapping her wings as she remained in place. She glared at Princess Celestia's image. "Don't test your luck. I will be rid of you the moment I find out why you're even here. You're simply a reflection, a mirage." She looked down solemnly. "This day was productive. I finally found that meddlesome mare. I dug her secrets from Cadance. I now have regained control. Yet.... something in me still stirs." She squinted, attempting to make some sort of analytical assessment of the situation. "Why is this so? I must be missing something paramount."

Princess Celestia looked to Nightmare Moon seriously then, with empathetic understanding. "Perhaps I am not here as a form of comfort, but more so as a warning, Sister." Her expression hardened, "Perhaps the appearance of this Twilight Sparkle signifies the start of something far greater. This... version of you... has always loathed me. Maybe it is your subconscious telling you that danger approaches. Danger you are desperately trying to ignore. Despite what you saw hidden within this mare, do you expect to handle her the same way you've handled all your problems?"

Princess Nightmare Moon crossed her forehooves in deep thought, as she continued to flap in place. "Ah, finally some helpful intuition. As the Princess of Dreams, I've no doubt that my mind is fortified through means even I am not wholly aware of. A shield of the subconscious." She focused back on Celestia, "Nonetheless. I shall humor you as my personal ghost. What of my methods? What does it matter how I treat this, Twilight? She has secrets yes, but her disrespect of me is first and foremost. The mysteries which surround her, and her latent potential, will be honed after."

Princess Celestia tilted her head to the right, crossing her forehooves as well. "Or... listening to Tantabus. You know, your creation that you've relegated to master such tasks so you can focus on the finer aspects of your rule." Celestia sighed, closing her eyes and then gazing down at the forests below. "I have no idea what compelled you to divide yourself in such a way Sister. Your strength has grown yes, but we are blessed as alicorns. To use your magic in such a manner, to create unnatural life... it is truly irresponsible. This version of you is reckless... foolish. It is no wonder your mind is breaking."

Princess Nightmare Moon's nose wrinkled in annoyance. "You can go away now."

Princess Celestia shrugged. "Then make me. Ah yes, that's right. You cannot. Because now you've found yourself in a predicament and tangled with forces even you cannot make sense of."

Princess Nightmare Moon roared then in frustration, before tearing at her own mane. "Argh! It's that damned mare! Once I get my hooves on her... now that I've seen what she actually is! I will set her straight. This is all because of her!"

Princess Celestia suddenly began circling Nightmare Moon again. "Is it? I ask once again, what are you truly chasing?" There was a pause, "Who are you lying for?"

Princess Nightmare Moon snarled at the image of Celestia, then blasting her with pure raw magic in anger.

However, the beam went right through her as Celestia's image simply remained in place, unamused.

Princess Nightmare Moon snapped back, "You think it so easy!? The nature of reality is complex, just like in our dreams. There is no simple answer!" She paused, taking a deep breath as she looked down below at the vivid landscape of Equestria. The slow-moving clouds, the endless abundance of trees, the midnight crystals which powered the land, and the glistening lakes scattered throughout. "Yet not so long ago. It seemed like there was. I ruled concretely, solved my problems thoroughly, and had no doubts within my judgement. Yet even I am not immune to feelings buried in a place I'd thought long forgotten." She glared back at Celestia.

Celestia looked tiredly at her. "Luna... you can still crawl your way back."

Princess Nightmare Moon snapped, growling fiercely at her. "I am not her! Do not refer to me in that name!"

Celestia remained unphased. "Quite the emotional reaction to a hallucination."

Princess Nightmare Moon fumed, wheezing, as she held a forehoof to her temple and closed her eyes halfway. "Ugh! This is utterly ridiculous. This has all been a headache beyond measure." She attempted to concentrate. Yet I am getting close. I know it. Even now I know something within my mind is missing. A flash of Twilight once again appeared, yet not of the one she'd come to be familiar with. A different one from a memory she could not recall. Accompanied by that... dragon. Then just as that image appeared, a sharp pain wrenched at her mind as she gritted her teeth. "Argh!"

Celestia leaned forward, reaching out to her with a hoof and showing concern. "S-Sister!"

Princess Nightmare Moon attempted to swipe that hoof away, having her own only phase through. "Agh! Leave me!"

Celestia smiled in amusement with half closed eyes. "Even as a fake, you know I'd never want to."

Princess Nightmare Moon glared at her in pain. "You do not know this version of me."

Celestia frowned somewhat, before smiling at her warmly and reassurance. "I do not. But... I'd like to try."

Then suddenly, the mirage of Celestia slowly faded away, disappearing into the wind.

Princess Nightmare Moon's eyes widened as she glanced around in confusion, only to huff in further frustration. "No indication of what caused her to disappear. She simply did. Ngh... enough of this. Allowing myself to be senile, yelling at the wind! What am I to do if such an episode occurs in front of the others?" She crossed her forehooves then. "No, I must remain careful. There is still time to understand all this. To understand... her." Nightmare Moon then readied herself in a position to resume flight, before letting loose a mighty flap of her wings, sending out a shockwave of air and spiraling towards Ponyville with masterful maneuvers.

Lady Rarity was alone in the throne room of the Castle of Two Sisters. She trotted down from the steps of the throne, taking a look around at the large glass murals which depicted key points in Equestria's history. She exhaled, "Ah... finally. Twilight Sparkle is settled, all future meetings have been coordinated, and the Princess should be due back shortly. It has been a productive and fulfilling day, if I do say so myself. Still, one last thing." She pulled out and unfurled a sealed letter then, reading it over. "Ah, nothing pleases me more than to have one pleased with my work."

"And what work might that be?" Suddenly, emerging from Rarity's shadow itself was none other than Princess Nightmare Moon.

Rarity flinched, hugging the letter to her chest before gasping and turning swiftly. "P-Princess!"

Princess Nightmare Moon smirked before circling Rarity and then exhaling. "Forgive me Rarity, I simply aimed to tease. I'm happy to hear the day has been quite productive."

Rarity bowed her head and closed her eyes with a smile. "Of course, Princess. I aim to please. Also, the work I'm referring to is my cutting-edge transformative gems. The same ones empowered by pony and changeling magic. The same you utilized in Canterlot for the Masquerade. Though of course yours will always receive utmost quality."

Princess Nightmare Moon paused, glancing at Rarity in subtle satisfaction. "I knew I chose well when I found you. You are special Rarity, quite the feat to come up with such a revolutionary technology. Your gems go beyond that of even s-tier illusionary spells. Not to mention," Poofing into view then was the ring she'd used for her own costume at the masquerade. "They are beautifully designed as well. Speaking of which-"

Rarity stood straight again and looked to Princess Nightmare Moon with a nod and smile of expectation. "Twilight Sparkle awoke a time ago I'm afraid. Of course she is anxious Princess, but also... she seems to be enjoying taking up residence in Golden Oak Library. An admiration for books, I'm sure she will find herself right at home."

Princess Nightmare Moon turned and looked down at Rarity with a hint of annoyance. "And you chose not to stay with her or keep her in proximity? And what would you do if she simply teleported off again?"

Rarity gasped before placing a hoof upon her chest in shock. "Princess! Why just after complimenting my intellect, you then question it with such absurdity!" She threw her head up and closed her eyes in sadness, "Oh how you wound me so! Do you truly think I would have left if I'd not noticed Rainbow Dash spying on us from a nearby cloud!?"

Princess Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes. "Of course..." she then suddenly appeared tired. "That pegasus, what has gotten into her as of late? Still, if any would keep a close eye and sound the alarm should Twilight Sparkle pull any antics it would be her. Though, some privacy would be much appreciated at the moment."

Rarity then opened a small portal as her horn glowed, and from it came another ring of her creation, wrapped in her telekinetic magic. "Yes, of course! Which is also why I had time to craft you... this!"

Princess Nightmare Moon blinked a few times, taking hold of the ring and looking it over. Its sleek silver design was quite nice, and within its center was a blue and violet gem. Tiny, glistening. Then without another moment's notice, she placed it on her horn, transforming then into a sleek ordinary sized earth mare. Her eyes glistened the same azure hue. Her mane was pitch black, while her coat was a soft midnight blue. Her cutie mark was of a coffee cup. "Hmmm..."

Rarity now stood at the same height as her before approaching her with a smile. "Do you like it?"

Princess Nightmare Moon looked herself over, before sighing. "It will do. Much more concealing than the prior one."

Rarity nodded. "You noticed! Though your personal magic is always impressive Princess, it still reeks of your essence. Thanks to our studies on the molecular makeup of the changeling race and of course my magical innovation and imagination, we have truly grasped the scope of even masking an alicorn's presence. You may as well be wearing a living pony's coat!"

Princess Nightmare Moon chuckled somewhat, still looking over herself. "Morbid."

Rarity nodded. "Quite! But think of the generous aid we can give to those with malformations in the future!" She frowned somewhat, glancing to the lower right. "It is a shame so many changelings had to be... well... punished for such progress. However, they shall be credited when we finally rid ourselves of Queen Chrysalis."

Princess Nightmare Moon nodded. "That they shall. Well... I shall also be taking this for a spin and paying a visit to our..." she grinned fiercely in anticipation. "Our little troublemaker." With that she strode past Rarity and made way for the throne room doors. "Thank you again Rarity for all the hard work you do. You truly are a beloved asset."

Rarity closed her eyes and bowed her head once again to Princess Nightmare Moon as she departed. "Your words bring me joy beyond measure Princess. Do enjoy yourself but try not to have too much fun."

As she went through the doors, she glanced back at Rarity one last time. "I'm sure that mare will find a way to take the fun out of the situation regardless." She looked towards the floor in contemplation. "She always does."

The doors finally shut as Rarity remained standing in the center of the room. She snickered, "Perhaps it's a gift."

Nightmare Moon now strolled casually down the busy streets of Ponyville, having gained some distance from the castle. She seemed lost in thought, eyes honed on the pavement. That echo of Celestia... its words still rang in her head. What exactly are you chasing? Then she paused, coming to a halt as she simply continued to peer down at the pavement. She muttered, "What am I chasing?"

Other ponies casually passed her by, talking and enjoying the night amongst themselves.

Nightmare Moon dissected the thoughts, homing in on Twilight specifically. What was she to her, truly? Was she simply an annoyance? A weapon to be tempered? A mystery to be solved? Or... was there something deeper there that went beyond childish emotions? The more she thought about it, the more uncomfortable she became. Until... an image of Twilight popped in her head. Or more particularly, a scene of an abstract nature.

Twilight and Nightmare Moon sat across from one another, alone in the dark.

Nightmare Moon frowned in an uncomfortable manner, shaking her head as she seemed troubled. Appearing concerned, she could only question her own emotions then. Why do the layers of what I feel for you touch a place that should not exist? A loneliness that you somehow have reached. She thought of the image in her mind again as she squinted.

Twilight and Nightmare Moon sat across from one another in the dark, but eventually, she looked at Twilight almost earnestly in this scene. It was simply the two of them in whatever this place was. I was born not as Luna, but apart from her. Something else. I have lived by my own code. My own sense of normalcy. I am a blank slate, carrying the legacy of another. Yet somehow, you feel similar when I gaze upon you. Is that why I am drawn to you so? Or is it truly fear that compels me? Do I see in you a twisted reflection? A broken product... that can... understand me?

Back in reality, Nightmare Moon flinched, gritting her teeth in deep pain. "Agh!"

Whereas some ponies passing by stopped and looked at her in concern, and a mare asked. "Miss, are you alright?"

Nightmare Moon glared at her angrily, "Y-You dare speak to me in such a way!?"

The mare flinched before glaring right back at her as her nose wrinkled. "Excuuuuuse me, brat!" She trotted past then angrily with a huff.

Her friends followed suit, simply shaking their heads at Nightmare Moon in disappointment.

Nightmare Moon cocked a brow, legitimately shocked, before glancing down at herself and sighing. "Ah... right." She paused again, blinking a few times in realization, before glancing back at the group of ponies who'd approached her. Then she took a moment to look around at everypony else who trotted the streets of Ponyville. It was a quiet and peaceful night, and she was simply a part of the crowd. Yet it was unlike the Masquerade... she truly was blended in now. It was an odd feeling, simply... existing. She couldn't wrap her mind around it for now, though a look of blank curiosity adorned her as she simply began to trot forward again casually. Unsure if she was upset or... well, pleased.

Nightmare Moon eventually came upon the Golden Oak library. As she looked upon it, she took aim particularly at the clouds. To which she saw out the corner of her eye, barely visible, a curled-up rainbow figure sleeping on one. At first, she appeared serious, but that expression eased into one of amusement and satisfaction. I am glad to see that despite your efforts, even you must rest more often than not, Rainbow.

She proceeded to the front door of the library, before closing her eyes and then exhaling with strange hesitation. She saw the lights were on inside, and seeing as it was a public library, there should be no suspicion in her heading inside. Finally... after all this time. I get to set the record straight and dictate how our relationship should be. Ever since meeting you that fateful night, I can dictate control. Then a flash again of that scene she'd created in her head of the two of them, which caused her to close her eyes shut and shake her head, as if dismantling any traces of it. No! That's... different. For now, I am the one who will dictate how we should proceed. She huffed, before proceeding inside the library.

"Excuse me, Twilight Sparkle... was it?" Nightmare Moon entered with high confidence, or more so, an air of arrogance about her. She smirked, standing now at the front counter of the library. However, perhaps unsurprisingly, Twilight wasn't at the front desk, which caused Nightmare Moon to cock a brow. She proceeded further inside, inquiring again. "Twilight Sparkle?" Then as she got further in, there, she saw the mare sleeping upon the couch.

Nightmare Moon simply stared at her blankly. She's... sleeping. She approached Twilight's sleeping form, simply peering down at her, still within her disguise. She closed her eyes halfway, as if in quiet observation. She watched Twilight's chest rise and fall, and the quiet peace upon her face. She then proceeded to place a hoof gently on Twilight's loose mane, muttering. "To think such a gentle form could hold so much untapped power."

Twilight, however, suddenly began to release more rapid, panicked breaths.

Nightmare Moon's eyes widened, before she squinted at Twilight and began to shake her. "Hey, get a hold of yourself."

Yet Twilight continued to decline, now beginning to sweat as she wheezed and trembled.

Nightmare Moon flinched, before her horn appeared despite her disguise and began to glow. Her magic wrapped around Twilight, practically flooding over her. "Hey! Do you simply make it a habit of going against me!? Now wake up!" She gritted her teeth, focusing intensely on Twilight as confusion washed over her. What is this!? My magic... it's... being blocked out by something. Or somepony! That's impossible. Even back then...

Nightmare Moon flashed back to entering Twilight's mind with her magic at the Masquerade.

Then she was back in the present, focused on the current situation. Nothing like this happened. So why now!? It's as if she has adapted, or... s-something akin to it. Nightmare Moon then snarled, before leaning closer and then eventually, simply pulling Twilight against her. Argh! To think I'd have to use direct contact on a mare such as you! Consider yourself lucky! Nightmare Moon then closed her eyes, and touched her horn with Twilight's, attempting to strengthen their connection and force her awake.

Yet despite her efforts, Twilight still did not wake. Instead... she began to convulse.

Nightmare Moon was at a loss, attempting to still her before a look of utter shock and confusion came over her. What... w-why!? At this point, she removed the ring from her horn and reverted back to her original state. Yet despite this, Nightmare Moon had no idea what to do. What could she do? She was the Princess... the peak of magical achievement in society. The next in line was none other than her niece, but she was long gone by now. At this rate Twilight would-... no, she blocked out the thought. But why did it even matter?

As Twilight continued to shake, her wheezing became more desperate.

Nightmare Moon now had panic on her own face as she cried out, "Hey!" before laying Twilight back down, leaned over her in now undeniable concern. Yet still the question rang out in her mind... why did it matter? As Twilight laid there convulsing, she could simply let her go. She could dismiss her wellbeing, and all this trouble would be done with. Yet as she watched Twilight's struggle, her own struggle became apparent. Nightmare Moon's brows furrowed, as she could deny it no longer. How? How did a nopony such as yourself reach that place? The place I'd buried in depths beyond reach.

Another vision... another place. Twilight and her sat alone upon a dark sea. Twilight was simply sitting, solemnly, in the darkness of that place. Staring at her reflection on the pitch-black waters. Yet Nightmare Moon looked upon her in hurt, confusion, pain... and realization.

Back in the present, Nightmare Moon gritted her teeth again angrily, before simply grabbing Twilight, preparing to carry her. "Enough of these clouded thoughts! Those can come later! Fine, you win! You wish to humiliate me so!? To show me I'm powerless!? To drag me across this wretched landscape on a whim!? Fine! Do as you wish!" She closed her eyes, before pressing her forehead to Twilight. "All I ask for now is you do not leave me without answers! So, wake up!"

Then just like before, an echo of Princess Celestia's voice emerged. "Nightmare."

Princess Nightmare Moon flinched, then swiftly looking to her left to see that same faint hallucination of her sister. She was at a loss for words, as she merely blinked at her. D-Did she just call me...

The echo of Celestia looked at her with an expression of heartfelt amusement, smirking at her before nudging her head in Twilight's direction.

Nightmare Moon blinked a few times more, before looking down at Twilight, only to meet her gaze. She gasped, not realizing her own expression as she uttered. "Finally! Y-You're awake!"

Twilight Sparkle blinked at her a few times, looking right back at her. "Princess... Princess Nightmare Moon?"

Then as she watched, the echo of Celestia simply faded away, smiling at the two of them fondly.

For the Princess of Equestria, the peak of magical achievement, nothing currently made sense. It seemed just as swiftly answers came, more questions arose. Yet despite her frustration, perhaps in this moment, that was okay.