Requiem of a Nightmare

by Snow Quill

Rating: teen
Tags: Fluttershy, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna, Drama
Length: 5584

Nightmare Night or Nightmare's Night? A question Luna must answer on her first Nightmare Night back.

These ponies will never understand us - because we don’t give them a chance - which is why we must MAKE them understand. We shall take back this night - it doesn’t have to be like this Nightmare! - and use it as our return!

“Stop it!”

”Not until we are together again, Princess.”

Written as part of an anthology for the amazing Zontan. Make sure to check out the other stories, compiled here in this group

Cover art by me! If you are an author and would like cover art, send me a pm!

Published 2022-09-16 20:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2022-09-16 20:10:01 UTC

Dueling Dualities

“Good evening, Luna.”

Luna grunted and plopped in her seat, blinking sleepily at the collection of platters on the table, whatever treasure that lay beneath hidden by silver cloches. “Good dusk Celestia. What is for break- ah, dinner?”

Celestia smiled and winked before dramatically pulling up the cloches. “Breakfast for dinner.”

A feast of steaming pancakes, waffles, and oatmeal was revealed, along with an almost unnecessary amount of toppings - fruit, whipped cream, sugars and syrups. It was enough to make even Luna’s tired eyes open wide in shock as her stomach growled like an Ursa Major.

Celestia motioned at the serving utensils. “Please, take your fill.”

Luna didn’t need to be told twice as she began stabbing waffles with a fork and placing them on her plate, fruit spooned between each to create a towering stack of fruity waffle goodness. At the same time, oatmeal was spooned into a bowl and sprinkled with just a touch of sugar and then smothered in blackberry syrup.

Celestia watched her with amusement, waiting until she had started to dig in before preparing her own plate of pancakes topped with fruit. “So, are you excited about tonight?”

Luna quirked an eyebrow and paused in her chewing. “Twonif?”

“It’s Nightmare Night.”

She swallowed hard, almost choking on her breakfast and reaching for her water. Ahh yes, a night for us. I am ever so intrigued to see how Equestria celebrates me.

Luna frowned as she drank, shooting back a firm hush. Recovering, she looked at Celestia, her lips twitching as she couldn’t decide whether to smile that she had a holiday or frown that it was a holiday about her fallen self. Oh please, it’s not your night is it? Otherwise it would be called something ridiculous like Luna Night. Oh wait, that’s every other blasted night isn’t it? You didn’t let me have Equestria and my beautiful, glorious eternal night, you can let me have this.

“Oh is it? I hadn’t realized. How does one celebrate Nightmare Night? Is there a ball? A festival?”

Don’t ignore me.

“It depends on the town or city. There should be plenty of parties happening here in Canterlot, a number of which your presence has been requested for, but I think you would have a better time joining Twilight and her friends in Ponyville.”

Ponyville? That pathetic speck of a ‘town’?

“Wouldn’t it be better for me to show myself to the ponies of Canterlot? I don’t think it would be wise to offend any of the nobility with a refusal.”

“You make a fair point, but I think it would be better for you to experience a smaller introduction to Nightmare Night. There are, unfortunately, still some in Canterlot who aren’t used to you being…back. I would hate for them to try and use your appearance to pull a publicity stunt.”

Luna’s eyes narrowed slightly, the Nightmare’s laughter echoing in her ears. Oh yes that would be rather bad, wouldn’t it. We don’t want a little party to set you off and bring me back again, now do we?

Have I not told you to hush? Be still.

Fine, fine, but only because this conversation amuses me.

“If the celebrations of Nightmare Night are so crass and offensive as the name implies, I’m not sure I should go anywhere.”

Celestia winced. “Luna, that’s not-”

Luna snorted and shook her head. “Of course it wasn’t, I know that. My apologies. I suppose it would be nice to go back to Ponyville. Twilight and her friends are good ponies and I have faith that if anyone can help me enjoy this holiday, it would be them.”

Celestia nodded. “My faithful student is a wonderful mare, as are the other element bearers. I am sure you will have a grand time.”

Luna smiled and stirred a spoon around her oatmeal. “Now then, how does one celebrate Nightmare Night?”

~~

Luna smiled as the carriage flew through the air, pulled by a pair of her trusted night guard. She perked up as they flew over a clearing in the Everfree, a group of children leaving candy by a statue. How delicious that they leave tribute to ward off our hunger for their flesh.

Luna rolled her eyes. Are you going to be like this all night?

But of course, it is my night after all. Nightmare Night, clearly a most prestigious celebration and proof that I should rule over Equestria.

Of course.

Is that sarcasm I detect?

You are the one in my mind, are you not? Surely you can tell what inflection I put on my thoughts to you.

Luna smirked as Nightmare growled, confident she wouldn’t re-emerge for at least a little while. The carriage hovered above the town square and Luna leaped from it, landing gracefully on the ground. She waited a few moments for dramatic effect, taking the opportunity to look around the decorated town center.

They think that this is worthy of a Princess? Nay, a god?

Oh, be quiet. It is no fault that they are a small village, it’s clear that this is the best they are able to do. I like it, humble tidings make for just as good fellowship as fancy feasts and balls.

Of course you would think that. Why are you out and about with these filthy commoners? Did you forget that this night is for me?

With a thought, Luna’s cloak burst into bats and flew away, a trick she thought rather clever and appropriate for the evening.

It may have started that way Nightmare, but it is I who is in control now and we shall turn the distasteful history of this celebration into something brighter for me.

Luna cleared her throat and raised a hoof. “Citizens of Ponyville, I have come to your village so that you might behold the real Princess of the Night! I am no longer the creature of nightmares you were terrorized by at the Summer Sun Celebration. Rather, I am here as your Princess, one who desires your love and admiration. It is my hope that together, we might change this dreadful celebration into a bright and glorious feast!”

Luna’s ears twitched as, instead of the cheers she was expecting, there was screaming and the sound of little hooves running away. “What? No, please wait, don’t run away!”

Nightmare’s cackles echoed in her head. Ahahaha, oh how delightful! Just listen to their beautiful screams, I am rather liking this Nightmare Night so far.

No! No this is not how it should be.

Luna looked around anxiously, trying to salvage something of her greeting. She perked up when she spotted the colorfully costumed mayor and held out a hoof in greeting. “Ah, Mayor Mare, correct? Your princess has arrived!”

Look at her, cowering in fear. As it should be.

You are not helping!

Did I ever say I would?

Desperately, Luna pointed her hoof at the other ponies gathered, only to be rejected as they cowered further into the dirt.

Good. Let them squirm on the ground like the worms they are.

Quiet!

Luna raised her head and scoffed, trying to keep her voice even. “Very well, I see that I am not welcome here.” She started to walk off, sneering over her shoulder. “Enjoy your Nightmare Night.”

We really should have stayed in Canterlot. It would have been lovely to see some actual decor and to put those sniveling nobles in their place, delightful as these ponies supplication is, it is not as satisfying as forcing those with ‘status’ to the floor.

Luna hung her head. Would you kindly give it a rest? This night is horrible enough already without you adding onto it.

Hmmph. Fine, be that way. You know, nobody likes a sore loser.

Luna snorted and shook her head, biting back her retort.

~~

“Princess Luna!”

Luna blinked and looked up at her name, a soft smile on her face as she recognized the pony. “Princess I’m-”

“Starswirl the Bearded.” Luna spoke with fond nostalgia. “A wonderful costume, you even got the bells right.”

Oh yes, she got the bells accurate, how very good for her. Too bad she forgot the stick up Starswirls–

Must you really be so crass? She made a good effort.

Effort that should have been spent into putting together a proper Nightmare Night celebration.

Even you don’t know what that looks like, we only properly heard of this holiday earlier this evening.

Perhaps, but it could certainly be better than the pathetic displays we’ve already seen.

“-so glad that somepony recognized it! But, actually Princess I’m-”

“Twilight Sparkle, the element of magic and leader of the group who saved me.” Luna bowed. “I thank you greatly.” She sighed softly as she stood, trying to keep the bitter edge out of her voice as she glanced at the statue of her other self. “I am glad you sought me out rather than screaming and running away like all the others. Despite your purifying actions, it appears that most think I am still corrupted.”

Oh don’t be such a petulant foal. Bowing to a commoner?! What other blasphemy shall you commit?

Twilight smiled sadly. “I’m sorry your initial appearance didn’t go so well, but I know we can convince the rest of Ponyville that you are no longer evil!”

Evil? Is that really the only way to describe me? What about beautiful, powerful, all knowing, glorious-

The one who ultimately lost her bid for the throne?

How dare you! I was only defeated because, well, because they cheated! Yes! Had I known the Elements were not simply the physical rocks then I would have–

What was it you said earlier? No one likes a sore loser?

Luna internally smirked as Nightmare screamed in rage and turned her attention back to Twilight. “How do you suggest we do that? My earlier attempts at making a ‘spooky appearance’ were not appreciated and I am afraid I may have misunderstood the other customs of this night.”

Twilight tapped her chin in thought. “Well, a lot of the appeal of Nightmare Night is scaring each other and playing pranks, but there are lots of other fun parts like dressing in costumes, playing games, and eating candy. Hmm…”

She looked over Luna intensely, speculating. “Ah ha, I got it! You just need a different approach, one that shows ponies you are actually nice instead of scary. And I know the perfect pony to help.”

Luna jumped up in joy. “Oh wonderful! Who shall be my mentor in ‘niceness’?”

“Fluttershy. Come on, her cottage isn’t too far from here.”

“The Element of Kindness? Ah! You are a genius Twilight Sparkle, truly worthy of wearing Starswirl's robe and hat.”

Twilight beamed with pride. “Why thank you princess.”

Luna motioned towards the path. “Let us not waste any more time, lead on!”

~~

The walk was short and peaceful, the moonlight streaming through the trees providing an excellent ambience that was only heightened by the soft sweet breeze. Thankfully it was a quiet journey as well, Nightmare still sulking after losing the latest battle against Luna.

They came to a clearing with a quaint cottage, Twilight leading Luna over a small bridge and to the front door. “If there’s anyone that can show you the right approach, it’ll be Fluttershy. She’s so sweet and delicate and demure; everyone likes her!”

She knocked on the door. “Oh Flutter-”

“GO AWAY! NO VISITORS ON NIGHTMARE NIGHT!!!”

Twilight chuckled nervously at Luna’s surprised expression and called through the door.“Uh, Fluttershy, it’s me.”

The door cracked open and a buttery pegasus peeked out. “Oh, it is you. Hello Twilight. Hello Nightmare Moon… NIGHTMARE MOON?!”

Luna’s ear twitched as the mare quickly retreated behind a slammed door and the aforementioned demon inside her re-emerged, purring. Ahh, that one was Fluttershy. You know, she always was the least detestable to look upon, and with such a healthy fear… I dare say she is the perfect mare to be my queen once I topple you and that tyrant Celestia.

You are calling Celestia a tyrant?

Your point?

The irony is so sickening I am surprised you do not feel ill.

I’m not a hypocrite, if that’s what you are implying.

Oh I didn’t intend to merely imply it, my apologies.

You think you are sooo clever. Just you wait.

Luna subtly shook her head, turning her attention back to the scene of Twilight trying to convince her friend to leave the cottage.

She stepped up and gently nudged Twilight aside, holding a hoof up to quiet any objections. Luna cleared her throat and began to sing a soft lullaby.

The sun is down,
The night has come,
Little bird tis time to rest your wings.

The stars are out,
And to you they sing,
Little bird tis time to rest your wings.

Little bird so lovely,
Little bird so sleepy,
Come to thy nest,
And with the stars and nights blessing,

The door slowly cracked open again, Fluttershy nervously staring at Luna through her hair as she harmonized with her for the final line.

Rest.

They smiled at each other and Luna bowed. “Twilight spoke true, you have a lovely voice indeed.”

Fluttershy blushed, and though she hid further behind her mane, she didn’t close the door. “Oh my. Um, thank you Night- I, I mean, Princess Luna.”

“Please, call me Luna.”

The pegasus squeaked in response and Luna slowly raised herself as to not frighten the mare. “It is alright Fluttershy, you have no need to fear me or this night.” She lit her horn, a soft blue glow reaching out to gently touch Fluttershy’s forehead. “I bestow upon you my blessing and magic, so that you need not fear even the darkest shadows or nastiest beasts. All shall see this mark and know you are under my wing and they shall turn the other way.”

Fluttershy gulped and looked up, watching as the magic faded into her fur. “This, this will really protect me?”

“For as long as I live and my moon glows bright in the sky.”

You bestowed a blessing on her? How interesting.

And what is that supposed to mean?

Oh, nothing.

Luna wasn’t convinced, but refrained from engaging further as Fluttershy spoke. “I don’t know what to say. Thank you Luna.” She squirmed a bit. “I’m so sorry for calling you Nightmare Moon earlier, I hope you can forgive me.”

“All is forgiven little bird. It has not been long at all since my return to Equestria, and shorter still that I have been truly myself. I am thankful you have given me a chance to prove otherwise. I just hope the rest of the town follows.”

“Oh I’m sure they will, they really are nice ponies, they just don’t always react the best to ponies they don’t understand.”

Behind them, Twilight snorted and muttered. “Just ask Zecora.”

Fluttershy pawed at the ground. “Yes, that’s true. But Zecora is now a beloved member of the town as well, so just give them a chance to see you like this, Luna.”

“I believe that is the plan. Thank you for your help Fluttershy. May the moon always light your path and your night be gentle.”

Fluttershy blushed again, “I hope you have a good night too.”

After she gently closed the door, Twilight came up beside Luna. “How, what, that, how did you do that?”

Luna tilted her head. “She was frightened, not just of me or Nightmare Moon, but this night in particular it seems. I calmed her with an old lullaby and blessed her in hopes she might not be as frightened anymore.”

Twilight shook her head in disbelief. “That’s incredible.” And with a slightly sarcastic tone to her voice, added, “Don’t suppose you could do that to the whole town so they stop being scared of you too?”

Luna chuckled. “I am not sure it would work as you envision. I cannot bless an entire town in a single evening, not for lack of power, but lack of faith. Those ponies would need to be open to receiving, to be so frightened of the shadows that they would believe in anything to help protect them.”

“Huh… Well, in any case, you should be able to make a better impression now. We just have to give them an opportunity.”

“I am open to one more attempt. If nothing else, I can take comfort in knowing I have convinced one other soul tonight.”

Twilight nodded. “Come on, I think I know someone else who can help.”

Luna motioned for her to lead with a wing and followed behind, stealing glances back at the cottage until it was out of sight.

It seems I’m not the only one who thought that mare appealing.

I was simply trying to help her, nothing more.

Nothing more yet, perhaps, but don’t forget that I am privy to your innermost thoughts and desires, and she most certainly stirred something.

Luna didn’t justify the implication with a response, choosing instead to focus on following Twilight back towards the town.

~~

Their arrival brought about another wave of frightened gasps and immediate supplication, the sight of the town pressing themselves into the dirt at her hooves making Luna stifle a sigh.

I still don’t understand why you hate this so much, aren’t they showing you proper respect now?

I would much rather be loved than feared.

Bah. Love is for the weak-minded peons, a comforting little lie that they think gives their pathetic lives meaning. Fear however… Fear is an instinct, it is at their core. Ponies learn to love, but they are all born with fear.

Luna shifted uncomfortably, unable to find a good argument. It was true, for the most part. Fear was an instinct ponies were born with, for even as powerful as they were, there was no denying they were still prey. Thankfully there were less monstrous predators roaming around waiting to snatch someone off guard, Luna had seen to that in the time before her fall, but it was still a dangerous world.

She was shaken out of her thoughts by an orange hoof being extended towards her. “Evening Princess Luna, I’m Applejack. Twilight was telling me you were looking to have some fun with us?”

Luna stared down at the offered hoof before hesitantly grasping it with her own and giving a solid shake. “Yes, er, Applejack was it? I only truly learned about this Nightmare Night holiday earlier this evening and am curious how Ponyville celebrates it.”

“Sure thing Princess, I’ll give you the grand tour in partying - Ponyville style. Come on, we got some games set up over here.”

Ugh, you can smell the inbreeding.

Nightmare, with no due respect, shut up.

Well excuse me for trying to keep some dignity in our reputation. It’s bad enough we are in a filthy, backwards earth pony town instead of in the capital, but you have to go the extra step in actually engaging with the commoners.

If you don’t like it, you can always leave for a while. I’m sure there are plenty of nightmares you can terrorize.

But it’s no fun if they aren’t the nightmares of the innocent.

That was the deal we made. I’m serious, either be quiet or go.

Fine. But only because I am curious what simple activities are apparently so ‘fun’.

Applejack gestured to a giant spider web constructed a few yards away. “This here is our spider toss game.”

“Oh? How does it work?”

A trembling mare shakily held up a hoof at a bowl of felt spiders. “T-throw the sp-sp-spiders on the web.”

Luna glanced over and picked up one of them, a giddy giggle slipping past her lips as she tossed the spider in her hoof. Such a novel concept, to transform creatures that normally terrified ponies into such cute and fluffy little plushies. She turned towards the web and tossed the spider, only to land several hooves short of the goal.

Applejack cheered her on from behind. “You can do it Princess! Just give her a little more power.”

Spurred on by the cheers and the determination to win this game, Luna tossed the second spider with more force, laughing in delight as it landed square in the middle. “Ah ha! I did it! Look Applejack, I have won!”

“Hoo wee, great shot!”

The mare from earlier stopped her shaking and looked up at Luna in awe. She was still a bit nervous as she stood and grabbed a smaller plush version of the spiders. “H-here you go your Majesty, your prize.”

Luna gasped. “A prize? How wonderful! Thank you.”

Your Majesty? At least someone in this town recognizes our true title.

“If you land the spider three times in a row you can get a bigger one.”

“A worthy challenge, very well, I accept!”

You have got to be joking. Playing this foalish game for a foolish prize such as a shoddily made toy?! Truly you go too far now.

I’m sorry, I can’t hear you, I’m having too much FUN.

And truly Luna was. A crowd had started to gather as she grabbed her next spider, having stuck one on the web again already. Cheers erupted as her second one stuck. Luna smiled widely as she grabbed her third spider, taking a deep breath and rolling her shoulders before tossing it.

“Three in a row! Huzzah, I am victorious!”

She was given her prize and stuck the smaller spider on top of the bigger one, a quick spell keeping the two together. Feeling a little silly, she then stuck them on her head, wrapping two of the legs around her horn to keep her toy steady.

“I greatly enjoyed this game, dear Applejack, what others are there?”

“We have a pumpkin toss set up just over there.”

“Sounds exciting, lead on!”

You are really beginning to irritate me Princess.

Oh how very terrible for you, a thousand apologies. It really is too bad Nightmare Night isn’t going very well for you, maybe I shall rename it to Luna Festival.

WHAT?! NO! YOU CANNOT-

You are right, Luna Festival is much too arrogant. Perhaps Twilight would know a better name for it.

Luna chuckled as Nightmare screamed and raged and allowed herself to focus on the set up in front of her. Applejack waved a hoof over a catapult. “So how it works is you load up your pumpkin, adjust your aim, and let loose! The goal is to hit those targets.”

The targets were set up a fair bit away, a decent distance due to the launching mechanism that would be used. Luna picked through the selection of pumpkins, weighing them carefully in her magic and looking between the catapult and targets. Finally, she picked one up and loaded it, taking a moment to aim before pressing down on the catapult and letting it go.

The crowd watched the pumpkin fly through the air, the vegetable soaring in a near perfect arc before splattering quite satisfyingly against the painted wooden target. Luna leapt into the air and cheered with everyone gathered, a smile on her face that she saw reflected in those around her.

Twilight came up and hugged Luna, beaming. “See? I knew you could do it!”

Applejack offered a medium sized pumpkin plush. “You did great Princess!”

Luna took the offered prize and added it to the spider on her head, tears in her eyes. “Please, call me Luna.” She raised her head and proclaimed. “Everyone may call me Luna. Come, let us play more of these fun games!”

You are despicable.

And you aren’t?

My only crimes were attempting to take what was rightfully mine. Yours are far more heinous and directly threaten my plans.

Luna couldn’t help but snort out loud, but thankfully the noise of the chattering and laughing ponies around her drowned it out. My having fun with the community that helped save me on a night that was originally designed after your sins is threatening your plans? You are ridiculous.

No, it is you who are ridiculous. You are not one of them, no matter how many lullabies you may sing or blessings you bestow, how many ‘fun’ games you may play together, you are on an entirely different level to them. They could never understand you, not like I do.

Luna slowed down, taken aback by her serious tone. It wasn’t Nightmare’s usual haughty or snarky way of speaking and for some reason it made it hit that much harder, made it feel more truthful.

What was she hoping to achieve here? Her sister was the perfect deity, aloof but maternal, a forever shining beacon of beauty and wisdom. What was she? The royal brat who threw a tantrum and got a 1,000 year timeout? Nobody knew her anymore, not even Celestia.

The two had been slowly rebuilding their bond but Celestia had changed. The world had changed, how was she to fit in now?

She shook her head to clear her thoughts and tried to focus again on enjoying the night. She looked over to a large wooden barrel, filled with water and with delicious apples bobbing on the surface. Her eyes widened as a small colt balanced precariously on the edge before falling in.

Luna rushed forward in the blink of an eye and dunked her head into the cool water, grabbing onto the colt’s pirate shirt and pulling him out.

The colt shrieked and struggled to get away, screaming that ‘Nightmare Moon was going to gobble him up’. Luna dropped him in shock and watched in silence as he scampered away as fast as his little legs could carry him.

Ponies around stopped and stared and Luna burned under their accusing eyes. See? What did I tell you.

No, no!

“No child wait!” Desperation in her voice, Luna turned to the slowly backing away townsponies. “I, I wasn’t going to, to gobble him up! I was just trying to save him!”

They don’t believe you, and why should they? A strange new princess who only a few months ago tried to overthrow their beloved ruler and who is now back, prancing about and acting like a commoner, trying to be one of them?

What?! That was you, that, it wasn’t me.

Wasn’t it?

We are not…

Are you so sure?

Vaguely, Luna became aware of screams around her. Darkness crept in her vision.

It is not possible.

Isn’t it?

Stop being coy!

Stop being a fool. This is our true nature, Luna, you and I are eternally linked together.

She groaned and fell to the ground, clenching her jaw in an attempt to stop the fangs she knew wanted to sharpen. Shadows pooled at her hooves and began to crawl up their legs, glinting pieces of metal poking through the darkness.

These ponies will never understand us - because we don’t give them a chance- which is why we must MAKE them understand. We shall take back this night - it doesn’t have to be like this Nightmare! - and use it as our return!

Crazed laughter and wrenching sobs spilled from their lips as Princess and Nightmare fought, their coat flickering between a soft dusky blue and harsh midnight black. “Stop it!”

“Not until we are together again, Princess.”

“Luna!”

Fluttershy?

Ah, what perfect timing for our queen.

No, no don’t-

They looked up at the approaching pegasus, their face a contortion of pain and giddiness. “Fluttershy darling, how good to see you again.”

“Fluttershy go away, don’t come any closer.”

Fluttershy paused, her eyes full of tears as she looked over the writhing form that flickered between the Nightmare from months ago and the Princess she had met properly mere hours before. “Luna, I, I don’t know what's happening but you can fight her. I can help you fight her.”

“What?! You think you can harm me?”

“Oh not at all, but, but earlier my friend Princess Luna blessed me with her magic. She said it would protect me from the darkest shadows and nastiest creatures, so I’m here to protect her too.”

Tears rolled down Luna’s cheek as Fluttershy moved forward and pressed their foreheads together. “I may not have magic like you do, but I will help however I can.”

A soft blue glow enveloped both of them and it began to eat away at the shadows and darkness. “No! No, it was going to be glorious! My eternal night!”

“The night is glorious, Nightmare Moon, but that glory and beauty only exists because it is temporary. Every sunset and every sunrise is different, every painting of the night sky is slightly different too and it’s wonderful. If the night never ended, ponies would grow tired and no longer see it as something special.”

They stopped suddenly, staring up at her. “You think it is special? How… interesting. You are truly an intriguing mare.”

Luna gasped as Nightmare fully receded and collapsed to the ground. Fluttershy ‘fell’ with her, wanting to keep contact until she was sure Luna was okay.

A pair of voices called out to them as Applejack and Twilight rushed over. “Gosh darnit Fluttershy what in the heck were you thinking girl?!”

“Luna, are you okay? What happened? I just saw you fall and-”

“Girls, give us some space. Luna just went through something exhausting and I don’t want to overwhelm her.”

Twilight blushed and stepped back. “Oh, uh, of course, yes. I’m glad you two are okay. Uh, you are okay right?”

Fluttershy shrugged, feeling a wave of exhaustion crash over herself. “For now. I think we just need some rest. Mind helping me take Luna back to my cottage?”

Applejack sighed. “I’ll have Mac get the hay cart. Now, mind answering my question? What were you doing, staring down a freaking out alicorn, on Nightmare Night no less?”

“Luna helped me earlier and I could just feel she was in trouble. I couldn’t let my friend suffer.”

Applejack muttered under her breath before pointing a hoof at her. “Alright, but don’t go pulling a stunt like that again or I’ll lasso you you hear?”

Fluttershy giggled tiredly. “Of course, thank you Applejack.”

~~

It was nearing dawn when Luna awoke, curled up on a large soft bed. She slowly raised her head and looked around, all manners of small woodland creatures scattered about the cozily decorated room.

She frowned slightly as she looked around, feeling…off. A peace she had all but forgotten possible settled in her chest, but her mind was still too muddled to make proper sense of it. Could it be…

Her ear flicked as a quiet mumbling came from her side and looked down, her heart stopping for a moment as the pegasus curled against her side sleepily raised her head.

Fluttershy smiled at her before yawning and snuggling deeper into Luna’s side, frowning softly as the alicorn tensed. “Luna? Are you okay?”

“Hmm? Oh, uh, yes, yes I am fine.”

Luna shifted her wing to better cover Fluttershy, hoping her cheeks did not look as warm as she felt. “Are you okay?”

“Oh I’m fine, just a little tired. You were very tired though, you didn’t even wake up when we put you on the wagon.”

“I see. Well, thank you for helping me and allowing me to rest in your bed.”

Fluttershy perked up. “Of course! You were so kind earlier and I just knew something was going wrong and that I had to go help.”

“I must say I am a little surprised you braved not only the night but faced Nightmare down so to save me, simply because I was kind to you.”

“You gave me your blessing and protection and I knew you wouldn’t hurt me.”

“I wouldn’t have, but Nightmare is an entirely different beast. I do greatly appreciate your efforts Fluttershy, but that was a very dangerous thing you did.”

Fluttershy shrugged. “Maybe, but it was the right thing to do. Sometimes that’s scary and dangerous, but I couldn’t have lived with myself if I stayed here while knowing you were in danger.”

Luna tried to find an argument, but found that the determination in Fluttershy’s eyes melted away all logic. She was quite adorable like that if she had to be honest, like an Ursa Minor fronting itself like a Major. Cute, small, but with a hidden deadliness that would make anyone who underestimated them quickly regret it.

So instead, Luna smiled and shook her head. “You speak true Fluttershy. You have great strength and virtues.” She sighed and looked up at the window. “I… suppose that since I am awake I should probably go home. Tia will be raising the sun soon and I would much rather she hear about tonight’s events from me than the papers.”

Fluttershy tried to hide her disappointment, though Luna caught a glance of it before the pegasus covered it with a smile. “Of course, you have royal duties to take care of. Um but, you are welcome to come back at any time. I’m sure my animals would love to actually meet you.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Luna groaned softly as she stood off the bed, her body protesting against leaving the soft, warm comfort. She bowed towards Fluttershy. “Worry not little bird, I shall see you again before you know it.” With a small smile and wink, she lit her horn and was gone.