=Flashback; 952 years ago=

Before I knew it, a year since my subsequent stranding in these lands had passed by.

In that timeframe, progress had escalated beyond what I thought. For starters, I'm actually able to craft the storage units and interfaces from the Magic Storage mod for Terraria-something that really shocked me when I discovered it by complete freaking accident.

To think, I believed I'd have to rely on chests all my life.

Regardless, this obviously proved to be an absolute blessing since now, thanks to the crafting interface, I was able to expand and improve on my little home by leaps and bounds-starting with one of the best ways to obtain resources like ores.

A Hellevator-complete with stone slab block and wall encasement for added fanciness, rope for me to go up and down (obviously) and torches so I can actually see what I'm doing.

Through my attempts to reach China (ah, old jokes are funny), I've dug up a fair helping of materials and metals that's only allowed me to advance even more. Due to those expeditions, I've obtained enough Iron to make a neat but defensive fence-line around my little homestead, you could call it. Within that boundary is my crop plots, some trees for me to harvest and replant as time goes by, and my home itself.

Life was good so far.

"HELP!"

Perhaps not so much for others.

Debating with myself internally, I eventually caved in and decided to play the Hero in this situation. Despite the possibility of this whole debacle getting me involved with some hypothetical gang shit (curse my imagination some times), some idealistic part of me wanted to be a savior for someone in need.

Why do I have a bad feeling about that?

As I had jumped over the fence, I never imagined I'd meet perhaps the biggest catalyst for the events that would transpire...

=Present time; Canterlot=

Night time coated Equestria, with the stars and Moon glowing bright in the sky. Yet despite how gorgeous and serene such a view would be, all was not well in Ponyville and Canterlot.

One such individual, one who'd been in the midst of the most recent and horrifying tragedy seen in the last 789 years of Equestria's history was Princess Luna herself. Currently, the Lunar Matriarch let out a tired sigh from her bedroom balcony, her eyes trailing to the room of her niece Cadance before landing on Ponyville in the distance, where one Twilight Sparkle no doubt still cries for her Brother's unfortunate end.

"Who would do such horrors, I wonder," Luna muttered to herself, the mental list of potential subjects that could've caused such pain almost none in total. At first, she suspected King Sombra, but if he had returned then so would've the Crystal Empire, which then ruled out that possibility. Tirek? No, he would've drained them of their magic as opposed to blatantly killing some ponies-and especially not in such a close vicinity to both Alicorns. All Luna could suspect was that this was a new threat to Equestria, which meant she would have to tread carefully out of not knowing their capabilities.

Running her hands down her muzzle, Luna built up magic around her horn before finally, the lands of Equestria faded into the starry void of the Dream Realm, with lines of doors to signify a Ponies
dream. Wings spread, Luna soared through the Dream Realm to carry out her sacred duties of being the guardian of dreams, and terror to nightmares. Whilst almost mindless in execution, it allowed for Luna to feel some sort of repentance for her actions as Nightmare Moon.

Soon, having just quelled a young colt's nightmares, Luna soon found herself at the Dream Door of the sweet-hearted Pegasus herself, Fluttershy. Looking at the mahogany door, branded with the three butterflies of her Cutie Mark, Luna frowned at the wisps of smoke that emanated from the bottom and sides, signifying this as a very horrible nightmare.

Opening the door, Luna was soon standing in a decrepit hallway of cracked and moss-ridden stone, drips of water falling to the floor from the ceiling only cementing the fear in this dark place. Trying to illuminate the hallway, Luna found that she couldn't and that the only light granted to her emanated from her own body strangely enough. Frowning, she stared into the abyss before her.

'A nightmare that blocks my own influence, even by a small margin, is of no laughing matter. Whatever must be plaguing young Fluttershy's must truly be a horrid visage.' She thought to herself, walking through the decrepit hallways in search of the Element of Kindness, wishing to provide the skittish mare her well earned night's rest. Unfortunately for navy blue coated mare, she found her own annoyance increasing after not finding her in these ever looping hallways.

Thankfully, it seemed this nightmare has grown bored of toying with her and has seemed to placed her close to her intended target, with faint but no less audible sobs and whimpers soon coming from Luna's right. Head whirling to that direction, the Alicorn broke off into a sprint in order to reach Fluttershy as quickly as possible. Eventually, her efforts placed her in a very large circular room, with the ceiling reaching heights comparable with an Ursa Major on all fours. Looking at this gargantuan space, with its walls lined with supporting columns, Luna couldn't help but equate it to the old fighting pits in the Griffin Kingdom of Thundros.

'But why this architecture specifically?' Luna was almost positive that the butterscotch Pegasus has never visited the said home of the Griffins, yet her dream contained an area that proved to resemble one of their most famous past times. However, that was a line of thought the Lunar Matriarch would have to put off, for in the center of the revealed arena was Fluttershy herself, including the source of her nightmare.

Laying on the ground, surrounding the poor mare, was the motionless forms of her friends in various stages of being severely beaten and downright physically mauled. From what she could from a distance, young Rainbow Dash had her right wing ripped off at the joint (something which had Luna's own wings clench up instinctively), as if whatever dealt her such pain knew of her love of flying. Face set in a stony expression, Luna's stride soon placed her next to Fluttershy, the mare herself on her knees with her head buried in the palms of her hands in no doubt to escape this horrid visage. Kneeling herself, Luna put a comforting hand on her shoulders while whispering "It will soon be alright, young Fluttershy".

Breath hitching, the Pegasus took her head out of her hands to look over her shoulder and met Luna's gaze with her own surprised one. "Pr-Princess Luna?" she stuttered out, wiping away her tears. Eyes softening, Luna helped brush those tears away.

"Now, young one, what ails thee so?"

At hearing Luna's question, Fluttershy looked around at the crumpled and beaten forms of her friends with the tears beginning anew. "I-I-I co-couldn't help th-them." sobs wracked her throat, the animal caretaker not being able to withstand the visage of those closest to her in such states. Before Luna could remind the mare this was but a nightmare, a distorted yet menacing voice cut through the air.

"And now you see, Pegasus, what your weakness can entail."

Head whirling to the direction of the voice, Luna looked up at a shadowy being comfortably sitting in a throne looking down upon them, head resting lazily on one of its armored clenched fists. From what Luna could tell due to the dark wisps of smoke emanating from it, the figure appeared to be armored to a point where it offered almost perfect coverage whilst being comfortable to where, with the only notable color being its piercing blue visor. Seeing its current posture, Luna couldn't help but think that the figure-nay, Nightmare-looked almost bored with their presence.

Standing up, she spread her wings in an intimidation display before proclaiming to the apparition "And what of thee, foul creature? Art thee so weak to simply observe thine enemies' defeat?" she attempted to taunt the Nightmare, its head raising from its supporting fist before pushing itself out of the throne. Absentmindedly, Luna realized she may have misjudged the being when she recalled a key fact about the Griffin's culture regarding their arenas.

Should a combatant in those arenas prove their worth, they are gifted with a position of what is perhaps the most nobility in their culture: a position simply referred to as the 'Warrior King'. And the key fact of identifying the Warrior King?

They would be seated upon a throne to oversee the fights, anticipating the day for their next challenger.

Luna then watched as the figure simply walked off the balcony's ledge, landing with a mighty crash that kicked up a cloud of dust. Behind her, Luna heard Fluttershy's squeak of fear, but for one discernible fact. This Nightmare, tis blue piercing gaze, was going right past Luna and staring straight into Fluttershy's own eyes.

"Look around you Pegasus, this is your reward for your weakness. Too weak to help in a fight, and too weak to control your own cruelty. Use your eyes, and see how you hurt those closest to you by being too weak to do anything meaningful." The apparition narrated, arms spread to motion to downed mares around them. Looking over her shoulder, Luna watched as Fluttershy broke down once more at the sight of her friends beaten painfully. Not taking this torment of one of the mare's whom saved her from her own twisted ambitions, Luna stood protectively between her subject and the Nightmare before her.

Out of the corner of her eye, Luna noticed how the downed forms of Fluttershy's constructs of her friends faded into sparkling dust, leaving only the two mares and the armored apparition before them to stand in the wide expansive arena.

Regardless, she pushed past that to focus on the approaching conflict, "Thine fight is with me now, creature. And I should warn you, I am not so easy to defeat." she watched as it stood motionless for a minute, before finally conjuring a massive sword from the shadows around it. However, she was taken by surprise when it all conjured a Halberd before throwing it on to the ground in front of her. Picking it up, she still kept her sight on the Nightmare for any signs of attack, only to see how it waited for her to prepare herself.

"You would not be the first Divine entity I've battled, Alicorn. Luna shivered at the spite lacing the word 'Alicorn', but she was given no opportunity to think on that before the Nightmare charged at her with surprising speeds with only the most minimal of time to raise her own weapon to block it. As their blades clashed, Luna was immensely surprised that this being, who's strength was mirrored-if by a portion-by the Nightmare, managed to drive her back a foot with a single strike.

With a grunt, she pushed his sword to the side before swinging her Halberd at his torso. Without wasting time, the warrior jumped back to avoid the swipe, a mirthful laugh escaping its mouth. "If this is what's expected of an Alicorn by today's standards, then my crusade should come to a very boring end." It taunted, the personality for its form bleeding through.

With narrowed eyes, Luna stared into visor of the figure's helmet. "And what crusade would that perhaps be, foul apparition?" she questioned it, the figure planting the tip of his sword into the ground.

"I found myself, long ago, extremely disappointed with how those who perceived themselves as Gods acted with their subjects. A Goddess of Life, who shows no care for the life she governs over; An Elemental of Fire, who's fiery rage scorched those who worshipped her. But perhaps the worst culprit of this lack of empathy for those that worship them, glorify them, is that absolutely deplorable mare that everyone believes is a benevolent force!" He spat, venom dripping from his voice. left hand clenching in anger. "Of all the so called 'Divine' beings I've interacted, did battle with and struck down, she is by far the most disgusting creature to have ever existed!"

Luna and Fluttershy felt cold dread envelop their hearts at the apparitions voice, so full of hate at whoever the Nightmare is referring to. A part of them both dreaded what kind of individual could've elicited that kind of opinion.

"Tell me, foul Nightmare," Luna's voice snapped the Nightmare out if it's hate, it's line of sight focused on the Moon Princess, "Who is this individual that is so deserving of your ire?"

It angled it's head, as if her response was confusing to the shadowy being. "Hmm, it seems some secrets, no matter how twisted into whatever warped and desired tale, are still kept from her-especially with her own sister."

Eyes wide, Luna felt coldness encase her upon that word: sister

'No, that doesn't make sense...' Luna tried to defend mentally.

Yet she was the one who asked, and between both herself and dear Fluttershy, she was the only one with a sister (at least, to the Lunar Matriarch's knowledge) in this realm.

Her sister, a monster?

Celestia, a monster?

"You lie." Luna growled with rage brewing in her at the baseless accusations against her sibling. Despite the venom dripping from her voice, the Nightmare only chuckled by mockingly circling both of the mares.

"Am I lying? Do you hear any sort of deceit in my voice? I have no reason to lie in my beliefs on Celestia, for I know the true face of the vile being that resides beneath that lie. But I suppose, lying about one's past actions-especially in any sort of powerful position is the game that must be played to get public support." It put its sword on its shoulder, sighing wistfully in a mocking way.

"I-I mean," Fluttershy started speaking meekly, harnessing what small courage she could to speak to the overwhelming presence before her, "Princess Celestia has never acted mean before. She's always so calm and kind to everypony."

"...HeheheheHAHAHAHAHAHA!" It began to bellow a laugh that despite how hearty it may sound, it by no means carried any sort of positivity. It soon got to the point that it doubled over laughing, bent over 90 degrees and supported up by it's hands on their knees. Luna, mouth bared with gritted teeth, rushed forward and delivered a viscous kick that sent it tumbling over like a rogue barrel. Yet despite that, the Nightmare continued to let out chuckles while it picked itself off the ground. "Ah yes, a good ol' underhanded surprise attack. Yes, you two truly are sisters hehe." Standing, it made for its sword that was thrown away during the tumble only for the apparition to receive another kick that would've otherwise shattered the spine of any normal Stallion, keeping it from it's trusted weapon.

Bringing her leg down, Luna gazed at the armored figure with contempt, "I will NOT take any slight's against my sister lightly, foul creature. You wish to do battle with an Alicorn? Fine!" Focusing what magic she could, Luna conjured three spectral mirrors with two floating to her sides while the third one resided above her head. These mirrors, designed to resemble eyes, were constructs Luna had designed long before her decent into her jealousy-fulled madness to aid her in battle by shooting their own magic projectiles-from simple blasts to the one above her harnessing enough of her own magic to sprout forth a devastating laser that would eviscerate her enemies.

But the Nightmare, having got up once more, only chuckled at her aids, "Now those, hehe, they give me a sense of nostalgia. Must be something from my old life perhaps?" It mused to itself. But she no longer cared for it's words-it's lies, now she cared only for it's destruction by her might so that Fluttershy may finally experience peaceful slumber. Wings spread, she launched herself at the apparition with a might cry for battle.

Now on her lonesome, once more a spectator between two great fighters, Fluttershy could only observe wide-eyed at the ferocity that the Moon Princess is currently putting on display. No doubt fulled by the anger at how her sister was badmouthed by it, Luna was now attacking with extreme tenacity while leaving no room for the armored warrior to counter. However, her years as an animal caretaker has made her observant on some of the most littlest of details (sometimes useless, sometimes important), so she could see that despite how numerous and dangerous her attacks, Luna's efforts were currently amounting to nothing substantial-this is made evident by how the figure only laughed at the efforts.

" Is THIS truly all the Princess of the Moon has to offer as a fighter?! To think you are Celestia's kin-you are pathetic in comparison!" It mocked Luna, the response in return only being a more enraged yell at the insult. Watching this, Fluttershy wished there was anything she could do to help Luna in her battle against her own mental demons.

'Please, just let me help her. Even something as simple as making it's armor weaker, please!'

A brief lesson on Dreams quickly: In a world like Equus, where Magic is so numerous that it's inhabitants can harness it, the dreams of individuals are quite more chaotic than the dreams of creatures that have no Magic-or at least, can't use it. However, despite this, lucid dreamers are still a phenomena that is documented to occur even without the Lunar Matriarch's influence, allowing for those individuals to alter and mess around with their dreams at their quite literal will.

So when Fluttershy, currently under the effects of a Magically-induced lucid dream thanks to Luna's efforts, willed herself to provide any sort of aid, like say weakening an individual's armor per-say, to Princess Luna, well...

As is the old adage: Ask, and you shall receive

A dull white glow soon spread over the Nightmare's armor, the being underneath letting out a noise of surprise at the sudden usage of magic, the distraction allowing for Luna to rush forward and plant three devastating punches to the stomach that robbed it of breath. Heaving gasping breaths, it crumpled to a knee with a hand held to its hurting stomach.

"Ngh, what is this?" How did those-" Without wasting time, Luna had her mirrors launch three magic blasts into it's chest to further the pain before, in a moment of wrathful acts, hefted the Halberd up high before bringing it down and ruthlessly removed it's right arm. "Aargh! Fuck, you may not have the combat experience as Celestia, but you certainly share her ruthless acts!" It spat out to her, small grunts to signify the pain it was currently experiencing.

"It's over now, foul creature." Luna spat at the armored figure, it's blue glowing gaze looking up at her before turning to Fluttershy, the eeriness making the Pegasus lock up in fear. Above it, Luna raised her Halberd ready to bring it down once more.

"It'll be fun to see how you, a weak and cowardly mare go up against me, the feared Jungle Tyrant." Were it's last words as Luna, a cold expression on her visage, brought the Halberd down and bisected the shadowy figure in two vertically down to the waist. Thankfully for Fluttershy's mental stability, there was no sudden sprouting of blood or internal organs, but rather a rapid deterioration of the figure's form that gradually dissolved into fading smoke. Additionally, the Halberd in Luna's hands fizzled into sparkling lights whilst the arena around them gradually vanished and was soon replaced by the starry plane of the Dream Realm-Fluttershy's section of it anyway.

"What's happening?" Fluttershy asked meekly, Luna walking over to her and then collapsing down on to her knees in front of the Pegasus in exhaustion.

"With the Nightmare vanquished, you will soon awake due to how extensive my involvement was. Hopefully, should thee return to slumber, thy shall receive proper rest without issue." Luna explained, her vocabulary unconsciously slipping into Olden Equestrian for a more professional tone. While listening to the explanation, Fluttershy took the time to observe the world of all Dreams, the starry expense making her speechless at the beauty of it all.

"Wow..." Fluttershy let out in amazement, "It's so pretty..."

Luna smiled, "Indeed it is. In times past, I found myself retreating into this realm to simply exist in serenity and peace. Though, perhaps the nature of this plane is what allowed the Nightmare to infest me..." Luna mused to herself before shaking that thought, "Regardless, there is something I must ask thee, young Fluttershy."

"What is it, Princess?"

"Have thee come across any strange beings or individuals, lately? Especially of the likes of the Nightmare we battled with?"

Fluttershy slightly locked up at remembering her interaction with the armored figure from earlier that day. However, due to them both still being in Fluttershy's subset of the Dream Realm, that same interaction began to play out in front of them in what resembled a fuzzy cloud of fog. Walking closer, Luna narrowed her eyes at the figure that served as the basis for the Nightmare of Fluttershy's dreams.

Pristine golden armor that struck an intimidating figure that was shockingly taller than her own sister, coupled with a long bright red flowing mane that reminded Luna of a majestic flame. Factors that Luna easily identified was the figure's sword currently on it's back and it's eerie blue visor that emanated an unnerving stoic gaze. Observing it's posture, Luna saw how, in the memory, the warrior looked down at the greyed-out Fluttershy with a completely relaxed visage, with only the light clenching of it-rather, his fingers to show any form of irritation.

'He shows no signs of recognizing her as an Element Bearer, let alone as any sort of threat. This probably speaks of ignorance on his part. In fact, I believe he would've ignored Fluttershy in general had this version of her not irritated him.' Luna analyzed mentally, focusing more on the figure as she watched the scene where the warrior tore into Fluttershy's self-esteem and restored the Element of Kindness back to herself with his own cruelty. Turning her body, her eyes softened at the realization that she had witnessed the progenitor for Fluttershy's lack of self-worth.

"Do not let these words get to thee, young Fluttershy," Luna said, drawing Fluttershy's eyes to her, "You may not feel, or perhaps it's been stripped from you with these cruel words, but you have more worth than you yourself feel you have. After all, was it not you who aided in my reformation and allowed me to reunite with my sister?"

Listening to her words, the Pegasus soon nodded and had a small smile cross her muzzle. Smiling herself, Luna bent down to Fluttershy to give her a comforting hug.

"Do not focus on the opinions of those you not know, but rather those closest to you. I do not wish to see you fall as I had in years past," Luna pulled from the hug, "Alas, I must return to my dream walking duties. May you awake refreshed and comforted and return to a peaceful slumber."

"I will, and thank you Princess."

With one last smile exchanged between the both of them, Luna turned back and committed the unknown individuals appearance and voice to memory. If they were somehow connected, or perhaps wholly responsible for the deaths of Captain Armor and several other guards, then Luna needed to be utmost prepared.

Eventually, Fluttershy soon faded completely, signifying her awakening in her bed. Left alone in her realm, the doors of all dreams returned back to view and allowed to further aid her and her sister's little ponies. Upon thinking of her sister though, Luna's muzzle dropped into a frown when remembering that Nightmare's words.

"I have no reason to lie in my beliefs on Celestia, for I know the true face of the vile being that resides beneath that lie"

'What sort of lies could you be referring too, so-called Jungle Tyrant? I may have denounced them as lies earlier, but Fluttershy's Nightmare would never have conjured such beliefs unless it was influenced by something else. But that would entail a Magic Imprint.'

Magical Imprints in anyone's dreams were phenomena that individuals would have when they've recently encountered beings that contained massive wells of Magic within them. Regardless of whether they be Dreams or Nightmares, the Magical Imprint would allow for aspects of the massively Magically-gifted's life to seep into the imagery.

'It makes sense, after looking back on the environment: the Gladiator Pits of Thundross, the entity's form and how despite being a figurative and now literal shadow of the original, it was able to battle me to a stand still. Only due to the combination of it's own arrogance the weakening of it's armor thanks to the Bearer of Kindness was it dealt with effectively.' Unfortunately, the idea of a being much more powerful than the one she dueled casually roaming Equestria had her heart racing in fear and worry. 'It matters not for now. Come my sister's morning, I shall research into this Jungle Tyrant. I can only hope it causes no harm for now.'

So Luna departed further into the Realm of Dreams, unaware of the darkness in her own sister's heart...

[POV = Celestia's Dream]
The world around her burned with Hate and Rage.

Buildings long since melted to sludge and plants reduced to ash that blew with the wind, nothing was spared her wrath.

All but one thing-the thing that stood in front of her, taunting her.

Hands clenched, teeth grinding, her rainbow hair long since becoming a bellowing flame and eyes filled with divine loathing, she could naught but stare into the visor of her long most hated enemy.

"Yharim!" she spat with utter contempt, a small taunting chuckle escaping the false imagery to only vex her more.

She knew he was out there, knew that he would someday be back to finish the battle they'd fought in so long ago, only this time she had a feeling that when they next fought on the battle field, she would die. Truth be told, she completely understood this dread as when the two Godly beings last dueled, Celestia had sacrificed much of her power in order to simply incase him in a stone prison much like Discord.

It may have been her victory back then, but she knew it was a fruitless one since she's long since become a shell of her former self in terms of power.

Turning away from the specter, Celestia pondered the current situation to herself. "He's escaped his entrapment, no doubt thanks to that disgusting misshapen Chaos God, and escaped Canterlot after having no odubt killed some of my guards with Shining Armor among them." She perked up, an idea coming to her mind.

She didn't have access to the Elements back when during their last bout, but that was then and this is now.

And it just so happened, Yharim had killed the sibling to arguably the important Bearer of them all.

A wicked smile crossed her muzzle, with a chuckle then full bellow of laughter escaping her. Where once in the public, her laughter was filled with joy and happiness, the current laughter was filled with only deviousness and a desire to see her long hated nemesis fall.

Author's Note

Not gonna lie, this chapter felt iffy to me on the account of me not being able to write fights worth for crap.

Never the less, I do hope this chapter was enjoyable to you all and is keeping you excited for future installments. I look forward to seeing what feedback you lot have.

Until next time, Redsummer out.