Author's Note

This is the original 12 chapters of the first draft of 'The Night-Mare in her eyes'
This version of the story has been put into one chapter and won't be continued, for the current version of the story please go to the next chapter.

*old* Original Chapters 1-12

The Night-Mare in her eyes

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Chapter One: To want the sun for a thousand years.

All she had wanted was to watch the sun, to see it in its full and bask within its warmth, yet it had been them who forbade it. It was them who refused to let her see anything but dark and it was them that had punished her for even daring to try.

As the young mare stared down upon the world she had once called home she wondered to herself where she had truly gone wrong all those years ago.

‘Why can’t I sleep at night like the other ponies?’ a young voice said in the distance.

‘I don’t want to raise the moon, the night is cold.’ came another.

A loud smack echoed across the surface of the moon as an intense pain and sadness blew across her shackles.

A soft sniffle escaped her breath as she remembered the first time she had tried to speak out about her suffering. She had been brought to her aunt’s personal chamber by one of the castle guards to raise the moon in her mother’s stead. She had thought that if anypony would listen to her pleas it would be the one others had considered the ‘motherly’ of the two. Oh, how wrong they had been. Unlike her mother who would at least humor her by listening before turning her down. Her aunt was quick to strike any signs of defiance from her only to claim that what she had done was for her own good.

She had hated that mare, more than any other who lived within the world of day, it was her that had caused the most pain, her that had kept her isolated, and it was her that had imprisoned her without a second glance.

“All I had wanted was to see-” the young mare’s words were cut off as a bright light engulfed her frail form and blinked her away from the cold rock.

Sounds murmured below her as her body slowly started to reform itself from a cloud of bluish mist. Opening her eyes she was greeted to a large room with ponies staring at her from below whispering to themselves. ‘I’m back,’ she thought as her eyes fanned across the crowd of gathered ponies. ‘Someone undid the seal’

“Nightmare Moon…” A young mare said quietly to herself with worry as though she was trying not to be heard. Only in vain as the young mare’s whisper had met her ears. ‘They still fear me?’ she thought to herself as she brought air up from her lungs to speak.

“Oh, little royal subjects,” she spoke glancing to the side. Remembering how her mother had taught her in addressing thoughts without royal titles. “It's been so long since I’ve seen your precise little sun loving face.”

As she spoke the ponies staring up at her began to shiver at her words. All except a few who seemed to simply looked at her with disdain.

“What did you do with our princess!” A sky blue mare with a prism mane shouted as she tried to fly at her only to be stopped by an earth pony with an orange coat and yellow mane speaking through her teeth at the mare.

Noticing that the mare I looked down at her. ‘She had said ‘princess’ and not ‘princesses’. Had mother overthrew her tyrant of a sister, had she simply thought I was dead?’ I thought to myself with a chuckle.

Wanting to test that thought I flapped my wings and spoke, “why am I not royal enough for you. Don’t you know who I am?”

I squinted at the mare with focus trying to read her response only for some pink blob to pop up beside her and respond instead.

“Oohh oohh, more guessing games.” The mass of pink said getting a few looks from those around her. “Uumm, poky smokes, how about… queen meanie, no. Black Snooty! Black Snooty!”

Before the mare of pink icing could continue on coming up with more insulting names a cupcake was shoved into her mouth by the mare of orange who was still holding the blue’s tail within her teeth. Clearly it was her among the others in the room that knew how not to be disrespectful.

I turned my head to the sides as I looked those around me in the eye. “Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?” I asked, looking at the shy pegasus mare to my left before addressing the other to my right. “Do you not recall the legend, did you not see the signs?” I finished hoping that one would speak up and say no.

“I did.” A purple unicorn said, causing me to freeze as I straightened back up as she looked at me with anger filled eyes, “and I know who you are, you're the mare in the moon. Nightmare Moon.”

Gasps filled the room as the two of us were now the focus of the room.

“Well… Well.. Well,” I sputtered, waving my hoof in a circular motion as I took a breath, A small drip of sweat running down the inside of my helmet, “Somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I am here?” My question coming out more like a statement.

As the purple unicorn looked around with a form of new found worry she struggled to get out the answer that even I was curious to know. ‘Why was I here, if someone did intentionally free me, why place me here and not somewhere else.’ And as that thought had begun so quickly was it snuffed out by her response.

“You’re here too…too..” She gulped without finishing.

I giggled at that, she had no idea why I was here, no one did, she knew my name, my title, but not my motive. She had no idea of what I wanted. “Remember this day well little ponies for it was your last. From this moment forth the night will last forever!” I shouted out loud as my magic slipped from my mane. Swirling above me like a storm as I broke out in a fit of laughter, before catching my eye. ‘I’m losing control again.’ I thought as I looked around for a way to leave before causing unwanted harm.

“Seize her!” An older tan mare shouted pointing her hoof up at me. “Only she knows where the princess is!”

At her command three white stallions with gold plated armor flew upwards towards the storm flowing from my mane.

“Stand back, you foals!” I commanded, unable to pull in the storm of magic that was whipping around out of control before striking the guards back to the ground causing every last pony in the room to start running in hysteria in an attempt to escape.

‘What is wrong with them?’ I thought to myself, ‘do they not value their safety, and how should I know where their princess is? I literally just got here,’ I laughed nervously as my eyes struggled to keep me awake before I was brought back into that bluish mist and wisped back out of the building and through the dark forest at the edge of the town.

—---------------------------

-One thousand years earlier-

“What do you think you're doing here, Night?” Princess Celestia said glaring over at her niece who stood waiting in the throne room of the two equestrian rulers. “You know the rules that me and my sister have set, how do you plan on helping our ponies if you refuse to go to bed.”

“Auntie…please.” Night pleaded,”I’m awake all night and never get to see the day. Please just once let me have this, I’m so… tired of the cold night air.” The young filly spoke with little strength as her light gray fur glowed softly from torches lighting the room.

“This again.” Celestia scoffed. “I won’t hear any more, off with you before you go wasting any more of my subject’s time because of this selfishness.” Celestie commanded with annoyance in her voice before beginning to turn her back on the little unicorn.

“No.” Night said in a quiet yet angry whisper.

“What did you say?” Celestia now starring eye to eye with the young filly.

“I said… I said NOOO!!!” Night shouted in her royal canterlot voice, her unstable magic mixing with her words pushing Celestia back a few steps from the force.
“You always do this! Anytime I ask for the one thing that every pony else gets to have you claim that I’m being selfish, that I’m being bad. No more! I won’t have-”

As the young filly’s words were quickly cut off as Celestia’s magic clamped around the filly’s muzzle holding it shut. “ENOUGH!” Celestia shouted back with her own canterlot voice. “You may be my sister’s daughter, but I am still Princess of this country and you will treat me as such you ungrateful brat! Now be gone with you!”

With that Night’s horn ignited with its goldish orange glow as the moon quickly rose up into the sky blocking out the sun. The sight of which snuffing out Celestia’s magic, allowing the filly the ability to speak.

“Night, what are you doing?” Celestia said almost taking a step back having never witnessed her niece move the moon all by herself without the aid of either her or sister.

“If I can’t have the day, then neither shall you!!!” Night Shouted as magic flowed out from both the sun and moon into her body. Her body to be engulfed into blue and gold flames that swirled around her like an inferno. Her fur blackened from the fire and her eyes changed into a familiar teal that only her mother shared, the only difference being the dragon-like slits that accompanied the change in color. Her eyes weren’t the only thing that changed with her color, two large bat-like wings stretched out from her back, her mane and tail flowed like a night sky on fire, and her teeth now jagged as to tear flesh. Yet lastly, her height had grown to be that of a few inches taller than Celestia herself.

Celestie just glared with rage and shook at what her niece had just pulled off. Not only had she wielded magic far greater than she had ever been able to use, but she had also pulled enough magic from the two celestial bodies to force herself into a warped version of alicorn form.

“I’m doing the one thing no one dares to do Celestia.” The monstrous form of Night said crouching slightly walking for Celestia. “I’m going to rid myself of you letting night and day be one.”

“That won’t happen Night. You know full well I won’t allow that to happen.” Celestia said as Night jumped up into the firing off multiple blasts of magic at her.

“Night is no more Celestia. I AM THE NIGHTMARE!!!!” the dark alicorn screamed, striking Celestia again and again with her magic.

As Nightmare relentlessly continued to assault the Solar Alicorn with her magic knocking her from one room into another, Celestia merely stared back at her tanking each hit as if they were mere shoves before finally speaking as she was pushed back into the room holding the elements. “Then you leave me no choice foal.” Celestia said as her eyes glowed white along with her horn, activating the elements of harmony and blasting the corrupted alicorn with her magic surrounding her in a prism of color and heat that burned and pushed the young alicorn into the sky sealing her within the moon.

—---------------------------

Present Day

As my body once again reformed I found myself in the ruin of my mother’s old castle, now taken by time and left in ruin, surrounded by stone orbs marked with the symbols of the elements that my aunt has used to seal me away in punishment for standing up to her. I laughed as I picked the stone orbs up with my mane. 'oh how the mighty has fallen.' I thought glancing at the now ruined castle. 'Turned on by your niece and than your own sister. I wonder Celestia, did she make you suffer for what you did to me.' I thought as I noticed the small purple unicorn from the town that had spoken up to me. Her breathing heavy as she look over in my direction. before crouching down and stomping her hoof repeatedly onto the stone ground.

"Your kidding... your kidding right." I said as narrowed my eyes in a deadpan manner at mare less than half my size before she stated charging at me. Staring at the mare for a brief moment I begun charging forwards in hope that if I knocked her back once, like the three guards it would demotivate her from trying again. However just before I came within an inch of her she teleported past me over to the stone orbs. As I looked back towards the mare it accrued to me what she was attempting to do. Just like my aunt all those years ago this mare without even trying to work things out was attempting to use the elements against me.

'Not this time...' I thought as I teleported over to the stone just in time to watch up close as the purple made was zapped backwards by the elements seemed to reject her magic. Without wasting my chance I raised up on my hind legs and slammed my hooves downward smashing the elements into rubble. I laughed as I starred down at the now destroyed weapon that had been used against me all those years ago.

"You little fool, thinking you could defeat me. Now you will never see your princess or your sun." I said flaring my mane in defiance of going back to being just another royal.

"The Night will last forever." I laughed wickedly as my magic swirled around in my mane only to be stopped as I heard the sound of other ponies approaching from the entryway.

As we both looked towards the doorway the purple unicorn gasped as if realizing something before turning her head back to me.

"You think you can destroy the elements of harmony just like that?" She said smugly before turning back to face me. "Well your wrong."

Looking at the five other mares behind her I started to tune her out as I looked at them in confusion. 'Aren't these the mares from the giant gazebo like room, why in the name of Tartarus are these mare here? I mean I know the purple seems to be off her rocker , but surely one of them must be sane. Wait what was that about me and challenges?'

My thought process was broken as my eyes slowly blinked open to real a bright rainbow slamming down upon my head before coiling around my body in what I could only describe as spicy air meets blind prism lights. My body begun to burn and tear as I silently screamed in pain from the elements ripping the magic from my core and my wings from my back. As I clenched my eyes tight old cuts from the last time the elements had been used against me opened back up and started to leak out red blood down my head and legs. My back burned from the open wounds at my shoulder blades from where my wings used to be. As I struggled hard to stay awake through the pain my eyes widened and my brow furrowed at what I saw next. A bright light and a blue cloud of mist, like the one that had pulled me from the moon and here to the castle ruins, entered the room before turning into my mother 'Princess Luna' and my aunt 'Princess Celestia'.

My heart sank and my anger boiled over as they thanked, the now much larger than me, mares before turning to with looks of disappointment. I didn't hear what they said after, my body was in to much pain and I was to angry to make out their words before I finally spoke.

"I hate you." I said as Celestia had extended a hoof. "I will always hate you and now that I see where we all stand. I hope you enjoyed this final night."

Looking at me with horror the six mares and my aunt took up a defense pose as my mother only starred at me in horror. As they prepared for my next move I pulled the last of my magic into the tip of my horn and as I casted my spell to teleport away from that place everything went dark. The world around me turned and twisted in a sense of vertigo before finally my body fell forwards into what felt hard and cold. My body went numb as my vision blurred out. The last thing I heard in the voice of my mother. "Cadence, Call for an ambulance Now!!!"

Chapter 2- Lost and found

-Vice Principal Luna-

It had been a long week for the Vice Principal of Canterlot High and the Dean of Crystal Prep Academy. After having finally finished with the remainder of their work needed for completion before winter break, the aunt and niece were relieved to be able to spend a few moments unwinding as they carpooled on their way to meet up with Principal Celestia for a much needed meal and much deserved drinks.

“I’m telling you Cadance I’m just not sure what we’re going to do with that girl, every semester is like she just gets worse.” Luna said from the passenger seat of Cadance’s car. “Last Tuesday I caught her no less than six times skipping class. I understand that transferring to a new school can be a difficult adjustment for a teen, but it's starting to get out of hand.”

“It does sound like you and Auntie Tia do have your hands full with this Sunset Shimmer, but in fairness Twilight is no walk in the park either, I mean I literally had to pry her out of her little workshop in order to get her to go home for the break.” Cadence said giggling as they drove along the dark winter road.

“Well at least yours only has a studying problem, while ours has a..” Luna stopped for a moment as a flash of light from up ahead caught her eyes as she looked out the window. “Pull over really quick.”

As Cadance pulled the car to a smooth stop alongside an opening of snow, Luna undid her seatbelt and opened the car door.

“Auntie?” Cadance asked, watching her younger aunt step out of the vehicle before looking back at where they had just passed.

Luna’s eyes worked hard to make out what she was looking at, a small girl with long white hair with black tips and off white skin stood naked out in the cold, her body illuminated only by the bluish glow of the moon. Her pale skin contrasted by red lines that seemed to cover her arms and legs, a small puddle of maroon sitting above her ankles in the cold winter snow. As Luna finally began to realize just what she was seeing, the young girl collapsed upon the ground with a splash of white and red.

Looking back at her niece, “Cadance call an ambulance Now!” She yelled as she started running over to the child.

“Wait, what's going on?” Cadance asked in confusion as she got out of her vehicle. As she looked back in the direction of her aunt she watched Luna crouch down next to the girl before taking off her coat and wrapping the small girl with it. Without waiting to be told again, Cadance pulled out her phone and began to dial.

“Hey, hey can you hear me?” Luna asked as she covered the girl in her coat like a makeshift blanket. “Everything is going to be okay, help is on the way.”

Looking back at the car Cadance was walking up with her phone to her ear. “-small girl, looks no older than fourteen, multiple open wounds along her arms and legs.”

“She’s bleeding from the back.” Luna added looking up at Cadance with concerned eyes.

“And she’s bleeding from the back.” Cadance relayed before finishing up her call.

“Who does this…” Luna said after a moment as sirens started to echo in the distance. “Who does this kind of thing to a child?”

“I… I don’t know Auntie.” Cadance said, looking in the direction of the flashing light that just pulled up.

“Over here!” Luna shouted with a wave as she stood looking over to the officers who were now quickly approaching them.

—---------------------------------

-Nightmare-

My eyes stung as a bright light engulfed my vision. Muffled words called to me as I flicked in and out of consciousness.

“Hey..” one of the voices called to me as soft smack met my cheek. “Hey… try to keep your eyes open.”

“Her heart rate is dropping…” The second voice called as my eyes closed.

Once more as everything went black the darkness felt like suffocating as my soul felt like shrinking as it drifted down. As my mind drifted down a large spike pierced my chest and I found myself being rammed back to the surface for all of a moment before my consciousness slammed further into the dark abyss.

The faint echo of a long screech filled my ears as the darkness flashed yellow, breaking the screech for only a moment before the sound came back louder only to be broken again by another flash. As the darkness was ripped by the flashes of lightning and the sounds of screeching I felt myself freeze weightlessly in place before the sudden pull started slowly rising back to my mind.

A soft beeping could be heard as the sound of my breathing rasped in my ears. A cold sweat covered my now cool body as it laid beneath thin layers of blankets. As my eyelids struggled to move from their resting as a scratchy voice escaped my lungs.

“Where….am…I?” I said between breaths as I felt warm skin holding the frog of my misshaped hoof.

“You're awake…” A soft voice similar to my mother’s spoke as the warm fleshy claw released its hold. “I'll go inform the nurse.”

Sounds of deformed foot steps clanked across the ground away from me before returning followed by others.

“Let’s have a look.” the new voice said before the loud sound of a snap caught my attention before my eyes were forced open only to be blinded by a light before snapping back shut. “Eyes are dilating to visual stimuli, so that's good.” My foreleg was gently lifted as a softly wrapped around my hoof. “Can you give me a tight squeeze?”

Unsure of what was going on, I did my best to follow the request and my hoof wrapped around the voice’s claw as hard as it could. The feeling was like that of my magic field yet somehow solid.

“Good…Good” the voice said before placing my foreleg back. “How do you feel? You got a name?” she asked as my eyes moved towards her under my nonmoving eyelids.

“I can’t…open my eyes…” I said roughly taking in air. “ and my body… feels wrong.”

I could make out the looks on their faces due to my tightly shut eyes, however my ears did catch the sound of slight gulping before I continued my response.

“My..name is Night.. Mare.” I got out before letting out a dry cough.

“Nightmare….that’s…” The voice responded with concern before turning into a false comfort. “A lovely name. Do you know where you are, Nightmare?”

“No…who…are you.” I asked as I tried and failed to move my body.

“I see, well… I am Nurse Mender and well, you're at Canterlot General. Do you think you can remember who or what did this to you?” Nurse Mender asked her voice trying to keep its warmth.

“I…was imprisoned…” my voice cracked as my eyelids through heavy effect squinted open to glance at the four blurs within the room. “Chained and beaten…” A wet line fell down my cheeks, “then I was left alone… all I wanted was to see the sun.” I finished as my eyes stunged back close. My consciousness quickly slipped back into the realm of sleep leaving everything around me.

Chapter 3-Not As Plain

-Equestria-

-Princess Luna-

It had only been a few moments after Princesses, Celestia and Luna had raised the sun and lowered the moon into their respective places before appearing in the tower of the ruined castle to greet her daughter. As they entered the room via their magic she watched as they bowed to them before her sister’s student Twilight Sparkle wearing the element of magic ran over to greet them. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna.” The young unicorn said, nuzzling her sister.

“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student.” Princess Celestia responded before raising her head. “I knew you could do it.”

“But you told me it was all an old pony tale.” Twilight replied, looking between my sister and I.

“We told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more.” I said walking up beside my elder sister. “We saw the signs of Nightmare Moon’s return and knew that it was you that had the magic inside to defeat her.”

“But you could not release it until you let true friendship into your heart.” Princess Celestia added, “Now if only another relative would as well.”

As we turned our attention to my daughter standing there without her armor it was Celestia that went first to greet her. “Princess Nightly Moon. It has been a thousand years since I’ve seen you like this.” She said her wings stretched out. “It is time to put our differences behind us. You were meant to join our rule my little niece.”

It was the element bears that questioned Princess Celestia’s words. “Niece?” They said in unison as I leaned my head to the side to get a better glimpse of my daughter. It was the look in her eyes that made my heart sink. As Celestia extended out her hoof. Night’s horn flared to life and a spark of teal flicker in her golden eyes.

“I hate you.” She said, as what had remained of her magic crackled through her body. “I will always hate you. She turned her head towards me as Celestia took a few steps back before readying to counter my daughter’s magic. “And now that I see where we all stand.” Her magic flared up and ripped a hole into the air itself, creating a portal to a world that looked of ice and snow. “I hope you enjoyed this final Night.” Just like that Nighty stepped through the portal before it closed itself behind her.

My daughter, whom I had not seen for one thousand years, had disappeared. “She…she’s gone…” I said before I screamed. “EEERAAHH!” Slamming my front hooves into the ground in sorrow and rage, my sister was wise enough to quickly teleport the six dumbstruck ponies and herself out of the tower as I leveled it to the ground.

—----------------------------------

-Vice Principal Luna-

-Present time-

Luna stood in the halls of Canterlot General in deep thought as a woman in a dark gray pinstripe suit and skirt waited for her response. “Well, what do you say?” The woman asked looking up at Luna in hopes that she would agree to her request. “Out of everyone I know, I’m sure you would be a fine fit.”

“I don’t know Sunny, I know I’m on the list of volunteers, but I’ve never fostered anybody before, especially one who will need as much help as her.” Luna replied, looking the CPS Agent in the eyes.

“Honestly Luna, that's why you're my first choice on this.” Sunny said, giving her friend a soft smirk. “Look, why not try it out for a few days and if it doesn’t work out I’ll look into other means.” As Sunny placed her hand on my shoulder she glanced at the girl named NIghtmare who was looking at the palms of her hands. “However from how she reacted when she fully woke up, I get the feeling she already thinks the world of you.”

“Fine…” I said leaning into the door frame while crossing my arms. “What's a few weeks anyways.”

“A few weeks, already planning that far out Lulu.” Sunny teased as she handed me a clipboard and some papers to fill out.

“You know what I mean, beside its winter break, you try finding someone else willing.” I retorted as I signed the release forms for the hospital in addition to the foster care paperwork.

Handing the paperwork over Sunny placed them into her folder before parting ways with me, however not before letting one last comment slip. “Hey, just let me know when you’re fully ready to adopt, I’ll pull some strings.”

Luna facepalmed at that, as Sunny handed in the release form before exiting the building. Shaking her head she walked back to the room when a now bandaged up Nightmare squeezing her hands open and closed before Nurse Mender helped her into the wheelchair provided by Sunny. “You feeling ready to get out of here?” I asked looking over to Nightmare whose eyes glance over to me before she turned her head to face mine. ‘Definitely gonna be a Terminator fan.’ I thought to myself with a chuckle as she shook her head yes.

“Alright, let's get out of here then.” I said as Nurse Mender, Nightmare and I began heading for the front of the building where Cadance had brought her car around.

“My Auntie Tia is going out with Ms. Sunny to pick up some clothes that you can wear,” Cadance said as Nurse Mender and I helped Nightmare into the care before putting the wheelchair in the trunk. “So… while they’re doing that, why don’t we go get something to eat, my treat.”

Nightmare took a solid few seconds before looking up at me for confirmation before looking at Cadance. “That’s fine.” She said, rubbing her throat and glancing away.

“Now remember to bring her back in a few weeks so that we can re-look at her legs. If everything looks alright we should be able to get her into some physical therapy.” Nurse Mender said as she greeted Nightmare and I goodbye and returned to her post.

—----------------------------

-Nightmare-

Staring out the window of the self moving wagon, Nightmare rested her chin upon the palm of her hand. She wasn’t completely sure what had happened after her magic had flared up in the ruin castle six days earlier, however she was able to put a couple of things together based on part of conversations she had listened to when others had thought they were out of ear shot.
The first being that although she had teleported as a pony her body was now that of a human, specifically one of the teenage variety. The second was that the place she landed had its own Luna and Celestia who although shared traits with their Alicorn counterparts had such drastically different personalities that she was sure most others would be unable to notice. For example this world's Celestia was quick to back out of the room when I gave her a look of disdain at her introduction. As well as Luna’s threat to make her eat cake if she didn’t stop acting scared of an injured child. I smirked thinking about how afraid she was of accidentally hurting me when she extended her hand to shake mine. It was her reactions to the situation that had calmed my anger and made me realize that it wasn’t her who had hurt me, She was guilt free.

As we pulled up white building with magenta overhangs above the entrance and windows of the restaurant. “Alright, since the doctors said you seemed to have a high metabolism when it came to sugar and vegetables, welcome to Sugar Cube Corner. Don’t ask me about the name I don’t know either.” Cadance said with some fanfare before turning the ‘car’ off.

After taking a few moments to slide me back into the wheelchair, which seemed harder than when we were getting me out of it. Cadance held the door to the establishment open as Luna rolled me inside and to a small booth as Cadance went to get menus for us to look at. As Luna went to get us some coffee to start us off, at my request, I stopped looking over the menu as the site of a orangish yellow teenager round my age, if I had to guess, with red and yellow hair caught my eyes as she seemed to be berating one of the workers with pink skin and puffy pink hair that seemed to deflate the more the other girl talked to her.

“I mean really, how hard is it to make a decent hot cup of coffee, Pinkamena.” The girl said loud enough to start making the pink girl’s eyes water.

“But we made it exactly how you wanted it Sunset…” Pinkamena said as she held her serving tray as a shield from the verbal assault. All of which only seemed to make the girl named Sunset madder.

“What a childish tantrum.” I said out loud as I went back to looking at the menu.

“What… Did you say.” Sunset said as her neck looked like it would creak from the stiffness of her head turn.

“I said, what a childish tantrum.” Without even looking up from the menu I decided to add a bit more to my words and Sunset had gotten up and walked over to me. “Complaining about getting exactly what you asked for, if I didn’t know any better I would call you a ‘foal’.” I said tilting my head up at her, making complete eye contact.

Sunset stared at me for a hard moment with her arms crossed before finally speaking. “Sunset Shimmer,” she pointed her thumb to herself.

“Nightmare Moon.” I replied placing one hand on the menu and the other on my chest.

Smirking back at me she placed the cup of coffee she had been complaining about on the table in front of me before gesturing to it. Taking the hint and being glad the girl didn’t just pour it on me, I picked the cup up and placed it in my mouth taking a slow sip before lowering the concoction back down before blinking a few times.

Looking over to the pink haired girl who looked at me with a sense of hope before focusing my eyes back onto the cup, Just as Luna and Cadance came back to the table with our drinks in their hand and an eyebrow raised. “Wow, that is bad.”

Chapter 4- The Sun that poked the Moon

-Nightmare-

As Luna looked between Sunset and I noticing a strange tension that had begun to form between us. “I see you’ve met Canterlot High’s top student already.” Luna said before handing me a cup of coffee.

“Indeed, She seems quite interesting… As for the taste, the soy used in the milk in preparation for ‘this’ clearly went bad three days ago.” I said, closing my eyes while holding Sunset’s cup up to her by the bottom. This seemed to catch Pinkamena's ears as she rushed behind the counter, checking the date on the container.

“Oh wow, she’s like totally right!” Pinkamena exclaimed loudly in a way that reminded me of a similar pony that I had seen back in Ponyville’s town hall.

‘Must be her counterpart.’ I thought to myself cracking one of my eyes open to glance at Sunset while resting my chin in my open hand. The look in her eyes seemed to be that of annoyance, yet mutual respect.

“We’ll make you another.” An older woman said coming from behind the counter before taking the cup from my hand. “I am truly sorry about that dear.”

“It's fine Mrs. Cake… just please stop letting Pinkie make the coffee. Her baking skills may be up there, but I’m pretty sure taste buds are too coated in sugar for other things.” Sunset said, pinching the edge of her brow before letting out a sigh.

“Speaking of which, I assume this is safe to drink?” I said, giving it a slight sniff before bringing it to my lips.

“It is, however I would let it cool off first.” Luna said giving Mrs. Cake an apologetic look while mouthing ‘sorry’ to her. Mrs. Cake merely gave her a knowing wink before pulling out a small pad of paper along with a pen.

“So Nightmare right? Luna’s told me you just got out of the hospital, I would assume you must be starving knowing their food. Have you decided on what you might want to order?” The mention of the hospital seemed to grabbed Sunset’s intress cause instead of leaving the moment her ‘order ordeal’ got fixed, she decided to taking up a seat at the booth next to me, mimicking the same pose I had used when handing her back her drink, except her eyes were open and locked on me, while her other hand rested on the table.

“I’ll take the cesar salad with balsamic vinegar for the dressing and a slice of… pumpkin pie if you would.” I replied handing the menu over to Mrs. Cake.

“Are you sure about only having a salad and pie, aren’t you like extremely underweight.” Sunset snarked, eyes still locked on me as I slowly turned my head to the right of me where she was sitting.

“I don’t eat meat.” I said furrowing my brow while taking another drink of my coffee.

“So why were you in the hospital, let me guess; passed out from a lack of protein. Throw up too many times in the public bathroom. Slit your wrists.” I just stared at her.

“Blood loss and starvation caused by years of imprisonment and assault on the command of my aunt and mother once they found out I wasn’t dead. What about you? Let me guess, broken nose.” I said in response as I swung my leg into her ribs before slamming her face into the table. “Or was it the broken rib.”

As Sunset’s face bounced off of the table with a crunch, a small splat of blood from her nose she reached for her nose with both hands before falling out of her seat and into the fetal position. The look on all the other patrons was of shocked expressions and ones that read ‘it was bound to happen at some point’. Luna’s was a mix of the two.

“So what did you two order?” I asked, looking at Cadance and Luna like nothing out of the ordinary had just occurred within the last ten seconds.

“Uuhh… is she gonna be alright?” Cadance asked slowly from her seat while pointing at the now writhing Sunset.

“She’ll be fine, I kicked her in the floater and her nose should mend once the swelling goes down. Although it might be a little crooked.” As I glanced back over, Sunset had already managed to pull herself to her knees before lunging at me. Without missing a beat I reached out with my hands, placed one on her forehead while using the other to grab her nose causing another snapping sound as I pulled on her nose while pushing her head back.

“Okay! Okay! I give! I GIVE!” Sunset cried while being released from grasp.

“That should reset it.” I said calmly watching her gently hold her nose while blood slowly slid out of her nostrils.

With that, Sunset sat back into her seat at the booth as Pinkamena popped up next to her with a tray holding one cesar salad, one slice of pumpkin pie, two sandwiches with fries, Sunset’s Coffee and a bag of ice. Which just as quickly as Sunset’s nose was broken, was placed in front of the intended person at the table before skating away on the flat rubber of her shoes. Her hair now having a lot more volume to it than before.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------

-Vice Principal Luna-

After a much needed meal while talking between NIghtmare and Sunset, which inhaled a lot of back and forth between them trying to piss the other off, I decided it was finally time for us to head out. After a surprising farewell from Sunset who now sported a nasal strip over the bruised bridge of her nose. The three of us hopped back into the car, making our way home, where Sunny and Celestia were waiting for us.

Looking over to Nightmare in the back seat, I let a small smile wash over my face as the young teen laid across the back asleep from what I figured was a lot of excitement for her in one day.

“What have I gotten myself into.” I said, shaking my head while Cadance just smirked.

After a good thirty minute ride back to my and Celestia’s home. I gentilly woke Nightmare from her nap and helped her into her wheelchair before rolling her up the driveway and into the house.

“It's a lot different than I was expecting.” Nightmare said blinking at the two floor townhouse.

“Ilke good different or bad different?” I asked, wincing a bit at the girl’s comment.

“Just, different different. Although I am going to assume the living areas are on the second floor?” Nightmare asked with a tilt of her head.

“Yeah, why?” Cadance asked without realizing the implication.

“Stairs…” Nightmare said bluntly.

“There's a spare room on the ground floor.” I responded as I pushed Nightmare through the doorway into the living room.

Chapter 5- Adjusting

-Vic Principal Luna-

A sigh left my lips as Sunny and I finished settling Nightmare into her new room. Leaving the little lady to her own devices, I met the others in the living room for a quick chat about our plans for the new member of our household.

“So, how did your trip to Sugar Cube Corner go anyways?” Celestia asked, sitting down in the loveseat with a glass of wine in hand.

“It… went okay.” I winced, wanting to avoid the topic.

“That bad?” Sunny asked from the kitchen, shutting the fridge door before entering the room.

“Nightmare got into an altercation with Sunset Shimmer.” Candance answered dryly before taking a can of soda from Sunny.

“She didn’t try to hurt her, did she?” Celestia asked glancing over to Nightmare’s room with concern, “Nightmare just got out of the hospital today,”

“Other way around actually.” Taking a sip of her own glass of red wine she glanced up with a slight smirk. “Sunset thought it would be a good idea to mess with our little Nightmare.”

“So Nightmare cracked her rib and broke her nose.” Cadance said as Sunny joined her on the couch.

“Wait… WHAT?!” Celestia shouted before covering her mouth. Taking a deep breath Celestia continued, “And Sunset didn’t try to attack her back?”

“Oh, she tried… until Nightmare reset the foolish girl’s nose back into place.” I answered, placing my wine glass down upon the coffee table. “The interesting thing is after that Sunset and Nightmare seemed almost inseparable.”

“You mean they became friends?” Sunny asked, jumping back into the conversation.

“Eh, more like frenemies. The whole time they were together it was like. “Cadance stopped for a moment in thought before finishing, “Like the worlds calmest verbal cat fight.”

“Soooo… how are we gonna handle… the assaulting a person, thing?” Celestia asked, raising an eyebrow feeling the need to take another long drink of her glass.

“For the moment, I think-” Before I could answer, the door to Nightmare’s room loudly creaked open as the girl in question wheeled herself into the living room.
“I felt challenged and acted out of turn.” Nightmare said, pulling herself up to where everyone could hear and see her. “What I did was wrong and would be worthy of punishment, however much like with Sunset, I will not give apologies for what I do not feel guilty about. I can only try to not repeat my actions.”

It was the way that Nightmare had said it that gave a slight chill down my spine while also making me feel somehow relieved. “Try, but not promise?” I asked, looking the girl in the eyes. Eyes that seemed to hold a sense of worry behold a masking of intent.

With a nod of her head I understood the meaning behind that look. As my older sister finally emptied her glass she leaned back into her loveseat before speaking what we were both thinking. “You used the word try because you don’t want to make promises you can’t keep, is that right?”

“Correct… I dislike those who can’t keep their word, so to foolishly promise that such a thing won’t happen again would be to ignore what caused me to do it in the first place. Just like her.” Nightmare said, looking down at her hand and taking a breath. “I refuse to be like her…”

The room got quiet after that, as we tried to think of how to even touch the topic that Nightmare had just let slip. Luckily we were by some form of grave Nightmare was just as quick to change the subject,

“So, how are we going to handle this thing you call ‘school’.” Nightmare said with a slight tilt to her head.

—---Two weeks later—--

-Nightmare-

It had been a few weeks living with the alternate counterparts of her aunt and mother, and even though the first few days had started off kind of ruff with having to adjust to living under a roof with parental figures for the first time in over a thousand years, Nightmare found the experience rather refreshing. For the first time in most of her life, she was living with others that were a) not annoyed at her presence and b) took the time to actually talk and work though any problem that she presented them with. For example, when Nightmare had gotten up one night and drank a whole box of red wine due to it smelling like berries, she had picked it thinking it to be some sort of juice. When she was found laying on the ground next to her tipped over wheelchair, bottle in hand. Both Luna and Celestia had taken the time to explain that although some wine was made from fruits and berries, they weren’t made with the intent of girls her age to drink. Oddly enough, instead of an hour long lecture on the dangers of alcohol or the locking of the wine cooler, Luna had gone out of her way to get her a mini fridge for her room and proceeded to stock it full of all kinds of bottles of juice as well as some jugs of water.

Another thing that took NIghtmare time to adjust to was that after Luna had taken her back to the hospital to have her legs looked at, the doctors had given her three options in regard to her legs due to the achilles tendon having not healed correctly, The first being some tartarus looking braces that would keep her foot from moving in any direction which would give her a waddle while walking or crutches which would require the use of her upper body to be mobile or thirdly continue using her wheelchair as a form of transportation. Nightmare not wanting to be seen dead with the first two was content with her chair while finding her own means of regaining her ability to walk.

As such, Nightmare had spent the last two weeks practicing getting in and out of her chair without the aid of others while taking breaks to read into some subjects that she was unfamiliar with in regards to her current world. The first being the long and much more violent history that had led to a lot of this world's current technological advancements. The others being science and medicine. Being a creature that had lived in a world that revolved around magic, Nightmare had been raised in the many ways that magic could be used to manipulate the world to their will. Whereas here most if not all advancements had been made in the way of electricity and motorized gears, a far cry different from such things as magic filled golems and alchemy based healing potions.

Oddly enough, Nightmare found it interesting that a lot of the mathematical formulas used in the textbooks littered around the home were similar to ones used for magic crafting. A concept that was drilled into her during her tutelage under her mother ‘Princess Luna’ herself. Even if she had never cared for such lessons, she couldn’t help but be glad at having already been familiar with such concepts, even if a little rusty.

“You up for this?” Luna asked, pulling up to her parking space behind the school as I unbuckled my seatbelt.

“Yeah, I think I got this.” I said opening the door and pulling myself out of the car. Using the side of the vehicle as support I slowly made my way to the trunk while being careful of my balance until I reached the back of the car and pulled the wheelchair before promptly letting myself collapse into it. “See… Got it.”

Chapter 6- A sight to fright

Nightmare wasn’t sure what to expect upon entering the school while in the company of Luna, the one thing she wasn’t expecting were all the looks of panic that seemed to be directed straight at her. At least that was her thought before she noticed that some of their eyes seemed to be following something behind her. Tilting her head slightly she heard the glass doors behind her open fully before slamming hard.

Giving the air a quick sniff, Nightmare closed her eyes before addressing the figure who loomed over her side. “It's good to see you again, Sunset.” Nightmare said before glancing up to the fiery haired teen.

“Oh, hey Nightmare, Vice Principal Luna.” Sunset greeted knocking the snow off of her boots. “Wasn’t expecting to see you here, you just transferred or something?”

“Something like that,” Luna answered before leaning down to Nightmare, “I have to go finish informing the teachers, I’ll meet you in the main office after the bell rings.” Straightening up she looked Sunset hard in the eyes with her emotionless mask. “I expect you will be able to assist in that Sunset.”

Without much of a thought Sunset left out a short groan before answering with a simple, “Sure,” before watching Luna disappear in the crowd of students.

“So what's the connection there anyways? You like her daughter or something?” Sunset asked, pointing into the direction Luna disappeared into with her arms crossed.

“Something like that.” Nightmare responded with a smirk before changing the subject, “So what's with them?” She gestured with a nod.

“Eh, they’re just a bunch of scared losers. Personally, you're better off not acknowledging their existence.” Sunset surmised while looking at her nails.

“Shall I put that to the test?” Nightmare asked, giving a toothy grin before rolling up to a small group of boys before tugging on one of their jerseys.

“Excuse me boys, but could one of you tell me where the main office is?” She asked, causing one of the boys to turn around and look down at her.

“Yeah sure, you just head- DEAR GOD!!!” The boy answered before jumping back into his friend.

“WhaT’S WroNg …” Nightmare’s voice said with a slight reverence while she looked at the boys with only the white of her eyes showing before grinning wide revealing a row of sharp pointy teeth. “ARen’t YOu GoiNG TO ShoW Me THe WAy.” With that she began leaning forward with one of her miss colored black hands before creeply sucking in air as she started opening her jaw. Causing the boy to fall to the ground as his friends seemed to watch in horror before Nightmare placed her index finger under his chin to make him look into her eyes as she blinked her eyes back to normal revealing two Bluish Teal eyes with a reptilian slit where the pupil should be.

“What's wrong boy…. Don’t you want to be friends?” She whispered falling forward from her chair landing with her knees between his legs as the group of young men screamed bloody murder and ran for dear life.

Placing a hand on her chair she pushed herself back into it while dusting off her long gray skirt before letting out a soft chuckle. “You're right, they are scared losers.” Nightmare said in her normal tone before looking over to Sunset who was ‘pissing herself laughing’ at the reactions of the football players.

Just then a loud bell rang around them as the halls quickly emptied leaving behind only NIghtmare and a much winded Sunset.

“Girl, you are going to do great here.” Sunset managed to stammer out between laughs as she rubbed a tear from her eye. “Let's get you to Vice Principal Luna.”

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a quick trip to the office, Luna had informed the girls that Nightmare much to Luna’s dismay, was to shadow Sunset for the day so that she could get familiar with the layout of the school as well as her classes. This which not only surprised Sunset, also seemed to please Nightmare for reasons that neither Luna nor Celestia could guess.

This in return led to NIghtmare scaring just about half of the student body as well as faculty by her mean prescenes. A phenomenon that wasn’t new for Nightmare, even as a newborn foal Nightmare’s existence seemed to send shivers down the spines of all who looked upon her. From Nightmare’s point of view, it was one of the few things which was the cause as to why, even though she was a royal, she was so poorly treated by castle staff.

It was also the reason why she found herself enjoying the company of not just Luna and Celestia, who saw her at her weakest. However, it was Sunset in particular that she enjoyed the company of most, because unlike others, instead of shrinking away. She had instead started prodding her in an attempt of making her mad.

So after giving the poor lunch lady a near heart attack, Nightmare found herself wheeling over to a table where Sunset was sitting, talking to a boy with blue pulled back spiky hair.

“So who’s your friend.” Nightmare said, setting her tray on the table before transferring herself from her chair to the connected bench.

“Oh you must be the girl Sunset’s been talking about recently. Flash Sentry, Sunset’s boyfriend.” Flash said, introducing himself with his hand extended.

Nightmare stared at Flash for a hard moment with her eyes held open before giving a quick blink. “Nightmare Moon, Sunset’s personal ‘Frienemie.” Nightmare said, extending her hand before giving Flash a quick shake. “Or at least that's how Mom puts it, not really used to the whole friend concept.”

“And why’s that?” Flash asked, a bit concerned.

“Reasons.” Nightmare answered before looking over to Sunset who slid up next to Nightmare before stealing one of her fries.

“Frienemie, eh,” She said with a chew, placing an arm around Nightmare’s shoulder. “I like it, gots a nice ring to it.”

Chapter 7- Teal or Gold

-Princess Luna-

Night fell over the land of Equestria as Luna stared down from her Lunar tower, dark bags lining her eyes. One thousand years, one thousand years she had waited for her daughter to return since Celestia had banished her to the moon. Now she didn’t know how long she would have to wait before she would see her again. ‘Why did it go so wrong.’ Luna thought as she walked the halls of Canterlot Castle. Reaching her sister’s private quarters she weakly knocked on the door before pushing it open. “Sister… I wish to talk.” Luna said with a hoarse tone.

“I know Luna…” Celestia sighed, not looking her sister in the eye. As Luna walked over to a less than stoic Celestia as she looked up at the moon now missing the silhouette of its once prisoner.

“I don’t understand sister… was returning to us so bad?” Luna asked, laying down alongside the solar alicorn.

“I don’t know Luna, I had hoped that the elements would rid Nightie of the darkness that had filled her heart, yet it looks like the elements were only able to rid her of the magic that she stole.” Celestia said, shaking her head as she closed her eyes. The look of anger on Nightie’s face, the teal glow still in her eyes. The image, still burning in her mind.

“So what are we going to do, how are we going to save her?” Luna asked, tears slowly falling from her eyes. “Celestia, how are we going to get back my daughter?”

As Celestia looked down at the royal garden, a statue in the distance caught her eye. “I have a few ideas Luna, but it will take time to prepare. For now just rest.”

Off in the distance, in the royal garden, a large statue of a mismatched creature stood in a dramatic pose. A small twinkle gleamed from its eye.

—--------------------------------------------------------

-Canterlot High School-

“So then she went up to these four guys in the hall to ask where the main office was and they were so afraid of talking to a girl that they ran away screaming.” Sunset laughed as she walked down the halls with Nightmare and Flash.

“I still don’t think it was that funny, I ended up falling out of my wheelchair because of them. Honestly, what is it that makes them think I’m so scary?!” NIghtmare exclaimed, raising her arms up in annoyance.

“Mhm, maybe it's those golden eyes of yours, makes all the boys think you're gonna eat them.” Sunset snickered leaning forward to press her cheek next to NIghtmare’s.

“Uh, Sunset you're not going colorblind are you?” Flash asked as he walked next to the girls.

“What do you mean?” Sunset asked, narrowing her brow to glare at her boyfriend as she stopped to look him in the eyes.

“Well… Nightmare’s eyes aren’t gold.” He said as he walked in front of them before gesturing to Nightmare’s eyes. “They’re clearly Teal.”

This got the two girls to look at each other before looking back at him. “Flash, her eyes are blatantly gold, orange gold at best. You sure you aren’t the one who’s colorblind?” Sunset looked at Flash with a quizzical look.

“Hold on, hey Soarin, what color are her eyes?” Flash asked, stopping yet another male teen with blue spiky hair.

“Eh, those are Teal dude, also kind of creepy, sorry.” Soarin said as he took a second to look at Nightmare before stepping back.

“You two must be blind, hey you!” Sunset shouted, grabbing a white haired girl with blue skin and a wizard’s hat. “What color are her eyes!”

The white hair girl stopped for a moment before leaning forward at an uncomfortable distance before squinting at Nightmare. “Trixie would have to proclaim that this girl’s eyes are clearly yellow, no… gold. Sorry, Trixie has trouble with specific shades.” With that Trixie straightened back up before crossing her arms. “She does wonder why her eyes have slits like a lizard though.”

This started a chain reaction of both Flash and Sunset stopping every single person who would spare two seconds to ask them what color the poor girl’s eyes were. After a significant sized crowd had formed around the three, a few teachers had come over to break things up so nobody was missing class.

“Okay, this is just plain weird. It's like an even fifty/fifty split.” Sunset announced as they made their way to the girls locker room.

“Tell me about it, I’ve only ever seen my eyes as gold so I’m not sure where they’re getting the whole ‘TEAL’ thing from.” Nightmare said making air quotes. “Also, everyone that said teal outside of Flash seemed kind of… unnerved didn’t they?”

“Did they? I didn’t notice. Maybe it's like a lighting thing. Maybe your eyes are really just Hazel or something.” Sunset added before walking up to one of the lockers and opening it. “Almost forgot to ask, you did bring something to change into right?”

“Yeah, I have some that mom put in my bag before we left.” With that the two girls changed into their gym clothes. Sunset wearing a trademark orange shirt and shorts and nightmare in a dark purple shirt and black shorts.

This caused Sunset to stare for a brief moment as she got a good look at Nightmare’s arms and legs which were covered in scars reaching from her black hands to her shoulders as well as down her legs. Not wanting to stare too much, Sunset closed her locker and began heading for the gym with Nightmare not far behind her.

As the two entered the gym a soft murmur could be heard coming from both the guys and the girls as they all glanced at Nightmare’s arms and legs.

“Ah, this must be our latest transfer.” A large bulking dark blue man with a mohawk and goatee approached as he made several poses. “Iron WIlls the name, coaching students like yous’ da game. And you're in a wheel…chair, they did not tell me you would be in a wheelchair.” Iron Will stated as his shoulders slumped a bit before picking himself back up. “Hmm, might need to rethink this one though.” As Iron Will rubbed his goatee for a moment before he snapped his fingers before looking back down at NIghtmare.

“You able to lift?” He asked before getting a simple shrug from her. “Good, Weight Room Everybody!!!” He yelled as he pointed to a door on the other end of the gym. “Lets see whos been lift’n and who’s been skipp’n.”

Chapter 8- How heavy are the weights you lift?

Nightmare Moon watched as student after student laid down on a long bench and tried to see how much weight they could move before being unable to move the bar any further. From what she could see the guys seemed to vary between 120lbs (54kg) to 230lbs (104kg) whereas the ladies were moving between 70lbs (32kg) to 130lbs (59kg). There were a few exceptions though, one girl with orangish skin and blonde hair was able to out bench the boys by a good 62lbs (28kg) putting her at a good 300lbs (136kg) total, while another with blue skin and a rainbow prism of hair was able to stop at 280 lbs (127kg), even Sunset was able to get an impressive 240lbs (109kg) during her go.

With no one else left before her, Nightmare wheeled herself over to the bench before sliding herself onto its cushion. A buff giant of a teen with white skin and short blonde hair kindly rolled her wheelchair off to the side so it wouldn’t get in the way.

“Alright, so you got da chance to see how its done, let’s walk you through it. Place your hands on each side of the bar, equal distance away.” Iron Will spoke, helding with the placement of Nightmare’s hands. “You're gonna want to keep your palms under the bar and hold your grip tight, keep your thumb on the outside opposite of your fingers.

“Got it.” Nightmare said looking the teacher in the eyes.

“Alright, after your first rep with the bar, I’m gonna add ten pounds, that's about four and a half kilograms of weight. After each rep you will place the bar back onto these two posts known as the stand. All we are doing is seeing where your current max strength is, no shame in not being able to reach what some of the others can, you can always work on it and get better.” Iron Will pulled the bar off the stand, “When you can’t lift the bar anymore, speak up imitendly, I’ll help with getting it on the stand. Got your grip tight?”

Nightmare gave a short nod. Then Iron WIll let go of the bar. To NIghtmare’s surprise the bar felt almost weightless as she pulled the bar to just above her chest before pushing it back up onto the stand. “Good, now Will will add the weight.” With that Nightmare proceeded to do her reps.

-35 reps later-

Sweat dripped across Nightmare’s forehead as slowly pulled the bar down to her chest before slowly bringing it back up and setting it on the stand. “Next ten.” Nightmare commanded as she kept her hands clamped to the pull as Iron Will added another ten lbs of weight to the bar before helping to take it off of the stand. Bringing the bar down the dense muscles in NIghtmare’s arms flexed as it reached her chest before she pressed it back up with her teeth clenched. Placing the bar back onto the stand Iron Will added one last set of five pound weights before giving the bar a slight tug letting the weight rest in Nightmare’s hand as her arms flexed hard before struggling to slowly bring the bar down to her chest. The other student held the breath as Nightmare breathed in hard through her nostrils as her forehead began to turn a slight shade of pink from the blood pressure as the bar, much slower than before, came half way up before coming to an almost complete stop. As Nightmare to mentally fight off the pain in her muscles and joints a small ring of teal formed around the gold of nightmare’s irises as the muscles in her arms flexed causing the skin to tighten as the bar continued to move up one centimeter at a time.

“Come on… Come on.” Sunset chanted, “Come on Nightmare you're almost there.”

Nightmare with her teeth clenched hard as she slowly worked the bar further and further up before finally holding in completely straight. “Take… it.” She growled as Iron Will Grabbed the bar hard, pulling it onto the stand as Nightmare released the bar letting her arms drop down. Breathing in hard she closed her eyes hard before the other students started talking amongst themselves.

“Four hundred pounds. Gotta say that was mighty impressive sugarcube.” A voice called walking up to the side of the bench while holding out a towel.

Opening her eyes and leaning forward into a sitting position, Nightmare reached for the towel with a sting to her arm as the muscles seemed to spasm a bit. “Thanks.” Nightmare responded with a worn out voice as she put the towel to her face and wiped the sweat away.

"Your welcome, names Applejack.” the girl said, extending her hand out.

“I think I saw you in the lunch room earlier, name’s Nightmare.” Taking a moment to catch her breath she passed the towel back to Applejack before Sunset wheeled her wheelchair over for her to get into.

“I gotta say, wasn’t honestly expecting you to out-press me given your outer appearance and all.” Applejacked chuckled, rubbing the back of her head.

“And what does that supposed to mean?” Sunset asked, glaring at Applejack as I slid into my seat.

“Hold up now, all I was say’n is that it was mighty impressive.” Applejack quickly put her hands up in defense as she took a step back from Sunset who was furrowing her brow at her.

“It's fine Sunset.” Nightmare said, putting her hand up signaling her to stop. “I get it, A scrawny looking girl in a wheelchair,” Nightmare let out a soft chuckle closing her eyes for just a moment. “I might not look like much, but like they say, ‘tis best not to judge a book by its cover.’.” Eyes of teal met the farmgirl as she flinched back. “Wouldn’t you agree.” With that Applejack quickly backed away with a look of concern on her face before leaving the weight room with the other students.

The rest of the school day went by rather quickly and before NIghtmare realized it school had let out for the day.

“So what are you doing after school today?” Sunset asked as she walked along Nightmare as they made their way down the hallway towards the front.

“Mom and I have a meeting with Agent Sunny once she’s finished up with her facility duties. After that, I’m not sure.” Nightmare said as Sunset gave her a look.

“Agent Sunny? What like with the government or something?” Sunset asked.

“Social Worker I think, she’s currently working on my documentation so that I can officially be adopted by mom.” Nightmare looked over to her side, staring at one of the trophy cases before looking forward.

“Wait, are you currently in foster care?” Sunset stopped looking at Nightmare with a slight look of concern. Nightmare just giving a slow nod. “I know you’ve mentioned your family issues briefly before, but you never mentioned you were straight up taken from them.”

“I wasn’t taken…” Nightmare looked down at scars along her arm. “I was abandoned… Let's change the subject.”

“Alright.” Sunset agreed before thinking up another topic. “So… you have a crush on anyone here yet?”

Nightmare just stared at her for a moment before turning her away as they head back down the hallway. “Not saying.”

“Oh, that's not a no. So is it a boy?”

“I don’t like boys.”

“So its a girl, is it me?”

*Thwack*

“oww!”

Chapter 9- Nightmares that hurt

-Equestria-Castle of the two sisters-

-Princess Luna-

Princess Luna walked through the old halls of the castle. Sounds of a small filly crying off in the distance. Walking down the hall Luna stopped in front of an old wooden door covered in splinters. Reaching with her huff Luna pushed the door open revealing a small light gray filly curled up in a ball laying in front of a small window.

“Nightly, my little Nightly. What’s wrong?” Luna asked, laying down next to the small filly, placing a wing around her in a blanket-like motion.

“Auntie… hic…hic… Auntie she…” the young filly cried struggling to get her words out.

“She what, NIghtly? What did she do?” Luna asked with worried eyes as she leaned down to show her daughter that it was okay.

“She… She Took Me From You.” The young filly’s eye glowed as the sun beyond the window went black. A fire burst from the filly’s mouth engulfing her body as Luna fell back. Looking over towards her daughter, panic and guilt filled her eyes as the once small filly stood over her.

Where the once small filly laid, the image of a large black alicorn stood with eyes of teal and a mane and tail like that of the cosmic storm in the night sky. As Luna frantically jumped to her hooves the black alicorn looked up at the opening in the ceiling where Celestia stood looking down on them.

With a flap of her wings Luna watched as Nightly flew up to Celestia and out of view. Stretching her wings to follow chains of ice stretched out latching onto her wings, legs and horn before slamming her back down. “You can’t save her.” A wispy voice carried through the air like a haunting wind. “Save her… Save here….You can’t save her.” Luna struggled in her chains as the walls around her crumbled into the darkness of the void. “Watch her die!” Celestia’s voice said in a harsh tone. “Open your eyes and watch.”

Opening her eyes, Luna looked up as Celestia stood over the broken body of Nighty, her hoof pressing down onto the now bleeding black alicorn as the elements of harmony surrounded them and began to spin into a ring of fire before Celestia crushed Nighty’s form into ash. Watching as her daughter’s body scattered into nothing day turned to night as the silhouette of her child formed on the moon’s surface.

“No…” Luna wept as her sister turned, walking into the void of night.

“It's for her own good.” Celestia’s voice echoed as her figure vanished.

“Give her back!” Luna cried as she pushed herself to her hooves, the sound of ice cracking as the chains struggled to hold her in place. “Give me back my Daughter!!!” Shattering the chains Luna spread her wings taking flight as she raced for the moon. The cold air slowly freezing her body as she flew up higher and higher into the night sky. The small platform of the castle shrunk into nothing as she rammed into the stars around her for warmth as she crashed into the moon itself.

Landing hard on the surface of the moon she frantically looked around for any sign of her daughter laying her eyes upon the frozen form of the black alicorn crying to herself.

“Nightly…” Luna whimpered as she drugged herself over to her crying daughter. As she approached the still body of the sobbing alicorn she was again met with darkness as she was pulled back into the ruins of her old castle.

Turning her head, she watched as six mares activated the elements of harmony before firing them at the black alicorn, causing the wings on her back to be ripped away. However unlike she had witnessed before, the wings of her daughter latched onto each other before forming a dark purple mist that mimicked the form of her daughter before ramming it’s horn into the air and ripping a tear into the realm of dreams.

“No….” Luna whispered as she rushed after the unicorn before sealing the tear behind it.

“No! No No No!” Luna exclaimed, unable to stop the specter from escaping.

“Mother…” A small voice sniffled, catching Luna’s attention.

Looking down at the small filly Luna collapsed to the ground, wrapping her wings around the body of her daughter. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.”

—-----------------------------------------------------------------

-Human World-Canterlot-

-Luna-

Luna awakened with a panic as the sound of screaming rang throughout the town house. Grabbing the bat she kept next to her bed Luna raced out of her room and down the flight of stairs. Running for Nightmare’s room, she swung the door open as she watched Nightmare cradled up in a ball with her hand digging into her shoulders.

Dropping the bat, Luna ran over to the rocking Nightmare grabbing her softly by the hands before slowly pulling them away from her bleeding shoulders. “Nightmare!” Luna called as her hands met blood. “Nightmare! Look at me!” As Luna lowered her head to look Nightmare in the eyes she felt her heart stop. Nightmare’s eyes glowed bright teal as her pupils dilated to the point where only it and her glowing irises were visible. Staring into NIghtmare’s eyes, fear and panic flooded Luna’s senses as the young girl kept muttering herself. “I'm sorry… I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I’ll be good…I’m sorry.”

Hearing Nightmare repeating those lines again and again, Luna took a deep breath and exhaled, gathering her composure before placing her hands gently onto both sides of Nightmare’s head before pulling her into her chest and slowly rocking her back and forth as the young girl sobbed to herself.

“It's okay, Nightmare. It's not your fault.” Luna glanced over to Celestia who stood in the doorway in a sweat before making her way over to Nightmare. Kneeling down Celestia took the girl’s hands and held them as they both continued to consol until she silently went back to sleep.

After watching Celestia clean Nightmare’s wounds with a warm wet cloth, Celestia left the room returning back to her room. Luna held her daughter as the two of them laid on Nightmare’s bed before slowly drifting back to sleep.

Chapter 10- A Manifestation of dreams

-Nightmare-

“Good to see you again, Nightmare.” A young woman with green skin said as she sat down across from me, her red dreads held back by her yellow and white flower bandana. “So tell me my little thunder cloud, how has the nights been treating you?” She asked, placing a cup of herbal ten in front of me before taking a seat across from me.

“Not so good, Tree Hugger…” I answered, taking a sip of the brew before looking up at her with dark circles under my eyes. “It's been about two months or so now and it's only gotten worse. My grades are doing fine, but it's starting to affect my sanity.”

Tree Hugger motioned for me to continue as she made a note on her notepad.

“At first everything was going okay or as okay as one can get waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, However last night… week was different.” I said rubbing my shoulders where I had clawed them. “Mom found me screaming in my sleep tearing at my skin. Two nights later she found me collapsed on the hallway floor, and last night she stopped me from shoving a shard of glass in my throat… I don’t even remember getting out of bed. I wish it only stopped there, but I’ve begun seeing things.”

“What kind of things?” Tree Hugger asked looking up from her notes.

“I’m not sure. The first time I thought it was my eyes playing tricks on me.” I said through my raspy throat. “Then the more I saw it the more shape it seemed to have, like a ball of gas but solid. I’m not really sure how to describe it, however the more I see iit the more it seems to take shape.”

“And what might that shape be now?” Tree Hugger squinted looking at my side waiting for an answer.

“It looked kind of like a person, but I can’t make out any details as it always seems to be hiding in the corner of my vision.” I said as I glanced to the spot next to me where Tree Hugger was staring.

“You can see it now can’t you?” Tree Hugger asked as she placed her notepad down on the table next to her.

“How could you tell?” I asked as my eyes darted back to her as she walked over to a small dresser at the other end of the room.

“Because your eyes have turned purple.” She said before pulling a box out of the dresser and placing it on the table in front of me. “Normally your eyes are a comforting shade of gold when you feel safe or teal if you seem anxious or threatened. Your gold eye makes others feel welcomed and cared for, like the warm rays of the sun. Whereas your Teal eyes give off a sense of danger and dread, like a hypnotic effect. As someone who sees others’ auras I was able to pick up on it after our first few meetings.” As Tree Hugger continued her explanation she opened the box, pulling out several herbs along with a stone bowl and grinding stone. “Your eyes are currently purple, which means something new and based on what you’ve been telling me.’ She looked up at me as she placed the herbs into the bowl and began grinding them. “I’m going to guess that they're connected.”

As Tree Hugger finished grinding the herbs into small pieces she pulled out a small piece of paper, placing them in the middle of it before rolling them up tight and licking the edge to hold the herbs in tight. Passing me the rolled up herbs I gave her a weird look before she made a second one and placed it in the edge of her mouth. Walking over to me she scavaged around in her pocket before pulling out a small box of matches and striking a match. Bringing the match’s flame to the edge of the paper she lit the end taking a deep inhale before motioning to me. Bringing the roll to my lips she lit the end and I took a small inhale of the burning herbs.

“I normally don’t smoke this stuff with clients, however given the circumstances this is a bit of a special case.” Tree Hugger said, blowing a small stream of smoke from her lungs. “The herbs in this are used for two things.”

“And what would that be?” I asked, exhaling the smoke as I watched Tree Hugger walk back over to her seat before passing me a small tray for the ashes.

“Calming nerves and vision seeking.” Tree Hugger said as the room around us began to grow slightly darker starting from the ceiling. “Now tell me, where do you see this figure?”

As I glanced around the room everything started to get slightly distorted as the darkness started to surround everything around us leaving only be and Tree Hugger sitting in the middle of a black void.

“What the fuck…” I said as a purple mist started to come out of the void and swirled around me.

I watched as a hand formed from the colored mist gently grasping the roll from my hand before smothering it out and dropping it in the tray before forming into a smoky version of me.

“What are you?” I asked as the faceless me seemed to stare straight at me before glancing off into the darkness where the sound of Luna’s voice spoke in the distance.

“Nighty, what did she do?” The voice said as I watched the image of my mother counseling a younger version of myself before vanishing into the void.

“Save her… SAVE HER!” Another Luna yelled, staring down Celestia.

“It's for her own good.” Celestia said glaring at her sister before the two disappeared like mist.

“Give me back… Give me back my daughter.” Luna shouted chained up to the ground as Celestia stood on the other side of a row of dungeon bars.

“It can’t be undone Luna, only when the elements’ effect wear off can she finally return. Until then you need to get yourself under control, don’t make me have to banish another member of our family.” Celestia glared before walking away leaving a crying Luna on the ground, her eyes turning purple as a small ball of purple formed in front of her as she spoke the word ‘Tantabus’. The purple ball entering Luna’s horn before causing her to fall asleep,

“Tantabus? Is that what you are?” I asked, looking at the purple figure as it gave a slight nod. “Why are you here?”

Luna’s voice echoed from the darkness once more, “Save her… How do I protect her?” Tantabus pointed once again into the darkness showing my wings being ripped off before quickly turning into a unicorn silhouette, creating a portal that it then jumped through before hovering over my sleeping figure and entering through my forehead. I watched as my sleeping form screamed before curling up into a ball. The scene than changed to the night I was found in the hallway, as nightmare was causing me to grown in my sleep my eye busted open with the color purple as the Tantabus’s mist surrounded my limbs trying to walk me into the hallway before snuffing out causing me to fall to the floor. Then it showed another night, another nightmare, another attempt of trying to wake me, the images continued from one night to the next until finally it showed the previous night where I was screaming silently in my sleep. The Tantabus manifested itself once more as it walked my body into the bathroom. The purple mist reached out, smashing the mirror before using my hand to grab one of the sards and pointing it ast my neck before Luna rushed in grabbing my wrist and waking.

Turning to face the Tantabus it mimicked holding the glass and stabbing itself in the shoulder before pulling it out.

“You were trying to wake me?” I asked, staring at the creature as it gave a nod before turning back into mist and surrounding my body in the shape of a suit of armor before going back to its human form a few feet in front of me.

“You're protecting me…” Just then the black void around me faded back into Tree Hugger’s office as the Tantabus looked over at Tree Hugger herself.

“So you two worked it out, far out.” Tree Hugger said as she looked straight at the Tantabus as it tilted its head.

“You can see it?” I asked, pointing over to the misty figure before looking back at a smiling Tree Hugger.

“I’m not sure if it's the weed or your eyes, but I’m gonna guess that the purple irises are for when you’re manifesting this gal. It's pretty far out.” Tree Hugger said reaching down and grabbing a can of air freshener and spraying the room as she cracked the windows. “Now why don’t we talk about those nightmares you’ve been having.” She said picking back up her notepad.

Chapter 11- Tastes like...

-Equestria- Canterlot Castle-

-Luna-

Luna watched from the shadows as Celestia removed a large chest from the magical vault. As she watched her sister open the chest revealing it to be completely empty before dropping it in front of the six mares who had last used them.

“The elements, they’re gone.” Twilight exclaimed, as the six of them surrounded the empty chest. Celestia began pacing back and forth before thinking out loud.

“That Chamber is protected by a powerful spell that only I can break.” Celestia claimed. “This doesn’t make sense.”

Laughter echoed from above as the voice of a stallion spoke from above. “Make sense… oh what fun is there in making sense.”

“Discord. Show yourself!” Celestia shouted into the air as she looked around the hall at the stained glass windows before focusing on one.

“Did you miss me Celestia?” As the voice continued to speak the depiction of a mishmash creature came to life within the glass, animating itself as it spoke. “I miss you.” The image of Discord then began moving from one glass image to another. “It's quite lonely being encased in stone, but you wouldn’t know that would you? Cause I don’t turn ponies into stone.” The image glared at Celestia as it sat upon the depiction of the element of kindness, before tapping it with its claw.

“Enough! What have you done with the elements of harmony?” Celestia shouted, stomping her hoof.

“Well, I just borrowed them for a teensy little while.” Discord said rubbing his lion paw together before snapping his fingers together and pointing at the stained glass elements, making them disappear.

“You’ll never get away with this Discord.” Celestia threatened, staring with a glare that could burn a hole into him.

“Oh I’ve forgotten how grim you can be Celestia. It's really quite boring.” Luna moved across the shadow of the ceiling to get closer to the window that Discord laid within.

“Hey! No pony insults the princess!” Rainbow Dash yelled, slamming face first into the glass window before pulling herself back, hovering in front of it.

“Oh, you must be Rainbow Dash, famed for her loyalty; the element of harmony you represent.” Discord said looking the blue pegasus in the eyes.

“That's right, I’ll always be loyal to the princess.” The blue pegasus claimed, putting her hoof to her chest.

“We’ll see about that.” Discord’s voice echoed as he vanished from the glass.

Luna looked from one image to another as Discord spoke to each mare in the room addressing each by their name and element before telling them where the elements were located in the form of a riddle. As she listened to him finish his riddle, Luna watched Discord blink out of the glass, but not before giving Luna a little wink. With that Luna returned back to her royal quarters before reforming herself from the shadows.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------

-Human World- Canterlot-

-Nightmare-

Nightmare sat in the backseat as Luna got into the car. As she watched her mom buckle her seatbelt she stared down at her palms as the small purple ball of mist rolled back and forth around her hands.

“Well, the good news is Tree Hugger doesn’t think you're a danger to yourself.” Luna sighed as she turned the key to the ignition. “Bad news is she prescribed you like six different sleeping pills to try to help with your sleeping issue in addition to giving you medical weed to smoke if you wake up screaming.” Looking up with concern in her eyes, Luna let out a heavy sigh before glancing back to the road. “To be honest, I’m not particularly a fan of her prescribing my ‘daughter to be’ cannabis, but if it helps you… I won’t stop you from using it. Just make sure to open a window and turn the fan on first.”

Looking up from my palm as the purple ball absorbed itself back into my hand, I gave her a small nod. “I don’t plan on using it unless I really need to.” I said as my stomach growled loudly. With a slight blush I glanced out the window. “Any chance we can stop for a bite to eat, I’m a bit hungry.”

Luna began to laugh it herself as she changed the course in her driving. “No problem, how about something a bit different.”

With that Luna pulled up to an orange building with the image of an elephant on the front. As we got out of the car, and me into my chair I rolled myself through the doorway as Mom held it open for me.

“Nightmare, I would like to welcome you to the Tasty Treat.” Luna said, as we were met with a large room filled with oranges, reds, yellows and greens. Looking around I noticed large fabrics and lanterns hanging from the ceiling and large fabric covered booths with pillows placed on them. The whole aesthetic, giving a warm homey vibe. Pulling my phone out of my purple messenger bag I opened up my camera, taking a quick picture before closing the screen.

“I know they saw a picture, lasts a lifetime, but I think the food will last an even longer impression, Nightmare.” Luna joked, placing a hand on my shoulder as we waited for someone to greet us.

“I was actually hoping… we could do something similar… to my… room?” I asked, giving Luna the puppy dog treatment, causing her to smirk.

“If that's what you want.” Just then a tall, shapely woman with orange skin and long, puffy, raven-like hair walked out from the back before greeting us.

“Auh, Luna my dear. How have you been?” She asked, giving her a tight hug. “And who is this?” The woman exclaimed, crouching down to my eye level causing my face to go a bit crimson.

“I’m Nightly…. I mean Nightmare, he he, Nightmare Moon.” I said extending my hand only to be taken into a hug which pressed my face straight into her rather generous chest before releasing me.

“It's wonderful to meet you to Nightmare, I’m Saffron Masala, head chef here at the Tasty Treat. Please sit anywhere you like while I fetch you some menus.” As she walked over to a small booth in the back Luna gave me a knowing smirk.

“I think she’s a bit too old for you.” Luna said, walking over to one of the booths near the back. “Not to mention, she’s taken.”

“Wait, what?” I asked in confusion as I snapped back to reality. “It's not like that, she’s… just very pretty.” As I rolled up to the booth I slid onto the couch-like seat before folding my chair and placing it next to the wall.

“Oh I know, we used to date on and off back when I was going to Canterlot High. Now she’s married to an old friend of ours.” Luna explained as Saffron walked over to our table placing the menus down before us.

“So I can see you two are close, what's the connection hmm?” Saffron said leaning over to Luna as she picked up her menu.

“She’s my daughter.” Luna answered as she pulled out her glasses to read the menu.

“Hold on.” Saffron straightened up forming an ‘X’ with her arms. “I have known you for over twenty years and have seen you at least once a month for each of those twenty years, where was the baby bump Lulu.” She exclaimed, slapping her palms down onto the table as an older man placed a couple of glasses of water down next to us before returning to the back shaking his head.

“She’s my adopted daughter, Saffron. Or she at least will be in a few weeks when Sunny Meadows returns with the paperwork from the court.” Luna said, pinching her brow in frustration before setting the menu down. “I’ll just have the usual.”

“Fine, but we’re talking about this more later.” Saffron said, writing down her order before turning to me. “And what will you be having dear?”

“I’ll just have the same. I’m not really familiar with any of these dishes.” I said, passing the menu over to Saffron before picking up the glass of water.

As we waited for our orders to be made Luna placed her elbows on the table before resting her chin on her hands. “So tell me Nightie. How’s things been going for you at school lately?” She asked with a mischievous look that only her and Cadance could seem to give.

“You’re one of the principals there, I would assume that you would have been keeping an eye on my grades.” I said, raising a brow as she shook her head.

“Being the Vice-principal only means I only know what teachers are saying, what I want to know is how you are going. How’s your friends? What do you enjoy doing with them? Who are you planning to take to the Spring Fling Dance in a few weeks?” As I stared in horror at my mom with my mouth hung open. Saffron placed bowls in front of us before walking away laughing to herself.

“Umm… Well, first me and Sunset haven’t been doing too well since she found out that I signed up for princess of the dance.” I said poking my fork into the food. “Outside of her, Flash and sometimes Trixie I don’t really like to go out and do anything really. As for the Dance itself, Trixie has agreed to go with me as friends since the person I had wanted to ask is in a relationship…. And currently not talking to me.” I murmured the last part as I shoved the food in my mouth.

“Oh… I see.” Luna said dejectedly as she picked up her fork to eat before stopping. “Hey, Nightmare?”

Looking up at her with my eyebrows raised, “whmmt?” I sounded through stuffed cheeks as I held the bowl near my mouth having been shoveling it down.

“I’ll… I’ll tell you when you're finished.” Luna said with a sheepish look on her face.

Finishing my bowl I placed it down as Saffron walked over to look at the empty dish. “Wow, you really liked my chicken curry didn’t you, want another order?” She asked as my pupils turned into pinpricks before the sound of Luna facepalming could be heard.

—---------------------------------------------------------

-Equestria- Canterlot Castle-

-Luna-

Luna sat on her bed as Discord floated around her room. “Discord.” I said, addressing the draconequus as he puffed a large chair into the room.

“Luna… I wasn’t expecting you off all ponies to be wanting to speak to me and secretively at that. What would your sister say?” Discord laughed as his chair slowly spun upside down.

“I don’t care what my sister has to say, I’ll deal with her in time. When that happens I’ll need somepony or perhaps some-creature to help fill in the space.” Discord stopped spinning and a serious look crossed his face and his chair righted itself.

“Tell me what has happened.” Discord said crossing his fingers giving Luna his full attention.

Chapter 12- The Talk

-Human World-

-Nightmare-

Nightmare felt ill as she rolled over to her side. Laying in her bed she held her stomach groaning as she held her eyes closed. As she continued to groan as a knock on her door caught her attention as she cracked an eye open.

“Hey Nightie, how are you feeling?” Luna asked, walking in with a small glass of water and a small packet of medicine.

“My stomach hurts.” Nightmare responded, sitting up as Luna passed her the glass a few tablets. “What is this?”

“Calcium Carbonate helps with indigestion.” Luna said, patting her on the back. “You know, for someone who says they don’t eat meat, you sure didn’t stop at the second bowl.”

Nightmare glared at her as she took the tablets. “It was highly looked down upon to eat another creature where I’m from.”

“Speaking of which and you know I don’t like to pry, but-”

“But with everything that has happened in the last week.” Nightmare looked off to the side away from Luna with a look of sorrow.

“I know you don’t want to talk about it, but regardless you're my daughter and I want to know. I’ve wanted to know for a while.” Luna removed her hand from Nightmare’s back. “But it’s not my choice when or if you tell me. So if you ever decide you're ready, regardless of what you tell me, I won’t abandon you.” Giving a small peck on my head, Luna stood up and started making her way over to the door.

“After dinner…. After dinner with you and Tia I’ll tell you about it, but we might need some wine.” Nightmare said, rubbing her arm. “Otherwise I’m not sure if I can bare it.”

Stopping in the doorway Luna looked over her shoulder with a small comforting smile. “Just this once and if the wine isn’t enough you’re gonna have to share some of that medical weed with me.” Luna said before walking out the door.

Looking down at my lap a small tap on my shoulder caused my head to turn as I say Tantabus’s mist nuzzled my cheek. “I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but you think you’ll be able to help me later?” I asked as the mist made a question mark shape before pausing and then giving me a nod. “Good, cause I really don’t want them thinking I'm crazy.”

—-------------------------------------------------------------

-Equestria- Canterlot Castle-

-Luna-

“I see, so that is what’s happened.” Discord said, stroking his goatee. “Of course leave it to that mare to go making me look like a saint.”

“So will you help me Discord?” Luna asked as Discord pondered in thought.

“To be honest, I’m not sure if I can, even my magic has its limits and given where Nightly ended up, even I as the lord of chaos would be unable to bring her back.” Discord let out a sigh as he looked into the tired Luna’s eyes.

“So it is truly hopeless than…” Luna said, looking down as a small talon pressed under her chin.

“I’m sorry Luna, sometimes things are, however I don’t think that night will be the last you’ll see of that girl. Call it parental instincts, but I have a feeling she’s in loving hands.” Discord said with a toothy smile as he leaned back into his chair.

“Parental Instincts… huh, weren’t you the one that said helping me create her didn’t make you the father.” Luna half smirked as the draconequus scoffed.

“Fine, Uncle instincts, whatever. All I said was ‘I’m not the mother’.” Discord waved with his claw looking out into the garden’s labyrinth.

“But you were the one that helped give her life.” Luna said mischiefly.

“Please, any draconequus with a teaspoon of chaos magic could have done it, It wasn’t that special. Now then, I have a schedule to get back to, can’t go give the readers everything now can I?” With that Discord popped out of existence only to appear in the garden below.

“Until next time Discord.” Luna said, shaking her head. “Wait, what readers?”

—----------------------------------------------------------

-Human World-

-Nightmare-

Taking in a deep breath I looked over to Mom and Tia as I took a gulp of wine. “I’m not really sure where to really begin with this,” I said looking at the reflection of my eyes. “So I guess I’ll start with this. Mom, Tia, what color are my eyes?”
The room went silent for a moment as the two sisters looked at each other then back over to me. “They’re gold.” Luna said only for Tia to cut her off.

“Teal.” Tia said, taking a sip of wine, “your eyes are currently teal.”

Looking at her sister for a moment before looking back at me Luna’s eyes widened a bit before leaning over to get a better look. “I thought it was just my imagination, your eyes turned teal. But how?” Luna asked flopping back into her set

“The short answer would be, because I’m not really Human.” Nightmare said, rubbing her shoulder. “I mean I am, but I wasn’t before.”

“Take a deep breath Nightmare, we’re not going anywhere.” Tia said, placing a hand on her knee.

“Take it slow, we have all night and we can cope with it during the weekend.” Luna spoke, giving me a smirk.

“Okay,” I said, taking another breath, “What do you know about parallel worlds?”

“Not much outside of what some people have theorized.” Tia responded as she got up and walked into the kitchen. Before coming back with a large glass bottle labeled Prussin Water.

“Really sister.” Luna glaring at Celestia as she cracked the bottle open taking a large swig.

“What, we’re getting into sci-fi/magic territory. I’m gonna need something stronger than wine.” Celestia responded as she sat back down.

“She’s not completely wrong…” I said getting an eyebrow raise from Luna as a purple ball of mist formed in the palm of my hands. “Where I come from magic exists.”

Luna without another world reached over to Celestia, stealing her bottle before taking a few large gulps before passing it back. “Continue.” Luna said as I began telling them about my home and where I came from, making sure to leave out specific names and details as we talked through the night. My bottle of wine getting a little lighter as their bottle got a little emptier.