"The Pact of the Waning Moon"

by TheLegendaryBillCipher

Rating: everyone
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Nightmare Moon, Adventure
Length: 4670

A book on display at the Canterlot Museum of Natural History.

A book on display at the Canterlot Museum of Natural History as a part of a display celebrating a decade of the Summer Sun Celebration. An excerpt on the plaque reads as follows:

"We formally enact the Pact of the Waning Moon... Our goal: the elimination of Nightmare Moon and the restoration of day..."

Cover by me.

Published 2024-09-30 00:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-09-30 00:40:01 UTC

Entry Six

I am not sure what we are going to do now. According to North Star’s spider, Celestia has not let any useful information slip. Just the usual babble. I’ve gone through every entry and scroll and book in Nightmare Moon’s vault, and there is not even a hint of where the Elements of Harmony may be.

Gala and Comet are questioning what we would even do if we found them. I’m afraid I must agree. If they would not work for someone as powerful as Nightmare Moon, what chance do we have of using them?

My best idea was we free Celestia and let her find and use the Elements to best Nightmare Moon. Of course, my plan has many obvious flaws: Celestia’s mental state, where the Elements are, holding off Nightmare Moon and the guards… I’m afraid I agree with my friends when they say it’s an impossible mission.

We’re arguing among ourselves now, unsure of how to proceed. It’s making it difficult to write this. If we could just stop and—

Stardust Sprinkle was able to calm us down with some cupcakes. Perhaps something sweet to settle the nerves is in order. She always was good at cheering ponies up when they were down.

North Star says we’ll think of something. I agree, there must be some way out of this. I am thankful for her kind words, especially in this time of crisis.

Wait. I have an idea.

As I gaze upon my friends, all of us, I have an idea. Maybe I’ve been thinking too literally. I must get to the vault as soon as I can. I need to know more about these Elements beyond where they might be.

I may have a plan, even if it is more hope than guarantee…

Author's Note

"Perhaps there is something to faith."

Historian's Letter

Dear Mr. Sterling Silver,

I want to thank you again for the opportunity to work on this historic archaeological project. It is because of recent progress that I am writing to you, because there has been an unexpected breakthrough that I wanted to inform you of.

As you know, our recent excavation of the castle unearthed a completely intact library. While most of the last ruler’s castle was in ruins, we were beyond excited at the possibilities this library might hold.

All the books were in impeccable condition, but there was one in particular that caught my attention. It was a black, hardback book with silver symbols on the cover. It lacked a title or author, and given the size we assumed it to be some sort of journal. However, when we opened it, we found all the pages blank! We attempted to use every method of ink recovery we knew on it, even using blacklight, but nothing came of it.

That book is the one I sent with this letter.

It was a part of the collection taken back to the museum for processing. We were more than happy to publicly announce that we would soon have actual historical books and references in our museum.

Not long after the announcement, I received a visitor. A light blue unicorn, wearing a silvery cloak and an oversized hat like you’d wear for a Nightmare Night costume. She didn’t seem to have trouble walking, but used a fancy-looking walking stick. She asked to see me, and asked, and I quote: “Have thou found a black book with blank pages?”

It should be noted we never specified exactly what we found in the library to the public, so the fact that this mare knew about the blank book caught my attention. I said we had, and she asked to see it.

So, figuring she might know more about it, I brought it out of storage to show her. I know it’s against protocol, but you will find the broken rules worth it. I flipped through the book to show her the blank pages, and asked her what was so special about it.

She didn’t answer me—not with words. The mare took the book in her magic and cast some sort of spell over it. She handed it back to me and flashed a sort of knowing smile. “That should satisfy thy curiosity,” she said.

I flipped through the book again, and sure enough, there was elegant writing throughout, all in a silvery ink. When I turned back to thank the mare, she was gone! I know unicorns can use teleport spells, but I’d never heard of one without the slightest noise or light. The mare looked familiar. I’d seen her on theater posters around Canterlot, but her name escapes me.

To get to the point: the story told in this book—indeed a journal—might be the single most significant historical account we have. In all of Equestrian history. However, given Princess Celestia’s adversity to speaking of the time period in question, I thought it best to let you read it for yourself and perhaps consult her before making any of this known.

I’m eager to hear what you think of it.

Signed,

A.K. Yearling

Head of Historical Department, Canterlot Museum of Natural History

Author's Note

Date of Creation (D.o.C.): 08/03/24

A random idea I got while listening to a song. Thought it might be interesting to explore one of the other timelines.

-The Legendary Bill Cipher

Introductory Prologue

I am writing this in the hopes that, should we fail, someone else will pick up in our stead. I have enchanted this book to my own magic and am the sole author. These writings cannot be revealed until I command it or upon my death. I sincerely hope it will not come to the latter.

I cannot give you the date of this beginning, for there is no passage of time in this kingdom. The moon does not waver, nor even wane like it once did. Ever full. Ever present. Ever watching, like its queen.

I am Moonbeam Cerulean, Witch of the Blue Moon. The right hoof to Her Majesty, Nightmare Moon. And I am not alone.

Such events have transpired recently that have urged me to do this, against my better judgement. There is more at stake than my life or those of my friends. But first, I will give you our names. If we fail, do not mourn us. Do what we could not.

There is Moonwatcher, the head librarian of the castle. She is a quiet, but generous soul behind those thick glasses of hers. I consider her my closest friend, and someone perhaps wiser than I.

There is Stardust Sprinkle, head chef and patissier of the castle. Even in eternal gloom, she is a warm light of hope and joy. Her confections even bring a smile to Her Majesty’s muzzle.

There is Gala Star. I don’t know her as well as I would hope, but she hails from the Apple Family Clan. She is an open and honest pony, and someone I know I can trust.

There is Comet Tail. She is the head guard for the section of the castle where the library resides. She’s been worried ever since Captain Rainbow Dash deserted her post, and I believe that is what has drawn her into our fold. Her loyalty is greatly needed.

And there is North Star. As unique a pegasus as ever have I met. Though shy and meek, she has a gentle kindness to her that attracts all manner of creatures. I even believe she can understand them.

The six of us are united in this, not a rebellion or revolt or incursion, but a hope for Equestria. We know the truth, we know what was and what can be again. We know there are whispers of rebellion among the citizens, and we must act before they do. The less lives this costs, the better.

We formally enact the Pact of the Waning Moon. If one of us is discovered, one of us goes down or we all go down. No one will be thrown under a cart. This we swear to ourselves and one another. For Equestria.

Our goal: the elimination of Nightmare Moon and the restoration of day. It is possible, and I will explain how we learned of this.

Author's Note

"I would hope thou likes our story."

Entry One

It all started when Moonwatcher was instructed by Her Majesty, Nightmare Moon, to test the wards in the dungeons. Many a foolish unicorn thinks a single spell is enough to try and stop her reign, and wards are there to keep their magic in check.

However, Moonwatcher was instructed to test all of the dungeons, including the deepest one. The deepest dungeon is Her Majesty’s most secure and hidden away. I did not know who or what was kept there, as I have never been there, but Her Majesty insisted Moonwatcher venture down to it.

Moonwatcher returned to me, frantic. It took a moment for whatever shock she was in to wear off enough for her to be coherent. “Another alicorn!” she said. “Down in the deepest dungeon!”

I was confused. I was not aware of any other alicorns but Her Majesty. Surely there could be no other. But Moonwatcher was insistent. She had reported the wards in the alicorn’s dungeon were the strongest and most elaborate she had ever seen. Such spellwork had to have been there for a reason.

I was hesitant at first, but I trust Moonwatcher. She is almost as knowledgeable as spells as I am, from self-tutoring alone. So, I gathered my wits and ventured down into the deepest dungeon myself.

Moonwatcher was right.

There was another alicorn down here. She seemed as old as Her Majesty, but alabaster white. What once might have been a pink mane is faded and drooping—I know Her Majesty’s mane and tail flow like a nebula, but this one’s magic was restricted. And her eyes… They had been magenta once, but they too were faded and dull.

A lack of magic is not what caused that.

“What is thine name?” I asked her.

She lifted her head from the floor. “Celestia,” was her hoarse reply. Her head fell back down, ears drooping.

It was obvious I wouldn’t get much out of her, so I made my way back up to the library. I informed Moonwatcher and the others of the alicorn and her name. Moonwatcher and I began frantically searching every historical archive we could. Every account, every book, every scroll. But we found nothing.

Her Majesty keeps her most treasured documents in a vault, not far from her personal chambers. It is well-guarded, and not even I, her student, have seen inside of it. I know of it only because I have seen the door, and Her Majesty has retrieved spellbooks from it before. If there is any trace of this Celestia, it is most likely in there.

Gala Star got to thinking on the name “Celestia.” Her memory isn’t perfect, but she believes she has heard that name before. The older members of her family love to tell stories, and she believes that is where she heard the name, but she would have to inquire to be certain.

As we cannot risk accessing Her Majesty’s vault, we have agreed the best course of action is to inquire with the Apple Family Clan about Celestia. To not draw attention to ourselves, I shall venture out alone and meet Gala Star there.

Now all I need is to concoct a cover story…

Author's Note

"Have thou heard of Celestia? I'm afraid our history lessons are quite... restricted."

Entry Two

I had informed Her Majesty that there was potential unease in the distant village of Apple Valley, and of my wish to help quell it before it grew. She didn’t seem that interested in it—after all, Apple Valley is home to mainly earth ponies. Eventually, she agreed to my errand, saying it should prove amusing at the least. I am glad she trusts me enough to travel without guard.

I have wondered about that, at times. Her Majesty, an all-powerful alicorn, deciding to take on an apprentice. Even her most recent behavior suggests some sort of indolence. Perhaps she has already done all she set out to do.

In any case, the travel out to Apple Valley was uneventful. It was my arrival, however, that was colder than a winter’s evening.

I do not blame them. There are things I have done, under Her Majesty’s tutelage, that I do not take pride in. I am not her right hoof for nothing.

Fortunately, Gala Star’s earlier arrival helped settle things down so that we could at least have civil discourse with the elders of the Apple Family Clan. We met in private, though I suspect there were many eavesdroppers.

Red Delicious, Fuji, Jonagold, Honeycrisp, and Macoun. The five eldest members of the Apple Family Clan. They looked mostly uneasy at my visit, and demanded what I was there for.

I decided to be open and honest: I told them about the alicorn in the deepest dungeon named Celestia. I told them I knew nothing of her, and wanted to learn.

The moment I said the name, a hush fell over all of them. I had never experienced such oppressive, contemplative silence before. They looked to one another, exchanging glances and grimaces. But at least I knew I was in the right place.

It was Red Delicious who came forward. And what he had to say… it has changed me. I shall do my best to faithfully record what he said to me:

“Once upon a time, there were two alicorns. Their names were Princess Celestia and her younger sister, Princess Luna. They ruled over Equestria’s day and night… that’s right, youngin’. There used to be a thing called day. I remember it…

“Day was warm, and full of sunshine and light. You saw other ponies and laughed and played. And then there was night, a time for meditation. To sleep. To rest. It didn’t use to just be night.

“I wasn’t there when it happened, but I’ve heard there was this tremendous battle. A great clashing of magic. Then this dark shadow appeared on the moon, and the night came and never went.”

I sat for a moment, gathering my thoughts about all of this. I knew what had become of Celestia, but where was Luna? None of the elders had the answer. They had the memory, but did not bear witness to this history.

I returned to the castle with Gala Star, reporting my mission successful to Her Majesty. It took everything within my being to not shake under her gaze. She simply smiled and thanked me, before dismissing me.

The others were shaken to the core when I told them. Gala had been bothering me about what they had said the whole way back, but I vowed we would all hear what the elders had said at once.

Stardust was interested in everything Red Delicious had described about the day. The others simply looked out the window, where the ever-full moon glared down at us. Along with that shadow that had appeared alongside the eternal night.

It will not be easy, but the only course of action I can see before me is to ask Celestia herself, as to what became of her sister and her day…

Author's Note

"Does thou also have a feeling of deja vu? I cannot explain it."

Entry Three

I am fortunate to have Comet Tail on my side. With her help, we were able to bluff our way into the deepest dungeon. She kept watch while I went down and revisited Celestia’s cell.

I got a good look at her this time. She indeed wears a sun cutie mark, so it is obvious that day belonged to her. However long ago it was. It’s possible that without her, day cannot exist, but I cannot know for certain.

I asked her about everything: her sister, her day, what happened. Unfortunately, I do not know how long she has been down here. Her mind seems to be gone, and she acts delirious.

When asked about Princess Luna, she could only babble. In her mutterings, the word “Lulu” kept coming up. She spoke highly of her younger sister, but it ended with a bitter laugh. “Now she’s become the shadow instead of living in one,” she said. “Can’t live in one when everything is shadow.”

I got a similar response when asked about the day. “Oh? Day? It’s gone? I wouldn’t know.” Another bitter laugh. In hindsight, I should’ve realized her cell lacked any windows.

And as for what happened that day, when all turned to night… She didn’t say anything. She shuddered, fell to the ground, and covered her eyes and sobbed. She lay weeping a good few minutes before it died off.

I stood watching her and sighed. Whatever she knew, if she knew how to fix anything, I would not be able to get out of her. Her Majesty’s cruelty had managed to silence even another alicorn.

As I turned to leave, however, Celestia began muttering again. I leaned in to listen, and I shall try to jot down what I heard:

“The Elements… The Elements of Harmony… Even they failed you, Lulu… I failed you…”

This is another term I have never heard before, and have yet to uncover in the library. What are the Elements of Harmony? More research is required. Perhaps there is something we have overlooked.

Perhaps Celestia was helpful after all…

Author's Note

"I pray not another creature suffers in such a way."

Entry Four

In case Celestia babbles more information, I have had North Star let a spider into her cell to keep an eye on her. I still marvel at how she is able to speak with such creatures and understand them, and even more how they obey her wishes.

Moonwatcher has gone through all of the library’s records at least thrice over. There is no mention to these “Elements” that Celestia mentioned. Surely they had to have existed at one point—along with Princess Luna and the day.

It would seem a risky course of action is required: I must sneak into Her Majesty’s most private vault and look through the records there myself.

Stardust Sprinkle has agreed to do her best at distracting Her Majesty with a wide array of treats, and I know Comet Tail can keep the guards busy.

I must find these answers. I must.

I feel that my heart has finally stopped trying to hammer its way from my chest so that I may record what happened.

With the guards distracted, it was only a matter of reaching the vault. I had come expecting a complex security spell, but I found no resistance but a locked door. I crept inside as quietly as possible and began my search.

Her Majesty’s vault holds almost as many scrolls and books as the library does. I did not where to start—nor did I get the chance to.

The door slammed open, and there stood Her Majesty, Nightmare Moon.

There are no words I can use to describe my terror under her gaze, capable of freezing a pony’s soul with a single stare. But I knew she would not inquire first—she would let me put my hoof in it before retaliating. So… I gambled.

“I want to know about the alicorn in the dungeons,” I said, forcing bravery with every breath.

She stared a moment longer… then let out a sigh.

“There is much I have not told you, apprentice,” she said, looking about the room. “Perhaps it is time you learned. As my faithful pupil, you have a right to learn—to learn about me and my history of how I became who I am. To know what injustices led to my rule.

“As long as you do not take from this vault, I permit you to enter and read at your leisure.”

I stood dumbfounded, but quickly thanked her, and apologized for my intrusion. Then I quickly left back to the library to calm myself and write this entry.

This. This is the break we’ve needed. I’m sure of it. And that Her Majesty’s trust in me might be her undoing…

Author's Note

"When one has conquered all, I suppose one has little to fear."

Entry Five

I am dedicating these following pages to notes. I do not want to draw suspicion to myself, so this book shall remain in the library. I’ll record what I can on my return.

Princess Celestia ruled over Equestria along with her younger sister Luna. Celestia rulled during the day, and Luna ruled during the night. All of the ponies celebrated Celestia and her day, and rejected Luna and her night.

Princess Luna is Nightmare Moon.

Celestia attempted to use the Elements of Harmony to banish Nightmare Moon, but Nightmare Moon took them from her. She attempted to banish Celestia instead but couldn’t get them to work. The Mare on the Moon is but an illusion. Celestia was erased from history. Where are the Elements?

Elements of Harmony. Not periodic elements. Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty, Honesty, Magic? These are not elements of any kind!

The Elements resemble cut gemstones.

Red- Loyalty

Pink- Generosity

Blue- Laughter

Pink- Kindness

Orange- Honesty

Magenta?- Magic

Nothing in the vault discloses the location the Elements. No wonder Nightmare Moon was comfortable allowing me in here.

Still nothing new.

Nothing new again.

I’ve tried illumination spells, looking for invisible ink. Nothing.

Where are the Elements of Harmony?!

Author's Note

"A most frustrating enigma."

Entry Seven

It has been a while since I last wrote in you, my faithful journal. A recap of events is in order.

After some more research, I put my plan into motion.

We waited until a change of the guard happened to ensure that the throne room would be deserted. My friends and I steeled ourselves as best we could and ventured inside.

Nightmare Moon was surprised to see us. Her bemused smirk did not last long. Not when I spoke her name. Her real name. I shall try to transcribe what I remember.

“Luna,” I said. “Princess Luna of the night and of Equestria. Thou used to be a good and kindly ruler.”

Nightmare Moon sneered at that. “That weakling has long been buried,” she said. “Just what do you think you’re trying to do, my faithful ‘pupil’?”

“The Elements of Harmony are here, aren’t they? Still in the throne room after they failed you. Too useless to use, too valuable to throw away,” I said. “They failed thou in banishing Celestia, right here. Didn’t they?”

Nightmare Moon’s sneer became a growl as she rose from her throne. “And they will be of no use to you,” she snarled.

“No, they will be. Generosity, Laughter, Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness, and Magic are more than mere gemstones. They’re the Elements of Harmony, of friendship,” I said firmly. I felt my friends shift beside me, but I stood firm. I do not blame them wilting under that freezing glare.

What happened next, I could scarcely believe. A large panel in the floor opened before us, kicking up ages of dust. The gemstones—the Elements of Harmony—appeared before us. Just like I had seen a thousand times before in the records, each over a foot in length.

Beyond their glow, I could see Nightmare Moon’s shocked visage, but it turned into an animalistic snarl. She made a move towards us, horn crackling with dark energy.

I felt a light fill me, with such magic and such warmth as I had never felt before. For once, nor silvery and cold, but golden and warmth. And somehow, with that light and with my friends beside me, Nightmare Moon was banished.

Everything after was a rush, so I shall try to be brief.

We met Princess Luna—she really was buried underneath of Nightmare Moon, inside her own body. We had barely gotten our introductions completed before she raced off to the deepest dungeons. Freeing Celestia and the other prisoners was our next task—nursing Celestia back to health took a great deal longer.

But together, with the Princesses restored and with the Elements, we have righted Equestria. Day and night reign in equal measure. The ponies rejoice our names as heroes, but I do not value such praise.

We have—everypony has—their will back, to do with as they please, and I think that the greatest joy to come out of this.

I still marvel, looking back at how we managed to do all this together. Perhaps, through friendship, any magic is possible. And that is more powerful than any threat or tyrant.

Now, I wonder what is in store for all of our futures. As for myself, I have always wanted to try my hoof at practical magic.

-Moonbeam Cerulean

Author's Note

"Were thou expecting a code of some sort? A hint at what might yet be? Nay, just my thanks for reading our story."

Historian's Second Letter

Dear Mr. Sterling Silver,

I have done as you asked and tracked down all the names mentioned in the book. I was thinking we call it “The Pact of the Waning Moon” personally, but let me know what you think of it. Anyway, it was harder for some than the others, but here’s what I found:

Moonwatcher is currently the head of the Canterlot Public Library System and has on several occasions secured funding for library branches in smaller towns across Equestira. I have heard her go by the nickname “Moondancer,” perhaps as some sort of in-joke. Maybe she likes to dance?

Stardust Sprinkle is still the head chef, now in Canterlot Castle. I understand she’s a very successful party pony as well, with numerous pupils under her wings. She’s also in charge of planning Canterlot’s events—and will even be in charge of the upcoming Summer Sun Celebration!

Gala Star has been helping rebuild the apple orchards across Equestria with her family’s seed vault. She and her cousin Braeburn have even started a town in the desert. I think they’re calling it “Appleloosa.”

Comet Tail was a captain in the royal guard before leaving. She and Rainbow Dash reconciled and started a flight group for other talented flyers called the “Wonderbolts.” It’s still getting off the ground.

North Star was a hard one to track down. She’s apparently started an animal sanctuary just outside of a place called Ponyville. Seems all those tales of her being able to communicate with animals is true!

And then there’s Moonbeam Cerulean. I knew I had seen her face around Canterlot—and she changed her name too, at least performatively. I don’t know what kind of stage name “Trixie Lulamoon” is, but I guess she got to be a stage magician after all.

I don’t know if the princesses will want this full account out in the open just yet, but I was thinking: what if we invited all six of them back for the exhibit’s opening? It’s had to have been a decade since all this happened, maybe longer. Who knows when they last saw each other? And I’m sure the princesses wouldn’t mind.

After all, friendship is magic, apparently.

Signed,

A.K. Yearling

Head of Historical Department, Canterlot Museum of Natural History

Author's Note

Thanks for reading. This story was a bit different than what I'm used to writing, both in terms of genre and how it was written as a historical account.

Perhaps you will see more of Moonbeam Cerulean and her friends in the future. I'm not quite sure yet.

The song I listened to while writing this (and should be no real surprise) was "Moonlight Blue" by Miracle of Sound.

-yours truly,
The Legendary Bill Cipher, Equestria Enthusiast and The Voice from the Works