Chapter 19

It was calm, very calm for this time of day. Especially given the sun had set not more than ten minutes ago as she sat just outside the steps of the Ancient Castle. The Everfree Forest had never been this calm in the entire time she had spent in it. In fact, it seemed to only increase in danger to the point where she had to fly over it completely. Yet, today it was just as peaceful as the rest of Equestria. Why was it so peaceful? She couldn’t explain this nor could she even find the appropriate words to describe the calm. Perhaps it was a warning of what was yet to come? She didn’t know this either. All she knew was, she had to be patient.

‘It won’t be much longer...’ she thought, her gaze moving across the bridge. She could feel it in every inch of her body that her counterpart was approaching. This was probably the only thing she knew for sure at this particular moment, but that was due to the connection the two shared through magic. What was Luna planning to do to her? Will she be locked in a dungeon? Or would Luna execute her on the spot? Nightmare wouldn’t put it past her better half to do either.

Nightmare crossed her front legs as she continued to wait. While she could feel Luna approaching, it was difficult to tell just how far away she was. She couldn’t truly estimate just how much longer it would be before she saw the familiar face of the lunar princess. As the minutes continued to tick on by, she could feel her patience beginning to wear thin. The uneasiness in her spine growing slightly as she sat quietly. Perhaps she should fix herself up a bit more than she already had? No, she couldn’t now. What if Luna showed up while she was away? She might assume the worst of her! She had to, at least make a decent impression before she said goodbye to whatever freedom she had.

It wasn’t until the moon had ascended the sky a third of the way was her patience finally rewarded. On the opposite end of the bridge, from deep within the forest appeared five figures. While at first she became worried, Nightmare soon recalled what she had said to Luna not more than a few days ago about bringing as many as she desired. This made the uneasiness a little worse as she felt her stomach beginning to twist into knots. This would actually be the very first time she had ever truly interacted with this many ponies at one time. It made her rather nervous even though she knew that the four with the slightly larger figure were guards.

“About time...” she muttered to herself as she watched them slowly come into view. The first of which that she was able to make out was the lunar mare and her better half. Just seeing her brought a very small smile to her face, because even though she was expecting the worst possible scenario; she was still glad that Luna had come. What left her rather perplexed though was the dark green pony that walked alongside Luna. She swore she had seen that pony before, or at least seen someone like that pony. Which was strange because she hadn’t necessarily interacted with many ponies. Yet, why did this pony stick out above the rest of them? Following behind those two, were three members of the Lunar Guard. One of which she could clearly make out was a batpony, even from this distance.

Nightmare just watched quietly as they began to cross the rickety bridge. It required quite a bit of restraint just to watch them cross it in single file very slowly. She found herself fighting against the desire to unleash a powerful blast upon Luna, who was in the lead of the group at this moment. Along with that thought, she also came up with the possibility of severing the ropes on the bridge itself. This was possibly one of the most perfect positions to take full advantage of. However, she did no such thing. Which left the princess rather confused upon reaching the opposite end.

“What’s your game!” Luna cried, her voice cracking a tiny bit as she approached. The sound itself seemed to show the amount of stress she was under and how much she simply detested the present situation. As she nearly screamed her words, the four guards quickly surrounded Nightmare without a moment’s hesitation, the three now apparent unicorns pointing their now glowing horns at the mare.

“I have no game,” Nightmare stated rather deviously, “I already told you, I just wanted to chat; nothing more.”

“Chat!?” Luna screamed, “Don’t you mean ‘kill all five of us’?”

“No my dear Luna...” Nightmare muttered, “I have absolutely no intention of killing-- or even hurting any of you. So can you please lower your horns?” Luna quivered just a tiny bit at the mare’s words. It had been the second time she had used that word. It was strange just hearing it from a pony like Nightmare too, considering just how evil Luna believed her to be.

“Fine...” Luna muttered, giving a very small gesture. At which all four guards lowered themselves just a tiny bit, entering a rather neutral stance. Emerald however didn’t quite do this. While he had indeed followed the request and lowered his horn, he didn’t seem to relax at all. Instead, his muscles just seemed to tense up quite a bit. Almost as if he was preparing for the worst possible case scenario. Even the other guards seemed to follow suit of this too remaining on edge, as if ready to take down Nightmare if she did anything.

“Just so you know...I could’ve just as easily taken you all out on the bridge...” she commented, a very malicious grin slowly appearing across her face. “And while I wanted to...oh so very badly...I didn’t attack you. Which has to account for something. Doesn’t it?” This was a truth that Luna had realized while she was on the bridge. There were probably a number of evil things she could’ve done that might’ve made it easier. However, it was strange that she didn’t.

Luna’s eyes trailed all over the mare’s body at this point, as if looking for something that seemed abnormal. She saw nothing however; instead she only saw just a neatly trimmed black coat along with a decently groomed dark purple mane. Nightmare looked almost serene as she sat quietly, especially with the slightly visible pudge she had gained in the time they had been apart. Even she could see it, which made her snicker a little. “What exactly have you been eating? Cake?” she inquired, “Because...well...you’ve gotten a bit rounder since I last saw you.”

“Well....excuse m---” Emerald’s glare only worsened when he heard the beginning of that phrase, but before she could even finish she felt a hoof placed ever so gently over her mouth.

“Don’t...finish...that...line...” Luna whispered, gesturing off to Emerald. “At least if you want to come out of this uninjured.” Nightmare gulped nervously for the very first time in her life, her eyes slowly moving off to the side as she observed Emerald. Luna, she could handle. However, there was something about that particular pony that seemed to rub her the wrong way. Yes, he was attractive. Very attractive as a matter of fact, but upon a second glance he actually seemed rather terrifying. It was enough to send a chill right up her spine. “Do you understand?” Nightmare nodded before Luna removed her hoof.

“Well...I had to survive the winter, didn’t I?” Nightmare asked, “Its not easy being a monster in Equestria...I had to do many things in the past year...” She paused, glancing down at her hooves. “Some of them I regret, while others...” she paused, thinking back to the few snobby nobles she had stolen from. “I do not.”

“You? Regret?” Luna chuckled, “Don’t make me laugh! A Nightmare such as yourself doesn’t feel regret. In fact, you don’t feel anything.”

“You’re wrong!” Nightmare snapped, her gaze shifting back up to meet Luna. “Well...at first...you’re right...but...I’m not a nightmare anymore!” Luna was taken aback by the mare’s will. “Which is why I’m surrendering now.” Luna thought for a moment as she looked over Nightmare. Taking notice of the subtleties in her mannerisms. She could see very clearly in the mare’s eyes that something was indeed different. Even if it was just a very slight difference, she could see it clearly. It was strange too, because as she saw them, she could even feel there was a difference within Nightmare. As if something had changed. What she didn’t know was what. What had changed in this mare? What had happened over the course of the year that caused this change to occur in her? Why had she gone from an emotionless mass of magic to a pony? Why did she seem to even have feelings now? Was it because she actually has a body?

“And what did you expect me to do when I arrived?” Luna inquired, now growing just slightly curious about everything. She wanted to know more now. “You’ve given up bringing an eternal night, just as I have...” she paused, “AND you’re surrendering...its strange. I never thought YOU of all ponies would give up.”

“It is strange...I know,” Nightmare agreed, “Even I can’t completely explain it myself. But, due to recent events. Events I will not go into for personal reasons...I came to the conclusion that it would be terribly foolish to bring an eternal night. As I previously stated; without the sun, all of us would freeze or otherwise starve to death.”

“I realized this once we had been separated...” Luna muttered, “Glad you do see it this way...”

“But it still doesn’t excuse what you’ve done,” Emerald added, “You’re still a criminal...and you can’t deny that. You just admitted to doing things you regret. If I assume it right...you ARE the pony that’s been causing trouble in Canterlot. With the string of thefts.”

“That is...on top of my other crimes,” Nightmare admitted, still seeming rather proud as she sat peacefully. “My crime of possessing Luna and breaking sisters apart...of taking multiple lives while in that position too and many more.” she sighed at this point. “Which is why, I am fully submitting to whatever punishment you desire. I won’t argue and I won’t fight back at all. I don’t have a need to anymore.” She lowered her head in shame by this point, almost as if she was bowing before the lunar princess. “And...don’t be merciful either...”

“Oh...don’t worry,” Luna smiled, “I had no intention of showing you any mercy.” she clarified. Which in turn caused Nightmare to prepare for whatever was coming next. She was ready for the punishment, half expecting to receive the full death penalty. The very moment she saw Luna’s horn begin to glow out of the corner of her eyes, she closed them. Just wanting it to be over as quickly as possible. She expected perhaps a bit of pain too for just a few minutes. This was something she could endure. “Well...maybe a little mercy...”

The brightness of Luna’s horn only began to grow as she pointed it right at Nightmare, whom had fully prepared herself for everything. Not a word was said from anypony, but instead, the lunar mare unleashed a mighty blast of blue light. This engulfed the mare almost instantly. While it couldn’t be followed by the other ponies present, as they had to cover their eyes from the sheer brightness of the light. It began to engulf Nightmare from the very tip of her horn. Slowly spreading down her body, to her head and eventually to the very tip of her tail and hooves. She could feel it very clearly.

When this light engulfed her, Nightmare felt it. She felt her magical strength beginning to vanish. It was as if a leech had been attached to her body and had already sucked out half a pint of blood. She began to feel rather lightheaded right away and an incredible weakness in her legs. She even felt her wings beginning to grow limp. Was this what true death felt like? No, it didn’t feel like her life was coming to an end at all. Instead, it felt like something was flowing right out of her from the tip of her horn.

If the other four ponies could see what was happening, they’d notice waves of magic flowing from Nightmare, back into Luna. At the very same time, they’d also notice a bit of life actually beginning to leave her eyes too as the magic was drained. Even her horn seemed to darken and crack a tiny bit as the magic was siphoned from the Nightmare and in a matter of seconds after it had begun, it was finally over. Yet, Luna just stared at what was before her, which hadn’t vanished like she had anticipated. While Nightmare had collapsed and completely passed out from the fact that she just had her magic drained from her. This confused Luna to no end as she just sat, wide eyed, unable to pull her gaze away from the mare.

‘But...no...it can’t be!’ she screamed in her head, ‘H-how is this possible?’

“Princess, what should we do?” the batpony asked with great curiosity.

“I...I don’t know...” she replied, dumbstruck at the fact Nightmare still existed. She even had to turn to Emerald for the answer, whom only smirked in response to this.

“Put her in chains, we’re heading back to Canterlot,” he ordered, “But...bandage up her horn too. We don’t want it to get infected.” This order came in light of the fact her horn actually had taken on a charcoal-like appearance after her magic had been drained completely. A few cracks appearing down it. This meant that it was now just a hollow shell of what it had been. Which is why they had to take extra care as to not damage it while wrapping it before they finally just put her into chains and carted her off.

Chains rattled as she moved, her head hung very low with a bandage wrapped tightly around her horn to protect it. She couldn't run even if she wanted to, while Nightmare Moon's body had recovered from a number of the injuries she had sustained, she knew running was a mistake. As guards followed closely behind her. What made it even more difficult for her was the simple fact that on either side of her were Princess Luna and Emerald, the two ponies that had brought her down in the first place.

Guards, she could easily escape from. Even with the heavy chains around her angles, but she knew escaping even one of these two was difficult. Nightmare's eyes darted from left to right as she observed the two of them. What caught her eye the most was just Emerald carried himself. He seemed to walk with a sense of pride in every step. While it was subtle, it was still obvious to her. What did this stallion mean to Luna?

Nightmare's gaze glanced toward Luna at this point, observing every single stride she took. She was just as graceful as she had always been, although she did seem a bit physically bigger than she had previously. Even her mane seemed to have an added shine to it. No doubt as an influence from the power she had taken back. This wasn't an important aspect to Nightmare, what was important was how she was carrying herself; how she was watching Emerald.

She too seemed to carry herself rather proudly, a bit more than she normally did. Even her wings were fully extended, almost as if she was showing them off. It was only when the princess' gaze shifted just slightly over to the unicorn that she actually realized it.

“So...into stallions now, huh, Lulu?” she remarked, a devious smirk on her face.

“Silence! We will not fall for your tricks again!” Luna snapped, “And only Tia may call me that!”

“Oh worry not,” Nightmare replied, lifting herself up with a bit more pride this time. “I couldn't escape even if I tried now, could I? Especially with you and that....delicious piece of a stallion here escorting me!” Emerald shuttered at her words, as he earned a slightly seductive glance Nightmare. “If it was just the guards...yes, perhaps I could overpower them. But you two? No...you're too much for me even if could use magic.” It was true too and they both knew it. She knew making an attempt at an escape would prove pointless at this point. She'd probably just end up in worse shape than she already was.

“Then what's your game?!” Luna said, stomping her hoof. Focusing her glare right on her darker half. She swore there was another motive to this, she could feel it.

“No game, my dear Luna,” Nightmare replied, grinning, “I'm just trying to learn a little about my better half...and her new stallion.” This only caused Luna's cheeks to burn with a bit of embarrassment, before she simply resumed her path through the dungeon. “Oh come on, don't you want to share the...details with me?” Luna just grew very silent at this moment, it was here where her horn lit up to force Nightmare to continue walking. “Oh...come on! Don't you have anything to say to me?”

“No!” she yelled, “What we want to say would be inappropriate in mixed company!”

“Luna...calm down, you're using the royal we again,” Emerald advised, “We don't want Celestia finding out now, do we?” Nightmare's ears perked at the mere mentioning of the solar princess. Which in turn caused a smirk to spread across her face again.

“So he's more than just looks and muscle, huh?” she asked, “Far different from your usual taste in stallions...or even mares for that matter.” This seemed to get under Luna's skin the moment she heard it. The princess' ears twitched and her eyes narrowed a tiny bit as she sent a glance to Nightmare. As if telling her to silence herself before saying something she'd regret. She took the hint too, once again lowering her ears and head fully and just walking along with them very quietly from that point on.

It wasn't very much longer before the group reached a large iron door, which Emerald unlocked within seconds. Behind that door was possibly one of the most depressing sights. It was a relatively small room with an even smaller cell taking up about half of it. The cell had a small bed which had been made up especially for Nightmare, it had a small table and a deck of cards already sitting on it. There wasn't even a barred window for her to look out of. It was just a single cramped cell in a small room where she'd be observed constantly. She was just thankful that there was at least a bit of plumbing for the cell, even if there wasn't a single bit of privacy.

From what Nightmare observed, she also figured at least one guard would be in this room with her at all times. Judging simply by the desk that sat on the opposite side of the cells and by the door, she could tell that this was easily a high security cell, if not a maximum. Times had defiantly changed since she had last been in Equestria.

“I took the liberty of providing you with a deck of cards,” Luna said, “That way you at least have something to keep yourself entertained. I'm also putting you in this particular type of cell, where you can be monitored...” Nightmare rolled her eyes first in response to this.

“You don't need to explain yourself Luna,” Nightmare stated, “I already KNOW you don't trust me alone...you think that even though I'm powerless, I'm still a threat.” she paused, turning to meet Luna's gaze. “And you're right about that too.” A smile slowly crept across Nightmare Moon's face at this point. This unnerved Luna, it was one of the few times anypony would actually see her flinch in the sight of an enemy.

After leading Nightmare right into the cell, she had the shackles unlocked. It was at this point where she felt truly at ease to undo them. “I want at least one guard sitting in the room with her at all times!” Luna ordered, “Two sitting outside the doors. And you are not to leave your post unless you have somepony to relieve you! Do I make myself clear?!” All three ponies simply saluted, before taking their posts. At which point, both Luna and Emerald quietly walked from the dungeon.

“Something wrong, Luna?” Emerald asked as they reached the stairs. He had noticed it right away that something was bothering Luna, it was evident by the look on her face. Yet, when he asked she just slowly looked up and smiled at him.

“I...its nothing,” she lied, the fake smile on her face said otherwise.

“Luna....” he began, “You know that fake smile doesn't work on your sister or myself for that matter...what is it?”

“You saw it right before we locked her up...” Luna began, “That smile,i t was like she...wanted to be there. Almost as if she was happy she was in that cell.”

“You don't mean...” Emerald began, only to have Luna nod very slowly.

“Its possible that she let us capture her...” she pointed out, “But...I can't figure out why."

“Then why don't we...!” Emerald tried to speak, however, he was met with a hoof to his mouth.

“No...I don't think her reasons are that bad...” Luna added, “I don't think she even wants to be a threat anymore.”

“Then perhaps we should discuss it with her?” Emerald asked, much to Luna's dismay.

“Its a situation for another time,” she sighed, “For now...we need to focus on keeping this from my sister...I can't imagine what she'd do if she learned that Nightmare Moon was still alive.” Luna still had a few loose ends aside from just her sister to tie up when it came to this particular situation. It had to be handled quickly and silently. She was just thankful she had Emerald by her side to help with everything.

Author's Note

The Road So Far: http://youtu.be/al12WO5x23w (The reference should be obvious)