Child of the Night

by Field_Marshal_Luna

Rating: teen
Tags: Original Character, Tragedy, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Sad, Nightmare Moon
Length: 7425

You know the story of Nightmare Moon. Or so you think. What many do not know is the story before she was banished, My name is Shadow Moon but everypony over the past thousand years have called me Twilight Sparkle and this is my story.

You know the story of Nightmare Moon. Or so you think. What many do not know is that before she was banished, she had a foal of her own. Many people do not know, not even the Princess. Which is good otherwise she would have seen right through my disguise. My name is Shadow Moon but everypony over the past thousand years have called me Twilight Sparkle and this is my story.

Covert art by Giulia Beck

Published 2012-12-26 01:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-03 12:55:20 UTC

Old stories, New beginnings

Child of the Night

by Field_Marshal_Luna
Co-written by AfterTouch

Chapter One: Old Stories, New beginnings

July 2nd
Year: 804 ADB (After Discord Banishment)
Perspective: Nightmare Moon

I slowly looked down into the bundle of cloth, as I cradled it in my hooves. "You are called Shadow Moon my little one" The small tyrian purple alicorn in my hooves giggled with a heart melting smile; her ethereal jet black mane was slightly tinged with a deep purple, her mane covered one of her beautiful purple draconic eyes as it blew in the non existent wind, her wings folded to her side and her horn was slightly protruding from the cloth.

"I love you Shadow, I will always be by your side." Small tears of joy began to trickle down my cheeks, ‘This is my foal, my beautiful foal...’

July 7th
Year: 1809 ADB
Perspective: Twilight Sparkle

The small purple air balloon slowly began to descend on the town of Ponyville, 'why did she send me to do this again?' the village itself was a small rustic farming town, wooden houses with straw roofs. The balloon finally landed and I began to climb out; just as one hoof touched the ground a pink whirl toppled me over, after I regained my sight, I noticed a over energetic pink mare; her mane and tail were pink again but it looked like they were inflated with air.

"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie what's your name?" Just as I was about to tell her she let out a large gasp and shot off like a bullet.

"Okay?" confused about how strange pinkie pie is I just sigh and bring out the checklist in my saddlebags.

"So...Applejack huh? I guess she is doing the food at... Sweet Apple Acres." I put the list back in my bag and started to walk into town, along the way I could only imagine how else I could spend my day then in this backward town. After about a ten minute walk, I found myself just outside sweet apple acres. In the fields I could see a orange mare apple bucking.

"Excuse me!" I shouted at the top of my lungs. "Can you come up here!" The orange mare turned around, as she saw me she smiled and slowly trotted towards me.

"Hello my name is Twilight Sparkle-"

"Well, howdy-doo, Miss Twilight, a pleasure makin' your acquaintance. I'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like making new friends!"

I frowned as my face deadpanned. "I don't think I am the type of person who you want to be frien-."

"So then what can I do for ya?" Applejack was stood there smiling at me again.

"Well I am here to check if you have all the food ready for the Summer Sun Celebration" I spat out the last three words.
"I sure am sugarcube, wanna sample some?"

At that point I turned around and started to slowly walk away. "No sorry, but I have a lot of other things to do."

Applejack frowned for a second, upset that I didn't stay. "Well I hope to see you at the Summer Sun celebration."

I looked back again and saw her smiling a big toothy grin. "Oh you will, and I am sure to look for you there."

"Okay next on the list is... Rainbow Dash... and she is sorting out the weather?" I look up into the sky and see it dotted with hundreds of little clouds, I deeply sigh in frustration. 'This is going to be a long day...'

After getting over my tantrum, I began to walk down the road which leads back into town, when I reached the bottom of the road I spotted a low flying cloud with a streak of rainbow coloured hair draping down. 'Rainbow mane? I guess that is her' I could not really careless right now so I amplified my voice. "Get up now!" My voice started to tremble the glass windows close by and caused Rainbow Dash to shoot about thirty feet into the air.

"Oh my god" Rainbow Dash landed on the ground next to me panting deeply in shock. "Sweet Celestia that scared the hay out of me!" I chuckled lightly at Rainbow's antics, 'best part of my day so far...'

"Hi I'm Twilight Sparkle," 'I hate this job...' "and I am here to help organize the summer sun celebration!" I said in a fake cheery tone. "It says here that you are to manage the weather in Ponyville?"

"Yep. Name's Rainbow Dash, best youngest flier in all of Equestria and soon to be Wonderbolt!" Rainbow spoke in an over confident tone, 'And I couldn't really careless .'

"Okay... well you need to get a move on since there are hundreds of clouds in the sky..."

"Pfft, I can clear that in ten. Seconds.Flat." The last three words were emphasized with her hoof moving across in a 'chill out' sort of sign. I can already tell this mare is going to get on my nerves... "Okay then; prove it." I smirked as Rainbow glared daggers at me.

"Fine" In a flash Rainbow Dash shot into the air and began bucking clouds into nothingness, my smirk grew; 'piece of cake...' after exactly ten seconds Rainbow Dash landed besides me again panting with a 'I proved you wrong' look.

"Told *pant* I could *pant* do it."

"Yeah you sure showed me... and Rainbow Dash? Thanks for making my job a whole lot easier." I turned around and headed off towards my next destination, 'hmmm so I am looking for a yellow pegasus called Fluttershy, And she is found in her cottage by the Everfree Forest?' shaking my head I began to trot out of town and crossing small, old bridge which crossed a small stream.

In front of me was a medium sized cottage, it was very quaint and rustic and looked rather inviting. Outside the cottage though was a yellow Pegasus; her mane and tail were both baby pink, the mare seemed shy as she hid behind her mane.

"Hello, I'm Twilight Sparkle and I am here to help organize the Summer Sun Celebration" 'So help me god, if I have to say that line again I will rip out someone's esophagus!' The shy mare seemed to shrink at my words.

"I'm Flutter..." She spoke so softly it could tame a manticore.

"I'm sorry I didn't quite catch that." She looked down at her hooves and hid her face behind her mane again.

"My name is Fluttersh..."

"One more time please." I put on a friendly grin trying to boost her confidence.

This time no words came out only a high-pitched squeal. "Well... I am here to check on the progress on the birds." Instantly her attitude changed from quiet and shy to very enthusiastic.

"Oh! Well why didn't you say so; me and my feathered little friends have been practicing all morning!"

"Oh well why don't I take a look then?" The timid yellow Pegasus nodded and began to trot towards a small oak tree full of different species of birds. Fluttershy walked up in front of the birds and spoke in a commanding, but motherly tone. "Now come on let's show Miss Twilight what we have learned today!"

One side of the tree began to whistle a soft and slow tune, it was melodic and comforting; it was the type of tune you would sing a foal at bedtime. Then, the middle section of the birds began to chirp adding more character into the harmony, it reached deep into the soul and toyed with my emotions, I felt happy and powerful for once today, it was as if all my stress and anger had left. 'Fluttershy has some amazing talent with animals! It would take months for the trainers at the castle to organize this...' Finally the final section of the birds began to contribute the part, with all three sections singing and chirping in harmony it was like a full orchestra playing an amazing symphony; slowly the birds began to fade out into a soft hum, and finally cutting out altogether.

"Wow Fluttershy! That is amazing! I don't think I have ever met somepony with as much talent with animals than you" Fluttershy blushed at my compliment, her light yellow coat tinged with a deep red blush.

"Oh... it was nothing really, it was just my special talent..."

"Anyway I see you are ahead of schedule, so I will leave you be for the rest of the day." I lightly smile at the timid young Pegasus and turn around, only to stop and look back. "Um, sorry about this... but do you know where carousel boutique is?"

"Oh... its um in the town centre... it looks like a large tent... you can't miss it." I nod again in thanks and began to trot back into town. 'Well that has lifted my spirits up in this awful town, finally somepony with proper organizational skills!'
I made my trip back into town crossing the same old bridge and down the paths into the centre, the streets were lightly dotted with pony's shopping in the market, to the west of the market was what Fluttershy had described, 'Hmm, ha it does kinda look like a tent' I trotted towards the entrance and opened the door, as it opened a small bell chimed to signal that a customer had arrived.

A high-pitched female voice came out from the back of the shop "I'm coming! Just wait one second please!" A snow white unicorn mare came out from behind a purple dressing curtain, she had deep azure eyes, her purple mane and tail were curled, causing them to hug her body tightly. "What can I do for you today madam?" Her voice was etiquette and refined, and her accent was of the upper crust nobles of Canterlot.

"Yes Miss Rarity, I am Twilight Sparkle, and I am here to organize the summer sun celebration." Rarity's jumped back slightly in shock.

"Y-your T-Twilight Sparkle?! Celestia's prized student?! Celestia's prized student is in my boutique!" I sighed deeply at her rant, 'I hate this job...'

"Please... just shut up." Immediately Rarity stopped talking and shied away; hiding behind her mane.

"I'm sorry... about that was very unprofessional of me... now please tell me what I can do for you today?"

"Well like I said, I am here to overlook and organize the Summer Sun Celebration; and I can already tell you are well on your way with your work so I do not think there is any need for me here..." I really could not be bothered anymore; I just want to get to the library and go to sleep.

"Oh, of course darling; I am sure you have a million and one thing's you would rather be doing right now," This mare is smarter than I thought. "Oh and darling, if you would ever like a dress do not hesitate to call for me, the first is always free." Rarity smiled at me and I forced smile back. "Goodbye Rarity, I will see you at the celebration." I turned around and walked out of the door, 'God it's been a long day. I can't wait until I can just go to sleep' As I left the boutique I noticed the moon was slowly rising, the image of a mare on the moon slowly lifted above the horizon, the mare was linked to the legend of 'The mare of the moon.' But I know Nightmare Moon will be released tomorrow, I slowly made my way to my temporary home, as I enjoyed the cool air hitting my coat, finally I was at the library; it was a large tree and was near the town centre

I walked down my path and opened the door, inside was pitch black causing me to stumble around whilst I looked for the light switch, 'gotcha!' I flicked on the lights.

"SURPRISE!" Twenty ponies jumped out from nowhere and scared the living hay out of me! It took all my restraint to not snap one of their necks out of surprise, out of the crowed the same pink mare came hopping towards me.

"Were you surprised? Huh huh huh?" 'What was her name again? I think her name was Pinkie Pie.'

"Uh sure, now please I am going to bed I've had a very long day." ,I said in a very bored tone, Pinkie's mane deflated and she put on world-class puppy dog eyes.

"D-did you not like the party?" Pinkie started to cry a little, if it was anyone else they would have apologized immediately, but I couldn't really careless.

I ignored her and trotted up my steps into my bedroom. I opened the double door's which led to the balcony, I looked up at the moon again, 'Please return... I miss you.' I yawned deeply 'oh I guess today took more out of me than I thought, it would be best if I got a few hours of sleep before the raising of the sun.' I began to trot towards the small bed in the centre of the room.

As I laid down onto the bed I slowly began to drift off to sleep, 'I'll see you soon... we will be together once again.'

Author's Note

So the first chapter in probably a long story, our first fic so please give us feed back. MASSIVE thanks to After Touch for helping me out with this one(Check this guy's stories out.) I do not own anything except this idea and story so do not bother me with your rules. MOAR chapters in your future. Cut out some of the swearing, again forgive me this IS my first story. To all those who gave this story a like and a favourite I would like to thank you.

Chapter Two: Reunion

Chapter Two: Reunion

July 8th
Year: 1809 ADB
Perspective: Twilight

I slowly rose from my uneventful slumber, I walked down the library’s stairs into the main section of the library. The room still showed the aftermath of Pinkie Pie’s party; streamers,banners and food were scattered all across the room.

I sighed gently as I exited the library and noticed the moon was beginning its descent, ‘Better get to the celebration’ I chuckled under my breath as I walked towards Ponyville’s town hall in the centre of town. As I was walking through the streets of Ponyville I looked around and took notice of how deserted the streets were, I figured that everypony was either asleep or already at the town hall to ‘watch the sun rise.’ As I got closer to the town I could feel the excitement welling up inside of me. ‘I can’t believe the day has finally come, oh I hope she remembers me, I hope she still likes me’

I look back up at the moon and once again see the silhouette of the mare moon; my mother. ‘I can’t wait to see you again mother.’ I finally arrived at town hall and using my magic I opened the doors and walked inside. The main room inside town hall was packed almost every space was filled, all except the space next to that bubbly pink mare named ‘Pinkie Pie.’

I take a deep breath ,then let it out, then I put on the best fake smile I could manage. When I walked over next to the one they call Pinkie Pie, she was in an overly excited, she ran up to me and said in a peppy tone “Oh isn’t this exciting? I’ve never been so excited, well except for that one time when I saw you and went-” I immediately tuned out the Pink one as Fluttershy’s birds played birds started to play their wondrous melody; grabbing everypony’s attention, the mayor of Ponyville trotted onto the stage and started to speak “Fillies and gentlecolts.” she said in a tone of authority “As mayor of ponyville, it brings me great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration.” Everypony in the room cheers, but myself I just roll my eyes .

Once again the mayor starts speaking again “In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise and celebrate this the longest day of the year!” Again everypony stomped their hooves and cheered, when the noise once again went down the mayor once again began to speak. “And now, it is my great honour-” I tuned out the mayor as I looked up at the moon just in time to see the stars and the moon touch. A malicious grin appeared on my face as the silhouette of the mare in the moon disappeared, ‘finally, shes coming home’ I thought to myself just as the mayor finished speaking and once again Fluttershy’s birds played their tune to announce Celestia’s grand appearance.

The curtains pulled apart but what was behind them nopony expected, instead of their beloved leader Celestia, only a dark alicorn mare remained. My grin grew even wider as the said entity stepped into the light. ‘MOTHER!’ I thought excitedly to myself, not wanting to blow my cover so I held my tongue. I started to make my way to an area where she can see me. Although I could tell she was already searching for me, the way she looked out into the crowed, I still wanted to get a better look at the stage.

As I started to make my way through the mass of ponies my mother started to speak “My beloved subjects, it has been too long.”

Another voice spoke up “What did you do to our princess!?” I looked over to see who had the nerve to stand up against my mother, I identified the source of the voice as that rainbow maned pegasus from earlier. The pegasus tried to fly up to confront my mother but was immediately yanked back by that farm girl I spoke to earlier.

My mother chuckled a dark laugh as she spoke again “Oh, am I not royal enough for you?” she narrowed her eyes towards the crowd then spoke again “Do you not know who I am.”

This time I spoke up, “I know who you are, you’re the mare in the moon, Nightmare Moon.” As I finished my sentence I winked over at my mother, I guess she got the message, because she slightly lifted her muzzle in confirmation. However Everypony gasped in response.

Nightmare Moon then spoke to the crowd “Remember this day my little ponies, for it was your last, from this moment forth. The night will last forever.” She then let out a victorious evil laugh, I actually felt like joining her because I knew we have almost won, but I still have a disguise to uphold.

All of a sudden three pegasi from the royal guard fly into the air to confront my mother, but they were quickly knocked out of the sky by her powerful magic. She then transformed into her starry mist and quickly left the room.

When my mother left the room everypony immediately went into panic mode, I paid nopony attention as I ran out of town hall to see where my mother was going; as I exited the town hall I saw a quick glimpse of purple mist traveling towards the ruins in the Everfree Forest.

I began to canter into the Everfree Forest in pursuit of my mother. ‘Just a few more minutes mother and we will be reunited once again!’ My pace quickened as I lost sight of the purple mist, I flopped onto my haunches and panted heavily “I *pant* must catch *pant* up with *pant* Nightmare Moon” I laid down and took in my surroundings of the forest, the foliage was thick and the forest trees loomed over me, casting eerie shadows across the forest floor.

Most ponies I know would be quite afraid of the darkness and the forest itself, but the shadows were my friends and my domain, the everfree forest was a good childhood memory. Memories of the few days I actually spent with my mother before that tyrant banished her to the moon.

Just then I heard a rustling in the bushes, thinking that it was a manticore or some other type of creature I ignited my horn with my shadow magic and was ready to destroy whatever animal dared stop me from reuniting with my mother, what I saw made me instantly douse my magic; five other familiar mares. I instantly narrowed my eyes, “What in the wide. WIDE world of Equestria are you doing here?!” I shouted at the other five as they winced from the volume of my tone. Silence. “WELL?!” I shouted again, demanding an answer.

The first one to speak up was the unicorn mare named ‘Rarity’ “Well, we saw you running in the direction that...Monster was heading in, and you being the princess’ personal student we figured you were going to try to stop it." She looked back at the other four mares and continued speaking. “So we wanted to help you.”

It took all of my willpower not to destroy her and the ground upon where she stood, after what she called my mother...a monster, ‘ha I guess they have never seen the true side of Celestia.’ My face turned into to a scowl as I look at the five mares in front of me. ‘Take them, and when we see mother, we will destroy them for her,’ an evil grin crept its way onto my face as this thought made it’s way into my mind.

“Oh thank you very much, I was lost and I felt so alone,” I broke down into fake sobs into Rarity’s forelegs.

Rarity looked down at me with pity in her expression “There, there” Rarity cooed gently as she slowly stroked my mane. I looked up with tear filled eyes.

“Th-thanks R-rarity this means a lot for m-me” I rubbed my crocodile tears away and pretend to wipe my muzzle, ‘Gullible little foals, tonight will be the rise of a new era!’ I climbed out of Rarity’s hooves and spoke to the group, “Alright girls, let go stop Nightmare Moon!” I couldn't help but snicker under my hoof at the thought of five measly mares stopping a goddess!

“Then what are we waiting for?!” The cyan pegasus shouted, the other mares cheered in response gaining new found confidence in them, we proceeded to walk towards the ancient ruins, little did they realize the malicious grin; plastered on my face.

“Um T-twilight, do y-you know where Nightmare Moon was going?” Fluttershy timidly asked, I turned around to face her, but she was hiding behind her long pink mane.

“Yes Fluttershy, I think she was heading towards the old ruins of the Everfree Forest.” Fluttershy nodded her head in confirmation. The pink mare was bouncing around the group singing some faust awful tune about ‘giggling at the ghosties’ but I just tuned out. Right now all I cared about was finding my mother and getting rid of all these annoying mares.

After about five minutes the pink mare stopped singing as we reached an old rickety rope bridge, half of the bridge was lopsided stopping us from crossing. The cyan mare flew up in the sky and puffed her chest out, “Don’t worry girls, I will go and fix it.” I sighed at the boisterous mares antics, ‘I can’t wait till I can knock her down a peg or two.’ out of the corner of my eye I spot a small wisp of purple smoke and lightly smiled to myself, knowing that my mother is not too far away.

Out of the thick fog the cyan pegasus screamed and quickly flew back to our group. “Some pegasi are trying to kill me!” I readied a fighting stance awaiting my opponents, suddenly a trio of familiar pegasi landed in front of me, suited in grey and purple flight suits, their eyes glowed yellow and their manes were wild and blue. But most importantly they were apparitions of my mother.

The leader of the trio stepped forward and winked at me, “You shall not pass, none shall harm our mistress Queen Nightmare Moon” Her voice was gruff and worn out, with another wink all three pegasi crouched down and prepared to lunge.

Keeping to my disguise I ignited my horn and sent three bolts of light towards the pegasi, each bolt hit its target and dissipated the apparitions, sending them back into the shadows. “Wowie Twi you just defeated three pegasus’s wait, pegasus’s or pegasi? Well anyway you were like pow, pow, pow and they just went poof, poof, poof!” The pink mare just grinned at me, but I was too confused how she managed to say all that in one breath.

“Err yeah, I figured out that they were nothing but shadows, so I used a simple light spell to get rid of them...” I said in a confused tone, but I figured out from the very beginning that I will never understand that pink mare. With the Shadow Bolts out of the way and the bridge repaired we crossed over the gauge. In front of us was a large oak double door, the door had intricate designs and engravings of both Nightmare Moon and Celestia.

I kept looking at the image of Celestia and my anger grew and grew, I ignited my horn once again and blasted the doors off its hinges and into splinters, the fashionista gasped. “Twilight, I can understand your anger towards Nightmare Moon, but there is no need to ruin such a masterpiece!” I frowned even more, ‘It was all her fault! It was Celestia’s fault for me being alone and orphaned for a thousand years!’

I began to collect myself, breathing heavily in anger. “She.Will.Pay!” I trotted through the gaping hole in the wall, I began to hear heavy hoof steps upstairs, my pace quickening as I began to sprint up the stairs; leaving my ‘companions’ far behind me.

As I reached the top of the stairs the hoof steps were getting louder; so was the voices of the five mares. My excitement getting to the better of me, I bucked the door open, revealing my mother pacing around in the room. Our eyes met and tears began to flow, I galloped towards my mother and embraced her in a rib crushing hug. ‘Finally, after a thousand years, I have my mother back!’

But to much of my dislike the five mares ran into the room. “What the hay do you think you are doing with Twilight you evil witch!” Rarity shouted across the room. I gritted my teeth in anger, ‘They will all pay for the disrespect they have shown to their true queen!’

“Let go of our Twi ya evil old hag!” Applejack shouted after Rarity, my anger began to boil over. The group of mares charged at Nightmare Moon in an attempt to ‘save’ me. Nightmare Moon stepped away from me and lowered her own horn, but I had enough.

I quickly lowered my own horn and encased them in a dark grey magical aura, all of the mares eyes were wide in shock. I lifted them all off the ground and flung them across the room and into the hard stone wall. “You insolent foals! Do not disrespect your Queen and my Mother!” My eyes flashed white and my disguise slowly melted away. My ethereal mane returned and my true colours flashed across my body, my wings slowly faded back and my horn grew another foot, and finally my cutie mark vanished and was replaced by an eclipsed sun.

“W-who are you?! W-what have you done with Twilight?!” The cyan mare shouted towards me, as she backed up into a corner out of fright. The rest of the mares copied the pegasus and backed away.

“I am Shadow Moon, Nightmare Moon’s daughter and heir to the throne! I am the bringer of the shadows and the harbinger of death. For the past thousand years I have been casted into hiding, forced to wear a mortals body, for the past thousand years I have been Twilight Sparkle; never aging and watching that tyrant bask in my mothers glory!.”

“Y-you're a monster!” The pink mare gathered the courage to defy me. She slowly rose and began to shout at me even more. “You’re a big meanie! You betrayed Celestia and you betrayed us too!”

I snapped at her and used the old Canterlot voice, “I’m the monster?! She banished my mother for wanting more appreciation of her night! And tell me foal, how can I betray somepony who I have never cared for?!” The group of mares recoiled in shock at the volume of my voice.

I ignited my elongated horn, glowing a sickly grey colour as it encased the mares once again. With a loud pop they vanished from my sight, leaving me and my mother alone in the ancient ruins.

“S-shadow Moon?” My mother timidly called my name, I turned around and our draconic eyes met again, I fell forward and sobbed into my mothers large chest. My mother gently cooed as I began to to cry, “Do not worry Shadow Moon, I am here once again and I will never leave you alone again.”

Sniffing into my mother’s chest I shakily spoke. “I-I have missed you too mother, I have been so lonely. Every night I gazed at your wonderful stars and moon praying for you to return.” I sniffed again. “I love you mother, I always will.”

“I do too my child.” Nightmare Moon picked me up off the ground and placed me back on my hooves, “Come Shadow Moon, It is time to take back what is rightfully ours.”

I smiled once again at my mother, knowing that I am no longer alone, “It is time for us to rule this kingdom once more, as daughter and mother.”

Author's Note

Well I hope you enjoy the second chapter! It took a lot of brainstorming and sleepless nights to get this bad boy finished, but finally me and Field_Marshal_Luna finally finished it. Please leave comments on how we can improve the story, as well we are looking for an editor so if you think you can help out with proof reading etc just message us.

Finally we both wish all of our readers a happy new years!

AfterTouch

Remembrance

Chapter Three:Remembrance

July 7th

Year:1809 ADB

Perspective: Pinkie Pie

My head was pounding as I lifted my lifeless body up off the cold, hard ground, all I remember is- think Pinkie think! All I can remember is...Twi...no Twilight never existed, I remember Shadow Moon grasping us in her magic and threw us against the wall. Finally my eyes had adjusted to the darkness, I found myself asleep in a dark and dank jail cell, the rest of my friends were all around me in different cells. We must have been transported here when Shadow hit us with that ray of magic!

Suddenly the bars of a nearby cell began to violently shake, “Let me out! Let me out! I’m going to go mad if I stay cooped up for too long, please let me out.” The shaking slowly began to die down until it was stopped entirely, a loud thump hit the ground causing the dungeon to fall into silence again.

“RD? Is that you?” I spoke out into the darkness anticipating a reply.

“Yeh Pinks, it’s me, are the rest of you gals here?” Rainbow called out to the rest of the shadowy figures.

“Y-yeah R-Rainbow we’re all h-here.” Fluttershy stammered out towards Rainbow Dash, suddenly multiple sobs could be heard coming from one of the cells.

“This is the, WORST, THING, POSSIBLE!” Rarity screamed out into the dark dungeon. “Look at my beautiful coat! Its ruined!” The over dramatic fashionista put a forehoof to her face and fainted.

Suddenly my hair and facial expression dropped, depression claimed my body as I realized what had happened, “Girls. We failed Equestria, the night will last forever and Shadow and Nightmare Moon will take over. We failed girls big time.”

The mood of all the mares dropped, everypony in the room ear’s dropped back and their heads drooped, failure... it was such a bitter word, it had only dawned upon them that the entire fate of Equestria had been rested on their shoulders.

“Come on girls we need to fight back! We can’t let Nightmare Moon and Shadow win.” Rainbow shouted to the group in hopes of rekindling their fighting spirits, the rainbow maned pegasus stood up onto her hind legs and draped her hands through the jail bars, “Rare, could you imagine a world where Sweetbell would never see the sun? Applejack, your trees will die without the sun! Fluttershy... err some of your animals need the sun? Right?, not all of them are nocturnal and Pinkie Pie won’t you miss all the fun times you had during the day?”

The entire group nodded and agreed with her, until I spoke up. “What use is there for laughter in times like these?!” I almost screamed, it seemed my entire personality had changed, hated sorrow and sadness, that in my spirit I only wanted pony’s to be happy, “Laughter is dead, there is no need for it...” My voice was weak and dry.

“But Pinkie Pie, a sophisticated lady like myself understands the power of laughter, it brings pony’s closer together and is the start of friendship, just like honesty, kindness, generosity and loyalty, these are all the traits of a good friendship and I believe we all have a most wondrous friendship!” Rarity beamed a large pearly white smile at me, my head only drooped further, my hair losing its air like quality and quickly became straight.

“C’mon gal’ Rarity is right, we all need ta stick tagether ya hear?” Applejack confidently spoke to the rest of us, “We’ve been through’ thick n’ thin, and so far nuthin has stopped us.” I closed my eyes and began to cry, the false hope had become too much... ‘Why could none of us admit that we had lost? There is no hope left in this world, at least there is no laughter that is for sure...’

“Pinkie ya need to cheer up! We’re gonna get out of here and whoop Nightmare Moon’s and Shadows flanks!” Rainbow again tried to cheer me up but it still didn’t work.

“I’m sorry Rainbow but can you please jus-” I was suddenly silenced as a bright white light emitted from the center of the room, I was blinded for a couple of seconds, waiting for my vision to adjust back to the dimly lit room.

“Wha’ in tarnation was that!” Applejack shouted blindly in her cell.

My vision finally adjusted, and in the centre of the dungeon was Shadow Moon, her coal coloured hair blew in the non-existent wind, she easily stood a head or two taller than the rest of us, she slowly bent down to our level and sadistically grinned at us all.

“My my, how are you doing my little pony’s?” I felt like calling out towards her and telling her the truth, about how alone I felt and useless I was. But fortunately for me Rainbow, like the bull headed mare she is beat me to it.

“How am I doing? I want to bucking strangle you! And never talk like the real princess ever!” Rainbow snorted, “You’re just an evil, old, sadistic, hag!” Shadow just chuckled at Rainbow’s remarks.

“Why aren't you the feisty one aren't you?” Her draconic eyes pierced my gaze at her, I could see all her anger, hate and loneliness emit from her pupils. Shadow Moon quickly sat down onto her haunches, “Well my little pony’s I thought that I should drop in and tell a little story! It starts about thirty minutes ago, but don’t worry this tale shall go back a thousand years.” Her eyes again gleamed with lunacy, hate and loneliness. “Like I said it starts thirty minutes ago just after I imprisoned you...”

Thirty minutes ago
Perspective: Shadow Moon

I moved away from my mother and looked back into her joyful eyes, “Lets go mother. It is time to take back white is rightfully ours.” I smiled at my mother, basking in joy and love for the first time in a thousand years.

“I am rather surprised Shadow.” I raised my brow at my mother. “I thought you would have ‘disposed’ of those mares right on the spot.” I chuckled lightly.

“Well mother, they are the elements of harmony; if we could change them, feed them hate, anger and despair. Then they may be worthy to our cause.” I looked around myself, taking in the deteriorated furniture, broken windows and the millennia old throne.

A tear came to my eyes as I thought of better times. Then I took on a look of absolute hate as I remembered who took those times away from me. “So mum...shall we be off?”

My mother smiled at me. “We shall” mother said as she sauntered over to the broken window and spread her wings, and jumped up into the night sky flapping her wings gracefully. I soon followed after as we sped off towards Canterlot.

Finally, after a thousand years I can feel the wind rush through my feathers, and the weightlessness of flight. Of course I would stretch or flap my wings when no-one was looking, but nothing beat actually flying.

In a matter of seconds we were flying above Ponyville at almost twice the speed of sound; just having a rare moment with my mother made the thousand year less painful. In a blink of an eye we sped across Manehattan, Trottingham and Appleloosa.

Finally we arrived above Canterlot, as I looked down below I could see ponies filling the streets; looking up at the sky, probably wondering where their “beloved” sun is right now. I thought to myself as we passed over the city towards the castle.

We came to a full stop and hovered a couple meters away from the castle. “Mother, I think it would be best if I kept up the disguise of Twilight Sparkle, I’m sure Celestia would be much less suspicious if Twilight ran in, claiming to have seen you and that you are coming to take the throne.”

My mother smiled at me, her sharp canine teeth glinting in the moonlight, “You always surprise me Shadow, you are not the little foal I was ripped away from that I remember a thousand years ago. It will be strange getting to know my little filly once again.” I returned the smile, the past hour has been euphoric.

With a flash of my horn, a sudden wave of purple flames engulfed my body. As the flames faded away, my vision returned. I was standing next to my mother, about a head or two smaller than her. I craned my neck upwards, “Mother, you should disappear for the time being, follow me and keep out of sight. I will signal you when to attack.” My mother nodded and dissipated into a small purple cloud of mist.

I stood there, staring at the large golden door, ‘This is the last time Shadow, you will never have to pretend after this. You and your mother will be happy once again, eternal night will last for ever.’ I breathed in a large gulp of air and charge into the golden door; knocking two royal guards over. They called out for me to stop, but I paid no attention to them and just kept running towards the throne room.

I passed dozens of worried servants, that the sun will never rise again. Finally I reached the doors to the throne room, a single golden door, decorated with jewels and ivory. I swiveled round and bucked the heavy door; inside the throne room were numerous nobles and scribes, as well as a few petitioners.

Celestia sat on the golden throne, casting a neutral look upon the ponies in front of her, but slowly her eyes locked with mine, a small smile crept up on Celestia’s face. She seemed happy to see me, her face lighting up with joy from seeing her ‘faithful’ student.

“Hello Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. What brings you back from Ponyville? I am sure the Summer Sun Celebration was a success, I hope the populace of Ponyville were understanding that I could not attend.”

“No, Nightmare Moon has returned! She marches to the castle now to take the throne!” I shouted, trying my best to make it seem believable.

Celestia frowned, her eyes blank, staring into nothingness. “So my sister has broke free from her imprisonment?” Celestia rose from her throne, everypony in the room bowed deeply. “Nay my little ponies, do not bow. Court is closed, can everypony please leave the throne room as I need to speak to Twilight Sparkle alone.” Quickly everypony in the room gathered there items and left the room in a rush.

“Twilight as you know Nightmare Moon is back, she wishes to rule Equestria under eternal night.” I nodded dumbly, trying to keep up my desigues and ignorance. “Well I believe it is time to tell you the truth. You and five other ponies, all from Ponyville are the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, magic, kindness, loyalty, honesty, generosity and laughter.” I had known I was the element of magic for six hundred years, but I again nodded and looked upon her in fake awe. “The Elements draw the bearers together so that they can harness the power of friendship and purge all evil in Equestria. Twilight you must go back to Ponyville and gather the five ponies you met and stop Nightmare Moon.”

I recoiled in light shock, ‘How did she know I met five mares?’. I looked back in her eyes, just as I was about to speak, loud, booming laughter filled the room. Out of the dark shadows my mother came into view. “Hello Celestia.” my mother spat the words out, filled with malice and hate. “It seems you have found a new student? Tell me, student of Celestia, are you willing to die for your precious princess?” Mother winked at me, luckily Celestia did not notice the gesture.

“Sister please, do not repeat your past sins. I know you are there Luna, this darkness has clouded your mind!” Celestia shouted at my mother, causing another round of sadistic laughter.

“Do you really think that I took over Luna? No. She invited me in, she wanted me to end your pitiful reign!” Nightmare Moon shouted at Celestia, the former starting to lose her composure.

“Luna! Listen to me, I know you’re in there! Fight this monster and gain control!” She screamed, almost bursting into tears; suddenly Celestia lowered her horn and fired a large white bolt of pure energy at Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon graciously blocked the ray of magic with a swipe of her dark blue magic and quickly retaliated with her own blast of magic.

“Twilight GO I will hold Nightmare Moon off, you just go find those five mares.” Celestia said as she blocked a volley of dark magic.

“No” I said as I looked to her with a scowl on my face “I’m not going anywhere.” Celestia looked at me shocked with horror at my show of defiance. “I’m not going anywhere Celestia! I’m not losing her again!”

“Twilight....wh-what are you talking about?” Celestia asked me still with a look of shock on her face.

I lowered my horn down, aiming at Celestia’s horn. “I am not losing my mother again. You took her away from me once, I was alone for a thousand years! ” I built up magic in my horn and charged at Celestia.

Her eyes grew wide as the realization came crashing down on her. Celestia swiped her horn at me, creating large golden barriers slowing me down.

Author's Note

Short chapter and le cliffhanger I know and I'm sorry. Also I am soooooooooooo sorry about the late chapter, it was supposed to be longer, but you guys were threatening me. I have hit some major writer's block, so I just posted this. Enjoy. Yet to be edited.......Special thanks to: AfterTouch(co-writer) Cirrus Brony(Editor) and Octaviascello (pre-reader)