Nightmares of the sky

Nevermore

Everypony knows the story of Equestria about the two princesses Luna and Celestia raised the sun and the moon. What if i told you that there was a forgotten princess who raised the stars or to put it better she was the stars.

The Nightmares were the ponies of the stars they were black ponies who had flaming manes and tails. The princess of the Nightmares was named Cassiopeia she was the great northern star. Nightmares were shunned and feared because of their flaming manes and tails. Luna was the only one who cared about the Nightmares.

When Luna was trapped in the moon the Nightmares face a world where they were hated by everypony they were outcasts not wanted so they fled to the everfree forest where no pony would dare enter.

After a while the Nightmares wanted revenge but Cassiopeia didn’t want revenge she just wanted her people safe. she discouraged them from fighting the ponies but they (of course) didn’t listen which brought them to their own demise. “These anger filled ponies became true Nightmares and if you aren’t a good pony they will come and rip your throat out in your sleep” “EPPP” cried the little filly pegasus Nightingale.

    her mother laughed cheerfully and put down the story book. “Mom what happened to the other Nightmare” the little filly asked. “Hmmm well if memory serves me well the other Nightmares followed their queens orders and have been living in the everfree forest well that’s enough for tonight” Her mother kissed her on the head “mom i have one last question” “yes” “is this book meant for little kids”. Her mother thought about it for a while and then smiled “no no it’s not” with that she left the room.

In the everfree forest

When i was a filly my mother told me to live without regrets. She told me that i can never look back but i can’t stop myself i look back there they are the red flamed ponies with blood red eyes ready to kill me. My wings are broken if i can just reach the end of the forest they never leave my mother bound them there so she could protect the ponies who hated her so. Tears fall down my face they fall to the grass burning it, I have made it i have escaped their grasps for one more day.

My mane flickered and sizzled in the rain i had made it. I start to cry it’s too much i am just a filly my mother was taken away by those things. The grass around me sets on fire but then is quickly put out by the rain. I am too occupied to see the black and white creature walk in front of her.

“Why the frown there is no reason to be so down” I jump and whined i was scared i had never seen anything like the pony that stood before me. Whho arre yyou i stutter, i was cold and shaking.” i am not a Libra but a fair Zebra and see the great aurora my name is Zecora” (god i hate rhyming with Zecora so demoting). Her rhyming makes me smile my mother loved to rhyme.

“I don’t mean to bother but where are your mother and father”? I look down at the ground “they’re dead”. The Zebra look taken aback “i know what you have said but how are the dead?” “bad ponies attacked them” i start to cry again .

“Dry your eye there is no need to cry or their spirits will truly die”. I look at her “Zecora I can’t go back to the forest or they will get me”. “There no reason to fear there is nothing here”. She said as she walked into the forest. “ZECORA NO DON’T GO IN THERE” I screamed. It was too late they were  upon her i saw blood but then a flame i was bright blue i knew who it was “mother” i called to her but she was too busy kicking the bad ponies asses of the.

She grabbed Zecora and put her on her back she ran to the edge of the forest  and tossed  Zecora outside the boundary “keep my daughter safe” she said as she ran off her wings glowed her mane burst into the magnificent blue flames.

Zecora quickly grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and ran into a town but she didn’t stop there no she continued to run until she got to this giant tree with windows. she knocked on the door. A purple unicorn came to the door took one look at me then Zecora.

“Come in” she said. “Twilight who’s that” called a blue pegasus. “It’s Zecora Rainbow can you get me two towels and a blanket” “ya shure Twilight why do you need them” the blue pegasus called rainbow came in with some towels and a blanket. She flew up to me and Zecora.

Zecora placed me on the floor and looked at the Purple unicorn called Twilight. She and Zecora left i was alone with rainbow. i look at her she looked at me “so you got a name” i stay quiet i was scared i didn’t know if i could trust this pegasus. My mane turns pink with embarrassment. “wow how did you do that” Rainbow asked.

I look at my mane then at her “it comes naturally to me” i said in a near whisper. “What are you “ she asked eagerly. “She’s a Nightmare” Twilight sounded angry i tried to hide mom was right ponies don’t like Nightmares. “Hey don’t be afraid you’re fine Zecora told me everything you’re fine” she said trying to coax me out of my hiding place. “I’m sorry’ “what are you sorry for you are the first Nightmare i have ever met” she gets a towel “here dry yourself off you look soaked”

I took the towel “thank you” i said again in a whisper. I was weary of them my main turned purple. “Nightmare’s mains change color according to their feeling are you frightened by us. I nod “their is no reason to fear when a friend is near” Zecora rhymed. “It’s ok we mean you no harm” a yellow pegasus said as she entered.

“Oh fluttershy nice timing” Twilight said “we have a little Nightmare here and we don’t know what to do with her” “well i’m sure Spades could take her” Fluttershy said “she has been looking for a playmate for Nightingale for a while”. I was astonished they just want to dump me off at someponies house “why are you talking as if i’m not here” i screeched. Twilight looked  at Zecora “isn’t she a fireball”.

“stop it stop it stop it, don’t talk to me like that just because i’m a Nightmare doesn't mean that you can talk to me like i’m a filly” They all laughed “but you are a filly” Rainbow said. “WACK” a red mark appeared on Rainbow’s face “how did you” they looked at me and my horn which was glowing a bright orange “you can do magic” Twilight said in astonishment.

“Just because my mane and tail are like fire doesn’t mean that i am not a alicorn Nightmares are a close cousin to the unicorn, pegasus,and earth pony and Zebra we have the same abilities and traits but you called us another race so it would only natural to think that the Nightmare could not use magic”

“I’m sorry that you cannot stay in the library but i think you will find Spade a great pony she is kind and has a little pony of her own what’s her name” “Nightingale” Fluttershy finished.

I turn to look at the yellow pony she was very beautiful but what caught my eye the most was her cutie mark three pink butterflies. I think about my mother’s cutie mark Nightmares have cutie marks to most ponies don’t know that. She had the most peculiar one instead of covering her flank it covered her whole body she smiled at the thought of her mother if she were to have a mark to call her cutie mark it would be the northern star on her flank.

“What do you say about it” Twilight paused i could tell she wanted my name “ Equuleus” Twilight smiled “little horse the smallest of the ancient constellations”. I smile this unicorn was very wise “yes that would be wonderful” Twilight smiled “alright fluttershy could you please take Equuleus to Spades house i would do it myself but i have to send a letter to the princess and i’m almost late” The yellow pony nodes and come up next to me “ alright little one let’s go to Spade’s house.

I look at her innocently “please don’t treat me like a filly i am over two-hundred years old”. I see the yellow pony nod “ok if you say so” I sigh she didn’t believe me

We walked down the street the only light was my mane which was white with fear i didn’t like the night it was too quiet here “why is this place so quiet” i whisper. Fluttershy smiled “ ponyville is always quiet at night all the ponies are sleeping” I looked at her worried “ night isn’t quite it never has been something bad is coming. Fluttershy shook her head and smiled “see that’s what happens when you live in the everfree forest all your life, night is quiet here”. I just turn and keep quiet until we stopped at a simple house Fluttershy walked up to the door and knocked a white pegasus opened the door she had a black mark on her nose and glasses her mane was black and green and was spiky she wore a pink vest with some pink anklets she smiled ”hello fluttershy what brings you here at this time of night”

Fluttershy glanced at me i stepped forward my mane went even whiter pink skimmed it’s way across my mane Spade looked at me and smiled “it’s ok little one i won’t hurt you. I walk up to her “ are you the one they call Spade” Spade was about to answer when a little filly came up behind her she was white with the same black smudge on her nose like her mother but her mane was black and orange “Nightingale what are you still doing up” the little filly looked at her mother “i was having a nightmare about nigh eek” she sees me and ran behind her mother.

I look at the ground sadly my mane turned blue the filly looked at me and smiled and walked up to me “you don’t look like the nightmares in the book. It was my turn to smile “i’m not a black Nightmare” she cocks her head “a black nightmare?” i nod “ya that’s what we call the evil Nightmares i would be considered a white Nightmare”.

Spade looked at Fluttershy “why did you bring her here” Fluttershy looked at the ground “she can’t go home and Twilight and the others can’t take her” Spade looks at me her eyes soften “why not you can stay here if you would like” i nod Fluttershy leads me into the house it was warm and a soft glow illuminated the walls “Nightingale can she stay in your room” i almost though the filly was going to explode with excitement “sure follow me what is your name again” i smile “Equuleus my name is Equuleus” Nightingale winks “ok Equuleus follow me”

the night the stars fell

“Equuleus Equuleus” i shook my head and look at Miss.Cheerilee she was frowning at me “Equuleus can you please pay attention” i blush my mane turns pink Nightingale chuckled quietly. The bell rings and school is over we leave Nightingale hurries over to me in her brown vest and orange medical like uniform from her father who worked at the rainbow factory “can you believe it has been two years since you first came to ponyville I shake my head “no i can’t” i look at the ground and stop Nightingale walked on blabbering like she always does.

I close my eyes and think about the years i have lived here Nightingale’s father going away to the rainbow factory she shuddered remembering Nightingale’s father Scythe’s dead eyes when he put on the same thing that Nightingale wore today but all white with boots. “Leave me alone” the cry of Nightingale shook me from my thoughts i look up at Nightingale being circled by some other class mates “what’s wrong blank flank can’t speak” i hear them laugh that was enough for me i race at them and jump over their heads and my mane ran red and i looked at them my wings were spread “pick on somebody your own size”

I know what you’re thinking aren’t all ponies the same size well Nightingale is different she is a  bit taller than the other ponies her age. The ponies looked at me and glared back “lets get out of here the nightmare night reject is here”. It took all my mental power not to slap them all with magic. I watch them go then i turn to Nightingale she looked at me angrily and ran off “Nightingale please” i open my wings to catch her but she is already is in the sky, i walked home alone.

While i walk my thoughts return to the thing i was think about before me and Nightingale were the only ones in our class who didn’t have a cutie mark trust me after being called blank flank so many time that you want to puke you start to wonder why they didn’t get the cutie mark for being an ass. Nightingale got bullied more than me because they knew that she couldn’t really fight back like i could. I have never known a pony to be so gentle he soul was so fragile but she was so strong she was a bookworm loved animals and was almost as good as Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash and the best of friends

I was so lost in thought that i walked into our house. I hear a chuckle behind me there was no need to turn around i already knew who was behind me the second most talkative pony in ponyville pinkie pie. “Hey Flare” i started walking into my house ignoring my nickname my only thought was get inside before your ears start to bleed then I had to remind myself that Nightingale was equally as talkative i think i would rather risk Nightingale.

I walk inside Spade greets me with the usual who was school i just grinned and say that i knew everything that i was taught which was totally true. “Is Nightingale home yet” Spad shakes her head “No it thought she was with you”. Turning on my heels i ran out the door my wings snapped open i prayed she wasn’t where i thought she was. I felt the wind rush through my wings and a blurr of rainbow and blue went by me followed by a flash of pink and orange “hello Rainbow Dash and hello Scootaloo have you seen Nightingale” Rainbow Dash stopped Scootaloo ran into her, she face planted into Rainbow’s rear “ Nightingale that sky reject no i haven’t” i glare at Rainbow Dash she had become such an ass since Scootaloo got her cutie mark that was of course a chicken and i will tell you  now don’t even ask.

“Hey just because she can’t fly in a straight line doesn’t mean that she can’t beat you in a race you are afraid of your own shadow” Scootaloo flew up and spat in my face “you’re just jealous because you were stuck with the casino slut” i look at her with a really really that’s all you can come up with face “god at least i can say that my mother is doing something useful with her life like keeping Nightmares away from ponyville.

Scootaloo scoffed “you really think i believe that crap about your mother being the long lost princess of Equestria and she stops evil flame mained ponies from ponyville please you’re just a nightmare night reject” Ok that pissed me off “I’d advise you take that back Scootaloo you don’t want to piss the white Nightmare” Scootaloo twisted in circles trying to see the pony who spoke but there were clouds everywhere i felt a slight sliver of fear form in my stomach we were above the Everfree forest. The clouds were all around us i knew only one pegasus who could fly through clouds and know where she was.

“Who’s there” a laugh came from the clouds “can you guess Scootachicken” i saw the little black smudge emerge from the clouds just in time to see Nightingale jump Scootaloo they fell toward the ground “Nightingale open your wings you’re in danger” i could see that both their wings were in a lock having no other choice i folded my wings and dived i was able to grab them by chopping down on Scootaloo’s neck she screamed in pain and started to struggle and her hoove punched it and i could hear the snap and we fell to the ground luckily i was hovering three feet above it.

    “This is all you fault you and Nightingale’s if it weren’t for you we wouldn’t be in the middle of the Everfree forest” Scootaloo blamed i sigh “you’re an idiot you know that right” for once Scootaloo shut up and glared at me “if you hadn’t struggled i would have been able to fly us out of the forest but now” i stopped i saw a flicker of light my eyes grew large my voice dropped and I said in whisper “run now there is a black Nightmare right in front of us.

If you have ever seen a pony freak then times that by six that was how bad Scootaloo freaked she ran around and scream i tried to silence her but she didn’t stop. Then it was all over for the orange pony there was a flash of light and i saw it the black Nightmare she was a pegasus her eyes were blood red and slitted like a snake. Within seconds she had clamped down on Scootaloo’s neck and the orange pony went limp.

“Back up slowly and do not run no sudden movements though she will try to kill us anyway” we saw the Nightmare rip into Scootaloo’s flesh it was so disgusting blood squirted everywhere you could hear the sound of bone snapping a mile away.

When we had gotten out of the Nightmare’s reach we bulleted i could hear her rampaging through the brush then she was in front of us her face full of blood a sweet kind smile crossed her face “i’m not going to hurt you” Nightingale arched her back like a cat “ya not hurt us look what you did to Scootaloo” the Nightmare's smile made me want to puke “I had to silence her to keep the others away. I shook with rage tears ran down my face “LIAR” i rose my head my eyes full of rage my mane turned bright red “NO BLACK NIGHTMARES NEVER TELL THE TRUTH AND YOU ALWAYS HUNT IN PACKS“ the Nightmare smiled turn wicked “you are right star princess we do hunt in packs but we occasionally tell the truth.

    “You can come out now” other black Nightmares surrounded us but the tallest one the one with blue flames and a cutie mark that covered her whole body my …....mother.

I step back “no no it can’t be” she laughed it was the same laugh that calmed to sleep and made me smiled. I look into those black soulless eyes she was not my mother anymore. She steps toward me “daughter i have missed you so” i tense up i didn’t know what to say or if i should speak rage and sorrow filled me but that is when a voice spoke for me “Leave her alone you are not her mother anymore” Nightingale looked at her with disgust. “When i first heard of Nightmares i thought of horrid creatures with dripping fangs and red eyes torn wings and having no soul, when i met Equuleus i found that i was wrong that Nightmares do have hearts and souls but you, you are savages who can’t accept that yes we think you are different and that will never change but when you kill for game and sport to show power that is when you have crossed the line to the Nightmares i envisioned so long ago” I stared at my friend she stood up to the most powerful Nightmare alive and didn’t even think twice about who she was talking to.

A red mark appeared on Nightingale’s face “i will not be talked down to like i am a filly” i saw a quick flash of light in her eye then i knew my mother was still in there . I walk toward her her eyes return to red i step back “who are you, you are not my mother” she smiled and i lost all the contents in my stomach in her teeth was a piece of black and white fur that of a zebra “what did you do tho Zecora” my voice was weak but still strong.

“She was a feisty one i can tell you that” Nightingale growled “how dare you she did nothing wrong she is more or less like you” “Don’t talk to me like i am a filly do you know who i am” nightingale looked into my mother’s eyes “you are a monster that once was a queen” “how dare you i am Cassiopeia, queen of the Nightmares and you are just a tiny little pegasus who is about to learn her place” I saw her lunge I ran and put myself between the two my mother stopped “get out of the way Equuleus” I shook my head no “Equuleus i am your mother now listen to me and get out of the way.

I look into her cold red eyes “you are no mother of mine Nightingale let’s go” we turn to walk away when a hoof stamped down in front of us “oh you’re not going anywhere” my mother walked toward us but I  pushed passed the hoof i felt like i was dealing with a normal pony not one who could tear my heart out and eat my body without thinking about it  yes i am that epic.

My mother smiled and grabbed Nightingale but the back of the neck she tore away blood splashed against my mother’s face she smiled i saw Nightingale  she was one the ground bleeding i could see her neck bone. I began to shake with rage. “You asinine son of a Bitch”. I ran at my mother she smiled and ran at me i stop and run passed her grabbing Nightingale by the wing she groaned in pain i didn’t care i tossed her onto my back and ran .“ Shit Shit Shit” were my only thoughts. Then i saw her the white and black zebra on the ground her back leg was clearly broken and one of her eyes were ripped out i felt the urge to throw up i contained it* “Z....z....zecora?” the poor creature looked up at me her eyes were sad. She moved toward slipping in her  own blood. I ran to her and look at her, her left leg was missing and a lot of her left flank too. The place where her strange tattoo i don’t know if it was a cutie mark because i know more about ponies than zebra’s.

“Zecora are you ok” Nightingale asked with sad and almost dull eyes. Fear shot through me i knew those eyes her father had the same eyes before he went to the Rainbow Factory. “Ni.....Nightingale”. She looked at me confused “how are you”. A laugh come from behind her “OH GOD DAMMIT” I tried to run and grab Nightingale but another Nightmare grabbed me by the mane now before you go all hey isn’t your mane fire and the bullshit i will tell you a nightmare’s mane is like a normal mane but our hair strands are made from condensed magma making them glow like fire and it does hurt when someone pulls your mane!

My mother walked forward her face the pure symbol of malevolence “it’s surprising that you found a hunter out of all the ponies to be your friend”. I tilt my head a little ignoring the pain of my throbbing mane “a hunter?”. She smiled “yes a hunter they are very rare and are only born not made they are ponies that killing is first nature you see how your friends eyes are all hazy it’s because she is being drawn into her true nature. Her father Scythe is also a hunter so is her mother Spade”. I walk backwards into another nightmare “what Spade is so gentle she wouldn’t hurt a fly just like Nightingale” “ahahaha you really think they can fight it Spade she is an assassin the Nursery maid is just an act she is called the ace of spades because of her aim, hunters they have the ability to act normal but when their true nature pops up they have no  control over it” she looked at Nightingale “Nightingale i can tell what you want go on the weak can’t be allowed to live” Nightingale’s eyes went dule and her once bright turquoise irises become a dark blue almost black.

“Die” she whispered she stood up straight this time “DIE” she ran at Zecora i flew in front of her “NIGHTINGALE” she ran into me i failed to notice her wings were sharp as razors my thoughts were how the hell did that happen my right leg was sliced open easily like my leg was nothing but butter. “oh shit i’m gona feel that in the mornin” Nightingale looked at me “ irrelevant enemy locked die” “great my friend is a secret cyborg lordy lordy” my mother snickers “hunters are quite close to the feeling of robots they have the ability to lock on to moving targets mentally and lose memories at will” i put my hoof up “stop just stop you sound like that voice on video games that are telling what you enemies are and the weaknesses and shit like that”

“Aren’t you the sassy one” I smile “i’m glad you noticed oh shit” i barely miss Nightingale’s lovely razorwing “DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE” ever heard of a person imitating a machine gun’s fire well that’s what she sounded like but instead of saying boom or brrr it’s die man Dalek enough for ya.

I hear the sound blood and guts being cut i turn and see Nightingale rip into Zecora’s flesh the zebra whimpered and died as she twisted her head backwards. my mother snickers once again damn that lady needs to find a different noise to make. “She’s one of the best i’ve see” the other nightmares nod in agreement. Again hobbies need new ones.

Nightingale’s eyes began to tear up she turned toward me her eyes had their glow again not that dead dull look “GO RUN NOW” i didn’t think twice before taking to the skies now my  eyes were tearing as i left my dear friend.

Hunting party

“CARP CARP CARP” Teribite ran into Spades house sweating heavily her strange coat was like a zebras but instead of black and white she was pink with blue stripes she had hazel eyes that shifted from light brown to light green her cutie mark was a skull with instead of bones crossing was a pen and a microphone behind the skull was a sheet of paper she was a pegasi and also very sensitive to the hunters energy. “Spade Nightingale has killed” Spade turned and was in-front of her faster than you thought anypony could move. “She did what now” Teribite was panting heavily showing she cantered all the way here. “her energy levels raised quickly and stayed there for several minutes it peaked and went back to the high level can i have a glass of water” Spade nodded “of course” she walked out and got Teribite a glass of water.

“THUMP” Spade ran outside and saw Equuleus her face was in the flower pots again she trotted over to her “really Equuleus you need to work on those landings. Equuleus looked at her “hey i’m trying” there was hurt in her eyes “honey what’s wrong” “you could have told me” “told you what” “THAT YOU’RE A FUCKING HUNTER” Spade looked taken aback “where did you learn this” Equuleus was balling “ maybe from your daughter snapping Zecora’s neck backwards or that my mother told me and is with her right now as a BLACK nightmare” “ohhhhh” “carp” Teribite finished Spade’s sentence.

“YOU LIED TO ME ALL THIS TIME YOU LIED” Teribite rose her head and walked in-front of Equuleus and hoofed her “don’t you dare talk to her like that she has kept you safe for the past two years and you dare say those things” Spade put her hoof up “it’s ok i understand frustration but we don’t need that now since Nightingale has killed we can’t stop her true nature from coming out i need to know what happened” Equuleus nodded and told her what happened in the everfree forest.

********************************************************************************************************

“really wasn’t expecting that most of the time hunters have a little control of the people they kill it sounds like she had none” Spade looked at Equuleus sadly “she was near Black nightmares they have a stronger magic than Nightingale” Teribite noted Equuleus looked confused “she’s a pegasi she can’t control magic” Spade and Teribite snickered “hunters are a special type of pony magic shapes our bodies to kill my eyes are able to focus quickly on my target and locks on by the sounds of it Nightingale can change her wings into razors blades but hunters powers can change when they first start to awaken Nightingale seems to be very tuned to killing at the moment” Teribite stood up as she said this “I can sense her power even here it’s strong and your mother and the others are making it more powerful” she turned toward Spade “i’ll go get the others” spade nods and Teribite leaves “others what do you mean” Spade smiled “we have a team meant to capture newly awakened and try to calm them down” Equulues nodded.

    After a few minutes a few ponies walked into the house she knew them there was five of them not counting Spade or Teribite they were Riza, Torn, clasp,cortex , and Jump

Spade smiled “this is the HUG platoon” Cortex smiled “HUG stands for Help Understanding Guys platoon” “or girls” Teribite shouted at him. Equuleus looked at them and sighed “i don’t even want to ask”

Free HUGs

“Hey anyone want to play round of call of duty after this” “Cortex stay focused” Riza was annoyed at Cortex for him being off task but when aren't they “Got the target in my sights Teribite can you try to off balance her energy” “spade what do you think i have been trying the Nightmares magic is harder to break than you think” Equuleus rolled her eyes and looked at her partner pony joe  “so what are you guys jobs” “i’m mission control, Teribite is trying to offset Nightingale’s hunter’s instincts with her aura, Riza and Spade are arial control and Cortex is combining his magic with Teribite’s aura making her work easier” “just on question” “ya what” “what’s so special about her aura” he smiled “ Teribite’s aura is stronger than most ponies it’s one of the reasons she could sense that Nightingale had awoken if she concentrates she is able to connect her spirit aura with Nightingale and then she can proceed to calm her” “i don’t think that ability is called an aura” Spade landed next to her “we just call it an aura so we don’t have to think much of it, if you wanted to get technical she is using some type of bazro magic” “got it” they all raise their heads as Teribite spoke into her headpiece “great can you reach her “ she’s really far in and being with these nightmares aren’t helping AHHH” her scream pierced through their ears Glaze and mic threw theirs off Nightingale bit her lip Spade’s face went blank her voice was a monotone “Teribite report”

Teribite flew through the bushes she slammed into a tree the bark shattered on impact splitting the tree in half. She groaned “that hurt you didn’t tell me that Nightingales strenght suprases Spades Eqqulues looked down “I ..I didn’t know” Spade flew over to Teribite she was in bad shape but still alive. Equuleus heard a small twig snap “SPADE” the white pony turned and easily dodged Nightingale. Spade snorted her eyes where the had the same lifelessness as Nightingales but Nightingale's eyes seemed deader. “Calm down are i will attack” the monotone was still there and it scared the shit out of Equuleus.

Nightingale chuckled “ a weakling like you can stop me” Spade raised an eyebrow “ i’m no weakling girl” she charged at Nightingale and slammed her into a tree.

“Fluttershy what the hell are you doing here” Equuleus ran and dragged Fluttershy away from the enraged pony that was thrown into her “i... i was  trying to find a rabbit that wandered in and i got lost”.

Teribite walked well more limped over to Fluttershy “i thought you were afraid of the Everfree forest” “i am but the bunny was in trouble and” Teribite raised a hoof “we get it Cortex get Fluttershy out of here now” Cortex ran and quickly got Fluttershy away from Nightingale and Spade. Nightingale stood up looking slightly amused “that’s all you got mom” “shit” Spade reared back sensing defeat Nightingale ran at her mother her wing sharp once more Equuleus knew she was going to kill her her own mother just because she was weaker. Rage began to run through her veins her main flickered once and become black her eyes slitted she ran in front of Nightingale and reared on her hind legs and kicked outward her wings spread “LEAVE HER ALONE “. Her voice was scary powerful her horn flickered the glow was black compared to her normal yellow. She walked toward Nightingale slowly Nightingale looked at her and smiled. “Decided to finally fight” “shut up”  she ran at her and slammed into her Nightingale flew backwards slamming into Teribite. Teribite smiled and quickly touched Nighingale’s forehead she screamed in rage and pain Teribite’s stripes glowed white “Nightingale stop you're hurting your friends you're stronger than this peace is the symbol of love death is covered in hatred shatter your walls” Nightingale  closed her eyes her breath slowed her eyes reopened slowly her irises regained their life. “Forgive me” Nightingale then fainted.

Equuleus flinched the rage still flowed strongly she wanted to harm her only friend darkness ate at her soul tears, streamed down her face “please no” her tears turned from clear to blood red she shook with fear “no no” Spade walked up to her and nuzzled her “sweetie calm down you are not darkness you are light” her eyes widened tears fell freely now. “My only friend and i tried to kill her” her voice was little but a whisper. “Mwhahahaha” Equuleus looked up there was her mother. Terbite stood her wings spread “such a strong soul it must have taken a lot to drag her into darkness” Cortex and  Riza stood back and back as her mother’s herd surrounded them. Spade raised her head “Cortex, Jump, Riza protect the kids i got her”. They nodded “Spade catch” She turned to catch a long shot gun she smiled her cutie mark changed from her normal Ace of Spades to a Spade with a target surrounding it her main changed as well her normal green stripes turned red. Cassiopeia laughed “so the legendary Ace of Spades dares to challenge me”. Spade smiled her eyes hazy but not lifeless her grey eyes were the same color as thunderclouds now “i only fight those who consider themselves strong but under it all are very very weak” she locked onto Cassiopeia.

Cassiopeia smiled “ i see” she ran at Spade her horn glowed black her wings opened they looked much like the night sky Spade took aim and shot at her wings the bullet just went through Equuleus remembered that was one of her defenses her wings were the night sky when her horn glowed. Cassiopeia raised her hoofs and slammed down nearly crushing Spade’s skull she fell unconscious. Cortex and Riza attack Mic with his magic Riza using  her wings the other nightmares easily defeated them. Jump stood ready to defend Nightingale. Equuleus walked forward her eyes still slitted like a snake black fire flickered as her mane Cassiopeia smiled “so you finally figured out your true nature.

Equuleus closed her eyes the blood red tears still streaming down her face she opened them they were normal once more her mane flickered blending with white fire Cassiopeia narrowed her eyes “what that’s impossible” Equuleus stepped forward magic surrounded her with each step she took toward her mother she grew her wings become longer and stronger she became taller she opened her wings they sparkled like the stars her coat was like the night sky but calmer and more breathtaking.

“The spell that you placed on me was very strong and it did protect me from  many monsters but i am old enough to know how to protect myself from you and the other nightmares” “how can you balance both your white and black nightmare sides” Equuleus looked at her mother love poured into her spirit “i am Equuleus Nightstar i am the daughter to the Nightmare queen and though she may not see it, we are all guided by the love and happiness of others my friends are by my side even if you knock them away that is how i am able to balance my powers to know that i always have friends by my side even if they are monsters” “foolish child” Cassiopeia jumped at her and drove her hooves into her chest Equuleus smiled and did not scream”.

“I won’t scream” “idiot” “she is no idiot” Teribite walked forward her marks glowed  her eyes were serious “Cassiopeia withdraw from this illusion of darkness”. Cassiopeia threw her her back and laughed and screamed at the same time “this is no illusion” she flicked her head her horn glowed throwing Teribite back and snapping her neck. Teribite looked at her, her eyes glowed brightly with life she wasn’t dead Equuleus walked over to Teribite and stood in front of her blocking her mother she turned and faced  Cassiopeia “draw out of your illusion mother you are harming those you once sought to protect” Cassiopeia shook her head “this is no illusion i am in conrtol” her horn glowed black Equuleus crouched her horn glow white magic swirled around her body. Her eyes became white “NIGHT LIGHT” the magic surrounded her mother. Her mother bucked at it but it was strong a burst of light sent both of them flying.

Equuleus stood then fell to a kneel that took a lot of energy a laugh broke the silence that she had formed Equuleus looked up there stood Cassiopeia smiling “you really thought that would kill me all you did was waste your life energy  it surprising that you can raise you head” Equuleus knew the spell well and it’s side effects she could feel her soul slowly be torn in half she moaned in pain soon there would be nothing left over her but a memory and her empty shell of a body she lowered her head her eyes grew lifeless her soul was no more.

“Bang” Cassiopeia fell to the ground her brains blown out by the teary eyed Spade she lowered her gun her eyes had life in them. That was her shooting not the monster she could become. Teribite walked over to Equuleus she bowed her head “if it moves shoot it” “HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT SHE’S A GIRL SHE HAS A NAME” Spade began to cry Teribite walked over to her and nuzzled her “that is not Equuleus the spell she used it’s side effects was her soul would be ripped to shreds leaving nothing behind but an empty shell that can walk, eat and sleep it’s a zombie now and again if it moves shoot it” “but what about the stars won’t they rise they need Cassiopeia” they turned and saw Nightingale she was crying as well a nightmare walked over to them her mane was normal fire and her eyes pony like Spade was ready to attack Teribite crouched poised to jump the nightmare raised her hoof “i mean no harm though Equuleus’s spell didn’t affect her mother it freed us from our spell” she smiled she looked gentle almost like Equuleus “I’m Leo you see though our queen and princess are important to us they aren’t the one’s who raise the stars we Nightmares are the stars” while she spoke several other Nightmares gathered round them and bowed “forgive our actions but it wasn’t us we are a peaceful race that was corrupted by the darkness” she frowned “tonight the stars will not rise in honor of our queen and princess and out of all the Nightmare i will say we’re sorry”

This story was never meant to have a happy ending and if you were wondering Equuleus did indeed receive her cutie mark that night it was an angel and a demon wing to represent that even in darkness she had the power over the light and that was her true talent. Nightingale also discovered her talent as well it the ability to go through clouds without problem she later became a Rescue pegasi her abilities allowed her to go through even the worst weather with ease juts if you wanted to know.