Lunar Legacy

Chapter 2: The Night will Last Forever

“What is it, your highness?” Moonlight asked as she followed her princess into the study. “Was there trouble in the Crystal Empire?”

“Nothing like that, my friend.” The princess said somberly. “I just feel so alone, now more than ever.”

“I am here with you, your highness. And your guards are always protecting you.” Moonlight said, attempting to ease the mind of the Princess.

“No, not like that. I know you all are loyal to me. It’s just, everypony adores my sister, Celestia, and they love their time in the light of day. But everypony hates my beautiful night, and instead of playing or stargazing they choose to sleep through it.” The princess said, beginning to cry.

Moonlight understood what the princess meant now, for a long time she has been guarding the night, and all that time it has been a very thankless task to the public.

“It’s okay your highness, I am here, and I love your night. All of the Night and Lunar guard do as well. We guard you because we love your night, and we wish to protect Equestria just as you do.”

Composing herself and wiping back her tears, the princess walked over to her desk. She levitated out a piece of blank paper, and a writing quill and an inkpot. She wrote a short letter and sealed it in an envelope with her lunar seal, preserved in wax. With a stern look she walked over to Moonlight.

“I would like you to take this to my sister, Princess Celestia. Give it to her and nopony else. Can you do this for me, my friend?” The Princess asked.

“Of course your highness, anything for you” Moonlight said.

“Thank you, my most faithful subject.” The princess said as she handed the letter to Moonlight. She slipped it onto a small pouch beneath one of the armor plates, made for this express purpose.

Moonlight walked back to the entrance hall and out the door and took off at top speed, flying towards Canterlot. She could make it in about twenty minutes if she could stay at her top speed the whole time, but due to exhaustion she was forced to slow down or risk falling out of the sky.

Over all it took her about an hour to reach the gates of Canterlot. Since the guards have orders to detain anyone entering the city by sky during the night, she landed at the gates and explained to the guards that she had an important letter from the princess. They let her pass, having just seen her last night they had no reason to check who she was. Moonlight galloped through the streets of Canterlot, heading towards the castle. She reached the castle gates a few minutes later and requested to see Princess Celestia, whom she carried an important letter for. One of the guards went inside the castle and returned some minutes later to inform her that her audience had been granted.

Moonlight walked through the halls, led by the guard ahead of her. They headed towards the throne room, where princess Celestia awaited the important letter. A few moments later they stepped into the throne room where the princess awaited them.

“Welcome, Moonlight Gleam. Please, let me see this letter that is so important it cannot wait until the dawn.” Princess Celestia said, sounding not upset, but simply intrigued.

“Here it is your highness.” Moonlight Stepped forward and removed the letter from its protective pocket. The princess levitated it towards her and broke the seal. She unfolded the letter and read it. Tears began streaming down her face as she dropped the letter for the floor; Moonlight walked over and began to read it, to see what caused the princess so much shock.

Dear Sister,

I am sorry it has become like this, but I cannot bear it any longer. The common people do not recognize what I do every single night; they instead love and cherish you, sister. They relish and play during the day, but they shun and sleep through my beautiful night. My position as Ruler of the night will never change, as long as the day comes, they will never appreciate me, and as long as you rule, the next day shall always come. I am sorry sister, but I cannot continue to guard those who do not appreciate it. I will head to Canterlot at the time that would normally be dawn to confront you. From this night forth, I am no longer Princess Luna; I am Nightmare Moon, and this night will last forever……

“No….This can’t be! Luna, Why?!” Princess Celestia shouted, tears rolling down her face.

Moonlight was shocked by what she had just read. She did not think the princess felt bad enough to do that. She always thought the princess knew that in their heart, the people really did love her.

“Your Highness, What should we do?” Moonlight asked, a small amount of panic rising inside her.

“I need to use the elements of harmony, but they will take time to retrieve.” The princess told her as she rose from the throne and began a stride towards the door.

“Tell me where, your highness, I will fly as fast as I can to get them.” Moonlight Declared.

“No, I will need your help when Princess Lu- I mean, Nightmare Moon arrives here. Rest up, I shall send my Solar Guard to retrieve them.” The princess declared.

“Yes, Your highness.” Moonlight said, and went to the barracks to rest. She did not like the Idea of fighting her friend, but she had no choice. She understood the gravity of the situation. If Nightmare Moon was not stopped, the land would never see the sun again. She unstrapped her armor and laid it next to the cot she had chosen to sleep on for the time being. It took her some time to finally sleep, but when she did, her dreams were fitful and full of nightmares. She woke to a guard nudging her; He informed her that it would be time soon and that she should get ready. She rose from the cot, strapped on her armor, and headed for the door.