//------------------------------// // Legend // Story: My Little Inktober Stories // by SparkleForever //------------------------------// Legends never die, or so ponies say. Unfortunately for Princess Luna, it was all too true, and as she observed a particularly disturbing dream play out from none other than her sister’s star pupil’s mind, she found herself yearning for better days long past. The nightmare itself wasn’t very imaginative, though the library was a refreshing backdrop, Luna would give the young unicorn that much. Normally the Princess of the Night would stick to guarding the bright and wild dreams of fillies and colts, but there had been something about this nightmare that had practically dragged Luna in. She had yet to act, merely watching from the sidelines as Twilight Sparkle raised a shaking hoof toward the forbidden bookshelf, fear and something else familiar shining in her eyes. Anticipation, Luna realized idly. The lavender mare much reminded her of herself so many centuries ago, back before her treachery had come to light… The biosignature recognized, Twilight lit her horn and picked a book off the shelf, excitement growing. She was finally going to learn something new! Luna could hear the thoughts echo in the dream library, and she grimaced at the volume. Did not the mare not know to keep her tone low? Just as Luna was considering leaving the dream, not seeing any signs of the nightmare that had pulled her in, she caught sight of the title of the book in Twilight’s magenta aura: The Legend of Nightmare Moon. Her breath caught and low level fear coursed through her veins. Why was Twilight Sparkle looking through that book? Before Luna could react, the nightmare presented itself. Or rather, Nightmare Moon presented herself. Surprise rooted Luna to the spot. All she could do was watch helplessly as her former, corrupted form suddenly burst forth from the tome’s darkened pages, her fangs glinting in the candlelight. Twilight was similarly frozen, a tremor running up her legs. While in reality she had boldly proclaimed to Nightmare Moon who she was, dream Twilight couldn’t form any words. Luna had seen enough. At the slightest thought, the library fell away. The Nightmare Moon in the book put up more of a fight, but with practiced ease Luna obliterated the shallow imitation of her former self, but not without conflicting emotions. Turning back, she intended to share a few brief words of comfort with Twilight, but she was shocked to not only see the unicorn close to her side, but also looking at her with concern. “Princess Luna?” Twilight said to the speechless alicorn. “Are you okay?” That snapped Luna out of it. To say that she hadn’t been disturbed by the nightmare would have been a lie, but was it enough to rattle her? No. “‘Tis alright, Twilight Sparkle. The nightmare is vanquished. It shall not disturb thee any longer.” Twilight looked at her questioningly. “What are you doing here? I thought you only helped foals with their nightmares.” Luna huffed, “Art not thee one?” Twilight protested, and a smile played at Luna’s lips. “Aye, we know verily that thou art of the age of majority, young Twilight.” She then looked around at the remains of the nightmare, struggling to come up with something else to say. She had no reason to give Twilight about the intrusion, except she had felt that she needed to be there. If only she knew why. “Hey, Princess Luna?” Twilight piped up. “Yes?” “Are you going to be visiting Ponyville soon?” Luna thought about it. “Nay, we--er, I don't believe so. Why?” “Well,” Twilight started hesitatingly, “it’s just that Nightmare Night is almost here, and I know that the foals would have a hay day if you made an appearance–” “What?” Luna snapped, not believing her ears. “At least consider it,” Twilight said, looking sheepish. “I know the other townsponies would love to see you there, too. They always put a lot of effort into the games and decorations for your holiday.” Your holiday. The words hit Luna hard. Her muzzle twitched, caught somewhere between a smile and a grimace. “That…can be arranged.” She would be in for quite the eventful evening. By the end of it, she would no longer shy away from ponies shouting, “Happy Nightmare Night!” And if they were lucky, she’d even return the favor.