Endless Nightmare

by Surprise The Pegasus

Cutie Mark Crusader

"So, if we're gonna be friends, we should get to know each other. Tell me about yourself, Luna." Saraphine sat on Luna's bed, as did Luna.

"Ok. I started off as a normal filly, living with my parents. Nopony really sees my parents, so I don't know. See, I was really jealous of my sister Celestia, so I turned into this dark mare Nightmare Moon and everypony screamed in terror! I got defeated once, but I actually got defeated twice because of Twilight Sparkle. She's- or was- my friend."

"Really?"

"I have no friends anymore because I was once Nightmare Moon. But I'm good now because the Elements of Harmony destroyed my evil spirit. How about you tell me about yourself."

"Well, to be honest, I'm a Princess to, or, more of a Queen/Empress. But my rule is way less significant than yours. You rule basically all of Equestria. All I own is a small plot of land, which is in Equestria. When I was little my wings were small, but then they grew massive. I couldn't believe it. I was in Starfield Lake, then my wings started sparkling. Then I realized: I'm a Glimmer Wing pony. So then I found other Glimmer Wing ponies in a plot of lush, green land. They saw that I had the spirit and compassion of a true ruler, so then I became Queen/Princess, and I still rule today. It's rather nice having big wings, but they sometimes get in the way, and I end up knocking everything over. No normal pony really likes me, to be honest. Ponies keep staring at me and calling me a freak, and it really hurts."

"I know how you feel." said Luna comfortingly. Saraphine looked at the door and saw Celestia watching, then warned Luna.

"And that's why I'm a Crystal Pony." Boasted Saraphine. Celestia was watching from the doorway, just checking up on them.

"What? You can't be a Crystal Pony, you're not crystally."

"I totally am. My wings are."

"No way." Said Luna jokingly. Celestia turned and left. Saraphine saw this and released a sigh of relief, then told Luna.

"Look Luna, I know exactly what you're going through." Said Saraphine.

"And I know what you're going through." Replied Luna. A set of hooves clopped down the hall, then ceased once entering Luna's quarters.

"Saraphine Grace?" Saraphine and Luna turned to see Cinnabon standing in the doorway, appearing to not be fearful.

"Yes, what is it?" Saraphine raised an eyebrow, and Luna groaned in annoyance.

"Your chariot is here to take you home." Cinnabon waved a hoof.

"Really, already? It was really nice meeting you, Luna."

"It was nice meeting you too, Saraphine. I'm not really allowed to go outside, because everypony would scream and run away. But, maybe, we could go out together, so ponies wouldn't scream…as much."

"That sounds wonderful, Luna. It was nice meeting you, but I've gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow?" Said Saraphine.

"Sure, just swing by."

"Or, you could come over to where I live." Saraphine gave Luna a quick hug, then followed Cinnabon out. Celestia trotted in, her shoed hooves clicking on the polished obsidian that made up Luna's bedroom floor and walls.

"Well, how'd it go?" Celestia asked.

"It went…it went…FANTASTIC!!" Luna rushed up to Celestia and threw her hooves around her, then backed up.

"Thank you soooo much for introducing me!! Now I finally have a friend!!" Luna cheered, a wide grin on her face.

"What about Twilight, and Cadance?" Celestia inquired. Luna's smile faded, and her happy tone darkened.

"Cadance. Are you kidding me? And Twilight's, well, I don't really get to see her much." Luna lied.

"You'll be getting to see Saraphine Grace alot more. If she can, she'll come every day." Luna immediately brightened.

"REALLY!?" You see sister, I have a favor to ask." Luna's face was bearing a sly smile.

"Oh really? And what would that be?" Celestia was ever so slightly suspicious of Luna's intentions.

"Weeeeeeelll…" Luna paused, for a dramatic effect. "CanSaraphineandIgoouttomorrowtoseetheponies!? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?" Luna looked up at Celestia with her "puppy dog eyes".

"Luna, I'm not so sure you're ready…all the ponies outside…" Luna's pleading teal eyes penetrated Celestia, all the way down to her core. She could feel Luna's puppy eyes starting to work, but she stood her ground.

Luna pushed the look harder. "Pleeeease, Tia? Please?" Celestia could feel herself giving in. That face was too damn cute!

"Maybe…" Celestia trotted out, for fear of saying yes.

"Tia?" Luna was disappointed. That look worked every time!

Pfft. That always means no." Luna's reflection scoffed. Luna turned and trotted up to her new mirror.

"You AGAIN!? What do you want?"

"What do I want? I want what you want. We are the same pony, after all. But Luna, don't you have some desires, deep down? Think about it. You don't like Cadance, right?" It said seductively.

"Right, I-I don't."

"And you like Shining Armor, right?"

"Yes, I do."

"When I say you like Shining Armor, I really mean love. You love him, and you can't deny it. You want him all for yourself. He is a very handsome stallion, after all. Oh, the things you want to do to him. Those twisted, dirty thoughts you think, how you eye his flank when he's not looking." Luna could tell it was brainwashing her, but everything it- or she, said, was true.

"No, no, I don't! He's with Cadance!"

"I'm aware, and you know I can see right through you, Luna. It's one of your desires, your dark desires. You want to get rid of the competition, don't you? Kill Cadance."

"What. No. What are you saying." Luna backed away, her pupils now pinpricks.

"Luna, admit it. Deep down you're a thief, a murderer." It cackled.

"No, what do you mean "a thief, a murderer"?" Luna was terrified. This thing wanted her to kill somepony.

"A thief; steal Shining Armor. A murderer; kill Princess Cadance. It's simple. Why not do it tonight?"

"No!"

"I knew I would have to take control of this; of you. You're to weak and soft to handle it, so I'll have to handle it for you. Soon."

"What!? What do you mean; TELL ME!!" There was a pounding knock on the door. "C-come in!" Luna called. She turned her eyes away for a spilt second. When she looked back, her reflection is as it sould have been. "AGAIN!?" She screeched.

"Hey Luna." Cadance said. She wasn't alone though. A very framilliar unicorn filly trotted in alongside the Crystal Princess.

"Hi…Cadance." Luna sighed.

"Uh- hi- Luna." Cadance scoffed.

"Ahhhhh!! Evil pony, help!!" The unicorn filly clutched Cadance's front leg.

"Great, just when I was starting to feel better."

"God. Kill that child, silence her screams." Luna turned to her mirror.

"Shut up, she's just a kid!!"

"What did you just say?" Cadance narrowed her eyes and stepped toward Luna. Luna turned to face Cadance, beads of sweat now forming on her head.

"Um, sorry, I was just-" Luna was cut off by Cadance.

"Talking to yourself. Again. It's a pretty normal thing for a crazy pony like you. But anyway, I came to ask a favor."

"Okaaay, what is it?"

"Can you foalsit Sweetie Belle for me? Rarity's done with her, so she gave her to me, and I don't want to take care of her. So, I need you to look after her, just for tonight. You see, me and Shining Armor- you can come in, Shining." Cadance explained. Shining Armor trotted in, and stood next to Cadance. "We're going out tonight."

"WHAT!?" Luna's mouth hung wide open in disbelief.

"So you have to look after her-" Cadance was cut off.

"If you can, that is." Said Shining Armor.

"NO, DON'T LEAVE ME WITH NIGHTMARE MOON!!" Sweetie Belle wailed.

"Sweetie Belle, that's not very polite." Growled Shining.

"Stupid foal." Cadance muttered.

"What?" Shining Armor scowled.

"I mean- don't worry Sweetie Belle, she's not evil, but she used to be evil. She had big, razor sharp teeth she would use to gobble up little fillies and colts!!" Cadance yelled. Sweetie Belle whimpered.

"Cadance, you're not making things better." Said Shining.

"Why can't Celestia foalsit?"

"Because she's attending to important matters, unlike you, who just lounges in your room all day!!!" Cadance shouted. "But nomatter what YOU have to watch her. Bye!" Cadance stomped out, and dragged Shining with her. "Have fun foalsitting!!" The doors clanged shut behind the couple, leaving just Sweetie Belle and Luna.

"Um, hi, I'm Luna." Luna held out her hoof.

"AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Sweetie Belle bolted for the door, hit her head on it, then slumped to the floor, unconscious.

"Well, that's just fantastic." Luna sighed.

"That filly is a waste of time." Luna turned to her mirror.

"Tell me about it." Luna trotted over to where Sweetie Belle laid by the door.

"Did she just agree with me?" Luna's reflection was puzzled. Luna never agreed with her. Luna gingerly nudged Sweetie Belle, and she was up and out the door in a flash, Luna hot on her heels. After chasing Sweetie down the narrow corridor, they reached the main hall, where Equestria's artifacts lined the walls. Sweetie Belle charged down the hall, knocking over precious statues and breakable items, even the legendary Glass Sword. And, of course, causing a ruckus with the castle staff, and the Royal Guard.

"No, not those! Those are one of a kind pieces of Equestrian history!" Luna glanced at all the shards of pottery and glass, even chunks of stone that now lined the hallway floor. The only safe path was in the middle of the red velvet carpet that stretched the entire hall. Luna continued to race down the hall after Sweetie Belle. "Tia's gonna kill me!!" Sweetie Belle rounded a corner, then clambered on top of a high pedestal before Luna caught up. Luna looked around the room that Sweetie Belle had run into. She could have sworn Sweetie Belle turned this way! Luna then heard heavy breathing from on top of the high pedestal. Luna looked up to see Sweetie Belle crouched on top.

"Sweetie Belle, can you please come down?" Asked Luna. She highly doubted Sweetie to come down, but it was worth a shot if it meant Tia wouldn't murder her.

"NO!! NEVER!! I'll never surrender to you, you WITCH!!" Sweetie Belle screamed.

"Alright then, I'll just come get you." Luna flapped her wings, and she was soon next to the terrified Sweetie Belle. "So, are you ready to try this again? I'm Luna, nice to meet you." Luna smiled nervously. God, I hope this works! Luna thought.

"AHHHH!!" Sweetie Belle backed up until she was on the edge. She stepped off the edge, bracing herself. She landed on a pile of cardboard boxes, scrambled to her hooves, then galloped out the door.

Luna facehoofed. "How much engergy does this filly have!?" Luna panted. She ran out the door after Sweetie Belle. Luna chased her throughout the castle, until she had the filly cornered in the library.

"Look Sweetie Belle, books!" Luna pointed to the book series on the shelf next to them.

"Books, I like books, hehe." Sweetie Belle looked at the books. "Twilight…wait Twilight!? NO, NOT TWILIGHT!!" Sweetie Belle hated the Twilight books more than anything, even more than not having a Cutie Mark. Sweetie Belle than sprinted for her life.

"I know, right? These books really are crap." Luna panted. Luna noticed Sweetie was gone. "WAIT!!" Luna tore off after her. Sweetie Belle skidded to a halt before another series of books.

"Ooh, Lord of the Rings! Now that's more like it!" Sweetie Belle cheered. Luna caught up, then stopped beside the small filly.

"THAT'S IT!!" Luna bellowed. Her horn lit up. "Get ready to feel the wrath of the witch!!"

"Oh, crap." Said Sweetie Belle. Luna noticed the books on the shelf.

"Wait, you like Lord of the Rings?" Asked Luna.

"Yeah, I love it!!" Luna's magic faded.

"I like it too."

"Really? Who's your favorite?"

"I like Gandalf. He's a hero."

"I thought your favorite would be an evil character, because your evil. Wait- maybe you aren't an evil witch. You tuned into a good witch. A Princess!"

"Yes, that's right. I'm a good Princess." Luna smiled. "And you are too!"

"No I'm not. I'm just a normal filly."

"Yes you are. You're a pretty pretty Princess." Sweetie Belle brightened.

"Really? I'm a pretty pretty Princess?"

"Of course you are. Just like me."

"But I don't have wings. I can't fly. I can't even use my magic. I'm a failure. Cadance tells me that every day. She tells me that no wonder Rarity gave me away." Sweetie Belle banged her head against the bookshelf, tears streaming down her face.

"Hey now, don't cry. I know what'll make you feel better." Luna put a wing around Sweetie Belle.

"What?" Sweetie sniffled. Luna's horn lit up, and Sweetie Belle was airborne, enveloped in Luna's magic. "Huh? What's going on? I'm flying, I'm flying!!" Sweetie Belle cheered. Luna carried her around the library. "I'm just like a bird!" Sweetie spread her arms and flapped them. "Or, I'm flying like a Princess!!" Luna lowered Sweetie Belle back down, then released her magical grip.

"C'mon Princess, lets get you to into bed."

"Aww." Luna led Sweetie Belle back to Luna's room.

"Time for bed, Princess."

"But where will I sleep?"

"You can sleep in my bed." Luna hoisted Sweetie onto the plush cloud bed.

"Where will you sleep, Luna?"

"I can't sleep tonight, I have to guard the night, and make sure no enemy creeps into the Dreamscape."

"What's the Dreamscape?" Asked Sweetie. Luna sat on the bed and looked at down at her, smiling warmly.

"The Dreamscape is the place where you visit when you sleep each night, where dreams are created. Do you ever remember your dreams?"

"Yeah, sometimes."

"Your dreams are your visits to the Dreamscape."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Does the Dreamscape have a Princess?" Sweetie Belle yawned.

"The Dreamscape is ruled by the ponies who visit it. But there are a few chosen ones to guard it from evil."

"Were you chosen?"

"Yes, I was. But there are others."

"Do you know them?"

"No, I don't know them personally, but I know of them, who they are."

"Who are they?" Sweetie yawned.

There are 7 of us, one to guard each night of the week. There's me, Princess Luna. Then there's Meridia, Namira, Vearmina, Flickering Lights, Summer Dream, and…King Sombra."

"King Sombra?" But isn't he evil?

"He was, but that is in the past. You see, he was only evil because something made him evil, like with me. He's a very kind pony at heart. Believe it or not, Namira is his little sister, and they guard the Dreamscape together."

"Wow, the Dreamscape is really cool. Do you know where the other Guardians came from?"

"Hmm, let me see if I can remember. I come from Equestria, of course. Meridia and Vearmina come from a mystical realm called Oblivion. Vearmina rules a plain of Oblivion called Quagmire. Namira comes from the shadow dimension, Flickering Lights and Summer Dream come from Equestria, and King Sombra comes from the Crystal Empire."

"How do you know all that?"

"I've been alive for a long time, my dear Sweetie Belle. You should sleep now."

"Ok." Sweetie Belle slid under the navy blue comforter and rested her head on the cloud pillows.

"Good night, Sweetie Belle. Luna sucked in a breath, preparing to blow out the candle.

"Luna, can you sing me a lullaby?"

"Can you get to sleep without one? I'm not very good at singing…" Luna blushed.

"Please Luna? My mommy used to sing to me."

"Where is your mommy, Sweetie Belle?"

"I...I...don't know." Tears welled up in Sweetie's eyes.

"Don't cry, Sweetie Belle. I'll sing for you. But I'm warning you, I'm not the best at singing."

"Mhmm." Sweetie Belle nodded.

"Celestia used to sing this one to me when I was a little filly, like you." Luna took a breath, then began to sing. "Stars and moons and air balloons, fluffy clouds to the hori-zon. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again. Teddy bears of pink, ducks and lambs of white. Don't you cry dear I'm here now, I'll be your nightlight. Stars and moons and air balloons, fluffy clouds to the hori-zon. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again. Smiles to cure the frowns, twirling and tumbling in laughter, someday life will always be, happily ever after. Nevermore will the storms come to destroy your little world, Nevermore will the waters rise till the mountains no longer touch the skies. Stars and moons and air balloons, fluffy clouds to the hori-zon. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again. I'll wrap you in rainbows, and rock you to sleep again…" Sweetie Belle was now asleep, adventuring in the Dreamscape. Luna leaned down and kissed Sweetie's forehead. "Good night, my little Princess." She then blew out the candle.

Comments

[Legiondude]

Maaaaaaaybe it's been a while since I finished chapter 3 and forgot some foreshadowing...

Or maaaaaaaaaybe it's because I've probably read close to a hundred stories since I favorited this....

But what the hell is wrong with Sweetie Belle? She seems more broken mentally than Luna. And why is Cadance being a bitch to Sweetie Belle?

[Surprise The Pegasus]

2857109
{SPOILER ALERT!}

To answer your questions, I'll start by saying this: we don't really know that much about any of the characters, making them very easy to work with when writing. Now, to your first question. "What the hell is wrong with Sweetie Belle? She seems more mentally broken than Luna." It's sad, but it's 40% true. The way I portrayed Sweetie Belle is that as a little filly, she was cared for and loved very much by her parents. Rarity, being a little bit of an attention hog, grew jealous of the affection Sweetie was receiving. (Anyone see where this is going?) So Rarity ran away from home, and took Sweetie Belle with her. Ever since then, Rarity's jealousness and hatred towards her sister escalated, until Rarity "boiled over" (soon after Sisterhooves Social). Rarity had a terrible outburst, an explosion, beat Sweetie to a bloody mess, screamed that she was the root cause of all of Rarity's problems, and locked her in the basement without food or water for 2 days. Rarity then gave a now traumatized Sweetie Belle to Cadance. Cadance didn't want a child, so Cadance then started to tease her and neglect her, hoping she would eventually run away. This never happened, so Cadance gave Sweetie to Luna, and now it seems that Sweetie has as close to a parent she's ever had. Now, to answer your second question. "Why is Cadance being a bitch to Sweetie Belle?" Cadance, believe it or not, is a bitch to everyone she thinks is strange or different. Rarity gave Sweetie to Cadance, but Cadance didn't want a foal. Cadance then started to abuse her by teasing her and neglecting her, just as Rarity had done in the past. So Cadance finally gave up and gave Sweetie to Luna. Sweetie Belle, over the course of her life, had been horribly abused and traumatized. These events had been, and are still, chipping away at her psyche. Luna is also leaning toward insanity, making them the perfect Mother/Daughter relationship. I tried to answer your questions to the best of my ability, I hope I answered them alright!