Nightmare Moon survives the Elements' power and takes Twilight as her prisoner. Now, the alicorn queen must establish her monarchy and defend her rightful place as queen against those that oppose her.
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125861 Lol legitimate reasons. Also, those won't be the only changes she's had. She isn't quite capable of seeing all of her body due to pain and such and that mirror wasn't big enough to show her much past her neck.
Well that was a nice little chapter. Can certainly see the relationship grow between them and the colour change will add a cool new dynamic too :P
that was a good chapter, i do wonder how her friends will react to the changes though?
Well now this was an enjoyable chapter. Nightmare's on the path to wiping out the Griffins I see, I wonder if she'd smash the eggs too, or simply steal em all angry birds style and have them raised as Soldiers obedient to her, and her alone. After all raising your own army of flying minions has to have some appeal.
Oh yeah and Twilight's appearance sounds a little like a pic I found, which also inspired a fanfic. Here's the image
fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/352/2/9/sparkle_no_more_by_giuliabeck-d4jfw0b.png
And here's a link to the story Sparkle No More
125947 Awesome
Ah another update, it gives me a warm tingly feeling, like stomping on a goomba, or beating a dungon in a Zelda game! Oh ho pointlest popculter proclomations! Geek mode has been activated! Sitback, releax, stop, look, and watch it's time for a Wall-O-Text!
Wall-O-Text
So, now we know just how careful the gryphon's were being. Not only had they been staking out the Castle for days they also went out of thier way to get ahold of a supply of wyvern venom. Admittedly I don't know much about wyverms, werewolves yes, very yes, dragons somewhat, wyverns no. Still given how Twilight's fairing at he moment that must be some potent stuff.
I'm wondering just what spell Nightmare used on Twilight though. From what we have been told it isn't ment for healing, is taxing even on Nightmare's vest wells of power, and leaves perminet marks on those who it's used upon, if my guess is right and this is the same or almost the same spell that was used on Moon Beam so very long ago.
Yup just like I said a while back, thanks to this insodent the war against the Gryphons now has a more personal stake with Nightmare and Most likely Moon Beam too. Things are moving quickly hopefully Equestria will be ready when the time comes. However things turn out I think that Equestria has a real fighting chance here. They have Nightmare, Moon Beam, possibly Twilight, (I still say it's only a matter of time before her passifisem goes away atleast as far as herself, Nightmare, and Moon Beam are concerned.) and Cloudy who while she may not be on the killing fields herself will be trianing those that will be.
Ah Blueblood you should consider your self lucky. Nightmare is in a good mood, she not only spared your life, she also freed you AND got you a job! I don't think many would go that far for a pompus ass like you especialy given the suggestion you made to her at the first day of court. Hell I don't even think Celestia would go this far. Granted she might not have stripped you of rank and wealth but there are other ways to humilate someone some far more insidous then others.
Cloudy's mission seems to have gone well. I wonder though just what kind of force we'll be seeing though? Thanks to Twilight those wit children to look after are free to stay with them. Then you also ave to rule out those who are unable to serve do to medical reasons such as disability or age.
Still it's not like she can draft the entire workforce that just can't happen, I wonder what a troop count will end up looking like. even with a this method for bulstering ranks there are still other factores to take into count. For one time needed to train this force and number two. An army can only move as fast as it's supply lines can. I'm not sure if this figure is 100% right but it still get's the point across. "In WWII, it took a group of 28 people to supply one solder." and that's an older figure just think about the logistics of modern day warfar, then compare that to what it would take to supply the less tech advanced Equestrian military.
Daww, Moon Beam is so cute. She reminds me of how cute girls that age can be at times (I have two cusins that turns Three, and Six this year both girls.) Then again she has that whole evil second personality thing going on though that still seems to fit in with the whole yuong childhood thing so nice work. Yes I have worked with children before why do you ask?
Ah a look into Nightmare's head how very nice of you Peppy. It's been a whiles snice we last got a nice long look at things from her prespective. Not that I mind Twilight and others getting a chance to shine but if just felt good to get another look at how Nightmare thinks especaily after how hectic and emotinaly charged the last chapter was.
Well I ran out the timer on my geek mode power up so I'll have to end this for now. Though if the comments of the last chapter are any indecation I'll have plenty to babble about with you all later.
Wall-O-Text
Now I have to wonder what would be her friends's reaction to see "dark" Twilight now. With color change :P
Still earning my Internets my good sir!
When this series is complete, I want it in hardback book form!
"You haven't been able to use your eyes a a little over a day and they will take some time to adjust."
Minor error is underlined.
---------------------------
Very nice chapter, looking forward to hearing about any other changes in Twilight and various reactions to them.
Hmm, I wonder if whatever spell Nightmare used on Twilight will have any side effects? I mean granted we know it has at the least changed the colors of her coat and mane. However Peppy was kind enough to give us a teasing hint that those arn't the totality of the changes made to Twilight. what are you hinting at Peppy, something instresting no doubt.
Though I wonder if her magic was affected in any way other then being sapped dry? Granted that with Twilight that in and of itself is something of a feat to manage. I swaer she's got to have either some Naruto Uzumaki sized magic reserves, is damn efficent in her spell casting and thus just knows how to stretch a budget as it were, or she's got some kind of move MP refill feat going on.
Anyhow I wonder just what this could mean for her. Not just the changes to her body, and possibly her magic I mean as a whole. Even in fiction not many can claim that hey were brought back from the dead. Fewer still can attest to it not having side affects be they good, bad, or idifferent. Something tells me that Nightmare and Moon beam shouldn't be the only ones keeping a close eye on dear Twilight.
MOAR
126009
If my sources are correct wyvern venom is exhaled as a gas and was responsible for plagues in European folklore. If thats the case in this tale then it would be difficult indeed. Not only would you have to survive the toxic atmosphere they create but you'd also have to condense it into a liquid or VERY tightly seal a highly pressurized vial in order to coat a blade in the stuff. Not to mention wyverns are not known for their willingness to cooperate, unless raised from the egg in which case only the handler would be able to safely get close. Even with the handler present the wyvern is likely to attack, and something as tough and deadly as a wyvern is not to be taken lightly. They don't get as large as dragons but still dwarf creatures as large as manticores when fully grown, and their scales are tough enough to turn fairly strong blades and render hammers minor threats. The scales on the belly are softer than those covering the rest of the body and are generally the target for would-be dragon slayers. The tail terminates in blade that serves as both a rudder in flight ( and possibly swimming ) and a weapon in combat, strong enough to shatter blades and sharp enough ( and pointed at the tip ) to sever an armored knight joints and penetrate other gaps in his/her armor despite the chainmail underneath. Wyverns can also blast a concentrated "cloud" ( fog, mist, dosage, etc ) of their trademark venom and the armor of battle is useless against this chemical assault ( you could compare it to viral bombing, chemical warfare, or very deadly tear gas ). Not to mention due to their smaller size wyverns are far more agile than dragons and can fit into spaces dragons can't ( for example: the interior of your castle ).
If i'm wrong about this stuff then my sources were flawed.
125947 That's moderately badass.
126231 I'll go fix it now.
126342 You, sir, saved me a ton of trouble. I'm so glad I read all the comments out before typing up a response to janus cause then I'd just be redundant. +27 1/2 internets for you (I'm pulling them from my reserve)
126009 I know all about the kids. I've had so many little siblings (plus children seem to love me despite my obvious distaste for them) so it was really easy to picture Moon Beam. As far as the training goes, they still have the Canterlotian training grounds (as the ones that train there are [as far as I want at least] retired guards that want to continue to serve) and the Cloudsdale pegasus guard schools. Now that Nightmare has eradicated the Royal Guard, these facilities will be put to use in order to meet her needs. (whether they like it or not). The supply train thing isn't as much of a problem for the ponies as they have magic to assist them. We constantly have to refuel our vehicles and stuff like that, but all they have to do is switch out unicorns when the ones pulling get tired. They'll still require a large amount of supplies, but it will be much easier to manage.
Blank awsome reply I mean it, I didn't know any of that stuff before.
Peppy I see, well aside from my two very young cusins I used to work as a libaray aid at an elementery school for a while so I've been around the kiddos abit too. It's thanks to said job that I feel less uneasy around kids then I used too though I still worry about over reacting at them. The reasons why are simpal no vision in one eye (I got picked on a lot because/with that so it's a bit of a sensitive subject), distrust of most people, and a very quick temper. Yet I never really had any problems with the kids at the school so yay for small victories.
Reluctent to serve as they may be I doubt said training faciliteis will want to welcome thier new Gryphon overlords. So While they may not like Nightmare better the devil you know as they say.
As for the supply trians, well fuel may not be as big of an issue but something else is. Infastucture. How many road traverse Equestria, how direct are they? Think about the Everfree and just how big of a hindernce it is to land based travel. Do they have rivers they can use for shipping? What about air born devery? Most of the carridges seen in the show don't seem to be suited for frieght hauling. Though with Blueblood stripped of his wealth I guess that airship of his can be repurpused for military use.
I think it goes to show both how much I enjoy your story/ overthink things and how much work you put into it that we have these kinds of friendly back and forth conversations.
Thanks Peppy & Ice, I do my best to make my posts 20% more awesome than they need to be .
Wanted to add that this chapter was very informative, without giving everything away. Twilights been changed, her body will no doubt be alien to her in the next chapter as she begins to adjust to her new body. (Moon Beam will undoubtedly provide moments of D'awwwwwww as Twilight adjusts)
I can also see Twilight's magic changing too, perhaps taking on some aspects of Nightmare Moons own magic, maybe she'll have a different coloured aura or her magic will be much more potent. Spells that would've been taxing will be easier to pull off, lifting an ursa minor? pfft that's nothing lets lift a Major .
It also isn't a stretch to imagine Twilight might be physically stronger than she once was. Her body seems to have amazing restorative abilities like Moon Beam only slower she is recovering from a case of Death after all . And now in a completely unrelated Twilight question. Will Cloudy ever get her wing restored? Twilight is recovering from being dead so it's not beyond reason to assume Nightmare wants her best aerial fighter back in the skies leading from there. (Of course I've probably forgotten some important detail regarding cloudy's wing haven't I?)
Or will Cloudy become a back seat General or a ground forces leader, leaving the spot open for an Aerial commander. And will we ever get to see Nightmare Moon form the Shadowbolts or would she consider them a frivolous waste of time and money, unless they had some sort of military capacity, like say Assassin's. Why should Nightmare Moon sit around and wait for Assassin's, she should train some of her own. Killing some of the high profile Griffins would undoubtedly please Nightmare Moon a little. And send a message that she isn't afraid to play their own game, and can play it even better than they can .
Also will Nightmare have a personal Retinue in future. I speak of advisers and warriors loyal to the queen of course, Twilight and Cloudy are undoubtedly part of this inner circle already but will Nightmare add others overtime? I can see her rewarding a Griffin for betraying a critical weakness in some major or final battle against the Griffins. Maybe Gilda which would drive Rainbow Dash to further despise and loathe Nightmare Moon for stealing not one, but two of her friends .
Also sorry I keep bringing up Gilda, I just see good potential for her in this story is all .
125873
If there was still a proper day/night cycle, would the changes in Twilight make her nocturnal? I ask cause I have seen that as an interesting idea since encountering it in a fic that unfortunately got cancelled.
Tonto, if Peppy doesn't mind my endless prattling about every little thing I doubt that He'll mind you bringing up Gilda given the potanal she has in the story. Also I just wanted to say Nice wall of text there it's quite a spet up from that one you made for the last chapter, you keep this up and I won't be the only one driving everyone else to maddness and turning them into rambling speculaters.
126739 I can say that Gilda will be in there and, as janus said, I do not mind at all. Makes me happy to see so much speculation and wonder based around my fic. At this point in time, a chief cabinet of loyal subjects would only be comprised of Cloudy, Moon Beam and Twilight considering that she doesn't have trust for anypony other than them. Fancy Pants is a chancellor, but she hardly knows the pony and, as far as she knows, he could be another Brook. The wing is gone. If something had been done sooner, as Twilight said, it could have been repaired or regrown with advanced magic, but it was too late. You'll hafta wait to see where that takes her, however.
126830 Can't really say much as far as the changes go without giving away anything that will be put in the story.
126629 I've never liked kids, but I am unfortunately very good with them. Like a double edged sword. The griffons are definitely a threat to pony society so, even with their distaste for Nightmare, it's as you say. As I've shown throughout the story, there are more than just simple earth pony wagons. There are grand carriages used to transport ponies (like Nightmare's personal one) and even ones used to transport supplies and luggage. There are also the airships (which are canon) and trains and (if they have trains) boats. The supplies will be easily delivered as long as there isn't interference.
Hey Peppy! Just came across this fic earlier today and I'm lovin' it so far! So much attention to details and such compared to a lot of other stuff I've read (both in fanfics and actual novels etc). Looking forward to the next chapter! Don't keep us waiting to long please!
KS
127444Don't feel unclean, what ever ending peppy has planed will be so gloriously awesome that it will probably make you weep tears of pure joy and/or sadness.
Awww poor Twi has been through hell! And now has no magic for a week I just want to hug her and say it will all be okay...
127174 Thank ye!
127444 What Balancer said.
127633 Dat Vector. Is lagging the balls out of this window in chrome. However, aside from the horn, it makes me want to have your babies. Possible or not.
127684 AW HELL, I just gave my vector a relook and realized I failed epcially with unicorn's horn gonna go and redo.
deviantart.com/download/279114900/after_that_fateful_night_by_i_benny_i-d4m6efo.png
Ahhhhh *wipes a sweat off forehead* fixed
Morfonious Awsome vectore, really I can't think of anything else to say about it, i'd say you've earned your weight in internets for shutting me up but good.
Mr_Redmond While I agree that Twilight is ineed of a hug one week without magic is peanuts to her now. When you take into consideration that she had the antimagic ring on for two monthes till Brook made her break it with the power of rage.
127697 Your children. I want to have them now. That is all.
Thanks Janus & Peppy. I will keep the Wall o texts coming and help deliver my fellow readers into speculative madness .
Also Yay confirmation of Gilda's appearance, I knew you could take advantage of a good opportunity Peppy . Looking forward to the next chapter which you can expect to find another *gasp* Wall-o-text, curtesy of me and Janushyde (Because a chapter of this story that doesn't have one of Janus's Wall-o-text comments feels incomplete )
Also nice vector Morfonious, only problem is my PC finds it hard to scroll past it quickly .
Ok compliments and promising wall's of text aside I do have one question. Is Twilight an immortal now? I kinda assume Moon Beam is some sort of immortal and Nightmare Moon is obviously one, Alicorns seem to be the confirmed Eternal Gods of Ponykind . Of course I expect this will probably be explained in the next chapter so I can wait , yes I can wait .
I just want to ask you Peppy, why did you pick deep red as mane hair? If it was me, mind you Im not criticizing at all. I would have picked picked black mane, or even more darker color than the deep/dark purple coat with dark blue strip/with stars.
Question: is the stars dancing around in astral form like NMM in Twilight's star strip now?
I still love the story and the progression of relation between Nightmare Moon and Twilight Sparkle, from Nightmare Moon's hated pet to abused relationship (not sure how you could call it) to consort and now the relationship is real since Twilight Sparkle have permanently earnt her place among Nightmare Moon along with her transformation (like Tonto said, immortal like NMM. I do think he is correct with that).
I also am speculating of what will be other Mane 5's reaction to her currently state of transformation.
(sorry if my wall-o-text isn't clear or well-written. I'm deaf, but I am doing my damnest on English.)
-Morfonious
P.S- glad you guys liked my vector!
128387 I didn't want her to be almost pure black like her coat . The stars do not move, nor does her mane. It's all stationary.
Man if only we could see what Celestia's thinking right now. Her plan to save her sister failed horribly simpaly because she thought that Nightmare wouldn't have come up with a counter startigy for the EoH. And the results of this misscalculation are not only far reaching but still causing ripple effects. let's take a look shall we?
Celestia is banished to the sun for atleast the time being, Equestria is under Nightmare's rule, Twilight was first a captive but now has become a VERY devoted follower of Nightmare having killed directly once to save her, and indirectly been the cause of atleast three deaths while protecting her new queen. The royal guard has been slaughtered, the dragons could be gearing up for an assult and the griffons have finaly desided that appeasment isn't enough and made the leap to active combat. I can only imagin what's going on in her head right now.
Speaking of ponies who don't really have a say in things at the moment, I wonder how Luna feels about all of this. While it's true that Nightmare Moon is a part of her and was indeed created by her need for love and admeration that doesn't mean she agrees with all the steps her other part partakes in. While I'm sure she doesn't enjoy sensless slaughter or war I can see her finding the latter nessisary with the griffons. Though her opinion on Twilight and Moon Beam should be quite intresting to hear if we ever get the chance.
As has been pointed out above me, The reactions of Spike and the rest of the mane cast should be intresting to here as well. Not only about Twilight's new look no, thought that should proove entertaining as well. No I'm more concered with how they'd take to the news of Twilight saving Nightmare's life like she did, and more importantly to the conflict with the griffons at large. As Tonto has pointed out befor, dash in particular has a stake in this what with her longtime friendship with Gilda.
I think I've lurked enough, for now at least.
Hurray, updates! Everyone likes updates. Trust me, I might be a doctor.
So everyponys favorite lavender unicorn is now everyponys favorite dark purple unicorn! 20% more badass, in 10.. er, hours? And all it took was horrible body maiming and poisons.
What, she doesn't get Awesome Nightmare eyes? sadfaic.
Cloudy is back! That sure was quick.
The War on Griffons: holding gun to own head Don't come any closer now, yuh hear? Or I'll blow this ponies brains all ovuh this heah town!
anyway, I need bacon, or something meat flavored. I'll be back to lurking somewhat soonish.
~Because I love you all~
Well now Janus has mentioned the famous Ripple effect, I might as well add another Wall-o-text. (I was going to save it for the next chapter but oh well)
Before I start on the Wall-o-Text I thought I'd mention my thoughts on Luna. In my opinion she is in one of two scenarios.
1.She isn't aware of what she is doing and is not in control of any of her actions. Rather Nightmare Moon is a split personality or part of Luna's psyche that has taken full control of their body.
2.Luna is Nightmare Moon, she's simply the darker aspects amplified. She's Luna but more evil, if she was wholly evil would she have been capable of change, would she have cared about making the moon act as a new sun? This is the most likely scenario in my opinion she is Luna, simply given in to all her original Jealousy until she eventually became a different person.
Time for a Wall-O-Text
Ok here are a few observations I would like to make on the metaphorical table regarding the global political outlook. So far we don't have an exact tally of how many intelligent species their are in the world. We currently know Dragons, Griffins, Ponies, Diamond Dogs, Buffalo and Zebra are all intelligent species/races that control land/territory, and a few probably have their own countries. This being a work of fiction you could add other species too, Like Donkeys for instance who've cropped up in a couple of other stories I have read here on fimfiction.
Now let's take a tally of Nightmare Moon's enemies
We have the Griffins who are without a doubt the most dangerous enemies both politically and militarily. Having mobilized to strike whilst Nightmare is still in the process of recuperating from the loss of her last Army, spying,planning and plotting for quite some time. The Griffins seem like schemers or at least ruled by schemers with a strong military, and access to poisons like Wyvern venom. Will undoubtedly make them dangerous opponents, Nightmare will have to have Doctors and maybe Alchemists work up an Anti-venom for use on the battlefield and in battlefield hospitals, assuming they all coat their blades with some sort of poison.
Then we have Dragons who seem to operate as loners. It is a testament to the Royal Guard that they managed to rally twenty of them to their cause, given how far apart I imagine them staying, unless they sometimes group together for mutual protection. I imagine the Dragons or perhaps some Dragon queen or matriarch had some sort of agreement or Good relation with Celestia and may have provided the Egg Spike hatched from. With Celestia gone this Matriarch might have a personal grudge against Nightmare Moon. And Nightmare perhaps with the help of a rival dragon overthrowing and killing the Dragon Queen/Matriarch and installing her ally as the new co-ruler of the dragons or perhaps as the last Dragon (My Shameless Seath the Scaleless Dark Souls reference)
Next I believe The Zebra should be examined. We know nothing about them except they are very similar to Ponies. They have Cutie Marks of their own and some sort of magic too if Zecora is any indication it might be Voodoo, which would make for some very interesting effects in battles. As to who their leader/leaders are we can only guess, maybe a Caesar,Khan or King? Or perhaps they live in tribes or clans? And run in great Khalasars like the Dothraki in Game of Thrones
The Buffalo are the next major political entity but also the most disorganised. They live in tribes of up to a hundred or more individuals if the show is any indication and are remarkably strong. Of course because of their separatist tribal nature I imagine their exists animosity and possibly tribal warfare amongst the buffalo, which Nightmare could use to rally some tribes to her cause and then crush the others. Assuming the Buffalo don't have an agenda of their own already, Appleloosa would be the first to fall if they decided to attack the weakened Equestria.
The Diamond Dogs are pack like race that prefers the underground from the look of things. They're miners but are not above kidnapping and theft as we all remember them kidnapping Rarity and planning to steal her gathered Gems. I imagine Diamond Dogs living with a sort of pack like mentality, possibly having the women live separately, I don't recall seeing any female Diamond Dogs mixed in with the men so maybe they live in their own packs and meet up with other packs to let them adopt new male pups etc.
There is also the possibility of other Pony ruled countries. Whose to say there isn't a country mostly dominated by Unicorns? I highly doubt there is just one country in the whole world ruled by Ponies, Griffins or Zebras. I imagine when Nightmare's empire grows enough it can simply forcibly annex smaller countries.
Lastly We've got the Nobility, Loyalists and remaining Royal Guard oh and the element bearers. The Nobility could make it difficult for Nightmare to rule, but she proved she will not tolerate insolence from them, she is not Celestia and smart Gentlecolts and Fillies will undoubtedly be working on ways to get in with her good graces, perhaps a donation to the royal coffers? I can also see Nightmare Moon asking/demanding the Nobility to send her one child who will be raised under her care (Molding the future generation of Noble Colts and Fillies into Loyal, Thinking, Intelligent and ultimately useful members of her Kingdom/Empire.) Nightmare could even take Political prisoners like this as wards, from other foreign powers to partially ensure their compliance.
The Royal Guard were utterly crushed and any surviving Loyalists or Royal guards just watched Nightmare Moon crush an Army with the Moon. They also saw Moon Beam shapeshift into massive monstrous forms and kill Dragons with apparent ease, and still Nightmare Moon lives to their knowledge unscathed. Now they have those fiendish Griffins invading their homeland intent on conquering it, and are more likely to throw their lot in with Nightmare Moon. Who would make use of them, like in one of my favourite Books Crucible of Empire where dissident factions are brought into co-operation with the knowledge that their defeat is ultimately inevitable and that the aggressive aliens threatening them both demands they turn their attention to making a united front against the alien menace.
The Element Bearers are probably still digesting the idea that Nightmare Moon isn't going away and Twilight is capable of killing a Pony. Twilight the bearer of the Element of Magic will never turn against Nightmare Moon, who she is utterly devoted to in both heart and mind. meaning the Elements can never be used against her, all 6 are required as shown in Season 2 episodes 1 & 2 and a substitute bearer doesn't just fall out of the sky, meaning another group of six friends that represent the elements are needed, though they need to be in the presence of the elements to activate them. And if Nightmare keeps them locked away or scattered they can't threaten her. Did Nightmare confiscate the Elements, I don't recall her doing that but perhaps she will sometime in the future.
Also I have to wonder how Nightmare feels about industry, would she be willing to deforest the land to fuel the forges. I can see her now re-eneacting that scene from the two towers pointing to Ever Free Forest and ordering Fancy Pants to burn it for fuel. Oh one more thing I wonder how this eternal night is affecting animals like Hydra & Ursa's, and all the upset critters will porbably makes fluttershy cry
Also would a large group of griffins be called a Murder? Like a Murder of Crows? I can already see a Murder of Griffins trying to swarm a battle-ready Nightmare and getting toasted.
End of Wall-O-Text
Nice wall Tonto, I think you just beat me at my own game, they grow up so fast.
Here's some food for thought, if Nightmare is killed, would that really be a good thing? Celestia's banishment spell was ment to weaken overtime so that she would have a shot at redeeming her sister. However Nightmare, has no such reason to work her spell in that manner unless she intended to bring Celestia back after her rule was unquestioned and basicaly the norm. This is just one big spell she has going, we don't know where the sun is much less how to get it back into rotation. Nor do we know if her psuedo sunlight spell will keep up if she is out of commision. Like i said a while back The griffons make the mistake of assuming thier advantge simpaly because of Nightmare's temporary weakened state.
Another issue to think about is just how well these other nations got along with each other. Granted Equestria is a very good target at the moment but who's to say that the buffilo tribes didn't need protection from say Cyoties? Better yet how many nations got some kind of aid from Equestria in geniral? She show implies that under Celestia things were going quite well maybe even booming. How many trade partnerships were thrown into an uproar when she vanished? Or what about disaster relief efforts? I can easily see Equestrins giving freely to help other nations recover from an earthquake, famin, flood, or the like.
Hell it isn't a strech to say that when the sun went down it took the prospairty of many nations with it. While the moon has been altered to aid in the growth of plants we honestly don't know if it can do so with the same capabilitie as the sun. Not to mention that tempriture might still be an issue. While things are okay for now that's because they're only a few monthes into summer Fall and Winter are looming on the horision. Heck for all we know Zapp Apples and other more finicy magical plants will refuse to grow in this new kind of light. Then you get into the issue of the moon being able to affect the tides and as we saw not too long ago gravity in geniral as well. Really the stability of things isn't as simpal as we want it to be.
On an unrelated but still semirelivent note if I'm recalling right Nightmare can vaporize people with Moonlight basicaly she's got her own version of the Ion Cannon from Comand and Concure, or Kefka's light of Judgement if you want to keep it related to the fantasy setting.
So really while Nightmare is in a bit of a tight spot for now when she regains her power she'll have a real edge overthings. Well more of an edge as I mentioned a while ago we don't know what will happen if she bites the big one, and while not too many save for Nightmare and her little family want her in charge things might just be better of if she is left uncontested.
129133 Janus has created monsters out of all of us. none can stand before his great and powerful ability to speculate!
~
After a long, and surprisingly pastry free walk through the town surrounding the castle, the group arrived at the gates around the castle. Guarding the gate was a slightly large earth pony, and a griffon. As they approached, they heard Rebelfire exclaim, "Ooh! A plot twist!" He stood there for a moment, before giggling and saying "hehe... plot twist"
Ignoring the strong urge to facehoof, Peppy approached the guards and asked, "Listen guys, we were due here a few days ago, but we got held up by..." He thought of the words to phrase what had happened, and finished, "well, lets just say we're not going to eat spaghetti again. EVER. So would you mind letting us in?"
The pony guard, keeping his face emotionless, answered simply "No." Which was quickly responded with a collective "Why?!?" This time, it was the griffon who spoke up "Because the Queen has ordered it to be so!"
Janus decided to try to get them to let them past next, "Surely you must see that we're the group of scribes that was ordered to the castle? Although, you must get quite a few ponies that claim to be important, but are actually just lying... But look, see? even out marks give us away aw writers! Although, we could have used magic to disguise our marks..."
He didn't get any farther, because at that point, Peppy had pulled him away from the guards. "listen thanks for trying to help, but let's stop while we're ahead." Janus nodded his head in agreement, and replied, "I wonder how we will get in though? We could fight our way past them, but if we failed, we would only make them angry, and they might kill us. We could just wait, but who but the Queen knows how long that will be?"
As the two discussed what to do next, Rebelfire had walked up to the griffon guard and was staring intently into his eyes. They stood there for minutes, while the babbling from the other two ponies went on in the background. Finally Rebelfire spoke, in nothing more than a whisper, "You've always wanted a kitten, ever since you were little." The griffon looked shocked, the pony guard snickered a little at this revelation, but was interrupted when a red hoof was pointed at him and he heard, "And you have a secret weakness for cranberry muffins. You can't ever seem to get enough."
Needless to say, both the guards were astounded. How did the pegasus know these things? Before they could even respond, a tiny mew filled the air, and the griffons shocked face turned to one of happiness. Rebelfire handed him the kitten and said, "Take care of him, and he likes sardines the most." He left the griffon stroking his new kitten and passed a bag over to the pony guard and said, "There's 10 in there. I think you know what to do with them."
Both guards immediately put their keys in the gate and unlocked it, saying it was the least they could do for this act of kindness. Rebelfire approached his friends, who were deep in conversation at this point "-and then you'll fling the 12-sided die into his eye, and I'll- Yes, Reb?" Rebelfire pointed at the open gate, and the two guards enjoying their treasures and said "I think we can go now!"
As the group passed through the gates, Janus voiced the one problem that was plaguing his mind "Reb, where did you get that kitten? and what about the muffins? We never packed any muffins of any kind!" Rebelfire looked completely confused at this and asked, "There was a kitten? AND I MISSED IT?"
It took the strength of both ponies to keep him from bounding back to the gates where he would find the kitten.
~
Hehe nice, one should never underestimate the power of the rule of funny. On the other hand if I've learned anything from RPGs it's this always know what's in your inventory and being a kelpto is the only way to save the world.
Oh and my gift for speculation comes with a price, there have been nights when I've gone to bed at ten at night and couldn't fall asleep till a quater after three. Damn brain wouldn't shut off, no ideas nothing to really think about just couldn't find a way to enter sleep mode.
129315 I dunno about Coyotes Janus, I imagine them being about as intelligent as Timber Wolves, clever pack hunters sure, but not any sort of advanced culture, unless they resemble Diamond Dogs, then we've got a potential threat.
Time for a Wall-O-Text
And for those who believe I'm crazy about the threat of Donkeys this video proves I'm right DONKEYS! (Warning this video might blow your mind with it's sheer amount of musical awesome, I mean look at Rainbow Dash .)
Also would all the upcoming battles and war possibly result in Discord's release? Granted I would prefer to have him kept out of this story. Perhaps Nightmare would do what Luna and Celestia should have down and have his powers stripped from him and put into a Pony. Maybe a Young Pony that would take on some of Discord's appearance like Twilight does in the story Your Best Shot. And then it's off to the Moon or Death for Discord, and thus Nightmare Moon will secure her throne having defeated two Godlike deities .
Also has Nightmare Moon burned down Canterlot yet? I know she planned to, but I figured that would be a big event, worthy of a show, maybe a meteor shower or a private meal in a roofed sky carriage watching the event unfold with Moon Beam and Twilight. The Queen demands she enjoy the view from the optimal vantage point so of course four Pegasi to draw the carriage so she can oversee the event, in all it's glory.
Also like JanusHyde said, killing Nightmare Moon could actually make things worse, depending on what she actually did with Celestia and the Sun, I imagine she's pushed it away to about the same distance as the rest of the stars (In space no one can hear you scream Celestia) Which would be even more traumatic for Celestia as she doesn't even have a view of Equestria like Nightmare Moon did on the Moon. Actually banishing Celestia to the Moon and sending the Sun off to star distance would probably be very traumatic for Celestia too as she's away from the warm comfort of her Sun and isolated from her subjects on Equestria unable to reach out and help them. Which would be all the worse for her if she willingly let Nightmare kidnap her like she did in a few other stories, Celestia's overconfidence in her plan to restore Luna failing utterly might drive her into an eternal depression.
Actually now I think of it, did Celestia have any kind of back up plan if Twilight and her friends failed? I know it's quite far into the story but the idea that Celestia only had one plan and was willing to stake her Kingdom on it and the lives of all her subjects is a little hard to fathom. Eh maybe she had a relapse and became Trollestia again .
Or maybe there simply wasn't any other plan short of fighting Nightmare Moon and killing her, killing Luna too. Though as I said I believe Nightmare Moon is Luna only with more bite and bark than timid Luna or Canterlot voice Luna.
I do wonder how this Eternal Night affects Magical plants and fruit, but I also wonder if nocturnal plant species are now growing in over-abundance if such plants exist. And is Zecora going to be making an appearance in this story, I can imagine her working as a spy for her people or as the Royal Alchemist, she might be very pleased with the Eternal night as it's making various plants and roots grow that required specific amounts of sunlight or moon light (now they get both).
Also my earlier question now added to my wall here: Hey Peppy is Twilight physically taller now too, like is she taller than the average Pony about Luna's height a head taller?
Anyways this rambling Wall-O-Text brought to you by Tonto
130041 Oh my sweet baby Celestia I love weebl.
Now there's a few things to talk about.
1. Discord: Not going to be in THIS fic. Who's to say he won't be a problem in later ones though?
2. Luna/Nightmare: Same pony. There was no 'replacement'. It was a change brought on by hatred and jealousy. Like Tonto's #2
3. The Moon/Nightmare's Magic: The moon, as of her enchantment, has fully replaced the sun. It helps to regulate the seasons as it gives off the warmth of the sun during the 'daylight' hours. IT doesn't get as bright as the sun, but does glow a little brighter during the 'day'. It has the same photosynthesis inducing abilities as the sun. It is, basically, the sun, but in the form of the moon. The sun is 'gone' so to say. It's still there, but enshrouded by the night sky like a flashlight under a REALLY thick blanket. Also, the moon during the day, because of its enhancement, doesn't cause any negative harm to the planet. It does help the nocturnal plants grow more abundantly, but doesn't negatively affect the plants that grew best in the day. As far as the Moonlight beam that Nightmare used, it's not something that she can use in large force, for long periods of time, or more powerful than she did before. It is, for all intents and purposes, a once a day kind of thing. The beam drains the moon's innate magic to use it and, if used too long or too often, can destroy the moon. That's why she 'dropped the moon on the Royal Guards instead of death beaming them.
4. 129531 : I am loving that little story something fierce. Can't wait to see more.
5. Canterlot: Still standing. Nightmare hasn't had the time to do what she wished with that considering the constant lingering threats to her life and stuff.
6. Celestia: Can't say much that won't be explained in the story.
I think that about wraps it up for what I've missed while at work/playing games/sleeping. I'll try and get the next chapter out tonight or early tomorrow morning. It's time for me to lay my sleepy head
130041 It shall be determined when Twilight can move enough to see the rest of her body. I already know the answer, and I'm sure you all can guess correctly, but I will leave it to the story to tell you yes/no. Don't wanna give a specific answer in case there are those that don't wanna know beforehand. I know I'm like that some times
130115
No no Peppy, I prefer you don't spoil too much. I feel spoiled rotten already, getting 4 responses from you in this chapter's comments alone already has me feeling greedy. I'd rather wait and be surprised by what you come up with. After all if Spike has taught me anything it's getting everything you want will turn you into a monster. Well not me since I don't really want a lot. Just to enjoy this story and enjoy speculating on it . Besides I prefer giving anyway. So I should get my flank in gear and finish that chapter I've been putting off
Oh yeah one more thing YAY! My theory on Nightmare Moon was right . And it's possible we'll see Discord and Trixie in the sequel to this story, oh the fun and chaos those two could get up to... (I'm sure Trixie was mentioned earlier in the comments as appearing in a sequel)
130207A)SQUEAL? yay
B)stop distracting him!!!
Next Chapter??? I WANT MOAR
131987 Will be out later. Gimme a few hours or so.
hmm well peps a good job....although other changes...something makes me thing wings for some reason....i dont know....but again good job this story is up there in my top 10....keep up the good work and dont dissapoint
Congrants Peppy! You have earned the I hate Blueblood award!
Well, I will freely admit that when I started this, things were not looking up for my opinion of it... But, over the last few chapters it's really grown on me - things are less awkward, characters are behaving much less abnormally, and everything's falling into place. While my tastes have certainly adjusted, I'm sure that the beginning chapters are certainly less than up to par with these later ones. Well, onward to reading the fic that's grown on me like some sort of symbiotic fungus - oh wait, that's just the concept of shipping in general. Well, onward to reading the fic that's grown on me like shipping did some months prior.
Aw man, I was kinda hoping for Alicorn Twilight...oh well, time to continue reading!
"It would seem that Twilight has been affecting more than I thought." - effecting. Also, I think you missed the word "me"
125947 DAT MARE... HNNNNG
368625 Actually, that sentence is correct; "To affect" means "to act on; produce an effect or change in."
Edit: Besides the lack of "me," anyway.
Scarring? That doesn't make that much sense. By that same logic, Moon Beam should be littered with scars.
402023 She isn't like Moon Beam. When Moon Beam shifts, she reforms her body, which prevents scarring. I'd say more, but there's stuff explained later that is kinda spoilery. Also, the scar was made by wyvern venom which prevented complete healing. Magic could have healed over the scar, but the venom prevented it.