Musings of a Fallen Princess

by Humanity

First published 2nd of November, 2013

A small spinoff of The Lost Element. Deep within the Everfree Forest, a forgotten princess muses over her recent failure and the arrival of someone bringing something she has never received before. Appreciation and understanding.

A small spinoff of The Lost Element.

Deep within the Everfree Forest, a forgotten princess muses over her recent failure and abandonment. But she soon meets a wanderer who brings with him something she never once dreamed she would receive. Appreciation and understanding.

This is her tale and her words spoken from her heart.

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Cover art designed by Bliss Franklin Her Tumblr

A Forgotten Princess's Musings

I can still remember that moment. The instant those swirling colors of the rainbow engulfed me. I feared it would spell my end. I struggled, trying to resist it. And in the end, I faltered. I expected my ultimate doom to come. To be wiped from my dear kingdom for the final time. Instead, I was baffled to find that I still lived. But rather than being on the stone floor of the throne room within the ruins of the palace I used to inhabit with my sister, I found myself…gazing down from within the shadows of the ceiling?

I saw them. The six new bearers of the Elements of Harmony. They had gathered around each other as they stood before…her. My sister. Celestia. The source of so much of my envy. And surely the source of the warm sunlight that was illuminating the chamber. And yet… Seeing her before me…after such a long slumber within my precious moon within the night sky…I felt such a powerful sense of longing. I still felt some envy, and yet I felt so relieved at the same time to see her for the first time in… How long had I been sealed within the moon?

She spoke to the two earth ponies, the two unicorns, and the two pegasi. She had known my return was nigh all along… And I saw her approach the shattered fragments of my armor. And among those fragments was…myself.

That was… How could I be there while I was… No! I am Luna! The Princess of the Night! I am… No… I parted with that name long ago… And chose a name no one could not notice or ignore. I am Nightmare Moon. But at the same time, I am still Luna. So then… Why… Why was I seeing myself far below me?!

My old self… I looked so… It had been so long since I last looked like that. The billowing of my mane and tail had reverted to a form I had only seen on myself in my much younger days. Before my true majesty finally came to be.

I saw myself sprawled out upon the stone floor. Exhausted and humbled. My sister began to approach me while I watched myself from above… As bizarre as that may sound. My eyes opened wide before showing a look of fear and shame.

“It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this.” My sister of the sun spoke while gazing down at me. I expected her to be disappointed or furious for my…betrayal. My desperation to be accepted and adored by my people had indeed overwhelmed me.

I expected her to scold or strike me. But instead… She kneeled before me like the calm gentle older sibling she had always been to me so many times before. I heard her speak in a soft caring tone. “Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister.”

Together… She had never pushed me aside at all. She wanted me with her all along. And I had been too blind with jealousy to even see it. Lastly, she rose to a standing position once more and asked me one final question. “Will you accept my friendship?”

I hesitated. I could see the guilt and the shame within my grimace. Finally, I leaped forward and rested my face against the base of my sister’s neck. I heard myself speak in a tone I had not heard myself use in far too long. “I’m so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister…”

My sister confirmed my hopes by replying sincerely, tears of absolute joy streaming down her face. “I missed you too.”

I watched with utter amazement and relief. All was truly well between my sister and myself. And although I was seeing my former self below me… I am still the lifelong sister of Celestia. My name and form may be different, but I am still the Princess of the Night. I tried to approach my sister. To tell her how I too had missed her and was so eager to rejoin her in ruling Equestria together. But…I did not budge.

I could not move towards her at all. What was wrong with me? I tried to look at myself. To see if I was being restrained. What I found horrified me. My form… It was…perfectly flat. It billowed over the stonework that made up the ceiling. Like…a living shadow. I had become…a literal shadow of my former self!

I looked on in fear as my sister and my former self began to walk towards the exit of the throne room with the Elements’ six bearers in tow. “Sister…! Wait! I am here too!” I pleaded, shouting to get her attention. I could feel myself yelling, but my words… They could barely even be considered whispers on the wind. My voice was so silent… There was no way they could hear me from there. Yet I continued to try.

“Celestia! Please, listen to me! No… Please, don’t go! Don’t leave me here…alone…” I pleaded and pleaded, praying that at least one word would reach her ears before she could vanish from my sight. And yet…she did. One by one, the eight ponies departed from the throne room and did not return. I tried to follow them, hoping to slide along the surface I was on. But I was trapped within the shadow of the pillar that was right next to me. I could not enter the light. Seeing that I could not pursue them, I waited with bated breath. I prayed that perhaps one of them had heard me. That they would return. Minutes turned into hours. Hours turned into days. The sun set. And the moon rose. It was only then that I realized that she was not coming back. I was alone once again. And I knew then…that my sister would never return to these ruins deep within the Everfree Forest. A place that no pony would dare enter.

That… That was over two years ago. And I have not seen a single living soul since then. I have remained here in this stone chamber ever since. Alone… At least I was fortunate enough to be placed in a deep slumber while I was imprisoned within the moon. Out here…it is nothing but absolute solitude day after day. Nopony has set foot inside this chamber since that day. Keeping count of the hours that have passed, and the number of times the moon has risen and set are the few things keeping me sane out here…

Over the first few weeks, I found that I could move along the shadow I was inside of. Like a puddle sliding over a slope. When night fell and the light dimmed, I was granted greater freedom. I could move over most of the chamber as long as the moonlight was not too intense. I mostly could not enter the spaces near what remained of the windows.

It took several months, but I began to notice a strange feeling fill me with every nightfall. In the darkness, I felt…a faint bit of strength grow within me. On my first night in this pathetic paper-thin form, I felt so helpless to the point where I could not move at all. But now I can move around without effort. I even began to regain the ability to use some small forms of magic after at least two years. But it was small comfort while knowing I was still confined to this chamber. I suppose I could leave by sliding across the floor and down the stairwell at the end of the throne room, but… What would become of me if I were caught outside of a shadow when the sun began to rise? I was so fragile… I dare not risk further harm to myself.

Every day and night was full of nothing but solitude and silence. I had no one to speak to… No one to interact with. I was beginning to fear I would go mad with despair. I wanted to be with my sister again… But on one night in late summer, two years after I became a mere shadow… I received a guest.

I heard soft footsteps enter the throne room. I was near the ceiling, concealed behind one of the chamber’s great support pillars. Those footsteps… They were too soft to belong to a pony. But they had too much of a rhythm to them to be a wandering forest beast that had stumbled into the chamber out of curiosity. I listened closely, the footsteps sounding as if they were drawing closer. I closed my eyes, relying on my sharpened senses to detect the intruder. The way it sounded… The visitor was bipedal. But it was not a minotaur. No, it would make the distinct sound of hooves clopping if it were. The footsteps sounded muffled… Almost as if wearing soft…shoes? No… It could not possibly be…

I cracked my eyes open just slightly to get a better look at the intruder. Soon, it came into view. And I could not believe what I was seeing. A human. A race me and my sister had banished together so long ago. That… That was the last time I saw Mother and Father before they departed after the crisis. And yet… Even though I knew for a fact that humans could not have possibly been allowed back into this world, one stood before me.

It was a young man, though his attire seemed…far different from those that had ever been worn before. A more modern style, perhaps? And…was that a pot lid affixed to his left arm? It strongly brought to mind the shields human swordsmen would use in the distant past when defending theirs and our settlements from wild beasts. And I could see a short blade in a sheath that hung across his chest. A knife. Despite clearly being armed, this man… He did not give off even the slightest hint of malice. His unkempt dark brown hair wavered as a faint breeze blew through the chamber, his fingers adjusting a pair of glasses resting upon his nose. Numerous bags hung from his back and sides. Perhaps he was a wandering explorer. And yet… Why was he there?

The more I watched him, the more I began to notice that he seemed all too aware that he was not the only person in the throne room. His head slowly turned while he appeared to scan his surroundings. A perceptive analytical man, though also seeming fearful. Had he been pursued here? Eventually, he gazed directly up at me. His expression showed one of bewilderment. He was clearly seeing my dark billowing form. I was not certain of what to make of him, so I remained still and silent.

Suddenly, his face seemed to brighten in wonderment and…hope? Was he happy to see me for some reason? No, it could not be. No humans were present in Equestria when I abandoned my original name for Nightmare Moon. And yet, he spoke out to me with a soft tender tone of voice. “Is that you, Nightmare Moon?”

I felt myself calm at the sound of his voice. How he knew my name at all did not matter. I felt calm in his presence. The first living being I had seen in over two years. And he was looking at me with an expression of… Well, whatever he was showing, it was a very positive emotion.

He approached the stone pillar I was closest to before looking at me once again. He wanted me to approach him. And I did just that. I moved down the pillar while he constantly watched me. His mouth curved into a relaxed smile. But I was not prepared for what he spoke next. “It’s an honor to meet you, m’lady. I really enjoy the calm and cool tranquility of your beautiful nights.”

I froze. He had… Those words… He… He loved the night? He appreciated my work? The beautiful moonlit night I had put my soul into crafting for the world? I could hardly think. My mind was a mess with so many questions and clashing emotions. But when I stopped before him, his hand reached out and rested upon my billowing form. His touch was gentle… His hands soft and supple. Not at all the hands of a warrior. More like the hands of a poet. His face changed to a more somber and sympathetic expression before he spoke again. “They just don’t understand… I know you were angry and just wanted to be appreciated. Well, let me be the first to say that I am thankful for your soothing night.”

Those words… The first to ever… I… I reached out to him the only way I could. I wanted to hold this man in my arms. To embrace him and show how grateful I was to hear those words. My shadowy form crept along his hand and over his arm. I grasped him as tightly as I could. I was afraid to let go. This sensation I was feeling at the time. I felt so…warm. So…happy. I cannot even fathom when I last felt so elated.

I opened my eye wide to let him see more of me. He spoke immediately. “Is that you, Princess?”

Princess… It had been so long since I had last been called that. I could see my vision starting to become blurred. Tears were building up fast. He spoke once more to me. “I know the rest of Equestria fears you. But… Maybe someday, you’ll be able to walk with us again. Not as a monster, but as the princess of the night.”

What had I done to deserve such praise… My grasp on him tightened. I was fearful to let go. I could no longer restrain my tears. I felt them flow down, sliding over my dark form. He noticed right away, his hand reaching up and wiping the tear away from my body. “Are you crying, m’lady?”

I could no longer restrain myself. I had to let him know how I felt. I knew it was unlikely that he would hear me, but I tried anyway. I tried to speak. To let him hear my voice. And as I did so, I heard my voice whisper through the air. “I…feel…happy…” I could hardly believe that I had regained my voice. At last, I was no longer mute. “You…were the first to…thank me…”

The human man before me must have known that it was I who was speaking. He nodded with a solemn smile. “No. Thank you, Nightmare Moon. For creating a beautiful night that allows those who are exhausted from working in the sunlight to rest in the cooling darkness.”

I felt completely at peace in the presence of this man. He gently retracted his arm, pulling away from me as he took a step back. I could not look away from him. I could still feel his admiration and concern in that calm gaze. I felt…happy in his presence. I wanted to stay with him.

What… What was that I was feeling at the time? It was new to me. Something I had never felt so strongly for another before…

To my surprise, he kneeled before me. And what he said next surprised me. “I know you see sleeping through the night as an insult, but please understand. It is because of the night that I am able to sleep so well. And I am absolutely exhausted. I need to rest.”

As he walked towards what seemed to be a collapsed support pillar, I felt absolutely torn. To sleep… Through my beautiful night right after praising it! Just like the others… But… The more I looked at him, the more I could see just how exhausted he was. He must have been wandering the Everfree Forest for hours. And even I know that the forest is far from safe. Especially during the night.

And I will confess… I too usually found myself feeling more relaxed while under the soft glow of the moon… Perhaps he is right. Maybe the night is the most ideal time to rest.

“M’lady, may I sleep here tonight?” He asked while setting out what seemed to be a very large flat bag of sorts made of thick fabric. I mused over this for a moment before finally moving down the pillar and over the sack before him. I rested upon it, gazing up at him while I smiled. Well, I doubt he could see my mouth, but he appeared to understand. He showed a genuine smile before speaking softly. “Thank you, m’lady.”

For a time, he lay in that sack while seemingly writing something down. A journal of some sort? Regardless, once he had written several pages worth of paper, he placed them inside the sack he had been carrying on his back and tucked himself into his bedroll for the night. But while inside, I heard him speak softly. “Sweet dreams, Nightmare Moon.”

I did not move from that spot. I coated his bedroll with my entire form. I wanted to keep him safe. Even though I am still a shell of my former self, I am certain I have regained enough of my strength to use some forms of magic to defend us. I will watch over him. I will not allow any harm to come to my...friend.

Hours passed. And for the first time in far too long, I did not feel lonely. I could feel my new friend moving under me with every breath and every stir. I felt determined and watchful. Something I had not felt in…over a thousand years. I am reminded of my days in the distant past. When I presided over Equestria with my sister. I cared for my people. I wanted to keep them safe and to keep them happy. But they… They turned their backs on me and my night. Yet…this man openly admires my night, and therefore myself. I once again have someone I wish to protect and please.

My friend had to depart the following morning. Apparently he had to return to the town I had seen when I returned to this world from the moon. It would seem that he has developed bonds with the bearers of the Elements of Harmony since the bearers of the Elements of Loyalty and Kindness came all the way out to this section of the Everfree Forest just to find him. Although he was quick to hide from them, as was I. I would normally not hide from mere commoners like a coward, but… I am still weak. If they found that I still live… After what they did to me the last time… I dread the thought of what would become of me if I were exposed to the Elements’ power in such a weakened state.

The two departed before my friend could speak out to them, though I suspect he did not want to. He seemed rather shy at the time. And… Just how in the world did he become an earth pony in his sleep? I could not help but giggle like a fool while watching his frustration upon finding himself in such a state. Although I must admit… He does make a handsome stallion. Though to be fair, he looked just fine as a human too. Will he ever change back?

His reaction to the change was far from pleasant. He ranted and fumed for a good minute, laughing awkwardly as he beheld his predicament. I even had to help him emerge from his bedroll since he no longer possessed hands. Although… I felt myself gain…strength? His intense burst of negative emotions… Did I draw power from them?

I suppose it should come as no surprise… If I am indeed not Luna, then I was surely born from her darker emotions long ago when… But I am feeling more myself now. More…whole. What will happen as I regain more strength?

I was disheartened to see my friend gathering his belongings since I knew my new friend would soon depart. But I understood he had to leave. The Everfree Forest is nowhere near as safe as it was a millennium ago and remaining out here for an extended period of time is certainly hazardous. Especially to somepony who cannot even walk right. It was rather amusing to watch my friend stumble about as he tried to balance himself on his four legs.

I watched from the ceiling, wondering if he had already forgotten about me. But once he was wearing the bags he had brought on his sides and back, he gazed up in my direction and managed to crack a smile in spite of his situation. “Thank you for watching over me, Nightmare Moon. I hope we can chat someday.”

I felt such an intense warmness. He was hoping to see me again. And I have been awaiting that day for some time. I saw the leaves on the trees beyond the window turn orange and fall. Then the snow came once again. Time passed and the snow melted, the trees regaining their leaves. And he has not returned since.

However, I do not fault my friend. Knowing what kind of wild beasts roam the Everfree Forest, not to mention that cursed village of heartless abominations out there, just reaching my location would be risky. I do miss him… And I often find myself longing for him… The only man who has ever appreciated me… I pray I see him again soon…

It finally happened. I felt my strength return to what it used to be. I brought myself closer to the ground and began to pull. I felt myself regaining shape. Becoming solid and physical. I felt bone and muscle returning to my body, giving me shape. In one great heave, I pulled myself from the wall. I looked myself over, seeing my sleek black form, my beautiful billowing blue mane and tail wavering behind me. Once again, I was whole.

I summoned the shards of my armor that had been scattered around the throne room, merging them together and restoring them to their former glory before placing them back upon my body. They lack the polish of a princess’s royal attire, but they would do for now.

Now that I am whole once more, it is time to once again make my subjects… Wait… Do I really need to make them all… What about…him?

Of course… My friend. The only friend I have ever known. He is still out there somewhere. He who loves the night. He who loves…me. I feel so lonely… I want to see him again. To finally speak to him as the Princess of the Night. I long to see him so dearly…

What is this feeling… I crave to see him again. To feel his touch. To hear his voice. Is this…love? Is this how it feels to love someone oh so dearly?

The night will begin again once the sun sets. And when it does, it will last forever. For it is what he would want. I know he will cherish the eternal night, basking in the glow of the beautiful pale moon. He will know it is I who have made the night last forever. For him. He will seek me out. And we will be together once more.

Forever.

And yet…is what I am doing…even if it is for him… Is this…right?

A Forgotten Princess's Rebirth

The night has begun again. And this time, it will not end. My spell is in place. My beautiful moon looms overhead in the night sky, a perfect sphere shining its soft glow over the land. I still remain out here in the Everfree Forest, within the derelict throne room of my palace ruins.

He will come… I know he will. If my friend loves the night as much as he claimed, then he will surely seek me out. He loves the night… He loves me… He will surely return this night.

I am looking out the empty window in the wall at the moon. My finest work. I am sure many are looking at it too right at this very moment. Perhaps they too will come to see its beauty in a new light. And yet… I have never felt more alone. My eternal night has begun and there is nopony here to bask in it with me.

I know I will not be alone for long though. When he returns, we… Wait… When he arrived here months ago… The bearers of the Elements of Kindness and Loyalty came searching for him… Does he share some bond with them? If he arrives here tonight, will the Elements come with him?

Even if they do not accompany him, it is only a matter of time before they realize something is amiss. They will eventually locate me and seek to destroy me once again. This is not conjecture. It will happen. I have been humbled twice before. What can I do to make certain there will not be a third time?

As I ponder this dilemma, I can feel something in the air… Something I am intimately familiar with. Six presences. A bold stalwart presence… One of the most tender kindness… Another of sincere honesty… And one of uplifting laughter… A presence of supportive generosity… And another of guiding wisdom. The six Elements of Harmony that I at one time used myself along with my sister. I can still faintly feel their forces in the air. Lingering here in mere residual quantities from their previous use.

Perhaps… Yes, perhaps I can form a counter to the Elements of Harmony with what I have here. It will not be much, but… I attempt to draw them in with my magic. The same focus used to resonate with them in my possession. They recognize me and begin to swirl around me, becoming more visible as they become concentrated. The six colors are beckoned to me, recognizing me as a former mistress.

There is one spell I somehow remember. A most vile type of magic… Why do I know this? Where did I gain this knowledge? Regardless… Yes. I know it will be my saving grace. I focus, diluting the harmonic forces around me. Adjusting their polarity. Corrupting them. They turn dark, being mere tainted versions of their complete selves. I finish the deed, the six forces compressing and taking on solid crystalline forms. The six forms seemed familiar… The same shapes as those used by the six current bearers to defeat me some time ago.

As I behold these six dark forces before me… They seem familiar… Six colors in a…rainbow of… No…. No, I do not wish to remember that dark time. That era… It must be forgotten forever. And yet… By the stars, what have I created? I see it within these twisted gemstones… That horrid force that corrupted so many… They feel the same… Only far weaker… No, I will not make them anymore potent. They are weak now, yet they will surely suffice. I only need them for defense. Nothing more.

My tools for defense crafted… These ‘Elements of Chaos’… I dismissed them, keeping them at the ready in case the need arose for them to be used. And yet… I felt a nagging fear in my heart. My friend… He has not seen me in months… Will he recognize me in my true whole state? Will he see a mare or a monster? My friend… Please remember me… I know I remember you… I only wish I could remember your name.

These forces I have crafted… I pray I do not have to use them… I know they are meant for mere defense, yet… I am certain they lack the power to do more than merely block the six Elements… I must craft another safeguard… Yes, those three pegasi facsimiles I imitated to lure away the pegasus who now bears the Element of Loyalty… They will suffice as a deterrent.

With my magic, I conjured them up. They immediately departed the ruins and headed east to ward off anypony who would seek me out to do me harm. They know what their mission is. I just pray they do not have to resort to inflicting harm on any of my subjects.

Hours have passed. And no one has arrived. What has become of him? This night was made to last forever just for my one friend… Has he forgotten me over the course of the several months since his arrival?

I was snapped out of my thoughts by a metallic clank at the far end of the throne room. But who was it? The six bearers having arrived to dispose of me once more? I turned and looked towards the far end of the chamber, ready to defend myself. “Who goes there?!”

The instant I looked… I stood transfixed. It was him. My friend. He stood before me at the far end of the chamber. Motionless. Watching me. Any and all hostility in my mind faded in an instant and was replaced by a deluge of absolute joy. I could not move. I could only speak. “It’s… It’s you!”

I could not stay away from him. I began to approach my friend. I spoke softly and kindly, trying to not overwhelm him with any sort of affection until he was comfortable. It had been so long since he last came to me. I did not want to startle him into fleeing, as much as I wanted to reach out and hold him close.

He replied, speaking of his personal enjoyment of the eternal night. My heart soared. He does cherish the night! And yet… I paused. His body. It was coated in a very familiar suit of armor. White wings, white vambraces, and a suit of plate armor bearing the color of my coat from long ago. The same armor we crafted for our human friends… Just before word reached us of the beginning of their invasion. I never thought I would ever see it used. And now that it was coating my friend, it looked…brilliant. He was truly a feast for the eyes. And on his left arm… A grand shield with a sword hilt jutting over the top. The Celestial Sword. And the Lunar Shield… One of my finest creations. If he had come to me without any desire to do me harm, why was he carrying weapons of war?

I questioned him, and he replied with obvious wariness of the Everfree Forest and its more hostile denizens. Fair enough, I suppose. He requested that he come closer to me. And I wanted him by my side. I could almost reach out and hold him. And yet… My wariness was keeping me at bay. I have had nothing but enemies until this day…

Despite my heart telling me to cast my caution to the wind, I had to tell him to disarm before approaching me. I felt a smile creep across my face as he did so without a second thought. He meant no harm at all. Once the sword and shield had been removed from his arm, I beckoned him to come closer.

He almost seemed wary as he drew near. He inquired if I was the same being he had spoken to months ago. He does remember that day. I spoke honestly with a smile, telling him of my sincere appreciation of his compassion and speaking my name. He stopped mere inches from me, our eyes locked. And yet, his response caught me entirely by surprise. “You are more beautiful than I ever imagined.”

I froze. An intense warmth filled my body. And that rush to my face. I must have been blushing. I could hardly believe that he had just praised me so boldly when none have ever done so before. No… He would never say that unless he held a very strong affection towards me. No mere commoner had ever even spoken that level of praise to my sister. And yet… He even compared my beauty to that of Celestia! The mare whose shadow I had always lived in!

I… I could not look directly at him. I was so taken aback. I spoke of the other titles I had been called. Frightening and hideous to name a few. He showed great disgust as he…held me in his arms. He had stepped forward and was holding me in a tender embrace.

His touch… Even beneath the cold hard shell of his armor, I can swear I could still feel it. Such warmth… He carried the look of a warrior with that armor, yet had the touch of the most peaceful dove. I just wanted to let myself go. To just melt into his grasp and let him hold me forever. But that did not last long. He suddenly stepped away while looking as nervous as a pickpocket who had just been caught with a coin purse in his mouth.

He seemed to merely be worried that he may have stepped out of line since he understands that I am a princess and not a fellow commoner. But I did not mind. How could I? That man… He means the world to me. I pleaded that he hold me again, which he did. I could spend the rest of my days in his arms… He called me ‘princess’ once more… By that point, I felt that the honorifics were pointless. I told him that friends do not use such terms when addressing each other.

We spoke and chatted much like friends should. We discussed how my former self and I are now separate entities and how I regained my true physical form. He was very open-minded about everything I talked about, never once showing any harsh disagreements or revulsions. But then he asked me why I had brought about the eternal night once more.

And, of course, I told him the truth. That I had given him it as a gift since it is what he would have wanted. He was taken aback by this revelation. And he even seemed genuinely pleased by it as well. However… He then claimed that…the night needed to end.

I could not believe my ears. I had given him what he desired. What he loved. And he was insisting on throwing it away?! However, he then followed his claim with a calm insistence that he explain himself. I gave him that privilege. And the words that followed…opened my eyes to the truths I had been so blind to.

The night brings soothing cool to the world. I had known that all along. But if it continues for too long, that soothing cool becomes a freezing cold. And with such cold comes frigid death. My subjects… My people would perish if the night continued forever. I would never come to be loved… Only hated as a monster. And I would deserve it.

However, he then followed his words up with an explanation of the sun. It brings warmth and nurturing light to the world. But if exposed for too long, that gentle warmth becomes a sweltering burning heat. All life would wither. And the only thing protecting my people from such a fate…is my night.

Such wisdom in his words. And I, with centuries of knowledge contained within my skull, was oblivious to this simple fact. All those years ago, I nearly doomed my people…when the world was already in balance.

He then explained to me that there are certain spectacles that occur only at night if one desires to enjoy them. Including some sort of occurrence called ‘Nightmare Night’.

I suppose it is possible that my people do appreciate the night… And perhaps the only reason I never saw or heard their praise was because their enjoyment of it is at its greatest when locked in a deep slumber. Resting from their endeavors during the day.

The night will end at dawn. As it is supposed to. My friend… He told me his name is James. It has been so long since I last heard a human name.

This man… He has saved me from repeating my mistake. We remained together, speaking casually. I felt so at peace in his presence. Like I could trust him with my entire being.

My thoughts were interrupted by a voice coming from far away. From the stairwell at the far end of the throne room. I could see a shadow moving along the wall of the spiraling stairwell. The voices… They could not be…

My friend seemed to sense my panic and assured me that they were of no threat to me. Yet, when they revealed themselves, I saw none other than the six bearers of the Elements of Harmony with the thrice-cursed gemstones being worn proudly upon them.

The Elements… I had been deceived. My friend had worked to lower my guard! I lashed out at him, my mane trying to strike him while he spread his great wings and retreated out of range towards the six bearers. I had gone to great lengths to prevent my demise. I will not fall now! Not again!

The six bearers tried to lower my guards with pleas of innocence, but I would not allow myself to be fooled. They bested me once before and having the Elements of Harmony in their possession proved that they had come with the intention of disposing of me. However, my friend then called out as well. He insisted with great urgency in his voice that they meant no harm at all.

If it were from anyone else, I would have dismissed it in an instant. And yet…I was torn. I was uncertain of what to believe. The ponies with the means to destroy me for good were standing before me, and yet the one man who had ever come to appreciate me was insisting that they were of no threat to me. No… I cannot trust them. But him…

Of course. Perhaps I could entice him to leave them. To remain by my side for eternity. I cannot let him leave again. He means too much to me now. I offered him what he desired. To remain by my side while being bathed in the beautiful glow of the moon forevermore.

The bearer of the Element of Loyalty adamantly insisted that he remain with them, but I knew what he would choose in the end. I spoke once more in a calm inviting tone. I knew it was what he wanted. I know he adores me. Just as much as I…crave him.

For a moment, there was nothing but silence. He was clearly torn as he stood there, an equal distance between myself and the six bearers. Eventually, he turned and walked towards them before stopping ten paces away and facing me once more. He then apologized to me, insisting that he was doing what was right.

I felt a sting in my heart at the sound of his words. I demanded that he explain himself. And he once more explained the chilling effects my night would have on the land along with one final line. That allowing the sun to rise once again is the right thing to do.

As if something had been waiting for those words, the air became heavy. A presence began to make itself known. That presence… Similar to the Elements of Harmony, yet… It cannot be! Here?! Now!?

The bearer of the Element of Magic spoke aloud as the six Elements began to resonate in response. I too muttered aloud, unable to believe what was about to occur. I thought that Element was gone forever… Gone with the race that crafted it. And now… Standing before us… A member of that lost race was now unwittingly calling it back. The Lost Element has chosen its bearer!

White lightning sparked in the air. Crossing and bolting through the air while converging on one point above my friend. An orb of lightning began to form before suddenly collapsing in on itself and engulfing the chamber with a flash so bright, I had to shield my eyes. When the flash faded and I was able to look again… There it was. An elegant helmet bearing the colors of his armor. And a beautiful polished white gemstone tucked snuggly above the helmet’s crest on the forehead. Its form was elegant and lovely. Two doves facing each other with wings spread, forming a heart in the gap between their bodies. Is it possible that…he bears a cutie mark on his upper arms like the humans that came before him?

They were confused, yet amazed. They could see that it was indeed an Element, though clearly not one of the Elements of Harmony. It seemed that my friend had some knowledge of its existence since he referred to it as the ‘Lost Element’ as well. I decided then to silence them and reveal to them its true identity. An Element crafted by human hands. An Element that represents the fluidity of the human spirit. The Element of Humanity.

The six bearers seemed baffled by the Element’s title, although James gave a very deep explanation of its true nature. That humanity is never set in stone and can drift from being pure and peaceful to dominating and corrupt. Spiritual balance. That is exactly what it embodies. And James clearly showed the qualities needed for it to appear before him. A kind, yet imperfect, heart.

For a brief time, they bantered with him. Remarking about the Element on the helmet in his grasp while commending him for now being the bearer of an Element like them. Eventually, he spoke of his resolve to save me once more. And I made certain he understood I would not allow the night to end until all of Equestria had come to appreciate it for its true worth.

At least…that is what I said. But the truth is… I wanted it to continue on for him… And only him… I want him to stand by my side. As my companion… As my king of the night…

The bearers of the Elements of Magic and Honesty could tell that I was not going to yield or relinquish. And I knew I would not fall to the Elements of Harmony again. Not with my safeguard in effect. They spoke to my friend. Insisted that the Elements be used. And after a moment of contemplation and gazing at me with a truly conflicted stare, he finally threw up one hand and spoke his decision. “Do it.”

He had no will to harm me. He only wished to stop me. That much I could see for certain. His love for me is strong… As is mine for him.

They could tell something was amiss while I gave them a calm smirk. The bearer of the Element of Honesty was especially aware of it. And I responded in kind, making them know that I would not fall this time. Like before, a growing field of white surrounded the bearers as the Elements began to work their magic. But as that familiar rainbow of purifying magic swept forward like a deluge, I cackled in staunch excitement. “Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, shame on me! Fool me thrice… NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!”

All around me, I saw them beginning to materialize. Six sparking orbs of dark lightning. And then, they appeared. My six Elements of Chaos. And then… That dreaded rainbow of darkness burst forth from them. They formed a swirling maelstrom around me, shielding me from the Elements of Harmony. Once the two forces clashed, they both retreated to their resting places. Just like long ago…

The bearers were understandably baffled and shocked by the failure of the Elements to subdue me. Truly a first. They demanded answers, and I asked them if they really thought I would allow the Elements to be used successfully on me a third time. That lack of an answer clearly showed that they were taking me for a fool. I told them how I knew it would only be a matter of time before my sister discovered that I still exist and that she would likely move to bring about my end once again. And how these six Elements, the Elements of Lies, Wrath, Greed, Force, Betrayal, and Cruelty were needed to hold the Elements of Harmony at bay. And they worked flawlessly. They accused me of seeking to use them on my kingdom of Equestria, although I was quick to reassure them that they were strictly for defense and nothing else.

And naturally, with my defenses being a perfect counter to the one weapon that could crush my desires for good, victory for them is impossible. I extended my hoof to my friend and offered him a place by my side. And yet, he said nothing before stepping backwards towards the bearers. What was he doing? Why refuse?

He seemed to be whispering something to the six bearers. They too tried to keep their voices low to prevent me from hearing. Finally he stood up and began to approach me. It was clear what his decision was. He had chosen to turn against me. After all I had offered him!

With the use of magic contained within his gauntlets, he summoned the mighty Lunar Shield back to his arm. But not once did he draw his sword. Why? Does he seek to destroy me or side with me? However, he did not get far. The bearer of the Element of Kindness reached out and held onto him. She pleaded that he not attempt to stand against me. In fact, they all objected. And he responded in kind. His desire not to slay me, but to stop me.

I could see the deep attachment those mares held for him. It had been so long since I had last seen my friend… What had happened so far away from the palace ruins I had been confined to? Somewhere in my heart, I was torn. As wary as I was of them, I did not want to see the six bearers harmed. And yet, I…

Finally, my friend placed his helmet upon his head. And the sight that followed was simply…spectacular. The helmet’s plume, a beautiful fusion of my mane with that of my sister’s, emerged from its backside. For the first time since its creation, that precious suit of armor was complete. I was left momentarily speechless. Such was its beauty. Even the six bearers could not contain their awe.

They bantered for a moment or two, seemingly so enthralled with that spectacular mane to the point where they had forgotten I was in the room with them. I finally barked out at them to remind them of the conflict at hoof, regaining their attention. I demanded that he explain what he intended to do now that his armor was complete. And his words shook me deeply. That the sun must rise.

I felt…such a dull pain in my heart then. I knew that minutes earlier he had merely voiced his will. But this time, it carried a strong air of finality. His mind was made up. This beautiful gift I had woven just for him… An eternal night he and I could bask under together forever… And he had thrown in all away.

I felt anger take command of me for a moment. Using magic, I hurled a chunk of nearby rubble at him while roaring harsh words. In my heart, that action stung me. I did not wish to see him wounded. Fortunately, he easily countered. Using the magic of levitation provided by his gauntlets, he halted the flying stone rubble. He spoke of his gratitude for my gift…despite immediately claiming that the night had overstayed its welcome. I went with the feeling in my gut. I refused to end the night. He is so close… So close… Perhaps I can convince him to stop. To remain with me and allow the night to continue. Or perhaps… Perhaps deep in his heart, he really does hold only contempt for me. Just like the rest…

I demanded that he draw his sword if he was going to stand against me. And he refused once more, voicing words of wishing to save me. This…roused so much anger in me. My heart torn, not certain of what to believe anymore, I lashed out. Deadly lightning magic was launched from my horn, which he easily countered by blocking the strike with the very shield I had forged so long ago.

He showed no fear in those eyes. Only a deep concern. But the eyes can lie. I continued my assault, launching a constant stream of lightning towards him. And yet, I prayed that he would not be harmed. Was he my enemy? I truly did not wish to believe it. He is the first… I… I just do not want to believe he would turn against me now.

Moments went by as I kept the arcing lightning going. And soon, I felt something grasp my horn and interrupting the magic aura surrounding it. He had pushed his way through the torrent of lightning and was now standing before me, his armored hand wrapped around the base of my horn.

For a moment, there were no words. He looked me dead in the eye, but made no move to harm me. Instead, he spoke softly. Telling me that enough had been done. But I could not let it end. The night could not be allowed to end so soon. In desperation, I pulled my horn free and aimed it directly at his chest. I screamed my will before unleashing a much more potent burst of lightning. Lightning that I prayed would not be fatal.

A flash of light engulfed us for a brief moment as my spell struck. But when the light fade, I looked on in silence. Half in relief, the other in disappointment. My friend stood frozen, his arm over his face in fear. He did not have time to throw his shield up. The armor my sister and I forged together… It withstood the spell. Somewhere inside me, I felt a sense of pride. Pride in seeing that our masterpiece was every bit as stalwart as we had hoped it would be.

He spread his great wings and retreated with a mighty flap, but was immediately harshly criticized by the bearer of the Element of Loyalty. In the brief moment the two of them argued, I cast another bolt of lightning magic. This time towards her. It was not one of fatal power, I swear. I was so sure… Perhaps if I made clear to him that their lives would be in danger so long as this struggle continued, he would lay down his arms. And this duel may end without bloodshed.

My friend reacted quickly. Using the spell of levitation, he moved the sturdy Lunar Shield before the bearer of Loyalty to block my strike. And after that, he…cast the shield aside. As if he was placing all his faith in the armor alone. Not quite a fool’s gamble, to be sure. But I am still the Princess of the Night, equal in might to the Princess of the Dawn. Surely even I can find a way to crack his shell!

I became even more desperate. I used my powerful royal magic to topple two of the chamber's towering support pillars towards him. I was only trying to intimidate him. Surely that would frighten him into ceasing this resistance. But he did not falter. Using the magic within his gauntlets, he managed to repel the massive stone pillars and even pushed them back to their original positions. Such might within those gauntlets. Same as mine…

I was genuinely baffled by how someone who at that time could have only been novice in the arcane arts could have enough focus to maintain such a level of levitation magic. The armor… Yes, it must enhance the mental focus of the human mind to get the most out of the armor’s magical capabilities. I do believe I had suggested that myself during its crafting. But I did not stop there. While briefly distracted by his friends, I charged him while engulfing myself in my swirling ethereal mane and tail. A drill of sorts. I had to close the distance between us. Indirect assaults were not reaching him.

His armor withstood my strike with ease. I pushed him through the air before holding him against a pillar as I ceased the assault. He spoke not words of scorn, but of compliments. His expression showed no hate or anger. And neither did mine. I reached out to him, cupped his face gently with my hoof. In that brief moment, I had all but forgotten my fears and anger. We were together again. In the hope that he would listen, I pleaded with him. I know he did not want the night to end. Deep down inside his soul, it was what he desired.

I suddenly felt a harsh push to my neck. A simple force spell to push me away. It had come from the bearer of the Element of Magic. In my renewed frustration, I took my attention away from my friend and directed a wide volley of lightning towards them. But my friend was quick, swooping down to them and making them huddle behind him while calling the Lunar Shield back to his arm. He stood ready, the shield’s great size being just large enough to protect them from my assault. A perfect frontal defense that leaves no openings. Just as it had been meant to do.

They called out to him. Insisting that I would not quit. And they are right. I will not stop now. Not until he is mine. But I knew that they would likely try to use the Elements of Harmony again soon. I retreated to the circle of the Elements of Chaos. They had remained where I had left them, ready to halt the purifying Elements once more. Then I heard them suggest it. Using the Element of Humanity with the Elements of Harmony.

The Element of Humanity is not at all an Element of Harmony. It was not created in the Era Before Time Began to Flow like the Elements of Harmony. That only came at least three millennia later. They could not possibly have such a connection. My friend seemed hesitant too. He was not even certain what it was meant to do. And yet, they tried once more. The bearers began to float in the air as the Elements resonated with them. But my defenses would hold. I would not fall now.

My friend entered the circle made by the six bearers. It was then that the swirling pillar of rainbow light shot skyward, its two halves spiraling around each other like the outside of a pillar. But it did not sweep forward. They continued to spiral. As if waiting for something.

And then I saw it. From below in the great pale glow engulfing the seven bearers, I saw it emerge. A seventh color. White. Rising up between the two spiraling ribbons of color. And an instant later, they converged onto it before the rainbow of seven colors descended upon me once again. But I know my defenses will hold.

The Elements of Chaos reacted as expected, the dark swirling vortex rising around me just in time to block the Elements of Harmony. I balked at the foolish attempt of trying yet again only to be met with failure. But my words were interrupted by a new sound. Cracking.

My eyes turned to the six false Elements around me. I could still see them at the base of the dark vortex that was surrounding me. They were beginning to crack. The Element of Humanity… It was empowering the Elements of Harmony! A cornerstone from our former allies… And the Elements of Chaos were on the verge of destruction! If only…. If only the Element of Humanity had been crafted so long ago…

Fear has taken hold of me. The Elements… They will destroy me! I plead for him to cease. To not allow the Elements of erase me. I call and cry out for him, my defenses weakening with every second. And then… The sound of shattering. I see them. A wall of seven colors. And a mere second later, they are upon me once more.

I scream and push, absolute terror gripping my soul. The very Elements that once kept Equestria safe while in the use of my sister and I were now engulfing me. Overwhelming me. I struggle, pushing forward. Forcing my way towards the only person in the chamber who may still feel anything for me at all. Tears flowing in terror, I looked ahead to see him abandon the point of origin for the seven Elements and rush towards me. I reached out. I thought he was my friend. So…why…

Just before he reached me, I could resist no longer. The Elements swept me up and carried me away back to where I once stood. A great wail escaped my throat. How could he… How could he, after all that I offered?! When the Elements dragged me to the ground, they ruptured skyward with great force. It was then I felt it. My grasp on the night. It had been severed. And then… Loud crashes and painful poundings to my body. Stone rubble covered me. My vision became dark. And my hearing muffled. The world became black and still…

I cannot move… I… Why… My body aches… He… How could he… I offered him…everything he ever wanted…

I offered him the eternal night… I offered him my companionship… I offered him my love… My…love… And he…cast it all away…

I thought he was the first… The first to ever embrace me for what I truly am… I thought he loved me… Accepted me… Saw me as a mare where others saw a monster… I thought he truly…loved me…

I have felt the betrayal of my people… The betrayal of my sister… And now….the betrayal of the one man I thought was…

I…cannot forgive… Not this… He… How could you… After all I gave you… All your sweet words… Your tender touch… All lies… Cannot forgive… Cannot forgive… Cannot forgive…!

My strength returns as wrath fills me… A wrath I have never felt… I escape my stone tomb, my helm lost. I seal off the only means of escape. Now… Only he is before me. You… I gave you so much! I gave you the night! I gave you my gratitude! I gave you my heart! My heart! And you cast it all away! Cannot…forgive!

He attempts to flee and I counter. I send him crashing through the stone wall of the chamber and into the forest below. No, it’s not enough! I won’t let him escape… Not after this most wretched of betrayals! I spread my wings and pursue, but he dives into the trees. I will find you… I gave you my heart, and I will take it back from your corpse!

The trees fall to the wayside as my magic surges in my wrath. I see him. I try to impale him from behind with my horn, yet he rises skyward. I turn and demand that he fall to his knees, the most powerful blast of lightning I can muster launching from my horn. His wing is severed from his armor, sending him plummeting to the ground. As soon as he falls, I am upon him with another spell. His pauldron fractures under my might. And then…he drew his blade. A weapon to slay me with. You will not escape me now, traitor!

He dare not approach me and my lightning magic cannot pass his shield. I use levitation to beat him into submission. The ground and the trees are my weapons as I smash and flail him about. I finally drew near once he was too ragged to attempt to stand, my horn directed at his face. He pleads for forgiveness, but his words are hollow. I know he holds nothing but contempt for me. Contempt I willingly return a thousand fold!

I would have ended him right there if not for a blow to my face from nowhere. I knew that voice that then called out to him. The voice of Loyalty.

I gave her one chance to retreat and leave us. A chance she turned her nose up at. Her speed was unlike any I had seen before. A rainbow streak through the air as she whirled around me, landing stinging blows on my body while my spells always failed to reach their mark. But her speed is nothing if she is shackled by the might of my magic!

She froze in the air, my magic shackling her with unseen chains. I see panic in her eyes. She knows her doom is nigh. She pleads, reaching out for him. But he is too late. I unleash one of my deadliest lightning spells into her. She is engulfed, sent falling away from me. Her body becomes still. She ceases to draw breath. The bearer of Loyalty has paid the price for preventing the traitor’s justice.

But I cannot be so sure. I drew in close to make certain she would not rise again. But… The light coming from the Celestial Sword… It was drawing near rapidly. I only narrowly backed away before it could lop off my head. He stood between us, sword drawn and ready. But… That face… Such wrath in it… The likes of which I have never seen in the eyes of a man… And the Element of Humanity on his helmet… Gone were the twin white doves. In its place… The form of twin gray falcons. With hooked tail feathers and wings of blades…

I had no time to prepare for his assault. With terrible war cries, he rained blow after blow on me with terrible ferocity. I felt the sharp stings as the unyielding glowing blade cut through my flesh with ease, my crimson blood being spilled. My wrath was quickly replaced with raw terror. I became desperate to survive, focusing my magic into my horn. With a thrust, I rammed my horn through his midsection. His armor yielded, the combined force of my horn strengthened by my potent magic. He retaliated in kind, stabbing his sword deep near my shoulder. The pain was unlike any I had experienced, sharp and deep as the blade inside me. I pulled back, as did he, our blood coating our bodies while the white glow of his sword became crimson as the blood that coated it. I could feel his blood as well, the fluid oozing down my horn.

The fury in his eyes began to fade as the Elements atop his helmet became white, the falcons becoming doves once more. But my terror had not subsided. He spoke to me, seemingly oblivious to the mortal wound in his torso, but I heard no words. I was reeling from the pain, that look of wretched anger still etched into my recent memory… This is the cruelty humans are capable of… And with the might his armor and weapons bestow upon him… What were they thinking? Why allow such a tainted race back into this world knowing what they are capable of?!

I knew then what I had to do. I had to protect this world and my people. I could not allow this demon to bring ruin to this realm again… My wings spread wide and carried me into the steadily brightening predawn sky above the canopy. A spell that even the armor would not resist… Why do I know this cursed spell… Why is it in my memory…? But… I cannot let the questions that flood my mind distract me. Yes… I feel it… Deadly dark magic… It will engulf him… Consume him… It will surely…

What… This feeling… Light…from the sun…just beginning to peek over the horizons… So…hot… This feeling… Mother…? Even you…and Father wish to see me gone…?

My strength is leaving me… Falling… Darkness clouds my vision…

My body has gone numb… My wrath and terror faded… All that remains…is sorrow… All I can do is weep…my tears flowing free… The world has forsaken me… My sister sees me as a monster… My own parents strike me down… And now…the only man I felt I could give my heart to…has turned his sword on me…

This is the third time… I thought for certain…that this time would be different. That I would finally be…loved… Am I…truly a monster…and nothing more…?

My eyes are heavy… I can see him above me…blood pouring from the gaping hole in his torso. His sword is still in his hand… Just…end me… I do not…care anymore…

He responds to my final plea and stabs his sword downward. But not into me. Merely lodging it in the ground near me. I could not believe what I was seeing… I pleaded with him to end me… To end my misery. Instead, he shakily dropped to his knees before me. His armored hands reached out and tenderly lifted my head before cradling me oh so lovingly in his arms. I felt it again… That tenderness through the cold metallic shell. I then heard him whisper in grief, his tears cascading down onto me. Words of not desiring to end me, but desiring to rescue me.

Moments passed. I voiced how I was so certain he must hate me after his wrathful assault on me that left me bleeding and broken. But…he claims to have no memory of it, even though it happened mere minutes before. It was…in response to his friend being… He had been consumed with fearful anger… To protect her… He only sought to keep her safe from harm and used all he had to stop me from ending her. And yet…he did not hate me… How… What did I do…to deserve such a wonderful loving friend?

He has finally realized the direness of his injuries. He fears he may die… But…I cannot let that happen. I will not allow this wonderful man to die. Not here. But as I prepare to cast my magic, that voice came again. Loyalty. Wounded as she is, she crawls towards us with eyes filled with fierce determination. The Lunar Shield resting atop her like a shell, she pulls herself to us and forces herself to stand. Such willpower… I could see it in her eyes. Tears flowing free, but with a face full of wrath, there was something budding in there. Something powerful that I doubt even she fully understands now. She warns me to not dare harm him again, but he insures her that I am not their enemy. She protests further, but I too confess I only wish to set things right. She finally relents, and I send my spell directly into the gaping hole in his torso where the armor does not cover. It closes the wound, undoing my work and only my work. If only I could undo the harm brought on by another…

He turns to speak to the bearer of Loyalty, but she… She collapses into his arms as her tears flow freely. Such relief in her voice. They must share a powerful bond. But my friend then asks her for a favor that I am hardly surprised to see her hesitant to grant. To go seek help for me. And from my sister and my other half, no less.

She is quick to point out that her physical condition is…less than desired. I am quick to restore her to pristine health, undoing the harm my wrathful lightning inflicted upon her. She was still understandably wary of me, though she still agreed to go seek aid. With a flap of her wings, the bearer of Loyalty ascended through the canopy and was gone.

My friend and I spoke very little during the wait. He held my head in his arms, never too tightly and never loosely. I felt so cold… And yet I could feel his warmth even through the cold metal gauntlets that stroked my mane. Even after all I had done to him… After all my bitterness drove me to inflict such terrible harm on him… His love never faltered… And neither did mine… I wanted to tell him… To speak my heart to him… But I could not. Not so soon after I had inflicted such harm on him. Once the crisis had been truly resolved… Then and only then…I would tell him… My savior… My guiding light…

In time, we felt it. Tremors through the ground. And soon, they fell upon us. The five other bearers of the remaining Elements of Harmony rushed to us in the darkness. Their words of relief were short-lived and descended into words of shock and disgust when they saw his blood staining his armor. His wounds had been healed, but the blood that had been spilled served as a reminder of the meaningless struggle that had occurred minutes before. One raised a heavy branch of a tree and prepared to club me with it. I had no reason to resist. I accepted my fate and my punishment.

And yet, he intervened once more. My friend threw up his arm to ward off the blow. They shouted at him, telling him to let go of whatever delusion he had. And yet he still defended me. And finally, he brought to light a fact that even I had overlooked.

The Elements of Harmony had spared me.

I had no safeguard to protect me once the Elements of Chaos were shattered. And yet…I still remain whole and alive. Is there hope for me yet? Can I ever return to the throne with my sister?

It was only then that they relented. The bearer of Kindness then stepped forward. Her eyes showed some wariness in them, yet also deep concern. The first thing she asked, albeit with some shyness, was whether or not I was going to attempt to keep the night constant. Only by then I knew it was against my kingdom’s best interests for me to do so. I responded in kind, vowing to allow the sun to rise. It was then that she became only the second person since my fall from the throne to offer me her friendship. An offer I all too willingly accepted.

One by one, the other four bearers stepped forward and formally introduced themselves. Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle. Although I had to silence the bearer of Laughter's incessant chatter as I was in enough pain already at the time and did not need a migraine piled onto it. How do they endure her longwinded banter?

Finally, my dear friend’s stamina reached its limit. He collapsed to his knees, the blood loss he had suffered bringing him to the verge of sleep. He called his friends close, but I then heard a word that caught my attention as Fluttershy replied to his request for their attention. And upon inquiring, it was then that I discovered that he and the bearer of Kindness are sworn to each other.

I could not help smiling at her, seeing the chemistry between them. Doves and butterflies… How fitting. And yet… I felt a dull throbbing pain in my heart. The sting of disappointment. I… I want to be happy for them, and yet… I cannot help but feel seething envy. Bearer of Kindness… Fluttershy. You know not what this man is… You…are most blessed.

I looked on and listened. With his exhaustion bringing him to the brink of slumber, he placed his faith in them to keep me safe until aid arrived. He placed great emphasis on his desire to see me alive and well once he awoke, sparking a glimmer of glee in my heart. To hear him voice how dearly he cherishes me… There are no words… I cannot even begin to describe how honored I felt to hear him speak.

They promised to fulfill his request without the slightest hesitation and with noticeable enthusiasm. And then he fell backwards. Right onto my beautiful billowing tail. He seemed surprised to find himself lying upon it and even requested my permission to remain. And I was all too willing to allow him to.

His eyes closed. His body became still. The bearer of Kindness drew near and from her lips came the most tenderly sweet voice I had ever heard. And in that voice were the words of a lullaby. Moments later, I felt my friend become heavy as he drifted away into slumber. Sleep peacefully, my beloved. You have truly earned it.

My newfound friends gathered around me and guarded me from all sides while I did all I could to remain stationary to keep my wounds from spilling anymore blood. I feel rather weak, but I must remain alert. I do not wish to fall asleep myself. Fluttershy remains close to James at all times. I can see worry and fear in her eyes. Do not fear, child. His love is too great to allow himself to be taken from you now.

The bearer of Generosity, Rarity, has apparently taken it upon herself to keep me entertained while we await the bearer of Loyalty to return with aid. She has introduced me to a type of game called ‘tic-tac-toe’ and seems to be using pebbles and twigs to create a grid of nine squares. She explained the rules and I found myself…winning every single time. 35 games in a row. What is that layman’s term? Beginner’s luck?

I see Twilight Sparkle nearby seemingly jotting down a journal of sorts. I recall during the first night I saw my friend in the Everfree Forest, before I regained my physical body, that he wrote a journal of sorts before turning in for the night. Perhaps it is something he does often and she is writing one in his stead to chronicle what has occurred tonight due to his current incapacitation.

I must say that the presence of these five mares leaves me feeling rather safe. They are all quite different from each other, yet are universally pleasant to be around. I can see why my friend was so careful to keep them safe.

Before long, Rarity requested that we try a new game called ‘checkers’. And like before, I found myself seemingly dominating her. Although she seemed to rearrange the pieces to give herself an edge over me while I turned to speak to Twilight Sparkle for a moment. A threat of being taken to the dungeon was all it took to get her to put things back to how they were before.

However, I soon felt…a vile presence. Somewhere not far from us… It feels so alien, and yet…so vaguely familiar. But…surely it could not be her. Is it even possible that she could still be alive millennia after that dark age came to an end?

My guardians noticed my wary gaze and reminded me to remain still as I began to try to raise myself to a standing position. In the end, it was Twilight Sparkle who volunteered to investigate. I warned her to be exceedingly watchful before she departed.

Minutes later, I felt the foul presence become more distant. And soon after that, Twilight returned to us. She insisted that she had located no such evil entities out there. Perhaps that corrupted wretch did retreat when she drew near.

Soon after that, our eyes turned skyward in response to a sound. The sound one hears when something shoots through the air at great speed. And then she descended through the canopy before us. The bearer of Loyalty. Her friends were all too relieved to see her again as they rushed to her side. And soon after, something large descended through the trees. A wooden wagon of sorts, though the design was new to me. Probably a more modern design. And with it, I saw her. My sister. Celestia…

I felt a creeping sensation of dread engulf my very being upon seeing her. I was not certain if I should feel blissful joy, seething envy, or paralyzing fear upon seeing her before me once again. She greeted her subjects and quickly inquired about my dear friend’s well-being. She displayed shock at the sight of his own blood staining his armor.

My sister then stood before me as fear began to sink in. I was powerless to resist anything she may unleash upon me. That gaze she was giving me was by no means a look of sisterly love or genuine relief or joy. It was a deep revulsion and rage. I knew then what she was intending to do. I was about to meet my end from the sister I had long envied.

Much to my shock, the six bearers gathered before me. They pleaded and insisted that I was no longer their enemy. But Celestia… She refused to believe a word they spoke. She then cast her deadly magic towards me to end my life. But Twilight Sparkle… She resisted to the very end, casting a barrier to hold the fiery beam at bay. A futile effort. My sister’s magic far surpasses anything a mere mortal can conjure. But she struggled to resist as long as she could, pleading for my sister to relent.

I could not let this go on… I know all too well the harm I have done to this world and to its people… I spoke out softly, telling them that they should not have to defend me any longer. Those words caught my sister by surprise, her assault ceasing in an instant. Twilight, exhausted as she was, did not lower the barrier. I then spoke to my sister, having resigned myself to my ultimate fate. I swore I would not resist her, but pleaded for one final request before receiving the headsman’s axe. To be allowed to live long enough to see my savior awaken. So that I may thank him one last time for being the one person I have ever met who never gave up on me.

That look in her eyes showed a very deep expression of shock. My guardians pleaded further, even resorting to bribery. Finally, my sister spoke to me, asking if I still intended to keep the world under a shroud of eternal darkness. And I replied in kind, admitting that my friend had made me understand the errors of such an act. And if my demise was the only thing that would allow the world to live on in peace…I welcomed it.

My sister then promised that my life would not be ended, prompting Twilight to lower her barrier. She then stepped forward and spoke to me with a stern, yet compassionate tone. At first, I was horrified to hear her deny my request. But my spirits soared to a new height as she instead proclaimed that I would be permitted to see him as many times as I desire. Her trust in me was shaky at best, but she knew then the lengths my new friends had gone to in order to keep me safe. Celestia… You are as tender and wise as I remember.

I soon found myself floating through the air towards the carriage nearby. Before I could lose sight of them, I turned to my newfound friends and thanked them all. I was placed upon a tray of sorts while several ponies dressed in white garbs began to draw near. There are many bizarre devices around me. And now…he is resting beside me as well.
James… You look so serene in your sleep. I can almost feel your satisfaction. You tried so hard tonight to be there for me…and you succeeded.

My strength is waning. The toll of the struggle tonight is finally drawing me into a much needed slumber as well. I will join you soon…my darling.

I wish I had met you long ago. If only you had been there the night I turned on my sister… You surely would have been able to stop me. There is so much I want to say to you. So many words I want you to hear. And yet…I cannot speak them. For your heart now belongs to another.

This bitterness in my heart… How I wish you could be mine. You would make a fine king, if given the chance. But fate clearly has other things in mind for you. Regardless, while your heart may belong to the bearer of Kindness, my heart now belongs to you forevermore. You are my guiding light. As you always will be.

Rest now, my beloved. I will always be watching over you. I will always be blessed to have you in my life. Thank you… Just... Thank you.

A Forgotten Princess's Desires

It has been months since I have returned to the throne alongside my sisters. It was initially very awkward to be looking and speaking to myself. I, Nightmare Moon, speaking to my former self, Luna. Although the awkwardness was very short lived. And for the first time in…perhaps centuries, I have found somepony who understands my love of the night on an identical level.

My return to Equestria has not been an easy transition. My reputation precedes me everywhere I go, fear running rampant among my subjects. But I try to remain patient. They have every right to fear me and I do not fault them. But there is one person in this land who is always nothing short of joyous to see me whenever we cross paths. Him… The bearer of the Element of Humanity.

My royal duties prevent me from seeing him as often as I desire, but I do try to pull a few strings to allow me time to depart to the humble town of Ponyville that rests not far from the foot of the mountain I reign from. It is a truly cozy little village where the people are always kind, humble, and universally friendly. A far cry from the louts that infest the capitol city of Canterlot. Honestly, how do my sisters and even the royal guard stomach such overblown egos?! I can see why my beloved is so unwilling to visit our home more often.

Yes… My beloved. He is far more than a mere friend to me… Even if I can never speak those words to his face. Even after my return to the throne as a true princess of Equestria, my love for him… It will not fade. The one thing I desire more than even my kingdom’s love and approval is he by my side as my king. King James, they would call him… It has a fine ring to it.

But this… This love will never be. He holds my heart now and forever, and yet his heart belongs to another. The bearer of the Element of Kindness. Fluttershy. They reside within the same cottage and their love for each other is true. And whenever I see them, I can understand why they long for each other. They are a fine fit. And yet, I cannot help feeling seething envy. Why has fate been so unkind towards me? Why deny me this most sacred desire after all I have suffered?

Weeks went by. And then months. I reign over this land, no longer as the Princess of the Night, but under a different banner. Using a type of magic that I personally developed myself, I cast it over the entire kingdom and beyond every time Luna raises the moon while Celestia lowers the sun. With it, the people of this vast land experience nothing but the most pleasant of dreams. It is rare for nightmares to take root in their resting minds. And it is through this daily act that I found my new true title. The Princess of Dreams.

While I reigned under this new banner, Luna introduced me to a type of magic she possesses that I had entirely forgotten about. A type of spell I can only describe as ‘dream diving’. To enter the dreams of others. And I use it quite frequently with nearly every night. The dreams of others are quite entertaining to witness. I can never know what to expect. Some are calm and relaxing, others daring and adventurous, and some are just so jovial and so much fun to witness. I am always curious of what I will find next. But my favorite dreams of all are the ones dreamed up by him. Because whatever it is he dreams, what makes them so superior to all others is that he is always with me.

And tonight… I can no longer withhold my heart’s desires. I will never be able to have him as my king. But perhaps… Just this once… Within the world of limitless possibilities… The world of dreams… Perhaps this time… Even if for just one night, we can finally be king and queen. The shimmering guiding stars in the lonely black night sky.

I have made my preparations like many times before. Casting my spell to take effect the moment I drift off to sleep. It is dark within my chambers. The glow of the moon being filtered by a curtain hanging over my window. It is full, that perfect pale sphere hanging high in the night sky. My head rests lightly upon a pillow, my eyes growing heavy from looking over too many documents and scrolls by candlelight. I felt my eyes shifting beneath my lids, my mind becoming scattered. And then… I awoke.

I was standing upon a field of clouds beneath the brightly lit moon. Somewhere in the heavens high above Equestria. The air was clear. The wind weak. But wherever I glanced, he was nowhere to be seen. But that was fine. I knew how to find him among the thousands upon thousands of dreaming minds within this land. And so, with a brief focusing of my magic, I stepped forward and entered the dream of the man I desired.

My eyes opened. No longer was I standing amongst a sea of moonlit clouds. I now stood in a place I recognized quite well. It was still in the middle of the night, the area covered in the faint glow of the moon and stars above. I was clad in my polished blue armor with my crown atop my head. The place surrounding me was a location I often visit. The royal garden within the palace. And the noise coming from nearby... The gentle roar of many mixed conversations. The tempo of soft classical music. Was it… What is that event called that I have yet to see? The…Grand Galloping Gala?

My eyes scanned my surroundings. I was quite deep into the garden and could not see any signs of a grand event anywhere around me. I began to wander, wondering if I had indeed entered the dream I had been hoping for and not the dreaming mind of some nobleman in Canterlot. I called out softly, fearing I may have missed him. But just as I was on the verge of preparing to ready another spell, I caught sight of someone walking behind a tree and then behind a thicket of red roses. My heart skipped a beat. Was it him?

Trotting along, I followed the creature I had glimpsed. And when I rounded the corner, I saw him. My beloved James… He stood facing a tree with arms crossed while gazing up at a few roosting jays, his posture straight and still. It is no secret to me that the animals that inhabit the garden are sheepish towards anyone who does not reside within the palace. They are still wary of me, even after all this time.

I froze as I beheld him. Clad in a white suit of the highest caliber, he… I felt an intense warmth fill me. Here he was, standing before me. And yet, I could not speak or move. For all the power I possess as a true member of the Equestrian royal family and as the Princess of Dreams, I was utterly helpless at that moment. He held my heart in his hands and I was powerless for that brief moment. I was filled with a nameless fear. My heart was filled with uncertainty and nervousness. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with him that night. And yet, I could not bring myself to take even the first steps to achieving it.

Finally, he glanced my way. Those deep brown eyes opened slightly wider as he showed that reserved slight smile he always had whenever he saw me. He called my name and began to approach me with a slightly swifter gait than usual. I could not help but crack a smile in response, though my heart was aflutter. I was so in love at that moment and it was all I could do to not fluster like fool before him. By the stars, I wanted him!

I attempted to break my silence with a simple greeting. I bowed my head while he came to a stop before me. And then he greeted me as he always does. With a tender embrace. I felt his arms wrap around my neck, the side of his head resting against me. I nearly felt weak in the knees. With my emotions nearly at the breaking point, I wanted to collapse in his grasp. But I had to keep my composure until the proper time. Not yet. Trying to keep face, I extended my wing and folded it over him in an embrace of my own, a long sigh escaping my lips. My eyes closed, and yet… I could plainly see images flash across my vision. Bursts of color showing vague forms… I knew it was the two of us together… Surely images of the imminent future should my will not falter.

Once the embrace ended, I attempted to ease into the moment with a few friendly questions. As it turned out, the Grand Galloping Gala was indeed under way within the palace at that moment. And it did not take long for James to understand that we were both inside a dream. One reason was because it was far too soon since his last attendance for the event to have come again. And… Well, the second reason caused me to nearly laugh. He claimed that his suit felt unnaturally comfortable for attire so stuffy.

When I inquired as to why he was so far away from the event at hand, he explained that it was to get away from the noise and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet under the moon. I once again felt such a powerful warmth within me upon hearing his praise of my and Luna’s beautiful night. I wonder… Does my sister hold similar feelings for him like mine? If she does, she indeed hides them well.

I explained that I too had come out to enjoy some peace and quiet myself. But of course, I was all too thrilled to have found him there as well. I am certain he had deduced that I was not a figment of his imagination like the rest of the world around him, but a visitor to his dream like many times before.

Finally, I felt it was time to act. We only had so long before one of us awakened. And yet…it was a struggle to actually speak of it. I knew what I wanted. And he was standing before me. Why was I so afraid? I love him. I knew what it was I desired. And despite this… It must have been the fear of anypony seeing us. Even if just a dream, the other people nearby seemed real enough.

After a few more moments of debating with myself of how to approach this desire, an idea finally came to mind. Perhaps once we were alone in a place where nopony would dare intrude, I would feel more at ease and able to pursue my heart’s desires. I requested that he follow me into the palace. That I had something I wanted to show him. He seemed very trusting of me and followed without question. I should not be surprised. I trust him just as much as he trusts me.

I was hoping we would not encounter any of his dearest companions out of fear that they would only distract him. And with time not being on our side, I had to make certain to make every moment count. Fortunately, we were blessed enough to not pass by anyone that caught his eye. It would have gotten awkward if we had come across Fluttershy, who his heart is sworn to. And after coming to the main hall and proceeding up the stairs, I led him through another moonlit hall. On occasion, we would pass one of the nightly sentries. They would naturally step forward to ask James to return to the ground floor with the other guests, but would stand down whenever I insisted he was with me.

As we walked along, I felt a nagging guilt gnawing at my heart. Very soon, we would be alone. No interruptions. No obstacles. He would be mine at last, even if just for this one night. And yet… I felt such a powerful doubt. What I was about to do is sinful and wrong. I knew it is wrong… His heart is not mine to claim. But my heart urges me on. And just this once, I will heed it and only it.

Finally, we entered my private chambers. It looked exactly as it did when I drifted off to sleep. My bed was large and rounded, much like many used by nobles in Canterlot. A few candles were lit around the room, adding to the lighting and, might I add, the atmosphere.

James glanced around after walking in while I silently locked the door behind us. There was nothing between us now. No snooping guards. No curious partygoers. It was just us.

He turned to face me and smiled before voicing his approval of my chamber’s aesthetics. I smiled at his praise and insisted that he make himself at home. He proceeded to remove his suit, revealing a plain white undershirt beneath it before taking a seat on the bed and sliding his shoes off. Once more, he asked what it was I wished to reveal to him. I insisted that he wait a moment longer while I prepared it. He seemed to understand and began to just gaze around the room while I stepped behind a tall folding screen which I use every morning to equip my royal garments.

My heart is racing… He is so close… There is nothing between us now. I must be brave. I may never acquire the courage to attempt this ever again. Calm yourself, Nightmare Moon. He is who restored you to this kingdom’s throne. He who was the first to see you not as a monster, but as a mare. He loves me just as much as I love him. I know he does… I am sure of it. He just cannot express it.

Piece by piece, I removed my armor and my crown. I gazed at myself in a tall mirror next to me. My sleek black body was bare. A lock of my mane that did not waver hung over my forehead, much like my fellow sister of the moon. I am beautiful. And I know he thinks so too. I am not a monster. I am a princess. The Princess of Dreams. But first and foremost, I am a mare. A woman. And now, I will find out what he sees through his eyes when he sees me.

I feel somewhat giddy with excitement. I am nervous and afraid, yet eager. I carefully peek through the slim opening in my folding screen just under one of its hinges. He is looking towards the window. Now… I must act. Slowly now. I must not rush him.

I step out from behind my shield and begin to approach him. My tongue is still, my lungs ceasing to draw breath. So close… When I am a mere ten paces from him, I stop. I finally will myself to inhale and to speak out to him. He turns to face me and his expression instantly changes. His face… He seems nervous as well. Shy even. As I would expect from such a tender man.

It was too soon to reveal what I desired, so I tried to make light of the situation with friendly banter. I inquired as to whether or not he was well. He responded with a very nervous smile, expressing how he never thought he would see me without my royal attire. I could not help but smile and asked if he would prefer me with my armor and crown upon my body.

His lack of an immediate response actually puzzled me. He is a modest man and would never make an advance on any mare. Finally, he spoke his response. And he was brutally honest. He was not certain of what he desired. He could not choose.

I decided to move things along. I approached him and rested upon my bed beside him. I could see him beginning to sweat. My presence was making him quite nervous indeed. Perhaps he could detect my ulterior motives. Or perhaps…there was something he was not telling me. But surely that could not be. His heart belongs to another, that much I know all too well.

He finally asked once more. What it was I wanted to show him. I was cornered. I could no longer delay the revelation of the truth. I finally relented and began to unfold the reality of the situation. I spoke, claiming that in truth I had nothing to give him but a tidbit of information that he had likely never known about.

My beloved watched in silence, his expression soft and curious. I continued, reminding him of the times we crossed paths deep within the Everfree Forest. How my desire to see him again consumed my every waking moment. How joyous I was to finally meet him again once I had regained my glorious physical form. And then…the moment when he did what I dreamed no man would do. The moment when he claimed my heart.

His eyes opened wide upon hearing my words. He clearly knew what it was I was truly saying. But I was mildly shocked to see his reaction. He did not respond with revulsion. Nor disappointment. Nor disdain. Instead, his eyes showed a truly conflicted gaze. Not at all what I was expecting. I reached out to him, placing my bare hoof upon his hand. He then surprised me again with his next action. Placing his other hand upon my hoof instead of pulling away. I then whispered…pleaded… My words were as follows. “Please, my beloved… Make me yours.”

His eyes dart about the room. Sweat is beginning to moisten his brow. He predictably mentions his beloved. Fluttershy, bearer of the Element of Kindness. And I respond in kind. He is so close to me now. I am so close to having him. Please, my love… Please, just this once. Just for this one night… I plead further, telling him that I only wish to have him just this once, knowing that it is no longer possible for us to even consider pursuing each other. To please grant me this one sacred request.

Our faces are so close. I can feel his warm breath upon my snout. He is silent, as am I. I await his decision. I am certain that he will deny me further. And yet…what is this feeling? His hand sliding up my leg to my body. And finally up to my neck and cheek. I am motionless. Powerless in his grasp. For this brief instant, I am but a slave to his touch. He holds my heart in his grasp. I have never been more vulnerable than at this one moment. If he wishes it, he can break me here. Crush my spirit and leave me a broken shell of a mare. He is so close… I can almost taste it… So close to achieving what I desire and yet so close to being utterly ruined.

And then…he did the last thing I expected him to do. He brought his face closer to mine. I was transfixed. I could not blink nor look away. And then I felt it. His lips upon mine. Ever so slowly, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer to him. For a mere moment, my mind became blank. I had never once imagined that he would relent so quickly. His will is too strong for that. And his love for his beloved is too stalwart. So…why? What prompted him to relent?

These questions that swam through my mind were lost on me. For that moment, it did not matter. At long last… He was mine. I felt myself melt in his grasp. My body became dough in his embrace, my eyes becoming heavy. I pressed into that kiss. That sacred first kiss of my entire existence. A kiss from my beloved… My guiding light… He who serves as the chain that binds me to my kingdom. My heart was bursting… Tears flowing from my eyes… I… I felt his lips part, as did mine. His tongue… It was ambrosia to me. Is this what it feels like to achieve true bliss? I have…never felt happier than at this moment.

Ever so slowly, my strength returned to me. That kiss did not cease. And we were soon drawn to the mattress below. I could feel it in his touch and his lips. And it was then that I came to understand why he had given himself to me so readily. I was feeling a powerful love in his caress. This was not a spur of the moment reaction. This…is truest love. How long has he held it within himself without expressing it? Did he even know of it himself?

I know not how many minutes have passed. It feels like an eternity has drifted by while we have been locked in that kiss. Very slowly, he pulls away from my face, our tongues still connected by a clear string of fluid. He seems overwhelmed, yet calm. And I… I feel so warm… So needy… By the stars… Oh, by the stars, my body aches for him… My king… I am yours… Just as you are mine…

There are no words. We speak with gazes into each other’s eyes and with tender caresses. I am so new to this, and yet it feels as if I have become fluent in this glorious language overnight. I smile warmly, my hoof gently dragging along his chest. He returns my gaze all too willingly, his hands reaching down and pulling the white fabric over his head and tossing it aside. His upper body is now as bare as myself. And…what a lovely sight. Perhaps my eyes were blinded by the haze of love, but I saw no flaws to speak of.

He lowered his head to me, prompting me to grin like a fool as I anticipated another caress from his sickly sweet lips. And that is exactly what I got, but not where I expected. I felt them press themselves against my neck. Over and over, he caressed me. I shuddered at his touch, my body limp and lifeless. I have submitted myself to him… This tender sweet man… Oh, my love… Please… More… If this truly is a dream and not an unexpected meeting in my chambers, please do not allow us to ever awaken…

I feel his hands caressing my underside. His lips proceed downward as well, sending shivers down my spine. I moan. I twitch. I feel every tender caress. He is so slow. So tender. Getting as much out of this moment as possible. He is no fighter. Truly a lover. I… Oh my… This new feeling… His hand is reaching lower… It grasps something between my hind legs. My teats?

I have all but forgotten them. They blend in so well with my coat. And yet… By the stars… His hands grasp and caress them as if mounds of soft dough. Such pleasure… I never dreamed such ecstasy could come from this… My body retches at his touch. My mouth agape, gasping for breath. I am a mere puppet with this master pulling my strings to make me quiver. Not out of domination, but out of tender love. I can feel it in his touch. See it in his eyes. He wishes for me to feel pleasure. To feel his love for me. And I do. I feel it surging through me. Please… Do not let this cease.

For a moment, the caresses ended. I waited several seconds, wondering what he was doing. Why had he stopped? I felt the mattress shift as his weight rose from it. I listened carefully. The sound of fabric falling to the floor flowed into my ears. My eyes opened wide. He was… Were we truly about to…

I remained still. I was so eager to look, and yet I was anchored to the sheets below me. I wanted to be surprised. And what a surprise I felt. His lips once again. But upon my teats. I felt them heave with his touch. And then…a strong suction upon the very center of one. I could not contain myself at all. A powerful moan burst forth from my lips. I opened my eyes and glanced down. His lips were clamped over my teat, suckling like a newborn foal. I held no milk for him to drink, though I wish I did. He did not release, his tongue teasing me. Oh, such bliss. It was a struggle to keep myself from flailing.

When he released me, it was far too soon. He stood above me, his entire body as bare as my own. This was it. A moment I had anticipated from the start. I am ready. He is ready. I am resting upon my side, my eyes gazing at him with such passion. His face is also showing a slight smirk. He too is craving me. And I will deny him that honor no longer. I move my tail aside, my body screaming for his touch. As his hand caresses my flank, I speak my words to him. “Please, my love… Claim your queen.”

I rest my head as he draws near. And… Oh my… I… I feel him… He is inside me… Pushing deep… This… No dream or fantasy could have prepared me for this… By the stars… My love… Oh, please… Take me… Make me yours…

He begins to pull back, but soon pushes in deep once more. An erratic rhythm that soon becomes more at ease. He has found his stride. There are no words between us. Words are no longer needed. All that is needed are our eyes. I gaze up at him as pleasure pulses inside me. He pants, his face slowly becoming flushed. He asks softly if I am in any sort of discomfort. Of course, I am not. How could I be?

My lungs heave as I gasp at his touch. Both upon my body and from within. It felt so taboo, this…wonderful coupling of man and mare. Let alone between a princess and a mere commoner from another world. And yet… It feels so right… So perfect… James… You are the one… I am so blessed to receive your love… My sisters chose well… You…are my guiding light… My king…

I raise my head to look towards him, his rhythm now a more steady yet swifter pace. His eyes focus upon me while I gaze at him. I cannot stay away from him while he stands at one end. Stretching myself as much as I can, I reach out to him. And yet, we can only narrowly bring our lips together without hindering him. He is quick to notice and quietly asks me to wait. I feel so empty as he pulls away, my body begging for him to fill me once more.

He is quick to help me reposition myself. I am no longer on my side, but on my back. My wings spread wide, instinctively displaying myself for him. I cannot help but grin in anticipation. This time, there will be no interruptions. He too seems eager to resume our precious coupling. He crawls above me before ever so slowly and gently lowering himself. His chest rests upon mine, my body feeling every breath he takes. Our faces are so close now. And we waste no timing in taking advantage of it. Once more, our lips join. And then, our tongues reach out and touch. Just as sweet as the last.

The calm is interrupted as I feel him enter me once more with unexpected force. This sudden surge of pleasure forces a yelp from my throat, but our kiss does not cease. Oh lord, does it endure. I cannot release him at all.

Time is meaningless to us. Seconds turn into minutes. One becomes twenty as we writhe and groan upon my bed. Our kiss does finally cease, neither of us able to stay focused. This pleasure… It is overwhelming… Soon, he will… My heart pounds within my chest. Loud whimpers and moans burst from my lips. I care not if anypony hears us from the hall just beyond the door. Let them listen! All that matters now… All that matters is this moment. The moment where we become one. Where he becomes mine and I become his.

I can feel something building within me. His movements are swift and harsh, yet never rough. I can feel his love… His face shows discomfort, but I know that it is really passion distorted by what we are feeling. He too must be feeling something growing within. My tears are cascading free… My legs fold over him, holding him close to me… It is time… I cannot resist for much longer… Oh, yes… Please… Give it to me, my love! We are so close… I have longed for this moment for too long! Take me, my king! Claim me as your queen!

I know not when it happened. I felt as if a dam within me had ruptured. My voice rattled and gasped erratically, my body retching with pleasure that bordered on unbearable. Such…ecstasy… My body became little more than a heaving rag doll beneath my beloved… My king… And then…he too found release. He pushed as deep as he could into me while holding onto me the best he could manage. A groan escaped his lips as he practically yelled my name.

I feel…such an amazing warmth within me… A liquid blessing pooling somewhere inside me where I have never felt myself touched before… Oh, my love… If only this was more than a dream. I would proudly bear you a darling prince or princess as your queen…

We heave in delicious fatigue, our bodies spent. He looks down at me as I gaze up at him. I can find no words to speak. Delirious whimpers escape my lips while I manage to smile, tears flowing free. It has finally happened… He is my…king… Our lips join once more. Our touch is soft, his hand resting upon my hoof. I feel your love, my dear… It is true…

My body… This warmth and fatigue does not fade… I am so new to this. I can scarcely move. And yet, he lazily rolls off me and rests by my side. I can feel him withdraw from my body. I feel so empty, and yet so bloated with his gift resting within me. This memory…. I will cherish it for eternity.

I gaze at him while he gazes at me. I raise my hoof while he raises his hand. He holds my hoof in his hand with such a tender grip. It is then that I can no longer hold back. I speak the words I have wanted to say to him since the night he returned to me. The night when he claimed the Element of Humanity as his own. “I love you…”

Once again, I saw that conflicted gaze in his eyes. However, they scarcely darted about at all. They were focused on me at nearly all times. I was not expecting him to return my words. His heart belongs to another, after all. And tonight, I will make certain that this dream will fade from his memory not even an hour after he awakens. He must not remember this most blessed…this most taboo of nights. And yet…he spoke the words I never expected him to say. Words that left my mouth devoid of words and my eyes moist with tears. “I love you…so much…”

He… He spoke words of love for me. And it was clearly not forced. He meant every syllable. For a brief moment, there were no words between us. Until I finally broke the silence. I whispered to him, asking why he had relented so soon at the beginning. He could have rejected me. Returned to his beloved at the Grand Galloping Gala below. And yet…he gave me every ounce of his love. And his response filled me with an indescribable feeling. That it felt…right. That there is a natural attraction between us. That it would feel so wrong if he refused me.

What would have become of us if he had only met me so shortly after his arrival into this world? And yet… This only served to confirm my fears. I could not allow him to remember this wonderful night. I made clear to him what needed to be done. I assured him that his memories of this shared dream will fade shortly after he awakens like most dreams. If not, the memory, a memory rife with true love towards me, would linger in his mind where only his love for his true beloved should be. It would cause their bond to weaken and crumble. And yet, despite having been made to understand this, his response tore at my heart. “What if I don’t want to forget?”

What have I done…? I went into this expecting him to be fond of me… Not secretly harboring feelings he was not aware he even had! I tried to handle the moment as carefully as I could. I asked him who he truly loves. The bearer of the Element of Kindness, or the Princess of Dreams. His expression became pained, his gaze turning away while he struggled to find an answer. It hurt to know that I had placed such a burden on him. And his response was what I expected by that point. That he simply does not know.

I cannot allow this memory to remain intact within his mind. And yet… I know that he will be torn apart by it. Guilt weighing heavily in my heart, I pull him close as a quiet sob escapes my lips. I confess all I can. How I simply could not contain my love for him. How I wish I could have been his betrothed. He replied in kind, holding onto me with a tender grasp. He does not fault me. He does not hold any anger towards me. He feels honored, yet torn, that he was able to discover feelings buried in his heart that even he did not know that existed.

I am at a loss of what to do. My heart is weighed down with guilt, yet with so much love as well. And there is still plenty of time left before we awaken. Rather than spend the little time we still have left wallowing in despair over our imminent parting, I ask him one final request before this precious moment ends forever. That I may be his queen for this one night.

He gazes at me in silence, tears drying on his cheeks. I lift my hoof, waiting to see if he will stay or flee. And he stays. His hand gently holds my hoof, his forehead resting against mine while gazing into my eyes. We push our sorrows away and allow our love to slowly emerge once more. If we are doomed to be forced apart, then we should enjoy each other to the bitter end. I felt his lips join with mine again. My king… Please forgive me for what I must do…

For the remaining time we still had, we remained together within my chambers. Our touch never left each other. Our lips were seldom apart. And we explored each other constantly. I felt his touch. I heard his voice. I smelled his scent. I tasted him. I saw his loving gaze look back at me. At first, there was a powerful sorrow within them. But over time, that sorrow was replaced with the same quiet passion I had seen in him before. Once more, he and I had nothing between us.

By the stars… I have never felt so impossibly satisfied by the time our stamina had waned. I felt as if I was on the verge of sleep, despite being within a dream. He had given me so much… He had added to the gift he had planted inside me. Surely enough to sire a beautiful foal if this was not a mere dream. I can only imagine the looks on my sisters’ faces if I informed them that we should be preparing for the first true addition to the royal family since our births.

We lied upon my bed. There was no sound besides the cool nightly wind whistling beyond the window. Slowly, we sat up and held each other in a tender embrace. If only we knew what was about to occur.

I felt it. The world seemed to quiver. The walls became pale before regaining their colors. No… Not now… Please… Do not allow him to awaken just yet! I am not ready! Please do not take him from me!

He knows it as well. I see a deathly fear in his eyes. He is on the verge of awakening. He pleads, begging for just a moment longer. He knows what will occur when his eyes open. This wonderful night… The one time where our love could be real, would be forgotten forever. And only I would remember…

I hold onto him as tightly as possible. I vow that no matter what, my love for him will never wither. I will carry it onward, never allowing it to leave my heart. My beloved James… My heart will always be yours.

The world is fading all around us. Closing in. That pale wall of white… Why… Why am I so terrified? Please… No… My love, please stay with me!

The white void reaches us, tears flowing from both our eyes. We gaze into each other’s eyes one last time. He is the last thing I see. And just as his face faded away, I heard him speak one final time. “I love you, my queen.”

My eyes opened upon hearing those words. My pillow is soaked with tears. My eyes sore. Why… That dream… It was more than just a dream… Why did it have to end?! Our love was real! I know it was!

I rush to the window and gaze out at the sun. It is fairly low in the sky. Never before have I felt so utterly furious towards my sister’s handiwork. As I stand here, I know his memory of our time as lovers is fading. In a matter of minutes, it will fade to the deepest recesses of his mind, never again to be remembered. And the only one who will have known what transpired there…is myself.

The tears… They will not cease to flow… My throat will not cease allowing sobs to escape my lips… Why… I love you so much, my beloved… Why can we never be truly together? I love you! Why?!

I remain on my bed throughout the morning. I turn any and all guards away. I… I just want to be left alone with this beautiful memory… Just a while longer…

I know it was not a one-sided attraction. If given the chance, I know… We could have been together. No… We should have been together. He would have been a fine king… And I would have stood by his side as his queen forever. I cannot allow myself to ever speak those words to him again. I cannot… But know this… My love for you is absolute. I will not allow it to die. No man, human or stallion, will ever take my heart from you now. It is yours and yours alone. Please… I know you do not know you have it, but please… Cherish it.

I will watch over and walk alongside you always. And I will never forget this most…precious of dreams. I will see you again soon, my love… My king.

A Forgotten Princess's Undying Love

Author's Notes:

This is the final chapter of this side story I wrote for fun. Any and all feedback is appreciated.

Time has passed. And much has occurred.

That memory from that fateful night… I always keep it close to my heart. A memory none have ever known of beside myself. But it was not the last memory he and I created together. Not in the slightest.

I have arrived in Ponyville, as I do every single week. The people of this town have long since come to accept me, as has all of Equestria. The name of Nightmare Moon is no longer spoken in fear, but spoken in reverence and genuine warmth. And it is all because of you, my love.

I still remember the night you returned to me. The blows that we dealt to each other as you tried so hard to get through to me. To save me. And the years of true bliss and friendship that followed. You have always been close to my heart. And I have always been honored to be your dearest friend.

The people around me greet and welcome me. Many faces I recognize. Some I do not. Even after all this time, Ponyville remains unchanged. It is as it always is and always will be. A humble town where the simple ways of life and unconditional hospitality are the orders of the day. As you would always want it to be, my dear.

I order my guards to remain at the train station for me. This is something I must do alone. Every week, I always visit this humble town. To visit the most important person of my entire existence. No matter how much time passes, my love for him never fades. I care little for my royal duties. He comes first for me now.

Every time I set foot into Ponyville, the memories we have created always come flooding back to me. The moments of joy we shared. The harsh ordeals we faced together. You carried your duties as the bearer of the Element of Humanity reluctantly. You have never been one for conflict. I know you would much rather live the simple life, far from battle. Yet I was always there for you. I insured that you would never face our trials alone. My love kept me by your side even in the darkest hours, as I am sure your most important friends did as well.

Of course, I do not only recall such dark moments. My days with you have been nothing short of a true joy. Your presence would always make me calm. Looking at your gentle smile would make my heart swell. It was always a challenge to restrain myself from opening my heart to you. My love for you has never once weakened. And of course, I could never forget that most precious night you and I shared. The first time I attended the Grand Galloping Gala.

As I draw near to where I always find you, that memory haunts my mind’s vision. I can still recall descending the main hall’s staircase, as if a scene taken from a fairytale. Clad in an elegant dress weaved by the generous and beautiful bearer of the Element of Generosity herself, and you, clad in a fine white jacket and trousers crafted by her as well. I still remember staying with you throughout the course of the event. We talked. We laughed. And then, we danced. That beautiful moment where, for just a moment, I felt as if you and I had stepped beyond the limits of friendship and through the threshold of something far greater.

That day…was five hundred years ago…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cu7QvOQKcKk

And now, here I stand before you once more. I cannot see you, and yet I know you lie before me. A heavily weathered stone stands above you, bearing your name and your cutie mark. Your body is still. I speak your name. And like every time before, you do not return my greeting. For you…are no longer able to draw breath to speak.

Mere seconds pass before I remember the most dreadful, yet precious, memories I have. Your twilight years. Throughout your life in Equestria, you always held your friends close to your heart. And I saw how you were slowly broken by their demises. It hurt to see them fade away one by one, faces I too had known for decades. And when the last of them left this world, your dear wife, I was there for you.

I can still remember those final years. You grew old. And yet you stubbornly refused to let age hinder you. You tried to stay independent, keeping your mind active to not allow dementia to set in. And we took many walks together to keep your body in shape. I knew you did not have long for this world. And I was going to spend every last second I could with you. The man who, even decades after we first met, still held my heart.

During those final years… I… I still remember… My vision is becoming blurred… My knees are on the verge of buckling… With so many of your loved ones gone, with so few to share your bottomless love with, you turned to me and my sisters. We were always there for you, allowing you to reside within the palace and making frequent visits to your beloved Ponyville to allow your memories to wander. Celestia was always kind to you. Luna was never far. But I… You gave more love to me than anyone else…

Even now, my body remains unchanged from the day we first met. My youth and beauty remained constant while your body continued to deteriorate before my eyes. It hurt… I knew I was going to lose you in the end… But my love for you remained unchanged. I clung to the futile hope that perhaps you would still be with us the next day. And that there would always be a tomorrow for us to be together. I was never once repulsed by your elderly form. You were still my guiding light.

And then… That dreaded day came. Where you… My guiding light… When you faded forever from this world.

My body fails me. I collapse before your tombstone, my voice screaming for you. Six decades… Six decades, you and I remained close. And never was I able to realize my dream… I loved you, my king… I still love you… I would have given anything to be yours… I would have sacrificed my people’s love… My royal power… Even my crown…

So many times, I dreamed of what could have been… I had even decided on a name for our prince, should the day have ever come… Prince Nightingale… I would have remained by your side forever, my love… And now, that dream has been slain. Nothing could have prepared me for your passing… My heart aches for you… My body screams to feel your touch… Why… Just…why did this have to be?! And without you… My precious guiding light… I am lost.

I remain still, my head resting over where your body rests belowground. My tears flow free, my lips speaking no words. Why, James… I could have given you so much… And now that possibility is gone forever… Equestria means so little to me now… Without that one special gem among the field of gold, I no longer see the value I once did… I feel so little connection to my people without you. I try to put on a smile, but… Never before have I felt more alone… You gave me the love of my people. You paved the way for my return to the throne. But now it all feels empty and pointless..… I do not wish to reign without you by my side…

Moments pass. Six minutes become sixty. All the while, I allow my mind to wander. To remember as many sweet memories as I can. Slowly, I reach out to the stone before me. My hoof lightly drags along the surface, resting upon the engraving that depicts your cutie mark. Those two doves locked together… You were always so peaceful… And your love for this world and its purity so adamant… There were so few like you so long ago… It is no small wonder that you were loved by so many. Only now, few remain alive who ever knew you. The only ones who remain are my sisters and myself. And things…have not been the same.

As I rise to my feet, I wipe my tears away. My heart is heavy. My body weak. And my mind clouded with far too many precious memories. My love… This will be the last time I visit you here. I… I cannot bear this agony any longer.

I return to the train station and order my guards to depart with me. They are all too aware that something is amiss. I do not try to hide my misery. I care not how others perceive me. My escorts remain near me, but I feel little for them. With him gone, he who served as the chain that bounded me to this kingdom I once loved, my heart has become distant. No longer do I crave the love and acceptance of my people. All I crave…is for him to stand by my side once more. To feel his touch. To see his smile. To hear his voice.

The train ride back to Canterlot is long and quiet. I allow my mind to wander as the car lurches with the train’s movements. Five hundred years…and I still cannot fathom that you are no more… If only there was a spell to raise you from the grave… To call back your soul from the great beyond. But…you would surely be enraged towards me for ever doing such a selfish thing. You were longing to be with your loved ones again as the end drew near and would surely be unwilling to be torn from them once more.

I was not the only one who remained by your side. Along with Luna, your beloved daughter would visit from time to time as well. She aged well as the decades went by, those shades of pink and green remaining vibrant in her mane and tail. She missed you dearly after your passing… But none mourned your death more than I.

I see and hear little upon returning to Canterlot. I give halfhearted acknowledgments to all who greet me while my guards lead on. Once I am safely back within the confines of the palace, I dismiss my escorts and continue on my way back to my chambers. All I desire to do now is wallow in my memories and my despair. And one question enters my mind, having been asked thousands upon thousands of times. How in the name of Equestria have I endured this pain for so long?

Before I reach my chambers, I hear a voice ahead of me. Standing before me is my elder sister. Celestia. Her expression is forlorn and worried, as always. She kindly asks me to join her and Luna for tea, which I quietly accept. The three of us gather on one of the palace’s grand balconies, an impressive vista providing a lovely view of the landscape far below us. At least it would have seemed lovely to me had my heart and soul not been consumed with perpetual mourning.

We gathered around a small round table, cookies and Danishes set on china plates while Luna poured a clear red fluid into our teacups. Raspberry and pomegranate. A fine choice. There were no words for some time, my sisters lightly sipping the warm beverage while I could only stare at my own sorrowful gaze in my reflection upon the surface of the tea, my visage tainted with a red hue.

Luna quietly broke the silence, asking me if my beloved’s resting place was still sound. I explained to her what I saw. Despite being worn from the elements, the stone upon his grave seemed relatively untouched by the passage of time. I cannot fathom how Celestia was in better spirits than Luna and myself, almost as if she is somehow accustomed to watching her dearest friends fade away forever. But perhaps that is because they were merely friends, not the man she gave her heart to. Or perhaps it was merely a mask to hide her own pain from having lost so many over the years. I know she and Twilight Sparkle were always close as mentor and pupil. And I still vividly recall how visibly shaken she was when the bearer of the Element of Magic finally breathed her last with my sister by her side. So we all know the pain of loss… Though surely my pain dwarfs theirs entirely.

I fell silent for a time, barely listening as my sisters tried to break the awkward silence the gloomy atmosphere had brought on. The sky was rather cloudy that day, fitting my mood well. As I looked at my tired eyes in my cup, more questions began to fill my mind. Questions that I have asked myself too many times to count. Why was my beloved no longer with me? Why were we so clearly meant for each other, and yet he was sworn to another? What is the one thing keeping us apart?

More and more these questions were repeated to me. And this time, after far longer than I should have waited, I began to listen. I have been living an empty hollow life since he left this world. Why should I allow it to go on if I no longer find joy in it?

Eventually my sisters turned their gazes toward me. They inquired as to whether or not I wished to attend the opera house that evening for the next performance. I declined. Only the most sorrowful melodies reach me now. Songs that allow my weeping heart to truly release my anguish. Slowly, their suggestions developed into a quiet argument. They were inquisitive, yet concerned and supportive. And finally, in a voice louder than I wished to use, I silenced their questions of why I seemed to want so little to do with my people. My answer was blunt and harsh. My people… My kingdom means nothing to me now.

Their faces showed absolute shock and revulsion. It was then that I realized I was too harsh in my words and quietly readdressed their inquiries. I do still care for my people…but they are no longer my highest priority. My heart calls out not for them, but for him. My beloved. My king. The only man who gave me the life I desired. And with him gone, that life has ended. For I have been dead and empty since the day he breathed his last.

My sisters gave me such helpless and worried stares. They wanted to help me. To soothe my shattered heart. And yet they knew they could not. Such a feat is beyond them. I gathered my courage for what I was about to say. All things considered, I should not have waited this long. I denied myself the truth no longer. I spoke to them a dear, yet taboo, request that I was too fearful to carry out myself. A request for them to finally end me.

Their response was as I expected. Silence. There were no words for a long moment. In the end, it was Luna who spoke first. Her question was brief. She asked if I could have possibly been serious in my request. Once more, I tell them my desire. My will to finally do what no true member of the Equestrian royal family has ever done. My desire to die.

More and more, with a slowly rising tone of desperation, they tried to steer me away from what I desired. And finally, I could tolerate their views no longer. With a raise of my hoof, I silenced them. And then, I did all I could to explain what had brought me to my decision.

My sisters have always had the love of the people of Equestria. They adore our people and seek to guide them. Even when Luna felt that she was neglected and ignored, her people still loved her and her night in ways they could only convey through peaceful slumber. But I… I was born of hatred, envy, and sorrow. Where they always had so many admiring and revering them, I always had…nothing.

I had always known loathing and revulsion. The people of this world reviled me as a demon. A harbinger of doom. From the beginning, I was despised. Not as Luna, but as Nightmare Moon. And it was not until I met him, that wonderful human man, that I finally knew what it was like to love and be loved. Where others saw a demon, he saw a mare. Where others saw wretched hideousness, he saw unparalleled beauty. Where others would have tried to bring my head to the chopping block, he strove to save me. He defended me from even the bearers of the Elements of Harmony themselves. He defended me from his most precious friends. He defended me when the entire world sought to erase me forever. And he… He caused me to become what I had always desired to be. A beloved revered princess of the night. The Princess of Dreams.

Only now, with him gone, I have lost the single most important person in my entire existence. Before I knew him… Before my heart belonged to him, I was not truly living. And with his demise, I am no longer living. I am merely existing. And I do not wish to live like this any longer. All I desire is to be with him again, wherever he may be. And so I plead with them. My sisters. Please… I know what I am asking is selfish. But I cannot bear this any longer. Please… Set me free.

My sisters are silent. Their faces show a silent horror as they contemplate my words. Luna even wonders aloud if it is even possible for me to die without experiencing agony. And Celestia is quick to answer. A spell that has not seen use for far too long. A means to replace the guillotine by removing the victim’s soul, allowing them to move on while the body remains and rots. They once again fall silent, their gazes directed towards each other. I see tears slowly fall from their eyes, rolling down their cheeks. And soon, they face me and nod. They will grant me my final wish. But only at nightfall. They must prepare themselves for the task they must carry out. I do not smile. I know I am about to place a heavy burden on their shoulders. Celestia. Luna. Please forgive me…

My spirits are somewhat higher than usual this evening. I spend my final day with my sisters during every waking moment. We attend the opera house as they recommended. The play is about a moving drama where a commoner falls in love with the princess who reigns over the kingdom, but cannot bring himself to approach her. And only when she becomes lost in a terrible storm does he finally gather the courage to find her and guide her home. I know it should not, but this performance… It brings tears to my eyes when I thought my reserves had already been cried dry.

We dined out for dinner at the finest restaurant in Canterlot and purchased the most expensive and extravagant entrees. My sisters smiled and laughed, and I confess I joined in as well. And yet, I could see a powerful sorrow in their eyes lingering just below the surface. They were doing all they could to make my final night with them the finest they possibly could. For in just a few short hours, I would be a corpse before them. It pains me to see them like this, but it cannot be helped. I know what it is my heart is telling me to do. And I am honored that they would have the fortitude to carry out my final request.

The sun is low in the sky. The time to raise the moon draws near. I stand with my sisters on the balcony to watch the sun set over the horizon one last time. My sisters are hesitant. Nearly in tears. They gaze at me, knowing what our promise was. I smile and nod, wordlessly telling them that it must be done. With a powerful dreadful atmosphere hanging over us, they carry out their duties. The sun fades from the sky as the perfectly round pale sphere rises into the heavens, countless stars dotting the vast dark blue canvas above us. Luna’s mastery over the night remains the finest I have ever seen.

And finally, it is time for me to fulfill my duty one last time as the Princess of Dreams. I cast my spell, my presence spreading far and wide over the world. Tonight, no nightmares will surface. Only the most pleasant dreams will occur. I have passed my knowledge of this spell of mine onto Luna in my stead. She will carry on my legacy as Princess of Dreams. I know she will wear my title well.

I gaze at my sisters, their faces showing nothing but silent dread. They know that the time is near. Tears are building in my eyes as I look at them. These two alicorns before me… They were once my enemies… And yet, over these last centuries, they have been the family I never had. They have loved me unconditionally, shared the throne with me, and even granted me my crown as a true ruler of this land. And now tonight, they will serve as my executioners. My sisters… I love you both dearly. I know what I am asking of you is nothing short of horrid. But please… Please grant me this one final selfish request. I know where I must go. And I need you to send me on my way.

I wait in the throne room for my sisters to arrive. My eyes are directed to the nearest window, the glow of the moon shining through. I know you are out there, my love… And I will be with you again soon.

They arrive. My sisters enter the throne room with not a single guard anywhere nearby to witness what was about to occur. They slowly approach me in such a manner that clearly showed they were stalling. And soon, they stop entirely. It is then that they finally relent. Tears flow free as they practically scream their refusal to go through with my request. They love me. Just as I love them. Celestia in particular is exceptionally adamant in her use of words. She knows the pain of sending a sister away for a millennium. Only tonight, instead of merely sending her sister away, she will be ending her sister’s life forever.

I shout to silence them. It pains me to see them consumed with sorrow. I am grateful for their love after all this time. And yet, in the end, my return to the throne was not necessary. The two of them have reigned over this land flawlessly when together. They…do not need me. And it is through this understanding that I know our world will continue to thrive under their wings. I make certain that they understand that I know full well that this will surely be the most difficult task they will have ever carried out. But I assure them that they should cast their guilt to the wayside. I am the mistress of my own destiny. And I have decided that my reign ends tonight.

They tearfully nod in understanding. I speak more and more encouragement as they slowly draw near. I remind them that my life is not ending tonight. I am merely being set free to be reunited with the man who means the world to me. And yet… I do feel a subtle fear. This will be quite possibly the final time I will ever see my sisters. My own tears finally flow free as we gaze at each other. My voice is breaking. I do not wish to die alone. I plead with them to hold me as the spell is cast. So I may feel their love as I finally leave this world.

My sisters gather beside me, draping their necks across me as they hold me between them. They ask one last question. What the people should be told of my demise. And I reply as such. That their princess knew where her heart lies. That she sought to return to he who gave her all that she desired. That in order to be reunited with her beloved, she had to let go of the mortal plane. To finally ascend to where her beloved can never return from. So please, my dear sisters… Do not tell them to mourn. Tell them to be happy. For I will soon be with he who holds my heart in his hands.

A sob escapes my sisters’ lips as they vow to deliver my message to our people. They ask me one last time if I am prepared. I am. It is time, my sisters. Please… Do it. Set me free.

I can feel it… I do not feel pain. I merely feel…exhausted. So tired… My eyes are growing heavy. My knees are buckling… I can hear my sisters weeping. They keep speaking words of love. And words of the best wishes. They know what it is my heart is seeking. And they respect my will to follow it. Celestia… Luna… I cannot thank you enough for this… I feel cold… Forgive me for placing this task upon your shoulders… I love you both so much… Thank you… Thank you for all you have done for me… Thank you for being my sisters. Thank you for… Just… Thank you…

Finally, my eyes close for the final time. My body becomes numb. My ears become deaf. For a moment, I am filled with a deathly fear. What is going to become of me? My fear is soon replaced by a sense of wonder. I am ascending. Rising through clouds. I am standing among a sea of soft clouds, my crown and armor nowhere to be seen upon my body. Where am I…? And…who is that so far ahead?

Someone is waving towards me. A pony? A human? I begin to approach. And… No… By the stars… It can’t be… It’s him… It has to be him!

My hooves fly into a gallop as I streak across the field of clouds. I can see him… It… My beloved! You… You do not look a day older than when I first laid eyes on you…

He holds out his arms to me, which I sail into. No words come from either of us. Only delirious wails and sobs. I… I cannot even begin to describe this feeling… I can barely stand… We sink to our knees. I feel his touch for the first time in centuries. His grasp on me is tight. His tears staining my coat. I am the same, my voice unable to string together words. My love… I cannot even begin to tell you how I have longed for you…

For what feels like an eternity, we hold onto each other. Never releasing. Never speaking. This moment… A moment five hundred years in the making… It is so toxically sweet… All my anguish is gone… My throat is raw and sore from my screams. My eyes swollen and aching from rivers of tears poured. And finally, we look into each other’s eyes. His are the same as when I last saw them so long ago…

I will not hold the truth in any longer. I begin to speak my heart. To speak my love to him. However, he places his fingers upon my lips to silence me. And he gives me one of the most heartfelt smiles I have ever seen on his face. His response catches me entirely by surprise. He knows.

What follows next is the most wonderful kiss I have ever experienced. His lips are upon mine. I… Forgive me. Words fail to describe the sheer bliss of what I was experiencing. What had happened over the last five hundred years? Had he been longing for me?

The kiss lasts far longer than any I had ever experienced before he finally releases. I am at a loss for words, allowing him to explain as we gaze into each other’s eyes once again. He was fearful that he would never see me again, just as I had been. And he is so pleased that my beauty remains intact after so long. And then, he takes my hoof into his hand in such a matter that… My love… Are you saying…?

He can see the questions I want to ask in my eyes before I even speak them. And he explains. This new world… A world beyond death… It is devoid of the petty laws of the mortal plane. This is a realm of truest peace where love reigns for eternity. A paradise where no evil is allowed to enter. Such a world… Equestria is already a wonderful land in its own right. I cannot comprehend a world that is better…

And then he places his hand atop my hoof. In his eyes, these last five hundred years have been truly grand. But there was one thing missing that made it perfect. A beautiful alicorn mare that held a special place in his heart. Someone known as ‘Nightmare Moon’.

Finally, I can hold my tongue no longer. My heart is pounding in my chest. My tears are on the verge of spilling over. My love, what are you saying? What is it you want to tell me?!

His face is flushed red. He is clearly nervous. This moment…feels so familiar… And then, he asks me a question I had only heard in my most blessed of dreams. “Will you…be my queen?”

The instant those words reached my ears, I lost all feeling in my body. My eyes spilled forth a torrent of tears. I… My king… You… I… You…truly meant… It was then I could only respond with one brief sentence. I hooked my foreleg over his shoulder and shouted at him in tears. “Kiss me, you fool!”

I pulled him in close, kissing him with all my love spilling into that one action. I… What a kiss… He did not resist. He held onto me as tightly as he could, our tongues dancing. Never before have I felt such passion. I could not tell you how long it lasted. But…I felt so drained when we finally parted. So satisfied…

We shared one more gaze. My hoof rested upon his palm. It was then that I spoke the words I wanted to say to him for so long. And for the first time, this is not a dream. “I love you, my king…”

His response was slow and sincere without the slightest hint of hesitation. And his words…made my heart melt. “I love you too, my queen.”

At last… My dream has been realized… My beloved… I am yours… And you are mine. He speaks to me that much has happened during my absence. So many want to see me again. And there is so much to see in this new world.

I watch as a pair of grand white wings spread from his back. Wings that everyone in this land acquires upon arrival, he tells me. Of course, I already have wings, so I remain unaffected. But that does not matter. Together, we take to the air and fly with him guiding me. The sea of clouds becomes a sea of flowers and lush grass. A vast meadow that expands forever over the horizon.

My beloved… Just as I was beginning to fear I would never once see you again, here you are. Youthful, loving, and every bit the man I had fallen in love with so long ago. I know not what has become of you and all the many faces I have befriended in the past, but I know that this world must surely be everything you claim it to be. And now, we have all of eternity to spend together.

I will never leave your side again, my love. And my heart will always be yours. I love you, King James. And I will always be yours. As your Queen of the Night.