> Equestria's Crazies
>  by Thorax
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Episode 1: Luna's Project
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna stood above the cold, limp body of Discord. He had fought hard, but Luna was stronger. Maybe if he had surrendered when she had given him the chance, she wouldn't have had to do it. However, Celestia was correct; Discord would never go along with Luna's experiment. Not that it mattered, she won in the end.


-Earlier that day-


"Celestia, my dear sister, would you like to help us with a project?" Luna asked with a sly grin on her face.

Celestia wouldn't admit it, but she was terrified. The last time Luna had attempted one of her 'projects' - as she called them - it had ended with the gravity within the castle being reversed, leaving many ponies trapped in rooms and an extremely large mess once it had been fixed.

"Celestia, are you there? Equestria to Celestia, come in Celestia." Luna waved a hoof in front of her sister’s face.

"Huh? Oh, sorry, Luna." Celestia said as she snapped back into reality. "What kind of project are we talking about? I don't want another gravity incident." 

Luna gave a nervous chuckle. She had hoped Celestia would have forgotten about that whole day - or, at least, repressed it.

"Sister, I said I was sorry and I fixed it as fast as possible. Besides, what I'm working on is going to help all the ponies of Equestria!"

Celestia was intrigued, and Luna knew it, though Celestia was still cautious

"How will it 'help' the ponies of Equestria?" Asked the Sun Goddess.

"I am attempting to create a device that will allow any type of pony to defend themselves from any attackers, by incapacitating them!" Luna said, excitement seeping back into her tone.

"Luna, wouldn't something such as this cause unneeded violence in the wrong hooves?" Celestia asked, worried for the safety of her ponies.

"Don't worry, sister, I've made it impossible for it to actually harm a creature." Luna answered, attempting to reassure her sister. "It is only capable of stunning a creature. Why don't you come down to my lab with me, and I'll explain it to you fully?"

Celestia was surprised. It had appeared her sister had covered all the bases this time.

"Very well, sister. Show me what you've created."

Luna was giddy. She began to run ahead of her sister, but as she round a corner she realized Celestia was no longer following her. Luna backed up and found her sister still standing in the spot where they had first begun talking.

"Celestia, are you okay?" Luna asked.

The white Alicorn snapped out of her trance. "Oh, yes, I'm fine. I was just wondering, when did we get a lab?"

Luna chuckled. "You see, I noticed the dungeon wasn't getting any use, so I turned it into my lab." She was surprised her sister hadn't noticed, but it seemed reasonable; Celestia would never go to that part of the castle.

Celestia was pleased. She never saw the purpose of a dungeon. In fact, now that Celestia thought about it, she couldn't see a reason why ponies would need a device such as the one Luna described either, but she might as well see what Luna had created.

"Okay then, Luna, lead the way."

Luna took off immediately leaving Celestia alone and slightly lost. "Where was the dungeon again?" Celestia muttered under her breath.

Several minutes later, Celestia had caught up to Luna in the dungeon. She was stunned. How could she not notice this sooner? The walls were lined with monitors and control panels, and Tesla coils covered both the floor and the ceiling. As Luna led her through the room, she noticed two levers on the wall.

"Pull the lever, sister!" Luna shouted, even though they were now standing beside each other.

Celestia panicked. She wasn't prepared for the sudden outburst from Luna, and she pulled a random lever.

"Wrong lever!"  Echoed the scream of Luna as she plummeted through the trap door that had appeared below her. A few moments later, Luna returned, soaking wet. Stomping back over to Celestia, she pulled the other lever, flipping the floor and dropping both Celestia and Luna into a cart.

"Luna, what is happening?!" Celestia asked, terrified.

However, before Luna could answer, an automated voice rang out through the tunnel. "Please keep your hooves and wings inside the cart at all times."

With that, the cart rocketed forward, swerving and weaving through the tunnel at a pace that would leave the Wonderbolts stunned. Soon, though, the screams of terror from Celestia were screams of joy and amusement. Eventually the cart came to a sudden halt at the end of the track, firing the two Alicorns through the air to land on the crash mat below.

All Celestia could do was stare at her sister, completely stunned at what had just occurred.

"What? I had some free time." Luna said, attempting to answer her sister’s glare. "Now that we're here, It's time to show you... the device!!" She said, laughing maniacally.

"Do you mean this?" Celestia asked, pointing towards the device currently placed within a glass case.

"Yes, that is the device." Luna said, once again laughing.

"Is it really called 'the device', and are you going to laugh every time you say it?" Celestia was growing concerned. This was eerily similar to what had happened before she found herself walking on the ceiling. 

With an awkward chuckle Luna opened the glass case and, using her magic, lifted the device so her sister could gain a better look. "Well, so far, the only name I could come up with was 'taser'. I don't even know why, it just seemed right."

Celestia looked at the device. It was small and black, with what appeared to be a button on the lower portion of it and what appeared to be to small needles at the front.

"So, Luna, how does it work?" Asked the older sister, intrigued by the device before her.

Luna grinned. "It uses a magically charged battery to stun an attacker, but I haven't been able to test the device."

Celestia was concerned. "Luna, why haven't you tested it?"

Luna let out a nervous chuckle. "Well, you see, I don't want to use a regular pony in case I got the formula incorrect."

Celestia started to realize everything now; Luna didn't just want to show her the taser - she also wanted to test it on her.

Celestia backed away slowly. "I know what you're thinking, Luna, and no, I will not be your test subject."

Luna was shocked; how could her sister think she'd do something like that? Sure, she thought about it, but she couldn't.

"No, no, my dear sister, I wouldn't dream of using you as my test subject. I had someone else in mind." She added another devious chuckle.

Celestia eased up. "You can't possibly mean Discord. He would never go along with it."

Luna grinned. "Oh, Celestia, you know me too well. I do mean Discord, and he already told me no when I asked him. However, sometimes sacrifices must be made in the name of science." She finished with her best maniacal laugh. Celestia thought about stopping her sister, but then realized it was some great bonding time so she joined in too with her best regal maniacal laugh.


-Elsewhere-


Discord was lying in his bed. It had been one week since his return to the castle. When he first arrived, the servant and guards had feared him, but they seemed to have improved over time. However, he'd been unable to leave the castle yet and he was beginning to feel the effects of boredom.

Somepony knocked on the door.

"Who's there?" Discord shouted.

"It's Celestia. Open the door." Responded a voice from the other side of the door.

Discord could feel something was wrong, but he couldn't place it. Against his better judgement, Discord opened the door. However, instead of Celestia, he was met by Luna standing there with a grin on her face. It took him a moment but he finally noticed what Luna was holding - the device. Luna had explained to him what it did, and had asked him to be the test target. Had he still been completely insane he might have agreed.

Luna continued to stare at Discord as she began to flick the switches on the taser. "So, Discord, have you reconsidered my request? Or do we have to do this the hard way?"

Discord slammed the door shut. He'd have to think fast if he wanted to make it out of this situation. He braced the door with a chair as Luna slammed against it. It wouldn't hold long against the moon goddess’s strength, and if he was really lucky she wouldn't realize she could just teleport in.

"Discord, it's okay, I don't want to hurt you. Just open the door and we can talk." Came the maniacal voice of Luna.

"Not today, Luna!" Discord shouted back.

Discord didn't have many options; sure he could jump out of the window, but once Luna got outside she could easily outpace him. His powers were nowhere near his full strength, but if he could just make it to Celestia he might be safe. Mustering up as much of his magic as he could, he attempted to teleport himself straight to Celestia. Sadly, for Discord, he only made it down his hall. Luna was already galloping at him when he regained his balance.

"Discord, if you run, I might miss and it could hurt even more!" Luna yelled to her prey.

Discord was moving through the hall on all four of his mismatched legs. All he had to do was find Celestia; she would save him. As Discord ran through the hall, he attempted to lose his pursuer by crashing through the kitchen and out into the main dining hall. However, Luna was determined. Instead of swerving into the next room, she went clean through the walls, leaving Alicorn-shaped holes in her wake. 

"Discord, you can't outrun me! Two thousand years ago you couldn't out run me, and you know there is no place where you can hide where I won't find you!" Luna screeched as she crashed through the Guard barracks and back into the hall.

Discord could see it, his salvation, Celestia's room. All he had to do was make it. That's when he noticed the silence. No screaming, no crashing, and no laughter. It must be a trick, he thought, he wouldn't be stopped but such an easy trick. He opened the door and there stood Celestia. A look of terror covered his face as he saw the taser above her head.

"Gotcha." She said with a grin.

The taser fired, sending the two magically charged prongs into Discord's chest. He fell to the ground unconscious.

Luna stepped back into the room and turned to her sister. "Good work, sister. I told him he would run straight to you."

Celestia looked down at Discord's unconscious body. "This seems kind of mean; he didn't really do anything to deserve that."

"Actually, Celly, he attempted to change my star maps so I would turn the night sky into a giant mosaic of himself. Anyways, don't worry, he won't remember anything from the past hour." Luna said, pleased with the results of her test.

Luna stood above the cold, limp body of Discord. He had fought hard, but Luna was stronger. Maybe if he had surrendered when she had given him the chance, she wouldn't have had to do it. However, Celestia was correct; Discord would never go along with Luna's experiment. Not that it mattered, she won in the end. She picked him up using her magic and carried him back to his room. Before leaving the room, Luna left a small wrapped box on his table.


-Later that evening-


As Celestia and Luna sat on Celestia's bed discussing Twilight's latest friendship report, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." Spoke Celestia.

Discord entered the room, carrying in one hand a small cake and in the other a fork. He noticed the two Alicorns attempting to suppress a giggle.

"What's so funny?" Discord asked, confused as to why they were laughing.

"Oh nothing, nothing at all." Luna answered with a large smile across her face. "So, where did you get the cake?"

Discord took another bite. "It was in my room when I woke up. There was also a 'thank you' card, but I'm not sure what I did."

As Discord was heading back out the door, he paused for a moment and turned around. "I remembered why I came here now! I wanted to ask; why are there a bunch of Luna-shaped holes in the walls?"

At this Luna covered her face; she had completely forgotten to fix the walls. Seeing her embarrassment, Celestia began to laugh.

"Well, you know Discord, earlier I was working on som-" Before finishing, Luna had thrown herself out the window and was gone.

Discord stood there deeply confused, Celestia continued to laugh, now on the verge of tears. 

Discord turned to the Sun Goddess. "What did I miss today?"
> Episode 2: Of Bat Wings and Bludgeonings (CelestiaLunaDiscord
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"BATS, GIANT BATS IN MY ROOM" Screamed Celestia.

Discord was racing down the hall as fast as he could move. Giant bats, now this he had to see and maybe help Celestia out... maybe. As Discord made his way down the hall a loud crashing sound began to emanate from Celestia's chamber at the end of the hall. By the time Discord arrived at the door he was no longer sure if he wanted to go inside

"Moment of truth." He muttered under his breath as he opened the door.

The sight that greeted Discord would never leave his mind; it appeared Celestia had gained the upper hoof on the giant bats or bat pony hybrid. She held one of them in the air with her magic slamming it into the Walls and Ceiling at random intervals as the second creature hid behind a table it had apparently flipped over cowering in fear. Discord knew what he had to do, or wanted to do. Discord took a running leap at the creature.

"Take this you hideous monstrosity" He shouted as he came crashing down on the creature, or he would have if it hadn't been for a familiar blue glow that held him in the air. He looked around the room for the source of the magic noticing that Celestia was no longer holding the other in the air but instead it was also being held by the blue layer of magic.

"Really Discord? My guards are hideous monstrosities? Have you not looked in the mirror lately?" spoke the voice of Luna.  

Both Celestia and Discord turned to the door and sure enough there stood Luna her horn glowing as it held the two terrified and battered Guards above their attackers.  

Discord was the first to speak "That hurts Luna it truly hurt" he said trying to hide a chuckle

Celestia put a hoof on Discords shoulder "Don't worry, you’re beautiful on the inside." she said patting him on the shoulder.

"Princess Luna" came the weak voice of the guard "Could you please put me down?"

Luna slowly lowered the guard to the ground and released her magical hold on him. The guard had just enough energy left to thank the Princess of the night before promptly passing out. Luna looked at her sister with a face of confusion mixed with a lot of confusion.

"Celly, first you tell me I should take more interest in my staff and guards, then you attack them when I do" Luna said giving Celestia a disapproving look.

Celestia looked at the unconscious guard then to the one still behind the table. "I'm sorry, how was I supposed to know these were your guards? First they come swooping down on my balcony, and then they came at me."

The guard arose from his position behind the table "I'm sorry you're highness we didn't mean to startle you. We were attempting to deliver a letter to you and I guess we forgot to remove our nightmare night costume" he said still trying to regain his composure.

Celestia looked at the guard quite impressed if that truly was their nightmare night costume then they really went all out even if it required magic. However it was the letter that caught Celestia attention the most.

"So who is this letter from?" Asked Celestia

The guard placed the rolled up scroll on the table in front of Celestia. "It's from your Student, Twilight Sparkle she said it was a friendship report"

Celestia was confused, why didn't Twilight just have Spike send it like normal but before Celestia could ask guard he began to speak again.

"Miss Sparkle asked me to deliver the letter for her. She told us that she usually had her assistant send it using his fire breath but he had a stomach ache" The guard let out a little chuckle "The little guy ate to much candy, at least he learned that life lesson now." 

Luna's eyes began to shift "Did you say Friendship report?" 

The guard nodded towards the Lunar Princess as Celestia unrolled the Scroll, Discord leaning over her shoulder in an attempt to read it.

Luna was sweating bullets she was about to be busted. "Imtiredbacktobedgoodnight" She blurted out as she darted out the doors.

*Moments later*

Luna had escaped; she made it to her room and had sealed all the entry points. She wouldn't have to deal with anything till the morning. As she returned to her bed she was surrounded by a golden glow.

"Aw Crap" she let out with a sigh as she vanished from her room.

Luna landed with a thump back in Celestia's room.

"So dear sister, you had a hard time with friendship?" Celestia said staring down at her younger sister.

"Oh whatever do you mean sister?" Luna said with a chuckle as she picked herself off the floor.

Celestia gave her sister a look that sent a shiver down both Luna and Discords spine
"I think you know exactly what I mean Luna. This letter from my student paints a very different picture as to what occurred on your little visit to Ponyville."

Luna let out another nervous chuckle "I don't know what you mean Celly, When we arrived in Ponyville we were met by a cheering crowd of ponies and then spent the rest of the evening having fun and celebrating"

Celestia continued to eye her sister "Really Luna? Because Twilight's report says you arrived in a manner the instilled terror in all the Ponyville folk and from what your guard told me you ordered them to act as scary as possible, hell Luna, Twilight even said you arrived in a cloak made from live bats. Did you go there just to cause panic?"

"Me? Purposely try to cause panic and terror? I would never" Luna said with a grin "In fact causing panic is my least favorite thing to do."

Celestia grinned "Yes I know you just hate to cause any form of terror. Could you explain to me this part of the letter? Twilight says I should try and help you with your "Volume" Problem. Do you know what she meant by that?"

Luna was twiddling her hooves "I may or may not have been using the Voice."

Celestia was surprised she didn't think Luna would have remembered the Voice let alone use it in her prank. Celestia couldn't help but feel somewhat proud, her sister was learning so well.

Discord raised his talon "What is the voice?"

Celestia gave a terrifying grin "The voice, or as it was known as before, The Royal Canterlot Voice was something me and Luna came up with after we lost you. We had no way of keeping the Regal class on their hooves so we came up with a way to grab their attention,  we created the voice."

It was Discords turn to grin "Show me" he said standing up

Celestia gave a concerned look "Are you sure, it’s a bit loud and a bit strong."

"Hit me" Discord said as he prepared himself.

Celestia stood up and moved herself into position in front of Discord as he prepared himself. He looked up at Celestia and nodded his head.

"BLAMO" Celestia let out at an ear splitting volume

The Castle shook and Discord did his best to fight the force of the voice. However Celestia had created it and Discord was unable to hold his ground. The sheer power of the voice hurled Discord over the balcony and into the night sky. 
Celestia and Luna ran to the balcony in an attempt to see where the Draconequus might have landed.

Luna looked turned to her sister "Do you think he'll be okay?"

Celestia nodded "I'm sure he'll be fine he's just as durable as us. Don't you remember when we threw him into the sun?"

Luna let out a chuckle "Yeah I remember, why we did it again?"

"No clue" Celestia said manner-of-factly. "And don't think I've forgotten what we were talking about."

"How about we forget what happened tonight and we all go to bed?" Luna said praying that her sister would go for it.

Celestia laughed at her sister’s feeble attempt to escape "Nice try Luna, how about you tell me everything that happened. From what your guard has told me and from Twilights letter everything turned out fine for everypony involved"

Luna was surprised "Really the letter didn't say anything about the burning barn?"

Celestia stared at her sister somewhat stunned "You burned down a barn? Really Luna? Really?"

Only Luna's blue coat hid the embarrassment that covered her face 
"It was an accident some of us may have had a little bit too much to drink and they really wanted to see more lightning. Don't worry though I fixed everything before I left." 

Celestia was completely stunned, not only had Luna burned down a barn she also got "Slightly" drunk.
"Okay, now you really have to tell me what happened and if you want to get out of this unpunished, I’m going to need some candy."

Luna's eyes began to shift around the room "Oh dear sister what do you mean candy? Don't you think if I had candy I would not have shared it with you?"

Celestia chuckled "Don't even try that, Twilights letter goes into extreme detail as to how you both turned a statue of Nightmare moon into a sacrificial candy alter."

Luna sighed when she had returned to the castle she thought she had the perfect plan. She covered all her tracks or so she thought, she stashed the candy in her room behind layers of magic. But now Celestia knew not just about her evening but also about her candy haul.

"Fine, Celly you wait here I'll go get the candy" Luna said trying to suppress her grin as she opened the door.

Celestia stood up and ran over to her sister "I'll go with you. Wouldn’t want you to get lonely, or escape" she knew that's exactly what Luna had planned

Several minutes later both Celestia and Luna were sitting on Celestia's bed . Luna told Celestia everything about how she arrived and instilled terror in the hearts of ponies and how she decided to test Celestia's student. She finished by bragging how she was favorite Princess in the eyes of a pony named Pip. 

The two Alicorns spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing both of Luna's guards recovered fully from their injuries and received a large pay raise. Celestia also learned that her sister may be learning a little too much from her. But in the end everypony had a great Nightmare Night and Neither Luna or Celestia could wait, next year they would work as a team and everypony would fear them.


*Meanwhile in Ponyville*

Twilight had just finished cleaning up the library after her eventful evening she had tucked spike into his bed, the poor little dragon had eaten far too much candy and was paying the price. It was then that Twilight noticed the loud whistling sound. Searching around she couldn't tell where it was coming from. But she would soon find out. Moments later Discord came crashing through her roof landing on the floor unconscious.

Twilight looked up at the large hole in her roof then back to the unconscious Draconequus on the floor. Twilight dropped to her knees.

"CELESTIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" She screamed to the heavens. 

> Episode 3: Mission Plausible (Luna/Discord)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discord was trapped, surrounded on all sides with no way out. If he was caught here they would surely kill him or at least try. Moments ago Discord's plan was going perfectly he had disguised himself as one of the castle guards and had told the Kitchen staff Celestia had requested them in the main dining hall. Afterwards he initiated phase two, once all of the cooks were out of the hall he had picked the lock with his talon and made his way in.

Phase three was where everything began to go wrong. All he had to do was grab some food and get out, simple enough he had thought. However fate frowned on Discord’s snacking time and the Cooks and wandered into Celestia before ever reaching the main hall. When the finally realized they had been tricked the galloped back to the Kitchen. Discord heard their approaching hoofsteps and panicked. Now Discord found himself trapped in a pantry.

"Not the worst place I've been trapped in." Discord muttered to himself.

Discord peeked through the crack in the door hoping that an escape route might have opened up.

"When I get my Hooves on that lizard!" shouted the lead cook Flambé. "This is the seventh time he's stolen from our Kitchen"

Discord felt a little proud it wasn't the seventh time it was the sixteenth. Discord did feel a little bad about causing trouble for the poor fellow. When a Flambé wasn't on the job he had a great sense of humor and everything he cooked was like paradise in your mouth. However at this moment Flambé was the enemy and he had a severe advantage.

"Now, tonight we have a large group of High class ponies coming in. We'll need to work the rest of the day if we want to be ready for the feast." Flambé shouted returning to his position as the other cooks returned to theirs.

Discord's hope for escape had been crushed, he could wait the entire day for them to leave but no doubt  someone would eventually open the door to grab something and when the did he would be busted.

Twenty minutes later Discord was still sitting in that pantry. He’d finished eating two apples and a one wheel of cheese when suddenly with a silent purple flash a scroll appeared in front of him. Discord was surprised by this not by the fact that the scroll suddenly appeared but by the fact that nobody sent him mail, especially not at a time like this.

Discord unrolled the scroll and silently read to himself.

"Dear Discord

It has come to my attention that you have found yourself in dire need of assistance. I myself could also use some assistance, though I do not find myself trapped in a small room. I believe we can help each other out, if you wish to escape the wrath of Flambé head to the furthest back shelf. Once there you will find several boxes of cereal behind the ones on the middle shelf you will find a lever.

Should you wish to escape Pull it and prepare you bottom it gets bump.

PS: This message would have self-destructed in five seconds but I couldn't remember that spell, so just eat it or something."

Discord looked at the scroll, Judging by the purple flash and the writing he assumed it was Luna. He wasn't sure what she wanted from him but if she could help him escape then it was most likely worth it. He stood up and moved his was to the back shelves sure enough there was the cereal.

"Why do we have this much cereal!? I mean really we have far too much cereal in here" He said aloud to himself.

He moved to the boxes from the middle row and to his surprise there was the lever he shrugged no other way out might as well pull it Discord thought to himself. He pulled the lever not knowing what to expect at first nothing happened, but with a sudden mechanical snap the trap door below Discords feet opened up and he fell into the darkness.

With a sudden thud Discord landed in appeared to be a cart. He looked around all he could see was more darkness and what appeared to me rail road track. Suddenly a loud automated voice rang from somewhere in the tunnel.

"Please keep your hooves and wing inside the cart at all times"

Discord didn't have enough time to fully register what the voice had said before the cart fired down the track. Discord being Discord disobeyed the voice's commands as he raised his arms above his head careening down the track in a manner that could not be safe in any possible way. Discord was sad when he saw the end of the track approaching luckily for him that feeling soon left. Sadly for him so did the track as the cart slammed to a stop Discord was forcefully ejected from the cart and hurled back into the darkness.

When Discord finally regained consciousness he was in a large room. Monitors and large consoles covered the walls and Tesla coils covered the ceiling and floor at various points of the room. On many of the tables sat beakers containing various chemical mixtures eventually a dark shape in the corner of the room caught Discord's attention, it moved towards him.

"Good evening Discord" The shadowed figure spoke.

"Hi Luna." Discord responded cheerfully

Luna stepped from the shadows a look of annoyance clearly covered her face "How does everybody know it's me?"

Discord shrugged "Probably because this place looks exactly like your room." He paused for a moment trying to visualize Luna's room "Actually, this place has less Tesla coils than your room."

Luna glared at Discord as he climbed to his feet "What’s wrong with Tesla Coils?"

Discord finished brushing himself off before turning back to Luna "Nothing, if you’re a madmare." he said with a grin.

Luna knew Discord would win this game if she allowed it to go for too long, so she decided to get to the point as quickly as possible.

"So, since you pulled the lever that means you accepted my offer, correct?"

Discord had completely forgotten the offer. The note didn't say what he had agreed to, but with Luna you could never be sure either way.
"So what is it you need me to do?"

Luna turned back to Discord a look of pure insanity covered her face.
"I want you, TO DESTROY THE ELEMENTS OF HARMONY!" she finished an Insane laugh to match her face.

Discord was stunned he knew Luna was a little crazy but he wasn't aware she had fully snapped again. Just as Discord thought about running Luna's face snapped back to a normal and calm appearance 

"Don't worry Discord; I'm just messing with you." She said with a slight grin

Discord was even more stunned if that was her Idea of a joke he didn't want to get on her bad side. He let out a nervous chuckle "Haha Luna that was pretty funny, so what do you really need me to do."

A small amount of Insanity returned to Luna's face "You and I are going to steal Celestia's diary." she finished with a less insane laugh.

Now Discord was sure she was insane "You set all this up just so you could steal your sister’s diary? Just go into her room and take it, sounds pretty simple."

Luna laughed once again "Discord, this isn't a simple school filly’s journal. This is Celestia's personal log of everything she's thought and done for the past few hundred years. It would take a hundred ponies to break Celestia's security."

Discord grinned "Or two gods."

"Now you're getting it." She said as she walked to the large wooden doors. Before she opened it she turned back to Discord "So, are you in or out?"

Discord rubbed his paws together "I'm in, where do we begin."

A few minutes later both Luna and Discord had sneaked their way through the castle and had made it to the Royal Armory where they were to meet their inside colt.

Hammer was waiting at the armory door "You're sure Princess Celestia won't find out that I've helped you two?"

"Yes Hammer, she'll have no idea you helped us and if we get caught you've already got your pay so what does it matter?" Luna finished as she walked into the room, Discord following behind her.

Discord was surprised the armory had everything including Battering rams, grappling hooks, swords and shields. Discord turned to Luna who was eying everything on the walls 

"So what do we need?" Discord asked, he wasn't quite sure what they would be facing in order to obtain a simple diary.

Luna shrugged "I'm not sure what we'll need, so just grab anything that seems useful."

Five minutes later Luna had a full bag packed and Discord still hadn't picked anything. Instead he stood in front of a shelf that contained only rope.

"Do you know what we need Luna?" Discord asked with a grin

"What do we need?" She answered

"We need some rope" He said as he pulled the longest rolled up rope he could find.

Luna turned and stared at him "Are you insane? Actually don't answer that."

Discord shrugged "Spies always have rope."

Luna was still looking through the shelves for more useful items. “What are you going to need rope for?"

Discord shrugged again "I don't know, in the movies they always end up using it though."

Luna turned and glared at Discord "Fine take your stupid rope, it’s not going to help though."

One hour later Discord and Luna found themselves dangling above a pool of sharks.

"WHERE DID SHE FIND ALL OF THESE!?" Screamed Luna.

"I DON'T KNOW BUT I'VE DECIDED THAT CELESTIA IS NOW THE INSANE ONE!" Discord shouted back

"We'll have to rock ourselves till I can cut the rope and hopefully we can land on that ledge over there." Discord said as began to rock him back and forth. Soon Luna had joined in and they were now gaining enough momentum to either side of the pool. 

"Brace yourself." Discord shouted as he cut the rope.

Both Luna and Discord landed on the ledge at the far side of the room. Discord cut the rope off both of their hooves as the both stood back up.

"What are you going to need rope for?" Discord said mockingly.

"Shut up or I'll push you into the shark tank" Luna said bluntly as she opened the next door. 

The next room was a plain looking chamber nothing on the walls or floor except for a single chandelier that lite the room. On the far side of the room was a table containing three books. Luna was about to gallop forward to her prize, when Discord put an arm out to block her.

"Think about Luna, so far we've crawled through vents hidden in Celestia's room, dodged spear traps hidden in the walls and finally we've fallen through a trap door and dangled above a pool of sharks. Do you really think Celestia left this room untouched?"

Luna thought about it for a moment "You're right, she probably has some horrible trap set up. That's why you’re going first." She said with a grin as her magic covered Discord.

"What are you doing?!?" Discord said confused as he began to slide forward through the room.

"I just told you, you're going first whether you like it or not. I know you won’t agree to go anyways so I'm just helping you along."

Discord closed his eyes and braced himself he preferred not seeing pain as it approached. He waited for anything to happen but nothing ever did, he continued to wait afraid to peek in case something did.

"You can open your eyes you big chicken!" Luna shouted across the room.

Discords allowed his eye to crack open, he eventually allowed them to fully open. He was glad he seemed to be fully intact he hadn't been stabbed, eating or set on fire all good signs. Luna happily trotted to the other side of the room and an approached the table.

Discord stared at the three books "They all look the same, she probably booby trapped the wrong ones."

"You're probably right." Luna answered "We'll have to pick one and hope its right."

Discord picked up the book furthest to the right and moved it to the middle of the table.
"Are you ready?" He asked. 

Luna nodded, and Discord opened the book. At first nothing happened and both Discord and Luna felt relieved. However that was quickly squashed as a small black hole opened up in the center of the book.

"SHUT IT!" Screamed Luna as she was dragged across the floor her hooves having no grip on the floor.

Just before Luna was sucked in the dark abyss Discord managed to close the book. He then slid it as far away as possible.

"Okay then we never speak of that book again. Also your turn Luna, I don't feel like being horrible mauled by some sick and twisted trap your sister has created."

Luna looked at the two remaining books. She decided that the middle book was most likely safe and picked it up with her magic. Just before she opened it she decided to face it away from both of them, she finally cracked the book open as it faced the wall. Both Discord and Luna waited for any sign of trouble, but nothing came. She closed the book and placed it in Discords paws. Just then a small door behind the table opened up.

"Where do you think that leads?" Discord asked

Luna shrugged "Probably back up into the Castle."

Discord was pleased he apparently didn't have to carry the book very far as he followed Luna back up through the dark passage way. Eventually the darkness began to break as light flooded in. 

"Ah fresh air." Sighed Luna as they exited through the secret entrance hidden behind a bush.

"Can we hurry up? This book is heavy." Discord said struggling as the weight of the book only seemed to grow.

Several minutes later Luna and Discord had managed to sneak back through the castle and into Luna's chambers. The placed the book down on Luna's desk.

"Are you ready?" Luna asked with an evil grin.

"Just do it." Discord answered completely exhausted from carrying the large book so far.

Luna opened the first page of the Celestia's Diary and read aloud

"Don't worry; I'll come get you in a few hours." Luna was confused who was Celestia going to come get?

"What does that mea-" Discord was cut off as a golden glow surrounded both Luna and him and with a flash they were both gone.

Both Celestia and Hammer appeared as Celestia removed the invisibility spell that had concealed them.

Hammer looked up at Celestia as she picked up her book "Why did you need them in order to get your book? If you don't mind me asking Princess."

Celestia chuckled "For two reasons my little pony. The first being those traps, they really, really hurt and I didn't feel like walking all the way to the secret entrance. The second reason is simple; I found it funny watching them try to plot. Even when Luna was Nightmare moon Plotting wasn't her strong point. I was truly surprised that they even made it down there at all." 

Hammer quietly laughed to himself. Princess Celestia and set up this elaborate plan out of laziness and boredom. Which when he thought about it was nothing new from the Princess. As they were walking back through the halls Hammer turned to the Princess.

"If you don't mind me asking where did you send Princess Luna and Discord?"

"To the moon" She said with a giggle. "Don't worry though; I'll go get them in a couple of hours."

Meanwhile on the moon

"So much for your brilliant plan there Luna." Discord said quite annoyed.

"How was I supposed to know she knew what we were planning?" Luna responded equally annoyed.

Discord was now pacing around trying to figure out how to get off the large space rock
"Luna, I have an Idea. We'll crash the moon into the Equestria."

Luna shook her head "It'll take too long and I don't think Celestia would like us wiping out all life on the planet."

Discord crossed his arms "I guess you’re right, what do we do then?"

Luna grinned "I have a plan."

Several hours later in Canterlot Castle

Celestia walked to her balcony window, it was about time to bring those two back to Equestria. She opened the balcony window and look up at the moon just as her horn began to glow she noticed something different about it. She moved her telescope into position in order to get a better look.

Written on the face of the moon in bold letters was "Luna rules Celestia drools. PS Discord says Hi"

"They seem to be keeping busy up there. I'll get them down in the morning, wouldn't want to ruin their work."

With that Celestia closed her window and returned to her bed, diary safely tucked under her pillow.
	

> Episode 4: Reoccurring Night Mare (LunaMoonyCelestia)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia was getting anxious it had been hours since Luna had taken over the main hall. She had blocked all entrances and sealed the room with magic, leaving Celestia no means of entering the room. She knew Luna was still slightly upset about being left on the moon with Discord for a few hours, but now she was getting worried. Celestia knocked on the large wooden doors that sealed the room.

"Luna, are you okay in there?" She said trying to hide the worry in her voice.

There was a sound of metal clashing and something shattering before the room fells silent for a few moments.
"Yes Celly I'm fine" came the voice of Luna through the door "Just a little busy right now, what do you need?"

Celestia was pleased at least Luna was still talking to her.
"I just wanted to make sure you're okay. You've been in there for hours, how about you open in the door and let me in."

There was some more silence before Luna responded.
"No can do Celly, I'm working on a project. Come back in about an hour and I'll show you everything I've been working on." She finished with the laughter of a madmare. "Also bring Discord." she quickly added with a few more crashes the room once again fell silent.

Celestia didn't really know how to handle the situation, she could easily smash the door down on her own, but in the end she might look just as crazy as Luna sounded. So she did the only thing she could, she left Luna to her science. Celestia wondered the Halls on a normal day she would be holding open court in the main hall. However she had to cancel due to Luna's sudden madness.

"Might as well see what Discord's gotten up to" She said aloud to herself.

After several minutes of wondering the castle halls looking for the Draconequus and with no sign of him anywhere she resorted to asking the staff, though that led to no leads. That is until two panicking librarians came running down the halls screaming like mad mares. Before they could run past her Celestia grabbed them both with her magic.

"What has gotten into you?" She asked the two out of breath ponies.

"Disc....Dis....Discord he's... he's gone crazy in the library." The blue mare answered still exhausted from running.

Celestia raised an eyebrow "Really? What is he doing in there?"

The other mare spoke up "He flew into the library and said he claimed it as the chaos capital of the Discordia. Then he snapped his fingers and all the books started flying."

Celestia laughed "Really is that all he's done?"

The librarians were confused "Princess I don't think you understand, Discord is trying to conquer Equestria again."

Celestia remained calm even after the mare had given her this apparently bad news.
"Would it make you feel better if I went and stopped his rampage of Chaos?" She asked the two mares.

Both of them nodded and Celestia turned and headed for the library leaving the two mares to continue their panicked running. What is he up to Celestia thought to herself she knew his was beginning to regain his powers but he couldn't honestly be trying to conquer Equestria already. Whatever he was planning she was about to find out as she had just reached the Library doors.

She cracked the door slightly open and peaked inside. What she saw didn't surprise her in the least; Books were soaring around the room swopping down every now and again to grab the smaller magazines in a horrific feeding frenzy. Much of the rooms furniture was floating around weightlessly and in the center of the room was a large fortress made from some of the heavier novels.

Celestia approached the Book fort "Discord, Are you in there?"

There was an awkward moment of silence before a response finally came from the fort
"Maybe" came the voice of Discord from deep inside the structure.

Celestia leaned her head into the only window she could find on the book fort. She was surprised it seemed a lot larger on the inside the she had originally guessed she looked around before finally noticing Discord right beneath her head. He had attempted to hide under the windowsill and had shaped his body perfectly to fit the frame of the window.

"So what brings you to this part of the castle, this fine afternoon Celestia?" Discord asked in an awkward manner as he tried to sit up knocking most of his fort down in the process. 

Celestia stared at the Draconequus "I had reports that you had claimed this part of the castle as the capital of Discordia, is that true?"

Discords stood up demolishing what was left of his magnificent fortress of Knowledge.
"Yep, the next stop on my conquering tour was the Kitchen. I heard Flambé was getting lonely so I thought I would keep him company."

Celestia tried to hide a giggle which didn't work to well "You know conquering peoples work space isn't going to helping your case. Now are you going to clean up this mess up or am I going to have to send all of Discordia's inhabitants to the moon?"

Discord sighed "Fine, I'll clean it up. But I refuse to like it." With a snap of his fingers the library returned to normal that is except for a single book that continued to flap around the room. Discord turned back to Celestia with a smile on his face 
"Wouldn't want them to get bored now would we?"

Celestia laughed those poor librarians would never know what hit them. Celestia was about to ask Discord how long he had been in here when suddenly a scroll appeared in front of the two with a flash of purple.

"What does it say?" Asked Discord

Celestia finished reading and rolled the scroll back up "Luna wants us to meet her in at the main hall."

"What for?" Discord asked as they left the room book still soaring around.

"Science, apparently." Celestia answered

The two of them walked back to the main hall passing the two librarians who both passed out when they saw Discord approaching with the Princess. A few minutes later the two had made it back to the main hall, where Luna was waiting outside for both of them.

"Oh good, you brought Discord, Saves me the trouble of finding him myself." she said with a sly grin "Are you two ready for the greatest feat of Sciences every witnessed by pony eyes?"

Celestia glared at her younger sister "Really Luna whatever it is I think you're over reacting"

However Discord didn't share her feeling on Luna's behavior "I'm ready for science!" He said excitedly.

Luna opened the large wooden doors "If you're both ready please follow me inside." She said as she entered the room.

Once inside Both Discord and Celestia were completely stunned. In the four hours Luna had been locked inside the room she had managed to transform it into another lab. Fully equipped with all the usually Luna style goods such as more Tesla Coils, giant gears and electrical wires leading up to a large table. The table appeared to have something hidden beneath the cloth placed atop it. Celestia was the first to notice this.

"Luna, what is underneath the sheet?" Celestia asked.

"I'll show both of you if you come closer." Luna answered with a evil grin.

Discord and Celestia looked at each other terror covering both of their faces, fighting their fears the approached the table where Luna now stood.

Luna gripped the Sheet with her magic "Are you two ready?"

Discord and Celestia nodded and Luna removed the sheet what they saw shocked them on the deepest level. Lying on the table was the body of a large pony roughly the size of Luna. From the shape they could tell it was that of a mare, her coat was black as the night and she had no mane or tail to speak off."

Celestia was the first to speak "Luna is that Nightmare Moon?"

Luna nodded the grin still plastered on her face.

"But I thought Nightmare moon was part of Luna's mind, she didn't have her own body, Right?" Discord asked

Luna turned to Discord "That's right; she didn't have a physical body of her own. That is until today, when I made her one using my magic that is."

"WHAT!" Shouted Celestia and Discord in unison.

Luna was unscathed by their sudden outburst "Yep, I made Nightmare Moon her own body so I can finally be rid of her."

Celestia was still trying to regain her bearings "Luna have you gone insane? You’re going to give Nightmare moon her own body. She's just going to try and bring about eternal night again."

Luna turned to her sister "Don't worry Celly, I've thought everything through. She'll have no more power than the average unicorn at least for some time” She muttered “and worse comes to worse she's in her own body we can just send her to the moon or turn her to stone whichever one floats your boat."

It was Discords turn to speak up "So you're going to put Nightmare moon into that body on the table? And then she'll be free to what she pleases?"

Luna nodded "She won’t be able to do what she please, she'll be under our 24/7 watch Just as you are now."

Discord looked puzzled "I'm not under 24/7 watch."

Luna laughed "Ya, that's what we want you to think. So anyways the reason I need you two here is for a few reasons. First reason is I don't want you two to have a heart attack when Nightmare moon is wandering the halls. The second reason is I need someone else to operate the machine we'll I get into position."

Celestia moved over to her sister "That's all fine and dandy Luna, but could you explain to me why you suddenly want to give the monster that got you a thousand year timeout on the moon her own body?"

Luna finished tightening the helmet around her head. "Ah I have a few reasons for that to. You both already know that when the Elements of Harmony hit us I regained control of my body and Nightmare moon was pushed back, correct?"

Discord and Celestia both nodded

Luna continued "Well after I regained control she continued to try and fight me. After a few months she finally gave up and was reasonably quiet. However every now and again she would try to feed me ideas. Which is how the whole no gravity situation happened. Other than that however she stayed quiet, which is until Discord escaped at first she stayed pretty quiet. However once we made the offer to him and he returned to the castle she began to complain."

Celestia was slightly surprised but after everything that had just happened nothing could truly surprise her.
"What do you mean she began to complain?"

Luna was glared at her sister "I was about to get to that before you interrupted me. She began to complain about how the deal you made with Discord was unfair she said that if Discord got a second chance why shouldn't she? I told her it was because she was very mean and nobody liked her. She then told me that I was the mean one, ever since then she's been bugging me almost nonstop for a second chance."

Discord laughed "So basically you caved and decided to give her a second chance?"

Luna glare pure anger at Discord "It's not like that, she tortured me nonstop, what was I supposed to do?"

"How did she hurt you from inside your own head?" Celestia asked

Luna stared at her sister with a serious expression on her face "Every night for the past three weeks all she does is sing. Every night all she sings is Winter Wrap Up over and over and over again. So you can laugh at me if you want but once she's out here I can beat her myself if she tries something like that again."

Luna finished inputting command on the console that sat in front of her.
"So Celestia if you're done asking question could you please take a position in front of this console?"

Celestia moved over to where Luna had previously been standing and Luna moved back over beside the table
"I still don't agree with this Luna, but we gave Discord a second chance and so far it seems to be working. So what’s the worse that could happen?"

Luna giggled "See I knew you would come around now all you have to do is press the big red button and stand back. Also Discord you might want to move back to.... and close your eyes it might get bright."

With that Celestia slammed her hoof down on the button. Electricity began to spark around the room as all the lights on the machine began to flash gears began to turn and for a split second Celestia could have sworn she had seen the sky go black. As quickly as it began it had ended. 

"Did it work?" Asked Discord as he lowered his arms and moved back towards the table.

"Not sure" Answered Luna.

The three gathered around the body look for any signs of life after a few moments Luna noticed the chest begin to rise and fall.

"IT'S ALIVE, IT'S ALIVE" Cackled Luna as the body of Nightmare moon began to rise.

"I'M ALIVE, I'M ALIVE" Cackled Nightmare moon as she climbed off the table.

"FOALISH PONIES YOU SHALL REGRET THE DAY YOU RETURNED NIGHTMARE MOON TO HER FULL POWER!" She cackled stomping her hoof on the ground. However nothing happened and she tried again still nothing.
"DO NOT THINK YOU HAVE WON, I SHALL RETURN TO SHOW YOU MY TRUE POWER" and with that she dived out the closest window she could find.

There was an awkward silence in the room for few moments as everybody began to comprehend what had just happened.

Luna laughed "It’s funny because I haven't gotten her wings working yet and we're like a thousand feet up."

"Do you ever get the feeling of Déjà vu?" Celestia asked Discord

Discord nodded "I know what you mean"

"Could somebody help me up?" came a voice from outside the window.

Luna perked up "Well look at that, she survived."

All three of them rushed to the broken window but only Luna was able to stick her head out comfortably. What Luna saw made almost happier than she'd ever felt before. Nightmare moon had locked her hooves on to the windowsill and was dangling roughly a thousand feet above jagged rocks.

"So Moony it looks like you're in a sticky situation, now I could help you up but first you'll have to agree to a few things"

Nightmare Moon looked up pure terror in her eyes "Anything just help me up, I don't want to die."

Luna laughed again "Oh Moony you won’t die, you're immortal too. The fall can't kill you It'll just hurt a lot all of those pointy rocks and that sudden stop."

Nightmare Moon began to slip "OKAY, OKAY I SAID I AGREE, I'LL DO ANYTHING JUST PULL ME BACK UP."

"What's the magic word?" Luna asked

"PLEASE! PLEASE PULL ME UP" Nightmare moon screamed as she lost her hold on the ledge. She closed her eyes and braced herself for the fall, but it never came. When she finally opened her eyes she was sprawled out on the floor back inside the castle.

Luna turned to Celestia "See I told you it would work."

Celestia laughed "I never thought I would hear Nightmare Moon say please for anything"

Nightmare Moon picked herself off the ground "Oh yes laugh at the evil being that almost plummeted to her doom."

Discord put an arm around Nightmare's neck "I know that feeling Moony."

Nightmare Moon shook Discords arm off her "Why do you keep call me Moony?"

"We'll if you’re going to be living with us we needed something else to call you, Nightmare Moon is just too long so I went with Moony." Luna said with a pleased smile as she put a hoof around Nightmares neck.

Nightmare laughed "Me, Living with you Ha. You're kidding right, why would I do something like that?'

Luna pulled Nightmare closer and whispered into her ear "Because if you don't you'll find yourself back on moon and this time without me to annoy.

Nightmare Moon's head snapped back up "Okie Dokie then if I'm staying with you guy's where is my room" she said as forcefully cheerful as possible.

Luna moved back over to her sister "See Celly everything's going just as planned, You're happy, Discords happy, Moony might be happy and finally that one less voice in my head to tell me what to do."

"What was that last point?" Celestia said as her head snapped to face her sister

"I said and finally I'm happy." Luna answered trying to lie as best as she could.

Nightmare moved over to Discord "Trust me I wasn't the only voice in her head" she whispered into the Draconequus ear.

Discord chuckled "I don't doubt you for a minute."

Three Days Later

Celestia and Luna stood outside the Library doors, Celestia had once again received complaints about events transpiring in that wing of the castle and had made her way down there. Upon arriving Celestia was not surprised to see that once again Discord has turned the library into Discordia capital. However instead of one book fort she saw two, one at each end of the room.

Luna looked over to her sister "Think about it this way, you've always wanted children and now you have two."

Celestia laughed "Ya and they're both insane and possible evil."

Discord stuck his head out of the top of his fort "You may take my novels, you may take my magazines. But you will never take MY CHAOS!" He shouted as he hurled another Dictionary at the enemy fort. Though the Dictionary scored a direct hit it didn't even scratch the enemy bunker.

Nightmare Moon rose from her book fort and looked at the Dictionary on the floor.
"YOU FOOL, MY BOOK FORT SHALL LAST FOREVER!" She finished laughing manically.

Celestia facehoofed "What have I gotten myself into?"

Meanwhile in Ponyville

Twilight had just received a letter from Princess Celestia, her friends gathered around her anxious to her what the Princess had said. Twilight began to read aloud.

"Dear Twilight Sparkle

Nightmare Moon is now living with us do not panic I have it totally under control....Maybe

Sincerely Princess Cele- OH SWEET SUN AND MOON THEY’RE USING FLAMING BOOKS NOW!"

Twilight turned to her friends who were completely stunned; unlike her they hadn't had time to grow accustomed to these things.

"Spike, Take a letter please" She said calmly

"Sure thing Twilight" Spike answered, over the past three weeks Spike had grown equally accustomed to such weird letters.

"Dear Princess Celestia

Good luck with that.

Sincerely Twilight Sparkle"

	
	 
	

> Episode 5: High Voltage Clue (Celestia/Luna)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a normal day in Canterlot Castle. Morning court had come and gone and Celestia had finished meeting with some of the local farmers. Apparently a dragon had decided to take a nap at the head of one of the main streams that feed water to their farms. Celestia sent some of her best trained guards to deal with the situation, but other than that a completely normal day in Canterlot Castle and this made Celestia suspicious 

Celestia knew something was up, she hadn't had peace like this in almost one and a half months now. But maybe things were starting to get back to normal she thought. She shook that thought off as she walked through the gardens, there was no such thing as normal when Discord was involved let alone Moony.

Celestia giggled "Moony, what a ridiculous name." she said to herself.

Moony was the name they had given Nightmare Moon after she had moved in with them. Celestia still wasn't clear on what had happened that day, all she could remember was some evil cackling and some flaming books. She flinched at that memory it had taken them two weeks to rebuild that section of the library and another one to talk the librarians back into the room.
But maybe, just maybe things were starting to get back to normal.

Those hopes were quickly shattered when an ear splitting scream echoed through the halls of the Castle and out an open window, as if the universe itself wanted Celestia to hear it.

She sighed "Well there goes that tiny bit of hope." She said as she entered the castle through the garden doors.

As Celestia made her way through the castle the shrieks of what Celestia assumed as a maid or other member of the Castle staff continued. However at this point she was accustomed to it and did not hasten her pace, instead she made her way to the Kitchen. 

Flambé was surprised when the Princess had entered his humble kitchen. Usually when she was hungry one of her guards would report what she wanted directly to him. However today she had wondered into his kitchen and began to raid his supplies.

"Princess, wouldn't it be better if I made the meal so you could go see what all the ruckus is about?" Flambé asked as the Princess stuck her head into the fridge.

From inside the fridge came the sound of glass jars clattering as the Sun god rummaged through his supplies. He crossed his hooves and prayed that she wouldn't find the cake he had baked for this evenings feast.

Celestia's head finally emerged from the fridge in her mouth she held a single bun in her mouth but above her head she held two more aloft with her magic.

"Dwont wory fwamble" Celestia paused to finish chewing what she had in her mouth. "I was just heading down there to deal with Discord myself, but first I thought I would grab a snack."

Flambé was relieved had the Princess found the cake he would have had to bake another one. However one thing still concerned him.

"What has that Lizard done this time?" Flambé asked "Earlier this morning that damned lizard broke into my Kitchen again, he locked himself in the pantry for about an hour before he finally opened the door and walked out."

Celestia finished eating the final bun "You're overreacting Flambé tell me what he took and I'll give the funding's to restock."

Flambé shook his head "That's the problem, I don't know what he took. I've counted all the stock five times but everything seems to be there."

"Don't worry Flambé." Celestia said reassuringly "When I find him I'll ask him what he did in there." She closed the door behind her as she left the kitchen.

Ah that feels better Celestia thought to herself. Another thing Celestia had learned over the past month and a half was you couldn't deal with Discords Shenanigans on an empty stomach. Just as Celestia was about reach the source of the screaming Brass Beast came running down the hall, apparently in search of her. In his haste he had apparently not noticed Celestia and instead kept going down the hall. Celestia teleported Brass back to her position.

"What is all the commotion about?" She asked the disoriented pony.

Brass was doing his best to regain his breath "Princess, you need to come quick."

"What's the matter now?" Celestia asked

"It's Discord Princess, He's dead." Brass answered trying to maintain his composure.

Celestia laughed "Discords not dead, if he could die I probably would have killed myself a few Milena's ago. Well if his dead might as well take me to his body." She finished with a cheerful smile still on her face.

"Okay then Princess, Follow me" Brass didn't know how to take her response. She was treating it like some kind of joke; maybe she's in denial he thought to himself.

Eventually they reached the source of the screaming a single mare standing above the body of Discord. She would look at it then scream in horror and turn her head, after a few moments she would look back at it and scream again. She continued this cycle even after Celestia had arrived.

"Would somebody get her out of here?" shouted Brass Beast. That mare had been standing there screaming for the past twenty minutes.

Both the Princess and Brass moved closer to the body of Discord as some of the bravery staff members joined them, this included the closest nurse mare the guards could find.

The mare looked up at the Princess with great sadness in her eyes "I'm so sorry for your lose Princess."

Celestia giggled once again "Why is everypony assuming he's dead, I've told you all this several times we can't die. Why do you think I freely let you attack him when he pulls his stunts?"

One of the guards spoke up "I thought you let us attack him to help him understand right and wrong better."

"Really? because I thought it was because you enjoyed his suffering."

Celestia shrugged "Meh, It's a little of both but more of the first."

The nurse mare kept her eyes on Celestia "I don't think you understand Princess, Discord is quite dead he has no pulse nor is he breathing."

Celestia laughed "Discord doesn't have a heart nor does he have lungs, In fact I think the only thing he has is a stomach. He's probably just passed out after a sugar binge or something along those lines."

"Okay Princess if he isn't dead, then I think someone at least tried to kill him." Spoke Brass Beast.

Celestia raised an Eyebrow at this strange assumption "Why would you think that?"

Brass motioned over to the group of guards waiting behind him.

One of the younger unicorn guards stepped out of his formation and moved towards the Princess. Above his head he carried a small black object, one that Celestia had seen before. She recognized it as Luna's Device or Taser as she had called it.

Brass beast spoke once again "When we found him he had the two tiny spears attached to this contraption lodged in his chest."

Everything was starting to make sense now. Luna must have tried testing her toy on Discord again. Celestia remembered the last time Luna tried to get him to help he had ran, so many she just snuck up on him. The only thing that didn't make sense is if Luna did this why didn't she invite her?

With a flash Luna appeared in front of the ponies that had gathered around Discord.

"NOBODY TOUCH ANYTHING!" She shouted "It looks like we have a murder on our hoofs." Luna said as she looked down at Discords body. "Well.... attempted murder at least or assault with a slightly deadly weapon."

Luna began examining the crime scene she circled the body of the Draconequus looking for any clues.

"Luna what are you doing?" Asked Celestia still surprised by her sisters sudden appearance and outburst.

Luna stared at her sister "Didn't you read the above line? I'm looking for clues?"

Celestia was confused "Why are you looking for clues? It's quite obvious that you used your little toy on him."

Luna put on her best sad expression and hit Celestia full force with it
"I'm hurt that you would even think I would do something like this... again."

Celestia was not wholly convinced that Luna was telling the truth, but she had learned to trust her sister again. Even if Luna was a little bit insane.

Celestia stared at her sister for a moment, and then turned her head back to the unconscious Draconequus.
"Fine then, if you didn't do this, then who did?"

Luna was in the process of pulling a magnifying glass from her bag 
"That's what I'm her to find out big sister, but before I can tell you who did it I'm going to need find some evidence."

Celestia was even more confused "But Luna, why don't we just wait for him to wake up then ask him what happened?"

Luna stood back up and placed the magnifying glass in the strap around her hat, which she had apparently obtained from thin air when Celestia wasn't looking. She then stepped carefully over the unconscious Discord and moved over to her sister.

"That's a simple one Celly, Asking him would be cheating and this is a rare opportunity for me to find out if my special talent is being a detective." With that she returned to her search for clues. 

Now Celestia was sure her sister was insane "Luna you are aware your special talent is raising the moon correct? You can't have two special talents that's not how a cutie mark works."

Luna glared at her sister "I can have two special talents if I want; you have two special talents why can't I?"

"I don't have two special talents." responded Celestia 

"Sure you do, your first talent is raising the Sun, correct?" Celestia nodded "Your second talent is nagging me, correct?"

Celestia nodded again, then paused, then realized what she had just agreed to.
"Son of a-" Before Celestia could finish her swear Luna placed a hoof over her mouth "Now that's not very Princess like at all."

Celestia batted her sister’s hoof away "Oh shut up and tell me what you've found"

"Well my dear Celestia" Luna said as she rubbed her hoofs together "So far that I've determined who ever shot our victim here had to have been able to get quite close, as it appears he was shot point blank. Secondly judging by the height and angle of the entry points the attacker would have to be no taller than you, but no shorter than me. I've also learned hooves leave no prints."

Celestia was truly surprised, Luna had actually been studying the scene and made some reasonable deductions.
"So from what I understand the attacker would have to be You, Me or Moony"

Luna moved back over to her sister and stared her down with an unblinking glare
"So Celestia where were you this morning?"

Celestia was stunned was her sister really accusing her of this?
"You're kidding right? Luna tell me you’re kidding."

However Luna maintained her soul crushing glare "You know; avoiding the question isn't helping your case sister."

Celestia sighed Luna was really going to make her go through her entire morning
"Fine than, don't get too comfortable I'll make this brief."

Celestia opened the door to Discords room and grabbed one of the many pillows that covered his bed. She pulled it over to where she stood and sat down. Many of the other ponies followed her soon after sitting down on the cold marble floor.

"So starting this morning I woke up, set the sun in motion. After a quick run around the castle I had some breakfast. Finally I had the regular morning court." Celestia paused for a moment then returned her sister’s glare. "Come to think of it, I don't remember seeing you at all this morning and you missed the morning court. Maybe I shouldn't be the one being interrogated."

Luna began to shift in her seat she knew what was coming next and was now looking for anyway to escape. For a moment she thought about jumping out the window, but then she realized at this point everypony would be expecting that. Instead Luna braced herself.

Celestia's smile was so big it had begun to get creepy. "So Luna, where were you this morning?"

Luna smiled nervously "I thought we already went over this sister I didn't do this."

Celestia kept grinning "You know, avoiding the question isn't helping your case sister."

"Fine" Luna sighed "If you really must know, I was at a meeting."

"What kind of meeting?" Asked Celestia

"It might have been a cult meeting, well actually it wasn't really a cult meeting it's more or less a fan club." Luna paused for a second "Yeah a really enthusiastic fan club." 

Celestia's grin weakened "Is this that Cult that had been sending all the mail to castle, they weren't really a subtle bunch. Anyways I thought you said they were a bunch of crazies."

"Sure they're crazy" Luna said with another nervous laugh "But they give me free stuff and it's nice to have somebody tell me night is better than day every now and again."

Celestia sighed she knew her sister was most likely telling the truth, even if that meant she was hanging out with a bunch of lunatics plotting to overthrow her.

"So Luna, if you didn't do this and I didn't do this. Then the only remaining suspect is Nightmare moon."

Luna tilted her head upwards "Did you do this Moony?"

"Nope" answered the voice of Nightmare Mare from several feet above the ponies.

Celestia's head shot up in surprise. There on the ceiling stood Nightmare Moon she stared back down at the group of ponies through her sun glasses. How long had she been there thought Celestia. The other thought that went through Celestia's mind was "Where did she get sun glasses that fit?"

Celestia was fired back into reality by the voice of Luna
"So Moony, you say you didn't do this, then were you this morning?"

Nightmare jumped down from the ceiling and laughed
"Oh that's easy, I made a trip to Ponyville to visit my favorite sun loving pony, Twilight Sparkle."

"Well that explains Twilight's letter requesting assistance from the royal guard, she said you had gone on an evil rampage"
Celestia said as she passed the scroll she had received earlier that morning.

"Nothing that occurred in Ponyville was my fault. First of all, you all told me to try and make friends like a normal pony. So I decided to go have breakfast with the only normal pony I know, Twilight Sparkle."

Luna looked up from the scroll "She says here that you broke in and struck her with lightning."

Nightmare Moon pulled the scroll over so she could read it. Sure enough Sparkle had over reacted
"I didn't break in, the door was unlocked and secondly I didn't hit her with lighting, I woke her up with thunder and accidentally scorched a pillow. If you keep reading though she says that not including her near death experience the breakfast turned out perfectly."

Celestia pulled the scroll back over to herself and quickly read through it for a second time.
"Sorry Luna, her story checks out. Which means she didn't attack Discord either."

Luna took her hat off a look of defeat on her face. She was out of suspects and still hadn't found the culprit. She had no other options. She picked up the Taser with her magic and rearmed it by placing the prongs back into position.

"What are you doing Luna?" Asked Celestia

"I'm waking Discord up so we can ask him what happened" Luna answered as she aimed the Taser towards Discords chest and with a silent trigger pull Discord was hit with 1.21 gigawatts of electrical power. Discord shot up now fully awake and pulled the prongs from his chest.

"What was that for?" Shouted Discord

"Well you see we found you unconscious on the floors because somebody shot you with my Taser" Luna said as she happily showed off her device to the newly awoken Discord "Then using my awesome powers of Deduction I tried to find out whether Celestia, Moony or I had been the one to shoot you, but I couldn't figure out who did it so I gave up. Then I used the Taser to wake you up, and that sums up what that was for." She finished obviously pleased with how well her invention had worked.


"So" Discord said as he rubbed his head "You've all been here for the past hour trying to figure out what happened to me? I didn't know you cared so much." he finished pretending to rub a tear from his eye.

"Actually, I think the only reason Luna put us all through this was so she could get a second cutie mark. But in the end she couldn't solve this mystery." Celestia said as she stared smugly at her younger sister. "However I would like to know what happened to you?"

Discord began to tap his foot on the floor and would no longer make eye contact in the with anybody in the room. He obviously didn't want to answer the question. However Celestia had already sat through all of this, she wasn't leaving without an answer.

"So Discord what did happen to you?" Celestia asked with a grin, she always did enjoy watching Discord squirm.

"Fine, I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to laugh"

Luna and Celestia tried to put on their best serious face "We promise" they said in unison 

Discord then turned to Nightmare moon
"I promise nothing" she said flatly.

Discord shrugged, close enough he thought.
"Okay then listen closely because I'm only going through this once."

Earlier that morning

Discord had woken up quite early that morning in a cold sweat. He apparently had a terrible dream in which both Luna and Celestia were hunting him through the castle with a terrible device, one created to cause him pain. After going over the dream several times in his head he eventually realized it was in fact not a dream but instead a memory.

When Discord thought about that strange black device he knew he had seen it somewhere else after some further thought he eventually recalled seeing it in Luna laboratory;.

"Why are you telling us this in third person?" Asked Luna interrupting Discords story

"Hey, I don't judge how you do flash backs you don't Judge me. Now can I finish my story?"

Luna nodded and went quiet

After coming up with a brilliant plan for revenge Discord broke into Luna's laboratory using her secret entrance hidden in the Kitchen pantry.

This time Celestia was the one to interrupt "Ha, so that explains what you were doing in there for so long, Flambé was worried you were eating his supplies again."

Discord was growing annoyed "Can I finish my story, we can talk about my eating habits later."

So after retrieving Luna's device of torture Discord snuck back to his chambers, where he finished adding the final touches to his plan for revenge. After a couple of healthy evil laughs Discord was ready. As he made his way out the door he must have slipped and as he fell, he must have pulled the trigger.

"And that's what happened" Discord finished "See it was a complete accident, could have happened to anybody."

Luna and Celestia did their best to contain their laughter in an attempt to spare the poor Draconequus's feelings.
However Nightmare Moon didn't share this feeling of pity and instead laughed at him.

"I can't believe you shot yourself, you idiot. You manage to find the only firearm on the planet and you shoot yourself." Moony said as she tried to catch her breath.

Discord turned to Luna who was now holding the Taser up to him
"Go for it." She said handing him the device

"Don't mind if I do" Discord said as he took aim at Moony she was too busy laughing to notice Discord taking aim. After a few more seconds of aiming, Discord took the shot pegging Nightmare moon in the chest. She dropped to the ground with a thud.

Luna laughed as she walked over to the unconscious Alicorn "See doesn't that feel good?"

Now Discord laughed "Your right, it does feel good" Discord answered as he reloaded the Taser. 

A few seconds later both Luna and Celestia were unconscious. Discord walked away with the taker holstered at his side as he whistled a western tune, leaving a group of stunned on lookers and three unconscious Alicorns.

What had really happened that morning
Discord had everything he needed for his revenge all he needed now was the victims. 
That's when he got an Idea, a terrible Idea, a terribly brilliant idea. Instead of looking for his targets they would come to him. Discord aimed the Taser towards his chest, he knew the pain that was about to come but it was necessary,
One hour later his plan had worked perfectly Luna and Celestia had both showed up and as a bonus he even got Nightmare. Now all he had to do was wait for them to lower their guard, then he'd strike. 

As Discord walked down the hall, Taser on his belt and hat on his head. All he could think was
"Damn, it's good to be the king"
	
	

> Episode 6: No Guy's We Need to Explore (John Madden)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Authour Note: All of you should thank ZeroInfinity http://www.fimfiction.net/user/ZeroInfinity for being the best editor/PreReader ever)

The three groggy Alicorns picked themselves off the floor. It had been several hours since Discord had knocked them unconscious. From what the three could tell, some of the ponies had attempted to carry them into Discord’s room. However they seemed to have given up after pulling Celestia partially through the door, mostly likely due to her weight.

I'm not getting fat, am I? Celestia asked herself as she stared at her flank. No, I have to focus on the situation at hoof, she told herself. The next few minutes were spent with the three mares rubbing their heads trying to remember what had occurred earlier that day. Several minutes passed, but eventually they began to remember every detail, including Discord’s little stunt.

"When I get my hooves on that damn lizard!" screeched Nightmare Moon.

"Wait your turn Nightmare, I get first swing at him." Luna said, a twitch in her eye and burning hatred on her face.

Celestia remained calm, not breaking her regal tone "We need to calm down and act rationally here."

It was only then that the two other Alicorns had actually gotten a good look at Celestia, and neither of them could help but let out a snicker.

"What?" asked a puzzled Celestia.

Neither of them answered her, and instead Luna entered the room and Nightmare burst into a laughing fit. "What? What!?" asked a panicked Celestia. Still receiving no answer from either pony. Eventually though Luna returned from the room, holding a mirror above her head. She aimed the mirror so that Celestia could get a clear look at herself. It took a minute for Celestia to notice any thing odd about her appearance. At the end of her face sat a large black moustache.

Celestia attempted to remove the facial hair with her magic and, at first, it appeared to work. However, her relief was quickly crushed as it reappeared, she tried to remove it several times but each ended with the same result for every moustache. Celestia fell silent and entered a state of eerie calmness.

"When we find him, nobody is to touch him, understand?" Celestia finally spoke maintaining her regal tone.

"But Celly! He needs to be punished." whined Luna.

"You can't expect me to let that fool get away with this!" Shouted Nightmare.

A grin began to spread across Celestia's face, however, she did not break her regal stance or tone.

"Trust me, when I'm done with Discord, he'll wish he could die."

If Luna and Nightmare hadn't been freaked out yet, they were quite terrified now. Luna had never seen her sister like this. Though no creature had ever had the nerve to taze her and then place an enchanted moustache on her. Nightmare still vividly remembered the evening her and Luna had been banished to the moon, and looking back on it now, she realized that the look on Celestia's face was the same as that night.

Luna was the first to work of the courage to speak. "You're not actually going to hurt him, are you Celly? Sure, he tazed you and put an enchanted moustache on you, but we kind of did taze him first."

After considering Luna's words for a couple of seconds, Celestia had decided the incineration might be over reacting.

"You're right Luna, maybe I'll just send him Lunar for a bit." Celestia took one more attempt at removing the moustache, with no results as per the usual. "Let's go hunt us a god." she said with a smile as she trotted down the hall.

Half an hour later, Discord and Celestia had entered into a magical duel. Celestia was quite surprised, as she was unaware of how much power Discord had recovered. He was matching her spells with his own brand of magic, though from the amount of power Discord was using it was quite clear he had no plans on actually harming her.

"Give up Discord, and I'll go easy on you." Celestia shouted as she fired another magical bolt at him.

"Never!" returned Discord as he dived back behind the table that he had been using for cover.

Luna and Moony continued to watch from the sidelines, where they had sat for the last ten minutes. Though they would have deeply enjoyed a little action in their day, they would have to settle for a show and some popcorn. Luna had a better time enjoying the show than Nightmare, who still demanded blood.

"You gonna eat that?" Luna asked, motioning towards Moony's popcorn. Nightmare shook her head, and then slid her bag of popcorn over to Luna.

"Hurry up and send him to the moon! I want my turn with him!" shouted Nightmare.

The sudden outburst from Nightmare grabbed Discord’s attention.

"You're planning to send me to the moon?!" Discord shouted as Celestia continued her assault.

"Remove the Mustache and maybe I'll reconsider it." Celestia shouted back as she prepared herself for the final attack.

"Never!" Discord screamed as he prepared himself to counter her attack.

Luna and Nightmare were getting excited, the battle was getting good. From the energy forming around Celestia's horn both of them could tell what was coming up next. Discord was about to go lunar and they both knew how bright it was about to get. Luna pulled a pair of sunglasses from some unseen location and passed a pair to Nightmare.

Both Discord and Celestia released their stored up magic in a concentrated beam. The beams met each other in the center of the room, both struggling for victory. Celestia and Discord both began to fear that they might be the one to lose the battle, so they both increased their magical output. However, this turned out to be a bad idea for all parties involved. The magical energies backfired, and the room was engulfed in a blinding light.

The only thing that could be heard in the room was Discord shouting what he believed to be his final words, a simple "I have no regrets!" Then, the light fully engulfed him.

Several seconds later all traces of the battle were gone. This included the three Alicorns and Draconequis. Eventually, one of the maids who had heard the commotion worked up the courage to open the door. The mare was completely stunned. There were no signs of the Princesses, Nightmare moon or Discord, but the mare was sure of what she had heard.

Meanwhile, 238,857 miles from Equestria

"I hate you all." muttered Nightmare Moon.

"Hey! What did I do?" asked Luna defensively

"You didn't let me fall when I was dangling from the edge, I could be dead right now. But instead, I'm stuck here with you idiots." the angry mare said as she wiped the moon dirt from her coat.

"I'll rip your wings off Discord, and turn them into a hat." Screamed Celestia as she strangled Discord with her bare hooves.

Discord struggled under the weight of Celestia. Sweet Chaos is she heavy, he thought to himself as he tried to crawl out from beneath her.

Luna sighed "Discord, just take away the moustache so we can find a way off this rock."

"Okay, okay..." he said, struggling as he snapped his fingers. With a snap the moustache was gone and Celestia returned to her normal, flawless self.

"Much better!" Celestia said as she felt her flawless face.

"Oh good, I don't know what I would have done if he hadn't fixed you." Nightmare Moon said sarcastically. "So how do we get off this rock, because a thousand years here doesn't seem so appealing the second time around." she finished as she kicked a small pebble.

Celestia climbed off Discord and returned back to her regal pose. "Don't worry, the spell should wear off in a couple of hours. After that we should be returned to the place where it was first cast."

"So what? We just sit on the moon for a few hours?" Discord asked, already completely bored with the lack of things to do on the bleak rock.

Discord turned to Luna and Nightmare moon. Luna had begun to draw in the dirt and Nightmare Moon had already laid down, apparently attempting to sleep through the ordeal.

"So, what did you two do for fun up here?" Discord asked causally as he leaned over, Luna attempting to see what she had drawn.

Nightmare Moon sat up. A look of pure terror and fear covered her face. "No, Luna, I know you’re not that cruel."

Luna looked up from her drawing, an insane grin plastered on her face. She turned to Nightmare and nodded, then looked towards the sky and a let loose a blood curdling cry.

"UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU" Luna's cry eventually ceased and all Discord and Celestia could do was stare.

"UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU" came the returned cries from across the moon.

The same terror that had covered Moony's face soon covered both Celestia and Discord as they realized they were not alone out there.

"What was that?!?" asked a panicked Celestia as her gaze shifted around, hoping to spot any incoming creatures, though her gaze was met by nothing but more dust and moon rocks.

Luna didn't answer her sisters question. Instead, she continued to stare off into space with a pleased smile on her face.

I haven't seen them for a year, and they’re still here. How lucky am I? Luna thought to herself. Her smile only continued to grow.

Celestia turned her gaze to Nightmare who still looked equally terrified. What could be up here that would cause her even the slightest amount of fear? Celestia asked herself, only increaseing her fears.

"Nightmare, what was that?" Celestia asked, still trying to find the source of the cry.

"Not what, who. The only one we ever met that could speak coherently called itself a human. The others quickly swarmed it." Moony answered as she joined Celestia in her search for the source of the sound.

"So are they dangerous?" Celestia nervously asked. She didn't like the thought of there being more then one.

"Not dangerous, just stupid, like Discord but without the humor." Nightmare said, not taking her eyes off the horizon.

"Hey" an insulted Discord called out.

"I see something!" shouted Celestia, pointing out towards a large object moving in quickly.

Nightmare facehoofed. "Sweet Darkness, they have the rover."

Luna let out an audible squeal "Really? They have the rover!?" She squealed again and clapped Moony. "I love the rover!"

The four watched as the black shape grew closer, and eventually the vehicle stopped in front of them. From what Celestia could tell, there were three "Humans" operating the vehicle. The creatures were oddly shaped, apparently built to walk on two legs instead of four. The creatures wore strange suits. Celestia assumed they were to help the creatures survive on the less then inhabitable rock.

"AEIOU?" Asked the Human who was apparently controlling the vehicle.

"AEIOU!" Luna happily responded as she jumped on the back and motioned for them to go.

The vehicle sped off over the bumpy lunar surface, leaving Nightmare Moon, Discord and Celestia in awkward silence.

"What was that?!" Discord asked, still trying to grasp what had just occurred.

"That, my dear Discord, was the past one thousand years of my life." answered Nightmare Moon, who looked unaffected by the event that had just transpired.

"JOHN MADDEN, JOHN MADDEN, JOHN MADDEN, JOHN MADDEN, JOHN MADDEN!" was the sound of another human as he came out of a crater.

The sudden noise and appearance of the creature startled the three of them. How many more of them are there? Celestia asked herself. She had never seen such creatures before, yet they had lived above the planet for at least a thousand years. However, Celestia's thoughts were interrupted as the creature approached her.

"Football?' it asked her

"I'm sorry could you repeat that?" Celestia asked, determined to make some form of intelligent contact with the creature.

"Football?" it repeated.

"I'm sorry." Celestia answered not quite sure what the creature was asking.

"Here let me." Nightmare said as she stepped between Celestia and the creature.

"Football?" the creature asked for a third time.

"John Madden." Nightmare answered.

Having received what must have been a correct response the creature began to grow excited, as it started to jump up and down.

"Oh no, another Chinese earthquake." the creature stated.

Celestia was confused. There was no earthquake, however before she could ask the creature what it had meant, Nightmare answered.

"Ebrbrbrbrbrbrbrbrb" answered Nightmare


Once again, the creature seemed pleased by this answer. Apparently the creature was done with its questions, as it happily bounded off across the moon. All three waited and watched as the creature eventually vanished into the distances.  After they sure it was gone, they proceeded to scan the horizon for any more of them.

"So you and Luna had to deal with these things for a thousand years?" Celestia asked

"Only when Luna was in control, when I was in control I spent most of the time trying to prove we were not immortal." answered Nightmare, as she tried to remember all the ways she attempted to end her torture.

"I never thought I would say this, but, I'm sorry. If I had known what kind of creatures were up here. I would have sent you to the sun or another planet." Celestia said as she awkwardly placed a hoof on Nightmare.

"Well, I'm not quite sure how to take that. I guess thank yo-" Nightmare was cut off by the screams of Discord.

"Oh sweet Celestia!" he shouted

"Yes?" She answered

"Get this thing off me!" He yelled, turning to reveal the Human that had pounced him.

After struggling for a few seconds, Discord was able to pry the creature off of himself, then threw it on the ground. Discord waited a second, to see if it would flee or continue its attack. Just as Discord had hoped, the creature began its approach on Discord. Discord prepared himself to vaporize the creature the instant it attacked. However, he never got a chance to fire as a familiar magical glow covered him and the two Alicorns.

With a flash they were transported back to Canterlot Castle. Discord, Celestia and Nightmare pulled themselves up off the floor. Celestia had never felt so happy to be home. After two hours on the moon she had almost gone insane, though she had gained a new sense of respect for Nightmare Moon. Discord was happy to be home as well, though a little sad that he didn't get to vaporize anything.

"Oh sweet!" Came the excited cry of Luna.

Celestia flinched. She had forgotten about Luna. Celestia could only pray that Luna hadn't brought anything back with her. When Celestia turned her head she was met with slight relief. Though Luna hadn't brought any humans back with her, she had brought the rover back. In a flash any relief Celestia had felt was erased, as Luna started the engine.

"AEIOU!" The Lunar Princess cried as she hit the gas and slammed through the castle wall.

"We never speak of this again." Celestia said as she stood up and left the room, leaving Discord and Nightmare in stunned silence.

> Episode 7: Sneak Queen (Celestia)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

   
"Where is he?" Celestia said, tapping her hoof impatiently on the marble floor.

"Sister, you need to calm down," Luna said as she placed a hoof on her sister. "You get like this every time. Brass Beast hasn't let us down yet," she finished sitting back down on her sisters bed.

"I know, I know, it's just been so long since we've had real food," she said, now staring out her balcony door.

Luna let out a soft chuckle. "I thought you said Flambé made some of the finest food in Equestria."

"That's the problem," Celestia said, throwing herself onto the bed. "It’s the finest food, but would it kill him to make some eggs and hay bacon strips?" she finished, giving her sister a pleading look.

Geez, and I thought I was a drama queen, Luna said to herself as she stared at her sister. However, before she could call her sister out, the large chamber doors flew open, revealing Nightmare Moon and Discord.

"Do you two really have to do that with every door?" asked a slightly annoyed Celestia as she used her magic to fix the doors once again.

Nightmare nodded. "Yes, yes I do. You won't let me enter in my previous fashion."

"That's because your old fashion involved you entering a room with several lightning clouds and cackling like a mad mare," Celestia said, glaring at the midnight black Alicorn.

Nightmare shrugged. "My way had some royal flare."

"Yeah, but you're not royalty," Luna retorted

Nightmare glared at Luna, obviously not amused by her comment. "I was born from a piece of your mind, therefore I'm royalty," she finished with a smug smile.

Celestia chuckled. "She has a point sister. Though Nightmare, hurling lightning bolts around wildly as you enter a room is not going to help your public image."

"Fine then, if my way wasn't safe then why can't Discord go in his way? It didn't hurt anypony and didn't cause any damage."

"Yeah!" Discord said, crossing his arms. "My way had flare and comedic value."

"You didn't even enter through doors. Instead, you opened and doors went through you," Celestia said with a nauseous look on her face. “There was nothing funny about your entrance, it was just disturbing."

"Discord iz hertbrkn," he said as his color faded slightly.

"It's okay Discord, I thought it was funny," Nightmare said, patting him on the back.

Discord perked up and his colors returned. "Really, you really thought I was funny?"

"Nope," she said flatly. "In fact, I thought it was the single most disgusting and creepy thing I've ever had the misfortune of seeing." A look of honest disgust covering her face. "You split right down the center and all your little fleshy and chunky bits fell out. Then the door flew off its hinges and right between your two halves. You then proceeded to pick everything up and walked into the room like nothing had just happened."

Discord's smile quickly dissolved, along with the rest of his face.

"That's exactly what we mean!" shouted Celestia as she pointed at Discord’s now blank face. "It's just creepy." With a tap of her hoof, Discord's face returned in a golden flash. "So, what did you to need anyways?"

"Aw Celestia, such a party pooper," Discord said with a sly grin "and we're here for the same reason you are, food."

Celestia was confused. "Wait, Brass is picking food up for you guys as well?"

Discord and Nightmare nodded in unison.

"Saves us a trip if someone else is already going out," Nightmare said with a shrug. "Anyways, Discord wanted to try some real Canterlot food."

"Yeah!" Discord said, crossing his arms. "You made me stay inside the castle and eat all this hoity toity junk when you two are smuggling in finest junk food using your own guards."

As if on cue, there came a knock from the balcony door. All four of them were startled by the sudden sound. After a few seconds though, they realized what had made the sound. Outside the window stood the Pegasus guard Brass Beast. In his mouth he held four large white bags.

"Food!" shouted Luna as she dived off the bed and opened the door.

Before Brass knew what had happened he found himself pulled through the door. With a flash the bags he carried were transported from his mouth to the bed with Celestia.

"Okay then, let’s see what we have here," she said as she read the label on each of the bags. "Two Hay Bacon and egg sandwiches and two shakes for Luna and I."

"There should be one Hay Bacon and egg sandwich and a shake in there for me too," interrupted Nightmare as she walked over to the bed and retrieved her bag.

"So that leaves this bag for you Discord." She eyed the bag for a second, trying to figure out what seemed off about it. After several seconds, she realized what had seemed off about it. "Discord, did you really order a foal’s meal?"

Discord's eyes began to shift around the room. "Maaaaybe."

"You remember that talk we had less than then five minutes ago about being creepy? Ordering a foal’s meal when you're as old as us is creepy," Celestia said, taking a sip from her drink.

"It was my only choice!" he said defensively. "When Nightmare told me what I could order, I told her I wanted Hay Nuggets. She told me the only way to get them was foal’s meals."

"Fine then I guess, that’s not so creepy," Celestia said as she floated the bag over to Discord.

Brass was about to shut the door as he made his way out of the room. However, Celestia noticed his escape attempt and pulled him back into the room with her magic.

"Brass, you know you're always welcome to eat with us," she said, pointing to the small white bags on his side.

Brass let out a chuckle. "Thank you Princess, but these are for Hammer and Forge." With that, he left the room, shutting the door behind himself.

"If those were for his friends, why did he have three bags?" Luna said with a laugh.

Discord was about to dig in when he noticed the label on the bag. "Burger Queen," he read aloud.

"Celestia, why does it have your picture in the logo?" he asked, staring at the image of Celestia holding what appeared to be a Tofu Burger. "You're neither a Queen nor are you anything related to a burger," he finished, staring back up at her

Celestia let out a nervous chuckle. "Funny story you see, before Luna's return the Restaurant was called Burger Princess. The owner thought it would be good to use somepony famous to advertise their food so they used me," she finished, now staring at her own image. Boy do I look creepy, she thought to herself

"Why did they change the name?" asked Nightmare, having already finished most of her food.

Celestia chuckled once again. "Well you see, I got a little bored of being called ‘Princess’ Celestia. So I declared myself Queen of Equestria. I guess the owner changed the name to fit my new title. Sadly for him, I changed my title back after about a week. Now, no more questions, let's eat before I starve," she demanded as she ripped open the bag.

Several minutes later, the occupants of the room sat, stomachs filled and as bored as they were before. All except for Discord, who was still somewhat hungry. The Draconequus stuck his paw into the bag in hopes that maybe, just maybe a nugget had fallen out of its package. However he was surprised when his paw was met with not a nugget or empty space, but instead a solid object. He eagerly pulled it up from the depths of the bag.

"Why did nobody tell me it came with a surprise? I love surprises!" he said as his prize finally emerged from the abyss that was the foal’s meal bag.

"What is it? What is it!?" Luna shouted, overly excited, earning her a stare from everyone present. "What, I like surprises too," she muttered to herself.

"It's a game, Sneak Queen," he read aloud, staring at the case.

"What do you do in it?" asked Luna, intrigued by this new game.

Discord flipped the case over before reading the description aloud. "It says ‘The player takes control of Princess Celestia, the mascot for Burger Queen, attempting to sneak around and deliver Burger Queen meals to hungry ponies, whoever they may be.’" He laughed at the sheer absurdity of the game.

"Ha! Celestia sneaking around. Now that's something I'd love to see," Luna said, stifling another laugh.

"Surely ponies don't think I would actually do this, do they?" Celestia asked, reading over the back of the case. Where would somepony come up with this idea? she asked herself.

"Discord, I demand you let me play this game at once. I wish to see how ponies are portraying me," she ordered still staring at the case.

"Yes my Queen," The Draconequus said sarcastically. With a snap of his talons a large television and the Console he had kept hidden in his chambers appeared, landing in the center of the room.

Celestia wasn't quite sure where to begin. Sure, she and Luna had both used a T.V. before. Sometimes Luna and her would sneak out of morning or night court and watch a movie during the evenings, but video games were something completely new to her.

"So, what do I do?" she asked awkwardly, staring at the device in front of her.

With another snap of Discord’s talons everything was set. The Television screen turned on, as did the console.

"That's cheating," Celestia said as she picked up the controller and prepared herself.

As the screen began to fade in, many different logos flashed on screen, including the Burger Queen logo and the Equestrian Royal Flag. Eventually the screen was black once more except for the first the words “Press Start to Begin”.

"Press start? That should be easy," she said aloud, staring at the controller. A sudden feeling of dried filled her. None of the buttons were labeled start. Some were labeled A, B and another two were labeled with triangle and a square. Not wanting to be defeated by a foal’s toy, she decided to pick a button at random. After several seconds of careful thought she picked one of the smaller buttons near the top. Upon pressing it, Celestia was met with a satisfying ding signifying she had chosen correctly.

After several seconds of darkness the screen faded back in to what appeared to be a video of somepony’s backyard. After a few more seconds, what appeared to be Celestia climbed out of the bushes and began to creep towards the pony's house. However, after further inspection it became quite clear that what once the four had assumed to be Celestia was nothing more than a pony in a costume.

"And you said I was creepy," Discord said with a smug smile, though slightly horrified by the Celestia imposter on the screen.

The screen faded to black once again. However, it quickly faded back in, this time to a bright forest where ponies were ponies were collecting wood and replanting trees for construction in other towns.

"Hello," A voice rang out from within the T.V. "What a wonderful day, but sadly there are some hungry ponies in this Lumber mill," The voice said as the camera began to turn revealing many ponies working hard some looked quite hungry well others looked thirsty. "Luckily for these hungry ponies, you're Princess Celestia, here to bring them delicious snack food in their time of need, with flare of course."  With that, the camera zoomed through the lumber mill before finally stopping over the back of the Celestia imposter.


The Game Begins


Celestia stood in the center of the middle of the Lumber mill. She looked around, trying to get a better feeling for her surroundings. She began to creep through the fields in search of hungry ponies as the voice had suggested earlier, though as she continued her search it became quite apparent that feeding hungry ponies would be a much harder task than she originally thought

"If you're having trouble find some ponies, why not check by the water tower," the voice rang out through the air.

How helpful, Celestia thought to herself. Maybe this voice will come in handy.

Taking the voice’s advice, Celestia did her best to find the water tower. Though once again, that was easier said than done. In her search for the water tower she managed to stumble into the cutting area which seemed far more unsafe than anything she'd seen so far.

"The water tower can be found in the furthest North portion of the mill," the voice rang out once again.

Once again the voice had saved her from defeat once again. Celestia quickly sped off towards the water tower, eager to help some hungry ponies. After a matter of seconds, she found herself surrounded by ponies of all type and colors.

"Now that you have found some hungry ponies, it's time to get to work." The voice cheerfully said. "Just remember, Ponies like it more when you surprise them."

It took Celestia only a few seconds to find her first target. A large earth stallion was attempting to cut down a tree. However due to hunger it looked like he was fighting a losing a battle. Celestia knew she could help this pony. All he needed was a Hay BLT and she was just the Princess to give him it.

Celestia surveyed the area carefully. If she wanted to do this properly, she would have to sneak up on him. As everypony knows, there is no surprise if somepony sees it coming. After watching her target’s routine for several minutes she soon figured out his pattern. The stallion would attempt to cut down the tree, but after several attempts he would give up and take a rest. That was the moment she would have to strike.

The pony had once again taken up his position attempting to the defeat the same tree, Celestia used this short distraction to gain some ground, quickly diving into a bush when the stallion turned around.

That was close, she thought to herself.

The stallion stood up once again and gave his ax a few more swings before dropping it. He then trotted over to the bench and sat down, facing the forest.

This is it, Celesta told herself. Strike now or never

Celestia made her way towards the stallion as quickly and as quietly as possible. She was surprised at how agile she was. The stallion never saw her coming. She made her way up to bench without so much as snapping a twig. With a grin she tapped the stallion on the shoulder. At first Celestia was worried. Judging by the stallion’s reaction she hadn't surprised him. Instead, she only managed to scare the poor pony, though after several seconds he seemed to warm up to her. Though her handing him a hot sandwich probably helped. After giving the pony a small jig she dived back into the bush.


Mission Complete


Game Paused


"Ha! I think I did great." Celestia said as a large smile spread across her face.

Discord, the only other which remained awake, was quite stunned. He wasn't sure if they should laugh or feel disturbed. He had just witnessed the most regal creature in all of Equestria sneak up on a pony in order to give him a Sandwich. Sure, it was only a video game, but in the end Celestia was the one still playing it.

"Geez, and you guys say I'm random," Discord said, staring at the screen blankly.

The sudden voice surprised Celestia. She had completely forgotten she wasn't alone in her room.

Celestia let out a nervous chuckle. "So, does anypony else want to give it a try?" she said, turning to offer the controller to anypony who wanted it.

It was only then that Celestia noticed both Nightmare and Luna had succumbed to fatigue. Luna was now sprawled across Celestia's bed snoring quite loudly. Nightmare had fallen asleep on the floor with her head resting on Discords back.

She let out another awkward chuckle. "Do you want to try?" she asked, trying to pass the controller to Discord.

He just shook his head. "I might be insane, but I'm not that insane."

"Okay then, I guess I'll help one more pony and then we'll get these two to their rooms," she finished, pointing at the sleeping Alicorns.

"Sounds like a good idea," answered Discord, already beginning to drift off.


Game unpaused


"Good," the voice said. "You've delivered your first delicious meal and helped an innocent pony. However, now it's time to start the real work." With that the camera shifted from Celestia's back and flew through the air, eventually coming to a stop in front of a large orange stallion. "This is Mr.Trav, the captain of this camp. He's not impressed by simple surprises, so you'll have to be a little more creative."

What's so special about him? Celestia thought to herself. Surely the thought of me delivering his found should be a big enough surprise.

Once again, Celestia watched the stallion’s routine and once again she was able to formulate a plan. However this stallion wouldn't be so easy. At first he spent several minutes yelling at other ponies trying to make them work harder. Eventually though, he would return to his office and rummage through his locker for a few minutes before returning to yell at those poor ponies.

Celestia was unsure why this pony deserved free food, yet the poor ponies who he yelled at got nothing, though she would get to them tomorrow. Right now however, all she wanted to do was get this over with and go to sleep.

She prepared herself for the attack, once the stallion began his verbal assault on his coworkers, she began her creep towards his office. Once he had finished yelling and returned to his office, Celestia changed her position to greet him at the door. After what seemed like ages the Captain finally made his way back to the poor working ponies outside. Though now Celestia was in position, the moment he opened the door Celestia raised the plate holding the Sandwich in front of him. Sadly this only caused him to grow angry, shouting at Celestia and demanding she leave him and his workers alone.

"Mission Failed," came the mocking sound of the voice "Next time try hiding to truly catch you target by surprise."

Hiding? she said to herself That might just work.

Already knowing the stallion’s routine and having already made this approach before, it only took Celestia a couple of seconds to move back into position. However, instead of waiting for him at the door, she waited for him to leave his office completely. Once she was sure he was out of view, Celestia made her way into the office and towards the lockers.

"There's no way I can fit in there!" she said aloud.

"Whats the problem Celestia is you virtual flank too big?" Discord asked mockingly.

"Didn’t you go to bed or something?" Celestia answered with a glare that Discord could almost feel attempting to kill him.

Discord stood up carefully, so as not to drop Nightmare too suddenly, lest he wake the sleeping beast. "Fine, I'll go to bed. Can't be any more boring than watching you to try to get your big flank in a locker," he said with a grin

Before Celestia could send him to the moon or turn him back to stone or something equally horrible, Discord vanished with a snap of his talons, taking both Nightmare Moon and Luna with him.

"Don't worry, I'll get you later," she muttered to herself, before resuming the game.

"Okay now Celly, you can do this," she said, trying to psych herself up.

After what seemed like hours but in reality was merely seconds Celestia had managed to get herself in the locker. Though she had by no means wiggle room, it would have to suffice. She listened closely, waiting for the approaching sounds of hoofsteps. Eventually her patience was rewarded by the sound of the captain returning to his locker once again.

"Boo!" she shouted as the stallion opened the door. Once again she was worried by the pony's terrified reaction. However, this time her fears were justified as instead of his fear quickly dissolving into joy, he fainted, hitting the floor with a loud thud. Celestia quickly looked around the room. Grateful that nopony had seen what she had done, she placed the Sandwich by the pony's face before making an extremely fast exit through the nearest opening.

"Mission Accomplished, I guess," The voice cheered.


Game Complete


Celestia had felt pleased with herself, she helped not only one, but two ponies. Even if  both of them were virtual it still made her feel good to know that she had helped them. Now though, there was only one thing that she wanted to do, sleep. She did her best to make it to her bed, but fatigue had won the war before the first battle had even begun. Celestia embraced the cold floor as she drifted off to sleep

The next morning at breakfast

"Discord, do you mind sneaking us some cereal from the pantry," asked a still groggy Luna.

Discord nodded lazily before slowly trudging his way out of the dining room. It took him several minutes but he eventually remembered where the kitchen was located. Once inside the kitchen it took surprisingly little effort to get Flambé to let him into the pantry, though Discord was too tired to question this. Discord made his way to the pantry door and began to open it. Sadly for him he was too tired to notice any signs of the trap.

"Boo!" Celestia shouted, laughing as Discord fell to the ground, a look of terror frozen on his face. Almost as if he had been turned to stone. Though, it probably had something to do with that fact that Celestia had turned him to stone.

"Don't worry, I'll come back and get you later," she said with a grin, before heading out of the kitchen, doing her best to making sure he got the best possible view of her "Big Flank."

> Episode 8: Nightmareception
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I'm sentencing you to four weeks of house arrest" the judge said with three bangs of his gavel.   

The three Alicorns and one Draconequus remained seated as the other ponies in the court house began to leave. If one thing could be said about the Equestrian Justice system it would be "Damn that was fast". It had only been thirty minutes since Nightmare Moon had been charged with Burning down the house of Ponyville’s resident Mail mare. Five minutes after the guards had finished giving Nightmare her rights. Half of Canterlot had broken into a musical number about locking her away. 
Twenty minutes later Nightmare had found herself inside the royal court house and under a one month house arrest.

"Well that turned out great if I do say so myself." Discord said with a grin.

"How was that anywhere near great?" retorted Nightmare. If looks could kill the glare she was giving Discord would have most likely bypassed the immortality and vaporized the poor Draconequus.

"Don't look at me like that. My amazing skills got your sentenced lowered down to house arrest" he finished leaning back in his chair.

Nightmare glared at Discord, than at the gavel, back to Discord, back to the gavel. It would only take her 20 seconds at max. She could beat Discord to within an inch of his immortal life. It didn't matter if she faced anymore charges it would be worth it just to see him unconscious on the hardwood floor.

"Moony are you in there?" rang the voice of Luna

The wave of Luna's hoof was enough to snap Nightmare out of her trance.

"Huh, what? What did you say Discord?" Asked a still slightly dazed Nightmare

"I said if it wasn't for me you would have a much harsher sentence." the Draconequus said with a large toothy grin.

Suddenly all of Nightmare's anger came flooding back. 
"Harsher sentence? If it wasn't for you the Judge would have let me off with a warning." She snarled, preparing to beat Discord with her own hooves if it came to it.

"How is it my fault he felt you needed a harder sentence?" Discord asked raising his hands defensively.

"The judge was about to let me off with a warning and you told him you thought that was to light a sentence for criminal scum like me." She said attempting to hit her target only to be stopped by a familiar golden glow.

"Hey it's not my fault you're criminal scum, now is it?" He said taunting her from behind the golden wall.

Nightmare's face became eerily calm and a grin began to form on her face. In contrast to her face a look of terror began to spread across Discord's.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Ask an extremely nervous Discord.

"It's simple my stupid, stupid friend I just remembered something." She answered her grin only growing.

"What! What did you remember!?" Discord asked leaning in closer and as his voice began to show his fear.

"I know where you sleep, but more importantly I know where you dream." she whispered into his ear

The Next Morning



"Who did this!?" echoed the shouts of Celestia her raised voice echoing through the stone halls of the castle, a sound that wasn't uncommon within the castle walls.

"What's her problem?" Luna asked weakly still trying to recover from her lack of sleep. She had spent several hours of the previous evening going over the basics of dream control with Nightmare who had apparently decided to take up dream shaping as hobby. At the time Luna thought it was nice, several hours into it her opinion had changed.

"I have no idea." Nightmare answered with a sly grin and in a sing song voice.

How can she be so cheerful? Luna asked herself. 

Nightmare sat in her chair, eating her cereal completely oblivious to Luna's inner voice plotting her demise.

How can she be so happy?


I was beginning to wonder if she even bathed.

If she keeps smiling I'll bring down the moon on her, then will see who's smiling

By now the effect should have fully set in. Which means she's stuck like this for the next week

"Why are you smiling!?" shouted Luna

"Wow!" The sudden outburst caught Nightmare off guard and she quickly lost her balance and crashed to the floor.

"I'm okay!" she shouted as she climbed back to her hooves "No need to shout my dear Luna, it a few moments your sister will arrive and everything will be made clear."

As if on cue the large wooden doors were vaporized and the guards left singed. As the cloud of smoke began to dissipate Luna was quickly made aware to the cause of her sister’s anger.

It appeared at some point during the evening somepony had snuck into her sisters bathroom and replaced her special shampoo instead of the cleaner that left her sisters coat a pristine white, it was replaced with pink dye.

"You!" she growled pointing a hoof towards Nightmare who was currently rolling on the floor unable to contain her laughter and quite unwilling to even try.

"You did this to me! Ten thousand years lunar banishment! No trials."

"Sister, don't you think you're being a little harsh? It was a simple prank, we just need to talk to the court mage I'm sure he has some white dyes."

Celestia's gaze was quickly fixed on Luna who now regretted ever speaking.
"Harsh?! A prank?!" She growled "This is no mere prank; I've tried everything to remove this dye. But it appears someone enchanted it"

"You didn't, did you?" Luna asked pure horror spread across her face. When she and Nightmare were one, they had some pretty stupid Ideas, Catapult Celestia and her bed into the sun and declare eternal night. Sure at the time it was a good idea, except the whole lack of a catapult. Then stupid Idea number two came in, we don't have a catapult so let's just tie her to the bed and tell everyone we threw her into the sun.

Nightmares smile was all Luna needed to answer her question.

"Why would you do this?!"

It was Celestia's turn to speak now "it’s simple sister" she snarled "It's seems our latest roommate would like to taught a lesson. How nice is it that she's under our watch for the next month."

Nightmare's Smile quickly dissolved into a look of utter terror. She had assumed Celestia would send her to the moon that way she could at least spend her month in silence.

Nightmare let out an awkward chuckle "Now no need to get hasty Celestia, why don't I remove that curse?" Nightmares horn glowed for a fraction of a second and with a flash Celestia was back to her usual white coated self.

"See everything is fine! Nobody needs to get hurt." Nightmare said nervously

"Hurt? Do you honestly think I hurt anypony? No I've got something much better in mind for you." as she finished speaking a grin began to spread across her face. The only sign that things were about to get ugly.

1 Hour later 

"Oh sweet sun and moon what is this stuff?" Nightmare asked as she was led down the spiral staircase a thick layer of gunk growing on both the walls and the stairs.

"Never mind that!" Celestia snapped "We've arrived." She said before stopping in front of the large metal door.

"Where is here?"

Celestia laughed "You'll see" with that she flung open the door and the two were engulfed in light

After several seconds the light dissipated leaving the two alicorns in what appeared to be the Canterlot Castle main hall

"So it was a staircase that went down and led to the first floor, what a neat trick" Nightmare said sarcastically 

"You're close it did lead to the first floor, but not to your Castle, nor the same Equestria." The new voice finished with a laugh

Nightmare quickly spun around in order to find the source of the voice. What she found stunned her, across the room stood not only Celestia but herself.

"Nice trick" She said as she walked over and whacked her doppelgangers flank "You even got my flank right, how thoughtful"

"Oh this is no trick, my sweet, sweet Nightmare." Her doppelganger said

The original Celestia laughed "We are no longer in our realm though this realm appearance to be much the same as ours there are a few key differences, such as the rulers.

"What do you mean? They look exactly like us."

"Well then why don't I let them introduce themselves and maybe you'll understand a little better"

Celestia's doppelganger took a step forwards and it was only then that Nightmare noticed several minor differences instead of a completely white coat she appeared to be tinted Pink and whereas the real Celestia's mane was multicolor the doppelganger's was different shades of pink. 

"My, my Celestia has told me so much about you" She whispered into Nightmare's ear "She's told me you've been quite a naughty pony and that you should be punished. It's a good thing we were available on such short notice."

"Who are you?" Nightmare asked nervously

The Doppelganger laughed "My name is Princess Molestia" she said

Nightmare did her best to stifle a giggle "What kind of name is Molestia?"

"Oh it's a very special name" She said pressing herself against Nightmare "In fact you're the first pony other than Celestia to hear it. But enough talk let me introduce my acquaintance "This is Nightmare Moan, I think you two will get along great."

This time Nightmare had no control she burst into a fit of laughter and dropped to the floor "Of all the stupid names I've ever heard, what could you possible do to me?"

The Doppelganger laughed "You'll find out soon enough" she said with another laugh "But first I have a question."

"What?"

"With or without lube?"

Nightmare jolted awake.
"Oh thank sun and moon it was a dream." She said aloud "That was the longest Nightmare I'd ever had, it felt like it had lasted for days but at least it over."

Nightmare let her head fall back onto her pillow and just as she was about to drift back into sleep she felt a hot breath on the back of her neck.

Oh sweet darkness what is that?! she mentally screamed.

Slowly she began to roll over, and to her shock she was greeted by the face of Discord who lay next to her. It was only a few seconds before she realized that he was wide awake just staring at her.

"My dear Nightmare you should really get back to sleep, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." He said in a tired voice.

Nightmare remained silent and instead rolled back onto her other side, accepting that whatever occurred to cause this situation was best left forgotten and made a mental note to take a nice long hot shower in the morning.
	
	
	
> Episode 9: Death Of Celestia
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	
It was a magnificent day in Canterlot, well as far as Luna knew at least and that's all that mattered. From the moment she woke up the day had just felt better than most. Colors seemed brighter and the world just seemed all around better today. Discord had made her and Celestia breakfast, she knew he had most likely broken something, but that didn't matter. Nightmare had apparently something more entertaining to do, and had departed from the castle before dawn. To top off this already great day her older sister had invited her to join in on the morning court.

Sure, it's boring Luna thought to herself But I haven't been able to spend quality time with her in days.

"So Luna, how do you think we should proceed?" Celestia asked looking away from the two brown earth ponies that stood before them.

Pony feathers Luna mentally swore I should have known she'd want my impute, I don't even know what they were talking about.

"Just a moment please I'll need a few seconds to think this over." 

"Don't worry my dear sister; matters like these require careful thinking."

Crap Luna swore once again Okay don't panic, just remember what Nightmare told you. "When in doubt use some Manticores" wait, that's terrible why would earth ponies need Manticores 

"So Luna have you come up with any suggestions?" Celestia asked

Luna let out a weak chuckle "Manticores?"

"Manticores?" Her sister repeated a serious expression rolling across her face "Manticores"

Luna prepared herself for the inevitable rant once Celestia realized she had paid almost no attention for the last several minutes. However it never came instead her sister’s expression turned to one of glee.

"Luna you're a genius!" She said happily

"What?! Oh I mean, yes, yes I am"

"Manticores are the perfect thing to remove timber wolves. I believe the guards have just finished Training the newest batch. I'll have a patrol of Guards sent down to your farm and we'll get rid of that den."

"Oh thank you, you're majesties" The Brown earth stallion said with a bow, his wife quickly following along.

Celestia let out a soft giggle "It was our pleasure my little ponies, it's good to know we were able to find a way to save your farm. Now you two should run along, the train back to Hoofington leaves within the hour. The guards should arrive on your farm within the next two days."

With a final bow and a thank you the two earth ponies were off. Leaving the two royal sisters alone in the room once again. Celestia turned to face her sister a goofy grin plastered on her face.

"You had no idea what you were doing, didn't you?" she said doing her best to stifle another giggle.

"Nope" Luna responded matter-of-factly

"I'm surprised you followed Nightmare's advice"

"Hey!" Luna shouted "Who said it was her advice? I made up the answer on the spot."

Celestia laughed "Luna, you've always been a terrible liar. Anyways Manticores just aren't your style."

Luna was about to give a retort about how Manticores were in fact her style, but before she could speak the sounds of trumpets filled the hall. As a unicorn guard stepped forward and cleared his throat."

"Now entering the court of the Sun and Moon, Black Hoof!" The guard finished and stepped back into his regular position. 

At the name Black Hoof Celestia appeared to perk up, and began tapping her hooves together. Luna obviously surprised by her sister’s sudden change in mood was deeply confused.

"Sister may I ask you a question?"

"Sure!" Celestia replied not taking her eyes off the door.

"Who is Black Hoo...." 

Her question was interrupted as the large wooden doors were flung open revealing a black unicorn colt wielding what appeared to be a crossbow. Before Luna's mind could finish processing the sudden turn of events the colt took aim and fired. Scoring a direct hit between Celestia's eyes.

"What the buck?!" Luna shouted as her mind finally caught up to scene unfolding before her.

Celestia's lifeless body slumped over before eventually falling onto the floor, blood trickling from the apparently lethal wound.

"What have you done!?" Luna shrieked a layer of black clouds beginning to form on the ceiling as she rose from the floor. "Speak or I shall cut you down here."

The black colt remained unfazed and continued to stare at the lifeless body. Almost as if certain death did not stand before him. "One moment please." He said calmly 

Luna prepared to attack, she'd show this murder no mercy, she'd cut him down and drag his soul into the darkest void herself.

"Celestia dammit" The colt muttered "I thought I got you that time."

Luna angry quickly changed into confusion "What do you mean? you've succeed in killing Celestia princess of Equestria is that not what you set out to do."

"Yes, yet it is." The colt said matter-of-factly "But as usual I failed." a hint of sadness in his voice

"Ah, don't be so hard on yourself. I commend you on going back to the basics." came a familiar sweet voice.

"What?!" The now confused Lunar Princess blurted out before turning to see the source of the voice. To her deep and utter shock the source was none other than Celestia, arrow still sticking out over her forehead.

The colt laughed "I thought you'd be upset. I've been gone for several months and all I could find was a crossbow."

What?! Luna mentally shouted still trying to find any thread of sanity in what had just occurred.

"These things happen." Celestia said reassuringly as she pulled the arrow from her forehead. It was only now that Celestia noticed her sister hovering in the center of the room, eyes glowing and storm clouds raging above her. 

"Luna get down from there! You look ridiculous."

Luna dropped back to the floor still uncertain of anything happening around her, but she was determined to find out.

"Why are you conversing with an assassin as if he were an old friend?!" She shouted

"Black Hoof is not an assassin, he's an old student." Celestia said cheerfully as she placed a wing over the colt. "He comes around every now and again to practice some experiments and tell me about his travels."

"Not an assassin? Are you crazy?! He just waltzed in and shot you!"

"So? What's a crossbow bolt between friends? Luna my dear sister, if Black Hoof was truly an assassin do you think the guards would have just sat there and done nothing?"

That's true Luna told herself The guards didn't even flinch when he fired and remained calm even after she was killed


"I suppose you're right" Luna said with an awkward smile

Celestia laughed "Aren't I always? Besides you off all creatures should know we are immortal and not that flimsy immortal unless they cut our head off, or burn our bones in salt. We are completely and utterly unkillable."

"That's the one thing I hate about you." The colt retorted with an added grin

Luna was beginning to calm down, but was still quite confused as to what had just occurred she could accept that the colt was not an assassin as it was in fact almost common knowledge that they were Immortal so he'd be an utter fool to try anything. However one thing continued to nag at her, Celestia had called him a student of hers. What kind of student shoots his teacher with a crossbow as a greeting?

"Now at this point you're probably wonder why Princess Celestia said I was a student of hers." The colt said approaching the Luna before bowing.

Oh he's good Luna told herself

"I wasn't a student of hers to be correct; I was one of many students who attended Celestia School for gifted unicorns. Though this was not through any special talent with magic, in fact the only reason I attended was that it was the only school option I had available, as both my parents worked in the castle."

"So, you're a unicorn who wasn't good at magic yet attended the most prestigious magic school in Equestria?"

Black Hoof nodded in the affirmative

"Maybe it’d be better if I explained instead." Celestia said cheerfully before approaching the two ponies

"Good luck explaining this one." Luna said sarcasm thick in her voice.

"It'll be better if I explain how Black Hoof was enrolled in my school to begin with. True, Black hoof had almost no special abilities magic wise, in fact his magical capabilities played almost no role in him becoming a student, if it weren't for his parent working in the castle I don't believe he would have gained any form of education."

"And why would that be?" Luna asked her curiosity now thoroughly peaked.

"You see Black Hoofs parents, were decedents of some the castle original staff members and it had always been their family tradition to continue working within the castle. However, his parents wanted to break this unwritten tradition and give their child a different life. Their only problem was a lack of funding, sure within Equestria free education is almost guaranteed however the only free school within Canterlot rests at the edge of the city, too far for a young colt to walk."

"So you had him enrolled here?"

"Well sort of, originally I offered to pay for his schooling myself as a way to say thank you. But Black Hoof's father was a stubborn mule; he said it wouldn't be right if he didn't earn the bits himself."

"So what did you do?"  

"Simple, I made a few changes to teachings within my school for gifted unicorns and offered Black Hoof's family a full paid scholarship for their continued assistance within the castle. Once he was enrolled I had a private tutor teach him the basics taught in most schools and some special lessons to see if we could help out his magical abilities."

"And if it weren't for you, I wouldn't be standing here today." Black Hoof said with a triumphant laugh and striking a pose with his crossbow.

"So you wouldn't be barging into the throne room and attempting to assassinate us? I can hardly see how that would be a bad thing."

Black Hoof leaned his crossbow against the throne and moved back towards the two alicorns.
"I'll have you know that I wasn't attempting to assassinate anyone, I was just doing my job!" he said firmly

"Your Job?!" Luna scoffed "How is shooting at us your job?"

"Shooting at you isn't my job, shooting Princess Celestia however is." He finished and turned his flank towards Luna "See?" he said point to his cutie mark "It's my job!"

Luna stared at the mark before finally figuring out what it was and when she realized it completely stunned her. Instead of the regularly Cutie marks any pony would have. Black Hoofs was indeed quite unique for on his flank rested the image of none other than her sister Princess Celestia. However something was quite wrong with this image, instead of her normal cheerful smile. Image was quite morbid instead of eyes the picture had two little X's and instead of a smile her tongue lay flopped outside of her mouth. It was extremely obvious that the Celestia in the image was dead.

"So your special talent is dead Celestia?" Luna paused and tried to comprehend the weirdness of this Cutie mark. "I've seen some pretty weird Cutie marks in my time, but this one takes the cake. What does it even mean?"

Black Hoof sighed these were typical questions he received when anypony saw his cutie mark. That was the key reason he usually wore a cloak so that nopony would be able to see it and he could avoid unnecessary questions. However this was Celestia's sister and for her he'd gladly explain.

"Well you see Princess Luna my special Talent isn't for "Dead Celestia" as you put it, though that is part of it. No my special talent is for killing Princess Celestia, something we've all learned is quite a hard life goal to accomplish."

For obvious reason Luna was skeptical A Cutie mark for killing someone? That's stupid she told herself. She looked back up at the two ponies; Celestia seemed to care about him quite a bit and doesn't seem to be lying. If his story is true why out of ever creature in Equestria would it before for killing her?

"How did you come about gaining a Cutie Mark for such a horrendous talent?"

Celestia and Black Hoof laughed in unison "It's funny because it's such a simple story."

Wavy special flashback effects
Canterlot Castle 10 Years ago


Black Hoof galloped through the castle's marble halls his hoof-steps echoing throughout the castle, alerting all ahead of his approach. He had been told many times before not to run through the halls but that had never stopped him, least of all today. For today was a special day, today was the day Princess Celestia herself had promised to help him study in the library.

Black Hoof finally arrived at the large intimidating door to the castle library, a place he had tried to avoid all his life. However today this place was the only place he wanted to be. Using all of his adorable might he forced the wooden doors open, revealing his prize.

"Welcome my little pony." the Sun goddess spoke

"HiPrincessCelestiaAreyouexcitedcuzImexcited!" the colt shouted completely oblivious to the volume of his voice.

Celestia chuckled "Yes Black Hoof I'm excited as well. Do you have everything ready for your project?"

The small black colt nodded and began to pull the necessary books from his saddle bag. 
"I brought crayons and some paper."

"Could you please refresh my memory as to what your project was?"

"Oh" Black Hoof said with a giggle as he put the crayons back down "Miss Blossomforth wanted us to find a picture of one of Equestria's original flags."

"Oh yes, now I remember. I guess we should begin looking for a history book, if we wish to find a proper picture."

Black Hoof groaned "Couldn't you just tell me what they looked like? I mean you're Ol.."

Black Hoof was interrupted as Celestia leaned in closer and placed a hoof on his mouth.

"There is no need to finish that sentence" she said removing the hoof.

"Ooool"

"Don't do it"

"oolllll"

"Don't say it"

"Old"

Celestia winced I don't like that word  she turned her gaze back to the foal in front of her.
"I could tell you what it looked like but that wouldn't be fair to the other students."

"Don't worry, I won't tell them" Black said innocently.

Celestia let out an innocent laugh "That's very kind of you, but how about we look for a book. If I remember correctly they should be on one of those shelves" she finished point to a row of seven shelves. The two ponies trotted over to the shelf and began searching the first for any sign of the needed book.

Celestia sighed "If we do it this way, we’ll be here for the next thousand years. I've got a better Idea you begin searching the second shelf, I'll search the last and we'll meet up in the middle?"

"Okay Princess!" the young colt shouted before bolting through the lower rows and began his search.

Feeling triumphant she moved to the last row and began scanning the shelf. Sadly she could find no sign of any history box and moved her search to the next row. I wonder if Blacks made any progress? she asked herself, A question that was about to be answered.

"Equestria's Big Book of Flags" Black Hoof read aloud staring at the large book perched atop the highest shelf. However instead of doing the logical thing and fetching the Princess he began his epic accent. Sadly the mountain wasn't stable and eventually began to shake. The last thing Celestia saw was a torrent of books raining down from the heavens as the domino effect took control of the shelves.

I'm soooooo grounded  Black Hoof told himself as he stared at the white hoof sticking out from under the large wooden bookshelf

Unwavy effects
Present Day Equestria

"So you're telling me you got your Cutie Mark for accidentally knocking some bookshelves over?" Luna asked quite skeptical to the nature of this story. However a quick nod from Celestia assured her of its integrity.

"Yep!" Black Hoof said happily "After Princess Celestia woke back up, she looked somewhat mad but then she saw that I had gotten my Cutie Mark for apparently killing her, then she only looked confused." 

"So your only way of fulfilling your talent is to kill Celestia, yet you can't because she can't possibly die. So how exactly do you cope with that?"

Celestia laughed "Well my dear sister after we figured out what his Cutie Mark meant I felt kind of bad for him. His special talent was something he could never complete, so after making a few laws I've made assassination against us completely legal. In fact it's considered a service to Equestria and "Successful" attempts are rewarded with a quite a few bits"

"Wait, wait, wait!" Luna shouted "You mean we are paying ponies to try and kill us? How does anypony benefit from this?"

"I benefit from this" Black said raising a hoof in the air.

"Surprisingly Black Hoof is the only pony we've ever had to attempt an assassination, let alone succeed. Anyways I think it's nice it keeps us on our hooves in case anything unexpected happens. In fact you should see some of the older attempts he's made." 

Black Hoof laughed "Do you remember the catapult?"

Celestia stifled a giggle "How could I forget, I was in the middle of a meeting with the seven dragon lords."

"What catapult?" asked the puzzled Luna

"Black Hoof got this bright Idea that if he could kill me when I couldn't see him I would be unable to return to life. So instead of doing the sane thing, and hitting me from behind or getting me in my sleep. He built a catapult outside of Canterlot's borders and during one of my scheduled meetings he fired a flaming boulder directly at the castle. Then he realized and obvious fact, he had no way of telling if he hit me. So what do you think he did?"

"I don't know, checked?"

Black Hoof let out a nervous chuckle "You're somewhat correct, I did check but I didn't walk to the castle. Instead I climbed into the seat and fired myself directly at the castle. I quickly learned that the rock didn't hit her, but at least I did. Though poor dragons had no idea what was going on."

"You know I feel we've gotten off topic" Celestia said with an awkward smile "Why exactly did you come back after such a long absence surly you have a request or some news?"

Black Hoof shook his head "Can't an old friend stop by every now and again? Also I needed some bits, and I was planning to visit my parents for a bit see how they're doing."

"Of course visit an old friend." Celestia said sarcastically. "Talk to the guards about your regular payment." As Black Hoof turned to begin his journey home he was stopped as a golden glow surrounded him and began pulling him back towards Celestia who wrap a wing around him. "Next time you're gone that long, send me a letter." 

Black Hoof nodded and gave her a sly grin "Don't worry I'll be in Canterlot for a few more months at least, so you'll see me soon enough." With that Black Hoof was off.

Soon the Main hall had once again become silent as the Morning court ended. Leaving Celestia and Luna alone once again. Though now they had much to discuss they talked for several hours about Black Hoof and many of Celestia other "Unique" students and as they continued to talk Luna began to understand what her sister had done for those thousand years in her absence. She had looked for comfort from her subjects and she had found it in her students, a few ponies who could truly see her as more than just a Princess, something Luna hoped one day she could experience to.

It should also be noted that when Luna woke up the next morning, her sheets were drenched in her own blood and several Knives lay scattered across the room. Needless to say Luna wasn't amused and quickly changed the laws on assassination so that it excluded her. However laws were something Black Hoof didn't seem to understand and Luna had gained a large target on her back, a target that seemed to attract very sharp objects.
	

> Episode 10: Dropping The Ball
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

{Authors Note: It might seem dark, but trust me. It's not as bad as it seems. It’s also shorter, much shorter but it’s all I can do to try and break my block. I’ll admit that I find this to be the weakest thing I’ve written, and if you want you can completely skip the chapter.}



 

In the time since her return Luna had grown use to waking up to the blinding light of her sister’s sun. However, today was different. Today it seemed, Celestia had turned the sun up to eleven as the Lunar Alicorn opened her eyes she was met with the most intense light she had even seen. With a quick flare of her horn she was able to conjure up a pair of sunglasses, though they couldn't hope to stop the blinding light completely, Luna could at least see now. 

The groggy and partially blind princess made her way to the large chamber doors, and with a tug of her magic they slowly pulled open. Revealing a sight Luna hadn't seen in ages, Canterlot castle laid in ruins most of the ceiling had been destroyed, small and large holes dotted the walls. Adding to the scene of Destruction were the charred skeletons scattered around the halls. In front of her door were the Skeletons of her two personal guards the purple armour they wore had somehow managed to survive whatever horrors had occurred through the night.

Unfazed Luna continued through the hall casting a quick glance at the occasionally scene of destruction and giving a grin to the blinding light each time she passed a window. Luna knew exactly what had occurred, what she needed to know was how had it happened?

"Oh sister, you've really dropped the ball one this one." she muttered to herself with a light chuckle. Yep Luna you've still got it she told herself.

However, before she made her way to her big sister she had two quick stops to make. One to pick up her arguably more fun half and another to pick an extremely annoying god of chaos, with any luck he might have even suffered some third degree burns. Luna smiled at the thought of a slow roasted Discord; it'd be a nice punishment, sure he’d shake it off, but for a few seconds he’d be cooked to a nice golden brown, she thought to herself. Shaking the wishful thoughts out of her head she continued her march towards the chambers were chaos itself slept.

Upon arrival at Discord’s chambers Luna felt a ping of joy shoot through her as she stared at the rubble that once served as Discords room.  The chocolate fountain that served as his bathroom sink was still operational however; it was no longer bound by the siding that had held it in place when the castle was stable, the chocolate slowly spreading around the room. Luna could make out what she believed to be a bed beneath one of the large magically crafted pillars that had held the ceiling aloft. That must have been one hell of a wakeup call, Luna thought to herself. The Lunar Goddess shut the one remaining door and watched as it fell over, joining the rest of the rubble.

“We told you to set up a protection spell” Luna muttered to herself “We told you it was for your protection not ours, but no, the god of Chaos is too good for protection barriers.” as Luna smugly continued her trot down the destroyed and crumbled walls towards the chambers of Nightmare Moon.

Once she arrived at Nightmares Chamber she was met with a surprising sight. The room was in perfect condition both on the inside and out from what she could tell. Luna was somewhat stunned; it appeared Nightmare protection spell was even more powerful than hers. Which after she thought some more about it made sense, Nightmare would need an even better spell to ensure Discord would stay out of her mane, She probably has most of her magic focused on that single spell. 

For any other creature in Equestria this barrier would be impenetrable, but Nightmare’s magic and Luna’s magic were almost identical, meaning they’re spells were almost useless against each other. A small tingling sensation shot through her spine as she slowly passed through the magical barrier and opened the chamber doors.

As Luna had suspected the room was in perfect condition. However that wasn’t what caught her attention the most. It wasn’t the rooms condition that the most shocking aspect, it was its appearance that made her pause. Celestia and she had only seen the room once and that was on the day she picked it.

Both of them had speculated on what the black Alicorn's room could possibly contain, they had expected the room’s primary colors to be black and the main theme to be darkness as to match the mare’s personality. However, Luna was finally able to see there were a few things she hadn’t known about this piece of herself.

The room had a cheerful air to it; the walls themselves were a light shade of blue. The curtains that she had expected to blacken the room were wide open, once again revealing the blinding light from outside allowing it to flood the room. Luna’s gaze continued to shift around the room, a small grin spread across her lips as she caught glimpses of things she was never meant to see, her personal favourite finding were three hoof sown dolls sitting on a shelf. One was a small White Alicorn she could only assume was Celestia, another was darker Alicorn, she could recognize as herself and finally there was a black Alicorn sitting in the middle was a doll of Nightmare herself. Luna let out a small chuckle at the lack of a Discord doll.

“Focus Luna” she muttered to herself, turning her gaze to the large bed in the corner of the room. The bed itself was unremarkable compared to the room; the sheets were white as were the pillows and at the head of the bed slept Nightmare Moon, now that was a strange sight. The mare of utter darkness slept soundly a look of complete peace on her face. A small tinge of fear went through Luna at the thought of waking the sleeping beast, but she knew if they were to fix this, they’d need Nightmare as well.

“Hey Nightmare! Wake up!” Shouted the Lunar Goddess

“Nightmare!” She repeated

“Okay then, if you wanna do this the hard way, we’ll do this the hard way.” mumbled the mare as she grabbed the end of the sheets in her mouth. With one mighty tug she removed the sheets from the bed, however Nightmare did not stir. 

“Fine then, I tried to be gentle.” Luna’s horn slowly came to life as the purple aura surrounded the Dark goddess. However, there was something else there. Luna released the magical grasp on Nightmare and slowly slid the object from the sleeping mare’s hooves. When she was finally able to get a good look she was stunned, it was another doll. But this was different from the previous three. This was not a pony it was it appeared to be a patch work bear, the limbs were all different colours and mismatched sizes.

Then it dawned on Luna, the doll was supposed to represent Discord. Luna did her best to suppress a giggle as she slowly returned the doll to its place on the shelf. If Celestia or Discord ever knew about the contents in this room, Nightmare would probably lose her mind.

“What are you doing?” growled Nightmare

Luna could feel absolute fear spread through her body, how much had she seen? Can I play stupid? This is how I die. All of Luna’s thoughts ran through her mind as she slowly turned to face the now awake Mare.

“I… I came t…to wake you up.” Stuttered the nervous Lunar Princess

“You know what I meant, what are you doing with my stuff?” the groggy mare once again growled.

“Oh, I was just admiring your… things.”

Nightmare slowly climbed to her hooves, never breaking eye contact with Luna. Her Dragon like eye stared right through Luna increasing the fear she felt.

“Tell anyone about my room and I’ll make you wish you could die.” She whispered as she pulled Luna closer to her “Do you understand?”

Luna slowly nodded 

“Good, also tell your sister to turn that damn ball of hate down.” Hissed the mare as she open the door to her room and was completely engulfed in the light. With another flash of Luna’s horn another pair of Sun glasses appeared this time to dampen the light for Nightmare.

“What in Tartarus?!” stammered Nightmare as she took in the wreckage outside her room. Looking around the hall she was able to spot the charred armour of her guards.  Once again they had been sneaking off late at night. After a few seconds of reviewing the seen she was able to determine the cause. An event she hadn’t seen since before her and Luna had been banished.

“Hey look, I’m Discord and I love you Nightmare, Kiss me.” Luna said mockingly as she slowly drifted the Discord doll into Nightmare’s field of view.
With one swift kick Luna was sent hurling back through the wooden door and with a simple thought Nightmare released the spelling holding her room together. Joy returned to Nightmare as the entire room came crashing down on Luna.

“I’ll meet you in the throne room!” Shouted Nightmare as she happily trotted through the carnage

Meanwhile in the Throne Room

The Draconequus laughed “I can’t believe yo-“

“Shut up Discord” The grumpy Sun Goddess hissed

“Hey don’t get mad at me my dear princess, I didn-“

“Don’t finish that sentence Discord”

“Drop th-“

“I swear Discord, if you finish that sentence, I’ll make you wish you could die.” Growled Celestia

“You dropped the Sun on Equestria” the Draconequus blurted out before falling to the ground in a fit of laughing.”

Celestia continued to stare through the blinding light at the large ball of energy that sat were Ponyville had once been. It had been several thousand years since the last incident like this had occurred and Celestia was almost sure it would not happen again. However, it had been a crazy night and when Celestia woke up everyone was extra crispy.

Several minutes later both Nightmare and Luna had arrived in the throne room. Luna’s coat still coated in dust and small rocks. Nightmare on the other hoof was completely clean in fact, it look as though she had stopped to clean herself up before arriving.

“Oh good you’re both here, let’s just get this all done so we can get on with the day.” With a flare of Celestia horn, the four gods were gone in a flash and after several seconds they reappeared. However, they were no longer in the ruined Castle, but instead an almost completely white void.

“Okay the three of you remembers what you’re supposed to do?”

Nightmare raised a hoof

“Yes Nightmare?”

“Why am I needed, couldn’t I just sleep through this and not have to deal with you guys destroying Equestria?”

Celestia sighed “We’ve gone over this before Nightmare, you’re part of Luna, and we need both of you in order to complete a spell such as this. Now are there any other questions?”

No response

“Good, let us begin the spell casting, I’d like to go back to pretending these kinds of things don’t happen and that we don’t make mistakes.”

“Don’t you mean, pretend you don’t make mistakes?” Discord said with a laugh

“That it, you don’t get to keep the memories of today.” Celestia said flatly 
“Awww, you’re no fun Celestia” Groaned the Draconequus

The spell had finished Charging and formed a Large Ball of blazing light in the center of the room all it needed was Celestia to release it and the fail safe spell would activate. Sure it wasn’t as easy as a hard reset, but it was better than letting the other gods know she managed to roast her world, for the eighth time.

“Before we fix this, is there anything you guys saw that you want to forget?” Celestia asked the two other Alicorns?”

“Nop-“ Luna was cut off by a small magical aura 

“She’s still in shock.” Nightmare said with a forced tone of sadness. “I think it’s best if she doesn’t remember any of this happening.”

“Very well then” Celestia answered as she released the spell

“Wait” Shouted Luna “Nightmare love Dis-“

Celestia sat up in her bed, turning her head towards the window she could see another beautiful night coming to an end in Equestria. She smiled the spell had worked perfectly she’d jumped Equestria back to before her little “incident” and she avoided her hangover.

She paused for a moment as she prepared to raise the sun, maybe it could wait a few more minutes.
	

	
	
	
> Episode 11: Fat Flank
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Where is it? Where is it?" Twilight repeated as she searched the through her room. She sure it had been up on that shelf when she had gone out for lunch, yet it was nowhere to be found.

"Spiiiiiiike!" shouted the lavender mare

"Yes Twilight!?" came the returned shouts of the tired baby dragon

"Have you seen my book on advanced magical theories and spells?!"

"No, now can I go back to bed?!"

"Fine!"  Answered the reluctant mare

With that, Twilight once again began the search throughout her room, repeatedly checking the same spot under some strange notion that it may have reappeared there once she looked away. However, each time she checked she was met with the same results, nothing. After what seemed like ages she decided it was time to let go, with any luck the book would turn up by the end of the day.

However, any hopes she had for a quiet evening were quickly destroyed by the sudden sounds of crashing and falling books. Against her fears as to what was currently happening in the main portion of the library, Twilight called out to the baby dragon she knew was supposedly sleeping down below.

“Spike?! Are you okay down there?! What was that noise?”

For several seconds there came no response, suddenly though, the house was filled with the frantic clicking of claws on the ground and the slamming of the front door. Twilight rushed towards the window in an attempt to see what was happening.

To her surprise she could only see spike making a dash away from the library his tiny arms flailing in the air as he ran and his panicked shouts fading off into the distance. Though she couldn’t make out exactly what spike was saying, she could only assume that Spike had created some monstrous mess on the floor below and that his shouts were a desperate attempt to apologize, while still avoiding the initial wrath of the lavender  mare.

“Smart move” muttered the slightly angered pony as she made her way to the stair way

However, one she was down into the main area of the library, her confusion only increased. Instead of the destruction and chaos that she had expected, the library was in almost perfect condition the only thing out of place was a small table and the few books that had sat on top of it.

“Now why would he be so worked up over one small table?” Twilight asked aloud to nobody in particular.

The sudden sounds of hoof beats on stairs were her only answer and that answer thoroughly startled her. Without turning to look Twilight hurled herself over the lobby couch and hid behind it.

“Who is up there?” Stuttered the nervous mare

After several seconds of terrified waiting she received no response.

“Hello? whose there?” 

Still no answer

Mentally Twilight began running through her options, she could do the logical thing and run out of the library screaming like a mad mare or she could take the route that an extremely large dose of horror movies had taught her, go alone.
After a few moments of silent thought, mostly about how weird she’d look running out of the building and screaming, she decided to go with the horror movie route, slowly making her way towards the stairs leading back up to her bedroom.

“Hello?” She called once more, hoping that it was one of her friends playing a prank.

Still no response

“Well Twilight, it seems your curiosity has gotten the better of us once again, hasn’t it?” The mare sarcastically asked herself as she began the slow trek up the stairs, flinching as the stairs creaked beneath her hooves. Slowly she reached the top of the stairs and hesitantly peaked into her room.

Once again though, she was met with nothing. No signs of any intruders or any of her friends. Her room was exactly as she had left it before. However, one thing caught her attention that sent a spark of joy through her. Sticking out from under her bed she was able to see the tip of a large purple book, a book she could immediately recognize as “advanced magical theories and spells” 

With a squeal of excitement Twilight dived for the book quickly forgetting her worries and preparing herself for the greatest study session ever. However she over shot her lunge and quickly slid into the darkness beneath her bed.  With a flare of her horn the darkness was quickly expelled and she was met with both a confusing and startling sight.

Staring back at her from underneath the bed was a large black mare, the mares dragon like eyes never breaking focus with Twilight’s many thoughts began going through Twilights head.  “Wow, my bed is huge.” Seemed to be the most common one.

“Greetings Twilight Sparkle” Boomed the Black mare

The sudden outburst and the full realization as to what was currently happening sent Twilight into a panic as she did her best to scramble out from underneath the bed. Just as she was about to follow through with plan A and run through Ponyville screaming like a mad mare, Twilight’s brain managed to catch up with the current events. She was almost certain she knew  who was under her bed though she needed to check to be completely sure and the sheer fact that anyone was under her bed made her feel weird.

As she focused on the bed her horn began to glow a soft purple as the bed was engulfed in the same glow, slowly she began lifting it up into the air until the intruder was no longer hidden.

“Nightmare Moon?”  The lavender mare stuttered in confusion staring at the large black Alicorn curled up where her bed had once been.

“Hello Twilight Sparkle” Repeated the black mare in a meek voice “Fancy meeting you here.”

“Fancy meeting me here? I live here!” Twilight shouted “What are you doing here?! Why are you under my bed?! I thought Princess Celestia had you under 24/7 lock down in Canterlot Castle” The mare continued to shout.

Nightmare calmly and carefully picked herself up and moved out from where the bed had once been, making sure to brush any dust or dirt from her coat.

“Celestia sent me to check on you” She said calmly as she magically produced a scroll and dropped it in front of the still shocked mare.

Twilight slowly lifted the scroll and began to read it out loud
“Deer Twilight Sparkle
I have sent Nightmare Moon to check up on you as it has been several days since you have sent me a report.
You’re ruler Princess Celestia”

Twilight slowly started laughing as she dropped the scroll, her laughs quickly growing in volume.
“I don’t get it.” Muttered the confused Alicorn “Why are you laughing?!”

Wiping a single tear from her eye Twilight turned her gaze back to the larger Lunar Mare
“You really expect me to believe Princess Celestia wrote that?”

Nightmare was caught off guard, she had expected this plan to go perfectly, Twilight would accept the letter as if it was from Celestia and then following her Teachers request the Element of Magic would have to let her hide out in the library. Instead however, she hadn’t even been able to get the letter past her without the entire plan failing. Maybe she could still save this plan; yes.
“I am Nightmare moon, the single most devious creature in Equestria; Surely I can manage one simple lie.”

She paused as she saw the confused expression on Twilight’s Face, then it dawned on her.

“I was speaking out loud, wasn’t I?” She asked flatly 

Twilight said nothing, just nodded in the affirmative.

“Well then, that makes this just that much more awkward.” The black Alicorn said awkwardly as she stared at her hooves. “How about we go down stairs, have ourselves a snack and maybe we can talk about this like nice civilized mares.
Twilight was about to say something but that thought was quickly sent to the back of her minds  as Nightmare began to violently twitch and shake, dropping to the floor and going limp. This revealed the small purple and green baby dragon, which had been standing behind the Alicorn.

“Spike!” Shouted Twilight “Where what did you do?!”

Still panting the baby dragon held up the small black device so that Twilight could get a better look.
“I ran... to get.... Pinkie’s Taser.” Responded the baby dragon, still trying to catch his breath.
“Well good job my number one assistant, you’ve defeated Nightmare Moon” Twilight said, sarcasm thick in her voice. “Now help me drag her downstairs, I don’t like beings of darkness in my bedroom, it makes me feel weird.”

For the next few minutes, the sound of Nightmare Moons head bouncing off the stairs echoed through the house as Twilight lazily dragged the much larger pony down the stairs with her magic. Spike following closely behind doing his best to keep the unconscious Alicorn from receiving any more injuries, though Twilight seemed to have the exact opposite goal.

Once at the bottom Twilight focused her magic fully around Nightmare Moon and with one quick toss she threw her onto one of the larger couches.

“Now what do we do with her?” asked the confused baby dragon

Twilight let a small devious grin spread across her lips; she never did get revenge for that whole “The Night shall last forever” incident. Sure, she hit her with a rainbow of friendship and apparently destroyed her, but she never got personal revenge.

“Spike, fetch me my markers” Twilight paused as she continued to think of other ideas “And some whipped cream” she quickly added

Several minutes’ later Twilights vengeance had been complete. Beneath Nightmare’s nose now sat a fabulous purple moustache, she couldn’t quite recall where she had seen it before, but she knew it was the appropriate one to give her.

Carefully she placed the final addition to her revenge a large glob of whipped cream a top her front hoof with an evil chuckle she motioned for spike to take position beside her and the unconscious mare.

“What do we do now Twilight?” the baby dragon asked quietly doing his best to suppress a giggle.

“Well since we don’t have any smelling salts and I’d rather not get the couch wet, we are going to use the next best thing.” She answered with a smirk

“What’s the next best thing?” asked the confused baby dragon

“Well the next best thing my dear Spike, is an unclean baby dragon.”

Before the young dragon could begin to protest he was coated in a layer of purple magic as he was lifted against his will and slowly moved back and forth in front of the unconscious Alicorn’s face.

After several seconds the large pony began to slowly stir. However, her slowly movements quickly shifted into a sudden coughing fit as she rolled off the couch and did her best to keep herself from gagging while at the same time trying to catch a breath of fresh air.

“Oh I don’t smell that bad.” Grunted the baby dragon, still being held against his will in the air.

“Well maybe if you took a bath more than once a week you would smell a little more pleasant Spike, in fact maybe if you bathed more often Rarity might even think about going on a picnic with you, the next time you ask.” Retorted the lavender mare. 

Both Spike and Twilight stood there and watched as Nightmare Moon did her best to stand up and at the same time clear her lungs of the contaminated air and her nose of the scent of death. However as she placed a hoof over her nose the smell was quickly replaced with that of whipped cream as it smashed against her nose.

“I’m not even going to ask what you did to me, or why my head feels like I’ve just made a crash landing.”

With a purple flash of magic the whipped cream that covered her face was instantly removed along with the purple moustache and any possible dirt that might have marked her coat.
Twilight felt a tinge of sadness go through her body as her revenge was magically washed away. Though there was a spark of joy when she remembered the pictures she had silently taken. Sure it wasn’t as good as the original thing, but sending a few copies to her mentor would make everyone feel better. 

“Spike, now that our guest is up, fetch some parchment and ink please.” Twilight asked making sure Nightmare was well aware of her intentions.

“Who are we writing to?” asked the clueless baby dragon

“It’s a letter to the Princess” Twilight said her grin impossible to hide 

“Well now there’s no reason to do a thing like that” stammered the black mare “I’m pretty sure I already told you why I’m here, I’m sure you don’t want to bother Celestia right now. She’s probably really busy now.”

“Oh I’m sure she’s busy, but if you don’t want to tell me why you’re really here. I’m sure she’s got enough time to answer a question or two for her personal student, don’t you?” Twilight watched as the panic spread across Nightmares face. Those late nights of reading psychology books were finally paying off. Mentally she began counting down the time till Nightmare cracked.

Nightmare kept her head down and continued to tap her hoof on the ground.
“I’m sure we can work this out on our own, we’re both reasonable mares I don’t think we need to bring Celestia into this do you?”

Twilight’s only answer was a shrug

“What do I have to do I have to do to keep you from writing that letter? I’ll do anything.” pleaded the mare.

“Wow” Twilight thought to herself, she didn’t just crack she downright shattered 
“Well telling me why you’re here would be a good start.”

Nightmare paused for a moment, she could explain herself here and hope the Element of Magic would see things her way or she could try and teleport now and hopefully get another head start on Celestia. Though she took the logical route, she knew from Celestia’s note and letters that Twilight Sparkle was a mare of reason and intelligence.

“Fine then” Nightmare said with a sigh “But I need your word that once I tell you, you won’t send that letter.”

Twilight thought about it, at very worst the Elements of Harmony were in the town, so there wasn’t really much Nightmare could try.
“Okay, you tell me why you’re here and if it’s nothing too bad I won’t send the letter. But if you’re up to something, I’ll send it and gather the elements.”

“Okay then, you see it all start-“Nightmare was cut off by the sudden destruction of the library wall leaving a large hole where the front door had once been. Both Twilight and Nightmare remained silent as they stared at destruction, waiting for any signs of the creature that had caused it.

After a few seconds their curiosity was answered and they quickly wished it had not.  A blinding white light began to fill the door and as their eyes began to adjust to they could make out the faint shape of a large pony as the source of the light.

“Nightmare!” Boomed the voice from within

“This is how I die” muttered the dark Alicorn

“Princess, is that you?” asked the terrified lavender mare.
The light quickly dissipated leaving Princess Celestia. However, she was visibly different. Her once colorful mane was now a burning fire of rage, her once magenta eyes were glowing a pure white.
“Hello Twilight! It is good to see you again!” Celestia’s voice echoed throughout the large tree house shattering the windows and anything glass.

Twilight’s attitude quickly shifted to joy, she no longer had to deal with the situation and she got a visit from the Princess, but she still didn’t know why they were both here.
“Princess, maybe you can tell me why Nightmare Moon was hiding under my bed?”

Celestia’s expression became one of anger as her eyes locked onto the black Alicorn. 
“She burned down my personal library, trying to bring about an eternal night.”

Twilight stared in awe at Nightmare trying to comprehend why she would even try something like that a second time.

“I didn’t try to bring about an eternal night, I was trying to make the night longer and I brought the candle a little too close to the book. Then when I tried to pour water onto the burning book it turns out Celestia likes her vodka pure.”

Celestia began charging up a spell and Nightmare quickly darted behind Twilight.
“Wait a minute.” Stuttered Twilight “This sounds more like an accident than anything evil. “

“She said I have a fat flank!” Celestia shouted “I do not have a fat flank!”  With that Celestia let loose the spell completely unaware that Twilight was in its path.  With a purple flare of her horn Twilight did her best to stop her mentors spells. However, it was a battle she had no chance of winning and with a flash of light the only remaining thing in the library was a purple and green baby dragons, who had the common sense to hiding under the couch.


One Hour Later
The three mares sat on the lunar surface. Nightmare had claimed a small area within a crater and was currently building a small castle out of the lunar dirt. Celestia had begun doing push ups under some misguided belief that she could lose weight while under the effects of the lower gravity.

Twilight was currently wondering through the halls of what had once been Luna’s moon castle during the time of her banishment. Apparently Luna really enjoyed drawing as shown by the large walls completely covered from top to bottom with images of all sorts of things.

Twilight paused as she reached a larger image that took up almost an entire wall of the castle. Twilight came to a sudden realization. Celestia did in fact have a large flank.  The purple mare peaked her head back outside and was greeted by an image she completely expected. Both Nightmare and Celestia had entered into another magical battle. However, thanks to their already spent magic, they both found themselves on the verge of passing out this meant their spells moved much slower and with a great loss of accuracy, meaning neither of them could actually land a blow.

“Only Twenty three hours tell the spell wears off” Groaned Twilight
	

> Episode 12: An Unexpected Change(ling)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

First Note (This is the same chapter as the one posted for the closing of "A Changeling Of Heart" I realized that if I didn't post this, some people might be deeply confused as to where the latest character came from. )
Second Note (This chapter was quickly written in a 2 - 3 hour time period, I'll be away till roughly Monday - Tuesday, so basically it was now or never when writing this.)


It had been a month since Chrysalis had set up her new home beneath Ponyville and surprisingly life had been good for both the Changelings and the Ponies. The entire hive had taken up the disguise of one pony a relative of Carrot Top staying with her for an indeterminate amount of time. The welcome part alone had provided the hive with enough energy to feast for months, something Chrysalis hadn't expected.

In the month the news of the Changeling attack had spread far and wide and for a while Chrysalis had feared the hunt might once again be on. However, both Celestia and Luna had quelled any attempts to start a witch hunt and instead had any captured Changelings shipped off to Ponyville.

Life was good for the Changelings once again and that's all that mattered to Chrysalis and lately she found herself doing something she hadn't done in ages, relaxing.

The Changeling Queen found herself lying in the cool morning grass, though the dew the coated it was of magical creation, it held the refreshing qualities nonetheless. From her vantage point atop the hill she could see the "Village" the other Changelings had built. It was a strange sight indeed, instead of building on singular construct for all the Changelings, they had taken up building houses though obviously built to look like Village far above them, and there were obvious alien features to them.

"Look out!" came the shouts of three foal, knocking Chrysalis from her thoughts as she turned to face the source of the voices she found the reason for their pleas as a large red ball collided with her head and bouncing downing the other side.

The three Changeling foals quickly rushed to their Queen bowing and begging for forgiveness. Chrysalis gave a small chuckle and sent them off in the direction their ball.

It's good to see children play again. She thought to herself It has been ages since the newborns were able to enjoy themselves instead of trained from combat She shook the darker memories from her mind and watched as the three foals chased the ball currently heading towards the town.

Once again her thoughts were interrupted, this time however it was by a blinding flash of light. Quickly she climbed to her hooves and began searching the area for the source. However, as far as she could tell, there was no source.

"What in Tartarus was tha-" Chrysalis's question was cut off as it answered itself

"Discord you idiot!" came a cry from above "You forgot a zero!"

Chrysalis turned her gaze skyward, doing her best to block out the glare from the artificial sun that lit her paradise. Far above her she was able to make out the silhouette of at least 3 creatures plummeting towards the field bellow. Casually she made her way towards their estimated landing point.

Meanwhile

"Discord you idiot!" Luna shouted "You forgot a zero!"

Discord shrugged as they continued their descent towards quickly approaching field 
"Well if I'm such an idiot why didn't you just teleport us here?"

"I had more hope that you could pull of a simple teleportation spell without something going wrong." the Moon Goddess hissed.

Discord gave a forced laugh "Oh, I thought it was the fact that last time you tried to teleport your front half went to Canterlot while you flank went to the moon."

"That's it!" growled Luna as a layer of black magic covered her own and a spell began to form.

However, the spell was quickly ended as their decent ended as well. With a bone shattering crunch the two of them slammed into the ground.

"Huh, who knew someone could forget they had wings." the Sun Goddess said with a laugh as she landed in front of Chrysalis.

Chrysalis felt a mixed set of emotions run through her. Confusion, amusement, surprise and a bit of pity for the two morons who forgot they could fly. But mostly confusion. However, she remained silent and continued to watch as the two gods slowly climbed from their crater, shoving and pushing each other back down like foals.

Celestia sigh "You two need to grow up already, you're eon old and yet you still act like children." with that she grasped them with a spell and placed them at her sides, before finally turning her attention to Chrysalis.

"Good morning, Chrysalis" greeted Celestia cheerfully

"Good morning to you as well." answered Chrysalis "What brings you to my humble abode this day?" She asked secretly hoping it wasn't about what she thought it might be.

"Well" Celestia began "I'm sure you know why I'm here, I gave you a single task almost a month ago, I've given you the benefit of the doubt that you'd complete it in your own time and sadly you haven't."

"Now, I can explain myself." Chrysalis stuttered as she took a step back, preparing herself to run if things turned ugly.

"There is no need for fear, Chrysalis." Celestia interrupted as she tried to ease the Changeling Queens nerves. "I have come up with an alternate means to improve your public image and help ease the ponies fears of Changeling.

Chrysalis let her guard drop "And what pray-tell is that?"

"You'll be moving from Ponyville to Canterlot." Celestia said bluntly 

"Wha..what?!" Stuttered the Queen "You're kidding right? We've just got everything set up here!"

"Do not fear Chrysalis, It'll all be here when you return and just think if everything works out when you return your people will no longer require a disguise to move about." Celestia said calmly "You'll also be able to move between the Castle and your hive any time you wish."

"And what if I refuse?" Chrysalis asked slightly worried at the response she might receive 

"Well" Celestia began cheerfully "If you refuse, I'll have no choice but to place you under arrest, afterwards you'll be escorted to Canterlot where my original plan will continue. Either way, it's going to happen, how it happens is completely up to you." 

Chrysalis was speechless, Celestia wasn't kidding. Everything was going so well too, deep down inside Chrysalis had expected something like this; her luck was never that good.

"Very well Celestia, I'll accept your offer. But in my absence, who will watch over my little Changelings.
Haha Chrysalis laughed to herself you've got her now, she'll have to let you stay. 


A soft golden glow began to form around her horn and with a flash another flash of light two smaller ponies had joined the group.

"For the last time" groaned Carrot Top "Ditzy, you're a Pegasus you can't use magi-" Carrot Top paused as she noticed they were no longer in the living room.

"See Carrot!" Exclaimed the excited Pegasus "I told you, I read all of Twilight's spell book."

"Wow, I'm amazed my little pony I haven't seen a Pegasus use magic in quite some time." Celestia stated, hopefully the mare wouldn't realize what had actually happened. "I wouldn't try something like that often though, it's quite dangerous"

Discord was about to speak up and state what really happened. However, a quick hoof to the jaw from Luna was enough to silence the loose lipped god of Chaos.

Carrot Top and Ditzy both exchange a quick confused glace with each other, before bowing to both their princesses. For a time it had been quite common for either one or both of the Princess to show up at their house. Though as of lately neither of them had even written.

"It's good to see you both." Celestia said as she returned a quick bow to each of them. "I've got a "small" task for you."

A small look of worry spread across Carrot's face last time she was asked a favor by the Princess of the Sun it ended with an entire hive of Changelings living beneath her house.

"What is that?" the orange mare cautiously asked

"For the next little while Chrysalis will be staying with us." Celestia began "In that time, I want you to look over her hive."

Carrot Top was Stunned, Ditzy was ecstatic, Chrysalis was Confused.

"You are the only two ponies other than Twilight Sparkle who are aware the Changeling hive is here. You are also the ponies with the most experience on Changelings; it makes sense that you would make the best leaders in Chrysalis place."

Before Carrot Top and Chrysalis had a chance to voice their opinion, Celestia horn began to glow and in a flash of light only Carrot Top and Ditzy remained.

"Did you hear that!" shouted Ditzy "We're Queens!"

Carrot Top groaned and fell to the ground "That's good Ditzy, that's good."

Meanwhile in Canterlot

The three mares and one Draconequus reappeared within the throne room of Canterlot Castle. However, not everything had gone as expected. Apparently in their absence Blueblood had taken upon himself to throw a small "party" for him and some of the higher class snobs.

Celestia had already begun her speech for sending Blueblood and his gang packing. However the sight of the Changeling Queen was enough to do that for her. The nobles scattered as they did their best to flee from the Changeling pushing each other in their attempt to save each of their own lives.

The four of them couldn't help but laugh at the panic caused by the sudden appearance of the Changeling Queen after several seconds the room was destroyed, but also emptied.

Celestia was the first to speak up "Well it looks like we won't have to worry about spreading the news of your arrival in Canterlot. I'd say within the next hour there should be a fair sized angry mob looking for your head on a stake."

Chrysalis was horrified "What do we do then?" she asked nervously

"I'll tell them to go home." Celestia answered flatly "Now, if we don't want to be disturbed I believe its best that I give you the short version of our tour. Luna, Discord would you be so kind as to find Blueblood and deal with him?"

Luna and Discord both nodded in agreement before heading in the direction they last saw Blueblood screaming like a mare in on their way through Luna paused to tap Discord on the shoulder

"Why did she bring us along if she didn't need us?" The confused Lunar Goddess asked?

Discord shrugged "Any screen time is good screen time." With that the two of them continued back on their way.

Chrysalis and Celestia continued on their way through Canterlot Castle. During her time as Cadence she learned the layout of the castle quite well. However, now she had a real chance to explore and move about as she pleased.

"Okay then, our first stop will be your room. Which is right up here. You'll be in the room across from the Nightmare Moon.

A look of fear spread across Chrysalis's face "You mean.... the Nightmare Moon?" stuttered.

"Yes" Celestia causally answered "I believe you to will get along quite well. You both share the same interests, conquering Equestria and secretly plotting my downfall."

The two of them continued on their way, Chrysalis couldn’t help but wonder where the Alicorn of Darkness was. However, she shook the thought and continued on her way. Eventually coming to a stop at another large set of wooden doors.

"This room will serve as your office." Celestia stated as she opened the large wooden doors revealing a large empty room with a single window facing the Canterlot Hedge maze. "You'll be working cross Changeling and Pony affairs once everything is settled."

Without warning a small explosion ripped through the castle causing both Celestia and Chrysalis to shake with the floor. After a few seconds the ground stopped shaking.

"Chrysalis, you'll have to excuse me. It sounds like Nightmare has returned from her little vacation."

Chrysalis only gave a slow nod as she watched the Sun Goddess trot off she couldn't help but wonder to herself on constant thing

Why does all the weird stuff happen to me?
> Episode 13: The Episode Where I Give Side Characters Screen Time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brass found himself more concerned about his job each and everyday. Sure working the day shift as a member of the Royal Guard had its dangers. Attacks on Canterlot, threats to the staff members and the odd assassination attempt. Though the last point was no longer part of his concerns, seeing as Princess Celestia made assassination attempt on both herself and her sister completely legal. She says it helps to keep her on her hooves.

It wasn't the threats to the ones he was supposed to be guarding that worried him the most. It was the threats caused by the ones he was supposed to be guarding, that truly struck fear in him. The last year and a half had been possibly the strangest of his fifteen years of service. Starting with the return of Princess Celestia's sister, Princess Luna. Which quickly spiraled into a strange downfall, that eventually saw the return of both Discord and Nightmare Moon, and now finally with the arrival of their latest "guest" Queen of the Changelings, Chrysalis.

"Yep, my job officially sucks." the large Pegasus muttered to himself.

"What was that?" asked Hammer the smaller Pegasus and most resent partner to the veteran guard.

Brass jumped a little at the sudden reminder of his partners existence. One of the most common traits among the Royal Guard was their ability to loose themselves in thought. Usually it was one of the only ways to keep themselves from going mad with boredom on the slower days.

"Nothing kid" responded Brass as he awkwardly shuffled back into his statuesque like stance. Sneaking a glance in Hammers direction he could see the kid doing the same. Hammer was a good kid, at first glance you wouldn't know he was a member of the Royal Guard, in fact you'd probably laugh if someone had told you. But the kid was a hardworking and slowly but surely he was growing into his position. 

Brass gave the small wooden clock a quick glance, it read 2:29.
Any minute now  The stallion began to mentally count 3....2.....1

"And here we go." The two guards said in unison.

"Discord!" Boomed the voice of Princess Luna, as usual the walls shook. The Royal Canterlot voice was a common sound to hear around the castle and as such, the walls had finally been reinforced.

"Dammit." muttered Hammer

"Pay up kid." the larger stallion stated smugly.

"How did you know?" Grumbled the loser as he pulled a small pouch of bits and passed them to his superior

"Simple kid, if you had been paying attention to anything the last month you'd be aware Discord has a thing for Nightmare. Why go for Celestia, when he can earn some bonus points by going for Luna?"

Hammer nodded I guess it makes sense  he told himself

Several minutes earlier the two of them had witnessed Discord frantically moving back and forth down the halls. However, everything had gone quiet after he passed by the fifth time. Happily whistling to himself as he carried several buckets of paints towards the throne room.

A small explosion once again shook Brass from his thoughts.
"So kid, you want to make another bet?"

Hammer shook his head, sure he was the rookie but he knew when to quit.

Brass let out a sigh "Fine, your los-" his last word cut off as the fast approaching screams echoed down the halls towards them. Dammit Discord, why do you always have to lead them here? 

The two guard ponies continued to ignore the scream as it eventually entered the hall. Casting a slight glace towards the sources direction Brass was met with an unusual sight. The source was not Discord as he had assumed or even Princess Luna. Instead, he could see what appeared to be a pony slightly taller than hammer and his coat completely black.
It was only after the pony had completely passed by them that he realized what it actually was.

"Damn Changelings" he growled 

"Awww, is someone still mad that the Changelings ruined their day off?" Hammer said mockingly

"That was my first day off in weeks." growled the larger Stallion "One day off and it's spent dealing with an Invasion."

Hammer just laughed, He hadn't actually seen what happened to Brass that day. However, word traveled around the castle that Brass had be captured in the court yard and tied to a flag poll with another guard. Hammers day had gone surprisingly better. Once the Changelings had broken through the barrier, they quickly swarmed most of the guards they then sent everyone to the barrack where they were kept under watch by a small army. Luckily for Hammer though, he had been on break and was already in the barracks, taking a nap.

Brass gave a forced cough as he shuffled in his armor "Besides, didn't they trap you and the other guards in the barracks."

The smaller guard gave a nod "Yeah, but Forge "accidentally" set one of them on fire. So I'm considering us even." he finished with a chuckle "Little guy just doesn't like being picked up."

Before Brass could give a response another small explosion cut him off and the Changelings screams returned. Both Hammer and Brass stood in silence as they waited for the Changelings return. After several more small explosions shook the castle walls and the screams continued, the Changeling slide into few.

After a few more seconds of galloping it came to a sliding stop in front of the two guards. Spinning on its hooves it stared intently down the hallway it had entered from, never taking its solid blue eyes off the Hallway.

"Hello?" Hammer asked nervously

"Shhhh" it hissed in response

The two Guards and Changeling stood in silence for what seemed like an eternity as they waited for something. After a minute or so their waiting was answered another small but much closer explosion shook the castle walls.

Before Brass was sure it had been Luna and Discord, however now he wasn't so certain and the growing look of fear on the Changelings face wasn't making him feel any better. 

Without saying a word a green ring of flames engulfed the Changeling. When the flames cleared the Changeling was no longer there and in its place stood another guard Pegasus.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Brass shouted

"Shhhhh" the disguised Changeling hissed again as he took position beside the smaller Guard. 
"Play along" the Changeling finally spoke.

The three "Guards" stood in their usual statuesque. Silently they waited, only one of them knew what was heading their way and he did his best to hide his fear.

With one final blast the wall at the end of the hallway was destroyed, leaving one extremely angry Changeling Queen at the other end.

"Thorax!" Chrysalis shouted "There's no use running, you're only making your punishment worse!" She growled as she slowly began her march down the large marble hall, eventually coming to a stop in front of the "Three" guards. Slowly she lowered her head so that she was eye level with Brass.

"Did any of you three see a Changeling run by?" Chrysalis asked the tone in her voice shifting from anger to a more neutral tone "Scrawny, about yay high. He probably had a look of mortal fear on him."

Brass shifted his gaze from Hammer back to the Changeling apparently named Thorax.

"I expect an answer!" Shouted the Queen

Brass continued to shift his gaze between the two other guards noting the expression on Thorax. The Changeling in disguise was slowly shaking his head a look of pleading fear clearly displayed across his face.

"Yes, we've seen a Changeling pass by."

Thorax felt his heart skip a beat, which wasn't entirely new strange for a Changeling, they did have two hearts and sometimes one felt the need to take a break.

"We saw him heading towards the dining hall." Brass answered pointing down the hall.

"Thank you" Chrysalis answered with a nod "By the way, you might want to get another guard. Having one on one side and two on the other doesn't seem that professional." With that the Changeling Queen was off, in search of her target. Unbeknownst to her had been right in front of her. 

For several seconds the three of them waited in silence, sparing each other a glance every now and again. After roughly a minute they were almost sure the Changeling Queen would not be returning.

Thorax gave a sigh of relief "Thank you for the assistance"

"Now wait a minute." spoke Hammer "What in Tartarus just happened?!" asked the confused guard

Thorax paused for a moment  Crap, I was almost home free  
"Well, I'd love to stick around and talk with you, but I've got a lot of things to do." the Changeling said awkwardly

"Oh Chrysalis." called out Hammer in a sing-song voice.

Thorax quickly through a hoof over the guards mouth "Silence" he hissed "I'll tell you, just keep your mouth shut."

"I might have mentioned her weight" muttered the Changeling

"What was that?" asked Brass

"I said I might have mentioned her weight" her repeated once again almost going mute at the end.

"Really, you're going to have to speak up."

"I said I might have mentioned her weight." Thorax blurted out

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that." Hammer said sadly as he patted the Changeling on the back "When's the funeral?"

Thorax gave a forced laugh "Oh she'll calm down eventually, and then I'm sure we can talk about it and she'll forgive me."
With that he turned to leave. However, he was once again stopped by the voice of the guard, this time though it was by the larger of the two.

"Where do you plan on hiding? You just can't wander the halls looking like a guard, if she sees you'll she'll catch you for sure."

Thorax paused to think He's right, my Queen will find me easily if I drop the disguise and if I start wandering I'll look suspicious  

"Well then, it looks like I'm a new member of the Solar Guard" 

Several minutes passed and nothing changed

"So are we going to do something?" asked the bored Changeling

"Nope" answered Brass flatly "We're here for the next five hours."

The look of terror returned to Thorax's face Oh for the hate of Grogar, kill me now he silently muttered to himself then silently muttered a prayer to Nightmare Moon.

Five Hours Later 

The two guards and Disguised Changeling had made their way to the barracks. Each Guard had their own "Room" a small room sectioned off from each other. Each one containing a basic bedroom items, a Chest, a Shelf and a Bed. Though it couldn't fully simulate the feeling of home, it did a good enough job when guards were off their shift.

The group split up, Hammer entering his room and Thorax followed Brass into his room. After a few minutes the two had exited their room. Brass having removed his armor, and Thorax Changing his disguise to match the now armor-less white Pegasus that roamed the halls.

"What is taking that kid so long?" muttered Brass as he pounded a hoof on the door.

After couple more minutes of waiting and the door to Hammers room finally opened revealing the no longer armor clad Pegasus.

"Well then Blass, let us go get some food from the mess hall."

"You mean Brass?" asked Thorax 

"Yes, that's what I said." snorted Hammer as he exited the room.

Brass continued to stare at the younger guard as he exited the room.
"If the kid keeps the attitude up, I'm going to buck him into next Thursday." 

Thorax shrugged in response and followed the old guard to the mess hall.

The rest of the evening past by quite uneventfully after arriving in the dining hall they had received their meals. Which apparently help to change Hammers mood. Though Thorax couldn't say much for the actual food. Hay and salad wasn't really any good for a Changeling. Though lack of nourishment for a Changeling was nothing, when you're welcome in Canterlot Castle. The Love of the Sun alone gave off enough excess energy to feed a small army.

The only thing truly worth noting occurred as the last of the Guards had begun to return to their rooms. Apparently Luna had finally caught up to the Discord giving brass a chance to finally see Discords handy work.

The normally blue coated Alicorn Princess was no mix and match patter of colors. The main color of her coat consisted of a horrid shade of green. Her once beautiful ethereal mane was now a spiked mo-hawk. Splotches of other colors coated her. 

Discord had fazed through the wall, whereas Luna had just blasted her way in. The remaining  guards had stayed to watch. For a while it appeared Discord had the upper hoof. Every spell Luna threw at him, he'd just bat away with another one of his and sometimes going so far as to actually use a bat. 

Several minutes later and one destroyed dining hall later, Discord was once again a statue. The remaining on lookers cheered as Discords spells faded from Luna and the magnificent ruler of the night had been restored to original form.

Thorax laughed as they walked down the hall "Did you see the look on his face? Priceless!"

"How could I have missed it? Until someone turns him back, it's going to be the only look on his face." answered Brass

"What was your favorite part?" asked Brass as he patted Hammer on the back

Hammer paused for a minute and stroked his chin with a hoof
"I think my favorite part was when, the Dark One took the Crazy Ones bat and used it to beat him with."

"You mean Princess Luna and Discord?" asked the confused older guard 

"Yes, yes that's what I meant. If you'll excuse me, I've got some matters to attend to." answered the Hammer as he trotted off.

"What his problem?" asked the confused Changeling

Brass shrugged "Don't know, don't really care. The Kids a strange one, now come along; you can stay in the one of the extra guard rooms tonight."

As the two of them walked through the hall, they found it deathly silent. Though that was the normal during the Night Guards shift, they were a strange bunch, blessed by Princess Luna with a gift from the night.

Brass Beast was the first to break the silence "So what are the Changeling Guards like? I mean when you attacked you and the rest of the Changelings managed to pin down the entire royal guard in a matter of minutes."

"Hive connection" Thorax answered flatly "Didn't you notice? Throughout the entire attack not a single vocal order was given. If we choose we can share our each and every thought with the hive."

Brass paused as he thought about the Changelings answer
"Couldn't your Queen use that to find you?"

Thorax shook his head as they continued to walk "No, I can listen in, but as it is I've blocked my thoughts off from the Hive. Though out the day, I've been listening in and she's been extremely quiet, which either means one of two things. She doesn't care anymore or she's calmed down."

Brass gave a sigh of relief "Well that's good to hear, I'd rather not be caught by her after helping you out. You did call her fat and all."

"I didn't say she looked fat!" hissed the Changeling "I said if she ate anymore she wouldn't be able to fly."

"So you said she was going to get fat? Great idea" Hammer retorted

"It's not my fault; she's addicted those blasted baked treats you ponies make, those sweet ones with the hole in the middle. She's also has a love for that foul black brew, Coffee I believe is its name"

Brass couldn't help but laugh, He had just found out that the Queen of the Changelings not only had an addiction to coffee, but to Donuts as well.

"Well then, why don’t you tell me more about your Queen than? Maybe we can come up with a peace offering."

"Yeah, a peace offering isn't going to work with her, but if you want to know more, I don't think it'll hurt to tell you." Thorax answered as he paused and took a seat on one of the benches, his hooves were sore from the constant walking.

"I know it might sound hard to believe, but Queen Chrysalis is much like your Princesses. She'll do anything to keep the Hive safe and unless she's the one causing it, I don't believe she'd let any of us get hurt. Though she would never admit I think she's happier knowing we're at peace."

"Why do you say that?" interrupted Brass

"We've never gone to war before, Heck we didn't actually have a plan when we attacked this city. Most of us spent the entire attack banging our heads on the shield till it fell."

Brass gave another laugh "Well it's good to know, its far better having you Changelings as an Ally instead of an enemy. Though, it was good to get some first hoof information on you and your species. I won't lie, the only reason I've even considered letting Changelings in the Castle are due to Princess Celestia's orders.

"Well it's good to know I've got a friend here, only a hoof full of us came here with the Queen and most of the Ponies here won't even spare us a glance, let alone talk with us." Thorax finished with a yawn

"You're getting tired too, eh?"

"Spending the day hiding from a Queen can really drain you." answered the tired Changeling as he stood up

"Well then, let's head back to the barracks. Either way, I have to be at my post in the morning."

With a silent nod Brass and Thorax continued on their way to the Guard barracks stopping every now and again in the hopes that Hammer would eventually return.

Upon arrival at the barracks, got a simple idea a way to cheer the kid up once he returned.

"Brass, what are we doing here?" asked Thorax, he had been confused when they had gone into Hammers room; he had been even more confused when Brass had retrieved a small bag of bits from his own room.

"The kid lost a bet earlier and lost a good amount of bits, I'm going to leave him a little surprise." Brass said with a grin as he picked the pouch up in his mouth and began to open the chest where Hammers armor was stored.

What he found in the chest stunned him, the bag of bits fell from his mouth and scattered across the floor. Inside the chest was none other than Hammer still fully armored, bound and gagged. 


"Ah, you ruined my little surprise." came a voice from behind." Brass and Thorax quickly spun around to see the source and were once again stunned. Hammer stood behind them, a large devious grin plastered across his face.

"No matter though, I told you I would find you. Now, I think we're going to have so much fun this evening," With a flash of green fire, the second Hammer was no more.

"Well at least I'm going to have fun."


	
> Episode 14: Game over man, GAME OVER!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

{Authors Note: Apologize for the roughness of this chapter, this is the first time I've written in over a month and a half now. I also apologize for any large errors, I wrote most of this during a three hour lecture. I'll give it another look through when I get home.}




"So explain to me again,  why you've summoned me here?" Groaned the Changeling Queen as she lazily fell onto one of the many scattered pillows that dotted the floor. "I could be getting my beauty sleep."

"Sleep is for the weak!" answered Discord as he dived onto his own set of pillows.

Chrysalis forced a laugh "That's great coming from the one defeated by "The magic of friendship" she finished mockingly.

"Ha, you're one to talk. You were defeated by the power of Love" retorted Discord

"Both of you shut up." Hissed Nightmare "Or I'll defeat both of you with the backside of my hoof."

Both Celestia and Luna remained silent as they watched the three in front of them continue to bicker. As they continued to argue about a variety of things such as Chocolate milk, Cheese legs, and something regarding eternal night. Celestia couldn't help but think that this might have been her fault.

Luna on the other hoof couldn't help but smirked as her voice throwing lessons had finally paid off. Who knew that making a simple comment regarding a creature’s sleep cycle and their strength could have such an effect. 

Celestia was about to send them to their rooms when a sudden jolt of magic shot from her horn. A scroll gently descended from the air. However, the same couldn't be said for the almost flat rectangular box that came crashing down on Luna's head.

"Oh good" Celestia said as she unfurled the scroll "I was beginning to worry that Twilight had forgotten." the Sun Princess finished as she began to read the letter aloud.

"Dear Princess Celestia

This week’s movie was picked by Fluttershy. I've also learned a rather valuable on the magic of Friendship.
Just because one of your friends is shy and quiet, doesn't mean they don't have a horrific sense of entertainment.

My apologize for such a short letter, I have to go help the others find Pinkie, before she does something drastic."
-Your faithful Twilight Sparkle" 

There were several seconds of silence everyone present began to image what "drastic" was considered in Pinkie Pie standards. They all agreed it was for the best to raise the castle security level up to at least code pink. With the doors looked and the Chimeras released, they sat back down to enjoy the movie.

"So what do we have this time?" Asked Nightmare

"Aliens" Luna read from the cover "I hope it's not another cheesy movie like "Nightmare Moon on Elm Street"

"I would still love to meet the pony who made that film." Nightmare said with a twisted smile "I don't kill ponies in their sleep, I mean who would think that up?"

"Is that so?" asked Discord "Miss "I know where you dream" is wondering why they made a movie about her killing ponies in their dreams."

Before Nightmare could respond, both her and Discord found their mouths refusing to open as two large green gooey chunks wrapped around sealing them shut.

"Mmmummjjb" came the muffled growls from Nightmare as she tried to rip it off with her magic. When Discord noticed that Nightmare was unable to remove her muzzle, Discord smugly snapped his talons. Yet, once again nothing happened.

"Oooh, magic proof." Luna said gleefully as she poked at Nightmare's muzzle.

"Where did that even come from?" Asked the slightly curious Sun Goddess

"Trust me, you don't want to know." Chrysalis answered "Some things are better left a mystery "Especially since you were wrapped in it."

A look of absolute horror spread across Celestia's face as her mind raced through all of the worse possible sources of the green goo. After several minutes of staring distantly at the ceiling. The Sun Goddess broke her silence as she stood up and walked to the door.

"Sister where are you going?" 

"I-I'm going to....I'm gonna.......Cold Shower." 

With that Celestia walked out of the room, the four remaining creatures in the other room listen as the slow hoof steps quickly turned into the sound of galloping and the wailing sobs of one traumatized goddess echoed through the halls.

"So where does it come from?" Luna asked

Chrysalis slowly leaned over to the Night Princess and whispered words that burned themselves into poor Luna's mind.

"That's disgusting!" shouted as she recoiled in disgust.

Upon seeing Luna's reaction, the looks of terror and disgust only intensified for Discord and Nightmare who once again returned to frantically trying to remove their gooey muzzles.

"If you think that's bad, you should see where it comes out from male Changelings."

"NOPE!" shouted the Moon Goddess as she covered her ears

'"I mean, even I-"

"NOPE! NOPE!"

"But Luna, these are things you need to know."

"NOPE!"

"But what about science?"

"NOPE, DON'T LOVE SCIENCE THAT MUCH"

Five Hours Later


"Do you feel better sister?" Luna asked as she placed the movie in the player.

"Yeah, I nice cold shower on the surface of my glorious sun, was all I needed."

"Good, now can we start the movie?"

Celestia nodded as she hurled a pillow at the sleeping Nightmare and Discord who quickly jolted awake. After a few seconds they both noticed that the muzzles had completely hardened and with a few taps they quickly fell apart.

"Now both of you stay quiet" Hissed Chrysalis "Or it'll be a cocoon next time."

Inexplicably, Nightmare and Discord found that they had absolutely nothing to say. After roughly five hours of delays and other unpleasantness they were finally able to start their movie night. 

One and a half hours later and seven minutes of ignored credits, the movie was over.

"Well that was a good movie." mumbled the sleep Lunar Princess.

"I don't know" groaned Chrysalis as she groggily pulled herself to her hooves. "I think the alien looked pretty fake." she finished with a yawn before stumbling her way towards the door. "

Nightmare and Discord managed to pull themselves off the floor and onto their hooves.

"What about you sist-" Luna had to pause when she saw her sister hiding behind a pillow. 

"Ithinkitwasgreat" Blurted Celestia as she picked Luna up with her magic and bolted for the door.

Once outside of the royal movie chamber Luna was able to free herself from her sister’s magical grip.

"Celly, what's gotten into you?"

"We have to stop them!" Celestia said as she watched Chrysalis disappear as she turned a corner.

"Stop who? Is this about the movie?"

"You saw what I saw Luna, we have to stop the Changelings." 

Luna continued to stare at her sister. There was a look of paranoia in Celestia's eyes as they continued to dart back and forth, jumping at the slightest movement.

"Why do we have to stop the Changelings." Luna asked hoping that maybe if she humored her sister. Maybe Celestia would return to her senses.

"We have to stop them before they lay their freaky alien babies in our stomachs."

Luna couldn't help but give her sister a quick slap "Snap out of it Celly, you're the one who made the Changelings. You know as well as I that they don't lay "freaky chest babies""

"So you're saying you remember how they reproduce, because I don't." Celestia finished with a smug smile, knowing her sister would not remember that detail either. Hopefully, then she'd see the Changeling threat for what it really is.

"No I don't, but I'm sure you wouldn't make something that lays eggs in other things chests." Luna said as she prepared to let the craziness play out without her.

"You know as well as I Luna, that when we started this little planet we weren't the nicest of creators. I mean, I made an entire race that requires love to survive and then I forgot about them. What's to say I didn't make them lay freaky chest babies in other creatures?"

"You know what, I don't care anymore." Luna blurted as she turned away "I'm tired and I just want to sleep now. Good luck with whatever extremely stupid thing you plan to do." Luna hadn't intended to say anything else, but when words slid into her mind, they took on a life of their own. "What if they've already planted their eggs in you?! You were in that cocoon for a while."

"Oh sweet sun, you're right!" Gasped Celestia "I might not have that much longer to live. Don't worry Luna, I'll make sure Equestria is safe, at least for you." with that Celestia broke into a gallop and quickly faded into the darkness of the halls.

"Oh sisters, you're such a foal sometimes. I'm still not even sure how you managed to make a plan, which stopped eternal Night." Luna gave a sigh as she made her way towards her room, where a large bed awaited her tired bones. 


Little did the two Princesses know, there had been two more sets of ears listening in on their conversation.
Nightmare and Discord sat on the other side of the door, giggling to themselves as hundreds of devious thoughts ran through their minds.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Asked Nightmare

"We should try to take over the world?" Answered Discord

"No.....actually yes, but later.  I believe we should have a little conversation with our gooey friend Chrysalis."

"Ah, I like where this planning is going." 

One Hours Later

Chrysalis was stirred from her sleep by an unknown sound. 

"Shut up you overgrown lizard" came a hissed whisper in the dark

"Who-Who's there?" Chrysalis asked nervously

Chrysalis waited several seconds, hoping for who ever or whatever was in her chambers would show itself.
After a few more seconds of complete silence she began searching through the darkness for the lamp cord.
When she was finally able to bring light to the darkness, she was met with a startling sight.

Both Nightmare and Discord were mere inches from her face. Apparently the Draconequus and Alicorn were not prepared either as the combined scream of three different ponies echoed throughout the castle.

Elsewhere in the castle
Celestia was in the process of gathering her equipment when the screams of Discord and Nightmare finally reached her. She knew she should have warned them about the threat, but she had thought there would have been more time.

"There you are Betsy" the Sun Goddess spoke softly as she pulled the rifle into an embrace. "What that Betsy?" she asked as she held the barrel to her ear. "That mean old Luna took all your rounds? Well don't worry sweetie we'll get you some more."

Before Celestia could sneak her way back out of the throne room. The faints sounds of voices began to grow closer. Quickly she darted behind the throne as the large wooden doors began to open. The paranoid Princess watch silently as Two guards and a Changeling entered the room.

"Traitors" she muttered under breath "Don't worry baby, I'll let you deal with the traitors later."

"So he asks me, why he couldn't feed of my Ex's love." Hammer said as he continued his story

"And what did you tell him?" asked Brass

"I told him, you can't feed on something that doesn't feel emotions."

With that the group continued laughing as they exited the room. Apparently that's what qualifies as a proper night search, they hadn't even noticed the gun toting Princess hiding behind the throne.

Back with two idiots and a Changeling Queen and several ponies

"So why are we doing this again?" asked on of the ponies stuck to the wall

"I thought they said if we played along we got tomorrow off." answered another

"Quiet up there, you're supposed to be dead." Shouted Nightmare as her and Discord finished placing the last pony up on the wall.

"Now for our part in this little show." Spoke Discord and with a snap of his talons both he and Nightmare were replaced with two larger than average Changelings.

As the two continued setting the area up, by placing more of the green goo and doing their best not to think about its source, the approaching sound of rather large hooves echoed down the hall.

"Okay everyone, it's show time. Just try and look dead." Whispered Nightmare as she took her place on the wall, blending in with the now almost alien walls.

The Sun Goddess can galloping around the corner as fast as she could and the moment she stopped to take in her surroundings she almost instantly regretted it. The sight was horrifying, her little ponies had been attached to the flesh like walls, the life taken from them.

"Don't worry my little ponies, I'll avenge you."

As she continued her way down the progressively alien hall, the sights only made the fear in her grow. It was at this point that Nightmare and Discord made their move. Slowly they peeled themselves from the wall as they turned to face Celestia.

They let out a hiss

She cocked her gun

They ran

"Where did she get that?!" shouted Discord as another shot echoed through the hall

"How should I know!?" Answered Nightmare, she had already been shot once in her lifetime, she wasn't about to let it happen again. Right as Nightmare was about to send Discord on a "Trip" one of the chamber doors opened, revealing an extremely groggy Princess Luna.

"Do you guys have any clue what time i-" Luna was cut off as two rather large Changelings spend past her.
Luna made her way into the center of the hall as she continued to yell at the two Changelings, completely oblivious to the approaching Celestia.

With another deafening shot, Celestia fired another round, this time scoring a direct hit, however not on her intended target.

With a Shriek Luna had found that someone had shot her in the flank. Without hesitation the Princess of the Night had spun around and taken hold of her attacks weapon. Finally with one quick swift movement, she had knocked her assailant unconscious with the butt of the gun. 

"Really?!" growled Luna as she stared at her now unconscious sister "Where was this luck when I tried to take over?" Luna slowly dragged her sister back into her room, before locking and sealing the door with several enchantments.

"One down, three to go." The rather annoyed Princess growled as she cocked the gun.

It hadn't been too difficult for Luna to track down the two Changelings. Who from the sound of their voices she assumed were Discord and Nightmare, and the fact that only they would be stupid enough to set something like this up.

The chase would have probably lasted much longer had Nightmare not tripped Discord, which prompted him to drag her down with him. When they tried to struggle Luna quickly learned that with two quick pulls of the trigger, they were much more compliant.

The next morning

Celestia let out a groan as she was hit with the worst headache in several eons. She felt a jolt of terror rush through her as she realized she couldn't move. As she scanned her surrounding she was horrified to see that she was once again inside of a green cocoon. However, she wasn't alone, beside her were two others, Discord and Nightmare both equally confused by this new turn of events.

"Hello everyone" came the voice of Luna as she stepped into view. "You're probably all wondering why you're here."

The three bound Gods nodded in unison

"Well first off, Nightmare, you and Discord are here because you ruined my sleep." She paused as she turned to face her sister "And you dear sister, you shot me in the butt. Now under normal circumstances, that still wouldn't be okay. But you did it in a fit of paranoid madness."

Luna left the room, but quickly returned with Chrysalis in front of her and Betsy between the two of them.
"So, I went and found someone who can help put your fears to rest." Luna once again made her way to the door, but stopped as she finished opening it. "I'll be back to get you in a couple of hours, be good now." with that Luna was gone.

A devious grin spread across Chrysalis face as she gazed at the three bound Gods. A three of them, strung up from the ceiling completely unable to do anything. She could do anything she wanted with them.

Chrysalis placed a large book on the table before her and unfurled a rather enormous diagram of a Changeling.
"Hello class, I'll be your teacher Queen Chrysalis, and welcome to "Changeling Biology"




{Authors Note: I only realized now how dirty the last four lines can be taken. That wasn't my intentions but either way, giggity}
	
	
> Episode 15: Followed me Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Silence, under normal circumstances it is a sign of peace. However there was no such thing as normal circumstances within Canterlot Castle. Silence was a sign of impending disaster, and possibly imminent death. These were not the thoughts of a paranoid mad mare, but Princess Celestia, who had long since learned to never trust silence.

Celestia still wasn't sure how Luna had managed to sneak an entire cult into the Castle that fateful night a thousand years ago. You would think an entire cult of two hundred and thirty seven ponies would make at least some noise and yet they didn't. They were also surprisingly polite, taking the time to wipe their hooves before breaking in and attempting to overthrow her.

Celestia shook the memory off as she climbed out of her bed. She gave her clock a quick glance
2:23AM, not a single sound, either they're all dead and I can go back to sleep, or they've done something horrible and have gone into hiding. Celestia rubbed the sleep from her eyes and groggily made her way to the door.

"Now what could you possibly be up to?" Celestia muttered as she slowly poked her head out the door. Several times this moment had played out and the Sun goddess was prepared for any possibility. Boulder, death pit, entrance to Tartarus, sharks all things she had been greeted by in the past.

Yet, she was greeted with only silence and darkness, and that was far more terrifying than anything she could have possibly imagined.

"Hello?" Celestia nervously called out

"Yes Princess?" came a response from above

The Sun Goddess let out an audible shriek as she dropped to the ground "Make it quick!" 

"Princess...." repeated the voice from above "Princess Celestia, are you okay?"

The quivering Sun Goddess slowly removed her head from between her hooves as she craned neck towards the ceiling.

"Hi" greeted the Batpony as he hung from the ceiling.

Upon seeing the Night Guard just barely containing laughter, she quickly climbed to her hooves and gave and awkward cough.

"Good evening Silver" The Princess said with another cough. "What horrible things have my sister and her other half caused this evening?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary Princess, there have been only minor noises throughout the castle. Lord Discord and Lady Nightmare have not left their chambers."

"What of my sister?"

Silver gave an awkward chuckle "That's the weird thing, our Mistress has been standing outside the entrance to the castle basement for the last three hours, just pacing back and forth."

"Anything else out of the ordinary, fire? explosions? Atomic hell-fire? Anything?!" The Princess let her fears take over as she began going through the worst possible scenarios. 

"There appears to be nothing out of the ordinary, our mistress is just pacing back and forth outside of the entrance. Would you like me to escort you to her?"

Celestia paused for the moment as she thought about this decision. As far as she was aware there was nothing wrong within Canterlot Castle, she could head back to bed and plausible deniability in the morning. Deep down inside though, she knew that wasn't going to happen. So with a reluctant sigh, the Sun Princess agreed and they were off to what was surely a horrific death, as was the norm.

Several minutes of paranoid walking later, Celestia and Silver stood in front of the entrance to basement. Princess Luna oblivious to them continued to pace back and forth, whilst muttering to herself.

"Got Muggy, isn't going to get Me." the Lunar Princess muttered to herself

"Luna?" asked the concerned sister

"Followed me back, forgot my guns."

"Luna?" The guard and Princess repeated in unison

"Six will show up eventually and make everything better, he can fix anything."

"LUNA!" Came the booming voice of Celestia

"Oh sweet sun and moon make it quick!" The terrified Princess shouted as she dived to the floor.

Celestia and Silver continued to watch as the Night Goddess quivered in fear on the floor. Both of them not sure whether they should try and help her or continue to watch and see if she has any more of an emotional breakdown. Several minute of silent watching later, Luna let out a shriek before attempting to run away. However she was quickly stopped by an invisible wall.

"And where do you think you're going sister?" Asked the Sun Goddess as she extended a hoof to help her sister up.

"Oh hello sister, I didn't see you there. What can I do for you this fine evening?" Luna answered as she casually brushed some dirt from her coat.

Celestia gave a light chuckle "I think I should be the one asking the questions here. Our Batty friend here has told me you've been standing in front of this door for the last several hours. What could you possibly be doing in front of the basement?"

The Night Goddess responded with her own awkward chuckle "Well that's a funny thing you should ask dear sister. I found myself on a little adventure.... Trying to see new sights and all, you know the usual."

Celestia raised an eyebrow "Yes, I did tell you to see new sights. But from the scent of creation magic, you've been playing with creation magic again. If I'd have to hazard a guess, I'd say you've been to Earth #6792, running around with that "Courier" of yours again.

"Haha" Luna forced a laugh "What makes you think I was visiting Six again? I do have friends in other dimensions, not just one. Unlike you dear sister, or would you prefer, "Meridia, Lady of Infinite Energies?"

"Oh shut up and I can tell where you've been because you're still wearing your Pipboy" groaned Celestia "What followed you back this time?"

"Nothing, nothing at all." answered the Lunar Princess as her gaze shifted to every point but her sister. "You told me not to bring anything back after the "Cazador" incident."

The Sun Goddess flinched at the mention of those horrific insects. The memory of those large horrible, horrible bugs was enough to make an immortal shiver in fear. The day had been as normal as they come within the castle, the only thing off was the sound of buzzing. Celestia had shaken it off as nothing more than a couple of bug making their home in the walls. It wasn't until Celestia had finally decided to investigate that she was swarmed by several living hate machines.

The only thing that had worked out was when Luna had arrived with her friend "Six" He went in there with several high powered weapons and came out with their stingers in a bag.

"Equestria to Celestia, come in Celestia." 

Celestia snapped back to reality, with a light cough.
"And you're lucky your friend showed up to deal with our little "bug" problem. That's why you're not allowed to have anything but Equestrian born pets. Now tell, what is in the basement that has you something so worked up."

"Well it wasn't something that I chose to bring home; it more or less followed me home." Answered Luna as she awkwardly shuffled her hooves.

"So you locked it in the basement?!" Hissed the Sun Goddess "This is exactly how the "Cazador" incident began. A few bugs followed you home and I was brutally killed."

"I said I was sorry, I didn't know it was a queen when I brought it back." Luna hissed in response. "I went and got Six and he fixed it!"

"So where is he now?" Retorted Celestia.

"He said he had some things that needed to be done and headed off to towards Goodsprings. I decided I was going to go explore for a bit and when things got rough, that's when my friend in the basement followed me home."

"So what is it?" the Sun Goddess repeated her original question.

"Deathclaw" Luna answered bluntly 

Celestia's expression quickly darkened "You let a Deathclaw follow you home?! Are you insane... don't answer that, you've proven that true several times. Okay then, why don't you march back through into that wasteland, and bring your friend back to fix your mess?"

The Night Goddess gave a sigh "I told you he was busy, why don't you just wait until he's finished and we can all go back to normal, whatever that amounts to here."

"Yeah, that isn't going to happen. That's the sort of logic that led to a Cazador nest in my chambers. No, if you're not getting your friend, then we'll deal with it ourselves." Celestia asked as she gave her sister a dagger filled glare.

"How would you suggest we go about that?"

"You have an arsenal don't you?" The Sun Goddess pointed towards her sister’s bag.

"Nope, when a Deathclaw makes you its target, you drop everything and run. I do however have my side arms." With that Luna produced two handguns that had been strapped to her back legs.

"So all together, we've got two small handguns" Celestia began to count aloud "A Spear. Two Goddesses unable to use their own powers because of their own rules and a Night Guard that has fallen asleep on the job." She finished pointing towards the guard who had at some point fallen into a deep sleep beside a statue.

"Well then, let’s not waste any more time. We've got a monster to kill." The Night Goddess said with a grin as she passed the weapon to her sister, who grabbed it with her magic.

The two of them quickly lost their nerve as they approached door and were greeted with a low growl somewhere within the basements depths. The sound of claws sharping on the stone walls echoed up the stairwell and faintly breached the door.

"By all means, you first Luna."

"Thank you sister, I appreciate it." Deadpanned the Lunar Goddess

Slowly the two Goddesses made their way down the large set of steps that led into the darkness below the castle, the beam of lights emitted from their horns their only source of light.

"You know who could help us." whispered Luna

"If you say "Shuggy" I promise you Luna, I will shoot you right here." responded Celestia in a hushed hiss.

"Fine then, we can deal with it ourselves." answered Luna as they reached the bottom of the stairs and killed their light spells.

The two of them sat in absolute silence as they watched the hulking creature skulk around the room. Luckily the creature had not seen or heard them making their way down the stairs. It was Celestia who first began to aim her weapon. Boredom usually lead to dimension hopping, and dimension hopping usually led to picking up skills that normally wouldn't be acceptable for a Princess.

With a deafening bang Celestia took the shot, scoring a direct hit on the unsuspecting creatures head. However, their moment of joy was quickly crushed as they soon learned, that only made it mad.

"Shoot! Shoot! Shoot!" cried the Sun Goddess as she and her sister blindly emptied everything they had on the apparently invincible creature.

"What do you think I'm do-" Luna was cut off as the creature slammed her into a wall. It was at this point Luna decided that whether Six wanted to be bugged or not, he was going to help.

"Oh sweet me, why won't it die." Shriek the Sun Goddess as she ran frantically did her best to avoid the impending death. 

With a blinding flash of light Celestia found a new sense of hope. It also served as a great distraction allowing the Deathclaw to easily remove Celestia's head; it wasn't pretty for anyone involved.

"For the love of the Sun and Moon shoot it Six, shoot it with everything!" pleaded the Lunar Princess.

The Courier had been caught off guard by the sudden transition from hunting some Geckos to being locked in a basement with a Deathclaw. However, it was a well-known fact that Courier Six always hunted with a rather large gun.

The sound of three deafening shotgun blasts echoed through part of the castle, waking several members of the castle staff. They all brushed it off as nothing more than Royal shenanigans.

Luna let out a sigh of relief as she climbed from the floor. Courier Six on the other hand was in the process of wiping brain matter from his duster.

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you Six."

Six nodded in response

"Ah, silent and mysterious again. You want to stay for breakfast at least? Better than sleeping in another bar."

"Too fancy" answered the gunman

"Very well" Luna began "are we still on for Hunting Ghouls later? I haven't seen ED-E or Cass in ages."

"Eeeyup" Six answered

And with another flash of light the Courier was sent back to his world. Leaving Luna alone in a large room filled with multiple dead ponies and covered in a fair amount of blood. Something that wasn't that uncommon for her.

She knew it would be several hours before Celestia finally returned to the land of the living, and when she did it would be lecture time. Meaning she had to hide somewhere and fast.

"I wonder what the Doctor is up to?" She asked herself before disappearing in a flash.
	
> Episode 16: Somber Sombra
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Edit for those who clicked this on the 2nd of February there is no new chapter today. I miss clicked the edit button and the site apparently allows posting completely blank chapters. 
(Author Note: This isn't a comedy chapter)	





Deep in the snowy tundra, far outside the newly re-found Crystal Empire. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and her Husband Shining armor slowly made their way through ever increasing torrent of snow.

"Cadance, could you please tell me again why we're out here freezing our flanks off?" Asked the only partially frozen Shining Armor through his scarf and chattering teeth.

Cadance let out a sigh "I can still feel traces of Sombra's magic, meaning part of him is still out there. We have to find it as quickly as possible or he might be threat to someone else."

"Well that makes sense I guess." Shining mumbled to himself as he thought about how power Sombra had been "Now how about you answer my other question. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna both claim to know almost nothing about the Crystal Kingdom and yet you lived with Princess Celestia for most of your life."

"Your point?" Cadance asked flatly 

Shining was taken aback by his Wife's sudden shift in mode.
"Well if you didn't know about the Crystal Empire and the Princesses didn't either. Why did the Crystal Ponies call you their "Crystal Princess" and suddenly start acting like they knew you?" 

"They did" Cadance once again answered flatly

"How could they possibly know you if they disappeared almost a thousand years ago?" Asked the confused Prince

"Not now" Cadance answered "We're here; we have to start looking it could be anything, clothing, jewellery, part of a hor-"

"Found him!" Shining interrupted

Cadance was sure her Husband had been attempting to make a joke. There was no possible way he had found what they were looking for so quickly, when they didn't even know what it was. However as Cadance made her way to Shining she was stunned by what she saw.

Partially buried in the snow wasn't just a piece of Sombra, but instead the Pony himself.

"So what do we do now? A part of Sombra I can destroy, but we can't just kill him. Besides, he looks different" Shining asked as he poked the shivering grey Unicorn.

"We have to get him somewhere warm." Cadance blurted out panic thick in her voice.

Before Shining had a chance to ask his wife what was going. He found himself quickly wrapped in an aura of Blue energy and with a flash the three ponies were out of the snowy wastes and inside Royal chambers of the Crystal tower. Two confused cleaning ponies stared in confusion at the sudden appearance of their Princess.

"You two!" Cadance commanded as she picked herself off the ground. "Bring me warm food and any blankets you can find."
The two cleaning Ponies quickly bolted out of the door in search of the requested items. With another flare of her horn the enormous fire place erupted to life.

"What’s with the sudden urgency Cadance?"  Shining asked as his wife pulled the semi-conscious pony closer to the fire. "This is the pony that enslaved the Empire, He deserves little help."

"No he's not" Cadance answered flatly as she placed blanket on the shivering unicorn.

"He's no what?" asked the confused Stallion

"He's not the pony who enslaved the Kingdom. Just look at him, he's smaller, his eyes aren't glowing and his mane isn't ethereal anymore. He's back to normal again."

"Back to normal?" Shining's confusion only continued to grow. "Cadance you have to tell me what's going on. How do you know Sombra?"

"Very well my love." Cadance began with a sigh "I was planning to tell you all this once everything settled down. But it seems like the fates have other things planned." She finished as she moved back towards her husband. "First off, there's something you need to know. Before Princess Celestia and Princess Luna took me in, I used to live here with my mother and father, the Crystal rulers."

"So you really are the Crystal Princess?"

"Yes, but there will be time for those questions later."

Roughly One Thousand Years ago
"Hey Mommy, Daddy, look at the picture I made!" Shouted the enthusiastic pink filly as held the hoof painting up to her parents faces. "It's me and you and Auntie Luna and Celestia in front of the Crystal heart."

Queen Crystal let out a laugh "That's very good sweetie." she said as she watched her daughters smile grow. "Cadance sweetie, you have to go play for a bit longer. All these ponies here came a long way to talk with Daddy and me and we have to help them all."

The little filly turned to see the large line of ponies that had gathered to see her parents. At the front of the line was a pony she had never met before, covered in dirt and a sword strapped to his back.

"Hi mister!" the filly shouted excitedly "Can I help you? I'm a Princess you know."

The stallion gave a laugh at the filly in front of him "Maybe you can, have you seen any monsters around here? Someone told me there was a Manticore near the Crystal kingdom."

"What's a Manticore?" Cadance asked her curiosity growing.

"It's nothing you should worry about, just a little rodent problem I came to help with."

"Well that's okay, maybe Mommy or Daddy knows where the big rat is. I'll see you later mister, have a good day." With that Cadance jumped off her mother's lap and trotted back to her little throne and chair where she continued to paint.

"I apologize for my excitable daughter." King Crystal apologized as he stared at the filly happily drawing at the other end of the room.

"It's no problem my Lord, she's just a filly." Answered the Knight "So as I was telling our young Princess, I've heard reports that there were a pack of Manticores coming close to the Farmlands. I came to offer my assistance in whatever needs to be done." The Knight finished with a bow.

"That's good to hear, with all the talk of "Demons", having monsters getting close to the Kingdom wouldn't help anyone. My personal Adviser Sombra shall be returning shortly, he'll be able to assist you further."

As the Knight made his way out of the line, the large stone doors were blown from their place. The crowd quickly scattered in terror as the smoke began to dissipate.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Roared the King as he took his place by the guards. "Who dares attack the Crystal Kingdom?!" 

The guards and King drew their weapons as they waited for the cloud to fully dissipate and reveal the unseen threat.

"Sombra?!" Stuttered the confused King as the attacker was finally revealed "What's gotten into you?!" King Crystal continued to stare at his Adviser. He wasn't himself, eyes a sickly green glow. His horn bent, and his magic tainted.
"What have you done to my Friend?" Growled the King.

"Crystals" Hissed the new creature as he took a step towards the defenders.

"Hey Mr.Sombra!" Shouted the Filly "Why'd you break the door? Did you come here to play with me today?"

Before the King could fully comprehend the arrival of his daughter, the creature locked his sight on the new arrival a wicked grin on his face.

"Crystals" He growled as he fired a spell at the filly Princess.

However, the spell never found its Target as someone else stepped in front of the attack. The Knight let out a single grunt as he fell to the ground his heart stopped in a single attack.

"Mister are you okay?" Cadance asked the Knight "asleep" on the floor. "Come on Mister, Mr. Sombra is only playing... if you don't get off the floor you'll get dirty."

Cadance was cut off as her father darted in front of her. "Run" shouted the king as he prepared for the fight.

The filly looked around in confusion as her father and the guards began attacking her friend. She didn't know why the guards kept falling down or why they wouldn't get back up.

"Cadance I said run!" her father shouted

This time she didn't wait or ask any questions. She just ran as quickly as she could. Every time she thought she had found a safe place it would last long before shouting would began again, quickly followed by silence. Finally Cadance had reached the safest place she knew off, her parent's room.

However the safety and silence of the her parents room were quickly quashed by the sound of approaching hoofsteps
"Daddy?" whimpered the Princess.

There was no response, only the sounds of hoofsteps growing louder.

"Mommy?"
Still no response, however the bedroom doors began to open revealing the still smiling Sombra.
"Crystals" He growled again as he continued to approach the terrified Princess.

"Mr. Sombra why are you being so mean? Where are Mommy and Daddy?" Cadance asked as Sombra stopped in front of her.

"Crystals" He repeated as he his horn began to light up.

Cadance closed her eyes and hoped that Sombra would go away. After a few seconds of silence Cadance began to open her eyes.

"I'm sorry." Whimpered Sombra half his face twisted into a sadistic grin. The other have a look of pure sorrow as tears poured from only one eye. "I'm so sorry." The next thing the filly remembered was waking up crying beneath the wing of her Aunt.

Back in the Present
"I'm so sorry" Shining armor apologized as he hugged his wife.

"It was a long time ago, and the thing responsible for it is dead. I don't know why it used Sombra or why it wanted the Crystal Kingdom. I think it just wanted power and that was the quickest way."

"So that's why you didn't tell me anything about it when he first showed up."

Cadance and Shining sat in a semi-awkward silence as they stared into the fire.

"Crystal?" came a muffled mumble from the pile of blankets.

Cadance and Shining Armor quickly moved towards Sombra
"Hello Sombra, it's good to see you're safe." Cadance finished with a smile.

"Cadance?" Answered the broken stallion "Cadance safe?"

"Yes, I'm safe, you saved me."

"King safe?" Sombra asked a faint look of fear on his face.

"Yes Sombra, you saved them too, you made sure the Monster didn't hurt anyone."

Some gave a soft smile before drifting back into unconsciousness.
"Why'd you lie to him?" Shining asked as he stared at the grey Unicorn.

"Because out of everyone in Equestria he doesn't ever need to know what happened that day. If he's able to recover at all from what's he's been through in the past thousand years. I think knowing what happened that day alone would be enough to completely break him." Cadance answered as she continued to scan his mind. 

She cringed as she made sure to remove all traces of that day from the unconscious stallions mind. However the more she explored the more her fears were confirmed. Sombra's mind was twisted and disoriented, blackness filled many of the voids and the thousand years he was gone was completely inaccessible. Cadance couldn't help but worry as to what would be left of the Sombra she used to know when he finally awoke. 

"Well those ponies should be back soon with some food." Shining said cheerfully 

"Oh... Yeah" answered Cadance as she snapped out of her trance. "Yeah food."

"We should probably send a letter to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna; I'd think they'd like to know about the recent change of events." Shining said as he unrolled a scroll.

"Tell them we'll be heading back to Canterlot afternoon. You should also tell them to prepare a room for a new guest."

"Huh?" Stammered Shining "Shouldn't we spend some more time here? This is your Kingdom after all"

"We won't be gone for long, but Sombra can't stay here. There's too many bad memories for both of us. The Crystal Kingdom needs us to help them get going again. However Sombra has a chance to try and get something new started. Auntie Celestia and Auntie Luna both knew him before the incident, so they can at least help him adjust and try to recover.

"Do you really think sending him to that Mad House is a good idea?" Shining asked flatly

Cadance let a small grin spread across her face "I'll have to add that to the letter "Shinning thinks Canterlot Castle is a madhouse"

Shining raised an eye brow "With respect to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, name one current "ruler" that you could consider completely sane."

Cadance paused as she thought about her answer "Nightmare, I'm going to say Nightmare is pretty sane." Cadance gave a small chuckle "Sure they're all possibly insane, but you know as well as I, that they're the perfect ponies to help him."

"Yeah, Princess Celestia's always happy to have new guests. I guess she'll be even happier if they knew an old friend was coming back as well." Shining responded as he nuzzled his wife

"Don't worry Shining, What's the worst that could possibly happen?"
	
	

	
	
> Episode 17: On & Off
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Sun had set over Equestria and the Moon had begun its ascent into the heavens and Night time descended on Equestria. It had been two days since Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor had returned with their latest "Guest" the Ex-King Sombra.

In that time several members of the Castle staff and the Royal had performed several tests to see what remained of the original Unicorn known as Sombra.

Elsewhere in the Castle the two Royal Pony sisters continued to read through document, after document regarding anything relating to Sombra and the creature that had possessed him. Every so often one of them would finish reading, before promptly setting the paper ablaze.

"So what do you think, sister? Is it still in him?" the Solar Princess asked as she scanned over her copies of the latest reports.

Luna shook her head as she lowered her papers onto the Dining Hall table.
"No, it was destroyed when the Crystal Heart was restored."

Celestia let out a sigh of relief at this surprisingly good piece of news "And what of Sombra?"

"The doctors say he should be waking up within the next few days. They've done what they could to repair the mental damage. However, there are many things he won't recover for a very long time."

Celestia smiled "That's great to hear, soon he'll be up and about, and yet you seem sad"

Luna's expression rapidly shifted to a more solemn one.
"Our mistake has cost him everything, his home, his name, his family all things he'll never have again. Everything that happened to the Crystal Empire was our fault, all in the name of "Harmony".

"There was no way we could have known the evil it was capable of." Celestia responded trying to comfort her sister.

"That doesn't change anything" Snapped Luna "Cadance's is an orphan, Sombra spent a thousand years in a personal Hell and it’s our fault."

Before Celestia could respond Luna had vanished in a brilliant flash of purple. Leaving Celestia to sit alone in the now silent Dinning Hall of Canterlot castle. Celestia knew Luna didn't truly blame herself for the events that led to her and their newest guest's corruption. However, the realm of Night and Shadows had been hers and yet she had been nearly powerless against her rogue "child."

With a flare of her horn the Sun Goddess had removed herself from Dinning Hall and now stood before her sister’s door. She prepared herself for the long struggle that would be cheering Luna up. However, when the Sun Goddess opened the door, she found the room completely empty.

Elsewhere in the Castle, their latest arrival began to show his first signs of true life within the past two days. The groggy grey Unicorn slowly pulled himself up from his pillow. His mind began to race as he was faced with all the strange sights. Many things in the room his mind was able to identify as things he had seen long ago. However many objects appeared strange and alien to him.

One thing that caught his attention light in the room. He could faintly recall the light from before, a giant ball that lit everything beneath it. However, this barely lit the room he was in and didn't hurt to look at. Slowly he reached his hoof out towards the "Small" light. Both wonder and terror rushed through his minds as he thought of what might happen when he touched the light. He could recall the light hurting him not long ago and yet he did not know why. But this light seemed much nicer.

With a faint clink his hoof made contact with the solid light and in a flash it was gone. Pure terror filled his mind as he was engulfed in the darkness. With a slight whimper the terrified Unicorn pulled himself back into the center of his bed and covered his ears as he waited for the screams to begin as they always did when the darkness came.

A minute later and nothing had happened. Slowly and extremely cautiously Sombra pulled his hooves away from his ears. Silence, no screaming, no yelling nothing but silence.  Sombra wasn't sure what it was waiting for or if it was another of its tricks. But then the sounds started and his fears amplified tenfold.

*Tap*

*Tap*

*Tap*

Sombra did his best to block out the sound but it continued

*Tap*

*Tap*

"Away!" the terrified pony forced out

*Tap*

*Tap*

"Leave lone* He whimpered as he tried to find the source

*Silence*

The grey Unicorn felt a tingle of relief as silence returned. However his fears returned as a hole in the darkness appeared. Revealing the silhouette of his eternal torturer.

*Click* in a single flash the room was flooded with light. Sombra starred in silence at his savoir a large dark blue pony stood in the doorway. She had brought back the light and had sent away the darkness. 

"Oh" The Lunar Goddess stated in surprise "I hadn't expected you to be up so soon." she finished as she took a step into the room.

"Who you?" The grey Unicorn cautiously asked as he pulled away.

Hmm Luna silently thought to herself The damage, must have been worse than we thought.
"My name is Luna, do you recognize me? We met.... a long time ago."

Sombra remained silent as he went through his memories. Most of them didn't seem right and some just scared him. However there was nothing about the pony in front of him.
"No.." He answered sadly as he slowly shook his head. "No Luna, only dark... and Cadance."

Luna felt a tingle of joy spike through her at the mention of the pink Alicorn.
"So you know who Cadance is?" she asked hopefully.

Sombra slowly nodded
"Cadance friend, dark afraid of Cadance." he paused as he slowly looked around the room before focusing back on Luna "Where Cadance now?"

"Cadance is currently checking up on a few things for me. She'll be back later this evening to see how you're doing." Luna tingle of joy slowly expanded as she saw the fragments of Sombra's own joy spread across his face.
"Until then though, I'll remain with you, to make sure you're okay." she finished as she took another step forward the grey unicorn, carefully scanning the room.

"You friend?" he nervously asked as he pulled forward "You made dark go away. So you friend too?"

"Yes" the Night Goddess answered as sincerely as possible "In fact, everyone in the Castle is your friend. The thing that hurt you before... The thing in the dark is gone."

"Come back?" Sombra asked as he slightly moved himself towards his new friend.

"No Sombra, Cadance killed it. Nobody will ever have to worr-" Luna was cut-off as a small explosion shook parts of the castle and the floor beneath her. As if some cruel joke by the fates, the explosion managed to knock the lights out.

"Go away" whimpered Sombra as he stared into the blackness

"You're safe Sombra" answered the voice of Luna "The lights will be back on in a few seconds." hopefully she silently added. 

After a few more seconds of nearly silent waiting. Luna grew anxious and with a flare of her horn conjured to large flashlights. 

"Look at that!" Luna said cheerfully as she shown the light around the room "Portable Sun! Now all we need to do is put a giant one on a stick throw into space and my sister is obsolete." 

Sombra poked and prodded the metallic object Luna had placed in front of him. His did not hurt the darkness like hers. Slowly he picked up with his hooves and examined it more closely. 

No flame he thought to himself "Where does light come from without fire?" Sombra asked as he turned his gaze back to the Blue Alicorn.

Luna broke away from her failed shadow puppets as the realization set in. I essentially gave a cave-pony a spaceship.
"You've been gone for a while Sombra and in that time Ponies have gotten far more advanced. This is called a "flashlight" it works off small crystals placed in the bottom, which generate a magic current to produce light."

"Crystal?" Sombra asked excitedly "Eat crystals?"

Luna facehoofed "I'd forgotten Crystal Empire Unicorns had to eat crystals to keep up their magic." She starred in stunned silence as she watched the grey unicorn attempt to eat the base of the flashlight. By sheer fluke in his attempt to retrieve his crystal prize he managed to flick the switch the flashlight on.

"woh" Sombra mumbled as moved his head around the room. The beam of light removing the darkness wherever he stopped his gaze. After a few seconds he removed the light from his mouth and carefully searched the side of it. In hopes of finding what controlled it. 

"It's the little black piece." Luna said as she pointed to the small piece of mental jutting out of the side.

Sombra slowly rolled the flashlight over till he found the "switch" with a slight movement of his hoof the light went out. He quickly scrambled to undo what he had done, and in a second the light was back on. Sombra again pressed the switch. However, this time he instantly reversed it, causing the light to flicker.

Luna watched her "Cave-pony" in complete silence as he continued to turn the flashlight on and off in complete amazement. However, Sombra quickly learned that all fun things usually end horribly, as he failed to notice the position of the light.

*Click* in a single second Sombra's vision was filled with the blinding light

"Blind! Blind!" shouted the Unicorn as he covered his eyes and rolled about the bed. "No see! No see!"

Luna once again facehoofed as she stared at the poor unicorn rolling about in apparent blind agony.

"Argh!" came his cry as he rolled off the side of the bed.

"We've got a lot of work" Luna groaned as she waited for Sombra's vision to clear up.

Ten Minutes of Groaning and Facehoofing Later.
Sombra happily sat atop the bed at Luna's side as he happily retrieved another small Crystal from the bowl she had gotten him. The power had returned a few minutes previously. The source of the outage being the unconscious body of Discord shoved between the power crystals.

"Okay then, no more flashlights." Said flatly as she forced the two metal lights out of existence "Maybe we can catch ending of Mythbuckers before Cadance gets here."

Sombra silently watched as Luna pulled a large black box that had rested on top a table. Slowly and gently she turned it so the black mirrored side of it was facing them.

"Light?" Sombra asked as he carefully tapped the glass.

The Lunar goddess shook her head as she pull the Remote over from the night-stand. 
"Television, it lets Ponies see things that happened in different parts of Equestria or watch stories. Like a theater" she quickly added

Sombra laughed as he looked back at the television "Theater no fit in there, too small."

Luna gave a smug grin a she hit the power button and the Television faded into blurry life. A few seconds of fiddling around with the remote and the the screen shifted to what appeared to be two ponies standing in a large field.

Sombra stared in stunned silence at the two ponies inside the box.

"Welcome back" A pony wearing a cowboy hat said cheerfully as he finished pulling the dummy pony into a chariot.

"Hi" Sombra answered in return

"No" Luna said as she placed a hoof on Sombra's shoulder "They can't hear you, this show happened a few months ago. We're watching the recording of it."

"Recording?" Sombra asked confusedly

"I'll explain that later, maybe there's something else on."

With another click of the remote the channel shifted to a black and white film. Sombra watched in silent amazement as a large lizard battled a giant moth inside a large pony city. The two ponies sat in silence watching the film for several minutes before a large group of Pegasi and Unicorns began to attack the two creatures.

"Dammit" shouted one of the Unicorns wearing a green outfit and a funny helmet "We need reinforcement; we need everyone to hit with everything they've got." 

"Okay" Sombra answered happily as a black glow began to cover his horn.

Luna barely had enough time to notice the glow. Let alone realize what the Grey Unicorn was about to do. The layer of energy around Sombra's horn continued to expand in and in a split second release the Television was vaporize along with the better portion of that wall.

"Jobs done" He stated happily, knowing he had helped save the world.

"Wha... Wa... What?" Stuttered the completely speechless Moon Goddess "How did you do that?" she finally got out.

"Do what?" Sombra asked as he grew slightly worried. He wasn't sure if he had done something wrong. The pony had asked for help, so he helped.

"How did you use that kind of magic?" Luna continued to stare at Sombra's horn watching as black sparks slowly dissipated

"Pony ask for help, I help him. Did I do wrong?"  He asked worriedly

"No Sombra, you didn't do anything wrong." It was only then that Luna noticed how serious her tone had become "But don't you think it was a little bit of overkill? The Monster was tiny compared to you." She said with a chuckle as she tried to ease the grey unicorn’s nerves.

"What overkill?"

"Overkill, you used a lot more of something than was necessary. Why'd you use so much magic"

Sombra began to fiddle with his hoofs as he did his best to avoid Luna's gaze.
"Well pony said to use everything. But I no want hurt monster. So I use a little bit of magic."

Luna's jaw visibly dropped at Sombra's last sentence. She shifted her gaze back and forth between the smoldering ruins of the front entrance and the surrounding wall. 
"You only used a little bit of magic?" She asked still in utter disbelief that with very minimal effort the newly awoken "patient" was able to reduce the wall to nothing.

"You no tell Pony right? Don't want pony be mad at me."

"Don't worry, I won't tell him. Anyways, none of that was real. It was all a play that happened about twenty years ago." Luna finished as she did her best to assure the Unicorn he hadn't done anything wrong.
"But Sombra, I need you to tell me how you used that Magic. What you used wasn't Unicorn magic, so who taught you it?"

"Luna still be friend if tell?" an expression of fear slowly crept onto his face.

"I promise I'll always be your friend" she answered as she patted him on the head.

"Dark make me learn it. It said it would stop hurting if I take gifts and practice. Said if I no take power he just hurt me more till I do."

"Do you know why it wanted you to have those powers?"

"Dark say he only strong as me, so me had to be stronger. Said we need to be strongest so we kill "Sun" and "Moon" when we get out. But I no want to hurt anyone." He added the last sentence almost pleadingly.

"Don't worry Sombra, I believe you and don't worry the dark won't ever hurt you aga-" Luna was cut off as a brilliant flash of light quickly filled the room.

"Boo" Discord flatly stated as he appeared in front of the two Ponies. "Who pray tell felt the need to hit Discord the God of Chao-" Now it was the Draconequus turn to be cut-off as a he found himself in the line of fire of a reasonably terrified Unicorn. The poor Draconequus was hurled out through the now expanded hole in the wall and down the hall.

"Poor idiot never saw it coming." Luna said cheerfully as she squinted trying to find any sign of Discord.

"Is okay!? Not mean to" Sombra stammered as he prepared to rush to the creatures aid.

"Don't worry; you can't hurt him no matter how hard you try." Luna said with a genuine laugh. "In fact, if he's bugging you feel free to hit him with a spell or two."

Sombra slowly pulled himself back into his original position atop the bed and say something. However, once again he was cut off by the approaching sounds of Hoofsteps.

"What did you do now?" Asked a faint voice from somewhere in the dark

"Argh Gah grh" replied what sounded like the creature from before.

"Oh so he is up? That's good to hear!" answered the first voice

"Gah? Grrr ah?!" 

"Ask Nightmare to pull it out, I've got a guest to attended to."

After a few more seconds of the approaching hoofsteps Princess Celestia finally made her way out of the shadows into proper view.

"First, good to see you Sombra. Second, why is Discord bleeding out on the chandelier?"

The rest of the evening had continued on without any real problem. Discord had crawled his way towards Nightmare's bedroom in hopes that she might see fit to patch him up. Obviously she didn't as he was later found the next morning unconscious in the Manticore cage.

Celestia, Luna and Sombra had spent the evening trying to get him at least somewhat technologically prepared. They also spent a good amount of time discussing his unusually powerful magic. Several times both Luna and Celestia had found themselves on fire. The power had gone out several times throughout the night and they had discovered Sombra's love for both Glow sticks and flares. Due to the previously mentioned fire, his flare privileges were revoked.

All in all, Sombra's first real night back in Canterlot had gone quite well. He had discovered several things he enjoyed like the green sticks of glow and the red sticks of fire. Though he was sad they took his fire sticks away. It was a strange night to say the least and it was only the first of an infinite amount to come. Each one almost guaranteed to be as crazy as the next.
	
	
	
	
> Episode 18: Time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The Changeling Queen sat at the large oak desk, a small pair of glasses rested at the end of her snout as she read through some paperwork. It had been only a few months since she and her children had been welcomed into Canterlot Castle. In that short time she had worked alongside Princess Celestia in an attempt to forge an alliance that would benefit both species.

Currently she was reading over the latest reports from the Changeling Hive outside Appaloosa. According to the Changeling Princess Cocoon of that hive had successfully integrated her hive into the two main civilizations. In exchange for the excess magic created by the love of the Buffaloes and Ponies the Changelings would tend to the roots of the trees.

Chrysalis let out a small yawn as she rubbed her eyes. She had spent the entirety of the night going over reports from all across Equestria. Carefully she removed her glasses and placed her reports back in their respective piles.

"Discord!" Came a shout from somewhere inside the Castle "We swear on our eternal night, if thou do not return thy possession thou will find themselves in a realm of eternal agony." Chrysalis was able to recognize the fury filled voice of that of Nightmare Moon.

"Falling into Old Equestrian are we?" responded the voice of Discord "That kind of anger isn't good for your health!" The Draconequus finished with a chuckle that slowly faded as he galloped down the hall.

"Idiot" The Changeling Queen muttered under her breath as she made her way to the door.

Before she could begin opening the door she found herself blinded by an ever-expanding wall of lavender light that slowly filled the room, before closing back in on itself.

"Wow" came a slightly shaken voice, the source unknown as Chrysalis waited for the sudden blindness to disappear. "Crossing time travel off the list of things to ever try again."

A few seconds later Chrysalis was able to see once again. What she saw however, confused her deeply. She was aware Celestia, Luna and Discord were able to traverse the stream of time. Something Celestia had demonstrated once before, when she traveled from five minutes in the future and assisted in a double beat down on Discord.

However, it was neither Luna nor Celestia who stood before her. Instead it was none other than Nightmare Moon. However this version of Nightmare appeared quite different. Instead of her usual light blue armor, she wore a much different set of armor made of what appeared to be the purest silver.

"Hey Chrysalis?" Rang the voice of "New" Nightmare snapping Chrysalis out of her stunned confusion "What year is it?"

"W..What?" Stuttered the confused Changeling Queen

"What year is it?" repeated "New" Nightmare

"1637" Answered Chrysalis "What year are you from Nightmare?" she asked in response

"1837, and it's Pleasant now. Have I entered the room yet?" "Pleasant" Asked as she summoned a Baseball bat

"You're here right now" stated the confused Queen.

Pleasant gave a sigh "Not this me, past me. Have I entered the room and asked where Discord is?"

"N... No, but I heard you yelling down the hall a few moments ago. What is happening right now?"

Pleasant didn't answer immediately instead, she forced the bat into Chrysalis magic grip.
"I'll be entering the room in a few moments. When I do, I need you to knock me out." Without another word Pleasant slowly lowered herself behind the desk and out of view.  

Chrysalis stood in complete silence and stared at the bat, wondering if she should question future Nightmare any further. However, before she could ask another question the door began to open.

"Chrysalis?!" growled Nightmare as she entered the room, anger clearly plastered on her face. "Have you seen that filthy Draconequus!" She finished hatred seeping in her words.

The Changeling Queen decided in a split second that she liked future Nightmare more. With two sudden thuds current Nightmare lay unconscious on the floor, the baseball bat resting beside her body.

"And she's out!" Shouted Pleasant as she stood up from behind the desk and made her way over to her past self and Chrysalis.

"Now can you please tell me what is happ-" Chrysalis was cut off as Pleasant promptly slugged her.

"That's for hitting me with a bat." Pleasant stated flatly as she helped the Changeling Queen back to her hooves. “Now to answer your question my old friend" Her voice shifting to a more calm and kindly tone "I'm here to retrieve Discord."

"You're going take him away for Two hundred years?" Chrysalis groaned with some joy as she rubbed the side of her face. "Is it my Hatch day?"

Pleasant gave a genuine laugh as she pulled her unconscious past self behind the desk. Once she had deemed it properly hidden, she began to swap armor with her unconscious self.

"Though two hundred years without Discord would probably be the best gift. I'm only here to return the timeline to its proper order. The Discord running about the Castle is from your future. Your Discord is currently trying to... Cope with... some shocking news."

Before Chrysalis could ask her next question another much smaller light filled the room. When it had finally dissipated it left only what appeared to be a Small black Draconequus.
"Mom, we've got a problem" stated the black Draconequus

"Lucid, I thought I told you to stay in the Castle and make sure your Fath- guest, didn't cause any problems. How did you even get here?" Asked Pleasant as she approached her apparent Daughter.

"Twilight had a book on Time travel, but it only works once. Dad stopped screaming at the wall and now he's locked himself in the pantry claiming this is all a very mean prank."
At the mention of Lucid calling Discord her father, a look of fear spread across her face as her daughter brought down absolute destruction of the timeline. However, nothing happened, Pleasant slowly shifted her gaze to the Changeling Queen.

"So you and Discord got together?" She said smugly "Called it, Luna owes me thirty bits."

"Wait, what?!" Stammered Pleasant

"What? Did you two think you were at all subtle? We've all seen the way you react around each other. Three days ago you beat up Discord for breaking into your room. You then threw him into the power crystals."

"Your point? What would possibly bring you two the assumption there was something between Discord and I?" Pleasant was both pleased that the universe hadn't imploded and disappointed that she had been down from the word go.

"Well throwing him in the Power Crystals seemed pretty mean, but when two of the Changeling Maintenance staff went to repair it, they found that both times the Crystals had been disabled before Discord was placed in it. Plus, we've all seen your stuffed Discord you sleep with." Chrysalis added with a Chuckle.

Pleasant turned her attention from her apparent two hundred year old defeat back to her daughter.
"Lucid, I need you to return to the Castle and make sure your "Father" doesn't snap."

Disappointment spread across the filly's face.
"But Moooom, I want to help."

"Young filly, do you remember what happened last time you "helped" me fix the timeline?" Pleasant asked as she patted her daughter on the head.

"Alicorn Twilight?" Lucid answered questioningly

"Alicorn Twilight" Pleasant repeated in the affirmative "Beside, when I send your father back, you'll need to be ready with Auntie Celestia and Auntie Luna."

"Okay mom, I'll see you when you get back." Lucid said happily her spirits renewed with the news she could help her aunts. "Oh and hi Auntie Chrysalis, you should come visit more often, you always bring the best stuff." With another flash of light Lucid was gone.

Pleasant turned her gaze back to the Changeling Queen, who stared at her with a large grin plastered across her face.
"Did you hear that? Auntie Chrysalis has the best stuff." Chrysalis said smugly

"Oh shut up and help me find Discord before he breaks the universe... again." 

With that, the Changeling Queen and the Lunar Princess from the Future set out on a magical journey to Hunt down capture and if they were lucky enough that future Discord resisted capture, bludgeon. However, their search was a fruitless one and they eventually found themselves outside the chambers of Celestia.

"Come in" Rang the regal voice of the Sun Goddess

Slowly Chrysalis and Pleasant made their way into the room. They had so far had no problem passing Pleasant off as Nightmare, though Pleasant had a few moments where her personality almost got her busted. However, Celestia wasn't some regular guard.

"Pleasant!" Celestia shouted excitedly as she jumped from her bed and quickly made her way over to Chrysalis and Pleasant, pulling the time-traveler into a tight hug.

"What point are you at?" Celestia asked as she summoned a small white book, the Sun Emblem engraved on the cover.
"Angels in Manehatten? The Wastelands of Earth? End of Creation?" Celestia listed off.

"W-what?" stammered Chrysalis

"Spoilers" answered Celestia and Pleasant in unison "You'll find out, soon enough" Celestia added.

"I'm not here on Doctor related business Celly, we've got a personal problem, I'm sure you're aware of." 

"Ah, Discord" Celestia said as she sent the white book back to its pocket dimension "I was wondering when someone would show up to get him. I have the guards setting up a perimeter, he doesn't know, I know he's not our Discord. He should be in the throne room in a matter of minutes if you want to catch him there."

"Thank you Celly" responded Pleasant as she made her way towards the door. "Come along Chrysalis, we've got a Draconequus to catch. Behind the throne Celly?"

"Behind the throne" Celestia repeated with a wicked grin.

With that Pleasant made her way out of the chamber, quickly followed by an extremely confused Chrysalis. The Changeling Queen wasn't sure what was happening. She understood that Future Discord replaced current Discord and that she knocked out current Nightmare and was replaced with future Nightmare.

"Don't try to understand it." Pleasant stated flatly as they speed walked towards the throne room "If you try to wrap your head around time travel, you'll only give yourself one hell of a headache."

"Well who's this "Doctor" Celestia mentioned and what's with the book?"

"Aw" Pleasant gave a sigh as she thought back to her first encounter with most brilliant stallion she had ever met. "The Doctor, he's like fire and ice and rage. He's like the night and the storm in the heart of the sun. He's ancient and forever. He burns at the center of time and can see the turn of the universe.  And you haven't even met him yet."

"But who is he?" asked Chrysalis amazed at the thought of a creature that could capture both Nightmare's and Celestia's attention in such a way.

"Spoilers" Pleasant repeated her line from before. "I've said enough already. Just know, when the Stallion in the big blue box arrives, trust him and when he says run, run as fast as you can." With that they stopped at the entrance to the throne room.

"So what's the plan?" asked Chrysalis as she thought about how one would go about capturing a god.

"Trust me; I've got a great idea, just follow along." Pleasant finished with a truly devious grin.

Several Minutes later
Discord had finished everything that needed to be done. Pranks set up two hundred years in advanced and not a single creature would know until it was too late. He'd make his way to a safe point, return to his own time period and send his other back to his original time to face the consequences.

However, before that he's have to find a safe spot and with the royal guard hot on his trail and not the faintest memory of what he had done two hundred years before. Either way, it had to have been funny. 

After a few more seconds of panicked galloping he saw his salvation, the throne room. Large doors he could easily block, just long enough to escape. With one swift move he dived into the room and barred the door.

"Greetings Discord" came the voice of Chrysalis from behind him.

"Ha-ha" Discord forced a laugh "What are you doing here Chrysalis?"

"Just enjoying the architecture, it's nothing compared to Changeling architecture, but for such a young race, it's quite good. What are you doing here? Make your wife mad?" she finished with a slight smirk.

"No Pleasan-" Discord paused as he realized what she had said "What are you talking about?"

"Oh don't play stupid, sure it suits you." The Changeling continued as she made her way towards the confused Draconequus "So why would you come two hundred years into the past to hide from your wife."

"What makes you think Nightmare would be my wife?!" Stammered the panicking God of Chaos

"See, I never mentioned Nightmare, and to answer your question. I've seen the way you look at each other, you never aim to truly harm each other only annoy and we've all seen how you look at each other when the other one isn't aware. However, that was when you were just trying to stay subtle, now that you've been married for... oh I believe a hundred and fifty years. I think your wife might have some pent up anger."

"How could you possibly kno-" The terrified Draconequus was cut off by the a loud clicking sound, he quickly recognized it as "Betsy" Celestia's pet gun.

"Hello Sweetie" came the voice of Pleasant from behind him.

"Oh son of a bi-" A single shot to the back of the head was all it took to silence the god of chaos.

There was no need for words at this point, Chrysalis and Pleasant both walked over to the now "Deceased" God and promptly hoof bumped. With a flare of her horn Pleasant created a large vortex in the fabric of time.

"In you go" she grunted as she casually threw the body inside. Several seconds later as the "Proper" Discord emerged slowly babbling to himself. Apparently he was stunned by any of the revelations he had found out in the future, no he had expected all of those. What had stunned him was the fact that future Discord had got rid of Mr. Snuggles their stuffed Griffin.

"Won't let them hurt you Mr. Snuggles." He continue to mutter.

Pleasant slowly approaching the broken Draconequus and placed her hoof on his head.
"Sleep and Forget" she whispered. With that command Discord slowly drifted to sleep on the stone floor.

"Well then" Pleasant stated as she approached the vortex. "It was great seeing you again Chrysalis. Maybe I should visit you more often, since you moved back to the Changeling Empire, we scarcely hear from you."

"Planning an Invasion" Chrysalis stated jokingly

"Well then, I'll have to check up on you to make sure you're not. Oh and don't worry, current me won't remember the bat incident, I know I didn't." With another chuckle Pleasant jumped into the portal, which quickly shut behind her.

Casually and quite glad with herself, Chrysalis turned and began making her way towards the door. However, before she could open the door a loud whirling sound filled the air.

"Oh not again." Chrysalis moaned as she turned to face the source, what appeared to be a large blue box lying on its side.
Before she could flee in a vain attempt to get some sleep the "Top" flung open and a rather plain looking brown earth pony hoisted himself up. After a few seconds of grunt and groans he had pulled himself out of the box and noticed the Changeling Queen in front of him.

"Hello, I'm the Doctor."
	 
	
	


> Episode 19: Just a Tuesday
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The mare of darkness stood atop the Arcane tower of Canterlot castle, cackling to herself as the mid day sun rapidly descended as the moon rose to take its place. Nightmare Moon had finally done what she was born to do, she had brought about eternal night. She stared triumphantly across the star covered skies of Equestria.

Elsewhere within the walls of Canterlot Castle the defender of dawn lounged lazily in her throne, staring blankly out the window at the newly arisen moon.

"Heh" Celestia groaned as she pulled her back legs up from the side of the throne "She managed to get the moon up this time."

"Good for her" Luna stated bluntly as she flipped the page of her comic "I assume you're going to go ruin her fun?" 

"Nah" the Sun Goddess groaned again as she tried to find a comfortable position to fall asleep in. "I quit, she can have Equestria. Wake me up when the dinners ready, or if something important happens." with that Celestia closed her eyes and tuned out the world around her.

For several seconds Luna thought about heading outside and stopping her apparently evil other half. She knew saving Equestria from evil was rewarded with fame. However, in the long run she decided saving the day would take too much effort, so she returned to her comic.

Back atop the Arcane tower Nightmare Moon wasn't quite sure what she was supposed to do at this point. She hadn't expected to make it this far. In fact, bringing about eternal night had become more of a hobby than a long term goal.
She'd summon unspeakable horrors to bring about eternal night. The Elements would blast her with friendship and then they'd all go out for Ice cream.

As Nightmare continued her inner conversation on the meaning of her existence she failed to notice the Crystal Unicorn who had gone out in search of the sun.

"whr yu goh sun?" Sombra mumbled as he tilted his flashlight in hopes of finding his missing sun. However, sadly for Nightmare one of the many places his magically supercharged flashlight shined was her eyes.

The black Alicorn let out a faint yelp as she lost her footing and fell. Once again thanks to her lack of luck it wasn't a quick fall a she bounced from spire to spire, before eventually coming to a bone crunching stop on Celestia's balcony.

Oblivious to the kill he had just made Sombra watched happily as the moon descended and the sun quickly returned the light to Equestria. The Crystal Unicorn returned the flashlight to his saddle bag before happily trotting off.

"Well that was weird" Blackhoof said aloud to himself. The poor assassin had shown up hoping to make some quick bits. Instead he was treated to one of the weirdest spectacles he had seen in ages.

“Get used to it buddy” Chrysalis mumbled as she trudged by, an unconscious Draconequus atop her back.

The black stallion didn't respond, he instead chose to silently watch as the Changeling Queen made her way over to a rather large bush, before dumping the unconscious god in a bush.

"Here to kill Celestia?" Chrysalis asked as she carefully adjusted the leaves to cover her victim completely.

"How did you know?" Black asked as he pulled himself out of his apparently terrible hiding hole. He had spent the last two hours making his stealth approach on the castle and it had all been for nothing.

"Basic castle training" the Changeling Queen flatly stated as she conjured a scroll and showed it to the stallion. "There was a workshop a few weeks back on how to avoid an assassin."

"How'd that work out for you?"

"Being the Changeling Queen means you learn how to avoid an assassin. Sadly for Luna, Nightmare and Discord they had apparently never dealt with a crossbow."

"That's good to know, any idea where they are at the moment?"

"Well it's Tuesday, so Celestia's probably taking her weekly "I quit holiday" so she'll either be tanning or sleeping in their throne room.”

"Thanks" Blackhoof shouted as he galloped towards the door.

"Stab them once for me" Chrysalis shouted back as she dodged an arrow. Nice kid she thought to herself as she finished hiding Discord. "That'll teach you for eating Donuts; those were a gift from a secret admirer."

Several minutes later

Blackhoof stood before the two sleeping Goddesses, not quite sure how he should strike. Usually he attacked when Celestia wouldn't expect it. However, he hadn't intended for both of them to be in the same area. Slowly he began searching through his saddle bag in hopes of finding a weapon that would allow him to dispatch both targets.

During his search for the proper tool, black stallion remained unaware of the slowly awakening Sun Goddess and he continued to sort through different types of knives and poisons.

"Luna" whispered the Sun Goddess as she silently tapped her sister.

"Wha-mmph" Luna groaned the groggy mare as Celestia covered her mouth.

"Stay quiet" Celestia whispered as she pointed towards the assassin only a few feet in front of them. "On my signal, run." she stated as she slowly and silently climbed to her hooves, Luna following behind her.

"Run!" Screamed Celestia as she broke into a gallop 

Blackhoof was startled by the sudden outburst, but still managed to get one blindly fired shot off. Unfortunately for the Lunar Goddess her flank was the unfortunate target of the crossbow bolt that hit her.

"He shot me!" Luna cried as she followed her sister through the many twists and turns of Canterlot Castle

"He does that!" retorted Celestia as she darted into one of the many rooms, shortly followed by Luna.

After several seconds of silently waiting, Celestia flicked on a light switching, revealing their sanctuary as little more than a storage closet.

"He shot me in the flank" Luna repeated as she pulled the metal bolt out of her flank. She had already had one incident with Celestia second student in the past. After that single incident she made sure to rewrite her sister original law. However, it appeared that Blackhoof either hadn't heard, or didn't care. Either way, she didn't think it was the appropriate time to try and talk the situation down.

"Luna, you need to focus or he's going to do a lot more than shoot you in the flank." Blackhoof isn't one to easily give up once he's set his mind on something." 

"So what do you suggest?" Luna asked as she rubbed her wounded flank "We can't just let him get us, I refuse to allow him an easy victory and we can't order him to stop, because you told him it was okay."


Celestia remained silent as she began weighing the possible options. She couldn’t send him to the moon till he got bored, she tried that once and he shot her on return. He couldn’t send the guards as that would cause a big scene. She was down to two possible options, she could vaporize him with a single thought or she could do something much worse.

“I know what we have to do.” The Sun Goddess stated bluntly a dark expression on her face. 

“What’s wrong sister, it can’t be that bad.” 

“We have only one possible options may the abyss have mercy on us.”

“Celly, stop being so dramatic and just tell me what you’re thinking.”

Celestia’s expression rapidly shifted further into despair. “We have to tell his mother.”

“By the Sun and Moon!” gasped the Lunar Princess as she realized how desperate her sister had become. “Surely you’re joking; we can’t do something so foul.”

“I am serious... and don't call me Shirley.” Celestia responded as she summoned her staff list. Silently Celestia began reading through as Luna carefully peaked out the door, a ping of joy shooting through her as she found no sign of her assassin.

“Here we are” Celestia stated happily as she found the required staff member “Rose Petal Blackhoof” the Sun Goddess read aloud. “She’s currently working as one of the chefs in the Castle Kitchen.”

“So all we have to do is sneak down there, and we’re home free?” The Night Goddess asked as she once again surveyed the outside hallway.  “That doesn’t seem too horrible, what’s the worst that could possibly happen?”

As if on cue the resounding sound of hoof hitting stone echoed throughout the room. In a moment of panic Luna quickly killed the lights, and the two Goddesses became absolutely silent. They listened carefully for any sign of the threat. However, it appeared to be non-existent as the only sound that greeted them was their own breathing.

“I think we’re safe” Luna said with a sigh

“Nope” Blackhoof happily responded

There was no sound from Luna as she casually opened the closet door, stepped out and closed it behind herself. She had hoped Celestia would have had the same sense of mind to leave the deathtrap. However, the now large pool of blood forming just under the door, told her otherwise.

“D- do you know” Celestia coughed as she did her best not to bleed out too quickly “how hard it is… to get this much blood out.. of white fur?” she managed to finish drawing one final breath.

“300 Bits!” Blackhoof shouted enthusiastically as he fired several shots at the closet door. The waiting Princess took that a sign to get the buck out of dodge.

There were several things running through Luna’s mind as she ran for her life. Luckily one of those many things was not an arrow. How had he gotten in there? Why would Celly train someone who's destiny is to murder her. What did Rose look like? Why are all the locks either jammed or broken? During Luna's train of thought, she had managed to miss the entrance to the Castle Kitchen and end up in her sisters room

"Gotta hide, gotta hide." Luna repeated as she frantically searched for anywhere she could possibly be safe. She couldn't try hiding in the closet or under the bed, those would be expected. As the sound of approaching hoofsteps echoed into the room. The Lunar Goddess panicked and fled to the balcony where she hoped he would not look.

"Nightmare?" blurted the confused Goddess as she stared at her partially conscious and bloody other half. "What the buck happened to you?"

"sli-*cough*-ped"  Nightmare managed to gurgle out 

"Found you!" Shouted black as he opened fire.

Luna didn't think about what she did next, it happened naturally. Without hesitation Luna grasped Nightmare with her magic and raised her as a shield. There were four distinct thuds as all fired bolts found their resting place in the half dead Goddesses back.

"I hate you" Nightmare managed before drawing her last breath.

"Wow..." Blackhoof said in amazement "You technically used yourself as a shield. I'm not sure if that's genius or possibly one of the meanest thing's I have ever witnessed."

"Oh.." Luna responded as she placed a hoof on her lips "She's going to be sooo mad when she gets back."

"Well it's a good thing you'll be dead when she wakes up." Blackhoof happily stated as he loaded a few more bolts into his Crossbow "Nowhere to run now Princess."

He's right Luna thought to herself as her flank hit the railing of the balcony. She was cornered several floors above the garden below with no possibly means of escape. All she could do now was accept the death she was about to receive and probably send him an angry letter when she got back.

"You have wings you moron!" echoed the shouts of Chrysalis from the garden below.

"Oh look at that" Luna said aloud as she unfurled her wings "I do have wings" With that Luna quickly spun around and the jumped from the balcony. She laughed triumphantly as she took to the air and circled the balcony mocking the wingless assassin below.  

Sadly for our semi-stupid Princess of the night she had forgotten her attacker’s weapon of choice was designed for such a thing. With a single well placed shot, Blackhoof had scored a direct hit on Luna's left wing sending her into a downward spiral.

"Mayday! Mayday!" shouted Luna as she crashed through the roof of another portion of the castle. Several minutes later the unconscious Lunar Goddess began to stir.

"Princess Luna" a voice repeated as Luna slowly opened her eyes.

"I'm okay my little pony" Luna reassured as she picked herself up and began to search her surroundings. It was in a state of ruin but she was almost sure this had been the kitchen.

"Princess Luna?" The older grey mare repeated "Are you okay? Your wing is bleeding pretty badly. Wait a second" the mare added as she examined the Princess's wound and more importunity the arrow that had caused it.

"Blackhoof" the mare said with a sigh "Dandelion Theodore Blackhoof!" shouted the mare "You stop hiding in the shadows and get out here this instant." 

"Uh oh" came the voice of Blackhoof as he dropped his Crossbow from his place on the rafters. "Yes mom?"

Luna was completely stunned. She had never seen an assassin stopped by their mother. She had spent the better portion of the evening running for her life and all it took was someone shouting their assassin's full name to send terror through him. Luna even found herself slightly intimidated by the mare in front of her.

"What did I tell you about assassinating the Princesses?"

"Only when you're not working?" the black stallion mumbled

"That's right; now look at this mess I've got to clean up."

Luna was speechless

"Now, I want you to apologize to Princess Luna and start cleaning up your mess."

"Ahhh but mom."

"Don't "Ahhh mom" me" hissed the mare "You'll clean up your mess or I'll take away your trebuchet privileges" 

I'm so sorry mouthed the Lunar Princess as she silently made her way towards the door. She had never wanted to do something so horrible to any pony, but it was something that had to be done. Carefully she opened the wooden door and was met with a horrifying site.

Nightmare Moon covered in large patches of blood, several bones obviously broken and four large metal bolts jutting out of her back.

"Gotcha" she said with a grin and a cough as she plunged a small dagger into Luna's heart.

With that, both of the Lunar Goddesses collapsed as they both took their final breaths. Needless to say, when Discord finally woke up, he was quite confused.
	
	
> Episode 20: Sunbutt and Moonbutt II
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

{Authors Note: I'll be honest; this is weird even by my standards. I apologize for the bad messy quality of this chapter. Absolutely everything in this chapter was written on the fly.}





Celestia stood in the Canterlot Gardens and admired her work. She had created probably the best day Equestria had seen in the last thousand years. She had ordered the entire Canterlot and Ponyville weather teams to take the day off so she could personally craft all aspects of the entire day. Everything was perfect, the sun shone more brightly than it had in ages. The clouds were placed precisely to give the sky an aspect of symmetry.

And with a single snap of his talons Discord flushed all that work down the drain. The Sun Goddess stared in complete horror as her beautiful sun’s golden glow was taken away and replaced by several shades of changing green. The clouds she had spent hours meticulously placing slowly began to pick up speed and the started chasing each other across the now purple sky.

“Much better” Discord stated happily as he slowly rose from the pond. With another snap of his talons the pond water was quickly replaced with pudding. “Well, aren’t you going to thank me?” The Lord of Chaos asked as he removed one of his horns and scoped up some of the pudding.

Celestia continued to stare at Discord’s chaos in complete horror. All of her work, and her plans for the day, gone in a single flash. After several more seconds Celestia’s mind finally finished processing the entirety of the situation.

“What do you mean thank you?!” hissed the Sun Goddess “What in the fire of Tartarus do you think you’re doing?”

“What do you mean?” Discord asked as innocently as possible, with another snap of his talons the grass beneath their hooves was replaced with sand. 

“What’s gotten into you? I thought we were over your “Immortality crisis.” Celestia asked the confusion starting to set in as the original shock began to wear off. As she had said, Discord had been doing quite good since he got a nice blast of concentrated Harmony. Now it seemed like he had reverted back to when he first broke free.

“Nothing has gotten into me.” Discord answered as he stretched he arm and once again snapped his talons. This time, as far as Celestia could tell, nothing had happened. “I’m completely over that supposed “Immortality Crisis” I just haven’t felt this good in eons.”

It was only at this moment that Celestia noticed something about Discord. Even though he seemed to be focused on what she was saying, Discord seemed to shift his focus all about the garden. Another thing she noticed was that he seemed to be constantly shaking ever so slightly. That’s when a horrible realization set in.

“Discord, what have you eaten today?”

The Draconequus seemed oblivious to the sun goddess’s question as he continued to change a single flower, never seeming quite happy with what it ended up as.

“Discord!” Celestia snapped as she pulled the Chaos god’s face to hers. “Discord, I need you to focus.”

“Uh huh” Discord mumbled as he tried to pull his head away.

“What did you eat today?”

The Draconequus paused as he placed a talon to his mouth and began to think back to all he had eaten.
“Well, I ate some cereal and then some toast, and then I ate the toaster, tasted like red.”

“Is that all you ate?” Celestia asked suspiciously 

“Oh, I was feeling tired so Luna gave me some of that stuff you won’t let me have… Coffee, that’s what it was. That reminds me, I should go visit Moon Butt.” With that and a final snap of his talons Discord vanished.

“Mother of Tartarus” Muttered the Goddess as the full realization set in. 

Several Minutes Later

"We're all going to die, we're all going to die." Repeated the terrified Sun Goddess as she huddled beside a bush and waiting for her inevitable death.

"What in the name of darkness are you babbling about?" Asked Nightmare as she prodded Celestia. "You know, don't tell me. I just want a single day where nothing horrible happens, and if that means living in ignorance, then I'm okay with that." the Mare of Darkness finished as she prepared to walk away.

"Discord... coffee....we're all dead." Celestia continued to babble 

Nightmare stopped dead in her tracks. "Did you say Discord and coffee in the same sentence?" a hint of terror breaking through her facade.

"Luna gave him the black brew and doomed us all." Whimpered the Sun Goddess

Nightmare quickly forced her fears to the back of her mind.  She knew the consequences of Discord consuming large quantities of sugar based off some of Luna’s older memories. She could hardly fathom the consequences of the Draconequus being powered by Caffeine.  

“So what’s the plan?” the midnight Alicorn as she forced some courage into her appearance.

“Wait for the inevitable collapse of reality and rebuild later.” Celestia answered as she tucked her head between her front hooves and continued to wait for the horrific explosion that would signify the ending of existence. Equestria began with a Discord sugar binge, it only seemed fitting that a caffeine rush would be what ended it.

“Agre-“ Nightmare began to answer when Celestia’s full message set in. “Wait a second, what do you mean just wait?”

“What can we do to stop him?” Celestia began to speak as she slowly began to pick herself up off the ground “The Elements won’t stop him; he’s not evil or filled with disharmony. He’s hoped up on caffeine and we can barely keep up with him on a regular basis.”

Nightmare gave a sigh “So you’re just going to give up? You’re Princess Celestia ruler of Equestria, creator of the Sun and the Heavens. You’ve seen the beginning of time itself and you’ll see the last moments of the last life. You’re the eternal light of existence and the universe will only end when you allow it! So are you going to stand by and watch as a hyper active god destroys everything you’ve worked for?”

“No!” Shouted Celestia her spirits partially renewed

“Are you going to sit there and watch as he takes your day and turns it to chaos?!”

“No!”

“So you know what we’re going to do?”

“What are we going to do?” Shouted the Sun Goddess ready to do whatever it would take to stop Discord.

“We’re going to go in there and tell Celestia our night isn’t less than her day and if she doesn’t deem us her equal then the Night shall last forever!”

“Yeah let’s go show that Sun loving Bit- Hey wait a minute.” Celestia spoke as she realized what she was about to agree to.

“Oops” Nightmare muttered as she placed a hoof to her mouth. “I got my “Eternal Night” and my “Eternal Day” speeches mixed up again.”

“Wait, you’ve got a speech for “Eternal Day”?” Asked the confused Sun Goddess

“Don’t you worry about that right now.” Nightmare began as she pointed towards the Castle. “We’ve got a Mad God to stop.”

Roughly 21 Minutes Later

The two Alicorns had once again found Discord's trail, for someone currently on a rampage of chaos he was quite subtle in which area of the castle had targeted first. However, when they finally tracked his magic it seemed quite obvious.

"The kitchen?" Nightmare asked as she raised an eyebrow.

Celestia gave a shrug "I'm not sure what I expected, but as long as the Kitchen isn't on fire, I'm completely okay with it."

Both Celestia and Nightmare found their original shock quickly returning as they opened the door to the kitchen and were quickly hit by a torrent of snow. Shielding their eyes with a hoof they attempted to make their way into the kitchen, however they were quickly forced out when the blizzard overwhelmed them.

"So what do we do now?" stuttered the half frozen Mare of Darkness as she tried warm up.

"We'l- We'll need to g- go get some more stuff..." Shivered the Sun Goddess "Quic- quickly to the room of thing- things I stole from other dimens- dimensions!" 

With flare of her horn the two Alicorns vanished from the hall and reappeared inside a rather large white room. With another flare of her Celestia brought her collection of other worldly items into existence 

"Okay" Celestia began as she sorted through the rows of items till she found the first rack she'd need. "First we will need some specialize gear, if we go in there like this we'll freeze."

Nightmare made her way over to the wall completely covered in different there were various pieces of clothing and what appeared to be armor ranging from what she'd describe as medieval to space age.

"How about this one?" Asked the black Alicorn as pointed to what appeared to be a black space suits, with several red stripes. "What does N7 mean?"

Celestia paused as she thought back to her many adventures in the past. "That's a long story, but the short version is that during Luna and your banishment, I had several space adventures. Needless to say, Harbinger won't be assuming direct control anymore." Her last few words filled with hate.

"Oookay then...." Nightmare said as she backed away "I guess, I don't want to use this suit." 

However Celestia didn't seem to hear Nightmare as she continued her flashback. That poor fool of a Space Crayfish wasn't expecting a flying horse, let alone a talking one. She felt kind of bad about hiding that bomb in a cake, but war is war.

"Hey! Equestria to Sun Butt, come in Sun Butt!" The midnight Alicorn shouted as she waved a hoof in front of Celestia's face. 

"What?" mumbled Celestia as she snapped out of her reminiscing

"I said how about these ones?"  Nightmare asked as she pointed to two almost identical suits. Both suits appeared to be two more spacesuits like the first, however the designs seemed alien to each other.

"Arctic survival RIGs" Celestia answered as she approached the two suits. "These are the finest suits the Sovereign Colonies ever produced, they saw Luna and I though all the horrors of Tau Volantis... There were a few Necromoprhs, by the way, don't open Luna's closet door, we have to deal with that Brute at some point."

"So... are we going with these suits?" Nightmare asked as she tried to figure out what a Necromorph was and how much she wanted to open Luna's closet door, at the moment her curiosity was at a seven, she was probably going to open that door if they found Discord.

"Yes" Celestia began as she started to slip the RIG on "Just be careful when you bring up the helmet." the Sun Goddess continued as she pressed a button on one of her boots, a split second later a metal helmet extended out from within the suit and carefully covered her head. “Last time Luna wasn't paying attention and lost her mane."

"What do you mea-" Nightmare began as she pressed the buttons and in a single snip her ethereal mane was on the floor. 
"Oh son of a Bi-"

Two minutes later.

"I said you look fine bald, now drop it Nightmare"

"But I'm baaald" cried the Mare of Darkness "I'm baaaaald"

"Look, we're back at the kitchen now you can stop whining." Celestia stated bluntly as she grabbed the hideously bald mare and threw her through the kitchen door and into the blizzard. However, in their long drawn out time in the armory Discord seemed to have grown tired with snow and replaced it with a desert.

"Are you kidding me?" Nightmare hissed "Are you kidding me?!"

"Oh stop you're whining, at least we can see now." Celestia spoke as she retracted her helmet. "Besides, these suits are air conditioned."

Celestia gave a sigh as she stared out at the rolling hills of sand and clear skies. She was pretty sure Discord had stolen one of her spare suns. However the Draconequus himself was nowhere to be seen.

Nightmare shook some sand from her armor as she removed her helmet, revealing her bald head.
"You know, I don't come to the kitchen that often, but I think the fool made a few expansions."

As the two Alicorns stared out at the endless hills of sand dunes, and cactus plants. They couldn't help but notice the faint sounds of approaching screams.

"Is that Luna?" Nightmare asked as she tried to identify the source.

"I think so," Answered Celestia as she waited for the approaching sound to reveal it's source.

After several seconds of waiting Nightmare and Celestia were both surprised to see Sombra rocket over one of the dunes riding on what appeared to be a unhinged door. The poor Unicorn appeared to be completely terrified as he slid out of control down the hill. Several seconds later Luna also rocketed over the hill goggles over her eyes, laughing as she skid towards the two other Goddesses.

"Hey Celly! Hey Moony watch this!" Luna shouted as she approached the smaller sand dune in front of them. It seemed she had intended to jump it; however she didn't even make it over the hill before she slipped off her board and crashed into Nightmare.

"Ten points!" Celestia shouted as she caught the out of control Sombra before he crashed into the hill. "There you go little buddy" She said happily as she lowered Sombra back to the ground.

"Thank you" Sombra mumbled as he stumbled towards the kitchen exit.

Once Celestia was sure the black Unicorn was okay she turned her attention back to Nightmare and Luna.
"Hey, Moonbutt, Moonbutt two are you okay?"

"That was awesome" groaned Luna as she picked herself off of her other half. "Wait, is that my RIG?" the Night Goddess asked as she examined her sister and Nightmare. "OH! Are we going back to Universe #21? There's a Slasher back there who owes me a leg"

"No" Groaned Nightmare as she picked herself up off the ground. "We're here to find Discord, thanks to you the universe is doomed."

"What do you mean?" Luna asked a look of complete confusion on her face.

"What do we mean?!" hissed the Sun Goddess "You gave him coffee, what didn't you do?!"

"Sure I gave him coffee, he ran off to tell you how great it tasted then came back to have a nap." Luna finished as she used her magic to bring the sleeping Draconequus back into the desert kitchen. The Chaos God lay on a small mattress snoring peacefully, a small blanket rested over him and a teddy bear resting between his arms.

"You gave him Caffeine and he went outside created total chaos and now he's going to destroy all of Equestr..... Wait a second he's asleep?" Celestia asked as she stared at the sleeping God of Chaos.

"Off course, he wouldn't leave me alone so I gave him some Coffee and just waited for him to crash. After that Sombra and I made some snow forts and then we went "Extreme Sandboarding"

"What do you mean "Extreme Sandboarding"? Sombra was terrified and you fell on your face trying to do a trick."

"Well actually the "Extreme" doesn't have anything to with the Sandboarding. In fact we we're trying to sandboard to begin with."

"So what what were you doing in a desert?" Nightmare asked as she finished doodling on Discord

"Well Celly, you remember the Brute in the closet?"

"Yes?" Celestia answered a tone of concern in her voice,

"Well, he isn't in the closet anymore." Luna answered awkwardly as she turned her gaze back to Nightmare a look of horror slowly spreading across her face. "Who knew something that big, could be so sneaky?"

Nightmare quickly realized the source of Luna's horror as she suddenly felt the sensation of hot breath on her back.
"It's right behind me isn't it?" She asked as calmly as possible.

Both the Sun and Moon Goddesses nodded in the affirmative as they slowly began to back away.

Nightmare gave a sigh "You know, I don't even know why I try anymore." with that Moonbutt 2 quickly found herself without a head. When she eventually returned to the land of the living she was greeted by a blood soaked Celestia, apparently in the glorious battle that followed her death, Celestia had pushed her own sister into the creature and eventually beat it to death with Luna's body.

Needless to say, both Nightmare and Celestia had some mental scars after the events of that day. The two of them promptly made their way to Canterlot Castle bar and drank till the horrors of the afternoon went away. It was recorded in legend that during the drunken stupor that followed Celestia and Nightmare brought about an Eternal day that lasted for roughly 3 days, a personal best for the two Alicorns.
	
> Episode 21: A New Evil
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Not do it! Not do it!” shouted the panicked Sombra as he galloped down the hall, speeding past several of the castle staff and eventually slamming into Princess Luna. 

“Did anyone get the number of the carriage?” groaned Luna as she rubbed her head.

“Not do it” groaned the grey unicorn as he picked himself up and attempted to continue his blind fleeing. However he quickly found that he wasn’t touching the ground let alone moving as a green aura held him in place.

“Let go, I no do it!” struggled Sombra as he attempted to break free from the magical grasp 

“Calm down and quit kicking” The night Goddess growled as she turned the Unicorn so that he faced her. 

“Oh!” gasped Sombra as he finally realized who he had run into “Friend here to help?” he asked with great hope.

“And you are?” Luna asked flatly 

“You not remember me?” the Unicorn asked with a mixture of confusion and sadness “Luna say she friend, but she no remember me.”

It was at this point that “Luna” realized who she was talking to and decided it was probably best to break character to avoid drawing any further attention. With a brilliant green wash of flames Luna was gone, and in her place stood Queen Chrysalis.

“Who you? Where Luna go?”

Chrysalis facehoofed as she realized this pony had no idea who she was and she had most likely only managed to make the situation even more difficult.

“I am Queen Chrysalis of the Changeling Empire” 

“How you do that?” The unicorn asked the look of confusion only growing further.

“As I said, I am Queen Chrysalis, Queen of the Changelings, we can change our shape to match any creature perfectly.” She answered retaking the shape of Luna before once again releasing her disguise.

“No, how you do thing with your voice?”

“What thing?” Asked the now confused Queen

“Your voice all weird” 

“What do you mean, my voice sounds perfectly fine. This is how all Changelings sound”

“Okay” Sombra answered accepting that the strange pony in front of him sounded like some strange monster. “Where Luna go?”

Chrysalis facehoofed “Luna was never here”

“I just bump into her” stated his confusion once again returning to her

Chrysalis facehoofed once more and with a flare of her horn the green flames washed over her, leaving Princess Luna in her place. “See” Chrysalis spoke her own voice emanating from Luna “Your friend Luna was never here, it was me in disguise.” With another wall of green flames Luna was gone and the Changeling Queen was back. “Does that make sense to you?”

“So if you not Luna, wher-“ The grey Unicorn was cut off as a loud explosion shook the castle.

“Where did you go Sombra!?” echoed the booming voice of Nightmare “Nobody lights me on fire and get away with it!”

“You lit her on fire?!” Chrysalis turned her head to asked, but was greeted with the sight of Sombra already fleeing

“Not do it!” shouted the frantic Unicorn

The Changeling Queen made a rather quick and most likely correct choice in deciding to follow the fleeing Unicorn for fear that Nightmare might just take her anger out on her instead. After roughly three minutes of blindly running, just barely staying ahead of the angered Night Goddess, Chrysalis decided to take the lead and eventually the two stopped at the entrance to a utility closet.

“Quick” hissed Chrysalis “get inside and stay quiet.”

The two quickly and quietly made their way into the rather small closet and silently shut the door. Within a few seconds of the door sealing there was a soft click as Sombra cracked one of his many glowsticks he had hidden around the castle in case of emergencies.

“Put that away!” hissed the Changeling Queen “You’ll give us away”

“No” Sombra answered as he shook his head “If lights go out, the thing in dark get us!”

“If you don’t put that away, the angry god outside will get us!” 

“No, I no make dark anymore.”

“He doesn’t like the dark” came a third voice from above the two hiding ponies.

Sombra slowly raised his glowstick in an attempt to reveal the source of the voice. He was rather surprised when he was greeted with the smiling face of Luna as she hung suspended from the ceiling by what appeared to be a large green cocoon.

“Hello Sombra, how are you today?” the Princess asked happily

“Am good” Sombra answered happy to have finally found his friend “What you do up there?”

The cocooned goddess turned her gaze towards Chrysalis who nervously smiled in response.
“Well you see, Chrysalis and I are playing a game and now I assume she’s come to let me down so I can have my turn.” Luna finished as she continued to glare daggers at the Changeling Queen.

Chrysalis gave an awkward chuckle “Maybe later Luna, we’ve got something really important to deal with, so you’ll have to stay quiet.”

“I can smell your fear Chrysalis, I knew he was working with someone else!” echoed the hateful hissing of Nightmare as she drew closer.

“What did you guys do to make her so made?” Luna asked as she stared towards the door, fear starting to fill even her.

“I no do it!’  Sombra cried as he ducked closer to the ground 

“I don’t know what your little friend did, but your other half has been hunting us through most of the castle”

“No do it” Sombra repeated 

“Well if you let me down from here, I can get you both out of this.” Luna stated smugly

“How do I know you’re not working with her?” Chrysalis asked suspiciously

“You know, Changeling fear has one of the sweetest smells I’ve ever come across” Came the voice of Nightmare from down the hall. 

Chrysalis didn’t hesitate and with a flare of her horn Luna’s cocoon disintegrated dropping the Lunar Goddess with a thud.

“I’m alright!” Luna stated as she jumped up from the floor and quickly made her way to the back of the closet. Casually she began moving mops, brooms and all other manner of cleaning items out of the way, before eventually uncovering what she was searching for.

“Please keep your hooves and mane inside the ride at all times” She stated flatly

“Wait, what?” asked the Changeling Queen as Luna pulled the lever, the floor quickly opening up to swallow them, only to close mere seconds later.

“Found you!” growled Nightmare as she blew away the closet door, only to reveal that her prey was no longer trapped. Carefully she made her way into the room, making sure she herself wasn’t walking into a trap. After several seconds of careful searching she was positive they hadn’t left through the door or back down the hall, which meant one possible escape route.

“Luna” hissed the Mare of Darkness as she approached the lever at the back of the room and slammed it down. However, she was not met with the black pit or the warning message; instead a new message rang through.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience, but all “Evil Rollercoasters” are currently out of order, please leave a message at the office of Princess Luna or Princess Celestia.” The automated message finished before fizzling back out.

“You’ve bought yourself only a little time” growled the mare as she stormed off. 

The mare of darkness had left just as the automated message fizzled back to life.
"We're sorry for the inconvenience, it appears that the automated safety message may have failed at some point within the last 24 hours, please contact the office of Princess Luna or Princess Celestia so the necessary repairs can be made. Have a pleasant day. 

Down in the out of order Rollercoaster shaft

“Oh gods, we’re all going to die!” Cried Chrysalis as the group continued to plummet down the empty rollercoaster track.

“I swear there was an evil rollercoaster down here last month!” Luna shouted back

“Weeee!” cried Sombra as he happily stood on Chrysalis’s back, enjoying the ride.

As the Unicorn, Alicorn and Changeling continued their rapid decent; Luna conjured a scroll and began to write.

“Dear Sister
Where is my evil rollercoaster?

Plummeting to her death
Your sister Luna.”

With a flare of her horn, the scroll disappeared and the group continued to fall. Roughly a minute later another scroll appeared in front of the descending Alicorn, casually she began unrolling the scroll and began to read it aloud.

“Dear Sister
I sent it in repair after the infamous “Where’s Celestia’s tail” day. Just aim for the enchanted crash mat, and you should be fine.

Laughing at your suffering
Your sister Celestia”

“We’re dead!” cried Chrysalis “Game over man, game over!”

“I can see the crash mats, aim for them and you’ll be fine!”  Luna shouted as she pointed towards the approaching mat.

3.1 Seconds later

*Thud*
“I’m alive!” shouted Chrysalis as she checked to make sure all of her limbs had also made it down with her.

*Thud*
“Woooh, go again?!” cried Sombra as he climbed back to his hooves.

*Thud*
“Oh sweet sun and moon, that wasn’t the Crash mat” groaned Luna as she rolled over in her impact crater. Slowly and carefully the Lunar Goddess attempted several times to pull herself up, eventually giving up and deciding it would just be easier to crawl to the lab. However, she found herself wrapped in a black aura as Sombra did his best to place her gently back on her hooves. 

“Thank you” Luna groaned once again as she brushed some dirt off her.

“I help friend!” Sombra stated happily “Where we now?” he asked as he looked at the large almost empty chamber they had landed, the only thing besides the mats was a large steel door.

“One-two-three-four” echoed a voice from above, quickly followed by an explosion “There goes your front door.” The echoed voice finished with a twisted laugh.

“Secret lab” Luna blurted as she made her way towards the large steel door.

Chrysalis stared in stunned shock “You have a secret lab? What appears to be several mile beneath Canterlot?”

“Yes” Luna answered flatly as she tried to remember the door code, shifting her gaze back and forth between the door and the tunnel exit. “Is that a problem?”

“No, but you and Celestia, said I couldn’t move a hive here because it was unstable.”

Luna gave a sigh as she continued to enter different possible codes 
“You don’t let the Pon- er Changeling who tried to take over your country, build a hideout beneath your castle.”

“Then why’d your sister let you build one?” Chrysalis asked with a smug smile.

“Touché” Responded Luna as she put in another code, this time receiving a loud beep in response as the large metal door began to slide open.

“Five-Six-Seven-Eight” echoed Nightmare’s voice once again, this time frighteningly close. “Soon you will know my eternal hate!”

“Okay, everyone in!” shouted Luna as she grabbed the other two with her magic and quickly ran inside, the metal door slamming shut behind her.

“Wow” muttered the grey Unicorn as he stared at the enormous lab, though he didn’t understand or know what any of the things were, he was still left in awe by all of it.

Large Tesla coils sparked on both the ceiling and floor, sending bolts of electricity sparking between them. Several tables were sprawled out with many different “Projects” and jars of chemicals. Strung up on several different racks were dozens of different tools and pieces.

“What do you do down here?” Chrysalis asked as she poked what appeared to be a rather large egg.

“NO DON’T DO THAT!” shouted the Goddess as she lunged towards the egg startling the Queen who accidentally knocked the egg off the table. Luckily for her, Sombra reacted quick enough to catch the egg with his magic.

“Save egg!” Sombra stated happily as he placed it back on the table.

“You don’t know what you’ve done” Luna stated a look of horror on her face.

“Oh don’t be such a Drama Princess; your little egg is fine.”

As if on cue the egg slowly began to shake, as a black and green glow began to rapidly travel back and forth of it. Both the Changeling Queen and the grey Unicorn slowly began to back up a look of fear slowly spreading across both their faces.

“Okay, maybe your little egg isn’t fine, but us touching it didn’t cause this.” Chrysalis stated defensively 

“Actually, yes it did.” Luna stated a mixture of anger and fear herself. “That egg was pure creation magic, no life had touched it yet and you just imprinted life forces on it.”

“What do you mean?!” hissed the nervous Queen as she backed further away from the egg still worried of what might happen. “I just touched it!”

“It might sound cheesy” Luna began as she zipped up her giant yellow hazmat suit. “But every touch contains the essence of that creature. Sombra caught the egg with his magic, which not only contained his essence, but fragments of the darkness he was once host to.”

“Not dark” whimpered Sombra as he slowly curled up behind the hazmat suited mare.

*Crack*

“You have no idea what kind of evil you’ve created” cried the Lunar Princess

*Crack*

“I don’t even know what kind of evil you’ve made”

With one final crack the new evil that had been created lunged forth from the egg.

The Changeling Queen let out a shriek as the black shape lunged towards her, in an obvious attempt to kill her. Chrysalis closed her eyes and waited for her horrible demise. However, the unspeakable pain and suffering never happened, instead she was meant with a slight tingling on the edge of her ear.

“That’s possibly the most adorable evil I have ever seen.” Luna stated as she stared at the creature.

Slowly and nervously the Changeling Queen opened her eyes. What she saw was possibly the most surprising thing she’d seen so far. Dangling from the edge of her ear was what appeared to be a hybrid creature. Its appearance was Changeling in nature, but not completely. The small creature lacked both the holes in its legs that were found in other changelings and wings. One feature that caught Chrysalis attention the most was the creature’s horn, though much smaller than hers, it had the same curvature that she’d only seen in her own horn.

“So what do you want us to do with it?” Chrysalis asked as she pulled the reluctant creature off her ear. The small creature struggling to latch back on “I mean, it’s adorable, but you said this is this thing is evil.”

“Is gone?” Sombra whispered as he slowly peaked out from behind Luna who had already removed and tossed away her suit. “That no dark” the grey unicorn said in surprise as he stared at the small creature.

“blar” mumbled the creature as it locked onto the grey unicorn, before clumsily stumbling towards the unicorn, eventually coming to a stop in front of him. “bla” the creature growled as it nuzzled up to Sombra and attempted to fall asleep.

“What it doing?” asked the confused Unicorn as he stared at the creature pressed up against him.

“Well I think it sense you’re the closes thing to another one of "it" Luna said as she carefully leaned in to examine it.

“But it looks like a Changeling; it hardly even looks like a pony.” Chrysalis stated a she herself moved into get another look.

“It’s Sombra’s magic” Luna stated as she pointed towards the creatures eyes. It was only then that either Sombra or Chrysalis noticed the faint purple glow emanating from around its eyes. “Magic is the very essence of every creature, and unlike a normal Unicorns magic, Sombra’s is one of a kind. So even though this creature looks like a Changeling, its essence is almost a direct match to Sombra’s.

Chrysalis was about to ask another question when she remembered their original problem.
“Why hasn’t Nightmare gotten us yet?” 

“She can’t possibly get in” Luna stated flatly “It isn’t my magic sealing the place, its Celestia’s, meaning she either has to break every seal one by one, or remember the door code. So we’ve got another hour or so.”

“What it doing?” Sombra asked as the small creature attempted to eat his ear.

“Apparently it’s already teething” Luna answered as she summoned a notepad and began taking notes.

*Knock* *Knock* came the thumping from the large metal door

“Who’s there” Luna asked smugly, knowing that Nightmare couldn’t breach the barriers.

“Land Shark, now open the door so I can murder you all.”

“Maybe we can talk this out?” Luna asked

“What is there to talk about?!” shouted the angry mare. “You’re little friend set me on fire and ran away.”

“Not do it!” shouted the grey Unicorn as the small hybrid continued to nibble on his ear.

“Did you hear that Nightmare? Sombra says he didn’t do it, maybe this is a misunderstanding?” Luna waited several seconds for any response from her rather angry other half, however the continuing silence began to worry her. “Well, looks like she gave up.” Luna stated a mixture of false happiness and fear.

However, any false sense of hope created by Luna’s words, were destroyed in a sudden flash of blue magic light.

“Peek-a-boo” Growled Nightmare as she stood before Sombra.

Sadly for Nightmare, the hybrid creature clinging from Sombra’s ear had inherited both the Unicorns fear and power. The hybrid let out a scared hiss as its horn began to glow, Nightmare watched in horror as shadows began to engulf her. The mare of darkness let out a small yelp as she was fired through the ceiling of the lab and all the way back into Canterlot Castle.

“Wow” the remaining three said in stunned awe as they stared up through the hole Nightmare had created, shifting their gaze back to the creature once again resting on Sombra.

With another blue flash Nightmare was once again back in front of Sombra. This time however, she quickly collapsed to the ground, battered, burned and extremely tired.

“I no do it” Sombra pleaded as he moved towards the barely conscious mare.

“Fine” groaned the mare as she tried to roll over “if you didn’t do it, who did?”

“Crazy pony monster, he want to borrow flashlights and fire sticks so he could fight dark too.” Sombra answered hoping the Alicorn would see he was telling the truth. “He say the dark always trying to hurt him, so I give him stuff and then you get mad at me.”

“Discord” hissed the mare of darkness as her energy rapidly began to return to her, fueled purely by her rage. However Nightmare found her rage quickly extinguished by a small tingling on her ear.

“What is it doing? First it tries to kill me, now it’s trying to eat me? What in the fires of Tartarus is it anyways?” Nightmare groaned a she pulled the creature from her ear and began to examine it.

Luna gave a sigh “Chrysalis ruined my latest creation by contaminating it and then Sombra super charged it with possibly the most powerful shadow magic possessed by any mortal pony.”

“So it’s a normal day for all of us?” groaned Nightmare as the creature continued to snap at her. “I’ve been set on fire, blown through several hundred feet of solid stone and you’ve created some unspeakable, yet adorable evil.”

Luna gave a laugh “Don’t forget, you’re probably going to kill Discord.”

Nightmare tried to laugh, but found it hurt too much “Yeah, I have Draconequus to kill, so it’s a pretty normal day for all of us.”

“What you do little guy?” Sombra asked as he played with the small creature, a few seconds the creature gave a happy giggle as its horn began to glow and a small ball of solid shadows appeared in front of it. With another laugh the creature tackled the ball and happily began to roll around with it.

“It’s impossibly powerful for something so young” Nightmare stated in amazement as she stared at the hybrid. A wicked grin slowly began to form upon her face as a truly evil idea began to set in.             
“You know, Celestia would be very interested in seeing your latest creation.” The dark mare finished with a laugh “Maybe even Discord would like to meet him?”

“You’re an evil, evil mare” Chrysalis said with a grin “But, I can’t say I don’t want to see where this is going.”

Three hours later… at the dinner table

Celestia stared in amazement at the creature latched onto her ear.
“So you’re telling me, this is the result of Changeling essence and raw Shadow Magic?”

“That’s correct Celly; I had expected the end results to be much more horrible. However, it seems this time a piece of Sombra tainted the Shadow Magic, so instead of some unspeakable evil, we were left with a foal.”

“I name him Nibbles” Sombra spoke happily as he continued to eat his dinner. “Because he like to nibble stuff.”

“I can see that” Celestia said with a laugh as she pulled Nibbles off her ear “But we’re sure he’s not evil?”

“No more evil than any other foal, and as long as he’s raised properly he’ll be a great addition to Equestria.” Luna stated as she examined a few of the notes she had already taken.

Nightmare gave another groan as she once again rubbed her head
“So has anyone seen Dis-“The battered and broken mare was cut off as a flash filled the room, revealing none other than the Draconequus of the hour.

“Hold you’re applause, Discord has arrived.” The God of Chaos stated happily as he floated above Nightmare. “Wow, my dear Nightmare, you look simply dreadful!”

Nightmare did her best to fight back her urge to strangle the lizard
“So Discord, did you hear about the latest addition to our insane little family?”

Discord gave a quick gasp “Is it Grogar? I miss Grogar!”

Nightmare shook her head “No it’s not Grogar, this time it’s a foal.”

Discord gave a quick smirk “Kids are easy, I’m great with kids.”
“Well then, you’ll love this kid, he’s crazy.” Nightmare continued her grin continuing to grow “He really seems to love Peek-A-Boo” Nightmare finished as she pointed to the foal walking across the table.

“Well then, it’s time for Uncle Discord to show this kid how to really have fun.” He finished with a snap of his talons, and with a flash he disappeared.

“Peek-A-Boo!” shouted the Draconequus as he reappeared right in front of the foal.

Nibbles gave a startled cry as his horn began to glow and Discord was slowly wrapped in shadows.
“What’s happening?!” stammered the confused lord of Chaos 

“Well you see Discord” Nightmare wicked grin quickly returning “When you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned.”
With that, the shadows around him quickly ripped him through the wall and fired him out into the Equestrian night.

Nightmare once again tried to laugh, but found the pain too great.
“I think me and this kid are going to get along perfectly.” she groaned as she dropped to the floor, satisfied with her victory.
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	 
	
> Episode 22: A Simple Treat
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

{Quick Note: Chapter to be fully edited at a later point in time}





Deep within Castle Canterlot in a far off corner of its ancient marble halls sat a single room. This room was one of the best kept secrets within the castle, known only to a select few and remembered by none but its master. This room, was Celestia's private kitchen and in its confines sat a lone tray a top a grand counter.

"Gah!" snarled a small creature as it fruitlessly continued to leap atop the counter, its small stature leaving it a long way from victory

This small creature was Nibbles, the hybrid spawn of darkness and lies, and he wanted cookies.

Sure he didn't know what Cookies were, but that could be said for half the things he had eaten so far. He had followed the scent of this new found food through the shadows of the castle and his prize lay only a few feet above.

"Rahh!" Nibbles hissed as he once again jumped. In his relatively short time in this world, his mind had already reached the same level of a small child, sadly his speech capabilities were trailing behind. The gears within his mind slowly began to spin as he tried to find a new solution to the problem before him.

His solid blue eyes slowly scanned the room for any objects that might allow him to reach the top of the table. After several seconds he decided the large chair would be an excellent way to reach his prize. With great effort the small hybrid managed to push the much larger chair, close enough to reach the table and claim his next meal. 

Nibbles slowly scanned the small circles spread out across the tray. With a flick of his tongue he tested the food in front of him.

"There you!" Came the voice of Sombra from behind the hybrid, causing him to hiss in fear as he bared his fangs. 

"Stop that Nibbles" Sombra said sternly as he picked the hybrid up with magic and carefully lowered him onto his back. "Cookies not yours."

"arg?" whined Nibbles as he latched onto the cookie he had already grabbed in hopes that it wouldn't be taken from him.

"You have one cookie" Sombra answered as he began to trot out of the room. The grey Unicorn remained oblivious as several shadow emerged from beneath Nibbles's shell as he attempted to grab as many cookies as he could. For once, evil had been victorious, deliciously victorious.

15 Minutes later 

The only Draconequus in existence silently made his way through the castle, his target known to himself and one other, Flambé, the castle head chef and possibly a trained assassin. Discord wasn't sure about that last part, but Flambé's accuracy with a knife was too good to not be professional.

So far Discord had been sent back to the Abyss several times by the hooves of this lone pony. He wasn't sure if the rooms were true, but it was commonly said amongst some of the other staff that after stopping one of Discord's pantry assaults. Flambé used the dead gods body as the first course in a meal prepared for several dragon ambassadors.


I wonder what I taste like the lord of chaos silently asked himself as he made his final approach on his long time target, the kitchen.

Slowly and cautiously Discord pressed his ear on the door and silently listened, hoping that if anyone lay in wait, the slightest noise would give them away. After several seconds of paranoid listening, he was ninety percent sure that either nobody was waiting inside, or he was already dead.

"Hello?" the nervous god cautiously asked as he slowly began to open the door. Thanks to some form of luck, nobody was there to kill him, even better he hadn't even been hit today.

Very quickly and quietly Discord made his way over to the fridge, his normal target the pantry was most likely the trapped option. However the fridge was also a likely source of his death, but he was hungry and hunger outweighed possible death.
With a quick and extremely nervous swing of the door, Discord was even more shocked by what he saw, not his death, not even food, just a note.

"What?" Discord whispered to himself as he nervously plucked the note from the fridge and began to read.

Dear Discord

Run

Love Flambé

Discord chuckled to himself, it he knew it had to be some form of trick. Flambé was good, but he wasn't invisible, there was no way he could have hidden from a god. Sadly though, he knew the food would have been moved to another secure location.

"Should have run" came a voice from behind

Discord ran

The knives flew

"You're insane!" shouted the god of chaos as he continued to flee through the castle halls. Flambé had stopped throwing the sharp things in favor of the blunt objects.

"You've stolen my food for the last time, you filthy lizard." 

Discord ducked once again as another vase flew between his horns. This day was quickly turning into the same horrible experience, ponies trying to harm him with several objects, no real food in his belly and running through the castle. Know he found himself wishing for something he never thought he'd want a quiet meal and ponies not trying to murder him.

Then a smile spread across his face "Hey Flambé, guess what I just remembered!"

"What!" growled the chef as hurled a guard’s helmet

"I'm the god of chaos" with a snap of his talons, Discord was gone and in his place a rain of confetti filled the air.

"Next time Discord, Next time!"  Flambé growled as he slammed a hoof on the ground.

Somewhere else in the Castle

Discord blinked back into existence and with a sudden thud slammed into a wall. Just to add to his torment the god found his horns lodged in the wall.

"Really?" The god stated flatly as snapped his talons and with another flash he was a safe distance from the wall. However, he quickly found that he had no recollection of this part of the castle. The long stone hall was completely unlit, with no signs of life to be seen, all except a lone shaft of light shining from a single door.

For the second time today, Discord quickly and carefully made his way towards the door, peaking through the door in hopes that this time nobody would waiting for him. However, instead of someone waiting for him, he was greeted by something even more stunning, a kitchen, he had never seen before.

"Why hello there" The god of chaos stated happily as he entered the room. The kitchen seemed real, he was about sixty percent certain it wasn't a figment of his deranged imagination and if it was, maybe he was even more twisted then he had thought and then he saw, a single tray sitting atop the table and a lone cookie within.

"Looks like this is my lucky day" the Draconequus stated in delight as he slowly took a bite from the cookie and in a flash of light he wished Flambé had gotten him.

"Hewo Cewestia" Discord nervously mumbled as he slowly chewed on the cookie

Celestia didn't say a thing, her gaze just continued to shift back and forth between Discord and the empty tray.  The expression on her face growing more hateful as her gaze shifted back and forth.

"D-di-did you" stuttered the Sun Goddess as she tried to control her anger

"Now hwold won a minwt" Discord continued to mumbled as he tried to finish the cookie "thwis is what it wooks liwk"

Discord watched in horror as a golden glow began to wrap around the cookie tray, he didn't know what Celestia was planning to do, but he had a rough idea.

"I can deal with you raiding the main kitchen, but this is my private area Discord and you ate all my cookies, that means you're now in the number one position of creatures I want to throttle"

"bwt I didn't dwo dis" Discord continued mumble now wondering why eating one cookie was taking this long.

And then the beating began.

Discord threw his arms in the air in his feeble attempt to stop the oncoming cookie tray, however Celestia fury was much greater than his fear and she fought in the name of her lost cookies. Celestia continued to beat on the Chaos god as he did his best to plead his case, but she knew it was most likely another one of his tricks to try and save his scaly hide.

"This is for my cookies" Celestia shouted as her mane burst into flames, and with one final swing and an echoing thud Discord was defeated and her cookies were avenged.

"Maybe I should make Brownies" Celestia spoke aloud to herself as she casually dropped the tray on Discords head, before moving over to recipe book.  

[Meanwhile beyond the Castle walls]

Two mares stood outside a coffee shop, a green coated Pegasus and a black as night unicorn. The reason for their journey to palace of sweets was known only to the Pegasus.

"Chrysalis, why did you drag me along?" groaned the disguised Nightmare "You promised the best meal I could ever want."

"and that's what you're about to receive, Joe makes the finest rings of dough, I have ever had the pleasure of eating."

"You mean Donuts?" Nightmare asked flatly

Chrysalis nodded as she made her way into shop "Yes, the rings of dough created by Joe are the finest "Donuts" I have ever had."

Nightmare gave a defeated sigh, knowing now that her meal was little more than a simple treat. Though there was one small joy to be found, she had feared Chrysalis would try to feed her a "Changeling delicacy" like last time. The disguised goddess shuddered at the thought as she tried to force it out of her mind.

The two disguised mares casually made their way up to the main counter, as an orange stallion exited from the back room, several large boxes held aloft by a faint orange glow. After several seconds the stallion finished placing the boxes in their respective displays, lifting the lid to reveal the freshly baked treats within. That's when he noticed his two latest guests.

"Long time no see Chrysa-" Joe paused as he released the second mare was completely new to his shop. "Crystal" he said with a forced cough "Long time no see Crystal"

"Greetings Joe, I have returned for your rings of dough and have brought a long a guest." The disguised Chrysalis backed up a little bit as she attempted to introduce her friend. "Nightmare, this is Joe, the finest baker to walk the surface. Joe, this is Nightmare the angriest mare to walk the surface."

"Hey!" Nightmare snapped as her gaze finally shifted from the baked treasures that sat behind the glass, mocking her far beyond her reach. "I'm not angry, I just misunderstood." she finished as she pressed her muzzle once again onto the glass her eyes shifting back and forth between the pastries.

Joe's expression quickly shifted to a more relieved one. Which was strange, seeing as that was usually the reverse whenever someone realized Nightmare Moon had come to visit.

"Well, glad to meet you Ms. Moon, I was beginning to worry that you would never grace my humble coffee shop with your presence."

"Huh?" Nightmare asked as she once again removed her hungry gaze from the pastries "You've been waiting for me?"

Joe gave a small laugh "Celestia has always been a common customer here, when her sister returned they started coming her together, then when Discord broke free, this was his first stop before his attempted takeover of Canterlot and Chrysali-|

Joe was cut off as Chrysalis forced a cough "Maybe I should tell her how I ended up here, later on."

"That's probably for the best" Joe finished with another laugh "Either way; the shop is open to anyone in Equestria from Manticores to Immortal beings" 

"Wait, wait, wait" Nightmare repeated "You have Manticores as customers?"

"Only on Tuesdays and Fridays, that's when they make their trips from the Everfree Forest."

"Well then, I wasn't even aware Manticores had money to spend." Nightmare stated as she thought back to all those Manticores she had used in her traps, beginning to wonder if any of them had known she was using them. 

"They don't" Joe chuckled "They do however have a rather large stash of treasure." the baker finished as he raised a rather large diamond from behind the counter. ''This gem here will keep me in business for the next ten years. But enough chit-chat, I'm sure you two are both itching for a snack,"

"You know I'd walk through the unending catacombs for your rings of dough." Chrysalis spoke as she stared into the glass,

"I'll take nine of everything" Nightmare stated flatly as summoned a large stack of bits.

"Okay then" Joe chuckled as he lifted the counter gate, allowing the mares to pass through. "Head on downstairs, your usual booth is waiting."

Chrysalis casually made her way through the gate and the door behind it, closely followed by Nightmare, who at this moment wasn't sure what she should suspect. Though, she still maintained some hope that she would have at least some semblance of a meal, or those hundreds of pastries she had wanted to purchase moments ago.

The passageway continued on for several minutes as the two mares slowly trotted through the now downward winding halls. Chrysalis maintained the same determined expression, whereas Nightmare began to take on a slightly worried look and as she was about to bring herself to state her concerns, the passage began to open up as two elegant red doors came into view. Chrysalis casually pressed through as Nightmare kept close behind, expecting the worst. However what she saw was nothing like she had expected.

The pathway had led down to what appeared to be a hidden dinner. In appearance it matched the one above, but on a much grander scale. Then Nightmare noticed the customers, instead of the scattered ponies she had seen before, the customers down here were much more varied. On one end of the dinner Nightmare could make out what appeared to be a group of Diamond dogs eating and laughing amongst themselves. Next to them sat two rather large Dragons in what appeared to be a booth built for them. How they managed to get down there, Nightmare would never know.

Only a few feet from them, Nightmare saw a group of Griffins and several ponies chatting with each other as they appeared to go over several scrolls and notes. Many of the other booths were filled as well with mixtures of Ponies, young dragons and other sentient creatures from across Equestria; Nightmare hadn't seen a gathering of species like this before. Sure Canterlot had its share of Griffins, but Diamond Dogs were quite the rare sight, let alone chatting amongst ponies as friends.

"You coming?" Chrysalis asked from her booth a few feet off, with a pillar of green flame her disguise quickly dropped.

Nightmare quickly followed as she dropped her own disguise and joined the Changeling Queen at her table.

"This is incredible" the stunned Alicorn stated as she once again surveyed the tables, taking in all the different creatures that had gathered in this one place, hidden away from the rest of Canterlot.

"If you think this is incredible, from what Joe says, his grandfather hired both Diamond Dogs, and Changelings from outside of the Hive to dig the tunnel and help him build this place." The Queen answered as she took her time to once again take in the sight of the crowed "Sadly you won't find any gatherings like this elsewhere in Canterlot."

Nightmare was about to ask the question that had been plaguing her mind for quite some time, but was cut off as a flash of magic conjured a large box in the center of the table, the lid opening on its own to reveal the mixture of pastries that lay within. 

For the next two minutes the Alicorn of Darkness and the Changeling Queen devoured the assorted pastries that sat within the box. 

"That was possibly better than eternal night." groaned the completely stuffed mare as she sat back in her chair.

"I promised you a grand feast didn't I?" Chrysalis stated smugly as she proceeded to lick the remaining sprinkles from her mouth. 

"So, I've been meaning to ask Chrysalis, How did you find this place?"

The Changeling Queen gave an awkward chuckle "Well you see, I was brought here on a date."

Nightmare raised an eyebrow "You're telling me you went on a date and that pony brought you to a Donutshop? Who was it?"

"My husband" came a slightly agitated voice from behind Nightmare.

When the mare of darkness finished turning to face the new voice, she was even more surprised. Sitting in the booth behind her was non-other than Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and her husband Shining Armor.

"Oh hello Cadance" Chrysalis said with a nervous wave, having just herself noticed the two familiar faces that had most likely been sitting merely feet away the entire time. "What brings you to this fine establishment?"

"Well my husband here thought it would be a good idea to take me here on a date. Imagine my surprise when the owner seemed to remember me as a customer, even though I had never been here before." Cadance shifted her gaze towards her husband who was now trying to make himself as small as possible. "Hello" he barely mumbled as he waved.

"Oooh" Nightmare said with great joy "a meal and show"
	
	
> Episode 22.5: The Lost Chapter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discord went to the store. Nothing happened.

The end.
> Episode 23: A Day in the life of Celestia
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Celestia silently lay in her bed, wrapped in the warm embrace of both silk sheets and sleep itself. However, deep down inside her infinite being she knew something was coming. Something that threatened the survival of every creature in Equestria. Something that could reduce even a god cowardliness.

*Beep*   *Beep*   *Beep*  

Celestia groaned as her eyes slowly began to open, unfortunately they never had the chance to fully open as Celestia drifted back into sleep.

*Beep*   *Beep*   *Beep*  

This time the Sun Goddess found herself a little more alert, but still lacked any desire to leave her one true friend, her bed. With a fain groan she rolled over and placed one her pillows a top her head, in an effort to drown the noise out.

*Beep*   *Beep*   *Beep*  

"Five more minutes" Celestia faintly commanded in hopes that the clock would accept her rights as creator of the universe and allow her just a few more minutes of sleep.

*Beep*   *Beep*   *Beep*  

"Gah!" hissed the mare as she rolled back over, pillow still held to her ears. She couldn't see her target, but she knew where it waited. Without caution or care she began batting her hoof at the nightstand next to the bed. The sound of objects hitting the floor and being knocked about, filled the air as the Sun Goddess punished many of her belongings for the blasphemous crimes of her Alarm clock.

*Beep*   *Beep*   *Beep*  

Celestia's blood shot eyes snapped open as she hurled the pillow across the room. Her hate filled gaze fixed on the clock as a white glow covered her horn, and with a single thought, the clock ceased to exist. Celestia gave a faint sigh of relief as she let her head fall back onto her pillow. Her eyes slowly beginning to shut as she drifted into sleep.

"Time to get up Celly!" Came the cheerful voice of Princess Luna as she opened the door to Celestia's chambers, unaware of the once slumbering beast that waited inside.

"Gaaaah!" Hissed the Sun Goddess as she attempted to vaporize her sister. Celestia once again let her head fall back onto her pillow as the sound of her sister's galloping faded away.

"It's going to be a long day" groaned the mare.

5 Minutes later

"I hate everything" Celestia groaned as she slid out of her bed. "I hate you floor" she growled as her head hit the floor. "I hate you sock" she hissed at the piece of clothing. "I especially hate you Sun" she growled once more as she slowly raised her ball and chain"

"Celly are you cursing everything in existence again?" Came the faint voice of her sister from outside of her room.

"No" snapped the Sun Goddess "I hate you Luna" she whispered. 

"Did you just curse me?" came Luna's voice once again.

"Yes, yes I did." Celestia stated angrily "In fact, I hate all of you."

"I know you do Celly, I know you do." Luna chuckled to herself as she started on her way back to the royal kitchen.

The Sun Goddess did her best to shield her eyes as she crawled towards the open curtains, determined to seal her chambers from the Sun's hateful rays of light. With one final heave she managed to get herself to her destination and with her final bit of energy she pulled the curtains shut and basked in herself created eternal darkness. The mare of light closed her eyes as she lay on the cold marble floor, the silence the most wonderful thing she had heard all morning.

*Knock* *Knock*

"Go away" hissed Celestia as she tried to ignore the knocking. "Leave me to my eternal darkness!"

"Though I enjoy the spirit of your morning routine" Nightmare spoke as she prepared for Celestia's inevitable fury "Discord is eyeing your breakfast and we both know he's stupid enough to try and eat it."

And then the door exploded.

Nightmare quickly picked herself off the ground, determined not to suffer the Sun Goddesses wrath due to Discord's stupidity. Moving as quickly as the mare of darkness could manage she pulled herself into one of the many vacant rooms and carefully peered through the small crack she had left open. After several seconds of silence, the faint sound of hooves on marble echoed faintly out of the room. Nightmare watched in silent horror as Celestia, now engulfed in flames emerged from the room and slowly made her way towards the kitchen, a trail of fiery hoof prints in her wake. 

Nightmare let out a sigh of relief as Celestia vanished around the corner. She was worried it was going to be a repeat of the last time she attempted to wake Celestia. It took her almost a week to regrow all that lost fur.

1.2 Minutes later

The fiery Sun Goddess made her way through the halls of Canterlot Castle, the guards and staff knowing very well that it was in their best interest to stay out of their princess’s path, lest they invoke her fury. Several of the braver guards followed far behind the princess in an effort to keep her fires contained. However, they quickly broke off when they saw the royal kitchen come into view, no sane mortal would even attempt to enter there, this early in the morning.

"Where is he?!" snarled the Sun Goddess as she blasted through the Kitchen door.

"Beneath the table!" shouted Luna as she dived from her seat, landing behind her sandbag wall. Slowly she rose back up, a metal war helmet a top her head. This time she was ready to sit back and enjoy her sister's fury from a safe distance.

Celestia gave no sign of hesitation as she vaporized the large wooden table and in an instant the cowering Draconequus was revealed, the last piece of Celestia's hay bacon strip sticking out of his mouth.

"Hi" Discord mumbled as he slowly pushed himself back. "This isn't what it looks like." he blurted out as he swallowed the last of Celestia's breakfast.

"Ten thousand years lunar banishment" Celestia yelled as the flames around her intensified.

"Excuse me Princess" came a voice from behind the Sun Goddess

"What?!" snapped the goddess as she turned to face the lone Earth Pony who dared to approach her. The brown Earth Pony remained unflinching, a large silver tray a top her head and a single mug in the center.

"Princess you should drink your coffee" Dusty stated calmly as she held the tray up towards the flaming Sun Goddess.

"Why?!" snapped Celestia

"Because you turn into a tyrannical monster when you wake up."

Dusty silently watched as Celestia gripped the mug with her magic before downing the entire contents of it in one swig.

"Better?" asked the Earth Pony

"Better." Celestia answered happily, the flames around her quickly extinguishing 

"Good" Dusty answered "We've got to get you to your weekly Court of the Sun"

"Awww bu-" Celestia began but was quickly cut off by the brown Earth Pony.

"I let you skip last week’s court session and you burned down two thirds of the royal library."

"But it's my library" Whined Celestia.

"No excuses" Dusty stated flatly "Now you march on down to the throne room while I go get my notes."

"Fine" sighed Celestia as she trotted off in defeat.

Outside of the Kitchen

Several of the guards had gathered outside of the secondary entrance, semi prepared to rush in if things escalated any further. However, they were left in complete stunned amazement when a lone mare not only approached their raging Princess but proceeded to calm her and then tell her what to do. Several of them were no longer sure of whom they should fear more, the caffeine deprived Goddess or the one willing to approaching it. 

Back in the Kitchen

"Awww" Luna cried "I was hoping she'd slow roast you, Looks like you got lucky for once."

Discord continued to stare off silently into space a look of terror still sprawled across his face.

In the Throne Room

Celestia sat in her throne and stared out at the large crowd that had gathered to seek audience with her. Creatures from all across Equestria gathered once a week to seek her advice and help. This week was no exception and to exacerbate many creatures had returned for a second opinion due to her "sick day" the week before.

"Who’s first?" Celestia asked as she shifted her gaze back to Dusty who had taken her place to the side of Celestia's throne.

"Oh son of a-" Muttered Dusty as she looked at her list.

"What?" asked the confused Goddess

Dusty gave a deep sigh as she prepared to announce the first pony.

"Introducing Prince Blueblood of Canterlot."

"Oh sweet sun and moon no" Celestia whispered to herself. 

"Hello Auntie" spoke Blueblood as he approached far too close to Celestia's throne. "I tried sending my requests to you threw the mail, but it seems they never reached you."

Yes, Celestia thought to herself they never reached me doing her best to suppress a smile "That's a real shame nephew, but now you're here" Kill me now "What's complain- concerns do you have this time?"

"Yes, those useless mail ponies, couldn't deliver a simple message to save their lives. But that brings me to my problem."

"And what would that be" Celestia answered suppress the urge to strangle the white unicorn.

"I've waited almost three days for my shipment of imported Shampoo"

Celestia was on the verge of murder; her morning rage was beginning to return. However she had a much better idea.
With a flare of her horn a large wooden crate materialized between her and Blueblood.

"There you go nephew, hopefully this makes up for the trouble that might have been caused."

"Very good" Blueblood stated as he motioned for one of his servants to grab the box "Hopefully next time those foals won't be so incompetent." With that the Prince of douc- Unicorns left.

"That's incredibly generous coming from the mare who tried to murder me this morning" Nightmare spoke as she casual approached the throne; several ponies in the crowed slowly made their way out of the castle.

Celestia did her best to hide her grin "Pink dye, looks surprisingly like imported Shampoo."

"You really are an evil, evil mare." stated proudly

"Thank you, I learned from the best" Celestia quickly added a slight bow before turning her gaze back to Dusty "Who do we have next?"

"Introducing, Hard Rock of Manehatten"

"Greeting's Princess Celestia" spoke the grey Earth Pony "It's an honor to meet you." Hard finished as he removed his hat and gave a bow.

"The pleasure is all mine. What brings you to Canterlot this fine morning?"

"I would like to fly." The pony stated matter-of-factly 

"But you're an Earth Pony" Celestia answered with a raised eyebrow

"Great observation" Nightmare whispered

The earth pony gave an awkward chuckle "Yes, I'm aware. But my father always taught me that you created the ponies. So, I was wondering if you could change what type of pony I was."

"Hmm" Celestia thought to herself as she rubbed her chin "Well between me and you, Unicorns and earth ponies are my territory. You'd have to speak to my sister about this and even then, you're making an extremely large request."

Hard Rock gave another bow "I apologize Princess, I should have thought before I spoke."

"Wait a moment" Nightmare spoke as she stepped forward "You've happened to catch me while I'm in a good mood. I haven't tried it before, but I'm sure anything Luna can do, I can do better." Nightmare stated with a smug grin "So what do yo-"

"Yes!" shouted the Hard.

"Well okay then." Nightmare said as a purple aura covered her horn. Hard Rock took a few steps back as the purple aura shot out and slowly wrapped around him. He tried not to laugh a faint tingling sensation shot through his body. With one final flash of light the Nightmare's magic faded leaving the ponies who had not fled in stunned shock.

"Did it work, did it work!?" Hard asked in pure excitement 

"Well... sort of" Celestia stated as she conjured a mirror and held it in front of the young stallion.

His coat was now much greyer, but that was the smallest change. What really caught his eye where the set of wings he had gained. However, these weren't ordinary pegasi wings.

"Batpony!" Nightmare stated happily

"Don't worry Mr.Rock" Celestia stated nervously "Nightmare will get you back to normal in a minute."

"Why would I want to be Normal?" Hard asked in confusion as he slowly flapped his new wings "I look awesome, thank you so much Princess Nightmare!" The Batpony shouted in excitement as he hugged the Alicorn of Darkness before galloping off.

"Well then..." Celestia spoke as she watched the new Batpony exit the throne room.

"Did you hear that? He called me Princess Nightmare!" Nightmare finished with a victorious laugh.

"That's good Nightmare" the sun goddess stated flatly "You'll become Queen of Equestria, one pony at a time."

"Who's left Dusty?" 

"I have no idea!" Dusty shouted as she looked at her list and back to the crowd "You two have managed to scare off at least half the crowd."

All according to plan Celestia thought to herself.

Dinner Time - Royal Kitchen

Chrysalis and Sombra had finally returned from their latest outing, neither of them spoke about where they went. But everyone in the castle had some rough idea. The two of them had already taken a seat and began eating, only slightly concerned by the hoof prints burned into the ground and the new table.

"So Chrysalis, Sombra how was your dat-" Luna was cut off by Chrysalis's gaze.

"Finish that sentence and you'll find this entire Castle at the center of the earth."

"Got ice cream" Sombra stated happily followed by Nibbles giving what could possibly be deemed as a happy screech.
However Chrysalis didn't share their joy, she only continued to glare at Luna, who wore a smug grin.

With a flash of light, the last creature missing arrived.

"Did you miss me?" Discord asked as he landed in his seat between Nightmare and Celestia.

"Now!" Shouted Nightmare as she gripped Discord with her magic. Celestia quickly followed in suit as she plunged the dagger she had hidden into the Draconequus's chest.

"Et tu, Nightmare?" Discord asked as he feigned surprise. 

"I think you missed his heart" Nightmare stated as she stared at the bleeding God of Chaos.

"Great, now we have to deal with him." Celestia sighed

"Celestiaaaaa" whined the fatally wounded god.

"What?" Celestia asked flatly 

"I'm bleeding, help me."

"No." The Sun Goddess answered flatly

"Celestiaaaaaa"

"No"

"Nightmaaaaare" whined Discord

"What?!" snapped the Alicorn as she dropped her fork.

"I'm bleeding!"

"Good" snapped the mare.

"Lunaaaaa"

"Die quietly Discord" Luna stated flatly "Some of us are trying to eat."

"But I'm bleeding!"

"I don't care, die quietly."
	
	
	
> Episode 25: That's No Pizza!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thorax Note; Chapter brought to you by IceOfWaterFlock and the letter Z. Personally, I love every line of this chapter.




"Discord, why are you holding a Changeling under your arm?" Nightmare asked, casting the draconequus a curious glance, "and why are you putting cotton candy on it?"

"It's not a Changeling, it's a pizza," Discord rolled his eyes. "Being on the moon for so long wrecked your eyes. Maybe you should get some glasses?"

"It doesn't look like a Changeling, you daft twit. It looks like you."

"It looks like a pizza."

"You!"

"Pizza!"

"You!"

"Pizza!"

"Why is Discord eating a Starwishes 3000 telescope?" Luna asked, trotting in. "And why are you yelling about pizza?"

"It's not a telescope!" Discord whined, "it's a pizza!"

"It's another one of you!" Nightmare shouted. 

"That is most definitely a telescope."

"Pizza!"

"You!"

"Telescope!"

Discord snorted, setting down the object of undetermined form. "Celestia! Luna and Nightmare are opressing me again!"

Celestia appeared in a flash of light. "Luna, Nightmare, I told you, just because there's two of you doesn't mean you can evoke democracy- is he eating Shining Armor?"

"It's a pizza!" Discord shouted. "Are all of you blind?"

Chrysalis trotted into the room with a scowl, Sombra trailing behind with Nibbles perched on his back.

"Giant glowstick?" Sombra asked.

"Cookies?" Nibbles growled happily.

"Screaming Dead!" Chrysalis screeched, leaping forward with her horn ablaze.

She tackled the confused object from Discord's claws, pinning the thing on the floor. She touchedher horn to the air above it, and it dissolved into the shape of a white mare, speckled with signs of decay. The creature let out a wail of fear as Chrysalis loomed over it.

"What's that?" Celestia asked.

"Do you actually know any of the creatures inside your own borders, you sunstruck fatflank?" Chrysalis hissed. Her eyes widened after she finished speaking, and she made a soft whining sound. "Sorry, Celestia, I'm hungry and having a natural enemy inside the castle is not helping things!"

"What is it?" Celestia demanded, casting a quick glance at her flank. That extra cake wasn't showing, was it...?

"They're creatures that feed off of joy, and occasionally steal love to take it. They appear as one's deepest desires." Chrysalis snorted, glaring down at the pony-like creature.

There was a moment of silence around the group.

Luna looked up at Discord. "Your deepest desire... is a pizza?"

"It was one of the fancy ones with cheese in the crust." Discord huffed.

Luna turned to her sister. "Shining Armor? Really?"

Celestia avoided her gaze. "Maybe."

Nightmare had begun slowly backing out of the room. She was nearly free when Luna turned to face her. "And you saw Discord?"

"YouheardnothingandsawnothingIcanhearthelaundrycallinggottagobye!" Nightmare turned and fled.

"She doesn't even do laundry!" Chrysalis pointed out. "She leaves her towels on the bathroom floor!"

"What are towels?" Discord asked.

"Those fluffy things that you eat while dripping all over the hallway." Celestia replied, glaring at him.

"Oh yeah."

"Hey Dis~cord," Luna teased, leaning towards the draconequus, "you've got an admirer~!"

"Do they have pizza?" He asked.

"Did you hear nothing of what just happened?"

"Chrysalis is straddling a pizza. I'm distracted."

Chrysalis quickly stepped aside and held the creature down with her magic instead. She glanced at him, frowning. "You still see a pizza?"

"Well, it's got legs."

"That is one deep-rooted obsession." She remarked. 

"Discord, you have problem," Sombra said quietly, his face serious as he placed a hoof on Discord's shoulder. "We help you get through."

"I can stop whenever I want!" Discord wailed.

"We believe you," Sombra replied. "We just want to help-"

"I don't need your help!" Discord wailed. He reached for Sombra, intending to grab him in a pre-pizza-withdrawl frenzy. Sombra ducked, and Discord's claws closed around a small hissing figure of darkness incarnate. 

Nibbles hissed loudly and bit down on Discord's hand. The draconequus screeched and shook his hand violently, attempting to dislodge the demon spawn. Nibbles let out a cry of his own as he lost his grip and was slingshotted towards the ceiling.

The group let out a unified wince as Nibbles slammed into the ceiling. Chrysalis was the first to look up, expecting to see a red - or black, or green, she wasn't really sure what color poor Nibbles's insides were - stain on the nice white tiles. Instead, she saw a rather flat-looking Nibbles, but one that was very much alive and very much angry.

"Get him down!" Sombra shouted, pushing Discord with a hoof. "You throw Nibbles!"

"You threatened to take away my pizza!"

"Are we forgetting that I'm pinning down a creature capable of sucking your dry of all happiness?" Chrysalis called over the yelling.

"I'm sure it doesn't need our attention." Celestia replied casually, "after all, there's a stupid fight going on."

"Ah, of course." Chrysalis looked down at the shapeshifter she had pinned. 

"The parasitic species are known commonly as the 'Screaming Dead' because of their natural appearance. Their official names are Whitefurs because of their pure white coats. In their natural form, they appear as adult mares or stallions, with small, oval holes broken through the skin on their throats and along the ribs behind their front legs." She gently rolled the creature over with one hoof, revealing the flared holes along it's neck as it struggled for breath under Chrysalis's magic. "Their manes and tails are partly phantasmal, and billow vertically like that of the Royal Sister's do horizontally. They also have hooves that break through their thin white coats, ending each of their legs with a bony two-toed hoof like a goat's instead of the common pony."

The creature let out a low whine and struggled to escape, drawing Luna's attention away from the bickering pair and towards Chrysalis's monologue.

"Their eyes are black, with a white iris and colored pupil. The color of their pupils is mimicked by any patterns they may carry, be it spots, stripes, socks or blazes. These marking will also glow, as their eyes do," Chrysalis continued. "The quality that allows the Whitefurs to survive is how they appear to most species; as the object of their deepest desires. The only species able to see through their magic - aside from other Whitefurs - are Changelings; the two species have formed symbiotic relationships in the past, but they tend to fight over prey. Whitefurs want to claim the prey for the joy their form brings, but if their form creates joy in a loving sense, Changelings may take the disguise from the Whitefur and attempt to steal the prey away for their love."

Luna continued watching silently as the creature fixed her with two bright purple pupils. It's mouth opened as if it was trying to speak, but Chrysalis didn't release her grip so it could breathe.

"Whitefurs, however, do not have a single static form like Changelings. Because of this, they prefer to hunt down prey alone, usually from travelling caravans or lone farmers. As ponies moved into larger cities with more watching eyes, Whitefurs quickly depleted to the point of immediate extinction. Somehow, a few of them clung to life and the sparsely populated areas of Equestria." Chrysalis tilted her head, looking back at Luna. "A shame some of them survived."

"Don't kill it."

"Wasn't going to," Chrysalis replied calmly. "Fatally wound it and release it into the wild? Maybe."

"No, don't. It's a... a miracle of science! The things ponykind could learn from such a creature are unlimited!" Luna shoved her own magic under Chrysalis's, pulling the creature up onto it's feet and allowing it to catch a breath. "Now, do you have a name?"

Anguish.

Luna took a step back. The creature hadn't moved to speak, nor did she really hear anything. 

Telepathy. The Whitefur replied. Sorry.

"Celestia, her name is Anguish."

"Who's name is what now?" Celestia turned her attention away from the fight. "Oh, a new pet? Yes, you can keep it, as long as you take care of it."

"She's not a pet!"

"Make sure she cleans up after herself, then." Celestia replied nonchalantly.

"Anguish, I'll set up a guest room in the tower for you. Chrysalis? Don't kill her."

"No promises," Chrysalis replied. "Now, I feel I've fulfilled my grimdark quota for the month, so if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go get some breakfast and cheer up a bit."

The Changeling Queen stalked back out of the room, followed by Luna and Anguish. Eventually, Nibbles dropped down from the ceiling and scampered off to go attack some unsuspecting passers-by. Celestia simply made herself comfortable and waited for the scuffle to die down. 

Which it did... eventually.

After Discord was sentenced to the badger closet, of course.
> Micro Episode 1: Nibbles
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

{I've got some spare time in between my classes, so lets see what I can write. Don't expect proper editing!}





Nibbles; spawn of darkness and potentially the greatest threat to Equestria. In his incredibly short life he had already managed to kill not one, but two gods. Though in his defense one of them thought it would quite easy to steal candy from a foal, he was wrong.

This hybrid of darkness and Changeling would one day grow up to be Prince of the Changeling Empire and eventually it's King, he'd lead the Changeling race into a golden era the likes of which had never been see before. However, that was far in the future, at the moment our little friend had a problem.



Nibbles wasn't sure when the strange object had decided to attack, but it had latched onto his head and no matter how much he growled or screeched it refused to leave him be.

"Gah!" Nibbles cried again as he stumbled through the hall bumping from wall to wall as he attempted to remove the object from his head. Unbeknownst to the little hybrid he was rapidly making his approach on two members of the Solar guard stationed outside one of the many rooms housing foreign ambassadors. With another sudden crash, Nibbles was knocked onto his flank.

"Wow there little guy, where are you heading?" spoke an unfamiliar voice 

"Blarg!" hissed the hybrid in response doing his best to look menacing, the bucket making his attempts completely pointless

"You stuck in there?" asked a second voice.

"Gaa!" 

"Well hold on, we'll get you out." spoke the first voice once again.

Nibbles hadn't fully grasped the Equestrian Language and was quite sure what the creatures outside were talking about. However he quickly found that thought pushed to the back of his almost feral mind as he felt himself lifted off the ground.

"Hammer what are you doing?" asked the second voice "You're going to hurt the kid."

"Don't worry Brass" answered the first "I had this happen to me all the time as a foal."

"I don't even want to know." Brass stated with a sigh

After a few more seconds of floating and frantic squirming the object eventually released its grip on Nibbles's head and the hybrid dropped to the ground below, barely managing to land on all fours.

"Gar!" he hissed in joy

The two guards were stunned by the foals appearance, they had assumed the garbled sounds coming from beneath the bucket were a result of it muffling the foals voice. However they had never expected the creatures appearance to be so strange, though there had been rumors floating around the castle of a strange creature moving through the shadows. Those rumors were also accompanied by other rumors that Discord had once again been sent down to the guards medical barracks for treatment of "War grade" wounds.

"Is it okay?" Hammer nervously asked "You don't think the bucket did any brain damage do you?"

"Bu- buck- bucket?" Nibbles stuttered as he tried to copy the words just spoken "Bucket?" he repeated as he pointed towards the object that had once encased his head.

"Yes" Brass answered "That's the bucket that was on your head, are you okay?"

Nibbles nodded slowly as he shifted his gaze back from the guard to the bucket and eventually to the guards head.

"Bucket!" Nibbles shouted in a mixture of excitement and fear as he pointed towards the guard.

"No, I'm not a bucket, that's the bucket." Brass finished as he pointed towards the Hammer who was now attempting to place the bucket on his own.

"Bucket!" Nibbles repeated in terror as he pointed towards the guards head.

It took the guards several seconds of thought to realize what the foal was shouting about and his suspicions were confirmed as he removed his helmet and a look of relief began to appear on the foals face.

"This isn't a bucket." he began "It's a helmet, it keeps my head safe."  

"Hel- helmet" Nibbled struggled to repeat.

"Yes, it's what guards were to keep their head safe"

Nibbles stared for a few seconds as his mind continued to process the guards words, if the helmet kept that ponies head safe, maybe his helmet would too.

"Helmet!" Nibbles repeated excitedly as he pointed towards the bucket now firmly placed a top Hammer's head.

Brass face hoofed, not because of the foals belief that the bucket was a helmet, but that he was stationed with a pony who now had his head stuck in a bucket.

"Kid, that's a bucket, you put water in it." he answered as he carelessly ripped the bucket from his comrades head, leaving a slightly stunned and confused look on Hammer's face.

"Helmet!" Nibbles repeated as he jumped at the bucket now held by Brass

"Bucket" Brass repeated

"Helmet!" snarled Nibbles as he jumped again.

"Bucket"

"Helmet!" Nibbles hissed once more, this time several large shadow like arms emerged from beneath his shell and in one quick movement plucked the bucket from the guards hoof, and gently placed it down in front of the Hybrid creature. Brass stood in slight horror at what he had just witnessed, but eventually the reality that what he had just seen, was probably not the weirdest thing that would happen on this day set in, and he shook it off.

"Kid, I'm telling you, that buckets not going to help." Brass stated once again, but his words fell on deaf ears as the foal had already placed the bucket back a top his head.

"Helmet!" he gleefully hissed as he ran into another wall.

Both Brass and Hammer gave a facehoof.

"Kid, if you're going to run around with a buc- a helmet on your head, you're going to need eye holes." Brass stated as he pulled the bucket from Nibbles's head once again prompting the creature to his and bare its fangs. However, it quickly turned into a chase as the much smaller creature tried to keep up with the guard who was now making his own way through the halls as he returned to the barracks. Leaving Hammer both confused and on his own. 

Brass quickly made his way over to his personal chest as he began to scavenge through it. Nibbles wasn't sure what the pony was doing with his helmet and he was beginning to grow worried by the sounds emanating from the chest. After several failed jumps to see what was happening in the much larger chest he decided to wait.

After several seconds Brass pulled the bucket out from inside the chest, two newly made eyes holes cut along with a hole for the foals horn.

"There you go, now you can look ridiculous but still see." The Pegasus stated with a light grin as he placed the "helmet" back on the foals head.

"Gah!" it hissed in joy.

"Now kid, if you don't mind I've got to get back to my post." Brass stated as he exited the room and began his trek back to his station, hoping that neither of the Princesses or any of the ambassadors had passed by during his absence. 

"You brought our little friend back with you?" Hammer asked as Brass took his place at the side of the chamber entrance.

"What?" The older guard asked as he turned his gaze and was surprised to see the foal from before had followed him back, the bucket turned helmet still covering his head. Without responding the creature slowly took position next to Brass as it did its best to maintain a serious expression.

"What are you doing?" Brass asked flatly

"Gard!" Nibbles hissed in response

"Guard?"  Hammer asked with a look of confusion.

"Guard!" Nibbles repeated happily

Both Brass and Hammer turned their gaze to each other a slightly confused look on both of their faces.
"Don't worry" Brass whispered "It'll get bored in a couple of minutes and go do something else."

3 Hours Later

Nibbles remained in his spot never breaking is composer except to hiss at the odd passerby. He didn't plan on leaving anytime soon, he wasn't even sure of what he was doing, he just knew he was doing it well.

"I thought you said he'd get bored?" Hammer whispered

"Shut up" Brass responded 

"Prince Nibbles?!" rang a faint but familiar voice as a Changeling popped the corner and proceeded towards the two guards.

"Thorax!" Hammer stated happily "Long time no se-"

"Can't talk" panted the Changeling "Need to find Prince Nibbles"

"Gar!" Hissed Nibbles as he jumped at the unsuspecting Changeling.

"There you are my lord!" Thorax stated in relief "We've been looking for you for hours!"

"That's the Changeling Prince?" Brass asked with a raise brow 

"Yes" The Changeling answered as he gave a bow "And my Queen has had us searching the castle for the last 4 hours."

"Gah! Blarg Rah!" Nibbles hissed

"Do you have any idea what he's saying?" Hammer asked

"Yes" Thorax answered with a look of confusion "He's demanding an offering of cookies to the cookie god."

"Bah!" 

"Right away my lord!" Thorax answered as he gave another bow, before quickly galloping off towards the nearest kitchen, the Changeling Prince hot on his hooves. 

"This was a weird day" Hammer stated flatly 

"You're right and it's only 1PM"  Brass finished as a small explosion rocked the castle, quickly followed by the standard screams of different godly names.





1000 Years Later

Nibbles, King of the Changeling Empire, bringer of peace and one of the most feared foes in all of Equestria sat on his throne. His court session had long since ended and his Mother and Father had already begun their journey back to Equestria. It as finally his turn to relax after another long day of ruling.

"Thorax!" The King shouted, after several seconds a somewhat ragged looking changeling emerged from one of the many entrance ways.

"Yes my lord?"

"The Cookie God demands Snackrifice!" He stated proudly.

"I hate my job" mumbled the Changeling as he facehoofed.
> Chapter 26: Talking and Ice Cream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Canterlot Royal Gardens; home to some of the rarest and most exotic creatures scattered across the globe. Open to the public only one day of the year and Celestia's secret relaxations area for when the daily duties of a ruler become too much. Luckily for her, today it would most likely hold more relaxation for her than normal.

"Chrysalis what are you doing?" Celestia asked as she stared at the Changeling Queen crouched in the bush.

"I'm teaching Nibble's how to hunt" She answered flatly, keeping her gaze focused on some unseen object.

"Nibbles is here?" she asked as she scanned the area for any sign of that horrifying creature that everyone had somehow grown to love. "Wait, wait you're teaching him how to hunt?"

"Yes, and you're making it rather hard to keep track of his progress, so either take a seat or keep on moving."

The sun goddess thought about the two options for a second before her curiosity got the better of her and she too found herself crouched in a bush.

"So what's he hunting" she asked nervously

"Originally I was going to throw him at a Manticore and see how long it took him, but apparently Nightmare has booked all of them. So I decided we'd go with the basics and let him hunt something slower, less intelligent and easily beaten." She answered a slight grin forming.

"Discord?"

"Discord."

"Poor fool" Celestia feigned a bit of sadness "He just can't seem to catch a break, any particular reason you picked Discord?"

"As you know, I left the Ponyville hive in the care of honorary Changeling Princess Carrot Top and Princess Ditzy Do. According to their latest letter, the insane lizard has been secretly starting a cult in his name."

"How bad is it?" Celestia asked with some genuine concern

"He's got my Changelings wearing clothes, how are we supposed to be taken seriously when he's got us wearing pants!"

Celestia let her head tilt slightly as she tried to picture Changelings in clothing. Several seconds later she was still lost in thought as she stared into the sky a slight smile on her face.

"Equestria to Celestia!" Came the voice of Chrysalis as the Sun Goddess was shaken from her thoughts.

"You'd look great in some tight pants" she blurted out.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, so where is the victim of the hour?"

"My spies say he should be here any minute now." answered the Changeling Queen.

"That's goo- wait, you have spies?" Celestia asked with a raised brow

"Obviously, how am I supposed to overthrow you without proper information on your defenses?"

"Fair enoug- Oh look who's here" Celestia stated with slightly giddy smile as she waited to see how events unfolded

The Goddess of the Sun and The Changeling Queen remained silent in their hiding spot as they eagerly watched the oblivious Draconequus make his way into the central portion of the garden. They weren't sure what he was there for, but judging by the box of what appeared to be some freshly baked food, he was on the run from his favorite chef.

"By the way, where is nibbl-"  Celestia was cut off by Chrysalis's hoof on her mouth as the Changeling Queen carefully pointed towards one of the many statues in the garden. The white Alicorn stared in slight confusion for a few seconds before a small figure emerged from within on of the smaller shadows.

With a wicked grin Chrysalis began her whispered countdown "3....2.....1"

"GAAAH!" hissed Nibbles as he made his move, latching onto the unsuspecting Draconequus's face

"OH FOR THE LOVE OF CHAOS" Cried the God of Chaos as he flailed around sending his box of "Found" baked goods flying into the air and he came crashing to the ground.

"Why is this happening?!" he cried in terror as he continued to pry the angry hybrid off his face.

After several seconds of silently watching in rather great joy, Celestia and Chrysalis finally decided it was time to step in, even if Discord's eternal suffering was what they truly wanted. They knew that if they let his play out too long, it would be as much fun the next time he was mauled.

The Changeling Queen gave a sharp whistle as she stepped out of the bush.
"That enough kid!" shouted Chrysalis

Without hesitation Nibbles quickly released his bite on Discord and quickly made his way back to his "Mother" taking his place at her side, not before getting in a quick salute.

Celestia raised a brow "That's a rather strange way to treat your own kid."

"Soldier first, child second" Chrysalis answered flatly as she stared at the still groaning Draconequus on the ground.

"Ice cream?" The small hybrid asked, gaining the attention of the Changeling Queen, who had almost forgotten her end of the deal.

"Very well" she answered doing her best to hide her grin. "We can get Ice cream"

Nibbles let out a squeal of delight as he clambered up onto Chrysalis's back.

"Soldier first, child second?" Celestia repeated with grin.

"Shut up" retorted the Queen of Changelings as she proudly stomped off, making sure she was well out of Celestia's sight before breaking into an excited gallop, Nibbles enjoying every moment as he barely clung to her tail. "We're going to feast on the finest Ice Cream" she shouted in joy.

"Feast!" hissed Nibbles in response.

37 Minutes Later

"This was a terrible idea" groaned the nauseous Queen as she rolled to her side.

"Blarg" groaned the hybrid as he lay curled up to Chrysalis slowly drifting in and out of an Ice Cream induced coma.

"We tell nobody about this" Chrysalis winced as she slowly began to drift into Ice Cream induced deep sleep.

"Nobody" answered Nibbles as he finally passed out.

Back in the Garden

"Hey Discord" Celestia asked as she prodded the semi-conscious Draconequus with her hoof. "You okay there buddy" 

"Why?" groaned the God of Chaos as he rubbed the fresh bite marks on his muzzle "I haven't done anything horrible in weeks, why do you hate me so much?"

"We don't hate you" the Sun Goddess answered as she reached a hoof out towards Discord. "In fact, we do it because we love you."

"Really?" 

Celestia gave a shrug "About fifty-fifty" she answered as she helped Discord to his feet. "We do love you, but that's not the reason we do it. In fact, we've only been getting pay back for the last 50,000 or so years of torment you gave us." Celestia paused for a few seconds as she tried to mentally picture where she had left her list and in a flash of light she had summoned a rather large scroll. "See, we even made a list" she stated with a grin as she let the scroll unroll.

"Wow" muttered the Draconequus as he watched the scroll continue to unroll and eventually turn a corner, presumably to continue its lengthy journey. "Wait, is that my li-"

"Yes, yes it is" answered the Sun Goddess with a wicked grin "That's your old list; we're torturing you with your own list. Except Chrysalis and Nightmare, they just torture you with whatever comes to mind at the time."

Discord couldn't help but give a small smile "I'm proud of you Celestia, I didn't think you and Lulu had it in you, but maybe next universe we do, you can be the villains."

"Really!?" Celestia gave a cough "I mean, really?"

"Sure, you'll need to get a new color scheme though, whites really not that intimating, maybe you could try being a Dragon, or a goat demon."

"I have to ask, what is with your Grogar obsession?" she asked as the two of them started casually walking through the garden.

"I don't have a Grogar obsession; he was just the only one who understood me."

"Understood you? Discord, I know you're still partially insane, but in the span 4 days, he managed to kill you thirty seven times. He lit you on fire and shoved you in the back of carriage and sent you rolling into a hydra den. He killed you, used your corpse for black magic and then killed you again with your own reanimated corpse."

"I know, he really was the only one who got me."

The sun goddess face-hoofed as she slowly shook her head.

"Hey  Celly?"

"Yeah Discord?"

"That's the exact list I used on you and Lulu correct?"

"Correct,"

"Can you guys skip the "Spider box", that wasn't funny for anyone." His expression for once, was one of absolute seriousness. "Seriously, that was a terrible day. There were so many spiders."

"Yeah" Celestia nodded her look of horror slowly fading "We scratched off anything that had the words. Spiders, Undead, Mahogany or and this was a weird one, but we wanted to be safe "The blood of a dead god." I'm assuming that meant one of us, but I can never be sure with you."

"Good call" Discord retorted with a smile "You'd be amazed what you can find just wondering around other universes." the Draconequus paused as he took in his surroundings "Where are we going anyways."

"I thought you would enjoy some Ice Cream as a sign of a peace."

"Ice Cream and peace? You have my attention."

"Well Luna and I have been talking, and we thought a peace treaty with you would be nice for everyone. We also know how much you like Ice Cream, so we're giving you a bit of both."

"Really?" Discord asked in genuine surprise "Or should I expect something horrible to happen in the next ten minutes? To be honest, I'm really hoping something horrible happened."

"Cross my heart and hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye." The Sun Goddess promised. 

Both Discord and Celestia found themselves nervously scanning the surrounding garden, both well aware of what making such a promise meant and after several seconds they found the pink pony glaring at them from a distance and look of absolute seriousness plastered on her face as she gestured at them, in a manner both Discord and Celestia could only assume was some form of threat.

"How does she do that?" Discord asked in complete confusion

"I have no idea." answered the Sun Goddess as she watched the Element of Laughter descended back into the bush. "Also that peace treaty only covers Lulu and myself, no idea what Nightmare or Chrysalis will do to you."

"Fair enough" laughed Discord "We don't want to make it too easy for me. I've got another question Celly"

"Yeah?"

"Why doesn't Luna ever do anything to crazy anymore?"

"You know, that's a good question, how about we go ask her after the Ice Cream?"

"That sounds nice." answered Discord a genuine smile on his face.

Elsewhere in the castle

"Moony, why don't we do anything interesting?" Luna asked, doing her best to force some sadness into her tone.

"Really?" answered Nightmare anger quite apparent in her voice "We're stuck to the ceiling, thanks to a demonic abomination you helped create and you're asking why we don't do interesting things?"

"Oh yeah" Luna stated in surprise as she remember where they were, and turned her gaze back to the floor far below. 
"You've gotta admit, for a foal Nibbles can really do some damage."

"Seriously, why didn't we just make our own super soldiers to over throw Celestia with?"

"I know right?! Moony, he took you down in a little over ten seconds, it was amazing."

"I'll admit, seeing that foal take me down and proceed to beat you with an entire platoon of your own guards, was quite amazing. If I ever want a demon spawn of my own, I think I'll let you work your deranged magic on it." Nightmare finished with a grin as she thought about all the destruction she could bring about with her own unholy child to rain fire upon her unsuspecting enemies.

"That's the nicest thing you've ever said to m-" Luna was cut off as a flash of light filled the room, leaving what appeared to be a small black Draconequus mere inches from Nightmare 

"No time to explain!" shouted the Draconequus "Mom, laser vision!" 

"What?" blurted the confused Alicorn

"Laser vision, when you and aunt Luna make me, give me laser visio-" this time the young Draconequus was cut off as another flash of light filled the room, this time leaving what appeared to be a second Nightmare. "Uh oh" muttered the Draconequus.

"Found you" the new Nightmare stated sternly "What did I tell you about time trave-" the new Nightmare paused as she finally took in her surroundings, finally noticing that she was surrounded by not only Luna, but her younger self.

New Nightmare gave a forced chuckle "Lucid, what did I tell you about trying to change history?"

"But mom, I wanted laser vision." whined Lucid

"Don't but mom m- wait what?" asked New Nightmare her look of angry swiftly changing to one of confusion. "How is coming back in time going to give you laser vision?"

"Can someone tell us what's going on?" asked Nightmare as she continued to watch herself argue with her apparent "Daughter"

"Shut up me" stated New Nightmare "Trust yourself, you don't want to know." 

"You and Discord fall in love and have a kid and that's it!" Luna blurted out as she nodded toward Lucid.

"Why would you do that?" New Nightmare asked

"Mostly because I wanted to see if the entire universe would explode, but also because of that one time you came back in time and stole my sandwich. I mean sure you told me about the future, but that doesn't make me any less hungry. Besides, you can't do anything to me for about two hundred years." Luna finished with a smug grin.

"Really?" New Nightmare asked with a raised brow "How about this?" with a flare of her horn New Nightmare let out a bolt of magic that quickly vaporized the hardened goo holding Luna to the roof. Quickly sending the poor Alicorn plummeting to the hard floor below.

"Any more questions?!" New Nightmare yelled at her past self

Nightmare didn't speak, only rapidly shook her head.

"Good, now Lucid, why in the wide, wide world of Equestria would you travel back in time for laser vision."

"I thought if I came back to before you and aunt Luna made me, I could convince you to add laser vision."

New Nightmare facehoofed "Lucid, for the thirty eighth and final time, you're not a science experiment." 

"Bu- but Dad sai-"

"Your fathers a moron, who probably doesn't know where foals come from, now go to bed."

"Fiiine" groaned the filly as she disappeared in a flash of light.

New Nightmare was about to return to her own time period, but after a moment of thought, she realized this was probably the only chance she'd get at revenge.

"Oh and me." New Nightmare stated with a wicked grin

"Yes?" her past self asked nervously

"This is for marrying that moron of a lizard." with that New Nightmare let out another blast of magic, sending her past self plummeting to the ground below. 

"I probably deserved that." groaned Nightmare as she fell unconscious.  

20 minutes later

Discord and Celestia had just finished their Ice Cream and were on their way to ask Luna a simple question, when they stumbled onto a rather usual sight. Luna dead on the floor, next to a now conscious Nightmare who had managed to help to pull herself over to a wall which she now remained slumped up against.

"What happened this time?" Celestia asked flatly

"Apparently I married a moron" Nightmare answered as she shifted her gaze toward Discord.

"Is it someone I know?" The oblivious lizard asked.

"Yes, in fact you're really close with each other."

A look of absolute joy covered Discord's face "Is it Grogar, did you marry Grogar?!"

"How does it feel?" Celestia whispered into Nightmare's ear "How does it feel knowing, you married this foal?"

"Does everyone know about this but me?" Nightmare hissed back, making sure Discord (who may or may not have been fantasizing about all the good times he'd have with Grogar once he returned) didn't hear anything she said.

"Actually, Luna, and Twilight are the only others who know, and Twilight's already begun planning your wedding."

"Any chance you can just kill me here?" Nightmare asked almost pleading

"No can do Moony." Celestia stated happily as she patted the mare on the head.

"Yeah I didn't think so." Nightmare groaned as she slumped back down, resigned to her fate. "At least I get to have a cool kid, a cool kid who when I finally come back in time and relive this entire event will find herself grounded so hard."
	
	
> Micro Episode 2: Nightmare Night (Chrysalis/Nibbles/Sombra)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Note: Nothing was properly edited because I dun't have the time. I need to be a pirate!





"You need make costume." Sombra stated as he and Nibbles watched Chrysalis continually channel surf through her collection of disguise. Pillar upon pillar of green flame washed each new pony way, Celestia, Cadance, Discord, Donut Joe, none of these disguises satisfied Chrysalis's costume desires.

"Maybe you're rig-" The Changeling Queen paused as she took in the sight of both Sombra and Nibbles, Sombra had made a costume based on some old Monster movie he had seen involving a giant laser shooting lizard attacking a city. She did her best to stifle as laugh as continued to stare, the quality of his costume was amazing, the soft scales were made from green fabric and she knew he must have had some help with the smaller details. However the reason for her laughter came from the head. Sombra had made the head portion slightly too small, giving the image that he had been eaten by the lizard as his head stuck out between the lizard's jaws.

"What?" the clueless gray Unicorn asked as he adjusted the costume.

"Nothing" Chrysalis blurted as she realized how long he she had been staring "Don't you think the head is a littl- Wait, wait, what is Nibbles wearing?" She asked as she stared at Nibbles costume, his bucket had been haphazardly painted a semi-golden yellow. It looked like he had chewed off the head of a broom and glued it to the top. After a few more seconds she still wasn't sure what he had used for the armor, until she realized he hadn't used anything, from what she could tell he had just rolled around in the same golden yellow paint he had used for the helmet.

"Nibbles say he want to be guard" Sombra answered as he turned his gaze to the small hybrid who had removed his bucket helmet and begun chewing on the pumpkin shaped basket.

"You traitorous swine" hissed the Queen gaining a confused glance from the small hybrid. "I'll deal with your treachery later" She added as she turned back to face the mirror "For now I need to come up with a new disguise"

"What we do?" Sombra asked pointing towards the large grandfather clock that stood at the other side of the room. "We supposed to leave before now."

"You two can run ahead" Chrysalis answered as she played with her mane, not sure if she wanted to attempt the "Bride of Frankenstein" look. "However, when I finish I'm claiming 10% of your candy haul as my own."

"Blarrr" Nibbles hissed in response.

"Quiet traitor, 15% for conspiring with the enemy."  Chrysalis retorted

"Blar fla blaaa"

"Double agent you say?" Chrysalis answered with a raised brow "Very well then, 5% from you, but if I find out you betrayed me, no ice cream for a week and I take 20%"

2 Minutes later

Sombra had managed to use his sad eyes to guilt trip Chrysalis down to 3%. Nibbles had discovered the meaning of life but was too focused on the concept of free candy to actually tell someone.

The two of them happily made their way through the decorated castle, not sure where they should start their candy hunt. Elsewhere in the castle the owner of this fine Holiday was taking a break on her balcony knowing all her work was about to pay off.

Nightmare took her holiday very seriously leaving the entire month of October open for Nightmare Night planning, she had hoof picked each and every decoration placed around the castle, claiming almost half the castle staff as her personal decorators, cook continually put out Nightmare Night treats, Celestia made their taste tester as a genius bribe, Guards were forced to dress for the holiday and to top it all off Luna got no say in any of it.

"Come on, let me hellllllp" Whined Luna as she poofed into existence next to her lounging other half.

"Really?" Nightmare sighed "Discord said he'd remove you for the night."

"I hit him so hard I sent him back in time." Luna answered flatly

"To when?"

"You remember when we were trying to take over Equestria and we thought he escaped?"

"Yeah" Nightmare answered with a slow nod.

"Yeah, we're going to have to go chisel him out later."

Nightmare paused for a second as she thought back to the night. It did seem quite odd that Discord was just wandering around her castle with a black eye, even odder when he didn't see the beating she gave him coming.

"You know we probably should have realiz- wait, wait" Nightmare paused once again as she moved closer to Luna "You ever get the feeling that someones using us to stall for time?" she whispered.

"Yeah" Luna answered with a slow nod "It's like whenever one of us stops doing something interesting the feeling goes awa-"

Back with Sombra and Nibbles

"Nightmare Night what a fright, give us something sweet to bite!" Sombra sang and Nibbles mumbled as they stood at the entrance to the castle.

Celestia gave a light laugh as she poured a bit of candy into each of their buckets. "You know you didn't have to walk all the way around the castle right?"

"No cheating" Sombra managed to mumble as he lifted his candy basket up again. “We go to front of house like others.”

"Very well my little pony, you two hav-"

"Wait, wait don't leave yet!" came the familiar voice of Chrysalis as she did her best to run, tripping over her costume every few steps. "I'm ready, don't leave without Me." she shouted once more as she tripped once more flying right out of the entrance way coming to halt at the hooves of Celestia.

"Nightmare Night what a fright, give us something sweet to bite" she groaned as she picked herself up and started fixing her costume.

"A Ghost?" Celestia asked with a raised brow as she stared at the Chrysalis, who was beneath a thin white sheet, two holes cut out for her to see and a single hole for her horn  and finally one large hole for her mouth. The sun goddess did her best not to laugh as she noticed the heart shaped patch near the bottom.

"It was all I could come up with!" Chrysalis answered defensively 

"It's not bad" Celestia spoke "in fact, I think you look adorable."

 Source


"I am not adorable" the Changeling Queen stated as she stomped her hoof. "I'm terrifying!" she shouted as she quickly turned to face Nibbles and Sombra doing her best to give a menacing roar. However, she was not met with screams of fear, instead she was met with the delighted squeal of Nibbles has he latched onto her face. 

"Wow you look adorable" came the voice of Luna as she descended from sky, landing next to her sister.

"Luna why are you dres-"

"I'm not Luna, I'm Nightmare Moon." Luna stated

Celestia gave a sigh "Fine I'll play your game, Nightmare where is Luna?"

"I had to kill her." Luna once again answered flatly

"Really?"

"No, she tried to take my night, so I drugged her pumpkin pie."

"Doesn't that seem a little excessiv-" Celestia was cut off by Luna's hoof.

"One sec" Luna said as she started shifting her gaze in all directions, trying to spot any on lookers.
"ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?!" Luna screamed at the night sky "WASN'T THAT INTERESTING?!"

"Lun- Nightmare are you okay? You're yelling at the sky." Celestia asked her sister nervously

"I'm not yelling at the sky, I'm yelling at the ponies watching us." Once again Luna paused as she looked around. 
"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!"

"No!" came the shout of some unseen pony. "Now shut up and let some of us sleep."

After several seconds of searching for the source, Luna eventually spotted an Angry looking Changeling on the balcony far above them.

"Sorry" Luna muttered with an embarrassed blush as she quickly and quietly made her way back into the castle.

"That weird" Sombra stated in confusion.

"Yes, yes it was" Luna and Chrysalis answered in unison

2 Hours Later

It had been a great night for the group of three. Sombra and Nibbles had managed to gather a candy hoard so large it could make a dragon jealous. Chrysalis on the other hand had been gorging herself on other ponies love for Candy while at the same time gathering her own. Needless to say the Changeling Queen had managed to get a tummy ache without ever eating a piece of candy.

Nightmare woke up a few hours later wondering why she had passed out face first into a pie. Eventually remembering her conversation with Luna.

Luna went into hiding for the next few days, not only from Nightmare but also the imaginary ponies she believed were watching her.

Discord spent the last 1002 years trapped in stone, luckily for him Celestia eventually noticed he was missing and stumbled upon him during her search. Unfortunately for him she was in need of a coat rack for the next few days. Needless to say, it was only the second of many, many, MANY absolutely weird Nightmare Nights in Equestria. 
	
	
	
	 
	
	
	
	
> Micro Episode 3:  I Ate Rats
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Luna sat in her lab staring at her many unfinished projects. Some she had completely forgotten about, other she had no idea what she had intended to do with them once she had started. She turned her gaze to a large cube she had built to contain Discord or Celestia  should she ever want to take over Equestria, she was sure it would hold them at the very least for 3 hours, which would give her at least enough time to deface a few paintings. After some thought she shifted her gaze to her old Taser, for a few seconds she thought about bringing it back out for a few more trials, but was quickly cut off by sudden banging from above.

"What in the seven fires of Tartarus?" Luna muttered as she stared at the ceiling, eventually determining the sounds were most likely echoing throughout the vents. After a few more seconds her suspicions were confirmed as a rather large white pony shaped object came plummeting through vents, Luna barely able to react catching it in an aura of magic mere seconds before it hit the ground.

Luna stared in confusion at Anguish as she was held aloft by Luna's Magic. 

"We thought you left like two weeks ago." Luna stated in confusion as she stared at the White-fur

"I tried!" Anguish hissed as she stared in horror at the pony still holding you. "The Castle won't let me out, and thanks to your stupid collar everything keeps attacking me!"

"First off" Luna began as she lowered Anguish to the ground, the White-fur promptly lowering herself as close to the floor as possible as she served the room for any more of the castles insane traps. "Your first mistake was trying to fight the castle, you don't fight the castle."

"What do you mean?!" Anguish snapped back the look of terror in her purple eyes growing. "I just want to go back to my forest and my cozy den." 

"We don't control the Castle" Luna answered "Castle does what Castle wants and apparently Castle has decided you're staying, think of it like a crazy Ex-Mare friend, except Castle won't try to kill you, only maim. As well if you don't make Castle mad you won't even notice it."

"Are you insane?!" Anguish snapped

"Probably, you're not looking too sane yourself. What happened to you?"

"I've been living off rats for the last two weeks, what do you think happened?!" snapped the Whitefur "When you idiots wandered off to do whatever ever you fools do, I tried to sneak out and the floor dropped out and I landed in a big stone maze."

"How is the Minotaur doing!?" Luna asked in excitement

"You keep a Minotaur down there?!"

"Oh don't worry, it's not one of the "Polite" Minotaurs it's one of the "Eat your face if it catches you in its maze"

"I didn't see a Minotaur" Anguish hissed a slight bit of relief in her tone at the knowledge she had escaped one horror "But I did escape your stupid maze and then I go-"

"Castle's maze" Luna interrupted

"What?" hissed the Whitefur

"It's the Castle's Maze, Castle enjoys making mazes"

"I don't care and when I get out of here, I'm going to bring your Castle down!" Anguish shouted as she stamped her hoof. "I'm going to go back to my den and I'm going to gather my pets and when I come back I'm going to destroy every last stone"

"Oh you shouldn't have said that" the Night Goddess spoke as the room around them began to shake "You don't threaten Castle."

"Oh and why shouldn't I?" Snapped the semi crazy mare "I've been trapped in this place for two weeks and at least once a day you morons have blown something up!" Anguish shouted as she watched a rather large whole open in the ceiling small pebbles and dust raining down on her as the room stopped shaking.

"You might want to move" Luna stated with some concern

"I'm not doin-" Sadly Anguish was cut off as a rather large white mass came plummeting out of newly formed hole landing directly on top of the Whitefur

"Whoa" Celestia groaned as she rubbed her head and stared up at the hole she had dropped from. Eventually turned her gaze towards her sister who continued to stare at her in stunned silence. "Luna I don't know what you're doing, but I've told you a thousand times before, I don't want anything to do with it. At least not on my days off."

"I... I didn't do it" Luna stuttered still in shock "Castle did it"

"Now Luna" Celestia began with a sigh "You can't just go blaming Castle for things you do, especially since Castle hasn't tried anything in almost a year."

"But Anguish threatened it!" 

"Anguish...." Celestia paused as she tried to remember where she had heard that name before "Wait is that the freaky thing you were planning to keep as a pet or something but it rain away?"

"I wasn't going to keep her as a pet, I was going to study her for science" Luna answered "and yes she tried to run away but apparently Castle wants her to stay because she's been trapped here for the past two weeks."

"Where is she then?" Celestia asked in confusion as she served the room from where she sat

"You're sitting on her" the Night Goddess answered 

Celestia looked down in horror as she realized why she had received such a soft landing; quickly she pulled herself off the now unconscious creature. "Why would Castle drop me on someone it barely knows?" Celestia asked her confusion only growing as she checked the creature for a pulse.

"Maybe it was just dropping the largest thing it could find?" Luna answered nonchalantly 

"But why drop it on her, Castle hardly kno-" Celestia paused as she realized what Luna had just said


Source

20 Minutes later

"I still don't see how I deserved any of that" Luna groaned as she rubbed her singed head as she continued to follow her sister.

"You called me fat" Celestia hissed in response as she continued along through the castle, the still unconscious Anguish atop her back.

"Maybe you should lay off th-" Luna froze up as she was suddenly faced with her sister's hate filled gaze 

"Finish that sentence Luna." Celestia hissed "I'm sure you'd enjoy another night on the moon."

"But Celly there's a problem with that plan." Luna answered a wicked grin on her face.

"What!" snapped the Sun Goddess

"There's no way I could gain enough speed to escape your gravitational pul-"


"Worth it" Luna laughed to herself as she lounged on the Lunar Surface
	
> Episode 27: Morty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mortimer belongs to Grievousfan a massive thank you to her for letting me use her amazing character. I hope I didn't butcher his personality too bad.




Saturday; the day Celestia and Luna reserved for themselves once every week. There was a simple rule for Saturday and that was no Discord, sure this was a completely new rule, in fact that had decided on it that morning, when they chose to poison his cereal.

Currently the two goddesses found themselves lounging in their throne room. Somehow Luna had managed to claim the big throne, leaving Celestia to the comically small "Spare" throne she had kept in the odd chance that Luna actually decided to hold Night court more than once a month. Celestia paused for a moment as she thought about her own Day Court, she was pretty sure she had held it at some point within the last two weeks.

"Hey Celly" rang the voice of Luna as the Sun Goddess was knocked from her thought

"Yes sister?" she answered as she stretched and pulled herself off the spare throne.

"Do you know who I miss?"

"Grogar?"

"No, Discord's the one with the weird Grogar obsession" Luna retorted as she thought back to all those awkward moments where Discord had attempted to convince them into letting Grogar come stay with them. The weirdest part about the whole thing was that Discord seemed completely oblivious to the fact that Grogar had left Equestria simply to avoid Discord.

"Discord?"

"He wishes" the Goddess answered with a laugh "No, I miss Morty"

Celestia raised an eyebrow at her sisters statement. "What possible reason could you have to miss Mortimer? We literally see him every day, at least once a day one of us bites the dust and then Morty has to drop whatever he's doing and come drag us out of the abyss because none of can bother to remember the way out ourselves." she finished with a facehoof that after several thousand years of constantly dying she still wasn't quite sure out to get back to Equestria on her own.

"You're exaggerating" The Night Goddess answered

"Yesterday you tripped while getting out of bed stumbled onto your balcony and fell several hundred feet to your death."

"That's only one time!" 

"The day before that you managed not only to kill yourself but bring, Discord, Nightmare and myself with you."

"That was an accident" Luna answered defensively

"You were making and sandwich!" Celestia shouted back "You managed to kill yourself and three other gods while making a sandwich.

"You know what Celly, I don't need this I'm going to go summon Morty and we're going to have the best day ever." with that and a flare of her horn Luna vanished from the room leaving Celestia to facehoof in peace, after a few minutes though she decided it was probably her duty to keep her sister from summoning Death. But first she decided to have a sandwich.... a very carefully made sandwich.

[15 Minutes Later]

She hadn't managed to find Luna during her search, but she had created the best sandwich Equestria had ever known, so that had to count for something. She had also managed to enlist Chrysalis in the hunt for the Night Goddess as well as narrow the search done to either the forbidden archives or the Luna's private bathroom. Both Chrysalis and Celestia came to the obvious conclusion of where Luna would have gone for such an unholy ritual.

"Damn" Celestia stated in defeat "I was sure she'd be in her bathroom."

"You guys have waterfall in your tubs?!" Chrysalis stated in stunned amazement as she stuck her head back into Luna's bathroom. "Why don't I get a waterfall in my tub?"

"You invaded my kingdom and stuck me in a goo cocoon" Celestia answered flatly as she began her march towards the forbidden archives "Just be glad we didn't execute your rubber ducks as a greater punishment."

A look of horror washed over the Changeling Queen's face at the mention of rubber ducks. "You leave Mr.Quackers out of this, he had nothing to do with the invasion. However sometimes Mr.Quackers does plot to overthrow me, so I have to put him in the timeout corner of the dungeon bath." Chrysalis paused for a second as she thought back to all the times Mr.Quackers had attempted to overthrow her. "There was also that time when I had put him in the timeout corner and Mrs.Quackers liberated him. 

"How did that end for you?" Celestia asked as the two of them continued through the halls of Canterlot Castle.

"They spent a week in the dungeon's tub" Chrysalis answered no hint of a joke in her voice. "I love all my subjects" Chrysalis stated proudly "But I will not hesitate to put one in the timeout corner for plotting against me" she finished with a stamp of her hoof.

"There's something incredibly wrong with you." Celestia answered as they finally reached the solid black doors of the forbidden archives. Chrysalis gave a casual shrug before attempting to open the large metal doors, after about a minute of straining and groaning in an attempt to force the doors open she slid to the floor.

"You finished?" the Sun Goddess asked as the familiar golden glow enveloped her horn and eventually spread to the door causing the inner mechanisms to stir as all the locks began to release granting the two of them access to the archives. 

As Celestia had expected the torches within had already been lit revealing the towers of forbidden tomes that had been acquired throughout her infinite life, she was still amazed with the horrible spells and potions that creatures had been able to create. She still remembered the Toastrialnomicon and the horrors it had brought. Armies of undead toast descending upon her helpless little ponies, the only upside was that their butter always landed on the downside making them rather easy to dispatch

"Equestria to Celestia, come in Celestia do you read me!" came the sudden voice of Chrysalis as Celestia was shaken from her shell shocked flashback of a toast filled nightmare. "I don't think Luna should be doing that." the Changeling stated nervously as she pointed towards the lunar goddess who stood at the center of the room surrounded by candles and a pentagram.

Celestia gave a sigh as she approached the pentagram "Luna what are you doing?"

"Morty won't answer my letters so I'm summoning him the old fashioned way." The possibly deranged Alicorn answered

"He probably needs more than a few minu-" Celestia paused as she raised her hoof from the edge of the pentagram leaving a somewhat sticky substance on her hoof. "Luna, is this pentagram made with blood?"

"Discord wasn't using it" Luna shouted in response as she lit another candle and poured some powders into a bowl. "Though the ritual calls for Goats blood, Discord's part goat right?"

"I don't kno- That's not important right now Luna you need to stop, this isn't even the summo-" Celestia was cut off as Luna immediately threw the last two ingredients into the bowl, causing the room to begin shaking. An excited grin began to form on Luna's face as the circle began to glow and the flames of the candles exploded outward. Celestia however wore an expression of horror as a large black mass began to rise from it. Chrysalis on the other hoof was far too interested in a book she had found called the "Toastrialnomicon" to notice the unholy events happening before her. After several seconds the black mass had almost fully emerged and with a final shock wave of magical energy all the candle were extinguished.

"Oh great you foals turned out the lights" Chrysalis groaned in annoyance as she tried to remember a light spell. A moment later her horn flared up as green light shone out a few feet around her revealing the grisly sight of a rather large pony skull silently stared at her.

"Good Morning" the skull spoke as two red dots formed in its empty eye sockets.

"Nope" Chrysalis spoke with a twitch as she cancelled out her light spell.

Silently Luna and Celestia sat in the dark and listened as Chrysalis's hoof beats grew further away as she apparently calmly made her way to the door. A small shaft of light appeared as the large metal doors were opened again revealing the skull still staring at the Changeling Queen a few seconds later the doors were shut and the panicked screams of Chrysalis began as she bolted down the halls in a desperate attempt to get away.

"Have a good day" came the voice of the skull a slight town of depression edging out of its tone

"Huzza it worked!" rang the joyful cry of Luna as she made her way through the dark towards the source of the voice. "Hello Morty" Luna spoke cheerfully as she wrapped her hooves around what she thought was Mortimer's neck. Then the candles re-lit themselves.

"Honey I'm home!" shouted Discord as he dangled from the impressively tall Mortimer's claws, Luna's hooves wrapped around his neck. Luna didn't hesitate as she pushed herself away from the Draconequus. "I was really hoping he wouldn't have picked you up already."

"Hey!" The semi Skeletal Draconequus spoke as he lowered himself to eye level with Luna and placed a claw to his chest and titled his head proudly. "I pride myself on getting folks to their destination on time." as he finished he causally dropped the smaller Draconequus to the floor.

"Now Luna" Mortimer began as he leaned in even closer to Luna till his skeletal muzzle was almost touching Luna's as the two red dots that served as his eyes focused in on her completely. "I assume you have a very good reason for rushing me along, death may not wait for anyone, but he certainly doesn't like being rushed."

"Can't I just "invite" an old friend over for a visit?" Luna answered as sweetly as possible gaining no visible response from Mortimer's skeletal grin.

"You see me every day, every single day." 

"Those are more like business trips than visiting." 

"Well then" Mortimer began as he took his "eyes" off Luna and quickly gave Celestia a glance, before finally stopping on Discord who lay beneath him staring up at him. "If you'll excuse me I've got a schedule to keep, there's a hundred and twenty two year old grandmother in Ponyville who won't escape me this time." he finished as his head tilted up and his gaze shifted on an empty wall. "The score might be twenty nine to nothing Granny Smith, but today is the day I win." he spoke a hint of bitterness in his voice. 

With that his eyes flared red and shadows rapidly enveloped him, after several seconds the shadows began to dissipate leaving a rather confused God of Death. Once again his eyes flared red and the shadows and stench of death enveloped him and just like before they faded to reveal the large Draconequus still perched where he had been previously.

"What. Did. You. Do" He spoke through clenched teeth as he glared down at the ever shrinking Night Goddess

"Nothing!" Luna shouted defensively as she tried to back away but found that every step she took away Mortimer took to steps towards her. "It was just a summoning spell, nothing more."

"Actually" Celestia finally spoke up a hint of fear in her voice, "I tried to stop you Luna, but you were too focused, that wasn't a summoning ritual, it was a binding ritual."

"Uh oh" Luna whispered to herself as she turned back to the Skeletal Draconequus his empty sockets now literally on fire as flames poured out of his eyes and mouth.

"Fix. It"

"She can't" Celestia answered flatly "She could if she had bound you to herself, but she didn’t; she painted the binding symbols on the castle meaning that's what you're bound to."

"Then remove it" he hissed as he bolted towards the white Alicorn stopping only a few inches from her.

"I can't, we'll have to wait for it to run its course. Now calm down, we'll get this fixed."

"Calm down?" Mortimer repeated as the flames slowly began to die out. "Do you know how many creatures are supposed to die today? Two thousand nine hundred and seven, would you like to know how they're going to die? Or what their last thought will be? Even better do either of you remember what happens to someone who dies and death doesn't show up for them?"

"They're trapped in their own bodies till someone comes and gets them" Luna answered as she stared at the ground. "But we can cover for you, Celly and I used to play the role of Death before we can do it again."

"You're both too emotional" Mortimer answered as he summoned one of his countless scrolls listing those who would die on this day.

"No we're no-" Luna was cut off before she could finish

"You cried and pleaded with me when your goldfish died, how would you go about telling a foal that he had to go away and he wouldn't see his family again for a very long time? Would you like me to tell you how many foals will die today?" The Draconequus spat at them "Would you like to know their hopes and dreams? You three get to play the fun roles this time, sitting in your castle and enjoying life. While I'm forced to take it away. I don't get to calm down." He finished as he turned his gaze back to the two Alicorns, flames returning to his eyes as realized they had both left. Almost instantly there was a flash of light and both of them returned.

"Done" Celestia said with a relieved sigh

"Where did you go?" Mortimer hissed again

"Everywhere!" the Sun Goddess answered with a laugh

"Don't play games with me" The Draconequus growled as the flames began to grow.

"No" Celestia began calmly as she picked up Mortimer's scroll and unrolled it "We went everywhere" she spoke as she turned the scroll for the Draconequus to see. 

"How" Mortimer muttered to himself as he watched name after name vanish from the scroll, every few seconds he'd summon another one and it was always the same names constantly vanishing. "How?" he repeated as he stared down at the two Alicorns.

"We split up and covered each death for the next two months." Celestia said with a smile "We're currently personally escorting ponies to the afterlife as we speak.... or we did... or we plan to I don't know anymore."

"Hhm" Mortimer began as he returned the scroll to its proper place "Apparently I've misjudged you two, you've grown quite a lot since the last time we properly talked." any anger that remained in his voice slowly fading away. 

"We saved you Granny Smith" Luna added with a laugh 

"She shot you didn't she?" The Skeletal Draconequus asked with a chuckle 

"Just a bit" Celestia answered as she rubbed her flank. That mare might have been old, but she was one hell of a shot. "Oh I almost forgot" she added as she summoned a box "She was wondering what happened to you and when we told her what we did she made you something." the Sun Goddess finished as she passed the box to him.

Mortimer hesitated as he held the box in his claws, he wasn't sure if he wanted to open the box knowing Granny Smith's tactics, he could open the box and Boom! He’s picking bits and pieces of himself off the floor again. Eventually he worked up the courage to slowly open the box and after about a minute of the slowest box opening Equestria has ever known he removed the lid, revealing a freshly baked pie.

"Well that was sweet of her, Discord come here for a second" The Skeletal Draconequus commanded as he shifted his gaze to the much smaller Draconequus cowering inside a crudely made book fort. Quickly Discord made his way over to the rest of the group, whether out of curiosity or fear nobody could tell.

"Try some of this pie" Mortimer insisted as he levitated a small piece into Discord's talons. The rest of the group silently watched as the God of Chaos scarfed down the piece he was given.

"It’s goo-" *Thud*

"Clever girl" Mortimer stated as he stared down at the once again deceased Discord. 

"So then, seeing as I'm now trapped here thanks to you three, I guess it's time to talk about my accommodations" 

"Oh yes" Celestia began "We've got a rather nice roo-"

"Do you have a dungeon?" Mortimer interrupted

"Yes...." Celestia answered awkwardly "But I'm sure you'd be more comfortable in the rooms we have."

"No, just have the furniture sent to the dungeon, I'd rather enjoy being a bit distant from the all the living things."

"Very well, anything else you think would make your stay more comfortable?"

"Well" Mortimer began to think as he tapped a claw to his skull "Since I outrank all of you, I would like a bathtub with two waterfalls." 

"How do you even know about that?!" the Sun Goddess asked in confusion

"You've died in that tub about 3 times now" the skeletal Draconequus answered flatly, two of those times you got drunk and passed out in the tub, the third time you got drunk and decided to play "Toaster in the tub" with Luna, at the time I thought it was some incredibly creepy name for some weird fetish game, but no. I had to bring both of you idiots back here because you literally dropped toasters into each other’s tub."

"Oooooh yeah" both Luna and Celestia spoke in unison 

"I'd also like a pretty crown like the one you two got." Mortimer added as he picked up Celestia crown from her head and slowly lowered it onto his own head.

"Very well, we'll get your "Room" set up, please try not to cause instant panic the moment you leave this room and we'll see you at dinner." With that Celestia vanished in a flash of light.

"Sorryfortrappingyouinthecastle" Luna blurted as she teleported off.

Mortimer gave a soft chuckle "Well, that haven't grown that much, but at least they've grown."

{6 Hours Later}

"So Mr.Quackers" Chrysalis spoke as she stared at the duck floating in the corner of the tub "I see they've improved the conditions of your prison as a way to mock me" the Changeling Queen stared hatefully at the not one, but two waterfalls that now adorned Mr.Quackers punishment tub.

"Hello again" rang a strangely familiar from behind the Changeling Queen "May I ask why you're playing with a rubber duck in my bathtub?"

Chrysalis kept her gaze focused on the rubber duck "Mr.Quackers tried to kill me, he has to be punished for that act of treason" she finished speaking as she turned to see who she was talking to. It took a few seconds for her to realize what she was staring at, but when she did the halls of Canterlot Castle echoed with the screams of the Changeling Queen as she fled from the dungeon.

"Poor dear" Mortimer spoke to himself as he picked up the small yellow rubber duck "I wonder what's got her so spooked." 
	
	
> Episode 28: A Bag of Cat Food
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunrise, the worst point of the day and Nightmare's sworn enemy. Not only did it ruin her plans for eternal night, but it continuously mocked her every day since. That blinding light that always seemed to burn its way through her curtain and eventually her eyes.

The mare of darkness gave a groan as she rolled over to face the wall and leave the hateful light behind her. Nightmare gave a sigh of relief as darkness returned beneath her eyelids and slowly she began to open them. As her blurred vision slowly focused she was left in total confusion as she stared at the Draconequus lying next to her.

"Oh" Discord said awkwardly "Good morning"

For those ponies within the castle that had yet to wake up they found they had received a new alarm clock guaranteed to wake anyone up as the echoed shriek of Nightmare Moon slowly faded as it exited the royal gardens.

"What's happening?" Celestia shouted moments later as she teleported directly into the room followed by a rather groggy Luna who as far as anyone could tell was probably still asleep.

"Oh sorry to interrupt" Celestia muttered awkwardly as she realized she was currently standing in front of Nightmare and Discord sharing a bad.

"This isn't what it looks like!" they shouted in unison.

"This moron snuck into my chambers! Probably to attempt another one of his schemes" Nightmare hissed

"I didn't sneak" Discord answered "I asked if I could come in and you said yes, then mumbled that night would last forever." the God of Chaos paused as he put a talon to his chin "In fact you mumbled that for the majority of the night."

Celestia glared at Nightmare, Nightmare slugged Discord.

"What are you doing in my bed Discord" Nightmare growled 

"Anything you want Moony" Discord answered with a grin and a raised eyebrow

Celestia glared at Discord, Nightmare slugged Discord

Discord gave a groan as he rubbed the side of his face "Ah so is this what tough love feels like?"

"Discord you have ten seconds to tell me why you're in my bed." Nightmare hissed as her horn began to glow

"Spider..." Discord answered with a slight twitch "Big spider"

"I thought Fat Flank was the one with the fear of spiders" Nightmare asked as she looked towards Celestia

Luna gave a slight chuckle as she struggled to stay standing, Celestia slugged Nightmare

"No, you don't understand this is a big spider.... and magic proof"

"So you decided instead of dealing with it, you'd sleep in my bed instead?"

"No I was hoping if it followed me it would eat you first."

Nightmare thought about slugging Discord once again but she decided against it in favor of the classic facehoof.
"Okay, let's just go kill the spider so we can get the standard horrible day going." Nightmare sighed as she stood up carelessly wrapping her magic around Discord neck as she dragged him along with her. Celestia and Luna following behind.

A few minutes later they now stood at the entrance of Discord's chamber Chrysalis having joined them along the way mostly wanting to see what kind of insect could reduce Discord to such a state.

Maybe I can forge an alliance with this creature The Changeling Queen thought to herself. Then it can torment that moron forever after a few seconds Chrysalis paused as she realized everyone else was staring at her

"What?"

"You were laughing" Celestia spoke "Pretty evilly I might add, what were you thinking about?"

"You'll find out soon enough." Chrysalis answered "Let's open this door."

"Please no" Discord begged as he dived in front of the door. "We can just launch the entire room into the sun."

"Really now Discord" Celestia sighed as she lifted the Draconequus off the ground with her magic "It's just a spider" she added as she opened the door.

"Oh come on!" She yelled as she found herself face to face with a with the largest spider she had ever seen, the demonic creatures face so large that it filled the door way, venom dripping from its fangs.

"Nope" Luna stated flatly as she pulled her sister away from the door and wrapped her magic around the room, and in swift move she launched the entire thing into orbit. The five immortals stared in silence as they watched Discord's chamber burn up as it tried to enter the atmosphere.

"Where Fluffy go?" came the muffled voice of Sombra 

The five gods turned in unison to face the rather confused looking Grey Unicorn who was currently holding what appeared to be a bag of cat food in his mouth. Nibbles lying on top of his head.

"Who's Fluffy?" Celestia asked awkwardly part of her already aware of where this conversation was going to end.

"He is Nibbles pet." Sombra answered as he lowered the bag onto the ground.

"Pet!" Nibbles shouted in excitement

"Nibbles find spider but no food for spider, so we make spider bigger so we can feed it normal food. But he run away last night and we find him here before."

"Get food!" Nibbles shouted as he jumped down and slowly started pushing the bag of cat food towards the now missing room.

The five gods shared a couple of awkward glances as they tried to figure out who would be the one to tell Nibbles that they had just vaporized his pet. 

"Well you see Nibbles" Celestia began as she lowered herself towards the small hybrid "Fluffy had to go home."

Celestia winced as Nibbles finally showed an emotion other than hunger and excitement, unfortunately for her that emotion was sadness.

"Home?" Nibbles repeated

"Yes, he had to go back to his family."

"No pet?" He asked sadly as he fell onto his flank.

Celestia was about to answer when a sly grin slowly began to spread across her face.
"I think I know where you can get a proper pet."

The Sun Goddess watched with joy as the excitement returned to Nibbles' face.

"To Stuttershys house!" Discord shouted as he snapped his talons and in a flash of light everyone found themselves outside of a rather large tree house on the edge of the Everfree forest.

"Pssst Chrysalis" Luna hissed as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes once again. 

"Yeah?" The Changeling Queen answered as she leaned towards the Moon Goddess 

"You ever get the feeling that our days start off heading in one direction and then promptly going crashing in another?"

"I know what you mean; I thought the spider was going to take up at least the first half of the day." Chrysalis finished as she returned back to where she was originally standing.

"Who Stuttershy?" Sombra asked in confusion as he tried to figure out where they were.

"Fluttershy" Celestia corrected as she glared at Discord "She runs the Ponyville animal sanctuary; she's got all sorts of animals looking for a nice home." The Sun Goddess finished as she shifted her gaze back to Nibbles who's mind was now thinking of all the animals he could get as a pet, he could get a bird or spider.... which at the moment where to only two types of animals he had ever seen so it was a very short moment of thought as he started running towards the cottage entrance.

At the moment Fluttershy was preparing to go out and house sit for her old friend Harry the bear and found herself surprised when a rather loud and sudden knocking began at her front door, followed by something that sounded like shouting. Cautiously she made her way over to the entrance and slowly opened it up just enough to peak out.

"Oh" Fluttershy spoke to herself "Nobody there." she finished with a nervous laugh

"Pet?" came an unfamiliar voice. 

"Oh hello there." Fluttershy greeted as she finally noticed the foal at the door. "Can I help you?"

"Pet!" Nibbles shouted in excitement 

"Good morning Fluttershy" rang the voice of Princess Celestia as she approached the door.

For a few moments Fluttershy was about to panic as she tried to remember if she had forgotten anything that would make Princess Celestia mad at her. "H-hello Princess, what brings you here this morning?"

"My little friend Nibbles here would like to get his first real pet."

"Pet!" Nibbles shouted again

The yellow Pegasus found herself easing up at the mention of pets, animals as the one thing she was best at.
"Please come in" she spoke happily as she opened the door further revealing Princess Luna.

"Oh Hello Princess Luna" Fluttershy spoke once again finding herself nervous as she remembered the events of the past Nightmare Nights. "Please make yourself at home"

"Thank you" Luna stated happily as she entered along with Nibbles and her sister. She then stared in complete and utter horror as Nightmare Moon, Queen Chrysalis, Discord, and King Sombra promptly followed. Then she passed out. 

"Wow" Discord said he stared at the unconscious mare "She obviously couldn't handle our glory.. Oh I think she's waking up."

The yellow Pegasus groaned as she slowly picked herself up off the floor and rubbed her head.
"I just had the strangest dream."

"Oh really?" Nightmare asked a small grin spread across her face as once again Fluttershy passed out this time though Celestia managed to catch her before she hit the ground.

A few minutes later Fluttershy once again picked herself off the ground. "I'm sorry Princess Celestia; I don't know what's gotten into me."

"It's no problem Fluttershy" Chrysalis said with a toothy grin, once again the mare fell to the floor.

"Okay guys" Celestia facehoofed "It was funny the first two times, now we've got to stop."

"Aww" Discord, Luna, Nightmare and Chrysalis sighed in disappointment

"Why does my head hurt" Fluttershy groaned as she once again stood up.

"You passed out" Celestia answered and then watched as once again Fluttershy passed out "OH COME ON!" Celestia shouted as her horn began to glow as she aimed a spell at Fluttershy.

"Sister what are you doing?" Luna asked as she stared at the unconscious mare

"Temporarily removing her ability to feel fear." Celestia answered flatly "If I don't we'll be here all day watching someone pass out."

"Hey get up" Celestia hissed as she prodded the mare with a hoof. "Come one we need to get this ball moving."

"Pet!" Nibbles shouted as he jumped up and down on the unconscious mare's chest "Pet! Pet! Pet"

"Did you say Pets?!" Fluttershy shouted as she bolted to her hooves sending Nibbles sailing across the room. "I have lots of pets!" the mare shouted before diving out her window into her backyard.

"Are you sure that was the right spell?" Luna asked with a look of worry.

"It might have been the adrenaline spell" Celestia answered awkwardly as they started following after Fluttershy making sure to use the door.

"Animals Assemble!" Fluttershy shouted

The five immortals watched as animals descended and emerged from every possible location. Birds of all types, cats, dogs, goats and even a few animals that were most definitely illegal.

"Is that a Lion?" Nightmare muttered.

"Nobody is allowed to get a Lion" Celestia answered flatly. The only answer she got was the collective sigh of disappointment from the group.

"What pet you want?" Sombra asked as Nibbles stared in amazement at all the different animals he had never seen. 
After a few minutes of thinking he noticed something rather shiny off in the distance and as his eyes focused on it he finally decided which pet was the one he wanted most. The group tried to keep up with him as he bolted from Fluttershy's backyard and started on a direct path towards the Everfree forest.

"This!" The Hybrid stated as he pointed at the strange little plant, its small base appeared to be made of crystal that jutted awkwardly out of the ground, several small balls of glowing light dangled from its two tiny branches. The faint sounds of humming emanating from it.

"Celly is that what I think it is?" Luna asked as tried to get a better look.

"Only one way to know for sure." Celestia answered as she motioned towards Discord. "Discord you've got hands, why don't you help Nibbles move this little sapling to a pot."

Discord gave a reluctant sigh as he was voluntold to do manual labor and as he bent down to pick up the small sapling he could feel a faint tingling in his hand as the tip of his talon touched the base of the tree he found himself once again encased in stone.

"Well would you look that! Harmony in its purest form" Celestia spoke as she picked up Discord and moved him over a few feet causing the stone around him to disappear. "When Twilight and her friends left the Tree of harmony one of its seeds must have stuck to Fluttershy." Celestia was unaware that her words were falling on deaf ears as Nibbles learned the true power of his new pet. 

Discord continued to run in circles as the small hybrid chased after him, potted tree held a few inches behind him as Nibbles attempted to trap him once again.

The rest of the group gave a collective sigh as Discord continued to yell for help.

[15 minutes later]
"So Discord what kind of pet would you like?" Fluttershy asked as she looked out for the one that would match her... unique guest.

"Something Chaotic" Discord answered flatly the Draconequus was caught by surprise as Fluttershy cleared her throat and many of the other animals gathered around her.

"♪ Now, Discord my dear, I cannot express my delight ♪" Fluttershy began to sing "♪ it’s abundantly clear that somewhere out here
Is the pet that will suit you just righ-"

"Found one" Discord stated as he held up a rock

"Discord" Nightmare began as she pressed hoof to her forehead 'That's a rock."

"It's not just a rock" Discord whispered in amazement "It's the most amazing rock that has ever been and will ever be."

"How so?" Nightmare asked with a raised brow.

"It's the perfect guard animal."

"Really now, a rocks a great guard animal?"

"Yeah" Discord said with a grin "you want me to show you?" 

"Sure" she answered as she mentally prepared a spell.

Just as expected Discord was going for a classic blunt object assault as the rock was sent hurling towards her, Nightmare let out the spell that stopped it mere inches from her face.

"Oh too bad, looks like it's not that good of a guard animal, maybe it can swim?" the Mare of Darkness spoke with a wicked grin as she spun around and hurled the rock into the pond, the group watched as it bounced once, twice, thrice and then it silently sank."

"Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo" Discord cried to the heavens as he dropped to his knees "Why Steve? Why not me instead, he had so much to live for. I'll never know love such as what we had aga-"

"Here you go" Celestia stated as she dropped a new rock into Discord's paw.

Discord rubbed the tears out of his eyes as he stared at the new rock. "I shall call you Steve Jr and I won't let the big meanie hurt you."

Nightmare facehoofed.
	
> Episode 29: I Quit
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I quit" groaned the Sun Goddess as she rolled over in her throne.

"You say that every day." answered Luna as she flipped the page of her comic

"No" Celestia groaned once again "Every day we have to put up with all the crude this universe throws at us." She finished as she slowly started to slide out of her throne, her head gently touching the ground, followed by the sudden thud of the rest of her body.

"So what do you want to do then?" Luna asked as she closed her comic and turned to face her sister. "Are you going with our original plan of torch the planet and run?"

"No, too many witnesses" the Sun Goddess stated flatly "I think I'm going to do something a little more subtle."

"What's going on in here?" spoke the voice of Nightmare as she stuck her head in the door way

"I'm quitting!" shouted Celestia as she rolled over on the floor.

"We can quit?!"  Asked the Goddess of Nightmares a look of absolute joy and surprise.

"Sure you can!" answered Celestia

"Well then, see you foals never again!" Nightmare shouted as the purple aura covered her horn, with a flash of light she was ready for her eternal vacation, her armor replaced with a flower pattern shirt and a nice par of sun glasses. "Goodbye suckers!" she finished with a laugh as she prepared to teleport to some unknown beach.

"Not so fast" Luna stated as she summoned an ethereal leash. "If Celestia's quitting that means I'm in charge, and I'd like to have all my power in one place." Nightmare's joy was quickly destroyed as she realized she was still trapped in her living hell.

"You're not in charge” Celestia spoke as she picked herself up the ground.

"Since when is Nightmare bald!" echoed a faint but familiar voice from above.

"Shut up Discord!" hissed the possibly bald Goddess as she fired several spells into the darkness of the ceiling. After several seconds of waiting the faint explosions of the spells rocked the room causing bits of rubble and the Draconequus of the hour to come plummeting to the ground, landing with a bone crunching thud.

"I-I didn't eve... even get a proper joke in" coughed the God of Chaos as he faded off into the void.

Several hours later in Ponyville

Golden Oak Library, Ponyville's one and only establishment for all you reading need, home to some of the finest foal stories in all of Equestria as well as Twilight Sparkle, the Element of Magic and soon to be incredibly annoyed.

"What are you doing?" asked the Alicorn of Darkness as she slowly rose from behind the couch.

"Go away Nightmare" The lavender mare stated, her annoyance starting to seep through as she tried to focus on her book.

"But what are you doing?" Nightmare asked as she leaned over Twilight in an attempt to get a better look at the book.

"I'm reading, now go away." Twilight answered with a sigh

"What are you reading?" The Alicorn asked feigning innocence as she continued to annoy the pony who had defeated her in the past.

"Daring Do and the Alicorn who wouldn't die"

"Sounds stupid" Nightmare answered as she slowly raised her sandwich and took a bite.

Twilight finally broke "First off, why are you eating my food, secondly why are you here?"

"Well hiding behind a couch for two hours can make anyone hungry" The Alicorn answered her mouth still full. "And secondly can't I come visit my favorite sun loving pony?"

"No!" Twilight hissed "Now why are you here?"

"You're a Princess Twilight!" Nightmare stated as she slowly lowered a crown down onto the head of the rather grumpy looking pony, never breaking eye contact with her hateful gaze. "But seriously, Sunbutt says I have to make you a Princess." With a flare of Nightmare's horn Twilight was engulfed in a purple aura and in a flash of light... nothing was that different.

"You can have the fancy magic now; you get the wings when you tell me you're sorry for stopping eternal night"

"Wait what?!" The confused Twilight shouted as she tried to comprehend all the had happened in the last few seconds. "Where's Princess Celestia?"

"She quit" Nightmare answered flatly 

"Why didn't she say anything to me?!" 

Nightmare shrugged "I don't know, but she gave me an entire list of things I was supposed to do to make you a Princess. Did you know she had a magical room filled with videos of you?"

"Why wouldn't she come talk to me...." Twilight muttered to herself

"Yeah, it was actually kind of creepy. Did you know she made clones of you?"

"I thought I was her favorite student."

"I think she was planning to invade with an army of you, that's weird though because she already rules the majority of the planet."

"What were you say?" Twilight asked as she finally broke free from her self questioning.

"I said she even wrote a song for you." Nightmare answered.

"Really?!" the lavender Unicorn asked overwhelming joy in her voice.

"Yeah but it was stupid so I threw those notes out and brought you my own song. Do you want to hear it?"

"Sure" Twilight answered through gritted teeth

"♪Three months of winter coolness and awesome holidays, we've kept our hoov-" Sadly Nightmares almost perfect singing was cut off as she simply exploded leaving no trace she had ever been there.

Twilight stared in stunned horror as the glow from her horn faded "Oops" she muttered as she realized how much power she now held and at the same time realized it would be the perfect time to find her mentor. Carefully she began focusing a small portion of her magic into a teleportation spell and in a flash of light and a whispered prayer to her mentor she found herself in one of the many dark halls of Canterlot Castle.

"Close enough" she spoke happily to herself as she realized she was still alive.

"P-pony" came a stuttered voice followed by an unintelligent grown and some hissing. Twilight carefully began making her way down the hall towards the source of the growls

"Use words" answered the first voice as Twilight came into view of its source. She was surprised to see none other than the still recovering Sombra and what appeared to be a small foal with a bucket it on its head.

"Well, not the weirdest thing I've seen here" the lavender mare muttered to herself as she approached the two ponies, after a few seconds she realized that the older unicorn was none other than Sombra, she knew he was in the castle, but her teacher hadn't gone into too much detail.

"Pony here" Spoke the foal beneath the bucket.

"You Twilight?" asked the gray unicorn as he and nibbles stared at the lavender mare.

"Yes" the mare answered cautiously

"Good" Sombra answered with a sudden smile "We here waiting for long time"

"Who's "We"? You and the little guy?" she asked as she pointed to the bucket wearing pony.

"Celestia say Shining, me and, Nibbles wait for you here"

At the mention of her brother’s name the lavender unicorn instantly perked up.
"Shining is here? Where is he?"

Neither Sombra nor Nibbles said anything, they only pointed towards the door as they silently listened to the voices on the other side.

"So is there anywhere you've taken me that you didn't take her?!" Cadance hissed

"No..." Shining said with an awkward chuckle "But Chrysalis says she knows this great little dine-" Shining Armor was cut off as he watched the vase his wife was levitating holding explode in her magics grasp.

"I'll give you a five second head start" Cadance growled her voice becoming distorted  

Shining armor bolted for the door and was surprised to see that Twilight had already arrived.

"Hey Twiley" he spoke calmly as he tried to hide his fear hoping his sister hadn't heard what was happening.

Twilight didn't have enough time to answer as black tendril wrapped itself around Shining's legs 

"Hello Twilight" Cadance spoke as her head emerged from the doorway her eyes burning with all the fires of Tartarus and her teeth razor sharp.

"Run!" Shining managed to yell as he was ripped back into the room, the door slamming shut.

Twilight, Sombra and Nibbles never looked back as they bolted through the castle halls. Twilight had only seen Cadance like this one other time and that was when Shining had forgotten his and Cadance's anniversary. It took the royal guard two hours to find which cloud Cadance had dumped him off on and another two days before he'd look at Cadance without screaming. Now that she thought about it that probably wasn't healthy for a relationship, but in Cadance's defense Shining did throw her off a balcony.
Twilight was knocked out of her thoughts as she slammed into a large blue wall. Sombra and Nibbles not noticing as they continued to run.

"There you are Twilight Sparkle" Luna spoke as she helped the lavender mare up with her magic. "Where is Nightmare? I thought she was told to escort you back to the castle."

Twilight gave a nervous chuckle has she rubbed a hoof against her leg, "Well you see"

"You blew her up didn't you?" Luna said with a stern look, after a couple of seconds it faded to a smile "Then you've completed your induction, you are now a Princess of Equestria."

"Why does everyone keep saying I'm a Princess now? And where is Princess Celestia?"

"Didn't Nightmare tell you anything?" Luna asked with a raised brow. "She was supposed to give you Celestia's letter telling you to meet her in the throne."

Twilight's horn began to glow again as a look of anger spread across her face, in a flash of light Nightmare Moon reappeared between the two of them.

"I'm alive!" Nightmare shouted before promptly exploding once again.

"Better?" Luna asked

"Better" Twilight answered. "Now let's go see Princess Celestia."

Meanwhile in the Canterlot Gardens

Celestia lay in the cool shade of her gardens latest statue, Queen Chrysalis. Cadance and Shining Armor had come down to visit and now it seemed Cadance was on the warpath. She had managed to take down Chrysalis quite easily seeing as the Changeling Queen was apparently frozen in stone along with her breakfast and the table she was eating at. She expecting Shining would soon be joining the Changeling Queen. 

Celestia found her peaceful relaxation quickly disturbed as panicked hoof beats made their way into the garden and after several seconds both Sombra and Nibbles came to crashing halt in front of her.

"Cadance go crazy!" Sombra managed to wheeze out before collapsing

"I know she did" Celestia spoke calmly as she patted the unconscious unicorn on the head. Quietly watching as Nibbles made his way over to Sombra's side before passing out as well. 

"There you are sister!" Luna shouted happily but quickly found herself lowering the volume as her sister glared at her, directing her gaze toward the two sleeping ponies. "Sorry" Luna whispered back. "Twilight is waiting for you in the throne room, she isn't too happy."

Celestia gave a defeated sigh as she stood up, deep down inside she knew it wouldn't be that easy to just quit, at the same time though she made a mental note to blow up Nightmare at some point. "So what's the problem?" Celestia asked as the two Goddesses made their way to the throne room.

"Apparently Nightmare decided to go improv with your entire plan."

"What about my song?!" 

"She threw it out" Luna answered trying her best to comfort her sister. 

Celestia didn't respond as her horn began to glow in a flash of light Nightmare Moon stood before them,

"I'm alive... again!" Nightmare shouted and in another flash of light she found herself on the surface of the moon... then she exploded.

As Celestia made her way through the castle halls she began to wonder why she thought sending Nightmare to tell Twilight was a good idea. She had been meaning to visit Twilight anyways and telling her in person would probably have saved her a lot of trouble. Either way attempting to gain a couple hours on her eternal retirement had backfired and returned to bite her in the flank as usual.
Now the Sun Goddess stood outside her own throne room unsure of what she would say to her student.

Celestia gave a sigh as she tried to open the door, but to her surprise it refused to open. Several attempts later and she still remained stuck outside. Grasping the large chamber doors with her magic she attempted to force them open, and in an instant a small ocean came rushing towards her. During her time beneath the torrent of water many things passed through her mind, every spaghetti Tuesday they had had for the last two years, Discord had wanted to make it spaghetti Wednesday but that was madness even for him. She also began to question why she was quitting, then she remembered she was currently drowning outside of her throne room which only reinforced her desire to quit, then the water was gone.

"Princess!" shouted a familiar voice "Princess Celestia are you okay?!" Twilight shouted as she rushed towards her mentor.

Celestia groaned as she picked herself off the floor, her drenched tail and mane weighing her down. "What was that?" the Sun Goddess asked as her horn began to glow and in a flash she was completely dry.

"Don't know!" Twilight blurted out "I wanted a glass of water, so I thought I'd try using my magic but then the water wouldn't stop happening. Then the room started filling up and I tried to get rid of the water, but it just kept making more and and"

"Twilight you need to calm down, it's just a bit of water." Celestia added with a chuckle as she once again used a drying spell to help out her soaked student. "Besides this is my fault, I really, really shouldn't have sent Nightmare to something so important"

"So it's true then?" Twilight asked once again reminded of her original fear. "But why?"

"I want to be sleep in" Celestia answered flatly 

"What?" Twilight muttered in confusion

"I want to sleep in" Celestia repeated "For the last three thousand four hundred and six years I've woken up at exactly 6:00AM so I could raise the sun, and then I head out to morning court. I'm not even allowed to sleep in on the weekends; do you know what that does to a pony?" Celestia asked in an almost pleading tone. 

"But why me? Why not get Luna to just do it?"

Celestia was already prepared for this question and with a flare of her horn and a flash of light a completely drenched Luna now stood next to her and Twilight.

"That was awesome" Luna stated flatly

"What happened?" Celestia asked out of curiosity

"Paperwork was trying to get me to fill out some documents and a freaking tsunami took us out!" Luna shouted in excitement as she threw her hooves in the air.  "So what do you two need?"

"Twilight wants to know why you're not allowed to raise the sun and the moon." Celestia asked with a raised brow.

"Because I tried to murder my sister..... Again and take over the country. Therefore I shouldn't be allowed to rule the country and I should feel bad, bad Princess" Luna added as she pretended to slap herself.

With another flare of Celestia's horn Luna was plunged back into the wave that was still making its way through the castle.

"So that's why it has to be you. You've beaten both Nightmare and Discord before so you should have no problem handling them on a regular basis. Besides my faithful student, it's not like I'm leaving, so I'll be here to help you, as long as my help isn't required before 9:00AM." The Sun Goddess added with a smile hoping to comfort her student and ensure her sleep was undisturbed.

"But what about Spike and all my other friends" Twilight asked fearful that she wouldn't be able to see her friend as much anymore.

"Twilight, you now have enough magical power bend reality with a single thought. If you want to spend time with your friends, you can basically be anywhere at any point in time, as for Spike we’ve already made accommodations in your room for him."

"Really?" The lavender Unicorn asked as her mind began to race.

"Yes my student" Celestia answered as she realized she finally had her leverage "Think of all the science you could do."

"Yes do it for the science Twilight" added a new but familiar voice. 

Both Twilight and Celestia were equally surprised by its source.

"Me?" Twilight stammered in confusion

"Yes" answered the older and much taller lavender Alicorn. "I have traveled back in time almost four thousand years to ensure that you accept this chance in the name of science, also we're out of mustard." She added as she levitated the small yellow container into the air "Can I borrow some?"

"Only if she accepts" Celestia answered with a devious grin

"Twilight, you need to say yes." The larger Alicorn pleaded nervously "If you don't, I cease to exist, but more importantly the greatest sandwich Equestria will ever know will never be created, it's a marvel of snack and science." 

"Fine" Twilight answered with a defeated sigh

"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes" the older Twilight began to chant as she galloped off in search of mustard.

"Is this the proper moment to tell you we don't have any mustard?" Celestia asked with a raised brow.

Twilight laughed "Apparently in about four thousand years I'm going to be incredibly disappointed. So what do we do now?"

"You want to go blow up Nightmare?" The Sun Goddess asked with a smirk

"You know what? I'd love that." Twilight answered with a grin.

[1 Week Later]

"You know" Cadance spoke as she finished chewing her food "This isn't bad, in fact it's quite good" 

Shining only nodded as he continued to chow down on his food.

"See, you should trust me more often when I say I know a good place to get food." Chrysalis spoke as she pushed her now empty plate away. "How's your food Sombra?" the Changeling Queen asked as she shifted focus to the grey unicorn who sat beside her.

"Is good" Sombra answered as searched the booth the four of them currently sat at. "Where Nibbles go?"

The only answer they received was the crashing of dishes and the screams of several chefs somewhere in the Restaurants kitchen.

"Found him" Shining managed to get out through he mouth full of food.

"So how is everything?" The approaching waitress asked as she nervously checked behind her every few seconds. "Would anyone like some dessert?"

"You know what" Chrysalis spoke as she placed a hoof under her chin "We'll take some apple pie. Put everything on Discord's tab" 

"I'll need a middle and last name for the tab" the Waitress asked as finished taking notes down. "I know it might seem stupid, I know who you're talking about, but the restaurant manager wants all tabs to be listed with full names" As another clatter of dishes echoed from the kitchen the mare's focus causing her to lose her magical grip on her pen and pad.

"Anyone know Discord's "Full Name"?" Chrysalis asked with a raised brow.

"Discord Q. Pudding" Sombra answered without hesitation gaining rather strange looks from everyone at the table.

"Sombra, how do you know that?" Cadance asked with slight worry.

"Discord take monopoly very seriously." The grey unicorn answered 

Nobody was sure how to respond so they all chose to silently nod.

"Okay, we're having some issues in the kitchen at the moment, but your pie should be here in a couple minutes." The waitress added a quick bow as she made her towards the kitchen.

"Poor foal" Chrysalis spoke as she watched the kitchen door shut "The pie was probably the first thing Nibbles devoured." 

> Episode ???: Valentine's Day Special
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discord and Nightmare kissed.
> Mini Episode: Princess Twilight Sparkle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight lay peacefully in her oddly comfortable bed. Her eyes remained shut as she tried to hold onto those last remnants of sleep, knowing that the morning sun was waiting for her. After a few seconds the lavender mare slowly let her eyes open and was surprised by what she saw, or to be more exact a lack of what she saw.

"That's odd..." Twilight muttered to herself as she stared into the darkness. "I've never woken up before the sun before." Silently she listened waiting for any sign of trouble. The faint snoring of Spike was enough to tell her everything was okay. Twilight gave faint sigh as her head dropped back to her pillow and she slowly drifted back to sleep.


~~~Outside of The Room~~~


"Shouldn't we do something?" Chrysalis asked as he stood amongst the three other gods. "She was supposed to raise the sun four hours ago." a tinge of annoyance in her voice

"We have to wake her up!" Discord stated with urgency "If we don't there will be panic in the streets!" 

The four gods stared at each other in silence before breaking into laughter in unison, quickly lowering the volume as to avoid waking up the newly crowned Princess.

"By the abyss" Chrysalis continued to chuckle as she wiped a tear from her eye. With that the group silently decided that the new Princess could use some extra sleep. She managed to handle all four of them in the past, it's not like she couldn't handle a "few confused" ponies.


~~~Twenty Four Hours Later~~~

Twilight gave a loud yawn as she lifted herself from her pillow and carefully examined the dark room around her. She felt like she had slept for days and yet everything was still dar-

"Oh buck me" Twilight muttered as she placed a hoof to her mouth. On that sudden and horrifying realization Twilight bolted from her bed and promptly flung herself into the wall with a loud crash.

"Could you keep it quiet?" Spike groaned as he rolled over in his basket. 

Twilight shook her head as she tried to regain her bearing before carefully making her way towards the door and with a tug of her magic a shaft of light blinded her and she stumbled out into the hall.

"Princess Twilight are you injured?" One of the guards asked as he quickly rushed to her aid.

"No, no" She grumbled as she picked herself up. "What time is it?" 

"A little past 11:00AM" The guard answered nervously.

"Why didn't anyone wake me up?" The lavender mare asked doing her best to hide her agitation.

"We were under direct orders from Princess Luna to not wake you up under any circumstance."

The guard wasn't a hundred percent sure, but he could have sworn he saw smoke and a bit of flame emerge from Princess Twilight's nostrils as she gave a huff and stormed off, most likely in search of the Night Goddess who had sabotaged her.
The angry Alicorn was anything but subtle as she made her way to where she knew Luna would be, the marble floors cracking beneath her hooves and several ancient tapestries bursting into flames at her passing.

"Look what we have here" Discord said with a chuckle

Twilight didn't answer but the look of anger on her face continued to grow.

"Finally decided to get up sleepy head?" A look of fear quickly washed over Discord's face as Twilight stopped in her track and turned her head to look at him. He only had a few seconds think before he found himself buried under rumble. Twilight gave a half-hearted smile as she looked at the hole where the ceiling she had pulled down had once been.

"Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed." Discord groaned as he tried to pull himself free. After several failed attempts he decided magic was the way to go, but before he could snap his talons they were covered in a purple aura and in a flash of light all of his claws were bound zip ties.

"Curse you Sparkle!" echoed the muffled cries of the truly defeated Draconequus. 

"That felt good" Twilight said to herself as she felt some of her earlier rage subsiding just as she approached the throne room entrance. She originally intended to blow the door apart as part of her scare tactic. But decided it probably wouldn't look to good if other ponies saw what she was doing. Carefully she pushed the large wooden doors open revealing to her surprise not only Princess Luna, but Princess Celestia too.

"Good morning Twilight" The two of them said in unison 

"Princess Celestia" Twilight stuttered "I didn't think you would still be here."

"I didn't think you could sleep for two days." Celestia snapped back

"What did you say Princess?" Twilight asked in confusion not sure of what she had just heard.

"I said, I wasn't leaving the Castle, I'll still be here to help you." The Sun Goddess answered with a smile.

"But why didn't anyone wake me? Why didn't anyone raise the sun?"

"Calm down Twilight" Luna stated happily "Celestia and I wanted your first time raising the sun to be special so we made some arrangements and everything's already been dealt with."

"Really?" Twilight asked with a sigh of relief "Well I guess we better get the sun up." 

"Very well then" Celestia stated as she stood up "Follow me and we shall begin the process." 

Twilight silently followed behind both Princess Luna and Princess Celestia as the two of them led her towards the royal balcony, usually reserved for when the Princess needed to give an important speech or during certain celebrations. Twilight felt giddy as the full extent of her situation set in, she was a Princess of Equestria now and she was about to raise the sun itself.

"Okay Twilight" Celestia spoke "Take your position at the center of the balcony."

Twilight nervously made her way to the center making sure she was exactly where she was supposed to be, before turning her head towards her mentor and nodded.

"Now close your eyes and focus your magic, but don't focus it on the little things, focus it on the big picture." Luna spoke now. "You need to tune out all the little things; you'll know it when you reach it."

Twilight wasn't sure what was happening, at first she could only feel the normal things, like the dirt, the clouds and the wind. But eventually she could feel everything, the life force of everypony in Equestria and beyond.

"Tune the little things out" Celestia repeated Luna's words.

After several more seconds of focusing everything became silent and she could feel only two things, warmth and coldness carefully she directed her magic towards the warmth and shuddered as she felt it wrap around the sun itself.

"It's hot" Twilight muttered

"Well duh" Celestia answered flatly receiving a death glare from Luna.

"Now think about where the sun should be at this point of the day." Luna spoke as she watched the horizon a small smile forming on her face as light began to poor of the tree line and the sun slowly began to rise.

After a few more seconds Twilight eventually opened her eyes to blinding light of the sun and cheering crowd bellow. The lavender Alicorn felt amazing; she had just raised the sun itself the whole of Canterlot was cheering for her. Everything was going perfect and that's why she wasn't surprised when everything went wrong.

"Citizens of Canterlot" Celestia began as a pillar of green flames overtook her leaving the Changeling Queen where she once stood. "We are your rulers now." Chrysalis finished with a devious laugh.

Twilight quickly shifted her gaze over to Luna who had already been replaced by Nightmare Moon.
"Twilight Sparkle has assisted us in overthrowing you precious Princesses and we owe her a grea-"

Nightmare Moon never had a chance to finish her speech as she quickly found herself being beaten with a live Changeling Queen currently wrapped in a purple aura.

"This really wasn't a smart move' Twilight yelled as she continued to use the two mares to beat each other with.

Twilight's focus quickly shifted to the sound of clapping hooves from above. 

"Bravo my faithful student" Celestia stated proudly as her and Luna gazed down from the roof.

"Mares and Gentlecolts, I give you your new Princess." Celestia spoke "Twilight Sparkle!" she finished proudly.

With a swing of her magic Twilight hurled both Chrysalis and Nightmare from the balcony past the crowed below.
"ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!" The newly crowned Alicorn shouted gaining cheers from the crowd below. 

"See" Celestia stated smugly "I knew you three couldn't stop her."

"I knew we couldn't beat her, she learned everything from you and you're completely insane." Luna said with a laugh "Why do you think I'm up here and not down there with those two morons."

Luna didn't have enough time to react as she found herself being lifted up by her sister and promptly thrown from the roof. Before the Night Goddess could open her wings she found herself wrapped in a purple glow and in a flash of light one giant zip tie held her wings at her side.

"I hate you al-" The cries of the Night Goddess were silenced as she hit the grounds. The cheers of the crowed only growing louder as both Twilight and Celestia looked at each other, gave a nod and took a bow.

"This might not be so bad after all" Twilight whispered to herself.
	
> Episode 32: More Morty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Morty lounged on his sofa deep within the Canterlot castle dungeon. He had always wondered what it would be like to have free time, turns out it’s incredibly boring when you have nothing to do during the free time.

The partially skeletal Draconequus gave a yawn; reveling in the echoed sound of his jaw closing at this point the smallest things were more amusing then sitting in silence.

Morty gave a sigh and slowly rolled off the side of his sofa the clattering of bones hitting the floor echoed throughout the dungeon that he currently called home. Celestia and Luna had made it quite clear he was welcome anywhere within the castle; they assured him the staff had dealt with stranger. But freely moving amongst mortals was a new experience to him.

Other than the few times Celestia and Luna and come down to try and convince him to leave his dungeon his only visitor was a rather strange Changeling who came down once a week in order to punish her rubber duck in his bath tub. She refused to make eye contact and any attempt at communication on his part usually ended with her screaming and running away.

“Okay Morty” The Draconequus began speaking to himself “We’re a little rusty on our people skills, but we’re going to go insane if we stay down here. So let’s go up there and meet some ponies.” With that the large Draconequus made his way up the dungeon staircase, stopping every few seconds to reassure himself that it would be fine.

“Just open the door” Morty told himself as he placed two talons on the doorknob and slowly began to turn it. Light flooded into the staircase momentarily blinding him as he stepped out into the hall. After a few seconds his “eyes” finally adjusted revealing the bustling main hall of Canterlot Castle he watched as Servants and guards continuously passed him with little to no reaction, the odd pony casting him a quick glance and continuing on their way.

“Excuse me” Morty spoke as he leaned down towards one of the guards 

“Yes my Lord?” the Guard answered with a salute 

“Lord?” Mortimer repeated in confusion. “I feel I’m missing something.”

“Princess Celestia informed us that you would be staying within the castle for some time. She informed us that you were to be treated as any other member of the Royal family.” 

“Was everyone informed?” The Draconequus asked as he scanned the hall, looking for any signs of shock caused by his presence.

“Castle guards and staff were all informed and given a clear description of your appearance as to avoid any panic that may have been caused. And if I may be so bold as to say my Lord, you look as awesome as she described.”

If his head wasn’t a skull, Morty would have probably been blushing a little. Apparently since the last time he had attempted to socialize with ponies they had gone from attempting to burn him at the stake to thinking he looked “Awesome”

“Well I’m glad to hear nobody will be panicking-“ as if on cue Morty was cut off midsentence by the Screams of the Changeling Queen as she stared at the god of death.

“It has escape!” Chrysalis shrieked as bolted off in the opposite direction.

“Forgive her my Lord” the guard spoke “She is unwell in the head.”

“Let’s be honest though” Morty spoke with a hollow chuckle “Is anyone in this place well in the head?”

The guard silently shook his head “So, how may I help you my lord?”

Mortimer paused as he tried to remember exactly what he had wanted to ask the guard for and after a couple seconds of thought,  the question he had returned.

“Could you escort me to Princess Luna or Princess Celestia? I haven’t had a chance to memorize the layout of the castle.”

“Well that’s actually easier said than done.” The guard answered with an awkward chuckle “Princess Luna is currently out of the castle dealing with some diplomatic issues.”

“And Celestia?”

“Princess Celestia retired a couple of days ago.”

Mortimer paused for a moment as he processed what the guard had just said. Celestia had ruled Equestria an incredibly long time and for her to just give up her position on the throne seemed quite strange even by her standards.

“Are you sure about that?”

“Quite sure my Lord, though judging by the records this would be the 5th time she’s retired in the last 300 years so I can only assume it isn’t permanent. Would you like me to bring you to Equestrian’s current Princess?

“And who would that be?”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle” The guard answered “Princess Celestia personal student.”

“Interesting” Morty spoke with a skeletal grin “I think we could have some fun with this.”


Elsewhere in the Castle
Princess Twilight Sparkle sat in her throne room doing what she did best, filling out glorious paperwork. Since becoming a Princess her life had become essentially perfect, she had the power to make everything organized and everyone had paperwork for her to fill out, but that was something she got great joy from.

Sure every now and again she’d have to assert her dominance over Nightmare, Discord or Chrysalis but that was a simple task.

“Run for your lives!” Came a familiar voice as the throne room doors flew open and a panicked Changeling Queen came running in. “It’s going to devour us all!”

Twilight gave sigh “What’s the problem now Chrysalis? Did you eat Nightmare’s snacks again?”

“Sparkle this isn’t the time for jokes!” the Changeling Queen panted “The demon Luna summoned has escaped from the dungeon.”

The lavender Alicorn scoffed “As if I’m going to fall for that trick, you just want me to beat up Nightmare or Discord for yo-“

Twilight paused as the throne room doors slowly began to open; she could feel her heart slowing as she realized there were no planned guests in her court today and that both Discord and Nightmare were out on “personal business” as they put it.

“Hello?” came a hollow voice from outside of the room

“Hello?” Twilight answered as she shifted her gaze between the panicked Changeling Queen and the partially open doorway.

Twilight watched in complete and total horror as a large Draconequus shaped skull entered the room two red flames floating where the eyes should be. Twilight fear only intensified as the Draconequus body fully entered the room, it was massive nearly twice the size of Discord and where the bone wasn’t showing black fur covered.

“Eat her first” Twilight shouted as she dived behind her throne leaving Chrysalis to fend for herself

“Woah, woah, woah, who’s eating who?” Morty asked in confusion

“You’re going to eat us!” Twilight shouted from behind her throne, casting a quick glance to Chrysalis who was still frozen in fear.

Mortimer titled his head in puzzlement “Where would get the idea I was going to eat you?”

Twilight peered over her throne and was startled by how close the demon had managed to get while she was looking away.  “She said you were going to devour us.” Twilight spoke as she pointed towards the Changeling Queen still pounding on a side exit door in hopes that someone would unlock it.

“Now why would she say a thing like that?” Morty asked as he slithered over to the Changeling Queen who only noticed his approach after it was far too late.

“Oh sweet abyss just make it quick.” Chrysalis shouted as she assumed the fetal position and awaited what she believed to be her “Permanent” end.

“Who told you I was going to eat you?” Morty asked as he leaned down towards the terrified mare, his massive size blocking out the light leaving Chrysalis in the cool shade.

“Every time I die, you’re there in the abyss and you try to get me. Then I have to run all the way back to this world.” Chrysalis nervously answered as she stared the demon in the face, the two small flames where his eye should have been continued to look straight through her.

Morty gave a sigh and a facepalm “Did anyone bother to tell you who I was?”

Chrysalis shook her head

Mortimer snapped his talon and in an instance Discord and Nightmare flashed into existence.

“Oh this won’t be fun.” Nightmare muttered as she realized who summoned her.

“Nightmare” Morty spoke calmly “I need to make a demonstration, could you please kill Discord.”

Nightmare gave shrug as she turned to face the smaller Draconequus who was currently rapidly shaking his head as the idea of being murdered didn’t sound too appealing after how well the day had been going.

“Don’t do it.” Discord whispered “He’s not the boss of us.”

“What was that?” Mortimer hissed as he leaned down, placing himself at eye level with the other much smaller Draconequus

“I said you’re not the boss of us….” Discord spoke his confidence rapidly vanishing with each word. 

“Nightmare, you have five seconds to remove Discord.” The Skeletal Draconequus spoke with no signs of emotions.

There was no hesitation as Nightmare produced a dagger from unseen location and promptly plunged it into Discord’s heart. “Nothing personal” Nightmare whispered “Actually it kind of is” she added after a short pause.

“So why’d you want me to kill him?” Nightmare asked as she released her magical grip on the dagger.

“Demonstration” Morty answered as he vanished a couple seconds later he reappeared with Discord alive once again.

“See I was there to pick you up” Morty spoke as he turned back to face Chrysalis who had resumed her attempts to escape. “Why are you still trying to run?” he asked with crossed arms.

“You just made Nightmare kill Discord” Twilight answered from her place behind the throne “That’s not a great way to get the point across that you’re not going to hurt us.”

“Oh….” Morty whispered as he placed a talon to his mouth “Yeah, nothing was thought out there.”

“Personally, I thought it was fun” Nightmare stated happily trotted away leaving the terrified Changeling Queen and newly crowned Princess alone with the living incarnation of death itself. 

“I miss being a statue; I died a lot less that way.” Discord muttered as he scampered after the Midnight Alicorn determined to get as far away from Mortimer as possible and possibly closer to some semblance of safety.

Mortimer gave a sigh as he made his way over to the mare hiding behind the throne.

“You are Twilight Sparkle correct?” The Draconequus asked as he slowly peered over the throne.

“Yes” Twilight answered with a nervous nod.  

“How do I convince you that I’m not going to eat you and or maim you?”

“Probably by not having one of us kill the other.” 

“How about we just assume Discord did something and he deserved what he got.” Morty answered with an awkward chuckle. “If you couldn’t tell my people skills aren’t well suited for the living.”

“I didn’t even notice” Twilight stated sarcastically as she slowly found herself becoming more accustomed to the creatures presence.  “So who are your people skills suited for?” she asked curiously 

“The dead, the dying mostly anything that’s not alive or won’t be for much longer.”

“Yeah, you might not want to go around telling ponies that.”

“So Celestia has really told you nothing about me?” Morty asked with great confusion. This pony was Celestia’s personal student, surely she would have taught her about some of the more important things.

“If she had, I don’t think this situation would have happened” Twilight paused “Well Discord probably would have been killed still, but I don’t think Chrysalis would be hiding in the corner.” 

Both Twilight and Mortimer paused as they turned to check on the Changeling Queen who was still rocking back and forth in the corner apparently unaware that the “Demon” was no longer anywhere near her.

Morty felt a tinge of annoyance over the fact that Celestia had not only neglected to inform the currently ruler that he was staying in the castle. But also managed to not even once mention his existence to the pony she was grooming to be her replacement. With a snap of his talons and a flash of light Celestia appeared in the room.

“Oh hi Morty” Celestia stated cheerfully as she raised her sunglasses “Finally decided to leave your dunge…” The white Alicorn’s trailed off as she took in the scene around her, Discord’s old body still remained on the floor. Twilight was currently hiding behind her throne and Chrysalis was curled up in the corner of the throne room.

“Oh!” Celestia began with a facehoof “That’s what I forgot to do!”

“Really?” Morty said with a sigh

“Yeah Twilight this is Mortimer the god of death, he’s living in the dungeon, be nice to him.” With that Celestia’s horn flared and she vanished.

“Not so fast” Morty stated with another snap of his talons, Celestia reappearing instantly “What about her.” The skeletal Draconequus asked as he pointed towards the Changeling Queen.

Celestia gave a defeated sigh “Fine” she muttered a she trotted over towards the Changeling Queen. “Hey you” the Alicorn spoke as she poked the Changeling Queen who yelped at the touch. 

“Oh Celestia, thank the abyss!” The Changeling Queen shouted happily as she looked at her saviour “Luna’s demon has escaped the dungeon.”

“First off Chrysalis” Celestia began with a sigh “You’ve literally gone down there once a week to play with your rubber duck in his bathtub, why are you scared of him?”

“Luna said when he was down there he couldn’t hurt us as long as I didn’t interact with it.”

Both Celestia and Mortimer gave each other a glance that clearly showed Luna wouldn’t be seeing the next sunrise.

“Okay then, let’s begin slowly” Celestia spoke as she motioned towards Mortimer who slowly made his way over to Chrysalis followed closely by Twilight.

“Chrysalis, this is Mortimer” The sun goddess spoke as she pointed towards the Skeletal Draconequus “Mortimer, this is Chrysalis and Twilight Sparkle.” Nobody was sure if Mortimer was smiling at them but both Chrysalis and Twilight gave him a small wave.

“Mortimer is an old friend of Luna’s and mine and Chrysalis if you hadn’t run off screaming every time you died, you might have found out that’s he’s the ferrymen to the afterlife and he was only there to bring you back to Equestria.”

“Oh” Chrysalis whispered to herself “In my defense, that place is really confusing and he is basically the scariest thing I’ve seen.”

“Well he’s here as a guest, and technically he can’t actually kill someone. I was actually hoping that you three would get along.” Celestia finished with a grin.

“What do you mean Princess?” Twilight asked with slight confusion as she shifted her gaze between the three gods in front of her.

“Well you see Twilight, Mortimer was the one who taught Discord, Luna and I and I had hoped he would be able to teach you and Chrysalis a few more things, at least while he’s here. Besides, and don’t tell them this, not counting Sombra, you two are my favorite ponies in the castle. I’m not counting Sombra because quite honestly, I think he’s everyone’s favorite.”

Both Chrysalis and Twilight nodded in unison.

“No one pony should be that adorable” the lavender Unicorn added.

“But as I was saying” Celestia started speaking once again “You two are my personal favorites and if I may be so bold as to make a suggestion, I think an Alliance between the three of you would be great, both tactically and politically.” 

“What do you mean politically?” Both Twilight and Chrysalis asked in unison

“You’re both rulers of two separate people, what better way to strengthen your alliance by using it to fight off other rulers? I mean with your army and Twilight’s zip ties you could be unstoppable.”

Both Twilight and Chrysalis gave each other a knowing glance as they both stood up.

“Well it was nice meeting you Mr.Mortimer” Twilight stated with a bow “I hope to talk with you again.”

“Yes, it was a pleasure getting to properly meet you.” Chrysalis stated “I’d also like to give you a fair warning, that Mr.Quackers regularly scheduled punishment will take place a few hours earlier this week.” With those final words both Chrysalis and Twilight silently trotted out of the throne room leaving Celestia and Mortimer alone. 

“I can’t help but feel whatever happens next is my fault.” Celestia stated as she turned her gaze from the door towards Mortimer.

The Draconequus shrugged "What's the worst they could do?"





3 Hours later

Discord and Luna were dead, their towers in flames and all evidence of their existence had been carefully hidden. Even in war Twilight Sparkle's respect for books and knowledge kept her from destroying all traces of her enemies. Nightmare Moon had been easily convinced to join them and to prove her loyalty she had given Discord and Luna as sacrifices. Though Twilight and Chrysalis were quite sure that Nightmare had probably killed them before the war had begun, either way they were dead and that was all that mattered.

Mortimer and Celestia continued to watch from the sidelines as Twilight and Chrysalis continued with their battle plans. They had already devised several different ways to capture the Crystal Empire and from there they would make their way towards the Griffin Empires and eventually everything would be theirs.

"Should we stop them?" Morty asked as he watched the two mares cackle maniacally

"Actually I think it's about to sort itself out right about now" Celestia answered as she pointed towards the door slowly opening. After a second they continued to watch as Sombra stumbled in a light red night cap on his head and a sleeping Nibbles positioned on his back. 

"You two please keep down?" He asked with a yawn as he approached the Alicorn and Queen

At the mere sight of the sleepy Unicorn the two power crazed mares found all their will for war quickly replaced by an infinite amount of "Daawws" as is the scientific term.

"I guess we can put it off till later" Twilight answered "I'm pretty tired anyways."

"Thank you" Sombra answered as he rubbed his eye and started heading back towards his room.

"If we could weaponize his adorableness" Chrysalis began "Nothing could stop us."

"Careful Chrysalis, that's too much power even for us." Twilight said with a yawn.
	
> Chapter Alpha Roger: Delta Niner Niner
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Twilight Sparkle sat in her rather comedically large throne, it had been almost two weeks since she had been promoted to the rank of Princess and her mentor had stepped down from the throne. There had also been a slightly small incident where she had attempted to take over the entire planet in a sudden alliance with Queen Chrysalis, but they had easily been able to cover it up and all of Equestria had been informed that the Changeling swarm led by Twilight Sparkle had in fact been weather balloon filled with swamp gas.

Currently though Twilight found herself stuck holding Day Court once again. Out of all her Royal obligations this was the one that annoyed her the most. Ponies from all over the country would come to her with their complaints. So far today she had settled a dispute between two farmers over who owned a field that was currently being used as a bed by a rather large dragon. Twilight ruled that the dragon currently owned the field on the grounds that he was a dragon. Before that she helped bring peace to a tribe of Diamond Dogs wishing to settle near a pony village. However at the moment she was dealing with one of her most common complainant.

"I demand that he receives a public execution." the white mare shouted.

"I've told you before, that Equestria does not have a death penalty." Twilight answered as she rubbed her head with a hoof.

"Then allow me to kill him, nobody has to know."

"You can't murder ponies, you're a citizen of Equestria now, and you have to follow its laws."

"But Twiiiiiiilight" the mare whined as she stared pleadingly at the Princess.

"No Celestia" Twilight groaned "You're no longer a Princess of Equestria mean you have to follow normal Equestrian laws. Besides what did Discord do now?"

"He ate the last piece of my farewell cake." the white Alicorn hissed as she thought back to the moment of complete horror that filled her when she discovered her prize had been stolen.

"I'm not having Discord executed because he ate your cake." Twilight answered flatly

"I thought I trained you better than this Twilight, I thought we had something special!" Celestia shouted as she teleported away.	

Twilight gave a sigh as her latest visit from her former mentor. Celestia had at first seemed to enjoy her retirement; however that joy seemed to quickly fade as Twilight made sure that all of Celestia's former privileges as a Princess were revoked ensuring that the white Alicorn could not abuse her former rank. This however meant that Celestia could no longer freely murder Discord or declare all cake her property. 

"You know she's going to murder him either way right?" One of the guards asked as he was engulfed in a pillar of green flames leaving Chrysalis in his place. 

"Yes" Twilight answered flatly "You ate the cake didn't you?" she asked as she slowly shifted her gaze from where her mentor had once stood to the newly revealed Changeling Queen.

"Me?" Chrysalis asked as she placed a hoof to her chest. "I would never do such a thing." she continued as she feigned innocence. The Changeling Queen finished with a laugh before walking off leaving Princess Twilight Sparkle alone in the now empty throne room.

"I hate everyone" the mare muttered to herself as she levitated a book out from behind her throne.

Outside of the castle Discord was happily hanging from his thinking tree enjoying a piece of toast he had found under his pillow when he had woken up. He wasn't quite sure where the Pillow toast had come from but so far it was turned out a lot better than the sock Cheesecake he had woken up to before.

"Discord!" came the shouts of a rather annoyed black Alicorn

"Uh oh" the Draconequus muttered as he swiveled on his tail till he was facing the angry mare in question. "Oh hello Moony" he spoke innocently as he took another bite from his pillow toast.

"You stole my toast." Nightmare stated flatly as she stamped a hoof.

"No I didn't"

Nightmare gave a sigh as she rubbed her forehead "You're eating my toast right now you idiot."

Discord glanced over to the remaining half of toast he held in his talon before shifting his gaze back towards Nightmare as he quickly shoved the rest of it into his mouth.

"I whave noo idewa what you ware talking abwout." the Draconequus managed to get out through his stuffed mouth before swallowing. "I received a gift from the toast fairy"

"The toast fairy isn't real."

This shocking revelation had apparently been too much for Discord as in a moment of pure shock his tail released its grip on the tree and he came plummeting down, hitting every branch between him and the ground. The moment the Draconequus hit the ground he quickly scrambled to his feet.

"You take that back, the Toast Fairy is real, I dated her in high school.' the Draconequus shouted the anger in his voice growing.

"That was a broom Discord, you dated a broom and you never went to High School, you broke into Celestia's school and starting dancing with the broom in the gym claiming you were at prom."

"She was the most beautiful broom I ever laid my eyes on." Discord muttered as a single tear rolled down his face. "I'll never forget her."

"Discord focus!" the Alicorn shouted as she slapped the now sobbing Draconequus "It was a broom"

"It was a beautiful broom." Discord whimpered 

"Discord, we are basically dat-" Nightmare was cut off as she felt a sudden sharp pain in her flank. Quickly turn her head to find the source she was greeted with the image of a large steel bolt embedded in the side of her butt. "I've been shot" the mare muttered in confusion as she looked back up at the Draconequus.

Both Discord and Nightmare turned shifted their gaze from each other to the source of the shot. Both of them surprised to see a rather angry looking Sun Goddess. Celestia continued to silent glare at them from across the garden, her normally calming mane replaced with the fires of Tartarus itself as she glared pure hate at them. Both Discord and Nightmare took the site of her reloading her crossbow as a sign that they should both run.

"What did you do?!" Nightmare shouted as they galloped through the garden doing her best to ignore the pain in her flank.

"I didn't do anything" Discord shouted back as he ducked down the steel bolt zooming over his head. "I was just eating my pillow toast."

"You mean my toast" Growled the black Alicorn as she continued to gallop through the garden, the entrance to the castle and their salvation coming into view.

As the two gods threw open the wooden door that led back into the castle they made sure to seal it behind them, leaving two rather annoyed looking guards behind as they continued to gallop away. Both guards gave a quick knowing glance to each other as they took several steps away from the door. A couple seconds later as they expected the door exploded into a hail of splintered wood as Celestia marched in after them, crossbow at the ready.

"We don't get paid enough for this" Brass Beast muttered as he adjusted his helmet and resumed his position next to the smouldering ruins of the door.

"There aren't enough bits in the world to pay enough for this job." Hammer muttered as casually stamped out a piece of flaming wood.

The two guards nodded in agreement as they resumed their posts silently watching as the former Princess slowly marched through the halls, several curtains catching fire as she continued her hunt.

Both Discord and Nightmare remained completely silent as they lay beneath Celestia's bed. Celestia would think to look under Discord's bed; he wasn't the most clever hider. However she would never expect them to hide under her own bed. That was too stupid of a place to hide even for Discord.

"This is a terrible idea" Discord muttered a slight look of horror on his face. "That should speak volumes when I think it's a terrible idea."

"Shut up" Nightmare hissed as she glared at the Draconequus.

Several minutes of awkward waiting later the ground began to shake and the mighty pounding of Celestia's hooves echoed through the halls as the raging Alicorn approached. Silently Discord and Nightmare both prayed that the mare would continue on past them and they would both be free to live for a couple more minutes. But that was not in the cards, when was it ever in the cards for them?

"Found you!" Celestia roared as she blasted the door down, the force of the explosion sending the bed flipping into the corner leaving the two cowering gods bare and defenseless.

Celestia took fire and Discord grabbed the only thing he could for cover, sadly the only thing in reach was Nightmare. With several loud thuds Nightmare back was riddled with steel bolts.

"You're sleepin-" *Cough* "on the couch tonight" Nightmare managed to cough out before re-entering the void.

Discord didn't have enough time to mourn the loss of his bed privileges, Nightmare had given her life so that he could escape and wasn't going to waste her sacrifice. Without a second thought the Draconequus hurled the black Alicorn's body at the raging goddess. Celestia was caught off guard and knocked to the ground giving Discord enough time to flee.

With a flare of her horn Nightmare's body was vaporized and the Sun Goddess resumed her path of war. She didn't have to search too hard as she followed the panicked claw marks of Discord and quickly caught up to the Draconequus, cornering him just outside of the kitchen.

"Tell me one thing" Discord asked as he slowly backed down the hall. "Why?"

"You ate me cake." Celestia answered flatly not giving the Draconequus enough time to respond as she fired her last shot. Time slowed down as the bolt traveled through the air, Discord managing to contort his body around it avoiding the shot. To both their horror they had failed to notice both Sombra and Nibble walking down the hall, the bolt heading towards them. Celestia watched in complete and total horror as the bolt traveled towards Nibbles, but more importantly to the ice cream cone the young hybrid was carrying. In an instant it was all over, the ice cream was destroyed in gory explosion of vanilla that covered both Sombra and Nibbles.

Celestia knew she had screwed up when the young Changeling hybrid locked eyes with her and let out a horrifying screech. The mare stood terrified as the Nibbles charged her, shadows closing in on her from all directions. She didn't have enough time to scream as the shadows engulfed her. As quickly as they had appeared they were gone leaving Sombra and Discord alone in the hall.

"What happen?" Sombra asked in confusion as he wiped some Ice Cream from his face.

"Celestia has an addiction" Discord answered sadly as he patted the Unicorn on the head.

"We help her?"

"Nobody can help her, not with this." the Draconequus finished as he gave the unicorn one more pat. "So where did your demon spawn go?"

"I don't know." Sombra answer awkwardly "Shadows mostly mean he did bad."

Several Hours later reports started coming in that the retired Princess Celestia had been found stumbling just outside the entrance to Tartarus dazed and confused. Eventually the Royal Guards arrived to arrest her for both murder and attempted murder as well as assault on a Dessert, oddly enough one of the laws Celestia herself had passed.

Down in the castle dungeon.

"I'm sorry Celestia." Twilight stated trying to hide the slight disappointment in her voice. She had known Celestia was going to go through with it either way, she had just hoped it would have been subtle enough to avoid the legal system. "You murdered someone, I mean it was Nightmare," Twilight added trying to make it sound a little less terrible.

Celestia didn't answer she just continued to lie in her bed and stare at the ceiling of her cell.

"I managed to get your sentence lowered to a month, seeing as this was the first technical murder Equestria has seen in several thousand years."

Celestia remained quiet.

"Well I'll have the rest of your stuff sent down later" Twilight finished awkwardly as she trotted away.

Once Celestia was sure that her former student was gone she picked herself up from the bed and began to speak.

"They think they can stop me?" Celestia said aloud "They think they can contain me in a mere cell? They will all know the wrath of Nightmare Sun!" Celestia shouted as she did her best to force an evil laugh but only managed a light giggle.

"That's a stupid name" Chrysalis blurted as she looked up from Mr.Quackers punishment tub.

"Shut up" Celestia snapped "I'm plotting my revenge." the mare hissed.

"What's your revenge plan?" Chrysalis asked secretly hoping it involved the death of Discord once again, that was always something that made her feel better.

"I don't know yet." the white Alicorn answered. "I was thinking of hiding a few of Twilight's tax papers once I escaped my cell."

"Wow you're truly the evil mastermind" Chrysalis answered sarcastically

"I know, they'll rue the day they betrayed Nightmare Sun." Celestia finished with another failed evil laugh. 

Chrysalis just facehoofed, whatever happened now it was most likely going to be most evil slight annoyances Canterlot Castle had ever seen and it was going to be caused by a new villain with an incredibly stupid name.
	
> Chapter - Tub
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Good news!” Twilight shouted as she galloped down the dungeon stairs “Prince- I’m mean Celestia, great news I found a loop hole in your “murder charges” Gods do I love legal loopholes.” The Alicorn stated happily as she came to a skidding stop in front of Celestia’s cell… Celestia’s empty cell.

“Chrysalis?” the mare asked as she shifted her gaze from the cell to the Changeling currently submerged in the grand tub a small rubber duck floating next to her. After several seconds of silence Twilight moved closer to the tub unable to see the Changeling Queen’s face beneath bubbles that floated on the surface.

“Chrysalis? Glub once if you’re alive, twice if you’re dead… again.”  Twilight waited several seconds with no response from the Changeling Queen. The lavender Alicorn slowly reached a hoof into the tub hoping to drain the water by removing the plug.

“GAH!” The Changeling Queen inhaled as jolted upwards breaching the surface of the water. Causing the unsuspecting Alicorn to scream in surprise which caused the confused Changeling Queen to scream in response.

“What in the name of Tartarus are you doing Sparkle?!” Chrysalis shouted in-between gasps for air. “What are you doing sticking your hoof into someone’s bath?”

“What am I doing?” Twilight asked in a mixture of anger and confusion “What are you doing?! I thought you were dead, your legs dangling over the side and your head underwater. You are aware you’re not supposed to sleep in a tub right?”

“Of course I wasn’t sleeping” Chrysalis answered as she pushed her dripping mane from her face. “I was playing find the shuggoth with Morty.” The Changeling finished matter-of-factly “Isn’t that right Morty?” Chrysalis added as the Skeletal Draconequus’s head emerged from the water.

“He is a very crafty Shuggoth” Morty stated bluntly “Like that slippery badger I had to reap a couple months back. Who knew those tiny badger hands could cause so much damage.”


“That’s great and also seems incredibly wrong.” Twilight spoke with a raised brow “But you’re looking for this “Shuggoth” thing in a bathtub? Glad to see you and Morty are becoming fast friends but I really don’t think you should be looking in the tub at the same time, especially with you and Sombra doing whatever it is you do.

“Nonsense Sparkle” Chrysalis chuckled “Sombra is helping us, isn’t that right Sombra?” Chrysalis finished as this time Nibbles breached the surface followed by Sombra.

“Nibbles and me help find Shuggy so we can give him his bath.” Sombra stated happily before diving back below the surface.

“First off, I’m not even going to ask who else you have in that tub. Secondly, I hope at least one of you see the irony of trying to find someone hiding in a tub so you can give them their bath. Finally, did any of you see where Celestia went?”

“Oh Sunbutt?” Chrysalis asked as she raised a brow “She escaped through her tunnel a couple hours ago to get her revenge.”

Twilight looked back at the empty cell for a couple seconds before turning back to face the Changeling
“There is no tunnel.” She stated flatly

“Oh of course not, she couldn’t break through the prison floor with her crown so she teleported outside of the cell and dug her way into the castle.” Chrysalis finished before diving back into the tub leaving Twilight confused and alone.

“Gah, sometimes I feel like the only sane one left.” Twilight muttered to herself.

“I know how you feel” came an unfamiliar voice from one of the other cells. The Alicorn carefully trotted over to the cell confused as to where this new Prisoner had come from.

“Thorax’s punishment cell” Twilight read the sign above the cell out loud before shifting her gaze towards the Changeling lying inside the cell. “What are you in for?”

“Monopoly” the Changeling answered flatly “wasn’t even allowed to pass go or collect two hundred bits.” The Changeling continued to mutter to himself. “She cheats you know, connect four? She only connects three. Karaoke night? She sings Winter Wrap Up. She cheats you know, she cheats!” the Changeling yelled before falling back to the floor.

“Right theeeen.” Twilight spoke as she backed away slowly while maintaining eye contact. “Well you serve your sentence and don’t do it again.” Twilight finished before bolting back up the stairs.

Ten minutes later Twilight was back in her throne room alongside Luna and Nightmare Moon and Discord.
“Mares, Stalli- Discord, I’ve called you all here because we have a serious issue.”

“Oh gods, Sombra’s gone insane and is planning to kill us all isn’t he” Discord blurted out as he attempted to hide beneath Nightmare.

“No!” Twilight shouted slightly shocked and horrified by Discord’s accusation “Celestia has escaped and is planning on taking revenge.”
Twilight paused for a couple seconds before the four of them burst into a fit of laughter. Once the four of them managed to get some semblance of composure back Luna was the first to speak.

“I assume you want us to humor her?” the Night Alicorn managed to get out between the odd chuckles. “I mean she’s not really all the good at being evil and we don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

“Hey Luna?” Discord spoke up “You remember that time she was evil for a week and decided the day would last forever?”

“She did what?!” Twilight blurted out

“Calm down Twilight” Luna spoke “She broke after a half hour because she thought she was being too harsh. So she declared "Taco Day" would only be held on Tuesdays and that the day would last an average length.”

“Yeah” Nightmare laughed “Even when she’s evil, she’s still overly sweet. Even now, you’ve been shot twice and don’t even realize it.” Nightmare finished as she pointed towards Twilight’s flake where two small spitballs now sat.

“That’s right” came the familiar voice of the Sun Goddess gaining everyone’s attention as they turned to face Celestia who stood atop the large stone throne. “All of you shall come to fear the dreaded Nightmare Sun” The Alicorn finished with what could only be describe a school filly giggle before scampering up into a large air vent in the ceiling. 

“Oh good, she’s Nightmare Sun again.” Nightmare stated flatly “Also when did we get air vents?”
Discord, Luna and Twilight shrugged before going their separate ways each wondering what “horribly evil” schemes Celestia had in store for them

Twenty minutes later Nightmare Moon was the first victim of Nightmare Sun’s campaign of terror. Nightmare Moon sat at the large dining hall table a half empty mug of coffee and the morning newspaper sat on the table in front of her. Across from her Nightmare Sun stood doing her best to be menacing.

“Now Nightmare, do you surrender or shall I unleash my secret weapon on you.”  Nightmare Sun asked proudly as she tapped cage that clearly held Nibbles.

“Celestia, I know that’s not a secret weapon, it’s clearly Nibbles except you put a luchador’s mask on him. Secondly Chrysalis is going to kick your flank if she finds out you put Nibbles in a cage. Thirdly how did you even get Nibbles into a cage?”

“Very carefu-“Nightmare Sun cut herself off as she almost revealed a secret that could destroy her plans. “This isn’t Nibbles this is my genetically engineered super soldier!” Nightmare Sun shouted with an “evil” laugh as she opened the cage door and awkwardly watched as her super soldier scampered away.

“Well that’s awkward” Nightmare spoke as she took another sip of her coffee. “Besides you banned Biological Weapons in our games after the Raccoon City incident.”

Celestia was momentarily shaken from her boredom induced insanity as she flashed back to the horrors of that day. “All those raccoons and all those genetically engineered trash bags. It took weeks to convince everyone that it was just swamp gas and weather balloons.”

“I still can’t believe Bulk Bicep punched a boulder into lava.” Nightmare spoke as she too was partially lost in memory of that trash bag filled day.

“Genetically engineered lava” Celestia added before shaking herself out of her memories and returning to Nightmare Sun “You may have survived this encounter but next time I swear you will break.” Nightmare Sun shouted before once again climbing into the vents after several seconds her head poked back out.  “I forgot to ask, can you tell the chefs will be having some guests from the Crystal Empire tonight?”

“Sure thing Nightmare Sun” Nightmare Moon answered as she returned to reading her paper.

“Thank you” Nightmare Sun shouted before returning to the vent “But you will still break” she shouted before scurrying away.

A couple minutes later Nightmare Sun had found her second victim. Discord had been enjoying a nice bout of thinking in his thinking tree… well “Thinking Shrub” his tree was currently on loan to a family of angry squirrels. Either way he had been enjoying some nice quality thinking time until “Nightmare Sun” came along and started throwing acorns at him.

“Do you surrender yet?” Nightmare Sun asked as she held an acorn aloft with her magic

“You are aware I am the master of annoyances right? You should go bother your favorite pet instead” Discord asked with a raised brow as he rose from the pile of acorns that had buried him for that last couple of minutes. “But if you want, I can play your game. I can surrender and be with you ever single second of the day.”

Celestia’s “evil grin” slowly began to fade as Discord continued to speak.

“Just think” the Draconequus continued “Instead of being with Moony all the time, I’ll be with you Sunny, 24/7. Me and you forever.” Discord was prepared to keep going but sadly for him the dreaded Nightmare Sun apparently had better things to do as she quickly galloped off.

“You’re not as stupid as you act.” One of the patrolling guards muttered as he passed by gaining the chaos gods attention.

“See” Discord began “The longer the lie goes on, the more real it becomes.” He spoke with a light chuckle. “Let them kill you here and there, pretend to be clueless and innocent and they’ll never suspect you for the odd bouts of chaos that happen each day. Eat someone’s farewell cake and pin it on a Changeling and they’ll never suspect the Chao God whose “lost his touch” 

“You truly are a monster.” The guard laughed before wandering off.

“Another clever word sets off an unsuspecting herd as you step back into line a mob jumps to their feet.” Discord sang to himself as he returned to his thinking shrub.

Elsewhere in the castle Princess Twilight Sparkle had managed to isolate Nightmare Sun within one of the unused portions of the castle.

“How long do you plan on doing this Celestia?” Twilight asked as she stared at the former Princess through the magic wards she had placed where the door should have been.

“Until my demands are met or I have my revenge” Nightmare Sun shouted “Or until supper whichever comes first.
“And what are your demands?” asked as she raised a brow. “What could you possibly want?”

“I want the throne!” Nightmare Sun shouted with another failed laugh 

“Sure” Twilight answered happily as she tossed her crown to the Sun Goddess and trotted off.

“Well that was easy….” Celestia muttered to herself as she picked up the crown and made towards her throne, quickly slamming into the ward sealing her in that portion of the castle.

“Uh Twilight? Can you let me out?” the newly re-crowned Princess asked awkwardly, silence being her only response.

Several hours later Celestia had managed to escape and was currently preparing for supper. Meanwhile Discord was waiting just outside, the same guard from his earlier encounter stationed next to him.

“All according to plan my friend” Discord stated happily.

“How is this your plan?” The guard asked in confusion “With Princess Celestia back she can freely kill you whenever she wants.”

“And that’s the price you pay for Chaos my friend.” Discord laughed. “You see, Celestia is far more chaotic as a Princess than as a villain. Why be the God of Chaos and when I can let the “Good Guys” do it for me. I mean seriously, last time she tried to help she ended up creating genetically engineered Trash Bags that stole an entire food supply of a city.

“So let me get this straight” the guard spoke trying to put the pieces together. “The reason you’re so “Mellow” is because you’re getting others to cause your chaos for you?”

“That’s right” Discord answered with a smug grin. “Before they put me in stone the world was too peaceful and boring on its own. Now everything is just so chaotic on its own. Most don’t even notice but chaos is the natural order now and Celestia is my greatest weapon.”

“You are aware of how messed up this all is right?” The guard asked

“It’s beautiful, and the best part is nobody will believe them if you tell them.” Discord stated smugly before teleporting off. 

Against his better judgement the guard decided to risk looking the fool and approach the princess and inform her of Discord’s scheme a couple minutes later he had finished telling her everything that Discord had told him throughout their encounters.

Celestia laughed catching the stallion off guard. “Well my little pony, I’m glad you came to me. Even after my little outburst today. However, I’ve been aware of Discord’s scheme since it began.”

“What?!” the guard blurted out

“I’ve known Discord thinks he’s been tricking me into causing chaos for him. To be honest I’ve known since the beginning. But it keeps him calm and happy. Plus, tricking a trickster is more fun than you’d think.” Celestia spoke with a light chuckle. “So I play his game every once in a while and he plays nice with everyone else.”

“I think I understand” the guard answered.

“Very good” Celestia spoke once again as some of the cooks began bringing trays of food. “I do apologize for dismissing you so suddenly, especially after our talk. But I have several guests from the Crystal Empire arriving soon and I must prepare myself. I also need to go find out where all the air vents came from.”

“I understand Princess; I must resume my duties as well.” 

“Oh and before you leave” Celestia added “I would be grateful if you kept both my conversation and Discord’s between me and you. Nobody else is aware of either of our game plan and I’d appreciate if lie remained real.”

“As you wish Princess” the guard added with a light chuckle before trotting off. 

Back in the dungeon

"I knew he was in here!" Chrysalis shouted as she did her best to escape the Eldritch Abomination's grip. "Bad Shuggy" she shouted as she tried whacking the indescribable being with a News Paper. After several seconds of flailing and striking the beasts Shuggy quickly re-submerged himself in the tub.

"Follow him!" Chrysalis shouted as she dived below the surface quickly followed by Morty, Sombra, two elite Changeling Guards a catapult and a S.W.A.T team.

Thorax silently watched in confusion "Not even going to try and understand" the Changeling groaned as he fell back to the floor.
	
> Chapter - Cheesecake
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Twilight, as your Princess and teacher I order you to destroy Discord with the other Elements of Harmony” The sun goddess commanded from her throne.

“No” Twilight answered flatly 

“Pretty please?” Celestia added hoping that maybe her student would cave.

“No Princess, it’s only been four days since you’ve reclaimed the throne and you’ve already had my friends and I “destroy” Discord six times. Rarity is still cleaning her outfit of all the Discord bits. Fluttershy is still twitching and Rainbow Dash is still bragging to everyone about it.”

“But my faithful student, Equestria requires your aid.” Celestia attempted to plead with her student

“Does Equestria really need my help? Does it?” Twilight asked as she glared at her teacher

There was an awkward pause for several seconds as Celestia shifted her gaze around the room hoping to find a distracting or a way out, eventually she shifted her gaze back towards her student.

“No, no it doesn’t” Celestia stated sadly as she stared at the ground a faint look of shame on her face as she realized she had been exploiting her student and her student’s friends to preform acts of murder she should have been committing herself . “I’m sorry Twilight, I didn’t realize how much I had been using you and your friends, can you forgive me?”

“Of course Princess” Twilight answered with smile that quickly faded as she realized how late it had gotten. “Uh Princess, I don’t mean to go galloping off, but the train back to Ponyville leaves in a few minutes.”

“I understand” Celestia added with a smile “You head on back home now and tell Spike and your friends I send them my regards.”
After some heartfelt farewells and a hug or two Princess Celestia happily watched as her faithful student trotted out of the throne room passing an approaching guard as she exited the room. Once the door had fully been shut and the hoofsteps of Twilight had completely faded away the newly arrived guard approached the throne.

“Spymaster Carapace, I assume you acquired what I requested.”  The Sun Princess asked with a devious grin.

“My agents retrieved the Elements of Harmony from Ponyville as you requested.” Carapace spoke as a torrent of green flame engulfed the guard leaving a rather large Changeling behind. “The information you provided my scouts was almost completely accurate.”

“Very good Spymaster, you and your agents are quickly becoming my favorite acquisition from the Changeling Empire. Keep up the good work and I’ll keep feeding you some nice information to give to your queen.”  Celestia paused for a second as one of her older thoughts came back to the surface. 

“Carapace, you Queen lives with us, why did she send her best infiltration team to spy on us? As well, where were you when she tried to take over Equestria.”

“Funny thing that is” Carapace began with a nervous chuckle “We were the advanced team sent to secure and relocate the one I believe called “Princess Cadance” we managed to capture her and move to the crystal caves, but not before she managed to take out the majority of best scouts.”

“I hit them with a brick!” Shouted Cadance from the other side of the throne room

“How long as she been here?” Celestia asked in confusion as she stared at the pink Alicorn across the room.

“After our failed invasion and subsequent arrival here it appears Miss Cadance has taken it upon herself to “Stare menacingly” at my scouts whenever she happens to be in the Castle, sometimes she even brings the brick with her.
“I call him Steve, he likes to hit Changeling spies, and sometimes make orange juice!” Cadance shouted once more.

“Well other than my discovery of Cadance’s apparent brick related violent outbursts against Changelings.” Celestia spoke as she shifted her gaze towards the brick wielding Alicorn “I’m quite glad you and your agents were able to acquire the Elements for me. Now all I need to do is find some bearers and I can take care of Discord whenever I want.”  

“Miss Celestia, if you require the removal of someone or something my agents could easily find a new home for Discord if you desire.”

“That’s quite alright Spymaster, now if you’ll excuse me I’ve got gather some new Element bearers” Celestia finished as she magically passed a sealed folder to the Changeling before trotting out of the room. Chrysalis wanted secrets and if it suited her purpose Celestia was glad to pass on some less important Equestrian Secrets.

Several minutes later Celestia had finished her treasonous acts and was now moving quickly on her way to phase two of her plan. She had gathered the Elements of Harmony through no help of her “faithful” student. Now all she needed to do was gather Sombra, Luna, Chrysalis and maybe Nibbles… well probably not Nibbles, then she could strike. Her first stop was Luna who at this point in the day was probabl- Celestia found her thoughts cut off as her sister came exploding through the wall slamming into the stunned day Alicorn.

“Did anyone get the number of that Draconequus?” Luna groaned as she sat up and rubbed her head completely unaware of her semi crushed sister pulling herself out of the rubble that used to be the wall.

“What in the seven fires of Tartarus are you doing?” Celestia growled as she pushed a larger piece of rubble off herself. She had planned to find Luna, but getting hit by her was kind of the same thing she supposed.

“Discord broke into my lab” Luna spoke as she brushed some dirt from her coat and helped her sister to her hooves. “He decided to add some apple juice to my project.”
“Uh oh” Celestia mouthed knowing where this was probably going “What happened next?” she asked with more than a little worry in her voice.

“Demonic apple juice” Luna answered flatly and began to trot off in search of the lizard. However she was quickly stopped as a golden aura wrapped around her and slid her back towards Celestia who was waiting with a devious grin.

“You want revenge?” she asked with a sick and twisted grin

“Of course” Luna answered a bit nervous from her Sister’s expression

“Then we have much to discuss, come along Luna” she ordered happily as she trotted off. Leaving Luna little choice but to follow the probably homicidal mare to wherever she was taking her. The two of them made their way through the twisting halls of Canterlot Castle and eventually found themselves outside the room of Nightmare Moon. Celestia was honestly quite surprised to see how many rune and wards Nightmare had placed on just one entrance.

“How do we get in?” Celestia asked with a raised brow

“Knock?” Luna answered in retort as she approached the door and knocked a couple times.

After a few seconds of waiting the sound of hoofsteps faintly emanated from the room. Followed by the sounds of several locks being undone one after another. Finally the wards and runes started to life one after another and eventually the door opened.

“Yes?” Nightmare asked as she opened the door slowly. Quickly the mare found herself wrapped in Celestia’s magic as both Celestia and Luna casually walked into her room pulling her along with them.

“This is why I don’t normally open the door.” Grumbled Nightmare as she was lowered back to the floor and release from the magical grip. “What do you two want? Oh, let me guess someone stole your sweet roll?” she asked sarcastically as she returned to her bed.

“Hey that only happened once” Luna hissed as she gazed around Nightmare’s room.

“That’s a lot of pink” Celestia stated flatly as she stared at the walls. The sun goddess was honestly quite stunned as she looked around the room. She had heard stories about Nightmare’s room, but never had she imagined so much pink.

“And what are these and what why is it so hot in here?” Celestia asked as she approached a shelf of what appeared to be dolls, including one that looked suspiciously like herself and basically everyone else in the Castle.

“That’s none of your business.” Nightmare snapped “Now what do you two want?” the annoyance in her voice growing greater by the second.

“Oh we’re dealing with Discord again” Celestia stated as she stopped fiddling with the doll copy of herself. “This one’s a little more creative than normal so I need everyone, so come along.” The Alicorn finished with a grin as she once again picked Nightmare up with her magic and carried her out of the room followed by Luna.

“You are aware I can walk right?” Nightmare groaned as she floated behind the other two Alicorns. “You know what, I don’t even care anymore.” She sighed as she assumed a lounging position as she floated through the air.

After a couple more minutes of casually floating and trotting the group found themselves in the royal garden where the rest of their party was unknowingly waiting. Chrysalis, Sombra and Nibbles had been enjoying a nice relaxing day…. Well they had been, but judging by the drops of blood on the picnic blanket and the odd splatters around Nibbles’ face they were quite sure Discord had been here at some point.

“Draconequus problem?” Celestia asked with a light chuckle as she finally lowered Nightmare to the ground and took a seat next to the resting group.

“Discord take food, Nibble try to take talons.” Sombra stated as he patted the young hybrid creature on the head.

“The poor idiot said it was as easy as taking candy from a baby.” Chrysalis chuckled as she passed an approving glance towards her little demon. “Nibbles made him pay for every bit of food he tried to take.”

“Well that’s good to know” Celestia stated as she summoned a bag with her magic. “Because we’ll need your help to make him pay for every prank he’s pulled on me in the last four days.” She finished by dumping the Elements of Harmony onto an empty portion of the picnic blanket.

“Now those bring back some memories” Nightmare stated as she glared at the necklaces and one weird big crown thingy. “Mostly rainbow based destruction.” She added with a mutter. “So Sparkle let you borrow them?”

“Yeah” Celestia answered with a long drawn breath. “Borrowed them”

“You stole them didn’t you” Nightmare asked flatly

“Yep” the sun goddess answered as she placed the big crown thingy on her head. “Okay, here’s the deal team. We’ve got six Elements and only five bearers.

“Blarg?” Nibbles growled in confusion

“Sorry little guy” Celestia responded as she patted Nibbles on the head “You’re already scary enough, I don’t need you using the Elements to claim what is most likely all the food in the Castle.”
“Blah blerg” Nibbles growled in response

“He say fair enough” Sombra translated finishing with a shrug

“So here’s the deal, we got the orange one; I think that’s the element of Apples.” Celestia spoke gaining several odd glares from everyone around. “Nightmare you get the Element of Apples because… well I don’t have a reason” she finished as she tossed the orange necklace to the black Alicorn who awkwardly put it on.

“Luna you get the Element of Fashion… I think” The white Alicorn spoke as she tossed it towards her sister and immediately went back to the pile. “Chrysalis you can have the pink one, No idea which one this is though” she paused as she examined the pink necklace “Probably the Element of Helium, but I’ll need a periodic table to be sure.”

Nobody laughed, they didn’t even giggle they just glared.

“Fine” Celestia stated without amusement “My grand humor is lost on you, Sombra you get the Element of Going Fast and the Element of Adorable.”

“Why does he get two?” Luna asked with annoyance as she pointed towards the two Elements Sombra had been given.

“Because he’s adorable” Celestia answered flatly “Now everyone here’s the plan.” She began with an evil grin

Discord’s day had been going quite well up until the afternoon. When he had first woken up he got a nice surprise of more pillow toast which he ate with a nice bit of text book jerky. After that nice meal he had gone down to Luna’s lab to help her out.
Sadly Discord’s help wasn’t appreciated, Luna’s concoction was clearly lacking in the department of Apple Juice so he did what he could to help out. When it mutated he was sure she would have been completely pleased, instead she tried to drown him in a fish bowl.
After that he went and visited Mooney. She had all sorts of wards and stuff trying to keep herself locked in the room. So Discord did his best to try and break her out, she didn’t enjoy him climbing through the air vents and ended up turning up the heat.

After he managed to treat his burns he had eventually stumbled on a nice picnic in the garden and it was quite the rude gathering if he had anything to say about it. They didn’t even share their snacks with him.

Now after all he had done to try and help them they decided to corner him with the Elements of Harmony.

“Discord, it’s time for us to take our revenge!” Celestia shouted as she her eyes began to glow and her group began to rise from the ground as the Elements powered up. Discord closed his eyes and waited for destruction but the only thing that came was a loud zapping sound. When the Draconequus finally opened his eyes only Himself, Nightmare, Sombra and Nibbles remained. Where everyone else once stood there was now only burn marks and the Elements.

“What happen?” Sombra asked as he turned to look at Nightmare.

“I guess they weren’t the proper bearers.” Nightmare answered flatly “Congratulations Discord” Nightmare spoke as she placed Celestia’s crown on Discord’s head. “You’re the new Celestia, and I’m the Element of Apples.” The black Alicorn stated happily as she trotted off leaving Discord and Sombra in complete confusion and Nibble with three new chew toys.

One week later the Element of Harmony showed up on the door step of the Ponyville library several of them appeared to have been chewed on. Twilight had wisely assumed not to question anything. However the next time her and her friends needed to wield the Elements they would quickly find out that the Element of Apples had a new master, Apple Horse was not amused.

Three weeks later at the “Battle of Ponyville”

“Okay girls, we’ve got Grogar on the run. All we have to do is use the Elements and send Grogar back to Tartarus, and then we can clean up Ponyville.

“Discord’s going to be so upset we saw Grogar without him.” Nightmare laughed as she prepared her Element.

“Quiet Nightmare” Twilight commanded “You’re only here because Applejack is down in Manehattan”

“After this can I write a friendship report? I do love reading all those reports you send Celestia. I mean seriously, I don’t think I’ve seen such cheesy moral anywhere not even the ones in Discord’s foal shows he’s constantly watching.”

Nightmare didn’t have time to take in Twilight’s reaction as she quickly received a hoof to the jaw. To this day nobody know exactly what happened during the “Battle of Ponyville” but it is believed that Twilight Sparkle gave Nightmare Moon such a sound beating that Grogar returned to Tartarus on his own claiming that had been the most fun thing he had witnessed in the last seven thousand years. 





[Secret Bonus Nightmare Moon Mini-Sode]
Nightmare Moon, Alicorn of Darkness and now the Element of Apple was enjoying a nice quiet afternoon in her room. Over the last month she had taken part in many stupid schemes and even helped save the world, if only because she took a rather amusing beating from a small purple horse.

“Peace and quiet” Nightmare sighed to herself as she lay in her bed enjoying the nice cool breeze that came in through an open window on the other side of the room.

*Knock, knock, knock* came the sound of a hoof on her door.

“No” Nightmare groaned as she rolled over in her bed. “Nobody is home.”
After several seconds of continued silence Nightmare realized that whoever was at her door had probably left.

“Huh, didn’t think that would work.” The Alicorn stated in a mixture of surprise and confusion. “Well it had to happen one da-“ The Alicorn was cut off by a sudden thud from the other side of the room. The mare quickly rolled over revealing a rather tired looking Changeling Queen

“Oh good, the second least annoying person I know.” Nightmare spoke with a sigh of relief “What brings you to my chambers this fine afternoon and why do you look like you climbed up the side of the Castle?”

“I…. did… climb” Chrysalis gasped in-between words “Luna….” Chrysalis paused for a moment as she continued to try and get air back into her lungs, after a couple seconds of stressed breathing she was able to speak properly

“Luna asked me to help her with “Science” and I stupidly agreed to help her.”

“How’d that go?” Nightmare asked with a knowing grin

“I can’t feel my wings and the Hive Mind is speaking in Spanish!” the Changeling Queen yelled in response “She warned me the next one might make me explode and I bolted.” Chrysalis finished before slumping back on the floor. “She said I had to do it for Science, I’ve been running for the last thirty minutes.”

“Yeaaaaaah” Nightmare answered in a drawn out response. “Never help Luna with Science, it ends in dying… painfully.” She finished as she rubbed the back of her head. “I’m guessing you’re hoping to hide out here till she gives up decides to use Discord or Celestia I assume?”

“Yes, please and thank you.” The Queen added with an enthusiastic nod.

“Very well” Nightmare answered as she rolled back over in her bed. “There’s some movies in my closet and a mini fridge under the bed.”

“Thank… Wait you have a fridge and a T.V?” Chrysalis blurted in response

“I took them from Luna’s room when I left her head.” Nightmare casually answered as she used her magic to open a panel on the wall across her room revealing large flat screen T.V on the other side. “I promised not to rat out her “Plan B” and “Plan C” had we continued to try and take over Equestria.” Nightmare finished with a chuckle as she remembered how annoyed Luna looked when she took the Mini-Fridge

“You’re an evil, evil mare” Chrysalis laughed

“No, evil was Luna’s “Plan B” after the Elements managed to stop us on our return we were prepared to release hundreds of “lost” documents showing Celestia during the age of disco” the black Alicorn needed to do everything in her power to keep from laughing as she summoned a single photograph and slide it towards the Changeling Queen.

“Sweet hive below” Chrysalis muttered to herself as she stared at the image of Celestia. Her normally long and flowing mane had become a rather large and poofy afro. Her calming eyes were hidden beneath large purple tinted glasses and the outfit she wore couldn’t be described in the Equestrian Language.

“When you’re ready Child” Nightmare began as she patted Chrysalis on the shoulder from laying position on the bed “Go forth and use this mighty weapon of blackmail against Luna.” She continued her tone only getting more powerful as she stood up. “Do not fear her science and use this weapon to claim a mini fridge of your own.”

“I’ll make you proud” Chrysalis stated as she forced a single tear down her face. “I’ll teach her to make everything in my head Spanish!” Chrysalis shouted as she stormed out of the room.

“Good for her” Nightmare sighed happily before turning her T.V on and preparing to return to her nice quiet day of doing absolutely nothing and for once in a long, long time nothing bad happened to the Element of Apples.
	
	
> Micro Episode - Not Dead
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chrysalis continued to stare at her bedroom ceiling it had been several hours since she had climbed into her bed and attempted in vain to sleep. So far the Changeling Queen had not found any form of peaceful sleep as she spent the majority of the night tossing and turning in vague hopes of finding some magical position that would allow her to drift off.

"Pssst" Chysalis hissed as she rolled over to face Sombra "Are you awake?" after several seconds of silence the Changeling Queen came to the conclusion that Sombra was in fact asleep, for a brief comment she thought about checking to see if Nibbles was awake but only for a moment she was tired and bored, not stupid.

With a reluctant groan Chrysalis forced herself out of her bed, if she wasn't getting any sleep she might as well go see what trouble she could get into she thought to herself. Silently she crept through the room until she made it to the door where she careful pushed it open and escaped into the hall.

"Oh good, at least everyone else is getting some well-deserved sleep." Chrysalis sarcastically spoke aloud to herself as she stared at her two Royal Changeling guards who had apparently both passed out during their shift. "Keep up the good work soldiers" she muttered as she saluted the sleeping Changelings before walking off.

"First off Throne room" she spoke to herself as she navigated the halls "At the very least I can bug the night guard, they're always so uptight." she giggled and quickly stopped herself as she noticed two of the castle servants glaring at her. The Queen quickly shifted her gaze from the two ponies and picked up her pace. Surely they would go and rat her out to Celestia.

After a couple minutes of walking through the Castle halls Chrysalis was greeted with the rather odd sight of a large crowd. Slowly she made her way through the group.

"Excuse me, coming through" She muttered as she lightly pushed her way through the crowd "Changeling Queen, coming through!" eventually she made it to through the crowd to see what the commotion was all about.

"I sentence you to death." Nightmare stated as she stared down at earth pony.

"Ignore her." Luna quickly spoke as she glared at the other Alicorn before shifting her gaze to the rather bewildered looking earth pony. "She's an idiot and we'll have some of the royal guards dispatched to your fields to remove the Diamond Dogs from your land."

"Thank you Princess" the earth pony spoke as he bowed and quickly made his way out of the Chamber.

"Nightmare you can't sentence anyone to death." Luna hissed as she noticed Chrysalis approaching the throne from the corner of her eye.

"What are you two doi-" The Changeling Queen was quickly cut off by Nightmare Moon.

"I sentence you to death!"

"She can't actually do that." Luna added 

"Fine" Chrysalis shrugged "I declare you an enemy of the Changeling Empire"

"She can't do that can she?" Nightmare whispered to Luna with a tinge of worry in her voice

"She's the Changeling Queen she can declare whatever she wants regarding her empire." Luna smirked her response causing Nightmare to quickly shift her gaze around the room in an attempt to find an escape route.

"Watch me swooce right out of here" Nightmare stated as she quickly bolt from the throne and passed the crowd. Leaving the entire room in a state of awkward silence as the echoed hoofsteps of Nightmare faded away.

"I apologize for that little interruption." Luna began as she rose from her throne. "I would ask that we take a twenty minute break from the night court so that I may take care of some minor personal matters. Feel free to visit the royal gardens or gossip about Nightmare Moon's and Discord's possible romantic involvement."

There were several large gasps as if some reality shattering revelation had been revealed as the majority of the ponies filed out of the room. 

"Well that was a thing." Chrysalis spoke some satisfaction knowing that she still out ranked both Nightmare and Discord "Now as I was saying. What's happening with this?" Chrysalis continued as she pointed towards the rather small group of remaining ponies causing some of the more fearful ponies to flinch.

"Monthly night court" Luna began "Back before I had my little vacation I used to do all my royal duties during the evening. However since my return to Equestria I've done most of them with Celestia or alone just before the raising of the moon, but every once in a while I hold one during the night simply because I can."

"And Nightmare?" The Changeling asked with a raised brow.

"She as ordered the death of the entire population of Canterlot.... Twice. I mostly keep her around to keep the crowds from getting restless. If any of our guests get a little too aggressive with each other they usually stop quite quickly when Nightmare stands up."

"So has she actually had anyone executed?"

"Discord" Luna answered flatly "Sentenced him to death and then shot him on a related note did you know Celestia keeps a gun behind her throne?"

"What?" The Changeling asked in confusion

"Yeah, it was gift from Gryphon ambassador a couple years ago she keeps it behind the throne." Luna finished as she levitated the rifle from behind the throne instantly causing a panic among the remaining ponies as they quickly fled from the Throne room.

"Oh yeah, I forgot about them." The rather embarrassed Alicorn spoke as she lowered the gun back behind the throne. "Either way, I feel my sister has a couple issues."

"You think?" Chrysalis laughed as she climbed onto the second empty throne. "She let a possibly insane God of Chaos, the "Evil" half of her sister and the Changeling Queen that invaded her kingdom stay in the Castle. Oh and I'd like to point out literally all of us have tried to overthrow her. In all fairness, I think one gun isn't that bad."

Luna remained silent as she slammed her hoof down on the thrones arm rest and after a second there was clicking sound as small hidden slot opened revealing what appeared to be a dagger the hilt marked with Celestia's cutie mark.

"Well that's not that bad." Chrysalis shrugged

"You don't understand, she has hundreds of weapons stashed around the Castle."

"Everyone needs a hobby?" The Changeling Queen stated not too sure of what she was saying.

"You don't understand Chrysalis, I opened a box of cereal and a hand grenade fell out, we don't even have hands!"

"In her defense with the amount of stuff that happens around here I don't think she's overreacting too much. I mean you do have an assassin that shows up once every few weeks to try and murder you. Then you pay him if he succeeds, which by the way you owe me like four hundred bits. Not to mention the times you and Celestia have had your stand offs."

"That happened once" Luna scoffed

"You cleaved each other’s heads off in a sword fight."

"It was an honorable duel." Luna defended 

"WE HAD GUESTS!" Chrysalis shouted "You killed each other in the dining room in a duel. You left Nightmare, Discord and I alone with them."

"It was the Ponyville Mayor and she wanted to discuss taxes so we took the tax free way out! Just like this." Luna finished as she teleported away leaving Chrysalis completely alone in the throne room.

"Gods this place is weird." Chrysalis said with a yawn as she stretched out across the throne her back hooves dangling from the side as she finally began to drift off into peaceful sleep.





With a flash of light Luna appeared inside her private chambers. With a yawn she realized how tired she really had become over the course of the evening. Before Chrysalis had arrived she'd spent several hours listening to the problems facing the local ponies. 

There were two members of the Cloudsdale Cloud Factory that had showed up to file a complaint against the bearer of the Element of Loyalty who had apparently hijacked several clouds for an unspecified reason. Then there was a farmer who had a group of Diamond Dogs digging up his fields in search of gems and not to mention dealing with the constantly execution threats from Nightmare.

Luna yawned as she climbed into her bed and closed her eyes.

"Did Chrysalis follow you." came a semi muffled from beneath the bed voice eliciting a sigh from Luna

"No Nightmare, I don't think she even declared you an enemy to her Changelings."

"You don't know that, she's got that weird Hive mind going on. She can assume direct control of a drone whenever she wants."

"Actually" Luna began with a laugh "I think her Hive Mind might still be in Spanish so at the very least either the effects of that spell wears off or she learns Spanish herself."

"Can I stay here tonight anyways?" Nightmare asked a slight hint of pleading in her voice.

"Sure Moonbutt" Luna sighed as she rolled over in her bed and drifted off to sleep.
	
> Chapter - I wrote something!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Thorax what are you doing?” Hammer asked as he stared at the Changeling who had as far as Hammer could tell been lying in the same spot for the last few hours.

“I’m trying to will myself dead.” The Changeling responded as he continued to stare up at the ceiling 

“Well not to be a buzz kill but could you do that somewhere that isn’t the middle of a hallway?” Hammer asked as he pointed towards the caution tape that someone had placed around the Changeling “Ponies are starting to send reports that there’s a dead Changeling down here.”

“Not yet” Thorax groaned 

The guard sighed as he looked at his Changeling friend he didn’t know why he was trying to will himself dead or why he chose to do it in the middle of a hallway but Hammer had other duties that he needed to deal with.

“Okay Thorax, you’ve got to get off the floor.” Hammer spoke as he ducked under the caution tape and began trying to get the Changeling back up on his hooves. After a bit of effort he stepped away from the now standing Changeling.

“See you’re all good now.” The guard stated happily a couple seconds later the Changeling fell back to the ground with a dull thud.

“Leave me to my fate” The Changeling groaned before rolling over to face the ceiling once again.

“Fine” Hammer shrugged “But just so you know the cleaning staff is going to be here eventually and they sweep up everything.” The guard finished speaking before trotting off





“Chrysalis!” Celestia shouted up at the tress sitting in the center of the royal gardens “Chrysalis I know you’re up there!” 


After a couple seconds the leaves began to rustle and Chrysalis peeked her head out an annoyed expression on her face. 


“You’re going to blow my cover” The Changeling Queen hissed at the Sun Goddess “Get up here if you want to talk.”

“I’m not a foal I’m not clim-“ Celestia was cut off as an aura of magic wrapped around her and she quickly pulled into the tree several branches snapping on her way up. “I hate you so much right now.” Celestia groaned as she rubbed her head.

“Be quiet” Chrysalis hissed as she carefully motioned towards a small viewing gap in the leaves. Both she and Celestia silently watched as down on the ground the most terrifying creature Equestria had ever seen made his way into view.

“Where you” Nibbles hissed as he scanned his surroundings the Changeling Hybrid moved erratically through the garden searching for his prey. Every location that proved to be empty only making him more annoyed. After what felt like a life time Nibbles bolted up the side of the Castle wall and into one of the open windows allowing both Chrysalis and Celestia a chance to finally breathe.

“What in the fires of Tartarus was that about?!” Celestia spoke still trying to keep her heart inside her chest.

“Hide and Seek” Chrysalis answered happily as she stretched out on one of the largest branches in the tree. “I’ve been up here for about six hours now, but I will win.”

“Why do you play with death all the time?” Celestia asked the look of horror still plastered on her face. “Normal ponies don’t play hide and seek with a death itself.”

“That is where you’re wrong, because we are literally playing hide and seek with death itself because Morty is hiding too and I’ve got a couple of your guards playing too.”

“Okay” Celestia spoke as she rubbed her head with a hoof “Who else do you have involved in this insanity?”

“Sombra, Morty, about a dozen of your guards, ALL of my guards, Nightmare, Discord, Luna and now you.”

“First off, I’m not involved in this insanity and secondly the reason I came here in the first place was about one of your guards. Apparently one of them is either dead or playing dead or something I don’t really know, nobody fills out their paper work anymore its anarchy.”

“You mean Thorax? Yeah it’s how he deals with things give him a bit and he’ll get bored or hungry and leave. Back in the Hive we had an infestation of… “Slightly” large spider and Thorax played dead for so long we held a funeral for him. I have to say I have a lot of respect for his ability to play dead he stayed on that pyre for a good three minutes after we lit it.” 

Chrysalis finished speaking but continued to stare up at the sky as she recalled the unending amusement of a flaming Changeling bolting out of a flaming pyre; it was almost majestic in a semi horrifying way.

“So is Nibbles just going to take him out when he finds him?” Celestia asked with a raised brow.

“Fortunately for him no, Nibbles has use for him so he will most likely be spared.  Cookies for the Cookie god and all that.” Chrysalis finished with a laugh followed by her expression and tone shifting to a more serious one. “Unfortunately for you though, he has no use for you so you won’t be spared. You hid in the tree with me so you’re in the game now, Good luck” Chrysalis laughed as she pushed the Alicorn out of the tree.

With a loud thud the white Alicorn slammed into the ground. She thought about vaporizing the tree and Chrysalis but that would have to wait as she could faintly here the familiar sound of death approaching.

“Oh sweet sun and moon he heard me” Celestia muttered as she bolted in the opposite direction Nibbles had gone and made her way into the castle. She didn’t even know why she was running she hadn’t agreed to be part of this madness but part of her knew that Nibble wasn’t one for reason.  The only thing she could do now was find somewhere to hide.

“Note to self, Destroy Changeling Queen and all traces of her existence… again.” Celestia muttered as she galloped through the halls passing guards and leaping clean over a Changeling lying in the middle of the floor.

Eventually Celestia found herself in a rather empty corner of the castle and the feeling of approaching death had faded enough that she felt safe enough to take a break.

“Where am I?” Celestia asked herself as she looked around, the large amount of dusty and cobwebs made her wonder how long it had been since anyone had actually been in this portion of the castle. “Hello?” Celestia asked in a semi hushed voice hoping Nibbles was far enough away that the echo would never reach him.

The white Alicorn carefully and silently made her way through the halls checking each room she came across for any signs of life. Each room however proved to be just as empty as the next and eventually she came to the last room.

“Maybe it’s an exit” She muttered aloud trying to give herself some hope of escaping without having to go back the way she came. As she pushed the door open the door open she was met with the panicked yells of two familiar voices.

“This is it!” Nightmare shouted “This is how we die… Again!”

“Nightmare, I want you to know I always lo- Oh look its Celestia”  Discord finished with a sigh of relief “We’re not dead yet!”

“Ah good meat shields” Celestia spoke with a sigh of relief 

“What did you say?” Nightmare asked with a semi worried expression still on her face. 

“I said, what are you two doing here?” the White Alicorn answered with an innocent smile

“We fell through the roof “ Nightmare spoke as she pointed upwards to the large hole in the ceiling “Luna, Discord and I were trying to hide from Nibbles” 

“Oh good Luna’s here?” Celestia spoke with a smile “Where is she, we can sort this all out right now.”


“She didn’t make it” Discord feigned sadness “So we put her body in the closet because it was gross looking and it was attracting rats.”

“Then the only way to stop this madness is to find Sombra, he’s the only one who can calm Nibbles down. Have either of you seen him since this stupidity began?” 

Both Nightmare and Discord remained silent as they tried to remember the last time they saw Sombra. Before the game had begun they had breakfast with Sombra and Chrysalis after that Sombra had wandered off towards the royal library.

“He’s in Ponyville!” Discord stated happily earning him a whack from Nightmare 

“Last we saw, he was heading towards the Library.” Nightmare stated “He might being hiding ther-“ Nightmare was cut off as the door was flung open by a black tendril and their worst Nightmare walked in 


“Find you!” Nibbles stated with a grin that could only be described as adorably twisted.  “No more hide” stated as two more tendrils emerged from beneath his shell each one approaching one of the terrified gods.

“Wait Nibbles we can work this out“ Celestia pleaded as the tendril drew closer and closer before gentle tapping her.


“You out!” Nibbles stated happily as he poked the three gods in unison and the three tendrils of dark magic withdrew beneath his shell.


“Wait that’s it?” Nightmare, Discord and Celestia spoke in unison


“Hide and seek” Nibbles stated happily “I find you, you out.”


The three gods gave a sigh of relief at the revelation that none of them would die that day.  Their fear replaced with annoyance towards one Changeling Queen in particular.

“Hey Nibbles” Celestia spoke with a sly grin

“Yes” Nibbles answered as he looked away from the giant hole in the ceiling.

“I heard your mother was planning to give you a bath tonight.” 

“Bath?!”  The hybrid hissed as several black tendrils shot out from beneath his shell and his eyes began to glow a blood like red. 

“Yes a bath” Celestia repeated “She said if you couldn’t find her she would give you a bath for losing.”


“Nibbles no lose!” He hissed as the tendrils slammed into the ground cracking the floor around him.

“What if I told you where she was hiding so you wouldn’t lose?” Celestia continued to speak as she shifted her gaze towards Nightmare and Discord who know both shared her devious expression.

“You help Nibbles win?” The hybrid spoke his tone becoming a little less terrifying

“Of course, you’re family.” Celestia answered with a devious grin before leaning down to whisper into the hybrids ear. Once she finished giving the hybrid the location of his mother and some tips on how to catch her they three gods watched in unison as the hybrid scaled up the wall and through the hole in the ceiling.





Several minutes later the three gods and one Changeling stood on the roof overlooking the Castle Gardens.

“Just let me die” Thorax whined as he laid on the roof his head dangling over the edge


“The games over” Celestia stated flatly “No more hide and seek.”



“Wooo” Thorax shouted as he shot to his feet.

“But I need you for something, all Changelings have that freaky Hive mind thing where other Changeling’s see what they see right?” Celestia asked her devious grin from before returning.

“Yes” Thorax answered a bit worried by the question

“Good” the white Alicorn said with a smile all I need you to do is watch and share with your hive.”

Down below in the garden they could see Nibbles making his way down the side of the wall and slowly and carefully towards the large tree that sat in the center of the garden.  The three gods giggled to themselves as they watched the leaves shift ever so slight a sign that Chrysalis was getting worried. Nibbles silently and carefully got closer and closer to the branch until he stopped and a red glow formed on his horn. 

In a blinding flash of light the tree was engulfed in flames and all those in the area continued to silently watch as the tree burned. Nibbles new the game wasn’t over until her tagged his mother. Discord, Celestia and Nightmare knew that a little fire wouldn’t kill Chrysalis so easily and Thorax and no idea what was happening but he wasn’t on fire so it was okay.

After two minutes of waiting Chrysalis bolted out of the inferno covered in flames. The onlookers watched as the Changeling Queen ran head first into the castle. None of them were sure if she was screaming because of the flames or the Hybrid hot on her tail.

“Two minutes?” Thorax scoffed “Amateur” 



 

Sombra sat quietly in the library enjoying the book he had picked out while he waited for Nibbles to come find him he always enjoyed the nice peaceful games of hide and seek with his friends.

“Have they found us yet?” Mortimer whispered as he leaned his head out from behind the curtains of the large window that covered the majority of the libraries northern wall.


“Not yet” Anguish hissed in response “If I’m lucky they’ll just go back to forgetting I exist and I can hide forever.”

“Shhh” Sombra began “Have to stay quiet to hide” he finished with a chuckle as he returned to reading his book.
	
> Chapter - Camping
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deep in the Everfree Forest three gods, an immortal Unicorn, a Changeling Hybrid and Nightmare Moon continued to march towards their destination.

"Are we there yet?" Discord whined as he dragged himself along the ground. The group had been walking since their carriages had dropped them off just outside of Ponyville. Discord had been whining from the very beginning.

"No" the rest of the party answered in annoyed unison

"How do you know when we are there?" The Draconequus groaned as he picked himself up off the ground and continued to trudge along lagging slightly behind the group as they passed through some of the denser forest.

Luna gave a sigh as she prepared to answer Discord's question again for the sixth or seventh time.  
"Whenever Celestia decides to stop walking that's when we've reached the campsite."

"That's a terrible plan, even by my standards." Discord retorted "Why didn't we take a map?" 

"Can you read a map?" Nightmare answered as she turned to face both Discord and Luna who were now both starting to lag behind even more. 

"Yes" Discord responded proudly and then quickly faltered "No... but in my defense I typically just wander. Beside, you, Luna and Celestia are the organized ones can't one of you read a map?" 

"The whole of my knowledge is what I've learned on my own in the past year or so and everything Luna knew when I was in her head. Fun fact, Luna cannot read a map. She can however communicate fluently in the tongue of the Deep Ones" Nightmare added, a vague look of horror on her face as she finished speaking.

"It's true" Luna shrugged "Can't read a map to save my immortal life, but I can threaten Nightmare in several languages. Nightmare fhtagn!" Luna finished as she shouted and pointed angrily at Nightmare before trotting past the mare and towards her sister.

"So what about Celestia?" Discord asked as he watched Luna trot away. "There's no way she doesn't know how to read a map." He finished shifting his gaze back to Nightmare and narrowly avoiding tripping over a branch jutting out of the ground.

"Nope Celestia has no clue either, from Luna's older memories apparently if Celestia wanted to go somewhere she'd just line her self up in the general direction and walk forward till she reached it. In fact, there's still a couple perfectly Celestia shaped holes in mountains from when she went to war with the Griffin empire while you were in stone."

"I would have loved to see how that ended." Discord muttered with a smile

"Terror" Nightmare stated with a rather happy menacing grin "The Griffin Emperor surrendered before Celestia even arrived at the front gate. Apparently he had sent some advanced troops to stop her but she just kept walking he though she'd neve-" 

Nightmare was cut off by a loud crashing sound. Both her and Discord quickly turned back to face the main group and just barely managed to get out of the way of a large falling tree that appeared to have been smashed at the base.

"See" The black Alicorn stated flatly as she pointed towards Celestia who was still calmly marching forward a couple splinters of wood falling out of her mane. "Once she starts walking like this she doesn't stop until she gets where she's going."

"How is it that this has never come to my attention in the past?" Discord asked as he scratched his chin a look of semi confusion on his face.

"You don't normally come on these trips, you stay back with Chrysalis, harass the staff or end up as a garden ornament because you annoyed Sparkle and her friends. Why did you come?" Nightmare added with a suspicious glare.

"Chrysalis said she do some unsavory things to me if I stayed."

"Why not harass Sparkle, you never miss a chance to spread chaos in that overly cheerful nightmare of a village." 

"Twilight said she do even more unsavory things to me." the Draconequus hints of fear spread across his face.

"And what if I threatened to do unsavory things to you?" Nightmare asked with a sly grin

"My dear, they'd only be unsavory to onlooker." Discord responded with a wink

"Fhtagn!" Came a disgusted shout from Luna as she tried to keep her lunch down.

"Keep that up and I won't let you help m-" Nightmare's train of thought was derailed as the party came to a halt causing Discord to slam into Nightmare, and Nightmare into Luna.

"We have arrived" Celestia stated as she finally broke her former stern unblinking composure. 

"Wait a second" Nightmare spoke as she realized where they were standing "This isn't the normal clearing at all, this is where you sent Luna and I to the moon." Pointing to the perfect circle of still dead plant life at the very center of the clearing.

"Yep" Celestia answered with a peaceful expression "A lot of happy memories in this clearing. One thousand years of peace, not having to share a bathroom a problem we luckily solved with the new castle or you might still be up there. Yep, a fine place to camp." 

"That's messed up." Luna stated flatly "You had the bathroom to yourself for a thousand  years?!"

"Really?" Nightmare spoke flatly with a raise brow. "We spent a thousand years on that rock and you're  concerned about her getting a bathroom to herself."

"It was a really nice bathroom." Luna spoke as she stared off at the sky thinking about just how nice that bathroom was. "The bath had like six waterfalls and there was a fireplace."

"Luna I get it, it was a nice ba- wait you had a fireplace in the bathroom. If you had told me that we would have destroyed her and claimed Equestria for ourselve-" Nightmare found herself cut off as she was suddenly pelted with one of the larger saddlebags.

"Camping!" Nibbles shouted as he tore through the bags looking for the snacks he had packed. 

Sombra laughed "He not like waiting much." the Unicorn finished speaking as he moved to help the hybrid search through his bag more thoroughly until the two managed to find the stash of cookies they had brought. "We set up tents?" Sombra spoke as he used his magic to return the other items to their proper places in the bag.

Without hesitation Discord snapped his talons and a rather large and luxurious looking tent was brought into existence. Before he had a chance to make a smug remark the Draconequus was knocked off his feet by a fast flying frying pan.

"We agreed no advanced magic.' Celestia spoke as she approached the tent and with a single kick she brought the tent down. 

"Was the frying pan necessary?" Discord groaned as he rubbed the side of his face.

"No, but I had a twenty bit bet with Luna that I could find an excuse to hit you with something before sun down. It also makes a good excuse to remind everyone that we agreed to no advanced magics till the trip is over." 

"Why is that again?" Nightmare asked with an annoyed expression. "Normally we just come out here and do whatever for a couple of days."

"Teamwork building, this trip isn't just for relaxing." The white Alicorn smiled as she spoke "Twilight says her and her friends go camping every few months and it does wonders for their relationship but she thinks if we all just use magic we won't properly interact."

"Sparkle" Nightmare hissed under her breath

"Now we'll work together and get everyone's tents set up." Celestia stated happily as she unloaded her saddle bags.

Back in Canterlot 

"I can't believe that worked." Chrysalis stated with great joy as she lounged in the spa chair.

"Chrysalis" Cadance begin as she laid back in the mud bath "If there is one thing that Twilight is perfect at, it's planning, isn't that right Twilight?"

"Eeeyup" Twilight answered happily as she laid flat on the massage table and masseuse worked her back.

"Six days without stupidity... or dying" Chrysalis sighed 

"Three days" Twilight corrected "There is no way they last more than three days two hours without their advanced magic and convincing Princess Celestia to ban it was the only way to keep them from coming back at random and ruining everything."

"Still even one day without dying is a good day." Chrysalis sighed once more as she let her eyes closed and she drifted into peaceful sleep.

Back in the Everfree Forest

"See that wasn't that bad." Celestia spoke happily as she dropped the mallet having finally placed the last tent peg firmly into the ground.  Looking up from the tent she was unsurprised by the fact that everyone had snuck off save for Sombra and Nibbles who were happily enjoying a picnic after setting up their own tents. Giving a sigh the white Alicorn stepped over her bags and trotted over to where Sombra and Nibbles were seated. 

"You Hungry?" Sombra asked Celestia as you levitated a Sandwich to her.

Celestia was about ask where the others had gone off to but the rubble from her stomach answered for her. With a thank you she took the Sandwich in her magically grasp and began to chow down.

"These are really good" Celestia spoke through a mouth full of food as she dug through the sack for the Sandwich she assume Sombra had packed for one of the others. 

"Nibbles make them" Sombra stated happily 

"Food!" Nibbles shouted as his magically tendrils held his sandwich above his head. "Make food, eat food!" he shouted happily.

Celestia was surprised to say the least "I didn't take you for someone who would like cooking Nibbles."

"Make food, eat food!" Nibbles repeated as he hoisted his Sandwich once more into the air with his magic.

"Make food, eat food!" Celestia shouted in response "Kid, don't tell anyone but you've discovered the meaning of life." The Alicorn finished with a hearty laugh as she patted the hybrids head.

Elsewhere in the Forest Discord and Nightmare were happily enjoying a peaceful walk through one of the more sunlit paths.

"You know Sparkle set us up right?" Nightmare spoke as she tilted her gaze partially towards Discord who was happily walking at her side.

"Quite aware my dear Moony, let them have their fun. I've already set my own counter plans into action."

"And what is your plan my scaly friend?" Nightmare asked as the two of them came to a stop under one of the more shade providing trees.

"Well our good friend Chrysalis is having fantastic time, I even heard from a little birdy that she's invited both Twilight Sparkle and the esteemed Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. Coincidentally it looks like there was a mix up in Celestia's paper work. Quite the shame really." Discord continued to speak with an ever growing grin. "Instead of cancelling morning court for the next three days and two hours they'll be holding a special full day court for anyone in Equestria for any problem."

"First off, why specifically three days and two hours?" Nightmare asked with confusion

"Twilight thinks us fools, with the magical restrictions Celestia's imposing on us there's no way we go the full six days she has planned. By the third day she'll have had enough of our "bonding" time."

"I'm impressed Discord."

"Thank you" Discord responded with a slight blush

"You overheard her planning didn't you." Nightmare spoke flatly

"Eeeyup heard her and Chrysalis talking a few night before Celestia decided we were going camping."

"So you're only here to avoid all day "morning" court with Chrysalis and Twilight?" Nightmare's expression shifting from amused to slightly annoyed.

"Actually that was a bonus my dear Moony, the changes to the morning court were done just before we left. I was hoping the camping trip would give us some time for "unsavory" activities where we don't have to pretend to be trying to murder each other constantly.

"Were supposed to be pretending?!" Nightmare feigned innocence

"Hardy har har" Discord faked a laugh "You were really good at pretending when you dropped the chandelier on me yesterday.

Nightmare gave a hearty laugh "Everything I do, I do out of love. Now what were you saying about "unsavory" activities."

ELSEWHERE IN THE FOREST  

Luna silently crept through the more dense portion of the forest hoping that if anyone had followed her from the clearing they would have lost sight and given up following. She was rather glad that Celestia had changed the plans last minute, the clearing where she had been fired off into space was only a few minutes away from their old castle.

"Here we are!" the Alicorn shouted triumphantly as she broke free from the forest and into the clearing that held her old home. Realizing that she may have given away her position she quickly put a hoof to her mouth and scanned the trees for any sign of a follower. Once she was certain nobody had followed her or more specifically was sure Discord hadn't followed her she turned back towards the rather unstable looking bridge that lead towards the castle.

"I don't think this is up to codes." Luna laughed to herself as she tapped the bridge with hoof causing the entire thing to wobble. The Alicorn was about to take to the skies when she realized that might draw unwanted attention. Carefully she put one hoof onto the still wobbling rope bridge and in an instant the whole shoddy structure went plummeting into the pit below nearly taking Luna with it as she narrowly managed to pull her hoof off the wooden plank and regain her footing.

"Yeah that's not up to code in the slightest." Luna sighed as she took to the air and gently glided to the other side. Luna gave one last glance down towards the pit looking for any sign of the fallen bridge. After a couple of seconds Luna gave up her search for the bridge and made her way towards the castle and was surprised when she was met by two royal guards standing at the gate.

"Princess Luna!" one of the guards shouted catching his partner off guard as the two quickly moved to salute their ruler.

"At ease" the Alicorn responded still not sure what was currently happening. "What exactly are you two doing out here?"

"Princess Twilight sent ten of us out here to ensure nobody went exploring the Castle." the first guard spoke

"Princess Twilight was apparently having issues with the other Element Bearers sneaking into the Castle and finding evil magical artifacts and nearly destroying Equestria." the other guard added

"Oh yeaaaah" Luna spoke as she rubbed her chin "We probably shouldn't have left those lying around."

"If I might ask, Princess what are you doing out here?" The guard asked as he adjusted his helmet.

"I'm here to destroy incriminating evidence." Luna stated flatly knowing that the guards were bound by oath to keep what she said secret meaning she could be rather blunt about her mission.

"Nightmare Moon wants you to destroy the Discord stash doesn't she?" the guard spoke with a knowing grin

"I see someone has been snooping around, keep that secret to yourself and I'll see to it  that you're all transferred back to Canterlot."

"As you wish" the guard finished with a bow as Princess Luna trotted past him and into the castle through the large and worn wooden doors. 

Luna gave a sigh as she took in the sight of her old home. The last time she had been here was when she was defeated by the Elements of Harmony. It had been a good day, she tried to murder them with collapsing bridges, a manticore and even gravity. They tried to murder her with ancient gems that contained nearly infinite magic potential so all in all it had been a rather balanced fight.

"Wow this place is a mess." Scoffed Luna as she shook off her pleasant memories and fully took in the destruction and wear that her old Castle had seen. History books would tell how the castle had been nearly destroyed during the battle of Celestia and Nightmare Moon. But the reality of the matter that was known by none save Celestia, Nightmare and Luna herself was the castle was already on it's last legs due to Celestia's constant partying and nights of debauchery. Their battle had only served as a fantastic excuse for her to build a newer bigger castle.

"Now back to my mission" the Alicorn muttered as she made her way up the stone stairs in the center of the main chamber. It had been over a thousand years since she had actually wandered these halls and yet she still remembered them perfectly as she made her way toward a very specific storage closet. 

"Now where is it" she muttered to herself as she ran her hoof against the walls until you found a groove. "There you are" she stated happily as she pressed down on the groove causing the wall to slide open revealing a secret chamber. "My war room" she continued to speak to herself as she stepped into the large hidden chamber. It was this room that Luna and eventually Nightmare Moon planned their attempts to take over Equestria. It was also where they stored all their most valuable objects. It also held Nightmare's collection of Discord memorabilia. 

"Oh the things ponies would say" Luna chuckled as she opened the chest that contained Nightmares greatest shame. "Oh the things Celestia would say." she added as she held up small wood carved figure of the Draconequus of chaos. 

Back before Nightmare had any first hand experience with Discord she was convinced he was some sort of evil mastermind. The only thing that stopped her from releasing Discord in the first place was Celestia finding out about her plan early. Little did Nightmare know Discord had conquered Equestria through dumb luck and mostly annoying Celestia till she caved. Nightmare had long feared this rooms discovery and with the recent snooping by Twilight and her friends had hoped that she would be able to destroy it.

"Trust me Moony" Luna muttered to herself "If they find this it's just as much of an embarrassment for me." She finished as her horn flared up and in instant the incriminating evidence was destroyed all except a the single figure Luna held with her magic. "But you my friend" she began with a sly grin "You will serve as some great blackmail." she finished as she placed the small figure in her saddle bag. "Now to head back to the camp and see who's dead." the Alicorn sighed as she began making her way out of the castle.

Back at the campsite Celestia, Sombra and Nibble were relaxing on their blankets having finished their lunches and everyone else's.  The three of them laid there calmly enjoying the warm sunlight on their bodies as the clouds floated calmly across the sky, for these three there had never been a more peaceful moment in their live. Sadly it was a short lived peace as the sound of stomping and crashing tree started to fill their clearing. The three rose to their hooves and silently watched Sombra wondered if his friends were in trouble. Celestia wondered what those idiots did to cause trouble. Finally Nibbles was also wondering what those idiots had done to cause trouble.

"Aaaaaaaaaah" came the familiar screams of Nightmare Moon as she came screaming out of the forest and into the clearing, Discord hot on her tail. The two of them didn't seem to take notice to the fact that they were being watched and instead continued to speed through the clearing and back into the forest on the other side. As the three continued to watch silently. The stomping grew louder and the trees began to shake. They group stared in Awe as a rather large Hydra burst forth from the forest and passed through the clearing in only a couple seconds continuing it's chase.

"Remember!" Celestia began to shout towards where Nightmare and Discord had ran "No advanced magic!" Celestia finished with a hearty laugh

"What that!" Nibbles asked with great excitement 

"Hydra" Celestia stated trying to stop her own laughter as she continued to stare at the shaking trees as the Hydra made it's way back into the depths of the forest.

"Why it mad?" the Hybrid asked

"It probably saw something unsavory" Celestia answered with suppressed giggle as she laid back down on her blanket determined to enjoy as much of the peace and quiet as she could before Discord and Nightmare eventually returned. However a small part of her wondered how Chrysalis was fairing.

Back in Canterlot there was only torment as Chrysalis and Twilight tried to maintain some form of order in the packed throne room. They had received a message telling them there was an emergency at the Castle and when they arrived there was already a large mob forming.

"Once Cadance gets back it'll be better" Twilight tried to reassure her self.

"Don't kid yourself Sparkle" Chrysalis groaned "The pretty pink Princess is half way back to the Crystal Empire if I had to guess." 

"What do we do then, this wasn't part of the plan!" The purple Alicorn shouted 

"Run!" Chrysalis stated flatly as she bolted from the throne and dived out one of the open windows. 

Back in the Everfree Forest Celestia was beginning to drift off into sleep "I'm sure she's doing just fine" she finished with a yawn before falling asleep.
> Chapter - Cold
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Day 1: White Death

"This is it, soldiers, this is how we die" Chrysalis managed to get out between shivers. She looked out at her Changelings, the majority of them were on the verge of death some of them even welcomed the sweet warmth it would bring.

Chrysalis knew this had to have been part of Celestia's plan and now she was going to freeze to death in a wasteland of snow and ic-

"What are you doing?" Celestia asked as she watched the Changeling Queen flail about in a little under and inch of snow.

"The traitor has come to mock us" Chrysalis hissed "She sent us to our deaths, but she had to get one final taunt in"

"I sent you to get Egg Nog" Celestia responded a hint of annoyance in her voice

"You sent us into the harsh frozen winds of Equestria and brought the white death upon us."

"Oh for the love of the sun, it's about 2 degrees below freezing and we all warned you about the scheduled snow yesterday.... at least three times in fact."

"Could you have not sent someone better equipped for these hostile conditions" Chrysalis forced a cough as she rolled to face the sun. "Could you have not spared us this pain and this suffering."

"You finish the nog, you get more nog" Celestia stated flatly

"I barely had any!" The Queen hissed 

"You drank like nine cartons"  the Alicorn answered

"Twelve cartons" came the shout of a random Changeling Soldier 

Chrysalis gave a forced groan "You even have my own Changelings betray me, what will it take for you to end our suffering"

"Nog" Celestia answered flatly "Bring us the nog and wipe away the debt" 

"Very well" Chrysalis coughed once more as she shakily stood back up. "Bring forth the nog" 

There was an awkward silence as they Changeling Queen and the Sun Alicorn stared at each other silently both waiting for something to happen.

"I said, Bring forth the Nog" Chrysalis repeated, once again being left in a scene of awkward silence. "Which one of you was carrying the Egg Nog" she asked as she shifted her glare from one Changeling to another most of them just shrugged unsure of who was carrying the precious cargo.

"Wait a second" Chrysalis muttered as she began a head count. "Five, Six, Seven... Seven" she gave a sigh as she rubbed her forehead with a hoof. "Where is Thorax?" she asked with a second sigh

Back at one of Canterlot's largest malls, a lone Changeling was trying desperately to find the rest of his Hive. He had circled the large structure several times, visited countless story and gathered many knick·knack but no matter how hard he looked his Queen was nowhere to be found, but, at least, he was warm.  

Day 6: Losing Hope

"Day 452" Chrysalis began as she spoke to nobody in particular "Nog reserves are running low once more, one of us will have to sacrifice themselves so that the others can continue to have Nog" Chrysalis paused for a second as she cast her glance towards the four Changelings playing Jenga next to a comforting fireplace. "I have selected Mandible for this task."

"Yeah! Thorax lives another day!" one of the Changelings shouted excitedly causing himself to knock over the Jenga tower in a horrifying tragedy of small wooden blocks earning him some annoyed looks from his fellow drones.

"The snow has fallen for six days and nights and I fear it may never stop. Mandible will surely freeze out there, I will send Thorax to loot whatever Egg Nog survives."

"Aw" Thorax groaned in disappointment, looked like he was dying after all.

"Chrysalis, we get that you don't like winter, but I think you're being a little over dramatic" Nightmare spoke from her own cushion next to the Fireplace. "Surely you could just bundle up in some nice winter clothing" 

"Clothes will not save us, nothing can survive out there," Chrysalis spoke in exaggerated tone "Any creature out there would be frozen solid in seconds." 

"Your son is out there making snow ponies." Nightmare retorted with a raised brow

"Nibbles doesn't count, he could survive in any temperature. He could survive on the surface of the sun... in fact, he HAS survived on the surface of the sun and he just came back angry AND on fire." Chrysalis finished as she gestured to the small burn mark on the back of her exoskeleton

"What about Sombra? Or all the Ponies, Griffins and even Diamond Dogs currently enjoying the winter fun?" 

"Nightmare... Moony" Chrysalis began as she pulled herself off the fancy couch she had been laying and walked over to her drones that had just finished building their Jenga tower back up. "Moony, I'm going to tell you a secret, in fact, I'm going to tell you the greatest secret the Changeling Empire has."

"And that is?" the black Alicorn asked with a smirk 

"We don't do well in the cold." the Changeling Queen spoke with feigned shame

"Shocking" Nightmare retorted with a fake gasp "I will remember to invade you during winter." she quickly added with a laugh

"Winter is a time of sleep for Changelings, normally we would go dormant in our Hive till the snow melts and warmth returns to the land. Now with an actual Alliance between Ponies and Changelings. I assume there would be suspicion as to what we were doing down in our Hives, so we will adapt as we have always done though it may take some time." The Queen spoke but this time, there was no hint of joking or insincerity.

"Huh" Nightmare began "With all that happens here, I sometimes forget you actually rule a Kingdom. I wasn't joking when I suggested some winter clothing." the Alicorn gave a sly grin as she had an idea "Let me pull a few favors and see if I can't get you and your little friends out there frolicking in that snow." She finished with a light-hearted laugh as she stood up and made her way out of the room. Leaving Chrysalis and her Changelings alone to the warm lighting of the fire.

"Who wants to play Monopoly" One of the Changelings asked as she held up the cardboard box.

"Dibs on the Racecar!" Chrysalis shouted happily

"Aww" came the collective sighs of disappointment from the Drones.

Day 7:  Iron Man

Chrysalis and her Changelings donned their suits of warmth as they stood at the threshold between the warmth of the castle and the frozen wasteland outside. "One of two things would happen when the doors were flung open, the mighty Changeling Queen would be able to withstand the frozen winds and brave out in the wasteland of snow and ice or herself and her people would fall, never to rise again." 

"Chrysalis you're monologuing out loud again." Celestia spoke with a raised brow. "Besides, it's one of the warmer days planned for this week."

"Sorry" Chrysalis answered awkwardly as she looked at the group around her. Nightmare and Celestia had finished their work for the day and had met up in time to join Chrysalis and her Changelings on their winter adventure. "I must say Nightmare, these outfits are quite wonderful. How exactly did you convince Sparkles friend to make them for us?" She asked with some confusion.

"Rarity owed me a favor" Nightmare smirked "She needed someone to model her latest night themed dresses, so I volunteered" 

"You made that poor girls week a living hell." Celestia chastised the night Alicorn

"I helped her when nobody else could" Nightmare retorted trying to hide her grin

"You used magic to change your height each time you showed up. When she finally finished a week later you told her you would call on her for a favor"

"Favor for a favor, it's all reasonable" 

"You convinced the poor pony you would have her help you take over Equestria!" Celestia shouted

"I'm evil, what do you want me to do?" Nightmare asked with a shrug "I could go back to plotting your murder and me taking the throne again if you like" 

The bickering Alicorns were cut off by one of the Changelings that had made his way over to the large door while the arguing had been going on and everyone was distracted.

"I think everyone here needs to CHILL out" Thorax spoke with a devious grin as he threw open the door. "I regret nothing" he added as he bolted outside.

"Gods no!" Chrysalis shouted as she was blasted with cold air that surprisingly... wasn't all that cold. "It's working!" the Changeling Queen cackled as the winter clothing did a marvelous job of keeping the cold out and the warmth in. 

"Permission to engage rogue Changeling," one of the Drones asked in a muffled voice through her scarf. 

"Permission granted" Chrysalis grinned "Bring him down!" she shouted as she lead the charge out into the Canterlot Gardens. Almost immediately the Queen regretted her actions as she was pelted with snowball after snowball. "I've been hit she shouted" as she brushed snow from her face and tried to spot where the attacks were coming from.

"Target acquired" she shouted as she pointed towards the rather impressive snow fort in the center of the garden. Discord and Luna hastily created snowballs while the two traitors known as Sombra and Nibbles rapidly fired them towards the Changeling Queen and her troops. "Begin the counter attack!" she shouted as she began her charge towards the fort narrowly dodging snowy projectiles again and again.

"She knows she's supposed to throw snow in a snowball fight right?" Discord asked Luna with a rather concerned tone

"I'm sure she'll figure it ou-" Luna was cut off as the Changeling Queen slammed through the side of the snow fort sending Nibbles and Sombra crashing from their perches and plummeting down on top of the Alicorn and Draconequus. 

"Ignore what I was saying" Luna groaned as she pulled herself out from beneath Sombra and Nibbles struggling to breathe

"I have defeated you in snow based combat. Swear fealty to my new snow Empire and I may let you live." The Queen demanded

"Never!" Luna shouted as she angrily shook a hoof towards the Queen as she was almost finished freeing herself.

"Sure," Discord said as he brushed the snow from his face. "Luna had me making snowballs all day, it's probably way more interesting on this side." 

"Discord, you're on snowball duty." Chrysalis said with a cruel smirk "The rest of you, convince the dear Princess to join our cause." she finished as she pointed towards the now freed Alicorn. "You two might want to get out of the way." she added as she cast a glance toward Sombra and Nibbles. 

"No wait I've changed my min-" Luna was once again cut off but this time by a barrage of snowballs fired by both Changelings and her former allies "I surrender! I surrender!" the Alicorn continued to desperately shout.

"Cease fire" Chrysalis stated, "Somebody get her cleaned up, the rest of you fix that breach."

"What are you up to?" Discord asked as he watched the Changeling Drones rapidly repair the Queen sized hole in the snow fort 

"Isn't it obvious, we will be at war in a few moments and we must prepare." the Queen answered with a devious grin.

Five minutes later the entire garden was a warzone. Both Changelings and Ponies were counted among the causalities of Equestria's bloodiest snowball fight... well that wasn't accurate, the bloodiest snowball fight was that one time Celestia threw a snow covered boulder at Discord, there was a lot of blood that time. 

"Hammer why?" Thorax wheezed as he laid on the cold ground, flakes of snow covering him. 

"I'm sorry my friend" the young guard spoke with a forced tear. "In a snowball fight, we have to make hard choices."

"No, I understand that" the Changeling coughed "Why the gut shot" 

"Oh" Hammer began losing the joking tone "That was an accident" 

"I forgive you" Thorax said feigning a weakened tone as he forced a gasp and let his head fall back to the ground.

Back at the Changeling snow fort, Chrysalis watched as the battle continued to unfold she had lost three changelings but had gained two pony defectors. "The war is going perfectl-" the Changeling Queen was caught off guard by a fast ball that managed to peg her in the side of the head. "Oh sweet Hive below, I've been hit." she cried out as she fell from her perch at the top of the snow fort landing only a few feet from Luna.

"Ha, I didn't get crushed again!" the Alicorn stated triumphantly as she calmly trotted towards the fallen Queen "How you doing Bugbutt, you gonna make it?"

"Ah, Luna, my least hated enemy. Tell my Changelings I fought valiantly to the very end." Chrysalis coughed 

"Oh here we go again" the night Alicorn sighed

"Raise the white flag, spare the remaining Changelings from the horrors of war." the Queen spoke weakly as she placed a hoof on Luna's cheek

"Chrysalis says she surrenders!" Luna shouted towards the other snow fort "She also says she's a huge nerd" 

"At my weakest you strike?" Chrysalis asked a single fake tear rolling down her cheek "Oh Luna, I'm going cold."

"That's because your earmuffs fell off" the Alicorn spoke as she levitated the blue earmuffs back onto the Changeling Queens head

"Did I hit her!" Nightmare shouted as she burst through the snow walls sending two unaware Changelings plummeting down on top of Luna.

"Yes" Luna groaned "You got her." 

"I'm both disappointed and amazed" Celestia spoke as she climbed in through the newly created entrance. "30 bits as promised" the Alicorn spoke as she conjured a small pouch. "It was quite the shot." 

"You bet on my demise?" Chrysalis forced a cough "I trusted you." she gasped as she feigned death

"Well," Celestia began as she levitated the two fallen Changeling back to their hooves, freeing Luna in the process. "Who wants some hot chocolate?"

In an instant, all the fallen Ponies and Changelings quickly climbed to their hooves and bolted for the entrance back into the castle.

"What about you Chrysalis?" Celestia asked as she stared down at the still Changelings. After several seconds without a response, she spoke again. "Well, I guess I'll just have to drink yours." she finished with a sly grin.

"No wait I'm fine!" the Queen shouted as she sprung to her hooves and galloped off inside the castle.

Back in the castle, Chrysalis and her Changeling's were warming up by the comforting light of the stone fireplace. Today had been rather perfect she thought to herself quietly, she had managed to survive the cold and even got some fancy clothes.

"Thank you Nightmare" Chrysalis yawned as she rested her head on her hooves and closed her eyes.

"Don't mention it Bugbutt" Nightmare said with a smile 

"That was all rather nice of you" Celestia spoke in a hushed voice trying not to disturb the sleeping Changelings "Wait what are you doing." the Alicorn whispered as she watched Nightmare levitate a small yellow sticky-note and carefully place it on Chrysalis's side. "Poke me" Celestia silently read before carefully removing the note.

"Evil" Nightmare whispered as she backed out of the room quietly 
	
	
> Chapter Flurry
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So tell me again why Celestia thinks it's a good idea that we go to the Crystal Empire?" Nightmare asked as she continued to stare out the train window at the passing expanses of snow

"Celestia wants us to go and improve our diplomatic relations with the Crystal Empire" Chrysalis answered as she lowered her book and casually scanned the mostly empty train cart mentally noting that nearly all her guards had fallen asleep. "Apparently Cadance and Shining Armor had a kid or something"

"Wait" Nightmare began in confusion "Cadence and Sparkle's brother had a kid? When did that happen"

"I have no clue" Chrysalis shrugged as she glanced out the window spotting the Crystal City coming into view "It just kind of happened"

"Huh" the Alicorn scoffed "I wonder what kind of terror that kid will cause. I mean it can't be worse than Nibbles" she finished with a chuckle as she pointed to the Hybrid who was currently dragging all of the sleeping Changeling guards into a pile at the back of the train cart. "Or that Time Traveling kid who keeps getting me killed."

"You mean your and Discord's kid?" the Changeling Queen responded with a sly grin

"How dare you" Nightmare began angrily as she stood up from her seat "How dare you suggest that I would fornicat-" the Alicorn was cut off by the screeching of the trains breaks as the train abruptly came to a stop sending the Alicorn flying forward into the front wall of the train cart. 

"I hate you so much" Nightmare groaned as she picked herself up

"Love you too moony, now help me wake these idiots up so they can carry our stuff"  Chrysalis laughed as she gestured towards the pile of sleeping guards that Nibbles stood triumphantly atop. 

Several minutes later the party had managed to exit the train and were quickly greeted by the panicked screams of Crystal Ponies as they attempted to flee from the dreaded Changeling Queen

"Oh yeah" Chrysalis scoffed as she rubbed her chin with a hoof as she watched the fleeing ponies 

"Chase?" Nibbles asked curiously as he hopped off his mother's back and down onto the train platform 

"NO" came the unified cry of Nightmare, Chrysalis, and her accompanying guards

"What have you two done now?" came the annoyed but familiar voice of Princess Cadance 

"Nothing!" Chrysalis responded defensively "We got off the train and everyone started screaming and running, and to be honest they're really bad at fleeing. That one pony has just been running in and out of the restrooms screaming."

"Oh that's what I forgot to do." Cadance muttered as she realized she forgot to announce that her guests would be arriving today.

"So are you going to stop them... or something?" Nightmare asked with a raised brow

"No, I find it's easier to just let them tire themselves out." Cadence answered as she began leading the group through the train station. 

After roughly twenty minutes of walking and screaming ponies, the group arrived at the entrance to the Crystal Heart at the base of Cadence's Castle.

"Now that's the good stuff" Chrysalis spoke as she and her Changeling's took in the pure energy coming off the Crystal Heart.

"Hey" Nightmare began as she carefully poked at the Crystal Heart "I thought this blew creatures like me and Chrysalis up?"

"It only works on things with darkness or evil intentions in it" Cadence responded with some amusement as she watched the other Alicorn cautiously back away from the heart.

"So as long as nobody here has any fishy pla-" Nightmare was cut off by the shout of the Changeling Queen

"Nibbles no!" Chrysalis shouted as she tried to stop the Hybrid from touching the Crystal Heart but it was too late and in one grand flash of light the young hybrid exploded into a cloud of black smoke. "Oh he is gonna be so mad when he gets back" Chrysalis spoke with a tone of dread.

Don't think about eternal night,  Don't think about eternal night,  Nightmare silently repeated to herself

Cadence continued to stare her jaw slack and a look of complete horror spread across her face "Y-your kid"

"It's fine" Chrysalis reassured the Alicorn of Love as she placed a hoof on the mare. "Nibbles has been through far worse. There was the time we sent him to the sun because he kept escaping the moon and he escaped the sun and came back angry and on fire. So trust me when I say Nibbles is fine, your magical heart can't stop him.... which scares me because that was our last hope."

"Ooookay then" Cadence began to speak as she remembered why she liked not being in Canterlot "How about we head inside then, I'm sure Shining Armor is wondering what's keeping us busy"

As the group made their way towards the Castle door Chrysalis paused as she realized Nightmare was still standing next to the Crystal Heart staring off into space. 

"Nightmare what are you doing?" Chrysalis asked with slight confusion

"Not thinking about Eternal Night!" the Alicorn shouted in respond before breaking into a sprint towards the rest of the group.

"So this kid of your's, Luna says it almost wiped out the entire Crystal Empire" Chrysalis spoke a hint of smugness buried in her voice. "Something about uncontrollable magic and some snow"

"Oh she told you about that did she? I assume she also told you that her and Celestia spent the better part of two hours trying to punch storm clouds" Cadence responded with a sly grin "Yes Flurry had a bit of trouble with her magic but that's under control now" the pink Alicorn finished speaking mere seconds before the wall on their left shattered and a baby Alicorn came floating out through the newly formed "door".

"Under control?" Nightmare repeated a slight look of terror on her face as the baby Alicorn silently stared them down before letting out a giggle and teleporting away in a flash of pink light, leaving the group both confused and horrified.

"It was under control" Cadence responded defensively 

"Should we be worried?" Chrysalis asked as she peered through the destroyed wall noticing that it was only one in a long chain of wall based carnage. 

"On- only slightly" Shining Armor spoke as he stumbled out of the hole and onto the floor "Oh hello Cadence, hello Chrysalis, hello Nightmare"  Shining spoke as he stared up at the group.

"Shining what happened?" Cadence asked as she helped her husband to his hooves. "I thought Sunburst had Flurry's magic burst under control?"

"So did I, but apparently she really doesn't like baths" the Unicorn finished with an awkward chuckle as he brushed some dirt from his coat

"So are we going to keep talking or are we going to stop the little monster?" Nightmare asked as she gestured in the direction the filly had floated off in.

"Oh yeah" Cadance, Shining Armor, and Chrysalis responded in unison as they bolted down the hall, Nightmare following closely behind.

As the group made their way down the crystal halls they noted the destruction only a child could cause. Paintings had been knocked from the walls. Small toys and stuffed animals lay throughout the hall, the victims of the fillies playtime. The walls themselves had fallen victim to the child's art skills, archaic shapes and runes had been drawn in crayon.

"This is madness" Shining Armor stated in horror 

"This is what children do" Chrysalis stated as she stepped over several small wooden blocks. "Though, most of them aren't capable of blowing holes through castle walls." 

"I don't know" Nightmare began "So far I've seen two different foals capable of mass destructio-" Nightmare was caught off guard as pink aura wrapped around her and in and instant she vanished in a flash of pink light.

"Oh great" Chrysalis scoffed "Now it's going to start picking us off one by one"

"What do you mea-" Shining Armor was stopped in mid sentence as the pink aura wrapped around him "remember me!" he shouted as he too vanished in a flash of pink light.

"So what do you want to do now?" Chrysalis asked as she turned to face the pink Alicorn. "We could go get lunch, see the city, write a friendship report."

"Chrysalis, I feel you're somehow missing what is going on here." Cadence spoke with a tone of dread

"Trust me Cadence, this is nothing just a foal having fun" The Changeling Queen chuckled "I've dealt with literally thousands of young Changelings, from Drones to Queens the magically inclined ones do this all the time. She's either throwing a Tea Party or she's planning to eat their souls, one of the two."

Princess Cadence's fears were only amplified as the familiar pink glow began to wrap around her. "You were joking about the soul eating right?!" the pink Alicorn shouted in terror

"Yeah... probably" Chrysalis shrugged as she watched the Alicorn vanish in a flash of pink leaving her alone in the hall.

Chrysalis waited for several minutes for the magic aura to come back for her, but as time went on she was beginning to become more and more offended. "What a rude kid, I'll have to talk with her mother" the Changeling spoke to herself with a giggle as she once more began her search for the filly.

As the Changeling made her way through the castle on her own she continued to follow the trail of toys and drawings until she had eventually made her way to the end of the trail. "The child's room" Chrysalis spoke to herself in an exaggerated manner "How could we have possibly known that this is where the creature would roost." without any second thought or care the Changeling Queen threw open the door revealing the most horrifying sight she could have imagined.

"Aw, it was just a Tea-Party" the Changeling muttered to herself in disappointment as she took in the dreadfully dull sight of her comrades magically bound to comically small chairs.

"Flurry sweety" Cadence spoke as she fidgeted in an attempt to break the magic binds "you have to let Daddy and I go now" 

The filly however, did not care for her mother's request as she poured them another cup of imaginary tea.

"Flurry Hearts" Chrysalis spoke in a stern voice instantly gaining the filly's attention "You let them go this instant young filly" the Changeling Queen commanded without hesitation the young Alicorn's horn flashed a bright pink and her captives were release from their magical binds.

"Now it's time for your nap" the Queen ordered

Both Cadence and Shining Armor watched in stunned silence as Flurry Hearts proceeded to willing put herself in her crib without any fuss.

"But how?!" Shining Armor muttered in confusion

"Practice" Chrysalis answered flatly as she helped Nightmare Moon to her hooves.

"Well that went better than I expected" Nightmare spoke "The child didn't eat me and I didn't think about causing eternal nigh-" the poor Alicorn never had a chance to finish her sentence as she was instantly vaporized by the crystal heart.