Bitter from her defeat and exile, the Mare in the Moon watches Equestria move on without her.

Her coronation over, Twilight has some doubts about stepping into the horseshoes of a princess. Little does she know a greater challenge is rushing to meet her, building like a storm on the horizon, bringing with it an endless night.

(Featured on EqD.)

War changed, and so did she.

Now, in the forgotten eastern reaches, where the empty forests fall to meet the glassy sea, the both of them learn to live with it.

With great and particular thanks to my pre-readers this go 'round, for getting through the longest story I've posted to date: Admiral Biscuit, Sunicathorsis, and my darling Dark River.

Hello, Twilight Sparkle. This is the six million, four hundred and twenty-three thousand and third time you’ve failed to save the world.

Finalist of the October Write-off 'The Illusion of Choice'

With thanks to Lord of Dorkness for their help pre-reading.

All my life, they ignored or insulted me. To them I was a dupe, a pawn, an object of mockery. They thought I could always be exploited.

Now judgment comes. I will destroy them all.

* * *

Audiobook by Scribbler Productions.
Edited by GaryOak and Reia Hope.
Written for Scribbler's Bronycon 2018 Writing Contest.

The Mane Seven explore a distant island several miles off the coast of Equestria. What they see fills their hearts with dread. How can this be? How can there be a land so silent? So empty?

Another winter had come to Ponyville, bringing promises of another joyous Hearths Warming. The cheer and good will was infectious and abundant, ready to be celebrated. However, after a strange cast of lights ripped across the sky over Everfree Forest's horizon, something changed. The winter became foreboding. The atmosphere gained an ominous presence.

Determined to combat the ill feelings, the citizens attempted to ignore the feeling of dread... that was, until, ponies found out Fluttershy had disappeared around that time.

I dream of her again. Her legs are too long.

She doesn't look at me. Filthy water runs from her mane and tail into nothingness. Her back faces me and she stands far away but not far enough to hide the choking stench of rot. Then she speaks to me.

“You are lost, little one,” she says in inharmonic voices empty of life or love. “Please let me help you.”

I do not want her help but I don’t speak. I feel her breath on the back of my neck. I am filled with dread. She still doesn’t face me. Why doesn’t she face me?

When I wake, my bones ache and the smell of her salty decay is stagnant in the cold night air.

Updates weekdays.
Preread by Timelugia.

Luna discovers something hidden from Celestia for twenty years, now, with emotions running high, she enlists the help of the Mane 6... but what seemed to be a single mystery, soon reveals a darker and much more complicated plot that will soon decide the fate of Equestria.

Check out the Empty Room TV Tropes Page (Warning: Spoilers!)

Revised chapters edits and proofing (with many thanks) by: lammy, Trevor, Nick Nack, Fifth Alicorn

For years Nightmare Moon was considered "nothing but an old pony tale," but what did those tales actually say about her? See Luna, Celestia, and Discord as viewed through pony myths and legends.

I may add more short stories on in the future as new chapters.

Image courtesy of anbolanos91 on Deviant Art. Thank you! :)