//------------------------------// // Chapter 8 Part 1: Cordiara // Story: Deep Dark // by Dragryphon //------------------------------// DEEP DARK Chapter 8: Cordiara Written by Dragryphon Edited by Fifth Alicorn and Rhiiazami “WHAT!?” Twilight shrieked in shock. A few things Twilight knew to be true: magic followed specific laws and the will of a unicorn’s mind; four types of ponies existed; when a pony dies, they’re buried in the earth; and none of this allowed a pony to simply rise from the dead! “That’s not scientifically possible!” the unicorn twitched, trying her best to grasp even the idea, much less the actual physical proof directly in front of her, of an undead army. “They’re not scientifically possible!” Nightmare Moon turned from watching the last of the Army of Midnight pass and raised an eyebrow at Twilight. “Oh, you poor mare, you have absolutely no clue what’s going on right now, do you?” she taunted with a haughty laugh. “You think that everything in this world should fit into your personal grasp of reality? That is simply laughable!” Twilight snorted with indignation while turning the possibilities of what she’d just seen over in her mind, “I’ll have you know that I’ve read every book in my library at least thrice, and the books not in the Restricted Archives section of Canterlot’s Royal Library multiple times! I’m quite well read.” She posed with her head held high, proud as she could be of her literary accomplishments. Instead of her expected praises, a bout of snorting laughter brought a gasp from Twilight’s lips. “What’s so funny!?” she demanded, forcing a glare at the cackling Nightmare. “Oh, you silly, deluded little foal,” the alicorn mocked with a derisive sneer. “Do you honestly believe everything you read?” “Well, no...” Twilight started. Nightmare Moon thrust her head forward to glare menacingly into Twilight’s eyes. “Then what makes you think every piece of ‘science’ and ‘history’ is true? That everything you know to be truth is such?” The mage took an unsure step back and darted her eyes around, trying her best to avoid the Nightmare’s arctic gaze. “But... that can’t be! Why should I ever doubt Starswirl the Bearded, Sotrotes, or even Pri- Er, Celestia!?” The Bringer of Night snorted  and turned away, ignoring the rapidly receding army to walk out into the middle of the road. “If you are truly my sister’s daughter, and my niece, as little as that title means to me, then you will understand soon enough.” “Understand what?” Twilight demanded as she galloped after the alicorn. What does she mean? What does she know that I don’t? Or shouldn’t? A knowing smirk adorned Nightmare Moon’s face. “That is the question, is it not?” She shifted her mane to hide her features from Twilight. “And you expect me to simply tell you what lay hidden within the Archives, and of my own memories just like that? You must be delusional!” Stopping in place, Twilight flattened her ears, dumbfounded. She thought quickly, darting her gaze across the dirt road. What I know may not be true? On the one hoof, I can ignore that and have it gnaw at me for however long, or... Ugh! Just one more string she gets to attach to me! “Wait!” Twilight exclaimed, reaching out a hoof towards Nightmare Moon as she walked away. Why must she taunt me so!? This will probably doom me to the pits of Tartarus. The Nightmare continued her brisk stride, forcing Twilight to trot after her to keep pace. “What do you want, Twilight Sparkle?” she muttered with a long-suffering sigh, her hooves raising puffs of dust with each step. Twilight bit her lip and she ran up beside the Midnight Queen, attempting to peer around her starry mane. Alright, here goes. With a deep breath she said, “Nightmare, my entire desire is the pursuit of knowledge. I would do anything to-” “NO!” Nightmare hissed, stomping her forehoof in agitation. “Never say such a thing to me unless you are prepared for the consequences. You know the price you’d have to pay for my knowledge.” With a dismissive flick of her tail, the Midnight Queen shifted into her night-sky cloud form and drifted a distance ahead before reforming, leaving Twilight behind. What does she me- Twilight thought, then flinched as the realization hit her. Oh, yeah, that. Wait... Why can’t she do that cloud thingy to get to wherever we are going? It certainly would be quicker that way if she... stored me in her mane and did that. Twilight shook the thought from her head and swiftly galloped ahead to close the distance. When she finally slowed down beside Nightmare, the unicorn noticed her staring off into the forest with an intense glare, focused on something deep within it. Then, suddenly, Nightmare Moon shifted into her night-sky form and darted into the forest, bringing a gasp from Twilight’s lips. “Hey! Wait!” she yelled, galloping into the forest after the alicorn, keeping her eyes on the direction Nightmare went while weaving between trees and through underbrush. Where is she going!? However, the thin wisp of night sky easily vanished amongst the trees. No no nononono! If I can’t find her, I’ll be lost here! Twilight continued dashing through the forest, throwing her gaze in all directions in an attempt to find where the alicorn had fled to. Where are you!? she thought in panic, then burst through a particularly thick patch of underbrush, only to slip down the steep hill it hid with a shriek. Narrowly missing saplings and larger trunks and earning herself several scratches from thorny bushes in her path, Twilight finally managed to grasp onto a low branch with her teeth. Slowly getting to her hooves while keeping the branch in her teeth, Twilight steadied herself before releasing it and taking a look around. Not far from her, the decline leveled off before becoming a sharp drop that terminated in a small river with a well-worn bank. Peeking over the edge, she teleported down to the shore, then sighed and glanced about again. Alright, that was way too close. Serves me right for barreling off without watching where I was going. She could see only the thick forest, the cliff face, and an immense cave set into the cliffside. I’m lost... Alright, think Twilight. Nightmare Moon had to have gone somewhere nearby! She definitely flew in this direction! As if in an answer to her unsaid prayers, a familiar cackle echoed from within the cavern. There! she thought excitedly, trotting to the cave entrance. Within, a deep shadow overtook everything, made deeper still by the unrelenting night. Even the gentle light of the moon barely cut into it. Deep in the system, however, Twilight could barely make out a small glimmer, as if from torch light. Lighting her horn, the unicorn trotted into the mouth of the cave and down the tunnel, avoiding boulders and the occasional stalagmite in the consuming darkness. Nearly... there. She heard the sounds of conversation coming from ahead, though the mage couldn’t make them out. As the light became brighter, Twilight could make out more details of the cave tunnel she ran through. Scratches on the walls. Evidence of thrown aside boulders, shattered stalagmites and stalactites, and great gouges in the floor I have to avoid. This sounds like the home of … A dragon! Twilight Sparkle finished her thought, bursting out into the light and nearly slamming into a crystalline magic shield that had been erected around the immense cavern she found herself in.  Ahead of her, in the distance, Twilight sighted Nightmare  Moon, without her saddlebags, pacing warily near an ancient black dragon who was lying on an immense pile of gold and jewels. Dear Celestia, he’s massive! He has to be the oldest dragon I’ve ever seen! she thought in shock, her eyes going wide before she overheard the conversation going on. “...thought I wouldn’t remember you, Demon Spawn?” the dragon growled, his gaze fixed on the pacing Nightmare Moon. The alicorn smiled wickedly. “Oh, no no no. I imagine you remember just fine, just as I remember you. Stalliongrad, was it? A foolhardy drake looking to stand up for my sister. I remember that as ending quite well for you!” The dragon snarled, baring his lengthy fangs and flexing his claws through the gold. “Yes, I recall that. And I recall leaving several marks on your divine persona. Come to finish the job then, Mare of Dreams?” Wait, he’s that dragon!? But... but... Nightmare Moon killed him over a thousand years ago! This doesn’t make any sense! Twilight pondered in confusion, unable to wrap her mind around the present events. Nightmare Moon barked a sharp laugh and stamped her hoof, “Oh, you poor little hatchling. Of course not! I came to find out why this little spot felt oh so familiar to me!” She cackled again, her mirth echoing within the cavern. “It even looks like we have a little audience, don’t you agree, Curthan?” The massive dragon Curthan hissed in annoyance and turned his gaze to Twilight, “A fine snack once I deal with you, Truth Hider.” Twilight eeped and fell back on her haunches, the saddlebags tumbling free.  A snack? A snack!? Oh boy, as if things couldn’t get any worse, now a dragon wants to eat me. Alright, calm down, Twilight. Nightmare Moon constructed a shield that should keep him inside. She swallowed nervously, I hope. With her ears flattened, Nightmare Moon narrowed her eyes and glared at Curthan. “One, you will have to go through me first. And two, she’s mine, you little hatchling. I will see you dead for good before you ever touch a single strand of her mane.” “Oh? I’ll take that as a challenge, Demonspawn. You see, I was stupid in attempting to fight you the first time we clashed. But now I have the upper hand.” Curthan stood, lifting his gigantic bulk from the pile of treasure, gold tinkling as it fell from his body. “Your death for what you have done comes now!” “Perfect,” the mare muttered, parting her grin. Instead of the normal teeth a pony should have, Nightmare Moon’s were revealed to instead be rows of dagger-like fangs. That can’t be right, Twilight surmised, squinting to see if it was simply a trick of the light. I’ve seen her teeth before and they were never that way! Curthan’s massive claws rose up and slashed at the alicorn, meeting nothing but smoke instead of the flesh he expected. Nightmare Moon’s body seemed to flow around his claws, writhing about before reforming. Except now her mane and tail were no longer billowy clouds of night. Instead, they writhed about as numerous thick tendrils. “Losing your touch, Curthan? I could swear I remember you laying at least one mark on me during our first battle. Have you grown soft?” Nightmare Moon mocked the confused dragon, her mane snaking in all directions. Her smile grew wider, defying all biological standards that a face should have. Instead, it continued to expand until Twilight swore the Mare of the Night’s head became hinged. The teeth enlarged further still while her eyes became wide with glee. Curthan immediately noticed the changes and blasted a roar of challenge at the Nightmare, leaping from his gold pile to strike at her again. This time, however, his blow landed, leaving a deep gash in Nightmare Moon’s flank. Jumping away with great flap of her wings, Nightmare never lost her wicked smile as she turned to glance at the wound. As blood seeped down her leg, she cackled loud and deep while the slash shifted and closed for one second, then re-opened, revealing a giant mouth with more fangs. It gnashed while she smirked up at Curthan. “You see, I’ve learned quite a bit since we last fought.” Recoiling slightly from the sight, Curthan snapped his jaws, “You truly are a monster of nightmares! I shall cleanse you from this world!” Inhaling, he breathed out a torrent of flame that washed over the alicorn, hiding her from view until he finished. As Twilight watched the flames slowly dissipate from where she stood, she suddenly found herself rooted in place by an indescribable feeling of fear. Wh-what’s happening!? The little smoke resulting from the fire rose away, revealing a grotesque sight. Instead of Nightmare Moon standing unharmed, or as a burned body, something else entirely took her place. The creature standing before Curthan had the basic shape of an alicorn, yet shadowy tendrils and tentacles sprouted from almost every square inch of its body. Where they didn’t sprout, gaping maws lined with dagger-like fangs lashed out at anything nearby. And the head... or what was meant to be the head instead seemed more-like a carnivorous flower, its petals spread wide and coated with more teeth than Twilight could count. “Do you like my new look, Curthan? I made it just for you!” the monstrosity uttered in a voice that sounded like bones grinding down to dust. With the sight of what Nightmare Moon became, the fear impulse struck Twilight harder than ever before, locking up her entire body and clouding her thoughts. I-it m-must be a f-f-fear aur-aura! The creature Nightmare Moon had become turned and gazed without eyes at Twilight Sparkle. With the added pressure from the aura, she lost all control, her mind locking down tight and a warm wetness spreading down her rear legs. “Perfect,” Nightmare Moon muttered, turning her head back to Curthan at the sound of a clinking noise. He had backed up to the piles of treasure, his eyes wide not in fear, but from being startled. “Not so perfect. What’s the matter, Curthan? Don’t you like my new look?” He finally stood his ground and raised his head high with a noble arch to his neck, “You think I can be swayed that easily, Fiend of Night!? Your magic won’t affect me as it does my future snack! Your candle will be snuffed out, just as I should have done so long ago!” With her tentacles thrashing in readiness, Nightmare Moon changed her stance to prepare for the coming battle. “Then come and get me! Show me that you can take down a goddess!” Growling, Curthan leapt forward. Ready for him, she lashed out with the tendrils, but missed when he darted to the side with surprising agility. Curthan bit down on the clump of tentacles and chomped clean through them, bringing a shriek of pain from Nightmare’s lips. Black ichor dripped from the tips of the wounded appendages. A triumphant chuckle broke from Curthan’s maw before the mass of writhing tentacles in his mouth melted and began eating into his tongue, teeth, and scales. His laugh quickly turning into a roar of pain, the dragon flailed his head, sending disintegrating bits of black tissue flying in all directions. With Curthan distracted, Nightmare Moon quickly closed the distance between them and whipped several more of the thick tendrils forward to slap against his chest, creating great rifts in the protective scales. However, instead of any kind of bodily fluid leaking from the wounds, a bright light emitted outward. Managing to ignore his pain for a moment, Curthan jumped back with a flap of his leathery wings. “How!? How are you able to do such a thing!?” he yelled out, brushing away the last bits of tentacle to reveal more of the brilliant gashes around his mouth. Laughing not from her petal-mouth, but instead the many mouths strewn across her body Nightmare Moon haughtily replied in chorus, “It didn’t take me long to figure out! And now I know what to do with your kind. The Pure will know that standing against me will not be beneficial to them!” Finally, Curthan showed fear on his face, knowing that no matter what he did to Nightmare Moon, she was ready for him, and he would only end up injured or worse from the ordeal. “I... I... surrender! Leave me be and let me continue living! I beg of you! Mercy!” Nightmare Moon advanced to the gold pile, her head-petals closing somewhat to speak, instead of the many mouths on her body. “No, I think not. You attacked me, you threatened my subject, and you threaten my kingdom! No, your life... or rather unlife is mine, hatchling!” For a moment, Curthan forgot his wounds and seemed to be taken aback. Then he barked a mighty laugh and spread coins across the stone floor as he took a defensive stance. “Oh, that is rich! You think the nearby city is part of your kingdom!? You delude yourself! And I will defend myself to my very last breath for your failure to accept my surrender!” “Oh?” Nightmare Moon questioned, thoughts roiling within her head. “Then you seem to misunderstand your history quite a bit.” Around her, a dark miasma exuded from her being, casting the air around her into shadow. Her tentacles extruded themselves all around her, sliding across the floor in an ever-widening circle. Curthan, with a quick swipe of his claws, flung a large mound of his hoard at Nightmare Moon, the gold pelting heavily against her body and bruising the tendrils. Withdrawing the appendages, she used her wings to shield herself against the onslaught, allowing Curthan his opening. A quick intake of breath and swift exhale bathed the mutated alicorn in white-hot flames, melting the gold strewn about as well as burning away the tentacles coating her body. Shrieking in agony, Nightmare stumbled out of the fire, many of the tentacles having been burned to mere stumps or even lumps of scorched flesh. From Twilight’s point of view, even within her fear-induced state, she quickly surmised, She’s using immense amounts of magic to do this! Then, watching as Nightmare stumbled for a second, the unicorn battered at the aura’s effects, attempting to regain control of herself. She can’t keep this up for much longer! Even with the severe damage done to her, the smoking Nightmare Moon turned and stared defiantly at Curthan, “Is that the best an ancient can dole out?” Curthan circled the mare with triumph in his eyes. “Now who’s on the defensive, monster! You refused my surrender, and so I refuse you victory!” Reaching out, he swatted the exhausted alicorn and sent her flying across the chamber to crash into the side of the shield. Collapsing to the stone floor, Nightmare Moon unsteadily climbed to her hooves and glared at Curthan. “If you want me, then come and get me. Your main course can start with me, if you can stomach this pony!” Lifting her forehoof, it elongated into a lengthy ebon blade. The effort proved too much for her and she stumbled to her knees, burned tentacles crumbling to dust from the impact. Curthan took his time stomping across the chamber, his face no longer showing the pain of his wounds. Instead, a boastful grin lay plastered over it. “Oh, how long have I waited for this moment, Mare of Lies!” Reaching her, he stood above her as he basked in the glory of his deed. “Your terror ends now!” He bent his head down to snap her up in his jaws, only to be surprised when she jumped up with astonishing strength despite her injuries and jammed the blade into his throat, snapping it off at the hoof. “Next time...” Her breath came in deep pants as she spoke, “You will remember why you call me the Mare of Lies.” Curthan’s body convulsed as the blade branched in all directions through the dragon’s body, many times breaking through the scales to birth more light-emitting wounds. A roar of extreme torment tore from his throat as he fell backwards, and then onto his side as he clawed at the wounds. Finally, with one last shudder, his body fell still while the blade evaporated into smoke. Nightmare Moon watched as, little by little, Curthan’s body dissolved, then she collapsed, taking in ragged gasps. For Twilight, the aura lessened enough for her to regain control of most of her thoughts. It-it’s over? Oh dear Celestia! I... I... I don't even know what to think of what I just saw, it's too horrible to describe! How could she do such a thing!? She turned her eyes to the dragon’s corpse, disgusted and yet oddly fascinated by it. Twilight noticed not that Nightmare had caught her breath and stood up, walking toward her location. With great effort, Twilight pulled her eyes away from Curthan’s disintegrating remains to instead lock her gaze on Nightmare Moon. Before her, the shield vanished, leaving the changed alicorn to approach Twilight. D-dear Celestia! She’s coming for me next! Twilight trembled in thought, shutting her eyes tight. Instead, Twilight felt her body relax as the fear aura vanished. Relief spread through her body, nearly causing her to collapse in place, despite how bad of an idea that would have been. Opening one eye at a time, she gasped as Nightmare Moon’s normal form stood before her, no longer the monstrosity that had killed Curthan. Or, at least, the changed monstrosity. I don’t think I’ll ever see her the same way again, or want to fight her if she can do those things! Wrinkling her muzzle in disdain, Nightmare Moon walked a wide berth around Twilight and dismissively snorted, “Get yourself cleaned up, foal! And next time, learn to control your body!” ___________________ Point to myself, Nightmare Moon contemplated. Next time I do battle with a dragon, I should do it with a strategy that doesn’t leave me completely exhausted afterward. She felt like a beaten rag, her joints and muscles aching. Nothing a little rest wouldn’t fix, but apparently a side effect from her changes, as well as the intense beating she received. She lay against a tree, watching Twilight bathe in the stream ahead, their saddlebags set off to the side out of the way. I will have to use that aura more often, but more subtly. A little fear can heavily influence decisions, but too much, or the wrong amount, can lead to the opposite effect. Or, in that mare’s case, locking up and wetting herself. I do not think I should let her live it down. Nightmare smirked to herself, anticipating the slight torment that she would bring Twilight by letting her constantly remember the embarrasing situation. She will make a fine addition to my retinue. Not as far as in that little universe my sister imagined, but certainly my second-in-command if it comes to that. I shall have to see. For now... The Moon Goddess let out a yawn and stretched her forehooves. When she finishes, I will have her set up the tent. I feel a nap is in order to restore my power. And after that, finding out whatever it is I feel nearby. Is it the town Curthan mentioned? Unfurling her wings tiredly to the sides, Nightmare Moon observed Twilight walk out of the stream and shake herself dry. “Twilight Sparkle, set up the tent, I require rest.” The unicorn started and stared wide-eyed at her for a moment, before swallowing and giving a nod, lifting the tent block out of the bag. Well, well. It seems that aura, coupled with what I did to Curthan, had a beneficial effect on her. I wonder how long it’ll last. She chuckled softly to herself, imagining the applications of the aura, especially to the six ponies who’d defeated her. Though, her will is strong, so I do not believe she’ll be this way for long. Once she comes out of shock, she’ll probably be herself again. Before her, the tent unfolded from the block and inflated to its full size. Standing, she hobbled over the the tent and slipped into the doorway, nearly stumbling twice over the strewn cushions as she made her way over to her sleeping alcove. Out of the corner of her eye, Nightmare noted Twilight entering with the saddlebags hovering before her and setting them into a corner, then tiptoeing her way to the bookcase. Slipping into the alcove and sliding the curtains closed, Nightmare Moon flumped down and phased her armor off, setting it aside. A few hours of rest should do me well. ___________________ The sudden awareness shook the drowsiness from Nightmare Moon as she awoke. Immediately, the near lack of sensory input brought her full attention to the fore. Wh- Where am I!? she thought panickedly as intense cold penetrated her form, freezing her to the marrow and causing her bones to feel as if they would shatter at the slightest touch. What’s going on? I... I can’t see! I can’t hear! Where am I!? What’s going on!? Her thoughts became frantic and jumbled as she attempted to recall past events. I... I... calm down, calm down! There’s an explanation for everything! Deep breaths, deep... I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe! An overwhelming wave of panic struck the alicorn. Her present circumstances only put her into more of a panic. She felt paralyzed, frozen in place and yet every nerve, limb, and cell of her body felt inflamed with the agony of the bone-splitting cold. Nightmare Moon wished she could clench her teeth, her muscles, something to aid against the pain. The last thing I knew, I was fighting my rebellious upstart of a sister when she found the Elements, and then... No. NO! The sudden realization of her fate simultaneously enraged and terrified the alicorn. The thought that her sister may have defeated her, in some inconceivable way, sent chills through Nightmare Moon’s frozen form. That foal! When I discover the spell she used to do whatever it was to me, I will do more than just force her to Slumber! She will rue the day she betrayed me! Digging deep into her mind and ignoring the dormant ball of thoughts that was her other half, the Nightmare gathered what little strength she had left, then stretched out with her thoughts. All around her body, or whatever she existed within, lay an empty and lonely expanse. Stretching her reserves to their limits, she expanded until she met not only the boundaries of her prison, but also the magical barrier preventing her from leaving. She skidded along its mirror-like surface, attempting to find cracks in the barrier or the folds of a formed spell, or some sort of foothold, and found nothing. Saving her energy, Nightmare Moon retreated back into her body and set about discovering the location of her prison. With a feeling of gritted teeth, the Nightmare swam through the intense, cold-driven pain to gather her thoughts. I can’t see, hear, or feel anything more than this blasted cold. Oh, my sister, you will pay dearly! I don’t know what happened in those final moments, but she must have found a way to imprison me in the Northern Reaches. No. My prison is too familiar. She ran through a mental list of all the places she knew of in which she could possibly be imprisoned. At last it dawned on her. My moon. That bucking foal banished and imprisoned me within my moon!  Her rage ignited and she blasted at the walls of her prison, squandering the little power remaining to try weakening the barrier, to little effect. Eventually, the mare exhausted her fury and fell back into a deep slumber, waking again an unknown amount of time later. Minutes passed, then days and weeks. Years followed. Over time, intense hunger gnawed at Nightmare Moon’s frozen stomach, while the sense of dehydration clouded her mind. She knew this to be a punishment set by her Haven-damned sister, to have no body, yet to feel everything from one. Her rage cooled to be replaced by endless remorse and sorrow. I... I don’t wish to be imprisoned any longer. Please, Celestia, Altair, anypony who can hear me... I want to be free. I’m sorry. Nightmare Moon started awake and frantically glanced about. It all seemed so real. Even though she recalled dreaming this before as Luna, it also came from her perspective. Reaching up with a hoof, the Nightmare surprisingly discovered her cheeks to be damp and her eyes puffy. I- I’ve never cried. Curse you, Luna, for passing your weak emotions onto me! Reminiscing on the whys of her transformation, Nightmare Moon stared at her stored armor in quiet thought. I never deserved that punishment! A thousand years of torture and everlasting loneliness! She ground her teeth in anger, then shivered as the memory of intense cold permeated her body. She shoved the curtains of the sleeping alcove aside, shuddering again as the cooler air from within the tent brushed against her. Stepping out of the nook and leaving her armor behind, the Queen of the Night stumbled once before managing to right herself. Her mind lay nearly in chaos as she walked around the strewn pillows and past Twilight Sparkle, who lay oblivious to all else while buried in her book. Nightmare slipped out the front flaps of the tent and drew in on herself from the wind blowing through the trees. Glancing up, she could just barely spot her moon through the trees, half covered by a thin, drifting cloud. That foalish sister of mine. She’ll destroy both Equestria and Trelaria with her foolishness. The temperature is already dropping. I want to get warm again. I HAVE to get warm! She collapsed atop the forest loam, her coat trembling as the remembered chill penetrated through her form. Focusing her magic, Nightmare ignited the air before her with a fwoosh, the intense flames throwing immense shadows through the trees. Pulling herself closer to the flames and ignoring the heat they radiated, Nightmare Moon curled herself up near them as she peered off into the distance. I know there are those out there who love me and care for my night, but my own sister only cares for the other side of me, even though she grew up with me, too! A rustling behind her drew the alicorn from her thoughts, and without looking she muttered enough to be heard, “So. Twilight Sparkle, you have had several chances to be rid of me, to return me to Luna. Even now, while I am vulnerable. Why have you not?” She slowly turned her head and fixed sorrow-filled eyes on the lavender unicorn. Twilight’s head poked out of the tent flaps, curiosity and just a touch of fear on her face. “Why? There is no need to fear me right now, you are not my enemy. Yet.” she asked again. Why does this nightmare of mine have my emotions in such a riotous mess?  “The thought has crossed my mind,” Twilight admitted, taking a several steps out, yet keeping her distance from Nightmare. “Especially after I witnessed what you did with that dragon. But right now we need your power to help make things right.” Nightmare sighed in exasperation and rolled her eyes, lowering her head in annoyance. “Yes, yes, and then you and your friends will simply gather the Elements and get rid of me. Again.” Twilight remained silent for a moment, then flicked her tail and attempted to slink back to the tent. “Ahahaha, yes, well, I think I hear my book calling me. So I’ll just be on my way and-” “Wait,” Nightmare Moon asserted. “I have a question for you.” She twisted her head away to instead peer into the heart of the fire driving away the memories of bitter cold. “What are things like with your brother?” Taken aback by the sudden interest in her familial relations, Twilight took a step forward and raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Why... do you ask? I did not believe you would be one to inquire about me in such a way.” Lowering her head, the alicorn gritted her teeth before replying, “My own sister despises me with all her heart. Her own sibling!” Lashing her tail, she shouted just as Twilight opened her mouth to speak. “Stop! I know what you mean to say. You’ve read that damnable book, you know exactly who I am! I am Luna, and she is me. Imagine that some creature who appeared just like you held your brother’s entire love, but he cared not an iota for you.” Twilight froze, uncertain of what to say. Silence reigned for a good minute before her voice returned. “I would not know what that is like, Nightmare. I love my brother with all my heart, and he loves me. I rarely ever get to see him anymore, but I know we’re in each others’ thoughts.” Nightmare Moon refused to speak, rolling her thoughts about in her head. Finally, she sighed, “Twilight, our pasts may be badly entwined, but I am lonely. Go, grab your book and keep me company for this night until I feel ready for us to continue our journey.” Retreating a step, Twilight glanced about with uncertainty, “I don’t find the idea of doing such to be-” The Queen of Night settled her head down on her forehooves and with barely restrained annoyance hissed, “Please.” Without a word, Twilight twirled and re-entered the tent. A moment later, she re-emerged with her horn lit, carrying her book to settle down a pony-length from the Nightmare. The mare in return breathed a deep sigh, casting her eyes past the flames into the forest. With her senses she drifted out beyond their miniscule clearing and probed a distance away, attempting to confirm her earlier suspicions. I know I sensed something out there. And if it’s what I believe it is, I should easily be able to take Twilight under my wing with her near me. Her magical senses told her that something lay out there amidst the forest, yet that something either existed as an anomaly screwing with her magic, or was hidden. Maybe... Stretching out with other senses and staring in the direction of the anomaly, she opened her mind to detect the dreams of any creatures living there. Immediately Nightmare’s thoughts became touched by the minds of a small batch of ponies. She blinked out of a daze and wondered, That can’t be right. This is currently what would be night. Where are all the dreams? They’re definitely equine, but I will have to look into this. “Twilight.” Twilight’s head darted up from her book and she placed a hoof on the page to mark her page. With her ears flat, she tilted her head in annoyance and replied, “Yes, Nightmare Moon? I am quite busy studying an array of spells I’ve never seen before.” Nightmare smirked and replied, “Stretch out with your magical senses to the northeast, in the direction the road heads. Tell me what you find.” She awaited Twilight’s response as the unicorn shut her eyes and pulsed magic into her horn, lighting it with a gentle glow. For several long minutes Nightmare Moon watched on as Twilight’s eyes shifted under her eyelids and her horn’s shimmering changed in intensity. Finally, the mare opened her eyes and stared at the alicorn in confusion, “Nothing. There’s nothing out there. It feels like there should be, but I can’t seem to find out why.” “That’s what I thought. Imagine something, Twilight,” Nightmare Moon started, then grinned to herself. “We come across a very well equipped army of all kinds of ponies claiming to march under my name. Except I just arrived the day before. Meaning...” “...That wherever they disembarked from must be nearby!” Twilight finished excitedly. Nightmare snorted in annoyance at being interrupted, “Yes, that. So whatever is out there, possibly the capital city of Trelaria, is hidden from normal and magical sight. Else I would have seen it long ago.” Still, a nice deduction on her part, but I will have to teach her that interrupting her Queen will be frowned on. Twilight hopped to her hooves and slammed the book shut, giddiness driving her sudden change in mood. “What are we waiting for, then!? Let’s get moving! The sooner we get there, the sooner we’ll have warm meals, warm beds, and the ability to find out what’s going on!” Nightmare Moon climbed to her hooves and twisted, brushing bits of loam from her coat with her tail. “Not so fast. There is one thing that needs to happen beforehand. Your safety. The... my subjects, I should call them, see you as part of the ‘Land of the Living.” The Nightmare barked forth a short laugh, startling Twilight. “I must change that.” Dropping the book in shock, Twilight took a few steps back, her eyes wide in terror, “Y-you mean to kill me, then!?” “What!?” the Queen drew back in alarm, then chuckled in annoyed amusement. “Oh, no no no,” she whispered, slowly advancing toward Twilight. “I mean to give you my protection. None of my other subjects would ever think to harm you, for what I may do to them if they attempt.” Twilight anxiously laughed as if she knew that all along. “Yes, well, I still don’t see what you mean,” she admitted, retreating from Nightmare Moon one step at a time. “I mean, is there some sort of magic or armor that can do such?” “You could say that,” Nightmare smugly returned, her eyes menacing in the firelight. “It involves a great deal of magic, but I do believe it will be quite... beneficial for the both of us.” Twilight darted her eyes about, slipping to the other side of the fire, placing it between Nightmare Moon and herself. “Then why do you act like you’re stalking me?” Hissing in frustration, Nightmare Moon shouted, infusing her words with power and fear, “Twilight Sparkle, you will stand still right this instant, or else I will throw you to the soldiers myself!” Twilight froze in place, her eyes bulging as Nightmare’s magics struck and dazed her. This permitted Nightmare Moon enough time to dart around the fire and wrap Twilight’s body and horn in her mane, leaving just the unicorn’s eyes free of the billowing cloud. “These will protect you, and keep you nicely bound to me, I do believe.” The enchantment over Twilight swiftly wore off and she stared up at Nightmare Moon in fear. After a moment of intense concentration, Nightmare Moon disentwined her mane from around Twilight Sparkle’s body, leaving her free once again. Or mostly. Around Twilight’s neck lay a snug and glimmering breastplate reminiscent of the one Luna wore, and around her horn a ring of the darkest night. “Now sleep,” She whispered, touching her mane to the tip of Twilight’s horn, with the unicorn collapsing where she stood in immediate slumber. _____________________ Twilight groggily awoke, blinking sleep from her eyes as she discovered herself surrounded by a plethora of cushions. Around her, the tent’s magical lights glowed dimly, set for the occupants’ benefit during sleep. Through the dim illumination, Twilight’s eyes scanned the room, coming to rest on Nightmare Moon sitting on her haunches as she read through the tome Celestia gave her. In that instant, everything rushed back to Twilight. Their last conversation, the spell Nightmare worked on her, and her new permanent accessories. What!? No! Nonono! This is bad! This can’t be happening! She immediately reached up and grasped the collar with her forehooves, attempting to pull it off her neck. Crackling appeared over the collar’s entire surface while it reacted as if Twilight were pulling apart two magnets. It has to come off, it MUST come off! The more she tugged, however, the more the collar fought and the less ground she gained against it. Tears formed at the corner of her eyes while the collar showed her efforts to be futile. A sudden intense pain in her horn forced a cry of pain from her mouth and she released the accessory, instead to cradle the horn, and the now-felt inhibitor on it. Glancing up through a haze of tears, Twilight barely made out the form of Nightmare Moon standing above her while withdrawing the hoof she had smacked the unicorn’s horn with. “Why!?” she gasped out in pain and fear, uncertain of what may happen to her. “Why?” Nightmare returned, standing menacingly before the unicorn. “Do you think I mean to make you my pet that easily? Over a simple life and death situation?” Nightmare Moon barked forth a raucous laugh before her expression turned to one of unamusement. “No, it is simply that, protection. If you haven’t noticed, your inhibitor isn’t doing anything of the sort. Oh no, my dear unicorn. I intend to make you mine through your complete agreement.” Standing unsteadily to her hooves, Twilight wiped her eyes and stared down at the snug collar around her neck, “Then what about the ‘bound’ to you, part? You can’t simply tell me that’s for my safety too?” Another laugh and this time, the Nightmare smiled in genuine amusement. “Oh, no, that’s definitely what it does. I never said the inhibitor and collar weren’t functional. I can still control them, meaning I know exactly where you are at all times, and if you displease me, well...” A low rumble emanated from Nightmare Moon, reminiscent of a chuckle. “I don’t think you’ll want to displease me at all.”  “But... but...” Twilight stuttered, her eyes wide in disbelief. “Enough!” Nightmare Moon barked, slipping over to her sleeping alcove to float pieces of her armor over to her body, latching them about her form before sliding her helmet onto her head and shifting it into place. Her mane wavered for a brief moment before resuming its billowous nature. “Get the tent packed up and take care of anything you may need to do. I don’t wish for you to have any... accidents like before.” She glared with a single eye at Twilight as she settled the inter-linking plates of her neck armor. Twilight blushed and glanced away, instead walking away to grumble and peer at herself in a tiny wall-mounted mirror. Great, so not only can she keep track of me, but I’m also apparently her personal servant now. Grumbling in annoyance, she studied the collar decorating her neck, then glimpsed at her inhibitor. I bet anypony else would have wet themselves in fear. Hard to avoid a magic-based aura meant to strike an intense feeling of fear in the area. A cloud of violet mist appeared behind Twilight and materialized into a very grim-faced Nightmare Moon. “Now, foal!” ___________________ “Twilight, how far have you viewed that book my... sister,” Nightmare Moon said with a touch of deplore. “...gave you, hm? I do believe you should read the entire thing just to understand our predicament.” “Well...” Twilight started, puffing under the weight of both saddlebags. She swore Nightmare Moon’s bags grew heavier each time the unicorn carried them. The two ponies traveled the roads again, after a short time in which Twilight dismantled and stored the tent while Nightmare Moon made herself presentable for her coming entrance into the city. “I think we got to the portion after the Everlasting War finally ended and the months of reconstruction that followed. Why? Does it get...” Twilight swallowed with trepidation and turned to glance back at the saddlebag containing the tome. “Worse?” Nightmare Moon flicked her head and took a cursory glance about the forest on either side of the dirt road. Dirt or not, something feels strange about all this. It’s currently the middle of the night, and I sensed few sleeping creatures beyond that barrier. Something is certainly going on. “Much worse, my inquisitive unicorn. Much much worse. You truly have no idea as of yet what Erebus can do.” Twilight bit her lip and hovered the filigreed tome from her saddlebags, having to move Nightmare Moon’s own to reach it. She eyed over its surface before peering down at the collar fit snugly around her neck, “And when will these things be removed?” The alicorn rolled her eyes and smirked, “Oh, whenever the danger has passed or I no longer require your services.” Or never, depending on how things go. My sister will have to pry her ‘faithful student’ from my grasp. “‘No longer require my services?’ What the hay does that mean!?” Twilight demanded, pointing the book at Nightmare Moon with a snort. Nightmare Moon leaned her head in close and whispered, “You will soon find out if we survive all this.” She then pulled away and shifted her mane to block Twilight from her view. “And I will answer no more on this matter! Now read, before I decide to have you do something more productive!” “But-! ...Fine,” Twilight Sparkle growled, throwing open the book and staring into the pages with a determined glare. Pulling her mane away and peering at Twilight out of the corner of her eye, Nightmare Moon nodded in satisfaction. So she can take commands. This is good. The way to train any new acquisition is to start with small commands and work my way up to- What is this? A noticeable change in the road drew her from her thoughts. Lowering her head and examining the road’s surface while in transit, Nightmare Moon narrowed her eyes. Something’s not...Aha! She probed the surface with her magic, barely making out the outlines of an intricate and extremely hard to find illusion spell. Parting the veil of deception, the mare of darkness wished to bark a laugh. Beneath their feet past the illusion lay well-worn cobblestones. We’re close. Taking a brief glance at Twilight, Nightmare Moon calculated the distance to whatever lay hidden nearby. By the feeling of my magic earlier compared to now, and the speed we’re going... It should take us no longer than half an hour to reach the barrier, and no less than twenty minutes at the least. And by the looks of little Twilight over there, she’s reaching the end of those accounts. This will be fun to behold. Scanning the skies above, Nightmare Moon sighted stars, their names automatically coming to her mind. Then, she locked her eyes on her moon, and a flash of anger coursed through her. Damn that sister of mine! My moon has been corrupted by memories of my imprisonment. I can’t ever look upon its visage the same again, she thought with a bitter stomp of her hoof. The mare remained silent while they continued their journey, her thoughts jumping from one topic to another in abject boredom. She started out of her thoughts when she heard Twilight gasp. Raising an eyebrow and glancing to the side, Nightmare smiled to herself the moment she noticed that the unicorn had finished the story with puffy eyes. Time to set a little lesson into motion. One that shall be QUITE fun to behold. “Nightmare Moon, I...” Twilight started, then swiveled her head in every direction searching for the alicorn. The road and surrounding forest remained clear of any other life. “Did I really become so engrossed in that tome that I lost her?” she wondered aloud, wiping her eyes with her knee as she stopped in place. Slipping the book into her bag and shifting to settle the two saddlebags into a more comfortable position, she spun in position to watch out for Nightmare Moon. “Come on, this isn’t funny in the least!” Nearby, an inky pool of shadow formed and began spreading across the surface of the road, drawing Twilight’s attention. “This can’t be good,” she muttered, scrabbling back from the rippling puddle. Faster than she could react, the pool darted across the road’s surface and circled around Twilight to entrap her. Her eyes wide with fear, she bit her lip and frantically scanned for an escape route, with none to be found. “Ohhh, bad day! Wait, calm down Twilight, Nightmare said this Celestia-damned collar would protect me,” she whispered, her heart pounding frantically in her chest. “There is little that could ever protect you from me, little pony,” a voice boomed, freezing Twilight’s breath and thoughts. All at once, immense walls sprung from the shadowy pool and converged overhead, trapping her within the darkness. Roaming her eyes over the enclosure, Twilight glanced down and suddenly yelped in a mix of surprise and fear. All around her, the shadows moved in, concealing the road beneath her hooves. “Ahaha, alright Nightmare, you can stop joking around now, you’ve scared me, please come out,” she begged, backing up until her flanks pressed up against the featureless wall. “Joke? Scared? You know nothing of fear, Twilight Sparkle, Daughter of Celestia. There are many things in this world, including me, which no amount of fear could ever save you from.” Before Twilight, the shadows roiled until a creature born of nightmares rose from its rippling surface. “Erebus!” she hissed. The nightmarish abomination chuckled dryly, his rotting limbs shaking in amusement. “Indeed. So, Daughter of Celestia. Have you learned anything from that book of yours?” “Yes!” Twilight screamed at him, shaking in fear at the powerful being walking closer to her. An intense stench of decay and death wafted from around his body, clogging Twilight’s nostrils with the clinging miasma. “I’ve learned that...” Twilight gagged, then took a short breath before continuing. “...learned that you’re a despicable and heartless creature only playing with us!” “Oh?” Erebus taunted, standing mere feet from the unicorn, his frightening empty-eyed visage boring holes into Twilight’s soul. “And what do you mean to do about it?” “I...” Twilight Sparkle shut her eyes and cowered back. “I don’t know...” she whispered. “And that is exactly what we’re dealing with, Twilight Sparkle. An immensely powerful being, more powerful than even my sister and myself. One that is able to aid in the destruction of half the world, and is likely playing with us.” “Wha-?” Twilight replied flabbergasted. She opened her eyes and let out a surprised yelp to find Nightmare Moon towering above her, everything back to the way it was. “But... That was... What happened... Whaaaaa!?” “Yes, yes, it was all an elaborate daydream concocted by me,” Nightmare Moon explained in annoyance. “Now, if you please, I’ve journeyed quite a distance with a whining unicorn by my side. We’re at the end of our journey.” “Wait!” Twilight exclaimed, hopping to her hooves and nearly dislodging the saddlebags from her haunches. “I have so many questions about what was in that book, and what you meant about Erebus!” “And those will have to wait. I want to rest my hooves, fill my belly with a warm meal, and snooze in front of a fireplace, but we all can’t have what we want, now can we?” Nightmare Moon replied in exasperation, then turned and stepped forward several feet. Let’s see where this leads... She pushed past the barrier into the unknown. ___________________ “What do you mean that ponies are complaining of the sun always being up!? That plants are starting to wilt!? That the temperatures are rising!? Of course this is happening! It is meant to!” Solar Flare shrieked at her Ministers, stamping her hoof and cracking the white granite beside her administrative cushion. “I mean to bring Equestria and its neighbors to their knees, to bow before their true Empress!” Gasps came from around the table and many of the Ministers shared worried glances. Nothing of this sort had ever been proposed by Celestia. “Is there something wrong, Split Banner!?” Solar Flare demanded, focusing her intense gaze on one of her Ministers. Selected out, he shook his head and flashed his Empress a nervous smile, “Erm, no, my Queen. We’re just unsure of your decisions. Part of our job is to question everything you do, after all.” The others nodded in agreement before turning to gaze fearfully at the alicorn. Solar Flare settled back, thinking, “That is indeed true. But understand, question me too much and I may take that as a sign that things need to change. If that is all on today’s agenda, I have another appointment I must get to.” The Ministers shook their heads and gathered up their documents and other personal effects, many giving a sigh of relief that Solar Flare noted. “Dismissed!” she exclaimed, standing and walking out of the chambers, ignoring the Ministers as they retreated through their own exit. Tiresome foals. If I didn’t need them to aid me with the bureaucratic day-to-day workings, I’d have them all executed for incompetence. Maybe I will have to find a new set of Ministers ready to take charge under my new regime. Walking at a brisk pace through the halls, Solar Flare’s thinking brought her to ignore any of the other ponies making sure to stay out of her way and their fearful bows. She also did not notice the sweat on their brows from the intensity of the sun shining through the open window panes. A few moments later, Solar Flare stepped through the door of one of her meeting rooms and closed it behind her. She turned to stare at the stallion within, dressed in his ceremonial armor. “Captain Shining Armor.” Shining armor stepped forth and kneeled before Solar Flare, “Pr-Er, Empress. You wished to see me? Is it news concerning my sister?” He glanced up, worry etched along his face. “The news is the same, Captain, I still have no word on where my renegade sister has taken my student. No, I have different news for you.” She gestures to the cushions and settled on the largest. “Sit, we have much to discuss.” Shining Armor rose from his bow and took his place across from the alicorn, his curiosity evident. “How may I serve, Empress Solar Flare?” It was obvious he still wasn’t used to calling Celestia by a different name and title. “First thing’s first, I am attempting to track Twilight’s location and having little success. Secondly, before the meeting planned in a couple days time as a formality, I must bring something to your attention.” Conjuring a map of Equestria and a current duty roster of the Royal Guard, Solar Flare stretched them out across the floor and pinned them down. “Equestria needs to expand its borders, so you will be in charge of finding and recruiting new soldiers for the Guard and training them.” Shining Armor, after staring at the map for a moment, blinked and stood up in shock. “Wait, are you implying that we are going to war? Pri- Empress, we’ve had relative peace for-” Solar Flare hissed and rose to her full height, “That is enough, Captain! We must prepare ourselves! Outside of Canterlot’s walls, my sister runs rampant as a renegade. A thousand years ago, she caused a war!” Stamping her hoof, the cushion burst open beneath the force of the blow and spread everywhere. “And now, not only is she free, but we have other enemies to worry about. The Guards must be increased to preserve the safety of Canterlot and all of Equestria!” Noticing his Empress’ mood at the moment, Shining Armor wisely bowed to her. “I understand. I will make it my duty to increase the Guard. Will the other Captains know of this?” Calming down and settling back onto an undamaged cushion, Solar briskly nodded, “The other Captains will be informed at the Formal meeting. Your job is to recruit. Theirs will be to formulate plans of defense and to follow my other orders.” Keeping his face passive, Shining threw his gaze over the proffered map and reports, then returned it to his ruler. He studied her with an outwardly calm appearance, as if weighing his options, then responded, “I will do my best to serve you, Empress Solar Flare.” ____________________ Continued in Part 2