//------------------------------//
// Boast Busters 
// Story: Just a Walk in Equestria (JaWiE), Volume 1 
// by Warden of Monsters 
//------------------------------//

"So to review," Bonbon says as she looks at her clipboard. "How is Steel made?"

I put a finger to the side of my head, "...Iron heated to 4,000 degrees, and fused with carbon, traditionally used with coal. Said carbon makes up less than 2% of the material makeup."

Bonbon nods, "The chemistry formula for salt?"

"One part sodium, one part chlorine," I recite.

Smiling Bonbon says, "Good, and the difference between black powder, and gunpowder?"

"There isn't one," I reply. "It is a mixture of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate, also known as saltpeter. The sulfur and charcoal act as fuels, and the saltpeter is an oxidizer. Because of its burning properties and the amount of heat and gas volume that it generates, gunpowder has been widely used as a propellant in firearms and as a pyrotechnic composition in fireworks. It's also known as a Blasting Powder."

Bonbon sets the clipboard down, "Very good... Now in a fight you know how to make swords, chlorine gas, and explosives. That enough?"

"For conventional weapons," I reply. "Magic however I'll need to arrange more practice for. Maybe I should set up study-dates with Twilight."

Bonbon raises an eyebrow as she gets off her couch, "Didn't realize you were into her."

I frown, "I didn't mean it like that, jeez..." She giggles while I do my best to recall the formula for a flashbang. "One part sulfur, two parts Magnesium Powder, three parts Potasium Permanganate..."

"Oh can't I just play with my buddy?" She brings us both over some lemonade.

"Sorry," I sigh. "It's just... How can I not be stressed with an Ursa on its way into town soon?"

"You said yourself it's just an Ursa Minor," Bonbon says, switching to a professional tone. "And you know Twilight will handle it. Our priority will be making sure to get everypony out of its way."

Nodding I sip my lemonade, and sigh. "Right, right... It's just my first monster since coming to Equestria, and even as a baby we had nothing like an Ursa Minor, or Major on Earth. It would be the worst possible time for the timeline to deviate."

"Speaking of which, did you ever tell Doc the full story?"

"Say what?"

"Well you never actually told him everything, just what he needed to make you a phone charger."

I glance at a window where the said device is resting. "The solar panel invented decades early... No I don't suppose I did Bonbon. I just... It just slipped my mind. I'll tell him later."

She nods, "Alright then. Now Trixie arrived this morning, and I volunteered to put up fliers like you asked. Will you be joining the crowd?"

I nod, and drain my drink, "Yeah, just gotta drop off these books back to Twilight, hopefully catch her before she heads out for the day."

Bonbon snaps me a salute before she heads out to put up posters. I slip the book I use to contact the princesses back into its hiding place, and then levitate over my backpack so I can put the books in it. Afterwards I make sure the house is locked up before headed out.

Luckily Bonbon rescinded my eviction after Gilda's party yesterday so I'm no longer out looking for a home. Still, I need to apologize to Rainbow, and Pinkie for shouting at them like I did. Hopefully they'll be open to forgiveness.

I meet Twilight as she's leaving the library with Spike, and she happily takes the books off my hands. "Hey Harley, you get that research done?"

"Yeah," I say. "Thanks for all the help." We start walking out towards town, and I slip my hands into my pocket, "I was actually hoping to further my magical studies, and I could use an official mentor."

"Well you came to the right pony," Spike says proudly, patting Twilight on the shoulder.

"Aw, Spike," she mutters with a blush.

"Seriously," Spike says. "I don't think there's a pony more magical than you in all of Ponyville, Twilight."

And that's when he gets carried off by Snips, and Snails. Leaning towards Twilight I say, "Oh, and before I forget, there will be a difficult task to complete this episode."

She looks up at me as we jog to catch up with Dumb, and Dumber. "Really? What?"

"No more spoilers, but trust me, you got this. Just be ready after nightfall."

She nods, and after we catch up we head to the main square where I recognize Trixie's wagon all set up. I summon up a chair, this one made of thick plastic, and sit as I watch. Trixie might be a show off, but I might still learn something since I'm a magical noob.

Yet again I have to appreciate the skill used by unicorns to hone their talents. I suspect her special talent is Spectacle rather than Magic, but even that would take more skill than I currently possess.

Then I hear Applejack say that Trixie is showing off her magic like a school filly with fancy new ribbons. My eyes widen as I know what comes next...

"Well, it seem we have some neeeiiiigh-sayers in the audience," she announces.

I clutch my head with one hand, and call out, "You're not punny! Seriously, a part of my soul just died hearing that..."

She shoots me a dirty look, and then dismisses me. I'll be honest, I can't help laughing a bit when Trixie starts making fools of the other ponies. Though I will admit Rarity's misfortune really hurts to see. Most would chalk up her reaction to just being dramatic, but I know her well enough to know she's genuinely upset to the point of tears.

"Is there none other who dares to challenge the Great, and Powerful Trixie?" Her eyes find me, can't say I'm surprised, I kinda stick out in a crowd of pastel horses. Smiling she points at me, "You there, do you wish to cross swords with the Great, and Powerful Trixie?"

Smartass that I am I summon up a rapier, and point it upwards, "En Garde?" Then I chuckle, "Just kidding, I'm new to magic so beating me wouldn't exactly be difficult."

"Hmph, a creature that knows his place," she says dismissively, and a vein throbs in my temple as I turn the sword in my hand to dust. Then she starts picking on Twilight, and I watch until after Twilight leaves. Then I wait, and as the show ends I cover the stage in dish soap. Childish maybe, but damn that felt good. Someone needed to pop that pony's ego, might as well be me.

Standing I turn my chair to dust too, filing away with the other ponies. Rainbow Dash swoops down beside me, "Yo Harley, that soap was you wasn't it?" Grinning I nod, and she laughs, "Thanks! Way to stick up for your pals. You knew she was coming?"

As I nod again Pinkie bounces up, "What happens next?! What happens next?!"

"Now how would he know that?" Applejack tilts her head, and raises an eyebrow. Pinkie opens her mouth, but I summon a rope muzzle over her face before she spills the beans to all of Ponyville. So we find a more private place between two buildings where I can explain it to her.

"Huh," she says. "Well I can't say I'm too pleased y'all kept this to yourself this long... But I'm glad you decided to tell me. Just... You'll let us know if anything big comes up, right?"

Nodding I reply, "Relax AJ, I got this covered. Promise."

Applejack accepts this, and walks off. Pinkie pulls at my leg with a firm expression, and I turn the muzzle into silly string so she can pull it off. "Sorry about that," I say sheepishly."

"It's fine," she says. "But what happens next?"

I shrug, "Well the episode mostly focuses on Twilight, and Spike until nightfall. You know, I don't even remember you being in this episode Pinkie."

She taps her chin, "Probably because I'll be helping set up the sale at Sugarcube Corner. 50% off on honey buns!"

"Oh yum," I say with a lick of my lips, and Pinkie bounces off. I smile with my hands in my pockets, glad to have my friends back. So I head off to do my own business for a little while.

Later I come across Spike talking to Snips, and Snails. Snips is up in Spike's face, valiantly defending Trixie's supposed title of the most magical unicorn in town. Really though I know what Trixie's real special talent is; Spectacle. She can do a few neat tricks, but as for actual magical ability? I could probably outclass her in terms of actual magical power.

"The Great, and Powerful Trixie vanquished an Ursa Major! Can your Twilight claim that?!"

Spike has his arms crossed, "Oh really? And we're you guys actually there when she did it?"

Snips shares a look with Snails, and replies, "Well, uh, no, but-"

"But nothing," Spike says. "The proof is in the pudding!"

"Oh I like pudding," Snails laughs softly.

Spike raises an eyebrow, probably wondering the same as me, just how many brain cells this guy has, and then Spike says, "Look, unless an Ursa Major comes waltzing up the streets for her to vanquish, I'm not believing a word of it, and neither should you!"

Snips smirks as he looks back at his glazed-eyed companion. "An Ursa Major waltzing up the street eh? Snails, you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Why do they call it a Flea Market when they don't really sell fleas?"

"Yes-I mean no," Snips sputters. "Just... Follow me."

When they're gone I walk over to Spike, "You know I've actually wondered that myself, why are they called Flea Markets?"

Spike shrugs, "No clue, I bet Twilight knows though."

"Speaking of how is she? She left the show in a big hurry."

Spike facepalms, "She keeps refusing to show that uppity Trixie who's boss! I mean Twilight could totally school her!"

"Yeah," I agree. "But not doing that makes Twilight the better mare in my opinion. I mean if she stoops to Trixie's level then how does that make her any better than her?"

"Oh please, it's not like she'd do it for bragging rights."

I nod, "I know, but rest assured Trixie will be eating Humble Pie before the night is out. Just watch."

Spike groans again, but nods in agreement. I pat him on the back, and we start walking again. As we pass the library he excuses himself, needing to talk to Twilight one last time.

I take the chance to check in on Bonbon. Some friends from Canterlot are visiting today, and I want to meet them. So I head home as the sun starts to set, and find Bonbon sitting at the table with Minuet (aka Colgate), Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, and Lyra. Not too surprised not to see Moon Dancer here, she'll be working a rut from her house to the Canterlot Library until Amending Fences in Season 5.

Lyra waves, "Harley, hi! Girls, this is our new friend I was talking about!"

Lemon Hearts, a yellow unicorn with a deep blue mane, walks up to offer her hoof, "Pleased to meet you sir!"

I snicker, "Sir? I'm only 21." Still I shake her hoof, and then walk deeper into the house, "Since I'm up I can get drinks if anypony wants them. We had lemonade earlier."

After getting the lemonade for them, and taking my seat I say, "So Lyra tells me you all knew Twilight back in Canterlot?"

"Yup!" Minuet, a light blue unicorn with a mane streaked with dark blue and white, smiles brightly at me, "She was always a quiet one, always had her nose in a book that one! I mean we hung out yeah, but Twilight always seemed happy to blend into the furniture while we had all the fun."

"I can relate," I sigh. "I was the kid the teachers had to get on to for reading novels in class, and the kids liked to pick on because I was so different."

"Wow, sorry to hear that," Twinkleshine says. This one is a white unicorn with a slightly curly pink mane.

I wave a hand with a smile, "It's cool, I don't regret it for a second. I mean, a social outcast has the privilege of seeing just how stupid trends can be without even participating in them. Plus any friends worth having gravitate towards you. Really I think it made me come out a better person."

The mares share looks of thought, and then Bonbon nods, "I think that's the right approach about it."

Lyra heads to the fridge, "If you girls are staying overnight then I'll get dinner started... Bonbon, you did go shopping right?"

Bonbon looks up at me, "Wasn't it your turn?"

I levitate a planner from the countertop to my hands, and flip it open. "...Nope, I handled it last week."

Lyra sighs, "I'll be right back..." Then she trots out the door.

I wrack my brain for some topic to fill the silence, and finally say, "So what do you all do for hobbies?"

Minuet raises a hoof, "I'm studying multiverse theory!"

...Not the answer I had been expecting. Still, hourglass Cutie Mark... Just like a certain buck I know...

Lemon Hearts shrugs, "Gossip mostly. I do most the planning for big events so it comes with the territory."

"Oh yeah," I mutter. "I forgot which one of you did that."

"Pardon?" Twinkleshine raises an eyebrow at me.

"Oh, um, Bonbon here told me about you three once upon a time," I improv. "So how are things looking for the Gala this year? I got a ticket, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it."

Lemon Hearts smiles, "It's coming along great actually, thanks for asking. Really it's pretty routine. Every year it's the same old arrangements so there's no hassle preordering everything I need."

I look over to Twinkleshine, "You girls going too?"

"Of course," Twinkleshine says. "Since Lemon puts the whole thing together she has no issues getting her hooves on tickets for all of us. What about you Bonbon, coming this year?"

"Ooo, probably not," Bonbon says with her ears folded back. "I mean, I might, but..."

It takes me a second to realize why she might not be there. I mean she was a part of Celestia's agency as Sweetie Drops, and that probably means she spent a lot of time in Canterlot before moving to Ponyville to go undercover. It would be pretty bad for her to run into somepony who recognized her, especially if Lyra is there too. Lyra isn't supposed to know about her double life until episode 100.

"I don't think you'll be missing much," I assure her, patting her shoulder while feigning oblivousnes. "I mean back in my world my grandmother worked for a tax agency, and they had this banquet every year. Suit, and tie occasion yeah, lots of food, and dancing. Not many folks my own age to talk to, or that I could relate to anyhow. Didn't stop me from getting people on the floor to do the Macarana though!"

I chuckle to myself while the ponies stare blankly at me. Furrowing my eyebrows I ask, "You ladies never heard of the Macarana? It's, like, the next basic dance from the Hokie Pokie!"

"You mean the Pony Pokie," Lemon Hearts says.

I facepalm, "Right... Hold on, tell me if this sounds familiar." Pulling out my phone I look through my downloaded songs until I find it. Just as I'm about to play it though there is a loud commotion outside.

Bonbon, and Minuet poke their heads out the door, and instantly go pale... Three guesses why, the first two don't count. I squeeze past them, stepping outside, and I stop dead.

Don't get me wrong, I knew what was coming, knew what to expect... But no one can be prepared for shit like this the first time they see it. The Ursa that is rampaging in the town is as large as any of the buildings around us. It's body is a beautiful blue like the night sky, and partially transparant, decorated with stars. On, or rather in, the hindquarters are stars making the shape of the Little Dipper, the handle of which reaches out into the tail. The only parts of this creature that are not transparant are those yellowed eyes with red irises, and that mouth full of teeth almost as big as I am. For those who don't know, I'm about six feet tall.

I have to grab one arm to stop myself from using my magic. I have to let Twilight handle this... I spot Lyra though, way too close to the Ursa. So I run for her. I make the mistake of looking up at the Ursa to see it tracking me with its eyes. I almost stop, almost trip, but force myself to look away as I scoop Lyra up, and dive into an alleyway just in time to avoid being clawed.

We're both breathing hard as the Ursa roars... Then those roars soften, and I go limp with relief... Music, sweet, sweet music. I know already what's going on, Twilight is magically manipulating the wind to play a soft melody with the river reeds not far from us.

We poke our heads out in time to see the Ursa swaying on its paws. It almost falls on Trixie, but a purple glow of magic surrounds it as it's lifted into the air with levitation. Not mine... Twilight's. I look over to her to see her horn lit up with two layers of magic, shooting off sparks. Her stance is wide, and her face shows just how much she's struggling, yet still she does more, wrapping her horn in a third layer that shines so brightly it makes her hard to look at.

A long ways away she levitates the tank of the water tower, unscrews it, and then dumps the water into the river. Then she levitates the tank through a barn, much to the shocked cries of many cows inside, and then when she brings it out the other side it's full of milk. This she does while rocking at least twenty tons of sleepy bear high over our heads!

I stare in awe as she gives the tank to the Ursa which now floats on its back, and it sucks on it like a bottle. Finally she floats the creature out of town, into the Everfree Forest, and into the cave from whence it came. When it's over she stands there, panting in exhaustion. Smiling I am right with the rest of the ponies when the applause start, it's amazing just how much power Twilight has, and it's so easy to forget.

I almost laugh at Trixie's reaction when Twilight explains that what she just sent off wasn't an Ursa Major like Snips, and Snails had tried to lure into Ponyville, but rather a baby, an Ursa Minor.

Spike looks scared, "But, if that's an Ursa Minor, then what does an Ursa Major look like?"

The mental image from the show pops into my head. A bear of shining violet, saber teeth, and claws longer than trees... Not to mention it's so large it can easily cradle the Ursa Minor with one foreleg. This image reminds me that the scariest combination of words in any language are "Mama," and "Bear."

I'm yanked out of my thoughts though when Trixie makes her final boast, and makes a flash of smoke... Which fades to reveal her running away at top speed in the distance.

I can't help thinking of an old writing buddy of mine, how he loved making one of his OCs pull a batman, and imagining his reaction if he could see this. The thought makes me smile, and makes me miss Earth just a little bit. He had never really gotten into MLP whether from actual lack of personal interest, fear of how others would think of him, or any combination thereof... Still... Wish I was still in contact with at least one of my old friends.

So then I stick around to see Twilight put mustaches on Snips, Snails, and Spike. Since that was the closing scene of this episode I sigh softly, and cross my arms as I start thinking how to write up my report to Celestia, and Luna. But a blur of pink grabs my attention, grabs me, and then starts bouncing in place.

"Harley! Harley! You need to go to the Castle of the Two Sisters!"

I blink, "Um... Any particular reason?"

"Duh! The author says so!"

I take a step back, and furrow my eyebrows... Did she just break the fourth wall? I look around expecting to see some rip in the fabric of reality, or maybe a floating camera someplace... Nothing... Okay this is creepy.

"Right..." I gulp, "Castle of the Two Sisters... Okay..."

Satisfied Pinkie bounces off, and I'm left with a headache. Oh, and Derpy who decides to dive-bomb me with a hug. For such a little creature she sure is heavy. So with me sprawled on my back she sits on my chest saying, "Hi! Whatcha doing?"

"Oh just being lazy," I grunt as I sit up, letting her slide to my lap. "Hey, would you mind letting Bonbon know I'm headed to the Castle of Two Sisters? There's something important there I need to take care of."

"Okay!" Then she flaps her wings, flying off. I sigh as I stand, and then start walking for the Everfree Forest. Got a lot of ground to cover so when I reach the forest I summon us a bike... And a helmet, no point in getting a concussion.

It's at least a two hour ride there, mostly because I can't remember the way right off the top of my head, and the rope bridge forces me to abandon my bike. No way am I risking a bike on that thing. Not that I'm afraid of hights mind you, I'm just afraid of a board breaking, and me falling.

I reach the castle without much issue... Why would I need to come here? I mean what else is here? I have the book, and Tirek won't start hiding out here until Season 4. Maybe the library? With nothing better to do I head in for the library, taking extra care not to set off any traps. I know they're meant for enjoyment, but seriously, I'm just not in the mood right now.

I eventually find my way back to the library of the castle, and start looking around. One shelf at a time I levitate books over to me, and look over the titles for anything interesting. Nothing especially catches my eye until I find a book by Star Swirl the Bearded.

"Funny, would have thought Celestia would have moved all books like this to the Canterlot archives," I mutter. Then as I dust the cover off to read the title I freeze, a terrible chill creeping down my spine. I look around frantically, but I don't see anyone. On reflex I summon up blades with hardly a thought.

The funny thing is I only notice after a second exactly what I summoned. It's actually something I saw in a cigarette shop once. A pair of... I don't know what to describe them as honestly. Not enough armor to call them gauntlets. The undersides of the forearms are left exposed, but the tops are covered by bone shaped pieces of steel that start halfway on my forearm, and then curve over my knuckles like skeleton hands. Straps of cloth bind them to my arms at the forearms, but what made me really want them at first sight was a set of claws on each identical to Wolverine from the X Men.

"A bit too dramatic," I mutter, but now that I actually have them I'm not keen on letting them go. Might hang them on a wall when I get back, or something. Plus Instill have that horrible chill like someone is watching me... Someone who really doesn't like me. So I slip the Star Swirl book into my bag, and sling it over my shoulder before I step back into the hall, claws raised.

"Okay," I mutter to myself. "Castle of Two Sisters, review. Former dwelling of the princesses from over a thousand years ago, full of booby traps, home of Star Spiders, future hideout of Tirek as shown at the end of Castle Mania, former holding place for the Elements of Harmony, neighbor to the Tree of Harmony, and the setting to the final showdown with... With..."

Stopping I turn my gaze out a window to a tower... The tower... As in, the tower where Nightmare Moon had been defeated. "No way," I mutter. "Can't be." Still I can't help wondering the possibility. I remember what Applejack had once said in Castle Mania, how the supposed Pony of Shadows was supposed to be remnants of Nightmare Moon's power. And of course I've read Past Sins so I'm quite familiar with the fandom' theories on the matter. But I figured out long ago that the Pony of Shadkws we saw at the end of Castle Maneia was just Tirek hiding out.

"Either way it needs to be confirmed," I mutter as I start for the tower. If I'm wrong the thank Celestia, and Luna... If I'm right then it needs to be reported to them at once. It's a fifteen minute climb, and I swear I can feel my heart thudding in my chest. I check my blades repeatedly to make sure they're sharp, its comforting to know they are, quite sharp. Not that I'm sure they'll do much good against Nightmare Moon,bathe most lethal villain to ever walk Equestria.

When I get to the tower's top floor I shudder at the chill. "Probably just because I'm so high up," I assure myself, and start looking around. The floor is barren, I had expected to find shards of Nightmare Moon's armor here... "Guess Celestia had it cleaned up."

There it is again, that feeling of... Bloodlust. I look around in time for something to slam me into a pillar, and onto my back. Grunting, I push myself into a sitting position on my elbows, fists balled around the handles of my claws. And my blood runs cold. There in front of me is the blackest thing I've ever imagined, so dark it seems like it's trying to absorb all the light nearby.

It's a trail of smoke drifting down to the floor, and at the top is a head. A pony head with a horn, and those very familiar blue eyes. Those eyes with slits for pupils glare at me, and the thing raises like a snake ready to strike.

I scoot back, raising my right set of claws, "Stay back!" I try to hold her gaze, but something catches my attention... My hand is shaking. I try to steady it, and that's when Nightmare Moon strikes, bashing me across the face so I'm sent rolling a few times across the floor. I only barely manage not to stab, or slice myself as I scramble to my feet. My cheek feels cold where she touched me, and I'm shivering. I keep trying to tell myself it's a reflex to that sensation, that I'm brave enough to overcome any fear, and face her.

"Oh whatever is the matter puny creature? Frightened? I suppose that means you have a little bit of sense..."

I can feel myself shaking as her voice echoes in the room. "This is wrong," I say, hating the waver in my own voice. "You were destroyed... You never showed up again after that one... Event..."

Her eyes narrow as I try to put distance between us, but she glides smoothly through the air to cut me off from the door. "I 'never showed up again?' You're speaking of this moment in past-tense... You knew I would fall, knew the weakling would be shed of me, her true power... That explains your confidence all those nights ago, and yet now you seem ready to make a mess of yourself."

"Shut up!" Growling I charge, and take a frantic slash at her. She actually moves into my attack, letting it pass harmlessly through her before throwing me across the room, far from the door. I skid several yards on my belly, reflexively holding my face away from the ground while using my claws to scrape the floor, making me stop inches from the stairs leading to the small platform Nightmare Moon had shattered the Elements of Harmony on. I hurt on my front too, even through my clothes it's like someone violently took sandpaper to my front.

"Insolent creature, you think you're so clever? You thought the foreshadowing knowledge of some events would be enough to stop me? Enough to keep me from rightfully belongs to me?"

"Rightfully belongs to Luna, and her sister," I correct as I turn over, sitting up, and shakily getting to my feet. "You're just what's left of Luna's resentment, her jealousy, everything she has a chance to live happily without."

The Spector growls as she slinks closer. "I was what made her strong! With me she outclassed her sister tenfold! And I was tossed aside like a tattered cloak long out of style, left to die here in this ruin!"

Panting I rub my front as I try to think my way out of this. "It's not too late though Nightmare Moon. I've seen versions of you who were able to live happily, start a new life independent of Luna, find the one thing Luna didn't have when you two were bonded... Hope."

"Oh she had hope, hope that those who had shunned her nights, our nights, would finally see their majesty, and beauty. Then those hopes were ripped from us, and then dashed when I was ripped from her, forcing her to plead the mercy of her sister!"

"You're wrong," I snap. "I love the nights!"

That brings her up short, and I continue, hoping maybe to appeal to her better nature. I can't take her in a magical fight, I know that much, but maybe... Just maybe... And the best part, I don't have to tell a single lie.

"Back in my world there are many religions," I start. "Many faces for many different faiths... All my life I was pushed to believe in a popular faith, but it only made a stigma against it for me. So I looked, and found a faith I could genuinely believe in, long before I even heard the name Equestria... The stars."

I straighten up, the pain starting to fade, "I always found hope, and comfort in the stars. Maps were made by the star charts so that one could find their way at any time on any voyage. The North Star alone guided hundreds of slaves to freedom in the history of my country. I loved the feel of the cool night air on my skin, like a cool smooth sheet. I love how the moon bathes the land in silver light, and how pictures in the stars stand as a reminder of great stories. Even the darkness which so many feared served as a safe place for the weak to hide, and rest for the harsh trials of the day time."

I offer her a small smile, begging her to understand with my expression, "Darkness is not always the equivilant of evil, just as light does not always bring good. That is a saying I live by, one from a story that helped me find such peace in the night. One that showed me the name of my goddess back in my world, the Greek goddess of the night, and coincidently the name of the happy version of you... And that name is Nyx."

Nightmare Moon considers my words for a good few minutes, and then glides up to me, "...I see no deception in your eyes... And there is such sincerity in the passion in your voice... Life is too cruel. For the first time in so long I have one that I do not desire to harm, and yet..."

Furrowing my eyebrows I ask, "Yet...?" I feel like she's setting me up for some kind of trick, and raise my blades a bit. She gives them a cursory glance, and then meets my eyes.

"If I tell you, and if I don't the result is the same... I lose the first ever who might have been faithful to me."

"You're not making sense," I say. "Look... Just tell me, what are you talking about, losing me?"

A great whistle of wind blows through the room, a sigh, and she shuts her eyes. "Very well... But you shall be well remembered. I sense a familiar magic in you, one that has manifested in several creatures before you. It brings your thoughts into reality, but at a price... And revealing that price will free you of it, but the result will be the same if I say nothing."

Crossing my arms carefully I mull that over, "The way you talk you make it sound like..." Then my eyes slowly go wide. "...Are you saying... This magic is going to kill me?!"

Another sigh, and she nods. "Yes... Poor creature, you're too clever for your own good to have figured out my meaning so soon. Leaving you as you are with these powers the level of magic in your body would only increase over time until your physical form can no longer take the strain. Now that you know the power will soon leave you, taking all traces of it from your body... However since you have no inherent magic to begin with, and your body now feels dependent on such energy..."

I shake my head hard, "No, no you're lying, you gotta be, Celestia would have told me! Or Luna!

"Would they really? Firstly you're valuable to them, ensuring future events at their bidding. Or perhaps they thought to hide the truth from you for your own peace of mind."

My legs just stop working after that, and I sit down... Hard. I can already feel the magic starting to seep from my body, down my face like tears. Just like in the episode, when true words are spoken I am finally set free. Free... To die... I look up at her, feeling like my heart is breaking. "...When it's gone... I die anyways, don't I?" She nods, and a second later I can feel real tears forming to join the magic. Bowing my head I look down at my claws, "Then... I've failed... Equestria... What's going to happen to it? Without me..."

I feel Nightmare Moon lay her smoky mane/tail across my shoulders, and I laugh bitterly as the magic forms a green mist across the floor. "It doesn't even matter," I half laugh, half sob. "I'm not even supposed to be in this world... The ponies would have been just fine if I hadn't showed up... They'll be fine after I'm gone..."

"...Speaking as one who also faces death, albeit a slower one... I will not leave you."

Reaching up I carefully try to put a hand on her head, but it just passes through her. So she wraps me tighter in herself, and holds me... The sensation is comforting, like a warm blanket just out of the dyer. I lean into the feeling, watching the magic leave me to be carried away on the wind, vanishing into thin air. "...I knew you weren't all bad," I whisper to her. "You're not evil... Just... Lonely, aren't you? Luna was feeling so neglected before you came along... She must have felt so alone..."

Then I start to shiver, and shake as the trails of magic pouring from my eyes starts to get thinner. It's getting so hard to breathe, and I gasp like a fish out of water as I clutch at her. I feel something on my forehead, but I can't tell what it is. I'm panicking, and jerking around. Then Nightmare Moon blocks out my vision... Then all I can see is darkness. Darkness, and a few faint specks of light... Stars... She's making me see stars.

"Sleep soundly in night's embrace."

And so... I do.