Chapter 4
Nightmare stormed through the halls, her anger rolling off in waves. “How dare she insult Luna like that!” she growled. News travels fast in the castle, and it wasn’t long before the corridors between the Hall of the Heavens and Luna’s office were cleared of all but the essential guards. Nightmare flung the door open, letting it smash against the wall as she strode in. “She’s back for barely a month, and they’re trying to get rid of her the first chance they get.” With a flash of her horn, Nightmare slammed the door shut.
“That insolent mare should realize just how lucky she is I didn’t execute her for that.” Nightmare began pacing around the room, still fuming. “Need to let Luna take over,” she mumbled. “I’ll keep the anger and she can get to work. All I’m good for it seems.” A knock came from the door, causing Nightmare to whip around, growling. “Who dares disturb us?” she roared, flinging the door back open.
The hall was empty, save the two guards who were stationed outside her door. “The kitchen staff brought this up for you, your highness,” a guard replied without turning around. He gestured to a serving trolley which stood between them, upon which rested three silver domes. With a raised eyebrow, Nightmare wheeled it into her room and closed the door.
Now more curious than angry, the dark alicorn lifted the middle cover. A tea kettle rested beneath, along with a teacup. Breathing deeply, Nightmare noted the distinct aroma of peppermint tea. She smiled. Well, I do like a well brewed cup of tea... Lifting the other two covers, Nightmare’s smile grew. “I know they’re playing me, but I don’t care. They’ve played well.” Under the other two were a few dozen moon pies.
Levitating a few of the treats over to the desk and pouring herself some tea, Nightmare sat down. “If Luna won’t come out, I guess I’ll have to do the paperwork.” Breathing deep of the aroma, Nightmare took a sip. “Ohhhhh, they did good.” With a sigh, Nightmare began sifting through the papers.
Despite the paperwork being boring enough to put her to sleep, Nightmare stayed in control. She fought through the boredom and powered through. With a grumble, she signed off on the last piece. I’ve still got a few hours before I need to lower the moon, she thought with a groan. And it doesn’t look like Luna will be coming out again tonight. Don’t blame her, that was rough.
Nightmare stood and stretched, rolling out her shoulders. Her horn glowed briefly and the doors gently swung open. "Sirs, I must apologize for my outburst earlier. I have no reason to take my anger out on you." Although the guards didn't move, Nightmare could just make out the smiles on their faces. Closing the door again, Nightmare turned back to the office. I suppose I have time to check on the dreamscape.
The balcony was quite small. It held a small potted moon-lily, which Luna and Nightmare liked to take care of. Other than that was a single large cushion, perfect for curling up upon. Nightmare sank her hooves into the plush material and sighed happily. "I've missed this," she said to no one in particular.
Closing her eyes, Nightmare let herself drift into the dreamscape. The plane shifted around her, the blues and greens swirling into a semi-ordered pattern. Nightmare strode through it, letting various dreams surface just long enough to check them, before letting them settle back into the chaos. It's always so peaceful, she thought. Settling down, Nightmare began to more quickly scan through the dreams, searching for the telltale twinge of fear which always came with a nightmare. It was cruel of me to actually cause those terrors, she reminisced sadly.
Nightmare's attention was dragged forcefully back as her scan stopped on a particularly terrified dreamer. "This is almost as bad as my terrors," she thought aloud. Her face set with determination, Nightmare plunged herself into the dream, determined to help. "What poor soul-" Nightmare froze once the dream formed around her. Massive stone walls towered on either side of her, creating a narrow passage. Twilight Sparkle sprinted past, her eyes wild with fear. Before she could react, Nightmare Moon strode around a corner, saliva dripping from her fangs.
"Come back, little pony," the dream-Nightmare called out.
Oh Faust, is that how I sounded? Nightmare shook her head. No, I have to end this. With a flash of her horn, Nightmare entered the dream, taking over her dream self. With another flash of her horn, the walls turned to smoke and blew away in the wind. "Twilight Sparkle!" she called out, turning slowly.
"No! Stay back!" came Twilight's response. Twirling to face her, Nightmare found Twilight pressing herself up against a wall, trying to be as far from her as possible. "Get away from me!"
Nightmare froze. The pure terror and hate in Twilight's voice stung. I could never hurt her, she realized with a start. But, there's no way for me to help her right now. I have to just end this. Nightmare hung her head. "Then I shall leave." With that, she ended Twilight's dream, letting the young mare's mind stitch together a new, calmer dream. "I had no idea she was so scared of me..."
She's not scared of me, she's scared of the character I played. Shaking her head, Nightmare returned to the rest of the dreamscape. I don't want her scared of me.
The rest of the night passed without incident. Twilight's dreams returned the the usual chaos and melted into the background. Nightmare kept an eye on everyone, but couldn't keep her mind off how terrified Twilight had been.
When dawn approached, the dark alicorn returned to her body. With a sad smile she set the moon to rest. I'm sure Celestia has heard about what happened by now. Nightmare strode confidently out of the office and down to eat with her sister. The halls were quiet, allowing Nightmare time to think over what she would say. When she entered the dining room, she found Celestia already seated, waiting for her. "Good morning, Tia. I hope you slept well."
"I slept fine, thank you. How was your night?" Celestia replied, her face a mask for her emotions.
Well, shit. How mad is she? Nightmare knew that Celestia only kept her emotions hidden when she wanted to fairly judge someone. "Well, I'm sure you heard about the little incident with one of the nobles."
Celestia nodded. "Sweetie, Lulu." Celestia paused. "I want to hear your side of things. I love you, and I trust you, but I need to hear, from you, what happened."
"Let me guess," Nightmare replied defensively. "You've already met with the noble, and she gave you a pathetic sob story about how I lost my mind and lashed out at her over some inane reason." Who's she going to believe? Some stuck up self-serving noble or-
"Actually no." Celestia's voice was calm and loving. "I haven't met with her. The guards informed me of what happened." A brief silence followed as Nightmare processed what Celestia said.
"Oh, sorry," was all Nightmare could think to say. I guess I should give her more credit. She's actually trying to listen. "She waited until the end of court. She stood and made her proposal. Which would basically strip me of everything and make me face trial for what I did a thousand years ago. It was a petty attempt at a power grab," her voice hardened as she finished.
With a gentle nod, Celestia smiled somberly. "I should have expected as much. I'm sorry. I should have made sure they behaved themselves. I should have-"
"Tia." The sisters eye's met, and a moment of understanding was passed between them. "You’ve been ruling Equestria, by yourself, for so long. You've had to tell yourself so many times that you can handle everything." Nightmare walked over to sit by her sister. "You don't have to any more. We're in this together. I can take care of myself."
Celestia nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry. I can't keep treating you like a child." The two fell silent again as they nuzzled. "Luna. I can't say I would have done what you did." Nightmare rolled her eyes. "I've seen the transcript. I know what she asked. I'm not saying I wouldn't have been just as enraged. But, well, you were always the more honest of the two of us. You always showed your emotions."
"And you love to hide them behind that mask you perfected over years," came Nightmare's snarky retort. "You were always the one with more control."
There was a content silence between the two as fond memories surfaced. Celestia was the one to break it. "I must inform you, the courts do not work as they did previously.”
Nightmare rolled her eyes. “Of course, what else is new? Do I no longer get to pass down judgement from on high?”
The older alicorn chuckled. “In some cases, we do. But most of the time, there is a system of courts set up to handle these kinds of matters.” She paused, a sudden yawn escaping her lips. “Anyways, when something comes up involving me, well us now, there is a specific court which handles it.”
“Do you mean to tell me that a common pony is given the power to pass judgement upon us?” Nightmare replied incredulously.
Celestia nodded. “Sister, you must admit that it is hardly fair for one of us to pass judgement on a matter in which we are directly involved. How could we expect our subjects to accept that we are considering their side in things?”
Nightmare grumbled. “I know, I know. I was just hoping to strike a little more fear into her. I’m still pissed.”
An alabaster wing wrapped around the younger alicorn. “I know, Lulu. I’ve felt the temptation many times myself. But we have to rise above it.”
Nightmare rolled her eyes. “Alright. Where’s this going to take place? I want to get this over with.”
Ice Blossom, the noble who had made the proposal, and the five others who made up the defendants, sat quietly in their chairs. Nightmare sat on the other side of the room, her face calm. Blossom’s attorney had just sat back down, having given his final statement. Nightmare’s had preceded it. All eyes were on the judge. The room was silent.
The judge sat, his hooves together. His eyes moved slowly back and forth, lingering on Nightmare and Blossom.
It was a full ten minutes before he spoke. “I thank you all for your time today. This has been a most interesting morning.” Rising to his feet, the judge continued. “You have both presented your cases, and I am now prepared to render my verdict.
“Ice Blossom.” The mare stood, still shaking slightly. “Your petition was reprehensible. We have laws to prevent a pony from being tried repeatedly for the same crime. It is my understanding that Princess Luna has been tried, convicted, and has indeed finished her sentence.
“Furthermore, to ask the princess to step down, and surrender her throne, I do not have words for that. I appreciate your argument that she has earned her freedom by serving her sentence, but not her crown. But then, we must determine by what standards the crown is earned. If not by right of being an alicorn, if not by right of being sisterhood with Princess Celestia, then surely Princess Celestia has the right to grant it. And she has.
“Lastly, to the point of her right to rule.” The judge turned to look at Nightmare, his face an expressionless mask. “On that, I find myself swayed. While yes, the nobility is given the right by birth, they can also have that right stripped of them for their actions. The same must be true of a princess. In this, I would, again, defer to Princess Celestia. She believes that you had earned it back. Recent events call this into question, however.
“You are certainly justified in your anger, your highness. The blatant disrespect is certainly enough. And no, I should not, cannot, and will not hold you to the same standard as your sister. But I will hold you to the standard everypony is held to. Anger and outrage is one thing.
“However, imprisonment without trial, a grave misuse of your authority, is another. As is your threats upon her life. As is the manner in which your guards treated her. They are under your command, and you, ultimately, are responsible for them.”
The gavel floated up next to the stallion. His gaze returned to Blossom. “I have received much council today, and feel prepared to render my verdict. Ice Blossom.” The noble mare looked up at her name. “You and those who conspired to draft your proposal will be stripped of your titles. Your families will retain their status, and they are welcome to keep you, but the six of you will be as nothing more than commoners. Princess Luna,” the judge turned to look at Nightmare, who returned his calm gaze. “You shall remain a princess of Equestria. However, your executive and legislative authority are hereby revoked. I understand you have previously met with the royal psychologist. The court hereby orders you to meet with her weekly, so as to solve your anger problems, along with any other you may have. Once you have been deemed of sound mind, we will turn over reinstating your power to Princess Celestia, in whom we will place our trust.” The gavel banged against the wood, reverberating loudly. “Court is adjourned.”
A gentle buzz filled the air as the nobility rose and began to leave. Nightmare was thankful that the trial had been closed to the public and the media. She had barely returned to being a princess when she found herself stripped of her authority. The room quickly emptied, but Nightmare remained in her chair. She wasn’t ready to stand quite yet; she was having a hard time coming to terms with what had happened.
I’m still a princess, but I don’t have any authority? Nightmare’s head tilted slightly. So, I assume I still bring forth the night. And I don’t think they even know I tend the dreams, so I’ll just keep doing that. Nightmare finally stood, albeit slowly. But it sounds like no more paperwork. Can’t say I’ll miss that. What about my court? I think-
“Luna?” Celestia’s soft voice drifted through the courtroom. Nightmare turned and saw the older alicorn standing in the doorway. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be here for you, court went long.” A pause as Celestia took in Nightmare’s mostly blank look. “Luna, are you okay?”
“I must admit I’m not sure I fully understand the verdict, sister,” Nightmare replied.
Celestia blinked. “Ohh, ummm....” She had, of course, been briefed on the matter, but wasn’t sure what to say. “Shall we go back to your room to talk?” Celestia asked hesitantly.
Nightmare shook her head. “No. I’m sure you have a plethora of meetings this afternoon. I was merely hoping you could give me the short version of what will change. Also, I am tired, and wish to sleep.”
Nodding slowly, Celestia leaned against the railing. “Well, you won’t be doing any more paperwork. You also won’t be allowed into any of the meetings with the ministers.” Celestia looked off into the distance, a few tears welling in her eyes, and wondering what else. “Oh, and you can still hold your court if you wish, but any legal petition will have to be passed off to me.” A brief pause before she continued. “I’m sorry, I know-”
Nightmare interrupted her sister, nodding. “Thank you, sister. I will speak with Ms. Thoughts about scheduling our next talk, and then go to bed.” Her face still expressionless, Nightmare left the courtroom. Celestia watched her go, sorrow in her eyes.
It was three days before Quiet Thoughts was able to meet with her again. Quiet had entered the room in silence and sat down across from Nightmare, who was splayed out on her bed. A book was floating before her, though she quickly marked her place and set it down. She did not look at the young mare. “Good evening, Princess,” Quiet began.
“I would hardly call it that,” Nightmare retorted.
“You have a point, I suppose,” Quiet replied. The two sat in peaceful silence for a minute. “Your highness-”
“Please, call me Luna,’ Nightmare replied. I’m hardly a princess anymore, she thought to herself.
“Luna then. Tell me, how are you doing?”
Nightmare let out a long, slow sigh. Her face heavy, she turned to look at Quiet. “I’m exhausted. And I shouldn’t be, all I have to do anymore is sleep, eat, and read. And I’m bored. I’m not sure what to do. Apparently I’m allowed to hold my court still, but after that fiasco, I just don’t feel up to it. And what would be the point? If it’s a legal matter, I have to send it to Tia, I don’t think I’m even allowed to hear it. If it’s a civil thing, like blessing a foal, who would want me over my sister?” She slumped down onto her bed, staring off into the distance.
“I’ve been snapping at the guards and staff these last few days. I don’t know why, but it’s over the smallest of things.” Nightmare curled up. “I yelled at a maid yesterday because she hadn’t yet cleaned up some petals that had fallen off some flowers. I sent her to tears.”
Quiet stared at the defeated look on Nightmare’s face. A look of scholarly interest spread across her face. “Why aren’t you angry now?” Nightmare blinked, puzzled. “You just had the majority of your job and your power taken from you, and you admit you’ve been quick to anger the last few days. So why aren’t you angry right now?” There was no accusation in her voice, nor judgement. Quiet’s tone was purely curious.
The look of confusion did not leave Nightmare’s face. “What is there to be angry over? I willingly submitted myself to the judgement of the court, presented my case, and I have accepted the verdict. I may not like it, but I will not go against my country, and my sister, over such a small thing. I don’t even know why I’ve been angry with the staff!”
“Luna, you heard my testimony in court. I strongly believe you have an anger management issue. Celestia informed me that barely a day back you were snapping at the staff. You lost control during our first meeting. You threw a mare into the dungeons and threatened her with execution over a matter which, quite frankly, you could have simply ignored. When she presented you with the petition, you could have denied it. So, again I ask you, why aren’t you angry?”
“I don’t know!” Nightmare snapped back. “I just don’t care enough anymore. I try to feel anything, and I’m just too tired.”
“So, what are you feeling?”
“I don’t know, okay?” Nightmare turned to glare at Quiet. Her anger only lasted a moment before she slid back down onto the bed. “Whenever I get angry, I just can’t stay angry. It comes in red hot flashes, then sizzles away, leaving me feeling tired. I’m too tired to be angry anymore.” Her voice was still hard, even if her body had gone limp.
“You sound angry.” Quiet pushed. “Are you upset with me for my testimony?”
“What? No!” Nightmare quickly replied. “I’m not angry with you, you just did your job. I don’t get mad at the weather ponies when they make it cloudy at night and I can’t see my stars...”
“Are you angry at all?” Quiet’s voice was calm
“I guess. But I don’t know why. I can’t stay angry at anyone.” Nightmare sounded defeated.
“So, you’re not angry with Celestia?” Quiet offered. “She helped write the laws which gave the judge his authority, and which currently bind you.”
“She did so for the sake of Equestria. It’s not like she did it to hurt me.” Nightmare rationalized.
Quiet pressed on. “How about the judge? You presented a strong, sound argument. He needn't have taken your authority away. In fact, ordering you to meet with me weekly was somewhat redundant, as I was already planning on talking with you.”
A hint of annoyance crept into Nightmare’s voice. “Perhaps, but he must do what is best for Equestria, given the facts. He felt I presented a credible danger to others, given my state. He did the right thing.”
“So who are you angry with?”
“No one!” Nightmare snapped. “I’m not angry with anyone. No one can take the blame for this.”
“You’re still angry, Luna. Until you know who you’re angry with, you can’t begin to work on it. So who are you angry with?”
“EVERYONE!” Nightmare practically screamed. She ran her hooves through her hair, pushing it from her face. “Celestia, you, the judge, those damnable nobles! You all had a part in this!” The rage lasted mere moments longer before Nightmare collapsed, spent. “So why can’t I stay mad at you?” she practically sobbed out.
“Are you sure you’re mad at us? It’s okay if you are, I just need to know who has drawn your ire.”
The dark alicorn covered her face with her hooves. “I’m not. I can’t put the blame on any of you, it wouldn’t be right.”
“Why not? We all had a hoof in this. Surely you can-”
“Because I’m angry at myself!” The words were out of her mouth before Nightmare even realised she said them. And then she realized that she meant them. I’m upset with myself. All of this has been my fault. All the way back to the war I waged in Luna’s name.
Quiet smiled. “Why are you mad at yourself?” Her voice was again calm, not pushing, just asking.
“This has all been my fault. I lost my temper over being addressed by name. I lost control when we first spoke. I waged a war against my sister for control of Equestria, all because I was upset. Everything has always been my fault.” Nightmare curled up on herself, not looking at Quiet.
“You still blame yourself for what happened a thousand years ago?” Quiet asked gently. “You can’t blame yourself for what you did under the influence of dark magic.”
“There was no dark magic,” Nightmare whispered. “All of it was me. It was all my anger and pain. I let it boil over and drive me to further and further atrocities.”
“Let’s talk about what happened then. History books can only tell me so much, and Celestia has been quite quiet on this. And I clearly don’t have the full story.”
Nightmare stood and walked over to her balcony, motioning for Quiet to follow. The pair sat down, the pegasus watching the alicorn, who in turn watched the stars.
“The full story would take many hours to tell, so I’ll give you the short version.” A deep breath later, and Nightmare began.
“I’m sure the story you’ve heard is, in general, true. Celestia and I ruled together for many years, working to bring harmony to Equestria. We had been ruling for a few thousand years before things started to go sour. She took charge of the day, and I the night. At first, my role was much more active. There were many threats facing our young nation. I, often alone, stood against them, guarding the land by night. But eventually, we had peace. And with peace, came less for me to do. Eventually, ponies forgot that I had stood against the darkness.
“They knew that I dealt with the things that threatened Equestria, but the idea became twisted. I went from guardian to terror. Ponies began to think that I had become corrupted by my dealing with the forces of evil. They thought I was going to attack them. So, they began to shun me. Petitioners to my court dwindled. Where before either of us would met with cheers and praise, it stopped coming for just me. Celestia had, in her centuries of dealing with nobles, brought her emotions under perfect control. I often lost my temper in the heat of battle.
“It came to a point where I was actively viewed with suspicion and fear. There were those who stayed loyal to me, who did not believe the lies being spread. But they were few and far between. I tried to reach out to my sister, but she would not act fast enough. My rage blinded me to her reassurances. She counseled that it was simply that the relationship between myself and our subjects had changed, and they were scared. I merely needed to give them time. But I didn’t listen.
“One day, I snapped. Morning came, and I refused to lower the moon. I attacked first. Celestia, for her part, didn’t really fight back, she was all defense. I was trying to kill her. During a small lull, one of her guards charged me. I ripped him apart with a thought. The rest backed off after that. Tia and I fought. Except for the massive amounts of destruction that we brought upon the land, it was a truly epic battle.
“I lost when she used the elements on me. I spent the next thousand years on the moon.” Nightmare shrugged. “That’s the basics. I killed a stallion, in the most painful way I could think of at the time, simply for wanting to defend his princess. I seriously tried to kill my sister. I had completely lost my mind.”
Quiet sat, looking up at the stars. “I’m afraid that’s all the time I have this evening,” she whispered. “I’ll see you again in one week.” She stood and went to the door, leaving Nightmare to sit and stare up at the stars. “Luna?”
“Yes?”
“I have a task I’d like to ask of you this week.”
“What is it?”
“When you find your anger rising, repeat this to yourself: This anger is not for them. You’re angry with yourself, and I am going to work on that with you. However, in the meantime, you need to get control of your outbursts. Also, at least once each day, I want you to spend fifteen minutes doing some yoga.”
Nightmare turned, confused. “What is yoga?”
Quiet chuckled softly. “Very relaxing. I’m sure Celestia can tell you more. I really must be off. Good night, Princess.” With that, Quiet Thoughts exited Luna’s room.
Nightmare turned back to the stars, her face blank. I hadn’t realized just how angry I am with myself. I blame myself for so much... She turned to her moon, watching it slowly travel across the sky. And I deserve every ounce of it.
Two days later, Nightmare and Twilight were again sitting on the balcony, looking up at the stars. The alicorn, having little to do beyond raising the moon these nights, had arrived first. Twilight was quite surprised to find the princess already waiting for her.
“If you don’t mind me asking, how was your week, Princess?” Nightmare’s face darkened considerably, which did not escape Twilight’s notice. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to- please don’t banish me!”
While Twilight said it in a state of pure panic, it helped defuse the situation. My anger is not for her, Nightmare recited in her head; Twilight’s plea to not be banished brought a twinge of humor to her mind. “Do not fret, young Twilight. I have simply had a trying week. It has left me feeling angry at many, though mostly at myself.”
“Do you, do you wanna talk about it?” Twilight asked hesitantly. “I’ve read some books on psychology and they say talking about your problems can be very helpful in overcoming them.”
Nightmare shook her head. “Thank you for the kind offer, but no. My ills need not trouble you.” Looking up at the stars, Nightmare allowed a few seconds of silence before continuing. “I thank you again for allowing me to read your reports on friendship. Though I must ask, what is a true friend?”
“Huh, well...” Twilight took a moment to stare up at the stars. “I guess a true friend is somepony who will stay by your side through the thick and thin. One who will be nice to new friends and old, even if they don’t like them at first.” She shrugged. “Rarity provided the phrase. I’m still figuring out what it means myself.”
“Ah yes, I forget. You are new at this as well.” The pair shared in a content laugh. The two stared up at the stars in silence for a few minutes. It was a comfortable silence, shared by two mares enjoying a work of art.
“Why did you create the first stars?” Twilight suddenly asked. Nightmare gave a small start. “I’m sorry! If that’s too personal, I understand, I was just curious and-
“Twilight”
“ohh that’s twice now I’ve said something bad-”
“TWILIGHT!” The young unicorn froze, her mouth open. She quickly shut it, her blush turning her cheeks a bright scarlet. “As you said, you are new at this, as am I. So how about I share something I learned with you?”
Twilight blinked. Then what Nightmare had set registered. “I’d love to hear!” she exclaimed, sitting up straighter.
“It’s related to why I’ve had a bad week. I don’t wish to say to much, but I learned that no matter what somepony may say about you, no matter how harsh or cruel, you should never respond with anger. It is irresponsible to allow your anger to control you.”
Twilight sat back. “Huh. I never thought about that. But you’re absolutely right. Anger is never a good response.”
Nightmare chuckled. “Now, if I had only learned that a thousand or so years ago.” Her face turned pensive as she looked up to her stars. “I suppose if I had, though, I likely wouldn’t have gotten to meet you.” She shrugged.
Twilight glanced around. “I can’t say getting to meet you was worth you being stuck in the moon a thousand years, but I’m glad I got to.”
“Thank you, Twilight.” Turning to smile at the unicorn, Nightmare felt a certain wave of calm settle over her. I wonder why I feel so comfortable talking with her. She certainly is easy to talk to. “Now, you asked me a question, and I would like to give you an answer.”
Twilight’s face lit up. “Hang on, let me get some quills and parchment, I want to take notes. Wait, can I take notes?” She gave the princess a sheepish smile.
“I doubt you’ll need any notes for this.” Nightmare brought herself up to her full high, while still sitting. “I made the first stars because-!” She wilted. “I was bored.”
Twilight's jaw hit the floor. “WHAT? YOU CAN’T BE SERIOUS!” She cried out. “Thousands of stars, some of the most beautiful pieces of art in history, the inspiration for countless poems, stories and paintings, all started because you got bored!?”
Nightmare chuckled. “Twilight, I created the first stars-” She did some quick mental calculations. “A little over twelve thousand years ago. Celestia and I had recently, well, okay, sometime in the previous decade, gotten our cutie marks. I was raising the moon because Mother told me to. She had decided to charge me with shepherding the night. The night sky was just the moon back then. After raising it enough times, okay, for a few years, I was so bored I had to do something. I liked how the gems on a dress I saw sparkled, so I decided to make some gems for the night sky.” She shrugged. “So, I did.”
Twilight could only stare at the princess. Her world had been rocked to its very core. The very idea that the stars she spent hours studying and watching had all started because the night alicorn had gotten bored simply didn’t mesh. She began stuttering, trying to put words together, but none would come.
With a chuckle, Nightmare wrapped a wing around Twilight. “Do not worry, young one. The stories behind most of the rest are far more interesting.”
Finally able to put words together, Twilight asked, “Which ones were first?”
Nightmare smiled, pulling her wing from Twilight. She pointed a hoof up towards the moon. “Do you remember the four stars which converged upon the moon and disappeared when Nightmare returned?”
“Those were your first? But, why there? Why destroy them to escape? I have so many questions.”
Smiling, Nightmare returned her gaze to her charge. “I placed them by the moon because there was no reason to place them anywhere else. Remember, the night sky was empty, so anywhere else they would have just been floating around, seemingly randomly.” With a shrug, Nightmare settled down onto a cushion. “And I didn’t just consume their power. I used them to channel and power a spell strong enough to break the binds the Elements of Harmony placed. I’ve considered replacing them, but I don’t have a reason to add any new stars yet. I don’t just add stars for no reason after all.” Nightmare chuckled.
Twilight groaned. “Right, right.” She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. When she spoke, there was a hint of false anger in her voice. “Look, Luna, I need some time. I mean, I can accept you being consumed by darkness and trying to bring about eternal night. You had reasons for that. Maybe not the best, but reasons. And that’s important. Having a reason for doing something is important. But making stars; the stars! For no better reason than boredom? You, ma’am crossed a line.” She began chuckling lightly, unable to keep her straight face.
Nightmare chuckled. “Oh, well then. I guess I won’t get to tell you about the stars I created to commemorate my curfew getting extended.”
Twilight burst out laughing at that. “Wow. I never thought of you as having a curfew.”
“I was a filly once, just like you.”
The two sat, swapping stories of their youths, for almost an hour. Twilight learned more about Celestia before she became a princess than she ever had before, while Nightmare began to understand Twilight a little more.