//------------------------------// // Nightmare Night // Story: Night Patrol 2: Awakening // by Foxgear //------------------------------// Night Patrol 2 Ch 10 By Foxgear A week pass since Luna’s return from Nippon. The Princess of the Night overjoyed by her bounty of winning bets and the possession of Nightingale’s medal. Now there were only two more keys to find to discover the secret of the secret door in the old castle. Luna only hoped the other two keys would be easier to retrieve. She only wanted to go through a death maze every other time on an adventure. Lucky for the Princess of the Night the location of the next key was well in hoof. If her research was to be believed, the location of Allure’s earrings was Ponyville. In the possession of Allure’s descendant Rarity, the element of generosity. Really could this be any easier? Of course not! For during her studies Luna heard whispers of a coming holiday. One that made the castle maids and guards clam up when they spotted her. Their excited chatter dying when she passes by. She went to go Goodnight to ask what was going on, but even he seems nervous to talk about it and Spitfire was away at training camp. Leaving Luna little choice but to search the records for the event. That proved difficult as there were about a million different holidays! Really, there were that many! Frustrated Luna went to her sister. “What holiday is this weekend?” Luna demanded, full Canterlot voice, barging into the throne room. Her sister and the ponies hanging up spooky decorations all froze at the sight of her. She looked at the dark theme of the room with a curious and pleased smile. “I see you're finally seeing the appeal of the night dear sister. How wonderful! But there is more to the night than bats, spider webs and… pumpkins… ok… what’s going on?” Celestia gave a shaky smile, clearly not sure how to answer, “Well… um… you see Luna…ahhhh… happy Nightmare Night!” The Sun Princess said cheerily, Luna noticing that her sister was donned in similar attire to Nightmare Moon. “Um… this… looks bad, doesn’t it?” “That depends, dear sister… what in the holy hay is going on? I would have thought you, of all ponies, would despise that form as much as I? Or am I wrong?” Celestia let out a haggard sigh, waving at all the servants to leave. “Please leave us.” The ponies did as commanded, leaving the two Princesses alone. Celestia shrinking on her throne under Luna’s glare. “Allow me to explain Luna.” “Please do.” “Very well. As you know during your time as Nightmare Moon you… caused a lot of harm. Stories, both true and not true rose. Creating the modern legend of Nightmare Moon. Some time ago when fact became fiction, ponies created Nightmare Night, a night in which ponies would dress up and get scared for fun and get candy. Before I even knew what was happening the festival had become so popular I had not the heart to bring a stop to it. Mainly because with it, ponies no longer assume you and Nightmare Moon were one and the same and or real. Even now only the residents of Ponyville know Nightmare Moon is actually real.” Celesta cringed waiting for Luna’s reply. Her sister’s expression cold as stone. “I can understand that much,” Luna said evenly, “but why are you dressed as Nightmare Moon?” Celestia laughs embarrassingly, “Oh, well you see… I might have unknowingly agreed to pretend to be Nightmare Moon for a school fundraiser. I honestly just found out this morning. I had hoped you’d be gone before I had to go perform. I find the whole ordeal very embarrassing.” “Well your imitation of me is rather poor, sister,” Luna said with a smile. Much to Celestia’s relief. “Very well, you go and do your fundraiser and I shall go on my quest for Allure’s earrings in Ponyville and while I’m there I will set things straight with the townsfolk.” “Oh Luna, I don’t think you need to do that.” “None sense! I want to do it! And I shall do it by embracing this holiday! I shall show them the true face of Nightmare Moon! Mine! And thus, they will not be afraid!” Luna excitedly trotted out of the throne room, leaving Celestia perplexed and worried. Her sister and ponies didn’t mix well most of the time. “I’m sure she’ll be fine…” Celestia told herself, sweat dripping down her brow. “Maybe I should warn Twilight. Just in case.” Marching down the halls Luna spotted Goodnight chatting with another bat pony, a female. A rare sight, especially in the castle. “Is this your marefriend Goodnight?” She asked stopping to talk to the two. Goodnight and the mare both turned red, quickly moving away from each other, giving Luna a better look at the bat mare donned in guard armor. “Or perhaps I’m mistaken?” The mare had a gray coat and electric blue hair, a strange color for a bat pony, it reminded the princess of Octavia’s sister, Vinyl Scratch. “This is Sweet Dreams, we came from the same colony. She just finished training, so I’m showing her the ropes.” Goodnight explained with a rather deep blush. Implying Luna maybe be closer to the mark than they let on. Sweet Dreams bowed low, accidentally dropping her helmet and bonking her head on the floor. “Nice to meet you, princess. It’s an honor.” She said rubbing the bump on her head. “Same. And what luck! I need two bat ponies! Would you mind coming with me?” “Of course, ma’am!” Sweet said eagerly, only to suddenly deflate. “But Captain Shining Armor told us to stand guard tonight.” This caused Luna to laugh, “You need not worry. I do believe I out rank Captain Shining Armor. Come, the night is calling!” She trots ahead, leaving both bat ponies to shrug and follow her. After all who were they to argue with a Princess? They follow Luna all the way to the chariot bay. Where the princess was looking over the rows of flying chariots. “Hmm, none of these quite fits with this festival’s theme. I shall have to improvise!” A flash of magic later and the seemingly dull chariot was turned into a spooky black thing of nightmares. Both bat ponies image the cart looked like something the specter of death would ride to collect the souls of the dead. “Princess, what exactly are we doing?” Goodnight asks warily as the Princess fashions a cloak made of bats. “We are on a twofold mission to Ponyville. One mission is to recover the second key that slumbers there and the second is to engage in the festival of Nightmare Night! I will use the later to show the citizens of Ponyville they have nothing to fear from me by partaking in the festival. The details of which I am a little fuzzy on, but I am confident I can show them the true face of the Princess of the Night!” Luna explained, or rather yelled, causing both bat ponies hair to be blowing back comically as they stood there blinking. “Ok… and what are we doing?” Luna blinks, “Oh right sorry, I need you to pull the cart I’m afraid. I wish to make a grand entrance to make a good first impression. You don’t mind, do you?” “Of course not! This is so awesome!” Sweet Dreams screamed before Goodnight could voice his opinion. “I knew I could count on you two. I knew it in my heart! Now come my children of the night! Let us fly to Ponyville!” Luna struck a dramatic pose, raising on her hind legs and pointing to the sky. A flash of lightning thundering the in background turning the princess’s eyes white and casting her in complete darkness. It was kind of scary. “Like it? I plan on surprising the ponies of Ponyville with it during my entrance.” Goodnight and Sweet Dream smiled widely at the princess, neither brave enough to tell the truth. “It’s perfect princess. I’m sure they’ll love it!” “I’m glad you think so, now let us be off and spread the joy of the night!” Goodnight and Sweet Dream hooked themselves to the flying chariot. Flying the black nightmare through the sky, they heard the screams of children below as they passed over them. Luna laughed loudly with delight, sounding a little, if not completely menacing as she did. The bat ponies grimaced as the small town of Ponyville come into view. Flying down they watched as the Princess did her grand entrance and really, really wished they had spoken up as the entire town went nuts. And not in a good way. Ponies were trembling before her. Luna did not like that. She did not like that at all! Her entrance was meant to be in the spirit of the holiday, a sign that she was ok with it. Despite the insult, she found it to be. Her bravado fades, replaced with uncertainty and worry as the adults of the small town lay on their bellies shivering in fear. It brought back bad memories. Memories of when she was Nightmare Moon and when she terrorized Equestria’s neighbors. The Griffons suffered more than others. But what really got to her. What truly tore her heart from her chest was the bear of the element of laughter and her accusing screams of her wanting to feast on ponies. The pink pony leads a group of foals away screaming in sheer terror. Her words and actions cutting worse than an assassin’s knife in the back. (She should know I’m not Nightmare Moon! She was there! She helped free me!) Luna raged, seething between her teeth. Deep in the far reaches of her mind, she could hear her darker counterpart’s mocking laughter. (One thousand years later and still all the same. Poor, poor Luna. Are you going to go cry on your pillow now?) Nightmare Moon cackled, further irritating the princess as she pushed the dark entity back down. (Shut up…) Luna said tightly as she struggled to control her magic. Her shadow reaching out and twisting the ground hungrily. She reeled it back and took a deep calming breath. She needed to get out of here, fast! “Very well, we shall take our leave,” She told the townsfolk hotly, spinning on her hooves she decided to go get Allure’s earrings from Rarity and leave. They were the main reason she was here after all. But first, she needs to cool down. “Goodnight and Sweet Dream,” she said, the two bat ponies snapping to attention. “You two go sit about. I’ll come get you when I need you.” Ignoring the bat ponies salutes she wanders into the nearby forest to cool her head. Unfortunately, fate seemed to have a sense of ironic humor, because she just happens to walk straight towards a statue of Nightmare Moon. Great. Was it a crime if a princess destroys public property? Between her debating of doing just that, an excited voice called her name, a chorus of bells accompanying it. Luna turned around and was surprised to see Starswirl the bearded! Or at least a pony dressed as him. Either way, it didn’t help her mood. Starswirl may be dead, but she still has some misgivings with the old mage. However, the sight of her sister’s student did fill her with hope as she seemed to be the only pony with some good sense. “Hello, Princess Luna. It’s very nice to see you. I’m…” “Starswirl the bearded. Very fine hoof work, thou even have the correct number of bells. The infuriating accuracy of Starswirl’s attire is remarkable.” The lavender unicorn chuckled uncertainly, “Hahaha…um what do you mean by, infuriating?” “I merely mean your costume is detailed to the point that my misgivings with that batty bearded pony rise to the surface. He, my sister and I have share a strained history. But I hope that does not sour your fondness for him. Starswirl was a shut-in lay about with little sense of long term responsibility, but he was a talented one at least.” Twilight stood stunned, “Um… thanks for the compliment… I think? My real name is…” “Twilight Sparkle,” Luna answers for her, speaking in a loud dramatic voice. “You are my sister’s student and the bear of the Element of Magic. My sister speaks fondly of you and your friends often. Though your exploits are not always the most rousing to hear when compared to the great feat of freeing me from darkness and the second sealing of Discord. None the less, I commend you and your friends for freeing me, though I must also chide you for your foolishness of doing so woefully underprepared.” “Um… thanks… and sorry? I guess?” Twilight replied with uncertainty. The two mares stared at one another, awkward silence filling the air. “So… um… I see you’re a bit different since last time. How did that happen?” (Thank mother’s mane! A change of subject!) Luna cried silently to the heavens. “My previous form was a result of server magical depletion after being released from my dark powers. Again, thank you for that. I recently regained my true might and form while I was away to Nippon.” “You’ve been to Nippon! I’ve always wanted to go there! And Griffonstone and the dragon lands and…” Twilight rambled on and on about all the places she wants to go. It warms Luna’s heart to hear she even wanted to know more about her and the magic she used as Princess of the Night. She never met a pony with such a desire to learn! “Then why not go? Surely if you want to go visit other lands I’m sure my sister would happily grant you permission. In fact, I doubt you even need to ask.” Luna said, stopping Twilight’s rant. The mare looked like she was about pass out from a lack of oxygen if her flustered cheeks and panting breath were anything to go by. This could be the first time Luna ever saw somepony pass out from talking too much. Amusingly all the color drained from Twilight’s face. “Go? Without Princess Celestia’s permission? But I’m her student! I can’t do that!” “Why not? Did she say you couldn’t?” Now Luna didn’t know how Celestia taught her students, but she was sure her sister wasn’t that strict. From the sheepish look on Twilight’s face, it was clear it wasn’t Celestia holding the young unicorn back, but herself. “Well no… but I haven’t finished my friendship studies here yet! So, I just can’t leave!” Luna chuckled softly, “If that how you feel, then I won’t push the issue, but know time waits for no pony Twilight Sparkle. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be taking my leave.” “WAIT!” Twilight shouted, making Luna go rigged as the lavender mare raced in front of her, blocking her path. The princess’s amused smile slipping into an irritated stare. “Um… I mean please wait.” “Better,” Luna bit out evenly. Twilight gulped, a shaky smile stretching across her muzzle. “I kind of got off track, but I actually come to help you make a better impression! That is if you don’t mind.” “Are you implying we are incapable of making friends? We will have you know we have made plenty of friends, both in this time and in the past!” “No, no! Of course not, Princess! I’m merely saying I could help you adjust is all. Ponyville is really different from Canterlot.” Twilight said frantically, making Luna sigh. “We merely were jesting Twilight Sparkle. We would find your help most refreshing.” Twilight sighed in relief, making Luna’s heart crumble further. Has she become that distant from other ponies that they can’t even tell if she’s joking or not? “What do you suggest we do Twilight Sparkle? Twilight coughed nervously, but stood tall before the princess, “First I think we need to work on your… vocal volume… and I know just the pony to help!” Why did this feel like it was going to be a chore? Luna wondered as she rubbed her temples, “Very well, lead the way Twilight.” Twilight led her to a cabin. A cheery little place even on this spooky night, even the menacing presence of the Everfree forest failed to take away from the cabin’s tranquility. It was a lovely place indeed, yet it also felt isolated and lonely. While Twilight exposits on about the cabin’s owner, the Princess of the Night couldn’t help but feel the area was familiar. A feeling she’s had since arriving in Ponyville. As if she’s been here before, and she didn’t mean during the summer sun celebration. This place was very close to the old castle, maybe her patrollers had set up an outpost here or something once upon a time. “Princess Luna, this is Fluttershy,” Twilight said presenting the obviously frighten mare. Luna recognized her as the Element of Kindness. The Princess of the Night watches dryly as Twilight wrangles the pegasus out of her home so the shy mare could give her voice lessons. The idea was frankly beyond silly, but the yellow Pegasus’s meek voice did create a perfect contrast to her own war horn loud one. She had forgotten to undo the voice amplifier spell! How embarrassing! To save face Luna played along with Fluttershy’s lesson/cowering while slowly lowering her voice back to normal. She even gave the Pegasus the royal thank you by kissing and hugging the frightened mare in the old way. And was about to let the mare return to home when… “Nightmare Moon stole Fluttershy’s voice so she can’t scream when she gobbles her up!” SHE returned! The damnable pink chicken costume wearing pony! She and her entourage of screaming children ran away in terror. Luna called out to them her voice ticking up to scary again. She quickly corrected it, but it was too late. They were gone and the ache in her heart worsened. “Don’t worry Princess. I have another idea.” Twilight said quickly to lift Luna’s spirits. The Princess of the Night stared at her sister’s student with a disbelieving face. “Very well, we shall heed your advice once more,” Luna replied, following the lavender unicorn back to town. To no surprise, the townsfolk were shrieking in terror and falling to their bellies or flat out running away as she and Twilight passed by. Even Twilight’s optimist smile was waning. “It is no use Twilight Sparkle. Ponies have always feared me and they always shall.” Well, that wasn’t true. Sixes and the ponies of Night Patrol didn’t fear her, but they were far from the typical pony. They were warriors like her. They understood each other in ways that peaceful ponies like these could never understand. “Don’t worry Princess, my friend Applejack is the most likable pony there is I’m sure…” Luna did not give Twilight the time to finish. For she saw her, Applejack, her most loyal friend, and commander. She could not even form words to describe the swell of emotions she felt as she looks upon the farm mare’s orange coat and bright blond hair. All but running to her old friend Luna threw her forelegs around Applejack’s neck and pulled her into a deep embrace. “Applejack! It is so good to see you!” Luna cried with joy, tears threatening to fall as she nuzzled the farm mare’s neck. Applejack flinched in the princess’s embrace but did not pull away as she felt the Princess quiver. Deciding play along Applejack wrapped her legs around Luna, all the while looking to Twilight for an explanation. The unicorn merely stood stupefied, looking completely bluffed. Applejack figured that to mean she was on her own. “Um… hi… nice to see you too Nigh- I mean Princess Luna!” Applejack corrected quickly. Maybe it was the break in her voice or the shaking or maybe it was just her brain finally rebooting, but Luna finally lets Applejack free of her embrace. It had only been a moment, barely a flicker, but in those brief seconds, she had her friend back. That was enough to make all the heartache of this night worth it. “My apologies Applejack. I lost myself to a memory. You bear an uncanny resemblance to you ancestor by the same name. I’m glad to see the Apple Clan is still around and very prosperous from what I hear. Your clan just an established a new settlement a few months ago correct?” Applejack dumbly nodded, her brain having to reboot from the information. That the princess knew her and her family. “Um yeah… my cousin Braeburn and a few others did. Had a bit of rough time with some buffalo at first.” “Buffalo? Do thou need us to smite them for you? Fear not a dear descendant of Applejack! We, Princess Luna of the Night! Shall keep true to our promise to thy predecessors and ensure the Apple clan’s prosperity! Now, where are these buffalo?” Luna declares menacingly, lightning rumbling in the sky. Applejack took two steps back, “Um that’s ok. We got it all settled. My cousin might be getting engaged to the Buffalo’s chief’s daughter, so…” Luna demure completely changed, from threatening to joyous in only a second. “Oh, how wonderful! I will have to attend the wedding! That is if you’ll have me. I wouldn’t want to be rude and just barge in. Maybe I’ll go in disguise. That seems to work much better for going out in public. The news ponies of today are just as bad, if not worse than ponies a thousand years ago. Can you believe they find my choice of breakfast breaking news? What utter nonsense.” “I couldn’t agree with you more. Canterlot ponies, not you, of course, Twilight. Seem to have a strange idea of how to do things. I’m glad Princess Celestia has a good head on her hunches.” Applejack said falling on her rump, Luna doing the same, both seeming much more comfortable with each other. “Well, my sister can be a bit naïve sometimes.” Twilight gasps! “I mean she’s well intentioned, but she has a horrible habit of putting things aside for later. Discord is one of those. I personally wanted to take a hammer to that annoying spirit’s statue the first time.” Applejack chuckled, imaging Luna doing just, “Well that would have made things a lot easier. Quick question, how many more villains like Discord are around like that?” Luna mumbled softly as she counted on her hoof, “Um… sealed in a landmark or sent to Tartarus? I can safely say there are two more sealed with in Equestria. Then there are the foes we fought before Equestria was made. Like this one, we sealed in a volcano. There are quite a few, my sister believed in second chances a lot more than I did.” “Um, Princess Luna don’t you think we could get back to trying to befriend the townsfolk?” Twilight interrupted, not liking what was being said about her teacher. “I am content to speak to Applejack, Twilight. Why don’t you go and enjoy the festival? I will stay here and…” Luna caught sight of little foal about to fall into the apple bobbing game. Quickly she vanished in flash and caught the little foal by his pirate vest and pulled him to safety. Joy swelled in her chest as she set the little foal down. Then it all went away. “Nightmare Moon is devouring Pipsqueak! Everypony run!” The pink abomination screamed. Luna dropping Pipsqueak out of shock. The little colt ran away screaming and Luna’s heart shattered, the little happiness she found tonight crumbling away. Bitterness and anger taking its place. “Princess are you ok?” Twilight inquired, noticing the tear droplets threatening to fall from the princess's eyes. Luna angrily whipped away the tears. Pure seething rage bleeding into her eyes as she looked over the crowd of terror ridden ponies, the fading dust trail of her pink tormentor, and everything this dreadful festival represented. It was like that time the nobles humiliated her at the Gala. She’s had enough. “No Twilight, I am not ok. In fact, I am far from it! I came here with the humble and simple intention to befriend the ponies of Ponyville. To partake in this festival, no this insult, in a jester of good faith, but that good faith has been trampled, crushed and piled on with manure to the point of madness!” Luna reared back, summoning a smog of black clouds. “I will no longer tolerate it! From this day forth Nightmare Night is canceled! Forever!” All ponies stood with jaws hung open as the Princess of the Night made her decree and vanished. --break “Oh, sweet Celestia, you guys really screwed up,” Goodnight said startling Twilight. “Goodnight! What are you doing here?” The unicorn asked, switching between looking for the princess and trying in vain to figure out a solution to this problem. The chorus of crying foals was heartbreaking and hard on the ears. The bat pony merely rolled his eyes, “I was one of the ponies pulling Luna’s cart. I came to see what in the name of Tartarus was going on. Gotta say way to go on getting the Princess pissed off.” “Um sorry to interrupt, but is Nightmare Night really canceled?” Applejack asked. “I mean Luna is the princess and all, but Granny is on the township board and it’s not that easy to change laws and holidays. There’s like a million different legal things to go through.” Goodnight nods in agreement, “Correct ma’am. Legally Luna would have to go talk to Celestia, who when then cosign the decree to make it law as per the two rulers rule. So, if you want to save Nightmare Night you have until we take Luna back to Canterlot. Luckily Luna has other business here tonight, so you have a few hours to do that.” “Princess Celestia wouldn’t do that, it’d make too many ponies sad if she canceled Nightmare night!” Twilight argues. Goodnight merely snorted, trying to hold back his laughter. “What’s so funny?” “Nothing, it’s just your Celestia’s student and you don’t even realize how far Celestia would go to make things up with her sister. Princess Celestia probably wouldn’t hesitate to sign if she thought it would make Luna happy.” Goodnight drew a haggard breath and sighs. “Personally, I don’t care one way or the other, but I think in the long-term Luna will probably regret it. So, Miss Sparkle, you better fix this.” Goodnight did an about face and walked away. “What are we going to do Twilight?” Applejack said frantically. “The kids love Nightmare Night. It’ll break their hearts if it’s canceled for good!” Spotting Luna on a bridge and a certain pink pony Twilight got an idea. “Leave it to me!” --break (Let’s see, I did not see Rarity at the festival, so she must be at her home. Somehow, I find that rather endearing.) Luna mused, feeling somewhat happy that the white unicorn had chosen not to partake in Nightmare Night. (Now, where was her house again? Shoot! I forgot to look up her address! I suppose I could ask one of the townsfolk… providing they don’t run away again.) “Princess!” Twilight Sparkle. What could she want now? No matter, she was done with Nightmare Night! As soon as she returns to Canterlot she would make it official. “Princess, please wait!” Then again, it wouldn’t be the end of the world to hear her out one last time. “Make your case Twilight Sparkle and then please be gone. I am in no mood for any further humiliation and disrespect this night by ponies that don’t even know me.” Twilight trotted in front of her, panting from trying to keep up with the Princess’s longer strides. “Sorry, let me catch my breath.” She took several deeper breaths before finally settling down. “Ok, sorry. You walk a lot faster than most ponies.” “Get to the point Twilight, my patience is at an end. I merely seek the abode of the Element of Generosity and I shall be on my way.” “You’re looking for Rarity’s house? Why?” Luna glared at her. “Right, right, none of my business. Look I have one more idea, please at least hear me out?” Luna begrudgingly agrees, “Very well. One last time and that is it!” “Follow me, Princess, I have somepony I want you to meet!” Twilight trots off. Luna following her with mild interest. Curious as to what the lavender pony had up her sleeve or rather her cloak. Her expectations were low as they walked into the clearing where the statue of Nightmare Moon rested. Standing by it was the devilish pink pony. “So, what’s all this then?” Luna demanded sternly before the two mares. Her bold stance making them shake where they stood. “Speak quickly. The morning comes soon and I intend to be back in Canterlot before then.” Twilight coughed and stepped forward, “This is Pinkie Pie.” “I know her,” Luna said narrowly. “The ringleader of the screaming children and the element of laughter. I should feel grateful for your role in freeing me, but sadly I am not feeling it right now.” Pinkie Pie’s ears droop, “Oh, sorry. I was just having fun! That’s what Nightmare Night is all about! Ponies dress up, play games and eat lots and lots of candy! But what really makes tonight fun is getting scared!” Luna’s expression didn’t change. “So, um… sorry again, I guess I got too caught up in the moment. Usually, I’m more considerate of my pranks.” “Pranks,” Luna laughed with mirth. “What a funny way to excuse one’s hurtful actions. Do not think me thin skinned, but I have had enough of ‘harmless’ pranks to last a millennium. Did it ever occur to you? The element of Laughter. That screaming ‘Nightmare Moon!” every time you saw me, accuse me of the horrible act of cannibalism and other such things may be a bit on the extreme? Did you ever stop to think that a pony such as myself, that have done things much, much worse, and who is trying to improve their image would find such things, as you say, fun?” Pinkie Pie shook as Luna’s angry eyes bore down on her, “Um… probably not, now that you point that out.” The pink pony’s lips bizarrely stretch towards Twilight, whispering, “I don’t think your plan is a good idea anymore, Twilight.” “And what plan is this?” Luna inquired setting both mares in her sights. Both mare’s chuckled uncertainly under the princess’s stare. “Well…” Twilight explains her plan. The children ran away as fast as they could. Luna watched them go with a plethora of mixed emotions. On one hoof, it was fun to intentionally be scaring somepony, and on the other, it probably wasn’t going to help her image. Oh well, at least she managed to relieve some of the stress of the night and there was a pile of candy at her hooves, so that was a plus. She could give to the foals of the castle staff. Ready to be done with Nightmare Night and Twilight’s plans and schemes of friendship, Luna set herself towards Rarity’s. The location provided by Twilight in exchange for doing this last scheme. However, before Luna could even step one hoof forward something tugged at her mane. A little-spotted foal, dressed as a pirate, was the culprit. The little guy shy dug at the ground, asking if she’d come scare them next year. What a strange request. Looking at the other foals Luna could see their curious eager stares, waiting for her answer. Her heart turning to a puddle of goo before the little foal as he declared his love of Nightmare Night. Looking upon the little colt’s joyful smile Luna realized how foolish and most of all childish she had been in her cancellation of the holiday. Though she still found little enduement for the holiday. To deprive the foal’s enjoyment of it would make her like the monster she hated so much. “Well, I suppose we’ll just have to bring Nightmare Night back then!” Luna declared, much to the delight of the foals and all the townsfolk. “Really! Thank you! You’re my favorite Princess!” The little foal cried with joy hugging her leg. He ran off shouting the joyous news to his friends. Giving the Princess of the Night the joyous treat of laughing foals playing in the night. A sound she had not heard in many years. (Best quit while I’m ahead,) Luna mused deciding to leave on a high note. Sinking into the shadows Luna was finally about to go finish her little fetch quest when Applejack came charging into her path. “You aren’t leaving now are yah? Fun’s just starting!” Luna giggled, “I hide myself in magical shadows and yet you of all ponies still find me. You never cease to amaze Applejack.” She looked back towards the clearing, Twilight and the rest of her friends calling out for her and wondering where she went. “I’ll join in the festivities soon enough, but there is a pony I need to see first. Care to accompany me?” The earth mare shook her head, “Sorry, I gotta keep things running. Next time you’re in town stop by the farm for a visit. I’d like to hear more stories of my fore ponies.” “We would be happy too. Thou may not be the Applejack we once knew, but thou are much like her. Strong, caring, determined, and perceptive of the feelings of others. Please have a bottle of your famous cider waiting for us when we visit. We miss its taste.” Luna said with a wink, teleporting away, leaving Applejack to attend to her duties. Now finally, finally! Luna reached her objective. A white and purple carousel looking building. That was exactly within sight of where she first landed when arriving in town. She maybe could have started here first in hindsight. Never the less she wasted enough time. Time for action! By politely knocking on the door. A call of ‘just a minute’ followed by hoof steps and the door was opened by one Rarity Belle. Belle being the actual clan name of Rarity’s family. It was kind of strange how few ponies seemed to use their clan names anymore. The door swung open, Rarity standing in the entry way with a bowl of candy levitating before her, “Happy Nightmare Night! Now you may pick whatever you want… oh… Good evening Princess Luna! How are you this evening? I don’t suppose you came to my humble abode for candy, have you?” Thank the gods’ she did not freak out! Were Luna’s thoughts as she stepped into the white unicorn’s home. “No. Candy is not my objective for this visit. Even if it were, I had received more candy than needed already.” “I see. Well, would you care for some tea instead? Please have a seat while I whip up a fresh pot.” “I’m fine, thank you, I am only here on business,” Luna replied, not wanting the caffeine so late at night. Not that she couldn’t use it. Feeling herself nodding off already, she was so tired from the night's events and finally sitting down was bringing it all down on her at once. Rarity looked at her unconvinced, but let the princess be. “Very well. So, what do I owe the honor of this by the Princess of the Night herself? Perhaps you are in the market for a new dress? I must admit I’ve had several ideas I’ve been brewing up since that fateful night. I’ll have to change the shade of the colors; your darker coat would work much better with silver now. Originally, I was planning a little less flashy, but the color contrast would really suit you now.” The townsfolk could really learn a lot from Rarity about interacting with royalty. The verdict of whether the towns ponies were really scared of her or simply acting along with the tradition of Nightmare Night was up in the air. Frankly, Luna was thinking the former was much more accurate. “That all sounds lovely, but I’m afraid I’ve come here for a different kind of business. Before that thought might I ask you one question?” Rarity smiled brightly, “Why of course you may Princess. I will answer the best I can.” “Please, call me Luna. This may sound strange, but I would have expected a mare so enthralled in the making of clothing would be out on a night like this. Out flaunting some latest creation, yet you are home. Why is that?” The dressmaker’s smile sunk a bit as she slumps on the table. “Oh yes, I did have the perfect costume for this year. A sea pony. Complete with a lovely tail complete with actual sea pony scales sewn into the fabric. Sheded scales of course. Alas, my order was delayed and rather than make a new costume I put my efforts into my sister Sweetie Bell’s costume, as well as her friends. Making them last minute really worn me out, so I merely chose to spend Nightmare Night indoors this year. It would be awkward to walk around and be the only pony not dressed up after all. I hope that answers your question, your majesty.” “Luna, please, and it does fair Rarity. I’m sorry to ask such a personal thing right off the bat. I was merely curious.” Rarity waved her off, urging her to continue to the point. “On to business, I am in search of an object in your possession. A set of gold earrings with orange diamonds fashioned to them.” “Oh, I know the pair! My mother claims they have been in the family for generations. While they are valuable it’s hard to believe they could be so old with such little wear. Not to call my mother a liar, but I had them appraised once upon a time and the appraiser said they were only with a few hundred bits. Not quite the family fortune, are they?” Rarity giggles, only to stop once she noticed the princess not laughing. “Right um… I’ll go get them.” Rarity ran upstairs, returning moments later with the earrings. “Here you are Princess.” Taking the earrings in her magic, Luna began to tear up at the sight of Allure’s earrings and the magic surrounding them. “She wore these the day I met her and every day after. Even in the sweltering fires of the forge she never took them off.” Luna floated the earrings towards Rarity, locking them onto the mare’s left ear. Good thing Rarity already had her ears pierced or this would have been rather painful and awkward. Next Luna adjusted Rarity’s hair ever so slightly and just like that Allure was standing before her again. “You are most defiantly her descendant. You look just like her.” Looking at nearby mirror Rarity looked at her reflection with a feeling of uncertainty. The princess was acting strange like she was looking at somepony else and maybe she was. “Pardon me, but who is it I resemble?” Luna shook herself free of her nostalgia, coming back the present. “Sorry, I should explain myself.” She said as she floated the earrings back to her hoof. “These belonged to a pony named Allure of Firehorn. Once upon a time, she was my blacksmith and your ancestor. These earrings are a key to something left behind by Allure and my other ponies of the night after I was sealed in the moon. With your blessing, I would like to borrow them.” “If they are meant for you, then I would say their yours Princess.” Rarity said with a big smile. Perhaps too big of a smile as Luna could clearly see the edges of Rarity’s lips twitching, eager to ask for a favor in return, but trying her best not to. “In fairness, I will pay you the value of the earrings.” Luna figured that’s what the seamstress wanted, but to her surprise Rarity’s face drooped in disappointment. “Unless there is some other form of repayment you desire?” Rarity’s smile returned, but she remained hesitant. “Please, speak your mind. For this treasure, I would gladly give you the crown atop my head.” “A very tempting offer, your highness, but if you don’t mind, I would rather you wear one of my dresses.” Wear a dress? That’s all she wanted? Such a favor was almost laughable, if not for the hope shining in Rarity’s eyes. Luna would have dismissed it as a joke. Still, if that’s what she wants. “Very well, upon my next invitation to a Gala or ball, I will seek your services.” Rarity squealed with delight. Affectionally hugging Luna around her neck. The princess of the Night was uncertain what to do in response. After several seconds, she opted to merely pat Rarity on the back. “Yes, yes, I’m very glad you are happy with your possibly once in a life time royal request. If it is not too much trouble could you please release me?” Luna asked, watching Rarity’s eyes comically pop open in the mirror reflecting the mirror behind them. Rarity had a lot of mirrors around here. “Right, right sorry.” Rarity said quickly retreating to her seat. Luna waved off her apology finding it unnecessary. She bid the unicorn good night and trotted for the door, only to stop and look back at the pony that inherited one of her elements. “I’m happy it is you who now bears the elements of generosity. You have helped not once, but twice and have asked for so little in return. I’m very proud.” Rarity’s cheek burned as she bowed to the princess, “The honor is mine, Princess. I’ll be sure to live up to your standards.” “Just do your best, that’s all we can do in the end. I bid you goodnight.” Luna stepped out into the cool night. The moon calling out to her, telling her the time to wane to the coming sun was soon. Sending up a flare she called for Goodnight and Sweet Dreams. The two bat ponies arriving in record time with the cart. Tiredly Luna climbed onto the soft silk seats, resting her head against the cushion as they took off. “Did you have a fun time princess?” “I did, maybe not at first, but this holiday as warmed up to me. Now quiet, I tire.” Luna said nuzzling into the seat. Pulling the moon down from the sky so the sun could rise on a new day. Luna rolled in her bed pulling the shade to block the bright rays of the sun from disturbing her. She was so tired, more so than usual. At least she had gotten the second key! Nuzzling into her pillow Luna prepared to drift off into her own dream world. Only to suddenly spring up in bed and slap herself in the face! “Applejack was right there! Why didn’t I get her key too?” She screamed in frustration. Realizing it was probably because the farm mare hadn’t been wearing her usual hat. Still too tired to do anything about Luna settles back down and closes her eyes. Only for Celestia to come barging into her room. “Luna! I need your help!”