Nightmare Night… Luna thought to herself as they began their approach to Ponyville. If they wished to please us, then surely they will celebrate my coming on this o hallowed of nights.
The chariot flew gracefully through the cool night air while the two Dusk Guards did their best to quell their growing urge to continue fighting. The two were definitely at odds with each other, but Luna counted on them to deliver her safely. Rather, at least Noctus knew that. Vesperus, on the other hand, hardly refrained from taunting him.
“C’mon old man, what’s the matter? You slowin’ down in yer old age?” he smirked at Noctus as he began to pull harder.
“HA, HARDLY!” he retorted. “You’re lucky Princess Luna is with us or I’d show you a thing or two!
“Pffft, as if you senile old foal!” Vesperus continued to mocks as he pulled faster and harder, leaving the cart uneven.
“IDIOT, YOU’LL GET PRINCESS LUNA HURT!” Noctus barked furiously.
“THEN KEEP UP YOU OLD FOAL! HAHAHAHA!”
“DAMNIT, THAT’S IT!” Noctus had snapped under the constant mockery and failure of his subordinate to follow orders. He took off after the bat pony with every ounce of his raging being until he had passed Vesperus. The cart evened out until once again it became crooked by the racing ponies. They continue to struggle for pole position as Luna sat still, only growing more annoyed by the childish acts. She had asked for a nice, smooth ride into town, and instead, received this. Luna rolled her eyes and sighed as they continued.
We must focus, Luna, if we wish to find Eventide in the presence of these two bickering foals. She continued to ponder her approach. How shall we greet them? I suppose We can always rely on the royal greeting. She reminded herself of the procedure by going over a list she had been keeping for just such an occasion. She also delicately lifted some glasses of a fashionably red frame onto her muzzle for reading.
Step 1: Arrive gracefully
Step 2: Allow them to bow in respect
Step 3: Address the subjects and authority of the location
Step 4: Request the Kissing of the Royal Hoof
Step 5: Profit… profit? Who wrote that?
Luna tucked away the list as they came upon the village. “My, it certainly is cloudy tonight, is it not?” she spoke, but the two bat ponies will still too busy arguing and racing. She let out another sigh as she peered over the edge of the cart, allowing one of her hooves to sink into her cheek as it supported her. They were flying over the Everfree Forest. It wouldn’t be much longer until they arrive. Suddenly, something in the clearing caught Luna’s eyes.
“QUICKLY, BRING THE CART DOWN!” Luna shouted with her Royal Voice, startling the two quarreling bat ponies, causing them to wrap up in each other’s harness and tangle the reigns.
Down the two ponies went, into a nose dive. The cart quickly dove to follow, accelerating at an alarming rate. It became clear that they had lost control as the group dove into the swirling cloud bank before them. With their vision already obscured by the dense clouds, lighting began to shoot around them. The two did their best to steer the cart and avoid the bolts while struggling to reclaim control. As cracks and booms of thunder roared all around and the situation grew direr, the land below rapidly grew closer and closer.
“OH SHIT! THIS ISN’T GOOD!” Noctus shouted. “VESP, WE HAVE TO GET UNTANGLED!”
“I’M TRYING NOCT, I’MMMMM TRYINNGGGGGG!” Vesperus screamed, struggling to free himself from his comrade.
At that moment, a bolt of lightning struck at the cart. Luna quickly deflected it with the swipe of her horn, creating an instant spell shield, but the brute force of the collision caused a bright shockwave to propel them forward at an even greater rate. The gust of wind picked up, blowing various chunks of foliage into their path. It served to aid the chaos and confusion as the two bat ponies continued to work to untangle and fight for control once more. Below them they could see a small crowd of ponies who had gathered around a statue cowering in fear of their approach.
“THIS IS IT VESP, NOW OR NEVER!” Noctus howled at Vesperus, both finally freed from the thicket of reigns they had managed to get wrapped up in.
“LET’S DO THIS NOCTY BAY-BEE!” Vesperus replied with an arrogant smirk. The two bat ponies dove down harder, hastening the approach.
WHAT IN CELESTIA’S NAME ARE THEY DOING?! Luna’s mind screamed in horror, far too shocked to say anything herself. She simply held onto the rim of the carriage and braced for the bone shattering impact of hitting the earth below.
“THREE. TWO. ONEEEEE!” the two shouted in unison as they dove even steeper than ever before pulling up on the reigns as hard as they could, creating a small pocket of air below it that bounded them back upwards. The chariot violently whipped, slamming into Luna’s chest. She let out a small cry of pain but scrambled to balance and stand once more. We mustn’t let our subjects think Us weak.
She then viewed the effects of the blow back below them. It had almost resembled something like the beginning of a Sonic Rainboom, something Luna had not seen in years. A huge grin came upon her face as she marveled at the beauty of such a skilled technique. She would have greatly admired the two for pulling off such a feat, had they not been so reckless in the first place. The chariot rumbled slightly as it rose and they glided over the small crowd of now fleeing ponies and a cloud let off three last bolts as if cheering their arrival. She searched the clearing for her target, surveying the land, but it had vanished.
It can’t be, no, not after all this time. It couldn’t possibly be…
“PRNNMMMSSS? PRRRNNNMMMSS? ARE YOU OKAY?!”
“Wh- huh?” Luna blurted out, still confused and disoriented from the moment.
“I SAID, ahem, are you okay Princess Luna?” Noctus inquired with great concern. His eyes fixed on Luna, inspecting her for damage.
“Ah quit yer worryin you old foal. She’s fine, ain’t ya Luna.” Vesperus shot back with a smug look.
“HOW DARE YOU ADRESS OUR PRINCESS IN SUCH A WAY AND HOW DARE YOU CONTINUE TO INSULT ME!” Noctus yelled, furious once again.
The two broke out into argument once more as Luna collected herself. She watched as the all the ponies fled back to town. Looking back she saw the frightening visage that was her Nightmare Moon statue, as well as a small pile of confections, but nothing else. She felt her body weakened and her composure fade a little as she gazed upon the statue.
Is that really what became of you Luna? How awful you must have been…
“Noctus. Vesperus.” She addressed the two who were too busy arguing to hear her. Clearing her throat she prepared her Voice once more. “NOCTUS! VESPERUS!”
The two quickly snapped out of their duel and to attention again as Noctus replied. “Yes Princess Luna?”
“We are unharmed and We wish to continue our flight into Ponyville. We trust you can get Us out of the Everfree Forest and do it safely?”
“Of course, Princess. As you wish.” Noctus bowed, despite facing away from her.
Vesperus, however, took off at full speed immediately, tugging harshly on Noctus reign and mercilessly tossing him and the cart about behind him while shouting, “YEEE- HAWWW! LET’S GO TO THE PARRTAAAY!!”
Luna braced herself as the cart thrashed about and they continued their flight into Ponyville. She almost felt as if she had been holding on for dear life as the two struggled to keep even speeds. It wasn’t long before they came upon the village and Luna was secretly grateful for that. That night it was much more alive than she had ever seen on any night. The town square was now rife with celebrating and feasting ponies and foals alike.
Luna observed from above in amazement as the square bathed in the cool moonlight, complimented by a wave or orange cast by lanterns hung around between poles. It was far more beautiful than the pictures in the book. Her eyes shone and glimmered and she viewed the celebration. Several carts had been set up as ponies cheerily shared delicious food and confections. Tables had been completely surrounded by feasting ponies, cheering and laughing in their familiar costumes. So had even been performing strange acts that what could only be what Sister Celestia had described to her as “games” and even more pranced about in front of a stage where a group had been playing music. Luna even recognized the one called “Octavia” cleverly disguised as a scarecrow. She had seen her perform many times at Canterlot gatherings and had even requested private concerts from time to time, much to the discomfort of the cellist pony. All of this had been beautifully covered under the motif of the night. While some might have found it macabre, Luna actually found it comforting, homely even. She felt her heart swell with warmth and joy.
We cannot even believe that all of this is in Our honor…
As the slowly drew closer to the village, Luna and her companions viewed the same foals who had fled from them as the ones they had seen in the forest. Unaware that the screaming and fleeing of the stampeding ponies and foals alerted and concerned the other costumed ponies, they slowly drifted overhead. Thank goodness Vesperus finally settled down. She looked at the exhausted and panting bat pony who had wore himself out from the previous stunts he’d pulled. Now then, on to business.
Luna took a moment to breathe in and out heavily, mentally preparing herself for her first formal arrival in Equestria since her return as Nightmare Moon. It all came down to this. She looked to the brightly shinning lone star for guidance as the clouds quickly came overhead and obscured her view. Isn’t Loyalty supposed to be keeping the skies clear on this night? She pondered, attempting to distract herself to ease her conscious.
Slowly Luna lifted herself off the cart and began to gravitate down to gathering crowd of on-looking ponies. Her landing was as graceful as it was perfect. She flipped the hood of her cloak back as a single lightning bolt cheered, celebrating her arrival.
Remember, smile, as she force a proud and triumphant smile on her face. Her legion bowed before her. Ah, just as planned. She slowly approached the ponies bowing before her and her cloak faded to a flock of bats as she spread her delicate wings. Nice touch Luna, that’s sure to impress them. She proudly congratulated herself. And now for the Royal Address...
Oh my, there are so many ponies watching us. Luna thought as she surveyed her subjects. Her stomach began to churn as her anxiety grew more and more apparent. It’s okay Luna, just close your eyes, and give your speech. Start strong and then soften up. Let them you have good intentions know you care about their feelings. Unify the ponies under yourself and promise them a bright and glorious feast for the celebration. Ah, that wasn’t so bad. Surely it must have been well received, as Our subjects are speechless! Now, eyes open!
Luna had thought out her entire approach and had given a flawless speech. She couldn’t be more proud of herself. As she opened her eyes, however, she did not find what she expected. Her subjects hadn’t been bowing to her. They had been cowering before her…
“Did you hear that everypony? Nightmare Moon says she’s gunna feast on us all! AHHHHH!!!!” Pinkie Pie screamed, terrorizing the foals she had been protecting and sending them off in another stampede.
What is the meaning of this?! We have done nothing to neither harm nor threaten the children and yet Laughter turns them against Us? Why? Why would an element do such a thing? This is not what we wanted at all! Luna stomped her hoof at the pony cowering before her. A sharp feeling of resent ran through her body.
Surely the one they call Mayor Mare, leader of Ponyville will understand Our situation and knows of the Royal Canterlot Greeting. We shall address her. Luna extended her hoof to the mayor, whose only reply was to further cower before her. The princess was shocked and saddened by her lack of procedure. Turning to her secretary, she demanded the same, but she replied by cowering as well.
“What is the matter with you?” she blurted out as she directed her hooves at the other ponies who all replied with the same cower of fear. A mix of disappointment and shame overtook her. “Very well then, be that way! We won’t even bother with traditional Royal Farewell”
Luna would have been greatly angered and frustrated if she wasn’t so crushed by the events. Clearly they hadn’t forgiven her for her mistakes at the Grand Galloping Gala and still hated her. Not only that, but most had still considered her the monster that is Nightmare Moon?
How dare they…
She trotted off, back into the Everfree Forest. The devastated alicorn just wanted to be alone to wallow. She followed the path through the forest they had flown over earlier, recounting the things she had witnessed at the landmark ahead and how she had barely managed to survive the chariot ride into to, just to be feared and resented all over again. It was not long before she came upon the statue of the monster she once was. A lone piece of candy had been left before it, a single offering to her. She lay down in front of the statue, poking and prodding at the single gift and considering what had just happened.
They created this night in hopes of Our return, but now that We have returned, they no longer want Us. In their eyes, We haven’t changed at all. She looked up at the statue, her resolve greatly weakened and her heart broken down. Are we truly still the same monster to them? What shall We do with Ourselves? Nopony wants Us anymore. If only he…
“Don’t give up hope…”
Luna was started by the foreign though that echoed through her mind. The voice it spoke in was so warm, so familiar to her, and yet so distant. Like it had been long gone, but somehow continued to resonate within. She perked up immediately, as she also became aware of another presence nearing the clearing. Someone had followed her. Probably to chase us off she thought, as she continued to play with the small candy. Slowly, the sound of jiggling bells approached her.
“Princess Luna?” It called out to Luna. An annoyed look came upon her face. “Hi, my name is…”
“Star Swirl the Bearded. Commendable costume, thou even got the bells right.” Luna passed the empty compliment along to the small lavender pony. She couldn’t believe what was before her eyes. Someone had actually donned a costume and dared to imitate his likeness. Luna was not amused in the slightest.
“Thank you! Finally, somepony who gets my costume!” The surprised and delighted mare replied to her, looking back at her handiwork. She was so greatly pleased with herself that she had missed Luna’s sarcasm altogether.
Twilight turned back to Luna, who shot back with a deeply sorrowful gaze. Something gravely bothered the alicorn before her, but without any way to truly tell what, Twilight simply kept her mouth shut. A moment of silence passed between the two.
“Uh… I just came to welcome you to our celebration.” The small mare approached her cautiously. “My actual name is…”
“Twilight Sparkle.” she interrupted once more. Seeing Twilight close up had become hard for Luna to bear. Memories began to return as her sadness deepened.
“It was thou who unleashed the powers of Harmony upon us and took away our dark powers!” Luna howled as she rose into the air. Once again clouds had formed behind her presence as gusts of wind violently blew around her. What is with this strange weather?
The miniature mare had been blown back by her Canterlot Voice and was adjusting her disjointed hat. “…and that was a good thing, right?” she spoke sheepishly.
“But of course! We could not be happier.” Luna replied in a further annoyed tone. “Is that not clear” she scowled as she leaned more towards the slightly cowering mare.
“Well, you kind of sound like you’re yelling at me.” Twilight replied with a grimace, slowly trying to back away and put distance between Luna and herself.
We do not have time to fully lecture her on the importance of The Royal Canterlot voice, our use of The Royal ‘We’, nor Our volume when addressing our subjects! We are wasting our time with this frivolous Element. Look as her appearance is so easily ruffled simply by Our voice! She could never live up to his greatness. Magic… hah. What hath magic to do with friendship in the first…
“You know, that might be why your appearance was met with… mixed results” Twilight interrupted Luna’s thoughts after she had already spoken. “I think if you just change your approach a bit, you might be met with a warmer reception” Twilight had approached the Princess and placed her hoof upon her breastplate.
As the hoof made contact, Luna felt something odd. She wasn’t sure how to put her own hoof on it, but it was the same as when she was alone earlier. It was warm and familiar, reaching to her very body despite the cool steel of her royal breastplate. It sent chills running throughout her entire being. It shocked and startled her. The feeling was too familiar and that made her very uneasy. She looked down at the hoof, shocked and surprised, glaring down Twilight as she pulled her hoof away. The smaller mare obviously realized she had overstepped her boundaries.
“Change our approach?” Luna eyed the mare angrily.
“Lower the volume?” she pleaded in return.
“Oh…” Luna started back dumbstruck. “We have been locked away for a thousand years. We are not sure we can…” her tone changing from annoyance and frustration to anxiety and uncertainty. She looked down wearily at the pony before her.
“I’ve got a plan. If you’ll follow me, I’m sure I know just the pony to help you with your problem.” Twilight smiled.
“We are not so sure about this, Magic. We are still not up to speed with today’s society and our… previous situation has already made it difficult to communicate with others. We are not sure anypony will even be willing to help Us after what happened.” Luna spoke wearily, her heart slowly breaking before her. Her courage to face her subjects had all but left her.
“…” Twilight stood silent at first. “…but I AM willing to help you and I AM somepony!” she spoke sternly. “You’ve had your troubles in the past, I’m sure, but tonight is supposed to be all about you. If there was ever a chance to move on, it’d be tonight!”
Twilight’s words shook Luna where she stood, her jaw slack in surprise. As she marveled at the actions of the lavender pony before her, Twilight only gawked back. There was sincerity in Twilight’s eyes, one that Luna had not seen in over a thousand years. They shone beautifully in the light of the full moon, and they conveyed an unspoken intent of kindness and warmth, sending that feeling through Luna once more. She was right though. If Luna was ever going to get another shot at friendship, it would be tonight. Luna quickly composed herself.
“You wish to help Us after all We have put you through? We shall not accept your pity!” she berated, annoyed by the pony's wisdom beyond her age, but at the same time dealing with mixed emotions.
“Well… believe it or not Luna, I was in a situation similar to your own.” Twilight shyly beckoned as Luna leaned closer, listening intently. “You see, when I was just a filly I found it rather silly to see how many other ponies I could meet. I had my books to read and didn’t know that I would ever need other ponies to make my life complete… WHERE IS THAT BONGO COMING FROM?!”
“HEEHEE, SORRY TWILIGHT!” Pinkie Pie shot out from a nearby bush, charging off towards town on her hind hooves and flailing her arms like wings. Her giggling eventually trailed off down the path.
Twilight rolled her eyes and turned back to Luna who was still tapping her hoof to the beat Pinkie had set. “Ahem, as I was saying.”
Luna snapped back to an attentive state, a bit embarrassed by how much she had been enjoying the melody. “Sorry, Magic, but was that not Laughter?” she asked
“Huh? Oh, you mean Pinkie Pie? Yea, that was her.”
“How does she…”
“She’s Pinkie Pie, we try to just leave it at that and accept whatever comes of it.” Twilight interrupted with an forced smile on her face.
“Oh…” Luna reared back slightly in confusion.
“Anyways, as I was saying before I was rudely forced into a solo number by somepony!” she looked around angrily, ensuring the coast was clear. “When I first arrived I, too, had trouble making friends here in Ponyville. It was thanks to the kindness of others warming my heart that I was able to meet other ponies. Those are the same ponies who today I am proud to call my ‘best friends’. Now I want to extend to you the same kindness and show you the magic of friendship!”
Twilight extended her hoof to Luna, tilting her head and lending a soft smile to the distressed princess. The alicorn had been deeply moved by Twilight’s words. She had grown so used to being called a monster and having others fear her judgment that she had forgotten what is was like to have other ponies sincerely care for her. For once, she was being treated as an equal. A pony had made an honest attempt to become friends with her, free of intimidations. Her heart grew warm, but she became equally anxious.
“…very well. We accept your offering of friendship, however, We cannot guarantee the success of your mission. In that regards, We will do our best to change our ways and become acquainted with the customs of today. We humbly thank you, Magic, for your eagerness to assist us in our endeavor. We do request that you withdraw your hoof, as We shall not kiss it when we ourselves have not been properly received.” She replied, brushing the hoof away annoyed.
Twilight withdrew her hoof to her chest, embarrassingly blushing at the misunderstanding. Shying away, she adjusted her ruffled costumed into place again. “R-right... well, that's not what it means anymore, but one step at a time I suppose. Let’s head off shall we?”
“Head off? Where art thou taking Us?”
“Just trust me.” She winked in reply.
With that, the pair took off down the trail, Twilight leading.