//------------------------------// // 6: To Ponyville on the Double // Story: A Do-Over // by Pip232 //------------------------------// Back in Canterlot, Nightmare Moon thought she couldn’t be any more annoyed at her other half and the banisher. Luna and the vile sun princess were seeing the nobles in the palace and all they wanted to do was complain about their problems to their rulers. Back in her night, the nobles served the princesses by paying them tribute with gifts and services, and in return, they would occasionally indulge their subjects by fulfilling a plea. But for these pampered and egocentric nobles to ask favors of their princesses like they were common servants was sickening to her. The evil night pony decided she would have to remind them how true nobles were to act around princesses once she returned to power. But suddenly a scroll materialized in front of Luna with a burst of green fire. The night princesses promptly plucked it out of the air with her hoof. Oh great, now ponies didn’t even have the decency to show up to whine, now they could magically send their pitiful wants to her in a scroll. As Luna unfurled it Nightmare Moon heard her host reading aloud. “Dear princesses Celestia and Luna, I have just overheard a terrible conversation, and am desperately hoping you can help where Twilight can’t. Scootaloo has been horribly injured, and is in critical condition at the hospital…!” The sadness in her voice was a welcome change from her usual tone, and it was exquisite how she struggled to continue to read the letter. “She’s in surgery as you read this letter. If you could aid her in any way, we would be grateful.” Luna put the letter down and grit her teeth. She knew as a princess she wasn’t supposed to show favoritism but there was a special place in her heart for the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and to hear one in such dire straits made her heart ache. “Summon the royal physician, and equip the carriage with our fastest pegasi, I am leaving for Ponyville immediately.” She instructed a guard who nodded and ran off to fulfill her orders. Just as she was about to leave herself, Luna felt a hoof on her shoulder. Turning she saw her sister with a concerned look on her face. “Luna, I won’t be able to help you. I need to stay here to oversee the day court.” She said with an ashamed look on her face. “I truly wish I could help, but I can’t leave.” “Agreed,” Luna said tersely. “I shall depart at once; please send word of my impending arrival to Ponyville.” She told Celestia before leaving the chamber. Within Luna, Nightmare Moon was pleased. This presented a perfect opportunity. She knew who Scootaloo was; she’d seen her nightmares before Luna dispelled them. And if she was hurt, this situation satisfied several of her plan’s criteria. First, willingness. She knew if a pony was threatened with death they could be convinced to do many things, one of those things could be host her. Second, being around other ponies. If she was critically injured and undergoing surgery, Nightmare Moon was certain she could do something to fake Scootaloo’s passing. Presumed dead, it would easy for her plans to progress uninterrupted. As for getting her to help with her plans, she had ideas. If she had a mouth, it would have a huge grin on it. Having Scootaloo as her host would put some cherries on top of her plan for her return. From spying on Scootaloo’s nightmares she’d learned Rainbow Dash was her honorary big sister; what better way to punish one of the mares who’d locked her in Luna’s mind than using her sister against her? Next was the fact that she had two best friends who were little sisters to others who’d imprisoned her; she could derive all kinds of fear and sorrow from using their friend against them. Then there was the fact that Luna cared about her too. A filly she cared for used to host her own dark half; she would savor every moment of that. But for now, through Luna’s eyes, she saw her host stepping into a carriage equipped with four pegasi and an older looking unicorn stallion on board. He had on the most typical doctor’s outfit she’d ever seen; a white coat, undershirt, and tie. “You summoned me, your highness?” He asked as he bowed to her. “Arise. Yes, Dr. Palliate. We are now heading to Ponyville with all possible speed.” At her words, the pegasi charged forward until they lifted the carriage off the ground. “Upon our arrival, you are to immediately report to Ponyville General Hospital and go to a filly named Scootaloo. She is in surgery for severe injuries, which you will assist in treating.” “Understood your highness, but if time is such a pressing issue why are we taking a carriage? Why not simply teleport to Ponyville?” “Teleporting such a distance runs the risk of potential side effects I'd rather not risk. I need you in top condition to aid her.” “I understand. I’ll be ready.” A sudden chill ran down Luna’s spine and she could swear she heard laughter.