After dinner, Nightmare and Chrysalis went to the castle gardens. The moon glowed down on many exotic flowers and grasses. The lake gleamed in front of them as they laid down.
"Celestia has made a mistake..."
Chrysalis looked at Nightmare with a curious gaze.
"Her subjects are distrusting because of her announcement. It was entirely out of character for her."
"I mean you barely know- Do not finish that sentence." Nightmare interrupted with a firm stare. Chrysalis fell silent and looked at the moon.
"They reformed Discord from what Twilight has told me... You'd think they'd trust their leader." Chrysalis grimaced.
"Ponies are not drones. They have opinions and varying stages of... Patriotism and rationalization. They barely know the difference. Celestia can do no wrong. Celestia is a goddess. Nobles are what I'm worried about." Nightmare mocked softly under her breath. The changeling beside her nodded slightly before closing her eyes.
"I... I've been seeing them. Sombra. Shadow. I see them for a split second and they disappear," She whimpered softly "I don't feel good about the future."
"I agree. There's something on the horizon."
"Not on the horizon but right in front of us. I can sense it."
Nightmare shot up and getting into a battle position. As soon as she did that, a huge explosion sounded. The guard behind them rushed into position beside Nightmare.
"Mommy... Come back. It hurts." A small voice sobbed.
"It hurts!!!" The voice screeched in a high pitched demonic tone as the castle above them burst into flames. Nightmare winced as her ears rung.
"What in Tartarus!!!" The guard screamed dunking as debris fell from above them. Chrysalis blasted the large bricks away with her magic.
"Shadow..." She whispered as she saw black crystal creep along the side of the castle. Nightmare was in shock.
"SHE'S ALIVE!!!" She yelled in shock. Chrysalis shook her head violently.
"It's impossible. I saw her die. I felt her die in the hive mind." The guard pointed his spear at Chrysalis.
"You caused this!?" He said shakily as the spear trembled in his grip. He was terrified. Nightmare grabbed his spear taking flight.
"I know what is happening. Stay here." She ordered before going to attack the threat.
Celestia stared with wide eyes as saucers.
The purple mist. Emerald eyes. Black mane. Insect wings.
She was semi-transparent like a living ghost with black crystals following her.
"You... White pony" She said in a softly voice looking Celestia in the eyes as hers teared up "Why...?"
"Princess? What is that? Who is that?" Twilight questioned. Luna backed away feeling chills run up and down her back.
"I made a bad decision..." Celestia teared up looking away.
"You hurt me.... hurt mommy... Hurt my brothers and sister. Monster."
Celestia flinched as her voice became high pitched. Twilight covered her ears with her hooves.
"Girls, the elements!" She yelled to her friends. They rushed into the action but smacked right into the greenish crystals blocked their path.
"Watch out, Twi!" Rainbow Dash screamed as a black crystal cage erected from underneath the lavender alicorn.
"Let me out!" Twilight growled.
"Stay out of it!" The spirit screeched at the young alicorn making her curl up as her ears began to ring loudly. Celestia stepped from her throne.
"You have grievances with me..." The spirit nodded glaring at the alicorn princess as her body twitched dangerously.
"Then come and get- SHADOW!" Nightmare yelled crashing through the window. The black alicorn charged at her with the power of a master swordmare. The young spirit turned to see a spear sticking out of her chest. She oozed transparent black blood.
Nightmare closed her eyes pushing it deeper as she squeaked and whimpered "I'm so sorry. You died before your time..."
"Tell mommy.... I love...." She disappeared is a burst of light before she could finish. Nightmare watched as the crystals faded away leaving everypony in the throne room with a bitter taste in their mouth.
"Why'd you kill her?" Flurryshy whimpered looking away.
"She was dead. Just a windigo that was seeking vengence for her death. Something that is supposed to be locked in Tartarus." Nightmare's eyes narrowed on Celestia, who paled.
"Now tell me, Celestia.... Why is the gate open?"