//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: The Nameless Mare // Story: The Devil's Prize // by MerryMelancholy //------------------------------// It was early morning and a tour of Canterlot Castle was being conducted. Everypony a part of the tour group appeared high status, adorned in attire that radiated of wealth. The leading stallion guided them down a long hall filled with paintings, where golden railings ensured observers never got too close to them. He too was adorned in prestigious attire, a spotless suit with a bowtie. He smirked, motioning to a painting of a zebra, dressed head to hoof in gold jewelry. "And here you can observe the painting of Lady Zola Lighthoof. This was a gift of peace to end the battle of Barrow Hills, a treaty that is still upheld to this day." He nodded. Many light applause of hoof stomps echoed, as one mare whispered to her significant other. "I'm so so glad we paid for this tour. To think we'd be seeing the most inner halls of Canterlot Castle is astounding. Who would've thought we'd acquire a spot? I'm so happy the Princess created this business model instead of keeping it entirely off-limits. But since she rarely comes here it only makes sense she'd let the privileged see it." Her significant other smirked, "I cannot wait to see the jealous looks on our friends' faces when they find out." "Um... excuse me?" Another voice chimed in, further down the hall. Everypony including the guide all looked further down in the direction where the noise came from. Twilight Sparkle stood ways away, and pointed down another route within the hall. "Sorry, could you tell me where the exit is?" She rubbed at the back of her neck, "Uh... I accidentally got lost in here and have been wandering the whole night. I keep running into the third dining room, across from the royal guest rooms." The tour guide remained doe-eyed as he awkwardly raised a hoof and pointed northeast from his front. "Aaah... y-yes young lady. You would uh, just head further down where you're pointing and there'll be an exit path through the 29th door to your right. Once inside um, you'll just keep following the route, it'll lead you out." Twilight Sparkle bowed her head at him then. "Thank you." She then turned and made her way down the hall. The tour group and guide all watched in silence before the mare with her significant other scoffed lightly with a look of intense shock followed by whiny jealousy. "Wait a second.... did she like, get in here for free?" Minuette had her forehooves raised slightly in front of herself, as she stood in the living room. "M-Moondancer! Calm down, I'm suuuuure she's fine. She's a grown girl, she can do what she likes right? You worry too much." Twinkleshine yawned as she opened the door to her room, coming out in a robe. "What's going on?" Moondancer frantically threw on a jacket, as she adjusted her glasses. "Twilight still isn't home yet. I'm going to the guard and sending out a search party. I knew I shouldn't have let her leave like that last night!" Minuette's brows curled in nervously as she tried to keep face. "Moondancer come ooooon, think about this. Let's not be hasty! We'll go out and find her, just the three of us. We can even call up Lyra and Lemon Hearts. Twilight wouldn't want us to bring that much attention to her anyhow. You know she likes her privacy." Moondancer frantically moved to the door, "No! I'm done waiting. Twilight knows how much I worry! She wouldn't do this to me unless something was wrong. I'm heading straight to the guard!" She swung it open. Twilight stood in the doorway with bags underlining her eyes. "Oh, m-morning Moondancer." Moondancer had tears swelled in her eyes as she instantly gasped, "Twilight!" A moment of silence followed before her face fumed red, and she gritted her teeth as she snarled with ferocity. "...Twilight." Twilight blinked a few times as her head retracted nervously and she gulped. Moondancer seized her by the scruff of her neck, and dragged her inside, slamming the door shut. As Twilight was sat forcibly on the couch in the living room, scoldingly standing before her was Moondancer. Minuette stood off to the side with deep worry yet relief, while Twinkleshine yawned tiredly, eyeing Twilight as if unsurprised. Moondancer started, "Twilight, where'd you run off to all night? I was worried sick!" Twinkleshine cringed and cocked a brow at Moondancer. "Might as well just adopt her, sounding like that." Twilight frowned slightly, looking down at the ground. "Sorry, I meant to go for a trot, and I ended up getting into a bit of trouble. So it unexpectedly took me a while to get back. I didn't intend to worry you all." Minuette leaned a bit closer to Twilight, smiling earnestly. "Twilight we're your friends, it's our job to worry." Twinkleshine yawned, "Yeah seriously Twilight, at this point it's pretty much a daily routine." Minuette glared at Twinkleshine in annoyance. "What Twinkleshine means to say is that," she looked back to Twilight then, "We'll always want what's best for you Twilight whether you want us to dwell on that or not. We know the rent situation is rough, and maybe not the most ideal but that's so and so. What's most important is seeing you cheeky and smiling." She used her hooves to force a smile on Twilight, "Which is why I've decided to take you out to a party with me tonight. Get your spirits up! Meet some new ponies! A change of pace!" Moondancer glanced over at Minuette shocked, "Wait what?" Minuette nodded abruptly, standing back as she raised her head. "Yep! That's what I've decided!" She began waving her hooves in the air in an excited manner, doing a couple spins. "It's gonna be a masqueraaade!" Twinkleshine glanced over at Moondancer, "It'll be good for her Moondancer. Twilight is the only one out of us who doesn't have any friends outside of this group. She remains cooped up and studies practically all day, and most ponies are lucky to know her name if it weren't for her job or classes. Otherwise, she's just-" Moondancer glared fiercely at Twinkleshine. "Don't you dare say it." Twinkleshine uttered unapologetically. "The mare with the condition. Is that all you want her known for Moondancer? Her magic condition? There's far more to Twilight than that, we all know that. We just need to get her out of her shell and into a more social atmosphere. Give her that push she needs like friends do." Moondancer snapped at Twinkleshine, "Friends don't try to force her into uncomfortable positions!" Twinkleshine's eyes snapped wide as her nose wrinkled, "What!? You're one to talk!" Minuette immediately interjected with concern. "Oh no... g-girls! Girls not again, please stop fighting!" Moondancer glared fiercely at Twinkleshine. "Twinkleshine, this isn't about what Twilight wants, admit it!" She pressed a bit closer towards the mare. "You're just suggesting nonsense because you're the one upset!" Twinkleshine placed a hoof against her chest, "You know what Moondancer... yes I am upset! I'm upset that Twilight constantly worries me. I'm upset that I'm worried about my finances. I'm upset that Lemon Hearts and Lyra are seemingly better off even though we should be stable as four roommates! But you know what? I still want what's best for Twilight, because she's my friend just as much as you. So stop patronizing me for just being honest with her. If I'm paying her rent, then she's gonna come party with me at the very least." Twilight spoke softly, her eyes still on the ground tiredly. "If I go... will it make you all happy?" Another faint silence followed, as all three mares looked at one another in concern again. Twilight continued, "I can't pay rent, so the least I can do is try to put in an effort for you all." They all looked down at Twilight now, more sympathetically. Moondancer responded first, "Twilight... I'll only agree to it if it's really what you want. We don't want to peer pressure you into something like this." Twinkleshine raised a brow at Moondancer, "No um, I totally want to peer pressure her." Minuette sighed and placed a hoof over her face. "Twinkleshiiiiine.... not noooow." Twilight closed her eyes and smiled gently at them. "You're my friends, and you all being happy is what I want." She looked back down towards the ground blankly. "I-If me going out makes you happy. Then I'm happy." Twinkleshine clapped her hooves once, satisfied. "There see? Settled. Thank you Twilight.... I swear it's like arguing with a brick wall sometimes. Now I'm going to go get washed up and head to class. We are going to have so much fun tonight!" She turned and made her way towards the restroom. "Parteeeh, parteeeh!" Minuette hugged Twilight, "Thank you Twilight. I promise it'll be fun! It's such a big world out there, and there's so many crazy ponies you'll love outside of your comfort zone. I'm sure they'll love you too. Just wait!" Moondancer looked, still showing signs of uncertainty. "That's what I'm worried about." Minuette glanced over at Moondancer, perplexed by her words. "Huh?" Moondancer leaned down and looked at Twilight, staring her straight in the eyes. "Twilight... you're like the sister I never had. You know how much you mean to me. Please try to have fun, but be careful. You have nothing to prove, and it's not so bad to have a small circle sometimes." She leaned in and hugged Twilight, "Not everypony in the world is worth knowing, the bigger the circle gets the harder it is to tell who comes in or out." She sighed and moved back then, remaining silent for a moment... just observing Twilight. "Promise me you'll be careful, but have fun." She glared at Minuette, "And you promise me you'll take care of her!" Minuette scoffed in disbelief as she chuckled lightly. "Come on Moondancer! Stop being a worry worm, both Twinkleshine and I will be watching over her okaaay? You just do... um, whatever you're gonna do." She crossed her hooves and looked away, only to look right back a few seconds later. "What are you gonna do?" Moondancer nodded, "Well Twilight if you're gonna go out, I want you girls to all just have fun. I'm going to go look around for possible openings tonight in the meantime, I have a few places in mind for you Twilight." Twilight looked up at Moondancer blankly, "Are you sure? I uh, I can do it tomorrow." Moondancer sighed, "Twilight no. You have some fun, and I'll have fun in knowing you're enjoying yourself." Minuette cheered as she slapped Moondancer on the rear, "Yes! That's the spirit!" Moondancer flinched before rubbing at her backside and glaring at Minuette. She soon focused back on Twilight, "Twilight your class doesn't start till later in the afternoon right? Go get some sleep before tonight." She closed her eyes halfway, "You look terrible. I just needed to have this discussion before telling you that." Twilight rubbed at the back of her neck. "Okay. Yeah, I'm pretty tired so uh, sleep would be beneficial." She sat there staring blankly at the floor for a second, before rising and hugging both Moondancer and Minuette. "Thank you, I'll definitely do my best tonight and... try to have fun." She cracked a small gentle smile. Minuette giggled, "Oh Twilight, we all have had our hard times. I remember that time I broke up with Speedy, and you were right by my side the whole time." She reflected, recalling memories of Twilight sitting at her bedside blankly staring at her as she slept. Feeding her as she ate. And even peeking into the restroom to make sure she was okay.... strangely enough. "I uh, I really appreciated that. You're one of my best friends." Twilight remained silent as she looked to the ground blanky, blinking a few times in thought, blushing lightly. Minuette rubbed the top of Twilight's head. "Now go to sleep Twilight, and get rid of those bags." Twilight glanced up at her briefly, "A-Ah right... okay. I'll um, I'll see you guys later then." She turned and made her way towards her room. She paused, standing still for a moment. "I'm grateful for all three of you. Thank you for always being there for me." She proceeded into her room and shut the door behind her. Minuette sighed in adoration as she placed a hoof to her chest, "Oh Twilight... Equestria doesn't deserve you." Moondancer smiled in the direction where Twilight once stood before looking down. No... it doesn't. Princess Nightmare Moon grumbled upon her throne, deep bags underlining her eyes as the entirety of the room was vacant. With telekinetic magic, she held a bag of ice to her head while she sat in silence. Soon the doors to the throne creaked open, as Rarity strode in with a particular guest. "Princess, I'm surprised to see you're awake. Lady Tempest has come to see if you were available to discuss personal matters." Lady Tempest Shadow, still with a broken horn, smiled and lowered her head at Princess Nightmare Moon. "Princess, I'd say I'm happy to see you, but it appears you're going through some issues of your own." Princess Nightmare Moon groaned, "Thank you for noticing, unlike Rarity." Rarity gasped as she frowned with a hurt expression, looking down. "I noticed! I just... didn't think you'd want me to comment on it." She looked back to the Princess, "You are the Princess after all. Not some wee filly." Princess Nightmare Moon glared at Rarity, "What are you trying to say Rarity? That I'm acting childish?" Rarity blinked a few times as she glanced down, then back at the Princess. "Well uh... yes." Princess Nightmare Moon squinted at Rarity, "Rarity... you test me. You best be appreciative that I like you." Rarity bowed her head at Princess Nightmare Moon, "Most definitely Princess, I am always appreciative. But I also didn't desire to make that assumption. If even you are feeling you can't overcome these issues you're having, perhaps it's time you visit Doctor Tantabus. She likely hasn't had any interesting cases in a long time." Princess Nightmare Moon groaned heavily now, leaning her head back. "Uuuuugh! I take it all back." Lady Tempest Shadow interjected, "Um not to interject, but Nightmare?" Princess Nightmare Moon glanced down then at Tempest Shadow. Tempest Shadow appeared perplexed. "Has something dire happened? You are at the pinnacle of the highest levels of our society. Even beyond Equestria, you have made a name for yourself. I find it odd something can trouble you these days... is a new enemy on the horizon? Perhaps a great darkness is coming here?" Princess Nightmare Moon scoffed as she leaned forward. "No! Do not speak nonsense Tempest... it's nothing." She huffed, glaring to her right. "Just some nameless mare who knows not her place. That is all." Tempest Shadow raised a brow even further. "Wait, a nameless mare? That's what has you this way?" Rarity covered her muzzle with a hoof, then glanced away slyly. "Oh my, a mare on the mind?" Princess Nightmare Moon gritted her teeth, snorting at Rarity. "Do you not dare imply anything!" Rarity chuckled sheepishly. "Dearest Princess, what are you implying by suggesting I'm implying?" Princess Nightmare Moon flushed red and growled. "Nothing! It is nothing!" Her eyes closed halfway. Of course it's nothing! Brief flashes of Twilight rang in her mind then, as even the most distorted flash of this... alicorn, with her dragon. It was just a strange phenomenon that happened to be triggered by that oblivious mare. Her importance was insignificant, she was less than dirt. Less than nothing. But.... she needed to prove that to herself. She looked back at Rarity, with a deathly serious gaze. "Perhaps I shall go see Tantabus." Tempest Shadow continued, "Well I don't see what the issue is. If you are dwelling on a mare, why not go and deal with it? Any pony would be happy to submit to you, and if it is a rebellious pony, just punish her." Princess Nightmare Moon focused on Tempest. "I failed to acquire her name, and before I could further address her she was gone in a flash." Her expression eased then, into one now of more genuine curiosity. "She truly did not seem phased by my presence, nor concerned for her own wellbeing. It was quite surprising." Tempest Shadow shrugged slightly. "Fear will often make a pony do strange things." Princess Nightmare Moon nodded subtly, "I considered that as well. Still, I have other concerns regarding this mare." She glared at Rarity then, "And NOT for reasons you might think... so I simply want her tracked down to address such matters personally. Rarity, I'll leave the tracking to you." Her horn glowed before a spark emitted from it creating a tiny sphere. "This is my recollection of her appearance, I shall transfer it to you." Rarity nodded with a sly smile, "If you say so, Princess." She bowed her head as her horn started to glow. Princess Nightmare Moon shooed the sphere with her hoof, as it glided over to Rarity and sunk into the opposing mare's horn. Princess Nightmare Moon looked to Rarity now more curiously, "Is she familiar?" Rarity glanced up, as if reflecting. "No no, I've not seen this one before dearest Princess. I shall delve into our records vault and see what I can find." She snickered, "Quite plain, I am surprised such a mare would cause you so much grief." Her eyes widened a bit too, "And no cutie mark? Surprising! This was Canterlot yes?" Princess Nightmare Moon rested a hoof on her cheek tiredly. "Yes... she was close to the castle. If that helps." She showed no difference in expression but was thrown off. What sort of young adult has no cutie mark? Hm. Rarity nodded as she turned towards the throne room door. "Yes it does, thank you Princess. I shall get started researching this..." she smiled a bit slyly again as she departed. "Nameless not so important mare." As Rarity left, Tempest Shadow remained standing there. "Hm, interesting." Princess Nightmare Moon who still appeared quite tired eyed down at Tempest Shadow again then. "So Tempest, what is it you desired to discuss? Has everything been going well with your duties here in Equestria?" Tempest Shadow nodded. "Yes, Nightmare. Ever since you slew the Storm King without hesitation, none of his turned forces have questioned your rule. I'm still very thankful you let me remain in command of them." Princess Nightmare Moon glanced absently to the upper right. "You were the most qualified and knew them well, that is all. Had you shown any signs of later turning against me, I wouldn't hesitate to do away with you too." She glanced down in a bored manner at the unicorn, "So back to my first question. Do speak, Tempest." Tempest Shadow nodded again, "Of course Nightmare. What I ventured out here for was to warn you that it is believed Queen Chrysalis has been hiding in this area. My sources have actually guessed within Canterlot." Princess Nightmare Moon showed little interest, "She's a bug on the wall, keeping an eye on all that I do." She tilted her head to the right, "Might I ask what your sources are Tempest? I'm quite curious actually." Tempest Shadow continued, "We managed to infiltrate a Hollow Shades Camp and capture one of the changelings. He wasn't too keen on the idea of starving. It seems Queen Chrysalis has been out of contact with many of them for some time now. She is apparently acting out alone, for reasons they don't quite understand." Princess Nightmare Moon smirked, "Ah perhaps she has finally given up? Interesting." Tempest Shadow nodded, "Indeed it is. But I wanted to let you know personally, instead of via letter. Changelings are crafty, and I feel such things can be easily compromised when written and transported." She shrugged and closed her eyes, "That and I didn't think it'd hurt to see you. It has been some time since our last meeting." She smiled, "I'd love to take you out for a drink sometime, perhaps Ponyville would suffice?" Princess Nightmare Moon scoffed in amusement, "You flatter me." She yawned before rising from her throne and giving a grand gesture of the throne room, "Well the castle is yours, we shall plan for something if you are up for it tonight." She trotted casually down the steps, then soon past Tempest Shadow, "Be seeing you." Tempest Shadow watched her go, and smiled earnestly. "Of course, do have a good rest Nightmare." Within an undisclosed office location, a tall slender unicorn mare poured some tea into her cup. Surrounding her were soothing replica models of creaks and waterfalls in various sizes. Ornaments hung around this same office, as it was vast and decorated, emitting a soft twilight from all sources of its lighting. But there were no windows, and it seemed to be quite the safe space for any sort of discussion. The unicorn mare was gorgeous beyond words, with a pitch black coat much like the Princess, yet a starry violet mane which flowed endlessly down her back, as well as mesmerizing violet eyes. She wore a dark blue suit with a white collared shirt and black tie. "Nightmare... isn't this a surprise? How long has it been since you've come to see me? I'd wager at least a year perhaps?" She chuckled, "You must've found yourself in quite the predicament to go this far." Princess Nightmare Moon stood now at the sole door that was available. "Tantabus." The mare revealed as Tantabus glanced back at her. "As walled off as ever I see. Come come, sit. Let's catch up before getting to the meat of your anxiousness." She smiled with keen interest. "Oh, and frustration." Princess Nightmare Moon groaned and made her way to the couch, laying down and peering at the ceiling. "I did not come here for small talk Tantabus. I merely came for you to confirm something for me, that's all." Tantabus sat in a chair of her own, crossing her legs. "Oh? But if I recall... I was made to address the emotional symptoms you'd rather not be trifled with as Princess. So you must forgive me if I aim to go about this in my own way, after all it is my specialty. You are anxious to see me, so let's get you more comfortable again." Princess Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes. "I do not need coddling." Tantabus smirked and sipped her tea, eyes closed halfway. "Your strength is more sound when you have clarity. The faster you free your thoughts instead of burdening yourself with self-ridicule, the faster we can address your concerns." She used a teaspoon to stir it a little, "Mental health is no straight line, Nightmare." Princess Nightmare Moon groaned again, before glancing over at Tantabus. "I made you Tantabus. As much as you enjoy this, I've no time for your little policies. I know you can read my emotions as plainly as ink on parchment. I sacrificed that aspect of myself to empower you and make you perfect for it. Now do what you were made for... and aid me." She looked back up at the ceiling, "I know all that I'm feeling is nothing." Tantabus' eyes were now closed as she smiled warmly. She looked back at Princess Nightmare Moon after a brief silence, "I told you, you're anxious. It's because you already realize the truth of your condition. You came to me searching for confirmation when you already had it. I must sadly disappoint you in stating, whomever it is you are thinking so deeply about, it is because you realized for a brief moment in your encounter... you felt clarity." She looked at the surface of her tea then, "It is far from your desired nothingness, I'm afraid." Princess Nightmare Moon rose from her seat, snapping and tossing a pillow at Tantabus. "Liar!" Tantabus didn't budge as she let the pillow hit her face, and as it fell she still wore that same expression. "And now you are furious, because you know I'm right. Tell me Nightmare... what made them stand out to you?" Princess Nightmare Moon flinched. She reflected on that night, on the strenuous thoughts and ceaseless desire for some peace of mind. Nothing gave it to her... but there was a brief moment. A brief second, where her heart raced and she'd felt a foreign feeling that was quite alien. A wordless satisfaction. The mare from last night, as she looked down at her, having crashed into her, it left her speechless. For but a moment, she was dazed and drawn in, infatuated with the mystery of what was happening. And... IT WAS DISGUSTING! She roared, "No! Nothing! I do not care! I only wish to address how disrespectful she was! I need nothing else!" Tantabus chuckled, "It's always a pleasure to see you at your wit's end with your own emotions." She focused slyly on the alicorn. "You know when you created me and gave me full sentience, I could feel it then too." She smiled, "You are a conquerer, a Princess yes... but even you have cracks in your armor Nightmare." She paused, closing her eyes halfway. "You can easily overpower your foes with ease. But what if they reach you through different means? You fear what would happen if they found one of these cracks. Your thoughts are heavy." Princess Nightmare Moon gave her a serious glare then, remaining silent but focused on her words. Tantabus continued. "Your drive and desire to keep your accolades is admirable Nightmare, but allow me to be quite frank with you." She paused, "The mind is a maze, and you coming to me after all this time tells me the feelings you're having are foreign and deeply concerning to you. Seeing as I have not given you the answer you desire, you now will show signs of further curiosity and concern. Your drive to conquer this issue and assure your peace of mind will lead you on a chase for answers." She smiled warmly and sipped her tea, before exhaling then looking at Nightmare Moon with a sly smile. "Do not use your dream magic to delve into this one's mind. Be cautious, and be slow. There's no need to widen the crack you would seek to mend." Princess Nightmare Moon remained silent, still looking at Tantabus seriously. Tantabus continued, "You have seen much and have tasted endless mortal pleasures. Stick with what you know." She paused, "For if even after all this time, one has left you flustered. There is something deeper at play here. Just because you haven't seen it yet, doesn't mean you're the only monster lurking in the dark." Princess Nightmare Moon showed now a hint of nervousness, looking to her lower left. Tantabus smirked, "But I must say, you're doing great so far. Coming to me is no easy thing for you, and suggests wisdom. It really makes me want to go and meet this one for myself. Might I acquire a name?" Princess Nightmare Moon rose from the couch and casually made her way to the door. "I'll be leaving now." Tantabus chuckled, sipping on her tea. "Oh, quite protective of this one aren't you?" Princess Nightmare Moon glared back at her, "I don't even know her name. So enough." Tantabus smiled wide in an amused manner. "That is not where I drew my conclusion." Princess Nightmare Moon's nose wrinkled, "Tch!" She made her way out and slammed the door. Tantabus stared at the surface of her tea again, stirring it gently. "Rest well, Nightmare." Twilight Sparkle slept soundly in her bed, turned on her side as soft gentle breaths escaped her. Sitting at her bedside was Moondancer, who stroked her bangs softly, caressingly like a mother. Her eyes showed deep concern for her friend as she watched her sleep, still debating this late night outing she'd be going to. Memories soon reflected in her head, ones that couldn't escape her now as she watched over her. Moondancer was a filly, eyes wide and observant as she stood at the bottom of the steps in their family home. She held a teddy to her chest, blinking a few times as she watched a particular scene unfold. Shutting the front door and soon addressing her was her mother. But standing beside her mother was a disheveled filly Twilight Sparkle. Her pajamas were torn and dirt spotted in some areas. She also held a doll in one hoof, and blankly looked at the ground with wide lost eyes. Her mother wrapped a hoof around Twilight gently, "Moondancer sweety, Twilight will be staying with us for a while. You'll be like her sister, so make sure you take care of her okay?" She clapped her hooves together once, "This is also good news cause you two are already always hanging out at school! Now you can trot over there together every morning! Isn't that fun!?" Moondancer recalled her mother sounding excited, but appearing frantic and distraught. But she still did her best to hide that from her. Moondancer looked at Twilight after hearing those words from her mother, and recalling Twilight lived on the whole opposite side of the city. So why would she come here so late? She didn't really question it, and just stared blankly at Twilight before giggling. "Yay Twilight! We're sisters now!" Twilight looked at Moondancer, eyes still wide and empty. "S-Sisters?" Moondancer ran over to her and grabbed her hoof to go upstairs. "Yeah! Aren't you happy?" Twilight looked at her blankly, then down at the ground. "I'm happy." Moondancer was back in the present as she pet Twilight's head. "How happy are you... Twilight?"