Princess Nightmare Moon continued to question herself within her dreamscape. She sat, still upon her throne, whereas a manifested Twilight Sparkle slept against her side. Nightmare's face was one of pure embarrassment and quiet rage. She attempted to ignore the fact her subconscious sent such ridiculous subliminal messaging, and she refused to look anymore at Twilight. One hoof rested against her own cheek as the false Twilight slept soundly against her side. She currently observed playbacks of significant memories.
Princess Nightmare Moon couldn't dismiss Twilight's presence; her mind would not let her. This little purple pony, was her current obsession. She is nothing to you Nightmare. You must remind yourself of that truth.
Another memory manifested before her, setting the stage within her dream. For so long, I've proven myself.
Princess Nightmare Moon in the blackness of space was trapped upon the moon, ethereal bindings held her in place upon its barren surface. She wore an expression of complete exhaustion; as it seems she'd been held there for countless years. How often had she tugged at this unbearable spell? This... binding of harmony. She alone amongst the stars, with nopony else to witness her ageless struggle. As she reflected on this time again, a hint of shame shone in her eyes. However, she knew what would come next would please her. Against all odds, she pulled once again at those chains and felt her binds crack and loosen. A weakness had finally shown itself.
Princess Nightmare Moon let off a fierce roar with an explosion of energy; sending out a circular wave of magic that left a momentuous crater where she stood. Her ethereal bindings broke and began to fade away. Convinced of her own dedication, of her own power, at that time she'd grinned. She grinned so fiercely, witnessing it, she felt her jaw might break. She'd let off hysterical laughter at that time, cackling wildly to herself as if her own happiness had been what broken her sanity, not the fact she'd been trapped for so long.
I have suffered more than a hundred lifetimes... I endured a loneliness nopony could dream of bearing.
Within her following memory, Princess Nightmare Moon stood now in an open field, facing her sister Celestia, who only looked at her with hesitation and sorrow in her eyes. Within that reflection, Nightmare Moon still wore a grin, one of pure anticipation. Her horn glowed vibrantly as did Celestia's before the two vanished with teleportation spells. They both appeared in the sky, witnesses onlooking the battle as they each went into a series of rapid teleportation and clashing magic. Princess Nightmare Moon grinned in that battle all the while.
I've punished those who've wronged me and have shown them the price of their foolish defiance.
Princess Nightmare Moon smirked down upon the snarling face of Queen Chrysalis. They were alone in abandoned ruins as rain poured down over them. Princess Nightmare Moon soon had eyes of pity, "Cease this feeble resistance Chrysalis. You'll always be beneath me. If you have any such desire to spare your kind further torment, swear your fealty and I may just consider utilizing your unique gifts." She lowered her head beside the changeling's, who wore her true form, and whispered in her ear. "I do respect you for trying so hard... oh trust me, I do. But, your best shall never be enough. Do take the logical route and not be foolish about this."
Queen Chrysalis trembled in the rain, as she eyed the pavement and refused to look at Princess Nightmare Moon. "It won't be today, nor tomorrow, or perhaps even years from now Nightmare." She paused before speaking; sinister anger was remnant in her tone. "But I shall hurt you. I shall find a way to dig at the very core of your black heart and tear it to pieces. So you best rid yourself of me now, for you'll never have my fealty. Spare me, and I promise you... you shall live in fear and rue the day you humiliated me so. Mark my words."
As they stood in the rain, Princess Nightmare Moon raised her head and snickered. She closed her eyes halfway, before looking down at Chrysalis in disgust. "Such pride, it's adorable how hard you try but, what else must I prove?" She glanced around, motioning a hoof to the ruins around her. "You're alone now Chrysalis. You've been humiliated, defeated, and cost the lives of hundreds of your hive for your selfish desires." She sighed, with eyes filled with slight pity. "It honestly saddens me how pathetic you are. Even now, amidst my mercy, you cannot do right by your kind and choose to subject them further to your idiocy and lack of logic."
Queen Chrysalis bit her lower lip as her eyes remained defiant and the rain masked her tears, but her body language and expression couldn't hide her hurt from the Princess's words. She had no rebuttal, as she just appeared defeated and angry, filled with angst and torment. She sniffled, biting into her lower lip until it bled.
Princess Nightmare Moon now stopped appearing smug, and instead wholly serious. Actually being frank with the changeling. "If you wish to spit on my mercy then fine, but I will not end you. As much as you disgust me and the very sight of you makes me want to puke, I'll let you fester in these emotions you're feeling. I'll give you the remnants of pity I have left in the hopes that you can somehow cure yourself of this idiocy you've committed to. Continue your pointless struggles, attempt to hurt me, and fail, but know that will not make you any less pathetic. Your decision here on this night has already proven, you are not worthy of leading."
Queen Chrysalis snapped. "And you are!? You belittle me but what makes you any better!? You are no Celestia!"
Princess Nightmare Moon looked down at her, still serious and somewhat surprised by her response. She smiled a bit, "No, I am not my sister... you are right. Her way of ruling is different. However, this is my age now and I have adapted my ferocity to find a balance just like she has. I have not clung to my pride, and have matched my cruelty with a dedication to protecting my subjects... from pests such as yourself. Unlike my foolish sister, I will not spend countless decades giving you chance after chance to freely threaten our kind. I will place you beneath my heel time and again, and expect you to submit or be punished. I am my own pony, and I've made sacrifices to ensure trash such as you knows its place in my Equestria. Your kind saddens me, for I believe they are quite useful assets with remarkable talents. It is only a shame that their Queen has proven to be so disgustingly incompetent." She scoffed, turning to the opposite direction. "You truly are unsightly."
Queen Chrysalis gritted her teeth, before morphing into a giant bear and towering over Princess Nightmare Moon. "You think you're that much superior!? You believe you're some perfect ruler merely because you managed to beat me!? Your confidence is misplaced! You're no better than me! Your arrogance is unsightly and disgusting! Your results are only temporary!" Rain drenched her face while her eyes showed unbearable pain and distress, "You're just as pathetic as me!" She clenched her fist and swung it down at the Princess.
With her eyes closed, Princess Nightmare Moon used mere telekinetic magic to halt it right before it hit her. As Queen Chrysalis' bear fist trembled, Princess Nightmare Moon opened one eye slightly and glanced back. "No... I don't think so." Her horn started to glow, before it let off a subtle spark and near instantaneously a telekinetic force of black magic smashed Queen Chrysalis in her gut, sending her hurtling back and crashing into a wall.
Queen Chrysalis fell to her belly before morphing back, trembling in the rain as she appeared defeated and broken. Her eyes were empty as her green mane laid drenched and parted over most of her face.
Princess Nightmare Moon glanced back at her with a bored gaze. "I've grown tired of wasting my energy on you, you're not even worth it. I should've realized that before you decided to fabricate this nonsensical rivalry between us." She looked ahead, "Don't ever compare yourself to me Chrysalis; you've lost that right long ago."
As Princess Nightmare Moon relived this memory, there appeared to be a hint of conflict in her eyes. She sighed, gritting her teeth before closing her eyes and waving her hoof. Next, enough of her idiocy. I need not be reminded of it. The next memory she witnessed was one a bit more jarring for her; she'd ironically... forgotten all about it. It was tucked away, deep within her memory banks but never reflected upon, and obviously prior to this, not something she ever really felt the need to pull out. There she stood, with a younger Princess Cadence.
I've shown compromise despite my own pride, and have still found worth in what family I have left.
Princess Cadence stood in one of Princess Nightmare Moon's many bed chambers. She huffed; in frustration as she watched a mare and stallion get dressed before rushing out. "Really? Auntie! We're having issues compromising with the zebras and the griffons and you're out here fooling around with ponies? Why!?"
Princess Nightmare Moon slowly put on a robe as her starry mane flowed endlessly. She smirked back at Cadence, amused. "I'm Princess and the most respected pony in Equestria; I am allowed to indulge myself in some of the other pleasures of life, Dearest Niece." She sat in front of a mirror, combing through her mane as she raised a hoof slightly, and through a grand window within these chambers, the sun slowly started to go down. It was obvious they were now in the heart of a city, not Canterlot, but Fillydelphia. "So spare me please."
Princess Cadence was currently levitating some paperwork, as she folded them and pointed them at her angrily. "No! I won't entertain your lust! Nor your selfish lack of concern with our current state of affairs in Equestria!" She growled, "You ARE Princess, which is why you need to shape up and start thinking more about your subjects!" She frowned, almost pleadingly as her eyes saddened. "Auntie... I need you. I can't deal with all these politics on my own. The harmony in the land is fractured, and only together can we fix it. S-So... please..."
Princess Nightmare Moon looked back at her now with seriousness. "Harmony hm? I'll have you know harmony is what your despicable Aunt Celestia utilized to seal me away. As I suffered for countless years, this land was considered to be in harmony. It seems harmony doesn't include everypony, some are left behind." She continued combing her mane, "The only reason we can have these state of affairs is due to the overall protection I've provided by ridding Equestria of the true threats your Aunt Celestia kept tirelessly forgiving."
Princess Cadence's eyes widened in shock before she was overcome with confusion and anger. "Wha-... this... THIS isn't about her! It's about us! I never tried to compare you to Auntie Celestia!" Princess Cadence began to tear up as she lowered her head, "Auntie Nightmare. What we do isn't just about bulldozing our way through threats and picking fights." She looked back at her again, pleadingly. "There's so much more to Equestria's harmony and happiness. Business, social stigmas, love... friendship." She wiped her eyes, showing visible exhaustion. "I-I'm trying so hard, and you just don't seem to care at all. I want you at my side, please Auntie."
Princess Nightmare Moon placed some cream on her face, moisturizing her coat as she closed her eyes and sighed. "Ugh... did you truly attempt to appeal to me with sappy things such as love and friendship?" She glared back at her adopted niece. "Do not insult me with such trifling nonsense Niece. You are a Princess, and I have given you the freedom to learn how to handle at the very least, the politics of this world. You must start rising to the occasion, and not come crawling to me for help. That is how you grow, that is how you rule." She rose now, adjusting her robe some. "I've given you the safety net to rule freely in my daytime stead. Understand?"
Princess Cadence looked at her still with sad eyes, before looking down with visible exhaustion.
Princess Nightmare Moon approached her, placing a hoof beneath her chin. "I do care about the work you've been doing. But never expect to appeal to me in the same way you've appealed to your Aunt Celestia. You insult me by doing so. I have my freedoms... you have yours." She sighed, casually trotting past Cadence towards the bedroom chamber doors, but patting the younger alicorn's head twice before doing so. "But fine, if you are in need of some more help, I will scour Equestria's dreamscape for potential benefactors to its stability." She glanced back at her Adopted Niece with a snide smirk, "So please... do give me some credit."
Princess Cadence's eyes widened in surprise as she turned to face her Auntie Nightmare. Though tears were still in her eyes, she stood in silent shock, honestly not expecting her to give her that sort of compromise.
Princess Nightmare Moon scoffed at her, before leaving the bedroom then. "I'm going to make coffee."
Princess Nightmare Moon watched this memory in honest reflection. It has been quite some time since I've checked up on her. Hmph, perhaps she can help deal with my frustrations associated with this mare. Speaking of which, she glanced back down at Twilight in curiosity and half-closed eyes. She squinted a bit in realization she'd failed to not acknowledge her presence from this point on. However, something tugged at her again. What is it about you that leaves me uneasy? I have indulged myself in clueless mares before but... this is different. Those innocent eyes? No no, perhaps that obvious lack of self-awareness? Or maybe.... She looked ahead, thinking.
Princess Nightmare Moon began swapping through a variety of her own memories.
Ever since my escape, I have lived a life of little complexity. Much of Equestria was under my absolute control. My enemies fell before me, my subjects submitted, and despite issues... I have never been at a lack of resources to acquire the answer I desire. But this one is different; in a time where I do lack clarity for deciphering my own memories... I crash into her. She looked back down at the sleeping Twilight. Perhaps destiny is telling me something. She paused. Just... who are you? She glared at her a bit. What purpose can such a plain mare serve beneficially in my life other than the mere indulgence in conquering another stubborn pony? A distraction? No no, there was clarity when I saw her that night. But why? Why clarity and peace of mind? What sort of purpose... are you hiding from me?
The sleeping Twilight soon yawned and woke up, blinking a few times before glancing around and then looking over and up into Princess Nightmare Moon's eyes with surprise. She closed them, then smiled gently. "Hello."
Princess Nightmare Moon flinched, before flushing red as her chest tightened. She gritted her teeth. Nonsense! T-This is not my usual reaction to such things. She appeared panicked, glaring ahead as she swiftly needed to ignore Twilight's presence. As she blushed, more quiet rage consumed her. So it's a game you want destiny... manipulating me into some cat and mouse nonsense with this mare? I am in control of the route this world will take, NOT YOU. This child has no hold over me, I am a Princess with endless feats and absolute control. Undaunted!
She calmed her breathing even within this dream and slowly turned to look at Twilight defiantly. Her expression turned to one of struggle, as her chest tightened further. Your clueless lack of respect was not cute. Your uncanny resemblance to the mare who clouds my memory will not stay buried for long. I will find you, I will unravel your secrets, and I will make you understand your position. You will be an insignificant shade in my past. She smirked with rising confidence. I have dealt with countless enemies such as you before you measly little-
The replication of Twilight booped Princess Nightmare Moon on the nose playfully. "Boop!"
Princess Nightmare Moon screamed, before turning completely red and scrambling from her throne and rolling over the side. "Nrrrrrrrgh! ENOUGH!" She growled, rising to all fours, gripping a hoof to her chest. "My own mind deceives me! I will unwrap every little thing you are and when I do, I will take great pleasure in realizing you are just another small speck in my endless eternity of existence." She snapped, "You're nothing to me!"
The replication of Twilight just leaned on the sidearm of her throne and giggled with eyes closed.
As she stood there in frustration, refusing to go back on her throne, Princess Nightmare Moon's memories were still being flippantly gone through. Suddenly, like a roulette, another began to play and manifest itself in her dreamscape. She glanced to her left at the scene, in which it was Rainbow Dash and her trotting. Princess Nightmare Moon raised a brow, confused at first, before soon more closely observing. ".... Rainbow Dash?"
Rainbow Dash had her mane cut in a shortened fashion. "P-Princess... you uh, remember when we first met?"
The two trotted together in the Princess' gardens behind Canterlot Castle. Princess Nightmare Moon seemed occupied with finding something, whereas Rainbow Dash who was adorned in her nightmare guard armor, casually remained glued to the alicorn's side. Princess Nightmare Moon, amidst her searching, responded to the pegasus. "Of course, you've grown much since then Dash. Your dreams gave remarkable insight to your potential and wild drive. You haven't disappointed me." She glanced around the garden, "I am grateful."
Rainbow Dash's face became a faint pink as she glanced away, before sneaking a couple of glances up at the Princess then back to the pavement. "Well ah... duh, you know I would never let you down Princess. You need somepony strong and dependable at your side, somepony you can always rely on." She hit a hoof against her breastplate confidently, "And that mare is me!" She paused, appearing quite nervous. "Princess, you know you'll always have my loyalty. You know I'd never question anything you'd consider doing if you deemed it so."
Princess Nightmare Moon came to an abrupt halt before glancing down at Dash with questioning eyes.
Rainbow Dash flinched and began to tremble, avoiding eye contact with her then.
Princess Nightmare Moon squinted at the pegasus, uttering. "Look at me... Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow Dash muttered nervously, "Princess I mean, you know, I'm totally just offering up-"
Princess Nightmare Moon spoke more sternly, with little patience. "I said... LOOK... at me."
Rainbow Dash's nose wrinkled as she grumpily looked right up at Princess Nightmare Moon. She was unable to hide her rosy cheeks, and her prideful eyes showed she knew and was embarrassed of this fact. She wore a frown all the while, eyeing the Princess with an obvious hurt mixed with desire and frustration. "Happy?"
Princess Nightmare Moon squinted further in realization. "How long have you felt this way?"
Rainbow Dash frowned further, her eyes moistening as the question hurt her more than anything. She avoided eye contact with the Princess, her face becoming redder. "Why does it matter!? You've kept me at your side all this time Princess. I know how to protect you! I keep you safe! I'm the most dependable pony at your side."
Princess Nightmare Moon scoffed lightly, focusing back on the gardens as they trotted. "Ugh, Rainbow Dash. You are my most dependable soldier, your loyalty knows no bounds. Which is why I need you to not become compromised by your feelings." She continued on ahead, still slightly concerned. "I value your dedication and skill above anything else. So I need you to dismiss these feelings before they are too deeply rooted."
Rainbow Dash stood a few feet back now, as she bit her lower lip appearing more hurt. She lowered her head, "They are already deeply rooted Princess. I'll never be able to tear them out." She frowned deeply, "I hate feeling compromised and feeling like I'm of less worth to you. But I can't stop it, it's a fire that's ignited without your say so." She looked at her seriously, "So I'm sorry, I can't follow that order. But I can ensure to keep that fire tucked away Princess, so it never hinders my performance or causes you distress. I can promise you that."
Princess Nightmare Moon looked back at her blankly, "Then ensure you do so Rainbow Dash." She sighed, before pressing on, "Now let us hurry and ensure we properly seal away that wretched stone abomination."
Rainbow Dash's brows furrowed as she stood behind the Princess. "S-So that's it then Princess?"
Princess Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes, before glaring back at Rainbow Dash. "Truly? What has gotten into you Rainbow Dash? I am your Princess and superior. I am not wholly surprised by your desires; many desire those at greater heights of power. But keep it in check, I cannot have my most loyal soldier have distorted views due to whimsical pleasures." She sighed, still looking around. "It is a phase, and it shall pass in due time."
Rainbow Dash lowered her head. "But you're wrong Princess... it's not a phase. It's not some dumb desire."
Princess Nightmare Moon paused, tired. "Oh then do educate me Rainbow Dash... what is it?"
Rainbow Dash looked at her, hurt further by her sarcasm and dismissal of her feelings. "I told you, it's a fire! It tugs at your chest day and night. For some it's instant, and others it grows over time. It's a spark that either grows slowly or ignites like an explosion." She gripped her chest, "I hope you never have to feel this way Princess. I hope you get to stay indulging in your whimsical pleasures for fun. Because it can be tormenting."
Princess Nightmare Moon was amused by her passion. "Ah, you preach of love. How cute. Is that what this is Rainbow Dash? Is that what you're feeling? Love?" She turned around, looking down at the pegasus with a smirk as she approached her. "Yes yes, perhaps I've not felt what you're feeling. My black heart only bore love for my sister, and she betrayed me. So now... I feel no such thing. I cannot even fathom how tormenting it may be. But ah yes... I'm mistaken again aren't I?" She lowered her head beside Rainbow Dash's. "This is not familial love is it?" She paused, "How foreign it must be to me. I must admit you have me curious. A shame I feel no such thing for you." She backed away again and scoffed, "Now..." She glared at her, "Let us continue on Dash."
Rainbow Dash appeared heartbroken by her words, and just lowered her head. "Y-Yes... My Princess."
Princess Nightmare Moon watched that memory unfold with a blank expression. "Tch!" She swiped a hoof angrily, blasting it away as she suddenly felt empty and cold. Her face darkened as she stood there in her empty dreamscape. She turned a cold and callous expression to Twilight on the throne. "Nonsense. There are no cracks within my armor, especially not from some nameless little mare such as yourself." She spoke with little emotion, "This is a sickness that has taken root due to my fogged memory; and you, are nothing but a speck of frustration that has lingered upon me due to your foolish insubordination!" She snapped, "You have no control over me! None! After all I have lived through, I will not be dragged down by such childish antics!"
Twilight Sparkle just watched her upon the throne, still smiling; a false manifestation. A cheap desire.
Princess Nightmare Moon smirked at her. "Once I sate my curiosity... you shall disappear from my world."
Twilight Sparkle closed her eyes and shrugged, still smiling as she faded away. "If you say so... Princess."
Princess Nightmare Moon watched her go, and suddenly... she felt a sharp pain in her chest.
Princess Nightmare Moon awoke, sleeping in her bedroom chambers within the Castle of Two Sisters. She gritted her teeth, as her eyes were furious and she gripped at her chest so tight, she felt she might tear out the hairs of her coat. She snarled, her nose wrinkling in absolute anger as she trembled from a silent rage.
At this point for her personally... night had now just begun. The bright white moon hung high in the sky.
Her door slowly creaked open, as making her way inside slowly but playfully was Lady Rarity. "Awaaaake?"
Princess Nightmare Moon glared at her, at the edge of her sanity. "Rarity... do not play games with me."
Rarity chuckled as she raised both her brows. "My dearest Princess, it seems you didn't sleep well. But, perhaps this will raise your spirits." She used her telekinetic magic to pull forth some records, "A lot has happened while you've been asleep. Originally we didn't learn much... Lady Tempest and I, but fate would have it that there is a bit more to this nameless mare than expected." Rarity pulled out a violet mask that covered the upper region of her face, as some loose chuckles escaped her. "Allow me to fill you in on all the details, dearest Princess."