//------------------------------//
// Chapter 10: Masquerade Madness - Part 5 
// Story: The Devil's Prize 
// by MerryMelancholy 
//------------------------------//

Princess Nightmare Moon stood confidently before Twilight, more in anticipation if anything.

Twilight however continued to tremble, as she attempted to get her magic under control.

Princess Nightmare Moon smirked slightly. To crack my armor is unprecedented for any ordinary pony, so it seems my instincts served me well in this instance. Such latent powerful magic is fascinating to say the least. Did Cadence teach her? No no, I would've noticed if my Niece had undertaken any personal students, nor would she have done so without my consent. What then? She took a slight step forward as she pondered the possibilities. "So, teleportation magic is not all that you're good at hm? But your control is lacking, my troublesome child."

Twilight struggled as more bolts of magic fired off rapidly, a few homed in on Princess Nightmare Moon.

Princess Nightmare Moon without hesitation raised a sapphire shield before herself, blocking each bolt whereas one cracked the shield and the other shattered it, and pushed her back slightly. She blinked a few times before glancing down at her own hooves in surprise, almost in disbelief. She squinted at Twilight then, her horn starting to glow as sapphire chains wrapped around Twilight's hooves to steady her balance.

Twilight didn't fight it, yet her erratic magic shattered the spell wrapped around her hooves as suddenly she teleported in place erratically, remaining in the same position yet almost flickering in and out of existence. She began to sweat profusely as she lowered her head, beginning to wheeze from innate exhaustion.

Princess Nightmare Moon's eyes remained wide as she was at a loss for words. Impossible. Her horn started to glow again as she attempted another spell, one which brought forth shadowy tendrils into existence and attempted to wrap around Twilight and subdue her completely. Let us try this one then, you stubborn girl.

Twilight glanced about at the tendrils as they slowly curled around her and she didn't fight them. However, each slowly burned away as they came in proximity of her magic. Her horn in response grew even more erratic, firing off more bolts towards the Princess as well as Fluttershy. She shook her head, "I-I'm sorry! I-I...can't..."

Princess Nightmare Moon flinched as the bolts of magic came more aggressively than before. She cast a barrier around herself, stronger than before as she was pushed slightly back once again. Her nose wrinkled as her brow twitched. What sort of nonsense is this? Does this pony intend to test me at every turn!? Enough!

Fluttershy covered her head as she yelped in fear. "Eeep!" 

Princess Nightmare Moon glanced back swiftly at Fluttershy, realizing she'd forgotten she was in proximity as well. With a swift swipe of her hoof, she sent the pegasus flying back and into the room as she also slammed the glass doors shut almost instantaneously. Knowing the doors would do little to hold back the magic Twilight was capable of, she blanketed them with another sapphire shield which cracked and nearly broke with contact.

As Fluttershy tossed and tumbled inside the room, she wheezed heavily before calling out. "P-Princess!"

Yet Princess Nightmare Moon ignored her cry and remained wholly focused on Twilight... in utter annoyance.

Fluttershy called back out to the Princess. "I... I'm going to grab Princess Cadence! I'll be back Princess!" With that Fluttershy hurriedly made her way back out into the hallway, retreating down the way they came.

Twilight in her volatile state desperately thought of Moondancer. M-Moondancer... I'm scared. 

Princess Nightmare Moon interjected. "Surely this is yet another cruel joke ushered in by destiny I assume, wouldn't you say child? Or perhaps I shall address you by name... Twilight Sparkle." Princess Nightmare focused, her horn glowing vibrantly now as she proceeded forward. "Surely you understand the grievances you've put me through hm? First disrespecting me so blatantly, only to plague my dreams. Do you realize how that looks?" She scoffed, chuckling even. "I, the Princess of Nightmare, of Equestria! To be so troubled by a wild card such as yourself? And nooooow here you are, resisting me at every turn even if not by your own choice."

Twilight, even though stuck in this internal struggle, heard the Princess' words.

Princess Nightmare Moon continued to block each bolt, more reliably now, yet as a bolt of magic pushed her back slightly once again, she halted. She addressed Twilight now more seriously, her eyes halfway closed. "But it matters not Twilight Sparkle..." she said these words softly, almost as if attempting to convince herself. "Despite every instance I encounter you telling me otherwise, I will prove you are nothing more than an insignificant speck in what has been a long and prosperous rule. Like all who came before, I will no longer allow you to pester and provoke me." She raised her voice then, "Do you understand me, Twilight Sparkle!?"

There was a pause, as the only sounds between them now was the wind and the crackling of Twilight's magic.

Twilight struggled, but finally spoke. "P-Princess Nightmare Moon..."

Princess Nightmare Moon was a bit taken aback by Twilight's address as she looked at her in slight surprise.

Twilight looked to her desperately, pleadingly. "I, I don't know what's wrong with me. Please... help."

Princess Nightmare Moon suddenly flushed red slightly, as her nose wrinkled, and she snarled. Why? Why did that expression and those eyes tug at her so!? Even amidst this blatant insult and attack on her very being!? What was this undesired ripping at her core taking place!? As she stared into Twilight's eyes and heard her plea, all her body told her was something she hadn't felt since her sister's banishment. She sought only one thing, and the very thought sickened her to her core, and it enraged her. It enraged her so much she gritted her teeth to the point where she felt they might crack and shatter within her gums. Approval. The mere request for aid and the undeniable truth of the matter for Princess Nightmare Moon was... she wanted to give it. More than anything. Frustrated now beyond belief, her horn started to glow as she pressed forward. "Silence, child."





As Fluttershy reached the more populated halls of the Masquerade once again, she hurriedly glanced around. "P-Princess Cadence!? P-Princess!?" She began making her way through crowds of ponies, "E-Excuse me! Sorry... u-uh excuse me! Excuse me please!" She was catching her breath as she looked desperately still. "Princess Cadence!" W-Where could she have gone off too? It couldn't have been that long? Oh what do I do, what do I do?

Suddenly tapping Fluttershy on the shoulder was Angel Purity, smiling all the while. "Excuse me?"

Fluttershy hurriedly turned, looking up at the mare who'd tapped her. "A-Ah, yes?"

Angel Purity smiled. "I believe I saw Princess Cadence head down towards the main lobby? I believe after all the commotion with Princess Nightmare Moon and that old acquaintance of hers, she perhaps wanted to familiarize herself with some normalcy. Well, what could be considered normal in an event such as this."

Fluttershy gasped, as she seemed more panicked now. "All the way downstairs!? B-But... oh no." She frowned, looking down in deep thought. How am I supposed to get all the way down there and find her when every second counts!? She glanced back at her damaged wing in dismay. I... I need to think of something better. 

"Unreasonable!? Yer the one who was getting me worked up!"

Fluttershy's eyes widened as she recognized that voice. She peeked through the crowd, hurriedly making her way through as she saw sitting alone together on a bench were two ponies caked in... food? Albeit cleaning themselves off currently. It was none other than Applejack, and Pinkamena. She gasped with relief!

Angel Purity watched with interest as Fluttershy rushed off to meet them.

Applejack continued wiping herself off with some napkins. "Ugh! Shucks, ain't no salvaging these." As a shadow was suddenly cast over her, she cocked a brow and looked up. "Eh? Fluttershy? Something ya need?"

Diane also looked over and up at Fluttershy then in surprise. "Oh, hi Fluttershy."

Fluttershy was breathing heavily, addressing them hurriedly. "A-Applejack! Diane! I'm so so sorry to bother you two! But the Princess... it's urgent. She, she needs our help! And so does somepony else! Really really bad!"

Both Applejack and Diane tilted their heads in confusion, as Diane inquired. "S-Somepony else too?"

Fluttershy nodded, frowning and appearing distraught. "A... a unicorn named Twilight Sparkle."

Both of their eyes suddenly snapped wide, overcome with immediate shock.





Further down, Princess Cadence was being accompanied now instead by royals. Confliction plagued her as their words were drowned out by her thoughts, but still she nodded as they spoke, attempting to at least appear to be innately listening. Over the years she'd become quite used to this. Was I truly too harsh? What did Twilight expect? I've done nothing but be kind to her and adore her since she was a filly. Am I not allowed to be truthful? Am I not allowed to have emotions as well? I will not force myself any longer to harbor no ill will. She needs to accept that! Princess Cadence huffed, glancing to the lower right in irritation. Why was she here anyhow? 

"Princess Cadence, finally we run into you." Came a cheery voice.

The royals surrounding Princess Cadence glanced back as well at the voice addressing the Princess so casually, as Princess Cadence blinked a few times in curiosity before her expression eased into familiarity. "Ah, well if it isn't Auntie's personal entourage. All the pieces seem to be falling into place now as to why she's here." 

Standing before her was Lady Tempest, accompanied none other by Lady Rarity as well as Rainbow Dash, who still appeared wholly irritated. Lady Tempest lifted her mask as she winked at Princess Cadence. "You ran into her!? Well, I guess the cat's out of the bag then? We were attempting to keep a low profile." She rubbed at the back of her neck and stuck out her tongue, before glancing back at Rainbow Dash. "Buuuut, that didn't work out as planned." She looked back to Princess Cadence, "So have you seen Princess Nightmare Moon?"

Princess Cadence sighed, nodding. "Auntie is on the top floor, oddly pursuing an old... acquaintance of mine." She squinted at them then. "Which I find more than odd but I'm stressed enough as is, and the last thing I need is for this sudden onset of bad memories to ruin this event. So go as you please to her, Auntie wants me to stay out of it anyhow." A hint of guilt still plagued her as she scoffed lightly, "So it no longer concerns me."

Rainbow Dash suddenly made her way in front of the others. "Y-You said she was already in pursuit!?"

Princess Cadence retracted a little, surprised by Rainbow Dash's demeanor. "Yes?"

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth and spread her wings, suddenly blitzing ahead. Growling fiercely in frustration!

Princess Cadence's mane blew back as did everypony else surrounding them. She gritted her teeth in annoyance before turning to address the already gone Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash! Slow down!"

Lady Tempest groaned lightly, "What's with her? She's been more on edge as of late."

Rarity adjusted her mask and sipped a glass of wine she had with her. "Jealousy is a cruel mistress."

Lady Tempest rubbed her chin then, glancing at Rarity. "Am I missing something?"

Rarity ran a hoof through her own mane in amusement. "Only the obvious, darling."

Lady Tempest rolled her eyes before nodding to Princess Cadence. "Thank you for your help, Princess. We'll get out of your hair now." She saluted Cadence before nodding to Rarity and the two pressed onward.

As they departed, Princess Cadence called back to them. "T-Tempest! Wait a moment."

Lady Tempest paused and glanced back at Cadence then. "Ma'am!"

Princess Cadence hesitated momentarily before exhaling. "If... If you see Fluttershy, please send her down. I need to speak with her as soon as possible." She glanced down at the floor. "It'd be much appreciated."

Lady Tempest simply saluted her in affirmation, before both her and Rarity proceeded upstairs.

Princess Cadence watched them depart absently, before smiling back at the royals. "Now... where were we?"





There was an eerie silence outside the door which led to where the commotion supposedly was.

Applejack and Diane peered up at the door in confusion, as Applejack glanced back at Fluttershy who stood not far off behind them. "Fluttershy? Are ya sure this is it? I don't hear nothing." Applejack raised a hoof towards the knob, attempting to turn it as it didn't budge. Her nose wrinkled, as she gave it a slight shove also. 

Diane awkwardly stood beside Applejack, remaining silent, fidgeting nervously.

Applejack glared at Diane. "Well, ya just gonna stand there Diane or are ya gonna help me?"

Diane looked to Applejack in a hurt manner. "Why're you being so mean to me!?"

Appleajack flinched, before rolling her eyes. "Can we not do this right now?"

Diane shook her head at Applejack, beginning to tear up. "What did I ever do to deserve this from you!?"

Fluttershy glanced back and forth between the two before shaking her head worriedly, "Girls, girls!"

Applejack huffed, slamming a hoof upon the door and exhaling slowly. "DIANE!.... I.... ugh, sorry okay?"

Diane retracted and frowned, sniffling before looking at Applejack confused. "Huh?"

Applejack looked at her, still slightly annoyed but more guilty. "Ya just got me riled up. Ya came out of nowhere and ruined everything I had planned for tonight." She paused, glancing down. "Not ta mention I never was fond of what you do, but I get it, ya got yer job for the Princess just like I do. I know I shouldn't blame ya for that but... when everypony else does it I guess at times ya just fall in line with the rumors. Sorry ta say." 

Diane looked down then, expressing obvious shame. "I understand."

Applejack squinted at her, "But yer not blameless either ya know! Ya always pry at me too. Why do ya have to go and point out my insecurities. Ya know I have to act a certain way around others due to my role!"

Diane glared at her. "Have to? Have to or are too scared to!? You don't know what having to do feels like!

Applejack, "What are ya trying ta say!? Ya saying I had more of a choice than you!? I had it easier!?"

"The Princess is in pursuit and what do I find? A crying celeb and rich sloth bickering like fillies!?"

Applejack and Diane both paused as they looked down the hall.

Marching slowly, fuming was Rainbow Dash as she eyed the two in contempt. "What are you morons doing!?"

Applejack scoffed, "Oh if this night couldn't get any more pleasant. Downer Dash at our service."

Diane fell into a solemn silence again as she looked back down at the floor without response.

Rainbow maneuvered between them and then eyed the door. "Is this it? Out of my way!"

Applejack rolled her eyes, glaring still at Dash. "Ya think we didn't already try going inside smart stuff?"

Rainbow snarled fiercely, prodding Applejack in the chest. "Shut your trap! Don't you got food to sell!?"

Applejack snarled right back, butting her head against Rainbow's. "Don't ya got barracks ta mop!?"

Rainbow didn't fight back the head butt. "Oh, you're fond of the fake voice tonight I see! What a clown!"

Applejack snapped at her, "Least I don't look like one with a mane like that!"

Fluttershy looked at all the bickering going on between them as she uttered in dismay, "What is happening!?"

Applejack's hateful gaze only grew more intense. "What did the Princess ever see in you anyway?"

Rainbow responded in kind. "I don't know, maybe discipline? Dedication? Loyalty? What could she have possibly seen in some good for nothing celeb whose only job is to spread corporate influence across Equestria?"

Applejack squinted at her. "Least I do something helpful! All ya do is cause more violence!"

Rainbow scoffed, "Hah! Exact opposite doofus. Keep the peace! Talk to Diane if you want violence!"

Diane flinched as she glanced to the lower right, she sat in depression before pulling out a small satchel of sugary sweets and began munching on them. She no longer desiring any part of this discussion.

But suddenly intervening, speaking in subtle horror was Fluttershy. "How... How did you all become like this?"

"Become like what darling?" Came another voice down the hall.

Fluttershy glanced down from whence they came once again, still a little shaken by everything. 

Arriving then was both Rarity and Lady Tempest. Rarity seemed more amused than anything as she sipped still, that same glass of wine. "Fluttershy, you are no different from them darling. Do you not think being chosen as the close advisor for Princess Cadence in no way influenced your way of thinking? We all have our parts to play, such as I who also plays a similar role for Princess Nightmare. Surely you aren't so surprised hm?"

Fluttershy shook her head, "N-No, I... I don't think this is how the Princess would want us to act together."

Rarity let loose a hoarse laughter before giving Fluttershy a shooing motion. "Oh you're so adorable darling." She now made her way standing beside Fluttershy. "What makes you think we're supposed to operate together? This here, this is no common occurrence, nor will it ever be. We specialize in different things; the Princess knows this. Yet somehow, this little event has brought us together. I'm sure it will be a one and done."

Lady Tempest looked up at the door, "Speaking of which... why is it so quiet back here?" She looked at the others, particularly Rainbow Dash and Applejack. "Hey, cool it guys. Like Rarity said, it's not often everypony's together like this... actually, I don't ever recall us being gathered together like this. Talk about coincidental.... but anyway, let's shape up. Why hasn't anypony gotten this door open? Is the Princess in there or what?"

Applejack sighed, "Well we've been tryin ta get in this whole time. Yet the door won't budge."

Rainbow Dash snarled, before backing away towards the wall and flapping her wings. "Move! I'll bust inside no problem!" Without awaiting a response, she blitzed forth, slamming into the door only to be knocked back onto her rear. As she recovered, she snapped, hopping to her hooves. "What!? There's no way that didn't work!"

Applejack wanted to say something but held her tongue, and simply looked to Tempest. "See?"

Rarity sipped her wine as she seemed oddly relaxed. "Well surely the Princess is safe, so let us not panic."

Diane remained quiet as she just solemnly continued to eat her snacks, frowning all the while.

Tempest rubbed her chin as she then made way for the door and attempted to give it a budge. "Hm. Nope."

Fluttershy muttered, "M-Maybe... Maybe we should all try pushing it together?"

Rainbow Dash scoffed, preparing to charge the door again. "As if I need your guy's extra muscle!"

Tempest interjected, raising a hoof. "Rainbow, wait! Fluttershy is right. You've already tried that once, as I'm sure Applejack and Diane has already. Do you want to break a bone or sprain something? You'll definitely not be any help to the Princess then. We might as well turn this into a combined effort and push in unison."

Rainbow Dash glared at Tempest. "And who put you in charge Tempest!?"

Tempest sighed, "I'm not! I'm just trying to echo what I believe is a good idea!" She glanced about at all of them, "Especially since it seems all of you don't really like working together, if ever." She shrugged absently.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, consenting eventually as she touched onto the floor grumpily. "Well? What're we waiting for then? Let's get into position. The Princess could be in some serious trouble! We need to hurry!"

Attempting not to waste any more time, everypony fell into line in front of the door. Diane positioned herself on the far left, with Rainbow Dash right next to her. Applejack was positioned beside Rainbow Dash, whereas Tempest was positioned on the far right. Fluttershy had her forehooves upon Diane and Rainbow Dash's backs. 

Meanwhile Rarity remained backed up against the wall sipping her wine. 

The rest of them called out to her in that moment. "Rarity!"

Rarity scoffed with a whimper. "Fiiiiiine, fiiiine! But I have no muscle definition anyhow!"

As they all were positioned, now with Rarity positioned behind Applejack and Tempest, and beside Fluttershy, Tempest proceeded with callouts. "Okay everypony, on the count of three. One... two.... three!"

They all pushed forward, only for the door to shutter softly.

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, "I felt a better budge! Again!"

They all readied themselves again, as Tempest repeated the callout. "One... two... three!"

They all slammed against the door again, as it shuttered more loosely this time.

Rainbow Dash snarled, as she yelled out. "Again! Put everything you have into it!"

Rarity was wheezing already as she whined, "Ugh! I did NOT sign up for this at all."

They positioned themselves as Tempest once again, repeated the callout. "One... two... three!"

They all slammed into the door, as it suddenly flung open, and they all tumbled inside.





Princess Cadence chuckled softly, adjusting a mask she herself brought to the party. They were now in a banquet area as she was addressing a group of more royals. "Why I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves. Events like this I believe inspires others to get to know one another on a more neutral basis. The crafting of friendships and relationships through the intrigue of mystery is something I find quite exciting." She chuckled softly.

Sitting together at a table nearby was Sunburst, Trixie and Starlight. Starlight had a hoof wrapped around Sunbursts as she pointed to Princess Cadence as they sat and ate. "Sunburst, look! The Princess!"

Sunburst was chewing on his salad as he nodded and smiled wide at Starlight. "I see her dear."

Starlight adjusted her mane and snickered, "You think I can be a Princess someday?"

Sunburst smirked at her and raised his head a little. "Don't I already treat you like a Princess?"

Starlight giggled and pulled him closer and nuzzled her head into his side, "You do! You do!"

Meanwhile Trixie only peered at Sunburst... smirking all the while with her hooves folded beneath her chin.

Sunburst glanced over at Trixie and then sighed, shaking his head at her in annoyance. He glanced down at the table then however, actually reflecting in deep thought. A sudden look of guilt overcoming him then.

Even further back, all sitting together at a table was Lyra, Lemon Hearts, Bon Bon, Minuette and Twinkleshine. Lyra was munching on bread, holding a hoof to her head and groaning in pain as she ate and drank water.

Looking innately stressed was Minuette, as Twinkleshine appeared quite the same. Minuette peered now at Twinkleshine, her nose wrinkling some. "Twinkleshine! We've checked all over... where is she!? This is bad now."

Twinkleshine began to tear up as she nervously fiddled with her hooves. "I... I don't know! I... I really don't."

Minuette whimpered worriedly. "The night is still young but it's been way too long. Y-You... you don't think she went home with somepony do you? L-Like.... um..." she turned red and concerned. "A special somepony?"

Bon Bon interjected, laughing abruptly. "Haha! Moondancer is going to kill you booooth!"

Lyra groaned, about to hurl as she shoveled more bread down her muzzle.

Bon Bon gasped as she immediately tended to Lyra again. As did Lemon Hearts.

Twinkleshine shook her head guiltily, on the verge of crying. "N-No... she's gonna kill me. It's my fault."

Minuette looked to Twinkleshine worriedly, before reassuring her with a pat. "T-Twinkleshine! Don't cry, we'll find her! It's okay! This place is big beyond belief! She could be anywhere! We just need to not give up!"

Twinkleshine looked at Minuette with a hint of hope and relief, before looking back down. Twilight... I'm sorry if I put you in an uncomfortable position. I was honestly jealous but now I'm not so sure. Just please be okay... 





Diane, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Tempest, Fluttershy and Rarity each groaned as they all attempted to gather themselves. Yet as each of them slowly came to and gathered their surroundings, a look of innate shock washed over each of them in varying degrees. Surrounding them was what appeared to be an endless violet dreamscape, eerie and ethereal. It was as if an abstract painting had come to life, as foreboding as it was.

Rarity immediately went into a panic. "T-This... this is... no! Oh no no no! How can this be!?"

Applejack looked to Rarity with a sense of urgency. "Wha? What is it, Rarity?"

Rainbow Dash commented absently. "This is dream magic."

Tempest continued, just as confused as Rarity and Dash. "But does that mean we're asleep?"

Rainbow Dash responded, shaking her head. "That's the weird part.... I, I don't think we are?"

Applejack raised a brow, "So how can we be surrounded by dream magic if we ain't dreaming?"

Both Diane and Fluttershy remained silent, whereas Fluttershy appeared more frightened in the background.

Rainbow Dash was eerily calm, as she focused on ahead. "We need to find the Princess... let's go."

The group gathered themselves, proceeding further into what seemed to be an endless dreamscape. They trotted, easily running through what could've been ten lengths of the same room with ease. Yet they didn't question the oddity of their predicament, only focusing on the task at hoof. Eventually coming upon the sole reason they pressed through such a place, as Rainbow Dash called out in desperate relief. "P-Princess!"

Standing far ahead of them was Princess Nightmare Moon. She glanced back absently, "Rainbow Dash?  It's good to see you." A soft smile of amusement adorned her features, "Quite the gathering we have here. Though, that's not to suggest I am complaining... actually, quite the opposite I must say." She looked ahead.

Both Rainbow Dash and Rarity were the first at the Princess' sides as they looked up at her pleadingly, inspecting her condition as Rarity frowned at her with concern. "Princess! Are... are you alright!?"

Princess Nightmare Moon scoffed, "Of course I'm alright, do not insult me. I am simply in a predicament." She nudged her head forward, "All of you look ahead. That is the object of my concern." She sighed heavily.

Rarity and Rainbow Dash now looked ahead as well.

Applejack, Diane and Fluttershy joined them, as Fluttershy trembled lightly behind Diane. 

Up ahead further in the distance was a disheveled Twilight Sparkle. Her eyes glowing a vibrant white as her head was lowered, her horn still letting loose erratic now explosive sparks of volatile magic. Her body trembled yet still she maintained her position, no longer saying a word as her mind seemed absent of all thought.

Diane and Applejack cried out in unison and concern. "T-Twilight!"

Fluttershy held a hoof to her muzzle, just as worried, and speaking in a grave tone. "Oh no...."

Lady Tempest was only at a loss for words. "Wha.... What happened to her?" That's the same mare I met earlier?

Princess Nightmare Moon continued. "Astonishing is it not? Her volatile magic acted even as a reflective prism against my own dream magic. Which explains what you see surrounding you." She tilted her head slightly to the right, "Make no mistake my subjects, we are still in that very same room, except now it is coated in nightmare. To stand within the realm of dreams without actually dreaming is something on the verge of chaos."

Rainbow Dash rose, readying herself to charge Twilight and go on the offensive.

Princess Nightmare Moon interjected, "Ah, another thing Rainbow Dash. She will not be harmed."

Rainbow Dash flinched, glancing over at the Princess in shock. "H-Huh!? But Princess, she's!"

Princess Nightmare Moon glared at her. "No... harm... will... come... to her." 

Rainbow Dash's brows furrowed as she lowered herself down reluctantly.

Princess Nightmare Moon focused on Twilight again. "Which is why your presence is most welcome. It seems her subconscious mind is protecting her beyond anything my lesser spells can penetrate. I cannot go further without harming her, which is why you found me in my current predicament. However, now that you've arrived, all I need is for you all to distract her but momentarily so I may slip between the cracks of that subconscious defense of hers and truly penetrate her dreams. From there, our dear prize will fall into a deep slumber."

Lady Tempest saluted Princess Nightmare Moon. "We're ready to follow your orders, Princess!"

Fluttershy gulped, as she trembled still in the background.

Diane nodded, as she gravely wanted to help Twilight as quickly as possible.

Applejack looked upon Twilight just as worriedly, as she nodded. 

Rarity adjusted her mane into her fashionable bun as she whimpered but understood her assignment.

Princess Nightmare Moon glanced down and around at each of them as they readied themselves at her side. "Not the ideal band I'd take with me on such an occasion but assistance nonetheless." Hm, now that I recall it seems those I originally found potential in steering Equestrian society with Cadence's assistance are all before me. She squinted, now more skeptical and uncomfortable with the situation. Quite the convenient twist of fate. She looked then upon Twilight in the distance, as the gears in her mind turned. A subtle glare overcame her. Surely, I am not the one being steered... She gritted her teeth in conflict as the more she thought about it the more paranoid she became. Surely!... I am not the one being led astray, like a dog on a leash! But yet... somehow-

"P-Princess?" Lady Tempest interjected, as they all peered up at her nervously.

Princess Nightmare Moon blinked a few times, her own thoughts catching her off guard. "A-Ah yes, of course." She looked ahead now focusing on Twilight more sternly. "Now, let us turn this into flawless execution."





Twilight's thoughts were a whirlwind, and any form of consciousness she had was barely present. She felt as if she were carrying the weight of an ocean upon her back, as she remained stuck in place, attempting to act as a dam holding this erratic magic in place. The thoughts of Cadence's words still haunted her mind, as she shook her head. N-No! She lowered her head, cowering even as the sounds of the volatile magic surrounding her became distant, like echoes. Don't think about it! Shut it out, I... it doesn't matter. She can feel however she wants. Twilight gritted her teeth as she still attempted to maintain some semblance of control. T-That's... her... right.

"Twilight!" A voice echoed in the distance, one she didn't innately recognize.

Twilight attempted to focus on where it was coming from, but everything felt like a blur. In the distance, she could see a figure come into view. A pale yellow, and reddish mane? Perhaps lighter? No, she couldn't make it out quite distinctly but her eyes swelled with tears. M-Moondancer? However as her vision cleared, standing further off was none other than Fluttershy. T-The pegasus from earlier? Twilight attempted to speak, "G-Go."

Twilight's magic once again shot a bolt of magic towards Fluttershy, who was far enough for it to miss.

As Twilight was focused upon her however, two blurred figures rushed by her which she only noticed out of her peripheral vision. H-Huh? Her erratic magic only reacted more wildly, as if having sentience of its own, also thrown off by this occurrence. Twilight attempted to focus more as her magic began whipping at her sides defensively, as if attempting to keep whatever was nearby at bay. As she squinted at one of them, their figure too came into view. Zipping and dodging her bolts with relative ease was... Rainbow Dash? The mare who'd attempted to subdue her earlier. What? What's she doing here? I... was she still looking for me?- And as Twilight heard oddly familiar grunts at her opposing side, she looked over there as well. The other figure came into view, one who'd been hit by one of her volatile bolts. It was none other than MACdonalds CEO. A-Applejack?

"Rarity! Now!" Cried out another voice.

Twilight flinched, the white void which was her eyes actually appearing surprised as she peered forward. Two more figures now came into view, together, as they stood further off directly centered across from her. One Twilight didn't recall seeing before, a white mare with a purple mane. The other was the one who'd given her those drinks earlier, the one with the broken horn. However, Twilight had little time to dwell on this as she felt a sudden heavy jolt enwrap her. It was as if for an instant, her whirlwind of magic had ceased. She glanced down at herself, noticing like a thin layer of translucent armor, telekinetic magic had washed over her from these two. Even the magic which flailed at her sides ceased for a moment, and even if it were only but a second, it felt as if time had stopped for her, and relief washed over her. Twilight felt even if it were for only a second, peace.

"Twiliiiiiight!" Came another, more familiar voice which rang more clearly.

"OOF!" Twilight felt herself be pushed back, all her thoughts caught off guard as something with an unbelievable amount of force, like a boulder, sent her off her hooves. As she'd made sense of the situation, having ducked and dived into a gripping bear hug against her was none other than, "D-Diane?" Twilight eyed her in concern, and guilt then. Everything in this place felt like an echo, and time felt so slow despite realizing it was all happening so fast. She shook her head as the fellow mare embraced her, and as a result, was struck time and again by her volatile magic. Yet the pink pony didn't seem affected by this whatsoever, she only smiled and regarded Twilight with a caring affection, almost adoration with squinted eyes of relief as she held her. Twilight was only confused but didn't fight it. She hadn't even the time to make enough sense of what they all were doing here to react to it. And as Twilight was caught in this embrace, one final figure she'd knew was there but had forgotten, now stood between the two unicorns. Centered, and with confidence her horn glowed a vibrant blue like a lone star in the midnight sky. Princess Nightmare Moon smirked all the while. "Princess?"

Then there was a flash of light so bright, Twilight felt all her thoughts go blank... and her consciousness, fade. 





Princess Nightmare Moon was alone now, in what seemed to be an infinite black space. She stood confidently in this place as she smirked in satisfaction before looking around in curiosity. "Infiltration success. Good job ladies." She strode forward further into this massive space, "Now, perhaps I will treat myself to an appetizer before returning. Yes... that sounds quite fair." Finally, she had reached her delectable prize. Finally, Princess Nightmare Moon had taken step into deep recesses of her obsession's mind. For answers... she could not wait.