//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: Captain Twilight 
// by Moonlight Eclipse 
//------------------------------//

Twilight Sparkle's day was far from ordinary. At sixteen years old, she was constantly bombarded with marriage proposals and had to learn how to rule Equestria and fight. As she took a stroll in the gardens, she stumbled upon an old book that had seen better days. Despite its worn appearance, she was thrilled at the thought of reading a book she had never laid eyes on before. She eagerly picked it up and examined the cover.
 
“Pirates of Equestria and Other Legends,” she said. “That sounds interesting.” To be honest, she was a little bit afraid, but her curiosity overtook her fear and she began to read.

 Legends often have a kernel of truth, no matter how small it may be. One such legend tells the tale of a fierce pirate who traverses the seven seas seeking vengeance. Known as Dread Pirate Nightmare Moon, this pony has the power to make the night last forever and is rumored to spare no ponies in her wake. Despite her fearsome reputation, no one knows what motivates her or why she seeks revenge. However, one thing is certain: if the moon turns red as blood, beware, for she will soon arrive.

  “Dread Pirate? I’ve never heard about that. I better ask Mother about this.” She tucked the book in her wing, and she trotted away back to Canterlot Castle.

 Princess Celestia was signing paperwork. She had been so busy, that she didn’t notice the door opening.

 “Mother?” said a tiny voice. “I’ve come to ask you about something. It's about this Dread Pirate called Nightmare Moon.”

 Princess Celestia froze up in shock. She hadn’t heard that name in over one thousand years. "Where... did you hear that name, my dear?" Celestia said. Twilight smiled. 

"It was from this book I found in the castle garden," Twilight said. "It looks old."

Princess Celestia sighed. "Do you know about pirates, Twilight?"

Twilight looked at her quizzically. "Yes, I know about them. They were murderers and they stole ponies' treasures, right?"

Celestia smiled again. "Correct, my dear, but some pirates protected countless villages, like Captain Beryl. Who knows how many cities would have fallen if not for her."

Twilight looked quizically. "How would you know about her? That's not in the history books, and that was over a thousand years ago! Unless..." Twilight trailed off.

"Yes, I was Captain Beryl during my 'rebel phase', as you call it," Celestia said. "But Nightmare Moon is dangerous, sweetheart. Promise me you'll never be like her." Celestia's smile turned into a frown.

Twilight gazed at her mother with a puzzled expression. While she knew her mother had occasional visions of the future, she wondered what could have frightened her enough to make such a promise. "I promise, Mother," she said.

Princess Celestia smiled. warmly at her.

With a mind full of questions, Twilight smiled as she left the room. But her thoughts were soon interrupted by the sight of a dazzling purple sword, glowing with an eerie light. Mesmerized by its beauty, she was about to touch it when suddenly a hoof tapped her shoulder, bringing her back to reality.

"Princess, are you okay?" a guard said, worried.

"No worries, I'm fine," Twilight lied. The guard bowed and left. Shaking her head, Twilight realized there was writing on the sword. It read, This sword carries a dreadful curse - whoever holds it will always be despised, no matter how kind and benevolent they may be. "That is strange," Twilight commented. "Why would somepony curse a sword like that?" She shrugged it off and left to read more about the Dread Pirate Nightmare Moon. In her hurry, she didn't notice the moon had slowly begun to turn red. 

Twilight was feeling increasingly frustrated as she searched through countless books for information on the elusive pirate who had captured her imagination. She had hoped her research skills and determination would lead her to some new insights, but every source she found had the same dry, factual information she had already read a hundred times over. 

Just when she was starting to feel like giving up, she stumbled upon a book that seemed to offer something different. The words on the page were more poetic and evocative, and she got lost in the descriptions of swashbuckling adventures and daring rescues. However, as she reached the end of the chapter, she realized with a sinking feeling that this book, too, had nothing new to offer her search. 

With a sigh, she closed the book and leaned back in her chair, staring up at the ceiling as she tried to come up with a new plan. It was frustrating to think that this pirate, who had captured her imagination so completely, could be so completely unknown to the world at large. How was she supposed to find out more when there seemed to be nothing left to uncover?

Twilight Sparkle had realized that the sword that had entranced her a while before, might hold the answers to such a mystery, but she pushed that down. She then realized that the moon had turned blood red, just like the book said. Her heart fluttered with panic, as she raced to warn her mother. She galloped through endless halls, not stopping to talk to anyone. She saw the throne room, and she stood there, frozen in fear. There she was, the Dread Pirate, Nightmare Moon, and her army.

"Captain Beryl." She hissed. "It is nice to finally beat you after all these years, dear sister. Now, where is that pony you call Twilight Sparkle? She will be useful to my cause."

Twilight gasped and Celestia noticed her, but Nightmare Moon didn't. Celestia yelled,


"You must GO! Leave and NEVER come back!"  Twilight watched helplessly as her mother was surrounded by pirates in blue armor. Memories flashed through her eyes as she remembered all the times they spent together, laughing, and playing, as mother and daughter. Eyes filling with tears, Twilight nodded and quietly slipped away. She sheathed the sword, forgetting the curse. She donned a cloak and she was ready. 

"Princess Twilight is gone," Twilight whispered, sneaking off into the shadows with guards in pursuit.