Nocturne
Chapter 4
The Mare in the Moon
The castle was not like the Royal Sisters’ castle though it used to be of one of the Duke’s before even Nightmares’ time. It was larger, grander, and best of all secluded. Only those necessary to the survival of all of the guards and its ruler are inside. Few have seen the large crystalline moonstone walls since its new owner took refuge. Even fewer have been inside the walls; even fewer have been inside and left willingly. The guards are adorned in armor much like Luna’s guards; difference being that is the blue are much darker with a dark purple trim.
These warriors have been legendary for their ruthlessness in battle not stopping until they physically cannot even breathe. On the other side, they have been known to be compassionate and highly loyal to their dark ruler, their brothers in arms, and subordinates, not distanced and detached from others except their ruler like the guards of the infernal Sun. None of the guards though are Earth ponies. They may be the most resilient of the three races, but they are very inefficient; they are slow compared to the Pegasi and they do not have any magic.
The sky of the lands taken by Nightmare was always dark. Even when it would be night, there were no stars, but there was always a Moon; the Mare’s Moon. From there, Nightmare can see all through the darkness. The lands much resembled the Everfree Forrest. Large plants and ravenous animals have taken home. Being that it is always dark makes it perfect for them to prey on creatures not suited to the night.
Torches lit with purple flames emanating a purple light making it a burden to see in the halls of the large castle with walls adorned with purple tapestries and rugs, and black and purple marble slab walls being that there were also no windows. Large ceilings those of which you could not see the top due to the darkness made many recruits uneasy, as if they were being watched, which they were by the elite shadow guards that hide in the darkness.
A large throne sat in the center room on the fourth floor. The throne was made of dark purple glass and was sturdier than stone. Beside on both sides of the throne was a large basins filled with large black-blue fire which produced no heat or light. At any one time, the room is filled with guards from the large black obsidian doors, down the magnificent deep blue rug that went down from the door all the way down to the end of the room.
Behind the throne were the stairs to the Royal Chambers. There were only three allowed behind these doors; Nightmare Moon and her two personal guards, both of which are Alicorns themselves. These two guards were also considered royalty and rumored to be family to the Dark Mother. Words hardly ever passed their lips that weren't to the Queen of the Night or one another or an order to subordinates.
Living in this castle is uneasy at first; the tall, dark ceiling; the intimidating guards whom of which you could not tell from a statue other than by color and not to mention who you are serving under; the Dark Ruler of the Night whom wants to blot out the Sun and create an everlasting Moon for all of entirety. It wasn't too often recruits would faint, panic, or even run away. They were allowed to run away; who better to tell the tale of this wretched place other than those who have seen its horrors?
Even after acceptance, entrance to certain areas was still restricted. Recruits with near or no experience with war had no reason to enter the war rooms of the second floor or the third floor of the lieutenants and officers’ quarters and offices, and only elite guards guarded the throne room of the fourth floor and none were allowed in the Royal chambers. Security may seem excessively tight, but when it is you against the world, there are no chances.
In the waking morning, Nightmares’ personal guards were standing at attention, one at the foot of Nightmares’ bed and one beside the doors which opened into the wall, facing toward his equal.
“How much longer do you think she will be away Brother?” The one at the door said with a yawn looking at the motionless, mane-less and tail-less figure that is Nightmare Moon. She looked so much different, almost powerless without her flowing mane and tale. Though he said ‘brother’, it does not necessarily mean that they are biologically brothers. The formal name for the guards is the ‘Brothers in Darkness’. There too were female guards, gender was not acknowledged; Midnight does not discriminate who it covers.
“I am not sure… the Dark Mother has never been out this long.” the other said feigning off sleep. These two were used to staying up all night, but standing watch at attention all night with little talking and no breaks can do a number on one’s spirit and body. But they were the best of the best; they had to be able to take extremes no matter how extreme.
“I wish that there were some clocks in this palace.” The one at the door complained. “It doesn't matter if there are clocks, it’s always night outside, what good would it do since shifts end at 12 hours?” the one at the bed retorted. Since Day and Night did not exist where the Hold was, shifts were divided based on hours and not day or night and marked by a single bell every 12 hours. Though time exists, differentiating between night and day would be unneeded; it is the only place where a 12 hour clock would make sense.
A short while after, a blue, shimmering mist seeped from the ceiling; the Dark Mother has returned. The mist splitting in two went to where her tail and mane should be, and Nightmare came to.
“How long…” she said waking up.
“About 10 hours, Mother.” The one at the door said. Silence as Nightmare stood up off of the bed; she was twice the size of her guards. “What happened?” asked the one at the bed. Normally she did not speak of what had happened to others. Since though, that these two were Her personal guards, these two got special privileges; practically royalty they were.
“I arrived at the Dream Realm, when I arrived, that cursed ‘Princess’ was there. She stopped me from bringing those infernal foals back with me.” She spat angrily. Though they were in the Dream Realm, Her magic was powerful enough to bring one’s physical from the physical realm and into the Dream Realm, and then back with Her.
“How did they get away?” the door guard asked still shocked that Nightmare arrived alone.
“That blasted Luna jumped in my way.” It reminded Her why I chose her body a thousand years ago.
“Nox, bring a bowl of fruit to the washroom,” The guard at the door trotted off to the kitchen, “Umbra, draw me a bath…”
The guard at the bed went over the washroom that was in the chambers. Nightmare had said this wearily. She had rarely ever been tired, she could not even remember the last time she was. She sat into the cold water of the bath and took a bite out of a pomegranate. How she wasn't able to get those six foals was beyond her. She was now the most powerful being, how could she not have gotten them? Perhaps it was because they weren't in her realm, the Realm of Nightmares. There, she had total and complete control of everything and everyone that entered. She often kept those she personally interrogated imprisoned there. Needless to say, she got whatever information she wanted.
Raising herself from the granite tub, she wiped herself dry and peered into the mirror. She looked strikingly similar lot like Princess Luna without her armor on. This was the only feature of hers she despised. Walking out fully adorned, she was the form that struck fear into the hearts of the creatures of the day. Her shoes hit the ground with a sound to that of a hammer dropped onto a stone road. The large formidable doors creaked open into the walls to whom they belonged and out of the darkness, Nightmare Moon stood in full splendor. All of the guards along the way to the door from the doors of the throne room bowed to their Mother of the Night. She walked down the stairs of the stairwell down into the second floor war room. There were high ranking officers and the highly esteemed ‘Father of Darkness’, the highest ranking member of the entire Hold. This man has been said to beat mouthy subordinates. This does not mean he is viewed as a bad person; punishment goes to where it is called for.
“Situation report.” Nightmare had said shortly.
“Mother, our lines have reached as far as Los Pegasus.” A female officer had said.
“Have we taken it yet?”
“No, Mother. Los Pegasus is a large city and-“I know what large cities mean, Child” Nightmare had interrupted. “How close are we to Pony Ville?” “Approximately 200 miles; Canterlot has been in the way for a while Mother.” A tall, slender and lean unicorn spoke looking down at the maps. These maps moved where the curtain of midnight moved.
“Canterlot…” Nightmare said with a face hate and a voice of malice. “It matters not if Canterlot falls; we need to make sure that Pony Ville falls. Soon, before those wretched foals leave to find the Elements.”
“Where did you put the Elements if I may ask, Mother?” Nox had asked in a hushed voice.
“I would rather it be that there are some things only I know, Dear Child.”
“Understood Mother.”
Walking back up a floor to the throne room, the guards that lined the room bowed as their Mother of Darkness passed to the throne. Sitting, she thought of the nasty plots that she could use. Many boring, many too complicated. Often some took too long to even get put together. To build a plan to beat those that have beaten you; how do you do that? If you over estimate them, it will take too long for the plan to go into action. Under estimate and they will stamp the plan into the ground. Like last time.
“Last time…” Nightmare ground her teeth together. Even thinking of what happened on that night brings images of pain, smiting light, and thoughts of vengeance. Even if she wanted to do anything, should have to wait until night, then she must wait for the foals to sleep; if they do sleep. They are unlikely to fall asleep all at once after last nights’ little incident, but eventually they would not have a choice.
“Mother!” Umbra said sprinting into the throne room, bowing at the foot of the throne.
“What is it Dear Child?” His Mother said in very concerned tone; Umbra doesn't sprint.
“It’s Celestia…” Umbra said gasping for breath.
“What is it?” Nightmare asked almost impatiently.
“She says she is here to talk and form a treaty.” Umbra had said after finally composing himself.
“This may save us from unnecessary head ache… Bring her in.” Nightmare had shouted. Within seconds, a being as tall as Nightmare Moon had walked in holding her head adorned with the golden tiara and her multi-hued mane up proudly with two guards at her side.
“Princess Celestia… What brings you to my humble castle?” Nightmare said with sarcastic hospitality.
“It isn't yours; it used to be a royal castle.”
“Hmm… Used to…” the darker Alicorn said with a malevolent chuckle. ”Now, why are you here?” she demanded.
“I am here to find peace between us.” Celestia said.
“You are… that you are… How do you intend to do this?” Responded Nightmare, resisting the urge to plunge her fangs into Celestias’, whose bite would either corrupt Celestia and turn her into a being of darkness, or completely drain her of all of her strength, physical, mental, and magical.
“I am willing to acknowledge you as a city with land from Equestria.”
“A very tempting offer… what lands have do you have in mind?”
“The untamed lands you have already conquered that are away from other cities.”
Calculating in her head, this would mean that she would lose land due to cities already conquered. “How about I keep the cities I already have and I stop attacking?”
“What?” a shocked retort from Celestias’ mouth. “What about the people that don’t want to live in darkness forever; what about the children that live there never to see the Sun again?”
“How about they move? They aren’t the only ones that want a family; my subjects have feelings to. Besides, it gets crowded in this little castle, and I have such a large family; I hardly know how we get by sometimes…” said with false despair.
Celestia groaned quietly. Nightmare didn’t seem close to budging on her deal though her eyes made it unclear; always seeming to glare, no one could tell if she even knew how to feel happiness and joy.
“Either you take my offer or you leave and let this conflict will continue. I warn you though, if you comeback, my offer will not change; lands I take will be mine.” The complete solidarity in Nightmare’s voice showed that she had no intention on losing what she had worked to gain. Celestia sighed and looked to her left and right. Her guards were looking at her hoping that she would choose today.
“It seems as if I have no choice…” Celestia said soberly.
“Oh, you have a choice, you’re just choosing the logical one; come with me.”
Nightmare rose and Celestia with her guards followed. Before Nightmare could step one hoof out of the throne room, Nox appeared and behind him were two guards dragging behind them a white Unicorn with a blue mane. On sight of the Unicorn, Celestia gasped silently.
“Mother, we found this one disguised as a guard on the fourth floor stair well.” A lieutenant said as he held him down.
“He could have at least stolen officer’s armor…” Nox whispered quietly to Umbra.
“Who is this insolent foal? How does he know of the location of my Hold?”
“Because… He snuck in with me…” Celestia admitted. Nightmare Moon looked straight into Celestias’ eyes. They were full of fear for the creature. Nightmare let a bloodcurdling yell as she reared up on her hind legs and slammed her forelegs into the ground. On contact, a dark aura shot out from to the insignificant being. Where the Unicorn was, there was nothing but fine dust and smoke rising from it.
“You monster! What did you do, kill him?!” Celestia cried out at Nightmare.
“No, but he’s going to wish I did.” Nightmare said in a deathly tone. “Show our visitors to the door; they are no longer welcome here." She said with a voice as abrasive as sand. She looked straight at Celestia "To think I would trust you…You destroyed your one chance at salvation. If you find any of her subjects, bring them to me without question.” Celestia and her guards were taken to the door.
After Celestia had climbed into the carriage one guard asked “What do you think she meant, Your Highness? ‘He’s going to wish I did’?”
“I can only hope it isn't what I think…” said Celestia morosely with a tear in her eye.
The white stallion was chained to the ground, unable to stand up. He woke with a start. Even though his vision was blurred, he managed to make out Nightmare Moon in the darkness.
Finally, her voice cut through the silent darkness like a cleaver. “You are very lucky she said you came in with her you know… I was going to kill you otherwise.”
“What are you going to do…? Where am I?” he said almost panicking.
“All in due time young one. Now, you will tell me who you are and why you are here…” said almost comfortingly.
“I’ll never tell you anything.” the stallion said quietly but rebelliously.
“Oh, I wasn't asking.” She touched her horn to his forehead. Instantly, a pain shot through his entire body, so much to the point he couldn't breathe. He was taken back to the day of the swearing in of the Royal Guard Captain.
“Ahh… you’re the captain of the Royal Guard… You and I are going to have some fun…”