//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: The Crescent Nightmare // by ChaosKing //------------------------------// Celestia’s POV I looked down at the bickering petitioners with little enthusiasm. I hated it when I had to stay here and listen to their irritating voices. I once didn’t have to put up with things like this, but as always nothing stays the same. I had been tortured by these ponies for decades ever since I declared that I would personally handle any complaints of how the crown functions. I so wished to look for that little brat Crescent. I couldn’t explain it, but I had always had fierce hatred for that little filly. I hated that she caused the rise of Nightmare Moon, I hated that she had taken my sister away, and I hated that she had such potential! I felt my mind wander to the darker side of myself. I entertained giving in to my dark thoughts and base lusts and letting my inner demon let loose on these pathetic creatures. I would gather those close to me and make them live like gods with me until the world around us collapsed into pure chaos- I shook my head. One thousand years gave one far too much time to ponder things of this nature. I had always known I could conquer all if I willed it, but it would never come to be. I merely allowed such thoughts to fester so I could have moments of madness to keep my mind from totally collapsing under the pressure of my façade. Perfection…How I hated that word. They all threw it at me like I was the definition of it. I sometimes just wished to scream at them how corrupt and despicable I was so I could have them leave me be. I wished sometimes that I could leave all of this behind and just be alone. However, such was not to be. I looked at the petitioners and nodded at them to show I was listening. I eventually sent them away promising to look into the matter. I then set off to, as Luna would say, ‘stuff the royal gullet with baked goods.’ I really needed to kick this habit cold turkey…whatever that means. Luna’s POV I woke in the earliest part of the morning dawn. I looked around lost for a moment as to where I was. I suddenly felt the night before hit me like a brick, and immediately searched for a trap to be sprung. I didn’t think she would hurt me, but one doesn’t live long in Canterlot without caution. I sensed nothing and decided to get some sustenance before confronting my daughter about her little ‘display’ the previous day. When I reached the ground floor I found a small, simple spread of toast, oats, and other breakfast stuffs. I saw Crescent over by the fireplace stirring a pot while humming a tune. I kept quite as I went down the stairs. One could learn a lot by seeing how someone acts in their absence. “I know your there.” I jumped at the sound. Crescent looked over her shoulder and gave me a smile before continuing to stir the brew. “Be lucky I had a cup of this stuff earlier. I usually am quite irritable when I wake up.” I looked at the pot, curious as to what could be inside, “What exactly is that Crescent?” “Tea of course. You do remember what tea is after all this time right?” She dipped a cup into the pot and sent it to me. I took a cautious sip, wary of anything she could have put in there. However, from the moment it touched my lips I suddenly felt a sense of calm and peace come over me. “Great stuff huh? The recipe is to die for. Maybe later I could show you.” I looked at her for a moment before the words registered. She expected me to stay here? “Um…I don’t know if that’s a good idea dear.” I said bashfully She scoffed, “Oh please. I have servants on the way that will put those silly ponies in Canterlot to shame. Trust me mother, I have a plan.” Servants? Who would serve a terrorist willingly when the opposition is an Alicorn? And a plan? Just what was in her head? “What do you mean by plan?” She laughed, “Oh nothing. Just the plan I have to conquer all of Equestria and make you my adviser so we never have to be apart again.” “Oh…yes…that makes total sense now.” “I know right. It’s like it was meant to be. I just need a little time to get all the pieces in place, and then I’ll strike.” I had to warn my sister. I couldn’t hurt Crescent, but I could play double agent for a while, “Why yes, of course. Send me a letter via courier if you need any assistance dear.” I turned towards the door. “You mean you aren’t staying?” I could hear the disappointment in her voice. It crossed my mind how young and naïve she sounded right now. “No…I can’t I must stay in Canterlot. It is where I need to be.” “…Fine then.” A cold edge had gone into her voice just then. I could feel her anger from here. “Yes…I’ll see you soon child.” I left the castle as quickly as I could. I didn’t think I could ever feel so much malice from that girl. Twilight’s POV The train ride back to Ponyville was very dull today. I had been ordered by Celestia to allow time for an investigation to find info about this mare before we go after her, but I didn’t have to like it. I just wanted to make sure that my friends wouldn’t be hurt by this crazy lady. She had a very powerful aura of magic when we met, and I didn’t want her within five feet of my home. The train was just pulling into Ponyville around noon. I felt happy no one knew when I was returning from Canterlot, so no reporters at the train station. These days I knew why the princesses always stayed in castles, to get away from the paparazzi. I walked down to the library for a well-deserved reading spree with a mug of hot cocoa, but before I got there I met a certain dragon in the streets. Spike was standing in a line for some cake samples being given out courtesy of the Cakes. I waved to him and smiled as a minute later he brought me a slice. “Hey Twilight! How was the trip?” I felt a frown come onto my face as we began the walk to the library, “Oh nothing Spike. I’ll tell you later.” Shadow’s POV I felt the house creak as I was about to close the door for the last time. I knew I wouldn’t be back. Ever. I thought about Rainbow and how much I needed to do before things got out of control. “Forgive me for what I must do Rainbow. I thought you might not be it, but that old fortuneteller was right after all. I have to train you in every piece of knowledge I know… if I fail… then both of our lives might be forfeit.” I thought. I launched into the air. I could use my full power and be there in less time than Rainbow could manage, but I had learned the meaning of patience years ago. I tried to recall who I would be meeting in Ponyville while I flew. Applejack, an honest, hardworking mare with a good amount of competitiveness. Fluttershy, the cowardly, kind little filly from way back when. Rarity, a unicorn with a passion for fashion, and always an ear or shoulder for her friends. Pinkie Pie, a physics defying mare with a love of laughter and parties. And the most famous of all…Twilight Sparkle. I felt a smile come to my face at the thought of Rainbow’s friends. This little town might not be so bad. I just hoped that things stayed quiet for a good long while.