//------------------------------//
// The Second Nightmare 
// Story: The Queen Beckons 
// by AlicornPriest 
//------------------------------//

	Twilight trots up the stairs to her special room in the castle. She sets the book she has been reading onto her bed and begins to pace nervously. Her thoughts fly back and forth. Whom can I trust? What is Selene doing? What am I doing? Is the answer I'm looking for in this book, or will I need to keep searching? With each passing thought, her thoughts feel more and more leadened, until at last she begins to sink to sleep.
When Twilight opens her eyes, the darkness surrounds her. Selene appears before her, her look apologetic. Before she can speak, Twilight shouts, “And just what the hay was that?!”
“You've made some very important discoveries. I felt it was necessary to reconvene.”
“No, not that! Well, okay, that too, but the other thing! Why did you take over my body when I was talking to Spike?”
Selene sighs. “Here's the thing, Twilight. I didn't.”
“...What do you mean, 'You didn't?' I would never talk to Spike that way! I love him like a brother!”
“But you heard what he said with Celestia.” Selene sees Twilight's ears fall flat, so she continues. “You heard what he was planning. You heard the way they intend to use Lyra like a pawn to learn of your plans. In that moment, you were angry, vindictive, scheming... perhaps even cruel.”
“No!” Twilight gasps.
“The magic in the glasses responded to that, and it created a sort of... feedback. In essence, my thought began to mingle with yours.”
“So that's the cost, then?” Twilight steps back once, twice, and shakes her head. “Like a tanar'ri, you offer a deal with me that will bind me to you. Weaken me, make me suffer, until you snap me up!”
“No, not at all!” Selene waves her hoof quickly. “Do you not see? It made you more cunning, more cautious. Don't you think you might have spilled your secret to Spike had you not hidden your thoughts in twisting words?”
“...I still think the duck pun was forced,” Twilight says.
“It was your idea,” Selene replies. “Now, where were we?”
“I think I've found out how to prove your story.”
“Oh?” Selene raises an eyebrow at this.
“It's simple. There's a showpony named Starbuck giving a show tonight. I've taught him your story. I'll simply sit next to Celestia and see how she reacts. I might even ask her what she thinks.”
“For your sake, I hope it works,” Selene replies. “But Celestia is marvelous at retaining her neutral persona. Don't be disheartened if it doesn't work.”
“I have a feeling it will. Oh, before I forget,” Twilight adds, “I've made a lot of progress in the books I've been reading. One book said, 'The stars will aid in her escape,' and the one I've been reading mentions 'the full moon.'”
“I see. I think we may have an opportunity to act soon, then.”
“The book is so fascinating! Why have I never read it before?”
Selene looks at Twilight and smirks. “I may have forgotten one ability of the glasses. They also give you the ability to read ancient Lunar texts.”
“Lunar texts?” Twilight asks. Her heart quickens, and her eyes light up.
“Indeed. My people had a special text, which Celestia supplanted. A complete overhaul of society. Now, however, you will be able to read what was previously hidden to you.”
“Wow! Thank you!” Twilight cheers.
“Save your praises, my dear,” Selene says. “I have another surprise.” She pulls the shadow from Twilight's dream image and holds it out before her. At a wave, Twilight steps beneath it, and it ties itself around her as a cloak. Selene tells her, “This cloak will give you dominion over shadow. They will do whatever you command, take you where you will, and take form as you desire.”
“This is... too much power, Selene,” Twilight says. “I'm not ready.”
Selene places a hoof on Twilight's shoulders. “I believe you are,” she says, her eyes directly on Twilight's. “I believe you can do this. You are smart, talented, and brave. I know you will do what is right.”
“What do I do before the show, then?”
“Speak to Lyra, if you can. Determine where Gilded Lily and Rosy Ray stand. Continue your research. I would suggest--”
Suddenly, Celestia appears beside Selene. “Twilight! Thank goodness I've found you!” She turns to the mare next to her, and she glowers at her. “You! What are you doing to my student?”
Selene panics. “The stars, Twilight! Now go!” Celestia pounces, but Selene is faster. She pushes Twilight, who falls, falls, falls--
--and wakes up with a jolt on the floor of her room.