Chaotic Nightmare

by Sam Cole


Chapter 4: This was a... Triumph?

Chapter 4: This Was a… Triumph?

“I want to go with you!” A desperate voice called out. A little more desperate than it’s normally glorious cadence, compared almost unjustly to that of a songbird, but not without reason. Despite all they had seen and faced, this was not just dangerous, it was reckless. Her husband was almost actively trying to commit the single stupidest action of his life, purposely getting close to the new Nightmare Moon, and the even greater threat, a corrupted Princess of Magic.

“Cadence, this is my sister. If what Princess Celestia says is true, she may be lost to us already. I want you here to protect our kingdom and our subjects- No, our friends, from her evil.” Shining Armor replied with sage like wisdom, rather out of sorts for the colt.

“I don’t like it though!” Cadence whined. “If Twilight really has turned, she might not pause. She might just attack you on sight! I don’t want you to get hurt, or have too…”

“I’m just going to see what I can find.” Shining chuckled. “She would be insane to actually still be in Ponyville.”

“And what about Rarity?” Cadence asked as she grabbed her husbands bags magically and pulled them away from the train. “She was forced into becoming the new Nightmare Moon. And I know for a fact that she and Twilight have been acting together. Who knows how stable she is…”

“Well, I’ll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it.” Shining sighed. “My question is how long will I have before they catch on that I’m tracking them now?”

“Just be safe, okay?”

“Always.” Shining smiled as he kissed his wife goodbye.


Ponyville. Never before had Shining been to such a peaceful little town, and the city colt had to admit he rather liked it. No towers, no angry pedestrians. Loads of happy, carefree foals around.

“I’ve been watching too many movies.” Shining chuckled as he trotted out calmly into town. But the colt was on a mission. He must remain vigilant, lest he tip off the mares he was their stealthy predator, silently stalking them to their-

“Shining!” The excited voice of Twilight called out as Shining Armor froze solid. The mares running at him, as if to only insult his tracking skills, were a taller looking Twilight and Rarity, but not much else had changed about them.

“Twily!” Shining smiled, running to his sister as he hugged her fiercely. Celestia must be trolling again. Ah, am I ever going to learn?

“What brings you to Ponyville?” Twilight asked at long last.

“Oh, Princess Celestia just played a little joke on me is all.” Shining laughed. “I guess she thought I don’t visit enough.”

“The Princess sent you?” Rarity asked sharply, looking to Twilight with what could only be called an evil look. “I do believe she is fighting dirty now, my love.”

“It would appear so, babe.” Twilight nodded.

“Are you two having some sort of contest with- Wait! Love?! Babe?!” Shining snapped. “No way my baby sister is dating! Alicorn Princess or not!”

“Oh darling, he’s upset.” Rarity chided playfully. “Here, I have just the thing for that…” The white mare smiled as she dug around her saddle bag.

“Shining,” Twilight chuckled. “I’m old enough to date. Please, can’t you see me as the tyrant that I’m becoming over the filly of yesteryear?”

“No! You will always be- Wait, tyrant?” Shining asked as Rarity gasped. “You didn’t- Twilight?”

“Found it!” Rarity sang as she pulled a new frying pan out of her bags and whacked Shining painfully over the head.


“Wow.” Spike nodded when he saw the stallion in the basement. “You two actually took him out?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Rarity asked as she dissipated the image spell.

“Um…” Spike froze, and thoughts of frying pans came dangerously close to mind for the drake. “He’s… um- a trained Captain of the Guard, skilled in hoof to hoof combat. I’m impressed you two were willing to resort to that sort of fighting to take him down is all…”

“Oh.” Rarity blushed. “I thought you were insulting us. I’m sorry Spikey-Wikey.”

“Yeah, I would never do that.” Spike nodded sarcastically as he came over to the stallion that was beginning to stir. “Sup, Shine Bro?”

“Spike?” Shining asked as the fog cleared from his head. “Ugh... What’s up, Scaly Dude?”

“Eh, Twi turned all evil.” Spike nodded.

“Bummer.”

“Way. So welcome to the Nightmare Regime’s brig, also known as Twilight’s basement.” Spike nodded to a snort from Rarity.

“Spike, don’t tell him where he is!”

“Where’s Twi?” Shining groaned, looking around.

“She’s just getting some things ready for your ‘visit,’ darling.” Rarity smiled mirthlessly.

“You look different.” Shining finally noticed. “You look old now.”

“... I’ll kill you for that.” Rarity snarled as the door up top flew open, letting in the mare of evil herself, Twilight Sparkle.

“Okay, so I wrote Cadance a letter saying Shining got in safe, Celestia was just playing some joke on them was all. I don’t know if it will keep her away long, but it will buy us some time.” Twilight sighed as she came down the stairs, till her eyes met the defiant orbs of her brother’s gaze. “He’s awake?! Guys, I wanted to be here for that!”

“Twilight, how could you?” Shining nearly spat.

“Oh hush you.” Twilight huffed. “I haven’t had my daily playtime yet, and you’re not helping matters.”

“Playtime? What evil courses through your veins?” Shining roared.

“Dude, don’t ask about playtime.” Spike added quickly. “Trust me, you do not want to know.”

“Are you two done?” Twilight asked coldly as she glared at the small dragon, making him turn to her slowly. “I want a moment with my brother. Please.”

“That wasn’t a question, was it?” Spike asked as Twilight continued to glare. Wow, when did they actually become evil? “You got it, Twi.”

“Darling,” Rarity asked kindly as she and Spike reached the stairs. “He called me old. I expect vengeance one hundred fold.”

“Anything for you, baby.” Twilight smiled as Shining groaned, pained by her sister's growth in several respects.


“So they captured Shining Armor?” Rainbow asked her produce minding friend.

“Eeyup. Them two are gettin outta hoof. We gotta put a stop to this before somepony gets hurt.” Applejack nodded.

“Trust me, I’m want to help, but they’ll…” Rainbow faltered. “I can’t risk it…”

“Ah know. Ah’m workin on it…” Applejack frowned. “Ah think our best bet is to-”

The swish of the door paused Applejack as two new figures strode into the room. Nightmare Rarity. And Spike, but mainly the Nightmare. “Girls, I have something to discuss with you.”

“What’s up?” Rainbow almost quivered. “Where are Shy and Pinks?”

“I can’t trust them with this, seeing as it has to do with Twilight.” Rarity confided, soundproofing the room.

“With Twilight?” The two asked as Spike groaned.

“I’m almost at Twilight Overload. Can I just go?” The small firebreather asked.

“Spike, I need you for this plan.” Rarity hissed. “Twilight cannot be allowed to see what’s coming!” Instantly, both mares smiled brightly. They leaned forward. Had their prayers been answered?

“Whatever ya need, we’re yer mares!” Applejack smiled brightly.

“Thank you.” Rarity smiled as she stole a steadying breath. “So, what do you think I should do? With Twilight, I mean?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s more your line…” Rainbow offered. “I’m not sure about helping with something like that. I mean I still kinda like Twi, we don’t need to…”

“What are you blathering about?” Rarity snapped, stalling the mare.

“What are you talking about?” Rainbow asked meekly.

“Our one week anniversary.” Rarity snorted. “What did you think I meant?”

“Ah… AJ?”

“Don’t bring me into this.” Applejack laughed. “Y’all are the one who was talking about helping her with ‘that.’”

“I hate you.” Rainbow growled while Applejack laughed.

“Excuse me, but I recall this being the Nightmare Regime. Not a daycare!” Rarity snapped as the two blushed. “Now, what dress should I wear? Black, or Cherry?”

“I’m gonna go check on Shy.” Spike chuckled as he open the door. The pair was graced to just a second of screams from downstairs as Rarity smiled.

“Holy hoof grenade…” Applejack muttered. “That’s her own brother…”

“Yes.” Rarity sighed. “You would think he would be the first to throw himself at the cause.”

“What’s she doing to him…” Rainbow asked slowly as the door blocked out all sound once more.


“Noooo!! Please, I beg of you! I’ll do anything!” Shining cried out.

“And this is us sharing our first photo booth kiss!” Twilight giggled while she showed him picture after picture of her and Rarity. Each one, their lips upon the others.

“Make it stop!”

“Oh, this is us on the bow after we bought our new airship…”

“Buddha? Zeus? God? One of you guys, help me!”


“Whatever it is, the colt is getting off easy.” Rarity huffed as she looked back to the pair of ponies she had for consult. “So, which dress?”

“Um… I like them both?” Rainbow offered meekly.

“Like them both? What kind of cowardly answer is that?” Rarity snapped, looking at the fast filly. “... Unless, a nice dark red, like say black cherry… Oh my, Rainbow Dash, you do have an eye for fashion after all!” Rarity squealed in joy as she bounced out the door, leaving behind two very confused, very scared mares.

“I need a drink, AJ.”

“Make it a double.” Applejack nodded as she and Rainbow made a break for the exit, not once looking back despite the horrific screams coming from downstairs. Despite their desire to help, they also desired not being added to whatever personal hell the stallion was enduring.


“Mistress Twilight?” The soft call of the friend to animals echoed into the basement.

“Over here, Fluttershy.” Twilight replied, her nose in a book and her eye to the microscope. “Hmm, fascinating.”

“What are you working on?” Fluttershy asked softly as she set down next to her ruler, a soft smile gracing her lips as she did so.

“Nothing, I was just bored.” Twilight sighed as she sat up more proper. “Since my brother over there will not stop crying!”

“Twily has a girlfriend.” Shining muttered weakly.

“So I’m just observing cellular mitosis.” Twilight finished with a bored sigh.

“Ah.” Fluttershy nodded. “So just how long are we going to keep him down here.”

“I dunno.” Twilight confessed, shrugging her shoulders. “It only took three minutes to break him…”

“Wow. You’re very good at evil, Mistress.” Fluttershy smiled brightly. Twilight wasn’t sure, but she could have sworn she heard a small noise, almost like Fluttershy had said ‘squee’ under her breath.

“Right…” Twilight nodded while she pushed Fluttershy to the end of her reach. “So what’s everyone else up too?”

“Well, Spike is reading comics. Pinkie is baking some cupcakes. Rainbow Dash went to work, along with Applejack. And Mistress Rarity is making a couple new dresses for something.”

“Hmm…” Twilight frowned. “The regime is just ploughing along, eh?”

“Oh yes. I have to say, we’re-”

“We need to expand.” Twilight muttered, getting to her hooves. “We need to conquer.”

“What? But- but I’m horrible at missions!” Fluttershy cowered. “I’m just good at serving you and Mistress Rarity.”

With a sigh, Twilight looked down to the small mare, cowering behind her own mane. “No, this will be just me and my beloved. Go, tell my lover that I wish to go out tonight. I must rule it all.” Twilight nodded, looking to the west.

“Oh, yes mistress!” Fluttershy smiled. “Where will you invade tonight?”

“Tell her I want to invade Trottingham tonight.” Twilight smiled.

“Of course!” Fluttershy smiled as she zipped up stairs, leaving Twilight to her planning. But the butter colored mare returned a short minute later, looking almost frightened.

“What is it, Fluttershy?” Twilight almost demanded.

“She says not tonight. She said…” Fluttershy paused, trying to find the words as fear of upsetting her mistress seethed in her mind. “She said tonight is date night.”

“Date night?” Twilight asked, taken aback. But she smiled a second later. “A date night? With my cuddly mare of unspeakable horrors? Aww!”

“She’s working on a dress just for this, and has one ready for you too.” Fluttershy nodded happily.

“How did she have my measurements?” Twilight asked, thrown off kilter.

“She said she’s seen you a lot recently to figure them out.” Fluttershy giggled, punctuating her sentence with a wink for good measure.

“Wahhhhhaaaaa!” Shining cried loudly.

“Oh shut up!” Twilight snapped at the colt. “Gods, you’re worse now than when I told you I was moving to Ponyville.”

“Can I come with, Mistress?” Fluttershy asked, her eyes begging for inclusion.

“Um… I…” Twilight stalled, her brothers soft whimpers ringing in her ears. “Ah, I need you to watch over Shining actually. Make sure he doesn’t escape!”

“Oh of course, Mistress!” Fluttershy smiled brightly. “Do you want me to get him to stop crying also?”

“Please?” Twilight asked, almost a little too fast.

“Just enjoy your date. I’ll take care of Shining Armor.” Fluttershy smiled kindly, letting Twilight slip upstairs as Shining cried again at the word ‘date.’


Two mares stepped forth from the library to the welcoming evening, their new dresses flowing with them as if Celestia herself had made them like that. They were dressed to the nines, and ready to-

“Nightmare Moon!” A shrill cry interrupted, all eyes quickly turning towards the mares as Twilight figured out they had forgotten Rarity’s image spell.

“I think we overlooked an important detail, my love.” Rarity chided under her breath.

“Maybe we should have been spending more time getting ready, and less time… well, you know…” Twilight blushed.

“Hmm, it was fun, though.” Rarity lamented. “Well, let’s get to it then. I don’t want to be late for dinner after all.”

“Agreed.” Twilight laughed as she spread her large wings. Though the world was already shrouded in night, her wings seemed to pull in all light, setting the town into darkness as she took to the skies. “Attention citizens of Ponyville! I, along with Miss Rarity, are your new sovereign. All will bow to the might of the Nightmare Regime!”

“We are your lords now! Obey us, or per-” Rarity began, but a rumble from the forest cut her off. “Twilight, what was that?”

“I don’t-” Twilight began, but was quickly silenced. A roar like thunder rent the air asunder, as all in it’s wake held their ears for fear of losing their minds to it’s power and ferocity. “Oh, not now. Why did it have to be an Ursa Major?” Twilight frowned.

The creature bellowed it’s fierce call as it left the forest, letting it’s ethereal paw strike flat anything it’s path. The creature snarled and roared, letting it’s eyes rest on Twilight at long last as it sat back onto its hind legs, getting ready to strike.

“You there!” A voice called out, giving the creature pause as it looked down to the small dot of a pony at it’s paws. “Yes, you. You are ruining my date with that lovely mare up there! We will not tolerate letting you just stomp in here and terrorizing us. Now be gone, or else!”

The creature was perplexed. Normally, dinner ran away, not talked back. It decided against the aerial pony as it reached for the loud one, finding it’s courage to be very strong. It did not run at all. Suddenly, pain gripped the creature, from two different sources. One, its claw, the other its ear.

“Hey, paws off my Rare Bear!” Twilight shouted as she magically twisted the creatures ear.

“You dare try to lay claw on the mare of darkness? Fool, I’ll command you! Be gone!” Rarity spat at the creature, pushing it back with enough power to make it flop over into the treeline again. “If I see you again and I am not riding you into battle, I’ll make a rug out of you big enough to blanket Canterlot!”

The Ursa had quite enough now. Stumbling back to its paws, the creature gave one last look at the pair of powerful foes, and hung its head. With a whimper, tail between it’s legs, the ethereal bear retreated into the forest, leaving the pair to their devices once more.

“About time.” Twilight huffed, turning back to the town. She opened her mouth to speak, but a cry cut her off. One of jubilation?

“Thank you Nightmare Moon! Thank you, Twilight!” The towns ponies all cried, gathering around the mares as they continued to thank them.

“We would have been flattened if it hadn’t been for you two!” One pony cried out.

“Did we just save another town?” Rarity asked as Twilight landed next to her.

“If the others ask, that was planned.” Twilight whispered before stepping forward. “Ponyvillians, hear me. We are the most powerful beings in Equestria. Join our regime, and you will be protected!”

“Why should we?” One donkey asked, stepping forward. “I’ve been keeping up on the news, and I know the truth! You two are evil! Why should we turn against Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?”

“Because we just beat an Ursa Major.” Rarity replied coldly.

“Oh, it’s blackmail.” The donkey nodded in understanding. “Yeah, I can live with that.”

“Now, all who oppose us?” Rarity smiled to the crowd. There were a few hesitant faces as towns ponies figured out that they were simply swapping out one blatant evil for another. But at least this one could be benevolent. Slowly, they all bowed, though none was too happy about it. None, but the two at the head of the formation, Twilight and Rarity.

Now was the time for a show of force. To conquer. To-


-Order diner.

“I’ll have a glass of the 72 Château Cheval Blanc, paired with the spinach and romaine salad with carrots and red vinaigrette dressing, please.” Rarity smiled.

“Mmm, that sounds heavenly. I’ll have the same.” Twilight smiled, hoofing her menu over to the waiter. Around the pair sat a dumbfounded village, trying it’s absolute best to comprehend how two lovebirds had just conquered their town, and without breaking a sweat. Many had decided not to think about it too hard, or else they might have an aneurysm.

“A lovely choice, ladies.” The waiter smiled. “And might I say how honored I am to be serving the new rulers of Ponyville.”

“Hmm, flattery will get you far in life.” Rarity giggled before waving off the colt. “Ah, ruling is such hard work, darling. I think I need some time in our new jacuzzi after this.”

“Rainbow Dash still has dibs till Monday.” Twilight frowned. “But, I know of this lovely hot springs not far from here.”

“My dear, that sounds divine.” Rarity giggled. “But darling, won’t these minions try to call for help if left unsupervised?”

“Hmm, you’re right.” Twilight nodded, deep in thought. She waved over a pony, and ordered them to sit for a second. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Joe, ma’am.” The pony nodded slowly.

“Wait, seriously?” Twilight gawked. “Never mind. Joe, you’re in charge when we leave. No one calls for help, okay? Honor system.”

“You’re kidding me, right?”

“No. Promise to be well behaved.” Twilight demand, but her style was much more elementary teacher than maniacal dictator.

“If we don’t call for help?” The pony asked, showing some level of intelligence.

“Hmm, good question. How about a Pinkie Pie ‘Welcome to the Regime’ party and a free day off work for everypony?” Twilight offered.

“... Surely you can’t be serious…”

“I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley.” Twilight retorted, but soon broke into giggles. “Sorry, couldn’t resist. But yes. If you all behave, you get a reward. But if anypony calls for help, I’ll come after you, Joe.”

“Deal.” The pony nodded, quickly taking his leave before she flipped again and decided she didn’t want to wait for somepony to turn rat.

“Where did you learn negotiations, Twilight?” Rarity smiled.

“Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Joe there will maintain our rule for his own sake, but will do so very, very effectively.” Twilight smiled at their food was brought to them. “Now, about that hot spring.”


“So Shining, how are you?” Fluttershy asked as she sat with the still muttering stallion, setting out a cup of tea for him.

“I just found out my sister is doing… adult things.” Shining pouted.

“Well, I know you never wanted her to grow up, but you have to see things from her point of view.” Fluttershy chided. “She’s changed a lot in the last week, turning from simple princess into a ruler worthy of the Equestrian throne.”

“I get that, and a part of me is still sad about that.” Shining confessed, relaxing a little and taking the cup of tea offered to him. “But I have to be proud of her too. She’s finally living the dream.”

“Really? She always dreamed of ruling Equestria?” Fluttershy asked.

“No, not that dream.” Shining chuckled. “She always wanted to make a difference in the world. And now she is. True, she’s destroying it, but hey, who am I to judge?”

“You’re very accepting of this…” Fluttershy noted.

“It’s easier to see her as a deranged tyrant than having a special somepony.” Shining forced a smile.

“Well, for a special somepony, she made a great choice.” Fluttershy nodded. But Shining’s locked expression told all as his ears flattened out and his eye began to twitch. “First, Rarity owns and operates her own business.”

“I don’t like her.” Shining snorted, still maintaining the false smile.

“She’s extremely generous, and always willing to help.”

“Grrr…” Shining growled.

“Um… and she can’t impregnate Twilight no matter how hard she tries.” Fluttershy offered meekly at last. Finally, Shining’s face changed. He looked distant as he let the words sink in.

After about ten minutes of reflection, Shing smiled. “You’re right! Oh, you are so right!”

“See?” Fluttershy smiled.

“Oh I can’t wait till they come back. I have to congratulate her like a real brother!” Shining declared, standing up tall.

“Woo hoo! That’s the spirit!” Fluttershy cheered softly, sporting a huge smile. The Mistresses will be so pleased with me! They might even let me join them for the next date night!


“Sister, we have lost contact!” Luna cried, bursting into her sister’s room once more.

“Oh, I hate it when that happens.” Celestia frowned, looking carefully at the floor. “Watch your step then. I’ll help you look for it.”

“No, not that.” Luna barked. “Shining Armor never reported in from Ponyville. I fear the worst.” Luna frowned, her anger giving way to sorrow.

“Then we have no choice. Send in the roy-” Celestia began, but a pop of magic and an appearing scroll stopped her. At first, she suspected Spike, but the seal was that of the Crystal Empire. Opening the scroll, Celestia read fervently, then relaxed as she began to laugh.

“Sister? What news from the north?” Luna inquired.

“Cadence has heard from Shining, saying he’s staying with Twilight. They think we were joking with them.”

“What? How is this funny then?” Luna demanded.

“Because Cadence is furious that Shining didn’t invite her down for a visit, so she’s storming Ponyville tomorrow.”

“She’s- She’s what?” Luna asked as Celestia nodded. “By the gods, our fears may be over.”

“Tartarus hath no fury like a filly scorned.” Celestia laughed.