//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5 
// Story: The Nightmare Reigns 
// by Gabrielangel13 
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	"ALL PONIES, REPORT TO TOWN SQUARE IMMEDIATLY! HER SUPREME MAJESTY DEMANDS YOU PRESENCES!" The call jolted Twilight out of her dreams and she glanced, shocked towards her clock. The sleep cycle had barely ended, Nightmare Moon wasn't supposed to arrive until this time tomorrow! Panic filled her as she yanked on her cloak and ran for the door, the chilly air nipping at her horn. Freaky bat-like pegusi flew around ponies urging them toward the center of town, Twilight's heart wasn't the only one racing that night. All around ponies were being shoved and herded violently to where she was waiting. Nightmare moon. As if by magic, as soon as the last pony was herded in, the clatter died down and every mare, stallion and foal bowed down low. The Alicorn scanned the crowd with disdain, power seemed to radiate out of her. Beside her stood whom all knew to be Lord Sombra, a grey and terrifying Alicorn, and Princess Aura Moon. The silence seemed like an eternity, but finally the bringer of night spoke. 
"THERE IS A THEIF AMONG US!" The very ground shook at her voice. "I WANT MY ARTIFACT RETURNED. TURN YOURSELF OVER, AND YOUR PUNISHMENT WILL BE LESSENED." Twilight's blood went cold as she glanced for her friends, but the crowd was too large. She couldn't find even her own family. The order came for the crowd to stand. Twilight stood, terror in her eyes, staring at the Queen of Darkness. Twilight stared as Nightmare Moon's horn began to pulse darkness. A wisp of magic, much resembling Nightmare's mane, grew from the horn and snaked through the crowd. For several moment, the fog-like matter slinked through them, but the convoked upon one pony: Twilight. The mist surrounded her, and she felt her hooves leave the ground. She faintly heard the rest of the crowd dismissed, but her panic blocked out most things. Her heart raced as she was placed before Nightmare Moon herself. She stumbled backwards, but magic caught her and held her like a statue. 
"WHERE IS IT!" She demanded in a raspy voice that made even her family cringe. Twilight's mouth was freed, but she did not speak. "FINE, I WILL FIND IT MYSELF!" The large mare's horn lit and was pressed to Twilight's forehead, summoning the memories of the egg. Twilight squirmed the best she could, but to no avail. Her memories were whizzed through faster than she could read. Then came what she feared most of all: The magic. Nightmare's eyes went wide as she saw those, and she stepped back in shock. "You?" For the first time her voice was quiet and held fear. That's when they attacked.
A crossbow bolt shattered on an invisible shield, and a roar emitted from Nightmare Moon's throat. Her mane exploded and flew around wildly as more bolts pelted her shield "FOOLS! SHE IS MINE!" Anger filled Twilight and she realized she had to get free. While Nightmare Moon taunted and attacked the assailants, Twilight began her magic. It was discreet at first, but she poured more and more magic into her spell. Her focus bent on shattering her invisible prison, her horn glowed brighter than ever before. When Nightmare finally caught the attack on her spell, she turned to find a very brave and defiant mare grunting with effort, horn engulfed in light. Nightmare's own magic began to counter the attack, but her spell had already begun to fail. Roars of anger and screams of effort filled the night while the rebels fought the Night Guard and Nightmare's family. Twilight's mind began to burn, muscles ached, and her throat went dry. Tears and sweat mingled together on her face as she poured the last of her strength into the battle, and Nightmare Moon's spell shattered. An explosion of light filled the night as the dark Alicorn was shoved back several feet, but was more annoyed than beaten. She shielded her eyes with her wings and searched for Twilight to beat her to a pulp, but all she could see were figures fleeing, a pony draped over their back. The scream of rage that followed, they say, was heard for miles around, and resolve filled Nightmare Moon.
"Her magic will be mine."