“No!” Twilight glared at Pinkie as she held her down. “No shrieking! No squealing or screaming either, okay?” Pinkie nodded, eyes wide with worry and tears. Twilight sighed and backed off. “There’s something that I want you to see, and I promise that it’s safe, but you really, really, really can’t shriek. Do you promise not to shriek?”
Pinkie nodded again, worried. Twilight backed off, sighing inwardly. Sorry I had to be so aggressive, Pinkie… Without Ardor, I have to be rougher. It’s the only way to get my point across. Twilight looked to the side and nodded.
Pinkie shuddered and sat up straighter as Luna trotted up out of the shadows. She started to scream, but kept her promise by shoving her hooves into her mouth. Twilight smiled softly. “Pinkie Pie, you remember Princess Luna, right?”
“Ah… The ring leader of the frightened children,” Luna said waringly. She trotted up slowly, eyes softening a bit. “Hast thou… come to make peace?” She slowly offered up a hoof.
Pinkie looked at the hoof offered. She smiled softly and slowly raised her hoof. They were about to come to an agreement when lightning struck behind Luna, making her eyes flash white once more. Pinkie flinched, shrieking. “NIGHTMARE MOON!” She ran as fast as she could down the alley.
Twilight looked up for the source of all the mysterious lightning - it wasn’t even raining! “RAINBOW!” No response came from the cackling Shadowbolt. Twilight growled and teleported before Pinkie. She grabbed the mare and pushed her down once again. “She’s changed, Pinkie! She’s not evil or scary anymore, and she definitely doesn’t want to gobble you up!”
Pinkie stopped struggling. She looked at Twilight with a raised eyebrow. “Well, duh.”
“Huh?”
“I know that! Sheesh, Twilight, I’m almost as big as her. How’s she gonna gobble me up?”
“So, why do you keep running away and screaming!?”
“Sometimes, it’s just really fun to be scared,” Pinkie said as she spread her hooves out wide in emphasis.
Twilight looked bewildered as gears started turning in her brain. “Fun?...” She gasped after a moment’s thought. “Pinkie Pie, you’re a genius!”
“No I’m not. I’m a chicken!”
Twilight giggled and ran off. “Princess Luna! I finally figured out why you’re having so much trouble being liked!”
Luna sighed, hunched over. “Forgive me if I withhold my enthusiasm.”
“Come with me! I’ll explain everything on the way.” Luna sighed and followed her off into the woods.
Pinkie giggled as she stood, dusting herself off. “Teehee! ‘I’m a chicken’! I’m sure Twilight got a hoot out of that one.” She stopped for a minute before grinning her biggest grin. “Hey! Hoot! Twilight has an owl for a pet!” She giggled more, trotting around. “What did you think of those, Tikl,” she whispered to her mane.
No response came. She stopped. “Tikl?”
“Down here, Half-Pint.” She looked down to see a miniature spider below her. Pinkie picked him up and lifted him up to her ear. “I was hanging out with my friends on the webbing,” Tikl said, his little pincers clicking. “I tried to offer them candy, but they said they were stuffed!”
Pinkie laughed as Tikl burrowed into her mess of a mane. “Oh, you’re so silly! Wait till you hear what just happened between Twilight and Luna!”
“Tell me all about it, Half-Pint.” Tikl burrowed deeper, thinking back to the real conversation he had with Luna’s spiders. “Tell me everything.”
*~*~*~
Twilight smirked as Zecora led the children to the Everfree. She hadn’t told anypony of her plan; a simple suggestion here or there had pushed them to decide to bring the kids to the annual candy offering. Nopony knew her plan, but that would just make this even more beneficial. Luna would see - she was sure of it.
The last of the children eventually made their way to the statue of Nightmare Moon, sighing as he put down his candy. “Goodbye, Nightmare Night… forever…” He turned away from the statue, but stopped as a particularly hard gust of wind went through the forest.
Everypony looked around in fear as a voice rang out. “Citizens of Ponyville! You were wise to bring this candy to me!” Zecora backed up; this wasn’t part of the candy offering. “I am pleased with your offering.” Applejack gasped as the wind tore off her hat. She, along with everypony else, watched it drift toward the statue. The statue grinned and broke out of it’s stone prison. Everypony gasped.
“So pleased,” Nightmare Moon said with a grin, “that I may just eat it… instead of eating you!” She lunged forward, her fangs and eyes shining a brilliant white.
Everypony ran, screaming, adults and children alike. On the stone platform, Luna shrank down to her normal size, spitting out the fangs into her hoof as he eyes went back to normal. “I am not certain that did what you meant for it to do, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna frowned, glancing at the unicorn.
“Just wait,” Twilight said with a smirk.
“For what?” She hopped off the platform, frowning still. “For them to scream some more?” She gasped as she felt a tug on her mane.
“Uuuh… Princess Luna?” She looked at the little colt dressed as a pirate. “I know there’s not gonna be anymore Nightmare Night, but… do you suppose, maybe, you could come back next year and scare us again anyway?”
Luna looked back at the bushes, where all the little children cowered in fright. She glanced back at the pirate foal. “Child, art thou saying that thou… liketh me to scare you?”
“It’s really fun,” he said while nodding. “Scary, but fun!”
“It… is?”
“Yeah! Nightmare Night is my favorite night of the year!”
“W-well then,” Luna said hesitantly, “we shall have to bring Nightmare Night back!”
“WOAH!” Pip struggled to maintain his balance. He stood, smiling brightly. “You’re my favorite princess ever!” He darted up and hugged her hoof before running back to his friends. “She said yes, guys!”
Twilight walked up to Luna with a smile. The princess seemed happier as all the children cheered. “See? They really do like you, Princess!”
“Can it be true,” the princess asked, almost to herself. She smiled brightly, standing on her hind hooves. “Oh, most wonderful of-” She stopped, blushing as she realized how loud she was. “I mean… Oh, most wonderful of nights.”
*~*~*~
“... and even if my Starswirl the Bearded costume didn’t go over, this still turned out to be the best Nightmare Night ever,” Twilight finished. Spike was nearby, writing every word she said down. Twilight nodded to him to stop as she nibbled a piece of candy.
Twilight looked up as she heard a scream. Rainbow Dash was darting away from a quickly dissipating black lightning cloud. Above that was Luna, smiling serenely. She winked, and all of them laughed.
Twilight kept laughing as she heard a voice. Thank you, Twilight. She’s happy.
Me and you need to talk, Ardor.
After she’s gone.
Twilight smiled, levitating the finished letter. “Princess? The night’s almost over, and you most likely need to get back to Canterlot. Would you mind giving this to Princess Celestia for me?”
Luna smiled, taking the scroll. “Anything for a friend, Twilight Sparkle. Please, enjoy the rest of your night.” She flapped her wings, landing nearby. She looked back once. “And, Twilight?”
Twilight glanced at the princess. “Yes?”
Luna lost her smile. Her eyes narrowed and her face was grim. “Do not stay up too late.”
Twilight watched as Luna flew away. Spike rolled his eyes. “Wow. Overdramatic much? I think she’s trying too hard to scare us.”
“Yeah…” Twilight gulped. That comment had most certainly been directed at her and Ardor. Luna knew; that meant Celestia would know soon. “Let’s… get back home, Spike. I don’t want to be in this forest for too long.”
Together, they made their way back to town.
*~*~*~
Twilight paced her bedroom, finally out of her costume. Ardor, we need to talk again.
I don’t want you to put yourself under, he argued stubbornly. You’re still having hallucinations from the last time. We can talk like this.
It’s so much harder to concentrate like this, and so much easier for you to slip away! She huffed and slammed her hoof down. She was, perhaps, just as stubborn as he.
Twilight, you must understand. Luna knows I’m in here now. If you go to sleep, she’ll know you’re contacting me!
I’m sorry, Ardor, but there’s just too much for us to discuss. I can’t say all I need in this manner.
She heard a heavy sigh. Very well then. I’ll keep watch of the time, and will cut you off before the effects of the spell will get too bad. Please, at least go up to your room instead of in the library.
Twilight nodded. That made sense. She glanced at Owlicious. “I’m going to bed now, so you’ve got the night to yourself.” The owl hooted, flapping over to Twilight and riding her back. She rolled her eyes. “No, you can’t be in my room all night. I’d wake up covered in feathers.” Using her magic, she moved him back over to his stand. She frowned slightly; he almost looked sad. “I’m sorry I can’t stay up with you, but I need my sleep.” She smiled. “Goodnight, Owlicious.”
“Hoot.”
She giggled and trotted to her room. She locked the door as she always did and lied down. “Here we go again…” She shut her eyes and started the spell. It was far easier this time around, and she found herself nodding off quickly. As she shut her eyes, her horn sparked black, the aura surrounding her. She felt nothing in that realm, however.
Twilight was dreaming now.
She awoke, as always, in her library. Ardor, come out please.
I… really would rather not.
She tilted her head, sitting at their table. Her eyes narrowed slightly. Ardor, you can’t hide from me. Come out, now.
Another sigh. Just… don’t be too surprised at my appearance. I always looked like this around her, and I just had to be like this again. Twilight kept still as the tan alicorn trotted into the room. Should I change back?
I would prefer if you would, Ardor. All these changes in form are confusing. Just how many bodies did you have?
Ardor shook his head. I lost count years ago, Twilight Sparkle. There are times when even the honest have to hide. His body wavered slightly. Twilight blinked, and gone was the intimidating yet gentle armored stallion; in his place was the lilac colored alicorn Twilight knew. He sat, his face thoughtful. Shall we get this over with? I do not want to keep you here overly long.
I don’t want to be here too long either, so I’ll get straight to the point. What in Tartarus happened between you and Luna?
Ardor winced. I… He sighed, shutting his eyes tightly. I cannot lie to you, Twilight. I hate to admit it, but I loved her.
Twilight nodded. I suspected as much. That image I saw… she was so concerned. You only wanted her to be happy. It wasn’t hard to put two and two together.
It is obvious why I loved her so much. She was so powerful, but never let that control her… until Nightmare Moon, that is. I tried to talk sense into her, but it just… He shook his head lightly. She was my only friend. Of course I loved her.
You keep saying that, but… it just can’t be true! I know you’re the Element of Honesty, but that has to be a lie, Ardor. You and all the others represented the Elements of Harmony and Friendship!
The key term there is was, Twilight. She flinched; he sounded angry suddenly. I turned dark. I grew power hungry, and simply could not understand why none of my friends understood my need for power. They pulled me out of the darkness, and for that I was eternally grateful. But to them, I had shattered their trust. I was no longer honest, to them. I was just somepony to be brushed aside and ignored!
I’m sure they didn’t feel completely like that, Ardor. After all, you were still able to banish Nightmare Moon.
Banish, but not kill. Twilight’s eyes widened. That was right. Yes, you get that now. You and your friends managed to obliterate Nightmare, whereas we were only able to banish my one and only love. If our friendship had been strong enough, perhaps we could have healed her. Saved her. Perhaps I would not have lost her to the darkness that she led me away from.
After you turned dark… she still trusted you.
She was hesitant… but yes, she trusted me. She knew I had been made to be honest. She knew I could be trusted because of that. So she was the only pony who truly remained my friend.
True friends…
Yes. Ardor looked at her, wiping away a stray tear or two. True friends help friends in need; but, furthermore, they do not abandon them after their mistakes. Remember that, Twilight.
Twilight nodded. But, if you loved her, why were you so scared to see her?
She… she changed, Twilight. Nightmare Moon changed her.
I thought you just said to never abandon your friends after their mistakes?
Ardor stood, pacing slowly. I know what I said. The problem is… I wasn’t the one who abandoned her.
Twilight tilted her head, confused. What do you mean?
I mean the final battle. Not the one between all of us. The one between me and her; Luna and I. I tried to make her see reason myself. I tried to make her understand… I still remember her exact words. He sighed. “You lie, Ardor. You lie as you always have to us. Even your very being is a lie, thou husk. How could one such as thee learn to love one such as I?”
Twilight shook her head. She had just spent the entire night with Luna. That didn’t sound like her. She wouldn’t…
She did, Twilight. At least, Nightmare Moon did. Tonight, when I saw her, I could not see my love. That love was shattered by that monster long ago. Nothing remains of it today except faded memories and long forgotten dreams.
Twilight sighed. For so long, Ardor had lived with all these secrets. All this pain. I’m… sorry, Ardor. I’m sorry you’ve had to live like this, all because of past mistakes on everypony’s part.
It is not your fault, Twilight. Ardor trotted over to her, placing a hoof on hers. You have been my refuge and sanctuary. I cannot thank thee enough.
Twilight watched him. What do we do now? Celestia will surely know you are hiding in me now. What if she comes after you?
I do not think she will, Twilight. I can only hope she sees the good we have done, together. I can only hope she can trust me once more.
And if you’re wrong?
Ardor let his hoof fall to his side. If I’m wrong… He took a deep breath. I’m not wrong. Celestia is loyal to goodness. She will see what we have done. He turned his back. Even so, we should lie low for awhile. No more big displays, no more attracting attention. I will try to remain as silent and still as I can, Twilight.
Thank you, Ardor. I know I can trust you.
He was glad she couldn’t see his smirk. I was counting on that, Twilight. You really are a true friend.
*~*~*~
Celestia was waiting as Luna flew in from the balcony. “I trust you enjoyed the visit to Ponyville,” she said softly.
“I did, dear sister. But, while it was nice to see our subjects once more, there was something more disturbing.” She sighed. “Our suspicions are correct. Ardor is inside Twilight, and has been for years.”
Celestia shook her head in sorrow. “How could I have missed it… all these years…”
“He is a master of disguise sister, as I have said. You must stop berating yourself because of his actions.”
Celestia stood, looking out at the night sky. “How could you tell he was there?”
There was a slight pause. Luna joined her sister, her head down. “I… He still affects me, dear sister.” Celestia glanced at her. Softly, she placed a wing around her. Luna drew closer to Celestia with another sigh. “I-I grew angry when I shouldn’t have. I yelled constantly; I managed to convince Twilight it was just the royal Canterlot voice I used to use for pranks.”
Celestia nodded. “And the power levels you experienced?”
“The mana in Ponyville is wild, especially around Twilight. I lost control numerous times throughout the night. That same oblivion that took me around Ardor took me again tonight. I managed to convince many that it was just the Alicorn’s power, but some seem unconvinced. Namely, Twilight.”
Celestia frowned. “My faithful student…”
“She seems to be okay, Tia. Ardor has not hurt her, yet.”
“But he fills her head with lies and other nonsense!” She drew her wing back, falling to the floor. Her back hunched over and she sighed. “I have tried to give her lessons to help protect her from this possibility, but I fear I may be too late, Luna.”
“If we are too late… you know what we must do, Sister.”
Celestia shook her head, tears beginning to form. “L-Luna…”
The princess of the night nuzzled her counterpart, sighing. “We must. There is no avoiding it. If she grows out of control, it will be our duty to stop her.”
Celestia sniffed, looking up at her sister. Tears streaming down her face, she reached out and hugged Luna. Luna held her gently, shutting her eyes. “I… I don’t know if I can do this again, Luna.”
“You must, Tia. If worst comes to worst… we must.”
Time passed and Celestia’s tears grew dry. She stood, weary from her weeping. “I trust you’ve alerted the others?”
“Castelli was locked away, but he knows already. I warned Tikl. He shall tell Killian for us.”
“How on earth did you manage to get to Tikl without Pinkie noticing?”
“A very convenient game of spider tossing. I brought the stuffed creatures to life. They told Tikl all he needed to know.” Celestia nodded, allowing herself one small smile. Luna saw this and smiled back. “You should sleep, dear sister. The sun will need to be raised eventually.”
Celestia nodded. “Goodnight, Luna. Thank you.”
The two princess parted ways for the night. In the morning, the sun rose, and all seemed well in Equestria.