Started this like at 7PM. Its midnight... no edit sorry.
Dark Heart Openings
The attacks have been less harmful but more disorienting than anything. Ever since her escape down in the dungeons the mare; the locals calling her 'Mare-Do-Well', has more or less done what she can to stop Nightmare Regime.
At the same time, she has been helping the locals and troubles from the guards. She has freed many prisoners, has stopped harmful Shadowbolts or guards towards protestors and has even by some magical means give artificial sunlight to the populace. Since her escape, the last month has made her the most well known pony across the lands.
Nightmare Moon meanwhile stood by and watched as her guards worked endlessly to try and catch this mare. She had been unease about the whole situation since her encounter. The mare has been in every thought in her mind and Nightmare Moon wasn't sure how this was good or bad. There was something about her that intrigued her so…
Compared to her 'time traveling counter-part', this one was dark, full of passion and hate. But something lingered in her that felt oh so familiar to her. Hope… hope she carried in her heart and it was also that which would keep her going.
Hope that her brother will get through with her help. Hope that would break her mother back to her. Hope that would allow her to raise the ponies behind her and bring an end to her rule. And Hope was running low in this world, a world where Nightmare was trying to perfect in her own image.
Her image… not anypony else, hers. Someday… somenight down the line, they would thank her for bring about eternal night. When the world is actually better in the darkness, where they no long have to fear the animals and creatures of the night as they are in unison with them. They would all rejoice fully… she hoped…
From what her guards had gathered around the 'mare's' identity from her brother and few records that remained(she had been torching anything and everything around her name)was that she is indeed Shinning Armor's brother and their last names went by 'Sparkle'. That was it, no last name or any other alias. Not long, some records went up in flames again and any files were all gone. This was not good.
The month had really left a bunch of her guards in a bad mood, especially her Captains. Rainbow Dash of the pegasi division had really put forth her 'personal' distaste that the mare got away with Spitfire, though Nightmare knew she was happy she was safe.
Trixie Lulamoon, her shadow guard had begun training more unicorns and trying to have them either become more Shadow Guards or become Archmages like herself. Since Nightmare's rule began, she sought a protege and a personal bodyguard. However, before the first assassination attempt, Beatrix wasn't ready and even now, she was close to being an Archmage but not that close. Still, that left her with few options for now while and since the last sighting of the 'mare' was near a month ago, she felt that she could spare no precautions.
The earth ponies were the only ones who seemed more under control, thanks to the Pie sisters. They remained grounded but where still a bit affected when most of their supply runs or weapon caches were hit.
This mare was hitting her where it counts and soon, Nightmare knew that she would be coming back for her. Whether to kill her or to taunt her, it unnerved Nightmare to no end. It was almost chilling knowing that she could die any moment and not even know it. The Sol Steel would end her life… and she would loose everything.
So… in order to stop this from coming true, she called for help… and she hated using that word. Despite some truth to it, she felt helpless and it infuriated her knowing that she was going to need help. But this help is from an unexpected source.
Her guard came up to her and bowed.
“Your majesty, she has… arrived.”
Nightmare gave a nod.
“Bring her in.”
With a nod, he quickly left, to come back moments later with his 'guest.'
A pink alicorn walked the halls and towards Nightmare Moon.
“Mi Amore Cadenza.” Nightmare Moon said simply with an incline of her head.
Cadance bowed to the floor.
“Queen Nightmare Moon.” Her voice filled with edge but held firm. Not to sound spiteful or malice but neither showing content nor any liking for the queen.
“Please rise.” Amore did. Nightmare gazed into her fellow alicorn. Both knew that she was no match for herself, nor was she able to create anything against Nightmare Moon that went against the Alicorn of Love's peaceful nature. Despite the differences between the two, Cadenza was no liar, no true rebel and despite what it meant to Nightmare, she was still a princess.
“How fares the Crystal Empire?” Nightmare asked, trying to cast some of the tension away.
“They are growing… accustomed to the modern surroundings.” she replied.
When the Empire had returned back to the ponies from Sombra, it was Cadance who was summoned to be its leader, her being one of the last descendants from the original rulers of the Empire. It was Cadance who had created the shield around the Empire but it was also her that kept the borders closed to the outside world. No ponies came in but few supplies did, to help modernize the Crystal Empire, though Cadance had to improve and check all and anything that went through. It was Nightmare Moon who sent them, but she always checked them.
“I see… and how do they enjoy their new ways of modern medicine and food?”
“… I thank you for it,” she hesitated. “my queen and it has helped us greatly.”
Nightmare gave a nod. She then inclined her head to the side.
“Tea if you will.” Something moved at the corner of Cadenza’s eyes though she wasn't sure if it was because of the poorly lit room or her eyes playing tricks on her. There was no one to Nightmare's side.
A second later, a shadow moved right in front of Cadenza, causing her to nearly jump back as the shadow rose from the floor and a tea set on a tray materialized from the ground. The shadow had the shape of a pony with its hoof holding the tray.
“Tea?” asked Nightmare.
It was so eerie how Nightmare was so calm and collective to her but it didn't help that now, she had shadows that could hide anywhere, even her shadows.
“Thank you?” she replied, not sure how to respond. She levitated the kettle into the cup. Hot tea poured out of the kettle and she grabbed to sugar-cubes, adding them to her drink, then slowly stirring her tea. Once the tea cup was firmly in her magical grasp, the set slowly moved away from her and crawled up the steps to Nightmare.
Like Cadenza, she poured her tea but instead hot, it came out freezing cold. Cadenza saw the cold wisps of air as she poured, adding her sugar and stirring it. She brought it up to her lips and drank softly. She exhaled as she took her sip.
“Perfect. How is yours?” she asked Cadenza.
She sipped hers and the warmth that filled her stomach made her briefly forget that she was in a dark cold room. Almost.
“It is delicious, thank you.”
Nightmare nodded before taking another sip and placing the tea to her armrest. The tea set disappeared to the ground and so did the shadows.
“Good, now that pleasantries are over, we may discuss why you are here.”
“To discuss about the 'assassin' or what ever the locals are calling her?”
Nightmare gave a firm nod.
“Yes… her.” Her voice was sharp and held anger but was somewhat quelled. “I need… your help in dealing with her.” 'Help' came out strained and it still felt wrong for her to say it.
“I know you consider her a bad mare and all. She did nearly kill… hurt you, but what am I to do? You know I oppose violence and since I was raised by Cele…” she paused at saying, fearing Nightmare's wrath.
Nightmare however didn't react. She in fact looked at her in understanding.
“Should another have said her name, they would fear my wrath… however not in good graces should I give you mine. She was your aunt and your only family, though adopted you were. Her name is… complicated for me but I cannot deny your family, Mi Amore Cadenza.”
Cadenza bowed her head. “Thank you, your grace. Though I know that I am Princess still, I ask that you please call me Cadance.” She inclined her head. “If it pleases you.”
Nightmare nodded.
“Of course. Now, I am aware of how my sister brought you up in the world but I don't need your help in dealing with this mare in any violent means. I need your help in getting information on her.” She paused. She realized that she was sitting and that this whole time Caden--- Cadance was standing. “Forgive me, where are my manners. Please sit.”
Cadance saw once again shadows move around the floor before and it took all of her courage not to jump when a chair materialized from the floor right behind her. Cautiously, she the chair held some comfort with a cushion and a little stand attached so she may place her tea. The shadows moved away from her chair and disappeared once more.
She slowly sat down.
“Thank you… again.” She took another sip of her tea before lowering. “Please, continue.
“As I said, now, I don't need your help in dealing with her personally, I just need information on her. How was she able to stop Sombra? How was she aware of the Crystal Empire's return? What is this mare's goals?”
The question caught Cadance off guard. More or less, Nightmare Moon was less intimidating but she was a bit apprehensive about telling Nightmare Moon of any details about this mare. Still, she knew she could not hide anything and in her nature, truth was ideal, especially towards the wrathful mare.
Clearing her throat, she spoke. “I'll tell you what I know so far and what my fellow Crystal ponies have told me. Shortly after the Empire had returned, the mare...” she paused. “Well first, do we even have a name for her? I don't think I can keep referring to her as 'mare'?”
Nightmare gave a small smile.
“Yes I too, have the same problem. It is somewhat unnerving that this mare erased most of her files or anything related to herself or her family. Luckily, we had her brother and found sharing last names. So for now, we can call her “Sparkle.”
Cadance looked at her, trying to see if there was truth to her words.
“Sparkle? Hmm sounds like two ponies I knew.” She said to herself a bit out-loud. She shrugged.
“Ok. Well this 'Sparkle' character, she had arrived shortly after the Crystal Empire, even before we knew. She helped calm down most of Crystal Ponies there and have even created her own shield to help protect the Crystal Empire from Sombra. Shortly, Sombra managed to get through but she found the Crystal Heart before he did. She used it against Sombra, with the help of the Crystal Empire and it destroyed him. After that, I got a letter to come to the Empire. When I arrived, the ponies saw that I was the 'Crystal Princess' and would help lead them.
They had no idea where Sparkle left but she did help the shield cover the Empire.” She bit her lip. “It does spread love through out the lands but… I am not sure how many it reaches?”
Nightmare had remained silent. Her gaze more or less wondered past Cadance into open space. 'How far the love reaches?' How far is how far? Did anypony really feel love anymore? Is there love across the lands that the Crystal Empire's influences reaches? Are their couples right now making love because of it or is her night keeping from families and loved ones from fully expressing themselves? Do they hold their loved ones out of fear of her nights or because no matter what, they still love them?
“Queen Nightmare?” Cadance called out. “Are you alright?”
Nightmare came out of her daze. Again, why has she been dazing so much or losing focus lately? Is this mare really bothering her that much? Are her actions causing them?”
Her gaze fell upon Cadance. For the first time in a long time, Nightmare really payed attention to her. Despite her age, Cadance was nearly as tall as her. She was not a large mare but she was pretty nicely shaped for her. She was no born alicorn, but she was well atoned with magic and her pegasi wings. Of course, she was born a natural pegasi raised by earth ponies, so she did carry traits from all three. Releasing her gaze had yet to be removed from Cadance and causing her an unease look, Nightmare finally spoke out.
“Tell me, Cadenza.” referring back to her true name. “Have you fallen love?”
The question and subject change completely threw off Cadance's train of thought.
“W-W-What?” Not sure if she heard her correctly.
Nightmare kept her face stoic.
“I asked… have you fallen in love? With anypony? Stallion… or mare?”
The question was really baffling and what made it worse was how blunt Nightmare was about it, especially when saying mare.
“I-I-I am not sure if this really matters or is… appropriate to talk about.” She was speaking nervously. Though a peak of red rose in her cheeks.
Nightmare saw her nervousness and nodded.
“You are right, this is more of something spoken in privacy.”
Before she could respond, a flash from Nightmare's horn had instantly teleported them both from the throne room to a much smaller room. Shaking her head to clear the small discomfort from the teleportation, Cadance saw that the room was smaller but that this room had more décor and a bed.
They were in Nightmare's room.
“There, isn't that much better?” she asked, giving her a smile. It wasn't a smile you would normally see that had some evilness or some kind of trick to it. It was a normal smile.
“Why did you bring us here?” she asked, still a bit nervous at Nightmare's sudden interest of her love life.
“As I asked, I wish to know of your if you have fallen in love? In here, nothing leaves this room and there are no guards to hear us.” She sounded almost like a school filly waiting to hear about her new found crush. Almost.
“Why?” asked Cadance. It was a simple question but nonetheless carried more weight than anything.
Nightmare lost her smile, suddenly causing fear in Cadance that she might have upset her. Nightmare sighed.
“Forgive me, Cadance but… I should not be asking this of you. I just… wish to know if the Crystal Empire's influences are reaching Equestria or not. If not, am I the cause of it?”
Cadance didn't say anything. For the first time since her encounter with Nightmare, Cadance felt a pang of guilt for her. She maybe covered in darkness or whatever surrounds her but, she could still feel a mare under it all. She could feel the heart that beat within and this heart yearned for something. It yearned for release or it yearned to be loved. That is when it hit her.
“You do not have anypony.” spoke Cadance. “You do not have anypony and you want somepony to be in your life. That is why you asked.”
Nightmare gave a small nod. She then walked past her and to her balcony which held open doors. The night air came in and brushed against her dark coat but the cold had no affect on her.
“I have no one.” she said. Her heart was open now. A locked heart which was surrounded by darkness for a thousand years was now open. “I have no love, no one to hold close and nothing to hold me.” She tried to keep her voice strong but some cracks were starting to show. “Does this mean that even after I have control of Equestria and give my subjects the love of the night, am I not to be loved?”
Cadance wasn't sure she could speak now and was actually quite new to this as this is the first time she has heard of Nightmare speak so freely, let alone about wanting to love. Is it because she was, Princess of Love, that she decided to speak to her, alone in her room? Or was there something else going on?
No matter what it was, something stirred in her heart to try to quell Nightmare's heart, no matter how much it is buried in darkness. Maybe she can bring it to the light.
“I did.” Finally spoke Cadance. Nightmare turned her head to her and saw her staring back. “I did love somepony before. Growing up, I had been surrounded by a lot of suitors but none have ever chosen to go for my heart, rather they went for my title.” She slowly approached Nightmare till she was just hooves away. “He was a nerd at first.” Nightmare raised an eyebrow at the phrase. Cadance gace a sheepish smile. “Sorry a… person who was really into fantasy and board games and… school.” Nightmare gave a knowing nod. She continued. “He was a nerd but, he was sweet and handsome and wanted me for me. After that, he went to extreme lengths to try to get me to notice him and it worked. He showed me that, no matter where you come from or no matter who you are, love can come from anywhere.
“You do not have to be a noble, or a buisness pony, or even a muscular stallion to be with a princess, you just have to be… you.” She gave a her a smile that somewhat warmed Nightmare's heart. “I never knew that some ponies would go the lengths they would to try and impress another pony but… he did and he went all out for me. I started dating him and then soon, we became a couple.”
Nightmare saw that Cadance was traveling down her memories and could practically feel the love radiating from her.
“What happened to him?”
All of a sudden, the love left her and Cadance's once smile dropped to a bit of a frown. Nightmare knew that look.
“We lost contact.” was her simple reply. She was going to continue on, but she knew why she lost contact.
Her, it was because of her, she stopped to lovers from ever fully staying close to one another. It was because of, Cadance was alone, just like her, but unlike her, she had loved somepony and it was because of her, she may never seem him again.
“I am… sorry.” she said sincerely. “It was my fault, wasn't it?”
Cadance didn't look at her but she didn't answer.
Nightmare felt suddenly guilt in her chest, something she hadn't felt in years. Guilt that tore through the blackness of her core. It was a horrible feeling and just like the jealousy that arose within her a thousand years ago, it spread quickly and made her feel horrible.
The silence that followed them both made this even more heartbreaking and she wasn't sure how to help her.
“The love is still there.” finally spoke Cadance. “I still have hope that he will return to me. After all,” she lifted her head and gave her a tearful smile. “Love is what keeps us going and with it, I will carry on.”
Love… a word that is as powerful as her and stronger than any monster or being that has existed. It can build Empires, it can topple castles, move mountains and cross vasts oceans. It exists beyond Equestria and maybe extends to the heavens. The gods of old had lovers and love has many forms. And it was the one thing that Nightmare truly need in her life.
With a somewhat shaky voice, Nightmare spoke.
“And do you… believe a pony like me could find love?”
Cadance didn't loose her smile but she did have some hesitation.
“Do you want to be loved?” she asked simply. “Do you want to open your heart for the world to see? Do you truly believe that underneath that coat of yours, that… darkness that you carry, that their lies a heart which beats and that is capable of carrying for a loved one?”
Nightmare didn't know she could answer that. She didn't know if she could open her heart to the world. If she did, would that expose her and make her weak? Would others take advantage of it and try to usurp her? No, she couldn't allow that, after all, nopony would dare try to court or even show a bit of interest in a Nightmare. So if not the world, what if those she knew of?
“Would you?” Nightmare said softly. Her eyes focusing on Cadance.
This completely stirred Cadance away and sent her spinning.
“W-what?” she wasn't sure if she heard her correctly.
Nightmare inhaled a bit, not sure if she should repeat herself.
“I asked...” she exhaled softly. “Would you?”
“W-Would I what?”
“If I were to open up my heart, for you… would you love me? If I were to ask you, to be with me, right now, would you?”
Cadance stared at her like she had grown two heads then those heads started to show different traits of her. The Nightmare that she knew of and the Nightmare filled with sorrow and saddness. However the one with saddness carried the heart. It carried the heart in which needed to be released.
Nightmare saw her dilemma and sighed.
“Of course you wouldn't. I wouldn't expect anypony to give even a sign of interest, let alone the Princess of Love herself.” She turned away from her and back to the balcony.
Cadance was still trying to find words to speak, to say something, anything to her, but at the same time, how could she? Nightmare had completely thrown off her guard when she arrived, then she did it again when she asked for her love life and now this? She felt almost like she was going to have a panic attack like her little Twilight she used to care for. However, in the midst of all that was running through her mind, she had a duty to fulfill and despite the nature that is Nightmare Moon, she believed that no one is above approach, especially when it came to love. The heart yearns what the heart needs.
Collecting herself together, she spoke softly.
“If I were to...” she swallowed some air, trying to calm herself. “If I were to lov…. Care for you.” She tried, she really tried to say it. “Would you open up to me, completely?”
Nightmare turned her head to her and Cadance saw something she had never seen in her eyes, tears.
“Would I?” she asked. Her voice was a bit shaky but held strong as if she was trying to keep herself from showing true emotions but was failing. “You ask that if you were to care for me, now… would I open up to you? Reveal my true self?”
Cadance gave a shaky nod.
“Yes. I know that… what Celestia had told me that you were not always like this. That you were once a beautiful mare that had so much love and compassion to give. When you took the throne alongside her, that you made it known to all that you would take care of them. You would be their guardians of their dreams and the hopes that tomorrow, there would be a new day. A day where the likes of Tirek, Sombra and Discord no longer reigned but they could finally rest.”
She lost her shakiness and spoke calmly but with much assurance.
“I know that before, ponies fell asleep in your nights, but had you seen it in their point of you… they never got to rest. Discord, Tirek, all the monsters that have come before you and your sister's grace, they had to live everyday, hiding from them and everynight, learn to keep their eyes wide open in case they came to harm them.
Discord would mess with the day and night cycle, so there was no way of knowing when it was truly day or night. When you showed up and finally brought Harmony to the world, they rejoiced. They rejoiced because they could spend the day, enjoying the warmth that brought them food and color to the world while your nights brought them together so that they could sleep. Your beautiful nights allowed them to rest as they got to enjoy the world around them, for the first time. Yes, they may have feared the darkness, but that is because they hadn't fully understood it at the time.
Monsters did lurk there, monsters like Sombra, or the Windigos, or other creatures that may have been creatred, but it was you who would protect them at night. It was you who guarded their dreams from those… 'Nightmares.' You were the only one who could watch them at the only time when they couldn't watch themselves, at night. You were… are their guardian of the night and you still can be. Please… be that mare who you were once before, be that mare that many had depended on to protect them. Be the mare your sister once loved… be Princess Luna.”
The tears that fell from her face where now running and despite not sobbing loudly or even showing a full breakdown, Nightmare was losing all composure. Slowly, like sand be blown away by the wind, her shadows blew away.
The layers and layers of darkness blew from her coat. The dark coat was slowly fading away and turning navy blue colors. The mare was losing height but from it, beauty was reveling through the shadows. Her eyes shut, she continued to softly cry as her mane became like the night sky, with true blue mane with stars that glittered ever so wonderful.
Finally, what was left was a mare about Cadance's height. Her blue coat looked soft as silk. Her cutie mark still carried the moon but no longer a menacing one. The menacing armor and shoes that she wore were gone. All that was left was a mare that Cadance could only describe as beautiful. She was looking exactly what she pictured when Celestia spoke of her.
Her tear filled eyes finally opened up and instead of dark slit of black, she saw light blue eyes that were full of sadness and pain.
Cadance couldn't believe that this was the mare that Celestia spoke of her. She now looked so fragile yet, she carried the grace Cadance could only wish she could. The mare before her was stunning and it brought her to a smile that she managed to push through.
With a voice full of confidence, she approached her and with her hoof, lifted 'Luna's' head.
“This is the face anypony would love. This is the mare, that I believe can bring anypony to your heart. And now I can say, since I see the real you, I wish to know the real you.”
Luna stopped crying but her tears still trickled down her face.
“Is this the real me? Is the real me worth loving for? Please! I need to know!” With that she grabbed Cadance and cried freely onto her breast. Despite the height diffrence, Luna sat on her haunches and buried herself into Cadance, crying freely unto her. Cadance held her, letting her cry herself and softly rocking her head to her, trying to gently calm her down and whispering to her ear.
“Yes,” she said softly. “This is the real you. You are worth loving.” Though Cadance has never loved a mare before, it didn't really close herself up. Yes, her heart still went out for Shinning Armor, where ever he may be, but she felt like her heart could open up for this mare. Despite the oddity that she might as well be her aunt, she saw pass that and worked her way into thinking that this mare needed somepony in her life. Whether she would love her or not, she would still be there, as long as she tried to remain true to herself.
It was about 10 minutes of crying before Luna stopped and sighed herself.
“Its been a thousand years since I last had feelings like this.” she said softly. I have never felt this way, ever.
“In love?” asked Cadance.
Slowly removing herself from Cadance's breasts, she stared straight at her.
“Yes. I have never held love close to my heart. Before I was a Princess, I was fighting Discord. Before Discord, we, me and my sister, struggled to live everyday to survive Discord's reign as well as the other problems that racked Equestria. My heart was only for my sister and that. For my fellow ponies, yes, they two but… never for something like this.”
Cadance gave her a knowing smile.
“I know that you can love somepony, Luna. I know that your heart yearns for it but you had let the darkness consume you. I opened it up and now I know that you can try too.”
Luna kept her gaze to her, her eyes wondering, hoping.
“Will you be in my heart?”
Cadance didn't answer right away. She inhaled softly and exhaled just as gently.
I can't say that I have ever been with another mare.” Nightmare suddenly looked disappointed. However Cadance quickly brought her back. “And despite my love that still goes for the one that I used to love, where ever he may be, I am willing to spare my heart for you. No heart should ever be closed for one pony. No heart should be left alone for that long. But, I wish for you to be true to me. Stay as Luna, stay true to yourself and show me the mare that is still full of compassion and love.”
Luna gave a smile and before she knew it, Cadance leaned in and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek.
“My heart is yours for now.”
Luna smiled and brought her into a tight hug. Cadance hugged her back. Luna then gave a small chuckle as she held the mare, closing her eyes in comfort.
“This feels nice. However you hold your heart onto, he must be very lucky. I hope you find him.”
Cadance smiled.
“I know I will. And if I know him, he is probably still holding his heart for me. If I know Shinning Armor, he is probably still holding out.”
Luna's eyes immediately shot open.
“Shinning Armor?” she said, her voice suddenly shaking. Cadance didn't notice her reaction or shaky voice when she heard her.
“Yeah. He was the one I loved. After...” Luna could feel the lump of Cadance. “After you came, he was Captain of the Guard. Then, he disappeared with a group of Celestia guards and...” Cadance pulled away, whipping away her eyes. “I am sorry, I shouldn't be saying any of this.”
Luna still stared at her, though Cadance hadn't notice the surprise on her face.
She quickly masked it up, like she had done for so many years.
“I am sorry Cadance, I… don't know what to say.” She really didn't. She had now just opened up her heart to this wonderful mare and now… now she realized that this mare was in love with the one pony who despised her. The one pony she had tortured herself, nearly killing him and was the brother of her assassin.
A cold and unease feeling went through her spine and sadness once again, gripped her. She couldn't lose Cadance, not after what has happened. She had finally opened up her heart only for cruel fate to throw this at her. Its not fair! It wasn't FAIR!
“Luna?” asked Cadance now noticing Luna's somewhat shocked and somewhat saddened expression. “What's wrong”
“I-I...” she tried to speak but was interrupted by a knock on her door.
“Queen Nightmare Moon?”
“Yes?” she tried to answer. Her voice was shaky and not at all sounding like her darker self. The guard must of heard it through the door. “My queen, are you well? You sound… ill.”
Luna quickly shook her head and grew a bit angered. She was angry that now, her love was in love with a stallion whom she hurt and others. Anger rose through her chest and with a loud voice, she spoke.
“I am fine! Now tell me! What have you come to report!” This time, the voice sounded much like Nightmare Moon, which quickly scarred Cadance.
“Sorry, My queen!” the guard said through the other side, now knowing that she was well. “I came to let you know that the Assassin 'Sparkle' is here the castle!”
Luna's eyes quickly went wide.
“And are my guards not taking care of it?!” she shouted, scarred knowing that maybe she was going to harm her in revenge for her brother.
“No my queen… she is just...” he paused.
“...is just what!?” She yelled, her voice getting louder. “Is just what!”
The guard hesitated.
“She said, she is asking for you. She had brought no weapons and says she is going to surrender herself… but only to you.”
Luna stared at the door in disbelieve. She couldn't comprehend it. With a shake of her head, she spoke clearly to the guard.
“IT is some kind of trickery. Get every guard and surround that mare! I want all Archers, Archmages, Shadows and the Shadowbolts there! I want to make sure that if she tries anything, she will have the entire Lunar Guard on her. NOW!”
“Yes, my queen!” With that, the sound of running hooves disappeared down in the hallways.
Luna stood there, panting at the door, glaring at it.
“Luna?” Cadance called out.
Luna snapped her head to Cadance who stood there with a worried expression. “What are you going to do?”
Luna looked her over before quickly approaching her.
“I must take care of this. Knowing her, she will most likely come for revenge.”
Cadance quickly laid a hoof on her cheek.
“Then let me come with you. Maybe we can talk sense into her!”
“NO!” nearly shouted Luna. Cadance flinched and Luna sighed. “Forgive me but no. I can't let her know you are here. If she finds out that you are here, you could be a potential target. If something happens to me, at least you can still rule Equestria and the Crystal Empire. You may not be powerful but just in case, I do have a few spell books which let you control the sun and the moon.”
Cadance stared at her, not knowing if she was telling the truth or not, but couldn't ask.
Luna then brought her own hoof to Cadance and brought her close to her.
“I want you to stay here. If she does kill me… and the guard, run back to the Crystal Empire. That way she may not know of your involvement.” She then rubbed her hoof across her face. “I thank you Cadance. I truly do, you brought my heart open in so long and it gives my heart warmth.” She leaned in and gave a quick kiss on the lips before parting. “Your heart was open for me and for that, mine shall always belong with you. Please stay here and be safe. I will return.”
With that, she quickly opened the door and flew out, leaving a stumped Cadance.
Running through the hallways, her shadows quickly formed up around her and an instance, she was back to her Nightmare Moon form. She then teleported directly in the throne room, where over a hundred guards, Shadow Bolts, Archmages and a few dozen of her Shadows where. All had every window, door, exit and hallway covered, surround in a gigantic circle, where in between stood the mare.
She was in deed without her cloak and her scars where there for the world to see. Her face held no fear, no malice nor any emotion of any kind. Her gaze had looked to the throne where Nightmare had appeared.
With a grunt, Nightmare spoke loudly.
“You are a fool if you came here without your weapons. You have no where to go, you are completely outmatched and outnumbered. You will be dead before you touch the floor. So tell me 'Sparkle', why are you here?”
The mare looked up at her from where she stood.
“I came here to surrender to you.”