The Ever Changing Moon

by CommanderX5

Eternal Night - Dream

Nightmare Moon sat in front of a lonely grave, observing a picture of a pony chosen to unlock the Element of Kindness. Her very death was the reason that other potential bearers were now serving her.

On either side of Nightmare were two old pegasi and one brown bear.

Nightmare Moon contemplated in silence. Should she hate those chosen by the Elements? Should she hate Fluttershy?

“It’s your fault, you know.”

Nightmare Moon looked to her left, glancing at the old mare. “Whatever do you mean, little pony?”

“You’re… the two-faced princess,” Sunflower said with a tired breath. “Moon Shadow was preparing his kind for your return, testing them.”

Little Seed added from the other side of the alicorn, “Fluttershy suffered her parents’ deaths, enduring many trials, all because of you.”

The Princess of the Night took a step back as her pupils shrank. “If your words are truthful, your friend is a pureblood.” Upon seeing weak nods, she asked, “How did she die?”

“She’s sleeping, not dead,” Little Seed answered. “When she will wake up, we don’t know.”

Nightmare Moon raised her eyebrow. Now it all made sense. Thestrals gathered in Ponyville because their leader was here. Why would the Element of Kindness chose a pureblood thestral of all ponies? She needed answers and knew exactly how to attain them.

“I shall speak with your friend. Do not interrupt me. AM I clear?”

Both elderly pegasi nodded.

The princess lay on the ground, ignoring the confused trio as her side and shoulder now rested on bouquets of flowers. Her eyes closed while a blue aura formed around her body. A shining white thread made its way into the ground.

Nightmare Moon left the entrance of a large bird-house, sitting in front of a huge bowl filled with bird food, only for a blue head to emerge from it.

“If you are trying to be funny, Luna, I am not in the mood,” she said unamused as armor was still present on her body despite being in a dream. Luna however was wearing her blue-silver regalia, a decorative accessory not suited for battle.

“Good day to thee as well,” Luna responded before flying up, now hovering in front of Nightmare, looking around and next at herself in confusion. “Are we… shrunk?”

Nightmare Moon spread her wings, flying up to examine the dream from the air. The area looked like a giant version of Fluttershy’s home she visited not long ago: A large grassy field, river instead of a stream and long spacious bridge instead of a small one, a few tower-sized trees and one cottage the size of a castle.

Her attention focused on two humongous purebloods, each the size of a cottage which was already massive from her perspective.

Between those titans was a big yellow pureblood, a mare she recognized from the picture on the gravestone, yet, her eyes, fangs and ears were not disguised. The huge mare was embraced by the edge of a humongous wing, sitting on her haunches while nuzzling the large belly.

Nightmare's focus was interrupted by a blue pegasus racing with a large bird, flying in front of her. Luna flew over and pointed down, speaking, “We believe our sizes were reduced by Miss Fluttershy’s imagination like the others. Ponies in her dream are tiny indeed.”

Both alicorns flew towards the ground, noticing hundreds of ponies talking and playing with each other. Thestrals, pegasi, unicorns, earth ponies, all small when compared to Fluttershy, smiling and happy. Little animals like; mice, birds, squirrels were enlarged while large ones like; bear, manticore and a hydra were shrank to the size of ponies they played with.

“I see,” Nightmare Moon said to herself before looking at a confused Luna. “All ponies and animals are the same miniature size, getting along in peace. Fluttershy, cottage and all surroundings are unchanged, while those two must be her parents. Their sizes are enlarged.”

“What would this mean, Moon?”

“You’re the expert here, you tell me,” Nightmare said in a relaxed tone, not bothering to play the mighty ruler in front of her more peaceful half. The pleasant atmosphere calming her down.

Luna rubbed her chin thoughtfully before closing her eyes, smiling and clapping her forehooves. “Tis’ so simple.”

“Do tell.”

Luna pointed at the embraced Fluttershy, who allowed Rainbow Dash to land on her foreleg. “Miss Fluttershy dreams of her parents taking care of her, feeling like a little filly in their safe embrace.” She gestured over to the little ponies and animals. “Yet, as a pureblood, she felt stronger and bigger than ponies and critters, feeling the need to take care of them and protect them from harm.” She pointed up at the blinding sun as the sky was clear and a breeze pleasantly blew over their bodies. “She also wishes deeply for the sun not to bother her anymore, but instead to feel its pleasant warmth.”

She took a deep breath and continued, “Miss Fluttershy dreams of all races being equal and living in peace. Ponies, thestrals, animals and monsters alike, all under her care and protection. Such a lovely dream.”

“Lovely it may be, we have questions in need of answering.”

Both alicorns nodded and flew over, descending onto Fluttershy’s shoulders. The big mare seemed unaware of their presence, busy talking with her tiny friend and smiling cheerfully.

“Excuse us, Miss Fluttershy, we wish to speak with thou,” Luna spoke into her ears before two large red pupils glanced upon her.

“Her name is Luna and I am Nightmare Moon,” the taller alicorn spoke from the other shoulder as Fluttershy started glancing between them in panic. The giant, cheerful smile withered and died. “We wish to ask you a few questions.”

Much to the alicorns’ surprise, their bodies started to grow as Fluttershy jumped from her mother’s embrace and bowed, throwing them unintentionally onto the ground.

Luna and Nightmare Moon massaged their head and flank, respectively, and looked around, noticing how animals and ponies vanished while their surroundings became smaller with each passing second.

The groud trembled under the bowing and shaking Fluttershy as loud thumps reached her ears, which became even louder with each of Luna’s steps.

Once close enough, the princess lowered herself and levitated over Fluttershy onto the shoe on her forehoof. She presented the little yellow ball to Nightmare Moon and spoke, “This talk shall prove difficult when our subject thinks of us as mighty giants and cowers in fear.”

The taller alicorn nodded. Being the same size as the cottage and talking to a pony who shrank to the size of a bird would indeed prove difficult. Yet, part of her enjoyed the feeling of superiority as she hid a small smile behind her giant hoof.

Princess Celestia sat proudly on her throne, wearing her usual royal regalia while her horn illuminated the room, her face coldly impassive. It did little to hide her anxiety from her enemies, betrayed by her hastened breathing and heart beat.

Cadance sat by her side in green-gold armor, the same armor she wore at Twilight’s welcome party earlier today. A heart shaped crystal was located in the central part of her chestplate, similar ones of a much smaller scale were inscribed on leg-protectors, which went from her hooves up to her knees. Her glare was filled with hostility.

All light sources had been destroyed as at least forty purebloods stood in front of them.

Celestia quickly recognized one as an unicorn she had seen in the company of Fancy Pants, only now her horn was replaced with the signature bat-like wings and she had a different cutie mark, a blood-stained steel lily.

She’d had her suspicions that the leader of the nobility and most popular model in Equestria were pureblood thestrals, but hadn’t expected to meet one of them as an enemy.

One pureblood stepped forward, wearing a dark cape and armor with runes glowing red carved into it. “You are no longer protected by your cursed solar aura, my dear Princess. How long have I waited for this.” He bowed mockingly. “My name is Moon Shadow, leader of the second most powerful race in the world. If you surrender willingly, we will show you mercy.”

Celestia stood from her throne and spread her wings, trying to appear more intimidating. “I will not surrender to the likes of you, but I do not wish for unnecessary bloodshed.” She stepped down the stairs leading to her throne, her face still impassive.

“Let’s us resolve this conflict between us. No armies involved. Will you accept these terms?”

Moon Shadow stomped, cracking the floor under his hoof as his eyes narrowed angrily. “Do you take me for a fool? Thinking that I will let you kill me like you did with our ancestors?”

“You misunderstood me,” Celestia interrupted, waving her foreleg. “Leaders versus leaders. Two alicorns against you and the rest of the purebloods.” She glanced between her foes, accounting at least 36 purebloods with a diversity in age.

“Agreed,” Moon Shadow responded without a second thought before pointing at the mare by his side. “Before we begin, however, might I suggest a duel to let you warm up? My dear subordinate will volunteer.” He looked at her and asked, “Isn’t that right, Fleur?”

Celestia glanced at the approaching mare, who walked with the grace of a panther, giving the impression of both a delicate maiden and an experienced warrior. “You do realize that fighting me alone is suicide?”

“It is no longer my choice, Your Highness.” Fleur bowed respectfully. “I apologize for what I am going to do.”

Celestia raised her eyebrow, now understanding that her former allies had become her enemies against their will. She couldn’t be certain that Moon Shadow would show mercy to her subjects should she lose, but if her student had succeeded, Nightmare Moon won’t let him have his way.

Fluttershy added a few drops of blood into the teacup before taking it between her forehooves, drinking a few slow sips. After placing it back on the rounded table, she looked up, staring at the two towering alicorns.

It took a bit of reassuring from both princesses before she had calmed down enough to return to her normal size and stop quivering. Yet, she still viewed the princesses as mighty beings, and despite her best efforts, she failed to reduce their size in her dream.

Both alicorns levitated small teacups, drinking it with grace.

“So… if I understand correctly, I’m now sleeping inside of a coffin, while everypony except my friends thinks I am dead?”

“Indeed,” Luna responded. “Though we wish to know about the reason behind thy long dream.”

Nightmare Moon commented, “Your friends mentioned it was indirectly our fault.”

Fluttershy tapped her forehooves together. “It’s not your faults, Your Highnesses.” She whimpered, which sounded more like the squeaking of a little mouse for the alicorns, “I mean, maybe an itty little bit.”

“Meaning?” Nightmare asked.

Fluttershy hid her face behind her mane. “M-Moon Shadow… endangered purebloods to t-test them. His servants, they…”

Luna took off her shoe and placed her large hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, almost knocking her off balance by its weight. “Please, thou canst trust us.”

Fluttershy’s ears drooped as she gulped and nodded. “They… lured monster hunters to our mansion. My parents showed them mercy and were killed as the result.” Tears formed in her eyes as a few birds carrying tissues appeared out of thin air. “My friend Rainbow Dash helped me escape, and her parents took care of me ever since. They even let me drink their blood after I revealed my secret… though it took a little bit of convincing.”

“Twas quite kind of them,” Luna commented. “Such compassion and understanding is commendable.”

“Rainbow Dash has been helping me no matter what difficulties we faced. She’s the best friend I could ever wish for.” She took a deep breath, wiping tears from her cheeks. “Ditzy’s family fixed our new home, Pinkie brought me homeless animals and convinced Mayor Mare to provide funds for the food to feed them.” She took a quick breath. “Applejack turned from an enemy to a great ally. Rarity forgave me for turning her and showed her support.”

“Is this why thou wish to care and protect them?” Luna asked. “We saw thy tiny friends in your dream.”

Fluttershy blushed and nodded. “Y-yes…”

“You must miss your parents, their guidance and care,” Nightmare Moon spoke, receiving a weak punch in the shoulder from her counterpart.

“Thou art making her sad, Moon. Apologize,” Luna commanded.

“There’s no need,” Fluttershy interrupted, forcing a teary smile. “Back to your question, Lord Moon Shadow sent Applejack’s father to test me. I don’t wish to bore you with details, Your Highnesses… In short, I endured many hardships before breaking Hawkeye from his control.”

“Oh my,” Luna spoke with wide eyes and raised forehoof. “To do that, thou must have removed Moon Shadow’s blood. What is thine age, little one?”

“My age?” Fluttershy looked down nervously. “I’m not sure… how long have I been asleep?”

Both alicorns glanced at each other before Luna spoke, “We know not.”

Nightmare Moon asked, “What was your age when you fell asleep?”

“I was 85, though those who didn’t know my secret thought I was eighteen.” She raised her head and added, “Moon Shadow is over a millennium old.”

Nightmare Moon rubbed her chin. “So instead of falling asleep on your hundredth year, it was forced earlier by drinking powerful blood.”

“Y-yes…”

Luna smiled, looking at the dark alicorn. “Art thou thinking what we art thinking?”

“It depends if Miss Fluttershy will be loyal to us or not.”

“Of course I’ll be loyal… as long as you won’t try to hurt my friends.” She shrank in fear to the size of a filly and placed forehooves on her mouth. Becoming an enemy of a princess from legend was the last thing she wanted. “I’m sorry!”

“If thy friends do not foolishly turn on us, we shall not harm them, we swear upon our moon,” Luna spoke regaly, holding a forehoof against her chest.

“We swear on our honor and name,” Nightmare Moon added, repeating Luna’s action.

“T-then … I swear my loyalty to you, Mistress Luna, Mistress Nightmare Moon.”

The dark alicorn smiled. “We shall meet soon, my loyal subject. Sweet dreams.”

“T-thank you.” The moment both alicorns lit their horns, ready to depart from the land of dreams, Fluttershy flew up, hovering in front of their muzzles. “I forgot to ask. Did you return as Luna?” She pointed at the darker one, “Or as Nightmare Moon?”

“We allowed Moon to be in charge,” Luna answered.

“D-does this mean you w-want to c-conquer Equestria?”

“I haven’t made a decision on that yet,” Nightmare Moon stated. “We shall talk again very soon, young pureblood. Farewell.”

In an instant, both giants turned into mist, flying towards the gate in a cloud before it closed and vanished. Tiny ponies, critters and her giant parents reappeared as the dream continued. We shall talk very soon… What did she mean by that? Fluttershy thought, wondering what the darker half of the two-faced princess meant as her awareness slowly left her.

She returned to her normal size and relaxed into the embrace of her large father, discussion with the princess temporarily faded from her mind.

Nightmare Moon rubbed her eyes and raised her head to see two sleeping pegasi and a napping bear. She gently poked Little Seed, lowering her muzzle to his ear. “How long has your friend been sleeping?” she whispered.

“One and… a half a years,” the stallion said with a sleepy voice.

“Good.” Nightmare Moon lit her horn as she forcefully pulled the coffin from under the ground, shaking it.

Both pegasi bolted upright. “What are you doing?” Sunflower asked, barely keeping herself stable as the coffin emerged, dirt and flowers showering the area. The bear roared.

“Your friend has slept long enough, I know how to hasten her recovery.” The coffin shot open as the lid fell to the side and bounced on the ground. Nightmare Moon lowered her head as her horn touched the forehead of a peacefully sleeping Fluttershy, who wore a faint smile. She was interrupted by a hoof impacting her cheek as she staggered to the side.

Nightmare Moon growled and glanced to the side, recognizing the attacker as Rainbow Dash who gave a flying roundhouse kick that sent her airborne. Nightmare’s large wings spread and waved firmly, stopping her in mid air as she slowly descended onto the ground.

“What the hay were you trying to do to her?” Dash yelled as she hovered above the ground in front of the coffin while glaring daggers at the alicorn. “You may be my boss, but I won’t let you hurt my best friend!”

Nightmare Moon rubbed a new bruise as she narrowed her eyes again before taking off her armor and spreading her wings. Subject or not, she wasn’t going to let this transgression go unpunished.