//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: The Winter of Nightmare // by well-this-is-awkward //------------------------------// The book Nightmare had borrowed ended up being full of information. But with this information came some new concerns. The technology was ages ahead of what Equestria had. It might be harder to use her magic to take over than she thought. Nightmare might be stuck here playing nice for longer than she planned. If she could get her hands on some of this... even the strongest magic users in Equestria would now down before her. "I'm sorry to interrupt your reading, it do you need to buy any clothes?" "It doesn't bother me at all Teresa, and yes I would." "A friend of mine, her name is Renee, works at a boutique. We could go there. I think the two of you would get along well." The building was small, and fairly easy to find. Nightmare had to admit, she was right. Judging by the displays the two of them were very similar, at least when it came to fashion. "Renee, I've got a customer for you." "In a minute darling." a voice called from the back of the store. Renee walked to the desk. She had blue eyes, light skin, and golden hair. "It's you, and who is this." "This is Crescent and she needs some new clothes." "Oh, what a unique name. Well, what would you like?" "I'd like three dresses. One formal, two everyday. Using blue and light purple. With glitter." "A girl after my own heart. If you'll come right this way, I can get your measurements. Now, how did you meet Teresa?" After what felt like hours of talking and measuring, the two of them walked out and meant Teresa at the front of the store. "How much will that cost?" "Don't be ridiculous. I couldn't possibly charge someone who was mugged. It's on the house." "Thank you." "Come on Crescent, we still have some shopping to do." Finally, they went back to Teresa's house and began putting away all the things they had bought. Most of Nightmare's things were new dresses, though the quality didn't compare to what she would get in Equestria as ruler. Was this what civilian ponies wore? "So, how do you like that book so far?" "It's very informative. I also want a tank." The response she got wasn't what Nightmare was hopeing for. Teresa was laughing. It wasn't an 'I'm laughing at you laugh, but a you said something funny and I think you made a joke laugh.' "If only we could. I'm sure Rachel would have bought ten by now." "Is your sister interested in the military?" "Well, not serving in it If that's what you mean. But she only reads books about the military or explorers." "I'd love to meet her sometime. I'm guessing she likes sports as well, since the room is covered in posters." The posters were one of the few things she didn't like about the house. "She does she's always trying to get me to join her, but I prefer books." "If she visit's soon I would love to join her." "That's great!" "Also, I've been meaning to ask, do you know anyone who can teach me some self defense?" "I don't know. Maybe you should google it?" "Okay. I'll do that." She needs a way to defend herself with out magic. And if anyone asks, she can say it's because she doesn't want to be mugged again. Nightmare layed down in bed and envisioned her country. Teresa will definitely have a place in her new government. The others...well, Renee talked to much, and Felicity had no backbone to speak of. Still, she wouldn't enslave them If Teresa didn't want her to. They would have to be thankful for that. Eventually, she drifted to sleep, scheming and dreaming of her future. The Crystal Empire It had finally happened. The Empire had fallen. The Windigos had trapped their princess in ice, and the ponies who saw it have up hope. Once they did, the barrier fell. Ponies screamed and ran from him, just like the old days. Sombra landed in the front of the palace. The Crystal Heart was sitting on the ground, momentarily forgotten. He lifted his hoof up, and brought it down hard, shattering the heart. It was done.