Though it has been weeks since the Elements of Harmony have purged Nightmare Moon from her, Luna is wracked by guilt and depression. Though the Elements purged the nightmare, they cannot purge the feelings of guilt and self-loathing, nor can they heal the scars wrought by jealously, anger, rage and madness. Though everypony forgave her, Luna cannot forgive herself and seeks penance through suffering.
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My thought process on this follows, I tried to put myself in Luna's figurative shoes when coming up with this story and how would I cope.
The inspiration for this story come from the songs Hurt by Nine Inch Nails, Long Hard Road Out Of Hell by Marilyn Manson and my own personal struggles with mental illness and self harm.

This story contains thoughts and actions of self harm, depression, negative self talk and self loathing. Reader discretion is advised.