Twilight's experiament gets out of control and Selene finds herself in another Equestria that has the LAST thing she ever expected to see.
Over fifty years have passed since Selene ended up in Equestria as the reborn Nightmare Moon. The bulk of the mane 6 are now old and misses the good times she has had with them.
She should have known better.
Now Twilight spell experiment went crazy and Selene finds herself in another Equestria and meets a pony she never expected to see.
Edited by Whodafaq146 and Crystal Glint Featured: 1/14/2016 5/6/2016 8/10/2016
The sun was setting just as Selene returned to Ponyville. She was just at Hoofington dealing with an issue there, and She was glad to be home. The town has pretty much become her new home after the cake heist, but she does spend a weekend or so in Canterlot, just to drive Sunny butt crazy and amuse Luna. It was quite a shock twenty years ago when Luna called her sister. Luna finally doesn't see her here as Nightmare Moon anymore, but as "Selene" (her fellow pranking sister). She was actually surprised and felt relief from Luna saying that. She felt Nightmare Moon's love for Luna when she had that persona put on her and always felt Like Luna was a sister after the Harmony Blast had merged her human persona with the Nightmare Moon's.
She landed on a balcony of the Harmony Castle. She looked back at the town. It has grown in the past 50 years but still maintained that rustic charm it always had.
“Hey Selene, what was up with Hoofington?” Selene turned back around to Spike. He was now as tall as Big Mac, but still Twilight's Number One assistant.
“Parasprite infestation and since I knew the cure for it I will quote our friend Pinkie. 'Have tuba, will travel.' An easy but long process, so I'm glad to be home.”
“Too bad that didn't happen later. You missed a Pinkie Party.” Selene frowned and replied.
“Oh poo.” Going on seventy Pinkie didn't do as much party planning anymore. Heck! 10 years ago the Mayor lifted the ban on Pinkie and coffee so she still had that energy for parties. Cheesy Pie does a wonderful job filling in for her mom, but come on. IT'S PINKIE. They've got to have another group party soon. A Lot sure has happened in the past 50 years.Twilight took her brother Shining's death hard and spent a month in the Empire being there for Cadence (who was the worst one the news hit). “So, where's Twilight tonight?”
“Down in her lab, She had a brainstorm again. Thankfully nothing has blown up....yet.” Selene just shook her head. That mare and her experiments. No wonder it was Selene who did the bulk of the day to day duties around here. She swore that Twilight had her day divided into three parts: (Checklists, studying, and experimenting). Only the girls can get her out of the cycle on a regular basis.
“Well I'll go say hello, cya around Spike. Oh and send a message to Tia that the Hoofington is taken care of.” The two part company and Selene heads down to the basement where Twilight set up her lab after losing Golden Oaks. She smiled at some of the pictures that hung on the walls. Memories of good times like Rainbow becoming a full Wonderbolt, Rarity marrying Hoity Toity (Spike was heart broken to say the least), Applejack on the farm, Scootaloo flying, Even one with Fluttershy and Discord. In a few minutes down memory lane she finally reached the basement. She quietly opened the door and saw Twilight experimenting. She had grown to be Cadence's size now and her mane started to do the wavy thing Luna's and Tia's does. But she was still that adorkable nerd she always was. Selene was waiting for a non critical time to let Twilight know she was back. Then some energy bolted wildly and bounced off of the crystal walls. After that it was heading towards Twilight. Not sure what would happen but Selene couldn't let her friend be hurt so she dove and yelled.
“Twilight Look out!” She managed to knock Twilight far enough that the energy bolt hit her instead and everything was filled with white.
* * * * * *
When Selene came to she was in a lying wooded area. A quick check around showed it to be Everfree during the day. 'UUGGGHHH!' She got up and before she could go further a manticore appeared and roared at her. With barely a thought she grabbed him with her main and through him into a tree. She heard a 'CRACK!!' as his head met bark. He slowly slid down the tree and didn't move.
“Not in the mood kitty.” She decided to fly up to get her bearings to find Ponyville. The first landmark she was going for was Harmony Castle but to her surprise she couldn't find it. Strange. In the past she could easily find the thing since it was so tall that half of it could be seen anywhere in Everfree. She did find the Royal Sisters Castle But her renovations seemed to be missing. It looked like it did before Twilight got her castle.
'Great she was testing a time spell of some kind. I'm going to Lecture her on messing with time......AGAIN! 'You think she would have learned after a week of freaking out over nothing.' She facehoof and turned into her cloud form. If she was in the past then it was before her arrival. They would easily assume she's Nightmare moon not Selene Light. With the Royal Sister's located, she headed towards Ponyville.
* * * * * *
Twenty minutes later she was in Ponyville. She did her best to keep her smoke form hidden as she traveled throughout the town. If she still had a face she would have been smiling at the sight of Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash still young. She found the Golden Oaks library. Soon enough she saw Twilight walk out of it, She was still a unicorn, So "when" was she? Twilight was in the town for about three years before she got her wings. She also noticed a strange castle in the distance. One she didn't recognize at all. Before she could Ponder that further something else rocked her world. Coming out of the library was another figure. At first she would have thought it to be Spike but it certainly was not Spike. It was a filly with black fur, and purple mane done like the old spa sisters.
And a horn and a pair of wings. The filly looked in Selene's direction and if Selene was in her usual form she would be jaw dropping. This filly had her eyes. She even had the cutie mark that Selene used when in unicorn form. She was on the verge of the mental breakdown. "IF" her Twilight could see her now she would be laughing at karma finally getting Selene back for Darkie Pie.
“Have a good day at school Nyx.” Twilight said to the filly.
'Seriously, Nyx?' Selene thought to herself but before that could go further and the filly replied back.
“I sure will mama.”
/Selene Light.exe/ has stopped working, PLEASE REBOOT.
When Selene could think again again she saw that the sun had moved a bit.
'Okay, okay. Twilight was messing or creating some spell that sent me to another universe. Sure this could be a Discord prank but he learned long ago that I prank back hard. So this is legit. When I see my Twilight again, I'm gonna send her to the moon. BANG! ZOOM!' Till then she was going to need information. Where in time was she and how different this world is besides the obvious. She decided to head for the old quarry to get some gems. It's been awhile since she ate and she was getting hungry. With that thought she walked over to the quarry with a goal in mind.
* * * * *
Her first hitch was the fact that the strange castle was in the middle of the old quarry. A quick look showed it was deserted and strangely Nightmare Moon themed. But those statues depicting Nightmare Moon were utterly creepy. But it was a good place to set up shop and be in her true form "safely". She went back to the quarry and assumed a unicorn form. It wasn't her typical form since it was too much like that Nyx filly. Her fur was turquoise like her real eyes. Her mane went normal and was still purple but it was in a Rarity style. Her cutie mark made it a black crescent moon with a six point star in the open part. Her eyes were also a deep purple. Satisfied with her new look and cast a gem finding spell (Thank you Rarity for that one) and spent the next out looking for gems. She didn't find as many as she thought she would, but she found enough for now. Using her magic She then created a saddle bag and put the gems in it. With that done she was off.
* * * * * *
Selene was enjoying a hayburger when she heard a gasp she hasn't heard in decades. To be honest it took longer than she thought it would.
“HI! I'M Pinkie Pie! You must be new here since I know everypony in Ponyville, but I don't know you!”
“You're right, I am new. Just came in today. The name is Selene Light.”
“Well Selne, where are you staying, so I can throw you your 'Welcome to Ponyville Party'?”
'By Celestia I missed those parties' Selene thought mentaily.
“I rather not have it in my new place, do you have an alternative?” Selene already knew but for appearances had to ask.
“Sure do! We can have it at Sugarcube Corner! Need me to show you where it is?” Selene mimed like she was thinking before answering.
“I think I saw it when I came here. Candy looking building?”
“That's it, Party starts at five.” Pinkie disappeared after that. She didn't zoom out, She just dove under the table and was gone. Before Selene could get back to her meal she heard Bon Bon say.
“She didn't even phase you. That's the first time I've ever seen that.” Selene looked over to Bon Bon and replied.
“We had somepony like that back where I come from.” It took everything for Selene not to chuckle as the look of sheer horror came over her face.
After lunch Selene headed for Golden Oaks. The place so matched with the town she could see why it was remembered so well by ponies of Ponyville. She opened the door and a familiar voice greeted her.
“Hello I'm Twilight Sparkle and how can I help you today?” Twilight greeted her with a smile. Must have been an off day for her experimenting, thank Luna. Selene returned the smile.
“I'm Selene Light. I've been away from Equestria for some time and would like some history books or major news articles to catch up.” Twilight nodded and with her magic gathered a handful of books and documents for Selene.
“These should help you out. What were you doing away from Equestria?”
“I'm not at liberty to say by agreement.” Twilight frowned, Selene knew she hated being denied information.
“Well have you met Pinkie Pie yet?”
“Yup, the party is at Sugarcube Corner. Be there at five.” The door opened and the filly Nyx came in.
“Hi mom!” She said and zipped up stairs. Selene eyed Twilight.
“Not every day you see an alicorn filly.” Selene commented on. Twilight's sigh and a smile got on her lips.
“That's my Nyx, she's a special little filly.”
'I bet.' Selene thought. A door opened upstairs and the filly was zipping back down.
“Mom! Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom are gonna try to get their cutie marks today in skydiving! Can I join them?”
“Is your homework done?" Twilight asked.
“Got it done at school mom.”
“Okay, but be safe.”
“THANKS! MOM!” And with that she was gone.
“Skydiving?” Selene asked. Twilight just rolled her eyes.
“Yes, Nyx is part of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They try all crazy things to get their cutie marks. Thankfully most of them usually end in tree sap.”
'The CMC has a filly version of me in their ranks! How is this world still existing?' Selene just shook her head and said goodbye to Twilight. She had to drop off her stuff and settle into her new home to prepare for one of the things that could easily destroy the world if done wrong.
Selene teleported in a grove a trees and began walking onto the road to Ponyville. While she did so she thought of what she read. She only manage to read a couple of newspaper articles on that little Nightmare Moon. From what she got was that for a few weeks she in adult form manage to defeat but Luna and Celestia and ruled Equestria. Thought she did bring eternal Night it lasted only two weeks. It seemed Equestria did experience much of a difference under this Nightmare Moon's rule. Then she read the letter where Nightmare Moon freed ponies belonging to the cult called 'The Children of Nightmare' saying they were influenced by her magic and were not to blame for their actions. She then abdicated the throne. Days later Ponyville was attacked by creatures from the Everfree and it seems Nightmare Moon came to their defense and nearly died doing it. It seems the Princesses returned not long after that and nightmare Moon surrendered to them. Officially she had been stripped in power and being taken care of by a trusted pony. Selene had to smile at that. Saying the truth while hiding it's meaning. Classic Celestia to Selene mind. She doesn't change at all. Since it apparent that this Twilight is taking care of a filly her she have some chance to get more info on this. And of course enjoy the company of her friends, well sort of her friends. That's going to be some odd thinking. They acted and looked like her friends but these girls never met her. At least till today. She snorted as she continued her thought. Her life stopped being normal when she died, why should that change now?
Finally she reached the town and notice how quiet it was. With a knowing smile she walked to Sugarcube Corner. She walked through the door and confetti shot at her making her jump a bit.
“YAY! You came on time! Welcome to your 'Welcome to Ponyville' Party!” A familiar pink party pony said in her face. Selene's smile returned.
“I wouldn't miss it for the world Pinkie.” Pinkie disappeared but not before putting a party hat on Selene's horn. Seeing everypony else there she raised a hoof and addressed them. “Thank you all for making me feel so welcome. Enjoy the party everypony!” She then mingled with the ponies recognizing many and chatting with a few before making her way to Twilight.
“Hey Selene, how's the party?” the unicorn asked.
“Loving every minute of it. I already had to play pin the tail on the pony three times!” Twilight gave a knowing smile.
“Pinkie does love that game.” Before either could go further Twilight's friends came up and greeted her. Well almost all, Fluttershy was cowering in the corner. Rainbow was short and to the point, Applejack gave the typical Apple family welcome, but Rarity stayed the longest.
“Darling you simply must come by my boutique. I'm coming up with amazing ideas for a dress.” Selene put a hoof in Rarity's mouth.
“Look Rarity I appreciate that you want to make a dress for me but despite my mane style I am a tomcolt. I don't do the frou-frou thing. IF and I say if I need a dress of course I'll stop by but right now I have no need of one. Okay?” She saw Rarity slump and sigh.
“Very well darling, but it seems such a waste.”
“Thank you. Now I do have a question for you Twilight.” The Unicorn mare looked at her curiously.
“As I told you earlier I've been away from Equestria for awhile. While a got the gist of what happened with your daughter I like to hear from you who was closer to the issue then anything I've read.” Twilight frowned a bit. “If you don't that's okay. I'm just looking for truth, that's all.”
“Okay Selene. It started one night...” With that Twilight began the tale of Nightmare Nyx.
An hour later and Twilight was finished with the tale with Rarity adding a bit here and there, especially while Twilight was in prison. Selene just shook her head annoyed at Celestia.
'Oh yes Celestia is going to pay for that level of stupidity.' The party started to whine down and ponies were leaving. The apples waved to them as they left, though Applebloom gave an extra wave to little Nyx. Nyx herself was drifting so Twilight went over and but the filly on her back which she nuzzled.
Selene's heart melted at the sight.
“Hey Twilight, one last question.”
“Yes?”
“Why Nyx?”
“She's named after one of my favorite books 'Nyx of the Night'.”
“Nice, well have a good night Twilight.” Selene looks behind her and waves at the Pink pony who was at least not hopping around. “Great party Pinkie, see you around.”
“Anytime Selenie!” Selene just shook her head as she walked out and glanced at Twilight heading towards Golden Oaks and and did a small smile.
She reached her bedroom in the Nightstone Castle and shed her disguise.
“Oh that feels good.” She couldn't explain it but she just felt more comfortable in Nightmare form. She then laid on the nice circular bed. “I'll say this. Possessed Spell Nexus certainly knew his beds.” She poked at it twice. “He even made it out of clouds, excellent. I maybe out of my world...again but at least I have a comfy place.” She grabbed a book with her magic and read.
A few hours later she felt it was time to head for bed. She been up for nearly 24 hours but first she had one last thing to do. She clapped her hooves together. Oh yes she was going to enjoy this.
* * * * * *
It was mid morning when Selene woke up from the bit of sleep she had.
'Thank God that alicorns don't need as much sleep.' She thought to herself as she teleported to the kitchen and grabed a glass of milk and a couple pieces of cake since she wasn't in a mood to cook something. Taking a couple of bites and a sip she heard a loud scream followed by.
“LUNA!”
“WHAT!?” Follow it and Selene fell over laughing and clutching her barrel. It was too perfect. She pulled off the cake heist again and this time Celestia was blaming Luna. The PERFECT crime. This Tia totally deserve it after what she did to Nyx. Though poor Luna will have to take in the chin. After a few minutes Selene manage to get back up and continued her breakfast. Oh yes she was going to enjoy this meal.
* * * * * *
Selene was in a park under a tree reading from some of the book on teleportation spells trying to find some clue to what her Twilight was doing. Normally she would just stay in her castle, it was made for Nightmare Moon and she is Nightmare Moon so she's got claim on it. But the day was far too nice to stay indoors, even though she have to be in her disguise. The breeze felt nice and the weather was just perfect. Rainbow mush have went all out today. She heard and saw the CMC run nearby. Trying to get their cutie marks again. Those poor girls never get it. Thank God they FINALLY them in her world and boy did they feel stupid by how long it took them to figure it out. Still the wouldn't have traded the time they spent with each other for the world. But this group of CMC was different then they one she remembered. It had two other members. Nyx and an earth pony that Selene thought was called Twist. Well they will have fun none the less and wnet back to reading.
She was on another book a couple hours later when she heard something coming. It was odd so she stopped reading and listened.
“FunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunfunFUNFUNFUNFUN!” Selene couldn't believe her sight. There heading right towards her was the last thing she ever wanted to see.
AN ARMY OF PINKIES.
She teleported away before she could be clobbered by the hopping pink ponies.
She teleported next to Golden Oaks ans saw many ponies around it with Twilight seemingly trying to calm them down. A pinkie did come in and try to tell Twilight something but another Pinkie showed up and parroted Twilight. Soon several Pinkie's showed up and chaos ensued.
* * * * * *
Selene found herself with Twilight, Spike, and Nyx. Selene little counterpart was on Twilight's back and looked scared at all the Pinkie Pies. A column of Pinkies hopped by and Twilight groaned.
“Ugh! This is hopeless!”
“Maybe that's the real Pinkie.” Spike towards a Pinkie that laying half on a mushroom table looking sad.
“They real Pinkie Pie never sat that long in her life.” Twilight retorted.
“Hold on there Twilight.” Selene interrupted. “Consider this. The bulk of these Pinkies are hoping around chanting FUN! This one is not and don't tell me Pinkie has never been sad before.” Selene heard about how Pinkie acted at the surprise party they held for her birthday the first year Twilight was in Ponyville. “Also think of motivation. Why would Pinkie clone herself?”
“Well, she was trying to spend time with both Rainbow and Applejack who both were doing something this afternoon.” Selene got a knowing smile and walked up to the Pinkie.
“Pinkie, what is it you want most?” Selene asked the sad Pinkie.
“Just to have fun with my friends, but I've ruined it with this stupid plan.” Pinkie began crying as Selene eyed a hopping Pinkie and grabbed her with her magic and floated her over and asked the same question. This Pinkie answered.
“To have fun!” Selene smiled and tossed the Pinkie away and pointed to the sad correction, now crying Pinkie.
“This is the real Pinkie.”
“I don't know Selene.” Twilight said.
“Come on Twilight, While Pinkie does love to have fun, she love's her friends more. This one mentioned her friends. The one I tossed just wants to have fun.” Twilight didn't seem fully convinced of it.
“i have to agree with Selene mom. My love for you and my friends helped me to not fully become Nightmare Moon.”
“I got it!” the Pinkie yelled out interrupting the little filly. “Make a test, one very boring and not fun at all. The Pinkie that passes gets to stay.”
“That could work. And I have just the idea for that test.”
“And if this is the real Pinkie then you owe me dinner Twilight.” She put a collar on this Pinkie. “Don't take that off till I say and this will prove I didn't cheat.”
“Fine let's go.”
* * * * * * *
It took a could hours to round up all the Pinkies and Selene kept the collared one with her. It took Twilight shouting to get the pinkies to sit still. Twilight gave them all the rules and then revealed the test.
Watching paint dry.
'Oh very clever Twilight. Now time to sit back and watch.'
It took a bit for the first Pinkie to fail, poor Spike already went through the bag of popcorn he had. Then they all started to fall.
“I betcha can't make a face crazier than. THIS!” One said and she had rearranged her face. Selene admitted Pinkie actually looked better like that. And that was the final domino. Soon there were only two left and boy were they going at it. It was Rainbow who caved first.
“I can't take it anymore! Someone's making balloon animals.”
“Where?” a Pinkie asks and she's blasted by to the pool. The last Pinkie was still staring at the paint till Twilight told her to stop. That's when Selene eyes the collar on Pinkie.
“Hey Twilight. She has the collar. You owe me dinner!” There was some shocked looks around and Selene understood the meaning.
“NOT THAT KIND OF DINNER!”
* * * * * * *
Days later Selene was back in the castle in her natural form reading books she got from the Royal Sisters Library still looking for what her Twilight was messing with when she heard noise in the castle. Turning to her smoke form Selene went out so see what was happening.
She found quickly that it was the crusaders, all five of them walking the halls of the castle. She hoped they would go away but no they got close to where she was staying. She had no choice now. She wisp ahead of the girls ans assumed her current unicorn form. When they got close she step forward to reveal herself to them.
“What are you girls doing here?” She asked. They were surprised to see her here. Scootaloo was the first to regain her voice.
“Well what are you doing here. This is Nyx's place even if she doesn't live here right now.”
“I live here. Not only is it a nice castle if you get by the creepy Nightmare statues. And it's far enough away from Ponyville so if my experiments go boom it won't take Ponyville with it.” The all winced at that.
“What are you working on Selene?” Nyx asked.
“On a teleportation spell. Now what are you five doing here?” The all shuffled their hooves. Sweetie looked like she was about to say something but both Applebloom and Scootaloo glared at her. The light went on in Selene's head. “It's Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon isn't it and they got you to believe to not talk about it right?” It was Nyx who caved and nodded. And Selene sighed. “You girls fell for the oldest bully trick in the book. Saying you're a snitch. Do you know why they say that? They are afraid of being punished so they get to to never tell. Never be afraid of doing the right thing girls. Evil flourishes when good ponies do nothing. Now come on we have bullies to address.”
* * * * * * *
The girls led her to the clubhouse which was locked up to prevent anypony getting in. Well any earth pony anyway. With a smirk Selene teleported up and was on the deck.
“What was that?” the familiar voice of Diamond Tiara asked. Selene saw the two fillies with a new girl showing up. It took her a moment to recognize her. Applebloom's cousin. The first Crusader outside the founding three, well in her universe anyway. Now she knows what happened.
“That was me Diamond Tiara. Bullying again? I thought you would have learn from Nyx about bullying but it seems you are still as dumb as ever.”
'What's she talking about?” Babs Seed asked Tiara in her thick Brooklyn accent.
“Oh your new friends didn't tell you? Well remember the second return of Nightmare Moon?” Babs nodded so Selene continued. “Well you can thank your new friends for that ball getting rolling. Nyx could have gone much longer before being discovered if discovered at all. But Your friends decided to get back at Nyx for her question that she asked in school and tricked her into going into the Everfree Forest. There she got lost and made her way the the Royal Sister's old castle. Unfortunately for every pony remains of the Original Nightmare Moon's magic. That magic was attracted to Nyx since she's physically Nightmare Moon and she was forced to relive some of the darker parts of Luna's past as Nightmare Moon. Including have hatred for Twilight Sparkle. Imagine it Babs. Diamond Tiara loves her father dearly, now imagine her having memories telling her she hated her dad. That is what Nyx had to go through. Then there was the magic surge that got the attention of Both Princess Celestia and the cult that made Nyx.” Selene saw nyx trying to intervene down below but before the filly could say anything Selene addressed her. “Nyx, don't say anything. While it was a noble thing to take all the blame the truth is you are the ultimate victim here. You didn't want those memories or what both Celestia and the cult did to you. Punishment is meant to teach and sadly Diamond Tiara has not been punish as she should most of her life. She's been spoiled because while her dad is a good loving stallion he is a bad father by not teaching her these things. You two help bring about one of the greatest threats to the world and could have easily gotten yourselves killed. Instead of taking that lesson to heart you are back at it again. Your dad is not always gonna be there to bail you out when you screw up. One day he will die and the family business will be yours to command. Bullying will not save your company went it loses profits by your mismanagement.”
This ended up being true in her world. Selene bought Barnyard Bargains when her Diamond Tiara drove it into the ground. Diamond ended up on the streets and though Selene tried to help her she was too stubborn and according to her Luna died in an alley way of hunger.
“Diamond Tiara, learn from your father. How he runs his business. How he treats is employees, suppliers, and customers. Applebloom will one day inherent Sweet Apple Acres. The place responsible for your families wealth. Filthy Rich is smart enough to keep that partnership going. Will you?” Selene addressed Babs again.
“I've got a guess. That guess is that you have been bullied back home and when it seemed to start happening here you fled to the bully's side so you wouldn't be a target. Is that really how you want to live your life? I suggest you three really think on that.” using her magic she lowered the clubhouse ramp. “Now this place isn't yours, it's theirs.” Selene saw Diamond Tiara shake her head.
“When my daddy hears about this he'll-”
“DO WHAT? I do not use his place of business. Nor does he have any legal standing to go after me. I have not harm him or you. I have simply said things. If he tries to sick Town Hall at me I can challenge for corruption. That will harm him and Town Hall not me.” Diamond Tiara stomped away with Silver Spoon following. Selene left Babs and the Crusaders to think.
* * * * * *
I few days later the parade was happening and Selene saw a welcome sight. The Crusaders plus one Babs Seed driving a gold apple float in the parade. All six had smiles on as they waved to the crowd. Selene heard a pony come next to her.
“I hear tell that you mended the rift between Applebloom and her cousin.” Applejack said.
“I just said what needed to be said. That was all and they were the ones who made it work not me.”
“Well I can thank you kindly for doing so. I wish the she had come to me when it all started.”
“Kids can be foolish. Hopefully they learn from mistakes.” Applejack just nodded and the two enjoyed the rest of the parade.
Selene was taking another break from her research. She had to before she blew something up. She was in the complete dark to what Twilight was researching when the accident happened. She's been focusing on any book that had info on teleportation. Maybe she should just try to make an interdimensional portal and look till she found her Equestria. Well she could worry about that later.
'Time to head for the market and get some good old apples from Applejack.' Though when she got close to town hall she saw a crowd of ponies. Breaking into the front she saw Twilight looking upset at a pony and Selene looked to see Trixie. She noticed the amulet Trixie was wearing. The Alicorn Amulet, Zecora gave it to Twilight just before she passed away and was in her time in a hidden vault so no pony could use it again. Selene heard Twilight accept a duel challenge from Trixie and Selene decided to intervene.
“If we are going to have a duel then let's set some ground rules.” She said aloud, getting everypony's attention.
“Who are you to interrupt the Great and Powerful Trixie's revenge!?”
“The name's Selene Light. And if you want a duel we can have one but first. No magical enhancers.” Trixie actually looked scared a bit.
“Trixie has no idea what you are talking about.” Selene lifted an eyebrow at her.
“Oh? Well before coming to Ponyville I traveled a lot. Heard a lot of stories and I recognize the Alicorn Amulet.”
“The what?” Twilight asked.
“The Alicorn Amulet. It was designed to substantially increase a unicorn's power but a side effect makes the wear become crazy and tyrannical. So Trixie, you can continue this path but be forever known as a cheater who had to use a magical artifact to beat another pony using her own magic. Or you can get your life back on track.”
“Trixie tried and failed. Trixie was revealed everywhere Trixie went. Even when Trixie tried to stand against Nightmare Moon Trixie failed and was laughed at.”
“Guts for you to try against Nightmare Moon but before that the fault lies with you. You blatantly lied to your audiences on a feat you could never prove. I heard about the Ursa Minor event. Should you be fully blamed for that? Of course not, you didn't provoke it. Those two idiots did. However they would have not gotten the idea if you hadn't lied about beating an Ursa Major to begin with. You can entertain without having to lie. It's your talent, not to be the most powerful unicorn. But to entertain ponies, to make their day brighter, to forget their troubles for a little while. What can the amulet promise, power?” Selene shook her head at that. “Even if you beat Twilight that amulet will make you do horrible things and then the Princesses will intervene. Think you can match two powerful alicorns?” She saw Trixie gulp at that. “Now you have a choice to make. You can continue this course and likely end up in jail. Or you can take that amulet off and be a better entertainer.” Selene looked Trixie in the eye and had no trouble using a mild version of Fluttershy’s Stare on the mare. All pegasi are capable of it but none as far as Fluttershy. It took Selene a year to master it. She honestly was surprised that Nightmare Moon or Luna never learned it. That little edge was enough and Trixie took off the amulet and handed it to Selene. “Thank you Trixie, thank you for proving me right.” The situation was defused and Selene helped her find a place for the night.
* * * * * *
Days later found Selene looking over a map. Trixie had started to make amends with the Element Bearers which was made better when Nyx gave back the cap and cloak she took from Trixie during her brief reign of Equestria. Selene hoped Trixie would have a good life but she was focused on another problem. This Equestria has differences with the one she knew. Thus she can't guarantee the same result. She had already checked and yes he was gone but she can't be sure that Twilight can pull it off again. Not to mention the further confidence hit against Celestia. However this was not easily since she had to do this from memory. She stomped a hoof at the spot on the map.
“There, you should be there.” Becoming a purple smoke Selene left the castle and headed for her target.
* * * * * * *
Selene was at the edge of Equestria at three in the morning. She had just passed a town before she saw a dilapidated farm up ahead. From reports this was the area they first got reports of his actions.
'Not this time you jerk.' She thought as she entered the old farm house. There he was. Looking truly pitiful. So old, so weak, so pathetic. She readied the cord and launched. Before he could remotely respond she had the cord in front of him and with her mane pulled tight around his throat, biting into the skin. He tried to grab it but his hands couldn't purchase it. Selene leaned her muzzle close to his ear and said.
“Hello Tirek, I'm Selene Light the Nightmare reborn.” Tirek tried to see something but the cord was too tight. “It's an intriguing sensation isn't it? To feel your life slip away. I experienced it myself long ago. In a way you and I have died for the good of others. Me defending an innocent from rape and likely murder. You, well your death will ensure that these ponies are never harmed by you again. You think my magic or the magic of these ponies was yours? Such stupid arrogance. You and your brother are from another land. The magic was never yours. In many ways you are THE most pathetic of all of Equestria's villains for you require the power of others to do anything.” Selene noticed his condition. He was barely conscious. “Oh! Before you give my regards to oblivion I must say this. This may not be the Equestria I call home but it is close enough and you will NEVER harm these ponies ever again.” Finally she felt his life leave him and what magic he stole restored to its owners. She then took the lifeless body outside and soared into the air and the stratosphere. She saw the sun ahead of her.
'Now in a case of sheer irony I shall send this lifeless body. TO THE SUN!' With a twirl of her mane she tossed the body into a straight path into the sun to prevent any chance of his return. She then out herself on a trajectory to Nightstone Castle and just as the sun was dawning for Ponyville. She didn't bother with her disguise, only shutting the blinds and collapsing on her bed asleep as soon as she hit the pillow.
* * * * * * *
Turns out it was a good thing that Selene slept that day. Celestia had come with a still stoned Discord and tasked the Elements Bearers to reform him. After some chaos Fluttershy pulled it off here as she did in her Equestria. Now she personally had no issue with Discord. He can be fun at times but Selene was afraid that this Discord would see past her disguise. She did not need her secret out right now. She did think of what more she could do while she was here. Her research was getting frustrating so she had to vent before she blew something up and likely reveal what she truly was. She wanted to use her full powers but how to do it without revealing herself. She thought of this while helping Rarity clean up her basement. It was filled with rejected or just plain failed designs when she came across a dark purple hat.
'Whoa, this thing looks like a Darkwing Duck hat.' She put it on. 'Sweet!' She looked more and found a hood, and a purple outfit with a cape and a M. 'Oh this is a Mare Do new costume.' Twilight told Selene about that incident and man did Selene give her hell for that one. Seems this group pulled off the same thing and just stored the costumes when they were done. With all of them posing as the mare it made it look like the masked hero was an ali...corn. The light bulb goes on above her and she looks up.
“I didn't know there was a light here?” In the distance she heard Rarity say.
“Apologies Darling, I forgot to tell you about it. Figured you could use it.”
“Thanks Rares!” Selene answered back before she looked at the costume again with a twinkle in her eyes.
“Soon, but first I have to finish helping my friend.” She went back to work cleaning.
* * * * * *
Now while it's been two months since Nyx's time as Nightmare Moon but Ponyville was still rebuilding since the monster attack thus many construction sites around and sadly not all of the best quality workers. Selene was on a cloud scanning the sights looking for any trouble. Seeing Ponyville from the air she saw that most of the houses had been repaired or replaced; it was mainly stores or new housing for the small surge of ponies that had moved into town. Thus why she had the Nightstone Castle all to herself. She saw Dash fly by and was thankful for the invisible spell to hide her. Though she was worried that Dash might pick her cloud to nap on. Shouts dragged her from her concern and she started looking around. She spotted a lot of movement at one site. Looked like a cart's wheel broke and tipped the cart over, spilling the metal beams onto the under construction building. The whole thing was wobbling since it was ready to withstand that. Selene got up.
“Well, Superhero time.” She said to herself as she dropped the spell and flew down to the site.
As she landed she saw some equipment fall off. She used her magic to hold them in the air and gently put them down safely. However as she did that some of the workers screamed as they fell.
'Did I seriously hear Wilhem scream?' She thought as she was about to grab them when a rainbow streak grabbed them first.
'Way to go Dash!' Dash got the rest of the workers as Selene stabilized the structure as best she could. It took a few minutes but the danger was over. She looked around and saw several ponies about and Rainbow frowning at her.
“I thought I didn't have to see you again.” Rainbow said clearly thinking she was one of the girls from before.
“Things change.” Selene replied with a distorted voice. “However this time I am not here to take you down a peg. Heck I thank you for getting those workers. Made stopping all of this much easier. So new start?” She placed her hoof out for a brohoof. Rainbow eyed it. “Come on, I got your back, you got mine.” Rainbow sighed and brohoof. Selene saw her other self and took it as a clue to leave. She took to the sky to a confused Rainbow and an awe struck crowd.
'Magic cloning is SO AWESOME!'
While one Selene dressed as Mare Do Well flew into the sky for more patrolling the other Selene walked over to Rainbow.
“You okay Rainbow?” Her pegasus friend looked at her with confusion.
“My friends promised to never bring her out again. Yet not only is she back but as an alicorn. How in the hay did they do that?”
“Who says it's them? Maybe somepony decided to take our role? This Mare Do Well doesn't want to be enemies with you. Come on, let's get you a shake.”
They met the others and they all heard about the return of Mare Do Well. Rainbow had the girls perform the Pinkie Promise that they hadn't revived the old persona. Selene didn't need to do it since Rainbow saw her and Mare Do Well at the same time.
“So we have an unknown alicorn posing as our old hero persona. She can't match any of the alicorns we know due to her size. She's much too small for Princess Celestia, Luna, or even Cadance and Nyx is much too small and weak to do it. I better let the Princesses know about this. Until then keep an eye out for Mare Do Well.” The nods went all around and Selene left with a smile. One of the best perks of being Nightmare Moon. The freaking clones.
Selene took a breath and saw it come out of her mouth in the cold air. Winter was here in Ponyville and she had been here for months. All her attempts at getting to her Equestria have failed. She just didn't know what Twilight was working on at the time. Her best hope was her Twilight figuring out and rescuing her. She still tried in her alone time but she was being realistic. But that wasn't to say it was all bad. She was seeing her friends back in their prime again and they were just as open with her as the ones she knew. She tried to be as open with them without revealing what she was exactly. Heck she was in the Running of the Leaves and got third after Rainbow and Applejack. Twilight managed fourth this year. Not bad for a scholar, though her Twilight could do much better thanks to training Selene had her do. And she absolutely adored Nyx. Many times she ended up sitting for Twilight when she needed to do something so she and Nyx were close. Today she was meeting the girls in Sugarcube Corner for lunch. She opened the door and spotted her friends at a large table in the corner. She first checked on Rainbow. She looked better. She really had it rough saying goodbye to Tank for the winter. But hey, it was the first time she ever saw a snow nuke before.
“HEY SELENE! OVER HERE!” Pinkie yelled and her hoof in the air. It brought a smile to her lips as she walked over. To them and took a seat.
“How is everypony today? Selene asked.
“WE GET TO DO THE HEART'S WARMING PLAY AGAIN ISN'T GREAT!?” If Pinkie ever was a keyboard her caps lock would ALWAYS be on.
“And it will be Nyx's first Hearth's Warming so we are leaving ahead of the group to spend time with my parents, Shiny, and Cadence. We'll be leaving in a couple days.” She bet that will go over well. Shiny was mind controlled by Chrysalis (Selene learned her name as she had encountered the queen a couple of times in the past few decades) then by the magic in the Children of Nightmare.
“Good luck with that meeting Twilight.” Twilight frowned at that as Selene addressed the group. “It's great you all will be doing the play this year. I wish you all the luck.”
“May I ask dear what you have planned for this year?” Rarity asked.
“I will just hang out at home and do some reading.” They all seemed shocked by this.
“Don't you have any family Selene?” Rainbow asked.
“Nope.” She saw both Pinkie and Fluttershy tear up. 'Oh great I'm making them both cry.'
“Now that's just not right. Nopony should be alone during Hearth's Warming.” Applejack commented. Twilight clopped her hoof on the table.
“That's it. You Selene are coming with me to my parents.” Selene was a tad surprised. Yes she and her Twilight have become like family. Heck all five alicorns had because in a world that changes around you and friends grow old and die you needed some constants and that's what they all were to each other. She had only known this Twilight for a few months and she was making this big of a leap.
“You sure Twilight? I wouldn't want to intrude on a family thing.” Twilight put a hoof on top of Selene's and looked with such kindness.
“Selene. You've been helping me look after Nyx when me and the girls can't. You've been there for all of us. You may not bear an Element of harmony but I consider you as much as family as I do them.” Selene looked around and saw the girls nod in affirmation. Selene couldn't help but tear up. They were doing it again. Opening their hearts to her.
“You win Twilight, so when are we leaving?”
“The day after tomorrow. After lunch Rarity is fitting our costumes for any changes that need to be made.” Twilight answered Selene couldn't resist.
“You mean so Rarity won't feel bloated after pigging out on holiday dinners.” Rarity sputtered trying to come up with a response as the girls laughed. The meal arrived before Rarity could come up with a retort but the sweet smile Selene gave showed she was just joking. Selene looked at the tray and gave another smile. Pinkie had her favorite dishes available in the bakery. No matter how different things are in this Equestria, many things stay the same and Pinkie Pie will always be Pinkie Pie.
* * * * * *
Days later Selene was on the train to Canterlot with Twilight, Nyx, and Spike. Spike was going over his lines. When he finished Twilight commented.
“Very good, Spike,” Twilight said. She smiled and looked up from the script she was holding. “It was perfect, though don’t you feel the accent is a little thick?”
“But that’s the best part,” Spike said in his faux british accent. He then stood up on the train seat and struck a dramatic pose. “It is this accent that brings the flavor of olden times to the stage. It is what enchants ponies and draws them in. It is what brings greater life to the story and greater meaning to its message of friendship and harmony. “And besides,” Spike continued as he let his voice shift back to normal, “I learned the accent from the pony who did the narrating before me, and he was the best pageant narrator ever. Princess Celestia said so herself.”
"Well, I like it," Nyx said, looking up from the book she's reading, which was a collection of Hearth's Warming stories both old and new.
“So do I. It adds character.” Selene interjected.
Spike laughed and pointed a claw at Twilight. “Ha, three against one, the accent wins.”
“All right, all right,” Twilight said with a small giggle. Selene joined her in it but honestly her mind was a bit elsewhere. Last night she passively scanned the dreams of ponies in Canterlot. She didn't want to alert Luna to her presence as she checked those ponies. What she found disturb her a bit. Ponies were beginning to suspect that Nyx wasn't in prison. While the Princesses hadn't lied about how they dealt with Nyx it could lead to many to assume Nyx was in prison. Selene bet they also knew that belief wouldn't last forever. She hoped that I had plans for that. Selene had already made a couple. Spike headed off to get a hot drink while Nyx looked out the window. Soon Twilight asked why she was looking and she replied that she wanted to see her grandpa. That got a chuckle out of Selene as Twilight directed Nyx to the other side so they could wave.
“Hey, I think I can see the station,” Nyx said. She was pressing her face so hard against the glass, she was likely frightening any ponies that happened to look at the train as it passed by. “Wow, there’s a lot of ponies on the platform.”
“Really?” Twilight said as she and Selene leaned in to look out the window themselves. “This train doesn’t leave to go back to Ponyville for another hour. Why would there be―” Selene didn't need Twilight to finish. She saw waaaayyyy too many ponies at the station. They could only be one thing.
Reporters.
And no doubt they were after Nyx.
“Okay everypony I have a plan.” She summoned a headband. “Nyx wears this, it will disguise your features quite well. Twilight when Spike gets back, have him hop on you then put your cloak on. That should distort you enough to be unrecognizable.”
“That could work for us but what about you?” Twilight asked.
“Twilight I'm a nopony that was a late addition to all of this. They won't be looking for me. I'll be fine.” Selene whirled her cloak around her as Spike showed up and was given the details. He grumbled about the waste of his drink but relented.
When they were all bundled up the train had stopped and they calmly as possible got out. Some reporters glanced their way and especially at Nyx but unknown to Twilight and Nyx was that Selene quickly made clones that looked like them and had them exit another way.
“There they are!” a reporter yelled and raced to the clones. Selene smirked in victory as Twilight found her dad waiting at the sidewalk instead of the platform and walked up to him.
“Hey dad.” Twilight whispered. Night Light looked over in confusion till Twilight pulled back her scarf to reveal her face.
“Oh Twilight I didn't recognize you.” He looked at her with confusion. “Why are you dressed like that?”
“Reporters Mr. Light.” Selene interjected. “We had reporters waiting at the platform so word leaked out that Twilight was coming. And we better hurry soon. My distraction won't keep them long.” Night Light nodded in understanding. In a louder voice he said.
“Mother, sister, and my dear niece! Let's get you out of this cold.” He summoned a taxi and they were off to the Sparkle household.
* * * * *
Fearing reporters, Twilight continued to wear her clock and Nyx her headband as the carriage took them to Sparkle Manor. Even with Luna's memories and decades of living in Equestria the naming conventions still eluded her. She just rolled with it now. Though calling the place a manor would be a bit of an exaggeration. It was certainly a large house with three stories and in the ideal location not far from the key areas of Canterlot. She had been there many times for Hearth's Warming till Twilight's parents passed away. With her own castle and the tower in the Canterlot one Twilight saw no reason to keep it. The new family has taken great care of the place so far and Selene hoped this version would as well as they pulled up to it.
Night Light stayed back by the taxi a moment, paying the stallion for the trip, while The others stood at the end of the walk that led to their front door. The house was in its holiday best. Garland and strings of enchanted, glowing glass hung from the edges of windows and the roof. A wreath hung on the door, and a blanket of snow covered everything. Twilight said she doubted she could have found a more welcoming site in all of Equestria. Selene found it hard to disagree with her.
“Twilight!” Spike whined. The hump in Twilight’s cloak shifted. “Can we get inside already? It’s getting hot under here.”
“Did her hump just talk?” the taxi puller asked with a cocked eyebrow.
“Yes, it did,” Night Light answered as if nothing was out of the ordinary. “Now, here are your bits and you can keep the change.”
The prospect of a very generous tip quickly drew the taxi stallion’s attention back to Night Light. “Thank you, sir, and have a Happy Hearth’s Warming.” He pulled away and night Light leaned in and said quietly.
“So that's where you are, how are you doing son?”
“I'll be doing better once we are inside.” Taking the hint the group went inside and took off their cloaks and Spike hopped out of Twilight's. As Nyx took off the head band and gave it back to Selene.
“Here let me take your cloaks.” He then turned his head to face behind him. “Velvet, honey there here!”
“I’ll be right down!” the voice of Twilight’s mother, Twilight Velvet, called down from the stairs. “I’m just putting a few things away!”
Night Light chuckled, shaking his head. “Your mother. Can’t be happy with guests around unless she knows this house is spotless.” He then turned back to Twilight, his smile widening as she took off her saddlebags. “But you know that as well as I do. Now, come on, give this old stallion a hug.”
Twilight was more than happy to oblige. She lifted her forehooves and hugged her father tight, giggling a little as he gave her a squeeze. The pair then stepped apart, letting Night Light turn and smile at Spike. “And how is my daughter’s number one assistant?” he asked as he offered a hoof. “Still keeping my daughter out of trouble?” Spike took Night Light’s hoof in his claw and gave it a shake, laughing as he said,
“More than you know.”
“Well, it’s good to see you both. How have things been since the wedding?”
“Actually, dad, there’s one more pony you need to say hello to,” Twilight said. She stepped to one side, smiling as she swept a hoof from her father to Nyx, who had been standing behind Twilight, trying to go unnoticed. “Dad, this is Nyx. Nyx, this is your grandfather, Night Light.” For a moment, Night Light’s smile weakened. He inspected Nyx closely, and she stepped back anxiously under his gaze. She looked away, staring at her hooves as she scratched her foreleg with the other, but his gaze remained constant. He then took a step forward, towering over her as most adult ponies did.
“Nyx,” he said with a calm yet commanding tone, forcing her to look up and meet his gaze. He then bent his head down and extended a forehoof, bringing it to the side of her head. “What’s this behind your ear?” He brought his forehoof back a moment later, which was now holding a small holiday cookie. He also smiled, which in turn made Nyx smile as she took the cookie. She took a single bite, and her smile grew until it threatened to burst off her face.
“This is good!” was all she could say through the flavorful food that filled her mouth.
“That’s a secret, family recipe my grandfather came up with,” Night Light said as he raised his head. “He was a royal chef, and nopony came into his house during the holidays without getting a cookie.”
“Hey, what about the rest of us?” Spike asked.
“There’s a whole plate of cookies in the kitchen,” Night Light assured Spike. “In fact, why don’t you take Nyx in there. You can get yourself a cookie and then some milk from the fridge for the both of you.”
“Sounds good,” he said as he began to lead Nyx to the kitchen. “Maybe this time I’ll actually get to enjoy it.”
Night Light cocked an eyebrow, watching Spike and Nyx walk into the living room and then through the door into the kitchen. He then looked back at Twilight, who smiled and laughed a little under her breath. “He’s a little steamed. Selene made him leave the hot chocolate we bought back on the train.”
“Hey blame the reporters not me.” Selene commented.
“Well, he is a dragon that likes his hot chocolate,” Night Light said.
“That's certainly true. By the way, thank you for having me on such short notice.”
“My Twilight said you had no family and no pony should spend Hearth's Warming alone. So it is no problem.”He turned to go to the kitchen, but Twilight caught his shoulder. She was wearing a smile that was both thankful and hopeful. “Yes, honey?” he asked.
“Thank you for doing that for Nyx. Does this mean...?”
Night Light lifted a hoof and placed it on Twilight’s shoulder. “Listen, Honey, I still don’t think you should be the one taking care of her. You should be having fun with your friends, finishing your studies with Princess Celestia, and maybe finding a special somepony like your brother. You’re too young to be taking care of a filly, let alone an alicorn filly.” He then smiled. “But that’s no reason to ruin Hearth’s Warming for you or her. Let’s just enjoy these next few days and we can talk about it later.”
' A wise choice.' Selene thought as Twilight pulled her father into a hug again, squeezing him.
“Thanks dad, but I still think I can change your mind before we get on the train back to Ponyville.” That was when Twilight's mom showed up.
“Mom,” Twilight said as she squeezed Twilight Velvet tightly. “How are things? You finish your new book?” Pure Kodiak moment.
“Trying. Just need to polish off the last couple chapters,” Velvet answered with a tired sigh. “And I need to do it soon. The publishers are starting to get impatient.”
“Ouch, that sucks at this time of year.” Said Selene as she shooked Velvet's hoof.
“It does but can't be helped.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll get it. You always do,” Twilight reassured her, “and I can’t wait to read it.”
“You’ll get the first one off the press, like always,” Velvet assured before looking around the home’s small entryway. “I thought you were bringing—”
“They’re in the kitchen,” Night Light said.
Velvet nodded, turned, and crept to the kitchen door. She poked her head in for just a moment, just long enough to get a glimpse. She then retreated back to where her daughter and husband were standing. “I don’t know why, but I thought an alicorn filly would be bigger. And where’s her disguise? I thought we agreed that, when we go out, she’d have her disguise.”
“Well I did make one and it's in my bags but Selene pulled one out.” Twilight eyed Selene. “When did you make that?”
“Since I knew I was coming. I traveled around solving problems before coming to Ponyville so I saw Nyx's natural features would be an issue so While you were making sure everything was good in town I bought and enchanted that headband. She handed the head band to Twilight. “Here, I got this solely for Nyx to use. I can understand her not wanting to hide here in the house.” 'I'm freaking envious of the little thing. She can do that I can't for the next few days.' “We can use Twilight's as a backup in case of accidents.”
“Why do you think there would be accidents?” Twilight asked fearfully and Selene gave her a look.
"Twi, She's a CMC, IT goes with the territory. Not to say she isn't a good filly but that group can rival Pinkie on occasion."Twilight sighed at that and Velvet laughed a little.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to doubt you, honey. I just wanted to be sure."She then moved over beside Twilight, smiling and nudging her daughter's shoulder. "Now, come on, let's get you two a cookie and make sure Spike and Nyx don't ruin their dinner.・
"Now there's a never ending war."Selene clopped her hooves together like a filly. "But I do so enjoy trying." With that Selene heading for the kitchen.
It was amusing watching Velvet get ready for Shining and Cadance's arrival today. She was running all over the kitchen. Night Light tried to calm her down but leave it to Twilight to screw that up by stating they only had fourteen minutes left. Nyx giggled next to her and Selene leaned over and commented.
“Now we know where Twilight gets it from.” Nyx nodded and continued eating as Spike said.
“Yeah you get used to the antics of this family.” Selene could silently vouch on that. The decades with Twilight, her Twilight made use to that mare's antics.
After breakfast they got ready but ran into a hitch. It was time for Nyx to don her disguise. She didn't want to hide who she was and Selene could almost understand that. Despite her experience as Nightmare Nyx the filly was so naïve. There were times where you have to hide. She's bucking lucky she can be in her true form at all. Thankfully Twilight got to get Nyx to wear the headband Selene made for her then they headed out to the station.
* * * * * *
When Cadance and Shining arrived things weren't the best. It started okay with Cadance and Twilight doing their dance. No matter how many times she saw that Selene always had a smile on her lips from the sheer cuteness of it. They both greeted Selene with warmth but when they met Nyx. Cadance mentioned that she was raising an army to depose Nightmare Nyx and the hassle of dealing with the nobles after Nyx stepped down, but Cadence was eager to meet her new niece. Shining was another story. He was cold and barely acknowledged Nyx and that made Selene very uncomfortable not to mention poor Nyx.
Nyx and Selene cheered up a bit when they visited Lumber Jack's Tree Emporium. The Earth Pony was as boisterous as ever. He even nicknamed Nyx Bright Grape. Thankfully Selene was too old for him to nickname here both times she met him. They toured the grounds with LumberJack telling Nyx about Hearth's Warming Eve. It was hilarious to see Night Light disagree with the Pretty Pink Pony Princess on what is pink. Nyx even got to pick a small log to burn on the grill in the backyard. It was also amusing to see Twilight deal with the fact that Nyx at one time was an adult mare and had read adult books. Selene did not envy her in that. Cadence came to the rescue with a book about Smarty Pants.
'Seriously what is with that doll?' Selene thought about that. But she and the other's thoughts were interrupted by an assault of newsponies. They asked questions about Nyx, was she Cadance's secret kid or maybe Twilight's because of her coloring. Nyx's disguise had her with a lighter lavender than Twilight with a purple mane with pink and dark blue stripes in them. Selene was trying to ignore them to summon her magic to take care of them when Shining beat her to it. He gave them an air view of Canterlot.
“Honey, you okay?” Velvet asked as she and her husband came up to them.
“Yeah I'm fine.” Twilight replied. Shining walked up to his wife and asked if she was okay.
“Just startled from their sudden appearance and constant barrage of pictures and questions.” Cadence reassured him with.
“Why did they do that?” Nyx asked as she rubbed her eyes and emerged from under Twilight. Cadence sighed and suggested.
“They're probably after me. Those paparazzi ponies are always after the princesses for a story and it's been awhile since me and Shining have been in Canterlot.” Selene thought that logical and likely till Shining but in.
“It's not your fault.” He said and took a moment to glare at Nyx. “I'm sure they were after something else.” Selene saw the look on Nyx's face and he gave Shining a glare of her own.
When they got home Selene looked at Shining and said neutrally as possible.
“Shining, could I have a word with you.” Shining looked at his wife and she nodded but looked at Selene with both curiosity and worry.
“Sure, where do you want to go?” He asked. Selene looked over to Night Light and asked.
“Mr. Light, may I borrow your study?” He nodded and Selene led the way there. When they were both in she shut the door and put a silencing spell. She saw Shining take notice of the spell. “Shining, I'm only going to give you this warning once. Cut the act with Nyx, it's beneath you.”
“I'm only looking out..” He started to say but Selene interrupted him.
“Looking out for WHAT? You're family? No that's your justification. Look I understand you have issues with Nyx, your parents do as well but they at least have the common sense to drop it for the holiday.”
“But they don't realize the danger there. Nightmare Moon could brainwash them!”
“Ah we get to the heart of the matter. You're afraid. Twice now you have been brainwashed. First by the changeling queen and then by Nightmare Moon. Well here's some facts for you. One; she's Nyx now. She was forced into becoming Nightmare Moon do to fear and stupidity. Did Twilight ever tell you how she felt after she confronted you during your wedding rehearsal?”He nodded. “Well Nyx felt the same way but rather then be sad she grew angry and with the memories she inherited from Luna as her time as Nightmare Moon she was dealing with a double betrayal. Number two; Nyx never put that spell on you, it was Spell Nexus who made you into a Child of Nightmare. It was Nyx who freed you when she didn't have to nor did she have to give up power which leads to number three. Your thinking in this is that Nyx wants something and is brainwashing everypony to get it. Well here's the news flash for you, she has what she wanted. What ponies keep forgetting about Nightmare moon was why Luna became her in the first place. Luna wanted to be loved and adored rather then being rejected in favor of her sister. Her jealousy, despair, and anger cause her to become Nightmare moon to bring Eternal Night to force ponies to love her night and love her. Nyx also sought that when she was forced to become Nightmare Moon. However late in her rule she found out the truth. She had her goal as Nyx not as Nightmare Moon. She was loved and adored by her friends and her mother but that was taken away from her by others. In the end being Nightmare Moon and ruling Equestria did not give her the goal she seeked. Being Nyx did and she is now a happy filly unless certain ponies dig the knife into the wound she has for being Nightmare Moon. So drop your issues for now and enjoy this holiday for if you ruin Nyx's first Hearth's Warming it won't be Nyx you will have to worry about. IT'S ME!” With that she turned off the spell and left the room leaving Shining to think on her words. She found Cadance in the hall looking concerned.
“I feel a lot of anger in you Selene. Is something wrong?”
“Your pigheaded husband managed to push a button of mine and I let him know it. If you will excuse me I will go somewhere and vent. I promise to be back in time for the caroling.” With that Selene teleported away and ended back in Nightstone Castle. She resumed her true form and expanded her magic as she vented out her anger.
It took her an hour but she was calmed down enough to resume her disguise and teleport back. She noticed the looks some of the family gave her but they tabled it when she suggested caroling and boy did that do wonders to get her back in a good mood.
* * * * * *
“Okay, last inspection everypony? Twilight, fix your brother's crest. It's crooked. Honey, straighten your tie. It's crooked. Okay? Is that it? No, wait, Nyx has a smudge on her cheek. One moment... there. Okay. Oh, wait, Cadence, fix your crown. Oh, and honey, can you make sure I'm zipped up all the way? I am? Good. Okay, quick check. I'm good, you're good, you're good, you're good, you're good, and you're good. Okay, we're all good. Let's do this in three. One... two... three...” Selene was amused at Velvet freaking out again. She leaned over to Cadance who she sat next to in the carriage and commented.
“You taught Twilight the breathing technique, but not her mother?”Cadence just shrugged as we got out all dressed in our finest. Night Light and Velvet in a suit and dress that seemed nice. Still more tomcoltish then not after these decades thank you. Shining was in a Guard dress uniform while Cadance wore her typical regalia. Twilight was in her Gala dress and it looked nice. She had only seen pictures of it since it went up with Golden Oaks in her Equestria. She herself was in a Rarity dress. Rarity was allowed to make only ONE dress for her and she went all out on it. It was purple with black moons and stars on it. Honestly she might have gone turquoise if it wasn't for the Nightmare Moon thing. When we all got out we were minus one.
“Come on Nyx, we're going to be late.”Velvet said as she adjusted her husband's tie...AGAIN. Nyx finally emerged from the carriage with a frown and Selene couldn't blame her. Rarity made her usual works of art that matched the filly before they left. However after caroling Velvet insisted with a dress that she claimed would be perfect for dinner with her publisher. Honestly, the dress was crap. Didn't match her colors in or out of disguise and for decades with Rarity as a friend she came to tell the quality of the dress.. Selene dared anypony who was close friends with Rarity NOT pick up somethings. This dress had a mass produced copy written all over it. She tried to get Velvet to change her mind insisting Rarity's work would work much better then she was an up and coming dress maker with praise from several influential ponies but she was dead set on that stupid dress and Twilight was no help.
“Oh, Nyx, you look darling,”Velvet said, as if oblivious to the filly's frown and Selene's face hoof. She then quickly moved to the front of the group and began leading them down the street. “Now, come on, we don't want to be late.”The dinner done by Velvet's publisher Equestria Publications, the top publisher in the kingdom, was being held at the Pranceton which was among the finest hotels in Canterlot. The one from her Equestria always gave her a Plaza Hotel from Home Alone 2 vibe. This place ended up being the same.
Velvet was so giddy that they ended up with the same table as the president of her company and that her editor was at another table. That got Selene suspicious that there might be company political shenanigans going on. Having Luna's memories and her decades as a princess made her sensitive on such things.
"So why are we........" Cadence began to ask before she deadpanned. "Velvet, is the only reason we're at this table because Print Press wanted a chance to eat dinner with a princess, namely me?"
'Ah so Cadance had her suspicions as well. Good.'
“No, no,” Velvet quickly defended as she began refolding the napkins on the table from standard triangles into more elaborate origami cranes. “She’s just very eager to share dinner with us and find out how I’m doing in the book. You see, Edit Mark rejected the last two drafts of my final chapters, but I’m sure he knows what’s best.” She laughed through her teeth as she gave the tablecloth a gentle tug, removing every wrinkle from it’s surface while Selene resisted the urge to facehoof.
“Why didn’t he like the chapters?” Nyx asked, lifting a hoof and scratching at her dress again.
“Oh, Edit Mark just thinks I’m making the ending too predictable. I mean, it is a mystery novel and I’ve already written the rest of the story so there really is only one ending that makes sense, but he insists that I need to just come up with something better,” she forced a laugh again as she began to nervously fix and straighten everypony’s silverware. “Yes, something better without changing anything in the rest of the story. No trouble at all.”
'Yup Velvet is all on board the Sparkle Coo-coo Train.' Selene thought when Velvet then glanced up, her forced smile once more taking on a natural appearance. She stood up from the table and quickly began to scuttle away. “Oh, and here comes Print Press and her family. Everypony, sit up straight. I’ll be right back.”
Velvet soon brought over her boss and her family. The boss was as tall as Cadance and dark theme in fur and mane. She and her husband wore a nice dress and tux but what their daughter was wearing caught her eye. It was exactly like Nyx's but better done. Likely Nyx's was the copy of this dress. Now Selene facehoof as it started to connect. Velvet was hoping to get her boss to okay the ending she preferred. She even went to butter up the whole thing when she introduced everyone. After Twilight explained how Nyx was her adopted daughter she looked to her mother.
“Mom, can I have a word with you in a moment?”
Before giving Velvet a chance to answer, Twilight had magically levitated her mother away from the table. Selene decided to join them and they walked to the other side of the room. She knew that tone of voice in Twilight. She was ticked and barely containing it. Once Twilight deemed they were far enough away from the table she turned and glared coldly at her mother. "So, you care to tell me again how you picked that dress out for Nyx?"
“Oh, honey, I assure you it’s just a coinci—”
“Mom?”
“Now, Twilight, we’ve had discussions about these paranoid tendencies of yours—”
“Mom!”
Velvet lifted a hoof and waved it gently, trying to signal her daughter to keep quiet. “Okay, I’ll admit, I saw Print Press buying that dress for Green Ink from Hoity Toity’s shop and I picked up a mass market version of it. But, Twilight—”
'CALLED IT!' Selene thought.
“So you guilt tripped me like that back at the house just to get Nyx in the same outfit as Green Ink?” Twilight pressed, eyebrows furrowed. “What about all that stuff you said about how you spent hours shopping for it, how you went to ten different stores, how it was the last one they had, and how you bought it just to make Nyx feel welcome?”
'Yeah, that lie will not go over well.'
“Honey, please understand, Print Press is the only mare at the company that can override Edit Mark’s decisions. I’ve tried to get two drafts past him and I’m getting nowhere with the third. But, if Print Press gives the green light to one of my other drafts, then I can finally finish the book to print. This is my one night to talk to Print Press without Edit Mark sabotaging me.”
“And so you sell out your daughter-in-law and granddaughter to do it!?”
'Have to admit that's a pretty low move to do.'
“Do not lecture me, Twilight Sparkle, I am still your mother,” Velvet snapped back, her own temper starting to flare.
'THEN ACT LIKE ONE!'
“Besides, is it so much to ask for a little support from my family? You know how much trouble I’ve had since Edit Mark got promoted. The moment he became Executive Editor he’s only made it more and more difficult for me to get my work to print.”
“Then ask for our help, don’t guilt us into it!” Twilight snapped back, her voice starting to grow in volume. “Nyx would have worn this dress anyway if you had just told us why!”
“Uh Twilight I doubt that one” Selene said openly. “That dress is crap. Be glad Rarity isn't here yet, she'd faint.”
“SEE! just as she was so eager to wear her headband,” Velvet sassed. “And that’s another thing. Why didn’t you have her wearing it on the train here? You could have avoided all those photographers at the train station if you had just made her wear it.”
“Well, excuse me for thinking Nyx shouldn’t have to hide herself like she used to!” Velvet was about to counter when Selene intervened again.
“Velvet do not bring that subject in, Nyx has had to hide what she is for most of her life. As naïve as that is I can understand it and respect it. Here's the hard truth. You're worried about your book. Fine but this isn't the way to go. Your freaking out is going to cause more harm than good. Your boss will she the whole dress thing as the plot it is. You never treat your family like this Velvet. I didn't and you have such a wonderful family, one that accepted me for this holiday. Continue this course and you will regret it.” Before more could be said dinner was being served.
* * * * *
Selene wanted to face the plant on the table. Nobility stupidity struck again. They were serving only one type of meal. Sure that made sure everypony got something, but what if somepony was allergic to an ingredient? Nope they should have different but easy to make meals for everypony. Selene was about ready to teleport to Donut Joe's for something decent. Lucky Nyx got to go to the kids table and get something nice but it turned out that was only the start of it. During the main course of dinner Print Press wondered about why there were so many Princesses and Princes in the kingdom and off course Twilight jumped on that saying it was basically a safe face move to the Unicornian Royalty when the Sister's rose to power. That turned into talk about the Crystal Ponies and their plans to be absorbed into Equestria proper as a fiefdom. THAT then went into Nightmare Nyx and Shining's time as 'Tyrant Armor.' That went into the nature of the spell that affects the Children of Nightmare. That was interesting to hear. It seemed the core of the spell reversed the feeling ponies had towards Celestia and Nightmare Moon. So rather than love Celestia and hate Nightmare Moon it was love Nightmare Moon and hate Celestia. This also had an affect on how they conducted themselves thus the tyranny seen by the cult during their reign. Press really went below the belt when she compared Tyrant Armor to king Sombra. That off course brought Cadance quickly to her husband's defense. Velvet interfered and dismissed Cadance's words. Then when her husband tried to question where Press's friend learned this info Velvet actually kicked him.
To Press's credit she did try to diffuse the situation till she asked if Nightmare Moon left something behind. Shining stated firmly that nothing was and that nearly ended the conversation at the table. Selene decided to take the silence to declare her thoughts on the whole situation.
“I was away during the whole Nightmare Moon incident but I have been looking into the event and talked to some of the ponies who witnessed it. I've heard many say they want Nightmare Moon further punished. I asked them the question. Do they want to see the Princesses in jail then?” Many around the table looked confused.
“Why would you ask that?” Print Press asked.
“Simple, how did the Original Nightmare Moon get started? Luna made her went she felt she and her night were not given their due and Celestia was of no help back then basking in the love and adoration of the ponies of Equestria. Then when this cult tried to make Nightmare Moon without Luna. Celestia interrupted that attempt and a filly with no memories was the result. When Celestia discovered the truth she let fear take hold and she took the filly from pony she considered a mother and straight into the hands of the cult leading to the last Nightmare Moon. In irony Celestia used the wrong method for both of them that would have worked on the other. If She had acted sooner with Luna her sister would have never become the first Nightmare Moon and if she had taken her time she might have discovered the cult and prevent the rise of the last Nightmare Moon. And what actually happened during her reign. Besides from a few skirmishes did any pony die during her reign?” She looked at Shining and he shook his head. “In fact from my research every time this Nightmare Moon had a chance to kill she refused. Did she personally interfere with your daily lives? Not really accept for the Eternal Night thing which she gave up on after only two weeks. She even risked her life for the ponies of Ponyville and then released and surrendered to the Princesses you decide her fate. TO those you demand more punishment on Nightmare Moon should sit down and shut up.”
The table was speechless with a few dropped jaws. Velvet was glaring at Selene, during her rant the unicorn tried to use magic to shut Selene up but despite disguise Selene is still an alicorn so that went nowhere and she was too far away to kick.
“Well that's certainly an interesting view on the subject.” Print Press finally said and they continued the meal in silence.
Even that wasn't the low point. As they were leaving Print Press told Velvet the whole thing. She was disappointed in Velvet but not for her family's actions but her own. She called the ploy right from the onset and owned Velvet throughout her entire rant. Then she dropped the bombshell that SHE was the one rejecting the last chapters not the editor and gave her a warning that if she tried this again she would be dropped. She also had the end of the first week of the new year to get the final draft in. She then left Velvet who was completely shell shocked. Selene just shook her head and kept quiet even though inside she still chanted 'I told you so.' This holiday was turning into a National Lampoon's movie before her eyes.
After caroling and shopping which Selene had a blast doing in rebuying some items knowing what her version of the girls liked. They headed back to the house and Selene noticed that Shining was very interested in going back. She fears he has not taken the lesson she gave to heart. However it did sound that it took a while for Velvet to recover from the hit she took yesterday. Selene got where Twilight got her freak outs from. Anyway they entered the house and Twilight declared.
“Spike, Nyx, we're back!” Spike as usual came from the kitchen.
“So how did it go?” He asked them.
“Great! We got everything off mom's list.”
As if drawn out by the mention of her name, Velvet poked her head out of the kitchen door. A bright smile then flashed onto her face as she quickly trotted up to Twilight.
“Oh, thank you! I was so worried I’d never be able to get around to everything on that list after my late start this afternoon. Now, did you get the right kind of peanut butter for stuffing the celery, Twilight? It has to be chunky, otherwise those little raisins won’t look like ants on a log.”
'Wow, that was a fast recovery.' Selene thought and it seemed to surprise Twilight as she asked Velvet what she was doing out of bed.
“Oh, come now,” Velvet said as she began to rummage through Twilight’s saddlebags. “You honestly didn’t expect me to spend the whole day lying in bed, did you?”
“Yes,” Twilight, Night Light, and Shining all said in unison. That got Selene holding her barrel as she laughed at the answer so she missed the blush on Velvet's face.
“Okay, I'll admit, I probably wouldn't have been able to get going on my own. But when Nyx brought me the lunch Spike had made, I ended up showing her the photo album. It was just the thing to cheer me right up.” Velvet then turned and shouted back towards the kitchen. “Nyx, clear the table!”
“Okay Grandma!”
A smile burst onto Twilight’s and Selene's faces as a hopeful ring entered Twilight's voice. “Mom, does that mean?”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Twilight,” Velvet said firmly as she lowered her voice.
'Ah nuts.' Selene thought before Velvet continued.
“I still agree with your father, but...” Velvet let a small smile creep onto her lips. “But she is a sweet filly and I didn’t see any harm in making her feel welcome as long as she is part of our family.”
'Well at least it's a step in the right direction. Now if only a certain pony will get past his issues at least for the holiday.'
“Now,” Velvet barked before quickly turning on her hooves, “We need to get everything put away, especially the groceries. So come, march those flanks into the kitchen. Hup one. Hup two. Hup three.” That got Selene to smile and she helped her family, note as Luna's twin she is family via Cadance.
* * * * * *
Selene would have loved it if the night had gone peaceful and calm as she remembered Christmas in her old life and the Hearth's Warmings she had in her new one but sadly it didn't come to pass. Oh it started normal, well at least normal in the Twilight household. Night Light was wasting time trying to get the logs set just right and Nyx started to get bored. So we went out and lit the small log Nyx got from Lumberjack. They enjoyed the small fire as they heard bells ring throughout the city till they were called back in and enjoyed the actual fire which FINALLY was lit. At least till somepony noticed that a fire started outside. She knew they had put out Nyx's log but somehow it ended up next to the main pile of logs Nightlight got. After some scrambling they manage to put the fire out and save most of the logs but that didn't stop Shining from aiming the blame at Nyx. In full honesty the Shining from her universe she liked. They were great friends till he passed away. This one she wanted to strangle so much. His blind hatred towards Nyx was getting really annoying. It took the other girls arriving to cheer her up.
* * * * * *
Selene sat next to the princesses and Twilight's parents as the girls performed the Hearth's Warming play once again. Though this time they are joined by Cadance and Shining who were playing the Wendigos. She saw them getting ready earlier and she made the comment.
“Why give Shining make up at all? He's perfect for the Windigo as is.” To that Cadance giggled while she and Shining coldly stared at each other. She then heard Nyx call out the time and she looked over to see the filly in the disguise she made for her walking around with a watch causing a smile to form on her lips. She was supposed to look after Nyx during the play but Nyx brought out the CMC cute and was given the useless job of Clock Manager, but it made her happy and that's what's important. So she sits and enjoys the show.
However near the end of the play she saw a flash of light from the catwalks above the stage. She heard Pinkie scream out Twitchy Tail and the girls tried to get everpony off the stage just as the catwalk fell on it. Spotlights focused on the stage looking for movement. One pony did spot something and the light went up to the still hanging moon prop with a terrified Nyx was crying.
* * * * * *
After a small bit of chaos, order started returning to the palace. Celestia was off calming the ponies while Luna and the Royal Guard secured the hall and medics tended to the wounded. Most just scraps and bruises but they did find a stallion buried in the rubble still alive but unconscious. She was with Twilight and Nyx in the front row with the two adults trying to comfort the filly when Luna approached.
“Twilight,” Luna said gently, not wishing to startle her, “How are you two faring?”
“We’re both okay,” she said, trying to quiet the tremor in her voice. “I got clear of the stage before the catwalk fell and Nyx isn’t hurt either.”
“That’s good to hear,” Luna said, though she could not bring herself to smile. “I am relieved neither one of you was harmed. But, I must ask, what happened?”
“There was somepony chasing me on the catwalks!” Nyx half shouted, half cried.
“Who?”
“I don’t know!”Luna lowered her head down and spoke in a calm, sweet voice, like a gentle breeze on a warm summer night. “It’s okay Nyx. I promise, you’re safe now.” Luna then glanced up at Twilight. “Would you mind if I took her for a moment? The guard needs a statement and I think it would be better for everypony if I was the one to speak with her.”
'Smart move, who better to trust then yourself.' Selene thought. She would have offered but in this universe she is just a simple unicorn, not the Alicorn of Shadows and Princess of Defense.
“Can I come with her?” Twilight asked.
“Of course. In fact, I was going to have all of your friends come. I’ve had some of the leftovers from the reception taken to a small servant break room that’s nearby. I imagine everypony will feel much better once you’ve had a chance to eat and drink something, and it will let me get everypony’s side of the story.”
Twilight nodded and Selene agreed that something sweet sounded very good at the moment. Twilight let Nyx climb free of her embrace before standing up herself. Twilight then rallied the rest of her friends. Soon, the group began to follow behind Luna,
Minutes later after a trip to the restroom Selene noticed Cadance and Shining heading for the dressing rooms and the look of Cadance face had a hint of anger and considering Shining's view on Nyx she decided that she would listen in. She closed in and without either seeing her she listened in.
“Ignoring that last little comment you made, how in the world could Nyx have ripped the catwalk down?” Cadence asked, spinning on her hooves to face Armor.
'Ripped the catwalk down?' She frowned and made a quick clone to check and when it returned and merged with her again it did notice the bolts holding it up were stripped or torn off. 'Yeah that would take effort and not a design failure.'
"She could have done it the same way you would have, with her magic," Shining answered. "An alicorn easily has enough strength to rip those bolts off."
“What magic? She had trouble lifting a napkin this morning.”
“Cadence, don’t buy into that routine. That filly is still Nightmare Moon, and she’s been trying to sabotage this Hearth’s Warming since she got here.” Her anger started to build when she heard him say that. It took all her effort not to give herself away.
“When did she try to sabotage anything!?”
“Oh, I don’t know, there was that little screaming match she had with Print Press’s daughter at the banquet. Then Father’s Hearth’s Warming logs went up in smoke after Nyx asked Twilight if she could go outside and burn that little stick she had gotten from Lumberjack. Now this happens, almost killing you and ruining Princess Celestia’s favorite tradition.”
“This is crazy.”
'THANK YOU CADANCE FOR BEING VOICE OF REASON!' Selene thought and she saw Cadence lifting a hoof and resting it on Shining’s shoulder.
“The fire probably started because I didn’t extinguish the wood right.”
“Or because Nyx distracted you two and threw a piece of the burning wood into the log pile.”
“This is completely crazy!” she said firmly before looking back at Shining. “Listen to yourself. Why would Nyx even want to ruin Hearth’s Warming?”
“To get us all under her spell again,” Shining said firmly and She facehoofed at that. “When I saw Dr. Brain Trust for a second time, for my follow up exam, I asked him if there was any way I could protect myself from being brainwashed again. He told me some counterspells, but he also told me how mind control spells work. It’s not easy to influence someone's mind. You have to be a magically talented unicorn to attempt most of them and most spells have symptoms when you try to cast them on somepony who’s mentally sound, like the headaches I was getting because of the changeling queen. But, Dr. Brain Trust also said that there are other spells, ones that work more subtly and don't require as much magic to cast.But to get them to work you have to break a pony.”
“What do you mean by break them?” Cadence asked.
“Break them mentally, like how my mother broke after the banquet. Remember, she was practically bed-ridden when we left for the market. She was mentally vulnerable, and then when we get back she says she’s feeling better because Nyx came and spent time with her. That’s Nightmare Moon’s motivation. She’s trying to ruin Hearth’s Warming in hopes of breaking us down so she can brainwash us again.” That's when she sat down and DOUBLE FACEHOOF. Again Cadence tried to be a voice of reason.
“Shining, think about it. If that was true, then why hasn’t something horrible happened to Twilight these past few months?”
“Because Twilight is already brainwashed. She has been since this whole mess started.”
'It's Want it, Need it, Shining Armor Edition.'
“You think I’m brainwashed?” She jerks at that and with Shining and Cadence turned, she sees Twilight standing in a gap between the curtains that separated the dressing area from the rest of the stage. Her eyebrows were furrowed and her jaw was tight with a frown.
'That is one unhappy mare.' She thought.
“Twily, I thought you were with Princess Luna.”
“I was, but she finished talking with us so we came back to the auditorium.”
“And where’s Nyx?” Cadence asked, craning her neck to look past Twilight. “She didn’t hear―”
“No, I had her sit with Rarity while I came looking for you two,” Twilight replied. “Now, what’s all this about me being brainwashed?”
“Shining thinks Nyx caused the accident,” Cadence explained, turning her own disapproving gaze on her husband.
Twilight stood dumbstruck for a moment before her lips tightened into a snarl. “Are you crazy?!”
'I don't know whether to join Twilight or grab some popcorn. Either way Dis is gonna be good.'
“That’s what I’ve been asking him,” Cadence muttered under her breath.
Shining took a firm step forward, nostrils flaring. “Don’t gang up on me like it hasn’t happened before, or did you forget about the Children of Nightmare?”
“That was Spell Nexus, Shining,” Twilight said.
“That was Spell Nexus being controlled by part of Nightmare Moon.”
“A part that Nyx destroyed!”
“And who can verify that?” Shining asked. “What evidence do we have that it actually happened the way Nightmare Moon said it did? How do we know she didn’t take back that part of her?”
“She saved Ponyville! She released Princess Celestia and Princess Luna! She gave up the throne!” Twilight argued.
“And how do you know that wasn’t part of her plan?” Shining asked before pointing at Cadence. “Nightmare Moon’s forces knew Cadence was rallying a rebellion. The crystal heart blew King Sombra into oblivion; who’s to say it couldn’t do the same to her? Even if it couldn’t, Cadence could have led the entire kingdom in rebellion as soon as she or somepony figured out a way to move the sun and moon. Nightmare Moon’s rule was never going to be accepted.
“But,” Shining continued, “What if Nightmare Moon bided her time? What if she faked her repentance so she could try to take over again, this time with nopony challenging her rule? Who would rebel if she was given the throne by the princesses once she supposedly grows back into her power?”
'Shining, seek therapy now. This is a really insane idea. As Nightmare Moon myself Cadance's army would be an issue but not an unbeatable one and the Crystal Heart requires the love and light of the Crystal Ponies. Giving them nightmares would beat that easily. She already had firm control over the bulk of the nation. She would have no need for this crazy complex plan you are thinking. She willingly gave up her throne and disbanded the Children of Nightmare. She could have waited and recover her strength after the Ponyville attack and leave the world in a sunset for a few days. Survivable till Nyx could recover enough to get them going again.
“Shining, this whole theory of yours hinges on the idea that Nyx has been trying to brainwash us and that she’s already brainwashed Twilight,” Cadence said. “Nothing has happened to Twilight since Nyx gave up the throne. She hasn’t had a mental breakdown of any sort, so how exactly did Nyx brainwash her?”
“Nightmare Moon didn’t brainwash Twilight in the past few months. It was last spring, when Spell Nexus used a drop of Twilight’s blood to bring Nightmare Moon back.”
“What?!” Twilight snapped. She herself dropped a jaw on that remark.
“Think about it!” Shining shouted back. “I’ve read the reports, Twily. You told guards that you took Nightmare Moon into your home because you weren’t sure who she was, that you didn’t want to send her to Celestia unless you were sure she was, in fact, Nightmare Moon. Then, you started taking care of her, and then you started to care for her. What if that was all caused by a brainwashing spell done by Spell Nexus or even Nightmare Moon herself? What if the blood was meant to give Nightmare Moon the power to control you, to influence you? For all we know, the only reason you care for her, the only reason you can’t see the obvious danger, is because of a spell!”
“Shining!” Cadence snapped. Shining's words angered Selene so much that unbeknownst to her, her mane and tail were starting to go ethereal and her fur darken.
“You know it makes sense, Cadence!” he shouted back at her. “When I was brainwashed by the changeling queen I ignored everything that seemed wrong about her. I just thought you were nervous about the wedding.”
“But Twilight couldn’t have been brainwashed into loving Nyx!”
“Says the alicorn who can spread love like it’s cheap, chalky, Hearts and Hooves day candy!” Shining shouted at his wife. “You two just don’t want to admit it. The only reason Twilight took care of Nightmare Moon, the only reason she cares for her now, is because of. A. Spell!”
'WOAH! Did he really just go there? WWWWWWWOOOOOWWW!'
“SHUT UP!”
Twilight's horn was glowing, and her mane and tail were floating from the sheer amount of rage driven magic pouring off her. But, before she entered a rage shift, Twilight turned and began to stomp. She stomped in circles. Clearly thinking over everything said before declaring. "No!"she shouted, turning and stomping back up to Shining Armor. "I don't care what you think! I don't care what you say! I still can't forgive myself for letting Princess Celestia convince me that Nyx was a danger, and I'm not going to doubt her now."
“But Twily,” Shining tried to protest as Twilight turned and stomped away from him.
“Don't ‘Twily’ me, Shining!” she shouted as she reached the curtains. “Nyx is my daughter, whether you like it or not. And, until you fix your attitude, I don’t want you anywhere near her or me!” She glanced back, tears streaming from her rage filled eyes. “Nyx and I are going home, back to Ponyville. I hope you have a Happy Hearth’s Warming without us!”
Twilight didn’t look back again. She threw open the curtains, planning to head back onto the stage and, from there, into the auditorium, only to find a very stunned Rarity standing on the other side. There was a moment of silence as the two unicorns registered each other’s presence. Twilight then began to hastily try to wipe away her tears. “R-rarity!? What are you doing here?”
“W-we were coming to get you. The guards have asked everypony to leave so they can secure the hall.”
“We?” Twilight asked, cocking an eyebrow.
Rarity nodded, beginning to look over her shoulder. “Why, yes. Nyx and I―” Rarity froze. Nyx had been just behind her, clinging close after what had happened. But now, she was gone. In the blink of an eye, Rarity and Twilight galloped across the stage. They came to a stop at the very edge of the boards, looking over the auditorium, which was practically empty. The guard was guiding a few final ponies out the far doors. Spike and the rest of their friends were waiting with Twilight Velvet and Night Light in the front row.
But Nyx was nowhere to be seen.
“Rarity,” Twilight began, a tremor in her voice. “How much did you and Nyx hear?”
“She clearly heard enough and so have I.” Selene said as she moved from her hiding spot and charged till she got close enough and decked Shining. Everypony was shocked at the sight but She used that to her advantage.
“I WARNED YOU OF YOUR ATTITUDE AND NOW LOOK WHAT YOU'VE DONE!” She took a deep breath and let it out. “I'm going to look for nyx and once THAT is done. Then I'll deal with YOU. After that Cadance can have her fun with you.”
Selene turned and left, leaving still shocked ponies though for Rarity, Cadence, and Twilight it was their friend's appearance while the words haunted Shining.
Selene saw her breath as she centered around Canterlot. The irony of that phrase lost to her as she searched for little Nyx.
“Where could you go off to my little odd counterpart?” She thought aloud as she scanned the city. Even worse was the fact her head band was lost in the collapse of the stage so she was out here undisguised and she had little faith in the good will of ponies in Canterlot. The Snob capital of Equestria. She saw Dash flying through the air likely trying to cut time by looking with a bird's eye view. She hoped Dash would succeed. The bells ringing in the background also didn't help with the search for it covered any noise little hooves would make. She had become desperate enough to even open her dream senses just in case Nyx fell asleep. There was a risk of Luna discovering a pony doing this but Nyx was worth the gamble.
She kept searching till her dream sense notified her that Nyx had fallen asleep. This was her chance to figure out where Nyx was so she dove in.
She immediately regretted it.
She was overcome with sorrow and fear. “No, I'm not a bad pony! Please leave me alone! Please don't hurt me! Please don't hate me!” She said these things as she was in tune with Nyx and it took all of her will power to break the connection. She sat down panting as the experience rattled her. She had never felt like that before. Even when her Luna dived in they never experienced this. Is it something unique to this Equestria or that fact both me and Nyx exist here at the same time? She honestly didn't know. However she did know she couldn't try that again so it meant the old fashion way again.
It was about an hour or so later when Selene heard Rainbow.
“Hey Selene!” She looked up and saw Rainbow above her.
“What is it Dash?”
“They found Nyx.” She visibly relaxed.
“Oh thank the moon, where is she?”
“She was at Spell Nexus' place and she is in route back to Twi's parent's house.” She nodded and made her way back to the house. Once there she found out that the Sparkle family had a little meeting and it sounded like they chastised Shining for his actions. Turns out the collapse of the stage wasn't Nyx's fault, but instead a journalist's out to reveal what happened to Nightmare Moon. Figures it be something like that and of course Shining was too dense to figure that out. Wouldn't be surprised if they started the wood fire a few days ago. She spotted Shining and with her magic took him by the ear and dragged him back into Night Light's study.
“Ow!Ow!Ow!Ow!Ow!Ow!” Shining said as he was pulled in and she put a silence spell around the room so they would have privacy in what was to come.
“Well Shining, you are very lucky tonight.” She began. He pulled his ears back and replied.
“I don't feel like it. My parents are disappointed in me, Cadance and Twilight hate my guts right now. Twilight won't even trust me with Nyx right now.”
“She has every right to feel that way. You broke her trust in you and getting that back is going to be a long road. But the reason you are lucky is besides from some likely emotional scars Nyx is fine. She easily could not be. Unlike Luna she has no blast from the Elements of Harmony or a different look. For decades to come many ponies will not hear her as Nyx Sparkle, daughter of Twilight Sparkle but as Nightmare Moon and everything that goes with that name. Many ponies will not be happy with how she was dealt with. Quite a few likely will want to capture her and do unspeakable things just because of who she is.” She saw him staring to pale at that. “Now you are starting to get it boyo. Not only does Nyx have to deal with her sins but also those inherited by Luna. She has become the scapegoat for the worse of Luna's whether she wanted to or not and thanks to Celestia's stupidity and her own fear driving her she has denied Nyx any real chance of a normal foal hood that she could have had. Have you so little faith in your princess's and your wife's judgement? Granted Celestia is a horrible judge of character by track record.”
“What's that supposed to mean!?” Shining seemed a little tick off on that one. She responded with her own anger.
“Let's look at the facts shall we. One; she ignored what was happening to her own sister till Luna felt like she had no choice but to become the original Nightmare Moon. Two; she completely ignored Cadance's behavior leading up to your wedding. Behavior I might add that Twilight picked up on despite not seeing Cadance for quite some time when Celestia saw her likely every day but certainly more often then Twilight yet the changeling queen nearly pulls it all off. Note you get a by since you were mind controlled in that instance. Three; the latest addition Spell Nexus himself. He managed to form a cult dedicated to Nightmare Moon, stage an attack on his house so that the armor fragments of Nightmare Moon could be taken, foal napped your sister and plan a spell to make Nyx Nightmare Moon all under Celstia's notice. Now back to you. You let your fear of mind control CONTROL you. You didn't really use your brain and now we see the results. You have damaged your relationships with your sister and your wife. Good luck repairing that, honestly good luck. However let me make one thing very clear. You pull something like this again and it won't matter who you are related to by blood or marriage I WILL END YOU.” She did the closest thing to Fluttershy's STARE to hammer that point. Believing she got her point through and her anger venting she left the room and was feeling tired. She headed for the room the girls were sharing when another door opened.
“Selene.” It was Cadance peeking her head through the door.
“Yes Cadance?” She asked in confusion.
“With Shining on the couch and Twilight's room crowded I was wondering if you'd want to sleep with me?” Her jaw dropped at trying to process that. Cadence wanted to sleep with her, a married alicorn wants to sleep with a pony she just met days ago.
“Uh Cadance, your married and I didn't think you were into mares.”
“Well can't be the Alicorn of Love without loving both genders.” She then eyed Selene in a predatory way that the disguised alicorn did not like.
“You are a married mare so not sharing the same bed.” She used her magic to summon a sleeping bag as she strolled in and silently wondered if her Cadence was the same way. She knew her Cadance can be scary when you start getting on her bad side or get into her passion for love but this was completely new to Selene and even scarier.
“I guess you have a point. I swore to love Shining through everything.” Cadence had that scary look again. “Even with this fiasco with Nyx. I guess I just have to wait till he passes away.” She then looks at me again with some sadness. “Though that means you're not going to be available either. Such a pity.” I started waving my forehooves in the air.
“Okay TMI has just been reached! Anymore and I'll take my chances with Twilight and the others.”
“Fine”, Cadence said with a sigh. “Take all the fun I was having.”
“So this was all a prank?”
“Nope I was serious about what I said but your reactions made it fun.” She glowered at the Love Princess.
“I thought trolling was Celestia's thing?” She asked.
“Well Aunt Tia did raise me most of my life. Some things are bound to rub off.” Cadence responded slyly and She facehoof for not figuring that out earlier.
“I'll get revenge later. I need my sleep.” With that she climbed into her bag and prepared for the dream realm. She did note a chuckle from Cadance as the pink mare climbed into her own bed.
'Mares.' She thought and embraced darkness.
* * * * *
Selene was leaning against a table with a cup in her magic as she observed the party going on in the castle. She noticed that relations between Shining, Twilight, and Nyx have warmed a bit. The guy must have done something last night to start that healing process. She was glad for it. Siblings shouldn't stay that mad at each other and it seemed that Shining did want to make up for his epic screw up. She did notice he wasn't making much headway with Cadence though. Cold shoulder the entire time.
“Well if it isn't the latest hang on to the Mane 6.”
And there goes her good mood. Looking at the source of the voice she said.
“Hello Discord.” The Spirit of Chaos looked at her with eager eyes.
“What a source of potential chaos you are, Selene Light. Or shall I call you Nightmare Moon?”
“This is why I have been trying to avoid you. Also it's SELENE LIGHT, like Nyx I have chosen who I want to be and Nightmare Moon is not it.”
“Avoid little old me? Why do I hurt Moonie.”
“Because I respect your ability to figure stuff out. I'm already lucky that Pinkie hasn't figured it out. Fore warning I know where you live and could off something similar to Tia's cakes to you.”
“That was YOU!” Discord guffawed for a full minute. “The chaos of that prank was so enjoyable. If i wasn't stoned then I would have clapped. Just for that stunt I will keep your secret for however long it lasts.” She was about to ask for clarification when Discord continued. “Well I'm off to check out your minime, ta-ta!” And with a flash he was gone. She was motionless for a second or two before she grumbled.
“Darn Q wanna be.” She took a last sip of her drink and went to go look for eggnog. She needed comfort food right now.
After having some eggnog to cheer herself up she saw an interesting sight. After a surprisingly girlish scream from Rainbow Dash followed Discord cackling and she saw the sight of Rainbow in Pinkie's colors while Pinkie was in Rainbow's colors.
“Get back here and change us back!” Rainbow demanded.
“Now, Rainbow Dash, why would I do that? Pinkie Pie sure seems to be enjoying herself, aren’t you Pinkie Pie?” Discord retorted and asked Pinkie.
“You bet! Look at my mane! It’s like Rainbow Cotton Candy!” Pinkie responded. Selene stared at the scene before she burst out laughing and fell onto her back.
'WHAT A PRANK!' She managed to think through the laughter. Oh she needed that.
* * * * *
It had become night again and after that epic prank by Discord they had one more major event. The CMC tried to help heal the rift between Cadence and Shining but their plan backfired. Who knew that Cadance, the Alicorn of Love was allergic to mistletoe? There is irony in there somewhere. Then add to it it turns out Cadence was pregnant.
'Hey Flurry Heart, you're early. Guess Cadance and Shining had a vigorous reunion after Nightmare Nyx.'
Cadence stayed in the hospital with Shining serving her every need which seemed to warm the mare to him again. Now everypony was in the Sparkle living room including Cadance. Pony healing magic was awesome at times. Before I digress further it's time for the presents and since this is Nyx's first ever Hearts Warming she gets to go first. By luck she chose Selene's gift to the filly. Nyx tears into it like any child Selene ever saw at Christmas and Hearts Warming. It was bittersweet for her. It reminded her of the few Christmases she had with her parents but also the Heart's Warming she has had with her friends and new family. Nyx's eyes went wide at the sight of her gift. Her gift was a life sized plush of Twilight.
“How?” Nyx asked.
“Found it in your old room in that castle and I figured it must mean something to you so I fixed it up. You like?” Nyx responded by running over to Selene and hugged the mare. It brought a smile to her lips and she heard ahhhs. From there the presents were all being opened. Twilight got Selene a book.
'Sigh, somethings never change.' She then picked a gift that was from Rarity and she opened it up. Inside was a crystal statue in the turquoise and purple of her current disguise and in the shape of her fake cutie mark. She put a hoof to it and relieved a memory.
* * * * *
50 years ago
“MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYPONY!” Selene cheered as she entered the map/throne room in full Santa regalia.
“AAAAAHHH!” Rarity screamed before fainting. Selene looked deadpanned at the marshmallow mare.
“Really?” Applejack worked to wake Rarity up. Twilight meanwhile asked a good question.
“What was that Selene?”
“The traditional greeting for this time of year back home. Surprisingly both my old world and this one have holidays at roughly the same time. So I'm bringing a little of my old home to my new one.”
“That sounds wonderful Selene.” Fluttershy said in her meek voice. So after waking Rarity they sang sounds from both Equestria and Earth. Had a hearty meal before the presents were given around.
When it became time for Selene to open a present from Rarity she feared it was a dress. That mare and her dresses, she didn't know sometimes. However opening it up with her mane she discovered it was a statue. It was made in the form of her new body and maybe made of obsidian or just painted black and purple. The mane had little stones that twinkled in light and on the stand for the statue it said 'TOM'. She showed it to her new friends and all but Rarity suddenly burst out in laughter while Rarity tried to hide a smile. Confused, she asked.
“Okay what's going on?” Suppressing her laughter Applejack was the first to answer.
“Well sugarcube, when Discord first escaped he darn messed with our minds and made us the opposite of our element. So with Rarity he convinced her a large boulder was a diamond and she called it Tom.” That started Applejack laughing again. Selene herself hung her jaw as she processed the story and the gift. When she could process it she looked to Rarity.
“I never suspected such a move from you Rarity. Well done.”
“I couldn't resist darling but if you are unhappy with it I can take you to buy whatever you want.” Selene waved that away.
“No Rares, I love it. Thank you.” She then used her wing to hug the smaller mare.
* * * * *
Present
Selene was interrupted from her memories by Rarity's voice.
“Selene, Selene darling are you all right?” Selene blinked a couple of times and put a hoof to her face as she felt wet up there and when she brought her hoof back to see a bit of a tear. “Do you not like the gift Selene?” Rarity asked worriedly. Selene responded by using her magic to bring the mare close and put a hoof around Rarity's neck.
“It's perfect Rarity. I reminded me of a gift an old friend gave me so these are tears of happiness. Thank you Rarity.”
“You're welcome darling. Tell me about this friend of yours?” Selene looked at rarity then she looked around and everypony seemed to be interested in what she said. She took a deep breath and began.
“Well she's a mare much like you Rarity, into fashion and has a gift for making anything beautiful. Though he butted heads when she wanted to make me something like a dress. And before you ask where she is she is just currently out of reach but I do hope to see her again at some point. Being with you girls helps fill the hole so thank you all.” With that she became the center of a hug attack and she really felt at home in the middle of it.
* * * * *
Celestia watched as Twilight and her friends boarded the train taking them back to Ponyville. Shining and Cadence left earlier and they seemed to have made up. This was good, the family has been divided enough the past thousand years and didn't need any more. She was also glad that Spell Nexus was returning to his work rather than try to break into prison again. Despite the hardships over the past few days things were being set right. She noticed her sister approaching her.
“Ah sister, come to see them off?”
“I could sister but something else was on my mind.” She looked closer and Luna did have a concerned look on her face.
“What is it Luna?”
“When I tried to find Nyx via her dream I got sucked into her view of things.”
“Yes a shame that didn't work but at least Shining did and that seemed to heal the rift between them.”
“Indeed however while I was trapped I sensed another in there with me and Nyx.” This got Celestia's attention.
“That does not make sense. Dreams are your domain with Nyx being a very special case.”
“You would think so sister. True as much as Nyx has become her own mare she and I are still bonded to each other. A condition that will likely last an eternity. She and I should be the only ones who can do this yet I did sense a third if only for an instant.”
“We must search out for this third being. If it was trying to enter Nyx's dream it could have well have tried to make her Nightmare Moon again. That filly has suffered enough for both of our sins.” Luna nodded her agreement and both alicorns waved at the departing train worried for the future of a young filly.
Selene sat next to Nyx with an amused smile as Twilight got the girls to go through their routine yet again. She leaned down towards the little alicorn and said. “Your mom is a bit obsessive isn't she?” Nyx just nodded amused herself. Winter had ended last month and Selene was still no closer to getting home. Her best hope now was that her Twilight figures something out. Good thing she was now an ageless being so hanging around with these versions of her friends.
Twilight's latest practice was brought to an end by the training braking and the gang was thrown throughout the car of the train. Selene just shook her head and helped them up and they headed out to meet Cadence at a spa. Rarity of course commented on the shininess of the Empire.
“They need this Rarity. After all the crap they have gone through, having the games will be a big morale boost so they are going to go all out to get it.” Selene mentioned.
“And we're gonna give it to them!” Rainbow declared and Rarity just nodded and soon they stepped through the door of the spa. Cadence was longing on a sofa till she saw Twilight. She raced over and soon both her singing.
“Sunshine, sunshine ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake!” No matter how many times Selene sees that dance it never stops being cute. Breaking off their hug Cadence went over to Nyx and rubbed her mane.
“So how's my favorite niece?” Nyx looked at her deadpanning.
“I'm your only niece.” She stated and Cadence lifted up a hoof.
“Doesn't mean you are not my favorite but you haven't answered my question.”
“I'm doing good Aunty Cadence.” The two then shared a hug before Cadence looked towards Selene, smiled and walked over to greet her. Selene noticed the slight baby bump on Cadence as Cadence embraced her in a hug.
“Nice to see you again Selene. How are you doing?” Cadence asked.
“Doing okay, but how are you doing with the pregnancy?” Cadence rolled her eyes.
“Thankfully the morning sickness didn't last long but now I have a craving to have Bananas with EVERYTHING.” Cadence's look caused Selene to laugh before responding.
“I've been to many places, Cadence and trust me. Every pregnant female I have encountered has had weird cravings so you are doing fine.” Breaking off the hug Selene looked down at Nyx. “So you ready to explore the Empire?”
“Yup!” The little alicorn filly said cheerfully, honestly I think Nyx was more excited by the fact she could run around as herself and not disguised.
LUCKY FILLY.
“Alright then let's go and let your mom and her friends do their job.”
“Good luck mom!” Nyx said and waved to which Twilight waved back.
“Have fun Nyx!” Twilight said before the door closed behind them.
“So where do you want to go first Nyx?” Selene asked.
“CANDY STORE!” Nyx's answer caused Selene to smile.
'Still such a child, treasure that Nyx.' Selene thought mentally but aloud she said. “Alright, first stop is a candy store.”
* * * * *
In the end it turned from a candy shop to an ice cream one but Nyx was happily licking her ice cream cone while Selene enjoyed her own. The two then checked out the local zoo and saw the animals unique to the Empire as well as some good ones through Equestria itself. It was amusing to see Nyx interact with a sheep with such wonder. However what interested Selene more was the look on Nyx's face. She had seen that look on Twilight, both versions several times. It was Twilight's near orgasm fascination look and is just short of the yes dance.
'It's truly amazing, she and I were created for the same reason and have to deal with the past sins of Luna. Yet personality wise we couldn't be more different. She has the ideals and curiosity of Twilight, actually she may be more curious then Twilight and is a bit meek with a hint of a temper. Whereas I am cool, calm, collected with my mischievous side. Yet we both try to redefine what it is to be Nightmare Moon, we have rejected that name, that identity for something we created. We both live in worlds where we are seen as villains and while I might have decades of undoing that Nyx has not. The events during the last Hearth's Warming proved that she still has to deal with what happened. As long as she was here I swear she will defend Nyx from that.'
* * * * *
After some time at the arcade where Selene won a plushie of Cadence and gave it to Nyx who loved it. Selene was a bit worried about it since Nyx eyed a plushie of an earth pony with pink fur that was so poofed out she looked like a fluff ball.
They checked out the Crystal heart and both felt so at peace next to it that it felt nice. She eventually nudged Nyx and they moved on to see more of the city. However before leaving the cover of the palace she spots an orange earth pony mare getting drenched in water. Selene raced over to assist the mare and summon a magic powered blow dryer. “You okay miss.”
“Yes thank you for your kindness.”
“It always sucks when something like that happens, so it's always nice to have somepony to lend a hoof.” The now dry mare brushed her outfit.
“So are you a local?”
“Oh no I'm just visiting and looking after the daughter of a friend.”
“Oh!” The mare looked at Nyx and the curious face she had left for a frown. “Oh.” She stated in a darker tone and Nyx wilted causing Selene to bring Nyx closer to her side.
“Whatever you think, stop. She has suffered enough from ponies who tried to force their expectations on her.” The mare snorted and looked away.
“Well I have a job to do so I do that for you for help but I must be going.” The mare picked up a flowered suitcase and moved on. Selene just shrugged and gestured to Nyx to move on themselves. Nyx was down for a bit but some ice cream cheered her up. They were heading for the stadium when they heard Rainbow screaming. Looking up they both saw Rainbow flying through the air in an uncontrolled flight. Then she noticed where Rainbow was heading for.
“RAINBOW! WATCH OUT FOR THAT...(Rainbow splats on the glass dome of the spa).....OOOOOHHHH!” Selene cringes at first then she starts laughing as Rainbow slid down the glass dome. “Come on Nyx, let's go see how Rainbow is.” She finally manages to say and she picks up Nyx and gallops to the spa to check on their friends.
As she approached the scene she saw Dash standing up with Shining and another mare Selene didn't recognize. Then she heard Dash.
“WE GOT THE WRONG PONY!?” Selene winced a bit at that. Dash was just short of RCVing.
“What on the moon is going on here?” She asked with Nyx perched on her head.
“After you left we got a letter saying that the inspector was coming earlier than planned so we went to go pick her up and show her around and we ended up getting the wrong pony.” Dash explained.
“Did they describe the inspector?” Selene asked.
“That is was a mare with a flower pattern suitcase.” Selene facehoof at that.
“Of course in the land of colorful ponies no pony even thinks of using a pony's coat color or even cutie mark, no they go after the one thing there can be multiple copies of.” She sighs and then continues. “Come on let's go find this mare.”
* * * * *
A half an hour later and no sign of a mare with a flower suitcase.
“Why is this so hard? We should have found her by now!” Dash complained.
“Well she has to be around here somewhere.” Selene commented.
“Didn't that mare we helped have a flower suitcase?” Nyx asked and Selene looked up. Nyx hadn't moved from her spot on Selene's head.
“You're right she did and she was dirty from the puddle splash........” A light bulb appeared above her head and doom was seen on her face. “Oh Apple buckets I bet she's at the spa.” The group left quickly to the spa hoping to avoid disaster.
* * * * *
Selene awoke with the remnants of that memory. It made her smile. They did find the Inspector at the spa and it seemed she was talking with the mare the girls accidentally did the whole spiel for and what was seemingly a disaster turned into a great thing. The Crystal Empire will host the games, just as it did in her universe. And man did the pulse from the Crystal Heart feel good and it crystallized her form, but thankfully didn't take her disguise off. She stretched grateful to again be in her true form. Looking outside the bedroom window she saw a beautiful day forming. I was shimmering this morning in Ponyville. She headed to the kitchen and made her breakfast and was enjoying it when she saw storm clouds out the window and she felt down about that. She wanted to go out today. She cleaned up breakfast and was walking to the library when she noticed something odd. In the window she just passed it was raining but the one in front of her had a beautiful sunny day in it. She looked out the window and towards Ponyville she saw a checker pattern in the sky of blue sky and clouds.
“Oh it's that day. Twilight is going to need me.” She quickly turned into her alternate unicorn self and teleported into town. She quickly found Golden Oaks and went in. “Twilight!?”
“She's up here Selene!” She heard Spike say and she ran up the stairs to see Twilight looking down with both nyx and Spike near her.
“Twilight what happened?” Twilight told her of the book she got last night featuring Starswirl the Bearded unfinished spell and she read it aloud and it altered her friends, mixing up their cutie marks and what they thought their roles were.
“And now I have messed up my friends' lives!” She wailed and cried.
“This is why you take precautions before trying out a spell Twilight. More on that later. Now we focus on fixing our friends.'
“But how!? Even the Elements have been affected!”
“Then this spell is tied to your bonds with them. I bet that's the key.” Selene summoned the picture from the living room and put it in front of Twilight. “What do they mean to you?” Twilight looked at the picture. It was taken the day of the Summer Sun Celebration and not long after she was allowed to stay with them.
“They are the first real friends I made outside of family. Till Nyx my most treasured relationships. Maybe I'm a bit wrong as they have become like family to me.”
“So what do you think they feel about you or each other?”
“My friends....” Twilight said then she glowed and her eyes literally sparkled. “I GOT IT!” Twilight started to race down the stairs and grabbing the Elements before looking back at Selene. “Thanks Selene but if...” Selene waved a hoof.
“I'll watch over Nyx while you fix this.”
“Thanks again Selene.” Selene waved it off again as Twilight zoomed off to fulfill her destiny.
“You think she will do it Selene?” Nyx asked nervously. Selene smiled at her.
“Have faith in your mother Nyx. She has succeeded in every challenge to date. She will succeed here.”
* * * * *
Selene and Nyx were reading when they heard a musical number going on.
“See, what did I tell you. She solved it and is finishing up with a music number.” Twilight and the other Elements bearers burst through the door. Twilight grabbed the book, opened it and began writing while she said a lot loud.
“From all of us together, together we're friends
With the marks of our destinies made one there is magic without end.” Twilight dramatically finished the spell and in seconds all the Elements activated and blasted Twilight. Selene saw Twilight have a resigned look before the brightness became too much.
Then it was clear they all saw that Twilight was gone and in her place was a scorch march that looked like Twilight's cutie mark.
“mom?” Selene heard Nyx weakly asked with tears in her eyes. “MOM!?” Nyx raced to the scorch mark and started crying. Selene walked up to Nyx and pulled her close.
“It will be okay Nyx.” Selene said.
“HOW DO YOU KNOW!?”
“Because the Elements have never killed anypony. They stoned Discord and restored Luna to her true self. The closest thing to kill was what happened to the First Nightmare Moon. Now do you think the Elements would harm their own bearer without cause?” Nyx shook her head as did the girls. “Now all of this started when Celestia sent Twilight a book. Who wants to bet this is all part of a plan she has for Twilight. So keep your eye out something has yet to happen.”
It was a few hours later and the sun was setting when a white flash happened and the girls headed out of the Library and looked up. Up in the sky was Twilight's cutie mark and it was descending in front of them. With another flash Applejack asked.
“Twilight, is that you?” Twilight stood in front of them, looking a little taller. Then she flashed her wings at them. “I-I never seen anything like it.”
“Hah, Twilight's got wings, AWESOME! A NEW FLYING BUDDY!” Rainbow interjected.
“MOM!” Nyx raced over and tackled Twilight and the two hug. “I thought I lost you again mom.”
“I'm still here Nyx.” Twilight responded with a deeper hug.
“Why you have become an alicorn darling, I didn't think that was possible.” Said Rarity.
“ALICORN PARTY!” Pinkie comes swinging in and Selene looks up and mentally asks.
'What's the rope attached to?' Fluttershy then approached Twilight and said.
“Wow, you look just like a princess.”
“That's because she is a Princess.” Celestia said as she landed with the biggest smile. Selene knew why. With Twilight becoming an alicorn she has yet another pony she can spend eternity with. The thousand years alone really affected her and she didn't want a repeat. She sought out ponies that had the potential to become one. She had seen two in Selene's Equestria. Sunset, and Twilight. Cadence was a happy unplanned event.
The rest of the girls went “Huh?” And pinkie paused to do a proper spit take.
“A-a Princess?” Twilight looked worried and Celestia put a hoof on her and explained.
“Since you came to Ponyville you have displayed the charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, optimism, and of course the leadership of a true princess.”
“Does that mean I'm not your student anymore?” Twilight asked.
“For the most part yes Twilight. As far as friendship goes I have nothing left to teach you. But I will be helping you out on being a Princess but you are now my equal. Princess Twilight Sparkle.” She bowed and everypony followed. After that was a massive alicorn party thanks to Pinkie that lasted most of the night.
* * * * *
Selene made minor adjustments on her dress, a Rarity Original of course, as they got ready for the coronation of Twilight to the Princesshood. But the mare of the hour was not seen as the time approached. Leaning over to Rarity Selene asked.
“Where's Twilight?”
“I don't know. She was in the dressing room last I saw after her dress was done.”
“Okay thanks.” With that Selene headed for the dressing rooms and found Twilight's. She opened it and saw Twilight all dressed up with the altered Element of Magic on her head. Twilight was looking out the window.
“Twilight what's up? It's almost time.” Twilight turned to look at Selene.
“Hey Selene, I just don't know. I'm now a princess or will be one soon. Why me Selene, why me of all ponies?” Selene closed the door and walked over to Twilight.
“Because of who you are Twilight. Whenever an event happens you are among the first to respond. You care about other ponies before yourself and most importantly of all. You didn't seek this power but was given to you. I think Celestia had this planned all along. She saw the potential in you so nudged you that way and saw if you could pull it off. You have proven her right more than wrong. Remember the monster attack during the whole Nightmare Nyx thing. Without a thought you took charge and led the evacuation and defense of Ponyville. Even Nightmare Nyx listened to you. You have always had these qualities Twilight. To paraphrase something I heard once. Great Leaders don't seek leadership, they have it thrust upon them. Now come on, this is your day. This is the second or third best day in your life.”
“Second or third?”
“I see getting married and having a kid beating this day.” Twilight just shook her head with a smile.
“Thanks Selene.”
“Hey a true, true friend helps a friend in need.” That got a chuckle out of the newly minted alicorn as they left the room with Twilight's spirits up.
* * * *
Selene took her place at the end of the line of Twilight friends and next to Nyx. After some talking it was decided that Nyx would appear as herself and with no disguise. There were some shocked and outrage looks but Selene just glared at them. Celestia started her speech. It sounded much like what she or more honestly Luna remembered from her world. That inherited memory throws her for a loop at times. However there was a difference when Celestia said this.
“She even redeemed the dark side of my own sister and can now live her own life. So I proudly present for the very first time. PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” The doors open and the singing of Twilight's new title and name and man did Twilight look regal. Selene knew she was working to keep that look. It took her Twilight a decade to do that naturally. After her presentation to the crowd inside she was led to a balcony and was present to the city. From the balcony she started her own speech. “Three years ago Princess Celestia sent me to live in Ponyville. She sent me to study friendship. Which is something I didn't really care much about, but now on a day like today,” She gestures for Selene and the girls to come out to the balcony “I can honestly say I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the friendships I made with all of you. Each one of you taught me something about friendship and for that I will always be grateful.” Selene gave Twilight the warmest smile. “Today I consider myself the luckiest pony in Equestria. Thank you friends, thank you every pony.” She went back in and teased her brother over his 'liquid pride.' Twilight and her fellow Bearers left the castle and with a commissioned chariot she waved to the crowd. Selene got a camera ready knowing what was to happen. Twilight took to the air, did a loop and crashed into a tree. Selene took a picture and smiled. She then set the timer for it as Rainbow Dash tried to get her unstuck but made it look like she was humping Twilight. Selene fell to her back laughing as the camera went off again.
Coming down from her bout of laughter Selene thought to herself.
“I may be stuck here for now but today was most certainly fine.”
Nyx was at a table enjoying a meal provided to her. The was moaning as she ate a piece and was about to take another bite when a talon covered her muzzle and lifted it to expose the filly's neck and brought a blade across it. Blood sprayed out and she struggled for a bit till life left her eyes. The talon let go and she fell face first into her food. There was a pause as she bled over the food the griffon looked over his work. "How's that?" He asked and a white unicorn stallion revealed himself with a disgusted look.
"Awful, did you see the way her blood sprayed?" He shuddered. "No, slit throat is out." The griffoned sighed before addressing the stallion.
"We are running out of options here your highness. You need a body so disintegration spells are out, stabbing was too savage, arrows too dodgy, gas too smelly, and poison......What was wrong with poison?" The griffon asked curiously.
"Poison doesn't work on alicorns." The unicorn prince said. "It was bad enough that my aunts didn't kill the little monster. But now with that low born Twilight Sparkle a Princess that..creature is now a step away from the princess hood. It really hampers the plans of the nobility to restore our old power."
"Planning to unseat your own aunt?" The griffon asked. The prince sneered as he replied.
"She is my aunt through politics. My ancestor foolishly adopted her and Luna into the family and ever since then the court's power diminished. I play the annoying nephew to lull them into a false sense of security. But Nightmare Moon and her patchwork princess mother threaten our plans. Nothing will crush Twilight Sparkle then the death of her daughter."
"Well I shall find something that achieves your goal Prince Blueblood." The griffon led the prince to the door.
"Well I did hire the best assassin in Equestria. After all." Blueblood said with a smile. The griffon raised a talon.
"Ah but I'm just a simple tailor your highness." The two smile as the Prince leaves the business.
***** ***** *****
Nyx was a bundle of energy and joy on the train. Much to Twilight's regret. She had been reading up on everything written about governing and she looked exhausted to Selene's eyes. She had looked after Nyx a lot recently but clearly wasn't enough. Hell all the girls looked a bit tired. All of them have been hunted by reporters but she got a reprieve since not many know where she stays. Still to have a princess summit so soon after Twilight's coronation is meant to the poor mare. Eventually they arrived at the empire. With a stretch Selene headed for the exit of the train and walked to the palace. Everything went well till Rarity freaked out about Twilight's lack of a crown. Twilight reassured her............and did Pinkie just make the transformers noise? The other princesses met them and Cadance and Twilight did their dance before she greeted her niece. They were then treated to a nice dinner and small talk but it became clear the girls were tired. Soon the girls are all asleep including Selene. Well a part of her , two parts of her had snuck into a room with a certain mirror. Both were in her true form and with a wire setup and the room sound proofed they waited. In the AM part of the night the mirror activated and Sunset somersaulted as she tripped on the wire. Just as she landed they were on her. One took the Formal crown while the other bound up Sunset. With a nod the Selene with the crown went through the mirror.
She emerged on the other side with a stagger but soon she composed herself. Like in Equestria it was still dark out and she saw where the downtown part of the city was and after stowing the crown in her saddle bags now turned her backpack she headed that way. She wished she could take the bus but doubted they would take gems for payment. So she walked for hours till she found a little motel and tiredly walked into the office and found an old man watching a TV.
"Excuse me. I like to rent a room for a few days."
" Seventy five bucks a day." He said flatly.
"I don't have money on me but I do have this gem." She placed a small gem on the counter. "It should be easy to pay tonight and I will have cash tomorrow." The man picked it up and looked at it for a minute. Then he reached to grab a key and tossed it to her. "Take one and you better have cash tomorrow."
"Thank you sir." She said as she left for the room. The room was simple. A bed, phone, a pair of dressers, a TV, and a bathroom. She stripped and fell asleep on the bed.
The next morning she got up and stretched and took a shower to wake up. She forgot how good water felt on skin. Fur altered in and it has been decades since she had this feeling. It added as she dried herself and loved the feel of her breasts. Times like these it was great to be a mammal. An hour later she went to a pawn shop to trade some gems and bits for cash. With cash she went to McDonald's for breakfast before heading to the school.
She got off the city bus and looked at the front of Canterlot High School. The place was like the one she knew. She walked into the school and headed for the offices. Soon she found herself in Celestia's office.
"Please take a seat Miss Light." Selene did so. "You said you wanted to talk about a student that goes here?"
"Sunset Shimmer is a run away and her family finally caught up with her." Celestial frowned at the sound of that.
"If she is being abused.." Celestial began and Selene held up a hand.
"No abuse happened. There was just a major disagreement between Sunset and the head of the family and Sunset decided to leave. Took us years to find her. So she is now on her way home. And back to a family that loves her and worried about her." Celestia was quiet for a couple of minutes.
"You're sure she is alright?" She finally . Selene replied.
"Yes, we have her best interest at heart. I personally care about her well being." Celestia sighed before replying.
"Very well Miss Light. Thank you for telling me." Selene nodded and got up and opened her backpack to grab the crown.
"One last thing. I do believe this is your crown. Sunset had it on her.” She handed the crown over. Celestia looked at it.
"Well thank you Miss Light." Celestia replied and Selene nodded and her eyes widened.
"I almost forgot, could you please have Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy to meet at the soccer field after school?”
" Why?" Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.
" I have a few things to say to them that will hopefully heal the rift Sunset made. "
"Very well Miss Light." Selene nodded and did some research on the library's computers till it was nearly the end of the school day and she headed for the soccer field. She waited by the stands as she saw the girls come. They are not happy seeing each other.
"Who the hell are you?" Dash demanded.
"My name is Selene Light and I am here to restore the friendships Sunset ruined." They looked at her confused.
"Ah beg her pardon? Sunset ruined our friendship?" Applejack asked.
"Yes," Selene responded. "Each of you had something go wrong due to miscommunication over your phones, correct?" They all slowly nodded. "Did any of you tried to talk face to face on the screw up?" They shook their head and Selene sighed. "You girls together are a great force. Sunset saw that and worked to break your group up and you made it easy. One text message broke up years of friendship. That's very sad. Now Sunset is gone and unlikely to return so I suggest you all have some thinking and talking to do so I will leave you to it." Selene walked away with the girls silent as soon she headed for her hotel. She needed rest before her plans for tonight.
Later that night she was in a suburb of Canterlot in front of a nice house that belonged to the sirens. It seems they made use of their abilities and agelessness to good effect. She saw no alarm system, just simple locks. That arrogance will be their undoing. Taking out a lock pick set she bought after leaving the school among other things. She was amazed at what she could get so quickly. This human world had to be more peaceful than hers was.
After a few minutes she had the door open and she snuck in. The place was decked out with fancy things so these three either invested well or sang for it......or both. Selene stealthily moved to the upper floors and after a few minutes she found the first bedroom. She quickly removed some tranquilizers and used it on the siren. With her not waking for a while Selene carefully removed the pendant and left the room. She repeated this twice more and then left. Once she was safely away she stomped on the pedants and they shattered under her shoe. That done she headed back to her motel and slept before heading back through the portal the next night.
***** ***** *****
I sat down on a couch in one of the lounges in the Crystal Palace taking a much needed breath. Twilight was done with today's session of their summit and took Nyx to unwind. I sat there as the sunset happened. Beautiful sight as always. I was still sitting there as night arrived.
"May I join you?" I was startled and looked at Luna smiling at me. "Apologies Selene Light. I didn't mean to startle you." Selene gave her a look.
"Oh please I know you and your sister like to prank. I bet you enjoyed the look on my face." Luna smirked.
"I admit to getting some fun out of seeing reactions." Selene laughed at that and padded the couch.
"Then sit and how can I help a princess?" Luna did sit down and looked at Selene.
"Well I would like to know you better, like where you are from?" Luna asked.
"Was born outside Equestria by parents who had me late in their life."
"Oh? Where?"
"No place you heard of."
"And what did you do before coming to Equestria?"
"I solved problems that come up wherever I am."
"An interesting profession to choose."
"It worked but I have considered another occupation since I have been staying in Ponyville."
"Oh, any ideas?"
"Thinking of opening a fry stand." Luna just looked at me surprised. I smirked at her before dropping it. "Now what is this meeting really about?" Luna sighed and began.
"You have become close to the Element Bearers and Nyx Sparkle. They are all very dear to me and you appear out of nowhere with no history or records. Forgive me and my sister that we are concerned about that. Especially for young Nyx." Luna stared intently at me. I took a breath before I responded.
"I am still going to keep some secrets but I can tell you.. I came to your Equestria by accident. I have been trying to get back home but have failed. Twilight and her friends? Well they remind me of my dearest friends and I would never purposely harm them. They are as precious to me as they are to you." Luna was silent as she kept looking at me. It was getting awkward as minutes went by before she finally spoke.
"You are from another Equestria?" I nodded
"Is it really so hard to believe? I know you have a magic mirror that goes to another world."
"Point to you. So do you know your Princess Luna?"
"Oh yes, she is very dear to me. And she still looks like you did before Nightmare Nyx. It is just her preferred form not a sign of her power."
"Interesting. Is there another difference between our world and yours?"
"Nyx didn't happen and Cadence was pregnant much later." Luna again looked at her before speaking again.
"Well thank you for your honesty of what you have revealed, though I question why not more?"
"Not sure how you would react to some and I bet you keep some secrets as well."
"Point Miss Light. May you have a wonderful night."
"You as well Princess Luna." With that the two mares went their separate ways.
***** ***** *****
The final Selene was in Nightstone Castle observing Sunset Shimmer. The mare in question was splayed out against the wall, chains binding her legs and a ring on Her horn to prevent magic use. Her mouth was slightly opened and her eyes glowed white as she lived through the memories of Selene's Sunset. Seeing Sunset like that reminded her of when her Sunset finally returned to Equestria. After meeting the human Twilight and Sunset the pony Sunset saw less and less reason to stay in what Selene dubbed Earth Equestria. Selene always encouraged Sunset to return but the pony turned human always resisted. Then the human Starlight showed up. Unlike most of the humans she believed the magic captured on video was real and it was a threat to the world. Using her intelligence she made a device that could detect and absorb magic. She came to the school and absorbed the magic of the girls and the portal. Sunset tackled her to get the and it went flying. Starlight managed to get free and grabbed the device if it was damaged and it released its magic and Starlight became its focus. She became encompassed by the magic and transformed. She looked similar to demon shimmer and like Sunset, became drunk in power making rifts that led to Equestria. That was weird sitting in the Two Sisters when I saw the front of Canterlot High right in front of me. Sunset tried to plead with Starlight to stop but was blasted for her trouble. The human Sunset helped her up as the human Twilight grabbed the now empty device and manage to repair it and on a whim tossed it to pony Sunset who caught and as she mentioned the elements the girls glowed and their aura went into the device once more and she tossed it on the ground and it exploded in a white light that enveloped Pony Sunset. When it faded......just wow. She looked like a fire based angel and sealed the rifts. She and Starlight then got into a DBZ style fight before Sunset beat her and EOH her flank.
After that battle Pony Sunset decided to return to Equestria. Though she won the battle against Starlight it was only with the help of the human girls. It was time and growing legal issues of their being two Sunsets furthered helped that idea. So after a tearful farewell to the girls. All of us were surprised when she emerged from the portal. She was a tad taller and had wings. She took it well and only fainted once. Many jaws were dropped at the sight. When Sunset came we went over this was possible. Best guess they had was when she used Starlight's device. It was very similar to how Twilight did it. Sunset felt so odd that she got the wish she abandoned. Tia was ecstatic and was hugging the fiery mare almost nonstop. Definitely eased Sunset's feelings on returning. She splits her time between Ponyville and Canterlot and was likely at Canterlot the night she was sent to this world.
After about a day in that trance before she blinked and the white disappeared from her eyes. Sunset gulped and asked for water which Selene gave her and she guzzled it and when done she started crying. Selene unlocked her and the mare held her. Selene let her get all out. After an hour Sunset stopped and composed herself. "Thank you Selene. I couldn't control that response."
"It's okay Sunset. I know you needed it." Sunset nodded and sat there taking it all in.
"It's weird, having memories of events I didn't do."
"I know that. Have Luna's/Nightmare Moon's memories. Took me a bit and an EOH blast to adapt to it."
"Yeah, so what do I do now. I don't want to go back but what future do I have here?"
"A lot Sunset. You have those memories show you it. Celestia loves you very much. Is she an idiot at times? Hell yes but she cares and you are among the top." Sunset was silent for a minute.
"So what happens now?" Sunset asked.
"Well I don't want them to know about this part of me so here's what we'll do......"
***** ***** *****
It was the final day of the summit and it's final meeting was over. Everypony was unwinding in the palace. Except for Selene the others wondered where the mare was. Selene did show up and was asked where she was. She responded with. "I met an interesting mare." She looked behind herself. "You can come out now." In moments Sunset appeared and was acting shyly.
"Uh, hi everypony."
"Sunset?" Celestia said with an almost whisper.
"It's me Princess Celestia." There was a bright flash and Sunset was now being hugged by a crying Celestia.
"I...I thought I would never see you again. I worried constantly, wondering if you were even still alive." Now Sunset was crying.
"I'm sorry Princess."
"I'm sorry to. We both made mistakes." The two mares continued to hug and started nuzzling each other. Selene gestured to the others to let have some privacy. The group heads for another lounge and Twilight is the first to ask the question.
"Who is that and why does she mean so much to Princess Celestia?" Cadence shifted on her couch and answered the question.
"Her name is Sunset Shimmer and she is your predecessor as Celestia's student. From what I heard Auntie practicality raised her because her parents were so career oriented. They were very close."
"Then what happened if they were so close?" Dash asked.
"Me." Cadence replied. "I got my horn and Aunt adopted me the same day I came to Canterlot. After a couple if hours talking Sunset was allowed to see us. She was not happy when she heard everything. She had long sought out being an alicorn and being adopted by Auntie. But Auntie wouldn't for years and here I was, knowing Celestia for only a day and made her niece as well as becoming an alicorn before that. She left without saying a word and I knew she was a bit unhappy. I went to her room to try to befriend her." Cadence looked down. "My timing was poor for she wasn't in the best mood. Heated words were thrown from both of us. I got her mad enough to light her horn. Seeing she wasn't in the mood I move leave but I gave out one last quip. It was one too many. She lost her cool and launched a fireball at me. It hit my foreleg and if not for alicorn I would have have scar there. I fled from her calling her a monster. In hindsight she seemed shocked and horrified. And I made a mistake going there at that time. I heard Celestia confronted Sunset and the two actually fought till Sunset escaped through the mirror. So how did you meet her Selene?" Cadence asked the turquoise mare.
"Well I am a night owl so I was wandering around and saw a flash in an empty room and saw Sunset. I asked her what she was doing and she tried to shove me aside. I took offense to that and gave her a talking to. It was a Shining talk and she got the message and you saw the rest." The rest nodded and small talk resumed.
***** ***** *****
The Royal Sisters looked over a balcony that gave them a clear view of Ponyville but not the mysteries surrounding the town. They just arrived home earlier that day after dropping off Twilight's group in Ponyville.
"How is Sunset Shimmer sister?" Luna asked.
"Asleep in her bed. With a smile on her face. We made our amends."
"Am I going to have another niece soon?" Luna asked with a smirk.
"Yes, though we will wait a bit before announcing it. She needs some time to adjust. And how did your conversation with Selene go?"
"Interesting. She claims to be from another Equestria and given where my latest niece spent the last several years leans credence to that notion. She claims she came here by accident from an experiment by her Twilight Sparkle and is trying to find a way back to her Equestria. She promises no harm to us."
"Sense a however in there sister." Celestia states.
"Indeed sister. She has kept things from me. She admits she is fearful on how we would act if we knew. Whatever it is, it is dangerous. And the fact she just happened to be at the right spot at the right time for Sunset's return ups it. I know you are likely grateful for her work on Sunset Shimmer but ever since Nightmare Nyx and what that reveal we must be careful. And from what I have heard Selene Light lives in Nightstone Castle." Celestia looks at Luna with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh, that is an interesting choice. How did you come by that information?" Celestia asked. Luna smirked at her.
"Young Sweetie Belle. As much as her group gets in trouble they can also be a wealth of information. They ran into Selene Light there and the mare admitted to living in the castle. Also Selene has become Twilight's go to mare to watch after Nyx when she is busy." Celestia is silent for a bit and looks back to Ponyville.
"As much she has shown to help us, we must be cautious. I have been betrayed once by somepony I trusted and no matter it was due to outside influence it still happens and Nyx and Equestria paid the price for it. I will not allow that to happen again."
“Indeed, Nyx has already suffered enough for both her and our sins. I shall keep a closer eye on Selene Light. But unlike Nyx we shall take our time, correct, sister?"
"Yes Luna, I will not make the same mistake twice. We shall wait and watch and see who Selene light really is."
Selene was reading in the sun with Twilight and Nyx playing nearby. Twilight was taking a break from her study of government work. She had my sympathies. I have the advantage of Luna's memories infused in me. It had been a week since they had returned from the Crystal Empire and it was nice and peaceful.
Which meant it was doomed to end in a bad way.
The next thing I knew as a yelp from Twilight and Nyx. I looked over at them and they were both down with darts in their sides. Before I could react, a griffon, a minotaur, and a unicorn showed up and grabbed Nyx and took off. I raced after them and as they reached the edge of Whitetail Woods her Mare- Do- Well clone engaged them but they were ready and the griffon stabbed her in the head with a dagger. The clone gave a short scream, collapsed, and turned to mist going towards me. It caused me to cry out and collapse. By the moon that hurts! It took me a few minutes to recover.
“Darling! By Equestria what happened to you?” I recognized Rarity's voice and she helped me up.
“Never mind me. Nyx has been kidnapped and I am going after them. Tell Twilight I will not return till I have Nyx with me.” I started heading out.
“Darling, shouldn't you wait for the rest of us?”
“No time.” I look over my shoulder at her. “I have some tricks up my sleeve that you girls haven't seen.” With that I galloped after the foal nippers.
It was hours later and one short flight over a gorge when I was going through some ruins when a green magic bolt cut across my path. I put up a shield and backed up as the unicorn from the group teleported in front of me. He drew a sword and said.
“My name is Inigo Montoya, prepare to die.”
'Just doesn't sound the same without you killing my father.' I thought and summoned my own blade. It had a blue handle with guards 8n the shape of crescent moons with my true cutie mark at the bottom of the handle. I dissipated my shield ready with my sword. He started the duel and after three exchanges of our swords I shifted my head as his blade swung by. We then circled each other before we exchanged more blows. That got the fight started in earnest with me losing ground.
“You are using Bonetti's Defense against me.” Inigo said.
“Figured the best form considering the terrain.” I replied. We continued to exchange blows.
Naturally, then you expect me to counter with Capoferro?”
“Naturally, however I find that Tipo Del counters Capoferro. Don't you?” I teleport to gain some distance.
“Unless your opponent studied Agrippa.” He teleports near me. “Which I have.” Our duel continued and I now had the advantage. Pushing him back. “I will admit you are better than me.” Confused, I asked him.
“Then why are you smiling?”
“Because I am not a unicorn.” With a flash of green flame I flinched back from it and before me was a changeling. He immediately went to the air and I was forced back to a collapsed wall.
“You are amazing.” I commented.
“Thank you.” He pressed his attack.
“However you should know one thing.”
And that is?”
I'm not a unicorn either.” I went to mist form and flowed under him before reforming my body now with wings. He was shocked to see an alicorn before him and I took advantage of it and the momentum was in my favor. To his credit he kept up a strong defense.
“Who are you.”
"No pony of consequence.”
“I must know.”
“Be used to disappointment.” The duel moved on with strikes and parries becoming more desperate. Finally with a nice clever maneuver I disarmed him and he collapsed exhausted. “You fought well Inigo. So I will tell you who I am.” I got close to his head. “I am Nightmare Moon.” With that I slit his throat. He soon died and a threat eliminated I continued my pursuit while hiding
I was on a hill with multiple rocks and boulders. I went through cautiously. Good thing too since a rock shattered against a nearby boulder. Shields up! I saw the minotaur pick up another rock the size of my head. “That was on purpose. I didn't need to miss.”
“I believe you, so what happens now?”
“We fight as nature intended, with our fists and hooves. No magic or weapons.”
“So batter each other like civilized beings?”
“I could kill you now.” He lifted the rock.
“Okay, will fight like you want even with your advantage.”
"Can't help my kind bigger than yours. I don't even exercise.” He casually tossed the rock away. I dash forward, did a spin and buck him in the right spot. A high pitch scream came from him as he fell to his knees holding his family jewels. I turned again and thrusted my horn, now full size through his head. He died instantly and I teleported away.
“Sorry but a filly's life is more important than an honorable fight with you.” I raced on.
Another hour passed by and I caught up with the griffon. He had set up a meal using a stump as a table. He had a blade at Nyx's throat. I recognized the blade as the same one that killed her clone. Her magic was still recovering from that. Nyx seemed fine, blindfolded and scared but fine.
“That's close enough pony.” I stopped. “Now why have you followed us? Surely you want this little monster gone?”
“No, she is important to me and my friends.”
“Then we are at an impasse. I can't match your strength and skill. You can't match my intellect.”
“You're that smart?”
“Heard of Clover the Clever, Starswirl the Bearded, Twilight Sparkle?”
“Of course.”
“Morons.”
“Oh really? Well then I challenge you to a battle of wits.”
"For the filly?” I nodded. “To the death?” I nodded again. “Then I accept.” He put the dagger down.
“Pour that wine of yours.” He did so as I took a seat opposite of him on the table. When done I summoned a vial and undo the top. “Smell this but do not touch.” He took the vial and sniffed.
“I don't smell anything.”
“Exactly, it's called iocane powder. It's odorless, tasteless, dissolves quickly in liquids, and among the most deadly poisons known to Equestria.” The griffon looked impressed. I took the two glasses of wine and the vial and created a veil so he couldn't see my moves. I poured the powder into both glasses. I removed the veil and spun the glasses without spilling and set them on the table. “The battle of wits has begun. You figure out where the poison is and we drink. Them we'll see who is alive, and who is dead.”
“It's so simple. I will judge it based on what I know of you. Now a smart being would put it in their wine knowing a fool would reach for what he is given. I am no fool so I can't choose the wine in front of you. But you know I am no fool and would have counted on it so I clearly cannot choose the wine in front of me.”
“So you made your choice?”
“Not even remotely. Because iocane comes from Freeport and Freeport is known to be full of thieves and crooks and they are not trusting folks and since we can't trust each other I clearly can't chose the wine in front of you.” Wow just wow at this guy's thought process.
“You have a very dizzying intellect.”
“I haven't even gotten started yet! Now where was I?”
“Freeport.”
“Yes, Freeport. You must have expected that I would know the powder's origin, so clearly I can't chose the wine in front of me.”
“You're stalling.” I said with a smile. This was getting entertaining.
"You like to think I'm stalling!” well there goes his cool. “You've beaten my minotaur which means you are strong for a unicorn and you are relying on that strength to survive the poison so I clearly can't choose the wine infront of you. But you also beaten my changeling which means you studied and know of your mortality and instinctively want it as far away from you as possible so I clearly can't chose the wine in front of me.”
“You are trying to get me to reveal something. It won't work.”
“It has work, you've given everything away! I know where the poison is.”
“Then make your choice.”
“I have and I choose…..what in Equestria is that!?” He pointed at something behind me. I went and looked and smiled knowing what he was doing. I turned back.
“I didn't see anything.”
“Could have swore I saw something. Well I will drink from my glass and you yours.” We took our drinks and drank them. When done I smiled at him.
“You chose wrong.”
“You only think I chose wrong! I switched our drinks. You fell for one of the classic blunders! The first is going to war against the princesses. The second is to never go against a griffon strategist when death is on the line! Hahahahaha!.........” He paused in mid laugh then fell over on his side, dead. I went over and unbound Nyx.
“You okay Nyx?”
“Am now Selene.” She looked at the griffon's body. “The whole time it was your glass that was poisoned.”
“Nope, both were poisoned. My condition leaves me immune to poisons. Now let's get out of here. Your mom must be worried sick.”
“Mmmmhhhh.” We started walking back when a voice called out.
“Not so fast monster.” We both looked back and saw several ponies in armor. Some in Royal Guard armor but most in a different style and with Prince Blueblood at it's head.
“You are behind this Blueblood?”
“That's PRINCE Blueblood to you peasant!” He sneered at us. “And yes I am. That monster needs to go and is in the way of our plans, so she doesn't return home alive. And now neither will you.” I closed my eyes and sighed.
“You foal, always looking for power. Thinking yourself better than others. You fear Nightmare Moon? Well you focused on the wrong Nightmare.” I opened my eyes to reveal dragonic eyes.
The eyes were only the first thing. My mane and tail went ethereal and I was covered by them. I felt my body grew to its true size. I felt my armor fit my body. I powered up and blew my ethereal parts away and I was there in my full glory. Tall, regal, and powerful. I lifted Nyx onto my back near my neck and put a shield around her. I then summoned a sword and looked at Blueblood and his cronies. “Okay,” I put my sword up in a guard position. “Who dies first?” Some step back. They expected a filly but found a mare instead.
“Attack you fools. We'll kill them both. Obey your prince!” after a few seconds they charge in. I narrowed my eyes and got ready. I blocked one sword with mine and decked a mare with a forehoof. With a sweep and decapitated a pony then moved to block another and I lit my horn. I glanced behind me and saw a pony coming at me. I bucked like AJ taught me. The pony went flying. With a few more swipes and several more bodies hit the ground. I lost a magic beam and several ponies disintegrated. With a few more swipes making more dead bodies cause the remaining ponies made a run for it. I took to the air and lit my horn and in a royal canterlot voice I said. “BIG BANG ATTACK!” Then I let loose several bolts of magic and soon only Blue Blood remained. I felt sudden pain in my right wing and I started falling. I teleported myself to the ground. Ignoring the pain I looked at Blueblood. It was whiter than usual. I approached him saying. “Blueblood, for the kidnapping and attempted murder of Princess Nyx I charge you with treason against the crown and sentence you to death.” He whimpered and my horn lit. He wet himself and that pleased me. With a smirk I blasted him to ash. I took a deep breath and canceled the shield around Nyx and cast away my sword back to its storage. I looked over my shoulder at Nyx. “You okay Nyx?” She looked at me with fear and confusion.
“You're……you're me. How can you be me? What do you want with me?” I leaned down more.
“Nyx, I would never purposely harm you. Nor did I reveal what I truly am to do anything to you but to protect you. I have always been the Selene that has looked over you all the times your mom asked me to. I just used a different form.” Nyx calmed down a bit. “Now let's get you back to your mother.” I lifted my wings and flinched in pain from my right wing. I summoned a first aid kit and inspected my wing. There was a sizable gash on the support area and bleeding. I opened the kit and swabbed alcohol on it and hissed before bandaging it. “Are you hurting Nyx?” I asked.
“No, just eager to go home.”
“I hear ya.” I began walking in the direction of Ponyville.
“So how are you me? Some time spell mess up?”
“Well maybe but not in the way you think. I am not quite you. Note my cutie mark.” I felt her shift on my back.
“Oh, it's Luna's mark, not mine. So who are you?”
“My name is Selene Light but I will tell the rest in Ponyville so I only tell my story once.” I glanced back and saw her pouting like Twilight. I chuckled at that. “You are so like your mother at times.”
After an hour we were at the chasm. Sadly I couldn't fly over this time but I eyed a bridge. I headed for it. As I approached an old diamond dog appeared. “Halt! This is the bridge of death. Answer my three questions correctly and you may pass.” Annoyed at this event but I smirked at him.
“Give me your questions.”
“What is your name?”
“Selene Light.”
“What is your favorite color?”
“Red.”
“What, is the average flight speed of an unladen swallow?”
“Equestrian or Zebraican?” He looked confused.
“I don't know. Wwww Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!” He was flown from his spit and into the chasm.
“How did you know that?” I looked at her.
“I could say as a princess I need to know such things but truthfully, I've seen something like this before so I knew the solution.” I walked across and continued on.
Hours later I noticed the sun was on its final track and I looked for a place to camp out. I spotted a small cave. Perfect. I detoured to cut up some trees and went into the cave. I put Nyx down and I arranged the wood and took some of it and some loose rocks to make a campfire. With some magic the fire was started. Nyx got close as night fell. I summoned a case and opened it and hoofed it over an MRE. “I know it's not as good as the food Pinkie and Applejack make but its all I have.” Nyx nodded and opened it and took a bite and frowned at it but still ate on. I took out a couple canteens and gave one to Nyx. “Here is some juice.” Nyx took it and took a sip and smiled. “Yeah you can thank Applejack for that. She and Pinkie worked on the MREs but no success.”
“Since when have they worked on that?”
“They haven't yet. Time travel is a factor in what brought me here. And your mom's friends are old mares.”
“Yet you aren't me. The cutie mark proves it. So how………” I saw that lightbulb moment. “You are from another world like one Sunset stayed in.”
“Close but not quite.” I sighed. “I guess I can't wait to tell you. You curious little filly.” I ruffled her mane then told her my story. When I was done she stared at me.
“Selene, that is messed up. Even more than my story.”
“Story of my life and don't sell your story short. Took a lot of self control to beat the crap out of her. But I did prank her good.” I saw Nyx yawn and I lifted a wing. “Come on, I will keep you warm tonight.” Nyx raced over and nestled next to me. “Good night little Nyx, I shall protect you.” I nuzzled her and set up wards to alert me of threats. I stayed up an hour more before joining her in sleep.
The next morning we ate and I checked my wing. It was achy but I could fly with it. Yay alicorn healing. After a restroom break I put her on my back and we were off. It was midmorning when Ponyville came in view. Ponies all looked at her as she came in to land. Twilight raced out of the library, saw me and looked concerned. “Nyx?” I smiled and answered.
“She's right here Twilight.” I lowered her to the ground.
“MOM!” The filly ran to her mother and the two hugged and cried. It was a touching sight. Twilight then looked at me.
“Who are you if you are not Nyc?”
“It's me Selene. This is my true form.” They were left speechless. “We better take this inside and I swear I will tell you everything.” They looked at each other before nodding and led the way. I followed and took a seat on the floor.
“I'm contacting Celestia.” Twilight said as she wrote. I looked around and while most looked at me with thoughtful faces. AJ looked at me with a glare.
“What is it Applejack?”
“You lied to us.”
“Only a bit when I had no choice. Was afraid how you would react to the two of us around. I told as much truth as I could. Including my name.”
“So Selene Light is your name?” I nodded.
“Yes it is the name I have chosen to use just as Nyx chose hers.” Before we could go further a flash appeared and before us was the sisters. They looked at me with a neutral expression. “Luna, I have to say I love the new look. You should be of equal height.”
“Explain yourself Nightmare.” Luna stated.
“Very well, I am Selene Light, Princess of Defense, and Alicorn of Shadows. I am from another Equestria where I happened instead of Nyx. I ended up here by an accident and have been trying to get back ever since.” There was silence for a bit.
“And your intentions on Twilight and her friends?” Celestia asked.
“Just to be friends with them. They may not be the ones I have known for decades but they are still them at the core. And when I learned of Nyx and what YOU did to her I decided to look out for her.” Celestia winced at that.
“Wait, decades?” Twilight asked. I nodded.
“Yes, decades. The girls are all old mares. In fact I just missed a Pinkie Party the night I was sent here.”
“So you know future events?”
“To an extent. There are differences. I have taken care of Tirek and Sunset for you.”
“Tirek!?” The sisters exclaim. I nodded.
“Yup, he got loose and would have terrorized Equestria and destroyed this very library. He and the changeling invasion convince several ponies including military personnel that you couldn't protect them. They wanted a change but ran into issues. Luna was the sure choice to replace you but was too cowed by being this, “ I pointed to myself, “to oppose you again. Cadence was busy with the Empire and Twilight too loyal to you to side against you. They needed some pony else.”
“You?” Celestia asked.
“Not quite. I wasn't what they expected. This body was supposed to appear at their headquarters and be a blank slate to put a Nightmare Moon personality. Instead this body appeared in the Royal Sisters Castle and instead of blank it had the memories and the personality of a creature called a human.”
“Human?” Twilight asked.
“Sunset mentioned the race she was turned into was called human.” Celestia commented. “Imagine a furless minotaur with the head and lower body of a monkey.”
“A close enough description. I was a human male dying after saving a female from rape and murder.” They all gasp at that. “Yeah my best theory was the fact both my world and Equestira had blood moons made a connection between them allowing my human side to enter this body.”
“Human side?” I sighed and told them how I was kidnapped and forced to have that Nightmare personality and how the Elements merged the two into the Selene before them. They were silent for a long time.
“So who was after Nyx, Selene?” Twilight asked about petting her daughter's mane.
“Prince Blueblood. He hired the mercenaries to foalnap her. Then he would kill her. I killed him instead.” Celestia frowned a bit at that. I pointed a hoof at her. “Nyx is a princess so an attack on her is an act of treason. You have got to stop imprisoning all threats to Equestria. Too many of them escape at some point and we can only hope the Elements have bearers. That is not a sound defense strategy which is why I'M the Princess of Defense for a reason. It's my job to ensure our security and I have had success there. Without the guards assigned to Twilight's castle a unicorn mare named Starlight Glimmer planned to use a modified time travel spell to go back and prevent the Sonic Rainboom because my Twilight ended her reign as a communist anti cutie mark pony.” They all looked disturbed.
“If she stopped the Rainboom. Then we would never meet.”
“And that would change history greatly. Luna would still be the original Nightmare Moon and likely won. And that is just one outcome. Then there was the Storm King. He attempted an invasion of Equestria wanting the powers of the alicorns. If I hadn't geared up the military and up the training he could have won instead of being defeated in the countryside. And look here. Nexus managed a coup with ease and if it wasn't for Nyx being raised by Twilight the country would still be under Nightmare Moon's rule. You left Equestria weak Celestia. While the country has prospered under your rule, relying on just diplomacy for protection is foalish. Up your military, I am willing to help as long as I am stuck here.”
“I will consider your words Selene. Till then we will work on easing concerns of your appearance. And I am glad you are not a threat to Nyx. She has suffered enough.” Celestia said.
“She is the closest thing I have to a counterpart. She is important to me and I gave up my cover to see her safe.” The sisters nodded and teleported. Looking at the girls I said.
“So, party?” Pinkie grinned and soon a party was underway and the girls got comfortable with me. Not too bad of a day.
I took a sip of tea, an admitted acquired taste but not a regular drink of mine, but I was being hosted by Rarity so yea is to be expected. I wasn't in my true form since Rarity had no furniture for horse size ponies so I was in my normal unicorn disguise. “I must say darling you look like an adult version of a disguise Nyx.”
“Hence why I didn't use it when I first arrived. It was too obvious of a connection so I had to make a new one.”
“Well I am flattered by the mane style choice.” I smiled at her.
“Well it's a lovely style and acceptable compromise of my two sides.”
“Explain that.” I sighed and gather my thoughts.
“Before the Elements elements were used on me I was two personalities. The human Tom Clauson and the alicorn Nightmare Moon. The Elements didn't eliminate one personality over the other but blended them together so mentally I have the traits of both. For the most part you see the human side but if I get angry enough I go Nightmare from what friends have told me.”
“What constitutes as angry enough?”
“Hurting one of you girls.” Rarity blinked at that. “We are really that important to you?”
“Yes, my parents had me late in their life and had very few friends. Then I got this body and gained good friends and family. You girls are very dear to me, no matter the version.”
“Version?” I nodded and smiled.
“Yes, you are the third Rarity I have run into. The first I know the best. She is much like you.”
“And the second?” Rarity asked a bit worried.
“Oh still a fashionista and quite a looked to but not a pony but a human.” Rarity blushed at the looked part.
“Human?” I lit my horn and projected an image of human Rarity. This Rarity got up and circles the form with a critical eye. “So this is a human. Well she has good style but doesn't seem formal.”
“That's what she wears on the average. It's taboo to be naked in public in her world. So clothes are more important there then here.”
“Fascinating,I notice she has my cutie mark on her clothes.” “Yes, it's an interesting thing. All counterparts to ponies here have bthe cutie mark somewhere on their clothes.”
“Interesting for you?” She asked and I nodded.
“The Human world I am from didn't have that. In fact this Rarity would be impossible physically. Too white and purple is not a natural color over there. If I had to guess her colors would be a very light pink and black hair.” Rarity hummed and looked at the alternate her.
“You said your Equestria is ahead of mine time wise?” I nodded.
“By a few decades. I have some time to get use to my condition.”
“So you know my future?”
“Potential future. There are differences between here and there.”
“But you can give me hints like how my career went, what charming stallion I married?” Rarity had that eager look. I sighed and began.
“My Rarity had quite the successful career in fashion. Owning several stores and has a happy marriage with Applejack.” Rarity went from joy to shock in an instant. “Applejack!? But she is so unrefined and no foals…i…” I started laughing, her reaction to good.
“I am kidding on the last part. She married a good stallion.” She looked relieved.
“Though Applejack did look real nice at her wedding and I heard of Applejewel.” I saw a blush on her face. I couldn't resist. "OOOOOhhh! There is something. I should let Cadance know.” Rarity tackled me.
“You will not let her know! She will go crazy on It! You don't know what she will be like!” I laughed at her.
“I already know. Your Cadance still has Shining. My doesn’t anymore so she copes with her shipping. Right now she is focused on my Twilight and I plan on throwing Sunset at her and my sister’s before she makes a move on me. I am so not ready for it.”
“And why not?”
“My sexual preference is messy right now. Being a former stallion and now physically and half mentally a mare makes things confusing.”
“Well that was uncouth of you but you aren't a threat. Now I do have work to do darling. So we can talk more later.”
Got her off me and stood. “Thank you for the tea Rarity. Now to deal with Applejack.”
“Good luck darling.” I nodded and left.
******** Minutes later I was walking through Sweet Apple Acres. I followed the sound of apple bucking. Soon she saw the orange mare setting up some buckets and bucked that tree. With skill perfected over years the apples fell right into the buckets.
“Hey Applejack, want some help?” She looked over and I noticed a small frown. But she shrugged.
“Eh, sure. Have some baskets already setup.” I nodded and picked one and bucked it. Sadly a few apples hit the ground but they were okay and I put them in the baskets. “Surprised you didn't use her horn.” Applejack commented.
“Not in a crunch time and good exercise.”
“That it is. And that wasn't a bad buck either.”
“I learned from the best.”
“Oh, who?” I smirked.
“A mare named Applejack.” That got her to pause. I bucked another tree before she moved again.
“How was your relationship with the other me?”
“It's good. Helped out during cider season among others. She considers me family and I feel the same. She, Dash, and Sunset were my usual hang out partners.”
“What about tha princesses? Aren't they family?”
“Very much so and we do have sisterly bonding times but you girls are easier to reach since I live in Ponyville. They are your counterparts are my family.” We both buck a few more trees before Applejack's cart was full and we headed for the barn.
“Where do we stand?” She asked.
“Same as your counterparts, family.” I saw her think as we unloaded the cart in silence. With more buckets we headed out and passed Big Mac as he was heading in. I followed Applejack to a new area. “So, where do I stand with you?”
“Meaning?” she asked.
“You're the Element of Honesty. You hate lies. I can see it, you dislike the fact I lied a bit to keep my cover. I wish I didn't have to but unsure how you would react to a Nightmare Moon, especially since you had a filly one already and what she did. I used the truth as much as I could so despite my form you got the real me.”
“Why did ya reveal yerself then?”
“Because Nyx's life is more important then my disguise. I care deeply for the filly.”
“Well yer right that I'm not happy with the lies but I get why. And ya did save little Nyx. We're good as long as ya stay honest with me.” I do a Pinkie Promise to tell her the truth. She invited me to dinner and I happily accepted.
I waited for every pony to be seated before taking an empty one by Applejack. The meal was off course apple theme but still good. “Thank you for inviting me to dinner Granny.” Granny brushed me off.
“Ya helped with the farm. Be rude to not invite ya.” Then she eyed me and Applejack. “Ya’ll settled her differences?” I looked at Applejack and she looked me.
“Yeah granny, we worked things out.”
“Good, friends should not be at odds with one another.” I nodded at that. I then enjoyed a nice, filling if Apple heavy meal with ponies that I loved.
Aftermath Part 2: Interogations, conversations, and teasing
I was on a train to the Crystal Empire. Cadance had asked me to come and I figured get it over with. I went in my normal unicorn Selene form. Why bother keeping up the other one now. I was reading a news paper then the words formed into a familiar figure.
“Discord, what’s on your mind now?”
“Why you of course!” He gestured down. A look and see a large brain as my seat.
“Eeewww. Really dude?” With a flash it was normal again. Thank god.
“Well I was wondering how my little chaos bringer is doing. Since her little secret is out.”
“Could be far worse. Part of this trip is finding some of that out.”
“And the reason your mini me isn't with you?” I gave him a look.
“Mini me is with her mother. They need time together, so if I hear you messing with it.” I gave him a cold stare. “I will sic Fluttershy on you.” He gave a nervous gulp.
“Speaking of which, I am late to a tea time with her so. Ta ta!” And with that he was gone. I smiled. With Discord you just needed to know what buttons to push. Him gone I was back to my reading. The big talk was the labeling of Prince Blueblood a traitor and stripped of all titles. Nobles were fearful if this was just the start of something. Honestly she hoped so. Those guys need a purge. And it seems I am not the only one from the opinion section. The princesses were keeping my true form quiet and Ponyville was silence under decree. They didn't need anymore hassle.
I finally arrive at the Empire and took in a breath of fresh air as I left the train. I loved vacationing here in my world. I saw a pair of Crystal Guards nearby, one holding a sign with my name. I walked over. “I am Selene.”
“Follow us ma'am.” I nodded and we headed to the palace. I did see one of the guards glance at me sizing me up. Not as a threat but if I was sexy. I gave him a smirk and he blushed and looked forward. Yeah even in my disguise I am sexy. The Nightmare side of me desired to be desirable though in the decades since I became Selene I have yet to take a mate. Not quite sure where I sat sexually. Likely bi since Luna is and being former male. It was confusing. She thought of talking to her Cadance about it but never did. Well some to think of later. I literally have all eternity to figure that out.
Soon I was lead to the throne room Cadance sitting on the throne with a sizable baby bump. Shining on the throne steps with a concerned look. “Selene? That’s a new look.” Cadance commented.
“Actually it’s an old look. It’s my go to when not in nightmare form. So you called me over. What’s up?” The two looked at each other before looking back at me.
“Well we want to know the real you.” I shrugged.
“What you saw before is who I am pretty much who I am minus the looks.”
“Oh?” Cadance asked.
“Yes. The best lies have truths part of them. My only lie was where I am and what I actually look like. So your fears of me are unfounded. I am just a pony who is lost in another world and doing the best she can there.” Cadance nodded knowingly.
“That does seem reasonable. Also you being a Nightmare Moon makes your mane change make more sense.”
“Mane change?” I asked confused.
“When my husband had that dumb episode with Nyx and you went off on him. Your mane and tail went ethereal.” I blinked at that. I looked at Shinning. He nodded.
“Yeah, it was a bit scary.” I look at Cadance and blinked again..
“I…I did not know.” I stammered out. I lost that much control?
“So I guess that is your rage mode.” I blinked then remembered the few times I saw Twilight lost it.
“Oh, you mean her rapiddash act?”
“Her what?” They both act confused. I waved them off.
“A fictional creature from my birth world.”
“You mean your Equestria?” I shook my head.
“No, that is home not my birth world. Body is a twin of Luna's and Nyx's. My mind is a mix of Nightmare Moon and another being. Which gives me insight to her way of thinking.” I look directly at Shining. “And your theory on why Nyx gave up is bull crap. No offense to Cadance but she is not much of a military mare. She can inspire ponies yes but tactics belong to Luna and company. I even figured out how to pull it off.” Shining frowned while Cadance was looking curiously.
“So how would you beat me and my army?” she asked.
“Putting me in Nyx’s hooves. Use him since he knows you as my general.” I point to Shining. “Then with control over dreams I induce nightmares and there ends the love and light for the shield so that goes down. Victory is only matter of time. Luckily I have no desire to do that to family so you are okay.”
“You consider us family?” Cadance asked. I gave her a nod.
“Yes. You are their counterparts so close enough to me. Those a few decades behind.”
“Decades?” I nodded.
“Yes back home the girls are all old and you Shining have been dead for ten years.” Cadance cringed when that was mentioned. Shining also looked uncomfortable.
“So how did I die?”
“In bed, surrounded by family having lived a long life and a fine career. And despite Cadance's efforts it was not death by snu snu.” Cadance snorted while Shining blushed. I gave him an evil smirk. Which cause Cadance to laugh.
“Okay let’s break for lunch. I'm hungry.”
“Careful , you end up like Celestia. Everything in the flanks.”
“Many think those flanks are sexy.”
“Oh I know. We are feature in the same sites in sexy poses.”
“Sites?”
“Technology has progress a lot in my Equestria. Libraries are fading since we have the technology to put an entire library's worth of knowledge in a device the size of a hoof mirror.”
“Bet Twily didn't like that.” Shining quipped.
“She is…mixed on it. She finds it easier to find stuff and not make a mess for Spike to pick up after but you know..book horse.” They both snorted as we entered a small dining room. We sat together and gave our orders. The servants took them and left. Cadance having a very odd combo, but then again. She is pregnant.
“So, did your Cadance have foals?” Cadance asked as we waited.
“Yeah one, Flurry Heart. An alicorn and a power house. Her cry managed to shatter the Crystal Heart.” They looked at me in shock. “And you are having yours earlier. Some reunion celebrations?” I waggled my eyebrows at them. Cadance laughed as Shining blushed. The food arrived and we ate.
“Did your Twilight ever find a special somepony?” I shook my head.
“Not yet. There was some hope with Flash Sentry, but it didn't take off. My Cadance has become obsessed with it. I swear I saw a match making chart once.” Cadance suddenly became shifty eyed and gave a fake laugh. I eyed her before taking another bite of my meal.
“So, how is your relationship with your version of Luna and Celestia?” Seemingly trying to change the subject. Since I was the guest I let her.
“Very good, they see me as another sister. I claim to be Luna's twin and me and Luna love pranking Tia.”
“I bet that goes over well.” Shining quipped. I smile at him.
“Better then you think. She rolls her eyes and sighs but I see the smile in her eyes. And she occasionally gets us back. She is quite the prankster and trollster.” Cadance nodded knowingly. Yeah she had first hoof knowledge.
After dinner and some small talk I was shown my room. After a snack I went to bed.
* * * *
I awoke in a starfield, in my true form. Confused I looked around around. “What the hell?”
“That is an interesting curse word.” I hear a voice say and from the stars Luna appeared.
“How? When I tried to find Nyx I merged with her in the dream.”
“I had the same issue. So I worked on a solution. This is my first attempt. I am glad it worked!”
“So I got to be the guinea pig, fun. So now that we are here what do you want to talk about?” I made a table and chair appear with some drinks. Luna joined me in sitting down.
“Well still trying to come to grips with another like Nyx.”
“I bet, I was shocked myself when I first saw her. I thought I would be alone in this. Being a magical construct after all, but there was Nyx. In the same boat as me. Something I never thought possible, yet Nyx exists, she is in Ponyville. So full of life and wonder and yet both dealing with past sins. I tried to make her life a bit better.”
“You are not alone in that.” Luna admitted. “She inherited my sins and result of them added her own.”
“You all had parts to play in her becoming Nightmare Nyx. All I can promise that while I am here she has one more hard defender.” She nodded with a smile.
“So you comment on my look.”
“Yeah, its and interesting look. It's mix of Nightmare and standard you. My Luna isn't like that. She is in that second form you have. I think my Luna uses it to better relate to ponies. I prefer being Celestia tall but the flanks.” Luna snorted and we both chuckle. She smiled at me and I smiled back.
“So, how are things between you and my counterpart?” I gave a warm smile.
“She is my twin sister. We have fun hanging out and prank our sister Celestia. Things are very good between the three of us. I hope to have something like that with you.” Luna looked thoughtful.
“Why not. Now you have questions about my world?”
“Well, what is with Cadance, she wanted sex with me during Hearth's Warming.”
“Oh she is bisexual. And she and Shining Armor have an open relationship.” I face hoofed and groaned.
“Great, now I have to deal with that during my stay.” Luna laughed at my suffering.
“You say that like it's a bad thing.”
“She isn't hitting on you.” I did here a reply and looked over and she had that blush on her face. “No.”
“Well she isn't my niece by blood and Shining wasn't always available and I am also bisexual.”
I awoke the next morning with a yawn and did my morning routine. After that I joined the couple for breakfast. We greeted each other and gave our orders. Once the servants left I asked.
“So what is the plan today?”
“Well I have court but Shiny wanted to pick your brain.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah, you called yourself the Princess of Defense so hoping you can help me out.”
“I be glad to.” I said with a smile.
“Excellent!” He so sounded like a ninties surfer dude. “We will do that after breakfast.” I nodded then looked over at Cadance.
“So how is court here?”
“Not as bad as Canterlot since Sombra killed many of them but there are still some annoying ones.” I nodded in understanding. “The main issue is modernizing the Empire.” I raised an eyebrow.
“Much of the city has to be renovated to get some of the most basic things. Indoor plumbing was a major boon to the crystal ponies.” I nodded. Yeah toilets and showers were good.
“Well you are on the right track if my world is any way to judge. I wish you luck.” I took a bite as they nodded in agreement.
After breakfast me and Shining entered his office. He sat behind his desk and I took one of the chairs facing it.
“So what can you help us with in regards to defense?” He brought out a map of the world as a whole and I checked it out. Layout was the same as home so that is a good start.
“First off your training is inefficient.” I raised a hoof to stop his defense of the guard. “They are well trained but its mainly policing duties. As Tyrant Armor how many ponies died against the Crystal Army and Cadance?”
“Not many.”
“Exactly. A war like that should have been bloody a very bloody affair. If a more harden enemy attacked like the griffons, the minotaurs, or the Storm King you will not put up a successful defense.”
“But the princesses?”
“Not a guarantee. I stopped an invasion by the Storm King and he had his commander have a unique technic that could crystalize even an alicorn.” Shining eyes went wide and I nodded. “Yes as powerful as we alicorns are we are not invincible. Ponies are far more capable then they realize. So focus on retraining. Luna could also assist in this. Her mentality is more in line with this since her memory is fresher.” I point to the borders with my hoof. “Need to also reinforce your borders. Especially Abssinya because Storm King took them and if he is anything like mine he is eyeing your Equestria to gain the power of the alicorns.”
“That is possible?” I again nod.
“He has a staff that can absorb our magic.” I pointed to Mount Aris. “Have Celestia contact the hippogriffs and get stronger ties. My Celestia let that lapse and they were attacked by the Storm King.” Shining nodded.
“I’ll contact Princess Celestia.”
“Don’t you mean Auntie Celestia?” I smirked at him as he turns red.
“I…ah…oh…well…I am just not use to seeing her in that light.” He stammers out.
“Well you better for she is going to push it for she wants ponies to treat her like a pony.” He blinked at that. I gave him and evil grin. “Oh yes she is already working on your sister and will be working on you when she can.” He face hoof amusing me so much. “Now back on topic you need to training and invest in new weapons. Bows and arrows aren’t going to cut it forever. Pinkie has her canon, stuff like that is going to be the future. You can already put them on airship and naval vessels.”
“Is this really all necessary?” Shining asked. I got up from my seat. “Follow me.” And I lead him to the window and gestured with a hoof.
“What do you see out there?” He looked out.
“Ponies doing their jobs, chatting, and foals playing games.”
“Peaceful isn’t it?” He nodded.
“Now imagine them again under Sombra’s control or under Queen Chrsyalis. And then look what happened with Nyx. What good did your guards do before mind controlled.” He winced at that thought and I nodded. “Right now the only reason they are happy is pure luck. We and those ponies out there cannot rely on luck. Your sister was not trained to be a combat leader. She does lead well but she is not fully trained for all of it. She can organize a defense of a town but can she lead an army or a country should something happen to Luna and Celestia.” His eyes went wide at that. “Nyx was badly injured defending Ponyville. What if she was too injured to tell Twilight how to release the sisters? Or what if she had died. While time will not kill us and we are very tough. We can die. We need fail safes. My birth nation thought of this and had a chain of succession. Who would rule if the current leader could not? In my Equestria I am next in line if something happens to the sisters especially Luna. You all have strived hard to make a happy and peaceful place. Kudos to you for that but don’t forget it was a struggle. Now no more depression. Things are safe and what we are doing is ensuring it stays that way.” He gave me a small smile and we got back to work.
After a lunch break Shining went to implement her suggestions so I went out to look for Cadance. I found her in her quarters lounging on a couch. “Comfy?” She nodded in response.
“Finally, its hard to find a comfortable position when pregnant.”
“But you wouldn’t trade it for anything.” I stated with a smirk. And she responded with her own.
“You know me to well.”
“Comes with knowing you for decades.” I headed for the opposite couch.
“That is still an odd thing for me to fathom. Knowing somepony for decades yet they don’t know you.” I gave a snort.
“My birth species had many stories of very weird things happening. Most fictional bit a few real life things happening. I have long learned to just deal with it.”
“So what is my hubby doing right now?”
“Should be enacting the ideas I suggested to keep Equestria safer.”
“You really take the protection of Equestria seriously. Even ours.”
“Because I care. Even this Equestria I care about. You are not the Cadance I have known for decades but you are still a Cadance thus worth defending. Even if you annoy me at times.” Cadance's smirked returned.
“And that is because I care as well. You may not be Nyx but you are family and I want to see you happy.”
“You do know I plan to get back to my Equestria at some point. Why play match maker when I could be leaving at any time?”
“Any time can be today or a thousand years from now. So lots of leeway there to work with.” I rolled my eyes.
“Keep focus on the bun in the over then my love life.” Her smirk did not fade.
“Aunty Tia taught how to multitask. Needed to rule a kingdom after all.”
“UUUGGGHHH!” I threw my hooves up in the air to hear her giggle.
“You are so fun to tease and will be fun finding the right pony for you.” I responded with a glare which got another giggle from the pregnant mare. “Relax, its not like I have somepony lined up yet.”
“Not for lack of trying I bet?” She gave me a shrug in reply.
“So we have settled most things we had with you, will you be leaving right away?”
“I will stay for the weekend.” Cadance smiled at that news.
I returned it for I felt like this was going to be fun.
It was a gala night in the Empire and I was dressed to impress, thanks Rarity. I was incognito again as Selene the unicorn. The party in full swing and Cadance surrounded by nobles. Thankfully she was laying on a couch. It be just typical of her water broke now. Yeah she still has some months left but still. This is Equestria, saying fuck you to logic is tradition. I headed to one of the buffet tables to get a drink. As I grab a drink and heard a male voice behind me. I look over my shoulder to see a crystal stallion wearing a fancy vest.
“Haven’t seen you around here before.” I gave him a polite smile and turned to face him.
“I am here at the request of the princess.”
“Oh is that so?”
“Yes sadly its classified so can’t tell you anything. I am Selene Light, you?”
“Rock Prism, I run one of the major mining companies in the Empire.”
“That is likely profitable.” I commented.
“Very since Sombra no longer controls all mining industry. And you when not summoned by royalty?”
“Problem solver.”
“A very vague job.”
“Allows me a lot of freedom to do what I want.”
“And you like that?”
“Of course the freedom to do what I want within a country’s laws.” Gesturing the glass in my direction.
“Would somepony convince you to settle down, maybe start a family or herd of you still do those things in these times?”
“Haven’t met anypony yet to pull that off.”
“Maybe you have tonight.” I gave him a light chuckle.
“Sorry not looking right now.” I glance over at Cadance who was watching with interest. I gave her a ‘Really?’ look and politely dismissed the stallion.
That night I kept Cadance in a dream realm I control keeping her bound completely as a lesson. Not sure how well it worked though.
