Preparations Fit For a Princess

-Preparations Fit For a Princess

This particular fall day was like no other. The skies were a perfect shade of gray, the clouds were hovering nicely near the ground, and the leafless trees seemed to creep about in the wind. It was the perfect day to hold a certain festive holiday. It was the end of October, and Twilight Sparkle was rounding up last minute preparations in town square with all her friends. Nightmare Night was soon to fall upon them, and they had to make sure that everything would be completely, and utterly perfect.

"Um, no. Hang those over there, oh and put that one there!" Twilight was moving her hoof about pointing out certain places to decorate. Various unicorns were levitating pumpkins, and fake spiderwebs setting them in their directed places.

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she saw that her decor was almost perfect. However, something was missing.

"Ah! Where is Applejack with that water bucket of apples?" Twilight looked around for an answer. She was quickly greeted by her orange friend. Her blonde mane moved slightly to the side of her freckle-filled face as she tipped her hat to Twilight.

"Well howdy there! I hear ya' needed mu' apples, and yer' just in luck! I was just about to get that there bucket over here, and Ah'm gunna' fill it with water right away." Applejack motioned towards a wooden bath-like bucket. Twilight turned to see this, and then approvingly nodded her head to the earth pony.

"Sounds good!" Twilight lifted her clipboard with a glow of magic, and checked off something on her prep list.

She looked down to examine her clipboard. Everything seemed to be in order. She had the games, the treats, the decorations, the stage, the performers. Everything seemed to be set, and Twilight looked up in satisfaction. This was going to be her very first Nightmare Night. When she lived in Canterlot she never had the time to actually go outside in a costume, and beg at ponies doorsteps for candy. Even when she was just a filly she preferred to stay inside on Nightmare Night. Nothing about such a silly festival seemed the slightest amusing to her, but now as she saw all the wonderful decorations, and the costumes, she had a feeling in her gut that tonight would be in fact surprisingly fun.

Twilight Sparkle was content that her very first Nightmare Night be officially fun, and perfect. For this very reason is why she is running over preparations, and as always being such a perfectionist about it as well.

Twilight took one last look around town square before heading home to change into her StarSwirl the Bearded costume. She saw that Applejack was doing what she told she would do. She had already placed the water bucket in the center of town square, and was now filling it up with bright red apples from her farm. Twilight was still particularly interested in that game. Apple bobbing is what ponies here called it. Twilight looked at the apples puzzled. What was the point in grabbing apples with your mouth? Was that really fun? Twilight wasn't sure, but she was going to make sure that she tried it out later that night to find out for herself.

Other ponies were fluffing out the spiderwebs, and setting out toy spiders next to them. Another game Twilight assumed. Other than the mysterious games that surrounded her, Twilight saw that the preparations had been almost completely set. She was contently sure that the other small tweaks could be managed by the rest of the ponies.

Twilight joyfully smiled, and then headed towards her Library home. She was excited to try on her new StarSwirl costume. She just absolutely knew it was going to fit her just right!

Spike was scratching his back. He had just managed to slip into his dragon costume. His eyes glowed as he posed in front of the mirror. Twilight fixed her beard straight, and with her magic, placed her hat upon her head. She stood behind the admiring Spike, and took a while to take her costume in. It looked magnificent, and she wasn't afraid to say so. The costume looked almost like an exact replica of the real StarSwirl the Bearded. The fabric was the perfect color, and the designs were exactly in tact. Twilight was so happy to see her first ever costume was a success. She could check that off her "Best Nightmare Night Ever" list.

"What do you think Spike? Do I look like him, or what?" Twilight cheekily smiled at her baby dragon. He looked up into Twilight's purple round eyes, and he smirked.

"You look like an old stallion, who really needs to shave." Spike snickered at his clever comment. He covered his mouth slightly to muffle his laughs.

Twilight arched her eyebrow, but she was not the slightest amused with Spikes foolishness.

"Scoff all you want, but I know that my costume is perfect, and I know this is going to be the best Nightmare Night ever!" Twilight turned away from Spike, and turned her head up with pride for her costume.

Spike rolled his green eyes, and turned back to himself in the mirror.

"Do you think Rarity will be impressed?" Spike flexed his little arms, and grinned at himself.

Twilight giggled slightly, and turned her eyes to the little dragon within a dragon costume.

"I'm sure she will find you very striking."

The night was setting in, and Twilight, and Spike were now in town square with everypony else. There were little fillies, and colts running around in costumes of all sorts. Buckets filled with candy were hanging in their mouths, as they ran around greedily searching for more. So far this night had started off on the right hoof, and Twilight was eager to experience more of Nightmare Night.

A bolt of lightening flashed, and thunder crackled, leaving Twilight, and the other ponies jumping in fright. Above was a certain cyan pegasus atop a black cloud laughing her rainbow mane off.

"Rainbow Dash, you nearly gave me a heart attack." Twilight scornfully looked up to her rainbow friend. She slowly tapped her hoof on the ground awaiting an apology.

"Whoops! Guess I better be careful before I scare an old mare." Rainbow Dash snickered, and quickly jolted away on her cloud in search of other ponies to frighten.

"I'm not old!" Twilight called after her, but she was certain that she was not heard.

Twilight shook Rainbow Dash from her mind, and concentrated on the other wonders that were going on around her. Twilight's eyes were caught by Applejack. She was manning the apple bobbing station. Perfect! Twilight would be able to try out this unusual game.

Her hooves started to trot over to the farm pony. A smile plastered upon her muzzle as she arrived at the bucket. A few fillies were trying to clamp onto an apple, and they finally did. Applejack congratulated them as they hopped away excitedly.

"Howdy again, Twilight! What can I do fer ya'?" Applejack's toothy smile glared at Twilight. She couldn't help but smile back at her friend.

"This is my first Nightmare Night, and I was wondering--"

Yer first Nightmare Night? Gee, Twilight I never knew!" Applejack interupted.

Twilight cleared her throat, and continued.

"Yes, yes. As I was saying, I would like to play this game. How do you play?" Twilight lifted her hoof, and hovered it over the apple barrel. Applejack's eye widened, and they quickly set upon Twilight's.

"Well, golly. All ya' gotta' do is try, and get an apple in yer mouth. Pretty easy, actually." Applejack tried to hide a teasing grin. Twilight knew that it must be silly that she had never played these games before, but she didn't care. She had to get her first tries over with, so next year she could say that she knew what they were, and how to play them.

"Sounds easy enough!" Twilight craned her head above the barrel. She could see her reflection nicely in the calm water. She took a moment to admire her hat, and then started to lower herself carefully into the bucket.

'I must perfectly aim for this certain apple, and I shall surely be able to grab it!' Twilight thought to herself.

She dipped her head into the water, and lifted it quickly. No apple. She lunged her head back into the bucket. She bit around, and then retreated. Still no apple. Twilight beginning to become frustrated thrust her head for an apple. She was absolutely sure that she had finally latched onto an apple. It was placed between her teeth, and she got ready to pull her head out of the bucket, and claim her victory!

Thunder boomed once again. Twilight jumped up, and her apple dropped from her mouth. Her mane was soaked, and her bangs hid her angered eyebrows. She was so close to getting that apple! So close!

"Rainbow Dash!!!" Twilight yelled out. She knew this had to be the hoof work of the mischievous, shadowbolt dressed, pegasus.

Twilight moved her bangs up with her hoof so she could look around for the cyan pegasus. She wasn't there. She looked all around in the sky, but there was no sign of her anywhere.

"Um, Twilight, you might wanna' see this." Applejack called over to her now closer to the center of town square. Twilight shook her head dry, and straightened out her costume before trotting over to Applejack.

"What is--" Twilight stopped herself. She stood among everypony. They were all cowering in fear. Applejack, and herself; however, were standing face to face with a black carriage, pulled by two dark royal guards. Behind them, seated in the chariot was none other than the princess of the moon, Princess Luna.

"My fellow subjects! Please do not be alarmed! Tis only I, your beloved princess! We would like to accompany you in this night of nightmares!" A loud booming voice echoed through everyponies ears. They shivered in terror, and they covered their eyes from the princess. Twilight could now see that Applejack herself was bowing awfully low to the ground.

"We would like to experience fun as well!" Luna's over exaggerated voice made all the Ponyville ponies more frightened.

Twilight looked over to her princess, and walked over to her. Applejack glanced up, and in a harsh whisper called for Twilight to come back, but Twilight ignored her, and continued to walk to the princess.

"Welcome Princess Luna. We were not expecting a visit from you tonight, but we are honored that you decided to come, and join us on our Nightmare Night." Twilight bowed her head slightly, and looked up into Luna's deep blue eyes. Her mane was flowing, quite like Princess Celestia's always did, and she looked effortlessly beautiful.

"Shall you show us to this fun?" Luna boomed into Twilight's ear, but she seemed to not notice her ears ringing.

"Of course, princess." Twilight led the night princess to a few of the party games set out, leaving the cowering ponies puzzled, and fearful. They muttered under their breath questions about whether or not Princess Luna was frightening. They were still unsure of what to feel about her unexpected visit, but nonetheless they went back to playing games, and searching for candy.

'What is she doing here?' Twilight asked herself silently. She looked over to Princess Luna who was now poking at a stuffed spider with her hoof. A nearby mare fearfully gave Luna directions on how to play.

The blue princess picked up the spider, and she carefully tossed it onto a fake web. It landed on the center. Twilight looked over to her in admiration. Her eyes twinkled as she noticed Luna's excitement.

"Your princess enjoys this, fun! In what other ways may we experience it?"

Twilight smiled as she led the beautiful princess of the night to another game.

Somepony She Use To Be

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-Somepony She Use To Be

The sky was darkening quickly, and Nightmare Night had truly began, especially for the ponies like Rainbow Dash. Twilight looked up into the dark clouds where she could slightly spot that rainbow colored mane hanging down. She smirked at the filly scaring pony. She then turned her attention back to the princess.

Princess Luna was beginning to mingle with the citizens of Ponyville. This brought delight to Twilight Sparkle. She was very grateful to see that her fellow friends had finally came to their senses, and was now excepting the princess as just another pony. Nothing more, nothing less.

"Huzzah! Twilight did you see us win thy game?!" Princess Luna's voice echoed throughout town square. A few of the ponies nearby trembled in fear, and Twilight noticed this. She didn't want them to go back to being afraid of her again.

"Yes, princess. I saw, but do you think maybe you could talk a bit quieter? I mean it's just you don't need to speak so loudly around here..." Twilight let her voice drift off. Did she come on too strong to the princess? She looked up into Luna's magnificent eyes. The color was absolutely brilliant, and vibrant. Twilight couldn't help but melt into them as the princess of the night returned her glance.

"But this is the traditional royal Canterlot voice! It is only tradition to use the royal we, and to use THIS MUCH VOLUME WHEN ADDRESSING OUR SUBJECTS!" Luna threw her hoof in the air for a dramatic effect.

Twilight cringed at the sudden burst of the princesses voice. She noticed that the costume wearing ponies were all hiding now. The princess was frightening them, but she didn't know. She hasn't gotten accustomed to life in Equestria now. She had been away for such a long time.

"Yes tradition is important, but Princess Celestia never speaks that way anymore. It has been a long time since anypony has. Maybe you could try and--"

"My sister has been here among you ponyfolk for such a longer time them I. Thou art true. Though, Twilight Sparkle, we are unsure if we are capable of becoming like you." Princess Luna lowered her head. Her blue mane effortlessly swayed in the air. Twilight could see stars through her mane, it was almost like it were transparent.

Twilight softly shook her head. She was letting her mind wonder again. She needed to focus on helping the princess obtain the love she deserves.

"I'm positive that you can, princess." Twilight gently smiled, and Luna looked back into her eyes. Hope filled inside her royal body.

"We would like you to show us!" The small princess boomed loudly.

Twilight flinched, and then sheepishly smiled at the lovely alicorn.

"Maybe you could try talking softer, and stop saying we, and start saying I." A large smile blindly stared upon the princess.

"Um, well I would like you to show...me?" Luna sounded of uncertainty. She had spoken much quieter this time.

"Great! You did perfectly, princess." Twilight slightly bowed her head, and Luna began to lighten up.

"Huzzah! I have accomplished thine task!" A lightening bolt emphasized her already booming voice.

Twilight arched her eyebrow, and looked directly at the princess. A half smirk upon her muzzle. Princess Luna noticed her mistake, and she lowered herself.

"Oops.." She lifted her hoof to her face, and softly giggled. Twilight joined in. She had a feeling that she would have nothing to worry about. Princess Luna would do fine, and everypony would love her. Twilight was sure of it.

Twilight observed as Luna played various games with all her fellow friends. Twilight was pleased to see that the princess had finally began to fit in, with the way she acted at least.

"Woohoo!"

"Go princess!!"

The ponies were cheering for her as Princess Luna hit right on target with the pumpkin launcher. Luna slightly poked out her chest, and lifted her hoof in the air.

"How many points do I receive?"

Twilight smiled as she continued to watch the princess of the night enjoy herself. This night was sort of dedicated to her anyways, so she should have a good time. It's only right. Twilight watched as Luna moved to another game. Her cutie mark was mesmerizing. Twilight noticed every detail on her. Her flank was quite small, but it seemed to fit her body perfectly. Her fur color was the perfect shade of deep blue, and it complimented her mane completely. She was such a beautiful sight to take in, and Twilight was eating it up.

"Twilight! Does thou want to join me in this fun?" Luna turned her direction to Twilight. Towering over the small purple unicorn, Twilight shook herself from Luna's lovely hypnotism.

"Of cour--" Twilight began.

"It's Nightmare Moon!! She's going to eat Twilight!!"

Twilight, and Luna turned their attention to a small pink earth pony. A line of little fillies, and colts were screaming behind her.

"Pinkie Pie!" Twilight harshly let out. Pinkie was screaming at the little ponies.

"She's going to eat you next!!"

Twilight quickly looked at the princess. Her eyes were wide, and her mouth was slightly open.

'Oh no! Pinkie is going to make Luna upset!!' Twilight's mind was spinning as Pinkie, and the younger ponies were continuing to run around, and cry.

"I shall not eat you!!" Princess Luna threw her hoof in the air, motioning it towards the group of terrified ponies. Luna stepped closer to them, and they ran towards the forest behind Pinkie Pie.

"No wait!" Princess Luna yelled. Her voice boomed, and the ponies around her gasped in shock. She ignored them, and ran after Pinkie Pie, and the fillies. Twilight stood in disbelief. One hoof was slightly held up next to her chest as she tried to stop her head from spinning. She finally collected herself.

"Luna! Come back!" Twilight ran after her princess.

The air was eerie, and Luna could barely see through the thick fog that was spread throughout the Everfree Forest. She lit her horn, and a blue glow formed around her. It made it much easier to see where she was going, and to spot the ponies that she was after. She could slightly see a bushy pink tale overhead.

Luna moved passed a few more trees, and then she could see a clearing in the forest. The fog started to lift, and she stopped her magic. The princess jumped back at what she saw.

Before her was a large statue. The figure was on its hind legs, and it's hooves were sharply sculpted. The mane was very long, and it's face was horrid. It was almost scary to look at.

"It's her!! She's going to get you!!" Pinkie Pie shrieked, and pointed her hoof at Luna. The little fillies, and colts around her were terrified.

"No, I only want you to respect your princess!" Luna said. Her eyes were shaking, and she frantically tried to get the ponies to calm down. They were all screaming, and running around the statue.

"She's lying!"

Twilight could hear Pinkie Pie yelling. She ran faster until she could see Princess Luna at last. Twilight could see that she was frustrated, and her hind quarters was shaking.

"Princess!" Twilight called out. Luna seemed to not hear her. She continued to try, and settle down the young ponies. But Pinkie Pie was making it very difficult for her to do so. She continued to scream about Nightmare Moon. Why was she doing this?

"Pinkie Pie, you know that's not Nightmare Moon! It's Princess Luna! You know that!" Twilight yelled at the pink earth pony. She was confused to why Pinkie Pie was trying to ruin Luna's reputation, and her night.

"Don't listen to Twilight. She is being hypnotized!" Pinkie turned to the fillies, and colts. Their little eyes widened, and they were all cowering together now in front of the statue.

"Be STILL!!" Luna accidentally let out a scream. Her voice echoed throughout the Everfree Forest, and everyponies ears began to ring. Pinkie Pie jolted up, and the little ponies followed her as they ran back in the direction of Ponyville. Twilight could hear their little hooves drifting away.

'There's no telling with that Pinkie Pie...' Twilight thought to herself. She was looking at the trees that separated her from Ponyville, and the Nightmare Night festival. She let out a sigh, and the wind softly breezed upon her fur. She slightly shivered.

Her ears twitched as she softly heard sniffles behind her. She turned around. The first thing that caught her eye was the large statue of Nightmare Moon. It was dreadful looking. Then she realized. The Princess!

Twilight looked down to see Luna laying on the grass. Her head was lowered, and her eyes were covered by her purple eyelids. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but her figure still held its beauty. Even sadness could not wipe away the loveliness, and majesty that Luna had.

Twilight slowly walked over to where her princess lay. She too got down on the ground, and huddled near the princess. She lifted her hoof, and softly stroked Luna's royal cheek. She was so warm, and her tears rolled down Twilight's hoof. This didn't bother her though. Luna began to open her eyes revealing that lovely blue to Twilight.

"Twilight Sparkle...." Luna's words were hard to hear, and very softly spoken. Twilight leaned in a tad bit closer.

"Yes, princess?" She kept her eyes directly on Luna's. She deserved to be heard, she is a princess after all. But she clearly didn't get the respect she was due. Twilight moved in a little bit closer. she wanted to hear what the princess had to say. Her muzzle almost touched Luna's face. Twilight let out small, sweet breaths upon Luna. The princess rose her head upwards. She looked down into Twilight's eyes. They seemed to have a glimmer to them. The blue alicorn leaned her head closer to Twilight. She was now breathing on the purple unicorn, and Twilight could feel the warmth of the princess. Her muzzle was inches away from Twilight's.

"I....I...." Luna's voice drifted off. Twilight couldn't hear a word. Her ear twitched, and she moved it closer to the princess.

"What was that, princess?" Twilight looked at her with concern. She tilted her head slightly.

"Never mind me. Tis nothing." Luna arched her head up, and turned away from Twilight. She seemed to be looking in the direction of the sky. Twilight looked at the princess peculiarly. Her neck was craned upwards, and her blue mane flowed. Twilight then looked up to the sky as well.

The moon shined upon her. It was large, and it shimmered into her purple eyes. Small gray clouds slightly covered it, and Twilight could also see thousands of stars staring down upon her, and Luna. That was all Luna's creation. It was all beautiful, much like her.

Twilight turned her head once again at the princess. She could still sense sorrow within her. Twilight lifted herself from the ground, and stood next to the alicorn.

"Come on, princess. Lets go have some more fun." Twilight outstretched one hoof in Luna's direction. She let a comforting smile stretch across her muzzle. The princess turned her attention to the cute little unicorn. She timidly reached out for Twilight's hoof, but she finally grabbed it. Twilight helped the lovely princess to her hooves, and the two started their way back to the festivities in Ponyville.

Twilight had a feeling that the rest of the night would be perfect.

Luna wasn't so sure.

The Witching Hour

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-The Witching Hour

Pinkie Pie was no where to be seen. Twilight felt relieved. She had probably gotten bored, and decided to find another way to scare the little fillies, and colts.

Twilight, and Luna had made it back to Ponyville. The ponies around her didn't seem to notice them. They were dancing, and playing, and having a good time. Twilight could hardly tell who was who. With the costumes covering most ponies from head to hoof, Twilight had a hard time figuring out who each pony was. She gave up, and turned her attention to Luna. She was standing majestically. With one glance at her you automatically knew she was above everypony else. She had that look of majesty, and effortless beauty.

"What would you like to do, princess? There is food spread out if you're getting hungry." Twilight pushed her hoof forward in the direction of a table. The princess slightly looked over, her eyes glared upon the festival.

"I'm not hungry, Twilight Sparkle." Luna's voice was low, and her eyes were narrowed.

"Um, okay! Would you like to play, or--"

"I'm not interested in these games."

Twilight felt a drop of sweat run down her neck.

'Oh no! How am I going to please the princess? She'll never want to visit again!!' Twilight's mind was racing. Her eye slightly twitched, and she tried to cover the fake smile she had upon her face.

"We could--"

"I would like to meet your friends again, Twilight Sparkle." Luna's blue eyes fell upon Twilight. She could feel Luna staring at her. Twilight's heart began to race.

"Of course, princess! Right....right this way." Twilight walked in front of the moon princess. She quickly looked around at everypony. She tried to find somepony that had a good head on their shoulders. Somepony that wasn't going to foolishly mistake the princess for somepony else.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash!" Twilight timidly led the princess in the direction of her cyan friend. Rainbow Dash was eating a piece of chocolate out of what seemed to be a fillies candy bag. The pegasus jerked her head up; eyes wide.

"I can explain!" She tried to hide the bag behind her arm. She gulped down what was left of the candy, and sheepishly smiled. Chocolate stained her teeth.

"Um...anyways. Princess Luna, do you remember my good friend Rainbow Dash?" Twilight turned to the alicorn. Luna was looking straightforwardly at the blue pegasus. Her head craned upwards. Rainbow looked up into the princesses eyes.

"I do indeed. How do you do?" Luna's blue eyes penetrated through Rainbow. The pegasus cheekily smiled.

"What's up, princess? I'm doing awesome!" Rainbow Dash jolted to her hooves. She poked out her chest, and struck a pose. Twilight assumed she was trying to show off her shadow bolt costume. It was so like her.

Princess Luna continued to stare at the pegasus. She was at a loss for words. Her eyes slowly made their way over to Twilight. The unicorn suspected the awkwardness that Luna was feeling.

'Rainbow was a bad first choice...' Twilight mentally punished herself for choosing her arrogant friend first.

"Well maybe we should introduce you to my other friends, princess. Excuse us, Rainbow Dash." Twilight hurriedly turned away. Her eyes darting back in forth. She could hear Princess Luna was walking after her.

"Yeah, whatever. Catch you later!" Twilight could hear Rainbow call out. She curiously turned around slightly to find Rainbow Dash was once again stuffing her cheeks with some little ponies candy. Twilight slightly rolled her eyes, and then turned back to the crowd of other ponies that surrounded her.

"Twilight Sparkle?" Princess Luna said. Twilight loved the sound of her voice. It had such a lovely sound to it. Twilight turned to acknowledge her princess.

"Yes my princess?" Twilight began to blush. She hadn't meant to add my in that. She quickly turned her head down, and pretended to scratch her face with her hoof as if she had a sudden itch.

Luna cleared her voice, and continued.

"Do you think maybe we could obtain some sweets?" Luna looked down upon the purple unicorn. Twilight's mane softly swayed to the side as a tiny wind breezed by. She looked up into the princesses eyes. Twilight's own purple eyes sparkled under the moonlight provided by Luna.

"Like candy?" Twilight asked. Her voice slightly squeaked.

"Yes, Twilight Sparkle." Luna sweetly smiled. Twilight could almost feel her heart pounding inside her chest as the princess smiled at her.

"Of course." Twilight returned the sweet glance. She could see her reflection in Luna's eyes. She then realized that she still had her StarlSwirl the Bearded costume on. A feeling of embarrassment fell upon her as she tugged at her fake beard.

Luna, and Twilight were having a good time. They were stocking up big time on candies of all sorts, and Luna seemed to finally be happy. This pleased Twilight completely. Her princess was finally having a great time with everypony, and the best part was that there was no Pinkie Pie's in sight! Twilight was relieved that her rambunctious friend finally gave up on the whole Nightmare Moon thing. Twilight knew that Pinkie Pie knew that Luna was not Nightmare Moon. Pinkie was only trying to scare the little fillies, and colts on Nightmare Night. She always had some sort of story every year to get them all riled up. It was just unfortunate that she had to get Luna all mixed up in her playful ways.

"Ohh, this one is delicious! What is it? I've never had this kind of sweet before." Luna held out a duplicate of the candy she was eating. It was orange, yellow, and white. Luna popped another piece of the candy in her mouth. She smiled as she savored the sweet, unfamiliar taste.

"That's a candy corn. I love them!" Twilight smiled, and continued chewing on a caramel cube.

"As do I!" Luna threw one hoof in the air, and grinned larger than Twilight had ever seen before.

Twilight admired her princesses happiness. She had finally been able to feel at ease for Luna. She knew everything would be perfect. Twilight moved a little closer to Luna. The princess was joyfully eating candy one after the other. She hadn't even noticed that Twilight was standing awfully close to her now.

Twilight swallowed the last of the caramel, and looked deeply into Luna's bright eyes. The princess was now staring into her bucket of candy. Searching for more sweets to try.

Twilight's body was now touching Luna's. She could feel the warmth of Luna's soft fur, and the comfort that she magically felt being so close to her. Twilight stretched up high, and stood on her tip-hooves. She slowly moved her head closer to Luna's. The alicorn's eyes glanced to the side of her. She curiously watched as the little unicorn moved closer to her. Luna was uncertain of what Twilight was doing, but she stayed still, and continued to observe.

Twilight's StarSwirl hat gently moved forward, and it covered Luna, and Twilight's faces from everypony else. Twillight moved in a few more inches, and she finally made contact. Her lips formed around Luna's, and she slowly closed her eyes. Luna wasn't sure of how to react. Her spine tingled, and her heart fluttered. She knew what they were doing was wrong, but for some reason Luna didn't stop Twilight. Moreover, she closed her eyes, and invited Twilight in some more.

The two ponies slowly retreated from each other. They gazed into the others eyes. Luna looked at Twilight in disbelief. Her mouth was agape, and Twilight finally came to her senses.

'What...have...I...done!!?!?' Twilight backed away. Her ears folded back, and her eyes turned into small beads. She opened her mouth slightly as if she were trying to speak, but no words left her sweet tasting lips. Her eyebrows turned down in sorrow, and she gave Luna a look of regret. It was as if she were asking for forgiveness silently.

Twilight was prepared for the worst. Banishment. Torture. Banishment, and torture! She winced at the thoughts. She began to turn her eyes away, but something caught their attention. Upon the princesses face was a smile. Luna was smiling at her. What did that mean?!

"Twili--" Luna began, but was suddenly cut off by screams. Twilight quickly looked up.

'Oh no...'

"Run kids, run!! She's coming for seconds!!" Pinkie Pie's shrill voice echoed. Little shouts were being heard from all directions.

Luna's eyes darted around. She saw the little fillies, and colts running away from her yet again. Her heart began to feel heavy. She stood, and turned to them.

"Please calm yourselves! I'm only here to join in your Nightmare Night festivities. Please cease to be afraid!" Luna called out. Her eyes pierced through the little ponies. They trembled in fear.

One little colt popped his head up out of the huddle. One of his little brown eyes was covered with an eyepatch. His short brunette mane was half way covered by a red bandanna. He stared into the princesses eyes.

"Please don't eat us..." He quietly let out.

Luna lifted her head up. Her blue chest was pushed out, and her long legs were standing firmly in front of the little ones. She looked as if she were going to scream at them. Frustration was visible within her. However, the princess did not scream. She did not yell. She didn't even scold them, but a single tear fell down her face. Her cheek was slightly stained. Twilight reached out for Luna to wipe away her tear, but Luna fled before she could even reach her. Twilight wanted to call out to her, but she had a feeling that Luna wanted to be left alone. At least to collect herself. Twilight would give her a few minutes before going after her. A little alone time was all Luna needed.

Luna's heavy hoof steps trudged on the damp grass in the Everfree Forest. Her head hung low as the voices, and screams of the ponies rung through her mind. How could they be so blind?

The princess slightly stumbled over an uprooted branch from a nearby tree. She brushed herself off, and continued in her trek forward. Her head ached, and her hoofs were swelled. Luna's eyes were straining to see in the dark forest. The lack of moonlight through the trees was making it hard to see where she was heading. A few more steps forward, and the trees began to clear away. An open space was visible now, and Luna noticed she had stumbled upon the same place where that statue was earlier. That horrid statue of somepony she use to be.

But as Luna walked nearer to the clearing, she realized something particularly odd. Quite frightening even. Luna was taken aback to see that the statue of Nightmare Moon was gone! She glanced around. It was nowhere to be seen. Maybe she was at the wrong place? No. She knew this was exactly where it was before, but what happened?

Luna's ears slightly flicked as she heard the Ponyville clock tower. It ringed several times. Luna proposed that it was about midnight now. She decided whether it was a good idea to head back to Twilight now, or not. It was obviously getting late, and the missing statue was starting to creep the princess out. Maybe it was best she head back now.

Luna turned back to the direction of Ponyville. Her eyes widened as she turned to see that the trees around her had encircled her in. They weren't like that a moment ago! What was happening?

"Hello? Who goes there?!" Luna called out into the darkness. She heard no reply.

"Twilight?!" Luna's voice was beginning to become shaky. She didn't know what was going on, and things were starting to become excessively strange for her.

Luna could see that the darkness around her was starting to flee from a glowing blue light. Twinkling sparkles began to move all around Luna. The alicorn kicked away at the blinding light that was surrounding her. She tried to escape it, but to no avail. The mysterious light was pouring itself into Luna's eyes. No matter how painful it was to stare into it she couldn't look away. Something was forcing her to continue to look at it.

Luna bit her lip as she struggled to move, but the force that was upon her was stronger then her.

"Come back to me. Where you belong." A wicked voice called out. Luna's eyes darted around the forest. Nopony was there. Just her, and the blinding light that was consuming her. The princess tried to yell, but she couldn't. Her throat was stopped up, and she could barley breath.

Something was entering into her. Magic! A dark magic was eating her away, and she couldn't move, or doing anything about it.

"You belong with me!!" The voice boomed. A black mist circled around the blue alicorn. She tried to jerk away from it, but it was no use. She couldn't move a muscle. There was nothing she could do to stop the invisible mare that was attacking her.

Luna felt something begin to form around her body. A black crystal-like prison was covering her entire body. She whimpered as her whole entire body was completely covered. Her mind went black, and she could no longer think, or see. It was as if she had disappeared.

A new pony stood in Luna's place. Her body was much larger. Her fur was darker. Her mane was longer. Her eyes were colder, and her heart was nothing more than a black hole.

"I HAVE RETURNED!!!"

Demented Revenge

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-Demented Revenge

"I-I'm sorry, Twilight. I didn't mean to take it so far. I was just trying to have a little fun..." Pinkie sulked next to Twilight. Her regret immensely showed, and Twilight turned her head in Pinkie's direction. She wasn't mad at her, she just didn't know what to say right now. Pinkie had caused their princess to cry, and run off by herself. Twilight had a feeling that Luna would never want to see them again. She would tell her sister, Celestia, and she would punish Twilight. She knew she had it coming.

Twilight parted her lips. She wanted to say something to Pinkie. She wanted to tell her it was alright, and that she would sort things out. But all Twilight could think about as her lips pursed was the taste of Luna. Those sweet lips. Twilight was in a daze. She forgot that Pinkie Pie was there.

"Um...Twilight?" The purple unicorn could hear Pinkie Pie. She broke from her thoughts.

"Oh, yes. It's alright, Pinkie. I know you didn't mean any harm. I'm sure I can fix things..." Twilight sighed as she completed her response. She slowly shut her eyes, and rubbed her forehead with her hoof. A slight pain shot through her head. She quietly groaned; as quick as it came, it left.

"Well I guess I will have to go after her now, and explain to her that you didn't mean to make her upset. I'm sure the princess will understand." Twilight lifted herself to her hooves, and started to walk off. She heard Pinkie slightly sigh behind her.

"Twilight...?"

Twilight stopped in her tracks. She turned around to face the pink pony who called to her.

"Yes?" The purple mare looked into the blue eyes of her friend. Pinkie's eyes reminded her a lot of Luna's. Twilight scrunched her eyebrows as she began to imagine Luna.

"I...I lied..." Pinkie softly let out. Twilight had to strain her ears to actually hear. Her mind was a wreck. She didn't understand. What did Pinkie mean? Twilight's head began to spin as she took a step closer to the party pony. As she observed Pinkie she noticed that she was wearing a chicken costume. Had she been wearing that all night? How could she not have noticed it before? Twilight assumed she had been too caught up in Luna to actually take a closer look at her surroundings. The costume actually brought a slight humor to her perspective, but she knew this wasn't the time for that.

Twilight shook away these petty thoughts, and answered her friend.

"You lied about what?" Twilight gulped. She could feel a cold sweat coming upon her.

Pinkie looked up directly into Twilight's eyes for the first time that night. She looked as if she were trying to portray a smile, but it didn't work. She couldn't even imitate one, not now.

"I didn't do it for fun...I--" Pinkie was cut off by a sound of thunder booming. Twilight slightly jumped, but then she noticed a figure emerging from the forest. Princess Luna?

Pinkie Pie noticed this too. But instead of standing there behind Twilight, she surprisingly began to walk over to the Princess. Twilight didn't know if she should stop her, or not. She decided that Pinkie was going to settle things herself. Twilight thought that was very noble of her. She softly smiled as her friend maturely took responsibility for her actions.

It was too dark to fully see the princess, but Pinkie walked close enough to be heard from her. She stood in front of the large alicorn, and a smile of remorse fell upon her pink muzzle. She got no response from Luna. The tall pony only stood there, moved not, and spoke nothing. Pinkie decided she should just go ahead, and make her apology so they could enjoy the rest of Nightmare Night while they could. She still had a lot of party left in her, and she wanted to let Princess Luna join in. It was the least she could do. She just felt so awful.

"Princess, please accept my apologies. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I was only trying to scare the little ponies. Nightmare Night is a holiday of scare, right?" Pinkie tried to let out a small laugh. The princess did not respond. Pinkie felt awkward now. How was she suppose to redeem herself with Luna?

"I was wondering if you wanted to join our Nightmare Night officially, and we could have a party, and eat candy, and be friends!" Pinkie's voice began to sound excited. Twilight could see her friend in the distance jumping up, and down. Her apology must be doing well then. Twilight approvingly smiled.

The unicorn sighed, and then took a few steps forward. She was going to invite them both back to the festival. Twilight thought it appropriate. But as she walked forward, closer to the two, she could see them better. Twilight stopped in her tracks. That pony was not her princess. That was not Luna!

"Pinkie Pie!" Twilight yelled. The pink pony turned her head to her purple friend. She threw her hoof in the air, and waved at her.

"No, Pinkie! Run!!!" Twilight shouted at the top of her lungs. She feared for her friend, for that alicorn before her was not Princess Luna. It was something she didn't even want to admit was truly there. How could it be? It was impossible!

"What? Why?" Pinkie turned around slowly. Confusion poured into her body. She lifted one hoof as she continued to hear her friend shout to her.

"It's....It's Nightmare Moon!!!!" Twilight couldn't believe the words that were coming out of her own mouth. How could any of this be true? Where was Luna, and what happened?! Unanswerable questions rung through her mind. She couldn't shake her thoughts from them.

"Twilight, I thought we were done playing that game. Remember?" Pinkie Pie called out.

A sudden roar came from behind the pink earth pony. She swiftly turned around, and as she did magic lifted her from the ground. Pinkie Pie shrieked as the large alicorn levitated her. Twilight's eyes sunk in. Nothing was making logical since. How was any of this possible.

"Help me!!" Pinkie Pie yelled. She kicked aimlessly at the air, but nothing broke the magic that held her. Twilight knew she had no time to figure things out. She had to do something now!

"Pinkie, I'm coming!!" Twilight jolted forward. She flashed her magic, and suddenly appeared in front of Nightmare Moon. Her body quivered as she faced her mighty foe that she thought was long defeated.

"Well, well, well if it isn't Celestia's little pet. What do you think you're doing interrupting my fun?!" Nightmare Moon's mane flicked at Twilight's chin, sending her head upwards. Twilight winced at the cold feeling. Her heart was beating so quickly that it was becoming unbearable. Twilight felt as if she were going to faint, but she knew she couldn't. She dared not.

"Let down my friend!" Twilight demanded. She sounded less threatening then she hoped she would. Her commands seemed to not phase the evil alicorn. Nightmare Moon merely smirked at her. A thundering laugh busted Twilight's ears.

Her tiny body began to shake. She could hear the weeps, and pleas coming from her air-bound friend. She couldn't take the sound of Pinkie's pain. She had to help her, but she didn't know how. Was she going to have to use the Elements of Harmony? How could she if she was far away from her other friends, and Pinkie was captivated?

The ponies in Ponyville knew not of what was coming their way. They were having fun on this ordinary Nightmare Night. Twilight knew that something had to be done. She couldn't let Nightmare Moon come to her home. She couldn't put all her friends in danger.

"I do not think I will take orders from you. I think instead I will pay a visit to that little festival out that way. It is dedicated to me after all." Nightmare Moon horridly laughed. A circle of blue magic swirled around her.

"No!!" Twilight screamed. She leaped forward, but all she hit was air. Nightmare Moon was gone. She was heading to Ponyville!

Twilight jolted up. She noticed that the evil alicorn had dropped Pinkie Pie. The pink pony was laying upon the ground. She moaned as Twilight helped her up.

"Are you alright?!" Twilight asked quickly. They had to hurry, and get to Ponyville.

"Yeah I'm fine! Let's go!!" Pinkie seemed to be more in a hurry than Twilight. The two ponies galloped as fast as they could to Ponyville. Their friends needed them, and they weren't going to let them down.

"It's her! It's really her!!!"

The screams of ponies were easy to follow. Twilight, and Pinkie Pie finally made it to the festival. Ponies were running around in all directions. Tables were being thrown over. Food was dumped everywhere. Games were trampled upon. The whole town square looked a wreck. The ponies of Ponyville were panicking big time, and Twilight knew they couldn't waste anymore time.

"Come on, Pinkie! We have to get rid of her somehow...I just don't know how..." Twilight looked around in concern. She was having a hard time convincing herself that everything would be alright. She didn't know what to do.

"Hey, over here!" Pinkie called out. Twilight turned in her direction to see where Pinkie was leading her.

All the ponies that were running about were now gone. They all locked themselves away in their homes, and hid in the clouds. Pinkie, and Twilight were hiding behind the water fountain. Twilight slowly, and quietly leaned her head to the edge of the fountain so she could see the other side. Nightmare Moon was standing there. A smile upon her dark muzzle.

"Hiding from me now, I see?"

Twilight's heart jumped as she felt Nightmare Moon directly speak to her. She had spotted her that quickly!

"Pinkie you have to run!" Twilight harshly whispered. She gently nudged Pinkie's back in the direction of Sugar Cube Corner where she would be safe. But the pink filly refused to move.

"No! I can't leave you by yourself to face her!" Pinkie attempted to whisper, but it was more as if she wanted to be heard rather than not.

Twilight shot pleading eyes at her friend. She didn't want to get her friends mixed up in all this. It was Twilight's responsibility in the first place to keep an eye on the princess, and to make sure she was having a good time. But she failed at her task. Luna was having a horrible time, and on top of that Nightmare Moon was now taking over. How did this all happen?

Twilight ripped off her beloved StarSwirl the Bearded costume, and threw it to the side. She then stepped forth from behind her watery fortress, and faced her fear. Nightmare Moon seemed to be pleased by this. She watched as Twilight shivered in fear.

"Afraid?!" Her voice boomed throughout all of Ponyville. Ponies near, and far all quivered in their horseshoes at Nightmare Moon's terrifying taunts.

"No!" Twilight shouted. She was surprised at herself.

Nightmare Moon raised an eyebrow. Her dark blue mane flowed to her side as she stared upon the purple unicorn. She spread her black wings, and a large shadow was cast upon Twilight, and Pinkie Pie. The two mares took a slight step back. Both of their hearts were pounding inside of their chests. Fear was taking over their bodies.

"Is that so?" Nightmare Moon tauntingly let out. Her voice slightly purred as she stood firmly before them. A large, evil grin began to form across her muzzle.

As quickly as lightening, Nightmare Moon raised her head high. She jerked it forward directing her horn to Pinkie Pie. A flash of black lightening bolts jolted towards Pinkie Pie. It happened so quickly that Twilight hadn't even had time to react. She watched in horror as blood gushed out of Pinkie's side. Nightmare Moon had used an evil black magic. It sliced right through Pinkie's flesh, and cut through some tissue.

"How about now!?" Evil laughs filled the air.

Twilight ran quickly to her friends side. Pinkie was in so much shock that she hadn't even screamed. She was staring coldly at her bloody womb. Her eyes were shaky, and beady. Was this some sort of punishment? Revenge?

Twilight tried to use her magic to heal Pinkie's deep cut, but she couldn't seem to do it. Either her magic wasn't strong enough to preform that sort of spell, or she was just too afraid to do anything. Her eyes quickly darted to where Nightmare Moon had been standing. She wasn't there!

Twilight turned around in all directions swiftly. Where did she go? What was she going to do to stop her?

Another flash of black lightening was sent their way. Twilight quickly levitated her shocked friend, and dashed away before the magic could hit them. Twilight gently set Pinkie down near the fountain, and ran far away from her. She didn't want Nightmare Moon to attack her anymore than she already had. Pinkie couldn't take that much pain. It was already painful enough. Too painful.

Twilight was feeling pain as well. Where was her princess? The one she loved. The one she longed for. The one she still tasted upon her lips.

"Luna?! Luna where are you?!" Twilight called out. Her voice was quivering violently. Her heart shattered as she heard the booms of Nightmare Moon.

"Why do you call to her?! She's not there! There is no use, Twilight Sparkle!" The voice was haunting Twilight. It echoed in her mind. She tried to shake it away from her thoughts, but it continued to tear away at her.

"LUNA??!!" Twilight continued to call out. Could she hear her? Deep within?

"Stop it you fool! You're only wasting your time!" More laughter filled the air. It echoed through Twilight's purple ears. She folded them back as her eyes darted everywhere. She couldn't see Nightmare Moon anywhere. Where was she?

"Why are you hiding from me!? Show yourself!" Twilight yelled. Her head was pounding with pain, and her hooves were beginning to ache. Nevertheless, she continued to stand her ground. It was too soon to give up. She just couldn't. She defeated Nightmare Moon before, she could do it again!

'But last time I had my friends to help me...Where are they now.....?' Twilight looked down in sorrow. She couldn't bring her friends into all this. They had already helped her out so many other times, and this was ultimately her fault. She just couldn't bare putting the rest of her friends in danger like she had already done with Pinkie Pie. Her best friend...

"This time my reign will last forever!!!" Nightmare Moon boomed. She was still nowhere to be seen. Twilight's eyes were feeling heavy, and the feeling of faint came back upon her.

Where was Spike? She needed him to alert the Princess of this. Maybe Celestia could save her. Twilight was having doubts on herself. She didn't feel strong. Actually she felt weaker, and weaker as moments went by.

"Where...are...you...." Twilight was now short of breath. Her heart felt as if it were slowing down, and her body was intensely hot. She could hardly stand it.

Twilight could feel breaths upon her back. Cold breaths. Not like Luna's sweet, warm breaths. Nothing like Luna's. Twilight was starting to miss her moon princess. How could she had let this happen? Why didn't she do something before this happened?

"Don't you know I don't love you, Twilight Sparkle?" The cold voice slithered through Twilight's ears. The unicorn turned around to see the face of Luna. No, Nightmare Moon. No, Luna. No. No. No!

Twilight's eyes were blurring. She couldn't focus on who was really standing in front of her. The last thing she remembered was hearing those words.

Don't you know I don't love you, Twilight Sparkle?

Was that Luna? Twilight didn't know. She fainted before she could really see.

The Night Will Last Forever

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-The Night Will Last Forever

"That feeling of loneliness. The memories that hurt too much to think about. Knowing that nopony respects you. Being in solitude from the world for such a long time. Being sent away for only wanting to be loved. Why wouldn't she let me be loved? Why was it so wrong of me to want that? How could you have done that to me? How?" Luna poured her heart out. She had been wanting to say those things for such a long time.

"Now if only I could tell you that, sister..." Luna looked through the window of her chambers. Her heart was heavy, and she felt all alone like she used to feel every night for a thousand years.

"I want to try again. I want my subjects to love me like they love her. Celestia.." Luna's words carried off. Her eyes lowered as she turned from her window. Luna's blue eyes met with golden hoof plates. Her eyes widened as she noticed who was standing in front of her.

Her heart began to pound as she stepped back. Her elder sister was standing in front of her. Her long flowing mane covered one of her pink eyes, but the other was staring deep into Luna's. Celestia arched her one visible eyebrow, and she walked off to the side of Luna's room.

"Is that really how you feel?" Celestia's familiar voice rung through Luna's heart. How long had she been standing there?

Luna averted her eyes as she tried to think of a response. What was she going to say? How could she tell her sister the truth, or had she already heard it?

"I....I....it's nothing..." Luna spit out. She immediately hated herself for saying that. It wasn't nothing. It was something! And it had been eating her alive ever since Celestia's student, Twilight Sparkle, and her friends saved her.

"Luna." Celestia craned her neck towards Luna. She shot glaring eyes upon her, and tapped one of her large hooves on the flooring.

Luna's eyes became teary as she was forced to look into her sisters eyes. She lowered herself as if she were waiting for Celestia to hit her, but she knew that she would never do that. She was just afraid to tell the truth. She was afraid of what might happen if she brought up that forbidden subject again.

The blue alicorn gulped loudly. She slightly opened her mouth as she searched her thoughts for a delicate way to tell her sister what she was truly feeling in her heart. She let out a long sigh, and then she proceeded.

"Sister, I just want our subjects to love me like they love you. We are both the rulers of Equestria, but in my heart I feel as though you are the only one that is receiving the admiration that we both deserve. I'm sorry for speaking my mind so boldly to you, but I could no longer keep it hidden from my sister." Luna tightly closed her eyes, readying herself for her sister to scold her, or punish her of some sort.

Celestia stood up straight as she collected everything that her sister confessed. Her eyes narrowed as if to scold her sister, but instead of an angry glare, a smile formed over her face, and comforting eyes penetrated through her sisters eyelids. Luna sensed something out of the norm, and opened her closed eyes to see her elder sister smiling at her instead of frowning.

"My dear sister, you do not have to apologize for such a thing. It is good that you decided to tell me where your heart lies, and I'm very grateful that you did so. Our subjects love you just as much as they love me. You just don't even realize it Luna."

Luna's blue eyes widened as she listened to her sisters response. Did they truly love her? How could they if they hadn't been around her in over a thousand years? Luna took into consideration what her sister had told her. She decided to ask all the questions that were crowding her mind.

"But how will they love me if they never see me? How will they get to know me again?" Luna's pleading eyes glared into Celestia's. The white alicorn lowered herself to her sisters height, and nuzzled her on the cheek.

"What perfect timing my sister. For tomorrow is a holiday that is celebrated throughout all of Equestria." Celestia smiled cheekily like she normally did when she had a good idea, but Luna was confused. Her face was puzzled as she turned to her sister that was now laying next to her.

"I do not understand, sister. What does that have to do with our subjects getting to know me?" Luna asked curiously. She listened intently for an answer.

"Tomorrow is the night that Nightmare Night is held on. It is a celebration that ponies have, and they join together in fun activities. Ponyville usually holds one of the grandest festivals for Nightmare Night in all of Equestria. If, my dear sister, you want to visit Ponyville tomorrow, and join in on their festivities, then please do. You have my blessing." Celestia began to stand up from the ground. She winked at her younger sister who stared at her in disbelief.

"Re-Really?! You would let me?! That would be great! Thank you sister!" Luna jolted to Celestia's side, and nuzzled her chest.

She was so excited that she couldn't wait another moment. Luna had stayed up that whole night staring out of her balcony upon the little village of Ponyville. It looked so peaceful in the distance. She was anticipating morning. She was ready for her elder sister to raise the sun. She was so happy to have the permission to go to Nightmare Night in Ponyville, but what she was more happy about than anything was being able to see Twilight Sparkle again. It had been so long since the last time she had seen Celestia's prized student. Luna was curious about that unicorn. There was something about her that really made Luna not want to sleep. Something about her that made Luna think about her all the time. How peculiar it was.

Twilight was awoken by the sounds of birds screeching, and a cold wind that stabbed at her skin. Her eyes shot up, and they quickly bolted around her surroundings.

"Where...am I?" The purple unicorn slowly got up from the cold grass that she was lying upon, and rubbed the back of her head with her hoof. Her brain was throbbing, and it hurt to move too suddenly. Twilight timidly looked around. She noticed that she was in the Everfree Forest in a circle of cleared trees.

It was so familiar to her. She had just been here earlier. It was the same place where Luna followed Pinkie Pie. The place where the Nightmare Moon statue was. Twilight gained her strength back, and then turned around. A statue was surely there. It was large, and towered above the little unicorn.

As Twilight glanced at the statues feet, she then remembered what had happened. Had she passed out? She had to get back to Ponyville! Where was Pinkie Pie?! What was happening? Was Nightmare Moon still there?! What had she done to Luna?!

Twilight's mind was being flustered by all these pressing questions. She tried to keep herself from getting lightheaded as she quickly jolted to her hooves. Her eyes glanced up at the statue to get a better look. Something was different about it. It wasn't quite as frightening as it was when she first saw it. It no longer was standing on it's hind hooves in an attack position. It no longer had a look of hatred upon it's face. It was no longer Nightmare Moon. It was a statue of Princess Luna!!

Pinkie was starting to feel sick. She had been levitated upside down in the air for almost twenty minutes now. The blood was all rushing to her head, and she was starting to loose her vision. The pink earth pony was wondering how much longer Nightmare Moon was going to hold her like this. Forever?

As her stomach began to crawl, and her throat began to feel dry, she hoped that she wouldn't be up like this for too much longer. She couldn't take it. She felt like throwing up, but she was afraid to. What would the evil alicorn do to her if it got on her? Pinkie was afraid to think about it. Instead she held one hoof over her mouth, and prayed to Celestia that she wouldn't puke.

"What pray tell do you think you're doing?!" The booming voice shattered Pinkie's weak ears. She flinched, and the open womb on her side began to pierce in pain.

"No-Nothing..." Pinkie took her hoof away from her muzzle, and let it drop along with the other.

Nightmare moon began to smile wickedly, and her eyes stared upon Ponyville. The ponies that had locked themselves away in their homes were now all outside before her, bowing down. She had forced them all to come out, and if they didn't she would burn their homes with them inside. This easily convinced them, and it pleased her.

"Ponyvillians! Worship your queen!! Give me the respect that I deserve!!!"

Everypony was shaking in their costumes. Fear ran through their bodies as the evil voice echoed through the whole town.

"I said...WORSHIP ME!!" Nightmare Moon shot a black lightening bolt towards their hooves. They all screamed, and then quickly began to chant her name. Terrified, they knew nothing else to do.

Pinkie Pie opened her eyes, and looked down at all her friends. She could see Applejack, and Rainbow Dash shaking in their skins. She caught a small glimpse at Rarity's curly purple mane. She could even see spike. He was completely horrified. He looked like he was going to have a heartattack. Pinkie prayed again to Celestia to keep all her friends safe. She prayed to save them all, and for Nightmare Moon to be defeated.

Pinkie tried to look again. Where was Fluttershy? She was probably in her cottage. She had never came to the festival in the first place so she probably had no idea what was happening. Pinkie thanked Celestia as one of her prayers came true. To keep her friends safe. At least one of them was tucked away where Nightmare Moon didn't have the slightest clue was even there.

But Pinkie couldn't quit worrying about Twilight. Where did Nightmare Moon send her? The last thing Pinkie remembered was Twilight passing out, and Nightmare Moon cast a spell, and Twilight disappeared. But where to? Where was her best friend? Pinkie hoped that she was okay. She hoped that she would wake up, and save them. Somehow save them.

Pinkie was broken by her thoughts by Nightmare Moon's evil laughter. Her insides began to cringe as her blood continued to wash through her. Some of it was still coming out of her gashed side. She pressed her hoof against it, despite the pain she pushed down on it as hard as she could. She couldn't let anymore blood come out of her. It was too dangerous. She might loose consciousness, or worse...

"This time the night will truly last FOREVER!!!" Her voice broke through every ear, and shattered every soul.

Nightmare Moon's horn began to glow with a dark purple, and she quickly released an enormous amount of black magic. It shot at a few of the ponies before her, and it ripped away at their flesh. Screams broke loose, and a few ponies got up, and began to run away. Nightmare Moon shot more magic at the few running ones, and they began to scream in incredible pain. Blood gushed everywhere among the bowing ponies. They continued to stay low from fear of being attacked as well.

Pinkie's eyes widened as she saw one of the hurt ponies was Applejack. Pinkie had watched in horror as her orange friend jumped out in front of Rarity as Nightmare Moon targeted her. Hot tears were streaming down her pink cheeks as she watched Rarity cry next to the bloody Applejack. She was still breathing, but her wound was deep, much deeper than hers. Pinkie wanted to scream. She wanted to kill Nightmare Moon. She wanted to destroy her, but what could she do? Nothing...absolutely nothing...

"Does this upset you? Do you not like it?" Nightmare Moon tauntingly asked Pinkie Pie. Laughter was between each word. Pinkie didn't even look at her. Her hollow eyes stared upon her terrified friends. All the blood, all the fear, all the pain.

Pinkie's vision was almost completely gone now. All the fuzziness she was seeing was taking over. She was completely losing her eyesight now. The sounds of her screaming friends, and Nightmare Moon's laughter was being muffled now. All Pinkie could see was darkness. All she could hear was silence. She could still feel the blood rushing to her head as she began to close her eyes. Her mouth slightly opened, and she gained enough breath to speak one more single word.

"Twilight..."

My Moon Princess

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-My Moon Princess

Twilight's head was aching. Her body was trembling before the statue of her lover. What was going on? She couldn't quite grasp what was happening, and she didn't have the mental strength to think. Her hooves wobbled under her as she backed away from the figure. Her heart was stabbing her in the chest as she continued to look into the eyes of the stone Luna.

"Wh-What is going on....?" Twilight began to look around quickly, but tried not to let the statue out of her sight. What was she going to do? How was she going to save everypony from Nightmare Moon? How did this all happen in the first place?

Questions rampaged in Twilight's brain as she tried to find a solution. Her mind was racked with thoughts, and she couldn't focus on one at a time. The woods around her seemed to close in upon her, and it felt harder to breath. It seemed as if the trees were taunting her. As if they were laughing at her. Twilight closed her eyes tightly, and knocked her head a few times with her hooves trying to figure things out.

It was hopeless though. She wasn't thinking straight. She couldn't think straight. It was like something was causing her to loose her mind, and she wasn't sure if it was all an illusion, or a dream, or reality.

The purple unicorn crawled into a fetal position as the wind began to blow against her skin. The cold breeze stung at her thin fur, and sent chills down her spin. The little mare shivered, and curled up some more. She didn't know what to do. Give up? What else could she do? Everypony was in danger, and it was all her fault. She completely blamed herself, and now she couldn't even correct her mistake. Twilight felt hopeless.

As her head sunk lower, and her eyes stared upon the grass, Twilight heard a crunch in the distance. She instantly perked up at the sudden sound, and looked at her surroundings. She could see nothing, but she could now hear the trots of hooves against the cold, soggy grass. Her heart began to pick up speed, and she was too afraid to move. She was scared stiff, and her eyes were glued open. The noise began to get closer, and closer to her. The unicorn stood completely still as the trots got louder, and the pony making them got nearer.

Twilight's heart sank as she saw two glowing eyes stare at her from between the trees. Twilight felt as if an aura was coming off of the stranger, and she could feel the coldness of their breath. However, Twilight swallowed hard, and got up from her crouching position. Her heart sank as she approached the mysterious pony hidden amongst the pines.

"He-hello?" Twilight's voice was shaking, and it was obvious she was scared to her wits, but she tried to overpower her fright with curiosity. To some extent, this worked, but deep down she was still afraid of who, or what this was.

Twilight took a few steps closer to the darkness. An outline was now visible, and Twilight decided to call out once again.

"Who's there?" Her voice was less frightened, and more anxious now. Her heart was still beating her chest in, and her body was still cold. Her spine tingled as a response was finally heard.

"Twilight Sparkle it is just me. Great evil has happened I see."

Twilight could now see that gray, and white stripes covered the ponies body. Her mane was the same colors, and was sticking straight up. Golden jewelry was present upon it's neck, leg, and ear. Twilight finally realized who this pony was. She wasn't really a pony after all.

"Zecora!" Twilight ran up to her zebra friend. She hugged her tightly around the neck, and quickly released from her brief embrace. She was so happy to see Zecora. Twilight knew that she could help her. She just knew it!

"I have a huge problem, Zecora! Can you help me?!" Twilight spoke quickly, and lingered not. She was eager to get her answers, and to save her friends.

"Huge problem is true, and help I can. But you must to find a way to understand." Zecora walked past the anxious Twilight, and drew closer to the statue of Luna. Her eyes stared deeply at the large, saddened figure as she awaited a response from the unicorn behind her.

"Understand what? What do I need to understand?!" Twilight had no time for Zecora's riddles. She wanted to get her answers now, and she knew she didn't have too much time to figure out what the zebra was talking about.

"Calm yourself little pony, for patience is always key. But if knowledge is what you worry, then love is what you need." The zebra tilted her head slightly to Twilight. Her eyebrows were arched, and this somewhat irritated the purple unicorn. Her patience was not present, and she was beginning to become angry.

"What are you talking about?!" Twilight yelled out. Her face was glowing red, and her body was starting to heat up. She knew she was running out of time. She didn't even know what was now happening to her friends!

Zecora narrowed her eyes in disapproval before continuing. She slightly cleared her throat, and then began again.

"Love is in your heart, and it hurts, and it rips. But to successfully fulfill your part is to place a kiss upon loves lips." The zebra now fully turned to Twilight. Her expression was flat, and serious. Twilight was trying to peace together Zecora's words. She wasn't completely sure she was understanding any of it, but she tried to as hard as she could.

'Patience, love, pain, kiss....'

"What does all this mean, Zecora? What do I need to do to stop Nightmare Moon?" Twilight's tone had calmed down, and she was using her patience method that was suggested by her zebra friend. Her eyes were filled with sorrow as they caught a slight glimpse of the frozen in time Luna.

Zecora lifted her head to Twilight. The unicorns eyes began to widen. Her purple pupils were shaking, and her heart was pounding once again. The zebra slightly nodded her head in approval at Twilight, and stepped to the side, inviting Twilight to come.

Darkness was surrounding the evil alicorn, and she smiled with pride, and cruelty. The dark mare looked down upon the frightened ponies. Some were shaking. Some were bowing. Some were dying. Others were crying, and she loved every bit of it. Nightmare Moon let out a crooked laugh that echoed across town square.

Dark clouds swirled in the hazy sky, and thunder rolled across them all. Lightening flashed in several directions, and Nightmare Moon saw that it was good, and smiled at her accomplishments. Everything was going perfectly, and nopony had tried to stop her.

"Fools! Do you see your princess anywhere? Is she anywhere in sight to save you? Can you see her?" Nightmare Moon boomed. A smile across her muzzle.

A few ponies timidly lifted their heads to the sky. Hoping that Princess Celestia was there to save them, or somepony was there. But their hopes were too high, and they were crushed instantly by more shouts from the dark witch before them.

"Of course you can't, because she's not there! She doesn't care for you! Nopony will save you!" Cruelty lingered in the air, and everypony was being suffocated by it. Complete cruelty.

Next to the black alicorn was a pink lump. A pony was hurdled into a heap, and seemed to be barely breathing. It was Pinkie Pie. Her skin was all scratched up, and her mane was tangled in mats, and knots. Her eyes were clenched shut, and her fur was a darker color than usual across her face.

The booms, and laughter of Nightmare Moon awoken the pink earth pony, and her eyes began to slowly open. Her body was utterly sore, and she couldn't move. Darkness surrounded her eyes as she tried to regain her sight. After a few moments she could finally see more clearly. She tried to move her head, but it throbbed so horribly that she could barely lift it a few inches from the ground. Frustration, and pain was keeping her bound to the ground she was laying upon, and she couldn't do anything about it.

Her memory was still exceptional, and she hadn't forgotten what had happened to her. Nightmare Moon had torchered her by levitating her upside down for so long that she eventually passed out from the blood rush. She had also gashed her side open where she had also lost a lot of blood that way as well. She also remembered that Nightmare Moon had sent Twilight away somewhere, and she had no idea where to. But she still had hope that wherever she was, she was going to save them. But the most important question was, where was Twilight?

Pinkie could barely keep herself awake, but she couldn't risk passing out again. What if something happened while she was out? Then what? Pinkie Pie strained her eyes, and forced herself to lie there, and wait for her savior. Twilight.

The purple unicorn walked over to Zecora. Her heart was slowing down now, but it was still faster than it should be. Her eyes stared at Zecora for confirmation, and the zebra sent a glance of approval her way. Twilight knew it was time, and she was ready to fix things. The only thing she was afraid of was if it wouldn't work. It sounded so unbelievable, and story-like. Could something like this really fix the mess that was upon them?

Twilight thought that it sounded like something out of a romance novel, but the fact that it was romantic kept Twilight hoping that it would work. She had a feeling deep within her that told her it would prevail, but her conscience was telling her differently. She was hoping, and she was praying that her conscience was wrong, and her gut feeling was right.

If her conscience was wrong as she hoped then it would be the first time, for her conscience was always right, and she relied on it for the most part. This made Twilight even more nervous. If her conscience had never been wrong before then what makes it likely that it will be wrong now?

Twilight knew she really had no more time to waste, and she had no time to doubt herself, and doubt the advice that Zecora had gave her. The internal conflict within her was raging, but she had to calm herself, and do what she felt was right. What she hoped would fix things, and bring back her moon princess. Her Luna.

Twilight's steps were heavy, and slow as she finally reached the statue. Her eyes glowed towards it in admiration, something that the real Luna deserved in the first place. Something that she should have had. Something that she unfortunately never knew.

"Twilight Sparkle, it is time." Zecora's eyes looked upon the purple unicorn. Twilight slightly glance upon the zebra through the corner of her eye, and nodded her head.

Twilight turned back to the Luna statue. Her horn began to glow, and her eyes began to glow as well. A few sparks flew off the magic as Twilight's light began to lift from her horn. The pink swirl of magic danced around the statue, and finally entered into it's chest. The chest plate of the statue began to shine a deep, soothing pink, and it pulsed as if it were a beating heart.

Twilight gained back her strength before lifting her front hooves onto the statue. She gazed up onto the cold figure, and nuzzled the sculpted muzzle of Luna. Her eyes lovingly stared at the pulsing light inside of it's chest, and she could feel warmth coming from it.

She lifted her eyes to face the statue. She took a moment to take in Luna's beauty. All the features were perfect just like on the real Luna. The only thing it was missing was her beautiful voice, and her beautiful colors. Twilight stood on her tip hooves, and leaned up high towards the stone muzzle. A smile formed across her purple face as she looked upon the beautiful statue.

"Luna, oh princess of the moon....I love you..."

Twilight stood up high, and placed her lips upon the stone muzzle of the moon princess. Warmth began to fill her body, but it wasn't coming from her own self, it was coming from the statue of Luna. Heat was melting away at the stone, and a heart began to beat loudly.

The magic that Twilight had sent into the statue's chest was beating away at the stone. It was now cracking apart, and breaking in all directions. Twilight continued to keep her muzzle locked with the stone while the rest of the statue was breaking beneath her. She could hear the cracks of the rock, and the crumbles as chunks fell to the ground.

Twilight's lips were still locked with the statue's. More warmth covered Twilight's body. The feeling was so intense, and Twilight never wanted it to stop. As her lips still kissed the muzzle of the statue, Twilight could now taste to lips of the moon princess locked with hers.

Lullabies for the Princess; Nightmares for Jealousy

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-Lullabies for the Princess; Nightmares for Jealousy

Twilight found herself opening her closed eyes. They quickly set upon those of Princess Luna. Her blue eyes gazed into Twilight's as her lips continued to be attached to the purple unicorns. Twilight took notice of this, and swiftly released herself. The first thought that came to her mind was how relieved she was to see her moon princess once again before her. She was so happy to be able to feel her warmth, and be within her presence. The second thought that came to her mind was how embarrassed she really was for kissing Luna without her consent.

Twilight tried to ignore this. She smiled as wide as she could, and wrapped her little arms around the princess of the night. She could once again feel Luna's skin against hers. She could smell the sweet scent of her mane, and she could hear the breaths that she took. Twilight could now feel hot tears streaming down her purple face as she was reminded of what got the princess into this predicament. It was the carelessness of her friend, and the negligence of herself that turned this Nightmare Night into a true nightmare.

Twilight's heart was heavy as she could feel Luna comfortingly stroking her back with her large hooves. She wasn't sure what would happen to her after all this. Would Princess Luna forgive her? Or would she never want to visit her again? Nevertheless, Twilight knew she had to take responsibilities for her mistakes, and be prepared for whatever is to come.

"Twilight Sparkle." Luna retreated from their embrace, and stared into Twilight's tear filled eyes. Luna softly wiped them from her purple cheeks, and slightly combed through Twilight's mane.

Twilight began to turn her eyes away, but something caught her attention. Upon the princesses face was a smile. Luna was smiling at her. Twilight finally understood what it meant.

"Twili--"

Twilight suddenly pressed her front hoof against Luna's soft lips. Tears still found their way down her cheeks, but a smile had now formed across Twilight's face as well.

"You don't have to say anymore, princess."

Luna seemed surprised by this, but then her loving eyes were filled with joy, and she smiled even more.

Pinkie sat in a heap as her mind tried to collect itself. Ponies all around her were getting up, and helping others. They were crying, and laughing, and tending to many wounds. She wasn't exactly sure what had really happened, but it was a great relief that Nightmare Moon was gone.

It had all happened so quickly, and Pinkie Pie wasn't even sure what made her disappear in the first place. She just did, and it seemed that nopony else was complaining. As the pink pony continued to sit on the ground, and watch her friends, she began to think about the one true friend that she cared for the most. All this time, and she still had no idea what happened to Twilight. Pinkie Pie began to slightly frown as she tried to help herself up. Her hooves were a little achy, and her head was a bit dizzy, but she was able to regain herself.

She knew all of this was her fault. If she hadn't had been so.... If she hadn't of lied about....

Princess Luna was playing some games that were set out for Nightmare Night. Twilight Sparkle was watching her in admiration.

"Twilight! Does thou want to join me in this fun?"

Pinkie Pie could hear the moon princess call out to Twilight. She watched them from afar. Her legs were stiff straight, and her eyes were intently looking at her dearest friend flirting with the princess. Her heart slightly ached as she silently wished it were her that Twilight was flirting with instead of Princess Luna. She let out a small whimper.

"Pinkie Pie? What's the matter?" Pipsqueak tugged at the pink ponies leg. His visible brown eye looked up into her's as she was broken from her daydreams.

Pinkie Pie looked at the little fillies, and colts that surrounded her. She then looked up at Luna, and Twilight. They were playing together, and laughing. Having a great time. Pinkie's heart ached some more. She wanted to cause some trouble for the princess. She wanted yell out, and make the little ponies afraid of Luna. She wanted Twilight to be afraid of Luna. She wanted everypony to be afraid of Luna. Her stomached turned as she thought it through.

As she decided on what to do, Pinkie had something like a premonition, or a warning. As terrifying future events flashed quickly before her eyes, Pinkie had finally decided what she was going to do. She turned to the fillies, and colts, and stepped to the side.

"It's nothing. It's just I saw Princess Luna over there. I think it would be very nice if you paid our lovely princess a visit since she has taken her time to join us tonight." Pinkie softly smiled as she saw the faces on the little ponies light up as they cheerfully ran to Princess Luna, and greeted her with warm smiles, and hugs. Pinkie could see the surprising look on the moon princesses face as the little ponies asked her to play with them. She could also see Twilight in her StarSwirl the Bearded costume smiling as well. She looked so happy that Luna had finally won the hearts of her fellow ponies.

As Princess Luna, Twilight, and the fillies played together, Pinkie sat in the distance alone. Her heart was heavy as she watched them have fun without her. Twilight seemed to be having a great time with the princess instead of her. This made Pinkie feel slightly sad, but she knew what she did was the right thing. If she were to have yelled those words. Those words that she wanted to yell out so badly. Those words that would have ruined Princess Luna's reputation for good. Those terrible words...

It's Nightmare Moon!

Those were the words that were ringing in Pinkie's head. Those were the lies she wanted to tell the little ponies. If she were to had said them then this night would had ended much differently. She knew this. She saw it in her vision. It would had started off good, but it in the end Twilight would still be in love with Luna. Not Pinkie.

So what was the good in spreading those lies? What was the good in trying to ruin Princess Luna's night? Pinkie wasn't going to let her jealousy get the better of her. She wasn't going to allow herself to do such a horrible thing. It wasn't in her nature to be cruel to anypony even if she really wanted to. Since Twilight looked happy, Pinkie was happy, and she wasn't going to ruin the happiness of the pony she loved the most.

Dear Princess Celestia
Sometimes it is hard to accept the fact that the one pony you care for the most has feeling for somepony else, and it's hard to watch her have fun without you. But I have learned that jealousy isn't a good thing, and if you let it go too far you might just end up regretting it deeply in the end. Sometimes showing a little understanding is the best way to deal with heartbreak instead of causing trouble for the other. Even if the pony you care about doesn't feel the same way for you there is always a great chance to continue staying their friend, and telling lies isn't going to help that chance. I have now learned that just because I really want to do something that I know is wrong, doesn't mean I have to actually do it. That will only cause problems in all sorts of relationships, and it is best that you try not to cause any trouble. If somepony feels pressured into doing the wrong thing, they should always think about the outcomes that their actions will bring, and they can stop themselves from doing it beforehoof.

Your loyal subject, Pinkie Pie

The End

Pony Tale: The Witching Hour

by FlutterDash777

Preparations Fit For a Princess

Somepony She Use To Be

The Witching Hour

Demented Revenge

The Night Will Last Forever

My Moon Princess

Lullabies for the Princess; Nightmares for Jealousy