***
I made up with Celestia after that incident. Well, kind of… all the necessary words were said and accepted, but some kind of alienation is still left between us, like a giant crack. I felt as if this crack would only grow later. “Tia?” I ask as I put away another folder with documents. “Hm?” She looks away from the papers. “Why does nopony like my night? Why does everypony like your day, your Sun, but they don’t care about what I do?” “Again, Luna?” Celestia rolls her eyes, sighing. “You are overreacting! Your nights allow our subjects to have some rest and get strength for the next day, they are very important!” “And that’s why you didn’t come that night, because they are very important.” I quietly grumble. “I said I’m sorry!” How did she hear me? “Also, did we distract ourselves? Then we have got enough rest! Let’s continue the work; the documents won’t sign themselves!” “Tia…” “Luna! We can talk about stuff later! Ok, back to work.” The Queen cuts me off. About stuff? All I do for her is stuff! For her and everypony else! As if I’m something unimportant… sighing, I pull the folder towards myself. The letters are blurry for some reason…***
…Pillows and the mirror, again. “I am the unwanted one here.” My voice lacks any emotion. Just a statement of a fact. After realising that, should I disappear without a trace, only Celestia would notice… after a couple of days. “No, my sister needs me, Equestria needs me! I raise the Moon, help Tia sort the documents, conduct meetings and ceremonies, hear some cases in court…” “But nopony wants my Moon and my nights, and the Queen can easily conduct ceremonies without my help. She would find some pretty secretaries, and that’s it.” “But she can’t trust them, as she trusts me!” “Yeah, as if she trusts me! If it’s papers, then she will give me some official program for the minor royal reception, taking the budget herself, and if I offer any help, she would send me away to work on the law about proper care for pigs — or something similar in terms of importance! If it’s litigation, she would give me the dispute about a meter of fence, but a case about murder she would take herself! It’s everything, but trust!” I angrily say to the mirror. I stop upon realizing, that I was sitting and talking to myself out loud. Maybe, it should have caused me concern about my own well-being, but for some reason I only have a bitter smile on my face. “Is it nice to talk to a smart pony, Luna? The one that understands you,” I quietly laugh. Am I going insane? For some reason this thought makes me slightly annoyed…***
…I stand on the balcony, looking at the sunset. I need to raise the Moon, decorate the sky with constellations, star clusters… I don’t want to… If somepony needs it, then he ought to do it! If nopony needs it, neither do I! I’m sick of it! I’m fed up! “Luna, good evening.” Says my sister. How long has it been since we talked about anything with a cup of tea? “Evening, Tia. Not sure about the good part.” I hear a sigh behind my back. “Moping about again?” Celestia asks with a slight reproach. “Is there a reason to be happy?” I hum sadly in response. “I don’t see it.” “How about raising the Moon and night? Isn’t that a reason? You always liked your nights.” I don’t even need to look at my sister to know she’s smiling. “Nopony needs them, except for me.” I hear a sigh again, this time an ostentatiously deep one. I bet you everything that she followed up with a facehoof. “I’m tired, Tia. Even from the beautiful, but useless nights. I won’t raise the Moon, and create stars tonight. I bet that nobody will notice the bottomless inky darkness above their head.” In an uncomfortable silence that hangs for a few seconds, I hear a fly hitting a window. “Princess Luna, let me remind you that you, as the Princess of the Night have a duty to our country and our subjects! And you must do your duty properly, despite your feelings! The same way, as We, Queen Celestia, do ours!” I feel how the Queen is furiously looking at me even with my back turned. She doesn’t care what I feel and what is happening to me. She doesn’t understand me. I hate her, this soulless Queen that I see instead of my sister. I close my eyes, finding my link with the Moon, and dump energy into it, practically yanking the Moon onto the sky. “Happy now? I’m going to bed.” I angrily spit out my words to the Queen and making a sharp turn, almost running away from the balcony, barely fighting the urge to push the surprised Celestia out of my way…***
…Pillows, mirror. I start talking to myself again. “If nopony likes your nights, then you must make them! Let the night last forever! And then they will see…” “No, you can’t just force anypony to like it!” “Just a few did notice the beauty of night! The rest don’t even know what they are losing! You work hard, and what do you get? Indifference, disregard and even disdain! It can’t go on like this!” “This is not what my folk would want! Not what Equestria needs! And my sister…” “Is there much left of your sister in this embodiment of arrogance, Luna? Maybe you need a sister, but she doesn’t! Do your duty, Princess! — this is all she needs!” I shockingly inspect my reflection in the mirror. I want to object, but I can’t. Where did my caring older sister Tia go? The one that loved me and helped me? Yes, I behaved like a resentful foal today! But that, to my shame, happened before too. And Tia would come and hug me, asking, ‘What’s the matter? ’ and would cheer her silly little sister up. She has changed a lot lately, and not for the better. “Neither have I.” I hum sadly into the mirror. “I’m complaining more than usual. Tia has enough problems already, so she loses her temper.” “And you are the target. Not the servants or guards, not the annoying aristocracy, but her own sister!” “We are not alien to each other; she hopes that I will understand her and…” I try to reassure myself. An involuntary hysterical sigh shows that I am bad at it…***
…I burst into Celestia’s cabinet. “Sister, we need to talk. Now!” “What is it, Luna?” Tia replies discontentedly. It looks like she has an idea what I’m about to ask, and she doesn’t want to have that conversation. “Would you kindly explain why all my batpony guards disappeared, and why there are your royal guards instead of them? “It’s… complicated, Luna,” Celestia winced. “Two ponies have disappeared this week and city guards still can’t find any clues…” “And? What has it to do with my guards?!” “Luna, let me finish! You are well aware of what ponies think about your creatures! Yesterday I was visited by a delegation of aristocrats and other residents: they are suspicious that it might have been…” “My guards? It’s complete and utter nonsense!!! And you know it!” Celestia looked at me, displeased. I stare back at her. She can’t believe this absurdity! “Ponies are afraid of your batponies. I have had to temporarily remove them from the castle until the situation is investigated just to keep the city calm! Sister, I promise, as soon as everything has returned to normal, I will immediately order your guards back.” “Tia! You know how batponies treat me! They would never do anything without my order! Or do you trust the aristocracy more than me?” Rage clouds my mind. I almost growl at my sister. Celestia must be feeling sorry since she hasn’t snapped to her favorite commanding voice yet. “Do you trust me, at least a bit?” I don’t know what answer I am expecting and if I even want to hear it. I’m about to take my words back, but Tia replies faster. “I do, Luna.” She smiles timidly. Hypocritical lies. The rage instantly dissipates, allowing for melancholic indifference to take place. It would have been better if she stayed silent, rather than answering like that… Or barked at me with her favorite: “Princess Luna, your demeanor…” “So, you trust me….” My voice sounds quiet and colorless. “That’s why I find out about this not from you in advance, but after the fact, from some random guard. Fine, I won’t disturb your work.” I leave in silence, carefully closing the door behind me. My soul is cold and empty…***
…Shore of a lake. It’s night, quiet and deserted. I look at the reflection. The teal eyes with vertical pupils are looking at me. Turns out, hate might be a very powerful source of energy. I smile at my reflection: the reflection bares its fangs in response. This look matches my mood perfectly… The meeting with the captain of the Night Guard went successfully. However, it couldn’t be otherwise: my guards are even ready to tear a dragon with their teeth for me. At least someone still believes in me. It’s them — my folk! Them, not the ponies of Equestria, the ones that don’t need me, my night or my batponies! It’s the first time I think that there is some rationality in Nightmare’s idea to overthrow Celestia and become the Queen of Equestria myself. This way I can take care of anypony who still cares about me, become somepony really needed and important. And the batponies, who don’t like the Sun, will love the endless night…***
…Again, I am sitting in front of the mirror. “The captain assured me of the devotion of the Night Guard personally. But I am still unsure whether I want to use this devotion. Especially the way you suggest.” “Do you see a better option?” With these words my reflection in the mirror changes, and now teal eyes with vertical pupils are looking at me. This is not the first time I see this transformation, but it still creeps me out. “We have already discussed it, more than once.” “No, I don’t.” I grimly confess. “But I still think, that overthrowing my sister, and taking her place is wrong. Even if we don’t understand each other anymore…” “Sister, that doesn’t get sick of spitting in your heart! Yesterday she secretly disbanded your Night Guards just because the nobles wanted her to, today she’ll proscribe the batpony presence in the cities, and tomorrow, she will expel you, because the aristocracy would say that you are dangerous, unreliable and simply useless, so leaving you in the castle…” “You are overreacting, Nightmare! Celestia would never do that!” “Until recently you have thought she wouldn’t deceive you. Now what, Luna?” I don’t know what now. My world, it used to be perfect a few months ago. Now it’s being torn apart, like a piece of paper. Something is happening with both of us: my beloved sister Tia is turning into an arrogant Her Highness Celestia, and I… I find comfort and understanding in the company of a reflection in the mirror. I have even named it. And the further it goes, the more I think it’s not just a reflection. I smile sadly. “I am you. We are parts of a whole, Luna.” Nightmare replies. It looks like I spoke the last part out loud. And, it seems like I completely went insane, if a mirror replies to me…***
It’s morning, and I’m having breakfast with Celestia. We haven’t met each other at breakfast for some time, I prefer to be alone, in my quarters, but the Queen wanted to see me, she even sent a formal invitation. I wanted to write her a formal decline on six sheets of paper, but I didn’t have time. Well, have to attend. “Luna, what is happening to you lately? I don’t recognize you.” And I — don’t recognize you, Tia. I’m bitter from the fact, that a fleeting thought about a growing crack between us was a prophecy. “And what is happening to me? Don’t I manage my Princess duties?” Maybe, it’s not the best idea to talk like that, but I don’t want to restrain myself. My wish to flee the castle has been very strong lately. I’m sick of this place. But I will be found, and Celestia will take her time to explain my responsibilities, duties, then assign twenty pegasi as “Guards of honor” that will follow me even in the dining room, and think: Why was I assigned to babysit this hysteric fool? “This is what is happening!” She pointed an accusing hoof at me. “You are withdrawn, spiteful, and avoiding me.” It looks like Celestia really doesn’t understand what is happening! Great. Yesterday she said: It’s not a proper reason to be sad, stop thinking about such insignificant things! And today she doesn’t understand a thing! I will try. Again. For the last time! “You don’t understand me, Tia. I have tried to explain, but you don’t care about my problems. Nobody needs neither my night, nor my work with insignificant papers. Even I am not needed! You don’t trust me, my guards…” I stop upon Celestia’s gaze. She isn’t sorry or understanding, I only see disappointment and irritation. “Would you kindly, stop pretending that you are the only one who has it hard!” Celestia angrily says. “Do you think it’s easy for me? But I don’t whine and complain, I go and do my duty, as should you! The results of my work sometimes feel useless too, but it doesn’t mean that’s true!” An awkward pause hangs for a few seconds. “I’d love to have your imaginary problems, Princess Luna. Grow up, for goddess’s sake.” The Queen abruptly gets up, and leaves the room. My gaze follows her, in oppressive silence. Imaginary problems! Her words ring like an alarm bell inside my head. She doesn’t need a sister; she needs Princess Luna — I remember Nightmare’s words.***
…Familiar lake, and it’s night. A mighty batpony stands before me, wearing the Night Guard armor. Dark yellow, almost orange eyes with vertical slits look at me. “Are your warriors ready, captain?” “Yes, Your Majesty. Unfortunately, we are few in numbers: we could only gather 57 soldiers with the little time we had. If we had at least one more week, we could have got more than 130…” “We don’t have that much time, Our loyal captain. We’ll have to strike with the amount we have at hoof. Celestia’s guard may outnumber us, but by early morning the majority of her guards would be in the barracks. We, The Princess of the Night, will cast a spell to induce sleep, so that Our Night Guard has enough time to carry out its mission. The mission of our Night guard lies in assuring that Celestia’s guards can’t come to rescue her and intervene in our battle!” “We won’t let you down, Your Majesty!” The captain’s eyes recklessly flashed in the dark. My batponies and the Queen’s guard didn’t get along from the start, which is unsurprising, considering the fact nopony trusts us. And after what happened, it can be expected, that my ponies would want to get even with Celestia’s guards. “What will be the signal to attack?” “Look at the sky, Captain. You won’t mistake it with anything else.” My lips are stretching into a sinister, but sincere smile. “Are there any other orders, Your Majesty?” “There is one. You know well, how small and young Our batpony tribe is. Don’t risk your lives without need.” “I… We… Yes, Your Majesty!” The captain bows…***
…It’s ready. Breastplate, heavy, armored hoofplates, and a helmet. My glaive floats nearby. I look into the mirror: the armor is polished and sits perfectly. Sometime ago, I think, I was checking my equipment before the battle with Sombra the same way. But that time my sister stood with me… and now she is against me. How could we have come to this? Why? “It’s not too late to stop” I whisper to my reflection. “It’s not, but what will it give you?” The reflection rapidly changes, acquiring predatorial traits of Nightmare Moon. “Your sister doesn’t need you anymore. And Equestria has never even cared about you! This can’t go on, Luna. Today we have our chance to change it!” “To change it… but will it be for the better?” Now, when there’s only a single step left, I am torn apart by doubts. “If it can’t get worse, then why care? If you retreat now, you will never forgive your weakness. You would carry on your pathetic existence of a toy-like princess and cry into the pillow every night, understanding, that you could have changed something, but you haven’t! Is that what you want?!” “No, Nightmare, it isn’t. But I am afraid to make a mistake. What if Celestia was right? What if I am the reason for all of this?” Uncertainty, fear of the future. Why is it so hard? “Do you want to tolerate attacks from the arrogant Queen, that used to be your sister? Go on! And you will be the first to see her completely turn into a tyrant like Sombra.” I shiver. It’s as if Nightmare Moon saw my worst dream… I am afraid of what my sister Tia is turning into. How far could it go? My only hope is that her defeat will reduce her feeling of self-importance. And Nightmare is right: if I don’t do anything, then everything will go to that finale. I won’t forgive myself for my weakness and hesitancy. I discard my doubts. The reflection in the mirror flashes its eyes in approval.***
…The Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. It’s where it all started, so it’s only fitting that this place should be where it ends. It has always been something special for me and my sister: we were looking for a place together, designed it, built it… Debated about schemes of secret passages, cussed, made up, and finally, found compromises… Despite its status of a summer residence and remoteness from big cities, I considered it my home. But now… Anyway, everything will change today, and soon I could call this place home again. This is where I will rule Equestria from after my victory. I never liked Canterlot. Also today is the day of Summer Sun Celebration, the Queen’s favorite, and the longest day of the year. “How symbolic.” I chuckle It’s time to bring the Moon down. I pour the energy in my connection to the astronomical body, and witness as it slowly creeps under the horizon. The stars go out as the sky brightens. And now let’s start! I concentrate on the spell and direct it towards the guard barracks in the castle. Well, I have just ruined Celestia’s guard achievements list with a massive absence on their posts. “At least they will get some proper sleep now.” I laugh at my own joke. The only ones that are left are the patrols and the guards in the dungeon and the central buildings of the castle. But it’s not that much, and after a sleepless night they won’t be able to give any proper retaliation. Celestia hasn’t changed her habits; she raises the Sun slowly, in her pretentious pose on a huge balcony of the tallest tower of the castle, despite the fact there is no crowd watching her — only a few maids and the inhabitants of nearby villages. I make it in time. The Queen bathes in the Sun with her eyes closed. I quietly stop behind her back, leaving my glaive aside: maybe there is a possibility of a peaceful conclusion. I don’t believe that is real, but the faint hope makes me try. For a few moments, squinting, I look at the dawn. Stop wasting time! I concentrate on my connection with the Moon, and bring it onto the sky. Celestia, feeling that the Sun is going in the shadow, opens her eyes, shocked, and stares at the majestic sight of an eclipse. I too, enthusiastically look at my hoofwork: the black disk of the Moon, surrounded by the shining crown of the Sun attracts the sight. How could one not like this picture? This beauty, this night must go forever! Celestia turns back with a lost expression on her face, and flinches when she notices me. “Good morning, Sister.” My voice is low. Now, it all depends on her and her reaction. “Luna?! You… But… Why are you… What is happening?” “What does it look like, Tia?” I grimly smile. A faint hope is shining inside of me, a hope that my older sister would come, hug me with her wing, ask what has happened, closely listen, propose a solution, that would please both of us… a hope that everything would turn back to normal! One look is enough to understand: no, it won’t turn back to normal. Again, I see not the loved and loving older sister, but cold, haughty and indifferent Queen. Her raging gaze says: ‘She dares to oppose ME?! ’ Her brows are shifted, with her eyes squinted, and her words are sharp and short. I don’t listen to what she says, it is easy to infer anyway, and why would I even care? I look my sister in the eyes, searching for at least a tinge of her concern, compassion, involvement! I look and don’t find it. The Queen ends her angry speech and now drills me with her disgusted sight, as if asking: do you have anything to say in your defense, Princess Luna? “Where are you, sister? I miss you…” I bitterly say. Celestia flinches. A hope is alight, that not everything is lost, that Tia is still alive in this pile of ice… “Princess Luna! It’s weird to mention your kinship considering the situation at hoof, don’t you think?” The Queen menacingly spits. The hope burns out and falls as black ash on my heart. As if the soul itself is dissipating with these words, leaving this black ash and ice-cold emptiness. It’s over. There is no sister. There is only this pathetic, grotesque parody that looks like Tia. And I will scatter the ashes of this imitation! I will tear it apart! Incinerate it! DESTROY IT! Instead of hope, now hate is alight with a crimson flame inside of me. I feel how might is spreading through my veins. This feeling is euphoric, it forces an insane grin to appear on my face. The Queen’s accusatory speech breaks off, and when I open my eyes, I see fear on her face. I see my reflection in the windows — coal-black fur, glowing turquoise eyes with a vertical slit, fangs bared in a creepy grin. I am Nightmare Moon; I will take what is mine! I grab my glaive with telekinesis. “You no longer need to sacrifice for your people. You no longer need to bear the weight of your crown. I’ve taken care of everything!” A low, doubling voice suits me. I slowly approach Celestia. “What is this, what are you doing, Luna?” Celestia says with a panicking voice, while retreating to the second exit. What, are you afraid now, Your Highness? There is less pride in her voice, she doesn’t feel like screaming at Luna, huh? “Succeeding you, sister!” I practically spit the last word. There is no more sister, this is a mere imitation, but not her. And this is why I will drown her in her own blood! Celestia manages to get ahold of herself at the last moment and dodge the strike. Just a little piece of mane stays on the floor. The Queen, understanding that I am a better flyer than her, starts fleeing inside the castle. I follow. The silver shoes rumble on the stone floor, my trusty weapon floats nearby. This is the first time this year I feel confident and calm. My victory is close. Soon everypony will see my might! The beauty of my night! They will look at me with the same adoration, that they lavished Celestia with! Yes, the Queen is weak; she is trying to run away from me. But she won’t hide from her fate, I know this castle as well as she does — she won’t hide. Sooner or later, she will be cornered, and will have to fight. And she won’t win…***
…Lightning strikes the Queen’s magic shield and I momentarily dash to close the distance, while she is unable to see through the ripples of her own barrier. The blade, filled with my energy, pierces Celestia’s shield, meeting almost no resistance. “Meet your death, Queen!” I say as short, evil laughter leaves my mouth. She won’t be able to dodge, and the ceremonial gold breastplate is no match for my weapon. THIS IS VICTORY! Before my eyes, for a moment, a surprisingly clear picture appears: my sister, laying in front of me, lifts her head and tries to say something, but only a scary rattle can be heard, followed by coughs. Blood emerges from her mouth, staining her white fur. She drops her head on the floor, stained with scarlet red. Her gazed eyes, look at me with reproach… NO! I manage to deflect the fatal strike at the last moment. Instead of piercing the torso of the white alicorn, the glaive’s blade leaves a deep cut on Celestia’s right shoulder. The enemy screams as she falls on her wounded leg. The red blood on her white fur looks unreal. “Luna…” I hear a whisper as I meet Celestia’s gaze. In her tearful eyes, I see my own glowing turquoise merciless draconic eyes. I avert my gaze. I almost killed her! My sister! “Meet your death, Queen!” A sense of triumph and spiteful jubilation. What have I become? ‘The thing she has made of you! ’ The voice in my head says. Maybe it is so. But I can’t kill her, because there, inside her soul, my sister Tia still could be alive! I can’t kill this monster, paying the price of her life. I raise my eyes again to look upon Celestia. “Luna, why?!” “The time for words is over, Queen!” I heavily say in response. “Because Luna’s words were an empty vibration of the air! And I am not Luna anymore! My name is Nightmare Moon! Concede while you can, Your Highness, don’t make me take extreme measures!” With my glaive ready I approach my barely standing enemy. One more step… And Celestia’s horn glows with energy, I create a shield to block her attack, but instead she disappears in a flash of teleportation. She couldn’t have gone far, she must be somewhere around here! Behind me! Instantly I turn around, and I see how Queen jumps out of the window, crushing the stained glass with her body. WHERE ARE YOU GOING?! You won’t flee! I rush to the window with a furious growl…***
…The Elements of Harmony spin around Celestia. “Luna, please, stop! I am guilty! Forgive me! Just stop, please…” “Enough of your lies, Queen! You don’t care and never did about Luna! You don’t ask for forgiveness; you are just trying to save your life and crown!” An evil grin appears on my face. She is so pathetic, this empty husk, the one that used to be my favorite older sister, used to be my Tia. HATE YOU! My energy fills the glaive’s blade, making it shine with turquoise light. “Luna, don’t do it, you are nothing like it, sister! Don’t make me use the elements!” “I am like YOU created me, sister! And the Elements not just yours, but mine too! Or you really think they will allow one keeper to use it against the other? How ludicrous!” I charge, preparing to strike…***
…Unthinkable! Incomprehensible! Impossible! HOW?! How Queen could distort the Elements of Harmony, so they not only would work in this monster’s hooves, but also harm me, their keeper! Through the bright streams of magic, I see crying Celestia. “I am sorry, Luna! Forgive me! I-I…” I am being mercilessly pulled towards the Moon, which still covers the Sun. It’s a defeat, but this is not the end, Queen! When I return, you will pay for everything! FOR EVERYTHING!!! “I HATE YOU!!!” Everything gets dark…