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Bilunar System (Ongoing)

By Vestal
Created: 2022-02-06 04:50:11
Updated: 2022-04-05 07:49:33
Expiry: Never
anontwilight sparklelunanightmare moonzecoraabuse/moon//marital problems/

  1. >You are Nightmare Moon
  2. >you have just returned to the planet only to have your joy cut short
  3. >at first the adulation was welcome if unexpected but this soured once you learned an impostor had ruled them
  4. >disgraceful, that some mare would dare to run around thinking she is worthy of the name Nightmare Moon
  5. >and one with such horrid taste in architecture as well
  6. >as you float through the cool night air you thank the abyss none of the ponies are sharp enough to realize you aren't their ruler
  7. >though you should be
  8. >you land on the gaudy castle, it's opulence disgusts you! Where's the flying butresses? The Gargoyles? The vaulted arches?
  9. >as your hooves hit the cobblestone you see guards,once again in the tackiest fucking outfits dragging a..
  10. >is that a minotaur?
  11. >seriously what the buck is that?
  12. >the darkness certainly doesn't help
  13. >either way it looks worse for wear, to the point where even you almost feel for sorry for it
  14. >you clear your throat and flare your wings
  15. >presentation is everything
  16. >the guards draw their spears
  17. >you simply cackle
  18. Fools, do you not recognize thy true queen?
  19. >The guards gasp
  20. >"The impostor." The rightmost one, a Unicorn stallion shrieks
  21. >well looks like the faker keeps some of the brighter bulbs to herself
  22. >they fling their spears only for you to easily knock them aside with your arcane might
  23. >you loudly cackle enjoying the terror as your horn lights up and you throw both against the crumbling masonry
  24. >both are out cold
  25. >with those foals out of the way your attention to the now shivering creature in chains
  26. >it sort of looks like a shaved monkey.
  27. >Why would anypony shave a monkey?
  28. >still something about it's shiver tells you it's sapient, or at least intelligent enough to know commands
  29. >you approach and it jerks away head still held low
  30. Ape Creature! If thou knowest what is best you shall take me to your... OH STARS AND VOID WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR EYES?
  31. >as the creature lifts it's admittedly oddly cute face instead of occular organs were two still bloody holes.
  32. >it takes every once of strength in your body not to void your stomach of what little lunch has remained in your stomach since your banishment
  33. >"Y-you don't remember?"
  34. >he asks, a voice somehow between shocked, pleading and angry.
  35. Nay.
  36. >You shake your head though you know he cannot see you.
  37. >"But you did this to me Luna."
  38. >you throw up in your mouth a bit
  39. >you may have been a villain, but that was bucked up.
  40. >and the idea that this was the kind of thing associated with your name may have been even worse than the architecture
  41. >"Are you ok?"
  42. >He asks as he hears you almost fail to hold back an avalanche of acidic slime which burns your tongue.
  43. >seriously what the buck was wrong with this impostor?
  44. >the creature didn't even hate you!
  45. >in fact it seemed to care for you
  46. >after around a minute of fighting the acidic burn in your throat you feel ready to speak
  47. >you had to stop this doppelganger
  48. >.. for practical reasons.. that was it practical reasons..
  49. >good excuse
  50. >you had an image to uphold after all
  51. >and besides good help was hard to come by especially when a mare with your face was alienating them.
  52. Creature, thou art clearly a part of this liar's regime! We have decided to take thee as hostage!
  53. >yes hostage, and then interrogate him by applying medical supplies!
  54. >some of those herbs stung after all!
  55. >despite the two major missing organs you can tell by his brow he's confused, deeply confused
  56. >it's the kind of face a pony pulls when one of their coworkers suddenly starts declaring themselves Naponian Bone-Apart.
  57. >in fact he does not even talk
  58. >enough he is your hostage, you do not need his consent!
  59. >you pick him up with your aura, his malnourished frame surprisingly light as he falls on your back
  60. >for somepony tortured by the deciever he doesn't put up much fuss
  61. >like he's resigned
  62. >that hurts... you can't find a reason to excuse that thought but you're sure you can find one.
  63. >the sound of hoofsteps and rough voices signals the approach of more guards
  64. >No doubt armed and ready to attack
  65. >with a running start you leap off the castle balcony spreading your great black wings into the dark night
  66. >"Wh-what's happening?"
  67. >Asks the creature now unnessecarily clinging to your back for dear life
  68. We are escaping.
  69. >hoof wigglers clenched as hard as he can with what little strength he has.
  70. Release thy grip on the royal coat!
  71. >he whimpers
  72. >"But what if I fall?"
  73. >he asks terrified
  74. Do you not trust Nightmare Moon to keep her own hostages secure?
  75. >you ask turning your head with a glare he of course cannot perceive
  76. >he simply shakes his head and grabs on even tighter
  77. Fine but thou shalt receive rougher treatment for such infractions next time!
  78. >you spot a clearing in the forest between a grove of oak trees
  79. >you extend your long legs gently touching down on the soft grass
  80. >you lie down before releasing your grip on the primate
  81. >he falls with a soft thud
  82. >he gets up wincing and rubbing his forehead
  83. >normally you'd not care but.. well with how he was doing it's hard not to
  84. >"So... what happens now?"
  85. >he asks slowly steadying his form
  86. We.. we do not know.
  87. >despite the obvious lack of eyes Anon is now staring at you with deadpan disdain
  88. >the tension is gone from his form but it's probably because he's thinking
  89. >'Now I know you're not my Nightmare because you're an idiot'
  90. >you are truly grateful he can't see your blush at the moment
  91. >you thought this would be easier, show up pretend to be the liar and then easily defeat her
  92. >after all if this wasn't Celestia, surely you were dealing with a mortal
  93. >and copies were usual inferior to the original
  94. >but now you don't know what to do
  95. >you certainly didn't expect to take a 'hostage'
  96. >you steel your nerve and put on an imperious scowl for the few Squirrels and bats watching this farce
  97. Enough, we should be the ones asking questions, and thou art required to answer!
  98. >you hope he doesn't pick up on the insecurity in your voice
  99. >"Alright Luna.."
  100. >He says with a heavy sigh
  101. >"What do you want to know?"
  102. >you huff
  103. You are not to call us by that name.
  104. >you pause
  105. >he would be the first being in a thousand years to be your subject
  106. >what would he call you
  107. Thou shalt call us Queen Nightmare.
  108. >he gives another sigh
  109. >it's amazing how sarcastic this ape can be in such pain
  110. >it's almost impressive
  111. >later on you shall ask what training he received to achieve such an ability
  112. >"Alright, 'Queen Nightmare', what do you want to know?"
  113. Who is the pathetic filly who claims our mantle?
  114. >"Luna."
  115. >you scoff
  116. Tis impossible! We were Luna.
  117. >"You said yourself you didn't want me to call you that."
  118. >he grunts the pain getting to him again
  119. Of course we do not, but that does not change the fact that it is impossible.
  120. >he keeps the deadpan expression
  121. >he really believes that there was a Luna running around before you
  122. >the fact he thinks you're the impostor fills you with a simmering rage
  123. >still your job is to gather information not to berate ponies for their stupidity
  124. Very well, when and in what manner did this 'Luna' first appear?
  125. >"A few years back..."
  126. >he gives a pant the adrenaline rush fading allowing more pain
  127. >"She came back as Nightmare Moon before I got here."
  128. >", got hit by the-urgh- elements, and then she was Luna again."
  129. >odd, this pretender was quite dedicated to this farce
  130. >what caused her to go back to her original plan?
  131. And when did this 'Luna' become 'Nightmare Moon?'
  132. >his face grows somber
  133. >but somehow you can tell it's not from pain
  134. >"Last year... after a fight with Celestia."
  135. >very dedicated
  136. Over what?
  137. >his face grows more miserable
  138. >"Over me."
  139. >you smile a bit, surely this creature is quite useful and now you had him in your hooves
  140. And what were you to them.
  141. >his face grows sadder, his head hangs low
  142. >as if even though his vision is gone he can no longer bear to face you
  143. >"I was her lover."
  144. >Lover.
  145. >the somber mood is shattered
  146. >it was just too humorous
  147. >that you would go so far over a Love triangle
  148. >or that you'd pledge yourself to a hairless biped at all
  149. >you chuckle
  150. >then you giggle
  151. >then you laugh
  152. >>37740234
  153. >in seconds you are now cackling from the pit of your belly
  154. >the echoes penetrating the dark forest
  155. >surely this is a jest
  156. >by the time you come down, anon looks grumpier than usual
  157. Thou art serious?
  158. >he nods
  159. >you giggle some more, this time your body falling on the floor and laughing again
  160. >perhaps this death by laughter is your Doppleganger's plan for you?
  161. >you almost feel as if you're choking before air returns to your lungs
  162. >"Seriously, how do you not know this?"
  163. >you grunt
  164. We were indisposed... lover.
  165. >He harrumphs but it turns into a yelp as the adrenaline finally fades from his system
  166. >letting him bare the full brunt of his pain
  167. >you wince
  168. >you scan the area quickly as if you somehow have a knowledge of which plants can heal
  169. >after your initial search comes up empty you think of the next best thing.
  170. >with your telekinesis you tear a bit off of the creatures worn clothes and wrap it around his eyes
  171. >now for the tricky bit
  172. >healing magic was never your forte
  173. >in fact you have probably hurt more ponies trying to heal them than trying to kill them
  174. >"Wh-what's goin-AAAAGGGHHH."
  175. >Anon falls to the ground reeling in pain as the spell takes effect
  176. >his eyes scaring over in seconds as blood clots and solidifies, skin dissolving and reforming
  177. >after a few more seconds of screaming the creature weakly pushes himself up by his hands
  178. >"What the fuck was that for?"
  179. >you smirk
  180. Consider it payment for tearing our coat.
  181. >you stomp your hoof
  182. Now creature
  183. >"I have a name you know?"
  184. >you ignore that comment
  185. Thou shalt tells us of where we can hide and recuperate from this pretender queen!
  186.  
  187. >you and the Anon creature have been walking for around several hours
  188. >you have made a fair bit of progress despite the fact you are saddled with a blind biped
  189. >granted you are not going as fast as you wished to but having something to talk to was admittedly nice
  190. >even if you wouldn’t admit it and anon was by no means your first choice
  191. >on the way through the various moonlit forests you have learned much about anon
  192. >he is a human, a species of intelligent ape from a planet named after dirt
  193. >you made sure to ridicule his people for that last part
  194. >not only that but he not only claimed that his planet orbited the sun
  195. >but had landed on the moon via a series of what sounded like a mix of fireworks and explosives
  196. >and without magic no less
  197. >you of course scoffed at the idea but he was very insistent that all of this was true
  198. >and whether it was true or not it soon became clear that he was at least convinced of this
  199. >as you spent more and more time with him
  200. >you had to admit he was rather charming
  201. >in an obnoxious kind of way
  202. So how then does your nation survive without a monarch?
  203. >he gives another smug smile as if he just found a way to playing his trump card
  204. >you had to admit when the war is over he’d most likely make a great bard or scholar
  205. >assuming his singing skills were of course up to the snuff
  206. >”Simple, we just elect somebody.”
  207. >elect?
  208. >that was the system for rural hamlets, surely not a nation in possession of these so called ‘nuclear bombs’
  209. You joke.
  210. >”Yeah we elect someone?”
  211. Pray tell it is at least from the nobility?
  212. >he laughs again
  213. >”Nope, don’t have one.”
  214. Abhorrent, so any lowbred rude may achieve supreme power in thy country? No wonder thy planet is named after filth!
  215. >”If only?”
  216. If only?
  217. >”Yeah.” He says briefly swatting away some of the foliage constantly brushing against his face
  218. >”Most of them are either career politicians, or tv stars.”
  219. >The Tv, that was the magick box which supposedly showed plays at any time with no need of a cast
  220. >you understand now why a peasant or craftsmen would preferable
  221. >the thought of having an actor of all ponies run a global superpower sent shivers down your spine
  222. >it was barely better than having Equestria run by a common whore
  223. >which may actually be happening now considering the state of things
  224. Truly thy world would be better under a united monarchy.
  225. >”Most people would disagree with you. Not that it could hurt any worse than what we have now.”
  226. >you snort pushing your muzzle up
  227. If people are of similar aspect to Ponies, then most of them are incapable of making good decisions.
  228. >you pose dramatically even though by all laws of nature he can’t see you
  229. This is why we shall rule!
  230. >he smirks again, clearly he’s bemused by your response
  231. >an hour ago you would have snapped at him but it seemed to lack the malice and distrust of his previous expressions
  232. >in fact there seemed to be some affection
  233. >did he find you cute?
  234. >that wasn’t right you were to be feared and worshipped not found cute!
  235. >your cheeks involuntarily puff and color as you turn away from him
  236. >you are glad he is blind so that he may not see you
  237. >do you tell him that you are not cute?
  238. >no that would indicate that you see that this was a possibility
  239. >mayhaps you should imply he is cute to establish dominance?
  240. >no that would create a level of familiarity between the two of you that you did not desire
  241. >it was bad enough already he was clinging to you the entire time
  242. >you continue to way your options as the silence soon becomes uncomfortable
  243. >luckily a clearing seems to offer you an alternative
  244. >not only was it close to a brook of water and natural cover
  245. >but from the bushes you could make out the various lights of a settlement
  246. >from which you could do more reconnaissance and perhaps find out more directions to this mysterious pony anon is leading you to
  247. >at this point with a mild shove of your wing you push him off
  248. >eliciting upset, “Hey, what was that for.”
  249. Creature.
  250. >He gives you that consternating glance
  251. Urrrgh Anon in our wisdom we have decided to make camp here
  252. >”Uhh can you still see the Canterhorn?”
  253. >you turn around he’s the one with the mental map not you
  254. Barely.
  255. >He cautiously lays down feeling about for any rocks or crawling creatures first
  256. >”Yeah we can settle down for a few hours.”
  257. >you hear his stomach growl
  258. >”Hey do you have any food?”
  259. The only hunger in our stomach is vengeance!
  260. >”Well that’s fine for you but I haven’t eaten in around..”
  261. >He begins counting off his fingers attempting to estimate the time
  262. >”A day.”
  263. >and right back to irritating
  264. >you were fine on the moon for a thousand or so years
  265. >did always need to eat so often?
  266. >or is this new?
  267. >either way this will be an annoyance
  268. Feed thyself.
  269. >anon gives that glare which once again makes you blush before pointing at his eyes
  270. >”I’m blind remember?”
  271. >right he now has another good reason to think you’re an imbecile
  272. Then what do you want us to do about it?
  273. >your voice a frustrated growl
  274. >”I dunno, fish, find some berries? Hunt I mean those teeth of yours must be good for something.”
  275. >is he suggesting?
  276. >the nerve!
  277. WE WILL NOT BE LOWERED TO THE LEVEL OF SOME SAVAGE BEAST!
  278. >he lays down again his face infuriatingly nonchalant
  279. >gods how it pained you to be forced to make so many concessions to this wretch
  280. >you’re sure if he had eyes they’d be rolling
  281. >”Hey if you want my help, you need to feed me.”
  282. >he’s right
  283. >you throw out more and more of your dignity everyday
  284. >then an idea hits
  285. >there is a village nearby
  286. >Perhaps you could gain sustenance like a civilized pony
  287. >the question is.. how?
  288. Alright one time CYOA bit because I can’t think of anything.
  289. A.Go in and pretend to be the other Nightmare, demand food
  290. B. use cloaking magic to disguise yourself and pay with conjured gold and potentially learn more without rousing suspicion
  291. C.Go in invisible and steal shit
  292.  
  293. As our Anti Heroes continue on their quest to free the kingdom for themselves , trouble stirs at Canterlot Castle!
  294. >you are Nightmare Moon
  295. >undisputed ruler, no owner of this country
  296. >rule implied things such as these creatures deserving respect and dignity
  297. >as if you smirk remembering what you did to Appleloosa
  298. >and the delicious meal you had as you watched the spectacle
  299. >screams truly are the greatest seasoning
  300. >it also suggested that you truly wished to create a functioning society
  301. >order enforced by fear
  302. >power consolidated by cruelty
  303. >that was Sombra's deal
  304. >the boring old bureaucrat hunched over his war map
  305. >giving up all happiness for some byzantine future plan
  306. >but for you the cruelty and the terror were not the means
  307. >they were the main if not the only point
  308. >which of course meant that in board meetings such as this
  309. >with not a drop of blood to be found your mind started to wander
  310. >yesterday if days are still a measure of time
  311. >the primate Luna loved had escaped
  312. >funny to think your release owed itself to such a pathetic creature
  313. >and Luna's sad little feelings for him
  314. >to think you would let something so weak and sentimental into your heart let alone your body
  315. >when you had much better choices at your hoof tips if you so desired
  316. >still you had to admit he was fun to have around
  317. >not only had he proven quite a thorn in your sides in executing your generals plans so that his captivity was comforting
  318. >but seeing that hope in his eyes
  319. >that love
  320. >feeling the sparks of Luna inside you
  321. >and crushing both was wonderful
  322. >making your black heart soar with glee as you cut him up bit by bit
  323. >all while he still tried to reach out
  324. >besides that, he was yours
  325. >so the fact that the pretender, no doubt some hackneyed rebel plan took him was infuriating
  326. >even keeping you awake at night as you awaited every report with bated breath
  327. >hoping that your toy could return
  328. >right now the meeting which you weren't paying attention to was actually about him
  329. >with any dissenting voices of course kowtowed
  330. >obviously agriculture and logistics came second to a queen's pleasure
  331. >a general turns to you
  332. >a midnight blue Unicorn who had just taken his seat
  333. >not many Thestrals are in your army
  334. >in fact many are your most ardent antagonists
  335. >"Your Majesty, permission to speak."
  336. >you sigh rubbing your face with a hoof
  337. Granted, General Steady State
  338. >"The impostor situation, our reconaissance teams scanned the scene of Anonymous's kidnapping."
  339. >he looks nervous
  340. >you suppose the fear is enough to keep you interested
  341. And?
  342. >you ask with still a fair bit of disinterest
  343. >"It appears the impostor is a true Alicorn."
  344. >your blood runs cold
  345. >if you had a drink you would spit it out
  346. >in a second you use your manna to grab Steady State by the throat
  347. >watching him dangle in the air like a fish on a hook while the rest of the table backs off
  348. LIAR!
  349. >"Your..Majesty."
  350. >he chokes out barely audible
  351. >"It's true."
  352. >it can't be
  353. >you increase the pressure
  354. >his face going from blue to an even darker shade of purple
  355. Are you calling me a liar?
  356. >you made a big point of saying there were no more Alicorns
  357. >both as a way to rob the populace of hope and make them compliant
  358. >but also as a security blanket for yourself
  359. >he shakes his head
  360. >or at least you think he does it's hard to tell as blood begins to gush from his throat
  361. >adding another shade to his once blue face
  362. >with a final squeeze and a rough thud the body falls to the floor
  363. >you give a calm smile before turning to the terrified advisors who sit cowering before you
  364. Anything else before the Crackdown on Manehattan begins?
  365. >another one raises her hoof
  366. >a red pegasus
  367. >you don't know her name
  368. Yes?
  369. >"Your majesty, General State was the one leading it."
  370. >oh
  371. So? Find a new general, with our anti magic bomb it really didn't matter
  372. >another pony raises his hoof
  373. >"Ma'am, General State was the only one who knew how to use the bomb."
  374. >how disrespectful in an instant you levitate a knife to his throat
  375. Then..
  376. >you purr
  377. I'm afraid you will simply have to figure it out, my dear Lieutenant General.
  378. >he nods in delicious terror
  379. Anything else
  380. >shaking heads all around
  381. You are dismissed.
  382. >as the ponies file out tails between their legs you take a deep sip of wine
  383. >or perhaps a chug
  384. >the idea of another Alicorn makes your blood go cold
  385. >just the thought of something that could challenge you horrifies you
  386. >Luna loved challenge, loved battle, going into the thick of it
  387. >and that was stupid
  388. >a fight was only fun if you knew you were going to win
  389. >like your fight against the old Night Court
  390. >trying to 'bring you back to your senses'
  391. >and with these incompetents you surround yourself with
  392. >you aren't sure if your victory is truly garunteed
  393. >seeing that your glass is still not empty you take another swig for good measure
  394.  
  395. Back to the Dynamic Duo!
  396.  
  397. B.
  398. >you are Nightmare Moon
  399. >The true Nightmare Moon!
  400. >and at the moment you are doing one of the many unpleasant tasks necessary for somepony at a tactical disadvantage
  401. >disguising yourself as a commoner
  402. >in this case a Unicorn as you figured in an earth pony town conspicuous magic would be more useful than conspicuous flying
  403. >true you've done it before but it never suited you
  404. >battles should be fought on fields
  405. >two armies stampeding
  406. >hoofs raising up dust sorms
  407. >you running at the front towards potential death
  408. >wings outstretched
  409. >grinning to spite whatever Mare or Goddess would dare oppose you
  410. >so this truly didn't mesh well with you
  411. >especially when it was for a purpose as rude as acquiring food
  412. >you didn't even get to infiltrate a fortress
  413. >still as much as you disliked it you knew this was necessary as you drape a magically summoned black cloak over your body
  414. We suppose this will work
  415. >not only that but it is always odd to hear a different voice come from your throat
  416. Nightmare?
  417. >calls anon slightly nervous
  418. >you trot over still getting used to how low the ground is beneath your now stubby hooves
  419. Yes Anonymous.
  420. >he wipes his brow
  421. >"Just wanted to make sure you were still here."
  422. >you snort pawing the ground
  423. Dost thou not think we would tell thee?
  424. >he shrugs
  425. >"Maybe. I mean you are Evil."
  426. >"Right?"
  427. >he says it without malice, more as if stating an obvious fact he assumes you believe
  428. >your nostrils flare
  429. >your hooves begin to tear at the grass
  430. >such simplistic moralism infuriates you
  431. >it reminded you of Celestia and the ponies who shunned you
  432. >to the point where you have to keep your anger in check so as not to shred your disguise
  433. >he senses your anger
  434. >"Well you aren't good, right?"
  435. Nay, but you speak spurious nonsense! Good, evil! We are above such paltry labels!
  436. >you come up closer your disguise now showing your sharp fangs
  437. What makes thee think any may apply either label to us? Let alone to any pony?
  438. >"Woah, woah ok."
  439. >he backs down clearly not intending to make you this sore
  440. >you calm down and remove thoughts of violence from your mind
  441. >you should not beat a commoner for ignorance
  442. >as then there would be none left
  443. >"Sorry, I guess my time with the other one is rubbing off. Half of what she said to me was bragging about being evil."
  444. >you snort looking away
  445. We are not her.
  446. >as your raise your snoot in an imperious manner you take a look at the stars for the first time in days
  447. >the stars from Equus
  448. >despite their beauty you notice they do not change or rotate
  449. >"I understand. I uhh shouldn't have said that."
  450. >his voice brings your focus back to earth
  451. >matters of heaven can wait
  452. You shouldn't
  453. >you walk over to him and gently press your horn to his forehead
  454. >Anon clearly feels the magic coursing into him
  455. >"Wait! What are you doing?"
  456. >to you it seems like nothing has happened
  457. >but to any outside observer it appears he has disappeared
  458. A necessary precaution
  459. >now for the next part
  460. >you trot up to anonymous and begin to charge your horn
  461. >anon despite being blind becomes aware of this and begins to back up clearly nervous.
  462. >you grumble to yourself as a slow gentle beam hits the biped bathing him in blue light
  463. >from your perspective it seems nothing has changed
  464. >but to the rest of the world
  465. >he was invisible if only temporarily
  466. >not only that...
  467. >"I CAN SEE!" He screams at the top of his lungs grabbing onto his face
  468. >"Holy shit I can see."
  469. >He follows this foalish routine up with several jumps before falling over a stump
  470. >it was kind of cute
  471. >in a pathetic sort of way
  472. >"What the fuck is going on?" He asks more confused than anything
  473. Fool, thine eyes are as blind as before.
  474. >you turn aside still acting your part to all the non-sapient animals of the forest
  475. We were merely gracious enough to share our eyesight with thee.
  476. >you scoop him up in your magic as he once again is forced to lean on you
  477. >or at least trail you completely
  478. >"Nightmare, why are you doing this?"
  479. >simple because...
  480. >why were you doing this?
  481. >would it not be easier to leave him here?
  482. >he would surely remain safe and undiscovered
  483. >and even in this state he was a burden.
  484. >never-mind
  485. >you have work to do
  486. Our reasons are above the capabilities of thy puny mind.
  487. >once again genius excuse
  488. >the best way to hide ignorance is pretending the knowledge is top secret
  489. >you turn and see anon shrug before he begins to look over himself
  490. >babbling quietly about how this is like some kind of 'third person video game'
  491. >surely another pointless earth trinket made to sedate the masses
  492. >you'd tell him to keep quiet, but you have to admit
  493. >hearing a voice
  494. >any voice besides your own is quite nice after all those centuries of deaf silence
  495. >and dreamless slumber
  496.  
  497. >you are a hairless biped with flat nails
  498. >so you must be anon!
  499. >right now is probably the weirdest moment of your life
  500. >even weirder than when you got transported to horseland
  501. >currently you are with the corrupted version of your fiance
  502. >the one who essentially had a breakdown and broke your heart in the process
  503. >every night both as a resistance leader you prayed something was possessing her
  504. >because if not, then you Imagine you'd lose all will to live
  505. >to have someone who you loved more than anything to the dark side out of love
  506. >and then immediately see you as a toy for her to sadistically play with was horrifying
  507. >and if it really was her in that castle, did she ever really love you at all
  508. >anyways back to the version you're with now
  509. >yes she's technically Luna's corrupted form
  510. >or at least does a good job imitating her voice
  511. >but she doesn't seem all that... y'know
  512. >corrupted
  513. >she's a bit of a haughty imperious bitch
  514. >and would probably kill somepony if they were sufficiently in her way
  515. >all in all not the kind of pony you'd want to spend much time with if you had the choice
  516. >but she wasn't evil by any stretch of the imagination
  517. >certainly not the kind of mare who'd do this for shits and giggles
  518. >you decide to distract yourself by looking at ponyville, or rather what Nightmare is looking at
  519. >from the angle alone you can see the disdain
  520. >though you can't really blame her for that especially as a would be ruler
  521. >the once vibrant community of Ponyville is in shambles
  522. >armed guards patrol the streets casually snatching produce even from ponies who already bought it
  523. >not that the produce itself is much to write home about either
  524. >the buildings are ramshackle and besides the guards, there's a general feeling of desperation and sadness filling the town that breaks your heart
  525. >especially because you know for a fact it's most likely intentional
  526. >you spot the flower sisters moping about, only Lily and Daisy
  527. >you don't know what happened to Roseluck but you assume whatever happened isn't good
  528. >if you were visible and could actually see where the fuck you were going you'd help them
  529. >or at least try to
  530. >not that it'd do any good
  531. >a bit of you wants to blame yourself
  532. >but a rational part of your mind says that if you could set her off like this, it was only a matter of time
  533. >you turn to Nightmare, trying to hold back the nausea of watching your own head come into her field of vision
  534. Nightmare.
  535. >you whisper
  536. We should help these ponies
  537. >she doesn't move her head eyes still on the prize as she trots swiftly towards the fruit carts
  538. >"And we are."
  539. >oh God, is she gonna say how helping herself is helping others
  540. I mean like actually help them
  541. >she snorts
  542. >"And what good will that do?"
  543. Plenty.
  544. >"Thy planned intervention will make a scant difference in their miserable lives, would a kind gesture or a smattering of meager produce truly make a dent in their suffering?"
  545. Well doing nothing certainly won't.
  546. >"Cretin! We are not doing nothing. We are preparing to create a better Equestria under our rule!"
  547. >That's actually a good argument
  548. >its egotistical and phrased like a Saturday morning villain's monologue but it makes sense
  549. >even if you don't agree with it
  550. >deciding not to push your luck you nod and leave the sisters to their misery
  551. >a few guards leer at the mare who appears to be angrily talking to herself
  552. >you approach the stands
  553. >most of it's hay or other stuff you can't hope to digest
  554. >the only thing that you can actually eat is cabbage
  555. >"Creature, what can thy species eat?"
  556. >you shrug
  557. Fruits, vegetables, meat... really anything you don't graze for.
  558. >"Very well."
  559. >she approaches the cabbage merchant and older pony you've only seen around occasionally
  560. >" Good day. Merchant how much for thine harvest?"
  561. >she'd be incredibly convincing if her vocabulary wasn't 1000 years out of date
  562. >the seller looks confused
  563. >"Er.. the cabbages?"
  564. >"Ay... the Cabbages."
  565. >he shuffles around eyeing the guards nervously
  566. >"Uhh that'll be three bits ma'am."
  567. >with some subtle magic she summons three bits
  568. >you heart sinks as you get a closer look at them
  569. >unlike the modern bit which the other Nightmare hadn't bothered to change
  570. >these were silver
  571. >and the last time you'd seen them had been at the Manehattan Numismatics museum when Twilight dragged you there
  572. >"Uhh I can't take these."
  573. >she huffs again stomping her foot and gritting her just slightly sharper than normal teeth
  574. >"Why not, is this not three pence?"
  575. >the stallion clears his throat unsure of whether to be more afraid of the insane mare or the guards circling like hungry sharks
  576. >"Ma'am. How do I put this these aren't bits."
  577. >Nightmare is now pawing at the ground
  578. >"Not bits, truly thou art a cretin! Dost thou not recognize the currency of thine own principality?"
  579. >"Ma'am I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
  580. >oh shit she's pissed
  581. >"IGNORAMUS! WITH YOUR WITLESS DISPOSITION IT IS NO WONDER THINE VEGETABLES ARE DESSICATED!"
  582. >the stallion stares at her for a few seconds trying to work out just wtf she said
  583. >a look of anger forms with the understanding
  584. >"Hey! Say that to my face!"
  585. >"THAT IS WHAT WE HATH BEEN DOING!"
  586. >before Nightmare can roast the shit out of him Shakespeare style you see she's currently engulfed in a red aura as she's cut off mid sentence
  587. >from what you could gather it was something about the shopkeep's repulsive visage and his low heredity
  588. >you try not to stumble as Nightmare drops to the ground with a rough thud
  589. >"Alright Schizo."
  590. >says a large Pegasus stallion with hair over his eyes
  591. >"Mind telling us just what you're sperging out over?"
  592. >you swear the one in the castle hires high school bullies to be her guards
  593. >a green pegasus mare with a blonde mane kicks her for good measure
  594. >"Tis none of thy concern."
  595. >she growls
  596. >now the mare chimes in struggling not to laugh
  597. >"What makes you think it isn't."
  598. >"The affairs of the mighty are not for the ears of oafish serfs."
  599. >the unicorn, a scrawny red specimen with a sick grin is silent
  600. >still struggling to keep her contained
  601. >now it's time for the Pegasus stallion to speak
  602. >"Hey you wanna say that to my face."
  603. >Nightmare grimaces and looks him straight in where his eyes would be
  604. >defiant as ever
  605. >"Thou art an oaf of the lowest breeding, and thy mother was a strumpet who pleasured griffon sailors for a sixpence."
  606. >he kicks her again
  607. >"Oh really... well let's see whose so high and mighty once we're done with you."
  608. >the three thugs begin to circle her
  609. >they probably didn't consider her enough of a threat to kill
  610. >but what they planned was definitely not pretty
  611. >despite this mare being what amounted to the '(comparitively) good twin of the mare who ruined your life
  612. >you almost felt bad for her
  613. >the almost because just as a hoof fell her horn lit and the burly male Pegasus was sent hurtling into the stone fountain
  614. >clearly breaking a few bones in the process
  615. >in a bit of catlike grace Nightmare got up
  616. >the ambient magic causing her cloak to ripple
  617. >the mare, not expecting the presumably insane and scrawny Unicorn to be able to fight back hesitated before charging
  618. >this was of course a mistake
  619. >Nightmare put her horn to a much different use by quite literally slashing her face
  620. >the mare was lying on the floor screaming now
  621. >clearly not used to being on the receiving end as she covered the wounded side with a hoof
  622. >from the looks of the blood trail you imagine she got an eye
  623. >as Nightmare walks over to the offending mare clearly intending to gloat or extract info you see something from the corner of her eye
  624. >the red unicorn is running at her with a spear
  625. >clearly going for the vital organs
  626. >at the moment Nightmare is too busy being smug to care
  627. >well fuck
  628. >time to do shit you'll regret
  629. >with a swift jab of your hand and a helluva lot of pain you block the spear
  630. >the metal spike no doubt tearing up your left hand quite nicely
  631. >you shout involuntarily though thanks to the spell only Nightmare can hear you
  632. >she turns around still in battle stance, her eyes moving between the spear and your attacker in rapid secession clearly figuring out what had just happened
  633. >she grins
  634. >a grin of t can best be described as confident bloodlust
  635. >it seemed that while the old Nightmare got off on suffering, this one got off on terror
  636. >the spear was levitated in front of the wide eyed guard
  637. >and in a with a loud crack was snapped in two
  638. >you swear you can see a trickle of piss going down his leg
  639. >Nightmare for her part laughs
  640. >it's not the giddy giggling of the other
  641. >if anything it's more like a female version of golden bat
  642. >she moves closer to the Stallion who for his part is attempting to back away
  643. >"Well colt, it seems thy toys are of no avail."
  644. >he nods attempting a smile as several other weapons drop from his saddlebags
  645. >"Still it is not honorable to attack a pony whose back is turned, so we think a punishment is due."
  646. >he nods again at this point
  647. >groveling in hopes of lessening his sentence
  648. >she leans down her voice softening
  649. >"Do not worry little one."
  650. >"We will not hurt a hair on thy head."
  651. >the stallion looks up his voice a whimper
  652. >"P-promise?"
  653. >Nightmare grins
  654. >"Promise~"
  655. >before your assailant can catch his breath you see a spiral of pure darkness shoot out of Nightmare's horn and into his eyes
  656. >she throws her head back, the sound of hoofbeats alerting her to the presence of more guards
  657. >at first he seems fine
  658. >but then a look forms in his eyes
  659. >a look of utter fucking terror
  660. >"Oh buck! Oh harmony get em off!"
  661. >"GET EM OFF!" he's practically crying as his hooves beat against his body in an attempt to remove the invisible creepy crawlies
  662. >his aura beginning to tear at his skin
  663. >that was... new
  664. >your Nightmare had never done that
  665. >could she even do that
  666. >and what the fuck was that to begin with?
  667. >just as quickly as the last time Nightmare shoots another wall of black smoke at the impending wall of guards before grabbing a cabbage in her aura and your non injured hand in her mouth
  668. >soon the screams begin as she begins to pull you into a sprint that your bipedal form can barely keep up with
  669. >you went through alleys and corners that you didn't even know existed when you lived here
  670. >beneath rotting wooden beams and through gaping holes in unused stone structures
  671. >the sound of rats and the occasional shout of a guard only barely audible over the sound of Nightmare's hooves
  672. >after what feels like hours of running
  673. >you find yourself at the ruins of Sugarcube corner
  674. >even though the candy exterior is mostly wood and plaster
  675. >it still looks like all those confections have rotted
  676. >with a quick shuffle and a swift jerk the two of you are inside the decaying bakery
  677. >Nightmare is panting
  678. >"Creature."
  679. >she huffs
  680. Yeah
  681. >you pant
  682. >you immediately feel a mildly hard smack from a hoof to the face
  683. >"Do not ever do anything that reckless."
  684. >you let out a bitter chuckle
  685. >Nice to know you care
  686. >she snorts
  687. >"Hardly thou art simply too valuable of an asset for us to lose."
  688. Sure.
  689. >you feel something soft and wet land at your feet as Nightmare's vision begins to surreally move away from you
  690. >relying solely on your hands you feel wet leaves and veins
  691. >Nightmare sits with a noticeable plop
  692. >"Just eat thy damned vegetables."

Setting Sun, Rising Moon

by Vestal

Bilunar System (Ongoing)

by Vestal