CHAPTER 3: CONSEQUENCES

Nightmare Moon sat within her realm, her stone throne worn and cracked, looking as if it would crumble over at any moment. She was bored, so very bored, nothing in her own realm entertained her in such days. She would just remain idle in her own quiet fury, wallowing in her failed attempt at taking over Equestria. The memories burned her mind, scorched her very soul at the thought of how she'd been so humiliatingly defeated by Twilight Sparkle; a mare not even a fraction of her age, with a simple teleportation spell no less! And just when she got the perfect chance for revenge, here comes a little creature willing to ruin her attempts for nothing, only losing her consciousness, her only connection to the living world in the process. Nightmare Moon was not amused, nor did she pity the pathetic creature, it paid the consequences for its actions.

Or had it?

Nightmare Moon saw everything within her realm, like a god overlooking its entire world with ease. But there was never anything interesting to look at usually. Ponies had nightmares yes, but not even she could influence them as much these days, not with Luna up and about at least. So all she had were the manifestations of the nightmares themselves, here in her own realm. They were mindless creatures, beasts, that didn't know what to do with themselves majority of the time besides fight one another. Then there were the darker individuals, ones who'd been personally created by their dreamers, and their sole purpose being their creators; they kept to themselves, in the darkest corners of this place. Still, ultimately, this realm held nothing of interest, nothing but a land of savagery and twisted doppelgangers waiting for days that never came. It was almost depressing even to Nightmare Moon herself.

But in recent times however, there was still that persistent little creature. How come it hadn't been killed off entirely yet? Its soul should've been consumed long ago. Yet somehow it still drifted through her lands, she'd never have expected it to make it far, yet it had. She hated to admit the idea of being impressed, but she couldn't deny that she was ever so slightly. She just sat upon her throne, a bored look on her face as she'd raised her brow, looking ahead in her barren empty throne room, almost as if whatever she was looking at was on display in front of her at the moment. No, there was nothing but her within her broken palace, but she was very much watching an entire scene take place.

It was far-off from her castle, a couple of miles, towards a land of toppled ruins and a bottomless lake of black water. Broken towers and submerged houses strewn about the area. it was almost as if the lake were once the location of an entire city or fortress, and somehow that settlement had crumbled and sunk deep into the black depths. Nightmare Moon closed her eyes halfway as she sighed, "Do you truly expect to make it here, foolish little soul?"

At the lake, sitting within the second level of one of the numerous broken towers, was the baby draconequus. For obvious reasons, she looked transparent, almost like a ghost; in this realm, she had no real body. She was spiritual, wandering in a place ones like herself often didn't see. It wasn't often anything other than a creature from actual nightmares had arrived in this realm, the once living, beings who'd once possessed actual bodies of their own, weren't meant to tread in these lands. This world was practically the accumulation of all the ill will in existence, the place where bad dreams & memories were dumped. I guess one could say the little creature did fit in somewhat, seeing as she looked like something that'd come from a nightmare. With such a twisted appearance, it wouldn't be surprising if some manifestations actually ignored her.

The baby draconequus just sat upon the dusty stone floor, and it was fascinating; although she was astral, although she was spiritual, much like every other creature here, she could touch and feel things as if she were solid. She was currently leaned over, sketching something on the ground with a rock, lines of gray outlining her drawings. She didn't really know what she was drawing, she didn't even know how she'd come to arrive in this place. It was all so strange to her, she felt as if she were incomplete, as if a big piece of her life were missing, and she couldn't make any sense of it.

All she could remember was she'd woken up here, depressingly enough she still had a pretty good idea around the aspects of death, which she'd assumed what'd happened. She was dead, and in the afterlife most likely. She kept her head covered in a tattered gray banner, she'd been here long enough to already know the importance of blending in with the environment. Something that she found peculiar, and that same something which'd irked Nightmare Moon, was her survival capabilities.

Nightmare Moon couldn't pertain whether it was just stupid luck, or she actually knew how to survive even in such impossibly hazardous terrain. Who exactly was this draconequus? Nightmare Moon could only wonder, and she told herself she wasn't interested in finding out,  that this draconequus didn't deserve the honor of seeing her a second time. But she also didn't expect the draconequus to survive this long, especially without her powers. She had to give her some credit though, this was the same creature that Twilight Sparkle was so desperate to be rid of that she'd bucked her off her only means of escape, which meant she must've been quite a threat in her previous life, and she was certainly proving to be such. Even now, Nightmare Moon couldn't help but feel a little amused in the creature's plan. She knew it, the creature was on her way to her very palace, her empty hollow castle; for safety reasons. This creature had already journeyed so far just to make it here, Nightmare Moon couldn't deny her castle certainly looked like the most secure area in this entire realm.

It was almost insulting how far the little creature had made it, funny.

The baby draconequus was drawing pictures of books, school materials in particular, poorly sketched desks, and even ponies. She looked at each of them, with a blank and clueless expression, she wanted to make sense of these things, but she just couldn't. She felt as if she should be able to, but nothing ever came to mind. She just sulked as she'd looked angry, frustrated, tossing the rock at the stone wall with a groan, as it bounced and tumbled out and over the edge, into the black abyssal lake. She wasn't cold, but for safety precautions she'd wrapped herself around in the gray banner, hiding herself completely. At least she could get a moments peace, for now.

Outside the towers, one could see large grotesque tentacles flailing about wildly at the far edges, one eyed canines tearing at each other hungrily as some were dragged into the dark seas if they'd drifted too close towards one of the slithery tentacles. In the distance further behind them, were mountains of blue flame, followed by beaten trails of purple stones, paths paved at the sides with broken bones. The wastes of the land was home to many assortment of creatures, wandering aimlessly, lacking any destination unlike the small creature who felt that was her only motivation. As the inhabitants of the nightmare continued to fight, killing one another, crying out in pain and roaring with ferocity, while others laughed and some sobbed, the baby draconequus covered her ears, attempting to block out all the faintly disturbing ambiance. She'd looked frustrated by the noise, but as she just laid on her side staring at nothing, her expression sunk, and she just turned to the opposite side. Although sleeping here was pointless, she found comfort in keeping her eyes closed.

As if denying the existence of the world around her, she remained in that position, silent and still.

"Loyal subjects! Tonight, we shalt bring an end to the nightmare!" Princess Luna raised a hoof in the form of a cheering gesture, speaking in her royal canterlot voice. She spoke with fierce determination, as spread about on the opposite side of the room would be four dark portals. Rifts in the very dimension they were standing in, complex magic in the category of time, and nearly impossible to achieve. The draconequus Rift, awaited beside them with her arms crossed. Princess Luna glanced over the entire guard, everypony all lined up and ready to go. She took notice of Rainbow Dash as well, who'd been standing in a stationary position with a military baring beside the Wonderbolts. It brought a smile to the alicorn's face as she smirked, continuing. "Tonight, we shalt mark the end of yet another dark chapter of our lives my loyal subjects. Tonight shalt be a night to remember, it will be the night we show the world the pony resolve, and our tenacity to protect and ensure the safety, the overall happiness, of our subjects! Tonight, we bring back with us, closure!"

The ponies each cheered at that moment, stomping their hooves in confident roars.

Princess Celestia made her way beside Princess Luna, ensuring to keep her voice down. "Sister, why must you feel the need to give such a speech? You know how I feel about this, must you make matters worse?"

Princess Luna frowned, whispering back, "Oh quiet now big sister, I won't let this Eve tarnish your reputation, whether you like it or not. You have spent countless ages protecting these lands, raising the sun for everypony to bask in its warmth and radiance, doing whatever you could to ensure harmony would be everlasting. Do you really expect me to let you throw yourself away for some creature who'd passed up a chance to protect these lands just like you have? Eve made her choice, and now she shall pay the consequences for her actions. I pity her yes, but rules are instilled for a reason, she broke those rules, attacked our home, and for what? She is now on the run." Princess Luna smiled, "But not for much longer, I assure you. Worry not sister, we shalt retrieve her alive for you, but just this once, allow me to protect you also."

Princess Celestia's expression sunk as she looked down with regretful eyes.

Princess Luna scanned the room, "Wheeeere has Twilight Sparkle gone off to?"

Twilight Sparkle was outside of the castle, going down her own personal trip of memory lane. Re-instilling the sense of conviction she had within herself, convincing herself that these crimes couldn't go unanswered for. She was accompanied by some of her personal guard, trained ponies from the country of Magistrum. It was really fortunate of their leaders to lend them such dedicated soldiers, especially one of Twilight's personal escorts, and another's recommendation, one known as Captain Noteworthy. His coat was a pale yellow shade, like the grains of sand from that of Saddle Arabia, as his mane almost mimicked Twilight's in the sense it had two completely different colors, parted, them a dark shade of blue and yellow, while his tail was a possessed an extra, lighter shade of blue. He stood next to Princess Twilight as she'd just continued to sit, looking up towards the destroyed buildings which were still under reconstruction. Her eyes saddened.

The rest of the guard of Magistrum remained silent, as did Captain Noteworthy.

The area looked abandoned, the only individuals being Twilight and her guard, it was almost foreboding how silent it was. Before the attack on Canterlot, this area used to be bustling with such life, an area no different from any other, one that'd consisted of stores, homes, adults and children, but now it'd been reduced to this. Only a place which reminded ponies of tragic memories, unsuspecting ponies who'd been attacked in their homes, ones who'd most likely never forget the horror they'd witnessed that day. The horror that was still out there, unpunished. "This isn't the way Equestria is supposed to be."

Captain Noteworthy raised a brow at Princess Twilight, "These times will pass Princess Twilight, don't lose faith."

Princess Twilight nodded, closing her eyes before looking back towards Captain Noteworthy. "I assure you Captain, that's the exact opposite of what I'm doing. I do have faith, and I know deep down inside, that tonight, we'll succeed. I can't thank the country of Magistrum enough for their support." She turned, smiling at the Captain, "I grew up only hearing stories of your home, Princess Celestia always gave me hint to how big the world truly was, how many possibilities were out there, Magistrum only being one of them. It's good to know that there are friends outside these borders, rather than monsters." She looked to the lower left, "Monsters like Eve." Twilight's expression only got worse, her angry steadily boiling within her, rising. "Ever since she came into our lives, things have become so conflicting, so confusing, so disastrous."

Captain Noteworthy then looked up towards one of the toppled buildings himself, lost in his own thoughts regarding the situation. It was as Princess Twilight said, the world was huge, and it did hold so many possibilities. It was only natural one couldn't find themselves caring about every single little thing, and every individual who'd had bad things happen to them. Even now, although he didn't want to admit it, Captain Noteworthy found this situation a little distracting from his own personal concerns, but he certainly admired Princess Twilight's resolve in protecting her home;it reminded him of himself.

But Magistrum had its own problems, and if he hadn't heard of a certain individual having been attacked, one he cared about greatly, by this Eve, then he'd have been home dealing with those issues. But there was somepony here he couldn't let go of, not even with his steadfast dedication to the rulers of Magistrum, there was one pony to him, that rose above all the rest. Though, that was a story for another time, for the world being as big as it was, there was a time for every story, and now was not the time for his. He looked back towards Princess Twilight, ensuring her she had his full attention.

But he'd sure as hay ensure this Eve didn't get a chance at attacking the one he'd cared about most a second time.

Twilight sighed tiredly, "I wonder if this will follow me me forever sometimes. You'd think after dealing with these sort of things for so long, they'd get any easier, at least, I thought they would." Princess Twilight raised her hoof, looking down at it questioningly. "My friends and I, we defeated the infamous Mare of the Moon. We prevented Equestria from falling into disharmony from the embodiment of chaos himself. We helped push back the changelings during their invasion of Canterlot. We helped prevent the destruction of the Crystal Empire from the tyranny of King Sombra." She paused, as her face darkened. "Even I, journeyed across to an entirely different world, shortly after my coronation to retrieve my crown. Everything I've done, everywhere I've been, things would always go bad, but we always managed to pull through in the end. Then, this happened." She looked back up towards the destruction Eve had caused. "I failed, failed to protect my closest friends, the home I grew up in, and my subjects. I failed them all," she closed her eyes lowering her head. "Was I so wrong in wanting to just to keep everypony safe? It's funny, I tried so hard to keep everypony out of harm's way, and in the end this happened anyway."

She looked ahead, a fierce determination burning in her eyes. "Eve has shown me just how cruel this world can be, how heartless somepony can be when chasing after their own ideals. Eve could've gone about this in a different way, she could've attempted pursuing the gifts of friendship, instead she attacked my family, hurt those I cared most about. She's taught me that not everything can be solved through ordinary means, sometimes things will get tough beyond anything we've experienced, that sometimes we'll fail. She's taught me the true meaning of consequence, and maybe if I didn't expect her to just walk away the first time, trust that she'd understand the reasons why she couldn't come to Ponyville, then things could've been different. Now she's still out there," Twilight paused once again, her anger only becoming more definite. "But tonight, we'll teach her the definition of consequence as well. Tonight, she'll suffer just as much as we've suffered in dealing with her, of trying to reason with her. Tonight, with everything I've learned, with my friends by my side, I'll put an end to this nightmare; tonight, we'll show her the true power of harmony."

"Princess Twilight?"

Twilight's eyes widened, as she'd turned to look at the barer of that unfamiliar voice, as did some of her guard. What she saw was a little filly holding a bouquet of flowers, accompanied by a larger mare, which she'd assumed was a close family member? Maybe her mother. Twilight looked shocked for a second, before putting on a smile, and immediately trotting on over to the little filly, lowering her frame somewhat. "O-Oh, hello there little pony, y-yep, Princess Twilight, that's me. Eheh, uuuhm..." Twilight nervously began twirling her hoof around in circles on the concrete, a little embarrassed about introducing herself in such a manner. She then looked to both the older mare and the filly, "So, what're you two doing out here so late? You should probably head on home."

The little filly's eyes saddened as she shook her head, tightening her grip on the flowers. "N-No, it's okay. I didn't want to go to sleep tonight, I wanted to come pay my respects to my big brother."

Twilight's eyes widened, as she backed away some, "Y-Your brother?"

The filly nodded, "Mhm, Momma and I wanted to come out and pay respects our to him, he's gone now. He always wanted to be a part of the guard, Momma always told him it was too dangerous but he didn't listen, so now he's gone." She paused, as she made her way past Twilight, lowering the flowers onto the ground near the building. "They wouldn't let me look at him when they buried him, so I just wanted to come say goodbye one last time."

The mother surprisingly remained silent, as she looked the same as her daughter, in pain, distraught.

Twilight made her way over to the little filly once again, placing a hoof atop her head. "I'm...I'm so sorry to hear that, for the both of you. It breaks my heart to think you've had to go through such a thing. I also have a brother, he's busy with other duties now, but he used to be in the Canterlot Guard. If he hadn't gotten married, he probably would've been hurt to, so I have a very deep connection to those in the guard. You must be very upset little one, at the one who did this." Twilight lowered her head, looking the filly in the eyes with concern.

The little filly was silent for a moment, before glancing down at the ground, then back up at Twilight hesitantly. The little filly then shook her head, "I....I thought I would be, but, no...Not really."

Twilight's eyes then widened, as she looked dumbfounded, clueless. "W-What!?" She'd actually raised her voice and her frame angrily, as she peered down at the filly. "What do you mean you aren't upset!? That makes no sense! She hurt your brother, took away your family! That doesn't make any sense! Don't you care?"

The filly looked up at Princess Twilight wide eyed, before looking down solemnly once more. "I-I do care! But Big Brother always told me though that there might be a day when something like this happened, he told me the guard was a dangerous job, but he also told me that it was an honor to die in the service of protecting Princesses like you, in protecting everypony, in protecting us." She shook her head, "I'm sometimes scared that the monster will come back to get us, but, I just feel so confused after seeing the monster look so sad. I wish I could know why it did such mean things."

Twilight was speechless, what was this nonsense? This filly couldn't be serious.

The filly's mother then made her way next to her daughter, before rubbing the top of her head, a soft smile creeping onto her face before she herself looked to Princess Twilight in a caring demeanor. "Forgive us Princess Twilight, we,...we're not saying that we agree with what happened back then, we were furious at the time. I was so angry, I'd wanted to strangle that draconequus myself, to see her beg for mercy, to afflict the same pain to her that she'd afflicted on me, on my family,....but..." The mare's expression washed away momentarily, as she looked lost in remembrance. "Then we saw something..."

The baby draconequus stood in the Canterlot Courtyard, shortly after her frightening metamorphosis, her eyes fastened on the concrete, decorated with the blood of her enemies.

She'd paused, "I saw pain in those crimson eyes that night. Pain I felt I could never fully understand. I struggled with finding the answers, with understanding why I'd felt pity for a creature that'd done such horrible things. Who'd took my precious son away from me. But it wasn't long after that, we saw something else as well."

The baby draconequus walked, her cheek a pale purple color from a slap she'd just received from that puffy maned mare. She stopped however, looking towards the frightened crowd, as they all looked at her in fear. Even the mother and daughter, close to one another in a tight embrace as dirt and grime decorated their coats and they trembled, looking at the monster who'd attacked their home. Then they all saw something they never expected to see.

They all saw tears, definite tears coursing down the creature's face as she looked at each and every one of them. She looked hurt, pained, full of regret and shame, sorrow for what she'd done. It was only a fleeting moment, but it was all they needed, the creature spread her wings soon after, taking flight and disappearing off into the distant night sky with haste.

That fleeting moment, that one periodic stare, was enough to leave an imprint on their minds. An unforgettable memory.

The mare continued, "I saw a broken heart, sincerity. I saw one who'd obviously felt torn apart by what she'd done, many of us saw it that night. Although I won't say we all share the same opinion, I myself feel I can't judge this draconequus, not until I know for certain why she did what she did. I cannot bring myself to forgive her at this point, but I cannot bring myself to hate her either; as for my daughter, I guess it's only obvious just how much she takes after her mother." The mare chuckled, "Forgive us Princess, it's just-" She paused, glancing down once again. "After seeing such a thing, nothing seemed to make sense. That draconequus, it attacked our city, only to let us all go in the end? Only to shed tears and sob in her departure? Why would she do this?" The mare winced a bit as she kept her eyes fastened on the ground, "Unless there was some other reason. Something we don't know, that we don't understand. I only wish I could hear it from her myself...at least once." She looked down towards her own daughter, remaining silent, but finding some sense of comparison between the two. "Maybe it's just the fact I have a daughter that causes this old mare to reconsider so much hmhm..."

Twilight was furious, as she'd just stomped past the two angrily. "TCH!!!" She couldn't believe it! Now even her own subjects were considering these sorts of things!? Making her absently think about these sorts of things!? She was doing this for them, she was doing this for everypony! Has Eve truly twisted their way of thinking so much that they'd even forgive her for attacking their home!? Was she truly that appealing to them!? She was a monster! She'd attacked everypony! Attacked them all! She was wrong, wrong, wrong! And she herself wasn't wrong for leaving her in the realm of nightmares!

Twilight stopped. Her eyes wide.

Why did she suddenly drift back to that? Why did her mind suddenly draw back to the moment where she'd bucked Eve off, left her to perish in that realm? No! She wasn't wrong for doing that! She wasn't wrong! She couldn't harbor any feelings of doubt, she felt no doubt! No, she wouldn't let Eve get to her to. Twilight looked frustrated, her eyes saddened as she gritted her teeth angrily, before snapping, "Let's go!!" She then continued on her way back towards the castle.

The mother glanced back worriedly at the departing Princess Twilight before looking to Captain Noteworthy. "P-Please, forgive us, we didn't mean to offend the Princess, we were only saying what we felt."

Captain Noteworthy smiled at them before shaking his head. "It's fine ma'am, she just has quite a bit of pressure on her at the time being; please, after your done paying your respects, head on home for your own safety." He nodded before looking to the remaining guard who still hadn't gone with a smile, "Let's go everypony." Then along with the Captain, they all began trotting their way over to Princess Twilight, ensuring not to create too much distance with her.

Twilight practically snarled at this point, unable to let go of what those two had just said. Why, why, why, why was she apparently the only sane one amongst them!? Well, it made sense, they hadn't seen what she seen, what Eve had done since the moment her twisted little self had stepped into Ponyville. Since she'd threatened Spike and Apple Bloom, since she'd nearly trapped them all in the realm of nightmares with Nightmare Moon. They saw her at the Crystal Empire however, they saw her insanity, what she'd done! She attacked, threatened everypony alike! Yet here these two were, acting just as ignorant as Cheerilee. They were ponies living in denial, ponies still living in the pretty perfect world of happiness and endless harmony!

Well the world wasn't working in that way at this moment! It was a mean and nasty place! It was threatening to tear her apart from her friends, her loved ones, now even her own subjects! Eve was causing chaos even when she wasn't around apparently. Twilight couldn't take this anymore, she would put an end to this, she'd capture Eve, show the world the monster for what she was! Show them that they wouldn't be wrong in seeing her for the kidnapping, murdering, assaulting criminal she was! Twilight knew she was right. She, was, not, wrong! She didn't do something horrible that day, she didn't hurt an innocent child, she didn't tear that child from the only family she had left. She wasn't in the wrong.

Twilight's expression suddenly looked pained. She just couldn't have been wrong....

Then that would mean......No, she could feel it deep down within herself, she'd done what she had to...didn't she?

Princess Luna looked grumpy to say the least, "Twilight Sparkle! There you are, we've been waiting for you!"

As Twilight made it back to the departure room, it also being the same room they held the meeting in earlier, she'd looked surprised to see that everypony had been waiting for her. She sighed, to think out of all ponies they'd be waiting for her in the end, how could she let herself get distracted like that?

Twilight frowned some. "Forgive me Princess Luna, we ran into a small distraction along the way here."

Princess Luna sighed herself as she then looked back towards the portals, ready to depart. "It's fine, just don't let it happen again if the occasion were to ever occur. Now," She looked ahead towards the portals, as did everypony else. Everypony was ready, and as Twilight accompanied by her guards made her way over beside the draconequus Havoc, she looked over by Rainbow Dash and the Wonderbolts as Rainbow took notice of her glance and nodded back to her. Princess Luna continued, "Remember everypony! Have courage, have faith, and trust in one another, and know we cannot fail. Together we are strong, the enemy, no matter how powerful she is, does not understand the ideals that connect us here in Equestria. We will succeed! Swiftly, silently, effectively! She shall be caught off guard, this, is our moment, of triumph!" Princess Luna raised a hoof, as did the rest of the ponies in salute. "Now let us be off!" And with that, Princess Luna spread her wings, as she and Rift made their way into their portal, disappearing into the violet abyss from within.

Princess Celestia who stood towards the back with Discord, muttered. "Goodluck dear sister, please be careful."

Many of the other ponies followed in suit, proceeding into their portals.

The Wonderbolts fastened on their goggles, as Spitfire nudged Rainbow Dash. "Ready for this Rainbow Dash!?"

Rainbow gulped, in all honesty she wasn't. She was a nervous wreck, but she didn't let it show. Was this really all such a big deal, just to deal with one kid draconequus!? It was crazy. Rainbow could only wonder where the others were. It'd been nearly two days, yet they still weren't here! Well, she didn't give them enough credit, considering the fact her and Twilight had wings. Well, Fluttershy had wings also, but she also wasn't very motivated to come after that encounter with Twilight she could imagine. Nonetheless she fastened on a pair of goggles herself, nodding to Spitfire. "Y-Yea!"

She spread out her wings, mentally preparing herself. Then with a swift and powerful flap, Spitfire shot into their portal, as did Soarin and the rest of the flight-suited pegasi, alongside some guard pegasi. Rainbow sighed heavily as she spoke softly to herself, "Well, here we go...." She looked to Twilight, as Twilight looked back at her, then nodding simply, plainly, almost absently to the mare.

Rainbow looked ahead, flapping her wings and shooting straight into her portal as she disappeared along with the rest.

Twilight took one last look at Princess Celestia almost in annoyance, as if she felt betrayed.

Princess Celestia trotted towards the mare hesitantly, "Twilight please recon-"

Twilight looked ahead, proceeding towards her portal. "Let's go, we can't afford to waste another second." Then Twilight, utterly ignoring her teacher's words for the time being, proceeded into the portal. But she took a second to glance back at Princess Celestia with a piercing stare. Which sent a shiver down the sun alicorn's spine. Havoc didn't fail to notice Twilight's look either, as he raised a brow somewhat, before proceeding with Twilight into the portal, as did Captain Noteworthy, their rift closing behind them.

It felt so fleeting, one moment everypony was there, and now they were gone. Gone off to some distant land to apprehend one of the most dangerous criminals Equestria has ever seen.

Princess Celestia's eyes saddened as she quietly spoke beneath her breath. "Twilight..."

Discord with his arms crossed had actually looked at Celestia worriedly for a moment, then back ahead, lost in thought. He raised his paw, before muttering, "Well then, on with the show," and snapped.

Eve.

I guess one couldn't accurately describe Eve's reaction to the sudden happenings on her island, for it came absolutely out of nowhere. Swift, silent, unexpected, mysterious. Everything seemed to be going along perfectly, it'd been an ordinary night, one she'd made warm for her subjects through her powers, even with her new toll. It was as if one moment, the stars were displayed overhead, and in the next, a blue impenetrable mist started to spread high above the landscape, covering the very clouds and over; it was strange, and she just couldn't explain what she was feeling. It felt ominous, yet it looked beautiful; and unaware, she wasn't the only one who'd noticed it. She just looked up to the sky with wide observing eyes from within her garden, staring silently upward, as even Nightmare Moon seemed skeptical from within. "What is that?"

Nightmare Moon remained silent, observing from within her own realm with a raised brow.

Princess Luna remained stationary above the clouds, as she'd closed her eyes and spread her forehooves. "Let us all begin everypony, I shall relay any dire information any of you come across, I shall be your voice. Rift will also be able to assist us, she shall be our eyes, this is no game everypony, this is the real thing. Let's ensure they realize that."

Rift remained stationary beside Princess Luna, her arms crossed as she'd looked down towards the vast island. "Hmm..."

Mr.Talon and Ms.Prowl looked up from the throne room balcony as they were also silent. Citizens who walked in the streets, children who played, paused to take a moment to look skyward as they stopped and informed one another of the happening. Was it a rare weather condition, something that only came every once in awhile? Nopony could tell. Even the guards found themselves mesmerized by the beautiful sighting, as the mist only continued to spread, steadily reaching towards each end of the island.

Mr Komo and Ms Tusk took this moment to stop arguing as did the rest of the guard as they joined the rest of the island, looking up with fascination. Mr Sham, and Rex, who'd been patrolling through a more tropical area, also looked up. If one could take notice of every single individual on the island, one would see well over majority of them couldn't turn away from the mist, couldn't deny it's starry gloomy supernatural appearance. Not even the wild creatures that'd inhabited the land, the parasprites, the cockatrice, timberwolves, just what was going on? What could possibly create such a sighting?

Not even Eve.

Nightmare Moon however from within her realm, only continued to stare as she froze, coming to realize what exactly was happening on the island. "Eve!" She'd spoken hurriedly.

Eve raised a brow, a little thrown off by the fact Nightmare Moon had actually said her name in such a manner. She stuttered a bit as she looked a little frightened due to the tone of voice the mare had used. "Y-Yes? What's wrong?"

Nightmare Moon rose to all fours from within her realm, "This is a lunar spell!"

Eve was silent as she looked down towards her flowers, listening intently to the mare's words.

"There is only one mare I know capable of performing one such as this, this is no lights show child!" There was only one capable of this, but that'd mean Eve was right, that'd mean they really hadn't forgotten what the draconequus had done? What had she'd done that'd compel Luna herself to jump into the frey in such a manner, to use such a massive spell on an entire colony of creatures? Was this girl really such a threat? "The only one I know of that could succeed with such a spell is, myself."

A look of shock came over the baby draconequus as the realization was only more definite, "P-Princess Luna? Then the equestrians are..they're-" she paused as her heart raced, that would mean they had finally arrived.

Nightmare Moon snapped, "What're you just sitting there for!? Run stupid girl! Once its engulfed this land whole, there'll be nowhere for you to go without her taking notice of your position! And I'm fairly certain she didn't come alone!" The mare stomped a hoof, "Up, now, this instant! Up up up!" Whatever was happening, Princess Luna wasn't playing any games, that much was obvious, she was meaning to put the whole island in a possibly permanent sleep with such a spell! They were practically assaulting an entirely different land for the sake of one enemy? Were they insane!? This wasn't Luna nor Celestia's style, only a criminal of banishment level or higher could compel them to do such a thing.

Eve rose to feet hurriedly, "O-Okay!" They'd talked about this day, she knew this day would be coming eventually, but now that it was actually here, it all felt so overwhelming. It was time for her to say goodbye to everything she'd created, it was now time for her to go, and there would be no time for sentimental farewells. At this moment, she thought back to the letter that she'd left in her drawer. Her eyes saddened, as Nightmare Moon cut into her thoughts.

"They will find it! Now stop dawdling and get moving!" Nightmare Moon didn't even notice her own sudden rise in emotion, what were these feelings coursing through her? Yet she felt she couldn't deny them, not one bit. Her eyes never left the view of the blue mist, spreading over the landscape, its progress only rapidly increasing. The moment caused her to think back to the strange draconequus who'd entered her realm, a moment that felt like so long ago. That creature, one who'd humored her with her own defeat, her soul left to perish in the realm of nightmares. She didn't care for the foolish creature, she was an idiot and a fool, one who'd deserved what she got for aiding the mane six.

She was only a sliver of entertainment in this black torturous eternity she'd been forced to dwell in, that was it, yet now here she was, actually attempting to aid in her escape, warning her. Nightmare Moon wanted to think on it, to define these feelings she had within herself but she couldn't now wasn't the time. Why did she even care about this draconequus's well being? She felt pathetic, just cause this creature decided to keep her company, meant she now felt compelled to help her? What sort of reasoning was that, she wasn't a weak lonely mare, she was Nightmare Moon! Yet, still....

I'm a prisoner in my own ways Ms Moon, just like you.

Eve left her private gardens hurriedly as she stood on a upper level of her castle, but at that moment a blue flash of light had shot across the entire landscape in an instant, and it was no ordinary flash. Another indescribable feeling, one that'd come out of nowhere, her eyes felt heavy as she fell to one knee, getting dizzy. She felt the weight crushing down on her as she wanted to do nothing more than to sleep in that moment, so this really was happening. How clever of them, to have attacked during such a time, if Princess Luna was here, did that mean Twilight Sparkle was as well? Did they already know where she was? Was she already surrounded? Destiny would be the answer to that. Eve raised her claw as she'd snapped  her sharp fingers, but to no avail as she felt herself slouching over, wanting to curl into a ball and drift off. But out of nowhere, her eyes had snapped wide as she felt renewed with energy once again, awake, unable to sleep.

Nightmare Moon snapped again, "THERE, NOW GO!!!"

Eve nodded plainly as she'd raised her cowl, and snapped her claw, her crystal candy cane appearing strapped to her back as she'd hurried towards the castle door, "Will the others be alright?"

Nightmare Moon placed a hoof over her face, "Yes! But now's not the time to be worrying about others."

Mr Talon and Ms Prowl laid back to back, unconscious, as did many of the citizens in the streets, face down on the concrete.

Nightmare Moon continued, "Worry about yourself!"

Eve had actually looked somewhat worried, frightened, for all her powers why did this all still seem so overwhelming, so paralyzing. Her fears would only be more confirmed as she'd looked to the sky to see it was now fully covered in blue mist, only in a matter of seconds was it able to stretch so far and spread so fast, this was Princess Luna they were dealing with of course. They must've taken in the possibility that more physically harmful spells would do no good, but like at the Crystal Empire, sleeper spells tended to have a more productive effect. And suddenly, something even more frightening had made its appearance overhead in the sky, actually, multiple ones. Which sent a shiver down the baby draconequus's spine, causing her to feel stuck, frozen in place. A multitude of yellow serpent's eyes, wide and all seeing, appeared all over the skies, followed by a feminine voice, which Eve couldn't recognize.

Phase 1 complete, all inhabitants neutralized.

Eve blinked, what was this? "N-Nightmare?.....Is this Luna as well?"

Nightmare Moon felt the pressure rising, as she snarled angrily. Why did she feel so furious, so angry, what were these own fears she had? Everything was happening so fast, even the things she never even knew she had, these strange emotions. She shook her head, her expression worsening with dread, "No...."

Phase 2 initiated. Group 1, rapidly closing in on their destination.

The eyes shifted, scanning over the island observantly, searchingly. The sky now an impenetrable deep blue, as if they were trapped in an entirely different realm of their own. These eyes, as if they belonged to some all knowing god, a god looking for something, and Eve knew exactly who it was that they were looking for, the answer was only obvious.

Group 2, in position, moving to their destination.

They certainly were making it interesting. Eve expression saddened, she didn't know why she felt sad, this was to be expected of course, she'd attacked the perfect society. Her punishment was only fitting, the least she could do was face the coming end with some courage, so she put on a determined expression, as she made way for the castle. Phasing through the wooden doors on her level, and breaking off into a sprint. Nightmare, is there any vulnerabilities in this spell? Is there a way out?

Nightmare Moon squinted a bit, noticing Eve was making her way through the now darkened halls of her castle. Her hoof and clawed foot trekking upon the tiled marble floors, as she turned hallways, "The spell begins from the center point, from both the top and bottom, meaning it will start at one of the highest points in the sky, and one of the deepest points in the ocean, beneath the island itself. It works its way around, until the target location is encased entirely in a sphere of lunar mist, your time is certainly limited child. If Luna remains stationary, she shall have no trouble preparing the entire area." Her expression sunk some.

Eve, although attempting to catch her breath a little, chuckled.

Nightmare Moon winced, "Now's not the time to be giggling! What're you doing!?"

Eve smiled, "I'm sorry, I'm just happy we're actually not fighting or arguing."

CRASH!

And suddenly bursting through a window would be a lone figure, a goggled pony as his lenses were glowing a bright yellow color, a light to penetrate the darkness. He looked in Eve's direction as his blue jumpsuit masked his expression, he just stood there, staring at Eve for a moment in silence. As the draconequus looked at him with a piercing stare of her own, her face expressing nothing in itself, as she slowly unsheathed her crystal candy cane.

The pony then raised a hoof to his head, "P-Princess! The target is awake! I repeat, the target is awake!"

The baby draconequus lunged at the lone figure, swinging her candy cane and not to the pony's surprise, the force of the blow to his face was effective to say the least, knocking him out instantly. Eve raised her candy cane, revealing that in a mere instant she'd manifested a large jolly rancher at the end, having manipulated the gravitational force of her weapon, and the weight of her candy cane itself increasing the overall damage of the blow. The pony slouched down lifelessly as she just looked at him, that familiar equestrian crest marked upon his suit. She just stared solemnly at the crest in silence.

Nightmare Moon snapped once again, "You can't waste anymore time!"

Eve now spoke plainly, clenching her candy cane. "It appears they didn't count on me being awake, but, there is no escape for me anyhow. Can't you hear them Nightmare? And now they know where I am." She got in a defensive stance, raising her candy cane in front of her torso as she just stood in the hallway. "The ponies know what I'm capable of, even if I were to attempt to make it to the opening of the island Nightmare Moon, those eyes will find me." She smiled softly to herself, "Those are the hoofsteps of determination."

And suddenly appearing at the end of the hallway would be even more guards, wearing goggles as they'd caught sight of the draconequus.

Eve winced at the group of them before frowning some. If I have to run, then I'll have to defend myself as well. As I always have.

A mass proportion of guards all flew and shot backwards, their bodies flying about the halls as they'd each groaned upon the cold marble floor, some male, some female, saying nothing ultimately, motionless.

Eve made her way past them slowly, scanning every new area she stepped into intently. Just how many guards had they brought with them? Probably enough to topple an army she could imagine. I will make my way towards the fields, perhaps if I stop Princess Luna, this spell will end. She turned making her way into the the banquet room, at the opposite end seeing an open door which lead to another hallway, as well as the large wooden table still with all sorts of food spread about the top. Eve's eyes widened a bit as suddenly appearing at the opposite doorway would be more guards, eyes locking onto her almost immediately as they shouted.

"Target sighted! We only have to distract her a little while longer everypony!" And without hesitation, they lunged their spears towards the draconequus, as Eve reacted absently, the wooden table rising with powerful telekinetic magic and blocking her path as well as the spears. She then tossed the table straight towards the masked guards as she leaped upward, her candy cane attaching to the ceiling as she phased onto the upper level of that floor.

It looks like they've got the entire castle filled at this point. She was now in another hallway as she'd noticed a window at the far end, she broke off into a sprint towards it.

Nightmare Moon just continued to look up with a worried look. "Eve, think about what it is you're doing! You're willingly going up against my former self, I don't care how powerful you think you are! Luna is not one to fall for the same tricks twice. You're being idiotic, don't do this! You may still be able to escape if you just have a little more faith stupid girl!"

Eve lowered her head, just attempting to make idle conversation as she raced for the window. "Tell me, Nightmare Moon, is it lonely where you are? Will you be alright?" She'd looked worried, "Maybe, even in this short window of time, I can manage something for you, maybe there's still a chance."

Nightmare Moon's expression worsened once more as she shook her head. "Stop worrying about things that don't matter! THAT, is your biggest fault! Don't you realize what's at stake here? For once, stop making idiotic decisions! How does one like you manage to end up in these sort of situations!? I'll tell you why, because that sincerity, that childish behavior, it's your own downfall! It shall be the death of you! To invade my realm, and actually stay to save that blasted Twilight Sparkle and her friends!? What did it get you, tell me! What was the point of making such a decision!?" She snarled.

Eve cut in, preparing to leap, "Well, I met you all." She then leaped through the window, phasing through the glass itself as she'd immediately manifested a large graham cracker beneath her feet, propelling into a spin and breaking off into an air surf as she'd lowered her frame somewhat, balancing herself. "A lot of bad things happened, but, it's as if for every bad thing that's happened." At that moment, many individuals flashed through her mind, so many precious memories as she made her way through the misty blue skies. "At least something came of it."

Lema Lime, Zecora, Fluttershy, Kelax, Trixie, Talon, Prowl, Nightmare Moon,.....Cheerilee.

She smiled. "My life wasn't so bad I guess."

Appearing behind her, at both her sides would be two ponies, wearing blue flight suits in similarity to the guards, but these two seemed different. Eve looked up, noticing a large yellow eye was locked onto her.

So,....This is what you look like, Eve.

She glanced back at the two individuals following her with suspicion.

One of the pursuing pegasi nodded to the other, "Soarin, she's making her way straight towards Rainbow's position. Looks like lucks on our side, the priority is the Princess's orders."

Soarin nodded to Spitfire, "Rainbow's more than ready Spitfire! Let's just not ruin this chance!"

Eve continued to surge forward on her graham cracker, before diving, straight into a candy cane forest.

Spitfire and Soarin followed in their pursuit, as even more flight suited ponies joined them.

Eve maneuvered through the trees with precision, dodging each and every candy cane that came in front of her, and phasing through every other one that she couldn't dodge. Blood trickled from her lips as she coughed a little, breathing heavily as she glanced back at her pursuers, which to her surprise, were just as skilled at flying. Were they professionals? They were pegasi after all. Eve was heading towards the more open fields, the ones she'd retreated to for privacy, if Nightmare Moon was correct, it would be the most likely place Luna would use for her center-point as well. As Eve made her way through the candy cane forests, she then rose upward once again, heading back into the clouds. "Okay, I'm close."

Nightmare Moon just watched intently from within her realm.

Suddenly Spitfire smirked, "She's in position, let's go!"

Soarin nodded,  "Right behind ya Spitfire! Let's go everypony!"

And at that moment, the two surged forward, picking up their speed, showing their true potential as the fastest fliers in Equestria. Potential they'd purposely kept hidden from their draconequus target.

Spitfire yelled, "QUICK AND FAST SOARIN! WE ONLY GOT ONE SHOT AT THIS!"

Soarin yelled right back, "YOU DON'T HAVE TO TELL ME TWICE!"

Eve glanced back curiously, "What?"

Nightmare Moon looked just as puzzled as she raised her brow.

In that next instant, the two pegasi were at the draconequus's sides, then going into a spinning motion like that of a tornado, as the rest of the pegasi joined them in the unexpected process. A tornado of swirling sapphire and rings of fire, as they went at unparalleled speeds, even becoming indistinguishable in a moment as they'd continued their motions. The draconequus herself attempted to fly through them only to get knocked back and even flung from her graham cracker, being forced to move in motion with them as she'd been flailed forcibly through this makeshift tornado.

Had they intended to lead her here all along? Perhaps after finding out her whereabouts, she considered who exactly they had on their side, Princess Luna had a pretty large grasp on how her abilities worked, as did Princess Celestia and Twilight Sparkle, but where was Twilight Sparkle, had she decided to come as well? Eve couldn't really focus on her thoughts, seeing as she was being spun in circles, and upon them stopping was flung wildly across the skies as she'd stopped herself, dizzy and disoriented as she remained in place.

Eve covered her mouth, feeling as if she were about to hurl, before wheezing heavily, coughing. She remained there in the sky as she'd breathed heavily, "N-Not yet, you can still keep going." Suddenly, she heard the sound of shaking, as if the very island were going into a violent rhythm, but the air was shimmering as well. She'd looked left and right to confirm her suspicions, and to her surprise, she found that the two pegasi that were pursuing her were now nowhere to be seen. What was going on? But as she got a ominous feeling, she felt compelled to look upward as she remained there in the air, using her wings to keep herself aloft which she didn't prefer.

Further up in the sky, was something quite unfamiliar, she couldn't really pertain what it was from such a distance away, but it certainly wasn't Luna. Eve just looked up with wide eyes, her eyes never leaving the strange figure, which appeared to be a tiny light cerulean dot, which progressively got bigger. Eve continued to just look up towards that figure, which she made out to be a pony, one which she faintly recognized. "Huh?"

And as that figure only rapidly closed in on the draconequus's position. Soon, she disappeared with a crackling explosion, producing a magnificent rainbow ring as she'd done so, now becoming an unseen flash.

Eve just remained in place as she'd looked awestruck, then smiling fiercely, chuckling. "Wow hahaha!"

Nightmare Moon screamed, "EVE!!!"

Eve's fascination died down as she glanced down, listening. "Huh?"

The mare continued desperately, "DODGE IT!"

Eve looked up once again, as she didn't even have time to react to the sudden collision. Only for a moment seeing the rainbow maned mare, catching sight with her cerise eyes, and that fiercely determined expression, before she'd slammed into her with catastrophic force, sending one flying into the ground, creating a cloud of dirt and debris as the area rained down with mud. The collision having caused a break in the sound barrier, and as the cloud of dirt began to settle, clearing, it was revealed there was now a massive crater within those fields.

There was only silence as the rainbow maned mare was breathing heavily, now aloft in the spot the draconequus was once in, she kept her eyes focused on the crater below. "That was for all my friends you hurt."

A yellow eye focused on the crater as well.

Squad 1, successful. Squad 2, moving into position. Target's status-

And the baby draconequus was face down at the bottom of the crater, her cloak in tatters, and her candy cane shattered, as she hung over a large toppled pile of debris.

Unknown. Next Chapter: Chapter 4: Differences Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 46 Minutes