CHAPTER 5: PSYCHOSIS

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“Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart.” ― Haruki Murakami

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Eve opened her eyes, as all she saw was a dull gray ceiling. She appeared to be alone, in a large chamber room which was decorated with worn items, that'd looked as if they'd been there for centuries. Ragged curtains with golden stripped edges rustled about at her side, as it didn't take long for her to find out she laid next to an open window on a beaten bed. Cracks, cobwebs, and dust bunnies were a common sighting which she'd soon find out.

"You have a truly unfortunate existence."

Eve leaned up in the bed, and looked towards the origin of the voice.

Standing at the far end of the room, half shaded by shadows was Nightmare Moon, who had an amused look on her face.

Eve first glanced around the room, as she then looked to her right, and noticed she could see outside, and actually gaze around at the vast landscape of the realm of nightmares. All she saw was a barren land, and she could hardly believe that she actually managed to make it here to this castle in one piece. Also if she'd been here, laying down, did that mean Nightmare Moon had been pleased with her efforts? Eve assumed so. She couldn't help but put on a relieved smile, as she closed her eyes and lowered her head somewhat. "Thank you miss."

Nightmare Moon ignored her petty gratitude. "I can see why Twilight Sparkle wanted to be rid of you. A creature such as yourself, seems to have a knack for creating misfortune for others. You adapted quite well to that situation, far better than I expected considering how our previous encounter ended." Nightmare Moon snickered as she smirked at the draconequus. "You even possess that twisted form, truly a definition of disharmony." It seemed Eve really had passed her test, at least from what the current scenario portrayed. They were here, in the castle, it didn't feel as if any other possibility could've been considered. Although if Nightmare Moon was lying, nopony was complaining, especially Eve.

Eve looked down at her paw, before frowning again. How come she felt so used to that already? As if she were hearing the same recited proclamation for the thousandth time. It angered her, but she ignored her own feelings, because she felt they would make no difference. There was this sense of immediate acceptance, as she just closed her eyes, and sat there solemnly on the bed, with half her body under the blankets. "I guess, that's just me." She was lost in her thoughts again for the moment, lost due to the fact although she didn't have her memories she could still get these feelings of familiarity when it came to her identity. Somehow Nightmare Moon's words weren't as frustrating as she would've imagined.

Nightmare Moon continued, and in some way, her own expression mimicked Eve's. "But, much like myself, you fell to something far greater than disharmony, or chaos." She scowled, pausing somewhat with a cringe. "Friendship."

Eve's eyes widened as she raised a brow at the alicorn, "Friendship?....." What was this so called, friendship? The word stung. The very sound of it was sweet to her ears, but like a prick to her heart. It was a treasure that'd fallen out of reach, yet she didn't even know the history behind it, or why she had a particular attachment to it.

Nightmare Moon didn't seem surprised by the fact Eve didn't have any understanding of it. Even if Eve still possessed her memories, she'd been alone at the time of her demise, so it was safe to assume before all of this happened, she still didn't have a very good grasp on the concept of friendship, let alone the power it held.

Nightmare Moon leaned back against a wall, as she sighed heavily. "Such a simple thing when you take it for face value, but so much more powerful than any ordinary form of magic. That is Twilight Sparkle's gift, one where she has all the advantages. You were a fool to go against it."

As Eve thought about it, recalling her spiritual form, the fact she had no memories, and that she was now here in this dark lonesome place, she couldn't help but agree with Nightmare Moon. She looked out the window once again, as this time her eyes grew moist with tears, yet she held them back. Her heart ached at the idea of what sort of mistakes she made. What idiotic decisions could she have possibly made to have ended up here? To end up in the darkness where the forsaken wandered, dwelling in eternal damnation. She truly felt like a fool, and gave herself a disgusted smile. "Yes...I was..."

Nightmare Moon smiled herself as she took a few trots toward the child. Surprisingly, as she arrived at Eve's bedside, she couldn't help but notice the girl's distraught face as she then peered across her own barren lands. Nightmare Moon placed a hoof atop the draconequus's head, before leaning her own head down, looking into Eve's eyes still with that amused look. "Well then, I haven't had a guest in quite some time little creature of chaos. Perhaps a tour is in order? And maybe, we can also find a way to dig into that head of your's and find the answers to my questions."

Eve looked up at Nightmare Moon curiously, obviously confused. "Questions?"

Nightmare Moon chuckled once again before turning away from the bed, "Yes, obviously there are many questions when it comes to your existence, and you truly are my only connection to the outside world as of now. I doubt you'll be leaving here anytime soon, if ever, so might as well hm? You owe me at least that much."

To this Eve was overcome with immediate worry. "But, there must be some way for you to be able to leave."

Nightmare Moon halted as she glanced back at the draconequus before turning back to face her, and getting in her face. Nightmare Moon appeared amused still, smirking, yet also annoyed by Eve's ignorance of the situation. "Little monster, there is no linear solution. Don't you realize where we are? We're at the inbetween, there is no such thing as just 'leaving'." Nightmare Moon sighed before turning away once more, "At least, not for me. My influence can only stretch so far."

Eve frowned as she gripped the edge of the blankets. "But....." She bit her lower lip, uncertain of why this bothered her so much. She felt as if somewhere down the line, she was taught some sort of principle regarding issues such as this. As expected, she couldn't recall just where she'd learned them. "T-That's wrong, your actions...should be rewarded..."

Nightmare Moon's eyes widened before she burst into chuckles. Her chuckles soon grew into wild, maniacal laughter as she couldn't contain herself. She just stood there with her eyes closed as she laughed. "Hahahahaha!!!" She leaned her head back before grinning. "What an idiotic child." She turned to Eve once again, looking her in the eyes, and spoke in a humored tone. "Your petty morale guidelines serve no purpose here, let alone anywhere. Childish innocence is all that is, and the world has taught you wrong. Kindness, love, compassion, they are awards only available to those who're befitting of the role. Monsters such as yourself? Hatred, fear, jealousy, rejection. That, is life. Chase after ideals not befitting of you, and all you will find is despair girl." Nightmare Moon sneered in disgust, "It is what landed you here. In a world of kindness, all you are, is a stain that needs to be mopped from the floor. We're now no more than gutter squalor. "

Eve snapped. "YOU'RE WRONG!"

Nightmare Moon felt struck by the girl's words, as she'd actually staggered back some, surprised. "Ah..."

Eve immediately froze up as she trembled, looking down at the top of her blanket. She didn't know why she'd spoke out so suddenly. But she couldn't take back what she said either, she could feel it inside, that somewhere down the pitch black road she traveled, she indeed found a light. She found kindness, an irreplaceable treasure. "It's not like you say!"

Nightmare Moon just sighed, shaking her head with a smile. "Fine, believe what you will. But somewhere down the line, you will also see, and then you will realize just how much you were consumed by your own stupidity." Nightmare Moon turned away for the final time before making way for the door. "Candle light's don't flicker forever little girl. There's a reason we don't live within our dreams. There are only nightmares for those such as us." She paused, "All light fades eventually, in the end there will always be an overwhelming shadow, ready to consume all that surrounds it." Her nose wrinkled a bit, "You're but a speck in the universe, going against its destined role. In the end you will see."

The words stuck with the draconequus, as she just remained still in her bed. In the end you will see. Eve frowned, as she looked overcome with worry in that moment. All you will find is despair girl.

A small bundle of parasprites quickly fluttered across the scene, as the only ambiance that could be heard would be the sound of rain droplets and crickets, as the droplets tapped the surface of the chocolate river. The world itself felt to be no more than a simple shade of gray, it'd almost felt as if everything had already ended, and for a place with so much dangerous wildlife, it was deathly quiet. Eve took another look at the chocolate river, noticing her shriveled appearance, she truly did look like no more than gutter squalor. How ignorant was she back then? To not have seen this coming.

A past full of regrets and idiotic mistakes, yet it didn't bother her as much now.

Eve remained silent, as she looked back at Twilight Sparkle.

Twilight Sparkle leaned her head back some, appearing horribly offended. "The difference between us? Eve, you talk as if I don't already know the difference between us." Twilight's eyes saddened as she, much like Eve, felt they'd been here in this situation, far too many times before. It was almost nostalgic for Twilight, to finally see the draconequus again, even on such bad circumstances. As much as she despised Eve for what she'd done, she still had pity for her in some form. Twilight had been taught to show tolerance, love, and that is why she would show the girl mercy. It was all up to Eve at this point, whether or not she accepted that mercy. This gift, of tolerance and friendship. "Eve, you're young. Unfortunately you refused to learn more about the world, before rebelling against it. You will be returning with me to pay for your crimes. But if you come quietly, your sentence could possibly be a little more lenient." Twilight gave the draconequus a piercing glare, showing she obviously had little patience for her. "I won't be repeating myself Eve. There will be no more running, do you hear me?"

Rainbow Dash glanced worriedly at Twilight, before looking back towards Eve. "L-Listen Squirt, you can still make things easy on yourself, alright?" Rainbow bit her lower lip, hoping Eve would make the right decision. She looked back at Twilight, knowing the mare wasn't her usual self, and her patience was wearing thin. Rainbow looked at Eve once again, noticing the whole situation was obviously taking a physical toll on her as well. "Do you really want to keep dragging this on!? Please, just....listen."

Eve's claw twitched, as she took a step towards Twilight.

Twilight however cut in at that moment, wearing a tired expression. "It's as if I'm reading a book."

Eve raised her brow at Twilight, as her eyes widened exponentially.

Twilight just continued. "Do you recall Eve, how things ended the first time you did something like this? Do you recall what happened in the ruins? It feels like such a long time ago, doesn't it? I was hoping we'd both have learned something important from that, because it's certainly not one of my more cherished memories." Twilight's eyes just saddened once again. "Eve, the difference between us, is not only our varying circumstances, but the choices we've made, and how those choices molded us into who we are today. We've both changed, but have you changed for the better? Tell me Eve." Twilight glanced up at the draconequus. "What have you learned?"

Eve stopped dead in her tracks as she just looked at Twilight, in silence. In some ways, Eve always feared Twilight not for her excellence in magic alone, but for her constant revelations. Twilight always appeared so wise, so blunt and straightforward. And she always knew what to say to make Eve fear for the worst, to question her own motives in an understandable way. As she was doing right now, Eve couldn't help but passively dwell on Twilight's sudden question. Her own eyes saddened as she frowned again, unable to find anything positive in her own answers.

Twilight continued. "You will never reach me Eve. There was no way you ever could. Friendship, that is my shield. It is my morale compass, my guardian, it has shaped me into the Princess I am today. The power of friendship is beyond you, and it is something you've been constantly denied, unsurprisingly. Your choices, what you've done and become, has already shown me that you just aren't worthy of those who would shower you in kindness and affection. You've shown me a world where violence, hardship, pain, and suffering are a constant concern. A world without harmony." Suddenly Twilight looked infuriated as she snapped at the draconequus. "Surrender! Show us that you have at least a little bit of understanding."

Eve shuddered, attempting to remain steady convicted. She gulped, but she still took another step towards Twilight Sparkle. Twilight's words were so familiar. Was it truly coincidence she'd made the same proclamation as Nightmare Moon did, when she'd first been tested in the realm of nightmares? Was it mere coincidence that Twilight would appear here and now, alone alongside her friend, still willing to offer her some form of mercy? Eve had a hard time believing it, no, this was no mere coincidence, it was something much more. It was as Princess Celestia said, Eve had a role to play. She wasn't willing to see there wasn't any other way. Perhaps, it was all simply denial. Yes, there was a perfect ending in store for those like her, an eye for an eye.

Twilight stomped her hoof, "There is no other way out of this. Don't be stupid!" But Twilight knew that wasn't the truth, and she just didn't want to admit it to herself. She didn't want to admit there was another way for them to end things, a more permanent solution. And she didn't want to admit that perhaps, she possibly agreed more with that solution, it was only more logical. It frustrated her to no end, wrestling with the emotions of guilt versus understanding. But what had Eve proven ever since she'd shown her face? She'd proven she was a rebellious threat, willing to do whatever it took to get what she wanted. Even now, refusing to accept her offer, simply going against her as she always has!

Twilight knew it was an endless cycle of bloodshed, hatred, sadness, tragedy, a very stain in the fabric of harmony. The world wasn't meant for this, their world wasn't one befitting of such things. Equestria was a paradise, and as long as Eve was in it, that meant there would always be something bad waiting to happen. But no, Twilight wasn't allowed to be logical, she was the Princess of Friendship, she was taught to show forgiveness and understanding no matter the situation. Twilight exhaled, she also couldn't betray Princess Celestia's trust. Yes, she had to make this decision. She-

"It's okay Twilight Sparkle, you don't need to make that decision." Eve cut in.

Twilight's eyes widened exponentially, as she looked at Eve, obviously thrown off by her sudden words.

Even Rainbow looked a little surprised by how confident Eve sounded when it came to her understanding of Twilight. More so than even she understood at the moment. Rainbow didn't like the idea of being unable to relate to Twilight's feelings, the idea of being unable to understand and help her friend, but she could see it ever since Twilight arrived on this island. No, she could see it even before that. This draconequus child, changed everything. She truly was like a walking whirlpool, birthing chaos with every step. Just what was Eve talking about when she spoke of Twilight's decision? What decision was Twilight even struggling to make? Rainbow couldn't make much sense of the child's words. They'd came here for one purpose, of capturing Eve and bringing her to justice, there was no other option? Right?

In Eve's mind, she was alone with Nightmare Moon again. They stood there together, looking at one another in perfect understanding. Nightmare Moon in particular, seemed to reveal a hint of sadness in her eyes, something unfamiliar. She looked at the draconequus girl with a sense of pity, and something a little more personal. Those feelings would remain sheltered, as she just spoke to Eve, disheartened. "Eve, if you go through with this, you will be beyond my help."

Eve nodded, her paw and claw laced behind her back. She closed her eyes and nodded. "There are a lot of things I wanted to do Nightmare Moon. But you told me yourself, we're at the inbetween, I understand that now. After I woke up from my nightmare, there was much more I learned about the world. I wanted to release you from this, but in truth it was never possible, was it? You were out of my reach, this entire time. I guess, it'll only be the same in my case. I am beyond anypony's help. I should've realized it sooner, my role."

Nightmare Moon smiled, "I'm glad you see the world in a different light now. As unfortunate as the outcome is." Why did Nightmare Moon have trouble saying that? It was as if she didn't even believe her own words. She wasn't glad for this.

Eve shook her head, chuckling a bit. "It's not unfortunate," she paused, "It is a perfect end, for those like us.."

Eve looked up, as she raised her claw to the sky. "I understand my role Twilight Sparkle." She'd even appeared angry with Twilight, frustrated by her very presence. For it was Twilight who was ignorant. "But you don't understand yours!"

Eve muttered to herself. "I have stained the world of harmony with what I did." She trembled, raising her ethereal arm to the sky as she looked up, towards Luna's impenetrable black mist herself. "Mercy won't fix anything, and it won't fix me."

She paused, "Everything I get close to shatters, breaks into pieces, hurt.......but no more." The draconequus grinned wildly in sudden happiness. Happy with the idea of closure, the idea of everything finally being normal again. She relished in the thought. She was a stain on this world. No more misery, pain, or suffering would be caused by her. She had regrets, but didn't we all? She'd convinced herself that Twilight's presence would mark the pinnacle moment, Twilight was the end of her story. So, it was time to get started. "I will fix everything myself, Twilight Sparkle."

Then finally, Eve curled her ethereal paw in. And with it, her very arm shattered along with a fragment section of the sky. Suddenly a portal opened overhead of the draconequus, as she was covered in a thick black substance which poured from her makeshift portal. Enveloping her whole, the area around her became shrouded in a black mist, much similar to Princess Luna's.

Princess Luna looked overcome with dread as she paused. "This is..."

Rift the draconequus was silent, but her mouth was slightly opened as she seemed peaked with interest. "Well...."

Princess Luna pondered what was happening, there was no denying that this form of magic was far too familiar. Actually, the more she thought about it, the more she couldn't shake the feeling that it was appallingly identical to her's. This was her magic! She gritted her teeth angrily in her own confusion, as she struggled to make sense of it. This magic although dark and corrupt, did indeed possess that familiar aura about it, but then, how did Eve manage to acquire it? That made absolutely no sense, was the child truly capable of learning her spells simply by one past experience.

Princess Luna's expression sunk as she knew the situation was steadily growing out of her control. If she didn't act fast, everything they'd prepared for would fall apart. Celestia had put her in charge of practically the entire operation, the last thing Luna would do is fail. Succeeding was their only option, but the more Eve revealed about herself the more they'd realized how unprepared they truly were. Although, they weren't grasping at straws just yet. Princess Luna simply sighed before giving the draconequus Rift a tired look. "Rift, come with me, you and I will be joining the fray."

Rift raised a brow at Princess Luna, "Princess, are you sure that is wise? Putting yourself at risk, as well as the spell? I can assure you, this girl is impressive, but I'm confident I can deal with one of my own race, especially a child. All I require is your permission, if our tactics are to change, then I'm sure Havoc and I will be more than enough."

Princess Luna nodded, just looking down in the general direction where Twilight and the others were. "It is time you stopped underestimating this child, we've done that far too many times in the past. More importantly Princess Twilight has put herself in jeopardy, and effectively risked this entire operation. Furthermore, I won't allow any harm to befall her, she's my responsibility as are you all, and I'm determined to ensure everypony returns back to Canterlot safely. With each passing second, Eve becomes more unstable, it's time I stop pretending I won't need to dirty my hooves to ensure this mission is a success." Princess Luna then shot Rift a piercing glance. "I'm well aware of your abilities Lady Rift, in hindsight they are very similar to my own. If Eve is able to adapt to practically any situation, then so can we."

Rift's expression mimicked Luna's in some ways, as she sighed. "Oh?..."

Princess Luna's eyes saddened. "But I would've preferred our methods be sheltered, especially in this case. I never feel comfortable using such powers against a child, but I'm fairly certain, there's more to the reasons why I'm here and not my sister. We've tried practical methods with Eve before, they proved fruitless. But now that we know more, I think it's safe to say," she looked at Rift with a glance of determination. "Despair works both ways."

Twilight and Rainbow Dash fell silent as they just looked for a clearing in the shroud of mist, which'd come eventually.

Twilight couldn't describe the feelings coursing through her, as she caught a glimpse of the draconequus. She wasn't certain if she should be more glad, or worried about what she was seeing. She felt ominous about the entire situation, for everything about it didn't seem to make any sense.  Twilight muttered softly to herself, "Eve?"

As the mist cleared out around her, the black substance as well as the portal was nowhere to be seen. The draconequus just stood in the same spot, yet her appearance had once again changed drastically. Yet it wasn't in a way Twilight or Rainbow had expected. Eve looked fairly 'normal' regarding what they'd just seen. In actuality, she appeared in the same way they remember her from long long ago, yet her snow white hair was still much longer, and her ethereal arm was no longer there. She flashed Twilight a soft smile, revealing her tiny fangs somewhat. Yet in that fleeting moment, her eyes flashed a tint of turqoise for a second, before reverting back to red. Eve's pupil was now also a small slit, almost like that of a serpent. Although welcoming, the draconequus child gave Twilight a slight scowl, as her brows furrowed as well. "On my own."

Princess Luna hurriedly spread her wings as she looked down once again in the direction of the candy cane forest. She was silent, yet was still able to use her magic in order to contact a few specified individuals.

Havoc, Captain Noteworthy, as well as Spitfire who was still tending to her wounds at the moment along with a few of her Wonderbolt's all paused in place for the time being, as each of their eyes widened in their respective locations. It was as if they were all listening to something in specific, before they each gave themselves a self assuring nod.

Spitfire in specific immediately stood as she looked up towards the sky, and scoffed. "Ugh! What're those two kids thinking!? We should've left them back in Canterlot. A knew a mission like this was no place for them." She spread her wings.

Princess Luna looked back towards Rift, nodding simply. "Let us finally wake from this nightmare." Next Chapter: Chapter 6: Skeletons Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 46 Minutes