Author's Notes:

This is a major point of diversion from the show canon. From here on, the story will not reflect events in the show and in point of fact will have one of direct contradiction in future chapters.

Nightmare Moon stood at the path, staring up at the castle. This was the first time she had actually seen it herself. No, no. That was inaccurate. She had seen it when she had been brought through the castle grounds after her incarnation. Between going through such an event, anger at having nearly all her power restricted, and trying to figure out a way to make an escape, Nightmare Moon had not actually been paying attention to much of what was around her.

It was larger than the castle in The Everfree Forest. Although that was no surprise considering this was not only in the capital city of Equestria, but was also supposed to be a status symbol as the home to the princess (princesses with Luna's return). Even in the night, the white marble and golden accents seemed to shine with the light of the sun.

She would need to get a better look to figure out how defensible it was. If Celestia was as clever as some believed, then she would attempt to make it close to impregnable while keeping it as inconspicuous as possible. It would allow the citizenry to gaze up on the beauty and think of it in peace and harmony, as well as cause potential threats to severely underestimate their capabilities of successfully attacking and taking control of the castle.

"It's so pretty," Chocolate Cherry said from beside Nightmare Moon. Her eyes were wide as she stared at the building. "I never thought I would get to see it up close. Especially on a night like tonight."

Nightmare Moon turned to look more at Chocolate Cherry, studying her. Cherry's brown mane was put up in some sort of style Nightmare did not know the name of. The style was held in place by several sterling silver accessories. There were also similar silver clips attached to her ears, and a chain woven into the fur of her tail. The jewelry glistened in the moonlight, reminding Nightmare of the stars above her. The dress Cherry wore started off red slightly darker than her throat before shifting to a deep purple and ending in black.

It went quite well with Nightmare Moon's outfit: a midnight blue suit with a pale lavender shirt (to accent the indigo streaks in her mane), and a teal tie (for her eyes). It made Nightmare feel very regal and powerful, which was odd considering it was just an outfit. The cut showed off her tall, lean build, as well as letting her have full free use of her wings and hiding the prisoner collar from view.

That last one had actually been an unexpected choice given to Nightmare Moon. She had been asked if she wanted to conceal it, or accentuate it as part of the full ensemble. Although she had considered that latter and giving the outfit more the look of armor, Nightmare had finally decided on the former. That way, even if ponies were aware of her state and limitations, none could be certain if she had somehow gotten free and was a threat or not.

Nightmare had to admit, Rarity was quite talented at her job. It was fortunate the two of them were able to see her before she got too many commissions with the same date in mind. Having Rarity be slightly grateful toward Nightmare Moon probably helped, although the attempt to bond and become closer to friends was a bit of a nuisance.

Nightmare Moon stood in the center of the fitting room at Carousal Boutique. Rarity moved around her, horn glowing as she took down Nightmare's measurements.

"By the way," Rarity said as she continued to work her way around with the measuring tape, "Sweetie Belle mentioned what happened during her visit to Twilight's castle."

Nightmare shifted as the memory came back. She had not really given it much more thought after the matter.

"I appreciate you trying to stand up for her," Rarity stated.

"Don't," Nightmare replied, turning away from the mare. "It was... an emotional artifact left over from our time together. Nothing more."

"Still," Rarity continued as she kept working, "it was nice of you to want to keep her safe." She paused and tapped her chin. "Although, it does worry me that Sweetie's favorite part was you talking about utterly crushing a filly on an emotional level..."

"Yes," Nightmare purred out, grinning at the memory.

"Regardless," Rarity stated, "I think it is a wonderful sign that you wish to protect another pony from being picked on."

This got a growl from Nightmare, which Rarity seemed unperturbed by as she continued her work.

"Do you need a moment," Nightmare asked, "or are you ready to see the interior?"

"I'm ready," Cherry replied as the two resumed walking up the path toward the castle. "Or as ready as I'm going to be anyways. Still can't believe I agreed to all this."

"Well it's too late to back out now," Nightmare said with a grin. She reached out a wing, draping it over Chocolate Cherry. "No more trains are leaving until morning. So it looks like you're stuck here in Canterlot for the night."

"I'm sure I can find some place to hang out," Cherry retorted. "If I need to, I could ask Twilight and her friends. They have been here before after all."

"Speaking of, if you leave early, you possibly might miss out on some very entertaining awkwardness between Twilight Sparkle and her date." Nightmare pointed ahead to where Twilight Sparkle walked with Big Macintosh.

"I still can't believe that you set those two up together," Cherry stated.

"I still can't believe that she actually managed to ask him out."

Nightmare Moon returned to the castle after walking her gray fox, Gibbous, and was making her way toward the kitchen. It was about lunch time, and Nightmare was feeling pretty hungry herself. She should really go to Sugarcube Corner and try some more of the treats they sell there. She had also overheard some ponies talking about a candy shop. That would be something new worth trying.

As she made her way, Nightmare Moon caught sight of Twilight Sparkle behaving oddly.

Twilight was doing... nothing.

At least as far as Nightmare could tell. Twilight was just sitting at the table, eyes wide and ears drooping. Her wings were open, hanging limply at her sides as she seemed to stare off at nothing. It kind of looked like something shocked Twilight Sparkle, traumatized her, or possibly both.

Perhaps it was something that Nightmare would find entertaining. If she was really lucky, she might find a way to use it to her advantage.

"Did something happen?" Nightmare asked as she walked toward the table.

"I did it," Twilight Sparkle stated. "I actually did it. I went to Sweet Apple Acres this morning and asked Big Macintosh to The Grand Galloping Gala."

That was unexpected. Nightmare had not actually thought Twilight Sparkle would ask Big Macintosh out. She had figured that Twilight would either procrastinate and make excuses, or end up backing out at the last instant. Then again, it was underestimating Twilight Sparkle that had gotten Nightmare Moon into this whole situation to begin with.

"Congratulations are in order then," stated Nightmare Moon. "It is an impressive feat for you to ask, even if he turned you down. I--"

"He said 'yes.'"

"...what?"

"Well technically, he said 'eyup,'" Twilight said, "which is the same thing as a 'yes' if only more colloquial." She shifted. "Still, he agreed to go. With me. To The Grand Galloping Gala. As a date! With ME!"

"Is that not what was supposed to happen?" Nightmare asked, tilting her head and raising an eyebrow.

"No," Twilight called out. "I mean yes. I mean..." She took a deep breath and let out a sigh. Straightening up, she looked at Nightmare Moon.

"I didn't think he would actually say yes. I've never been on a date before. I don't know what to do." She grabbed at Nightmare's shoulders, pulling her close. "What do I do?!"

"Why are you asking me?" Nightmare asked.

"It was YOUR idea to ask him in the first place!" Twilight retorted, practically shaking the other mare with each word. "You have to have some idea on what I should do." She paused, shifting. "Plus... you're kinda in a relationship, aren't you?"

Nightmare thought about it a moment before answering, "if you can consider sleeping together -- starting with the night we met -- and spending time at the night club 'a relationship.'"

"That's still more than I've done," Twilight said. "Come on. There has to be something you can think of."

The whole thing seemed very odd to Nightmare Moon as she looked at Twilight Sparkle. Why was she the one being asked? Granted, a part of it was probably her immediacy as she was standing right there when the shock wore off. Still. Was Twilight asking her because Twilight actually trusted Nightmare as though they were friends? Perhaps it was because Twilight was so flustered by the situation, that she was not even thinking of whom she was speaking to. Alternatively, it could be neither. It was possible that Twilight knew whom she was speaking to and was testing Nightmare Moon's response.

If it actually was the last scenario, Nightmare had to be careful with how she answered. The best -- to her -- would be something that on the surface would seem like a genuine and plausible answer that a pony would give, so Twilight would buy that she was actually trying to be helpful. At the same time, Nightmare would want to say something that not only was not truly helpful, but would actually cause additional amusement for her at Twilight's expense.

What would be the best suggestion? Not knowing much about romance (or anything), it would be best to send Twilight Sparkle to some other source for her information. Nightmare recalled that there was supposed to be a princess of love. The name eluded her at the moment, but she had recalled catching some of the dreams during and after the changeling invasion of Canterlot. If Twilight were able to get in touch with the other princess, doing so would actually be the best way to get advice. In point of fact, it would work so well that it was doubtful anything amusing would happen for Nightmare.

So, a lesser source of romantic information. Rarity perhaps? Nightmare Moon knew that Rarity had a fascination with romance. Although it seemed like that the fantasy would never live up to the reality. Nightmare knew that even Rarity herself was aware of that fact. Still, the unicorn dreamed of having something right out of...

Nightmare Moon had to clench her jaw tight to keep from grinning. It was perfect, almost too perfect. A suggestion that would seem genuine and sincere, but would also likely lead to Twilight embarrassing herself. If Twilight Sparkle became suspicious, Nightmare Moon could simply point out that she knew next to nothing on the subject matter to begin with, and thus had to rely on memories of her previous hosts and what she had picked up from nightmares.

Now, she just needed to make sure she gave it the proper delivery.

Reaching up with a hoof, Nightmare placed it against Twilight's chest and pushed her away. Straightening up, she brushed at chest and let out a snort.

"You're supposed to like studying," she said, trying to sound casually annoyed by the matter. "I'm sure you can find some romance novels or something around here." She gave a dismissive wave of her hooves. "Perhaps you should try reading some of them or something.

"Now if you don't mind --" she got up and turned from Twilight "-- I'm ready for lunch and so is Gibbous." She then started walking toward the kitchen, a smile spreading across her face once it was hidden from sight.

There was a line at the door of ponies waiting to enter. As Nightmare Moon and Chocolate Cherry stood in the foyer, they could see two well dressed ponies standing at the ballroom entrance. Each time ponies reached the entrance, one of the pair would take the ticket, speak to the arrival, and then call out the names of the invited.

"It seems we are to be announced," Nightmare stated.

"Yeah," Cherry replied. Her voice sounded higher then usual, cracking slightly.

Nightmare looked at the other mare from the corner of her eye. One ear flicked as she raised an eyebrow.

"Feeling anxious?"

"More out of place," Cherry replied. "This is all amazing, but now that I'm actually here looking at it, it's weird." She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "It's like seeing a whole other world. I'm a club mare. I just don't see myself fitting in. And the idea that everypony here will stare at me the moment I walk in doesn't help."

"You do realize they are more likely to be staring at me?" Nightmare asked.

"Except I'm here with you," Cherry pointed out. "When they mention you, then add 'and Chocolate Cherry,' they're going to wonder who I am." She shifted again, one of her ears flicking.

It was true. If any of the ponies assembled cared about Nightmare being here, they would also wonder about the ponies willing to be associated with her, such as Chocolate Cherry. Why would she appear with Nightmare? Was she a friend? A minion? Was she being manipulated into appearing? Was she unaware of who Nightmare Moon was somehow?

A great many of them would probably make assumptions instead of attempting to discover the truth, be it correct or not.

An odd feeling formed in Nightmare Moon. She was not sure what it was, but she did not like it.

"It's not too late," she said to Cherry. "You can go back to our room, or go find somewhere else to be. The dragon kept mentioning some sort of donut shop that's supposed to be sublime." She shifted. "Or I could just give you the ticket and you could go in separately."

In truth, Nightmare Moon really did not want Chocolate Cherry to do either. She wanted the two of them to be there, together. Still, a large portion of her did not want Cherry to be uncomfortable.

"No," Cherry said, straightening up. "No. I am your loyal servant and friend. I have come this far, and I won't ditch you now." She took a step closer to Nightmare.

Smiling, Nightmare Moon stretched out one wing and placed it across Cherry's back.

"Move aside," a voice said. "Move aside. Important pony coming through." A pale blue aura encompassed the pair and pushed them toward one of the walls.

The source of the voice and magic was a white unicorn stallion with a long, wavy blond mane and tail.

At the sight of him, Nightmare Moon got feelings that she was familiar with: anger and hatred. She was not entirely sure who the stallion was, but there was something about him who that was familiar, and she hated him.