The words the young unicorn had spoken hung in the air for a long time, almost echoed by the surrounding age-old walls. Nightmare Moon stood there, looking almost aghast at what had just been said to her. It was a reaction Twilight could not hold against her. She expected force, or some kind of fight. And here I am, simply trying to talk to her. Her reaction is telling. Just how many times in Equestria's past has some attempt at peace descended into fighting? Her eyes narrowed somewhat. But I won't fight her...not unless I have to. I can do this. I can convincer to give up this plan of eternal night. I can make her be the way she once was...if she's willing to listen. Nightmare Moon remained in place, and in this utter silence, she regarded Twilight carefully, perhaps waiting to see if this was all some kind of joke. But, one look at the seriousness on the unicorn's face made it abundantly clear that this was no jest on her part. She'd meant every word of it. As that thought sank in, the menacing glare she'd had on her face began to fade, and in it's place, a new look emerged. However, to Twilight's slight surprise, it was a look of amusement. In moments, the dark mare threw back her head and let out a howl of laughter.

"Ha! Talk?! You?! You think to simply convince me to give up my goals? With simple words?!"

Twilight gave a single nod at that.

"If I can...yes."

Another hearty chuckle escaped Nightmare Moon before taking a step closer.

"You're a bold one, I'll give you that much. I can see now why Celestia chose you as a student. She always did have a liking for the brave ones."

Twilight narrowed her eyes at that, clearing her throat before speaking up again.

"Are you willing to hear what I have to say?"

Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes at that.

"And why, exactly, should I do so? The Elements are gone, as is Celestia. Equestria is mine to do with as I see fit! I have already won, child! There is nothing for me to gain from hearing you."

A small smirk appeared on Twilight's face as she considered that.

"In that case...there's nothing for you to lose, either."

The mocking look faded from the dark alicorn's face, and instead she raised an eyebrow at Twilight.

"...Clever, young one."

After a moment's pause, Nightmare let out a brief chuckle before facing Twilight completely, raising a hoof towards her.

"Very well, then. I will hear what you have to say. But I warn you, Twilight...I will only grant so much of my time."

Twilight nodded at that before taking a deep breath. Okay, Twilight. You've been given a chance here. Make it count. So, she thought long and hard, as she had been doing ever since the journey through the Everfree had begun, thinking back on everything she knew of Luna and her fall. I know why she did what she did, and why she feels the way she feels. I have to use that. But...more than that...I have to make her understand that she isn't unappreciated. Make her understand the night is not shunned. Looking up, she saw the still-waiting face of her adversary, and so let out a sigh as she finally began speaking to her.

"A thousand years ago...you were overshadowed. Everypony around you praised Celestia, showing her with love and glory, and all the while...you were neglected."

Nightmare Moon narrowed her eyes at that bitter memory, turning her head away. But even in spite of that, Twilight kept on speaking.

"I'm a younger sister too."

The elder mare's ears perked up after hearing that, and she turned ever so slightly back in Twilight's direction, a sign of curiosity upon her face as the younger mare continued.

"I have a brother, older by a few years. Before I become Celestia's student, I spent most of my time cooped up with books, learning as much as I could about magic. But him? He was out there, training, getting ready for enlisting in the royal guard. And when he got in, my parents and all our friends and neighbours were so proud of him."

Twilight looked down at the ground a little, allowing herself a brief moment to let the nostalgia of those memories wash over her.

"But as for me? I loved my brother...with all my heart. But...sometimes...I felt that maybe I just couldn't measure up to him. No matter how hard I tried, or what new magical trick I learned...I couldn't compete. My parents loved us both equally, I know that now. But back then...it was hard for a little filly to not feel...just a little bit like she didn't matter as much."

Nightmare Moon's expression softened a bit, and for a moment, Twilight's heart lifted. I'm getting through to her! But, that moment was fleeting, as the dark alicorn's face became a harsh one once more.

"Is there a point to this story, young one? Or are you simply trying to tell me that you know what it's like to be ignored outright by one's own people?"

Twilight fought against the urge to look angry at her response, and so took another calming breath before continuing.

"The point...is that there came a time when I was no longer in anypony's shadow. The day your sister took me on as her apprentice. When that happened, a whole new opportunity opened up to me. People were so happy for me, and I felt...for the first time in my life...special. And I assure you, nopony was more proud of me than my brother."

Smiling, Twilight looked right into the other mare's eyes.

"Just because things seemed bad back then...doesn't mean it wouldn't have become better one day...or that you and your night wouldn't receive admiration."

Nightmare Moon let out a huff at that, clearly unconvinced. Then maybe it's time I let her know how much things have changed.

"Now, perhaps more than ever before, ponies love the night. They no longer wait for the sun to rise to appreciate what is around them. They have fun, spend time with friends, and even work in the dark hours, regardless of whether the sun is out."

Raising an eyebrow, Nightmare Moon showed a degree of confusion at those words, prompting Twilight to explain herself.

"And as for your night sky...we do love it, Princess. There are times when ponies will stay out all night to watch the auroras, or just a clear night when the stars and moon are out together. They're just as beautiful now as they ever were."

Lifting her hoof, Twilight placed it to her chest.

"As for me, one of my fondest memories from when I was a filly was when my parents went to take me to see the meteor showed that crosses the minotaur constellation."

Nightmare Moon stood there, her mouth hanging open slightly, as the young unicorn’s words sank in.

"You...you know about the minotaur meteor shower?"

Twilight smiled and nodded her head enthusiastically.

"I do. I remember telling my Mother how pretty it was, and I was looking forward to seeing it again."

A chuckle escaped Twilight as she thought back on that memory.

"I was so upset when she told me it only happened every fifty years. Still, I marked it on my calendar so I wouldn't miss it next time around. And that's just one of many things that I appreciate about the night. I always wanted to thank whoever did all those wonderful things...so now...I'm thanking you."

The look Nightmare Moon gave her told all. It was as if somepony had told her the sky was purple or something. What she had just heard was not only unexpected, it was completely anathema to her. And for a time, she struggled to get any words out. When she finally did so, they were slow and quiet, with many pauses between them.

"You...you're the first pony who has ever...thanked me for that. Not since...not since Celestia, over a thousand years ago."

Twilight gave a soft smile at that.

"Your sister loves you, Princess. And, if you allow them...so will everypony else. Eternal night won't make them appreciate you or the night. It'll just make them fear you both. You don't want that, I know you don't."

Nightmare Moon looked away, looking as if she was almost ashamed at hearing Twilight's words. She needs a gentle hoof right now, Twilight thought. She's coming around, but I have to make her understand. Getting up onto all four hooves, Twilight stepped forward, gaining Nightmare Moon's attention. Only a few feet away from each other now, Twilight offered a hoof to her, still smiling.

"It's never too late, Princess. You have the power to end this...the power to be a force for good again...the power to accept the friendship of others."

The elder mare looked down at the offered hoof before her, almost afraid of it. Please, Luna...please do this. You don't have to embrace the darkness. You don't have to make others fear you. I promise you, things will be better than they were a thousand years ago. You won't have to be alone anymore. Slowly, the dark alicorn lifted a hoof, which was almost shaking, an odd sight, considering her intimidating appearance and reputation. But, as she did this, Nightmare Moon's expression began to soften, and she looked into Twilight's eyes, who promptly gave her a friendly smile. Closer and closer, her hoof moved to Twilight's, and for a moment, the young unicorn's heart lifted yet again, seeing her plan come to fruition. However, with their hooves just an inch away from each other, both of them were taken aback by the sudden and swift arrivals of a broken piece of grey brick, flying right through the air and towards Nightmare Moon's head. In an instant, the cold stone collided with the side of her face, causing her to yelp out in pain, reeling back from Twilight. Shocked by this, Twilight spun around to see none other than her friends, who had gathered at the entrance to the chamber, with Rainbow at their head, clutching yet another stone, ready to throw it.

"GET AWAY FROM HER, MONSTER!!!"

Twilight, seeing the anger on Rainbow's face, felt nothing but dread and fear at what had just transpired. No! No, no, no, no, no! Rainbow?! What have you done?! Turning, Twilight saw the dark alicorn spread her wings apart in a threatening manner, looking down at Twilight with utter venom.

"So! A deception! I should have rid myself of you from the start!"

Twilight raised a hoof, desperately wanting her to calm down.

"No! They don’t understand! They're just worried about me!"

Nightmare Moon glared angrily at her.

"LIAR!!!"

Before Twilight could react, Nightmare Moon made an almighty flap of her wings, sending a strong gust of wind her way, which sent her flying backwards. Thankfully for her, her friends were there, and soon intercepted her before she collided with the stone walls behind her. As she recovered, she looked up to see Rainbow Dash, launching forward with the intent of attacking Nightmare Moon. The dark alicorn also took flight, and within moments, the two were circling and chasing one another in a dogfight high above the rest of them. As most of them watched with anticipation, Twilight felt sheer devastation. No! This isn't right! I almost had it! We didn't have to fight her! She'll never listen to me now! So, she watched as Nightmare Moon tried shooting Rainbow down with magical blasts from her horn, which the young pegasi quickly managed to dodge each and every time. She won't be able to hold out for long, Twilight thought. And it was here that understanding dawned on her, as she looked down to the spot at the other side of the chamber. There, she saw the fragmented remains of the Elements, and a feeling of great disappointment gripped her heart.

I'm sorry, Luna...but I've been left no choice.