Cake, Icecream, and Cupcakes! What else could anypony ask for!? But despite the friendly gathering, Nightmare Moon appeared utterly distracted. It was late at night; while Lightning Dust, Derpy, Raindrops, Sombra, and a small purple filly were all attending a gathering in Raindrop's home. The mood was vibrant and lively, and despite this Nightmare Moon couldn't seem to get involved. She just remained zoned out in one corner, peering towards the carpet while levitating a glass of milk at her side, as if she were just completely lost in thought while the others conversed and talked. She took a moment to turn her gaze towards Lightning Dust as the pegasus wore an annoyed expression and just ran a hoof over her face as it appeared as if she were discussing something at the table with both Derpy and Raindrops. Nightmare Moon focused on Lightning Dust further with those contemplative eyes, before looking back towards the carpet.

Meanwhile in the living room sitting on the couch and staring at a TV screen would be Sombra, as he still had his mane fastened into pigtails while licking an icecream cone. But sitting right beside him peering at him with wide eyes would be the new purple filly as she just blinked, observing him almost uncomfortably so. Sombra's brow twitched as he looked over at her. ".............What?"

The filly then placed a hoof upon Sombra's cheek and just simply began moving that hoof up and down.

Sombra closed his eyes in irritation, attempting to remain sane and patient as the filly did this. His brow continued to twitch.

The filly just continued moving her hoof up and down, just blinking as she did so, before she started pulling back her hoof and pressing it into his face and just rotating it in a circular manner as if she were playing with dough or pudding while Sombra just sat there.

Sombra then snapped, grabbing her hoof and getting in the filly's face. "WHAT IS IT YOU WANT!?"

The filly then just looked into his eyes. "Is this weal life?"

Sombra shoved the icecream cone into the filly's mouth.

The filly chuckled playfully as she just chewed, then leaning back and laying on the couch and kicking her legs in the air.

Sombra then joined the solemn alicorn at her side before appearing quite bored. "What's your issue?"

Nightmare Moon lowered her head somewhat as she glanced back at Lightning Dust before speaking absently. "I must speak with you outside, we will be taking a walk. Do not give them any sort of idea that we may be planning otherwise."

Sombra muttered as he glanced over at her with a raised brow. "In other words, we are planning otherwise?"

Nightmare Moon just sighed as she closed her eyes before rising and then muttering as she casually made her way towards the front door. "Do not be smart with me, now come. I will need your assistance with this." She wore an impatient glare as her face darkened.

Sombra suddenly wore a plain smirk as he appeared intrigued. "Ah, you're serious about this aren't you? Whatever that may be." The colt trailed after her then, ensuring to remain close behind as they made their way towards the front door of the house.

"Nightmare! Sombra! Where are you two going!?" Lightning Dust called out from the kitchen with both hooves firmly on her hips as she suddenly appeared skeptical. "We just got valuable information from Lyra and you guys are heading out? Come on I know we decided to make this a more relaxed occasion but, we've really got to figure out how we're going to convince Vinyl to help with Octavia."

Derpy and Raindrops nodded as they to looked back at the departing Sombra and Nightmare Moon with confusion.

Nightmare paused as she immediately lost that expression of impatience and looked over to Lightning Dust and the others in pure innocent bliss. "A-Ah! Do forgive me allies! We are simply taking a short walk! Such things help ease my stomach." She glanced to her lower left with a hurt expression as she made a pained frown. "Gah, t-there it goes again. It seems I'm not used to these....new foods."

Lightning Dust crossed her hooves worriedly before tilting her head to the right. "Are you going to be alright?"

Nightmare Moon focused on the pegasus again, and more particularly on her body. And once again she felt a seething rage swelling inside her as she practically trembled. "Why yes Lightning Dust, I will be rejuvenated in no time at all!" She then made her way out the door.

Sombra attempted to follow after her casually with a bored expression.

Then Raindrops rose as she crossed her hooves. "Sombra! Where do you think you're going!?"

Sombra looked over to the pegasus in bafflement as he was almost stunned by the fact that he was questioned. He shook it off however and just immediately put on a look of discomfort to play the part perfectly. "Ooooooh my tummy hurts, I must repeat her actions in order to feel utterly satisfied, I believe a walk will most definitely accomplish this." He then just trotted out the house casually while whistling.

Raindrops just looked to the other two with just a raised brow and perplexed look.

Lightning Dust and Derpy shrugged at Raindrops, just as lost as she was.

While the little purple filly just tackled Derpy then playfully. "Yaaaaaaay!!"

As Sombra made his way outside the house, sitting on the sidewalk past the front lawn would be Nightmare Moon who wore nothing, and just peered towards the night sky and full moon silently. Sombra just rolled his eyes before muttering, "Oh, how touching, give me a break." He then made his way over towards Nightmare Moon, standing a few feet behind her as he crossed both his front hooves while standing on his hind legs. He gave her a cold glare and raised brow, before burrowing his head into his shoulder somewhat. "Now what's this all this about with this walk nonsense? Grah, I do not wish to stand idly by and freeze half to death if it is not necessary you know."

Nightmare Moon glanced back at him in disinterest.  "Didn't you mention you were originally from the north?"

Sombra growled at her before stomping a hoof. "GRAH! Well I had slaves to keep my castle warm, and I also had my trusty cloak back then!" He closed his eyes before placing one hoof on his hip. "And that is besides the point. You failed to answer my first question."

Nightmare Moon lowered her head as she spoke in a solemn tone. "Do you remember where we came from Sombra?"

Sombra appeared a little thrown off for a second before he sighed and closed his eyes. "Of course, what of it?"

Nightmare Moon continued. "I believed this world to be different. That petty things such as friendship was a far superior form of magic compared to what we used to survive." She glared back at him. "Apparently I was wrong, even in a world such as this. There are those who would ignore the new world order. Those who would dare use physical means to bring harm to my allies using their natural inherent talents to take advantage of them." Her eyes closed halfway before she spoke in a cold direct tone. "There are those who would pathetically hold sway over those without as much power simply because they can, those who're just like me when I'd first returned."

Sombra crossed his hooves again before looking at Nightmare Moon with a bored look. "Of course there are you idiot."

Nightmare Moon's eyes widened as she looked at Sombra.

Sombra smirked confidently. "There are those whom are fit to rule, and those who are no more than meager slaves. The weaklings are crushed beneath the hooves of the mighty and strong. This belief rings true no matter what has changed in this world. This talk of status and friendship? I know not what exactly defeated you but I was bested by an enemy who was simply better than I was, well, with the assistance of a powerful artifact of course. But nonetheless, I have faced countless enemies who knew that the only means of succeeding was through pure innate talent. Those foes will always be around regardless of the time period were in." He chuckled eagerly. "It's just apparent that whomever these enemies are they are far superior at hiding this truth away in the shadows, it seems we're not so alien here afterall."

Nightmare Moon raised her head as she appeared lost again. "I see, so there will be times when it is alright to use my magic." She paused, "Well, I cannot say that I'm disappointed, only that it is a shame." She peered ahead with cold eyes. "It hardly seems fair for them."

Sombra tilted his head to the left in curiosity. "And who exactly are we speaking of that you'd go this length to be rid of?"

Nightmare Moon peered ahead with an uncaring expression. "The individuals whom of which desired to perform the ritual of filly-making. I know not of their reasons nor care." She paused as she spoke with a simple tone. "But they laid their hooves on her and brought harm to her, resorted her to shed tears in front of me. They will not be forgiven for these crimes." She then looked to Sombra as she frowned a bit, "So now they will suffer, and their mistress whom of which I must hunt will also pay dearly for her practice."

Sombra smiled a bit as he raised a brow at her. "Oh? So bold!"

Nightmare Moon rose to all fours before trotting a few feet down the sidewalk. "I request that you remain a safe distance away at times."

Sombra growled a bit. "Who do you think I am!?"

Nightmare Moon looked at him blankly. "Now a child within a mortal shell."

Sombra huffed as he closed his eyes. "Granted I am not as powerful as I was before, but under the cover of night, I am more than enough."

Nightmare Moon nodded to him plainly, obviously impatient as she raised a hoof and then suddenly emerging from pure shadow would be a tear in the realm itself. Leaking from this portal of impenetrable black would be shadowy purple tendrils which writhed and squirmed, caressing the alicorn's hooves as she didn't fear them one bit. She glanced back at Sombra with a tired expression. "Are you ready to go?"

Sombra muttered, obviously a little hesitant. "Are you certain you should be using that?"

Nightmare Moon smiled in delight. "Tonight is a special occasion, and I do not want to miss our work plans for such filth."

Sombra looked at Nightmare Moon in question, now a little more worried for her than he'd originally anticipated. ".........."

Nightmare Moon continued to smile at him with half closed eyes. "We will make quick work of these insects."

Towards the heart of Manehattan, at a familiar location, an irritated stallion wore an eye-patch over his eye and bruised face. He stood in the dusty lobby of the building with a heavy frown while still cleaning empty glasses with a cloth. His brows furrowed as he muttered to himself in the dark. "To think she got away, how absurd. She was just some pegasus brat. The mistress obviously isn't happy about this one bit." He lowered his head and closed his eyes with a heavy sigh. "And to think we lost that marvelous catch as well, an actual alicorn."

And suddenly what little light was exposed in the lobby had suddenly vanished completely. The stallion now stood in absolute darkness, unable to even see the nearest piece of furniture as even all sources of light that should've come from the outside were gone as well. It was inconceivable and he couldn't help but feel a hint of fear while being thrown off by it. He just stood there for a moment in surprise.

The stallion's eyes widened as he raised a brow. "W-What? What just happened?" His horn started to glow a vibrant green color as he squinted a bit, trying to catch sight of anything that might be in front of him or around him. But he saw nothing as he eventually just feel into an even deeper confusion before muttering to himself. "W-What's going o-" and at that moment the stallion staggered back before freezing completely in absolute fear as looking straight back at him would be a figure hidden in the darkness. He couldn't make out what it was but its eyes were locked onto him, hazy blue eyes with strange blue pupils, and all seeing, as if they were piercing into him. It was the silence which bothered him the most, for after noticing this strange ominous presence in the far back of the lobby it only continued to stare at him.

The figure spoke, but its voice was raspy and cold. "Where does your Mistress hide?"

The stallion trembled as he just moved back even further back before shaking his head. "A-As if I, as if I would...t-t-tell..."

The eyes didn't let up as the voice just returned, uncaring for his fear. "Should you not speak, I will simply find another."

The stallion just gulped again as he shook his head. "I-I, I will never betray the Queen!"

There was a looming silence for some time.

The eyes suddenly vanished into the darkness before the voice replied. "A shame."

And as the stallion stood there trembling fiercely, he was soon wrapped up by a physical force of pure shadow as he was then dragged back and into the pitch black, the light of his magic went out as he let off muffled screams that faded away in seconds.

Eventually as the stallion quieted down, the shadows of the lobby dissipated while the stallion was fainted in the back corner behind the counter while both Sombra and Nightmare Moon loomed over him. Sombra had his hooves crossed as he raised a brow at the stallion. "Well, at least they have loyalty. He would make a decent slave." Sombra shrugged before glancing over at Nightmare Moon in boredom.

Nightmare Moon however didn't appear satisfied in the least as she sighed. "How typical, no matter. We will take the items that allow us to gain entry into the secret passageway. Surely one of these maggots will tell us how to reach their leader."

"There will be no need for that darlings....."

Both Sombra and Nightmare Moon's eyes widened exponentially as they looked around in question, wondering where exactly the voice came from. Obviously through speakers placed about the room but who or where was this individual. Although any form of fear was absent from their expressions, they still wore hints of caution as they stood in place, simply listening intently. Nightmare Moon in particular called out to the voice. "Ah, so you are the one whom runs this kingdom. Will you continue to hide behind this foul Canterlot voice?"

The voice continued. "Mhmhmhmhm! Face you!? Dearest Luna, I will crush you if you so desire. To think that the mysterious sister whom I never had a chance to meet during my wedding, would come and greet me personally! You are far more interesting than I thought."

Nightmare Moon wore a grumpy look as she knew she'd been  mistaken but didn't question it.

The voice added on. "And who is this one? Your little slave?"

Sombra raised a hoof at one of the voiceboxes. "WHAT!? Why you wench! I'll wring your neck out when I find you!"

The voice chuckled. "Ohoho, fiesty. I like her."

Sombra's eyes widened as he just gritted his teeth and glanced to the lower right in shame and embarressment. "Grah!....."

Soon the doors to the elevator opened as within, a green thick substance oozed from it. The once beautiful elevator had now become no more than a carapace shell of what it once was, made up of a blackened crusty material with the green substance leaking from even the ceiling of the makeshift box. Standing inside would be two black creatures whom both Sombra and Nightmare had never seen before.

Sombra's eyes widened as he staggered back a little. "W-What? Disgusting, I'm not trotting in there."

Nightmare Moon glanced over and down at him. "Does getting a little dirty frighten you that much?"

Sombra rolled his eyes as he scratched at the back of his mane. "Grah, it seems everypony is picking on me today. Fine fine I will enter the stupid box. "He sulked as he began to trot towards it with a grumpy look and bickered while doing so. "Dumb stupid secret walk stupid could've done it by herself, instead drags me all the way out. I mean doesn't she know I have to keep up appearances now? Grah!"

Nightmare Moon raised her head and a brow. "Are you reeeeeeeeeally mumbling like a child?"

Sombra glared back at her and snarled. "NO! NO, I AM NOT!!!!!" He then stomped ahead and between the two black pony-like creatures into the elevator, trembling with disgust as he did so and wearing a sad expression. "So filthy, disgusting disgusting, this is just absurd."

Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes as she to trotted into the elevator with ease. She then focused on the black on both sides of her as the doors to the elevator shut and it starting moving. "It is as if they do not understand I have come here with the intent of punishing them."

The creatures then looked to Nightmare Moon and chuckled in delight before peering ahead again. "We do not fear for our petty lives while our darling Queen runs the hive." The two black pony-like creatures spoke in sync while wearing plain smiles like twins.

Sombra glanced up at one of them before speaking plainly. "Mhm, yep, tooootally fearless that one in the front was."

The black pony-like creatures just continued. "Her every whim we will obey, even if on our dying day. We will leap, jump and fall at her command. The hive will thrive as long as she stands. So do what you must to quench your anger, just do not put our Queen in danger."

Nightmare Moon raised a brow at one of them. "Isn't taking me to her quite contradictory to your philosophy?"

The black-pony like creatures replied in sync still. "Despite our concern for her safety, we will not disobey her hastily."

And eventually the doors of the elevator opened only to reveal a large massive underground domain. It was practically a canyon as in one sector there were numerous green pods which from within, appeared to hold ponies. The green liquid slime was not as abundant here, and there was a crafted stone path which lead to a far and mighty pillar, one withered into the shape of a massive throne. Parallel pillars coursed down the path on each side as tending to the green pods sector, would be numerous of the black creatures. They seemed endless in number and just fluttered around from pod to pod, ensuring they were getting cared for properly. The two creatures within the elevator stepped out, before bowing their heads for their two guests and allowing them to proceed. "In the heart of darkness, she waits."

Sombra and Nightmare Moon began to trot out slowly, as they were actually forced to look up somewhat in order to even catch sight of the apparent throne slab which the Queen situated herself upon. In a way it was like a crafted empire, and they wouldn't be surprised if this stretched to other parts of the city. As the two made their way down the path slowly, all eyes were locked on them.

Sombra wore an amused smirk as he peered up and ahead. "Impressive."

Nightmare Moon was silent as she just trotted casually up towards the throne.

Upon reaching it there were a numerous band of the creatures which guarded the massive stone slab. "HALT!!!" They shouted in unison.

Suddenly emerging at the top of the stone slab would be a larger version of the creatures, an apparent female and in a strange sense, she also appeared as if she were an alicorn. Nightmare Moon raised a brow at her in confusion then while the leader of this creatures just peered down at Nightmare Moon with interest. She eventually lowered her hind legs to sit as she just continued to observe her two guests for some time, before chuckling in delight. "Oho, now isn't this interesting. Luna and a child waltz right up to one of my many sanctuaries and have no fear whatsoever entering the very chambers of a swarm of changelings. Confidence must be your strong point hm?"

Nightmare Moon tilted her head to the right. "So you are the leader of these creatures?"

The Queen just cackled somewhat as she raised a brow. "And what else would I be?"

Nightmare Moon ignored that witty answer before continuing with a cold glare. "And why is it you do what you do? Do you not understand the rules of the new world? These methods are despicable, and they go against the ways of the fast food industry and status gain."

The Queen just blinked a bit before bursting into laughter. "Bahahahahahhahaha! What is this nonsense oyu speak of!? Fast food industry!? Status gain!? We have no need for such things, what you call food we call entertainment. It is just a form of passing the time for us. We do not abide by any laws, we do what we must to survive whether you pitiful ponies agree with it or not."

Nightmare Moon stomped a hoof, still glaring at her. "And so this gives you a right to harm individuals who play by the rules instead!?"

The Queen pulled her head back in confusion as she sat. "And what individuals have I harmed that is of concern to you? This is not Canterlot wench, and I do not waste my food. It is cared for properly, tended to every given day in their new-found lives."

Nightmare Moon's glare intensified. "You harmed a close ally of mine. For your sake I hope she did not simply slip your mind."

The Queen gasped before smiling and looking to her upper left. "Aaaaaah! You mean that intruder!? Well well well, harm is quite a bold statement considering," she immediately glared back at the alicorn herself, "Your ally decided it was necessary to invade my sanctuary and assault my guard, I say fair is fair. She should not have been trespassing. Do you intend to exact your revenge in such a manner that you do not even have the right? Even now I have granted you passage into my domain, and have shown you mercy even after assaulting one of my children, and now you have the gall to throw accusations? Is this what the hierarchy of Canterlot has come to!? Celestia would never resort to such tactics, choose your next words carefully sister of my enemy, for they could very well be your last."

Nightmare Moon just peered up towards her. "Yes, yes I do. You broke the rules of the fast food industry and even harmed my ally." She paused with a smirk before closing her eyes. "It is a shame that my dear sisters are busy with their own problems in a distant region." Nightmare Moon then peered back up towards her, wondering if this creature would catch the hint of how dire her situation was.

Queen Chrysalis did feel as if a sudden jolt hit her as she felt she'd come to an epiphany. W-What? Sisters? B-But there are only two alicorn sisters. What is the meaning of this!? Her eyes widened as she just peered at Nightmare Moon. "Who are you?"

Nightmare Moon suddenly disappeared in a void of darkness before reappearing behind the Queen. "Not, my sister."

Queen Chrysalis glanced back with a shocked expression.

A band of the rest of creatures immediately looked to their Queen with gasps. One cried out, "PROTECT THE QUEEN!!!!"

Sombra just wore a crooked frown as he peered up towards Nightmare Moon and placed a hoof over his face. "Truly now? Did she have to attack them here? I mean, certainly it would've been far more efficient to just wait for a better opportunity but nooo~ we must wait for the dramatic revelation! Pfffffft~" he rolled his eyes before suddenly rubbing his lower muzzle. "Family drama, graaaaaaah...."

"SIEZE THE LITTLE ONE!"

Sombra gasped as he then immediately leaped back dodging a barrage of magical blasts before snapping back at the changelings. "WHAT DID I DO!?" When a band of the creatures just touched upon the ground and immediately surged towards the colt and swung hooves at him, before Sombra propelled himself into a series of spins and dodges using his lighter more acrobatic body avoiding the blows magnificently. "Aha! It seems that I am far more impressive than I originally assumed. Now then insects shall we-" he got decked in the face with a hoof.

When suddenly the Queen had morphed into a new form, baring now a white coat, sapphire mane, and stallion's body as he wore a guard's uniform and blocked a spell which attempted to strike at her from the rear as she snarled with a chuckle. "So there was a third sister!?"

Nightmare Moon glared at the Queen who'd now transformed with little surprise as she answered her. "I doubt they'd acknowledge me as such." She smiled a bit before raising a brow at the Queen with a mighty chuckle. "A living nightmare differs from the sun and moon."