1055 AD, February 18th

Ebony’s backroom wasn’t the most spectacular base to hold their operations, but it would serve its purpose. Nopony except them ever came back there, so no foreign eyes would fall on any schemes that they would deem nefarious.

At the very least, there was enough space for Nightmare Moon to move about in her true form.

Settling at a round table, Nightmare Moon deposited several scrolls and blueprints across its surface before clapping down one hoof.

“Now that-”

With a noisy clatter, a tray full of sandwiches was sent flying over her head.

“What a surprise,” Across the table, Veil shot a scathing glare at the culprit as he rose to his feet with an irritated grumbled. “Three seconds in and already the refreshments are on the floor. You ever think of going Bridleway with that sort of fine motor control?”

“You flatter me,” Haze replied as he dusted himself off. “Incidentally and on an unrelated note, I inexplicably know why you can never hold down a job.”

“Thank Faust you don’t have to deal with that nonsense; all you have to worry about is hiring somepony to help you find reasons to complain to the other ponies who literally do everything for you.”

“Okay, can we just calm down a little?” Ebony smiled weakly as she attempted to placate the members. “We have a very important guest, remember?”

“Hey, it’s better than what’s on TV, yeah?” Fade put in as he munched back a bowl of popcorn. “Sit back and watch another round of Dick-Waving: Race Wars.”

“My money’s on Veil.” Miasma quipped neutrally as she sat beside her brother and sipped on her beverage, her face an apathetic mask.

“Just because your mane’s grey now…” Veil began scornfully. “Doesn’t make you any younger then when you had the white hairs.”

“Ah, an attack on my appearance?” Haze noted. “Envy is such an ugly emotion, my dear.”

“Envy’s not the only emotion that’s ugly from where I’m standing.”

“Enough!”

Nightmare Moon glanced towards her side in surprise.

Ebony’s sharp teeth were bared and her brow was scrunched; it made her otherwise soft features seem harsh, and it culled the other members into silence.

“How dare you act like this in front of our Mistress! Show respect!”

Obediently and with flushed expressions, the four settled into their seats around the table.

Nightmare Moon nodded, impressed. “Thank you, Ebony.”

The unicorn cleared her throat and smiled bashfully. “Of course, Mistress.”

Nightmare Moon was fortunate that her newly-picked general did indeed possess the skills needed to lead, or at the very least, she had the traits which could be nurtured so she could become one.

Looking towards the rest of the Eclipse, Nightmare Moon took the precious moments of silence to analyse her ‘elite’ soldiers. The past days she had bestowed her power among each and every one of them; it had the pleasant side-effect of allowing her to glimpse into their heads, see what made them tick, and see if they were loyal.

So far, she was… mildly content.

In a bit of nostalgia, the sole unicorn stallion amongst them was none other than Dusk, the very same unicorn who had given her that card all those years ago; he had been quite astonished when he learned of her secret identity, and remarked how unbelievably fortuitous it was that he happened upon her. Nightmare Moon was inclined to agree.

From her rooting around in his skull, she had learned that Dusk – though he insisted to be called by his Eclipse name, Haze – was a unicorn from a long line of nobles, dating all the way back to before Discord was first petrified. His cutie mark – a purple comb crossed with silver scissors – stood out against his black coat; better than when his coat had been grey, prior to Nightmare Moon’s augmentation. Likewise, his white mane was now steel grey, and pulled back into a style that was popular with high-society stallions. Eyes that had once been azure had darkened to duke blue.

Personally, Nightmare Moon wasn’t too fond of him. He was quite stand-offish and held considerable animosity towards Veil, another member. Still, she had detected potent magical aptitude from him, he had ties with Canterlot nobility, he had a strong sense of loyalty, and he was the reason she knew of the Eclipse and now, its history and ideology.

‘Sadly, what he believes is far from the truth…’

Nightmare Moon turned her analysing gaze to Veil, a female pegasus, publically known as Aero. She wasn’t born in Canterlot and it surprised Nightmare Moon when she discovered where she was really from – she hid the accent very well.

Veil’s cutie mark was of five leaves arranged in a diagonal line, beginning from bright green and eventually fading to an autumn red. Her coat had been a mixed shade of orange-red before it was changed to amber and her yellow mane was now the colour of tangerines; a streak of sanguine ran down the middle of her tail. Much like the others, she had significantly increased in size.

Personally, while Nightmare Moon could appreciate her sarcasm and snark, her passive-aggressiveness might get on her nerves at some point in the future. Despite that, Veil’s way of thinking intrigued her; it was such a stark contrast to the usual ‘let’s be friends’ mentality that Equestria was lousy with. While Veil’s sense of loyalty wasn’t as strong as Ebony’s or Haze’s, Nightmare Moon felt she could extend some trust.

‘Hopefully, it won’t be a mistake on my part.’

She turned her attention towards Fade, a male pegasus; he was known by his co-workers as Jetstream, and his cutie mark was of a trio of white clouds circling a single grey cloud. His forest green coat and apple green mane would give him excellent camouflage in a forest environment, and Nightmare Moon mentally filed that away for future reference. Similarly to Veil, he was larger, but had the addition of primary feathers coloured black at their tips.

Originally hailing from Manehatten, Fade had an inflated ego due to his above-average speed and manoeuvrability, which almost landed him a spot in the Wonderbolts if it wasn’t for his attitude and tendency to rebel against his superiors. Nightmare Moon also knew that his crude humour was a means of getting attention; it was something he apparently didn’t get from his parents.

His reasons for joining the Eclipse were self-centred and his loyalty to Nightmare Moon wasn’t particularly strong, but he had a soft spot for his younger sister, and would stay so long as she did to keep an eye on her. Additionally, his memories told Nightmare Moon that he was quite skilled in manipulating weather. It was for these reasons she decided to keep him on board.

‘I’m confident I can reign him in over time.’

Finally, Nightmare Moon looked at Miasma – originally named Mantle by her parents – the sole earth pony of the group and the younger sister of Fade. Her previously rose coat had darkened to a deep maroon and her black mane held a healthy shine. Predictably, her augmentation left her the largest out of the group, excluding Nightmare Moon.

She was… something of an enigma, even though Nightmare Moon had scoured her mind for information. Miasma’s thoughts were simplistic and to the point, but there was a deep intelligence behind the apathetic and cold mask she wore, not to mention a witty sense of humour that could be compared to her brother’s. Her sense of loyalty to Nightmare Moon was strong, but again, not as strong as Ebony’s or Haze’s.

‘For some reason, the sledgehammer for a cutie mark appeals to me…’

All in all, her followers could have been better, but they met her expectations well enough.

Nodding to herself, Nightmare Moon cleared her throat and said, “I see we’ve all gathered and calmed down. Therefore, let’s start the briefing; our mission…”

With a flare of magic, she unravelled a large blueprint, showing a detailed diagram of a large structure; there were several notes scrawled on the sides in pencil, and a dozen circles highlighting specific points in the building, done in red marker.

“An assault on Canterlot Castle.”

Ooh, those words sent a thrill through her body.

“The assault will begin when the clock strikes ten on Nightmare Night,” She continued. “Aside from the delicious irony of that particular date, the streets will be crowded with ponies, impeding the progress of any patrols. Furthermore, ten is when the Royal Guard changes shifts. Take note that though my gift alone is not enough against the entirety of the Royal Guard. Each of you are superior in comparison to others of your kind, but the Royal Guard is well-trained and numerous; I guarantee that you will not prevail alone,” She clapped her hoof against the table for emphasis. “Working together and communication is key.”

“I can shout pretty loudly, but if we’re in the thick of battle then something tells me we might have a bit of trouble hearing one another,” Veil said. “Just my opinion though,”

“I am not an amateur, Veil; I’ve planned for that detail, as you’ve probably figured out.”

“Was that telepathy?” Haze’s stoic façade faltered from shock for the briefest of moments.

“That’s awesome,” Fade scrunched up his face in concentration and stared intensely at Ebony. “… You got that, yeah?”

“Was it about pink elephants?” She questioned.

“You’re not yet trained in telepathy,” Nightmare Moon explained. “My gift allows us to communicate mentally, but there are limits, and those can wait until after this debriefing is over. Now pay attention…

“When it comes to the Royal Guard and how they respond to threats, you must be aware that they have a system tailored to the measurement of how great a threat they’re facing and how strongly they should respond. Presently, the system has four alert levels – Alpha Alert, Beta Alert, Gamma Alert, and Delta Alert. Alpha is the lowest alert and given to things like disorderly conduct; anything where a single guard wouldn’t have much trouble. Beta is a step-up and deals with brawls and anything that could cause injury to the guards or the public. This is also the point where they send out flares for back-up. Gamma deals with situations such as riots or anything that can result in serious injury to the Royal Guard and the public or worse. Finally, Delta deals with direct threats to the princesses and Equestria. For example, I was a Delta. Discord was a Delta. Chrysalis, Sombra – all Deltas.

“Now, it’s your turn to be Deltas.”

“Excuse me…” Haze raised his hoof.

“Speak.”

“Why must we draw enough attention so as to create a Delta Alert? I am not questioning anypony’s strength, but there is no doubt in my mind that the princesses would choose to become involved in the situation if we were to become such a threat, and having the combined forces of the Royal Guard and the princesses bearing down on us – even with you at our side – seems a tad-”

Nightmare Moon cut him off with a shake of her head. “I’m not joining you.”

“I…” He blinked. “What?”

Nightmare Moon tapped her hoof on a photo taken of Princess Luna at the wedding after the Changeling Invasion; she was waiting with a cheeky smile for Celestia to take a bite of her sugar-free cake.

“As you all know, Luna – after attending the Nightmare Night festival held near Canterlot Castle – leaves the city at around 9:45 pm to visit Ponyville. This means Celestia will be alone in the castle. Luna won’t be back until midnight, so that gives us two hours to crush the opposition.”

They looked thoughtful, nervous but thoughtful, as they considered her plan. Satisfied that they were all giving their utmost attention, Nightmare Moon directed their gazes back to the blueprint of the castle. She pointed to the front gates which barred entrance to the main doors.

“This is where you will start the assault. At ten ‘o’ clock, you will break through those gates and make your way towards the castle. Once you’re inside, make a single lap of the castle’s ground floor, breaking as many things and as many guards as possible so they all come rushing towards you.”

She tapped another point; the highest tower of the castle.

“Prior to the clock striking ten, I will convince Celestia to accompany me to her quarters to discuss Canterlot’s expansion. When it is time to attack, I will telepathically signal you all before taking her on myself. My part in this plan is to keep her from sending for Luna, coming to her soldiers’ aid, and, ultimately, defeat her. Once I have defeated her, the Royal Guard will be demoralized and surrender. Once that is done, we will rest and get ready for Luna’s return.”

The others were silent for a few moments, deep in thought, before Fade clapped his hooves and said, “Shit, can’t believe I managed to understand all of that. So Nightm…” He paused. “So boss, you’re gonna be cool taking Celestia alone, yeah?”

“I am stronger than her,” Nightmare Moon replied confidently. “It shouldn’t be a long battle.”

“Another question,” Haze called out. “When you say ‘break the guards’, do you mean for us to…?”

“Do not kill them.”

“Oh, sweet,” Fade gave a chuckle of relief. “I mean, I’m pretty good for a brawl and crap, but killing somepony’s a little…” He made an unsure noise and gave a shrug. “You get my meaning, yeah? Unless the guy’s a total scumbag or something.”

“The Royal Guard will only resort to lethal force against hostile non-equines or if not doing so will result in somepony losing their life,” Nightmare Moon said. “So long as you refrain from using lethal force, they will do so as well. Besides, I’ve got an idea that will compel the Royal Guard to join the ranks of my new army.”

“What, you going to hand out pamphlets?” Veil quipped, reaching out to take a drink from her glass. “‘Hey, I know we just broke your legs, but how’s about joining our new group anyway?’”

“Maybe I’ll offer free dental,” Nightmare Moon retorted, acting on her inner urge to snark back. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, we’ll move onto the Royal Guards themselves.”

With a nudge of her magic, Nightmare Moon upended a manila folder and spread out its contents; several photos taken of Royal Guards from all three races, including one of the bat-winged pegasi. From the angles, it was obvious the guards had no idea somepony had been spying on them.

“As I’ve mentioned, they place emphasis on cooperation and strategy to combat a threat. The innards of the castle are filled with narrow hallways; this will group them together and render their numeric advantage less effective.”

“Um…” At Ebony’s hesitant murmur, Nightmare Moon looked at her and raised an eyebrow expectantly. She quickly continued, “Well, I mean… they know the castle like the back of their hoof, right? I’ve only been inside the castle on a few tours and that’s it. Wouldn’t that put us at a disadvantage?”

“I can help with that,” Haze offered. “I make regular visits, so I know it well.”

“Problem solved,” Nightmare Moon gestured to Haze. “You’ll take your directions from him. Now…”

She pointed towards a photo of two pegasi guards in the midst of their patrol.

“Pegasi guards attempt to subdue non-pegasi by grabbing their hind legs and lifting them into the air; the fear of falling is usually enough to prevent further opposition. For pegasi, they try to grab the wings and bring them to the ground and pin them. The narrow hallways and ceiling will make it difficult for them to use such tactics, but watch each other closely in case they try to separate you. Veil, Fade – you will make sure this doesn’t happen: keep those pegasi away from the others.”

Fade saluted, chest swelling with confidence. “Roger dodger!”

“Yeah, I can do that,” Veil shrugged. “Might chip a hoof, but I can do that,”

Nightmare Moon pointed towards a photo of three unicorn guards laughing as Prince Blueblood was bombarded by seagulls.

“Unicorns will attempt to use the Paralysis spell and erect barriers so they can close in to use them. Fortunately, you’re all robust enough to resist several direct hits, though that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort to not be hit. Once they realize Paralysis spells aren’t as effective, they may resort to casting mild electrocution spells and illusions. Electrocution spells are a greater threat, but it’s the illusion spells you need to be wary of. They completely bypass magical barriers and are invisible to the naked eye, so if any of you feel the slightest bit unusual, say so. Don’t waste magic on dispelling them; a good slap will do the trick.”

Four pairs of eyes glanced nervously at Miasma.

“Ebony, Haze – a competent unicorn is worth a dozen amateurs and can single-hoofedly turn an entire battle, so before we attack you will know how to heal, throw up barriers, and cast even the most difficult of spells,” Nightmare Moon gave a sadistic grin, her teeth gleaming in the light. “I look forward to training you.”

“Oh my…” Haze’s façade faltered once more to reveal his fear.

Ebony ducked her head, emitting a sort of whine.

Amused by their reactions, Nightmare Moon gave a brief chuckle before pointing her hoof at a photo of two guards hoof-wrestling.

“Earth ponies – the brawn of the Royal Guard. Barring alicorns, they are the most naturally resilient ponies and the strongest. They rush and beat down a threat; it’s simple and effective. A favoured tactic of theirs is to line up and make an impenetrable wall of armor and flesh. Fortunately, we have Miasma.”

“Yo.” The dour pony half-heartedly raised her hoof.

“A regular earth pony is capable of breaking bones and bucking trees with energy to spare. Seeing as you’ve been improved, charging down such an ‘impenetrable’ defense would be child’s play, hm?”

Miasma bobbed her head once.

“Your job is to draw attention and cause panic. If there are guards in a narrow hallway, you charge them down. If guards are attempting to regroup, you scatter them. If you see some officer trying to give orders, make him your priority. Make them panic and make them concentrate on you, so the others can do as they please.”

“Cool.”

Nightmare Moon snickered and gestured to another photo. A single bat-pony guard was flushing red as another stallion nervously asked him out.

“Bat-ponies are basically pegasi with the added ability to see in the dark. There are only a few in the Royal Guard and they all accompany Luna wherever she goes. If everything goes to plan, we shouldn’t need to face them, but if we do, the same tactics for normal pegasi should suffice.”

Turning her gaze on her followers, Nightmare Moon folded her hooves on the table, expression hard and serious.

“We have eight months until Nightmare Night and that time is to be spent training, so I suggest you finish up any personal business as quickly as possible. Remember where our training area is and be there for every single session. The only excuse I’ll accept for not participating is if every bone in your body is broken… and only if I was the one that did it.”

“So I’m kind of wondering…” Miasma piped up. “This is a little off-topic, but what about all these creatures? I’ve heard rumours that they might be from another world?”

Nightmare Moon grimaced, but replied, “I won’t lie. From what I’ve gathered from the princesses, these creatures are indeed from another world. They are filtering in through spatial anomalies called Entropic Fractures. Other than that, I know little about these creatures and their intentions, if they have any. If we’re lucky, then a solution will be found by our enemies. If not, then once our plans have succeeded and I’m in power, it’ll be our first priority,” She stamped her hoof on the table. “I have not come this far to lose the throne to something that isn’t even of our world.”

Apparently emboldened by her determination, the others nodded in agreement, shooting confident smiles – smirk, in Miasma’s case – at each other.

“We’re with you one hundred percent, Mistress!” Ebony said with a determined expression.

As the others gave nods and chimes of agreement, Nightmare Moon felt a surge of zeal and pride.

The throne was still a long ways ahead, but she felt as if she was gaining instead of remaining in the same place, stewing in her own impatience, anger, and desire. When the time finally came and she was able to look down on all of her subjects from a newly renovated Canterlot Castle, she would savour the sensation.

It almost made her want to sing.

Almost.

Entering her home, Nightmare Moon looked down and exhaled angrily at the pile of letters that had been pushed through her mail slot. If it wasn’t to do with bills, social events, or the Royal Court, then it went into the rubbish.

She picked them up with telekinesis and sorted through them, shutting the door behind her.

“Junk. Trash. Garbage. Ju…”

She raised one intrigued eyebrow at a small, inconspicuous envelope; it only caught her attention because she noticed the stamp in the top corner.

A music note – an eighth note to be precise, and she knew of only one pony who used that.

Tearing it open, she took out a folded piece of paper from the envelope, and spread it out in front of her.

Her eyes scanned over the contents.

She blinked and re-read it.

She re-re-read it.

‘Vinyl’s getting married. Interesting.’

Author's Notes:

Note 1: A rather exposition-heavy chapter to give a heads-up that Nightmare Moon's plans are slowly coming to fruition and that she has back-up. Still, there are some elements that would be explained later in the story; I was never a fan for explaining literally everything about everything at once.

Note 2: Believe it or not - Vinyl had been the one to propose to Octavia, and the story behind it... well, that's for another time.