1052 AD, March 2nd

With half an hour until 7:30 pm, Nightmare Moon arrived at the theatre. Fancypants was already there, occupying himself with his pocket watch. It seemed to be giving him trouble judging by the way he was shaking it back and forth with telekinesis and glaring daggers at it.

“You’re early,” Nightmare Moon observed coolly as she approached, catching his attention. “Trouble with your watch?”

“Ah, Miss Secret, so lovely to see you again,” He chuckled weakly as he stowed his watch back into his pocket. “Unfortunately, I am indeed having a spot of bother with this infernal thing. I’ve only just now realized that it runs three minutes slow.”

“You’re still a fair bit early.”

“Yes, well, you see…” Fancypants adjusted his monocle again. “I was actually hoping to catch you before you entered the theatre; give you a bit of advice in dealing with my colleagues.”

Nightmare Moon raised one eyebrow and asked, “Should I expect trouble?”

“Trouble in the sense that their words come with barbs; nothing too drastic, I assure you.”

Nightmare Moon could easily ignore any criticisms and veiled insults thrown at her, but if she wanted her plan to work, then she had to be on good terms with Fancypants’ social circle. Fortunately, a prime source to get some dirt on them was standing right in front of her.

“Perhaps you could tell me a bit about your colleagues?” Nightmare Moon gave a nonchalant shrug. “Something to break the ice?”

“Well, I wouldn’t be much of a gentlecolt if I just let you waltz in without some ‘ammunition’, as it were,” Fancypants chuckled at his own joke while she bit back a groan. “But something to break the ice? Yes, well, first you must be aware that there are three individuals to watch out for: Jewel Dream, Shiner, and Prism Coat. These three – including myself, but it’s rather rude to brag – are quite popular and how they react to you will likely dictate how everypony else will react.”

He paused to once again, adjust his monocle, and Nightmare Moon was convinced it was more of a character tic than an actual adjustment. She filed that information away for possible future use as he continued.

“Now, Jewel Dream has her hoof in the fashion industry, and enjoys talking about the latest trends and styles; expressing an interest in these topics will do wonders to get her guard down. Shiner is a boat enthusiast – both of the water and air variety – and has a particular soft spot for the origins of the vessels. Once he opens up about it, it should be smooth sailing from there,” He winced. “Er, no pun intended.”

“Of course not.”

“And last but not least, Prism Coat. She was actually the one I was talking about earlier when I mentioned one of my colleagues stepping down from running for a seat on the Royal Court. She has a penchant for history and the thaumaturgic arts, so I doubt you’ll have much difficult there if our first meeting was any indication.”

Nightmare Moon nodded, storing the information away. “Anything else?”

“Hmm, let’s see…” He looked to the side and tapped his hoof on the ground, humming. “Mmm… no, that should do it,” Fancypants turned his head to the right. “Ah, perfect timing: there’s Shiner now. Remember: he’s a boat enthusiast,” He then fully faced the approaching stallion. “Jolly good to see you again, old bean.”

Shiner was a light grey unicorn with a white tuxedo and a black bowtie. His mane was completely dark with a few strands of grey hinting at old age. Tortoise-shell glasses rested on his nose.

Nightmare Moon smirked confidently. ‘This shall be a cakewalk…’

“Fancypants, a lovely evening to attend the theatre, wouldn’t you say?” Shiner shook Fancypants’ hoof with a strong grip and it wasn’t until he let go did he notice her.

He smiled amiably, but she could detect his confusion and the way he sized her up, taking in and no doubt critiquing her lack of clothing. Standing tall and proud, Nightmare Moon met his gaze, her mind already laying out what to say to get him wrapped around her hoof.

“And who is this?” Shiner asked, breaking eye contact.

“Shiner, I’d like you to meet Star Secret,” Fancypants introduced her with a sweep of his hoof. “She’s a newcomer to Canterlot. I met her a week ago and let me just say, she is remarkably versed in history and the thaumaturgic arts.”

Nightmare Moon nodded, curled her lips into a small grin, and said, “Charmed, I’m sure.”

“Good evening, my dear,” He greeted back with a hint of uncertainty. His tail gave an almost imperceptible twitch; a classic tell-tale, but a goody.

“Fancypants told me you’re a boat enthusiast,” Nightmare Moon said. “Pray tell, the flying boats I’ve seen around, they’re mostly for show, are they not? I doubt they can produce the fuel needed to attain speeds sufficient enough for racing.”

“I… Why, of course they can!” Shiner straightened and he grinned broadly, any trace of nervousness gone. “I know they may not look it, but I know for a fact those boats can reach speeds which belie their size.”

“Really?” It literally pained Nightmare Moon to act so cheerful and pretend to be interested. Alas, manipulation was much like any other form of art; the artist must sometimes suffer for it. “Now I know it would be too cumbersome to place large amounts of fuel on the boat itself, so I’m guessing it has more to do with quality rather than quantity?”

“You couldn’t be more right, my dear,” Shiner was fully in his element now. “You see, the fuel used to propel the vessel is a complicated compound which is the result of many decades of research and testing. Now, the idea of airborne vessels has been around since Equestria was still officially a diarchal country, but the very first successful boat wasn’t built until around the time non-pegasi began developing interests in exploring the skies and studying how pegasi controlled the weather as well as their culture and military-like government.”

Nightmare Moon nodded as the stallion gushed about boats, wanting nothing more than to cast a sleeping spell on herself.

‘Suffer for their work indeed…’

An hour later, Nightmare Moon was sipping from a glass of aged wine, inwardly grimacing at the lack of flavour, and chatting it up with several of Fancypants’ colleagues as if they had been friends since childhood.

“But of course, I never thought that the vagabond would have hidden it up on the roof, and it wasn’t until one of the maids went up there did I know about it,” Jewel Dream paused to pick up one of the samples from a silver platter carried by a passing attendant. “And did I know about it; the entire thing came crashing down on the poor mare, and it was only due to the timely arrival of a messenger pegasus that she was spared from having cake on her face… and I’m not talking metaphorically.”

Nightmare Moon gave a convincing show of placing a hoof on her lips as they curled into a grin, as if the story was so funny it almost broke her composed demeanour. In all honesty, she had zoned out halfway through because Fancypants and another stallion were engaged in an epic and very polite war over the last sandwich at the buffet table in the background, and that was much more amusing to observe.

Oh, but this wine really was tasteless…

A week of working at Vinyl’s club had given her virgin taste buds ample time to get used to the acrid taste of alcohol, not that it really affected her, and the wine on offer here was so weak she might as well have been drinking water.

But maybe that was just her because it seemed to be having the effect she desired on everypony else. Having already been warmed up to Nightmare Moon after she successfully corralled Shiner, Jewel Dream, and Prism Coat into her pocket – so to speak – the light inebriation settling in suddenly made her the most popular mare in the room.

Her initiation into Fancypants’ clique was a shoe-in, even if nopony had said anything, and now that Nightmare Moon – or rather ‘Star Secret’ – had ascended Canterlot’s social ladder, her goal was one step closer.

‘And from here, I begin socializing with the public; earn some goodwill, do some benevolent deeds, prove my worth and skill, and then-’

“Oh, was that the announcement for the second interlude?”

Coming out of her thoughts, Nightmare Moon looked around, and saw that everypony was returning to their seats for the grand finale of the show. Better yet, Jewel Dream had shut up about her poodle, and was leaving her alone to chat with another friend. Sighing in relief, Nightmare Moon rolled her stiff neck, and made for her own seat.

“My dear, it’s astounding how well you’re getting along with everypony,” Fancypants trotted up alongside her, munching on the spoils of war. “How do you manage to do it?”

For Nightmare Moon, it was second nature to charm others. It was necessary; if she wasn’t so skilled in manipulation, Princess Luna would have never fallen under her control.

“It’s a talent,” She replied with a casual shrug. “It’s surprising how many are willing to divulge in their personal lives when you show an interest in their hobbies.”

“That’s how most of Canterlot’s nobility is.”

Returning to their stage boxes, where they had a complete view of the stage below, Nightmare Moon nestled into her seat. The chatter from the audience below quietened as the finale of the play started.

Personally, she thought the play was mediocre; the plot was convoluted and sickeningly romantic. What she did find good was the soundtrack, provided by the musicians, and she was especially growing fond of the haunting melody provided by a one talented cello player.

“Miss Secret,” Fancypants whispered from his seat next to hers. “I and the others would be delighted if you could be part of our little entourage; your company has made this night very enjoyable.”

‘There it is…’

Biting back a victorious smirk, Nightmare Moon replied, “I accept. I must admit I didn’t think I’d have this much fun, but now I’m looking forward to the next activity.”

“Fantastic – it just so happens that the Museum of Art has received a new addition. None other than Von Cubist’s famous Aurora in Motion painting; the original, I might add.”

Nightmare Moon nodded politely as he droned on, absorbing the information subconsciously while planning out the next steps of her scheme.

The play ended with an uproar of clapping hooves and cheers. As the curtains drew shut, Nightmare Moon rose from her seat, and stretched languidly, flexing the kinks out of her joints.

“My, my – that was a grandiose ending!” Prism Coat turned to her, the bright and colourful hues of her coat accentuated by the plain whiteness of her gown. “Oh, Star Secret, what was your favourite part?”

‘Whenever the music drowned out the acting…’

“I was partial to the confrontation between the mother and daughter,” Nightmare Moon replied; it was the first scene that came to mind.

The various mares and stallions of the social circle were gathering their things, an air of satisfied fatigue hanging about them. It seemed as though the evening was coming to a close.

“Ooh yes, the raw emotion in that scene was breath-taking! I can’t say I agree with the mother’s actions, but I could understand her motives,” Prism Coat chuckled. “I mean, the bloodline has to be kept pure, right? None of that earth pony blood getting into the mix; I’m sure you understand.”

Nightmare Moon bit back a grimace and gave a nod instead. “Yes… I suppose I do…”

Prism Coat seemed to notice her hesitation, as her expression faltered somewhat, but she was called away before she could bring attention to it. Brightening up again, she bid farewell to Nightmare Moon, and walked off, oblivious to the glare directed at the back of her head.

“Well, it has certainly been an eventful night, my dear,” Nightmare Moon quickly wiped the scowl from her face as Fancypants approached. “But I’m afraid I must part; I promised Fleur to be home before it got too dark, and a gentlecolt must keep his word.”

“Of course.” She nodded.

“Now remember, our next meeting is scheduled to take place at the Museum of Art in two days at 3:25 pm, the latest.”

“I’ll be sure to make it,”

“You have a wonderful night, my dear.”

“I will.”

As Fancypants made a few stops to bid farewell to his closest acquaintances, Nightmare Moon exited the stage box, and trotted down a corridor towards the front entrance. She’d prefer simply teleporting back to Vinyl’s apartment, but – for some reason – it was considered rude to do it indoors and in a public place.

Naturally, she was inclined to do it anyway, but figured that-

“… Nightmare Moon cult…”

‘What?’

Ears perking, Nightmare Moon looked towards the pair of stallions walking just in front of her. She recalled seeing them in the stage box next to her.

“Eclipse, my good stallion,” The one on the right said with an indignant sniff. “If you’re going to talk about us, then refer to us by our name.”
He wore the clothing of nobility and carried the same air. The hairs of his groomed coat were dull grey and his styled mane was a washed-out white. There was an insignia on the breast of his tuxedo – a purple and white crest with two golden halberds crossed beneath it – and she was sure she had seen it somewhere before.

“Eclipse…” His companion scoffed. “And you wonder why you don’t have more members with a name like that.”

“It’s an old name and names of old still carry the weight of the integrity and importance bestowed upon it from long ago.”

‘Eclipse? A cult named after me?’

Nightmare Moon did not have many allies when she and Celestia first came to blows, and she was certain there was no cult. Filled with suspicion and curiosity, she quickened her pace, and cleared her throat.

“Hm?” The stallion who was part of the ‘Eclipse’ turned around, regarding her with cool indifference while his companion frowned irritably at the interruption. “Can I assist you with something, Miss…?”

“Star Secret, and I couldn’t help but overhear you’re involved with something called the Eclipse?”

“Indeed I am,” The stallion turned to fully face her and give a polite bow of his head. “I am Dusk, scion of House Virtue, though I also go by the name of Haze by my associates within the Eclipse.”

“They’re a bad influence on you, Dusk,” The other stallion shook his head disapprovingly. “Commoners…”

Dusk ignored him and continued, “We believe in the reign of Nightmare Moon and have dedicated ourselves to her rule.”

“You’re in the minority,” Nightmare Moon said, her intrigue growing further. She couldn’t believe she had followers after all these years. “Your decision must cause strife amongst other nobles.”

“Let them prattle and judge,” Dusk replied casually, his expression trained into stoicism. “Many thought the Mare in the Moon was a tale until she returned barely a month ago.”

“And she was destroyed by the Elements,” His companion countered. Nightmare Moon was quickly becoming annoyed by his presence. “Why do you worship a dead ‘god’ when the real Princess Luna is alive, well, and purified? Does she speak with you in your nightmares?”

“I, along with my associates, believe she still lives,” Dusk looked the other stallion dead in the eye. “Should you know what my family has known for a millennium, you would change your tune, too.”

Nightmare Moon furrowed her brow ever so slightly, but gave no hint as what she was feeling, and said, “Your group sounds interesting.”

“If you wish to know more, speak with Hazel Blaze, our leader,” Dusk’s horn was bathed in a light magenta glow and a small business card floated from within the confines of his suit’s breast pocket. “We’re happy to accept new members.”

Nightmare Moon took the card with a nod and a small smile. “I’ll be sure to give it some thought.”

“If there’s nothing else, then I bid you goodnight,”

“Goodnight.”

As Dusk and his companion walked off, the latter complaining about how Celestia didn’t do anything about the ‘band of degenerates’, Nightmare Moon examined the card. It showed the preferred time and place to meet Hazel Blaze, who was either the owner of, or a worker in a hair salon in the middle-class district.

‘Interesting…’

Something like this could be detrimental to her plans if it went awry, but as her analytical mind formulated possible scenarios and ideas, she realized that the potential was too much to pass up. She couldn’t establish contact now, perhaps not for a while due to the damage it could cause to the reputation she was building, but eventually there would come a point where she would go to them, not as Star Secret, but as her true self.

Patience was needed here.

Grinning evilly, Nightmare Moon continued on her path to the front doors.

‘Still… I wonder when this following popped up… and why?’

It was a mystery she intended to find out.

“Eh, how was the party?”

Nightmare Moon shrugged. “It was-” She just barely caught the unopened can of beer that was thrown at her. Casting a heated glare at Vinyl, she popped the tab, and took a small sip. “It was relatively entertaining.”

“Yeah, I’m not one for those high society parties,” Vinyl was oblivious to the glare and lazily stretched out on the couch, eyes glued to the blaring television. “Too many ponies doing their obnoxious laughs, getting hot over their friggin’ hundreds of spoons and forks, drinkin’ their weak alcohol…” Briefly, she looked over at her, one eyebrow rising from behind her shades. “The beer was weak, right?”

“Compared to the stuff you practically inhale, yes.”

“So yeah, the beer’s weak and the music…” Vinyl shuddered with a grimace. “Celestia, the music…”

Nightmare Moon took what little space was left on the couch, a little squashed due to her size. She thought about booting the DJ off so she could have more space, but decided not to. Nightmare Moon was genuinely grateful for the DJ’s hospitality and physically harming a pony whose company she had actually grown to enjoy didn’t give a very satisfying feeling.

“Some good has come out of going to that gathering though and that involves me being initiated into Fancypants’ social circle.”

Vinyl looked over again. “Oh… really?”

“Half of them were practically begging me to join them for the next outing,” Nightmare Moon replied. “Fancypants extended the invitation himself.”

“Cool… cool. So I guess this means you’re going to be moving to the snob part of Canterlot, huh?”

“No.” She took another sip, her eyes trained on the TV.

It truly was more advanced than she had expected. She made a mental note to have one installed in her quarters when she took over Canterlot Castle. As a side note, she wondered what sort of militant devices there were now.

“… No?” Vinyl echoed.

“No.”

“Really? That’s a pretty sweet life to live. All those restaurants, those stores, you get to be close to the castle…”

“I prefer living here for the time being.”

“Oh…”

Nightmare Moon watched some comedy show in silence for the next few minutes. Around the fourth minute, the entire left side of her body suddenly prickled. Turning her head, she saw Vinyl looking at her with the most unsettling grin she had ever seen.

She wasn’t afraid; that was ridiculous. However, she was thoroughly unnerved.

“Vinyl…” Nightmare Moon pulled her head back cautiously and wondered if she should prepare a spell. “Do you remember that talk we had about you smiling within a 90 degree angle of my general direction?”

“Nope. I’m just happy.”

“… Why?”

“You’re turning down a chance at the rich pony life so you can stay with your best friend!” Vinyl sniffled and dabbed at her… shades. “I’m so touched.”

Nightmare Moon sighed irritably. “I presume you also don’t remember that conversation we had about that specific word.”

“Well, I dunno what else to call a mare who’d give up all that just to be with me, so unless you make up a new word, Imma keep calling ya’ll friend.” The smile Vinyl gave was nothing short of infuriating.

“I’m going to ignore your complete butchering of the Equestrian language simply because I know you’re going to forget everything I say when you pass out on the couch again.”

“Ya see?” Vinyl levitated a full can of beer from behind the sofa’s arm, popped it, somehow managed to completely drain it in seconds, and belched before crushing it against her forehead. “Only friends can rip on each other like that and not get aggro.”

“I…” Nightmare Moon growled in her throat, angered because she had no way to counter Vinyl’s insane logic. Besides throwing her out the window, but it was shut, and Nightmare Moon was too comfortable to get up. “Just… be quiet.”

“You got it…” Vinyl turned back to the TV. “Amiga.”

For a brief instant, Nightmare Moon contemplated using her magic to crush every single can of beer in the fridge and laugh.

She then realized how petty and childish that was and discarded the idea.

The two sat in silence, the only sounds coming from the television and Vinyl opening more cans of beer than Nightmare Moon thought possible for a normal unicorn could handle. Perhaps her parents were earth ponies.

“So what’s Fancypants like?” Vinyl suddenly asked.

Nightmare Moon thought for a bit. “Surprisingly down to earth. He’s not like the majority of the upper class that only care for themselves and their fortunes.”

“Seriously?”

She nodded. “He’s a major contributor to the charity ‘Bits and Wishes’.”

“No crap?” The DJ hummed thoughtfully. “Guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover. Ya know, that actually reminds me of a story.”

Nightmare Moon scowled. The DJ’s stories were admittedly entertaining at times, but she tended to get side-tracked and start on another tale. She still remembered the time Vinyl’s story about the missing turntable somehow changed to the story about her first sexual experience.

So, tempering her sense of decency in preparation, she muttered, “And it was turning into such a good night…”

Undeterred – as always – the DJ began.

“It all started when I was a filly going to school back in Manehatten. I told you about those jerks that kept bothering me ‘cause I never got my cutie mark, right? Anyway, they were giving me crap as usual, and this was just after I beat their friend ‘till he saw stars, so they were also lookin’ for some payback. So there I was – in the school courtyard with three colts ready to rearrange my face with no teachers in sight. I wasn’t gettin’ any help from the other kids, so my whole plan was to just cause as much damage as possible before I went down.”

Vinyl placed her hooves out in front of her, waving them from left to right, a single floating can of beer following the movement.

“They were surrounding me and all of them were friggin’ earth ponies; totally unfair, right? I barely knew any spells and my hooves were still pretty soft and sore from beating their friend. Basically, I was screwed. I knew that, but I couldn’t run and I sure as hay wasn’t going to lie down and cry like a bitch. So I went at them and tried to get the biggest guy down as fast as I could. But, nope – he smacked me down in two seconds flat. Then they were shoving my face in the dirt. It was complete and utter crap when all of a sudden… BAM!”

Nightmare Moon quickly pulled back as the DJ swung the can in her excitement, spilling alcohol on the worn couch.

“This friggin’ pegasus filly comes out of nowhere and starts wailin’ on them! I mean she was like a hurricane – a left hook here, a right wing slap there, it was awesome! By the time I got back to my hooves, two of them were down and the third had no chance. I just about got a kick in before the pegasus yanked him into the air and did some sick spins. Aw stallion, he spewed chunks!”

The DJ burst into hearty laughter, spilling even more of her beverage everywhere. Irritated, Nightmare Moon took the can in her magical hold and yanked it away. Vinyl didn’t even acknowledge the theft.

“So I turn to the pegasus and you know who it is?”

Nightmare Moon placed the empty can on the coffee table. “No. I do not.”

“Crazy Eyes!”

“Crazy… Eyes?”

“Yeah, she…” The DJ’s face fell as realization dawned on her. “Oh, that’s right! I never told you about her. Well, back in my class there was this pegasus who was, um… a little slow, ya know? She needed help from the teacher all the time, she trotted weirdly, and her eyes were like… looking in different directions at once. She had a name, but I can’t remember it. I just called her Crazy Eyes… not to her face or anypony else, nothing like that; just to myself. But yeah, she came to my rescue!”

Vinyl chuckled, remembering what she apparently thought were good times.

“I asked her why she helped me when I never did anything for her. She told me that she thought I was really nice and that she didn’t like seeing nice ponies get hurt. There was also something about my mane being awesome.”

The DJ sighed, smiling.

“We both got suspended and my parents went friggin’ crazy and grounded me for three months.” Her smile faded. “But then I heard Crazy Eyes’ mom moved her away from Manehatten because of that. I felt like shit… still kinda do. First time I ever really regretted getting into a fight.”

That story, Nightmare Moon enjoyed. It also appeared to hold great sentimental value to the DJ judging by how it was enough to make her melancholic. It was the first time Nightmare Moon had seen her other than upbeat and joyful.

It was… strange to witness.

“But she’s probably doing well for herself.” Vinyl continued as her chirpy demeanour returned in a flash. “She had trouble with… well, everything, but if you needed to get something to somewhere or somepony, she was your mare. Kinda weird if ya think about it – she had trouble flying in a straight line, but she could pass a note across the school like nopony’s business.”

“Perhaps it was her talent.”

“Her cutie mark was a picture of a bunch of bubbles. Dunno why. Anyway, that’s pretty much the end of it.” The DJ turned to her. “So what’d ya think? Cool story, huh?”

Nightmare Moon shrugged. “It passed the time.”

“Oh crap, what time is it?” Vinyl looked towards the clock hanging from the wall above the TV. “Jeez, I gotta get some shut-eye; gettin’ up early tomorrow.”

“So about one or two in the afternoon?” Nightmare Moon commented dryly.

“Nah, like… friggin’ ten in the morning.” She shuddered. “Some scary stuff right there. But I gotta deal with it if I wanna get some new gear before those other wannabes.” The DJ sighed before getting to her hooves and trotting around the couch, towards her bedroom. “G’night, Wolf.”

Nightmare Moon made a noise of acknowledgment and – after clearing away the DJ’s pile of cans – spread herself out over the couch, settling down with a comfortable sigh. Worn as the couch was it almost as comfortable as a cloud. Not quite there, but close enough.

Today had been a good day. She was now in Fancypants’ hegemony and one step closer to staging her coup.

Nightmare Moon ran a hoof down her underbelly. The empty feeling had also lessened considerably over the week. She still got chills from time to time, but even those were easily ignored. She’d give it a few months before she was back at full strength.

Until then, however…

Nightmare Moon levitated the remote and switched channels.

“We now return to ‘I shouldn’t be alive.’ In this episode, a simple hiking trip takes a turn for the worse when a unicorn falls down a cliff and breaks her horn, leaving her at the mercy of a persistent cockatrice. A tale of suspense and drama and the will to survive.”

Author's Notes:

Note 1: Nightmare Moon isn't a fan of romance genres. She likes music, though.

Note 2: Vinyl strikes me as the type of friend who would bust your balls just as soon as she'd go into the depths of Tartarus to drag your sorry flank out of there to go partying.