1053 AD, July 11th

“You’ve made such wonderful progress, Star,” Fleur levitated a navy blue dress out from a rotating rack of clothes and scrutinized it with a keen eye. “Canterlot is simply abuzz about you,” Dissatisfied, she returned the dress. “It wouldn’t be presumptuous of me to say your position on the Royal Court is guaranteed, would it?”

Nightmare Moon shrugged and replied, “I’m afraid you would be getting a little ahead of yourself in saying that.”

“Oh?” Fleur’s left eyebrow rose quizzically. “That doesn’t sound like the confident Star Secret I know.”

“Oh, I will get that position, no doubt about that. However, that time will come later rather than sooner.”

“I think you’ve proven yourself capable of handling that responsibility,” Fleur placed the dress back and took out a yellow/green one made for the heat of summer. “You led all those ponies to safety during the entire mishap with Discord and you haven’t slowed down since. It seems every time I see you, you’re solving some issue the city has. So why the wait?”

“It’s not a matter concerning my skills,” Nightmare Moon idly searched through another rotating rack, this one comprised of tuxedos and suits. “Discord may not have killed anypony, but there’s been severe damage done to Equestria’s economy because of his antics. Smaller settlements haven’t been hit as hard as most of them are self-sustaining, but larger settlements have felt the squeeze.”

Fleur looked at her with wide eyes. “Really? I hadn’t noticed.”

“Many of Canterlot’s services – agriculture, weather-regulation, law enforcement – are managed by unicorns. Discord’s presence released a large amount of chaos magic which is notorious for interfering with unicorn magic. Even now, the dispersion of the chaos magic which still permeates Canterlot is ongoing, and it is a slow process. Until it is dispersed, unicorn magic will continue to behave in unexpected ways, effectively crippling Canterlot’s services which are dependent on the source.”

“Wow…” Fleur subconsciously brought a hoof to touch her horn. “I truly had no idea. Everything still seems so… normal.”

Nightmare Moon nodded. “The employment rate of earth ponies and pegasi has skyrocketed in direct response to the unemployment rate of unicorns. This is keeping Canterlot humming along, but I can only imagine how things will turn out when the dispersion process is done, and the unicorns want their jobs back.”

Upon seeing that Fleur was looking a little dazed from the information overload, Nightmare Moon took pity on the mare.

“Long story short – the economy is unstable and until it’s stabilized, my election will have to wait.”

Fleur wasn’t stupid in any way, but she severely lacked knowledge in these types of things. Her ignorance of how drastically Canterlot had been affected was in part due to her line of work – models flaunted the designers’ work, they didn’t ask how many bits it cost to produce – and the fact that she was married to Fancypants, a stallion of considerable wealth who also dealt with the finances.

“Well… that seems unfair,” Glancing at the price tag of another dress, Fleur winced and pushed it aside. “I mean, you could solve this… money problem.”

Nightmare Moon could indeed solve it if she had enough time and possessed the influential power of a Royal Court official, but it wasn’t meant to be. Even if her election hadn’t been put on the bench warmers, now was the worst time to be running; ponies seemed to think that if somepony new was sworn into the office, they could immediately solve all problems in the flick of a tail, and anything less was tantamount to betrayal.

Besides, now that her occupation and living quarters had been revealed – it was bound to happen sooner or later, though Nightmare Moon still swore to find that paparazzi and make them pay – and subsequently used as ammunition in a recent smear campaign by a rival, now was as good a time as any to lay low.

Once the economy had been stabilized and the smear campaign reduced to a passing memory, she’d make her move.

‘More waiting – it’s enough to drive one up the walls. I swear, if something else happens to delay my rise to power…’

“It’s just how it is,” Nightmare Moon shrugged, finally turning away from the suits after deeming none of them worthy of purchase.

“Sorry to hear that,” Fleur said with a sympathetic look. Her horn lit up in a pink glow and she levitated a conservative dress out from the rack. “Hmm…”

‘At the very least,’ Nightmare Moon thought as she watched Fleur examine every square inch of the dress for some fashion-borne reason she had no intentions of understanding. ‘I have the princesses in my pocket. Their support is a huge plus… and so deliciously ironic.’

Celestia was completely in the dark about Nightmare Moon’s true identity. The last time they met – some few weeks ago – the solar princess had praised her abilities and expressed delight at the prospect of ‘Star Secret’ being on the Royal Court.

Oh, it had been agonizing to converse politely and smile, but it was worth it to garner her support.

Luna had been harder to get along with; she expected as much given the ‘lone wolf’ status she had developed, but it was hardly a tedious task. Nightmare Moon’s interests and quirks were a branch of Luna’s, and after a fair bit of talking, she had won over the night princess’ favour.

Really, the only factor working against her right now was time, and time was something she could deal with.

“For a dress on discount, it’s surprisingly well-made and stylish,” Fleur struck a pose, holding the clothing against her body. “Does this go with my coat?”

‘Ugh…’

Nightmare Moon had been dragged along enough of these trips to know that no matter how she replied, Fleur would want an explanation. Fashion was not a field she was knowledgeable about – not that she wanted to be in the first place – so she did what Fancypants had told her to do one evening.

“I think you can make it work.”

Fleur pursed her lips in thought, as if sensing the familiarity of the statement, but ultimately gave an appreciative nod and smile. “Alright then, thanks.”

Nightmare Moon nodded. When Fleur trotted off to purchase her dress, Nightmare Moon gave a sigh and focused on her internal clock.

‘5:46 pm – this had better wrap up soon; there was only one carton of milk in the fridge when I left and if she drinks it all before I come back, she’ll take the news even harder. Double so if Shadow had been chewing on her favourite towel again.’

“Done,” Fleur came back with a shopping bag held aloft in magic. “Shall we go? Sorry this took longer than I expected.”

“It’s fine…”

As they exited the store, Fleur took note of a kiosk selling pastries and cakes, and prodded Nightmare Moon to get her attention.

“Hn?” Irritated by the poking, Nightmare Moon frowned as she looked at the other mare. “What? Don’t tell me you see another thing to buy.”

“No, I was looking at that kiosk and the cakes, and it reminded me of that garden party you went to. The one where the bearers of the Elements showed up, remember?”

Nightmare Moon’s jaw tightened. “Yes, I remember.”

“Oh, how I regret falling ill that particular day,” Fleur sighed regretfully. “Fancypants told me he had never been to such an exciting event before. Was it true that one of the Element bearers scarfed an entire cake down on her own?”

“Yes, the pink one,” Images of frosting and cream covering a pink face, an insane rictus and beady eyes peeking out through the mess flashed through Nightmare Moon’s head. “It was almost as frightening as Celestia’s protégé’s dancing.”

Nightmare Moon had been secretly hoping the purple unicorn had been having some sort of seizure.

“Oh my, so Fancypants wasn’t exaggerating.” Fleur chuckled.

“No, he wasn’t.” Her lips twitched at the memory of Rainbow Dash inadvertently exposing a mare’s baldness.

“I hope it wasn’t too much of a disaster.”

Nightmare Moon couldn’t say she enjoyed the unexpected arrival of the Elements – it had taken quite some self-control not to cause bodily harm to them – but she did enjoy their antics; especially when it caused so much distress to everypony except her.

Jetset and Uppercrust had it coming anyway.

“It wasn’t the worst night I’ve ever had.”

They exited the store and Fleur turned to her. “That was a lovely day, Star. Thank you so much for accompanying me. Have a pleasant afternoon.”

Nightmare Moon nodded. “I will.”

Fleur began trotting back home, leaving Nightmare Moon to build up her magic, and disappear in a flash of blue light.

Pushing the door open, Nightmare Moon surveyed the room. It was clean – almost spotless, so Vinyl must have had Octavia over.

Walking in a few steps, she paused upon noticing the opaque shades resting on the table.

Correction: Vinyl has Octavia over.

The DJ must have thought Nightmare Moon would be home late. She was most likely in her room with the cello player, expressing their affection for each other.

‘Thankfully the walls aren’t paper-thin.’

Reaching back with a tendril of magic, she shut the door, and walked over to relax on the couch. As it creaked under her weight, there was the expected sound of claws against floor, and Nightmare Moon gave an unimpressed sigh as Shadow rounded the side of the couch, muzzle covered in a thin coating of white powder.

“I’m so glad you’ve saved me from the contents of the powder bottle once again,” Nevertheless, Nightmare Moon reached out to scratch the vines and branches that kept Shadow’s head connected to his neck. He panted in pleasure and tilted his head so she could access the spot more easily. “Ah well – at least you’ve stopped staining the carpets with tree sap.”

Shadow’s joints creaked as he hopped onto the furniture and nestled beside her. Thankfully, the chemically-treated water she gave him eliminated the eye-watering stench of his breath.

Vinyl was the one who originally adopted Shadow after finding the timber wolf pup in a dumpster full of fish during Discord’s reign, but over time it became obvious he was more loyal to Nightmare Moon. The DJ didn’t mind; Octavia took up most of her free time nowadays.

Nightmare Moon kept him for several reasons: timber wolves didn’t require food, they had no fur to house fleas and/or parasites, they were fearsome and terrifying to look at, and they were incredibly hard to put down permanently. He had only come up to her knees when he was found, but Nightmare Moon had brought in a pile of branches and leaves for him to assimilate, bringing him to about half the size of a regular pony. The rules on owning timber wolves were strict and he wasn’t allowed to be any larger based on the space of the apartment and public safety concerns.

He’d make for a good guard pet – she’d already taught him the basics: sit, follow, jump, fetch, guard. When she had the time, she’d take him outside Canterlot and teach him how to maul and sneak.

Halfway through I shouldn’t be alive, Nightmare Moon’s ears perked as she heard a door open and a low voice drift through.

“… do this again sometime,” Vinyl giggled. It wasn’t her trademark laugh or guffaw; it was an actual giggle. “Hey, don’t gimme that look; it wasn’t just the sex – which was amazing by the way – but all that other sweet stuff we did,” She heard them trot in and stop. “Oh f… Wolf, when did you get back?”

Nightmare Moon didn’t turn away from the TV. “A few hours ago.”

“Oh… um…” She could practically hear the blush in her tone. “You didn’t… hear anything, did ya?”

“No.”

“Ya sure?”

“Positive.”

“Alright then,” Vinyl turned to Octavia. “So you really have to go? You don’t wanna stay a little longer?”

Octavia shook her head with an apologetic smile.

“Want me to walk ya home?”

Octavia shook her head again.

“Okay then,” The two trotted over to the door, Vinyl’s horn lighting up to pull it open. The cello player gave her a peck on the cheek as she walked out. “I will see you and your sexy flank later.”

Octavia rolled her eyes with a smile.

The door clicked shut and the DJ let out a great sigh. “Stallion… what… an awesome… day. I’ve had awesome days before, but that… that, my friend, was an awesome day.”

“I’m going to go with the assumption that you two stayed in and engaged in carnal acts for quite a lengthy period of time.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Both your manes are messy; you’re out of breath…” Nightmare Moon inhaled too deeply and choked, wrinkling her nose. “And you plain reek of sex.”

“I know,” The DJ lifted her left foreleg and sniffed the fur on it, shuddering. “Damn, that’s some good musk…”

“That is disgusting.”

“Only because it wasn’t you getting some,” Vinyl levitated a glass and placed it under the tap. The sound of rushing water filled the air. “Trust me – when you’re gettin’ it on with somepony, the musk is the only thing you wanna be breathing.”

“I’m done with this topic now.”

Vinyl chuckled and practically inhaled the glass of water, letting out a loud sigh once she was done. “Oh yeah, that hit the spot.”

“I’m surprised you aren’t trying to replace the fluids you lost with alcohol.” Nightmare Moon said dryly.

The DJ looked down at the glass and her grin faded. “Yeah... weird, huh?”

The sudden change in mood made Nightmare Moon raise her right eyebrow. She said nothing though as Vinyl placed the glass in the sink and trotted over to the fridge. The door swung open and her head disappeared from view.

“Hey, Wolf…”

“Hm?”

“Do I seem… different?”

The question didn’t warrant thinking. “Yes.”

“Really? Like… how?”

Nightmare Moon’s attention was mostly held by the TV; a pegasus was struggling to cross a ravine with a broken foreleg. “Your consumption of alcohol has reduced to the point where it’s rare I see you with a can,” When Vinyl said nothing, she continued. “Your hygiene has also improved and you clean up after yourself rather than leave the mess where it is. You’ve also been taking trips to the upper class section of the city more and more often. I take it it’s because of your lover’s concerts?”

“Yep,” She emerged fully into view levitating a plate holding a daisy sandwich. “So… what do you think? About these changes?”

“I think it’s for the best. The smell of alcohol is no longer constant and I no longer trip up over everything. As for personal hygiene… well, I’ll just say that’s a plus, too.”

“Huh…”

The DJ’s mood was very uncharacteristic today. Nightmare Moon looked over as an ad came on. “Is there a problem?”

“Nah, everything’s…” She paused. She lifted the sandwich as if to take a bite but lowered it and placed the plate on the table. “Wolf, do you remember how I used to be? When we first met?”

“Loud, obnoxious, boisterous, promiscuous, prone to violence. The last one I didn’t mind so much, but I detested coming here and finding you and some other mare sprawled out on the couch.”

“Right on the money,” Vinyl nodded. “But… since I’ve met Octavia I barely even look at other mares. Which is kinda freaky for me. Not only that, but usually I stay far away from commitment, ya know? I mean I’ve avoided it like the friggin’ cutie pox all my life and now look at me – I’m hanging out with her, I think about her twenty-four friggin’ seven, and I’m even blowin’ off a few gigs to go to her concerts.” She paused and laughed nervously. “And honestly, I’m fuckin’ scared.”

At this, Nightmare Moon blinked. “You’ve faced down stallions, timber wolves, and giant grasshoppers made of stone yet this single mare scares you?”

“I know! It’s friggin’ crazy!” Vinyl shook her head. “I can’t really pinpoint what I’m scared of exactly, but I think… I think I’m scared of losing her. Like… I’m scared that I’ll do something stupid and drive her off. And you know me, Wolf; I do stupid shit all the time. Not lately, but sooner or later I will and that’ll drive her off and…” She looked away, cheeks flushed. “I really… really don’t want to lose her.”

Displays of emotion always annoyed and made her uncomfortable. Seeing such a thing from her closest associate – who had never displayed anything in full view previously – made her feel very uncomfortable. She felt like she should say something, but her mind came up empty.

It made her angry at the DJ for making her feel that way.

“It’s about self-control,” Nightmare Moon replied with an edge in her tone. “If you feel an urge to do something idiotic, then simply refrain from doing so.”

“Yeah, but I’m not the brightest tool in the kitchen, ya know? How do I know if something I want to do is stupid?”

“Ask your lover. She appears to have a good head on her shoulders.”

Vinyl blushed again. “I don’t want her to think I’m an idiot…”

“If she thought you were an idiot and it bothered her, then she’d have already left.”

“Yeah…” Vinyl scratched her head. “Guess you’re right.”

“Naturally.”

“I should totally ask her to move in!”

Nightmare Moon went to nod before her mind actually caught up with the sentence. “Wait, how in Equestria did you go from admitting your fears to wanting your lover to move in?”

The DJ appeared to not hear her. “If she moves in, then she’ll be seeing me all day and all night; that way, she’ll get used to me doing dumb things and not leave!” She cheered excitedly. “I might not know algebra or grammar any good, but when I do get an idea, it’s so brilliant it gives me a friggin’ headache!”

“Yes, because you coming up with anything even remotely intelligent without harming yourself is the equivalent of touching your horn with your tongue,” Nightmare Moon gestured to ShadowStrike. “You know how terrified she is being alone with him.”

Vinyl placed a hoof on her lips in thought. “Damn, you got me there. And her house is way more fancy than mine,” She hummed thoughtfully before gasping. “I got it! I’ll move in with her and you can have this apartment.”

Nightmare Moon sighed in exasperation. “And what about the club?”

“Well, we only work a few nights and I can just leave early to make it on time. Then once the night’s over, you teleport me back to Octavia’s. You got that thing down to a ‘t’; you can manage it twice, right?”

“Vinyl…”

‘Don’t put it off; tell her now,’

Nightmare Moon exhaled.

“Have you noticed how little I’ve actually been able to attend the club?”

The DJ tilted her head in thought, eyes narrowing. “Kinda… but it’s cool. I know you’ve got that election thing to worry about.”

“That’s my point. Lately, I’ve been getting busier and busier; meetings, congregations, soirees – they’re taking up most of my time. I haven’t been able to fulfil my obligation as a bouncer for your club.”

Nightmare Moon was far from being the nicest of ponies, but when she made an obligation or a promise to somepony, she made sure to deliver to the best of her ability.

Vinyl shrugged. “Well, I guess, but…”

“I’m not finished. This inability to fulfil my obligation towards you is weighing heavily on my sense of integrity. However, my goals to be on the Royal Court…” For a moment she hesitated. Unsure why, she continued. “It is far more important than my current job.”

The DJ said nothing for a while. “So… you’re quitting?”

Nightmare Moon felt the need to apologize, but that need was crushed by her own pride.

“Yes. I’ve actually entertained the idea of moving into the upper class section for a while now. There is an empty dwelling near the castle which I’ve visited a few times and I have enough bits saved up to rent it. Concerning my income, Fancypants has offered me a partnership in his business; that will be more than enough to sustain me.”

The DJ was unusually quiet. “Yeah, I… noticed you and him talking a lot lately, but I didn’t really… put much thought… So, uh… when will you be leaving?”

“Hopefully, sometime next week.”

“Well, ya know…” Vinyl shrugged. “I’m happy for you I guess,” She turned and levitated the previously-forgotten sandwich off the table, playing with it. “We’ve just been roomies for like… two years almost and you suddenly drop this on me. Cool. Cool stuff, Wolf.”

The DJ had never taken such a hostile tone with her before. Unfamiliar with it, Nightmare Moon responded with what felt right: anger and indignation.

“Do you wish to say something to me? I detest it when ponies beat around the bush.”

“Seriously, I’m…” The plate was put on the table again as Vinyl turned, brow furrowed. “I’m happy for you, alright? You deserve a bigger place to crash and shit – I get it. I understand. What you’re doing is more important than some job at my club. But… jeez, Wolf – we’ve been through all this shit and now you’re just leaving?”

“It’s not as if I’m leaving the city. You could easily visit.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know that, but…” Vinyl sighed and frowned deeply. “I just…” Growling, she stamped her hoof. “Fuck! I dunno what I’m saying – I just don’t want you to leave. You’re the closest friend I have. I know you’ll just be up near the castle and I could just walk there, but it won’t be the same without you here.”

Nightmare Moon’s mood was quickly turning dark by the inexplicable feeling of guilt and ‘wrongness’ she was experiencing; it reminded her of the empty feeling, back when it was most potent.

Nightmare Moon raised her voice. “It will be the same; you’re just making it seem like a bigger deal than it really is. Nothing will change besides our locations.”

The DJ didn’t look convinced. “Yeah, sure…”

Scowling vehemently, she spat, “Well it doesn’t matter how you feel about it. I’m leaving next week and that is that. Either come to terms with it or continue moping – your choice.”

Vinyl didn’t say anything. Pulling a chair out she sat at the table and began eating the sandwich unenthusiastically. Scoffing, Nightmare Moon turned back to the TV.

‘It’s your choice, Vinyl. I’ve grown fond of you, but not so much that I’m willing to sabotage or forget my goals. What I’m doing, it’s something nopony shall get in the way of.’

Hours of tense silence later, when Vinyl was getting ready to turn in early, she paused and softly said, “Don’t forget me.”

Surprised, Nightmare Moon turned in her seat. “What?”

The DJ looked oddly vulnerable without her shades, especially with the way her eyes glistened slightly. “When you leave… don’t forget me, huh?”

Nightmare Moon could only stare and be silent for a while.

Her chest tightened with so much intensity that it almost seemed as if the empty feeling had returned. Her boiling rage – aimed at the DJ for making her feel it – rose, but was easily quenched, leaving her to grasp for other emotions to fill the gap. Nothing fit except for one that faded as soon as she tried to put a name to it.

Unable to formulate a proper response, Nightmare Moon simply replied, “I won’t.”

Vinyl smiled, but there was no true joy in it. She silently trotted to her room.

Sitting alone with only the TV for noise, Nightmare Moon’s mind began racing as familiar emotions began returning full force.

‘I already told her that nothing would change! Why does she remain so poignant?! I…’

She blinked.

‘Why do I care so much? I enjoy her company, but she’s not supposed to be getting in my way! I shouldn’t be feeling like this.’

Shaking her head, Nightmare Moon clenched her teeth.

‘I’ve been here for two years. This… atmosphere is poisoning me; making me feel these… these afflictions. From now on, I must focus solely on overthrowing Celestia. Nothing else matters. Any obstacles I come to after that I will overcome. Luna, the Elements, Discord – anything else that happens from here on out comes second. The throne will be mine.’

“…”

Rising from her seat, Nightmare Moon trotted into the bathroom and ran the taps. She gathered water into a floating ball with her telekinesis and splashed it across her face, breathing hard.

She was sweating.

On some inner stimuli, she let her disguise drop and stared at her reflection.

Too long. It had been too long since she had last seen her true self.

“Calm. Calm yourself.”

She remained there until she was in control once more.

Whatever that was, she had no desire to experience it again.

Author's Notes:

Note 1: Timber wolves can be domesticated and it is best to start from an early age - three to seven weeks. Their diet consists of water and sunlight, approximately 3 litres and six hours a day, respectively. It is advised to keep timber wolves away from areas with an abundance of dead wood to prevent assimilation and unwanted growth. This process can be reversed by a licensed veterinarian.

Note 2: Vinyl once did battle with giant stone grasshoppers; it was not during the time of Discord's escape, and the events leading to it are nonsensical and no amount of context will make it any clearer.

Note 3: Despite their history, Nightmare Moon does not have a deep connection or any strong feelings towards Luna; she was a host and nothing more. Luna, on the other hand...