The shimmering moon gazed down upon the land of Equestria, filling the night with silvery light as a black form flew through the air blotting out a tiny portion of the sky. The land dashed by as Nightmare Moon glided on the strong currents of the summer air, guiding her across her kingdom. Her eyes scanned the surrounding landscape, taking in all the changes from her thousand year banishment. The lush green trees that used to cover the ground past the Everfree forest was now grassland and dotted with the houses of Ponyville. Mere hills that had once dotted the land had become huge mountains from the efforts of Celestia to add more beauty to the countryside. She could see another large forest aside from the Everfree not far from Ponyville. Whitetail Woods was still there, standing tall and proud like a sentinel guarding its masters.

She gazed off into the distance towards the Swayback Mountains blocking the horizon. The mountains stretched on for miles and marked the border between Equestria and the lands of the griffons. Her eyes continued to roam, taking in the sights, until she came upon a large clearing devoid of any life. The ground in a two mile radius was a cracked wasteland, the dead brown earth seeming to draw the life out of the air around it. There were signs upon the ground, small indentations alluding to once having held something massive upon its area. Nightmare Moon tucked her wings and began her drop to the earth, pulling them back out at the last moment and flapping powerfully to stop the momentum she had built up.

The ground crunched underneath her hooves as she alighted upon the hard dirt. Her eyes scanned the area once more, taking in her surroundings. Nothing was around her. Not a single living thing could be seen even around the borders of the destruction. Nightmare Moon frowned slightly, staring at the ground where one of her great temples used to be. She recalled the night that Celestia and herself had fought here. One of their first encounters after she had stilled the sun and held the moon high in the sky. The destruction the two wreaked across the land scarred it permanently, leaving only this large waste, having razed the temple and all surrounding life to the ground. The memories quickly faded as her head turned upwards, horn glowing. She brought her horn down to the ground and concentrated, calling upon her magic and focused it into one of her specialty spells. The air shimmered, rippling with the arcane magic, as she continued to pour herself into the spell. Soon, the magic began to take on form, coalescing into a small stone building directly in front of her. The ground shifted, bulging up around the black single story building, as the dirt was shoved to the surface and off to the sides, as she raised something from the depths of the earth.

The ground started to rumble as Nightmare Moon focused harder, ebony light spilling into the night around her as she pulled more magic from her inner reserves. She was still weak from her banishment, but this, she knew, could still be pulled off. The earth continue to shift, seeming to undulate around her, yet the building was entirely unaffected, acting like an anchor for the ground it was sitting upon. With a great burst of earthen debris, a loud crash could be heard as stone crashed into stone, shifting the building ever so slightly.

Nightmare Moon gasped and released her magic, it's job having been completed, and stepped up to her creation. It was small, barely twice her height and about the breadth of three sky chariots. Its door was shaped uniquely. Not the typical square or round opening you'd expect to see in Canterlot. It seemed to closely resemble a pony's head, missing only the ears. The door too was odd, its material a pure white, offsetting the blackness of the building it was attached to. The structure itself seemed plain. A simple square of black stone topped by a roof slanted at ninety degrees to allow rain to roll off. Nothing special on the outside. Her frown returned once again as she took in the sight.

"It would seem I'm still not up to my full abilities. A millennium on the moon has left me lacking," she muttered to herself, knowing that nothing was around to hear her. She took control of her magic once again and pushed the door open, its new hinges gliding effortlessly as it swung inward, revealing an empty room adorned with a mere two windows facing each other. One to the east, the other west. Moonlight spilled into the room from the windows, its light focused on a single point, a granite coffin resting in the dead center of the room. A crescent moon was carved into the lid of the coffin, the only decoration upon it.

Once again utilizing her magic, Nightmare Moon pushed the coffin away to reveal an opening below it, stairs leading down into the darkness. She stepped into the void and made her way down the corridor. It smelled of earth and still had traces of dirt from where she had raised it from the depths but the tunnel was mostly clean. She lowered her head slightly, the ceiling just a bit too low for her uncommon height, so as not to collide with the ceiling. Usually, Nightmare Moon would have taken on the form of her mane and sped down the stairs without worry of heights, but with Twilight still held captive within it, she could not do so without releasing her. Her bright turquoise dragonesque eyes glowed in the darkness, allowing her to see where others would not, and she soon came to the bottom of the flight. The cramped corridor opened into a vast room, torch sconces littering the walls every few feet so as to provide ample light when lit. The walls were adorned with grand tapestries, not a single sign of wear on them, depicting herself in her full glory. Four tables could be seen along the back wall, nothing extravagant, but still large enough to seat at least twenty ponies comfortably at each.

In the center of the of the room stood a dais upon which rested an ornate coffin of shining obsidian. Into the sides of the coffin, small runes were etched and glowing a faint blue, noticeable only due to the lack of light. The lid, a large slab of gold starmetal adorned with diamonds and emeralds, had a crescent moon symbol upon its surface as well, similar to the granite replica upstairs. Words were written above the moon: 'Light of night, Dark of day. Rest here, young one, until I say'. She remembered these words as the ones she had recited to her most faithful subject the night of her temple’s destruction. Here she had entombed the only pony that had followed her after Celestia began her assault upon Nightmare Moon's places of worship.

"Ohh how I wish to release you my servant, but, alas, I am not yet returned to my former glory. I do not yet have the strength to return you." She brought her magic back and sent it flying out in all directions, aiming the bursts at the sconces and igniting them with a cold blue flame. The room lit up and caused the golden lid to shimmer brightly, reflecting the light into a slight golden aura around it. With one last manipulation of her horn she lifted a diamond just above the incantation and brought it before her face. She furrowed her brow and sent a small surge of dark energy into it, fashioning it into a ring, tainting it a void black color. "This should prevent that foal from trying to use her magic to escape."

With a flick of her mane, Nightmare Moon released Twilight from her grasp, dropping her from the starry abyss to the cold stone floor with a dull thud. The lavender mare groaned, disoriented from the excessive use of her own magic and her trip in the astral mane. Taking the opportunity she had before her, Nightmare Moon slipped the black diamond ring onto Twilight's short blunt horn and enchanted it so as only she could remove it. Twilight gasped in shock and screamed as her head exploded into fiery pain, the ring burning her horn as it drained the magic from her. In a matter of seconds Twilight once again faded into unconsciousness and collapsed to the ground.

"Weak foal!" Nightmare Moon snapped as she kicked Twilight sharply in the ribs to reawaken her. The unicorn gasped in agony again and forced back tears, trying to ignore the throbbing of her horn and the new growing pain in her side as she regained consciousness. "I've known children to withstand the ring of binding better than you." Her words dripped with venom and a slight tinge of amusement. She enjoyed watching this once powerful pony reduced to tears before her.

Twilight struggled to her knees, fighting back the torment the ring was forcing upon her and raised her head, wincing as even the slightest movement sent shocking pain down her spine. She could remember reading about something similar to this in one of her books on pony anatomy. When a unicorn's horn is damaged or drained of magic, it is similar in levels of pain to that of having your leg broken. However, instead of being focused on a single spot like a broken leg, the horn is connected directly to the nervous system and can phantom the pain throughout the body. She grimaced, and drew in a deep breath as she attempted to rise to her hooves. Nightmare Moon immediately stomped her back to the ground eliciting another howl from the lavender unicorn.

"Know your place mortal! You shall not rise until I deem it is time for you to do so!" Nightmare Moon barked. "Do I make myself clear?" Twilight nodded slightly, incapable of moving her head any further lest she wish to bring more shocks from her horn. Nightmare Moon kicked her again. "You will answer me properly and address me as Queen Moon! Now try again!"

Twilight cried, tears streaming down her face while she looked up at the alicorn. "Y-yes.. Queen M-moon..." She broke down completely, sobs wracking her body as the pain completely overwhelmed her. Nightmare Moon only smiled menacingly and turned her head back to the casket. The only reason she had to be here was to return her champion to her, but, being incapable of doing so, Nightmare Moon had no reason to remain in this tomb. She turned her gaze back upon the disheveled wreck at her hooves, frowning with disdain.

"Rise, foal! It is time to leave this place so I can take my throne in your capital of Canterlot!" exclaimed the alicorn, shouting at the mass of tears.

"Yes, m-m-my Q-queen," Twilight stuttered out, struggling to regain her footing once more.

Nightmare Moon watched with stifled pleasure as the lavender unicorn rose to her hooves, legs wobbling underneath her. She once again reached out with her mane and engulfed Twilight in it before beginning her return ascent up towards the surface. She quickly reached ground level and strode out into the night once more, shutting the tomb's door behind her before concealing it with an illusionary spell to prevent any probing eyes from spotting it. After one final glance behind her, Nightmare Moon raised her wings then took off into the sky, soaring higher before angling herself for Royal Canterlot.

"Be ready for my return, foals. For any that oppose me will meet a terrible fate." She cackled again, her steady laughter filling the night air.

Twilight Sparkle was curled, suspended in the astral void of Nightmare Moon's mane, surrounded by nothing but the soft twinkling of stars, seemingly close yet untouchable. In this space she couldn't feel anything. Not the overwhelming pain that her horn once held nor the cold that she imagined space would be like, or, at least, what she figured this would feel like. She couldn't move, breathe, or speak, but she had no need to do any of these. This space inside Nightmare Moon's mane was like a cocoon protecting her from the needs and harshness of reality.

Even with the seeming safety of her existence here, Twilight was still in a state of panic inside her mind. Why can't I feel my body? What am I going to do now? Oh no... What's Nightmare Moon going to do with me? Thoughts swam through her head as she tried to consider her options as far as her situation went. I.... I'll probably have to do whatever... she wants. Her thoughts went dark as she pictured being strung up spread eagle on a wall, hot brands being pressed into her skin, then switched to another where she was hanging upside down from the ceiling, battered and cut and bruised from the lashings Nightmare Moon had inflicted upon her.

No! I can't think of stuff like this! I have to be strong. I'll... think of some way to escape.... Her head fogged once more as images of her short friendship with the five other mares slashed into her mind. The party at the library that she wished she hadn't missed, the first encounters with the five of them, the trek through the Everfree Forest where each of them had helped to make their way through, and Spike, her number one dragon assistant assisting in her survey of Ponyville's celebration decorations...

SPIKE! Twilight was panicking once again. Oh no! What is Spike going to do? He's going to be all alone! How will he get by? Ohhh what can I do? What can I do?! She soon recalled her first encounter with Fluttershy and how she had been so excited to meet the baby dragon. Twilight's troubled mind ease just slightly. Fluttershy will probably take care of him until I can get back... If I get back. Once more her thoughts went dark, bringing grim images of all her possible deaths to the surface. She sobbed internally slightly and tried to close off her thoughts, leaving her alone in the darkness around her.

Nightmare Moon landed on the balcony of the great royal palace in Canterlot, or at least what she assumed was the palace due to its size compared to the rest of the city's buildings. Much had changed since her last visit here. What was once just a large city had now become the royal capital of Equestria and had expanded greatly as it continued to take in more and more occupants. One other great difference was present in the regal city. It now housed the Canterlot School for Gifted Unicorns, a school that, in her time, was located where the Everfree Forest now grows. She, however, cared not for these peasants' schools. She was after only the throne.

Stepping into the archway that opened into the palace from the balcony, Nightmare Moon surveyed the place. None of the torches had been lit, leaving the room dark. With her turquoise eyes, she surveyed the area. There were posh curtains surrounding the arch she had entered through and a large mirror directly across from it that reflected her image using just the faint moonlight spilling in from the archway and the room’s sole window. Towards the rear of the room was a large canopy bed, big enough to fit two of herself and across from that, on the other side of the room was a bookshelf lined with many thick volumes. The room seemed to lack any other decorations.

"I imagine this to be Celestia's room," the Queen of Night spoke. "It is rather dull for somepony of her standing...." Her voice carried in the darkness and reverberated off the walls. She hadn't tried to restrain her volume at all.

The door burst open as her voice faded and a veritable army of ponies, unicorns and pegasi, charged in swords and small blades in their mouths or floating in their magical aura. A rather tall, stocky unicorn stepped up to the front, a large broadsword floating in his grasp. He had a dark blue mane and a deep red coat, his cutie mark an image of a shield bearing Celestia's sun as its coat of arms. His rank allowed him the privilege of keeping his natural colors as opposed to the typical dark grey the unicorn's armor enchanted them to turn.

"I, Captain Aegis, demand you return the Princess at once. Failure to comply will result in force being used." His voice was firm and unwavering, a true model for guard ponies everywhere, but Nightmare Moon was not impressed.

"Do you not know who I am? You dare to oppose your Queen?" Her words came out haughty and indignant. She glared daggers at the captain who only stared back, his eyes stern and focused.

With a twitch of his head he signaled the group behind him to attack and attack they did. The pegasi and unicorns charged in, readying their blades in front of them and all attempted to strike at once. It was completely ineffective as she had simply raised a standard but powerful shield to repel any foreign objects. They all struck it and were thrown back, the energy sending them flying into each other. With a mad cackle, Nightmare Moon raised herself upon her hind legs, lowered the shield, and struck the ground with her fore-hooves. Lightning cracked in the air and seared five of the guards, killing them on the spot and leaving smoldering heaps as their flesh burned. It was at this moment, however, that Aegis made his move. Deftly avoiding the spell, he brought the blade he wielded down in an arch, hurdling towards Nightmare Moon's back. Barely noticing his movements, she had only enough time to grasp the blade with her own telekinesis, slowing the descent but not stopping it.

The blade sunk into her shoulder, piercing into her muscles. She howled in pain and fury as blood poured out of the wound and pooled on the floor. Snapping her head in the direction of the captain, she willed her magic into form and created her own blade out of the blood she had lost. The blood gathered and formed into a great red claymore, which was then swung in a giant arch around her, killing even more guards.

Aegis leaped back, dodging her swing and readying his blade once more. Nightmare Moon stood taller, glaring fiercely. "This is your last warning, demon. Return the Princess or be struck down." Aegis still stayed firm even after his allies had been killed, his resolve unwavering.

Nightmare Moon simply straightened herself and focused, levitating the blood sword directly in front of her. The stallion saw that she was not yielding and proceeded to continue his assault, swinging wide and curving his blade to attempt to clear her guard. His assault pressed on driving her back towards the wall that housed the mirror, all of his attacks parried by the shaped blood. As her flank pressed onto the cool stone, Nightmare Moon grinned menacingly and reached out with her magic. In a split second, Aegis had dropped his blade and was struggling against an invisible bond wrapped around his throat.

The air rippled lightly then a thin gleaming wire appeared, wrapped around the captain’s neck. His eyes widened in shock, realizing his fate was sealed. "You shall become an example, dear captain, to all the others who wish to oppose me. I may be weakened now, but I am far more powerful than any of you lone or together. I will admit that I hadn't expected to be... struck quite so easily, but nonetheless, your end shall mark the beginning of the reform."

Aegis steeled his face once more and stared her in the eyes, his violet to her turquoise. "I go with the blessings of our Princess Celestia..."

Nightmare Moon's face contorted in anger and she strengthened her magic, tightening the wire. It pierced slowly into his neck, drawing blood and making his face turn colors as the air was strangled out of him. With a final flash of power the wire sharpened and cleaved through the rest of his neck, separating head from body. Her features returned to normal and she surveyed the room. It had become covered in blood and the bodies of the slain.

"Not what I had planned, but this shall aid in my claim of the throne. With their captain gone they won't have the will to strike again." She turned to walk through the busted doors and took a step, only to slump in pain as her wound gushed blood. With a sharp hiss, Nightmare Moon righted herself and glared at the gash. Summoning her magic once more she closed the wound and mended the muscles, relieving the burning agony the captain's sword had inflicted. "How could I have forgotten such a thing? It matters not. I still have a throne room to conquer."

Twilight could hear the sounds of battle going on around her. Screams of fury, agony, and duty filling the space she floated in. Metal striking against magic and lightning crackling in the air. It all seemed so close yet so far. Just what is going on? Why am I hearing what's going on around me now when I couldn't before?

The stars around her began to shift and swirl, moving when they had previously been stationary. As they moved, so did the space they were floating in, parting slightly and revealing the world beyond. She could catch glimpses of swords swinging and spells being cast. The sightings slowly became more frequent and seemed to start lasting longer and longer each time even if only by a fraction of a second. That was when she started to feel the pain once again. It was dull and hardly noticeable but it was still returning. Whatever enchantments that held the mane space together were wavering and losing their numbing capabilities.

The need to breathe returned to her and she found herself struggling for air, only being able to suck oxygen into her lungs when the mane wavered, showing what was beyond. Her mind was beginning to fog from the lack of oxygen and her face started to tinge blue. Just as she was about to lose consciousness, the mane opened up completely and dropped her unceremoniously upon the ground. She inhaled sharply and sucked as much air into her lungs as she could, gasping as her head cleared. That's when she noticed it. All around her were the corpses of guards; pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies alike. Blood gathered in great pools on the ground and smoldering ashes littered the place. She barely held in her lunch as her eyes gazed around. She recognized it as the Royal Throne room by the grand throne, barely noticeable by the corpses laying across it.

Twilight's eyes fell on one final thing. A tall black alicorn, blood seeping out of multiple cuts and gashes, her coat burnt in areas, barely standing on her own legs. Her eyes narrowed, expecting to be killed like the rest, Twilight closed her eyes. When the attack didn't come she dared to open her eyes only to have them shoot open. The fear was quickly replaced with worry as Nightmare Moon sank to the ground, barely breathing.

Editor's Notes: Good, good. Small issues here and there. Confusing wording in the last paragraph etc. etc. However, *OCD kicks in to full gear* ellipses (or ...) don't count as end of sentence punctuation. If there is an ellipses at the end of a sentence, you must put the proper punctuation after it. They don't count as commas, either. Thank you for reading. Fantastic chapter, Peppy.