Phantom, Nightmare, Pinkie, Starlight and the rest of the Nightmare Guards returned to the Crystal Empire after their three day trip in Las Pegasus. It had been nothing but fun, namely for Pinkie Pie and her luck in the form of Pinkie Sense, winning all of the games and earning them over a million bits. No doubt they could use this money in their future business dealings.

The Nightmare Family had lots of guards itching to get their hooves on a mare. Instead of killing her, Phantom decided to keep Rarity prisoner and let his guards have their way with her. He couldn’t think of a better punishment for the mare who took advantage of his feelings while sleeping with random stallions. In due time, she’ll be begging someone to kill her and Phantom will put her down... Soon, but for now it was better to just let the guards do what they desired to the unicorn who broke his heart.

As a bonus, Phantom made the ponies think about what their so-called ‘benevolent goddess’ had been hiding from them. After all, if someone has one secret, they’re bound to have more.

Upon returning to the Crystal Empire, Phantom began to formulate his army. The army consists of four divisions, each with a specific purpose. Obsidian, Pinkie Pie, Starlight Glimmer, and Midnight Blossom have been chosen to act as the four elite commanders of the army. The twelve Zodiacs acted as executives, three for each division.

Obsidian led a group of business dealers. The three Zodiac executives serving under him were: Fleur dis Lee, Emerald Wave and Scarlet Blaze. Each member made business proposals, and helping marking with other countries, giving ponies both Equestria and the Crystal Empire jobs.

Midnight Blossom led a group of fighters. Her Zodiac executives were: Goldbeck, Cloud Skipper and Ruby Bandit. As the toughest fighters in the army they were in, soldiers in the Nightmare Guard benefited from the training provided from the four. Flurry Heart and Nightmare Moon were glad how they turned out. Loyal, and kind, but aggressive killing machines when their two rulers are threatened.

Pinkie Pie led a group of spies. The three Zodiac executives were: Snips, Snails, and Pip. During their training, Thorax had helped Pinkie teach the three colts to become competent spies. Snips and Snails, used to be very foolish, however with Thorax’s help, Pinkie was able to condition the two into taking their jobs seriously. After finishing their training all three were assigned to gather what they needed from the little town which house the princess of friendship. However due to Pinkie being involved with Phantom, she was wanted in every part of Equestria.

Lastly was Starlight Glimmer, who led a group of magic professionals. The three executives were: Thorax, Sunburst and Zecora. This group’s main focus was training their soldiers in magic. Sunburst had learned how to perform different types of magic thanks to his lover, Starlight, and was entrusted in watching over the castle library. With her knowledge in medical herbs, Zecora became the medical witchdoctor for the empire. Thorax had helped Pinkie train her army of spies in his spare time, but as an executive for Starlight’s division, he mostly focused on training new recruits in shapeshifting spells.

“So this is where the monster that kill our kin lives?” a deep country voice asked.

“Eeyup,” another country pony spoke. “The bastard murdered our cousins Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Macintosh!” It was none other than Braeburn. “Ah’ve also heard he kidnapped Rarity, and keepin’ Flurry Heart as their prisoner.”

“So what now? There are guards everywhere,” questioned one mare. “And even if we get in the empire, what then? I’m sure Nightmare Moon or anypony else in the empire is going to just hand Phantom over.”

“Ah’m aware of that,” Braeburn said before quickly regaining confidence. “That’s why we brought our family here ta bring that damn monster down.”

“Well in case you forgot, he took out fifty of the princess’s elite guard all by himself. What make you think we all have a changes at even hurting this thing?”

“Shut up! Somepony is coming,” another stallion spoke with a Manehattan accent, making all the other ponies silent. An earth pony wearing midnight blue armor walk pass a few bushes. Once the guard was out of range the mare spoke again. “Alright, we’ll be going back.”

“But why?” asked a stallion.

“Because we don’t have enough ponies to mount an assault on the empire.”

The Nightmare Guard captain, was in his room, relaxing after the little vacation he had in Las Pegasus. He was snapped out of his thoughts as he headed a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Phantom said as the door opened, revealing one of the four elite generals, Midnight.

“Did you need something Midnight?” Phantom asked, calming down and smiling to one his closest officers.

“Phantom, I wanted me to ask if you like to go out with the rest of the guard to get some drinks? I know you have become quite close to everypony… including the queen.”

“Sure,” he answered somewhat reluctantly. “I'll go with you, but to somewhere less conspicuous. Somewhere where a dragon can get a stiff drink.” Phantom rubbed the bridge between his eyes as he felt the oncoming stress of the day. Still, he was happy, despite the hatred and anger Phantom still has towards ponies, this was a welcomed change. Maybe he could finally clear his chest by telling somepony how he felt about the lunar monarch.

Midnight smiled, “I got just the place captain,” she assured as they walked out of the castle.

It was about a five minutes before the two arrived at their destination, “The name is Open Crystal. It’s one of the most popular bars here in the empire.” As both they both came to the bar in question, Phantom saw it was a two story building. Like all buildings in the empire the bar was made crystal, but with a pure white color.

“Nice place,” Phantom commented whistling at the sight.

“I know, let’s go in,” Midnight said as she motioned for her captain to follow her inside.

Phantom for his part, had never been inside of a bar when he lived in Ponyville. He had heard stories that ponies would get drunk and have a good time. The heavy drinking usually resulted in ponies getting into fights or having sex in the bathroom.

This bar, however, was different from the ones in the stories. For one, it was nice and clean, just like any other restaurant one might go to. Also, there weren’t any drunk ponies fighting or vomiting. It was just a 60,000 square feet building with two service stations on the massive bar at the center. There were also a few private booths on the sides, followed by a massive royal booth that lead up all of the second floor.

Once they were inside, the crystal ponies stopped what they were doing and stared at the dragon and the bat pony mare. For a minute the crystal ponies did nothing but stare, but then they started to cheer, “Phantom! Phantom! Phantom!”

Midnight and Phantom walked up to the bar and seated themselves on the stools just as the bartender with clear white crystal coat, topaz colored mane and tail greeted them. “Captain Phantom! High Officer Midnight!” he exclaimed with a big smile, “Welcome to the Open Crystal! Can I get you something? Oh and as the heroes of our empire, our drinks are on the house for you and any Nightmare Guard. Plus as a bonus, feel free to use the royal booth anytime you want!” Midnight smiled while Phantom nodded

“Starlight Glimmer wanted me to tell you she’s waiting upstairs,” he informed. Thanking the kind bartender, Phantom and Midnight rose from their seats and made their way towards the gem encrusted staircase. There were two ponies guarding the crystal clear door to the booth, but they immediately stepped aside when they saw their honored guests approaching.

Inside was the fanciest thing Phantom had lay eyes on. Other than the white leather sofa in the middle of the room, everything was made out of pure crystal. The service station, the tables, even the glasses and plates. Starlight Glimmer who was enjoying her drink on a leather couch, waved over to the two. Phantom joined Starlight on another couch, in front of her and stretched his arms in relaxation.

Midnight went to the bar and ordered two glasses of scotch. The bartender in the booth nodded and grabbed two glasses and a bottle of scotch. He then took the liberty to open the bottle and pour the golden brown liquid into the crystal clear glasses. Midnight was about to place the tray on her back when she was stopped by a mare who carried the tray and bottle for her with a smile. The two walked back to the sofa where Phantom and Starlight were both ready to fall asleep from the comfort they were in.

The mare placed the tray on the table and went back to the bar as Midnight took the glass and gulped it down. She sighed and shivered from the much needed drink as Phantom took his own glass and looked toward Midnight. The bat pony just smiled, and Phantom turned his gaze back to the glass and took a sip. What followed was priceless in the two mares’ eyes. Phantom, the captain of the Nightmare Family was choking and coughing up the drink. He made a face that said, ‘that was the most disgusting thing I ever tasted,’ and neither Starlight or Midnight couldn’t help but laugh.

“Your first?” asked Starlight, looking at her now empty glass. Still feeling thirsty, she levitated the bottle of scotch and poured herself a cup.

“Unfortunately yes,” Phantom nodded smacking his lips to rid himself of the taste.

“Don’t worry, you’ll get use to it,” Midnight said going for a second glass. Smiling at her captain, Midnight tapped her glass against Phantom’s, “Cheers.”

A few minutes of silence in the dark and shaded booth sitting on the comfortable round leather couch with a stiff drink, Phantom made his decision to confess his feelings.

“What I’m about to say will be quite a shock. Can you all keep this a secret please?”

“Of course,” Midnight and Starlight Glimmer both assured. The two crystal ponies nodded and zipped their lips shut.

Phantom sighed before finally getting his secret off his scales. “I’m in love with Queen Nightmare Moon.”

Midnight immediately spat out her drink. The two bartenders’ jaws just dropped in complete shock at the captain’s confession. Starlight just giggle picking up the signs over the years she been with them.

Coughing a few times, Midnight wiped her mouth and smiled, Starlight did the same. “You have a crush on the queen?!” Starlight squealed, joy quickly flowing through the usually calm mare as Phantom’s blushing expression spoke it all.

Midnight flew over and nearly threw herself onto him. “Sir, please tell us how it happened! I promise, I won’t tell Queen Nightmare anything!”

Phantom sighed as he began his story. “It all started when Nightmare appeared in my dreams, when all the bitches were still alive. Back then, I still used my old name, as I was still just a lonely baby who would’ve died if it wasn’t for Nightmare’s devotion. When I was exiled, I had no one until she stepped in and exiled herself so I didn’t have to feel what she felt. I owe her my life.”

“After my banishment my training with Nightmare intensified and we grew even closer. I fell in love. Her beauty, her ideals on how those bitches should be detested for how they treated me. I fell in love with her... in every way. Not long after, I decided I would make her the ruler in Celestia’s place.”

Phantom then closed his eyes remembering what he said the day Luna banished herself to be with him. How her loyalty to him gave him hope to live on.

“She gave me hope to fight on,” he continued as the thoughts came to an end. “If it weren’t for Queen Nightmare Moon, I probably would have never trusted ponies again for the way I was treated.”

Midnight nodded after Phantom finished, noticing that the other two ponies were also touched by the raw emotion pouring out of the drake so much that they nearly cried. “I’m sorry Phantom...” Midnight muttered as she wiped a tear with her hoof as the two other ponies nodded. Both Starlight and Midnight wanted to embrace the drake, and Phantom happily accepted their hugs.

Phantom continued rubbing the mares’ backs as they held onto him. ‘I’m not going to get used to this.’ he thought remembering the press conference he attended two days ago.

Ponies lined up by the gate, hoping to get the truth from their ruler as the mumbles and whispers echoed throughout the cobblestone streets of the equestrian capital. When the gates opened, lights from dozens of cameras immediately flash to a lavender mare with a light cyan mare wearing a magician hat as they came out from the gate and to a podium set up in front of them.

“Princess Twilight! Princess Twilight! Is it true that Princess Celestia performed experiments on the dragon eggs that were claimed to be Spike’s siblings?”

“Princess Twilight! Here! Here! Is it true that you and the other elements abused him before his banishment?”

“Is it true that you locked him up in the library when you out frolicking in the fields?”

“Is it true that you never went to see him after Discord told you where he was?” The questions kept coming in, one after the other, all accusing either her or her teacher of some wrongdoing.

Twilight placed her hooves on her head, not wanting to answer, she couldn’t, not after hearing what Phantom had done to Rarity and Sweetie Belle. She was scared, scared that her former brother will claim her and Trixie’s lives

Twilight wanted to leave Equestria, but where could she go? Phantom had acquired many allies from all over the world. Twilight couldn't go to Griffonstone. The new queen, Gilda, knew what how the elements banished Phantom and became furious for Rainbow Dash’s hypocrisy. She would just kick her out. The buffaloes were also out of the question as they too have become fond of Phantom after his banishment. She definitely couldn't go to the dragons, Dragon Lord Ember and her kind hate her as much as Celestia. She couldn't go run towards the Everfree with Zecora because she wanted nothing to do with her or the ponies in town. In fact ever since Phantom’s banishment, she went missing.

“NO!” screamed the magician holding Twilight in her hooves. “PRINCESS TWILIGHT HAS NEVER ABUSED SPIKE, NOR DID SHE LOCK HIM UP! HE WAS MORE THAN HER ASSISTANT, HE WAS HER YOUNGER BROTHER!”

“Then why was Spike banished?” one stallion asked, silencing her and making Twilight cry. The crowd obviously wasn’t convinced by their lies.

“T-Twilight had no choice. Spike was a threat to all of Equestria!” Trixie defended.

“Because he eats meat, or because we labeled him as a murder?” The questions just kept getting more specific.

“THAT’S ENOUGH!” All the ponies stopped their questions when Princess Celestia used her royal canterlot voice to silence them. “LISTEN TO ME, ALL OF YOU! WE ALL STRONGLY BELIEVED THAT SPIKE WAS TOO DANGEROUS TO STAY AMONGST US PONIES! ALL OF THE RUMORS ABOUT ME KILLING HIS PARENTS, AND EXPERIMENTING ON HIS SIBLINGS WERE ALL LIES FED TO HIM BY MY SISTER, PRINCESS LUNA!!”

“Then what truly happened?” one stallion with a bandaged head trotted up. The injury was obviously caused by the Nightmare Family. “Spike wouldn’t do this to anypony.”

“You’re right. As I said with the ponies in the court, Spike’s real father attacked us.” Unknown to them, the dragon they all feared so much was closer than they realized. Hearing their so called ‘benign ruler’ lie about him was bad enough, but lying about the mare who saved him was something he would never forgive.

The cameras kept flashing it blinding light upon the princess. “But what about the dragon massacre generations ago?” one mare asked. “And if it’s true, will Spike attack Ponyville after he kills Twilight?” The question left the sacred mare to shiver.

“THAT MONSTER WILL NOT LAY A CLAW ON TWILIGHT SPARKLE! I THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE WILL SLAY THAT DRAGON, EVEN IF IT IN HER LAST BREATH!”

“A question for you Lady Lulamoon!” another reporter shouted. “I heard Starlight Glimmer is one of Spike’s strongest soldiers. Princess Twilight here says you were the first friend she made, so why didn’t you go with her to apologize to Spike?” That question hit the blue unicorn where it hurt and she could no longer make believable excuses.

A stallion reporter with a fancy mustache had the next question. “Is it true that you raised Spike, princess?”

“Yes,” the princess paused for a moment, trying not then let her emotions take control. Unfortunately, the damage was dealt and the ponies mumbled about the bombshell. “The Spike I raised like my own child, died all those years ago and was replaced by this heartless killer, Phantom. But I promise that with all of my power that I will put an end to this madness. Twilight Sparkle, and her family, they’ll be placed under protection until this monster is no more.”

“Princess, one more question!” one mare yelled.

“This press confess is over,” Celestia said, wrapping her wing over the two of them and lead them back into the castle, trying to escape the blinding camera flashes and the countless ponies that wanted more answers.

“I beg to differ Sunbutt!” a very familiar voice called from amongst the crowd.

Celestia stopped walking as the voice couldn’t fool her. Shaking, the white alicorn slowly turned to see a single figure in the sea of ponies, sticking out like a sore thumb. Not for being a dragon, not even for his stature, but for the pure hate that radiated off his body.

“Ph-Phantom...”

“How dare you...” he moved through the group of ponies, paying them no mind as they parted before him. “QUEEN NIGHTMARE MOON LIE TO ME!?” he shouted arriving at the base of the podium.

“Guards! Guards! Come here!” Celestia cowardly ordered, as two regiments of guards rushed the square.

“Dark dragon, Phantom, you and your clan have been accused of murder, arson, kidnapping, and threatening the crown! How do you plead?!”

“Oh you damn well know I’m guilty,” Phantom growled. “I have killed those that had tossed me aside, murdered those that had no quarrel to kill me, burned the barn of a conspirator against me, and vowed to kill my birth family’s murderer.

He began to grow amused as the guards surrounded him. “You can arrest me if you think yourself strong enough, but know this I only come to speak, nothing more. I am no threat as of this moment and until I have finished what has to be said.” Phantom stood before the guards, waiting for their action or inaction. “How every attacking me will cost you your lives.”

They went with the first.

Six guards had rushed Phantom with spears drawn, ready to end his life. “Idiots...” he sighed, knowing it was futile. The blades shattered upon contact with Phantom’s scales.

One guard struck the ground so hard it left a clean slice where his sword fell. Another adjusted his attack to slice at the area Phantom had dodged to.

“Is that it?” he asked before turning back to Celestia and Twilight with absolute rage. “I’ve been with you both through thick and thin, through sweat and tears, through the best and worst of times, and what was my reward for all that?” Phantom ducked as a sword slashed through the air where his head used to be. “To be used, tossed aside, forgotten.”

With each word a swing of sword sliced through where his head had been moments earlier. It was irritating Phantom. “THAT WAS MY REWARD FOR ALL MY HELP?!!” he shouted as he finally ceased dodging and let the sword shatter upon contact with his scales. “Explain to me how I’m the evil one?!” he asked as the shadow of twelve guards appeared behind him. “You need to do better.”

Phantom then grabbed one of the swords in mid-air, pulling it along with the guard. Swinging his fist down where Phantom had hit the guard across the chest instantly knocking him out. “Come at me with your bare hooves,” he taunted snapping the sword in his hand like a twig under a boulder.

The remaining guards advanced towards the lone drake, determined to take his head. One after another, the soldiers came and were each quickly defeated. The advancement didn’t cease until there was a sight that both awed and scared the remaining royal guards. A heap of bodies breathing but unconscious formed under an unstoppable monster.

The guards had come to accept the truth that none of them were even close to taking Phantom down. If he managed to stop the fifty Canterlot elites by himself, these soldiers would just be deadweight.

“Had enough?” Phantom asked, stepping down each body like they were nothing but floormats.

“You’re a monster!” the captain screamed. Phantom came up and punched the royal guard captain that had apparently replaced Shining Armor. He fell to the ground coughing blood.

“Another one who doesn’t know when to hold his tongue,” Phantom snarled. “If I’m the monster, then why are you and your fellow soldiers still breathing?” he pointed to the pile. “I’ve only killed those who became insurmountable obstacles in my objective,” Phantom reasoned walking back to the podium, staring at the frightened mares and resolute alicorn. “That objective is your deaths.”

He pointed to Trixie and Twilight. “You can have all the guards protect you, you can have the entire Canterlot army on me and my forces, but I promise you this... You two will be the only ones to die in that fight. Over the past years I’ve gathered and trained with so many powerful comrades who can hold their own in a fight… Compared to them, this is mere child‘s play.”

“I hope you are ready for it,” he said as he began walking away from the irate solar alicorn and the trembling princess of friendship. “Because I’ve been waiting for this revenge for the past four years!”

Phantom raised both arms into the air as a powerful aura surrounded him. “PREPARE YOURSELVES PONYKIND!” he roared. “SOON YOU ALL WILL EXPERIENCE THE GREATEST WAR IN EQUESTRIAN HISTORY!!” With that a powerful burst of energy shot out from around his body. The ponies struggled not to be blown away by the burst of air.

Phantom then ascended into the air with a single but powerful flap of his wings. A few feet up and he burst into flames and was gone.

Phantom had just finished his fourth bottle of scotch. Normally a pony would’ve shown the usual sigh of being drunk. Fortunately, because Phantom’s fire sac burned nearly ninety-seven percent of the alcohol in his bloodstream, the drake was barely even buzzed. While passing the time by having a conversation with the bartender and server, asking if they thought he had even a remote chance with the queen of the night. Both Starlight and the bartenders answered honestly by saying that he’ll be the luckiest dragon alive to get to court Nightmare.

The crystal clear door opened, and Phantom turned to see who had entered. To his surprise, it was Nightmare Moon who had just come in. In place of her midnight blue armor, the black alicorn wore a beautiful indigo dress, causing the drake’s face to turn red.

Noticing her student’s presence, Nightmare trotted in with a questionable expression on her face. “Oh Phantom, what are you doing here?” she asked with a smile.

Still blushing from seeing the goddess, Phantom turned away to hide his blush. “M-Midnight ask me if I wanted to grab a drink,” he answered trying not to look at his teacher in the eye.

“I see... please face me my dear,” Nightmare commanded in her usual motherly tone. Reluctantly, Phantom obeyed and turned so his slit eyes met his teacher’s. “Come my loyal dragon,” Nightmare said as she trotted over towards the sofa. Phantom did as he was told, and took a seat across from his teacher.

The drake couldn’t help but gaze at Nightmare’s beautiful form as she laid on her belly. She placed her order, and the server returned shortly afterwards with the queen’s martini and a bottle of scotch for Phantom. Nightmare to shivered in delight as she enjoyed the sweet, dark-red drink.

Looking up, the alicorn giggled as she saw her student trying to get used to the taste of alcohol. “You know, I should arrest you all for serving a minor,” she said pretending to scold them. Phantom instantly spat out the contents that were in his mouth, while the employees’ eyes widened.

“I’m only joking dear bartenders,” Nightmare giggled, returning to her benign tone, “Even though he’s about eighteen years old in pony years, dragons can start drinking in early their teens, because of they fire sacs in his lungs. So letting Phantom drink here won’t be a problem.” Phantom along with the workers sighed in relief. Nightmare giggled more before taking another sip of her drink.

Phantom just stared at Nightmare, while drinking his bottle. Knowing what her student liked to see, Nightmare mischievously wiggled her flank. Phantom’s eyes widen watching her flank move from side to side. Midnight smirked while Starlight gave the two crystal ponies a strict look signaling them to turn around and give the two some privacy.

To be honest the bar ponies weren’t sure if they wanted to know what would happen. Normally when Shining and Cadance did stuff like this, the moment ended with something sexual. However the queen’s behavior was just plain teasing, which she obviously enjoyed. If Pinkie were here, she’d do something so unexpected that it would make Phantom’s cheeks redder than Big Mac’s coat and instantly make his dragon hood stand.

Nightmare was about to say something when Pinkie Pie accompanied by Snails, bursted through the door. “Captain Phantom! Queen Nightmare Moon! We have urgent news!” she nearly screamed.

“This better be good,” Nightmare said pouting, and lost what she was about to say. Snails gulped, hoping they hadn’t made the alicorn angry.

“It’s better than good milady!” Pinkie shouted bouncing around as she usually did, “I’ve just gotten word from our spies. We now have proof that Captain Phantom was set up!” The moment those words escaped, everypony within the area stop what they were doing. The felt a magical energy so intense that the entire empire shook.

“Who?” Phantom asked while furiously gritting his teeth. “Who’s the fucker that ruined my life!?” A powerful green aura radiated off his scales as he awaited his answer.

Off on the the south-eastern edge of Equestria, laid a beach house where the royal family would stay during their vacations. Well, most of the royal family. This three story, six acre house is indeed owned by Celestia and Luna, but as of this moment, Blueblood was the one occupying it.

Blueblood knew Phantom would someday attack the castle and planned on leaving Equestria until things cooled down. What he didn’t anticipated was that two of the royal guards that accompanied him were really spies of Pinkie’s division. overheard Blueblood talking to some of his associates about how it was more than coincidence that Phantom was banished, followed by snarls of good riddance and thoughts of needing to do it again. Apparently, he had hired a hit pony to take out one of the nobles at random. Sadly it had to be a member of the Esquire family and have his body dumped somewhere in the wastelands for the buzzers to feed.

The guards couldn’t wait to watch the prince be tortured by Phantom and Queen Nightmare Moon.

“I know... let’s get that bastard,” the pegasus spoke to her partner as they stood in front of the prince’s bedroom door, quickly turning around and opening the marble door. The room itself was decorated in white, a few dresser lining up the walls with a vanity mirror and a white bed under the white glow of moonlight. All in all, it would be a perfect setting for a romantic moment, but under the silk sheet was the vile prince himself, safe in his own little dream. Blossomforth looked in disgust, as her queen and captain were suffering while this miserable wretch was living the life of luxury.

“Your highness, wake up! We must go! ‘He is here.’ ” the mare guard ordered, waking the stallion. The two guards helped by taking off the sheets that covered Blueblood’s body. Growling, the spoiled prince used his magic to wrap it back over himself.

“Buck this,” the stallion guard proclaimed as he called in more guards to help carry the prince’s body to the carriage.

“WE LOVE YOU BLUEBLOOD!”

“YOU'RE THE BEST KING ANYPONY COULD EVER HAVE!”

“THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THOSE FILTHY COMMONERS OUT OF OUR FAIR CITY!”

“YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE MEANT TO RULE!”

“Thank you. Thank you, my subjects,” the prince said, raising his hoof to silence the thousands of ponies attending his coronation as king. “Loyal subjects, I thank all of you. If it wasn’t for you, I too would have fallen prey to that awful beast. Now as your newly crowned king, I pledge to cleanse Equestria of its filth. Such includes these rebels calling themselves the Nightmare Family. I will make them all wish they had never messed with the Canterlot elite!” As the prince concluded his speech, the ponies’ cheering and clapping hooves sounded like thunder under the most fierce storms.

Blueblood smiled snobbishly, enjoying the cheers of his subjects. Sadly, all dreams must end and his ending was but another beginning. The ponies still cheered before him, only to a different name. The name belonging to the one who caused the prince so many nightmares upon his banishment. The name that could turn bravery into fear. A name whom everypony had come to know... Phantom.

“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!” Blueblood yelled with his royal Canterlot voice. “S-STOP CALLING THAT MONSTER’S NAME AT ONCE! AS YOUR KING, I COMMAND IT!!” As loud as the Canterlot voice was, the ponies still chanted.

“PHANTOM! PHANTOM! PHANTOM! PHANTOM!” The loud cheers, the thunderous stomps, the whistles, it was all torture to the king. But what truly ran chills through Blueblood’s spine was the warm breath that flowed through his fur. He turned and saw not to see his castle, but a somewhat enraged, five story tall, dark purple and green dragon with eyes that held an eerie glow to them, staring down at the king.

“Broadcast this for the royals, I wouldn’t want them to miss this,” Phantom ordered.

“Yes sir,” Obsidian saluted and with a wicked smile, his eyes glowed to magically record Blueblood’s predicament.

“You took away my life, you made me kill the ponies I thought were my friends, and worst of all.” The dragon rose up. “You took my bride’s life.” Those were the last words the king heard as the emerald flames encased his body, burning his flesh away. The ponies awed in the spectacle of flames as the prince’s screams filled the air along with the scent of a roasting pony. Before he let out another scream, a claw came down, threatening to smash him into the ground.

The prince screamed as he awoke in a hardened, glass-like bed. He looked around to find nearly everything around him was made of crystal and he quickly realized where he was. “Get me out of here!” the prince demanded as he rose out of the bed and ran to the crystal bars. He peered out to see two bat ponies sitting at the far side of the hall connecting the cell, playing a card game. He knew they heard him, it was clear that they were just ignoring his pleas and cries. “I know you bats can hear me! As your prince, I order you to let me go!”

“Sure, we’ll let you go... after our commanding officers are done with you,” one of the guards said, putting down a three of spades.

“Wait, what do you mean after they’re done with me?” Blueblood asked.

“We found out, just a few hours ago, that it was you who set up our captain and caused his banishment. Personally, I would be more than glad to end your rotten, spoiled life, but those three deserve it more.” The second guard said, picking up a card. Blueblood tried to use his magic and felt his horn glow, but there was something stopping him. Both guards turned and watched the prince’s fruitless action while enjoying a good laugh.

“Oh, this is really funny, Bluewuss thinks he can use his magic,” the stallion guard chuckled.

“You’re right, that ring really does work.” Blueblood placed a hoof on his horn, feeling the round golden lump fixed on it.

“Best get some sleep, your highness,” the mare mocked. “For tomorrow is your last day.” The guards all laughed before getting up and leaving the prince alone to his thoughts throughout the night, trotting around the cell, knowing he couldn’t sleep as his aunt would give him nightmares. Nightmares of what would come in the morning.

After six hours and one final dinner consisting of something to suit his taste, Blueblood sat on his bed waiting desperately for some sort of rescue. He nearly jumped at the noise of somepony coming into the hall, hoping it was what he prayed for, but it quickly turned to fear as he heard the metal clanks come in a slow, rhythmic motion, allowing his fears to get the best of him. He thought it was the dragon or his aunt, but much to his relief, it was his two guards, but they were wearing the midnight blue armor that was meant for the Nightmare Guard.

“What the meaning of this?! Why are you wearing that that awful armor for?! Oh nevermind, just get me out of here!” the prince demanded, glad to see the two. But his hopes shattered when the two guards stared daggers at him. In that one look, all his hopes faded into the abyss of darkness.

“Listen here, you arrogant asshole, we aren’t your slaves. We were only ‘protecting’ you because we were ordered to as spies for the Nightmare Guard!” spat the mare guard.

“You should be more careful who you trust Blueblood,” the stallion guard spoke still holding his partner in his hooves. “We know what you did all those years ago.”

“And what proof do you have?” Blueblood shot back smugly, “The body’s gone and the hit pony is nowhere to be found. So, HA to the both of you!”

“You know, the interesting thing about Queen Nightmare is that she has the power to look inside the memories of others. That, of course, includes a sorry excuse for a pony like yourself,” the mare guard explained, making the white stallion even whiter.

“He’s right. As much as we all would love to give this bastard what for, it would be best if we let Captain Phantom deal with him,” a voice spoke as the sound of hooves echoed throughout the halls of the crystal dungeon and stopped whatever it was that there were doing stood tall and saluted.

“Elite Officer Midnight Blossom! Elite Officer Pinkamena!” the two said in unison.

“At ease,” Pinkie ordered and the two stood down, awaiting her orders. “It’s time. Bring that pile of pony excrement to the field.” she commanded twitching in sadistic glee.

“Yes High General Pinkamena!” The two grabbed the prince, cuffed all four of his hooves, and proceed to walk along the outside the castle. Upon exiting they entered into the arena that once held the Equestrian Games.

Inside the arena, thousands upon thousands of crystal ponies lined up the row after row of seats. Some were eating crystal popcorn, or any other crystallized foods and beverages, while others engaged in conversation.

The executives of the Nightmare Guard stood In the middle of the arena were three podiums reserved for the top executives of the Nightmare Family. The black dragon looked up at his magic crystals that were broadcasting the a white event for the Dragon Empire and other countries supporting Phantom. Suddenly light blinded everypony except Pinkie, who put on the sunglasses she pulled out from under the wooden floor. Once the light faded, the ponies started cheering for their beloved queen, Nightmare Moon, as she now stood across the table from the pink pony.

The crowd then fell into silence as a shadowy figure passed by them. It landed softly on the podium next to Nightmare and the four elite generals. As he waved to the audience, the ponies cheered as loud as possible for their hero’s arrival. He wore wearing his flowing jacket, adorned with a crescent moon. The cheers continued until Nightmare stomped her hoof to silence them.

“Mares and gentlecolts,” Phantom said with a loud, yet clear voice, “It is an honor to have you all here for the event that has been in the making for many years. One that has been building through the turmoil, through the hardships, and through the suffering that a great many of us have endured along with the times of growth and prosperity that we hope to see blossom forth. A day that had started back when I was but a lowly, naive, and pitiful slave.” The crowd began tossing murmurs and rejections of Phantom’s description before he held up a hand to silence them.

“No, no, it’s true,” he continued after the audience quieted down, “I was a lowly slave, walking down the road of death with a smile upon my face, happy to venture to my demise. Because I was a different creature. Because I wasn't like them. Because I frightened them. Because I am a creature that requires the consumption of meat to live. Because they feared that I would choose to eat something I would never even dream of eating, even in desperate hunger.” He paused for a moment to draw himself together. “And even before that, I was feared, hated, ignored, and plainly forgotten by all of those closest to me. That was, until I met... her.” He gestured towards the alicorn beside him.

“It was our beloved queen here who shown me the righteous path, who taught me with her own hooves, and shown the lengths a true friend will go. And those facts were shown most clearly at the trial.” Even at the mere mention, a good collection of jeers broke the silence in the crowd.

“For Queen Nightmare Moon was the only one at the time not demanding my head to be placed on a pike. Not only for a crime I clearly did not commit, but for the pure hatred of my kind and any unlike their own. And because of that, I was banished. Forcefully removed from my home, my family, my friends, and my life. All but Nightmare was left.” He paused, looking down in sorrow as the crowd took on both meanings, collectively.

“So the question still remains: Who is the one truly responsible for the crime I was punished for? Who was the pony to kill and frame the innocent? Who was the pony that slept like a baby in a gilded bed, knowing that he was not only responsible for countless deaths, but the hatred of every single creature that isn't a pompous, royal, equine, prick?” He paused, letting the crowd lean in to hear every word. “After all these years, we finally found the stallion personally responsible for all of the crimes and suffering that plagued this great kingdom! PRINCE BLUEBLOOD!”

The stadium erupted into jeering and booing as Phantom gestured to the side, signaling the stallion in question to be brought out to the table. “Today, my fellow ponies, revenge will be taken on this beast that has condemned us to this fate.” Phantom roared as the crowd once again started their cheers back up. “Though now in this stance, I feel the need to also thank him for opening my eye’s to the truth. For allowing me to see what I have, so avidly, avoided before. For exposing that fat bitch's true colors were, along with all those that shunned me. And for shining light on those who truly do care for others.” Phantom’s voice was calm and composed, not a single shred of malice. This made a few ponies murmur within the crowd.

“And for that, he is to only be killed THREE TIMES!!!” he finished, causing all ponies to guffaw and wail in cheers and admiration, in awe and fear, and a few of pity. “But I feel it best to let you decide his fate in each slaying, as it was you who accepted me and brought an end to my horror. SO I ASK YOU: SHOULD HIS FIRST DEMISE BE QUICK AND PAINLESS?”

Phantom waited for the yays and neighs that would surely rise from the crowd, but to his astonishment, there was nothing but a quiet silence. Blueblood, who was previously wetting himself at this public lynching was briefly glad to hear the lack of noise, thinking that the dragon was foolish to try and coerce the ponies into deciding his fate, to make them his judge, jury, and executioners. But he was mistaken. What Phantom was viewing right now, was not the face of forgiving ponies, but faces of astonishment and disgust. That prince deserved worse, much worse than a quick death, the eyes of the ponies said so. “OR SHOULD IT BE SLOW AND EXCRUCIATING?” At that very instant, the arena was abuzz with noise making the previous cacophony seem like a whisper spoken to the wind.

Lowering himself next to Blueblood’s ear, Phantom whispered, “Slow and painful it is.”

After placing the white stallion onto the operating table, Phantom reached for a scalpel, placing the instrument of healing and curing onto the bare flesh of the patient below him. Not deep, not deep at all, barely past the epidermis he continued slicing into Blueblood with medical precision. Four clear lines, beginning from snout to forehead and from the corners of his mouth to the edge of his jaw. The wails of pain from the stallion only pushed the crowd further into their hysteria of madness. Phantom then began pulling at the cut skin. Tearing and ripping at his flesh exposing the muscles veins and bone underneath kept neat and tidy by Nightmare’s magic. Phantom thought about taking the scalpel and jamming it straight into Blueblood’s heart.

But as much as he wanted to, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, it’s just Nightmare and Pinkie wanted a turn at killing him. Putting down the scalpel, Pinkie had handed him a bag of salt. Blueblood, for his part, was in shock when he saw the bag. The stallion struggled, wanting to be free of his bonds, but it was a fruitless effort. Phantom poured the contents in the stallion’s wounds. As Blueblood screamed in agony, Phantom continued to rub in the salt.

Pinkie giggled as she watched this sad excuse of a prince get what he deserved. She couldn’t wait for her turn. The stallion who destroyed her friendships, who was forced to kill the innocent so she could understand the pain Phantom was going though. And all in all, ruined her relationship with Pokey.

Once the Nightmare captain was done, he whistled, calling out to somepony. Slowly the crowd turn there head to see Zecora walking toward the stage. She was dragging bottles and vials, ment for healing. When she approached the stage, Phantom levitated the cart onto the stage as the zebra one of the vials. She then forced the prince to drink it; the substances made the hid eyes heavy. Soon Blueblood was asleep. Now, it was Nightmare’s turn.

The prince was on the field, however he wasn’t wearing his signature tie. What he was wearing were similar to that of the late Big Mac. Around the stallion neck were a brown yoke meant to pull plows. It would be easy for a normal stallion to pull said plow, but being a unicorn who was raised into royalty, Blueblood lacked the muscle an earth pony would need to carry out this task.

However, the worst was yet to come. Blueblood’s flesh was slowly ripping itself away with each step. That wasn’t all, above him was a flock of crows ready to feast if he so much as stop. The pain on his body was unbearable.

From the distance, were the thunderous roars of the crowd. Almost all of them were stomping their hooves, as they hear the prince scream in agonizing pain, as he plow this distant field of dirt and rock. As fate had to be the most unfair thing in the land, a stone was place deep beneath the earth, causing the plow to stop. Resulting in Blueblood choking for a quick second and fall on his back. It was a fatal mistake on his part.

The flock came down like rain in a tropical storm, each with their beaks ready. They landed and began to peck at what remaining flesh the prince had. He flailed his hooves making a few fly away, but the birds quickly returned in even greater numbers. Soon the crows covered the stallion’s bloody, mangled body. The screams die down, thus waking him up.

Blueblood screamed as he looked around. The first thing he did was to check his body. There were no cuts, no salt, nothing. The prince smile thinking it was all a dream. That dream soon turn to reality when he stood from the table, with four pair of eyes glaring daggers at the stallion.

“It’s about time you’ve woken up from your first death. Phantom, would you be a dear and show this miserable colt what it means to live in your scales?” the dark alicorn asked sweetly. Phantom nodded and snapped his claws; two crystal pony dressed like chefs, walked into the arena carrying two silver tray.

“I hope you are hungry dear nephew, because we have something special for you.” The two ponies placed the tray on the table that Nightmare had made from her magic. Blueblood wanted to puke when they opened the tray. The first plate laid two tender roasted chicken tender, covered in honey. The other he didn’t find as revolting, as it held a nice garden salad. Phantom drooled from the smell of the honey, and the perfectly cooked chicken. He want to dig right it both of them but he held himself back, not that anypony in the stands pay would mind. The audience knew that Phantom needed meat.

“For his next torture...” Phantom announced to the spectators, “You the ponies, will get a choice between the foods this little prick should eat. However, one of the dishes has been poisoned.” Phantom grabbed a knife, and fork, “I recommend the roast as our chefs became quite adept at cooking chicken after I taught them how to clean and pluck the feathers of the very thing this prick is. A chicken.”

Phantom took his knife and began to cut a piece of chicken. Taking the piece, the drake ate it like the respectable gentle-drake he was. Blueblood remained silent as he watched the spectacle. After he swallowed the prices of chicken, Phantom continued. “Now my little ponies, what do you say? Make him eat the chicken, or salad?”

“MEAT! MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” the ponies chanted into a roar, wanting to see Blueblood become the second pony in history to eat meat.

Blueblood shot his nose up in the air. “I’m not some barbaric beast like you! I refuse to eat this horrible, grotesque excuse for food!” Despite the predicament the rotten prince was in, he still behaved like the spoiled brat he’s always been. “And telling me that one of the foods are poisoned was not a smart move on your part. I know you poisoned that abomination you call food,” he said, pushing the plate to the side. Phantom, Nightmare, and all anticipated this, yet Phantom threw down both his knife and fork and raised his claw

“Alright, you got me,” Phantom said as the crowd of ponies booed until Nightmare Moon cut them off. A single stomp of their queen’s hoof, was all it took for the boos to cease.

Now that the stadium was silent Phantom turned back to Blueblood, who of course, still hasn't budged. “Oh, by the way...” he began as his eyes shined an emerald glow, “You don’t have much of a choice. You see, I’m a dragon that likes to eat his meals while they’re still alive.” There was an eerie sound in his voice that made the prince shudder.

“Still, I have refined taste, so eating you would either cause me to puke you back up, or spend an entire day in the bathroom. So I’ll make this simple... eat it or die. This is the choice I faced when I was forced to start hunting.”

The fork Phantom was holding was cover in a green aura, it then shot into Blueblood chest. Before the stallion could react, the fork had buried itself deep within his chest, mere inches away from his beating heart. The dragon took the fork out of his chest, letting the blood trickled down his coat.

“And before you ask... Zecora,” Phantom called, as the zebra shaman approached Blueblood, staring into the rotten prince’s eyes.

“Who are you?” the prince asked, seeing as she was the same zebra who forced him to swallow that mixture.

“Nothing to worry about dead prince, simply the butcher ready to mince. I have come to warn your broken soul, of a tainted foal inside this hole” Zecora spoke. Blueblood just tilted his head in confusion.

“Since you fail to understand, let me point it out,” Phantom growled as he hated to wait. “We poisoned both foods. Now eat, or be eaten.” Blueblood gulped, having to make a choice resulting in death is not easy. If he ate it, then he could have at least die peacefully in a scenes. But if he refuse to eat, then this beast, this monster, this thing, would lodge that fork of his back in the prince's chest, this time, it would reach his heart. Blueblood didn't want to die by the hands of this dragon. But if he was going to go, then he’ll go with grace.

‘It’s a simple choice. Eat the meat, or be eaten by savage animals. Think Blueblood! Think! Think! THINK!!’ the prince screamed in his mind. With nothing else, he did what that everypony wanted to see. He ate the meat.

Phantom, Nightmare, Pinkie, Starlight and all the other executives watched in amusement. Of course, Obsidian was still broadcasting the entire scene for the royals.

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but the chicken you ate contained a poison that wasn’t meant for ponies,” Phantom said as he wrapped his tongue around the tender, retracting it back in his mouth, with the chicken in tow.

“The poison you just consumed was meant to upset a dragon’s stomach. The poison then spread through their bloodstream cutting off their fire. Within the hour of ingestion, there immune system starts to fail, following by the cut off their air supply, then death. Now then my dear nephew...” Before Nightmare could finish, Blueblood started laughing.

“Ha! You stupid lizard, you should really know your toxins! Trying to poison me with…” the prince stopped as he began coughing violently. Phantom only placed his elbow on the table, looking at the stallion with a sick grin.

‘That’s what I like to see!’ he thought as his grin widened.

“We’re sorry, did you say something?” Nightmare asked smugly. “You should have let us finish. The poison will affect a dragons in about three days, but for ponies...” She stopped and smiled nastily before she continued. “It only about three minutes after ingestion.” the dark monarch spoke. The royal stallion started choking, finding it harder to breath.

“We know you can hear me. So before you enter into eternal slumber, we all want to know the true reason you framed this wonderful drake here. Why have you caused him, and his loved ones so much pain?” the queen asked, before the prince could fall in her embrace.

The cold embrace of death itself wash over the prince body. Blueblood closed his eyes, feeling his body floating in limbo. For the first time in his spoiled life, he felt as if he was in peace. Peace from all the things that transpired that day. This spritely peace was intruded by a sharp pain that was coming from his chest.

“Rise and shine Bloody Wuddy!” the pink party pony spoke, pulling out the an empty needle. “Now for the real fun.” she said with a wicked grin. The party pony gripped the fabric of the sheets with her teeth and pulling them on the tray. Revealing scalps, rusty saws, and lemon juice. Grabbing the scalp, she was over to the now retire up prince. Oh she was going to enjoy this. With perfect medical precision, the scape touch and dig deep with the stallion skin. Much deeper than one might hope. The blade slide across his chest. Blueblood wanted to scream, but soon realize he was gagged. The sharp blade left his chest, only to slide down from the other side. The scalp then move down the stallion’s body, stopping at his midsection. The segonal dark pink pony, then grab two sets of hooks, separating flesh and muscle. Phantom went and removed the gag.

“Pinkie, the ponies here want to hear him scream.” Starlight said handing Pinkie a rusty saw. Obsidian was also displeased as the nobles watching this were eager.

“I know silly willy and…” Pinkie’s mane deflated as she grew furious, a rare sight for the happy-go-lucky mare. “I’M SORRY CRYSTAL PONIES! BUT THIS ASSHOLE HERE RUINED MINE LIFE AS WELL!!” she yelled causing the audience to mumble in confusion. Pinkie took the rusty saw and set it on Blueblood’s right hoof. “I WAS IN LOVE WITH THE STALLION I TOOK TO THE CANTERLOT HEARTS AND HOOVES DANCE SEVEN YEARS AGO!” She screamed as she rocked the saw back, gashing the leg of the prince. “I LOVED HIM WITH ALL MY HEART, HE PROMISED ME HE’LL BE WITH ME, EVEN AFTER SPIKE WAS WRONGFULLY BANISHED... THAT WAS UNTIL DISCORD TOLD US WHERE TO FIND HIM.”

The prince began to scream in pain. The rusted saw dug deeper into the stallion’s leg. The crimson fluid sprayed onto her face and armor. “I BEGGED THEM... POKEY, THE GIRLS... ALL OF THEM TO COME WITH ME AND APOLOGIZE TO PHANTOM. AND YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED, POKEY BROKE UP WITH ME! HE THOUGHT I FELT PITY FOR A MONSTER THAT HASN’T DONE ANYTHING! NOPONY HERE IN EQUESTRIA UNDERSTOOD THE PAIN I WENT THROUGH. ALL BECAUSE OF A ROYAL, ROTTEN, SPOILED BRAT WHO COULDN’T BREATHE THE SAME AIR WE ALL BREATHE!!!” Pinkie had finished her speech just as the saw reached the bone where it couldn’t cut.

“I do believe the queen asked you the question everypony’s wondering. Why did you frame me?” Phantom calmly asked as the crowd stayed in perfect silence, waiting for his answer.

Obsidian made sure he didn’t miss this now or never chance. So many nobles across the world were watching the execution and awaiting Blueblood’s reply. Dragon Lord Ember, Prince Rutherford of Yakyakistan, Queen Gilda of Griffonstone, Chief Thunderhooves of the buffalo tribe. All these allied leaders were listening to Blueblood’s excuse for framing the captain of the Nightmare Family.

“I-I...” he began weakly, he barely managed to keep conscious with the little blood he had left. “...I wanted to cleanse Equestria from filth like you and those dirt poor commoners...” These would be the last words the miserable prince would speak before he faded from the waking world. This didn’t last when Pinkie jammed another alduraling needle in his heart, forcing him to wake up.

No one could believe what they had just heard, that was the reason for ruining an innocent baby dragon’s life? The veins on Phantom’s forehead popped out as he grew more furious than he had ever been in his entire life. His claw burst into flames as he touched the nearly torn wound causing the bone snapped, and stopped the bleeding. However it didn’t stop there, Phantom made the flame even hotter, cutting of the remainder of meat.

Phantom turned to look at his equally ire teacher; she was merely minutes away from sending a chunk of the moon at the prince. “Elite Officer Pinkamena,” Nightmare called in a voice darker than usual, frightening everypony except Phantom. “Tear off that waste of space of a nephew’s horn and whatever limb you can get from the bastard.” Her tone calmed down as she turned to Phantom.

“Phantom would you be a dear and take a letter please?” she asked sweetly. Phantom nodded having also calmed down, and breathed out a plume of green flames. The flame materialized into a scroll and quill and Phantom began to take the letter.

Having finished her royal duties, including lowering the sun, Celestia was relaxing in her chambers. She was about to close her eyes, when a scroll popped out in front of her. Curious of what Phantom had reported, she unrolled the parchment and began to read.

Dear sister

It has been a while since we last talked. I just wanted to let you know that unlike you, who didn’t properly investigated the murder at all in these seven years, we’ve found proof that Phantom, was innocent of the crime he was banished for. You see, our dear nephew here, had just admitted he hired a hit-pony and dumped the bodies in the badlands. We’ll let you keep the rest of Blueblood since we’re done with him. I’m about to send him to you so he can tell you of his actions personally. Unfortunately for you, he won’t be alive for long. Know that because you refused to speak the truth of the banishment, you had sealed the fate of you and your hypocritical student, who broke her promise. We are coming for you. One. At. A. Time.

Sincerely yours

Nightmare Moon.

PS: If you’re wondering, the pony Blueblood hired has already been dealt with.

Celestia’s eyes widened after reading the letter that came with the mangled, broken unicorn that was breathing its last breath. The letter dropped along with the glow of her horn and looked at her nephew, he was trying to call her for help, but soon was engulfed by the flame Phantom was known for. His green flame.

The flames burnt off his white fur, Celestia tried to help her nephew, but the flames themselves were hot enough to ward her back. Blueblood’s skin began to boil, oozing blood as he screamed like he never screamed before. Celestia called her guards, wanting to put the flames out but it was fruitless when there came close to the flame. Blueblood’s breathing was heavy, his blood soon evaporated under the intense heat.

He reach out his foreleg to his aunt. “I failed to protect Canterlot…” he muttered. Those were his final words. In the end, he remained the snobbish pony he always had been. The flames covered the rest of his body, and stayed for a few minutes until they disappeared, leaving behind only the ashes of the spoiled prince.

Phantom sighed happily as he was being squeezed by a pair of black forelegs. Nightmare was happy to prove his innocence, sadly it has been seven years since it truly mattered. Celestia never looked into this murder, but the answer was still found. Thanks to Obsidian recording everything, various other kingdoms also knew the truth of Phantom’s banishment.

Sighing happily Nightmare traced her hoof around Phantom’s chest as he relaxed in her embrace. Her cheeks turned a slight red, as she felt herself fall more for the dark drake every time she saw him. Unable to hold her feelings back any longer, Nightmare did something she never thought of, nor had her student never expected. Cupping Phantom’s chin gently, the goddess of the moon leaned in and kissed him.

Phantom couldn’t believe it, he had finally received a kiss from Queen Nightmare Moon. Instead of panicking, Phantom closed his eyes and melted into his very first kiss. His arms, legs, and wings drooped down, around the alicorn, enjoying the softness of her lips. He wanted to deepen the kiss, feel more of her warm lips and fur. Much to his disappointment however, Nightmare broke away.

“We should get some rest, my beloved student,” she said nuzzling against Phantom’s shoulder. “In fact, you, Pinkie, Starlight, Obsidian, Midnight... all of you take the rest of the day off.” Phantom nodded before the queen gave him one more kiss then went off to bed.

Upon reaching his chambers, Phantom threw himself onto the soft mattress. Both mentally and physically tired, it didn’t take long for the drake to fall asleep. For the rest of the night, Phantom dreamed only one thing: the eternal beauty of Queen Nightmare Moon.