My Little Pony: Equestria's Warriors Returns

by Spirit Of Fantasy

After many wars, heavy losses, and violence with enemies. The eldest brother of the royal sisters makes his return, and discovers the student of the sister he blames for their youngest sister's banishment. Now along side this young and talented unicorn, ready to battle evil. He will discover the new world of friendship and love that replaced his world of pain and hateful battles.

30. Chapter 30:Luna Eclipsed

Chapter 30:Luna Eclipsed

As Orion fitted himself with a midnight blue long sleeve shirt to match his black shorts. The prince took a long look in the mirror, he was growing nervous for this night. A night that was dedicated to the fear that Luna filled ponies with when she became Nightmare Moon. He did not know what to think of this holiday, it did make his blood boil for what it appeared to mean. But he promised that he would give the holiday a chance, perhaps it was merely a means of a scary good time.

He sighed, making sure to create proper black eye liner like circles around his eyes, much like Shadow Swirl. Who was currently looking out the window holding three buckets full of candy. She was waiting for the next group of trick or treaters to pay them a visit for some sweets. She could hardly wait to see the kids in their scary costumes presenting their bags for candy. It made her almost squeak with excitement and joy, she was almost ready to drop the candy.

Orion shook his head and walked off to get the black and red vampony cape Rarity made for him. It would be the most important piece of the outfit, it brought the dark look all together. As he wrapped it around his shoulders and tied it into place, down came Spike from the stairs. The baby dragon sported a very familiar costume that mimicked exactly what Spike was. A purple dragon with green spikes going down his back, quite a creative look for Spike, sarcastically speaking.

"Wow… Purple dragon with green Spikes and looks bloated like an overfed cat. Very creative…!"Orion spoke with deep sarcasm and a snicker for Spike's look.

"Love to see you do a better job, dark prince,"Spike replied back and looked to the clock to notice that they were behind schedule,"Awe come on, Twilight! We're gonna be late for the annual Nightmare Night festival!"

Orion was about to read Spike a riot act about patience, but Twilight was quick to gain every pony's attention. For the moment she walked down the steps, letting the bells of her blue wizard hat jingle. Shadow turned away from the window and felt a yearning for the old days. For Twilight was dressed up as an old friend of Orion and Shadow, a great teacher for Celestia and Luna. The famous unicorn, Star Swirl the bearded, the long white bearded stallion that helped the royal family rise from the ashes of Old Equestria.

"Now that's a costume! You got a legit Star Swirl the Bearded look going on."Orion complimented Twilight's costume that took him on a small ride down memory lane.

"Yeah, you even got the old stallion's bells right. No pony likes to remember that Star Swirl has bells on his hat…!"Star Swirl added as Twilight slowly walked down the steps.

"Honestly I thought she was dressed up as that old kooky grandpa from Ponyville retirement village…"Spike murmured but was still heard by the others that looked to him with unamused gawks.

"Glad to learn that some pony didn't read that Obscure Unicorn history book I gave him…!"Twilight mused at learning of Spike's laziness, only for every pony to be derailed by the knocking of the door.

"Uh… That sounds important…!"Spike tried to change the subject before Shadow was quick to blast by and swing open the door with the candy in tow.

"Nightmare Night! What a fright! Give us something sweet to bite!"Came the group cheer of many children that came for some sweets to bite.

"Oh my gosh! What a beautiful group of adorable little monsters! I bet you're all hungry!"Shadow chuckled with glee before she started really dispersing some candy out to the kids.

"Hi every pony! Great costumes! Happy Nightmare Night, Granny Smith,"Twilight arrived at Shadow's side to greet the children and Granny Smith, before seeing Shadow giving away quite a bit of candy,"You uh… You're really letting them get a good bit of that candy…"

"Ugh… I should have been in bed five hours ago…!"The old mare sighed before a tiny chocolate spotted dull white colt in a pirate's outfit squeezed his way through the crowd.

"Oh! And who might you be young swabbie?"Shadow almost squeaked with adoring feelings and wanted to know who the tiny colt was before he got his treasure.

"Pipsqueak the pirate, at your service ma'am! It's my very first Nightmare Night!"The small colt saluted and explained his obvious pirate outfit.

"Since you moved here from Trottingham?"Twilight asked in regards to the colts first Nightmare Night.

"No, my first Nightmare Night ever!"Pipsqueak clarified that this was his first time being a part of this holiday.

"Enough chit chat! Time is candy!"Pinkie Pie demanded after bouncing through the crowd in a chicken costume, Shadow's heart nearly skipped a beat.

"Pinkie Pie, aren't you a little old for this?"Twilight asked while Shadow slowly placed four pieces of candy in Pinkie's basket.

"Too old for free candy? Never…!"Pinkie responded with a descent imitation of a chicken squawking.

"Fair enough…! So…you like my costume?"Twilight offered yet another opinion for her Star Swirl costume.

"Yeah! Great costume, Twilight! You make a fantastic weirdo clown!"Pinkie meant to compliment, but instead she misunderstood what the costume was.

"A clown? Look at the borders on these robes! These are hoof stitched!"Twilight complained about her misunderstood outfit.

'It's a great costume, huh grandpa?"Spike snickered and made fun of the costume.

"It's Star Swirl the Bearded! Get it right for Celestia's sake!"Shadow and Orion yelled in outrage for the costume being misunderstood.

After scuffling over costumes and making some last minute preparations, they were ready to go. Shadow stayed behind to attend to all trick or treaters that came to the library. Leaving Orion, Twilight, and Spike to venture into town to attend the Nightmare Night festival. As they were nearing the festival, Twilight couldn't help but still be in a bit of a huff over the Star Swirl thing. Even Orion was right by her on the idea that barely any pony knew anything about Star Swirl the Bearded.

"Star Swirl the Bearded is only the most important conjurer of the pre classical era, he created over two hundred spells,"Twilight went on a rant while the ponies around them were celebrating the holiday,"He even has a shelf in the Canterlot library of magic named after him. Maybe I should start up a pony group to teach ponies about history. I bet every pony would love it! Don't you, Spike?"

"They should…! Star Swirl is the reason Celestia and Luna were able to fulfill their destinies,"Orion ranted as they finally found themselves in the middle of the festival,"That stallion even gave his life so we could continue on the journey towards Mt Ghoul! He went down fighting a dark beast like the brave wizard he was!"

"Only more reason to teach ponies the history! Maybe I can call upon you and the other warriors for insight,"Twilight speculated more on the idea of teaching unicorn history,"Your experiences and knowledge in history would be perfect for tutoring other ponies!"

"Mhmm, I love it!"Spike admitted while chowing down on the candy he collected during their stroll to the festival.

"Hey look, we're here already. Should we get something to eat?"Twilight asked of what should be their first activity to do after entering the festival.

"I think I could go bobbing for apples a Applejack's apple bobbing game, or perhaps something sweeter?"Orion suggested the options that they could partake in at the festival.

"Twilight! Twilight! Look at our haul! Can you believe it,"Pinkie exclaimed after showing up with a massive load of candy and pecking at it to eat it,"And then we went to Cheerlie's house, and got a bunch more goodies. Didn't we, Pip?"

"Sure did!"Pipsqueak exclaimed after popping out of the bucket of candy.

"Glad to see that you're all getting into the…spirit of this holiday…!"Orion attempted to show some sort of enthusiasm for Nightmare Night, regardless of what it meant for him.

"Sure are! And then, we had to wait and stop for Granny Smith, and-"Suddenly Pinkie's attempt to gossip further was interrupted by a loud thunder and lightning crash from behind.

The pink pony and the children immediately went into a shock induced panic. They were all running in every direct, while Orion put a hand to his chest after his heart wanted to jump from his chest. While ponies ran in every direct, Twilight poked at Orion to snap him out of the shock. Before pointing up towards the cause of the sudden crash of thunder laughing on a small storm cloud. It was in the form of Rainbow Dash and Thunder in matching shadow bolt outfits, laughing their hearts out.

"You little jack mules! You almost started a panic! What is all this?!"Orion demanded answers for Rainbow and Thunder's jester like behavior.

"Oh don't be salty because we almost made you soil yourself, Orion!"Thunder caught his breath after laughing hard and rolling off his back on his cloud.

"That wasn't very nice, Rainbow Dash! Thunder!"Twilight defended Orion from the prank as Rainbow finally cooled down from the laughter.

"Oh, light up, old timers. This is the best night of the year for pranks!"Rainbow Dash offered an excuse for scarring them and the children.

"Look what you did to Spike!"Twilight gestured to Spike choking on candy after getting spooked by the thunder.

"Relax! It's all in good fun."Rainbow insisted that they were getting worked up over nothing.

"Hey Rainbow! There's another group over there! Get that cloud of yours ready, girl!"Thunder rushed Rainbow and took off with his storm cloud and was promptly followed.

"Buffoons…! One of these days they'll get theirs, and they'll get it hard…!"Orion sighed and gave Spike a strong slap in the back to help him spew out his candy.

"Thanks…!"Spike spoke after slowly taking in deep breaths to recover from choking hard on candy.

"No problem… I'm gonna get something from the Cake's stand. I could use something sweet."Orion excused himself from the group for a bit to get some air in the heat of the holiday.

"Ok. But Orion…! Try not to take this holiday the wrong way. It's Nightmare Moon they fear, not Luna…!"Twilight tried to remind Orion of who the holiday was really about.

"Whatever…! We'll see…"Orion huffed and walked away and through the festival and all it's wonders.

He was able to breath more easy once he was away from the others and on his own. It gave him a chance to think about this Nightmare Night holiday, fear seemed to be it's theme. Fear to him and the other warriors was a dangerous emotion to have, so much chaos started with fear. And that fear was all directed at a pony who became a monster due to another's mistake. But of course they would never think that way, Celestia was the perfect princess to the world, Luna was all too mysterious on the other hoof.

So of course, Luna would still be feared, even with her mistake in the past. Now here he walks through a massive festival full of food, games, and horror attractions. All of which were themed around being afraid of Nightmare Moon, but did they really think Luna was still Nightmare Moon. He looked away from the thought and let his clenching fists pop as he finally spotted the cakes. They had the big concession stand set up with over forty different sweets to choose from.

He gave a sigh of relief, and slapped his hand down to get their attention. It was just loud and abrupt enough to catch the attention of Mrs Cake, and even give her a small scare. She panted, but then laughed off the scare the moment she saw that it was only Orion standing before her.

"Oh dear…! You gave me one hay of a start there, Orion. Happy Nightmare Night,"Mrs Cake chuckled and wished Orion a good Nightmare Night,"Is there anything I can get ya to start off this celebration?"

"Some of that pumpkin bread would be nice…! Along with some hard punch,"Orion responded and slapped down several bits as payment for previsions,"So far this holiday is showing itself to be just a way for ponies to enjoy being afraid of my sister, all night long…!"

"Oh really? I didn't know Nightmare Moon was your sister. Sorry you feel that way…!"Mrs Cake apologized while passing him his pumpkin bread on a plate.

"I'm…talking about Luna…! Nightmare Moon is but a dark shell my sister was forced into by me and Celestia's recklessness,"Orion slammed his fist down and snatched up his bread to eat it ferociously,"So do me a favor, and don't you dare compare Luna to that dark mare…!"

"Oh…! I didn't mean to offend, it's just that's the theme here, and we're meant to be afraid of Nightmare Moon,"Mrs Cake was frantic to explain herself for the slip up while passing Orion his regular punch, rather than hard punch,"So if we can't fear Nightmare Moon, doesn't it make sense to be afraid of the one who became her?"

"Luna did not deserve all the scorn and cold shoulders for something that was Celestia's fault as well,"Orion suddenly yelled and froze Mr Cake in place as he slammed down his drink and threw the cup away,"Go ahead and praise Celestia all you want while you put our baby sister under hoof! But Nightmare Moon would not have existed if Celestia was such a egotistical priss back then!"

"Is everything ok over there pumpkin…!"Mr Cake called out while slowly making his way over with a collection of carved up pumpkin pieces.

"Everything is fine, muffin! Please don't make a scene, sir…! It's just a holiday…!"Mrs Cake begged for peace rather than chaos and a heated argument.

"A holiday that is so far proving to be a means of slandering my family…!"Orion argued quietly and tossed the plate to eat the bread with his hands while walking away.

He angrily ate his bread, his body demanded sustenance to tame his anger. He chewed loudly and sloppy like, before purchasing a cup of milk to help him with the bread. He looked around, as endearing as the festivities and the costumes were, he could only feel great offense from the holiday itself. All of it was a mockery to the youngest of his family, it only instilled fear for Luna. A thousand years, and yet nothing much has appeared to have changed between his sisters and the people.

All he could do was chg his milk and pant from eating and drinking too fast. Then in the center of the festival, he spotted Mayor Mare in a classic clown costume. She was prepping to give her grand announcements for all the children, regarding what Nightmare Night was all about.

"Thank you, every pony, and welcome to the Nightmare Night festival,"The mayor announced while the ponies cheered for the mayor and the holiday,"Now, all the little ponies who have been out collecting sweets should follow our friend Zecora to hear the legend of… Nightmare Moon!"

With that, a great swamp like smog filled the area up to all the ponies necks. Allowing for Zecora to make a flashy entrance in a witch doctor like costume with silver hair. With the entrance pulled off flawlessly, she smiled with all eyes on her to hear the wise words.

"Follow me, and very soon. You will hear the tale of Nightmare Moon…!"Zecora spoke spooky but friendly like to get the children following her on a small path in the forest.

"Hey Orion! We're going to go hear the tale! You wanna come with?"Twilight called to Orion after her and Spike began to follow the rest of the children.

"You go on…! I'm just gonna sit here and see if there's a place here I can get a hard drink,"Orion called back, causing Twilight to sigh after seeing that he was not enjoying himself,"Have fun learning about what makes Luna just the worse pony imaginable…!"

He could see Twilight shaking her head in disappointment and stress. Leaving the prince to walk off and find another spot that would serve him regardless of his mood. Thankfully he did not have to look far before he spotted Thunder and Rainbow Dash taking a break from pranking. They were now currently sitting and relaxing at a small mobile food cart collecting deep fried macncheese bites. While Thunder appeared to be able to get his hooves on some hard apple cider.

Orion sighed with relief and rushed over to the cart for some more food as well. As well as a good drink, knowing that Thunder was all about loaning others a hard drink. It was to be expected, as he was currently trying to get Rainbow to try hard apple cider for the first time.

"I'm telling ya, you're gonna feel loosened up and ready for all kinds of fun! Just try it,"Thunder insisted while constantly nudging a mug of hard cider over to Rainbow,"It's the same old apple cider you remember Applejack making, it's just got a little something extra to help you worry less and really start to party!"

"You sure? It smells just a little off. Kind of musky and like acid…!"Rainbow admitted while looking over her mug of apple cider thoroughly.

"That's the good stuff in it, Trust me. You'll love the feeling it gives you…!"Thunder insisted even more so as he chugged down his mug of cider.

"What are you doing pier pressuring other ponies to drink an over a thousand year old disliked drink,"Orion raised his voice only slightly to give both ponies a small start upon his approach,"Is there enough room for three? I could use a drink myself…!"

"Yeah, sure. But don't be hating the idea of giving the new generation a taste of a real drink,"Thunder huffed and almost lit up with excitement the moment he saw Rainbow finally give the cider a try,"That a girl! Drink it in slow and let the magic happen…!"

"Pass me a hard cider while you're at it…! I need to relax, and just survive this holiday,"Orion sighed and was finally passed some much needed cider before Rainbow was already coughing on hers,"Yeah, the first time is always difficult to handle, Rainbow. You'll adjust to it…!"

"Geez…! You weren't kidding, this stuff is strong…!"Rainbow exclaimed and rubbed her head that already started to buzz.

"Told you so…!"Thunder replied with a chuckle before both warriors were about to join in for a round of drinks.

Only for their down time was then interrupted by the sudden crash of thunder. Orion dropped his mug while Thunder jolted and splashed his own right into his face. Orion was already looking at Thunder and Rainbow, thinking that the thunder came from them once again. But no, they were right here and Rainbow was currently struggling to take a third sip of her drink. Once the thunder had struck again, both Thunder and Orion tracked the source to a chariot flying across the forest trees.

It was then that they could spot bat ponies pulling the dark chariot towards town. Orion felt the sudden aura of magic that was arriving, the very magic he knew belonged to one pony. He stood up and slowly began to approach the middle of the festival to get a good look. He looked to the forest at the sound of children and Pinkie Pie screaming in terror. While Twilight and Spike followed them quietly into town, many ponies were gathering around the center to watch.

Slowly the prince pushed his way through the crowd to get a good spot to see. As lightning struck the air above town, allowing for a grand entrance to be made by the pony of the hour. The pony hopped out of the chariot and made her slow descent from within a cloak. The ponies were are trembling with fear as she landed softly and with grace before throwing back her hood. Revealing herself to be princess Luna herself, the youngest and most mysterious sibling of the royal family.

Orion felt a sudden stroke of happiness beaming through his chest like warm sunlight. She appeared to be smiling with confidence, as if she truly felt ready to extend her presence here. Even when the ponies were now bowing down and covering themselves in fear of her. It did not stop her from making a strong approach, letting her cloak dissipate into a swarm of bats. Allowing her midnight blue wings to sprout wide and proud, as she stood before the cowering mayor.

"CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE! WE HAVE GRACED YOUR TINY VILLAGE WITH OUR PRESENCE, SO THAT YOU MIGHT BEHOLD THE REAL PRINCESS OF THE NIGHT,"Luna announced in a massive and old royal Canterlot voice that would split the ears of the weak,"A CREATURE OF THE NIGHT, NO LONGER! BUT INSTEAD A PONY THAT DESIRES YOUR LOVE AND ADMIRATION! TOGETHER WE WILL TURN THIS DREADFUL CELEBRATION INTO A BRIGHT AND GLORIOUS FEAST!"

"Did you hear that, every pony? Nightmare Moon said she's going to feast on us all!"Pinkie Pie screamed and caused the kids as well as some of the adults to panic.

"What?! No children, no! You no longer have reason to fear us, screams of delight is what we desire. Not screams of terror,"Luna spoke in a firm but nonbooming voice, but stomping her hoof down in confusion was not helping,"Madame Mayor, thy princess of the night hath arrived!"

The mayor only gasped and continued to cower while Luna geld her hoof out. Doing so would normally be met with either a hoof shake or even a small kiss to the hoof for full respect and humility. It offended both Luna and Orion that the mayor simply did nothing but tremble like a leaf. The big brother did not stand to see such irrational fear and ignorance from a mayor of all ponies. So he marched through the crowd, ready to do what he always did for his sisters, be sure that respect was shown.

"Hey! You are in the presence of the night princess, and my sister, mayor,"Orion finally made his presence known to the rest of the ponies and Luna,"Now she kindly awaits a greeting. So kindly shake that hoof, kiss that hoof, or kiss the dirt…!"

"Orion…! I don't need your help making an appearance, I got this…!"Luna suddenly surprised Orion by rejecting his help with appealing to the other ponies.

"I'm just making sure they know who they're cowering from so this Nightmare Moon thing can be forgotten…!"Orion argued back quietly, while the mayor slowly peeked to see the siblings speaking together.

"I am not your baby sister any more…! I can do this myself!"Luna continued nipping at her brother while extending her hoof again, only to get denied by cowering ponies again.

"They won't do a thing without a good push…! They're all scared and cowardly because of this stupid holiday."Orion did his best to keep the nit picking between him and Luna low and gentle.

"Ugh…! What is the matter with you? Very well, then. Be that way! We won't even bother with a traditional royal farewell,"Luna finally found herself fed up with the lack of respect the ponies showed her, and decided to leave,"For once, could you let me try and do something on my own…?!"

"Luna…! Come on, you know I'm just trying to help. Luna,"Orion called out to his sister as she continued walking out of the town and towards the forest,"Sigh… Thanks, jerks…! Thanks for making my sister feel so welcomed to Ponyville!"

After snapping at the ponies for cowering and isolating Luna for her past. Orion took off in hopes of catching up to his sister, once again he felt obligated to help her regardless. For she was always the baby of the family, and no matter what, he would always watch over the young night princess. Out of sympathy or empathy, Twilight decided to go after them as well. For she did not feel that this holiday could be celebrated when a member of the royal family was being forced out of the festivities.

Meanwhile, Orion had finally started to catch up to Luna the minute they were in the forest. He tried to grab for her forearm but she kept swatting his hand away in protest. She did not stop until she had finally come to a statue of the fearsome Nightmare Moon herself. Luna then stopped in her tracks, allowing him to slowly make it to her side to see this statue. Both siblings had then went quiet for a moment, the memory of Nightmare moon was now growing strong within their minds.

Luna sighed and slowly began to lay down on her belly with grief. She let a solemn look grow on her face as she looked up to the stone reflection of what she once was. Orion only could respond by slowly getting to his knees and placing a hand to his sister's shoulder.

"That isn't you any more… Never forget that, Luna…"Orion insisted out of concern that Nightmare Moon was still eating away at her.

"I know… Yet the other ponies never seem to forget her, even when her wrong doings were so long ago,"Luna sighed and lowered her head to finally break off her sight from the haunting statue,"Did it ever hurt this much when others treated you as an abomination…?"

"I….don't know. This is a bit different from that Luna. This is something that turned into a thousand year old tale,"He rubbed her shoulder and looked to the side and think about it,"I honestly can't imagine the sort of grief your feeling. I really wish things could have been different."

"Yes you can… I've seen the burdens you carry. You just don't want to think on it,"Luna looked to the side with a bit of irritation by her brother's neutral and narrow thinking on the matter,"Why do you try to defend me so and act like it's never my fault? I'm just as guilty as Tia was in all this…!"

"I never said it wasn't your fault. You admitted to your guilt and atoned for it,"Orion stood up the minute Luna approached him on the thousand year old family matter,"Tia chose to never admit her guilt till I practically forced it out of her. She was willing to run from her mistake for a thousand years…!"

"And where was I? Was I in any better of a position? And where did you stand in all of it…?!"Luna went off with a barrage of questions to counter his defensive means.

"Luna… It's what I'm meant to do at any cost to protect my family…!"Orion insisted before she would try to argue the idea that he was at fault in the endeavor as well.

"But when is it enough?! When will you be able to stop bearing our burdens as well as the world's,"Luna exclaimed her outrage at her brother's overly take on what it means to be a warrior and a big brother,"We fought each other! You were in the middle unable to do anything! And we disgraced you by fighting all around you and tainting the harmony we had brought for thousands of years!"

"And I should have taken charge, and stopped it from getting out of hoof…!"Orion simply responded, causing Luna to scoff and turn towards the statue again.

"There it is again… Why do you always have to hold yourself at fault,"Luna sighed and lowered her head to the statue again with only more shame,"For once… Be angry with me…! Don't try to defend my actions like I'm still a filly. Treat me as I am now… A princess of the night…!"

As always, he was tempted to place his hand on her shoulder to comfort the princess. Yet she now demanded that he finally stop treating her like the young filly he grew up with. He did not know what to do at that moment any more, so he merely lowered his hand and sighed. Only for the moment of silence they had going for a solid moment to be interrupted by the arrival of another. Even with a Star Swirl the Bearded look, he could easily make out who it was by her strong magic.

"Twilight…"Orion murmured as he slowly turned around to see his friend arrive.

"There you are! I was looking all over for both of you,"Twilight exclaimed the moment she had finally found Orion and Luna,"Ah…! Princess Luna, my name is-"

"Star Swirl The Bearded. Commendable costume! Thou even got the bells right…!"Luna took notice of Twilight and greeted her with compliments on her costume.

"Thank you! Finally, who gets my costume,"Twilight exclaimed with flattery, but was quick to get back to the more pressing matter at hoof,"Uh…I just came to welcome you to our celebration! My actual name is-"

"Twilight Sparkle…! It was thou who unleashed the powers of harmony upon us and took away our dark power!"Luna already knew who Twilight was, as she defined who the unicorn was in her booming voice.

"And that's a good thing, right?"Twilight asked while Orion was rubbing his ears from the loud announcement.

"But of course, we could not be happier! Is that not clear?"Luna questioned before Orion growled and finally placed his hand against Luna's mouth to silence her for a moment.

"Well, you kind of sound like you're yelling at me…"Twilight admitted just in time for Orion to regain his hearing.

"She's just using a traditional royal Canterlot voice to cover up her shyness and doubt to stand before the others,"Orion explained the true reason behind Luna using such a loud and old voice,"Luna there's no need to be shy around Twilight…! Lower the volume and speak gently with her!"

"Very well… Apologies for the loud voice, it's the only thing I could do to approach subjects with confidence…!"Luna did as her brother suggested and turned her voice down a couple notches.

"No problem…! And that's why your appearance was met with….mixed results,"Twilight explained one thing that needed to change if Luna wanted to appeal to her people,"I think if you just change your approach a bit. You might be met with warmer reception…!"

"Changed my approach?"Luna questioned Twilight's suggestion.

"Just learn to lower the volume like you were just doing…?"Twilight explained her meaning behind the idea of changing her approach.

"Oh… We have been locked away for a thousand years…! I'm…not sure…I can…"Luna struggled to try and speak normal for a change for the sake of Orion's ears.

"Well… We can work on it…! We just need to help you catch up with the times."Orion explained the idea for helping Luna regain the love and respect of their people.

"And I know just the two ponies that can help us! Care to join me on a trip to a friend of mine?"Twilight offered to show them the way towards a friend's house for help.

"I suppose there's no harm in trying to change? If you wish for me not to help. You willing to let my friend do so?"Orion asked for Luna's trust in trying to adjust to the new world.

"I suppose there's no alternative… I can't leave this town thinking that I'm still a monster,"Luna admitted her prime intentions for being here on this very night,"Are you sure Twilight can help?"

"Yes… She's become quite the curious and interesting mare in my eyes,"Orion put an arm around Luna and helped her walk with them slowly out of the forest,"If anything, she may just be the help we need to help heal this old burden."

With a chance at finally giving Luna the glory she deserved so long ago. They were all on their way to two ponies that could help them take a softer approach to the ponies. As skeptical as Luna was at receiving help from the pupil of Celestia, if her brother trusted Twilight. Then she may as well trust her as well, it's all the hope she needed to keep her going through the forest. While it also distracted her from the peering glowing eyes that watched them from the tree tops.

Slowly the branches and the leaves parted ways, only to slowly die and crumble. Thanks to the fiery hooves of none other than the Cinders, their fire burnt and cracked the wood of the trees. Two Pegasus ponies, four Earth ponies, and one Unicorn bearing an awful lot of weapon handles in his body as he lead the pack. This was a momentous occasion, for they had what was believed to be a more vulnerable target of the royal family. The thought of strangling or crushing the life out of Luna was like a drug to the ashen ponies.

"Alright gentlecolts, we got a surefire set up here, keep any nearby warriors back,"The unicorn gave quick instructions for a plan they were ready to execute,"I'll go in and slice and dice our sinful princess of the night…! There can be no mistakes now, boys…!"

The Cinders started to lose the group of ponies and needed to start moving. And so they ran and jumped through the trees to stay undercover and stalk their prey like the predators they were. The unicorn couldn't help but chuckle and do tricks through the air, showing off his eccentric side.

"These little rodents got Moltorious all heated burned up inside…! And the boss is even more so,"The unicorn explained further with more excitement than fear or concern,"So we are gonna make this Nightmare Night the last night princess Luna has ever seen! Whoo hoo, lets get some!"

With that, the excitable Cinders broke off their stalking half way through the woods. Leaving the three ponies to their destination to set up at the town for a real scary time. What plans and vile deeds they had prepared for the group as well as the town had yet to be seen.

---

Meanwhile, the group of Twilight, princess Luna, and Orion had finally arrived. Their destination was none other than the tranquil cottage of Fluttershy and Typhoon Breeze. Two very soft spoken ponies, one of which was well known by Luna as a gentle spirited warrior. He was always remembered for being the soft spoken stallion that showed her how to play with birds. Not to mention how he showed her how to feed the ducks, much like the ones swimming under the bride they walked over.

Finally they came to a slow and gradual stop at the door to Fluttershy and Typhoon's humble abode. To think that this is where the nature loving warrior had retired to all this time. The home where it all started for him, and now it once again served as his home long after the old days.

"Ok, don't worry, princess. Fluttershy and Typhoon can give you some great pointers,"Twilight reassured Luna of the duos assistance on turning Luna more gentle and inviting,"They are delicate and demure with the sweetest little voices!"

"Go away! No candy here! Visitors not welcome on Nightmare Night!"Fluttershy called out as loud as she could the moment Twilight knocked upon her door.

"And you better not leave a burning bag of dog biscuits on our porch again!"Typhoon followed up with a warning meant for juveniles and mischievous children.

"Ahehehe…! Fluttershy! Typhoon! It's me, Twilight!"Twilight laughed nervously and announced herself to her timid and paranoid friends.

"We're not Snips and Snails tricking you, Typhoon! Open up!"Orion followed up with a demand that Typhoon could not reject.

Finally, the door unlocked and began to open up just enough for Typhoon to peek out. Once the stallion assessed that it was in fact Twilight, Orion, and even princess Luna of all ponies. He swung his door open and stepped on out to greet his friends both young and old.

"Twilight, Orion…! And Luna! It's been quite some time since you paid me a visit,"Typhoon greeted the group and stepped out even more to suffice a hug for Luna,"Fluttershy! Come on out and say hello to our friends…!"

"Oh…! It is you, Twilight. Ah, and Nightmare Moon,"Fluttershy poked her head out to greet only to be derailed by the sight of Luna and thrown into a panic,"Nightmare Moon! Aaaah!"

Quickly, Fluttershy screamed and ran back inside to avoid the night princess. Typhoon was a bit taken back from the sudden reaction to meeting Luna, it felt a bit insulting even. Immediately, Luna was less than amused or confident seeing how she scares a grown pony back into her cottage.

"I…am so sorry, princess Luna. Please give me just a moment, every pony."Typhoon insisted before rushing back inside to retrieve Fluttershy.

"Please… Do take your time, Typhoon. I don't wish to be any more trouble than I already am…"Luna sighed before a struggle and crashing debris shook the cottage along with yelling.

"I am very disappointed in you! This is the youngest member of the royal family,"Typhoon argued with Fluttershy as they struggled all the way to the cottage door,"You are going to get out there and show her the proper respect, and not refer to her as Nightmare Moon…!"

"But Pappy…!"Fluttershy to to object to being yanked outside one more time to meet Luna.

"Don't…but Pappy me…! Get out here, and say hello to the princess,"Typhoon demanded after sitting the the granddaughter outside before princess Luna,"Luna…! This is my descendant, Fluttershy. Apologies for earlier, she's kind of inherited my shyness."

"I see… Charmed!"Luna offered a hoof with her mutual greeting to the shy Pegasus.

"Like wise…"Fluttershy shook and tried to appear somewhat friendly to Luna.

"Twilight hath spoken of the sweetness of thy voice! We ask that thous teachest to us to speak as thou speakest!"Luna requested teachings from Fluttershy to learn how to speak softly.

"Ok…"Fluttershy responded very quietly.

"Wait… That's what you're here for? Just to learn how to speak gently?"Typhoon questioned, not understanding why Luna wish to learn soft speaking when she already knew it.

"Shall our lessons begin?"Luna asked of Fluttershy to start the soft speaking lessons.

"Ok…"Fluttershy responded with the same answer.

"Wait a minute, Luna you already know how to speak gently…! You've had a soft spoken voice since you were a family."Typhoon decided to be the one to bring up the past, back before Luna was even in charge of the night.

"I do not recall such a thing! Traditions have always required stern and high vocal range…!"Luna admitted, though she secretly did, but the ways of the warriors made her believe that softness was weakness.

"Yeah, but you still did it, even when War Fire said it was weakness. Don't you remember those days,"Typhoon asked Luna to recall the days when she was just a young princess under the watch of their parents,"You were a quiet young one. You were a pony I could talk to when I wanted to get away from the others for a bit."

"You wanted to get away from us at times…?"Orion questioned while Typhoon slowly blocked out Orion's unamused look and kept his eyes on Luna.

"Well… It's hard to recall my…younger days…! How is…this…!"Luna suddenly began to lower her voice to a slightly stern voice that matched Orion's normal voice tone.

"Great, lesson over…!"Fluttershy responded and darted for the cottage, only for Twilight to stop her by casually shutting the door.

"A little quieter, princess."Twilight insisted as Fluttershy slid off the door she slammed into.

"How is…this…?"Luna asked with a softer tone, more like Celestia on a bad day from the way the tone sounded.

"You're getting there. You're almost to where the real Luna was…!"Typhoon encouraged Luna to go a little lower and gentle.

"How…about…now…?"Luna went lower, to the point that she sounded like a brave yet majestic mare subject.

"Now you're getting it!"Twilight and Orion encouraged Luna to go just a smidge further.

"And… How about now?"Luna finally then spoke in the soft voice the two warriors truly remembered from the days.

"There she is! That's the gentle young mare we remember!"Typhoon exclaimed and reached out to hug Luna the minute he heard her true voice.

"There's my little sister…!"Orion hugged her from behind to share in the moment of nostalgia and friendship between him, Luna and his fellow warrior.

"Yes! The first step has been taken…!"Twilight sighed with relief for the first step of making Luna beloved by all.

""Oh… Thank thee dear Fluttershy and Typhoon! Our normal speaking voice shall surely win us the hearts of thy fellow villagers!"Luna brought in a fearful Fluttershy to be a part of the group hug, even when the hug was almost crushing her.

Suddenly, they all failed to see the arrival of Pinkie Pie and the children. Upon their arrival to the cottage in hopes of collecting candy or hide from Luna, they happened upon a different sight. There their potential hiding spot or candy spot was occupied by the princess herself. Hugging tightly to Fluttershy and the two warriors, it roused up deep paranoia from Pinkie. With two warriors and a friend in her grip, it seemed no pony was able to stop her.

"Ah! Nightmare Moon has defeated two warriors and stole Fluttershy's voice so she can't scream when she gobbles her up!"Pinkie screamed in a panic and ran off with the screaming group of children she caused.

This alarmed every pony, causing Luna to release the warriors and Fluttershy. This gave the young Pegasus room to breath, leaving Typhoon to tend to his granddaughter. Orion tried to flag them down, but the kids were already gone, leaving Luna to run for them in vain.

"Nay children, wait! I mean… Children…! Wait…!"Luna attempted to call out to the children gently, but they were long gone.

"Ok… It's time for the next step, princess… Orion…?"Twilight looked to the more than angered Orion that screamed to the sky.

"PINKIE, YOU ARE NOT GETTING JACK SQUAT FOR NEXT NIGHTMARE NIGHT!"Orion roared to promise nothing to Pinkie for her conduct in isolating Luna again.

"Would you like me to teach him how to speak softer too?"Typhoon asked nicely, regarding Orion roaring out some outrage for the upsetting turn this night was taking.

"No… Let me talk him down…!"Luna insisted and slowly walked over her ranting brother, this became an interesting thing to watch.

"My…GOSH! Just BUCK this holiday! It's nothing but an insult to my family! Just…BUCK IT,"Orion stomped and yelled at the sky, making Fluttershy hold her pappy in fear,"This holiday can go rot in a hole! It's fear inducing nonsense, and how it ridicules a pony for what she was pushed towards! It's absolute nonsense!"

"Orion! Enough! You're going to give yourself another stroke, just like the day before Tia's coronation,"Luna gripped his hand and shook Orion to shake him out of his angered state for a moment,"You said we could trust her to help us, and that means you as well. Now please control yourself!"

"Ugh…! I can see how this night is turning out so far…!"Orion groaned at the thought of once again needing to be talked down by his baby sister.

"We are ready to move on now, Twilight Sparkle…!"Luna gave Twilight the green light to be lead while holding her brother's hand to keep him calm.

"Ok…! Right this way."Twilight insisted while cooler heads took over before following her back to town.

The whole way to the town was spent thinking deeply about what was just witnessed. A lost temper from Orion looked to be something near impossible to tame, yet Luna did it so easily. Her words calmed a rage far worse than anything Nightmare Moon could bare. It made her start to contemplate about Luna's role in the family, whether or not she did deserve imprisonment. Was Luna really the problem in the family, or was she the one who normally solved the problems?

These thoughts stayed with Twilight all the way back into the festival. Where she planned on calling upon the help of another friend to help Luna fit in better. Of course the crowd was cowering in fear, daring to invoke the anger of the prince once again. Thankfully Luna found purpose and comfort in keeping her brother calm and focused on the more important matter. As much as she wanted to give up, her brother would keep her trusting Twilight to the end.

Meanwhile, they were being watched from within the crowds of ponies either cowering or playing. The Cinders were in their chosen positions, wearing robes and classic monster masks. This allowed them to blend in and watch for an opening to finally attack and slay princess Luna.

"Alright, we're all in position. Stay blended in with these meat sacks for now,"The unicorn instructed quietly through the minds of the Cinders he was leading,"If an opportunity does not present itself to us, then we will make one before long. So exercise patience, gentle colts…!"

"Nightmare Night…! What a fright, may I have something sweet to bite…?"A filly suddenly interrupted the unicorn, making him cringe and slowly turn his head with irritation.

"Oh…! I'm sorry, I have nothing for you to bite on, dear little filly,"He did his best to hide the hate all Cinders grew for such innocence and weak ponies,"But I can give you quite a fright if you wish…!"

The Cinder followed through with that promise by simply gripping his head. Then shocking the filly by yanking his head clean off his shoulders in a small cloud of ashes. The filly froze and gasped, her eyes grew wide as he lowered his head to the filly's face. Before he pulled up the mask to reveal his ashen face, sporting quite the sadistic and dark grin. He chuckled, letting the fact that she was staring into the fiery coal like eyes of a Cinder pony.

"BOO!"His sudden ghost yell caused the filly to scream in terror and bolt off as fast as she could.

He chuckled, watching the filly vanish before putting his mask down and bringing his head back to his shoulders. Where he could slap it back onto his neck, and crack it back into place. With that business done, he slowly turned back to see the princess, Twilight and Orion speaking to Applejack.

"Applejack, the princess is looking for a little advice on how to fit in around here."Twilight spoke to Applejack on the current matter, regarding the night princess.

"Fit in? Really,"Applejack asked only to be growled at by Twilight while Orion threaten to bring out his sword,"I mean…that's easy! All you gotta do is have the right attitude. Loosen up a bit. Be positive, play a few games. Have some fun!"

"You mean…like the fun wrestling matches me and some of the warriors do?"Luna asked about what she considered to be a fun activity like what Applejack spoke of.

"Actually, that fun might be a bit to much for kids now a days Luna…"Orion whispered to his sister to quickly dispatch the idea of a massive wrestling war in town.

"Yeah… I'm talking a more…harmless type of fun. Like this for example!"Applejack offered a fake spider for Luna to hold and ponder over to discover it's purpose.

"Pray tell, what does this do?"Luna questioned for assistance on the purpose that the spider served.

"Try to land the sp-sp-spiders…! On the web…!"A fearful cowering child explained the game by pointing to the fake spider webs.

"You can do it, princess!"Applejack kindly encouraged Luna to attempt to toss a spider onto it's web.

The princess was hesitate to attempt this new game, it was a much different form of fun. But she was willing to indulge, and she gave the fake spider a good toss into the air. Her effort was then awarded with the spider landing in the center of the web, giving her a good score. For the first time in quite a while, Luna felt a sudden jolt of pure entertainment and joy. And she could see it on her brother's face, she had at long last did something fun and friendly with others.

"Ha! Your princess enjoys this new form of fun! In what other ways could we experience it?"Luna questioned the mares on other forms of harmless fun.

And so, Twilight and Applejack introduced Luna to a game of pumpkin launching. The art of firing pumpkins from a small catapult and hitting the bulls eyes on the targets. As he watched his sister starting to have fun, Orion at last found some comfort and happiness for this holiday. To see his sister starting to play and have fun, while also appealing to the people at last. For he could see as Luna dominated the pumpkin game, the ponies around her were starting to turn around to her.

"Haha! The fun has been double!"Luna announced in victory as the ponies cheered for her.

"Why don't you try bobbing for apples? We got the best apples in Equestria here, princess!"Applejack offered yet another game for Luna to play, but by only one condition.

"I ask that thou call us… Me…! Luna, fair Applejack! Hear me, villagers! All of you, call me Luna!"Luna announced her true self to the people in hopes of acceptance.

The ponies were indeed enthusiastic by her name, it was more welcoming. At long last it looked like Luna was finally going to find acceptance and love with her people. This was wondrous news for Orion, he could finally see his baby sister getting the love she deserved. It would serve as the next step towards her regaining former glory and then some. If only it all was not ruined by the moment that Pinkie arrived back to town, and a little colt name Pip almost made a bad move in the apple bobbing bucket.

Luna was first to spot Pipsqueak trying to bob for apples by himself. Only to almost fall in again like he did before their arrival, this time he had a new savior at his side. Luna sprang for the colt and dripped at his pirate vest to keep him from falling in once again. It was a kind and noble act, never to be expected by the vile Nightmare Moon, a pony Luna was no longer. But upon seeing the sight of Luna holding Pip by his back, Pinkie Pie upon arrival went into yet another panic.

"Hey gals, have you seen Pip? We lost him the last time we had to run,"Pinkie suddenly gasped like a chicken to see the colt in Luna's grip."Aah! Pipsqueak is being gobbled up! Every pony run!"

"What?! No! No, stop! That's not true!"Orion was snapped out of his thoughts and was quick to try and stop panic from starting again.

But it was too late, every pony was already screaming and running for their lives. Luna looked around in confusion, they were all practically loving her just a moment ago. Now they are running from her once again, she then suddenly felt Pipsqueak struggle to get free from her.

"Help! My backside has been gobbled!"Pip screamed before finally wriggling his way free from her grasp.

"What?! No, she saved you from drowning! What is going on here?!"Orion demanded answers to how things went south so fast.

"Wait! We were just having fun a moment ago! See? Fun!"Luna tried to encourage fun times again by tossing a spider onto it's web, but the screams did not stop.

"Stop! There's no need for this degree of panic! Enough of this!"Orion demanded a bit louder, but it felt like the screams were only getting louder to match.

"Is this… Not enough fun? What do you say to this,"Luna offered more pumpkin catapults, then dunked her head in the bucket to bob for apples,"Huzzah! How many points do I win?!"

"STOP! KNOCK THIS IRRATIONAL PANIC OFF IMMEDIATELY!"Orion roared out to the screaming crowd that made his face start to go red with anger.

"Orion, wait. Let me try to appeal to them! Just one more time, trust me!"Luna begged after seeing how heated her brother was getting.

"NO! IF THEY WON'T LISTEN TO A FRIENDLY VOICE, THEN THEY GET THE BIG ONE,"Orion finally showed his breaking point and cleared his voice to prepare an infamous traditional voice that was rarely used,"ALL OF YOU! BE STILL, AND SHUT THE HAY UP!"

His voice boomed through the entire town, every pony was left with ringing ears. Twilight had almost feared that her ears were bleeding, while Luna covered hers just in time. Luna feared that Orion would reach such a level of anger, one that was rarely experienced by her or Celestia. And those were the days of the great evil, known as Tirek, a villain that drove Orion to the brink of insanity. Her fear grew more intense the moment she saw him reach into his outfit and pull out his ancient silver crown.

"Orion…! You know you were never that good at royal decrees, please don't do this,"Luna ran in front of her brother to beg him for another chance, as the crowd went silent and gathered before the siblings,"This can all be fixed! We don't need to punish them for being afraid! Please!"

"CITIZENS OF PONYVILLE! I HAVE FINALLY REACHED MY BREAKING POINT WITH ALL OF YOU AND THIS OFFENSIVE HOLIDAY,"Orion announced, letting his voice rattle their ears and spines with his outrage after he placed the crown upon his head,"ALL IT HAS SHOWED ME IS THAT IT IS A DAY TO REMEMBER AND BELITTLE MY YOUNGEST SISTER WITH FEAR AND ISOLATION FOR A PAST SIN THAT WAS NEVER ALL HER FAULT!"

"Oh no…! Orion, think about what you're doing! We don't need this into a huge thing!"Twilight supported Luna's attempt to reason with the big brother.

"IF THIS DAY IS TRULY ABOUT FEARING AND INSTILLING THE OLD MISTAKE WITHIN MY SISTER! THEN THIS HOLIDAY MUST BE NO MORE,"Orion decided that the fate of the holiday would end here and now,"FROM THIS DAY FORTH! THE ABOMINABLE NIGHTMARE NIGHT HOLIDAY IS CANCELED FOR ALL ETERNITY! NO EXCEPTIONS! DESPISE ME IF YOU WILL! BUT THIS IS YOUR FAULTS TOO!"

With his royal decree made, he slowly began to take off his silver crown. While he took deep breaths to relax and restore his voice to a much lower and chaotic tone. This gave the crowds the time they needed to take in what they witnessed as a legit royal decree from the royal family. Their words were law, and they were meant to be respected at any cost no matter how harsh. This left adults to back away with devastation, while children were starting to break down and weep.

He slowly tucked away his crown, and huffed with a bit of regret, yet a bit of satisfaction as well. He turned to take a walk into the forest to clear his head, but Twilight and Luna stood in front of him. They both had words for him, no matter how hard Luna was getting it, this felt far worse.

"Well I hope you're happy with what you did…! Now no pony can have fun!"Twilight decided to give Orion her first matter of complaints as children cried and hugged their parents for the holiday they lost.

"For once, I wanted you to trust me, just like you wanted me to trust Twilight. Just ONCE,"Luna was next to give Orion her two cents about the actions he had committed,"Maybe I was better off being feared as an infamous pony of nightmares! At least, the subjects did not treat me like I was just this harmless filly who couldn't do anything herself!"

With that, Luna growled and ran off, suppressing an urge to let tears flow. Out of fear for weakness or pity, she did not know, and she did not care at this point. She just wanted to get away from Orion, leaving him with Twilight to argue even further with each other.

"You can go ahead and yell at me all you want, but once you have been through the same things I have. Maybe your words will have merit,"Orion justified his actions to Twilight before finally walking off towards the forest to be alone,"In time, you will understand what it means to protect the ones you love, even if it means risking everything for them."

"Even ponies like you need to know when to let things go and stop dwelling in the past…!"Twilight let out her final thoughts on his words before running off to go find Luna.

The words lingered, but he did not pay them any mind for the entire walk he took. Passing every broken child that could no longer celebrate Nightmare Night, he only shook his head. Not wanting to be persuaded or softened into relenting on his royal decree on the ponies. He only kept walking, letting himself handle the walk of shame, taking the angry and disapproving stares of the subjects. He was no stranger to such hatred and disapproval, he could remember such stares back when he was a colt.

He handled the stares, the anger, the sadness, all of it was handled on his way out. Once he had managed to find his way out of the town, he entered the forest for some privacy. It was the only thing he could do now that he was an infamous through out Ponyville now. There was only one place he felt like going, back to where the last remaining piece of Nightmare Moon remained. The old statue they all used to help keep the mare's legend alive for every Nightmare Night.

He was slow upon approaching the opening where he knew the statue laid. He looked up from the path his lowered head gazed at to look upon the fearsome looking statue. Nightmare Moon was rearing up like a whinnying angry horse, ready to charge into the ranks of soldiers. The prince came to a slow stop before the statue, remembering when he saw such a stance in the flesh. The true anger of Nightmare Moon, born from the sadness, loneliness and jealousy that boiled within Luna.

Slowly, he knelt down to the statue and felt a wash of grief all over him. All of this could have been prevented, but once again he was unable to do the right thing to prevent disaster. Just like a thousand years ago, his actions only lead to friction and grief for every pony. Luna now resented him, Twilight lost respect for him, and every pony hated her for canceling the holiday. He fell over, almost as if to bow to the statue, but it was only for a moment of true despair.

"I'm sorry I could never be there when you truly needed me… All of done is make it all worse,"Orion spoke to himself, wishing these words could reach Luna in some way,"I'm sorry I couldn't let go… I just didn't want to lose you a third time… Not again. Not to Nightmare Moon… Not to… Death…"

His head lowered more to the statue as the memories began to flow into his mind. The Nightmare Moon was one thing, the battling to the bitter end between her and Celestia. The sealing within the moon rather than clearing out the problems between the two sisters, it was all one thing. But there was a time where Luna was nearly lost to something worse, disease and death itself. He didn't want to remember it, but at the end of that great adventure that truly meant something, he thought for the next hour to recall the memory.

---

It finally came to him, ten guardians had fallen by his crystal daggers. He was but a boy at the age of thirteen, a grand open temple was collapsing all around him as Luna laid upon a stone table. Her body cold from the grip of death brought to her by a great ailment she fought for several months. Now this was Orion's only chance of saving his sister's life, and he had endured much. Blood coated nearly all of his body, his left arm dangled completely broken, his right ankle shattered.

As stone pillars and ceilings were falling and crushing all around him. His father was forced to escort his guards out of the falling structure, he was both scared and angry. Once his soldiers were out, he turned to see his son slowly limping and panting towards the dead filly before him.

"ORION! THE ENTIRE TEMPLE IS COMING DOWN! GET OUT OF THERE!"Cosmos demanded to his wounded son as he fell to all fours, but still kept going.

"No! I beat the guardians…! All ten of them! The spirits of this temple have to grant my wish!"Orion argued and crawled onward as his father tried reaching for his son.

"She's gone, Orion! Just let it go! There is nothing more you can do for her!"The king tried to reason before the stone pieces crumbled and piled up before the entrance.

"NO! I'm not leaving her! I'm not going to abandon her again,"Orion stubbornly denied as his bloody fingers gripped at the stone table,"You hear me, spirits! I've completed your tasks, now give me back my sister! I wish for my sisters life to return to her! Give her back…! Give her back!"

The young prince put his hand to her cheek, hoping that his wish would be granted. Suddenly, he was answered by the sudden rupture of stone ceiling cracking like giant toothpicks. Slabs of the ceiling came down, descending towards the brother and his sister, ready to crush them. But with what magic and strength the prince had left, he raised his hands to the sky. Letting a weak red shield developed around himself and the stone table Luna laid on.

He held onto his sister tightly and braced, as his father screamed for his children. Right at the moment that the whole ancient structure completely came down, tons upon tons of stone fell. His children disappeared into the dust and piling amounts of stones from the temple.

"NOOOOOOOO!"The king shouted out of distraught and fear to see both children vanish in the disaster.

The whole area exploded into a massive cloud of stone dust that covered the mountain it was perched upon. The guards and the king were forced to cover their faces from the dust. The Canterlot mountain trembled from the powerful collapse of structure and stone. The tremors were almost enough to knock them to their bellies, they were left to endure and wait out the chaos. A few moments had passed, and at long last the quaking and dust was starting to settle down.

Once the king was unable to unmask his face from his hooves and walk without trouble. He looked around, seeing the dust settle upon a completely crumbled temple. Stone littered the grounds, no ceiling or wall remained to be seen, it was all in pieces on the floor. Slowly, the king began to approach the disaster area, fearful of what happened to both his children. Suddenly, he saw one piece of the building appearing to be untouched by the collapse, the very stone table his daughter rested on.

Cosmos paused where he was and looked around further, his fallen daughter was untouched. However his son was nowhere to be seen, even when he was right at Luna's side. He swallowed, he had already lost one child to the world, now it appeared that another had fallen.

"Orion…! Orion! ORION!"Cosmos desperately called out to his son, hoping for an answer that did not come.

"Sir… We can't sense the prince's magic anywhere…"The captain of the royal guard informed after the king's echoing voice went silent.

"No… No…! Why…? Why did you have to do this…? This was not a burden for you to carry, son,"The king slowly lowered his head, his ears drooped and his eyes were growing heavy with tears that dared to escape,"I'm sorry…. For everything… I should have done more to save her… This wasn't something you should have felt forced to do…"

The king stood there for the longest time, bowing his head to his daughter of the night. His guards slowly lowered their heads the moment they heard their king choking on a sob. He did his best to resist shedding tears, but the grief was weighing heavy upon his heart.

"Please… My children… My blessings from the stars… Forgive me…!"He begged for forgiveness, letting two tears flow down from both cheeks.

He remained where he was, crying silently for the daughter and the son he had lost. He didn't want to leave for the longest time, abandoning the bodies of both children. Then he made an attempt to slowly turn around to address his guards and get them moving after many moments of mourning.

"Captain… Get the guards moving… We make for our kingdom…"The king decided quietly, only to hear a small murmur and child like purr that made the guards drop their weapons in awe.

The king heard the moans, and was immediately frozen in place by the sudden noise. While at the stone table, a miracle was occurring by their very own eyes, something impossible. It started as a bright light that fled from vision into a great darkness and feeling of weariness. The little filly laid motionless on the stone table, the wind blowing through her mane like the breeze of death. But once the wind blew the other way oh so suddenly, death had departed from her very body.

Her head turned a bit, feeling the stone surface that was cold to the touch. She stirred, letting a small moan of life pass her small muzzle before her eyes twitched with irritation. Suddenly, she was then given the feeling of bliss, just as her eyes slowly opened to a bright morning sky. They blinked, taking in the sky she thought would be the next world she would appear in. She took in a small deep breath, taking in the sweet life giving air she was now awarded with.

Luna's breathing started out small and a bit rapid, but then slowed down, and grew smooth. Her eyes were wide open, she turned her head side to side to take in all the sights. Before she then slowly lifted herself up on wobbly legs that felt like they were being used for the first time. She manage to get to her flank and look around some more, her ear lifted up to the sounds of gasping. Luna looked to the source, and there she saw her father and his guards gazing at her.

It was almost as if they were looking to an angel, or some great miracle. But it was only her after taking what she believed to only be the longest nap she had ever taken. She looked to the rubble and stone messes that were all around her, slowly she began to recognize where she was.

"The Temple Of Equestria's Guardians…? I thought I wasn't going to see this place again…"Luna suddenly spoke, causing the king's guards to gasp and murmur before backing away.

"Luna…?"Cosmos weakly responded as the filly looked him in the eyes and slowly got off the stone table.

"Father…? What happened? Why are we here…?"Luna asked while struggling to walk on her tiny hooves she landed on in front of the table.

"Luna…? You…live…?"The father dared to step towards his daughter, feeling a massive burst of emotions in his heart.

"I think so… I just… Needed a very long nap… I feel better now…"Luna answered the king and slowly began to make her way over to the father.

"My…my dear… My dear sweet…Luna…! You live…!"The king fell to his belly before his child to surprise her with some super rare fatherly affection in the form of nuzzles.

He nuzzled the filly's head, letting tears finally flow freely out of grief and joy. His son had actually done the impossible and wrestled Luna away from the dark hands of death. He never wanted to be separated from his child, not when one child gave his life for the other.

"You did…! By Equestria's good graces…! You did it, Orion…!"The kind said with a weak voice that was filled with emotion as he nuzzled his daughter.

"Orion is here…? Where is he, father? Where's my big bother?"Luna asked the moment she was able to look up to her affectionate father.

Cosmos felt another tear streaming down his face after hearing that question. Slowly he parted his muzzle from Luna's head, and looked down to the curious and confused filly. He closed his eyes to let a few more tears flow from his eyes before he was able to relay the news to her.

"Luna… Orion is a hero… He has-"Suddenly he was interrupted by the sudden crumbling and movement of stone pieces.

They all looked toward trembling rubble that was being moved away from the stone table. Chunks upon chunks of stone were tossed and moved off a great pile of rubble. Before Orion slowly emerged from the rubble, weak, hurt, bloody, and running out of energy to move. As he slowly climbed his way put of the rubble, and stood upon the ruins of the shrine. He looked around to the disastrous ending to the Guardian's Temple that promised him one wish, now he was in search of the results.

"Orion…? Orion!"The king called to his son, directing the prince to him so he could see the miracle with his own eyes.

Orion slowly turned to his father, knowing he was in an immense amount of trouble for what he did. Nut all thought of that was derailed by the sight of Luna, his beautiful and beloved sister. She was standing between the two of them, confused, out of place, but very much alive.

"You've done it… You really have…"The king spoke more to himself as Luna slowly began to walk to her brother.

"Luna…! It…worked… Luna… My sister…!"Orion slowly began to approach Luna as he slowly reached out for her.

"Big brother…! What happened? Why are we at the guardian temple?"Luna quietly asked for an explanation, but no more words could be uttered.

The teen could only limp towards his sister, blood dripped from his body. The blood he bled was for all the trials he overcame for this moment, even as it oozed from his wounds. He was slow, but Luna was willing to rush over to meet her brother after such an adventure he had. Upon her approach, he slowly dropped to his knees, pitting out bits of blood from his mouth. He continued reaching out to her, tears welled up and washed away the blood around his eyes as he placed his hands against her cheeks.

"What happened while I was napping, Orion,"She asked so sweetly as he finally let his tears flow and placed his forehead against her own to cry,"Why are you crying, big brother?"

He did not answer her, he merely remained silent and nuzzled at her. Crying freely for the sister he nearly lost that day so unfairly, such an adventure would never be forgotten from this day on. It was the very adventure that completely concreted what he vowed to do as a warrior. To protect his sisters and maintain harmony in Equestria, for his people, for his land, and for his love ones. So it was a moment like that one that drove him to defend Luna, even if she didn't want help.

---

As he snapped out of the memory and continued staring into the eyes of the statue. Thinking of the promises he made, and some of them he broke to both Luna and Celestia. Out of the things he failed to do for them, there was one thing he always kept his promise about.

"No matter what… I'm always going to be there for you… Even if you may not like me for it sometimes…"Orion spoke the promise while not breaking eye contact with the statue.

"I know you will… You'll never lose me again, Orion…"The voice of Luna promised this before a hoof grasped his shoulder In comfort.

He looked forward for a second, letting the words sink in for a moment. He then slowly reached to his shoulder to hold the hoof, it was gentle, soft, calming to the touch. Something Luna was truly known for, she was the calm after the storm, the pony that could cool the hottest of tempers. Her soft voice enforced peace in the most heated debates, it had been there to keep his sanity in one piece. Slowly he stood up, and turned around to meet both his sister, and Twilight.

"You came back… Thought I wasn't going to see you again for quite some time."Orion admitted as he looked down to them solemnly with a bit of regret for his actions.

"Of course I did, brother… You were always there for us. We should always be there for you."Luna responded with that and a tight hug around his chest.

"She…showed me your memories… We had to come back to see if you were ok,"Twilight explained the reason that they returned to his side so quickly,"Orion… What you do for your family is some of the most selfless deeds I've ever seen, you're just like my brother in a way…"

"Well… That's what big brothers are for. We protect what we love and help our siblings shine brighter than the stars…!"Orion replied to their words as he petted Luna's mane before they parted from their hug.

"I'll always be your little sister. But you need to give me a chance to shine without you needing to hold my hoof all the time,"Luna begged Orion for one more chance to appeal to the ponies without him needing to assist her,"Twilight has an apparent plan that is certain to work…! We just need to dispose of this statue and replace it."

"Well… I can do that no problem… Unless you'd prefer to do it?"Orion offered to let Luna attempt to conquer a problem on her own for a change.

"Absolutely…!"Luna felt the first stroke of pride for being allowed to do something herself for a a change.

After that, her horn a lit with deep blue magic as she raised into the air. Her magic began to make the statue tremble and rattle upon it's pedestal as the magic also surrounded her body. Her eyes glowed with white light before the statue completely shattered in one mighty burst of force. Once the pedestal was clean and missing a whole statue, the white magic from her eyes shrouded Luna in an orb. Like a cocoon, it served to magically transform the princess from within to the perfect shell of an old enemy.

Once the shell of magic shattered like a vulnerable egg, Orion was frozen with fear. For Luna was now sporting the old form she took the night she was sealed away in the moon. The infamous Nightmare Moon, the mare he witnessed as an abomination, and a cage for his little sister. However she seemed to be different this time around, she was no longer the true dark mare. With a relieving breath Luna revealed herself to be in control of this form as she stepped up onto the platform.

"What is this…? What kind of plan involves putting her in that abominable form?"Orion stood up ferociously as Luna went to take a pose that mimicked the statue.

"Just trust us on this…! I think we just found out the trick to getting every pony to like her!"Twilight answered and pleaded for trust as she gave Luna a pair of fake predator teeth to place in her mouth.

"How…?! By making her look like the thing they fear the most?!"Orion questioned, not liking the strange plan they were performing.

"Not exactly, just try remaining on your knees and look defeated…!"Twilight requested a bizarre and maddening action for Orion to perform.

"The children are coming! Get into your places!"Luna demanded before turning herself into stone to mimic the perfect form of the destroyed statue.

"Oh for crying out loud…! This better be good…!"Orion went back to his knees with a groan while Twilight hid behind the stone pedestal.

So he stood there, his head lowered to the ground while he made his body go motionless. Painting the scene of a warrior's dire defeat, the most horrifying sight to be seen in Equestria. It was the proper way to instill fear in all the subjects, so he made sure not to move a muscle. Though he didn't need to do much to scare and even deter the children after what happened in town. They entered the opening with Zecora, all of them had their candy at the ready to be given to Nightmare Moon.

The group froze for a moment after seeing the prince kneeling at the statue motionless. The children were hesitate to approach, from a distance, It looked like he wasn't even alive. Even Zecora was worried about the scene, but she encouraged the children to push on.

"Be weary on approach, children. Do nothing to the prince to offend…"Zecora warned before they slowly walked to the statue, finding relief to see that Orion was alive.

And so they continued with their final act to conclude their final Nightmare Night. As they dumped out their candy upon the pedestal to satiate the hunger of Nightmare Moon. Once all their candy had been delivered, the children took one more moment to do something unexpected. They all looked to the statue with not worry or fear, but more of a sense of sorrow and sadness. Knowing that their holiday was now at an end, so this was more than a good enough time to pay respects, something Orion never thought any pony would give to his sister.

The prince slowly began to lift his head up to see such a spectacle with his own eyes. The children taking a moment to give his sister respect, but for what reason could this be? He would soon have his answer the moment all the children finally decided to leave the statue. Except for one tiny little colt that still had a hard time believing that his first Nightmare Night was also his last. Little Pipsqueak sighed and put his tiny hoof to the pedestal to give what respect he had left to Luna.

"Good bye Nightmare Night… Forever…"The colt said his final farewells before he was ready to leave for town once more.

"Citizens of Ponyville! You were wise to bring this candy to me,"Luna began to play her part by no longer being made of stone and announcing herself in the form of Nightmare Moon,"I am pleased by your offerings! So pleased that I may just eat it… Instead of eating you!"

This caused the colt to scream and run, along with the other kids that were slow to leave. It took next to no time for the children to disperse and disappear back into the forest out of blind fear. Once they were all gone, Twilight jumped out of her hiding spot while Luna returned to normal. Orion slowly stood back up, wanting to fume for the same old irrational fear that was shown. While Luna spit out her fake teeth to ask about Twilight's plan in a bit more detail.

"So how exactly is this suppose to work again? Just….out of curiosity…?"Luna wanted to have doubts about Twilight's plan, but she didn't want her brother starting to doubt them.

"Just…wait for it…!"Twilight made a simple reply.

"Just wait for what, exactly?"Both Luna and Orion questioned the response before the answer came from the tiny colt himself.

"Um… Princess Luna? I know there's not going to be any more Nightmare Night,"Pip decided to come forth and make a humble plea to Luna rather than dare to request his plea to Orion,"But we really enjoyed it when you were scaring us and playing all those games with us… So… Is there any way you might convince the prince to let you come back next year and scare us again at least?"

"Child. Art thous saying thou likest…me to scare you?"Luna was baffled and needed answers to this bizarre revelation.

"What joy is there in fear? Fear is known to be the greatest enemy from within,"Orion too was baffled, and he also demanded answers to this strange discovery,"What sort of good comes from being scared?"

"It's really fun! Scary…but fun! And it's not like it's all for real. I know you wouldn't really hurt any of us,"Luna felt herself gasping from the inside to hear a child proclaim an unheard of truth,"After all…! You're the princess of the night. And night is one of the most calming and gentle times of the days there is! I mean, if Twilight says that you can calm Orion's temper. You really must be special…!"

"Child… I…don't know what to say to all that… You truly never saw me as Nightmare Moon?"Luna asked while she felt a sudden flare of happiness and joy rising from her heart.

"Of course not! Nightmare Moon was defeated, and you were freed from her. We just pretend is all,"Pipsqueak clarified for the two siblings that could not believe the news that were receiving,"So… If it's not too much trouble…? Is there any chance you might return next year?"

"Well… Orion? What say you…? Is there any chance you can find it in your heart to bring the holiday back?"Luna carried the request to her brother, throwing him into a state of deep thought.

"Come on…! Do it for the kids, and the spirit of the holidays…!"Twilight boldly tried to imply a bit more persuasion to get the prince agreeing with the thought.

He sighed, and continued to stay deep within his thoughts to decide on this. His eyes closed, so it definitely could be seen that he was thinking greatly on this holiday. It require the pros and cons, as well as what was right, and what he personally desired when it came to this holiday. He let out another sigh, this was making the ponies nervous and almost jumpy in a way. His fingers curled around his crossed arms as he struggled for several moments to decide the holiday's fate.

Finally, his arms began to uncross and fall at his side with a decision made. His eyes slowly opened to look to his sister, then to Twilight, then finally to the colt. This decision worried him greatly, but if what Pipsqueak has spoken of is true, then perhaps there was something to like about Nightmare Night.

"Very well… If what you said is true. Then I suppose there is merit to keeping this holiday alive,"Orion explained the means behind his decision to bring back Nightmare Night,"From this day forth…! Nightmare Night is reinstated as a grand nightly holiday for all Equestria to enjoy! Let this decree and privilege be treated with respect, and honor!"

"YES! You are the best prince and princess, EVER! Thank you so much!"Pipsqueak exploded with joy and hugged Luna's leg with deep gratitude.

"You are very welcome, young one. And thank you for revealing the truth to us,"Luna showed some gratitude of her since she now learned that no pony truly saw her as Nightmare Moon,"This revelation has helped us all tonight. Understanding the true meaning of this holiday has made us stronger."

"No problem, princess Luna! And sorry for offending the both of you. If we had known that you were unaware of the true meaning of Nightmare Night. We would have said something sooner,"Pipsqueak gave a pirate salute and decided that the time had come to tell the other children the good news,"Now I must go tell every pony the good news. I hope that maybe you all will join us back in town for-"

Suddenly, Pip did get a second to react before he felt strong heated forearms wrap around him. He only manage to notice the forearms before he was snatched up like a mouse caught by a hawk. He screamed as he immediately got taken up to the skies by an unknown cloaked assailant. Only Orion could see the sudden swoop and grab before the colt was already dangling in the sky. The winged assailant quickly began taking the colt back to the the town of Ponyville.

The mares could barely process what had just happened after such a shocking sight. Luna shook her head and looked to the sky where Pip could be heard, screaming in the distance. Only for a large explosion to go off in the direction of town, where smoke and embers began to rise to the sky.

"What just happened here?!"Twilight exclaimed after shaking off the sudden confusion.

"That fiend has kidnapped the child! We must pursue the kidnapper and rescue him!"Luna already made up her mind on what came next from the sudden kidnapping.

"He's not going far…! He's taking Pip back to Ponyville to be used as bait,"Orion warned as he reached out his hand and collected a trail of falling embers into his palm,"We got Cinders…!"

"Cinder ponies? Here? Now?!"Twilight exclaimed even further as Orion let the embers fall from his hand.

"What reason do they have for coming to Ponyville on a night like this?"Luna questioned as they watched the smoke start to fill the sky.

"Well… There is a pony of interest in town. Some pony who maintains balance in Equestria,"Orion pointed out that Celestia and Luna were targets of the Cinders,"We need to get you out of here until the Cinders are cleared out, Luna…!"

"Absolutely not! I am not going to be a damsel in distress for the Cinders to hunt,"Luna denied the idea and sprouted her wings to take flight to Ponyville,"If these abominations desire my blood so much. Then they will have to fight for it!"

With that, Luna took to the sky and ascended till she was above the tree tops. She looked sharply to the smoke the raised from the center of town, the location of the festival. She felt her chest broiling for the chaos that the Cinders dared to bring to such a harmless festival. She huffed and shot towards the town, leaving Twilight and Orion to try and chase her down on hoof. Orion reached out for his sister, her boldness was something to be feared, for it could easily get her killed.

"LUNA! Wait! LUNA!"Orion called out to his sister as they ran back towards the town.

The princess started to slow down after making her approach to the town, not wanting the smoke to blind her. She began to lower herself once she was within the open grounds of Ponyville. Her eyes that the moon light guided this night scanned everything that could be seen. The smoke proved difficult, but she was able to find a place to make a smooth landing. She made a soft landing before the entrance to the festival, and the devastation was hard to take in.

She gasped, seeing everything destroyed and burned in the Cinder's wake. Her eyes slowly grew sharp to contain the anger this disaster brewed in her, as she began to walk. Slowly her walk allowed for a complete view of the damage, the spider toss game and the pumpkin catapults. All of it was on fire, fading away from the cruel touch of the flames that never stopped flaring. The apples children bobbed for were now rotting on the ground or burning to a crisp.

She sighed, keeping a level head kept fear from being noticed by the enemy. So she kept on walking, boldly walking right through the smoke that was made from burning wood and candy. As she made her way through the thick and sweet smoke, she shook it away. Allowing her to get one of the most intense sights she had ever witnessed since her first time seeing a warrior's true power. Shadow and Thunder Blitz were in a a stand still with the attacking group of Cinders.

Thunder had his daggers ready to charge right into two Cinder Earth ponies. But they had Rainbow Dash restrained with rope around her front hooves that were forced behind her back. She was being used as a living shield, just like the children that were gathered up. Who were now being held captive by two other Earth ponies, and two Pegasus ponies that circled them from above. Shadow could only stand before them, not wanting to risk any of the children getting hurt.

Once she assessed the situation, she stepped forward where she could be seen. The Cinders immediately noticed her moments before the warriors did. The fiery ash ponies looked enticed to see the princess of the night standing before them, it was like she wanted them to kill her.

"Shadow…! Thunder…! What's our current situation right now?"Luna calmly asked, masking the anger she was ready to unleash upon the Cinders.

"Well… I'm at a stalemate with these cowards using Rainbow like a shield,"Thunder decided to chat it up while Shadow was too busy keeping full focus on the Cinders that held the children captive,"While Shadow over there is in a pickle about how to get the kids and Pinkie Pie out of the grasp of their captures. Am I missing anything, Shadow?"

"Other than they thought Pinkie and Applejack were children, and their ring leader is a unicorn. Not much else."Shadow responded without losing any eye contact on her enemies.

"Shhhh, they think I'm one of them, don't mess this up…!"Pinkie whispered out from the crowd of children before disappearing slowly back into the crowd.

"I see…"Luna replied and looked to where the mayor was cowering in fear upon a wooden banister.

There she could see the ring leader slowly appear, holding little Pip in his hoof. He was to be expected, a Cinder unicorn, ashy and flaming, all the basic works of a Cinder pony. Though the weapon handles that could be seen within many parts of his body were a bit new. It was hard to make out what weapon the handles belonged to, perhaps swords, or even maces. It no longer mattered the moment he began to chuckle, seeing his prize stand before him.

"Princess Luna! It's about time you showed up, gorgeous,"The Cinder called out to the princess with great overconfidence and a bit of an eccentric attitude,"What took you so long, first it's the forest, then the town, then the cottage. We got so tired of waiting for you to be open to attack, we decided to just ransack the town! Just for you, sweet stuff!"

"Release the child you fiery abomination…!"Luna demanded that Pipsqueak did not come between her and him.

"In due time, princess. Or do you prefer Luna now? Heh… How silly,"The unicorn only tightened his grip while using the mayor like a stepping stool,"You were better off to remain as Nightmare Moon. At least you would have had the power to survive and prosper in the new world made from the laws of the old…!"

"No…"Luna made a simple response while spreading her hooves out a bit more in the dirt.

"Suit yourself. It just means an easy kill for me…! Our master demands you and your sister's blood for our world to become a reality."The unicorn snickered and shook his head.

"Iron Hot! We just got a message from Moltorious!"One of the Cinder Pegasus ponies flew down and presented a letter to the unicorn.

"Moltorious is still alive? But Orion blasted that scourge into the stars, nothing remained of him!"Luna did not want to believe that the Cinder Alicorn was still alive and kicking.

"Hehe… Lets just say, Moltorious was made quite special. He's got a chest that even your brother's crystals can't pierce,"The unicorn chuckled some more and did a quick skim through the letter,"Well now! I gotta respond to this immediately! Moltorious has just fully recovered from his wounds, and demands a response for him to come to Ponyville to help take it over!"

Luna widened her eyes, after seeing what Moltorious was capable of at the Gala. She feared what he may do to a town this small and full of so many innocent ponies. She could not allow Moltorious to be called to the town where he would surely incinerate all of Ponyville.

"I'm not going to let that happened…!"Luna responded as her front hooves dug into the dirt a bit while she gave the enemy a very Orion like scowl.

"Whatever you say, night princess. You can go ahead and just scowl at me all you want,"The Cinder unicorn spoke to her like a child while making a pen and paper appear to write a note,"Meanwhile, I will be writing Moltorious an invitation to come to Ponyville!"

He took his eyes off Luna to start writing a letter to the Cinder pony leader. This was the opportunity Luna needed to make a move and break up this stale mate. It started with the moment the Cinder had his eyes deep in the letter, he barely noticed as blue magic blasted off his right hoof. Once he heard a burst of ash and magic sound off in his ear, he looked to his right. Seeing his right hoof fall to the ground while Pipsqueak was able to run to safety, this did not amuse him.

He lowered his letter to give Luna a look for her conduct, only to be greeted with a flurry of hooves. They rapidly cracked in his muzzle, eyes and forehead viciously. Till Luna had punched a hole clean through his face, and switched to throwing hooks to the side of his head. She manage to get in five hooks that crumbled his whole head along with a swift kick to the chest. Before she attempted a round house buck, only for the Cinder to finally leap backwards, flipping and landing on a roof top.

This gave him a chance for his head to quickly refill the cracks in his head. While his face redeveloped and filled back in from the hole that was made in it. Once his face was fully fixed, he looked down to the princess and began to laugh with amusement and a touch of anger.

"I stand corrected. It appears our princess here knows a few moves boys,"The unicorn laughed as his Pegasus comrades flew in front of them and cracked their hooves for a fight,"What do you say my fly boys? Lets show her what us Cinders are all about!"

The Pegasus were willing to oblige, as they shot up in the air and came down hard. Luna timed her next move and bounced to her back hooves to use her front hooves for this tactic. One foe came in faster than the other, so she manage to snatch him by his incoming right hoof. Before spinning around to his back and locking in his forearm to his back within her grip. She then turned him around, allowing the other to ram face first right into the other, their bodies were then lined up.

Allowing the princess to rear back a hard left jab that drilled clean through the first Cinder's chest. The other manage to flap his wings and back away to the air again, watching as the other fell. He let out a scream, then exploded in a blast of smoke, fire, and ash. Before the first Pegasus was yet another pile of ash, Luna then turned to the other Pegasus to challenge him. This proved to be the distraction the warriors needed to end the stale mate the Cinders worked them into.

With the Cinders distracted by the fight, Thunder was able to speed right behind Rainbow's takers. They never saw him coming until they felt his kris daggers ramming through their backs and destroying their hearts. They both burst to flames, then mere piles of ash, allowing him to free Rainbow. The other Cinders looked to their fallen comrades, only to see their chests explode with black tendrils. Thanks to Shadow Swirl using the collected shadows of the children to surprise them.

Once they had burst into flaming piles of ash, Shadow recalled the tendrils. Releasing the children from her shadow before they were able to go free and run to safety. Shadow scoffed before her and Thunder looked to Luna's battle, just in time to see her take a punch across the face. The Cinder persisted and used his hard hoof to drive the princess into a nearby house. They crashed through the roof, causing the house to collapse on top of them, worrying the ponies that stayed behind.

"We gotta jump in and save the princess! She's gonna get hammered by those freaks!"Rainbow went to intervene on the fight, only for her tail to get yanked on, forcing her to come back.

"She's fine…! Luna was trained in self defense by her brother. She's gonna turn those fools into match sticks!"Thunder muffled with Rainbow's tail in his mouth.

"You are joking, right? The baby of the royal family can beat these guys?"Applejack proved to be skeptical from experience of having a baby sister of her own.

"You don't believe him? Look for yourself, Ms skeptic."Shadow pointed to the house where the action continued.

They all looked back to the house, just in time for the Pegasus Cinder to get shot out of the rubble. He flew up in the air and came back down, slamming on his back into the dirt. While Luna slowly dug her way out of the rubble, her crown was missing, and she had a scratch on her left cheek. But she was more than ready to keep fighting, and so was the Pegasus Cinder. He went to the air, letting the glow of the moon light glare off his body, before he was then presented with the moons wrath.

He went to shoot down with a high speed punch to the muzzle, only to freeze in place in front of Luna. Her eyes glowed white, and the moon light was hers to surround the Cinder in. He looked at himself, watching as his flames and embers began to extinguish around his body. Before his ashen form was then hardening and freezing up, it cracked and turned into a hard stone like substance. He barely got a chance to scream before his whole body turned to a unique moon rock statue.

It dropped before the princess, all thanks to her control over the moon itself. She finished the job with a hard hay maker that smashed through the Cinder statue's chest. The whole statue shattered to bits and pieces, kicking up hard dust that surrounded the princess.

"The grunts have been dispatched…! Now for the commander…!"Luna spoke out her next step to victory before voices suddenly sounded through the dust.

"Why…? Why did you try to take the sun away from us?"A sudden filly voice asked before a child like face appeared through the dust.

"What…? What is this trickery?"Luna thought as more young faces appeared through the dust.

"We're afraid of the dark…! And you were going to plunge us into eternal darkness…!"A colt cried into Luna's ear, causing her eyes to twitch from the guilt this was driving into her.

"All cause you could never be the princess, Celestia was! Why did you do it?!"Another filly whimpered for answers for the sin Luna had committed.

"No… Don't you think I knew that…? Do you think I do not regret what I did,"Luna groaned and struggled to handle the guilt trip the child voices were putting her through,"I never meant to hurt any pony…! It was a moment of…weakness! I never stop thinking about the mistakes I made…!"

"Lies!"

"You think only about yourself!"

"You're not a princess. You're a monster!"

"A monster!"

"The worse pony in the world!"

"You want others to suffer for your problems!"

The voices kept coming at her, berating Luna with insults and pure hatred. She covered her ears to resist the grief she was feeling, her own mistakes began to refresh in her mind once more. She began to shake, feeling the insults scratching and spitting on her sanity. She never felt such hatred striking at her heart, she wanted the pain and sorrow to end in some way. Thankfully, with a wave of red magic to settle down the dust and blow it away from Luna, it was just enough to shake her out of psychological struggle.

"Luna! At least wait for us before you go charging into a fight!"Orion suddenly yelled to his sister after he and Twilight entered the town, ready to combat the Cinders.

"There was no time to be wasted. All but the leader have been defeated, brother,"Luna looked to the lead Cinder pony as he finally canceled out the spell she debunked to be the one that caused her guilt trip illusion,"Leave him to me, Orion! He's mine!"

"Luna! You don't need to pro-"Twilight stopped Orion from intervening in Luna's personal endeavors once again.

"Let her go… Just trust in her and let her shine like the stars…!"Twilight reminded Orion of what his purpose was when it came to caring for his sisters.

With that, he looked down for a minute to remember what he said about letting Luna shine. So he sighed, and lowered his fists to let Luna fight her own battle for a change. With that, Luna a lit her front hooves with blazing moon light magic that flickered like white flames. She charged at the vile Cinder that was feeling enthusiastic about a brawl with the night princess. He quickly ducked after she jumped to the roof top and swung at him with her moon light hooves.

He kept a big grin as he yanked out to charred obsidian daggers from the sides of his shoulders. Luna jumped to avoid a double horizontal slice from both daggers. Only for him to cart wheel under her to avoid a shot of magic that blasted a hole in the roof. They both landed across each other looked to one another with challenging stares that beckoned for more combat.

"Well now that the kid games are done with. What say we get to the real fun? Hope you like blades,"Iron Hot challenged before slamming his daggers together and letting the weapon handles in his body explode freely, revealing themselves to be sabers,"Because I'm all about dancing with blades, baby!"

He raised his front hooves to the skies as the sabers levitated from his body. All twelve spun and twirled around him, functioning as a spherical shield of sharp blades. Suddenly, three of them shot at Luna, forcing her to jump up and back flip off the roof. Feeling the swords graze off her back and right over her mane, before she landed back down to the ground. She blew her messed up mane out of her face and looked back to the Cinder that jumped to a roof top that was closer.

Luna was not ready to give in, as she picked herself up and rushed towards the Cinder. She side stepped to avoid the incoming sabers that returned to try and stick her in the back. Only to miss her and strike the ground while Luna jumped to one roof top and ran towards the other. The Cinder responded by sending two more sabers to join the battle of the blades. Luna was quick to leap and spin to avoid the swords that went to peel at the flesh on her face.

Thankfully she narrowly avoided the blades and continued running for the Cinder. Only to see the two blades flying into the air and shooting back down towards her again. While the first three blades were now right on her tail to finish the job they started. She had no choice but to keep going, using her moon lit hooves to smack and engage the blades that slashed at her. She jumped to avoid two blades and land on the same roof top as the Cinder, while letting her hooves exchange blows with the swords.

The Cinder saw her approaching and ready to cross blades with him, so he raised his daggers. Jumping as she lunged for him and and jabbed a hoof against the daggers he crossed against his chest. They looked into each other's eyes as they descended to the ground. Where the battle continued the moment they touched down, there their fight became an exchange of blows. Her enhanced hooves smacked and struck against his solid daggers while she was forced to duck and quick step from the sabers all around them.

Luna wanted to keep going full on aggressive, hoping to crush a hoof through his chest. But more of his sabers were entering the freer, and there was no way she could keep up her evasive maneuvers. So after one more swing at his face being deflected by a sabers. Luna Jumped back and through the window to a house, tricking the sabers to all expel to the house. Together the blades went up, and then came down with full force to splice the house into pieces.

The house came down in a blast of stone and rubble before the sabers returned to their master. He raised his forearm to mask his face from the dust, only to leave himself wide open to attack. Luna took full advantage, and emerged from the dust with a hoof ready run right through her foe. But the Cinder was prepared for a surprise attack, and a lit his daggers with hot iron fires. He let one strike at her hoof, before she had flown pass him and was standing right behind him.

Once the dust had cleared, she was ready to go for him again with a strong jab to the back. Only to suddenly notice her silver horse shoe glowing bright orange and red after her magic dissipated. It was not long before it felt like her hoof was on fire, and it was amusing the Cinder unicorn.

"Haha! Just as I thought! You can handle my heat, sweet cheeks!"He mocked and turned to Luna just in time for her horse shoe to start bubbling.

She yelped and looked to her hoof, just in time for her horse shoe to explode right in her face. A small blast of fire burned the side of her cheek and knocked her right to her back. She was grinding in the dirt, but the explosion burned her forearm more than the landing hurt her back. She felt her forearm losing feeling in it as she grunted and groaned in pain by the surprise attack. However she was quiet about it, not wanting to show weakness in front of a pain hungry enemy.

"Hey, I never said I play nice when it comes to the blades, hot stuff,"Iron Hot taunted as his blades created an ark shape around him and aimed for the princess,"If you can't take the heat, get off my stage then, baby cakes!"

With that, Luna glared at him, containing her anger for his insults after seeing an opening. It came in the form of him leaving himself wide open after he let all twelve sabers shoot towards her. Quickly, Luna was able to roll and spring to her hooves, rushing for the Cinder once more. She stepped side to side to avoid the first five blades before ducking under to evade the next three. Finally after jumping the last four blades, she prepared her last glowing hoof for another attempt at his heart.

She jabbed, swung and swatted at his face and his chest to finally deal him in. But his daggers blocked and deflected her blows while also a lighting her other horse shoe with fire. She then backed away, feeling her silver shoe already starting to get heated up, yet she never took her eyes off the Cinder.

"Well this was fun and all, but I got a leader to message about you going up in flames,"Iron Hot remained cocky and self righteous as her horse shoe was bubbling with preparations to explode,"Now if you don't mind… You can go ahead and blow up now…!"

"I got a better idea…! Why don't you blow up for a change…!"Luna suggested while gripping his shoulder and turning him around.

He widened his eyes by the sudden actions before he saw her put the burning hot hoof clean through his head. With that, she was able to brace for impact, as her horse shoe exploded in a wave of flames and smoke. It sent her reeling back and slamming on her flank against a wall. And once again she was left with another burnt up hoof, but she was able to take the pain. The princess was quick to get to her hooves, after seeing children hiding under the over turned house she was slammed against.

"It's alright…! The battle is just about over…!"Luna reassured the children before covering her head the moment all the sabers that were in pursuit suddenly dropped around her.

This was the opportunity she needed, seeing that his spell over the swords was down. She was quick to pick up one of the sabers and looked to see her foe in a dire situation. His forearms and head were gone, but they were quickly regenerating from the destroyed ash. Quickly, Luna was willing to take a little pain in her hooves to walk over to the recovering Cinder. Letting the sword drag in the dirt within her right hoof, ready to carry out it's owners destruction.

The Cinder was able to fully recollect his whole head, but it was too late to flee. For Luna was already standing before him, his own weapon nestled at the shoulder of Luna. The ponies of Ponyville all came out of their hiding spots to bear witness to Luna's victory over the true enemy.

"Heh…hehe… You know what I truly value about this battle…? The fact that you think this is a victory,"The Cinder decided to make his last words count before the inevitable happened,"We can not be stopped…! You can kill as many of us as you can, but we will always come back…!"

The ponies all gathered around, as intimidating as the Cinder's dark words were. They were quick to put themselves at ease, knowing that Luna was about to vanquish this foe. So no pony did a thing, letting the foe spit and cough out his propaganda regarding their hope of destroying all Cinders.

"Eventually, your family will falter…! Everything you see will burn to ash for the new world,"Iron Hot yelled and chuckled as Luna lifted up the saber to finish him off,"So enjoy this victory while you can…! Because it will be one of your last… Nightmare Moon…!"

With that, Luna finally raised the blade high, and brought it down with full force. The saber went cleanly down the Cinders head, chest, gut, and groin, splicing him in two. His heart was carved apart into two before his whole body came apart in two whole halves. Before his ash made body glowed like a furnace and immediately exploded into a giant fiery cloud of ash and smoke. Luna stood tall and bold, braving the smoke in her face as she awaited the results of her execution.

Once the smoke had cleared, she could sigh with relief to see her foe reduced to an ash pile. Slowly she released the saber and fell on her flank to slowly come down from the battle. She had just now broken into a sweat, she wiped at her forehead and looked to the ponies that gathered around her. At first, she did not know what to make of the ponies that no longer ran in fear of her. Suddenly, the ponies began to applaud and smile, for they finally knew who their hero was this night.

"Oh dear… I don't recall this being part of Nightmare Night…"Luna thought as the ponies applauded loudly and began to even cheer for her.

This was a whole new thing for Luna to experience, the citizens cheering for her. The children that happily flocked to Luna and surrounded her, giving her praise for her heroism. Pipsqueak in particular was going as far as to hug her leg again while other kids were shoving each other around to hug the princess.

"Princess Luna! I told you she was the greatest princess ever!"Pipsqueak announced to his fellow students.

"She's a hero!"

"She's so brave and gentle!"

"She's gonna be my new favorite princess!"

"It was nothing, really. I'm just happy you are all safe and sound."Luna blushed as she barely could handle the sudden affection the ponies bestowed upon her.

---

This victory carried over, and encouraged the ponies to make a grand celebration. After Orion had approached and spread the good word that Nightmare Night was back on again. This lead to a swift clean up, and fast repairs to all the games and rides that were ruined in the skirmish. Before long, the festival was back to normal and every pony was celebrating with what few hours they had left of the night. Orion could not help but only watch as Luna walked and played among the ponies.

For once, he could at last relax about Nightmare Night, now that it no longer slandered Luna's good name. He sat there just outside the festival, watching Luna teach the children how to play like pros. While Twilight quietly sat right next to him with a quill pen and a paper at the ready.

"So… You satisfied with how this holiday turned out now?"Twilight asked the prince to reassure herself that he had learned a valuable lesson of his own.

"Yeah… My little sister isn't so little any more… She's slaying Cinders now,"Orion sighed as he finally began to come to grips with the fact that Luna was a strong and grown up mare,"I'm gonna miss watching over her and being around to help shoulder her through all our struggles."

"Hey… She's still gonna be your little sister. And you're still gonna be her teddy bear of a big brother,"He snickered at Twilight's cutesy comment before clearing her throat,"Welp… Don't suppose you're up for another friendship lesson are you?"

"Not at all… Let it rip, Twi."He replied while keeping his eyes on Luna, chuckling as she turned the thunder storming prank on Thunder and Rainbow.

Dear princess Celestia

When you first sent me to Ponyville, I didn't know anything about friendship. I met some pony tonight who was having the same problem. Your sister, princess Luna. She taught me that one of the best things you can do with friendship, is to give it to others, and help them find it themselves! And I'm happy to report that all of Ponyville has learned that even if some pony is a little intimidating, even scary. When you offer them friendship, you'll discover a whole new pony underneath. And even if my Star Swirl the Bearded costume didn't go over. This still turned out to be the best nightmare Night ever!

"I can agree to that completely, Twilight Sparkle. This wouldn't have been possible,"Luna admitted after managing to get some privacy from her growing group of fans,"I now understand why my sister… And my brother can see so much promise in you. Together, these beloved subjects have now been able to see pass my mistakes, and see me for who I truly am."

"It wasn't all me… You took the initiative and braved other pony's doubt in you, princess,"Twilight decided to let more of the credit go to Luna for her steeled will,"No matter what, you trusted us, and you even proved your worth by vanquishing a REAL monster! This was mostly all you."

"And It fills me with pride to see how much you have grown up from that small filly I remembered from so long ago…"Orion added his emotional pride that grew for the strength Luna proved to have.

"Indeed… May I perhaps borrow my brother for a moment, Twilight?"Luna blushed and nodded before she decided that her and Orion required some time together.

"Of course! Hope you two get back soon for the candy scavenger hunt!"Twilight chirped and allowed the sister to take up her brother's hand for a trip outside the town.

He did not object to a trip out of town, for there was no reason that they could not. So he kindly went with his sister on a walk to a west exit, the exit leading to a view of Canterlot. They let the festival continue to celebrate, their warm lights slowly faded from their backs. Leaving the siblings to the good graces and silver light of the moon that had made something miraculous happen. And Orion was able to get a gander of this miracle the moment they exited the town.

As they stood before a vast plain that separated Ponyville from the great Canterlot mountain. Orion a lit with nostalgia to what he witnessed, a glorious wave of new life. Pure white and aqua blue flowers were blooming in the light of the moon, their pedals glistened with dew. They covered much of the great plain, they even grew around their hooves as they spoke. Luna looked to her brother, and released his hand so he could fully take in this old spectacle of nightly nature.

"The moon flowers… They are blooming…! They have not done this for ages…!"Orion recalled the beautiful spread of blooming night flowers that were thought to have wilted away for eternity.

"I casted the great light of the moon to help them grow back a new… I did it upon my arrival to Ponyville,"Luna explained the miracle of nature after dark,"I thought it would have been a way for us to rekindle entirely. To remember the good days we had as children…"

"They're beautiful Luna… Just like you… And Just like you, this night they were able to shine like the heaven's stars,"Orion put his hand to Luna's shoulder and sigh for the brave mare she had become,"You're not a filly any more… I realize that now. So I need to start treating you like a mare from now on…"

"Yes… But that does not mean I'm no longer going to be your baby sister,"Luna looked down for a moment an giggled at the memories they shared as children in the flowers,"Those memories will never be forgotten… I want you to know that…"

"I am aware…"Orion responded and gazed at the moon for the light it shed on their relationship as brother and sister.

Luna slowly looked to her brother, letting him watch the moon shine it's light across the world. With his attention enthralled by the moon, a stroke of nostalgia and mischief struck her. She giggled again, and went for the opportunity to tackle Orion from behind. Causing them to crash into the massive patch of moon flowers, they landed softly with a small thud. Orion rolled around, seeing Luna straddle him while he needed a moment to catch his breath.

"Oof! Well that was unexpected. Was it something I said?"Orion asked before Luna was trying to put him in an arm triangle.

"I got a few more hours before the night ends. Just because we're grown ups doesn't mean we can't have a little fun,"Luna insisted while doing her best to put the squeeze into her arm triangle,"So what say we indulge in some more…OLD fashion fun…? A little wrestling perhaps?"

"Is that what this is? I thought this was just you trying to hug me…!"Orion smirked and raised up and slipped his head out of her grip before sacking the mare to her back.

She tried to resist by slowly pushing her back hooves against his stomach, but it only cause them to start rolling down a hill. They chuckled and laughed, rolling over each other while trying to wrestle each other. He manage to get Luna in a choke hold, but she manage to roll over his head. Allowing him to get the revers on Orion and put him in a rear naked choke. But Orion's rough neck allowed him to resist and stand back up so he could turn around and tackle her again.

She let out a playful scream before they gently crashed back into the flowers. He playfully roared and laughed kindheartedly, the memories of them playing as kids returned to mind. The laughing, the gentle yet strong skills that went into their play time, it was a sight to behold. As they wrestled and played, Twilight could not help but happily watch in secret. Watching the siblings rejoice and indulge in such friendly sibling bonding, it was like the good old days with her brother.

She chose not to interrupt the moment, and allowed the siblings to keep on playing. Letting this night turn from a night of violence, anger, sorrow and devastation, to pure happiness. Even after all that had happened, Orion could now admit that this was the greatest Nightmare Night ever!

My goodness this was a monster! I apologize, but as I wrote I just wanted to give more and more to this episode. Truth be told when I was new to this series, this immediately became my favorite episode. Luna was such a easy to relate to character in this episode, and I felt she deserved a lot of love. So I suppose I just wanted to make sure that this episode was all that it could be. Hope this wasn't too hard to read, sorry it's a lot of writing. I will work on my big writing habit from now on, and I hope you enjoy Luna Eclipse. Stay pony every one.