The grande castle stood solemnly, silhouetted against the brilliance of the white moon. A few dull lights flickered below in the cottages of the commoners. A myriad of silent, mournful cries sounded throughout the kingdom. It had been night... for how long? A day? A week? A year? Time was lost.
In the throne room, two lovely mares stood. Their quiet debates were heartfelt, but filled with anger and resent.
The white mare spoke first. "Sister, dearest-- you cannot leave the moon up forever. Your own subjects will die; how will they grow food without the sun?"
The purple mare hung her head, refusing to grace her regal sister with eye contact. "Why should we? Just so your beloved little ponies can relish and play in your sun, while they shun and reject our night?"
Hurt, Celestia approached her sister. "There are many other creatures that cherish the night, sister. There are owls. There are wolves. Do they not count?"
Luna glared, still refusing to look at Celestia. "They are the only faithful. It is they, and they only, that have even a shred of respect for us. The rest of them; ponies, birds, rabbits, and much, much more, they only admire you."
"I will ask you once more. Please, Luna. Do not do this."
Luna turned to her sister, and with one great thrust of her wings, spoke in the Royal Canterlot voice, her eyes shining white in the dark essence of the castle. A terrible crash of thunder sounded, the bright flash of lighting lit the magnificent black mare in its silhouette.
"NYE, SISTER! SINCE THE SUBJECTS CHOOSE TO REJECT THEIR SUPERIOR RATHER THAN RESPECT HER, I DECREE THAT THIS NIGHT SHALL LAST FOR ALL ETERNITY!"
In an instant, the mare's body shifted, becoming much taller and leaner. Her sparkling, waving blue mane became abstract and thin, like sparkling mist. Her skin shifted from dark purple into the darkest black. Armor melted into view, and lastly, her eyes melted from a round blue-green, into a sharp ice-blue,with a slit pupil.
Celestia's face melted into shock. She could not find the words to respond.
"AND FURTHERMORE, WE WILL NOT LET YOU STAND IN OUR WAY!"
The black mare summoned a great amount of magic and hurled it at the regal princess. Celestia was knocked off of her feet.
"Well, well. The great Celestia has fallen," said Nightmare Moon, her voice a bit quieter now, but still cruel. "You are weak, dear sister. You always have been, and you always will be."
Celestia lifted her weakened head, but was pulled into an unconscious state before she could respond.
