Living with Nightmare Moon Chapter 2

Continued from http://pastebin.com/8eU6KGiE

>Slowly opening your eyes you cast a glance at your surroundings.
>The room being dimly lit by the suns morning rays.
“Uhhhh, it’s too early for this”
>Planting your face into a pillow you tried to will yourself back to sleep, unfortunately you always had trouble falling back once you were awake
>For a few glorious minutes you just lay in bed
>The sounds of birds chirping and cicadas outside were at least relaxing
>Well then, time to get up.
>Using what little strength you had you lifted yourself into a sitting position.
>Bringing a hand to your face you tried rubbing the sleep from your eyes, today was a lazy day. You weren’t rushing anything, even getting out of bed.
>It’s like you had anything to do	on your day off
>Once you actually got out of bed you began shuffling yourself to the bathroom to perform the daily human rituals
>Looking at yourself in the mirror the stubble on your face was noticeable.
>Fuck it no shaving today
>Once you finished brushing your teeth and the other necessary preparations,  well minus shaving you began the arduous trek to the kitchen.
>You passed by Nightmare’s room.
>Peering in it was exactly as she left when she departed for Canterlot
>Only a week since she left and you missed the arrogant mare
>Continuing on into the kitchen you made yourself a cup of coffee and a bowl of whole grain cereal.
>Sitting down you considered what you’d do today.
>Work on the shed? Continue digging the start of your pool?
>Laughing to yourself you thought about what this scenario, you’re on a day off and you’re deciding on what you have to work.
>Bringing a spoonful of cereal to your mouth you consumed the healthy breakfast
>Wonder what Nighty is up to?
>Knock it off brain
>You were brought out of your conflicting thoughts by a knocking on your door
>If it’s a solicitor you’re getting a bucket of water to answer whether or not you needed whatever they’re selling.
>Making your way to the door you held a bucket full of cold water. You added some ice cube’s from the fridge to make it real special if it was a sales pony, because it’s all in the details.
>Setting the bucket down next to the door, you opened it.
“Whatever you’re selling ‘m not buying it!”
>”And what pray tell would I be selling? One would come to believe that you didn’t even miss my presence human.”
>Nightmare stood there looking at you with feigned disgust as she examined your unkempt appearance.
>”And it also seems that without us being here, you’re reason for proper grooming has also fallen wayside.”
“Shut it Moonbutt, it’s my day off and I plan on enjoying being lazy.”
>”Do tell, are all the creatures of your race so lethargic or are you the exception?”
“Nope, I’m always the exception to the rule. So did you decide come visit Ponyville or are you here to personally torture me?”
>At this point Nightmare decided that standing on your doorstep was boring so she pushed right past you.
>”Let’s continue our discussion inside, oh and why is there a bucket of water by the door?”
“Don’t worry about the bucket.”
>Closing the door you followed the dark haired mare into the kitchen, her face showing displeasure at the lack of coffee in the carafe.
>”Would you mind? The castle has many amenities, alas the one they are not familiar with is the subtle gem that is coffee.”
“Yeah, yeah. So care to tell me why I have the privilege of being graced by a royal?”
>As she sat at the table Nightmare rested her hooves on its clean surface, her head laying on top of them.
>”Well, to put it lightly it was all my Sister’s idea. And due to not being needed at the moment she sent me here to take care of some unfinished business.”
“Unfinished business, huh.”
>As you continued making the coffee Nightmare floated a scroll over to you. Nervousness flooded your system, remembering the last time you got one of these you got stuck with Nightmare and having to “reform” her.
>Breaking the seal you unrolled the scroll and began to read:

Dear Anonymous,

I simply cannot thank you enough for your past actions and helping Nightmare Moon become a peaceful member of society. But the problem lies with your bill, while the bits are within our vaults, they aren’t meant for use on a single pony. As such we have come to an agreement with Nightmare, she will continue working for you as before and pay off her debt.

Hugs and Kisses,
Princess Celestia

>You could feel your eye twitching, the vein on the side of your head throbbing. She planned this, that mare was more conniving than Discord and Chrysalis put together.
>”So is that coffee ready yet?”
>Where did you put that bucket?
>Observing Nightmare you drank from your mug. Seriously why did this stuff always happen to you? Sure you were glad she was back, even if she was more annoying than before.
>”Now as I recall our vacation was to begin today, a certain human did promise a day of swimming by the lake.”
“Nightmare, you left. I didn’t expect you to be back just so we could go on vacation together.”
>”Minor detail, now prepare what you must. We shall leave in a moment’s time.”
>Seriously where did you put that bucket?
“Fine, I made that promise and I’ll keep it but give me an minute to get everything together.”
>”Make haste Anon, as lovely as our night is, my sisters’ day shouldn’t be wasted.”
>Good thing most of the stuff was in the storage room. Grabbing a duffel bag you packed some blankets, an umbrella, and an inflatable ball.
>Now just pack up some food and drinks. Grabbing the cooler you headed to the fridge, peering inside you were a little disappointed by the contents.
>Looks like you’re going to have to stop by the market on the way to the lake. I guess all that’s left is to put on some swimming trunks and hit the road.
>”Art thou finished yet?”
>That’s it, you made your way to the door, Nightmare thinking you were about to depart followed en suite.
>”What is that bucket for human?”
>A mad glint in your eye you turned towards the mare.
>”Anonymous don’t you dareeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!”
>That should help her cool down so you could get everything ready.
>Nightmare sure knew how to hold a grudge. After your little squabble this morning and the bucket of water you decided to play nice, for now at least.
>”This night pray that Luna ensures your dreams stay peaceful, for I will make you live every fear you have ever held if the chance arises.”
“Oh stop being so dramatic, it was only water. Besides were going to the lake, you’re going to be swimming and therefore getting wet anyway. Just think of what I did earlier as a subtle preparation for this afternoon.”
>You should probably shut up at this point, cause judging by the face Nightmare was making it looked like she would probably start a fight.
“Fine, I’m sorry. Are you happy now?”
>”You shall need to do quite more than simply apologize if you wish for our forgiveness.”
>Oh great more ridiculous demands. This day went from good, to bad, to a kick in the nuts.
>Turning back to the road you continued your death march, or hike to the lake.
>Maybe if you changed the subject today could still be salvaged.
“I completely forgot to ask earlier, but how was your trip to Canterlot?”
>”If you must know it was a fruitless journey. While it is great that our power is recognized and my rightful role as a royal confirmed, we find the city quite wearisome.”
“How so? I always thought you’d enjoy that sort of thing. You know the whole having subjects and ruling stuff.”
>”Yes we suppose that to a commoner it may appear quite alluring, but let us assure you it grows tiresome quite quickly.”
>Something in your gut told you that she wasn’t telling the whole story, and you always listened to your gut. Off in the distance the lake had begun to come into view.
>Whether she ever decided to tell you the real reason or not, today you were going to enjoy some relaxation by the water.
>In no time at all you both reached the village proper. Your first and only stop was Sugarcube Corner, so you could pick up some cold refreshments.
>The pastry shaped store usually only supplied cakes and pies, but they also had a pretty nice selection of carbonated beverages.
>And since the rest of the day was going to be spent lounging by the lake and swimming, some cold sodas were going to be perfect addition.
>Walking into the confectionary house you noticed that some of the patrons didn’t even bat an eye anymore at your unusual companion.
>The news of her being a princess and no longer an evil tyrant trying to cover the world in darkness probably did wonders for her public image.
>Walking up to the counter you noticed that Mrs. Cake was in charge of the store front today.
“Morning Mrs. Cake.”
>”Good Morning Your Highness and Anon, how can I help you both today?”
“We just came to grab some drinks for when we go to the lake.”
>”Oh that’s nice, Pinkie said she was headed there with her friends earlier, and since it looks like it’s going to be a nice today I can’t blame you.”
>You smiled at the mare, she always had that motherly air around her.
>”So any particular flavors for your drinks?”
 “Nightmare, do you have any flavors in mind?”
>”What flavors do you have available?”
>”Your Highness, we have cherry, apple, and blueberry sodas. “
>”We would like to try the blueberry flavor. Then again the apple flavor sounds interesting.”
“We’ll take two of each, that way she can try them all.”
>”I’ll get them ready for you Anon, it’ll be just a moment.”
>Mrs. Cake walked to the back where the freezers were kept to retrieve your drinks.
>After paying for the drinks and saying your goodbyes, both you and Nightmare resumed your trek to the lake.
>From what Mrs. Cake said you wouldn’t be alone at the lake today either. Pinkie Pie being there meant that your relaxing afternoon might not be so relaxing.
>Arriving at the lake, you felt the heat of the day start growing. At this rate it would turn into a real scorcher.
>It didn’t take long for you to remember that the resident party pony of Ponyville would also be at the lake.
>How you may ask?
>It’s simple really, you felt a solid object impact your chest sending you crashing to the ground.
>When you regained your senses, seeing a poofy pink mane gave away the attackers identity.
“Good Morning Pinkie.”
>”Morning Nonny!”
>Pinkie was always affectionate with you, from the first day you were here. She made it her personal mission to make you feel at home.
>From her position on your chest she beamed a big smile at you, her blue eyes filled with joy.
>”You should have told me you were coming to the lake today, we could have made a big party out of it!”
“It was a last minute sort of thing Pinkie.”
>As you stood up she clung onto you and hung off your form like a pink baby carrier. Giggling to herself she showed no signs of letting go.
>Nightmare you guess didn’t appreciate the party pony’s antics and voiced her displeasure.
>”Do you not think it inappropriate that a mare act so openly with a stallion without any form of a relationship?”
>And before you could explain to Nightmare your silly friendship with the pink mare, Pinkie decided to answer.
>”But me and Nonny are in a relationship!”
>Nightmare’s face turned incredulous, was it weird that you ad Pinkie were friends. Sure she was a little eccentric when it came to parties, but she only wanted happiness for her friends.
>”Anonymous way we speak in private.”
>She was pissed. What did you do wrong this time?
“Uh, sure.”
>You followed Nightmare to an area surrounded by a few bushes, silently saying a prayer that you’d come back out of them alive.
>”Anonymous, when we say privately, that means only you and I.”
“Pinkie, I think she wants to speak with me alone.”
>“Awww, but I’m good at keeping secrets.”
“Come on now Pinkie scoot.”
>The pink mare, who the entire time still clung to your chest, detached herself and hopped off towards the lake. You couldn’t help but smile at her carefree attitude.
>Turning back to Nightmare, you were just a little shocked to see her face mere inches from yours. And she did not look happy.
>Her eyes bore into yours. They searched for something, if you had to take a guess it was probably ear. Well congrats you were scared.
>”Anonymous, though we have only known you for a short amount of time we thought that you would have trusted us.”
>Ok, where was she going with this?
“I do trust you, remember I left you to run the store and not kill any ponies all the time.”
>”That is not what we mean. Why did you not inform us of your relationship with the bearer of the Element of Laughter?”
>She was making this to be way to big a deal.
“Nightmare, you’re blowing this out of proportions.”
>”No we believe were not! And we shall see if she is worthy of any sort of relationship with you.”
>And just like that she walked out towards the lake.
>You had a bad feeling about this.

>When you returned to the area by the lake you couldn’t help but groan in annoyance. Nightmare and Pinkie were face to face, glares pointed at each other.
>So much for a nice break from work that this trip was supposed to provide.
>Deciding to ignore the two, you walked over to where you had stashed the supplies. Picking them up you began to look for a suitable place to set up everything.
>You found a nice shaded area underneath a large sycamore tree.
>After unpacking the blankets from the duffel bag, you began to set up the lounging area. The cooler was placed to the side. Reaching into it you pulled out one drink.
>This was nice, besides the two mares that were still having a staring contest you couldn’t complain.
>Speaking of mares, Mrs. Cake did say something about Pinkie coming here with her friends. So, that would mean that Twilight and the rest were somewhere around here.
>Opening the bottle you took a small sip of the blueberry flavored soda. When the sweet taste flooded your mouth you couldn’t help but to make a satisfied noise.
>The chilled beverage was just the right balance of sweetness, tanginess, and fizz. You’d have to let the Cakes know that it was another perfect recipe.
>Where were you? Oh Right, Pinkies friends. Glancing around the lake area you searched for the multicolored mares.
>A clash of colors that signified Rainbow Dash assaulted your eyesight. With her brightly colored mane and tail, picking her out anywhere was an easy feat.
>She, like yourself was on a blanket with the rest of Pinkie’s friends. They all intently watched Nightmare and Pinkie’s exchange.
>Resigning yourself to being the peacekeeper in all of this you stood back up and headed over to the staring match.
>With the soda in hand you stood at about arms length from the two. Their glaring contest must have been really heating up since neither even acknowledged your arrival.
“Hey I think it’s time we all took a moment to relax and just enjoy this day, then tomorrow you two can go back to trying to murder each other with your eyes.”
>Both mares finally acknowledged your presence, and stopped their glaring.
>”I’m going to let this slide for now, but only cause Nonny asked.”
>”And we have much more important matters to address than dealing with a petulant child.”
>The two hmph’d at each other, you watched Pinkie return to her friends as you led Nightmare to where you set up the blanket.
>”The element of laughter, that mare should act more reserved. It is no way for a lady to act.”
“She’s Pinkie Pie, the way she acts is the way she acts. Many have tried to understand her, and all have failed.”
>”We are not speaking of her actions but her character, we disapprove of her. And more importantly, we disapprove of your relationship with her.”
“Nightmare, Pinkie is very important to me.” You were going to end this little talk, but Nightmare interrupted you again.
>”You may as well be an ambassador of your kind, you should be with a mare of status, a mare who compliments you.”
>Wait a minute, oh crap! She’s got the wrong idea! The exchange in the past half hour finally made sense.
>Nightmare thought you and Pinkie were an item. You burst out in full blown laughter at the realization.
>”We do not find our words humorous Anonymous. In fact they are of significant importance.”
“Nightmare, me and Pinkie aren’t together, were friends.”
>”Do not patronize me, you yourself said that you two were in a relationship earlier.”
“I meant as friends, Pinkie has been one of my closest friends ever since I got here.”
>The full meaning of what you were telling her finally sunk in, and judging by the pink tinge on her cheeks the mare in front of you was pretty embarrassed.

>After letting Nightmare get over her embarrassment over jumping to the wrong conclusion you lounged next to her on the blanket.
>Comfortable silence, it’s actually one of the nice things about having her back. She and you could simply sit in silence and not be bothered by it.
>Reaching into the cooler you pulled out one of the chilled drinks and held it up to her. Feeling the tingling of her magic encompassing the bottle you let go.
>A small “Thank you.” reached your ears.
>Smiling at her, your eyes went back to observing the serene scenery before you.
>Several birds were walking through the bank of the lake, trying to cool themselves off from the days heat.
>Over to your right you saw the elements sitting down on their own blanket. Pinkie being Pinkie looked to be telling them a story, her hooves shaking in the air as if the emphasize her point.
>”This is really good.”
>Your attention returned to the mare next you, her face blissful from the cool beverage she was sipping.
“Well don’t fill yourself up with that one, there’s other flavors to try as well.”
>”Don’t presume to lecture me on what I can and cannot do. If I choose to drink the contents of this and every other drink then so be it.”
“You go ahead and do that, but remember when you’re lying there with a stomach ache, I’m not going to drag you back home.”
>Looking as dignified as possible Nightmare turned her snout from you and continued to empty the contents of the bottle.
>I can’t even imagine what would happen when cider season comes around.
>Maybe you could somehow talk Applejack o set aside another barrel for you this year.
>Enough stalling, you were at the lake, might as well do some swimming.
>Getting up you took of your shirt, leaving you only in your swimming trunks and flip flops.
“So ready to go cool off in the lake?”
>”Yes I do believe so.”
>Floating the empty bottle to the nearby thrash bin she stood up as well and joined you on the short walk to the water.
>Removing your flip flops you left them a few feet from the water.
>Nightmare was already at the water, slipping a hoof in to test the water temperature. Her attention completely focused on the water and not on you.
>Terrible mistake for her and a wonderful opportunity for you.
>As silently as you could you snuck up behind the mare.
>The ramifications of what you were about to do were going to be big, she’d probably make an attempt on your life, especially after the whole bucket thing this morning.
>The mental calculations began, the payoff was well worth the risk.
“Hey Nightmare how’s the water?”
>You tried to sound as unimposing as possible as you moved ever closer behind her. Her attention never left the lake.
>”It’s still quite chilly, but not out of the realm of passable.”
“Well I think you should double check.”
>Her head turned to you in confusion, and realization dawned on her face when she saw your menacing grin.
>Reaching around her you picked her up, arms wrapped around her barrel.
>Spinning on your heel you flung the shadowy mare with all your might, her high pitched scream flying through the air, just like her body.
>The splash she made would make anyone proud, the six’s attention was on you as well, unsure of what just happened.
>But as Nightmare’s head surfaced the water understanding dawned on them. Their laughter ringing in the air you yourself couldn’t help but chuckle.
>”Anonymous, I believed before that you were an idiot.”
“Aww don’t be like that Nightmare, it was a silly prank.”
>Almost as if she didn’t hear you, she continued.
>”Now I believe you have a death wish.”
>Her body rising out o the water with her magic, then with a mighty flap of her wings she flew right at you.
>The only thought going through your head as you ran away, totally worth it.

>Slow down your breathing, your heart is pumping so hard due to adrenaline its making it difficult to listen for any noises.
>Deep breaths Anon, just keep taking deep breaths and relax.
>A twig snapping almost made you jump out of your hiding spot.
>Peering around the bush you were currently using as cover you glanced around for whatever caused the noise.
>Is that? Yup, you knew this place was pretty close to the everfree, and heard that sometimes the critters from the forest came here, but this was ridiculous.
>A few meters away a timber wolf squatting, from what it looked like, it was taking dump. Twigs piled underneath him as he did his business.
>Once finished, he scampered off, leaving his, well ‘kindling’ behind. Isn’t nature fascinating.
>Where were you? Oh that’s right, hiding from the she-devil.
>Your little prank really pissed her off. While the elements were laughing at your antics, they laughed even harder when she came at you like a bat out of hell.
>Running while trying to dodge the volley of magic beams being blasted at you was a pretty tiring act. So naturally you found a place to hide.
>Now it was a waiting game, a battle of wills, hers to end you, and yours to see tomorrow.
>’You know she’s really angry at you.”
>You clasped a hand over your own mouth to stop yourself from screaming. Your eyes close to popping out of their sockets landed on your purple pony friend.
“Jesus Twilight, my heart was racing earlier, are you actively trying to give me a heart attack?”
>”After the little incident with spike and the playcolt magazine I think it might make us even.”
“Seriously, he did not get that thing from me.”
>”Right, anyway I talked with Nightmare, she promised that she won’t kill you, at least until you get home.”
“Thanks Twilight, she is blowing this way out of proportion. How did you find me anyway?”
>”Easy actually I just followed your footprints.”
>Leaning around and looking behind Twilight you saw fresh footprints you made while making your escape. Well shit, you always sucked at hide and seek.
>Standing up you gave Twilight a thankful smile.
“So I guess we should get back, huh.”
>”I think that would be for the best.”
>You both began walking back towards the lake, though you did notice Twilight step right into the pile of twigs that were… uh deposited earlier.
>Should you tell her? Nah, it’d probably make her mad. Besides she saved your ass, might as well let her ignorance continue.
>As the saying goes ignorance is bliss.

Meanwhile somewhere else
“Are you certain of this?”
>”Yes, my decision has been made. I will not allow this to continue unchecked.”
>Stubborn, no matter how much time passes the stubbornness never faded.
“You do realize it may lead to an outcome you may not like.”
>”I am fully aware of the ramifications.”
>I’m sorry Anonymous; keep strong, for this trial will be the toughest yet.

>When you got back to the lake, you saw that Nightmare had indeed calmed down, if only a little.
>The death glare she was giving you, while off putting was a lot better than the murder attempts from earlier.
“So did you cool off, or do I have to throw you in the lake again?”
>Twilight who was at your side the entire time slammed her hoof into her face out of frustration.
>Nightmare however, was already up. Her mane flaring red, eyes locked on you. Looks like the horsey’s mad, again.
>Maybe you should stop provoking her moments after she’s calmed down.
>Nah, not today. It’s time to either go big, or go home. This time you go big, right before you head home.
>Walking up to her as calmly as possible, you were going to deal the death blow.
>Standing your ground right in front of the midnight mare, you reached up and poked her on the snout.
“Boop!”
> Nightmare’s face went through several emotions all in a span of a few seconds as her face scrunched.
>Embarrassment, confusion, back to embarrassment, and then finally ending in pure unbridled rage.
>You were sure steam was going to start erupting from her ears.
>With the attack complete, you turned quickly and took off towards home.
>You’d come back for your stuff later.
>Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth, this was the inner mantra you had as you were running with every bit of energy your body had.
>Behind you trees were exploding as they were hit with magical blasts coming from Nightmare’s horn.
>Looking over your shoulder as you ran, you couldn’t help yourself but to taunt the mare further.
“Your aim sucks Moony!”
>Yup, just keep on poking the sleeping bear Anon. What’s the worst that could happen?
>A boulder the size of car sailed right by you, before impacting into the ground.
>Time to run faster now. Nightmare’s infuriated scream resounding behind you. Boy she did not know how to take a joke.
>Soon you were running through the village.
>Cackling like a madman you kept up your pace, several ponies who were going about their day looked at you with worried expressions.
>That worry turned into fear the moment they saw the crazed mare who was chasing you.
>”If you stop now Anon, I promise you that your death will be quick and only moderately painful.”
“Stick it in your giant rear Moonbutt.”
>Poor Roseluck’s flower cart flew right over your head. You’d have to apologize to her for that later.
>It didn’t take long, but several close calls later you could see the vague outline of your home.

>You slid to a dead stop a few meters from your house.
>You heard the galloping of hooves come to a halt behind you as well, Nightmare’s voice reaching your ears.
>”Have you finally resigned yourself to your fate Anonymous?”
“MY HOUSE!”
>You screamed when you saw several crews of ponies working on your small home.
>The entire right wall of your home was gone, you could see into the kitchen which was now completely gutted.
>The contents strewn about your yard.
>Your yard!
>Most of the grass was destroyed by carriages full of supplies and hoof traffic.
>What the ever living fuck?
“What the hell are you all doing to my house, get the hell out of here!”
>Your arrival and screams didn’t stop the construction ponies. Most just ignored your outburst, and continued working.
>You have to find the pony responsible for this, because you were going to kindly explain to him why it’s impolite to mess with someone’s home, and then promptly kick their flank.
“Who’s in charge here?”
>Yelling at the still working ponies didn’t yield you any results; they just continued working and not paying any attention to you.
>Looks like it’s time for plan b, grab one of these ponies and get some answers. But before you could a booming voice reached your ears.
>”Is it not great Anonymous, we came up with the additions ourselves.”
>The voice came from the top of your home.
>On the roof, you saw the outline of the one mare that still made you nervous and weary of ever visiting Canterlot.
>Looking smug as ever she continued standing atop your home.
>”For starting today, just like our sister we shall live with thee.”
“What? Why?” This was just getting ridiculous.
>”Our dear sister is indebted to you.” And with a flap of her wings, she took to the air and then promptly landed a few feet in front of you.
>Nightmare forgetting her murderous rampage joined your side, watching this event unfold.
>”Therefore, we have decided that by helping you, we would decrease the time it would take her to repay the debt.”
“So how does destroying my house fit into all this?” you questioned trying to keep your frustration and anger in check.
>While you honestly didn’t hate her, but ever since she abducted you and tried to get freaky with  in a swimming pool filled with jello you were cautious around her.
>”Seeing as your abode is quite small, we had the royal architect and construction crews make this home bigger to accommodate us.”
>You looked on in horror as several unicorns with sledgehammers kept knocking down walls.
“Luna, you can’t just do something like this without asking first.”
>This is the whole jello incident all over again. She just doesn’t know about boundaries that a person or pony may have.
“Please stop this. Doing this is crazy, even by your standards.”
>”Nonsense Anon, just relax in knowing that starting today we shall all live together.” She emphasized this by waving her hoof dismissively in the air.
>With that Luna walked over to you and Nightmare, and caught you both in a big hug.
>”We shall all live happily here, like a big family.”
>Giving up on the matter your shoulders slumped.
>Maybe you can talk her into putting in a Jacuzzi or something while those guys were working at least.
>”Anon?”
“Yes Nightmare?”
>”I’ll let it slide today, but tomorrow I am going to finish what we had started by the lake.”