Heart Of A Nightmare

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 1: The Park
----


I rarely went outside, save to do necessary things, which were few to begin with. But tonight I just felt the urge to go outside. I made sure my door was locked before turning my attention to the rather empty looking parking lot, sighing aloud in my dull sense of sadness and began walking. The air was cool on my skin, but I paid it little mind, my mind was more occupied with other things. I walked across the black pavement unceremoniously, the sound of my footsteps mixed quietly with the chirping of crickets concealed within the bushes and the grass. I briefly looked up at the shining moon and the few stars that dotted the otherwise blank night sky, but still a pleasant sight; but sadly it did little to brighten my bleak mood.


I sighed again and pushed my glasses up a bit further on my nose and crossed the empty street. I'd found it a bit ironic that I'd ended up moving in some place close to a park given my dislike of children...or people in general. But at night it was a nice, quiet place to go and be alone when I found myself needing a change in scenery. The grasses had turned a lush green once more and the tall trees had their leaves again after what I felt was a particularly long winter, heralding the arrival of spring. I'd barely registered that I'd made it to the park itself, looking around at the trees and bushes, which rustled and shifted with a rather strong gust of wind.


I sat myself down on the grass, drawing my knees up to my chest and wrapping my arms around them.





----

Nightmare Rarity's hooves treaded silently through the grass, paying little attention to its softness as she was in a less than pleasant mood. Absently she ducked her head to avoid a rather low hanging branch to enter a secluded spot, surrounded by close packed trees, bits of white moonlight streaking through every little opening, her sapphire eyes glowing with eerie beauty in the darkness. She sat down, concealed by various branches from the prying eyes of the outside world, and it helped ease her bad mood by not being around her subordinates.


Her eyes were fixed mostly on the ground and her forehooves, a few strands of her mane drifting in her face which she promptly brushed aside.


"Ungrateful fools." Her mind hissed as she once more began to dwell on the past. Sighing in harsh irritation.


"Hello?" She was instantly jolted from her thoughts, her ears twitching at the unexpected sound of a voice and silently scolding herself for not being more observant. She was instantly able to spot the figure moving closer to her location, her keen eyes noticing every little detail of him, she'd seen creatures like him before in this world here and there but never this close. He was fairly young in comparison to some of the other upright creatures she'd seen, his hair was cut short, and though she did not dwell on the fact too long he had a pair of dark brown eyes and glasses. Dressed rather plainly and unremarkably, thankfully not outlandish looking like some of his kind she'd seen before.


"Is somebody there?" He asked, a bit nervously. Nightmare Rarity rolled her eyes.


"I would assume someone is, unless of course you're in the habit of hearing things that aren't there," she replied icily. He picked up on her tone speedily and stopped moving.





----

I stood there, motionless in the grass, stunned. In the darkness of the odd cluster of branches and bushes before me glowed the most beautiful set of eyes I'd ever seen before stared at me. They glowed blue, each possessing a rather cat like pupil, what bit of moonlight that creeped through the openings allowed me to see a bit more of her features. Long lashes framed said hypnotic and beautiful eyes, and I could make out the outline of flowing hair.


"Now go away," she commanded in her low, feminine voice. Her accent was vaguely British or Trans Atlantic. I almost shivered when she spoke again, curiosity compelling me to move forward.


"Do I need to repeat myself, creature? Go. Away." She hissed in her beautiful voice.


However, beauty or not I could feel curiosity shifting to irritation...which would soon turn to rage. I breathed out, both trying to keep myself calm and to hide the returning pang of sadness. Her eyes gleamed coldly in satisfaction at being able to cause me pain so easily.


In defiance of her, I shot back with: "Why?"


"Do I need justification? I simply do not desire company."


"You can't make me leave."


"You would dare test that statement?" Her voice seemed more amused now, I glared at her in the darkness of which she concealed herself. Without warning an area around her head glowed a blue aura, I soon realized it was a horn and before I could process it I was lifted from my position on the ground. I gave a sharp intake of breath as I soon faced the sky, lifting higher and higher, my muscles screaming to thrash and move...but I was paralyzed by the...energy that surrounded my body.


"What the hell!? Breath! Just stay calm! Move!" My mind bellowed at me to do so many different things as I was lazily lifted higher.


"Well...?" She asked in teasing manner, "feeling brave now, hmm?"


"Piss off." I snarled as spitefully as I could, but my heart was pounding in my chest a mile a minute and I had the urge to breath rapidly.


"I don't think you are in a position to be giving out insults. I could drop you to your death, or throw you out of this town if I so desired," she paused for a moment, for what reason I did not know. "You maintain a brave front, but you are afraid."


"No I-"


"Don't insult my intelligence by lying," she snapped, annoyed. I could hear the breeze rustling the trees..."Jesus I must be so far off the ground," I clenched my eyes shut so I couldn't see the sky. I knew it wasn't close but it sure felt like it. I practically felt like my heart was going to explode if I stayed up here any longer, my ribs rising and falling with each nervous breath. I didn't even open my eyes when I delicately made landfall, a blanket of grass beneath met my back, yet I did open my eyes out anxiety of what could happen next.


She cleared her throat, her voice sounding remarkably close this time, and a bit annoyed with me I'd assume. Cautiously, my eyes slowly opened.


They opened to see the most beautiful creature in the world standing over me, looking down at me with piercing sapphire eyes.



Author's Note:
Well here it is, chapter one of the story Nightmare and I are writing together. After some encouragement and other such I've decided to post the first chapter. If enough want me to I'll post the other chapters over time.


Cover image by my friend for the story.

[Sentimental Gentleman]

A tempestuous meeting of sorts, but the seeds of great things are being sown...

This is a great first installment! I look forward to reading the next one!

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 2: First Meeting
----


Time seemed to stop (at least for me) as I stared into the mare's eyes, long lashes framed them, her flowing mane of purple and white gently moved with the breeze now and then, each strand of hair gently sparkled as though they held the stars themselves within them. A long, regal horn adorned her head, a tiara glinted in the moonlight and I could see a tight fitting necklace with a large blue gem in its center as well. I didn't know how long I stared, I felt hypnotized by her until I felt a hoof poke me on the forehead.


"Not so talkative anymore?" She inquired a bit haughtily, raising a brow. She backed up to give me space to sit up, everything around me seeming so unreal to me now as I shifted to look at her again. She appeared tall, long regal legs and a flowing tail like that of her mane and black fur.


"W-what?" I stammered out, her question having completely slipped my mind. She rolled her eyes with a slight huff of annoyance escaping her.



"Are you lacking in intelligence or just socially inept?" She snapped.


"I'm not 'lacking in intelligence,'" I shot back, her insult jarring me out of my amazement, "...although I'll admit I'm socially inept...but I'm not that bad!" I grumbled mostly to myself. My fingers tapped on the ground as I looked down on my hands finding myself feeling awkward now.




----


Nightmare Rarity looked the creature that sat a distance away from her now, his gaze averted from her, clearly he felt nervous again.


"Why am I even still here?" She asked herself, becoming further annoyed. She had taken an enormous risk revealing herself to this creature. "Why did I even do so in the first place!?" Perhaps it had just been curiosity...she didn't really know. However she knew what was done was done. Another breeze rustled the trees and the bushes, she quickly scanned her surroundings to be sure no one else was there. Nightmare knew little of this world, however it was a safe assumption they didn't have ponies. Slowly she sat down across from him, having a strong urge to speak with him.


"I'm going to regret this aren't I?"




----


"Something wrong?" She asked in a less hostile or irritated voice, bringing me back to the present and causing me to look up at her. She was sitting down now in an upright position, half concealed by the shadows of the overhanging branches, the darkness seeming to make her eyes glow brighter as they peered at me with a mixture of curiosity and something I couldn't quite name. I adjusted my position into something more comfortable, feeling small within the context of her stare. My eyes looked her up and down once more, starting at her hooves and traveling up to her face, forcing myself to make eye contact.


"No," I replied simply, "although you did threaten to kill me not less than five minutes ago so forgive my nervousness."


She rolled her eyes and gave an audible sigh. "I did not threaten to kill you, rather I inferred what I could possibly do to you in such a situation," her hoof dismissively flicked in a rather cute manner as she explained. "Either way, commendable bravery on your part. Not many would have the audacity to speak to me in such a way."


I raised an eyebrow. Somehow I guessed she was royalty of some sort by the tiara she wore. I shifted on the grass when it dawned on me I had just told a queen to piss off. "Although to be fair she did lift me up with..."


"Can you use magic?" I asked, cringing when I felt like my voice was too loud, but I felt if I spoke to quietly she wouldn't understandable. However she didn't seem to notice.


"Yes," she replied, "I am a unicorn after all."


I smirked, smiling widely to myself and rubbed my head when I fully realized the situation I was in. She glowered.


"Something humorous?"


"No. I just realized I'm sitting in a park talking to a magical unicorn." "More like the most beautiful woman I've seen in my life" I mentally added but then felt awkward again at said thought. Hoping like hell she couldn't read minds. The crickets had resumed chirping all around us once more, a feeling of serenity over the whole area. The mare chuckled, I felt like my heart skipped several beats at the lovely sound, the tiniest of smiles on her lips.


"And here I am in another world entirely, talking with...whatever it is you are," she chuckled again. I felt my cheeks grow hot, making me grow self conscious and shift again on the ground. "Human," I meekly answered. Absently plucking a small leaf of grass and allowing it to freely drift away on another breeze. Silence hung in the air for a bit, neither of us being able to properly carry on the conversation until a thought occurred to me: "Ask her name!" I almost got the urge to slap to myself for not remembering what was a no brainer thing to do in almost any social situation. I looked up to see she was standing, looking over her shoulder to the direction in which she had come. Dismay filling my heart as I too stood up, trying to form a sentence but felt it get caught in my throat.


"Say something you idiot!" My mind commanded me.


"I never heard your name," I said in the most composed voice I could muster, but I felt it could've been better. I realized she and I were basically the same height, although I noted her horn added a bit.


"My name is Nightmare Rarity," she spoke her name with a hint of pride, "yours?"


I blinked as I registered she'd asked me my name. I was so unaccustomed to saying my own name, over the years, sure others knew it but rarely spoke it. It sounded so alien to me at times. Another beat of quiet passed between us before I finally could work my voice up enough to speak.


"Michael."




Author's Note:
Here's chapter two...and yes, you just learned my real name.

[Sentimental Gentleman]

You do have a knack for making details drift dreamily into mind. It really is hypnotic.

Will we get Chapter 3 soon?

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

You do have a knack for making details drift dreamily into mind. It really is hypnotic.

Will we get Chapter 3 soon?

Thank you.

Tomorrow, I'd say. I have nine chapters in total, so I'll post one daily 'til everything's on here.

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 3: The Castle and The Aftermath
----


Nightmare Rarity strode up the winding staircase that to most seemed endless in number, her hooves never missing a beat, their impact on the ancient and cold steps resonating with an eerie and empty echo. Enormous rubies embedded in the walls around her casting a crimson glow on her beautiful features, her tail flowing behind her like a cape. Finally she reached the simple wooden door, nearly as ancients as the lunar caverns themselves stood before her. Her regal horn glowed a sapphire blue and the door easily swung open, she suppressed her annoyance when she was greeted by nervous servant. Like many of her subordinates he resembled a living shadow, shifting and amorphous save for the torso and up. His face was catlike in nature, shadowy and wispy black whiskers flowing from his face, his paws fumbling nervously and his stone gray eyes obviously struggled to meet her piercing blue eyes.


"Y-you're Majesty, dinner is awaiting you in the-"


"I am not hungry tonight," she cut him off before walking past him briskly. The servant blinked once. Nightmare Rarity hardly ever broke her schedule, she spent hours in the caverns doing whatever it is she did, never to be disturbed by anyone; then she had dinner and went straight to her private living quarters. Again, not to be disturbed unless necessary. He half turned towards her and mustered his courage to question her.


"M-my Queen? Is there something wrong?"


He cringed as he saw one of her ears twitch once, fearing he had instigated her wrath.


"You heard me, and I am not to be disturbed for the rest of tonight. Understood?" Her voice was stern, but not angry or even irritated.


"Yes Supreme One," he bowed, nose nearly touching the smooth floor. He heard her hoofsteps leave the room and only then did he look up. Befuddled.


Nightmare Rarity's horn glowed for a moment or two before she vanished in a bright blue and purple flash of light that vibrantly illuminated the room before vanishing just as soon as it had appeared. She appeared in her personal bedroom in another quick flash, a few magic sparkles lingering in the air before disappearing, almost like snowflakes as they drifted down. The room was large, with soft dark blue carpet beneath her hooves, a massive bed with black covers and sheets and a plethora of inviting pillows. Gossamer curtains hung at each side of the bed, dark blue in color, the delicate fabric gleamed as though they too held the stars within them. She sighed aloud, her gaze shifting towards the bathroom, silently hoping a relaxing bath would assist in her clearing her mind after tonight's strange turn of events.




----

I felt more energized and strangely more dazed than I ever had been in my whole life. I barely registered that I nearly walked face first into my own front door. I fumbled in my pocket for my keys, grunting as I had to dig deep within it before finally finding them, they jingled like bells as I pulled them out into the open; but I didn't open my door. I just stood there for a minute or so before I glanced over my shoulder in a tiny glimmer of hope.


"What? Were you honestly hoping she followed you home?" I thought in a scolding manner, however I smirked at the fact that for a man who had just received the knowledge that unicorns and magic exist I was handling it all rather well. "I really want to see her again," I thought. What if I never saw her again? The notion of that made my heart ache and I nearly shuddered. She never said she'd come back though...I unlocked my door and entered my apartment, absently shutting and locking the door.


The thought of seeing her again excited me. I felt the need to speak with her, she was mysterious and so unique to my otherwise quiet life. I sat down on my couch, my mind still occupied with thoughts of Nightmare, and that made me feel a deep sense of happiness that filled my entire body.


"I'll go back tomorrow," I decided. Trusting she would be there, a newfound feeling of hope soaring in my chest, a big smile on my face.




----

Nightmare Rarity walked out of the bathroom, her mane a bit damp, a bit of steam caused by the heat of the bath lingering behind her. And still feeling rather dissatisfied about...something. It annoyed her that she couldn't quite figure it out as easily as she would've liked. Slowly she walked over to her vanity mirror, kept on a jet black stand with several small drawers, the wood was smoothed and polished; perfect as it always was. Her horn glowed and the top right drawer opened, a brush was levitated to her hooves, while she never admitted it she found brushing her mane in the quiet of her room to be a relaxing activity. Eyes never leaving the mirror she gently began pulling the brush through her long locks. Another sigh of contemplation escaped as she continued her brushing, her mane regaining its full and lush look quickly.


"Why did I reveal myself?" She questioned herself. "You've seen those creatures before, why would this one in particular be so...," she struggled to find the correct word, "special?" It was true. She'd seen humans before when she'd gone to that little park, hence why she usually came at night. She could have easily ignored him when he'd asked if someone was there. "Why did I choose to speak with him?" She scowled into the mirror, but her hooves remained gentle with her hair.


"I risked my own safety!"


Did she crave companionship? Nightmare Rarity would've laughed at the concept...but lately that idea was becoming more and more with every passing day. Perhaps it was because she had seen others have it, and something about that made her want it too? She visibly smirked to herself in the mirror at that thought.


"But either way, he fascinates me."


She placed the brush back into the drawer and gently closed it. She had decided. Nightmare would go back to that park tomorrow night, and while she did not admit it as she walked to her bed, a hope lingered in her chest. She hoped to see Michael again.

[Sentimental Gentleman]

I second what Sweets said. This is a really marvelous work...and it's so cool that she's writing it with you!

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 4: Trees, Stars, and Alternate Universes
----


Nightmare Rarity stood outside the door leading to the dark depths of her castle, feeling rather nervous for some reason, though she did not let it show. The room itself was silent, save for the annoying fumbling and shifting of a shadowy servant that stood beside her. She stood in contemplation, eying the door in an accusatory manner.


"Why am I so compelled to return?" Nightmare Rarity knew that returning to that strange world over and over again had it's share of risks no matter how much caution she took. She had deliberated with herself for sometime and she had decided she wanted to see that human again...but now that she was standing before the door she felt something she'd never truly felt before: Uncertainty. Stemming from another unfamiliar feeling, nervousness.


"Supreme One?" The voice of the servant interrupted her thoughts, much to her annoyance, but she kept it in check. Fixing the servant with an icy look out of the corner of her eye. "May I a-ask why you keep staring at the door?" She could tell he immediately regretted his question.


"That is none of your concern, however, I am not to be disturbed while I'm down there. Understood?"


He nodded quickly, not wishing to press his luck and slinked back, keeping his head low the whole time. Nightmare Rarity walked towards the door, her horn magically opening it moments before she stepped into the darkness. The door slamming behind her resonated throughout the small space that she now occupied, the blood red rubies suddenly lit up to provide her with light. Casting her shadow on the smooth and ancient walls. Quickly she progressed down the stairs, her hoof falls echoing with every step she took down the dozens of stairs. More occupied with her thoughts than what was around her, registering she'd probably made it down the steps in record time. She had officially reached the underground caverns.


The walls, the natural pillars that supported the ancient ceiling, all of it was covered in glorious gems. Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds and so much more. They glinted and glowed in an unnatural manner, providing a great light source as she walked into the cavern itself. Her hooves making no noise as she crossed the ground, of which was gently coated in ancient moon dust. She stopped at its center, the cavern completely silent and Nightmare Rarity still as a statue. Her eyes shut as she focused her power, her elegant horn glowing subtly at first but began glowing brighter and brighter with every passing second. An aura in the shape of a diamond forming at the tip of her horn as the light from her magic began reflecting off every gem in the cavern, the light a powerful blue that would've been blinding for most to look upon. Nightmare Rarity ceased her magical output, and just like that the light winked out like a bulb being switched off, her eyes snapping open.


She noted every gem now glowed a pure white color, as always. Quickly she walked over to a small a small body off water just ahead of her, it was barely noticeable as it wasn't too large, at first glance it'd pass as an out of place hole in the ground. Nightmare Rarity peered into it curiously, a smile on her lips for a few moments as she saw the "bottom" was not a deep blackness, but rather it had once again become her gateway. Casually she stepped into it, her tail being the last bit of her that was swallowed up, a few ripples were sent out for several seconds. Becoming deathly still once more. The gems still glowing a bright white.




----


I took a deep breath before I lifted a foot slowly and delicately set foot onto the park grass. I felt another burst of anxiety and took my foot off the grass and stepped further away from the park itself. Crickets chirping away without a care in the world. I sighed in a mixture of irritation and nervousness, looking back at the street, essentially looking back at my waiting apartment wondering if I should just dash back in there and forget this whole thing.


"She probably isn't even there to begin with," I thought to myself. "She's probably hoping I didn't tell anyone...but what if she is there?" I mumbled to myself. I'd probably look crazy if anyone saw me. A young man standing on the outskirts of a park arguing with himself whether or not he should go in...to meet a talking unicorn mare. The thought of her relaxed me almost immediately. She'd gotten in my head ever since I'd first met her. Not that I really objected, thinking of her was most certainly preferable to some of the other thoughts that crept into my head at times. I felt the corners of my lips being tugged at in the beginnings of an involuntary smile. She was waiting for me! I just knew it.


I felt a particular spring in my step as I resisted the urge to just run in there and get to where I had first met her, that was my guess as to where she could be. I occasionally looked from side from to side and glanced over my shoulder to make sure no one was following me.


"Looking for me?" I heard her beautiful, beautiful voice say. I let out a startled yell and jumped where I stood, looking all around, my heart racing.


"Up here," she chuckled in an amused voice, I grunted and followed the sound of her voice, my eyes trailing the trunk of a tall and thick tree. Branches big and small jutting out of it at various points, green leaves lazily hung from them, undisturbed. It took a second look over before I finally made out the shape of her body, well concealed by the shadows. Her mane hung down regally and her eyes glowed down at me; and while I wasn't one hundred percent certain I could've sworn I saw her smile. If only for a second until she realized I'd spotted her.


"How the hell did you get up there?" I asked, befuddled. Never once did I imagine in my lifetime I'd see a unicorn in a tree.


"Magic," she replied in a deadpan voice. I raised an eyebrow at her response, unsure of whether she was being sarcastic or not. However I was left with little time to deliberate this as she had begun speaking again.


"So, you came here for me I suppose?" She asked me from above. The crickets had quieted now, and I suddenly felt self conscious, being out in the open as I was.


"Yes. Why else would I be here now?" Now I suddenly felt embarrassed, shoving my hands deep into the pockets of my jeans and looking down at the dark green grass. "Why are you here?" I asked.


"Well...I don't quite know the answer to that. Perhaps I'm bored, or just curious," I almost winced.


"Honestly what were you expecting? Her to say 'I like you'?" I scolded myself. I shifted my gaze back to her to find she was looking at the sky. A few strands of her mane blew in the gentle breeze, her beautiful equine body relaxed, a back leg hanging lazily over the side. I also noticed a lovely pattern on her flank, resembling a mixture of stars and diamonds.


"Are you coming up?" She was looking at me again, and I just knew she knew I was staring.


"Uh, never been one for climbing trees," I sheepishly responded, again the urge to look away came over me, yet I did not. My embarrassment did not cease when she rolled her eyes and gave a light huff. I yelped when she magically lifted me up, although I noted that it was strangely gentle in its context until I hovered just centimeters above the branch, quickly gripping it before being released from her magical grasp.


"T-thanks," I stammered, trying hard not to look down...or up, for that matter.


"Fear of heights?" She inquired, raising a brow.


"More of a fear of falling, I'd say," I sat up, but my legs clamped firmly at each side of the branch, a single hand clutching it tightly as well.


"Relax," she smirked, "I'll be sure to save you should you fall." She purred teasingly, her sapphire eyes half lidded. My breath caught in my throat. She was so captivating in every sense of the word. I wouldn't have objected to kissing her right then and there. I regained my composure (or at least I like to think that I did) and cleared my throat.


"So what're we doing up here?"


"I'd rather not be seen, and I wanted to see the stars," she turned her gaze skyward once more, "they're different from my own."


"You're not from this world." I stated.


"You catch on fast," she looked at me, "I like that."


My heart felt like it could be dong joyous backflips in my chest right now at her compliment. I worried she'd get sick of me, or somehow hate me. I smiled, trying not to blush. "Why does she have this effect on me?!"


"I suspected, it only makes sense really. Can you actually see them all? The stars, I mean?"


"Why wouldn't I?" She crossed her forehooves over each other, seeming to be in a conversational mood.


"Meh, here they get obscured by pollution, clouds, and all the lights from the cities," I said. "I don't think I've ever seen a sky full and full of stars," I said, a bit sad. Nightmare Rarity's lovely face showed neither shock or anger, just a passiveness to it all.


"How unfortunate."




----


The two sat in silence for a minute or two. Nightmare Rarity never looking away from the human, who shifted about slightly. Not out of nervousness anymore, he looked down. From the left to the right, and very briefly upwards but quickly back down once more. Her observant eyes looked him up and down, taking in every little feature. His eyes were dark brown, he hadn't shaved in a few days or so as she noted he stubble on his cheeks. Not that she objected. His hair was short and it did look rather soft. He used an index finger to push his glasses back up the bridge of his nose before he looked at her again. She couldn't help but think he was rather handsome-"Did I REALLY just think that?!"


But she had to admit it was pleasant to have a conversation about something simple with someone completely different than what she was accustomed to.


"So where are you from?" He asked, picking off a small piece of tree park before flicking it off to the ground below.


"Equestria. A world not too unlike this one."


"Inhabited by other unicorns?" He asked, his deep brown eyes full of wonder as he realized he was learning about an alternate world.


"And then some. Pegasai, earth ponies, and alicorns," she listed off the types of ponies in her world.


"Alicorns?" Michael asked.


"A pony with a horn and wings," she resisted the urge to scowl at the thought of Princesses Celestia and Luna. And she'd heard that another hated enemy, Twilight Sparkle, had attained alicorn status as well. Although while she'd never admit it, but she found it amusing that the sometimes mentally unstable librarian was royalty. She could only just imagine how she must be handling the duties of being a true leader. Michael leaned back, a quiet "wow" escaping him at all this newfound knowledge.


"Discovering a unicorn, an alternate universe...," he trailed off, his eyes shining as he thought of another question, "are you their leader?" He pointed to her tiara. Nightmare Rarity's left ear twitch slightly.


"Not exactly." She would speak no further on said subject. "I'm not quite their favorite pony." She glanced back up at the moon, she'd spent enough time watching this world's moon to keep track of the time fairly well.


"Well, I must be off now," she felt sad to leave him. It felt far too soon. Michael's eyes glinted in sad way, but she could tell he was trying to hide it.


"Already?"


Nightmare Rarity didn't answer, but merely held out a hoof. He reared back, surprised by the gesture, but quickly understood and reached out with a hand to take her hoof within its gentle grasp. Time seem to slow for the both of them as he held her hoof, never breaking eye contact, her horn glowed gently; surrounding him a magical aura as they lifted off slowly from the safety of the tree. He gave a sharp intake of breath when they first lifted off, but never did he appear truly nervous. Michael trusted her. Again, for what seemed to be too soon, they landed on the grassy ground. Yet still he held her hoof, looking into her eyes, like he just couldn't bring himself to look away from her. Nightmare felt her cheeks turn red and her face grown hot, she registered his thumb gently run over her hoof tenderly.


Michael shook his head as he realized he'd held on for a bit too long and let go, backing away somewhat to give her space.


He was the first to speak.


"So, same t-time tomorrow night?"


Nightmare Rarity was silent for a bit, trying desperately to process what had just happened. She snapped out of it at the sound of his low voice, looking at him once more...and smiling.


"Yes. I'd like that, Michael."

[Kaltes-Herzeleid]

Chapter 5: Blossoming Love, Suspicions
-----


I felt like I could have been flying at hearing her say my name. Her beautiful, beautiful voice had spoken my name. A sense of elation lingering in my chest as I made my way home, feeling like I hadn't a worry in the world. A rare feeling for me. I stopped at my door, my keys jingling in my hands and my mind so happy yet so unfocused as I accidently dropped the small metal objects to the ground, I actually chuckled somewhat and stooped to pick them up. Things had been so different ever since I first met her, and I hadn't even really known her for very long! I finally got the door unlocked and entered my apartment, the light was still on so I could see just fine, the comfortable silence greeted me as it always did. Yet somehow this dissatisfied me all of a sudden. Absently I locked the door behind me and tossed the keys noisily onto the coffee table.


Somehow I still felt happy, but why was the silence of my home so dissatisfying to me.


"Don't ruin this now, you damn idiot," I mumbled to myself. I found speaking to myself was often easier than keeping my thoughts in my head. I didn't feel unhappy, in fact I'd been happier than I had in ages...but somehow I just didn't feel content with walking into my home by myself now. My eyes traveled to the couch, and for the briefest moment I imagined Nightmare Rarity sitting there, looking up as I walked in. Her expression turning into a tender smile upon seeing me.


I shook my head in an attempt to jar myself from these thoughts. But no matter how hard I tried I couldn't stop thinking about her, not that I even wanted to anyway, and just the thought of her made me so happy.




----


Nightmare Rarity appeared in her room with a bright flash of blue, the magical energy dispersing just as suddenly as it had appeared. She was in no mood to deal with servants tonight, namely because her mind dwelled on the human.


"Michael...," she said his name out loud. A strange, yet wonderfully warm sensation entered her chest at the mention of his name; but she immediately disregarded him. "What is wrong with me?" She snapped at herself mentally, visibly scowling at nothing in the present room of which she stood. "Did you forget who you are? Stop this nonsense now!" She commanded herself. Proceeding to walk into the bathroom, her horn glowing as she magically twisted the knobs for fresh water to begin pouring into her bathtub. Or rather what could cave qualified as a small pool. It was lower than the rest of the room, with small steps for easy entrance, four steady torrents of water pouring into it from a higher point like little waterfalls.


"I will not see him again," she concluded, her horn glowing once more to lift her tiara off her head and lay it down on soft, black pillow made specific for it to lay upon. Her necklace followed soon after.


"It's for the best, he means nothing to you," she told herself. But the thought of not seeing him again was a saddening one, and suddenly she felt a pang in her chest, a lovely hoof raising to her heart. Nightmare Rarity could only imagine how hurt he'd be if she didn't show up tomorrow night, he seemed rather sad to begin with. Not in a miserable sort of way, or even a pitiful way. Just...sad. For what reasons she didn't quite know (yet) but whenever they spoke she saw a shine in his brown eyes that she instinctively knew that no one else but her had ever seen before.


"Pity visits? Is that what I am reduced to?" She mockingly thought, but again the truth nagged at her. "You care for him."


He intrigued her, what few conversations they had had in the past had been genuine, and he was rather brave. He did stand up to her when she could have easily hurt him. And he was rather cute...


"Did I really just think that?"



----


Canterlot was a stark contrast to Nightmare Rarity's lunar castle, friendly looking and less imposing. A majestic castle with golden towers and fluttering flags that flowed proudly in the breeze. The streets below were vacant, save for a few ponies here and there, the moon was full and bright; it seemed so close from the tower in which Princess Celestia stood. Her magenta eyes never leaving the glowing white moon, her face unreadable in her contemplation. Her ears briefly recognized the sound of her younger sister's wings beating the warm spring air as she approached in her brief flight.


"I certainly hope you are not trying to take over my position of guardian the night," Princess Luna softly teased her sister, her hooves touching the ground delicately. She carefully adjusted her small black crown and approached her older sister. "You've been up almost ever night, whatever is the matter?" Luna asked, becoming serious. Princess Celestia's white feathers ruffled slightly.


"I was unsure if what I sensed was real...,"


Luna blinked her dark blue eyes in surprise.


"You sensed something as well?" Her voice became dark, somewhat knowing. "I was deliberating on whether I should tell you," Luna went on, "the power I feel every night stemming from the moon is unlike anything I have felt...but I know not what it is."


Celestia only nodded gravely, beginning to step away from the finely crafted balcony railing.


"We must investigate this as quickly as possible," the Sun Princess stated, locking eyes with her sister, a sense of hesitation visible in her eyes. Her golden shoed hooves ceasing movement as she stood in silence. Luna approached slowly, feeling rather small in the eyes of Celestia.


"Sister?"


Celestia exhaled tiredly, accepting the fact she needed to say her suspicions.


"Luna," she placed a hoof softly on Luna's shoulder, "I fear Equestria's greatest enemy has returned."


The Night Princess stepped back, mouth slightly agape, feeling herself bump into the railing as the feeling of shock and fear overcome her. Celestia looked on sadly at her sibling, wishing to provide comfort of some sort, but knew not what to doin this sort of situation. Luna's personal nemesis, as well as hers, was quite possibly alive and well. And doing something, no less.


"How...how is that possible?" Luna asked in a quiet voice, a torrent of anger and fear building within her, her face growing dark. "We vanquished her in Ponyville nearly two years ago now!"


"I do not know Luna, but we must find out immediately."

[Sentimental Gentleman]

This is such a beautifully blossoming romance, and it's so emotionally rich too.

I'm still following along! Keep it coming!