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THE NIGHTMARE MEME

Congratulations! Whether through trickery, temptation, or plain old possession, your character has been corrupted by an ancient darkness, previously known only to the Princess of the Night. The Nightmare has just begun.

♦ Your character is now a Nightmare! How did they get to this point, and what do they plan to do with their newfound power? Doubtless, power is on their minds...and maybe eternal night wouldn't hurt either? Just a little bit?

♦ Oh no! Your character's friend is now a Nightmare version of themselves! Will you fight back or try to talk them down? You should probably avoid doing what Celestia did - unless you've got a thousand years to spare.

♦ You know what? Friendship IS magic! Being evil would be a lot more fun if your friends were with you - maybe you should try to lure them over to the dark side as well. Hint: try baking some cookies!

♦ Don't forget the aftercare! If you do manage to snap your friend out of Nightmarehood, you had best be on hoof for a whole lot of comforting afterwards. These things are never easy. Ask Luna, if thou hast doubts.

♦ Villain song. Do it.

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Twilight pushes that hoof aside. She's not taking any chances.

"I'm not leaving without you, Nozomi. The nightmares have you in their grasp and I am not going to let them have you."

"My name's Cure Nightmare, Twilight!" she barked, her horn glowing as she opted to pick up and toss away her friend. "I advise you to remember it. If you think you can beat me, then go ahead. I'll gladly make you bow like you made me!"

Twilight is tossed aside as easily as the nightmare intends...but Twilight vanishes in a flash of magic, teleporting before Nozomi as she skids to a halt.

"...Don't let this control you, Nozomi. You're stronger than this. You always have been."

"If I'm stronger than this, then why can't I protect everyone?! I vowed to protect peoples' dreams and it seems more and more like a silly fantasy!" Cure Nightmare burst out in frustration.

"This world needs fixing. Everyone here needs fixing and I'm going to do it!" she snapped. "If I can't do it through smiles, I do it by force!"

The fact that she turned into something of a panic seems like what Twilight said hit a nerve.

"Force isn't going to make the world a better place. You know what really makes the world better?" She smiles. "I know you do."

"Of course I do! It's--!" Cure Nightmare said, before stopping, whatever she wanted to say getting caught. It took her awhile before she forced it out.

"...dreams... everyone's dreams... I..." she stammered, before she stopped, hooves clamped to her head. "No! NO! You can't stop me, Twilight! You can't!"

"Dreams aren't as fragile as you think they are. Dreams are goals we strive for not just with effort, but with our hearts. We strive for them because we believe so wholeheartedly in them. Sure, they may not always come true the way we hope they will, but dreams give us the hope, the strength, everyone needs to make even the cruelest of realities into something good."

Twilight steps forward. "But you already know that, Nozomi. You know that because your dreams are the strongest of everyone I know."

Cure Nightmare stood there in confusion. Twilight's words were starting to mix with the whispers of the powers she "inherited". Her hooves still clutching her head, she staggered back as she tried to regain control...

"My dreams... no, no, my dreams aren't strong! They're... they're my special..." she stammered, finally dropping to her knees in confusion.

"...Your special talent. You don't just have dreams; you help them come true. Through direct effort, your kind words, your bright smile, your unbreakable spirit...it may not always show, but your efforts shine through and give others the push they need to keep going...just like the dreams they believe in...just like the dreams you fight for."

Cure Nightmare shook in confusion and the evil forces holding on to her were growing quite tired of this farce. It forced the confused pony back on her feet and to stare down Twilight.

"Twilight... Twilight, HELP ME!"

"Don't worry, Nozomi...you're going to be fine. I'll save from the nightmares so you can help everyone dream again."

Twilight's horn glows as she summons forth her Midnight Dial, taking it into her hoof while her heart seed is summoned in her other front hoof.

"Precure...open my heart!"

After inserting the heart seed into the pocket mirror, Twilight is engulfed in a bright light that soon fades and reveals the unicorn in a familiar lavender outfit.

"The darkness from which dreams and nightmares rise...Cure Nocturne!"

"Cure Nocturne... BEGONE!" Unable to control herself, Cure Nightmare charged towards Cure Nocturne, her horn glowing and firing bolts at her as she did.

Twilight deflects the incoming bolts with her own magic, returning fire with waves of dark energy.