Something Awry

     Hoof beats sounded off in the distance of a dark forest. A young unicorn was walking and lighting the way with her magic, but the bramble was getting thicker as well as the canopy. It was getting hard to see, but the unicorn continued her trek. She didn't know where she was going, but she let her hooves guide her. She came to a small clearing and started toward two small trees, but something stopped her. A shadow caught her eye, but before she could distinguish what it was, it shot into the dark. Without hesitation, she gave chase. The shadow was moving at an unbelievable speed, barely in sight, and then… it vanished. The unicorn slid to a halt and looked around. She saw trees, everywhere. And then, hoof beats sounded again. Only this time, they were louder, closer and coming right at her. They were hoof beats, it couldn't be anything else, but it didn't make sense. She wasn't sure how, but she knew that there shouldn't be anyone else in these woods.

     “W-who’s there?” she asked shakily. She looked around trying to find the source of the sound, but the echo of the hooves made that impossible.

     “Don’t come any closer. I-I don’t want to hurt you. I’m warning you!”

     A snort came from behind her. Terrified, the young unicorn screamed and shrank back. She cowered in fear, not knowing who was behind of her. But a voice rang out, one that embarrassed her deeply.

     “I thought you were smart enough to know that you’re in a dream. I expected better, Midnight Spark.”

     “P-p-princess Luna?!?”

     “Yes, Midnight, I came to see what you were dreaming about. But that is not important. I need to talk to you. Now could you please wake up?” Luna said softly.

     Midnight was hit by a wave of relief, followed by worry. Luna didn't usually visit unexpectedly, so there must have been a reason. She jolted awake and saw Luna at the foot of her bed. Looking out of the window, she saw the horizon was still dark and turned to the princess.

     “What time is it?” Midnight yawned.

     “That is not important. Trouble stirs in Canterlot. My sister, Celestia, called an emergency meeting and insisted that all the princesses bring their students. So I came to collect you.”

     “Wait, what? Is something wrong?”

     “I don't really know right now. I'm as ill-informed as you, and I don’t want to be late. So, please pack a few things and get ready to go.”

     “But what about Starry Skies? She needs me.”

     “Fear not, dear Midnight. Your little sister is coming too. She is as much a student of mine as you are. Now, go get your sister and meet me outside. I have a carriage waiting for us.”

     And with that sentence, the princess left.

* * *

     Midnight Spark, now fully awakened, began to frantically pack a bag for herself. She packed a few books and some cloaks, and then she left her room. Midnight walked up to the door to Starry Skies room, and moved to open it. But it shot open, and the little filly ran out.

     “Midnight, let’s go! Princess Luna needs us.” Shouted Starry Skies.

     “But-… how did-… wait a minute. Who told you about this?” questioned Midnight Spark.

     “Princess Luna did! I was having a bad dream, when all of the sudden I heard her voice. ‘Starry Skies, my little filly, don’t be afraid. Your dreams can’t hurt you. I am here for a reason; I came for your sister, Midnight Spark… and you. So I need you to wake up.’ And so I woke up and I ran to your door, and I heard you talking to Luna so I didn’t come in. Then when Luna was done talking, I ran back to my room an-…”

     “Okay Star, I get it. Did you pack your cloaks and your journal?”

     “Mmmm-hmmm!”

     “Good. Now c’mon sis, Luna is waiting for us.”