Dream Scapeby Dee Bee Doo-wop CooperChaptersPrologueA Rough NightPink Parties and New StoriesDream and ReconstitutionNightmare Sequence (Revised)From the AshesThat's CheatingPrologueThe crowd at Canterlot Theater was huge today. There were thousands of ponies that had come from all over Equestria to hear the story that Dream Scape had come to tell. "Well I don’t think they'll have any problems paying for the show," Princess Luna stated as she turned to her sister. "Certainly, and I believe the story they tell will be quite worth the bits they will receive," Celestia answered. "And how about you, Moon Shade, are you excited?" she continued, turning to the gray pegasus filly seated to her left. "I don't know. It won't be scary will it? Or sad? I don't like scariness." Moon Shade replied nervously. "Well I wouldn't think it would be scary, though you may indeed find it sad to begin with," Celestia comforted. Luna shushed them both, "Quiet, it's starting." "Fillies and gentlecolts, please give a round of applause for Dream Scape," spoke the disembodied voice of the announcer. There was a flash of smoke and from that smoke, a dark grey unicorn with a brown mane emerged; he strode across the stage confidently but not arrogantly. "And the Great and Powerful Trixie." Another flash revealed the blue show-mare, silhouetted by the backdrop of a colorful pyrotechnics display. "Here to display, for your enjoyment, one of the greatest feats of magical storytelling ever performed." With loud applause the lights dimmed and the two unicorns on stage began to channel magic through their horns; the crowd grew quiet as their thoughts turn to the dark planet they now saw before them. They spoke with practiced ease and grace. As the two performed together, the audience felt their hearts and mides molded by the story as they were pulled into the show; no longer were they watching Equestria on a stage, but the whole of it unfolded around them. While Dream Scape told of the three kinds of ponies they saw pegasi flying above, earth ponies and unicorns galloping below. Trixie spoke of the development of technology and magic; the building of towns and cities, and the expansion of Ponydom. Then the story took a turn towards its true purpose, a story of two sisters; one who raised the sun at day break, and the other who beckoned forth the night. However, the crowd could feel something was wrong. The tension built as Dream Scape explained a proposition made by upper-class ponies, one that would silence the night. They felt the younger sister's anger and the elder's sadness; and they felt fear as they saw the younger sister's dreadful transformation. There was excitement as the two sisters battled for supremacy; one to bring eternal night, the other to break the younger's curse. Concern shot through them when the older sister was not able to fully wield the Elements of Harmony, for she had lost her best friend and sister. They witnessed the care with which the younger sister was sealed in the moon. The older sister foresaw that in a thousand year six, would come with the power to break the shell of anger and hatetred. The crowd experienced the love and kindness that the older sister used to construct a magic lock, and the emptiness she felt as she waited. But the story was not yet over; The audience saw six ponies meet in a small town, and watched the bonds of friendship grow beetween them. They felt a thrill as those friends used their bonds to defeat a mighty foe and the sister's curse. Lastly they felt satisfied as the two sisters were reunited. The applause rang throughout the theater and roses fell to the stage. The two performers bowed before disappearing back off stage. "Wow! That was amazing!" Moon Shade squealed as she buzzed around the box. "It was quite grand," Luna replied, amazed as well, however more reserved. "It certainly was," Celestia finished, looking quite pleased. "Can we see it again?!" Moon Shade asked with enthusiasm. Amused, Celestia answered, "Probably not that one, but if you asked, him he might tell us another." With that, the three of them headed out of their box towards backstage. When they arrived, they were quickly ushered into Dream Scape's dressing room. It was rather barren except for a dresser at one end with a chair, and a few cushions on the floor. On his dresser were a couple of photos, one with of a group of six mares, and the other was a picture of him and Trixie on stage. When Scape saw his guests he bowed deeply to both princesses and gave the pegasus filly a warm smile. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked humbly. "This little filly would like to ask you a question." Celestia answered smiling. "Well, I was wondering if you could tell me another story?" Moon Shade asked enthusiastically. "Of course. Anything in particular?" Dream Scape inquired. "Anything you want to tell is fine," Luna replied. "How about a story I Have never told on stage, kind of like a secret?" he said mysteriously, turning back to Moon Shade. "That sounds great," she bounced. "Please take a seat," he said motioning towards the cushions on the floor, "This may take a while..." ~~~~~ Authors Notes: Sorry to anyone who has been trying to view my story and has not been able to because it was not up. Secondly to anyone reading the new prologue that had read the previous one, I have only changed the beginning, the story will remain the same. Also: Moon Shade is not directly related to either of the princesses, also they are simple the audience, though Moon Shade will star in the sequel. Addendum:Many thanks to Snivler Spawn for correcting the gramar and spelling on this. A Rough NightDream Scape grew up in a town just East of Canterlot. It wasn't big by any means but it certainly wasn't anything to laugh at. It had a nice market square at one end and then houses on the other. the town hall was small but it served its purpose. The school was on the western side of town, the buildings themselves were not much to look at but the teachers cared for there students and the principal had a knack for stopping trouble before it started. However, one day the school was looking for a way to show off the talents of there students. The student council voted that a play would be a great way to involve the community in the schools effort.Dream Scape was not eager to perform in it, and opted out of performing. Out of his entire 10th grade class (which wasn't exactly big), he would be the only one without a part. However he did keep himself busy helping his childhood friend Night Shade, who would be narrating, practice her part. Though he wish to not participate, it would be at this play that he found his gift for story telling. "I am sorry Dream Scape, but if you don't fill in for Night shade, we won't be able to put on the performence," his teacher was explaining. "But Night Shade has been practicing for so long, I couldn't possibly take this from her," Scape replied. "You wont be taking it away from her. She is sick, so she can't do it anyways. Plus you've been helping her practice, so even if you dont know the lines, you still should know how to say them." "But...I'm kinda scared, what if they don't like it?" he asked worried. "I'm sure you will do fine, they will love you," she said reassuringly. "...okay" he replied defeated. Dream Scape picked up his script and shuffled onto the stage. Looking into the crowd he saw his parents and his aunt. his relative smiled with the happy surprise of seeing him on stage. Dream Scape composed himself and began to read. As he continued his narration the memories of Night Shades practice with him came back. He dropped the script, he didn't need it. The story flowed out of him, but this wasn't for him. If Night Shade couldn't do this because she was sick he would, and he would make her proud. His horn lit up and he could feel the audiences emotions and he felt he could effect them, change them, and mold them to his story. At the end of the play while back stage Night Shade came up to him. "Thank you," she said in a raspy voice, "I couldn't have done it better myself." "Oh I'm sure you could have, I was Just-" his reply was cut off by a short kiss from Night Shade. Dream Scape and Night Shade were very close at the time and would grow closer, but he never forgot that kiss. It left him sick for a week after. Dream Scape went to college in Canterlote, mastering in literature. He had a nice apartment there. Night Shade got a job in advertising at a near by company and lived with a friend of hers. They would spend a good portion of there free time together, discussing school and there work. They spent many an evening contemplating their future together, and one day Dream Scape felt it was time to ask the question. So, he invited her over for dinner where he had prepared to surprise her. However, that afternoon a storm had blown in from the forest, and was reeking havoc on Canterlot. But feeling that that night was special Night Shade left for his apartment anyways. However it was not her day something happened during the storm. Night Shade was never heard from again. All they ever found was her saddle bag, and a single feather. A feather the perfect shade of black, black as Night. Dream Scape was devastated he spent almost two months in his room leaving only to get food and submit articles to the Daily Inquirer, his job at the time. It wasn't until the Summer Sun Celebration that he looked back to story telling. Watching the princesses raise the sun seemed to relight the spark of creativity in him. He began to tell stories at the small theaters and it was on stage one night that he remembered a promise he had made to Night Shade. That he would tell the greatest story and make her proud. After finishing his degree; he set out on a journey that would take him all around Equestria, in search of a story that would be worth telling for generations to come. He started in the big cities and moved out from there. Dream Scape searched every library, newspaper, magazine, and book for his story. He interviewed countless ponies, and though the stories he learned from them got him enough donations to continue his search. He wasn't able to find that story that would be told for centuries. Little did he know that this stories uncovering was not a matter of hard searching but one of time, and that time was closing in. ~~~~~ Author's Notes: Well here is my injected chapter although I suppose this is what the prologue was originally, but anyways enjoy. Comments and critiques are welcome as always. I am after all still building my creative writing skills. also chapter two will be going up simultaneously as it was completed before this chapter was. So if this chapter is better than the next one that's why. Pink Parties and New StoriesDream Scape carried himself with an air of confidence and friendliness and acted with wisdom that was well beyond his years. However in conversation there were points where his speech would trail off and his eyes would grow cold, as if some shadow passed over his mind. Despite this he managed to pass off as a cheerful if not soft spoken pony. Of course his Attitude on stage was much more powerful, and presence. He was amazed by the rustic beauty of the town he had just walked into. Ponyville was to be the location of this year’s summer sun celebration, and he had not missed one yet. They always made for great stories when he was performing for a small crowd. His “dream” magic required a lot of energy; not only from himself but from the audience’s enthusiasm. Not to say that a small crowd is not enthusiastic, but it’s just not enough ponies to make his dream magic effective. For just that reason, Scape kept a sort of mental library of small stories to tell. Times when his “Epics” would be lost without his magic. As Dream Scape walked through the market, he realized he had not eaten since he left from Manehattan yesterday. At the end of the street he saw a rather ostentatious cake-shaped bakery. “Well, who am I to judge?” he mused. “If this isn’t a place to eat then I must be a tree,” he said. “You’re a tree?!” squealed a very energetic pink pony, who seemingly popped out of nowhere. “Actually, I was just kinda making a bad joke,” Scape chuckled. “Oh,ThatmakessensebecauseifyouwereatreethanyoudhaveleavesandWAITDidyousayjokejokesarefunandPinkiePieloves, WHOA!” She was cut short as Scape’s horn lit up, using his dream magic to fill her with a sense of awe. Pinkie Pie shook herself out and turned back to Scape. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, you must be new here because I know everypony and I mean everypony in Ponyville. We should have a PARTY!” “Actually I’d just like some-“ “Some lunch! Hold on I’ll be right back,” and with that the pink pony sped away. Dream Scape was about to make some comment when, just as fast as she had left, Pinkie was back. “Here, have a cupcake, I just made them.” “Thanks, how much do I owe you?” "Nothing silly, how could I charge you for something I made just for you?” The pony’s explanation had him completely baffled “Well then thank you, I think?” “No problem. Say, do you want to come to a party tonight?” “No thank you. I still need to-“ “Awww, come on it’ll be fun there’ll be cake and punch and games.” “Well, I suppose it can’t hurt.” “Great, come with me to the library so we can set up the surprise.” “Wait, surprise?” Scape spent the rest of the day helping drape streamers and set other party props. He met with many of Ponyville’s residents while setting up, and a few specific encounters stuck with him. First there was the mare named Rainbow Dash, who as he was leaving to get ice, unceremoniously crashed into him. “Heh heh heh, sorry bout that. Guess my balance is kinda off today.” “It’s okay I’ve fallen off a few stages in my life. It doesn’t hurt much more than that,” Dream Scape replied. “So you’re a performer?” “More of a story-teller. My name's Dream Scape, Scape for short.” I’m Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer in Equestria. I was just practicing for the Wonderbolts, I’m gonna impress them at the celebration tomorrow.” “The Wonderbolts, I did a show for them once.” “Really! What are they like, aren’t they so-” The door to the library opened and Pinkie Pie came hopping out. “Ohmygosh! Got to go! Bye!” And with that, Rainbow was gone in a flash. Dream Scape turned to Pinkie Pie, “What was that all about?” “Oh, she’s just being Rainbow Dash.” “I see. Well I’m gonna go get that ice.” “Don’t worry. I already got it.” "How? You didn’t leave the library..." "There’s someone I want you to meet," Pinkie Pie replied, oblivious to Dream Scape's question. "Sure, I guess." "Great!" When Scape got back in the library, it was exactly as it was when he had left. Except that there was now ice in the punch. "So where is this friend of yours?" he asked "Right there!" she pointed directly beneath one of the tables, as if it were an obvious place to look. Dream Scape kneeled down and now saw the yellow pegasus hidden underneath the table. "Hi, I’m Dream Scape. Who are you?" "Oh...um...Im Fluttershy." "Nice to meet you. What do you do around here?" Fluttershy mumbled something and dragged her hoof across the floor. "I’m sorry, I didn't hear that." Fluttershy just looked at him and started to shake with nervousness. "I just...said um...that I think I need to keep...practicingforthecelebration," and with that, she shot out the window, as if from a cannon. "That's funny, I heard her birds sing. They sounded fine," Pinkie Pie muttered as if deep in thought. "Oh well. Guess we should finish up here. Twilight will be here in thirteen minutes, and forty two point three seconds," she looked a little embarrassed and giggled, "Roughly speaking of course." "Well she must be a good friend if you’re going through all this trouble for her." "Actually I just met her." "Oh." During the next thirteen minutes, basically everyone in Ponyville showed up to the library and packed in tight: making sure to keep the path from the door open. Pinkie turned out the lights and hushed them all. They could hear two ponies walking up, and then Fluttershy rushed in carrying a baby dragon. However, she was promptly pushed back out of the library by a purple unicorn. "Rude much?" the Baby dragon asked sarcastically. "Sorry Spike, but I just need a little time alone without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where's the light switch?" "SUPRISE!!!" Pinkie Pie shouted as somepony flicked on the lights. Scape didn't pay much attention to the rest of what happened, although he was going to introduce himself to the unicorn named Twilight Sparkle. However, she disappeared before he got the chance. He did introduce himself to the dragon named Spike, and got into a conversation with him about stories. "That’s probably why she's upset, but really she needs to get out more and talk to people," Spike was finishing. "I don't know, that whole Nightmare Moon thing sounds kinda dangerous, but it'd make one great story," "Yeah I guess it’s kinda scary, but the princess told her to not worry, so what could go wrong?" "The Princess? As in Princess Celestia?" "Yep, Twilight is the Princess's personal student." "I’ll definitely have to meet her now. I bet she has some great stories." Dream Scape noticed Spike's attention waning, and watched as his eyes wandered away. He turned to look at what Spike was staring at and saw a glamorous unicorn with a white coat and a purple mane. "Who's she?" Scape asked the enamored baby dragon. "Rarity, the most beautiful unicorn ever," Spike said as he seemed to drift away. Scape chuckled as he watched, knowing it to be nothing but a childish crush. It was still pretty cute though. "Yo, hiccup, Scape come on over," slurred Rainbow Dash from another table, interrupting his thoughts. "How can I help you?" he asked as he walked over. "Well me and, hiccup, Applejack were have'n a little competition bout who, hiccup, could stay sober longest but she thinks, hiccup, she's won," Rainbow Dash managed to squeeze out, despite her addled brain. "I sure as sugar won! Look at you, ye'r not even fit to fly," The one named Applejack replied as sober as could be. "Oh I could, hiccup, fly." Rainbow countered as she flopped indignantly onto the table and flapped her wings with out coordination. "Well it’s nice to meet you Applejack, and I'm sure once Dash is conscious enough to walk she'll realize the victor," Dream Scape said to Applejack after levitating a now dozing Rainbow back into her chair. "Well, it was nice to meet you too. If you ever have a spare moment, don’t hesitate to stop by our farm sometime. We got the best apples in…well shoot, probably anywhere." "I'll be sure to drop by sometime." Scape replied, as he walked toward the buffet to get something to eat. Dream Scape spent the rest of the night talking to various ponies, and telling stories. As the night wound down though, he couldn't shake a sense of impending dread. "I hope that Spike is right, and that it is just an old mares-tale." ~~~~~ Author's Notes: Once again thank you to Parakalo for proofreading this for me. Dream and ReconstitutionDuring the hour or so between Pinkie Pie's party, and the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration, Dream Scape found himself wandering around the now closed market street. His creative mind was working on how he could describe The Mare in the Moon. "What was her name again? Oh right Nightmare Moon." Dream scape had now gone for almost two days without sleep and it was beginning to show. "Well I suppose it's logical that she has a black coat, it is the color of the night sky after all. Perhaps her mane would shimmer like the Princes's, but instead of different colors it would be a star scape." The uninttend use of his name for a discription brought a slight chuckle from himself. "Uhm, excuse me? who are you talking to?" asked a white and purple unicorn he racognized as Rarity. "No one, I simply think better out loud sometimes, Especially when tired. Hello I'm Dream Scape, and your Rarity I presume?" "Why yes I am, have you heard of me? I usally only design female clothing, but if you that interested I'm sure I could wip something up for you." "No, its quite all right, your friend spike pointed you out at the party is all." "Oh yes of course, he is such a cute little thing isn't he? Eeep, look at the time we should get over to the Town hall or I'll miss my part." On there way over to town hall the met up with Applejack, Fluttershy, and a soaking wet Rainbow Dash. "Oh hello girls. how has your night been?" Rarity asked, as the two groups joined at a crossroad. "Just peachy, though more than a bit tired." Applejack replied. "Well it would be great, if someone," Rainbow Dash shot Applejack an accusatory glance, "hadn't thrown me in the river." "It was for ye'r own good, look at you, sober as a school filly now." "I don't see what one has to do with the other." Rainbow Dash shot back. "It sounds like you two enjoyed yourselves then." Dream Scape interjected. "Absolutely! Tonight was awesome." Rainbow Dash answered enthusiastically. "Sure as sugar did," Applejack replied, also rather enthusiastic. "It was...nice," Fluttershy mumbled. "So Fluttershy, I heard you take care of the animals around here." Dream Scape asked Fluttershy., breaking the silence that had fallen over the group. "Oh yes. It's such a wonderful job, sometimes I just don't even know how to describe it." she replied excitedly. "And your in charge of the music tonight?" "Yes, its going to be..." Fluttershy seemed to notice her outgoingness and shrunk back behind Applejack,"nice." After that the groups conversation fell away, and they were left walking in a comfortable silence till the reached the City hall. When they arrived the group went inside, Rarity headed up to the balcony and Fluttershy went over to tend to her birds. The hall was already pretty full, but Dream Scape, and Applejack managed to squeeze in. Scape looked into the crowd and found Twilight in the front of the audience. "Well that would make sense, she is the princesses personal student after all." Dream Scape said to himself. "What was that hun?" Applejack asked. "It's nothing." No sooner had he gotten settled when the mayor called, "Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration." But what caught his attention was Twilight starring out the window at the moon. Dream Scape looked up at the moon as well. "Shouldn't there be craters on the moon?" he thought to himself. However Rarity shout of, "She's gone!" snapped his attention back to the stage. Which was, save for Rarity, very empty. Although it didn't stay empty long though as the residence of Poniville watched in terror as a midnight black alicorn materialized before them. She was about the same build as Princes Celestia, but this ponies mane billowed more like smoke then as if in a breeze. As the midnight black mare addressed the crowds, Scape was struck by how close he had gotten his prediction of Nightmare Moons appearance, though the mane was a little more purple than he would have thought. He shook himself out. "This is no time to be thinking about my stories," he said to himself follow a face-hoofing. However despite her evil nature Nightmare Moon managed to avoid the temptation of droning on towards her captive audience. She swiftly turned into a cloud of smoke, after finishing her short speech, and flew (if thats the word for floating smoke) out the door. A now sober Rainbow Dash chaised after, In fact he noticed all six of the ponies that had stuck in his memory had seemed to give chase. "Well, I probably can be of more help here anyways." Dream scape said to himself as he headed over to the mayor. "If we don't stop this panic. a lot more ponies will be hurt," the mayor was explain to some guards. "Yes ma'am, but they're so afraid we can't seem to get control," one of the guards responded. "If I'm not interrupting, I may have a solution," Dream Scape anounced as he walked up. "What would hat be? From what I've heard your just a story-teller" the mayor asked incredulisly. Dream Scape told them a tale of his own childhood. One day in 11th grade his class had a test. He had studied, but a very good friend of his, Night shade, had not. She was nervous, and Dream Scape wanted to calm her. As he searched his mind for something that would calm her he discovered he could feel her emotions, that he could connect with them (specifically her anxiety). So he drew it out, but he need somewhere to put those emotions, so he captured them within himself. After he had finished. he felt quite nervous himself, but also relatively accomplished. Later he would realize that he could transfer emotions between himself and other ponies and also change and manipulate them in some cases. Also if the conditions were right he could bounce emotions back and forth and amplify them like he does during a show. However emotions naturally grow from the environment that they're experienced in, such as a room full of terrified ponies. "It sounds too dangerous," stated the Mayor. "The only danger is to myself, and better one pony than the casualties this panic could cause," Scape countered. "I suppose I can't stop you," the mayor conceded, "but do be careful." "As careful as I can." Dream Scape turned away, towards the crowd and closed his eyes. He felt their terror like the chill of ice, he called to it, beckoned it out of the crowd. As the they felt their panic rush away from them they could see a dark haze lift out of them and begin to swirl around them. Scape's magic gave them sight of there emotions. They could feel the air turn icy where the dark tendrils passed through. They saw Dream Scape struggle with his magic, as he tried to control the dark energy. The Cloud seemed to try, and seek out ponies in the hall. It would condense and push towards someone and Dream Scape would pull it back. He slowly worked the cloud back to himself and embraced it. The audience to this frightening struggle, watched as the black tendrils slither and climb their way into him. On that day Dream Scape stole fear, and that fear stole him. Dream Scape eyes shot open,and began to dilate. he stood there quaking uncontrollably with terror, and then his world went black as he slipped into unconsciousness. Nightmare Sequence (Revised)Dream Scape was wandering through a burnt forest. The trees were nothing but black husks and the ground was dried and without life. He heard voices whispering and the sound of light hoof steps in the shadows as he walked between the trees. The dark outline of a new moon was in the sky and the shadowy canvas upon which it rested was devoid of stars. The shadows flickered around him as if he was some sort of flame. "I suppose this is some sort of dream, but why would anypony, let alone me, dream of such a dreary place," Dream Scape said to himself as he continued through the forest. "Well, let’s think about this. what was I doing before I ended up here, I was at the town hall and there was Nightmare Moon and then, Oh...The fear, this is going to be a long night." While talking to himself Dream Scape failed to see the dead root spring up in front of his hoof and trip him. Suddenly he was falling. Dream Scape was standing in front of a brown earth pony with a darker brown mane and an hourglass cutie mark. "This is very Important, whatever you do don't eat the pears," the colt said before spinning around and galloping off into the blackness that surrounded them. Before he was out of sight he turned around and shouted over his shoulder, "And don't forget to duck, DUCK NOW!" Dream Scape ducked as what looked like a statue of an angel pony sailed right over his head. "What was that all about?" he wondered, thoroughly confused, as his vision went black. He was walking through a dense mist, probable the heaviest he had ever seen. He could not see the sky above him nor the ground under his hooves and the fog blocked out almost all light. A soothing yet evil voice called from a distance, "Come my little pony, come forth and smell the ashes." Dream Scape turned towards the voice and began to walk to it. He didn't know why, but he couldn't stop himself. As the voice grew stronger, the mist began to thin. He found himself in a clearing filled with dead roses and more vibrant burnt trees lining the edges. However the center of the clearing was filled with jet black flowers, and the grew from what appeared to be a pool of blood. “Hello my little pony, you remember me right," the voice said as a purple cloud began to grow in the center of the clearing. As the figure of Nightmare Moon materialized Dream Scape began to feel a little shaky. However he remembered his previous observation; that this was simply a dream or more of a nightmare. He chuckled at his accidental pun. "What are you laughing at? Am I not powerful enough for you?" Dream Scape replied confidently, "No, I just remembered this is all a dream. So I'll be on my way." "Your right, this may just be a dream, but it certainly is not yours." The mare replied, smirking. A little less confidently he asked, "Well if it’s not my dream, then whose is it?" "This is my dream Foal!" Nightmare roared. Dream Scape cringed, he had certainly been surprised, if not a little scared. Nightmare Moon began to laugh at his reaction. "Oh, it's not that bad at least you have me to keep you company. "How is that a good thing?" Dream Scape asked, perplexed. Nightmare Moon answered, smirking once again, "I think it would get kind of lonely being trapped in a coma by yourself." Frightened, Dream Scape replied wearily “Coma, you mean I'm not going to wake up?" "That's the way comas work or at least that's how they worked before my trip to the moon." Nightmare answered with an expression of great thought. "Oh well, guess we'll find out soon enough, or not." Dream Scape was falling... He walked into Sugercube corner. At the counter was the bright pink form of Pinkie Pie, but something was different, her hair was down. "That's odd I couldn't imagine that filly putting time into brushing her mane," he thought to himself. "Hi what can I get you, a pear? They're good and good for you." Pinkie said with a big, if not a little creepy grin on her face. "No thanks, a friend told me to stick to apples." Dream Scape replied. "Better safe than sorry right." he was already shaken from his encounter with Nightmare Moon, he didn't need anything else going wrong. With a small explosion Pinkie's hair returned to its normal state. "Oki Doki Loki! Just checking." "Uh, thanks?" "Don't worry you passed." "Passed what?" "The test you silly billy." And with those parting words the ground dissolved beneath him. Dream Scape was falling... Dream Scape found himself once again In Nightmare Moons' clearing. However the villain in question was not present. Off in the distance came the sounds of weeping. Dream Scape ventured out into the fog to find the source of the crying. He search for what felt like hours in the grey abyss, he would walk strait towards the sound but it would move away from him, forcing him to turn in circles. Through the fog he caught glimpses of his past, the school play, that first kiss, a party from college, and lastly that night, all alone at his apartment.He walked through this grim biography only to find himself led back into the clearing. Curled in the center was the body of Nightmare Moon, but the whispers he heard coming from her as she wept was certainly not in her voice. "Where do I know that voice from?" he whispered to himself, "No it can't be..." "Nightshade." The name echoed around him as as he said those words. The mare’s body began to change. Her mane became solid and turned black, her body shrank down, and her cutie mark changed to a feather dipped in paint. She looked up at Dream Scape, his body shook with anguish and sorrow as he looked into her grey eyes. "Why didn't you look for me?" she asked, with a mournful expression. Dream Scape replied shakily, "They...they said you were dead." "How would you know? You didn't look for me. You just left me on that street, alone in the rain." she replied sadly. Dream Scape felt depression coil around him. She was right, he never looked for her. "That's right you just sat in your apartment moping around." He was barely able to "I'm...sorry..." "You should be, now our daughter will grow up without a mother or a father," she shot him a withering glare. "What do you mean daughter? Your just part of my mind...You can't know that." "I guess you’ll never know, will you?" With that Nightshade began to melt into the pool of blood. Dream Scape ran to try and catch her. For a thousand years I've waited here for you. Waited every night, for I thought you were the answer to my life. He tried desperately to hold onto her. Days turned into years and then to centuries, Patients had to fade. Don't you see that there is vengeance in my eyes. But she flowed like water through his hoofs. Luna won't you cry for me, I'm as lonely as I've ever been. Dream Scape sobbed harder than he ever had before. I am forced right back into the start, is there any way to fix a broken heart. Dream Scape was falling... ~~~~~ Author's Notes: Sorry it took so long but here is my new chapter. This has been probably my favorite chapter to write so far. In case nopony gets this the depression he feels at the end is brought on by the fear (hint hint) that she died because he didn't look for her. So keep in mind that everything "Nightshade" says is his own fear speaking, but everything "Nightshade" says is true, figure that one out. Also there are a few references scattered about, the Doctor Who ones are pretty obvious, but see if you can name the other ones. One last thing, props to Eurobeat Brony's song Luna. Edit: Thanks to Parakalo for editing my story, I wish I could get him to do it before I post chapters though. I'm just kidding, he was feeling under the weather so I don't blame him. *GASP* my rating has fallen, WHY...Seriously why, I'm new to creative writing of this type and would love to know why you rate me so low, or if I'm actually doing better and you just forgot to re rate me, you should do that now...anypony?...Darn, oh well it was worth a shot. From the AshesDream Scape woke up to the buzzing of florescent lights. He was in a less than comfortable bed with metal rails on either side. Confused he looked around at his surroundings. The room was plain white and had a cupboard with a counter and sink, upon which sat jars of unused medical tools. Medical tools that’s a start. Next to the bed there were a few pieces of electronic equipment which were off at the moment. But what are those for? "Where am I?" he asked himself as he sat up in the bed. A friendly-looking white mare with a pink mane, wearing a nurses cap, walked into the room."Welcome to Ponyville General Hospital, my name is Nurse Redheart," she said. "Oh, the hospital…That’s great.” He responded in a dull voice, “What happened after I passed out?" "You were a little more than passed out; your brain activity showed signs of moderate cerebral trauma." "That has never happened before.” His voice was full of concern, “Why would magic cause actual trauma?" "I believe that part of it is you were straining your magic, and the other part is that your body was trying to reject the emotions you were drawing in. Now, I wasn't there, so I can't say for sure, but from what the mayor described, this is the logical diagnosis." "I haven't ever tried to manipulate that much raw emotion before. I mean when an audience listens to my stories, they give their emotions to me to move and change, but I've never tried stealing emotions from that many ponies before." "Well that would seem to support my diagnosis as well, however your more recent scans suggest that you have made a full recovery and may leave whenever you like." "Wait. ‘Recent’? How long have I been asleep?" Dream Scape asked apprehensively. "It has only been about two weeks." Dream Scape released the breath he had been holding, "That's a relief. I thought you were going to say years." "If you had been out that long, I assure you my relief to you waking would have been less happy and more along the lines of witnessing a miracle." "Oh, that's comforting. I should probably get going; I've already spent too long in Ponyville. I don't want to miss out on anything else." "Very well, I will collect your things while you get up." As Nurse Redheart left the room, Dream Scape slowly extricated himself from the hospital bed. He walked over to the door way and rounded the corner. His senses were immediately assaulted by a spray of confetti and the yelling of “surprise” by six colorful equines squeezed up in the hall. Dream Scape yelped as he jumped right into the ceiling. "Maybe surprising him right after he got out of the hospital wasn't such a good idea," suggested Twilight Sparkle, who was still new to this whole friendship thing. "Maybe..." replied a dazed Dream Scape from his current position, laying flat on the floor. Dream Scape and Twilight were eating lunch at a local diner, The other five said they had important business to attend to, even Pinkie who said something about Mr. Cake setting his hair on fire. The seating was outside and it was located just off the town square. Twilight had filled him in on what he had missed during the last two week, and their conversation had turned to idle chit-chat. "Sorry for the scare. I hope you’re not hurt?" asked a still slightly concerned Twilight Sparkle. "No, I'm fine. You ponies just startled me is all." "Oh, good. How sad would it be if I gave a friend permanent brain damage before even being properly introduced to him? Unless causing brain damage is a way to make friends...I should look this up when I get back to the library." "I can assure you, Twilight Sparkle, that you will not make many friends by beating them over the head with a board." "Really? I should write this down, give me a second, I'll be right back." With that the lavender unicorn ran off towards the nearby library to retrieve some writing supplies. "Well, she seemed excited," commented the lilac unicorn that had been serving them. Misinterpreting her comment Dream Scape replied hastily, "Oh we're not together or anything." "I know," said the waitress, matter-of-factly, "How's your story coming?" "Well, I was thinking that this 'Nightmare Moon' debacle might make a good story, but it seems that everypony already knows it, so that's a dead end." "Maybe, but I've been wondering why princess Luna became Nightmare Moon. That would certainly entertain me. Hmm, oh well. It was nice talking to you, have a nice day." She said as she walked away, carrying his and Twilight’s empty plates. Twilight Sparkle returned to her seat. "What did I miss?" Twilight's question fell on deaf ears, though; Dream Scape was lost in thought. 'The Origins of Nightmare Moon', that might work... After lunch, Dream Scape spent the rest the next hour or so packing his few belongings and buying supplies for his trip to Manehattan. Not only did they have a great theater there, whose manager was a friend of his, but they also had a library which rivaled the size of the Princesses' personal library. He could have taken the train to Manehattan but he enjoyed the trek through the country, and camping was another of his hobbies. Twilight and her friends had gathered at the edge of Ponyville to see Dream Scape off. "Are you sure you don't mind walking? I'm sure I could get Celestia to lone you her carriage," Twilight asked once again in a concerned voice. "I'll be fine. I've done this probably a hundred times now." "Actually, just seven," Pinkie Pie interjected. "Huh?" the other six ponies said in unison. "He's only done it seven times." she replied with a shrug. "Yes, I suppose seven would be the about right." Dream Scape replied, almost completely recovered from Pinkie's startling clairvoyance. "Well you just keep yerself safe, ya hear?" Applejack ordered. "Yeah, dying is definitely not cool," the other five turned towards Rainbow Dash and glared, "What? It's true." "I'll keep that in mind." Rarity said, "While I don't approve of her lack of sensitivity, I do agree with Rainbow, it would be simply terrible if something happened to you." "Oh, that would be awful if something happened. You could be hurt, or worse," added Fluttershy. "I know you'll be fine. See you in two months," Pinkie’s farewell was met with more confused glances. "Well, I'll be off then." With that, Dream Scape started down the trail that would take him to Manehattan, and hopefully, the beginnings of his new story. Dream Scape really did enjoy the experience of the outdoors; it always felt to him like a place where his mind could wander and inspiration, not a mix of nitrogen and oxygen, filled the air. But today he wasn't able to relax; he tried wondering about his new story. However, with little information, that did him no good. He tried to just enjoy the beauty of the spring-time environment. The air was filled with birdsong and the slight rustling of the breeze through the trees that lined the dirt path. Beyond the trees were gently rolling hills covered in grass and vibrant wild flowers in all the colors of the rainbow. Rabbits and other small animals scampered from bush to bush, enjoying the spring time sun. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried, Dream Scape’s thoughts always turned back to Night Shade. Did I really abandon her? The question plagued his mind. Would things really have been different if I had looked for her? Canterlot is huge, I wouldn't have been able to find her by myself, but I could have at least tried… He was too lost in his own thoughts to notice the blue unicorn pulling a rather large trailer until he had literally run into her. The blue mare now sat bit front of her trailer her disheveled silver main now fallen in her face. Dream Scape apologized hastily, "Oh, I am so sorry, I didn't see you there." "It's alright, no harm done, at least to me. Are you okay?" the blue mare replied. "I'm fine. Surprising though, with a trailer that large, I would have expected you to run right over me. It looks like it takes quite a bit of effort to stop that thing." "Actually, with my ‘come to life’ spell it's rather easy to move and stop. Doesn't weigh much more than a feather." Dream Scape noticed there was a faint silver blue aura surrounding the trailer. "Well, that must come in handy. I'm sorry, how rude of me not to introduce myself. I'm Dream Scape." "Nice to meet you, Dream Scape, I am the Great and Powerful Trixie," she started enthusiastically, but her voice faltered when she got to her title. "Are you okay?" "Yes, Trixie is fine she, I mean I just can never get my introduction right." "What is it that you do that requires such a grand title?" "I am a performer as my father was before me; I travel all throughout Equestria performing the greatest feats of magic ever witnessed...or at least I would if I wouldn't freeze up on stage." "So you’re just nervous. Well that's not hard. All you need to do is believe in yourself. If you know that your magic is truly great and powerful, others will see that it is too." "Yes, but I just don't know if I can live up to my father’s title; I'm not sure I truly am great and powerful. Oh my, look at the sun; I don't believe I will be making it any further tonight. Would you care to join me and camp at this crossroads?" Dream Scape took the opportunity to look around for the first time since his collision. They were standing in a small clearing at a fork in the road, the trail he had been walking led back to Ponyville, the road Trixie had came from led to Hoofington, and the third branch led off to Manehattan. "Well, it looks like I'm not going to be getting much farther either. So, why not?" And with that, Dream Scape levitated the tent out of his saddle-bag and began to set it up while Trixie put the stopping blocks under the wheels of her trailer. By the time the sun had set, Dream Scape had built a sizable fire and had begun to cook a hearty carrot stew. Meanwhile, Trixie had been setting up a rather large and intricate two story tent, complete with its own balcony. "Are you sure that tent’s big enough for you?" Dream Scape asked with friendly sarcasm. "I admit it is a bit large and unnecessary. However my father had a few eccentricities and one of those was this tent. It is one way that I keep him close." "What exactly did your father do?" "He was a magician like me. He was better with sleight of hand where I specialize in illusion myself. I guess you could say his second job was taking care of me." "Was your mom not around?" "Nope. As soon as I was born, she sued my dad for foal support, took the money, and then left me with dad anyways." "So you don't know your mom?" "Oh no, I've certainly had the displeasure of meeting her. After my dad died, she showed back up and tried to get part of my inheritances too." "So, she didn't get any then?" "No, in fact I sued here for the foal support my father gave her plus interest. I donated it to my father’s museum. Not that there was any money for her to take anyways, my father never worked for profit. He would only take as much money as he need to feed me and him and give us our basic comforts. I donated most of his belongings to the museum as well." "Wow, he sounds like a pretty great stallion. Who was your father, by the way? He sounds pretty famous." "I surprised you haven't heard of him. He was and shall always be The Great and Powerful Peter Prestige." "Of course, I knew that title sounded familiar. I never had a chance to see one of his shows, but my parents told me he did a show in our town when I was about five months old." "After I was born, he didn't travel much from Trottingham, but if you ever get the chance you should go see the museum there. But that's enough about me; what do you do?" Dream Scape got up to check the stew, "Well, I am a storyteller. My work isn't exactly interesting, I just go from town to town, picking up stories and sharing them with others." Deciding that the stew was done, he filled a bowl and floated it over to Trixie. "Come on, you must have something interesting to tell me, you must meet a lot of ponies," Trixie looked up at the blanket of stars that were casting their light on the clearing below. More contemplatively, she said, "I guess I'm going to be meeting a lot of ponies too." "I certainly have met a few interesting ponies, that's for sure. You heard about the Nightmare Moon incident, right?" "Of course. The former mayor of Trottingham motioned to not let Princess Luna return to rule. Celestia relieved him as soon as possible, which was as soon as she finished lecturing him on how it was accusations and propositions like his that caused this problem in the first place." "Really? I'll have to look into that. But would you believe me if I told you I was there?" "Actually, yes. You seem like an honest pony. Why?" "Well, I had gone to Ponyville to watch the summer sun celebration, and as you know that's when the whole Nightmare Moon thing happened. The bearers of the Elements of Harmony went off to stop her, but the citizens of Ponyville were absolutely terror stricken. So, there was only one thing I could do...I stole their fear," Dream Scape had meant for that last part to sound heroic and epic, but as he spoke a shiver ran down his spine and chilled his bones. Was that laughing? "What do you mean you ‘stole their fear’?" "Well, that's what my magic does. I can take emotions from other ponies and change them, and if necessary I can just take them into myself. But that can cause problems..." "Like what?" "Terrible nightmares, and moderate cerebral trauma." "Is it really that bad?" Trixie asked a bit skeptical. "I was in a coma for two weeks." "Oh...wow." Trixie looked down at her hooves a moment, then her head shot up with a look of inspiration on her face, "If you can take away negative emotions from ponies, could you give positive emotions to somepony else?" "Well I suppose I could, I don't think that would be a good idea though, especially since I'm still a bit disoriented emotionally speaking," Trixie looked a bit crest fallen, "Oh...alright then." A silence fell between the two, and Dream Scape began to clean up the remnants of their dinner. He collected up the bowls and used a quick burst of flames to clean and sanitize this dishes, I owe you that one, Night Shade; fire does make doing the dishes easier. Dream Scape looked over and saw that Trixie was still sitting sadly in front of the fire. "Cheer up. I know that performing in front of an audience is hard, but I am sure that you can do it. You had quite the father and you know what they say about apples and trees." Dream Scape added a bit of magic to his words, lightening her spirits a bit, Oh, good. That's working again. "Yeah, you’re right. I guess there's no point in worrying about something that can't be changed. Still, it would be a bit easier with some magical confidence." Trixie looked at him with a teasing smirk. "Maybe. We'll see. Anyways, despite the fact I've been sleeping for the past two weeks I am as tired as can be. Sleep well, Luna keep you." "You too. Good night." ~~~~~ Authors Notes: First and for most...No Dream Scape and Trixie do not currently have any feelings for each other, they are both traveler and as such prefer to camp with company at night. Second, yes Trixie is not acting prideful, I will explain why, or more like Why she ends up acting prideful. Third, props to Parakalo for letting me borrow the waitress from his fic A Comet's Tale, (though between you and me, a big part of her character came from me). Plus a few more references in this chapter, internet points to anypony who finds them. Also as always, all suggestions and criticism is welcome. Lastly: Thank you so much Parakalo for coaching my writing and helping me to correct my error's. Hopefully you enjoy this next chapter, if not it's his fault just as much as it is mine. Bwahahahaha. That's CheatingQuick Author's Note: The title comes from my friend's reaction to Rarity charming Spike into giving up his fire ruby. Not because any of the characters are cheating on each other because there isn't any shipping yet, accept the shipping to the moon anypony that complains this is moving too fast. Quick Pre-reader’s Note: I have been about as useful as a box of hay these past few weeks, I am ashamed to say. I have responsibilities as a pre-reader, and moreover as a friend. I’m truly sorry for any frustration I’ve caused in Digit’s readers, and most importantly in DigitDaemon. I’ll be at his house tonight, pertaining that he still invites me, and I imagine he will “rip me a new one,” as the saying goes. Know that I am incredibly sorry, and that it took a bad head-cold for me to realize it. ~~~~~ Dream Scape woke up with a terrible headache, this is odd, I don't think I drank anything last night, or for the last three years even. He got up out of his sleeping bag and to his chagrin discovered he had been using a small rock for a pillow. However, all these things were forgotten as he climbed out his tent; there by the fire bowl stood the gorgeous and beautiful Trixie. Her hair was flowing in the mid morning breeze and her eye's glittered like amethysts in the mid morning sun. "So I was thinking…maybe you could use that magic of yours and boost Trixie's confidence a bit?" Trixie cooed. "Well...I don't think that’s such a good idea. Like I said it can be very dangerous if I don’t do it right…” “Well that’s too bad, you wouldn’t want to help out a filly in need?” Trixie asked, brushing up against Dream Scape as she passed him. He slowly turned and watched as she sauntered towards her trailer. “So…pretty…” Dream Scape muttered in a daze as Trixie stopped to open the door; she was even more beautiful than Celestia. Trixie poked her gorgeous head back out of the trailer, “So about that magic, what do you say?” This time Trixie’s proposal was met with no resistance, “Yeah…just hold on, a second.” Dream Scape began channeling magic through his horn while simultaneously searching his desire filled mind. Self confidence isn't an emotion, but what is it that brings out self confidence? Pride… that's it. Pride in your work. He carefully transferred pride into his horn and slipped it into Trixie's emotional "bank". However, as the last of the carefully measured emotions receded, hefelt something else travel with them…a dark seed. Having completed her plan, Trixie dropped the illusion she had used to persuade him. "Hey, you cheated!" Dream Scape said in shock with a hint of anger. "It's not cheating, it's being resourceful. Plus, if you had paid attention, you would have obviously seen the inconsistencies that are present in such a large illusion," she countered. "I suppose, but I must undo it. There was something wrong with the spell, it didn’t feel quite right at the end." "I'd say it worked perfectly, Trixie feels more confident already." "Are you sure?" Dream Scape asked with a look of concern "Trixie is sure she is not harmed." Trixie replied indignantly. "I suppose we will part ways here; I need to get to Manehattan by night fall today." "I am heading to Daww'troit, It's just a few hours down the road, so I think I will take my time packing and enjoy the natural atmosphere." "Very well then. I suppose we might run into each other again one day." "I look forward to it." Dream Scape started down the path to Manehattan, he had quite a trek ahead of him. Manehattan was almost twenty miles from Ponyville. He had covered a good six miles of that yesterday afternoon, but fourteen miles was still a long walk. However, unlike the road to Trottingham, there was no danger of timber wolves or manticore attacks. As he walked along the path, Dream Scape noticed that today was yet again beautiful, just like yesterday had been. However, unlike yesterday, his mind was clear. I guess I just needed a relaxing night out in the country. I should definitely do this more often. Dream Scape made good time getting to Manehattan. He was crossing the city-line just as the sun was dipping under the horizon. Most didn't notice it, but he could have pointed out that the moon seemed reluctant to rise above the earth. It's the same shape as Nightma-- I mean Luna's cutie mark…is she afraid people will think she taking over again...? He continued to make his way down the busy streets filled with ponies of all color. The buildings were covered in huge billboards advertising everything from Colt-a-Cola to natural horn enhancement. I guess some people don't realize that our horns are made out of the same stuff our hoofs are. He turned the corner and at the end of the street was the Stage Show Theatre. Bit of a redundancy. Dream Scape walk through the theater door and was immediately embraced by the theater's owner. "Dream Scape! It's great to see you. How are you lad?" asked the owner exuberantly. Dream Scape had first met Jollygood Show while in college; he had offered Dream Scape a job after seeing him practice in his speech class. Dream Scape had been forced to decline because the travel time between Canterlot and Manehattan was too great. However, Jollygood had generously paid for his last year in college (he was the most successful theater owner in the city after all), and hooked him up with a more local job. He also pointed out that jewelry shop on fifth and Broadhoof, but there’s nothing I can do about that now. After college they had stayed in touch; Jollygood had always been happy to give him a performance slot when Dream Scape needed the bits. One could later say that Jollygood Show made a good investment in helping Dream Scape "It's good to see you too Jollygood, how's Marque?" Dream Scape replied as he pulled out of the bear hug. "She’s doing great. Don't tell her that I told you, but I'm going to be a father in seven months." "That's great! Congratulations to both of you. I hate to ask for favors, but I'm running out of money, and was wondering if you could give me a few show slots while I was in town?" he asked. "Oh, it's no trouble at all. I couldn't turn down the best story teller in Equestria," Jollygood offered graciously. "I‘m not sure I deserve that title, at least not yet," he replied sheepishly, "Actually, I'm here to look around the library. I heard something about the mayor of Trottingham being dismissed. do you know anything about that?” "Funny you should mention that. I heard from my cousin that he proposed that Luna would be indefinitely suspended from the throne. Celestia sure did chew him out for that, something about those kinds of proposals causing the Nightmare Moon incident a thousand years ago. If you want more Information you should hit up the library, they store all the legal records past one hundred years of conclusion plus all the rejected propositions." "Thanks, I'll probably be heading there after I find a hotel," the gears in his head visibly turning. "Just don't spend too much time there, I know they are open twenty-four seven, but you‘re working from ten to five tomorrow." "Yes sir." Dream Scape gave a mock salute as he left the theater. After Dream Scape reserved a room in the Striped Mane Motel he headed over to the Royal Library Manehattan Branch. He walked up to the colt at the Information desk. "Hello sir, how can I help you?" "Well," Dream Scape glanced at his name tag, "Conrad, would I be able to find any Royal Court documents from around a thousand years ago?" Dream Scape asked. "If whatever you‘re looking for still exists we have it here. Is there any particular subject?" "Anything involving Luna, or possibly the Moon." "Alright then, feel free to sit at any of the tables in the viewing room. I will be over there in just a moment with your documents. Dream Scape took a seat in the viewing room and was just about to start contemplating how long he would have to wait, when Conrad returned holding a single folder. "I'm not certain that this is what you want, but until recently it was classified. The princess ordered it to be declassified along with Trottingham's mayor‘s dismissal. I'll go get the other documents while you look at that." "Thank you," Dream Scape replied eagerly, along with the mayor's dismissal, this sounds very promising. He opened the file and started reading. 'Case 178-95, Daww'troit residence petition for improved crop cycles', How would they do that? The only way would be to... 'residence propose the permanent removal of the night from the celestial cycle.' Oh my, I thought some of my stories were ridiculous, but this is just insane. No wonder Luna became Nightmare Moon. 'proposition under consideration but the consideration was crossed out and replaced with, 'Denied date: 4/23/1006' That's the day after the first Nightmare Moon incident. ~~~~~ (Longer and better thought out) Authors Notes: Parakalo not only are you always welcome at my house, I am also not mad at you. Yes it would have been nice to get this about a week earlier, but you still do a unparalleled job of editing and for that I can not thank you enough. Trust me without his help you would have just read 1,600 words of caveman speak. As for the rest of you bronies, thank you for once again returning to read my work. If any of you have suggestions to make or critiques on my story don't hesitate to comment. Or if you just want to leave a witting remark or tell me I'm doing great, that works too.
PrologueThe crowd at Canterlot Theater was huge today. There were thousands of ponies that had come from all over Equestria to hear the story that Dream Scape had come to tell. "Well I don’t think they'll have any problems paying for the show," Princess Luna stated as she turned to her sister. "Certainly, and I believe the story they tell will be quite worth the bits they will receive," Celestia answered. "And how about you, Moon Shade, are you excited?" she continued, turning to the gray pegasus filly seated to her left. "I don't know. It won't be scary will it? Or sad? I don't like scariness." Moon Shade replied nervously. "Well I wouldn't think it would be scary, though you may indeed find it sad to begin with," Celestia comforted. Luna shushed them both, "Quiet, it's starting." "Fillies and gentlecolts, please give a round of applause for Dream Scape," spoke the disembodied voice of the announcer. There was a flash of smoke and from that smoke, a dark grey unicorn with a brown mane emerged; he strode across the stage confidently but not arrogantly. "And the Great and Powerful Trixie." Another flash revealed the blue show-mare, silhouetted by the backdrop of a colorful pyrotechnics display. "Here to display, for your enjoyment, one of the greatest feats of magical storytelling ever performed." With loud applause the lights dimmed and the two unicorns on stage began to channel magic through their horns; the crowd grew quiet as their thoughts turn to the dark planet they now saw before them. They spoke with practiced ease and grace. As the two performed together, the audience felt their hearts and mides molded by the story as they were pulled into the show; no longer were they watching Equestria on a stage, but the whole of it unfolded around them. While Dream Scape told of the three kinds of ponies they saw pegasi flying above, earth ponies and unicorns galloping below. Trixie spoke of the development of technology and magic; the building of towns and cities, and the expansion of Ponydom. Then the story took a turn towards its true purpose, a story of two sisters; one who raised the sun at day break, and the other who beckoned forth the night. However, the crowd could feel something was wrong. The tension built as Dream Scape explained a proposition made by upper-class ponies, one that would silence the night. They felt the younger sister's anger and the elder's sadness; and they felt fear as they saw the younger sister's dreadful transformation. There was excitement as the two sisters battled for supremacy; one to bring eternal night, the other to break the younger's curse. Concern shot through them when the older sister was not able to fully wield the Elements of Harmony, for she had lost her best friend and sister. They witnessed the care with which the younger sister was sealed in the moon. The older sister foresaw that in a thousand year six, would come with the power to break the shell of anger and hatetred. The crowd experienced the love and kindness that the older sister used to construct a magic lock, and the emptiness she felt as she waited. But the story was not yet over; The audience saw six ponies meet in a small town, and watched the bonds of friendship grow beetween them. They felt a thrill as those friends used their bonds to defeat a mighty foe and the sister's curse. Lastly they felt satisfied as the two sisters were reunited. The applause rang throughout the theater and roses fell to the stage. The two performers bowed before disappearing back off stage. "Wow! That was amazing!" Moon Shade squealed as she buzzed around the box. "It was quite grand," Luna replied, amazed as well, however more reserved. "It certainly was," Celestia finished, looking quite pleased. "Can we see it again?!" Moon Shade asked with enthusiasm. Amused, Celestia answered, "Probably not that one, but if you asked, him he might tell us another." With that, the three of them headed out of their box towards backstage. When they arrived, they were quickly ushered into Dream Scape's dressing room. It was rather barren except for a dresser at one end with a chair, and a few cushions on the floor. On his dresser were a couple of photos, one with of a group of six mares, and the other was a picture of him and Trixie on stage. When Scape saw his guests he bowed deeply to both princesses and gave the pegasus filly a warm smile. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked humbly. "This little filly would like to ask you a question." Celestia answered smiling. "Well, I was wondering if you could tell me another story?" Moon Shade asked enthusiastically. "Of course. Anything in particular?" Dream Scape inquired. "Anything you want to tell is fine," Luna replied. "How about a story I Have never told on stage, kind of like a secret?" he said mysteriously, turning back to Moon Shade. "That sounds great," she bounced. "Please take a seat," he said motioning towards the cushions on the floor, "This may take a while..." ~~~~~ Authors Notes: Sorry to anyone who has been trying to view my story and has not been able to because it was not up. Secondly to anyone reading the new prologue that had read the previous one, I have only changed the beginning, the story will remain the same. Also: Moon Shade is not directly related to either of the princesses, also they are simple the audience, though Moon Shade will star in the sequel. Addendum:Many thanks to Snivler Spawn for correcting the gramar and spelling on this.
A Rough NightDream Scape grew up in a town just East of Canterlot. It wasn't big by any means but it certainly wasn't anything to laugh at. It had a nice market square at one end and then houses on the other. the town hall was small but it served its purpose. The school was on the western side of town, the buildings themselves were not much to look at but the teachers cared for there students and the principal had a knack for stopping trouble before it started. However, one day the school was looking for a way to show off the talents of there students. The student council voted that a play would be a great way to involve the community in the schools effort.Dream Scape was not eager to perform in it, and opted out of performing. Out of his entire 10th grade class (which wasn't exactly big), he would be the only one without a part. However he did keep himself busy helping his childhood friend Night Shade, who would be narrating, practice her part. Though he wish to not participate, it would be at this play that he found his gift for story telling. "I am sorry Dream Scape, but if you don't fill in for Night shade, we won't be able to put on the performence," his teacher was explaining. "But Night Shade has been practicing for so long, I couldn't possibly take this from her," Scape replied. "You wont be taking it away from her. She is sick, so she can't do it anyways. Plus you've been helping her practice, so even if you dont know the lines, you still should know how to say them." "But...I'm kinda scared, what if they don't like it?" he asked worried. "I'm sure you will do fine, they will love you," she said reassuringly. "...okay" he replied defeated. Dream Scape picked up his script and shuffled onto the stage. Looking into the crowd he saw his parents and his aunt. his relative smiled with the happy surprise of seeing him on stage. Dream Scape composed himself and began to read. As he continued his narration the memories of Night Shades practice with him came back. He dropped the script, he didn't need it. The story flowed out of him, but this wasn't for him. If Night Shade couldn't do this because she was sick he would, and he would make her proud. His horn lit up and he could feel the audiences emotions and he felt he could effect them, change them, and mold them to his story. At the end of the play while back stage Night Shade came up to him. "Thank you," she said in a raspy voice, "I couldn't have done it better myself." "Oh I'm sure you could have, I was Just-" his reply was cut off by a short kiss from Night Shade. Dream Scape and Night Shade were very close at the time and would grow closer, but he never forgot that kiss. It left him sick for a week after. Dream Scape went to college in Canterlote, mastering in literature. He had a nice apartment there. Night Shade got a job in advertising at a near by company and lived with a friend of hers. They would spend a good portion of there free time together, discussing school and there work. They spent many an evening contemplating their future together, and one day Dream Scape felt it was time to ask the question. So, he invited her over for dinner where he had prepared to surprise her. However, that afternoon a storm had blown in from the forest, and was reeking havoc on Canterlot. But feeling that that night was special Night Shade left for his apartment anyways. However it was not her day something happened during the storm. Night Shade was never heard from again. All they ever found was her saddle bag, and a single feather. A feather the perfect shade of black, black as Night. Dream Scape was devastated he spent almost two months in his room leaving only to get food and submit articles to the Daily Inquirer, his job at the time. It wasn't until the Summer Sun Celebration that he looked back to story telling. Watching the princesses raise the sun seemed to relight the spark of creativity in him. He began to tell stories at the small theaters and it was on stage one night that he remembered a promise he had made to Night Shade. That he would tell the greatest story and make her proud. After finishing his degree; he set out on a journey that would take him all around Equestria, in search of a story that would be worth telling for generations to come. He started in the big cities and moved out from there. Dream Scape searched every library, newspaper, magazine, and book for his story. He interviewed countless ponies, and though the stories he learned from them got him enough donations to continue his search. He wasn't able to find that story that would be told for centuries. Little did he know that this stories uncovering was not a matter of hard searching but one of time, and that time was closing in. ~~~~~ Author's Notes: Well here is my injected chapter although I suppose this is what the prologue was originally, but anyways enjoy. Comments and critiques are welcome as always. I am after all still building my creative writing skills. also chapter two will be going up simultaneously as it was completed before this chapter was. So if this chapter is better than the next one that's why.
Pink Parties and New StoriesDream Scape carried himself with an air of confidence and friendliness and acted with wisdom that was well beyond his years. However in conversation there were points where his speech would trail off and his eyes would grow cold, as if some shadow passed over his mind. Despite this he managed to pass off as a cheerful if not soft spoken pony. Of course his Attitude on stage was much more powerful, and presence. He was amazed by the rustic beauty of the town he had just walked into. Ponyville was to be the location of this year’s summer sun celebration, and he had not missed one yet. They always made for great stories when he was performing for a small crowd. His “dream” magic required a lot of energy; not only from himself but from the audience’s enthusiasm. Not to say that a small crowd is not enthusiastic, but it’s just not enough ponies to make his dream magic effective. For just that reason, Scape kept a sort of mental library of small stories to tell. Times when his “Epics” would be lost without his magic. As Dream Scape walked through the market, he realized he had not eaten since he left from Manehattan yesterday. At the end of the street he saw a rather ostentatious cake-shaped bakery. “Well, who am I to judge?” he mused. “If this isn’t a place to eat then I must be a tree,” he said. “You’re a tree?!” squealed a very energetic pink pony, who seemingly popped out of nowhere. “Actually, I was just kinda making a bad joke,” Scape chuckled. “Oh,ThatmakessensebecauseifyouwereatreethanyoudhaveleavesandWAITDidyousayjokejokesarefunandPinkiePieloves, WHOA!” She was cut short as Scape’s horn lit up, using his dream magic to fill her with a sense of awe. Pinkie Pie shook herself out and turned back to Scape. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie, you must be new here because I know everypony and I mean everypony in Ponyville. We should have a PARTY!” “Actually I’d just like some-“ “Some lunch! Hold on I’ll be right back,” and with that the pink pony sped away. Dream Scape was about to make some comment when, just as fast as she had left, Pinkie was back. “Here, have a cupcake, I just made them.” “Thanks, how much do I owe you?” "Nothing silly, how could I charge you for something I made just for you?” The pony’s explanation had him completely baffled “Well then thank you, I think?” “No problem. Say, do you want to come to a party tonight?” “No thank you. I still need to-“ “Awww, come on it’ll be fun there’ll be cake and punch and games.” “Well, I suppose it can’t hurt.” “Great, come with me to the library so we can set up the surprise.” “Wait, surprise?” Scape spent the rest of the day helping drape streamers and set other party props. He met with many of Ponyville’s residents while setting up, and a few specific encounters stuck with him. First there was the mare named Rainbow Dash, who as he was leaving to get ice, unceremoniously crashed into him. “Heh heh heh, sorry bout that. Guess my balance is kinda off today.” “It’s okay I’ve fallen off a few stages in my life. It doesn’t hurt much more than that,” Dream Scape replied. “So you’re a performer?” “More of a story-teller. My name's Dream Scape, Scape for short.” I’m Rainbow Dash, the fastest flyer in Equestria. I was just practicing for the Wonderbolts, I’m gonna impress them at the celebration tomorrow.” “The Wonderbolts, I did a show for them once.” “Really! What are they like, aren’t they so-” The door to the library opened and Pinkie Pie came hopping out. “Ohmygosh! Got to go! Bye!” And with that, Rainbow was gone in a flash. Dream Scape turned to Pinkie Pie, “What was that all about?” “Oh, she’s just being Rainbow Dash.” “I see. Well I’m gonna go get that ice.” “Don’t worry. I already got it.” "How? You didn’t leave the library..." "There’s someone I want you to meet," Pinkie Pie replied, oblivious to Dream Scape's question. "Sure, I guess." "Great!" When Scape got back in the library, it was exactly as it was when he had left. Except that there was now ice in the punch. "So where is this friend of yours?" he asked "Right there!" she pointed directly beneath one of the tables, as if it were an obvious place to look. Dream Scape kneeled down and now saw the yellow pegasus hidden underneath the table. "Hi, I’m Dream Scape. Who are you?" "Oh...um...Im Fluttershy." "Nice to meet you. What do you do around here?" Fluttershy mumbled something and dragged her hoof across the floor. "I’m sorry, I didn't hear that." Fluttershy just looked at him and started to shake with nervousness. "I just...said um...that I think I need to keep...practicingforthecelebration," and with that, she shot out the window, as if from a cannon. "That's funny, I heard her birds sing. They sounded fine," Pinkie Pie muttered as if deep in thought. "Oh well. Guess we should finish up here. Twilight will be here in thirteen minutes, and forty two point three seconds," she looked a little embarrassed and giggled, "Roughly speaking of course." "Well she must be a good friend if you’re going through all this trouble for her." "Actually I just met her." "Oh." During the next thirteen minutes, basically everyone in Ponyville showed up to the library and packed in tight: making sure to keep the path from the door open. Pinkie turned out the lights and hushed them all. They could hear two ponies walking up, and then Fluttershy rushed in carrying a baby dragon. However, she was promptly pushed back out of the library by a purple unicorn. "Rude much?" the Baby dragon asked sarcastically. "Sorry Spike, but I just need a little time alone without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now where's the light switch?" "SUPRISE!!!" Pinkie Pie shouted as somepony flicked on the lights. Scape didn't pay much attention to the rest of what happened, although he was going to introduce himself to the unicorn named Twilight Sparkle. However, she disappeared before he got the chance. He did introduce himself to the dragon named Spike, and got into a conversation with him about stories. "That’s probably why she's upset, but really she needs to get out more and talk to people," Spike was finishing. "I don't know, that whole Nightmare Moon thing sounds kinda dangerous, but it'd make one great story," "Yeah I guess it’s kinda scary, but the princess told her to not worry, so what could go wrong?" "The Princess? As in Princess Celestia?" "Yep, Twilight is the Princess's personal student." "I’ll definitely have to meet her now. I bet she has some great stories." Dream Scape noticed Spike's attention waning, and watched as his eyes wandered away. He turned to look at what Spike was staring at and saw a glamorous unicorn with a white coat and a purple mane. "Who's she?" Scape asked the enamored baby dragon. "Rarity, the most beautiful unicorn ever," Spike said as he seemed to drift away. Scape chuckled as he watched, knowing it to be nothing but a childish crush. It was still pretty cute though. "Yo, hiccup, Scape come on over," slurred Rainbow Dash from another table, interrupting his thoughts. "How can I help you?" he asked as he walked over. "Well me and, hiccup, Applejack were have'n a little competition bout who, hiccup, could stay sober longest but she thinks, hiccup, she's won," Rainbow Dash managed to squeeze out, despite her addled brain. "I sure as sugar won! Look at you, ye'r not even fit to fly," The one named Applejack replied as sober as could be. "Oh I could, hiccup, fly." Rainbow countered as she flopped indignantly onto the table and flapped her wings with out coordination. "Well it’s nice to meet you Applejack, and I'm sure once Dash is conscious enough to walk she'll realize the victor," Dream Scape said to Applejack after levitating a now dozing Rainbow back into her chair. "Well, it was nice to meet you too. If you ever have a spare moment, don’t hesitate to stop by our farm sometime. We got the best apples in…well shoot, probably anywhere." "I'll be sure to drop by sometime." Scape replied, as he walked toward the buffet to get something to eat. Dream Scape spent the rest of the night talking to various ponies, and telling stories. As the night wound down though, he couldn't shake a sense of impending dread. "I hope that Spike is right, and that it is just an old mares-tale." ~~~~~ Author's Notes: Once again thank you to Parakalo for proofreading this for me.
Dream and ReconstitutionDuring the hour or so between Pinkie Pie's party, and the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration, Dream Scape found himself wandering around the now closed market street. His creative mind was working on how he could describe The Mare in the Moon. "What was her name again? Oh right Nightmare Moon." Dream scape had now gone for almost two days without sleep and it was beginning to show. "Well I suppose it's logical that she has a black coat, it is the color of the night sky after all. Perhaps her mane would shimmer like the Princes's, but instead of different colors it would be a star scape." The uninttend use of his name for a discription brought a slight chuckle from himself. "Uhm, excuse me? who are you talking to?" asked a white and purple unicorn he racognized as Rarity. "No one, I simply think better out loud sometimes, Especially when tired. Hello I'm Dream Scape, and your Rarity I presume?" "Why yes I am, have you heard of me? I usally only design female clothing, but if you that interested I'm sure I could wip something up for you." "No, its quite all right, your friend spike pointed you out at the party is all." "Oh yes of course, he is such a cute little thing isn't he? Eeep, look at the time we should get over to the Town hall or I'll miss my part." On there way over to town hall the met up with Applejack, Fluttershy, and a soaking wet Rainbow Dash. "Oh hello girls. how has your night been?" Rarity asked, as the two groups joined at a crossroad. "Just peachy, though more than a bit tired." Applejack replied. "Well it would be great, if someone," Rainbow Dash shot Applejack an accusatory glance, "hadn't thrown me in the river." "It was for ye'r own good, look at you, sober as a school filly now." "I don't see what one has to do with the other." Rainbow Dash shot back. "It sounds like you two enjoyed yourselves then." Dream Scape interjected. "Absolutely! Tonight was awesome." Rainbow Dash answered enthusiastically. "Sure as sugar did," Applejack replied, also rather enthusiastic. "It was...nice," Fluttershy mumbled. "So Fluttershy, I heard you take care of the animals around here." Dream Scape asked Fluttershy., breaking the silence that had fallen over the group. "Oh yes. It's such a wonderful job, sometimes I just don't even know how to describe it." she replied excitedly. "And your in charge of the music tonight?" "Yes, its going to be..." Fluttershy seemed to notice her outgoingness and shrunk back behind Applejack,"nice." After that the groups conversation fell away, and they were left walking in a comfortable silence till the reached the City hall. When they arrived the group went inside, Rarity headed up to the balcony and Fluttershy went over to tend to her birds. The hall was already pretty full, but Dream Scape, and Applejack managed to squeeze in. Scape looked into the crowd and found Twilight in the front of the audience. "Well that would make sense, she is the princesses personal student after all." Dream Scape said to himself. "What was that hun?" Applejack asked. "It's nothing." No sooner had he gotten settled when the mayor called, "Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration." But what caught his attention was Twilight starring out the window at the moon. Dream Scape looked up at the moon as well. "Shouldn't there be craters on the moon?" he thought to himself. However Rarity shout of, "She's gone!" snapped his attention back to the stage. Which was, save for Rarity, very empty. Although it didn't stay empty long though as the residence of Poniville watched in terror as a midnight black alicorn materialized before them. She was about the same build as Princes Celestia, but this ponies mane billowed more like smoke then as if in a breeze. As the midnight black mare addressed the crowds, Scape was struck by how close he had gotten his prediction of Nightmare Moons appearance, though the mane was a little more purple than he would have thought. He shook himself out. "This is no time to be thinking about my stories," he said to himself follow a face-hoofing. However despite her evil nature Nightmare Moon managed to avoid the temptation of droning on towards her captive audience. She swiftly turned into a cloud of smoke, after finishing her short speech, and flew (if thats the word for floating smoke) out the door. A now sober Rainbow Dash chaised after, In fact he noticed all six of the ponies that had stuck in his memory had seemed to give chase. "Well, I probably can be of more help here anyways." Dream scape said to himself as he headed over to the mayor. "If we don't stop this panic. a lot more ponies will be hurt," the mayor was explain to some guards. "Yes ma'am, but they're so afraid we can't seem to get control," one of the guards responded. "If I'm not interrupting, I may have a solution," Dream Scape anounced as he walked up. "What would hat be? From what I've heard your just a story-teller" the mayor asked incredulisly. Dream Scape told them a tale of his own childhood. One day in 11th grade his class had a test. He had studied, but a very good friend of his, Night shade, had not. She was nervous, and Dream Scape wanted to calm her. As he searched his mind for something that would calm her he discovered he could feel her emotions, that he could connect with them (specifically her anxiety). So he drew it out, but he need somewhere to put those emotions, so he captured them within himself. After he had finished. he felt quite nervous himself, but also relatively accomplished. Later he would realize that he could transfer emotions between himself and other ponies and also change and manipulate them in some cases. Also if the conditions were right he could bounce emotions back and forth and amplify them like he does during a show. However emotions naturally grow from the environment that they're experienced in, such as a room full of terrified ponies. "It sounds too dangerous," stated the Mayor. "The only danger is to myself, and better one pony than the casualties this panic could cause," Scape countered. "I suppose I can't stop you," the mayor conceded, "but do be careful." "As careful as I can." Dream Scape turned away, towards the crowd and closed his eyes. He felt their terror like the chill of ice, he called to it, beckoned it out of the crowd. As the they felt their panic rush away from them they could see a dark haze lift out of them and begin to swirl around them. Scape's magic gave them sight of there emotions. They could feel the air turn icy where the dark tendrils passed through. They saw Dream Scape struggle with his magic, as he tried to control the dark energy. The Cloud seemed to try, and seek out ponies in the hall. It would condense and push towards someone and Dream Scape would pull it back. He slowly worked the cloud back to himself and embraced it. The audience to this frightening struggle, watched as the black tendrils slither and climb their way into him. On that day Dream Scape stole fear, and that fear stole him. Dream Scape eyes shot open,and began to dilate. he stood there quaking uncontrollably with terror, and then his world went black as he slipped into unconsciousness.
Nightmare Sequence (Revised)Dream Scape was wandering through a burnt forest. The trees were nothing but black husks and the ground was dried and without life. He heard voices whispering and the sound of light hoof steps in the shadows as he walked between the trees. The dark outline of a new moon was in the sky and the shadowy canvas upon which it rested was devoid of stars. The shadows flickered around him as if he was some sort of flame. "I suppose this is some sort of dream, but why would anypony, let alone me, dream of such a dreary place," Dream Scape said to himself as he continued through the forest. "Well, let’s think about this. what was I doing before I ended up here, I was at the town hall and there was Nightmare Moon and then, Oh...The fear, this is going to be a long night." While talking to himself Dream Scape failed to see the dead root spring up in front of his hoof and trip him. Suddenly he was falling. Dream Scape was standing in front of a brown earth pony with a darker brown mane and an hourglass cutie mark. "This is very Important, whatever you do don't eat the pears," the colt said before spinning around and galloping off into the blackness that surrounded them. Before he was out of sight he turned around and shouted over his shoulder, "And don't forget to duck, DUCK NOW!" Dream Scape ducked as what looked like a statue of an angel pony sailed right over his head. "What was that all about?" he wondered, thoroughly confused, as his vision went black. He was walking through a dense mist, probable the heaviest he had ever seen. He could not see the sky above him nor the ground under his hooves and the fog blocked out almost all light. A soothing yet evil voice called from a distance, "Come my little pony, come forth and smell the ashes." Dream Scape turned towards the voice and began to walk to it. He didn't know why, but he couldn't stop himself. As the voice grew stronger, the mist began to thin. He found himself in a clearing filled with dead roses and more vibrant burnt trees lining the edges. However the center of the clearing was filled with jet black flowers, and the grew from what appeared to be a pool of blood. “Hello my little pony, you remember me right," the voice said as a purple cloud began to grow in the center of the clearing. As the figure of Nightmare Moon materialized Dream Scape began to feel a little shaky. However he remembered his previous observation; that this was simply a dream or more of a nightmare. He chuckled at his accidental pun. "What are you laughing at? Am I not powerful enough for you?" Dream Scape replied confidently, "No, I just remembered this is all a dream. So I'll be on my way." "Your right, this may just be a dream, but it certainly is not yours." The mare replied, smirking. A little less confidently he asked, "Well if it’s not my dream, then whose is it?" "This is my dream Foal!" Nightmare roared. Dream Scape cringed, he had certainly been surprised, if not a little scared. Nightmare Moon began to laugh at his reaction. "Oh, it's not that bad at least you have me to keep you company. "How is that a good thing?" Dream Scape asked, perplexed. Nightmare Moon answered, smirking once again, "I think it would get kind of lonely being trapped in a coma by yourself." Frightened, Dream Scape replied wearily “Coma, you mean I'm not going to wake up?" "That's the way comas work or at least that's how they worked before my trip to the moon." Nightmare answered with an expression of great thought. "Oh well, guess we'll find out soon enough, or not." Dream Scape was falling... He walked into Sugercube corner. At the counter was the bright pink form of Pinkie Pie, but something was different, her hair was down. "That's odd I couldn't imagine that filly putting time into brushing her mane," he thought to himself. "Hi what can I get you, a pear? They're good and good for you." Pinkie said with a big, if not a little creepy grin on her face. "No thanks, a friend told me to stick to apples." Dream Scape replied. "Better safe than sorry right." he was already shaken from his encounter with Nightmare Moon, he didn't need anything else going wrong. With a small explosion Pinkie's hair returned to its normal state. "Oki Doki Loki! Just checking." "Uh, thanks?" "Don't worry you passed." "Passed what?" "The test you silly billy." And with those parting words the ground dissolved beneath him. Dream Scape was falling... Dream Scape found himself once again In Nightmare Moons' clearing. However the villain in question was not present. Off in the distance came the sounds of weeping. Dream Scape ventured out into the fog to find the source of the crying. He search for what felt like hours in the grey abyss, he would walk strait towards the sound but it would move away from him, forcing him to turn in circles. Through the fog he caught glimpses of his past, the school play, that first kiss, a party from college, and lastly that night, all alone at his apartment.He walked through this grim biography only to find himself led back into the clearing. Curled in the center was the body of Nightmare Moon, but the whispers he heard coming from her as she wept was certainly not in her voice. "Where do I know that voice from?" he whispered to himself, "No it can't be..." "Nightshade." The name echoed around him as as he said those words. The mare’s body began to change. Her mane became solid and turned black, her body shrank down, and her cutie mark changed to a feather dipped in paint. She looked up at Dream Scape, his body shook with anguish and sorrow as he looked into her grey eyes. "Why didn't you look for me?" she asked, with a mournful expression. Dream Scape replied shakily, "They...they said you were dead." "How would you know? You didn't look for me. You just left me on that street, alone in the rain." she replied sadly. Dream Scape felt depression coil around him. She was right, he never looked for her. "That's right you just sat in your apartment moping around." He was barely able to "I'm...sorry..." "You should be, now our daughter will grow up without a mother or a father," she shot him a withering glare. "What do you mean daughter? Your just part of my mind...You can't know that." "I guess you’ll never know, will you?" With that Nightshade began to melt into the pool of blood. Dream Scape ran to try and catch her. For a thousand years I've waited here for you. Waited every night, for I thought you were the answer to my life. He tried desperately to hold onto her. Days turned into years and then to centuries, Patients had to fade. Don't you see that there is vengeance in my eyes. But she flowed like water through his hoofs. Luna won't you cry for me, I'm as lonely as I've ever been. Dream Scape sobbed harder than he ever had before. I am forced right back into the start, is there any way to fix a broken heart. Dream Scape was falling... ~~~~~ Author's Notes: Sorry it took so long but here is my new chapter. This has been probably my favorite chapter to write so far. In case nopony gets this the depression he feels at the end is brought on by the fear (hint hint) that she died because he didn't look for her. So keep in mind that everything "Nightshade" says is his own fear speaking, but everything "Nightshade" says is true, figure that one out. Also there are a few references scattered about, the Doctor Who ones are pretty obvious, but see if you can name the other ones. One last thing, props to Eurobeat Brony's song Luna. Edit: Thanks to Parakalo for editing my story, I wish I could get him to do it before I post chapters though. I'm just kidding, he was feeling under the weather so I don't blame him. *GASP* my rating has fallen, WHY...Seriously why, I'm new to creative writing of this type and would love to know why you rate me so low, or if I'm actually doing better and you just forgot to re rate me, you should do that now...anypony?...Darn, oh well it was worth a shot.
From the AshesDream Scape woke up to the buzzing of florescent lights. He was in a less than comfortable bed with metal rails on either side. Confused he looked around at his surroundings. The room was plain white and had a cupboard with a counter and sink, upon which sat jars of unused medical tools. Medical tools that’s a start. Next to the bed there were a few pieces of electronic equipment which were off at the moment. But what are those for? "Where am I?" he asked himself as he sat up in the bed. A friendly-looking white mare with a pink mane, wearing a nurses cap, walked into the room."Welcome to Ponyville General Hospital, my name is Nurse Redheart," she said. "Oh, the hospital…That’s great.” He responded in a dull voice, “What happened after I passed out?" "You were a little more than passed out; your brain activity showed signs of moderate cerebral trauma." "That has never happened before.” His voice was full of concern, “Why would magic cause actual trauma?" "I believe that part of it is you were straining your magic, and the other part is that your body was trying to reject the emotions you were drawing in. Now, I wasn't there, so I can't say for sure, but from what the mayor described, this is the logical diagnosis." "I haven't ever tried to manipulate that much raw emotion before. I mean when an audience listens to my stories, they give their emotions to me to move and change, but I've never tried stealing emotions from that many ponies before." "Well that would seem to support my diagnosis as well, however your more recent scans suggest that you have made a full recovery and may leave whenever you like." "Wait. ‘Recent’? How long have I been asleep?" Dream Scape asked apprehensively. "It has only been about two weeks." Dream Scape released the breath he had been holding, "That's a relief. I thought you were going to say years." "If you had been out that long, I assure you my relief to you waking would have been less happy and more along the lines of witnessing a miracle." "Oh, that's comforting. I should probably get going; I've already spent too long in Ponyville. I don't want to miss out on anything else." "Very well, I will collect your things while you get up." As Nurse Redheart left the room, Dream Scape slowly extricated himself from the hospital bed. He walked over to the door way and rounded the corner. His senses were immediately assaulted by a spray of confetti and the yelling of “surprise” by six colorful equines squeezed up in the hall. Dream Scape yelped as he jumped right into the ceiling. "Maybe surprising him right after he got out of the hospital wasn't such a good idea," suggested Twilight Sparkle, who was still new to this whole friendship thing. "Maybe..." replied a dazed Dream Scape from his current position, laying flat on the floor. Dream Scape and Twilight were eating lunch at a local diner, The other five said they had important business to attend to, even Pinkie who said something about Mr. Cake setting his hair on fire. The seating was outside and it was located just off the town square. Twilight had filled him in on what he had missed during the last two week, and their conversation had turned to idle chit-chat. "Sorry for the scare. I hope you’re not hurt?" asked a still slightly concerned Twilight Sparkle. "No, I'm fine. You ponies just startled me is all." "Oh, good. How sad would it be if I gave a friend permanent brain damage before even being properly introduced to him? Unless causing brain damage is a way to make friends...I should look this up when I get back to the library." "I can assure you, Twilight Sparkle, that you will not make many friends by beating them over the head with a board." "Really? I should write this down, give me a second, I'll be right back." With that the lavender unicorn ran off towards the nearby library to retrieve some writing supplies. "Well, she seemed excited," commented the lilac unicorn that had been serving them. Misinterpreting her comment Dream Scape replied hastily, "Oh we're not together or anything." "I know," said the waitress, matter-of-factly, "How's your story coming?" "Well, I was thinking that this 'Nightmare Moon' debacle might make a good story, but it seems that everypony already knows it, so that's a dead end." "Maybe, but I've been wondering why princess Luna became Nightmare Moon. That would certainly entertain me. Hmm, oh well. It was nice talking to you, have a nice day." She said as she walked away, carrying his and Twilight’s empty plates. Twilight Sparkle returned to her seat. "What did I miss?" Twilight's question fell on deaf ears, though; Dream Scape was lost in thought. 'The Origins of Nightmare Moon', that might work... After lunch, Dream Scape spent the rest the next hour or so packing his few belongings and buying supplies for his trip to Manehattan. Not only did they have a great theater there, whose manager was a friend of his, but they also had a library which rivaled the size of the Princesses' personal library. He could have taken the train to Manehattan but he enjoyed the trek through the country, and camping was another of his hobbies. Twilight and her friends had gathered at the edge of Ponyville to see Dream Scape off. "Are you sure you don't mind walking? I'm sure I could get Celestia to lone you her carriage," Twilight asked once again in a concerned voice. "I'll be fine. I've done this probably a hundred times now." "Actually, just seven," Pinkie Pie interjected. "Huh?" the other six ponies said in unison. "He's only done it seven times." she replied with a shrug. "Yes, I suppose seven would be the about right." Dream Scape replied, almost completely recovered from Pinkie's startling clairvoyance. "Well you just keep yerself safe, ya hear?" Applejack ordered. "Yeah, dying is definitely not cool," the other five turned towards Rainbow Dash and glared, "What? It's true." "I'll keep that in mind." Rarity said, "While I don't approve of her lack of sensitivity, I do agree with Rainbow, it would be simply terrible if something happened to you." "Oh, that would be awful if something happened. You could be hurt, or worse," added Fluttershy. "I know you'll be fine. See you in two months," Pinkie’s farewell was met with more confused glances. "Well, I'll be off then." With that, Dream Scape started down the trail that would take him to Manehattan, and hopefully, the beginnings of his new story. Dream Scape really did enjoy the experience of the outdoors; it always felt to him like a place where his mind could wander and inspiration, not a mix of nitrogen and oxygen, filled the air. But today he wasn't able to relax; he tried wondering about his new story. However, with little information, that did him no good. He tried to just enjoy the beauty of the spring-time environment. The air was filled with birdsong and the slight rustling of the breeze through the trees that lined the dirt path. Beyond the trees were gently rolling hills covered in grass and vibrant wild flowers in all the colors of the rainbow. Rabbits and other small animals scampered from bush to bush, enjoying the spring time sun. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried, Dream Scape’s thoughts always turned back to Night Shade. Did I really abandon her? The question plagued his mind. Would things really have been different if I had looked for her? Canterlot is huge, I wouldn't have been able to find her by myself, but I could have at least tried… He was too lost in his own thoughts to notice the blue unicorn pulling a rather large trailer until he had literally run into her. The blue mare now sat bit front of her trailer her disheveled silver main now fallen in her face. Dream Scape apologized hastily, "Oh, I am so sorry, I didn't see you there." "It's alright, no harm done, at least to me. Are you okay?" the blue mare replied. "I'm fine. Surprising though, with a trailer that large, I would have expected you to run right over me. It looks like it takes quite a bit of effort to stop that thing." "Actually, with my ‘come to life’ spell it's rather easy to move and stop. Doesn't weigh much more than a feather." Dream Scape noticed there was a faint silver blue aura surrounding the trailer. "Well, that must come in handy. I'm sorry, how rude of me not to introduce myself. I'm Dream Scape." "Nice to meet you, Dream Scape, I am the Great and Powerful Trixie," she started enthusiastically, but her voice faltered when she got to her title. "Are you okay?" "Yes, Trixie is fine she, I mean I just can never get my introduction right." "What is it that you do that requires such a grand title?" "I am a performer as my father was before me; I travel all throughout Equestria performing the greatest feats of magic ever witnessed...or at least I would if I wouldn't freeze up on stage." "So you’re just nervous. Well that's not hard. All you need to do is believe in yourself. If you know that your magic is truly great and powerful, others will see that it is too." "Yes, but I just don't know if I can live up to my father’s title; I'm not sure I truly am great and powerful. Oh my, look at the sun; I don't believe I will be making it any further tonight. Would you care to join me and camp at this crossroads?" Dream Scape took the opportunity to look around for the first time since his collision. They were standing in a small clearing at a fork in the road, the trail he had been walking led back to Ponyville, the road Trixie had came from led to Hoofington, and the third branch led off to Manehattan. "Well, it looks like I'm not going to be getting much farther either. So, why not?" And with that, Dream Scape levitated the tent out of his saddle-bag and began to set it up while Trixie put the stopping blocks under the wheels of her trailer. By the time the sun had set, Dream Scape had built a sizable fire and had begun to cook a hearty carrot stew. Meanwhile, Trixie had been setting up a rather large and intricate two story tent, complete with its own balcony. "Are you sure that tent’s big enough for you?" Dream Scape asked with friendly sarcasm. "I admit it is a bit large and unnecessary. However my father had a few eccentricities and one of those was this tent. It is one way that I keep him close." "What exactly did your father do?" "He was a magician like me. He was better with sleight of hand where I specialize in illusion myself. I guess you could say his second job was taking care of me." "Was your mom not around?" "Nope. As soon as I was born, she sued my dad for foal support, took the money, and then left me with dad anyways." "So you don't know your mom?" "Oh no, I've certainly had the displeasure of meeting her. After my dad died, she showed back up and tried to get part of my inheritances too." "So, she didn't get any then?" "No, in fact I sued here for the foal support my father gave her plus interest. I donated it to my father’s museum. Not that there was any money for her to take anyways, my father never worked for profit. He would only take as much money as he need to feed me and him and give us our basic comforts. I donated most of his belongings to the museum as well." "Wow, he sounds like a pretty great stallion. Who was your father, by the way? He sounds pretty famous." "I surprised you haven't heard of him. He was and shall always be The Great and Powerful Peter Prestige." "Of course, I knew that title sounded familiar. I never had a chance to see one of his shows, but my parents told me he did a show in our town when I was about five months old." "After I was born, he didn't travel much from Trottingham, but if you ever get the chance you should go see the museum there. But that's enough about me; what do you do?" Dream Scape got up to check the stew, "Well, I am a storyteller. My work isn't exactly interesting, I just go from town to town, picking up stories and sharing them with others." Deciding that the stew was done, he filled a bowl and floated it over to Trixie. "Come on, you must have something interesting to tell me, you must meet a lot of ponies," Trixie looked up at the blanket of stars that were casting their light on the clearing below. More contemplatively, she said, "I guess I'm going to be meeting a lot of ponies too." "I certainly have met a few interesting ponies, that's for sure. You heard about the Nightmare Moon incident, right?" "Of course. The former mayor of Trottingham motioned to not let Princess Luna return to rule. Celestia relieved him as soon as possible, which was as soon as she finished lecturing him on how it was accusations and propositions like his that caused this problem in the first place." "Really? I'll have to look into that. But would you believe me if I told you I was there?" "Actually, yes. You seem like an honest pony. Why?" "Well, I had gone to Ponyville to watch the summer sun celebration, and as you know that's when the whole Nightmare Moon thing happened. The bearers of the Elements of Harmony went off to stop her, but the citizens of Ponyville were absolutely terror stricken. So, there was only one thing I could do...I stole their fear," Dream Scape had meant for that last part to sound heroic and epic, but as he spoke a shiver ran down his spine and chilled his bones. Was that laughing? "What do you mean you ‘stole their fear’?" "Well, that's what my magic does. I can take emotions from other ponies and change them, and if necessary I can just take them into myself. But that can cause problems..." "Like what?" "Terrible nightmares, and moderate cerebral trauma." "Is it really that bad?" Trixie asked a bit skeptical. "I was in a coma for two weeks." "Oh...wow." Trixie looked down at her hooves a moment, then her head shot up with a look of inspiration on her face, "If you can take away negative emotions from ponies, could you give positive emotions to somepony else?" "Well I suppose I could, I don't think that would be a good idea though, especially since I'm still a bit disoriented emotionally speaking," Trixie looked a bit crest fallen, "Oh...alright then." A silence fell between the two, and Dream Scape began to clean up the remnants of their dinner. He collected up the bowls and used a quick burst of flames to clean and sanitize this dishes, I owe you that one, Night Shade; fire does make doing the dishes easier. Dream Scape looked over and saw that Trixie was still sitting sadly in front of the fire. "Cheer up. I know that performing in front of an audience is hard, but I am sure that you can do it. You had quite the father and you know what they say about apples and trees." Dream Scape added a bit of magic to his words, lightening her spirits a bit, Oh, good. That's working again. "Yeah, you’re right. I guess there's no point in worrying about something that can't be changed. Still, it would be a bit easier with some magical confidence." Trixie looked at him with a teasing smirk. "Maybe. We'll see. Anyways, despite the fact I've been sleeping for the past two weeks I am as tired as can be. Sleep well, Luna keep you." "You too. Good night." ~~~~~ Authors Notes: First and for most...No Dream Scape and Trixie do not currently have any feelings for each other, they are both traveler and as such prefer to camp with company at night. Second, yes Trixie is not acting prideful, I will explain why, or more like Why she ends up acting prideful. Third, props to Parakalo for letting me borrow the waitress from his fic A Comet's Tale, (though between you and me, a big part of her character came from me). Plus a few more references in this chapter, internet points to anypony who finds them. Also as always, all suggestions and criticism is welcome. Lastly: Thank you so much Parakalo for coaching my writing and helping me to correct my error's. Hopefully you enjoy this next chapter, if not it's his fault just as much as it is mine. Bwahahahaha.
That's CheatingQuick Author's Note: The title comes from my friend's reaction to Rarity charming Spike into giving up his fire ruby. Not because any of the characters are cheating on each other because there isn't any shipping yet, accept the shipping to the moon anypony that complains this is moving too fast. Quick Pre-reader’s Note: I have been about as useful as a box of hay these past few weeks, I am ashamed to say. I have responsibilities as a pre-reader, and moreover as a friend. I’m truly sorry for any frustration I’ve caused in Digit’s readers, and most importantly in DigitDaemon. I’ll be at his house tonight, pertaining that he still invites me, and I imagine he will “rip me a new one,” as the saying goes. Know that I am incredibly sorry, and that it took a bad head-cold for me to realize it. ~~~~~ Dream Scape woke up with a terrible headache, this is odd, I don't think I drank anything last night, or for the last three years even. He got up out of his sleeping bag and to his chagrin discovered he had been using a small rock for a pillow. However, all these things were forgotten as he climbed out his tent; there by the fire bowl stood the gorgeous and beautiful Trixie. Her hair was flowing in the mid morning breeze and her eye's glittered like amethysts in the mid morning sun. "So I was thinking…maybe you could use that magic of yours and boost Trixie's confidence a bit?" Trixie cooed. "Well...I don't think that’s such a good idea. Like I said it can be very dangerous if I don’t do it right…” “Well that’s too bad, you wouldn’t want to help out a filly in need?” Trixie asked, brushing up against Dream Scape as she passed him. He slowly turned and watched as she sauntered towards her trailer. “So…pretty…” Dream Scape muttered in a daze as Trixie stopped to open the door; she was even more beautiful than Celestia. Trixie poked her gorgeous head back out of the trailer, “So about that magic, what do you say?” This time Trixie’s proposal was met with no resistance, “Yeah…just hold on, a second.” Dream Scape began channeling magic through his horn while simultaneously searching his desire filled mind. Self confidence isn't an emotion, but what is it that brings out self confidence? Pride… that's it. Pride in your work. He carefully transferred pride into his horn and slipped it into Trixie's emotional "bank". However, as the last of the carefully measured emotions receded, hefelt something else travel with them…a dark seed. Having completed her plan, Trixie dropped the illusion she had used to persuade him. "Hey, you cheated!" Dream Scape said in shock with a hint of anger. "It's not cheating, it's being resourceful. Plus, if you had paid attention, you would have obviously seen the inconsistencies that are present in such a large illusion," she countered. "I suppose, but I must undo it. There was something wrong with the spell, it didn’t feel quite right at the end." "I'd say it worked perfectly, Trixie feels more confident already." "Are you sure?" Dream Scape asked with a look of concern "Trixie is sure she is not harmed." Trixie replied indignantly. "I suppose we will part ways here; I need to get to Manehattan by night fall today." "I am heading to Daww'troit, It's just a few hours down the road, so I think I will take my time packing and enjoy the natural atmosphere." "Very well then. I suppose we might run into each other again one day." "I look forward to it." Dream Scape started down the path to Manehattan, he had quite a trek ahead of him. Manehattan was almost twenty miles from Ponyville. He had covered a good six miles of that yesterday afternoon, but fourteen miles was still a long walk. However, unlike the road to Trottingham, there was no danger of timber wolves or manticore attacks. As he walked along the path, Dream Scape noticed that today was yet again beautiful, just like yesterday had been. However, unlike yesterday, his mind was clear. I guess I just needed a relaxing night out in the country. I should definitely do this more often. Dream Scape made good time getting to Manehattan. He was crossing the city-line just as the sun was dipping under the horizon. Most didn't notice it, but he could have pointed out that the moon seemed reluctant to rise above the earth. It's the same shape as Nightma-- I mean Luna's cutie mark…is she afraid people will think she taking over again...? He continued to make his way down the busy streets filled with ponies of all color. The buildings were covered in huge billboards advertising everything from Colt-a-Cola to natural horn enhancement. I guess some people don't realize that our horns are made out of the same stuff our hoofs are. He turned the corner and at the end of the street was the Stage Show Theatre. Bit of a redundancy. Dream Scape walk through the theater door and was immediately embraced by the theater's owner. "Dream Scape! It's great to see you. How are you lad?" asked the owner exuberantly. Dream Scape had first met Jollygood Show while in college; he had offered Dream Scape a job after seeing him practice in his speech class. Dream Scape had been forced to decline because the travel time between Canterlot and Manehattan was too great. However, Jollygood had generously paid for his last year in college (he was the most successful theater owner in the city after all), and hooked him up with a more local job. He also pointed out that jewelry shop on fifth and Broadhoof, but there’s nothing I can do about that now. After college they had stayed in touch; Jollygood had always been happy to give him a performance slot when Dream Scape needed the bits. One could later say that Jollygood Show made a good investment in helping Dream Scape "It's good to see you too Jollygood, how's Marque?" Dream Scape replied as he pulled out of the bear hug. "She’s doing great. Don't tell her that I told you, but I'm going to be a father in seven months." "That's great! Congratulations to both of you. I hate to ask for favors, but I'm running out of money, and was wondering if you could give me a few show slots while I was in town?" he asked. "Oh, it's no trouble at all. I couldn't turn down the best story teller in Equestria," Jollygood offered graciously. "I‘m not sure I deserve that title, at least not yet," he replied sheepishly, "Actually, I'm here to look around the library. I heard something about the mayor of Trottingham being dismissed. do you know anything about that?” "Funny you should mention that. I heard from my cousin that he proposed that Luna would be indefinitely suspended from the throne. Celestia sure did chew him out for that, something about those kinds of proposals causing the Nightmare Moon incident a thousand years ago. If you want more Information you should hit up the library, they store all the legal records past one hundred years of conclusion plus all the rejected propositions." "Thanks, I'll probably be heading there after I find a hotel," the gears in his head visibly turning. "Just don't spend too much time there, I know they are open twenty-four seven, but you‘re working from ten to five tomorrow." "Yes sir." Dream Scape gave a mock salute as he left the theater. After Dream Scape reserved a room in the Striped Mane Motel he headed over to the Royal Library Manehattan Branch. He walked up to the colt at the Information desk. "Hello sir, how can I help you?" "Well," Dream Scape glanced at his name tag, "Conrad, would I be able to find any Royal Court documents from around a thousand years ago?" Dream Scape asked. "If whatever you‘re looking for still exists we have it here. Is there any particular subject?" "Anything involving Luna, or possibly the Moon." "Alright then, feel free to sit at any of the tables in the viewing room. I will be over there in just a moment with your documents. Dream Scape took a seat in the viewing room and was just about to start contemplating how long he would have to wait, when Conrad returned holding a single folder. "I'm not certain that this is what you want, but until recently it was classified. The princess ordered it to be declassified along with Trottingham's mayor‘s dismissal. I'll go get the other documents while you look at that." "Thank you," Dream Scape replied eagerly, along with the mayor's dismissal, this sounds very promising. He opened the file and started reading. 'Case 178-95, Daww'troit residence petition for improved crop cycles', How would they do that? The only way would be to... 'residence propose the permanent removal of the night from the celestial cycle.' Oh my, I thought some of my stories were ridiculous, but this is just insane. No wonder Luna became Nightmare Moon. 'proposition under consideration but the consideration was crossed out and replaced with, 'Denied date: 4/23/1006' That's the day after the first Nightmare Moon incident. ~~~~~ (Longer and better thought out) Authors Notes: Parakalo not only are you always welcome at my house, I am also not mad at you. Yes it would have been nice to get this about a week earlier, but you still do a unparalleled job of editing and for that I can not thank you enough. Trust me without his help you would have just read 1,600 words of caveman speak. As for the rest of you bronies, thank you for once again returning to read my work. If any of you have suggestions to make or critiques on my story don't hesitate to comment. Or if you just want to leave a witting remark or tell me I'm doing great, that works too.
