Summer in Manehattan was such a lovely time of the year. The weather was pleasant and the time was perfect for two sisters to spend time together. But this wasn’t what was on Midnight Spark’s mind. She was out enjoying the beautiful day with her little sister, Starry Skies, but her mind was somewhere else.
“C’mon, Mid. Now’s not the time to have your head in the clouds.” said Starry Skies cheerfully.
“Huh? Sorry, Star. I’m just a little out of it that’s all.” replied Midnight Spark, but that wasn’t all. She couldn’t stop thinking about her dreams. Sure, I’ve delt with them all my life, but they’re getting worse. Midnight brushed it off for now. She didn’t want Starry Skies to know about them. They went to the park and played for a while before the sun had started to set. With night time so close, Midnight and Starry Skies started their walk home.
“What are we gonna do tomorrow, Mid?”
“I dunno, Star. What do you want to do?”
“Not sure. I’m too tired to think. Let’s talk about it tomorrow. Deal?”
“Deal.” Midnight gave her a gentle smile. Starry Skies let out a big yawn. “Want me to carry you home, Star?”
“What? No, I can…” she let out another yawn. “Ummm, okay.” They weren’t that far from the house, so Midnight carried her little sister back the rest of the way there. When she got in, she took the little filly to her room and tucked her in. She looks so peaceful. I wonder if I’ll ever get to sleep like that. The problem with that was the sleep. Midnight went to her room. Lying in bed, she thought of what she could plan for her and Starry Skies to do tomorrow. All of the thoughts swirled in her head, making her dizzy and very sleepy. But she didn’t want to sleep. She knew what was waiting for her. She tried all she could to stay awake, then something popped into the back of her mind. It was a completely different feeling, like something was amiss. However, the sleep got to her before she could find that feeling again.
Midnight woke up early the next morning. It was still dark, and surprisingly chilly. She sat up trying to lose the blur. Wait! Realization came in quick. She was in what seemed like a huge forest. This can’t be, I’m not a sleepwalker or anything… or am I? There was just no explanation for that, or the fact that it was snowing in midsummer. I can’t just sit here, now can I. She got up, but she was feeling strange. Her hooves were feeling colder than usual. She looked down. Impossible! There weren’t any hooves, instead there was a pair of hands. What’s going on? My dreams aren’t usually this weird. She wasn’t a pony anymore, she was something else. Get up. Great, now I’m hearing voices. That’s right, you are. Who are you? I’m here to help you. I don’t need help. I think you do. You don’t even know what you are. Oh, and you do? You’re a human. Hu-man? Take it easy, lass. You’ll find out everything soon enough. Now get going. She started off into the forest, but it was no easy feat. These new limbs weren’t as coordinated as she’d hoped. You’re doing it wrong. Do enlighten me. Stand on your legs. I am. Not your pony legs, dunce! Your human legs. Just the back two. She reared back on her hind legs. It was a little hard getting balanced, but the voice was right. It was easier. She didn't like taking orders from a voice in her head, but she was running low on logical options.This is gonna be a long dream.
She continued on into the forest. There were so many low-hanging branches in the way that they were starting to annoy Midnight. Time to put these new legs… Arms. Arms. Whatever! I’m just trying to help. She let out a long sigh, but stopped. There was a sound she could hear very faintly. It sounded like somepony trotting in the distance. Maybe just the wind. She had to keep moving, the snow wasn’t letting up. It’s a good thing you have those clothes on, or you’d probably freeze. Clothes? Midnight took a quick look at herself. She was wearing some strange apparel. What’s all this crap? It’s what humans wear. The usual hoodie, jeans and sneakers combo. You even got some gloves to protect your hands. We’ll discuss my fashion sense later. Right now, I need to get out of this damn dream.
She trekked on but the canopy made the trees ahead of her nearly invisible. Need some light. She focused on a light spell but it didn’t work. Is the dream screwing with my magic? She reached up, but missed what she was looking for. Where’s my horn!? I’m getting tired of having to tell you all of these obvious answers. You’re a human, they don’t have horns. So no magic?! You have to use something else to channel your magic through. Like what? Try using the ring on your hand. There was a small ring with a pale blue stone on her finger. She had no other choice so she focused on the light spell. A little orb escaped the ring and illuminated the surrounding area. I’m sick of this dream. Why won’t it end? Do you really want to leave? YES! Well, I can’t help you there. Damn you, useless voice. She had no choice, but to keep going.
She was starting to feel tired, but she let her feet guide her. Midnight emerged in a clearing at what seemed like the heart of the forest. The orb illuminated the whole area. She looked around for her next direction, but a pair of trees caught her eyes. They were intertwined, almost like a tight embrace between two people, like her and her sister. There was rustling in the bushes behind her. Midnight quickly turned to see what it was. There was nothing, so she turned back to the intertwined trees. They’re gone! Behind where the trees once stood was a large shadow. In an instant, it took off into the dark. Without hesitating, Midnight chased the shadow. She ran as fast as she could, gaining more and more ground, when the shadow shot upward and disappeared. Midnight stumbled to a halt looking for that shadow, but all she saw were trees, everywhere. Where’d it go? Standing there, a very looming presence emanating behind her washed her with a wave of… Fear? Suddenly there was a rustling. She didn’t want to turn around, terrified of what might be there.
“Who’s there?” she asked, trying but failing to sound brave. The rustling grew louder, and it surrounded her now. “I-I’m warning you. Stay back!” she shouted. The rustling stopped, but a deep growl came from beside her. She screamed and took off into the shadows. Tearing past the trees, a loud roar filled the air. It sounded like… A dragon!? No doubt. I don’t have time for you. She kept running whilst tuning out the voice.
The ground was shaking unbelievably. Midnight didn’t want to stop. She knew that if she did, she was going to die in this dream. Bingo! It’s just a dream. I can’t get hurt, I’ll just wake up. She slowed down and turned to the dragon, who had caught up to her. Looking up at the behemoth, she acknowledged that it was just a dream, but the fear still felt all too real. The dragon reared its head and let out a stream of blazing fire. Midnight jumped out of the way, but she was slow and her left leg was caught in the blaze. The scorching heat burned her leg, and she shrieked in pain. It can’t be! It just can’t! Midnight writhed in pain, trying to comprehend how this had happened. It was in her dream. Dreams can’t hurt people. They can’t hurt, they can't burn, and they definitely can’t kill. But this one had hurt her. And now, it was going to end her. Thoughts raced in her head, but one blew past the rest. Star. I can’t die. She needs me.
“MIDNIGHT!!!” bellowed a voice from above. A ray of blinding light pierced the monstrous dragon, and it faded into the night. Down came what looked like a dark angel. With midnight-blue wings and flowing blue hair, the angel looked strangely familiar. Midnight tried to stand up to confront her strange savior, but the searing pain forced her back down.
“Please don’t strain yourself, Midnight.”
“Who are you?”
“It’s me, Luna.”
“P-Princess. What’s happening.”
“We can’t talk here. I need you to wake up. Calm your mind, Midnight. Take a deep breath and focus on waking up.”
Calming her mind seemed impossible. She had just been attacked by a dragon that managed to cause her actual pain, all while in her dream. Midnight focused all of her might to waking up. As she inhaled, a rush of warmth surrounded her. Just being out of the cold was enough to calm her mind. Everything seemed to slow down to a crawl. She exhaled and light engulfed her.
Midnight opened her eyes, and to her surprise, found herself in her living room. Starry Skies, Luna, and Celestia were all gathered around her.
“What’s going on? Why are you here?” she asked, trying to stand up. A sharp pain shot through her hind leg and she crashed onto the floor. “My leg! I burned it in my dreams, not in real life!”
“This is very bad.” stated Celestia, “It seems there is some drastic distortion in the realms of both dreams and reality.”
“We came because Starry Skies called us here.”
“I’m sorry, Midnight. I just heard you screaming in your sleep. I got scared and I called Luna here.”
“It’s okay, Star. I’m just glad they got here when they did.”
“This is very serious, Luna. We might need to gather Cadence and Twilight to discuss this.”
“I agree, Tia.”
“Wait a minute. C’mon, I get bad dreams all the time. This isn’t new for me. Well, my dreams never hurt me before, but it’s no big deal.”
“Before?!”
“No big deal?!”
“I’m afraid they’re right, Midnight. Look at your leg, and tell us it’s no big deal.” There was a faint but apparent burn with a strange, pale-red glow to it.
“Oh, right.” said Midnight halfheartedly.
“We’re only doing this to look out for you.”
“Yes, Midnight. We have nothing but the best intentions at heart. Tia, get us a carriage to Canterlot. I’ll help the girls get ready.” Celestia nodded and departed from the house. “Now, what can I get you, Midnight. We need to leave for Canterlot as soon as possible.”
“Okay, there is a cloak on my desk, that’s all I need. Star, get your cloak too.” The duo nodded and dashed into the hall and in what felt like mere seconds they returned. Luna gave Midnight her cloak, and helped her up. They made their way outside to Celestia who was standing next to a carriage waiting for them.
“We’re ready to go, Tia.” Celestia gave them a nod. She helped Starry Skies and Midnight up to the carriage, and they were off. Midnight was looking out the window toward their home. Midnight felt a rock forming in her stomach. She was feeling very empty at that moment. She couldn’t decide if it was leaving the home she held so dear, or if it was something else, something deeper.
“See Manehattan, Star? Keep it in your head.”
“Why, Mid?”
“I just feel like we might not see it for a while.”
“Everything alright, Midnight?”
“I dunno,” sighed Midnight, “I’m just feeling really anxious. I don’t know why.”
“I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” No disrespect, but that is a load of crap.
The carriage continued its journey through the sky, just like Midnight’s thoughts continued to race through her head. She had so many questions and concerns filling her head to the point of exploding. This wasn’t doing her any good. In fact, she was starting to feel lightheaded. Think of something else.
“Midnight,” called Luna quietly, “I have some things I need to tend to. You know, royal duties.”
“Of course, Princess. Don’t hold yourself up because of me.” she replied reassuringly.
“Thank you, Midnight. You look a bit tired. You and Starry Skies should get some sleep.”
“But what about-”
“Celestia will be right here. No need to worry. And besides, I’ll be back before the carriage arrives at Canterlot. That’s a promise.” Midnight gave her a nod, and Luna took off. She went back to her thoughts. Sleep. I am tired, as I’m sure Star is. She inched over slowly toward Starry Skies.
“Hey Star. If you’re tired you should get some sleep. We’ve still got some time before we arrive at Canterlot.”
“I don’t want to sleep.”
“Why not kiddo? It’d make me happy.”
“What about what makes me happy?”
“What d’you mean?”
“Why didn’t you tell me about these dreams before?”
“Star, they’re just dreams. I didn’t care to tell you because they weren’t a big deal.”
“Well they are now! Why didn’t you tell me? Don’t you trust me?”
“Star, it’s not about trust-”
“Then what, huh? Am I just not a good enough sister for you to tell?”
“Don’t say that, Star. I didn’t tell you because I knew you’d worry.”
“Duh. I’m your sister! If there’s a problem, of course I’m gonna worry!” Midnight glared at Starry Skies. She was at a loss for words. “How long have you been having the dreams?”
“Not that long.”
“How long!”
“A few years?”
“Years!?”
“How many times do I have to tell you? It wasn’t your problem!”
“Well, it is NOW!”
“Ugh, if I knew you were gonna act like this, I should have left you in Manehattan!” Starry Skies let out a small, suppressed gasp and turned away furiously. Midnight knew it didn’t take a genius to figure out that Starry Skies was disheartened. They sat for what seemed like hours in silence. Midnight filled the air with an apparent discomfort when she crossed the line with Starry Skies. All she wanted to do was to clear the air and fix her sister’s broken spirit, but to do that she first had to think of something to say.
“Star,” she said, gently putting her hoof around the filly, “I… I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.” The little filly looked up at her with tears lit up by the moonlight.
“Why, Mid? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Star, I-”
“Do you have any idea how that makes me feel? How is someone supposed to feel when their only sister doesn’t trust them enough to tell them her problems. Do I really not mean that much to you? Would you really rather have me back at home? Or would you just like not having a sister at all?” Midnight was completely taken aback. She brought her sister in close. Starry Skies wept lightly into her shoulder, while she thought of something to say. She looked endearingly into her sister’s sorrowful eyes.
“Oh Star, don’t ever think that I don’t want you, that’s the last thing I want you to think. Okay? And you know what?”
“What?”
“I’m glad you’re here with me. I need someone here with me, I mean look at me. I can’t even go to sleep without getting hurt.” Starry Skies pushed her playfully. “Sorry, bad joke. But seriously, You being here makes me so happy. I’ve only been able to make it this far because of you. I do it all for you. The nightmares are horrible at times. They make me wish I’d never wake up because I’d have to go back to them eventually, but I wake up and you make it all better. You’re my strength, what keeps me going. You’ve been with me through everything, and I’m thankful for that. I guess I could have told you, but I just didn’t want ‘my strength’ to worry about me.”
“C’mon, Mid. You don’t mean that.”
“I do, Star. You’re the only good thing in my life. Since M-Mom and Dad…” Midnight turned her head, trying to fight back tears.
“It’s okay, Midnight. I love you.”
“I… I love you too, Star.” Starry Skies turned Midnight’s head and brushed away a tear, then, she gave her a hug. I’m glad you’re my sister.
Look at them. Two sisters, just happy to be together. We used to be just like that, Luna and I. Even thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. Thank the stars Luna isn’t here to see me like this.
“Oh, Tia. They bring back memories don’t they?”
“Gah- Where did you come from?”
“I guess you were so captivated by the girls, you failed to notice my arrival. But tell me, don’t you see it in them? They’re just like us. Don’t you think?”
“Luna, I know I don’t say this enough,” Celestia, put a hoof around Luna, “but I love you.”
“I love you too, but where’d that come from? Getting soft on me, Tia?”
“D-Dunno what you’re talking about, Luna.”
“Are you crying?” she chuckled as she pulled Celestia closer.
“Course not! S-Something in my eye.”
“Don’t worry, there’s something in my eye too!”
Midnight Spark and Starry Skies both let out a big yawn, and some giggles.
“Alright, we’ve still got some time. Let’s get some shuteye.”
“But Mid, what about-”
“Don’t worry, Star? Luna’s right here with us. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay,” she said sleepily, “but will you sing me a lullaby?”
“Of course Star.” The little filly curled up next to her sister. ♪Hush now, quiet now, It’s time to lay your sleepy head. Hush now, quiet now, It’s time to go to bed. Drifting off to sleep, an exciting day behind you. Drifting off to sleep, let the joy of-♪ Midnight let out a big yawn. “Good night Star.” She put her head down and fell into a deep sleep.
Connections and Concoctions
Midnight’s face was getting very warm. She opened her eyes to the sunlight streaming through the carriage window. Midnight looked down at Starry Skies who was still asleep. She’s sleeping like a rock. Hmmm? What’s that? Wrapped in Starry Skies’s hooves was a scroll. Midnight pried it out and opened it.
“Midnight, Celestia and I have gone up to the castle. Come up as soon as you’ve woken up. ~Luna” Better wake her up. “Star. Star, wake up.”
“Mmmm…”
“Star, wake up. C’mon!”
“Just a little longer…”
“Starry Skies, you get up right now!” The little filly turned around, refusing to get up. “Fine, I guess you won’t get to see Canterlot.” It was as if she had said the magic word. Starry Skies shot up and ran to the window.
“Mid, we’re here! We’re really here!” Midnight knew Starry Skies wouldn’t miss Canterlot for the world. After all, she had never been. Midnight, on the other had, was there a few times, including the time Starry Skies was born.
“Let’s go, Star. The Princesses are waiting for us. We’ll be able to see everything on the way up to the castle.” The pair got out of the carriage and headed off into the bustling streets. It was hectic trying to keep up with Starry Skies. She would run one way, then run the other. Midnight did her best, but her leg greatly restricted her mobility. They passed by all the cafés and restaurants through the food district.
“Slow down, Star!” shouted Midnight as the little filly ran through the crowds of ponies on the street. Starry Skies was in such a rush, she didn’t notice when she knocked a display over in front of an apothecary.
“Having trouble controlling your little one?” asked an aged mare outside of the apothecary shop.
“Yeah, kinda… but she’s not my little one! Umm, I mean… she’s my sister ma’am.” she replied, picking up some of the things from the ground.
“Oh, you don’t have to call me ma’am. You sister seem like a ball of energy. I remember when I was a spry, young filly. But that was long ago.” The aged mare gave a chuckle.
“Here, that’s everything. Wait there’s one more- Ouch!” Midnight hit her burned leg on a table trying to reach a little bottle.
“I got it missy,” said the mare, looking at her leg. “you should get that leg checked. It looks very serious.”
“I’m on my way to do that. If only I could get my sister under control.”
“Here take this.” The mare held out a bottle filled with a shimmery blue substance. “It’ll help with the burn.”
“Thank you very much. How much will it be?”
“Oh no deary, it’s on the house.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t accept this.”
“Come on now. You can and you will.” She put the bottle in Midnight’s hooves. “It’s my way of saying thanks. You saved me a lot of trouble cleaning this mess up. Besides,” she leaned in close, “most of the ponies around here are too snobby to help.” They both snickered.
“Okay, thank you. Good-bye, have a nice day.”
“You too, deary, you too. Oh, don’t forget. Drink half the bottle now, half later.” Midnight gave her a smile and a nod. She uncapped the bottle and drank out of it. It had a very faint taste of apples, but it had a strange consistency. It seemed to slither down her throat. The taste is fine, but it feels like drinking mane gel. She finished half of the bottle and put it in the pocket of her cloak. She continued along, thinking about the strange drink when she suddenly remembered. Oh no. Where’s Star?! She looked up and down the streets, but there was no sign of her little sister.
“Star!” she shouted into the crowd. Midnight started to panic. She walked fast through the crowd with pain surging through her leg. She was surprised, though. The pain was somewhat suppressed by the tonic she had taken. She used this new surge to power into a light gallop. She searched tirelessly, bumping into stallions and mare without time to say excuse me. Where did you go!? Lost in thought she crashed with a stallion and fell to the ground.
The pain started rushing through her leg no longer withheld. Tears streamed down her face as she sat there. The stallion got up and walked away with a very smug look. Great, I lost my little sister in Canterlot. And now, I’ve fallen in the middle of the street and can’t even get up! All of the ponies moved around her, they even avoided looking at her. Midnight tried to stand up, but the pain was too much to bear. There was a small tap on her shoulder. She looked up and a stallion was standing there with an outstretched hoof.
“I say, you look like you could use some assistance, ma’am.” stated the stallion smoothly.
“Thank you.” Midnight took his hoof and he guided her to a bench at the park across the street.
“You should be more careful. I’m sorry to say the the crowd of my hometown isn’t very helpful.”
“No kidding.”
“What had you in such a rush, anyway? If you don’t mind me asking.”
“I seem to have lost my sister, sir.”
“Please, call me Fancy Pants.”
“Okay… Fancy Pants.”
“You were saying something about a lost sister?”
“Yes. My sister, Starry Skies. See, it’s her first time in Canterlot, and she slipped away while I was at a shop.”
“I’m sure she can’t have gone to far. Would you like help finding her?”
“Oh no, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
“It’s no problem at all. I’m sure my entourage would be willing to assist me. What, pray tell, does your sister look like?”
“She has a grey coat, a white mane, light blue eyes, and her cutie mark is six stars in a circle.”
“Not to worry, Miss… do forgive me, but I never got your name.”
“Midnight Spark.”
“Well, not to worry Miss Spark. We’ll find your sister in a heartbeat.” Fancy Pants walked over to a group of ponies who seemed to be waiting for him. “Alright sirs and madams, I need your help finding a young filly for my friend, Miss Midnight Spark. She’s got a grey coat, a white mane, light blue eyes, and six stars in a circle as her cutie mark. Let’s hop to it.” The group of ponies quickly dispersed and navigated through the crowd. Not even five minutes had passed when one mare led Starry Skies out of the crowd. Thank Celestia she’s alright. Starry Skies ran over to Midnight and sat next to her.
“Mid, I’m so sorry. I got carried away and left you behind.”
“Don’t worry about it. It is your first time in Canterlot, after all.” Fancy Pants left his entourage, and trotted up to the two. “Thank you, again for your help.”
“Oh, no need to thank me. It was my pleasure, my dear. I’ll leave you two. Have a nice day.”
“Wait,” Midnight called out. Fancy Pants turned around. “I have to ask. You said most ponies around here aren’t very helpful… Why did you help me? No disrespect.”
“None taken, my dear. I helped you because I wanted to, simply that. Also, you remind me of a dear friend of mine. A designer named Rarity from Ponyville with an amazing sense of generosity. I think you two would make great friends. Now, if you’ll please excuse me, my entourage is getting impatient.” He gave a smile and a nod, and left with the group of ponies. Not every day that you find somepony like that. Midnight got up and, with Starry Skies’s help, continued to the castle. They were nearing the gate when they noticed a stern looking unicorn waiting at the gate.
“Maybe he’s here to help.”
“Or, he’s just taking in the scenery.” They walked up to the gate and the unicorn opened it. “Thank you, sir.”
“Not a problem ma’am.” Replied the unicorn. He was turning to the street again, but stopped at the sight of Midnight’s leg. “Excuse me.I’d hate to bother you on this fine day, but I was hoping you could help me. I’m looking for a unicorn. Do you know anyone by the name of Midnight Spark?” His voice is so calm, so reassured. He must be expecting me. Playing it of like he doesn’t know that it’s me.
“Yes. Midnight is a good friend of ours.”
“Wait-” Midnight gave her a nudge. “Oh, Oh right. Midnight. Yeah, we saw here at the umm, at the-”
“Train Station. She was on her way to… Ponyville. Right, Star?” Starry Skies gave a reaffirmed nod.
“Ah, thanks anyways.”
“No problem, Mister.”
“Oh, how rude of me. My name is Half-Life.”
“Well, Half-Life, we need to get be on our way-”
“I’m the medical expert of the castle sent to find a unicorn named Midnight Spark.” He circled around the two sisters like a shark circling his prey. “She has a burned leg that needs treating, I do believe it was the left.” He stepped on her cloak, causing it to fall off as she turned. Her burned leg was exposed and in plain sight. “That and she is supposed to be with her little sister, Starry Skies, whom I hear goes by the name Star very often.” He turned his gaze to the little filly. “Am I to assume, that I’m looking for you two? Because if I am, I’m to take you up to the castle.”
Midnight felt very exposed under his eyes. Like he knew everything about her, but that wasn’t a good or bad thing yet. “Let’s get you two to the castle. And if I may be so bold, I’d like to tell you this. You should figure out who you’re lying to first. Otherwise you’ll make a fool out of yourself, or selves for that matter.” He’s smart, I’ll give him that. I’m not sure if I can deal with that smartass attitude. Doctor Half-Life doesn’t seem too pleased about helping me. Cold and calculating, go figure. “I apologize if I may have come across as pretentious. I just couldn’t resist the chance to observe you two. As I’m sure you’ve picked up, I’m a very calculating type of stallion. And though I may seem cold, I take the utmost pride in helping everypony.”
“What, did you read my mind?”
“So you were thinking that?”
“Prick.” muttered Midnight.
“Now, Now. If you’re going to insult me, at least let me hear it so I can agree with you.” Half-Life gave her a smirk. Midnight was slightly embarrassed, but also angry. Starry Skies chortled until Midnight gave her a disapproving scowl.
“Okay, on to more pressing matters. Why don’t you tell me about your leg?”
“What? Don’t you have the answer, good doctor?”
“Well yes, but I’m still not sure I heard right. I’d like to hear it from the source.”
“Fine. I’ll just give you the brief since you’ve already heard. I was in my dream. There was a dragon. Long story short, it burned my leg, and I woke up to find it burned.”
“So I wasn’t told a lie? It’s hard to conceive of a dream that can breach between the fine line into reality.” What the hell is he going on about? “I’ve never seen it happen before, and it will be difficult, but I think I can treat it.”
“Excellent, that’s great news.” I was so caught up with the doctor, I forgot we were meeting with Celestia and Luna. “You’ll be pleased to hear that Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight are both on their way here. We have to get ready for the summit. Half-Life, do your best to fix up Midnight Spark. Starry Skies, Luna needs your assistance in the upper hall. I need to talk to the guards. We’ll all meet back in the Grand Chamber before sunset.” Celestia departed toward the guardhouse. Luna took Starry Skies into the castle. And I’m stuck with the nut. Great.
“So, doc, what are we gonna do about my leg, hmm?”
“Let’s find out. My office is right down this hall.”
Starry Skies had followed the princess to the upper hall of the castle. She was amazed by the size of everything, the halls, the windows, the doors. They were all enormous. Luna opened a door to a small office.
“In here, Starry Skies.”
“Why did we come in here?”
“I need to ask a favor of you.”
“And you needed me alone up here to do it?”
“It’s not something easy to ask of you. You’re so young and… unprepared.”
“I don’t like where this is going. Can’t Midnight be here?” Starry Skies was starting to get a lump in her throat.
“I’m afraid not. She would protest what we’re about to do.” Luna locked the door behind her.
“I’m scared, Princess. Please, don’t make me do this. Please, please just let me go.” pleaded Starry Skies, on the verge of tears.
“Listen, Starry Skies. I need you to do this. I need you to be strong. This is for Midnight.”
“W-What do you mean?”
“I won’t always be there for her, but you will. I… I want to put you in the dream she had.”
“What?!”
“Hear me out, okay? When I put you in there. You’ll be connected with her. If she has a dream, you will be able to enter it. I can’t always be there.”
“How will it work?”
“You’re going to enter the dream. You’ll hear her thoughts, see her actions, and feel her interactions.”
“Wait a second, what do you mean ‘feel’?”
“Unfortunately, I mean just that. You’re going to go through the dream exactly like Midnight did. It’s the only way to get you two on the same level of communication and connection, for you to know everything. Look at the big picture, you’ll be there to help your sister.” In her dreams. I can help her… I can protect her for a change.
“O-Okay, I’ll do it.”
“Excellent. But be warned. I don’t know what all Midnight went through. You have to be ready for anything.”
“I… I understand.”
“You won’t wake up until the dream is over. Okay? Tell me when you’re ready.”
“I’m ready.” Starry Skies took a deep breath, and Luna cast the spell. Starry Skies drifted to sleep, but more importantly, into Midnight’s dream.
Midnight sat on the examining table in Half-Life’s office. She watched him mix powders and potions together, looking for the right mixture. Looks like he’s making a cake or something.
“Transcendent dreams, are one thing, but transcendent injuries? They get a bit tricky. I mean, they are injuries, but can’t be classified as such, or at least the medical professionals think that they can’t. I put them in their own special category.”
“Cut the crap, doc.”
“Please, Midnight. I’m trying to give you a little lesson about magical injuries. And I’d appreciate it if you were to call me Half-Life. ‘Doc’, makes me feel… unprofessional.”
“Seriously? Fine. Whatever. Please continue, Do- I mean, Half-Life.”
“Thank you. Now as I was saying. Transcendent injuries can be treated by potions and tonics, but you need to know what you’re trying to fix. Look at you leg for example. It’s burned.” No shit. “But burns don’t look like that. When somepony gets burned the area usually shrivels up, right?” Whoa, I didn’t even notice that. “See, that injury wasn’t on you physically. It was a more ethereal matter. Spiritual, if you will. I’m no expert in spirit magic, but I am an expert in spiritual injuries. Here drink this.”
Half-Life finished his concoction. It was a bubbly bright red brew, and it burned her throat. It tastes like apples. Weird. “I’m glad I had everything I needed. I was running low one ingredient in particular.”
“And what was that?” asked Midnight, starting to feel really dizzy.
“Hydra blood. It’s a very tricky substance to find. It has powerful restorative properties when it comes to burns, but most apothecaries don’t have it on a count of how hard it is to retrieve. I was surprised to find some in your cloak.” Hydra blood!? In my cloak!? I think I’m gonna be sick. “So, let’s wrap that leg up, and let the Hydra blood work it’s magic. It’s a very interesting thing, Hydra blood. It has the consistency of mane gel. Though some say it tastes like apples. Don’t know who’d think of drinking Hydra blood. They must have a natural attraction to the Hydra blood.” Why does he keep saying Hydra blood?! It’s making me dizzy and nauseous.
“Yeah, Half-Life. Could you stop saying Hydra blood?”
“Oh? Don’t like it now that you know what it is? I’m surprised you haven’t thown up yet. Most people have very weak stomachs after finding out something like that. Even more so when they drink a concoction as strong as the cure.”
“Well, I’m getting there the more you talk.”
“You’re funny, Midnight. But did you catch anything that I said before?”
“Of course!” Not! “You were talking about how ah… transcendent injuries need a special form of magic to be healed. They do manage to break the ummm… bonds of the dreams, but not enough to leave the ethereal state. Therefore, they are harder to deal with, unless somepony, such as yourself, knows how to deal with such matters.”
“Wow, it seems you do know how to keep up with boring medical talk. I must say you don’t cease to impress me. Tell me how did you piece that together.”
“What do you mean?”
“Even I know your head must have been spinning too much for you to even catch a single word I was saying. Your willpower is unimaginable, and your thirst to prove yourself even more so. You might just be the Starswirl the Bearded of our time.”
“That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard.”
“I was serious, Midnight. It may sound like crap to you now, but you have a very special talent. With it, the possibilities for you are endless. I think enough time has passed. Let’s check the leg.”
It was so hard to wrap her head around everything. How did Midnight manage to do this? Starry Skies look on as Midnight quickly adapted to the new form. She’s so quick to learn. I don’t think I’d be able to handle this. But if these are her dreams, I’m gonna have to get used to them.
The dream continued on, like a movie shot from her point of view. Starry Skies saw everything Midnight saw, and did everything she did, but she couldn’t get over the voice. It was helping Midnight all throughout the dream, but something about it made Starry Skies feel uneasy.
She kept watching every little development. No horns on humans. Need to use whatever can channel my magic, IF the dream is like this. What are the odds? No one ever has the same dream twice… but this is Midnight’s dream. I have to focus.
Everything moved by so smoothly, how she ran, how she moved, how she thought. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say this is the real Midnight. Nothing changed the pace of the dream, until Midnight saw the shadow. Chasing shadows? That’s not like her. The shadow disappeared just as she had caught up to it. Suddenly, the whole atmosphere of the dream changed. She’s scared.
The true terrors of the dream were just beginning. Midnight dashed through the trees with the roar behind her. I know why she doesn’t want to wake up sometimes. Coming back to these nightmares? I wouldn’t want to either. Midnight stopped running. She turned to face a monstrous black dragon chasing her. What are you doing Midnight, run!
Starry Skies looked on, and everything seemed to move so slow. The spray of fire shot out and in a split second that seemed like hours, Starry Skies felt the real terror. The pain surged through her uncontrollably. She couldn’t help but cry and wonder how Midnight kept her composure. Her sister’s last moments were about to unravel in front of her, but her thoughts were so calm.
She was thinking… About me. I really am what keeps her going. Luna was right, the two sisters had reach a new level. They were connected, because of what Starry Skies learned then and there. I know now what I mean to her. A blinding light shot out, striking the dragon and making it disappear. The dark angel came down. Luna, you came just in time. Moments later the dream ended.
Half-Life took the bandages off of Midnight’s leg, and to her astonishment, the burn had dissipated, or at least most of it. The only thing left was a strange,pale-red mark where the burn was.
“Half-Life, it worked!”
“Of course it did, I made it. It just took a few ingredients, and a decent knowledge of spiritual healing. So, did you learn something? Hmm?”
“I can honestly say that I have. I learned that this stuff takes some thought, but if you put your mind to it, it can be incredibly useful. That, and I learned that you’re not as big of a nut as I thought you were. But you’re still a bit of a prick”
“I can’t argue with that. An accurate observation, if I do say so myself.”
“But what about this mark? I don’t know if I like it too much.”
“I don’t find anything wrong with it, but if it bothers you that much, I’m sure we can find a way to get rid of it.”
“We? I don’t think I’ll be of much help.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, lass. You might have a bright future as a medical pro.” Midnight’s heart fluttered at the very idea. Me, a doctor? If he says so, it must be true. He is the doctor. There was something about him. He gave off a very warm and comfortable feeling. Come on, Midnight. You aren’t falling for him, you aren’t… Are you? “Come on Midnight. It’s almost sunset. Who know’s? Everyone might be waiting on us.” Us, it’s just a word Midnight. One little word, that could mean so much more.
Starry Skies opened her eyes. Luna was standing over her looking very shocked.
“Are you alright?”
“Yeah… yeah, I’m fine.” Am I? Starry Skies glanced at her leg. Luckily, it didn’t have a burn like Midnight. Mid. “Princess, did it work?”
“I’m sensing a stable connection between the two of you. I’m actually quite surprised. Such a link is usually very hard to maintain. Most of the times, there is a strong connection of one particular thought. Did you find it?” One thought…
“I think so, yes.”
“Okay, so tell me what exactly happened.”
“Well, Midnight woke up in the middle of the forest, but she wasn’t a pony. She was a hu… a hu…”
“A human?”
“Yeah, how did you know?”
“I was there, remember?”
“Yeah, but it looked like it wasn’t your first time.”
“Umm, it’s kind of a dreamer-overseer confidentiality thing. I don’t usually talk about other ponies’ dreams, unless it’s with the dreamer. But, yes. There is one very curious unicorn who dreams of humans all the time.”
“That’s strange, but it’s her dreams, right? Anyway, she was running through the forest while arguing with someone. Well, not someone. More like a voice. In her head. It seemed to want to help her, but she wouldn’t let it. She went through, learning to control herself with incredible ease. Midnight happened upon a strange pair of intertwined trees, but something made her turn. When she looked back, the trees were gone. In their place, was a big shadow. She didn’t think twice about going after it when it took off. But it got away from her. Then, there was rustling all around her. I could tell she was getting scared. She tried to talk to whatever was there, but a scary growl made her scream and run. She argued with the voice about the creature being a dragon, and the whole thing just being a dream. So she stopped and turned toward the dragon.”
“I can understand why she would do that, but I still question that.” No kidding. Why did you do it, Mid?
“I have no idea. She looked at the dragon as if she had no fears, but I could feel how scared she was. She might have thought that it couldn’t hurt her in her dreams. But we already know that she was wrong. That huge dragon moved quicker than the wind, letting out the spray of fire. Midnight never saw it coming. She got hurt and that’s it. Then you came in.”
“Interesting. Now we’re done here.”
“What about Midnight?”
“What about her?”
“Should I tell her about what we did here?”
“Midnight will find out about this eventually, but for now don’t tell her about it.”
“Why not?”
“Sometimes, it’s better to find out about something when it happens, not beforehand?”
“If you say so.” I hope something doesn’t happen. But if it does, I’ll be there for you, Mid.
“Let’s go. Everypony’s probably waiting for us.”
