Chapters "Why do you run from me my little pet?" That familiar chilling voice purred out in the dark. " Why do you hope when there is none?"
Hearing that voice just made her try and run faster, breath coming out in short, jagged gasps, blood pumping faster then ever. By now she didn't even know how long she had been running for. It could have been minutes, hours, maybe even weeks since she started. She knew wouldn't be able to go on much longer though. Her legs felt as heavy as bricks, every single step made her want to collapse on the ground and give up. The adrenaline and fear, the only things that were still keeping her going, were making her head so dazed and foggy that she couldn't make out anything in front of her. There may not of even been anything in front of her. It could have all just been darkness, endless, pointless darkness, but it didn't matter anymore, she had to force herself to keep running. She couldn't get caught. She couldn't.
"Just a little bit longer." She thought "Just a bit more and maybe... just maybe I'll finally be out of her reach... maybe I can stop soon."
That same terrifying voice chuckled darkly into her ear. Her blood froze to ice at the sound of it. She could feel its warm breath on the back of her neck, could feel its body looming threateningly close to her own. Could feel the burning rage it held inside hungry to consume her. Its presence made her stumble but she was able to catch herself, barely, and continued galloping with renewed vigor. It was so close to her, and she had to get away.
A nasty crack filled the night air as she tumbled over. No! Had she tripped on something? Had the nightmare caught her? Her mind was spinning far too wildly for her to properly tell. All she was able to do was lay there for a few moments, gasping for air, trying to force her thoughts in order.
"No" Her thoughts were tired and woozy. "I can't give up. Its to close to me, I have to keep running"
She tried to stand up and keep going but her legs just couldn't support her any more. Every time she made a move to stand she would end up collapsing back onto the ground in a panting mess. She simply could not go on any more. Resigning to her fate she closed her eyes and curled herself into as tiny of a ball as she could, waiting for her hunter to pounce upon her. But nothing came. She tentatively opened her eyes again to find... nothing. Raising her head cautiously she slowly looked around. Curious and frightened as to were the nightmare could have disappeared to. But it seemed that her pursuer was nowhere to be found.
She let out a long sigh of relief. It was over, she had escaped. Though just because it wasn't upon her now didn't mean it couldn't catch up. With a grunt she tried to force her legs straight. Although it was painful and difficulty she was able get back up on her hooves and tiredly walk away. Who knew what direction she was going in, all that mattered was that she distanced herself as far away from this place as possible.
Then she felt something, or heard something, or maybe even smelled something but no matter what the cause she decided to look back. One more time, just to be sure. She turned her head expecting to see an empty void and found her vision filled with two glowing teal eyes, insane glee dancing madly inside them.
"Going somewhere, my dear?"
Luna shot straight up in her bed. A silent scream caught deep in her throat. Panting and covered with sweat in the center of her torn bed, thrashing her head around wildly to see where she was and where the nightmare had gone. As her thoughts became clearer and she started to really examine at her surroundings, she came to the realization that she was in her room in Canterlot, and the nightmare that haunted her was nowhere to be seen.
She closed her eyes and held herself for a moment, focusing on controller her breathing and trying to block out the most recent terror. It was just a dream. Just a simple, meaningless dream. All ponies have them, and sometimes they happen to turn into nightmares. Everypony has a nightmare at some point. It was just a dream. Just a dream. She still couldn't hold back the choked sob that escaped her throat. These nightmares... they were so real.
To real. She thought as a few tears ran down her face. This was only the latest in a seemingly unending series of night terrors. Every time she tried to sleep she would hear that terrifyingly seductive voice, every time she closed her eyes she would see that hauntingly beautiful face... She could barely handle the feelings it stirred in her anymore.
On one hoof she knew what would happen if the nightmare ever caught her. The pain and suffering it would inflict upon her, especially after losing twice in a row, would be hundreds of times more terrible than any pain Luna could've ever felt before. But at the same time, whenever it spoke the voice would be so...soothing , like a loving mother singing a lullaby to her foal. Just hearing those hypnotizing musical tones would make Luna want to give in, to let herself be taken.
She shivered as she wiped her tears. She had to ignore it. She needed to make herself forget. Needed to find something to distract her, anything. Taking a moment to glance at her clock she realized she had only been sleeping a few hours. It was only a little before noon... She let her head droop down in exhaustion. Just like most other days, the nightmares she had would constantly keep her from obtaining the precious sleep she craved.
Maybe I should just go back to bed? Try to get some sleep until tonight? Then the nightmarish visions from the dream came back to her and a chill went up her spine. No, no I can't to go back to sleep. Not if the only thing that waits for me there is....her . Making her decision she stepped out of bed and took a quick survey of its condition.
She grimaced slightly as she realized how bad it was. Her blankets were ripped and torn in multiple places and the sheets were definitely ruined. She would have to get new ones. Damn, this will be the sixth time. Celestia is going to start noticing that I keep requesting new sheets and blankets. She hadn't told her sister about her nightmares yet. She was to afraid of what reaction a confession like that would bring. Would she sweep the problem aside and ignore her, tell her that she was being overly dramatic and that they were nothing but a few bad dreams? Or would would she take it seriously? Perhaps even.... to seriously?
No. She thought firmly. She would never send me back to the moon. She promised, and she never breaks her promises.
Luna glanced at the clock again. Speaking of her sister... This was about the time she would be eating lunch. Perhaps Luna could go and eat with her. If she was going to be staying up she might as well get breakfast over with now.
Nodding her head in confirmation of her plan she walked over to her bathroom to tidy up, stepping over many books and papers. As soon as she been freed from Nightmare Moon the first things she had requested her sister for were books. History, fiction, poetry, all types of books now resided in her room, and she was beginning to amass quite the collection. All her shelves were totally filled and the floor was now housing the excess. Aside from the reading table, a few chairs, and her bookshelves the room was fairly barren of extra furniture.
Her bathroom, despite it being for a princess and therefore being somewhat bigger than the norm, wasn't anything special. It was actually rather opposite to her main room. Where as that room was filled to the brim, the bathroom was rather bleak and had only a few perfume bottles and shampoos making up its commodities. Luna had never cared about pampering herself with such things, so the only make-up she had was given to her as a gift from her sister.
As Luna looked into her mirror her eyebrows raised in some amusement. Her hair has in a complete state of chaos. It looked like Discord had just escaped and used all of his powers specifically on it. Not surprising given how much she...
Luna shook her head to force those thoughts out. She couldn't think about that. She had to keep it out of her mind. But it's so hard She thought bleakly. Luna shook her head again. She had better and more important things to do than mull about her nightmares. First and foremost being an attempt to fix her hair.
Author's Note
If anyone who reads this see's an error or something that doesn't make sense put a comment up telling me that I fucked up so I can fix it kay? On an unrelated note did you know that Untill is actually spelled Until? Cuz I didn't, and it's kinda embarrassing.
Where lunch is mentioned (But never had)
"-so this new plan we've proposed will increase weather functions all over Equestria by a admirable six percent, and if you think that's impressive then wait till I tell you about the-" It just droned on and on.
Princess Celestia liked to think that she was a good ruler. A patient ruler. But it looked as though she was going to have to change the school curriculum again because some ponies seem to have failed the class that taught you how to say one thing in less than a million words.
Celestia sighed internally. Perhaps I'm being to hard on him, after all he's only been talking for... about one hour now. That's monumentally shorter than how long the IRS ponies usually take. She shivered as she remembered some of those meetings. Who knew somepony could talk about taxes for six hours without once considering suicide. How could they possible take the utter boredom? Forget the boredom, the mare who composed that meeting had introduced herself as the IRS meeting supervisor . How could she have possible angered someone so much that they gave her that job as punishment? Who was that cruel?
None of these thoughts showed on Celestia's face though. The entire time she was musing to herself she held the image of a completely devoted attendant. It was an trick Celestia had learned early on that she quickly transformed into an art.
There was a small grumble so faint that only the princess could hear it. The sound of her own stomach rumbling. She sighed internally yet again. Oh I do hope this doesn't go on for much longer, I'm already late for lunch as it is.
"-and we will be able to continue the displayed progress as long as we continue to receive our yearly funding from the crown. Thank you for your time my liege. That is all."
Celestia blinked a few times before she realized that the weather stallion had stopped talking and the meeting was over. Clearing her throat she responded.
"Thank you for the presentation. As you know we always appreciate such thorough and well done research being shown. There will be a decision delivered to you shortly. Now if you would excuse me I will be reprieving for a short lunch." The stallion nodded in conformation and exited the throne room.
Once the throne room doors had slammed shut Celestia released the sigh she had been holding for an hour and rubbed the dust out of her eyes. Today was starting to become a very, very tiring day, and it was still early! First had been the emissaries from the griffon kingdom, what with the arrogant attitude and the need to constantly have everything done, and explained, for them. Then she had to deal with the most snobbish Canterlot noble she ever had the misfortune to meet complain about how there were to many peasants in the city, and how there should be a lower quarter created solely for them. Celestia had tried to kindly explain that, despite the higher status nobles held, they had no right to segregate the common ponies. But the noble would hear nothing of it. In the end Celestia was forced to agree to consider the proposal for a few days just to get the noble to leave. And then the weather pony came in and gave the most mind-numbing presentation on rain possible.
With a grunt she stretched her back before stepping off her throne. Standing still for so long really did it in for her. Her joints felt like they had been dipped in wet concrete and then left to dry. Perhaps instead of a walk to the dinning hall she would take a nice fly. It seemed like a good enough idea, besides she knew the ponies of Canterlot enjoyed seeing her out in the day. Good for the mood of the city and all.
She exited the throne room to the side balcony, and extending both her powerful wings she took off into the air. She always enjoyed flying, the feeling of the wind flowing over her body, the sound of the air rushing past her. It always helped her relax whenever she was feeling stressed from her duties. That being said though, she felt there was never enough time for her to fly often. There was always something, or more likely somepony, keeping her from it. Whether it be the ponies, asking for an audience, or her sister.
"Luna" She whispered to herself.
She was worried about her sister. Celestia knew Luna thought she was ignorant to whatever was befouling her, but she had in fact noticed. Every time they met there always seemed to be some inner fear in her. Luna's eyes always seemed to be concealing some horrible terror and, for the life of her, Celestia couldn't figure out what was causing it. She had even attempted to bring it out of Luna a few times. She would subtly hint she knew there was something wrong but Luna would always retreat back into a shell and pretend she didn't understand what Celestia was trying to get at. It was frustrating at best. Although...
Perhaps it's me? Celestia tentatively thought. But that would be preposterous. Why would Luna have anything to fear from her? Celestia would never harm her, she was her own sister. Maybe she thinks I'll send her to the moon again? But why would she think that? She knows I would never do that to her. Doesn't she? The implications of her own sister being terrified of her were starting to worry Celestia even more.
I need to speak with her. Celestia thought gravely. Even if I am just letting my worries get the better of me there is still something wrong with her and I can't just ignore that.
The balcony entrance to the dinning hall was within sight now. Celestia sighed once again. Great, now I have another chore I need to take care of today. She mentally slapped herself as she landed. Caring for her sister was not a chore. Why would she ever even think that?
As the sun princess walked into the dinning hall, a new thought came to her. Maybe its not me she's been afraid of, but of how I've been acting. These past few weeks have been rather painstaking, and I have been rather short with her because of that. And Luna had just recently returned from the moon...Oh by the sun, no wonder she's scared. I've been nothing but mean to her since she's returned. She must be afraid that I hate her! This is horrible! I need to apologize immediately before this gets any worse.
Celestia now had new determination to get through the day. She had to see her sister to set things straigh-
"Um. Good day sister. I was hoping that I would catch you here." Luna said somewhat shyly
Celestia was at a slight loss of words for a moment, but she recovered quickly.
"Luna!" She exclaimed. "I didn't think I would see you until tonight. What are you doing up at a time like this? You went to bed not to long ago, you should still be asleep."
Luna looked away before she answered. "Oh I guess I wasn't really that tired. So I decided I would come and keep you company while you ate."
Celestia smiled warmly at her sister. "I appreciate the thought Lulu. But you need your sleep more than I need your company."
Luna flinched ever so slightly at the word 'sleep' but was able to cover it up well. Unfortunately for her Celestia had spent plenty of time learning watch somepony's face for the slightest movements, so she didn't miss the flinch her sister tried to hide. She flinched when I told her to go back to sleep. Celestia thought bitterly. She does think I hate her. Well...no better time to fix that than now.
"Luna" She started. "I... have noticed your mood turning darker. I know that you have been afraid." She saw Luna's eyes widen in fear.
"Tia I'm so sorry I wanted to say something but I-"
Celestia raised a hoof to stop her panicking sister. "It's okay Luna. I understand, and I apologize."
Luna stared at her sister for a moment. "You...you apologize?"
Celestia nodded her head. "Yes Luna I apologize. I realized today how mean I had been to you since you had returned form the moon. These have been several trying weeks for me but that is no excuse for how I've been treating you."
Celestia then stepped forward and wrapped Luna in a hug."I know you've been scared of me hating you Lulu. But you don't have to be. You're my sister, and I will always love you." She then nuzzled Luna lovingly and waited for her response, still keeping her enveloped in the hug.
...But Luna never responded. Backing away Celestia eyed her sister worriedly. "Luna, are you okay?"
Luna had a strange look on her face, it seemed part surprised part...sad?
Author's Note
Does anyone know what Celestia curses to? I can't just keep putting, "By the sun", in every time she needs to swear by something. You may think that this is a small matter but this is basically the only thing that has stumped me thus far and it's beginning to piss me off. H3lps arrrzs requirrrrsss.
When Celestia had first started her 'apology' Luna felt for sure her sister knew about the dreams. Felt for sure that the next place she was ending up was the moon. But fortunately, or unfortunately, she was utterly confused as to what Celestia was driveling on about, and could only stare slackjawed as her mind tried to compute just what her sister had been saying.
"Luna, are you okay?" She heard her sister ask.
And with that Luna was snapped out of her thoughts and thrown back into cold reality.
"Why yes sister I'm fine, better than ever actually." She replied smoothly. That was a lie if Luna ever heard one, but a necessary lie. Luna always had hated lying to her sister. It always made her feel as though she was betraying a sacred trust, one that should never be broken. But the situation calls for what the situation needs, she supposed.
"Oh...well that's good" Celestia let out a short laugh. "I was really worried for a moment there, I'm glad you accept my apology Lulu. Don't you worry though, I'll make up all that time I was cruel to you soon."
Luna nodded her head with a somewhat strained smile. The reason it was strained was that she had a slight problem with this. That slight problem being she had absolutely no idea what her sister was talking about. Cruel to her? When? It seemed the same as ever to her. Though, once she got past the 'What's going on?' part, she supposed this all worked out in the end. Luna wouldn't have to talk about her... dreams, and Celestia stayed happily unaware. Ignorance is bliss. Luna thought dryly.
"So did you say that you are staying up or are you going back to bed?" Celestia asked her curiously.
"Well I had planed on staying up." Luna replied truthfully. Better this than the alternative...
"I can honestly say I appreciate that. Today has been going just awfully." Her sister groaned out.
Luna giggled at that. Her sister always did enjoy complaining about how her day would go terribly, but Luna knew better. She knew that her sister loved her job, seeing the ponies and hearing their problems. Of course she usually left the fixing of those problems to her, but she didn't mind, it gave her something productive to work on, and it helped take her mind off things. Something which she had desperately needed as of late.
She shivered as memories came back to her. Damn it Luna, what did you tell yourself, put it out of your mind.
"Luna? Are you even listening anymore?." Celestia asked with an amused expression.
"Oh I'm sorry Tia." Luna apologized quickly. "I must have gotten lost in thoughts." Or dreams...
Her sister smirked at her. "Well, I was complaining about the griffons so I can't blame for ignoring me."
Luna cringed when Celestia mentioned the griffons. "Oh what a pain, you had to deal with those emissaries today didn't you?"
Celestia let out a dry chuckle. "Yep, unconstrained amounts of joy that was."
At that moment a servant unicorn, with a pristine white coat, came in through the kitchen door wearing a tuxedo and holding a notepad, ready and eager to take the princesses orders.
"I'll have a daffodil and daisy sandwich please." Luna said to the stallion curtly.
"I believe I will have the 'Xinalani Retreat' cake today." Celestia said with a small hoof wave and a grin on her face.
Luna looked at her sister questioningly. "Chocolate cake? For lunch?"
"What better time for it?" Celestia said, her smile growing even wider.
Luna chuckled softly as she shook her head. Her sister always had a love for cake. Ever since it was first invented she would go out of her way to eat as much of it as possible.No wonder she seems to be so much more...squishy...than I remember. Luna smirked as she thought about how her sister might react if she was to mention it to her. Especially if it was in front of other ponies. Oh if only I could see her face if I said it in front of her student. That would be priceless!
"Ah, and there it is. In record time might I add." Celestia said hungrily. Pulling Luna, yet again, out of her thoughts
"That's quite the impressive cake." Luna mumbled to herself.
And impressive it was, with several layers of milky chocolate and juicy raspberries. Even more impressive than the cake itself was the mare carrying it, along with Luna's food. She was an Earth pony, with a dark blue, almost black coat, and a blue mane. She was quite the sight, looking very professional carrying the food, but the most interesting feature she had were her eyes.
Luna gasped silently when she saw them. Brilliant teal, just like... She forced herself to look down at the table. Terror creeping up in her as the mare got closer. It's nothing to get my tail in a knot over, there are probably dozens of ponies in Equestria that have that same eye color. There is nothing to worry about, now pull yourself together damn it. But despite her inner convincing she could not shake away the fear and unease that was gradually growing inside.
"Luna? Are you alright? Your looking rather uncomfortable."
Luna swiveled her head over to her sister to find her staring at her with concern showing evident on her face. Damn it all, I need to think of something quick! Just then a light bulb clicked on over Luna's head.
"I'm just so terribly hungry, and that sandwich looks so delicious." She said quickly. The mare glanced up at Luna while placing her plate in front of her. As if to say she didn't buy that as an excuse, but then went on to place Celestia's plate down and exit the dinning hall without saying a word.
"Oh! I know how you feel. Sometimes, while waiting for the cake to come, I get so much more hungry than I was before I ordered that I can barely stand the wait! But don't worry your little head, or stomach, the food is now here!"
Luna sighed internally. Not the greatest cover I've ever come up with but, from the looks of it, it did the trick. At least I wasn't completely lying. I do feel fairly hungry. She raised her sandwich, using her magic, and took a bite. Her eyebrows raised in approval. They really manage to outdo themselves down in the kitchen This is fantastic!
Unfortunately for Luna, her thoughts simply could not stay warm for long, especially after such a... peculiar experience. That mare had looked so much like Nightmare Moon. Even the coat and mane were similar! It couldn't mean anything could it? Luna had finished her sandwich and was now staring off into space, contemplating the experience. She decided that it was just a coincidence, and that there was no way it could mean anything. After all, Nightmare Moon was no longer alive. Except for in my dreams. Luna thought sadly.
"My oh my. Those ponies definitely know how to make a good cake!" Celestia exclaimed, her cake half eaten. "And that server was wonderful too! Very professional."
"I suppose she did do a good job." Luna admitted.
"'She' Luna?" Celestia asked quizzically.
"Yes, the mare with the dark blue mane. Remember?"
Celestia giggled. "Luna, I think you've been cooped up in your room for to long. Our server was a white, stallion , the same one who took our orders."
The blood drained out of Luna's face as she stared at her sister, eyes wide and knees beginning to shake.
"W-w-what?" She managed to stutter out. Fear constricting her throat like a noose.
"Why? Is something wrong Luna?" Her sister asked, her head tilted in curiosity.
Luna abruptly stood, knocking her chair over with a loud bang.
"N-no of course n-n-not. I j-just remembered that I wanted to g-go to the library after breakfast. Silly me for forgetting." Luna let out a nervous laugh. Eyes darting back and forth as if to see if anyone could be watching from the shadows.
"Well s-see you later!" She forced out before rushing away. Leaving a very confused sister behind her.
Celestia stared in the direction her sister dashed off in before looking down at her plate, contemplation written on her face. "I wonder what's gotten into her?" She thought out loud.
Author's Note
This is the first chapter in which I used the word, "Their", take of that what you will.
Luna barreled through the halls of the castle, leaving behind more than a few confused ponies in her wake. But that didn't matter to her now. All that she cared about was getting back to the safety of her room. Once she got there she...would be able to put her thoughts together, would be able to try and make sense of what was happening.
With a mad rush of speed she burst into her room and just as quickly slammed the door closed. The curtains that she normally kept open when she was awake were immediately bound tightly shut. Letting not even the faintest crack of sunlight through. Right now she needed to be were she could think best, and since it wasn't nighttime, this would have to do.
Once her room was properly closed up and completely dark she instantly started pacing. It was a habit she picked up long ago that she frequently performed when she was nervous, and right now she was far beyond nervous. Staying in motion helped calm her, made her feel as though whatever was ailing her would have to follow her a long ways before rearing its head. This, of course, did nothing to help her if what ailed her was in her head .
I am probably just overreacting. So what if I was mistaken? Perhaps my tired eyes made me think there was a mare instead of a stallion, and perhaps I also saw the mane color because of that...No. No I wasn't mistaken. I may be tired but I'm not inattentive. So it must have been my sister that made the mistake! She was stuffing her face with cake after all, and after ruling so long I'm sure she must make mistakes while seeing ponies from time to time...right? Luna was slowly working herself into a deep panic. Her sister had never made mistakes like that before, and Luna doubted she would have started now. Which meant...
"I did see a mare who looked like Nightmare Moon. But why? Why does she have to haunt me like this?"
"Why indeed " A sultry voice purred.
Luna let out a short yelp as she whirled around. Looking in every direction she could as she tried to locate the source of the voice.
"Who's there!??" She asked, her voice cracking from fear of the reply she would receive. Why did she even bother asking? She already knew who it was, she had known who it was since the nightmares started. It was the same pony who had been constantly haunting her inner thoughts and dreams for weeks now. Luna waited and waited, keeping completely still as to not make a sound, but the voice seemed to have disappeared. Agonizing minutes went by before Luna finally felt comfortable enough to let out an exhausted sigh of relief. It was leaving her alone, or at least for now it was, and at the moment, that was more than good enough for her.
Luna sat down on the edge of her bed, eyelids drooping low. She rubbed at her eyes, attempting to grind the tired out of them, but it didn't help. She was so tired. The couple of hours she had been awake today had effectively taken their toll on her, not to mention all her previous nights of unrest, and now it seemed to be all crashing down on her at once. So many days with little to no sleep. So many nights wrapped in fear.
She glanced at her clock. 2:30 it read. Maybe she could take a small nap. She was supposed to be sound asleep anyways, so what would it hurt? Mmmmh. Just a short nap, just so I can rest my eyes. Her head was already falling down into her pillow as those thoughts came up. Almost as soon as she lowered her head she was quickly being whisked off to sleep. But she had enough time, before she fully embraced the dreamworld, to see a pair of glowing teal eyes. Grinning at her maliciously from the darkest corner of her room.
Celestia was starting to get worried about her sister again. After that strange display in the dinning hall she decided to modify her schedule so she would have more time before her next meeting. Her Royal Planner hadn't been easily convinced that extra time should be allowed, as her schedule was already full as it was, but after a few less than subtle hints of him losing his job if he didn't comply he was more than happy to assent to her wishes. Once more time was firmly secured Celestia went directly to the Canterlot library to find her sister.
She walked through that castle halls with a regal trot, looking like a true princess. But inside she wasn't feeling so royal . Her day was going down the drain. First the meetings and now her sister ? Celestia barely knew what was going on with her anymore. Why did she think their server was a mare? and a blue one at that? And why did she run off immediately after? Celestia dearly wanted to know what thoughts could possible be running through her little sisters head, but to learn that she would need to find her.
She soon entered the library, and started scanning the countless rows of bookshelves that made it up. A grimace began to form on her face as she started to regret making the library so damn big! Why are there so many books in here? No one even comes in here aside from Luna and I! It could take hours to find her in here, and I only have 35 minutes till my next meeting... Celestia let out a groan at the very daunting task that was displayed before her.
Then suddenly she had an epiphany! A perfect idea that was bound to succeed. I can find the librarian and ask him where Luna went! Genius! She swiveled her head left and right but... There seemed to be no librarians in sight. She would have to look for one. And who knows how long that could take.
Celestia let out another groan and hung her head, the reality of her situation becoming clear. This is completely hopeless. She thought depressingly. By the time I find anyone to help me will be to late, and I'll be up to my horn in meetings without any answers as to my sisters problem. Oh why can't anything go right today?
"Um...E-excuse me? Princess Celestia?" A meek voice sounded from behind her.
Celestia turned towards the voice to find... a small mare with light grey fur, dark orange hair, big eye glasses that were out of style decades ago and... a cutie mark of three stacked books. Well, that's a librarian if I've ever seen one. Celestia thought happily.
Clearing her throat and taking on a more regal posture, she addressed her subject. "I trust that you are the librarian?" She asked with thinly veiled hope in her voice hiding behind the formal speech.
"Yes princess, my name is Well Read, m-my friends call me Wellie." The mare shyly answered back, obviously intimidated from being in the presence of royalty .
"Oh wonderful!" Celestia exclaimed, her regal posture falling as she practically jumped for joy. "Now tell me, my little pony, Did you see my sister come in, and if you did where did she go?" Celestia asked excitedly.
Well Read was having a slightly more negative reaction, looking as though she was about to have a heart attack. "I h-h-haven't seen her m-my lady."
Celestia's face fell immediately, her hope and excitement coming crashing down in a twisted mess. "Oh... Is it possible you missed her? I'm positive she came in her."
"I'm sorry princess, but I've been here all day, and unfortunately you're the only one who's come in." Well Read said sadly, depressed she couldn't help the princess.
Celestia sighed. "Oh well, I suppose it can't be helped."
"W-well if it makes it better, I'll be sure to let you know if she does come in." Well Read said supportingly.
"Thank you my dear, it does help. Now I must bid you farewell." Celestia replied as she made towards the doors. Perhaps she went to her room first. It wouldn't hurt to check. Celestia decided.
A feeling of dread began to grow inside her. She didn't know why but she instinctively felt that something was off, and she was sure her sister was caught up in it.
Exiting the library she began to make her way through the winding corridors of the castle, making her way towards her younger sisters room. She tried to nullify the bad feelings she was getting. It is far to difficult to reach this place. Why did Luna have to choose the room farthest away from everything? If you don't know which ways to go you're liable to get lost...
Despite making a wrong turn once Celestia was able to reach her sisters room fairly quickly. When she was in front of the door she started hearing noises coming from within. Placing her ear against the door she was able to make out...sobbing? Her eyes went wide and she wiped the door open, nearly ripping it off its hinges, and rushed into the room. Luna!
It was pitch black in the room but the door let enough light in to see. Celestia threw her head around, trying to locate her sister, before she was able to pinpoint her. Luna was on her bed, thrashing back and forth. Tears were running down her face and she kept on mumbling to herself...It sounded like begging. Celestia was beside the bed in a fraction of a second, and attempted to wake her sister up from whatever nightmare befouled her.
"Luna!" Celestia cried out in fear, shaking her sister back and forth in an effort to bring her conscious.
She could hear her sister begging over and over again. "Please...please stop. Please leave me alone. I'll be good, just please...please..." She was starting to sound desperate and frantic. Tears were streaming down her face and nothing Celestia did seemed to wake her.
"Luna!" Celestia begged, tears of her own starting to form. "Please wake up Luna! Wake up!"
Author's Note
I suck at coming up with names.
Luna was running once again. Hooves pounding the ground over and over. Fear coursing through her like the blood in her body. This was worse than all the other dreams. In the others she would run but nothing would truly chase her, just an apparition in the shape of her terror. But this... this was real . She could feel the ground beneath her hooves, could taste the salt from her tears as they ran down her face. Could smell her hunter's intoxicating scent... This wasn't a bad dream, this was a nightmare. A real nightmare.
"Luuuuunaaaaa." Her assailant sung out. "Why are you still running? Wouldn't you like to rest with me? I'll be sure to help you relax." The dark voice started to break out in laughter. It seemed to come from all directions, Luna thought she could even hear it in her mind.
"Awww, you look so tired. Why don't you stop and rest a while?"
Luna wanted to resist. She wanted to ignore the voice and its beautiful rings, to just keep on running, but she couldn't. Her legs seemed to work on a will of their own, and her body began to slow down. She went from running to a dead stop in seconds.
"Good Luna, good..."
That voice was so close now, it seemed like it was nearly upon her. But try as she might Luna couldn't escape the thrall she was under. The voice was so soothing...so hypnotizing. She would be mad not to obey. But just because her body couldn't resist that didn't mean her mind couldn't. Unfortunately for her, said mind was to rampant with terror for her to make a difference.
She saw a wisp of her blue ethereal hair, a strand closing in and stroking Luna's face ever so softly, leaving a tingling warmth were it left. Then the rest of the nightmare came into view, grinning lovingly with half-lidded eyes twinkling seductively. It was the mare of her darkest nightmares and her sickest dreams. Nightmare moon. Her coat deep black and seemingly composed of shadows. Her waving mane, stars shining softly inside it. And her beautiful teal eyes, mesmerizing and deceitful.
"It's been a long time, hasn't it Luna." The nightmare's voice rang out from inside Luna's head.
"You thought you were rid of me." Nightmare moon started circling Luna, her hair sliding over her fur gently, moving her into a state of forced tranquil. "You thought I was gone forever. Like a nightmare that you wake up from. Once it's over, it's over. That's what you thought."
Nightmare moon stopped in front of Luna again, their faces nearly touching. Her warm breath enveloping Luna.
"I'm sorry to tell you that it's not quite that easy."
Luna's mind was in two parts at this point. One side of her was in complete terror at the situation she was in. It wanted nothing more than to wake up and run away. To find her sister and tell her everything. But the other side was under the nightmares entrancing spell. It wanted to stay in the dream. To give in to Nightmare Moon's seductions. To let itself be taken. Willingly.
Nightmare Moon grinned. She could see the inner turmoil in the young princesses eyes. But it wouldn't be long now, soon Luna would lose all will to resist, and then she could do whatever she pleased to her. The nightmare licked its lips hungrily, tongue running sensually over pearl white fangs. She had waited for this moment, the moment when she could punish Luna for every insubordinate act. Every defiant little push that lead to her defeat. She may not have been able to posses Luna anymore, but she could certainly make her suffer.
Nightmare Moons grin widened. "We're going to have so much fun together. I can already imagine how much you're going to love me making you scream."
Nightmare Moon whispered the last part directly in Luna's ear, eliciting a shiver from the night princess.
"Please..." The nightmare ran her tongue down Luna's neck, leaving a hot trail down to the divet of her throat. "Please stop..."
Nightmare Moon backed away, shocked that Luna was able to say anything related to resisting her. But then her grin returned tenfold. It would be even funner this way, if Luna tried to fight it.
"Please leave me alone." Luna begged. "Please..."
Nightmare Moon just threw her head back and laughed. It was adorable watching Luna beg, this was going to be even more fun than she imagined. She nuzzled Luna, still giggling slightly.
"Yes Luna, beg me to stop. Don't you worry, before the end of this you'll be begging for more." The nightmare promised.
Suddenly the world seemed to shake, like an earthquake but with no real movement, just an image sliding back and forth.
Nightmare Moon hissed at the sky angrily. "Damn it Celestia! Why must you insist on ruining my fun! Oh well." She looked back down to Luna. "Don't you worry Luna, I'll be waiting for you right here. After all, you have to go back to sleep sometime. And then, there will be no interruptions. There will be no one to save you."
The last thing Luna heard before being thrust into the waking world was Nightmare Moons laugh, dark and promising.
Luna groaned and blearily cracked her eyes open, but was unable to focus on anything. Why did it seem like the whole world was shaking? And what was that noise? It almost sounded like her name...
"Luna! Come on Luna wake up. Please!"
"C-Celestia?" Luna bewilderingly asked, her throat hoarse and dry.
"Yes!" Celestia cried out with joy. "You're awake! You were thrashing around so much and I was getting so worried. Are you okay? What happened in that dream?"
Luna had to carefully plan her next words. Should she tell her sister or not? If she didn't tell her, then Luna would have to face her nightmares alone, and who knew how long she would be able to last, when Nightmare Moon seemed to be growing in power every night. But if she did tell Celestia...would she help, or would she go to extremes . She wouldn't do that. Luna confidently reassured herself. But... as soon as she thought that her confidence suddenly melted away. She couldn't shake the feeling in her that telling Celestia would be a bad idea. Despite how much she wanted to confess. What to do, what to do...
"Luna?" Celestia asked expectantly.
Luna bit her lip nervously before responding. She made her decision.
"I...I don't remember what the dream was about. As soon as you woke me it all faded away..." Why do I keep lying to her? Luna thought miserably. What keeps pushing me to do this?
"Oh, well I suppose that's for the best. With the way you were crying it must have been horrible. I certainly wouldn't want to remember it." Celestia admitted.
"Yes...for the best...." Luna repeated, gazing off into the air, looking at nothing.
"Well." She started. "I need to go get cleaned up." Again... "I'll see you later then sister?"
Celestia looked a little surprised that she was practically being told to leave, but a moment after her smile was back on her. "Of course Luna. See you tonight."
Once Celestia had exited her sisters room her facade dropped, and a deep frown took residence on her face. Luna had lied to her. She could tell before the words even came out of her little sisters mouth. She saw it in her eyes. Luna remembered exactly what happened in the nightmare, but decided to lie about it. Why? Why would she lie to me about something like that? Was she ashamed of having to admit she had a nightmare? Or is it something else... Celestia couldn't figure it out, and, besides confronting Luna about it, she had no way to find out. She was also reluctant to force her sister to tell her. Anything that Luna would rather lie about rather than tell Celestia must have been either extremely important, or deeply personal.
Their relationship had been strained thus far as it was. Celestia forcing herself into her sisters matters might destroy all the progress she had made. Or worse. She had pushed Luna past breaking before, unleashing a nightmare upon the world, and she refused to do such a thing again. For Luna's mental sake if nothing else.
Oh, this would be so much easier if Luna would just tell her what was wrong. It didn't matter what it was about. Celestia wouldn't judge.
"Luna... what could you be hiding from me?" Celestia said out loud. Deep in thought.
"Excuse me, you highness?"
Celestia had to fight back the urge to jump in surprise when she heard that. She looked behind her to find her Royal Planner, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"What could you possibly want?" She asked irritably.
"Well you see," He said, pulling out a long scroll Celestia recognized to be her schedule. "Due to some recent...events...we will have to modify your schedule again."
"Events?" Celestia asked, confused as to what happened. "What events?"
"Your ladyship has not heard?" Her planner asked, shocked.
"No, now tell me." She demanded. This had better be good if I'm going to have to sit through making a new schedule.
"The governor of New Mareshire, the one supposed to arrive this afternoon, was attacked on the road here, not too far away actually."
Celestia's jaw dropped in shock, a pony being attacked? And so close to Canterlot? That didn't make sense!
"What was it, bandits?" She managed out after a moment of loss.
"No my lady, it was a hydra."
"A hydra ?!" She virtually screeched. "Why hadn't I been informed of this before!?"
"I believe the reason was none of the guards could locate you."
Celestia blushed for just a moment before turning serious. A hydra ? Attacking a pony outside of the Everfree? Monsters never just stumbled out of the Everfree like that, much less to attack a pony on a often traveled road . This was something she absolutely needed to investigate. To Tartarus with the schedule. This news had just taken priority.
"I apologize, but this news must be followed up on. I'm afraid that everything on my schedule will have to be postponed for now."
The planner looked like he was going to protest, but seemed to think better of it and simply nodded in confirmation.
Celestia left with a brisk pace towards the military center. Mind set on what she had to do.
I just wonder if this day can get any worse.
Author's Note
HAIL HYDRA!!!