Dream Sparkleby Silent StriderChaptersFallBubbleDreamNightmareEpilogueBonus SceneFallCelestia looked away from the telescope and discreetly massaged her temple. She had just sent Discord a message to come to the observation deck, and keeping a straight face when talking with Discord was taxing in the best circumstances. Which the current ones weren’t. “May I help, your highness?” Discord’s voice dripped sarcasm. Taking care to wear her usual serene smile, Celestia turned and looked at the draconequus; Discord was on the doorway, doing a mock bow and wearing a mismatched outfit that was at the same time courtly and offensive. “No need for formality, Discord. Have you seen Luna today?” With a snap Discord removed the mismatched garb. “Why, yes. The poor princess was blowing some steam, something about mixed orders and a maid trying to clear the bath while she was using it. She also mentioned something about getting back at the culprit even if she had to go to the ends of Equestria -” Discord’s eyes opened wide as he took a half step back. Celestia lifted one eyebrow. “Discord, what -” She didn’t get to finish the phrase; Discord grabbed and held Celestia in front of his body like a shield, retreating inside the tower. “Keep her away, keep her away!” Making a supreme effort to not let her confusion show, Celestia made her face into a glare of cold fury. “Release me this instant, or I -” What - or, rather, who - Discord was afraid of entered Celestia’s field of vision. A large pony flying on unsteady wings, her body green with dark spots, limp mane and tail a darker green shade. A couple pegasus guards were paying close attention, as if they were ready to catch her at any moment, but keeping distance. And she also had an unicorn horn. “Luna!” Celestia kicked hard, hitting Discord and making him double over. “Wait, I will -” There was a flash around her and Celestia saw herself inside an iron cage. This time Celestia’s cold fury glare wasn’t fake. “WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING?” Her horn flared bright, a similar aura engulfing the cage. She turned her head to keep both Discord and Luna on her line of sight. Luna was approaching the balcony, struggling hard to keep airborne, while Discord - still doubled down - had his eyes glued on her. As soon as Luna was over the balcony Discord snapped his fingers, encasing Luna in a huge transparent bubble, which floated slowly towards the balcony. As soon as Luna stopped flying she lost conscience, but her chest was visibly rising and falling. Seeing Luna out of immediate peril, Celestia willed her face into a neutral semblance. Discord swept the sweat from his brow with a paw. “Whew, that was close. Let me get you out - “ Discord noticed around Celestia the twisted bars that used to be a cage. “Never mind. But whatever you do, don’t open that bubble; I don’t fancy having Sun and Moon duty for the next week or two.” Celestia glared at Discord. “Explain.” Discord started to count on his fingers. “Tatzlwurm fever. Highly contagious, leaves the patient weak and unable to use magic, no known cure except for rest. Ask your pet princess Twilight if you want to know more, she and Fluttershy treated the only known case of it in the last century or so.” Celestia summoned a clear scroll and a quill. “You better be telling the truth.” Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn. BubbleLuna awoke inside a pinkish transparent bubble; beyond the barrier she could see the living room of a cottage, full of ponies and non-ponies alike. Twilight Sparkle and her five closest friends, Spike, Discord, Celestia, as well as a large number of assorted small critters. The yellow pegasus - Fluttershy? Luna’s mind was clouded with fatigue - pointed at her, causing everypony to speak enthusiastically and making Luna wince with a headache. The yellow pegasus seemed to notice that, leading everypony outside. Soon after the excitement died, Luna fell asleep again. Luna awoke a couple more times, always finding either the yellow pegasus or a purple alicorn close, and quickly falling asleep again. Finally, after lapsing into her dreams many times, Luna woke with a clear enough head to make sense of what she was seeing. Immediately she noticed that it was dark outside, the moon rising in the sky. “Did Celestia raise the moon?” Twilight looked up from the book she was reading. “Luna, you’re awake! Yes, she raised the moon. She also wanted to talk with you as soon as you were awake; she says you have something serious to answer about. Are you well enough to handle it?” Twilight seemed to notice how Luna was shuddering. “I can try to convince Celestia to come back later, if you don’t feel ready.” Luna shook her head. “Don’t. I had time to think, and it’s past the time I should beg my sister forgiveness for worrying her.” Twilight tilted her head a bit. “Time to think? You were awake for barely minutes all this time.” “Princess of Dreams, remember?” said Luna with a weak smile. With a nod, Twilight left for what Luna figured was Fluttershy’s bedroom, closing the door behind her. While unable to make out the words, Luna heard her sister speaking with a calm but commanding voice, Twilight with the uncertain and panicked tone she often had when disagreeing with her mentor, and… The last voice was certainly Fluttershy’s. It was often submissive, but the submissive tone was alternating with an iron-clad resolve. Was Fluttershy talking back to Celestia? Luna could think of less than a dozen ponies in all of equestria that could do that. Luna soon got her answer. The bedroom door opened, Fluttershy coming out first, followed by Celestia - ducking her head to avoid hitting the doorway - and Twilight. Fluttershy’s face was set with resolve, but her timid steps and trembling wings clearly showed how scared she was. Celestia had a frown on her face. “Fluttershy was ready to throw me out of her cottage; I had to tell what I know about your prank attempt for her to let me ask one question.” Luna shrank inside the isolation bubble. “Were you trying to make Discord sick?” Luna bowed her head. “...Yes.” “Very well. We will speak about your acts after you recover.” Celestia turned to leave, finding her path blocked by the yellow pegasus. “Your highness, you can’t… leave… like this…” Fluttershy was shrinking under Celestia’s stare. Twilight gulped and went to Fluttershy’s side. “I believe what Fluttershy is trying to say is that you can’t leave in anger. Leaving anger and guilty simmering will be worse for both of you. As your friend, I beg you to forgive your sister.” “I don’t deserve forgiveness,” whispered Luna, “I acted in anger, tried to hurt Discord, and put half the guard and Celestia at risk. Tell me, Twilight, if I had sent one of your friends to the hospital over a prank, would you forgive me so readily?” Fluttershy walked towards Luna’s bubble and lay down where Luna’s gaze was lingering, calmly looking at her eyes. “Are you sorry? Really sorry?” “... Yes.” “Then I would forgive you. And I’m sure Twilight would as well.” Twilight nodded. Luna was lifting her head, tears of joy flowing, when Celestia spoke with a weary voice. “It’s not that simple. I’m not the wronged party.” Luna nodded. “Then I propose a reparation. Let Discord choose a penance for me.” Twilight’s eyes went wide. “You can’t be serious. Discord is crazy, you can’t let him choose! We will talk to him later and -” “No, Twilight, my sister’s idea is a good one, though it could use some tweaks. Luna, how about these terms: your penance shall last a full week, it shall not harm you in any way besides your pride, it shall not mar the image of the princesses before the country, and it shall be vetted by myself - or by Twilight, should she accept to bear the burden?” Luna nodded again. “I accept.” Celestia turned back to look at her sister, letting Luna see her tears. “And Luna, I wasn’t angry at you. I was angry at myself for letting you harm yourself due to a stupid dispute.” “Thank you. Will you take care of the moon and the dreams while I recover?” Celestia shook her head. “I can handle the moon, but not the dreams; I don’t have an affinity for dream magic.” Twilight stepped besides Celestia. “What about me? My special talent is magic, after all.” Luna’s face became hopeful. “It might work. Tia, can you send me a copy of the Dream Walker spell from my personal grimoire when you get back to the castle?” Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn. DreamTwilight appeared in the air and immediately started to fall. She opened her wings - Or, rather, noticed that she didn’t have her wings as she fell, screaming and flailing her legs all the way. Luckily, she landed on a bush that broke her fall, and was fairly close to the ground to begin with. The voice of a familiar filly reached her. “Let’s go, Silver Spoon. We already lost too much time with this flightless blank flank.” Twilight tried to get out of the bush to take a better look, but the bush’s branches were holding her legs; she was stuck there. “Oh, great. Can anything else go wrong?“ She attempted to teleport out of the bush; her horn glowed… but as the glow dissolved in harmless purple sparks, Twilight was still inside the bush. “I had to ask.” “Anypony here?” A small hole opened in the leaves, where an orange filly face wasvisible. “Scootaloo! er, can you lend me a hoof? I’m stuck.” “Sure.” They started to bend branches together. “What are you doing here?” Good question. What am I doing here? I remember getting a spell from Spike, and… didn’t Luna say something about being disoriented the first time I used it? “I’m doing a favor for Princess Luna. I think.” Together they managed to bend or break enough branches to free Twilight. As Twilight stepped out of the bush, Scootaloo’s gaze fell upon Twilight’s back, where her wings should be. Glancing up at the moon, Scootaloo asked: “This is a dream, isn’t it?” A dream… Yes, that seems right. Luna couldn’t handle the nightmares today, so I offered to help... Twilight looked around; she was close to the school, but it was somehow different. A strange fog hung around, preventing her from seeing the rest of the town. “Er, are you fine? I thought I heard somepony saying bad things about you,” said Twilight, pointing where she heard the voice of Filthy Rich’s daughter disappear to. “I’m cool. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are always trying to hurt me, but after last time I don’t think they can anymore.” Scootaloo puffed her small chest with pride. “You know, I had the awesomeliest ponies help me face my fears! There is no way I could let those bullies use that to make me feel bad.” “Do you mean awesomest?” “What are you, a dictionary?” The filly put a hoof in front of her mouth. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to -” Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. “Don’t worry, I’ve been called far worse things.” Fears… Nightmares... “Might I ask about those awesome ponies and how they helped you?” Scootaloo blushed a bit. “It’s a bit embarrassing.” she looked down, moving her hoof in circles. “And I kinda promised Rainbow Dash not to tell…” “That she sometimes feels fear?” Scootaloo’s jaw dropped. “How do you know?” “It’s just like Rainbow to ask others to keep that in secret. I have seen her afraid, both for herself and for others; but instead of hiding away, she braves her fear and do the right thing…” Twilight brought a hoof to her chin “... even if once in a while she needs a little push.” Twilight looked at the filly; she seemed to be considering whether to tell her tale or not. “I still want to hear how those awesome ponies helped you. How about a trade? You tell me how you learned to face your fears, and I tell you some stories about Rainbow Dash?” “Alright! I’ll start with when Princess Luna helped me with a nightmare! Apple Bloom had invited me to go camping with Applejack and Rainbow Dash…” Scootaloo went about telling the story with the enthusiasm of a filly set loose in Sugarcube Corner, though she started slowing down with an embarrassed look when she confessed to being scared by Rainbow Dash’s campfire stories, scared enough that she refused to sleep the first night. Twilight paid close attention as the filly reached the part where she finally fell asleep… “It was a nightmare, all right. I ran as fast as I could, but the Headless Horse was still behind me. Just when I didn’t have anywhere else to flee, I saw a flash of light and Princess Luna was there! She was so cool! And then she told me that I had to face my fear by myself, and asked me if my fear was really the headless horse.” “Wasn’t it?” “No. I mean, yes, I was afraid of the headless horse, but I was much more afraid of disappointing Rainbow Dash. And then I woke up and heard the Headless Horse, so I took my scooter and left as fast as I could, but I feel into the river. Just when I was going down the waterfall, Rainbow Dash saved me! Then Rainbow Dash asked me why I feel into the river, and I.. “ Scootaloo’s eyes began to water. Twilight put a hoof around Scootaloo’s shoulders. “It’s OK. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” “No, I’m fine. It’s just that I was really scared, so scared that I started to cry. I thought that Rainbow Dash would abandon me there, that she wouldn’t want to be with somepony that wasn’t as brave as her. But then I remembered Princess Luna, and I told Rainbow Dash how I was afraid, and…” Twilight had a knowing smile on her face. “And Rainbow Dash told you that she sometimes get scared too?” “Well, kinda. And then she told me that she would take me under her wing and teach me, just like a big sister! But you know, that was amazing, but I guess she did help me even more with the flag carrying.” “Really?” “You know that I still can’t fly.” Twilight nodded. “There was a competition at the school to choose who would carry the Ponyville flag in the Equestria Games. We Cutie Mark Crusaders were a team, but I… let Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon convince me that a team with a flightless pegasus would never win, so I kinda.. gave up.” “And your friends came help you, I hope.” “Yeah, they and Rainbow Dash. She told me that it doesn’t matter if I can fly or not, I’m still awesome. And it makes sense, you know? I’m who I am. It makes no sense trying to be someone else, I just have to be the awesomeli- I mean, awesomest I can be, just like Rainbow Dash said I can.” I am who I am... “Now I know I am dreaming!” Scootaloo was staring at something on Twilight’s back. Twilight opened her wings. Oh, right. Luna sent me here to learn how to deal with a nightmare in a safe dream. “Thank you, Scootaloo. You helped me a lot, more than you can imagine. But I have to go back to Princess Luna.” “Well, if Princess Luna is waiting…” Scootaloo’s head dropped. Twilight gently lifted the filly’s head with a hoof and smiled at her. “On the other hoof, I do think I have enough time for a story. Have I ever told how Rainbow Dash used a Sonic Rainboom to save Rarity and three Wonderbolts in front of Princess Celestia?” Twilight was back in Luna’s dream. “I guess you didn’t send me into Scootaloo’s dream to deal with her nightmare.” Luna, green even in her dream, nodded. “You need to know how to dispel other ponies’ fears before you can handle real nightmares, and that sweet filly might be the one pony that knows most about facing her fears in all of Ponyville. Besides, do you think you would be of any help if you arrived in a nightmare powerless like that?” “Point taken. But what just happened? Why was I an unicorn, and why didn’t my magic work?” Luna’s cyan eyes fixed on Twilight’s. “Do you think yourself worthy of being an alicorn? Of being a princess?” Twilight shifted her eyes. “No.” “That is why. You still see yourself, pardon the expression, as just a plain old unicorn. In dreams you assume the image you have of yourself.” Luna sighted and continued. “But we can’t solve your self-esteem issues overnight, so instead I’m going to ask you to concentrate on the fact you are an alicorn every time you cast the Dream Walker spell. It should suffice.” She took a look at the moon in her dreamscape. “It’s quite late already. Perhaps you should go back to the library; we can continue tomorrow, and in two or three days you might be ready to face actual nightmares.” “Actually, when I went to the library get the spell with Spike, I asked him to run it for me this next week; the girls will be dropping there to help, and I think I can convince Cherilee to drop by and help her students if there is any assignment that requires reading, so I should be free. I will be sleeping here in Fluttershy’s cottage to help her, if you allow me.” “Do you want to continue your training, then?” Twilight nodded. “Very well. The next step is to get you used enough with the Dream Walker spell to retain your memories, as well as your shape. We should also prepare you to face any crazy or surprising situation that can happen in a dream. I know a pony that can help you, and she will be really happy to help.” “Who?” “It’s a small surprise, but I think you will enjoy it. And don’t forget to concentrate on getting there as an alicorn,” said Luna with an enigmatic smile. Twilight looked around; this dream also looked like Ponyville, but this time she had arrived at the Town Square. She quickly tested her wings and magic; they appeared to be working normally, and her memory appeared intact. Now, who would be this dreamer… Looking around, Twilight saw something completely illogical; it was as if Discord decided to throw a parade in honor of chickens and pies. What in the wide world of Equestria was - “Hi, Twilight. What are you doing in my dream?” A contagiously cheerful, and pink, pony appeared upside down in front of Twilight, causing her to scream in surprise. Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn. NightmareLuna woke up in the afternoon; she was far better - flying back from the actual ends of Equestria while sick took more of her than she could believe - but she still couldn’t use her magic, and if Fluttershy’s previous prognostic was correct, she wouldn’t be able to use magic until she was almost completely cured. Looking around, she saw a familiar purple alicorn lying in a nearby cot; true to her word, Twilight had stayed to help. She then noticed, on the other side of the room, a huge pile of papers on Fluttershy’s table, and behind them… “Tia! I didn’t expect to see you so soon!” Twilight groaned and lifted her head, groggily trying to focus on Luna and whatever Luna was looking at. “Princess Celestia!” She stood in a hush and tried to fix her mane with her hooves. “Forgive me, I must be a mess right now.” Giggling, Celestia put down her quill and the document she was reading. “If somepony should ask for forgiveness, it’s me for intruding. Allow me.” She levitated a nearby brush and started fixing Twilight’s mane. “And thank you for not only taking care of my sister, but also indulging her wishes. You two must have had a frantic night.” Luna nodded. “Twilight is very quick to learn, so I directed her to Pinkie Pie’s dream, where she could better prepare herself to face anything unexpected. Pinkie’s dreams are rather tiring, but Twilight did far better than expected.” Twilight lifted an eyebrow. “You surely are aware that I’ve been hanging out with Pinkie since the day we met.” Celestia walked towards the other princesses. “Sorry to interrupt, but I must go soon. As you can see” - Celestia pointed to the large paper pile - “I have a lot of work to do, even more than usual because a certain sister of mine had to fall sick in such a stupid way.” Luna bowed her head, blushing slightly. “Sorry.” “Don’t be; I can handle. Though you might have better reason to be sorry after you get well. Discord asked me to relay his acceptance; he will fully forgive your attempt to get him bedridden in exchange for choosing your penance. I had already to block his first three suggestions on national security grounds.” Twilight gulped. “Is the offer to allow me to vet the penance still open?” “Yes, and Discord actually wants it. He seems to rather enjoy the idea of forcing you, Twilight, to choose the punishment of a friend. Perhaps you can use that eagerness to Luna’s advantage. By the way,” Celestia levitated a large book towards Twilight, “I brought Luna’s grimoire. If you are still intent on doing Luna’s dream duties, she can walk you through the spells that will make your task easier.” The grimoire did make things easier, even though Twilight miscast the spells more often than not; Luna’s dream spells were safe, designed to destroy themselves rather than exist in an incomplete state, allowing Twilight to use them with little fear of causing collateral damage. During the second day Luna directed Twilight to her first actual nightmares, easy ones with little actual risk, most of them from children. She just talked the dreaming ponies into facing whatever was giving them nightmares, except for a small colt that had an irrational fear of cats; for him, Twilight opted instead to use her magic to make the cats behave in such a ridiculous way that the colt couldn’t help but laugh. This elicited an amused response from Luna. “Isn’t that how Pinkie Pie defeated one of Nightmare Moon’s aspects?” “Well… Yes. Sorry for reminding you of her, Princess.” “Oh, don’t worry. The victories of you and your friends when they faced Nightmare Moon - or me, as the case may be - are among my most cherished memories. I can never forget about the monster, least I lapse back into it, and remembering how you all defeated it keeps alight my hope of being able to do the same should that monster ever try to take over me again.” Only on the third day Luna allowed Twilight into a nightmare where force might be needed, and Twilight did botch the first one by solving herself the nightmare for the dreamer. The next day she quickly found out why; without the dreamer solving his issue, the nightmare just happened again, though this time Twilight was able to solve it correctly. In the fifth day Luna indicated what would be the most difficult nightmare to handle. “I had hoped this nightmare would solve itself. It’s from somepony you know, and if you just repeat what you did in the real world it might make things actually worse.” Twilight frowned. “So, what do you suggest, Luna? You should be able to solve this yourself in a few more days.” “Having you try right now might be the best for Trixie, if you are up to the risk. “Trixie? Is that her nightmare? What is she dreaming about that is so dangerous?” “Ursas.” Twilight looked around on Trixie’s dream. It was Ponyville, all right, except for one detail; everypony was on the streets, and to the last pony every face had a scowl. Even her friends had unfriendly faces. She expected to find a dream version of herself in the crowd, but couldn’t find it; perhaps it had disappeared when she entered Trixie’s dream. Standing alone was Trixie, without her hat or cape, looking at the incoming Ursa Minor with dread in her eyes. You got to be kidding me. How can I make Trixie defeat her fears? It’s an Ursa! Twilight got to Trixie’s side at the same time Trixie started using her tricks to distract the Ursa; the only thing Trixie was managing was to make the Ursa more irritated. Why did Trixie’s fear have to be something so powerful any sane pony would be afraid… Anypony would be afraid… just like Scootaloo’s Headless Horse. But the Headless Horse wasn’t Scootaloo’s real fear. What if the Ursa isn’t Trixie’s? Twilight pulled Trixie to her side with her magic just as the Ursa was going to crush her; Trixie curled into a ball and started whimpering. What else might Trixie be afraid of? Twilight’s eyes passed over the versions of her friends in Trixie’s dream, their frowns almost painful to look at. Trixie stands alone; well, it’s worth a shot. Trixie was cowing and crying; making sure that the Ursa wouldn’t crush them in the few seconds the next spell would need, Twilight attempted one of the most complex dream spells she had studied, imposing part of her memories over Trixie’s dream. In the crowd, six pairs of eyes blinked, the corresponding frowns disappearing. In a few seconds five ponies and a dragon were around Twilight and Trixie, all of them eyeing nervously the Ursa. “What is happening?” asked Rainbow Dash’s dream counterpart. “No time to explain.” Twilight’s mind was racing. What could bring Trixie back? Perhaps kindness? “Fluttershy, can you help Trixie out of her panic attack? “Uh, I can try.” Before she even finished talking Fluttershy was already talking to Trixie, trying to gently coax her. “Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, do you think you can distract that Ursa for a while? But don’t hit it” “Consider it done,” said the dream Rainbow Dash, while Pinkie was already playing tag with the Ursa. “What are you doing here? Did you come to humiliate the Great and Powerful Trixie again?” Twilight turned and saw Trixie standing besides Fluttershy. Twilight rubbed a hoof on her temple. “Think about the last time we saw each other, Trixie. Do you really think I want to humiliate you?” “If not to humiliate Trixie, then why? What are you doing here?” Inspiration dawned on Twilight. “We are here to help you vanquish an Ursa. You are our leader.” “Trixie, the leader? Of course, the Great and Powerful Trixie is the leader! I want you to…” As the pause lengthened, Twilight decided to push a bit more. “I think it’s just sleepy and cranky, if we can get it back to sleep…” Trixie seemed to remember something. “Music!” She turned to Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy. “Any of you can play? A soothing melody, perhaps?” “Uh, I can sing. I know a few lullabies,” whispered Fluttershy barely loud enough for Trixie to hear. Applejack lifted a banjo. “I think I can help.” Where did she ever get that banjo? Oh, yeah. Dream. “You two try to calm it down, then. Music worked the last time.” Trixie turned to Rarity. “Rarity, isn’t it? Can you make a hammock that can hold the Ursa?” “Well, if I use one or two of the tents close to Carousel Boutique… It might even be acceptable. Spike, would you help me?” The sounds of Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie distracting the Ursa grew faint, as a soft banjo lullaby took its place. Soon the Ursa was swaying. Trixie turned to Twilight. “Are you powerful enough to hold the Ursa?” Twilight nodded, using her magic to steady the Ursa. Trixie turned to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. “You two, go find Rarity and help her with the hammock.” Rarity soon came along with a large tent turned into an Ursa-sized hammock. At Trixie’s command, Twilight deposited the Ursa in the hammock while holding it airborne; Trixie and Rarity went along swaying the hammock, Fluttershy and Applejack kept playing the lullaby, and Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie scouted ahead the route to the Ursa’s cave. As soon as the Ursa was back in the cave, Twilight felt the dream ending. Back at Luna’s dreamscape, Luna was smiling. “You did well. But how did Trixie know what to do with the Ursa Minor?” “I did it once before in front of Trixie. It’s what got Trixie so riled in the first place; at the time she thought I had set out to humiliate her. I hoped she would remember, though she did change things a bit. Do you think it worked? Did we free her from that nightmare?” Luna took a hoof to her chin. “Perhaps. We will know tomorrow. But your interpretation seems correct. For today I think we can rest.” Trixie’s nightmare didn’t come back. The next day Luna’s magic started to come back, and she went back to handling the dreams, freeing Twilight to discuss with Discord Luna’s self-imposed penance. In another day, Luna was back to her natural dark blue color, her magic fully restored. Celestia came to see her and handle her back her celestial duty, and Luna - still in the isolation bubble until Fluttershy could be sure she wouldn’t infect anypony else - almost cried tears of joy as she was finally able to rise the moon. Luna and Fluttershy decided to wait until the next morning before releasing Luna from the bubble, to make sure nopony would be at risk from the Tatzlwurm fever. Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn. EpilogueAfter making sure Luna was recovered and releasing her from the isolation bubble, Fluttershy waved goodbye from her cottage door. Luna gave Fluttershy a grateful nod before turning and leaving for the library on foot. Being stuck in her isolation bubble for a week gave Luna time aplenty to think, time enough to realize how close to causing one of the largest disasters in the last millenium she had come. As much as she hated to admit it, only Discord’s quick thinking prevented both him and Celestia from contracting the same magic-suppressing disease she had fallen to; if that misfortune had happened, Equestria would have suffered a full week of blistering heat as the sun refused to set, heat that could cause permanent damage to the forests and fields. Perhaps the unicorns from Celestia’s college could recover and perform the old rituals that unicorns used before Luna and Celestia started moving Moon and Sun, but that was far from certain. The library came into view, and Luna steeled her resolve. She would accept her punishment, whatever it was, with the dignity of a princess. She knocked on the door, which immediately opened in a flash of light. Inside she saw Celestia, Discord, and Twilight, but… Wait, a traditional Canterlot high court? This doesn’t make sense, I’m not being judged. Celestia, from the judge seat, shot an irritated glance at Discord, who was seated at the prosecution table. “This is not the time or place for your antics, Discord. Dissolve this farce before I do so myself, together with our previous agreement.” Discord snapped his fingers, making the library return to its usual shape. “Have I ever told how much a spoilsport you are?” With the sweetest of smiles, Celestia answered: “This week, nine times.” She turned to the back of the room, where Luna only now noticed a familiar white unicorn and a cerulean earth pony in a black and white dress. “Rarity, Photo Finish, would you mind waiting outside a bit? We have something private to discuss. It will only take a few minutes, then we can go back to planning now that everyone involved is here.” The two ponies bowed, Rarity speaking for both. “Of course, your highness.” As soon as they were alone in the library Celestia nodded to Twilight. Twilight’s horn flashed; Luna recognized the spell as a soundproofing shield. “Now that we are alone, let’s drop the formalities. Luna, are you willing to honor our previous agreement?” Head held high, Luna answered with as firm a voice as she could. “Of course, sister.” “Very well. Your penance will take place here in Ponyville. For the next week you will be staying with Twilight. She suggested that you use that time to better prepare her in case she ever needs to assume your dream duties again, as well as recovering the old rituals for moving the sun and moon, in case they are ever needed; I find that a sound proposition.” “I agree.” “Also,“ Celestia frowned, “I don’t want to ever see this kind of reckless pranking again. You and Discord can have your dispute, but unless you want me to take part, you will keep it to safe pranks that don’t harm each other and don’t put the country at risk.” Luna gulped. Discord raised an eyebrow, and soon after Luna felt a twitch in her mane; a small replica of Discord had just appeared in it, reaching for her ear. “What is this about?” Luna considered not answering, but Discord did prevent a catastrophe; he deserved the warning. “I once got in a pranking war with Celestia; she even let me hire a couple dozen ponies, the best pranksters I could find, to ‘make things fair’, as she put it herself. And she still easily won. She’s more ruthless than a troll when pursuing her pranks, my sister.” Celestia rolled her eyes. “Are we done divulging embarrassing family moments?” “Sorry, sister.” “Now, for your penance -” Discord jumped at the chance to explain. “Oh, you will love it.” He put his arm around Twilight. “At the start I was stumped by Celestia’s restrictions, but then Twilight here had a fabulous idea!” Twilight looked at Luna and winced. “Sorry, the only other workable idea was for you to be his maid for the week.” Mimicking Twilight’s tone, Discord continued. “She said, ‘why not use this chance to change the princess image for the better?’ So, I naturally thought about those lovely dresses you wear on formal occasions, and how it would improve your image to be so well dressed for a whole week.” Luna suppressed a groan. “So my penance is to use formal dresses for the week. Very well.” “Not so fast, princess. Where is the fun in that? You need to show your fine taste around, and you also need variety, of course. so…” Discord snapped his fingers; seven dress drawings appeared behind him, and in each the model’s mane and tail were styled in a different way. “One dress per day. You will do a little photo session each morning - open to the public, of course - and keep using the dress the rest of the day. And did I mention that each dress calls for a different mane and coat color? Why, the first one just begs for the most lovable pink coat!” Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn. Bonus SceneLuna tried to frown, but couldn’t prevent a hint of laughter from reaching her eyes. “I’m starting to think you choose my penance for your own enjoyment.” It took a few seconds more before Twilight could stifle her uncontrollable giggling. She was still sniggering when she answered: “Perhaps. But you have to admit that it was better than being Discord’s maid for the week.” The two mares passed a blushing brown stallion on the way from Sweet Apple Acres, where the last photo session had taken place, to the library. Luna couldn’t help but think about her ensemble; coat dyed into an orange shade similar to Applejack’s, mane and tail dyed pale green and braided with wild flowers, and to top that a dress in green and red shades that made her think about fruits. What had Photo Finish called that dress again, Earth Pony Strength? Luna looked back at Twilight, smiling and blushing a little. “It’s not as bad as I feared, though. But I find it strange that Discord never showed for the photo sessions. I can’t imagine why he would let pass a chance to tease me while I can’t fight back.” Laughter flowed around Luna. She looked back, lifting an eyebrow, and found Twilight rolling on the ground, completely out of breath. “What is so funny?” This time it took Twilight over a minute to be able to speak again. “I’m not really supposed to tell you this until your penance ends, but today is the last day, so I might as well tell you now. Do you remember the warning you gave Discord last time you saw him?” “Of course. That he should be wary of Celestia's pranks…” Luna’s jaw dropped, glee in her eyes. “He didn’t!” “Oh, yes, he did. During Celestia’s first official meeting that same day Discord had a banner unfold behind her, proclaiming her the queen of cakes!” Her voice excited like a schoolfilly’s, Luna pressed. “And what did Celestia do?” “Well, this is a second hoof account, but a palace guard told me that he never saw Celestia do anything suspicious or out of order. Discord, on the other hoof, was skulking all the time, even as he seemed to attract every kind of little accident possible. The guard even heard Discord complaining about Celestia being able to prepare pranks by the dozen!” Luna laughed harder than she had done in the last few weeks, tears coming to her eyes. “Yes, that is Celestia. I remember being on the receiving end of that, and let me tell you, it’s not something I would wish on my worst enemy. Are they still warring?” “No. But according to the guard, if you want to make Discord really grumpy you just have to thank him for how clean the windows are.” Luna’s eyes flew wide. “She wouldn’t…” Twilight was barely suppressing another burst of laughter. “She did. Apparently Discord surrendered, but Celestia forced a concession out of him before accepting the surrender. She had Discord clean all windows in the palace wing where your bedrooms are…” Twilight lay down, holding her stomach in an effort to delay the laughter “... without magic!” Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn.
FallCelestia looked away from the telescope and discreetly massaged her temple. She had just sent Discord a message to come to the observation deck, and keeping a straight face when talking with Discord was taxing in the best circumstances. Which the current ones weren’t. “May I help, your highness?” Discord’s voice dripped sarcasm. Taking care to wear her usual serene smile, Celestia turned and looked at the draconequus; Discord was on the doorway, doing a mock bow and wearing a mismatched outfit that was at the same time courtly and offensive. “No need for formality, Discord. Have you seen Luna today?” With a snap Discord removed the mismatched garb. “Why, yes. The poor princess was blowing some steam, something about mixed orders and a maid trying to clear the bath while she was using it. She also mentioned something about getting back at the culprit even if she had to go to the ends of Equestria -” Discord’s eyes opened wide as he took a half step back. Celestia lifted one eyebrow. “Discord, what -” She didn’t get to finish the phrase; Discord grabbed and held Celestia in front of his body like a shield, retreating inside the tower. “Keep her away, keep her away!” Making a supreme effort to not let her confusion show, Celestia made her face into a glare of cold fury. “Release me this instant, or I -” What - or, rather, who - Discord was afraid of entered Celestia’s field of vision. A large pony flying on unsteady wings, her body green with dark spots, limp mane and tail a darker green shade. A couple pegasus guards were paying close attention, as if they were ready to catch her at any moment, but keeping distance. And she also had an unicorn horn. “Luna!” Celestia kicked hard, hitting Discord and making him double over. “Wait, I will -” There was a flash around her and Celestia saw herself inside an iron cage. This time Celestia’s cold fury glare wasn’t fake. “WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING?” Her horn flared bright, a similar aura engulfing the cage. She turned her head to keep both Discord and Luna on her line of sight. Luna was approaching the balcony, struggling hard to keep airborne, while Discord - still doubled down - had his eyes glued on her. As soon as Luna was over the balcony Discord snapped his fingers, encasing Luna in a huge transparent bubble, which floated slowly towards the balcony. As soon as Luna stopped flying she lost conscience, but her chest was visibly rising and falling. Seeing Luna out of immediate peril, Celestia willed her face into a neutral semblance. Discord swept the sweat from his brow with a paw. “Whew, that was close. Let me get you out - “ Discord noticed around Celestia the twisted bars that used to be a cage. “Never mind. But whatever you do, don’t open that bubble; I don’t fancy having Sun and Moon duty for the next week or two.” Celestia glared at Discord. “Explain.” Discord started to count on his fingers. “Tatzlwurm fever. Highly contagious, leaves the patient weak and unable to use magic, no known cure except for rest. Ask your pet princess Twilight if you want to know more, she and Fluttershy treated the only known case of it in the last century or so.” Celestia summoned a clear scroll and a quill. “You better be telling the truth.” Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn.
BubbleLuna awoke inside a pinkish transparent bubble; beyond the barrier she could see the living room of a cottage, full of ponies and non-ponies alike. Twilight Sparkle and her five closest friends, Spike, Discord, Celestia, as well as a large number of assorted small critters. The yellow pegasus - Fluttershy? Luna’s mind was clouded with fatigue - pointed at her, causing everypony to speak enthusiastically and making Luna wince with a headache. The yellow pegasus seemed to notice that, leading everypony outside. Soon after the excitement died, Luna fell asleep again. Luna awoke a couple more times, always finding either the yellow pegasus or a purple alicorn close, and quickly falling asleep again. Finally, after lapsing into her dreams many times, Luna woke with a clear enough head to make sense of what she was seeing. Immediately she noticed that it was dark outside, the moon rising in the sky. “Did Celestia raise the moon?” Twilight looked up from the book she was reading. “Luna, you’re awake! Yes, she raised the moon. She also wanted to talk with you as soon as you were awake; she says you have something serious to answer about. Are you well enough to handle it?” Twilight seemed to notice how Luna was shuddering. “I can try to convince Celestia to come back later, if you don’t feel ready.” Luna shook her head. “Don’t. I had time to think, and it’s past the time I should beg my sister forgiveness for worrying her.” Twilight tilted her head a bit. “Time to think? You were awake for barely minutes all this time.” “Princess of Dreams, remember?” said Luna with a weak smile. With a nod, Twilight left for what Luna figured was Fluttershy’s bedroom, closing the door behind her. While unable to make out the words, Luna heard her sister speaking with a calm but commanding voice, Twilight with the uncertain and panicked tone she often had when disagreeing with her mentor, and… The last voice was certainly Fluttershy’s. It was often submissive, but the submissive tone was alternating with an iron-clad resolve. Was Fluttershy talking back to Celestia? Luna could think of less than a dozen ponies in all of equestria that could do that. Luna soon got her answer. The bedroom door opened, Fluttershy coming out first, followed by Celestia - ducking her head to avoid hitting the doorway - and Twilight. Fluttershy’s face was set with resolve, but her timid steps and trembling wings clearly showed how scared she was. Celestia had a frown on her face. “Fluttershy was ready to throw me out of her cottage; I had to tell what I know about your prank attempt for her to let me ask one question.” Luna shrank inside the isolation bubble. “Were you trying to make Discord sick?” Luna bowed her head. “...Yes.” “Very well. We will speak about your acts after you recover.” Celestia turned to leave, finding her path blocked by the yellow pegasus. “Your highness, you can’t… leave… like this…” Fluttershy was shrinking under Celestia’s stare. Twilight gulped and went to Fluttershy’s side. “I believe what Fluttershy is trying to say is that you can’t leave in anger. Leaving anger and guilty simmering will be worse for both of you. As your friend, I beg you to forgive your sister.” “I don’t deserve forgiveness,” whispered Luna, “I acted in anger, tried to hurt Discord, and put half the guard and Celestia at risk. Tell me, Twilight, if I had sent one of your friends to the hospital over a prank, would you forgive me so readily?” Fluttershy walked towards Luna’s bubble and lay down where Luna’s gaze was lingering, calmly looking at her eyes. “Are you sorry? Really sorry?” “... Yes.” “Then I would forgive you. And I’m sure Twilight would as well.” Twilight nodded. Luna was lifting her head, tears of joy flowing, when Celestia spoke with a weary voice. “It’s not that simple. I’m not the wronged party.” Luna nodded. “Then I propose a reparation. Let Discord choose a penance for me.” Twilight’s eyes went wide. “You can’t be serious. Discord is crazy, you can’t let him choose! We will talk to him later and -” “No, Twilight, my sister’s idea is a good one, though it could use some tweaks. Luna, how about these terms: your penance shall last a full week, it shall not harm you in any way besides your pride, it shall not mar the image of the princesses before the country, and it shall be vetted by myself - or by Twilight, should she accept to bear the burden?” Luna nodded again. “I accept.” Celestia turned back to look at her sister, letting Luna see her tears. “And Luna, I wasn’t angry at you. I was angry at myself for letting you harm yourself due to a stupid dispute.” “Thank you. Will you take care of the moon and the dreams while I recover?” Celestia shook her head. “I can handle the moon, but not the dreams; I don’t have an affinity for dream magic.” Twilight stepped besides Celestia. “What about me? My special talent is magic, after all.” Luna’s face became hopeful. “It might work. Tia, can you send me a copy of the Dream Walker spell from my personal grimoire when you get back to the castle?” Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn.
DreamTwilight appeared in the air and immediately started to fall. She opened her wings - Or, rather, noticed that she didn’t have her wings as she fell, screaming and flailing her legs all the way. Luckily, she landed on a bush that broke her fall, and was fairly close to the ground to begin with. The voice of a familiar filly reached her. “Let’s go, Silver Spoon. We already lost too much time with this flightless blank flank.” Twilight tried to get out of the bush to take a better look, but the bush’s branches were holding her legs; she was stuck there. “Oh, great. Can anything else go wrong?“ She attempted to teleport out of the bush; her horn glowed… but as the glow dissolved in harmless purple sparks, Twilight was still inside the bush. “I had to ask.” “Anypony here?” A small hole opened in the leaves, where an orange filly face wasvisible. “Scootaloo! er, can you lend me a hoof? I’m stuck.” “Sure.” They started to bend branches together. “What are you doing here?” Good question. What am I doing here? I remember getting a spell from Spike, and… didn’t Luna say something about being disoriented the first time I used it? “I’m doing a favor for Princess Luna. I think.” Together they managed to bend or break enough branches to free Twilight. As Twilight stepped out of the bush, Scootaloo’s gaze fell upon Twilight’s back, where her wings should be. Glancing up at the moon, Scootaloo asked: “This is a dream, isn’t it?” A dream… Yes, that seems right. Luna couldn’t handle the nightmares today, so I offered to help... Twilight looked around; she was close to the school, but it was somehow different. A strange fog hung around, preventing her from seeing the rest of the town. “Er, are you fine? I thought I heard somepony saying bad things about you,” said Twilight, pointing where she heard the voice of Filthy Rich’s daughter disappear to. “I’m cool. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are always trying to hurt me, but after last time I don’t think they can anymore.” Scootaloo puffed her small chest with pride. “You know, I had the awesomeliest ponies help me face my fears! There is no way I could let those bullies use that to make me feel bad.” “Do you mean awesomest?” “What are you, a dictionary?” The filly put a hoof in front of her mouth. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to -” Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. “Don’t worry, I’ve been called far worse things.” Fears… Nightmares... “Might I ask about those awesome ponies and how they helped you?” Scootaloo blushed a bit. “It’s a bit embarrassing.” she looked down, moving her hoof in circles. “And I kinda promised Rainbow Dash not to tell…” “That she sometimes feels fear?” Scootaloo’s jaw dropped. “How do you know?” “It’s just like Rainbow to ask others to keep that in secret. I have seen her afraid, both for herself and for others; but instead of hiding away, she braves her fear and do the right thing…” Twilight brought a hoof to her chin “... even if once in a while she needs a little push.” Twilight looked at the filly; she seemed to be considering whether to tell her tale or not. “I still want to hear how those awesome ponies helped you. How about a trade? You tell me how you learned to face your fears, and I tell you some stories about Rainbow Dash?” “Alright! I’ll start with when Princess Luna helped me with a nightmare! Apple Bloom had invited me to go camping with Applejack and Rainbow Dash…” Scootaloo went about telling the story with the enthusiasm of a filly set loose in Sugarcube Corner, though she started slowing down with an embarrassed look when she confessed to being scared by Rainbow Dash’s campfire stories, scared enough that she refused to sleep the first night. Twilight paid close attention as the filly reached the part where she finally fell asleep… “It was a nightmare, all right. I ran as fast as I could, but the Headless Horse was still behind me. Just when I didn’t have anywhere else to flee, I saw a flash of light and Princess Luna was there! She was so cool! And then she told me that I had to face my fear by myself, and asked me if my fear was really the headless horse.” “Wasn’t it?” “No. I mean, yes, I was afraid of the headless horse, but I was much more afraid of disappointing Rainbow Dash. And then I woke up and heard the Headless Horse, so I took my scooter and left as fast as I could, but I feel into the river. Just when I was going down the waterfall, Rainbow Dash saved me! Then Rainbow Dash asked me why I feel into the river, and I.. “ Scootaloo’s eyes began to water. Twilight put a hoof around Scootaloo’s shoulders. “It’s OK. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” “No, I’m fine. It’s just that I was really scared, so scared that I started to cry. I thought that Rainbow Dash would abandon me there, that she wouldn’t want to be with somepony that wasn’t as brave as her. But then I remembered Princess Luna, and I told Rainbow Dash how I was afraid, and…” Twilight had a knowing smile on her face. “And Rainbow Dash told you that she sometimes get scared too?” “Well, kinda. And then she told me that she would take me under her wing and teach me, just like a big sister! But you know, that was amazing, but I guess she did help me even more with the flag carrying.” “Really?” “You know that I still can’t fly.” Twilight nodded. “There was a competition at the school to choose who would carry the Ponyville flag in the Equestria Games. We Cutie Mark Crusaders were a team, but I… let Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon convince me that a team with a flightless pegasus would never win, so I kinda.. gave up.” “And your friends came help you, I hope.” “Yeah, they and Rainbow Dash. She told me that it doesn’t matter if I can fly or not, I’m still awesome. And it makes sense, you know? I’m who I am. It makes no sense trying to be someone else, I just have to be the awesomeli- I mean, awesomest I can be, just like Rainbow Dash said I can.” I am who I am... “Now I know I am dreaming!” Scootaloo was staring at something on Twilight’s back. Twilight opened her wings. Oh, right. Luna sent me here to learn how to deal with a nightmare in a safe dream. “Thank you, Scootaloo. You helped me a lot, more than you can imagine. But I have to go back to Princess Luna.” “Well, if Princess Luna is waiting…” Scootaloo’s head dropped. Twilight gently lifted the filly’s head with a hoof and smiled at her. “On the other hoof, I do think I have enough time for a story. Have I ever told how Rainbow Dash used a Sonic Rainboom to save Rarity and three Wonderbolts in front of Princess Celestia?” Twilight was back in Luna’s dream. “I guess you didn’t send me into Scootaloo’s dream to deal with her nightmare.” Luna, green even in her dream, nodded. “You need to know how to dispel other ponies’ fears before you can handle real nightmares, and that sweet filly might be the one pony that knows most about facing her fears in all of Ponyville. Besides, do you think you would be of any help if you arrived in a nightmare powerless like that?” “Point taken. But what just happened? Why was I an unicorn, and why didn’t my magic work?” Luna’s cyan eyes fixed on Twilight’s. “Do you think yourself worthy of being an alicorn? Of being a princess?” Twilight shifted her eyes. “No.” “That is why. You still see yourself, pardon the expression, as just a plain old unicorn. In dreams you assume the image you have of yourself.” Luna sighted and continued. “But we can’t solve your self-esteem issues overnight, so instead I’m going to ask you to concentrate on the fact you are an alicorn every time you cast the Dream Walker spell. It should suffice.” She took a look at the moon in her dreamscape. “It’s quite late already. Perhaps you should go back to the library; we can continue tomorrow, and in two or three days you might be ready to face actual nightmares.” “Actually, when I went to the library get the spell with Spike, I asked him to run it for me this next week; the girls will be dropping there to help, and I think I can convince Cherilee to drop by and help her students if there is any assignment that requires reading, so I should be free. I will be sleeping here in Fluttershy’s cottage to help her, if you allow me.” “Do you want to continue your training, then?” Twilight nodded. “Very well. The next step is to get you used enough with the Dream Walker spell to retain your memories, as well as your shape. We should also prepare you to face any crazy or surprising situation that can happen in a dream. I know a pony that can help you, and she will be really happy to help.” “Who?” “It’s a small surprise, but I think you will enjoy it. And don’t forget to concentrate on getting there as an alicorn,” said Luna with an enigmatic smile. Twilight looked around; this dream also looked like Ponyville, but this time she had arrived at the Town Square. She quickly tested her wings and magic; they appeared to be working normally, and her memory appeared intact. Now, who would be this dreamer… Looking around, Twilight saw something completely illogical; it was as if Discord decided to throw a parade in honor of chickens and pies. What in the wide world of Equestria was - “Hi, Twilight. What are you doing in my dream?” A contagiously cheerful, and pink, pony appeared upside down in front of Twilight, causing her to scream in surprise. Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn.
NightmareLuna woke up in the afternoon; she was far better - flying back from the actual ends of Equestria while sick took more of her than she could believe - but she still couldn’t use her magic, and if Fluttershy’s previous prognostic was correct, she wouldn’t be able to use magic until she was almost completely cured. Looking around, she saw a familiar purple alicorn lying in a nearby cot; true to her word, Twilight had stayed to help. She then noticed, on the other side of the room, a huge pile of papers on Fluttershy’s table, and behind them… “Tia! I didn’t expect to see you so soon!” Twilight groaned and lifted her head, groggily trying to focus on Luna and whatever Luna was looking at. “Princess Celestia!” She stood in a hush and tried to fix her mane with her hooves. “Forgive me, I must be a mess right now.” Giggling, Celestia put down her quill and the document she was reading. “If somepony should ask for forgiveness, it’s me for intruding. Allow me.” She levitated a nearby brush and started fixing Twilight’s mane. “And thank you for not only taking care of my sister, but also indulging her wishes. You two must have had a frantic night.” Luna nodded. “Twilight is very quick to learn, so I directed her to Pinkie Pie’s dream, where she could better prepare herself to face anything unexpected. Pinkie’s dreams are rather tiring, but Twilight did far better than expected.” Twilight lifted an eyebrow. “You surely are aware that I’ve been hanging out with Pinkie since the day we met.” Celestia walked towards the other princesses. “Sorry to interrupt, but I must go soon. As you can see” - Celestia pointed to the large paper pile - “I have a lot of work to do, even more than usual because a certain sister of mine had to fall sick in such a stupid way.” Luna bowed her head, blushing slightly. “Sorry.” “Don’t be; I can handle. Though you might have better reason to be sorry after you get well. Discord asked me to relay his acceptance; he will fully forgive your attempt to get him bedridden in exchange for choosing your penance. I had already to block his first three suggestions on national security grounds.” Twilight gulped. “Is the offer to allow me to vet the penance still open?” “Yes, and Discord actually wants it. He seems to rather enjoy the idea of forcing you, Twilight, to choose the punishment of a friend. Perhaps you can use that eagerness to Luna’s advantage. By the way,” Celestia levitated a large book towards Twilight, “I brought Luna’s grimoire. If you are still intent on doing Luna’s dream duties, she can walk you through the spells that will make your task easier.” The grimoire did make things easier, even though Twilight miscast the spells more often than not; Luna’s dream spells were safe, designed to destroy themselves rather than exist in an incomplete state, allowing Twilight to use them with little fear of causing collateral damage. During the second day Luna directed Twilight to her first actual nightmares, easy ones with little actual risk, most of them from children. She just talked the dreaming ponies into facing whatever was giving them nightmares, except for a small colt that had an irrational fear of cats; for him, Twilight opted instead to use her magic to make the cats behave in such a ridiculous way that the colt couldn’t help but laugh. This elicited an amused response from Luna. “Isn’t that how Pinkie Pie defeated one of Nightmare Moon’s aspects?” “Well… Yes. Sorry for reminding you of her, Princess.” “Oh, don’t worry. The victories of you and your friends when they faced Nightmare Moon - or me, as the case may be - are among my most cherished memories. I can never forget about the monster, least I lapse back into it, and remembering how you all defeated it keeps alight my hope of being able to do the same should that monster ever try to take over me again.” Only on the third day Luna allowed Twilight into a nightmare where force might be needed, and Twilight did botch the first one by solving herself the nightmare for the dreamer. The next day she quickly found out why; without the dreamer solving his issue, the nightmare just happened again, though this time Twilight was able to solve it correctly. In the fifth day Luna indicated what would be the most difficult nightmare to handle. “I had hoped this nightmare would solve itself. It’s from somepony you know, and if you just repeat what you did in the real world it might make things actually worse.” Twilight frowned. “So, what do you suggest, Luna? You should be able to solve this yourself in a few more days.” “Having you try right now might be the best for Trixie, if you are up to the risk. “Trixie? Is that her nightmare? What is she dreaming about that is so dangerous?” “Ursas.” Twilight looked around on Trixie’s dream. It was Ponyville, all right, except for one detail; everypony was on the streets, and to the last pony every face had a scowl. Even her friends had unfriendly faces. She expected to find a dream version of herself in the crowd, but couldn’t find it; perhaps it had disappeared when she entered Trixie’s dream. Standing alone was Trixie, without her hat or cape, looking at the incoming Ursa Minor with dread in her eyes. You got to be kidding me. How can I make Trixie defeat her fears? It’s an Ursa! Twilight got to Trixie’s side at the same time Trixie started using her tricks to distract the Ursa; the only thing Trixie was managing was to make the Ursa more irritated. Why did Trixie’s fear have to be something so powerful any sane pony would be afraid… Anypony would be afraid… just like Scootaloo’s Headless Horse. But the Headless Horse wasn’t Scootaloo’s real fear. What if the Ursa isn’t Trixie’s? Twilight pulled Trixie to her side with her magic just as the Ursa was going to crush her; Trixie curled into a ball and started whimpering. What else might Trixie be afraid of? Twilight’s eyes passed over the versions of her friends in Trixie’s dream, their frowns almost painful to look at. Trixie stands alone; well, it’s worth a shot. Trixie was cowing and crying; making sure that the Ursa wouldn’t crush them in the few seconds the next spell would need, Twilight attempted one of the most complex dream spells she had studied, imposing part of her memories over Trixie’s dream. In the crowd, six pairs of eyes blinked, the corresponding frowns disappearing. In a few seconds five ponies and a dragon were around Twilight and Trixie, all of them eyeing nervously the Ursa. “What is happening?” asked Rainbow Dash’s dream counterpart. “No time to explain.” Twilight’s mind was racing. What could bring Trixie back? Perhaps kindness? “Fluttershy, can you help Trixie out of her panic attack? “Uh, I can try.” Before she even finished talking Fluttershy was already talking to Trixie, trying to gently coax her. “Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, do you think you can distract that Ursa for a while? But don’t hit it” “Consider it done,” said the dream Rainbow Dash, while Pinkie was already playing tag with the Ursa. “What are you doing here? Did you come to humiliate the Great and Powerful Trixie again?” Twilight turned and saw Trixie standing besides Fluttershy. Twilight rubbed a hoof on her temple. “Think about the last time we saw each other, Trixie. Do you really think I want to humiliate you?” “If not to humiliate Trixie, then why? What are you doing here?” Inspiration dawned on Twilight. “We are here to help you vanquish an Ursa. You are our leader.” “Trixie, the leader? Of course, the Great and Powerful Trixie is the leader! I want you to…” As the pause lengthened, Twilight decided to push a bit more. “I think it’s just sleepy and cranky, if we can get it back to sleep…” Trixie seemed to remember something. “Music!” She turned to Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy. “Any of you can play? A soothing melody, perhaps?” “Uh, I can sing. I know a few lullabies,” whispered Fluttershy barely loud enough for Trixie to hear. Applejack lifted a banjo. “I think I can help.” Where did she ever get that banjo? Oh, yeah. Dream. “You two try to calm it down, then. Music worked the last time.” Trixie turned to Rarity. “Rarity, isn’t it? Can you make a hammock that can hold the Ursa?” “Well, if I use one or two of the tents close to Carousel Boutique… It might even be acceptable. Spike, would you help me?” The sounds of Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie distracting the Ursa grew faint, as a soft banjo lullaby took its place. Soon the Ursa was swaying. Trixie turned to Twilight. “Are you powerful enough to hold the Ursa?” Twilight nodded, using her magic to steady the Ursa. Trixie turned to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. “You two, go find Rarity and help her with the hammock.” Rarity soon came along with a large tent turned into an Ursa-sized hammock. At Trixie’s command, Twilight deposited the Ursa in the hammock while holding it airborne; Trixie and Rarity went along swaying the hammock, Fluttershy and Applejack kept playing the lullaby, and Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie scouted ahead the route to the Ursa’s cave. As soon as the Ursa was back in the cave, Twilight felt the dream ending. Back at Luna’s dreamscape, Luna was smiling. “You did well. But how did Trixie know what to do with the Ursa Minor?” “I did it once before in front of Trixie. It’s what got Trixie so riled in the first place; at the time she thought I had set out to humiliate her. I hoped she would remember, though she did change things a bit. Do you think it worked? Did we free her from that nightmare?” Luna took a hoof to her chin. “Perhaps. We will know tomorrow. But your interpretation seems correct. For today I think we can rest.” Trixie’s nightmare didn’t come back. The next day Luna’s magic started to come back, and she went back to handling the dreams, freeing Twilight to discuss with Discord Luna’s self-imposed penance. In another day, Luna was back to her natural dark blue color, her magic fully restored. Celestia came to see her and handle her back her celestial duty, and Luna - still in the isolation bubble until Fluttershy could be sure she wouldn’t infect anypony else - almost cried tears of joy as she was finally able to rise the moon. Luna and Fluttershy decided to wait until the next morning before releasing Luna from the bubble, to make sure nopony would be at risk from the Tatzlwurm fever. Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn.
EpilogueAfter making sure Luna was recovered and releasing her from the isolation bubble, Fluttershy waved goodbye from her cottage door. Luna gave Fluttershy a grateful nod before turning and leaving for the library on foot. Being stuck in her isolation bubble for a week gave Luna time aplenty to think, time enough to realize how close to causing one of the largest disasters in the last millenium she had come. As much as she hated to admit it, only Discord’s quick thinking prevented both him and Celestia from contracting the same magic-suppressing disease she had fallen to; if that misfortune had happened, Equestria would have suffered a full week of blistering heat as the sun refused to set, heat that could cause permanent damage to the forests and fields. Perhaps the unicorns from Celestia’s college could recover and perform the old rituals that unicorns used before Luna and Celestia started moving Moon and Sun, but that was far from certain. The library came into view, and Luna steeled her resolve. She would accept her punishment, whatever it was, with the dignity of a princess. She knocked on the door, which immediately opened in a flash of light. Inside she saw Celestia, Discord, and Twilight, but… Wait, a traditional Canterlot high court? This doesn’t make sense, I’m not being judged. Celestia, from the judge seat, shot an irritated glance at Discord, who was seated at the prosecution table. “This is not the time or place for your antics, Discord. Dissolve this farce before I do so myself, together with our previous agreement.” Discord snapped his fingers, making the library return to its usual shape. “Have I ever told how much a spoilsport you are?” With the sweetest of smiles, Celestia answered: “This week, nine times.” She turned to the back of the room, where Luna only now noticed a familiar white unicorn and a cerulean earth pony in a black and white dress. “Rarity, Photo Finish, would you mind waiting outside a bit? We have something private to discuss. It will only take a few minutes, then we can go back to planning now that everyone involved is here.” The two ponies bowed, Rarity speaking for both. “Of course, your highness.” As soon as they were alone in the library Celestia nodded to Twilight. Twilight’s horn flashed; Luna recognized the spell as a soundproofing shield. “Now that we are alone, let’s drop the formalities. Luna, are you willing to honor our previous agreement?” Head held high, Luna answered with as firm a voice as she could. “Of course, sister.” “Very well. Your penance will take place here in Ponyville. For the next week you will be staying with Twilight. She suggested that you use that time to better prepare her in case she ever needs to assume your dream duties again, as well as recovering the old rituals for moving the sun and moon, in case they are ever needed; I find that a sound proposition.” “I agree.” “Also,“ Celestia frowned, “I don’t want to ever see this kind of reckless pranking again. You and Discord can have your dispute, but unless you want me to take part, you will keep it to safe pranks that don’t harm each other and don’t put the country at risk.” Luna gulped. Discord raised an eyebrow, and soon after Luna felt a twitch in her mane; a small replica of Discord had just appeared in it, reaching for her ear. “What is this about?” Luna considered not answering, but Discord did prevent a catastrophe; he deserved the warning. “I once got in a pranking war with Celestia; she even let me hire a couple dozen ponies, the best pranksters I could find, to ‘make things fair’, as she put it herself. And she still easily won. She’s more ruthless than a troll when pursuing her pranks, my sister.” Celestia rolled her eyes. “Are we done divulging embarrassing family moments?” “Sorry, sister.” “Now, for your penance -” Discord jumped at the chance to explain. “Oh, you will love it.” He put his arm around Twilight. “At the start I was stumped by Celestia’s restrictions, but then Twilight here had a fabulous idea!” Twilight looked at Luna and winced. “Sorry, the only other workable idea was for you to be his maid for the week.” Mimicking Twilight’s tone, Discord continued. “She said, ‘why not use this chance to change the princess image for the better?’ So, I naturally thought about those lovely dresses you wear on formal occasions, and how it would improve your image to be so well dressed for a whole week.” Luna suppressed a groan. “So my penance is to use formal dresses for the week. Very well.” “Not so fast, princess. Where is the fun in that? You need to show your fine taste around, and you also need variety, of course. so…” Discord snapped his fingers; seven dress drawings appeared behind him, and in each the model’s mane and tail were styled in a different way. “One dress per day. You will do a little photo session each morning - open to the public, of course - and keep using the dress the rest of the day. And did I mention that each dress calls for a different mane and coat color? Why, the first one just begs for the most lovable pink coat!” Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn.
Bonus SceneLuna tried to frown, but couldn’t prevent a hint of laughter from reaching her eyes. “I’m starting to think you choose my penance for your own enjoyment.” It took a few seconds more before Twilight could stifle her uncontrollable giggling. She was still sniggering when she answered: “Perhaps. But you have to admit that it was better than being Discord’s maid for the week.” The two mares passed a blushing brown stallion on the way from Sweet Apple Acres, where the last photo session had taken place, to the library. Luna couldn’t help but think about her ensemble; coat dyed into an orange shade similar to Applejack’s, mane and tail dyed pale green and braided with wild flowers, and to top that a dress in green and red shades that made her think about fruits. What had Photo Finish called that dress again, Earth Pony Strength? Luna looked back at Twilight, smiling and blushing a little. “It’s not as bad as I feared, though. But I find it strange that Discord never showed for the photo sessions. I can’t imagine why he would let pass a chance to tease me while I can’t fight back.” Laughter flowed around Luna. She looked back, lifting an eyebrow, and found Twilight rolling on the ground, completely out of breath. “What is so funny?” This time it took Twilight over a minute to be able to speak again. “I’m not really supposed to tell you this until your penance ends, but today is the last day, so I might as well tell you now. Do you remember the warning you gave Discord last time you saw him?” “Of course. That he should be wary of Celestia's pranks…” Luna’s jaw dropped, glee in her eyes. “He didn’t!” “Oh, yes, he did. During Celestia’s first official meeting that same day Discord had a banner unfold behind her, proclaiming her the queen of cakes!” Her voice excited like a schoolfilly’s, Luna pressed. “And what did Celestia do?” “Well, this is a second hoof account, but a palace guard told me that he never saw Celestia do anything suspicious or out of order. Discord, on the other hoof, was skulking all the time, even as he seemed to attract every kind of little accident possible. The guard even heard Discord complaining about Celestia being able to prepare pranks by the dozen!” Luna laughed harder than she had done in the last few weeks, tears coming to her eyes. “Yes, that is Celestia. I remember being on the receiving end of that, and let me tell you, it’s not something I would wish on my worst enemy. Are they still warring?” “No. But according to the guard, if you want to make Discord really grumpy you just have to thank him for how clean the windows are.” Luna’s eyes flew wide. “She wouldn’t…” Twilight was barely suppressing another burst of laughter. “She did. Apparently Discord surrendered, but Celestia forced a concession out of him before accepting the surrender. She had Discord clean all windows in the palace wing where your bedrooms are…” Twilight lay down, holding her stomach in an effort to delay the laughter “... without magic!” Author's Note Feel free to point flaws, errors, or to make suggestions; I'm here to learn.
