Dreamscape

by Jaestring

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dinky Hooves, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 7147

Can Luna find her dreams and face her nightmares?

Something has come to Equestria. Something that hasn't been seen since before Nightmare Moon's banishment. Something that is possessing the destitute and the weak. Something that may explain Luna's inability to have dreams.

It would seem an old enemy has come out to play, and Luna can't take him on herself. She'll need to find friends if she is to beat it back.

All that is for certain is that she must again enter the world of dreams... and face her nightmares.

Undergoing rewrite as of 1/19/15

Originally written the story contest by Augiedog

Art by Dashiana

Published 2014-03-01 06:50:04 UTC
Last updated 2015-01-20 00:01:50 UTC

Original Story: Dream a Dream

The Dreamscape

        Luna’s eyes snapped open as she kicked her legs in a mad rush to disentangle herself from the sheets. The twisted blankets held firm, and in a matter of moments she found herself falling. With a thump her bottom hit the floor, shocking her into stillness. For a few ticks of the clock Luna sat and stared at the side of her bed, uncomprehending of the world around her. She shook her head, blinking the bleariness from her eyes. Upon coming to the realization that she was in her own room she stood, taking care to remove the blanket stubbornly clinging to her legs.

        She took in the state of her room; the curtains were drawn, only the faintest hint of sunlight creeping in from around their edges. No candles were lit. Darkness pervaded every corner, it was a nearly perfect imitation of her night. Yet her shoulders slumped as she hung her head. She made her way from her room, hoof falls echoing throughout the tall, granite hallway.

        The guards stationed at regular intervals stood at attention as she passed, giving no acknowledgement to her presence. Had they done so she would have had to reprimand them for such an egregious breach in protocol. As she reached the doorway at the end of the hallway she turned to look at them, almost wishing one of them had. Letting loose an exasperated sigh she turned back towards the door, shook and straightened herself and enveloped the doors in the blue aura of her magic, giving a gentle push to open them.

        The banquet hall was extravagant. Tapestries hung from every wall, bearing the sister’s cutie marks. Unlit candles adorned every table. No dishes or silverware lay upon the table today, but memories came to Luna easily. Grand feasts took place here, tables so heavily laden with food that there was hardly enough room for the plates. The room would be bustling with nobles, all trying to convince each other of their own importance. Musicians from far and wide would come just to play a night at one of the grandiose soirees.

For now the room was empty; save for a small wooden table where a single pony sat. Luna’s sister, Celestia.

        Celestia watched Luna as she approached. Taking in the bags under her eyes and the clumsiness of her sister’s gait, she stood to walk around the table and drape a wing across Luna’s shoulders. “Good evening.”

        “Good evening, dear sister.” Luna returned only a weak hug. As she took a spot at the table, Celestia returned to hers.

        “So…” Celestia said. “Nothing today, either?”

        Luna shook her head, quickly taking a bite as if to forestall any actual conversation. The barest hint of a frown pulled at Celestia’s mouth. “Luna, you should relax, your dreams will return. Worrying will only make the process take longer.”

        Luna just shrugged, levitating some greens into her mouth.

        “If it bothers you so much, why not dreamwalk tonight? Perhaps spending time in the dreams of others will encourage your own to return.”

        Luna stopped her next morsel of food before it entered her mouth. “It didn’t work last time, with Scootaloo.”

        “Yes, during which you were so focused on helping the filly face her fears… not relaxing and taking the time to appreciate the world only you can wander.”

        Luna returned the hovering food to her plate, eyebrows furrowed. Celestia returned to eating, though her eyes didn’t leave her sister’s face.

        The princess of the night stood, walking past Celestia towards the exit. “Perhaps. For now, it is time to raise the moon. I will see you in the morning, Tia.”

*        *        *

        Luna lay back on her bed, staring at the ceiling through her legs. It was dotted with lights to match the stars in the night sky. Often, she would design new constellations here before placing them in the sky, displaying them for the world to see.

The moon gleamed through the now-open curtains. Bright and full, the sight of it seemed to fill the deflated crevices of Luna’s spirit. A smile spread across her face and her posture relaxed.

        “Maybe… Maybe Tia is right,” She said to the empty room. “Maybe a little dream walking would be good for me.”

        She turned over onto her belly, rolling her shoulders and folding her legs beneath her.  Closing her eyes, her breaths began to slow. Silently, she counted backwards, trying to relax more with every number that passed.

        What needs to be understood about dream walking is that it is not the common magic cast by unicorns across Equestria. Dream walking has more to do with allowing one’s consciousness, one’s spirit, to leave the body. In order for this to occur, however, the walker must become unaware of the body. Only then the spirit can be free to roam the dream world.

...two, one, zero.

        Luna opened her eyes, and found herself feeling light. Free. She didn’t so much jump off the bed as she floated. Walking didn’t work quite the same in the dream world. It was as if there was no need, yet one did so regardless due to the habit.

        She looked over her shoulder to her physical form still comfortably resting on the bed, then at the light blue aura that tethered her spirit to her body. So long as that remained attached, she could always find her way home.

The sounds of a foal’s laughter caught her attention, and she turned her her head to greet the oncoming dream. In a rush she was taken by it, much as a swimmer gets caught in a wave. The walker could go where they pleased, but they were still at the mercy of the current.

As the dream came into focus, Luna found herself surrounded by an astonishing variety of colors. Flowers taller than trees cast a comfortably cool shade while rabbits the size of deer roamed between them. Dragons flew through the sky, but these dragons looked more kin to faery than the scaly reptiles that slept in the dark, dank caves of Equestria. Instead of spouting flames, puffs of cotton candy escaped from their maw and floated off into the sky.

“Ahhh, the dreams of children.” Mused Luna, the corners of her mouth turned upwards as she began to explore the exciting new world around her.

Laughter once again caught her attention, and her perked ears led her towards a clearing not far from where she had began. Not one, but two unicorn foals played together. Running between the legs of tall, bug-like creatures. She realized that they were twins, so close that they were somehow able to share the same dreamscape. These two would grow to become interesting ponies, indeed.

So went most of her night. Sometimes the currents of the dreamscape took her from one mind to another, sometimes she went in whichever direction she chose. No matter which way she trod, she only allowed herself entry into the dreams of children. The minds of adults were less creative and their dreams tended to be more private than those of the young.

Just as Luna began to contemplate following the tether to her body, the current once again brought to her the sounds of laughter. This time not the gaiety of children at play, but the jeering of those who wish to bring despair on others.

She turned, making her way as quickly as she could to the source of the laughter.

The colors became less varied, darker and more claustrophobic. Fillies and foals took up almost every inch of available ground. All of them laughing. Some pointing, some making faces or rude gestures. Every once and a while, a voice from the crowd would call out some insult, but the faces of the hecklers lost in the crowd.

Luna waded through the mass of children, making her way to the center.

In the eye of the storm sat a unicorn filly with a grey-purple coat and a blonde mane. She was cringing, attempting to make herself as small as possible as tears dripped down her cheeks. As Luna walked closer to the child, the jeers became more specific.

“Have you heard what you mother did, now, Dinky? She’s the laughingstock of the entire town!”

“I’m surprised she doesn’t just move away, everypony hates her. She’s just a burden on everypony else!”

“So, when are we going to find out yourdisability, Dinky? Obviously we can’t see it yet… so it must be something wrong with your brain!”

Concern drew Luna’s mouth into a deep frown. All nightmares drew from some disturbance of the mind. Be it fear, sadness, or longing. Bullying could be worst of all, as the damage done was equally from without as within. If the filly could not overcome it, there could be worse consequences than nightmares.

She took a step behind the filly, leaning down to speak in her ear, hoping to be heard over the constant drone of voices and laughter. “They will not stop until you stand up to them, little one.”

The filly jumped, eyes wide and mouth open drawn into a perfect ‘o.’ She turned to face the unexpected guest. Luna watched her, unmoving. Many thoughts passed over the young filly’s face: fear, recognition, bewilderment, and finally settling on concern. “I’ve tried that already! They just won’t go away!”

Luna took a few steps towards Dinky to wrap a wing around her in a manner that she imagined Celestia would have. “That is because they cannot see your resolve. Tell me young one... when you are awake, is there truly such a sea of bullies for you to face?”

She shook her head, “No.”

Luna smiled at her, standing, “Then try facing those that attack you, and perhaps the rest will leave.”

The filly stood, face hardening as she stood tall. She searched the crowd for her tormentors. As if the dreamscape could sense the child’s intent, the crowd parted to reveal two fillies. Both held their noses high in order to look down upon Dinky, sneering.

“Well, look who we have here, Silver. It’s the blank flank spawn of a putz!” Said one who had a small, silver tiara sitting daintily upon her head.

“Tell me, Dinky. Has your mother managed to avoid causing any damage to the town today? As if!

The two began cackling madly, growing in size until they towered over Dinky.

“Go away!” She yelled, stomping a hoof. “Leave me alone!”

“And why should we do that?” Silver yelled, her voice deepening and distorting. “It’s not like anypony cares what happens to you.”

The second pony stepped forward, pressing a hoof against Dinky’s chest. Her voice was equally distorted when she said, “it’s only a matter of time before you two get run out of town. She can only destroy things so many times before ponies won’t stand for it!”

Luna stood back, watching the exchange. As much as she wanted to chase the nightmares away, this was something that the filly had to do herself.

“My mother is the sweetest, kindest, gentlest pony I’ve ever known. And you would know that if you ever got to know her.” Dinky yelled, knocking the hoof away. “Just because she sometimes messes up, that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t do good and help. I know what you’re saying about her is wrong, and there is nothing wrong with me either, so you can just go tease somepony else!”

With that declaration, Dinky ran at the pair. In the moment she impacted them, the two dissipated into dust. The crowd of sneering fillies and foals faded into the dreamscape. She looked up, eyes taking in the emptiness that now surrounded them. Her eyebrows rose as she looked from side to side, the corners of her mouth slowly turning upwards.

She looked up at Luna with wide, bright eyes and an open-mouthed smile. “I did it!”

Luna smiled down at Dinky, nodding, “You certainly did.”

Dinky rushed at her, throwing her forelegs around one of Luna’s. “Thank you.”

Luna started to pull away, but instead placed a hoof lightly upon the young pony’s back. “You did it yourself. I only showed you the way.”

“Huh?” Dinky pulled back, holding her hooves in front of her face. They were somewhat transparent. “What’s going on?”

“You’re waking up.” Luna said, “There is no reason to be alarmed.”

“This is a dream?” Her voice sounding as though it were coming from farther away. Dinky’s eyes looked from her legs to Luna, then back again. Then, before fading away completely, she said, “Can I see you again? I want to-”

With a faint pop, Dinky disappeared as she awoke. Somewhere in Equestria, she was safe and sound in her bed.

Luna smiled, turning to leave the fading dreamscape and follow the tether back to her own body.

*        *        *

The sounds of hooves slamming against pavement roused Luna from her slumber. The doors of her chamber flew open as two of the Night Guard rushed in.

“Princess, we apologize for the intrusion, but the Canterlot guard are at the gates!”

Luna’s mouth went dry as she jumped from her bed, “What? How could this happen, why would Tia do such-”

A third guard ran into the room, a box balanced on his back. The sight of the box made Luna’s heart drop like a stone into her stomach. “I’ve brought your armor,” he said.

Unbidden, the box opened, and inside lay the bright, silver armor of Nightmare Moon.

“No…” Luna said, backing away. “I can’t, I wont…”

But the armor began to float from the box of its own accord. Luna saw her reflection in the armor as it made its way towards her: coat dark as night, eyes slitted, sharp, angular features. Luna’s heart pounded in her chest as the armor flew at her, adorning her despite her best efforts to toss them away. One by one, each piece wrapped around her, fitting her just the way she remembered.

Then came the helmet, the darkness inside echoing with the laughter of Nightmare Moon.

“No!”

*        *        *

        “No!”

        Luna sat straight up in bed, eyes wide. The light from the open window reflecting off the briefest moment of a slitted pupil before it settled back into a small, circular shape. She shook her head, placing a hoof to her forehead.

        “Why, of all things I could have dreamt of, did it have to be about… her?”

        A hoof pounded on the other side of her door. “Princess! Princess, are you alright? Are you in need of assistance?”

        “Nay, we are fine. Return to your post.” She called as she pushed back the covers.

        She crawled out of bed. Judging by the height of the sun, it was barely after noon. Long before she need be awake, but she could not find it within herself to return to sleep. Instead, she once again found herself heading towards the banquet hall to get some breakfast.

        She found she was not alone in doing so.

        Celestia’s blush caught Luna’s eye. “Dear sister,” she said with a chuckle, “it is no wonder thine hindquarters are becoming so round. You find yourself round the kitchens much too often! And what is this?”

        Luna’s horn flashed with magic as she intercepted a floating parcel. “My, my, my… could this be some snack for later? Some cake, mayhaps?” A thin, mischievous smile spread across her face.

        “Luna, I just…” Celestia stammered, as her eyes watched the parcel move to hover in front of Luna’s eyes. “Running a kingdom can make you hungry, that is all!”

        The wrappings peeled back beneath Luna’s gaze. As the package indeed revealed an enticing slice of chocolate cake her smirk transformed into a toothy grin. “Why yes, I can certainly see that!”

        She moved forward, take a large bite of the cakes corner. She let loose a dramatic sigh, her eyes rolling back as she leaned forward. With every chew, she let loose a little groan of pleasure at the sugary goodness. “Mmmmmmm… The royal chefs have really outdone themselves.” She mumbled as she lifted a hoof to wipe her muzzle. Celestia stood tall, averting her eyes as if the young princess were committing some perversion.

“Come, Sister, you absolutelymust try some.” She floated the cake up towards Celestia, who backed away.

“Now Luna, why would I…” She once again dodged the pastry, “want a piece of cake—urgh—that you’ve already soiled with your filthy mouth.” Celestia couldn’t help but chuckle as she continued to evade the cake, but was quickly losing. It wasn’t long before the elder sister had a dash of frosting across her cheek.

“Ah-hah!” Celestia shouted as she managed to break off a piece of the cake and begin to fence with it herself. “You no longer have the upper hoof, Luna!”

“Defend thyself!” Luna cried as she charged Celestia. Shocked, Celestia jumped out of the way, eyes no longer on the cake but now on the horn. The tactic distracted Celestia long enough for Luna to regain control of the second piece of cake, and smoosh both of them into sister’s face. Celestia stood still once the slabs impacted her muzzle, eyes wide as the frosting buried itself deep into her fur. Little brown crumbs dropping to the floor in droves.

Luna took stock of her handiwork, watching the immobilized princess with a poorly disguised smile. Strangled laughter escaped her shaking body, tears collecting at the corner of her eyes with the effort.

“So sister…” Luna took a step towards Celestia. “How’s the cake?”

It wasn’t long before Celestia’s incredulous glare caused Luna to fall over in a fit of giggles, occasionally snorting amongst the frivolous laughter.

“Oh, ha. ha.” Celestia’s voice dripped with ice. “And you call yourself a princess, you hardly act like a grown pony.” Her hoof falls echoed loudly throughout the hall.

Luna quickly retreated a few paces, smile replaced with a spluttering, “I—I’m sorry! I didn’t mean-”

“Quiet!” Celestia shouted, coming to a stop mere inches from Luna’s face.

She then lifted her hoof, scooped a small dollop of icing off her own face and deposited it upon Luna’s nose. A slow smile spread across Celestia’s face as Luna sat, dumbfounded. Her eyes crossed to look at the brown glaze, brows furrowing for a moment, before snickering. It wasn’t long before both of the princesses were in stitches, laughing while weakly throwing bits of cake at each other.

“Ahem.”

Both of the princesses looked up, ears perked forward at the guard that stood before them. The stallion once again cleared his throat before addressing Princess Celestia, “You asked me to remind you when it was time to address your subjects.”

“Yes,” she replied with a nod, a few crumbs being knocked loose from the movement.

“It begins in twenty minutes.” He said, then bowed and headed for the door. Once the guard was gone the two looked at one another, and burst into laughter.

“Oh, Luna,” Celestia said as she leaned against her sister’s side, “it is so good to see you in such high spirits, with you having been so down of late.”

“It is good to be happy.”

Celestia smiled, “I’m sorry to cut our time together short, but I do have business to attend to. And I really must clean up.” A cloth levitated to Celestias muzzle and began to wipe away the cake, “I believe that cake is not proper adornment for consulting Equestrian citizens.”

Luna smiled sheepishly, “Before you leave, Sister, might I ask of you a boon?”

“A boon? Luna, you only have to ask.”

Luna looked down, a hoof circling a small spot on the floor in front of her, “I wish to take upon some of my duties as a princess.”

Celestia blinked, napkin pausing mid-motion, “So soon? Luna, are you sure you’re ready for—”

“I’m not talking about those duties, Tia.” Luna whispered, raising her eyes, “I wish to join you in something simple. Like addressing the subjects. Nightmare Night was a good start, but the people need to see me again. To trust me if I am to once again take my place by your side.”

Celestia smiled, wrapping a wing around Luna. “Of course. Let us be off.”

*        *        *

“We shall send one of our weather specialists to your town,” Luna said with a smile, giving a small nod to the red pony who stood before her, “They can coordinate with your weather team to determine the best course of action for your farms.”

“Thank you, princess!” The stallion smiled as he gave a deep bow.

Luna turned to give Celestia a bright smile as he left.

“You really are getting back into the swing of things.” Celestia said, placing a hoof on her shoulder. “Thankfully, we’ve had nothing too alarming.” She turned to address the guard, “Go ahead and show the next one in.”

Luna once again turned to face the door. Wondering what would be next. A parasprite infestation? Attacking timberwolves? Perhaps an incursion by a foreign nationality?

“Princess Luna!” A high, squeaky voice shouted from the door.

“Dinky?” Luna said, watching the filly running towards her. The corner of her mouth twitched upwards.

“Dinky.” Another deeper, slower voice said. “Don’t run, it isn’t polite!” A grey, wall-eyed pony followed the filly in, blonde mane falling in front of her face.

“Sorry mama,” Dinky called back, slowing to a fast walk. She turned back to Luna, who walked forward to meet her. The filly wrapped her forearms around Luna’s leg again, beaming. “You’re so much taller than I thought you would be!”

Luna chuckled, “You certainly seem to have a happier disposition.”

“And who have we here?” Celestia walked forward to take a look at child.

“My name’s Dinky!” Squeaked the filly. “And you’re Princess Celestia. We learned about you in school!”

Celestia chuckled, “That’s wonderful.” She turned her attention to the mare who had just come to a stop in front of the trio. “You must be Dinky’s mother. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise.” She said, her voice somewhat nasally. “My name is Derpy. Derpy Hooves. Dinky here has been after me all week to come and see you. Talking on and on about how Princess Luna helped her, somehow.”

Celestia’s eyebrows rose as she looked to her sister.

“Dreamwalking,” Luna said with a nod. “Her nightmare pulled me in, and I helped her overcome it.”

        Derpy smiled, “Thank you, Princess.

        Luna knelt down, leveling her gaze with Dinky, “Have the nightmares stopped?”

        “Yep!” Dinky said with a bright smile and enthusiastic nod.

“And the bullying?”

        Dinky’s expression faded, ears lowering. She shook her head as her gaze drifted to the floor. “No, Princess.”

        “Bullying?” Derpy repeated, eyes wide. “Dinky, why didn’t you tell me you were dealing with bullies?”

        “Because I was afraid if I did, the bullying would only get worse.” She turned to face her mother, “I’ve seen other kids at school tattle on them. It’ll stop for a little while, but then they’ll start again even worse!”

        “Oh Dinky,” Derpy said, pulling the filly into a hug. “Sweetheart… just because you’re afraid of retaliation, doesn’t mean that you have to deal with it alone.”

        “I… I just…”

        Derpy nuzzled Dinky’s forehead, “I’ve got lots of experience with bullies, I had to deal with lots of them growing up ‘cause of my eyes. I know lots of things you can do to make the bullying stop.”

        “R—really?”

        “Yes. We’ll get you through it, together.”

        Luna smiled as she watched the two embrace. “If there is anything the two of you need, anything at all…”

        “We should be able to handle it.” Derpy said, “But thank you.”

        “Of course,” Celestia said, coming forward to stand next to Luna. “And if Dinky ever wishes to visit Luna, she is more than welcome.”

        Dinky jumped up, shaking her forehooves in a small rear. “Woohoo! Did you hear that, Mama? We can visit the princess whenever we want!”

        “Yes, sweetheart,” Derpy’s smile was back, “But we should get going, or we are going to miss our train.”

        “Awwwww…”

        “Thank you for seeing us,” Derpy said with a bow, which Dinky emulated. Then the pair turned, chatting as they left the throne room.

        Luna turned to Celestia, “That went well.”

        “Yes, Luna. Yes it did.”

*        *        *

Luna stood on the crest of a hill, looking out over the valley at the foot of Canterlot Mountain. The field was littered with dead bodies. Blood soaked the ground till the dirt ran red.

“Princess.”

Luna turned, coming face to face with a batpony general. “Report.”

“We both suffered massive casualties, but we’ve got Celestia’s forces on the run.”

A flash of light blinded Luna for a moment, causing her to squeeze her eyes shut. Upon opening them, the general had transformed. Bits of skin hung loose from his face and arms, parts of his skeleton jutted out from between his armor. Blood dripped down his face and sides. An eye was missing.

“We believe she will surrender soon, since we know she will not risk taking civilian casualties.”

Another flash of light, and the general was gone.

“Luuuuuuuuuuuuna!” a familiar voice roared from above.

She turned in time to see her sister flying at her, eyebrows furrowed and lips drawn back to show a gnashing set of teeth. “Luna! Why would you do this?”

Luna wasn’t sure how she got into the air, crossing blades with the only pony whom she had ever loved. “I could never kneel before a tyrant like you!”

She was on her back, helpless, legs flailing. All she could do was watch as the rainbow beam flew at her.

“Goodbye, dearest sister.” She somehow heard Celestia’s whisper over the hum and crash of the Elements’ magic.

She was on the moon. She didn’t thirst, nor hunger, nor tire. All she could do was walk the dusty surface as the rage and jealousy smoldered. “How dareshe… How could she dothis to me?” She cried.

“Tyrant.” Said a voice behind her.

“Betrayer.” Said another.

Luna once again turned, and behind her stood her army. The army that had been slaughtered beneath the swords of Celestia’s warriors. Their wounds festered and their decay stunk, but they still remained. They stood loyal even in death.

A maniacal laugh bubbled up from Luna’s throat, and as she laughed, Nightmare Moon began to pull herself out of her throat.

*        *        *

Luna awoke, sweating and shaking.

I—I can’t move! Luna realized as she attempted to move her legs.She tried to sit up, but couldn’t even manage to twitch. Her heart began to race as the panic set in.

Okay… okay, just calm down. Slow your breath… calm your mind. Luna tried to push away the fear she was drowning in. Focus on your breath. In… out. In and out..

It took some time, but Luna’s heartbeat began to reassert its natural rhythm. Her breath slowed. The shaking stopped and the sweating subsided. Luna lay there as if sleeping. Her mind unable to connect with her body.

I guess there’s only one thing I can do….

She couldn’t move her body, but her spirit was able to lift itself out of its mortal shell. Sitting up, she looked back at her body, unsure of what was wrong. She didn’t see anything amiss. Shaking her head she stood, stretching. As she reached her forelegs forward her ears twitched. Her eyes popped open as she realized there was a soft, wheezing sound.

Breathing… that’s the sound of somebody breathing. I’m not alone in here! Her eyes snapped open, her head turning to look in every which direction. The room was empty, but the wheezing continued.

Luna’s ears drooped as her pupils contracted. Slowly she raised her head, looking to the ceiling. There, floating above her, was a pony. Black, with fire burning behind its eyes. It snorted, and a few flames shot from its nose. Their gaze met.

“A… a Nightmare?” Luna whispered.

The creature reared, letting out a whinny. It then turned and ran, flames licking at its hooves with every step. It jumped through the window, spreading its wings, leaving a short contrail of flames behind it.

Luna took off after it. The creature was fast, and the currents of the dreamscape pulled at her. Her steps would falter as the waves attempted to yank her into a dream. She managed to keep her pace, following the Nightmare into the the sky. It angled away, heading for the Everfree forest.

Luna beat her wings as hard as she could muster. Her legs ran faster. Sweat ran down her brow.

It’s only a dream, the physical does not matter she tried to remind herself. The mind, however, becomes used to a certain set of rules. Her muscles burned with the effort of pursuing the creature, but she knew where it was headed now. The old castle in the middle of the Everfree Forest. The one where she and Celestia first declared their rule. She watched as the Nightmare landed and bolted into the stone palace.

Luna landed in front of the palace, not far from where the Nightmare had touched down. She hadn’t been able to see anything out of the ordinary from the air. She hoped that a new vantage point would give her an advantage.

Besides, any Nightmares would be expecting me to come from the air, she mused,like what we did last time.

She attempted to walk softly once the grass gave way to stone. The last thing she wanted was to give away her position by walking carelessly. As she entered the courtyard there was nopony. Just the fog that seemed to timelessly occupy anything within the forest.

The roar of thunder shocked her from her careful advance. Eyes wide, heart racing, her eyes searched the skies. It was as clear as a crystal, the moon shining bright and stars sparkling. The heavy crash sounded again, and Luna realized it was coming from the entrance of the castle. This time, instead of disappearing completely a dull rumble echoed out from the chamber within.

They know I’m coming.

        Her eyes narrowed, and her back straightened. She no longer disguised her footfalls as she walked towards the heavy oak doors. Her ethereal mane blew in the breeze, framing her face and shoulders. Her horn glowed with a blue aura, and her magic slammed the doors open.

        There had to be hundreds of them, the Nightmares. They filled the throne room, stomping their hooves against the stone floor. They had left just enough of a pathway to walk through to the end of the room, where two regal chairs stood.

        “I thought we eradicated you all.” She said through gritted teeth. Luna walked forward, and as she approached the front of the hall she heard a voice over the ruckus. Laughter. Familiar laughter.

        Her own laughter.

        “Hello Luna.” The voice sickened Luna as a blackness appeared in front of her. That blackness began to shift and bulge, giving itself form. Eyes opened in that blackness. Blue, slitted eyes that stared at her as sharp, white teeth revealed in a grin. The blackness faded into a form she was intimately familiar with.

“Nightmare Moon.”

The monster in front of her threw her head back as laughter shook her, a mane so similar to her own flowing in waves over its back. The tyrants head snapped forward, all pretenses of mirth erased from her face. Replaced instead by a furrowed brow and a wrinkled nose. “You must know why I’m here.”

“Enlighten me.”

Nightmare Moon stepped forward, reaching forward to place a hoof beneath Luna’s chin. “I am here so we can finish what we were started.”

Tendrils of her mane began to wrap around Luna. The wicked smile returned, “I’m here to give you your power back.”

“What? No!” Luna cried. She tried to take a step back, but her hooves were rooted to where they stood.

“Did you think the heart could be so easily changed?” Nightmare moon shouted as the tendrils began to pulse. “Did youreally think that your precious Elements of Harmony could make you forget what she did to us? To you?”

Nausea cascaded over Luna with every pulse of the tendrils connecting her to Nightmare Moon. Her vision danced as her knees buckled. She fell to the floor, feeling the power and the hate course through her as Nightmare Moon began to infect her once again.

“Do you really think you can forgive her?” Nightmare Moon whispered.

Luna’s eyes opened, and her head raised to meet Nightmare Moon’s gaze. “Yes.” She whispered.

“What?”

Luna licked her lips as the nausea began to fade. “Yes,” she repeated, her voice stronger. “I can forgive her.”

“You can’t!” Nightmare Moon hissed. “She—”

“—did what she thought was best.” Luna finished, standing. “She thought that I needed the space, the time to recover. She wasn’t trying to take over, to take away my glory. She was trying to shoulder the burden so I wouldn’t have to.”

        Nightmare Moon tried to back away, to retreat from Luna. Instead, she was the one on the floor, weakening beneath Luna’s gaze.

        “In attempting to care for me she drove me away, not realizing what she had done until it was too late. Just as I did not realize what she was trying to do for me. It wasn’t her fault, it wasn’t my fault. But all of Equestria suffered for it!”

        Luna slammed her hooves against the ground, letting loose the tears that she had been holding back for so long. As she did so, Nightmare Moon seemed to grow smaller.

        “But now I know. Now I know that my sister acts as she does in penance for our crimes against pony kind. And that is what I must do as well. I have to serve our people, to protect them. To make sure the same mistake never happens again!”

Luna approached the alicorn who was cowering before her, so much smaller than before.

“And in that, I also have to forgive myself. And to stop being afraid of my power.” She reached out her hooves, pulling Nightmare Moon into a close embrace.

“I forgive you.” She whispered.

She pulled the darkness close, until it became one with her. Luna opened her eyes, and she was left holding nothing. The hall was empty, the Nightmares were gone. Luna let out a soft sigh as a smile crept upon her lips.

“You did it!” Squeaked a voice.

Luna jumped, looking over her shoulder for the source of the sound. Running at her was a small filly, one that she recognized.

“Dinky? What are you doing here?”

“I came to help you fight your nightmares, but you didn’t need my help after all.” The filly’s eyes grew wide as she approached, her head leaning back to look at Luna. “Wow, Luna, you’re really pretty.”

*        *        *

        Luna awoke with a start, sitting up in bed and pushing back the covers. Something was different. Something about her. She jumped up and ran to the adjacent bathroom, and as she approached she could see what had changed.

        Her eyes wandered across the form in the mirror. She was tall. Her full height, in fact. Her muscles were leaner than ever. Her fur seemed to shine and her eyes appeared to glow. She felt stronger and healthier than she could ever remember.

        She held her own gaze for a long while before turning. She left her chambers, and once again headed down the long hallway. She did not fault the guards for staring, or even for walking from their posts to watch her. This day would be one to remember.

        Judging by the height of the sun, she knew her sister would be preparing to address their subjects. Likely wondering what was taking her so long. As she reached the doors to the throne room she paused, taking a deep breath.

        “Today is the day everything changes.” She muttered under her breath. She squared her shoulders and raised her head, much as she did when preparing to face the Nightmares. Her own nightmare.

        Luna strode through the doors and into the chambers. Celestia turned to face her, preparing to greet her with a smile. Her eyes widened as the smile disappeared.

“Luna?”

Luna felt her composure fail, her shoulders rolled forward and tears blurred her vision. She ran, wrapping her arms around her sister. “I’m sorry you’ve had to do this alone for so long.”

Celestia wrapped her own forelegs around Luna, a few tears sliding down her own cheeks.

Luna pulled back and met her gaze, a hoof on each of Celestia’s shoulders. For the first time in over a thousand years, she didn’t have to look up at her sister. “But I'm here now. I’m ready to take my place. I’m ready to take back my share of the burden.”

Celestia’s smile returned.

*        *        *

Luna paced around the receiving room, her eyes darting to look at the clock every few moments. Celestia watched her sister with a quirked eyebrow and a small smile. “Calm down, Luna, it will be alright.”

“That’s easy for you to say.” Luna retorted. “You’ve found a successor. Trained her. Made her a princess in the eyes of the people. Her parents were there to see her power manifest. They would have been fools to say no.”

“Just explain it to her. Speak kindly. Give them the choice. It will turn out all right, you will see.”

“Leave it to you to have such faith,” Luna mumbled

There was a short rapping on the door, giving only a moments notice before it opened. A guard entered.

“Derpy and Dinky Hooves here to see the Princesses.” He said with a dry, flat tone.

Luna finally stopped her pacing, and nodded. “Show them in.”

The pair entered, looking around the room with wide eyes, before they came to rest on Luna.

“Wow, Princess.” Derpy said, “You really have… changed.”

“I told you, Mama!” Dinky said with a smile.

Well, I guess I won’t need to confirm it after all. Luna straightened, and gave the best smile she could muster.

“Thank you for responding to the summons so quickly,” she said. “I need to speak with you regarding your daughter.”

Derpy’s eyes narrowed, and she sidled a little closer to her daughter, “Yes?”

“I would like to take her on as my personal student.”

The mother’s eyes grew wide. “Student?”

Luna nodded, “The first time I met Dinky, it was when I entered one of her dreams. I do this by entering a land I call the dreamscape. In it, I can travel amongst the dreams of ponies—mostly children. I use this as a way to meet with my subjects, get to know them, and sometimes help them to face their fears.”

Luna and Dinky exchanged a smile before she continued. “A few nights ago, I entered the dreamscape to chase down some nightmares of my own. Dinky followed me.”

“Followed you?” Derpy turned to look at her daughter.

“Yes. She followed me in the Dreamscape.”

        Derpy turned back to look at the Princess, “What? How?”

        Luna shrugged, “I’m not sure. It took me years to enter, and that was after years of training with my father. Celestia never mastered it.” Her sister nodded to confirm this. “This means your daughter is likely harboring a great magical potency, only waiting to be unleashed. I want to teach her how to master that magic before it can overwhelm her.”

        Derpy’s eyebrows furrowed, frowning. “Is she in danger?”

        “Not if she gets the proper training.” Celestia cut in, stepping forward. “You may know my own protege, Twilight Sparkle. She, like Dinky to Luna, revealed to me a great potential in her youth. Had she not learned to harness it, it is likely that the power would have consumed her. Instead, she has used it to ascend to an even greater destiny.”

        Luna nodded, smiling down at Dinky, “While she may not become a princess, I can guarantee that she has a great future in store.”

        Derpy looked down at her daughter, her expression torn. “But what about us? Does this mean you’re taking her away from me?”

        “Of course not!” Luna nearly shouted. She blushed as everypony’s head snapped around to look at her.

        She lowered her voice, and continued. “You could visit her as often as you like. We could even see about finding you a job here in Canterlot, so you could be closer to her, if you prefered. You will be consulted along every step of the way. She will still be your daughter. I will simply be her teacher.”

        Derpy licked her lips, her forehead still creased. Instead of answering, she looked down at her daughter.

        “What do you want, Dinky?”

        Dinky’s gaze moved from Derpy to Luna, and back again.

        “I’ll get to learn magic?”

        “Yes. Lots of it.”

        “Will it be hard.”

        Derpy looked to Luna, “Probably.”

        “If… if I do… do you promise to come visit me?”

        Derpy’s eyes returned to Dinky at the crack in the fillies voice. The mother’s expression softened as she pulled Dinky into a warm embrace. “Of course, sweetheart. As often as I could. Nothing could keep me away for long.”

        Luna felt her lip tremble a little as she watched the pair hold each other tight. Celestia moved next to her, wrapping a wing around her shoulder for a quick hug.

        Dinky was quiet for a moment, before pulling away. “Then I want to do it.”

        Luna did her best to hide her sigh of relief. “We will start whenever you are ready. In the meantime, we have an invitation for you.”

        “An invitation?” Dinky asked, as she and Derpy looked up at the princess. “We’re going to a party?”

        “After a fashion.”

*        *        *

Luna stood on the balcony, where only months before Twilight had addressed her new subjects. Now, Luna was standing before them, ready to declare herself fit to once again take back her responsibility as their princess, and all that entailed.

To each side, and slightly behind, Cadence and Twilight stood watch. Luna didn’t have to see them to know that their bright smiles were there. Celestia was at the front of the balcony, speaking to those that had gathered.

“...and she has since overcome her demons. Nay, she has conquered them! She stands here before us today not to declare herself your ruler, but to reaffirm her duty as your princess… your protector!”

She turned, “Step forward Luna.”

Luna took a few, shaky steps forward. She looked out over the gathered crowd before looking at her sister.

Celestia’s horn glowed as she lifted metal from the pillow Spike held. Not a crown, but a helmet came to rest on her head.

“Citizens of Equestria, bear witness. I hereby re-coronate Luna… Princess and Master-at-arms of Equestria!”

Fin

Prologue

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