Sweet Dreams, Luna

The Sun rose, as it always does, over the lands of Equestria. Its warmth and radiance filled the land, from the streets of Fillydelphia and Canterlot to the prairies of the Great Equestrian Plains. In one such prairie, curled up in his small tepee, slept a young earth pony. Dreamcatcher slowly opened one eye as the light of dawn slowly broke through the entrance to his home. Like every pony, he loved the magnificence of Princess Celestia's sunrises. For once, though, he wished she could tone it down just a little.

"Oh Luna, couldn't you have stayed for a little longer?" He mumbled quietly, "Oh well, since I'm already up…" He rose slowly from his bedroll, stretching luxuriously. He stopped as he remembered what had really woke him up; not the beauty of the sunrise, but the shadows of his dreams. Dreamcatcher shook his head. Once again, he had had those strange blurs of images which had plagued him his whole life. His father, Spirit Speaker, had claimed that these disturbing dreams were actually "blessed prophetic visions". Being the tribal shaman, this declaration hadn't really surprised Dreamcatcher. However, time had proven his father right. Time and time again, his dreams had come true. They had been useful, helping the tribe to avoid dangers and survive harsh times, but sometimes Dreamcatcher got awfully sick of the disturbing images. It was just too much for the simple earth pony.

Shaking himself fully awake, he stepped out into the early morning sunshine. His eyes slowly gazed out across the Great Equestrian Plains, the home of his people since the birth of their tribe. His gaze slid to the warm, tan tepees scattered across the Navapony encampment.

"Good morning, Catcher! Sleep well?"

The quiet words came from a unicorn slowly approaching with a basket of corn floating above her. Dreamcatcher grinned, "Good morning to you too, Walks-with-Dawn! Jeez, the crack of dawn and your already up and working?" She returned his smile, as she carefully lowered the basket, the glow of her horn dimming.

"Well, someone has to, and I should live up to my name. Besides," she cast a glance at the eastern sky, "I love the return of the sun. The night just seems so dark, as if it has something to hide. The day is radiant and hopeful!" Dreamcatcher glanced at the cutie mark on her chocolate brown flank, showing a sun rising over a green hill.

"Yeah, I guess I can see that."

"Eyes off the flank, Catcher."

"It was the cutie mark, I swear."

"Uh-huh," she smiled and rolled her eyes, "like I've never heard that one before." Her expression turned sober, and she looked him in the eye. "You still didn't answer my question though. I asked how you slept." Dreamcatcher frowned, his eyes downcast. To any other pony it was a simple pleasantry, but with him it was a serious question. Walks-with-Dawn's face turned concerned at his expression.

"Another dream?"

"Yeah, but... it wasn't mine this time."

"Then whose? One of the tribe?"

"No, not one of ours this time." Another of Dreamcatcher's "talents" was the ability to experience other ponies' dreams. His affinity with sleep and dreams had earned him his name, as well as the simple dream catcher adorned with two red feathers that served as his cutie mark.

"I think it was a vision, actually. It was weird… I saw a small dark figure, lying asleep. It- she was trapped in a nightmare where another shadow tormented her. Suddenly, she woke up screaming, and a figure of light appeared and embraced her. Then I woke up." Walks-with-Dawn frowned, and then opened her mouth to respond when a bright red flash collided with Dreamcatcher, sending him into the basket of corn. He looked up at the pony lying on top of him, and groaned.

"Sweet Celestia, couldn't you at least wait 'til I eat before you hit me, Sunray?"

The red Pegasus smiled apologetically, "Sorry 'bout that, Catch.  Just warming up for the day. Saw you talking with Dawn and thought you could probably use a break from her nagging. Colts before fillies, right?"

"Well, since you have so much energy Sunray," Walks-with-Dawn said, eyeing him mischievously, "you can help me gather up this corn while Dreamcatcher goes to see his father."

Sunray groaned. "Why do I have to do that, and why does Catch have to talk with his dad?"

"He had another vision last night, and you did just knock the corn over."

"Well, technically Catch was the one who hit the basket…" Dreamcatcher shot Walks-with-Dawn a thankful grin and quietly left them to argue. While he didn't really want to, he knew he should go see Spirit Speaker. He knew the most when it came to visions. As he wandered over to his father's tepee, he heard what sounded like an argument going on inside. What the hay? Who's arguing at this hour?

He stopped dead when he saw who was making such a ruckus.

Inside the shaman's tepee stood three ponies. One was Spirit Speaker, and another was Sunray's mother, Chief Sunblaze. Dreamcatcher didn't recognize the third pony, only that she was dressed in fine town-pony robes.

"Absolutely not!" Sunblaze shouted, stomping her hoof. "That young pony is a valuable member of our tribe. His abilities have helped us in many ways…" She trailed off when she saw Dreamcatcher step in.

"Uh, hi dad. Sorry if I'm disturbing you all, but, well, I had another one of my dreams." The unknown unicorn turned to him and smiled.

"Ah, so this is the one I was told of! It's a pleasure to meet you, young sir! My name is Melody, and I am serving as a personal envoy from Princess Celestia. The ruler of the sun has need of your unique talents, young Dreamflasher!"

Dreamcatcher sighed. It was way too early for this. "It's Dreamcatcher. Catcher. Dad, what's going on here? Why does the Princess need my help?"

Spirit Speaker glanced at the bubbly messenger, then turned to Dreamcatcher, "My son, it seems that the Princess has a problem relating to your particular abilities. Specifically, it's about Princess Luna; it seems our young ruler of the moon has been having-"

"Nightmares?" Dreamcatcher finished softly. "I don't understand, what would scare a Prince-" he stopped. His dream suddenly made sense to him. Chief Sunblaze and Melody blinked with surprise, but his father merely smiled and nodded. "It was in a dream I had last night." Dreamcatcher explained, "I saw somepony having a nightmare and wake up screaming. I'm guessing that was the Princess?"

Spirit Speaker nodded, "That's right. Normally this wouldn't cause such a problem. Princess Luna oversees the dreams of slumbering ponies, but apparently she's struggling with her own. These bad dreams are beginning to interfere with her ability to do her duty, and are making her somewhat reclusive-"

"Perfect!" Melody interjected. "Since you seem to understand the situation, we can leave all the sooner. We'll have to stop at Ponyville on the way, and-"

"I said NO! Dreamcatcher is part of our tribe, our family. His abilities have been vital to our survival as a tribe at times. He isn't some walking anti-nightmare charm!" Sunblaze stomped her hoof firmly.

"Don't you see this is the princesses we're talking about? You would leave Princess Luna to suffer?"

"Ladies?" Spirit Speaker asked softly.

"I'm very sorry for our princess, but I think she can deal with some bad dreams."

"How dare you!?" Melody cried, "No pony has the right to deny the royal princesses!"

"Um, ladies..." Spirit Speaker attempted again.

"Even when it endangers the livelihood of our people!?"

"ENOUGH!" The two ponies stopped and stared at Spirit Speaker. He calmed himself, and then spoke quietly, "This decision is about my son. Neither of you has the right to make the choice for him. This decision lies on him alone." Dreamcatcher stared at his father, put off by his statement. Leave his home? Why would he want to go off to Canterlot?

"But... what can I do? If Princess Luna takes care of dreams, and she can't stop it, then what good am I?"

Melody seemed at a loss for words there, but Spirit Speaker raised an eyebrow  "Catcher, if a pony is in conflict, wouldn't you want a mediator to help?"

"Well, yes, but what-"

Spirit Speaker cut him off "If Luna is having internal conflict, wouldn't it be best that somepony else give a fresh perspective?"

Dreamcatcher paused, considering it. His father had a point. "I didn't consider that I guess." His thoughts drifted back to his dream, to the shadowy figure crying out in torment. If he could help... wasn't it his job to do so? The young stallion raised his head and spoke firmly to his father, "Dad, thank you for giving me this decision. I really would rather stay here… but you always told me that a pony's first duty was to help others whenever he could. If I can ease the princess's suffering in any way, then I will go".

Spirit Speaker nodded, "I agree with your decision, and wish you the best of luck. I know you will do your best." Sunblaze looked at them, defeated, and sighed.

"Alright, I won't stop you, but I still don't like this." She looked sternly at Dreamcatcher, "Please be careful, young Drea mcatcher. Take care of yourself, understand?" The shaman threw her a comical salute.

"Got it, captain!" His grin slowly faded. "I-I guess I'd better go pack."

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Dreamcatcher went over everything in his saddlebags. He had everything he needed: food, a small foldable tent, his tools for making dream catchers, flint and tinder, some money for expenses, and his own personal dream catcher. With a heavy heart he shouldered his pack and stepped out of his tepee. He was taken aback upon seeing the crowd that waited for him outside his home! He hadn't realized that the whole tribe had gathered to see him off! As he stepped forward, his friends and family all started chiming in encouragement. Some ponies gave him advice for the road, and many simply hugged him and said goodbye.

He sighed; This is what happens when I agree to weird requests to strange ponies. Rolling his eyes, he muttered quietly to himself, "You're the one who agreed to this, pushover." Last to say goodbye were his friends and father. Walks-with-Dawn put up a brave face, but Dreamcatcher could see she was on the verge of tears. He hugged her gently and the tears rolled down her snout.

"You be careful alright?" She said in a trembling voice. "I… I didn't want you to be burdened with things you don't need, so I made you some of my way bread and drink mix. I hope you like it." She sniffed as she placed the food in his pack.

Dreamcatcher chuckled and patted her shoulder lightly, "C'mon Dawn, I'm not dying, I'm just going away for a while. My stars, you're acting like I'm going to the moon." Stopping, he added, "Which I guess isn't totally untrue." Dawn giggled at that and wiped her eyes.He patted her hoof reassuringly, "Don't worry, I'll be back soon. Even faster if you keep cooking like this!" She smiled through her tears at him.

"Stop staring at my flank."

"Who me? Never." Dreamcatcher grinned impishly, making Walks-with-Dawn laugh quietly.

Sunray just stood there and fidgeted. Finally he muttered, "Here, take this. It's always brought me luck; maybe it'll do the same for you." He tossed Dreamcatcher a necklace from under his mane. It was his favorite possession, a beaded necklace with a single gold feather at the center. "I'm not very good at goodbyes," he said, staring at the ground, "so I'll just say good luck. You better bring that necklace back. And maybe some sweet little Canterlot mare while you're at it."

Dreamcatcher gave him a wry grin, "Please, you'd just steal her too. I can't get any mares while you're around." He shared a brohoof and hug with Sunray before turning to his father.

Spirit Speaker gazed in his eyes for a minute, then spoke. "I see you are determined to do this my son. Know that I am proud of you, and that we all wait to see you again. Take this with you," he said, pulling out a bright, feathered tribal tomahawk in a worn leather sheath on a matching belt. "It has kept me safe for many seasons, and I know it will do the same for you. I love you Dreamcatcher; please keep yourself safe." Dreamcatcher nodded and hugged him.

"I will, I promise." He turned to the tribe. "Goodbye everyone! I'll be back sooner than you probably want, so enjoy the peace while you can!" That elicited a small ripple of laughter from the crowd, and Dreamcatcher turned to the road and waiting Melody. She looked at him sympathetically, and silently took the lead. Dreamcatcher didn't look back…

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Several days passed in quiet journey. The grasslands of the Equestrian Plains that bordered the San Palomino Desert eventually gave way to trees and temperate forests. For the most part, the young Navapony fared better than the mare beside him. Clearly this city-pony wasn't used to prolonged travel. Dreamcatcher's unicorn campanion seemed relieved to leave the hot prairie behind, but the going was still slow. But that didn't bother him. After a nomadic life on the plains, a few days of relaxed walking were nothing. Catcher tried to engage conversations, but Melody stayed quiet for the most part. More than once, he noticed her simply watching him, as if looking for something. Finally, he spoke up one night as they made camp, "You know, staring at me isn't going to speed up this journey. If you want to say something to me, just say it."

The bright green unicorn paused, weighing her words, and then answered "I just wanted to apologize for doing this to you. Pulling you away from your family, I mean."

Dreamcatcher chuckled, "Thanks for the sentiment, apology accepted." He gave her a shrewd look, continuing "But that's not what's really bothering you. Just spit it out already."

Melody looked away for a moment, then said "I don't get why we need you. No offense, but these are the Raisers of the Sun and Moon we're talking about. What can you do that they can't? I just don't see why Princess Celestia requested you. And on top of that…" She looked at him curiously, "I don't get your 'powers'. You're an earth pony, so how can you use magic, assuming of course this IS magic?"

Dreamcatcher glanced sideways at her. "Ah, I get it. I was wondering why we were taking this trip on hoof rather than use a pegasus carriage. You're supposed to see if I'm the real deal." He sighed and leaned back on his haunches, "Well, I'm afraid I don't have good answers to your questions; I'm not sure why Princess Celestia called for me. I've never even met her, so I wasn't aware she knew of me. My dad's met her though, maybe he mentioned me at some point. As to why I'm needed? Not sure. I'd think Princess Luna would be better at banishing a nightmare than I would. As to my talent, there's not much to say.. My family has always been shamans in the Navapony; the job went from father to son. We've all been earth ponies, and each of us has had a talent of some sort. For example, my father says that he can talk to the spirits of our ancestors for advice, hence his name. "

Melody looked into the campfire. She spoke quietly, "Could you show me? Your, uh, powers I mean."

Dreamcatcher grinned. "Why not? Just do me a favor and don't think any bad thoughts, I see enough of others' nightmares already."

"Got it. Soooo… what exactly do I do?"

"Just fall asleep. I'll see you on the other side."

Later that night, Melody was fast asleep, snoring quietly. Dreamcatcher, who had been staring up at the peaceful night sky, quietly got to his hooves and placed a small dream catcher on her mane, and then went back over to his own tent. As he yawned and his eyes grew heavy, he focused his thoughts on the sleeping pony nearby. He felt his cutie mark tingle just as he faded into sleep…

Slowly, he felt his mind leave his slumbering body, and with a strange falling sensation, he slowly slipped into Melody's dream. It was always an odd feeling, like falling into a pool of caramel. Next thing he knew, he was standing in a busy city street.He looked around himself, musing. So this must be what Canterlot looks like. He noticed that everything was subtly warped, as if the colors were just a shade too dark or bright, no doubt a result of Melody's own perspectives. He looked around and saw the green unicorn sitting at a café, sipping tea. He cantered up to her, "So, do you recognize me?"

She looked up at him and smiled, "Uh, hello sir. Have we met before?" Dreamcatcher grinned.

"I'll take that as a 'not yet'. And yes, we've met. You came to find me in a little camp out near the San Palomino, remember?"

"Wait… are you… whoa, Dreamcatcher! Sorry, I didn't recognize you for a second there."

"Yeah, I bet, seeing as you're not lucid yet."

"Huh? Lucid? What do you mean?"

Dreamcatcher rolled his eyes. "Where are we Melody?"

She gave him a puzzled look, "We're in Canterlot, obviously. Dreamcatcher, you're acting kind of weird."

"Think, Melody. When did we reach Canterlot?"

"Whaddya mean? We were traveling, and then… and then…" She trailed off, staring at him confusedly.

"We haven't reached Canterlot yet. We're asleep, Melody. Remember, you asked me to-

Melody's eyes widened with sudden realization. She finished "-show me your powers. Oh, oh wow! We're asleep! You're in my dream!! This is too crazy!" The ground around them began to shake. Melody and Catcher looked around as the buildings began to crack and tremble.

Dreamcatcher said sharply, "Calm down, Melody! If the host gets too excited in lucid dreaming, you'll shatter the dream!" But it was too late. The entire city crumbled and crashed down around them in a cacophony of sound. Dreamcatcher woke with a start. He glanced over at Melody, who was on her hooves, shaking with excitement.

"Wow! You ARE for real! Holy Sun and Moon, that was awesome! You can do that whenever you want!? That's so cool!" She paused and took a breath, "By the way, what's lucid dreaming?"