Lucid Nightmares

by Karma22

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Dark, Sad, Romance
Length: 12516

Rarity wakes up to a familiar face, and seems strangely okay with it.

Rarity is a mare with a lot on her mind. Her senses have been failing her, and nightmares followed by panic attacks followed by nightmares have clouded her sense of reality.

So of course, when she finds herself in the body of her evil counterpart, she is at a loss for what to do.

But one thing for certain. This pony doesn't want to leave any time soon.

Characters/Categories/Rating subject to change.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-04-27 05:58:05 UTC

Waking the Nightmare

Lucid Nightmare

Chapter 1

Denial was only ever a temporary solution. Nopony in Equestria could argue against this, not Twilight, not the princesses, and certainly not the fashion designer known as Rarity.

Regardless, Rarity had quite the talent in denial. It was useful for all sorts of things. Denying gossip or otherwise personal inquiries from overeager Canterlot snobs and Manehattan mares. Denying that she really needed those four-five-six hours of sleep over, say, finishing her latest, fantastic design that she could oh most definitely leave for another, dare say, healthier time. Denying that, perhaps, she had the tendency to extremely overwork herself, that she really just might collapse at any given moment, that she was pushing her dearest friends, her new personal assistant, and even cute little sister away by continuing such a self-destructive workload.

Denying that there was anything wrong with her, at all. That the sneering, sultry voice mimicking her in her head was even there. That the dark thoughts steadily pushing into the forefront of her consciousness were starting to get to her. That all of this was in no way tied to the aches she had been feeling all over her body for the entirety of the day.

There was, absolutely, without argument, nothing wrong with her.

Even as she grunted in a voice that sounded so familiar, yet at the same time so not. Even as she lifted herself out of her fluffy, expensive bed. Even as she pulled her sleep mask away from her eyes and saw, despite the heavy darkness of her room, a dark coat covering her slender, elegant hoof. Even as her pajamas felt tight over her large body. Even as she stepped in front of the mirror and saw herself. Unfamiliar, and familiar all at once.

Oh, yes, it all came back to her. Her moment of weakness. Her fall to the darkness. Her unspeakable treatment of her loved ones and friends. Her self doubt, her anxiety, her rage. The seductive call of the nightmares.

It all stared at her. She stared at herself, with those blue, slitted, almost gem like eyes. And yet, even as she opened her mouth and saw the distinctly sharpened teeth inside, all that came out was an almost bored “Oh, dear.”, in Rarity’s usual graceful accent, although with a distinctly darker, sultrier tone than she was used to.

Even as the mare in the mirror’s mouth moved along with Rarity’s, even as she turned around and examined herself, from the beautiful, sparkling mass of purple and white that her mane had become, to the matching tail and her corrupted cutie marks, taking it all in...

She felt fantastic.

More refreshed than ever, actually.

The unicorn chuckled coolly to herself, whipping her mane back. “My, this is certainly new.” She cleared her throat. “I do not quite recall my dreams being so vivid.”

Moments passed as she modelled. Oh, denial, such a silly thing. Really, something in the back of Rarity’s head told her that this was so wrong. That being this mare should be far more traumatizing, that she should be smashing her head against the mirror to wake herself up.

But no, this wasn’t a dream.

Denial is temporary.

Rarity knew.

The power flowing through her was too real, too fantastic. She giggled to herself, stretching her hooves out, admiring her slender frame. “My, my, my. I look quite...” she breathed in the cool night air. She had opened the window with barely a thought, only partially noticing the unfamiliar, dark glow of her horn. She let out the breath, humming lightly. “Marvelous.” She grinned, trotting around the room.

Her body felt heavier. Really, it felt all sorts of alien to her.

But she didn’t care. She felt so wonderful. Absolutely great in every sense of the word. She felt so free. As if, why...

As if she could take down a princess or two.

...

Rarity giggled at that thought. Of course she wouldn’t do THAT. No, no, she was passed that. Really, she was never a fan of jokes with such poor taste.

Call it a power rush. She brushed her coat down with a hoof, and glanced at the time. “Goodness, is it only midnight? Why, I feel wide awake!” she started, bringing a hoof to her muzzle and gasping. “Perhaps I should go have a bit of tea.” She smiled dreamily, trotting to the door, the handle glowing darkly as she simply willed it open. Oh, of course, Rarity had long since mastered even the most complicated aspects of levitation. It was what allowed her to multi-task so effortlessly. But right now, right now...

She felt fantastic. Everything felt so simple. As if her magic was being held back all her life. Sweet Celestia, it was amazing. She never bothered to do much with her magic up until now, even though Twilight had innocently suggested she offer Rarity a few lessons. Oh, she told the cute lavender unicorn that she would consider it.

And then never brought it up again.

And yet, now? Now? Now she was honestly considering taking her friend up on the offer. Rarity giggled. Perhaps she could show the Element of Magic a thing or two. Rarity giggled again, cackled even, right in the middle of her hall!

“Rarity...?” A squeaky, familiar voice asked tiredly behind her.

“Oh, goodness, Sweetie, darling! Did I wake you?” The white unicorn turned, putting on an apologetic expression. She darted over to her sister’s door as the filly’s eyes adjusted to the dark. Sweetie Belle rubbed her eyes and stared up at her sister. Something seemed off,wrong... She yawned again and nuzzled into the familiar white coat of her big sister, who only giggled quietly and brushed her mussy mane.

“Mnn... what’s so funny?” Sweetie mumbled, hugging Rarity, for a moment envisioning Equestria’s softest teddy bear.

“Oh, nothing, dear. I just simply could NOT get to sleep, and decided to fetch myself a little drink before going back to bed.” Rarity smiled down at her sister.

“...And you put on makeup and did your hair for that?” Sweetie Belle poked at her sister’s chest.

Her sister only giggled. “Never NOT a time to look one’s best, darling!~ Really, you should know that by now!”

Sweetie Belle grumbled and shook her head, letting out another yawn. “Mmn, y’okay, sis.”

 “Care to join me?” she politely offered in a sing song voice. Really, Sweetie would have known better if it wasn’t sleepy time.

Regardless, she shook her head no, giving an unladylike yawn right into Rarity’s face. The unicorn would have been annoyed, or maybe even just a bit angry at her sister, but for some reason, it just felt so... unimportant, now.

Rarity smiled, ruffling her absolutely precious sister’s hair and helping the filly back into bed, tucking her in. She even kissed the filly on the forehead!

A heavy pride filled her as she heard her sister mumbled a good night, and she stepped out of the room.

Her body had returned to normal. Wait, what was even normal anymore? She pondered that question, a bit upset when she couldn’t find the answer. Nevertheless, her black hooves carried her down the stairs, horn glowing and the kitchen bustling with life before she even entered.

Her tea was already being prepared.

A few moments later, it was done.

She certainly DID get stuff done quite effortlessly and efficiently now. Just imagine how good business will be, darling! A voice commented helpfully within her consciousness. She chuckled, finding no argument against that.

She sipped her tea, humming thoughtfully, flipping her mane back.

“Okay, no more joking about, Rarity.” she commented to herself. The sound of her distorted voice--that... commanding, powerful air to it... felt so right. “I suppose I SHOULD show some concern about this, no?” The voices in her head held no complaint.

“Mmm, how would Twilight go about this? A list, perhaps? Oh, how silly, but I suppose it will have to do.” Regardless, her horn went alight, and her magic went to work finding a parchment and quill for her. “Now then... where to start. Ah, I suppose the obvious.”

1. Turned into “Nightmare Rarity”

“Yes, there we go.” She hummed, then frowned. No, this started far earlier, did it not? A few weeks. No more denials. This was long coming, and she simply just made no effort to fix it. But did she want to fix it now, after it happened?

The unicorn shook her head, mane flowing beautifully in the night chill. “Later.” She affirmed.

She crossed out the first item on the list, and began her revision.

1. Vivid nightmares and hallucinations. Check.

2. Disturbing voices and thoughts in my head. Check.

3. Aches and pains. Check.

4. Turning into “Nightmare Rarity”. However, it seems I, “Normal Rarity”, am still in control. I seem to have acquired a far larger reserve of magic, as well. Check.

5. No more aches, pains, and the voices aren’t calling me anymore. Check.

6.

The dark mare frowned at the parchment. Six... six... what WAS she going to do now? She closed her eyes, letting herself get lost in her thoughts.

She could go to Twilight. Oh, but bothering her in the middle of the night for something so trivial, no need for that. Not now, anyway. She could simply busy herself with some work, or even try to fix herself.

Hm. She could try to fix herself.

Rarity frowned. She could. But... why should she? She was perfectly fine! She felt healthier than ever! She felt like she could move the moon and sun herself! She felt like she could topple kingdoms, fight heroes, destroy all of those slobs who would dare question her!

Rarity took a deep breath.

Seems just a bit of that less than pleasant voice stayed around. A shame.Perhaps I shouldget some help. At the very least get rid of any... less than pleasant thoughts. Super powered and swimming in the dark or not, Nightmare Rarity simply just did not feel like attempting to take over the world again. Oh well.

The unicorn sipped her tea, enjoying the nightly breeze running through her soft, wondrous coat. A small mirror travelled its way from somewhere else in the boutique to her hoof. Really, her mane looked quite fantastic with those mystical highlights. The dark colors really did compliment her. She never really experimented with the darker colors. Most ponies tended towards lighter pastels naturally, after all, but now... she felt like there was a certain charm to her figure, now.

Speaking of her figure, wow. She looked amazing! Tall, slender. It reminded her of her acquaintance in Canterlot, Fleur de Lis. Oh, but the dark colors. No, perhaps more like Luna.

Luna... the former Nightmare Moon. Something seemed to buzz inside Rarity at that thought. Perhaps she would know something?

Oh, but perhaps she would know something. Rarity shivered at the thought. The thought of being accused and attacked for her gift. The thought of no one ever understanding her new outlook. The thought of having to give up this body, this perfect, beautiful body, this fantastic dark power, to that her friends and that ignorant princess who gave up this power in the first place.

Rarity sighed deeply, looking down at her tea with those sparkling blue eyes. She looked at her list.

She softly bit her lip, and grimaced as she wrote the last few steps of her list.

6. No more denial.

7. Figure things out.

8. Fix this.

“Hah!” She blushed and covered her mouth. “Hah” she repeated in a whisper. “There, that seems like a fine enough start.” She giggled to herself in victory, moving the empty tea cup into the sink and washing it. She rolled the parchment up and hummed.

The night was still young.

She breathed a heavy, cold breath, closing her eyes. When she opened them, her surroundings had changed. She had very easily teleported to her room. She remembered when Twilight was out of breath after doing just one of those. And here she was, quite literally blinking her way to the other side of her business-slash-home. She smirked and held her head up high.

She smiled as she sat at her table, looking over the few designs she had carelessly left out in her stammering before bed. She deposited the list she had made in the work table, and readied her work pencil. Her work glasses gently slid onto her dark muzzle. She giggled. She did not really need them, sure, but for some reason she simply just could not bare the thought of working without them.

Rarity got to work. And whether she was sane or not, she had to admit.

This would be her most inspired line yet.

Living the Nightmare

Lucid Nightmares

Chapter 2

Sweetie Belle awoke at the usual hour from the loveliest dream she couldn't remember. The filly gave a yawn that would make her sister shudder as she crawled out of her bed, blinking her eyes to adjust to the light of day.

Of course, she didn’t think about last night. She had no reason to. The filly glanced into a mirror, her tired eyes blurring the image slightly. She brought up a small hoof and rubbed the remaining sleep out of her eyes.

Yep, still Sweetie Belle. Sister to the Element of Generosity! One of the founding members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders!

Just another filly.

The little unicorn walked over to the vanity desk, an addition to her room that Rarity innocently insisted she should use every day on her own. “A lady should start looking her best the moment she is out of bed!” she could practically hear her sister chime. Sweetie Belle sighed and brushed her mane, mind wandering.

Rarity had been acting weird lately. The young sibling, showing responsibility, caught this very quickly. She practically never left her work room, and the time she didn’t spend working she spent panicking over a cup of coffee and talking to herself.

Really, Sweetie Belle just wanted her sister back. The fancy, lovable sister that sometimes was a tiny bit too prim and proper.

Sweetie stared into the mirror, and gave a nod. Good enough. The filly hopped off of her seat and trotted to the door. She pushed the bedroom door open and blinked in confusion. Pancakes? The filly furrowed her brow. Rarity is up before me?

The filly gingerly trotted downstairs, careful with her steps, feeling uncharacteristically groggy this morning, and made her way to the kitchen. She failed to suppress her gasp as she looked over the impressive breakfast display. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw a black blob moving, but when she looked over, all she could see was her sister.

Her wonderful sister, smiling at her.

“Oh, Sweetie Belle, darling! You’re finally up!” the unicorn sang, skipping over to Sweetie and giving the little filly an affectionate nuzzle. “Did you sleep well, dear?”

Sweetie was just a bit confused. Not only from that trick of the eye, but from her sister’s sudden affection. The mare looked more awake than ever. She looked up at Rarity, who smiled gently down at her. Sweetie blinked, realizing she asked her something. “Huh? Oh, um, yeah, Rarity” she muttered in response, looking around the room again, as she felt a hoof running across her mane. “D-did you make all of this?”

Rarity brought her hoof to her muzzle and giggled musically. “Mm, yes, I suppose I did! It certainly didn’t appear overnight, no?” The mare tossed her mane back and gave her sister a playful noogie. “Go ahead and eat, darling. We’re going to visit Applejack!”

Sweetie just had even more questions. “We are?” she asked, climbing onto a seat and digging in to some decidedly fluffy pancakes.

Rarity only nodded, smiling softly. “Mm. It’s been a while since I’ve taken a little walk about town, hasn’t it?” the mare chuckled quietly, glancing out the window. “And today looks so lovely, I’ve noticed. Regardless, I doubt you want to spend all day wasting away in here, darling. Don’t you want to see Applebloom?”

Sweetie stroked her foreleg. “Well, I guess.” She avoided eye contact with her sister. Something just felt so wrong in this picture. Really, she was getting used to Rarity not greeting her in the morning, or just barely acknowledging her presence. Did she have a change of heart over night?

The filly squeaked as a hoof was placed over her shoulder. She looked up to see Rarity’s smiling face. “Sweetie, darling...” her tone was quiet and somber, “You know your sister loves you, right?”

Sweetie shook, staring into the unicorn’s eyes. They looked bluer than ever. “Y-yeah, of course, Rarity!” She exclaimed finally.

Rarity hummed along the walk to Sweet Apple Acres. Today really was a lovely day to go outside. The clouds made the sun far less overbearing, and the breeze was a gentle, cool little thing. The early days of fall were the best, really.

A call from Sweetie to slow down brought the unicorn out of her mind. Probably for the best. Rarity had found out that her mind wasn’t exactly a gorgeous place at the moment. “Oh, goodness, Sweetie. Forgive me, I hadn’t even noticed that you were falling behind!”

Sweetie trotted up to Rarity’s side, fumbling with the dark blue-ish scarf that Rarity had given her. “Why are we in such a hurry??”

Rarity blinked. Why WERE they in such a hurry? Really, everything was just going on and on nowadays. “Hm. I suppose we aren’t in a hurry at all, darling.” she answered, chuckling to herself. She slided up close to her sister, walking at an even pace. “Silly me, getting distracted.”

“Distracted by what...?” Sweetie inquired.

“Mm, oh, fashion, dates, such and such. What day was it again?”

Sweetie rolled her eyes. “Sunday.”

“Goodness, already?!” Rarity hummed. She could have sworn she had some work to do today.

Oh well.

Finally, Sweet Apple Acres came into view. Rarity noticed an orange blob in the distance. “Oh, I think I see Applejack now! Let’s go see if she knows where Applebloom is, hm?” she waited for a confirmation from Sweetie, then smiled and picked up the pace of her trot, Sweetie following close behind.

And as Rarity thought, there was Applejack. Doing some work or another, really, Rarity didn’t know or care. ‘That’s quite rude, darling’ she chided herself, and yet it was true. Why did Rarity even bother keeping this mare around? This rash little thing who shared nothing in common with her, who stood against everything Rarity tried to build for herself, who had sealed her away.

Applejack turned around and noticed the two unicorns approaching. The farmer smiled and waved eagerly. It looked like she was saying something, but Rarity had long since tuned everything but the sound of her own hoofsteps out. She was good at that, she gathered.

Oh, goodness, she’s already standing right there. Rarity blinked, then smiled, skipping over and hugging the earth pony. “Applejack, darling! Oh how are you? Goodness, it feels as if it’s been months since I’ve seen you!”

Applejack yelped at the very sudden hug, before laughing a bit, patting the unicorn on the back. “Shucks, sugacube, it’s only been a few days! But ah reckon it’s nice ta see ya anyway, Rares.” The two friends separated, Applejack grinning wide. “What brings y’all here? I thought ya had a lot o’ work ta do.”

Rarity scoffed and waved a hoof. “Oh, never you mind that, darling. I just decided to go for a walk, is all. Is Applebloom around? I don’t want Sweetie getting bored by us adults.” the unicorn sang. Sweetie Belle hmphed and stuck her tongue out, though Rarity didn’t seem to notice.

Applejack laughed. “Heh, yeah, she’s inside. Hang on just a sec’.” The mare turned and called out. “APPLEBLOOM!! SWEETIE’S HERE T’ SEE YA.”

Soon after, the yellow filly galloped out of the Apple family home, dumb smile on her face. Rarity rolled her eyes as her sister ran over to meet the filly halfway. The unicorn turned her attention to her friend. The Element of Honesty. The sweet, dependable earth pony.

She smelled like apples, of course.

“So Applejack,” Rarity started, nuzzling up close to said pony. “how have you been, darling? We really must catch up!”

Applejack hrmed, tilting her hat. “Well, ah dunno. Guess things haven’t been any different since we saw each other. What have ya been doin’, anyway? Ah heard you were mighty sick!”

Rarity blinked. “Sick, now? From who?” You stay inside suffering from a breakdown and suddenly everypony thinks you’re dead. Applejack seemed to mull it over for a second. Such a cute thinking face. Finally, the earth pony just shrugged. Rarity sighed, perhaps a tad too dramatically, and leaned against her friend. “Well, as you can see, I am perfectly fine.” Rarity winced at a sudden spike in her head. Voices screaming. She smiled. “Perfectly, wonderfully FINE, darling!” She chuckled, nuzzling Applejack affectionately.

Said pony could only respond with confusion. The sirens in her own head were blaring that there was most definitely something wrong. “Uh... huh.” The two fillies had stopped chatting with each other, looking over at the two mares.

“Oh, Applejack, darling.” Rarity chuckled. The sun felt so intense, even passed the clouds. Was it still morning? The night felt so far away. “...Shall we go for a walk, hm? I feel like going for a walk. And I would oh so love the company, darling.”

“Erm, sure?” Applejack turned to the two fillies. “Y’all two can run off. Me and Rares are gonna catch up a li’l.”

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, then shrugged and skipped off on their own towards the house. Rarity simply smiled again when Applejack turned to look at her. The orange pony squinted at the unicorn. Rarity rose an eyebrow. “Yes, darling?”

Applejack shook her head. “Nothin’, Rares.” She glanced at the single white strand in Rarity’s otherwise perfectly purple mane. “Ah’m happy ya decided to visit, s’all. Seems like yer always in  the boutique workin’ or somethin’ lately.”

Rarity smiled sadly. “Oh, yes, I know. Part of the reason I decided to stop by, actually. It felt so... cramped, in that silly little place I call home. Things have been so... oppressive, lately, really.”

Applejack frowned. The unicorn suddenly looked far more tired. “You... sure you alright, Rarity?” she asked, gingerly stepping over and resting a hoof on the mare’s side.

Rarity let out a sigh. Are we? The voices were silent. Her dark little friends were playing hard to get today. And she was just getting used to them. The unicorn laughed. “Applejack, darling. Are we friends?”

“Wh-, huh?” Applejack raised a brow.

“Are we friends. Are the ponies known as Rarity and Applejack friends. Simple question, darling.” Rarity smiled up at the clouds, shielding her from the sun.

“Well, o’ course we are, Rarity!” Applejack did her best to smile. “What’s... do ya have something on yer mind?”

“Quite a few somethings, really. But forget that for a second.” The unicorn waved a hoof before Applejack could even think to respond. “Tell me, darling. Who is Rarity?"

“E-erm, beg pardon?”

“Really now, darling. This is getting sad.” The unicorn chuckled, tossing her mane back. “Who, is, Rarity? What does that name mean to you?”

“Well, ah mean, that’s kind of a hard question...” Applejack rubbed at the back of her neck with a hoof, looking aside. She looked up to see Rarity glaring at her in what could only be described as sheer disappointment. “I-I mean! There’s just so much to ya, yanno? Yer my friend, and a pretty good, no, great pony! And, er, yanno, even if ah don’t really understand a lick about fashion, ah can tell yer pretty amazin’ at it an-”

“Okay, that’s enough, darling.” Rarity chuckled. Applejack could swear she saw her eyes shift. For just a second, she saw slits in her friend’s eyes. The earth pony’s heart was pounding and the worst part was she didn’t even know why. “Thank you. Terribly sorry, really. Sometimes I need a reminder. I suppose I am odd like that.”

Applejack grimaced. “R-right. Erm, if anything’s botherin’ ya, you can talk to me or...”

“Yes, yes, I know. Thank you, Applejack. I... should leave. Tell Sweetie to come back home before bed.” Rarity sighed. “I’m feeling a tad overwhelmed, yet... in a good way, I suppose.” The unicorn leaned into the earth pony, nuzzling the mare’s orange cheek. Rarity smiled and trotted off.

Applejack stared at Rarity as she walked away. “Rarity... er... was that...?” She rubbed her head. “What in tarnation...?”

Rarity rubbed her forehead. Her horn hurt. Her head hurt. Her very being hurt. “Oh, sweet Celestia. Perhaps I need a little rest after all.”

The fact that she had stayed up all night had finally dawned on the poor unicorn’s mind. “I may be powerful, but I am still mortal, yes, I understand that now. I’ll sleep, I’ll sleep, just leave me be.” she growled.

The pounding, the yelling. She only barely noticed a pony step in. She stood prim and proper. “Hello! Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique!”

The pony’s lips started moving, but Rarity couldn’t hear them at all. She recognized this one, though. Lyra... Heartstrings, was it?. She had come in a few days ago requesting a new dress for some sort of family reunion. Did Rarity even finish designing that? No, we did not. Of course. Rarity smiled, shaking only slightly. “Terribly sorry, darling. I was simply too busy to finish your dress. Perhaps you’ll allow me one more day...?”

Of course she won’t.

Rarity grimaced as she watched the mare’s mouth move, but simply nothing came out. She didn’t look particularly happy, though. She didn’t care anymore. “One more day, darling, one more day.”

More mouth movements.

Rarity pressed her hooves against her temples. “I SAID ONE MORE DAY.” the mare growled through her teeth.

The darkened unicorn stood over Lyra. She simply stared down at the fallen form of her client. Her magic was wrapped around the seafoam colored pony in dark coils. Where did Lyra live again? Ah, yes.

With a simple flick of her horn, Rarity had sent the heavily sleeping form of Lyra Heartstrings to the front of her home.

She was fine, the voices told her. Fine enough, anyway. Maybe some insomnia and nightmares for a month or two. She could have done much worse. She’d only be trapped in the dream world for twelve hours, the voices said.

Rarity held a blackened hoof up to her eyes, mane blowing in an invisible wind.

“...I’m tired.”

Loving the Nightmare

Lucid Nightmares

Chapter 3

“Lately I’ve been wondering, just who is Rarity?” the Nightmare spoke. She sighed, staring at her dark hooves with disdain. “It all started- well, I’m not so certain about that, anymore.” Rarity smiled, brushing her mane back. “My, or perhaps, Rarity’s friend reminded-told me who Rarity was.”

Her listener breathed heavily, shivering. The ground was so cold, so lifeless.

“Look at me, going on and on. I don’t even know who I am, anymore, darling!” the dark mare stood, slender legs digging into the soil. “Hah! Such a farce, I am! Rarity, me, we’re just...” she breathed. “Fake. Aren’t we?”

The ground remained cold and lifeless. Just like her. Just like she would be. The mare with no home. She lifted her head up as much as she could. The black, dark blur made her anxious. Made her scared.

Made her feel a little more safe.

She wanted to speak. Oh so desperately wanted to speak. What was she? Why did it hurt? Why did the ground tug at her hind legs?

Rarity paced back and forth in the room, paying the listener no mind. “And that’s when I realized, darling. That’s when I realized just who Rarity is. Rarity... I... am nothing. What am I, underneath my possessions, my connections?”

Something beautiful. Please. Just listen.

“I am dependent on others. No matter how I look at it. I am made from what other ponies speak and think of me. I just want attention, I suppose.” Rarity smiled weakly, those blue, shining eyes of hers dulling just a little. “Applejack, darling. Are you still awake?”

The orange mare only continued her steady breath, her one unoccupied eye struggling just to look up towards the slender, dark mare. Why did she look so sad? So important?

“Mm. I suppose no.” Rarity sighed, stepping over. Applejack felt the cold hoof brush her cheek, yet could do little. “You look dreadful, darling. This doesn’t suit you.” Rarity nuzzled the trapped, wavering being. “Applejack. You said all those wonderful things about me... but what about now? I feel so alive, yet so lifeless. Would you still love me, if I weren’t me anymore?”

Nightmare Rarity sighed. Her ear perked up. She chanced a glance back towards the only entrance of the room. It was covered in a dreadful void of smoke. They were trapped. “Oh, dear. I suppose I’ve overstayed my welcome in this world, then?” she chuckled to herself.

Applejack gasped and shook and cried as the evil grabbed and tore at her sanctuary. Her roots. Her being. Her room. And yet, she couldn’t move. This was all she was. Just a part of the dream. Furniture for this world and this world only.

It hurt.

Rarity brushed the horrifying mix of tree and farmer that her mind had chosen to represent her best friend. It provided little comfort to the being, she knew, but it made the Nightmare pony feel better at least. Really, it was sad to see this happen. Only a little, though.

It was all just a dream after all. “I will return soon, perhaps. You were right, darling, you really are a great listener.”

And just like that, it was all gone. The blackened mare. The shadows. Applejack panted. It was so hard to breathe, in her lonely, rooted sanctuary, in her prison.

In Rarity’s mind.

The unicorn lifted her head up from her bed. She opened her mouth in a yawn, glancing down towards her body.

Of course, she was still in her ‘Nightmare form’, for lack of a better term. Really, Rarity was getting used to it. It felt so much better than that small, insignificant form of hers. She stood and gave a glance to the clock. It had only been a few hours.

The sun was still out. Perhaps she’d go for another walk?

Really, she didn’t feel like talking to others, anyway. She perked her ear at the sound of the bell of her door ringing. She sighed. Another act to put on, another mask to wear.

All for attention.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is- Oh, Rainbow Dash, what brings you here?” Rarity spoke. She chided herself. Really, with how empty those words sounded, you’d think she didn’t want her friend to be there!

“Heya Rarity!” the pegasus spoke in that adorable scratchy voice of hers. “Just stoppin’ by! I brought some, uh, ‘Hope you feel better real super soon’ cupcakes from Pinkie. She said you’d need them soon.” the mare grinned, setting the box of what Rarity could only assume were the cupcakes on the table.

“Oh, is that so? Well, then, I suppose I’ll thank her personally later.” Rarity hummed absentmindedly, magic grasping the box of sweets and carrying them away towards the kitchen. She turned towards Rainbow Dash. The pegasus scratched a hoof and stretched a wing, casually looking around the room. Curiously, not at Rarity herself. “Rainbow, darling?”

“Eh?” Rainbow finally seemed to realize that Rarity was still there, turning to the unicorn in question.

“Did you really only come to make a delivery?”

“Oh, uh, well, yeah!” Rainbow smirked. “Make sure you eat them real soon, yeah? Cuz, uh, cupcakes are better fresh or somethin’.” the pegasus said, clearing her throat.

“Mm. Care to join me then?” Rarity smiled sincerely. Rainbow seemed to perk up.

“Well, I dunno, I mean, I’m kinda busy workin’ on some, er, stunts and stuff...”

“You don’t have to, darling. Simply offering, of course. It’s quite lonely in here, at the moment.”

“Oh, uh, yeah?” Rainbow’s wings gave a little flap. Rarity held back a chuckle.

“Yes, darling. Sweetie is off enjoying the day, and I’m not taking any clients today.”

“Well, awesome! I mean, uh, yeah, I can totally keep ya company for a few minutes or whatever.” Rainbow cleared her throat.

The two sat together, enjoying the cupcakes. Rarity noted the white and blue frosting on each treat, chuckling. “How have you been, Rainbow?”

“Pretty great. Pretty cool. I mean, you know, same old same old.” Rainbow chomped on a cupcake, tapping at the floor with a hoof anxiously. “...You?”

“Mm. Not well, to be frank.” Rarity lifted up another of the sweets, taking a small nibble. “But I suppose I could be worse, no?” She chuckled inwardly.

“U-uh, really? That stinks. I mean, uh, yeah, it’s probably cuz it’s still early! I’m cranky after I wake up too, heh!”

“Really now?” Rarity commented, only half paying attention.

Rainbow seemed to notice, muttering to herself. She took a few moments to regain her composure. Why is this so awkward? Maybe this was a bad time... “Hey, uh, Rarity.”

“Yes, darling?”

“What do you, erm, I mean.” She swallowed her breath. “Do you have your eyes on anypony?”

“No.” Rarity answered simply. Rainbow seemed to shake at the speedy reply. Truth be told, after the fiasco of the gala, Rarity had gotten quite pessimistic over things such as love.

Maybe she was a tad bitter.

“Oh, uh, well, that’s cool.” Rainbow coughed. Since when did Rarity make her afraid? Her heart felt like it would explode.

And really, depending on where this went, it very well might.

“Do you have your eyes on somepony special, Rainbow?” Rarity smiled softly. “I never figured you for the romantic.”

“Shut up!” Rainbow exclaimed defensively. She gulped and reeled back. “Erm, sorry, I mean... Even the coolest pony in all of Ponyville can be romantic, you know?” She crossed her hooves. “I’ll have you know that I have the smoothest moves this side of Equestria!”

Rarity chuckled. “I’m sure you do, darling. Why bring it up, though?”

Rainbow bit her lip, staring at her unfinished cupcake. Suddenly, she wasn’t hungry anymore. “Well... urgh, yeah, okay, I-I’ve got the hots for somepony alright? Don’t go spreadin’ around that I’m some kind of hopeless romantic or whatever.”

Rarity leaned in close to Rainbow, her cute little pegasus friend. “Oh, you have my word, darling.” She nuzzled into her friend. Rainbow’s wings stretched outwards as their bodies touched. “Who is it? Did you want my help in wooing them?”

“Guh, well, erm. You could say that.” Spit it out, Dash. Spit it out. “You see, it’s, uh, it’s a mare that... you know.”

“Oh, my, a mare?”

“Yeah.” Rainbow answered simply, looking away.

“I know a lot of mares, darling. That doesn’t really help.”

“Well, uh, that’s, ahem.” Rainbow grimaced. “Oh, crud, look at the time! Gotta go see Twilight about the new Daring Do, hah, hah, hah!”

Before Rarity could comment, Rainbow escaped her grasp and flew straight out the kitchen window.

“...Hm. Oh well.” Rarity lifted the remainder of the sweet snack and tossed them into the garbage. “So Rainbow Dash has a crush on us, is it?”

Nightmare chuckled in self deprecation. Her magic shut the window and locked the doors as she retreated to her work room. “Really, darling. You could do so much better.” She sighed, staring at her dark reflection in the mirrors. “Just look at me. Such a mess.”

So much better.

Rainbow groaned, burying her stupid head into a cloud, muffling her annoyed grunts. “Ugh! Come on, Dash! You could do WAY better than that.”

Her face was red. She could still smell Rarity’s perfume on her, and it completely embarrassed her just how amazing that smell was.

“Nng, why? Why her. Why not somepony... I-I don’t know!” Somepony that wouldn’t hurt so much if they said no.

And she made it so obvious too! That was really stupid. Pathetic, even! “Ugh, she probably thinks I’m some dumb filly now.”

Rainbow buried her face inside her hooves. She resisted the urge to cry.

Cool ponies don’t cry. Even if it feels like they’re about to pass out.

 Her wings drooped over the sides of the small cloud she was venting into. Maybe a bit of whimpering was okay. “Ugh. Borrowed all those cheesy romances for nothin’. And I wasted all those bits on cupcakes.”

She thought of Rarity. She’d been doing that a lot lately. Especially after the unicorn seemed to just seclude herself inside of Carousel Boutique. It was all going to go perfectly. She’d barge in and lift Rarity up, pulling the unicorn away from whatever she was working on. Take her to some hill or place with a cool view, and just totally woo the mare with free food and sheer awesomeness.

And then maybe they’d cuddle or... something! Rainbow blushed.

She thought of Rarity again. Of that sad, distant look in wonderful blue her eyes. Of how empty her words sounded. Of that... wrongness, that just seemed to surround her. Was it because of her, or was something really bothering the unicorn? Something that Rainbow, in her love sickness, just completely ignored in favor of trying to hit on her!?

Rainbow stood atop the cloud, looking towards Carousel Boutique. “Great. Now Rarity probably hates me, and I hate me too.” She slumped over and groaned. “One thing we have in common.”

Rainbow sat for a while, grumbling, as the wind blew her tail aside. “...Alright. No more moping! Not for the Element of Loyalty!” She smirked.

She’ll just try again tomorrow! Swoop in, grab Rarity, and take her out to have an awesome time, Rainbow Dash style!

But not just for the pegasus, but for the unicorn herself.

Rainbow Dash promised to herself that she’d make Rarity feel better.

“Oh, hello Applejack!” Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic and owner of the Golden Oaks Library, smiled at her friend as the farmer walked in. The young purple alicorn put her book aside, making sure it was properly bookmarked, before trotting up to meet the earth pony. Twilight’s smile left her face as she noticed the grave, nervous look on Applejack’s face. “What’s wrong?”

Applejack frowned. “It’s... it’s Rarity, Twi.” Twilight’s face twisted into a concerned expression, the alicorn urging Applejack to continue. “I, well, you know how she hasn’t left her house in a while?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, I was aware. I figured she was busy.” The alicorn blushed. “I know personally the effects of getting a little too into my studies.”

Applejack shook her head. “Well, she came ta Sweet Apple Acres fer a while.”

Twilight smiled. “Oh! That’s good. How was she?” Her own expression darkened as Applejack seemed to sulk.

“Not too good, Twi. Not good at all. She was actin’ all weird, and started askin’ me some pretty awkward questions, an’ then she just up and left.”

“Questions? What sort of questions?”

Applejack scratched the back of her neck. “Well, she started demandin’ ah tell her who ‘Rarity’ was.”

“She... asked you who she was?” Twilight rose a brow, putting a hoof to her chin. “Amnesia, or...?”

“Naw, ah doubt it was amnesia. She was just sorta... freakin’ out, yanno? Ah’m gettin’ kinda worried.”

“Maybe it’s just stress.” Twilight offered. Although she doubted it herself. “Was there anything else weird?”

Applejack swallowed her breath. “Well, ah mean, there was this... feelin’, ah got, whenever ah looked in her eyes. Like, somethin’ was just not right. An’ while we were talkin’, she suddenly started holdin’ her head and limpin’.”

Mind control, maybe? Twilight shook her head. “Anything else?”

“No- well, actually. She had some white hairs in her mane, and her coat looked a little grey, today.”

White hairs, grey coat. Twilight gasped. Oh no, maybe...!

“Twi? Twi! Twilight!” Applejack snapped Twilight out of her thoughts. “What’s wrong with Rarity!?”

Twilight grimaced. “I-if Rarity looked different, and you said she was asking questions about herself...”

Applejack nodded.

“...I think Rarity might have been replaced by a changeling!”

Finding the Nightmare

Lucid Nightmares

Chapter 4

“Do stand still, darling.” Rarity chided to her friend as she carefully attempted NOT to jab a needle into Pinkie’s delicate coat. “We’re almost done, and then we can go have fun.”

“Oh, goodie goodie! I’m REALLY happy that I could help, Rarity! It’s like that one time you helped me with my desserts except instead of desserts it’s dresses and instead of mixing the batter I’m being pretty pretty!” Pinkie giggled, yet miraculously resisted the urge to bounce all over the room.

“Yes, darling, quite pretty pretty.” Rarity repeated with a half-interest. Really, she didn’t even know what she was making, all she knew was that she absolutely must have it done by tomorrow at the latest. Best to get it out of the way she thought, tightening the collar a little.

It was an awkward time inside the Boutique, even if the two ponies inside it didn’t seem to notice. “Sooooooo~” Pinkie hummed.

“So, what, Pinkie?” Rarity sighed, fixing another stitch.

“I really like your mane, Rarity! It kind of reminds me of a cake with all those swirls and the white and the purple. The bags under your eyes don’t really work, though.” Pinkie shook her pink little head.

Rarity rolled her eyes, taking a glance at herself in the mirror. She shivered just a bit at the sight that greeted her.

Her coat was a very light grey instead of its usual glamorous white, and a few hairs of her mane and tail had joined together to form a small yet very noticeable white streak. She also took into account that she seemed to have gotten taller by a centimeter or two, and her horn looked a little longer, too.

Really, she looked like some sort of cross between her normal state and her other state. She couldn’t even tell which was which, though. She kind of liked the look, though.

Oh but she would definitely have to do something about those bags under her eyes. Did she always look so tired? “Goodness. I suppose I’ve just been forgoing sleep for quite some time, Pinkie.”

“That’s not good, Rarityyy!~ Mama Pie always told me that sleep was the most important meal of the day! ...No, wait, that was breakfast! But you can’t have breakfast until after you wake up, and you need to sleep before you can wake up, but still!” Pinkie stuck her tongue out and made funny faces in the mirror.

Does she not see anything wrong with me?

Rarity shook her head and yawned. It was getting hard to focus. Absentmindedly she started leaning on the pink pony. “That’s nice, Pinkie.”

“Ooh, ooh, you know what we should do? Have ANOTHER slumber party!” Pinkie beamed and bounced in her dress, knocking Rarity off of her. The unicorn glared at the insolent earth pony for a second before calming her gaze. “I mean, I know the last one didn’t work out cuz you went all evil and stuff, and then the one before that Twilight told me you fought with Applejack and a tree fell into Twilight’s bedroom, and you kinda don’t have good luck when it comes to slumber parties, but I totally think this one will work because third time’s the charm!”

Rarity rubbed her head, chuckling weakly. “I suppose I can fit that into my schedule somehow, darling.”

“Yay! Oh this is gonna be SUPER great!”

“Y-yes, just... just great, Pinkie.”

The two mares trotted along through Ponyville, eager to get some semblance of food. Although Rarity would absolutely never phrase it in this way no matter what state of mind she was in, her stomach was begging for satisfaction. The closest thing she had to lunch, after all, were those treats that Rainbow Dash brought her in some clumsy, obvious attempt to woo her.

Pinkie sat across from Rarity and ordered a couple of sandwiches, along with a dessert, of course. Rarity settled for one daisy sandwich, and a glass of water.

Rarity sipped at her water and delicately chew at her meal. Pinkie seemed to practically inhale one of her sandwiches. The pink mare grinned at the taste, then turned to Rarity. “So what’s up, Rarity? Did ya get rid of all those nightmares and stuff?”

Rarity paused, then put down her glass. “Pinkie sense?”

“Itchy eye, curly tail, jittery teeth, and then a biiiig yawn! Means somepony I care about can’t sleep!” She smiled. “But now it’s gone, so you fixed it! Yay!”

Rarity couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s enthusiasm. “Yes, darling, I fixed it. In a sense. I do not really feel comfortable speaking of it, however.”

“Awww. Well, okay! But Papa Pie told me that talking about your nightmares helps make them go away foreveeer!” Pinkie nodded as-a-matter-of-factly.

I don’t want them to go away. Certainly not forever. Rarity smiled. “Perhaps we can do that in the slumber party, or a more fitting setting, darling.”

“Okie dokie! That sounds totally reasonable and NOT like you’re trying to avoid actually saying anything meaningful!” Pinkie beamed and returned to her food. “Oh, oh, did Rainbow give you the cupcakes? Did you like them? Rainbow helped me make them! Said that I had to make sure to put in juuuuuuuuust the right amount of love!”

Rarity chuckled. “Yes, she gave them to me. They were quite delicious. I even let her eat a few.”

Pinkie grinned dumbly, watching Rarity expectantly. “Soooooo!”

“So, what, Pinkie?”

Pinkie tilted her head one direction, and then the other. “Soooo did she tell you!?~” the party pony went wide eyed, leaning across the table eagerly.

Rarity smiled, sipping her water and finishing her sandwich. “No, she did not. She ate two cupcakes and flew straight out the window, she did.”

Pinkie gasped. “What!?” She stuck her tongue out and slouched back in her seat. “Laaaame.” The pink pony pouted. “I had the ‘Congratulations Rarity and Rainbow for getting together!’ party all planned out and everything! There were gonna be tiny cookies! Tiny cookies!”

Rarity giggled. “You cannot rush love, darling. I am sure Rainbow will eventually tell me whatever she thinks she has to tell me.”

Pinkie made some sort of noise, clicking her tongue and hmming. She then looked up at Rarity. “...You ARE gonna say yes, right?”

Rarity sighed. “I don’t know, to be honest. I’d like to. To just give in and see where it would take me, but...”

“But you aren’t really sure about love anymore?” Pinkie poked her hooves together.

“I’m not sure of a lot of things, darling. Myself included. I might just hurt Rainbow Dash if I let her get close at this point.” The unicorn frowned, gazing up at the cloudy sky thoughtfully. Wasn’t it supposed to be clear today?

“You might! But you might not! And maybe you’ll be happy for that second before the hurt comes! And that’s what counts!” Pinkie beamed.

“Was that something Mama and Papa Pie told you?” Rarity smirked.

Pinkie returned the smirk with a giggle.

“Nope! That’s something your best friend Pinkie Pie is telling you, right now!”

--

After Rarity walked Pinkie home, she decided it was time to go home herself. If the clouds above her were any indication, it seemed it was going to rain soon.

The walk to Carousel Boutique felt shorter than usual.

She listened to the chime of her bell as she opened the door and stepped in. She sighed, feeling the weight of recent events lift themselves off of her. Making sure the sign on the door was turned to ‘Closed’, the unicorn stepped upstairs, form shifting to its dark counterpart, intent on waiting the rest of the day out.

“Discord.” She said simply. “Have you been waiting long?”

“Oh really now, Rarity! A bit more reaction from finding a handsome draconequus in your room wouldn’t kill you!” the chaos god crossed his mismatched arms, staring at Rarity from her bed. “And no, I suppose I haven’t. Although time seems to just fly by hm? You've certainly seemed to change!~” He chuckled, spinning the hands of the clock in the room.

Rarity stared down at her body, biting her lip. “Of all the friends I could end up revealing this to, it had to be you, didn’t it?” She grit her teeth. “Don’t you DARE tell anypony, especially not the others.”

Discord grinned sickly, coiling around the Nightmare and cupping her chin. “And why would I do that? Certainly, it wouldn’t be very friendly if I kept this sort of secret away from Fluttershy!” The draconequus gasped, a hand on his forehead. “That just wouldn’t do, Rarity! Or perhaps Nightmare Moon? Nightmare Rarity?” He smirked, peering down at the fuming mare. “Nightmare-ity?”

Rarity groaned and held her head. “I’m not even sure anymore myself, Discord.” The mare shifted into wispy dark smoke, effortlessly escaping Discord’s grasp and reforming atop her bed. She pulled the curtains closed.

Discord clicked his tongue, waving some of the smoke out of his face. “And I thought this was a family establishment.” He muttered, then moved back over to the mare. “Not feeling well, I take it?~” He watched as the unicorn shook her head slowly, before resting it atop her forelegs. “Well, it’s not that surprising, considering what you did to yourself, my little prissy unicorn. Not many ponies have been possessed by the Nightmare.” He snapped his talons, revealing an image of Nightmare Moon, which slowly shifted into Nightmare Rarity.

Rarity shifted. “So I was possessed again? Why am I not attacking my friends, or calling for Eternal Night?” The draconequus smirked and put a talon up to the unicorn’s muzzle, shushing her.

“Let me finish! It’s not often I get to provide exposition for something I didn’t cause!” He laughed, then cleared his throat. “Not many ponies have been possessed by the Nightmare, and even fewer have managed to turn around and absorb it into themselves!”

Rarity blinked, staring up at the god of chaos.

Discord smirked. “Only one pony to date, in fact. Do you see where I am getting at?” His audience swallowed her breath, and nodded. “So there you go. You somehow managed to grab the Nightmare and swallow it whole, you little glutton for punishment, you. I can’t really tell you how, but it was probably attacking you and trying to take over or something, blah blah blah, and now you are the Nightmare. You look good in black, by the way.” Discord laughed, idly coiling around a lamp.

“Yes, thank you, I’ve grown quite fond of it.” Rarity give a small smile of her own, flipping her mane back.

Discord huffed. “Really, you’d think merging completely with an evil entity would make you MORE emotional.” He grumbled. “Not that exciting.”

Rarity smiled simply. “Forgive me, darling. I suppose it doesn’t seem to be much of a problem. Quite the eye-opening event, really. Although maybe I’m a bit grouchier during the day.”

“Who are you trying to fool with that one? You’re an emotional train wreck, a dam waiting to burst in angst, whining, and chaos with one prompt.” The draconequus leaned in, glaring into the mare’s eyes. “And I know chaos, darling.”

Rarity grimaced, peeking away, at her fashionable clock that seemed to be dancing on her vanity, and towards the lamp that was now attached to the ceiling. “...What do you propose I do, then?”

“Oh, I don’t know, something. Really, ANYTHING. All you’re doing is sleeping and being obscure and flighty towards your so-called friends. It’s boring and painful to watch, really.” Discord rolled his eyes, glancing towards the door. “Oh, speaking of prompts and your friends, I saw a certain purple princess coming over, so don’t get too comfortable.”

Rarity bit her lip. “What do you want, Discord?”

Discord hmmed, then smirked. “Well, on the one hoof, seeing you absolutely lose it would be VERY chaotic. But on the other, if you absolutely lose it, Fluttershy will probably be very disappointed, especially if she finds out that I knew it was going to happen.” The draconequus shrugged. “So I suppose I don’t really want anything. But just in case...” With a snap of his talons, a timer appeared in his grasp. The draconequus turned the dial of the timer slowly, the device clicking. “I’m very impatient. Two days to spill the beans to everyone else or fix this yourself, or I’ll get involved. Get this story moving, hm?~”

“Two days? Why that isn’t nearly enough time! I still haven’t gathered my thoughts or anything about all of this, it hasn’t even been a day!” Rarity stood, horn crackling with energy.

Discord didn’t seem impressed. “Oh, you Elements of Harmony always figure things out within the week anyway. And here I thought you loved the spotlight, my dear!”

The unicorn bit her lip, shaking. She felt Discord coil around her. Sharp talons gently wrapped around her chin, pulling her gaze up.

“Don’t you work best under pressure? I’m helping.” the chaotic being whispered coolly, smirking.

Rarity grimaced, averting her gaze. “F-fine, two days. I’ll have this resolved in two days.”

“I sincerely doubt it. But it will certainly be fun to watch you try to remain sane! Au revoir, darling.”

Rarity glared at the draconequus even as he disappeared. Her ears perked up as she heard the door open. “Rarity! Are you in here?” she heard a voice call out. Twilight was downstairs.

The unicorn frowned and ran towards the mirror, shifting forms once again. Her magic began working to fill in the holes in her disguise.

Never thought I would refer to the image I worked so hard on as a disguise. Rarity lamented.

Rarity sighed as she stared at her reflection. Her coat was much closer to her normal white, and the streaks in her hair were perfectly covered.

She just had to hope Twilight wouldn’t look into her eyes too much, or notice that she was a bit taller.

Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in Ponyville, bit her lip in agitation. “Geez, didn’t the weather team call for clear skies and light winds?” she muttered, tucking her wings in as she landed in front of Fluttershy’s cottage, giving the door a tap. “Fluttershy, it’s Dash! I brought that stuff ya wanted!”

The door to her friend’s home opened with a gentle creak, a yellow head poking through the opening. “Oh, Rainbow, I didn’t expect you back so soon.” the yellow pegasus said with a smile.

The blue pegasus huffed and grinned, wings giving a flap. “What can I say? I work fast when I’m not napping.” She stated proudly, before laughing at her own expense. “Anyway, here’s those fruits you said you wanted.” she said, stepping into the cottage and haphazardly dropping her full bags on the wood floor, startling the nearby critters and sending them scurrying away.

Fluttershy smiled at Rainbow as the blue pegasus seemed to invite herself in, taking a peek out the door and frowning slightly before closing it. “Oh, my, it looks quite terrible outside.”

“Pft, tell me about it. Feels like everything’s just been goin’ nuts since this morning. Clouds wandering in, hanging too low, winds picking up...” Rainbow muttered, brushing at her ear with a forehoof as she gracefully dropped herself onto Fluttershy’s couch.

“Oh, dear... have you noticed it too...?” Fluttershy questioned, as she began moving the produce into the kitchen. “I-I went outside today, and, um, it felt really tense in Ponyville. I was so distracted, I even got lost. I was going to return this nice book to Twilight, and ended up going to Sugarcube Corner instead three times...!”

Rainbow laughed. “I dunno, that just sounds kinda silly to me. No offense but, uh, you’re kind of always tense when you go into town.”

Fluttershy squeaked and looked away, mumbling. “Oh, yes, but it was different this time. A-and everypony else was...”

“Was?” Rainbow perked up, raising a brow and observing her friend.

The pegasus shrunk under the gaze. “Nevermind. Maybe I’m just a bit tense. Discord hasn’t been around all day...”

Rainbow groaned. “Ugh, seriously? Better not be causing another incident, or, like, watching an incident that he caused like forever ago like that one time with the seeds and the tree and junk.” the element of Loyalty complained, crossing her hooves.

“Oh, I’m sure he’s not doing anything bad.” Fluttershy shuffled her hooves. “Um, maybe. H-he’s been real good lately, though!” Rainbow only rolled her eyes. “Right, um, how have you been, Rainbow?” Fluttershy smiled, before noticing her friend shifting in her seat and averting her gaze. “Oh, dear... not good? D-did something happen?”

Rainbow rubbed her head with a hoof, grumbling. “More like something didn’t happen.” the pegasus pouted, turning to Fluttershy. “Shy, you hang out with Rarity a lot, right?”

“Oh, well, not recently. She’s been having trouble sleeping and-”

“Before that, I mean!” Rainbow begged.

“O-oh, well, um, yes, I’d like to say we get together quite a bit... why?” Fluttershy gazed at her guest curiously, patiently.

“Do you, uh, know what she likes in a pony? Say in, you know,” she cleared her throat, “a... romance?”

Fluttershy frowned gently, looking away, a thoughtful look on her face. “Um... well, to tell the truth, ever since the Gala, Rarity hasn’t really been interested in finding anypony for herself. She’s a bit... w-well, bitter.” the pegasus looked down at her hooves, tapping them against the couch cushion. “Don’t tell her I said that, though. Um, please.”

Rainbow rubbed her head, grimacing. “Nng, that doesn’t help my chances. Alright, uh, what do you THINK she’d like?”

“Rainbow... if you don’t mind me asking, why are you so interested in Rarity’s love life?”

The blue pegasus, in a switch to the usual scenario, shrunk under Fluttershy’s gaze. She sighed. “Because... because Rarity is amazing and, and I’m crazy cuz’ I started thinking I have a shot with her, alright!? Now help me out!!” the pegasus practically begged.

“O-oh, oh my, that’s... Rainbow, that’s great! Oh, I just know you two will be great together! When did you start thinking about her like that?” Fluttershy smiled, putting a hoof over Rainbow’s.

“I- well, I mean-” Rainbow Dash sighed. “I don’t know. Just, whenever we hung out it felt pretty good, cuz even though we’re both totally different, it’s like, you know, we’re both really into what we love, and then when she just stopped showing up I started thinkin’ about how she looked, and...” the pegasus groaned, burying her head in her forehooves. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I? I’m Rainbow Dash, coolest of the cool, and I can’t even, just, go tell the truth!” she chuckled, biting her lip. “Guess that’s why I’m loyalty and not honesty, eh? I’m a wimp!”

“Oh, Rainbow... you aren’t a wimp. You just need to get your feelings together...” Fluttershy offered a smile. “Do you know what I think Rarity would want in a special somepony?”

The blue mare rubbed her eyes, grumbling, before turning to Fluttershy. “What?”

“I think, out of all things, she needs somepony to be there for her.” she offered as a response, nuzzling Rainbow gently. “Somepony brave, that’ll stand for her to lean on when she needs it. Even if that somepony happens to be the most different pony on the planet, with nothing in common with her, all she really needs is some loyalty.” Fluttershy blushed. “U-um, if that doesn’t sound too cheesy.”

Rainbow, in Fluttershy’s defense, blushed too, taking the words in. She nodded and grinned thinly. “Yeah, that WAS pretty cheesy. Thanks, though. That- that really helped.”

The two mares laughed together, before wincing at the sound of the door slamming open. “Honey, I’m home!~ Oh, and we have guests, how fantastic!” the familiar voice of none-other than Discord called out, before the two pegasi squealed and got out of the way just in time for the draconequus to belly flop onto the couch. “Oh you would not beLIEVE the day I’ve had. Really, Ponyville life is so stressful, I could feel the knots forming~” he laughed, coiling around himself to form a literal knot on his body.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “What DO you even do all day?”

“Oh, take in the sights, watch the everyday chaos in the crowds. Ponies are so touchy nowadays, really. And so busy, too.” Discord smirked. “I don’t know about you, but I saw a few ponies just faint right in the middle of the street!”

The two ponies in the cottage exchanged glances, before Fluttershy stepped forward. “Um... Discord, remember what we talked about?”

Discord gave an over dramatic sigh. “Oh, come now, Fluttershy, not every incident is my fault all the way down to the core! What’s that thing you do? Pinkie Promise? Whatever, the point is, I absolutely am not involved in any incident that may or may not be occurring as we speak!” He gave a grin.

“Ugh, seriously, just tell us what’s happening in Ponyville!” Rainbow crossed her hooves.

“I never said there was anything happening. Really, in such a rush to save the day.”

“You wouldn’t be talking about it if there was!” she accused, pointing a hoof accusingly.

“Oh, so maybe there might be one. Who knows, maybe it’s the end of the world, maybe somepony is about to trip and sprain a hoof. Really, so many things happen, you can never tell what the real problems are!”

“Discord...” Fluttershy spoke in a shaking, only slightly impatient voice.

Discord sighed in defeat and waved his paw.

“Fine. Go check on Princess Twilight Sparkle.” The two ponies went wide-eyed, turning to look at each other, before nodding and dashing out of the cottage without a word. Discord rolled his eyes and puts his arms behind his head in a lounging position as his tail snapped the door shut.

“My good deed for the day.”

Staring into the Nightmare

Chapter 5

“Do you know what you’ve done?”

“Of course. I am Rarity. I have made a name for myself across Equestria.” The unicorn replied. The mare sitting across from her did not seem impressed.

“Do you know what you’ve done?”

“Of course? I-I’ve shared my designs with the world, working with clients from Canterlot to Manehattan.” Rarity cracked, glancing away. This disgusting mare, so judgmental, not like she remembered her.

“Do you know what you’ve done?”

“O-of course I know. I-I became the Element of Generosity. I... I helped my friends save Equestria several times over.” Yet why does it hurt? Why does it feel so contradictory?

“Do you know what you’ve done?”

“Please, Twilight. Please, I-I don’t. I don’t know.” Rarity whispered. “If you could simply tell me...”

“Do you know what you’ve done?”

“I... I played an innocent mare and separated her from her sister for a thousand years. And then...” Rarity blanched. “I’ve hurt many, haven’t I? Ah... Haven't I?” But had she? It wasn’t her, but at the same time it was, maybe. Why was it so cold? Why did she feel so guilty?

The fog only grew thicker. The purple silhouette that may have been her friend, or may have been one of her sworn enemies at some point in time, only stood there, patient.

“Do you know what you’ve done?”

“I don’t. I really don’t, not anymore.” Nightmare shook, falling to the ground, legs feeling weak. Those long, black legs.

--

“How long ya reckon she been like this?” was the first words spoken out from the watching group of friends.

“I-I don’t know. For a few hours, maybe? She had a lot of things to do today so I tried to wake her up but she won’t move at all!” the tiny dragon yelled in a possibly too loud voice. Spike paced around the room. It was a tendency Twilight tended to do when she was worrying about something.

But Twilight was, for lack of a better word, unavailable at the moment.

Pinkie stepped over and poked at her sleeping friend. “Twiiiiilight. Wakey wakey eggs and bakey! Helloooooooo!” She shook the pony in her bed, getting but a small murmur in response.

“I don’t think that’s working, Pinkie...” Fluttershy offered, stopping the pink pony’s antics. Pinkie pouted, but relented, and soon went back to observing Twilight Sparkle as she mumbled in her sleep. “U-um, right. Spike, did you notice anything strange before, you know, Twilight went to sleep, maybe...?”

Spike shook his head. “Twilight left the library for some reason, and then the next time I saw her she was asleep in her room.” The dragon blinked and put a claw to his chin. “Well, now that you mention it, I didn’t even see her come in...”

“Well that don’t really help much. So we at least know that she went somewhere.” Applejack grimaced. They always tended to go into situations like this: annoyingly uninformed. But Twilight was, for the most part, always around to provide the necessary exposition.

“Maybe she’s just tired. All that studying and whatever.” Rainbow shrugged in the air.

“But then why would Discord have us run all the way here, Rainbow?” Fluttershy frowned.

“I dunno. Pranking? Maybe he just wanted you out of the house so he could flip it over or harass one of your animals again.” Rainbow crossed her forelegs.

“Oh, I’m sure he wouldn’t do that... um, again, anyway.” Fluttershy looked aside unsurely.

“Well, we can’t really take any chances.” Applejack bit her lip. “S’been a li’l strange around Ponyville lately, and ah can bet that this whole thing with Twi is jus’ another part of it.”

Rainbow sighed and flew close to Twilight, staring closely at her sleeping form. “WAKE UP!”

Nothing.

Rainbow felt something pat her back. She turned and saw Rarity. “Sleeping spell, darling.” Rarity’s horn was aglow with magic. “Not even the library falling over will wake Twilight up at the moment.”

“Whuh? Well why didn’t you say so?” Rainbow frowned.

“I am not an expert in these sorts of spells, darling.” Rarity retained her neutral expression, staring at Rainbow coldly. The pegasus shrunk a little as a sudden feeling of anxiety filled her. “Regardless, it appears Twilight has been struck by some sort of magic. Quite powerful, too, but not very harmful. Except for how ghastly her coat and mane will be when she wakes up.” The fashionista gave a shudder. “I imagine she will be unconscious for a few more hours. Perhaps less?”

“Perhaps less, huh?” the farm mare questioned, looking Twilight over. “What does that mean?”

Rarity sighed. “Oh, how do I put it, Twilight is better at describing this sort of thing.” The unicorn paced a little, before nodding. “The sleep spell that hit Twilight has a... set timer, that allows nothing outside to wake her up. I cannot identify the length of the timer, but the, ahem, magic holding her in place is draining quickly, so either the pony who did this is very clumsy, or did not intend to trap her for long.”

“Oh, my, but then... why would somepony or someone go to the trouble of putting Twilight to sleep, and just bring her back here...?” Fluttershy spoke next.

The ponies + dragon stood there, thinking of possibilities as Twilight snored the day away. “Maaaaaaaaybe it was an accident?” Pinkie offered after a far too long moment of silence. The pink pony noted Rarity’s tiny little fidget.

“Now ah won’t pretend to know how magic works, but ah doubt somepony’d just up and shoot Twilight with some sorta sleep spell by accident.” Applejack shook her head, dismissing the idea.

“Yeah, what she said!” Rainbow nodded in affirmation. “This is some unfunny stuff, here!” She prodded Twilight. “I mean, no offense, Rarity, but who knows what other junk Twilight got hit with that we don’t know about out!”

“Mm, none taken, Rainbow. What do you suggest we do, then?” Rarity frowned, looking over her friends one by one, none of them seeming to have an answer. Her eyes eventually settled on Fluttershy.

“Um... well... we could write a letter to the princesses?” the yellow pegasus squeaked out, looking aside. “I-I mean, Luna does that... dream... thing, so...”

“The princesses! Yeah! They could get rid of the spell and Twilight could just tell us what happened!” Rainbow grinned and patted Fluttershy on the back. “Good thinking, ‘shy!”

Rarity bit her lip, turning away from her friends. “Well, let us do that, then.”

--

“You terrible thing, you. That’s what you are.” Rarity cursed, staring at her reflection. The lights in the boutique were out, and as far as she knew Sweetie Belle was off crusading with her friends. The unicorn shook, grimacing at her black form in the mirror. The other Rarity only grimaced back.

It wasn’t a good look for her.

It’s not our fault the voices demanded. It isn’t yours either they whispered in sympathy. Rarity simply held her head. Calm yourself, Rarity.

“I will be calm when you cease talking!” Rarity shrieked. She gasped and looked at the mirror. “Oh, goodness.” she stood up, wobbling on her long legs. Her magic grabbed the broken mirror and deposited all the shards in the trash. “I-I’m losing my mind, aren’t I? Yes, this is what it feels like to simply lose my mind.”

Calm yourself, Rarity.

“Y-yes, calm myself. Do not fret over anything. Twilight... Twilight will be fine. I will be fine. Yes.” She let go of the breath she was holding. “Really must stop talking to myself.”

You are talking to us.

“You are not real. Simply a stress related... something or other, yes.” Rarity wobbled over to her bed and collapsed, placing a slender, black hoof to her head.

That hurts, Rarity.

“As it should. Many things hurt in life, I’ve gathered.” Rarity growled. “Mm, no, Rarity, silence, if you acknowledge it then it just gets stronger.” the unicorn muttered, shutting her eyes.

Rarity.

...

Rarity.

...

Rarity, please.

“I am not listening to you.”

Please, it was an accident. We all know that. YOU know that.

“MMmg. I-I... I do know, but it’s easier to just... deny it...” Rarity breathed. “Oh, sweet Celestia.” she opened her eyes, tearing up. Her horn glowed, and she felt a blanket throw itself across her back. “I-I’m sorry. I... I ran away again.”

Don’t leave us, Rarity.

“I won’t.” Rarity grimaced, staring at her blackened body. “I won’t.”

--

Rarity sat boredly, staring out the window, as the group waited for the princesses. She had returned from her ‘walk’ without incident. Applejack, the doll, of course noticed right away that she seemed a bit downcast, but the unicorn assured her friend that it was simply her worry showing.

She did not want to be there. She did not have to be there, she told herself. Really, she just did not feel emotionally prepared to confront Princess Luna, who unfortunately was also coming. like this.

She did not feel emotionally prepared for a lot of things she felt was coming. It was beginning to build up in her mind. What was it Discord said? Oh well.

“What time is it?” she heard herself say.

“Iiiiiiiiiit’s seven-and-twenty!” she heard Pinkie say.

“Ah.”

And so it went on. Her mind was in slow motion. Only a few seconds, only a few minutes, it did not matter. Her head hurt. She put a hoof to it, and then another. She was pretty sure she saw a pony trip outside and stay on the dirt, lying limp, yet steady in breath.

Ponyville was such a tired town.

Rarity only noticed that the Princesses had arrived, five minutes after, when she felt a cold piece of metal on her side. “Oh, heavens, Princess Celestia! Do forgive me, I must have zoned out a tad!” The unicorn smiled, bowing to the princess.

The white princess chanced a small smile. “It’s fine. I understand your concern, Rarity, this seems to be taking quite a bit out of you.”

“Oh, is it?” her hooves fidgeted. “P-perhaps. I may just be worrying myself sick, hah.” The unicorn avoided eye contact with the alicorn, but her eyes only settled on everypony else.

They were all watching her. Including Luna.

“But we should be working towards helping poor Twilight! Who knows what may have caused this dilemma!”

Celestia nodded in affirmation, concerned smile turning into an affirmed frown. “Let us not delay any longer.”

--

“As I thought, sister. I feel dark magic in the air around us.” Luna spoke in a cool tone, hiding her worry.

Celestia, of course, noticed it anyway. “Yes. It has taken root all throughout Ponyville.” Her horn ceased glowing as she gazed down at the sleeping form of her student.

“Yet other than the sleep spells I do not see any ill intent. They are not even particularly strong. What could it mean, sister?”

“Perhaps it is connected to the land of dreams?” Celestia offered.

“Could this magic be what is blocking me from entering the dreams of Ponyville?” Luna frowned, gazing towards Twilight.

“U-um, excuse me, but, d-dark magic?” Fluttershy squeaked.

“Erm, beg pardon, princesses, but Twi’s usually the one that explains what’s goin’ on, so we’re kinda in the dark here.” Applejack cleared her throat, patting Fluttershy.

Celestia smiled as Luna seemed to focus back on Twilight. “Of course. Yes, the spell that was casted on Twilight has traces of some sort of dark magic.”

Pinkie gasped loudly right behind Fluttershy, causing the pegasus’ wings to snap up in fright.

Celestia chuckled. “The magic seems relatively harmless, however. We are trying to trace the culprit through the residue magic.”

“Aha! So we can chase ‘em down an’ knock ‘em around a little for messing with Twilight, right?!” Rainbow smirked, punching at the air. “Yep. Same old same old! Just tell us who we gotta hit and we’ll get this all done before bedtime!”

Celestia chuckled. “While I appreciate your enthusiasm, Rainbow Dash, we still have a bit of process to go through before we get to the part where you ‘hit the bad guy.’”

Everypony except for Luna and Rainbow laughed at the latter's’ expense at that. The former, on the other hoof, suddenly gasped and reeled back, horn flickering. “Th-this magic! Tia! I-it’s her! She has returned again...!”

“That doesn’t sound good.” Spike mumbled, clinging to Fluttershy’s leg.

“Very not good.” Pinkie nodded.

“Luna, by she, you don’t mean...” Celestia grimaced.

“Th-the Nightmare. The nightmare! It has returned!” Luna shook, in a spiral of many emotions. Anger, fear, loathing, confusion.

...

“Hey. Where’s Rarity?”

Everypony and dragon looked around, and yet there was no unicorn in sight.