Act 1: Symphony of Dreams Chapter 1

by Harmonious Tempest

all characters and character references are owned by Hasbro and by My Little Pony

The cool air crept into the grand throne room as Celestia sat on high. It was a glorious day in Equestria, and the kingdom stood tall. Though her job was both tedious and tiresome, it was moments like this that made it all worth while, especial the fact that all of her royal duties had been done. Curiously, she had no recollection of completing them; nor could she remember waking. It did not matter for. it was just another testament to the difficulty of her title.

Bang. Bang. Bang. The chamber door exploded with sound as it swung inward toward the princess. In the midst of the commotion stood a lone pegasus guard. His armor hung by his side as a small drip of blood fell from his brow. Every breath brought him great pain as he raced into the the grand hall. Before Celestia could react, the guard was at her hooves explaining the events that had unfolded outside. “Princess Celestia, We are fighting as hard as we can, but we can't seem to harm it. So many have fallen already, and we do not know what to do. Please, we need your help.” With his last breath the guard finished his plead and collapsed from his wounds onto the cold marble floor. Celestia raced to his side, but was too late. The guard had given his all protecting Equestria, but the combined might of the royal guard was no match for what waited outside.

Frantically she turned her attention toward her ponies. With a mere thought Celestia found herself outside starring off her spire high above her kingdom. Smoke and fire had filled the air as the sight of her beloved city stood in ruins. The screams of her citizens tore at the alicorn's heart for it was too much for her to handle. Her blood boiled with rage as every second felt like ages. Bits of ember danced around her crown as the city turned to ash. She tried to take flight, but to no avail. Whatever this threat was it had seemed to have left her powerless. Celestia became pale as all of the affect left her face. Her eyes darted to the balcony under her hooves as it began to dissolve. The creature drew closer with every moment. The feeling of helplessness crept into her heart as she watched her little ponies being destroyed. With a loud crack the floor gave in. Unable to fly the princess went spiraling into the dark abyss that waited below. All she could do now was close her eyes and hope.

* * *

Waking in a cold sweat, Celestia heart raced. Scanning the room for a coming attack, her fears slowly dissipated. Celestia shifted under the sheets of her lavish bed as she came to her senses. There was no creature destroying her beloved ponies, nor were there any threat to harmony. The horrific sight was nothing more than a nightmare. Her kingdom was safe for now, and its ponies were still in their cozy beds. Though most ponies would revel in this realization, Celestia's concerns only grew. If this was just a dream, then where was Luna? Not since they were fillies had she experienced such a nightmare, and it was unlike Luna not to intervene. Celestia's stomach knotted as she raised from her slumber. With both grace and urgency Celestia galloped through the castle halls in search of her sister. Though Luna's absence was not unheard of, Celestia knew something was awry. She couldn't put her hoof on it, but the dream felt different and skewed like something had corrupted it. All she could do now was hope that her sister was okay.

Celestia did not know the fate of her sister, but she knew where to look. In the space between the world of the living and the dead, lives the realm of dreams. As princess of the night it is Luna's duty to protect this land. If it had become corrupted than Luna must be still trying to save it, or worst. Luna could be lost in the realm's endless wonders and nightmares. Celestia paused for a moment as she contemplated what needed to be done. Somepony had to transcend into the dream state to find Luna, but it couldn't be her. Not only did she need to be able to wake whomever she sends, but she would have to stand ready for anything that came out of this threat. Celestia knew there was only one pony she could trust to perform this task. It just so happened she and her friend had arrived this morning.

* * *

Twilight had finally gotten herself comfortable after the train ride from Ponyville, but she was ready for some much needed sleep. Tomorrow was the third annual Daring Do Convention, and Rainbow Dash and her wasn't about to miss it. Twilight may be one of Daring's biggest fans, but She had never seen anyone who loved Daring Do as much as Rainbow Dash. The two of them were hoping to see Daring again, especially since Rainbow only needed one more book to complete her signed collection of first editions. It was very kind of the Princess to allow them to stay at the castle, and on such sort notice. Too bad the others couldn't come, but to be fair Twilight was wanting to spend a little more time with Dash. It was true that Twilight thought Rainbow was both brash and headstrong, but she also thought she was one of the coolest ponies she knew. Part of her wished she could be a little more like Rainbow. Plus she hardly ever got to do anything with just her. Whatever the case Twilight was looking forward to the weekend to come.

Suddenly Celestia appeared at Twilight's side with concern in her eyes. The princess face was firm, but Twilight could tell that something was a miss. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, I am sorry for waking you, but there is a matter of up most importance that requires your aid. My sister has not returned from her journey into the dream realm, and the state of the dreams is beginning to twist and deform. Twilight I need you to follow my sister's hoof steps and return her to me. It will be a dangerous adventure, but if the dream world is left unchecked ponies everywhere will suffer greatly.”

“Celestia, what do you mean? How could Luna be trapped in a dream.” Twilight shifted herself into a sitting position as she focused on Celestia's every word.

“One's dreams and nightmares are all connected into a singular plane of existence. When a pony sleeps they enter a small personalized area within this plane. Here the plane displays either the dreamers deepest desires or their darkest fears. It looks into their hearts and creates the world to match them.”

“You act as if dreams are alive.”

“Because they are, Twilight. Dreams are alive and knowing. They change and flow like a river into a grand lake. If a pony was to get caught unwittingly into this stream, they could get dragged into the depths of this world. They could lose touch with reality. I am afraid this is the fate of Luna, and why I need you to travel into the dreamworld.”

“Yes, but that doesn't explain how this could happen. How does somepony get caught into the land of slumber, especially Luna for that matter.”

“I do not know how or why this has happened, but I fear that there is something waiting behind the scenes that we are unaware of. You must understand we are dealing with a power that most ponies do not fully understand, nor do they appreciate it.”

“Okay Celestia, I am in.”

“Thank you Twilight. Time is of the essence for night will not last forever. We must hurry.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on a second. I am not about to let Twilight go on some crazy mission into dreamland without some back up.” Rainbow shot through the open doorway and landed between Twilight and Celestia. Dash hadn't slept a wink sense they had arrived due to all of her excitement. She knew that she was going to have to get up early if they were going to beat the lines, but she couldn't help it. Rainbow had not seen Daring Do since their run in with the rings, and she wanted to know all about her latest adventures. Besides it wasn't like Dash to ignore a panicked princess galloping past her room in the middle of the night. In fact she had been eavesdropping on the conversation the whole time.

“I am sorry Rainbow Dash, but sending one pony would throw off the balance of the world enough as it is. Besides when one is dream walking the danger that is seen is very real. Not only can one be injured, but I have seen ponies lost forever.”

“My point exactly. With the two of us looking for Luna we will be able to better watch our backs.”

“Okay, but there are far worst things than a pony's nightmare in the realm of dreams. Be weary of things that present themselves with a smile and a friendly face for they too can destroy you. You will face every aspect of yourself and of each other. Meet me in the grand hall in a few minutes, and we will begin. Thank you my little ponies, and I am sorry for what you are about to go through.”

* * *

Gathered in the cool throne room Twilight and Rainbow Dash stood nervously waiting for Celestia. Though they had been on several mission like this before, it was Celestia's fear of the this place that hit them the hardest. With a deep sigh Rainbow took to the air trying to shake off her anxiety. “Okay Twi, We got this. How tough can a couple of dreams really be. I bet we will be in and out in no time flat.”

Twilight shot her a friendly smile then look down at her shuffling hooves. “I hope you are right. It just worries me that Luna of all ponies has become lost. This is what she did for a living, it is even her cutie mark. I just think we shouldn't underestimate this place.”

“Come on Twilight if any pony can save Luna it is you, and besides if you get into trouble. I've got your back.” Rainbow floated to her side and placed her wing gently around her waist. “This'll be a piece of cake.”

“Your right Rainbow Dash. Let's do this. Let's save Luna.”