With Tired Eyes We Dream

The earth collapsed around the two mares as they found that they were once more in the void of the dream scape. The tiny platform grew smaller with every passing second as a powerful force tore away at everything left in the world. Clinging to the small floating island the two ponies fought with all of their might trying to come up with some way out of this predicament. The void's grip on the two mares was too much to resist for long, and there was no clear way out.

Rainbow Dash could feel the impending doom creep over her as the dreamworld drove closer to its destruction. Her hooves were growing tired, and she knew that if her hooves were about to give out than Twilight didn't have much time. Looking at her weary friend a light bulb illuminated her mind. “Twilight!” Rainbow's voice came across faint as the roaring vortex drowned out most of the noise. “I have a plan.”

Twilight listened as hard as she could as tears poured from her tired eyes. Her arms shook from exhaustion, and she was ready to just let go. She didn't have anything left to give.

“Twilight! Did you hear me? It is the utmost importance that you remember to dream!” With Rainbow's last words she closed her eyes and fell backwards. Without any sort of fight Rainbow soared through the void toward the unseen horrors waiting for her.

“Rainbow Dash! No!” Twilight's heart raced as her mind looked for anything that could save her friend. In her frantic state her thoughts were scattered and disconnected. The only thing she could make out was a little spark of hope that stirred deep in her heart. There had to be a clue in Dash's words. Then her mind cleared, and all of the puzzle pieces fell into place. She had to dream.

Digging deep Twilight took in a long breath and released a single bolt of light that froze everything in a calming silence. The world stood motionless as Twilight carefully lifted her head and stared in awe. She had done it. With a new found confidence the young alicorn stepped off of the platform as she triumphantly sauntered to the still waiting Rainbow Dash. Like a million shooting stars the reality of this realm rocketed across the abyss as its beauty surged through the two mares. Transforming and shifting before them a lavish garden sprouted from the ground. Neither one of them could believe their eyes as nature grew and twisted itself creating a vision of unimaginable allure.

“Well I am glad that worked.” Rainbow brushed at her mane as an arrogant smile swelled on her face. “I never doubted you for a second.”

“What do you mean you never doubted me? All I saw was you just giving up! You, never doubted me?” Twilight exploded with rage as Rainbow's blatant disregard for what almost happened was the last straw. “Obviously you don't mind dying again, but I can't go through it another time.”

“I know you can't. Why do you think I let go?” Rainbow playfully jabbed at Twilight's ribs causing her anger to grow.

“You wanted me to go through all that emotional pain? What type of monster are you?” Twilight jerked away from the rainbow pegasus. “I thought we were friends.”

“Twilight it's not like that. I knew you wouldn't let me get hurt.” Rainbow raced to her side and looked her straight in the eyes. “Remember when we were in the meadow before the phoenix showed up?”

“Yeah what's your point?”

“In that moment you shaped the fabric of the dreams, so I thought, with a little motivation, you could use it to get us out of that mess. Like Celestia said, this world belongs to the dreamers.”

“So why didn't you do it?”

“You saw how bad I was at it. For what we needed I think I made the right call.”

“You are a jerk. You know that right?” Twilight wiped at her eyes as she wrapped Rainbow in her embrace. “But it was a good idea.”

“So what now. It seems the nightmares are still at large.”

“Well I think I have a plan this time, but we will need Celestia's help.” Twilight stepped forward as she started to comprehend the true power behind dreamers. With little effort a small portal opened allowing the two mares to make their exit.

* * *
Time had passed when Twilight emerged out of the darkness into what appeared to be Luna's private sanctuary. It felt like ages since she was first brought her by that imposter, and she hoped that the nightmares had returned as well. Twilight spread her wings and soared high into the midnight sky.

“Nightmare Moon! This ends now! Come out and face me!” Twilight's words carried throughout the garden as she mentally prepared for the impending battle.

“Ha ha ha, so you have come to accept your fate. Well let it be known that this is the day of eternal night.” Manifesting from deep within the landscape Nightmare Moon answered Twilight's call.

“No I am formally challenging you for the kingdom of dreams. Whomever wins will rule this realm unopposed.”

Nightmare Moon floated in silence as she thought about Twilight's challenge. “Tell me. Why don't I just kill you?”

“Because you are not certain in your ability to defeat me, and by taking my deal you can insure that I am rid from this place.”

“I see. Well then, let us begin.” With a flash of lightning the world suddenly shifted to a blank white world where the rules of time and space no longer applied.

The two ponies circled around in the air as the tension grew between them. Twilight knew she had to be careful with her attacks for she was no longer fighting a faceless enemy, but instead she was fighting Luna. She could only hope that her plan would work.

“Your move, Nightmare Moon.” Twilight watched her opponent as her mind carefully chose her first attack.

“I am a cockatrice. Turning its enemies to stone with just a look.” A dark blue creature flowed off of Nightmare Moon's horn as it twisted into the mythical cockatrice.

“I am a mirror reflecting the cockatrice's stare freezing it in its tracks.” A purple mirror lit up the space as it shined with the stare generated by the blue animal.

“I am a misbehaving filly who shatters the mirror.” Another construct took center stage as it placed a mighty buck directly into the center of Twilight's mirror. With a loud crash shards of mirror showered down on the two warring princesses.

Twilight shielded herself with her wings as she returned to the game at hoof. “I am his parent. I discipline and nurture the child.” A loving mother appeared before the filly calming the violence in his heart.

“Well then I am disease. I ravage the mother's body bringing her great pain and suffering. It is I who sends her to an early grave.” Nightmare Moon laughed as her construct's eyes lost all since of happiness.

Twilight knew she had to take a different tactic if she was going to be victorious, but what could stand against Nightmare Moon. “I am the Sun bringing both warmth and life to the Earth.” Twilight stood tall as her words filled the room. Shining over the young alicorn, the magnificent Sun formed behind her.

“Even at the end of your life you stand as one of Celestia's students. You will regret siding with my sister. It doesn't matter though, I was just about to end this little display anyway. I am a black hole that swallows the Sun and all matter around it.” The Sun was suddenly ripped apart sending bursts of energy through the air. The massive black hole had stolen every source of light of the once glorious Sun.

Twilight felt her body slowly slide toward the ever growing vortex as she let out a mighty roar. “I am hope!”

Nightmare Moon froze as sweat dripped down her face. What could beat hope? The alicorn frantically paced in the air as she drew a blank “I have nothing.”

“It is over Nightmare Moon. Now as we agreed, I now rule the dreamworld, and you are no longer welcomed here.” Twilight quickly took control of the room as they returned to Luna's beautiful garden.

“I have a better idea. It is clear that I have chosen the wrong vessel to aid me in my victory. So why don't I just take yours.” The nightmares ripped away from Luna's body and erupted toward Twilight. Leaping backwards Twilight quickly found herself entwined by the vines of the forest lurking below. She was unable to move as the shadowy creature engulfed her in its cold embrace. Twilight fought hard, but ultimately succumbed to the nightmares' will. Her eyes turned black as her very being twisted into a dark abomination of her former self.

“All will bow to the glory of Nightmare Twilight!”

“No Twilight, you have to beat it. You have to stay strong.” Luna looked up at the monstrosity towering over her as she attempt to stand from her wounds. “Let her go. You want me. Please take me.”

Nightmare Twilight turned to the lunar princess and laughed. “You are still alive? I will make short work of you.” Luna frantically raced back and forth as the ground around her rumbled and churn as the tree and roots slither around her body. Before she could react Luna gave out her final breath as the foliage tightened around her squeezing out her last bit of life.

Nightmare Twilight disappeared with a powerful burst of black energy reemerging in the grand hall of Celestia's castle. What should have been a beautiful reunion between friends turned into a scene painted with devastation. Nightmare Twilight made easy work of the royal guard as she made her way to the only pony left that could stand in her way. Celestia and Rainbow Dash waited in anticipation as they heard the path of destruction leading straight to their door. Then it was silent as the door exploded from its hinges with a loud eruption. As the dust settled the two mares watched the doorway surprised to find nothing. Celestia vigilantly stepped forward as a faint whisper manifested behind her. Spinning around she watched in horror as Rainbow Dash collapsed to the floor. Nightmare Twilight stood over her friend's corpse as she leisurely pulled a phantom blade through Rainbow's still warm body.

“Twilight no. It is not too late. You have to stop this, or I will.” Celestia was steadfast against her former student as her request for peace was shattered with a powerful blast of dark magic. Celestia had defended Equestria from the nightmares before, but this time she wasn't sure if she was able to defeat them. Not only was Twilight far more powerful than Luna when it came to magic, but Twilight was almost a daughter to her. Celestia couldn't let that stop her from doing what must be done. Once more she had to put her love aside for the betterment of her kingdom. Deep in her heart she could feel the cracks forming inside as she returned fire on her favorite student. Celestia's attacks proved more and more futile as Nightmare Twilight absorbed everything she threw at her. In her tired state Celestia let down her guard just enough for a single attack to find its target sending her crashing to the cold marble floor.

“Oh Celestia. To think I once looked up to you.” Mercilessly Nightmare Twilight continued her assault on the downed princess stomping out any spark of life left in Celestia's eyes. The rulers of Equestria were gone, and no pony could stop the nightmares now. Heading out side Twilight flew into the morning light eclipsing the Sun with her evil aura. Shouting in her royal voice she commanded her newly acquired kingdom to gaze at her beauty. Every pony in Equestria soon found themselves kneeling in fear at their new queen, Nightmare Twilight.

* * *

“So do you think it bought it?”

“I hope so Rainbow. I couldn't see why my plan wouldn't have worked.” Twilight stretched her hooves as she picked herself off of the cold castle floor. Personally she was getting tired of waking up in random locations, but at least this was her last. Twilight looked around as Celestia Luna returned from the dream scape having completed their part.

“It is done. The nightmares have been safely hidden away deep in the world of dreams.” Celestia gently nodded at Twilight as she walked over to her side. “It was a brilliant idea to trap the nightmares in its own personal dreamworld. Hopefully it will be lost in its own desires.”

“Oh, I can only imagine what the nightmares would desire.” Rainbow Dash shuttered as she thought of the horrible things that must be happening in that dream. “I have to hand it to you Twilight. Using yourself as bait to draw out the nightmares from Luna and then having Celestia waiting in the wings ready to attack was pretty cool.”

Luna stepped forward while Celestia slightly signaled for Rainbow's silence. “I wish to thank you Twilight Sparkle. A lesser mare would have succumbed to the nightmares' awesome might. If you wouldn't have risk your life for mine, I might have done something unthinkable as Nightmare Moon. I also wish to thank you as well Rainbow Dash, your bravery and loyalty was vital to my safety.” Luna grabbed Twilight and Rainbow Dash in a heartfelt embrace. Both mares had been through a lot, and were more than happy to welcome a friendly hug.

“I am sorry I have to break up this lovely moment, but Luna and I must make our leave. I am afraid the damage to the dream realm will require much of our time and attention. Your services to the kingdom and to our friendship will never be forgotten. Thank you Princess Twilight Sparkle and the most honorable Rainbow Dash for all of your help.” Celestia and Luna disappeared off into the castle leaving Rainbow and Twilight alone with there thoughts.

“So we did it. I guess.” Rainbow Dash shot Twilight a friendly smile as she nervously looked back to her hooves.

“It would appear that this time we actually did. Well at least I am pretty sure this time is real.” Twilight slyly gestured with her head toward the open balcony door as she alluringly walked outside. “Hey Rainbow. Do you still want to go to that convention?” Twilight sat down on the cold metal floor of the spire as Rainbow Dash lightly sat next to her.

“You know Twi. I have already seen it. Instead I think I would rather be here enjoying the morning with you.” Rainbow paused and then slowly slid her flank closer to Twilight's. Than a little closer until the two mares were pressed tightly against one another. Rainbow Dash look out over the balcony as she sneakily leaned over to Twilight's ear and whispered a single phrase. Twilight shot her a quick glance as her face turned a red hue. Frozen in place she was met with another surprise as Rainbow placed a tiny peck on her check. Time seemed to stand still for the two mares as they looked out over the stunning city of Canterlot. Their adventure had drawn to an end as a their reality shimmered in the morning sun.