Author's Note

Twilight Sparkle's POV

A Late Night Surprise: 1

I found a purple balloon on my bed as I entered my bed room. On the night stand, there is a note in an envelope. Otherwise, nothing had changed, nothing is disturbed.

Tired and distracted, I pick up the small white envelope and read the message. Tired as I am, I managed to miss a detail, Pinkie Pie had clearly written the message and the instructions to me.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle!

If you would kindly slip into the purple balloon on your bed, you will be granted access to a realm where you will be able to unwind. I am sure it will be an exciting adventure for you.

Your bestest friend!” the message reads.

Maybe I was just a bit too curious for my own good, or I was just too tired and spent for any critical thinking at this point. Besides, I did have problems with handling my own problems. Not that I am alone in this particularly irksome and dangerous boat. I know my friends are wrestling with the very same problem, in their own way. I have been trying my best, helping them with these issues.

Since curiosity got the better of me, I picked up the deep purple balloon magically, slipping into it. To my surprise, the balloon refused to give up or burst. I thought it was bound to, but it never did. Before I knew it, the shiny rubber covered my entire form, including hooves, wings and tail. All the way up to my head.

Once the balloon covers my body, I could hear little squeaky sounds and noises with my every move. Even the short distance to the bed caused the curious noises to follow me.

Slipping the quilt to the side, before I slip in under it, then pulling it back over me. Once it covers the purple balloon, my head lies on the pillow. Thankfully, it did not take me long to close my eyes and fall asleep. A curiously restful slumber. I did not even realise what was to happen next, as I slipped into my dream.

“Good morning, Twilight!” Luna stated, just as I opened my eyes.

“Good morning, Princess Luna!” I responded.

I folded the quilt up towards the wall and slip my hooves off of the bed and down to the floor, before I folded it right back into place. With that, it looks almost as if I had never been sleeping an entire night in it. Convenient. Yet, this is a dream, I had not yet woken up, even if I thought I had.

Covered in the shiny, deep purple rubber of Pinkie Pie’s balloon, I now walk up towards Luna. Everything in the room is identical to what it had been the previous night, down to the few specs of dust.

I could see her standing before a door, not the one I had entered as I went to bed, mind you. The one single difference between what had been real, and the dream I am now in.

“Since you chose to slip into the balloon, I will now guide you. I can follow you, only as long as you are wearing it. I hope this doesn’t bother or inconvenience you in any way, Twilight!” she pointed out, as a response to the unspoken question.

Of course she knew the rules by heart. She is the unquestioned Princess of the Night and Dream. We all knew it, every last Pony of Ponyville. Many of us had encountered her in a dream or the other, enjoying the assistance and comfort she granted on this plane.

“Yes, thank you, Princess Luna. I certainly do wear the balloon!” I responded.

“I notice that you still keep the same neat order as you did; while you were living in the castle, as my older sisters prodigy and student!” Luna complimented with a slight smile on her muzzle.

“Thank you, Princess Luna. It does help me sleep better at night, seeing everything in perfect order, just the way I left it last night!” I responded, smiling back in return.

“Makes sense. Though it is time I let you in on where we are going!” she put forth as she opened a door behind herself; the very one she had hidden with her large body, being an elder Alicorn and all.

“Yes, I guess you are right!” I responded as I followed her through the door, the very door she closed behind us as I stepped through.

Just as when I stepped through the gate to Canterlot High and my friends there, I turned into a girl. Only this time, my entire body is covered by that purple balloon.

“I hope you will enjoy the breakfast!” Luna offered generously.

“Since you are offering it, I am quite certain I will enjoy it. Just kind of curious, none is responding, or even reacting on me wearing the balloon. Even if I guess it is comforting, as tight as it may be. I barely feel it. The one thing that keeps me allerted to the fact is the squeaking little noises from my every move!” I responded with a widening smile all over my face.

“That is the spirit. I know this will make you a world of good. Just have a seat, and your breakfast will be served!” she promised.

“I think I can live with that, since Spike used to prepare my breakfast early in the morning. He could use a day off, in this regard!” I responded as I pulled out a chair and sat down eagerly.

As Luna snapped her fingers, the chef walked into the room, beaming happily with well-deserved pride in his work.

“Take your time!” he spoke as he placed the beautiful, elegant menu on the table before me.

“Thank you, good sir!” I responded.

“I know this is my breakfast, but what would I order in?” I continued.

“If you open the menu, I think something will stand out!” Luna responded.

“I think I take the Daisy sandwich and a celery salad, with a large glass of water; please!” I responded as the chef returned from his kitchen.

An excellent choice, Twilight!” he responded, just before walking out in a slow, dignifying gait befitting his position.