Author's Note

first of all, determination has kept me from quiting on this, so here is the result of it.

and introducing an experimental extra description feature
as the first example being the extra details of rainbow dash's exaggerated pose.

I'm thinking about doing these more in later chapters to add extra details to certain moments that are not really story required but are simple eye candy for those who want to read extra.

or if you think it's a little distracting, let me know ;)

also, trying to add BGM into parts of the story for readers to listen to at certain parts of the chapter, if you can dear readers just open the link into a separate page and enjoy!

Nightmare?

I
Jefferson Revere

Cold, cold was all I could feel at first, then heard something faint, was it rumbling?
I just felt trapped behind my own eyelids as I could only hear and feel the-

A Thunderous crack of a rifle caused me to jump into consciousness. Alert, scared and awake, or at least I think I was awake. Half my face felt warm from where I think something hit me. I must of been knocked out and I’m just experiencing a rather weird ass dream.

I heard another sound, the pop of a pistol, then the snap of another, then the crackle of a different weapon. The world around me echoed with each report.

What the hell was going on?

Was a fire fight breaking out somewhere?

The noise of gunfire slowly picked up in tempo as well yellow flashes lit the clouds above me in a sporadic light show. I watched in fear and wonder as I could map out where each gunshot originates with each muzzle flash. Even though I could hear each distinctive sound, I could not tell the type of weapon being fired as three would fire off at once or five or eight or- I felt something bounce off my shoulder.

It surprised me as I look, nothing, then I heard the ting of a brass casing hitting the ground, I instantly looked towards the sound. Shining bright among the darkened dirt, was a indeed a brass shell. Walking over to pick it up, I examined the-
"Holy shit that’s hot!" the spent casing fell out of my fingers just as fast as I picked it up.

As it clinked onto the ground, I noted how it felt fresh, like split-second-out-of-the-chamber fresh. Pondering on how a fresh casing got down here when I heard another casing hit the ground, another ‘ting’ far away, then felt another hot casing bounce off my head.

"The fuck are they coming fr-" I recoiled before looking up, and to my awe, I saw the start of a bizarre rain.

Shells, bullet shells of various calibers, (some I recognized as others I did not) started to rain from the sky all the while the fire fight in the sky became so intense that the noise became an undistinctive mosh pit of thunder. The muzzle flashes now lit the clouds like the more familiar lightning flashes I remember from home. Another casing bounced off my face while I was still looking up, it stung from the hot metal but felt something else, warm ooze ran across my forehead. Looking down I touched the ooze to find that it was- "Blood?" I looked around as the noise of the metallic rain of casings filled my ears. I held out a hand to catch one of these casings; a forty-five shell.

It was hot, but wasn't painfully hot this time around; then it started to melt in my palm like a brass colored snowflake. However, I felt myself starting to shake as the casing started to melt into, not water but blood. The dark red crimson pooled in my hand as I stared in horror as I looked around at the brass litter upon the landscape. Some of these shells started to melt into pools of blood. As some of the brass fell on me, I was starting to become drenched in this. My heart thumped as I looked at myself seeing my skin, clothing, bandages becoming soaked in- I ducked under another kind of sound, that rumble again.

This time I could make out a low but loud chuckle that rolled across the landscape like an evil wind.
"W-Who's there?!" I wiped my eyes clean while trying to look through the now thickening rain of bloody shells, I started to walk, not sure to where, but I felt I had to move. Brass klinked and tinged under foot as it looked like the shells were starting to "stick" to the ground like the metallic snow It looked and felt. My boots would slightly slip under the shells as they shifted while I walked. I heard that chuckle again,

"Speak up! where are you?!"

"FORRRRGET!" Was the frightening reply, "FFFFFORRRFEIT!"

"Wh-Where, WHERE ARE YOU!?" the voice only replied with another low, distorted laugh in the kind of tone that would vibrate the walls on surround sound.

This Bloody, brass slush was starting to intensify as well the firefight in the clouds. I got to find shelter, got to get out from under this madness. I carefully started to remove myself from being buried under the now few inches or so of spent casings; Then I started to walk in a random direction, hoping to find something to hide under. Brass shifted and jingled with every boot fall, Some of it even crunched leaving behind a bloody boot print.

At least I can track where I've been; my poor ears started to muffle from the noise, I hope I don't wake up deafened by this. Every so often I could hear whispers through the brass fall, but every time I try to focus on the brass’s whispering, it would be interrupted by that fuckin’ laugh.

“Shut up!” I finally snapped, my voice sounded dull under the noise, I got no reply but started to feel something watching me. I paused in step to look around, blood was painfully trying to block my vision but I would fight it with a hand but even then, well, you try keeping your eyes clear in a monsoon!

Could hear the deep voice, the bodiless vocals trying to speak to me, but I tried my best to blot it out while trying to trudge through this metallic downpour. The tiny, hot metal pieces grow numb to me every second in this. I don’t know how long I had been walking but I discovered one thing:

There was no chance this shit storm was going to end…

************************
II
Twilight Sparkle

We trotted up the road from the library, my mind still buzzing over Jeff’s unfortunate outburst and now pinkie’s words, but I tried not to the think so much on them as for now, I had to keep reminding myself that I had to get help for Jeff. Poor Human, wish there was more I could-

“So Twi,” AppleJack popped my thought bubble as I had tried pondering on everything, “Ya said we’re seein’ the doc first right?”

“Correct,” I replied shaking my brain free of the thinking cloud, “I could’ve read more into it on my own, but,” I paused to keep my mental problem solver quiet, “but I feel this requires more than just reading into some medical book.”

“Pardon?” AJ cocked a questioning brow at me, “Ya tellin’ me that human spazin’ out like a wet lightning bug is more serious than you can take care of?” she must of had trouble catching on or something but dear goddess, it is pronounced hue-man, not who-man!

Putting a muzzle on my angry thoughts, “To be frank Jackie, I have never seen anything like that before,” I admitted grimly, “He was fine one second, then the next, he was-” I paused, feeling the sting of guilt.
“-Fightin’ us like a pack of timberwolves?”

Then It clicked, huh, never thought of that till she said something, maybe that could be part of Jeff’s problem; but then how to explain the sudden unconsciousness and high body temperature? I mean, sure, the simple stun spell I had casted upon Jeff would only of
“Uh, yeah, yeah,” I pulled myself back to earth for the hundredth time today, “Since you mentioned it, maybe his experience in the everfree had more of an impact on him mentally than physically.”
“You mean-”
“He is suffering more from the inside than anything.” And I picked up the pace, trying to politely end the topic by going at a canter.

Since everypony was used to us being in a hurry almost everyday, most passer-bys and other pedestrians would move aside while we ran through town. I had to keep my mind on track, first was getting a hold of Doctor Horse, maybe he would at least explain what he could be suffering from.

“Besides, Doctor Horse was the one of the few ponies to of ever seen him awake.”
“Whateva ya say Twi.”

----------------------------*Later*----------------------------------

“Oh absolutely not!” Doctor Horse snapped when we asked him for Jefferson’s record.
“But Doc, he had some sort of episode and I had to subdue him my self.”
“Not my problem, if he comes to, make an appointment with-”
“He might naught wake though doc.” AppleJack noted.

I couldn’t help but scowl at his attitude towards us. All I wanted to do was just look into what medical history of Jeff this Doctor had recorded, yet he is being very hostile and obviously stubborn.

“Then Doctor, maybe you can explain to us what is happening to him.” he simply stared back at us with an agitated deadpan, impatiently tapping a hoof on his desk while propped on the other. He was probably in thought when he finally leaned back with an agitated sigh.

“Fine Miss Sparkle, tell me,” he gestured to us frustrated, “Tell me what his problem is?”

“Well, he was just fine not to long ago, talking with us normally then after we tried to bring up what he did and where he came from before surviving the Everfree Forest,” I paused, a tinge of guilt poked at me again, “He seemed to of snapped and started to act like we were attacking him.”

“Like he sahw us like monsters.” AppleJack entered the conversation, “He shouted at us, threw stuff and-”

“Thank you ladies,” Doctor Horse raised a hoof to silence the both of us, like that didn’t aggravate us anymore.

“What I can tell, he is suffering from what veterans of the guard tend to have after their service to the crown.” I didn’t think of it, a face hoof emphasised that.

“Riiight, I totally forgot that he could have-”

”Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.” we both said simultaneously.

“Exactly, its not a matter of could, its certain that he does have PTSD.” The Doctor shook his head, “Then there is nothing really to worry about, if it does get any worse, have him go to the Canterlot-”

“-Then what ‘bout tha fever?” Apple Jack’s words drew the doctor to a halt, he blinked then looked at my country friend with confused curiosity. “He was hotter than a cast iron skillet when we got him off tha floor.”

“Really? Normally after an episode, the patient would typically be disorientated and groggy among other symptoms, but blacking out and developing a fever?” The Doc drifted from his words to ponder.

“That is why we’re here Doctor, I feel that we need to turn to professional help and you were the first we thought about.” I explained to him while taking a glance to AJ. She had a stern look on her, but I could tell when she was starting to get angry.

“I appreciate the consideration Miss Sparkle but I don’t think I’ll be of any help other than help treat the other mysterious symptoms, such as this high fever you speak of-”

“-and the shakes or tremors.” I added (sort of) politely.

“Right, but outside of that there isn’t much I can-”

“Listen here mister!” AJ clapped a hoof on his desk angrily, it caught him by surprise, but I was sort of expecting it; “I don’ take kindly ta that kind talk at all, Doc, so yah’ll gonna either say ya gonna help our friend or point us to somepony who can!” Watching her fling that country attitude at the doctor kinda relieved me. To be honest, I was expecting it for sure, I didn’t like to be the one to force anything out of anypony.

I only thank my teacher that she stepped up to the plate.

“I-uh, Miss Apple, please,” Doctor Horse was out of his chair, “Calm your self a-and I’ll see what I can do,” he slowly recomposed himself, “But (clears his throat), if there was anypony to help you out with this weird case would be either somepony from the Vets Medical center in Canterlot or maybe that Zebra friend of yours.”

Wasn’t once in a blue moon that a medical professional would suggest Zecora for something like this, she was indeed going to be my next pony to visit regardless of this situation.
“That’s odd Doctor, Normally, you and your colleagues would not suggest going to Zecora for any kind of medical help, why now?” I asked prodding at this curiosity.

“Well, it’s one of two things Miss Sparkle,” Horse looked from the scowl on AJ’s face back to me, “First, the Vets center have encountered permanent magic damage on soldiers that go through their door that she had some sort of cure for it.” I would imagine that their were hot branding irons being dug into his flank with that glare of Apple’s.

“She could provide some leadway on this curious case, and-” he sighed, preparing himself for something probably painful, “-I, have came to start paying attention to her wisdom in terms of treating various cases and ‘homemade’ remedies.” I could just see the pride fall off him like he was shedding hair.

“Which one's, too many to list, but since you ladies have come to trust her for advice and treatments of various kinds, then maybe I should too.” he nodded, nudging his glasses back up his muzzle. I felt a little better after hearing that, at least some ponies are starting to get along, and a bonus, sharing knowledge!

“Aaand,” Applejack raised a hoof to him, “Ya’ll visit this would be troublesome human in pony, you saved his life, you patched him up-” she jabbed an accusing off at him to empathise her words, “-and ya released him in this fix.”
“A-an-bu-but why should-”
“Because he was and still is yer responsibility!” The doc fell silent, Apple was right, he had been there since Jeff came crawling through his hospital’s doors. He took him in, fought with him and treated him as best he could. So It would make sense that he would go in pony to check on his patient.

“You're right Miss Apple,” he nodded in defeat agreement, “I may of been a little shrewd to the human, but one wouldn’t blame me-”
“Would they?” we both asked as one.
“Correction, Would blame me if something would happen to the human after I was the last pony to of treated him.
Applejack had came over and gave the Doc a pat on the shoulder,
“Atta’ boy Doc, now ya thinkin’ like a real stallion.” she gave him a “gentle” tap on the shoulder before returning to my side.

The doc didn’t say anything but grimaced while rubbing his sore shoulder. I got up from my seat with AJ holding the door of his office open for me,
“I think that’ll be all for today doctor, should we be expecting you sometime soon today?”
After a moment of silence, “Y-yes, may not be today, but I will a priority for tomorrow.”
“Good, on that note we should get going.” We took our leave, I wouldn’t know what AJ did behind my back, but the sudden slam of his door would of empathized on some silent exclamation she made towards him.

“Thank you Jackie,” I looked to her as we headed down the hall, towards the doors leading to the waiting room, “I don’t think even I’ve ever seen a doctor so stunned by somepony’s words in a while.”
“Nah worries sugarcube, I had my share of lazy docs to know that ya’ll have ta bring the hammer down to get somewheres when somepony you know is in real need.” Huh, curious on why she would put it that way? We both only known Jeff for at least a day and we consider him a friend of ours?
I was stumped at first but then, I realized a few things: first, we did extended a hoof to the human to come over so he wouldn’t be alone in his own house (or shack as he and I came to terms with); He didn’t really know our world and he was taken down by our kind during his stay in the hospital, but yet still trusted us enough to come out and talk with us?
My mind started to buzz once more on questions till it bumped headfirst into the swing door of the lobby.
“You doin’ okay sugarcube?” Apple Jack’s question of concern sliced through my brain storm like a knife.

“Huh-what?” I blinked looking at her rubbing my head, “oh, yeah, yeah, I’m just, lost in my thoughts.”

“Must be onto something big to’ve wandered into a simple little door,” she smirked almost chuckling at me, “Lemme get that.” she pushed the door open for me before we proceeded through the lobby and out the front doors.

Next stop, Zecora's!

************************
III
Spike

“Ugh, what's taking them so loong?!” I heard Rainbow Dash groan after absently tossing the book, she must of been skimming through, aside before stretching. “It feels like it’s been hours since they left!” I too was wondering on that too, how long was it going to be before Twilight and AppleJack got back?

I wasn’t too worried though, I was kept busy between keeping notes for Twilight, changing the cold compess (or was it cold compress?) for Fluttershy; listening to the girls chatter over Jeferson; aaand hearing the jock complain about how she didn’t want to be here. I only shrugged it off, mostly because I get to be around Rarity, who mainly kept Rainbow in check and watched Jef for any signs of life, or something like that.

“Rainbow, darling,” that magnificent white mare gave the cyan pony a look over her glasses sliding down that wonderful muzzle of hers, “If you’re getting impatient on our friends, then feel free to fly off and go look for them.”

“ah nah,” Rainbow waved hovering from her seat then close overhead, does she ever get tired of floating like that?
“I’m stickin’ to my original plan and staying here, you might get overpowered by the huue-man.”
“I believe the correct pronunciation my dear is hue-man?” she nudged her glasses back up before looking back down to her sketch book, I couldn’t help but wonder what my Rarity was doing in that book? she normally doesn’t have it out unless she has inspiration for next season's dresswear. Then again, It’s still spring and I did see she already had the fall wear already planned. so...what is she doing?

“Spike.” Flutter Shy’s soft voice caught my attention from watching Rarity, she glanced up once at us then back over to Jeff who shifted, his head rolled from side to side. I think he’s trying to say something in his sleep.
“Jeff is going through these Compresses like crazy, think you can try and get another cold one?” she hoofed me the surprisingly warm cloth that she had placed on the human’s head just five minutes ago.

“Potato, tomato, potato!” Rainbow rebutted, she wasn’t really that great at come backs as far as I can remember.
“I think Twilight is going to need to get you an improv book, because you need to work on your come backs Dash.” I pointed out holding back a snicker.
“Buck off spike, I can do very well on my comebacks!” she replied, “I got good stuff to snap back at you, that it will even shame Luna!” She boasted grandly while striking an exaggerated pose.

She flapped her wings to steady herself till she was able to point her back hooves towards the floor with one fore hoof on her hip with one jabbed into the air with her wings outstretched in an exaggerated pose to, in vain of course, emphasize her determination.

We only watched as she made a fool of herself, she seemed to of been lost in her own little world for a moment before she looked down at the trio of deadpans looking back at her.

“We’ll believe it when we hear it darling.” Rarity’s words seemed to of cut something more than just the imaginary hot air balloon she was flying off in.

“Riiight, I’ll go get the coldest one I can find Shy.” I used to excuse myself from the room.

“Uhm, thank you spike. Fluttershy smiled before turning back to the human.

“OH COME ON!” I hear over my shoulder, “You buckers are no fun, at least somewhat believe in me!” she whined before the kitchen doors closed behind me. Then the voices were muffled by the oaken walls while I opened the freezer to place the warm cloth in and pulled out one of three freezing cold compress cloth.

I felt my stomach rumble, I think I’ll make me and maybe the girls something while we wait and take care of the human. I’ll go ask them, maybe Rarity would be interested in a glass of-

“Spike, Get out here!” I hear Rarity command, “And bring that compress- an extra at that!” I snapped into action, I darted back to the freezer, snatched up another ice cold cloth then bolted back out of the kitchen, a foot kicking the swing door open.

“What is it?” was the first thing I asked, I first heard grunts and as I hurried over to Fluttershy. Then I saw Jeff; he was stirring in his sleep, his face was knotted up like he was in pain, his legs twitched while his head turned side-to-side quickly. Rarity was over by Fluttershy, her horn was lit up with magic. She was holding the human down with magic while Rainbow tried to hold the legs down while the human started to try to flail.

“Sweet Celestia, this thing is strong!”

“Human, he’s a human!”

“Whatever, he-it is kicking like a-” Rainbow Dash was knocked for a loop with a wild boot to the jaw as her grip slipped making her lean forward just close enough for the boot to connect with her.

She fell to the ground holding her jaw, “Son of a manticore!” Her muffled bellow came from behind her hooves before trying to stand back up but she wasn’t moving anywhere fast as she stumbled around before finding the floor again. That really must of hurt. Seeing Rainbow being “dismissed” by the human, Fluttershy forced her hooves down on the human while he thrashed harder in his sleep.

I only stood and stared at the calamity that went down in front of me, truthfully I didn’t know what to really do at this point. I almost forgotten the cloths in my talons if it weren’t for the icy touch to remind me. Almost dropping them, I looked between the dazed Rainbow dash and the struggling other two, I could only do the one thing I can do.

“W-what can I do?” I asked aloud over the noise, no one responded at first and it was starting to get hectic as they both tried to keep the human still while he tried to flail in his unconscious state. Getting anxious here, I then snapped, what would Twi do?

I put that thought into motion, but squeezing myself in between the girls, “Here, this could help!” I passed the freezing rags off where Shy snatched them up with a swipe of a hoof without looking. She muttered something that must of resembled a thanks before she started applying the cloth to Jeff, one on his forehead and the other over his chest (the shirt had came apart during the thrashing.

“Get ready to jump back Rarity,” she spoke over the wordless rabble coming from Jeff. The human was about to reach out and grab one of the girls, then his talon, arm and whole body went limp slowly. I froze to see the clawless talon slide absently down shy’s chest before the arm slumped over the side of the bed.

I glanced up to see how wide-eyed she was, not to mention how frozen with fear she is currently; I would think that she thought he was about to hit or grab her.

“Maybe you should go sit down for a spell darling.” Rarity reached over to touch the shocked pegasus who jumped upon being touched, she blinked then looked back at Rarity. Rarity nodded towards a chair, Shy only nodded a shaky reply before she slumped into it where she remained while the room went silent.

“I think the worst of it is over,” I guessed right before we all jumped at the ringing of the after residence door bell.

“Oh sweet goddess please be Twilight!” Rainbow dash shot out of the room again, a gust of wind blew around the room while the functional flyer flew down stairs. As the room fell silent we could hear Rainbow as well the knocking of the front door.

“Hang on, Geeze Twilight,” she snipped as she opened the door, “why didn’t you use your house key egg-” she went quiet before we looked at the open apartment door with confusion when we all heard:

”Whoa, who-what are you doing here?!

************************
III
Jefferson Revere

If there was anything I wished would of at least of been brought here with was something to keep from being covered in this crap. I mean, at first I was scared to be drenched in blood, then I kept forgetting that I was and would jump whenever I would absently wipe my face with a stained hand.

Now, well, I can’t help but be annoyed by it now; I need an umbrella damn it!!

Yet, even though most of this was starting to turn black on me (or dry up), I didn’t feel cold, infact I felt like I was sweating the whole time since I opened my eyes to this twisted mess. My ears had grown numb to the noise the monsoon of brass shells was making, also helped the fact that now, this crap was about ankle high to me now.

I must of been walking through this metallic muck for hours by now, with no sign of a stop in sight. No house, no cave not even a small abandoned shack to hide under to get a break from this rain. Sadly, nothing, not a single god damn- wait, what is that?

Out in the distance, somewhat distorted by this “rain” looked like a structure of some sort. A two-story structure, a house maybe, or even a warehouse. I would have to get clos-
Having been distracted by this change in setting, I almost dropped to the dirt to a chest-thumping crash of thunder overhead.

“Son of a-!” when my hand fell into the brass, I felt some of the shells ‘crunch’ under pressure of my hand like snow. “Oh great,” I looked at my hand as I stood back up, chunks of the casings sticking to my hand. Shaking my hand free of the bizarre muck, I continued on towards the structure.

“DOOO NOT GOOOO!” that voice boomed from nowhere, interesting enough, only my blood chilled to the sound but I didn’t cower like I had done before. I only hoped that I’m not going insane by getting use to all of this…

Ignoring the voice I walked on, “What are you goin’ to do about it?” I called out after that voice. “Ain’t nothin’ like you can’t come out after me.” I’ve had enough of this nightmare, about time I started to turn against it.

“Hell, I bet you’re too chicken shit to face me like the loud mouthed sumbitch you-” then I watched the rain slowly come to a stop, the gunfire thunder and lights in the clouds kept up their randomizing pace however; “-Are…”

“YoU are THe OnE whO mussst OBEY... annnnd FEAR!” The voice spoke, about damn time it spoke (somewhat) intelligently.

“Oh right, and I haven’t been losing my shit over this crazy weather we’ve been having?” I inquired loudly, “From where I’m from, this kind of weather is almost an everyday thi-”

”ENOUGH!!” the voice erupted the skies like a cannon shot, that to be honest, made me drop to the ground again.

As my ears rang from the voice, my spontanious cockyness fled from me while I kept my ears open towards wherever that voice is coming from. that structure was coming closer as I got back up to trudge on towards that place. A lonely house in the middle of a brass snow landscape, rightfully drenched after the bloody casing shower.

Not totally ominous at all!

I picked up my pace to a power walk, “Enough what? Me talking like I don’t give two shits about this crappy weather and you throwing your voice like the great and powerful Oz?!” I tried to keep my cool, all I had to do was maybe keep that voice’s attention elsewhere while I try to make it to the house.

Though the rain had stopped that I had noticed but now, i noticed the fire fighting in the sky had started to die down. Something told me that wasn’t a good sign. I paused in step to look at the clouds. When not lit up with muzzle flashes, they were an ash gray.
Still nothing to determin time, no moon or (obviously) no sun, even my watch read twelve on the dot. Even though the last time I had checked it had stopped on three:ten; regardless, I still need to at least get out from under these gloomy clouds before I go nuts.

“FORget THEM, They WILL NEVER AccccEPT yOU!” huh,i was starting to think this joke of a voice or whatever the hell it is; was starting to freak me out, now, this just feels like a bad dream. A really, shitty, bad dream.

“Accept me?” I looked into the emptiness around me, “Well first of all, I need to be awake for that to even matter, right now, I felt like I’ve made the worst first impression in my existence.” I paused in step again to jab an accusing finger at no one, well, at him, or what-wherever they are.

“One minute I was chit-chatting with ponies and now, i’m in this, this, dream with whoever you are.” I continued to walk, I’ve had about enough of this madness, if one would call it that.

“If there was anything I can do right,” I threw my hands up to the sky, “is just wake up and be done with this!”

“Then You should rethink your attitude if you wish to survive this, ‘dream’.” wait, that sounded very close, like it was- I run into something, like a solid wall. Stumbling backwards as my legs suddenly felt stiff from walking in one direction (at one pace as well); I blinked in surprise and I looked at what felt like a sudden wall of-

“What the fuck?!” What stood before me actually cause my skin to ice over. A shadow, a single, man high, shadow that seemed to vibrate like a subwoofer speaker every time it spoke.

“You really expect to just, walk away from this?”

“I uh, I didn’t expect-” I looked around, I felt like I was about to be jumped by either Freddie or the slender man, hell maybe even both! Like a wave overtaking my body, I first felt my heart thumped as I looked into the shadow, then, my skin and blood turned cold. I watched what thought was a shadow, now looked like a solid, floating, flat blob of oil that rippled to match every not only its (or his) spoken words, but mine as well.

“I don’t think you should-”

“Should what?” that calm tone in the voice that, at first, was disembodied and distorted now sounded deep but had a dark politeness about it;
“Go? Go where? You know for a fact that there is nowhere to go,” the voice began, the sound of his voice had a deep base to it as he spoke into my ears;
“Walk, run, sprint anywhere you may like, but you can not out run, me.” I blinked in disbelief at first then I shook my head. snapping my mind out of the fearsome trance I was about to put myself in.

Taking a deep breath, I walked around the blob, I wasn’t going to be stopped by this thing. I needed to get to that house!
“Watch me Mr. Oily.” I told the thing sharply before picking up my pace towards the house. “I got somewhere to be and You will not stop me with your Freddy Kruger act.” Something told me that house was a safe place to be in. I can feel that living oil stare holes into my back but I wasn’t going to let it stop me for I wasn’t going to be afraid of it.

This is my dream and I can say what scares me and what I laugh at!

”HUMAN, YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT KIND OF TROUBLE YOU ARE IN!” Mr. Oily shouted after me.

That was when I picked up my feet and started to run, however, that house seemed to draw farther away as I tried to run at it. The ground growled as I heard what sounded like a shotgun blast as something slammed into my back.

I felt the air as I was flung forward for a few feet then met the messy ground with a painful impact. My head spun as I pushed myself off the ground, my legs wobbled, my feet tried hard to get a grip but the brass snow slipped and gushed under boot. This would be the part that I’m starting to feel my nerves starting to shake as that being practically threw me to the ground.

I would be lying that I wasn’t starting to lose my will because as soon as I tried to continue the push, I saw Mr. Oily appear before me. Skidding through the snow to a stop I looked at it. Damn it! It seemed that it changes it’s shape everytime I look at it! this time, instead of a blob, it was human shape.

“Out of my way before I dowse you with kitty litter!” I simmered at the shape before I started to pace around-

”NO!”

I barely caught sight of its arm as I felt it swing into me with a backhand motion, knocking me backward; instead of falling to the ground, I caught my footing, sliding slightly. Screw this, getting nowhere doing this. I looked around us, no real obstacles stood around us, so, I’ll just do this:

I turned then took off into a run off into my right, then looped myself wide from Oily as I then started to sprint towards the house. I heard it snarled, then started the sound of heavy, rapid footfalls as I try to put that house closer to me and Mr. Oily further behind me; However, by judging how close those stomps are, there was no way to out run this monster!

Nevertheless, I shoved my boots into the ground as I sprinted onward, I didn’t want to look back for I could feel that guy right behind me like nemesis, even the foot falls reminded me of him. I only heard a growl as my back, once again, felt a fist sized impact that caused me to fly into the ground, a few more feet ahead; THAT winded me a little bit, but I somehow picked myself up and staggered forward.

My legs felt weak now, not to mention how much my back, face and chest stung with a numbing pain. Even my ears were ringing from the impact to the ground. God, why didn’t I just stopped there and let this nightmare take me so I can wake up the easy way? But NNOOOOO, I had to be a stubborn sonofabitch and deny myself of that fate!

Trying to keep my balance I staggered forward once again, a small burst of will got my legs back in line and I was off once again.This time I was starting to feel numb in most places: Half my face, as well parts of my body, was tingling from the oncoming adrenaline rush as well from the running; I was breathing hard as I tried to keep my distance from this fool. At least I keep feeling a near freezing patch on my forehead to keep the sweat somewhat bearable as it tried to come down my face.

I kept running at a decent pace despite how screwed my body felt, there was no real way to flee or hide. I just knew somehow that house in the distance was the only place to go to get away. I must of ran for another fifteen minutes after getting hit that last time. I couldn’t stop-no I didn’t want to stop because that ‘thing’ will get me for sure.

It took me another five minutes of only hearing my own feet before I slid to a stop to look back despite my gut telling me to not look and keep running. Mr. Oily was far behind me; but, I could still feel his burning stare as his eyes peered through me, felt my head throb as the air around me started to thicken.

The air echoed with dark laughter.

“Keep running Jefferson, YOU, Will only delay the inevitable!

“I’m-I’m postponing the inevitable!!” Just shouting that almost winded me before I took off into a forced sprint as I didn’t want to spare any more air shouting back at that person-thing. I only heard in reply, again, was laughter as the ground started to shake. Finally, that house was starting to inch closer towards me and maybe just in time too.

My legs started to wobble as I drew closer and closer towards the house, I would hope then I would wake- The ground roared as I heard a thunderus boom from behind me; I stumbled and ate dirt as the earthquake, short but violent, cut the ground with a thin crazy line that sliced ahead then across in front of me. I skidded to a stop as the ground violently split open.

Half expecting to see lava, I, instead, saw nothing but a black abyss with only a single foot step away from falling into it. Turning around, I stared down mister Oily only to see his form had sank into the ground for a split moment as he ran towards me. In his place as the form came up from the ground was horse shaped. It, or he, charged on towards me at full gallop.

“Oh great…” I looked into the gab then across it, then back at the oily horse as I had to think fast, or else I was probably not going to wake up, or something, from this nightmare. Taking a deep breath I made up my mind:

I ran towards the horse.

It didn’t matter at this point, time to stop running from it and face it head on. This is my dream and I wasn’t going to let this creature push me around! It was do or die and I will wake from this dream one way or another!!

That would of been nice to of fought this thing head on if I had a weapon of some sort. however, this wasn’t the case so-

I slid to a stop, gave the charging beast a hard stare as I spun around on heel then ran full sprint towards the dream grand canyon. I must be out of my mind, well, i’m in my mind at the moment so, sew buttons to a wet power socket; I was going to do something that this ‘thing’ wasn’t expecting.

or, or at least I hoped it didn’t expect this.

As I threw all brain power into my legs and feet; the edge came fast as my boots felt it’s rough edge. It was either this or the long fall into darkness:

”MIND THE GAP!” I shouted while using the momentum from the sprint to throw everything I got into my legs to jump the gap

I felt no ground, only air and the brief absence of gravity as the opposite edge of the black canyon drew closer. I only hoped that this was a good idea, a little late to turn back don’t ya think?

I flailed my arms as I came within reach of the edge, I shut my eyes as I braced for impact. The ground caught me at the waist as I slammed into the solid surface that almost winded me, my arms, hands and- ah screw it-my whole body rocked with a pulse of pain as I worked my hands to grip onto something but they slid through the bloody slush with no chance to grip onto the ground it self.

“shitshitshitshit!” My hands slipped and arms flailed as I tried desperately to grab the fucking ground in general, “Don’t you-!” my own body’s gravity had been the timer I had to beat if I was going to make it the rest of the way onto this side; and, well, times up.

My fingers felt the edge slip from their tips as I began my fall, this is going to suck for sure. There wasn’t much more for me to do except try not to tense up during this fall toward this pit of death. Now I’ll actually feel how that emissary felt when Gerard Butler boot legged him into the pit.

I closed my eyes as maybe I’ll wake up from the feeling of falling or at least relax to this- My body suddenly stopped falling. No pain, no impact, just, stopped and...floated in something warm. When I opened my eyes, I was surrounded in a light blue aura.

“What the-” I peered around to see the sky above me and the black pit below me, i can even feel the pit’s chilly air licking at my the back of my sweat drenched neck. I then narrowed eyes at the cliff edges, the side that I had not fallen ten or so feet from, had something or someone standing there.

Feeling a gentle pull, I started to float towards the cliff’s edge. Wait, was I being saved from dying in a pitch black horror? Who was rescuing me? wading through the sea of fading adrenalin were questions as I reached out to grab the edge to, with the aura’s help of course, climb back up onto my knees, onto solid ground.

Solid ground, my god, never thought I would miss it so badly as I simply flopped onto the messy ground, never mind the slush splashing onto me or squishing beneath me. I didn’t realize how much my lungs needed a break as they felt like I have ran across Oregon in a matter of hours.

It seemed to of taken forever to pull enough air back into me to manage a, “Thank you.” between gasps my eyes had shuttered out of concentration, oh sweet mother of maker! my body was feeling more numb than ever.

“Thou hath been in trouble,” A voice replied as I didn’t move to look at all, “So, we took it upon us to, save thee from the brink of death.” A gentle chuckle cause an eye to pop back open.

“Wha-wait, what do you mean-” As I tried to snap into prone, my body only translated my thought into a slow, painful roll onto my hands and knees, not without grunting and groaning like a recruit after day one of training mind you.

“-What do you mean ‘took it upon us’?” I looked up to only feel my jaw drop as I looked at another horse standing before me.

“As in, my dear creature, we have seen that thou was suffering from something more than just a nightmare.” The horse that walked closer towards me was obviously full size at maybe sixteen or so hands tall. First thing I noticed was her dark navy coated legs, then her chest then made contact with her teal blue eyes.

“Kinda figured that this wasn’t a normal dream.” I commented before quietly counting:

“One, two,” braced for it, “Ten!” I shoved myself up then slowly stood, her horn glowed as magic gave me a ‘hand up’.

Back onto my two feet, I wobbled a little before I heard what sounded like a roar from behind me.

Turning to look, I stared hard at the beast that was stopped by the gap that I stupidly failed to jump across. Thankfully, this unicorn had caught me before darkness embraced me.

“Indeed, and we hath to say that thou hast done well as thou have managed to outrun the Tantabus.” The unicorn spoke nonchalantly before I snapped a look back at the horse.

“Wait, say what?” I blinked at her, “A Tantibus?”

“Mhm, a living being of dark magic whose sole purpose is to create nightmares to punish the dreamer for whatever deed that have done in the waking world.” My already hurting head buzzed with confusion from that magical explanation.

“What now?” She only replied with a hoof to her lips in an attempt to stop herself from laughing at my blonde response.

“In time you’ll learn of it.” she then looked passed me to see Mister Oily, or the tantibus as she had called it.

“Tis strange though,” she frowned in thought, “How can thou possess such a thing in your subconscious when thouest has not been in our world for long?”

“Pardon me Miss pony for not really understanding your shakespearian chatter but that thing had probably latched onto me while wading through the everfree forest.” I have had no encounter with this thing before, so, how can it be surfacing now to attack me like a living nightmare?

“So it is true!” she smiled at me excitedly, “thouest are the human we’ve been hearing about from my sister!” she then turned to walk away from the edge; I too a moment to look around for a visual explaination of the ‘we’ part of her speech.

“Wait, you’re Twilight’s sister?” that time I heard what must of been the laugh of a rich chick or a royal of sorts. why did I try to make that connection? damn it brain!!

“Oh nay dear sir, We were merely referring to our sister, Celestia.” As I staggered along side her, I finally noticed something else about this horse-pony. Her mane and tail were free flowing forms of what looked like a clear night sky with a skyblue ethereal line outlining the ends of her hair. Also, she had wings tucked at her sides. What is she exactly? Horn, wings, living mane, I hope she is only a figment of this dream because I don’t believe I have ever seen or heard of a pony or horse like this before.

“Celestia huh and who that might be?” I looked back as my ears faintly echoed with dark whispering from probably mister Oily.

”You may have been saved Jefferson, but you will never escape me in your dreams!”

Stopping I cupped my hands around my mouth, “Oh Yeah, we’ll see about that ya faking kruger wanna be!” I shouted back at him, my voice echoed across the gap. I turned to look back at a rather shocked hybrid pony.

“Oh my, What strange but rude language you have.” She smiled with a glint of mischief, “Has thou naught been taught proper language manners?”

“Look lady, I only know two kinds of english, good english and bad english and I’ve been good at the bad.” I shook my head at the apparent fact that I’m chatting with a pony that is trying to call me out on my usage of words, terrible shame that she doesn’t fully understand how much trouble I went through so far. “Miss, whoever you are.”

“Luna,” she said, stopping me in mid step with a nudge of her magic, “We, are Princess Luna.” she introduced herself with a simple bow of her head. Wait, how is she being so calm and collected (not to mention chatty) after saving me from the pit-o-death shortly after I have just ran a cross country sprint trying to get away from that monster.

“Ruler of the night and guardian of the moon.”

Aaand I’m supposed to know what all that means, luna? I only stared at her for a moment before continuing,

“Riight, Well, Luna, I can only ask one thing.”

“Hm?”

“How are you not scared by that, that, that-”

“Tantibus.”

“Tantibus, thank you; that Tantibus?”

She gave me a soft smile before looking forward. Taking a peek into that direction, I saw that house - still far away but now in walking distance without fear of getting attacked or chased by Mister Oily. Of course, with this winged unicorn, who had advanced ahead of me by some odd paces before looking back at me.

“A Tantibus, regardless of it’s form, simply functions off of its host’s fear and-” I looked up at the clouds after a crack of a gunshot with matching muzzle flash blinked across the clouds. I then saw something that almost made me laugh. I have never seen such a majestic looking pony jump then duck so suddenly to the noise.

“-what in creation was that?!” The wide-eyed ruler of the night questioned before the volley of sounds filled the sky.

“Never heard a gunshot before?” I too would've dropped to the dirt with her if I had just awoken into this dream. However, I have been in this nightmare for hours so I have had no choice but to get used to the gunshot thunderstorm that is now kicking back up in pace.

“Wh-whats a gunshot?”

“The sound a gun makes when fired.” the guardian of the night cocked an inquisitive brow at me.

“What is a goon?” I was about to answer, but first of all it’s pronounced G-UN!

“I’ll explain later when I know I can wake up from this.” I looked around to mostly get my bearings before my sights fell upon the only building that I have been chasing after for this whole time! Rubbing my face with both hands before letting them slide off,

“For now, I need to get to that house so I can try to wake up from this dream or nightmare, whichever it is!” I started towards the house again, the thunder of guns was the key in keeping the silence away.

“If there is anything, we may have an explanation towards this,” Luna’s voice came from behind me. oh please sweet princess, do tell me what has almost been the death of me?!

“Please tell me, I would like to at least know what almost killed me.”

“This,” she looked at the world around us, “dream is something far more than just a dream, however, we have yet to observe what your dreams are really are.” she gave a stare to the clouds above,
“To, well, better differentiate the cursed dreams and your natural dreams.”
“Beg your pardon Luna, but what’s with the ‘we’?” my stupid brain finally asked aloud; but it was a legit question, she has been talking as if there are more than her present. Unless she is part schizophrenic- which I doubt by the way; she fully seems to be alone.
“Tis the way we talk,” she replied casually. I can only guess here that she must of been asked that a lot so she didn’t seem to of taken offence to my ignorance.
“we, well,” she yawned, covered with a hoof, “come find me when you awaken; we shall have a chance to educate thee on any wonders that fill your mind.” I didn’t think about that, but I kinda let the subject drop there before continuing on.

I didn’t give a glance back to see if the night pony was following for some time until I finally looked back to see she had been keeping up with me, strangely I’ve also seen her horn had also been glowing brightly for the whole time We’ve been walking together.

“Sooo,” I slowed my pace to walk beside her; her shoulder was about at neck level with me, “What’s with the-” I gestured towards her horn as she watched my hand then looked up slightly. Despite the rattle up in the clouds, no brass came down, but the first ‘shower’ was still caked on the ground, so our steps were still audible.

“Our magic?”

“yes,”

“We’ve been keeping, as it would be put: keeping an eye on things, while we carry on towards your objective.”

“Wouldn’t really call it an objective,” I shrugged, “However, I keep getting the pull to go to that house,” pointing towards the building in the distance, I took another look at the night pony; It took me a little bit to notice, but she would flinch at the more louder reports of the gun fire but after some time of walking with me, she had gotten used to it.

Guess she would do better if we ever got into a firefight with some dream goons or whatever. Typically, or at least I would think about, any horse, who hasn’t been around guns, would buck then bolt at the first discharge of any weapon near them.

Thought about something and was about to speak when the ground itself started to rumble.

“What the hell?” we then heard the sound of Oily’s laugh.

Oh great, not him again!

Looking back I saw that black shadow clear the casim then flew over the ground towards us. He looked like a fast moving black dot, a supernatural speck of blackness that was apparently hell bent on getting me.

“Luna,” we looked at eachother, “Start running.”

“No, you start, we shall stand our ground to hold him off.” Luna turned around to face the demon. There was no point to argue with this pony, obviously, she looked capable of fighting off whatever Oily was- Tantibus, kruger copy or whatever I had to put boots into the ground

and wake the hell up!

My legs complained with stiff muscles from walking the first run off but now, I had to keep everything in line to make one last jog towards my goal. The house was drawing closer and closer with every ten paces or so. Yet, I could still see it was far away. Fuck distance, just keep running!

My boots squished into the slow melting, brass snow as I felt nothing, no wind nor the heaviness of my lungs inflating-deflating nor the liquid feeling in my- what the hell, is my mouth-

I felt my stomach twist suddenly followed by the taste of something awful on my tongue. It caught me off guard so badly that I lost my momentum, hitting the ground hard. what the hell was this?!

Pushing up off the ground, I coughed hard from how it burned on the way down. Between breathing and this crap I coughed on last time before my stomach spewed the dark green liquid back out.

Great! Dazed from puking, tired from running, sore from hitting the ground (several times), now I got Mister Oily flying in hot pursuit after me with Luna putting herself between him and me. Better not put that effort to waste.

After Coughing up the last of the goop, I forced myself to my feet then kept running. Holy Crap, I can’t believe I’m going through this at all. How about I wake up now and be done with it?
please?
Pretty please?

Sadly, it doesn’t work like that because that just how this shit works. First I get dropped into a world of being I can’t fully understand now I get randomly cursed for my efforts in trying to survive!

My complaining mind was silence with a loud boom behind me. Looking back, I saw what looked like a blast of blue light that flashed across the wasteland. With that in mind, I kept running with my mind on mute for the time being. All the while I started to see another snow fall of brass shells while the firefighting in the sky grew more intense; probably due to the fight that broke out far behind me.

I had put distance behind me, there was no going back at all, why would I anyway?

The house grew more and more in detail as I came closer; I can almost jump at it at this range. There was a thunderus shock that shook the world followed by the ground starting to split beneath me.

“Not this time!” I sprinted with all my might. The ground buckled then vanished below me as I lept at the door after it had came within five paces of me. The door failed it’s resistance check and banged open as my boot connected with it.

feeling wood flooring, I rolled over then swung at the opened door with an open hand.

As the collapsing ground outside came right up to the threshold, the door slammed shut in the dreamworld’s face!

When the only sound of me panting hard, filled my ears, I rolled slowly onto my back as I stared at the ceiling above me.

“That, that was to close…” I grumbled as I slowly got back up onto my feet. This house was illuminated by an ambient light of blues, purples and whites. There was no furniture to be seen. The inside of place, was only a large one room floor with plank walls holding up the ceiling. despite the creepy feeling, I felt safe. No real explaining it, but this felt like the only place in my own mind to be safe in.

I only pondered on why i would even think like that, all I need to do is to just lay down. I heard what sounded like wordless whispering that drew my attention back to focus.

“Hello?”

The hum of silence was the only reply, I even almost forgotten about the collapsing world around the house. By the way, wonder whatever happened to Luna? I turned to check the front door, it wasn’t mysteriously locked like I thought it would. So, turning the knob, I would expect to see empty space or something but instead was a solid black wall.

Well, not really a wall, as I check with a hand. The air was cold outside the door, I would watch with confusion as my hand would vanish into the void. Thankfully I can feel my hand still but can’t see it. Pulling back, I looked at my hand; still intact, no signs of anything different: No surprise parasites, black spots, or anything that would turn this quiet moment in another mad minute of imminent death.

Shaking the cold off my hand, I checked around again. Walking around the room, I almost tripped into something, I didn’t see it at first as I almost met the impact of the railing with my face. It was a set of stairs, leading up towards another level of the house or building. Wait; I thought this was originally a one floor house?

Then again, I did see this house as at least two stories tall…

Maybe I should just go out the door and maybe I’ll run into Luna and she can help me out of here. However, I heard the similar growl like I would hear from the ground before it would erupt and split apart. I could hear the sounds of something running hard towards the opening.

“Oh shi-” I turned on heel and sprinted for the door.

I slid to a stop watching a pulsing glow from outside pulling closer towards the doorway as I gripped the knob. In the middle of the mist that was coming at me was a pair of eyes.

The eyes were filled with rage and knotted in anger. The closer they got the more detail I can see; I could hear the laughter and see the dark crimson irises on a backdrop of small fields of darker green, the black mist that emanated from them blended in with the blob that made up the creature.

“Don’t even dare Oily!” I slammed the door hard before it banged from the impact of the monster outside. Having fallen backward onto the floor, I watched at the door rattle and buldge from that thing trying to break in.

“JEFFERSON!!” Thankfully, the magical door didn’t break. Even though my heart thudded from the jump scare, I was relieved that I got away from him.

Turning attention back to the stairs, I walked over to the stairs. They were of simple design with side railings, full steps, the stairs had no side paneling, but in place of that empty space was the same blackness just like outside; being made of wood, it was flush with the same oak brown material just like the rest of this structure.

Taking one step onto the flight of stairs, I could hear the whispers again, almost like a hushed conversation was going on up there. I could only think but to check it out, might as well, I don’t think I’ll be able to get out of here by any other means.

“Hey,” I called up to the stairs, “Anyone up there?” No response but the whispers.

“I don’t know if you can hear me or not,” despite survival horror ruling against checking out the spooky noises, I scaled the stairs carefully towards those whispers.
“But, I need to know how to get out of here, ya know, wake up from this dream?”

The whispers went silent again. Great, for all I know, some dream creeper will be waiting for me at the top. Oh well, at least I’ll wake up from here instead, right? Taking a couple of more steps up,

“HEY, I just need to know if there is anyone up there that can help me out.” I came closer to the top of the stairs, this part of this bizarre structure was blacked out like outside. When I came to what felt like solid flooring at the top I stood in complete darkness.

Looking around, I felt the cold as well the heavy emptiness that blended with the darkness that practically blinded me (again).

“Hey, is there anyone up here?” I had a feeling that it was stupid to call out to ghosts, but come on; How can one not try to claw at the silence but reaching out to someone.

“Listen, It’s dark here and I need some help getting-” I almost said home, which was something else: where was home for me?

Home was in some distant dimension or planet and currently, home was some run down, half assed updated shack in the back end of a town populated with ponies.

“-getting back, so can someone please just turn the lights on?”

A bright light ripped through the darkness. On impulse, I shielded my eyes with a hand trying to look at the source it’s blinding me from. As I looked, the light dimmed, revealing a single lantern hanging from the ceiling down the hallway on my right.

“What the?”

It was black between me and the small chunk of the hall; however, when I took a step towards it, I watched as the blackness faded around my boots as I took one step after another. Thinking that I’m walking a tightrope, I lost my balance and found the wall. Darkness faded around my hand as I then planted a foot close to the wall.

“Whoa, like fog of war…” I thought aloud as every movement between here and the lantern faded the black revealing more of the wooden floors, walls and ceiling. Feeling confidence returning to me, I started to feel my muscles lax with every step as I traversed through the black.

When I cleared the ten feet of black, I stood under the lantern. Looking right up at it, I can make out the detail work while I can look right into the flame of the light without being blinded by it; The lantern was an old century oil lantern with the thick, yellow dyed glass panes that encased the rope whick’s light, creating the matching color glow that enveloped the space around and behind me; it looked like it had been hanging there for a long time as patches of rust tainted the original black painted steel and silver trimmed door.

However, ahead of me was still black until a minute later, I saw the similar flash of light that cleared a hole in the black before. Like the first time, I walked through the fog with comfortable confidence as I can tell, there was no danger in sight.

This time around, instead of another section of hallway, I found-well almost walked into a door. I almost gave myself whiplash recoiling from how close the door came up. Standing before the door, I looked back down the hall. Behind me was empty hallway with the lanterns lighting the way behind me with the black fog making up another, obviously undiscovered part of the building. Yet, I think I need to take my time and- ah fuck it, let's see behind this door.

Looking back at the door, I took the knob in hand then; bracing for probably a jump scare that would kill me for good. I turned and (with eyes shut) opened the door.

I hear the door creak open, then, wait for it, where is it? Where’s the creature that would roar into my face before ending me with an epic one swing finisher?

I stood in silence for a minute or so, then, I slowly opened one eye.

“What the hell?”

Before me was a room….empty...well, with a basic, bare mattress on the floor against one wall. Walking in-more like taking a step in, then another. making sure there is no trip wire to cause the room to cave in. To my amazement, there was nothing here but just me...and the mattress…

“Great,” I muttered, “Only thing in existence than myself I find in this place is a god damn mattress…” I stepped up to the mattress to give it a kick. It was flat, beat up and looked like it had lost its standard white color from constant use without proper sheets. I was agitated and confused, why would this place be here?

Why would I be drawn to this dump?

How does all this fit into what has been happening out there?

“Of all the things, I end up here…”

“There is always meaning to everything in dreams.” Her voice almost made me fall over in shock as her voice was the only sound in the room (aside from my own not a few seconds before). After getting a grip on my heart, I took a glance towards her. Wait, wasn’t the room smaller than- never mind that. Luna stood on one end of the room, I could tell she had a bit of a tussle with Mister Oily out there; her mane had been rustled (even with it being living hair, it still showed signs of being blasted around during the fighting), there was black dust streaks that plastered her coat, hooves and the crest she wore across her chest that bore her tattoo mark.

“Wha-I don’t get it, so what does the matress mean if that’s the case?” then something else came to mind:

“And how the hell did you get here without making any noise?” she gave me a mischievous grin in response.

“Thou shall learn of that in time, for now, this inception shall end.” She gestured towards the mattress-what the heck?! Instead of a hobo bed, it was a simple bed seated in a wooden bed frame.

“Wait, wasn’t that just a-”

“A sign of Your subconscious fighting the nightmare, however,” her face frowned in thought, “We can not say if this is the case, we shall look further into this.”

“Sooo, what? you going to be kinda like the dream police and investigate my nightmare?” I asked with a shrug with Luna raising a confused brow at me.

“Dream, Police?” she moved towards me with a gentle ‘royal’ chuckle, “My dear sir, if thou art referring to us as a meer constable to chase away the nightmares, then we shall have to demonstrate that we can be more than a club wielding guardian of the unconscious.”

“The what now?” she came closer as I stood there with nothing more than confusion. I heard a loud thud outside the room that snapped my attention to the door before-

“Oh, tis nothing Mister?-”
“Huh oh its-” I looked back at her and, holycrapshemovedclose. Startled by how she was practically arms reach of me, my brain crashed for a moment before recovering as in my left lobe gave the right brain lobe a kick in the ass.
“-it’s Jeff.”

“Well then, Jeff,” she cocked her head slightly as she gazed at-into-through me, “If we may, we would like to send thee back to the waking world.” Now it was my turn to almost laugh.

“So, so, How are you going to do that?” I asked taking a step back, “As you can see, I don’t really have that kind of power to just wake up.”

“That is why we had not parted from thee; to assist in waking up.” she moved closer, her horn glowing gently.

“Again, how are you going to-” before I could finish I felt the ivory of her horn briefly touch my head before stepping back. I, on the other hand, felt a wave of heaviness that even caused my eyes to spin.

“-Doooo, thaaat.” I stumbled a bit before bending down bracing myself on my knees.

“HHHow, in the-what-in diiid you do tooo me?” my head was swimming, my limbs were numb (numb, numb just so you know). I was feeling like I had went solo in a ten vs ten smoke-a-thon.

“Simple, we took this chance to help thee relax with an anesthesia spell.” Her voice was fading in and out at this point. Why does this happen to me god damn it?! And where was this magic while I was in the hospital?!

“I,” I stumbled to the ground, waited there for a moment or six, “I thhhink I shhhould.”

“Lie down?” she came up beside me before extending a hoof to me. Lifting the equivalence of a competition bowling ball, I looked up at her with one eye falling shut. Not wanting to take the chance to argue, I forced my hand to move; I found air a few times before Luna caught my hand to help me to my feet.

“Lean against us while We assist.”

“Nnno prob.” my body leaned into her (well almost magnetized towards) shoulder, as she walked slowly towards the bed. One clumsy step after another we made a slow progress towards it.

“Yyya know,” Oh god brain, don’t tell me you went crossfade mode, “Your skin ish, really sofff.” grrreat, not only do I feel like I’m high, I’m talking drunk too!

Either way, my temporarily retarded brain was right though: her coat was velvet soft, the strands of her mane would brush up against me with the feeling of silk. Ahhhh, at least She would be comfy to cuddle wit- oh god now I’m being mind controlled by the softness of her body.

Wait...that came out wrong…

Aside from mapping out how Luna’s coat and mane feels, I was still numb and getting more numb by the second thanks to whatever that spell was. We finally came to the foot of the bed to where she stood me up with her magic.

“Go on, lay down and release thyself into a peaceful rest.”

“Buut what aaabout…..you?”

“We shall be fine, when this world fades from your mind, shall you awaken into reality.”

“Da fuq?” I looked oer to see teh walls shift, an echo of a voice of tht creature screaming for me didn't phase me at all (for once). I looked back at Luna who had a sly smile on that lovely mug ov hers.

“Sleep well, good human.” she then nudged on my chest with a hoof, which of course, was enough to cause me to fall backwar-

“Oh crabcakesnapple!” I flailed as I felt I was falling down that pit again, only except that mattress broke my “fall”.

As I laid there, my vision blurry as hell, my body was shutting down, the last thing I see was Luna watching over me, she said something but my ears had already clocked out for the night before my eyes did so as well.

Then, the darkness came back and all was silent.

THANK GOD!