I: Seems Like Bad News
Stranger Than Night
Written By: Luminous Daze
Chapter One: Seems Like Bad News
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Rain splattered harshly against the stained glass windows. Every time a boom of thunder reigned out throughout the castle, I would cringe. As a human with no understanding of magic, a year in this world and I have yet to understand how or why ponies could control things like clouds or the weather itself. One of my oldest friends in Equestria, Twilight Sparkle, once had to explain it to me when she realized I was afraid of the thunder. I had even asked why they would even need thunder and lightning if they could control it, but said something along the lines that magic built up in the air, and the lightning would discharge the magical pockets in the sky. While her explanation didn't really calm my fears, I would always force myself to stay still to make her think it had helped.
While I never overreacted to the thunder, I couldn't help but dig my nails into the palm of my hands, and want to dart under one of the tables. I asked Twilight how likely it was for someone to get struck by lightning, but her answer was lower than point zero two percent. However, if it was going to happen, you would have no warning. There would just suddenly be a bolt that would be so powerful that it would cut through the sky and singe whatever it hit.
BOOM~! The sky outside lit up almost as if it was day again, every single stained glass window shaking vigorously. Something of a loud yelp sounded through the halls, before I could realize it was me who had made that embarrassing sound, I was already under one of the tables in the castle halls. The table wasn't anything special, mostly for decor and usually had flowers, or some sort of decorative vase on top. This one was no different, and luckily the tablecloth draped all the way to the floor and blocked out the light from the lightning outside.
Forcing my face into my knees, I stayed squatted into a tiny ball. My brown lengthy hair falling past my ears and caressing my arms. My milky brown eyes being tightly squeezed shut.
“Sayuri?” came the smooth and velvety voice of an alicorn mare.
“Dreamy Mist?” I questioned quickly, jerking my head up to see two teal eyes shining in the dark. The tablecloth on the table being gently lifted in a white aura of magic.
The mare stepped under the table, locking her eyes with mine. Ever since I had been in Equestria, Dreamy Mist had been one of my best friends. Celestia had been reforming villains left and right, and Dreamy Mist was one of her more successful cases, despite Luna's unease with the mare. It made sense too once I realized Dreamy Mist was once a villain named Nightmare Moon. A darkness that had been formed in Luna's mind from her jealousy, hatred, and most of all, loneliness. It was a bit shocking that somepony born of such darkness, could be formed into this kind, and playful princess; Dreamy Mist.
Sitting quietly for a moment, I couldn't help but stare at my friend. She shared in some of Luna's features, which had probably helped me believe that she was born from her. Dreamy looked almost identical to Luna except for her color pallet. Her coat was a soft black. While her mane was a light toned purple, almost blue. Her cutiemark resembled Luna's as well, but instead of a moon, three z's were there.
“I knew you were scared of thunderstorms, but I've never seen you hide like this before. Is it really that bad?” Dreamy stated as her eyes illuminated the darkness.
For a moment I tried to mouth a few words, but my jaw snapped shut as another boom of thunder rang out, burrowing my face back into my legs. As the hall quieted down once more, Dreamy scooted over to my side. I lightly flinched as a wing draped across my back.
“I wasn't always afraid of thunder, in fact, I used to love watching it in the sky.” I suddenly stated, not daring to raise my face from my legs.
“What happened for you to be so afraid now, then?” Dreamy softly asked, her hoof gently tucking strands of hair behind my ear.
Slowly raising up my head, I averted my eyes away from her, “I sort of... lied about... not being sure how I ended up here...”
Dreamy's ears flickered, pulling away slightly, but her wing stayed snug around my back, “Why would you lie? Is it something bad?”
For a moment I couldn't help but lean into her body, luckily the storm seemed to be settling, and the booms were bearable, “Back in my world, magic and talking... ponies weren't a thing. Storms happen on their own, and I was enjoying sitting on my porch. I really loved sitting outside in the rain, but then a cloud came rolling in. I could see lightning, but I just watched it for a moment. It wasn't making the normal sound, it almost sounded like it was... laughing!”
“L-laughing?” Dreamy stuttered, and she started shaking slightly, and her wing tightened around my back.
“Plus the lightning was... a bit green looking. Two large green orbs were in the middle of the cloud, almost like they were eyes. Two red irises glancing back and forth as if searching for something. I tried to get up to run, but when the cloud looked to me, I froze in place. I thought I was crazy, but after coming to Equestria, and seeing all the magical things and species, I know now that it was real.”
“Sombra...” Dreamy Mist whispered.
I jerked my head over, my eyes wide, “Sombra, you know what it was?”
Dreamy merely nodded, letting out a sigh, “I was told of all the villains that Twilight and her friends had defeated. Sombra is one of them. He has a hard time keeping physical form and often travels in a mist, or in your case, a cloud. He has menacing red eyes, which usually shine green while he is using his powers. We thought he was defeated, but... I suppose not...”
Glancing down to my hands, I froze, “but... what did he want with me?”
My friend seemed to ignore my question as she asked one of her own, “What happened next?”
I pulled away from Dreamy Mist's wing, locking my eyes with hers, “Well... It's a bit blurry after that. I was hit by a bolt of lightning. My entire body was set aflame it felt like. Electricity seemed to travel up and down repeatedly, it was easiest the most pain I had ever felt.”
“And that's why you are afraid... I don't blame you. Even from only listening to your tale, I'm going to be wary of storms myself.” Dreamy closed her eyes for a moment, before they slowly cracked, “I'm guessing you passed out from the pain?”
Nodding, I closed my eyes for a moment. Letting out a sigh, I looked to Dreamy once more, “When I awoke, I was in the Crystal Empire, with Cadence sitting by my bed.”
“And you freaked out and punched her.” Dreamy Mist snickered.
My cheeks burned, remembering the rather dark purple bruise around her eye. Luckily magic healed it in a matter of hours, but after I realized these pastel colored ponies were friendly, regret hastily took hold, “Cadence was so understanding... Apparently I talk in my sleep sometimes, so she knew I was intelligent long before I ever woke up. She said she could sense I was just scared. I still feel bad about that...”
“Don't be, Cadence gets a good laugh every time somepony brings it up.”
I couldn't stop myself from grinning at that. I knew it was true, several times Cadence came to the castle, somepony would bring it up and her instant reaction would be to smile or outright laugh. Still not sure if she's just being nice, or actually found it amusing. Not sure how anyone could find being punched in the face amusing.
“We do need to tell Celestia about this. I'm sorry if you wanted to keep this quiet, but I...”
My hands waved in front of me, shaking my head, “No, it's alright! I understand completely, but...” I paused, a frown making its way onto my face, “I-is Sombra really this dangerous? I mean... am I going to get in trouble for keeping it a secret?”
“No, Celestia is understanding, and I'm sure there wont be any repercussions against you for simply being afraid or not being sure of what you saw.”
“Hmm... I suppose you're right.” I smiled, chuckling softly.
“Besides, it's been a year, and Sombra hasn't been seen.” Dreamy giggled, raising the tablecloth in her aura, “Now, would you like to join me for some tea, or would you like to play fort a little longer?”
Despite the smile tugging at my face, I forced it into a frown and crossed my arms, “And here I thought we were having fun in fort Dreamy Sayuri!?”
Another giggle escaped Dreamy's lips as she stated, “Maybe some other time we can make a REAL fort.”
I quickly laughed as she stuck her tongue out at me as I crawled out and stood up. We almost started to walk down the hall before another boom shot through the halls, but I only barely flinched. Dreamy saw this, smiling as she draped a wing around my back, “Feel better now that you know what that cloud was?”
I paused, frowning, “W-well... no... I'm still afraid, but it's not the lightning specifically...”
Dreamy fell silent, sharing my frown. I could only guess what she was thinking, I glanced out the window along with my friend, 'I hope no one gets hurt because I couldn't speak up... Sombra seems like bad news...'
Author's Note
Well here is chapter one of Stranger Than Night. Thought I'd try my hoof at writing this random idea. Though, I think this story is at least decent, and maybe you readers think so too? lol
Anyway, I'll definitely continue. I know it takes at least a few chapters to really get invested in something, but I'd really enjoy hearing from everypony.
Stranger Than Night
Written By: Luminous Daze
Edited/Preread By: Superblox
Chapter Two: Counseling Friends
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The night quickly passed by once I was able to fall asleep. Dreamy Mist went to speak with Celestia before she went off for day court, and now I'm sitting here in bed looking up to the ceiling. The morning sun was sending an array of light through the frame of the balcony door, making it hard to keep my eyes open. Slowly reaching up, I used my fingers to pry my eyes open, trying desperately to make them adjust faster. Water formed in my eyes before I finally let them slam closed, sighing in frustration. Finally making a decision, I rolled myself to the end of the bed, and forced myself onto my feet.
Luckily the carpet that lay on the marbled floor prevented my feet from freezing. Apparently hooves weren't as easily frozen as my toes, and so Celestia had a carpet placed in my room. I grumbled as I glanced down, my body length night shirt crumbled up at my waist, my white panties being revealed to the room. As I stood up, the bottom of my shirt fell and dangled half way past my shins. I rather liked my lengthy night shirt, it had been what Rarity thought a humans nightly wardrobe consisted of. Which she was half right, I would often enough buy guys shirts as big as I could get them and wear them around the house. Though at the moment, I was limited to my room. I giggled at the thought of walking around the castle in just my night shirt and panties. Not that anyone would care, everyone was naked anyhow. My bashfulness wouldn't allow me to get naked in front of them anyway.
I still remember when Twilight asked me to remove my clothes so she could 'observe' my human anatomy. My cheeks turned beat red and I could barely look her in the eye after that. It was even worse when she managed to talk me into it despite me explaining that most humans wore clothing all the time, but that didn't stop her. In the end, she was right, she needed to be able to know my body if ever I was injured. It's just lucky that magic seems to effect me, it just requires a bit more juice with some of the more powerful spells. Not that somepony like Twilight has a problem with juice since she had become an Alicorn.
Stepping into the bathroom, I stopped in front of the mirror. I wasn't particularly ugly looking, but I was sure I looked freaky to ponies. Celestia had tried a few times to get somepony to take me in, but often enough many were too afraid to let some bipedal alien live with them. Ultimately, I stay in the castle and help the former 'villains' stay in good moods and try to keep them relatively happy. Not that I do much, I just spend time with each of them. Honestly, sometimes I just think I'm a nuisance to everyone.
Chrysalis for example, she often just stares at me, like she's burrowing her eyes through my soul. I try to make small talk with her, but she doesn't often add to the conversation. I just feel like she's putting up with me to keep the dwindling peace treaty she currently has with Celestia. Changelings can now often be seen walking the streets throughout Equestria, Canterlot specifically since most want to be near their queen, but at least they have the choice of disguising themselves as ponies so they can walk through town without being ogled at.
Which she is technically a princess now I suppose. It feels weird to be in a land where queen and king is considered evil, and prince and princess are good. Who decides whose evil or good anyway? I mean seriously, why would you consider yourself evil? Chrysalis was only ever looking after her subjects. Yes she went about it the wrong way, but ultimately she was good.
Then there was Discord. A large grin adorned my face as I thought of the prankster deity. I've heard that even after being reformed, he was still a massive pain, but that's not what I've seen. Though, I do mark that up to the rotating prank game that we all have going between him, myself, Dreamy Mist, Luna, and even Celestia. Sometimes Twilight or occasionally one of our other friends would join in, but for the most part it's just us four going back and forth. Celestia did make a few rules though, mainly for Discord's behalf. No pranks that interfere with the workings of the castle, and no pranks that bring in innocent bystanders. The last rule I found funny however, but Discord seemed happy to agree to it due to it leading to him causing all the chaos he wanted; Discord has to use his powers to fix any and all property damages. I suppose it's a fair trade since chaos is what powers him, and in turn he can use that power to fix everything.
Lastly is my dearest friend, Dreamy Mist. She says she doesn't remember much from being Nightmare Moon. She was originally a deity similar to Discord, but specialized in dreams. She normally jumped from host to host when at rest, and when she found Luna, she always seemed to linger. When Luna started feeling envious of her sister, along with the barreling loneliness that overcame her, Dreamy became stuck with Luna as her sole host. Dreamy began to change into the feelings that Luna was emitting, and ultimately changed both herself and Luna into the dreaded Nightmare Moon. After being transformed back into Luna, Luna never actually forgave herself, nor was able to forget her previous feelings. It was ultimately Twilight and her friends helping Luna defeat the shadow in her dreams that freed Dreamy from the darkness. The crack in the dreamscape that the darkness was trying to escape through technically worked, but only after the darkness had been fought back enough for Dreamy to return to her former self, and by entering the waking realm she finally had a body of her own. One that mimicked Luna's and her former dark self; Nightmare Moon.
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Here I was once again. Sitting on a rather plush red couch, adorned with pillows of various shapes, sizes, and colors. Ever since accepting this job, I pretty much have council sessions with each of the former villains, or new princesses and princes if you will. At least that is what everyone is supposed to call them now. Celestia made it mandatory for each of them to have hourly sessions with me. I do other tasks beside this, but it seemed like Celestia was adamant about this being the most important. I have the feeling that she is just trying to keep everyone busy, and trying to keep me from feeling useless.
The door squeaked open, a sun guard stepping in and bowing, “Your ten o'clock is here, councilor Sayuri.”
Frowning at the title everyone had decided to give me, I just merely nodded, “Send her in.”
It didn't take long before a figure stepped in, and the doors closed, leaving the two of us alone in the rather large chambers. Pictures and such decorated the marbled walls, while curtains seemed to drape everywhere. Even across the tops of the walls, which only one of them had windows which seemed to pan the entire length of it.
Chrysalis didn't waste any time as she plopped herself down on the couch. She looked at me briefly, raising her brow for a moment, before resting her cheek in her hoof. Her mouth moved as if mumbling something.
“Princess Chrysalis, how has your day been?” I awkwardly asked.
Per the norm, she grunted at my initial question and let out a massive sigh, but she answered nonetheless, “Boring... While I'm happy that my subjects are no longer fighting for any scraps of food, it leaves me with just wandering the castle. The precious Princess Celestia must not trust me enough to leave me with my own court.” Something of a snarl escaped her maw as her teeth flashed.
“Have you spoken to her about it?”
Glancing at me briefly, Chrysalis turned her vision back to nowhere in particularly, cupping her cheek in her hoof once more, “Not exactly. I had one of my spawn approach her with a formal request, but she merely came to me saying that her little ponies wouldn't come to me out of apprehension of the past, and if I wished to hold court for my own subjects I would need to organize it.”
Chuckling, I smiled, “Then what's stopping you?”
Suddenly she sat up straight, her long length making the couch sink a bit on one side. She had an honest grin, which shocked me quite a bit. It was the first time I saw her smile. It was quite catchy as I found myself smiling as she spoke, “My little changelings are like a well oiled machine. There are three councils in place. The pods, or soldiers if you will, will bring mundane issues to two of the councils, and if anything is too important that they can't fix it, then it moves up to my generals, or army drones. The smartest of my people, other than myself of coarse.” Chrysalis then deflated, and my expression shared hers as she frowned and let out a sigh, “Of course, unless it be something drastic, they are very competent at fixing most problems.”
Remaining silent for a moment to see if she would continue, I tried my best to smile and gave a weak chuckle, “Seems like Celestia could learn a thing or two from you. Then maybe she'd have more time for herself instead of spending ten hours a day solving menial problems.”
“Hmm...” Chrysalis glanced down, rubbing her chin with a hoof, “That's not a bad idea!”
“What's not a bad id--” I started, but was quickly cut off as Chrysalis jumped from her chair.
“I'll have to speak with Celestia immediately, skip the formality and walk right up to her. Once she has the first council in place, it'll start--” Her words quickly diminished as she exited and made her way down the hall.
I jumped up as I started to yell, “We still have forty...” I let out a sigh as I sat back down, “Minutes...”
Blinking in confusion for a moment, I groaned and laid back. A small grin made its way to my face, 'that was the first time she talked so much to me, let alone got that excited. Maybe things will get better between her and me?'
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FWAP~~! “Meep!” I jumped up from the spot, nearly falling out into the floor.
“Tsk tsk, falling asleep on the job. What would Celestia think, Sayuri?” Discord chuckled, shaking his head.
My gaze glanced downward at the books he had dropped, groaning, “Chrysalis ran out and I had to wait forty minutes for your session. I must've fallen asleep...”
“Boredom will do that to you my dear.” Discord grinned, hovering in the air before softly swaying back and forth as his body lowered to the couch, “It's positively why I cause so much chaos. I'd sleep for an eternity if I didn't have any excitement in my life.”
“Agreed.” Giggling, I scooted candies across the table that had been sat there by one of Celestia's cooks. I knew it was one of Discord's favorite treats, and he spent no time snapping the bowl up and tossing the entire thing up in the air and it vanished without a trace into his gullet, bowl, wrappers, and all.
“I do say though, what ever do you and miss jitterbug talk about anyway?” Discord plainly asked, closing his eyes and laying back as if disinterested.
Shaking my head, I grinned, “No, you know my rules. Everything in our sessions are always private and will never be spoken to anyone else by me.”
“Oh poo.” Discord pouted, his lower lip trying to go over the top one, but his tooth mostly stopping it's progress, ending in a goofy looking expression, “That jitterbug always gives me the cold shoulder, and never gives me the light of day.” Discord jumped up, motioning his shoulder and pointing to it. A layer of ice formed and icicles began to dangle off the sides, “I don't think my poor body could take too much more!”
My grin broadened into a smile, “For one, she hates when you call her jitterbug. Two, you could always just get to know her, ask her to sit down to talk, or find out a game she likes and offer to play with her.”
“I'll be sure to take your advice, my dear Sayuri, but I doubt it'll do much good. She has a major case of jitterbug up the plot, and if she'd get laid once and awhile, I bet she could get it out!”
For a moment I looked to Discord in disbelief, my eyes wide and crimson on my cheeks, “D-Discord! Th... that's not nice!”
Discord shrugged, feigning ignorance, “Well it could be nice if she'd find a stallion or two, or three. Not sure how many it'd take to warm that mare up!”
“T-three?” I muttered, remembering what Twilight mentioned about the herd systems in Equestria. It was quite often that you could see relationships of mostly two mares and one stallion, though it usually came in variations. Two stallions in the same relationship was often unusual, but it happens. Plus you can technically add as many mates to your herd as you want, so long as everyone is willing. However, that just left my mind instantly drifting to Chrysalis in bed with three stallion. A little pink and rather fluffy pony plush in her hooves with its tongue sticking out. Not sure why that last part popped into mind, but I couldn't help thinking the mare had a softer side that she hid from everyone. Just, probably not that...
He seemed to ignore my discomfort and my sudden lack of speech and waved his paw idly in the air, “Anyway, on to business on hoof, or in your case, hand. After our last escapade against the lunar princess, I'm sure she will make her move any day now. I have to say I have a plan for preparation for immediate retaliation to any prank she could think of.”
“I um...” My cheeks turned red, remembering back to Luna's expression as she gazed across her night court, “D-discord, I know it didn't break Celestia's rule of no interrupting the business of the castle because Luna specifically uses her court to help ponies in their dreamscape, but changing the stained glass artwork with uh... your specific taste... was the best idea. Wasn't it crossing the line, a bit?”
Frowning at me, Discord shook his head, and shrugged his shoulders, “It's just a few explicit photos from Equestria's highest rated playmare magazine. I even got them from her very own stash, so I highly doubt--”
“Discord!?” I buried my face in my hands, hiding my radiating cheeks.
“oh ho?” Discord grinned wickedly, snapping his fingers and disappearing.
Before I had the chance to look up and get a good enough look, he reappeared as a small figure next to my ear, “Having trouble thinking of our fair princess as anything other than a picture of perfection? I'll have you know she's just a regular sentient being like you or I.” his smile widened before moving a tad closer, “Or is it you find the princess.., attractive?”
By now my face was aflame, and without thinking about it, I swung my arm in an attempt to slap him. Not taking in mind of his reduction in size. It had been my go too reaction for when Discord had teased me about liking or finding a pony attractive, knowing full well my worries about it being wrong or to ever hope to pursue a relationship with anypony.
Thud~! My hand collided with Discord and he flew across the room, his body slapping against the back of the couch. I gasped as I ran over, “Are you ok! I didn't mean...”
When I made it over, I paused, unsure of how to react. It was just like the cartoons back in my world. Discord was laying on his torso with his rear end up in the air, his eyes spiraling while little stars circled his head. A giggle escaped my lips before softly shaking my head, “Serves you right...”
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After the draconequus left, it didn't take long for Dreamy Mist to poke her head in. We both instantly smiled to one another as she made her way over, sitting down.
“I hope the others weren't too rough with you this morning?” Dreamy giggled, “I did notice Discord wobbling quite, chaotically, down the hall. You must have slapped him pretty hard this time.”
Red tainted my cheeks, averting my eyes slightly, “Well, it was his fault for changing so small and then teasing me... I wish he could just leave me alone about finding someone.”
A giggle escaped her lips, but soon her expression turned to one of concern, “It's just his way of worrying for you. He must know how it feels to be the only of his specie in Equestria. Sadly, I still don't fully understand since I once only existed in a dreamscape, but now that I have physical form, I must agree. You need to keep your mind open to falling in love. The physical form is just a manifestation of this reality. We are all the same in the dreamscape. We are all so very malleable that our waking bodies don't matter. Do you understand, Sayuri?”
Blinking a few times, my head swirled in confusion, “Malleable? Waking bodies?”
Dreamy sighed, her eyes falling half lidded, “I'm sorry, I often forget it's hard for regular people have a hard time understanding the dreamscape. Just... don't worry so much about what's on the outside, ok?”
For a moment I merely looked into Dreamy's teal eyes. Letting out a soft sigh, I nodded, “I understand Dreamy, but that isn't the problem.”
“O-oh?” Dreamy ears perked up, her eyes locking on me, “Then what is, Sayuri?”
“Oh um... I...” I rubbed the nape of my neck, contemplating exactly what was the problem. I had spent plenty nights wondering why I hadn't sought out a relationship before now. It was clear I was never going home by now. At least, I had given up hope so I'd never have to keep lusting over going home one day. Then what was the problem, I mean honestly? Letting out a sigh, I shook my head, “I don't know... It feels like anything I say is just an excuse, Dreamy. I have so many reasons, but they also feel like mere excuses. The biggest one I have I suppose, is that everyone I'm closest too in this world live so much longer than me. Celestia, Chrysalis, Discord, Twilight, you... everyone...”
Dreamy chuckled knowingly, “Yeah, I understand that, but what about Twilight's friends? They enjoy your company, and I know you enjoy theirs. What about one of them?”
I shook my head, sighing, “I may be friends with them, but I can't really explain it. It's like when I think about it, being in a relationship isn't an option.” Smiling, I rubbed my neck chuckling, “Besides, it's not like I'd have the courage to ask anyone out!”
“What if somepony asked you?” Dreamy simply asked, the question having seemingly escaped her, “I mean, surely someone will take interest one day.”
For the moment, I remained silent, 'What if somepony DID ask me out?'
A buzzer went off on the table, making us both jump. Dreamy chuckled, “Guess our times up for the day.”
“Suppose you did most of the counseling today, Dreamy.”
Dreamy merely smiled, getting up from her spot, “I think these sessions are more for all of us to stick together, not for you to be our psychiatrist. We're all friends, and Celestia knows you need a friend just as much as we former 'villains' do.”
“I never thought of it that way.”
Giggling, Dreamy nodded, “I mean hey! Twilight did become a princess by making friends after all!”
Author's Note
Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter.
