The Shadow's Curse

Princess Celestia opened her lavender eyes, seeing the crystal empire around her. She was confused, but said nothing. The white alicorn walked into the castle, wondering why she was here. As she looked at her adopted niece's throne, Celestia nearly screamed bloody murder. Standing there, was Cadence, as she had expected. What she didn't expect, was the rage of protection in her eyes, the dullness of her coat and mane, or the shadow composed of smoke facing her.

The shadow lunged at the pink princess, attempting an attack. Cadence's horn glowed blue, as she tried to counter the attack that hadn't even been made, yet. Although, her exhaustion had taken over the young alicorn, as her spell, and horn, had failed. The shadow finished it's lunge, as Cadence's eyes rolled into her head, and she fell to the ground.

Celestia ran to her aid, tears welling up in her eyes. The elder alicorn stared down at the younger, who was now barely breathing. Celestia's horn started glowing a magnificent golden, until it stopped. Celestia felt like she suddenly had the answer to what she had just witnessed. As a test, she reached her armored hoof out, to touch Cadence's fore arm. The white alicorn's hoof went straight through. Her theory was correct. This was a dream.  The white pony sighed, relief filling her whole system.

With a sudden jolt of terror, Celestia stopped, looking up at the throne, that was formally her niece's. In it, the shadow was taking a more pony-like form. Celestia's eyes turned to pin pricks,  as the shadow turned to a former enemy of hers. King Sombra! Terrifying, blood-chilling laughter filled Celestia's ears, until she finally let out a shriek of terror.

The white alicorn jumped out of her bed, sweat covering her face. She was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace. "L-Luna?" Celestia asked, still completely frightened.

She felt a slight nod, on her side, as Luna said, "I know what you saw. It's okay, you're safe." Not often had Luna needed to comfort her, but when she did, Celestia adored every moment of it. "But," Luna added, "you do know what that dream meant, right?"

Celestia grimly nodded. This dream was obviously prophetic. The two ponies stopped hugging.

"Tia, what should we do, now?" Luna asked her sister, who was still, slightly, recovering from her dream.

The white pony sighed, and shakily said, "before deciding anything, we should inform Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight."

Luna nodded, seemingly satisfied with her elder sister's answer. "Until tomorrow, my sister," Luna said to Celestia, as she left the room.

Celestia simply nodded, and muttered, "indeed."