Prologue (Spike's Dream part 1)
It was fairly normal day Ponyville, near cloudless skies, Celestia's sun shining brightly, Ponyville residents swarming the streets going about their day. A small purple dragon with green spines, underbelly, and green eyes, had watched this from the balcony of the crystal castle he had called home when his friend and surrogate sister, Princess Twilight Sparkle walked up beside him.
"Hey Spike" Twilight said.
"Hey Twilight" Spike said back.
"Spike are your fine with us leaving again to help save Equestria from could be a potential disaster?" Twilight asked with bit of concern in her voice.
"Twilight, I told it's fine" Spike replied with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
Twilight and her friends Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy just got letter from Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna about an urgent matter that requires their attention. Twilight and her friends were formerly the bearers 9f the elements of harmony which were returned to the Tree of Harmony during the battle against Tirek.
Twilight represented the element of Magic, Pinkie Pie represented the element of Laughter, Rarity represented the element of Generosity, Rainbow Dash represented the element of Loyalty, Applejack represented the element of Honesty, and Fluttershy represented the element of Kindness.
"Well alright, if your sure then, but you can see us off at the train at the train station right?" Twilight ask with a bit hesitation in her voice.
"Yeah of course I will!" Spike quickly answered. "I was just worried you might fall apart without your number one assistant around to keep track of your checklists." Spike stated with a smirk on his face.
Twilight merely rolled her at his comment before the two quickly headed off to the Ponyville train station and had arrived as Celestia's sun was setting and Twilight's friends were already there. "Hey Twilight! What took you so long? We've waiting for you forever!" A blue colored Pegasus with a Rainbow mane yelled as Spike and Twilight approached the station which was crowded with ponies.
"Rainbow Dash, we've only been waiting for bout five minutes..." an orange colored earth pony with a cowboy hat stated dryly with a southern accent.
"Like I said Applejack, too long". Rainbow Dash stated back to her friend.
Applejack rolled her eyes at her impatient friend. Rainbow Dash was always about speed and sitting still and waiting was agonizing for her.
"Hey girls, sorry it took so long but me and Spike were just a king some of my things for when we're in Canterlot" Twilight stated as she walked up the train platform to greet her friends.
"Well Twilight it pays to be fashionably late" a white unicorn with a beautiful curly purple mane and tail stated with English like accent.
"Oh boy this so exciting, but not as exciting as the author of this story finally having the guts to post his story idea!" A hyperactive pink pony with an extremely curly mane and tail stated as she hopped up and down excitedly.
"Uh Pinkie Pie... what are talking about?" Twilight asked with the same thought everypony else at the station was thinking.
"Oh nothing important..." Pinkie said as she tapped an invisible fourth wall.
All her friends simply stared at her before shrugging it off as her normal randomness.
A shy yellow Pegasus with a long pink mane walked up to Spike.
"Oh hello Spike, are you coming with us to Canterlot?" she asked in a quiet voice.
"No Fluttershy, I'm just here see you and the other girls off." Spike replied.
"Oh aren't you going to be lonely up in the castle by yourself?" Fluttershy asked with concern in her voice.
Nah... I've gotten used to it since you girls always leave to help save Equestria from a disaster." Spike said in a rather quiet voice.
"Oh ok..." Fluttershy muttered quietly.
"Spike... are ya sure your alright with us leaving again." Applejack asked, not convinced that Spike was okay.
"I'm fine Applejack, really!" Spike answered in a cheery tone.
Applejack gave him a look that said "I'm not convinced your okay" but decided to drop the matter.
"Well Spikey-Wikey, would mind attending the talent show tomorrow?" Rarity asked "Sweetie Belle is going to be singing in it and unfortunately I won't be able to attend it and support do this rather sudden event..." Rarity said with a some sadness in her voice.
"Sure I don't mind Rarity" Spike said without the usual Googly eyes the girls were used when he accepted a favor from Rarity.
Spike a few weeks ago had realized that a relationship with Rarity wouldn't work out do to the differences in their ages.
The Mane 6 walked onto the train one by one saying their goodbyes to Spike with Rarity thanking him for accepting her favor.
As the train departed, Spike watched solemnly as it slowly disappeared from view. This felt like recurring theme to him and though he didn't want to admit it, he was starting to feel like he wasn't needed anymore. He remembered when he and Twilight first moved to Ponyville, it was the thousandth year of The Summer Sun Celebration and Twilight had read a prophecy about Nightmare Moon and The Elements of Harmony.
On the eve of the celebration, Nightmare Moon returned, a sight which caused Spike to faint at the sight of her. By the time he had woken up he learned Twilight and her new friends found the Elements and turned Nightmare Moon back into Princess Luna. He started to feel guilty that slept through the whole thing while his friends risked their lives to stop Nightmare Moon.
Spike slowly began to realize how much he had been left behind while when went off to risk their lives save Equestria. He had been left behind at the Golden Oaks Library when Discord escaped from his imprisonment, was stuck at a wedding altar during a changeling invasion at Canterlot while his friends rushed to grab the Elements in order fight of the Changelings. He quite recently been had to hide when Tirek attempted a conquest of Equestria and was defeated by The Main 6. All these times all Spike could not help but think how he was unable to help his help just made him feel...
"Useless"
Spike snapped out of his depression to turn around see who said that. After turning around, Spike came face to face with several mares and stallions with glowing red eyes scaring the wits out of him, and had he been paying attention at that moment, he would have noticed that everything around him was pitch black.
"Useless, that's all you are" one the creepy stallions muttered.
"N-no... I'm not useless..." Spike said, his voice quivering with fear and hurt.
The mares and stallions simply smiled an evil grin.
Spike's face took on a look of horror as the group of ponies suddenly dissipated into nightmarish creatures made of smoke.
Spike immediately turned tail and ran as fast as his legs would let him with the nightmarish creatures hot on his tail.
Spike kept running for what felt like eternity until he suddenly saw a bright light, which caused the demons chasing him to be destroyed by the pure light.
Spike smiling, ran further into the comforting light, arms help up in a hugging like motion before he was enveloped by the light completely.
**********
Spike opened his eyes to find himself standing in front of large gate, looking around he noticed the land he was standing on appeared a giant floating island. As Spike walked through the gate he noticed a fountain with two dolphin statues on both sides. He also noticed several empty door frames on left and right of the fountain, three on each side before he could ponder this further, a wise sounding voice suddenly started talking to him.
"Visitor from another world, welcome." the voice said before continuing "I take it that this is your first time here?
An owl suddenly came out nowhere startling Spike, causing him fall backwards.
Spike took note of the owl's appearance.
He wore a red colored jacket with gold fabric at the end of the sleeves, he wore a small blue button up shirt. He also wore small glasses which Spike assumed were reading glasses and had an air of wisdom radiating off him.
"I am Owl" the owl said as he introduced himself
I have lived here since..., well, since long before you were born." Owl stated.
Spike feeling somewhat more relaxed got up and decided to introduce himself.
"Nice to meet you uh... Owl, my name's Spike" the young dragon said as he introduced himself awkwardly, a bit surprised by how simplistic the name Owl was.
"The pleasure is all mine young one" Owl said in a kindly voice before continuing "I'll bet your wondering just where here is, eh?
"I am actually" Spike admitted trying to figure what was going on.
"Well, have the things you when you're asleep ever felt particularly real to you" Owl began to explain. "Have you ever thought for sure that it all had to be something more?
Spike thought it over and some things did feel kind of real whenever he went to sleep at night.
"A little bit yeah." Spike answered truthfully.
"Well that's because what you people think as 'dreams" is actually this world."
"A world... of dreams? Spike said with awe in his voice.
"Precisely!" Owl answered happily.
"This is the Night dimension, the place people make their way to when they're asleep. Owl explained further.
"This area here is known as the Dream Gate." Owl explaining were they were.
Out of nowhere the owl and baby dragon suddenly heard the sound someone playing a flute. Looking up, they saw the source of the sound coming from an oddly dressed being moving his fingers to what look he imitating playing a flute. The being finally noticed them and flew down to greet them.
"Oh, if isn't that carefree little rascal again." Owl noted.
The being landed near Spike, taking a moment to examine him. "Hey! The being suddenly blurted out. "Now this one looks interesting! Spike took a closer look at the strange being as well, noting it's almost jester like clothing and blue eyes.
The being flew in front of Owl rather rudely before introducing himself "My name is Nights. What's yours? Nights asked him.
"I... I'm Spike" the young dragon introduced himself, stuttering a little.
"Spike huh? Say Spike. Have you ever thought of flying?" The random question surprised Spike a little but Nights look friendly enough so he answered, " Well I have, but I read in a book of dragons that I found that I'm a breed of dragon that doesn't get wings." He answered in a sad tone.
Nights seemed to have noticed his sad tone and before smiling saying "Aw cheer up, I'm sure there's things that wingless dragons can do that normal dragons can't." This made Spike feel better but made a question pop in his head.
"Thanks but why did you ask if I was interested in flying?"
"Well..." Nights started to answer.
"If you Dualize with me, you can see what flying is like for yourself! Want to give it shot? Nights asked holding his hand out to Spike.
Spike confused uttered "dual...?
"Du-a-lize!" Nights impatiently finished, wording out the syllables, using his finger empathize his point.
"Hoo! "Dualizing" allows your bodies to assimilate with one another." Owl explained to the confused dragon.
Noticing Spike was still confused, Owl added "Ah. It's probably much easier to understand if you just try it." Owl finished with "Go over and touch Nights. You'll see what I mean." Spike was still confused but decided to take Owl's advice, he walked over to Nights who held his hand out to Spike. Spike slowly brought his hand out and grasped Night's and a bright light suddenly enveloped them both.
Spike slowly opened his eyes to find himself floating in the air before beginning to panic slightly before he noticed someone mimicking his movements, he realized it was Nights doing it before managing to ask in his panicked, "Nights, what's going on!? And why am I floating!?" The panicked dragon finally managed to ask.
"First off, calm down! Your going to run us into a tree." This calmed Spike down a little bit before uttering out "Okay, but is this what you and Owl meant by Dualizing?" The dragon asked, voicing the obvious question.
Nights smiled before saying "Glad to see your finally starting to catch on." Nights started before continuing "Dualizing let's me and other visitor's who come to the dream gate to fuse our minds and bodies into one, mine to be exact. " Before Spike could ask what Nights meant, he noticed he could see through his hand and he realized that he was in a spectra like form. "So does that mean I have complete control of your movements or are you in complete" Spike questioned.
"A little of both actually." Nights answered.
Owl flew up to them and started to speak. "Now then visitor, now that you and Nights have been Dualized, why don't you try to fly around the plaza to get used flying." Owl recommended.
Spike-Nights nodded and flew a laps around the plaza to get the feel of flying down.
Once Spike-Nights was comfortable and well rounded, Owl flew up to them and started to talk again. "Good now that your used to flying, why don't flying around the island for few minutes." Owl recommended.
Spike-Nights happily nodded and started off to the east of the island, with Nights instructing Spike on to perform a paraloop ability by flying in a circle and connecting the sparkle's radiating off of Night's writs. Nights also taught him the Drill Dash technique.
After a few minutes, Spike started to feel bold and attempted to fly under the floating island, but was quickly stopped by a "Hey! Hold it!" from Nights.
After Nights stopped him, Nights started to explain why "You see that black sea down there? Nights pointed to the abnormally black covered sea before continuing "Be sure to stay away from it." Nights Warned in an uncharacteristically serious tone.
"Wh... why?" Spike asked nervously.
"Ah yes! You must never go near the Dark Ocean!" Owl cautioned.
Owl elaborated more." It is a world of chaos and void. Hoo! If you slip in, you may never return!
Spike gulped at that last part. Slipping into a dark ocean and never being able to come out again certainly didn't pleasant.
"Okay, that wasn't bad for your first time! Let's get back to the Dream Gate!" Nights suggested with the other two agreeing before flying off back to Dream Gate.
Upon arriving, the duo separated from each other before Nights asked "So Spike, how did you enjoy flying for the first time?" Spike replied excitedly "It was so awesome Nights! Now I know why Rainbow Dash loves flying. It's so much fun!"
Nights gave him a confused expression before asking "Who's Rainbow Dash?"
Noticing this, Spike replied "Rainbow Dash is friend of my from my world. She's one of the fastest ponies I've ever met. She's a bit brash and reckless, but you'll never meet anypony more loyal to her friends then her."
Nights understanding what he said replied "She certainly sounds interesting, I hope I get to meet her."
Spike smirked at this. "You probably will considering how often she likes to take naps." Spike causing them both to burst in a fit of giggles.
Owl flew over and took notice of a door in one of the empty door frames. "Ho hoo! How curious! The door to Nightopia has appeared."
"Nightopia?" Spike asked with genuine curiosity.
"That... that red light! That's the Ideya of Courage!" Owl suddenly exclaimed.
"Huh?" Confused, Spike looked down and finally took notice of red light emitting from his hands.
Owl began explaining "Here in the Night Dimension..." Owl began " there is a world called Nightopia created by the light of Ideya! I see... your Ideya called this door into being." Before Owl could explain further, Nights suddenly bumped him out the way, exclaiming "That's amazing, Spike! Most Visitor's end up losing their Ideya on their way here. But that Ideya creates the paradise known as Nightopia. Let's check it out!" Nights exclaimed excitedly.
"A paradise?!" Spike questioned excitedly.
"That's right! I'll see you there!" Nights exclaimed before departing through the door.
"I do wish that Nights would sit still just for once." Owl lamented before adding. "Oh well. I suppose I'll finish telling you the rest in Nightopia, then.
Owl finished before teleporting through the door himself, leaving a bewildered Spike to wonder how he did that before remembering he was in a dream, before departing through the door himself, taking a quick moment to look at the stain glass window above the door, which depicted a mountain surrounded by grass.
Spike opened the door to a bright light.
Author's Note
Well here it is, the first to my very first is finally finished. I really enjoyed writing, but if you see any problems please provide constructive criticism. The next chapter will be Sweetie Belle's proluge, so look forward to it.
Prologue (Sweetie Belle's Dream part 1)
Prologue (Sweetie Belle's Dream part 1)
Inside the Carousel Boutique in Ponyville, a white unicorn filly with a light purple and pink mane was inside practicing singing in her room in front of some stuff animals on chairs when her older sister, a white unicorn with a curly purple mane and a three diamond cutie mark on her flank walked in. "Sweetie Belle, I know your practicing for the talent show, but I just came in to tell you something important." The white unicorn with a slight English accent attempted to talk to her, but was interrupted by her sister saying "I can't help you with whatever new dress your making right now Rarity, I'm trying to conquer my stage fright in time for the talent show and I need the practice if I'm going to perform in front of a live audience."
Ever since getting her cutie mark, a shield with a star and a musical note in it representing her singing talent, alongside her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders, Applebloom, Applejack's younger sister and Scootaloo self proclaimed number one of Rainbow Dash, and reforming and befriending their former bullies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, she had been practicing hard on her singing and had worked up the nerve to sign up for a talent competition with a small complication, she had a bad case of stage fright.
"I'm just happy you'll be there in the audience to show your support and It'll be great to know to there's someone I know in the audience other than just my best friends." Sweetie Belle happily stated with a smile. "That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about..." Rarity said with reluctance be continuing. "I've been called away to Canterlot again with my friends over an urgent matter and we leave need to leave as soon as possible." Rarity said sadly.
Sweetie Belle's smile turned into a small frown with a dejected "oh." "I'm sorry Sweetie Belle, I want to see your performance more than anything and I'd stay if I could, but this could be a very serious matter and..." before Rarity could continue, Sweetie Belle interrupted. "I know Rarity and you don't have to apologize, but it's gonna be harder to perform if your not there..." Sweetie Belle said glumly.
"Well if you it makes you feel better, I could ask Spike to attend the performance in my stead if it makes you feel better, he won't be coming with us again, so I'm sure he'll some free time after he finishes his chores." Rarity offered.
"Sure... I'm okay with that..." Sweetie Belle muttered.
Rarity gave her small smile. "Good, now if you want to, you can come with me to see us off at the train station." she offered.
"Nah... I promised my friends I'd hang out them today after I'm done practicing." she stated.
"Alright, well I better be going, I'll you see in a few days time." Rarity informed her sister.
After Rarity left the boutique, Sweetie Belle finished practice and caught with her friends Applebloom and Scootaloo and were even joined by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. While the other four walked and chatted away, Sweetie Belle was lost in her own thoughts. "The talent shows tomorrow and I still haven't gotten over my stage fright. It's worse now that Rarity's going off with her friends to probably save Equestria from another disaster. Maybe I'm just not cut out for singing." As she was thinking this, Sweetie Belle passed by a window sill with poster advertising the talent competition.
Looking at it, she sighed. "Rarity, why are you never around when I need you the most." As she thought this, she didn't notice the window the had started show a vision of her sister looking at her sadly before her face suddenly changed into rage, causing the window to crack loudly catching Sweetie Belle's attention. Upon looking at the cracked glass, the window suddenly shattered in front of her, the glass shards barely missing her. The window suddenly shattering caused Sweetie Belle to stumble back in surprise. As she regained her footing, she took a look back at the shattered window, only to gain a look of terror on her face as a nightmarish smokey creature emerged. She looked to her as her "friends" also turned into more of those terrifying creatures and the world turned pitch black.
Terrified, Sweetie Belle quickly got up and ran as the creatures gave chase.
After a short while of running with the creatures still hot on her tail, Sweetie Belle suddenly noticed a small bright light, which grew bigger and brighter as she got closer to it, which in turn caused the smokey creatures chasing her to dissipate.
Sweetie Belle smiled brightly as she let the warmth of the light engulf her.
************
Sweetie Belle opened her eyes and noticed she was standing in front of a very large gate. As she looked around, she noticed she was on a floating island in the middle of night.
Walking through the gate, she suddenly her a wise sounding voice. "Oh ho hoo! We have a guest! Is this your first time here, mademoiselle?" An owl asked as it appeared out of nowhere. "Uh yeah... I guess it is." Sweetie Belle answered awkwardly, surprised she was actually talking to an owl.
"Well then, allow me to explain. You are now standing at the entrance to what your people would call The World of Dreams." The owl explained.
"The world of dreams?" Sweetie Belle questioned with genuine curiosity.
"Hoo! Listen well, young filly. Don't be fooled by that name, "World of Dreams". Owl stated before continuing "I don't mean to imply the world itself doesn't exist. It is simply... oh, how should I put it? It is another world, one that you are able to visit only while you are fast asleep. We ourselves refer to it as the Night Dimension. And people who come to the Night Dimension from your world are known as visitors. The owl explained. Sweetie Belle nodded in understanding.
"Oh! Pardon me, I do tend to rattle on. You may call me Owl, Visitor." Owl introduced himself. Wanting to be polite, Sweetie Belle decided to introduce herself as well. "Well then it's nice to meet you Owl, my name is Sweetie Belle." The young filly introduced herself. Owl smiled and replied "The pleasure is all mine, my dear." Before they could continue their conversation, a purple blur suddenly flew in front of them, startling them both and causing Sweetie Belle to fall flat on her flank.
"Hoo! What's that?! What's that?!" Owl exclaimed in exasperation as a strange being flew down to greet them.
Owl was the first to recover before scowling at the being and stating in a scolding tone "Dearest me, you gave me quite a fright! You ought to no better than to startle your elders in such a manner!" Owl shouted at the being. The being turned his gaze over to Sweetie Belle before smiling. "Hey there!" The being greeted before continuing. "Sorry about the old bird here. I know it must be drag listening to him squawking on and on." The being teased at Owl. Owl scowled again. "Excuse me... a drag?! I am simply attempting to welcome this young visitor!" Owl exclaimed as Sweetie Belle got up.
"Who... who are you? The filly asked as the being flew in figure eights in the air before introducing himself. "My name is Nights! Let me tell you, you'll have a much better time flying around with me than chatting with this old bird here." Nights stated before flying down to Sweetie Belle's and offering his hand. "So how about it? Want to Dualize with me and try your hoof at flying?" Nights offered.
"Du... Dualize? Flying? The filly questioned.
"Hoo! Nights here is able to "Dualize" with Visitor's. The process allows your bodies to assimilate with one another." Owl explained to the confused filly. "What do you mean?" Sweetie Belle asked, not sure if she was gonna like the answer. "Ah well... it would probably be much easier to understand if you just try it." Owl then flew over next to Nights before saying. "Go over and touch Nights. You'll see what I mean. That is, of course, if you're interested in that sort of thing..." Owl stated sarcastically. Sweetie Belle thought it over. She didn't like the sound of that part with the assimilating bodies, but was interested at the part about being able to fly around. Eventually her curiosity won out and she walked over to Nights, who had his held out. Sweetie Belle hesitated a moment before putting her hoof on his hand and a bright light enveloped them.
When Sweetie Belle opened her eyes to find herself floating in the air. Looking at her hooves, she noticed she was now transparent, though she managed to remain calm, she noticed someone copying her movement's perfectly to her right. She quickly realized it was Nights, and had enough composure ask a rather obvious question. "What's going on Nights?" When Nights simply stared at her, Sweetie Belle quickly put two and two together and voiced her realization rather quickly. "This is what you meant by Dualizing isn't it?" Nights simply smiled and nodded in response.
Owl flew up to them and stated. "Now then, now that you and Nights are Dualized, try flying a few laps around the plaza to get a better feel of flying. Sweetie Belle-Nights nodded and flew the laps around the plaza before Owl suggested. "Good, now that your used to flying, take flight around the area to get used to flying different environments." The joined duo nodded and took off into the sky. Flying around the night sky felt incredible to Sweetie Belle and decided to fly around next to the edge of the floating island, after Nights taught her the paraloop ability and the Drill dash.
As they were flying over the edge, Nights suddenly shouted. "Hey, hold on moment! There's something I forgot to tell you." Stopping in midair, Nights pointed his finger to the dark seas below the island. "You see that dark ocean down there? You'd be best off if you don't go anywhere near it." Nights warned. Sweetie Belle looked down toward the dark sea and suddenly felt a sense of dread looking at it. "I... I take it that there's a leg... legend about to keep others from going." Sweetie Belle guessed, her voice quivering a little. Nights simply nodded before saying. "Right. I don't know if it's really true or not myself..., but they say it can destroy a Visitor's soul, and then they'll never be able to return here again..." Nights glumly stated. "Oh dear..." Sweetie Belle muttered nervously.
"Anyway it's just a story, so enough with this gloomy talk, let's get back to the Dream Gate!" Nights stated with Sweetie Belle nodding in agreement before flying back to the plaza.
Upon landing, Nights and Sweetie Belle separated from each other before Nights asked. "So, how did enjoy flying around for the first time?" Sweetie Belle enthusiastically answered the question."It was amazing! No wonder Scootaloo wants to fly so much! It's fun! When Nights looked at her funny, Nights had to ask."Who's Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle was glad to answer the question. "Scootaloo is one of my best friends and despite being a pegasus, a pony with wings, she has trouble flying." Nights gained a look of understanding on his face and nodded.
Owl flew over and noticed a door appear in one of the empty door frames. "Ho hoo! How curious. The door to Nightopia seems to have appeared. Owl looked over to Sweetie Belle before realization suddenly hit him. "But that must mean... You must have an Ideya!" The elder owl exclaimed. Giving him a confused look, Sweetie Belle quickly asked. "Wha... what's an Ideya? And what's Nightopia? Sweetie Belle asked with curiosity.
Owl was more than happy to explain to young Visitor. "Ideya are sparks of light that dwell within the hearts of Visitor's." Owl explained before continuing. "Here in the Night Dimension, those Ideya can give form to the paradise known as Nightopia." Owl finished.
"Paradise?!" Sweetie Belle excitedly questioned, looking back at the door.
Nights, who had been impatiently waiting, suddenly exclaimed. "Oh, come on! Enough with the explanations already! Let's just go check it out!
Hey! I'm almost forgot to ask what your name was." Sweetie Belle was somewhat amused by Nights antics, happily decided to introduce herself. "My name is Sweetie Belle. It's a great pleasure to meet you, Nights." She happily said. "The pleasure's all mine! let's go then , Sweetie Belle!" Sweetie Belle excitedly replied. "All right!"
Before anyone could step toward the door, a red and black figure resembling Nights suddenly pinned him against the door. before Sweetie Belle could process what was going on, the new being started speaking. "Ah Nights. Long time no see. Out for a walk with your little Visitor friend, are we?" Scowling at the being currently holding him against the door by the neck, Nights replied in a strained voice. "Reala!" Reala simply replied with a very fake apology. " Sorry Nights. I'm under orders to put you away a bit. Nothing personal." Sweetie Belle was getting very angry at the sight of her new friend being taken prisoner by this terrible look-a-like named Reala, which is why she couldn't stop herself from shouting "Hey! Leave Nights alone!" as she attempted to stop him before Owl blocked her path, exclaiming. "No! You mustn't go near that monster!
Reala simply chuckled at this display before saying. "Yes, yes, listen to your elders. You're just a helpless little horse after all." Reala insulted before laughing evilly as he pushed Nights through the door.
Sweetie Belle nearly collapsed from the shock of what just transpired, slowly sitting down on her flank. Owl flew over and tried to comfort her. "Oh, I'm so sorry. That was terribly frightening, wasn't it? Hoo!"
Sweetie Belle simply looked up at him before asking a question, her voice quivering as she did. "Wha... what was the th...thing? Owl looked at her before beginning his explanation. "That was a Nightmaren, from the dark realm of Nightmare." Owl began. "Their goal is to take Ideya from Visitors in order to destroy Nightopia. When Visitors come to this world, they ambush them and steal their Ideya from them. In all likelihood, they must have taken your Ideya as well..." Owl paused upon taking notice of some thing on Sweetie Belle's hooves before suddenly exclaiming. "Oh hoo! That crimson light! Could it be a Red Ideya!?
"Huh?!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed upon noticing the red light coming from her front hooves.
Owl quickly put two and two together. "I see! That Ideya must be what called forth this door! You hold the "Ideya of Courage." With that, you might just be able to rescue Nights!
"Really!?" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
Owl continued. "but that is your decision. I will be waiting for you beyond the door." Owl finished as he teleported away, leaving Sweetie Belle alone.
Sweetie Belle's new friend was in danger,and she just couldn't stand idly by, now knowing she might be able to help nights. Without hesitation, she approached the door, briefly taking note of the stained glass window above it which depicted two fish swimming. She neared the door and gently pushed opened being bathed in bright light.
Author's Note
Alright guys, that was first chapter of Sweetie Belle's dream. Next I'm planning to have an interlude with the Mane 6 arriving in Canterlot for the potential disaster the princesses told them about. So look forward to that. Oh and here's something I keep forgetting to bring up that all of you should know, I only recently joined the fandom and I hope to bring more good stories in the future. I currently have an interesting idea in my head, but I want to focus on this story. Thank you and good night.
The Friendship express reared into the Canterlot train station as Luna's moon shined brightly upon the inhabitants. The Mane 6 walked out ,briefly amazed by the beautiful night sky. This was quickly ended when Rainbow Dash yelled. "Finally! Can somepony please remind me why we had to take the train to get here?" She impatiently asked before adding rather proudly. "I could have gotten here in ten seconds flat!" Her friends simply rolled their eyes and started getting their bags when a guard came up to them and asked. "Princess Twilight Sparkle and company?" The guard addressed them. When Twilight nodded, the guard continued. "I've been asked by the princesses to escort you and your to the castle, so if you will please follow." The guard finished and started to leave while beckoning the six friends to follow him, which they did compliently.
The walk to the castle was short, but it gave Twilight and Rarity time to think. Twilight's thoughts were focused more towards Spike "Spike, I really hope your okay with this. Everytime I leave you at home you always give me a solemn look whenever I get home. I'm starting to think you feel helpless and useless. Twilight thought sadly as Rarity was lost in her own thoughts. "Sweetie Belle's big talent show is tommorrow and I'm not even gonna be there to support her. It doesn't help that she has horrible stage. It's probably one of the most important moments of her life and I'm not even gonna be there for her." Rarity thought guiltily.
They eventually arrived at the castle were they were escorted to the throne room, where the princesses, Celestia and Luna and even Twilight's brother, Shining Armor and his wife Princess Cadence were awaiting them.
"Shining Armor, Cadence!" Twilight happily exclaimed. "Hey Twily!" Shining Armor exclaimed, ending with both siblings hugging. Cadence also came over to give her a hug before saying their signature greeting, "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" causing both of them to giggle.
Celestia and Luna walked over, causing everyone, except Shining Armor and Cadence, to bow to them. Celestia simply chuckled softly before saying "Please everyone, there's no need to be this formal, especially for you Twilight." causing Twilight to blush to eveyone's amusement.
Though Luna was enjoying this little display of laughter, she and her sister needed to explain why they summoned them here. Celestia and Luna both put on serious faces and Celestia started. "Now then, let's get to the reason your all here." At this, everyone immediately calmed except Pinkie Pie, who was still wearing a big grin on her face.
Luna started first. "These past few nights I have been sensing a powerful urge of nightmares manifesting in the Night Dimension." Everyone except the princesses and Shining Armor looked at Luna curiously before Twilight asked the question that was on everyone's mind. "What's the Night Dimension Luna." Twilight had luckily brought a quill and parchment just in case. Luna then started answering Twilight's question.
"The Night Dimension is, to put it simply, is a world that you can only visit when are fast asleep." She elaborated further. "People who come from our world to the Night Dimension are known Visitor's. Each Visitor has something called Ideya which are formed in there hearts when they visit the Night Dimension. Ideya give form to the paradise known as Nightopia However... creatures from the realm of nightmare, known as Nightmarens, aim to steal the Ideya from the Visitor's. They intend to use the Ideya to destroy Nightopia, and if they gather enough Ideya, they will be able to open a door into our world."
"Is that why you summoned us here?" Fluttershy asked quivering slightly. Luna simply nodded. "So wait, hold on." Rainbow Dash began. "If you can only go to Night Dimension when your asleep, how come I've never been there, because I tend to take naps alot." Rainbow pointed out. Luna simply chuckled and stated. "Because naps don't give enough sleep to allow you to visit." Causing everyone to giggle at Rainbow's exspense, who was starting blush profusely.
"The plan is to put you to sleep all at once and hopefully end up in the same dream." Celestia stated after everyone in the room calmed down. When the Mane 6 nodded in understanding, Luna began casting a spell. "I need to scan the dream we plan to put you all into to make sure no Nightmarens attempt to interrupt the spell while we're working on it." Luna explained as she cast the dream scan spell.
After a few minutes, an odd look came across Luna's face as she performed the spell. "That's strange, the spell is telling me that there two Visitor's already in the dream world, just arrived in fact. From what I can tell they still posses their red Ideya of Courage." Everyone simply stared at her before Twilight spoke up. "Are you saying that whoever these two are, they gonna attempt to stop these "Nightmarens" that you talked about? Are you able to tell us their identities?" Twilight asked attempting to find out more.
Luna shook her head before saying. "No, the best I can do is tell how old they and where they live." Everyone listened intently. "From what the scan tells me, they are both children, a foal and filly respectively, and they seem to live in Ponyville."
Everyone was shocked by this, even Celestia, who went wide eyed. Rainbow Dash was the first to respond. Wait, are you telling me we're going to depend on a bunch of kids to save Equestria this time!?" Rainbow blurted.
Celestia gave her a slight glare, which caused Rainbow Dash to calm down quickly. Celestia began to speak. "Rainbow Dash, you should know that greatness can come small packages. I believe that these two children, whoever they are just might what we need to defeat the Nightmarens." When everyone gave her unsure looks. Celestia sighed and continued. "Do you all believe that children can't handle anything adults can't? As Luna said, these children both seem to possess the red Ideya of Courage." Luna continued for her sister. "Whenever a Visitor goes to the dream world, they are ambushed by the Nightmarens, which to us, is a process we know as having a nightmare. Whoever these children are, they were brave enough to escape from their respective nightmares and ended up in Night Dimension."
Applejack responded. "It not that your majesty, Ahm just worried bout Applebloom. Ah guess it just being an overprotective sister, but just thinking about her being the mystery filly going into a dangerous dream world full of nasty critters, Ah just can't help but be worried."
Celestia began again. "Applejack, it's alright to be worried about your sister but it still doesn't mean she or any other foal or filly don't know how to take care certain situations. I'm sure whoever these mystery children are, they'll be just fine." Said Celestia.
Twilight began to speak again. "Does this mean we won't be needed after all?" Twilight asked, a tad dejected that she won't be visiting a new world after all. Celestia soon spoke again. "No Twilight, we need you and your friends here in case these children fail in their task, not that not I'm saying they will but it helps to have a backup plan."
Everyone eventually agreed to this, though Rainbow Dash did so reluctantly.
Luna walked out onto the balcony of the castle and sighed before muttering to herself. "Young ones, whoever you are, I know your pure hearts will win out over the Nightmarens and hopefully overcome your insecurities In the process."
Author's Note
Now the true adventure begins now that the proluge and interlude are out of the way. I plan have the missions in one chapter instead individually in order to save time. So I hope you all look forward to it.
