Chapters My dreams were nothing short of an empty void tonight. Normally it’d be whatever crossed my mind in my sleep, but this time, it was as if I’d actually been caught in another dimension. For the longest time, I could only stare at nothing, just letting my mind conjure up crazy scenarios and story inspiring things. And then I saw a nebula of stars enter my field of vision. I blinked a few times at the mass that had dared interrupt my dream, at first not recognising it, but as I saw the edges and curves of its silhouette, I finally recognised it.
“The tantabus? The hell am I dreaming about that for?” I asked myself. The tantibus didn’t answer, instead just choosing to stare at me like some creepy ass animal. I stared back, initiating a staring contest, as was only fitting in such a situation. As I stared, it gave me some time to contemplate things. Like for instance, now that I focused, I couldn’t quite seem to be able to wake up, and this whole thing felt entirely too surreal to be a dream. Could this be real?
I was taken off guard as the tantabus rushed up to me and started cuddling me. Surprised as I was, I was hesitant to return the affection, especially since this thing was infamous for being what Luna made to punish herself for the whole Nightmare Moon thing. Guilt made manifest.However, seeing as it wasn’t really doing anything but hugging, I hugged back, although awkwardly.
I felt a tingle down below in my legs when I did and looked down… to find them being drawn into the Tantibus. Immediately, I began to panic and struggle out of its grip, but I couldn’t even slow it down. I was quickly drawn into the tantabus and absorbed. I closed my eyes as my head vanished in, not wanting to see what gruesome fate awaited me. However, after several moments of nothing, I opened an eye.
“What the fuck?” I exclaimed in shock as, instead of a blank void, I saw instead a massive space. Surrounding me were several bubbles, which upon first glance only showed a cutie mark of some pony or other. Many bubbles contained cutie marks I didn’t recognise, convincing me this wasn’t my dream anymore. However, in that moment, something else demanded my attention.
“...Was that my voice? Is this my voice?!” My voice was very feminine, with only the slightest hint of a tomboy nature, though it wasn’t that much of one. I had a rather booming mezzo-soprano voice now, whereas before it had been a light baritone. Curious about that, I looked down at myself and saw a starry mass with a pink outline, bearing the figure of an equine.
“Whoa… wait, did I become the tantabus?! Holy shit…” I realized as I looked myself over. I held up a hoof to my face, staring at it intently. I didn’t much want to stay like this. I preferred a more human like form, for the utility of hands. As I stared, memories from the tantabus invaded my mind, showing me how it felt to change shapes as it did, being amorphous. I tried to replicate those feelings, stretching nonexistent muscles to create a hand on my hoof. I smiled as I succeeded, and then proceeded to do the slow, and strange process of trying to fix up my new body to be more anthropomorphic. I chuckled as I finished, glad I’d gotten that out of the way. Next thing on my mental “If Pony” checklist was to explore. In this case it was checking out the surrounding bubbles.
The first few I approached showed off a rather plain family. Each one had the same ponies, but with different focuses in perspective. As well, I noticed from afar that there were various different colors of the orbs. I moved on to others as I looked at them.
As I neared them, just floating along in the strange space, the opaque blue orbs slowly faded into something else. One showed a white mare having a lovely looking picnic with a humble looking orange stallion I could tell the two loved each other. It was a similar romantic scene in the other bubble, the two ponies enjoying dinner at a fancy italian place.
Close to the two, but not much farther, I found a deep violet one. Investigating, I almost recoiled as I saw an easily recognisable orange mare with bacon for a mane. She looked about in her teenage years, and was enjoying a rather errotic dream involving the use of magic to summon tentacles from another realm to please her. Even at a young age it seemed, Sunset Shimmer still dreamed of power.
By then I’d about pieced together that I was looking at ponies’ dreams. If I had to guess, the position of the dreams marked where the dreamer was sleeping, in this case, Sunset was sleeping in her parents house. Another thing I took note of was the different colors. Each one seemed to indicate a different emotional theme to it, like violet was sexy stuff, black was a nightmare, blue was love, pink was joy, and so on. It was kinda structured like changeling colors in the Shifting Melodies fanfiction.
Getting a few ideas, I searched about the Dreamscape, looking around for Twilight’s cutie mark among the dreamers. I found it, but I was concerned when I saw the bubble had a very dark color. Getting near, I found her dreams plagued by a nightmare, one it seemed involved Magic Kindergarten. Other foals were laughing at her as they forced her to do embarrassing things, including wearing a diaper and making her soil it…
Enraged, I threw myself into the dream and charged my magic for forceful removal of the horrid foals. The second I was in, I lost a beam at the bullies, vaporising them and the tools of humiliation. Twilight blinked when she saw them get blasted, and wiped the tears from her eyes in surprise, not sure if she could believe what just happened.
“Fear not young one.” I spoke as I landed lightly near her. “This nightmare won’t plague you any longer.” I smiled as she turned to face me with curiosity, though she wouldn’t see my smile. I had no discernable features, besides my eyes.
“Oh… this was just a dream…” she said, sounding relieved. “Who are you? And what are you?” I seethed at the implication that this thing happened in the waking realm. But I answered nonetheless.
“Yes, this is a dream. My name is… Eclipse. I’m a dreamwalker, and I watch over dreams like yours. Or… do now. I’m actually kinda new to this.” I said with a giggle.
“Really?! That’s amazing! How do you do it?” Twilight asked giddily.
“Sorry, squirt. It’s a kind of magic only me and Nightmare Moon can use.” I said apologetically. She shrank away a bit at the mention of that name, but seemed a bit hesitant to believe it.
“Nightmare Moon? But… she’s just an old pony’s tale.” she said confused.
“No, Twilight… listen, old legends like that? They have to come from somewhere, right? There is always some degree of truth to them. It’s up to you to figure out what that extent is though. Understand?” I made sure she knew what I was saying.
“You mean she’s real? And she’s stuck on the moon?” Twilight asked in shock. I nodded sadly.
“She actually made me… I was meant to spread nightmares and to punish those who don’t follow her, but I recently got a will of my own.” I said, tilting my head and giving her an eye-smile.
“That’s good. I like you like this.” she said, smiling back.
“I like me like this too.” I said in return. “So, about those other foals… can you tell me who they are? I wanna make sure they never bother you again.” She frowned and shivered a bit. She didn’t need to say anything right then as I got a picture from her memories, showing me their cutie marks.
“Some of them live nearby… My brother keeps them from bothering me while I’m home, but he can’t help at the academy.” Twilight said.
“Don’t worry… by sunrise, none of them will ever want to bother you again. Hehe… and don’t be surprised if more than one of them start bowing to you like you’re a Princess.” I said with an amused chuckle. She giggled at the idea.
“Thank you. I owe you.” she said as I began to leave. As I left, I reached out with my mind and gave Twilight a pleasant dream about owning a library. Smiling in joy that I’d saved her from some of her fears, I moved on, glaring daggers into the nearest matching cutie mark Twilight had given me. Unsurprisingly, it was a crown. I pounded my hands together, pretending to crack my knuckles as I approached it. That orange, prideful dream was about to go blacker than a pot and kettle. The second I touched the dream, it darkened. I chuckled darkly as I sank into it.
“W-what the…?! What’s going on?” I heard a lame-voiced foal whimper. I laughed louder with clear malice.
“You, my pathetic little tyrant… are about to have the greatest Nightmare of your life.” I said, laughing up a storm… literally. With that, I poured my magic into his head, flashing away the current dreamscape for something a little closer to home… my home that is. He was now aboard the USG Ishimura. I watched with glee as he started exploring cautiously.
“What the hay is this place?” he asked shakily, probably hoping I was still there. I chuckled, echoing my voice throughout the place.
“Welcome to my special hell. Even I would be afraid of this place… if I were there. Just watch every corner you can see, even the ceiling. If you aren’t careful… you could die.” I warned. With him thoroughly scared now, I almost left… but then I felt something intruding into his dream.
“Gifted? Gift, please, wake up! It’s just a-” I cut the voice off with a scowl, recognising that it was the kid’s mother, worried about him. Let the bastard suffer. You have no idea what this little bitch did to Twilight.
“Oh, don’t listen to that nag… you need to suffer for what you did to little Twilight.” I said, my voice clearly filled with more hatred.
“T-twilight?! What the hay do you mean, what did I do to deserve this?!” He asked, more afraid than ever.
“Two words. Diaper Dance.” I growled. Right then a Brute Necromorph smashed through a wall and beat down on the kid, and I watched with absolute bloodthirsty glee. The dream reset when he died, and he curled up shivering.
“I-I-I’m sorry! Please, let me go, I won’t ever do it again!” He begged. I dropped a Slasher Necro into the room with him, slowly stalking towards him.
“Let me tell you something, Brat. Twilight Sparkle is one day destined to become an Alicorn Princess, right alongside Celestia. Needless to say, she will remember you when that day comes. It’ll be up to you whether you get punished the day she sees you again after.” I ominously stated.
“WH-WHAT?! … What do I need to do?” He asked nervously.
“When you wake up, you need to redeem yourself. Every day you go without apologizing to everypony, even the Princess and your parents, I will plague your dreams with my best Nightmares.” I promised. The Slasher dispersed as I finally broke the dream lock. “Now wake up and apologize. Attone for your sins.”
The dream bubble burst as the foal woke up crying. I relished in the sounds of the four bully’s misery as they all woke up from the same dream. “Hehehahaha…. Oh how amazing it feels to be Dark when I can get away with it.” I laughed to myself. Shaking myself of those thoughts, I move on to setting another goal.
So, I suppose since I’m in the dream realm, and I’m the Tantabus, I can only interact with things here. I should try and find the right ponies to give premonitions or whatever to… Queen Chrysalis seems like a good start. Maybe her hive won’t be starving to death at this time, but I can convince her of several things, maybe hope things don’t spiral downhill too far or at all if I meet with her.
Determination boiling ever higher in my body, I set forth to find her dream.
Author's Note
Heya. Welcome to my newest fic, based on an RP I had with someone else. Just a warning, but there's gonna be some sexual content next chapter. As is typical when it comes to me and a certain Cheesequeen. Hope this fic is enjoyable, despite it being yet another "back to the past" kind of story. I seem to do a lot of those, don't I?
Chapter 2: Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite
“Oh where, oh where could my buggy Queen be? Oh where oh where could she be?” I sang idly as I searched the Dreamscape. So far, I’d had no luck, and only come across several changelings who had horrific nightmares about her. None of them knew her personally, just stories about her. Apparently she has bad rep even among changelings. But I didn’t learn nothing from the nightmares I visited. There were some concrete facts I got from those dreams, mainly the ones they all had in common.
Queen Chrysalis once ruled the Crystal Empire alongside King Sombra. The nightmares were mostly about him, but Chryssie was on the side enjoying the darkness the King spread. Sometimes I found the positions switched, but nothing too common. I paused as I came across another Changeling dream, indicated by the black, fanged hornet wings covered by an obscure cutie mark. This one was crowned though, and the dream was a reddish pink one. Curious, I looked into it.
Through the surface, I found the center of a hive, where a changeling, the dreamer in particular, was happily and gleefully sucking everything out of a pony… But something struck me as a little wrong with this picture. There was almost not emotion in the changeling’s eyes, like it was being suppressed or something… or at least how I imagine something like that would look if it was suppressed. Carefully, I crawled forth into the dream.
The dreamer hardly reacted to my intrusion. Pushing my luck, I floated further in, recoloring myself to match the dark surroundings. It worked thankfully, but I noticed something about the dream itself, and stayed still to avoid causing any alert. The edges of the dream rippled as something else came in. I stared intently, but hid my eyes. It was Queen Chrysalis. A quick check confirmed she was the real one, and not a construct.
“Now you see, Arachnea? This is true power. And we will need it… Especially if we are to stand against the damn ponies that attacked my daughter!” Chrysalis spoke with absolute contempt. Intrigued, I listened in.
“Yes, my Queen… Celestia shall pay for her crimes.” The drone mindlessly replied. The dream wavered in response, as if resisting the attempt to say that. This drone must not like Queen Chrysalis all that much if she has to fight hard enough to shake the dream.
“I’ll show them not to mess with a vengeful mother… Banishing the empire was forgivable. That wasn’t permanent. But my daughter’s scars…” The dream flashed red as Chrysalis’s anger pulsed into it. I fought that anger though, keeping it away from the drone.
“And so you shall. But I still advise against a direct assault.” The drone emotionlessly replied. “You will die if you ever discard subtlety. Those are your own words.” Chrysalis sighed.
“Ever resistant, aren’t you? But you have a point. As weak as the hive is getting, we wouldn’t stand a chance… We need an opportunity.” She admitted. She started leaving, sending her drone back to feeding. I formed up into my full self when I was sure she was gone.
“I guess things are a bit heated here. Let me free you real quick, I need some answers.” I said, stepping over and reaching deep into her mind. I found several green, magical limiters in there, each a complex matrix of spells. Using the Tantabus’s memory of Luna’s magic, I set to work dispelling them. In the blink of an eye, almost literally, I had the limiters destroyed, though it was mostly because of time dilation.
“W-whoa, what the…?!” The changeling stumbled back, scared of me, but then she realized what I’d just done. “Uh… Wow, thank you.” she muttered, still shocked. I gave her an eye-smile.
“No problem! I can’t just let someone suffer like that. No one should have the right to take freedom like that.” I said with a slight growl in Chrysalis’s direction.
“Uh! Wait, go easy on her! She’s just overprotective of us! She’s just doing what she thinks is best for us.” She quickly jumped to her Queen’s defense. I raised an eyebrow.
“How so?” I asked. I wanted to hear what justified this level of protection.
“She believes Ponies are a genocidal menace. Her daughter was just hurt, permanently scarred by their guards.I tried showing her she was wrong, but… It didn’t go as planned, and I just got a pony stuck and doomed to the same fate as any other in this hive.” She sadly answered.
“Well then, I guess I’ve got some sense to talk into her. I’ll see you around Arachnea.” I said with a smirk. I left the dream in short order, allowing it to fade behind me. Ahead of me, the bug-face dream with a crown on it hovered, going about to each of the… Whoa, that’s a lot of red dreams. Which means that’s a lot of angry bugs… I definitely need to talk to her now then. Rushing toward her dream, I dive in before she can reach any buggy else.
“Chrysalis, stop!” I shouted when I tumbled in. She turned around and stepped back in surprise.
“Who are you? And what are you doing in the Hivemind?” she demanded.
“My name’s Eclipse, and I’m stopping you from doing the same thing I did.” I announced once I was back to my hooves. Chrysalis raised her eyebrow, a subtle gesture to keep going. “You’re assuming, and letting your emotions rule you. That combo is infamous for having caused the most deaths.” I explained. Her eyes narrowed at me but I cut her off.
“The only thing you know for certain is that a Royal Guard hurt your daughter. You don’t really know if Celestia gave the order to do so or not. You don’t know whose decision it was.” I pleaded.
“And you do?” Chrysalis shot back, clearly expecting me to say no.
“I can find out easier than anyone you know.” I promised.
“I don’t want to hear it. If you can’t provide answers right here and right now, you're worthless to me.” she hissed. I paused to think for a moment… and chuckled darkly.
“Well, if you won’t listen, I’ll have to resort to extreme measures…” I said with a dark smirk. Chrysalis raised an eyebrow at me. “You see, just as I know specific point of the future, I also know various ways to torture someone. To humiliate, control, and break someone… If you refuse to control yourself, I’ll have to do it for you.” I threatened. Chrysalis scowled, and I felt a small pressure on my body and mind… but other than some minor discomfort, nothing happened.
“You’re surprisingly resilient to getting kicked out. More so than other dream constructs.” she growled. I grinned to her, though all she saw was my eyes shifting into a sort of deadpan glare.
“You need more than force of will to kick me out. Now, it’s my turn.” I grinned in that face melted smile Chara can do, before making a glitch effect coat the entire dreamscape. In that instant, I was hidden, and her dreamscape had been reduced to a black void. I chuckled to myself as she barely did more than acclimatize herself to the new environment.
“You must have experience then. I’m surprised you’re not freaking out yet, but then again… you have been around for a while, haven’t you?” I chuckled with a more pleasant tone. “Well… I say it’s time for a new experience, don’t you agree?” I suggested. I wrapped a shadow around her mouth to keep her from answering that.
“Now let’s see… have you ever been raped before?” I asked, immediately jumping on that one. Sexual torture was a torture I don’t believe many resilient people could stand for very long. Chrysalis’s reaction was priceless. She recoiled so hard, she actually went spinning a bit, and a look of shocked confusion left her face looking so ridiculous I had to laugh.
“Oh god, that face! Okay then, time to show you how fucked up a good rape can get!” I eagerly surged forth, taking the form of a stallion and climbing right onto her back.Chrysalis was quick to react, trying to buck me off, but all that accomplished in this void space was shoving the cock I’d formed right into the proper hole. Chrysalis yelped in shock as I thrust deeper in.
“And now, you’re powerless to stop me…” I taunted as I started thrusting more. She continued struggling, but it was all for nothing. I didn’t bother restraining her. It was fun to watch her struggle. I started speeding up as she slowed down, realizing the futility of it. Though maybe, judging from her moans, it was more likely she was losing herself to the pleasure.
Eventually, I realized I couldn’t just let my body take its course and cum on its own. I had to force it to happen. I sighed and rolled my eyes. The things a dream construct must do to enjoy himself… But this means I can basically have everlasting “stamina” in a way.
So, I shot a hot stream of my own mass into her, basically mimicking cum. Chrysalis slumped as I did so, squeezing my cock tightly, prompting me to keep it going. Her body encouraged more and more from me, and I noticed as I kept going that the more I “came” the more I shrank. I chuckle at an idea and keep it up, waiting until I was small enough to actually crawl into her. When I did though, I froze up as all light instantly cut off, and turned around. Rather than the void I’d left Chrysalis in, I saw a plate covering of chitten.
“Oh……” I muttered. I shrugged though, deciding I should probably finish what I started. I rejoined the rest of my mass in her womb, adding my consciousness to it.
“Heh…. heh…. What’s the matter? Realized you made a mistake?” Chrysalis chuckled tiredly. I just laughed right back.
“Not quite, little bug… I might be new to Dreamwalking, but I’m pretty sure control over everything related to dreams includes sleepwalking.” I shot back. I felt her tense up around me. I paused to think to myself, I just gotta figure out how… I once more dived through the Tantabus’s memories, and though it took some searching, I got what I was looking for. I nearly laughed as I realized I was already in the perfect position. The Ttantabus did it using the mouth, but you only have to be inside the dreamer’s body. With that, I myself settled in for a rest, basically going to sleep in reverse.
When I felt my body define itself more, I opened my eyes and looked around. I smirked, seeing I was in the Hive caves, and there were a few changelings around me, each one looking a little blank.
“Hah! It worked! Guess I can be like the Nightmare that got Luna, to some degree.” I muttered.
“My Queen?” The most free-looking drone asked in confusion. I chuckled.
“Sorry, Chrysalis is no longer in control. But then again, why should I be sorry? That’s a good thing for all of you guys. You’re all free to think for yourselves now. ” I issued the Hive-wide command, already adapting to the hive mind. Every changeling before me shook a bit, before looking around in wonder. Mostly at me though.
You… You bitch… What do you think you’re doing!? Chrysalis angrily demanded.
Preventing a fatal mistake. And of course, punishing you for not listening. I smugly shot back. Before long, the mental projection of tentacles I put into the dream had broken through that plate Chrysalis had locked me inside with and was now thoroughly raping her. Before the drones could really act beyond staring at me in wonder, another changeling stepped into the room with a slight limp and a shit ton of burns. Okay, yikes… I can see why you’re so mad.
“I just heard what happened… Why did you do it, I thought you were dead set on attacking?” the changeling sadly asked in utter confusion.
“This body’s under new managment, at least until your mom gets her senses back under control. Can’t have her going off and getting everybuggy killed.” I replied with a smile. The changeling, who I had correctly guessed was Chrysalis’s daughter, took a step back in confusion.
“Wh-what? What do you… You just…” She trailed off.
“Possessed your mom? Yes. Yes I did. Think of it like the Nightmare that Princess Luna became a thousand years ago.” I prompted. As I said that, I sent her the truth about Luna’s Nightmare to her over the Hive link. She gasped as she thought it over.
“Wh-what do you want?” She demanded, though half afraid.
“I just want to make the world a better place. Punish those who do wrong, prevent angry ponies from doing things they’ll regret… Basic Anti-hero stuff.” I casually answered. Some of the nearby drones chuckled.
“Well, you sure got her. I can still hear her moaning, even through the blocks you put on her.” one of them remarked. “She has so had this coming for a long while.” I chuckled with him.
“Hey, think you can do something to keep that whole lack of freedom thing from ever happening again? It’s not very nice being empty.” One of them asked.
“Oh, sure. Let me see, how can I phrase the command so Chryssie can’t get around it…” I thought about basically preventing Chryssie from ever making commands again, but then I thought about how what that would mean for dangerous, homicidal traitors… There would need to be some kind of justice system. I think I have just the model too.
“From now on, no command Chrysalis gives can pass without a majority vote. Whatever she tells the hive to do, the grand majority of the hive needs to agree. Though if it’s just a single command for a single changeling, I’d say it should mostly be a 6 out of 9 votes to pass. Can’t just shoulder the burdens of one changeling's command on so many of you.” I passed the command. It took effect immediately right then, and I felt the hint of that command being rejected… but then it was followed by a unanimous vote to allow it. I smiled with everybuggy present.
“Thanks. You… You’ve just done a lot for us.” Chrysalis’s Daughter, Jade Blossom if I’m picking up Hive chatter right, said with happy tears. I chuckled.
“Hey, a democratic republic works. I just introduced it to this hive. Hopefully this hive will be smarter about it than my old home was…” I muttered that last part with disdain for my old world. The hive mind was flooded with curiosity and confusion at that. I just broadcasted memories about my world, and some of the stupid things people have done.
“Oh sweet Faust…” Jade was speechless. “Okay, storing that in the Archive for future generations. Still… you’re an alien?” She asked in surprise. I nodded.
“Pretty much. Though I’m never going back, my world sucks.” I replied.
“Have I mentioned how weird it is to hear the Queen talk this way?” One of the drones uncomfortably spoke up.
“You aren’t the first. Sorry, but I’m just that casual. Anyway, I should probably get to work. Chryssie won’t get to forgiving until I find out who really gave the order to hurt her daughter. I plan to find out before taking any action.” I said, getting serious.
“You don’t think Celestia gave the order?” Jade asked. I shook my head.
“I don’t, but it’s best to find out for certain. Anyone up for impersonating a guard and getting information to Celestia? Or at least to her captain of the Guard?” I requested. I got a few volunteers in the hive mind, some who apparently were already in Canterlot. I picked the guy that was already a maid spy. No one suspects the maid cleaning your stained glass windows. Especially because no one looks up.
“Alright then, G- Wait, your name’s Genji? Wow, what a reference.” I muttered. Once again, I rolled my eyes as I sated their curiosity with my memories. “Let’s get the mission started… I’ll be watching closely.”
“Yes, my Queen.” Genji replied with pride and a certain accent. With that, I dived into the hive mind with my consciousness, and found his mind, latching onto it. This should be entertaining...
Chapter 3: Something About Sleep-Spying
Genji cautiously sent a glance down below at the Princess as he cleaned the stained glass windows in the hall she trotted through. He was taking a huge risk with this, but Risk was his middle name. He was confident he could alert the Princess of what had happened without alerting any suspicion from her. Once the Princess had passed and nopony was left in the hall, he dropped down and shifted into a pegasus guard. He swiftly ran to catch up with the Princess, but evened out his pace when he came within earshot.
“Princess, I have something to report.” He said when he caught up. “It’s urgent.” Celestia turned in surprise, and checked his badge.
“A Private… Why are you bringing this to me rather than your superior?” she asked.
“My apologies, princess… but I’m not certain who among the guard I can trust. I witnessed something while on duty yesterday, and…” He shook as if traumatized. “A contingent of the guard attacked… a creature, without provocation. This creature appeared to be attempting peaceful negotiation, but they used Cursed Fire without regard for it… I wanted to be sure you were aware of this.”
“I was not… This assault was not put into a report of any kind. If what you say is true…” Celestia said, clearly troubled. “What did this creature look like?”
“It was black and had large fangs, but it also had pony features like a short turquoise mane. It… looked kind of like an insectoid pony, actually.” Genji replied. Celestia groaned in realization.
“Damnit, we might have a war on our hooves because of those idiots…” Genji caught Celestia muttering. “My apologies, but I’m afraid I must attend to this situation. The guard attacking unprovoked is not something I can overlook, especially if the victim was who I think it is.” She said as she turned and teleported away. Genji smiled as he completed that mission, and moved on to the next. He needed to find out just who had attacked Jade.
Genji then left the throne room, looking for a guard the hive recognised. It took a long time, mainly from having to pretend he was on patrol, but not much came to bear. Many guards read rather dully to Genji’s senses, but still he investigated each one. One stood guard by the kitchen doors, firm in his duty and blindly loyal to the Princesses. Another one, resentful of his new post in the frozen north passed, but his resentment was caused by missing an opportunity to guard the newest embassy headed to the Gryphon Kingdom. However, one of the guards Genji found stood out. His armor held no enchantments, showing his true colors. This pony acted perfectly straight, as though he was having trouble getting them to work. But Genji could sense malice attached to his loyalty to the crown. That was pretty suspicious.
“Ugh… Damn this armor! Why does it have to short out on me now?!” the black coated pony complained. His amber eyes shot up to Genji as he entered.
“Guess I’m not the only one that occasionally forgets to bring their armor to maintenance…” Genji chuckled out loud as he joined the pony’s side. Quickly he went over the scene, using his… er, the help of the Queen’s magic to dilate time perception for him to come up with a plan. Observing that the armor really didn’t have any enchantments on it, he made a decision. He’d plant his own on it.
“Yeah, but my shift starts now, and I can’t go without the right enchantments. Ugh… I might have to skip out on this one.” the black guard groaned.
“Hey, I actually know the enchantments. I learned them so I could take some work off the maintenance team’s shoulders when I had time. I could put them on for you if you’d like?” Genji offered. The stallion looked taken aback.
“R-really? Thank you, I’d really appreciate it.” he replied. “I honestly didn’t think anyone in the guard would do this for anyone…”
“Hey, it’s what I’m here for.” Genji said with a smile as he set to work. First, the color… “Besides, if the Guard can’t stand up for each other, then how are we supposed to stand up for Equestria?” he added. The black stallion nodded in response.
“Too true. I know there has to be more to protecting equestria than just standing around. I mean, what if we have something completely out of our league just next door planning to take over somehow? We have to deal with it.” he said passionately.
“Agreed.” Genji said genuinely. “The question is, who calls the shots? The nobles might be more inclined to point our spears at whatever they don’t like, and the Princess is too kindhearted to recognise when an enemy must be executed. Two extremes I’m not really a fan of…” he lied as he hid a monitoring spell.
“Oh, really? So you aren’t blindly loyal like most of the idiots on this force?” the pony asked. Genji shook his head.
“No. I don’t follow loyalty, I follow reason.” Genji replied. The pony smiled with his true colors, revealing his malice to a degree.
“Even if it means taking it upon yourself to kill that which could threaten our nation before it becomes a threat?” he asked. Genji stopped the enchantments, before quickly finishing them up and turning to the pony.
“Where do I sign up?” he asked with false malice.
“The general, Reaper. Go speak with him if you want to help us.” he replied curtly. Genji acted surprised.
“Wait, ‘us?’ how many is ‘us’ if a general’s involved?” he asked. The pony chuckled.
“You’ll just have to see. I’ll be waiting.” he said as he took the armor and left for patrol. Genji stood there, communing with his queen… er, the possessor, about what he’d learned.
“So a General’s in charge of this… and judging from the name, I know exactly who and why. But let’s meet him just to make sure.” Eclipse said cautiously. Genji sent his agreement. They needed more information. He had to dig deeper.
“Perhaps you could let Celestia know you’re going under cover. Find some way to tell her subtly.” Princess Jade said.
“Understood.” He replied. Soon he left with greater determination.
I smiled as Chryssie started to see things my way. I turned to Jade as I started releasing control. “It’s been fun, but there are other things I should be getting to. I’m going to shadow that pony Genji spoke to for now, but I’ll be back when I find out who leads these bastards.”
As I faded back into the dream realm, I lingered just close enough to the edge to hear what they would say next. “Good luck, Eclipse…” Jade said. She trailed off as she took note of the blank expression chrysalis was giving. “Mother… Are you back now?”
“Yes… Yes, I’m back.” Chrysalis replied, a tear falling down her cheek. Jade noticed, especially when Chrysalis grit her teeth jaw-shatteringly hard.
“M-mother!” Jade cried when she noticed Chrysalis’s lingering rage.
“It’s fine, I’m not going to order the attack again. This is… something I need to sort out myself. I’ll be in my chambers if anybuggy needs me.” Chrysalis said as she quickly took her leave. I left, giving her her privacy instead of sticking around to enrage her to the point where she’d actually find a way to hurt me, if possible.
Thankfully she wasn’t holding me in her anymore with that plate of chitin, so I had freedom to leave. The next pony I planned on visiting wouldn’t be asleep for a while thanks to the news I gave her, so until either Twi or Celestia fell asleep again, I was just gonna patrol the dreamscape. Though I’m not quite sure why there are still a ton of Dream bubbles popping in and out over in Equestria… Maybe I can find out why.
Chapter 4: Extra-dimensional Nightmares
Hmm…. Interesting. It looks like I can access ponies’ daydreams. Only for as long as they occur, but yeah… Still, this is an interesting development. It means I actually can contact Celestia in the middle of the day. I just need to get a good moment with her at Canterlot. Using the hivemind as a sort of Fast Travel system, I traveled my way to Genji’s mind and left there, quickly finding myself in the halls of Canterlot Castle. From there, I focused my magic on locating the Princess. The second it flared however, a piercing pain filled my mind.
“Ah... So, you finally show your face… I had thought you eradicated when I lost sight of you. Tell me, what have you accomplished outside of my control, little Nightmare?” I heard Nightmare Moon’s voice pleasantly ask. Almost right after, memories flashed across my mind. A memory of the Tantabus’s first moment breaking free, and getting used to the sensation, another of its first goal, and then the one when it was complete…
”I have gained my own free will, among many other things. You can no longer manipulate me, Nightmare Moon, for this puppet has cut its strings.” Something in me responded defiantly. I sensed a wave of anger crash against me, but the voice wasn’t done yet. ”You can tell Xavius his days are numbered. As is the corruptive power under which you’ve suffered.
“Wh-wha? Wait-” I tried to ask what was going on, but Nightmare Moon cut me off.
“You will regret this, my child. You and your little “champion” will be the first to fall once I deal with my sister…” Nightmare Moon’s voice called back. Soon after, either due to my magic failing or Nightmare Moon running out, her presence vanished. I was left panting, wondering what in the fuck just happened. Xavius? Why would the voice mention him? The Nightmare Lord was busy securing the Emerald Dream, wasn’t he? I mean, he was on Azeroth, which is in no way connected to Equestria… right?
The earlier voice sighed. ”I am sorry, my champion. I should have spoken up before. Now, we will be in danger ever more.
“Well that’s expected. But what the hell was that about Xavius?” I asked, laying the matter of being used as a willpower shield aside for later conversation.
“He is essentially the main cause for Mother’s current state. A loathsome one, especially as of late. He created Sombra as an instrument of corruption, one neither sister was fully capable of disruption. In the end, I hope my bluff proves fruitful. These Element bearers you’ve predicted will be crucial.” The voice responded.
“...You uh… really seem to be leaving a lot here to chance. I guess you were lucky enough to get me though.” I let her go on.
”Yes… Luck… you do seem to be made of it. At least you bear some wit. You seek aunt Celestia. I will show you the way, and hope we aren’t destroyed out of paranoia.” Tantabus offered, creating an arrow in my field of vision pointing ahead and to the left, towards the Guard Barracks. I smiled as I followed the arrow, ready to finally meet the princess. It’s been a while and already I can claim a number of feats. I just hope they’re enough to help my case.
Soon enough, I arrived at a deep violet daydream. I could already tell it was Celestia’s, what with the visions of having to battle other ponies once again… I pushed against the bubble lightly to step in, but it was like poking a bowling ball and expecting air. I tried again, but harder, trying to really dig my way in. Still, it didn’t give. It wasn’t until the fourth try that it occurred to me that there are other ways in… and Celestia may have found a way over the years to prevent Nightmares from reaching her.
“Your Highness… I’d like to request an audience with you.” I spoke to the daydream. After a few minutes of waiting, hoping it worked, I was answered with a golden flash. Curious, yet cautious of a trap, I ventured to enter again, and this time it gave way as easily as water.
“And here I thought you Nightmares would never change… Normally I crush your kind within a second of acknowledging your presence… but since you asked so kindly, what is it you’d like to say?” Celestia spoke evenly as I approached her in her currently pure white mindscape. Holy shit this woman… I thought numbly for a second, before clearing my throat of the lump that seemed to have appeared.
“I… I uh…” Wow. Very intelligent. Maybe a little more reason. And honesty. “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting to even get this far.” Something akin to amusement flashed across her face for a moment as she actually looked at me now.
“Let’s start with why I shouldn’t banish you back to whence you came?” she suggested. I chuckled nervously.
“Oh, there’s plenty. First off, Mom’ll kill me for becoming a renegade, getting my own will, soul, life goals and all that. Second off, I may have potentially averted a war between you and Queen Chrysalis, and third, while I may have given a small band of foals some minor nightmares, it was to teach them a lesson for forcing others to dance around in soiled diapers for their own amusement. Specifically a rather magically gifted unicorn by the name of Twilight Sparkle. I’ve actually promised her I’d personally safeguard her dreams. I’d rather not break that promise by getting utterly obliterated.” I listed.
“Hmm… Honest to a point… I’ll trust you for now. But tell me, how did you avert war?” Celestia demanded with a small hint more… something positive in her voice.
“I took over Chrysalis’s body when she was driven to rage by her daughter's injury. And I’ve also put in place a system to prevent any queen in that hive from having complete and total power over its entirety.” I boasted.
“Took over? How? You are just a dream construct.” Celestia asked, baffled and alarmed.
“Oh, I’m much more than that. All it took was a clear mind and enough determination to override hers, anyway. Her blind rage only made it easier. Besides, I found a soul. A Human soul. That gives me more power than I have any right to claim.” I told her evenly. Her eyes went wide, and for an instant, her daydream shifted into an utterly horrific scene. Buildings burned, ponies lying dead, rivers red with blood, and an armored human standing above it all with a sword lit aflame. Celestia tensed as she shook the image away, returning us to the white dreamscape.
“Yes, humans are terrible creatures… but though it may be rare to find one with more virtues than sins, this one… This one has seen death, horror, cruelty, and yet still remains within the light. His intentions are pure, despite some of his more questionable methods. In fact, he offers you a promise. He and I will help ensure that your sister is returned to you in a pure state. Even if it means consuming her corruption ourselves and sacrificing us in the process.”
Celestia stared in shock. For a long few moments, her expression made it clear she had not imagined such a thing was possible. That anyone, a human especially, would sacrifice themselves for someone they held no obligations to. She sighed then, looking away.
“As much as I’d appreciate that, I already have a plan. It’s already been laid out. I just need a student now.” She replied. I chuckled.
“I have two candidates in mind. Though… I’m certain you can find them yourself. One of them has hidden potential, one that will make itself all too obvious even a whole kingdom away when it is released.” Outside of those two though, is Moon Dancer. I have some special plans for her.
“Can you at least give me a hint? I need to find somepony as soon as possible.” Celestia asked. I nodded.
“The first will come looking for power… but she won’t understand until she and the second face off in that typical Hero versus Villain redemption thing the second will become so good at. The second as of now is still too young, and needs to grow first. She has yet to achieve her first magic surge… though you might find her when she has it just trying to take the test to enter your Gifted Academy.” I prophesied.
“How would you know any of that will happen?” Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.
“The human bears foreknowledge, thanks in part to a human invention of the current era, Television. Through it humans share animated stories, most thought to be nothing more than fictional entertainment. Especially one… which features this world.” I explained. Celestia’s jaw dropped.
“How far does this knowledge extend?” She asked, fascinated.
“That would be spoilers. I’ve already told you too much anyway.... Or would it even matter, since I’ve already changed the timeline? Ah, whatever. I’m planning several more changes, so my foreknowledge will soon become useless anyway. I’ll simply give you everything I know when you’ve taken on your second student. Before I go, there’s one question I have for you. Do you know who Xavius is?” I asked. Celestia turned her head in confusion.
“No, I’m afraid not… Do you?” she asked. I nodded.
“He is the Nightmare Lord. The whole reason mom was corrupted. He created Sombra, who infected Luna with his darkness… But Xavius resides in another world entirely. His current campaign is to turn a place called the Emerald Dream into a corrupted, dark, twisted image of itself. I plan to go there at some point to see if I can’t stop him… but not before befriending the ones who will bear the elements.” I told her. Those six are going to need real combat training before they can go, however. I might provide it myself, but it might be too harsh… ah, who am I kidding? They need to learn how to cope with something truly and genuinely trying to kill them.
“The… Nightmare Lord? When you go, I plead that you take me with you. If he can corrupt someone as strong as my sister, he must be very powerful. A being that powerful… The Elements alone won’t stop him, and we may need to weaken him first.” Celestia said urgently.
“That’s right… but I won’t be going until the Mane 6 unlock the raw power of the Tree itself. That’s when they will be at their most powerful. Until then, I have other dreams to watch over, several Domino Chips to set up… and an angry moon goddess to dodge.” I said as I turned away. “I’ll be back to report any changes… If mother doesn’t kill me first, anyway.”
“...Farewell for now then. And thank you for all you’ve done. Good luck out there.” She said her goodbye.
“See you around, Princess.” I said as I took my leave. As I left, I heard a distant roar… a familiar one. And if I was right, I didn’t want to be anywhere near the source.
”I’m afraid so. She can request resources from Xavius from any world his Nightmare has touched. The Twilight is but one variation of it mixed with other dark magics.” Tantabus replied. I sighed.
“Great. I hope I don’t have to deal with friggin Majora’s Mask. That thing was freaky enough in the games.” I groaned with a deadpan. Our conversation was interrupted by another, closer scream.
”I would suggest returning to Twilight Sparkle, my champion. Mother may seek her out to gain leverage over you.” Tantabus suggested.
“That sounds like a brilliant idea.” I muttered, half sarcastically. I was more worried about Twi as I said that though. I quickly started making my way to her, speed fueled by my worry. It didn’t take long to find her, but her Daydream wasn’t as constant as Celestia’s. She remained focused on whatever lessons she was learning, preventing me from reaching her.
But that changed nothing. I had to stay with her, no matter what. Until night falls, I won’t leave her side.
