Order by Destruction

by All Art Is Quite Useless

Rating: teen
Tags: Discord, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Princess Luna, Drama, Rainbow Dash, Other, Adventure
Length: 16265

Discord is roused from his age old sleep, Rainbow is visited in her own. The Princess of the Night has call for both of their services in a covert quest that will rock Equestria to its core.

Rainbow Dash has no experience in dealing with doctrines nor demons. In fact, she doesn't have any knowledge of their existence. When she is thrust head first into a steadily building catastrophe, she will have to put her life on hold in an attempt to do her civic duty.

Discord, however, has a history with these creatures, being almost as ancient as them, but after three and a half thousand years encased in stone, he is feeling a little stiff. He also doesn't want to be stiffed, knowing that one of the ponies who incarcerated him in the first place will not release him lightly; not without an ace in her mane. Especially not Luna, she disliked him especially.

Luna knows a great deal of the past: Centuries of research and innumerous amounts of time spent delving into magics that no unicorn could hope to perform has allowed her that luxury.

The princess realises that those who do not learn from the past are destined to repeat it. She also wonders which of her companions will be the most difficult to control. The only thing she knows for certain is that her sister cannot catch wind of the situation arising, nor of her plans to suppress it.

If Celestia found out, Equestria would never survive.

***

"It has been theorised that this great land once had another ruler, one that shaped and molded it into the place we now know. One far older than our fair princesses and those who came before them, one that breathed our ancestors to life. Of course, no amount of theological discussion can lead to any concrete evidence, and the teleological debates regarding the extrinsic value of our own land and technology is inconclusive also. Epistomologically, we must assume that there is no greater power than the entities which we are aware of, until it is shown otherwise."

Swirl, Star. The Extrinsic Elements of Metaphysics: A Compendium of Theory and Conjecture. Canterlot, Royal Canterlot Library, 2988 ND. 3rd edition.

Published 2017-06-23 19:50:06 UTC
Last updated 2017-07-09 18:15:05 UTC

Fractures

The split was almost satisfying to watch, complimented by a low, guttural rumble that shook the entire cavern's structure, small discordant lines beginning to form along the base of the surface, which then bathed the previously unlit cave in a garnet red light. Stalactites were exposed to the eye for the first in many lifetimes, their bodies laced with the deepest obsidian and indigo hues.

The streaks running along the lines of the jagged walls contrasted beautifully with the still growing cracks, which shone brilliantly, and with further intensity as they became more prominent in the stone. The iridescent light, the many visual wonders, they would serve to mesmerise and stupefy any that bore witness to them, and mesmerise they did.

Eventually, the cave's walls were tremulous, although it could not be said if the occurrence was steady or not. There was no concept of time in this place. The darkness was so strong, so heavily juxtaposed by the heat and radiance of the colour below, that if an onlooker were to close their eyes, they would likely see the scintillating kaleidoscope of light emanating from the surface below. How far below, it was impossible to say.

With the unfathomable passage of time came an increase in the magnitude of shaking, the crust slowly threatening to give way under the rhythmic pummeling of whatever forces lay below, wherever the quakes were birthed. The rocks hanging above teetered on the edge of oblivion, stolid fear plastered across their non existent faces. Should they have known anything, they would know that they would plummet soon.

The beat that the walls of the cave now unwittingly danced to was zealous, damaging, and inevitable. With each fresh thud, the glow of the cave's floor brightened, burning embers lifting, floating on an impossible breeze. There was no air in this place.

Of course, this did not impede the fire, which began to spout from the growing fissures in the cave's floor, seeming to expand with the walls of the unnatural grotto, filled with nature as it was. The result may have perturbed the remnants of the old setting, but they had no reason to fear, they would be a part of the lava soon, which the fire promply gave way to.

The fire was relentless, and moved in tandem with the earth's bouncing trance. The lava seemed to be rising, crawling up the newly formed crevasse and spilling out onto the new floors, cauterising the open, previously unharmed holes that might have been found in the serrated stalagmites that populated the varying levels of floor. Still, the centre of the surface held its ground, even as the larger cracks began to intersect, and the ground threatened to erupt.

When the earth blinked, the shuddering stopped. The lava began to recede, the cracks slowly closed in on one another, meeting their counterparts once again, and the effects of the core's convulsions began to fade.

It was almost satisfying to watch.

Then, an explosion of red light, and the lava splashed the surface with violent force, thickening and coagulating as it began to rise with vigour unlike what it had before.

With a blanket of lava coating the surface of the cave, the most resilient stone was pushed out of the way like many dead leaves. What rose from the abyss was unlike any manifestation or incarnation before it, nor after it. It was incomparable, despite its appearance being marred by the sheet of lava coating it as it slowly rose.

One thing, and one thing only could be described of the creature that continued to rise: Terror, sheer terror.

The fractures in the crust of the deepest underground cave matched the newly formed fractures in Princess Luna's mirror.

***

Luna panted, shuddered, and shook, hoof inexplicably outstretched. It took her almost ten seconds to register her own consciousness, and another twenty to notice her current pose. Opening her eyes, she allowed them to trail down her foreleg to her hoof, which was still pressed against the cold mirror.

Removing her hoof, she realised that it was shattered, which only served to remind her of the horror she had just witnessed. After a few seconds of consideration, she realised how messy things could have been if her head had still been inside the mirror when she had smashed it. Decapitation was difficult to come back from.

Luna turned, unable to bear the taunting shards any longer, and made to walk across her chambers. Another few seconds, and Luna realised a guardspony had been standing at the entrance of the doorway --around ten paces from her-- for some indeterminate amount of time. Luna scowled.

Just what we need, attention drawn to us. We will dismiss this guard swiftly. Luna turned, straightening her back and assuming her most regal, intimidating pose, addressing the guard. "You. Why are you standing there?" she demanded.

If the guard was bothered by this, he did not appear so, stoic as he was. "There was a smash in your chambers, your highness. I came to investigate out of fear for your safety, and found you unresponsive when I entered, for at least thirty seconds."

Luna flared her wings, her expression incredulous. "You think we do not know this? You would do well to remember that we preside over the night, we are in full possession of our faculties, and quite capable of functioning in our own bedchambers."

The gaurdspony didn't appear satisfied with her response, as his present frown seemed to deepen, ever so slightly.

"If you must know," Luna continued, "We detected an impurity on our skin, and upon closer inspection found the mirror's verdict to be false. Of course, the mirror is defective, and is of no use to us."

This gave the guard pause. "So... You smashed it?"

Don't give him an inch. Luna nodded with conviction, daring the guard to challenge her. "Precisely."

Apparently, he was slow on the uptake. "Why didn't you just, you know, throw it away?"

"That is a good question," she stepped closer to the guard, speaking slowly and deliberately. "Your presence is also of no use to us, what should we do with you?" her voice was almost silky, annoyance protruding from each syllable uttered.

An audible gulp was all Luna needed to hear; the bobbing of the guardspony's rather large adam's apple was a bonus.

Spraying her wings, her voice became cold and commanding once again. "Return to your post. If your assistance is required, you will be notified. Thank you."

When the previously steely guard left, his movements seemed clunkier, and a tad frantic.

Luna would almost be amused by the spectacle if she wasn't busy releasing the breath she had been holding. Had that guard been more suspicious of her actions, he might have notified Celestia.

Letting her body slump, she lifted her front right forehoof, inspecting the shards of glass her silver horseshoe had failed to block, shards she had walked on without complaint in an attempt to deal with the guard without drawing attention to her injury.

Allowing a dark aura to envelop her hoof, Luna quickly removed the glass, repairing the sinew of the small wounds, knowing the external knitting would leave the hoof slightly weak for a few hours. If she had a minute or two spare, she would be able to completely repair her hoof without much effort, but now, time was of the essence.

The time was now. Luna had seen it in her scrying, she had identified that which she had predicted would come, which she had feared and convinced herself was mere legend. Since her return, Luna had silently been formulating a plan as of how she might deal with these horrors, as impalpable as they were. Her plan was shaky, unfinished, and above all, risky, but she had little choice now.

If Luna did not act immediately, there would be no other opportunity to do so. If the matter was not handled with the utmost care, all that she and her sister had achieved in their long lives would be for naught. No longer would she have to protect her subjects from the terrible, bone chilling assault of night terrors.

She would have to protect them from far more real, tangible nightmares. Nightmares that could touch, conquer, and kill with impunity, nightmares that would see no distinction between night and day.

There would only be fire, offset by the most captivating darkness and woe imaginable.

She would gather them first, then she would slay them, bind them, destroy them.

Stepping onto her balcony, overlooking Canterlot in its nighttime splendor, Luna ignited her horn, casting out her consciousness, searching for her first recruit, the first that could assist her in her time of need, that must assist her.

Otherwise, all would truly be lost.

Recollection

The lonely wisps drifted apart; they had nothing left to anchor them to this world.

With the next cloud came another prismatic burst, redoubled energy allowed Rainbow Dash to push through the nimbostratus with little resistance, lightly dousing herself as she went, a welcome reprieve against the rising heat of an early summer's morning.

Each cloud bore a strange resemblance to a vague memory, one which Rainbow felt at the cusp of her consciousness, but couldn't reach out and grab. What was it? Why did the clouds seem so eerily familiar today? Her thoughts were interrupted by the call of her shift manager, Hail Diver.

"Rainbow Dash!" he called, the annoyance in his tone was obvious.

"Coming," she replied, absentmindedly. What the hell does he want? I'm working fine.

When she arrived, Hail's face appeared to be contorted in anger. "Rainbow, can I ask you exactly what think you're doing up there?"

This stumped Rainbow. "Uhh, busting clouds, sir."

"I can see that!" Hail barked, "You do realise the weather corporation pays us by the hour, right?"

Rainbow didn't follow his meaning. "Yeah, I'm aware of that, what about it?"

"You're clearing these clouds way too fast. The administration allots us four hours pay for a Friday morning, if you carry on at this pace we'll be done in less than two. I'm not taking a pay cut because you want to outshine us all."

"Wait, what?" Rainbow leaned into him, sceptical, "You're telling me that I'm actually doing too good of a job?"

Hail nodded impatiently.

"And you're pissed at that?"

Hail sighed. "Cloudchaser has already had to slow down significantly so we don't complete the schedule too quickly, carry on at this rate and I'll have to send someone home."

"Then I'm just picking up the slack for Cloudchaser, right?" Rainbow stated as if it were obvious.

Hail gritted his teeth. "You don't understand this very well, do you, Rainbow? This isn't a race, this is real, laborious work, and I can't have you showboating us all out of almost three hours pay. Maybe you don't care about the money, but I'm pretty sure the rest of us do."

Hail's words clicked in Rainbow's mind, she knew he was right. "Sorry, boss, I've just been a little floaty today, you know what I mean?"

"Not really, what do you mean? We're all floating," Hail deadpanned.

"Uhh, preoccupied. My head, I mean," Rainbow scratched at her mane, hanging limply as she spoke.

"You in a rush to be somewhere? I can always give you the day off if you're happy to forgo your pay."

"More like in a rush to not be somewhere," Rainbow muttered, eyes unfocused.

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing, just thinking about stuff."

Hail's face softened somewhat. "Well, if you're nervous about something, getting your job done faster isn't going to help. If anything, you should be grateful for the distraction, it gives you a chance to kill time."

"Yeah, I know, I'm just a little confused right now," Rainbow admitted, her tone reluctant.

Hail caught her eyes, then shot her a grin. "Just because us snails can't keep pace with you doesn't mean you have to go nuts with the cloudbusting. It's not like it'll even get you a promotion, they're solely experience based. You're a talented flier, Rainbow Dash, and I'm sure you'll do great with the Wonderbolts one day, but for now, we're only looking for mediocrity, the weather in Ponyville rarely calls for more than that."

Don't I know it, Rainbow stifled a groan and nodded, returning to her shift with lacklustre movement.

Rainbow attacked clouds with subdued kicks, and sat to watch as they became vapour, instead of speeding off to the next one. Her midair stroll to the next target, wing-beats slow and rhythmic, was languorous and sleepy.

Inside, Rainbow was alert. While she had not been paying attention to her work all morning, her body worked on instinct without her needing to command it, leaving her brain free to think, rethink, and overthink.

Only now that she had been forced to slow her movement did she realise just how much she was thinking. Every aspect of the night before was coming back to her. The strange dream that she still wasn't completely convinced was real, the vague warning of a threat to Equestria, the possibility of her having to leave Ponyville.

As she stared at her newest victim, a large fluffy rabbit-tail looking thing, she wondered just how much she would be leaving behind. Her job was pretty boring at the best of times, and her friends all had busy lives anyway, would they even notice if she was gone some of the time?

Rainbow grit her teeth, drawing closer to the bed she'd been ordered to destroy. She was sure they'd tell. Would they think she had abandoned them? Would she be given an alibi? Would she only be gone for days at a time, or weeks?

Part of Rainbow knew that her purpose as an element bearer was to protect Equestria, so by helping Luna, she would be fulfilling that role. But behind Celestia's back? My friends too? That doesn't feel very loyal.

The cloud was slowly drifting away as she stalked it, it wasn't going to get away that easily. But then, Luna said that it was better this way. And also, if I'm really going to help her save everything, isn't this the best thing I can do? Honesty is Applejack's thing, really.

When she reached the cloud, she found herself stroking it idly with a hoof. To Rainbow, cloud walking was second nature, but she still couldn't help but find it strange how something so light could be so impossibly palpable. Again, she felt a strange sensation, as if she had touched this cloud before, had these thoughts somewhere else, in another time. It brought her comfort.

After a long period of consideration, it came back to her. The dream that she fell into, the dream that Luna put her in, the reality she had confined her to until she awoke. Of course, Rainbow had woken with a start that morning, memories of the night previous pouring from her mind, threatening to overwhelm her with worry. If only she had had time to process it, rather than having the memories cast away for the rest of the night, she might be in better form today.

Growling low, she punched the cloud out of existence, her sympathy for it had expired.

From that moment on, she was sure to have some excitement in her life. Regardless of the consequences, Rainbow knew this for certain. Caught between an anxious thought and a yearning hope, Rainbow fought on, slowly dominating the clouds, purging them from her skies.

Each cloud was another question, another attack. Will I have to fight some ancient monster? Excitement and nervous trepidation filled Rainbow with this idea, but was quickly replaced with eagerness as she considered the possibility of the elements of harmony. Maybe Luna hasn't thought of that! Maybe, we can get the gang together and blast whatever this thing is right back into tartarus!

A dark, low cloud represented doubt. Probably not. Let's be honest here, the princess probably knows a lot more about this stuff than me. Determined to bring it up anyway, Rainbow found herself asking a variety of questions, some aloud.

She wondered about cool armour and mythical creatures, she wondered about awesome fights and heroic feats. She thought about showstopping abilities and amazing sights. Rainbow thought of many things, but each consideration seemed to link back to the same, ever-present dread.

Am I really cut out for this? Can I even help?

Behind her, the lonely wisps drifted apart in her wake; banished from existence.

The Alibi

"More grapes?" Celestia asked, levitating a regally engraved ceramic pot before her sister.

Luna was tired; Luna was exhausted. Last night, following her encounter with Rainbow Dash, Luna had retired from her usual role policing dreams in favour of finding her own sleep, something she didn't do lightly. Luna took the dreams of her subjects very seriously, knowing that there had been no one to protect them for such a long time, that her ponies had not been allowed to feel safe in their own minds for as long as she had been absent.

But now, a far more physical and immediate threat dwarfed the possibility of a few nightmares. Knowing this, Luna had tried to rest, recover her strength and be prepared for a new day, one that she knew would not be easy.

Sleep had not come quickly, and when it did, it was plagued with her own nightmares. Luna had expected this, but not of the kind she witnessed. Canterlot burned, a torrent of flames. Misshapen and ghastly horrors roamed the streets with impunity, carving their paths through buildings, through the mountains, through the bodies of those who stood in their way.

At the forefront of the madness, the terror from her visions began to take form, repugnant in its own regal splendor, it killed, maimed and destroyed indiscriminately, although its eyes were focused upon Luna the whole time. The way its eyes bored into her, if she could even convince herself they were in fact eyes, led Luna to wonder just how fabricated her dream might be.

Was it a dream, or a premonition? Her foresight told her that such a future was possible, but it also highlighted other, happier futures, as well as versions that were so dark and filled with despair, she couldn't bear to acknowledge them more than they forced her to. Which was more likely, she would not dwell on. Odds and statistics had a way of diminishing hope.

Luna could still see the same harrowing scene when she looked into the bowl that Celestia presented, the bowl that she had been levitating for at least fifteen seconds now. Shaking her head and widening her eyes, she went to make an apology for her insolence, but Celestia held up a hoof, silencing her.

"I know that you're tired, Luna, you must have been awake most of the night. Please, take your time, it doesn't bother me in the slightest, I promise." Celestia smiled warmly, she only wished to comfort her sister, that much was clear.

Celestia was so ignorant, it made for a strange and oddly satisfying shift of pace, but Luna was too tired to indulge in her own vanity at this moment. "We do not mean to startle you, dear sister, but the night gave us little sleep."

"I can tell, even your dark coat doesn't hide the bags under your eyes," Celestia winked, "I'll hold senate alone this afternoon, you should catch up on your sleep."

There are bags under our eyes? Luna scowled, immediately charging her horn and releasing a black jet of magic onto the table she sat before, making a dark, chrome, reflective surface. Scrutinising her face for a few moments, and finding no particular abnormalities, her concentration was broken by a wave of giggles, causing her to jolt up in a fresh wave of anger, knocking her seat back. "Do not make us fret over our appearance when there isn't a thing to be found! Bags can cause wrinkles!"

By now, Celestia was wheezing with laughter, a hoof covering her mouth, although she clearly was only attempting (and failing) to hide her amusement in an effort to appear guilty for her prank. Luna waited patiently for her sister to finish, all too familiar with these little games.

When the last giggle sounded and her laughter abated, she eyed Luna with what might have been construed as regret, if it wasn't for the slight glint in her eyes that betrayed her entertainment. "I'm sorry, Luna, it's just that you fall for it every time," a small chuckle, Luna remained silent, "But really, wrinkles? Considering our age, I'd think if you were going to start wrinkling, you would have by now!"

"If that's the case, how have you managed to form such prevalent laughter lines over the last thousand years?" Luna retorted.

Celestia's chuckle was caught in her throat, she eyed her sister with worry. "You're serious?" she asked in a strained whisper.

"Come and see for yourself," Luna motioned towards the arcane mirror before her, and Celestia immediately shot up, just for a small slanting smile to appear on Luna's lips. "Looks like we are not the only one that worries. Now, enough of this folly."

Celestia took a seat, sighing in relief, before staring heavily at Luna, clearly not amused.

Her glare could slice us in half right now, fix it quickly. "Please, do not be upset, we meant nothing by it."

"No, no, it's fine, I poked at you first, I deserve what I got," Celestia huffed, looking away.

"Sister."

Celestia refused to meet her eyes.

"Celestia," at that she turned, "You are still every bit as beautiful and young as you were when we were small, we assure you. Now, we beseech you, please stop sulking."

The whole time, Celestia looked at her with petulance, until the last sentence, at which she released a snicker. After a few moments of silence, they both burst out laughing simultaneously, Celestia throwing a couple of grapes in Luna's direction, both of which she caught in her mouth with uncanny agility.

"I'm surprised you've got the energy for darting around like that. Shouldn't you be getting to bed soon?"

This is the moment we've been waiting for, let us hope that she's distracted enough to buy it, Luna smiled softly, unconsciously quelling the growing worry of attempting to deceive her older, more powerful sister, before beginning to speak. "Nay. In fact, we have something scheduled for this afternoon."

Celestia smiled warmly, "The senate? I've already told you, Luna, rest, I've got it covered."

"That's not what we were alluding to."

"No?" Celestia asked, displaying light confusion. "I'm sure I haven't overlooked anything, did somepony call for a snap audience?"

"It is naught so concerning," Luna said with perfect calm, as if there wasn't something incredibly concerning eating at her, "It is a private affair."

If Celestia was interested now, she was doubly, no, triply so now. She leaned in, tilting the table slightly as she rested her forehooves atop it, and gave her sister a scandalous look. Giving the room a conspiratorial glance, although she knew it to be empty, she spoke in a hushed tone, albeit an excited one. "Is it a date?"

Luna's heartbeat skyrocketed, she had not expected that. Of all the questions she had expected of her inquisitive sister, she managed to ask one that threw her completely. Jolting, she stuttered, trying to maintain the integrity of the lie in her mind as she spoke it. "N-No, 'tis nothing so egregious, we have not met such a pony, do not be absurd."

Celestia's eyes narrowed and she began grinning ferociously. "You know, if I remember rightly, that word used to mean something pretty different in our time."

Celestia's eyes put pressure on her, how did she make such a ridiculous assumption with so little to go on? "You know not what you speak of! If there were a pony in my life you would be the first to hear of it, of course," Through her deflection, she couldn't help the visible heat in her cheeks, the conversation was embarrassing.

For a second, Luna thought this might spur on Celestia further, but she seemed to relax somewhat. "Alright, alright, I'll take your word for it, only because you seem so determined that you're not seeing anyone. However, if that isn't the case, then what are you doing?"

Wait, we can use this to our advantage, Luna harrumphed, briefly appearing upset, before speaking with a slightly exaggerated --but nethertheless real-- irritation in her tone. "Not that it is any of your business," Luna grouched, "But we happen to be meeting another pony," Luna noticed Celestia's eyebrow raise and grit her teeth, "Platonically, for some assistance with our flying."

"Your flying?" Celestia echoed.

"We've hardly had any chance to practice since my return, we are interested to know what our current abilities are."

"Interesting..." Celestia mused, "Who are you meeting?"

"Does it matter?" Luna wondered aloud, casting a questioning look at her older sister.

"If it doesn't matter, you'll tell me, won't you?" Celestia countered, grinning.

Rolling her eyes, Luna caved. "Fine. You already know of Rainbow Dash, of course."

"Her?" Celestia pondered, eyeing Luna with a strange look that she couldn't make out. "Hmm... Yes, I can see why you would choose her."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Luna snapped.

"Nothing!" Celestia smiled, Luna wasn't convinced. "Nothing," she repeated, "Just that it would make sense to have such a fast flier train you."

"If we wished for training we would favour experience over ability. We wish to race."

"You're sure about that?" Celestia asked, appearing concerned, "I know how much you hate to lose."

"This is not a foalish game, we aren't expecting to win with no challenge."

"If you were any other pony, I'd tell you to give up, I've seen her fly before. But of course, you and I aren't just any other ponies. Still, I'll wish you luck now, you'll need it if you want to stand a chance," she winked.

Luna grunted in agreement, reaching for some fruit with her uninjured forehoof. Was that a play on words? Stop toying, Celestia, We've too much on our mind right now to deal with your silly whims. Regardless, she had bought it. It hurt, having to lie to her sister like that, but Luna knew that it was for the best. Under no circumstances could Celestia discover the mission they were about to undertake, the results would be far too perilous, that she saw no alternative to, no matter what angle she looked from. Now, the haphazard plan was almost afoot, and she wasn't one iota less nervous than she was the night previous.

***

Rainbow sat alone in a carriage on a train destined for Canterlot, a saddlebag hurriedly half filled with random items sat before her. It built credibility, she had told herself.

Of course, sitting in a train carriage, alone, and staring out the window wasn't the best way to rationalise the still immensely confusing events of the night previous, but Rainbow was doing her best. At times, she was calm, almost relaxed, and almost forgot the reason behind her excursion, considering it as a normal circumstance on a normal day, but these moments were fleeting.

Around fifteen minutes into her journey she began to consider Luna's words, which by then had come back to her in some clarity. Luna had asked her to take the train specifically as Canterlot's guards kept an eye out for things that arrived unconventionally. Did that mean that she might have been watched otherwise?

This idea disturbed Rainbow, and lent support to other, more paranoid ideas, centred around how recognisable she might be to others. Of course, of all the cities that might recognise her, the one where the two royal sisters lived was pretty high on that list, considering her and her friend's actions to free her from Nightmare Moon, as well as the events of the gala, which were only weeks ago.

Would ponies wonder why she was there? If she told her story, would anyone believe it? What if she wasn't allowed on palace grounds? Would Luna herself come down to let her in, or would that be too obvious? Did Luna's guards know she was due to arrive, and how would Rainbow even tell them apart from Celestia's?

Rainbow knew that if she were to be arrested, a royal pardon from Luna could possibly be overruled by Celestia, and then her chances of joining the Wonderbolts would be effectively down the drain. Not only that, but Luna said that Celestia can't know, I need to be careful.

By now, Rainbow's leg was shaking in anticipation. When the train pulled in, would she walk, or fly? Should she move slowly, or quickly? Act as if she's lost and ask for directions, or head straight to the palace? Take a scenic route, maybe? Did the palace have a backdoor? If she broke into the palace and was caught roaming the halls, would the guards attack her, or would they recognise her and take her to Celestia? What if--

"Tickets Please--"

"I'm racing with Princess Luna!" Rainbow screamed, chest heaving, causing the conductor to fall back into the carriage door, startled, glasses in disarray.

When he straightened himself out, he smiled compassionately. "I'm sorry filly, did I wake you? That must have been a wonderful dream."

After a few heaving breaths, the kind conductor's words registered in Rainbow's mind. "Huh? Oh, yeah, uhh, good dream!" That was really unconvincing, "Yeah," Rainbow continued with more gusto, "We were flying, and then we raced, and I beat her! It was really beautiful, and there were loads of clouds, and I loved it!"

The conductor looked at her with an eyebrow raised, slowly nodding.

Maybe a little too convincing, shut it. "Uhh, anyway, tickets..." Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck with one hoof as she fumbled about with the other, producing a return train ticket from her saddlebag, probably the only useful thing in there.

The conductor peered at them briefly before shooting Rainbow a small smile, letting himself out. Rainbow collapsed back into her seat, barely resisting the urge to bury her face in her hooves.

Hey, maybe this mission thingy won't kill me. Maybe I'll mortify myself to death first.

Startling Discoveries

Princess Luna looked down upon the palace grounds, her eyes searching this way and that, her mind so conscious of the passing time. The sight of the glowing sun, majestic in its splendor, warmed her body, but not her heart. Its visage only sought to remind her of the danger she was in.

Pacing across her balcony allowed her to order her thoughts. It did not allow the same incorporeality that dream walking might, but it was a worthy substitute. Following her lunch with Celestia, she had retired to her chambers. If anyone were to see her so restless, they might assume she was having difficulty sleeping, or maintaining a constant patrol over the city she protected. If Celestia were to see her, she would likely assume that she was nervous for her meeting with Rainbow Dash.

Celestia would be correct in that presumption, but not for the reason she believed. Luna was aware that she had been looking out for Rainbow's arrival since far earlier than she was due to arrive, but this fact didn't diminish her worry, nor did it stop her from constantly looking. Luna had realised something shortly after waking that morning, but had no way to securely communicate it to Rainbow. In fact, she thought further correspondence before their meeting might worry Rainbow even more.

Luna understood that Rainbow might appear as nervous when she arrived, as she was likely to have overthought the events of the night previous, despite Luna's attempts to soothe her mind when their conversation had concluded. Her nerves could likely be played down by the pretense that she was about to compete with one of Equestria's rulers, but if she appeared to be hiding her fear, things could seem to be much worse.

What worried Luna most was Rainbow's time of arrival. Of course, the meeting had not been formally scheduled, and an official event is exactly what the princess didn't want this to look like, it had to be casual and nonchalant. If Rainbow were to arrive early, or precisely on time, it would be difficult to explain.

As such, Luna felt a tight breath of relief unfurl from her chest when the clock hit 2:01 PM, and Rainbow still was not present. Now, even if she were to arrive conspicuously, profusely apologising and making excuses, it would appear more natural to the situation. Rainbow Dash could potentially be a great asset to Luna, but she was no actor.

A few minutes later, a new worry passed over the princess. Have we put too much faith in this one? Luna didn't wish it to be true, but still there was no sign of her. Perhaps the value of loyalty has lessened since our time. The swithest of her time yet she moves afeared and without haste? Luna closed her eyes, halting her body in sequence, although her tail wouldn't remain still no matter how she willed it. Restrain these assumptions, they're without merit. Rainbow has not failed you yet, only behooved you. She will arrive, we must believe that.

Luna voiced her concurrence before opening her eyes, resolute, hoping that Rainbow would have appeared in the interim. Unfortunately, she had to wait another three minutes, but, as Luna had expected, her faith was rewarded, Rainbow had followed her instructions.

Luna was pleasantly surprised at what she bore witness to. While Rainbow's flying was slightly erratic, she landed just outside of the palace grounds, a courtesy, and proceeded to be checked over by the palace guards, neither of whom recognised her. When inside, she walked without duty or purpose, and Luna was not surprised. She had given Rainbow no specific instructions for this part. Luna wasn't about to fly down and greet Rainbow, not yet. There was no telling what she might blurt out.

An alternative sprang to mind, and Luna quickly put it into action. Reaching out with her mind, Luna swam through the empty space all living things inhabited, occasionally brushing against an errant thought or a transient feeling. Once she had waded through the pool of life surrounding her, she eventually found her target, delicately brushing against Rainbow's consciousness.

However, there was an issue. Completely unprecedented to Luna, there was a wall surrounding Rainbow's consciousness. How is this possible? Only unicorns are capable of mental deflection, this makes no sense. Persistent, Luna poured her thoughts and feelings against the wall, a light trickle of rain against stone, but to no avail. In fact, Rainbow's mind actively rebuffed her efforts, pushing and forcing the alien entity out of her mind.

Downstairs, Rainbow had paused where she stood, her appearance vacant, and her body locked up. This is not good.
If she is not soothed she will panic, we must fix this. Luna retracted her earlier thoughts, allowing them to spin and coalesce, the soft droplets from earlier forming into an immense wave that would breach the wall that stood before Rainbow's mind, allowing her to speak unimpeached. When Luna fired the fresh, more intense wave, she was still met with resistance, violently clashing with Rainbow's barrier rather than bursting through and engaging her as she had planned.

Clearly, she had underestimated the power of Rainbow's fortitude. Upon dismissal of the wave, Rainbow's wall began to move towards Luna, slicing through the spiritual cacophony that separated them and encroaching upon the bastion of her own mind, moving spastically in an effort to crush her own thoughts. It was clear to Luna that despite the raw power of Rainbow's defence, which was almost staggering, she was completely untrained, as she left cracks in what would otherwise be an impenetrable train of thought. Luna knew she had the power to overwhelm Rainbow if the situation necessitated, but didn't wish to damage her brain.

Still, she could not withstand this bombardment for much longer. Moving her thoughts with precision, Luna sharpened a lance of arcane brilliance, driving it at one of the cracks in Rainbow's assault, wedging it inside and making the wall split. In her mind, Luna heard a howl of pain, and suddenly, briefly, their thoughts were connected. Nghh, get out! the voice screamed, terrible and blood curdling, but retaining that familiar rough crack. The fact that Rainbow's spirit was so ferocious, so determined, it was almost enough to distract Luna, but she had gained the opportunity she needed.

Luna wanted to open her eyes, to check on Rainbow, who she was sure would still be locked in place, attempting to wrestle Luna away from her thoughts, but she knew she had to curb her attack now, lest she reenter her body under the influence of the same defensive rage. Besides, she had her opportunity. Focusing on the newly formed crack, Luna began to pour every ounce of her companionship and goodwill into it, seeking to quell the primal instinct of Rainbow's mind.

Eventually, her attack abated, and with it, her resistance. Luna took this opportunity to forcibly seize control of Rainbow's consciousness. She knew it was ill advised, with her still standing in a public area as she was, but she could not risk doing so out in the open. Rainbow's sphere-like consciousness convulsed and twitched as Luna wrestled it into submission,. It felt desperate and longed for its freedom, but Luna could give it none. Eventually, her giant will was restrained, yet it still struggled in earnest.

Luna felt Rainbow's emotions wash over her, piercing her walls had caused this effect. She saw memories of days spent in the company of her friends, nights laid in her bed, staring at her walls and ceiling in solitude, a cloud slowly fading in the air. She heard Rainbow's confusion, her fear, and she cast another ray of reassurance upon it, calming her enough that she might finally speak.

Ugh, w-what the hell are you?! Rainbow's consciousness yelled.

If Luna had anticipated any of this, she would have flown down to greet her in a heartbeat. Rainbow Dash, please, relax. It is Princess Luna. We sought to make contact with you, we did not expect you to resist us.

Silence persisted for a few seconds, Luna could feel Rainbow digesting this information. What's going on? H-How are you... Rainbow's growing alarm thrashed against Luna's grip, You're... You're in my head? another moment passed, and Luna felt another spike of resistance, unexpected and painful. How do I know you're really Princess Luna, huh?!

Luna poured memories of Rainbow's dream the night before into her mind, all from Luna's perspective, of course. Does this bring you assurance? Luna was sure Rainbow pushed against the memories, a small salient, but eventually they passed through her.

N-Not really, but I'm kind of in a position where I need to trust you, huh?

Indeed. You asked how we are inside your mind, and we will answer you that. We are using a mental link to communicate with you, one that has been used to steal thoughts and destroy minds by far more sinister magicians, but a simple conversation was my only intention. As a pegasus, you should have had little to no barrier, but your aptitude for mental battle is astonishing.

Hold on, so I'm supposed to believe you just forced yourself into my head for a chat? Not to mention you putting me in agony, and scaring the crap out of me. Luna could feel the bitterness pouring from Rainbow, but it didn't stem from this occurrence.

What is disturbing you, Rainbow. Tell us so we may resolve it.

You messed with my head! Rainbow's consciousness fiercely accused.

Your froward stance made it inevitable. Your resistance was like a brazen gyve upon our hooves. Luna stated solemnly.

For a moment, Luna thought she had lost Rainbow, and almost began to panic....I have literally no idea what you just said.

Luna sighed, half irritation, half relief. We had no choice, Rainbow.

Oh, really? I think you chose to put me in some lullaby super happy dream, or maybe I'm wrong?

Luna's mind went slack. Come again?

My cloud dream! After we finished talking! I even remember you watching me fly! Don't try and pull one over on me,
I know you were just trying to placate me, or mollify me, or something! Rainbow was panting between breaths, despite the magical nature of their link.

Alarm shot through Luna. How could she know of that? Our power over dreams is unmatched, she should not have remembered!

Erm... You do know I can hear you, right?

Hush, Rainbow, allow me at least the illusion of reticence, Luna snapped.

"If you insist," Rainbow laughed, her voice chillingly external.

Luna could feel the patterns of Rainbow's voice emerging from somewhere far beyond her mind. What did you just do? Luna demanded, feeling more perturbed and undermined with each passing second.

Uhh, can you open your eyes? This feels weird.

Our eyes? It took a moment for Luna to remember that she did indeed possess eyes, and a whole body outside of this construct. She reached out toward them, maintaining her mental contact with Rainbow as she did, and slowly forced them open, looking over the scene before her as a spectator, although the sight was enough to make her physically jump back in fright.

There, before her, impossibly and unfathomably, was Rainbow Dash, perched on the edge of her balcony, looking at her with something between a frown and a laugh.

It took Luna a moment to realise that she was on her back. Somehow, Rainbow didn't burst into hysterics. Luna quickly leveled herself out, growing acquainted to the physical world once more, although her connection with Rainbow still existed.

Even once she was standing again, Luna was at a loss for words. When she found some, they struggled to come out. It was not often that the Princess of the Night had this issue. "H-How? We... We beat you into submission, how could you move? How could you even be aware of where you were going?"

Rainbow looked straight at Luna, but her lips didn't move to form a response. Well, it took me a while to work it out,
and I was really damn scared, but eventually I realised how easy it was to differ between the two states. It's like multitasking, you know? One part keeps you aloft, the other takes everything in. Although, I guess I flew up here, so that's three parts? I'm confused now. Still pissed at you, though.

Luna had expected Rainbow to have latent ability, but not of this level. She should have looked at her with indignation for her choice of words, but her incredulity trumped that with ease. It took her five seconds to realise that her mouth hung open, another five to formulate a response, her royal voice shaky, the cadence rudimentary and lacking. Enough. We are to keep this connection henceforth, understood? We should have a means to speak that cannot subtly be overheard, "Now," Luna continued, switching to vocal communication, which after the shocking marvel she had just witnessed, felt more comfortable, "We are glad that you have arrived. Honestly, we were worried that you might have caused a scene upon arriving, but you seem to have avoided that."

Rainbow's eyes narrowed, and she looked behind her at the cramped courtyard, many ponies walking through, conducting their usual business. "Are you sure, princess? Pretty sure I was standing down there for a looong assed time."

"Roughly five seconds," Luna corrected, glad to have an advantage over Rainbow again, "Things happen quickly in the mind when you ignore your physical self. Time does not work the same way as it does here."

"It doesn't?" Rainbow echoed, bewildered, "I didn't know that."

Of course you didn't, Luna thought, earning a scowl from Rainbow. "Damn it, we need to remember that. Nonetheless, now that you have arrived, we can begin."

"Begin what?" Rainbow asked this with both her voice and her mind, she seemed to be enjoying her new skill. Luna detected a rise in anticipation from Rainbow, but not from her mind, rather, it was how her wings fluttered.

"First, we are to meet an old acquaintance, then you're to receive a lesson of times ere, and we will begin to formulate our plans. All of your questions will be answered, Rainbow, I assure you."

Rainbow's wings stopped buzzing, she tilted her head at Luna. "So, what, a history lesson with some old dude?"

"Precisely," Luna nodded, glad to have the upper hand again.

"That's how we're gonna save Equestria?" Rainbow gawked.

"Well," Luna smirked, rising and signaling for Rainbow to follow her inside, "Not exactly, but it's a start."

Rainbow didn't appear to be thrilled by this news, but she followed her princess regardless. As they walked, Luna couldn't help but feel Rainbow's thoughts wander, skipping between each decoration and piece of furniture she saw, her interest wavering and increasing in random spikes, before she once again became bored and waited for the next thing to catch her eye. Her behaviour was so refreshingly awe-filled, Luna couldn't help but smile at it.

Curious Minds Rarely Listen

Soooo, Rainbow chimed, her tone upbeat, only physically betrayed by the gaiety of her stride, Does this mean I'm a magician now?

Well, actually--

Think about it! Rainbow cut in, her eyes settled on a portrait depicting the distant Roque Mountain Range, a place inhabited by pony colonists, and a slew of other creatures. I bet I could have a really cool nickname, like 'The Great Illusionist, Rainbow Flash!

Luna rolled her eyes. You are not a magician by any means, Rainbow Dash. At least, not yet.

Rainbow's eyes widened as she turned to face Luna. "You mean I will be one?! Brutal! Oh please tell me I can make fireballs, that would be so freakin' cool!"

"Rainbow!" Luna barked, eyes shifting left and right, searching for a witness. "From this point forwards, please assume we are never alone, and speak sparsely of such things. If you must communicate out loud, do so quietly."

"Heh, sorry, princess," Rainbow quivered, averting her eyes, "I wasn't really thinking," she squeaked, voice cracking.

"We urge you to consider your words in future," Luna mouthed, before switching her means of communication. In answer to your question, yes, you are likely capable of conjuring a fireball, given enough practice.

Rainbow's face began shining with glee, with an extra spring in her step, she began to perform something between a trot and a skit down the corridor. Luna barely heard her squeal the words "So. Cool!"

But it shaln't be easy. Unicorns are born with a means to channel their innate magical talent, the other races are not.
Where, pray tell, has your enthusiasm for magic come from, we wonder? It does not seem fitting to you.

Rainbow's eyebrows were straight as a sword. Let's just say there's a certain loudmouth unicorn I'd love to settle a score with. I can already imagine the look on her face! All 'whoah, how the heck did you do that?' and stuff, it'd be priceless!

Luna only had to think for a moment to realise who Rainbow might have been referring to. Does the unicorn you refer to happen to go by 'The Great and Powerful Trixie', by any chance?

Rainbow blushed, and her legs briefly appeared to lock up. H-how did you know?

Believe us, Twilight Sparkle thought it necessary to speak of her at length during our sister's last soiree, as if the letters hadn't already told us enough. Luna suppressed a physical sigh.

Yeah, well, she's a piece of work. I'm not surprised Twilight had a lot to say about her.

Luna couldn't help but smirk at this. That isn't how it came across. Besides, if you despise her so, why have you taken such inspiration from her stage name?

Rainbow cocked her head, now floating beside Luna. I don't follow.

Luna chuckled, glancing at Rainbow. 'The Great Illusionist, Rainbow Flash'? How very original, forsooth.

Hey, thanks! Rainbow smiled.

Luna's eyes bulged as she pushed back a heartier laugh. That wasn't a compliment, Rainbow. There's literally a syllable's difference, and the first two words are identical. If we knew any better we'd think you were aspiring to be like Trixie.

Pfft, h-hell no! Rainbow glared, I-I just don't know many magician names, alright? And I was hardly gonna call myself 'Rainbow the Bearded', was I?

Luna retained a catlike grin, deciding to push a little further. As we've told you, you're hardly a magician yet. Even so, you wish to track this pony down, and then what, challenge her to a battle of spells?

Well, maybe, Rainbow hesitated, Uhh, I've not really thought it through much, I guess.

Really? Because it seemed to be the first thing to cross your mind when you found out you could possibly perform spells. Be honest, Rainbow, is it indeed a matter of wounded pride that gave you this idea, or a hidden desire?

Rainbow spluttered hard. "Pfblghttt! W-What? With Trixie? Are you nuts?! I don't freakin' like her! I think she's a total charlatan with a stick up her flank, and it's about time someone showed her up!"

"Relax, Rainbow Dash, we are not serious." Luna grinned wide, watching Rainbow's disbelieving twitches. "You thought the Princess of the Night incapable of humour, did you not?"

"Th-that wasn't funny!" Rainbow Dash all but yelled, hugging her forehooves to her chest as if she had been wounded, her tone petulant and sour.

"Then we will exercise more caution in future, forgive us."

"It's fine, no biggie. Anyways, you wanna know why I could never be like Trixie?"

"Please, we're all ears."

"Well," Rainbow grinned, "I don't think I could take myself seriously if I spoke in the third pony all the time. Like seriously, who does that?"

Luna snickered at this. "The third pony, hmm? Yes that does sound preposterous."

Rainbow looked about to laugh before she didn't. "Wait, what?"

"You sought offend us, did you not? We do not speak in the third pony, Rainbow, but the first. What you are bearing witness to is majestic pluralisation, it is used by those who speak for a nation, most commonly. Try harder next time."

"But, you're not speaking for a nation all the time, are you?" Rainbow mused, choosing to ignore Luna's last remark.

"We always have our subjects in mind," Luna rebutted.

"But don't ya ever say anything for yourself? Just for Luna, I mean?"

"Well, we suppose we do, ofttimes we engage in private discourse, and our opinions are our own. We have not thought of it in this way before."

"You sure there isn't more to it than that?" Rainbow eyed Luna as she spoke, noticing how taut her face had become.

"Most certainly, yes."

Although their pace had not changed at all, speaking aloud brought them to the end of the corridor swiftly, and they soon emerged into the royal gardens, their lavishness spanning as far as the eye could see.

Well trimmed hedges broke to allow entrance to one of the garden's many sections, a small metal door-less gate sat overhead between the gap, its gaps colonised by entwining vines and dark petals. To the left, a cobblestone path led to countless other displays of the garden's opulence, and beyond the small entrance, which appeared to sit in harmony with nature, a veritable sea of colour exploded in vibrant and fantastic hues which might have made Rainbow's mane look usual in comparison.

While Luna was sure that Rainbow had seen small areas of the garden before, during the gala, this was likely her first time witnessing one of its central facets in the light of day. Her amazement was unprecedented for both of them, accompanied with a small gasp on Rainbow's part, and it warmed Luna's heart.

Luna outwardly considered that the brash speedster enjoying nature's gifts was an unusual sight, and a surprising revelation, but rather than chide Luna for having such a thought, Rainbow indulged her. Flittering her wings and taking to the air, she dipped and dived along the surfaces of the familiar landscape, her eyes alight.

It was only when Rainbow began sniffing a patch of flowers, her back arched, her hooves lightly shifting her weight back and forth and her tail swishing, that Luna could no longer contain her laughter.

Rainbow froze as she retracted her muzzle from the bed of flowers, feeling Luna's eyes trained on her, and in her alarm, feel straight on her haunches. "Uhh, heheheh... Ahem, I happen to like flowers, 'kay?"

"We were saying nothing on it, dear Rainbow. Our gardens are quite magnificent, are they not?"

"Yeahhhh, they're something alright," Rainbow hovered above, taking in her surroundings, "Honestly, last time I was here, I was spending so much time trying to impress the Wonderbolts that I didn't really get a chance to take this place in," she snapped out of it, "I mean, not that I would have rather been here, the Wonderbolts are way more rad than some garden."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Rad? We haven't heard this one."

"W-What?" Rainbow gawked, "You know, rad! Cool, extreme, killer, sick, badass, awesome!"

Luna nodded, speaking in a serious tone. "Ah, of course, rad, how could we not have guessed? However, if these Wonderbolts are in fact so rad, why should Equestria's fastest flyer have to compete for their attention?"

Rainbow pensively rubbed a pair of hooves together. "When you put it like that, it does sound weird, I guess."

"Our sister informed us just this morning that you in fact saved three member's lives whilst performing your signature sonic rainboom? Surely this is an achievement worthy of attention and gratitude, why should you need to impress them further?"

Rainbow flashed a wide grin as soon as Luna mentioned her heroics, one that turned to a grimace by the end of her sentence. "I don't think it's that simple, really," Rainbow angled her head so she was looking directly down at Luna. "You ever heard of nepotism?"

Luna scoffed, gazing up at Rainbow, her tail billowing like a flag in the wind, with incredulity. "You us asking me, a being many thousands of years your elder, if we have heard of nepotism? We were alive when the word was coined."

"Hey, you didn't know what 'rad' meant, I had to be sure!"

"Rad is different," Luna pouted.

"Anyways, if you know what I mean then surely you know my problem. Me publicly saving Spitfire's life like that kinda works to my detriment. I mean sure, she's gonna be grateful and all, but she probably can't be seen to be playing favourites by instantly accepting my applications, which is probably why I've yet to hear anything from them." Rainbow's voice sounded weaker as she spoke, with half the lilt and twice the squeak.

Luna nodded, then did a double take. "You mean to say that you've sent multiple applications? Our sister claimed you to be the fastest flier in Equestria, and I trust her judgment. If these mooncalves cannot see that, they are misguided."

"Well," Rainbow said in a small voice, "Fastest doesn't always mean best. I mean, I know I'm clumsy sometimes and stuff, and--"

"Rainbow, stop. We have heard tales of your feats, and we have faith in you, as does our sister. Are you telling us that we are wrong to trust her judgment? Besides, we have been told that you exude confidence, live up to those words."

Rainbow's tail twitched as her voice regained its usual strength, bolstered by Luna's words. "I guess you're right, princess. But still, if you really trust Celestia's judgment so much, why haven't you talked to her about the--"

Do not speak of it here! Luna bellowed, an ethereal echo bounding across Rainbow's mind.

"Augahh!" Rainbow flew back in fright, almost landing in a nearby rosebush. Shaking, she flapped her wings hard to gain height, causing the nearby foliage to blow around tremulously, as if it was barely attached to the earth below.

Luna sighed, before beckoning Rainbow over with a hoof.

Rainbow eyed Luna apprehensively before looking away, pretending not to see her summons.

"Rainbow, land before us."

"Uhh, I-I will in a sec, p-princess!" Rainbow's best attempt at a chipper tone was unconvincing. "Just getting my balance back!"

"Rainbow Dash, Land. You are bleeding."

Awaken in Chains

Rainbow Dash stared down at Luna quizzically. Bleeding? The word swam through her hazed mind, currently filled with the ghost of Luna's chastising scream, which had steadily grown in intensity since her first utterance, obscuring all other things. Rainbow felt wounded and groggy, and she wasn't sure if it was from the blood seeping out of her snout. In fact, she could barely register what blood was.

Rainbow had to keep her cool, it was all she knew at that moment. Luna had shouted, and it had hurt Rainbow, pierced her mind. When she turned away, she was fighting off tears, the residual effects of Luna's powerful voice still bounding against each corner of her mind like a ravenous caged beast, eager to tear her composure to shreds. She shivered where she hovered, her vision narrowed and dark around the edges of her peripherals despite the sun's insistence on the contrary.

Rainbow only kept her balance by instinct, her proficient flying didn't waver lightly. She couldn't focus on it, nor her surroundings with her mind threatening to engulf her in a cocoon of ceaseless fear, screams that came from an alien presence in her mind, screams that were not her own. It took Rainbow an eternity to realise that it was Luna who had shouted, who had destroyed her confidence so completely and with such little effort.

Then, she remembered her link with Luna, and logic dictated that she had been the one to shout, that must have been where the sound came from, it had to be. Rainbow shook in place; Rainbow couldn't stop shaking no matter how she commanded her body to be still. Even maintaining level flight was becoming an issue, but she scarcely noticed.

Straining, she struggled to work out what the echoing and recurring sound might mean. As she focused on each syllable, she felt the inflections on each word, with their painful spiked edges coursing through her, physically chilling her spine. The sound was barbed and horrible, and Rainbow wished it would leave forever.

Rainbow became aware of an external sensation, something cold and metallic, and something warm and dark. Her muzzle sought solace in the dark place, nuzzling deep inside to escape the awful voice in her head. She squeezed her eyes shut, feeling her rear hooves come into contact with something concrete. Her body went lax, but the dark blanket remained. Her ears twitched, sitting up right as she heard the cousin of her worst nightmare join the fray.

The voice was like the other, but its edges were not sharp and painful, quite the opposite. Desperate, Rainbow latched onto the graceful melodious hum of the entity that must be her attendant spirit. The soft vibrations of the angel's hums poured into Rainbow's mind from places unknown. As she tried to cast all else from her, she was able to make out words.

"We beg thou be sure that thy bag is packed, for when we depart then we shaln't be back, a white feather adornen mine fasten' hat, as we wistfully turned our back."

The voice was soft, gentle, demure. Rainbow listened on intently.

"For now 'tis time to be lone again, a fate we may verily grow to regret, alack we have shivered our soul to shreds, now nightmare is our only friend."

Rainbow followed the voice's cues, pushing herself closer to the dark, warm 'night mare' that it must refer to. The result was her feeling the buzz of a beautiful music pouring from this place in small vibrations and purrs, this must have been the source.

"Perchance all shall witness my power now, foals yonder but tremble and cower now, pray pardon mine sister but all shall bow, enveloped by night hour's shroud."

The tone appeared most sombre here. Rainbow didn't understand, surely the pony considered the night her friend just moments ago?

"A skirmish most fierce then took hold of me, our desires eclipsed with our throne in reach, our sister quoth 'from where did you come foul beast, what madness has Luna unleashed?'"

Luna... Luna! I was with Luna! That's when my head started to hurt, and--

"A cackle took over a muzzle not mine, she swore not to back away now but to fight, she looked at me dutifully scorn in her eyes, as harmony began to shine."

W-Wait, then this is her! And this song is...

"We beg thou be sure that thy bag is packed, for when we depart then we shaln't be back, a white feather adornen mine fasten' hat, as we wistfully turned our backs, for now 'tis time to be lone again, a fate we may verily grow to regret, alack we have shivered our soul to shreds, now nightmare is our only friend."

Rainbow couldn't be sure, still disorientated as she was, but she thought she heard sniffling. Holy... Rainbow had chills. She had felt the pain in the singer's voice, mixed with a deep antipathy, and a forced acceptance.

Slowly, all of Rainbow's faculties began to return. Her thought was calm and rational, and the growing scream from earlier on was nothing but a distant, fading memory.

It took Rainbow a few seconds to realise that her muzzle was pressed against what felt like a soft cushion. When she opened her eyelids, they brushed fur, and she instinctively flinched. Pulling back, she felt a slight pull against her muzzle, an uncomfortable sensation tearing across her snout as she drew back. Facing up, she realised why.

Rainbow had had her face pressed against Luna's chest. Not only that, but her matted blood was stuck to Luna's coat. Suddenly remembering that she had been bleeding, the word coming back to her, she checked her snout, but detected nothing abnormal. Standing, she stared at Luna, who laid on her side in the garden, brushing her forehoof across short blades of grass as she hummed.

Rainbow remained stock still, for a moment, transfixed. Luna didn't seem to mind, she continued to lay slowly breathing in calm serenity, until Rainbow finally spoke up. "Uhh... Wh-what the hell just happened?"

When Luna spoke, it was not with a soft, loving voice, like the one she had just heard, but her usual regal tone, although it may have been a little gentler. "We-We made another mistake."

Rainbow's eyes bulged, panic gripping her again. "Huh?! What do you mean?"

Luna held a hoof up, looking at Rainbow directly with glossed eyes. A blink, and they were as striking as always. The mistake has been averted, do not worry, Rainbow. It is like we said previously, you are new to magic, and we did not exercise proper caution when interacting with you. The shock of our amplified voice appeared to drive you to confusion and panic. Apparently, this also entailed a nosebleed, although we think this may have something to do with the level of magical energy being pressed against you at that time, which is entirely our error. We are sorry Rainbow.

Rainbow tried to reach out with her mind, but felt a stab of pain. "Nghh... it-it's really hard for me right now. Can I talk, so long as I'm careful about what I say?"

Of course, we are soundproofed and invisible right now. Speak, but be careful with your words still.

Rainbow cocked her head, rubbing it. "Ugh... If that's the case--uh, why can't we both just tal--"

Luna anticipated Rainbow's words before she could voice them. Because some are not so easily fooled by such spells.

Rainbow sat on her haunches a few feet from Luna, looking nowhere in particular. "You mean like Ce--"

Actually, no, these tricks should deceive her aptly. Our issue isn't one of superior spellcasting, it is merely that certain creatures are not so easily affected by alicorn magic.

"Whoa, really?"

There are creatures in this world more powerful than you and us, Rainbow Dash. You are about to meet one. Do not react to this.

Rainbow's wings flared, she couldn't help it. "Alright, well, could you at least tell me what just happened? It's all a total blur, all I remember is shouting, and pain... A lot of pain," she grimaced, glancing at the floor.

Luna's face saddened, but she projected her thoughts as soothingly as possible. When we commanded you not to speak, we did so very forcibly, which was the main cause of your shock and alarm. You almost crashed, but managed to level yourself out. We saw blood on you and panicked, although it appears our mind meld managed to mix your worry with ours, creating something altogether quite terrible.

Rainbow shuddered at the thought of the distant scream, the voice was eerily dissimilar to that of the princess that sat before her. "And, what next?"

We went to catch you. At this point, you were barely aloft. Any longer, and you would have fell. When we landed, we cast our spells to be sure you wouldn't be seen, and began work on soothing you. We considered exiting your mind, but were afraid it would make matters worse, so we attempted to use the link to soothe you, which seemed to have some effect, as here you stand.

Rainbow considered this for a moment, eyebrows straight. "And... That was the song, right?"

Luna sighed. Indeed, Rainbow, that was the song.

"Luna... Uhh, Your Majesty, I mean... Was that song really about--?"

Please, Rainbow, do not ask.

"But if it's really what I think it is, and it's so personal to you, why did you share it--"

We wished to calm your spirit, and it was the first song that came to mind, nothing more. Honestly, we assumed you would not remember, but that would be failing to take your talents into account, wouldn't it?

Rainbow nodded, considered saying more, then decided to change the subject. Problem was, she wasn't sure how to cryptically broach this one. "Soooo, um, we're here to, uhhh..."

To meet a creature that once ruled Equestria, much like we sisters do.

"Whoah, really?! I thought we were going to see some old guy!" Rainbow considered her words. "Actually, uh, he'd probably have to be pretty old, right?" Rainbow looked at Luna sheepishly.

In any other circumstance Luna might have smiled, either at Rainbow's silliness or her blunt reminder of Luna's age. He is, in fact, far older than either us or Celestia, which is one of the reasons we must speak to him. Be warned, he did not give up the throne by choice. In fact, the old ruler still resides here, in this very garden, trapped in stone by the Elements of Harmony, long before you or your friends wielded them.

Rainbow looked down at her neck, expecting to see a flash of ruby and gold. Dejected, she listened on.

We must give you fair warning about Discord, for that is his name and purpose. The creature is unlike any you may have met previously, more powerful than any alicorn alive, and positively deranged. Naturally, with the passing of the elements to you and your friends, the seal on his stone prison has weakened, but should we free him using our method, he could be a valuable asset. A dangerous one, but valuable nonetheless.

"Our method?" Rainbow echoed, confused.

Luna mentally cleared her throat. Mine. We have learnt much of Discord's prison, and believe we can wield power over him, should we free him of our own volition. For this, we must be linked to the elements of harmony, which is where you come in, Rainbow. You must channel the spirit of your element into a spell of our own design, then the Spirit of Chaos will be free once more, but only as free as we allow him to be.

"So... You're gonna relea--"

Luna shot Rainbow a look. Discretion, Rainbow.

"Uhh, cast a spell, but still keep it under control? But surely if that spell's as powerful as you said, what's to keep it contained?"

You're asking what would keep Discord from escaping, or rather, attempting to seize the throne once more, should we release him?

Rainbow nodded, sceptical.

Two things. One relies on the fortitude of our magic. If our studies have been as fruitful as we believe, the spell that releases Discord should also bind his freedom to our continuation of that spell. In other words, should he choose to betray us, he will be stone once more. Now, this may be enough for him to not outright deceive us, but we cannot force him to be of use, no magic can do so. No, the reason we think that Discord will be of use is his history with the creatures we are soon to face.

"And that is?" Rainbow asked.

They created him.

Rainbow's eyes widened, "Whoa... Wasn't expecting that. But if that's the case, then won't he--"

They didn't part on amicable terms, to put it simply. Besides this, which we hope to use to our advantage, he is a creature easily bored, as demonstrated by his rule. Unless he has changed over the last few thousand years, which I am unsure he is capable of, he will relish the opportunity to fight. Not for valour, nor honour, nor glory, merely for something to do. His magic is unlike that of any unicorn nor alicorn, it holds the power of the old ones.

"And you don't?"

Not directly, only fragments. He is of the first generation, the only of his kind. Once there were many alicorns, and many combined could not stand before him. He was much more powerful then, different too.

"Different how?" Rainbow asked.

Questions for another time, for now, we must act fast. Luna stood up straight, the blood smeared across her chest still visible. Do you feel like yourself again? she softly enquired.

Rainbow tested each leg, stretching slightly. "More or less, head's still a bit fuzzy though."

Luna drew close to Rainbow, placing a hoof on her shoulder. We will teleport there with haste.

With that, they vanished. A split second of darkness, two protons tunneling through matter, and they reappeared before a large granite statue, depicting a creature that appeared to be forever in song, made of mismatched body parts. The jocular expression on his face would almost be laughable to Rainbow, if she had not known of his power, nor the fact he was real, and conscious of the pair's arrival.

Standing before the large, imposing statue, Rainbow hesitated. When Luna spoke to her again, her voice was clear and direct. We are still invisible. We will power this spell. As we have said, we need you to pour thoughts of loyalty into it, channel them and push them into the spell, these will help the spell to take effect.

Rainbow nodded, shaky. She wanted a second to prepare, but Luna was already charging her horn. She glanced around, and, immeasurably relieved that no one was in the vicinity --whether she was visible or not-- she began to push her thoughts into the empty space where the vacant spell grew, although it was reluctant to take shape.

All the while, Rainbow regarded the statue and the soft blanket of ambient energy glowing before it, pushing memories of Nightmare's temptation to her mind, her first sonic rainboom in defense of Fluttershy, even her second, in a bid to save Rarity's life, and screw the competition. At first, nothing happened.

It wasn't enough. Any pony could perform loyal acts, but what was it to really understand loyalty? Rainbow saw it as a state of mind, rather than a trait. To be loyal wasn't just to be there for someone, it was to be somepony all in itself. Rainbow Dash knew that she would always be that pony. Even despite temptations, she would always preserve her allegiances, should they be right and just. Loyalty could be subject to change, but Rainbow would stick by whoever she believed in for as long as they needed her, and even after that she wouldn't forget them. She'd be there for everypony she knew if it killed her, as long as it meant they could all live fair and happy lives.

Rainbow would be loyal to Equestria when it needed her most, to her country, her princess, her friends, and her world, all of which she cared for deeply, far more than she did for herself. Most of all, Rainbow would be loyal to her own beliefs, because despite her deep desire to defend and help only her friends and fellow ponies, she couldn't call herself the Bearer of Loyalty without first being true to herself.

Above her, the spell began to darken as it grew more intense, and a hollow crack appeared in the statue's chest.

(Glossary)

Author's Note

Hey there, reader!

After some thought, and me asking a couple of people whether they'd appreciate this tool, I've decided to write a full glossary for any and all archaic words Luna (or any other character) may use throughout this story.

If you have any suggestions as to how this tool could be improved, please leave them in the comments!

(Glossary)

So, Luna. Hard to write, nigh(t) impossible to perfect. ~~Terrible puns are asinine~~. If you, like me, have encountered a plethora of strange and foreign words while reading Luna orientated stories, then this guide is for you.

In it, I'll be listing each word that is either no longer in circulation or has a different meaning etymologically to the one a modern English speaker might be familiar with. I'll be defining them in my own words, rather than cutting and pasting from online sources (because hey, you guys are worth the effort) and I'll try to provide a little information on their origin too.

The words Luna will occasionally be found using throughout this story are primarily sourced from Middle English and Early Modern English.

Now, let's begin.

A-D

Afeared (1200's): A word that means afraid, with origins routed in Old English and links to Shakespearean works, fell out of use around the 1700's.

Beseech (1200's): Urgently or desperately beg. Cognate to other West Germanic languages such as Old High German bisuochan or Dutch bezoeken.

Betwixt: (1500's): A word that originates from Old English term betweox, meaning between or amidst. The 't' on the end of the word was not common until the 1500's. Betwixen is a variant of betweox that was also common in Old and Middle English.

Brazen (1200's) Word that originated in Old English meaning 'of brass' or 'made of brass'. Modern meaning to be bold and shameless is linked to old meaning, someone without shame could be described to be made of brass, although here it has both a literal and figurative meaning.
E-J

Egregious (1530's): Originating from latin, this word once meant extraordinary or excellent. In the late 1500's, the meaning was altered to 'extremely bad', a complete dichotomy, the antithesis of its original meaning.

Ere (1200's): Germanic word meaning 'before' or 'previous'.

Folly (1200's): A word meaning foolishness or idiocy, originating from Old French word folie, which was defined as madness or stupidity. At a point, folie also had a positive denotation in France.

Froward (1200's): Difficult to deal with, adverse, or difficult. A culmination of Old English term Fromward (meaning doomed to die) and Old Saxon term Fro, meaning backwards or away from.
K-Q

Gyve (around 1200's): Shackles or fetters. Origin of this word is unknown.

Mayhaps (1500's): An archaic word for perhaps, or maybe, originating from the term 'it may hap', hap meaning happen.

Naught (1400-1500's): A word that means 'nothing', and can be used as a replacement for zero in arithmetic, although this is most often occurs in Britain. Before meaning 'nothing', it meant 'an act of evil'. The old English 'naught' develops from cognates with other germanic languages (such as Old Saxon).

Nay (1200's): A word simply meaning 'no'. Originated in Scandinavia.

Nowise (1800's, not certain): A word meaning 'in no way'.

S-Z

Scrying (1520's): This is the act of magically viewing an event occurring in another place through a reflective medium such as a mirror or crystal ball. Scrying can also be related to foresight. This word comes from the early French word descrier, someone who published and shared information. From here, the word descry appeared in France, which once meany describe, but this is now obsolete. The English used and adapted this word in the sixteenth century, which led to the meaning used here.

Swith (1200's): A word which can strong, fast, strongly, or quickly. Derived from Old English word 'Swithe' (coined before 900), which only meant strong.

Trinity (1200's): A word derived from Latin, describing the state of being three, or a group of three. This was originally used by Christians to describe "The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit", and the unity between the godhead. It has later been adapted for use outside of religion.

An Invasion of Privacy

Brief consideration turned to minutes of deliberation as Luna floated on the precipice of many ponies' dreams. Here, their most private inner thoughts were brought to life by their subconsciousness, not of their own volition, and they were truly vulnerable.

Luna had perfected the art of thought invasion, as well as telepathy, a very long time ago, but she found that dream walking was a far more intimate means of gathering information on a subject. The dreaming mind brought forth latent desires and insecurities, exemplified them, showed a matter for what it truly was, or completely shrouded it in riddle.

It was all a matter of reading between the lines. While Luna was so learned in matters of the psyche, she knew that she could not simply analyse her way to this encounter. It was likely to be trying, no matter how she might preempt the result.

Of course, she had studied the pony in question, even if they were not aware of that. Knowing that such a situation might arise at some point in future, Luna had made rough plans as to what preventative measures she might take, who she might rely on. The problem was that she had only had less than a year to do so.

Luna found herself walking through thin air, pacing back and forth, crossing a party, an ornate garden, a brutal assault; her eyes lingered on the third scene for a second or two before she brushed it off, throwing her mane and staring forwards with determination. We have no time for these woes, not on this night.

Luna continued to walk, passing many dreams by, including the occasional nightmare, which she grimaced at. Her mind was like a directory in this realm, she knew where to find her subject, and with the location in mind, could teleport to her in an instant. Her reluctance to do so, coupled with her continuous striding in its general direction, gave credence to her hesitation, as well as her refusal to give in despite it.

It gave Luna time to think, once she was able to block out the laughter, the conversation, the screams. It would always be there: Merging, coalescing, overlapping, never completely coherent but constantly clear. Still, with enough practice, Luna was able to block it, as she did now.

Even the screams gave her comfort, but that was not her concern now. There are many that would be far more amicable, more agreeable. Luna stalled for a moment, knowing this to be true.

But, there are none more trustworthy.

Mayhaps this is true, Luna started, Though shaln't we consider those who are properly trained?

To be trained is not to be equipped nor capable, few are both, less possess the trinity.

Luna was tempted to conjure a mirror image of herself, it might make this debate easier. She abstained, not wishing to prolong matters.

Would we be caught betwixt the vice of uncertainty 'til the walls fell, and things were no more?

More screams, panting, a forest, dilated pupils and the stench of blood. Better than silence, there was no comfort in that empty void. Still, she would impart a gift unto this stallion, one she never wished to receive. She robbed him of the nightmare, leaving nothing in her wake, as the afflicted fell into a calm and empty slumber.

Decisive action is needed. There should be reassurance in her strength and ability, scarcely any compare.

As well as her vanity, Luna snorted.

Then she'll be in good company, her voice chimed in brief joviality.

We should not continue to stall, let us go there now.

With that, Luna dissipated into mist, reappearing on the edge of an unfamiliar setting. Honestly, Luna knew the urgency of this meeting, and was angry at herself for allowing things to drag on this long. She approached the edge of her subject's constructed reality, vaguely curious as to what her saviour might be dreaming of.

Once the veneer of the realm's void had been lifted, once Luna had crossed the threshold, she instantly wished she could have vanished, came back another day.

Before her, a lush mountaintop landscape sat, the peaks brushing against cumulus clouds, some of which appeared to have been interfered with. Cloudstone constructs mixed with a few earth pony structures, which sat on the flat mountainous peak.

There were no stairs to this place, no means to walk to the summit. The ravine situated on the underside of the mountain spouted clear and unblemished water, an enticing offer to the thirsty. In the distance, there sat a rainbow, although it appeared to move and shift, situated in such a strange place, almost seeming to mimic a waterfall.

The buildings were more vague, Luna registered as she wandered through the unfamiliar setting. She noted that some of the further buildings looked as if they were a brief sketch, and furthest off, she could see nothing but randomly dotted hills. The interiors of most buildings were essentially blank, devoid of furniture or decor of any kind.

Luna had seen this before. When a pony had a vision of a place they knew existed, but hadn't in fact been to --or at least been to recently-- their mind would compensate by putting the most detail into their most vivid memories about the location, and brushing over the rest. It reminded Luna of many painters she had met, with their tendency to obscure the background in order to exemplify the main article, highlight its splendor.

All of this was not what gave Luna pause. No, her main issue was with the soft noises emanating from the one building that the dreamer had deigned to provide an interior. From what she could discern, the soft mewls and bleats, oddly feline in nature, were examples of anything but a chaste dream.

The sound was far off, but outside of the walkway of collective fantasy, there were no other noises to drown it out. It was oddly embarrassing, even if she could not fully ascertain what was going on, she had a pretty good guess.

We must persist with our meeting. Simply undo the dream and commence with communications.

Luna considered this for a moment, then shook her head. No, we must not alienate her, nor distress her. We will present ourselves to her in a simple manner, rather than shattering her illusion.

A drawn out groan, followed by a short giggle halted Luna's train of thought, bringing colour to her cheeks. While she knew she had no place interrupting this dream, she nonetheless found herself irritated by its creator for subjecting her to it.

Do we really want to be here right now? Luna's head tilted as she considered the many reasons she had not wished to pursue this course of action in the first place, knowing that wasn't what she was really asking herself right now.

A short scraping sound followed by a few more giggles brought her back to false reality. Enough, we must go in there and stop this depravity. Whatever vile thing we may witness inside, we cannot attack her for it, our need is too desperate.

Mentally steeling herself, Luna walked toward the source of the noise, which grew in volume. She started to hear other, miscellaneous voices, all female. Luna would have been curious if she wasn't so disturbed by the whole ordeal.

As Luna reached the door, she heard a soft thumping. Almost losing her nerve, she went to turn away, and then with a last burst of determination, bursting her indecision, she kicked the door open, ready to face whatever sordid event was occurring--

--Only to find her saviour, the element bearer, Rainbow Dash, laid on a white table, sheet clad, as another pegasus, dressed in a blue and yellow uniform, chopped at her back with both forehooves, rapidly bringing them down on the table, thumping repetitively.

Luna stopped still, raising an eyebrow. What in Equestria is happening here? After a few moments, another uniform clad pony started to knead at one of Rainbow's back legs, and the third proceeded to clean her feathers, wings laid out along the table.

Taking her eyes away from the confusing obscurity, Luna found herself staring at a statue, sat in the corner of the room furthest from the door. A statue that upon closer inspection she found to bear the likeness of the pegasus currently receiving so many odd ministrations.

Luna noted that Rainbow Dash had been depicted wearing a uniform similar to those with her, and her pose was striking, almost regal. As she inspected the statue further, she found how lifelike the qualities were fascinating. Clearly, this image was very important to Rainbow Dash.

She stared for so long, absorbing this information, that she barely noticed the cessation of the thudding.

When she turned, her saviour was sat up on the table, staring straight at her, a mixture of fear and embarrassment adorning her features.

"Uhh..." Rainbow stammered, "What the heck are you doing here?"

"We should ask what you are doing with so many partners, is one not enough for you?" Luna answered without any thought.

"Huh?!" Rainbow blushed fiercely, regarding the three other ponies surrounding her. "What are you talking about?! It's a freakin' sports massage!"

Luna was unfamiliar with the term. "Sports massage?" she responded slowly and uncertainly, as if the combination of words was alien to her.

"Yeah!" Rainbow stood, clearly more lucid since her first interaction with Luna, "What did you think was happening?!"

"We must admit, your actions appeared quite shameful. As we're aware, touching another in such a manner is reserved for a lover or consort."

"Huh?" Rainbow's eyes eventually widened. "That's a totally different thing! This is just a way to stop your muscles from being tense after a long workout!"

"Is that so?" Luna asked. "We were not aware of this. And, forgive our intrusion, you have had a day filled with exertion?"

"As a matter of fact, I have!" Rainbow's face instantly became smug, "Flying with the 'bolts all day is no easy feat. Well, for them, at least."

"The Bolts?" Luna questioned.

Rainbow's face went blank. After a few seconds of sitting dumbstruck, she answered with total disbelief. "The Wonderbolts?"

Luna gave no answer.

"The fastest fliers in Equestria?"

"That would make sense, if you're their leader. We've been led to believe that you are the fastest flier in Equestria, Rainbow Dash."

"Well, only according to Celestia," Rainbow grinned, her eyes narrowed. "You've seriously never heard of the Wonderbolts, though? Where have you been, living under a rock?"

"On one, actually," Luna smirked. She was actually familiar with this idiom.

"What do you mean? And, how did you know that about me, anyway? Do we know eachother?" Rainbow only seemed to study her visitor for a second before the dream's veil was lifted, and her natural perception began to kick in.

"Nightmare Moon!" Rainbow shot up, standing on the table, as the Wonderbolts around her faded into nothingness. Apparently, they were not tethered to her dream any more. Less than a second after she stood, she gave Luna another cursory glance and flinched in realisation. "No, Princess Luna... Nightmare Moon was taller, more slender." Another second passed. "Her wings were more batlike, her eyes were more narrow, even her eyelashes were sharper."

Luna almost blushed at Rainbow's blunt assessment of her body, despite being so impressed by her recollection, as well as her perception. "Do you know why we are here, Rainbow?"

"Not really," Rainbow shrugged. "I've not been dreaming about princesses lately or anything."

"That is not relevant, we came to you."

"Well, duh," Rainbow laughed, "It's my dream, that's kinda how it works."

"No, we control your dream, Rainbow Dash."

"Nuh, uh! Watch," Rainbow grinned, springing off of the table, looping once, and landing on nothing. Her surroundings were completely black, flat and level, devoid of anything but the princess standing beside her. "Ah!" Rainbow yelled, "What the hell just happened?"

A blink, and they materialised in Luna's reconstruction of her own bedchambers, on the balcony where the physical her really stood. Smiling, she turned to Rainbow. "As we've said, we control your dreams, and those of all others. The night is our domain, and that includes the dreams of ponies."

It took Rainbow a second to process this. "Then," she started, shakily, "You're the real Princess Luna?"

"Indeed, we are."

Rainbow's bow was sharp, hurried, and brief. Luna strained not to laugh. "I'm so sorry, your highness, I thought you were just a dream or something, I swear, I didn't mean to be so disrespectful."

A couple of seconds passed, and Rainbow gasped, mortified. "Oh jeez, that means you just saw my dream, doesn't it? Please don't tell anyone, I--"

"Rainbow Dash." Luna said with a small amount of force, causing Rainbow to stop hyperventilating. "We would never betray your trust in such a way. We owe you a debt of gratitude, after all."

"Wait... We? Who else knows?"

"We do," Luna stated, rather plainly.

"Yeah, you and who else?"

"Only us," Luna repeated.

"As in, 'me and you' us?"

"Yes, you. And us, also," Luna assured, growing slightly irritated.

Rainbow looked around for a third pony. When she didn't find one, she asked, "Who is 'us'?"

At this point, Luna realised the source of Rainbow's confusion. "We are," she said, pointing to herself. "Ahem, I am."

"You are? Then why not just say that?" Rainbow quizzed.

"You would question how your princess speaks when we choose to visit you?" Luna deflected.

"Well, you did interrupt a pretty good dream," Rainbow smiled, staring into space.

"With good reason. We require your assistance in a matter most grave."

"Me? Howcome?" Rainbow wondered aloud, looking at Luna with a newfound curiosity.

"Well, aside from the previously discussed claim of your speed, agility, and flying skill, we happen to be aware of the feat you accomplished in front of our sister. A sonic rainboom whilst carrying multiple ponies. In all our years, we have only bore witness to one sonic rainboom, and it nearly killed the performer. There is no way he would have survived if doing it with weight also."

"So, what you have in mind has something to do with speed?" Rainbow asked, her wings twitching at the prospect.

"Nay, but it will likely play a part. Another reason we have chosen you is your genealogy. We are aware that you are descended from one of Hurricane's best scouts, your powers of perception may dwarf our own. There are other reasons, also, but we shall refrain from discussing them all now, as we have little time at hoof."

Rainbow slowly nodded, urging Luna to continue.

"All will be explained in due course, but know this: The task we have for you, you will not embark upon alone. We will be with you at all times, and another too. It will be long, and it will be arduous, and at times you may not be able to see those close to you. At times you may find yourself to miss home very much indeed, but these are the sacrifices we must make."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Rainbow cut her off, "You want me to leave Ponyville?"

"At times, yes," Luna nodded, her face glum. "We know this is sad news for you, Rainbow, but there is no other way. A great, incomprehensible evil will be unleashed upon Equestria, and we need you to help stop it, there is no other way."

"Why me? Why not one of the royal guards, or something?" Rainbow's earlier confidence seemed to be replaced with jitters.

"As we have said, you possess qualities that will prove invaluable to Equestria, it can be no one else." Far more than you know, young Rainbow.

"Do I have any say in this?" Rainbow searched Luna's eyes, apparently in search of reassurance.

"If we said you did, would you really refuse us, knowing your entire country is at stake?"

Rainbow paused here, considering Luna's words. After a good deal of time, most of which she spent looking out over a picturesque scene of midnight Canterlot, she spoke, her tone sorrowful. "I don't think I could, princess."

Luna placed a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder, her form especially petite in comparison to her. "We see a great many things in your future, Rainbow Dash, and despair is not one of them. Do this one deed for us, and you will be rewarded with a great life, one much like the one you envisioned in your dream, I promise you that." Truly, Luna knew she could make no such promise. While she could see possible versions of the future, she had no assurance that things would pan out that way, or that her plan would even succeed.

"A-And you're totally sure about that?" Rainbow stuttered.

"I am, brave pony."

A couple of seconds, and Rainbow briefly returned the contact before backing away. "Alright," she shook her head, clearing her throat. "Okay, tell me what needs to be done."

"It will be easier to explain in the waking world, Rainbow, but we will tell you one thing now. Beings of great and terrible power will return to Equestria soon. They existed in the ancient times, before we and Celestia, and once fought for the ownership of this world. The ones they fought with created the alicorns, and many of the other races that populate this fair earth. They are gone now, and we are all that's left to hold them at bay. Doing so will be trying and difficult, but we have full faith in your abilities."

"Okay, okay, so let me get this straight." Rainbow's ears folded back, her eyes narrowed. "There's a load of evil guys coming to take over Equestria? If that's the case, why don't we just tell Celestia? Isn't she the most powerful pony alive?"

Luna's face became stern. "Listen to us, Rainbow. Celestia cannot find out. Not now, not ever. If she were to discover this threat, the results would be something far worse than what we are currently against, Equestria would never be the same again."

"Why not? I thought Princess Celestia could do anything?" Confusion was painted across Rainbow's face.

"Do not question us on this, Rainbow Dash. Now, we'll expect you at the castle tomorrow, two o'clock at the latest, that should give you time to finish your weather schedule for the day. Do not make any indication that you are headed to Canterlot. Do not fly here, take the train. Guards take note of anything that arrives in the city unconventionally. If you are asked, you are here to race us. It's so simple, it is believable."

"Yeah, I can do that," Rainbow answered, "I really wish you'd tell me what's going on though, princess."

"We've told you enough. Also, this should go without saying, but you never had this dream. Do not mention it to anyone, especially Twilight Sparkle. Are we clear?"

"Got it, I guess," Rainbow's anxiety was obvious, but she attempted to keep a brave face regardless.

"Then we are done, sleep well, Rainbow Dash."

With a flare of Luna's horn, she allowed Rainbow to fall into a blissful, empty dream, fully unaware of her newfound worries and concerns. Those would be issues for the morning.

As Luna watched her new, joyfully unaware companion soar through a brilliant sky, complimented by her brilliant coat, exuberance left in her wake, she silently lamented her own idiocy.

Why must we drag such an innocent soul into a world where there is nowise happiness, only torment?