Devours Dreams from a Distant Dimension

by Dirty Bit

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Crossover, Dark, Alternate Universe, Human, Nightmare Moon
Length: 33109

Even dreamers can go great lengths from their own world. Luna shall know firsthoof in this story.

Dreams: A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep. Luna has monitored the dreams of her subjects for generations. But when an ominous occurence of nightmares plague the ponies of her kingdom, she will soon discover the entirety of the dream realm she governs.

This is going to be my first take on a multi-crossfic. The copyright shall update when a new character is presented in the latest chapter. I hope you all will enjoy it.

Disclaimer:
MLP: FIM is copyright of Hasbro
Pokemon is copyright of Game Freak
Catherine and Shin Megami Tensei: Persona are copyright of Atlus
Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland is copyright of Tokyo Movie Shinsha/Winsor McCay
Cover Image belongs to Shadow-KirbyX

Published 2012-07-21 13:54:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-08-16 02:06:19 UTC

I

Chapter 1

Dreams of Disturbance Dire

Canterlot Castle. An epitome of regality in the highest regard. Home to the regal sisters that control the celestial bodies that are the sun and moon. The exact place where the one known as Princess Luna had come to know the full extent of her powers of the night.

It was a bright afternoon as the Princess of the Night had decided to take a stroll through the streets of Canterlot. Sadly, she was in a state of mild disgust due to being accompanied by the castle's guards on mandatory issue. She sighed to herself at how much of a bother it was to deal with the many cons of being a princess 'We must remember to convince Tia to abandon this meaningless gesture...' She looked around to see the many ponyfolk of the city being kind enough to kneel in reverance to Luna's regal status. It was enlightening to know that the citizens gave her proper respect, but she was not too fond of how they were pompous to those lower than themselves. It was worse knowing that there were not much worthy candidates to converse with on mutual matters, save for a select few.

The princess of the night took a deep breath and looked up to the sun that was handled by her older sister Princess Celestia. She was reminded of how her own jealousy had drove her into becoming a monster that wished for nothing but eternal night, and she winced before she looked away. Though the scar had remained for almost two years since her revivification as Princess Luna from Nightmare Moon, she had her own priorities to tend to. A thought crossed her mind when she remembered something that brought utter joy to herself and others.

Dreams.

Part of Luna's umbral powers involved monitoring the dreams of her loyal subjects in and outside of Canterlot, a thought that brought a warm smile to her face. If there was anything that Princess Luna loved most about her power was being able to mingle with the many sleeping ponies and assure that they have the sweetest of dreams. She enjoyed the looks of precious foals dancing about in fields paved of candy, or spirited youths confronting vile criminals and emerging the victor. It was something to look forward to with each passing day of her ageless life.

She was so lost in thought, that she had not noticed how long she had trotted through the city with the guards guiding her along with their stone-faced expressions. She already had passed by the main gates of Canterlot itself with how far she had walked. Princess Luna cleared her throat "We have enjoyed our little stroll long enough. Guards, if thou would be so kind as to guide your princess back home, we would be most grateful!"

The guards replied with a firm nod and a simultaneous "Yes, Princess!" In their dutiful tone of voice. They guided Luna back to Canterlot Castle in no time at all and escorted her into the royal vestibule where they parted ways. Once more, it disgusted the princess of the night to be left alone behind castle walls and not outside of her home. She trotted up the main stairway and traversed through many floors to reach her own room - Her own sanctuary.

She looked around to see that many of her belongings were in proper order thanks to the stationed maids and servants that take refuge around the castle. Luna would remember to thank them properly with an abundant tip for their services. She trotted and leaped onto her bed where she gave off a deep and firmly-bottled sigh "And now we wait for news regarding royal business or predetermined meals..." She spoke in a bored tone. While she did have time to herself, it was still a tiring process to handle royal duties and discussing laws that ill-suited those who had to abide to them. On cue, a knock came from the door, prompting Luna to sit properly on her haunches in ample time "Thou may enter!" She called to the door.

The door opened to reveal her older sister Princess Celestia, who greeted Luna with her motherly tone "Good afternoon, Luna. Did you enjoy your little stroll today?"

Luna sighed "It was uplifting to obtain minor exercise out on the streets, but tell us, sister..." She looked at Celestia with a small glare "Is it necessary to have our own guards breath down our necks while we fancy ourselves a stroll in the city?"

Celestia closed her eyes "As much as I do not favor of it myself, we both know that there isn't much to be said when we have to live by our titles as princesses. In their defense, it helps to keep the guards on their toes in case of any impending danger, wouldn't you agree?" She smiled at her younger sister.

Luna shifted her eyes away in mixture of annoyance and comprehension "We suppose so..." She then looked back at Celestia "And what, pray tell, brings you to our room, Tia? Dost thou come bearing news of utmost importance?"

Celestia chuckled "If you count meetings with the nobles as utmost importance, then I should ask who you are and what you've done with my sister. Just be sure to get ready soon. I'm sure you're just positively thrilled to meet them!" She spoke her last sentence in a mischievous tone. Luna knows that Celestia could get this way around her and others in a good mood.

Luna rolled her eyes "Forgive me if I withhold my enthusiasm." She quipped sarcastically. Both she and her sister did not favor meetings with the snobbish nobles of the royal court 'Another meeting, hm? Hopefully we'll manage through this like all the others back then...' On a positive note, they last for hours, and that meant that she could go back and raise the moon and wait to perform the fun part of her duties as princess of the night.

Celestia laughed at Luna's remark and made herself scarce for the sake of getting ready on her own part. The nobles are stingy with tardiness and try to chew the ears off of her and Celestia if they decide to arrive fashionably late. Luna snorted at the aspect 'It's at times such as this that I would gladly allow those nobles to gaze upon the entirety of flying feathers their princess is giving...' She then hopped off of her bed and decided to prepare herself for another boring venture into the world of politics.
_____

It was exhausting for poor Luna. Several laws that only drew major concern towards many large businesses and not towards the less fortunate. Basically they only provided more protection for larger factions of commerce while slowly chipping away most ponies' rights as individuals. She and Celestia were lucky to curb at least half of them for the sake of their subject's survival and care. The princess of the night often wonders where the future of Equestria would end up if more of these harsh and cruel laws were ever passed.

But now was not the time to dwell upon matters that would possibly arise at a later date. It was time to raise the moon and prepare for the night that she and others favored. Luna made for the balcony that stretched out of her room and stood firmly as she activated her long and majestic horn. It glowed bright with umbral luminescent beauty as it signalled the approach of the moon that took its rightful place in the sky in place of the sun. In time, the stars revealed themselves and added to the glorious visage of the night sky.

Luna smiled at her work, happy to know that the very sky at this hour was her canvas for any artistic thought she had in mind. What snapped her out of her daze was what chose to approach her in the night sky.

Flying in a haphazard pattern was a grey mailmare with eyes looking in two different directions bearing a large satchel full of mail, none other than the esteemed Derpy Hooves. She finally reached the railing of Luna's balcony and dug her head into her satchel, to which she fished out a letter for Luna. After Derpy presented it to Luna, who levitated the letter out of her mouth, she blurted out "Enjoy your mail!" before she took off in another faulty flight pattern. Despite the obvious clumsiness, she was perhaps one of the most dedicated ponies in her line of work.

Luna looked at the letter and noticed the hoofwriting was that of a prepubescent foal that she knew all too well. She smiled warmly when she opened it to show it was Pipsqueak who sent a word of praise to Luna from Ponyville 'The one who considered us his favorite princess...' She was thrilled to read the paper to herself in his adorable voice despite his developing penmanship

Dear Princess Luna,

How are you doing right now? I hope you got this message because I really do miss you ever since last Nightmare Night. Thank you once again for bringing another great night to my home! I never forgotten how fun it was to see you in my dreams every night, so maybe we can have another adventure on the high seas once we see each other again! Our time together will be so grand! See you later tonight!

Pipsqueak

Luna let out an ecstatic chuckle at the thought of having another fun time in the dream world before she retired back into her room and figured out a way to kill time before it was her own time to sleep. She decided it was best to enjoy a moment of calculation with her favorite abacus in order to get things moving. She levitated her letter from Pipsqueak onto the endtable next to her four-poster bed before she brought her desired item out of her chest to her forelegs and began to test her vast memory in arithimetic.

Time passed, and many ponies including Princess Celestia were already turning in for the night. This was the exact moment that Princess Luna was waiting for. Now she can finally rest herself and traverse into her favored realm of otherworldly splendor 'I shall be there soon enough, Pipsqueak! Just wait for me!' She shut her eyes and Luna awaited her departure to the dream world.
_____

The world of dreams was exactly as she had pictured it in her eyes: Timeless, creative, and so full of euphoria from many who slumber peacefully. The outer atmosphere was similar to that of her flowing mane that resembled the night sky, with many spheres that showed the dreams that were currently taking place. From romantic fantasies to the most abstract spectacles of any sort, there was naught but joyful bliss from everypony present in Luna's realm. Several different dreams belonging to other ponies could be seen by Luna as she took the time to scout out the exact spot where Pipsqueak was waiting for her. It was rather obvious to spot the young colt in his own finely crafted pirate ship sailing out on a vast sea of sarsaparilla and Luna could only smile 'Always the one for the high seas, aren't you, Pipsqueak?'

Pipsqueak steered the ship's wheel with minimal effort, and when he caught wind of Luna in the distance, he pulled out his trusty spyglass to get a better view "Shiver me timbers!!" He drew his spyglass back only to beam and wave at the princess of the night as he called out to her "Ahoy, Princess Luna!! Lovely weather we're having, aye?"

Luna gave a heartened laugh at Pipsqueak's use of pirate lingo while she flew towards him "Indeed an amazing spectacle, Captain Pip! Preparing to board!" Soon she reached the bow of Pipsqueak's ship and landed gracefully in front of him. The two then shared a warm embrace before they decided to move the dream along. Pipsqueak steered through the clashing and foaming waves that brushed against the ship's build, and it invigorated the young colt indefinitely. Luna was amused at Pipsqueak's desire for naval adventure and decided to entice his muse further "Where is thy ship headed this day, captain?"

Pipsqueak grinned up at Luna "Glad you asked, milady! For today, we shall make for the lost island of the Dragon's Tear! It's not only worth a great fortune, but is said that if you hold it in your hooves, you will be filled with undeniable courage! With it, I shall be the most fearless pirate in all of Equestria!"

Luna was always happy with Pipsqueak's creativity, and he has never disappointed her with each scenario he had come up with that was pirate related "Then we shall be at thy side throughout the whole voyage! We'll help to see thine quest for courage through to the end!" Suddenly, there was a rumbling on the ship as the waves in the sarsaparilla sea worsened. The two ponies were rocked along with the ship and tried to keep themselves stable "Ah! What is going on!?"

Pipsqueak looked around while he tried to maintain the ship's balance "I think we're...I think we're under attack!" He gasped when he looked ahead near the ship's bow "Look! Up ahead!" The young colt noticed a field of building foam that dispersed to reveal a creature rising from the highly disturbed sea. It gave a deafening roar as it beared many tentacles that swayed about in the water. Pipsqueak gasped at the sight "A kraken! All hoofs on battle stations!" He pulled out his gem-encrusted sword with his mouth and prepared for a fight.

Luna looked ahead at how grotesque the kraken appeared and had to think to herself for a moment 'I've seen nary a time where Pipsqueak would imagine this kind of situation...He only settled for rival pirates at best, but a kraken?' This was odd for Luna to come by to see Pipsqueak manage a dream where he could fight off a large monster.

Pipsqueak galloped past Luna with his sword in his mouth as he made for the kraken with determined eyes. The kraken gave another roar as it went to slam one of its massive tentacles onto the young colt, evoking shock from Luna "Pipsqueak! Watch out!" She was relieved to see Pipsqueak dodge the tentacle and leap for the kraken's enormous eye.

The young colt pointed his sword towards the kraken's eye, but then he found himself entangled by an unsuspected tentacle. He tussled with the tentacle and stabbed into it with his sword to free himself, but then he was caught by another one while a third slapped him across the face before he could stab the one holding him "My sword! Princess Luna, I require assistance!"

Luna gasped and took flight towards the kraken as her horn glowed "We art coming for thy aid, Captain Pip! Hang on!" When she reached the kraken, she saw fit to do Pipsqueak a favor and teleport the beast out of his dream. When she fired a beam at it, it connected with the side of the kraken's head, but nothing happened 'Wh-What!?'

This did not make sense. Normally, the beam she would shoot in the dream world would cancel out hindrances or obstacles conjured by her or her subjects. But the kraken in front of her refused to leave while it held a screaming Pipsqueak in its grasp. She tried again in hopes of her expected results, but she only succeeded in agitating it 'It cannot be!!' The kraken raised a tentacle to try and grasp Luna, but the princess of the night managed to avoid it, although she was still heavily baffled "Do not worry, Captain! We shall triumph over this beast soon enough!" Her only reply was that of a scream that was addled with fear of the highest degree. Pipsqueak's vigor had been drained completely with the occurence of the foreign beast of the deep.

The atmosphere around it had even changed. The rough sea had transformed from sarsaparilla into scummed waters teeming with pirahnas, the skies went from a peaceful blue to a disheartening deep purple, and the ship belonging to Pipsqueak was being slowly crushed by two of the kraken's tentacles. With a dream such as this escalating into pandemonium, Luna would have handled the matter easily, but it was as if it were out of her reach "I-...I-..." She feebly tried conjuring magic from her horn to ease the matter, but nothing was happening. her eyes widened to see the kraken open its sickening and bilge-infested maw to devour Pipsqueak, who helplessly struggled in the monster's grip as he screamed "No!!" And just like that, Pipsqueak's entire scenario had faded into nothingness, leaving only Luna in a blackened void. This signaled that the poor colt had woken up and is probably scared or crying. She hovered with a hollow expression that slowly turned into sadness "Pipsqueak, I-...But how?" This had bothered her greatly, and the princess of the night made her way out of the empty husk that was once a colt's dream.
_____

While she overseen many of the other dreams, Luna was wracked with confusion that was overpowered by her guilt for not being able to help Pipsqueak's dream 'But what could be the cause of it? I was unable to channel my dream magic into banishing that beast from his dream!' This puzzled the princess for too long until she noticed another sight in another dream.

She noticed a dream that belonged to Ponyville's resident party mare, Pinkie Pie. It basically contained her and her friend Rainbow Dash making cupcakes in her kitchen as if it were during the day. However, it showed that Pinkie had knocked out Rainbow Dash with a large mallet and placed her on a cold steel table where she was strapped and unable to escape 'Wha-...This isn't Pinkamena at all! Why is she dreaming this!?' Her own world almost crashed around her when she witnessed the same pink pony cutting open Rainbow Dash and tearing out her innards. She whispered in disbelief "Inconceivable..." Her eyes were wide as can be. Soon enough, the morbid dream had then faded into a black void that signaled the end of her dream that turned into a nightmare.

It did not stop there either. Luna looked around to see several other dreams begin turning into nightmares fraught with fear, suffering, and torment that also ended before things grew even worse "This cannot be happening!!" Luna finally blurted out. She darted her head around to see many nightmares left and right grow out of proportion without pause. It wasn't long until there was nothing left but her "What is causing this massive disturbance!?" She looked around the now-empty reaches of her realm, until she noticed a new sight.

It was like a sudden stain of blackness that ebbed and flowed in a ethereal smokescreen. Luna stared for a moment before she finally decided to venture nearby and investigate. She heard an ominous whisper that grew and was then intermingled with a moan in a deep masculine tone as she drew closer and closer. After she stayed within an acceptable distance, she called out "Hello? Is anypony there??" All she heard was the same whisper mixed with the deep moan while she stared into the impending darkness. Luna was slightly irritated "We demand that thou showeth thyself and answer for thine presence here at once!!" She was only met with the same sounds as before. Luna was now angered with the results and she finally found a reason to use the Royal Canterlot Voice as she bellowed in fury "YE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN THE BILLOWING DUSK, HEAR OUR CALL! WE DEMAND THAT THOU SHOWETH THINE TRUE FORM TO US AND EXPLAIN THE MEANS OF OUR SUBJECTS' UNREST!!"

She was met once more with a whisper and moan, but the darkness moved about faster as a faint swirling pattern appeared in the center of it.

"You..."

Luna felt the deep voice ring in her head as she snapped out of her anger "Huh? Who goes there!?" She looked around in confusion.

"You...You are the one that monitors dreams around here?"

The voice that spoke sounded neutral, but with nothing around the vast space but her and the patch of ominous darkness, she drew to the conclusion that the voice called out from no other place "Yes! Art thou the being that is lingering inside the hazing shadows? Show thyself! We demand answers!"

"I see...I am sorry..."

The voice sounded hollow, but Luna detected genuine remorse "For what exactly? Was thine act of wreaking havoc upon another pony's subconscious unintentional? Explain to us!" She snapped

"I...cannot entirely control it...my power..."

Luna craned her head back with a raised eyebrow before she slowly leaned forward to try and distinguish the figure lurking in the darkness. So far she saw nothing but the faint swirling pattern "Will thou be willing to explain the means of thine power with inflicting nightmares onto our subjects?" She inched out a hoof to try and poke at the darkened smog.

Tendrils of smoke passed through Luna's hoof as it made its way to the source, and before it almost connected with it, the easily distinguishable darkness inched away

"Not here...I do not want to cause more suffering towards your people..."

Luna was befuddled at first, but understood the tone of his voice "Much obliged for our concern, mysterious stranger...But we must ask thy name if we are to converse with one another on a proper scale!" She found herself straying away from the familiar reach of her realm and finally caught up with the ominous abyss as it stopped in its tracks "Well?" She took a step near the darkness with her hoof stretched out "What is thy na-" When her hoof touched the fog, several visions came and went into Luna's eyes. All of which were too familiar and unneeded for her memory. She could even hear words from each vision.

"But our night is-...-hy are we not loved for i-...-his isn't fair!!!"

"We refus-...-e demand that the ni-...-rypony will love us like it or not!!"

"Sister, I-...-'m so sorry!"

"Tis a lie!! Thy ba-...-ateful whelp!!"

Luna quickly drew back her hoof and raised it to her temple "What is..." When she regained her composure, she glared at the darkness "What is the meaning of this!?"

"I told you...I cannot control it...It is vast here..."

The princess of the night paused as she stared at the darkness "You haven't answered our question...Who art thou and what is it that thou art referring to in terms of lacking control?"

The darkness was silent as it moved about with the smoky patterns and the swirling vortex. Then an irregular silhouette managed to slowly come into view. Luna tried to distinguish it thoroughly before it could come into full view 'What manner of creature would do this?' When she was nearly close to seeing it, everything blacked out.
_____

Luna rose from her four-poster bed and darted her head about "Wha-!? Where-!? Huh!?" She then cursed herself "Argh! Confound my stimulated curiousity! I've snapped myself out of mine own dream!!" She pouted to herself for her own loss, but then her pouting turned into deep thought over the mysterious figure that lurked in the darkness. When she noticed a light, she looked out her window to see that dawn was stretching just over the horizon to greet Equestria with a new day 'Tia must be moving the sun right now...' Luna was discouraged to not get better acquainted with the one responsible for the many nightmares that plagued her realm, but perhaps she'll have a second chance later tonight. She got up with a determined expression 'We shall meet with thee soon enough, harbinger of nightmares...'

End of Chapter 1

II

Chapter 2

Darkness Drives Dysfunctionality

It was a minor feat to handle the setting of the moon with the energy Luna was able to manage from waking up from her dream. However, like any other pony, she needed proper sustenance to keep her going for the day ahead.

At the dining hall, Celestia enjoyed a fine continental breakfest with Luna, who held a serious look on her face as she ate her food. Luna was still fixated on the mysterious enigma that chose to reveal itself in her dream realm and caused mental suffering towards the other ponies 'Who was that? Another pony? A spirit of mischief? A missing link from mine past? But who doth we know of that is capable of traversing through our dream realm?' She could only ponder further while she dug into more of her delicious omelette.

Celestia finished her fine crepes and dabbed a levitated napkin onto her muzzle to clean herself before she chose to analyze the expression on Luna's face. She set down her napkin and looked ahead at her sister "Luna? Did you not sleep well at all last night? You don't look so happy." A part of her wanted to retract her question on account of knowing just how anypony would not favor being disturbed from a wonderful rest.

Luna looked up at Celestia and a thought came into her head as she spoke "Well, our rest was satisfactory to say the least, but we must ask thee, Tia..." She leaned in sightly closer, careful not to have her nocturnal breastplate touch the mahogany table "Was thou subjected to the torment of a nightmare from the previous night?" Luna stared at Celestia with her eyes squinted into an inquisitive and calculating glance.

Celestia craned her head back in confusion to Luna's question "What made you ask that? I've slept as well as I have on any other usual day in the castle. Why do you ask?"

Luna stopped herself and brought herself back to sit properly on the table "N-No reason..." She then shifted her eyes back up at her older sister "Could thou perhaps tell us what is on the agenda for this day?"

Celestia nodded "While I was raising the sun, one of our royal messengers gave me a scroll from the emperor of the griffon empire requesting an audience with us to discuss some unmentioned issue of sorts. It's strange, really...Usually Emperor Daedalus is very straightforward in his messages to us. Perhaps he'll explain himself in better detail once he arrives here."

Luna raised an eyebrow "Art thou sure we can still trust him, Tia? He hath a temper shorter than both of ours combined! We were lucky to issue a treaty of peace between our nation and his own..." Luna was not all too fond of even conversing with the griffon emperor despite his steady rule over his people. She was aware that the griffon race can be easily agitated and would no doubt harm the nearest innocent without hesitation if placed in that situation.

Celestia turned to the window "Yes, I sense your displeasure over this and I'm sorry for it, but this is a matter of royal business. We cannot ignore words that reach out to us from neighboring rulers." She closed her eyes and spoke in a tone of minor caution "But I suppose we should be ready if he is not in the best of moods..."

Luna nodded with Celestia on her last sentence "When is Emperor Daedalus' scheduled arrival?"

Celestia replied in her calm tone "He is to arrive around two o' clock in the afternoon, just after our lunch. Which is a good thing because we barely have any food suitable for his stomach." It was common knowledge to remember that the griffon race in a whole were omnivorous in nature, but are more prone to meat than to fruit and vegetables.

Luna sighed "Another day full of wonder..."

Celestia smiled at her younger sister "Isn't it, though? Now it's best to finish your breakfast so you can enjoy some time to yourself before he comes." The regal sisters then went back to their meals before they had to continue their own duties.
_____

Luna was in her room, brushing her elegant and flowing mane with a levitated brush. She stared into the mirror of her make-up desk with a serious gaze as her mind chose to linger about the night before 'I want to know whomever it was that chose to invade my subjects' minds...but why did it claim it was unintentional? Hopefully I'll have a better chance later tonight without any problems. I just have to keep my emotions under control...' She was snapped out of her thought when she heard a knock on her door. Luna looked over and called out "Thou may enter!"

A maid trotted in through the opened door and gave a proper bow to the princess of the night "Your majesty, your presence is required in the meeting room with Celestia and Cadence!"

Luna grunted to herself 'He is early...' She nodded to the maid "We thank thee for the message. Thou art dismissed!" The maid then departed from Luna's room and left her to end her mane brushing early. She then made her way out of her room and into the hall.

Luna kept a face of stoned resolve while she trotted towards the meeting room 'We must perservere through this task with Emperor Daedalus so that we can be able to handle our own problems without interruptions!' She opened the doors of the vast meeting room, and what first caught her attention was several guards stationed at all four walls holding spears. She looked over at the table containing Celestia and Cadence, with Shining Armor standing dutifully at the side of his wife. She nodded and trotted to her vacant seat with the same look of resolve as before and awaited the arrival of the griffon emperor.

After a small moment of waiting, the doors opened to reveal a small griffon with a plume of grey feathers and green fur, sporting studying glasses on the top of its beak. His eyes held small bags under it while he looked at the others. This must be the emperor's trusty advisor "Ladies." He bowed after speaking in a gentlecoltish tone.

The three princesses looked at each other before Cadence spoke "But where is-"

The small griffon held up a claw "He is coming, your majesty. His greatness has not had the best sleep lately..." He shifted his eyes at the door nervously as he sweated mildly.

Luna's gaze faltered at the griffon's term 'Not the best sleep?' She wondered if the same peril that befell the other ponies besides Celestia and Cadence has spread over to the griffon empire as well. Luna then collected herself when she heard loud steps outside of the room.

A large taloned claw grasped at one of the doors before they pushed open to reveal an enormous griffon with a plume of brilliant silver feathers and jet black fur. His beak was jagged with several sharp edges and held some battle scars along the snout, but not as much as the rest of his face. His eyes were a piercing gold, and were devoid of rest aside from benevolent mercy. He looked about as angry as he was tired. He wore a massive gold breastplate on his body and a matching gold crown on his head with each edge bladed for battle. The small griffon staggered out of his stance and quickly bowed to the larger griffon "Y-Your lordship! Forgive me for being in your way!" He waved a shaking claw towards the table "Your seat is waiting for you as are the three princesses of the pony kingdom!"

Emperor Daedalus gave an irritated growl under each of his deep breaths as he walked over to the table with the other royal figures. Instead of taking his seat, he stood proudly as he slowly shifted his gaze towards the three royal figures "I prefer to stand for this brief meeting...Shall we begin, Celestia? This hasn't been the best of my days as of late..." He spoke in a deep and almost raspy voice.

Celestia, unphased by Daedalus' lack of sleep, gave a solemn nod "Yes, we can begin. We shall start by asking you a question pertaining to the message you've sent to us." She looked ahead with a calm and composed demeanor "You have not been as direct as you have with our previous encounters today with your current letter. Can you explain why?"

Daedalus gave a light snarl "Must you badger me on the current matter with all of these guards at the ready? This is both important AND private!" He sneered at the royal figures.

Celestia still managed to stay calm despite Daedalus' minor lashing "You must remember that we of the pony kingdom must remain cautious at all times, especially on matters regarding to foreign issues..." She slightly narrowed her eyes at the griffon emperor while speaking the last part of her sentence in a stern tone.

Daedalus growled and laid one of his massive claws on the table while holding back his rage "Very well, but this discussion does not leave the room! Understand!?" He snarled once again as his advisor flinched at his fury.

Celestia smiled "I'm glad you see things on our point of view. You have our word, Emperor Daedalus. Now will you begin sharing?"

Daedalus grunted "Yes, my reason for visiting..." He slowly retracted his claw and stood on all fours as he stared down at the royal figures "My empire...my subjects have been met with severe unrest for the past couple of days. They lack proper sleep..."

Celestia raised an eyebrow "If it was a matter involving insomnia, might I consider the apothecaries at the zebra kingdom? Their medical knowledge knows no bounds as far as I can tell from my visits there. They could solve your people's lack of sleep in a heartbeat."

Daedalus snarled at Celestia's suggestion "It is not that which prevents us to go to sleep, but what keeps us from enjoying it..." He held up a claw "My subjects suffer from nightmares short to tall, and have been unable to get proper sleep thusly. And from said lack of slumber, they've grown highly aggressive and chose to riot amongst one another! It is unbecoming to have my people slaughtered by their own claws!!" He roared in outrage while his advisor jumped and yelped.

Luna stifled a gasp 'So it is true...They suffer from nightmares like our own subjects!' She began to have second thoughts about the strange darkness that visited her realm of dreams, but then remembered what it had said back then

"I see...I'm sorry..."

"I...cannot entirely control it...my power..."

"I told you...I cannot control it...it is vast here..."

Luna poked a hoof to her chin as she began to ponder on the darkness's words, but she was snapped out of her thoughts when Celestia spoke "I see...In that case, we will be happy to help in any way we can. What is it that you desire for your people from us?"

Daedalus grunted and shifted his eyes towards Luna and pointed a talon at her "Her...Your sister..." Luna perked up when she earned the griffon emperor's attention "I've heard that she is capable of monitoring and altering the dreams of those around her, namely her own subjects if I'm correct. I desire her power in order to quell the inner chaos of my empire. Nopony else could be more fit for this job..."

Celestia nodded with a smile "That could work. Luna is specialized in her dream magic." She looked over at Luna "So what do you say, Luna. Will you be willing to make a trip to the griffon kingdom and resolve this major issue for Emperor Daedalus?"

Luna looked at her sister 'It must be the harbinger of nightmares...Maybe we'll be more successful in driving it away from griffonkind AND obtain answers to its actions!' She gave a nod to Celestia with a determined expression on her face "Yes, we shall make haste with Emperor Daedalus and ensure that his subjects shall obtain proper rest without fail! Thou can countest on our word!"

Daedalus grunted and managed a small smirk from his jagged beak "A wise choice, princess of the night. I am pleased with your answer...Now that your confirmation has been noted, we shall take our leave soon."

Luna nodded "Verily." She turned to Celestia "We shall meet back with thee once this problem hath subsided, sister! Wait for us until that time comes!"

Celestia smiled "I wish you the best of luck on your job, Luna. Make sure that the griffons obtain a peaceful slumber for themselves." She turned to Daedalus "If that is all, then this meeting is adjourned. May our services to your people be both sufficient and successful."

Daedalus scoffed "I shall be the judge of that..." He shifted his eyes to Luna "Let us be off, Princess Luna. My subjects are not the most patient lot, as you can tell..." He snarled to himself before he turned and made his way out. He passed his advisor, who turned to the princesses and bowed before he went after him.

Luna rose from her seat and took a deep breath as she gave her fellow princesses one final wave before she made her way out as well. She caught up to Daedalus and his advisor and examined the look in his eyes, feeling pity for him and the griffons for their lack of sleep 'I hope I am successful in stopping their aggression...'

When they reached one of the castle's balconies, Daedalus, his advisor, and Luna looked ahead at the vast horizon. The griffon emperor shifted his gaze towards Luna "I trust that you're aware of our empire's distance from your own, princess?" He spoke in an inquisitive tone tainted with slight irritation.

Luna nodded "Indeed. I've visited thine kingdom before and know it accordingly. Will thou be able to muster that long of a flight in your condition?"

Daedalus snorted at Luna's question "I may be tired, but I am still a griffon! We're a strong and proud race and can muster an ample amount of stamina even in the worst of conditions! Now that I've established this fact thoroughly, let us be off. I want this matter to be done and over with as soon as possible!" He flared open his massive wings and prepared for flight. His advisor did the same, though his own wings paled highly in comparison to Daedalus' span. Luna flared open her own wingspan and the trio lifted themselves up and out of the castle walls. It was going to be a long trip from Canterlot to the griffon capital of Miltiades.
_____

It was almost sundown when the trio managed to reach the mountainous regions that made up of Miltiades. However, it was not a pleasant sight when Luna caught small pairs of griffons quarreling and fighting one another, all over lack of sleep no less. Luna had her work cut out for herself after bearing witness to such petty conflict amongst fellow griffons.

The trio kept their flight pattern and made for a majestic palace constructed along the highest peak seen along the griffon capital. They finally landed at the main entrance after they decided that they have flown for long enough.

Emperor Daedalus took point as he led his advisor and Luna towards the dining hall. He opened the door and waved Luna over to the large table containing succulent and exotic fruits barely seen around Canterlot. There was also a pitcher of the finest apricot nectar the empire had to offer "The trip was long, and a princess such as yourself requires food, yes?"

Luna smiled gratefully at the sight and bowed to the griffon emperor "We thank thee for thy kindness, Emperor Daedalus! We have been feeling rather peckish during our long flight."

Daedalus grunted "Well we need you in top physical form for this task. Besides, there's still the matter of raising the moon and signalling the coming of night..." He turned away and made his way out "I will give a speech explaining your arrival so that they can have the courage to sleep once more. In the meantime, eat, drink, and be merry..." The griffon emperor then walked out of the dining hall.

Daedalus' advisor straightened his glasses "I suppose I should get back to my own duties now that I am home again." He gave a proper bow to Luna "If you'll excuse me, princess..." He made his way out as well, leaving only Luna and the table of delicious fruit and nectar.

The princess of the night took a deep breath 'Only a few more hours until I am met with the mysterious darkness once more...' She trotted over to the food table and began her small feast before she had to raise the moon.
_____

Daedalus walked to the balcony that allowed him to oversee his once glorious capital of Miltiades and his griffons continuing their respective pointless struggles. He looked down on each of them and took a deep breath before he sounded off one of the mightiest beast roars heard in the history of Equestria. It was successful in halting the griffons and their fighting for a short time. The griffon emperor looked down at all of his subjects and spoke "Citizens of Miltiades! It is my duty to inform you that we all shall be met with peaceful slumber once again!! I have recently acquired the services of Princess Luna of Canterlot, who will ensure that we shall not be met with the ominous nightmares we've experienced in the previous nights!! Once the moon takes its rightful place in the sky, I promise you all that this meaningless quarrel shall be put to rest once and for all!!"

The griffons, who listened to every word from their ruler, gave off applause despite their conditions, highly ecstatic about earning sleep for themselves without dealing with the mind-numbing nightmares. Daedalus smiled proudly at their applause before he spoke up "And to that, my subjects, I wish you all the finest of rests!! May you slumber well so that you may wake up as true griffons once more!!" He then turned away and left the relieved griffons as he returned into his palace.

As he walked, he noticed Luna trotting up to him with a satisfied smile on her face "A most wondrous speech, Emperor. It is nice to see that thy subjects can be easily kept in order. We shall assure that they will slumber peacefully!"

Daedalus grunted "Just hurry and raise the moon so that I may retire to my quarters after showing your own..." He replied harshly as he walked past her "A ruler such as myself musn't be up like this unless met with sheer duress..."

Luna gave a light huff at the griffon emperor's attitude 'Thou shalt see what we are capable of, Emperor Daedalus...' She then turned to the balcony 'And we shalt be ready for the one that chose to cause grief upon thy people...' She trotted to the balcony to see that many of the griffons hovered into their own homes, eager for a good night's sleep. Luna nodded "Yes, this shall be so. The griffons will sleep and I shall-" She stopped herself "How do they say it nowadays?" She then remembered and brought back her previous determination "-get to the bottom of things!" She then conjured her horn's magic and raised the moon.
_____

Luna was now led by Daedalus into her guest room where she would begin her task on snuffing out the cause of the griffons' unrest. She trotted through each hall that was lit up by torches until she reached two large doors. Daedalus opened them and revealed a fine room with a queen-sized four-poster bed made of fuschia cashmir. There was also a stained glass window near her bed to give her a nice view if she ever decided to open it. Luna was stunned "Daedalus! We knew thou were generous before, but to give us this room! Is this really your guest room!?"

Daedalus nodded "We only provide the best for those who will assure success to tasks of utmost importance. Do not get too comfortable, though. It is for one night and one night only." He turned to face Luna and poked her brilliant umbral breastplate with a talon as he gave a warning glare "Heed my word, princess of the night. I have high expectations of your power, and you would be wise not to disappoint me. I did not drag you into my precious empire for a mere get-together. I want the best for my people, and you're all that is left in Equestria. Do not let me down..." He added the last sentence in a low and dangerous tone as his eyes were narrowed to slits. The griffon emperor then took his leave "I shall be in my quarters. May your task be carried out in full effect..." He spoke in a halfhearted tone as he made for his room.

Luna glared at the fading image of Emperor Daedalus 'He can be so rude despite being liked by his own subjects! But perhaps it may be sleep overtaking his body...' She then nodded as she went inside the guest room and closed the doors with her magic. Luna then doused the lights in her room and trotted over to her bed to feel the cashmir fabric 'A fine texture indeed...Perhaps I musn't judge him for his hospitality...' She hopped into bed and tucked herself in to prepare herself for the trip into the dream realm. Luna slowly shut her eyes 'It begins...'

End of Chapter 2

III

Chapter 3

Dream Drop Distance

Luna opened her eyes to see that she was once again in the dream realm, only her surroundings were more different. The spacial background was more a brilliant amber red much rather than the umbral blue she was used to. What intrigued her more was what the griffons were dreaming of. According to each scenario, not every griffon was as brutal or battle-hungry as depicted by most ponies in the pony kingdom. She smiled at each dream involving loved ones or some of the innocent childlike dreams that she had monitored around her familiar area.

She then realized that she was far from her ponies in terms of watching their dreams 'This is strange...Normally we would be more connected to our subjects much rather than these griffons...' The princess of the night thought about this, but she gasped to see some of the dreams escalate with troubling scenes. Luna darted her head around and stopped to see an approaching darkness that she remembered all too well. With an angered expression, she quickly glided towards the darkness and held out a hoof "HALT!!" She called out in her Royal Canterlot Voice, and was happy to see that the darkness easily complied "Thou musn't repeat thine mistake with the griffons once more!! Away with thee, lest thou would engage in combat!" She stood her ground and glared at the billowing darkness.

The darkness ebbed and flowed and revealed the same faint swirling pattern from Luna's previous encounter. It then spoke in the same deep tone as before.

"So we meet again...Did you follow me here?"

Luna shook her head "Neigh! We were summoned by Emperor Daedalus to deal with the nightmares griffons hath been experiencing!" She glared at the darkness "What is thy game if thou claimest thine infliction of nightmares to be unintentional whilst projecting them amongst the griffons!?" The darkness moved back away from the griffons' dreams while Luna stared it down.

"I wander the realm in search of solace...I did not mean for the griffons to suffer..."

Luna bared her teeth "Dost thou find solace in causing pain and suffering through one's mind!? They've suffered more than mine subjects just the other night! We cannot fathom their sorrow or fear after thou wished to invade my domain!!" She glared, but it wavered when she felt a gust emit from the darkness.

"Even if you have power over dreams...One does not simply claim this entire realm for themselves..."

Luna detected agitation from the darkness and felt confused at its sentence "Art thou defying our power? We hath handled the dreams of our subjects for centuries!! Clearly, thine judgement is unclear!"

"I am not referring to your subjects...I'm referring to the realm of dreams..."

Luna huffed "Thou art not making any good sense! What is it thou art explaining to us?"

"The realm of dreams is not just limited to just your ponies, or the emperor's griffons...As I've explained in the past, the realm, along with my power, is vast here...I've travelled far and wide..."

Luna rubbed her chin in thought before she directed her attention back to the darkness "If what thou art saying is true...The realm of which I am standing is not only wrapped around Equestria in a whole? It stretches upon a far greater plane of existence?"

"Yes...In fact, I am not from this Equestria you speak of...I'm from another world..."

Luna was now more curious about the darkness' true form "Well, do not leave us - how they say- hanging! Reveal to us thine true form so that we may have a more pellucid audience with thee! We still have not properly introduced ourselves!" The darkness gave off a comforting gust after Luna's words.

"I understand...I realize now that it would not be wise for me to hide from you and incur any more unwanted wrath...Also, I find you rather interesting...I haven't met someone who can monitor dreams like I can in a long time...You almost remind me of her..."

Luna raised an eyebrow 'There are more like us?' "Tell us, who art thou? What art thou? What is thine real goal for travel here into Equestria's realm?" The darkness slowly lifted while Luna kept her gaze, and the princess was surprised to see the form that had lingered about in the massive shroud.

It was ghostlike in appearance, bearing no legs, and held claws similar to that of a dragon. It held tatters on its shoulders and backside that swayed in the breeze much like Luna's mane and tail. It was as black as the darkness it sat in except for its collar, which was red and sharp in appearance. Its head also stuck out like an alabaster wisp and breezed like its shoulders, but it held a dark area between its head and its collar to reveal a piercing jade eye that stared ahead at Luna. The creature stared ominously "To most people...I'm considered a monster..." It spoke in its deep masculine voice.

Luna stifled her expression of surprise to examine the ghostlike creature and she tilted her head after she finished "Surely thou art something we've not seen in Equestria! There exists nary a specimen like yourself even in Tartarus!"

The creature's ominous expression was unchanged "Tar-...-tarus? What is that place?"

Luna sighed "A cesspool of suffering that contains the harshest evils known to Equestria..." She then shook her head "But I musn't say such things knowing that thou claimest to be from another world! Tell me...What is thy name?" She asked inquisitively as she held a calculating glance on the floating creature.

It only stared back at Luna with its eye "...I am Darkrai...I am a pokemon. And you are?"

Luna stood regally and held a hoof to her chestplate "We art known as Luna, Princess of the Night!"

Darkrai tilted its head "We? Us? So there are two of you residing in one body?" It asked with faint curiousity in its voice.

Luna huffed "Neigh, harbinger of nightmares! It is tradition to use the Royal we where I hail from!"

Darkrai nodded "I see...Because I detected a presence within yourself...I may have misjudged you."

Luna perked up "What? A presence? Who!? Please, tell us!"

Darkrai paused for a moment before it spoke "I cannot say much other than a presence that harbors negative feelings inside itself...Anger...Hatred...Jealousy...Sorrow..." He slowly pointed a claw at Luna "It seems to be connected to you..."

Luna looked defensive 'There is only one pony I know of with those feelings that is connected to myself...' She took a deep breath and tried to change the subject to get her mind off of Darkrai's information "Thou saith that thou art a pokemon? Pray tell, what is that?" She asked while she held a calculating glance.

Darkrai replied "Where I come from, I am one of a vast and diverse species of creatures with the given name. There are several pokemon that have their own different appearances, properties, and capabilities. Most of them can evolve into stronger pokemon as well..." It then held a claw to its chest "Some of them, like myself, have the ability to monitor dreams...However, I am the one with the most experience..."

Luna held a stoic gaze "But thou only knoweth the world of nightmares..."

Darkrai gave a deep sigh and looked down "Yes...I am aware...I was born that way, and it does not help to know that all I've done was cause suffering...You stopping me with your resolve already reminds me of her..."

Luna tilted her head with a curious glance "Who is this 'her' thou speakest of? Is it a lover, or somepony who wishes to quell thine power?"

Darkrai shook its head "Not a pony or a lover...But you are correct in the latter sense. She is a lunar pokemon who pursues me to stave off my power when met with other people or pokemon...Her name was Cresselia..."

Luna poked a hoof at her chin "An exotic name for a pokemon, but I digress. Surely she must have her work cut out for herself if she wanted to ward off several of your nightmares."

Darkrai looked away and Luna detected a hint of despondancy from the nightmare pokemon "I only wish to know what others dream for myself...I can only catch a glimpse before my power chooses to wash away the dreamer's euphoria..." It turned its back on Luna "I lead a troubled existence, but I see past it for the sake of living out my days as a pokemon of dreams...It is time that I depart...I do not wish to give you or your subjects more trouble..." It began to float away from Luna.

Luna watched Darkrai leave and began to feel guilty for her words. Sure, Darkrai was born to cause nightmares left and right, but it did not mean any harm whatsoever. Also, knowing that this was an entity from another world, it only sparked more of Luna's interest. If what Darkrai said about the dream realm was true, there could be more to it than just Equestria. She held out a hoof with a pleading look on her face "Darkrai, wait!" The nightmare pokemon stopped as commanded and shifted its head back to gaze at Luna "We...apologize if we have hurt thine feelings. It's just that we've not expected you to have traveled all the way out into this part of the dream realm in order to try and escape such a terrible fate...We feel thine pain in terms of being isolated for the longest time..." She looked away sadly as she remembered her old punishment.

Darkrai kept its gaze on Luna before it turned back to face her again and float towards her. The nightmare pokemon stopped in front of the princess and held out a claw "You are forgiven...To be truthful, you seem to be the most friendliest creature I've ever met in my travels...I wish to know more about you, and in exchange I can show you the many places I have traversed through in order to reach this part of the dream realm."

Luna stared at the claw in disbelief. A foreign creature not only considers her a friend, but would also share its knowledge with her in exchange of her own. She smiled as she took Darkrai's claw with one of her hooves "It is a done deal! We thank thee kindly for the offer, friend!" Luna could not distinguish a smile on Darkrai's face, but she felt joy coming from it.

Darkrai broke the claw-to-hoofshake and spread its arms "Would you like to traverse the many ends of the dream realm with me? I could show you many things that Equestria could not contain..."

Luna went to agree wholeheartedly, but looked back to remember that she had to keep the griffons' dreams in order. While it was most tempting to see how far she could go in the dream realm, she still had her duty to Daedalus and his people. She winced with sadness to know that she couldn't come with Darkrai this night, but she knew that her duty as a princess came first. With a heavy sigh, she turned to Darkrai with sad eyes "We're afraid we'll have to postpone thine offer for the time being, Darkrai...Emperor Daedalus counted on me to ensure that his fellow griffons receive proper rest!"

Darkrai looked back at the many dreams that took place and nodded to Luna "Very well, I understand...But could we perhaps meet next time? Knowing our skill in monitoring dreams, our absence would be miniscule at best..."

Luna remembered that once she knew the griffons slept soundly, that she fulfilled her duty to the griffon kingdom, and could be free to do whatever she pleased in the realm of dreams. She beamed at Darkrai "Yes! Verily! We art looking forward to our next encounter with thee, Darkrai! It would be most invigorating and wondrous!!"

Darkrai nodded again "Good...I'm glad that we could be friends like this, Princess Luna..." Its tone was unchanged, but Luna felt warmness from its words.

The princess smiled "Please, call us Luna. It is nice to meet a new friend in a place such as this...Fare thee well, Darkrai. We must get back to our duties. But know that we shall find thee the next day!"

Darkrai nodded "I will, and thank you again for acknowledging me as a friend..." He then floated backwards and faded out of sight. This one was indeed ghostlike in nature.

Luna smiled and looked back at the dreams she was obligated to oversee. She shifted her eyes behind her as she grinned ear-to-ear 'It will be most delightful to see what you have to show us, Darkrai!' She then trotted back into a more comfortable area where she could watch the dreams while thinking about the next day with childlike excitement and anticipation.
_____

The process of ensuring good sleep for the griffons was such an easy feat for Luna, knowing the one responsible was now her friend. She felt heavy knowing that she had to delay her tour of the dream realm for a later time, but at least she had someone to talk to that was well-versed in her own profession.

The next morning, Luna stirred from her slumber with a content smile on her face. Never had she rested so well outside of her castle, let alone her own kingdom. The princess of the night rose from her bed and stretched as she gave a quiet yawn, but her process of waking up was disturbed by a knock on the guest room door. She turned to it with a curious gaze "Thou may enter!"

The door opened to reveal Daedalus' advisor, who wore a satisfied smile as he straightened his glasses. He wore a satchel around his chest "Good morning to you, your majesty! It is my solemn duty to inform that his lordship has enjoyed the best sleep he had in days along with his fellow subjects! You've carried out your task most impressively!"

Luna gave a sincere smile to the small griffon "It was our pleasure! We hath enjoyed ensuring the griffons can slumber peacefully!" She tilted her head "Pray tell, is Emperor Daedalus in good spirits ever since he hath woken from his rest?"

The advisor sighed and looked down "Alas, no...But he was gracious enough to see you off with a parting gift!"

Luna blinked "A parting gift, thou sayest? Are we loathe to guess that it is advice for a later time?" She asked her second question in an apathetic tone.

The small griffon shook his head "His greatness is more noble than you make him out to be, Princess Luna! In fact, I have his gift in my possession at the current moment!" He sifted through his satchel and pulled out an emblem of the griffon empire "This is a sign of personal trust between rulers!"

Luna inspected the emblem after she levitated it from the advisor's claws "So it is." She nodded with a content smile "Send my greatest thanks to Daedalus for this gift! I shall be off to Canterlot now!" She embedded the emblem onto her chestplate and trotted out with her head in the clouds.

The advisor poked a talon to his chin "Strange...Normally, Princess Luna would personally seek the emperor herself and properly say her goodbyes...I wonder what has placed her in such a hasty mood." He only watched Luna leave with a quizzical glance on his face.
_____

Luna reached the balcony of the griffin palace to see the griffons in a much better mood than she had experienced yesterday. It filled her with joy, and moreso knowing that she looked forward to another rest 'It will be most joyful to see thee again, Darkrai...' Luna unfurled her wings and she took flight back to her home.

While she flew, several of the griffons took notice to her flying over Miltiades and roared with applause as she took her leave. Luna waved back at them with a cheerful smile as she made her way back. All she could think about was meeting with her new friend once again. But her smile left when she thought about their conversation.

"I see...Because I detected a presence within yourself...I may have misjudged you."

"What? A presence? Who!? Please, tell us!"

"I cannot say much other than a presence that harbors negative feelings inside itself...Anger...Hatred...Jealousy...Sorrow...It seems to be connected with you..."

Luna could not find the right words to say about what Darkrai had described to her 'Could it be...? But it can't!' She shook her head and tried to perish the thought while she soared through the skies at a faster pace. The sooner she could reach Canterlot, the better.

Hours passed, and the princess of the night finally reached her cherished home. It was close to sunset when she had arrived, about the same time it took to fly from Canterlot to Miltiades. She landed onto the balcony of her tower and curled her feathers as she trotted regally into her room "Now to meet with Tia and see what we hath missed during our absence..." She wanted this day to move by faster for herself if she ever wanted to see Darkrai again.

End of Chapter 3

IV

Chapter 4

Dispersing Daily Discussions

Luna trotted down the halls of the castle in search of Celestia "Sister! Art thou present? We hath returned from our trip to Miltiades!" She was lucky enough to see a pair of guards march authoritively along another route of the halls on patrol. She approached them and they instantly saluted at her sight "Pardon me, guards, but dost thou know of the whereabouts of our sister?"

One of the guards nodded "She's in her study reading a friendship report from one of her subjects!"

Luna nodded with a smile "Thou hast our gratitude! Proceed!" At her command, the guards resumed marching away further into the castle's halls. She then decided to make her way into Celestia's room to see what she was up to 'Hopefully our subjects hath rested well whilst we were at Miltiades...'

When she reached the door to her older sister's room, she rapped the door with a hoof. Celestia's motherly tone was heard behind the door "Come in!" Luna made her way inside and noticed Celestia sitting down and about to write a message. She smiled at her younger sister "Why hello there, Luna. Did you enjoy your time with Daedalus?" Celestia took notice of the emblem on Luna's chestplate and her smile widened "Judging by your gift, I'd say it went quite well!"

Luna smiled as she levitated the emblem off of her "Daedalus, or moreso his advisor presented this to me and claimed that it was a personal bond of trust between us and the emperor! I've neigh thought Emperor Daedalus would be so trusting!"

Celestia began writing her paper as she replied "You freed him from what could be a moment of unwanted bloodshed in his country. I don't see why he shouldn't trust you for what you've done for him."

Luna looked away "But we've known Daedalus for the longest time! Sure, he represents his race and all, but his manners are far from acceptable!"

Celestia held a playful smile on her lips "You would say that when he gave you a gift that establishes friendship?"

Luna flinched before she sighed "He could have presented it himself if he were so willing to be friends with me..."

Celestia laughed "Yes, you're right. But I'm sure you have enough friends to have fun with. Like your little friend Pipsqueak, for instance!"

Luna looked troubled "About that, Tia...Have our ponies been well-rested in our absence?"

Celestia nodded "I'm sure they slept peacefully despite you not being around. I highly doubt that our little ponies haven't faced what the griffons had in the past." She closed her eyes "And it is a good thing it hasn't. I cannot imagine them going through terrible times all due to lack of sleep..."

Luna looked away with a saddened glance 'Neither can we...'

Celestia then finished her letter and raveled up her scroll as it levitated and burned away in green fire. The solar princess perked up shortly afterwards "Oh, I just remembered!" She fished out an envelope with her magic and levitated it to Luna "You had a message from Pipsqueak as well."

Luna took the envelope with her magic and opened it up to read the message.

Dear Princess Luna,

I'm not sure how my dream had to end like that last night, but I know it wasn't your fault. I saw you do your best out there, and even though it was very scary getting gobbled up by a kraken, it almost reminded me of my first Nightmare Night. For that, I wanted to say thank you for at least being with me. Maybe we can see each other again another night and have another thrilling adventure!

Pipsqueak

Luna gave a relieved sigh as she tucked the note under her right wing with a smile "It is comforting to know that little Pip is in good spirits..." She gave a sad frown "I was beginning to think he did not favor me anymore." Luna muttered sadly.

Celestia rose from her sitting position and trotted over to Luna to give her a nuzzle "Now, Luna, you know Pipsqueak likes you more than anypony. I'm sure he'll be glad to see you soon!" She drew herself back and looked at Luna "Now that you're here, maybe we can talk about your trip over supper."

Luna smiled "Of course! We have enlightening news to share with thou involving the griffons!" The two regal sisters then trotted out of Celestia's room and made for the dining room.
_____

Celestia was not really surprised when Luna made mention of the griffons and how some happened to be more mature than others make them out to be, but she was very interested in how happy Luna was while she explained it. Something told her that she wasn't exactly happy about the griffons and their dreams. She must be hiding something. After she swallowed a bite of her daisy salad, she spoke "The many dreams you told me are enthralling, Luna. But perhaps there is something else to your joy that you aren't telling me?"

Luna finished a bite of her own salad, but she perked up at Celestia's question. She pondered if it was necessary to talk about the existence of Darkrai to her older sister. On one side, she can explain that she had made a new friend from another world that monitors dreams like she can, but on the other side, Darkrai was only capable of nightmares and nothing else. Revealing the ghost pokemon's nature and the fact it was responsible for the nightmares would only provoke Celestia and Daedalus. Luckily, she was able to maintain a good poker face throughout the conversation "Only that we've forgotten how amazing it was to traverse through many dreams. I look forward to raising the moon and continuing our duty of watching over the night!"

Celestia giggled "There's a difference between watching over the night and monitoring dreams, Lu-Lu...But I shouldn't keep you if it brings you that much happiness."

Luna nodded "It is indeed most uplifting after each grueling day of staving off those pompous nobles! When will we be able to cancel out their incorrigible laws permanently?" She spoke in an agitated tone.

Celestia sighed and frowned "We musn't chastise them too much for their work. While I agree that most of their laws seem ill-minded, they only wish to provide stability to our kingdom's economy. All we can do is reprieve the ones that seem too extreme for our subjects."

Luna huffed "They still must consider the well-being of our little ponies if they wish to pass more laws..." She then took another bite of her salad and a mischievous smile played along her face 'Perhaps we should have Darkrai have a look at their dreams...'

Celestia ate her salad and could not help but stare at Luna while she was enraptured in her own mind 'What is it that you're hiding from me, Luna?' She thought with curiousity and faint hurt. Celestia then spoke up "We should finish our supper soon, Luna. We have to move the sun and moon.

Luna snapped out of her thought and gave a brief but frantic nod "O-Oh! Of course, sister! We'll finish shortly!" She gave a sincere smile, though it betrayed innocence with her thoughts. The princess of the night then went back to eating her salad, leaving a confused Celestia to stare at her before she did the same.
_____

Later, the two regal sisters positioned themselves at the balconies of their respective rooms and commenced the shift of day to night. Celestia was still confused to Luna's hardly-contained joy and why she wasn't being direct to her about it, but perhaps she could tell her at a later date if she felt up to it.

When Luna finished, she turned away and placed her hooves on her cheeks to give an ecstatic giggle that was devoid of her regality. The princess of the night was indeed excited to see Darkrai again and what he had to offer her. She then trotted back into her room and figured out a way to pass the time. Luna did not feel like calculating on her abacus with how she could barely contain herself. Perhaps some time in the gardens would ease her excitement so she could handle her emotions better. She remembered how she could easily wake herself up if her emotions went out of hoof.

Her mind made up, Luna trotted back out of her balcony, and she unfurled her wings as she jumped from it and began gliding down to the lavish and majestic gardens of her castle. She noticed the distant glow of the fireflies and the moonflowers that laid below her as she descended in her flight. Soon, she touched the grass and decided to trot along the gardens to pass the time 'If we cannot stroll in the city on our own, it is only best we stroll here...' Luna adored how the many trees in her garden casted a darker shade on the ground so that her precious moonflowers could pride themselves with their luminescent beauty.

Luna reached a pond and decided to sit near the edge and stare into the water. Her precious moon provided a wondrous glow to go with its reflection in the pond. As she stared further, the princess of the night gave a deep sigh "Surely our excitement hasn't wavered so easily..." She said to herself in a bothered tone.

"What's t' be excited 'bout, yer majesty?"

Luna was startled at the new voice, and she looked behind herself to see the castle groundskeeper Hayseed giving a docile smile to go with his curious eyes. He held his trusty rake in his forehooves and a straw of hay in his mouth. Luna shook her head "Nothing that concerns thee, Hayseed. But good evening to you." She offered a sincere smile.

Hayseed chuckled "Now now, princess. It may be dark, but that don't mean ya should leave me in it. I could use somepony t' talk to since I don't have much else to do around the gardens."

Luna looked away with a reluctant expression 'Would it be wise to open up mine dream activity to Hayseed? Darkrai musn't be known to our sister, otherwise there could be serious consequences.' She then placed a hoof on her chin as she retained a thoughtful gaze 'Although, perhaps some minor conversation may be just what we need to course this night further...It would be best to give only the acceptable details...' As much as she trusted Hayseed, she couldn't bring herself to reveal her past activity completely. She shifted her eyes to Hayseed with a calculating glance "Hayseed, can we trust thee to keep this conversation between us and nopony else?"

Hayseed nodded with his expression unchanged "Sounds good t' me!"

Luna gave a relieved sigh "Very well." She turned to face Hayseed as she sat properly in the grass. The groundskeeper followed suit, but sat in a more laid-back position while he rested his forelegs and chin on the end of his rake "We art only excited to meet a distant friend of ours. One that we've just recently made in the past."

Hayseed's smile widened "Would it be that little colt that sends ya letters?"

Luna tilted her head "Art thou referring to Pipsqueak?" She shook her head "Neigh. We hath established our friendship long ago. We art referring to a new friend."

The groundskeeper chewed on the straw of hay in his mouth "Is it another pen pal o' sorts? That's mighty neighborly o' ya t' make connections with plenty o' yer subjects like this."

Luna giggled at Hayseed's assumptions "Not so much a pen pal, but another good friend that we've met." She looked away with sadness "Although our first encounter could have gone better..."

Hayseed gave a knowing nod "Makin' friends is easy sometimes, but there can be some ponies that choose t' make a bad impression 'fore they can become good friends with each other. Why, Ah remember th' first friend Ah made. Turned out t' be a filly, actually." He gave a nostalgic laugh "Oh, we would call each other names at first, but soon enough we were th' best o' friends." He then gave a small frown "Poor Amber Wave...Ah miss 'er already..."

Luna looked sad "Is she not around? Our sincerest apologies, Hayseed! We did not mean to unveil such hurting memories!"

Hayseed put on another smile after Luna's words "Don' worry none, your majesty. There ain't much t' cry about when life can do that t' somepony..." He looked up as he stroked his small beard "So long as Ah remember her, she's still alive. Maybe Ah can dream about her an' all my troubles will be washed away..."

Luna smiled "That is most comforting to hear from thee, Hayseed." The princess of the night had to credit Hayseed for his elderly wisdom and being able to cope with almost any circumstance put in his way. She felt bad for him knowing that he is getting on in years, but at least she knows he is happy.

Hayseed nodded "Sure is. But this ain't about me, is it? Does yer friend have a name?" He asked as he chewed his wheat straw.

Luna almost flinched at the question, but she did not know how to answer that. It was best to dodge it for now "Forgive us, Hayseed, but we do not feel comfortable to regard thee with an answer to that question despite its trivality..."

Hayseed was more curious as he tilted his head at her "Is it too personal t' ask?"

Luna looked away "Thou could say that. Our friend is, shall we say...misunderstood. We fear that saying their name could cause trouble in the castle. There is nothing grave about this particular setting, mind you. We only wish we could explain in better detail without any mishaps..." She looked down in sadness, feeling slight guilt to hide so much from Hayseed, let alone her sister.

Hayseed stared in silence with a neutral gaze before he smiled again "Ya sure 'bout that, yer majesty? Ah figured it was clear that this conversation stays between us." He held out a hoof "Ah'm a stallion of my word, y'know. Ain't no word leaves this little chitchat o' ours. Not a peep." He poked his chin with his outstretched hoof "But if it troubles ya that much, though, Ah won't keep ya. Wouldn't want t' provoke ya or anythin'..."

Luna gave a sad smile "We thank thee, Hayseed. Our most sincerest apologies for this small conversation not bearing everything in full context. Our goal was to merely pass the time before we meet our new friend..."

Hayseed chuckled "Sure are antsy, ain't ya?" He then waved a dismissive hoof "An' don't let it bother ya that ya didn't open up all th' way to this old coot. We all have our secrets that we keep t' ourselves." The groundskeeper smiled "Hopefully yer friend can be more open t' other ponies if they feel up t' it. Wouldn't want them t' be lonely fer th' rest o' their lives. But hey! That's why yer here for 'em, right?" He gave a hearty laugh before he dropped onto his legs with his rake slung onto his back "Ya should probably go on an' talk to yer friend soon. Wouldn't wanna keep 'em waitin'."

Luna realized that enough time had passed so that she could go to bed. Perhaps a small conversation was all she needed to move time along faster. She smiled at Hayseed "Yes, we should make ourselves scarce for now. We thank thee for the small talk that hath taken place, Hayseed! And we bid thee a good night."

Hayseed tipped his hat "Likewise, yer majesty. T'was good talkin' with ya, too. Maybe we can talk again some other time!"

Luna nodded "Perhaps..." She then looked pleading "And this talk-"

Hayseed made a zipping motion with a hoof along his smiling muzzle "Not a peep. Ya don't have t' worry 'bout a thing! Better skidaddle now!" He made a shooing motion with his hoof as he began to trot away "Ah better hit th' hay myself so I can be ready for tomorro'. G'night, Princess!"

Luna waved before she unfurled her wings and flew back up to the balcony of her tower. When she reached it, she trotted back inside and made her way to her favored four-poster bed. She gave a relieved sigh before she tucked herself in 'It is good to know that Hayseed can be a trusting pony. At least now there isn't much else to worry about in terms of exposing Darkrai.'

It was weird to know that the very cause of Equestria's nightmares happened to be Luna's newest friend, but that did not bother her anymore knowing that Darkrai was willing to show just how far she can go in the dream realm she was familiar with. This time, she was able to contain her excitement so that there wasn't much to worry about in terms of sleeping. Soon, she will leap beyond the limits of her power and see what nopony else has seen in their life. And the princess of the night could not be more happier with this realization.

End of Chapter 4

V

Chapter 5

Dreadfully Determined Destiny

Luna opened her eyes to see that she was in her familiar and favored part of the dream realm, with the many dreams of her subjects brought about before her eyes. She smiled to herself knowing that they were sleeping well once again, but Luna remembered that she was going to find Darkrai so that the two could travel to the many lengths the dream realm had to offer.

She gave each dream in front of her eyes one last look for good measure before she decided to trot away to the more barren parts of the spacial ethereal background that made up of her surroundings. Luna stopped for a moment and she inspected what she would consider the boundaries of her area. She had the feeling that she was bound to this part, but she was willing to see if it were indeed possible to simply press on until the dreams of her ponies were out of sight. With that, the princess of the night went further on into the unknown and left her subjects' dreams behind.

Luna felt as if she were caught in a sadistic loop when she did not spot anything but the spacial background she resided in. There was not a dream in sight, and no sign of Darkrai anywhere. Luna sighed and looked around with a saddened expression "Have we been tricked?" She asked herself.

"No...You haven't."

Luna gasped and almost jumped and looked behind herself to see Darkrai floating with the tatters on its body flowing in the nonexistent breeze much like Luna's mane and tail. She was annoyed at how the pokemon had to startle her like that, but she remembered she did the same on Nightmare Night. Regardless, her new friend was here now, and that meant for Luna to enjoy the full possibilities of her realm. She smiled at Darkrai "It is good to see thee again after a long period of wait, Darkrai. How did thou fare whilst we were apart?"

Darkrai held up a claw as if it presented an item "I made sure to distance myself from Equestria's inhabitants while I waited for you to arrive...I've met several Zebstrika while you were away."

Luna tilted her head with a bemused glance "Zebstrika?"

Darkrai replied instantly "They're like your ponies, only striped...and surprisingly, these ones lack horns..."

Luna then came to a conclusion with a laugh "Oh, Darkrai. Art thou referring to the residents of the zebra kingdom? There art nary any Zebstrika in Equestria!"

Darkrai looked down in thought "I see..." It spoke in a curious tone and looked back up to face Luna "I was sure I've seen them before..."

Luna shook her head "Neigh, friend. Much like our ponies and Daedalus' griffons, the zebras are their own kind in Equestria as well. They are more in touch with nature than anypony in my world."

Darkrai nodded 'So they could be like Shaymin...' It then spoke "I think we have talked too long. Shall we be off on the many places I've seen?"

Luna remembered her reasons for being in the dream world and she beamed with vigor glimmering in her eyes "Yes! We shall!" She then flinched and calmed herself "Err, forgive our anticipation...Ever since our first encounter, my emotions lost control and we stirred from our slumber..."

Darkrai nodded "A wise choice, Luna. Also, no offense, but it is hard to keep track of your presence when using the term 'we' on a regular basis."

Luna sighed "Thou art not the first to deign the use of mine dialect. We have tried to speak with the common lingo used by the ponies of our time, and have still been practicing." She then smiled "But shall we be off? I wish to see what I have missed throughout my days in the dream realm."

Darkrai nodded again "Yes. Follow me so I can show you what I have seen throughout my travels." It began to float away and Luna trotted after it with controlled eagerness.
_____

After a long period of wandering, the two dream masters came across several vortexes that came in different colors and sizes. Some often held two or more colors of their own as they swirled in a tantalizing vortex. Luna took in her surroundings and poked a hoof to her chin "Darkrai, what are these supposed to be? Do they lead to somepony's dreams as well?"

Darkrai looked around "These are portals that lead to other parts of the dream realm. There are many worlds affiliated with the aspect of dream, and where we stand could be considered one of many crossroads of those that are able to move freely through the subconscious..." It pointed a claw and slowly directed it back and forth "I am able to detect presences from the portals, though I cannot distinguish their exact appearances. I am also lucky to know these only act as gates so that I would not cause any harm. Some of them lead to different parts of time and space, possibly realities that transcend the barriers of dreams and converges into reality. As if you've never slept at all..."

Luna was awed by this explanation "Remarkable..." She whispered before she raised her voice "Wait! Did thou sayest that we could travel not only in different realities, but in different times as well!? Like both past and present?"

Darkrai turned to Luna "Almost anything is possible in the world of dreams, Luna. I have not come to know your power, but hopefully you could share with me bits and parts of yourself so that I can be more in touch with you."

Luna remembered her agreement and nodded "Yes, of course. We forgot that thou wished to know us better. Our power is indeed vast, but we prefer to direct our powers to certain scenarios of one's dream so that they are guaranteed a good night's sleep. But if what thou art inferring is true, then perhaps we could gather the knowledge of our arcane repetoire and place it to good use?"

Darkrai nodded "Quite so. Some dreams are meant to be nightmares, and certain creatures happen to cause trouble around here. I've had my share of battles in and out of this entire realm..."

Luna looked at the pokemon with an intrigued glance "Interesting..." She then turned to the slew of portals "So where shalt we set off first?"

Darkrai turned to a portal that swirled purple and red and pointed to it "I've been there recently...It will lead to a different world, and I am aware of one person that had nightmares even before I've gazed into his mind..."

Luna widened her eyes "Really? We should help him then! This is a cruel fate for somepony to be caught in endless nightmares!" The two dream masters then jumped into the portal and a flash occured before they found themselves in the same background as before. Luna looked around in bewilderment before she looked outraged "What is this? Did we not jump through the portal? Is this some kind of trick?"

Darkrai shook its head and directed Luna to look behind her. She saw the same red and purple vortex, but no other vortex was around. The pokemon then directed her to look forward as it pointed a claw "Up ahead. Do you see anything?"

Luna took a few steps forward and squinted her eyes to look farther so she could distinguish what was going on "I see...I see..." Her eyes widened when she noticed many lights with activity inside of them "Dreams! I see dreams up ahead!" Indeed she saw more dreams, only there were absolutely no ponies in sight. Instead, there were several bipedal figures with their own scenarios, some often comparing to those seen back in Equestria "What are these strange creatures?" She could have sworn she saw them before in a mint-colored pony's dreams.

Darkrai replied while it floated behind here "The creatures you see before you are known as humans...Rumored to have evolved from apes."

Luna was already fascinated, seeing how some wear clothing on a regular basis "Interesting...and most of them seem so friendly, too!" She could not be more enthralled in each dream in front of her. However, one particular dream caught her eye.

She beheld a glimpse of a male bipedal figure that wore shorts and had ram horns on his head. Clasped in one of his arms was a pillow, and he used it to fend off strange sheep similar to the bipedal figure himself. He was climbing what appeared to be a dipalidated tower composed mostly of gothic structures and movable blocks. His face was plastered with fear and uncertainty while he moved up the tower through each treacherous move.

Luna was shocked and jerked her head to Darkrai "Darkrai! That dream there!" She pointed to the nightmare up ahead "Was that the ominous nightmare thou were referring to?"

Darkrai nodded "Indeed, that was the one. He had been caught in it before I passed by here, actually...It would seem he is at a harsh struggle of sorts."

Luna turned back to the dream "Well we cannot just stand here! We need to help him! Can thy powers be restricted if you enter one dream and nopony elses?"

Darkrai looked away "I'm...unsure. Knowing the damage I have done to your world's dreams at a short distance, I cannot be certain if my power can be limited when I enter one's dream...I'm sorry."

Luna huffed in frustration "Well we cannot just stand here! Come, Darkrai! Our presence is needed!" She galloped forward towards the nightmare she had her sights on.

Darkrai was reluctant at first, but it applauded at Luna's devotion for protecting dreams. It only wished it could handle its power easily while it lingered in the dream realm. After a short moment of contemplation, it decided to follow Luna as it floated after her.

When they were close by, some of the dreams near Darkrai began to take horrible turns, grabbing Luna's attention as she went faster "Hurry, Darkrai! We musn't disturb the peace!"

Darkrai did as it was told and picked up the pace to where it and Luna were traveling side-by-side at a fast pace. Soon, they reached the desired nightmare and jumped into the scenario.

The dream's background was horrid. It resembled a desolate quadrangle with stained glass and several blocks of ice on a strange tower that floated in the middle of the room. The entire room chilled to the bone with its low temperature. Halfway up the top was the strange horned figure climbing his way up. Luna and Darkrai glided towards him, but suddenly, Luna's wings disappeared, causing her to scream and fall.

Darkrai saw this and noticed some growth under itself. Before it could escalate, the pokemon quickly flew down to save Luna as it began to lose its own flight mysteriously. It then noticed they were near one of the blocks on the very bottom and quickly grabbed onto the edge with one claw while it held Luna with the other. Luna gasped and stared down into the black abyss while she was being held.

Darkrai struggled "H-Hang on, Luna..." It said with strain in its voice as it swung its arm and slung Luna onto the top of the block. When she was safely on the block, the pokemon lifted itself and caught its breath.

Luna did the same and then she smiled and hugged Darkrai "We thank thee, Darkrai! Thou hath saved us from this sudden occurence!" She savored the embrace, but then she looked shocked "Darkrai! What hast happened to thy body!?" She pointed down to the pokemon's lower torso.

There were two needle-like extensions that formed on the bottom of Darkrai's body, and they bent as they lifted it up "There is nothing to fear, Luna. This is normal..." He waved a claw on the extensions "These merely serve as my legs for when I feel incapable of flight." It looked around with its jade eye "Namely at a time like this...I've never seen a nightmare so cruel before..."

Luna looked around as well until she looked back at her own midsection "To be robbed of flight...This really is a nightmare!" She then looked up to see the climbing figure press on "But we musn't tarry here! That human up there needs our help! Let us make haste, Darkrai!" The two went to go after the human, and were lucky enough to see some blocks laid out in a climbable pattern.

The two dream masters suffered greatly on the way up. Some of the blocks were unable to move while others fell inconveniently while they suggested moves to make when they were at an impasse. They noticed one of the strange sheep slip off of an ice block on the edge and fell into the darkness below. Luna shuddered at the sight and tried to move on without making any mistakes.

Soon enough, Luna and Darkrai managed to catch up with the human while he was close to the top. The princess of the night called out to him "Hello up there! Dost thou require aid!?"

The human looked down and noticed the two dream masters with widened eyes "What the hell!? When did my nightmares involve ghosts and ponies?" He spoke in a bemused tone. They were certainly not the sheep he had ran into throughout his trials.

Luna called up again while the two made their way up "Do not fret! We only wish to help thee through thy horrid nightmare!" When she got close to the human, he held out his pillow in a defensive stance. She reeled back with widened eyes "Wait! We do not wish to harm thee!"

The human grunted "Bullshit! Sometimes I have to deal with some of these guys trying to take me down! What makes you so different other than your appearance!?" He kept a firm grip on his pillow. Though it did not seem threatening, it was still a good weapon in this dream.

Darkrai joined Luna behind her and spoke "We are not your enemy. This may seem strange, but we want to ensure that you make it past this nightmare." It spoke in a neutral, but comforting tone.

The human raised an eyebrow "And I'm supposed to believe you just like that? How do I know you aren't lying to me right off the bat?"

Luna nodded "It is wrong to endure such harmful nightmares like this! We may not know each other, but please, let us help you!" She looked at the human with sad eyes.

The human lowered his guard with a quizzical glance "You're serious?" He then looked away "Well, then again, I've helped some of the sheep I ran into..." He muttered before he snapped out of his thought and turned to the two dream masters "But this is different! My life is on the line here along with the others!" He then went back to climbing forward as he shifted a block and repeated the process when he elevated.

Luna was baffled at the humans word "Thy life? What kind of twisted nightmare dost thou reside in!?" She and Darkrai followed after him while they talked.

The human sighed "Some kind of weird curse ever since I've been dating this girl..." He then perked up "Wait a minute..." The human stopped climbing and pointed at Luna "YOU'RE a girl! Who are you? What are you!?"

Luna halted her own advance to introduce herself "Our name is Princess Luna of Canterlot! And what shalt we call thee, human?"

The human paused with a look of indescribable bemusement before he brushed it aside to return the courtesy "Vincent. Vincent Brooks. But you being here doesn't answer my question!"

Luna raised an eyebrow "Art thou referring to our gender?"

Vincent nodded "Yeah. Ever since I came to this place every night, there was nothing but men looking like sheep to me! They usually think the same way!"

Darkrai looked around the quadrangle "Is this area linked to the others somehow? By some higher power?"

Vincent grunted "I'm not exactly sure, but I gotta keep moving! I don't wanna die when I have to find out so many things!" He continued his advance and Luna and Darkrai followed suit.

The trial was grueling, but with the combined teamwork of the trio, they managed to reach the top where they noticed a handle dangling on a chain. Luna and Darkrai were confused at the sight, but Vincent only beamed in joy "Alright! I made it!" He jumped up and pulled on the chain, and several blocks magically appeared in a stairway pattern to which the human climbed. Luna and Darkrai did not hesitate to follow shortly after.

Soon, they found themselves at a landing that appeared similar to a chapel seen at a church, complete with pews and chiming bells. Luna looked around to see many sheep of different shapes and sizes stand or sit around 'We cannot be certain if this is peaceful, foreboding, or both...'

"Does it trouble you?"

Luna turned to Darkrai when she heard it speak "Well, this DOES seem like a sanctuary...but dost it mean that this nightmare as reached its zenith?"

Vincent looked ahead "Only one way to find out..." He turned to Luna and Darkrai "You guys do what you want. I gotta talk to some of these sheep and get moving."

Luna was taken aback "But what about thee, Vincent? Won't you need our aid as well?"

Vincent shook his head "I'd gladly take you along for safety and security, but I think these trials were meant for my own survival. I wouldn't want you guys dying because of me."

Luna went to speak, but was stopped by Darkrai, who held out a claw for her. It then nodded to Vincent, to which he returned as he walked off and went to socialize with the other sheep. Luna sighed "Darkrai, we cannot fathom this situation..."

Darkrai turned to Luna "What do you mean?"

Luna faced Darkrai with a befuddled face "We claim to be in Vincent's dream, but not only are others involved, all of their lives are at stake! Who could be responsible for all of this!?"

Darkrai looked down "I am not certain, though my theory on a higher power still stands. All we can do now is support Vincent until the end of his dream."

Luna nodded "We suppose thou art right. At least perhaps we know that he is safe for now." She looked over to see Vincent walk into a booth and was somehow chatting with another voice. She tilted her head when she noticed two chains dangle in front of him and startle him. He went with the one on his right, and after a small moment, the curtain to his booth closed and said booth was hoisted up by a metallic cherub. She widened her eyes and galloped to where the booth once stood as she looked up "Vincent! Wait!"

Darkrai walked towards Luna "I believe this is where we must part ways, Luna. Vincent is away from us now. Shall we be off?"

Luna looked up before she looked down "So long as we know that he can suffice. But where should we go to-" She noticed the scenario around her getting blurry and obscured and felt unsettled "next? Darkrai, what is happening!?" She darted her head around in confusion.

Darkrai did the same "I think his nightmare has reached its end. But it doesn't seem right..." It looked around "Normally if one's dream ends, there would be nothing but a blackened void, but the scenery is beginning to change..." True enough, the scene of the strange landing was replaced with a scene containing yet another tower coming into good contrast.

The two dream masters found themselves at the start of it and Luna felt more confused "Where are we? Another tower?"

Darkrai went to answer, but he noticed a familiar booth being lifted onto the tower's left side. The curtain moved to reveal Vincent strolling out with a stoic face before it turned into a startled one "What the-" He shifted his glances between Luna and Darkrai "How did you two get up here!?"

Luna stared back with the same expression "Our guess is as good as yours!"

Darkrai looked down in thought "Or is it?" Luna and Vincent looked at the pokemon as it stated another theory "This may be one-sided, but we have jumped into Vincent's subconscious in order to arrive here..."

Vincent was even more confused "Wait, what!?"

Darkrai continued "So when we saw the others as sheep, we were only getting a glance at Vincent's point of view...Add to the fact that we've met him up to this particular tower, we appear to be linked to Vincent's mind in a way, observing his endeavors before he truly wakes up..."

Luna was impressed with the explanation and agreed with a nod. She was not one to doubt Darkrai's logic. Vincent, however, had his jaw dropped "Okay okay, so let me get this straight...Both of you aren't from around here? Then where the hell are you fro-"

"Dont...run...!"

The trio was startled by the new deranged feminine voice and looked around before they followed Vincent's glance on the darkness below "Wha...That can't be...K-Katherine!?"

Suddenly, at the call of the name, a large figure jumped out of the darkness and caused the trio to do the same out of surprise. It was feminine by appearance, but was also as deranged as its voice. Its body and face were both severly mangled just like the wedding dress it wore, and it held a cake knife adorned with flowers and covered in blood. The only weird appearance was the glasses, but it did not matter when the figure let out a fit of crazed laughter.

Vincent and Luna stared in shock at the sudden appearance, and the human found his voice despite his fear "A wedding dress!?"

The one called Katherine raised its knife and whispered loudly "No escape..." It leered at Vincent with its beady red eyes.

Vincent only stared back with his widened eyes as he held his right arm out in a halting motion while clenching a pillow with his left "Wha...!? Hold on, calm down now!!"

End of Chapter 5

VI

Chapter 6

Dodging Drastic Doom

Vincent wasted no time in sprinting for the nearest gap and climbing up a short path before pulling out his first block to pave his own way. Luna and Darkrai watched him and followed the path he made for himself.

"The Doom's Bride has appeared. It's a killer. Do not die."

The strange new voice confused Luna, but she ignored it for the sake of Vincent's survival. She and Darkrai helped the human pave the way to freedom while the scary bride climbed her way up and swung her knife arm "Traitor!!" She bellowed as she climbed her way up.

Luna conjured her horn and pulled another block out of the way for Vincent when she spotted a good path "Vincent, this way! Quickly!" She was happy to see the human comply without hesitation. Darkrai followed after him and Luna joined the two upward.

The Doom's Bride roared as the trio distanced themselves "Where are YOU going!?" She then opened her mouth wide and a stream of artic winds shot up into the air. After that, small avalanches made their way down certain blocks that convinced the group to halt their advance. They moved out of the way when they were near one of them, but quickly continued their ascension after it subsided.

Luna looked up to see more blocks form and held an expression of desparation "If only we could lift thee to the very top!"

Vincent pulled out another block and climbed on top of it "We're doing that already! C'mon, you two!! We gotta hurry up!!" The trio continued climbing while more block clusters fell and added to the tower.

The Doom's Bride did not let up while they made their way up the tower as she swung her knife again "Trying to escape your responsibility!?" She only climbed further up after them.

Luna felt unnerved at the monster's pace and she looked down to see Darkrai stop climbing "Darkrai! What art thou doing!? We must press on for Vincent!"

Darkrai stared down at the approaching monster and it held out its claws as spheres of dark energy appeared in his palms. It then rasied its claws and swung them as it launched both spheres at the beast one at a time. They both collided with the monster's face and elicited a pain roar from her and stopped her movement for a short moment.

Luna saw in shock "Thou would confront the monster!?"

Darkrai looked up at Luna "We need to do whatever it takes to ensure Vincent's survival. I shall aid him in any way no matter what the danger..." It then jumped onto another block when the Doom's Bride went to stab him with her knife.

Luna was touched at Darkrai's commitment. This only proved that even if it were born to spread nightmares, it was not evil at all. She took in Darkrai's courage and joined at a step above it. She wondered if all of her power was not taken in this nightmare, and her horn glowed as she fired a beam at the Doom's Bride, causing her to stop again and roar in pain. Luna smiled "Yes! It is working!"

Vincent pulled out and climbed another block. When he noticed he was by himself, he looked down at Luna and Darkrai and was shocked "What the hell are you two doing!? Get away from her before she kills you!!"

Luna and Darkrai jumped up two more blocks when the Doom's Bride regained movement and went to stab at them again. Luna looked up at Vincent "Do not worry for our safety, Vincent! We have battled before, and we only want you to wake up!!"

Darkrai looked up as well "We'll meet you at the top! Don't stop for us!" Luna and Darkrai continued climbing and dodging the Doom's Bride while stopping her with their power.

Vincent stared down for a moment before he shook his head and grunted in frustration 'Can't believe they somehow end up as part of my nightmare...and to help me? That's unbelievable!' He made another stairway for him to climb 'But they really are something to help me out like this...'

Darkrai and Luna continued fending off the Doom's Bride, and they noticed the progress Vincent was making. Darkrai turned to Luna "We have to move up. Let's go!" Luna nodded and the two dream masters went up the path that was made by Vincent.

The Doom's Bride roared in anger at the trio's distance "Nothing but a lying asshole!!" She opened her mouth and let off another stream of artic wind, startling Luna.

Luna jerked her head up to see a small avalanche make its way near Vincent and she called out in fear "Vincent! Watch out!!"

It was too late. Vincent was hit by the small stream of snow and was knocked down a few levels. He was able to move away from it before it could carry him further. Darkrai grunted "Luna. We'll have to ignore the monster and bring Vincent back up."

Luna nodded with a determined glance "Very well! Let us make haste!" The two then jumped up the blocks near Vincent's level and the trio banded together to climb their way up. They had trouble when some of the blocks were icy, but Vincent quickly gave them the hint to hang along the edges to avoid slipping.

They were doing so well that they were far from the Doom's Bride, who performed a different attack while their distance was great "I won't ever forgive you!!" She shouted before the attack was executed. Suddenly, an powerful icy whirlwhind formed around the tower and pried out some of the lower blocks as they swirled up towards the trio.

Vincent was climbing, and his eyes went wide when he noticed one of the blocks going for him "Holy crap!!" When he hung on the right edge of the tower to avoid the block as it collided with the tower and was destroyed.

Luna and Darkrai had to do the same when they noticed more blocks coming in. The princess of the night felt flustered by this new attack "Whatever shalt we do!? She is not going to let up on us!!" Luna was then startled by the distant sound of a chiming bell.

Vincent heard it as well and stopped for a moment before he continued at a faster pace "C'mon! Not too much far now!! We're almost there!" He made another path for him and the others and climbed up with vigor.

Luna and Darkrai shared a glance before they followed him, dodging some flying blocks all the while. They were all surprised to see a mysterious door sitting on the top of the tower. Around it were several ice blocks, but that didn't stop Vincent. He was able to make himself a stairway and did not hesitate to climb up and finally reach the door with a cheer "I made it!"

The two dream masters joined Vincent as he went to open it, hoping that they have ensured he was away from the nightmare for good. While he opened the door, the human spoke in a slightly tired tone "I gotta get outta here..." The door creaked open to reveal a sliver of brightness that grew more intense as it opened all the way "Or else the bride from hell...She'll pop up...right behind me!"

The trio covered their eyes from the light, but were startled when they heard the monster's voice "I'll kill you..."

Vincent turned around with widened eyes "I knew it!" He and the others reeled back when the Doom's Bride flew up to their level and raised her head to the sky to let out more crazed laughter.

Needless to say, Vincent was afraid as he stared at her with indescribable fear "Just stop it! Katherine!!

The Doom's Bride directed the sharp end of her cake knife at the group "I won't let you escape..." She whispered as she went to attack.

Vincent stood still in fear "Ahhh!! F-Forgive me!!" The Doom's Bride only responded with even more crazed laughter

Luna and Darkrai braced themselves for a fatal struggle as they stared down the monster, but the two were taken by surprise when the light from behind the door began piercing the Doom's Bride in her stomach. She staggered before she flailed about and screamed in immense pain while the bright light continued to pierce her and make her disappear. Soon, she was gone completely.

Vincent stared ahead before he looked sad "Katherine..." He then picked himself up as he stomped on the ground "No! No, this is just a nightmare!" He then took a deep breath as he went for the door "All right...I survived another night!"

Luna turned to Vincent "So thou hath conquered the nightmare then?"

Vincent had his hand on the knob "For now. I still got a long way to go from here. But hey, thanks for the help, you two." He turned to Darkrai "I didn't really catch your name either..."

Darkrai placed a claw on its chest "I am known as Darkrai. It was a pleasure to protect you from this nightmare..."

Vincent gave a grateful smile to the two before he looked away "Look, I appreciate the help and stuff, but I don't want you guys to suffer because of me..."

Luna tilted her head at Vincent "Dost thou wish to endure these horrid nightmares by thyself? But how will-"

Vincent looked down "Technically, while there are plenty of people involved in this thing, this is something I have to do on my own. You guys aren't from around here, so you won't understand..." He looked up at them "But thanks again for helping me out. I can handle the rest from here..."

Darkrai stared "Very well. We respect your choice in the matter and wish you the best of luck." The pokemon turned to Luna "Right, Luna?"

Luna felt disheartened to have Vincent go about his nightmares all alone, but admired his courage as she smiled and nodded "Yes. Thou must perservere through this series of unfortunate events! If thou art in dire need of assistance, hopefully we'll be around to aid thee!" She held out her hoof for a hoof-to-handshake.

Vincent did just that with a warm smile "Looking forward to it. I'll see you later maybe..." He then went through the door as it gave one last flash of light before closing. Soon enough, the scenery around Luna and Darkrai faded to black and Luna's wings reappeared onto her back while Darkrai's legs receded back into its lower torso.

The two then made their way out of the darkness and looked to see many of the dreams around them fade to black as well. Luna was startled to think Darkrai's power was taking effect and she nudged the pokemon to follow her away from the dreams. When they were at a safe distance, she noticed the dreams continue to fade away "What is this?"

Darkrai looked around "Perhaps it is dawn in their world...The humans are waking up to the morning for a new day."

Luna perked up "Morning!? Oh dear, how long hath we-"

Darkrai comforted Luna with a claw on her shoulder "Morning for them...We cannot be certain if it is the same time around Equestria or my world..."

Luna sighed and regained her composure "Yes...yes of course! Where shalt we go next then, Darkrai?" She turned to her new friend with a smile.

Darkrai stared back with its piercing eye "Perhaps we could make things interesting and view a spot neither of us are familiar with?"

Luna nodded "Sure! Lead the way?" The two then set off back to the vortex they jumped in and found themselves back at the crossroad of portals. Luna looked around and poked her chin with a hoof "So many decisions and so little time..." She viewed each one with a calculating glance until she stopped on a luminescent vortex that was the exact color of her eyes "Darkrai...How about this one?"

Darkrai noticed the portal and hummed "I haven't been there before..." It floated closer "I detect presences, but they do not appear to be dreamers..."

Luna smiled "Perhaps there are more dream monitors like ourselves beyond that gate! Let us proceed so that we may socialize!!" She jumped through without hesitation.

Darkrai stared at the vortex for a moment "Luna...You must really favor new experiences..." It then jumped through after her to discover another world.

End of Chapter 6

VII

Chapter 7

Dancing Deftly in Delight

Luna and Darkrai went through the portal to find nothing but an endless field of clouds. Luna felt no balance and almost fell, but remembered her wings as she hovered while Darkrai floated next to her. The princess of the night looked around "There is nothing here in sight! Art thou sure thine detection is accurate, Darkrai?"

Darkrai floated forward "I am most certain. We'll need to press forward through these clouds." The two dream masters then flew forward knowing that no other direction would seem appropriate. While they went through, Darkrai turned to Luna "Luna, could you tell me...What is it like to have so many people favor you for your work of the night?"

Luna turned to Darkrai "Well, it is a long story, but we hath been recently favored after a small..." She looked away with reluctance and sadness "...incident..."

Darkrai kept its stare "What incident? Did something befall your kingdom?"

Luna shook her head "Not really a foreign threat, but it basically pertained to our power over night...You see, we have an older sister named Celestia, who has the power over the sun whilst we have the power over the moon. For centuries, we hath moved both celestial bodies over Equestria and our subjects favored us for it. But many of them loved our sister's sun even more, and took refuge in slumber once our precious moon loomed over the skies..."

Darkrai nodded "So that they can enjoy a good night's rest, yes?"

Luna sighed "This was a different time, Darkrai. I was young and foalish..." She looked sad "...and jealous..." Darkrai perked up at the last word "We wanted our little ponies to enjoy our night and not ignore it through sleep, so we demanded that our moon would be out for longer days for all to see. Celestia did not take kindly to it and beseeched us to work together..." Luna looked away "But I was too stubborn..." She muttered in bitter sadness.

Darkrai paused and shook its head "I will not press on if this memory give you pain." It looked forward to see light peek out of the clouds "Luna, I think we might have reached our destination."

Luna looked to see and widened her eyes as she forgot her past sadness "Wonderful! Let us see what is ahead!" She smiled as she increased her pace with Darkrai following suit. When the clouds lifted from their path, Luna gasped at the new sight.

Everything was bright and colorful, much like Equestria, only this place was more oriented to the higher class with several castles around the area. There sat a large one in the middle that seemed the most majestic. The entire place could be the ideal spot for her to enjoy some time off from her own troubles.

Luna looked around and could hardly contain her smile "This is magnificent! If this particular area is governed by a sovereign ruler, we must engage an audience with them at once! We've never seen such a wonderful place like this!"

Darkrai looked around "It is indeed peaceful. But one musn't be fooled by the scenery alone..."

Luna turned to Darkrai with a cocked eyebrow "What dost thou imply?"

Darkrai continued scouting "For all we know, there could be something lurking in this area...Something expecting us...waiting to strike..." Its tone seemed cautious.

Luna looked downcast at Darkrai's paranoia "Was thine own time an unbearable one, Darkrai?"

Darkrai sighed "Forgive me. There are moments where things are not as bright and frivolent as they appear...I am only being cautious to my surroundings..."

Luna took in Darkrai's wisdom and nodded "We understand. We shalt keep a keen eye around this area as well!" She looked ahead with a determined glance, but she inwardly felt like a child skipping through a flowery field.

There were many interesting sights to be found in this place. Several humans were spotted wearing either formal victorian attire or clown outfits. The modes of transport consisted of exotic animals pulling unique carts and carraiges. Most of what is seen could be what Pinkie would add to one of her parties, if not all.

When they got close, they decided to land near the center of the large city, where a fountain stood and flowed with glimmering waters. Luna looked around to see some people mind their own business, but then turned to see Luna and approached her with cheers. Luna smiled at all of them and wished to return the favor, but when they noticed Darkrai, they all gasped and quickly distanced themselves from the pair as they gazed upon them with eyes of shock and fear.

Luna looked around and felt worried "W-Wait! We do not wish thee any harm! We come to make peace!" She waved a hoof to Darkrai "This one is not a monster, we assure you!!"

The crowd began to murmur at her words. Some of them were confused as to why she kept referring to herself as 'we'.

Darkrai looked around at the frightened crowd, not finding the right words to say to them knowing that it would only blow things out of proportion.

Luna tried reaching out to the crowd again "Please, listen to us! We art Luna, Princess of the Night!" The entire crowd perked up and parroted the word 'princess' in surprise and confusion. Soon, they all began to bow in genuflect, their fears of Darkrai forgotten. Luna flinched and blushed in embarrassment "Err, no need to be formal, friends! Would any of thee be so kind as to direct us to thine leader? We wish to engage a friendly audience!"

The crowd rose from their bowing and pointed to the large castle that was seen when Luna and Darkrai first arrived. The princess cursed herself for asking a peculiar question, but perhaps it was better that way considering she was in a world of dreams, where anything was possible. She and Darkrai gave a curt nod to the crowd and the two made their way towards the castle. Some of the crowd cleared the way for them so they could be on their way.

While they were walking, Luna and Darkrai were unaware of two sets of eyes that spied on them from behind a clock tower.
_____

Luna and Darkrai reached the gates of the castle and saw that two identical human guards bearing spears were guarding it. She approached in her regal position and spoke "Hail, guards! May you grant us passage into the castle proper?"

The guards looked at Luna and instantly regarded her as royalty with her poise and grace, but then they noticed Darkrai and instantly went into a defensive stance with their spears. The one on the left shouted "An intruder!" the right one finished "From Nightmare Land!!"

Luna tilted her head "Nightmare Land?" She turned to Darkrai "But thou claimed that thou hath not been here before!!"

Darkrai shook his head "I do not lie. I really have not been here before, nor is my home known as Nightmare Land..."

The right guard spoke "Lies! You're covered in darkness and you look scary! You're definitely from Nightmare Land!" The left one chimed in "Yes! You cannot fool us, monster!!"

Darkrai slowly drew himself back and looked down. Luna detected sadness and jerked her head to the guards as she looked angered "Hold thy tongue!! Darkrai is not a monster!!

Both guards did not waver in their stance "How can we be sure you're not lying?" They spoke simultaneously.

"Now now, gentlemen!"

The two guards dropped their guard and looked behind to see another human stroll by in a professional walk.

It was an elderly man who was slender in appearance with a tophat and glasses, dressed in fine clothing and holding a pocketwatch in his right hand along with an umbrella hanging from his arm. His eyes were closed while he held a gentle and confident smile hidden under his bushy moustache "There could not be any monsters here in Slumberland, nor Nightmare Land considering its current state! If there were, than our prince would gladly fend them o-GRACIOUS!!" He opened his eyes and he fumbled in a short moment of surprise, almost dropping both his umbrella and pocketwatch. He straightened his glasses to get a better look at Luna and Darkrai "My word! I've never seen you two around here before!" He got a better look at Luna "And you are most certainly not any of the ponies seen in the Princess' menagerie! In fact you seem more beautiful and nocturnally oriented!"

The guards pointed to Darkrai "The pony is the least of our worries!" The right guard spoke while the left one finished "This one is the monster we're referring to!!"

Luna scoffed "The nerve! We made it abundantly clear that Darkrai is no monster!!"

Darkrai floated idly by 'Technically I am...' It shifted its eye away, feeling inwardly embarrassed, though happy to know Luna would defend it.

The elderly human looked over at Darkrai "Interesting...Well, certainly a monster would not politely stroll towards the castle gates rather than cause destruction! And this pony must favor it immensely!" He drew himself back and stood straight as he smiled "Could you tell me your names and reasons for being here?"

Luna nodded and stood "We art Luna, Princess of the Night." She held out a hoof "A pleasure to meet thee!"

The human gave a hearty chuckle as he took her hoof "A speaker of archaic English! Who would've thought!"

Luna tilted her head "Dost thou mean Equestrian?" She shook her head and ignored her question as she smiled "And thyself, sir?"

The human drew his hand back and straightened his glasses again "Ah, yes! As you can see I am a professor, and also happen to be a genius! You may refer to me as Professor Genius!"

Luna giggled "An admirable name for one such as thyself!"

Professor Genius fixed his red bowtie "Yes, well I'm glad you like it, your majesty!" He then looked over "And who is this fine fellow? Surely not from around here and it is most certainly not a goblin!"

Luna widened her eyes "Thou hath goblins here!?"

Professor Genius held a learning finger "Well, to be truthful, we have five! Survivors of Nightmare Land that have led our glorious prince to victory against the Nightmare King! And most friendly, I assure you! But you haven't introduced this one yet." He kept his eyes on Darkrai.

Luna nodded "Yes! This one here is known as Darkrai. A misunderstood creature, if thou would know!"

The professor blinked "Oh? And why is that? Does it have trouble scaring folks like our goblins?"

Darkrai spoke "The exact opposite, actually..." The guards were startled by its deep voice.

Professor Genius was intrigued "So it talks! Why couldn't it say anything sooner? Perhaps it is shy?"

Luna looked away "Supposedly, but we musn't stall for time. Could we perhaps speak with the ruler of this land?" She smiled "It would mean so much to be familiar with more dream monitors!"

Professor Genius thought for a moment before he smiled "Well, you ARE royalty as you claim! So it would not be any trouble if you're granted an audience with Prince Nemo and Princess Camille! Would you like for me to guide you to them?"

Luna nodded "We would like that very much! Thou hast our gratitude!" She turned to Darkrai "Shall we, Darkrai?"

Darkrai floated to Luna's side "Hopefully they could accept me like this one can..." It's tone contained faint anxiety.

Luna gave a reassuring smile to the pokemon "Do not fret, Darkrai! Thou still hath our friendship!"

Darkrai turned to Luna and stared before it spoke "You're right. Thank you for reminding me, Luna..."

Professor gave a touched smile "A sentimental moment indeed! But, we musn't keep their highnesses waiting! Follow me so you could meet with them!" He turned and walked, beckoning Luna and Darkrai to follow. The guards shared unsure glances about letting Darkrai into the castle, but decided not to question Professor Genius' logic and went back to guarding the gate.

No one was unaware that two figures loomed around one of the castles corners and ascended above the walls unnoticed.
_____

Luna and Professor Genius talked for a short moment while they were escorted through the castle with Darkrai tailing behind "So thou sayest that this realm is known as Slumberland? Is this perhaps the central area of the dream world?"

Professor Genius laughed "Well, we cannot be sur about the latter question, but you're most right on the former! Slumberland is home to many wonders and dreams come true, governed by our beloved rulers!"

Luna smiled "And this Prince Nemo...Is he of royal blood?"

Professor Genius cleared his throat "Well, not in a general sense, milady! You see, King Morpheus, the old ruler of this land, chose Nemo to be his heir! And he has done well to follow in the king's footsteps throughout his time here!"

Luna blinked "Pray tell, where doth he hail from?" While Luna and Professor Genius talked, Darkrai stopped and looked around.

The two noticed Darkrai's pause and stopped to looked back "Darkrai? What troubles thee?" Luna spoke in a curious tone.

Darkrai shifted its eye left and right "We're being followed..." It spoke in a grave tone.

The professor straightened his glasses "Hmmm, this one seems to appear perceptive of surroundings."

Luna turned to Professor Genius "Darkrai is capable of detection, yet cannot distinguish appearance until they reveal themself."

Professor Genius looked around "Well, perhaps we should double the guard to be on the safe side!" He spotted a nearby guard and called him over "Have more of our guards patrol the interior parts of the castle, and be ever vigilant!" The guard saluted and made his way down one of the castle halls. The professor then turned to Luna and Darkrai "Well then. Shall we?" The trio then continued moving.

Soon, they reached two large doors that led to a vast throne room. A red carpet led to stairs containing three thrones on the top, two small ones on either side with a large one in the middle. In the large throne, there was a young man holding a golden scepter and wore a golden gem-encrusted crown with blue regal clothing. To his left was a beautiful woman in a royal pink dress wearing a golden tiara. Her brown hair flowed gracefully along her shoulders.

When the trio approached, Professor Genius bent down on one knee and took on his hat as he bowed "Prince Nemo! Princess Camille! I come bearing guests from another place that wish to seek your presence!" He looked to see Luna give a formal bow, whereas Darkrai only floated. The professor hissed in worry "Don't just sit there! You're in the presence of royalty!"

The two mentioned rulers rose from their thrones and looked down at Darkrai and Luna. Princess Camille noticed Luna and gasped with joy "My, what an adorable pony!" She carefully ran down the steps while she lifted the skirt of her dress. When she reached Luna, she wrapped her arms around her neck and gave her a hug "So nice to see you!"

Luna smiled sheepishly "A pleasure to meet with thee as well."

Camille drew herself back in shock when she heard Luna speak "Oh! This is new..." She then distanced herself and gave a curt bow "Greetings to you. As mentioned by our professor, I am Princess Camille! And you are?"

Luna nodded and placed a hoof on her breastplate "We art Princess Luna of Canterlot! We watch over the night in our beloved land of Equestria!"

Camille smiled "How exciting! Could you tell me more?"

Nemo chuckled "You should learn to keep yourself composed, Camille. They just got here after all!" He then looked over at Darkrai and narrowed his eyes "Who is this, Professor?" He asked in a cautious tone.

Professor Genius rose from his bowing and placed his hat back on his head "Prince Nemo, allow me to introduce to you Darkrai!" He waved a hand to the pokemon "This creature accompanied Luna into Slumberland and wishes us no harm! It was considered a monster by our guards, but Princess Luna thinks otherwise!"

Darkrai held up a claw "You have my word, your highness..."

Nemo tilted his head as he inspected Darkrai, and turned to see Camille and Luna converse happily. He then gave a knowing nod "Alright, I guess I'll give this one the benefit of a doubt. But you said you wished to talk with us? Since we're here, why don't we start?"

The two princesses stopped their conversation and Luna smiled "Of course, Sir Nemo! We art delighted to meet with thee and thy beloved!"

Nemo chuckled "Well, we're not exactly married yet, if you haven't noticed. But that'll change once I've acquired enough knowledge and wisdom to watch over Slumberland!"

Camille gave a friendly scoff "Hopefully you'll know how to use father's scepter properly, Nemo."

Nemo stammered "I'm well on my way and you know it!" He shot a look at Camille.

Luna felt awkward, but it left when she noticed Professor Genius chuckle. He turned to Luna "Do not be alarmed, Princess Luna. They often fight, but it's usually camaraderie between the two!"

Luna nodded "So thou sayest...And please, do call us Luna. Granted we're in the presence of royalty, but there is no need to be formal whilst I'm away from my land!"

Camille turned to Darkrai "Well, you say you're from Equestria. But where does this..." She tilted her head with an unsure glance "...ghost come from?"

Luna turned to Camille "We cannot be certain if Darkrai is a wraith of sorts, nor are we certain of this one's location!"

Darkrai went to speak, but it shifted an eye towards the throne room doors "The same presence I've detected...It's nearby..." It spoke in the same cautious tone as before.

Nemo blinked "Huh? What is Darkrai saying?"

Professor Genius looked unsettled "Oh dear. I think Darkrai is informing us that the foreign presence it detected has not been captured by the guards!"

Nemo and Camille stared for a moment before they turned to each other with knowing and unamused glances "Should we wait for him to arrive?" He flashed Camille a smirk.

Camille looked miffed "And have him screw up this meeting? I won't have it! We've put up with his shenanigans for too long! Something needs to be done about him!"

Luna blinked "Who art thou referring to, if you do not mind us asking?"

Darkrai slowly shifted its eye, and when it locked onto a position near the upper level, it quickly flew upward and around a column. A startled yell was heard. The group on the base level looked up in confusion before they noticed Darkrai appear from the other side it approached the column from.

In its claws, it held a flailing figure wearing an orange tuxedo and hat. He had a green face that resembled a clown's and a cigar was in his left hand while he struggled in Darkrai's grip as it floated down to the others "Hey! Hey! Put me down! Put me down, I'll do anything! Just don't hurt me!!" When he noticed the others staring up at him, he smiled at Nemo "Oh, Nemo! Boy am I glad to see you! I'm being captured by a ghost that wanted to haunt me forever and ever!!"

Darkrai held the strange clown in its hands "I am no ghost...And I do not intend to haunt you..."

Nemo facepalmed at the sight "Again with this, Flip? Your tricks are getting to be as old as you!"

The one called Flip looked taken aback "I resent that! Having fun's in my blood, you know? Can't a guy live once in a while?"

Camille noticed the cigar and glared "And what have we told you, Flip? No more smoking!!"

Flip noticed the cigar in his hand and pointed at Darkrai with his free one "This guy gave it to me! That ghost is the one you want, not me!!"

Darkrai's expression was unchanged "I already told you, I am not a ghost..."

Professor Genius cleared his throat "While that can be debated at a later date..." He held up a hand "Darkrai? Could you please set Flip down to us so that we may deal with his ill-minded behavior?"

Flip complained while he was carried down by Darkrai "Ill-minded? What's the matter with a little fun, huh?" He touched the ground and Darkrai released its hold on him as it floated over by Luna.

Nemo deadpanned "You mean the same fun that almost had all of Slumberland destroyed?"

Flip gave a mischievous smirk "Hey now. You helped me out, didn't ya kid? And besides, you're on your way to becoming king of the hill!! You should be proud!"

Camille put her hands on her hips "And you should be jailed for your crimes!"

Luna widened her eyes "Crimes? This one is a criminal?" She narrowed her eyes at Flip.

Flip held out his hands in a halting motion "Come on now, ma'am! I'm not what they make me out to be! Like I said, all I had was a little fun, no more, no less! Is that honestly a crime?" He noticed the cigar still in his left hand and quickly hid it as he flashed a wide grin.

Darkrai looked at Flip with its piercing jade eye "Knowing the tension between you and the rulers, one would think it really is..."

Flip flinched and looked at Darkrai "H-Hey! You're not helping here!" He then regained his composure and looked away "Besides, a little bird told me that we had visitors, so I decided to stop by and give 'em a good Slumberland welcome!"

Camille crossed her arms as she shook her head "You never change, do you, Flip?"

Flip chuckled as he straightened his hat "Maybe I do, maybe I don't. That's the way it is, right?" He grinned at the group.

End of Chapter 7

VIII

Chapter 8

Descend into Dozing Darkness

Luna turned to the others "Please tell us. What is Flip really wanted for?"

Professor Genius scoffed "Why, a number of mischievous deeds throughout Slumberland! Most of which disturb the peace!"

Flip shook his head "Sheesh, and here I thought you people saw the bigger picture! All I did was have a little fun, and somehow you gotta slap a picture of my good side and want me behind bars!" He crossed his arms and looked away with a disappointed frown "Frankly, I'm mortified."

Luna glared "How can we be sure that thou hast not performed any more horrible deeds?"

Darkrai stared "I cannot be sure Flip would go that low, Luna. Although, he does seem rather mischievous in nature..."

Luna turned to Darkrai with an unconvinced glance "And how would thou know this exactly?"

Darkrai shifted his eye to Luna "According to the professor, he has caused several mischievous deeds. Most of them could possibly be extreme pranks." It looked back to Flip "While Flip appears to be a criminal to these people, he doesn't seem like the ones portrayed where we hail from..."

Flip held a hand out to Darkrai "Thank you! Give this thing a prize, somebody!" He flashed a friendly smile.

Camille turned to Darkrai "Since when can you judge Flip lightly for his actions?"

Darkrai shook its head "I only judge by nature, not by actions...You probably have better judgement on what he has done in the past if he is considered a criminal here."

Flip flinched "H-Hey! What happened to the support!?"

Camille giggled "You're something else, Darkrai. Very well-mannered and perceptive to say the least!"

Darkrai bowed "Thank you for the compliment, your highness..."

Professor Genius nodded "While that's good and that, now we should send this one to the dungeon until he is met with proper sentence!"

Flip backed away with a grin "Ehehehe...You guys can talk about sentences, maybe the ones written on paper, but I gotta get going. I think I hear my mother calling me!" He then quickly scurried to the throne room doors, but was then covered in an umbral blue aura that stopped him in his tracks. He was pulled back, and he looked to see Luna's horn glow while she gave Flip a stern look "Whoa now!"

Professor Genius watched in awe "Remarkable! You caught Flip in a matter of seconds!!"

Darkrai watched as well "She is capable of powerful magic. Where she comes from, she watches over the dreams of her subjects..."

Nemo smiled "So, she's like me in a way? That's pretty good!" He looked at his scepter 'I wonder if she has her own scepter of power like me...'

Camille smiled as well "That's a great trick! Maybe while Flip stays in the dungeon, you could maybe teach our court magicians a thing or two?"

Luna turned to Camille while she kept her hold on a struggling Flip "Art thy magicians offensive in nature or do they perform?"

Camille replied instantly "They perform. Although, would you actually teach them offensive magic?"

Professor Genius straightened his glasses "If the magicians were to learn magic that could harm another person, there is a fifty-fifty chance that they would outshine Slumberland's guard or try to overthrow Nemo for the crown!" He shuddered "Forgive me, your highness, but I am unsure about this..."

Camille thought it over and nodded "Perhaps you're onto something, Professor." She turned to Luna and bowed "My apologies. I probably wasn't thinking well enough. I only wish for the protection and well-being of my subjects! Wouldn't you understand?"

Luna nodded with a smile "Oh, most definitely! Thou hath troubled us nothing whatsoever in thy request! We can relate to having to watch over our kingdom with a stalwart defense!"

Flip stopped struggling and quietly groaned as he rolled his eyes "Women..." He muttered in a pout.

Darkrai looked at Flip and thought for a moment, then looked around after it heard a faint squawking noise "A bird?" It spoke in confusion.

Camille turned to Darkrai "What's this talk about a bird?"

Flip instantly perked up and smiled as he pursed his lips and gave a loud whistle. Through one of the upper windows, a large black bird flew in clumsily and swooped down near the group as it let out a loud squawk "Haha! Good to see ya, Flap ol' girl!"

Luna looked up at the bird in shock "Such an enormous avian of ebony!"

"Princess!"

Luna paused and darted her head around when she heard the new voice. She was unaware that she canceled out her magic and let Flip loose. Flip then quickly performed a nimble front flip onto Flap's back and the two ascended to the ceiling.

Professor Genius watched in shock and bemusement "Luna! What is the meaning of this!? You're letting him roam free!"

"Princess??"

Luna looked around "Our apologies, really! We thought that we heard a voice calling to us?" She pondered for a moment on the voice's origin 'That sounds like one of our...' Her eyes widened 'Our maids!? But how did they-? Unless...'

Darkrai turned to Luna and asked "Did you say that you heard a voice? Was it familiar to you?"

Luna nodded "Yes! Yes it was! What does it mean?" She then felt a nudge and looked around "Who touched us just now?" The princess of the night realized she was a small distance from the others. She felt it again and investigated her body.

Professor Genius looked at Luna "None of us did, Luna! But we must hurry and catch Flip before-"

Darkrai interrupted "I'll do it soon..." It then floated over to Luna "You're needed back in your world, Luna...The voice and the feel of someone close to you is causing you to stir from your slumber..."

Nemo heard Darkrai and nodded "In that case, we shouldn't keep you here, Luna. You should get going before things get worse. Maybe we can meet again sometime and talk more!" He smiled at Luna.

Luna felt disheartened until Darkrai placed a claw on her shoulder "I can catch Flip. We'll meet again soon enough. These things I promise to you, but for now, you must wake up..." The scenery around Luna became more blurry as the words 'wake up' were echoed endlessly.
_____

A unicorn maid in a pale blue victorian dress continuously nudged Luna's shoulder lightly with a hoof "Wake up! Princess, please wake up! You need to hurry and lower the moon! Wake up!" Her face was mixed with stress and worry while she tried waking up the princess of the night. She looked away and placed a hoof on her head "Oh dear...What would Princess Celestia think if her own sister were not to wake up and perform her sacred duty?"

Luna murmured in her sleep before she rubbed her eyes and woke up from her sleep. She rose from her bed and gave a small yawn, and she fully woke up when she remembered what happened earlier, then sighed in sadness afterwards "If only we could stay for longer..." She muttered to herself.

The maid turned to Luna and gasped before she smiled in relief "Your majesty! Oh, thank goodness you're awake! You're almost behind schedule with the lowering of your moon!"

Luna instantly perked up at the mention of the moon "Our moon!?" She quickly jumped out of her bed and brushed past her maid as she galloped out of the room to her balcony. Luna skidded to a halt and looked up to see her moon in an unmoved position and quickly grasped it with her magic, though she endured a small migraine from waking up to fast. Soon enough, she moved her moon to its desired position and gave a relieved sigh at her work "There...Hopefully, Tia wouldn't recognize this minor tardiness of our duty..."

"Oh, how wrong you are, Luna..."

Luna was startled and turned to see her older sister stare at her with a neutral gaze while the maid watched in slight anxiety. Celestia took a few steps forward before she stopped in front of Luna "Did you sleep well last night, Luna? It isn't like you to sleep past dawn." She asked in a calm tone tinted with desire for a clear answer.

The princess of the night looked away for a moment before she shifted her eyes back at Celestia in an apologetic gaze "Our sincerest apologies, dear sister...It is best to say that we hath been enjoying our dreams very well as of late."

Celestia smiled "That would explain your tardiness..." She said before she gave a small frown "But you know that it shouldn't happen again, right, Luna? Even you should know the cycle of our sun and moon well enough to wake up at the correct time and move the moon up and down the sky."

Luna looked down and felt guilty to know that she had slept for too long, but lifted her head to face Celestia with a curt nod "A mishap on our part, Tia. It shalt not happen again, I assure you!"

Celestia smiled in response "Good to hear. Now you should get yourself ready for breakfast so you can begin your day. And don't let me catch you sleeping during the day, Lu-Lu. I can't really trust you with how you seem to favor dreams over your royal duties..." She said the last two sentences in a mischievous tone as she trotted out of Luna's room.

Luna noted the tone of voice and scoffed before she trotted to her make-up desk and brushed her mane. While she looked in the mirror, she paused her brushing for a moment as her reflection stared back at her.

"I cannot say much other than a presence that harbors negative feelings inside itself...Anger...Hatred...Jealousy...Sorrow...It seems to be connected with you..."

The princess of the night continued to stare until she snapped out of her trance with a blink. She then huffed 'We shalt make a mental note to weed out this prediction of Darkrai's and see if it isn't any sign of boulderdash...' Luna then went back to brushing her mane.
_____

Later that day, Luna was lucky to have some time to herself before she was met with another drilling workload on her shoulders. She decided to fiddle with her abacus again and calculate numbers so she wouldn't lose her edge in arithmetic. Like all the other times Luna has practiced on her treasured item, she hasn't fallen behind on solving different mathematical problems.

However, try as she might, she couldn't shake off Darkrai's words from two nights before. Luna wondered if she should confront Darkrai about this matter or see to it herself through possible meditation. What made her stray off from her thought was a knock on her door. She turned to it with a neutral gaze "Thou may enter!"

The door opened to reveal a royal guard "Princess Luna. Your sister requests that you meet her in her chambers for a talk. Would you like for me to escort you?"

Luna paused 'Tia musn't have let mine dreaming fiasco go...' She shook her head as she set her abacus on a distant table with her magic and rose from her bed "Neigh. We shalt rendezvous with our sister alone. We thank thee for the message and thou may return to thine duties." The guard bowed while Luna trotted past her in her regal stance and made her way to Celestia's bedroom. When she was away from the guard that summoned her, she could not help but feel nervous. What if she tries to pry out more information out of her through demanding questions?

Her thoughts didn't matter the moment she reached the doors to her older sister's room. After she took a deep breath, Luna gently rapped on the door three times "Sister? Didst thou summon us for a talk?"

The doors opened to reveal Celestia looking down at Luna and nodded with a stoic glance "So nice of you to join me today, Luna. Won't you come inside?" She moved out of the way to give Luna room to trot in before Celestia shut the door behind her. The solar princess then directed her younger sister to a nearby chair and Luna obliged to her request while Celestia took a seat of her own "Luna, what I want to talk to you about is something you know all too well..."

Luna stared ahead with a glance to match her sister's "Is it about our dreams?"

Celestia nodded "Luna, for the past two days you've been acting strange. First, you question about nightmares, ask if I had one of my own, then you seem to be more fond of monitoring dreams the day after. Not to mention, I cannot help but feel that you're keeping something from me." She leaned her head in with a raised eyebrow "Is there something you would like to tell me right now?"

Luna maintained her unreadable expression, but she inwardly flinched with how Celestia seemed to press on about her personal adventures. She couldn't lose this battle and expose her newest friend and how it could cause problems when it meant no harm whatsoever. The princess of the night sighed when she figured out what to say "Sister, whilst thy question is beckoning for an answer, we art loathe to say that we've only made a mistake when monitoring dreams. Ever since then, we've been looking into other dreams for answers and the like so that we may gather more experience to our own mind and be ready for any escalating problems with slumber." A twisted truth would be hard to get past her older sister, but Luna was willing to try with what she had said.

Celestia only stared with a neutral glance and then nodded "You don't seem to be lying at all..." Luna inwardly smiled at her words "However...Like our previous talk, you're leaving something out." She looked stern "What have you been doing when you were sleeping, Luna? Tell me your story, and mind you, the truth..."

Luna resisted the urge to narrow her eyes to meet her sister's glance knowing it would only provoke both of them and cause this talk to escalate out of proportion. While she herself admired honesty, she could not bring herself to let Celestia know about the real cause of the ponies' nightmares. She looked her older sister in the eye and replied "We hath already informed thee, sister. Looking into other dreams. Dreams other than our little ponies. That last wave of nightmares made me realize that we need to know how far our powers could take us so that we may be ready to understand the concept of our power over the dream realm!"

Celestia drew her head back in confusion "So you've ignored the dreams of your subjects for the sake of exploration into the subconscious?"

Luna nodded "Verily. And think not of my actions being crass! We care for our little ponies as much as thee, Tia." She looked away in sadness "I only wish to know the full capability of my power in order so that I could be able to ensure proper rest to all of Equestria..."

Celestia paused for a moment before she rose from her seat and approached Luna with a brief nuzzle "I understand, Luna. If it bothers you that much about a simple mistake when watching over the dreams of others, you're doing the right thing in trying to find better methods of mastering your power over dreams." She then looked stern "But you have to remember your duties in and out of your sleep, Luna. I can't have you staying in bed and causing a panic amongst the public at the wrong time. Can you try and make it to where you can balance both your job as a princess and a monitor of dreams at an acceptable schedule?"

Luna tried to contain her suprise to Celestia's reaction to her words. She was able to keep Darkrai under wraps and away from Equestria. However, she had to do it at the cost of lowering her time with her new friend. She nodded with a smile "We'll do what we can, sister. Thank thee for understanding our plight over one's slumber!"

Celestia donned a satisfactory smile "You're very welcome, Lu-Lu. You can go back to your room now and perform whatever task you had in mind." She then frowned "Just take my words into consideration, though. You're a princess first and an explorer second. Our subjects must be watched over and I want you to be wide awake once danger befalls our kingdom. Is that clear?"

Luna nodded "Thou hast our word, Tia! We'll be ready for when danger strikes our beloved home! We bid thee farewell..." She opened the doors with her magic and she trotted down the halls. She when she was far from Celestia's reach, she heaved a relieved sigh 'Gracious...We thought that we would never recover from such a 'talk' from our elder sister...' She shook her head and made her way back to her room. Now she could focus on what to do the next time she decides to sleep, though she knows she has to hinder her own time for the sake of her kingdom.
_____

The day seemed to go faster than Luna had anticipated. It was already time to take care of raising the moon for the night to take hold. Normally, she would be more excited to rest, but she was still disheartened on both Celestia's and Darkrai's words. She knew the first thing to do before she would go and seek her friend.

After she raised the moon while Celestia lowered the sun, Luna retired back to her room and decided to catch some early rest so she could at least enjoy some extra time before waking up at dawn. She shut her eyes and awaited her trip back into the dream realm so she could perform her desired task.

"I see...Because I detected a presence within yourself...I may have misjudged you..."

Luna's eyebrows furrowed while her eyes were closed 'It is time to see that thou art right, Darkrai...' Her eyes shot open to reveal the dream realm once again. She looked around to see that the dreams of her faithful subjects were doing well without her supervision. A part of her felt thankful to know that they were sleeping peacefully while she was away. She looked over at Pipsqueak's dream to see he was battling a rival pirate crew and winning effortlessly. She smiled to know he was doing well, but frowned to realize that she had to leave him alone for the time being. Luna distanced herself away from the several dreams in her eyes and closed her eyes.

After a small moment of silence, a dark aura began to surround her in a whirlwind pattern and slowly covered her up until all Luna saw was a black abyss where she stood. Luna looked around with narrowed eyes and took a couple steps forward to hear her hoofsteps echo when they touched the intangible ground below her. After another brief overview of the unending darkness, Luna called out "Hello?" She looked up and her eyes narrowed further "Where art thou? Why dost thou hide from me!?"

"Because I don't feel like talking to you..."

Luna darted her head around when she heard a familiar and icy female voice and she called again "Come about! I wish to speak with thee at once!!"

"What? No 'we' this time? If anything, I applaud that you would go for the whole 'Royal We' cover up ever since we didn't speak to each other for a long time..."

Luna gritted her teeth as she looked around more "Stop hiding and speak with me! I'm not in the mood for games!"

"Neither am I...But I'm surprised you even want to talk to me after all this time. Why not speak with me sooner? You knew I was still there, yet you chose to ignore me. Heretofore, I shall do the same..."

Luna growled "But the elements destroyed you! How could thou survive such an unavoidable attack!?" The familiar voice laughed in amusement as it echoed throughout the darkness.

"Clearly you've forgotten that I was born from you...You heard from your new 'friend', haven't you? That we were both connected? Now I'm hurt to think that we would part ways after the elements worked their power on us...more than enough reason to ignore you."

Luna stomped a hoof as it gave a loud echo "THOU WILL NOT GET THE BEST OF US SO EASILY!! SHOW THYSELF AT ONCE!!!" The voice scoffed

"Temper, temper...I knew I was born from your anger, but you should really put a lid on it once in a while, Luna. Very well...I suppose I should spare you some of my time...After all..."

Luna looked ahead, and she was mildly startled when a set of turquoise serpentine eyes instantly appeared in front of her. Soon, there was two sets of a starry nebulae that formed to look like Luna's mane and tail, even flowing in a nonexistent breeze like her own. Soon enough, a darker version of Luna's cutie mark appeared on its backside to reveal a familiar figure as she narrowed her eyes with a small smile "We're one in the same, right?"

End of Chapter 8

IX

Chapter 9

Dragging Despondent Decisions

Luna flinched at the sight of the mare before her and tensed up as her horn glowed while she glared. However, the intimidating mare only narrowed her eyes with a light scoff "Don't flatter me with your tension, dearest. Just because I survived the elements does not mean that my power wasn't taken away..." At those words, Luna slowly lowered her guard "As of late, I am nothing more than a figment of your mind, lying dorment for more than a year with how you chose to go about your own business ever since that fateful day. Besides, it would do neither of us any good to fight each other since we're the same person, if not de facto sisters."

Luna kept her glared despite her lowered guard "So thou would be willing to speak with me then, Nightmare Moon?"

Nightmare Moon held a condescending look "I said I would spare you my time, wouldn't I? Best not to waste it."

Luna nodded and cleared her throat "Part of mine reason for speaking with thee was to confirm Darkrai's prediction when they hath detected a presence within me. It would seem that mine friend was correct all this time."

Nightmare Moon shook her head "You really know how to bathe in denial, Luna. Although, to be truthful, I find your new friend to be rather...interesting..."

Luna glared "Only because Darkrai is affiliated with causing nightmares towards others?"

Nightmare Moon smirked as she gave a brief chuckle "Not so much that, but with how extensive that creature's knowledge is of the dream realm. And to think, we were only bound to Equestria and nothing else. The possibilities of how far we can go could only fill me with giddiness!" The dark alicorn flashed an evil grin "I wonder if I would even be separated from you..." She spoke as she narrowed her eyes.

Luna glared "Dost not push thy luck so easily! We're one in the same, and thou shalt not stray from us no matter the distance we depart from here!!"

Nightmare Moon scowled "You were supposed to be the fun one out of you and Celestia. Would you deny yourself the privilege of extending both your range and knowledge of this world?"

Luna shook her head "Neigh. This is but a gift I've never thought I would receive with mine years of dream monitoring! But I will most definitely deny thee the right to consider thyself free to cause misery towards others away from myself!"

The dark alicorn grunted "Such callous behavior! Do you think I enjoy lingering about in your head while you're free to do as you please, Luna!? Don't you ever think that what I deal with is similar to our time on the moon?" She glared at Luna.

Luna almost took Nightmare Moon's words into consideration before she shook herself and glared once more "Thou art but a foul repression of mine negative feelings!! I cannot trust thee to act of thy own free will whilst you art still alive in mine body!"

Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes "If you think I'm going to cause 'eternal night somewhere in this vast realm, you're gravely mistaken, my dear Luna. I'm over my ambition with how you came to discover Darkrai and now far you can go from Equestria. It's hard, but know that you can trust me to behave better if you would so spare me an extra body while we're in the realm of dreams..." She gave Luna a thin smile and awaited an answer.

Luna paused before she looked away "I need time to think...Sorry, but I will make nary a rash decision pertaining to thy freedom without time to consider it thoroughly! Thou will hath to make due with remaining alive in my own body for the time being."

Nightmare Moon frowned, but she wasn't displeased in the slightest. However, she retained her icy personality as she scoffed "Try not to destroy your mind with this meager thought, Luna. You wouldn't regret making the decision in letting me roam free..." She took a step back "I suppose you'll have enough time to think while you explain more to Darkrai about our history..." Nightmare Moon grinned "I'll bet that creature has a history worse than both of ours put together..." She said as she faded away in the darkness with an echoing laugh.

After Nightmare Moon's presence was confirmed to be lost, The darkness around Luna began to lift swiftly in the same whirlwind fashion as it appeared. Soon, she found herself back in the dream realm in the exact distance she made from her ponies' dreams. Luna gave a sigh as she looked at the dreams 'Not now, Nightmare Moon...Not now...' She then trotted away further into the realm and tried to locate Darkrai.
_____

Luna trotted far and found herself where she considered the middle of nowhere. She looked around and wondered if she would wait for Darkrai to arrive like last time. Luna closed her eyes and thought about the pokemon for a moment while she waited.

"Hello again..."

Luna shot her eyes open to see Darkrai, floating in front of her, and the princess of the night beamed with joy as she trotted over and wrapped her forelegs around Darkrai in a hug "It is great to see thee once again, Darkrai!" She broke the embrace and smiled at the pokemon "Did thou fare well in catching Flip whilst I was away?" From behind Darkrai, Luna could have sworn she noticed a slight blur that stood in one place.

Darkrai nodded "Yes...It was very easy, too. But, I hope you don't mind if I actually brought two friends with us on our journey through the dream realm..."

Luna beamed once more "More dream monitors!? Why hast thou not informed me sooner!? We would be delighted to meet our new companions as we travel onward!" She looked around with anticipation "Art we supposed to meet with them someplace? Or art they hiding from us?"

Darkrai slowly shifted its eye away and spoke "About that...The new friends I shall introduce shall be a surprise. A part of me objected to this, but I figured you would at least bear their company for the time being..." Its tone was the same as always, but this one was lightly combed with anxiety.

Luna smiled "No harm whatsoever, Darkrai! Won't you introduce us to thine new friends so that we may traverse immediately?"

Darkrai looked ahead and nodded "Before I introduce you...Would you promise to be tolerant of their company?"

Luna nodded without hesitation "Sure!" She then paused when she thought about the question as she raised an eyebrow "Who did thou bring to come with us, Darkrai? Pray tell, can we trust them?"

Darkrai looked away "Hopefully..." It waved a claw, and two familiar figures slowly came into view behind the pokemon that made Luna gasp.

Flip was found smoking a cigar with his eyes closed while sitting on the back of his partner-in-crime, Flap. When he opened them, he noticed Luna and jumped up with a wave "Surprise!! Heya, Princess! How's it goin', huh? Happy to see me?" Flap squawked happily when she noticed Luna as well.

Luna stared in disbelief before she glared at Darkrai "What is the meaning of this, Darkrai!? I thought that thou hath caught Flip and Flap in Slumberland!!" She spoke in outrage.

Darkrai held out a claw "Allow me to explain..." It placed its outstretched claw on its chest "I did not lie when I said I caught Flip, but when he was about to be banished, I could not bear to see him gone in the annexes of space..."

Luna narrowed her eyes "So thou hath grown a soft spot for a criminal?"

Flip held up a learning finger with his cigar hand as he smiled smugly "EX-criminal, if you please!" He then cringed under Luna's glare "Err...Continue the story, would ya, Dark?" Flip looked at Darkrai with a scared smile.

Darkrai did as it was told "Before they would do away with him, I chose to step in and take him and his bird under custody with the notion that he is to be banished from Slumberland. Prince Nemo and the others were reluctant at first, but were happy to oblige knowing that not only would Slumberland be more peaceful, but I could possibly teach Flip how to be a better person. From this point on, he shall be kept under my supervision until I deem him fit to return to his home."

Luna turned to Flip and Flap "So thou wisheth to travel with us to the ends of this realm?"

Flip nodded "That's right, toots! I'm lookin' to move up in the world! As much as I enjoy it there, Slumberland's starting to cramp my style!" He stood and shook his head "They just don't react like they used to sometimes..." Flip noted the unchanged glare from Luna and instantly recovered "B-But I'm a changed man and I'm open to new experiences and the like!" He smiled "Besides, I get to see new places, make new friends, and all the cigars I can smoke!" He took a good drag from the one in his hand and blew it towards Luna.

Luna coughed and fanned away the noxious fumes as she kept her glare on Flip "Can we honestly trust thee to keep thy contemptuous acts to a minimum, Flip?"

Flip held his cigar hand up while his free hand behind his back "Scout's honor! I'll be good!!" He was happy to know Luna's glare softened. Little did they know, the mischievous clown had his fingers crossed while they weren't looking.

Darkrai stared at Flip for a moment before it turned to Luna "So you would bear with Flip's company then?"

Luna did not let up before she nodded "Very well. Since thou claimest that thou art a changed man, we shall hold thee to thy word, lest thou would invoke unneeded ire courtesy of us! Do not take thy freedom so lightly, Flip..."

Flip rubbed his temple with his free hand as he looked worn out "Sheesh, you a fan of Shakespeare or something? You're giving me a headache with all this theatrical talk, Princess!" Flap tilted her head in confusion.

Luna steamed from her nostrils as she narrowed her eyes on Flip and caused him to quickly hide behind Flap's tailfeathers. Darkrai floated to Luna's side and rested a claw on her shoulder "I promise to make sure he will not cause any trouble, as well as treating us and others with respect...Would you please respect my decision of watching over him?"

Luna gave one more glare at Flip before she sighed "Thou hath chosen a difficult path to lead, Darkrai..." Her expression softened as she smiled "But thou art a good friend to be considerate of others and try to make them better people..." She then looked sad "Can thou handle such an arduous task that thou bestowed upon thyself?"

Flip rolled his eyes left and right "Thee thy though thumb! I smell the blood of an Equestrian!" He chuckled at his own joke before he noticed Luna look angry "Dark here told me about where you lived. Seems like a nice place! Glad to know we can be friends, right Flap, ol' girl?" Flap squawked and nodded in agreement with a smile on her beak. Flip then hopped onto his bird's back "Well, what are we doin' standin' around here, huh? Let's go places! Let's roll us some heads, maybe some die while we're at it!" He smiled at Darkrai and Luna.

Darkrai nodded "Follow me, all of you. Perhaps I should show you my own home before we venture deeper into the dream realm..."

Flip took a small drag from his cigar "Little visit to your place before we take the big trip?" He shrugged with a smile "Sounds good. Maybe you got a better place than the Nightmare King!"

Darkrai raised its claws as the group found themselves trapped in a sudden black whirlwind. The trio jumped in suprise and looked around while Darkrai kept its position. In a small moment of time, the wind lifted, and the group looked around to see the new area they reside in.

It was a small island in the middle of a vast ocean. The sky above was dark and starless, with a pale crescent moon glowing in the sky. Luna, Flip, and Flap looked around while Darkrai turned to the forest nearby "This is my home, New Moon Island."

Luna looked around and could not help but feel sad at how Darkrai felt so separated from others in this particular island. Flip however shook his head "Man, take a look at this tiny place! To the heart seeking freedom, this place is a prison surrounded by water!" Flap gave a pitied squawk as she shook her head.

Luna glared at Flip "Flip! Mind your manners!"

Darkrai turned to Luna "He is correct...What you see before you is my only chance of ensuring peace for other people and pokemon without having to be confronted by Cresselia. It grew on me as a humble home over time..." It looked down "But I was lonely for so long..."

Luna turned to Darkrai with sad eyes "We can relate..."

Flip scoffed with a smile "Maybe you two, but not me! I love to socialize now and then!" He and Flap backed away when the mischievous clown noticed that Luna was becoming more antagonized by his quips.

Darkrai looked around "This isn't entirely desolate as you claim...To the west is Cresselia's home, Full Moon Island."

Luna looked west and tried to distinguish the island's location through the enormous distance and the darkened skies "But I do not see anything!"

Darkrai floated idly by "That is because you are viewing my home through my own perspective...I only wished to share with you my own living quarters before we decided to move on. As a sign of trust between friends..."

Flip looked around "Ah, so you trust us, huh? Good to know! Glad we can count on ya, Dark!" He stole a glance from Luna "Hopefully this girl thinks the same way..."

Luna glared at Flip "Dost not think we art willing to trust thee just because thou claimeth to be a changed person..."

Flip shrugged "Whatever you wanna do is fine, Princess. All I can say is, when you need a shoulder to cry on, you know who to turn to!" He pointed a thumb on himself and winked at the princess of the night.

Luna only turned away in rejection "We'll know when it is most necessary..." She spoke in a tone of dislike.

Flip scratched his head as he frowned "Talk about a fickle pickle..." He muttered as he earned the attention of both Darkrai and Luna "What I meant to say was, I'm really craving pickles! What about you two, huh? Feeling peckish today?"

Darkrai shook its head "We should be going. I do not wish to waste Luna's time with this small visit..."

Luna smiled at Darkrai "Thou hath wasted none of our time, Darkrai! It was nice to see where thou chose to take refuge." She looked sympathetic "If only there was something we could do for thee to make it better, though..."

Darkrai nodded "You have. It is comforting to know that I have friends beyond the reaches of time and space..." It then raised its claws to make the group teleport from New Moon Island and back into the dream realm "Shall we get going? We must hurry while the night is young..."

Flip took another drag from his cigar and blew the smoke from his mouth upward "Lead the way, pal! I'm practically antsy to see where we'll end up next! Maybe it'll be paradise for all we know!"

Luna nodded with an eager smile "For once, I agree with Flip. Let us be off then, shall we?" With that, Luna and Darkrai, now accompanied by Flip and Flap, traveled to the crossroad of portals so they could see what no one else could possibly see in their time. While they traveled, Luna looked uneasy as a faint sound of laughter echoed in her mind.

"You'll have to decide sooner or later, dear Luna...I'm waiting~..."

End of Chapter 9

X

Chapter 10

Delving Directly into Destiny Divination

Luna and company traversed through the spacial background of the dream realm and reached the crossroads to determine which vortex seemed the best option for crossing. Needless to say, the group, namely Luna and Flip, were indecisive when each vortex appeared more inviting than the last among second glance. Luna held her sights on a green vortex "How about that one there? Perhaps yonder portal may lead us to a dimension that shalt verily sate our appetite for adventure!"

Flip shook his head "Sorry, princess, but no way!" He pointed to a red portal with a smile "That one over there's looking pretty swell! I say we go that way!" Flap squawked in agreement.

Luna turned to Flip "Can we honestly trust thy judgement as to where we shalt advance next, Flip? We're definitely most certain that our choice is more dominant!"

Flip raised an eyebrow as he took a drag from his cigar "Who's this 'we' we're talking about here? Darky over here hasn't made a decision yet, and I doubt he'd agree with ya!" He smiled over at Darkrai "What do ya say, pal? My choice is looking fine for picking, right?" His smile left when he noticed Darkrai taking its time looking among the many vortexes.

Luna snorted "Darkrai wouldn't go so far as to easily agreeing with thee! Thou hath lied for so long that we can simply tell by listening!" She turned to Darkrai "Thou would agree with us on our choice of travel, right, Darkrai?" She was confused when she didn't get a response.

Flip rolled his eyes "Sheesh, aren't you observant! But I've been a navigator in my time, so I have the better judgement around here! We're taking the red one!"

Luna narrowed her eyes at Flip "Thou art a liar in the highest degree and thou hath not traveled around this part of the dream realm! Our destination is the green vortex!"

Flip stood on his bird and crossed his arms as he frowned "What's gotten into you today? I'm an EX-criminal! We're taking the red one!"

Luna glared "A change of title dictates nothing of thy behavior!! Thou would probably cause mischief when mine or Darkrai's back is turned! We art taking the green one!"

"Red!"

"Green!"

"Red!"

"Green!"

"Why not that one?"

Both Luna and Flip were surprised to hear Darkrai speak, and turned to see it point to a vortex different to the desired points. It glowed with a shade of brilliant, yet ominous velvet. Darkrai only stared back with unreadable intrigue "...I detect two presences beyond that portal...Both are powerful..."

Luna stopped her arguing and tilted her head in curiousity "This is thy decision, Darkrai? That portal there?"

Darkrai turned to its friends and nodded "This was one of the many places I have not visited in my travels around this realm. I only wish to discover what lies beyond my choice so that we may know where we can or cannot go...If this choice does not appear to be the best, then I shall go with whatever you deem fit."

Luna gave a smile to Darkrai's words. The pokemon seemed to be rather wise for only visiting only a few parts of the dream realm. Not to mention it was most considerate of its friends no matter who they are. If only Darkrai existed in Equestria...

Flip smiled as he straightened his tuxedo "Well, since you put it that way, what say we visit the red vortex first so we can get right to it?"

Luna glared at Flip "Perish thy thought, Flip!" She turned to Darkrai with a friendly smile "We shalt go with Darkrai's judgement instead..." She said in a softer tone. The two dream masters shared a nod as the group went to approach the velvet vortex.

"Ugh...The only thing more annoying than that smoking clown is your incessant need of letting somepony decide for our well-being..."

Luna stopped her tracks before she shifted her narrowed eyes away "Dost not chastise our decision!" She hissed. Her eyes widened when she earned the attention of the others.

Darkrai stared back at the princess of the night "Is everything alright, Luna? You do not sound well in mind..."

Flip scoffed "I'll say! Years of talking theatre does things to your brain sometimes!" He took another drag from his cigar while Flap squawked in laughter.

Luna grunted before she looked flustered "We art fine! A random thought in our head and nothing more!"

"Adorable..."

Darkrai paused before he nodded "Very well...We are here if you need our help when it is most appropriate. But we should make for the portal and see what we will see, yes?"

Flip smiled "You heard the ghost, Princess! Shake all four of your legs and let's get a move on!" He ignored Darkrai muttering about not being a ghost.

Luna gave an awkward chuckle before she nodded back to the others and joined them towards the vortex. There was a bright flash as they crossed through it until everything was completely black. The group looked around in surprise to wonder if they had been lured into a trap, Luna especially "Who is-...!? What is going on!?" She darted her head around.

"Before you point any hooves, it was not my doing...You've successfully crossed into another realm that we both have no knowledge of..."

Luna narrowed her eyes to the abyssal heavens before she sighed in defeat. She lit up her horn to provide her and the others with light "Darkrai, could thy choice hath led us astray?" She looked down to see that there was a strangely tiled floor that revealed itself in her magical light.

Flip and Flap looked around while shivering "I could say the same thing! Where the heck are we now!?" It was unsettling for the mischievous clown to hear his echo in the darkness.

Darkrai shifted its eye left and right until it noticed a faint and distant flicker ahead of them "Over there..." It looked and pointed ahead as the rest of the group focused their sights to Darkrai's direction. Luna and Flip perked up when they noticed the same flicker viewed by the pokemon "We may be able to find the ones that govern this particular realm. Come, everyone..." Darkrai floated away slowly and awaited for its friends to follow.

Flip raised a hand "W-Wait a second! Shouldn't we have the princess here take point with her light?"

Darkrai turned its head back to meet Flip's gaze "Trust me...I am well-aware of my surroundings. You, Flap, or Luna will not be misled under my care..." It then continued floating away, with Luna following after.

Flip and Flap hesitated before they joined the others "H-Hey, wait up!"

The group traveled forward for what seemed like minutes and noticed that the flicker they have spotted had neither grown nor receded in brightness or distance. Flip moaned in complaint "What kind of sick place is this, huh? This is the kind of thing nightmares are made of!!"

Darkrai looked ahead "But I detect no hostility at the moment...Only that flicker of light far from us..."

Luna looked around "How can we be certain this is somepony's dream or a realm of infinite darkness?"

Flip scoffed "You're asking the wrong guy, sweetheart! I hope for my sake that this place doesn't drive me crazy!" He and his feathered companion shifted their eyes around in a simultaneous and fearful, yet comical fashion.

Darkrai stayed vigilant despite dealing with the dismay of its friends "I cannot answer myself...If only we could be able to reach that area from this very spot..."

Luna stopped looking around to think. Then, an idea came to her "Maybe we can..." She turned to Darkrai "Darkrai, thou claimed that almost anything is possible in the dream realm, correct?" The pokemon nodded in reply "Then perhaps we do not need to walk!" She said as she stood on all fours and directed her gaze onto the darkness with hardened eyes.

Flip stared at Luna in silence before he scratched his head "What, are you having a staring contest with the void or something? You lost your mind already?"

Darkrai shifted its eye between Luna and her gaze's direction before it nodded "Luna is onto something..." It floated alongside Luna and looked ahead with its piercing eye.

Flip and Flap tilted their heads at the same time in confusion "C'mon! Don't knock me out of the loop, Dark! What's going on here?"

Darkrai kept its gaze ahead, but responded to Flip "Join us and look ahead, Flip. Imagine the destination with us so that we may move forward..."

Flip stared dumbfounded "You really HAVE lost it...Oh, geez, we better split, Flap! Our friends here have flown the coop!"

Darkrai responded in an even tone "No we have not, Flip. Trust us as we have trusted you..."

Flip and Flap were reluctant about heeding Darkrai's words, but when you're trapped in an endless void of darkness, there isn't much left to do. While Flip rested on her back, Flap walked over and joined Darkrai and Luna as the two mischief makers looked ahead "...I don't see it, Darky..."

Darkrai did not let up "Just focus...You'll know..."

Flip rolled his eyes before he went back to looking. With the incentive of escaping the darkness surrounding him, he decided to do as he was told and imagine himself at the destination.

There was a short moment of silence, but then the group felt themselves lifted from the ground and launched forward at a speed similar to Rainbow Dash. The sudden action startled Flip, whereas his partner-in-crime did as she was told and focused. They were led along a straight trail over the tiled floor until a bright light began to emerge behind a door shape in the darkness and engulf the group completely.
_____

The light receded finally, and the group looked around as they found themselves in a strange room composed of the same velvet seen on the vortex they crossed. Luna almost seemed mesmerized "What in Equestria is this place?"

"Welcome to the Velvet Room..."

The group turned to see a table couch holding a strange elderly man with a black tuxedo who had a long nose and dialated pupils while bearing a toothy grin as he sat in front of a table. At his side stood a woman wearing a blue attendant's outfit who looked with a thin smile and deep yellow eyes. Behind them was a mysterious gate with a large spinning dial similar to a clock. With different lights descending behind them, it would seem they were in an elevator of sorts. The man spoke again "I never would have known we would hold another number of guests here again...I look at you all and none of you have fulfilled a contract whatsoever..."

Luna stared in intrigue 'More humans...Two of them...'

"Do not be so certain, Luna. Even I cannot consider these two the same kind of humans that were seen the other night..."

Flip was easily unsettled by the man's appearance as he winced "Holy cow! That's a face that only a mother could love!"

Darkrai floated forward and bowed "Forgive our intrusion...We only wished to know what was beyond the portal..."

The man shook his head "No trouble at all, friend! It was only a small while since we've last had guests here. Your audience is but a pleasure to our sights..." He then placed a hand on his chest "But I mustn't skip formalities, yes? My name is Igor..."

Flip shuddered "You got that right..." He muttered as he stared at the long-nosed man. Flap only gave a light squawk in uncertainty to the man's introduction.

Igor continued despite Flip's insult "I am delighted to meet your acquaintence!" He then waved to the woman on his left "This is Elizabeth. She is a resident here, like myself."

The one called Elizabeth gave a small and polite bow as she smiled "Pleased to meet you..." She said in a calm tone.

Luna smiled and nodded "The pleasure is ours. We art known as Princess Luna of Equestria, but thou may refer to us as just Luna."

Darkrai placed a claw on its chest "My name is Darkrai..." It waved a claw to Flip and Flap "This is ex-criminal Flip of Slumberland, and his friend Flap."

Flip gave an awkward chuckle as he waved, while Flap squawked with a smile.

Luna looked ahead "We must ask thee, Sir Igor. Thou claim that there were guests here before us, yet we found this very room through means of dream travel. What is the means of this location of thine?"

Igor's grin widened "This is a realm that exists between dream and reality, mind and matter...and only those who have fulfilled a contract can be acknowledged as guests here in the Velvet Room. And yet you four have all managed to arrive here without the aforementioned requirement...A rare occasion, if I do say so myself."

Luna tilted her head "Pray tell, what is this...'contract' thou speakest of? Is it of parchment and quill like any other? Or is there a ritual involved?"

Igor held out his hand "It is considered as a wild card of sorts...The ability to wield several entities at once known as Persona. The ability to tap into one's psyche and harness the power of the entity that resides within you, be it the opposite of what you think or otherwise. That 'wild card' is what forges the contract and grants you access here. But none of you are able to wield many at once like the two guests we've held before...However, only one of you is capable of such a feat with practice..."

Darkrai floated as it listened in "Shall you tell us?"

Igor kept his grin "It is wise to let you all find the desired answer on your own...If I am most certain, you all reached this place through other means of travel, yes? It could only mean that all of you are able to traverse into the unconscious with relative ease. Fascinating, but I mustn't keep you here if you wish to venture deeper into your quest..." Igor held out a hand and a deck of cards appeared out of nowhere onto the table "Tell me...Do any of you believe in fortune telling?"

Flip forgot his uneasiness to answer "Fortune telling? Pssh! It's nothing more than just simple sleight of hand! I don't need no crummy fortune to tell me how I'll live my life!" He looked away with stubborn indifference as he smoked his cigar.

Darkrai's expression was unchanged "I am incapable of future sight much like the other psychic types I am familiar with in my world, but yes, I believe in seeing the future."

Luna stared "We art nary familiar with the method of oracle readings or fortune telling, but it doth not seem bad to know what shalt happen in the day ahead before its time..."

Igor chuckled at their responses "Splendid, then I can begin by reading..." He pointed at Luna "Your fortune..."

Luna perked up when she was picked by the long-nosed man "Us? Dost thou see potential in our heart?"

Igor nodded "Precisely...You seem to be the most intriguing of your friends...I would like to read your fortune, if you wouldn't mind of course."

Luna turned to her group and they looked back with their own respective responses. Darkrai only gave a knowing nod to Luna's choice, while Flip shrugged out of disregard to whatever she saw fit. Flap only shook her head out of fear. Luna paused before she thought to herself for a moment.

"Feh, a simple card reading would be a waste of our time, mine especially. Disregard this decrepid relic and let us see what other worlds lie in store."

Luna narrowed her eyes, unaware of the glances she received from her friends. She was about to speak, but she did not speak to save herself trouble again 'Thou canst be so bitter when we're in a place where almost anything is possible! For all we know, Sir Igor could hold the key to our future!'

"Utter rubbish! Nopony decides your future but yourself! Would you honestly stand idly by and let the old fool work his foalish magic trick?"

Luna stood before a smile crept onto her face 'But of course...And this is my decision, so thou hath no say in this matter!' She stifled a giggle when she heard an echoing scoff in her mind. Luna then looked back at Igor with a smile "Yes. Please do, Sir Igor. I would be delighted to see what thou hath in store for us! Could thou begin?"

Igor nodded "Most definitely, Princess..." He waved his hand as seven different cards were spread in a star pattern while laying face down "Each reading is done with the same cards, yet the result is always different..." He chuckled for a moment "Life itself follows the same principles, doesn't it?" Igor flipped over the card on the upper left position. It showed a picture of a lamp with an 'IX' under it "Hm...The Hermit in the upright position represents the immediate future. You are to encounter another being who could help you understand that which you seek in your journey...The card indicating the future beyond that is..." He then flipped the card on the upper right to reveal a picture of two silhouettes falling out of a crumbling tower caused by a bolt of lightning with an 'XVI' under it "The Tower, in the upright position. Oh dear...this means that a terrible catastrophe will happen in the near future..." The long-nosed man said in a curious tone as he grinned despite the horrible prediction.

The group shared their own expressions of shock, and Luna broke the silence "A catastrophe!? Is it bound to happen in Equestria!?"

Igor's expression did not waver "I cannot say for certain, but your prediction has been revealed, princess..." He pointed to Luna "You shall meet another possible friend in your travels, but will have to deal with a later catastrophe...However, you have the power to see if you can do something about said fate and change things for the better...That is all I can tell you..." He waved a hand over the spread cards and they all vanished into thin air.

Darkrai floated "So...We're to be met with a terrible fate in the future, hm? And Luna is the only one able to stop it?" It said in a neutral tone.

Elizabeth finally chose to speak after remaining silent for so long "That is not entirely true..."

Igor held his hand out "Princess Luna, if you have close ties to people you call friends, remember this..." He spread out his arms "Strength of heart, when united, is barred by no door..."

Flip stared with a deadpan look in his eyes "So that's our catastrophe? A giant scary door?" A part of Flip wanted to choose his words carefully in hindsight when he remembered opening the gate that contained the dreaded Nightmare King.

Luna looked down in thought before she looked to the rest of the group. So far, they seemed to have played a large role in broadening her horizons and letting her explore deeper into the realm of dreams. She smiled at them, and then turned to Igor "We thank thee for thy advice, Sir Igor, and the fortune as well. We may know nary of what the future contains for us all, but we shalt remain both vigilant and resilient for when that time arrives!"

Igor gave a curt bow as he sat "The pleasure is all mine, Princess Luna. Elizabeth and I wish you and your friends the safest travel into the unconscious. Hopefully you'll find your newest addition soon, as well as the means to fending off whatever stands in your way. But now, I believe our time together is nearing its end..." He gave a knowing nod "Be sure to take my advice to heart for when that fateful day arrives. Until then...Farewell..." He gave a wave to the group.

Luna and the others waved as well "We shall, Sir Igor! Thou hath our sincerest gratitude!" They tried to figure out where they could make their leave, but the group then found themselves engulfed in another bright light.
_____

When the light receded, the group found themselves back at the dream realm where the many vortexes spiraled about. Luna and the others looked around "How did we manage to leave the Velvet room? We did not even go to move after our goodbyes!"

Darkrai turned to Luna "We must remember that Igor and Elizabeth are both powerful individuals...They must have planned an exit while we were conversing with each other."

Flip shuddered in detest "I just hope we don't have to see him again! Did you see that weird look he's been giving us that whole time? I've had my share of scary before, but that's just wrong!" He cringed and winced at how Igor kept his grin throughout the whole conversation.

Luna took a deep breath "Regardless, Sir Igor hath paved the way for us to press on and await what we'll be met with in the near future." She looked nervous "I hope that we'll be able to stop whatever catastrophe he hath mentioned..."

"My my...Anxiety? And here I thought you were bold, Luna..."

Luna narrowed her eyes and looked away 'Thou should be as concerned as the rest of us, Nightmare Moon! For all we know, our precious home could be on the line!'

"..."

The princess of the night smiled contently when she noted her other half's silence as her way of taking back her words. She then turned to her friends "Okay. Where shalt we go next?"

Flip went to speak until Darkrai came in at the last minute "Why not the green vortex like you mentioned before?"

The mischievous clown dropped his jaw before he moaned in complaint "Hey, come on! What about me!?"

Darkrai turned to Flip "With how Igor's prediction mostly pertained to Luna, I figured it would be best to respect whatever decision she makes from now on...You would agree, wouldn't you, Flip?"

Flip paused before he grumbled "Fine, we'll go through the boring green vortex." He crossed his arms in a childish fashion as he looked away in a pout.

Luna giggled "It is settled! Green portal it is then!" The group then made for the desired vortex and crossed it as they made their way towards another unknown world.

End of Chapter 10