Smolder roamed the eerie hallway of the school of friendship. In her claws, she held a wooden plank and a pocket radio. A flashlight was strapped to her chest. She walked slowly down the grey hall... the hall that seemed without end. There was that feeling… the feeling that somepony, or something, was watching her...
Her heart skipped a beat as the radio started to give off static. She raised the wooden plank, trying to ignore the tremor in her legs.
The darkness in front of her lunged, revealing a mangled and bloody dragon. The dragon had rusty chains wrapped heavily around its neck, and what might have been the hands were bloody and sharper than swords. Its eyes were dull and without life. Smolder, normally such a tough dragon was quivering, slowly turning into a mess.
"S-stay back!" Smolder warned, "Don't make me do this!"
The declining dragon did not need her warning. It growled and scraped the wall with the tip of its left scissor hand. It was a threat.
"I said stay back!"
It didn't seem to hear or acknowledge her. Instead, it lunged at Smolder, roaring. She evaded the attack and hit to the head with her wooden plank. The dragon stumbled back, visibly stunned. Smolder rushed in, bashing the plank into the other dragon's head again, and again until the creature gave a small, defeated moan.
Smolder panicked. Her body started to sweat like there’s no tomorrow, her legs trembling and she can’t help but feel like her impending doom is here to snatch her away... She turned around to the other side and see that more of them have cornered her. She blew fire from her breath in one last attempt to save her scales.
It didn't work. Smolder completely forgot that dragons are fireproof. She finds herself stabbed through the chest by two scissor hands, and another stabbed her stomach.
Smolder screamed in agonizing pain. She begged for mercy in a desperate tone in one last attempt to save her scales. "Let me go! Please, I beg you! I don't want to die!.
Smolder felt hopeless and afraid, she felt her resolve fading away. The monsters did not need her pleas for mercy. She felt the claws pulling away from her open wounds. Her vision slowly faded, seeing the bright light that envelops her sights. The sounds of chains wrapping around her was the last thing she heard before everything went black.'
Smolder woke up screaming, The other creature in the room, a sea-green changeling, woke with a start.
"Smolder! Are you okay!?" Ocellus asked, voice thick with worry.
Instead of answering, Smolder buried her head into Ocellus's shoulder and sobbed. Ocellus drew her into a hug, trying to calm the frightened dragon.
"Shh, it's okay Smolder. I'm here." The changeling cooed.
"I-I had a nightmare again. Those things, they kept chasing me and…"
Ocellus kissed her forehead, still embracing the shaking dragon. "I think we need to talk to Counselor Starlight. You've been having the same nightmares for the past five days now, Smolder."
"No!"
Ocellus pulled back, looking at her girlfriend's eyes.
"I-I mean, no thank you, Cel. "I-I mean, no thank you, Cel. It's just... I'm too afraid to talk about.. you know.. with others that I can't trust. I only tell you these things because we're together, and.. I trust you."
"And right now, I need you to trust me that talking to Counselor Starlight is the one thing we need to do. She knows how to deal with these things more than I do."
Seeing that there was no other option, Smolder crossed her arms, grumbled and nodded. "Good. Now, wait here while I brew some tea." She smiled and winked.
Ocellus left for the kitchen, leaving Smolder alone on the bed. Her mind kept replaying the horrific sights she’d just seen. She couldn’t help but tremble at the memory of the attacking dragons dragging her into the abyss, to turn her into one of them.'
She took out a gem and ate it, trying to calm her nerves." It was one thing for a dragon to have nightmares, but it was another for a dragon to be plagued by them night after night, Smolder thought to herself. Opening the window, she took a deep breath and gazed at the moon to try and shake off the nightmare from her thoughts.”
The sounds of crickets chirping, river flowing and owls hooting somewhat calmed the dragon's nerves somewhat as she chewed on the gem. Smolder's mentor, Dragonlord Ember, had taught her that gazing up at the moon's beauty can calm even the toughest dragon's nerves down. She can't help but smile at the thought, the first time she and her mentor gazed upon the moon and the stars, appreciating their natural beauty.
"Tea's ready!" Ocellus announced, slowly trotting out of the kitchen while carefully levitating the tray of tea to the coffee table
Smolder took her cup and carefully sipped the warm drink. "Thanks, Cel."
Ocellus blushed and sipped her tea as well, joining Smolder in gazing out at the stars.
Both creatures gazed silently at the stars and the moon, sipping tea once in a while. They stayed like this, living the moment together until Smolder broke the silence
"Do you think that being scared makes me less of a dragon?"
"Of course not, Smolder! Why would you think of that?"
Smolder took another sip, "Well, dragons are supposed to be tough and mean. Not scared and worried. Lately, that hasn't been the case with these nightmares.
Ocellus nuzzled her cheek, "Smolder, you are a dragon no matter what others think of you. You are unique in your own way, just like how unique Dragonlord Ember is!"
"I know what you mean, Cel. It's just… the nightmares. They're all the same. I would find myself in the hall back in school, surrounded by these gnarly undead dragons. It ends in me being turned…. Turned to…” Smolder stifled a tear.
“Remember, it’s not real Smolder. But what is real is that this has become a problem for you, and right now, Counselor Starlight is the only pony who can handle your situation.”
Smolder smiled at Ocellus, pulling her in an embrace. “Thanks, Cel. You’re the best.”
“Now, let’s finish drinking tea and head back to bed! You don’t want to look sleepy when we visit Counselor Starlight this morning.”
Smolder and Ocellus stood right in front of Starlight’s office door, with Smolder fidgeting her fingers nervously. “Are you sure we should still do this, Cel? I-I’m still not confident about… sharing things. Dragons don’t do this kind of thing.”
Ocellus patted Smolder’s back, “Of course we should Smolder. How else are we going to fix the problem? I’m confident that Counselor Starlight will find a solution to your problems with nightmares.”
Smolder stood there in silence, thinking about the prospect of asking Starlight for help.
“I’ll be there with you, trust me. If you’re going there, I’ll be with you.” Ocellus pulled Smolder for a quick hug.
She then sighed and smiled, “Alright, Cel. I’ll do it. Thanks.” With that said, she knocked three times on the door.
“Come in!” Starlight said from inside.
Smolder opened the door and walked in, holding Ocellus’s hoof for comfort. “Ah, hello Smolder and Ocellus! Please, take a seat!” Starlight said cheerfully.
Both students sat down on the couch, making themselves comfortable as best as they could. “So, what seems to be the problem?”
“I…” Smolder paused for a while, clearing her throat, “I-I’ve been… having trouble getting proper sleep this past week because of nightmares.”
Starlight then used her magic to make a cup of tea while talking to Smolder, “And what are these nightmares that you see in your sleep? Is it about school? Grades?”
Smolder shook her head, “No, not one of the things you mentioned is what’s bothering me. It’s… it’s somewhat different.”
Ocellus placed a hoof on Smolder’s back, nodding her head as an affirmation that she is there with her to spill the beans.
“It’s okay, take your time Smolder. I know how difficult it is for you to share things, especially about what’s bothering you. I learned a bit about dragon culture and history, so I can understand why it takes you a while to share what’s bothering you.”
Starlight then placed two small Sugarcubes in the teacup, mixing it with her teaspoon before setting it down on her desk. “Tea?” Starlight offered.
Smolder thought about it for a bit, before nodding and accepting the cup of tea that Starlight made for her. She took a quick sip in order to calm down her nerves, and looked at Ocellus, then back at Starlight.
“It’s about me, dying.” Smolder shuddered, which caused Starlight’s eyes to widen up in surprise.
“Your nightmares are about you dying?” Starlight asked to be sure, to which Smolder nodded in confirmation, “I see. And if it’s okay to ask, who are the ponies or creatures that wanted to, um… you know…”
“Dragons, but they seem to be devilish in their appearance. They have these… sharp Scissorhands and their jaws are a bit mauled.” Smolder then took another sip, letting Starlight process the new information.
“I see. Have you been reading spooky comics lately, Smolder? Something about like, oh I don’t know, Zombies and Goblins?” Starlight inquired.
“Well, I have been reading this one comic about a Dragon venturing an abandoned castle in search of treasure. She then encountered ghoulish dragons and zombie ponies on her adventure.”
“Then that seems to be the cause of your Nightmares. Perhaps taking a break from these kinds of comics is a good thing.”
Ocellus nodded, “She’s right, Smolder. Perhaps it’s time to stop reading those horror comics for a while, don’t you think?”
“I suggest taking a short vacation with Ocellus and your friends. A picnic outing, for example, or a trip to Canterlot and watch a theatrical play. I heard that Princess Celestia’s been handling a few plays ever since the last one!”
“That’s a great idea! What do you think, Smolder?” Ocellus asked with a big smile.
“Yeah… That is a good idea, indeed! We’ll definitely do that. Thanks, Counselor Starlight!”
“You’re welcome, Smolder,” Starlight then pulled out a piece of paper and handed it over to Ocellus with her levitation, “Here’s a permission form. Have your friends write their names and signature of their parents or guardians before you head out on a small field trip like the one I mentioned earlier.”
“We’ll do that. Thanks again, Counselor!” Smolder then drank the remaining contents of her tea, before setting it down on the desk and stood up. “Just… please don’t tell Dragon Lord Ember about this.”
Starlight giggled softly, “I won’t Smolder. Promise. Now go on ahead and get that paper signed, and remember to have fun!”
Both creatures nodded as they walked out of the room. Unknown to the three of them, a hooded figure stood by the fields as it watched the two young creatures leave the room.
The figure then walked away, before disappearing into thin air.
After the visit from Starlight and filling up their permission forms, Ocellus and Smolder waited for their friends at the train station. Both creatures packed light, with Ocellus taking a small bag with her and Smolder, a picnic basket filled with her favorite gems to snack on.
"Let's see, sandwiches... check! Juice packs... check!" Ocellus said as she checks off her checklist's contents.
Meanwhile, Smolder tries to calm her nerves down by chewing down on a gem. Her thoughts are still focused on the nightmare that she had to endure two nights ago. Visions of the bloody dragons, her smashing an undead dragon's brains out with a wooden board. Smolder's breathing turns ragged, her heart beating fast and-
"Smolder? Are you alright?" Ocellus asked, noticing Smolder's ragged breathing.
"Y-y-yeah! I'm fine Ocellus! Nothing to worry about here! Ehehehe..."
Ocellus raised an eyebrow and placed her hoof on Smolder's chest. "Your heartbeat's fast, too."
She paused for a moment, checking her forehead to see if she's burning a fever. "You're not sick as far as I can tell, unless... You're thinking about the nightmares, are you?"
Smolder sighed and hugged Ocellus. "Yeah. It's about nightmares again."
"Smolder, I know it's easier said than done, but you have to try and remove the images of those nightmares for today. That and we have a picnic with Gallus and the others! Aren't you excited about that?"
"Well, I am! It's just... those nightmares, they seem to be stuck inside my head and it's annoying!"
Ocellus nuzzled Smolder's cheek. "I know you can do it, Smolder. Just try to take in deep breaths and thinking about happy thoughts! That's what I do when something bothers me." She smiled.
"Thanks, Ocellus. I appreciate the advice." Smolder then closed her eyes and took in deep breaths, all the while trying to think about the piles of gem that she could eat later on.
After a few minutes, Smolder opened her eyes and let out a relieved sigh. "It worked! Thanks, Ocellus!"
Ocellus chirped happily.
Not too long, their friends have arrived. "Sorry, we're late! We had to help Yona pack up her incredibly big backpack before we left the school!" Silverstream said as she pointed at Yona carrying a traditional Yak backpack on her back.
"We tried to convince Yona to carry a lighter one, but she prefers to carry her traditional one instead!"
"Yona prefers to carry traditional Yak backpack!"
Sandbar chuckled, "You know Yona, if you could, you might be able to carry us all on your back with that strength of yours!" He commented.
"Yeah, Yona. Not me though, I can easily grab my backpack while flying." Gallus added.
"So, is everycreature set?" Ocellus asked, of which the group nodded.
"I even brought along some seashells to commemorate our second picnic outing!" Silverstream happily announced, showing off her six seashells.
"Wow, those look incredibly beautiful, Silverstream!" Ocellus exclaimed.
"And what about tickets?" Yona asked.
"I have it with me, guys," Smolder said, showing the tickets inside the envelope.
"Neat! Next stop, Canterlot! Oh my gosh i'msosososososososo excited!" Silverstream happily exclaimed as she pulled in the others in a group hug.
After arriving at Canterlot, the young six have settled in at a nice spot just outside of Canterlot, a small blooming garden with birds inhabiting the place. The group took in the view in awe, with Ocellus taking snapshots of the garden with her old Pony Cam.
"This. Place. Is. BEAUTIFUL!" Silverstream happily said as she plucked a flower from the garden.
"Yona agrees! Yona likes fancy garden!"
Smolder settled in by the fountain, setting down her picnic basket and taking out a gem to chew on.
"Smolder! At least wait for us to set up our stuff before eating ahead of us!" Gallus said.
"Alright, fine. I'll go and help." Smolder replied.
Minutes have passed, the young six have settled in and unpacked their picnic snacks by the fountain. Silverstream brought traditionally made Mount Aris sandwiches, Yona brought Yak Soup. Gallus brought a set of Griffonscones, and Sandbar brought some donuts from Donut Joe's shop.
"Wow, these sandwiches are delicious, Ocellus!" Silverstream commented, "did you made these all by yourself?"
"Nope. Thorax helped me make them since I'm not really much of a good cook myself. But I'm glad you like it!"
"Hey, can I try some of that soup, Yona?" Smolder asked. Yona nodded, and Smolder took a spoonful of Yona's soup. She took a big taste of the soup, and smiled."
"Onion soup with Chives, right?" She asked.
"That's right! That's traditional Yak Soup! Delicious, right?"
"Yeah, I love the onion's taste! If you don't mind, can you bring me some when you got time to make one?" Smolder asked.
"Sure! Yona will find time to make soup for everycreature!"
"Sorry if I didn't bring anything other than gems, though."
"Eh, it's alright. Besides, I'm sure it's because that's what you have at hand for now." Gallus said.
With that said, the six students enjoyed their picnic outing while chatting about the latest classes and announced events at their school. Until...
"Did you guys hear that?" Smolder asked.
"Yeah, I heard it. It must be coming from the inner gardens." Ocellus said.
"Can you go check it out, Smolder? I don't like us being watched by somepony." Gallus requested.
"Alright, alright. I'll go ahead and see if somecreature is stalking us." Smolder got up and started walking at the inner garden's direction.
"I'm coming too!" Ocellus said as she got up and followed Smolder.
Smolder checked around as she went in deeper in the inner garden, filled with tall bushes and flowers. "Can't see a thing with all these bushes," Smolder grunted.
She quickly stopped when she heard movement in the bushes.
"There it is again, Smolder."
"I know. Stick close to me..." Smolder said quietly, moving slowly to try and sneak up on the sound's direction. Slowly but surely, she got close enough, only to stop.
"What is it Smolder?"
A voice is heard. "You shouldn't be here, younglings." The hooded figure said, with a knife pointed at Smolder.
"Look, we're not here to hurt you. We're just having a picnic in the garden and-"
"That's exactly why I don't want you here! Leave now, before it's too late!" The hooded figure warned.
"We're sorry if we entered your garden. We didn't know somepony owned this, or being watched at least." Ocellus said.
"That's not the point. There is something sinister in this garden, and you must go now before-" The hooded figure is disrupted as the sounds of panicked birds flying above startled her. "Oh no."
"What's wrong?" Smolder asked.
"You better go, now!" The hooded figure warned, but its warnings were too late as Smolder and Ocellus fall through a portal opening that appeared below them.
... wake up
... wake up, Smolder...
The young dragon's eyes opened, groaning in pain as Ocellus helped Smolder sit up.
"Ocellus...?" Smolder groggily said, "W-where are we..?"
"I don't know, Smolder. But we're in a house of some sort. It's scaring me though, the doors and windows are boarded up and the furniture looks like it hasn't been used in decades." Ocellus said.
As Smolder regained her clear vision, she sees exactly what Ocellus said. They're inside a building, with the windows and door boarded up. In the living room lies damaged or worn out furniture sets.
"W-w-what happened...?"
"We found a hooded figure and she kept saying that we should go, until... well, both of us fell through something. When I came to, I woke up next to you inside this building."
"That's odd," Smolder said as she got up, and examined the door. It's shut tight, but with enough force, the boards can be pulled open.
"Did you checked the place for anything, Ocellus?"
She nodded and showed Smolder a small rectangular plastic device with an attached flashlight on its side.
"What is this?" Smolder asked as she grabbed the weird device.
"I have no idea, but I checked the device to see if there are any writings and all I found was a small writing that says "Radio" on the back."
Upon inspecting, there is indeed a word written "Radio" at the back of the device. Along with it is an attached flashlight and a strap. Thinking that it's harmless, Smolder placed the strap on her back to attach the device on her chest.
"I also found a saddle bag with this bottle inside it." Ocellus showed off the Saddle Bag on her back and a bottle that has the words "Health Drink" written on it.
"Now, stand back Ocellus. I'm gonna pry open the boards so we can get out." Smolder mentally counted to three, as she pulled the first board with ease, doing the same thing on the last one. With a figurative light bulb appearing on her head, she grabs one of the board and swings it around, thinking it could be a useful self-defense tool.
What they don't know is that on the other side of that door, horrific events and monsters await them...
