//-------------------------------------------------------// Bathing Under The Moon -by Luni_Moon- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Questions answered. //-------------------------------------------------------// Questions answered. When Ponyville is overseen by the sun, the light bounces off of windows and plant pots tucked neatly next to the front steps. And fillies/ponies alike tend to their gardens, play with their friends and sometimes tan when the weather calls for it. However, not all is bright for long, as when it hits dawn, the sun succumbs to its predecessor. The moon. Any pony who’s awake to experience the magical, mist of the moon will admire its glory. They might tell you that it’s the perfect shade for reading out of the windowsill. Or counting the stars that glare back miles away. But no pony can tell you that much, as they are distracted by the clairvoyant magic of their own dreams. Little projections that shone through your own eyes. They can be very cordial and pleasant, but on the other hoof, they could be full of fright and spine-chilling projections that burn through or retinas. However, even if your nightmare is at your worst, a certain princess will arrive, and help you in times of need, you might be hurdling down a rocky, steep hill and yet, the resilient, sky blue pony will swoop in and save you just seconds away from death. Many count her as a courageous and life saving princess, but to herself, she’s just a modernised dream catcher that hangs over your bed as your nestle with your cushions. She never thought to herself as a ‘brave’ pony to begin with, and with her older sister taking in most of the praise, it ruined her self-esteem. Due to this, she’d be caught dead if she ever complimented herself. And yet, her older sister praises her like a badge of honour. It infuriates her so much, in-fact, that she once tried to banish her older sister, but it backfired horribly and she was sent to the moon for, Celestia knows how long. You may be thinking to yourself, ‘Who is this dream catching princess?’ And to that, the answer is a simple one. Princess Luna. Author's Note Thanks for checking this out! I’m trying to flex my writing skills beyond recognition! Look forward to the next chapter. sincerely, Luni_Moon ❤️ //-------------------------------------------------------// Daytime events. //-------------------------------------------------------// Daytime events. The sun set overhead of ponyville. And the pony’s around rose from their slumber, rubbing their eyes with their hooves and getting on with their daily tasks. Wether that be brushing their teeth, stretching their wings, exedra, exedra. The main 6, which compiled of Pinkie Pie, a bubbly, party loving pony, Rainbow Dash, a tom-boy esc competitor, Applejack, a strong, able-bodied Apple kicker, Rarity, a posh, questionably stylish fashionista, Fluttershy, a timid, coy animal caretaker, and last but not least, Twilight Sparkle, a capable leader and princess of friendship. The 6 shared a castle, with tall, lanky hallways that stretch so tall you wonder how many ladders it took to get there. Stained glass portraits of many eventful doings they accomplished, and a giant circular table, that flaunts the map of Equestria like a projector. “Ghh..” Rainbow stretched her hooves and wings as she sat down on her cutie-mark coordinated seat, she crossed her arms and pouted. “What’s wrong, Dash? Woke up on the wrong side of the cloud? He ha!” Applejack remarked, roaring with laughter. She adjusted on her seat calmly, her tail flexing in a bent shape. Applejack darted her eyes towards Rarity, her white coat basked under the light of the windows as she cooed, “Ah! what a glorious seat! Captures my essence perfectly!” She traced her hoof across the cutie Mark of 3, glittering diamonds. She grinned and crossed her hind legs as she sat. “Speak for yourself, Rarity! Mine captures every part of me!” Pinkie yelled, she sat in a weird position, her back resting against the pillow and her left hoof stretched on the arm and the other touching the 3 balloons, all yellow and blue. “We-“ Fluttershy swallowed, “We’ve only had this castle for 3 days aswell..” she added, tentatively smiling at the 3 pink butterflies indented on the Pearl white seat, they stood out like a sore thumb. “What’s important is that we’ve been assigned a mission.” Twilight coughed. She placed her hoof on Everfree-Forrest. “This is our landmark for today.” As soon as she spoke, the 6 cutie marks circled around a remote area of the Forrest. “Bingo!” Rainbow scoffed, “Looks like we got our landmark nice and clear!” She stretched her hooves out, lowering herself. “Why is it so..” Twilight pondered, “Empty?” “Guess we’ll find out, dah’ling!” Rarity always put her emphasis on the word, ‘Darling.’ Wether that’s because it’s posh, I couldn’t tell you. Fluttershy leisurely stroked through her pastel-pink mane, the locks getting curled at the ends and stroking through her yellow hooves, “I’m.. nervous.” She shakily explained. Her mouth trembled with trepidation. And her snout wiggled. Pinkie landed her hoof on Fluttershy’s scalp and rubbed it gently. “Don’t worry! We’ll laugh those ghosties outta town!” She giggled at her own dumb remark. Fluttershy managed to plant a gentle smile. “Pah! As if they’ll be any ghosties, super cube.” Applejack forenamed. Pinkie simply rolled her eyes and swung her hoof back down onto the arm. “Let’s go, girls.” Twilight stood up abruptly and the rest followed, trailing behind her, Rainbow taking priority as she glided slightly off the ground. Twilight always wore a serious face whenever the event called for one. But sometimes she would do it for the sake of feeling powerful. “I thought this over.” Twilight finally spoke, she turned towards her friends and opened the giant, gaping doors, they stopped dead in their tracks and Twilight pointed her hoof over to the abandoned Forrest, “Whatever we face, we face together, ok?” They all nodded in unison, and Rainbow Dash smiled, “Tch, they’ve not nothin’ on me!” Pinkie giggled at her remark. Covering her mouth with her hoof when she realised Twilight was staring Rainbow down. She laughed abruptly and stared at the Forrest ahead. Meanwhile.. The white, tall princess stood atop the balcony as her little sister turned in for the night, her wavy mane turning dark as she ambled solemnly to her bedroom. Celestia basked in the glory of the sunlight, her mane waving beautifully in the calm winds, her chin slowly pulled upwards as her eyes closed. Her horn glittered fiercely as her hooves tensed on the white tiles. She focused and let her magic do it’s work. The sun peeked overhead and soon it was looking over the mountains. It’s radiance dancing off the trees and houses. She nodded, proud of her work and trudged to the Kitchen as she got the ingredients for lovely stacked pancakes. She licked her lips as she stirred the mixture. Meanwhile, in Luna’s bedroom, she sunk her head deep into her pillows, and pulled the blanket over her body. Her eyes drifted close, and she was soon in a deep slumber, not caring about her responsibilities. “Phew!” Celestia said, relieved, the pancakes were done, and well cooked too. She was a pretty good chef after all. They were 3 stacks of fluffy pancakes with syrup dripping down the edges, and strawberries falling down the syrup like a slide for decoration. She brought it over to the table nearby and placed it firmly in front of her. She wasted no time in adjusting herself on the seat and eating her breakfast. She was halfway done when.. “Princess!” A loud voice boomed through the castle hallways, Celestia sulked, and stuffed the rest in her mouth, struggling to chew. “What is it?” Celestia asked, her mouth still full of pancakes and an extra strawberry. “Your, ‘reunion with Cadence.’ Is set today!” The Guard spoke from a list, half of it written in chicken scratch. Celestia gulped down her pancake and dropped her eyebrows, planting a thin smile on her face. “Alright, just, let me get ready.” The Guard nodded and Celestia sauntered towards the bathroom. She aimed her hooves above the gold plated shoes and she adjusted herself in them. She turned to the mirror and cleaned her face with a wet towel. She then placed her gold necklace on, adjusting the jewel and for the final touch, she placed the crown above her head. Solidifying her role as princess. The Guard stood stagnant, awaiting for Celestias return. As she stepped out, the Guard bowed. And Celestia looked pleased, walking past the Guard and taking in the scent of roses and nature. “Ahh~” she breathed in. “This is what I created Pony-ville for, nature and greenness.” She walked with a sense of power and authority, but she felt a weight of responsibility crushing her back. She sighed and made her way to the carousel that waited dominantly for their white coated, tall princess, she tapped her hooves impatiently and the entrance opened with ease. With Celestia on her way to see Cadence. Luna was left by her lonesome. Her body spread limp across her king bed. Her snores inaudible and muffled by the blanket laying on top of her. Her fur stuck up with the slightest friction. A mild annoyance to Luna but it didn’t disturb her beauty nap. “Gahh... ngghh..” Luna groaned, as she entered her dream state. Author's Note Phew! Chapter 2 is complete! Hope you all liked it! //-------------------------------------------------------// Luna’s Dream. //-------------------------------------------------------// Luna’s Dream. Luna was planted on a patch of grass. She picked herself back up on all four of her hooves, she cocked an eyebrow, “Where am I?” A voice echoed back, making Luna stumble backwards and hit her head on a statue behind her. “You’re finally here...” it boomed, Luna looked back to meet with the fierce statue that stood overhead. It was a statue of a tall figure, it looked like Celestia but it’s mane was vehement and fierce, almost jagged in a way Luna couldn’t put her hoof on. It’s eyes were a dull black, and it’s eyebrows were positioned to look angry, but it was smiling, it definitely reminded Luna of something.. peculiar. The cogs turned in her head as the voice beamed again. “Welcome! To your altered world, here, nobody can hear you... nobody can see you, go ahead, try to interact with anyone.” On spur of moment, ponies bustled through Pony-ville. Their hooves tapped quickly on the concrete floor, smiles planted heavily on their face. Their eyes were wide, almost abnormal. Luna tapped on a mint green pony. But her hoof phased through it, like it was nothing. The echoey voice roared with laughter. Luna gritted her teeth in annoyance. “Did ya really think you could interact with any-pony? Your just as hopeless as the last one who tried to stop me!” “Who are you?” Luna finally shouted. Her eyes crooked and filled with anger and confusion. “I..” the voice signed. It was so quiet and sudden that Luna’s ears rung. Luna inspected the dream world before they could speak. The sky was a dark blue with trickles of stars and a few planets, they just looked like bigger stars to Luna. The houses were in neat rows and she could see a giant fountain near the boutique where Rarity once resided. “I!” The voice yelled, Luna’s ears rang fiercely, and her eyes widened, she cocked an eyebrow further, looking towards the moon, it was overcome with a black poison. Luna gasped and got in a defensive position, she struggled and couldn’t even activate her horn magic. In the distance, a hoof came out of the moon, it was black, with a tint of blue. Luna knew what was coming, and her eyes started to water, “No...” before she could speak again. The figure shot out of the moon like a cartoon. The, ‘thing’ had more Misty, wind like hair, with sprinkles of stars glistening through it. Her wings were a midnight black, and didn’t look like any other princess’ wings. She wore a bright blue headpiece that connected to a necklace. Her eyes looked snake-like. “Nightmare... Moon.” Luna gulped, her eyes turned hot. “AHAHAHA!” The Nightmare howled, “Did you think you could sleep peacefully? NO! I am here to destroy dreams! There’s only one thing that could get in my wa-“ Before she could finish her sentence, the moon succumbed with a bright yellow ball, Nightmare Moon stood back in mild annoyance. “Dammit! She always has to take the role of the villain!” “Huh?” Luna puzzled. Before she could process who she was talking about, the statue moved slightly, and the paint cracked as its hoof punched the grass, the paint flew off majestically to reveal a new character Luna had never seen before. Her mane was like a burning fire, and she looked like Celestia, but it definitely wasn’t. “Daybreaker!” Nightmare Moon yelped, a gruesome smile spread across her face with jagged teeth. Luna’s wings could move again, and she pulled herself away from the carnage that was unfolding. “Ahh! Nightmare Moon!” Daybreaker coughed. She stood tall, and looked down at her younger sister. “It seems you’ve got a visitor! Luna. Don’t worry, this dream will be other before you know it!” Daybreaker smiled somthing fierce, “When I TEAR YOU APART!” Daybreaker gave chase to Luna, she darted away before her brain could work. She panted as her wings flapped violently. Nightmare moon grappled onto Daybreaker. They fell down to the floor, giving Luna ample time to get away. “NO! UGH!” Daybreaker scoffed, she tackled herself out of Nightmare Moon’s grasp. And they started to fight, they rolled around in the grass for a while, until Daybreaker managed to hit Nigtmare Moon on the head as she head butted the base of the broken statue. She took advantage of this and jumped on Nightmare Moon’s stomach, she coughed, but it wasn’t dry, it was a wet cough. Blood spurred out from her mouth. “Gah! Oww..” Nightmare Moon painfully yelped. She quickly pushed on Daybreakers stomach, making her fall backwards. Before Nightmare Moon could even get up, Daybreaker turned her waist around and her hooves followed after, her wings got to work and she flew away, when she saw a little blue dot behind the school, she knew she’d found her target. She aimed her horn at the pre-school as she gave out a massive beam directed straight to Luna, she jumped out of the way, and the school exploded behind her. The force of the explosion sent Luna flying, and without warning, Nightmare moon managed to grab Luna mid-air, and began squeezing her tightly. Luna’s body was feeling weak, her hooves were squished together and her thighs were crossed over. Daybreaker stood next to Nighmare Moon. And smiled. “Goodbye! Princess Luna,” They both laughed as Daybreaker charged up a magical spell. It hit Luna as she blacked out. Luna jumped up from her bed, gasping for air. “Huh! Gah.., gh.” Luna groaned she pulled the blankets away to find that her thighs and hooves/arms were in perfect condition, she was just sweating a lot. She wiped her forehead with a tissue from a box on her bedside table. She rolled out of bed, holding her head, “What...” Before she could even question what in Celestia just happened, the door to her room swung open. “Princess!” A Guard yelled. Author's Note This one was an eye sore I’m gonna be honest, but I hope it was worth it! //-------------------------------------------------------// Awkward Meeting, //-------------------------------------------------------// Awkward Meeting, The Guard bowed obediently, his helmet shone with the dawn lighting, his mane was spiked up, almost like a Mohawk. “What’s going on?” Luna said shakily. “It’s the main 6, they’d like to speak to you.” Luna sighed, and bowed at the Guard as she walked outside. She was tackled by Pinkie Pie, “LUNA WE NEED YOUR HELP!” She yelled. Luna groaned, “What’s goi- Pinkie! What happened to you!” Luna got a good luck at Pinkie Pie when she got off of her, she had splinters stuck to her curly mane, her fur coat was damp and smelt like a swamp. Her eyes were dull and wide. Luna tilted her head and saw that everyone has had the same faults. Pinkie gasped, “Its a long story, haha...” she didn’t sound so cheery like she used to. Luna walked up to Twilight, “Show me what happened.” Twilight nodded solemnly. They walked out of the castle and Rainbow explained a bit of what happened, “So basically, we made it to the ever free Forrest and we heard this..” “Voice..” Fluttershy added. “Yea! Voice.. it was echoey and it was yelling at us to ‘open the gate’” Rainbow pulled off a cockney accent with a deep tone. Luna nodded but hung her mouth open a bit. Applejack forcefully shut it. “What’s wrong, Princess?” “Nothing, it’s just, I had a dream where Daybreaker was yelling at me with an echoey voice, she was also trying to kill me.. or something.” She couldn’t recall the whole thing because it was mainly a blur to her at this point. “Day...Breaker?” Rarity asked, she cocked an eyebrow. “She was like my sister, but.. Nightmare Moonish.” Luna explained. Rarity nodded slowly. “Sounds awfullly scary!” Pinkie giggled. She was practically bouncing despite all of her injuries she sustained. They soon made it to ever free Forrest where Twilight took a secret route. “Down here is where the map took us.” Her eyes read the trees like a book, she knew which one gave them splinters. Twilight stopped when they reached a circle-clearing in the middle of the Forrest, it was surrounded by tall trees and the circle had a stone tablet in the middle. Luna got close to the thing and bent down, inspecting it, she traced her hoof across the stone. The bumpy texture frightened her. “It’s basically chicken scratch at this point, but I can make out a few words.” “Really? What?” Twilight said with eagerness in her voice. Luna read, “Property of Daybr...’and by process of elimination I can easily establish that this says, ‘Property of Daybreaker.” They all stood back, but Luna was more focused on a gate that was randomly placed behind the tablet. “Seems this is the thing that they were talking about. She opened the gate and walked through, “Wait!” Twilight yelled, before she could finish, the gate shut Luna’s eyes widened as she signalled for them to jump over, they followed, jumping over carefully, well, except pinkie. Through the gate was more trees, Rarity cooed about how lovely it looked with the sun peering through the trees. Applejack had to sush her many times. They made it to an area blocked off by a hill. And it was another circle. A voice echoed again, “Climb the hill, little ones.” Luna gritted her teeth, “There! Y’hear it?” Applejack shouted. Fluttershy hid behind Pinkie Pie. “I did hear it.. let’s climb up it, I’ll carry Pinkie, Rainbow, you carry Applejack and Twilight you carry Rarity.” She demanded. Pinkie hopped on Luna’s back. Applejack rolled her eyes as she was forced to sit on Rainbows and Rarity sat comfortably on Twilights back. They all floated up to the hill, it wasn’t very steep so even Fluttershy could keep up with the rest of them. “Clever... very clever.” The voice clapped. “Where are you? Daybreaker.” Luna said in a deep, angry voice. “Why.. I’m right.. HERE!” they all turned their backs towards each over, eager to find this nightmarish Celestia doppelgänger. Fluttershy got scooped up by a random force and was brought over to the middle, as a shadow of a tall figure appeared.. Author's Note Wow! Thank you for reading this far! I enjoy your company and feedback! //-------------------------------------------------------// Final Encounter, //-------------------------------------------------------// Final Encounter, The shadow wore color once the sun shone perfectly on their white fur. Rarity gasped and stood back. The tall figure giggled to itself, almost mocking Pinkie pie. “Well, look what the cat dragged in! Or in this case, what the ‘Princess of friendship’ dragged in!” Daybreaker said, it sounded cocky, almost deafening. “What are you up to, Daybreaker?” Luna stood stiff, she straightened her hooves. “Oh I wouldn’t wanna rain on your charade, but.. how would you feel if I drop this little pony and let her splatter?” “You wouldn’t.” Twilight defended. “Oh but I would, you see, i was having a great time destroying dreams, but, this little princess comes along and makes me fight my own sister!” Daybreaker pointed violently at Luna. She shook her hoof like it was a fist. “And now, Im going to see what your friendship can really do.” Daybreaker took a step towards the ledge of the cliff, hanging Fluttershy downwards. Twilight stood forwards but was stopped by Luna, “Dont.” She whispered. Twilight obeyed and stood back. Luna reared her hind legs and opened her wings, without a second thought, she dashed towards Daybreaker. Luna spun Daybreaker as they got near the edge of the cliff, “Quick!” Twilight demanded Rainbow, she twitched her head towards Fluttershy and Rainbow got the memo real quick, the ran towards the helpless pony and picked her up and threw her on her back, Rainbow sat her down as she was shaking vigorously, “Not again.. please...” Fluttershy screwed her eyes shut and Rainbow pulled her into a hug. Daybreaker managed to get the upper-hoof by kicking Luna in her stomach area, she fell to her side and Daybreaker stood on top of her and kicked her near the edge with her hind hoof. Twilight half-gasped in fear. “No!” She yelled, Daybreaker turned to face the helpless ponies, “THIS, is what happens when people interrupt my dreams!” Daybreaker flew Luna off the edge, and her limp body flew downwards, the wind feeling strong on her back, Luna tried opening her wings to no avail. She shut her eyes and tears welled up in her eyes. Twilight screamed again as the others looked away. Daybreaker wore a gruesome grin that was turned to a shock when Cadence jumped into Daybreaker and kicked her stomach, “Cadence?!” Twilight gasped, Cadence looked towards her main 6 and yelled, “Luna’s ok!” Before Luna could hit the ground, she felt someone swoop her away, “You’re alright, little sister.” Luna opened her eyes and half screamed, “Celestia?” She nodded leisurely, as she swirled around towards the mountain. She landed perfectly and dropped Luna carefully as she turned to Daybreaker, “Your being detained.” Celestia put a lock over her horn and tied her arms together. Daybreaker gasped and swung her head in shame and anger, “I’m gonna find out what you really are when we’re finished.” Celestia’s eyes stared deep into Daybreakers soul. Celestia walked to her sister as Cadence kept an eye on Daybreaker, it didn’t stop Twilight to hug Cadence tightly as the others sighed with relief. “You did good, Luna.’ Celestia reassured. “Is she gone?” “Not yet, but she will be.” Celestia smiled. The others evacuated the mountain. With Guards detaining Daybreaker. It was over. For now. Author's Note I’m done! Finally am I right? I can finally sleep knowing I made a satisfying story.