Nightmare Hostby THEARTIFICAILINTELIGENCEChaptersprologueChapter 1Chapter 2prologuePrincess Luna is not a happy pony, while normally she would hide her discontent behind a mask but this discovery has vexed her. For the past 3 hours she has been trying to gain access to a portion of the dream realm that is in a state of turmoil, each attempt being ineffective, like trying to use a fork to eat soup. All around here the dreams of equestria float and drift amongst a starry miasma, and yet a large section is blocked off by a thick smoke-like substance which also seems to be tethered to 2 dreams, one of a guardspony, and the other of a young filly. It is mostly for this reason that Luna has been trying so hard to pierce this barrier, the smoke moving to block any attempt to enter those dreams, but there is more than one way to find a way in. With a scowl, Princess Luna follows the guard’s dream to it’s source, finding his current location and his name. Private Iron Shield, a new recruit to the Royal Guard of Canterlot. To get to the bottom of this mystery, she will need to visit him in person and enter his dream directly. The guard barracks are quiet at this time of night, the occasional guard patrol being the only source of noise beside the gentle breathing of 3 dozen guards amongst their rows of beds. Even as the regal figure of Princess Luna enters the barracks, not a soul stirs to wakefulness as she passes by them, eyes scanning across the room, landing on a blue earth pony with a lime green mane cut short. Stopping beside the young guard, Luna’s horn lights up with a white spiral, beforeit strings from the tip of her horn and connects to the guard’s head like a possessed cable, bringing Luna into his dream without being blocked again. ---------------------------------------Unknown POV-------------------------------------- I have been watching this pony and filly play with each other all night, it is heartwarming to see their connection staying strong despite their physical distance. The brother and sister had been desperate to keep in touch so to see that come to fruition is very satisfying to see for myself. Of course, despite trying to observe the goings on unseen, Luna’s arrival sent a small ripple throughout the dream that, while unnoticed by the playful siblings, I sensed immediately. However, I shall leave her be for now, as She also seems content to simply watch instead of interrupting the familial reunion in front of her. The dream world makes small adjustments here and there to help keep the princess hidden as she observes, while I myself also remain unseen but raise an unseen eyebrow as Luna seemingly by accident slowly makes her way in my direction, trying to remain unseen as the dream changes to that of a green meadow with the sun shining in the clear skies. The guard and filly are suddenly distant from both me and Luna to give us some space as I shift my attention wholly on the Princess of the night. “I see you have returned from your, vacation, to the moon, Nightmare Moon, or have you returned to being called Princess Luna?” I inquire to the curious Alicorn, my voice soft and with a slight echo like wind blowing through a seashell. Luna seems to have been startled by the voice with seemingly no source and stumbles backwards before what I said seems to click in her mind. “How dare thee make a mockery of us! We are no longer the Nightmare, and our banishment is not some laughing matter!” Luna snarls, looking in every which direction trying to find me presumably, her horn lighting up as she looks in my direction as she gets into some sort of battle stance, horn still aglow. “Release our subjects at once!” Release? Does she believe I have them hostage or against their will? Well, only one way to find out I suppose and as such, a blue Earthpony with a long and messy silver mane materializes in front of her, while not my real form, it will do as a representation of me for now. “But I am not holding anyone here, Princess Luna. I have merely helped form a connection between a brother and his younger sibling. Is that so wrong, your Majesty?” My pony representation bows almost mockingly as Luna seems to calm down considerably. “Then, why doth this dream reject my intrusion so much? Why is it muddled in some kind of barrier in my realm?” Luna’s queries, never losing the aggressive edge to her voice or letting her guard down at all. “And why do you talk to me with a fake visage instead of your true form, Coward?” A great sigh escapes me as the pony figure I created fizzles away to nothingness and the sky starts to dim to that of the night with the moon lighting the area. “This is a private dream, specifically for those two, I apologize if I caused you undue stress, but I wished them not disturbed or for this to turn towards a less peasant situation. As for the barrier you speak of, that would be because you are currently not in the dream realm per say, more of, a nightmare realm. There is no individual dream here, is is all one realm where those that dwell here interact with each other while they are here instead of being in private dreamscapes.” I explain, somewhat exasperated at needing to meet Luna so suddenly, I wanted to wait a while longer before she met me. Almost as though on queue, the guard and filly fade from the dream, much to my own amusement as this also means Luna will be leaving as well, wanting to or not, as the dream she entered through is disconnecting from the realm. “We shall talk more in the next night, Princess,” the smirk in my voice clear even to me as she disappears shortly after the other ponies. ...Maybe I should introduce myself next time I meet her? Author's Note this is a story that I have been intending to start for a while but kept getting distracted. I hope this chapter is enough to capture some intrigue until I have time to write the next one. Chapter 1Dark, moldy stone walls shoot past a pony from the darkness, twisting and turning seemingly at random. No sound, not even that of rushing wind as they are rushed down a seemingly endless series of corridors. Despite this however, the stallion in question does not react with anything other than a look of concentration, as though trying to keep track of each and every turn and direction. Out of the oncoming darkness of the tunnels and corridors a sudden bright light, a stone wall approaching fast with bright blue shining runes covering it. Just before the pony hits the wall, they wake up with a start, looking around to find themselves in a forest outside a ruin. Daring Do’s rival awakes with a shock, sweat dripping from him as he tries to settle back into sleep. “So you have met my sister, Princess Luna” A somewhat amused voice comes from behind our yet unknown character, and upon turning to look at them, Celestia comes into view, her chromatic mane flowing in the non-existent wind as always. Scenery around the two popping into place to make walls of bookshelves lines with unnamed books who’s colors change whenever one of them look away. Between them a small coffee table rises from the floor, made of a wood-like material with 2 plain white cups of tea appearing with it. “Ah yes, Princess Luna found her way in via one of your guard’s scheduled meetings with his little sister. Those 2 play so nicely together, it’s sweet. It’s a shame they won't be meeting here anymore though” The voice starting off sounding like a young boy slowly shifts to that of a girl’s and everywhere in between as they speak before cycling back to a young boy’s. While they talk, going through what happened while Luna was in the Nightmare realm, the unknown speaker’s body starts to take physical form within the dream. At first, a rough shape like an outline forms, followed by colors fading in to make a blurry purple, light brown and blue mess as the colors bleed into each other like wet paint. “... and then they woke up, forcing Luna out of the nightmare, very unfortunate in it’s timing really.” The blurry mess of colors sighs, while Celestia picks up her tea with a golden glow, sipping on it with a coy smile, watching her friend take form before her. “I was wondering what the ruckus in the guard barracks was.” With another sip of tea, a small frown appears on her face along with a hardness to her eyes, almost glaring at the other being in the room. “Why didn't you just let her in like you do myself?” The scenery darkens and the coffee table cracks as though some unseen force is applying a large amount of pressure onto it. When the blur speaks, it is as though coming from several mouths at once of different ages and genders. “To show that she does not have power here, that this is NOT her realm.” Celestia’s frown remains, clearly not finding it as an acceptable answer, and yet, the form continues to become a little clearer. 2 glowing eyes open, their purple hue joined by 4 smaller eyes opening, one above each eye and one below each eye, and below them a jagged and torn mouth filled with warped and serrated teeth. The rough shape of a wolf-like body becomes more evident along with 2 large wings, both still mostly blurred to bare recognizability, yet clear what body part they are. “What has lead you to believe that she would try to seize control of your home from you like that? Have I not told you only good things about Luna?” The scenery returns to its previous state as Celestia leans forwards with her stern gaze. Purple hair comes into focus messily sprouting from the head that seems to form around the facial features, draconic in shape, but covered in a light brown fur with wolf-like ears protruding from either side of the apparent mane. From within the hair 2 horns curve backwards and point up at their tip with blue bands going along their lengths, a similar blue marking the tips of the messy purple hair while the rest of the body comes into focus more. Tall, but thin, beyond anorexic looking form of a wolf, the bones poking through at points, especially along the spine with large tattered wings spread upwards. The wings appear more like that of a dragon’s, but the membrane is torn and the bones seeming twisted and broken, held in place by some unseen force. Instead of the paws as one would expect with a wolf, long claws and talons end every leg, in a similar state to the wings, being twisted broken and looking heavily damaged. The last thing to come into focus is the tail, long and boney much like their body, showing yet more draconic ancestry with the tail long enough to wrap around themselves with ease, ending in a jagged boney spike that has bears the appearance of being snapped off at the tip. All together, they look like an amalgamation of 2 corpses. Their voice returns to the changing tone as though undecided which one fits. “If someone returns from a long stay away from home and find some of their home has been taken by someone else, would they not try to take it back? Would they not try to force their control onto what they perceive to be their own?” lifting a claw to gesture around them as though presenting their surroundings as proof. “I had to show that this is a place in which she holds no sway” All but their central 2 eyes close and with an exhale, as though to regain composure, their body takes on a more full appearance, no longer looking starved and damaged. Coat shining as though freshly cleaned and all damage fixing itself in the blink of an eye. Tail nearly doubling in length and ending in an arrowhead shape. Wings taking on a slight fuzz of light brown fur across them and talons looking more like those of a dragons claws. The only things that remain the same are the hair, the horns, and the almost disturbing jagged gash full of teeth that makes up it’s mouth. “I apologize for my attitude towards the situation, but i do not appreciate the idea of losing control over my own realm, even if the chances of such a thing happening are miniscule” Celestia lets out a sigh and nods in understanding. “I see, you saw my sister’s attempted entry as her trying to take control from you” Taking another sip from her tea, she nods and turns around as though heading for an exit that isn't there. “I will go and ask her to come here again, with me this time. I would rather have you both on good terms than have hostility between you both.” and with that, the world ripples, and Celestia is gone, taking the cup of tea with her. “... she always takes the tea with her, instead of asking for what type of tea it is” the sole remaining being smirks to themselves, shaking their head. “And this time, she’s coming back for more in the same night” Author's Note I feel like the pacing for this chapter is too rushed. should I edit it and repost it or leave it as it is and try to do the pacing better for the next chapter? Chapter 2Did I over react to Luna’s presence? I do not think so, but then again I should show at least a little more trust than I have. Time will tell if I was right to do this or not however. Strange though, Celestia has been gone for a couple hours now, I wonder if something is happening? Meanwhile… “What do you mean you made a deal with a creature? Tia, do you know how dangerous this could be?” Luna glares at Celestia from across their dining table, the guards having left as soon as the sisters entered, frowning. They have been arguing all evening, primarily about Celestia’s unknown friend in this, Nightmare realm. “Dangerous? Luna, do you know what your reputation would be like if i hadn’t made this deal? They soothed the dreams of our ponies while yo- while you were away.” Celestia wilts, ears flattening against her head as she looks to the ground. “For the last 700 or so years, our ponies have been convinced that you were still actively protecting their dreams…” “Tia! You bargained our duty off to some… Entity?! What if they had been malicious? You would have given our ponies over to some monster!” Luna’s glare bores into celestia as though trying to drill through her with a look alone. However, an almost understanding look comes upon her as she looks upon her sister. The defeat is evident in her posture as she slumps in the seat. “... Sister, We understand that you only wanted to protect our ponies, but trusting some entity with our ponies dreams was reckless. What is this entity going to do now that We have returned to resume my duties? What do they have to gain from your deal?” “I, I promised to try and help it gain freedom, they have been trapped in some kind of underground ruin all this time. However, neither they nor I can figure out where this ruin is located and over the years, a purely professional acquaintance bloomed into a friendship. I don’t know what will happen now with them, Lulu, but I have reason to believe that our friendship will be enough to stop them taking action against us and our ponies” As Celestia talks, her confidence seems to return somewhat and she manages to look her sister in the eyes once more before the end. A small smile gracing her face. “I admit, it was a risky move, but our ponies were experiencing night terrors and you know I can't dream walk as well as you can… all I could do was watch what was happening. I found them by chance, I had entered a dream of an old mare who had come into court to ask for her niece's holiday to be extended. That’s where I found them, talking with the mare in the shadow of a large cherry tree. I am sure they can tell you the story of how we met better, they seem to remember such things far more” Also meanwhile… “Hey boss, the entrance is clear. So far we have found no traps but it matches your description. What do you want us to do?” The gruff voice of the Pony standing before Dr.Caballeron shakes him from his daydream. Looking up from his journal, Caballeron gestures for the pony to enter his tent properly. “I want you to get everyone out of the temple, stop anything from entering behind me. I must proceed inside alone. If Daring Do makes an appearance, lure her away with this” Caballeron reaches into his pocket and pulls out a gem, a luminescent glow shimmering off the surface. “Make sure she thinks it is the prize we came here for. After all, this temple isn’t in any known pony scripture, so hopefully she may not know the true worth that lays inside” The goon takes the gem with a nod but pauses before leaving. “What if she doesn’t fall for it?” The glare that he receives in response to his question seems to say it all as he stutters and hurriedly corrects himself. “I mean, we won’t fail you sir. Good luck in the temple, call if you need help” Back with our unnamed character… It seems that I will be able to walk the waking world once more soon, one way or the other. Perhaps I shall steal some of Celestia’s tea, see how it compares to my own. Always did wonder how she would react to some of her tea cups going missing. The realm ripples as Celestia re-enters the realm, a soft smile gracing her face once more as Luna enters behind her. A slightly more serious look upon her face but, a flash of hope in her eyes. “Welcome back, your highnesses. Hope the mess isn’t too much of a bother” around them, scenery forms into a ball room covered in spilled drinks, food, the odd piece of clothing here and there from scarfs for shoes. “I haven’t had much chance to clean up since your last visit” Celestia’s eye roll is almost audible as she shakes her head. “Now is not the time for your antics, my friend. I am sure you know what i wish to discuss with you” “The weather? Your student perhaps? Or maybe you want to discu-” My response gets cut off by Luna narrowing her eyes and looking like she wants to growl at me for my disregard for the topic at hand. “My apologies. Princess Luna, I assume you have talked about the situation and likely have questions?” “That would be… correct, yes” My shift from joking to semi-respectful seems to have thrown her off guard for a second as she puts together her response. “Firstly, introductions. Greetings, We are Princess Luna, Ruler of the Night and Guardian of Dreams. I am to understand that you have taken care of my duties in my absence, but We have returned to them since, We are Eager to find out what Thee intends to do without this burden now” I can’t help but smirk at Luna as she introduces herself formally. “Greetings, Princess Luna. To answer your inquiry, I intend to continue what I have always done. Tend to my garden” My lack of introducing myself seems to irk Luna however as she frowns while raising an eyebrow. “It seems thou hath forgotten to introduce thyself, might we know thee’s name?” Luna glances at Celestia as I chuckle, confused as to what I find so amusing. Only to find Celestia giving a slightly exasperated look in my direction. “Still not telling anypony your name, my friend? Even after all these years? I don’t even know if the name you gave me is your real one” The slight frown forming on Celestia’s face is enough to get me to relent a little as I sigh. “I know you have been slowly piercing my name together through little clues here and there, Tia. So before I give another Red Herring, how about you tell me what you think my name is?” Luna’s confused face seems to be enough to get Celestia to explain what is going on to her sister, much to my disappointment, ending my fun a little sooner than I would have liked. “Luna, The have never introduced themselves with the same name twice until about 20 years ago, after the names became so absurd that they just stopped giving out a name at all. Each name though had certain things in common. A letter in the same place here, the same length there. Like the pieces of a puzzle slowly getting put together. I do however have an idea of what their name may be. Am I right, Steamworks?” Celestia smirks and overdramatically gestures a hoof at me, a confident shine in her eyes. “Well well well, took you long enough. Yes, that was my name, back when there were those who knew me outside my realm.” The scenery changes once more, ballroom melting away to a light rainforest, greenish stone pillars pockmarked with blue moss clumps line a pathway into various small pyramid looking buildings. Odd cawing bird-song fills the air and a warm breeze brushes past them, bringing with it an almost bitter smell. “Things were simpler back then, before the flood reclaimed the area” The realm shudders, the air growing thick and cold like being plunged into deep water. Forest fading into dark moss ridden stone walls. Barely lit by pale, dim blue light. The room is large, the edges hidden by shadow while the floor is beneath dark rippling water that looks to descend endlessly yet Celestia and Luna’s hooves barely break the surface before hitting solid stone. From the darkness 6 purple glowing eyes open, considerably larger and higher than either princess as a long, rattling sigh emanates from the creature. a dim pale blue flame dangling from the ceiling suddenly grows into a bright sphere, showing that the water-logged room they find themselves in holds within the corpse-like form of the one they have been conversing with. “It seems that your end of the bargain shall be held without you, Tia. maybe we should continue this talk face to face, if you’ll have me” Both princesses find themselves no longer in the Nightmare realm, standing outside it’s borders in the dream realm as the mist seems to rise, no longer a barrier between parts of the dream realm and more easily described as a cloud layer far above it. “Sister… what was that? What was your end of the deal?” Luna questions, panic showing on her face. “And what did they mean face to face?” “It means, Lulu, that we may have an unexpected guest at some point in the near future” Author's Note still feels a bit rushed in places, especially at teh end, but hopefully this chapter is a bit smoother to read than my last one.
prologuePrincess Luna is not a happy pony, while normally she would hide her discontent behind a mask but this discovery has vexed her. For the past 3 hours she has been trying to gain access to a portion of the dream realm that is in a state of turmoil, each attempt being ineffective, like trying to use a fork to eat soup. All around here the dreams of equestria float and drift amongst a starry miasma, and yet a large section is blocked off by a thick smoke-like substance which also seems to be tethered to 2 dreams, one of a guardspony, and the other of a young filly. It is mostly for this reason that Luna has been trying so hard to pierce this barrier, the smoke moving to block any attempt to enter those dreams, but there is more than one way to find a way in. With a scowl, Princess Luna follows the guard’s dream to it’s source, finding his current location and his name. Private Iron Shield, a new recruit to the Royal Guard of Canterlot. To get to the bottom of this mystery, she will need to visit him in person and enter his dream directly. The guard barracks are quiet at this time of night, the occasional guard patrol being the only source of noise beside the gentle breathing of 3 dozen guards amongst their rows of beds. Even as the regal figure of Princess Luna enters the barracks, not a soul stirs to wakefulness as she passes by them, eyes scanning across the room, landing on a blue earth pony with a lime green mane cut short. Stopping beside the young guard, Luna’s horn lights up with a white spiral, beforeit strings from the tip of her horn and connects to the guard’s head like a possessed cable, bringing Luna into his dream without being blocked again. ---------------------------------------Unknown POV-------------------------------------- I have been watching this pony and filly play with each other all night, it is heartwarming to see their connection staying strong despite their physical distance. The brother and sister had been desperate to keep in touch so to see that come to fruition is very satisfying to see for myself. Of course, despite trying to observe the goings on unseen, Luna’s arrival sent a small ripple throughout the dream that, while unnoticed by the playful siblings, I sensed immediately. However, I shall leave her be for now, as She also seems content to simply watch instead of interrupting the familial reunion in front of her. The dream world makes small adjustments here and there to help keep the princess hidden as she observes, while I myself also remain unseen but raise an unseen eyebrow as Luna seemingly by accident slowly makes her way in my direction, trying to remain unseen as the dream changes to that of a green meadow with the sun shining in the clear skies. The guard and filly are suddenly distant from both me and Luna to give us some space as I shift my attention wholly on the Princess of the night. “I see you have returned from your, vacation, to the moon, Nightmare Moon, or have you returned to being called Princess Luna?” I inquire to the curious Alicorn, my voice soft and with a slight echo like wind blowing through a seashell. Luna seems to have been startled by the voice with seemingly no source and stumbles backwards before what I said seems to click in her mind. “How dare thee make a mockery of us! We are no longer the Nightmare, and our banishment is not some laughing matter!” Luna snarls, looking in every which direction trying to find me presumably, her horn lighting up as she looks in my direction as she gets into some sort of battle stance, horn still aglow. “Release our subjects at once!” Release? Does she believe I have them hostage or against their will? Well, only one way to find out I suppose and as such, a blue Earthpony with a long and messy silver mane materializes in front of her, while not my real form, it will do as a representation of me for now. “But I am not holding anyone here, Princess Luna. I have merely helped form a connection between a brother and his younger sibling. Is that so wrong, your Majesty?” My pony representation bows almost mockingly as Luna seems to calm down considerably. “Then, why doth this dream reject my intrusion so much? Why is it muddled in some kind of barrier in my realm?” Luna’s queries, never losing the aggressive edge to her voice or letting her guard down at all. “And why do you talk to me with a fake visage instead of your true form, Coward?” A great sigh escapes me as the pony figure I created fizzles away to nothingness and the sky starts to dim to that of the night with the moon lighting the area. “This is a private dream, specifically for those two, I apologize if I caused you undue stress, but I wished them not disturbed or for this to turn towards a less peasant situation. As for the barrier you speak of, that would be because you are currently not in the dream realm per say, more of, a nightmare realm. There is no individual dream here, is is all one realm where those that dwell here interact with each other while they are here instead of being in private dreamscapes.” I explain, somewhat exasperated at needing to meet Luna so suddenly, I wanted to wait a while longer before she met me. Almost as though on queue, the guard and filly fade from the dream, much to my own amusement as this also means Luna will be leaving as well, wanting to or not, as the dream she entered through is disconnecting from the realm. “We shall talk more in the next night, Princess,” the smirk in my voice clear even to me as she disappears shortly after the other ponies. ...Maybe I should introduce myself next time I meet her? Author's Note this is a story that I have been intending to start for a while but kept getting distracted. I hope this chapter is enough to capture some intrigue until I have time to write the next one.
Chapter 1Dark, moldy stone walls shoot past a pony from the darkness, twisting and turning seemingly at random. No sound, not even that of rushing wind as they are rushed down a seemingly endless series of corridors. Despite this however, the stallion in question does not react with anything other than a look of concentration, as though trying to keep track of each and every turn and direction. Out of the oncoming darkness of the tunnels and corridors a sudden bright light, a stone wall approaching fast with bright blue shining runes covering it. Just before the pony hits the wall, they wake up with a start, looking around to find themselves in a forest outside a ruin. Daring Do’s rival awakes with a shock, sweat dripping from him as he tries to settle back into sleep. “So you have met my sister, Princess Luna” A somewhat amused voice comes from behind our yet unknown character, and upon turning to look at them, Celestia comes into view, her chromatic mane flowing in the non-existent wind as always. Scenery around the two popping into place to make walls of bookshelves lines with unnamed books who’s colors change whenever one of them look away. Between them a small coffee table rises from the floor, made of a wood-like material with 2 plain white cups of tea appearing with it. “Ah yes, Princess Luna found her way in via one of your guard’s scheduled meetings with his little sister. Those 2 play so nicely together, it’s sweet. It’s a shame they won't be meeting here anymore though” The voice starting off sounding like a young boy slowly shifts to that of a girl’s and everywhere in between as they speak before cycling back to a young boy’s. While they talk, going through what happened while Luna was in the Nightmare realm, the unknown speaker’s body starts to take physical form within the dream. At first, a rough shape like an outline forms, followed by colors fading in to make a blurry purple, light brown and blue mess as the colors bleed into each other like wet paint. “... and then they woke up, forcing Luna out of the nightmare, very unfortunate in it’s timing really.” The blurry mess of colors sighs, while Celestia picks up her tea with a golden glow, sipping on it with a coy smile, watching her friend take form before her. “I was wondering what the ruckus in the guard barracks was.” With another sip of tea, a small frown appears on her face along with a hardness to her eyes, almost glaring at the other being in the room. “Why didn't you just let her in like you do myself?” The scenery darkens and the coffee table cracks as though some unseen force is applying a large amount of pressure onto it. When the blur speaks, it is as though coming from several mouths at once of different ages and genders. “To show that she does not have power here, that this is NOT her realm.” Celestia’s frown remains, clearly not finding it as an acceptable answer, and yet, the form continues to become a little clearer. 2 glowing eyes open, their purple hue joined by 4 smaller eyes opening, one above each eye and one below each eye, and below them a jagged and torn mouth filled with warped and serrated teeth. The rough shape of a wolf-like body becomes more evident along with 2 large wings, both still mostly blurred to bare recognizability, yet clear what body part they are. “What has lead you to believe that she would try to seize control of your home from you like that? Have I not told you only good things about Luna?” The scenery returns to its previous state as Celestia leans forwards with her stern gaze. Purple hair comes into focus messily sprouting from the head that seems to form around the facial features, draconic in shape, but covered in a light brown fur with wolf-like ears protruding from either side of the apparent mane. From within the hair 2 horns curve backwards and point up at their tip with blue bands going along their lengths, a similar blue marking the tips of the messy purple hair while the rest of the body comes into focus more. Tall, but thin, beyond anorexic looking form of a wolf, the bones poking through at points, especially along the spine with large tattered wings spread upwards. The wings appear more like that of a dragon’s, but the membrane is torn and the bones seeming twisted and broken, held in place by some unseen force. Instead of the paws as one would expect with a wolf, long claws and talons end every leg, in a similar state to the wings, being twisted broken and looking heavily damaged. The last thing to come into focus is the tail, long and boney much like their body, showing yet more draconic ancestry with the tail long enough to wrap around themselves with ease, ending in a jagged boney spike that has bears the appearance of being snapped off at the tip. All together, they look like an amalgamation of 2 corpses. Their voice returns to the changing tone as though undecided which one fits. “If someone returns from a long stay away from home and find some of their home has been taken by someone else, would they not try to take it back? Would they not try to force their control onto what they perceive to be their own?” lifting a claw to gesture around them as though presenting their surroundings as proof. “I had to show that this is a place in which she holds no sway” All but their central 2 eyes close and with an exhale, as though to regain composure, their body takes on a more full appearance, no longer looking starved and damaged. Coat shining as though freshly cleaned and all damage fixing itself in the blink of an eye. Tail nearly doubling in length and ending in an arrowhead shape. Wings taking on a slight fuzz of light brown fur across them and talons looking more like those of a dragons claws. The only things that remain the same are the hair, the horns, and the almost disturbing jagged gash full of teeth that makes up it’s mouth. “I apologize for my attitude towards the situation, but i do not appreciate the idea of losing control over my own realm, even if the chances of such a thing happening are miniscule” Celestia lets out a sigh and nods in understanding. “I see, you saw my sister’s attempted entry as her trying to take control from you” Taking another sip from her tea, she nods and turns around as though heading for an exit that isn't there. “I will go and ask her to come here again, with me this time. I would rather have you both on good terms than have hostility between you both.” and with that, the world ripples, and Celestia is gone, taking the cup of tea with her. “... she always takes the tea with her, instead of asking for what type of tea it is” the sole remaining being smirks to themselves, shaking their head. “And this time, she’s coming back for more in the same night” Author's Note I feel like the pacing for this chapter is too rushed. should I edit it and repost it or leave it as it is and try to do the pacing better for the next chapter?
Chapter 2Did I over react to Luna’s presence? I do not think so, but then again I should show at least a little more trust than I have. Time will tell if I was right to do this or not however. Strange though, Celestia has been gone for a couple hours now, I wonder if something is happening? Meanwhile… “What do you mean you made a deal with a creature? Tia, do you know how dangerous this could be?” Luna glares at Celestia from across their dining table, the guards having left as soon as the sisters entered, frowning. They have been arguing all evening, primarily about Celestia’s unknown friend in this, Nightmare realm. “Dangerous? Luna, do you know what your reputation would be like if i hadn’t made this deal? They soothed the dreams of our ponies while yo- while you were away.” Celestia wilts, ears flattening against her head as she looks to the ground. “For the last 700 or so years, our ponies have been convinced that you were still actively protecting their dreams…” “Tia! You bargained our duty off to some… Entity?! What if they had been malicious? You would have given our ponies over to some monster!” Luna’s glare bores into celestia as though trying to drill through her with a look alone. However, an almost understanding look comes upon her as she looks upon her sister. The defeat is evident in her posture as she slumps in the seat. “... Sister, We understand that you only wanted to protect our ponies, but trusting some entity with our ponies dreams was reckless. What is this entity going to do now that We have returned to resume my duties? What do they have to gain from your deal?” “I, I promised to try and help it gain freedom, they have been trapped in some kind of underground ruin all this time. However, neither they nor I can figure out where this ruin is located and over the years, a purely professional acquaintance bloomed into a friendship. I don’t know what will happen now with them, Lulu, but I have reason to believe that our friendship will be enough to stop them taking action against us and our ponies” As Celestia talks, her confidence seems to return somewhat and she manages to look her sister in the eyes once more before the end. A small smile gracing her face. “I admit, it was a risky move, but our ponies were experiencing night terrors and you know I can't dream walk as well as you can… all I could do was watch what was happening. I found them by chance, I had entered a dream of an old mare who had come into court to ask for her niece's holiday to be extended. That’s where I found them, talking with the mare in the shadow of a large cherry tree. I am sure they can tell you the story of how we met better, they seem to remember such things far more” Also meanwhile… “Hey boss, the entrance is clear. So far we have found no traps but it matches your description. What do you want us to do?” The gruff voice of the Pony standing before Dr.Caballeron shakes him from his daydream. Looking up from his journal, Caballeron gestures for the pony to enter his tent properly. “I want you to get everyone out of the temple, stop anything from entering behind me. I must proceed inside alone. If Daring Do makes an appearance, lure her away with this” Caballeron reaches into his pocket and pulls out a gem, a luminescent glow shimmering off the surface. “Make sure she thinks it is the prize we came here for. After all, this temple isn’t in any known pony scripture, so hopefully she may not know the true worth that lays inside” The goon takes the gem with a nod but pauses before leaving. “What if she doesn’t fall for it?” The glare that he receives in response to his question seems to say it all as he stutters and hurriedly corrects himself. “I mean, we won’t fail you sir. Good luck in the temple, call if you need help” Back with our unnamed character… It seems that I will be able to walk the waking world once more soon, one way or the other. Perhaps I shall steal some of Celestia’s tea, see how it compares to my own. Always did wonder how she would react to some of her tea cups going missing. The realm ripples as Celestia re-enters the realm, a soft smile gracing her face once more as Luna enters behind her. A slightly more serious look upon her face but, a flash of hope in her eyes. “Welcome back, your highnesses. Hope the mess isn’t too much of a bother” around them, scenery forms into a ball room covered in spilled drinks, food, the odd piece of clothing here and there from scarfs for shoes. “I haven’t had much chance to clean up since your last visit” Celestia’s eye roll is almost audible as she shakes her head. “Now is not the time for your antics, my friend. I am sure you know what i wish to discuss with you” “The weather? Your student perhaps? Or maybe you want to discu-” My response gets cut off by Luna narrowing her eyes and looking like she wants to growl at me for my disregard for the topic at hand. “My apologies. Princess Luna, I assume you have talked about the situation and likely have questions?” “That would be… correct, yes” My shift from joking to semi-respectful seems to have thrown her off guard for a second as she puts together her response. “Firstly, introductions. Greetings, We are Princess Luna, Ruler of the Night and Guardian of Dreams. I am to understand that you have taken care of my duties in my absence, but We have returned to them since, We are Eager to find out what Thee intends to do without this burden now” I can’t help but smirk at Luna as she introduces herself formally. “Greetings, Princess Luna. To answer your inquiry, I intend to continue what I have always done. Tend to my garden” My lack of introducing myself seems to irk Luna however as she frowns while raising an eyebrow. “It seems thou hath forgotten to introduce thyself, might we know thee’s name?” Luna glances at Celestia as I chuckle, confused as to what I find so amusing. Only to find Celestia giving a slightly exasperated look in my direction. “Still not telling anypony your name, my friend? Even after all these years? I don’t even know if the name you gave me is your real one” The slight frown forming on Celestia’s face is enough to get me to relent a little as I sigh. “I know you have been slowly piercing my name together through little clues here and there, Tia. So before I give another Red Herring, how about you tell me what you think my name is?” Luna’s confused face seems to be enough to get Celestia to explain what is going on to her sister, much to my disappointment, ending my fun a little sooner than I would have liked. “Luna, The have never introduced themselves with the same name twice until about 20 years ago, after the names became so absurd that they just stopped giving out a name at all. Each name though had certain things in common. A letter in the same place here, the same length there. Like the pieces of a puzzle slowly getting put together. I do however have an idea of what their name may be. Am I right, Steamworks?” Celestia smirks and overdramatically gestures a hoof at me, a confident shine in her eyes. “Well well well, took you long enough. Yes, that was my name, back when there were those who knew me outside my realm.” The scenery changes once more, ballroom melting away to a light rainforest, greenish stone pillars pockmarked with blue moss clumps line a pathway into various small pyramid looking buildings. Odd cawing bird-song fills the air and a warm breeze brushes past them, bringing with it an almost bitter smell. “Things were simpler back then, before the flood reclaimed the area” The realm shudders, the air growing thick and cold like being plunged into deep water. Forest fading into dark moss ridden stone walls. Barely lit by pale, dim blue light. The room is large, the edges hidden by shadow while the floor is beneath dark rippling water that looks to descend endlessly yet Celestia and Luna’s hooves barely break the surface before hitting solid stone. From the darkness 6 purple glowing eyes open, considerably larger and higher than either princess as a long, rattling sigh emanates from the creature. a dim pale blue flame dangling from the ceiling suddenly grows into a bright sphere, showing that the water-logged room they find themselves in holds within the corpse-like form of the one they have been conversing with. “It seems that your end of the bargain shall be held without you, Tia. maybe we should continue this talk face to face, if you’ll have me” Both princesses find themselves no longer in the Nightmare realm, standing outside it’s borders in the dream realm as the mist seems to rise, no longer a barrier between parts of the dream realm and more easily described as a cloud layer far above it. “Sister… what was that? What was your end of the deal?” Luna questions, panic showing on her face. “And what did they mean face to face?” “It means, Lulu, that we may have an unexpected guest at some point in the near future” Author's Note still feels a bit rushed in places, especially at teh end, but hopefully this chapter is a bit smoother to read than my last one.
