The following morning Rainbow woke to the call of nature. After thankfully locating a bathroom she spent a few minutes looking at her reflection. The realization of what she had done quickly flooded her mind as the memories played back. After she took the time to think about it she started pacing the bathroom.

"I can't believe I did that. What are my fans going to think? What are my friends going to think?..." She stopped and looked at the door. "What will he think of me?" Letting out a loud groan she hit her head against the wall, not knowing what was happening in the other room.

Ray sat up and looked at the mess on the bed. Taking a deep breath he rubbed his head. "Ok… I don't have a hangover… which means I'm not drunk…" He sniffed the air and looked around the room. "All senses are working fine… so, don't think I was drugged either… which only leaves…" He stopped and rubbed his flank. "Ok… so no toys involved…" Letting out a sigh he flopped back in the bed. "Hopefully that means I have a chance with her… hopefully."

Sitting up he looked around the room. "I wonder where she went…" Letting out a sigh he climbed out of bed before making his way to the picnic blanket and smiled at the fresh food. "Well. At least it looks like our host is thoughtful."

After a few moments the door to the bathroom opened and Rainbow walked out with a smile. "Hay Ray. Ready to continue our search for an exit?"

"You bet Dash. But let's have breakfast first." He replied motioning to the food. "No sense in letting it go to waste."

Rainbow nodded. With that the two sat and enjoyed the food in silence. Neither wanted to really talk about what happened that night. Yet it was quickly apparent that they'd have to talk about it sooner or later.

"About… what we did…" Rainbow started.

"Don't worry." Ray interrupted. "I won't tell anypony. Don't want nasty rumors to sprout about you." Rainbow blinked in shock as she watched him give her a soft apologetic smile. "I'm new around here. So my reputation isn't as Influential as yours." He sighed.

Rainbow was silent for a moment. Just looking at him. Had they rutted before entering this crazy place, she might have agreed. But the more she got to know him. The more she wanted to prove how important he really was.

"Don't…" She huffed.

"What?"

"Don't ever talk like that again." She replied. "I wouldn't normally have done half the things I did with you." She explained. "And… to tell the truth… you're the best sex I ever had." She admitted. "Get it?"

Ray blinked for a moment as the two sat in silence. After a few moments Rainbow got up and moved to the door before looking back. "Just… think about what's important to you. Ok?" With a deep sigh before going through the door.

Ray as and gulped as a thought came to him. "I'm in love."

Deep within Ray's mind
Another lock is broken. "So… she's the cause? Interesting." A voice laughed as a pair of slitted eyes stared out from a gilded cage. "Lust, love then loss. What will you do?"

It started silent for a moment before a toothy grin appeared in the shadows. Something had caught its attention. And the locks were quickly forgotten in preference for this new presence.

Moments earlier
Luna made her way through the dreamscape. She wanted to do one last check for ponies that tended to sleep in. If she was being honest with herself, she had a bad feeling about what she saw in the night sky.

It didn't take her long to pick up dark energy that was similar to nightmares. However, this energy reminded her of something much worse. "Dark magic." She gasped before quickly making her way to the source.

Once she got to the door she looked in shock and confusion at the new door. Taking a deep breath she stepped through the door, focusing on the energy so she would arrive closer to the source.

Moment passed before she stepped out into a large room with a single occupant. A large birdcage with several golden locks on it and two open on the ground.

Taking a deep breath she approached the cage, lighting her horn. "I am Princess Luna. Ruler of the night and protector of dreams. Who are you?"

The figure tilted its head. "Do you think this is a dream?"

"I am no fool. I know this isn't a dream. But that doesn't mean I will allow you to torment this pony." She snapped. "Now tell me who you are!"

"I was once known as Song Bird." It replied. "Sprite of sound, and master of my name sake."

"And now?"

It was silent for a moment. "I am forsaken. Left trapped within my host." It sighed.

"If you get free. What will you do?" She demanded.

It thought for a moment before looking to the sky. "Don't know. It would depend on what frees me."

"Explain."

"Tell me. If my host was to fall for one of the Elements of Harmony. What do you think would be the likelihood for heartbreak?" He asked. As realization crossed Luna's face, he started to laugh.

Luna took an involuntary step back as the implications of his words hit her. Whatever she did, she knew she had to get word to Twilight about the threat.

In a flash of light Luna was gone and the figure stopped laughing. "One more lock down." It commented. "But first…" it's attention turned to the locks. "Which is next? I wonder."

Author's Note

As I was working on this chapter, I wasn't able to think of a better song. But I think in the moment that the words are muttered, it fits.

Also. It was about time I introduced the coming conflict.