that night

The princess of the night walked down a hall of doors in what she called the 'dreamscape'. She had a smile on her face as she saw no nightmare marks on any of the doors. And the few stains she quickly wiped away with a flick of her magic. She knew each door and who it belonged to. So she knew how to keep each one happy and clean. Or so she thought.

Stopping, she saw a sight she rarely saw. Scratch that. She doubts she ever saw something like this. The door was covered in scratches that oozed a black liquid she knew came from nightmares. Not only that but as soon as she blinked at it the door appeared clean and even looked as if it had a new paint job. With another blink the scratches and liquid returned.

"This is bad." She sighed. "We... I must correct this before it's..." she stopped as her magic reached out.

Opening her eyes the princess found herself backstage looking out to a two legged...cat like thing... on stage singing. She had to admit. He had a great voice and a beautiful smile. However there was something wrong with this picture. She looked out to the crowd and saw duplicates of the same 5? 6 faces. Blinking, she looked back at the singer and listened.

"I remember everything..."

A tear came to her eyes as he sang.

"Beneath the stains of time..."

As she watched she noticed the cat wasn't alone. Sitting behind him facing the opposite direction was a stallion. Why and how didn't matter. She had to help... them. It sounded weird in her head. But something told her the cat and stallion were two sides of the same coin.

Her horn lit to dispel the dream. However nothing happened. Shock and confusion crossed her face for a moment before understanding took its place. "I am sorry my little pony." She whispered. "I was unable to help you here. But I will not give up on you." With that she backed out of the dream as he began to wake.

Canterlot Castle

The princess of the night flung open the doors to the dining hall causing her sister to blink in shock. "Luna, is something wrong de..." She was cut off by the younger sister slamming a door.

"Our subject needs us." Luna spat. "Apologies sister. But there is no time."

The elder lit her horn and picked up her sister before calmly setting her at the table and surviving her breakfast. "Tell me so WE may help OUR subjects."

Luna took a deep breath and told her sister everything she saw and heard. From the changing door to the ooze. How the song was to a crowd of a few to the sorrow in his words. How there was two singers yet one voice. And what truly scared her. "Sister... my powers failed me. I was unable to do anything to the dream. Just watch." The elder looked in shock and fear before standing.

"Do you know where he is?"

"Ponyville. But why?"

"Were you able to determine the problem?"

"Sister. What are you planning?"

"I hope it's not to intervene." A calm voice said as a white stallion wearing a tuxedo walked in. "I do hope I didn't walk in before she mentioned the Gala." He laughed. "That would be a disaster."

"Celestia!" Luna snapped. "Was that your plan? Get him to the Gala and do what?"

"Play matchmaker, put him on stage... oh. My favorite was that ooze fellow..." the stallion taped his chin in thought. "Or was that last one Discord?..."

"SILENCE!" Luna snapped. "WHO ARE YOU AND..." her eyes widened at the flat look the stallion had as he stood unfazed by the Royal Canterlot voice. "What are you?" She asked as her sister looked at the stallion.

"Just... what's the word... oh right somepony who would rather you NOT get involved... yet." He replied trotting over to have a seat. "Why don't we have a seat? A guest will be here soon and I want to see what letter is sent next."

The two sisters blinked and sat as the stallion clapped his hooves calling one of the servants to bring him food.

Soon after the food was delivered the stallion glanced at the two alicorns with a smile. "You know. If things work out this time. You might..." He stopped and shook his head. "Sorry. I forgot... sorry. Let's just enjoy the show.... what do you think Dissy?" At hearing that name both sisters scanned the room.

"Oh I agree." Called a voice as Discord faded into view. "Though I wonder. Who'll be the one to seal the deal?" The two shared a laugh as Luna turned to her sister.

"Great. Now there's two of them." Luna sighed.

"Please Lolo. We're far different from each other." Discord said with a huff.

"He has a point. I graduated from chocolate rain a long time ago." The stallion agreed with a nod.

Discord huffed at the stallion as the princesses looked in slight confusion.

"Anyway..." the stallion said between bites. "That letter should be here any moment." As if on que a small flame drifted into the room causing everypony to smile. However, as soon as Luna saw the grin on the stallion's face she watched in fear as the flame swirled in on itself before revealing a scroll.

Before her sister was able to take it in her magic, Luna snatched the scroll and looked it over. "It is as I thought. It was no mere nightmare." Luna sighed as she passed her sisters the scroll. "And you.... stallion. You still wish us not stay out of this?"

The stallion sipped his tea as his smile grew. "For now. They still have time."

Ponyville Park

A shadowy figure walked through the park looking for its target. "Where are you?" It hissed. Ever since the sun started to set they looked around town. And now the figure was annoyed. After a few moments their prey was in sight. "Ray."

Author's Note

Ok so this one was more of a teaser. But I kinda wanted a setup for this part. Also. The original plan for the stallion is a bit different. I tried to keep the sister's reaction to the stallion close to how they were in the show. Celestia being the more relaxed yet focused. Luna being more forward about her opinion.

As always. Comment, share and all that

Next: the calm before the storm