Stars In Moonlight

As the two ponies entered their home, Stardust started to go upstairs but paused as she noticed Moonlight walking towards the bookshelf “You coming, Moonlight?”

“Yeah, I’ll be up in a minute. You go ahead,” Moonlight responded as she pulled one of the books off the shelf. Stardust nodded and headed upstairs to her room. “This will be a good surprise for her,” Moonlight said as she flipped through the pages until she reached the desired page and began to silently read it to herself.

As Stardust drifted off to sleep, she was shocked to hear that she could speak in her dream. “What’s going on?” Stardust worried, “Moonlight, Moonlight where are you?” She looked around to only see a blue sky all around her with what looked like white dots speckling the wide blue expanse. .

“I’m right here, Stardust,” Moonlight said as she appeared behind Stardust.

Stardust turned to face Moonlight. “What is this place?” Stardust asked, still a bit worried

“This is the dream realm. Surprise, I guess.”

“You mean like the place Princess Luna uses to stop ponies from having nightmares?” Stardust questioned.

“Yeah, but we are in a different area of the dream realm” Moonlight explained

“There’s more than one area to the dream realm?” Stardust asked

“There’s more than one part of Equestria, isn’t there?” Moonlight answered without missing a beat. Stardust was silent for a moment after Moonlight’s quick response.

“So why are we here? And how?” Stardust asked.

“Well, for why, it’s to give you a little feel for what dream magic can do. As for how, I used a spell in a book,” Moonlight explained.

“So that’s what that bright light was when I first entered,” Stardust realized

“Wait, you could see that? I thought you were asleep?” Moonlight asked, shocked

“Oh, I was. It’s just, I have seen you perform magic before and there's always a bright light, so naturally I assumed.” Stardust said. Realizing that Stardust was kidding about seeing the light, Moonlight was able to calm down. “That’s what confirmed to me that you were the Everfree witch,” Stardust added.

“I thought we agreed to not mention that name,” Moonlight said grumpily, only to be met with a grin. “Ok, you, follow me so I can show you more of the dream realm before we wake up,” she grumbled, and then turned and started walking.

Stardust, not wanting to lose track of Moonlight, swiftly followed behind. “So I never asked, how long have you been learning dream magic?” Stardust piped up

“I read about it in a library when I was 10. I still remember what was in the book. It talked about a dream crystal, and said the only way to get your hands on one is to see what’s called a dream shower,” Moonlight answered.

“What’s that?” Stardust asked

“It’s like a meteor shower, but in the dream realm. I have experienced it once which is how I got my own dream crystal.”

“I have never seen you with it,” Stardust pointed out.

“You wouldn’t. I keep it behind the bookshelf-“ Moonlight paused. “Don’t get any ideas!” Moonlight looked at Stardust who turned away to avoid her stern look.

“I will try and find you your own crystal, don’t worry.” Moonlight reassured the filly. “It's almost time for us to go back,” she continued, “See you in a second, Stardust”

The world around them faded away and they both woke up. Stardust looked around and saw Moonlight on the ground. “Wait, you were on my floor when you performed that spell?” Stardust asked, perplexed.

“It said I needed to be close to you” Moonlight chuckled with a shrug.

“Ok, but next time please warn me that you're going to cast that spell so I’m not scared half to Tartarus” Stardust said.

“Ok, ok, maybe,” Moonlight smirked as she got up and walked off.

“Ok, Wait” Stardust said as the words of Moonlight snuck in, she rushed out of bed and down the stairs to see Moonlight putting the book away.

“What are your plans today?” Moonlight asked. “Well, aside from getting my dream crystal.” Moonlight gave the filly a knowing look.

“Wha- how did yo-“ Stardust stumbles on her words, questioning how Moonlight knew her plan.

“You're not discreet about your intentions,” Moonlight smirked. “Also, I was the same way when I was your age.”

“You're 15,” Stardust retorted.

“And you're 7,” Moonlight said back, they both chuckled about the friendly banter. “Now, you can think of what you want to do after you get back from school. Don’t you have Professor Tempest today?” Moonlight asked.

“Professor Berrytwist, and yes, I do,” Stardust corrected.

“When I talked to her, she said to call her Tempest.” Moonlight responded

“Weird, I’ve always known her by Berrytwist,” Stardust had a confused look on her face as she started heading out the door.

“Want me to take you again? Properly this time,” Moonlight offered

“Sure” Stardust smiled as she hopped onto the pegasus’s back and they flew to the School of Friendship.