Chapters Prologue: Bet of the Century
The columns were gilded with pearl. That was the first thing Luna had noticed when she entered her wing of the castle. The columns were pearl, and the walls were painted in waves. A rich blue, that bathed the surrounding area in a cool, azure light. She could hear her steps in the echoing chamber, but they were muffled, almost as a wave. Looking up, Luna saw patterns in the ceiling, probably to facilitate this very effect. The serenity of this place troubled her in a way that had never happened before. Perhaps I would have liked this... long ago.
But these designs could only mean one thing: Celestia had given her the Elemental Wing. Luna had been the one who designed the castle—along with each of it’s four wings—and she’d always thought that this was her worst work. The design had been too segmented, too rigid in places that should have been fluid. Some improvements had been made, fortunately enough. The pearl was a nice touch, and the runes engraved in the floor were majestic, but it wasn’t hers.
She hadn’t even gone in with her sister, as expected, but with a guard. After all this time, she abandoned me to some nervous rookie !
If that wasn’t enough, she hadn’t gotten to choose her guards, either. Perhaps that was for the best, but it was still a slap in the face. The thestrals lined the walls, their enchanted armor painting them as a painful reminder of their long-extinct cousins. So many years, but now they’re all gone. Luna halted, drinking in the details around her. Each of the imposters wore silver armor, except for their captain, who was adorned in a milky white. Luna suspected it was ebony.
The captain stepped forward, clearing his throat. “Are you satisfied with the refurbishments, Your Grace?”
Luna thought for a moment, considering her words carefully. “Well, the engravings are certainly beautiful, but I feel as if they are overly focused on the aquatic aspects of Natural Magic. There’s no fire; hardly any earth, either. Typical of ‘Tia, to only remember the tides in a sea of details.”
Her guards shifted nervously. Perhaps our subjects are less robust than they used to be.
“I’m sorry to hear that, Your Highness,” her guard replied. “Is there anything we can do about that?””
Best make my recovery. “I think not. It’s certainly better than my drafts when I was designing this wing. Perhaps we could have them featured more prominently in another area. A guest room?”
“That may take some time, Your Majesty.” The captain shifted his left forehoof, which Luna filed away as a nervous tick. “There are many other things on a rather large backorder. I’m sure you can understand.”
The Regent of Night nodded. “Of course. And my schedule?”
Another thestral stepped forward with a clipboard. His armor differed in coloring as well. It seemed to be oiled bronze, the thick black metal accenting his gray coat. “You don’t seem to have anything for today, but there is something about a meeting between Celestia and Cadence. It says it’s about tax rates in the Crystal Empire.”
Luna was shocked—no, appalled —at this. “Well, why am I not there?”
The captain raised his hoof, only to be cut off by the schedule master. “Because you aren’t listed in the roster, m’lady.”
“What do you mean by that? Are you saying that I’m not important?” demanded Luna as the schedule master attempted to melt into the background.
“Of course not, Your Highness,” ventured the captain, tentatively stepping forward. “We just aren’t sure what the protocol is here. This hasn’t happened in a thousa—”
“I don’t need to be reminded,” snapped the Regent of Night. “Those were the worst years of my life. I don’t think I need you to tell me of them.” She leapt off of her throne, her hoofsteps echoing in the near-empty courtroom. “Now please explain your confusion. Why am I not allowed to see my sister?”
The captain sighed. The thestrals under his command visibly loosened. “The Regent of Day is currently undergoing intensive negotiations with Princess Cadence. Apparently some of the crystal ponies feel cheated tax-wise, and neither side is willing to yield ground. If we were to interrupt, then it would give Cadence an unprecedented advantage.”
Luna tapped her hoof impatiently. “Am I not to be involved in this?”
“I’m not saying that, Your Highness,” explained the captain, somehow managing to keep his blank expression. “We just don’t know how Princess Celestia will react. Personally, I think she should have included you. Didn’t you write their tax code?”
“Yes, I did,” Luna sighed, suppressing her foal-like annoyance. “Tell her I commanded you to let me in.” Luna stepped closer to her captain, muttering, “We need to talk about what happened yesterday, but don’t let that show. I refuse to give her an advantage.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The stone seemed brighter here, although it was white in both wings. This shade was that of a cloud, rather than a star. This is not my domain .
Luna heard the door creak open, and the light beat of hooves as her sister stepped out. It echoed into the room like peals of thunder, quite the opposite of her own court.
"Luna, what’s the matter?" inquired Celestia. Her tone was helpful, but her eyes did nothing to hide her exasperation. It was as if fire danced in them, ready to burn anything that got in it’s way, yet tentatively held back. Luna hoped the leash was tighter than it looked, for she had seen those flames before.
“I...” she began, utterly failing to drive her point. Why is this so hard? “I think we need to talk. We can’t just forget about yesterday, especially in front of the court.”
Celestia sighed. The flames within her seemed to die down, now an appealing glow. “I hope that wasn’t your only reason. This is a very delicate matter.”
Luna smiled to herself, inspiration spreading its inner glow. “Then wouldn’t you like it if there were fewer distractions? Surely this is bothering you.” Perhaps I’m a step ahead of her for once.
“Luna,” Celestia warned, the flames beginning to reappear. “I don’t think you quite understand the severity of this situation. The economic climate of Equestria is in danger.”
“And what of it’s political climate?” countered Luna. “Is that not equally important?”
“At the moment, no.” Celestia spun around, beginning to walk back to the courtroom. The flames must have been far too intense at the moment. Luna could only imagine her sister’s distress. Perhaps now is the time to strike, while the iron is still hot.
Taking a careful step forward, Luna said, “Don’t you remember what happened last time you took this attitude?” Luna took another step, this time more confidently. She was leading this dance, and both sisters knew it. “The fights just kept escalating; they never stopped. Next thing we know, one of us will be banished again.”
“No,” stated Celestia. Luna could only imagine the look on her face as the flames winked out of existence.
Alas, she was wrong. They were still in full force when the Regent of Day turned curtly back to her sister. “That will never happen again. I would sooner take my own life.” Maybe this isn’t the best idea, but I can’t hold back now. It’s too late for that.
“But you can’t do that either, dear sister,” chided Luna. She took a step closer to Celestia. “We need to talk.”
“We can’t ,” Celestia snapped. “Not now.”
“Then when can we?” asked Luna.
“Later.” The Regent of Day looked away, refusing to meet her sister’s gaze. The fire must have been overwhelming, if past experience was anything to go by.
“It’s always later, isn’t it?” Luna yelled. “You always put strangers above me, even when you remember how much our relationship affects them too. Maybe it’s time I did too!”
Celestia stared at her. The fire had wholly extinguished itself. “Luna that’s not—”
“Yes,” Luna countermanded, “it is what you meant. Don’t deny it.”
Luna could see the despaired look on her sister’s face, but she didn’t care. Celestia had crossed a line, and a very thick one at that. At some point, even the strongest of materials snap, and now Celesta was going to learn that lesson. Again. “Please don’t—”
“I’m going to help more ponies than you ever could! And when I do, they’re going to know that it was me, because they’ll actually see me do it!”
With that, the Regent of Night turned on a dime, and left the courtroom with her sister fighting to stay calm. A new fire had taken root in her, but not one of anger. This fire was much more subtle, more difficult to name. It was neither pride nor heartbreak, but something in between.
Celestia sighed. “I hope you’re right, dear sister, for your sake.”
Author's Note
I'm going to be revising the chapters for now, but I expect to have an actual update out by my birthday (IN SIX DAYS!!!).
In the mean-time, I need some help coming up with ideas on prompts for the next dream sessions. I already have two prompts ready: Fluttershy the Huntress, and one for Twilight, but that's clearly not enough to keep this story going.
My goal is to give every speaking-part character a chance at this, and I'd like to do that, but I can't do any of the CMC (excluding Babs) before Scootaloo, and I have no idea what to do with the other Mane Six members. Can you help me out and leave a suggestion below?
Da-dump.
Da-dump.
Fluttershy could feel her heart pounding in her chest. The middle was always the best part, but soon it would have to end. She always hated the beginning; it was too full of threats and anger. She always hated the end; there was too much spilt blood. But the middle, she lived for the middle. The chase was exhilarating, the fear was breathtaking. Short of a freefall, she had never experienced such an adrenaline rush.
She hated herself for it.
Da-dump.
Da-dump.
She could see paw-prints in the forest floor. The sound of rustling leaves drew her attention to the left, so she followed the trail. A white blur flew along beside her, ears bobbing with every step. Angel seemed to appreciate the chase just as much as she did. Even better that he was usually labeled as prey.
Who better to track the hunter?
Da-dump.
Da-dump.
The two split up, herding the fleeing wolf towards their trap. Soon enough, they hit a clearing, but the wolf refused to venture away from it. It realized its mistake. Vision was blocked. The surrounding trees hid the mare and bunny, yet left the wolf as exposed as an injured deer.
Then it took a wrong step.
Da-dump.
Da-dump.
The wolf flew into the air, a rope suspending it by the ankle. The yellow mare stepped out from the shadows, a sad smile plastered on her face.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Wolf, but you know the rules. Hunting in my territory is a big no-no. I wish I could make an exception, but the bear get’s oh-so-hungry.” She chuckled. “I can never catch enough fish for him.”
Da-dump da-dump
Da-dump da-dump
Then a tall shadow fell across the wolf. Blood stained the grass.
Da...
Steam rose off the water, filling the air with moisture. Fluttershy could hear the mud bath bubbling in the distance as she sobbed to Rarity.
“What am I going to do?” she wailed. “I just can’t keep these wolves away!”
“Don’t worry,” the unicorn reassured. “I’m certain that they just need time to learn.”
“But that’s not it. I love it! I love it, but I hate myself for it!” By this point tears were freely flowing down her face. “I can’t keep doing this. Even Angel is involved now, but that just makes it worse... It makes it easier, and worse, and more .”
Rarity cringed, staring at her friend in shock. "Darling! Surely it isn't that bad. I don't suppose you could just talk to these wolves, could you?"
“I wish it was that easy,” sighed Fluttershy, sliding farther into the water. “I just can’t connect with them.”
“Perhaps your talent doesn’t extend to carnivores?” Rarity put in.
“But that doesn’t make any sense!” objected Fluttershy. “I’ve worked with plenty of carnivores before. Half the birds in my choir eat some kind of meat, and even the bear has his share of fish.”
“Couldn’t they live off of plants if they had to?” asked Rarity. “Maybe that’s the difference. I know a bear can live off of berries, and I think most birds can eat seeds. What plants do wolves eat?”
“They don’t, I suppose,” admitted Fluttershy.
“Well there’s your problem!” Rarity smiled. “Now I do think we’ve soaked here long enough. I’m beginning to prune. Would you like me to take you home?”
“No, I think I can make it on my own.”
An eerie creak cut through the air as the gate swung in the wind. Fluttershy crept through it, keeping a sharp eye for even the slightest motion. She looked up at the decrepit structures, and saw nothing, no birds, or squirrels, or even the smallest bug. She looked at the trees, only to meet similar results. Eventually, she reached the door.
The boarded windows blocked her vision, increasing her already hypersensitive mood. She tapped her hoof on the door, first three beats, then five. That had always been Angel’s code, and now it was hers. Suddenly a latch slid open on the door, and a pair of dark eyes stared out. As it slid shut, the door cracked open.
As she stepped through the door, Fluttershy saw the most painful sight yet. Her precious animals were huddled together, some in corners, and some on furniture. Their tense frames settled back into place as they saw their caretaker. Even this was little comfort, as the dark, smelly home couldn’t hold them all like this. Nopony can live in these conditions. What did they do to deserve this?
Luna slammed the door behind her, with a still-unfamiliar cascade of sound. All other noise was suddenly gone, as even the very ground shook from the force. The waves around her seemed to move with each echo. The pearl columns were buzzing in place, filling the chamber with a low rumble. She could feel herself trembling in rage, but it felt distant, as if she was watching someone else do it. Why is this happening?
It was then she noticed her guards. The foals were cowering in place. Luna screamed in her mind, This is how you think a real thestral would act?
Yet among all the fools and cowards, one pony stood bravely at the forefront. The captain stood valiantly in his ebony armor, looking all too much like a soldier of old. His batlike wings lay flat against his side, glossed to perfection. Even his armour shined like the pearl columns around them. Perhaps not all of them are bad.
Noticing his Princess’s strife, the stallion spoke up. “Is something the matter, Your Grace?”
The Regent of Night remained silent, keeping her steadfast gaze upon those around her. Her eyes wandered around the room, searching every corner and crevice. It has to be around here somewhere. All else aside, I doubt she’d leave me without it.
Then she saw the door. It was the only thing that stuck out in this vast sea. There were ornate carvings along its entire surface, carvings of air. Such an oddity could only mean one thing.
“Captain, it occurs to me that I never learned your name.”
“Sir Morningstar, Your Highness,” he curtly replied.
“For the star?” she followed up cautiously, “Or the weapon?”
The captain sighed. “My parents might have meant it as the star, but I’ve always thought of it as the weapon. Either way, I’d prefer a sharp rapier, any day.”
“A good answer, sir. But tell me, do you recall the star’s name?”
He thought for a moment. “I believe it’s Ven.”
“Which is derived from?” Luna lead on.
“A legend from long ago,” he responded automatically. “I believe it had to do with seven brothers. They had some sort of falling out, and resolved to leave each other alone, scattering themselves amongst the cosmos.”
“Their names. What were they?”
The captain paused, still pondering the question. “Ah, that’s tricky. One was Mer, and his twin Mar, so that’s three. I think the others were Ura, Tano, Tor, and... I’m sorry,” he sighed. “I don’t remember the last of them.”
“Taka,” Luna scolded, “but I suppose that’s not very important. However, my question was not without reason. You see, to be an effective officer, one cannot rely solely on knowledge of battle. You need to get information from many places, or it grows old, and stagnant, along with your wit. Do you see?”
He nodded.
Satisfied with her test, Luna asked what was really on her mind, “Do you know what is behind that door?”
“I believe that’s the Chamber of Ether. A rather mysterious name, if you ask me.”
So that’s what she called it in my absence. “I have an idea, but I must be undisturbed. Let nopony in, not even my sister. Is that clear, Sir Morningstar?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The world of dreams had always had its own feel to it. Sight didn’t work the same, nor did many of the other senses. Rather than seeing in color, as one normally did, Luna saw waves of intensity all around her. It was rather like looking at a pond, where each wave distorted the world around you, bringing a wash of color in its wake, only to fade away once more after its passing.
Beyond that, each wave had a different attraction to it. Some might be very strong, while others were physically repelling her. Each of these unique waves were the dreams she sought, but none of these demanded help. All of these dreams could be overcome.
Then a fierce wave of blue swept through Canterlot from far away. It was quickly followed by one of red.
Luna shuddered in place. Such a thing had not occurred for a long time. While the first wave had drawn her in, the second threw her back with tremendous force. For the first time in millennia, Luna felt small. Even in her own world, there seemed to be a greater power.
Fluttershy wandered through the dark night’s forest. The music of night surrounded her, crickets chirping, owls hooting, frogs croaking; it filled the air. Then, as the sweet sounds rose in a swift crescendo, a wolf’s howl pierced the air.
The night went silent.
Fluttershy looked around to see a whole new woods. While before the air had glowed in a sweet blue, it now looked a blood red. Everything was darker, from the moon, to the stars, and even the path before her. She could barely see her hoof in front of her face. She ran.
She heard them howl once more, and this time, all went cold. She could see her breath in the air, taking on its own shade of red. The ground iced over and she struggled for purchase. She tried to fly above it, but her wings refused to unfurl.
The wolves took up a chorus of howls, a dissonant tone piercing the air. Then she was back at the cottage, but things were strange. There was red everywhere, even aside from the world’s new, sadistic glow. Blood... It’s everywhere...
And yet, out of all that red was a speck of pure white, a blank spot on the dark canvas of reality. It was only when it moved that Fluttershy knew what it was.
"Angel!" she cried, running to him. "Not you too!"
It was bad. The wolves had only played with him, as if to leave a message. She knew instantly that he would never recover, if he survived at all.
She cradled the poor creature, softly singing him to his final rest. When he passed, the madness set in, and all went silent.
Luna gazed at the apocalyptic scene before her, taking in all that could be seen. Various entrails were scattered around the area. Bits of bone and fur could also be seen, savaged beyond recognition. So much blood... Why? What could drive a pony to this madness?
She wandered through the gore filled grove, moving in silent strides. Everything seemed off about this place. The world was red, the trees had grown faces, and even the wolves were a pale facsimile of their true nature. Wait, wolves? I was under the impression they'd gone extinct and been replaced by timberwolves. Perhaps I was misinformed.
In either case, she eventually found the cottage, and nearly lost her breakfast on sight.
Just as in the wood, icy blood covered the area. There were a few things of... less pleasant mention as well.
Unlike the wood, however, this section of the dream was inhabited. Luna could see a yellow mare sobbing in the middle of the clearing. She held a white blob up to her chest, rocking it back and forth. By this time, she was almost unintelligible.
Is that Fluttershy? But what could drive her to this madness? How in Equestria does the Element of Kindness even think of these things?
Luna walked away. This is not good. I... need to do further research. Perhaps there's a simple explanation for all of this.
Twilight lay in her bed, pondering the day. Things had been rather strange, with her friends so suddenly absent; it was rather troubling. After all, what were the odds that every one of them were busy just before the new telescope got in? Do they just not enjoy the stars?
Her solitude didn’t last long, of course. It rarely does when you live in a library.
“Twilight! Twilight!” Spike yelled, running up the library steps.
“What do you need?” the annoyed mare replied. “Don’t you know what time it is? We should both be asleep by now.”
The young drake held a scroll in front of him, not with the usual golden seal, but this time one of silver. “It’s from Princess Luna.”
“Why didn’t you say so??? Read it!”
“If you say so...” Spike said, worried—but unsurprised—at her sudden change in mood. He cleared his throat and opened the letter.
“Dearest Twilight Sparkle,
I have been wanting to visit you all for some time now, and I believe a gap has finally appeared in my schedule. First, however, I wanted to confirm it with you. I am not as familiar with your other friends, so I was hoping that it could just be you, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie for the time being. I am... not as practiced in social affairs as I would like to be.
In the meantime, I had hoped you could fill me in on what has been happening lately. I do not want to make too large of a blunder. Any news is appreciated, especially regarding your friends. I’ve heard some fairly troubling things myself, and I need to know you are okay.
Sincerely,
The Regent of Night,
Princess Luna of Equestria ”
“Bad news, huh?” Spike mused. “I wonder what that could be.”
“Princess... Coming... Here?” Spike quickly turned around, to see Twilight beginning to lose it.
“I’ll make some tea,” he said, quickly running back down the stairs.
gabe appleton:
Author's Note
Did some quick touchups on this. A few important things were changed. Just started a workshop on the next chapter. Should have it within a day or two. Tonight if I can get JP online in time.