A crossover with My Little Pony and Little Nemo: Adventure In Slumberland
Set five years after the epic conclusion of Nemo defeating the Nightmare King, he returns to the dream world with Icarus, going on a new quest with Princess Camille, Professor Genius, Flip and the Boomps in a strange new land that may prove to be far different than anything Slumberland has to offer.
When Princess Luna senses that new people have entered the dream world and have come to Equestria, a brand new adventure will come together as the Mane Six come to meet the unlikely heroes of Slumberland for the first time.
At the same time, a darkness is rising again, one even more powerful then before, and with it may be new dangers that even our heroes can't stop...
It had just started snowing only a few hours back, and now the streets were lined with snow. Looking out the window of his classroom, Nemo gave an impatient sigh as he waited for the last ten minutes of his school day to finish up. The lessons had been tedious, and like the other boys in the class, he wanted to get outside to enjoy the fresh air and snowball fights that would ensue.
As his teacher continued to drone on, he took out his pencil, twiddling it around his hand as he saw that his classmates were also beginning to give up even trying to pay attention. He wasn't sure as to why he had been feeling this way recently. He knew it didn't have to do with the snow, that's for sure. It had been this way for the last few months, not really caring of what was going on in class.
Naturally, he had gotten in trouble with his teachers, seeing as his grades were beginning to fall, and after getting a stern lecture from the headmaster, his parents had been on his coattails on improving his grades, seeing as being accepted to a proper university was the number one goal. He had been looking, and while he was at first interested in attending Columbia University, he wasn't so sure anymore.
As the school bell rang, everyone stood up, chatter beginning on how they were going to spend their weekend with the new found winter paradise hat had been given to them. Picking up his books, Nemo was the last to leave the class. As he moved slowly to the doors, he saw that the fun was beginning as snowballs flew in the air in a fight for glory. It was strange, for when he had been inside, he had wanted nothing more than to come out and have a good time, but now that he was here, he felt like going home.
As he moved past the crowd, he began the trek back to his house. It wasn't so cold for him to walk, and he enjoy the privacy he now had. Few people were on the streets, other than the occasional policeman on the horse, but otherwise he was alone. Really, more and more people were turning to the new automobiles that were beginning to come out. In the largest city in the world, he had really only seen an automobile every now and then, but they were beginning to pop up all over the place.
The world was changing, just as Nemo was, but unlike everybody else, he wasn't excited for what the future would bring. Really, if he had to be honest, he had never escaped the past. For five years now, he had been stuck in the same world of wanting to return to a dream that never came back to him.
The dream...
He laughed at himself softly. It hadn't been a dream, and he was sure of it. Slumberland was as real as New York, and he knew somewhere out there, there was also Flip, the Professor, King Morpheus, the Boomps, plus everyone else that he had come to know during his adventure there.
But most importantly, there was the Princess, Camille...
Nemo knew it had been real, for the only friend he had trusted with this knowledge had been alongside with him as he had been on the adventure, and that was his pal, Icarus. He had remembered what had happened to them, of seeing Slumberland and fighting the Nightmare King. Icarus had never changed his belief on what had happened. Smiling more broadly, he came to his house, stepping in.
His father was still at work, and as he looked at a note on the table near the front door, his mother was out getting groceries. So, he had the house for himself. Coming into the kitchen, he opened the cupboard to find that pie his mother had made was still there. Taking a generous piece, he headed for his room, picking up his books from the table. As he reached the top of the steps, he could hear Icarus chattering. During the fall and winter, Nemo had kept him inside so he wouldn't get cold. Naturally, the squirrel sometimes went stir crazy by being stuck inside.
Coming in, he saw Icarus at the window, somewhat agitated by a bird outside. Though, when he saw Nemo, he called out his name and flew over to him. Chuckling, Nemo sat down at his desk, breaking off a piece of the pie for his friend. As Icarus began to eat, Nemo looked down.
"So, how was your day, buddy? More exciting then mine, I hope..."
As he began to explain what had happened, Nemo gave him his full attention. If there had been one thing positive in the years since, Icarus has been there for him. There wasn't a friend like him elsewhere. Even in the five years that had past, he still was as energetic and lively as ever, and during the warm months of the year, they definitely had their fun outside. As Icarus finished his story, he took another piece and ate it.
Turning to his books, he opened one up to finish his science work. Icarus had finished his meal and was now on the bed, hopping around, clearly excited for Nemo to be home. They would goof off later on, after he got done his homework. He had promised Icarus to take him outside to have some fun with the snow. Staring down at his work, he began to write out answers for the questions he had been given. They were studying quantum mechanics, something he had been told that was a new look at science.
It had been, at first, a little over Nemo's head, but as he had delved into the subject, it had proven more interesting than he had thought. While it was an extremely unorthodox view of how the universe worked, he had already taken into it by reading papers from Europe's greatest scientists, including Max Planck and Albert Einstein.
As he continued to do his work, Nemo began to close his eyes, feeling tired from the school day. As he leaned back in his chair, he felt that a quick nap would help him. As his mind began to slow down, it was only a matter of moments before he was a sleep.
Snoring, Nemo was dead asleep, and as Icarus tried to wake him, he too began to feel sleepy. Looking at the bed, he noticed that the covers did look warm, and as he flew over, it took all of a few seconds before the squirrel was asleep himself. As Nemo continued to snore, his body twitched for a second, as something began to happen deep within the recesses of his mind...
Dream World
Opening his eyes, he looked around, shocked to see that he was still at his desk, but he was floating in space. His bed, along with Icarus asleep on it, was alongside him. As he jumped from the chair to his bed, he rustled Icarus to wake up, looking at everything around him. Stars shined all around him, and he could see planets in the far distance. As Icarus woke up, Nemo kept a hold on him so as to not scare his friend from flying off.
As Nemo tried to understand what was going on, he heard a voice reverberate inside of his head. It was the voice of a woman, but she sounded regal, as if she was of royalty.
Who are you...? Why have you come...?
Closing his eyes, he couldn't make out where he was. Where they in a dream? It wasn't anywhere he had seen before, and he had never heard that voice neither. As they passed over a planet, the bed began to wobble slightly before it plummeted through the atmosphere, he began to scream in terror as the ground became visible. As the bed came towards the surface, Nemo woke up, startled.
He was back in his own room, at his desk. Breathing hard, he saw Icarus was still sleeping. Putting his hands over his eyes, he tried to figure out what had happened. Where had he gone? It had been like that nightmare he had back when he was a kid.
Right before he had gone to Slumberland...
Running a hand through his hair, he looked at Icarus, trying to make sense of what he had experienced.
Canterlot - Royal Castle
Celestia had been spending the last few hours at her desk taking care of trivial matters across Equestria from some politicians complaining in Canterlot to handling some business in Cloudsdale. Really, she was getting tired and wanted to get some rest, but as she put the quill down, the doors opened up, Luna approaching her in a hurry.
"Sister, we might have a problem. As I was watching over the dreams of ponies, I felt an intrusion, something that shouldn't have been here. It's strange to say, but was as if this force was coming into Equestria from the dreams, something that isn't part of our world..."
"Is it dark magic? Is it something trying to harm Equestria?"
"That's where it's strange. I don't believe so, sister. This figure, whoever it was, seemed shocked at where he was. He was... unlike anything I've ever seen before. This being wasn't anything that we've ever encountered before, but I don't think he's evil, because it seemed to me he didn't even know how he got here."
Celestia frowned, thinking over Luna's words. Luna knew the dream world, and if she felt that this wasn't dark magic by a pony or another creature, than that meant that whatever had tried to come into their world was either sent or came on purpose. Looking at Luna, she asked the obvious question.
"Is the being still here?"
"No, he disappeared before I could investigate anymore."
"I think we need to tell Twilight Sparkle about this, then. If we're not sure of what we're seeing here, this may be beyond just us. I'll send a scroll right now to her, and in the mean time, try to see if you can find out more on this mysterious creature.
"Of course, sister."
As Luna left, Celestia brought out a new scroll, dipping the quill in new ink while beginning her writing.
Eating silently at the table, his parents had been talking to themselves for the majority of the dinner about their days, from his fathers meetings to who his mother had met at the grocery stand. As he poked around at his food, his mother saw this.
"Nemo, you haven't barely touched your dinner. Are you feeling alright? Are you coming down with a cold or the flu? I could set up an appointment with the doctor to have him see you."
"No, no... I've just been a bit preoccupied today. A lot of things going on..."
"Hopefully that might have something to do with your grades getting better," said his father, never mincing words with Nemo. Putting the fork down, Nemo tried to calm himself.
"Don't worry about it, dad. I'm working hard as of lately. You don't need to keep an open eye on everything I do."
"Maybe I should be watching you more closely. Your attention hasn't been focused. When I was your age, I was already preparing to look for a job before I even was outside of high school. I am where I am because of diligence, Nemo. That is something you need to work on, instead of always having your head up in the air."
"Is there a problem with that?"
"When it gets in the way of your academics, than yes... You haven't been caring about what's going on in your education. No university will give you a chance of being accepted in. What will you do then? Become a sailor? Work in the industry? You're far better than that, Nemo."
"Maybe I want to do something with my life that makes me happy! I don't know yet what is out there for me, but being what you want me to be doesn't make me happy!"
"And how do you explain that to your family when you have trouble putting food on the table and paying the bills?"
Getting up hastily, he placed his plate in the sink, and then walking away to his bedroom. As he heard his mother and father beginning to argue, he closed the door behind him, opening up one of his books and began writing in it. For the last few months, it had given him some peace to just write.
Sometimes, if his muse was dead, he would just write randomly, but since the dream, he had been focusing on what had happened. After it had occurred, Icarus had told him of the same thing, which meant to Nemo that perhaps we was reentering Slumberland again. Yet, the voice still confused him. He had never heard of it before, and the last time one of the dreams popped up, Professor Genius had come to him.
He was trying to investigate an area that he didn't know how to enter on his own, and even when he was there, much of it didn't make sense. All he knew was that the dream hadn't been a nightmare. He was definite that the Nightmare King was gone for good. So, was it perhaps someone else trying to reach him?
He had remembered during one of his English lessons of reading up on an English poet. by the name of Samuel Coleridge. There had been a quote he had given that seemed to fit in what was happening:
“What if you slept? And what if, in your sleep, you went to heaven and there plucked a strange and beautiful flower? And what if, when you awoke, you had the flower in your hand? Ah, what then?”
Was this what he needed to do? To go into the dream world and find Slumberland and prove that it was real? As his eyes began to close once more, his head hit the desk and began to snore softly, no longer a trouble in his world.
It was just after midnight, and for once, Twilight was asleep, not worrying about her schedules or reading a certain book. In the basket, Spike snored as he dreamt about finding a pile of gems. It had to be as high as a mountain, and they were all his. As he was about to jump into it eating his heart away, he felt a rumble in his stomach.
Waking up, he belched out a scroll. Sighing, he fell back down on his bed, wanting nothing more than to return to the dream, but he knew the scroll came from only one person, and if Celestia wanted Twilight at this time, something was going on. Jumping on the bed, Spike shook Twilight, waking her up.
"Twilight, you better read this. It's a note from the Princess."
Alert at the very second he had said that, she bolted up, grabbing the scroll. As Spike fell back onto his bed, he let out a grumble.
"Sure, don't say, "Thanks Spike for giving my the scroll!" I just was waken up from a great dream."
Throwing the covers over his head, Twilight moved to her desk, reading the note from candlelight. As Celestia's words poured out to her, she was perplexed. Apparently, Princess Luna had seen... something try to enter Equestria by dreams. She wasn't sure why, but Princess Celestia wanted her and her friends to be on guard for anything to happen.
She wasn't sure what this meant. She had never heard of dream magic that could allow someone to come into Equestria. Princess Luna had the ability to watch over dreams. Did that mean whoever had entered the dreamworld was just as powerful?
Grabbing Spike by the tail, she headed downstairs, throwing him onto her back. Spike was frazzled with what was happening, looking back at his bed.
"Where are we going? It's midnight, Twi."
"Something's happening, Spike. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have said that something tried to come into Equestria through the dreams of ponies. They're not sure who or what it was, but they want us to be ready. That means I've got to get the girls ready. If we need to use the elements of harmony, they'll need to know what they're facing."
Spike sat up, rubbing his chin. "I never heard of dream magic before..."
"Neither have I, which means that this may be a powerful enemy. We can't afford to take any chances."
As she ran out of the house, she looked up into the sky to see a star-filled expanse. She needed to get to everyone, but she also didn't want to wake up the whole town and get them worried.
"Fluttershy should be the first. Come on, Spike, let's go!"
As she galloped off to her friend's house, she noticed something in the sky for a second, but when she tried to look more carefully, it was gone. Though, she could've sworn it looked like a large balloon, like hers...
As Nemo opened his eyes, he was a bit groggy, and at first, wasn't sure as to what was going on. The room was hazy and dark, and as he stood up from his desk, he looked over to see Icarus asleep again. As he was about to go over to him, the haze lifted, and he saw he was in his room, but a moment later, his window began to glow brightly, a rainbow of light coming through the glass. As he shielded his eyes, he heard something... familiar.
"Hup two, three, four! Hup two, three four!"
Staring incredulously at the words, the window opened up and out appeared three men who were wearing the same outfits that they had worn all those years ago. They were the royal callers. As his mouth hung agape, he then saw two figures approaching, both of them different in height. As his heart stopped for a second, not knowing if this was actually happening, they came into the room, the unmistakeable Professor Genius and Bon Bon.
"P-p-professor...?"
"Aha! Nemo, my boy! It has been far too long!" Coming over to Nemo, he swept him up in a big hug before putting him back down. He wasn't sure, but Nemo thought he was shaking in disbelief.
"I-I don't understand. What's happening? Professor, where have you been?" Getting angry, he couldn't understand why he was feeling a rage build up inside of him.
"Where were you?! It's been five years since I last saw you! Do you know how long I thought that everything that happened in Slumberland was just a dream and really didn't happen? WHERE WERE YOU?!"
Looking a bit sad and broken, the Professor took a seat on the edge of the bed, allowing Icarus to jump to the top of his hat.
"I'm sorry, my boy, but it has been very busy in Slumberland. When you defeated the Nightmare King, we've been working hard to stop any of the nightmares that are left. It's been peaceful, yes, but much work had to be done. The princess has also been taking on more roles for Slumberland."
He smiled, but there was sadness etched in him. "You have every right to be angry, Nemo. You've done more to help us than anyone else."
Nemo looked down at the floor, feeling guilty. He had thought they had just forgotten him. Hell, he had almost begun to believe that what had happened those five years past was just a figment of his imagination. Softening his tone, he looked at the Professor and Bon Bon.
"How is Camille? Has she been alright?"
Bon Bon spoke, her voice jubilant. "The princess has longed to see you, Nemo. That is part of the reason why we've come, but there is another reason we've come to see you. Professor, why don't you read the note?"
"Ah, right." Pulling out from underneath his hat was a scroll. Opening it up, he began his speech, elegantly reading it.
"His benevolent highness, King Morpheus, has hoped that you have remained in good health all of these years. Slumberland has entered a new age of peace, but he wishes to see you for a great discovery has been made. We've discovered a new world through exploring the dreams of others and, as the protector and prince of Slumberland, wishes for you to go meet the inhabitants of this world. The princess has asked for you to come personally on this trip to speak on behalf of Slumberland."
As he finished, he placed the scroll back into his hat. Nemo was a bit confused but he spoke immediately.
"A new world? I don't understand. I thought Slumberland was the dream world and there was nothing else."
The professor shook his head, smiling at Nemo like an old teacher ready to tell his student the answer to a question he was having trouble comprehending. "Slumberland is only ONE of many worlds. Like your world, Nemo, your universe contains trillions of planets, and just as our world is, there are many worlds that reside along with us. We've never been able to really explore due to the Nightmare King holding a threat over us, but since he's been defeated, we now have been able to look beyond."
Getting up, Icarus fell onto the bed, chattering loudly. Nemo picked him up, looking at the Professor.
"So, who are these people? Are they friendly?"
"We're not sure, my boy, but they're not people, at least not in the sense you know. They're ponies, Nemo, and they have the ability to talk. They have a civilization, many towns. They're quite advanced."
Nemo began to laugh, not knowing if the professor was pulling a joke on him. "Talking ponies? Come on, professor, that's a bit silly, isn't it? Ponies can't talk..."
"Just as nightmares didn't exist? Just as the magical wonders you saw when you came to Slumberland didn't exist until you saw them? They do exist, Nemo, and we want to meet with them. To be exact, King Morpheus wants you to meet with them."
Sitting down at his desk, Nemo ran a hand through his hair. Why was this happening? Did it have to do with that voice he heard? Had it been... a pony?
"Professor, I don't know if I can come again. I'm trying to move on with my life. You never came back, until now, and you want me to go a new adventure? This is a lot to take in."
Bon Bon looked at Nemo, speaking in a huffy voice. "The princess wants to see you again, you know. She's been quite lonely since you left, and this is how you react?"
Nemo sighed, wringing his hands. "It isn't that simple. I'm trying to get into a university, trying to make a life for myself."
The professor looked at Nemo with determination in his face. Placing hands on Nemo's shoulders, he gave the boy a look of wisdom that he had gained through all of the years he had been doing his job.
"If you want to leave after you've come, we'll bring you back home. But for the sake of the princess, just come to see her again."
Nemo felt a pang in his heart, one that hadn't been felt since he and Camille had shared that final kiss before he had woken up. He DID want to see her again, and she wanted to see him too. Looking at Icarus, he spoke to his pal.
"What do you think, Icarus, ready to make a trip to Slumberland again?"
Icarus nodded, speaking excitedly. Nemo smiled, turning to the Professor and Bon Bon.
"Whenever you're ready, Professor. I guess we're heading to Slumberland."
"Excellent! Come on, my boy, we have much to do."
As they got up, Nemo knew this time he wasn't going to meet the princess in his pajamas. He was already wearing his day clothes, but he threw on his jacket, straightening his tie. Though, there was one more thing he had to do before he left.
Writing out a note, he pinned it to his pillow, just in case his parents worried. Though, he thought with a laugh, it wouldn't make any sense to them.
It hadn't taken long for all of her friends to come. Twilight and Spike had rounded up the girls in less than an hour to meet up at Fluttershy's house, all of them told that an important message had been sent by the princesses. Now, as they were sitting around the cottage, Twilight was pacing back and forth, trying to figure out what to make of the message. Rainbow Dash, who was hovering above, looked down, trying to calm her down.
"Don't worry, Twilight, whoever or whatever this thing is, it won't be a problem. I'll just give them the old one-two! They'll never except it! I'll fly right in, giving them a fight for their life!"
Applejack snorted, looking at the flying Pegasus. "As reassuring as that sounds, maybe we should try to figure out what Princess Luna saw." looking at Twilight, her voice softened. "Have you heard anything else, sugar cube?"
Twilight shook her head, visibly distracted. "No, nothing. Princess Luna wasn't sure what it was, but I don't think this is an enemy or a malevolent force. If it was, why did they attack? It's strange, but while I was coming to get everyone, I could've sworn I saw something in the sky. It looked like a balloon, but it was different."
Pinkie Pie became excited, jumping around as she heard the news. "A balloon?! Maybe it's for a party that they want to bring us! What if these people want to come to Ponyville for some fun! I could set up a big welcoming party for everyone, with cakes and streamers!"
"No, Pinkie," Twilight said, which caused Pinkie's mane to deflate. "We need to remember we don't know who this is. We have to be careful at all costs."
"Oh, Darling," Rarity spoke up, looking at her hoofs and polish them. "This doesn't have to mean that it's something bad always happening. It could be anything, my dear."
"But that's the point, Rarity. It could be anything. What if it's Queen Chrysalis, or even King Sombra? Discord's been reformed, of course, but there are still others out there who would want to come back at us."
"I... I don't think it's anything bad." Everybody turned to see Fluttershy near the back, feeding Angel. As the rabbit ate a late night snack, Twilight looked at her friend, perplexed.
"What do you, Fluttershy? Why do you say that?"
"Several hours ago, some of the birds in the sky saw a bed falling to the ground, and on the bed there was a squirrel and... I don't know what it was. It wasn't anything they've ever seen before. It wasn't a pony or any other creature that I know of from what they told me, but the thing seemed scared. Would something evil be scared?"
Twilight pondered for a second, trying to make sense of what Fluttershy was saying. A bed falling from the sky? This story was making less sense than ever. Though, if he had an animal with him, than perhaps he was good. But who was he, and the better question was, what was he? Sitting down, she looked at Spike.
"Did you find any books in the library about this kind of magic, Spike?"
"Sorry, Twi, but there was nothing, but I was thinking, why don't we go see Zecora? She might know of something that we don't."
That was a good idea. The zebra did know of certain alchemy potions that could explain what was going on. The only problem was that it was in the middle of the night, and venturing into the Everfree Forest was dangerous. Though, the princesses had given them a task. Looking at her friends, she nodded, assured of the decision.
"We're going to see Zecora. She might know what's happening and may have an answer for us."
Fluttershy quivered in fear. "Can't we wait for morning, Twilight? It's dark and scary in there, and it's not too safe to be wondering around."
"I know, Fluttershy, but we need to figure out what this is all about."
Sighing in approval, the six ponies and Spike left, heading towards the edge of the forest. As timberwolves howled into the night, Fluttershy flew behind Dash, visibly scared.
"Come on, Fluttershy, didn't I tell you that there's nothing I can't stop? You'll be fine."
Coming to the ground, she hesitated for a second before following them into the forest. As they passed gnarled trees and dozens of red eyes peering out from among the branches, the ponies moved slowly, looking for any threat. The forest was deathly silent as they moved deeper into the tangled mess before a familiar sight came to their eyes.
Zecora's hut...
Galloping the rest of the way, Twilight knocked on the door, hearing a grumble before it opened up to a disheveled Zecora. Looking at the, she sighed.
"Ponies, this better be good for you ruined my sleep, content I was in counting sheep."
Twilight came forward, bowing. I'm sorry to bother you, Zecora, but we wouldn't be here unless it was important. Apparently, someone tried to enter Equestria by dreams, and we wanted to know if you knew of anything like that."
Zecora moved aside, allowing them in. As the ponies flocked inside, Zecora closed the door moving over to her pestle.
"Dream magic is extremely very rare, something all ponies should beware. If the magic should become uncontrolled, the consequences can be very bold."
"So, it is possible, then... Please, do you know of anyone who has tried this?" Zecora shook her. "Sadly, I do not, for Luna stands guard, and the spells you seek have always been barred."
Feeling deflated, Applejack came over to Twilight. "What does this mean, Twi? Is this something good or bad?"
"I don't know. Canterlot wasn't broken into, and if nobody took these spells, maybe we're dealing with something we've never seen."
Zecora came forward, her voice now stern. "Be careful my little ponies, for there is much at play, and in the end, it may lead to your dismay..."
Staring at the zebra, everyone fell silent, pondering her words.
Looking out from above, he saw New York disappear in a second as they flew up. Feeling the wind blowing on his skin, he sighed happily. He was returning back to where, pretty much, his life had started. Hearing one of the doors open, he saw Bon Bon coming out, holding a cup of hot cocoa. As she stood next to Nemo, she smiled as the stars shined brightly above them.
"It always made me happy to know that there was hope out there. Even before you defeated the Nightmare King, I always had this feeling that somewhere there was a guardian watching us, ready to protect us if we needed help. I'll be honest, when I first saw you, I didn't honestly expect for you to be that person, but you're a hero, Nemo."
"Then why don't I feel like one? Why do I feel like I'm wasting my life with everything I do? You and the professor come to tell me that Slumberland needs me once more, but nobody has talked to me from there in five years. Do you know how long I tried to convince myself I hadn't gone crazy?"
Sipping her drink slowly, she couldn't look at Nemo in the face.
"Nemo, Slumberland changed while you were gone. Without the threat of the Nightmare King being over us, we could do so many things that were never available. The people of Slumberland prospered without the worry of threat from nightmares coming at us."
Nemo nodded silently, putting his head on his elbows. He wondered how Flip and Flap were doing. Knowing Flip, he was probably still up to his old antics, causing some mayhem for fun. The Boomps seemed, at least when he was leaving, well adjusted in their roles in Slumberland, and everyone had accepted them in without any problems. King Morpheus was most likely still his childish self, having a bit of fun whenever he could get away from his royal duties.
And then there was Camille...
He felt another pang in his heart as he thought about her. Was she still the same? She had been so much fun, ready to take a fight head on and never afraid to face danger.
And, of course, she was beautiful...
Blushing, Nemo turned away so that Bon Bon wouldn't see. Coming back to hold Camille had been a wish of his for so long now. He had missed her desperately. He had never told anyone but the moment they had kissed, fireworks had exploded inside of him, cementing his love.
"Crystal Cloud dead ahead!"
Hearing the Captain's voice from the deck above, he saw the mystical cloud that protected Slumberland from the nightmares. Turning to Bon Bon, a question rose up that seemed strange to the boy.
"If the Nightmare King is gone, why is the cloud still here?"
Bon Bon shook her head. "Nightmares are still here, Nemo. Of course they would never come anywhere near Slumberland now that they're King is dead, seeing they're afraid of King Morpheus and the royal scepter, but we kept it to be safe, but no nightmare has yet bothered us since you defeated that monstrosity. We're not so sure of what the nightmares are up to. No one has gone to Nightmare Land after the Castle was destroyed."
As they passed through the crystal fog, Nemo felt a rise of excitement within him as he knew he was about to return to his second home, and the moment they passed, his mouth fell agape at what he saw.
Slumberland had indeed changed...
It was far larger and more majestic than the last time he had been here. Buildings gleamed in the morning sun as hundreds of people in balloons, dirigibles and personal made flying machines flew in the air. The moment they saw Nemo, everyone waved and greeted him happily. Waving back, he smiled as he saw how happy they were. It seemed that after the catastrophe the kingdom had risen to new heights.
As the dirigible landed, the professor came out, walking down the plank. As Bon Bon and Nemo followed, a group of people came immediately, shaking Nemo's hand, talking all at once.
"Prince Nemo, it's so good to see you!"
"Glad to have you back, Nemo!"
"It's so wonderful that you've returned, Nemo!"
Nemo smiled before Professor Genius looked at the crowd and nodded and they soon dispersed. As they walked to the Palace, Nemo turned to the Professor.
"It's great to see that the people are doing so well."
"All thanks to you, my dear boy. They're in your debt for how you saved Slumberland. Many of the citizens wanted you to return, but with so much going on, we didn't really have a chance to do it. So much has been done since you left."
"Oh, yeah, what kind of thin-"
"NEMO, MY BOY!"
Looking up into the sky, a black shape came flying down through the sky, and jumping from it came a familiar face that only brought a grin to his face.
"Flip! It's so good to see you!" Giving the clown a big hug, Flip took it for a second before brushing off his coat. Looking at the boy, he smiled and shook his head.
"My, you've sprouted up! The last time I saw you, you were this little," he said, placing his hand close to the ground. Nemo had grown tall, and he now stood several inches over Flip.
"How have you been, Flip?"
"Oh, up to my usual ways. Having fun, causing some mischief and keeping Slumberland from being too boring, right professor?" Lighting up a cigar, he blew a haze of smoke into the professor's face, who began to wave it away, coughing.
"Yes, too MUCH fun! I would've thought after helping us you would've changed your ways, but I guess I was asking for too much!"
"Oh, don't be like that, professor! Would you really want your lives to be dull? I'm giving Slumberland a continuous enterprise of fun all for the price of nothing! You couldn't find a better deal than that!"
Saddling over to Nemo, he placed an arm around the teenager, looking up at him. "So, Nemo, my boy, have you decided to take up my offer and return to becoming a prince of mischief?"
Nemo chuckled before taking Flip's arm off of him. "Sorry, buddy, but I'm here on another matter." Flip smiled mischievously, a glint in his eye as he heard the words.
"Ahh, so you're here for some new adventure! Well, seeing as how I helped you with getting into Nightmare Land, I think it's only fitting I help you!"
"That will not happen," professor Genius said, getting a bit huffy. "We don't need your help, and if I remember correctly, wasn't it you that caused the ship to crash into the swamp?"
"Details, details... You do know I am an adventurer myself, professor. I've seen many things beyond Slumberland with my pal Flap.
As the large black bird came to the ground, she squawked happily. "We've been through thick and thin, fighting goblins and nightmares, barely surviving with the skin on our backs!"
Nemo laughed heartily. He definitely hadn't changed, and he was glad to see that. Flip was the kind of person you would only find once in a lifetime. Looking around, he still didn't see the princess.
"Where's the princess, professor?"
Taking out his watch, he looked at it for a second before placing it back in his suit. "She's in the middle of a meeting with some of her advisers. King Morpheus is away on business and has left her in charge. Though, Nemo, let me tell you now. Camille doesn't know you're here. We didn't tell her about this because we thought it might interrupt with her daily duties."
Nemo looked at the professor, shocked.
"You mean to tell me you sent me here on a new mission, and the one person who I've been longing to see doesn't even know I'm coming? Professor, you're putting me in a tough spot! I thought Camille would've known about this!"
"She will, Nemo. After the meeting is over, I'll go get her. In fact, I have to take care of several things right now. Just wait right here and I'll be back."
As he left, Nemo felt butterflies in his stomach. She didn't even know he was coming. What was he going to say to her? What would she say to him?
"I think I'm going to be sick..."
Looking at Nemo, Flip lifted up the cigar to the boy. "Want to have a smoke?"
Zecora had told them as much as knew, which wasn't really a lot. Dream magic, as she said, was extremely rare and very hard to control, something that Princess Celestia and Luna must've kept locked away. So, did that mean that the mysterious figure knew magic? Twilight tried to figure what it all meant...
A falling bed from the sky, a squirrel, a mysterious creature, and an unknown balloon...
"None of this makes any sense! I've read every book that I have on any hint that it might tell me more about dream magic, but there's nothing! How are we supposed to help Princess Celestia if we can't figure this out?"
Rainbow Dash yawned loudly, not out of boredom, but merely tired. Plopping down on the sofa, she looked at Twilight with shadows under her eyes. "It's not like anything's happened, Twi. Maybe it's nothing."
"I think it might be more than that, Rainbow Dash."
Everyone turned to hear the voice at the door of the cottage, the regal sound automatically notifying who it was before any of them had to guess. Twilight's horn glowed for a second, opening up the door to see that it was Princess Celestia AND Princess Luna. As all of the ponies and Spike bowed as they walked in, Celestia smiled.
"Please, stand up, my little ponies. You've been working very hard. Princess Luna and myself have also been trying to find out who the figure was, and we believe we may have found the answer."
Stepping forward, Luna looked at everyone before she raised her hoof to the ceiling. "We are not alone, my ponies. The dream world that I connect to so that I can watch over everyone's dreams is able to connect to other worlds. For reasons yet unknown, someone has been able to come to Equestria through the dream world."
Twilight looked at the two princesses for a second until a question came to her mind on what Luna just said.
"You mean somepony, right, princess?"
Luna shook her head. "I mean someone... This is not a pony. As my sister has looked into it, apparently this being is called a human. He comes from another world called Earth, but it's far more complicated than that."
Celestia closed her eyes for a second, trying to find the right words.
"Dream magic is extremely unstable. Only a few ponies have ever successfully done it, and the only for this magic to work is for one dream to connect to another. This human didn't come to Equestria from Earth, but from a dream realm called Slumberland. Apparently, our worlds are bridged by some sort of magic unknown to us. We saw that some of the people of that land had come through on a dirigible..."
Pinkie Pie looked confused. "A dirigi-what?"
Celestia smiled. "A dirigible. It's like a large balloon, but it's able to hold a lot of humans in it."
Twilight gasped, now understanding what she had seen. The balloon in the air! "Princess, I think I saw this balloon! When I was getting everybody, I saw it floating in the air for a second before it disappeared."
"Luna and I think that the people of Slumberland might be wanting to meet with us, seeing as how they discovered Equestria. We've known that there may be others besides us, but this may be a good time to finally meet with them. Though, before they come here, I want all of you to head to meet them. This is the other reason I brought you together."
"You sayin' you want us to head to this... Slumberland?" Applejack took off her hat, scratching her head.
"Yes, Applejack. Princess Luna and myself want to keep an eye on Equestria in case any more Slumberland natives come through. The seven of you will be representing our world when you head through. Twilight," Celestia said as she turned to her student. "I want you to take your balloon. Princess Luna will help you move through the dream realm to reach Slumberland."
"Wow! A whole new place for us to visit! This is going to be so much fun! We should bring them presents and cakes and everything! Oh, do you think that we can fit the party cannon in?!"
Celestia allowed herself to laugh at Pinkie's enthusiasm. "I think that would be a great idea, Pinkie Pie. Allow the people to know we're friendly and we would love for them to come to Equestria. All of you are our ambassadors of good will. I'm trusting all of you."
As she bowed and left, Luna looked to the ponies. "Well, little ponies, seeing how it's going to be morning soon enough, we only have a few hours before I can open up the dream realm for you. Gather what you need and I will meet you in Ponyville where Twilight Sparkle's balloon is. Do not worry about returning. When you feel the time is ready for you to come back, have Spike send a scroll and I'll open the portal for you."
As she left too, everyone was silent for a second, letting the words sink in. But Pinkie Pie thought of a question that just came to her.
Only thirty minutes had passed since the professor had left them, but for Nemo, it felt like an eternity. He was now waiting on a bench, feeling anxious at seeing the princess again. Flip, on the other hand, who had decided to stay with Nemo, had decided to regale himself with some fun by pulling pranks on people. He had created a small lasso, and every time someone who was wearing a hat walked by, he would grab the hat and string it around the ground, watching people trying to catch it, while he remained hidden in a bush. When his final victim, an older lady finally caught hers, she walked away in a huff. Flip came out, taking a seat next to Nemo.
"Oh, the classics never get old! Did you see the woman dawdling around trying to get her hat? Hahahaha, it's too easy!"
Nemo said nothing, making Flip put a hand underneath his chin for a second before a sly smile appeared on his face. He had made it, over the years, to make himself look like nothing more than a silly prankster, just wanting to have some fun at the expense of the people of Slumberland. Though, he was far smarter than he let on, and he could see why Nemo was acting this way.
"I know why you've been silent, Nemo..."
Nemo looked over, not expecting to hear that. He tried his best to look confused, but it wasn't working. He felt a sweat building up.
"What do you mean? I'm fine. I'm just waiting..."
"No, ever since the professor told you he was going to get the princess, you've been nervous. You have feelings for her, but it's your lucky day, Nemo my boy! You see, over my many travels, I know what a woman wants!"
Nemo rolled his eyes, placing a hand over his head.
"Flip, why don't I believe that? What do you know about girls?"
"I know they like strong guys. Girls want guys who can protect them, who stand up for their honor. In your case, you've already showed that by wiping out the Nightmare King, but we can show her you're one tough guy. So, here's what we're going to do. I'm going to pretend that I'm trying to steal something, and you're going to pretend to stop me. She'll be so impressed, you'll be in like that!"
"Flip, I don't think that this-"
Flip jumped up, hopping around with his fists out.
"Come on, Nemo! Give me your best shot! I'm trying to steal something! What are you going to do, let me get away?"
Pushing Nemo, Flip smiled at how the boy was doing nothing. He needed to get him riled up.
"Flip, stop! I'm not going to hit you!"
"That won't work! I'm a bad guy, Nemo. You need to stop me."
Giving a few playful punches, he kept hopping around Nemo, ready to fall down on purpose. As he came in one more time to come at Nemo, giving him a harder push, Nemo finally snapped.
"Just stop, FLIP!"
Pushing the clown, Flip gave a mocking grunt of pain before falling onto the ground, defeated. As Nemo ran a hand through his hair, trying to figure out how to explain this, a new voice reached out to them, freezing him in his tracks.
"What's going on here?"
Turning around, his heart skipped for a second as he saw her.
Camille...
She had changed since the last time he saw her. She was now about his height, her hair, originally red, now more of a golden-red. It was set in a front braid, and she was wearing a regal dress. She was even more beautiful than he could've envisioned. As he stuttered for a second, Flip got up, wobbling on the spot.
"Oh, princess, you should've seen it. I was up to my normal mischief, trying to con some poor old woman when Nemo stopped me! You should've seen him in action! A gallant hero like no other!"
Camille came down the steps, smiling at Nemo, before turning her gaze to Flip.
"Is that so? Well, I guess I should have the police come and get you then if that's true..."
Flip gulped, waving his hands.
"No, no! There's no need for that! You see, I was only... What I mean is... Nemo, help me!"
Nemo sighed before he patted Flip on the back.
"Just stop, Flip."
Looking at Camille, he wasn't sure what to say. What could he say? He had always imagined saying something witty or cool for the princess when he had met her again, bit here he was, stuck without knowing what to say, and in an wonderful moment of awkwardness, he blurted it out.
"Wonderful weather we're having, princess!"
Nemo groaned inside, wishing nothing more than to sink in the ground. He had blown it. Camille, though, smiled, nodding.
"It is wonderful weather. It's great to see you again, Nemo, and not in pajamas this time."
Nemo gave a sheepish chuckle, glad to know he was wearing his school suit. As the princess was about to say something else, a man appeared before her.
"Your highness, the minister of the interior wanted to speak to you about a problem with zoning laws."
Camille shook her head.
"Tell him I'll meet with him later. I have an important guest here."
"Of course, your highness."
Camille kept smiling at Nemo. She waved her hand for him to come up.
"Come on in, Nemo. We have much to talk about, and I want to hear all about your stories from home. Flip, if you can manage to stay out of trouble, you're invited too."
As Flip jumped at heading into the Palace, Nemo followed closely, hoping that he could salvage the embarrassment of not screwing up with the princess again.
Each pony had went back to their house to pack up what they would need for the trip, but Twilight was already having problems, running around the library trying to figure out what books she wanted to bring. Looking at Spike, she started to panic, her voice rising.
"Oh, what should I bring? I know the "History of Equestria" is extremely important, and I definitely need to bring a tome on magic, in case the people of Slumberland have any questions about how we use magic. Though, I should also bring one of the books on creatures and plants in case they want to come! Spike, help me!"
Filling up his own pack, Spike walked over to Twilight, placing a hand on his friend.
"Twilight, you need to calm down. I know this is important, but you'll be prepared. Princess Celestia wouldn't be sending you if she didn't think you were up to the task!"
Heading back to put in a few more things, he then became panicked as he looked around for some missing gems.
"Where are my rubies?! I placed them in here for a snack on the trip! Twilight, where are they?!"
Giggling, she used her magic to pull everything out to find that they were on the bottom of the sack. As she placed everything back in orderly, she smiled.
"I hope everyone else is doing better than we are..."
Carousel Boutique
"Alright, Sweetie Belle. Do you think I have everything packed already?"
Rarity looked up at the mountain of bags, thinking over anything she would need. Who knew how long they would be in the strange land. Sweetie Belle ran up to her sister, trying to keep the bags from falling.
"Um, maybe you think about packing lighter, Rarity. You're going on a balloon, you know. I don't know if Twilight is going to be able to fit ALL of these bags in."
"Oh, I know, but I want to be prepared! Oh, come on, let's see what I can leave!"
As Rarity and Sweetie Belle began to look over the bags, they started to pull out what was unnecessary.
Rainbow Dash's House
Rainbow Dash had only one bag set up, deciding not to really take anything important other than her Wonderbolt academy uniform. She had decided that it might be good to impress the people of Slumberland with her skills with flying, and if she could pull it off, even perform for them a sonic rainboom.
As she took her bag and flew out of her house in the early morning, she saw another pony out already, one of her favorite ponies.
Scootaloo...
She was on her scooter, maneuvering around trees and bushes, seeming to have some fun. As Dash soared to the ground, she flew next to her.
"Hey, kid, what's up?"
Giving out a yelp, Scootaloo jumped in the air with her scooter, but as she was about to drop, Dash caught her, flying higher now.
"Rainbow Dash! I didn't think anyone was going to be up this early! What are you doing?"
"I've got to head on a trip with Twilight and the other girls. I'm not going to be here for a tiny bit, so I was glad to see my favorite filly!"
Blushing, Scootaloo looked down to the ground so Rainbow Dash wouldn't see.
Sweet Apple Acres
Giving Applebloom a big hug, her younger sister was trying to hold back tears as Applejack comforted her.
"But sis, I want to come too! I want to see this Slumberland!"
"Applebloom, if I didn't have to go, I wouldn't. I need you here, taking care of the farm for me. I'm countin' on ya to keep everything straight."
Sniffling, she nodded. Applejack looked over to Granny and Big Mac, smiling softly.
"Are ya sure you'll be fine without me?"
Big Mac nodded, only saying one word to express his feelings.
"Eeyup."
Granny waved her hoof in front of her face.
"Oh, go on! We'll be fine! I could handle this farm myself I needed to! You just be careful out there! Tell us what it's like when you come back!
Tipping her hat, Applejack grabbed her sack as she headed for the door.
"I'll see ya when I get back!"
Sugarcube Corner
"Blahahahaha! Doodily-doodily-doodily!"
Making faces for Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake, the foals laughed at Pinkie's antics. As she packed up the last thing, which was the party cannon, Mr. and Mrs. Cake came out of their room to see Pinkie off. Mrs. Cake gave Pinkie a big hug.
"Don't worry about a thing, dear. We'll be fine while you're away. We have everything prepared for quite a while.
"I'm not worried! I'm going to bring everypony something wonderful when I return!"
Taking the bag, she started to drag it slowly before Mr. Cake came up, picking it up on his back. Giving a grunt, he looked at Pinkie, his legs shaking.
"Pinkie, what do you have in here?!"
"Oh, nothing much. Just some clothes, some food, my party cannon..."
As he began to walk down the steps, he gave a small mutter.
"I thought you'd say that..."
Fluttershy's Cottage
As she gave the rest of the animals their morning breakfast, Fluttershy turned to Derpy, trying to make the Pegasus remember the important parts.
"Now, remember, all of the animals are supposed to be fed three times every day, and take them outside in the garden so they can get some fresh air."
Derpy saluted Fluttershy, hovering slightly off the floor.
"Don't worry, Fluttershy! Your animals will be okey-day!"
Giving a worried sigh, she turned to Angel, smiling.
"I'll see you when I get back, Angel. You eat everyday, and try to watch out for the other animals."
Hugging her leg, she knew Angel didn't want her to leave, but she couldn't bring him along. As she gave a hug too, she started to fly off. Grabbing her bag by the door, she gave one last look before she left.
As the door closed, Derpy looked around.
"Alright, animals, let's party!"
Ponyville
As the girls came up to where the balloon was, Luna was standing next to it. Looking over everypony, she nodded and smiled to them to keep them not worried.
"Alright, my ponies, I'll send you off to Slumberland. Do not worry about controlling the balloon, I'll guide it for you. Be careful on your journey, and make us proud."
As everyone hopped in, bringing their bags and sacks, Luna let the balloon go, watching it fly away. As she flew herself into the sky, started to flap her wings, making the balloon reach higher heights until her horn glowed brightly, opening up a portal. As the balloon went in, she closed the portal behind.
The dining room had been set up when news arrived that Nemo was coming. Bearing its grandest design, the room looked marvelous as several of Camille's aides came into the room, giving them tea. Flip was sitting by himself on a small couch, taking a sip before making a face. Lighting up a cigar, he sighed happily as the smoke entered his lungs. Camille, also sitting by herself, frowned at Flip, but didn't say anything.
Nemo and Icarus sat together on another couch. Icarus, though, had decided to jump on the table to eat some cookies. Looking up at him, Icarus smiled and chattered happily before going back to eat.
Nemo, though, was still feeling anxious. He wasn't sure what to say to the princess. It had been so long since they had last seen each other, and all of the dreams he had of this moment where they would reconnect was not working. Though, Camille turned to Nemo, smiling, seeming at ease.
"So, Nemo, tell me, what have you been doing these past five years? Has your town changed?"
"Uh, it's changed a lot, princess. Automobiles are becoming much more popular in the city. I'm now going to high school as well, so I'm learning new things."
"That must be interesting... My tutors here teach me everything from the palace, so I've never gotten to go to school. Maybe you and I can go to your school sometime. I'd love to see how it is on Earth."
Flip laughed at the comment, getting up from the couch and looking at the two teens.
"Princess, have you ever seen Earth? It's far different than what little Slumberland is like. Ask Nemo about it and he'll tell you that the world he lives in is far more dark than what he has let on."
As Camille looked at Flip in shock, she turned to Nemo.
"Is it true? I always thought your home was something magical. Is it really that dark as Flip says?"
Nemo was silent for a second before he shrugged. He didn't want to lie to her, but Flip was right in a sense. Slumberland was nearly perfect in every way. There was virtually no crime, and now that the Nightmare King was dead, Slumberland didn't have to worry about nightmares anymore.
"It's... a mix. There are some things that are not worth mentioning because of just how people are, but there are good things. There are people who care, people who help, and I think it makes up for all the bad that happens. Princess, it's not a perfect world, but it's one we live with."
They were silent as the words sunk in. Even Flip sat back down quietly, not knowing what to say. As Icarus stopped eating, he jumped into Camille's hands. Looking down, she gave a sad smile, petting him.
"Well, I still would love to see it. I think there are some things worth visiting. Besides, I'd have you at my side, Nemo. I doubt anything is worse than the Nightmare King..."
Feeling his face warm up, he gave a small cough. Standing up, he stretched his legs, looking to get outside.
"Princess, why don't we go see the city for a little bit? I think it would be neat to see the people again."
Getting up, she nodded.
"I think that's a great idea. I have to show you the changes that have been made. The people, as well, will want to see you."
Flip jumped off the couch, yawning loudly.
"If that's the case, I'm leaving. I have some things to do, but don't worry, Nemo, I'll be back later. Though, remember what I told you."
Giving him a nudge and a wink, he left the room, heading for Flap. Inwardly groaning, Nemo just gave a weak chuckle at Camille who looked at him oddly.
"That Flip! He's such a character, you know! Always doing weird things!"
As Camille nodded and gave a small chuckle, Nemo followed behind with Icarus flying behind him. As they made their way outside, Nemo couldn't help but close his eyes in shame.
Floating softly through the realm between Equestria and the world they were heading too, the ponies looked out to the swirling colors that made up the dimension they were in. Twilight garnered a guess Princess Luna was still guiding them, seeing how she couldn't feel any wind pushing the balloon. Pulling out a pad of paper and a quill, she began to write down what she was seeing, hoping it would serve as a way to describe the different phenomenons they were experiencing. Looking over, Spike couldn't help but gasp as he pointed to two different masses of colors colliding into one another, creating an explosion of sparkling light.
"What do you think they are? They look amazing, as if they're alive and moving to whatever destination they want to go to."
Twilight shook her head, not knowing the answer. Much of what they were seeing was beyond her understanding, and while it did look beautiful and spectacular, it was still dangerous. They didn't know what awaited them.
"Maybe it's what this world is like. Perhaps it's something magical and unique. When we return, I'll have to ask Princess Celestia about it."
Pinkie Pie started to jump in excitement as one of the swirling colors came close. "I wonder what would happen if I used my cannon to shoot inside of the colors?! Twilight, what do you think would happen?"
"Pinkie Pie, no! We don't know what it will do. We have to be careful out here. If anything happens to the balloon, we're going to be in a lot of trouble."
Pinkie's mane fell, and wandered back to her sack. "Well, it could be fun! I think it could be pretty wonderful! Hey, maybe that thing would consider it fun!"
Twilight looked over, giving a sigh. "Who, Pinkie? Who would think it'd be fun?"
Fluttershy's voice began to quaver as she pointed to what Pinkie had first seen. "I think she means that!"
As all of the ponies looked, they saw a black mass beginning to form, and within it were two red eyes looking straight at them. As Fluttershy screamed, she covered herself in the basket, not willing to look. Applejack and Rainbow Dash, though, went to the front of the basket, looking out. Applejack pulled out several apples from her bag, kicking it at the mass.
"We gotta stop that thing! If it gets to the balloon, we're in trouble!"
Rainbow flew from the balloon, her wings expanding. "Don't worry about it! I don't think this thing has ever seen a Pegasus in action before!"
Flying towards the black shape, she began to fly around it, trying to create a whirlwind strong enough to send it away, but as she moved faster, a black arm moved out, hitting her. As she screamed, she was sent flying back, falling into the basket of the balloon. As she collided into everyone else, she looked up, dazed.
"Alright! Whatever that is, it's stronger than it looks! Twilight, why don't you use your magic?"
The moment Rainbow Dash had said that, an idea came to her head. Moving to Rarity's bags, she pulled out a large garment pattern that she guessed Rarity brought to impress the people they were about to meet. Seeing this, Rarity rushed forward.
"Twilight, what do you think you're doing? This is too nice to be used against that icky thing!"
"Rarity, we need to stop it or we're in trouble! Just let me use it!"
Letting go, she whimpered as Twilight let it go into the sky. As it blew towards the creature, her horn began to glow until a bolt of magic left, flying towards the garment. As it expanded and became larger, it came around the creature, tangling it. As it stopped moving, Rainbow Dash grabbed Fluttershy, flying next to the balloon and beginning to push it faster. As they left whatever had come at them, Spike looked out.
"What was that?! Was that what the people were like?"
Everypony couldn't answer his question, and as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy came back into the basket, Fluttershy spoke timidly. "Maybe we should return... We don't know what else is out there..."
"No," Twilight said, stomping her hoof down. "Princess Celestia and Luna are counting on us! They wouldn't have picked us to do something this important if they didn't trust us."
Applejack shook her head. "I don't know, sugar cube. We got lucky this time, Twi. Though, I don't know how we could change the balloon around. How do we know when we'll be there?"
Twilight sat down, pawing her head. "Maybe we'll know when we see whatever we're supposed to see. Who knows? Maybe whatever that thing is was just a test for us?"
As they sat down, Rarity looked at the remaining dresses and supplies she had left. "One of my best garments, gone! Oh, whatever that dreadful thing was, I hope it doesn't look good! It took me two months to get the fabric right for it!"
Rain rolled her eyes. "Rarity, do you think we have something else more important to worry about then one of your dresses?"
"Oh, you would say that, Rainbow Dash, but I have a chance to show my dresses to the people of this world! I could bring fashion to a new height! Why I... What is that?"
As they looked out again, this time there wasn't anything dangerous. Instead, it looked to them like a giant crystal cloud. As the balloon came towards it, they were all bathed in a greenish light. Twilight gasped.
"Girls, I think we may be here..."
As the balloon came out to a sparkling city, they all gasped in amazement as the balloon left the crystal cloud...
Walking among the flowers, Nemo and Camille were finally alone. Icarus had decided to go flying by himself to enjoy the sights among the city, and Flip, thankfully, hadn't been spotted since he left. As they enjoyed the smells of the new tulips and roses that were growing in the late Spring, Nemo wasn't exactly sure what to do. He had imagined this moment for a long time, of just the two of them being by themselves. Yet, the best laid plans never really worked out as how you set them in your mind. As they came before a sweeping view of Slumberland, he and Camille stopped.
"So what happens to Slumberland now? Without the Nightmare King being a threat, what will you and King Morpheus do?" The thought had come to Nemo many times. Nightmare Land was so longer in action, and with the citizens of the land safe, he wondered if they had plans with their new found peace.
"Well, we were thinking of looking at Nightmare Land and converting it. We're not sure of where the rest of the nightmares are, but we don't think that there are many of them left. If we could reform the land, especially with the help of the Boomps, seeing as how they came from there, we could bring a new era to our kingdom, something that's never been seen before."
"What about the nightmares that remain? Have you seen any, or have any try to come to Slumberland?"
"That's the weird thing. We sent a dirigible to scout the area, but we couldn't find anything living, but it looked... alive. I know it's not a good description, but it looked as if the land was still trying to come back. We couldn't find anything of the Nightmare King, so we're sure he's gone, but who knows about the nightmares and goblins. Without their king, they're no more a threat to us than Flip is."
As they both laughed at that, he felt a hand come onto his. Looking at Camille, she smiled softly, causing him to blush hard. Was this really happening, or was it only a dream? As she looked at him, she spoke softly.
"There hasn't been a day that I haven't thought about you, Nemo. You saved me and all of Slumberland from an evil we couldn't defeat. My father may have wanted to have us be friends when he originally sent for you to come here, but I think that something else has come from this. Don't you feel it?"
Gulping hard, he wasn't sure what to say. He began to sweat as he looked at her. He did feel it, and it wasn't as if they hadn't kissed before. But it had been a long time since it had happened. So much had changed, and he didn't want to have his heart broken again by being taken away from Slumberland.
As he moved in close, he nodded. "I do feel it, Camille. It's been a long time since I've felt anything like this, and I want to make something between us happen, but I don't want it taken away again with me leaving you. It nearly killed me the last time it happened."
She nodded slowly, taking in his words. She understood what he meant. They had been separated for five years, not being able to talk to each other. It had been a strain, losing her only friend, someone she had fallen in love with. But was Nemo really ready to move forward with this. As she neared him too, closing her eyes, she was ready to feel his lips on hers again. She was ready-
"Your highness!"
Jumping back startled, she saw several guards and Professor Genius running out into the garden. As Nemo stood back, his face still red, the guards came to her, looking worried. the professor straightened his tie as he pointed to the sky far above.
"Princess, we must get you inside! Several guards have reported seeing a balloon coming down into Slumberland!"
Camille looked confused at the news. "What's the problem, professor? Many people own balloons. What's so strange about that?"
The chief guard this time spoke up. "It's not the balloon itself, your highness. There are creatures in the balloon that aren't Slumberland natives. We've only seen afar, but there are seven of them. Six of them are... ponies and one looks to be a dragon."
Camille's eyes widened at the news. Was it a possible nightmare? She had heard that they could take shapes of monstrous creatures like dragons, but ponies seemed strange. "Ponies, you say? They're just floating on their own?"
"We haven't yet tried to stop them, but they look intelligent, your highness. They have, from what we can see, bags and sacks, and they looked like they were talking to each other. We don't know if this is a trick from the nightmares. We have to get you inside for your own safety!"
Camille shook her head to the horror of the professor and her guards. "I don't think this is an attack. I want to meet with these ponies and this dragon. Do not harm the balloon. Let it land and have them wait there. Nemo and I will be down in a few minutes."
"But your highness..."
"There'll be no arguments. My father left me in charge, and the last thing I want to see is Slumberland attacking someone who might be just visiting our land. Go, now."
As they nodded and left, the professor stayed behind, trying to straighten his hat. "Princess, we can't be sure as to what they are."
"Professor, it's been five years, and no nightmare has yet come. Why would they come now? The Nightmare King is dead, and his army is in shambles. They know we have the royal scepter, so they wouldn't come. Nemo, what do you think?"
Nemo placed his hands behind his back, nodding to Camille. "If Slumberland hasn't been bothered, I wouldn't be worried. Besides, after everything I've seen last time, I'm prepared for anything new and strange to appear."
Camille smiled at this affirmation. "Then it's settled! Professor, go ahead to meet with our guests. And do try to keep the guards from scaring the visitors. Slumberland is known for being warm and kindly, not as mean and gruff."
Bowing, he too left. Camille sighed, fluffing her dress. "Sometimes, it makes me wonder how we even managed to live with the Nightmare King. Nothing has happened in so long yet so many people are still scared. I can't blame them, but it's sometimes dangerous in how they act."
As they began the walk to the front of the palace, Nemo looked around for Icarus, but he was still away, flying at his own leisure. "So, ponies. I always thought there was just Slumberland and Nightmare Land."
"Oh, no. There are many words beyond this, but we've never gone beyond our own. The nightmares kept us at bay, and since we defeated them, we spent our time rebuilding. I'm not surprised that we're finally gaining new visitors to Slumberland. To be honest, this is exciting. We're on a new adventure, Nemo!"
Nemo smiled genuinely for the first time, happy with what she had said.
As the balloon looked out across the city, all of the ponies gasped. It was beautiful beyond description. The glistening towers and wonderful colors that made up the buildings stretched out everywhere. As Twilight began to sketch, she couldn't help but think that the only city that could match its beauty was Canterlot. Looking around at the different scenes that made up the bustling city, Rarity was continually squealing in delight as she saw women walking around in dresses that made her imagination go wild. The frills and elegant designs that they had matched their awkward features. These beings were strange creatures, but at least they had fashion sense.
Fluttershy, though, was quiet. As she looked at several of the animals below, enjoying themselves, she was a bit hesitant. In Ponyville, many of the ponies had pets, but for the most part, she kept an eye on many of the woodland creatures. Here, it seemed they were everywhere, including some ferocious animals, but no one looked sacred or surprised. Were they trained, or did they share a bond, as she did with her animal friends?
Rainbow Dash looked at the flying machines, amazed at how these beings were able to soar in the air so freely. Hot air balloons were normal in Equestria, but what these people had were larger, far bigger, with so many contraptions on them, pulling them through the sky. It seemed flight wasn't a problem for them, allowing them to enjoy the sky like any other Pegasus pony.
Applejack and Pinkie Pie had their hoofs over the edge, watching everything unfold. As Spike jumped up on Pinkie's head to get a better look, he noticed several people running. Looking back at Twilight, his voice grew cautious.
"Uh, Twilight, something's happening..."
Getting up, she came over to see what was going on, but as she reached the other side of the basket, arrows began flying in the air. Screaming, everyone ducked their heads as an arrow came close to them. Peeking out, Twilight could see the beings shooting at them, and if an arrow hit the balloon, they were in trouble. Rainbow Dash, needing no words, started to fly. As she flew over the large group of creatures, she began to fly fast, causing a small whirlwind to form.
Yelling as it touched the ground, men were thrown everywhere, bows tossed away by the gale. Though, it seemed things were only getting worse. Now, an even larger assembly of people were coming. More and more beings were appearing, and all of them had weapons aimed at them.
As a new volley of arrows came, Dash flew back to he safety of the basket before they all hear the large pop. As air began to come out of the balloon, they started to fall fast to the ground. Yelling in fear, Rainbow Dash grabbed Fluttershy, flying up to where the hole was, each of them gathering a bit of the tarp and pulling hard while flying upward, trying to slow the basket. As it landed with a crash, everyone was thrown out.
Groaning, all of the ponies and Spike looked up at a group of beings, all of them armed with bows and swords, dressed in some kind of armor. Looking at everyone, Twilight knew they were in trouble.
As Camille and Nemo ran out of the building, they saw the assembly of soldiers standing guard over the balloon, all of them pointing their bows and arrows at the occupants. Stopping shortly, Nemo rubbed his eyes for a second, wondering if they could be tricking them. While he had known what he was going to see, it was still amazing.
They were ponies...
He had seen a lot of strange things the last time he had come here, but the vibrant and colorful ponies were nothing short of peculiar. He was at a lost for words, but Camille walked right up, telling the soldiers to lower their weapons. As he came to stand next to her, he looked at the colors the ponies held on their manes. Giving a smile, Camille gave a bow to them, hoping that the soldiers weren't about to start a fight.
"I am Princess Camille, daughter to King Morpheus of Slumberland. I'm sorry about your balloon being attacked, since I asked for my soldiers not to attack anyone and simply watch." This time, Camille looked over the Captain and gave him a frown, which he merely looked down, flustered. "May I ask who you are?"
Nemo watched the ponies, not understanding why Camille would speak to them. The animals in this world didn't speak, and even Icarus could only chatter in squirrel, though, to his shock, the purple pony who had what looked like a star on her flank spoke, her voice quivering a for a few seconds before becoming resolute.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle. These are my friends Spike," a little purple dragon looked up, smiling and nodded, "Rainbow Dash," a blue pony with a rainbow and a cloud smiled and waved, "Rarity," a white pony with purple diamonds bowed courteously, her purple mane flowing, "Applejack," the brown pony with apples, tipped her hat, smiling, "Fluttershy," this pony was yellow and had butterfly's on her flank, but she merely nodded before moving to the back of the group, nervous, "and this is Pinkie Pie," she said, completing the introductions.
Out of all of the ponies, the pink pony seemed to be the most energetic. Gasping in delight, she ran over looking at Nemo and Camille.
"This... is... EXCITING! I mean, look at you and then you look at me, and we're SO different, but you seem so nice! I can't believe I'm actually meeting new friends! This has got to be one of the most joyous, greatest, AWESOMEST DAYS I HAVE EVER-"
The blue pony, Rainbow Dash, flew over and put her hoof over Pinkie's mouth. Chuckling, she brought her back to the group. Nemo was still unsure of what to say. Though, the dragon piqued his interest, and as he came over, he looked at the green spikes on his back, and as he pointed a finger out, ready to touch one, Spike laughed nervously, fumbling behind the purple pony who seemed to be the leader.
"I'm a bit ticklish there..."
As Nemo stood up straight, he spoke wondrously as he kept his eyes on the new visitors.
"Talking ponies, and I thought I saw everything the last time I came to Slumberland..."
The white pony squealed in delight. "Slumberland? What a beautiful name, and I must say, princess, your dress is absolutely gorgeous, darling. The elegance is simply divine, and your suit, what a perfect match!"
Camille smiled appreciatively, though Nemo knew she loved her dresses. Camille bowed again, turning to Nemo. "This is the prince and protector of Slumberland, Nemo. We have so many questions for you and I probably believe you hold the same. So, please, if you'd like to come inside and we'll-"
"Hahahahaha!"
The voice that laughed out was unmistakeable. As the large black shape appeared in the sky, Flip landed on the ground. Nemo had forgotten that he had left. The clown looked around at the ponies who seemed shock at Flip's style, but he only smiled widely, his mind going off like a minefield as he surveyed the new visitors.
"Well, what do we have here! A gaggle of ponies, and I must say, colorfully vibrant! Flip's the name and tricks are my game!" Pulling off his hat and bowing, Flap screeched loudly before the yellow pony, Fluttershy, ran over to it.
"Oh my, she's so beautiful! What's her name?" Flip seemed genuinely surprised, seeing most people normally were chasing them off. "Oh, that's Flap, my old girl. We've been through thick and thin, battling nightmares and saving Slumberland!"
Nemo and Camille both sighed before looking at him. "FLIP!"
Chuckling weakly, he pulled out his cigar as Twilight came forward. "Nightmares? Maybe that was what we saw. Your highness, before we came into the crystal cloud, we saw a dark shape that had glowing red eyes."
Camille nodded, her eyes becoming worried. "Yes, that's a nightmare. They're not from here, but from a dreaded dark world called Nightmare Land, which represents all the fear and darkness of the world's nightmares. It was far worse, though, when the Nightmare King was still alive, but please, I can explain more inside."
As everyone headed inside, Nemo saw Fluttershy bringing Flap in with her, and Rarity was grabbing a bunch of suitcases that she had seemed to wanted. Even Flip was interested in the discussion that was about to go on. As everyone was talking and laughing, Nemo ran a hand through his hair, not knowing what to think. Everything had happened so fast, but something felt strange...
Perhaps by seeing who the ponies were, things would make a little more sense.
Let it be said that this had to be the strangest conversation he ever saw. Ponies, along with a dragon, were having tea and talking with a princess, a trickster clown, an adviser to a king, a large black bird that served as the clown's partner-in-crime and a semi-talking squirrel who had just entered the room and was now playing with the yellow pony, Fluttershy. Life was indeed strange, and as he crossed his legs and took a sip of his tea, he saw the one pony, Rainbow Dash, keeping her eyes on him. As he looked elsewhere, uncomfortable with the stare, he listened to some of the discussions going on, the one most animated was between Rarity and Camille. Rarity was holding dresses up in the air with her horn glowing, and as Nemo stared transfixed, he tried to understand how she was doing it. Was this magic? Camille didn't seem fazed, though, as she picked up one of the dresses.
"Look at the frills on this, and the colors match perfectly!"
"Oh, it wasn't so hard," Rarity said, blushing at the compliment. She seemed pleased though, as Camille studied the design. As they continued to talk about her next next dress, Pinkie Pie and Flip were talking. The two seemed a good pair, both excited and filled with a nature of wanting to do something fun and having a good time pranking people, though in Flip's case, that meant having a record. Pinkie Pie, though, seemed a natural with it, and she was telling Flip stories of parties she threw for ponies around the town.
"So this one time, I threw my friend Rainbow Dash the BIGGEST party for her friend, Gilda! Dash, though, had some great pranks! She put pepper in lemon drops, used a dribble glass for the punch bowl, and used re-lighting birthday candles!"
"Yeah, it was funny," Rainbow Dash said, putting a hoof behind her head.
"Hahahaha! That's a classic! You're my kind of ponies! I do my own pranks on the people of Slumberland as well! It's a full-time job keeping them entertained, and there's no respect for a professional!"
Nemo rolled his eyes at the comment, knowing full well that Flip got enough attention the way he liked it. The clown reveled in it, and if all of Slumberland accepted the pranks without anyone chasing him, he would've complained a long time ago. His penchant for over exaggeration was also well known.
Looking over, Twilight and Applejack were talking to Professor Genius. This seemed even odder, as all three seemed unsure of the protocols of Slumberland and the ponies own kingdom, something they called Canterlot. Twilight, though, had an air of dignity and respect as she spoke, never seeming condescending.
"So, Slumberland is ruled by King Morpheus, but he has been away in other lands talking to other leaders. So, how do the citizens of Slumberland work without their King all of the time?"
"Well, the people work together, and even when the King is here, he really doesn't like to bother too much into their lives or the way Slumberland is handled. King Morpheus really sees himself as a protector against the nightmares. We have a police force that helps with... certain people," the Professor said, and as he said it, his eyes turned to Flip sitting on the other side of him. Nemo almost laughed, knowing the police had a big bounty on him for his fun that he did, the constant pranks on the citizens of Slumberland.
"Actually," Applejack said, "What is a nightmare? We saw that big shadowy thing when we were coming here, but where do they come from?"
Professor Genius looked concerned. "This is the first time in five years we've heard of a nightmare sighting. We knew they were still here, but they've never appeared. A nightmare is a frightening creature, and they came in all shapes and sizes. Before the Nightmare King was defeated, there were many of them, and they made life hard. But after Nemo destroyed him, Nightmare Land changed. It became very beautiful, and so we thought they disappeared, but it seems there are some left..."
"So," Twilight said, "These nightmares are your enemies and their king is gone. I wonder how many are left?"
"You better hope there aren't that many left..."
This time, it was Nemo who said it. He placed his cup down, looking at Twilight. "Nightmares are dangerous, and we almost lost our lives when we went to save King Morpheus when he was captured by the Nightmare King. Though, I'm surprised they're still here..."
As the four of them stopped talking, the discussion now a bit unsettling, Fluttershy walked over, Icarus on her back.
"Um, Nemo... Is Icarus the only squirrel who can kind of talk? I can speak to the animals I take care of. I can even understand Flap, Flip's friend, but you seem to understand Icarus."
Smiling, Nemo nodded for Icarus to fly over. His goggles bounced a bit before he landed on Nemo's leg. "Icarus is one of a kind, and he's been my best friend for as long as I can remember. Though, he's special, and if you're around him long enough, you'll be able to understand him, but other than that, he's really friendly."
"Camille, it's too beautiful a day to be in here. Why don't we show them Slumberland?"
Camille nodded at the question, smiling. "That sounds perfect!"
