Twilight Sparkle didn’t want to open her eyes. She could hear the stirring of the other Princesses as the magical sleep released its hold upon them.
How she wished that she could have awoken first and rushed or teleported from the apartment to her room at the palace, or her home in Ponyville, or the bottom of the sea. No amount of mental preparation could prepare her for what was about to come. Of course she would try to stand her ground she would try to tell Celestia why she was upset, that she needed time to process the feelings.
But then Celestia’s eyes would droop and her ‘never quite a smile’ would turn in to that ‘inward frown’ of disappointment. Then her resolve would shatter and her pain wouldn’t matter, she would beg forgiveness for making that beautiful smile vanish. Then she’d hate herself a little bit more.
“Captain Sentry.” Celestia’s voice was tentative. “Take a squad and check on Raven. Be careful, Shining Armor may be looking for her as well.”
Fizzlepop’s ears perked and she turned to face Celestia. Flash saluted then exited the apartment.
“Raven is either uninvolved or dead,” Fizzlepop observed. “You know that right?” Fizzle cursed under her breath as she removed the neck brace and ripped the bandages from her barrel, effectively standing naked in the room.
Cadence’s eyes widened and Twilight gasped.
“I have to believe that it’s the former,” Celesia said. “That Shining Armor is acting alone and of his own volition.”
Cadence took a breath ready to defend her husband. Yet any defense she might have offered fell apart. She settled for looking desperately at Princess Luna.
“I must return to the dream realm and find out what manner of magic or creature has invaded my domain,” Luna apologized. “I will do so from my chambers under proper wards and protections.” Celestia nodded and began to turn. She was stopped as Luna’s outstretched hoof touched her cheek and forcibly turned her to face her baby sister. “You and I must speak. Do not retire until we do.”
Celestia cocked an eyebrow but nodded. She tried to turn away but Luna’s hoof didn’t budge. “You and Twilight must not allow this to come between you. Do not talk about what happened in that memory, yet. You, the both of you were influenced by...something. To do so would give credence to whatever it is.” Luna was surprised, she felt pressure as Celesta leaned against her hoof drawing confort from the contact. Luna leaned forward and kissed away the tears forming in her sister’s eyes.
“Captain Fizzlepop,” a small hint of sharpness crept into her tone. Fizzle would have snapped to attention but she was in the process of lifting Twilight from the floor. The purple princess looked to Luna and tried to make eye contact with Celestia. “Take your Princess to her room, her mind needs rest. Princess Cadence, can Celestia stay here with you?”
Cadence nodded, “Of course. I won’t leave her side.”
Satisfied, the Princess of Dreams placed herself between Celestia and Twilight and spread her wings wide. She maintained her position as Fizzlepop gently led Twilight across the room to the entryway,
Cadence gently placed one of Celestia’s forelegs over her back and gently stood. Celestia tried desperately to get a view of Twilight around her sister’s body but Luna moved expertly. Unable to see around Luna’s wide wings Celestia had no choice but to be led away, Flurry Heart floating along close to her head still asleep.
The front door shut. It may as well have been a tomb sealing, the sound was so loud in Celestia’s ears, so definite and final. A familiar cold began to creep into her body and for the second time that night she began to shiver. A soft sobbing began to echo in the hallway and it took Celesta a moment to realize it was coming from herself.
The hallway ended at a moderately sized master bedroom. It was a cozy place, dressed up in the same pinks and yellows as in Cadence’s mane and accented with furniture in the lighter shade of Shining Armor’s blue. The torches in the wall sconces lit as the trio entered. The flames were soft and welcoming, it was the very picture of ‘hearth and home’.
Picture frames sat on the nearby dresser and Celestia slowly studied them as Cadence turned down the large four poster bed. She held back the floodgates enough to admire and appreciate the story unfolding in the photographs.
A much younger Shining Armor his coltish face splotched with a bit of acne walking uncomfortably next to a picture perfect Cadence, her hoof covering her mouth as she laughed softly. A much younger Twilight Sparkle rode unnoticing on Shining’s back her nose buried in a book.
Several of the early pictures depicted the trio in various states of high school life, the only real changes being Twilight’s height and Shining Armor’s build.
Celestia smiled as she found a picture of Shining standing in a crisp new uniform, the campus of the Platinum Military Academy in the background. Though he was doing his best to maintain his military stoicism, the hints of his wide smile played at the corners of his mouth, and his eyes were alight with pride.
A soft pressure on the back of her legs urged her toward the bed. She awkwardly lay down, the mattress was just a bit bigger than was needed for two ponies of Shining Armor and Cadence’s size. It was just barely large enough for Celestia to rest her back against the side of Cadence’s barrel. The smaller alicorn wrapped her forelegs around Celestia's neck and gently tucked Flurry Heart in her grandmare's embrace.
Celestia’s sobs grew deeper and a few tears escaped from her eyes. A commotion near the dresser drew her attention. A small box of cookies and a decanter of wine rose from behind it to float over to them.
“Once upon a time,” Cadence began. “You helped me come to terms with who and what I was to be in this world. Do you remember?” Celestia nodded, afraid that to say anything would cause her last measures of resolve to flee.
“You told me that great ponies are not born. But sometimes little ponies have the capacity to do great things and become great ponies.” Cadence seemed more to the white alicorn then, older in some way. “It was exactly what I needed to hear at the time.” She gently laid her wing over Celestia doing her best to mimic the motion that was seared into her memory. “I hope I can be half as good to you. Tell me please, what’s wrong?”
*****
With a crack of thunder and great whooshing of air Princess Luna appeared in her chambers. Her state of urgency was rare. Never had something so odd transpired in the dream realm. Even during the collective dreaming in Ponyville many years ago. She had lost control over the Tantabus it’s true, but the dream itself had had no influence on the populace.
Her trepidation for the situation was trumped by the simple joy of finding another who had control over the dreaming. Another pony? Some other entity perhaps? How exciting. IF she played her cards correctly, this could be quite fortuitous. Her mind raced through the possibilities. Another lonely soul perhaps, eager for companionship? An old master waiting to pass on his knowledge? Or something new to the dreaming, in need of guidance and tutelage? She knew she was foolish for not entertaining the possibility that the entity, whatever it was, wasn't benevolent especially considering it’s apparent effect on her beloved sister and her savior. She frowned, wouldn’t that just be her luck?
Her horn ignited and a perfect circle carved into the floor and ceiling of her room lit. She walked slowly around the perimeter tracing several runes and words of protection in the air at key points along the outside of it. Satisfied with her work she stepped through the translucent wall and stood in the center of the circle. Moving carefully she weaved more runes from her horn placing the strongest wards she knew that would safeguard her mind from the influence of outside emotion.
What would that be worth she wondered. Celestia’s mind was perhaps the most secure and most powerful in existence. It’s only real enemy was itself as evidenced by the suppressed persona of Daybreaker. Celestia’s shadow self had never seen the light of day, so to speak, to her knowledge. If she had, Luna was certain the world would have been burned to a cinder. Daybreaker was Celestia’s naked desire and need for instant gratification, the indulgence of whim, the very image of carelessness; in short, she was bucking crazy. But that’s not what was manifest this evening.
No, Celestia was angry, more so then Luna had ever seen. Certainly more so than Celestia had ever been. Daybreaker was impetuous and foalish, what happened tonight was pure unadulterated anger and rage, directed particularly at Twilight Sparkle.
“Now that is something I’d love to see,” purred a sensual voice.
Luna rolled her eyes as the dark draconic form of Nightmare Moon rose from her shadow. The inky blackness slowly condensing into her likeness. Clad in her dark armor Nightmare Moon bowed low to the princess her leathery wings spread out and down.
“Show me just a glimpse and I shall happily help you with whatever task you desire,” she purred again.
Luna laughed, “As if you had a choice, demon. You are defeated and shall assist me as I see fit.” Normally this was enough to send the nightmare into a angry rage. One key aspect of Luna’s darker half was freedom from authority and any attempt to control her was met with swift opposition. But the only things that Nightmare Moon hated more than Luna was Twilight Sparkle and ultimately Celestia.
“For now,” she conceded. “But we are eternal you and I. It is only a matter of when I am free again.” Her draconic eyes twinkled as her fanged smile grew wide. “Then I shall reign. Then your whore sister I’ll place in the deepest darkest pit I can find but not before I make her bitch lover mine! Not before she breaks both your hearts!” She spread her wings wide and took a deep breath ready to finish her threat with a burst of maniacal laughter.
“Oh spare me, I’ve had enough of that for one evening. There are more important matters at hoof.” Luna didn’t waste any time as Nightmare Moon shot her the dirtiest look she could muster. “There is something new in the dream realm.”
Nightmare Moon’s indignation soon gave way to curiosity as Luna shared her experience with the red mist. She didn’t have to say where she encountered it, or that Celestia and Twilight seemed to be under its influence, but she did so anyway. Nightmare Moon seemed to be aware of some events that happened in the waking world and not others but she wasn’t always privy to Luna’s thoughts. Or she was just a skilled liar. She also mentioned that it was encountered in a memory and not a dream and was abated, somewhat, by Cadence’s mere presence.
After hearing the tale the Nightmare sat back on her haunches and folded her forelegs. Her draconic eyes were closed and her brow furrowed in contemplation. “Did it appear to grow stronger or weaker as it influenced these ponies?”
Luna hid a smile as she watched Nightmare Moon. This side of her, the contemplative calculating side, was what she had come for. Weighing a potential ally or foe was something that came naturally to her, power sought power, after all. Though short sighted she was quick to notice weakness or strength even with small details.
“I do not believe so, no,” Luna replied. “It did not ‘feed’ on it’s victims. Just changed their behavior.”
“Fear and anger?” she asked.
“In two seperate ponies, yes,” Luna confirmed.
“Hmmmm, a spell or enchantment gone awry perhaps?”
“Perhaps,” Luna agreed. “We must find it to be sure.”
Teal, draconic eyes snapped open in shock. “You would allow me into the dreamscape?”
Luna nodded. “Bound of course, but yes. It is a part of me and therefore a part of you. I trust you with very little, but it might mean our continued existence and I trust your sense of self preservation.”
Luna pursed her lips. “I shall start with the dreams of Princess Twilight and Princess Celestia. I must make certain they are free from it, and I want you far away from them.”
“Awwww, but I so wish to seem them again,” she ran her forked tongue over her fangs. “Especially If what you say is true.”
“Which is why,” Luna smiled, “if you agree, you’ll observe only. I shall lock you in a dream shield, and you shall search. I care too much about these ponies to leave them to your twisted mind, but we don’t have time enough for me to act alone.”
With a defeated sigh the nightmare pony nodded.
Luna stood before the black alicorn and lit her horn. “Swear to me. You will do these ponies no harm or mischief. That if you should find what we seek you will tell me at once. On both our lives swear it.”
Nightmare Moon stood and lit her own horn, her aura was dim but she stood tall and proud, “I swear it.”
Luna nodded. “Start with the bearers, then those closest to them.” She wove her spell around the dark alicorn and sealed it.
The nightmare bowed mockingly low and turned away. With a quick motion of her head, her horn sliced into the air tearing a great rend in the barrier that separated reality from the dreaming. She stepped through and was gone. . Luna sighed, she hoped this was the right decision. Nightmare Moon could indeed one day be strong enough take control of her body once again. That day was far off though. The insecurities and difficulties that empowered her in the first place were not strong enough to help her, yet. But someday perhaps.
Or perhaps this could be a new start. Twilight had turned several of her personal enemies into trusted allies. Luna wondered if that was possible for her and Nightmare Moon.
At the very least she had saved herself some time. Nightmare Moon wasn’t strong enough to break free. And there was nopony else that could help search the dreamscape. At least that’s what she repeated to herself over and over as she flitted from one dream bubble to the next searching for some sign or hint of the mist. She wasn’t really following any pattern or criteria she was merely hoping to get lucky until certain dreams became available to her.
She’s not strong enough.
She’s not.
*****
Captain Flash Sentry was never nervous. He would admit to being occasionally concerned but that was it. The reins of command didn’t allow for much but concern. But as the “Pride of Cloudsdale” led the small contingent of guards to Raven’s apartment he found himself terrified.
It was no secret that Cloudsdale expected Flash to be ten times the captain that Shining Armor was. The disgrace of having a unicorn chosen for the position after nearly five hundred years of pegasi domination chafed the high council to no end. Didn’t chafe them enough to be prepared though, he thought bitterly.
Tradition held that the captain of the royal guard, chosen by Celestia herself, was an appointment for life. Celestia had never removed a captain before, there had never been a need. Thanks to Celestia’s leadership the position was largely ceremonial. The last six Captains had peacefully passed away in their own beds surrounded by loved ones and the princess herself.
Leave it to Shining Armor to buck another trend. His unlikely rise to model officer infuriated many pegasi families who had spent generations upon generations and no small number of bits training and grooming their sons and daughters for command. It also didn’t help that some pegasi in high places considered unicorns no more than mobile artillery. Much to the chagrin of Canterlot nobility who outwardly praised and extolled a fellow unicorn but behind closed doors and in hushed tones decried his lower birth.
In fact, the three races might have finally found common ground in their hatred of the young officer. If only the reasons behind the animosity weren’t so archaic. Racism for the pegasi, classism for the nobles and oddly enough sexism for the matriarchal earth pony clans.
Luckily for them Shining Armor was Captain for only three years. Unfortunately for Flash they had not expected to need to have a proper candidate so quickly. Flash knew he was qualified, he had it on good authority, but he couldn’t help but feel resentment to the high council for sacrificing his career just to get the position filled by a pegasus and expecting him to outshine Shining Armor with the half-hearted training he had received.
But his terror now was for another. Raven had no special training save the semi-mandatory self defence classes the castle staff took. Even if she’d had her personal detail with her no two guards in the palace were a match for Shining Armor. IF they had a week to train together maybe Fizzlepop could help Flash overpower him.
Flash didn’t hate the unicorn captain but he wasn’t about to start training with her. He wasn’t surprised in the slightest that she had somehow found her way into Twilight’s services. Princess Twilight, he corrected himself. The Sparkle house was either blessed or cursed he decided, and he didn’t really care to find out which. Right now all he wanted to do was make sure Raven was alright.
His small gathering of guards spread out as they approached the dwelling. He send Midnight Tonic and a large burly earth pony to cover the rear entrance. The pegasus scout he put on overwatch. He then quickly covered the distance to the front door. He jiggled the knob and the door opened. It swung silently on well oiled hinges.
Crouching low Flash crossed the threshold into the a small living area. The lights were on and the pungent aroma of cooking vegetables assaulted his nostrils. There didn’t appear to have been a struggle. No furniture was disturbed, and no lights were broken.
He waved to his right sending somepony to check the kitchen. There was a guest bedroom on the ground floor that was empty and unslept in. He quickly but cautiously exited the bedroom and met his companion near the base of the stairs.
“Bedroom clear,” he mouthed silently. “Water running,” the guard mimed pointing upwards. Flash nodded. With a deft flap he left the floor and began to slowly ascend the stairs. Tucking his legs tight to his barrel. He flapped gently enough to silently propel him up the staircase.
Once on the upper landing Flash held completely still. The sound of running water was loud in his ears, and it drowned out all other noise. Cautiously he moved toward the noise hopping that the sound was loud enough to drown out his hoofsteps. He placed his ear against the door and closed his eyes waiting. The only sound he heard was the spray of the shower head echoing in small room. No voices and no struggle. Satisfied he released the breath he had unconsciously held. He waved back toward the stairs as he saw the head of the guard who had slowly followed him up the stairs. He pointed left then at himself then right then he held is hoof straight up and pumped it once. The guard nodded and quickly moved to check the room on the left.
Satisfied Flash began to turn to the second room. His eyes widened as the knob was encased in a light grayish raspberry magical aura. Flash crouched low and raised his wings. A small container floated out of the room followed by a unicorn pony with a pair or towels draped across her back. Flash could see that the container was a small tub of toiletries, shampoos, soaps, brushes, combs and picks, definitely nothing dangerous. Raven calmly turned to close the door to her room and stepped casually toward the bathroom. Her eyes widened visibly but didn’t seem to surprised at what she saw.
“Flash? Hey, you’re home early.” She noticed the raised wings. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. I’m a mess but I started dinner it’s got about an hour.” Aside from the initial surprise and finding him she didn’t react in any odd way. “I don’t mind if you don’t wait for me.” She smiled gently and moved past him. Her magic opened the bathroom door, causing a hefty wall of steam and moist heat to assault them, instantly fogging up her glasses. She ignored her momentary blindness and even swatted his nose playfully with her tail before closing the door.
Flash stood motionless staring at the closed door. After a moment to gather his thoughts he waved the earth pony guard over to follow him and headed down the stairs. As he exited the stair well he gave a short sharp whistle, calling in the entire squad. In short order they were all gathered in the kitchen. The pungent odor of vegetable soup surrounding them.
“I’m not concerned but we need to be sure. Ms. Inkwell is in the shower, I’ll wait here and speak with her when she’s done. You three set a perimeter but stay close. Be prepared to stun everything in the house if I give the order.” He looked at Midnight. “She’ll probably be a while. IF you can do it in 10 minutes grab a pick me up, then set the perimeter. Private, “ he indicated the pony that had followed him upstairs. “I want you close but out of sight, I want her to think I’m alone.”
The guards saluted, then moved to the appropriate exits. The earth pony glanced around the kitchen looking for an appropriate hiding place.
“Private?” Flash asked after the others had exited the back door. “I’m not going to order you. But I’d like to ask for your discretion about what happened upstairs.” Flash hated this. He’d been captain for years after Shining left. In all that time nothing had ever tainted his record. Aside from Tirek of course, but there seemed to be an unspoken agreement that since no regular pony could have stopped that incident it didn’t really count. He’d even survived two grand galloping galas where Discord had been invited! Now his record, perhaps his career rested on the decision of a random palace guard. He swallowed. “If you do feel the need to report it I’d request you file an ‘’311-O” There it was. The first nail in his coffin. Granted it was his first but soldiers had lost their position for less.
The Earth pony turned to look at his captain. They locked eyes and Flash knew the solder was sizing him up. Internally Flash winced, he was not the largest pegasus, and many of the guards under his command did indeed tower over him. Flash had made Captain young but not younger than Shining Armor so that wasn’t going to be useful. Flash was just about to turn back and sit at the table when the guard finally met his eyes.
“I’d just as soon not report it at all, Captain,” his voice wavered. “Your business is yours, sir.”
Flash sat and offered the other chair to the guard. “What’s your name, soldier?” he asked.
The earth pony declined but eased his stance. “Wet Stone, sir. From Baltimare.”
“Then explain to me in your own words what you think is happening here.”
Wet swallowed, then he looked up and gathered his thoughts for some time before looking back at the yellow pegasus. “You and Ms. Inkwell clearly have some kind of...relationship going on sir.” Flash considered this, then nodded for him to continue. “I’ve never heard anything about it so either it’s not common knowledge or it’s a secret.”
Flash nodded. “Secrets sink ships,” he quoted. “Stone, I knew the moment that I found out she was involved, this would come to light. I hoped it wouldn’t. Hiding it only endangers all of us. You know what a 311-O is right?”
Wet Stone nodded, “Princess’ Eyes only,” he replied.
“Why do we have them?” he pressed.
“So we can bypass the chain of command if we feel the chain is broken.”
Flash nodded. “Me hiding things from the princess isn’t wise. Now that you know we’re both compromised.” He took a breath. “So I’m asking that you report it to just the princess. Otherwise the house of nobles will get wind of it, which I’d rather that not happen,” he finished evenly.
Wet Stone considered the captain, his eyes narrowing. “Saving your career sir?”
Flash sighed dejectedly, “Partially,” he admitted. “Hers too. Also because if she’s still in danger it might help her.” He took a deep breath. “The princess needs to know, and IF the nobles are involved somehow, we need to not alert them.”
Wet Stone swallowed.
“After your squad gets back I’ll swap you out with one of them. You go straight back to the barracks and you file that report. That is an order.”