//------------------------------// // Chapter Five: Weight of a Millennium // Story: Sunspots // by RadBunny //------------------------------// Luna and Shifting stared at the lengthy report in front of them, neither saying a word for a long while. Having just returned from the dream realm, Luna had been greeted back by Shifting and the report. Celestia’s nightmare had returned in full force and this time it had taken a larger amount of magic to prevent the dream from unraveling, leaving the ruler of the night more than a bit unsettled. Thankfully her coltfriend provided some much-needed comfort. “Well I can’t say that was expected. The signs were there though.” Shifting sighed, leaning over to rest against Luna’s shoulder. Alone in the main emergency conference room, the pair had read and re-read Celestia’s transcript of her interaction with Nacreous. And to say it was a doozy was an understatement. Luna let out a matching sigh, reaching down to give her coltfriend a kiss before snuggling a bit closer. Moments where they were alone were rare nowadays but they’d take what they could. “I do not know how to process this, Shifting. Nacreous’s situation is somewhat different from yours.” “Join the club. I needed a purpose, a guiding goal to snap me out of my funk. Nacreous though, he seems to know who he is, what his purpose is. He’s just now adjusting to being remembered. That said, what does he want?” A slight smile twitched at Luna’s features, the mare reaching over to hold one of the unicorn’s hooves. “What did you want after a thousand years of wandering? Other than a purpose that is.” Shifting stayed quiet for a good long few minutes, his shoulders shedding a bit of tension. “A friend, among other things.” Looking over, the Commander saw Luna’s mouth crease in a thin line, halfway between a frown and a pensive smile. “What’s on your mind?” “My sister could use a friend, Shifting. As for anything else, I don’t think that’s my business. And yet I am worried for her,” Luna admitted. “She-” A frustrated sigh left the ruler’s muzzle, Luna’s head shaking. “I can’t explain in detail, Shifting. I’m just worried.” “I mean, she could always try therapy?” the helpful stallion suggested, the idea making Luna smile ever so slightly. “I think that could help, but some things you just can’t understand unless you’ve lived it.” “…like living a thousand years?” “Yes, like that.” Shifting stayed quiet, enjoying Luna’s touch as she rested at his side with a slight hum. “All we can do is watch. He hasn’t done anything warranting negative suspicion. If anything, he seems to be on our side,” Shifting admitted as Luna nodded. “Indeed. And yet he is hiding something. Perhaps I will take a cursory glance at his dreams. You know that I ordinarily do not use my powers for such things but this qualifies as a potential threat,” Luna mused. “Deciding on that sort of thing is not my forte, but I’d agree. Perhaps tomorrow?” “Indeed. Tonight, we need to go over more reports.” Shifting promptly scooted forwards and to the side, flopping on his back across Luna’s forelimbs. “Verily, the reports shall be the death of us,” he moaned, placing a forelimb across his brow. “Shifting…” “We shall fight valiantly but alas, I fear that we-mmmmmffff!” An affectionate kiss was more than enough to silence the grinning stallion, even as Luna’s side shook with barely-suppressed laughter. Nacreous took a deep breath of the garden air, a flurry of scents tickling his nostrils. I still prefer the salty air of the sea, but at least this smells nice. It had been two days since Celestia had learned of his true identity, Nacreous having helped in the primary medial wing in the meantime as the Princess ended up sleeping the majority of the day. It was to be expected though, a slight increase in energy at first and then a brief crash. After helping the staff in the morning, the hippogriff had meandered to the gardens around lunchtime. To say his mind was preoccupied was an understatement. Ironically, the disease he was helping combat ranked rather low on his ‘current thoughts’ list. There are a few apartments in Canterlot, but to what end? Do I want to make my life here? Return to the Hippogriff kingdom perhaps? Or maybe the Gryphons? Or maybe…. Two claws reached up to rub his temples, the hippogriff wincing as a slight headache began to form. The meal of large ‘Pish’, churned in his stomach, the pleasant fish and pastries being fouled by his nerves. The coming about of such a term for the meal was rather adorable though, the chef having explained it as he brought out the dishes to the main castle dining room. Apparently, it had originated from the romance of a pink hippogriff and now-knighted gryphon... Young love, and last I checked; it most certainly is a romance to last. Good for them. His nerves returned, the doctor’s claws shaking slightly as he took a few deep breaths. What will I do next? If only I could lay it all on the table, but that’s a horrible idea. That said, I’m sure Celestia has a lot more questions for me today, yet I surely can’t answer them all. I hope she’ll understand…eventually. Did she get my message? A simple thing, meeting in the gardens to talk. I don’t mean to imply anything of course. The interaction with the solar princess the day before yesterday was still fresh in his mind, and Nacreous was still not sure what to think of it. To finally speak with one who was, for all intents and purposes, an equal in knowledge and age was a unique experience to say the least. There was an undercurrent though of things not said. Perhaps he was overthinking it all, but it was like a river had been flowing just below the surface; things he wanted to say, things she wanted to say. Perhaps, perhaps not. “Nacreous?” Celestia’s pleasant voice snapped the hippogriff out of his thoughts, the doctor looking over to see the ruler walking his way. A new necklace was adorning the Alicorn’s figure, a green gem projecting a soft white field around her head; a magical alternative to a gas mask as a precautionary measure. “Ah, Celestia, you got my message I take it? How are you feeling?” he replied, bowing his head briefly in respect, which promptly caused the Alicorn to wave a hoof at him. “Yes, I did, I’m doing much better, thank you. I seem to be on the mend. Oh, and none of that, please.” He couldn’t resist a grin, wings shrugging in response. “No promises. A thousand years of showing such respect to rulers is a hard thing to break.” The sincere smile that dawned on Celestia’s face put his heart somewhat at ease, the Alicorn sitting next to him as violet eyes glanced over to the hippogriff briefly. “I assumed you wanted some more answers and I’d be happy to answer what questions I can. I’m glad to see you’re up and about by the way,” Nacreous explained, claws fiddling with some grass as he spoke. “However, there are some subjects I’d rather not speak of, not yet at least.” “I understand,” was the simple and soft reply. There is that undercurrent again; an understanding, words and events left unsaid… “Did you find anything out from the assassin? I assume he’s just a hired blade,” Nacreous asked, eliciting a nod from the ruler. “That’s about it. They were hired by some pony who placed a bounty on your head; some fanatical group. They didn’t ask who it was, but I assume it was the same individuals who tried to spread this pathogen.” “That’s the conclusion I’ve come up with too. Well, no harm done…to me at least.” Celestia let out a snort at his words. “Indeed. You took out seven heavily armed mercenaries and made the last one beg for his life. May I ask where you learned to fight like that? My royal guards were impressed to say the least. And they said something about a concealment spell and armor?” Tapping his wrist, Nacreous activated a small gem set in the concealed metal gauntlets, causing the spell to fade temporarily. For a few moments, the chain-mail clad hippogriff sat next to Celestia, looking over his armored forelimbs. “A precautionary measure. I have been caught unawares before, and especially when dealing with this fanatic group and the strange cultists you have been combatting, I see this as a prudent measure,” he explained, even as Celestia’s eyes narrowed slightly. “That’s not the whole truth though, is it?” she asked softly as the spell re-activated, the hippogriff averting his gaze. “No, it is not. But we all have some things that are close to the chest. I know you understand that.” A bit of playful curiosity entered Celestia’s gaze, the alicorn replying with a simple question. “Oh?” Nacreous looked over to the Princess, gesturing to her with a set of claws. “Come now, Celestia. There’s the most obvious one, your power. While it is downplayed here in Equestria, it has circulated other kingdoms. The fight with the Ice King? You and Luna put on quite a spectacular show, and I figure you could have gone further. I saw that second sun halfway across the badlands. And isn’t there a large lake in that crater now? Something of a tourist attraction?” A slight snort was Celestia’s reply, the Alicorn waving a hoof dismissively. “Fair enough. I did ask, but you’re correct. My ponies wouldn’t react well if they knew certain things about me, even though it isn’t extremely hidden.” “How true that is. But back to the original matter. I haven’t just been a doctor for a thousand years straight. I did start out in an elite guard unit of the hippogriff kingdom, so I’ve kept up on my training and added a few new things to my repertoire. You encounter quite a wide range of combat styles when traveling,” Nacreous explained. “So, a traveling doctor who has combat training?” “Combat training? Eh, I prefer ‘advanced physical therapy application experience.’” Celestia snorted, struggling to contain a soft laugh. “T-that is one way of putting it!” As the alicorn reined in her mirth, Nacreous couldn’t help but feel a bit of tension bleed from his shoulders, a pair of curious violet eyes glancing back at him. There’s not a mask, not as obvious as before at least. Interesting… She’s got quite lovely eyes, that color really- “Are you this charmingly amusing with all of your patients?” Celestia asked, Nacreous thinking for a moment. “I try to be. While the phrase ‘life is short’ doesn’t really apply to me in terms of age, I think laughter can sometimes be more helpful than any curative potion,” he mused. “I know a pink earth pony who would very much agree with you.” “…Pinkie Pie? Element of Laughter?” “You know her?” Nacreous shook his head, brow furrowing briefly. “Know? Not so much. Know of, yes.” Celestia let a soft smile return to her features; who didn’t know of Pinkie Pie. “My point still stands however.” “Well, I think she’s got the right idea. I mean, she must, being an Element of Harmony and all that,” Nacreous mused, eyes flickering over to Celestia as the Alicorn grew quiet. It was only now that he noticed the mostly-concealed signs of tiredness; wrinkles under her eyes, a slightly drooping of her wings and shoulders, and a furrowed brow indicating that something was on her mind. Her entrancing eyes were transfixed on some flowers in front of them; the alicorn’s mind far away it seemed. “Celestia?” he asked, and she snapped back to the present. “Hmm? Sorry. Just lost in thought.” Nacreous was about to reply but then Celestia continued, her tone much softer and pensive. “I find this interesting is all. Talking with you that is,” she began, gesturing over to the hedges and flowerbeds in front of them. “It’s new territory for me, and that in and of itself is a very odd feeling. These gardens? I remember when this area was nothing but rock and stone. I recall watching the scaffolding being built, the transplanting of dirt and plants, all of it. I know exactly how to handle allies, diplomats, threats, or even warring nations,” she then glanced over to Nacreous, a bit of fire seeming to ignite behind her previously placid eyes. “Yet I am still not sure where you fall in all of this. You saved my life, have been nothing but kind, but certainly have quite a few secrets. May I be blunt, Nacreous?” “Of course.” “What do you want?” Celestia watched as the hippogriff’s wings slouched slightly, the doctor’s ocean-blue eyes looking down at his claws. She hadn’t missed his glance previously- a curiosity shining behind his gaze when she had been lost in thought. “What do I want?” he whispered, “I….” His beak opened; yet no more words were then said. The hippogriff shook his head, shoulders sagging a bit more. Something swirled behind his blue eyes, a storm of emotion brewing before being masked by a different thought. What were you going to say, Nacreous? What was the first thing on your mind? What is the whole truth? “I want to still help creatures, but now my path is to be written in the history books unlike before. This is all new territory for me as well, both speaking with someone nearly my age, and who will remember me in a few weeks,” he then paused, glancing over to Celestia ever so briefly. For a moment, the large hippogriff seemed almost vulnerable, claws shivering ever so slightly before they curled into a fist, and his frame seemed to shrink from Celestia briefly. “If nothing else, Celestia, I think having a friend would be nice, having the semblance of a ‘normal’ life,” he admitted, beak twitching in a slightly knowing smile. “Keep in mind, this is all new to me too, in multiple ways. Speaking with someone who knows the journey of a thousand years, and then also one who will remember me. That said, I think those of us who are ageless should try to be on good terms, even if as simple acquaintances. Even while talks like this are a bit new and unnerving, it’s something I’d certainly like to continue, if you’d like.” Celestia nodded in agreement, waving a hoof at herself briefly. “I’d say you’re more than an acquaintance, Nacreous,” she replied. “And I like your viewpoint. It is an odd thing indeed. In a way, the two of us talking right now is not much different than any other mortal conversation. I would most certainly like to continue it; this is a rare thing for me too. It’s an odd thought to say the least, but rather pleasant in and of itself. I think you’re right though. There are some things that you can’t explain to normal individuals, things they are only capable of sympathizing with, but never understanding.” Like a thousand years of loneliness, watching your friends age and die. The thought drove itself like a spike into Celestia’s mind, the Alicorn’s eyes widening in utter shock. Unbidden and out of the blue, the phrase carried with it the millennium of emotion usually kept under lock and key. A thousand years with nocreature to talk to. Celestia’s sides shivered, fear itching at her consciousness as the thin mask struggled to stay in place. This is why I don’t drop my guard. The memories all rush back, and I can’t keep it at bay. Nobody to lean on for support, just me and my own will. I can’t let him see it bothering me. …why not? The counter-thought paused the beginning hurricane of memories, Celestia staring at her hooves. “Celestia?” Nacreous’s voice finally reached her awareness, causing the Alicorn to blink. “Hmm?” The doctor was already digging into his small saddlebags, fishing out a booster shot of the cure. “You looked uncomfortable, and were starting to hyperventilate. Can you still breath alright?” Nacreous asked, his professional attitude immediately taking the forefront. “It’s not that, Nacreous. I’m still fine.” He put away the syringes, staring at the distant Alicorn curiously. “But that’s not the whole truth, is it?” he finally said, keeping quiet for a few long moments. It was only when Celestia glanced over to him that Nacreous’s own eyes widened in surprise. A sensation on Celestia’s cheek drew her attention, and the mare reached up and wiped away the wet drops that were beginning to fall across her fur. “Celestia?” Nacreous asked, genuine worry infusing his deep voice. “Are you ok?” Those three words broke the dam in Celestia’s heart, the Alicorn closing her eyes as she took a deep breath. Her head moved ever so slightly, shaking back and forth. Why did you have to say those words, of all the things… “Can I help?” Yes, please… A sad smile accompanied another shake of the head, Nacreous blowing out a breath in slight confusion. “I didn’t mean to say anything out of turn.” A soft chuckle left Celestia’s muzzle, the ruler glancing up at him briefly, eyes then re-focusing on her hooves. “You’re fine, Nacreous. This has nothing to do with you.” Liar. The hippogriff paused, clearly unsure of what to say. “Do you want me to leave?” No, please don’t leave me alone… “That may be best for a time. I’ll talk to you later, Nacreous.” The hippogriff nodded, promptly trotting out of the gardens and leaving Celestia alone. As soon as the doors to the castle closed, Celestia cast a simple teleportation spell, yanking herself to a distant area of the Garden. Slumping under the drooping boughs of a weeping willow, the ruler dug a hoof into the soft earth in frustration, a frog croaking on a nearby lily pad that floated in the adjacent pond. “Why then? Why?” she hissed, hating the fact that the answer to the question was already there. How long has it been since I’ve just talked with someone like that? Is simple conversation outside of royal duties so alien to me? He is right of course; conversing with another who is ageless is an odd thing indeed. We’re equals in that respect. Is such a simple interaction so strange to me? Am I that far removed from…? The answer to that question had Celestia’s side shaking with sobs, the Alicorn loathing the mental reply. Of course you are. Who can you talk to other than Luna, and maybe Shifting? Twilight is only now warming up to you in a casual sense, and even that is after decades. You don’t have friends other than that. No family. No lovers. Save two ponies, you are as alone as you were a thousand years ago. The temperature in the air jumped as another thought rose, this one as barbed and pointed as any arrow. But do you need friends? Family? A lover? You survived a thousand years without any of those things! You don’t need that! You don’t need anyone! While embracing such a statement once gave her strength, a bit of relief entered the Alicorn’s voice a she accepted the simple fact which plagued both her dreams and now her waking moments. The temperature dropped back down to normal levels, the stoic princess letting the tattered remains of her mask fall to the ground with a trickle of tears. Do I need friends? Family? Creatures who care? “Yes, I do.” A frown was plastered on Nacreous’s face as he trotted the halls, mind spinning in circles. What in the world prompted that? She was pensive, and then just…tears? She says I didn’t say anything, but did I? Blowing out a frustrate breath, Nacreous meandered to a side hall, resting his head against the cool stone briefly. I hate seeing someone distressed, especially her. But she said I should leave; nothing more I can do then. “Ugh, this is weird.” he muttered, then hearing a familiar squawk. “Philomena?” The phoenix let out a chirp promptly sitting on Nacreous’s head and looking down at him. “Well, hello to you too. Your…master? No, awkward term. Friend?” An affirmative peep was her response, Nacreous continuing. “Well, Celestia and I were talking. It was a bit odd; I don’t know if either of us really knows how to talk to someone the same age. It was nice though, and then something changed. She says I didn’t say anything, but she started crying. I can count on my claws the times I’ve heard of that happening with her. This seemed different though.” Philomena let out a crow, hopping off the hippogriff’s head and soaring out into the halls. “Hope you can make her feel better, because I’m rather stumped. I guess…” Nacreous muttered, walking back down the halls. “I suppose I’ll go look at the apartment options once again, and then check on the medical staff. What an odd chat.” ‘Lulu, I need to talk with you.’ A simple note was all it took for Luna to leave the command center; letting Shifting run things as she prepared a teleportation spell. Having just woken up the Lunar Princess ensured the moon and sun were on their way to their correct positions, then immediately set about trying to locate her sister. Ah, that section of gardens; you told me it was your favorite spot. Reappearing with a flash, Luna was immediately on her guard as her sister was sitting nearby, a small pile of royal regalia set off to the side. “Celestia? Are you well?” Luna ventured to ask, trotting over as her sister shrugged her shoulders, further increasing her apprehension. “Truly? I don’t know, Lulu,” Celestia admitted, Luna sitting at her older sister’s side. “You said you wanted to talk?” “Yes, but I’m afraid you won’t understand,” Celestia whispered, then wincing as Luna frowned. “I don’t mean that in a derogatory manner, Luna, not at all. I just- I am not sure I can trust my own thoughts with all of this.” “All of what?” Celestia looked out at the pond, watching as a light drizzle scattered ripples across the waters surface, the weeping willow shielding the two alicorns from the weather. “The past one thousand years, Lulu. There are plenty of reasons I haven’t told you the specifics of it concerning my life. Yes, perhaps some of it isn’t your business, but that’s not a valid reason for everything,” Celestia whispered, Luna staying quiet. “For the first time, there’s an individual who I can talk to who was alive during that time, someone who can actually relate in a way. You said that the time on the moon was a blur…how did you put it?” “I was looking through clouded lenses. It felt like an afternoon train ride, not a thousand years, since the Nightmare was in control,” Luna mused, her shoulders slumping. “Ah. And that is why I cannot understand. The way we experienced those thousand years are quite different, are they not?” Celestia nodded, a grateful smile twitching at her mouth briefly. “As sharp as ever, sister. But yes. I’m starting to realize I don’t really know how to talk to someone who has lived as long as me, who is equal in that respect. Dragons are different; they’re brutish and generally not relatable. But Nacreous? He’s just…him,” she averted her eyes, Luna watching Celestia curiously, not having seen her sister be so vulnerable in a long, long time. Celestia’s wings were drooping at her sides, a usually tidy mane hanging down to partially obscure her violet eyes that darted across her fore-hooves in thought. “Luna, I’m stuck between two opposing forces,” Celestia whispered. “If I put on the mask I have worn for a thousand years, speaking to him as a ruler, he can see right past the emotional insincerity of it. Yet to let my guard down is to confront things I have been forced to ignore for a thousand years. You know a bit of that.” Luna nodded, musing over what she could say for a moment, but finally decided to simply lean over and hug her older sister with a wing. “I’m not sure if I can help you with this, Sister. I know an inkling of the pain you are dealing with, the nightmares confirm that much,” Luna finally said. “But may I offer a suggestion of what I think is the best path?” “Please.” “You must ask yourself this; who are you? Are you the ruler our ponies see, nigh untouchable, without flaws or needs or wants? Or are you Celestia, my sister who loves occasional pranks, exploring caves, ziplines, sports, fast-paced musicals, and who is a fantastic pony I can only hope will be seen as such by everycreature,” Luna said, her smile quivering slightly. “You are one of the most incredible pony’s I’ve ever seen, and stronger than I ever could have imagined. But nopony, nocreature, can know the pony that I do unless you let them. Perhaps you need to get to know yourself too. I think that in time, maybe Celestia the ruler and Celestia my fantastic sister can find a way to combine those two views.” Luna found herself wrapped up in Celestia’s arms, the older alicorn hugging her sister close with a grateful sniffle. “Thank you, Luna. I can’t- that was so sweet.” All smiles, Luna returned the gesture, feeling Celestia start to relax slightly. “You always know what to say at times like this.” “You mean, the all of eight times I’ve needed to say such?” Luna replied, prompting a grin from her older sister. “Yes, the eight times in which nopony else could have made as much a difference.” Returning to sit next to each other, Luna eyed her sister curiously. “What will you do?” Celestia nodded, a bit of fiery determination entering her violet gaze. “Deal with things I should have long since put to rest.” “And with Nacreous? He seems to be a bit of an unknown factor for you.” A genuine chuckle left Celestia’s muzzle, the mare shaking her head. “Unknown? Not entirely. He has his secrets, but there’s really only one path for that.” “Which is?” Celestia looked over to her sister, mane slightly askew as a slightly lopsided smile dawned on her features. “Just be me, even if I’m still trying to solidify what that is.” A happy smile was on Luna’s face as the alicorn nodded in approval, more than a little pleased to see her sister back to a bit more stable ground. “I think that’s a fantastic solution; and from what we know of Nacreous, I imagine he’s going to be rather understanding. For all we know, he could be dealing with similar demons. Perhaps he is still as pained by a millennium of solitude as you are.” Celestia blinked, staring at Luna in utter shock. The younger alicorn couldn’t help but roll her eyes, deadpanning at her sister. “You really didn’t even think that was a possibility, huh?” “…I…..ah…” Luna barely suppressed an amused snort, waving a hoof dismissively. “Well, easy enough to forget, I guess. To that end however, I was going to have a look in his dreams. I’ll make myself known of course; I don’t think he deserve the full dreamscape-espionage treatment.” Celestia nodded, slowly dawning her royal regalia once more. “I think that’s a good idea, to speak with him in a non-professional setting?” “Indeed. Are you going to be alright?” The crown went back on Celestia’s head- but this time, the mask that settled over the alicorn’s features was mostly transparent, Celestia not bothering to hide the dampness on her cheeks or the tired sagging of her wings. “I think so. It’s going to be difficult you know. I’ve tried to show our ponies…me, before, but it’s always dismissed. I can’t do that fully of course, the same as you, being rulers and all. But show a bit of me like this? I’ve never done that before, not for a long period of time.” “Never?” “No, sister, never like this. I’ve not been afforded that luxury. Bits and pieces, but I’ve never been in a situation that allows it.” “Then perhaps, that’s why this time will work. Small steps.” Celestia gave her sister another hug, waving as Luna then vanished with a magical ‘pop.’ Smoothing her hair slightly, the solar ruler made sure she was at least somewhat presentable before heading inside; but let her fur drip with the cool rain that continued to fall from the sky. Shaking herself dry, Celestia glanced over to the royal guards at the entrance, a bit of surprise and confusion in their gaze at seeing their boss and ruler emerge sopping wet. Small steps… “I’ve always enjoyed the rain.” she quipped, seeing the guards blink in surprise. As she trotted away, she didn’t miss the genuine smiles that twitched at their stoic features. Luna drifted through the dreamscape, keeping an eye out for a specific dream bubble. This was her first time ‘meeting’ Nacreous other than their brief exchange, so she didn’t want to act as though he was under suspicion. Which…isn’t entirely true. First however, Celestia’s dream caught her attention, dark tendrils beginning to encompass her sister’s slumber. Another easy fix. The familiar bone-covered landscape was still present; but Luna winced slightly as it took a considerable amount of power to keep the dream-being intact as it hugged Celestia. Why is there increasing resistance to my efforts? That’s new… Her eyes widened in surprise however- because the large figure now bore a few more defined characteristics. It still was mostly shapeless, but the head was definitely a bit more avian, and where the ‘mouth’ would be, the vague shape of a beak was visible. Oh dear. Wait…. Luna gathered her magic about her, ensuring Celestia’s dream was stable before frantically searching for Nacreous’s dream, unease churning in her heart. Did we make a mistake?! Over all these years has he found a way to influence dreams? Could this all be a ruse? She desperately looked for the hippogriff’s dream bubble, staying alert for any possible magic that would have crossed through her realm. Were we wrong in trusting him?! Literally skidding to a halt in the sleepy dimension, Luna examined the large dream sphere in front of her. She frowned as energy crackled off of it, the alicorn unable to perceive what lay within. Odd. It’s like the barriers my sister has; but older, more multi-layered. This is ancient magic…What are you hiding, Nacreous? Ill intent with my sister? Plans of our downfall? Or perhaps a simple pact with the Windigos? Why else would you influence my sister’s dream? Diving into the sphere, Luna promptly smacked into a door, her nose actually aching as the alicorn let out a hiss in pain. “Another door?” “Hiya!” The alicorn nearly jumped out of her skin as a peppy voice sounded near her ear, an ethereal Kirin giggling as she floated in front of the stunned ruler. She looked fairly typical; no immediate differentiating characteristics from many other Kirin other than her see-through purple frame and the bright green eyes that zeroed in on Luna. “Oooooh. Didn’t expect you to be here. I probably shouldn’t say much.” The Kirin mused, sitting between Luna and the door. “And you are?” Luna asked, the kirin waving a hoof at her. “Oh! Right. Um, I’m Gaudi! That’s…pretty much all I can tell you. Oh, and that you can’t go in there. Usually Fori is the one out here, but she’s-” the kirin clamped a hoof over her mouth, head shaking briefly. “Heh, can’t tell you that. She did warn me this might happen. Nice to meet you by the way, Princess Luna.” Luna could only stare, trying to come up with some logical explanation of who this individual was. “Nice to meet you too, Gaudi, I think,” she ventured to say. “What exactly are you doing here in my realm?” Gaudi blew a brief raspberry at the alicorn, her horned head shaking back and forth. “Your realm? I’m not in your realm. I’m in Nacreous’s, if that makes sense. You came here, not the other way around! I’m just here to make sure you don’t poke around where you aren’t supposed to.” she explained, then appearing pensive. “At least, that’s how Fori explained it to me.” “So, you know Nacreous?” Luna asked, sitting down and plastering an unsure but pleasant smile on her features. May as well get as much information as I can… “Yup! But that’s all I can tell you!” Gaudi proclaimed. …so much for that. “Well, as Guardian of the dream realm, I need to go through that door. I’d rather not force the matter,” Luna explained, standing up. “Nuh uh!” Gaudi replied, looking at Luna with a frown. “You guard the dream realm of ponies, and your subjects. Last I checked, Nacreous isn’t either one of those! So no-can-do!” Luna trotted towards the door, trying to edge around the Kirin, who promptly zipped in front of her at every attempt. “Let me-” “Nope!” “Just move-” “Nooooooope!” “This does not concern you1” “Yes it doooooes!” “Move aside!” “No!” With a frustrated sigh, Luna’s horn ignited, surrounding the Kirin in a glow of magic and sending her hurtling aside. “Fori! Iust! Problem! Moon-sized problem!” Gaudi called out as she spun this way and that, trying to dash back as Luna stepped through the now-open door. For a brief moment, Luna saw the dreamscape before her. A large boat on a stormy sea, two figures sitting on the heaving decks- one green and cream colored, the other a familiar ethereal-purple, leaning over the large creature in a comforting sort of manner. Her heart iced over as Nacreous’s head turned towards her, ocean-blue eyes narrowed in rage. Luna’s vision suddenly darkened, two angry eyes filling her entire scope of view. The two grey pupils narrowed, a deep bass voice rumbling into her ears. “You play with fire, Princess. Thou should know better!” the individual growled. Stepping through the large image, the vague image of a pony trotted up briefly, eyes locked onto Luna menacingly. To the alicorn’s horror, her own magic refused to leave her presence, the creature now blocking out her entire view. The pony’s exterior shape was all that was visible other than his eyes; pitch-black colorations showing off the sharp angles and edges that seemed to move around his limbs and back. Tendrils of shadow aimed at the princess, spears of pure darkness glinting as though having a razor-sharp edge. “Iust! That is enough!” a female voice hissed, prompting the dark pony to retreat with a grumble, the entire scene resolving itself into a rather neat waiting room, complete with chairs, couches, and a water-cooler. “I would apologize for that, Princess. But you are lucky to even still be here,” a feline sighed, the ethereal cat sitting down in a chair. Brown eyes looking over the Alicorn, the individual examining her claws briefly, fur waving as though in a distant breeze. Clad in a simple tunic and pants, her form shifted between colors, finally settling on a light blue. “You’ve met Gaudi I see. And no, you don’t get to ask questions here. You are intruding into the mind of one of the few creatures we can call a friend. My name is Fori, and that is all you need to know, unless Nacreous decides to say more.” Luna could only stare at Fori as the feline got up, the scene vanishing to be replaced by a single blank room, a familiar hippogriff staring at her. What was different in this case, was that Nacreous’s eyes were narrowed in fury, claws digging into the semi-soft floor. “Princess Luna,” he stated, voice holding no pleasant tone but a great deal of accusatory emphasis. The stunned alicorn could only blink, holding up a hoof to try and forestall any further angry words. “Doctor Nacreous! I didn’t mean for things to spiral! I just wanted to talk!” Luna stammered, thrown off by the furious hippogriff, and the fact he seemed to be fully in control of the dreams. I’m a fool. After a thousand years of course he knows how to lucid dream and prevent creatures from interfering… “You seemed rather intent on entering for just a ‘talk’, even when Gaudi tried to stop you. You’re lucky I disabled the spells and went for this approach.” Nacreous growled, waving a claw and showing the dozens of runes that spun around the Alicorn. Many were familiar shielding glyphs and patterns, but others sparked and burned with an aggressive intensity, red daggers of lightning lashing out from them as though barely contained. These spells…they could have…. “I- my curiosity got the better of me.” “Why were you so insistent at first? I doubt you’d be like this if one of your subjects wanted you out of their dreams. You’d likely leave with a soft apology, yet here you are.” Genuine shame flooded through the Alicorn, Luna mentally berating herself for the impulsive action. “I made an assumption, but what I’ve seen doesn’t exactly alleviate it,” she admitted, double-checking her own spells. With relief, Luna found the emergency exit pathways still active, as well as the mental barriers in her own mind. “What assumption would provoke you to violate my privacy? I am not one of your subjects, and you should know better. You are only still here because I have allowed it.” Nacreous berated the younger alicorn, an embarrassed flush running across Luna’s cheeks. “What are your intentions with my sister?” The runes immediately vanished, the hippogriff sitting down in surprise. The dangerous anger in his eyes melted away, replaced by curiosity. “I-What?” “I had reason to believe you were affecting her. The magic I have seen here does not disprove my theory.” Nacreous let out a snort, gesturing around at the bare room, which now began to be populated by a few peaceful paintings, depicting various forests and lakes. “This magic is all defensive, Princess. I can control my own dream realm, as can most who are able to dream lucidly.” the hippogriff replied, eyes narrowed slightly. “As for my intentions, she’s a lovely mare who I’d be honored to call a friend. Does that satisfy you? Speaking of which, what caused such an assumption?” “I can’t say.” “Can’t? Or won’t?” “Won’t, because I respect my sister’s privacy.” Nacreous blinked, the room continuing to form itself into a more normal setting, a few cream cushions blinking into existence. “Alright…” he muttered settling down on one of the pillows, sides expanding with deep breath. “Not what I was expecting from a hostile action; I was fully prepared to send you hurtling out of here with enough force to give you a week-long migraine at the very least. These spells, at their worst, can be lethal, so it is a good thing I disabled them on sensing your presence.” “I…apologize for that. I am not used to dealing with individuals in this manner, and for that I am sorry,” Luna admitted, prompting a chuckle from Nacreous. “I imagine not. However, to forestall any questions, the individuals you met are friends I have met on my travels, who remember me after all these years. Perhaps in time you’ll become better acquainted, but until then, I won’t be answering any inquiries about that. Quite frankly, it’s none of your business.” Luna nodded, the alicorn feeling the very alien sensation of being talked down to by a teacher. “I am sorry, Doctor,” she stated, looking up to meet his eyes in a genuine manner. “You have done very little to warrant such suspicion other than keep your life private, and didn’t deserve such behavior from me. And I do apologize to your friends as well.” “It’s…well, it’s not alright, but apology accepted for now; I can’t speak for the others though.” Nacreous mused, massaging the bridge of his beak with a set of claws. “I can hardly blame you for being suspicious; I haven’t exactly been forthcoming with various things. Just…don’t do this again. If anything, knock first.” “Understood, Doctor.” “Just Nacreous, Princess. I think you’d best be on your way now.” Luna nodded, standing and yanking herself from the dream and back into the emergency operations center. Before she fully was free from her realm, a slight headache pressed at her temples, an unseen force giving her a mental smack alongside her head. “That’s for tossing me aside!” Luna winced as Gaudi’s voice rang in her mind, the alicorn letting out a groan as she staggered to her feet. Shifting poked his head into the simple side-room, and was caught off guard as Luna flopped across his back. “Erm, Luna?” “Just let me lie here, Shifting. I feel like a foal. “So…you’re draping yourself across my back?” “Yes. I got a lesson in common courtesy in terms of dreams, and I certainly owe Nacreous an apology.” “Wild guess, he can lucid dream?” “And that’s putting it mildly; he has measures in place to prevent access, along with a few strange guardian entities. I was…not very diplomatic. I’ll explain later after I get something for this headache, courtesy of such defenses.” “Ouch.” “Ouch indeed. Now please carry me to the kitchen.” “Please keep your limbs and wings tightly wound around the Commander at all times. In case of emergency, a kiss may be used to re-start the unit,” Shifting quipped, trotting down the halls towards an awaiting pot of hot chocolate. As her coltfriend lifted her spirits, Luna couldn’t help but think back to the brief exchange. At least your intentions are noble, Nacreous. You didn’t deserve such treatment from me. Your secrets don’t exactly inspire confidence, however… “Well that could have gone better,” Nacreous grumbled, looking at Fori who was sitting in a chair across from him. “She met us, only got names and that we’re your friends. I’d say that’s not horrible in terms of information, especially considering the fact we’ll all meet eventually,” the feline mused, Nacreous nodding. “It isn’t by far. All of this is stuff that would be discovered eventually, one way or another. But why so forceful? That assumption would explain the actions; I can understand the protectiveness such a thought would cause. Was it mere suspicion? I don’t know…” “Perhaps she thought you and Celestia were going to court!” Gaudi chimed in, the kirin poking her head through the wall, prompting a stare from the hippogriff. “What?” “I really should have seen that coming from you…” Nacreous grumbled, shaking his head. “Duuuuuh. It’s kind of my thing, you know? I wasn’t going to say anything, but as a sister, that’d totally be a valid concern for me too!” “True, and I can understand that. But I didn’t mean to come off as seeking that,” Nacreous sighed, head shaking back and forth. “Don’t even get me started on why it wouldn’t work.” “Uh huh, right. Give me some reasons; I mean, you always are rather happy when telling us about her!” Gaudi replied. “I have a lot of secrets.” “And? So does she, and like, every other creature in existence. Invalid!” “I don’t know her that well at all.” “Duh? Hence why being friends with someone first is so great! Bad reason!” “I don’t think she’s that lovely!” Gaudi blew a raspberry to the hippogriff, waving a hoof at him. “Oh come on, now you’re just lying! You had the biggest grin on your face when telling us she giggled. You’ve used the terms ‘lovely, charming’ and I believe ’gorgeous’ at least once when talking about a certain solar princess! Invaaaaalid!” “You’re not helping, Gaudi.” Nacreus grumbled, not daring to meet the triumphant gaze of the cheeky kirin as she sighed. “Fiiiiine. It’s none of my business aaaanyways. That said, I think having a friend is perfectly fine too!” “As close as we are to you, you need somecreatures who are a bit more…normal,” Fori added, prompting a grumble from Nacreous. “Fair enough, but it’s tricky just talking to someone who is as old as me, and will remember. Even though I don’t act that much different, it gives my actions more weight, more meaning. It’s a strange thing too, to know that plays together with someone who can understand the trials of a thousand years.” “But it’s a good thing, right?” Fori asked, eliciting a nod. “A very good thing. It feels freeing to find someone who can relate like that. She’s going through something though, and I don’t think it’s my place to ask. I don’t like seeing her suffer though.” Fori nodded in thought, reaching over to give the hippogriff’s shoulder a pat. “Well, if it’s as odd for you as it is for her, I imagine it’s a tricky thing indeed. Perhaps it’s worth asking. Maybe you two can work through the oddness together? It’s how we all became friends; working through trials together.” Nacreous nodded in agreement, waving a claw to send the dreamscape back to a familiar ocean, this time the sun shining on a gently rolling scene. “Together? Perhaps…”