“Princess Luna!” he called, halting her.
“Metamorphosis? What has brought you to follow me?” Princess Luna asked quizzically.
Metamorphosis took a breath. “You are the Princess of the Night and Mistress of Dreams, correct?”
“Indeed, though few call me the latter. Why is it you ask?”
“I-It’s about my son.” Metamorphosis said. “Pharynx.” he clarified as Luna gave him a confused look.
“Oh? Pharynx, your son who is the General of the Hive, correct? What could I have to do with him?”
“He’s been having nightmares. Thorax tells me it’s been happening for a while, though he strongly suspects Pharynx has them more often than he lets on. I realize it may be an odd request, but if there were any way you could-”
“What are the dreams of?” Luna interrupted. She did not seem upset, so Metamorphosis figured she was simply wishing to know immediately.
“Pharynx tells us they change, but mostly stick to an overarching theme, in that they all insist he is evil and a monster.”
Luna nodded. “I believe I have some understanding of those sorts of things. Tell me, how badly are they disrupting his day-to-day life?”
“Very, I’m afraid. He is frequently tired in the morning, and unwilling to get up as early as he usually does for training. In fact, it relates to the reason we arrived after Thorax and Ocellus today. He didn’t sleep well last night, and while he didn’t tell Thorax or myself, I suspect it was because of the nightmare. I had to send Thorax and Ocellus ahead so they wouldn’t be late. After they left, I needed to rouse him from a nap he attempted to take when we arrived in our room.”
“I see.” Luna nodded. “This is important, then. Anything else I should know?”
“Just one thing.” Metamorphosis then looked away, staring at a wall. “However, I must implore you not to speak a word of what I am about to tell you to anyone else. It is a private matter between our family.”
“Of course.” Luna’s gaze softened. “Whatever you say I will not repeat.”
Metamorphosis lowered his voice. He hated to break his silent promise not to tell anyone, but it was necessary.
“Pharynx has a special plushie he says was given to him by Ocellus during a celebration known as Hearth’s Warming. It appears to be his comfort object, as I have seen him holding it after nightmares. I have also seen him seek his brother out when the nightmares become unbearable, sometimes bringing along the comfort plushie. I join them if I happen to be awake, and Thorax and I sit with him until he calms down. Then we let him cuddle against us. He only sleeps peacefully if one or both of us is with him, or perhaps when he has the plushie.”
Luna nodded. “Bringing a comfort object to an already assured safe space, that is not a good sign.”
“I figured as much. I thought perhaps it meant the nightmares were too bad.”
“It does indeed.” Luna sighed. “I have never tried to enter the minds of those outside Equestria, it is a bit… shall we say, outside my jurisdiction. However, I believe I know what Pharynx may be going through, and I know that if allowed to continue, this could severely damage his psyche.”
Metamorphosis’ eyes widened in concern. “So you mean to say…?”
“If this is allowed to continue, it could affect him so much that he changes emotionally. Becomes afraid of social interaction due to fear of being outcasted. Becomes depressed and develops anxiety in fear of making a mistake that will potentially give others a reason to call him a monster. Pharynx may even lose part of his personality. The cynical part that I have heard Thorax remark on with such fondness and the protector trait that helps him defend the Hive.”
“N-No…”
“I’m afraid if things are not stopped, it is a possibility.” Luna told him gravely.
“A-Anything else?”
“I’m afraid no one can predict all the possible outcomes. But Pharynx could also become so afraid of doing anything that he gives up. In any case, yourself and Thorax would be the only tethers he has to this world.”
“You don’t mean he’d… no! I won’t let that happen, I can’t!” Metamorphosis exclaimed
“I know. Which is why I will help your son.” Luna concluded. “I will venture into Pharynx’s dreams tonight, and we shall see if he has the nightmare again. If he does, I will do what I can to help him.”
“He brought the plushie with us.” Metamorphosis murmured, voice lowering. “I believe he is expecting it to happen again.”
“Then perhaps he has worked out some pattern for them you have not. Or else it was a precaution. Regardless, as he is in the castle it shouldn’t be hard to enter his dreams.”
“Alright…” Metamorphosis bowed. “Thank you, Princess, for agreeing to help.”
“It is nothing, good changeling.” Luna beckoned for him to rise. “I help all who need it within their dreams, and it fills me with great pride and elation when I am successful. I hope to be this time.”
Metamorphosis nodded. “I cannot thank you enough for it.”
“There is no need, and I would prefer you not thank me yet. I will do my best to aid your son, but often, nightmares can only end once the dreamer feels they are no longer shrouded in the misery that caused it.”
Metamorphosis nodded in understanding. “I still thank you.”
“Of course. Now, I believe you should head back to your sons before they question where you’ve gone. And I must return to my chambers, I have been awake far later in the day than I am used to because of this meeting. If I am to help your son, I must be well rested.”
“Alright.” Metamorphosis smiled at her before turning to leave.
Luna smiled as he headed back, then turned to head down the hallway to her own chambers. She had some much needed rest to get to.