//------------------------------// // New Interest // Story: Two Nymphs, One Pony // by CitreneSkys //------------------------------// “Leave me alone,” Pharynx hissed towards the rabbit, who spat at him. The white rodent seemed to take pleasure in making the crimson nymph suffer, and his patience was running thin. It wasn’t until Pharynx gave a low, menacing growl did the rabbit stop. White fur trembled as fear radiated off of the little rodent. Rubbing his temples, he stalked towards the red staircase. “Let me guess, Angel is a pain to you too?” A voice called from above, and Pharynx turned his eyes towards the source. The dragon stood in the red-stained stairs, giving the changeling a sympathetic look. The nymph nodded. “...I pride myself as a pretty patient when I want to be but...” “Same,” Spike agreed, sighing. Purple claws lit up the room by placing lanterns around the library. “Princess Luna has risen the moon, so we should probably get some sleep.” Reluctantly, the nymph followed. He didn’t feel tired by any means, but if he has to get to sleep... Climbing the stairs felt tiring, somehow. Where the steps larger than Fluttershy’s? He couldn’t tell. Ending his trudge at the top of the stairs, he was greeted with a bed similar to that of Miss Fluttershy’s. It had an almost identical frame, but the sheet was of a dark navy instead of red. A sheet of star patterned fabric laid atop the bed, and curled on top was the shape of his brother. Thorax was curled into one of the pillows, wrapped tightly in the blanket Fluttershy had packed. It was reminiscent of the cocoons that were made back at the hive, though less sinister and more cozy. The smile that crossed his face was small but gentle towards his little brother. Slowly, he crawled up the side of the bed, landing on a slightly stiffer mattress. “...hey Pharynx...” Thorax yawned, licking his dry lips. “Just sleep, you idiot,” the crimson nymph rubbed a hoof against the younger changeling’s head, sighing. “It’s been a long day.” Half-lidded cyan eyes closed once more, and the youngest fell into a deep slumber. Instinctively, Pharynx felt himself wrap around the little nymph, protectively shielding him from any dangers. He twitched his ears as Spike sighed from near the stairway. “I’m....going to deal with the rabbit, hang on-“ Pharynx looked back as the dragon let out a painfully strained groan. Never in my life had I felt so bad for anyone... It’s been a few hours, and Pharynx couldn’t get a wink of sleep. The small nymph still curled around his asleep brother, the moon casting a white glow onto the both of them. Growling under his breath, he looked up towards the window. It was crystal clear glass, giving a lovely view of the outside world. The stars twinkled in the inky sky, the white orb in between it all seemed to taunt him as he rubbed his eyes. Sighing, he detangled himself from Thorax. The younger nymph mumbled a protest before going silent again, and the crimson nymph let out a relieved breath. Quietly, Pharynx crawled off the bed, making sure his steps were light against the wood. Leaving the small bedroom, the crimson nymph found himself trotting down the red-stained stairs. Violet eyes trailed around the darkened treehouse, adjusting to the lack of light. I guess the lamps burned out, he continued down, stopping at the base. Only one light was still burning, casting is yellowish light over the ground. Before him, the purple dragon laid tiredly on the floor. Next to him, the rabbit he oh so despised slept on the floor. Guess he fell asleep, too, he thought, before internally groaning. Why can’t I sleep for once?! Rubbing his face, he looked around the room. Even with the lights were dimmed out the room seemed bright. The walls were of light cherry, it’s shelves decorated with books and scrolls. Out of pure curiosity, he levitated a large book off of the shelves. What his violet magic had grabbed was a thick, black, and gold book with fancy writing atop the cover. “‘Nightmare’...” he read, his interest minimal. “It’s a good read,” Pharynx jumped at the sudden voice behind him, clutching the book to his chest. Regaining his composure, he turned towards the exhausted dragon on the floor. Spike staggered onto his feet, stepping towards the changeling. “A nice horror story, but not one I recommend to go to sleep to.” “...what’s it about...?” “Well...without much of a spoiler...it’s about this young filly who gets these really bad nightmares. They seem too real and are physically hurting her.” Still looking over the cover, Pharynx steadily opened the cover. “It’s sounds...interesting...” “Brave, huh?” Spike commented. Then he shivered. “Still gives me nightmares to this day.” The changeling smirked, flipping towards the first page. “...Welp, sounds perfect for me.” Spike returned a cocky smirk. “Okay, but don’t complain if you get to chicken to read the rest...” The dragon yawned, rubbing his eyes. “I’m going to bed now...” Humming goodnight, he began to read the first page. If he wasn’t able to sleep tonight, it was fine by him. Spike stretched his arms as he awoke to the sound of bird chirps. The sun had risen from over the horizon, filling the sky with warm light. Emerald eyes slowly peaked themselves openly, and the dragon yawned. Wiping newly formed tears from his eyes, he looked over towards the window. From the position of the sun in the sky, it should be around nine or ten in the morning. Turning towards his other side, he saw a lone changeling snuggled into the warm blankets. Thorax was still asleep, his breathing slow and steady. It was enough to make the dragon smile. Crawling out of his bed basket, he kicked off the baby blue blanket on top of him. Crawling out of the woven basket, he turned towards the steps that lead down into the main room of the tree. His steps slightly echoed as he skipped down the stairs, picking up the burnt-out lanterns around the library. Usually, when Twilight was home, he would have to use the firefly lights, but she must’ve taken them with her. When he made it to the bottom of the stairs, his gaze turned towards a slumped figure over the desk. Pharynx’s head was laying atop the book, having fallen asleep against the table. His wings twitched and his ears flicked every so often, and Spike rolled his eyes. “You know...I really thought he’d have trouble sleeping...” he sighed, tapping the changeling on the shoulder plate. Instantly, the red and violet heap shot out of his seat, toppling over onto the floor. “..ow..” He mumbled, shaking his head. He looked over towards the dragon, his tail lashing against the floor. “...it’s morning already...?” “Yes...when did you sleep?” “...maybe a few hours ago...?....I haven’t finished the book...” Spike shook his head. “You can finish the book later. Just get some sleep-“ Pharynx let out a low, long hiss. The wings buzzed and vibrated, and the changeling turned back towards the black and gold book. His eyes scanned the page as he began to read the story again, and Spike sighed. “It’s like dealing with a mini Twilight...except I’m the older one.”