“Why can’t I sleep?” Anon mutters to himself, holding Tia close.
“What do you expect when your mind continues to wander,” Nightmare answers.
Anon’s eyes snap open as he stares at Nightmare, his arms enveloping her while she lies down on all fours beside him. This is the furthest thing he expected to happen today as he’s frozen in place. The worst part is the neutral expression Nightmare is giving him. Without hearing her thoughts or emotions, he doesn't know how to approach this dilemma.
“I don’t mind,” she responds. “You couldn’t move even if you wanted to. You’re well beyond your limit.”
Is that why he seems so exhausted despite being in his dream world? Not that it matters because, now that he’s here with Nightmare, he wonders how things went with Tia.
“So... What did you two talk about?”
“Nothing worth mentioning. She came to explore your memories and examine this void. I wasn’t interested in starting a fight, so you can rest easy.”
A load is lifted from Anon upon hearing that. Gazing at Nightmare, Anon notes that her eyes are different. The typical slitted pupils are rounder than he recalls. They’re considerably gentler, and despite the neutral expression, there’s a sense of caring behind them. It’s strangely calming as he finds his thoughts drifting back to when he was alone in that corridor with Luna.
He hasn’t forgotten how Nightmare supported him; he took everything said to heart. Adding that she was willing to let Tia do her thing, it means the world to Anon. Luna may think of him as an idiot, but Anon isn’t blind. Nightmare is powerful, but she’s never harmed anyone. Tia confirming that his memories haven’t been altered also drives home that he can trust her.
Anon holds his gaze on Nightmare as his confidence begins to swell; his thoughts bring a moment of clarity that he seldom sees. He swears that so long as Nightmare doesn’t hurt him or his friends, she’ll never have to endure the pain of being alone because he’ll be there for her. Nightmare’s eyes grow as her muzzle runs red. She raises a hoof to hide her face.
Puzzled by her reaction, Anon takes a minute to think, but then it hits him. Earlier, he didn’t say anything to Nightmare when she answered him. A wave of embarrassment washes over him as he realizes she could hear his unfiltered thoughts. He, too, tries to bury himself with his hands.
“W-Wasn’t there a spell that isolated my thoughts?”
“It was overwhelmed by your argument with Luna. Once you rest, I’ll take the time to put another one up.”
Well, it’s too late for Anon to take that back. Not that he would, but this amount of embarrassment is more than he can handle.
“I think I’ll try to sleep now,” he states.
When Anon drops his hands, Nightmare is looking at him, and she has a slight smile on her lips.
“Goodnight,” she says.
While Anon is still flustered, seeing Nightmare in a good mood puts him at ease.
“Goodnight.”
Just like in the waking world, Anon is out before he knows it. Nightmare watches Anon for a bit before leaning down and nuzzling him. He’s such a strange creature, but she’s alright with that. Once the time comes for her to tell him of the past, she wonders if he’ll keep his promise? A hefty sigh leaves Nightmare, experiencing Anon’s emotions has taken a significant toll on her.
A quick nap will benefit them both. Then, once she wakes, she’ll cast her spell to contain his thoughts. So with that swell in her chest, she closes her eyes and falls into a slumber with Anon.
An explosive flash of light fills the backstage before dying out with Celestia standing at the center. All events have come to an end, and her final speech is imminent.
“You’re on in five minutes.” Shining calls out, having been waiting for her return.
“Very well.” Celestia looks herself over to make sure she’s fit for the public. “Have you spoken to my sister about what’s going on?”
He nods. “I’ve already familiarized the rest of the guard about our current plan.”
“Good. Be certain to keep me posted on any developments.”
“Understood. I would also like to add that Twilight’s friends are concerned about her whereabouts.”
Celestia is grateful for Shining having reminded her. With everything going on, they’ve slipped her mind. “I’ll speak with them after this.”
Shining bows as Celestia makes her way up to the podium just as a few bells toll. The sun is closing in on the horizon, and whatever light is left illuminates the princess as she gives the crowd a smile.
“Today has been exciting.” She starts, the crowd giving a round of applause, which she pauses a moment so they may calm themselves. “I’m sure this day will go down in history as one not to be forgotten. I thank you all for coming and showing your support to the numerous creatures that have competed today. With that, I can now declare that the festival is over! Have a wonderful night, my little ponies.”
All around, give the princess a bow as she exits the stage, her smile dropping before she teleports to the private booth. When she enters, she finds Spike rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly; the fillies nodding off against him while Pinkie, Applejack, and Fluttershy sit in wait.
“I apologies for the wait, but an urgent matter came up.” Celestia states before shifting her gaze to Spike. “Can I trust you to keep them company while I have a discussion with these three?”
“Um, sure,” Spike responds.
“Where’s Anon?” Pinkie asks, concerned.
“Resting. Now please, gather around me. It would be best if we returned to the castle.”
They do as she says, and in an instant, Celestia brings the three to the throne room while having left Spike and the Crusaders in Twilight’s room. Celestia sits on her throne while the three look around, confused.
“I will be blunt because I have the sense that you three already have a clue as to what’s going on.” Celestia takes a minute to collect her thoughts. “Rainbow Dash attempted to kill Anon.”
All their eyes shrink at hearing that. Pinkie shakes in place as she tries to respond.
“K-Kill him? How?”
“She used a Sonic Rainboom to fly through our defenses and aimed at Anon. The only reason he wasn’t harmed is due to Twilight shielding him.”
“Twilight saved him?” Applejack asks.
Celestia nods. “She is in the infirmary if you wish to see her.”
“What about Rainbow?” Fluttershy comes in.
“I’ve already hoofed down my punishment. I would recommend speaking to Twilight about anything else. It’s been a difficult day, and I need to rest.” Celestia tries to hurry them along, as her patience is running thin.
“Can I see Anon for just a moment?” Pinkie pleads.
Celestia draws in a long breath to soothe her nerves.
“No. He’s already at his breaking point. For the time being, I urge that you go to Twilight and lean on her until Anon has recovered. There’s plenty for him and me to review about this mess, and that can only be done alone. Do you understand?”
There’s a certain sting to Celestia’s tone that gives everyone in the room the impression she’s not interested in addressing this further. Pinkie looks to add something, but a hoof rests on her withers as she looks back to Fluttershy as she shakes her head.
“I’m positive the princess knows what’s best for Anon right now. She is his marefriend, after all.”
This isn’t what Pinkie wants, but she backs down, her head sinking low as she steps back and beside Fluttershy.
Celestia looks at Fluttershy, her expression growing soft. “Sorry for acting so harsh, but this is a delicate situation. Twilight will have most of the answers you’re looking for. I’ve left Spike in Twilight’s room, and you’re welcome to stay at the castle for as long as you like. For now, I merely wish to be by Anon’s side.”
“I understand. Please tell Anon that we hope he’s doing well and want to see him soon,” Fluttershy responds with a smile.
“I will. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” Fluttershy says as she escorts her two friends out of the throne room. She can see that Pinkie is distraught, and Applejack looks completely emotionless. “Maybe we should let Twilight rest and see her in the morning?”
“That sounds best.” Applejack replies as she walks off.
Pinkie follows behind Applejack, her mane flat and head swinging low. Fluttershy doesn’t know what to do, but she trusts Twilight has some good news for them about Rainbow. Otherwise, she’s not sure how they’ll ever heal from this.
Blossom is doing paperwork as she reflects on the plans that are in motion for the changelings. They have various avenues covered, but no system is perfect, and she’s wondering what cracks those bugs will sneak through when the time is right. She sighs to herself; for now, she should concentrate on the things she can control to ensure everypony is protected.
Easier said than done. With so many things to consider, her thoughts drift to why Luna hasn’t returned yet. What could those two be discussing that would take this long? The door to her office is thrown open as Luna stands there with a grim expression. Where Blossom should be relieved of her Princess’s return, instead, a shiver runs down her spine.
“Princess?” Blossom gets up from her seat.
“Effective immediately: Thou art no longer overseeing Anon.”
“Excuse me?” Blossom can’t believe what she’s hearing. “If you’re concerned about it affecting my duties involving the changelings, I can guarantee that I’ll have no issue with doing both.”
“This is an order, Captain.” Luna asserts. “The knights are forbidden from getting within hoofs’ length of him. We can’t go into detail why, but tis paramount that no pony gets near him until we’ve dealt with the issue.”
Something is wrong here. Blossom can tell that Luna appears calm and collected on the surface, but deep down, she’s terrified. What could’ve fallen between her and Anon to have led to this? It’s as if she’s a different mare now.
“I-If those are my orders, I will follow them.” Blossom states. “May I tell Anon myself? I’d rather him not assume I was avoiding him on purpose.”
“He will understand thy actions once we’ve fixed the issue. Until then, keep thy distance.”
“Understood.” Blossom gives a nod as Luna exits her office.
Blossom doesn’t agree with this one bit, and while it’s true she’s loyal to Luna. Some things are too cruel for her to do. When the moment is right, Blossom will tell Anon about her orders because that’s what a friend does.
Celestia enters her chamber for the night and closes the door behind her. Her gaze rests on Anon as he dreams peacefully. Celestia is exhausted, but seeing him like this puts her at ease as she makes her way over to the bed. Taking off her regalia and crown, she climbs into bed before embracing him. Right now, she should sleep, but her mind is left with many thoughts.
She’s lost in what to do about Nightmare Moon. Above all else, she wants to ensure that Anon is safe, but she cannot deny that The Elements appear to be in play. A magical force the likes Celestia has never seen on this planet, acting as if it has a will of its own but only bringing a harmonious outcome. She sighs, no good will come from her wandering thoughts, but she cannot help them.
The unusual bond between Anon and Nightmare Moon takes the forefront of her mind. There’s a tenderness with which Anon approaches that creature and not something she sees very often. Is it because he’s free to express himself in his dreams? That he fears being that open in the real world? Try as he might to be sincere with his feelings in their relationship; Celestia knows it’s a struggle.
Yet, he’s found some form of peace with Nightmare. Despite the urge to vomit from the image, Celestia cannot deny that it’s a two-way street. She returned his emotions in kind and went so far as to protect him when no one else could. This isn’t the monstrosity Celestia knew, and she cannot fathom what has brought about this change. Then there’s her sister.
It’s difficult for Celestia to remain neutral because of how Luna handled the situation. All those appalling things she said. Celestia understands the complexity of this position and her sister's warning to Anon about this unlikely outcome. Still, the fact she threw him under the carriage without remorse upsets her the most. He, too, was scared about everything and doing what he thought was right.
Celestia takes a moment; she must calm herself, or else she won’t be capable of bearing the wrath that’s beginning to swell. Luna isn’t innocent in this matter. For so long, she’s kept Nightmare Moon a secret. How could she abuse Celestia’s trust like this? Just when she hoped they were close and things were getting better... It just makes her feel like a fool for believing Luna changed.
There’s nothing that can be done. Celestia doubts that with all alicorns and Twilight, they’d be able to remove Nightmare Moon. With little distance between Celestia and Anon, she can sense Nightmare’s mana seeping from him. Her powers are on par with Starswirls, maybe even surpassing him. Yet, her mana is calm. Celestia recalls from their battle her mana being like a frigid hurricane of corruption.
Though right now, it comes off as nothing more than a cool breeze on a summer night. To think Anon has so much sway with a being that desired nothing but to plunge the world into everlasting darkness; that she values him more than all of her power. Was this The Elements’ intent the entire time? To make a friend of an enemy?
This is complicated, and the only reasonable course of action is for her to observe. So long as Anon isn’t being controlled, Celestia is prepared to let him explore this uncanny friendship. As for her sister? That will have to wait, but Celestia is concerned that she may try something dangerous, which will cause a disaster by upsetting Nightmare Moon.
This is all so strange that it’s almost enough to make Celestia laugh from the absurdity, but she’s too tired. She’s startled when Anon embraces her, his head buried in her chest with a content smile. For now, she needs to rest and recover from this day. They have plenty to talk about tomorrow.