Princess Nightmare Moon wandered further into the black space which was Twilight's mind. Her comfortability with the situation was plain upon her expression. She strode with confidence, and if any could witness, they'd likely conclude the same. This was her realm of expertise, the very nature of what she was most familiar with. Dreams. The subconscious mind and the nestled secrets every pony had tucked away deep within. Their secrets... their aspirations... their limitless imagination. Here she would find all she desired, or so she thought.
Slowly the black canvas began to populate itself with objects, fading in from nothing but mist.
Hm, the Masquerade. Princess Nightmare Moon watched as Twilight's dreams slowly began to fill with the variety of masked ponies she'd come across on this night, even if she herself didn't notice she'd taken record of them. It would make sense her mind still dwelled here. Though this event was of no interest to Princess Nightmare Moon, she allowed herself to enjoy the steady revelations. This was expected, the most immediate memories always came first. So, she would bide her time until a more interesting prospect would reveal itself.
"Woooo! Partyyyy Partyyy!" Minuette appeared, doing a twirl as she adjusted her mask. She was followed in tow by Lyra, Bon Bon, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts and finally... Twilight at the very end who appeared, happy.
Princess Nightmare Moon didn't fail to notice this, actually paying firm attention to Twilight's happy expression. She then took note of all the ones she was in company with. These must be her friends then, I assume.
As Twilight trotted away through the crowd of masked ponies, those memories began to fade away like a departing mist, as new ones were constructed in place. Another common occurrence within the land of dreams. Princess Nightmare Moon simply let everything happen, as she only observed to learn as much as she could. Soon more masked ponies began to appear, however instead they were all gathered at a banquet.
Princess Nightmare Moon trotted around, casually taking note still of the memories which surrounded her.
Pinkamena Diane Pie shouted abruptly, taking center stage in the memory. "You're just a liar!"
Princess Nightmare Moon flinched, surprised suddenly as she eyed the familiar mare. "Pinkamena?"
Then suddenly also manifesting herself was Applejack, snarling at Pinkamena. "You take that back!"
Princess Nightmare Moon's brow rose as she raised a hoof to her face in utter confusion as now even Applejack appeared in this memory. She glared downward in thought. Prior to this you were already connected to these two? Another coincidence... I think not! B-But how? Why? How did I not foresee this? "Nragh!" Princess Nightmare Moon stomped then, as her horn started to glow and suddenly, a portal opened overhead not far from her.
Falling through the portal, still in her dark blue suit and white collared shirt, as well as sipping a cup of coffee was none other than Doctor Tantabus. However, being caught off guard she landed on her rear and her coffee splashed all over herself. She bore no expression as she sat, dumbfounded in this sudden dream space.
Princess Nightmare Moon wasted no time. "Tantabus! I need your assistance."
Doctor Tantabus rose as she sighed heavily and began padding off the coffee that was spilled on her. "Oh, trust me I noticed. Princess... surely this could've waited?" She appeared somewhat annoyed with half closed eyes as she made her way over to the alicorn. She glanced around in question, "May I ask... where are we?"
Princess Nightmare Moon scoffed, observing Pinkamena and Applejack still. "Twilight Sparkle's dreams."
Doctor Tantabus raised a brow up at her. "You say that as if I should understand what that means."
Princess Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes, "Must I spell out every little detail for you? She's the subject I came and saw you about! Does that satisfy you!? Now enough! I... I only wish for you to lend me your gifts again."
Doctor Tantabus strolled in a sly manner with a playful expression upon her face as her head was lowered and she glanced up at Princess Nightmare Moon. "Oh no no no, I don't think so. So it seems somepony does care."
Princess Nightmare Moon was fuming, red in the face as she growled like a chained beast.
Doctor Tantabus raised her head in satisfaction. "Per usual I was right! And I deserve to take a moment-"
Princess Nightmare Moon exuded an explosive roar in her canterlot voice, "I SAID ENOUGH!"
Doctor Tantabus covered her ears as her starry mane became disheveled. She huffed then, "Somepony is more grumpy than usual today." She adjusted her tie and then closed her eyes as her horn started to glow.
Princess Nightmare Moon continued, "You and I are the only individuals with the capability to manifest our physical selves wholly in the dreamscape Tantabus. Even so, you possess all the emotional depth necessary to truly understand the meaning I seek behind these visuals. This... meddlesome Twilight Sparkle only becomes more of a conundrum for me Tantabus." Princess Nightmare Moon was still slightly red as she raised a hoof to her forehead, "I should just banish her and be done with it. I cannot take much more of this. I need confirmation, clarity, and peace." She closed her eyes, "I need to rid all sense of mystery from this mare."
Doctor Tantabus' nose wrinkled as she showed strain. Perplexed. "She's... just as lost and confused."
Princess Nightmare Moon looked to her then. "Hm?" She raised a hoof to her chin. So, no prior connections she's aware of with those two? Then they are the ones who reached out to her. Why? She snarled, that anger rising again. My dearest chosen would dare hide such connections from me!? She calmed herself then. No, no think logically Nightmare. Even if they had prior connections... there is no harm in knowing her considering she has only recently become a burden to me. She whimpered in quiet frustration, "Still why're so many threads linked to her?"
Doctor Tantabus' horn began to pulse with a pale pink light as she appeared strained. "Nightmare... who is this pony? Her thoughts and feelings, they're a sea of oddities. I sense something far deeper, more malevolent lurking beneath the surface, but it's closed off somehow. Even from my magic." She grunted, before the light on her horn popped and she began to sweat. "I... I can see why you found her strange. Well, that and given you have so many conflicting emotions yourself." She straightened herself as she glanced around at the remnants of memories of the Masquerade. "We need to go deeper Princess. I cannot decipher her properly here."
Princess Nightmare Moon's horn glowed as suddenly rising from the black surface was a double door. It was a bright violet and yellow, with what looked like a star painted at its center. "Quite the interesting design."
Doctor Tantabus approached the door as she began to fiddle with the knob, soon pushing it open. As the door creaked open, she began to sweat as she gulped nervously. It was pitch black inside, even more so than here.
Princess Nightmare Moon didn't fail to notice Tantabus' demeanor. "Tantabus? What is wrong with you?"
Doctor Tantabus glanced back at her in question, then inside through the door. "I... I'm not too sure I just... I feel a heavy presence tugging at me. Almost as if barring me from entering." She looked to Princess Nightmare Moon, "I've not felt such a thing before Princess Nightmare." She paused, "Not even with you."
Princess Nightmare Moon's nose wrinkled as she flinched, eyes wide also in shock and offense. She scowled at Tantabus, before shoving her aside and trotting through the door with haste. "Silence! Let us go." She paused briefly before glancing back at the unicorn, "It seems I overestimated you Tantabus. Perhaps when we return, an inspection of your health is in order. To utter such nonsense... you must truly be unwell." She scoffed.
Doctor Tantabus however cared little for Princess Nightmare Moon's obvious scorn. She still appeared nervous and uncertain as she followed after her slowly. An obvious hesitation within her. I do hope... I am unwell.
"Everypony, move!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed as ponies in masks all began to dissipate in the halls.
Twilight Sparkle laid unconscious atop the back of Diane, as Fluttershy and Applejack helped keep her steady.
Fluttershy muttered as they moved. "W-Why did the Princess disappear all of a sudden back there?"
Rarity responded in kind. "Only the Princess and those infused with her magic can freely manifest their physical selves within the dreams of ponies. It may be hard to believe but-" she looked at Twilight, "The Princess is close, yet far beyond our reach darling. Actually, she now resides in an entirely different plane of existence."
Fluttershy gulped as they continued to proceed forward. "T-That sounds scary if you ask me."
Light gasps echoed in the halls as curious guests all watched the commotion take place.
Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Diane, Rarity, Tempest and Fluttershy all looked quite disheveled, as if they'd been in a light scuffle. Twilight appeared far worse off than others, with her new clothes practically in tatters.
Tempest began clearing the halls as casually as she could, also waving off ponies to move aside. "Nothing to see here everypony! Continue enjoying the party! Please pay us no mind but give us some room to escort this sick pony to medical quarters." She glanced back at the unconscious Twilight, who definitely fit the part.
Rarity adjusted her mask as she looked sternly at Tempest. "Tempest... we are drawing attentioooon."
Tempest spoke in a whisper but with obvious annoyance. "You don't think I know that, Rarity?"
Fluttershy cut in, "A-Ah, I know a more secluded route we could use. F-Further down the east hall."
Applejack cut in as she eyed Twilight with both guilt and concern. She then looked to the others, "Y-Yall go on ahead. If we're really gonna do this, then I gotta let Twilight's friends know she ain't missing at the very least."
Rainbow Dash's nose wrinkled in annoyance at Applejack. "Why's that? She's a prisoner, not our guest!"
Tempest cut in then, "She's not our prisoner. For now, she's just a pony of interest." She nodded to Applejack, "That sounds like a good idea Applejack, the less commotion we bring to ourselves and to this whole situation from here on out the better. Reassuring her friends would be a good first step, and you're more famous than any of us so it might be an actual good outcome. Who knows, they might even consider her lucky."
Applejack rubbed at the back of her neck, showing subtle worry. "I doubt that."
Rarity gasped at Tempest, "AHEM? Excuse me? Most famous?"
Applejack looked to Rarity, then sticking her tongue out at her.
Tempest rolled her eyes at Rarity, "Let's not get into semantics now Rarity." She continued, addressing Rainbow next. "Rainbow, you should go find Princess Cadence! Tell her...." she paused, looking over at Fluttershy who seemed uncertain, then back at Rainbow Dash. "T-Tell her that, Fluttershy will brief her the moment this issue with Twilight is fully resolved. She'll no doubt be wondering why her beloved advisor hasn't returned yet."
Fluttershy cut in then, "W-Wait I.. I don't think this is a good idea." She glanced down, "Twilight and Princess Cadence know each other! B-Before you all arrived, they had a big fight. It's what put poor Twilight in so much distress. This is my first time meeting Twilight so I... I don't know all the details of why they fought."
Tempest's eyes widened. "What!?" She shook her head glancing around, seeing that ponies were still watching them as she huffed. "Well this just got more complicated. Fine! Tell her that Fluttershy will return the moment we... uh..." she glanced down in thought, then back up with slight confidence. "The moment we make Twilight feel better. That Twilight is still hurt from their argument and that Fluttershy wanted to help resolve it. Maybe that'll sway her suspicion!" Tempest frowned. Knew each other? W-Was Princess Cadence the one who cleared her file? I've never seen such dangerous spontaneous magic expulsion. So why hide her away from prying eyes?
Rainbow Dash crossed her arms, "Yeah, except a few problems. One, why am I the one who's separating from the group? You keep shouting orders! Are you the boss!? Or is the Princess!? Second! Why are we going this extra mile to protect her!? She's the enemy! We don't know her! We don't owe her anything special!"
Diane was quiet but glared intensely at Rainbow Dash in a threatening manner.
Rainbow Dash didn't fail to notice Diane's expression. "What Diane!? Got something to say!?"
Tempest did a zipped lip gesture across her muzzle as she nudged her head in the direction of the surrounding ponies, many still observing before she muttered. "Rainbow! You're the fastest out of all of us, so you can get downstairs and inform the Princess fastest. Also... I get it okay? I get she's not our friend. But she is of importance to the Princess, to the point we just went through all that craziness to get her! Do you want to upset the Princess? Do you want the Princess to feel that you're unreliable and she can't count on you?"
Rainbow Dash looked as if she wanted to say something but only looked away with grit teeth. "Tch!"
Tempest nodded with a smirk. "Good! Now, Rainbow and Applejack! You've got your tasks. Go!"
Applejack nodded before swiftly taking off without another word. "Got it! See y'all in a jiffy!"
Rainbow Dash blitzed ahead without a moment's notice as she grunted. "Can't believe I'm doing this..."
As the two departed, Fluttershy pointed down yet another more barren hall. One not considered officially part of the Masquerade and thus lacked any of the interesting festivities the rest of the event featured. It was a big establishment after all. "T-This one girls, it'll take us to a more private route out the back of the building."
Diane nudged Twilight as she laid unconscious, "Don't worry Twilight, you'll be just fine. I'll make sure of it."
Tempest sighed, "Technically we're fillynapping on the Princess' orders. Still feels dirty though."
Rarity responded in kind, "Any desire the Princess has takes priority over anything else darling."
They all departed down the hall then, with a few interested ponies still watching in mere curiosity.
One of those ponies watching was none other than Angel Purity. She glanced down at a pony standing beside her who'd also been observing. "Quite the interesting group hm?" She chuckled, "Though I imagine it must be pretty tame at such a party with evening gossip galore." The pony only looked up at her with wide curious eyes, as Angel Purity eventually looked away. "Ah forgive me, I tend to talk too much." She ran a hoof through her own mane, "I think it's time I be taking my leave anyhow." She turned, making way for the stairs casually.
The pony who'd been watching her simply blinked a few times. Wow... she was really beautiful.
Angel Purity made her way outside the Masquerade as she took one last moment on her way out to admire the scene. Still ponies frolicked in the dead of night, drinking to their heart's content. Ponies strolled about with special someponies, ones they'd just met. Others established connections. Whereas others were simply bored, attempting to kill that boredom with a taste of mystery and surprise. Angel Purity etched it all in her mind, before turning a corner down a sidewalk as she strolled the night streets of Canterlot. Quite the fruitful occasion, so much inspiration. She adjusted her mane now into a ponytail, and slowly tore off her dress as well.
I forgot what it meant to be so spontaneous, seeing as things have been stagnant for so long.
She looked to the full moon then, regarding it warmly while basked in its pale light. Slowly her white coat began to melt away into black, as her mane became a vibrant cerulean bordering on the edge of aquamarine. Her eye shade fading now to emerald as she still bore the appearance of a pony despite the dramatic change in colorization. To any pony with the knowledge, it was obvious now, the pony known as Angel Purity was none other than the former queen of the changelings herself, Chrysalis. She chuckled a bit, before looking down in a saddened manner. "It was nice while it lasted, I must confess, but for you Princess... I shall now get to work."
Chrysalis hummed a tune to herself now, as she proceeded further into the city, completely alone.
Applejack took in a deep breath as she'd arrived in another of the banquet halls. Her dress was a mess, and though she was embarrassed she realized the stakes of the situation. She'd pulled a spare yet cheaper mask from beneath her garments, before adjusting it and eyeing those she soon needed to confront. As she looked at everypony still frolicking at the party, drinking and eating, she couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness wash over her. She looked down, realizing something. It's been so long, since I spoke like myself around others. It was nice... being honest. Being separated from Twilight and the rest of the group however brought back her natural instincts, her survival in the world of fame and renown. She slapped her cheeks to motivate herself, as she wore an expression of pure determination. But it's back to work now. She strode forward, exuding confidence.
And like a switch the voice in her head changed, the familiar liar. The CEO, the celebrity, the pristine Applejack.
Minuette and Twinkleshine still sat at their table, the very image of quiet panic as they seemed to be pondering deeply. Meanwhile Lyra, Bon Bon and Lemon Hearts all seemed to be casually enjoying some food. Lyra more so doing it to survive her lightweight drinking habits. Minuette let off a deep sigh of both stress and uncertainty.
"Excuse me ladies, do forgive my intrusion. I've been looking for you." Applejack commented.
Suddenly everypony at the table paused before casually glancing over at who was speaking, only to shudder and gasp. Twinkleshine in particular eyed Applejack with a look of innate fear, then anger as she prepared to speak only to realize her situation. She nervously looked at her friends before quieting down in nervousness and uncertainty. Bon Bon however exclaimed in surprise, "Wait a second... Aren't you Madam Applejack!?"
Lyra groaned as she shoveled more food in her muzzle before faceplanting in some pudding on the table.
Lemon Hearts was fumbling all over herself, "U-Uh Ma'am, I don't think we're the ones you're looking for."
Minuette was just as surprised and a bit speechless. "Ms. Applejack, I uh... think you have the wrong table."
Applejack shook her head. "Ah no, apologies. You're friends of Twilight Sparkle, yes?"
Minuette rose, nodding hurriedly and looking to Twinkleshine in excitement before back at Applejack. "YES! YES, we are! H-Have you seen her!? We've been looking for her for a while now! Please tell us you've seen her!"
Applejack nodded, looking at Twinkleshine in particular, before addressing Minuette again. "Ah yes I have." She paused, wondering how to word this. "I was just with her, discussing some possible business opportunities. You see, Twilight Sparkle and I have known each other for quite some time but I require even more time with her in private. She reluctantly agreed to this arrangement but refused to leave without me guaranteeing her I'd at least let you all know her current situation." She rubbed the back of her neck, "She was quite adamant."
Minuette looked suddenly overcome with dread and shock. "W-What!?.... WHAT!?" She shook her head, needing a moment to think. "Wait.. no, no no no I don't think so. Ms. Applejack, I thank you for your message but where's Twilight? She definitely needs to run this through us first. Has she lost her mind!?" She grunted and began ruffling her mane in frustration, "What's she thinking!? Running off on her own on some BUSINESS venture!? Is she drunk!?" Minuette began pacing, "Why's she doing this!? Is it because of the rent situation!?"
Bon Bon was running a hoof up and down the sickly Lyra's back as she cut in. "Rent situation?"
Minuette looked to Bon Bon then with a sigh, "It's a long story! B-But Twilight lost her job recently. It's the only thing I can think of why she'd do this so suddenly but even so; this is all out of nowhere! It's reckless!"
As they spoke, Applejack kept quiet and merely listened for now. Rent situation? Lost job? She glanced down. Business opportunity is a base template for almost any lie one of my status can utilize. I didn't expect it to fall so perfectly into place however with Twilight's personal circumstances. This is quite advantageous. Applejack raised a hoof, as if to politely interject. "Ah I'm sorry, I know this is all so sudden. It was sudden for Twilight as well, but you see I'm very busy and rarely get time such as this to discuss these things." She rubbed at the back of her neck, "So it is mostly my fault for putting her on the spot. My vetting process can be quite lengthy, but Twilight was still willing to go through it for you all. She has potential, and she cares very deeply about all of you."
Minuette couldn't erase the look of shock from her face as she sat down and let off a frustrated scream. "Aaaaah! Twiliiiiight! You dummy dummy dummy! We were supposed to come here to have fun! We would've figured out your situation later! T-Then..." she appeared panicked, "Then you run off, now I'm finding out you met with one of the biggest ponies in Equestria to help pay for rent? Moondancer is going to KILL ME!" She faceplanted on the table, "What in the hay were you thinking!? How am I supposed to explain this, HUH!?"
Bon Bon interjected then. "Hey hey, Minuette. Um... Twilight's lack of communication aside, can you take a breather?" She smirked and did a flick of her hoof in the form of a dense gesture. "Are you blatantly ignoring that Twilight KNOWS Applejack? CEO of MACdonalds? That she's literally right here at our table as we speak? I get that you're angry but can you wrap your mind around the situation here for a sec? I mean, holy moly, Twilight is FRIENDS with one of the most famous ponies in Equestria. Do you know how crazy that all is!?"
Lemon Hearts nodded before looking back at Applejack with a deep blush. "I... agree. I'm still in shock I think."
Minuette listened for a bit before pausing and looking at the surface of the table in deep thought. She sighed, shaking some even. "I know I know I know it's just this is a lot of information at once and it's all so crazy and my brain can't handle this much crazy! T-This is so out of character for Twilight... it's... I just don't get why she wouldn't tell me... tell US first. She knows we trust her. S-She knows how worried sick this would make us! I just can't think straight." She looked to Twinkleshine then, "Twinkleshine! Aren't you feeling the same way I am!?"
Twinkleshine flinched, appearing deathly nervous before she looked over at Applejack.
Applejack eyed her with a piercing blank stare, nodding to her, then smiling warmly.
Twinkleshine looked down at the surface of the table. "I uh... I think Twilight has been hiding lots of secrets from us lately. She's also been getting in a bit of trouble." Like annoying the Princess!... Twinkleshine gritted her teeth. "I've... I've been frustrated with Twilight. I've been frustrated with not knowing what's going on! So maybe, maybe this is just normal for her now. Maybe she's just going through some stupid phase and needs to prove herself or something. To be honest, I don't care as long as..." she looked to Applejack almost pleadingly, looking for a silent unspoken answer from her. "As long as she's okay, and that she'll come to us when she's ready and she isn't in any sort of real trouble." Because in the end, I know I'm really the one responsible for this.
Applejack gave Twinkleshine that piercing stare again before nodding, almost as if in reassurance.
Twinkleshine looked back at the surface of the table, obviously marred with guilt to any who knew the true circumstances of Twilight's sudden departure. "I've put a lot of pressure on Twilight too, maybe that's why she felt forced to... a-accept whatever this is. I don't know, I also wish I had the chance to speak with her again seeing as... as I'm the one she was last with." I didn't know she'd up and disappear! I, I only thought it'd be a brief meeting, not some getaway! D-Did I force her into this position? Did she really want this? Twilight... d-did you feel compelled into something because of me? She glared at Applejack then. "But I'll trust her, and only if Madam Applejack reassures us with some form of proof that, if need be, we can find Twilight any time we want."
Applejack nodded and pulled from her messy dress now what appeared to be a card. A simple enough transaction. "Of course, Dear, what sort of reputable figure would I be if I didn't have reliable methods of contact? This card here however is my private address, only given to those of the utmost privilege." She also pulled forth a pen, signing the back of the card with her signature and a message, before sliding it before Twinkleshine and Minuette. "I hope this will at least start the path of building a bridge of trust for us."
[I do solemnly swear Twilight Sparkle, will be safe under my care for the time being. - Madam Applejack.]
Twinkleshine still appeared skeptical, but reluctantly took the card... slightly reassured. She sighed, reading over the contact information and address, before sliding it over to Minuette. "If you want to look it over."
Minuette took the card as she looked it over and still held a hoof to her mane in panic. "Wait... wait wait, I-I just... I need a moment. Is this really happening? We're really going through with this?" She looked to Applejack pleadingly, "M-Madam Applejack, can't you just take us to Twilight right now? Let me talk some sense into her first! I don't think you understand, there's no way I can go home without her. Not only am I worried sick but her sister will have my hide! You know how much she loves Twilight!? She will tear Equestria apart about this!"
Applejack shook her head. "I'm sorry dear, for Twilight's best interest I can't disclose that to you just yet."
Minuette snapped, looking at Applejack desperately. "Liar! I'll... I'll report this all to the guard!"
Applejack flinched, as her nose wrinkled and she suddenly appeared in shock... taken aback.
But Minuette backed off almost as quickly as she said the words. She sighed, slumping down into her seat. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I just... Twilight has just been acting so weird lately and this is too much even for me. I'll... I'll deliver her wishes to her sister, Moondancer." She sighed looking up at Applejack, "But just to give you fair warning, you're going to have a lot more than me on your hooves when she hears about this."
Applejack nodded to Minuette before taking her leave. "I'll make certain to welcome her when she comes."
As Applejack departed, Bon Bon called out. "Hey um! Maybe I can get an interview too!?"
Lyra groaned before whimpering in her seat and holding her stomach.
Minuette called out to Applejack again. "Please tell Twilight I'm still not okay with this! T-That she needs to come home as soon as possible! But... if she really wants this we'll give her some time. But, I'm not okay with this!"
As Applejack trotted away her eyes saddened as she seemed now plagued with thoughts. Liar... huh.
Perhaps the mask she wore was fitting, for she was willing to sacrifice her true character time and again.
Princess Cadence stood outside the Masquerade, waving goodbye to some nobles. "Thank you for coming!"
"Princess Cadence!" Rainbow Dash came to a screeching halt behind her.
Princess Cadence glanced back at her, "Rainbow Dash. Back again already?"
Rainbow Dash gave her a stern look. "I'm only here on behalf of Fluttershy. The situation with Twilight Sparkle has yet to be resolved, and her talents are needed to help calm Twilight down. Seems she's still upset."
Princess Cadence absently kicked at the ground beneath her, casually reflecting. "That silly mare... always sticking her muzzle out there for other ponies even when it's not warranted." She sighed, appearing tired. "But I understand, perhaps I was too cruel to Twilight. So much of what I said was bottled emotion from years of no communication... which... was my fault." She glanced up. "Please tell Fluttershy to take her time." She paused then, taking a moment before readdressing Rainbow Dash. "A-And Rainbow... can you please tell Twilight-"
Rainbow Dash began to turn as she waited for Princess Cadence to finish; her brow cocked.
Princess Cadence froze... before looking down and still kicking absently. "Nevermind."
Rainbow Dash only looked confused, before shaking her head. "Whatever." She blitzed off once more.
Princess Cadence stood alone in quiet contemplation, as she closed her eyes and her expression saddened. However, her solitude didn't last long as soon more admirers were already upon her. She put on a brave face again and nodded to each of them, "Why hello there you all... yes yes I am having fun as well." She chuckled.
Princess Nightmare Moon and Tantabus descended what felt like an infinite spiral staircase. Princess Nightmare Moon utilized her horn's glow as a light source, as she appeared frustrated. "This is tedious..."
Tantabus still appeared nervous. "Princess, d-don't you think it's strange that this Twilight somehow houses such a mass consciousness within? It's as if we're in an infinite castle. Do you not find it odd at all?"
Princess Nightmare Moon glanced back at her. "Of course I find it odd, it's why I'm here."
Tantabus frowned. "Princess, perhaps we should turn back. T-There are other ways to get answers. We can-"
Princess Nightmare Moon interjected. "Tantabus! Compose yourself, I am with you. You have nothing to fear."
Tantabus stopped suddenly. "Princess Nightmare, you made me so I could address things you could not." She stomped a hoof firmly, glaring at her angrily then. "I'm telling you right now, that we should stop. L-Let me speak to this Twilight Sparkle, get her to open up about her past memories in a safer environment." She glanced around, a sweat drop slowly rolling down the side of her head. "This place is wracked with insecurity, fear, and... anger. It only becomes more prevalent the deeper we go. The weight of it all is abnormal."
Princess Nightmare Moon stopped, turning to face Tantabus. "Tantabus, did you forget something?"
Tantabus blinked a few times before looking up at Princess Nightmare Moon. "Huh?"
Princess Nightmare Moon continued, "Nowhere is safer than when you're with me. Now then." She raised her fore hoof slightly, doing a swift swipe at Tantabus' legs and knocking her off balance. "Let us speed things up."
As Tantabus was knocked off her hooves, she uttered. "Eh?" Only to tumble and momentarily hang off the edge of the staircase, losing even more balance. Tears swelled in her eyes as she yelped, "P-Princess! HELP! I-"
Princess Nightmare Moon proceeded by giving Tantabus a poke, shoving her off completely.
Tantabus' eyes widened as she let loose a horrified scream and plummeted into the depths below.
Princess Nightmare Moon rolled her eyes and spread her wings, before doing a graceful backflip and nose diving right behind Tantabus, spiraling down further into the depths of Twilight Sparkle's mind.
As Tantabus plummeted, screaming for her life, eventually she was swooped up by Princess Nightmare Moon.
Princess Nightmare Moon held Tantabus in her forehooves, wearing no expression as she continued diving further into the depths. As they plummeted, at their sides the two were constantly exposed to floor upon floor of convoluted space. Some appeared as cavernous cities, others massive libraries, among other things. Princess Nightmare Moon ignored all of them, as if she were merely flying past windows of a fragmented past.
Tantabus held on for dear life as the tears she exuded only flew off as quickly as they came.
Princess Nightmare Moon spoke casually, "Tell me when we are close to something worthwhile."
Tantabus was gritting her teeth as she suddenly flinched in fear, "P-Princess!"
Princess Nightmare Moon's eyes widened somewhat in surprise. As they plummeted, manifesting itself and blocking their path was a slab of castle pavement, now barring further descent as if to catch them off guard. Princess Nightmare Moon however simply propelled herself while still holding Tantabus into an upside-down spin, changing trajectory as they were forced forward instead. She spread her wings wide to glide steadily.
Tantabus muttered, still clutching the Princess' coat. "S-Subconscious defensives."
Princess Nightmare Moon responded casually, "I know." She let loose a mighty flap, blitzing forward and leaving a trail of wind and sapphire stars in her wake. Suddenly from the massive windowlike chasms on their sides, beams of violet light began to unveil themselves, firing upon the two. Princess Nightmare Moon casually swayed, dodging each one with relative ease as she looked more passively focused than usual. Twilight Sparkle... are you hiding painful memories down here. Or perhaps, a forgotten dream? I cannot help but wonder which.
Another beam of light came, larger than the others as it homed in on the two intruders.
Princess Nightmare Moon glanced over at it. Perhaps both? Regardless, it matters little. She came to a screeching halt as her pupils dilated. I will tear away whatever mask it is you're wearing and find the truth in which you and I are connected. She positioned herself on the ground as her horn started to glow vibrantly. I will set myself free from your torturous presence and show you what it means to be your Princess! WORTHY, of utmost respect!
Tantabus began to tremble as the beam of magic drew closer. "P-PRINCESS!"
Princess Nightmare Moon planted herself firmly in position, as suddenly wrapping around the two was a translucent sapphire sphere, as almost immediately as she'd cast her spell the beam made contact. The sphere held however, as the momentum from the beam caused the ground beneath them to slowly crack, before shattering entirely and sending both Princess Nightmare Moon and Tantabus, still tucked away within the sphere spiraling violently downward. Princess Nightmare Moon wrapped her hooves fully around Tantabus, her horn glowing to maintain her spell as it crashed against wall upon wall, before eventually she popped the spell and they plummeted downwards on their own. Princess Nightmare Moon spread her wings again, spinning and touching down with masterful grace as she slammed her rear hooves flat upon the surface beneath them, sending up a shockwave of wind. With her head lowered, she exhaled. "See? You are safe."
Tantabus' starry mane was disheveled as her eyes had thick bags beneath them and she trembled.
Princess Nightmare Moon let her down, as she then glanced around absently. "Is this deep enough?"
Tantabus composed herself as she looked to Princess Nightmare Moon in irritation. "More than deep enough."
Princess Nightmare Moon smiled in satisfaction, before looking ahead. Suddenly she appeared more focused again as the two stood in what appeared to be an abandoned district of Canterlot. Princess Nightmare Moon glanced around at the barren streets, before focusing on the prize. Centered within this dreamscape was a lone home. A single lamp illuminated it with light more brightly than all the others. The home itself was also awkwardly positioned. She glanced over at Tantabus then, smirking slightly. "Tantabus, what are you feeling?"
Tantabus frowned, her horn glowing slightly as she appeared... confused. "I... I'm not feeling... anything?"
Princess Nightmare Moon raised a brow at her. "Huh? What is it you're saying?"
Tantabus shook her head. "E-Exactly what I said. I'm not feeling anything at all here. It's as if all the heavy emotions I felt earlier have all been suppressed somehow? I... I feel no trace of them here. It's strange."
Princess Nightmare Moon squinted at her, before proceeding ahead. "Very well then. Let us see what this home has to offer." She strode through the eerily quiet canterlot street, further towards the home. Finally...
Tantabus however remained behind, only observing their surroundings in question. In confusion.
Princess Nightmare Moon continued with confidence. You see, Sister? There are no cracks in my armor. Force, strength, skill, efficiency. These are the ways to rule a kingdom. As she came upon the home, it was still deathly quiet. Princess Nightmare Moon's horn started to glow as her telekinetic magic wrapped around the knob.
Tantabus suddenly let off a pained yelp as she gripped her head with her forehooves.
Princess Nightmare Moon also froze, as suddenly booming all around them came a variety of unfamiliar voices.
Twilight... you know I'll always believe in you no matter what they say. My little filly. Stated an unknown mare.
Twily, I'll never tell you to give up on your dreams. What kind of brother would I be if I did that?
Twilight! That's enough! I will no longer let you jeopardize your future like this! The mare stated.
A stallion's voice now echoed. Twilight! Don't panic! Look at me! I'm right here with you!
Soon the voices became so loud to the point they all became an incoherent mess of incomprehensible noise.
Princess Nightmare Moon gritted her teeth as squinted in pain. P-Pain? Me? As she attempted to open the door, it wouldn't budge. "Nrrrrrrrrrrr." She began snarling, a deep innate anger more ferocious than all times that came before, began to unveil itself as she pulled at the knob. "I... won't.... accept... THIS! I... WON'T!"
Tantabus screamed out in panic. "P-Princess Nightmare!"
Princess Nightmare Moon's eyes snapped wide as she glanced back at Tantabus in the distance, who was laying on her side upon the ground. Soon the very surface they were upon began to shake violently, before the ground beneath them started to crack and exude a blinding violet light beneath. Princess Nightmare Moon froze, as she paid more attention now to the light beneath the cracks on the surface. No... She looked at the door to the house, for the first time showing a look of innate pain and frustration. She reluctantly turned away from the door then, rushing into action as she raced towards Tantabus as fast as she could. "Tantabus!"
Tantabus covered her head as she looked at Princess Nightmare Moon in fear, then closed her eyes.
The light beneath them grew brighter, as the cracks grew and the shaking around them became more violent.
Princess Nightmare Moon spread her wings, her eyes wide now and filled with desperation. T-Tantabus!
As if both their worlds slowed, Princess Nightmare Moon attempted to close the distance.
A once distant and now unfamiliar pain hit Princess Nightmare Moon then as uncertainty filled her as she attempted to reach Tantabus. Fear. And in that moment, a violent explosion of magic erupted beneath them as almost instantaneously, Princess Nightmare Moon tackled Tantabus and wrapped her in her hooves and wings as she was flung violently upward. She let loose a grunt of hushed pain, before squinting and her horn glowed vibrantly. A portal opened in the direction of their forced trajectory, sending both Princess Nightmare Moon and Tantabus flying through it. As the portal closed behind them, the explosion of magic dissipated after.
Princess Nightmare Moon and Tantabus were flung from her portal as the two found themselves now in a secluded garden somewhere in Canterlot, tossing and tumbling until crashing into a couple bushes.
"Princess?" A familiar voice commented, more particularly... Rarity's.
Princess Nightmare Moon slowly opened her eyes, looking up at the night sky and her full moon.
"Princess!" The voice became more panicked, as the sound of multiple ponies rushing over could be heard.
Princess Nightmare Moon continued looking blankly at the stars, as suddenly coming into her field of view was Fluttershy, Tempest, and Rarity. Each of them wore expressions of grave worry, as Princess Nightmare Moon only wore one of defeat. She muttered absently, "Tantabus... is she alright?" She leaned up slowly.
Tempest glanced to her right, soon rushing over to an unconscious Tantabus. "S-She's okay Princess! Just out."
Rarity raised a hoof to Princess Nightmare Moon's cheek. "Princess! Y-You're hurt! How? How is it possible?"
Princess Nightmare Moon bared half-closed eyes now, a solemn expression marring her features. She sat in silence. I've never been forced from a dream in such a manner before. For the first time in a long while, she questioned her own capabilities. Her nose wrinkled in disgust, as she in her quiet rage looked ahead.
Laying, slumped and sleeping soundly against a bush while being tended to by Diane, was Twilight Sparkle. She looked completely at peace, bathed in the midnight moonlight, as if unaffected by anything which transpired.
Princess Nightmare Moon realized she had failed. She could not tear away Twilight's mask, not on this night.