//------------------------------// // The Inheritance // Story: Lucid Dreams // by Jumping Jack //------------------------------// Sweetie Bell rose from her slumber, her mane bed ridden and bags under her eyes. She groaned and looked towards the clock at her bedside. It was nearing the afternoon. She had slept in more than she would like. Kicking off her blanket and hopping off of her bed, she yawned loudly, walking down the stairs to the kitchen. To her surprise, Rarity was sitting at the table, cooking herself up some early lunch. She looked over her shoulder and smiled at the sight of her sister, only to lower it unto worry at the state she was in. “Sweetie Bell? Did you sleep alright, darling?” Rarity asked as she levitated a brush over to her and began to brush out Sweetie’s mane. Sweetie batted at the comb and overwrote her sister’s magic to brush it herself. “I slept fine enough. Just… slept longer than I should have.” She replied tiredly. Rarity glanced around nervously. She wasn’t unaware of what was going on. In fact, last night she had checked up on her in the middle of the night due to the heavy rain. She has never seen Sweetie Bell toss and turn so much in her sleep, a look of exasperated struggle on her face. When the morning came, Rarity had an idea. However, she wasn’t expecting Sweetie to sleep in so late. “Sweetie Bell?” Rarity began as she proceeded to make her little sister some lunch. Sweetie Bell rested her head tiredly on her hoof with her eyes resting. “Hmm?” She replied. “Well… I’ve been noticing you’ve been… working?… really hard lately and I figured you could use an easy day of relaxation.” She said with a smile. Sweetie Bell was too tired to arch a quizzical brow at her sister. Work? Easy day? What was she talking about? Rarity finished making her sister’s lunch and laid it out in front of her. Carrot sandwich with oats. Rarity chewed politely on her own sandwich, swallowing before speaking. “With the adoption fair right around the corner, and what with you and your friends being err… royally excused to some degree, Rainbow Dash and Applejack have decided to just spend the day of uhh… ‘chillaxing’ as Rainbow would put it lightly.” Sweetie Bell, chewing her sandwich quietly, finally raised a questioning brow. Rarity then threw on a rain hat and nodded. “That’s right! A nice, relaxing day at the Ponyville Spa!” Sweetie Bell slumped. As nice as it sounded, she would rather be at the club house and going over what had transpired in their dream. The image of the elongated Pygmy flashed in her mind and she shuddered sickeningly. Rarity noticed the look from her, trying her best to hide the nervous look. Scootaloo awoke to the sound of rough rapping at her door. The pegasus filly groaned and turned over in her bed. “Squirt? Hey, are you in there? Come on! We’ve got a big day ahead of us and I can’t do it without you!” The voice of Rainbow Dash called from the other side. The filly was finding the knocking annoying, finally giving in after a moment and dragging her hooves to the door. She opened it and yawned tiredly. “Rainbow Dash? What time is it?” She asked, rubbing her eyes. Rainbow Dash swooped in and smiled. “A special day planned just for you and your friends! And we need everypony in attendance! Time to rise and shine!” As Rainbow Dash said “shine” she threw open Scootaloo’s curtains and was greeted with the murky and grey weather of heavy rain. Scootaloo tilted her head a tad annoyed, Rainbow Dash realizing the timing. “Ehehe… errr… despite the weather, trust me, today is going to be way awesome! But we have to go now to get a head start!” Scootaloo yawned and climbed back into her bed. “Mmm not today, Dash. I don’t feel like going anywhere…” The filly fell forward onto her blanket and began to snore a little. Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs and frowned. “C’mon, Scoots. It’s almost lunch time and I’d rather we get there before we are late.” She said, pulling the blankets away from Scootaloo. Scootaloo groaned, tiredly rubbing her eyes before laying down with her chin resting on her forelegs. Rainbow Dash sighed. As much as she liked the kid, this needed to happen. Rainbow Dash scooped up the filly and had her rest on her back. As she reached the door, she grabbed her umbrella hat and put it on Scootaloo before taking off over towards the Ponyville Spa. Applebloom dragged her hooves through the mud of Ponyville. Applejack holding the umbrella over them as they walked down Sugar Cube corner. Applejack looked worriedly at Applebloom. The filly looked awful. Her bow disheveled in her bed ridden mane. Her eyes having dark shadows under them. Last night was excruciating for Applebloom. It took them way longer to leave the dream they would have liked. It only made it frustrating to realize that the door had been directly in front of them in the foyer. River couldn’t had made it obvious. The eye was embedded above the door. They wouldn’t have been able to see it in the state of panic they were dealing with. The only thing that made her not entirely annoyed with rising from oversleeping was that Applejack had mentioned a special day at the spa. Something Applebloom wanted to do more than she thought. She could use a bit of a break. Applejack finally gave into her curiosity. “Listen, Applebloom. ‘Ah know it’s not my place to pry, but ‘Ah can’t stand it any longer. What has Princess Luna been taskin’ ya’ll with every night?” She asked. Applebloom yawned and tiredly responded. “Nothin’ that is too bad. Jus’ helpin’ her hunt down a certain creature from makin’ life a livin’ Tartarus in the Dream Realm.” Applejack arched a brow. “Is the Dream Realm really a place for us to mingle in? ‘Ah know that durin’ the Tantabus ordeal, Luna was in control unintentionally. What’s it like without a parasite?” She asked. Applebloom shook her head. “Oh, there are still parasites in the Dream Realm. Pepper’s killed one already and we somehow managed to fight back a creature called a Pygmy.” She stated. Applejack’s eyes widened. “Killed? Fight? What in blazes?” Applebloom couldn’t help but feel she might regret mentioning all this. But being the little sister to the Element of Honesty, and just plain stubbornness, she had to give in. “It’s… complicated. Let’s jus’ say, we aren’t entirely in danger and it’s jus’ the natural law of being in a dream world.” Applebloom said with a tired and nervous smile. Applejack narrowed her eyes. There is still not much known about the Dream Realm. But no pony really ever questioned it due to Luna being the sole pony to walk it. Not even Princess Celestia knows much of it aside from what was probably explained to her before. Applejack had been trying her best to check up on Applebloom ever since Princess Luna had requested her a few days ago. She was stuck between having faith in the princess that nothing bad would happen. But at the same time, the state of Applebloom having to wake up annoyed and unable to sleep properly couldn’t help but make her worry a lot. The best thing she could do was show appreciation to the hard worker Applebloom has become after being tasked by Princess Luna. Mixed pride aside, they came to a stop in front of the Ponyville Spa. She waited for Applebloom to enter first before following after her, shaking the umbrella outside and hanging it up a rack. Applebloom saw Scootaloo tiredly sitting next to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash smiled and trotted over to Applejack. “What took ya’?” She asked with a grin. Applejack wringed her hat out before placing it back on her head to respond. “Rough start to an early afternoon.” Applejack stated matter-of-factly. Rainbow Dash looked over to Scootaloo, who was greeted by Applebloom. “Tell me about it. I had to pull Scootaloo away from her bed.” She said. Applejack leaned in and spoke in a quiet tone. “‘Ah don’t want to be a bit… how would Rarity say it… crass? But ‘Ah’m startin’ to have second thoughts about Princess Luna askin’ for their help.” The mare said. Rainbow Dash sighed and reluctantly nodded. At least they were on the same wave length on the matter. “Did somepony say my name?” Rarity chimed in from behind, startling the two. Rarity was a little drenched from the rain, but she shook her parasol outside before hanging it up on the rack. Applejack nervously smiled. “Oh, uh, jus’ discussin’ the whole…” they watched as Sweetie Bell shook her mane and coat like a dog before trotting over to her friends. Applejack leaned in. “The whole Princess Luna task.” Rarity furrowed her look. All three mares watched the three converse with one another. “Sucks we can’t really go to the clubhouse today. I wanted to go over what we’ve experienced.” Sweetie Bell said. Scootloo was snoozing just a bit as Applebloom rolled her neck. “That’s good an’ all, Sweetie Bell. But ‘Ah could really use a nice, relaxin’ massage for my stiff neck. All that runnin’ around made me sleep wrong.” She yawned. Sweetie Bell arched a brow at Scootaloo and nudged her. The filly snorted awake. “Wha? Huh? I’m awake!” She said, looking around in a daze. She blinked when she saw the blurry images of her friends. Taking a moment to yawn and wipe her eyes, she smiled. “Oh hey. Didn’t think you two would show up. I’m exhausted…” The two nodded in agreement. “At least we got out of there eventually. Poor Pepper though. He looked like he had it rough.” Sweetie Bell stated. Applebloom sighed. “Wish we knew what was goin’ on in his head. But ‘Ah don’ want to push it with him.” She said. Scootaloo nodded. “And Alabaster had to start lucid dreaming at the worst time possible.” She grumbled. Sweetie Bell shook her head. “That’s not what I saw. I saw the Pygmy force her into it. Almost like Princess Luna would with us.” She said, rubbing her chin. “I think it was trying to feed.” Applebloom shuddered. “The Dream Realm is a whole other world. It’s overwhelming to say the least.” She said. “We should check up on them just to see how they are faring afterwards.” The other two smiled and nodded. The three mares trotted over to them, having overheard most of their conversation. “Alright you fillies! Who's ready for a good ol’ day of chillaxing?” Rainbow Dash grinned. Rarity bounced the bottom of her mane with a hoof. “Been ready since this morning.” She stated happily. Applejack crossed a foreleg over the other. “Shucks, why not? It’ll kill time to let the rain pass.” She said. Applebloom sighed with a small shake of her head and a smile. “Let’s first try an’ get through this first before anythin’.” She said to the other two. It was a harrowing time to return to Canterlot. Luna needed the aid of her chariot escorts to help her into the chariot. When they arrived at Canterlot, Luna was a bit surprised to see Princess Celestia waiting for her with a pony in a well-groomed mane and vest and collar shirt. Princess Celestia smiled and hugged her drenched sister. “Welcome back, dear sister.” She said happily. Luna tiredly returned the hug, pulling away. Celestia and the pony walked with Luna into the castle. Luna threw her drenched hood off and Celestia’s eyes widened. It even took the other pony by surprise. Luna, despite looking exhausted and weakened, had a drastic difference about her. Her mane was no longer flowing and wavey along with her tail. Her blue mane was that of a normal pony. Her midnight hide pale and her complexion darkened. It was as if she had gotten into a fierce fight with something. Celestia looked worriedly at her. “What happened?!” She asked in shock. Luna sighed and shook her head. “Time is running out, sister. I cannot chat for now. I need to dispel the curse immediately. Pray, forgive my hurry. I will explain everything in due time.” She then gave a courteous nod to the pony before trotting hurriedly down the steps and further down the hall. Celestia called out to her. “Luna! Just a moment! We need to… discuss…” Celestia wavered. The Morgue pony eyed Luna suspiciously before looking to Celestia. “As gracious as a host you’ve been to me and my business competitor, we would like to hear an answer today. I am a busy stallion and have fallen behind tremendously.” He said with a hint of annoyance. Celestia gave a nervous smile. “I-I’m sure Luna has everything under control. We just need to give her a bit more time to finish up.” She said hopefully. Today has become inconvenient. Celestia was hoping to explain the situation to Morgue, who has been hounding on her for the past couple of days for an answer. She had stalled to the best of her abilities. But even she was running out of ways to keep them distracted. As much a she wanted to help Luna, she had to keep herself distanced to let Luna handle her tasks. If the orphanage is in danger and if the Dream Realm is being corrupted by its’ effects, then Luna is the right pony for it. Yet, the state her sister is in made her dread the day further. Princess Luna, having walked up to her chambers, shut the door and closed the curtains. To dispel a curse, it must not have any means of escape. She gathered the candles in her magic and lit them in a circle around her. She levitated a book off of the shelf. A worn, hand me down book. She placed the black book at her hooves from under her wings and flipped through the pages of the other book. ‘Tis ancient magic. Therefore, ancient blessings must be used… but which?’ She thought to herself, her eyes scanning the pages. She noticed movement out of the corner of her eyes, causing her to stop and scan the dark room. Her mind must be playing tricks. Yet, she bit her lip and continued to read passage after passage. The shadows moved around her, increasing her paranoia. Over and over she had to reassure herself that it was nothing and to continue on. Her entire redemption rides on this working. The shadows moved again and this time, Luna couldn’t deny them any longer. The very same creatures that had tried to torment Ghost Pepper circled her like predators. Yet, unlike the colt, Luna can defend herself from them. But that is not the priority. She had thought to herself that they were merely observing. The Dream Realm keeping a very close eye on her for breaking the rule. Finding a promising passage, she held the book in her hoof and began to read the passage in old pone-ish. The candles began to flicker and a cold wind blew through the room. Luna continued to recite the passage, her Canterlot voice beginning to break through. She needed to command authority. Whatever curse the book held cannot intimidate her. She must not waver. Standing firm, she held out her other hoof, balancing on her hind legs as the cold wind began to circle around her. Throughout the castle, the guards and several maids and butlers muttered as the atmosphere of Canterlot Castle began to change drastically. In the throne room, Stock and Morgue were arguing once more, but came to a stop as they felt a sudden chill run down their spines. Celestia stood up and her look became serious. “Guards. Protect these ponies. I will see to this disturbance.” Celestia ordered. The royal guards saluted as Celestia trotted quickly down her throne and out the door, leaving behind a speechless Stock and a narrowing eyed Morgue. As Celestia turned a corner, she began to pick up her pace into a gallop. Instinct was kicking in. The desire to protect her sister on high as she turned down halls and made it to the courtyard, where without hesitation, took to the rainy skies and soared towards the tower. When she landed on the balcony, she reached with her magic, only to find the door locked. She knocked roughly against the door. “Luna! Luna, it is Celestia! Are you alright!?” She called out. From inside, Luna could not hear her sister’s call, for she was staring down the black book that had began to rise in reaction to her blessings. The book opened and began to flip rapidly through the pages before coming to a stop on a blank page. Luna continued to recite as the book began to write itself. By the blessings of the Nightwyrm, thou shall heed my call. Rise from your slumber and bid these ponies your gift. Within the eye of the beholder, thou shall be blessed with lucidity. Luna flipped her own book and continued to recite, only to be cut off as she felt a sharp and cold sting graze her cheek. She stumbled back a bit. Remembering not to waver, she stood firm and returned to her position, ignoring the trickling metallic liquid running down her cheek. The black book flipped to another empty page and a bloodied letter fell to the floor, landing at Luna’s hooves. Before the princess could react appropriately, the book glowed brightly and Luna shielded her eyes. When the glow dimmed, she tossed her cloak back and looked around. The world around her was blurry, her body transparent. A forced astral projection. This time not of her own doing. Luna had a brief moment of panic, only to calm herself when she heard a mare call out to her right. She looked over and gasped. The orphanage, in a newly fresh and painted glory loomed over her. From the porch, a young, rustic mare leaned boredly over the railing and scanned the fields. The mare shifted when she saw the young colt canter up from the fields and over to her. “River Wisp, what were you thinking being gone for so long? I called you for dinner an hour ago.” The mare said sternly. The colt lowered his head and ears apologetically. “Sorry, mom. I was just exploring around. Guess what I found!” The colt beamed as he withdrew the black book up to the mare. The mare studied it and looked at him in concern. “Dear, where did you get this?” She asked. River pointed in the direction he came from. “I found it in a cave! It was full of bones and all these weird little trinkets. I found the book there. I thought it was interesting.” He said. The mare flipped open the book and her concern grew. This mare wasn’t stupid in the slightest. She could already tell this book was bad news. The horrifying drawings and the hard to read pone-ish made her come to an immediate conclusion. “River, go inside and eat your dinner. I will give the book back to you when you are finished.” She said. The colt slumped. “Awww…” the scene flashed in a blink of an eye. Luna noticed that it was winter instead of summer like in the last scene. The mare was sitting in front of a fireplace, a blanket draped around her. She was shifting through her mail and began tossing letters into the fire. An annoyed and bored look on her expression as she did so. When she came to one letter, however, her eyes widened. Placing aside the pile she was planning to burn, she opened the letter and read it. Luna could make out the words: ”To Amberlina Willow Wisp III. It is with heavy heart that your parents have unfortunately passed away in a fire. In their will, they have left their entire residence to you in Dodge City as well as their fortune. Arrive to the courthouse in **** ******** to discuss your inheritance. We hope this letter finds you. - Dodge City Judge Brownie. The mare slumped back into her seat, her expression horrified. She looked to the other pile of letters. All from relatives. She brushed aside several before pulling out one with a seal. Ripping it open, she unrolled the scroll and scanned the contents: It is with heavy heart that I must write this letter to you. Amberlina Willow Wisp the II has perished in a fire with that fruit seller you call a father. We had arrived at Dodge City Courthouse to discuss the inheritance left to you. We expect your presence by the end of this week. Do not be late or otherwise, you will be labeled as no contest by the court. Yours, Duke Boulder of House Wisp. The mare’s expression turned to sheer anger and she crumpled the scroll in her hoof and threw it in the flames. She stood up and dumped every letter into the fire. The fire rose, causing the mare to take a prong and poke the burning paper. The world around them flashed in a blink of an eye and Luna found herself sitting next to the same mare, dressed in a neat business dress. Next to her was a stallion and between them, River. They sat behind a table, staring up at a stern looking grey stallion with a greasy slick black mane. His black eyes cold and bored as he read out from a scroll. “To each side of the will, all business inquiries will be handled by both or a singular party. To Duke Boulder. Your inheritance consists of all properties belonging to the Wisps to maintain the financial stability of House Wisp. You will also be acquiring the products produced at Wheaton Bay Factories. To Amberlina Willow Wisp III. You will inherit all value bits under the House Wisp account and all personal belongings held by Amberlina Willow Wisp II and Rutabaga Patch. You will also receive a sum total of business profits made under Wisp brand properties. Do you object to these conditions?” The mare stood up and cleared her throat. “No objections.” She said. Duke Boulder stood up. “I object.” He said. The silver bearded fox of a stallion in a penguin tux eyed the judge sternly and stood up. “Accepting the properties and maintaining the financial stability of a washed-up company is beyond my help. I would like to contest Mrs. Wisp’s inheritance in exchange for a different proposition.” He turned to the mare, the latter frowning and staring down the duke. “House Boulder would like to acquire all profits, property and personal, in exchange for ten billion bits.” This caused the courthouse to erupt into chatter. The mare was stunned along with the stallion and the colt. The Duke nodded. “That is enough to start a fresher and better life than being given half of profits. Both parties' benefit in the matter.” The judge knocked on his podium with a hoof gavel. “Order! I require order!” He shouted. The room grew quiet as the judge looked to the mare. “It is your choice, Mrs. Wisp.” Luna watched the mare dart her eyes, as if an inner struggle was battling out inside of her. The stallion put a hoof on her’s and she looked to him. The stallion smiled and nodded. The mare sighed and thought about it a lot longer. “A kind offer, Duke Boulder.” She said, turning to him. The Duke smiled. “But I feel we need to renegotiate that deal a little more. Ten billion is… honestly overwhelming. I don’t even know where to begin with it.” She said. The Duke tilted his head. “Is that an indecisive response?” He asked. The mare shook her head. “No. It’s just… it’ll take some time to process everything. Your honor, I would like to hold the decision of Duke Boulder in interest. We will proceed with what is provided for now.” She nodded to The Duke. “When I have come to a decision, I will proceed with the exchange. However, I must ask you to be patient and allow me some time to get to understand what I want with it all.” The Duke didn’t seem too pleased by the response, but he bowed and looked to the judge. The judge knocked the hoof gavel on his podium. “Tenants will hold the deal until a party agrees to the decision. The inheritance stated will be in effect until further notice. Court adjourned.” The ponies began to mingle and murmur. Luna couldn’t help but overhear some of the chatter. “Ten billion bits? Is such a thing possible?” “I hear the princesses aren’t even near that amount in wealth.” “The Duke really is something. Quite the hard bargainer.” Luna furrowed her look as she watched The Duke and another pony stand up and proceed to walk out of the door, but not before stopping by the mare’s table. “I look forward to your decision. Your family has been too kind to mine. I’d hate to see anything bad happen to you and your family.” The Duke bowed his head and trotted away with the pony following him. The three watched The Duke exit before turning to each other. “Mom? The Duke is lying, isn’t he?” The colt asked. To Luna’s interest, the mare nodded. “I am well aware of the matters The Duke handles and how he bargains in deals. Mom and dad didn’t raise no fool.” She said with an annoyed frown. The stallion looked worriedly at her. “What should we do then?” He asked. The mare sighed and leaned against him, hugging the colt in between them. “I… I have to think about it. I just hope we have plenty of time to do so. The Duke can be patient, but it’s a matter of when he will lose it.” She replied. “We will continue to live as we are now. I just have to think about what I should do going forward.” They then looked up as they saw the judge walk towards them. He produced a letter from his robe and passed it to the mare. “This letter is very important. You must not lose it or else the contest will be invalidated and the decision final. I bid you all good health.” He said before trotting down the aisle to the exit doors. The stallion held onto the mare as they looked at the letter. Luna could see the struggling regret she would face later in life. The world flashed again and Luna found herself back in the orphanage. The mare was dressed in black, tissues bundled and tossed aside. She stared at a family photo of her pregnant self, the young colt and the handsome stallion. Luna looked worriedly at the scene. The mare looked dead inside. Her eyes dried and red from possibly crying so much. She was tossing letters into the fire. The black book was open in front of her. Luna saw it was on the passage of resurrection. Luna couldn’t help but dread what had happened here. Or perhaps… has it happened yet? The mare read the passage and silently closed the book. She leaned back and watched a letter fall to the ground. She leaned forward to pick it up and read the writing. The inheritance letter. The mare began to ponder. She looked towards the book and then to the fireplace. It was hard to tell the inner struggle with the cold and uncaring look of the mare. Luna then watched as the mare sighed and place the letter in the book and pushed it away. The world flashed and Luna found herself back in the courthouse. A different judge this time on the scene. The mare stood before the judge as she looked over the papers. Luna couldn’t help but notice several children in attendance behind her. The judge looked up behind her half moon spectacles and leaned forward. “Just so you are aware, Amber Wisp, you are currently in contest with an inheritance decision that needs to be approved by you. Have you come to a decision yet?” She asked. The mare frowned. “I will take that up with Judge Brownie when he is back from his vacation. Pardon my abrasive retort, Judge Posey.” She said. The judge shook her head. “You are not in the wrong. I do apologize. As for your approval of officially making Honeyfields a registered orphanage, you are free to proceed with the choice as you see fit. Under the direct strict rules of the ECP Services and Housing Regulations. Breaking any of these rules will have you on trial for any reasons of abuse, neglect, unsanitary care of the children or other. Do you abide by these terms?” The mare nodded determinedly. “It has been a childhood dream. I gladly accept.” She said, remaining stern and focused. The judge smiled softly and knocked her hoof gavel. “I will like to announce that the house in Honeyfields is now a recognized orphanage. May the sister’s blessings guide you and your younglings into a better future and care.” She said. The children behind her couldn’t help but cheer as the mare looked exhausted. The world flashed again and this time, Luna found herself in the orphanage. The children were mingling about as the now Mother Wisp washed furiously against the wall to the point of the wall paper being peeled a bit. The childlike drawing of a smiley face fading from the work. Luna noticed a very young-looking foal with an artist barrette making small hoof prints onto a paper, seemingly enjoying himself as he was nearly covered head to hoof with paint marks. Mother Wisp sighed and shook her head. There was a knock on the door and one of the older children opened the door. A royal guard removed her helmet and smiled at the child. “Is Mother Wisp available?” She asked. Mother Wisp heard her name and stood up, trotting towards the door. “Yes, may I help you?” She asked, fixing her mane. The guard gave her an apologetic look before stepping aside as another guard bearing a blanket covered foal on his back approached. Luna watched with interest as Mother Wisp gave a worried look. “Oh dear. Is he hurt?” She asked. The guard shook his head. “No missus. He actually fell asleep on the ride over. Poor kid. He has no idea what is happening.” He replied. Mother Wisp took the bundled up young foal into her foreleg and studied the child. “Does he have a name?” She asked a little softly. The mare guard withdrew a scroll. “He is named Ghost Pepper. He was home alone when we picked him up.” She said. Mother Wisp balked. “Who leaves a foal home alone??” She asked in horrified shock. The stallion guard rubbed the back of his helm. “We aren’t sure. We have no idea what happened to this kid. We were tipped by somepony that there was a child home alone and after doing some digging around the house, we could only find small belongings to what would be a caretaker. No family photos. No decorations or anything. The house had very little to offer. But there was food and bedding. Guess whoever lived there with him didn’t spend much on anything other than necessities.” The guard explained. Luna was just as baffled as Mother Wisp. What did happen in the colt’s life to end up like this? He is too young to even remember anything at this point in time. The mare guard sighed. “We could only think of one place he would be cared for. The one closest to him is currently under investigation. Are you able to take him in?” She asked. Mother Wisp nodded. “Four were adopted today, so we have room. I’ll do my best to care for the child.” She replied. The guards looked relieved before giving her a bow and taking off. Mother Wisp watched the two fly further and further before looking back at the colt. Ghost Pepper was fast asleep. So young and unaware of everything around him. Mother Wisp turned and balked as she saw a couple of the kids around a black book, curiously tapping it. “No! Get away from that book!” She called out as she quickly cantered over to them. The children stepped aside as Mother Wisp reached down and hissed, pulling back her hoof. She had felt a sharp sting. The nanny suckled her hoof and examined it, seeing the blood trickle onto the book. She frowned and looked to an older filly. “Bell Flower, can you please hold Ghost Pepper for a moment?” The filly nodded and held Pepper while Mother Wisp took the book and herself to the kitchen. She washed her hoof and wrapped it up in a bandage before looking to see it open to a page. The resurrection passage tempted her. The letter of inheritance stained with her blood from before. The mare panicked and quickly shut the book. She cursed under her breath, questioning why she had kept it still. She hurried to a corner of the kitchen and leaned down. She would have to get rid of it properly. But for now, a temporary hiding spot. She removed a loose wooden board from the bottom molding of the wall and the book slipped inside of it like a glove. She covered it back up before securing it and stuffing miscellaneous stuff to cover it. Luna could sense it. The dark aura emanating from the book. She then found herself being pulled back as the world around her melted. In a blink of an eye, Luna found herself being thrown back along with a drenched Celestia. Luna coughed and sputtered. “Ack!… C-Celestia?? How…” Luna looked and gasped. The balcony door had been bucked open. The black book hovered, black smog veiling it. The book fell to the ground and the creature began bounding towards the exit. “No! I forbid it!” She cried as she lashed her magic out. The doors slammed shut along with several heavy decorations blocking it. The smog bounded around like a fly to a window before dispersing at the ground. Luna stood up with Celestia, the latter looking on in horrified shock. The two watched as an elongated limb reached out and plant itself on the ground. Another came out in the same manner. “What is going on?!” Celestia cried out as another limb emerged. “The Dream Realm is punishing me for breaking a rule. This is my punishment. However… it is in my favor.” Luna readied herself, weak as she was, she remained firm. Celestia gave a challenging look as the creature sickeningly pulled itself out of the smog. A tall, slender and malnourished, horned figure. A wide, bloodied grin across its’ features and sunken, hollowed eyes faced the two. “Do you recall about the story of the Nightfeaster?” Luna said to Celestia. Celestia looked puzzled, but it was quickly overshadowed by a readied expression. “It sounds familiar. But if the Dream Realm wants to punish my sister for deciding the best for Equestria, then it will answer to not just her alone.” Celestia scrapped the ground with a hoof and lowered herself. The Nightfeaster gurgled and took one massive stamp that reached the two in a second. They separated as it swiped at them, aiming at Luna who scurried around and under the creature. Celestia fired a beam of sun at the creature, but it phased right through it. Celestia growled, but the creature flinched when Luna had flapped once and fired point blank into the malnourished chest of the creature. Celestia swore under her breath. She may not have any power over the Dream Realm. But damn herself if she lets it harm her sister. She looked at the book and had an idea. Luna distracted the creature, showing off nimbleness and a skillful display of spell slinging as the Nightfeaster approached her. The Nightfeaster swiped the back of its’ claw, catching Luna as she had avoided a stomp. Luna slid across the ground and crashed into a bookshelf that fell on top of her. Luna couldn’t fight the exhaustion much longer. She struggled to pull herself free from the heavy object. The Nightfeaster took two massive stamps towards her before bending down on all fours and getting up right into her face. “Leave my sister alone!” Celestia’s Canterlot Voice boomed, catching the Nightfeaster’s attention. Celestia stood in defiance, the black book held up high. “I am Princess Celestia! I am the ruler of Equestria and I command you to obey my orders! Yield and prostrate yourself before your majesty!” Luna looked worriedly at Celestia. “No, Celestia! The Dream Realm does not care for titles or status! You need to run!” Luna cried out. Celestia snorted. “So be it.” She then tossed the book up and unleashed a massive sun beam that broke through the ceiling of the roof. The beam parted the clouds as the book’s silhouette vanished into nothing. The Nightfeaster screeched and fell forward, puking out black liquid and reaching painfully towards Celestia. Celestia swished her head back, canceling the spell and watched the creature crawl towards her. Luna shook her head. “Celestia! Please! Do not underestimate them! Please, Celestia! Run!" Luna called out. Celestia wavered a bit, but stood her ground, taking several steps back at the crawling creature. "I... I will not. You are my sister and I will not let this consume you any longer!" Celestia stated. Luna struggled under the shelf. Celestia had no idea what she was facing against. The curse has been dispelled, but the creature still lingers. If only she could stop it completely. Her eyes widened in realization. ‘Wait… Tis my punishment… I can no longer sense the dark presence…’ Luna knew what to do. She grunted, using her magic and whatever strength she had left to heave the shelf off of her before standing up. Using her Canterlot Voice, she ordered in old pone-ish towards the creature, causing it to stop and turn around. Celestia looked at Luna. “What are you doing??” Celestia asked with worry. Luna stepped forward as the creature crawled back towards her. “Celestia… please do not interfere. I hath finished my hunt thanks to you. Now, let me accept my punishment.” Luna then gave her sister a reassuring smile as the creature stood up. Celestia was about to move when Luna shook her head. “It’ll be alright, sister. I promise.” Celestia watched as the creature towered over Luna, melting into black smog and smoke. Luna felt a sharp pain course through her. Celestia felt herself being pushed back, shielding her from the fierce winds. Luna screamed as the pain became greater, the smog enveloping her, her silhouette showing her hovering in the air. In a matter of seconds, the smog and smoke fell to the ground, dispersing when it landed. Celestia lowered her hoof and gasped. She looked around desperately. “Luna?! Luna!!” She called out. There was no response. Luna had vanished.