Princess Luna sat at the dinning table. It has been several weeks since the incident that happened at Honeyfields. Luna, now healthy and with a flowing mane and tail again, tiredly read the morning paper. Word had gotten out about the fire that enveloped the late Mrs. Marigold's house. There was no account of the strange fog or anything about a black book being the cause of it. However, Princess Luna ensured that the only info released was the fire and the history of the fields. She read the section covering the story:
On the night of April 15th on the full moon, one lone orphanage about a two-hour wagon ride on the outskirts of Ponyville had witnessed a sight that put their lives in danger. The late neighbor of the orphanage's own nanny, who goes by Mother Wisp to the children, could only watch in horror as her neighbor's house was burned to the ground. The house belonged to a lone mare named Petal Marigold, a widow of a war hero and mother of two, who had passed away from heart failure sixteen years ago. The property was passed to her children, a brother and sister who wished not to be named. They are devastated to hear of the news of their childhood home.
The house had been planned to be sold. Equestria's own heroes, the Elements of Harmony, spearheaded by the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle, arrived at the sight to put the fire out. However, it was discovered that an unfortunate cost was unearthed. A young colt, who is one of the children belonging to Honeyfield Orphanage, was found amongst the burning wreckage. The colt remains in fatal condition. When the fire was quelled by rescue, with the aid of the heroes, they had discovered the fire started in the basement with a fallen lantern. Shifting through the wreckage, rescue team had discovered a bizarre sight. Two unfortunate ponies were found in the basement. Their corpses in a final embrace.
Word remains unknown about the reason these ponies were discovered, or why the colt had been found amongst the wreckage. Mother Wisp and the children of the Honeyfield Orphanage were set to host an adoption fair in Ponyville on the day of discovery, however, with the events transpired, the fair has been pushed back to an unknown date. It is with belief that the children are waiting to hear any good news about their playmate's state of health before beginning the fair. Mother Wisp had a few words for the press.
"I am glad that everypony is safe and the fire has been put out. I knew Mrs. Marigold ever since I moved here. I was saddened to hear about her passing, and even more so to witness her house set ablaze. The young colt is one of the many children here who are looking for a good home." She pauses to wipe her eyes dry of tears. "I still do not know the full story. But I do know that my heart goes out to Marigold's children." Our press pony asked her about anything dealing with the colt's appearance in the fire. "The children are not allowed to go beyond the fields, let alone to the patch of woodlands. I have been told that an employee I had hired for help had asked him to help him with traps. I... am not sure what is true or not. I need some time to figure out what has happened myself."
It is a strange and yet, sad day for everypony involved. Princess Luna, who was also a pony on scene, had no comment to express in the matter. We await new details as autopsies are ongoing.
"Still reading that old article?" Princess Luna looked up to see Princess Celestia walk in with a plate of pancakes and coffee. She levitated the coffee to Luna as well as the pancakes. Luna sighed and put the paper down, taking a sip of the coffee.
"It's just... I should have done something more..." Luna began as Celestia sat down across from her and began to cut her own pancakes. Celestia gave her a worried look. "I did my best to ensure the safety of the children. Yet... I ended up causing more trouble." Luna sighed and rubbed her muzzle tiredly. "The black book was too much for me to handle... and I put the lives of four children in danger. All because I could not cleanse a cursed book..." Princess Celestia sighed and softly chewed her pancake, swallowing before responding.
"I understand your frustrations, sister. When I had lost you to the book, I was feeling powerless as I couldn't have done more to help. I thought I had eradicated the black book, but who knew it was just a copy created by the very thing you manage." Celestia shook her head in disbelief. "I didn't even think the Dream Plane could create its' own laws. Let alone, make you suffer such severe consequences of the matter if they are broken." Princess Luna nodded tiredly.
"Tis an eye opener indeed. I... still have much to learn than I had thought." Princess Celestia studied her sister. The weeks haven't been kind to her. While her power has been restored, it was clear she is still worried about something. She decided to break the question.
"How is the young one doing?" She asked. Princess Luna bowed her head. The silence was unnerving and very worrisome for Celestia. She closed her eyes and sighed. "Nothing much has changed I assume." Luna shook her head.
"It's been frustrating to contact him. His dreams are shut for me. I... I fear that Pepper's psyche is..." Seeing her sister in such distress, Celestia stood up and walked over to her, sitting down next to her and hugging her sister with a wing.
"Perhaps you should visit him?" She suggested. "Not in the Dream Realm?" Princess Luna looked at Celestia worriedly.
"I cannot... bring myself to see him... in person..." she said. Celestia tilted her head.
"Why so?" Luna shook her head.
"I... I failed everypony... I am the one who put him in danger. I put so much pressure on him and I... I just..." She met Celestia's kind gaze. "Mother Wisp doesn't want me near him. And I don't blame her... She feels I had caused him so much grief that led him to that event. I was just trying to prevent a worse disaster from befalling them. The children need to go to good homes. Having such negative air be the cause of so much misfortune and bad luck could negatively affect the children, just as much as it had affected Mother Wisp before." Luna rested her head against Celestia's shoulder. "Tis it not my duty to protect our subjects as well? I always protect the ponies in their dreams. But... the waking world is entirely different than fighting nightmares..." Celestia hummed.
"Odd. I do not recall Mother Wisp ever mentioning she didn't want you around Pepper afterwords. Perhaps, you misheard of something she said? You were the one who told her not to fully explain the whole story to the press, were you not?" She asked. Luna hesitated, her eyes avoiding Celestia's.
"She doth not need to express words to me. Her look says it all. She's unwelcoming to my presence from the start." She said. Celestia chuckled softly.
"Then perhaps you should listen to what she has to say? One on one? I'm certain you know by now she's probably at the hospital right now." She said. Luna's eyes widened, much to Celestia's humor. "Tis no secret my own sister cares for the wellbeing of others. Even if she has to hide herself among the shadows to observe." Celestia put her forehead against Luna's softly. "You've lived long enough in the shadows, Luna. You are just as capable of achieving greater heights." She said. Luna faltered, her eyes darting in thought.
"So... I can surpass you?" She asked. Celestia smirked playfully.
"Best not get too carried away, dear sister. But... yes. I cannot have power over the Dream Realm like you do. And since now you have found out the consequences of what could happen should power be used wildly and uncaringly in the realm, it is only right you have been tasked with the job." Luna looked at Celestia quizzically to her words. "What I'm saying is that failure is a part of understanding one's struggle and growth. You've learned it with Nightmaremoon. The Tantabus. And now, the black book. You've come so far in your journey that you need not worry about redemption anymore." Luna slouched a little relaxed into Celestia's shoulder, tiredness taking over her. Luna couldn't deny her sister's words. If she is to come to terms with this disaster that she should have handled with care, then maybe things would have turned out different. And since she was so caught up in stopping the curse, she has an apprentice she needs to apologize to.
Luna finally sat up, her look determined. She took a sip of the coffee, shaking herself awake and patting her cheeks with her hooves.
"You are right, sister. I must amend this failure through apology. Tis the right thing to do." She said. Celestia nodded, silently chuckling at her sister.
"Very well. I will, as always, watch the day." She said. Luna stood up and began to walk towards the door, only to stop and turn around to hug her sister. She pulled away and cantered out of the dining room, leaving Celestia to watch her with worry. She sighed to herself and took a sip of her own coffee. "Don't try too hard." She said to herself. There was a knock on the door. A Royal Guard poked her head through.
"Princess Celestia. Morgue wishes to speak with you." The guard stated. Princess Celestia nodded.
"I'll be right there." She called back. The guard bowed and exited the room. Celestia took a moment to finish her pancakes and coffee, straightening out her regal accessories and looking through the reflection of a clean plate, she smiled and took a deep breath, ready to face the day. She exited the dining room, being escorted by two guards to the throne room. Upon entering the throne room, she could see a lone unicorn pony standing at the foot of the stairs to the throne. Bearing a neat black cowlick and a medium beard with a grey streak down the middle of the beard. His blue coat covered by a grey business suite. The pony turned and bowed to her. Celestia unfurled her wings in a manner for the pony to rise.
"Princess Celestia. Forgive my early request. But I have news from the families." He began. Celestia walked past the pony, up the steps and turned to sit at her throne. She recognized this pony from years prior.
"Speak." She said. Morgue bowed.
"It appears that the Stock family has pulled back upon their arrangement with the Marigolds. It is unfortunate that an event has caused a drastic change in value. But The Duke still wishes to buy the land with the approval of the current owner." He explained. Celestia hummed.
"And have you talked to the owner?" She asked. Morgue nodded and withdrew a scroll, putting on half-moon spectacles to read.
"That is where the issue lies currently. Mother Wisp has denied all deals with The Duke and any approach to buy the property. Honeyfield Orphanage is still currently occupying the land. Wisp has approved of the inheritance and thus have ended the contest on the land." The pony explained. Celestia hid a cheering smile under the one she has grown to use so often. "Wisp has no plans on moving back to Dodge City, leaving the Wisp family house abandoned and set to be vacant for years to come. I will admit, The Duke is extremely saddened that all business of the Wisp will be going to waste, what with Wisp being a nanny and all." Celestia closed her eyes in thought.
"Then pray, what is the issue exactly? Was it not settled in the court of law? Should the deal not be honored? Or perhaps, an alternative to what you desire?" Celestia stated in a manner of getting the pony to get to the point. Morgue sighed.
"A new deal is in the works. One that Amber Wisp will need to be in attendance as it is being read out under the guide of law. Winter is the season The Duke is planning to express the deal." He said. Princess Celestia tilted her head quizzically.
"I see. And, forgive me for asking, but what does this have to do with me? I can understand the plight being expressed, yet I see no reason to continue this discussion if nothing is to be presented in time." Morgue's green eyes glinted.
"Oh. Nonono, dear princess. I am here today to express a witness in need." He began. Celestia narrowed her eyes. What is this pony trying to say? Morgue continued. "We humbly ask for your sister, Princess Luna, to attend the court hearing in Dodge City as the deal will be presented to the court. We feel that a... third party would be beneficial to both sides. Especially Wisp's since she is familiar with the princess personally." Celestia frowned, catching an arched brow from the pony. Realizing this, Celestia rubbed her muzzle and shook her head.
"Forgive me, I had not been granted decent sleep last night. Err... You request my sister to be present in the hearing? That is why you are here today?" Morgue nodded.
"Yes, your majesty. As a third party. She will be the deciding pony in the hearing. And think of it this way. She had became Nightmaremoon from your shadows. Now that she no longer resides in it, this would be a good opportunity for her to... get out more?" Morgue tapped his chin in thought. "Or perhaps, the best way to put it is a change of scenery to do wonders." Celestia was not pleased by the suggestion at all. However, Morgue did have a point. She had expressly told Luna this morning about no longer worrying about redemption. If she went back on it now, then something terrible might happen between her and herself. Unable to see any other option, she sighed.
"I will speak with my sister when I'm given the opportunity. Thank you for your patience this morning." She said. Morgue bowed.
"No, thank you, Princess Celestia, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to listen upon a mere peasant's message." He said. Two guards that were posted at the side escorted Morgue out the room. When the door closed, Celestia growled.
"Stuck up, little..." Celestia grumbled. She stopped herself from continuing, reminding herself that she still had more things to do. She stood up and began to walk down the steps, the door opening to a white mare in a brown mane tasseled up into a bun with square glasses and a stack of paperwork levitating next to her entered the room. Celestia stopped and turned to the stained-glass window. Seeing the image of the heroes using the elements against Nightmaremoon loomed over her had made intrusive panic into her thoughts. 'What should I do?' She thought to herself.
The Ponyville medical center. It was strangely quiet. Only two rooms were occupied by three patients. Inside one, Mother Wisp trotted over to the bedside table and changed the vase of flowers out for a fresh bouquet. She sighed as she looked at the many get well soon cards from the children. The Crusaders have even left a wrapped-up gift for him. She then looked to the still colt in the hospital bed. Mother Wisp then sat down next to the bed and studied the colt. Ghost Pepper appeared to be sleeping peacefully. She wasn't sure if he was breathing properly as the rebreather on his muzzle was fogging up with his breath. Pepper had a bandage wound around his head. He had to get several stitches and worst of all, Pepper has fallen ill to a coma. The doctors had told her he is in a vegetative state. Thinking back to the news darkened the mood of the mare.
The familiar beeping sound next to her was beginning to drive her crazy. How many times has she heard that sound? She couldn't bother to count. She had hoped to never have come back here again. She did think back to that night. The colt resting on the back of Princess Luna as the heroes and the presumed lost children were returned. Mother Wisp was in a state of panic and shock to see Pepper in such a state.
"What happened to him!?" She asked in horror, rushing over to carry him off of Luna. Luna bit her lip in hesitation.
"I... I will explain. But... we should really ensure his health." Luna began. Mother Wisp brushed the colt's mane, gasping at the sight of blood trailing down his head, over his closed eye and his cheek. He looked as if he had been run through over and over. The kids watched with shock as Mother Wisp put an ear over his muzzle. He was breathing, though weak. Twilight bowed her head.
"I'm... sorry I couldn't do much else. We stabilized his breathing, but he needs better treatment." Twilight said. Mother Wisp looked desperately between the ponies. Her eyes then fell to Luna.
“What happened…?” She asked. Luna’s eyes adverted the mare’s. Mother Wisp stood up, holding the colt by one hoof in a cradle. “What happened, princess? I deserve to know.” The stern look of the mare, done with the night, focused heavily on the princess. Luna felt the immense pressure against the nanny’s look. Luna bowed her head and explained what happened from the very moment she sensed Pepper.
Her sole reason for showing up to the orphanage was to protect them as well as teaching Pepper how to be more able to use his dreams to help the children and even Mother Wisp if needs to be. She even apologized to Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash for having the CMC along for the ride, much to the three chiming in to help explain better. The three fillies provided the gap filling in Luna’s own explanations. When everypony finished with the last time they saw Pepper was before they were sent into the Dream Realm, Mother Wisp sat on her haunches and studied the colt sadly.
It was hard to believe that the colt had managed to interact with her long-deceased son. So many questions and thoughts filled her head. The children were quiet. Their minds trying to make sense of the whole situation. Their gardener had lured them into a trap and planned to extort Mother Wisp via Ghost Pepper. Something that Pepper had been dealing with for a while. Alabaster’s look darkened as the frustration set in. Merriweather looked worriedly at the filly before presenting the teddy bear to her.
Alabaster blinked and looked at the filly. Merriweather gave a small, reassuring smile, which Alabaster didn’t return, but it did help her cool off a bit. She still felt responsible for not doing anything more. The warning signs were there, and she chose to ignore it. Princess Luna sighed. It took a bit for rescue services to show up as Ponyville was still quite a bit of ways. When they arrived to Mrs. Marigold’s house, they were able to act quickly as the fire thankfully hadn’t reached the woods. But it was making its way across the fields.
Mother Wisp snapped back to present day as she heard a knock from the door. She turned and her eyes widened when she saw Princess Luna peek her head in. She opened her mouth, only to clear her throat and speak softly.
“A-am I intruding?” She asked. Mother Wisp looked at the alicorn quizzically. However, taking the small shake of her head from the nanny to enter, Luna walked over and stood at the foot of the bed. Her eyes studied the set up sadly, the colt unresponsive. Mother Wisp didn’t take her eyes off the colt as she spoke suddenly.
“I hate the sound…” She said. Luna tilted her head questioningly. The beeping from the monitor made her nod.
“T-tis rather unnerving I understand.” She replied. Mother Wisp slumped slightly.
“You know… I had a child his age long ago. River Wisp was his name. I… take it you are familiar with the name.” She said. Luna nodded softly.
“From the young ones. Briefly before.” She replied. Mother Wisp brushed Pepper’s bangs aside.
“River was always imaginative. He tended to keep to himself, but he made plenty of friends at the schoolhouse. He even made-up games for the others to play with. He had such a bright future ahead of him.” Her look seemed to gloss ahead. “I truly wonder what kind of games he would have with his younger sibling. They would have been the best of friends.” Luna remained quiet. It was only when a certain thought intruded upon her did she speak.
“I…” she began. Mother Wisp glanced at her. Luna rubbed her foreleg. “Tis hard for me to… err… really express myself here. I am… uncertain as to what I can do to help thee find closure.” Mother Wisp arched a brow softly.
“Whatever do you mean, Princess?” She asked. Luna bit her lip in hesitation.
“I… well I was wondering… if thy would like to see River at some point… in thy dreams.” She asked. Mother Wisp's look darkened. She shook her head, surprising the alicorn.
“I dream of him plenty. I do not need a false memory placed upon my psyche.” She said. Luna winced and stepped back a little. The awkward tension making it hard for Luna to think of what to say. Mother Wisp sighed.
“My apologies, Princess Luna. It has been a long few weeks. What with the court trials and managing the orphanage.” She said. “Haven’t had a decent night’s sleep.” Luna darted her eyes in thought. Indeed, Mother Wisp’s dreams have been sparse to say the least. And the times she was able to enter them was when she would be having brief flashes of her late husband and children before being thrown out. Luna mustered up enough to continue.
“Have you’ve… looked for help?” She asked. Mother Wisp shook her head.
“I… cannot bring myself to do so at the moment. Not after Funnel.” Luna saw the mare press against her stool angrily. “To make myself a fool… I… I was weak… I let myself be charmed and… betrayed…” Mother Wisp hugged herself. “Giving myself to such a vile stallion… Whatever punishment awaits me in Tartarus, I would welcome it a thousand times over…” Luna balked at the statement.
“You mustn’t speak about thyself in such a way!” She stated worriedly. Mother Wisp shot her a glare.
“Why? It’s the truth. I’m a hopeless, weak mare who had given into her urges and betrayed not only her values, but her very beliefs. What would my husband say??” She stated. She shook her head. “My husband told me that if he passed before I did, that I shouldn’t hold myself to him. He wanted me to be happy… even if it meant giving my heart to another. I was… hesitant at first but we had agreed that if it did happen to me, I wouldn’t want him to suffer so much. He deserved happiness as much as I did…
“I know it sounds strange, but my husband and I were quite the odd couple.” Mother Wisp chuckled quietly to herself. Luna listened with interest and attention. “We had some… opinions and beliefs that most couples would question if we were truly in love with one another. Our bond has always been strong no matter what. All we wanted was the best future for our children. Till death do us part.” Mother Wisp bowed her head. Luna wasn’t sure how to continue the discussion, so she proceeded to change the topic.
“I… take it thy still have questions about what truly happened?” She began. Mother Wisp peeked out from under her darkened expression. Luna looked to the colt on the bed and furrowed her look. “I… have only tried this twice as a filly and adolescent. Some dreams are tied to memory. Depending on how the emotions were present, I can recreate the events that transpired.” Luna brushed the ground with her hoof softly. “Pepper’s… well… I-I am concerned with his psyche. His dreams have been closed to me and I…”
Mother Wisp could see the struggle in Luna’s response. The nanny studied the alicorn thoroughly. Last she saw Luna she was in a weakened state. With her powers returned, perhaps Luna is ready to face a consequence she bestowed upon herself. Mother Wisp looked to Pepper and gave a small smile.
“If you feel you are ready to meet Pepper again, we can try.” She gave a small chuckle. “Pepper was never one to hold hate in his heart. He may have kept to himself, but that only meant he had more kindness and love to give.” She said. Luna looked at her and seeing the small smile, Luna felt a little better about the idea. Luna then held out a hoof to her. Mother Wisp arched a brow but took her hoof.
“Then… close your eyes. And reach out to Pepper.” She said. Mother Wisp did as she was told, her mind calling out to Pepper. Princess Luna closed her own eyes and the ridges of her horn glowed white and gold. The lines flailed out like nerves above them. The gold lines connected to their chest before connecting to Pepper’s. The white lines then connected to Mother Wisp’s and Pepper’s minds.
The sensation was strange and overwhelming. The feeling of childlike wonder washed over them and when Mother Wisp opened her eyes, she gasped as she found herself with Princess Luna in the middle of a lush, green field. A ramshackle cabin in the distance appeared to have seen better days. Ahead of them was an oak tree. A few hoofsteps further, a bridge that lead out to a lake where she saw two ponies sitting at the very edge with fishing rods.
A tall and gruff handsome looking cowcolt stallion with a wheat stem in his muzzle, humming a familiar tune sat at the foot of the bridge. Next to him was a smaller pony. A colt in blue overalls and a red flannel with a straw hat. Mother Wisp instantly recognized the colt. Pepper was staring blankly off across the lake, his mind seemingly lost in thought.
“Pepper!” Mother Wisp and Luna both said in unison. Pepper didn’t respond. Luna’s eyes widened a bit. Mother Wisp rushed over to Pepper, only to stop when she noticed something off. Pepper was glitching. Luna trotted over and gave a sad look.
“He is not aware this is a dream.” She said. Mother Wisp gave the alicorn a worried look.
“What does that mean?” She asked. Luna studied the colt as she replied.
“The affect you see is a pony who is not fully aware of the dream. Or at least, have no control over it. In most cases, dreams are railed along. Yet, there are some occasions where the dreamer has the capability to interact but is not entirely aware of it.” Luna turned to Mother Wisp. “Ghost Pepper has an unusual sense of awareness when it comes to his dreams. So much so that he can do something only I could do. Making ponies aware of their dreams.” Mother Wisp was baffled by this.
“But the only problem is is that I can only do so for a certain amount of time before I am pulled out of the dream. I can only interfere if the psyche is unstable. Pepper, however, can do the same with no limitations. He can make the entirety of Ponyville aware of the dreams and have as much time needed without the pressure and mental fortitude required.” Luna looked over to the colt. “He is special more than he realizes. If only I knew where it was coming from.” Mother Wisp shook her head in disbelief.
“I… am not quite sure I understand it all. If Pepper has such a special talent… why has he not been able to get his cutie-mark? Wouldn’t this be something to adopt him over for?” She asked.
“That’s because Pepper believes that being able to dream in such a way is not valuable for adoption.” A voice stated. The two turned to see a cloaked figure smiling at them. Luna gasped, sensing the similar aura of the black book around the figure. She used her wing to have Mother Wisp cover behind her as she stood facing the figure with a suspicious look. The figure chuckled and removed her hood to reveal herself to be Mrs. Marigold. Mother Wisp gasped in shock.
“P-Petal?” She asked. Mrs. Marigold smiled kindly at her.
“Amber. It has been too long, my dear. The years have been more or less kind to you I see.” She said. Luna narrowed her eyes.
“Pray tell. Friend or foe?” She asked. Mrs. Marigold bowed to her.
“Messenger, your highness. I can tell by that look you can sense the aura off of me. Forgive me, for it is the blight of the negative energy from the black book. I am free of it’s hold of my essence, but the residue is still there. I am afraid I cannot cleanse it.” Luna lowered her wing as Mother Wisp stepped out and over to her hesitantly.
“Petal… is that really you?” She asked. Mrs. Marigold nodded.
“Yes, my dear. Grounded to the realm until I can find reason to move on.” She said with a smile. Mother Wisp looked to Luna, confused as to what is really happening. Luna, however, is quick to piece it together.
“We are connected to Pepper’s mind and heart as one in order to see into his dream. Memories derive from emotions to the mind. Pepper had once walked into Mrs. Marigold’s dream. And thus she has remained in memory to him.” Luna explained. Mrs. Marigold nodded.
“A little skittish, but a strong mind and kind heart. He went out of his way just to visit little ol’ me. Which reminds me, dear. You need to start fencing off the woods. It’ll help you in the long run.” She said. Mother Wisp couldn’t believe this. Her late friend is chastising her about her property. Even in death, somethings will always remain the same. And it made Mother Wisp smile a little. Luna then had another suspicion she wanted to clear up.
“Now then. Could thy perhaps tell us what happened to him? How he ended up in thy residence?” She asked. Mrs. Marigold put a hoof to her chest and closed her eyes.
“The black book did not want to go without taking something in return. It made one last effort to obtain that goal. It latched onto the colt’s scarf and when Funnel had ripped it, it took advantage of Funnel’s own desires. It appeared to also have still been mad at Pepper and led them both to my residence, where it would attempt to take them. However… it appears that Funnel’s desire was too much for the book to handle and bested it. The fire was through a happenstance of Funnel’s surprise, spurred by the desire that overpowered the last remaining vestige of the book.” Mrs. Marigold looked to Pepper.
“The poor dear had no idea how close the book was to winning against him. If you all hadn’t came along, he would have not been around for much longer.” Mother Wisp and Luna were quiet. Their thoughts in sync.
“I’m… glad you were watching out for him, Petal.” Mother Wisp said. Mrs. Marigold gave her an apologetic look before bowing her head.
“I was not there for the colt. I know this because of his own journal.” She motioned to no pony in general. “His journal records nearly everything that deals with the colt’s psyche. Those who are spiritually connected to him in some way or another can recall what the colt sees. That is about as far as I know about it. After all, Luna. You were the one who gifted him the journal.” They looked to the alicorn, who nodded knowingly.
“I… I received that journal from an old friend centuries ago. I did not foresee the magic it held, but I knew it had a special connection to a special mind. It was as if it was his rite.” She said. “The scarf as well. I had imbued it with similar magic to the black book, but in a vial amount. If the colt would learn to know more about his special talent, he would be facing dangers no pony should ever dream of. I… did not want him to go alone.” Mother Wisp was finding it difficult to take this all in.
Mother Wisp looked to Pepper and hesitated a bit before walking over to him. The colt didn’t acknowledge her approach. However, the stallion next to him did.
“Howdy, missus.” He said, tipping his hat. Mother Wisp was taken aback a little.
“H-hello?” She responded. The stallion smirked.
“No need ta’ be shy. Pepper could use a bit more company.” Mother Wisp wasn’t sure how to respond. Yet she sat down next to the colt. The stallion looked over his shoulder and motioned with his head. “You too, yer’ majesty. Pepper could use some guidance right now.” Luna’s eyes widened. Mrs. Marigold chuckled and nodded to Luna.
“I’ve done all I could. It is up to you now to wake him up.” She then bowed to Luna. “I’ll continue to await the day you’ll guide me back into the stream, Princess Luna.” The mare said before vanishing into a wispy smoke. Luna darted her eyes in thought before turning around and approaching the others. Luna sat behind Pepper, her eyes studying the colt. She bit her lip. Should she say something him? Would her words matter? The stallion tipped his hat and chuckled.
“Didn’t think mares would be that skittish. Don’t you two know ‘em personally?” He asked. Mother Wisp narrowed her eyes at the stallion. The stallion put a hoof to his chest. “Name’s Brisket County. I’m the creation of the bright young mind sittin’ before us. He’s been plannin’ a lot of things fer’ me an’ my crew. Yet, he can’t wake up to do so.” He looked between them. “Do ya’ll perhaps have any clue how to help?”
Mother Wisp shook her head sadly. Luna hummed in thought.
“I… might have an idea…” She said. She stood up and thought. In the castle, she saw how Pepper had made triggers to cause the others to start lucid dreaming. What would trigger somepony who is naturally gifted in it? Taking another look at the colt, the blank stare was a sign of a broken psyche. Would the colt be able to notice? She stepped around them and placed one hoof on the water. A gentle ripple waved out from her step. She then stepped further, walking on the water until she was a few hoof steps away from them.
Mother Wisp stared in awe. The lake looked pretty deep even from the bank. The nanny looked to the colt, seeing no reaction to the princess in front of them. Yet, he turned when Brisket stood up and withdrew a journal from his vest.
“Yer’ majesty! Was holdin’ onto this. The kid nearly dropped it in the lake.” He called out. Princess Luna studied the journal. It had a dim glow about it. She reached with her magic and levitated the journal over to her. Mother Wisp noticed the colt watching his journal float over the lake. The glitching starting to lessen. She hesitated, reaching out a hoof to him.
“Pepper? Can you see her?” She asked. Pepper didn’t respond to her. Mother Wisp stopped and withdrew her hoof back. Luna levitated the journal in front of her and opened it. She began to read some of the passages:
I don’t remember what happened to me. Am I dead? The last thing I can recall is loud creaking and a burning sensation. I also remember being scared. So much terror. It keeps nipping me in the back of my mind. I… I wish I was brave enough to face it…
Where did everypony go? Lately it seems that no pony has been ending up in my dreams. Usually, the Crusaders would visit me, intentional or not. It’s rather lonely here. Maybe… I haven’t been dreaming at all? Is there where I am meant to be?
Luna started to feel saddened as she continued to read.
I still never understood why I was picked. Princess Luna’s apprentice? Does that… is she planning on adopting me like Alabaster suggested? I wonder what Luna is like as a familial figure. Well… there is no way to know now. How long has it been?
Every now and then, I get flashes of scenes that involve me and several other children. I wonder what they are doing right now? I bet they have gotten adopted since I’ve been gone. Being dead certainly leaves a lot to ponder. I always knew no pony would really care if I was here or not. Perhaps Funnel was right about friendship being a fickle thing. I wish I didn’t have all of my afterlife to think of that.
From the bridge, Mother Wisp watched Luna sadly. She wasn’t sure what she was doing, but whatever she was reading wasn’t sitting well with her. She looked down to the colt and began to brush his mane aside. No response still, but Pepper did blink after a bit. Brisket sighed as he reeled in his rod and whisked it back out.
“Ya’ know, the last pony folk ‘ere were impressionable on ‘em.” He began. “Ya’ could say they were his first steps to understand more about tha’ world.” He then smiled at Mother Wisp and tipped his hat. “Ya’ certainly have a good taste in literature.” Mother Wisp blinked quizzically at him. She sighed softly and subconsciously brushed the mane of the colt.
“Kids are not so easily fooled if you can teach them the evils. Even then, they do have natural instinct to know what they do not like and what the can do so. I don’t treat the children as if they were unable to succeed in anything. Most wouldn’t really care to show a little respect. But staying assertive to their behaviors. Finding alternate solutions. Learning to share and care. My children are not hopeless. They are also not unwise. If I cannot truly teach them the rights and wrongs of the world, then what better than ponies who have a good idea of it and write it down?”
The nanny smiled softly and sadly.
“There is no real wrong way to write, spelling and grammar aside. So long as your heart makes sense of it, then I think that is just enough to teach them to care.” Brisket studied the nanny before bowing his head and smiling.
“Then that’s all that matters in tha’ end. We are jus’ ponies after all.” He replied. Mother Wisp had to shield her eyes as something bright from the lake began to glow. She looked through squinted eyes to see Luna staring in awe at the journal. Luna began to watch the words write out in front of her.
Behold the will of the lucid king. What a strange passage. Everytime I said that, I gained a bit of confidence. Hmm… that’s odd… who is that out in the lake?
Luna’s eyes widened and she looked up to see Pepper staring in her direction. Mother Wisp gasped as the scenery began to change. Even Brisket looked surprised by the change. The lake expanded and grew under them and the sky melted into a starry, twilight hue around them. The moon was large and towered up above them. The water stilled and became a clear reflection of themselves. Luna noticed the moon reflecting off of the water.
The massive circle astral object towering above them. Luna read the next passage:
Who are you?
Luna tilted her head slightly. She then had an idea. She created a quill and ink, levitating it next to her. She dipped the quill with her magic into the ink pot and began to scribble on the page.
Tis Princess Luna. Watcher and protector of dreams.
The words she wrote faded after two seconds and new words took their place.
Your majesty. Tis an honor to finally converse with you.”
Luna blinked questioningly. The words continued.
You do not know me. But I have been protecting the child from the nightmares that have been hunting him since his successful cleansing. Thy know the laws of the Dream Realm, thus I cannot say much. But I can tell you that a shadow has escaped and is wanting the child’s power for itself. You must protect him now more than ever.
Luna furrowed her look worriedly. She began to scribble a reply.
I understand thy worries, but I am afraid I cannot help him in the comatose state he is in. His dreams are closed to me. I am able to be here due to a physical connection through mind and heart.
Luna watched her words fade and a momentary unresponsive reply from whatever she was conversing with settled, causing her to worry if she had wrote too much. Words began to write themselves out onto the page.
Ahh. I do apologize on that end. I had to ensure full safety of the king. Allow me to return what is rightfully his.
Luna stepped back as the journal began to float high above them. The moon shining the silhouette of the journal. As the journal glowed brighter and brighter, brightening the moon, a faint rainbow shone down onto Pepper. Mother Wisp’s eyes widened and stepped back as the rainbow began to swirl around Pepper. The colt’s eyes closed as he was then lifted up by the force. What happened so suddenly, also ended just as so. The rainbow faded and Pepper touched the water’s surface gently, letting out a ripple that waved largely under them.
Mother Wisp gasped as Pepper’s reflection began to move in its’ own. The Pepper in front of them suddenly began to turn transparent and wispy. His eyes glowed and began to look more like a specter. Luna watched the reflection walk closer towards her. The reflection looked to her curiously. The journal floated down in front of her and words wrote themselves out:
I'm going to miss the company. The child is great with conversation. Perhaps someday, he'll be able to inherit thy duty. But for now, cherish this colt. He will need it for the coming task he will face when waking up.
Luna arched a brow before bringing the ink and quill over to her and hurriedly scribbling down a reply.
Wait! Whom has been conversing with me? What is thy name? She wrote. There was another momentary pause when the words faded. A strong wind began to blow around them as the colt's reflection rippled out of the water, as if he had traversed through another dimension. His eyes were closed as he floated up in front of Luna. Luna was quick to react as whatever force lifted him dropped him, catching him in her magic. She levitated the colt onto her back and looked to the journal that laid open in front of her. Only one passage was written out.
The Silent Night
The flash became brighter and brighter. Before they knew it, both Mother Wisp and Princess Luna found themselves back in the hospital room. Mother Wisp blinked and looked around worriedly.
"Wh-what happened?" She asked. Luna furrowed her look, noticing her spell return to her. The colt remained still as he was when she entered.
"Tis would seem we have been brought out of the dream. Not forced... Odd." She said to herself. Mother Wisp had more questions than she did before.
"What about Pepper?" She asked. Luna studied the colt. She gave a small, sad shake of her head.
"I... I am uncertain of what hath transpired for him." She said. "But... for some reason or another... I feel as if... the young one will be able to sleep better." Mother Wisp tilted her head quizzically. She wanted to ask more, but it feels that any she would ask would only fall short of any definite answer. Mother Wisp looked sadly at the colt and gently brushed his bangs. The nanny then stood up.
"I must return to the children... Princess Luna..." The nanny began. Luna looked to her. "I wasn't sure what to feel or think about you having taken interest in Pepper from the start. I'll admit, it was honestly confusing that you of all ponies would visit us for the sake of one child." Princess Luna balked and was about to speak when Mother Wisp held up a hoof. "Yes, you may have been out to protect us from my own mistake. But Pepper is just a child. He's not some grand hero in training. He's a pony who needs a good home and loving parents." She then looked sternly at Luna. "Unless you have all the time in the world to provide such on yourself for him, then I will have to ask that you must refrain from applying any more pressure onto him." Luna looked saddened and bowed her head. Mother Wisp sighed. "But... it would do to help him with some guidance. If you are to take him on as an apprentice, then I only ask that you show him respect and the wisdom to help him gain that confidence." Luna's eyes widened hopefully. Mother Wisp stood up and gathered her saddle bag before trotting over to the door. Before she left, she stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Good day, your majesty."
Mother Wisp disappeared around the corner, leaving Luna alone with the colt. Luna's thoughts were lost to scenarios of how she should go about the words of the nanny. She looked to the colt. She has never thought of being a mother, let alone a guardian to one child. Yet, the guilt inside of her had piled tremendously. So much so, that her thoughts came to one conclusion. Could this be the same feeling Celestia had when she decided to take on Twilight as her personal protege? Luna's thoughts cut short when she noticed the colt twitch. His sleeping expression seemed to wince a bit. Her eyes widened.
Luna studied the colt a little closely. She then placed her hoof on his forehead and smiled softly when the colt seemed to subconsciously react with a subtle twitch and his expression easing. Luna stood up and placed her horn gently on his forehead. With a soft glow, Luna cast a spell that would bless the child with sweet dreams. She pulled away and without another word, she walked out of the hospital. The steady beeping sound of the machine being the only haunting melody to lull the child to sleep.