//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: Midnight Dreaming // Story: The Best Babysitter // by pchn00 //------------------------------// Chapter 7: Midnight Dreaming Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Jen fell from the train. Discord gave a jaunty wave and turned back into the caboose, not bothering to watch her land. She scrunched her eyes shut tight and prepared for the potentially fatal…and certainly painful landing. Seconds before she smashed to the ground her horn flared to life in response to her subconscious calls, and surrounded her body in a pale shimmering green field. She hit the ground hard. Hard enough to knock the wind out of her, and bounced several times along the tracks before slowly rolling to a stop. Slowly…so slowly she realized she wasn’t dead. And while she did hurt all over…nothing seemed to be broken. Cautiously she peeked an eye open yelping at the magic shield covering her body. The danger passed, her horn’s glow died down and the field vanished. She looked cross eyed up at the source of her salvation. “Well thanks. Think it might be worth getting closer to ponyhood for that little save.” She caught sight of a purple glow being tossed from the side of the train and frowned climbing to her feet. “That looks like Twilight’s magic.” Scooping up the fallen saddlebags and slinging them over one shoulder, her own pack over the other she took off in the direction she saw the flash of light. It wasn’t long until she found a dazed Twilight groggily getting to her hooves. Giving a cry of delight Jen ran the rest of the way to the little unicorn. “Twilight! I’m glad you’re alright! I thought that was you and…” She frowned slowly once she caught sight of Twilight’s eyes. The large violet orbs were covered in a milky film, and she looked about clearly unseeing. Her horn blinked in its magenta aura and a similar glow filled her eyes as she looked onto Jen’s horn. “Twilight your eyes…” Twilight Sparkle just nodded. She took a few steps wincing and favoring the side she took the nasty buck to. Her voice was still a little wheezy from the nasty kick. “It’s a blindness spell…it’ll fade after a few hours. By morning I should be fine.” Giving a little squeak the girl chewed her lip looking down at her friend worriedly. “If you’re sure.” She gave a sudden gasp. “I forgot about Pinkie and Rainbow Dash! Discord said that Lightning Dust was attacking her and Pinkie went to help.” She looked toward the now far distant train…barely visible in the distance. “I hope they’re alright.” The sun had set by now and the moon was making its steady rise. Another big, bright full moon tonight. The land was soon bathed in its silvery glow as the pair began making their way down the tracks. Jen frowned seeing Twilight’s pained winces with each step, and soon knelt down gathering the little unicorn in her arms. She didn’t weigh much more than her dog really. This just brought a little grunt of protest from Twilight. “I’m not a helpless filly Jennifer. I can walk fine.” Though she was already covered in a thin layer of sweat from the exertion, her breath coming in quick gasps. Jen just shook her head and stoically resumed the walk. Glancing sideways at Twilight she sent a silent command to her horn to guide her toward Pinkie. It angled her a little ways from the tracks so she turned to follow it. “It’s not a big deal. You don’t weigh much and we can move quicker this way.” Despite her bravado carrying all the packs AND the pony were a bit of a strain for her, but she was worried about the others and didn’t have the patience to wait for the wounded Twilight to keep up nor was she about to abandon the blinded pony. Twilight seemed to want to protest but it died in her throat as she received a twinge of pain from her side. “I’ve been reading up on healing spells. When we find the others I can try one out.” She even managed to clap her hooves together, her spirits slightly raised at the prospect of new magic. This brought a smile to the worried girls face. No matter what was going on around them Twilight was still Twilight. “So can anyone learn any kind of magic like you do?” Small talk was helping to pass the time, and helping her ignore the protest of her burning muscle from all the exertion. “Oh no. Many unicorns only learn magic related to their talents. Rarity for instance has a spell to find gems; she can enhance the quality of her fabrics, once she created beautiful lights and illusions to accompany an impromptu fashion show. My talent is magic specifically so in theory there’s no magic or spell I can’t learn.” She paused in her lecture to catch her breath for a moment. “Every unicorn can perform several basic spells. Levitation, lights, some can conjure shields and the like.” Jen blinked and interrupted her. “Yeah I did that when Discord pushed me off the train. I wasn’t TRYING to do it…but my horn just kinda reacted I think…” Twilight nodded slowly. “Yes that’s not surprising. I can see you have an impressive magic reserve, but it’s wild and unrefined like a newborn fillies. It’s not uncommon for a baby unicorn to manifest wild and unpredictable magics. Often times in response to outward stimuli. Conjuring a shield during a traumatic moment like that isn’t unusual at all.” She paused and seemed to consider. “Given your penchant for exploring the wilds of your home, and your enjoyment for art more than likely your magic and special talent will fall into one of those two focuses.” Nodding slowly the heavily burdened girl trudged on, giving her horn a pulse now and again to keep her heading in the right direction. She knew she was pushing her luck using it so much but she was getting more and more worried about Pinkie and Rainbow Dash. Every now and again she’d shift the pony in her arms slightly to bring more comfort to herself, bringing a wince or soft hiss of pain from Twilight. “Sorry…sorry I’m trying to keep from bumping you too much.” She was beginning to get more and more concerned. If Dash and Pinkie were in half the shape Twilight was this race might be over already. Her patience was rewarded however; soon she could make out a small pink form approaching her. “Hey! Hey Pinkie!” The pink blur perked up, but didn’t speed her approach. As Jen walked at a quicker pace she could see the earth pony clearer in the moonlight…and the still blue form she carried on her back. There was little joy in Pinkie’s face. Jen hadn’t seen her so sad since the day they said goodbye those years ago. “Hey Jenny-bean…can you give us a hand?” Jen’s blood ran cold at the sight of the badly beaten Rainbow Dash across Pinkie Pie’s back. She hastily (if gently), sat Twilight down, dumping the packs on the ground behind her and rushing to Pinkie’s side. She gingerly cradled the wounded Pegasus and lifted her from Pinkie’s back. “She’s hurt real bad…even in the moonlight I can see the cuts and bruises. We need to get her comfortable. We need a fire going too.” First she lay Dash down gently on the ground, then shed her jacket and bunched it up easing her into the makeshift bed. Twilight stumbled closer, looking about a touch frantically. “What is it? What’s happening? Girls? Why isn’t Rainbow Dash talking?” Pinkie looked to the blinded Twilight, and what little happiness she’d found at being reunited with her missing friends fled on the spot. “Oh Twilight not you too…” The unicorn offered her friend a reassuring smile. “It’s not as bad as it looks. A simple charm, I’ll be right as rain in the morning. But what happened to Rainbow?” Jen cleared her throat. “She’s hurt, very badly. Pinkie I need you to gather some wood or kindling for a fire. I have a little first aid kit in my pack. Once I can see better I can help a little.” She chuckled as she retrieved her fallen back pack. “My uncle insisted I take a first aid class…’you never know’ he’d say.” Pinkie dashed off without another word to comply with the orders. Jen knelt down beside Dash and fished out the small white kit from her pack. Twilight was certainly handling the situation the worst. Pacing back and forth rapidly, her mane quickly getting frazzled. “Oh this is horrible! We’re miles from anypony else! What if Rainbow doesn’t wake up? We can’t beat them now! Equestria is doomed!” She might have a bit of woods savvy, and a touch mature for her age…but Jen was still only fifteen. The poor girl was trying to keep her cool but seeing the savaged Rainbow Dash…and now having the older and usually intelligently collected Twilight falling apart was proving too much for her own nerves. She could feel her own eyes beginning to burn with building tears. As if she could sense the growing gloom over the little group, Pinkie reappeared bearing the fire wood. She looked from the almost crying Jennifer, to the rapidly panicking unicorn. Dropping the wood by Jen and Dash she trotted to Twilight. Placing a hoof on her rump she first forced her to sit. Then grabbed a handy cupcake from her bag and crammed it in Twilight’s mouth. She leaned in close to her ear and whispered with an amount of venom that shocked Twilight Sparkle. “Your panicking isn’t helping anypony…and you’re making Jennifer cry. You need to get your act together Twilight…she’s just a girl and she’s looking to us for strength. Now’s not the time to fall apart…now’s the time to be strong for her, for each other, and for Rainbow Dash. Got it?” Wide eyed Twilight could only nod as she swallowed the sugary treat. Her voice came out a hoarse whisper. “You’re right Pinkie Pie…thank you. And I’m sorry.” Pinkie’s mood did an instant one eighty and she smiled brightly. “Right then! Let’s get that fire a-crackling! Jenny-bean can get Rainbow Dash all fixed up and I can get us some yummy s’mores going!” Jen gave a loud sniff and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. Just having Pinkie there being Pinkie seemed to go a long way toward dispelling the dark thoughts taking root in her head. “R…right! Ok!” She hastily gathered the wood together and guided Twilight to it, angling her horn. “Alright Twilight, go ahead and give us a light.” The unicorns’ horn gave off a little purple spark. The wood caught and soon a fire was burning bright. Jen was chewing her lip again as she looked over Dash, able to see just how bad her condition was in the firelight. She felt the tears coming on again, but then heard that comforting voice chirp. “Well got the fire! You get the band aids out while I get us some dinner goin!” A quick nod and the girl went to work. She knelt beside Rainbow gingerly probing under her fur to find the worst of the wounds. Her wings seemed to be mercifully untouched…while not an expert she knew if a bird broke its wing it rarely if ever recovered. She wasn’t sure if a Pegasus was as delicate but this wasn’t the time to find out. Popping the cap off her canteen and willing up all the lessons she learned in the class and from her uncle she first cleaned Dash’s cuts with the water. Flipping open the little kit she found some alcohol and a roll of bandages. She tore a strip of material from the bottom of her t-shirt and soaked it in the alcohol starting to dab at Dash’s cuts. As soon as the makeshift rag brushed the first of her cuts Dash’s good eye snapped open and she belted out a long “YAAAAAH! That smarts!” Jen gave a little shriek and fell back on her butt breathing hard. Pinkie and Twilight rushed to their waking friends’ side (though the latter had a little more difficulty). “Oh Rainbow Dash we were so worried!” Their winged friend gave a grimace and tried to lift herself to her hooves, only to be firmly held in place by Jen. “You gotta lemme finish Rainbow Dash. Don’t want any of these to get infected.” This brought a round of grumbles from the wounded pony, but she did remain in her laying position. Each dab of the cloth brought another series of exaggerated groans, winces, and moans. By now her antics had brought a smile to her impromptu nurse’s face as she worked. Just seeing her awake and this energetic was a great sign. “Well if you’re feeling this good already you probly don’t have any long lasting damage. That’s good news.” She did her best to sound cheerful. Even though there was no permanent damage Dash was still hurt pretty bad. Once the cuts were tended to she began to wrap the bandages tightly around them bringing a new round of complaints from her patient. “Once my eyes clear I can help speed the healing along with some magics. I can’t work really powerful healings but it should be enough to get you back on your hooves.” Twilight settled down next to Rainbow by the fire. Pinkie meanwhile was watching the whole scene with a smile. It was a smaller smile than her usual one. Not the huge cheery grin she usually wore. Watching Jennifer carefully tend to Rainbow Dash was filling her up with a kind of wonderful feeling she didn’t have much experience with. She remembered the quiet, reserved and introverted little girl she baby sat for. It took a while to draw her out of her shell but slowly but surely she was doing it over the year she spent looking after her. It had seemed like she was called to baby sit almost every day of the week, and came to realize she was spending more time looking after the young human then her own mother was. That always bothered the joyful pony a more than a little. She was prepared to stay in the human world to be near the girl who had become so close to her, but she had a responsibility to her friends and Equestria as the Element of Laughter. Idly she wondered if this is how Mrs. Cake felt about Pound and Pumpkin. But that’d be silly… Jen let out a long breath and sat back with a nod of approval at her work. Dash looked like more mummy than Pegasus, but the worst of her wounds were cleaned and covered. “Dr. Jennifer is ready to eat something!” This brought Pinkie from her musings and her grin returned to its typical ‘Pinkie’ size. “Well Chef Pinkie Pie has just the thing! Yummy ooey gooey s’mores!” The troupes’ spirits were slowly rising despite the solid flank kicking they had just received. The friends sat and enjoyed the treats provided by Pinkie. Jen’s jacket currently being used as Rainbow Dash’s sick bed, the girl was exposed to the cold winter air and shivered, getting as close to the fire as she was able. The warmth was pleasant on her sore muscles, and she was gradually relaxing. Dash and Twilight were snoring almost as soon as the last bit of food disappeared, both being in worst condition than Jen and Pinkie by a wide margin. Jen gave a soft grunt as Pinkie thumped against her back and settled on the ground behind her. “Hope ya don’t mind Jenny-bean, I’m a little chilly and you’re nice and warm.” Of course Pinkie’s winter coat was thick enough she didn’t notice the chill in the air, but she could see Jen needed warming up. The human just gave a little smile and laid back, using Pinkie as a pillow. “Sure Pinkie…I don’t mind.” They lay in comfortable silence for a time. Jen gazing up at the starry sky. “I’m really proud of you Jennifer. You took great care of Rainbow Dash, and you carried poor Twilight all the way from the train.” She lifted her head and gave the girl a gentle nuzzle on the side. Jen felt a burning in her eyes again as tears welled up…though she wasn’t sad this time. She spoke softly. “Thanks Pinkie. I’ll see ya in the morning.” With another affectionate nudge to the hip Pinkie lay her head back down. “Sweet dreams Jenny-bean.” That had been her usual good night those times she had to stay over when her parents were going to be out all night. She’d tuck her in (something Jen secretly loved and outwardly protested as ‘being for babies’), then she’d sit by her bed and tell one of her crazy fairy tales about a magical land called Equestria. Fairy tales that were probably all true now that she thought about it. She watched the stars overhead as the days accumulated weariness slowly lulled her to sleep. “For one so young you are very determined Jennifer. I think we could have our fates in worse hooves.” The gentle and cultured voice brought Jen from her sleep. She blinked slowly and looked about. It looked like she was still at their camp off the tracks, but none of her friends were about. She looked up instead to see the imposing dark alicorn, Princess Luna. She jumped to her feet in surprise and stumbled. Everything felt oddly proportioned and out of place. With a little groan she looked back at herself…finding her neck able to move a good deal more than usual. She saw…a furry green trunk and flanks. She was a pony?! She reared up on her hind legs with a loud yelp of alarm, clopping back down to all four hooves. “Wha…what happened?!” Her sides heaved in an out as she fought to control her panic. “I know I was doing more magic than I should have bu-“ The night princess laughed gently and raised a hoof. “Calm yourself my little pony. I am visiting you in your dreams. It seems that we are in a state of perpetual dreaming as an effect of Discords magic. As the princess of the night, the safety of my subjects’ dreams is one of my prime duties.” She gave Jen a little smile. “As much as I enjoy raising the moon and decorating the sky with the stars, dream walking helps me keep close to my subjects.” This seemed to calm the green unicorn a little…though not entirely. She still craned her neck to look over every inch of herself. She plopped her rump to the ground like she’d seen the other sit, imitating them well. “So…this isn’t real? I didn’t change all the way?” A large blue feathered wing encircled the young filly comfortingly. “No, not yet little one. I became concerned when I found Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash did not share our predicament. Fearing the worst I have been seeking some sign of them…and you for the past few days.” Her breathing slowed to normal as she calmed in the Princess Luna’s comforting embrace. She withdrew her wing and folded it back against her body. “There…feel better?” Jen just bobbed her head in a nod. She took another moment to collect herself before raising her eyes to meet the princess’. “So…you really raise the moon?” Luna nodded. “And…you personally arrange the stars in the sky?” Another nod. “Wow…that’s…that’s amazing! Your night is breath taking you know? Night time was always my favorite time to be out back home but it never came CLOSE to the sky you have here!” This seemed to please the Princess a good deal. “Truly? It is very gratifying to hear you say that Jennifer. So very few ponies enjoy the night. I understand they must sleep of course, but I work so very hard to make it beautiful and at times it seems nopony at all appreciates it.” A little frown tugged at the edge of her muzzle…but then she looked down at the filly’s eyes shining with admiration up at her and the melancholy was replaced with a smile once again. Luna’s mood brightened further when the little green unicorn dipped in an awkward bow…almost tipping over to plant her muzzle into the dirt again. “Well I would like to formally thank you for the beautiful nights you create for us your highness.” A gentle brush of her wing steadied the filly and set her back on proper balance. “You may call me Luna little one.” Giving a little nod Jen settled steadily onto her hooves again. “Well I know we’ve already met, but this feels a little more like an official meeting. So…I’m Jennifer Allen. But just Jen is fine.” The princess couldn’t resist a teasing smile. “Not Jenny-bean?” This got a strangled little urk from the filly. “I prefer Jen…” With a nod the princess began to move at a leisurely pace. Jen scrambled to catch up with her, tripping all over herself several times in an effort to coordinate four legs rather than two. The princess would walk, and then wait. Slowly the filly would catch up, and then the princess would walk again. The process repeated for a time until Jennifer settled into a semi-steady walk. “I am sure you and your friends are working hard to deal with Discord, but I would appreciate some details. My sister is beside herself with worry, as are the rest of your friends. Some comforting words would go far to assuage their fears.” Luna seemed to be heading nowhere in particular, just content to walk the paths of Jennifer’s dream filled night. She found herself warming more and more to this odd little human in filly shape as she took in the girls own vision of her night. It was as if she saw it’s serene, dark majesty then amplified it to look even more magnificent in her mind. She had always had a fondness for foals….they seemed to appreciate her gift of night more than their elders. Be it the thrill of what lurked in a shadow to an opportune time to get up to some (usually), harmless mischief. And the girl at her side WAS a child…one closer to marehood than filly…but a filly none the less. Glancing at her from the corner of her eye she took in the little one’s long coltish legs and slender frame. Most likely she’d grow into the sort of wispy beauty Fluttershy possessed but for now she seemed the same as when she was human, a bit too long of limb for the rest of herself but pretty all the same. Jen for her part was busier staring at the ground and focusing on moving her legs in a somewhat coordinated manner. When she spoke it was clear she was somewhat distracted on the task of walking, but she relayed the encounter in the throne room, the challenge, and with a lower voice the disastrous train ride. “Now Rainbow Dash is hurt, Twilight is blind and they’re getting further and further away by the second. I…I don’t think we have a chance at beating them.” The princess halted their walk much to Jen’s delight, allowing her to plop her rump to the ground once again. The slow walk had worn her out trying to sort out how to get her limbs going the right way. “Such a defeatist attitude is unbecoming my little pony.” It sounded odd…being called that. But from Luna it also brought a warmth Jen normally only felt around Pinkie Pie. “There are always more than one way to reach a destination…one must simply be brave enough to take the road less traveled.” Jen looked down at her front hooves while she thought about that. She lifted one idly noting that the green color of her coat didn’t quite reach her hooves, which stood out a stark white unlike the ponies she traveled with. “Are you saying there’s a faster way then the train?” She looked up to meet Luna’s gaze. A slow nod was the alicorn’s response. “There is. There are many paths and trails through dark places ponies fear to tread. Forgotten roads and caves that only the oldest…and most adventurous of us know about. You have a wonderful talent in your magics that could aid you in finding such a road. I wonder if you are willing to make the sacrifice needed to save your friends.” She didn’t have to ask what the princess meant by THAT. Her finding spell could root out what she was looking for now that she knew she was looking for it…but something so lost and forgotten would probably require her to use it with increasing frequency. She had already used her magic for the shield when she was thrown from the train, and several times to find Pinkie and Dash. How many more times could she do it until the real her matched the dream her? She lifted a fore hoof again idly wiggling it. It felt so…solid. Having her hands stuffed into a pair of too-small mittens was the only comparison she could draw…but these mittens would never come off. There were other things too. She would never hold things in her hands. She would never enjoy a juicy burger again (and she DID love her beef). She could never go back to her own world. Though the more she thought about THAT the less it bothered her. She’d miss her uncle that much was true…and now and again she and her dad had shared a good laugh. But her friends were all here. She certainly wasn’t going to miss going to school. Equestria had the added allure of more excitement and adventure then she could ever find back home. Even Luna’s stories of long forgotten pathways had her shivering in excitement. When she raised her eyes to Luna’s again they were burning with new determination. “It doesn’t matter what happens to me. What matters is us beating Discord and getting our friends back safe and sound.” Her answer seemed to be precisely what the princess was hoping to hear judging by her warm smile. “Very well then. My power is limited to dream walking while I am reduced to the state I now reside…but call upon me as sleep comes to you, and I will be here. To give advice if needed and companionship if it is not. Now…I think it is time you awoke. Even with the promise of the short cuts you must make haste.” The princess leaned in close, gently touching her horn to Jennifer’s. A glow enveloped the little unicorn and then… Jen jerked upright with a little gasp. Blinking away the sleep from her eyes she could see the sun just beginning its ascent to herald the coming day. She looked about to see the sleeping ponies in their camp. The fire long burned itself out. Hesitantly she lifted her arms, relieved to find her fingers there and wiggling. Her ears splayed back and she let out a sigh of relief. …wait. Ears splayed back? That didn’t seem right. With a faint frown forming on her lips she gently ran her fingers along the side of her head. She wasn’t terribly surprised to find her ears not precisely where she expected. A good ways further up than before, she found large…pointed…and fuzzy ears peeking from her hair. A moment of running her fingers along them to get the general feel and shape was all she spent pondering this newest development…before her dreaming conversation with the princess came back with clarity. Climbing to her feet slowly trying not to disturb her slumbering friends, she closed her eyes and reached into herself…again bringing up the ‘find it’ charm she’d decided to call it. Floundering for a moment trying to find precisely the right way to word what she wanted in her head…she finally came up with “The fastest way to the first kingdom of the unicorns.” She’d gotten a few stories from Twilight about Princess Platinum and Clover the Clever’s journey from their home to find Equestria and it was the first place to pop into her head. She was rewarded with a rush of warmth as the energy reached out and slowly nudged her head toward the north and east…away from their original heading. Her spell hadn’t lead her wrong yet…and she wasn’t about to question it now. With another determined nod she set about waking the ponies. They had a lot of ground to cover yet…and not much time to do it.