//------------------------------// // Return To Dreaming/A Powerful Threat // Story: Renew // by lorettafox //------------------------------// After calming down a little bit, Twilight was able to head to the Canterlot library and grab a few books that she could study in order to ease her mind about what had happened. She had to remain calm and relax. If she stresses out too much, something could happen to the foal and she couldn't bear something happening to her foal. Twilight managed to grab a few random books from the library on a couple of different subjects before she headed back to her bedroom and began reading them intensely, sometimes losing herself in dream before being brought back to reality by her foal kicking from inside her, each time making her laugh slightly. One of the books that Twilight had grabbed from the library was a book based on dreams and how they can affect you. She would have normally passed the book by, but she chose it as she remembered how it was because of her dreams that she and Discord were together. It was rather interesting to her really how she and Discord got together really. It had all started after the Canterlot wedding and he began visiting her, making her dreams very mysterious and leaving her to visit her Dreams in The Mist. The dreams kept on occurring until that one Summer Sun Celebration when he finally gave her a very treasured gift: by turning her into an alicorn, away from prying eyes. But it had ended so quickly when Rainbow Dash and the others had managed to get Princess Luna to activate the Elements of Harmony against Discord, having the Element of Magic crown slammed onto her head without her being able to stop it. It was so quickly that Luna had been able to activate the Elements and before Twilight could use try using a spell to prevent the Elements from being used, it was too late. Discord was turned back to stone and there was nothing that Twilight could do about it as the Element bearers would never release him again. So she played like she had been under his spell the entire time to deceive them. She knew it had been wrong to lie to her friends, but if she admitted that she actually loved him to them, they would still have thought that Discord's magic was still instilled in her. But the past was the past. Discord was free from the Elements spell and that was great. But what about these two mares that suddenly appeared on the scene? What if they did manage to get a hold of something and actually tried to get rid of him, permanently, without a possibility of coming back? Twilight's eyes began to water at the thought that entered her mind. She couldn't bear to lose him again like she had to the Elements when Luna had activated them without her control. Once had been painful enough, but twice would simply turned her into a hollow shell of what she would have once been. Twilight quickly shook her head to try to snap herself back into reality. It would be fine. Celestia's guards would capture those two mares and bring them in for questioning and perhaps find out why they were acting the way they were. Maybe the two mares themselves were under a hypnotic spell that was old as time itself? Everything will be fine. Stop thinking about it and try to study your books. Twilight thought to herself as she levitated the dream meaning book to her and flipped to another random page. Twilight read the book for awhile before she felt her eyelids begin to feel heavy. Twilight glanced at the nearby window to see that it was starting to get late in the day. It wasn't close to evening yet, but there was enough time to take a nap. After all of the stress that was going on today, a nap would most definitely be a welcomed change of pace. Twilight walked over to her bed and opened her wings to fly into bed and get into a comfortable position, her hooves gathered comfortably underneath her. Twilight glanced around the bedroom once more, making sure that everything was in place and that nor Discord or Screwball had suddenly returned. Seeing no pony, she closed her eyes and slowly drifted off into a sleep. As soon as she had closed her eyes, Twilight opened them again to see that she was no longer in her dream, but in a forest, a common occurrence that happened when Discord began invading her dreams. The forest itself was moonlit and a low mist were hanging around the many trees that surrounded her. The only source of light there was from the moon itself and from a small candle that was lying next to her. Twilight picked up the candle and soon noticed something that the candle illuminated. She was wearing the same dress that she had worn when she had first had these dreams. Twilight glanced around the forest that was surrounding her and saw not much of anything, only the mist that was hanging itself to the trees. “I don't understand, why am I having this old dream again?” Twilight asked aloud as she knew she was dreaming, she always knew ever since she read that old book of lucid dreaming. “Is this supposed to mean something?” As if an answer to her question, Twilight suddenly noticed a road standing next to her, as if had suddenly appeared there. Twilight's ears also went up as she could hear a faint galloping sound from coming up the road. The galloping got louder and louder until it suddenly came to a halt as a carriage pulled itself in front of Twilight, the same exact one that had pulled up when these dreams had first started. But the carriage itself was not what made Twilight drop her mouth when it pulled up. It was the pony that had been driving it. It was the same exact driver pony that had operated it before. “Discord? Is that actually you?” Twilight questioned, unsure if it was actually him or just her imagination. “Care for a ride, Twilight?” the driver pony smiled, the snaggletooth visible. The line was enough to make Twilight start giggling, something that was good to feel. “Ok Discord, did you sneak into my dreams?” Twilight smiled at him. “What, I can't sneak into my own mare's dreams? What would this world be coming to if I couldn't have a little fun messing in your head?” the driver pony said when a puff of smoke flashed, the driver pony turning into Discord. “That would be kind of boring, don't you think, my dear?” “Why are you replaying this old scenario dream again? And why are you even invading my dreams in the first place?” Twilight questioned. “After all that has been going on today and recently, we haven't exactly been a chaotic couple lately, being able to do the chaotic things we want? Besides, after all the distress you've been under, I thought you would appreciate a little remembrance, if you will.” said Discord as he snapped his fingers and the Element of Magic crown appeared in his hand. “Remember this appearing?” Picking up the Element crown with her magic, she levitated it to her face and smiled. “I do remember this. I smashed it to the floor because I was so mad that you couldn't have been taught at least how to be good. You're behaved and have controlled your chaotic magic to just simple pranks, so that's good.” Twilight spoke as she placed the crown on her head. “But now that I know that the crown can no longer place you back into stone, I have no more hostile feelings towards it.” Discord faked a yawn. “I know, but it certainly gets boring after a while, especially this forest. Could it possibly be any more depressing in here?” Discord quickly snapped his fingers, changing the landscape into an unusual one, the ground in a pink and purple checkered pattern and turning the sky green. “Much better, don't you agree, my dear?” “Most definitely.” Twilight laughed as she looked at the scenery. Casting her eyes upon a tree that was growing lollipops, she used her magic to pick one off and place it into her mouth. It tasted like spinach, interesting. “Have you just been dying to this for the longest time now?” “Being good puts a lot of restrain on my magic and Celestia would have a field day if I did this to her precious castle. At least your dreams allow me to have all of the fun I could possibly want.” “No kidding.” Twilight laughed. “Twilight Sparkle! Discord! I wish to speak with you all immediately!” came the booming voice of Princess Luna, who appeared next to a floating upside down apple tree. “I see that you have made yourself at home in Twilight's dreams, Discord.” Discord responded by sticking at his tongue at her. Luna continued on, ignoring his action. “I need to speak with you both about what happened with this two mares.” “What about them, Princess Luna?” asked Twilight. “Is something going to happen?” Luna quickly placed a hoof on top of Twilight's head and gave her a small smile. “There is no need to panic, Twilight Sparkle. Our guards are getting closer to those two mares' whereabouts but I do wish to discuss why these two mares seem to be after you both in the first place.” “Well, all I know of is that Discord has informed that Apple Sweet, that green unicorn, was placed under some spell by an old wizard that warped her mind. They used to be friends of some type, her and Discord.” explained Twilight. “Discord, what is your past relationship with Apple Sweet?” asked Luna. “We used to be performers back when I ruled. We were The Chaotic Rockers.” Discord said as if were common knowledge. Twilight's jaw dropped in surprise. “You used to be a performer?! I thought you were the god of chaos?” said Twilight dumbfounded. “I thought rock instruments weren't invented until much later after your old reign.” “Don't be so surprised, my dear. Being a king did get boring sometimes and I relieved the boredom of duties by performing with Apple Sweet. That is, until Star Mage got a hold of her and placed that spell on her.” Twilight blinked in surprise, mouth still dropped open. No where in her history books had she ever read about an olden day rock band, but she was just going to have to take Discord's word for it. Discord walked over to her and closed her mouth for her, causing her to blink in surprise. “Where was I? Oh yes. Discord informed me that he has tried to remove the spell from her, but it didn't seem to work somehow.” “An old mind control spell not even Discord could break? This is very useful information, perhaps me and my sister could find a spell to reverse this Star Mage's magic. The name of this wizard sounds very familiar to me. He may have been one of our old mages after the your reign ended Discord, but I'm not quite sure. Do you think this Star Mage could still be around?” Luna questioned. “He should be somewhere in Equestria.” Discord spoke as he began to float into the air. “He is still under a very powerful immortal spell I placed him under. He can't ever die.” he laughed. Twilight's face quickly turned into a frown. “How could you do that do a pony? Why would you do it?” “You forget that I thought much differently back then, my dear. I would remove it now, but I don't know where he could possibly be.” Discord spoke nonchalantly as he stretched himself out in the air. “That wouldn't be a wise idea, Discord. I will find a way to reverse that old curse so that we may find him and give him the peace that he deserves. If you were to remove it Discord, time would catch up to him and he would simply turn into a pile of dust the moment you lifted it off of him. My sister and I will find a way so that he can have peace, and not merely turn into dust.” said Luna. “And what of this other mare? Do you know much of her?” “Not really. She just came up to me and eventually told me I was under some love spell! That is insane!” said Twilight. “But why would she think of something like that and I'm honestly curious how she even knew that Discord was back.” said Twilight. “We will also look into that matter as well. So we need to find a way to reverse the spell on Apple Sweet, find out about this other pony that is with her, and trace down the old wizard that placed Apple Sweet under the spell and reverse the spell that Discord placed upon him. That's much for two princesses to take care of and to take care of our fair country.” Luna said when Twilight opened her mouth to say something, but was immediately silenced by Luna. “But we shall do it because we care about the both of you. I want the both of you to be safe. I must be going now so that the two of you can enjoy this dream together. Good bye to the both of you then. We shall see you back in the palace.” In a blaze of light, Luna was gone, leaving Twilight and Discord alone. Twilight blinked her eyes in surprise. “I'm honestly quite curious about those two ponies who want to get rid of you. Why was Apple Sweet placed under the spell in the first place? Did Star Mage have a thing against you? And what is with this other pony? How did she even know that you were back in the first place?” “My dear, you're making my eyes roll with all of these questions you're asking.” Discord said as his eyes quite literally rolled out of his head and onto the ground, in which he appeared under them when they stopped rolling. “I honestly don't know the answers to those questions, so I'm just in the dark as you.” With that said, the sky suddenly turned dark, as if a light switch had been turned off. “Discord!” Twilight yelled as her candle was the only light that could be seen. “Turn the lights back on this instant!” “But why, my dear? It's so much better to be in the dark.” Discord laughed. “I can hardly see a thing past this candle's light! Heck, I can even see you, for Celestia's sake!” Twilight complained when she remembered something. “Wait, this a dream and since it is, I should be able to do this...” Focusing her mind, Twilight was able to change the darkness into something a little more comfortable, a small cafe in a big city, the first thing that she could think of. “A cafe, my dear? I honestly thought you would have chosen a library of all places.” said Discord. “I was reading this book on different locations before I fell asleep and this cafe was one of the last things in that book. It was the first place I thought about.” Twilight spoke as she sat at one of the tables, which were surrounded by heart-shaped inspired lawn chairs. “After all that has been going on today as well, it's a relaxing place to be at.” At that moment, a pony came out from inside the actual cafe and placed a cup of what seemed to be tea in front of Twilight and a chocolate milk in front of the other chair, in which Discord sat down in. The pony simply nodded at Twilight before disappearing back inside of the cafe. Twilight picked up the tea and took a sip of it, smiling. “Exactly what I was thinking, Cotton Blast flavored drink.” Twilight said as she looked down at her cup, the pink liquid moving about in the cup as her magic moved it. “It's nice to lucid dream.” remarked Twilight as she took another drink from her cup. “I forgot how calming it can be to come into my own mind. I can always create the perfect setting. It can always be how I would like it to be.” “I guess it's alright. At least Celestia can't bother us or tell us to do this or that. In fact...speaking of Celestia...” Snapping his fingers, Celestia suddenly emerged from the cafe, donning a waiter's uniform. “Discord! Really?” Twilight questioned as the dream Celestia walked over to them and flashed them a smile. “Is there I could do for you, Sir Discord?” she asked. “Act like a dog, create chaos, do your bidding?” “That's an excellent suggestion, Celestia! Be a good dog and go fetch the ball!” A quick snap of his fingers and a ball appeared, in which he threw across the street, Celestia suddenly barking loudly and going after it much like a dog would. “Discord!” Twilight yelled before letting out a laugh. “Were you really that desperate to have Princess Celestia do what you say?” “Hey, she can get boring sometimes. She really needs to learn to be a little more chaotic.” Discord laughed as dream Celestia returned the ball to him and began to bark happily. “Good puppy Celestia! You're such a good girl!” he laughed as he patted Celestia's head, in which she barked even more happily. “Oh, alright! Enough of that, Discord!” Twilight laughed. “I guess it is an advantage that I'm simply dreaming. Stuff like this is perfectly alright here as no one has to know about this.” Twilight took another sip of her drink before continuing on. “I wish I could sometimes stay here for as much as I wanted to and not have to worry about my problems or those two mares...Unfortunately, I cannot do that...” “Perhaps we can, my dear. It has been so long since I've personally invaded your dreams. After all, isn't this how you realized you actually, oh Celestia, had feelings for me?” he said in a mocking tone, in which Twilight gave him a slight glare. “But we actually can go back to what it once was, coming together in your dreams. At least here, Celestia can't 'ground' us.” Discord quickly shooed the dream Celestia away with his paw, in which she did so and went back inside of the cafe. “We can do whatever we want and Celestia can't say a word about it.” “And it would be a great way to spend some time together. Being with Screwball is wonderful, but I wanna just be with you only sometimes.” “Are you going to go all mushy on me now? Blehh!” Discord gagged in disgust. “Discord! I'm serious! I really wanna spend some time with you, away from the problems of the waking world and not having to worry about those two mares coming after you! What if the guards don't manage to catch them and they find a way to get rid of you? What would I do if something did actually happen to you?” “Relax, my dear. If the Elements can't lock me away, then nothing can!” Discord laughed happily. “Discord, you don't get it!” Twilight yelled as she took a large drink from her tea cup, before banging it on the plate it was resting on. “There is always more powerful magic then one thinks! Always! They might be able to find something and they might to able to use it! Celestia and Luna have told me that there is powerful artifacts that can even get defeat their magic, so don't go thinking that your completely safe! Until those two mares have whatever is over them reversed, you're in serious danger! Does that mean nothing to you?” “My dear, everything will be fine.” Discord responded. “Until those two mares are captured, no it's not!” said Twilight as she took another sip, taking deep breathes, trying calm herself down. “Ok Twilight, breathe, relax. You're in your dreams, you'll be safe for now...” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In an old alleyway in Canterlot, a small shop was lying away from prying eyes. The shop pony that ran the small shop got customers from time to time, but other then that, it was usually pretty quiet. He was reading a book at the counter when suddenly the front door opened to reveal Star Mage, Bookworm, and Apple Sweet enter the shop. Bookworm immediately went looking at all the old stuff that the shop had, interested in how it had possibly acquired such objects. “Good there, my good traveling ponies. How can I help you?” the shop pony asked. “No wait, let me guess, something drew you all here to my shop this late afternoon, something of power comes to mind...” Apple Sweet approached the counter and immediately looked up to see a charm sitting in a glass container with the design of an alicorn necklace with a bright red gem in the middle. That must have been the Alicorn Amulet. “We hear that you have the Alicorn Amulet in your possession.” “Ah yes, the Alicorn Amulet. I do have it indeed. You have a keen eye, my dear. It is one of the most powerful magical charms in all of Equestrian history.” “We wish to purchase that Amulet.” spoke Star Mage, who walked up next to Apple Sweet. “We need it magic for an important purpose.” “I'm afraid I cannot sell it to you. It's magic is far too powerful for anypony to control.” spoke the shop pony. “Perhaps this will change your mind.” Star Mage spoke as he levitated a large bag of bits onto the counter, in which it spilled out some of it contents. The shop pony's eyes widened, he had never seen so many bits at once. “Would you like that Amulet gift wrapped then?” asked the shop pony as he brought it down and placed the glass container on the counter. “I must warn you, the Amulet has been known to corrupt it's user. Which of you am I giving the Amulet to?” “No thank you. We wish to give it to her.” Star Mage said as he pointed to Apple Sweet. “She is in most need of-” “Stop in the name of the Equestrian royal guard!” came the booming voice of the vice captain as he and several other stallions ran inside of the place. “By order of Princess Celestia, you mares must came immediately to the palace for questioning about your most recent actions. You must came as well, sir, for these mares could have told you what they might have planned.” “Q-Questioning?” Bookworm panicked. “Questioning usually leads to the dungeons! No! I will not be going to the dungeons!” Bookworm quickly took off flapping her wings and tried darting out the shop, but two the pegasus guards were able to stop her from flying away. “No! I won't be imprisoned! I won't!” “We are not arresting you. The Princesses have asked us to question you, is all.” one of the guards hold Bookworm back informed. “Lies!” Bookworm hissed at him. “No. I-I don't want to be questioned. I haven't done anything wrong!” Apple Sweet panicked. “You haven't.” Star Mage said as he used his magic to pull the Alicorn Amulet out of the glass container and quickly slip in onto Apple Sweet, her eyes suddenly flashing red. “And now you can tell them that once more.” Apple Sweet suddenly felt more power then she could ever dream of rush through her body as quickly as lightening. As the power surged through her, it came out through the top of her horn as a bright red aura. “Like I said, I haven't done anything wrong nor have my mentor or my friend!” Her horn giving off a very strong magical pulse, Apple Sweet conjured what appeared to be a red arrow and levitate over the guards, in which it duplicated itself. Each arrow soon hovered over each unicorn and pegasus guard, removing either their horns or wings. The guards felt no pain, but were in shock as it happened. The arrows suddenly disappeared, taking what they removed with them. “You may have taken our horns and wings, but we will still be taking you all in for questioning! Stallions, get the rope!” the vice captain yelled. “No! You will not be taking us to the dungeons!” Bookworm yelled as she flew up into the air and landed on top of the vice captain, causing him to collapse under her weight. “Vice Captain!” one of the guards yelled as he came up from behind Bookworm, jumping up and pulling her off from the vice captain allowing him to get up. “Get the rope and quickly! They're turning aggressive!” “Let her go!” Apple Sweet yelled as her magic went after the guards who had some rope in their mouths, just barely avoiding the magic that was coming at them. “Hurry, tie that pegasus down!” “No! I don't wanna go to the dungeons!” Bookworm screamed as the guards tied down the ropes on her, despite now just being normal earth ponies. They were able to tie up both her wings and hooves, now preventing from being able to move properly. “No! Let me go! Untie me this instant!” “Under the order of Princess Celestia, we were told not to harm you, but if we had to use force, we must. You will all come in for questioning for what has happened today.” said the vice captain when he looked up at the guard that was looking over Bookworm. “We must place them into a holding cell until we can get them to calm down enough to question. I will explain this to Princess Celestia.” Upon hearing the word cell, Bookworm began to shake even more then she had been before. She had a fear of small areas and a cell was a small area and she didn't want to go there. “NO! NO! NO! I can't go there! Please, somepony help me! Help me, please!” “Let her go!” Apple Sweet yelled. “I said let her go this instant!” “By order of the Princess, we will be transporting you for questioning!” the vice captain yelled as he held an odd piece of metal in his mouth, which was actually a magic horn brace, which prevented unicorns from performing magic. “Even if we have to do it by force!” The vice captain instantly lunged at Star Mage, managing to pin him to the ground and slip the brace over his horn. Star Mage tried to use his magic before the brace was slipped on, but was it was on, it was too late as he felt his magic being blocked by the brace. “Apple Sweet, my student, it's up to you to save us from this fate! You are the only one with the real power here!” By now, Apple Sweet was raging angry and now her anger was peeked when Star Mage was pinned down by the vice captain. “For the last time...” she started angrily. “Let them go this instant!” With that yelled, Apple Sweet's magic poured from her horn much more powerful then before. With a quick swoop of her magic, it was able to grab all of the guards and fling them out of the shop and into the alleyway. “Now leave us alone!” Apple Sweet yelled, the magic in her eyes making them shine bright red. The guards instantly ran away, knowing it was no use in winning this fight. They would have to go back to the palace and come up with a new plan. Or else something worse could end up happening to them. Apple Sweet gave the guards an angry glare as they ran off. As soon as they turned a corner, Apple Sweet turned around and immediately went to Star Mage and removed the brace as if were simply a piece of dust on his horn and flicked it in a random direction. After freeing Star Mage, Apple Sweet walked over to Bookworm and simply made the rope disappear into thin air, causing Bookworm to fall over as her hooves became free. “T-Thanks.” said Bookworm as she was able to finally get to her feet. “I almost thought we were gonna head to the dungeons.” “Now that I have the Amulet, let's form a plan to get rid of that monster once and for all.” Apple Sweet smiled wickedly, the Amulet causing her eyes to glow a bright red.