Chapter Two: Firefly
Princess Luna was still confused by this little pony's presence. Not only was she not asleep, preventing Luna from seeing her dream, but this mare was a pony Luna had never seen before. Her actions were curious. She had a gracefully step about her, bouncing around like a bunny as she chased the lightning bugs around.
She smiled and giggles when a bug landed right on her nose. It tickled but share dare not disturb the peaceful bug. After a moment, the bug left; Firefly watching it float away until she could not see it anymore.
"Your night is beautiful, Princess Luna," Firefly commented.
This took Luna by surprise. Nopony has ever commented on her night before. This remark was shocking and yet very pleasing all at the same time. "Thank you." But still one question lingered on her mind. "Why aren't you asleep like everypony else?"
Firefly simply answered, "I can't sleep." She continued to play with the glowing bugs. "Besides, the night is so peaceful. I like it here much better than during the day. It's too busy in the day."
"So, you sleep during the day?" Luna asked.
"No."
"Oh." What a curious pony. She slept little if at all, yet she seemed okay. Luna has seen sleep deprived ponies before, but this one was unlike anypony she's ever seen before. "Why don't you try to get some sleep now?"
"I tried to sleep once. It was too painful. Ever since the accident…" she stopped, fearing that she had revealed too much about herself already.
Luna gingerly pressed on. "Since the accident?"
Firefly looked at Luna's eyes, they were sincere and trusting. "Ever since the accident, I have been having this terrible recurring nightmare. It won't leave me. So, rather than sleep and face the nightmare, I've learned to stay awake during the night."
Luna wanted to know more. "What was the nightmare?" she asked tenderly, but the dark blue mare turned her head, her eyes clenched in pain.
"It's too painful to remember."
"I understand." Luna didn't know what to do. She wanted to help this little mare, but she wouldn't tell her what the nightmare was. The only other way to find out was if she saw it for herself.
A little gold light started to peak out over the horizon. Luna's time was running out and would soon have to return back to Canterlot. "Firefly, can you try to sleep tonight. I will protect your dreams. I promise."
Firefly looked uncertain. "I don't know…"
Luna placed a consoling hoof on her shoulder. "I promise, I will keep you safe."
With a long look of understanding, Firefly agreed with a nod.
"Good," Luna said; her wings unfolding, preparing for flight. "I will see you tonight."
The mare watched the majestic alicorn soar gracefully back to her castle in Canterlot. It was dawn by the time she reached the guard tower. Celestia waited for her sister.
"You're late," she said. It wasn't so much reprimanding but curiosity. Luna was usually very punctual with her guard change. "What kept you?"
"Sister, have you heard of a little mare named Firefly."
"Firefly?" she repeated the name, hoping it would spark something in her memory. "No, I can't say I have."
"Odd," Luna said. "I met her tonight out in the fields playing with the fireflies. She says she hasn't been sleeping. A terrible nightmare plagues her mind."
"This seems like your area of expertise." The white alicorn said.
Luna nodded. "Indeed. I'm going to assess the situation tomorrow night."
"Very well; but for now, rest. I will see the day." Luna nodded and retreated into the castle.