//------------------------------//
// Nightmares 
// Story: Unavailing 
// by FaelaArts 
//------------------------------//


Twilight’s eyes flared open, and she sat up in one movement, gasping for breath. For a few moments she wasn’t even aware of where she was, let alone the fact it wasn’t the chariot. As her breathing calmed down, she stood up and gazed around. She was in some kind of forest, and right in front of her was a large concrete platform. 

An explosion ripped through the air, causing her hair to blow in the shockwave. A bright light flashed from the platform, and two forms became visible. Blinking the dust from her eyes, she couldn’t see who they were very well, and debated getting closer. As another explosion ripped through the air, she decided to take the risk.

Stepping onto the edge of the large platform, she gazed at the two forms before her, one at each end of the large stage. Her eyes widened as she realised the one on the left was herself, or another doppelganger of her exact age. To the right was the Alicorn, eyes full of rage and fury. The mare charged up a spell, Twilight winced at the power emanating from it. Even from this distance she could feel the power contained in that horn. 

Her doppelganger charged up a similar spell, but it was much weaker. As much as she hated to admit it, her doppelganger was seriously outclassed. They roared, aimed, and fired the spells. They clashed together, creating another explosion. 

As the dust cleared, the two were already charging up another spell. However Twilight could see new injuries on both parties. The Alicorn had two bleeding wings, hanging limply, and a large gash down her neck. Twilight’s doppelganger was barely standing, and it was hard to see a part of her not covered in blood. The spells hit once more, and she closed her eyes as it flashed even brighter then before. Opening her eyes after, she barely had time to widen them as a form crashed through her.

For a brief moment she was standing in the body of her doppelganger, before suddenly she became her doppelganger. Twilight was in so much pain, emotional and physical and she was barely clinging to life. She was being held down by the Alicorn, the cold malice and fury aimed directly at her. Most shockingly though, were the tears running down the mare’s face, and hitting Twilight’s.

“I want to live!”




Twilight jerked into an upright position once more, gasping for breath as the nightmare grasped at her consciousness. Her eyes flickered wildly around the room, before she relaxed to see she was alone. Glancing to her right, a small shaky smile flittered onto her face. Well almost.

“Are you alright Twilight?” It was Spike of course, and he looked like he hadn’t slept a wink. Feeling the edges of the nightmare still clinging to her, she leapt out of the bed and into Spike’s arms, and began to cry.

“I’m ok Spike. I’m ok,” she repeated over and over. Spike could only hold her, shocked and concerned by how much the nightmare had affected her this time.

“They’re getting worse aren’t they?” Twilight nodded at his question, a sob escaping her mouth. It had been worse this time, so much worse. All of them had been pale in comparison to this one, she never wanted to go through that again.

Eventually, she managed to calm down enough that the tears dried up, and she stepped out of Spike’s embrace. Locking eyes, she saw his worry and concern, and could only give a shaky smile as reassurance.  It was time to change the topic.

“Where are we Spike?” Twilight glanced around the familiar room, still a little muddled by sleep.

“We’re in Canterlot, I suggested we get you to your room to rest. That reminds me, the princess wants to see you when you wake up.” Spike began making her bed, hovering a cup of water near her head. Taking it in her magic, Twilight sipped it gratefully.

“Well ok, lets head down and see her immediately then. It would be rude to keep her waiting.” Twilight finished the cup of water and left it on the table, heading for the door. Spike followed behind quickly, closing the door behind them. They headed down the corridor to the throne room, silently occupied with their own thoughts. The door opened by the guards, the entered and headed up the carpet to meet the princess.

“Hello Princess Celestia, Princess Luna. I’m sorry about the state I arrived in.” Twilight and Spike bowed before the two, who stopped signing the paperwork and stood up. Walking away from the throne’s, they both shared a smile at seeing Twilight once more, she smiled at them in turn, straightening up.

“Hello Twilight,” they said together. Hearing their voices always set Twilight at ease. Their infinite calm and ability to never be flustered always made her feel proud to be so close to them.

“Thanks for letting me stay here while I find a new house to live in. The market in that town is fierce.” Celestia nodded in response, glancing to her sister as their paperwork was casually shoved into their faces.

“Stay as long as you like Twilight, and feel free to use the library as you wish. We had to hire a new custodian after you left, but I’m sure if you two ever meet you will feel right at home. However we really must get back to the paperwork. It was a pleasure seeing you, we will call you for dinner in a few hours.” Twilight bowed once more, and she and Spike quickly excused themselves. Walking down the corridor, she made a beeline for the library. 

Spike groaned, “not even an hour’s break?” He shook his head, trying to hide his smile. He knew Twilight too well. And so did the two princesses. Normally that library was of limits, full of old archives from a time long past. Of course, that hadn’t stopped a certain small filly from sneaking in. The permission was merely a formality.

“I’m sorry Spike, but I need to see what I can find out about this Alicorn.” Trotting toward the library, she glanced to Spike, burning passion in her eyes.

“Couldn’t you have just asked the princesses?” Spike’s question halted Twilight in her tracks, and she face-hoofed.

“Of course, I forgot! I’ll ask them at dinner then. There won’t be anypony else around after all.” Twilight began walking briskly again, Spike rolled his eyes as he quickly caught up.

“If you say so Twilight.”