Luna simply stared at the creature contained within the dome, her magic keeping it in place as it cowered, the button-eyes staring right back at her. She didn't understand how this creature was able to exist outside the dream-realm, only a select few nightmares were able to accomplish this feat, which was a difficult one to begin with. She turned and spied the Elements of Harmony, as well as their guardian and Sapphire.
"Greetings" she stated, restraining her volume as her sister had been teaching her.
They exchanged pleasantries, and quickly got down to business. The monster mare cowered as nine pairs of eyes fell upon her. She took notice of Midnight's stare, hers was a different kind of surprise, one of recognition.
Now, it was her understanding that Midnight Storm was a bit anti-social, and kept a small circle of friends. And as such, it became a very large surprise to her when the kirin stepped forward, walking toward the dome.
"Dreamcast? Are you okay?" Midnight asked.
"Hold on a minute..." Applejack said "...are y'all sayin' ya know this...uh...pony?"
"Yes, I do" Midnight said, before turning to Luna "Could you please drop the shield, highness?"
Luna stared at her in bewilderment, before slowly dissipating her magic, watching for any change in the creature's movements. There were none.
Midnight helped the mare to her hooves, the other eight ponies' jaws dropping.
"Princess, can you let her explain herself?" Midnight asked.
Now it was Dreamcast's turn to be surprised.
"Why?" she asked simply, staring wide-eyed at the kirin.
Midnight ignored her, and continued talking.
"Princess, between Twilight and I, we might be able to fill in some of the gaps"
Luna mentally shook herself, and addressed Midnight.
"Of course, let us retire to my study- mayhaps we might discuss things a bit better in privacy"
"Quite an interesting tale..." Luna said, Twilight and Midnight having finished presenting what little information they had.
"H-honored, highness" Dreamcast said quietly.
Luna nodded, before standing.
"While I understand a majority of what Captain Midnight and Twilight Sparkle have found, I would like to hear what you have to say" she said, looking to Dreamcast.
"I-I-I'd rather not, highness" she squeaked, lowly bowing.
Luna nodded simply, and addressed them collectively.
"I am rather sorry for pulling you all from your daily schedules, but thank you"
Midnight sighed good-naturedly as she bid the Elements goodbye, before leading Sapphire and Dreamcast through the winding corridors of the castle and out into the open.
"What do we do now?" Sapphire asked.
"We go home, I guess" Midnight replied.
Dreamcast dared not say a thing, lest she somehow provoke the ponies around them, giving her stares and looks as they went.
"Home sweet home" Sapphire sighed, flopping onto the couch.
"Yeah..." Midnight agreed, closing the door after Dreamcast stepped through "I'm going to check on Squeaks"
After the kirin left, Dreamcast found her voice.
"She left Squeaks here, alone?" she asked.
"No, Berry looked after her, she must've left a little bit before we got here" Sapphire responded.
"Might I ask something of you?"
"I think you just did, but okay"
"Why are you no longer afraid of me?"
The pegasus was silent for a moment, deep in thought.
"Huh...well...I guess it's because I've gotten to know you" she finally said "I mean, you look scary, but you aren't- at least, not as much as I thought you were"
"Ah...and what of the Elements, now that they know?"
"Well...I really can't say for sure...I think Twilight'll want to ask you questions more than anything" she chuckled.
Dreamcast let out a small laugh of her own, before sobering.
"So...what brought this on?"
"Midnight's foal..."
"Squeaks? Why?"
"I know she's terrified of me...and...it bothers me..."
"Mind if I ask why?"
"It reminds me of a...friend's...problem..."
"Who's the friend?"
"Oh, you wouldn't know her...but anyway...I was hoping for Squeaks to like me...I suppose that was just wishful thinking..."
"...well...um, give it some time- I'm sure she'll warm up to you eventually"
Dreamcast perked up a bit.
"Perhaps you are right" she said.
"Who knows, maybe you'll-"
*Knock Knock*
Sapphire got off the couch and went to answer the door as Dreamcast rendered herself invisible. Sapphire opened the door-
"Yes? How may I-"
*THUNK*
*Tick Tick Tick Tick*
The door closed of its own accord, and Dreamcast became visible once more. She quickly bolted, running into the hall to find Midnight.
But the question was- how was she going to tell Midnight that Sapphire had been foalnapped?