//------------------------------// // Luna's Day // Story: The Daydreamer's Nightmare // by Foals Errand //------------------------------// ‘Celestia’ stood on the large balcony, her eyes closed serenely. She felt a twinge of terror that ‘Luna’ was so late in lowering the moon. Unlike the solar guards, her terror was not directed at the fact that it was still night but rather at the fact that ‘Luna’ was nowhere to be found. ‘Tia? Where are you, ‘Tia? Please be alright! “Your Highness?” A stallion asked from the doorway. His voice was filled with concern. Concern? Yes, but for what? My missing sister or the fact it is several minutes since dawn and the moon is still up? “Yes? Have there been any reports on the whereabouts of my sister?” I never realized how calm and collected ‘Tia always is. Is it an act? Like how I’m able to calm the heat of my anger and worry within her form? Could ‘Tia really be more worried than even she has told me? ‘Celestia’ felt her feathers droop a bit, there would be no actual sign that the guard could see but it was easily felt. She wondered how often she missed her sister doing that, even. ‘Tia, I really don’t know anything about you, do I? “Princess Luna was found in your office a few moments ago. According to Lt. Silverbelle, she had been napping. She is on her way now via escort… I mean, several guards are accompanying her.” What, couldn’t find the shackles to put her in? “I see, I am very relieved she was found! It puts my mind at ease. When she arrives, you are dismissed to see to your normal duties.” “Yes, Your Highness, as you will.” He lifted his right fore leg in salute. A few moments later the doors to the balcony swung open, admitting Princess ‘Luna.’ There were two solar guards escorting her, one on either side of her. She had her muzzle pointed towards the ground, and her wings flexed as she stood there. The guard on the right saluted Princess ‘Celestia’ sharply. “Your Highness, we have recovered the younger Princess.” He was unable to keep the relief from his tone. When the moon had not set the words ‘Nightmare Moon’ had swept through the palace. To find out she had simply been taking a nap had caused the entire squadron to breathe easier. Though maybe the guard needs a procedure in case this happens again. Perhaps a standing order to retain the Night Diarch if she starts behaving oddly. “Thank you, Lieutenant, you are all excused. My sister and I need to see to our celestial duties.” ‘Celestia’ watched and waited until the guards had all dispersed before slowly walking over to the smaller dark blue alicorn. Something was bothering her. She had yet to look at ‘Celestia’ since she got onto the balcony, instead she just continued to stare at the ground. ‘Celestia’ swallowed hard, unsure if there were any guards within hearing range. I can’t risk it, ‘Tia. I’m sorry. “Luna, are you alright? You’re late lowering the moon, little sister.” At the gentle yet questioning tone, ‘Luna’ looked up. She just stared at the white pony standing over her for a few moments before shaking her head. “I’m sorry, ‘Tia. I just closed my eyes for a few moments, then the next thing I knew, your guard was rousing me.” She dug her hoof across the ground in a manner one could interpret as shame, though ‘Celestia’ was not so certain. “It’s alright, accidents happen. Let’s just try not to make this a common occurrence, hmm?” ‘Celestia’ reached down for a nuzzle, which, after a few moments, was tentatively returned before ‘Luna’ lit her horn and unceremoniously lowered the moon and stars. ‘Celestia’ watched, concerned as her little sister turned to walk away. “Luna, are you alright? We can talk at breakfast. We’re having your favorite, little sister.” ‘Luna’ paused mid-step as if considering, then shook her head. “I think I’m going to skip breakfast this morning, ‘Tia. I can’t concentrate very well, so I’m going to head straight to bed. G’morn...” Straight to bed? ‘Tia and I haven’t missed having breakfast since I got back! W-what if being in my body is hurting her? We need to end this now, I just need to perform the counterspell. “Lulu, wait... M-maybe we should end this now?” ‘Luna’ blinked for a few moments, then rapidly shook her head. “No way, Celestia. Now raise the sun, and I will see you at dinner. We’ll talk then, I promise.” With her piece said the younger diarch left the balcony. ‘Celestia’ started to go after her but stopped herself. The sun, right… it’s really late in rising. Alright, Luna, you can do it! ‘Celestia’ lit her horn, placing it to the ground and lifting the sun past the horizon, bringing the dawn forth. She took a deep breath and moved to head inside when the sound hit her. She twitched her ears. It was quiet, so much so in fact that she wasn’t completely sure she had actually heard anything, but it began to build. ‘Celestia’ took to the air to see a large group of ponies. They are cheering? Stomping their hooves and cheering? What is it that they believe has occurred? The sun was just a bit late in rising! ‘Celestia’ landed back on the balcony with a small frown. ‘Tis only further proof that the ponies still distrust me. A throat cleared itself behind her as a very familiar tan unicorn with a pocket watch for a cutie mark made himself noticed. “Princess, I regret to inform you that we are already twenty minutes behind schedule because you refused to set the moon on time.” ‘Celestia’ kept control of her anger, barely, and smiled. “Oh, Kibitz. I promised Luna I would only touch the moon with her permission to do so. Any other time would break the trust we have in one another.” Kibitz snorted in the way only a gentle colt can before nodding. “Be that as it may, Princess, you are fortunate that your schedule for today is relatively empty. In fact, you even have time for breakfast before you are due in court.” ‘Celestia’ looked up to where Luna’s tower was and shook her head. “No, thank you, I think I’m going to skip breakfast and just head to court.” She hesitated a moment, “But I would appreciate a cup of coffee and a moon pie.” Kibitz nodded with a small smile. “Aren’t moon pies Princess Luna’s treat of choice?” ‘Celestia’ shrugged, “What can I say? She has had me try them so often that they’ve grown on me.” ‘Celestia felt like groaning. If there was a fact that had become very apparent very quickly, it was that this court was boring. Whether it was her near-empty night court or Celestia’s bustling day court, it made no difference; it was boring. Not to mention all the petitioners seem to be repeating themselves. ‘Celestia’ turned her attention to the mare in front of her, who had just been announced. “Please state your petition, my little pony.” ‘Celestia’ benevolently smiled down at her. It was getting easier for her to do this, though ‘Celestia’ supposed that it must be muscle memory and shrugged it off. The mare smiled nervously and opened her mouth before closing it in consideration. ‘Celestia’ gestured for her to speak. “There is no reason to be frightened, my little pony. Speak up.” “I-I was just wondering, Your Highness... if anything was going to be done to ensure that the moon sets on time after what we just witnessed?” And that seems to be the question for the day. What happens next time? What do they believe happened, that ‘Tia lost herself turned into a Nightmare and I battled her before locking her in the dungeons? This is getting ridiculous. “You have no need to fear, my little pony. Princess Luna was just concentrating a bit too much on some paperwork and lost track of time. The dawn will occur on time tomorrow.” The mare nodded and bowed before leaving. ‘Celestia’ sat back with a sigh. Of the thirty-plus ponies she’d heard a petition from, twenty-six of them had mentioned the sun, moon or even her sister by name. This cannot get any worse. “Announcing Prince Blueblood!” ...I have got to stop jinxing myself. Ever since Luna had returned from the moon her sister’s nephew had gone out of his way to make her life a living Tartarus. According to ‘Tia he had been her heir, and if something were to happen to her he was to be crowned king, or some such nonsense. Luna’s return had obviously nullified any chance of that happening. Luna had tried to like him she truly had, she had even taken Celestia’s advice and referred to him as ‘nephew,’ though that had seemed to exasperate the situation rather than resolve it. The thing that annoyed Luna the most about Blueblood, however, the thing that almost made her wish she had eaten ponies as the Nightmare, was his continued disrespect to the wonderful and gifted mares who had saved her. And being as it was only a few days ago that her savior and friend Twilight Sparkle had received her palace a gift from the Elements of Harmony themselves. ‘Celestia’ had a good idea about why he was here. “Good morning, nephew. What may I do for you?” ‘Celestia’ was able to keep her visible eye from twitching upon calling that so-called stallion nephew, though her hidden eye was narrowed dangerously. “Good morning, Auntie. I am so very relieved to see you are safe! I simply thought the worst when the sun did not rise on time this morning. Am I to understand the problem has been rectified?” ‘Celestia’ let out a silent sigh. Of course, another question about the sun... Maybe she should just ask the weather team to use the clouds to write. How would the youth say it? Oh, yes. Sorry, My bad! “You need not worry, nephew. Everything is under control.” “Ah, good. I’m relieved to hear the villain has been returned to chains.” Did… did he just say what I think he said? “I’m sorry, nephew... Are you meaning Tirek? Yes, he has been returned to Tartarus and is surely in chains, but he is not at all at fault for why the sun did not rise on time this morning.” Bloodblood smiled one of his patented ‘I'm better than anypony else because I’m rich and royalty’ smiles. “Oh, while I am overjoyed to hear of how Tirek is within chains, I was speaking of the demon who was masquerading as your beloved younger sister. Many of us were concerned that you were never going to see that that mare was not Auntie Luna.” “I’m sorry, I think I must have misheard you?” ‘Celestia’s’ voice was cool, calm, and collected, yet internally she could feel her fire being stroked. “Not at all, Auntie. It’s such a relief to know that imposter is off the throne! Have you chucked her into the dungeons, or are you simply holding her in a freeze spell until you are able to banish her once more? Might I suggest the sun this time? I suspect that she would find it far more difficult to escape from there!” That little, no-good, rotten… And with that thought, ‘Celestia’ lost her calm. “Nephew, that is enough out of your mouth! How dare you assume such things about my sister, your co-regent! It is because of ponies like you that I was without her for one-thousand winters, that I cried each and every night for her! I even kept her birthday as a holiday, and no pony even noticed your wonderful Grand Galloping Gala was once called the ‘Eventide Gala,’ and it was created to celebrate the day she became a mare. What’s more, I cause it to be a disaster each and every year in honor of her, to never forget what ponies like you did to her! And now? Now you come to me with this ‘high and mighty’ attitude with your assumptions about my little sister? The sun did not rise on time because Luna was working so hard on a problem that she fell asleep, and that reason only is why the sun was late in rising! Now, if there are any petitions not regarding my sister or the rising of the sun, I will gladly hear them.” She calmed her breathing. “As for you, nephew; this will be the last petition I will hear from you for the foreseeable future. When I am ready to hear from you I will contact you. Guard, please escort Prince Blueblood home.” As Blueblood stared in shock at his normally calm aunt, he could almost swear that her coat had bits of flame on it. He shook his head and the flames vanished, then he shakily bowed and allowed the guard to escort him out. ‘Celestia’ sighed as he left and allowed herself a small smile. I never knew ‘Tia did all that for me. I owe her so much... so very much. I wonder what we can do at the Grand Galloping Gala this year? Well, whatever it is, it’ll be together. ‘Celestia’ let out a small groan as she stared at the pile of paperwork in front of her. ‘Tia, I don’t know how you can do this, I just don’t. After several false starts, ‘Celestia’ finally got into the rhythm. Yes... no... yes... absolutely not, are you kidding me? There was a knock on the door. ‘Celestia’ paused in her writing to look up. “Yes?” “Your sister has been awaiting your arrival in the dining parlor for twenty minutes, Your Highness.” ‘Celestia’s’ eyes widened as her eyes went to the clock on the wall. In the name of our mother! “Thank you, please let Luna know I’ll be there within five minutes?” “Of course, Your Highness.” ‘Celestia’ groaned; she was so used to the moon telling her the time. I wonder, is that why you lost track of time this morning, ‘Tia? The sun wasn’t there to let you know? She shook her head and set her quill down. She stretched out her wings, hearing the joints pop a bit she stood up, and, after a moment of hesitation regarding direction, headed down the hall to where the dining room was. She opened the door to a very familiar sight. ‘Luna’ sat in front of the large window, gazing out at the sun that hovered right over the horizon. It was one of Luna’s favorite sights, for it always signified that she and her sister would have time to spend with each other. Between their assigned duties when the day and night met that they could simply be sisters. “Sorry I’m late, Luna I lost track of time!” ‘Celestia’ walked over and sat next to ‘Luna,’ draping a wing over her back. She felt her younger sister give a small shrug. “It’s alright, ‘Tia. Happens to everypony.” “So how was your rest, little sister?” ‘Celestia’ nuzzled ‘Luna’s’ velvet-like fur. Her fur feels like a foal’s. ‘Celestia’ marveled a bit before the nuzzle was returned. “My sleep was peaceful, big sister. Very uneventful.” ‘Luna’ smiled up at the beaming smile her older sister was giving her. “No nightmares, then?” Oh, please say this has worked, ‘Tia, and that that dream will bother you no more! ‘Luna’ shook her head, “I believe I dreamt about playing with the stars themselves… it was a nice dream, ‘Tia.” ‘Celestia’ felt she might begin to cry at any moment. It had worked, switching bodies with her big sister had actually worked; the nightmare was gone! Huzzah! Now, after a nice meal I will perform the counterspell and we will share a bottle of wine before she lowers her sun! The servant’s entrance opened and two unicorns entered, holding the domed platters of silver and gold. ‘Celestia’ took her spot across from ‘Luna’ as the gold platter was set before her. This time, lifting it revealed a simple dinner of a tomato bisque and sandwiches. ‘Celestia’ nodded her thanks, and with that the unicorns bowed to both diarchs and left the room. For several minutes there were no sounds other, than soft chewing and spoons scraping the bowl. Finally, ‘Luna’ looked up. “Well it’s been an odd day, hasn’t it?” ‘Celestia’ laughed. “Odd doesn’t even half-describe it. But I will admit that it has certainly been an experience. So, do you think you understand me any better now?” ‘Luna’ turned back to her meal without a word. ‘Celestia’ blinked, “‘Tia? What is it? D-did something happen?” ‘Luna’ opened her mouth, then closed it, her ears falling as she did so. She gulped, then nodded. “Yeah... Yes, Lulu, I think I understand you better.” ‘Celestia’s’ ears fell back at the tone her sister was using. That doesn’t sound good… “It’s alright, ‘Tia. I know being me isn’t a picnic, but it’s almost over. In just a few minutes you’ll be yourself again.” “Right, back to myself again...” ‘Luna’ mumbled, her ears still down. Something was definitely bothering her. Okay, no time to finish dinner. I’d better do the counterspell now. “Come here, ‘Tia. We need to be touching for the counterspell to work.” ‘Luna’s’ eyes grew wide, “Is it time? Already? b-but I need I have to… Luna ,I need to help fix things!” ‘Celestia’ blinked. “Fix things? ‘Tia I don’t understand. We fixed it; you aren’t having that horrible nightmare anymore, everything is better!” ‘Luna’ shook her head, “No they aren’t! Lulu, you have been home for two years and still the ponies act like you are going to snap and eat them at any moment. And when they are not acting in a skittish matter they are plotting against you and tricking you! I need to help you, I’m your older sister for Pony’s sake; let me for once in my bucking life act like it!” ‘Luna’s’ chest heaved with fury as ‘Celestia’ curled a wing around her. “It’s alright, ‘Tia. You can help me... b-but let’s turn you back into my big sister first, alright?” ‘Luna’ hesitated at first, then nodded. ‘Celestia’ smiled. “You are the best, big sister.” ‘Celestia’s’ horn began to glow. “Quod animae separatae, venit in. Muneris est tui. Sanitatem esse coepit.” ‘Luna’ prepared herself for the burning in her chest she felt last time, but there was nothing. She slowly opened an eye to see her body staring down at her in shock. “L-luna was th-that supposed to happen?” ‘Celestia’ shook her head slowly, her eyes wide in shock. ‘Luna’ gulped back the fear she was now feeling. “I-I d-didn’t think so…” End of The Daydreamer’s Nightmare.