//------------------------------//
// Long Nights and Night Mares 
// Story: Suicidal Ideation Is Magic 
// by Shukawarioserfi 
//------------------------------//

	I open my eyes. I'm at school. My hooves are shaking and I feel tense. The north wall seems distant and I can't comprehend what classroom I'm in. I see my asylum-mates Holley, Bird, Otani, Lithia, Penny, and Illumina, among others. What is going on? The teacher is Dr. Discord, for some reason. I look down at myself, I'm naked. But I'm always naked. I'm eager and terrified at what will happen next. Or can I find a way to escape? I run to the nearest exit, locked.

"Where are you going?" Discord says. "Sit down!" My legs move quickly from under me, bringing me to my seat. I try to stop them but to no avail. In a second I am glued to my seat, trapped. 

"Where am I?" I say, I look around at my classmates, they look hypnotized and not aware of my presence.

Discord laughs. "It doesn't matter where you are, only that you're mine." Discord gives an evil grin. "Now, class. Ready to learn about chaos?"

"Yes, Mrs. Discord." The class responds in unison. I stay silent.

Discord chuckles. "Mrs. Discord? Hmm... must be the wig." Discord snaps and the wig disappears. "Now." Discord responds, suddenly the scenery changes. I'm in a ponyville meadow. There's animals interbreeding, pink clouds, and so much chaos and disorder that I am terrified to look. "Pay attention class." Suddenly my eyes stay open and my gaze is glued to the horror. 

"What is this?" I say. The rest of the class stays silent, watching.

"This is chaos." Discord responds with maniacal laughter. "And chaos is fun."

"Chaos is fun." The class repeats in unison. I growl in frustration.

"Why are you doing this?" I say solemnly, almost crying in terror.

"Because I need to stay in good terms with the princess." Discord clears his throat. "But I also need chaos, and that's where you come in."

"I will never cause chaos." I say. "And you won't make me like them."

Discord laughs. "But you already are. You see? You're already under my control." Discord snaps, and I'm attached to strings, and he's the puppeteer. He makes me dance, I scream. He's right. My limbs don't even obey me anymore, but I can't let him have my mind. 

"Let me go!" I cry, I move my neck on my own will and cut the strings with my teeth and break free. I'm falling through the floor. "Shit." I quickly realize this is a dream, I try and think of a mattress. A soft cushiony mattress to break my fall. It appears just in time, I bounce in the air and back onto the mattress. I wipe my tears and laugh joyfully. Just then I see princess Luna appear, I quickly jump off the mattress and bow in respect. "Luna. I'm so glad to see you." I look to see where I'm at, the black void turns into rural ponyville. I see the moon and I admire it's beauty for a moment, before realizing again that this is a dream.

"You had a hell of a nightmare young pony." Luna responds and hugs me. "Now what do you think it represents?"

It feels like I'm back at school again and Luna's the teacher, much less scary than Mrs. Discord. I have to summarize the theme of the dream and repeat it back to the teacher. "Fear." I pause for a second. "Of being controlled."

Luna nods. "I see. While that is a good answer, you are only partially correct." Luna clears her throat and speaks up informally. "I'm afraid that Discord already has quite a hold on your mind and the threat of being controlled is quite real. Most of your friends are even farther along then you."

I shake my head in confusion. "But why?" I clear my throat. "Why would Discord do this?"

"I assume that he thinks mentally insane adolescents are one of the most chaotic forces in Equestria." Luna responds. "But I'm not sure."

"So there's nothing I can do about this?" I say worried.

Luna shakes her head no. "The best thing you can do to prevent thought control is to be aware it's taking place." Luna says. "Recognize that some of your thoughts and actions may not be of your own accord. There will be many compulsions, but do your best to resist them." Luna sighs. "I must go my little pony, good luck."

"Wait, I..." My speaking was cut off as I start falling again, into my bed. I wake up in panic, and a cold sweat.