Anon looks down at Celestia as she continues to sleep. It wasn't long after their talk that she fell asleep on him with a smile plastered onto her lips. Anon, on the other hand, couldn’t sleep for more than a few moments before he woke. It was not the usual nightmares that plagued him this night, it was something far more terrifying. He had a pleasant dream.
Perhaps that would sound insane to the ponies of this world. Maybe even to humans on his. However, Anon is used to nightmares. They are nothing more than the problems he lives with every day of his life. They are comforting in a way. Nice dreams are the true nightmares he fears. They create a world he cannot inhabit. A place of pure fantasy. The sweetest of dreams can be a nightmare when you have to wake up.
This dream was different, though. Usually, his nice dreams were about him returning to earth. This one, however, it puzzles him. It was just a simple dream of Celestia, Luna and himself sitting in the gardens. Not a single word being spoken to each other, just enjoying the others’ company. He woke up soon after, but rather than feel a dull ache inside of him, he felt happy.
He won't deny that right now he is still questioning if this all is a good idea or not. He knows that he doesn't want to lose either princess as a friend. He knows they would never hurt him intentionally. Still, when you’re as old as he is, change is a very hard thing to do. He finds his mind trying to fall back onto what is natural for him. He feels his emotions trying to hide themselves deep within himself.
He lets out a quiet sigh. His worst enemy right now is himself. The only person he could ever count on is now against him. He chuckles a little at that thought. Who would’ve ever thought that they themselves could be the problem? He feels Celestia let out a sigh of content. She must be having a lovely dream. He raises his hand and rests it on top of her head. Gently, he begins to stroke her as she sleeps. The small smile on her lips seems to grow larger as he goes on.
What has this princess done to him? He can feel himself smile as he looks at her, something he hasn't done for a very long time. It feels unnatural for him to be feeling like this. To think this horse would one day bring him to where he is now. He honestly can say that he never expected such a change to happen when she came crashing through one of his windows.
Now his mind wanders to the other sister. Luna is a great friend as well. Always keeping him company whenever he couldn't sleep. He feels a grin growing on his face. Luna should be in night court right now. Maybe he will pay her a visit? He closes his eyes and gets comfy. She is probably bored out of her mind anyways.
Princess Luna is bored out of her mind. She’s been waiting for any of her subjects to enter her court since the night started. She isn't surprised; most of them are still rather new to the concept. She lets out a sigh as she sits upon her dark blue throne. The hall she is in is almost a photo negative variant of her sister's throne room. Lots of black and dark blues around.
She finds her attention gained as her throne room doors come flying open. Her face lights up as she watches Anon stroll into her court.
“Yo,” he says with a wave.
Luna rises from her throne and quickly trots down to him and takes him into an embrace.
“It’s so good to see you!” She leans back so she can face him. “How did you get here?”
Anon rolls his eyes. “Luna, you made a link between our minds. This place is literally a door in my head.”
Luna feels her cheeks redden. “Yes, I almost forgot about that.” She lets go of Anon and returns to her throne. “What is it that you require?”
Anon shrugs. “I thought you were probably bored. Wanna go on a dream hunt again?”
Luna would jump for joy right now if it wasn't for the fact she is in her court at this moment. Well, not like anypony else is around. She jumps up from her throne with a certain filly like squeal of delight.
“Oh, Anon. I’ve been waiting for another night where we could browse dreams together!”
Anon rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, well after last time, you understand why I’ve been so resistant.”
Luna feels her face become slightly hotter as she gives him a nod.
“Yes, perhaps we should avoid the dream of your friends mate.”
Anon rubs the back of his neck as he feels his own face become red. To think Lyra has rather graphic dreams about him is something he could’ve lived without knowing.
“Anyways…” He clears his throat. “Shall we?” He waves toward the door behind her throne.
She smiles at him and waves him over with her wing. Anon takes his place by Luna’s side as she throws open the door they stand before. Darkness. That’s all there is behind the door. Luna looks over at Anon.
“Your hand,” she states.
“Oh, right.” He quickly rests his hand onto the small of her back.
She gives him a nod as they take one step inside. It happens in an instant. One moment they are looking into a world of blackness, then they are standing inside of a room full of doors and hallways. Anon has been here only once before. Every time he sees this he can't help but feel impressed.
“I can't believe you’ve created all this in your head.” He says to Luna.
She gently hip checks him with her flank.
“I’ve been doing this for a very long time, Anon. The court, in and of itself, is just a simple thought to me nowadays.”
“So how are ponies taking to the idea of going to night court?”
“They are still confused about the idea. I’ve had only a few come by. Even then, it was hard for them to maintain their consciousness in my dream.” She looks to him with a grin. “To think you do it so easily. We would believe you were trained in dream magic.”
Anon scoffs. “Magic, me? Nah, just a human thing.”
“Your answer for everything it seems,” she says with some snark.
“Says the pony that uses “magic” for everything she can't explain,” he mumbles to himself as they continue down the hall.
The both of them looking at each door carefully. Luna, while concentrated at the task at hoof, is also happy to be here with Anon. Many of the ponies of this generation do not yet understand the concept of dream walking. It’s why her night court is so empty most of the time. They enter into the dream she created, which is her court, but they soon start to fade back into their own dreams if they did not maintain concentration.
However, Anon never had this problem. He could easily blend into any dream and know where he stood at all times. She found it very odd that a creature could do such a thing with nary a single thought. Then again, Anon’s dreams often times are far more detailed than many of the ponies she has seen. She is happy that he is here though. Court can be rather boring for her at times.
Anon is looking at each door as they walk by. One actually catches his attention. A large sun symbol plastered onto the front of it. That’s not all, two large chains are wrapped around it in an X pattern, a large deadbolt placed in the center of it. Anon stops walking as Luna does so as well.
“Is this what I think it is?” He asks.
She nods. “This is my sister's dream. I keep it locked so that no others may tread hoof into what her mind creates.”
Anon looks at her then back to the door.
“Can we take a peek?”
Luna shakes her head. “Trust me, Anon. That is not something you should see.”
He can hear a certain edge to Luna’s voice.
“What would I see?” he asks.
“Her mind, as well as her dreams, are a labyrinth. You will see many thing, depending on what path you take. Some things are pleasant, many of them are not. I’ve never stepped hoof into her dreams before. Yet, if they are anything like mine, they are best left alone.”
Anon gives a hesitant nod. Definitely something to Luna’s tone that makes him stop his questioning. She continues on as he follows after her. Luna looks at each door, inspecting them as if they contain a flaw if she is to look hard enough. She once told Anon that she could see just by the door alone if the dream the pony is having is bad or not. Anon stops in front of a door that has something that looks familiar to him. Three balloons.
Anon points to the door with his thumb.
“Do you mind?”
Luna shakes her head. “I do not mind. Her dream seems to be a pleasant one.” She waves him to the door. “Go, I will continue the search for a nightmare.”
He gives her a nod as he opens the door.
“Remember,” she calls out, “it’s all just a dream.”
“I know that,” he says just before taking a step past the doorway and into the darkness.
Everything goes black for a few moments as he closes the door behind him. A few moments later, everything flashes before his eyes in an instant. Anon looks around and notices that he is in sugarcube corner. As he takes in the entire room he finds his breath catch slightly. Oh no. Hanging on the wall is a large banner. It reads ‘Happy birthday, Anon!’.
How could he have forgotten that his birthday is coming up!? He is about to quickly leave this dream but stops when he hears a long gasp.
“Anon!” He turns around too late as something plows into him, sending him to the ground.
He shakes the blurriness away and looks up to who is currently sitting on top of him. Pinkie is sitting on his lap with a large grin on her face.
“You came to your birthday party!” She says with total glee. “I’ve been hoping that this would be the year!”
Anon cringes at her enthusiastic mood. Pinkie, while not a friend of his, always went out of her way to throw him a party every year. Having no idea when he was born, Pinkie chose the day he entered Equestria. However, he never showed up to these parties. He never liked the idea of ponies acting like they cared he was alive for that one day of the year. He knew Pinkie meant well, but he never wanted to see those other ponies there. Giving him their fake smiles.
Anon rubs the back of his neck nervously. Well, it is a dream after all.
“Y-Yeah..” He says. “I’ve been thinking. You put a lot of time and work into making this every year, so, I guess I should be thankful for that.”
Her smile seems to grow even more as she gives him a strong hug. Even in a dream he can feel the vertebrae in his spine pop some. Pinkie realizes what she is doing and quickly lets him go.
“Sorry, I remember how much you don't like being touched,” she says with embarrassment.
Anon gets to his feet and dusts himself off. He looks around unsure. Again, this is a dream. Might as well let the kid enjoy it. He opens his arms wide for her as he turns his head to face the wall to his right. He can see her wide eyes out of the corner of his eyes at his display.
“Just this once,” he says.
She jumps onto her hind hooves and wraps him into a hug. He wraps his arms around her as she makes the most of this moment. He feels a sigh leave him. Pinkie always reminds him of Celestia. Just in a more child-like way. She is always nice, but he could never find it in himself to let her in. She wouldn’t understand like Celestia has. Plus, he gets the feeling she would get depressed easily if he were to open up. That doesn't make her any less of a good pony. One of a few he can actually say he likes. Even if her voice is annoying.
They break from their little hug. Pinkie has a certain glow about her now.
“Do you want some cake?” she asks.
Anon looks to her, then the darkness of the world behind her. Seeing as she is creating this dream, she can only create whatever she is actively looking at. Luna told him all about that once. Something about visual construction. Keeps the brain from overloading itself and waking up the dreamer.
“Um..” He looks down to see her eyes are really big and watery. “Maybe one slice.”
She cheers again as she zips off toward the back room of the bakery. Anon just stands in the darkness as he finds his mind thinking about everything. Damn, his birthday. He needs to make sure Celestia and Luna never find out about this. Otherwise, they’re going to probably try and throw him a party. He shakes his head slightly. He can't think like that! He’s trying to be better.
He lets out a long sigh. He will tell them. He needs to trust them. Whatever they plan for him is what he will accept. He can feel his hands start to shake a bit at the thought. He hates how much his body is fighting him.
“Here you go!”
He looks down to see Pinkie handing him a single slice of cake. Very light on the frosting, something he can't help but grin at. He takes the fork into hand and tears off a small piece. He can see Pinkie watching in anticipation as he brings the food into his mouth. Anon can't taste anything. This is Pinkie's world, so he can't experience strong sensations like she can. That doesn't stop him from lying, though.
“It’s delicious, Pinkie,” he says.
She looks about ready to explode any second now. Anon sets the plate down onto a table.
“I gotta head to work, Pinkie. Thank you,” he says.
He notices her smile slip some, but she still looks as happy as she can be.
“Alright. Do you want me to save you some cake?” she asks.
Anon nods. “Bring it by my place?”
She nods quickly. “Sure!”
“Alright, see you then.”
Anon turns away and toward the front door of sugarcube corner. He opens it slightly as to not let Pinkie see past it. He takes a step into the hallway and closes the door behind him. He lets out a long sigh. Well, so much for that dream, but what was he really expecting?
“Enjoy yourself?”
Anon jumps slightly as he hears Luna’s voice.
“I guess you can say that,” he answers. “Any nightmares tonight?”
She shakes her head. “Not a single one. It’s a good night indeed.”
Anon could slowly feel himself fading.
“Seems to be that time, Luna,” he says.
She nods. “I’ll see you when you wake up.”
He gives a nod as he lets his mind take him away from this dreamscape.
Yes, the concept has been used. Dont remember exactly where, but I remember the idea of Night Court being filled whit cushions so ponies would fall asleep and contact Luna on a dream.
hmmm, first time I've seen Night Court thought of in this way. It's an interesting concept, and would definitely be hard to grasp.
Is it like lucid dreaming, or can ponies simply will themselves to Night Court? Do they have inherent control over their dreams?
Hmmm i like it I just have one tiny problem... I WANT MORE!!!
Interesting concept.
Though I will admit to being a tad impatient. I wanna see some punishment!
I've certainly never seen the concept before, but I like it. I'd like to see another dreamwalking chapter, maybe one where Luna brings nightmares to the ponies who've wronged Anon. Maybe make them see how badly they hurt him.
very nice chapter
but that song... it is GLORIOUS!
4917745
Jeez, SOME ONE is eager to know somepony get 'punished'
I myself haven't seen this concept of Luna's night court yet. Interesting take, and I can see it as something she'd really do.
Great chappy though, as always
Interesting concept...
FURTHER INVESTIGATION REQUIRED!!!!!
Hmm..Yeah, out of all of them, Pinkie Pie is probably going to be the least punished..If at all.
Also, can i just say that i found a similar concept?
She made the entire court so that you fall asleep in a room..Then you go to meet her, in the dream realm.
>mfw I strongly relate to that song
>mfw these feels will be with me till the day I die
static.fjcdn.com/comments/My+Cat+Thomas+died+two+days+ago+today+I+had+_fcdf70485c23130754a927ed43ea6eb1.png
I think Luna would love to hear about the Oracle from Matrix.
4917791 remember pinkie is not on the list because you cant really explain what she does
that song was nice, but i was a little perturbed about the ending
I can understand how he could be having a bit less animosity against Pinkie, since she really didn't do a whole lot other than throw a rock at him to progress the story, and I mean... Come on! That's just pinkie being pinkie. She was really the tamest out of all the mane six.
4917930
even before that he said all she did was invade his personal space until he told her to stop, and she surprisingly did. pinkie wasnt just tame she actually listened
4917961 Ironic, isn't it? For the classic 4th wall breaker to be the one who's not so... fourth-wall-breaky...
4917979
nah out of all of them i think that pinkie is more likely to listen to someones request as that is the quickest way to make a friend happy.
Interesting concept. Luna should sent out fliers with tips on how ponies can visit her night court. They don't seem to know how.
let the punishment commence!!
Has anyone ever used the concept that Luna's night court is actually a dream she made in her head? I haven't read a fan fictions with that idea yet. It just came to me and I had to get it written quickly, hence the reason this chapter is so early. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this!
You good sir/madum are amazing! I'd never had thought of that but, WHY NOT! Thats just Genuis!
I felt something from that song alright... Embarrassment and hilarity.
Fekkin' cringeworthy, man.
Anyways, cool chapter. The whole dreamscape night court thing is pretty cool.
The only place I have seen this Night Court idea is in Moguera's Savage Skies series. Which is fantastic read by the way.
I really enjoyed this chapter of Anon trying to actively change to be better and more open. I liked his indulgence for Pinkie as it shows his personal growth. Keep up the good work.
Hey pony waifu was so disturbingly funny. I haven't felt that wrong to laugh that hard in awhile. Some guys actually feel that way... eww
Diaries of a Madman has the same dream court concept but hey they say there's only seven original story's.
Banner. Knowing Pinkie it could be a banister though.
Hold on hold on hold on. You just came up with THE BEST AND MOST REASONABLE NIGHT COURT! Seriously, this is brilliant. It always bothers me that Luna expects ponies to know her if she sleeps all day and expects them to come to her at night, but this is the perfect solution.
I would like to point out that nearly half of the comments for this chapter have used the word concept in response to the using of that word in the original question in the A/N.
Will you ever surf around in Celestia's or Luna's dream? As a way to help them aswell.
Uh, um, oh dear. I really hope this isn't going where I think it's going.
Well, who else is expecting to see some cake waiting for Anon when he goes back to Ponyville?
4917711 It could be in the Savage Skies series. I forget which one, but Twilight and a OC went to visit Luna at night court, where they found out she was actually asleep and held court in a dream world.
This update makes me smile, smile, smile.
Also, Luna best princess.
Celestia best pillow.
...
...
...
...
i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x338/Tyrranux64/My%20Little%20Pony/25442__safe_animated_blushing_discord_fanfic_computer_artist-peachiekeenie_now-kiss_discorderlyconduct_pc_typinggif.gif
I swear I heard "Oh snap!" in my head when I read that.
That song... was blooing creepy.
So are the next hapters going to remedy what the mane six did to him? 'Cause that'd be lame.
4917745
The waiting is the best part though! It builds anticipation. Which will largely lead to disappointment for most readers. As they will build the punishment up further than I intend to take it.
No imprisonment, Remember these are the elements of harmony.
No fines, That's too weak.
No beheadings, Same reason as the first one.
I've got a plan though. At least, that's what I'd like to think. In truth I have no plan. I will write and see what happens. As per my style.
4917830
th07.deviantart.net/fs70/200H/f/2011/288/7/a/i_know_that_feel_bro_by_rober_raik-d4cxn5a.png
4918260
You're saying you don't feel that way?!
mission.moore.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img-2391021-7-batman_slaps_robin_by_lovelyobnoxious-d4zd0s4.jpg
4919087
No, I was just showing in this chapter how much Anon is growing, as well as his personal opinion about Pinkie. People seem to believe that he will punish her. I like think otherwise. You need to keep in mind, that while she did hit him with a rock, she did so because it was just Pinkie being Pinkie. Celestia will let her know that what she did was wrong, but Anon will find no need to have her punished, seeing as she was the only pony that kept trying to make him happy while he was in Ponyville.
The manes six will be punished. Some more than others. However, that will have to wait a few chapters or so. Celestia wishes for Anon to relax before all the serious stuff. So a laid back chapter or two, along with a birthday scene will be in the works. Justice will be served, I can assure that.
Awww, he's opening up "sorta" to pinkie!!
img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140824164559/r2d/images/4/43/I_WANT_THAT_BUMPER_STICKER_AT_THE_END_176474f9633be79c51334b632a8836d5.jpg
My waifuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
*cries deeply*
I just need to say it...great line, man.
4919670
i.imgur.com/LBMesTK.jpg
4919670 Well, yeah, so with RealClassixX and regards to Pinkie, ok, so Anon is growing up, That's fine, but still, sometimes the way she acts around others, could be seen as creepy, and a little personal, not to mention the whole "all up in your face" thing, and "do what I want because I say so", kind of deal. Plus, you don't hit people with a rock, or ostracize them just because they're not into the same things you are.... So, Pinkie at least, should get a stern talking to, also, I still say she needs to learn that you can't solve everything with a party, and sometimes people need to be sad, so they can learn to rise above it, and learn to be more appreciative of happy times, as well as be grateful for the role that happiness plays in their lives...
Not to mention that rocks Hurt Like Hell....
By the way, when will Anon meet Zecora?
31.media.tumblr.com/db7845d4692b29576ca51b2b55d9394e/tumblr_inline_n94e5o8pYA1s6zwjj.gif
4923234
I think you're confusing your headcanon with mine. Pinkie will stop doing something if someone sets her down and tells her directly why. The only reason she gets her way most of the time is because ponies don't know how to say no to each other.
and as I said earlier in my comment.
Probably never. For the main reason that I would hate writing in rhymes.
Alright, well I just read like 8 chapters in a row and for the last 4 or 5 there has been something really, really bothering me, Everyone's response to what the mane 6 did is waaaaaay over the top. None of them did anything that bad, yet you're trying to tell me that Luna (and Celestia, at one point she said she almost agrees) wants to behead the ponies for their "crimes?!" For real?
Seriously, Anon is just being a whiny little brat about the whole thing. The fact that the princesses are enabling and agreeing with this behavior seems incredibly ooc, as well. I doubt they'd tell him to suck it up, but why are they seething with rage at something so minor? In fact, let's go down the list...
Twilight - Ok. What she did was a breach in privacy and wrong. However, she had no malicious intentions and she didn't actually do any harm to anon. Why all the fuss? She took blood samples? Ok, so what? Does anon have a deep-seated fear of needles or something? Perhaps she was trying to ensure Anon's health considering he is a brand new species to an alien world. Maybe he could catch the Equestrian version of Ebola. Or rabies. Speaking of fears, why are we blaming her so much when she didn't even know about Anon's claustrophobia? Remember, I'm not saying it wasn't wrong. I'm wondering why in the hell everyone is so bent out of shape about it. Seriously, Celestia wants to put her under watch from now on?
Pinkie - Apparently being too nice is now a crime. w/e
Applejack - Yeah, ok. She was a bitch here, but why is there such a huge grudge over it? If she hit me, I would have given her a middle finger, said "Go fuck yourself", and moved on. Why is this worthy of a beheading, again?
Rainbow Dash - She was trying to have fun and prank Anon. It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt, isn't it? But... she had absolutely no way of knowing that lightning was deadly to him. You say she never stopped to listen but did she have a reason to? Was she going to stop to ask if lightning was safe when lightning is always safe in her mind?
Fluttershy - This is Anon's fault if anyone's. At least he seemingly has the balls to admit it.
Rarity - This is the one that bothers me the most. She had absolutely no idea what would happen. In fact, she was doing her best to be extremely nice and give Anon a meaningful gift. What, exactly, did she do wrong? You're probably going to tell me that she was already aware of the Diamond Dogs at the mountain. Basically, you're saying DD kidnappings are so common in that area that pretty much anyone who goes there is screwed. If this is so frequent, why has no one done anything about it? I refuse to believe that an issue like that has gone unchecked. As far as I see, Rarity tried to be nice and Anon got very unlucky.
Lyra - You literally established in the chapter that heat makes it near impossible for her to control her actions. I see nothing punishable here.
4926472
I'm just going to label you as a troll if you don't mind. I just have a feeling. Anyways, allow me to go down your list and address these "minor issues."
I assume you're probably one of those people that think PTSD isn't a real disability because there is no "physical" harm? At least, that's how I interpret this sentence. The harm she managed to do was phycological. All it did was reinforce Anon's weariness of ponies and even downright hate them.
Yes and I assume if a person with no medical practice or degrees of any sort decided to pull you off the street, even while you're protesting, strap you to a table and take blood and tissue samples. You would be perfectly fine with that? Just because they're ponies with really big eyes doesn't mean they are free to do what they wish. So dont say something so stupid. Last I checked, Twilight has no doctorate of any kind.
Because she took away the only thing we humans can call our own. Free will.
He hasn't shown any malice or hate towards her for anything other than the rock incident. Even then he never thought much about it, seeing as he knows she probably did it for reasons beyond his understanding.
Yes, that's what you would do. This Anon is obviously not you. Also, why are you so stuck on the idea of beheading? Anon clearly showed Luna his displeasure in the idea. The only reason Luna thought of it is because she comes from a different time and also holds Anon as one of her only friends. Perhaps you've never had a close friend like that in your life. One that you would kill for. For that I must say I pity you.
She never stopped to listen to him ever. That's the point. She didn't listen to him during the act and even after the fact. We all know that you run away when you pull a prank on someone, you don't continue to ignore them after. She wasn't doing it to make him laugh, it was to make herself laugh. When Pinkie finds out Rainbow Dash has been laughing at Anon and not with him. She will be very disappointed.
That's not the point. The point is that she knew they were there and didn't find it even the slightest bit important to let Anon know that she was attacked in that area. You know how the news tells people to watch out for rapists in the area of "so and so park"? Yeah, we do that for a reason. We can't catch everyone and we can't protect everyone at all times. So we share the information to protect everyone.
I never said Lyra would be punished.
So to sum it up. Stop thinking these ponies are all forgiving. I know if I went to Equestria I would be exactly like this Anon. As well as 200+ other people who thumbed up my comment last chapter.
4926568 For real dude? I'm trying to express my (completely serious) concerns with you and you call me a troll? Forgive me for even trying to offer critique.
Also,
This site is full of hugboxing and people who blindly support without offering any sort of advice. This tells me nothing. The fact that my previous comment where I only expressed my personal opinion is being thumb downed into oblivion only solidifies this point.
Anyway, I might have had a nice and well thought out response but since you completely brushed me off I'm gonna do the same. Perhaps sometime in the future I will grudgingly read what remains of this average quality fic.
4926587
Your comment was nothing more than a opinion. If you had half a brain you would've realised the difference between the two.
Edit: I also like how you ignore all my points, despite them being far more valid than your own.
4926596
Alright, unfaved. I just lost any desire to read anything you ever write again. If you bothered to read my reply, I specifically said I am not responding to your points because of the way you responded to criticism to begin with.
Also, "half a brain?" Fuck you buddy, I spent the time to write out that first comment to help you improve as a writer. I never said my opinion was more valid than yours. I told you my personal concerns with your writing and tried to give you an idea on why I felt that way.
You know what I think? The feature box has gotten to your head. You've gotten so much attention you think you're some hot shit. Now, poor suckers like me can't even offer pointers without getting shat on by you and your "fans." Whatever. That's just extra time I'll have in the future not reading your stuff.
4926612
News flash, I've always been an asshole. So rest easy at night knowing that your opinion will never matter to anyone. This is the internet after all.
P.S You won't be reading my story.. Boo hoo!
i.imgur.com/KDRSQAt.png
4926625 YEAH! INTERNET FIGHT! I LOVE THIS SHIT!