Nightmare's Dream

by shirotora

Chapter 1: Welcome Back

Author's Note:

Sorry I forgot to post this yesterday. I've been kinda sick.

Chapter 1: Welcome Back

“Curt, I'm going to kick your ass!” Twilight said from her precarious position.

“You're the one that wants to experience human culture,” the human defended.

After a five day flight from the newly built Harmony Station above the pony homeworld of Avol, they had finally arrived at his family’s villa in Ireland. The last time Twilight was there, she didn’t get to enjoy most of what Terra had to offer on account of the near fatal injuries she was recovering from.

The memories of the terrible beating she received from Xander still haunted her. In fact, everything about that rescue mission did. Losing her mentor and friend, Has-Ka, falling to her own Nightmare as she held his limp form, slaughtering countless Dratali in her rage, and finally, having almost every drop of magic drained from her still gave her nightmares.

It was her rage that hurt the most. It was as if she was watching everything someone else was doing through a haze. She had no control of her body, but she could still feel her horn piercing Dratali, tearing them open. She could remember the sheer ecstasy of projecting a shield within their bodies and rapidly expanding it. The blood and gore that she left in her wake covered the floors, walls, and ceilings of the corridors.

Then was Xander’s assault. It was brutal. His undead form was impervious to harm it seemed. She could sever limbs, rip him to pieces, or even incinerat his head, and he merely shrugged it off. The memory of her own severed horn piercing her chest sent shivers down her spine whenever she would think about it.

After she passed out, she was rushed to the hospital where she managed to recover. After she was well enough, she was released to Curt’s care who took her to his parent’s place on Terra, better known to its inhabitants as Earth. Those months without magic as her horn regrew and her magic replenished were some of the worst in her life. She had thought it was bad when she lost her right foreleg, but that was easily fixed with a high-tech cybernetic prosthetic. This was so much worse. Without her magic, she couldn’t even regrow her horn without Curt channeling his into the stump.

She only ever left the villa twice in that time, both times were to visit the hospital. There was so much she wanted to do, and this time she and her bipedal lover and former squadmate were going to do it all... she just wasn’t expecting this.

“Yeah, well, there's something fundamentally wrong about a pony trying to ride a horse,” the unicorn said as Buttercup trotted along, ignorant of the discomfort displayed by the pony in the saddle. She held onto the reigns with her hooves and used her leathery wings for balance. She still couldn’t use them for much. Even a year after the Alicorn Amulet fused a small portion of her Nightmare to her soul, she still could do nothing but glide short distances and use them for balance. Any and all attempts to fly ended in pain and sometimes a concussion. Still, she was grateful for them. They were the only things keeping her from falling off.

When Curt recommended showing her one of the most important pieces of human history, and offered to teach her the secrets, she didn't expect to be riding the Earth equivalent of her own kind. Awkward didn't even begin to describe it, but a part of her was curious as to the role of equines in human history.

“Horses are a vital part of human society. They’ve served us for thousands of years, performing various tasks. This was how we traveled up until a little over a thousand years ago. Without horses, we wouldn’t have made it out of the bronze age. Follow me. Just move the reigns like this.” Curt pulled to the right and the horse followed.

Twilight copied her boyfriend's instructions and was filled with a sense of accomplishment when Buttercup followed her instructions. She was slowly starting to get the hang of it, but it still felt weird. Twilight's horse riding lessons lasted another hour before Curt decided it was enough. They guided the large equines back to the stable and dismounted, Twilight with a little help.

“Thanks for letting us borrow the horses, Amy.” Curt waved to the animals' caretaker as he led Twilight away.

“Anything for my favorite cousin,” she replied. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Twilight.”

“Likewise.” The unicorn returned the offered smile. “Okay, Curt, what's next?”

“Dinner,” Curt replied. “Mom's making her chicken parmesan with fettuccine alfredo.”

“Mmm, I love that stuff.” Twilight's mouth began watering at the memory of the dish. One of Twilight’s favorite perks of the Alliance was the abundance of meat. On Avol, it was difficult to raise livestock without attracting predators and monsters that would just as likely eat a pony. Instead, they used magically altered flowers to provide the protein needed, saving meat for special occasions.

“Your mom knows about my... changes, right?” They had arrived late the night before and Mrs. Dupree had already gone out by the time they woke up late that morning. While the only real changes were the wings and her left eye having a cat-like pupil, Twilight was rather self-conscious about it.

“She knows, but she might still be a little bit shocked,” Curt answered truthfully. “Hearing about something like that and seeing it are two different things, after all.”

“I hope it doesn't freak her out.”

“Nah, mom's not the type to care about things like that. She'll probably be worried about how it might be affecting you, but that's it.”

Curt waved his hand over the door to his car, the locking mechanism reading his handprint, and the door slid open. A flash of light came from behind moments before a similar flash filled the car.

Curt sat in the driver seat and looked at Twilight in the passenger seat, “Show off.”

“Slacker. Practice more.”

Curt was one of only three humans and two part-humans capable of using magic, though they have only had the ability for about a year and a half. It was the result of a mission to recover an artifact of unknown power and origin. Under the direction of James, the draconequus Mayhem in his human form, Twilight and her squadmates sought out this object. Upon arrival, the chaotic being told them of how he and his brethren created Avol from Avalon, the nation ruled by King Arthur Pendragon, and transformed the citizens into the equines that called the artificial world home. The artifact they sought was meant to unlock the long dormant power within human’s. It was by this that the first human mages in two thousand years were born.

He gripped the wheel and the vehicle's magdrive kicked on, propelling the car upward a dozen feet. The vehicle sped off at one hundred and fifty kilometers per hour toward the villa, the beautiful Irish countryside speeding by. Twilight watched from the window as the miraculous machine flew through the air at speeds she wouldn’t have thought possible without magic two years ago. The science behind the magnetic propulsion system that shot it at the amazing speeds, and the ionic air displacement that separated the atmosphere as it passed fascinated her to no end. It took less than ten minutes for them to land in the carport of the large home.

“Welcome home, you two,” said the cheery voice of Patricia.

“Hey, mom,” Curt greeted as he stepped out.

“So,” the older woman crossed her arms expectantly. “Well, come on out, dear. I don't care what you look like.”

Twilight slowly stepped out of the vehicle and came into full view.

“Really, Curtis?” she deadpanned at her son, “The way you made it sound I expected scales or fangs, or-” Twilight flared her wings. “Oh... that's neat. Do they work?”

Twilight chuckled, relieved her new appearance was accepted, “They do, but I'm not very good with them.”

“Can you control weather like the pegasi from your world?” she asked.

“No, nor can I naturally walk on clouds, but I know a spell for that one.”

“That's too bad,” Patricia grinned, “My daisies need watering.”

Curt rolled his eyes.

Patricia continued, “I had Erica move your things to the guest house. That way you two can do what couples do and I don't have to hear it.”

“Mom, come on! Do you have to word it like that?”

“What? Do you think I don't know what couples do? How do you think you were born? Besides, I read about it in Twilight's friend's book.”

“You got a copy of that?” Curt raised an eyebrow.

“Twilight sent me a copy. I still can't believe you fought a seventy foot tall super mech after it tore off your leg! You're quite the little warrior.” Patricia shot the mare a knowing smirk.

“Yeah, she might have exaggerated things a bit,” the unicorn said with a chuckle.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Twilight and Curt finished unpacking the things they were going to be needing during their stay on Earth and put the rest in his personal transport. The guest house was modest with two bedroom, a large bathroom, a living room, and a small kitchen.

After a quick 'bed test' and shower, they headed to the main house for dinner. The smell when they walked in was the first thing Twilight noticed. It the same smell as the night before she left this place over a year ago. She had a feeling Patricia made this particular meal because it was her favorite. They made their way to the kitchen and were greeted with a pleasant surprise.

“Evenin', Twilight,” said the deep, Irish accented voice of Curt's father, Jason. “Glad to see you visit in good health.”

“Dad!” Curt walked up to the older gentleman and threw his arms around him. “I wasn't expecting you home.”

“We finished with the designs early,” Jason explained. “What about you? How are things with the two of you?”

“It's great,” Curt answered. “Twilight's the love of my life.”

“Aww,” Twilight cooed, “That's so sweet.”

“So, Twilight,” Jason began, “You do magic. Is there some magical way for you two to have kids one day?”

“Dad!”

Twilight giggled at Curt's embarrassment, “Yes, actually. We can even decide if our child is a pony or human. In fact, Curt already-owch, what!” Twilight looked over at him in irritation, rubbing her hind-hoof where the annoying human’s foot struck her.

Curt leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Let's not tell them about that just yet.”

“Oh, right...”

“You two aren't having a baby already are you?” Patricia asked worriedly. “You aren’t even married yet.”

“No, no,” Twilight replied. “I was saying that Curt and I already decided that we would both like to have a baby after we get married.”

“That's good,” Patricia said as she started serving dinner. “To be honest, I was kind of sad because I thought I wouldn't get grandchildren. I'm glad I still have a chance. Now dig in.”

After a few moments for everyone to get a few bites of their food, Patricia struck up a conversation, “So, what are your plans for tomorrow?”

“Well,” Twilight took another bite of the chicken before continuing, “First we're going to get settled, then Curt's taking me to see some sights. Thursday, I'm going to Winston University to help in the documentation of the biology of the races of my world. That way, if someone from my world gets injured, they have a reference for treatment. I'm also going to see what material I can get on the Alliance and its history.”

“Sounds interesting. I wouldn't mind seeing your lecture, but I have too much to do tomorrow myself.” Patricia smiled regretfully. “Can you record it for me, Curt?”

“Of course. I was planning on it anyway.”

“Are you ever going to teach me how to make this chicken parmesan?” Twilight asked with pleading eyes.

“If I did that, you wouldn't have to come visit to get it anymore.”

“Whatever, mom.” Curt rolled his eyes, “You're just going to hold over her head until you need something.”

“You don't get a house like this by giving away potentially valuable resources,” the woman defended.

“She's got us there,” Twilight chuckled.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Twilight and Curt sat on the beach watching the sunset. The sun seemed to set the water ablaze as it fell beyond the horizon. It was a sight more beautiful than any sunset she had ever seen on Avol. Something about a natural sun seemed so much more beautiful. Twilight let out a content sigh and rested her head on Curt's shoulder. He smiled and began scratching the side of her neck, just how she loved, occasionally rubbing her back along the light blue fabric of her casual dress.

“Earth is so beautiful,” Twilight said dreamily.

“That's the same thing I said about Avol, but anywhere is beautiful when you're there.”

“Oh, goddess. That was so corny, I'll be picking it out of my teeth for weeks.”

“You like my corn and you know it.”

“Yes I do,” Twilight admitted and leaned up for a kiss.

The winged unicorn looked back at the ocean and sighed again, “This is one of those moments that just couldn't get any better.”

Curt smiled and said, “You know, before we left, I went to talk to your parents. I had this crazy idea and wanted to see what they thought of it. They actually said it was a great idea, even your brother agreed.”

“Oh, and what's this crazy idea?” Twilight asked.

Curt brought his hand, the one not scratching Twilight, and held something out. It was a bracelet of gold and silver intertwining bands with a pink diamond in the shape of a six pointed star. Twilight's eyes went wide in shock as she realized what it was. She looked at Curt for confirmation and saw the hopeful smile he offered.

“Twilight Sparkle,” he began, “Will you marry me?”

Suddenly, Twilight found herself unable to think. The polished glint of the bracelet and the man holding it were the only things in existence. Slowly, a smile started to grow, and then, all at once, every emotion exploded at once. She leaped into the air, shouting her joy as loud as she could. The joyous unicorn tackled her man to the ground and planted the most passionate kiss she could on his lips.

“Of course I will!” Twilight said through the kiss.

Curt broke the kiss and took her left hoof, placing the symbolic ring around her fetlock. The moment it was secure, Twilight resumed the kiss, pushing him to his back.

“This is the best night ever!”

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The Avolian's Guide to the Galaxy
By: Twilight Sparkle

Introduction

The Milky Way Galaxy, a place full of wonderful and amazing opportunities, but also potentially dangerous. Like anything dangerous, though, having a deeper understanding of it reduces the threat. You'll find that the most of the galaxy isn't much more dangerous than Avol. Hopefully, you've acquired this guide before setting off, and still have time to prepare some things that may be difficult to acquire away from our home world.

In this guide, we will cover the legal and cultural differences you will encounter as well as etiquette. After all, you don't want to insult a korg's honor or forget one of the many nuances of human table manners. We will also cover several interesting facts and the history about the different races that comprise the Alliance. Finally, I will be giving options for different fun and entertaining places and activities that you can enjoy on your adventure in the stars.

Good luck, and stay informed.

Comments

[ElJorro]

Yay!

[ed2481]

Aww, this was cute, can't wait to see things start to spiral down-hill from here, heh. Still, a very nice little chapter.

[shirotora]

5685051 I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've read a lot of PoE stories, but I've yet to encounter one that has a pony taking horse riding lessons.

Anyway, this one isn't going to be quite as dark as the last one, so there won't be what I would call a "downward spiral". It'll have dark moments, and, of course, plenty of action, but a lot of it will be slice-of-life and lighthearted fun

[ed2481]

5685068

Ah, that's fine, just make sure to keep things interesting eh? Then again, knowing you, I'm sure you can do that

[CaptRicoSakara]

The Guide to the Galaxy looks like a fun read.

[PostPony]

I remember drawing that scene. The sunset certainly was nice.