Sunset had to admit, the atmosphere of Le Chalet was actually quite cozy. Her Prench was rusty, but she was fairly certain the name literally meant 'The Cottage', and it showed in the somehow charmingly small amount of room to move, space between the mere five tables only just enough to allow servers through. Despite the relative closeness nopony seemed to be worried or stressed about it, especially given that only one was already occupied. From their spot opposite the front door she could just make out the kitchen where what looked to be a pair of stallions worked, their muffled chatter filtering to her.
A soft rose-colored unicorn with a cutie mark shaped roughly like a closed flower bud appeared before them, pleasant smile on his face as he levitated a small pad and pen.
“Evening, ladies. Thank you for dining at Le Chalet. I'm New Bloom and I'll be your server tonight. Can I start you with something to drink?”
“Just a water for me.”
“Same.” Sunset finished, not feeling up to anything more adventurous yet. New Bloom nodded, smile on his muzzle still as he set menus before the mares and excused himself to get their drinks. As soon as he was gone, the amber mare glanced to Twilight, who was already perusing the menu at a dizzying pace if the movements of her eyes was to be believed. She stifled a grin as she looked to her own menu, resolving to take her time and choose well.
She found to her annoyance that she had no choice in the matter; her earlier thought about her Prench being rusty was truer than she'd initially believed. Sunset spared another glance at Twilight, who was already examining the back of the pamphlet. She was either already familiar with this place or she could simply read the language that quickly (and given it was Twilight, the latter was likely the answer). A sense of embarrassment with a small sprinkling of envy flared in her heart and privately she resolved to hit the the books as soon as she was sure Twilight wasn't looking. After a bit of hard effort (concealed by lifting her menu ever so slightly to hide her furrowed brow) she settled on salade de pommes de terre, which was basically potato salad if she had the right of it.
That done she set aside the folder and returned to Twilight, who seemed to be doing a very tiny dance in her seat if her bouncing excitedly was any indication. Sunset was unable to stifle a giggle; Twilight blinked and flushed, a sheepish smile on her face.
“Hungry, are you?”
“No! W-well, yes, but..” The alicorn trailed off, blush intensifying. Sunset leaned forward, affecting the best sultry expression she could manage, while theatrically examining her hoof.
“I understand. It's not every day you get to go out with a magnificent specimen of marehood like myself.”
Twilight tried to scowl, cheeks puffing as a smile roundly defeated her frown. “Keep laughing, Shimmer. You have no idea how much my appetite has increased since...you know.” She ruffled her wings to illustrate. “My hypothesis is that all that extra power needs a lot of extra fuel; I can probably give Applejack or Dash a run for their money in amount consumed. It's just...well, Rarity says its unladylike and I've been trying to appear a bit more... I don't know. Respectable?”
Sunset chuckled, “Under a lens, eh? Be sure to tell me how that goes, Princess.”
Twilight's brow knitted, a mean smile on her face. “I wouldn't laugh if I were you. You're probably gonna start getting hungrier any day now...in fact, have you had any dietary changes in the last few months?”
The fiery mare frowned. She hadn't really been paying attention, but when she thought about it, her appetite had improved some. She'd attributed it to jogging with Dash more often (since the athlete was able to put away a genuinely frightening amount of food when she was so inclined). She glanced back at Twilight, who pierced her with an expression of great interest.
“...no.”
“A-HA!” Twilight theatrically pointed her hoof. “You see, you...aren't?” the alicorn paused, crestfallen. “Not even a little?”
Sunset was awash in guilt almost immediately; how could someone be so...earnest?
“...okay, a little.” The lavender mare perked up, a triumphant smile returning to her face as Sunset continued. “But I'd been exercising with Dash--the other side's Dash, mind-- and I'm willing to bet that has more to do with it than any other changes.”
“Oooh...if only we'd caught this earlier. We could've tested for it, found some really good data.” Twilight's genuine sorrow at the opportunity lost was infectious; the amber mare found herself feeling a bit like she'd let the Princess down. “Still, we know now. No use crying over spilled milk.”
“Right, but can we stop talking about this for now? I'm really not interested in going back to it while I'm waiting for dinner.” Sunset interjected.
Oh no, please continue. I would be quite interested to hear this.
Sunset startled, head whipping around so fast her mane slapped her cheek. The mostly empty restaurant greeted her, the soft murmur of the other table's conversation and the chatter in the kitchen filtering the only things she heard.
“...Sunset?” Twilight's voice brought her back to the table with a wry smile.
“S-sorry. Thought I heard somepony...”
“Somepony? Who?” The other mare tilted her head quizzically.
“Doesn't matter, it was nothing.” Sunset waved a hoof, her smile only slightly strained. “I think that's our food now. Let's eat!”
Sunset didn't remember the way back to Twilight's castle being so...indistinct. She frowned, trying to force her brain to focus. Clarity returned to the dirt road to her relief, and she continued to walk in companionable silence with the alicorn at her side. She could feel the other pony's tension radiating from her; Twilight's steps were mechanical, as though she wasn't properly paying attention. She chanced a look to her right, and sure enough the lavender mare seemed to be mentally struggling with something, a bead of sweat forming on her temple as they went.
She considered saying something; it wouldn't do to have Twilight so troubled. By the same token, they'd only just left the eatery and whatever it was couldn't be that dire. If it was truly important, Twilight would share when she was ready. Or at least, Sunset hoped she would.
The irony struck the mare, causing a dry smile to form. She'd never been one for sharing anything besides her own greatness in youth, but had been all too eager to pry and snoop, to gather information she could use against others. On the one hoof, she really had been quite good at it. If she was honest, she liked to think she would've made a fine spymaster for the Crown. On the other hoof, it was also morally wrong to do so, especially when the only reason for it was your own gain. Besides, she'd found it exhausting work and once any sadistic pleasure was sapped from it thanks to her own reformation she'd had no interest in poking into other pony's...people's business.
Still, she was curious. If one was being uncharitable, one might say nosy. But she preferred curious.
Sunset went to turn her head only for Twilight's shoulder to brush against hers, her fine coat feeling somehow velvet-like through her own. She looked at the alicorn in surprise as her left wing gingerly unfurled over her back, feathers settling gently on her other side.
A white hot flush surged triumphantly to her face, victory seized over the forces of restraint. She could feel a smile attempting to join in the coup as she looked at Twilight who was positively glowing and trying very hard not to look like Sunset might explode in a miserably failed attempt to 'play it cool', as Dash might say.
Sunset's heart melted. She if she'd still had hands one would've involuntarily clutched at her heart. This was adorable.
“Smooth, Twilight.”
“O-oh? I-I'm sorry, I--” The alicorn stammered, her wing twitching nervously as though to lift away.
“No! No, it's fine. I'll let it slide this time.” Sunset said, unable to summon any kind of gravity to her voice for the laughter that struggled to break through, a tingling warmth suffusing her sides. She leaned on Twilight a bit as they went. All too soon they were before the castle doors.
Maybe literally.
Sunset blinked. They had just...she rubbed one eye. Maybe she was just tired. That must've been it.
“Th-thank you for walking me home. Or did I walk you home?” Twilight mused behind her, still a bit nervous by the sound of it. “W-well, here we are! I'd say this date was a success.”
Sunset pushed her confusion away and turned to the alicorn, smile on her face.
“That wasn't so bad, right? Not everything needs to be so rigorous and orderly, Twilight.”
The alicorn smiled, her face still suffused with a luminous blush as she pawed at the doorstep and mumbled something under her breath. It was Sunset's turn to tilt her head quizzically.
“Twilight? Are you o--”
She was cut off by a wall of lavender filling her vision, a softness pressing against her, the taste of--
A quiet snap and sting in her lips made both mares jump and retreat a step, Sunset blinking owlishly as Twilight rubbed her muzzle irritably.
“Of all the--UUUGH!” the alicorn stamped in exasperation. “A static shock?! Really?!” She seemed to be castigating the sky (or perhaps her front door?), but her indignation rapidly morphed into horror, blood draining from her face as she realized that Sunset was still standing there.
The amber mare gave another slow blink as she caught up with the present. She could only distantly perceive Twilight's gibbering apology and mortified expression before the absurdity of it all caught up with her.
A barked laugh climbed from her stomach to her mouth, evolving into a giggle-fit. The other mare stared, fear joined by confusion as the unicorn managed to bring herself under control, a stray chuckle or two as she straightened up.
“Heh heh heh...” She grinned disarmingly at the lavender mare, eyes sparkling. “Brave, Sparkle. Very brave.”
“...stupid, more like.” Twilight muttered, ears pinned and head hanging. “I don't know what...that's not true.” She amended morosely. “I knew exactly what I was doing. I'm sorry, Sunset. I know that you wanted to--”
Sunset held up a hoof, a fuzzy warmth at the mare's concern rising in her chest. “It's okay, Twilight. You took me by surprise, yeah, but...” she trailed off, face heating as blood rose to her cheeks, her smile now small and subdued. “It's fine.”
The alicorn looked up, her expression contrite and hopefully simultaneously. “I...are you sure?”
“Yes. I'm fine.”
Twilight nodded. “O-okay. Shall we go inside, then? I'm exhausted...”
Sunset opened her mouth to agree, but an insistent voice in her mind chimed in, making her hesitate. She stared into the other mare's eyes, cyan orbs piercing into purple. The logical part of her brain howled a protest, banging loudly against the walls of her mind, ultimately ignored. In its place was a pull. No, pull wasn't the right word. This was something magnetic, something profound. Something that felt as inexorable as the tide, as sure as gravity. In a strange, distant way, she felt a measure of serenity she had never experienced prior.
She wasn't aware of her eyes closing, or the half-step she took forward to meet the other mare.
But when Twilight's lips pressed against hers, a momentary awkward bump of teeth quickly replaced by an even stranger hunger as she felt the warm breath on her muzzle, the soft sensation of Twilight's muffled voice, she felt everything. An electric surge passed from hoof to horn, racing up her spine even as the satisfaction of a need she hadn't even begun to understand the extent of made her tingle all over. She pressed into the alicorn, a sudden will to seize all she could overcoming her even as the other mare did the same, her wings flaring forward and cupping Sunset's shoulders and neck in a feather-soft embrace.
And just like that, they parted, Sunset inhaling a breath she hadn't known she'd lost and opening her eyes. Twilight's gaze met her, a joy in them that she felt reflected in her own heart.
Sunset blinked. She found herself staring at the wall, lying on her side in bed, blankets draped haphazardly over her. The sun pushed through her curtains insistently. Morning?
She could hear birds through the window, but there was something strange about their song. It was muted, somehow otherworldly. More odd was her bed; had it always been so big? She torqued herself about and realized that this mattress was surely twice the size of the one she remembered. Or was it? She sighed; it wasn't worth fretting about right now. She shuffled from the bed, sloughing off her blanket as she trudged for the bathroom.
Sunset brushed her teeth slowly, mechanically, as she tried to recall the details of...her dream? Had it only been a dream? It had been so real.
She paused, brushing her lips with a hoof. A yawning emptiness made itself known in her stomach, causing her to grimace and spit her toothbrush out in anger. A dream. It couldn't have only been a dream. No dream was that realistic. No dream could--
“Sunset?” A boyish voice, though somewhat deeper than she remembered.
“Spike?” She turned from her washroom
“Don't mean to rush you, but they're gonna start downstairs. Twi said to let you sleep in, but...” The drake ambled into view, making Sunset gape. He was...so much larger. Easily thrice what he ought to have been, towering over her. He seemed to have lengthened, his dorsal crest starting to take on a harsh edge, claws becoming more defined. She was even pretty sure she saw the beginnings of wings on his back. “...you alright, Sunset?”
“Spike, I...they?” She struggled, focusing on the only part of what he said she could remember.
“Uh, yeah. You know? Morning court? Twilight said she could start without you, but you know she doesn't want to. Hurry up!”
“H-huh? Ah, okay. Sorry!” The dragon hatchling--no, definitely beyond hatchling now--left the room. Stripling? What was the word for that? She grabbed a nearby brush and swiped it through her mane hurriedly, a quick look in the mirror confirming that she was--
Sunset's heart stopped as she took in the mare in the glass.
A pony with a distinctive red band across her eyes looked back, the cyan of her irises somehow a more pure, clear shade than she remembered. She was a bit taller than Sunset, her mane just a little longer, her horn just a bit more long and sharp. Her features seemed slightly more fine, her cheeks a tad more defined. She leaned forward, pulling at one eyelid with a hoof just to be sure.
That was when she finally saw the pair of feathery wings sitting on her shoulders, rustling as though suddenly conscious they'd been found out.
Sunset felt a sudden rush of vertigo, falling to her rump as the edges of her vision went black.
The morning court was always interesting, Sunset mused. It seemed her little ponies always had the most profound grievances in the early hours of the day during sunrise, and she--
Sunset stopped. This wasn't right. Where was she? There were ponies arrayed before her, bowing. A weight sat on her head.
“Sunset?”
She turned to Twilight's voice, breath hitching as she took in the mare beside her, beautiful violet eyes filled with concern. Her mane seemed to move of its own accord in a wind that didn't exist, stars dotting the deep indigo, a cream colored stripe joining the others. Her face was almost distressingly flawless, the youth replaced with a serene beauty that made her hard to reconcile with the bookish young mare Sunset knew.
“...Sunset, are you alright?” Her voice, laced with concern, putting aside all of the others, all the rest, just for her...
Aha. Now we've come to the truth.
That voice!
Sunset gasped as she found herself alone amidst the stars, the court, the courtiers, Twilight all vanished into the aether.
She could feel half remembered years of reflexive spellcasting training coming back at a considerable speed, immediately layering a small assortment of defensive charms on herself. Unfortunately, even as she wove them she could feel them unraveling; wherever she was or whatever she was facing was peeling her magic away...and if she had the sense of the air right, being amused by her efforts.
“WHAT IS THIS?!” Sunset roared. “SHOW YOURSELF!”
The voice paused, apparently contemplative. ...do you feel frightened, Sunset Shimmer?
A seething, white hot rage overtook the unicor--no, alicorn. She still had those wings, which flared in defiance and fury at perceived mockery. “I'm not afraid of any two-bit illusions! If you think this can hold me then you've got ANOTHER. THING. COMING!” She punctuated her statement with a tempestuous outflow of magic, absolutely searing the space around her in an undignified, unwieldy explosive wave, anger amplifying the effect.
Only, it petered out. Sunset found herself suddenly exhausted, falling to her haunches as though everything had been drawn out of her at once. “Wh-what...?”
The voice chuckled. Your courage is commendable, but I assure you that I am not holding you. You are. Turn around, Sunset Shimmer.
She whipped around only to stumble backwards in surprise (on what surface?) as a section of stars seemed to detach itself and take a roughly equine shape, a flowing, nebulous mane manifesting behind it as it resolved slowly into a face she recognized. “P...Princess Luna?”
The Princess of the Moon nodded, a wry smile on her face as she fully detached herself from the surroundings, shaking space off as though it were sticky. “It is I, yes. How are you feeling, Sunset?”
“I...wh...how--where am I? We? What's going on?” Sunset scrambled to her hooves, still wary lest this Luna be some other construct.
“In order, it is one of my duties. This is a fragment of the Dream Realm, and you, my little pony, are having quite the interesting dream indeed.” Luna's smile morphed into an expression of interest as she paced around Sunset. The smaller pony tensed, feeling like she was being sized up.
“So...you can invade the dreams of ponies?”
“Invade...?” Luna paused, lips pursed. “...I suppose a pony grown would see it as such. Strictly speaking, this was a breach of your privacy, so perhaps it is the only appropriate word for my presence here.” The older alicorn gave a wan smile as she returned to Sunset. “My duty is to safeguard my little ponies from the ravages of nightmares. You see me here now because...well, because I had thought it past time I touched your dreams and seen if you needed my assistance. After all...” She settled down into a reclining position. “You too are a citizen of Equestria.”
Sunset frowned. That wasn't the whole answer; she'd become too good at detecting minor chinks in Celestia's armor not to notice that Luna wasn't quite as accomplished a liar. Her face fell as she pieced together the puzzle in her mind.
“....She sent you, didn't she.” Her voice was flat, almost dreading the answer she knew was coming.
“...Yes.” Luna's response was simple, but significant. She stared at Sunset, a trace of remorse on her mostly dispassionate face.
The younger mare's stomach dropped, a nauseating, sickening anger roiling in her insides. She felt her knees go weak as she fell to her rump again, ears pinned back and head downcast. “I guess in the end she wouldn't trust me.” She muttered, the cold resentment in her voice bitter-tasting and foul. She blinked, trying to wipe away errant tears. Exhaling a shaky breath, she stamped a hoof, as if trying to crush her sorrows underfoot.
“It's not...it's not fair. I thought we--I didn't always agree with her but--” She glared at Luna, eyes reddening as she fought the waterworks that were quickly overwhelming her self-control. “So now what? You go tell her and she banishes me again? Go on. Get it over with.” When Luna didn't move, she screamed, “GET OUT!”
The alicorn was impassive. “I will leave soon, fret not. But I believe we need to talk, Sunset Shimmer.”
“There's nothing to talk about!” Sunset snarled, wings flaring wide. “She's so afraid for her 'little ponies' that she's made you betray my trust in her because...what?! I had the temerity to disagree with Perfect Princess Celestia, God-Empress of ponykind?! Because I might 'represent a threat'?! BECAUSE SHE'S DECIDED TO BECOME EVEN MORE OF A CONTROL-FREAK TYRANT--”
Luna stood, palpable menace radiating from her form as shadows deepened around them, the darkness of space somehow becoming more profound. Sunset felt herself seem to shrink as the Princess's eyes took on a dangerous cyan light, pupils constricting into feline slits.
“You will watch your tone, Sunset Shimmer. That is my sister you speak of and this is MY realm.” She paused, darkness retreating somewhat but the cold fury remaining on her face. “My sister is no more perfect than you or I, but everything she has done has been for the good of this country and its people. I will not stand for a child with no perspective speaking of her as a no-account echo of Sombra.”
Sunset shivered involuntarily as Luna settled back down, wings folding. Her form didn't quite lose the predatory silhouette, but at least she didn't seem primed to strike Sunset down.
“Now...I understand your grievances better than you think.” Luna stated, brow still knitted. “Lest you forget, at one point I was the specter of fear for this entire nation, and perhaps justifiably so. I tried to murder the pony dearest to me in all this world or the next.” She hesitated, looking away. “I did this because of my own weakness, and gave into the resentment and rage in my own heart. But that resentment did not come from nowhere. My sister...she gave everything she had to the people. But she gave so much to them that she had nothing left of herself to give to me when I needed it.”
Luna paused, and added, “...But the tale of my selfishness is one for another time. For now, Sunset Shimmer...”
The knot of fear in her stomach rose back up. “You're gonna tell her, then. That I'm just as power-hungry as I ever was on the inside.”
“Are you?” Luna raised an eyebrow, apparently amused. “...perhaps so. Let us look again.”
Sunset blinked, and there again was the throne room. Except...now she was among the courtiers, Luna beside her. She blinked as the court went on without her, the scene picking up and playing out as though she had never been on the throne, her majestic double shaking her head and offering a placating hoof and reassuring smile to (future?) Twilight. An unspoken conversation passed between them, their eyes saying volumes.
Sunset found a bizarre ember of envy in her heart, accompanied by a small but potent seed of anger at herself. Or her...hypothetical dream self? She rubbed a temple as the scene played out, the two Princesses returning to courtly business.
Princess Sunset seemed to bask in the attention she was given. Sunset could see how she swelled when all eyes looked her way, her chest out and head high and proud. Only, she didn't seem to lose that preening pride when Twilight spoke, looking at the other alicorn with the same rapt regard she was given. The ponies around her and Luna seemed to be in good spirits, talking amongst themselves, waiting their turns patiently.
“...this isn't how Princess Celestia's court sessions normally go.” Sunset frowned. “Ponies are never this...pleased to be there.”
“Nor indeed are mine so jovial, despite most of my subjects being younger, more energetic ones.” Luna agreed, a strange smile on her face.
“...why can't I hear them?”
“Do you want to?” The alicorn looked down at Sunset, who tensed irritably as the phantoms of herself and Twilight exchanged some kind of joke and a laugh. “...You are quite jealous, aren't you?”
Sunset started and looked at Luna guiltily. “I...yeah, I guess so.” She pawed at the stone floor, momentarily forgetting the scene before her. “It's not really one of my best qualities. I...” She looked again at the two alicorns on thrones, hackles involuntarily raising. “I guess that's just one more reason I don't deserve this.”
Luna hummed thoughtfully. “Why do you think that?”
“Seriously? I mean...we--Twilight and I, I mean--just started this whole dating thing and we're--” She paused, flushing brightly. “Wait a minute, you saw the dream date? I could swear I heard your voice at the beginning...”
“I did.” Luna's smile was conspiratorial. “You make an endearing pair, you know. Young Twilight reminds me of myself, at that age, all awkward and courageous at all the wrong moments. So much secondhoof embarrassment was felt.” She turned to Sunset. “While I saw it, the scenario was far too clear, too concise to be a flight of fancy. It was a memory played again; fret not. And congratulations!”
Sunset managed a small smile in response before Luna continued.
“Truthfully, I had thought at first that your romance was the secret that made you harden your heart against my sister. But this...those.” She indicated the wings sitting atop Sunset's back. The unicorn flinched at the touch, frankly not even certain they were actually there. Of course, when she thought about it, she had no frame of reference on what wings actually felt like, so why would her dream-self have any?
“...you hide something profound, Sunset Shimmer. Why?” Luna settled down, the court freezing into a tableau as the nearest ponies faded away.
“I...In my defense, I didn't actually know until today.” Sunset said hastily, uneasily looking away from the scene around her.
“But you suspected something. As early as these Games I saw while looking about.” Luna's voice wasn't judgmental, for which Sunset was grateful, but she still felt a sting of anger at someone rummaging through her memories. “The transition through the door was quite painful, as you recalled.”
“I figured it had something to do with how long I had been on the other side...and I didn't say anything because I didn't want Twilight or anyone else to worry about me.” Sunset grimaced as the sensation of the portal came to mind. “If you've been sifting through my mind, then you have to know my other reasons.”
Luna's smile became wry. “While I am no slouch with mind magic, I can assure you that I have not been 'sifting through your mind'. I can only see the snatches you recall...and you seemed to be able to list a variety of practical reasons. But there's more to it than that, is there not?”
Sunset looked back at the frozen image of herself, who knows how many years forward in this potential future she dreamed of. “...look at her, Princess. Look at me. She's drinking it all up.” She stood, threading through the crowd in stasis, climbing the steps to the throne and studying the other Sunset's face. Luna watched with keen, hawklike interest.
“She's absolutely reveling in all this attention. All this respect, adoration.” Sunset bristled, visibly upset as she scowled at the taller pony. “...I hate her. I hate her so much right now.”
“Why is that?”
The amber mare stomped the pedestal with both forehooves, causing the illusionary marble to crack in a surprising display of strength (and physics consistency). “Because she's in MY spot! That should be ME!” Her voice had become an indignant shout. “She's beside Twilight in MY place! She--ugh.” Sunset stopped, clearing her head with a shake and looking down at Luna with a miserable, hollow smile. “That's why. Everypony thinks I've changed...but I haven't. I still want power. I still want attention and glory. I want what I think should be MINE.” She reached up with her magic, levitated the small obsidian tiara from from the other Sunset and examined it, examined her reflection in the surface.
“I haven't changed one bit, in the end. Maybe Celestia is right after all.”
“Are you so sure?” Luna was suddenly beside Sunset, her voice kind as she looked at the image reflected in the diadem. “Change is the truth of the world, Sunset Shimmer. Even alicorns must change with time.”
“You're immortal, though.” Sunset pointed out. “How much could you change?”
“Would you believe me if I told you that this--” Luna pointed toward the dream Sunset, standing tall and proud and basking in the love of her subjects, “--is the spitting image of Celestia, in our relative youth?”
Sunset gaped. “What?”
“It's true, Sunset.” Luna looked at the younger alicorn, her smile strange, as though it were strained. “My dear sister...she really did take to rulership as a duck to water, as the saying goes. Difficult to reconcile with her now, yes?”
Sunset's brow furrowed, struggling to picture a Celestia that was so...openly prideful.
“My point is, all things, even immortal things, must change eventually. And you have changed, too. Would the villain you fear yourself becoming again ever bother with introspection or restraint?”
“W-well, no, but...”
“Would the villain you were ever share power?”
Sunset looked up. “No, of course not. Why would I have wanted to? I wanted everyone to know my superiority.” She grimaced as she finished.
Luna smiled again. “Then look again at these thrones. What do you see?”
Sunset frowned, turning back to the tableau. There was her double, sitting proudly...there was Twilight on her throne-- her eyes widened.
“...they're equals.”
The Moon Diarch smiled and nodded. “Even in your most wild fantasy, she is beside you.”
Sunset looked at Luna, stricken. “This is weird, isn't it? We only just started this dating thing a-and we--”
The taller pony raised a hoof, chuckling. “You need not be lovers to stand together. You need only be the greatest friend the other has. It's only natural to envy somepony that bond when you hold it so precious. And, if you will forgive me saying--” She leaned down to eye level with Sunset, “Poor Twilight has been holding on to this for a very long time. I do not think your bond in any danger. But we will keep that between us, yes?” She winked at Sunset's blush.
“Now then...I do believe our time together is nearly up. You will wake soon.” Luna paced around as the court, her double, Twilight faded into stardust. Oddly, the tiara remained. Luna levitated the obsidian piece and placed it gently on Sunset's head. It was a bit too large, and sat awkwardly, making the smaller pony's ear fold as it slipped down, making Luna giggle. “You will grow into it, perhaps.”
The alicorn's face turned serious as she continued. “You must not lie to the world, Sunset. You must not lie to yourself. And I beg you, do not lie to my sister.” At Sunset's visible discomfort as she reached up to adjust the diadem, she smiled. “She loves you more than you can know. Of this I am certain.”
“...so you're gonna tell her?”
“I will tell her that you need to speak to one another.” Luna responded, voice grave. “What you tell her is your business, but remember that the truth has a way of coming out, sometimes of its own accord. You are not the pony you were. You are different...in all the ways that matter. Remember that. We will be in touch...now, wake up!”
Sunset blinked. She found herself staring at the wall, lying on her side in bed, blankets draped haphazardly over her. The sun pushed through her curtains insistently. Morning?
To be honest, kind of wanted Sunset to say "fuck you" to Luna when she said it was her realm. Like, how does the dreams and minds of others when you're invading count as yours?
That chapter was fantastic. Good work as always.
Clever. I didn't think that this was actually a dream until Luna revealed herself. To be honest, I thought that it might've been Discord at first just messing with Sunset. Still, great chapter, and looking forward to the next one.
WOW like what a chapter. This was by far my favorite chapter of the story keep up the amazing work you're doing on this story.
Well, Luna's intrusion into Sunset's dreams went better than I expected. Sunset really needs to stop being so down on herself, but then that rift with Celestia is still bothering her too. I'm curious to see Celestia's reaction to Luna's vague report. Guess Sunset is going to have to face up to her probable new status sooner or later, and probably clear things up with Celestia at the same time too.
your luna does not feel ooc to me i think this is what luna should be. ^_^
Wait a sec how many chapters are there now?
7459264 I kind of felt the same way. I would also suspect Luna changed the topic as fast as she did, because it would make sense that no matter how powerful she was, the dreamer would always have the home field advantage. But letting the conversation reach that point would only end badly.
should be would be quite
7460190 Thanks for the save!
7459264 7460013 A fair point, but since when has a god ever been humble about its domain? Seriously. Intrusion of privacy or not the Dream Realm is Luna's house and everyone else are just guests. Also, Sunset was running her mouth about Luna's sister (and she's much quicker to obvious anger than Celestia).
7460258 True. Sunset may bemoan her temper, but she's a stereotypical redhead in that sense.
It just occurred to me that considering how traumatized Luna was about breaking an ancient covenant for Celestia's benefit, she didn't really seem to care as much while actually doing it. It's a jarring disconnect in that sense. I'd have thought Sunset getting angry over what is analogous to psychic rape to be fully justified. And that the accusation should have been like a kick to Luna's emotional equilibrium. While it's entirely possible she's too much the professional to break down in front of Sunset (although losing her temper could have been part of that,) if her devotion to not invading memories that is really that important to her, Celestia might have a mopey moon goddess on her hooves for a while afterward.
7460485 I think calling this analogous to rape of any kind is quite disingenuous. She's intruded, yes, but she's taken nothing, caused no harm, and went out of her way to reveal her presence (if a bit later than was really necessary). By that rationale entering dreams at all is rape.
It does her no good to skulk about when simply speaking to Sunset directly and being honest when asked about her reasons for doing so (which she did) will do the job just as well with less mess. She's already expressed a trust in Sunset, so why hide from her at length? Why wouldn't she be up front about her intent, given she already didn't approve of this course of action? If she believed it justified she wouldn't reveal herself at all.
It's not about some ancient covenant. Luna doesn't want betray the trust of someone she just met (and finds acceptable, even likeable), or to abuse her dominion over the dream realm for what she sees as something comparatively petty (and not nearly threatening to national security as Celestia seems to think). But it's her beloved sister asking...so she split the difference. Or at least, she tried.
Please don't characterize this as rape, of any stripe. It's not. Luna even stated that she had done no such thing. She's guilty of peering into a window (and being a bit pushy about talking out the issue), but she has caused no harm.
She could stand to be a bit more sorry though. >:/ Alicorns and their pride...
7460745
I'd have to disagree the one of the main definition of rape is to seize and take away by force. Which is exactly what luna did here it is not sexual rape true but she still forcibly took something that was not her's to take.
Like many things intent matters the differences in those cases she isn't forcibly trying to look for information nor is she reading someone's thoughts.
Hell even Luna display of force after Sunset questions with Luna and Celestia did definitely fits within that of a rapist.
Furthermore she straight up threaten sunset for questioning her or Celestia.
Definition sources
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rape
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/rape
Very nice chapter, though I can't help but find it weird that Luna talks about Equestria's citizens as "people" rather than ponies.
7460841 Dude, you're using the archaic definition of 'rape' - the one we don't use in standard convention to refer to the crime of rape - to justify your argument. Generally speaking in modern vernacular 'rape' does not describe this situation, as it isn't sexual. And what's more, expanding the term 'rape' to cover every case of coercion cheapens cases of actual rape.
Yes, this is coercion, and yes, Luna is being a huge bitch about it at times, but it's not rape. Now maybe if Luna decided to flay open Sunset's mind and do whatever she wanted with Sunset fully aware of it and trying to resist it, then you might apply 'rape' to describe the depth of the violation, but that isn't what happened.
Goddamn it's annoying to see people throw that accusation around lightly.
I'm...kind of confused. Was the date with Twilight a dream?
7462566
Luna said is was a memory.
--Spade
7461391 I think you may disagree on the severity of what Luna did Luna entered sunsets mind for the sole purpose of trying to find something she wanted to keep private read her surface though then proceeded to show her dominance and control over Sunset's own mind.
As far as it's not fitting the modern definition of rape.
I would argue that that has more to do with the fact that what Luna did is impossible in our society that's why I use the older definitions as the newer definition comes from it and if our society had that kind of mental ability I feel that it would be classified under rape or something very similar.
Really? Only one more chapter? Seems like there's a whole plot thread about magic anomalies that's not going to just clear up so quickly.
I liked your interpretation of Luna, though.
If I was Sunset right now I'd either be looking into mental wards right now or considering returning through the mirror for a bit to cool off and get her thoughts towards Tia in order.
7462642 That's what I thought, though it seems when we, the readers, saw the date, Luna was already there. So I guess Sunset was just reliving the date through her dream when we saw it? I was also confused since I saw the term "dream date" being used.
Really one more only...
Wait, what? Only one more chapter until the end of the story? That's disappointing.
7464643 My comment was made from what narrative evidence I've seen and read. Which is:
1) They need strife to survive
2) They don't show remorse for what they've done, nor any willingness to 'make friends'.
3) They are obviously not integral to the Equestrian ecosystem as they've been missing for a VERY long time and nothing cataclysmic has happened.
4) Their depicted presence in Equestria has only brought war and grief to everyone involved (them included)
5) Equestria has shown to be the type of environment where things can be purely beneficial or detrimental (not just to ponies but to the world as a whole). e.g. Celestia controlling the Sun is purely beneficial to all life on the planet and Parasprites have been shown to be purely detrimental (as equestria has been fine for however many seasons without their appearance). This is also emphasized by the fact that parts of Equestria and it's inhabitants are fashioned after ancient Greek mythology, which also has several depictions of creatures and deities as 'pure evil' or 'pure good'.
After this fashion I don't think it's wrong to class the sirens as 'completely harmful entities', although it is not necessarily correct, that is how they have been portrayed and neither them nor the narrative has inferred otherwise.
Also befriending Discord (or anyone else for that matter) for the 'good of Equestria' seems a bit too meta and uncharacteristic a reason for any of the princesses or the main cast; who keep advocating love, friendship and tolerance to consider. But that's just my opinion and conclusions which I have tried to justify.
Edit: I apologize if the above reads a bit aggressive, that was not my intent.
Edit 2: Their music isn't harmful, as long as you don't consider almost mind control harmful.
Edit 3: As for the moral/ethical thing you brought up with the lion: Neither the lion nor the zebra are cognizant, they cannot feel empathy. The Sirens however and their prey: the common pony or human, are both cognizant. Your example would be more akin to us finding and communicating with aliens and because for some reason they have become our only foodsource, we hunt them and eat them.
7464804
Agreed and Agreed (though neither did Discord and he didn't have near the incentive to change as they do).
That's unknown. How many ocean based episodes have we seen? Zero.
Same with Discord only take that to eleven.
Uh, Parasprites didn't get exterminated. They still exist as of Magic Duel and we've been given no indication that they are "purely detrimental." Yes they eat everything. That's potentially a very good thing in many situations. They are MLP Locusts and Locusts are an important part of their Ecosystem.
As for Greek Mythology having "pure good and evil" that's pretty debatable. Most gods that figure prominently have multiple sides to their characters and different stories paint them in different lights. Even Celestia (as underdeveloped as she is in the show) has multiple sides to her. Yes providing light and life is good (but then it's not entirely selfless, she does gain from doing that). Manipulating her student to her own ends? Not so good (even if it might have been for the greater good/Twilight benefit in her mind).
I guess I require much more to define something as "completely" harmful and without redeeming qualities.
Uh, wasn't that the exact reason why Celestia tasked Twilgiht with redeeming Discord? To see if he can be of use to Equestria. I actually think that's close to the exact words used. And then there were the horrifying ways the good ponies "who keep advocating love, friendship and tolerance" though of to force his reformation (not the least of which was Twilight's Reformation spell which might have been effectively a mind altering spell). No I don't actually find that meta at all.
I didn't find it aggressive at all.
People are willing to do some crazy things for pleasure. This wouldn't even rank all that high on our world's list of "bad things" to do to yourself (provided the Mind Control wasn't actually used of course).
Indeed Alien vs Human would be a more appropriate example (the problem being the Aliens are entirely unknown). Lion vs Zebra still works even still though as simply put the Lion has no reason to feel bad about eating the Zebra in any case. It's his purpose, it's how he is supposed to survive. Much like feeding off Emotions is how the Sirens are supposed to survive. Yes their prey is cognizant but why should that matter to them? Animals we eat are at least aware enough to not want to die but we kill and eat them anyway. I'm not saying ponies would be wrong to defend themselves, what I'm saying it the Sirens aren't evil for what they do nor are they evil or cruel for not feeling bad about it.
7465227 If the sea ecosystem became out of wack, it would have profound effects on land ecosystems as well. Food webs are interconnected like that. Granted we haven't properly seen an episode based at around or before Siren times (probably, I don't know when a hearth's warming tale in season 6 is supposed to have taken place). But again I can only draw conclusions from what has been shown. Regardless it would seem highly unlikely that they would be important in ANY ecosystem as there only seem to be 3 of them (and obviously considering their diet it wasn't that those three had a choice in what they did) They also haven't been shown to have any powers affecting the ecosystem as a whole like Celestia does with the Sun.
I never said parasprites got exterminated just that they haven't been around. It feels a bit weird to have only seen them for a single episode if they play a role like locust in the equestrian ecosystem. Putting aside that with their rate of reproduction, the entirety of Equestria should be a parasprite addled mess, unlike locust who thin out the weak fruit and vegetables from plants, parasprites do no such thing. Parasprites are indiscriminate in their eating habits and their existence as a locust counterpart would only make sense if earth ponies didn't have their earth pony magic.
As far as Discord is concerned you are right, I didn't remember the episode correctly and Celestia did indeed release him so "his magic can be used for good". However I'd also like to add that in Discord's case he'd have broken out of the stone prison again, eventually and so the princess might have been at an impasse as there was/is no guarantee that the element bearers would/will exist in the future. I digress though, for the good of Equestria is indeed the reason for his reformation. Also as stated by you before, the Sirens have no choice but to continue causing strife, yeah? So even if they 'became good' (which is the difference between them and Discord; Discord was convinced to 'become good' whereas the Sirens weren't nor did they want to), They'd still have to cause pain and suffering in order to survive. This is something which, I'm sure we can agree, Celestia and Luna do not want (This is also a difference between them and Discord as Discord didn't 'have' to do the things he did).
As far as Greek mythology is concerned: an example of a relatively famous, purely detrimental Greek mythological creature is Charybdis who does nothing more than swallow the ocean and anything withing a however many mile radius of it and and example of a purely beneficial ancient Greek deity is Hestia, the goddess of the hearth and hospitality.
7464959
Don't respond to me. I currently have no desire to show you why you're wrong - especially because you sound like some kind of pacifist and that sort of unrealistic idealism is total nonsense - and I believe the author is more pleased with my NOT being here than with me being dragged back by someone disagreeing with me. Good day, I'm sorry your effort was wasted.
7465924
Discord must cause Chaos, it's his thing. Now he can channel this into non-harmful avenues and playful Chaos (which still tends to be disliked by many and is often disruptive) but at the same time his alliance with Tirak might show that he has no choice but to be harmful at times. Likewise the Sirens must cause "Strife" but there are many degrees of Strife and it's something that occurs naturally, even in Equestria. Nothing says they need to actually harm the overall working of Equestria nor that their abilities couldn't be used for good. Celestia could send them to places that already have alot of Strife (a war front for example) where they can feed and help end the Strife at its source.
And sure Discord might have gotten out again (there were a number of factors to his escape which might not have happened again but forever is a long time so who knows) but the Sirens would have died. Now obviously there is no reason for some to care about that but as ponies who, in your words, "keep advocating love, friendship and tolerance" I don't think sitting there and allowing a group of magical creatures to suffer and die is something they would be ok with.
7466004 While it hasn't been shown that Discord has to cause chaos, it is indeed his shtick (although to me personally it seems that it's more that he thinks that the world is boring if he doesn't). Regardless that is irrelevant to the topic of the sirens.
If you can recall, in the movie the sirens sang in that diner in order to feed. Not petty arguments either; people were shouting at each other, some presumably couples, others friends and presumably damaging those relationships. Aria then proceeded to label the amount of energy they had gotten as "scraps" which leads me to believe that they do truly need a large or highly escalated conflict in order to sustain themselves. I do not know if humans for some reason provide less 'negative energy' than ponies but I think randomly assuming that they do just because it is convenient is a fallacy in and of itself. Furthermore I find it more likely that there is more strife in the human world than Equestria, making it easier to passively gather 'negative energy' from it (since we don't have immortal rulers and all. Although this is getting into politics and I have neither the proportional amount of societal development knowledge nor the want to begin a conversation about that).
As far as Discord escaping is concerned, I don't see why he couldn't escape again? It seemed like more of a time thing to me (like with Nightmare Moon), I mean the CMC cannot be the only ones to ever have had an argument in front of his statue ever since his petrification right? If a class from ponyville can visit the park I'm sure that it must be open to the public (I'd also question Celestia's decision to just prop discord up in a park but w/e)
7465995
I'm not expecting a response, I was simply responding so that the forum system linked your post to my response so people could see what I was replying to. I've probably responded to your last post in this story so I shouldn't be disturbing you with this story at least again.
As an aside, no I'm not really an idealistic pacifist but I do tend to argue extreme stances in debates. Also the source material about magical ponies using the power of friendship to solve problems lends itself to idealism to a degree.
7466043
Adagio also mentions that part of the issue with their poor feeding was lack of magic. How much they would "need" to feed in Equestria is unknown. As for harming relationships, that's a questionable topic. Arguments are a part of a relationship as is solving them or overcoming them. It's not like Cadence's forced love solution to problems is any healthier. In fact, in many ways, fully expressing your issues and clearing the air can be much healthier for a good relationship than smothering it and allowing it to fester. There didn't seem to be anything remotely like lasting damage that we saw anyway.
Regarding Discord's escape. A large part of the reason Discord escaped was the weakening of the Elements (the CMC arguing had little to do with it). This weakening was potentially partly due to Celestia and Luna's fight but more directly it was due to Discord's Plunder Seeds sapping the Tree of Harmony's power. Discord actively planned for his escape when Celestia & Luna stoned him the first time. With no Plunder Seeds to weaken the Tree, assuming nothing bad happened to it in the future, Discord might not actually escape (he did not have Luna's 1,000 year stipulation).
Regarding the Equestrian Ecosystem, it's not like the show goes out of its way to present a realistic ecosystem nor show how it works consistently. It's not going to show Parasprites unless it's part of the episode (and given they did that episode I don't see them doing another). Likewise what purpose the Sirens performed is unknown but it's hardly a given that the performed no role at all. Most things serve a purpose and even if I can't personally think of a purpose for Sirens or Cockatrices (or magical twilight alicorns) doesn't mean they don't serve one.
Finally, regarding the Charybdis, it's hardly "only detrimental." Putting aside whatever environmental aspects apply (cleaning the oceans of debris and dead organisms) it's also, in some stories, the daughter of Poseidon and was loyal to him. She helped him in his fighting with Zeus.
7466135 If you concede that the equestrian ecosystem isn't realistic then why did you bring up that specific argument about it in the first place?
As far as what you have stated with the plunderseeds it is incorrect. Discord states that their original purpose was to steal the magic from the tree of harmony before he was originally defeated. Also there is no evidence to suggest that the tree of harmony fuels the element's magic, in fact the tree needs the elements returned in order to recover from the plunderseeds, showing that the magic of the two was distinctly separate from the moment of the element's conception as if one of the magical power-sources was dependent on the other as you suggest, then having the elements on the tree wouldn't make a difference, the tree could have just taken it's magic back from the elements of harmony without needing them to be brought to it.
Now Charybdis. First of all she didn't 'clean up the environment' as you say since for every time she sucked things in, she spewed them out again (3 times a day each in the Odyssey). While I do not see as aiding someone in a war that was more resulting in a fight over landmass and not life (and no, loss of landmass doesn't equal loss of life, at least not to the beings that were supposedly alive at the time) beneficial, I will concede that she may have had some usefulness in waging war before she was cursed by Zeus to be what she is now (not that being good at war is very beneficial to life anyway).
Anyway, I'm afraid I won't fall for your attempt at a straw-man argument, with these lines of questioning. My point still stands that the Sirens have not been shown or even thought of by anyone to be beneficial to the survival of life in any way whatsoever. If you insist on finding a creature that was not beneficial to anything in Greek mythology, I'm not willing to help you (although I'm sure it wouldn't take too long to find one. *cough* Stymphalian birds *cough*) nor am I willing for us to continue this argument if you have nothing of substance to add and are just resorting to attempting to poke holes in mine.
Edit: It did not seem that 'clearing the air' is what their singing did and shouting at each other while enraged definitely doesn't constitute as 'clearing the air' in anything but in romance hollywood movies.
As far as needing to be fed less in Equestria, I do not know. Adagios exact words were: "We can only gain so much power here" but I will not dismiss the possibility that it could be true although I feel like it is conjecture on your part without concrete proof or precedent.
7466188 7466135
I am absolutely tickled to see a sincere philosophic discussion in the comments, but let's not get all hostile, fellas.
7466216 Sorry if I came off as hostile, I just don't see a reason to continue the discussion in the manner that has been going on so far. It was fun at the beginning but arguments such as their last one kill it for me (If a person is just going to try and poke holes in whatever you say, regardless of actual relevance to the topic of disagreement, It feels like I am just wasting my breath; albeit that's just from my perspective and may not be how others view it).
I have no intention of getting more hostile than I already am (which I must admit is being slightly miffed). If you believe that I am stepping over any lines or such I would implore you to inform me as I would just feel bad about it later when I'd be less riled up.
7466188
Regarding the Plunder Seeds, yes indeed the Seeds were supposed to weaken the Tree which would weaken the Elements. Ideally they were meant to weaken them so they couldn't stone him at all but the Tree was stronger than he thought and the seeds didn't sprout. It wasn't until much later that the Tree weakened enough for the stoning enchantment to break and later still before they grew to the point of corrupting/incapacitating the Tree itself. This part is directly told to us in the show.
The Tree needed the stones back but that doesn't mean the two are distinctly separate things, rather two parts of a whole which is stronger together than apart and hurting one hurts the other (though as the Tree is the "source" and the gems just the conduit/extension I imagine damage to the tree hurts the gems more than damage to the gems hurts the tree). This part is more inferred by me rather than spelled out I'll admit.
Anyhow, I'm fine leaving it there. We were indeed getting off topic on tangents that really had little to do with the core concept of allowing killing off a creature or letting it live and dealing with the issues that come of that action. I will point out that you brought up the ecosystem argument and Greek mythology, not me though. I brought up Discord.
Debates aside, I quite enjoyed this chapter with Luna. I thought all of the characters involved (Luna, Celestia, and Sunset) were done well and I look forward to the results of this dream. I also look forward to more adorable TwilightxSunset antics. I guess the background threat of the "Leyline Monster" is the part I find myself least interested in but at the same time it's only really had two scenes (the storm and the rock) so maybe that will grow into something nice too.
7466334 I'm fine leaving it here as well and I did in fact bring up the Greek mythology, however I only did it to show that it is not inconceivable for Equestria to have creatures that serve no purpose other than to hinder life and act as obstacles to everyone.
As far as the ecosystem thing:
I'm afraid you brought it up in the beginning.
7466367
You are correct. I didn't look far enough back. I apologize.
7466188
Regarding your last edit: I fully agree I did not providing concrete evidence/proof of anything (or at least not in each case), that was never my intention (and I apologize if that frustrated you). To me death is a final solution only taken when the act is required, especially in a show like MLP. As such the burden of proof, to me, on its necessity is on the party expressing that option. My primary goal then is to question its need and if there are any other reasonable solutions or unknowns that might make it unnecessay. Thus asking questions like, "How much do they actually need to feed?" "Do they, or could they, serve some other purpose?" "Wasn't Discord a very similar case?" ect...
Also for what it's worth you were entirely civil during the discussion in my book. Have a good day.
7464826
We'll just have to disagree then.
I don't believe in changing points willy-nilly and pretending everything else is the same. To me, as I said, that's sloppy writing and not proper AU at all. Changing things in general, especially important details, means that the story ought to be different. A stallion probably wouldn't have five mares for friends and, outside of children's television, he probably wouldn't have five stallions for friends either. There would probably be a little bit more diversity in that respect. Nightmare Moon taking over or Chrysalis conquering Equestria are major deviations that would have drastically different effects on Equestria's history than the events and results in canon. That was the point i was making. It's easier in some respects to rewrite the whole story going forward than to rework and rejigger the story 'in vivo' to account for the differences that logically result from the changes and would, in my opinon, make for a better story.
With regards to comic canonicity, I suspect every author has to make their own decision, but they should make a decision for clarity's sake if for no other reason.
7519173 Friendship Games definitely happened. The exact point of diversion is...nebulous, but Friendship Games definitely happened. Starlight Glimmer hasn't appeared for...reasons.
Season 6 is not a thing for the purposes of this story (hence the AU tag), so if you're concerned, the end of Season 5 is probably where canon ends.
yet another amazing story whose available chapters I've reached the end of...dangit, why can't something this good be complete?
Great fic, hope to see more soon!
So Luna does the same thing Celestia does, shutting down anything she doesn't want to hear by flaunting her power and silencing the other position... Seriously, everything Sunset has said about Celestia has been true to at least some respect. Celestia just overrules any view that she disagrees with, gets everything she wants, and places herself as the highest moral figure (she overruled Luna's morals for her own, even in a situation where her own morality was questionable). Celestia has behaved like a tyrant. Not an evil tyrant, but certainly one, even towards Luna, and especially towards Twilight and Sunset. She constantly overrules anything Sunset says as not of value due to not being a princess, while overruling Twilight for being a junior princess while still expecting her to behave as though she was Celestia. Not to mention that she's a hypocrite as well, pulling stunts like the Discord reformation while denying Twilight the same right. Oh, and there's also the small detail that she rewrites history for her own benefit... At this point, I think alicorn Sunset is needed to finally have someone who can counter Celestia. At this point, she's basically a dictator with a few people on her leash to manage whatever she feels like thrusting on them. I wouldn't be surprised if she micromanages the Crystal Empire.
7460258 I know your post is old, but wanted to bring in a new perspective on this.
Namely, you say the dream world is Luna's house, and everypony else are guests. I don't believe that, and believe it's the other way around.
I believe everypony has their own 'House' that they can not escape from. Luna, however, can escape from them and move from one to another. But when inside someone else 'house', that person is Master. Luna can enter and leave, but she only has as much power as the Dreamer lets her have. Everyone believes her to be goddess of dreams, or are told she is, and so subconciously gives her power over their dreams. But at any point, if they were smart enough, they could deny her her powers in their dreams. Just no one has ever tried, wanted to, or needed to before.
duhn duhn duhn
Even a year later, this chapter leaves a very bad taste in my mouth.
Celestia acting like Season-One-Twilight because after a thousand years ruling alone she still treats everyone like inferiors, I can get behind.
Luna's actions and demeanor in this chapter are clearly just a contrivance to bring events to a head more quickly, and it infuriates me that what she does is just brushed aside. I wanted Sunset to unload on Luna here far more than I care about that shit-show with the Sirens.
This story has a lot going for it, but this is strike two as far as I'm concerned.
I GIGGLED HEHEHRHHRHR
OMG THEY DID IT THEY DID IT QOOSHOOOWIAHAJAJ
Oh wait... It was.... Oh.... Yeah fck this (good) sht;[[[
OH IT DID!!! OKAY IT DID HAPPEN YAYYY