13. Dreaming of the Past and Present
Dreaming of the Past and Present
Cadance
It had been a strained week ever since Sunset had burned down the courtyard. She had teleported away to only Celestia knows where. Thankfully Celestia had arrived just as she teleported away checking over every pony and had ensured that the now extinguished flames would do no more harm. Celestia, after I informed her that Sunset had teleported away while bleeding from various wounds across her body, quickly teleported away after her beaten and bruised student.
Leaving the guard ponies to look towards the only other Princess in the castle, me for the decision on what to do with the new battlefield that had replaced the ornately cared for landscape. I had hopefully managed to get them working in some form or manner after I informed them to ensure that any pony that needed medical treatment was taken to the infirmary before those still able, should begin to remove the no longer molten rock. They obeyed my orders without complaint and thankfully there were no more injuries as the cleanup proceeded. I count that as a complete win. What happened when Celestia teleported back a few hours later threatened the sanctity of that success.
Her ever-present smile rested in smaller form upon her face. It was as reduced as it was shadowed. She sent the guards and the other workers that had arrived to fix the disarray that had befallen the once green courtyard, away. It was eventually just the two of us. Two Princesses standing amidst the cooled chaos. Two Alicorns, one immortal, one mortal. Standing in stilled silence that I dared not break. That was only broken when Celestia apologized.
“I am sorry Mi Amore Cadenza for once more failing to keep you safe.” She whispered into the wind as she stared at the now-setting Sun. Even looking back on that conversation those words bring a chill running down my spine. When I pressed for further details the elder Princess refused to explain in what regards. She met my gaze before dissipating into a burst of sunlight to Celestia knows where. From what I had gathered thanks to Rebound and Gentle Breeze, she had found Sunset half dead in her room. Bringing her student to the infirmary before going on a crusade to figure out what had happened.
The guards had been put on high alert to find out how this occurred and to prevent it from happening in the future. There was no more talk of me leaving the castle. However thanks to my two guards who now even shadowed me inside the castle’s walls I knew that there had been talks of not receiving the diplomatic envoys from the Griffons and Bluebloods ilk. The everpresent warm tone that had seeped through the castle had been replaced by a thick tension. That had ponies startled at the opening of doors and jumping at the shadows.
Every pony knew that something had happened to Sunset, yet no pony was sure of the specifics. Theories ranged from her going mad attacking monsters of her mind, to her finding an intruder that planned to threaten Celestia’s life. However, these rumors quieted whenever either I or Celestia was sighted. However, if I could hear them; I knew that Celestia did as well.
These conspiracies were not helpful as they were spread by ponies that did not see the amount of pain that Sunset was in. Even as she covered her wounds before teleporting away from me. I knew that it would be a rough beginning to our alliance but considering that she was bleeding out I would have preferred her to ask for my assistance or even allowed me to help. Instead, she retreated to her room where she nearly died and would have died had Celestia not found her.
The next day Gentle Breeze, Rebound, and I were called into an empty throne room where Celestia swore us to secrecy about Sunset's injuries and proceeded to spend the next few hours picking apart the time that I had spent re-learning how to fly. Oddly she was calm and collected not a hair out of place upon her form. A poisonous thought cruelly was whispered from within my thoughts. No matter how I tried to push it down to the deepest recesses of my mind, it kept oozing its way back to the forefront.
“Perhaps Sunset Shimmer was right. Princess Celestia doesn't seem too concerned about what had happened to her. Even though she had two hoofs in the grave.”
Ignoring that sickening thought I began to retell what had happened to the Princess who reigned from her throne above me. From when we started where I had faithfully retold the failings of my earliest attempts to when we had stopped the exercises when I had spotted the flames that had begun billowing from the ground below. Rebound and Gentle spoke when they were specifically questioned but otherwise adopted the standard of the silent guard. Eventually, Celestia sent away my two guards. Leaving only us two Alicorns in the room alone.
“I know that you have not needed to use the brooch I had created for you but I would ask that in the future should you ever think that you may be unsafe I would ask that you use it,” Celestia said as she looked down towards me from the glistening throne that she resided upon.
On that ominous warning, I had asked her what had happened to Sunset and if she would be alright. What happened to Sunset must have shocked Celestia. Even if she did not act in that manner. She cared for Sunset. Just as Sunset cared for her in turn. However much of their relationship was strained and strangled.
Celestia looked over at me before answering. Her smile once more gained the warmth that I had associated with the Princess of the Sun. Instead of the empty smile that was forced to stay upon her muzzle.
“Most ponies would not be concerned with one that has previously attempted to harm them. It warms my heart that you still think of Sunset kindly. Even if she does not share the same feelings.” Celestia spoke as she relaxed upon her throne. She then paused, considering her next words, before speaking once more. “She was attacked by some pony I thought long gone. However, the wounds that had torn her body asunder had been imbued with a darkness that I have not seen for a millennium.” As she spoke the warmth from the room turned oppressive. I should have known better than to ask the question I next did. I however asked nonetheless.
“You know the pony that did this to Sunset?” I couldn't help but exclaim even as the Alicorn that referred to itself as my Aunt’s eyes flashed. Miniutaire supernovas were born in her eyes as I realized that asking that question may have been a slight overreaching on my part. The throne room began to heat before Celestia once more regained control over herself.
Clarity struck as she shifted slightly in her throne. She must have been forcing herself to act in this calm and collected manner. Even after the attack on Sunset she still had to run the entirety of Equestria. If she was shaken, ponies that needed her assistance could fall through the cracks. It was admirable even if a tad slightly sickening. Would I one day have to do the same? Continue disregarding the ponies that I cared for so that I could help the many.
“She cares more about ponies that she will never meet than the one that she had raised.” The thought once more crawled into my thoughts. Imagining myself on the crystal throne once more to clear my head of the dark thoughts that continued to form. After Sunset had been attacked my thoughts had certainly taken a downward spiral.
Celestia noticed my pause but I waved her concern off. I would be fine, she needed to focus on what happened to Sunset. Preferably explaining it to me. However, the ruler of Equestria seemingly had no desire to share with the pony who was soon to be royalty. She had excused herself from the room stating that she had needed to check in on Sunset personally. Before she left she asked that I do the same. I of course agreed to do so. If I was allowed into the infirmary yesterday I would have already seen her.
Celestia after receiving my nod burst into a flurry of lights. Leaving me in an all too large throne room for it to be empty. Looking at the now uninhabited throne I could only wonder what was going through Celestia’s head. She was concerned about what had happened and even knew about the pony that had caused this. Yet she refused to tell me. Only giving a vague warning. Exiting the now abandoned throne room I was once more reunited with my two personal guards.
I visited the infirmary immediately after my interrogation with Celestia. There were few ponies in the infirmary. The guards that had been burned had already managed to leave. It was good that they had managed to be healed quickly. However, upon seeing the one pony I had personally come here for I couldn't help but slow my pace.
Sunset had covered her wounds after the fight. I had known that she was injured but I had not known the extent. Seeing the usually invulnerable pony that threatened to go against Celestia herself, bound in bandages. Bruised. Bloodied. Beaten. I could see through the layers of bandages that had covered her entire form the black marks that peppered her. They ranged in size from a bit to a small ball. A pit opened in my stomach as I quickly lost count of them.
From every one of them, I could see that the bandages were blackened as they absorbed the seeping pustulating contents of the wounds. The portions of her that I could barely view that were not covered in these wounds and bandages were a pale yellow. In comparison to the hale amber that her coat normally was.
She was deathly still upon the bed. It was somehow more unsettling than seeing her thrashing against the demons that clung to her dreams. She almost looked innocent, as battered as she was. I knew at first hoof that she was not. Delving into Dark magics, attempting to kill me. Those were the two that I had personally confirmed.
Rumors of far worse deeds clung to Sunset as much as her ever-present anger did. Shaking my head and forcing those thoughts away. This was not the time for that. She was nearly killed. Celestia was once more refusing to inform me of the reason why. It seems that it was my turn to start on my side of the dues that I had already accrued. I whispered my farewells to the unconscious pony that had allied herself to me.
I spent the next few days in the library pouring over tomes that were associated with dreams and nightmares. Thankfully with the help of my guards and the ever-helpful Storyteller, we managed to search through the appropriate manuscripts. The four of us spent nearly every available moment in the libraries and we still found nothing. Storyteller had made mentioned that nearly all forms of dream magic were considered to be dark magic and even before that was decided over a thousand years ago there were almost no practitioners.
I was losing hope and we were running out of books that were even associated with dreams. However, Storyteller still managed to come through in the end. Pulling off a miracle and finding a small book titled “Deepest Dreamings” He slipped it to me without either of my guards noticing.
“Consider it compensation for my incapability in regards to the previously accepted assistance.” He said as the small purple book slipped into my satchel. When I asked where he had found he simply asked me to not get caught with it. I would have pushed him on the matter but what I was looking for was illegal and he had come through and helped me either way. If I could turn a blind eye to what Sunset had done I could easily ignore this transgression against the law.
I informed Gentle and Rebound that we would be stopping the search and that I was going to be spending the next few days in my room doing some studying on the incoming parties. I purposely did not inform either of them that I was planning to also pour through the book of obviously dark magics. It luckily had not come up in conversation.
Things were looking up and then were dashed in a most unexceptional fashion. The book that Storyteller had managed to slip me was but a dream journal of a mare from long ago. The dreams often varied spectacularly. However easily the most common was a sunlit meadow that in the center was a small blanket with countless confectionaries, most particularly cakes. The mare that had written this journal seemed to be poking at the eating habits of this particular dream.
She spoke of these dreams as if they were not her own, as if she was entering them herself. This was confirmed later in the journal when the mare abandoned the journal's original purpose and began to write about her dreams. Even then she provided a hastily scrawled letter to her sister as the last entry in the journal.
“Our dreams have long turned dark Sister. Filled with shadows that have long since danced. The Sun that once brought gentle light now burns. Tell us, dear sister, how long will thou still pretend that thou care? When along with our subjects even thou has long forgotten us. Always in thou’s shadow. For the inhabitants have only needed the warmth that thou has provided. Shying from our shade.
Would thou have spent less time looking in the Mirror? Would thou have not forgotten even us? Sister when thou find this know that even if thou ponies were to forget our Moon, we still have our dreams. In our dreams, we rule eternally. Our Moon is no longer forsaken in favor of thou’s Sun. Our ponies still love us. We were not forgotten in favor of the Sun.
Our rage will last. Our hate fuels us. We long to meet at our original place of both of our rules. Sister, as you have long told us, ‘Our feelings feed our dreams.’ We have not forgotten that. We await Sister with horn and wings ready.”
I was for the moment choosing to ignore the connotations that Shining Armor was potentially correct about the rumor that he had chosen to share with me. That Celestia had long ago removed her sister from the royal family. The only piece of usable information was the very last portion regarding how the unnamed Alicorn’s emotions fed her dreams.
While useful, the information proved that I was on the correct track it was nothing that I could use to help Sunset. I couldn't rely on Storyteller to pull another thing like this from his plot, but I had nothing else I could do to help her. I prayed to Celestia that I was the only one who saw her right before she had teleported away. She, even half dead, had for but a second as pain bled to bliss. That she didn't care that she was about to leave every pony behind.
She wasn't grinning or smiling but the way her eyes lit up as they met mine. The only times I had seen such life in them was when she attempted to kill me. Otherwise, the entire time that I had known her, she had been guarded, stilted, as if she was acting. But right after she had come down from the battle that left her but a scant hoofs away from the reaper she was elated.
The only time when she felt such emotions that pierced her facade was when she was on death's doorstep or about to place me there. She wasn't alright and somehow I was the only pony that had noticed. Most ponies in the castle didn't like her for good reason. At best she was a rather rash pony that didn't care for any other feelings other than Celestia’s. Ramse, who ensured that she would always have food, didn't care enough to ensure that she ate it. Allowing her to go days without eating.
Yes, she was no longer a foal but I couldn't help but feel… I am not even sure what I felt. It was only after I had calmed myself down from the deluge of emotions that I had towards this entire situation did I once more surrender myself to the realm of dreams and the Crystal Castle that it contained.
After spending a moment to orient to my new surroundings as I found my location to be back in the throne room. The crystal throne glistened in the light that permeated throughout the entire castle. Another mystery. Another problem. One that I had long since sought answers to. Now with two potential leads within my grasp, I am a little further than I was so long ago.
One would require me to give Shining Armor the spell to cure his mare-friend. However, it wasn't a panacea. All it would do is transfer the problem to some pony else. It was barely even a cure. Much more of a stop-gap if that. It wouldn't help their situation and I was not willing to give the spell to Shining Armor even if he was willing to give me his family's knowledge. I knew love and the lengths that ponies would go for it.
This brings me to the second pony that had offered me answers and the pony that I had just spent the entire last week worrying over. Sunset Shimmer the prized pupil of Princess Celestia. We were technically in an alliance but I knew how shallow it was. She didn't trust anypony other than herself. I doubted with the condition her feelings towards Celestia were in; that even Celestia was always trusted.
I couldn't help but let out an amused smile. Here I was thinking about a mare and a stallion even as I was an Alicorn lounging on a throne made of crystals. Here I thought that ever since I had ascended I wouldn't be able to continue my hobby of matchmaking. It would only be better if I was planning to have Sunset and Shining get-together. Letting out a snort at that thought, as she would eat him alive only spitting him out when she was done amusing herself with him.
I was shaken from that rather amusing thought by the sound of a door creaking open. Instantly I was back to reality. It sounded as if it had come from one of the floors above. Perhaps it was the little creature finally deciding to allow me to see it? That aside I had little better to do than think of my co-conspirators.
My thoughts straightened. I leaped from my throne and began to fly through my castle. Seeking out the would-be intruder who had refused to show itself for since I could ever remember. I could once more fly; the last thought that went through my head as I smashed through a pair of doors with a cacophonous crash. Wincing I refused to slow down or turn back as I continued towards the last place I heard the sound.
“Really?” I couldn't help but mutter as it appeared that the sound had come from a library. I just needed to blatantly avoid them at this point. Touching down before the slightly ajar door which I knew I had closed. Sighing I pushed it open as I entered the maze of crystals and books. “You can just reveal yourself,” I shouted towards the no longer empty library. Knowing that I was once more wasting my effort in a vain attempt at communication.
I will admit that I was startled when I received some form of reply. After all, ever since I first figured out that there was some other pony that had access to my castle I had been trying to contact them and figure out who they were. So when I heard a deep chuckle my head snapped towards the back of the library, my eyes narrowing in on where I saw a pony's shadow poking out from behind a bookshelf.
Throwing myself forward half charging and half flying towards where I saw the shadow retreating further into the library. They wouldn't escape. That pony would be captured. I would catch them. Then this ever-elusive pony would answer my questions. If they once more refused I would wring them out of them.
Digging my hooves into the crystal flooring as I forced my body to turn down the walkway. Seeing naught a pony but a singular book that looked as if it had been dropped in a hurry. Letting my fury be known to the entire castle and hopefully the interloper that had decided to flee. After a few moments, I calmed myself and stopped screaming.
Sighing as I levitated the rather large book towards me looking over the title as I righted it with my magic. ‘Phantom Dream, Legacies of those Lost in Sleep’ Here it was. The answer to my search. Flipping open the book to confirm my growing hopes. The pure elation that flooded through my body was enough that I knew that had I been awake ponies would have fainted around me.
I had a tome about dream magic. An entire book on the subject. Not a potentially murdered Princesses diary about her experiences using it. An entire work on the study of it. I muttered my thanks to the still-yet-unknown pony as I sat my plot down and began to read. “Chapter One, Understanding the Dreamscape”
There I was alone in the crystalline library deep within the most hidden recesses of my mind. Absorbing forbidden knowledge that was long since lost or outlawed. I held back the snort as I wondered if this is what Sunset felt like whenever she managed to study Dark Magic underneath the muzzle of Celestia herself. Shaking my head at my thoughts of her. I needed to learn this magic. Then I could help her.
I continued my research only managing to get through the first chapter before the palace began to glow. The ethereal light surged throughout the crystals as my physical form began to wake. Not yet. I needed to finish this. Yet even as I attempted to will myself to stay dreaming. I could feel the gleam grow warmer as I was being suffused with conscience light.
“Not yet. Celestia, damn it.” I growled out as I held onto the book even as I began to dissolve into motes of light. I wouldn't accept defeat even if I was certain I would lose. Eventually, my hooves lost their form. I could only watch as the book fell to the still-illuminated crystal ground.
Huffing in annoyance I turned my head upwards so that I would not have to watch my way forward be so close and yet so far away. Even after I helped Sunset with her night terrors I would have been able to use dream magic to help me with my dreams. Right before I lost my vision to the overpowering light I could faintly see a pony walking down the aisle toward me.
“You have your magic, my Descendant!” The pony all but whispered and yet as it spoke the entire palace shook. Crystals flaked off from the ceiling and rained down around me catching the light at a myriad of angles further obscuring its form. Flicking my still disintegrating vision back towards the book, almost completely absorbed by the light, I heeded the words of the unknown pony and grasped at it with my magic. Encasing it entirely with a pink glow. Even when my vision was completely covered by the light I held it in my grasp.
Waking up with a startle I quickly whipped my head around and received what felt as if a block of cement falling onto my head in return. Groaning in pain as I used my wings to push it off me. Opening my eyes once more to see what in the hay had just decided to fall on my head. My blood froze as a layer of ice reverberated throughout me. ‘Phantom Dream, Legacies of those Lost in Sleep’ lay on my pillows.
“ok.” I whimpered out, prepared to barrel through a wall to escape if need be. This was bad. I had a book of highly illegal magic on my bed. That I had pulled out of my dream. OK. Calm down. Panicking won't help you. You're a Princess it's not as if Celestia can execute you… She did however happen to murder her sister… Allegedly.
A knock at my door caused me to shriek in fear! The only reason I didn't manage to alert the pony at my door was that my voice caught. I screamed silently until I realized that I was making no noise at all. Taking a deep breath of air. I threw the book underneath my pillows and made my way to the door. Ignoring the way that I was shaking all the way to my hooves.
Cracking it open I nearly collapsed in relief after I saw the off-green coat of Rebound. Glancing back to ensure that I had hidden the proof of my crimes. I opened the door.
“Everything alright princess?” He asked without even a joke as his eyes scouted out my room. Looking for anything that could cause me harm.
“Everything is fine.” I lied through my teeth to one of the ponies that were willing to risk his life for me. A weight formed in my stomach as I continued on my tale of deceit “Fell out of my bed again.” This brought a smile back to Rebound’s face as he tried and failed to cover the snort that escaped his lips.
“One of these days we are going to lose you to those sheets. When that day comes I can only hope that it is Gentle’s turn to grab you.” He says, slowly mockingly shaking his head. Always the brave knight, the pony in front of me. “That aside Princess Celestia has not made any requests of you at the moment.” He dutifully reported.
“Thank you, then I think I will spend the beginning of the day lounging in my room,” I said hoping that my lies did not seep from my coat and alert him to the truth of my plans. Thankfully he didn’t fight against my decree. More than likely going to somehow pull out a set of chairs and a table and continue his game of cards with Gentle. He nodded and stepped back allowing my door to swing shut once more.
Leaving me alone in my sunlit room. With a singular book that would allow me to grasp the answers I sought. All I would have to do is learn a forbidden sort of magic. Betray the goodwill of Celestia… What in the deepest pits of Tartarus was I thinking? Why in Celestia’s name was I even considering this?
Looking towards my still-ruffled pillows and the potential doom that lay hidden underneath. Just because I had taken it from my dreams doesn't mean I had to use them. I could figure out a way to help Sunset without resorting to the same methods she had. I could see a faint outline of the book taunting me through my pillows. Beckoning me to open its pages and absorb the forbidden knowledge that was held between its pages.
The desire to search for answers no matter the cost fought against the fear of danger. Were I to be caught I was sure to be at least treated as Sunset. More than likely worse as I had not been at Celestia’s side since my birth. I could have my horn chopped off. My wings clipped.
Taking a moment to gulp down the air that I had been missing thanks to falling into the mental pit I had dug myself. After ensuring that I wouldn't pass out I grabbed my pillows and moved them off the book. There it sat taunting me. No matter what I chose to do with it I would be at risk.
If I read it and gained the knowledge I would have to hide it. If I didn't read it, Sunset would continue to be tormented by her dreams… No. That was untruthful. I wanted to read the book and learn more about where I came from. Why I had a palace made of Crystal that resided within my dreams. I wanted to know what my connection was to the Crystal Empire. I wanted to know why that pony lived in my dreams.
Looking at the book once more as I ran through everything that I could do with it. All I had to do was to open its pages and learn. Sighing as I looked at it for the final time before slamming my pillows down at it with a mental flick. When it was covered I could feel my heart slow as my blood began to still. Forcing my gaze from the concealed treasure that rested beneath the fluffed pillows.
I made my way to my satchel, slipped it on, and moved quickly to the door. Throwing it open I spotted Gentle and Rebound playing cards once more. They paused as they both turned their gazes toward me. Rebounds passive face splitting into a wide grin as he quickly speaks.
“Already done with your lounging Princess? Well, then where are we off to? Sorry my dearest Gentle but it appears that we must get back to our jobs.” He said as he quickly began to clear the table and pushed the cards back into their sleeve. Gentle shot me a light glare, perhaps she had been close to winning, but otherwise quickly packed up her portion of the game.
“We are heading to the grounds. I need to clear my head.” I kept looking straight ahead. Preventing it from snapping back to my door where I knew the book lay beyond. They both nodded their assent so there we went off. Arriving at the grounds which had been completely restored from their previously scorched appearance. We had even stopped to grab some food with Ramse threatening to stuff us like pigs as usual.
As I made my way under a tree that had been replanted I sat in the shadow it provided and opened my satchel. Pulling out another book that Storyteller had helped me get. ‘Noble Bloodlines’ was a boring read but with the Griffon’s ambassador arriving tomorrow and the envoy that contained Blueblood would be arriving after them. It would be a good idea to gain some knowledge about him and his family.
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Thanks for the update
That was a good chapter.
Dude! The foreshadowing! The spice!