Something is wrong in the World of Dreams. Luna is unable to patrol the dreams of her citizens, and vivid nightmares plague the Elements of Harmony. When Applejack finds that her friends are trapped in their dreams, Luna gives her one task: she must journey into the World of Dreams to bring Twilight and the others back to the waking world.
But if she falls asleep, the nightmares will trap her, too.
Inspired by the Justice League episode also titled "Only a Dream".
Cover image by Raikoh-illust.
Chapters (2)
Okay, you had me right up until the Princess Phantasia thing. I, honestly don't know what to make of that. Is she a construct of Luna's mind? A creature that only exists in the realm of thought? Another alicorn princess, perhaps (please don't make it be that last one, I beg you)?
Otherwise, I am very intrigued. The premise is solid, the stage was set nicely (although it was a bit too flowery at the beginning), and besides a few interesting term choices that could be misconstrued as errors (unless those actually are errors), I didn't see anything wrong grammar-wise. For a first story, this is good with the potential to be great. I'll be seeing how this comes along with great interest (assuming Princess Phantasia isn't an alicorn).
It's just the prologue and I'm already hooked! Imaginative explorations of Luna's powers and Applejack (my favorite pony) thrust into being the heroine of this story! Couldn't be any cooler! Update soon, ya hear?!
2280962 Oh no! An OC alicorn! Whatever shall we do?!
But anyway, you've got me hooked and I'll be wanting to see updates. The concept is amazing, and you've intoduced an OC very subtly, which is a big OK, as long as you don't have her save Equestria.
Liked, favourited, keep it up.
2280962 Thanks, and would you believe all three of your guesses aren't too far off the mark? You'll see what I mean later in the story.
2282854 I should have the second chapter up within the next few days. It just needs a couple more rounds of proofreading is all. And you are right that Applejack is best pony.
2284163 noooo my oc must hav her chanse to shin so she can us her amazng powars to defet the dakness
But more seriously, I am aware of the pitfalls such characters can fall into, and am being very careful to avoid them. Besides, the focus of the story will remain firmly on the canon characters, so she won't be stealing anypony's spotlight.
2285050 Actually, I'd be very impressed if you pulled that off, which you seem intent on doing. Okay, I'm sold.
This looks good, can't wait to see more!
I had reservations about this Princess Phantasia character, but not anymore. The Sandmare is a great concept, and I'm interested to see how she interacts with Luna, who enters the dreams of ponies on a regular basis.
The night terrors themselves were gripping. My personal favorite was Rarity's Midas touch, mainly because I found it the most horrific. In fact, I hope Rarity wakes up first. That nightmare isn't just scary, it's downright cruel.
2298186
Hers and Fluttershy's were probably the hardest for me to write. Not in a technical sense, but because it just felt cruel to subject them to these dreams.
WHY DO WE HURT THE ONES WE LOVE?!
Oh man, this story's epic-ness just increased ten fold! This really is a great character study -- these dreams the ponies are having are almost (if not completely) a manifestation of their greatest fears! How fascinatingly presented, too! And then you have Applejack as the only member of the mane 6 to evade the dangerous dreamscape by doing nothing more than being herself -- determined to be responsible and finish her work like the honest pony she is! And I love this new Sandmare character. Her design, as you've described it, is haunting and even the way you have written her dialogue is downright chilling! That last line (in Princess Celestia's letter) really got me! The most suspenseful cliffhanger I think I've read to date!
Really, you're off to a wonderful start here! I can't wait for more!
PHANTASMAGORIA! A Puzzle of Flesh!
Erm, I mean... Uh...
She's not the real Princess Phantasia, right? The Sandmare's the presence that invaded her realm?
Celestia's eyes widened, her face pale. "Then, you mean to say—"
How does celestia's face pale? She is white