Chapter 1: The Gala
Canterlot, Equestria
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
The night was accompanied by a nice cool breeze, with this gentle air starting to fill with the laughter and chattering of unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies of all shapes, sizes, and colors. They arrived on the scene in small couples and groups; their hooves clacking against the pavement that led to the magnificently-decorated Canterlot Castle. Built with pristine marble, quartz, and fitted with the strongest wood, the softest fabrics, and even the most resistant of metals, the Canterlot Castle stood proud against the dark night sky like what it was meant to be - a beacon of light. And on this particular night, the Grand Galloping Gala, it was where Princess Twilight Sparkle, a very prominent figure in all of Equestria by this point in time, watched, greeted, and welcomed those who came to partake in the festivity.
The purple mare dressed in a remarkable, sparkling blue-gradient ballroom dress, took in the gentle breeze, sighing in gentle satisfaction. With each hoofshake, nod, or even a kiss on the cheek at a couple points, she made sure each guest was fitted with joyful vibes and a more-than-comfortable stay at the party. She had really looked forward to running her own Gala, as it reminded her of the first time attending such event with her friends - and their attempt of having the "Best Night Ever", to which it had failed. Regardless, they had fun at the end of the night, but on this night... this night would be very much different. This was to be a calmer, more careful and considerate party. She knew that a couple of her friends wouldn't be on board with that due to the fact they were both energetic and unpredictable, but as long as they keep respectful of this, then the night shall go on smoothly.
Speaking of, here they were now. Led by a taller, more adolescent Spike - who was taller than all the ponies that arrived and in a snazzy tuxedo complete with knee-high boots and a top hat - the group made their way over to their dearest. Among the group was Applejack the apple farmer with a country aesthetic, Fluttershy the timid animal caretaker, Pinkie Pie the eccentric party maniac and baker, Rainbow Dash the bold and brash cloud chaser with a colorful trail, Rarity the beautiful seamstress unicorn, Starlight Glimmer the newest addition and a crafty one at that, Trixie the magician nemesis-turned-acquaintance and a good friend to Starlight, and Sunset Shimmer, who had finally left the Human Dimension to reunite with her pony friends - the same ones she had gone against during their first meeting but now knowing how to be a better version of herself - and partake in the party.
Twilight smiled, welcoming them all to the latest "Triple-G" as Spike had put it one time. It was Pinkie that bounced over to her. "Hiya Twilight! You ready to get this party started?! I know I am-"
"Pinkie," Rarity said in her soothing, silky accent, "remember your promise to keep quiet this time around? This is Twilight's first time ever hosting such an event as important as this, so please... don't try to escalate things."
"Oh," Pinkie calmed down, a bit saddened but still respectful considering she was one of her best friends and wouldn't want to upset her - especially not when she was a princess. "Sorry... b-but we can still have fun, right?"
Twilight chuckled, shaking her head. She looked to her pink party pal and reassured her, "I didn't say you're not supposed to have fun. That's what a party's for, right? Just be careful."
Seemed as if in a matter of milliseconds her spirit was lifted right back up, back in her energetic self. "Oh yeah! Be careful! Got it!"
"I don't think you do," muttered the rainbow-maned pegasus, rolling her eyes.
"As for the rest of you, I hope you all have the best of luck this time! I'm hoping this goes as smooth as it can be," Twilight said to the others as soon as Pinkie zipped past everyone else. The group nodded, with Spike giving her a thumbs up and telling her, "Don't worry, Twi. We got this."
The dragon then led the group over to Canterlot Castle's ballroom, where they would branch of and start their own endeavors within the Gala. However, the Princess of Friendship stopped Sunset, wanting a more personal chat with her. She walked closer, talking with her in a more hushed tone. "I'm glad you joined us tonight. I kinda missed you. We kinda missed you."
Sunset smiled back, a bit bashful. "To be honest, I keep forgetting that those... human versions of you all... they weren't exactly you. Here. In Equestria. So... I kinda missed you all too."
Sunset felt more at home now that she was in her original universe, one free of human conformities to academia and controversy, now in a realm where her original magic can flourish and where she can patch up what was left of tattered connections to other ponies. Of course, one day this year, she'd have to return. And Twilight knew this, but at least she was here, now.
Twilight nudged her with a gentle hoof, noticing how Shimmer remembered that she would have to depart this realm sometime soon. "Hey, cheer up. You're here now. Let's make the best of it!"
Sunset gave her a warm smile, thankful that she could still have friends that forgave her what she'd done all those years ago. "Yeah... let's make the best of it."
The two entered the ballroom, where they were to have a good time, hopefully without incident. All the while, up in a tower that housed the chambers of the Two Sisters, Princess Luna looked on at the moon - the very thing she was symbolized with and was responsible for, and where she was imprisoned for a thousand years once upon a time - not with the same lax and serene outlook, but more in a worrisome one. She seemed lost in her thoughts, worried about something. She had a knack for light premonitions and glimpses of the future due to her ability to traverse a kind of dreamscape where she could override and manipulate one's dreams or nightmares. And what she, herself, had been waking up to in the midst of her own slumber, sometimes in a cold sweat... it was cause for concern.
Her older sister and the most known of the two - Princess Celestia - wandered up to the dark blue mare, standing beside her. She noted how Luna was lost in worry and concern, but to her it was a shame she didn't divulge, so maybe now it was a good time to poke at her just a bit.
"Something on your mind?" Celestia asked in a calm, quiet voice, to which Luna didn't so much as move in her spot. It seemed to have snapped her out of her thoughts, though, with her taking a bit before responding, "Just... reflecting on something is all."
"It seems like this 'something' is taking you out of the party."
Luna finally turned to her big sister, her ears noticeably folded back as she fought with herself about whether or not she should retell of the night terrors she had for the past several nights. On one hand, it could relieve her of the nightmares and hopefully she would feel better knowing that she wouldn't be alone, but on the other hand... what if she shrugged it off? What if her warning went ignored?
No, don't be ridiculous, she thought to herself, Of course she would listen! There isn't a way for her not to care.
Celestia waited for a response.
Luna sighed, finally relenting. "I... well... I-I've been having... I've been having awful dreams as of late. I'm not sure if it's something I shall tell unto you as I haven't a clue if it's of importance-"
The alabaster mare with the flowing auroraesque mane rested a gentle hoof on her sister's back, hoping it'd help her be more relaxed and willing to divulge. "Luna, it's okay. You can tell me about your dreams. It's important to me that you are comfortable and happy. So tell me, what're these dreams of?"
Luna looked down at the entrance to the Castle from the balcony, where more guests showed up without any knowledge of being currently watched by the Princess of the Night. She then turned back to her, sat down with her back against the bright, full moon, and relented. "Alright. Allow me to tell you of my distressed dreams. I hope you do not have it in your heart to take this account and disregard it."
"I won't," Celestia promised, sitting down across from her but had to lay down just to be a bit less eye-level so Luna could feel more comfortable telling her story.
And thus, Luna cleared her throat, took a breath, and told her of those nightmares...