Companions in Darkness

>you are taking a slow stroll through the winding maze of the Canterlot castle gardens, as you often do

>everything around you is slowing down. Most of the visitors have come and gone, and the frequency of the guard patrols is decreasing

>it is a time of day where you can simply take it all in. The grandeur of the courtyard, the regal air this place possesses, even in regards to your own fortune

>after all, you never thought you would actually see Equestria with your own eyes

>as the last rays of sunlight fade, a soft breeze rolls by. Rustling the hedge rows and surrounding flowers, the different floral aromas fill your nose

>your eyes close and you cannot help but wonder what good fortune brought you here

>the calm and stillness is interrupted by the sound of flapping wings

>a familiar voice calls out to you "I thought that I would find you here anon"

>when the dark blue alicorn touches down, you bow slightly

"greetings princess"

>a slight frown is visible on her face

>"how many times must I tell you? Call me Luna."

>it has taken some getting used to, knowing her on a first name basis. She had even stopped using the royal we around you. But you figure at this point, you are beyond formality

>Luna nuzzles you softly, a common gesture of affection, but it still makes you feel a bit flustered

>"I hope you have not forgotten anon, we have plans for tonight."

"of course not, i've been looking forward to this all day"

>The princess' wings close up, and remaining close by your side, the two of you walk in the direction of the castle, clearly excited.

 

>nighttime has tightened its grip on Equestria as you and the princess step through the ornate castle gates

>the guards give you a strange look as they see you pass by

>but you can't really blame them, it's a wonder you haven't been under more scrutiny

>as you step through into the foyer, the sounds of your conversation now fill the room due to its vacancy. Luna tells you all about her day, and you are more than happy to listen.

>"But I have been most excited about seeing you anon"

>that caught you off guard a bit. you suppose that in your wildest dreams, you couldn't have seen her being this way around you. A smile was creeping across your face, but you quickly turn your head in an effort to conceal it

>It had been a few weeks now since you ended up here, and in that time, you and Luna have begun to forge quite a connection. You care deeply for her, but you aren't exactly inclined to admit it

>facts were facts, Luna is a princess, and you...you are a stranger, in form and familiarity

>you are nervous that if you should open up and tell her how you feel, that it would destroy what the two of you already have

>but you can't afford to get lost in thought now

"It always makes me happy to see you as well Luna" you reply with a warm tone

>a faint hint of red could be seen on her dark, blue cheeks...did she just blush?

>but she continues to lead you up a flight of steps, then through hallway after hallway, as you continue to catch up on the occurrences of the past day.

>suddenly Luna stops without warning

>a mischievous grin spreads across her face

>"My sister is far overdue for this, we shall make things, fun, around here." she tells you with a giggle

>you had been looking forward to this all day. after Celestia's "harmless prank" on you and Luna, it was game on.

 

>Celestia had a little payback coming after what she did recently

>she had issued a fake royal decree, saying that anon was to never interact with Canterlot royalty again

>needless to say princess Luna had taken some offense to this

>it was probably the only reason the prank was called off in the first place

>thinking you would never be able to see your beloved princess again, you had said your goodbye

>but her anger and sadness, it was painful to see her that way, but in a strange sense, it was also endearing. It felt...good, to know that she cared about you

>it was a massive relief when Celestia had unveiled her little trick

>you had merely shrugged it off as a prank well played

>but Luna was thrilled to be able to keep you around

>you remember her wrapping her wings around you and nuzzling you, such a warm, comforting expression on her face

>but that was then, this was now

>you quickly flipped the hat off your head and ruffled your hair to appear disheveled

>using her magic, the princess gave off the illusion of a few scars on your arms and face

>you looked like you had just come out of one hell of a fight

"You remember your lines I hope?" you ask her in a mocking tone

>In the blink of an eye, the princess of the night takes the form of the dreaded Nightmare Moon, the one who once tried to swallow Equestria in eternal darkness

>but you knew better, it was all for show, and what a show it was going to be

>as "Nightmare Moon" takes her place beyond sight of the adjacent door, you throw it open, and start to pant and sigh heavily

>you had apparently startled princess Celestia, as she looked quite shocked at your presence.

"Prin-princess...help...please"

>you sink down onto your knees, then fall down completely, your face on the floor

>a look of horror and concern spreads across the sun princess' face

>oh this is going to be glorious

 

>Celestia emits an audible gasp as you hit the floor with a dull thud

>she immediately rushes across the room to your side

>using her magic, she quickly lifts you up

>looking at your "scars" and disheveled appearance, she becomes more and more concerned

>"Anon, you look horrible! Please tell me what happened!"

>hook, line and sinker

"It was...your sister...i'm sorry princess...I couldn't stop her"

>with a shameful demeanor, you cover your face in your hands

>her face is priceless, it was apparent that the gravity of the "situation" was sinking in

>"Anon you must tell me, what of my sister?"

>you "try" to stand on your own, but you flawlessly give off the illusion of injury, and when you speak again, your voice is cracked, almost hysteric

"I...couldn't stop her. She was still furious with the fake decree you made. She...thought you might really try to separate us again. She was ranting how 'my sister always gets what she wants, yet i am always left with nothing.' before I knew it...she had turned...to...Nightmare Moon! The guards...they tried to stop her...but I couldn't let them hurt her..."

>you pretend to cringe and clutch your arm

>As it was all sinking in, a look of crippling guilt comes over Princess Celestia's face

>"Anon, I am afraid this is all my fault. I should never have...

>her apology is interrupted by a loud bang, and the inevitable thud as the door was kicked down

>in front of you stands the horrible visage of Nightmare Moon, her dark armor adorning her body, and her ethereal mane flowing in an endless pattern

>"REVENGE SHALL BE OURS!" her voice booms and her eyes glow piercing white

>now for the fun part

>you attempt once again to stand up, cringing as you get to your feet

"my princess...please..."

>she eyes your beaten appearance, then glares at Celestia.

>"YOU! HOW DARE YOU ATTACK OUR ONLY FAITHFUL SUBJECT!"

>you can almost feel the panic in Celestia as she tries to diffuse all of this

 

>"sister, this is all a mis-understanding. you must abandon this tirade. I lost you once, I do not wish to lose you again."

>but Nightmare Moon merely smirks and laughs

>"fool, it is you who has brought this upon yourself. you, who was not content with all of your other followers, tried to take anon from me. Without the elements of harmony at your disposal, you are powerless to stop us both!"

>she then rears back, and fires what appears to be a spell, directly at you

>she has especially worked on this spell, it grants the appearance of a nightmare to the target

>with your own new hideous visage, you rise to your feet

"Where is your power now tyrant?" you utter in your new, warped voice

>Celestia at this point is in borderline hysteria as she begs and pleads with both of you to stop

>you both now slowly approach her, as if going in for the kill

>"Now...sister. Gaze upon your imminent and doom and know..."

>Luna's horn lights up, shattering the illusions

"We got you back!!" you both yell in unison

 

"We got you back!!" you both yell in unison

>it almost looks like you have shattered Celestia's brain this point

>her expression slowly devolves from panic, to confusion, and then finally, to disgust

>shemad.jpg

>Celestia stutters a few times as she tries to finally say something

>but she stops herself, clearly still upset

>again she tries to compose a retort, but all she can muster is a scowl before leaving the room, muttering to herself about this being taken too far

>as soon as she is out of ear shot, the uncontrollable laughter begins

>neither of you can hold it in, it was all just too perfect

>you slump to the floor in your laughing fit, but look over to see that your princess has enjoyed this just as much

>but you don't have much time to think as Luna falls on top of you, giggling

>"oh most wonderful of nights, my sister will not soon forget this."

>your arm extends out as you try to run your fingers through her mane, but you stop yourself

>but then, your arm feels compelled to move on its own, you look over to see her horn glowing again

>does she...want you to do this??

>you finally stroke her mane, it felt like flowing silk, but with a hint of cold

>she then wiggles over to you more, lying in your lap and her head leaning on your chest

>"Thank you anon, I do not get many chances to have fun. I cannot think of any other who would do this for me"

>you sigh happily and begin to stroke her mane again, her soft coos indicating her approval

"of course princess," you reply warmly, "there...isn't much I wouldn't do for you"

>her face turns red again, but this time more noticeable

>she looks up at you, her eyes shining like sapphire, then swiftly kisses you on the cheek

 

>you almost have to pinch yourself to make sure you weren't dreaming

>sure there has been affection between the two of you, but never a kiss until now

>apparently the shock was visible on your face

>Luna quickly stands up, looking a bit ashamed

>"I'm sorry anon, should I not have done that?" she asks you, a bit discouraged

>you quickly stand up and put a hand on her to reassure her

"not at all, I was just a bit...surprised is all"

>you survey the scene of your revenge, unable to stop yourself from basking in the glow of sweet, sweet payback

"I doubt highly that your sister will attempt to fool around with us anytime soon." you add

>But then Luna looks out the window for a moment, and then looks back at you

>"It is getting late anon, I think you need to get some sleep"

>You hadn't realized that it was the dead of night

>you are feeling tired of course, but you have always made an effort to spend as much of the nights with your princess as you could

>you are even attempting to alter your sleeping habits so you could be awake all night

"Forgive me for disagreeing princess, but that won't be necessary."

>she gives you an exasperated look

>"Anon, your fatigue is obvious, I have not seen you get much rest as of late"

>She then gently nudges you in the direction of the door

>"Come now anon, I will accompany you" she adds in her calming voice

>you understand that she is concerned for you, but you cannot help but feel that she is treating you like a child

>but then you realize that compared to the immortal goddess, you are a child

"Yes princess." you reply in that same mocking tone

 

>Luna rolls her eyes as you exit the room and begins to lead you down the maze of hallways

>Celestia was nowhere in sight, she apparently could move very quickly when she wanted to

>but again, the emptiness of the castle strikes you, it is usually so full of energy and activity, not being abel to swing a dead cat without hitting a lookie-loo or visiting aristocrat

>but this is why you are able to appreciate the night so much, peace, stillness, the absence of light

>your footsteps echo loudly as the two of you make your way through the castle

>after what seems like an eternity of walking, you finally come to the room that was given to you by Luna

>it was an otherwise, empty, un used bedroom. At times it had been reserved for visiting nobles. but Princess Luna insisted that the room be yours, so that, in her words "I can keep you close to me"

>you turn the knob and lazily push the door open, revealing your wide, spacious bed complete with the ubiquitous over use of pillows

>you turn back to face Luna, not very excited to be leaving her, even for rest

"Well, goodnight Luna." you bow to her and turn to walk back to your bed and lie down

>the door closes behind you, but no sounds of her leaving

>soft fur grazes past you as the night goddess takes a spot beside you

"umm...was there something else you needed me for?" you ask apprehensively

>She chuckles a bit

>"No anon, I simply wish to join you"

>for the second time tonight, you are at a loss for words

>"We would both be alone otherwise, this way...we can still enjoy each other's company"

>it isn't like you are about to argue with her, so you merely grab a pillow and lie back

>Luna does the same, but she lies her head down on your chest and nuzzles against you

>you are unable to tell, but your face must be as red as an apple by now

>as if testing the waters, you drape an arm across Luna's body and start stroking her fur

>but she was right afterall, you can feel exhaustion quickly overtaking you

 

>Luna nuzzles you again, a clear indication of approval

>you continue to stroke her fur in a rhythmic fashion

>your eyelids start to become heavier and heavier

>sensing this, your princess kisses you on the cheek again. "Sleep anon, I will be here when you wake up"

>and you don't doubt it as you finally resign and let sleep take its hold on you

>the next time you regain awareness, it's still nighttime, though you are no longer in the castle

>instead, you find yourself high up in the air, sitting atop some sort of stone structure or ruin

>you can observe a wide landscape laid out before you, shrouded in darkness. Trees spread out and arranged like a roman legion

>there are lights, but they are far off in the distance, a town or village perhaps?

>what you are sitting on appears to be the remnants of a wall or a tower, there are no other living beings in sight

"I don't think i've ever had a dream this vivid before." you think to yourself.

>"Yes, it would seem so" a faint voice calls out

>you do not have to look far for the source of the voice, because the speaker appears in front of you, as if out of thin air

>"How wonderful, even in the realm of your dreams

it is nighttime" her lips did not move when she spoke, but you could clearly hear her

"She's never visited my dreams before," you think to yourself, "Why now?"

>"It seemed to be an appropriate time" she replies back

>you jump back a bit, slightly startled by her response

>"Yes, I can read your thoughts, but only what you allow me to read"

>that was at least a relief, there are certain things locked away in your head that you wouldn't want anyone to see, let alone the princess

>"So where are we?" she asks you after a long silence

"I'm not sure, this doesn't look like any place i've ever been to."

>"It seems very lonely here" she adds

 

>you aren't exactly sure how to respond to this, it wouldn't be much of a secret that you feel lonely, but you always have, even back where you came from

>but here in Equestria, you feel as though you have finally found something. Something worth forging on for, or rather, someone worth forging on for

>you have found so many things in Princess Luna, a goddess, someone to worship and adore. But also a companion, and someone you care for like no one else before her, and even, dare you say, someone you love?

>"I see..." you hear her respond

>oh.shit. did she just hear all of that?

>"Yes, I did anon." was all she said in reply

>your brain goes into full blown panic mode

>it was extremely unsettling, the idea that she now knew the thoughts that you so desperately wished to keep hidden

>you have no idea who she will react, what the two of you have now, all of that could be ruined just because you couldn't keep your thoughts to yourself

>that old feeling of insecurity and instability was coming back to you, feelings you thought you had left behind in the other world

>you quickly stand up, ready to climb down this structure in an effort to avoid the outcome of this situation before it happens

>but your legs will not budge any further, no matter how hard you try

>"n-no anon, please stay" her voice was a bit cracked

>you finally turn around to see Luna's eyes welling up with tears, a broken smile on her face

 

>you finally turn around to see Luna's eyes welling up with tears, a broken smile on her face

>now you realize how badly you fucked up, you just made your princess cry

>now the maelstrom in your mind only intensifies

>she cared for you, offered you things you never dreamed someone would ever offer you...and you made her shed tears, there was no living with yourself now

>it physically hurts to see her like that

"Lu-...princess...i'm sorry...I never should have let that slip. Don't worry...I won't be around to make you cry again..."

>Once again you make the effort to leave her presence, for what may very well be the last time, your mind is racing, thoughts flying in and out of your mind...just like before

>but once again, you find yourself physically unable to move

>you seen Luna's horn glowing, using her magic to compel you to stay

>now her magic compels you to sit back down

>"Anon...please stay." she stutters, wiping tears from her eyes

>"These are not tears of sadness, they are tears of joy"

>now you were really confused

"But it seemed-

>she cuts you off

>"I have ruled for Equestria for so long, and spent almost as much time alone...on the moon. I have always been seen as a figurehead...or a figure to be feared. Nopony ever wanted to get close to me. I've been alone for so long, felt so...unwanted. But you..."

>her eyes begin to well up again

>"You have been so kind to me, you appreciate me and every thing that I do, even in your dreams you find refuge in the night. You are by nature a creature of the day, but you even try to change your nature just to be with me. I have never felt so happy...so valued."

>you put an arm around her and pull her in close

"Of course I value you, more than anything else or anyone else I've ever known." you reply softly, trying to wipe the tears from her eyes

>"I...I love you too anon." she leans over and kisses you, but on the lips this time

 

>it is at that moment that the whirling storm in your mind is quelled. All thoughts cease, and you don't feel as if you're going to tear yourself apart

>there it was again, peace

>this brings a whole new meaning to the expression "only in your dreams"

>for what seemed like forever, the two of you merely sit there, in the other's embrace, Luna wrapping one of her wings around you

>but off in the distance you notice a faint light, and notice as it begins to glow brighter

>damn, looks like it's the sun

>"I believe that is our cue anon." your princess whispers in your ear

>and just like that, you are thrown back into the waking world

>your eyes flake open, and you regain awareness of your surroundings, your overly lavish bed, the windows and blue curtains, the ornate door

>but there was only one thing that you were concerned about

>there she was though, just like she said she would be, your princess, your goddess, your everything

>soon her eyes open as well, and all you can muster is a cheesy smile

"Good morning princess." you tell her

>She looks up at you, happier than you have ever seen her before

>without anything else being said, the two of you lean in to each other for another kiss

>but there is affection in this kiss, passion

>your lips lock together and mold to each other

>you can feel the softness of Luna's fur on your body, as well as her warmth

>when your lips part, both of your faces are bright red

>nothing could take this feeling away from you, or at least, you hope not

 

>nothing could take this feeling away, or at least, you hope not

>but almost as if on cue, you hear the sound of someone clearing their throat

>you almost jump back you are so startled

>but the first thing you notice is princess Luna rolling her eyes, that can only mean one thing

>"Good morning you two" princess Celestia says curtly

>thankfully you are still dressed from yesterday, so you quickly get off the bed so you can greet her properly

>you don't care much for her, but afterall, she is a princess, and Luna's sister

>you bow your head slightly

"Good morning princess," you reply "Was there something you needed?"

>the look on her face softens as she sees you fully clothed. Apparently satisfied that nothing unusual had transpired.

>"Actually anon, yes there is. I wish to speak with you."

>as usual, her intent as well as her tone are unreadable. You have had plenty of normal conversations with Celestia, but every time you always couldn't help but feel apprehensive. It was difficult to explain, but it always feel like you were under scrutiny.

>you look over to Luna, she seems to share your apprehension.

"Well then...I guess i'll see you later Luna." you tell her a bit nervously

>she quickly glares at Celestia before speaking to you again.

>"I will find you when your conversation is over."

>you quickly grab your hat off the night stand and follow Celestia out the door

>"So anon, tell me, are you still having a hard time adjusting to this place?" Celestia begins

>you still cannot shake this apprehension

 

>at last she comes to the real issue, you have always had a sinking suspicion that Celestia didn't trust you

"I guess I can't blame you for not trusting me, but..."

>you aren't sure of what to say next, how exactly do you convince a goddess of your intentions? But you figure that honesty would be a good start.

"But Luna means so much to me...more than anyone back where I came from, and i'd like to think that I mean something to her too. She feels at times as though she is unappreciated, that the night is without value. I've done everything in my power to change that, there isn't anything I wouldn't do for her."

>the entire time you had been speaking, Celestia had been watching you closely, as if analyzing everything you said

>after what seemed like an eternity of uncomfortable silence, she smiled at you, apparently content with what you told her

>"Well then, if that is the case, I will be on my way, it was nice speaking with you again anon."

>with her horn glowing, she teleports out of sight

"Feels like I was just put under an interrogation lamp" you think to yourself

>something about Celestia really rubs you the wrong way, but you can't put your finger on it

>the more you think about it, the more it irks you. You have been here for a considerable time now, and in that time, you have done nothing to indicate dishonest intent. Hell, you would take a bullet for Luna if they existed here, but still that wasn't enough? There had to be something she wasn't telling you, or something you weren't aware of. But now you just feel annoyed, it was just like back in the other world, constantly having to justify yourself for no reason

>you decide to take a walk through the castle courtyard to take your mind off things

>you figure you won't see Luna again until nighttime, and you figure that maybe enough exercise will ware you out so you can sleep today in an effort to adjust your sleep schedule