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Twilight rolled over in her bed and released a soft sigh of relief, a smile immediately coming to her face. The familiar sight of the library eased her worries and made the undead’s entire body feel lighter somehow. Even the smell of wood was strangely pleasant, and, coupled with the soft glow of the moon, it tempted Twilight to return to sleep.

Then she remembered the looming threat that hung over not only her own head and the heads of her friends, but the entire small town. Suddenly sleep didn't seem so appealing, and Twilight reluctantly rose, pushing the blankets off of her body.

“At least I had pleasant dreams,” she muttered to herself, only to pause. “At least I think they were pleasant. All I remember is a really big hydra.”

She scratched her head and tried to remember the turbulent, yet enjoyable slumber she had just experienced. After spending almost a minute and coming up with nothing, she shrugged and hopped out of bed. The first thing her gaze fell upon was the open window and the empty town that lay beyond.

“I sure hope everyone is doing okay,” Twilight remarked.

Not wanting to waste any more time, she then turned and trotted out of her bedroom. After taking a brief pitstop at the bathroom in order to give her appearance a once over, she trotted down the steps and into the library proper. There she saw an armored thestral guard that was likely off duty. He sat near the entrance, a book held open in his hooves.

Other than that, the room was empty and almost completely silent, save for the distant squeak of a bat flying somewhere nearby. Though tempted to ask the young stallion what he was reading, Twilight chose to leave him be and search the kitchen. It too was empty, and after Twilight ate an apple, she proceeded down into the basement, which was only slightly less full than earlier.

Most of the creatures being treated seemed to only be sporting minor injuries and were either asleep or reading. Though a part of Twilight worried about blood damaging the books, she ignored that thought and continued her search.

“Just relax. It's me, Sunset,” whispered a soft, familiar voice.

Twilight’s ears perked up, and she followed it over to a side room where the skeletal undead was speaking to a thestral surrounded by a greenish aura. The bat pony wore nothing, yet it was hard to see her fur, as the swirling mist encapsulating her was difficult to pierce. She also sported no apparent injuries, save for what looked like blindness, if her white, milky eyes were any indication.

“Who? Who’s there--what are you--get away!” shouted the terrified thestral, who swung her legs violently in Sunset’s general direction, one wing flapping while the other remained fixed to her side.

“Sunset Shimmer. I healed you, remember?” Sunset pressed.

“What's going on here?” Twilight whispered, stepping up next to the other undead.

“She fell into the crevice surrounding Everfree Castle,” Sunset replied in a low tone. “She's physically fine now that I’ve fixed her wing, but I can't get rid of… that,” Sunset exclaimed, gesturing to the thestral.

“I told you to leave me alone,” shouted the pink-maned thestral, her voice rising and falling at random. “I’m just fine now, ya hear? In fact I’m--Tip top of the morning to you!”

Twilight raised an eyebrow and shot her friend a sideways glance.

Sunset shrugged. “Apparently she's going to be stuck reliving random moments from the spirits she accidentally became entangled with for a few days. They said there was a good chance she should be fine, but it can't be a pleasant experience.”

“Do you mind if I try to help?” Twilight asked.

“Of course. Just try not to push her too hard. She's been through a lot, hasn't gotten much sleep, and is still oddly weak,” Sunset cautioned.

Twilight nodded. “Don't worry. I got this.”

The undead then took a deep and altogether unnecessary breath, using the familiar action to center herself. With her mind now focused and her body ready, she summoned forth all the knowledge she had on the spirit. From the tangle of information, she could feel the word she sought, though she didn't utter it, at least not right away.

First she went through the motions of infusing her eyes with the necessary power to view spirits more closely. Then she peered a little closer at the thestral and immediately frowned in a mix of disgust, as well as pity. She could see three individual spirits surrounding the pony and clinging to her body like a trio of parasites.

One was an earth pony colt missing half his face and a back leg, who had his forehooves wrapped about the thestral’s eyes. The other was an elderly bat pony mare who bore no obvious injury, her body coiled around the guard’s midsection. Last was a skeletal minotaur that hung from his host’s shoulders, his baleful red eyes staring intently down at the injured mare.

In an instant Twilight knew that the colt was the cause of the vision loss while the older spirit was responsible for the guard’s weakness. Though neither party was purely responsible for their actions, as Twilight deduced that the maleficent minotaur was using them for some unknown purpose. It was enough to make her scowl in disgust, an expression Sunset Shimmer must have noticed.

“What is it?” Sunset whispered.

“Some kind of evil spirit. I’ll get rid of it though,” Twilight answered.

Before Sunset could reply, Twilight focused her magic once more, summoning a considerable amount of power. Her hooves glowed faintly, and she reached forward, intent on resting the spirit from its position on the thestral’s back. Only to be interrupted when the mare moaned in pain, her eyes squeezing shut as she writhed in agony.

Stepping back, Twilight gritted her teeth, the minotaur’s fiery gaze now settled firmly on the unicorn before him. Twilight wasn't about to give up that easily, however, and merely shifted the power in her hooves, bringing it up behind her eyes. There she focused it into what she hoped would be a powerful enough attack to remove the offending spirit form the innocent mare.

She wasn't sure how she knew what to do, but Twilight had long since learned to trust that instinct. Which told her to force the spirit’s departure, her willpower feeding itself through her eyes and into her target. Though there was no flash of magic or any sign that she had done the spell properly, the minotaur winced, recoiling briefly.

His fingers began to slip from the thestral’s shoulder, and the two other spirits blinked in confusion, as if waking from a deep sleep. The baleful entity wasn't about to leave without a fight however, and after being pushed back, he tightened his grip once more.

“Whatever you’re doing, you better hurry. I don't know how much more the patient can take,” Sunset Shimmer warned.

Twilight clenched her teeth and stepped forward, directing as much power as she could at the offending spirit. Once more, he stumbled and once more he recovered, his flaming eyes burning even brighter than before. Twilight was about to switch tactics when she noticed that although the malevolent entity had barely been affected, his subordinates certainly had.

The colt seemed confused, and he looked around briefly before realizing where he was and what he had been doing. His forehooves leapt from the thestral’s face, and he very nearly fled from the pony entirely when an ethereal hand grabbed his head. For a moment the young pony’s eyes flashed with fear before the empty, apathetic gaze returned once more.

Smirking, Twilight turned her attention to the other spirit, directing all her strength into disrupting the minotaur’s control. Sure enough, the elderly pony began to stir, as if waking from a deep, unnatural slumber, her grip loosening. The minotaur reached down to reassert his control, when Twilight turned her attention back to him, taking another step towards the entity.

With both hands now removed from the guard’s shoulders, the malevolent being had nothing to grabonto. Though he quickly relinquished the hold on the two ghosts and tried to grab the living thestral once more, he was too slow. His ethereal form had already begun to lose cohesion, and he quickly lost what little purchase he had on the guard.

With a terrifying shriek, the creature tumbled backwards, falling through the floor and vanishing from sight. Twilight continued her vigil for nearly a minute longer, but the creature never returned, nor could she feel his presence.

“Whew, that was close,” Twilight muttered, letting the magic flow through her body once more.

“She certainly looks better,” Sunset remarked.

Twilight looked to find that her friend’s assertion was indeed true, as the thestral guard was lying still, her eyes slowly regaining their color. Not only that, but the two spirits had relinquished what hold they had on her, standing or sitting nearby and gazing at the mare. The colt wore a guilty expression on his face, and he stared down at the ground, too ashamed to meet Twilight’s gaze. The thestral spirit simply looked sad and peered intently at the living mare, as if trying to find out why she had yet to move.

“What… what's going on,” murmured the guard.

“You were in a terrible accident,” Sunset began, stepping forward and placing a hoof on the other pony’s shoulder. “Your wing was broken, and though that was healed easily enough, you were also assaulted by some manner of spirit.”

“Which is gone now,” Twilight remarked, raising an eyebrow and glancing down at the still lingering pair of ghosts.

The thestral spirit shook her head and extended a wing protectively over the guard, a firm expression coming to her face. The two incorporeal undead shared a look, and the colt nodded grimly before standing at the end of the guard’s bed. It was clear to Twilight that the pair were no longer a concern, and that they were attempting to make amends for what had happened.

“Beware not to repeat his sins,” Twilight warned.

The elderly ghost smiled and nodded back, while the colt snapped off a quick salute before returning to his vigil.

“Err, who are you talking to?” asked the guard.

Twilight smiled. “Just a couple of helpers of yours.”

The guard blinked and looked around herself. “I don't see anyone.”

“Don't worry about it,” Twilight replied.

Sunset clopped her hoof. “Now then. You still need to rest and recuperate. So I advise you to try and get some sleep. If you need anything, I’ll be just outside.”

“Err, thanks. I think,” muttered the guard who fell back to the bed.

The skeletal undead motioned back towards the other room, and together the duo left the thestral to grapple with what had just happened. Once outside, Sunset shut the door and turned to face Twilight, her glowing orbs blazing with curiosity.

“What exactly happened back there?” she half asked, half demanded.

“There were… complications,” Twilight began. “The creature causing her harm had somehow coerced several other spirits to help it. Once free of its control, these ghosts vowed to remain and help our shared patient.”

“That's…” Sunset’s jaw shut with a clack, her anger quickly fading. “I’m glad that you were able to free them and help our friend here.”

Twilight nodded. “So, did I miss anything last night?”

“Yeah, you were out pretty early, huh? You know, for an undead you sure do sleep a lot,” Sunset pointed out.

“It was nice to be back in my own bed,” Twilight replied simply.

Sunset nodded. “Very fair, and no, you didn't miss much. Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy hung out for a bit longer, with Rarity and Applejack leaving shortly after you did.”

“You guys didn't break out the hard cider, did you?” Twilight teased.

“Ha. A fat lot of good that would do me or Fluttershy, but no they didn't,” Sunset exclaimed in a slightly wistful tone. “We just hung out and chatted for a bit. I think everyone kind of needed a moment to gather themselves and relax a little, given what's coming.”

Twilight sighed. “Speaking of which… Where is Spike? I haven't seen him all morning.”

“He mentioned something about helping Nebula with a project and left early,” Sunset replied, gesturing back at the door leading to the teleportation room. “I assume you’re going to go after him?”

“I’m considering it,” Twilight admitted. “Though I am just now realizing what a headache I have in store for myself.”

Sunset tilted her head. “What do you mean?”

“Even if we find the secret level and locate the dragon, I’m not sure how I could get the answers I seek,” Twilight replied, rubbing her chin. “His slumber is deep, and if my past self was not able to…”

Sunset waved a hoof in front of Twilight’s face. “Able to what exactly?” Sunset pressed.

“The dream magic!” Twilight proclaimed, clopping a hoof upside her head. “I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner, but I remember learning the basic spells necessary to breach his dream. I would still need to train and practise, but I at least have an idea on where to start.”

“Well, that's good. Maybe Nebula could help you find a teacher. After all, she was Luna’s pet at one point,” Sunset Shimmer offered.

Twilight nodded. “You’re right. I’m sure she could at least point me in the right direction.”

“So,” Sunset clopped her hooves together, “you’re off then?”

“Yeah, I think I’ll leave right now. You don't have any other strange cases like the last one, do you?” Twilight questioned.

Sunset shook her head. “Nah, that was the only one I was unable to handle on my own.”

“I guess I’ll see you later tonight then?” Twilight replied.

“Unless the big boss man gets some kind of emergency, I’ll be here,” Sunset answered with a shrug.

“Let's hope that doesn't end up being the case,” Twilight remarked. “Maybe we could even squeeze in a few more lessons later.”

“I’d like that,” Sunset exclaimed.

The pair parted, with Sunset making her way over to a patient, her horn already alight with energy. Twilight trotted over to the teleportation room, and, after a moment of fiddling with the runes, was transported to the castle. Pushing her way through the door, Twilight found that things were just as quiet as every other time she came here.

As she made her way through the levels and towards the surface, she was a little surprised that she didn't run into anyone. Beaker usually found her by then, though his more reserved companion usually didn't bother showing herself. In fact, Twilight could find no sign that they had even been down here in a while, as it was even dustier than usual.

That was until she entered the throne room, where dozens of creatures were hard at work. Boxes of supplies were being stacked, weapons were unloaded from open crates, and armor had been laid out on a few unoccupied tables. There were even a few bags of grain that now dotted the room, indicating that the night guard were preparing for a potential siege.

None of the newly arrived cargo caught Twilight’s attention quite like the creatures carrying them around however. Blank, empty eyes stared unblinking as the clearly undead thestrals deposited their payloads with grim efficiency. Out of the dozen or so ponies trotting around the room, only two were actually alive, and they kept a good distance from their zombified help.

Twilight couldn't resist observing them a little closer, noting that although they were dead, they were in very good condition. Their fur was vibrant, the ornate armor they wore was well maintained, and even their weapons looked new. In fact, if it wasn't for Twilight’s experience with the undead, she likely would have assumed they were alive.

“They don't even smell,” Twilight remarked to herself.

She watched them move for another minute, her eyes scanning over the force as they unloaded their cargo. Though tempted to inspect them a little closer, Twilight didn't want to push her luck and merely began the slow trot towards the courtyard. She wasn't quite sure where Nebula and Spike were at the moment, though she had a feeling she’d find them soon.

Trotting into the hallway, Twilight gave the undead thestrals a wide berth as she followed them back to their point of origin. Sure enough, they went right back out onto the courtyard, where several wagons were being unloaded. There were also a good two dozen undead thestrals waiting for her, some of whom were helping distribute goods while others stood guard.

The night guard didn't seem to wholly trust them however, as Twilight noted that the wagon guards had guards of their own. The tense atmosphere was only made tenser by an argument that had seemingly broken out between Nebula and a strange bat pony. Twilight couldn't quite see them from where she stood, though she did spot Spike next to the spider.

Before she walked over to them, Twilight noticed that the undead wore unique armor, a realization she only made after comparing them to their living cousins. Who wore mostly studded leather in combination with a breastplate and a less restrictive helmet. Unlike the unliving who wore far heavier sets of interlocking plates and a helmet that completely encapsulated their head in metal.

They didn't need to eat or breathe, so it made sense, even if it felt a little odd to Twilight. The undead were also far darker than the night guard who wore more purples and deep blues. There was also very little in the way of iconography on the dead soldiers, save for a small seal over their hearts which bore the image of a full moon.

Focusing her attention once more on the argument, Twilight was able to pick out a more important and altogether much stranger thestral. Standing taller than most of the diminutive bat ponies, the male had broad shoulders, powerful hooves, and large leathery wings. He had the build of an athlete, yet carried himself with the grace of a noble, which was also how he dressed.

A black suit clung tight to his muscular body, the accents of which were silver, while a dark purple tie hung from his neck. Even his slightly wild white mane and tail had been combed, though in spite of the clear effort, a few stray hairs stuck out at odd angles. Despite the stallion’s unassuming appearance and plain blue fur, Twilight felt an odd aura emanating from the male.

It was reminiscent of the feeling she got when gazing on the undead thestrals, though they shared few things in common. Pushing off that bit of strangeness, Twilight trotted up to the trio, nodding politely as she passed by the group’s guards.

“Good evening,” Twilight greeted, nodding to Nebula and the stallion.

Who turned to her and revealed that there was a flaming blue orb where his left eye should be. “Ahh, this must be your resident necromancer I’ve heard so much about,” he greeted, extending a hoof. “My name is North Star, and it is a pleasure to meet you.”

Twilight shook the offered limb briefly. “Twilight Sparkle. I assume you are here to help with the defence?”

“No,” Nebula answered, the spider’s strange voice containing more disappointment than Twilight was used to hearing. “This one has left us with an underling and a small cadre of soldiers.”

“Oh, don't be so hard on them,” North Star exclaimed with a smile. “Though few in number, the ponies I’ve left you are quite strong and have served me adequately for centuries.”

“Can they even still be called ponies if they are zombies though?” Spike remarked.

The stallion’s calm facade shattered, and he glared at the dragon. “They are honored brothers and sisters of the nightsworn, who have gave their lives knowing what would come next. They are not some mindless corpse bearing the facsimile of intelligence granted by an amatuer, and you had best not forget this fact.”

Spike raised his hands defensively. “I didn't mean to be disrespectful. I was just being more semantic, is all.”

North Star sighed and ran a hoof down his tie. “I suppose if you are being literal, then they are walking corpses, though I wouldn't use such language around those who serve under me. They don't take well to people who dishonor our comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our cause.”

“They certainly seem a cut above the rest,” Twilight offered politely.

The thestral nodded, flashing the unicorn a smile. “I think you will find that they are a cut above even the most proficient of warriors. For they fight not like simple monsters, but as the mares and stallions they were in life.”

“Fascinating,” Twilight gushed, taking a step forward. “How does an unintelligent creature maintain its memories? I thought they needed their full faculties for that.”

“That is a closely guarded secret. Perhaps in time and after you’ve become a friend of the order, I may teach it to you. However, that night is not tonight,” North Star replied.

“So is this all that you have come to offer us then?” Nebula pressed.

North Star nodded. “It is. I wish we could offer you more, but those of us sworn to the night are already engaged in several operations against our foes. We have given what we can spare on such short notice, despite the rather hostile reception we received upon arrival.”

Nebula shifted her weight from one side to the other, silently contemplating her words for a moment. “I apologize for that,” she replied after a short pause. “I’m afraid the guards are getting rather twitchy, given what little time we have left before the sunspawn’s assault.”

“That is understandable, though I find their muttered insults and poor manners to be particularly difficult to stomach,” North Star exclaimed. “While my own soldiers have yet to utter a word in response, I fear that their professionalism will eventually wear out.”

“I’m sure it will settle down in a little bit. Everyone just needs to get to know one another,” Spike offered.

“I should hope so. It has been a matter of hours already, so surely the rabble has been calmed by now,” North Star sneered.

“Let's step back a bit, huh?” Twilight interrupted.

Nebula stomped a pointed foot. “I agree. Is there anything else you needed from me?”

“We require private lodgings for ten,” North Star replied.

“I will ensure satisfactory accommodations are found,” Nebula declared.

“Then that is all we need to discuss,” North Star stated with a smile. “Now if you will excuse me, I have several matters to discuss with an associate before I depart.”

“May the night mistress watch over you,” Nebula offered, dipping into a short bow.

“And you, speaker,” answered the thestral, ducking into a bow of his own.

Twilight stayed quiet, merely watching as the male trotted over to a nearby cart where a small group of bat ponies stood waiting. All of whom were alive and well, their faces eagerly lighting up when North Star approached them, a hushed conversation quickly picking up. Twilight was about to look away and ask how Spike was doing, when two small details caught her eye.

The first she noticed was that several of these other thestrals wore a badge bearing a black fang. The insignia itself was barely even noticeable on the initial glance, as it was partially hidden beneath their clothing. Why they would hide such a marking Twilight wasn't sure, but it was clear that they were under North Star’s command.

The second thing Twilight picked out was a familiar face, one she had seen not long ago after ascending through the undertower. The bat-winged mare wore the same bored neutral expression and plain leather armor that she had when Twilight had met her. She also had the same weapons, and her braided mane hung down either side of her face the same way it had before. The one thing that was different was her stance, which was somewhat more relaxed, the beginnings of a smile creeping across her face.

“Good morning, by the way,” Spike exclaimed. “Sorry I wasn't there to wake you.”

Twilight shook her head and turned to Spike. “Oh, uh, that's fine. Say, do you know the name of the night guard currently speaking to North Star?”

“I don't see a night guard over there. Just those hooded weirdos,” Spike remarked.

“But she was just…” Twilight turned to find that the young dragon’s statement was indeed true, and that the mare was gone. “Huh. Weird.”

“I wouldn't worry about them,” Nebula exclaimed. “Though we may have our ideological differences, the nightsworn are trustworthy. If nothing else, you can trust them to be loyal to the night mistress.”

“Even if they are rather misguided?” Spike offered.

Nebula made a strange humming noise, but ultimately said nothing.

“What did they all bring to help anyway?” Twilight questioned.

“Three squads of returned, a group of controllers, and some more general supplies,” Spike answered.

“Though it is mostly weapons, they also brought more than a few bags of grain,” Nebula added.

“So that was all from them then. I’m surprised they were so generous,” Twilight remarked.

“Though they may disagree with the night guard and the majority of the night mistress’ servants, they understand the importance of this castle,” Nebula exclaimed. “I was assuming they would send more, though. Given just how sacred these grounds are and how great a blow it would be if the tyrant’s forces were to occupy it.”

“They did say something about a bunch of other missions they were doing,” Spike offered.

“I wonder what exactly they are planning,” Twilight remarked.

“Only the moon above knows,” Nebula replied. “I am sure we will hear of it after everything is said and done. Though secretive, the nightsworn can be quite the glory hounds when it comes to striking back against our shared foe.”

Twilight hummed to herself, casting one last glance at the group of thestrals before simply shrugging and looking away. “So, Spike, were you able to find anything else about the secret level?”

“I was, actually,” Spike exclaimed, a wide smile crossing his face. “I found a couple journal entries that made reference to a laboratory like the one you described. The pages themselves are layered in enchantments, written in code, and will be a pain to decipher, but now we have a lead at least.”

“I assume that is what you will be working on then?” Nebula inquired.

Twilight paused briefly before shaking her head. “No. Even if we find this hidden lab, we won't be able to get the information I need from the dragon if I can't enter its slumbering mind. Thus I am hoping to find an expert in dream magic who can teach me.”

“You know the ancient dreamwalking spells?” Nebula asked, rising up curiously.

“Yes. At least I think so,” Twilight replied with a shrug.

“Fascinating,” Nebula muttered. “Perhaps you have the aptitude for such a task, since you possess such bountiful knowledge of the soul.”

“Wait. Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Spike half asked, half stated.

“I believe I am,” Nebula answered. “Obviously I do not have the ability to dreamwalk myself, but after I reached maturity and gained intelligence, Luna taught me much of the art.”

“How exactly did that work?” Twilight questioned.

The spider lowered herself to Twilight’s level and shot her a glare. “Do you doubt my ability to dream, young one?”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “You know that's not what I meant.”

Nebula bobbed up and down, laughing her strange bubbling laugh. “You have gained quite the steel spine since first we spoke to one another.”

“I have gone through a lot since then,” Twilight replied.

“Indeed you have, and to answer your question, it's simple. I suffered from nightmares, mainly due to my fear of leaving my mistress. Thus she taught me as much as I could learn,” Nebula answered. “I cannot leave my own dreamscape, but I can still teach you everything you will need to know.”

“Can I help?” Spike quickly interjected. “Surely an extra pair of hands would be beneficial.”

“Would it though? I’m not sure how dreamwalking even works,” Twilight replied.

Nebula eyed the dragon closely for several long seconds. “Indeed it would, young Spike. The intellect of a dragon is considerable, and with an extra mind working against it, this beast you seek may be defeated.”

“Awesome!” Spike shouted, pumping a fist in the air. “Finally something I can help with.”

“You'd still need me to cast the spell though,” Twilight warned.

Spike shrugged. “That's fine. I may not be able to do as much as I would like, but I’ll still help as much as I am able.”

“Well said, young Spike,” Nebula remarked.

“So when can we do this training of yours?” Twilight asked, glancing over the many ponies trotting to and fro across the castle grounds. “Tomorrow or later, I presume?”

“No, actually,” Nebula replied. “I dedicated the majority of my evening to looking after the nightsworn. Though it seems as though they will be leaving sooner than anticipated.”

Twilight looked over to the wagon train to find that they were in the midst of being packed up. Undead thestrals worked swiftly with their living counterparts to make the caravan ready for departure. While this happened, the few who were not required stood off to the side, waiting patiently in several lines. Amidst it all stood North Star, the thestral stallion commanding his underlings from atop an empty cart.

“Are you sure you want to leave them unsupervised?” Spike whispered. “They seem a bit… shifty.”

“I will have a capable second take over,” Nebula replied, gesturing a hairy limb to her right.

“The most capable second,” Trixie declared, striking a pose.

“I should have known,” Twilight remarked.

“You know what to do, daughter,” Nebula added in a low tone. “Try not to antagonize them too much this time.”

Trixie snorted derisively. “It is not my fault that they are awed by The Great and Powerful Trixie. If they don't wish to be shown up, then they should not challenge her to such silly games.”

“If I hear of another fight, I will take away your hammock,” Nebula declared.

Trixie’s cape suddenly fell slack, and her pose faltered. “You wouldn't.”

The unicorn and spider stared at one another for several seconds before Trixie finally gave in.

“Oh, fine. I won't bother them too much. Though if they disparage another of our siblings, then I will gladly accept such a punishment,” Trixie exclaimed.

“Like I’d punish you for that. Now be good,” Nebula exclaimed, leaning down and planting a strange kiss on the showmare’s cheek.

“Augh, why must you treat me--err, Trixie in such a manner?” Trixie whined, pulling her hat down over her eyes.

“Because you’re adorable when you blush,” Nebula replied.

“She is, isn't she?” Twilight added.

“Just go away already!” Trixie shouted.

“Speaking of which, where are we going exactly?” Spike asked as the group set off back towards the castle proper. “Is it back to your old room in the tower?”

“Neigh,” Nebula replied. “With my children busy, I have the entire proverbial house to myself.”

“The barracks then,” Twilight reasoned.

“Indeed. Though while we walk, I was hoping you could answer a few questions,” Nebula inquired, glancing curiously at the unicorn trotting next to her.

“Sure,” Twilight replied without hesitation.

The unicorn watched as they approached the entrance to the castle, where Nebula suddenly began to shrink. In mere moments she was the size of one of her larger spawn, the process so seamless that she didn't even slow down. There was no glow of magic, or the whispering of a spoken component, the spider simply decreased her size with every step.

“I got one first though. How do you do that?” Twilight asked.

Nebula shot Twilight what could only be described as a cocky, yet knowing look. “You already have the answer to that question. You just need to think on it for a moment.”

“Is it…” Twilight stopped and scratched her chin with a hoof as they entered into the foyer. “It's something to do with being a nightborn, right?”

“You are half there,” Nebula answered.

“Getting warm,” Spike remarked, grinning excitedly.

Twilight gasped. “Wait, you know?”

“It's not hard to figure out,” Spike replied with a shrug.

“You just need to think about it,” Nebula added.

“Okay then. So… it has to be a two-parter thing right? Like the fact that you’re spirit or whatever is aligned with the moon is the first half, and the other is…” Twilight’s eyes opened wide. “Your species. This alignment expresses itself in different ways. Which is why Rainbow Dash can't shrink herself, but can become unnaturally quiet.”

“Hey, she got it on the first try,” Spike proclaimed.

“I never doubted you,” Nebula replied.

The trio walked up the large set of stairs that lay beyond the dual throne rooms and took a left. Careful to avoid the numerous other creatures carrying goods, or working on some task or another, conversation ebbed. When they had ascended to the second floor and were on their way towards the barracks, Nebula bumped a leg against Twilight’s shoulder.

“So, my curiosity demands that I ask what she was like, back in this other time period. Also, what is your take on her? Is she similar to the night mistress I came to know and love?” Nebula inquired.

“She? Oh, Luna…” Twilight trailed off, the words escaping her for a moment. “Luna was different and similar in several, slightly conflicting ways. It's hard to describe, but it feels like she was coming into her own for the very first time.”

“You never mentioned that,” Spike pointed out.

“I never really thought about it until now,” Twilight replied. “I got the feeling that she wasn't really allowed to be anything other than the cunning general that she needed to be. With the dragon war over, she was starting to open up and allow herself to be something else. Something that she chose to be.”

“Do go on,” Nebula pressed.

Twilight chuckled. “I thought of the perfect moment that exemplifies exactly what I’m talking about. Okay, so we were talking about food when-”

“That is quite intriguing,” Nebula remarked, reclining in a large web hammock. “Stories from that time period were rare, and few who lived through it were interested in retelling them.”

Twilight grunted as she shifted around in a smaller hammock of her own. “I’m not surprised. Ponies were almost completely wiped out or enslaved, and with the alicorns retreating, there was little hope of victory.”

“Until you- er, past you stepped in,” Spike pointed out.

“It was more than just her,” Twilight quickly corrected. “An entire town had been constructed solely for the purpose of creating the array, researching the spell, and actually casting it when it was completed.”

“Either way,” Nebula interrupted, “it was a strange and dark time. One that I am glad I did not live through.”

“Very true,” Twilight agreed.

“Hold on. Does that mean I’m not actually a dragon?” Spike asked, scratching his head.

“I mean, you are much different than the dragons of old, but I don't think that makes you a different species,” Twilight remarked.

“You are still a dragon, much like how a pegasus and a unicorn are still both ponies,” Nebula exclaimed.

“Huh,” Spike muttered. “That's a good way of looking at it.”

“Now, as much as I would enjoy spending my evening chatting about your unique experiences, we must move quickly,” Nebula began.

Twilight nodded. “Right. We have very little time to learn if I want to have a hope of learning what the assassin knew.”

“Speaking of which. Do you even think that's possible? I mean, dreamwalking must be a really tough skill to learn,” Spike added.

The great spider shifted from side to side. “You will not be experts, obviously. Though I believe that I can impart upon you the necessary skills to at least give you a good chance of succeeding.”

“Good. Because we have maybe a day or so to train before we’ll need to put those skills to the test,” Twilight declared.

“Oh, you’ll have all that time and more tonight,” Nebula replied, rubbing her two front legs together.

“Err, what?” Spike muttered, scratching his head.

“A skilled dreamer can distort the time within a dream. Which is an ability I have perfected over the centuries,” Nebula exclaimed.

“That's good, right?” Twilight offered. “Why are you making it sound like a bad thing?”

“By squeezing an entire week of training into a single night, I will be forced to condense my regimen considerably. Few have passed my crash courses, and you have asked to make things even more difficult for you,” Nebula explained.

Spike coughed. “Is it too late to back out?” he asked, arms flailing as he tried desperately to escape his hammock.

“Yes,” Nebula replied with a hiss. “Now then, lay back and relax while one of my sons brings us something to help speed up the process as it were.”

Twilight watched as Nebula tugged on a seemingly random strand of webbing that hung down from the ceiling. Twilight tried to follow it back to its source, but it was impossible to see where it went, given that nearly the entire barracks was filled with the endless white strands. The only thing that broke up the sea of silk was the occasional dresser or chest that presumably belonged to another of Nebula’s children.

Before Twilight could even ask one of the many burning questions on her mind, the door opened. In strode a slim, slender spider that was smaller than most and who bore upon his back a silver platter topped with two frothing mugs. The simple white china overflowed with a bubbling green liquid that Twilight could smell from all the way across the room.

“Is that… apples that I detect?” Twilight inquired curiously.

“I kind of expected something more menacing,” Spike remarked as he took one of the mugs.

“Oh, it's just some mulled apple wine that has a few spices to aid in falling asleep,” Nebula exclaimed.

Twilight sniffed the offered beverage and blinked in surprise. “Wow, that actually smells really good. Though I can't quite pick out the spices.”

“Before you take a sip. Why don't you prepare your spell?” Nebula offered.

“Err, right,” Twilight murmured, closing her eyes and digging deep into her memory banks.

It took a bit for Twilight to recall all the necessary magical criteria, but in the end she was confident that she knew what she was doing. The actual process began by clasping her hooves together and pouring her magical energy into the space between. When her forelegs glowed with energy, and a soft hum could be heard, Twilight willed a pair of magical cords to extend from the mass.

It wiggled across the room and connected to the foreheads of both Nebula and Spike. Seeing that her spell was nearly complete, Twilight leaned down and pressed her forehooves above her eyes. She felt a sharp stinging sensation at the back of her mind, though the pain quickly faded into little more than a dull throb after a few seconds.

“There,” Twilight muttered, leaning back into the hammock. “Now all we need to do is go to sleep.”

“Spooky,” Spike muttered, waving his hand through the ethereal cord sticking out of his head.

“Was that your first time using that spell?” Nebula inquired curiously.

“Is it that obvious?” Twilight replied, already wincing.

“Yes, although you have still done better than most,” Nebula answered. “Now drink deep and relax.”

“Oh right,” Twilight muttered, plucking the mug from the ground where she had nearly forgotten it.

Spike was the first to take a sip, the dragon smacking his lips as his brow furrowed. “That isn't bad. Let me guess. Is it lemon, cinnamon, and… I can't place the last one.”

Twilight followed Spike’s lead and took a large gulp of the liquid, rolling the last dregs of it around in her mouth. “Huh. Me neither, though it is oddly sweet.”

“You’re probably tasting the dash of maple syrup, though you’ve yet to pick out the true final ingredient,” Nebula stated.

“Maple syrup. Oh, so that's what that is,” Spike muttered and downed the rest of his drink. “Though I’m not sure how cider, no matter how nice, is going to help us fall asleep in a timely manner.”

“Maybe there is some kind of magical ingredient?” Twilight asked before drinking the remainder of her beverage. “That would explain the odd aftertaste.”

“Nope, it's not magical,” Nebula answered, her voice gaining an odd, teasing edge to it.

“Oh, just tell-” Spike began before suddenly falling slack in his hammock, jaw hanging open and a snore already spilling forth.

“Woah!” Twilight exclaimed. “What did you put in that stuff?”

“Oh, just a bit of coriander and a poison so powerful that it even works on the dead,” Nebula replied. “Sweet dreams, by the way.”

“Gosh darn-” was all Twilight could mutter before she fell back, asleep before she even hit the hammock.

Nebula snickered to herself, shifting so that her many legs coiled comfortably beneath her bulk. “Ahh, kids. They always like what they eat until they find out what's in it,” she remarked to the now quiet room. “Though perhaps I should have warned them first.”

The spider tapped her chin before giving her best attempt at a shrug. “Nah. That doesn't seem very fun at all.”

Twilight continued to fall despite the fact that her body should have long since hit the comfortable bed of silk. Twisting her neck around, Twilight could see that she was no longer in the castle or any physical place at all for that matter. Unless of course she was somehow plummeting through space and not through the dreamscape of a centuries-old magical spider.

“You know, I thought this would be more terrifying,” Twilight remarked to no one in particular.

Despite the fact that her body felt as though it was in freefall, Twilight felt no wind whipping through her fur. Nor did she hear the roar of air as she fell through the sky, and in fact the only indicator that she was even falling was the weightlessness she sensed. That, and the fact that she could tell that there was some entity or object that she was plummeting towards.

“No kidding,” remarked the familiar voice of Spike. “I would have probably blown chunks by now if we were actually falling from the sky.”

Twilight turned to find that the dragon had seemingly appeared out of thin air and was now falling next to her. Though unlike Twilight, who was in what could only be described as a fetal position, Spike was facing down, with his arms and legs spread wide. He too didn't seem overly concerned with his situation, and, in fact, seemed more bored than anything.

“This has to be Nebula’s dream, right?” Twilight offered.

Spike shrugged as best as he was capable of. “I mean, it would make sense if that were the case.”

“Do you see anything down there?” Twilight asked, craning her neck as best as she could.

“Nope,” Spike replied, only for his eyes to narrow. “Wait. I think I see something, but it's really small and-”

The dragon’s comment was cut off when both he and Twilight suddenly slammed into the earth at what felt like the speed of sound. Yet instead of turning to paste, the pair simply stopped and were now lying on the cold dirt, completely unharmed. It took a moment for the sudden shift to really hit them, though when their minds caught up with what had happened, they began to look around.

To where numerous red-barked trees reached up into the sky, their canopies so high up that they could barely be seen. In fact, Twilight even spotted several clouds floating aimlessly around their trunks, passing through the greenery like a horde of spectres. Other than that, there were no other plants save for a fine layer of two foot-high grass which had an odd, blue hue to it.

“Woah. This place is pretty cool,” Spike remarked as he pushed himself up.

“Physically too,” Twilight added. “The breeze is kinda nice.”

“That too. Ya think this is a real place in the Everfree?” Spike asked.

“It is,” Nebula replied in an oddly normal tone of voice.

Both unicorn and dragon spun around to find that the spider had simply appeared almost directly behind them. Though upon first glance, their host looked the same as she always did, upon closer inspection Twilight noticed some minor discrepancies. Namely the fact that her face twisted in a way that shouldn't be anatomically possible, allowing the spider to smile.

“Huh. I would have thought you’d look different,” Spike remarked.

“I could change my appearance, though this one is perhaps most comfortable,” Nebula replied, striding gracefully up to the pair and wrapping a pair of hairy legs around their shoulders. “Now then. Why don't we start our journey? After all, we have little time.”

“Err, yeah, sure,” Twilight muttered, shrugging off the spider’s leg and oddly heartwarming smile. “Though I’m curious about this place you’ve brought us.”

“Ahh, this is what a town called Thicket used to look like before it was inhabited and burnt down for the first time,” Nebula replied, stepping back.

“So I guess it looks pretty different now, huh?” Spike inquired.

Nebula nodded. “Indeed, it does. Now it is far too… busy, for my tastes.”

“So what are we going to start with?” Twilight asked. “I admit I know very little about dreamwalking. Or the rules that govern it.”

“I will regale you with the basics while we walk. Follow me,” Nebula commanded.

Spike and Twilight eagerly did just that, trotting or walking behind the spider as she turned towards a random tree. One which had a winding set of plank stairs growing from its trunk, allowing someone to ascend all the way to the clouds. Where Twilight could see a landing as well as a second wooden platform attached to its closest neighbor.

“The first thing you need to know is simple. The laws that govern physical reality do not apply here,” Nebula began, easily climbing the naturally forming steps.

Twilight followed a little closer to the wall after noticing that there was nothing to stop her from falling off the side. Or slipping between the stairs themselves, now that she was worrying about it. Spike seemed less bothered by this and paid more attention to Nebula than his surroundings.

“Like how we weren't turned into pudding when we hit the ground?” Spike inquired.

Nebula chuckled, her laugh coming out more like the sound of a dozen wooden chimes gently brushing against one another. “Exactly, young Spike. Though I don't know if I would use pudding to describe what would have happened to you in real life.”

“What… what other rules don't apply here?” Twilight asked hesitantly, her gaze fixed on the ground far below her.

“All of them. If the dreamer is skilled and wishes to change them,” Nebula answered. “Gravity can be flipped, time sped up or drawn out. An area can even be warped and altered to create a non-euclidean space that would be impossible in the waking realm.”

As the spider spoke, Twilight felt her hooves grow light, and she hugged the closest stair while waiting for gravity to return. Spike, meanwhile, floated idly alongside the spider, swimming his way through the air without a care in the world.

“This is cool and all, but like what's stopping us from changing stuff like that?” Spike asked.

“It's simple,” Nebula replied as both Twilight and Spike ceased floating. “While you are in the mind of another, they are incredibly powerful and can consciously dictate reality. If you are in the mind of an unskilled dreamer, the rules of gravity and whatnot will likely be normal. Unless of course they are in a nightmare.”

Twilight gulped as she hastily trotted after her teacher. “So, the unconscious mind attempts to make things ‘normal’, while someone knowledgeable with dreamwalking can change things?”

“Yes and no,” Nebula replied without turning around. “Skill counts for a lot, but so does willpower. It is this fact that ensured that Mistress Luna couldn't simply enter and dominate the minds of the dragons who knew nothing of dreamwalking.”

“Makes sense,” Spike muttered.

“If I had months or even years to train you, I could teach you how to subvert the dream, but we simply don't have the time. As such, I will teach you how to take control of yourself, altering the dream realm directly around your body,” Nebula continued.

Twilight tried to keep her gaze up, but she felt the inevitable pull to look down and immediately wished she hadn't. For she quickly found that despite having only been walking for less than a full minute, they were at least a mile in the air. Worse still, she could feel a light wind begin to pick up, further instilling a sense of panic that was not shared by Spike.

“I plan to turn you into masters of this simple technique, which should give you an edge against your foe. It will also allow you to ignore any reality warping he may attempt while also shielding you from any attack he may direct your way,” Nebula stated. “Your offensive capability will be low, but remember that it's all about willpower. So if you believe your fists or hooves can shatter steel, then your blows will do just that.”

“Neat,” Spike exclaimed, punching the air a few times.

“Are there any other basics we should know?” Twilight asked.

“Don't remain within the mind of a dying person,” Nebula declared, stopping and turning around in order to gaze directly into the eye of each of her students. “I shouldn't have to explain why this is a bad idea, but suffice it to say it is a fate worse than death.”

“We could just leave though, right?” Twilight replied.

“I don't think it's that easy,” Spike remarked.

Nebula shook her head. “Indeed, it isn't. If I wanted to, I could easily trap you within my dream as here I am far stronger than both of you combined. In short, if they focus on keeping you contained, you will find it hard-pressed to escape their clutches.”

“So how do we make him tell us what we want to know?” Twilight pressed. “Because right now this entire thing is seeming like more and more of a bad idea.”

“That is simple.” Nebula held up a leg and pointed at the horizon. “The mind of a dreamer naturally orders itself in such a way that is logical, at least to them. They may be able to distort the local space around you if they wish to keep you from discovering their secrets, but if distracted, you can slip into the true dreamscape.”

“Ooh, it's like that book, Conception!” Spike declared.

“That doesn't sound right,” Twilight murmured.

“I know not of this Inception book you speak of,” Nebula muttered, turning away from the pair. “I don't read anything written by Red Bite.”

“Wait, you know the author and the correct title!” Spike exclaimed. “You totally read it, didn't you?”

Nebula sighed. “I did more than read it. But that is a story for another time.”

“You wrote it, didn't you?” Spike asked, eyes wide.

“I said that's a story for another time,” Nebula replied rather forcefully.

Spike chuckled. “Heh. That's hilarious. No wonder so many things from that book have turned out to be true.”

“So, getting back to the lesson,” Twilight exclaimed, stepping a little closer to the spider.

“I will continue with the lecture later. Right now a practical lesson is in order,” Nebula declared as she stepped out onto a large wooden platform.

Following after the spider, Twilight glanced over to where a good ways away stood another outcropping like the one she stood on. No creature, not even a pegasus could leap between them, though at least then they would land on the cloud that was currently drifting between the two points.

“And before you ask, yes, this is exactly what it looks like. I will relinquish any attempt to enforce the normal rules of reality, and then you will leap across this divide,” Nebula declared, gesturing to the far platform.

“So just believe in yourself and jump, eh?” Spike replied, cracking his neck. “I think I can do that.”

“Err, yeah. Me too,” Twilight muttered, her gaze drawn to the cloud below her.

“You could. Though I am curious if Twilight’s skill in dream magic extends to dreamwalking as well,” Nebula remarked.

Twilight blinked. “What? You want me to go first? But we just barely got here. Surely another lesson or two is in order.”

“There is no better way to learn than with some hooves-on experience,” Nebula declared.

“Go on, Twi. You already know the fall wouldn't hurt, so what's the big deal?” Spike exclaimed.

Twilight sighed. “Oh fine, but I just feel like a few more lessons would be a more efficient manner of teaching.”

“We have little time for all that, now go!” Nebula shouted, smacking the unicorn on the butt.

“Yipe!” Twilight exclaimed.

Body already in motion, Twilight began to awkwardly sprint towards the lip of the platform, her mind turning at a million miles per hour. Worries clashed with logic, and through it all the pony grappled desperately with the concept of ignoring the very laws of nature. Then she jumped, and for a moment there was nothing but her, the landing opposite her, and the clouds below.

Wind whistled through her ears, and Twilight felt as though she was about to make it, only for her momentum to quickly stall. Twilight’s hooves flailed uselessly as panic coursed through her, and all at once she realized that she had failed. With that realization, she began to fall even faster, a startled scream ripping forth from her throat.

Before she could make it very far, she suddenly felt herself stop in midair, before her momentum was reversed entirely. In only a few seconds Twilight levitated up next to the others, a sheepish smile crossing her face.

“S-sorry. I kinda screwed up,” Twilight muttered.

Nebula chuckled in her strange, calming way. “Don't worry, young one. Most fail on the first try, even after hearing every lecture and lesson I can give them.”

“So, should I still give it a shot then?” Spike asked.

The spider nodded. “Of course. This is the best way to gauge your skill and find out in what areas you need improving.”

“Well, alright then,” Spike replied, lowering himself into a running stance. “Do I just go whenever then?”

“As soon as you are ready,” Nebula remarked.

Twilight snorted. “What? Not going to smack him too?”

“He doesn't need the extra push,” retorted the spider with a knowing smirk.

“Alright then. Here goes nothing,” Spike muttered.

Taking off in a sprint, Spike soon leapt into the air, his arms outstretched as his legs continued to move beneath him. Though he had easily leapt farther than Twilight, the unicorn could tell that Spike wasn't going to reach the other side. His trajectory was good, but it simply wasn't enough, and within seconds he began to fall, his fate all but sealed.

“That's too bad. I really thought he could do it,” Twilight muttered.

“I wouldn't count him out yet,” Nebula replied.

Twilight raised an eyebrow and glanced over the side, watching as Spike began to move.

He started by extending his arms in front of him, before pushing his legs straight back, striking an almost comical pose. Then, just like he was in a comic book, the male began to fly, soaring back up above the clouds once more. There he quickly leveled out and landed on the other side, a wide, proud smile crossing his scaly features.

“I did it!” he shouted, arms raised above his head.

“He did it,” Twilight muttered.

“You did great, now come on back!” Nebula shouted, waving a hairy leg in the air.

“Okay, one sec!” Spike shouted back.

“How did he do that?” Twilight asked.

“Here imagination and creativity are worth more than intelligence and forethought,” Nebula replied, flashing the unicorn a calming smile.

Twilight frowned, but said nothing, merely watching as Spike did a little loop-de-loop before landing in front of the duo.

“Did you see that?” he eagerly asked, eyes still wide with wonder.

“We did. Great work!” Nebula proclaimed.

“Yeah, good job, Spike,” Twilight added.

“Thanks, Dusk. Don't worry, you’ll get it eventually,” Spike replied.

Twilight chuckled. “I’m sure I will. Now then. What's next?”

“We keep doing this till you get it or develop a crippling fear of heights,” Nebula replied with a smirk. “Whichever comes first.”

“Do you mind if I go fly around for a bit then?” Spike asked.

“Be my guest,” Nebula answered, extending a leg towards the towering treetops. “It will be good practice.”

“Sweet. Later!” Spike shouted before diving off the platform and flying off into the distance.

“He is really good at that,” Twilight remarked as she watched Spike leave.

“You will be doing the same soon enough,” Nebula stated confidently.

“I hope so. That looks like fun,” Twilight added.

“Relish it. For it's only going to get harder from here on out,” Nebula exclaimed.

Twilight set her jaw and nodded. “Right. Let's try this again.”

Twilight awoke with a start, heart pounding and eyes wide. “What the hell, Nebula? Did you have to end that by having us fight a nightmare?”

The spider turned over in her hammock, and though she could no longer smirk, Twilight could tell that she would if she could. “You wanted a final test, didn't you? And you got it,” Nebula replied.

“Besides, it wasn't that bad,” Spike remarked, sitting up and stretching. “Even if it feels like I’ve been lying here for like a month.”

“How long were we out for anyway? It felt like whole days went by in the dream,” Twilight muttered, glancing at her surroundings and finding that many of the hammocks were occupied by spiders and even a few thestrals.

“Only about twelve or so hours. You have plenty of time to resume your search for your missing assassin,” Nebula replied.

The spider slipped deftly from her bedding and stretched briefly, a move that Twilight quickly copied, though with significantly more cursing. Spike was already up, doing several lunges before finally extending his arms as high as he could.

“That wasn't half bad. Though I feel like I’ve just buggered up my sleep schedule,” Spike remarked.

“It should return to normal in a few hours. Your mind just needs time to grapple with the time dilation,” Nebula answered. “Now if you will excuse me, I should go find out if I have to discipline a naugthy mare.”

Without waiting for a response, the spider slipped out of the room, leaving Twilight and Spike to simply look at one another expectantly.

“So, what now?” Spike asked.

“I guess we just head back to the library and start working on that puzzle until we need to sleep again,” Twilight replied.

“So back to the grind then, eh?” Spike exclaimed with a small smile.

“Exactly,” Twilight answered.

“You know, I kind of like going on adventures with you,” Spike added as they began to walk towards the exit.

“You’re just saying that because you’re a better dreamwalker than me,” Twilight replied, bumping her hip against the dragon.

Spike chuckled. “Maybe. Maybe not. Does it really matter?”

Twilight smiled. “Not in the slightest.”

The pair trotted out of the room, down the stairs, and began the short, quiet walk back home. Though they didn't know it at the time, they had but two days left before all of their skills would be put to the test.