Chapter 150: Sleepless in Ponyville
The next morning in Ponyville and everything was quiet after what had happened with trixie and her plans of taking over all of Ponyville and thankfully they not only managed to stop her, but save the town and change her, hopefully for the better as she left the town. Spyro was busy in his garage after storing the Alicorn Amulet in his vault for safe keeping, continuing his research into what it was that not only nearly killed Trixie, but also caused him to loose control back on Ego's world, running multiple tests at a time to figure out what it was, using sample after sample of his blood, having nearly exhausted all leads as he hoped this test would give him some answers. He placed a slide with a droplet of his blood under a massive machine with multiple lasers and partical scanners, hoping that this time he would get the answers he needed, so he turned on the machine, the device warming up slowly as it started to spin and turn, firing multiple lasers into his blood before it began scanning the droplet, results coming in as he examined everything, but the data he was getting was the same as the other times, yelling in frustration as he ripped the machine out of the roof and threw it towards the door.
Outside, Applejack was walking up to see how he was doing when she saw the machine flying at her, eyes wide as she ducked at the last possible second, only getting her mane messed up as she looked inside to see a frustrated Spyro slamm his hoof into the table, splitting it in half as a new one came in.
"Sir, the scans show there is no foreign pathogen or energy in your bloodwork." AIVA said. "Maybe if we did a level five brain scan followed by a level seven Magic Examination within the glands that holds the mana, we could-"
"AIVA, we tried those already, remember?" Spyro asked, walking away from the table and to the screen. "The tests all come back the same, nothing that we don't already have in our systems or haven't discovered already about the body and the biology that goes with it and the magical symbiosis that goes with the blood cells, allowing for the transportation of mana through blood flow to certain parts of the body. We're missing something."
"Sir, you have company." AIVA said, deactivating the work area as some of the machines were coming up, Spyro looking back to see it was Applejack coming in.
"Now is not a good time to be around me AJ." Spyro said. "I'm not exactly civil when I'm angry or frustrated."
"Oh, yer not gonna Hulk out on us, are ya?" Applejack replied, making herself chuckle while making Spyro crack a smile. "Still tryna figure out what made ya go plum crazy?"
"Yeah, it's still on my mind AJ." Spyro said. "Been having these dreams about this thing. Everytime I close my eyes and try to sleep, I wake up in this room with the thing, chasing me and destroying everything in it's wake before reaching a dead end, the beast about to end me when the rooster crows, waking me up."
"And none of yer fancy sciency gizmo's or whatever can help ya?" Applejack asked, Spyro shaking his head.
"I tried everything." Spyro replied. "I tried Deep Meditation to the point where I saw the litteral Force in front of me, brain scans from levels one through five, heck, I even had my blood drawn about seven times to find something while also conduction seven different levels of Magic Examinations, nothing comes up!" He then slammed his hoof into the tabel again, breaking it as AIVA took it away and replaced it with a new one, Spyro sitting down as he laid his head down on the new table. "It's so frustrating not having the answers you need right away."
Applejack could see how frustrated Spyro was, walking over and sitting down next to him while laying her head next to his, blowing in his ear and making it twitch as she giggled.
"Ya know, yer adorable when yer frustrated." Applejack said.
"AJ, not now." Spyro said, lifting his head up. "I need to get back to work and figure out what this thing is."
"Spyro, ya need some time away from yer fancy toys and gizmo's yer goin' crazy." Applejack said, seeing the shape he was in. "How about this, Ah'm plannin' a weekend camping trip with Apple Bloom to Winsome Falls, maybe you could come along and relax a little, maybe get yer mind off of this thing that has ya more jittery than Winona when it's bath time. What do ya say?"
Spyro looked over to Applejack, seeing how determined she was to getting him to have some time to relax and get his mind off of Primitive Dragon, smiling at her and he used his wing to pull her into a hug.
"Alright, I guess I can take the weekend away from my research." Spyro said. "But I will be leaving some samples for AIVA to run tests on while we're away. Wanna make sure there's no stone left untouched when we get back."
"Whatever get ya out of this evil lab of yers." Applejack asked, kissing Spyro as she walked out, leaving him alone to get a Microscope and get back to work. "And will ya come and get yer laser thingy out of the backyard!? It's makin' some strange hissin' noise!"
"Oh Sugar Honey Ice Tea!" Spyro exclaimed, running out to make sure his device didn't blow up the house again.
In town, Scootaloo was zooming along on her scooter, zooming and weaving past ponies as she sped along in her scooter, trying to be as fast as her idol Rainbow Dash. Her ability to maneuver her scooter only improved as she continued along her way, jumping over Granny Smith, going over a turned over cart and jumping in the air, getting an adrenaline rush like she would when she imagined she culd fly, feeling the air go through her mane as she closed her eyes, imagining she really was flying as she yelled in pure joy, enjoying the moment in the air.
"Whahoo!" Scootaloo screamed, holding onto the scooter.
A second later, Rainbow Dash flew by nonchalantly as a glass of punch was resting on her chest, flying by Scootaloo.
"Nice moves there kid." Rainbow Dash said.
As she said that, Scootaloo gasped, stopping mid jump as she looked at her idol.
"Nice moves!?" She asked excitedly. "Rainbow Dash said I have-" She then fell from the sky and ended up landing in a large haystack, thankfully unharmed as a cow tried to get more hay to eat, but then got her tail as she popped her head out. "Nice moves!"
She then got outof the hay and fished around for her scooter, pulling it out of the hay and continuing to Sweet Apple Acres to meet up witn the other two crusaders for their meeting. At the clubhouse, Applwe Bloom and Sweetie Belle were already there waiting for her, playing a round of checkers to pass the time as they waited and a little while later, she burst through the door, very excited and smiling like crazy.
"Uh Scoots, yer a little late." Apple Bloom said.
"I know, but you're not going to believe what happened earlier!" Scootaloo said. "I was on my scooter doing my thing, going wicked fast as usual when I saw a cart, going faster and faster untio I jump off the cart, getting some wicked air when I looked over and Rainbow Dash was there! And the best part, she 'Nice moves there kid.'"
"Wow, she really said that to you?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Yeah!" Scootaloo replied. "It was like she was asking if she wanted to take me under her wing, teach me everything she knows, and be like a big sister to me!"
The other two crusaders looked at one another, unsure about that as they knew a bit more about Rainbow Dash than she did.
"Uh, Ah don't know about all that Scoots." Apple Bloom replied.
"Yeah, I mean, it was a nice compliment and all." Sweetie Belle said. "But-"
"I know, I know." Scootaloo replied. "But it could happen, right? I just need to find a way to spend some more time with her so she can see more of my awesomeness."
"Well, Applejack and Ah are planning a trip to Winsome Falls this weekend." Apple Bloom said. "Maybe we can ask her if we can bring Rainbow Dash along."
"Thats a great idea!" Scootaloo said excitedly.
"Yeah, and I can ask Rarity if she could come along too!" Sweetie Belle said. "She loves camping!"
"I despise camping!" Rarity exclaimed, the crusaders having arrived at the Boutique. "All of that... nature!"
"Applejack is going with her little sister." Sweetie Belle said. "I thought you might wanna come as well, have some sisterly time together. But... I guess you don't want to do even that."
She then gave Rarity the puppy eyes, which seemed to make Rarity squirm a bit before giving in.
"Oh, alright." Rarity said, making Sweetie Belle smile. "But I will need to pack a few things if I'm going to be roughing it."
She then walked to the stairs and went up, the other two crusaders lookign at Sweeite Belle as she gave a satisfied smile.
"Oh yeah, still got it." Sweetie Belle said.
A little while later, Scootaloo was rushing to Spyro's garage to ask if she could go with Applejack Apple Bloom to Winsome falls, entering to see he was looking for something as she approached.
"Hey Spyro, can I ask you something?" Scootaloo asked.
"Sure Scoots." Spyro replied. "What's on your mind?"
"Well, I was wondering if I could go with Applejack and Apple Bloom to Winsome Falls." Scootaloo replied. "I want to spend some time with Rainbow Dash and have her see how awesome I am."
"Oh, sure thing Scoots." Spyro replied. "And you're not the only one whose going either. I'm coming as well."
"Wait, you are!?" Scootaloo asked. "But what about your research?"
"Oh, I can do that any day." Spyro replied, packing his bags. "But spending time with my little sister, that's something I ain't going to miss out on."
Scootaloo ran up and hugged Spyro, heading back to the house to get what they needed and a little while later, the fillies all ran towrads Applejack and Spyro, who were waiting for them outside of the farm.
"Ya got the bug spray?" Applejack asked.
"Yup." Apple Bloom said, showing her the bug spray. "Ya got the canteens?"
"Yup." Applejack said, showing the canteens full of water.
"And I got the tents." Spyro said, pulling out several gold orbs. "Though I need to restock on my supplies. Running dangerously low on some things. Other than that, looks like we're all set." Spyro then looked up and his eyes widened with surprise, seeing Rarity was in a pink outdoors outfit with a yellow bandana over her head, wearing sunglasses as she had Sweetie Belle carry a wagon full of suitcases and boxes. "You gotta be kidding me?"
"Hey, wait for us." Rairty said.
"Gee Rarity, did ya remember to pack the essentials?" Applejack asked.
"Oh, we'll see who has the last laugh when you are desperate to curl your lashes realized you forgot to bring your eyelash curler." Rarity said.
"But aren't your lashes fake?" Spyro asked.
"Oh no, I grew them out this time." Rarity replied. "Got sick of having to put them on all the time and having to replace them when I lost them."
"Well, looks like we're all set now." Applejack said.
"But... where's Rainbow Dash!?" Scootaloo asked. "Isn't she coming!?"
"Of course she is sugarcube." Applejack replied. "She's just gonna meet us at our first camp site."
"Then we better get a move on before Rainbow Dash decides to go ahead without us." Spyro said. He walked over to the cart Rarity was having Sweetie Belle pull and lifted it up off the fillies back, attaching himself to it while picking the filly and placing her on his back. "Here, let me pull that thing, you just relax, alright?"
"Alright!" Sweetie Belle said, hugging him.
They then started to make their way to Winsome Falls, following the map that Applejack had to make their way to their destination, but while they were walking, Rarity was complaining, wanting to know if they had arrived yet, which Applejack replied and repeated that they hadn't arrived yet. A ways ahead, they reached their first campsite, seeing that Rainbow Dash wasn't in sight and thought she already went ahead.
"Is this the first camp site?" Rarity asked.
"Sure is." Applejack replied.
"But where's Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo asked, looking around.
As she asked, Rainbow Dash came zomming out of the sky, kicking some trees hard enough to knock sections of the trunk off and place them down in front of them while diving into the river and coming out, making a rainbow twister and throwing some stones down into a circle, Scootaloo's jaw dropping in awe as she did it.
"Wow Rainbow, now that was pretty cool." Spyro said, unhitching himself. "What do you think Scoots? Scoots?"
He looked over and saw Scootaloo pumping herself up, trying to act calm while Spyro just smiled at the filly as she tried to act cool, walking up to Rainbow Dash casually.
"Hey Rain-" Scootaloo said, however she wasn;t paying attention to where she was going and tripped on the log, flipping and landing on the log, the log rolling as she tried to keep her balance before falling and spinning into the river before bouncing off a tree and landiong on her back on the ground, looking like she was in pain, but played it off, trying to act cool, hiding her fumble and how much in pain she was. "Hey Rainbow Dash, what's up?"
"Scoots!" Spyro exclaimed, rushing up to her. "You ok!? You hurt!? Where are you injured!?"
"I'm fine Spyro." Scootaloo replied, but Spyro raised an eyebrow, seeing she wasn't fine.
"Sure you're alright." Spyro replied.
"What the heck took you guys so long?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Well some of up didn't pack as light as everyone else." Applejack said, looking to Rarity. "Come on, let's set up camp. It's starting to get late."
The then got started setting up camp, the apple siblings pitching their tent up first, which they did it expertly while Rainbow Das was quick in setting up her tent, getting it done in ten seconds while Rarity and Sweetie Belle unpacked soem things from the wagon, Rarity taking a small package and pulling the cord on it and the package opened up, releasing to air as it shot out and unpacked a large tent, setting itself up and looked like a mini castle, everyone's jaws dropping open as they saw it.
"Oh for the love of... Rarity, when the heck did you get this thing?" Spyro asked.
"Why just this morning." Rarity replied. "After Sweetie Belle asked if we could go camping, I wanted to make sure we were comfortable. Speaking of, Sweetie Belle, could you find some flowers for our bedside vase please?"
She then tossed a vase out and Sweetie Belle grabbed it, going into the woods to find some flowers for the nightstand.
"Oh Scootaloo, do be a dear and see if you could find some firewood." Rainbow Dash said, mocking Rarity as they all laughed. "Seriously though, can you guys see if you can find some Firewoord?"
"Hang on, I got this." Spyro said. Spyro looked to the trees that Rainbow Dash kicked, knowing they wouldn't last long, so he pulled his jacket back and whistled, the device on his ear activating as the four Yaka arrows levitated out of the holsters Spyro had, levitating for a moment and getting their attention before changing the whistle, sending the arrows at the four trees and the arrows going through them, cutting off branches and sectioning the trunks of the trees before going down the middle, splitting the logs into smaller pieces before changing the whistle again, makign the arrows come back at him as he used his magic to catch them, the whistling stopping, putting the arrows back in the holster and turning to the group, smiling. "Will that be enough wood?"
"More than enough sugarcube." Applejack replied. "That's enough for the whole trip and back."
"Wow, I only saw them used during the duel against Trixie, but those things are awesome!" Rainbow Dash said. "Where'd ya get them?"
"They were a gift from a friend." Spyro said, looking at the arrows. "He was a good man."
As night was coming, Spyro got some of the wood he had just made and put it into the makeshift firepit, which he also dug out a bit to lower the chances of starting a forest fire, just in case as Applejack got to work using a Bow drill, which was a way to start a fire using friction, but some of the wood was a little wet, so Spyro just opened his mouth and flames shot out, hitting a log while Applejack just glared at him, giving a nervous smile as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Alright everypony, get comfy." Rainbow Dash said, which Rarity was on her sun chair as Sweetie Belle brought over a cup of tea, everyone shaking their head at her. "It's time for some scary stories."
"S-scary stories?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Yeah, everyone camp out has to have scary stories." Rainbow Dash replied. "Hey Spyro, got any good stories?"
A moment later, Rarity spat out her tea, litterly spraying it out while Applejack dropped her canteen as she inhaled, coughing as everyone looked at her and Rarity.
"Oh no, not Spyro, anypony but Spyro!" Rairty exclaimed.
"Ah'm in agreement with Rarity on this one." Applejack said, regaining her breath. "Anypony but him."
"What's their problem?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Well, let's just say that during Twilight's first Sleep over, I sorta punked them using an illusion of a cursed pirate." Spyro replied, making Rainbow Dash laugh.
"Wait, seriously!?" Rainbow Dash asked, still laughing. "Wow, you must have gotten them good if they don't want you to tell scary stories. Well, I got one that is sure to be good." She then looked over to the fillies, which they looked nervous. "You like scary stories, right?"
"Oh, uh, of course I do." Scootaloo replied, though she seemed more nervous than anything.
"I know you do kid." Rainbow Dash said, ruffling her hair. "And I know you'll love this one." Spyro just rolled his ees, thinking of several stories that would be more scary than what Rainbow Dash from old legends and games he played back in his old home. The story the cyan pegasus was telling them was of some olden mare who had her horseshoe taken from her, wondering the forest like the one they were in, her grubling echoing through the night, making the fillies get spooked while Spyro, Rarity, and Applejack weren't affected, finding the story to be ridiculous, but the fillies were shivering from fright. "... And then, the olden mare said 'Who's got my rusty horseshoe?'"
"N-n-not me." Sweetie Belle said, the crusaders hugging one another.
"You do!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, spooking them.
The fillies screamed and ran to their sisters while Scootaloo cleared her throat, trying to play it off.
"Sorry, got somrthing in my throat." Scootaloo said. "Nice story Rainbow Dash, but it didn't scare me a bit."
"Heh, knew you wouldn't be scqred kid." Rainbow Dash said, ruffling Scootaloos hair. "When I saw you jump that cart, I knew you were like me, fearless!"
"Yeah... fearless." Scootaloo replied, though she was shivering, but didn't want to disappoint her idol.
"Oh brother." Spyro said, walking over to Scootaloo, who instinctively hugged him. "An olden mare walking through the woods trying to find her horseshoe? You ask me, I think Taserface is scarier than her."
"Taserface?" Rainbow Dash asked, snickering before breaking out into full out laughter, even Applejack and Rarity started to laugh, followed by the fillies, lightening the mood. "Oh man, who goes naming themselves Taserface!?"
"A ravager who thought it was a cool name before my friend Rocket roasted him." Spyro replied.
"Don't worry Sweetie Belle, there isn't an... an old mare looking... for a horse shoe." Rarity said in between laughter. "And if there is, Rarity is here to keep you safe and sound."
A second later, Applejack yawned after she stopped laughing as it was starting to get late.
"Ah think it's about time to hit the hay." Applejack said, forgeting that Apple Bloom was still clinging tightly to her side, smiling at her and she set her down and pat her head. "Don't ya worry little sis, there ain't any Olden mare near us."
As everyone was going to their tents, Spyro looked back to see Scootaloo looking between him and Rainbow Dash, knowing what she wanted as he smiled.
"You can stay in Rainbow Dash's tent if ya want to Scoots." Spyro said.
"Wait, really!?" Scootaloo asked. "You mean it!?"
"I do." Spyro replied. "If ya want to spend some time with Rainbow Dash, I don't have an issue with it. But if you get nightmares in the middle fo the night, you are more than weclome into my tent."
"Thanks Spyro!" Scootaloo said, running up and hugging him.
The filly then went to Rainbow Dash's tent to spend the night with her while Spyro went into his tent and laid down to get some sleep for the night, closing his eyes and instantly heading to dream land. In his dream, he was with his friends, standing before Winsome Falls and enjoying the sights, flowers and birds everywhere, Rainbow Dash show boating as usual and Scootaloo flying, enjoying herself as she flew next to her idol, making him smile at how happy she was, but then the clouds overhead turned dark, the ponies were gone and Scootaloo was missing, making Spyro's heart drop as he looked around, but then he heard something roar, turning around to see the ground erupt into dark blue flames as Primitive Dragon came out, roaring at him as it then charged towards him. Spyro was about to flee when he heard someoe scream, looking around and finding that Scootaloo was nearby, having tripped and injured her leg, so Spyro ran over and leapt, hugging Scootaloo as he used himself to shield the filly as the dragon was about to attack, but a beam of blue magic shot down and hit the dragon, making it screech and roar in pain as it backed away.
"BEGONE FOUL BEAST!" A voice boomed. The dragon tried to push back, roaring in frustration, but the magic was too strong for it, causing it to burst into blue dust as Spyro looked back, looking to where the blast came from to see Luna gliding down and landing in front of him as the dream disappeared, leaving them in complete darkness. "I had a feeling it was you Spyro."
"Luna!" Spyro said, running up and hugging her, which she returned the hug. "Haven't seen you since I visited with Sombra. How's Celestia doing?"
"She's doing great." Luna replied, ending the hug. "She's very happy and is positively glowing."
"So how the heck are you here?" Spyro asked. "I thought your main duty was raising and lowering the moon?"
"That's one of my responsibilities my love." Luna replied. "I also traverse other ponies dreams to bring comfort to those who have nightmares, like you. If I may ask, what was that thing? I noticed it the last few times you've slept and it seems to scare you?"
"I honestly wish I knew." Spyro replied. "It appeared all of a sudden when I was fighting a Celestial and... and..."
"I know." Luna said. "I've been watching your dreams for the last few days, worrying about you. Whatever this thing is, I'm sure you can handle it." She then looked itno the air and felt someone else was having a nightmare. "Another pony is having a nightmare."
"Wait really?" Spyro asked. "Who?"
"I don't know." Luna replied. "That's what I'm going to find out. Would you like to join me?"
"Sure, why not." Spyro replied.
Luna walked over and her horn started to glow as a door appeared, purple, orange, and gold in color as it opened for them, allowing them to walk out and when he stepped out, his jaw dropped, seeing corridor along corridor of doors of different colors, surrpised to see such a thing.
"Welcome to the Corridor of Dreams." Luna said. "Here, I can traverse between Ponies dreams and come to those who are having nightmares."
"Wow, this place is amazing." Spyro said, suddenly freezing as he realized something. "Wait, you can enter anyone's dream?"
"If they have a door, yes." Luna said, turning to look at him with a mischievous smile. "Why, you have something to hide?"
"Nothing!" Spyro exclaimed, his face turning red. "It's nothing!"
"Relax my love, I know when to enter dreams and when I shouldn't." Luna replied. "Besides, with so many subjects to keep an eye on, it's make it difficult for me to keep an eyes on them all."
"Well, if you are feeling overwhelmed, come and get me and I can help." Spyro said.
"I'll keep that in mind." Luna said. "But if you're having one of your fantisies about someone in the herd, I'll be sure to keep out."
"You and Celestia are way too much alike, you know?" Spyro asked, making Luna laugh. They walked along the corridor until they reached a door where the nightmare was happening at, recognizing the color scheme and knowing who it was. "Scootaloo is having a nightmare?"
"Indeed." Luna replied. "Something is causing her to have a nightmare and unfortunately there is another pony close by whose also having a nightmare."
"You go ahead and help the other pony." Spyro said. "I'll take care of Scootaloo's nightmare."
Luna nodded her head, still smiling as she left him be while Spyro just grumbled to himself after her teasing him, but glad to see her again. He opened the door and the corridor flooded with light and engulfed him, pulling him into Scootaloo's dream and the door closed behind him, leaving the corridor empty except fr the doors as Luna walked away, looking back before continuing to another ponies dream to take care of them. In Scootaloo's dream, Spyro found himself in the middle of a very creepy forest, feeling all of the fear around him as the entire atmosphere was filled with fear and darkness, walking along until he heard a pair of hoofsteps, looking around and seeing the filly running away and past him, not even noticing him as she ran.
"Scoots, wait!" Spyro shouted.
"Who's got my rusty horseshoe?" A voice asked.
Spyro turned and saw an ugly olden mare with a grey coat, a single red eye, wearing an old cloak and only had three horseshoes on, trying to scare Spyro, but he didn't flinch.
"Wow, that's the best you got?" Spyro asked. "And you're more grotesque than Rainbow Dash described you to be." He got a closer look at it and noticed a symbol on her head, his eyes widening as he leapt back as the old mare laughed. "You have got to be kidding me? Nightmares!? Seriously!? When did you get here!?"
He called his Keyblade and a second later, the old mare screeched in rage as she suddenly changed into a Nightmare Yoggy Horn, dark grey hair with two large horns that were yellow and brown with with a shorter lime horn, red eyes and a black mouth and a bklack body with dark blue swirls on it's legs as it screeched in rage. Before he could do anything, an invisible force yanked him back and was then thrown out of the door and slammed into another door, sliding down the door and seeing stars in front of his eyes, shaking his head and regaining his wits as he got up and approached the door, but it suddenly disappeared before he could enter again.
"That was quick." Luna said, approaching him. "Were you siccessful?"
"No, I wasn't." Spyro replied. "I was suddenly pulled out of her dream as soon as I was confronting a Nightmare."
"Ah, that is to be expected." Luna said. "Some ponies will wake up from their dream and any intruder who is in their dream is forced out. And once they wake up from a traumatizing nightmare, the door disappears and they remain awake for the rest of the night until they sleep the next night."
"So we can't reenter until she goes to sleep again." Spyro said, standing up. "Well, at least she'll be safe from the Nightmare."
"Indeed, she'll be quite safe from her dreams while awake." Luna said.
"No, I mean actual... oh right, sorry, forgot you aren't familiar with our enemies." Spyro said.
"Enemies?" Luna asked, more confused than before.
"I'm talking about Dream Eaters." Spyro replied.
"Dream Eaters?" Luna asked. "What are Dream Eaters?"
"They are creatures born in darkness much like Heartless and Nobodies." Spyro replied. "Except these guys exist only in the Realm of Sleep, much like your Corridor of Dreams. They feed on dreams and replace them with different ones. Nightmare Dream Eaters devour good dreams and replace them with bad ones."
"Hmm, this is not good." Luna replied. "If these creatures exist in what you call the Realm of Dreams, then this makes my task all the more difficult."
"But there are some Dream Eaters that are friendly." Spyro continued. "They're called Spirit Dream Eaters an they devour the bad dreams and replace them with good dreams."
"Well that is good news indeed." Luna said.
"Luna, if I may ask, was the other pony that was having Nightmares either Sweetie Belle or Apple Bloom?" Spyro asked.
"No, they weren't the ones having the nightmare." Luna replied.
"I thought as much." Spyro said. "They sought comfort in their siblings after Rainbow Dash's scary story. Scootaloo is trying to impress Rainbow Dash, but her idol isn't comforting her, never having a sibling before." He remembered being like that, not being comforting to others as he never had a sibling before. "I hope she figures out that she is dealing with a kid and not herself soon, otherwise things might get worse."
"Indeed, things may get worse if this continues." Luna said. "You may need to have a conversation with Rainbow Dash before things get worse."
They waited for Scootaloo's door to return, but as they waited, they realized that she must be remaining awake for the rest of the night.
"Must be staying awake." Spyro said. "Guess she doesn't want to go though that nightmare again."
"Indeed, guess so." Luna said.
"Well, I guess there isn't much else to do." Spyro said, looking to Luna. "Hey, think we can have some fun in other ponies dreams while we're still here?"
"I don't see why not." Luna replied. "There aren't anymore nightmares at the moment, so I guess so." They turned to see a white door with several suns on it, knowing who it was right away. "Besides, I have a score to settle with my sister after dinner."
"Wait, what did she do?" Spyro asked.
"We were having something she called 'Hay Burgers' and as soon as I bit into the burger, I tried to tear into it, but it just stretched and stretched." Luna replied.
"Oh my goodness, the old Rubber Burger prank." Spyro said. "Classic. Want some company?"
"Of course." Luna replied, both of them smiling mischievously as they looked at Celestia's door.
The next morning came all too soon, but Spyro and Luna did have some fun pranking Celestia as her dream was filled with cakes, pies, sweets of all sorts, which was a surprise to the young Keyblade warrior as he expected Pinkie's dream to be something like that, not the princesses, but just shrugged it off. Luna changed some of the sweets into pony eating cakes and pies, devouring the princess and forcing her awake and forcing them out, waiting to see if the door would return but it didn't, realizing that she was going to stay awake for the rest of the night, but as they pranked her, Spyro noticed a particular cake with two different colored icing flowers on it, but didn't get a good look as they were forced out. For the rest of the night, he and Luna had some fun in other ponies dreams, letting loose and enjoying be apart of the dreams of other ponies until morning came, which he opened his eyes and stretched, feeling how dry his mouth was as he got out of his tent, the tent disappearing moments later.
"Now that... that was fun." Spyro said, looking to Rainbow Dash's tent. "Wonder how Scoots is doing?"
He got out of his tent and as he got out, the tent disappeared in a flash of light, making him need to pack his tent easier as he didn't need to pack while everyone else was finishing up packing their stuff, but noticed that Scootaloo was sitting on one of the log seats all on her own, looking terrible as she had bags under her eyes, which they were also blood shot, and she looked like she was on the verge of passing out from lack of sleep. They then continued their journey to Winsome Falls, but Scootaloo was still sleepy, Spyro pulling Rarity's cart while the fashion pony was still on her little couch, wondering why Rarity had packed so much stuff. Scootaloo decided to scout ahead to make sure they had a clear path to the campsite, but Spyro was very worried for the filly as in her condition, she'd probably hurt herself, but before he could voice his opinion, she sped off on her scooter that she brought along with her. However, half a mile later, they noticed the little filly was on a bush, half asleep as they walked by, but she woke up and said not to wonder off the path, biut as they continued, both Applejack and Spyro were looking at the exhausted filly, both worrying for her when the farm pony stepped on a twig and made the gilly jump very high, her Force abilities allowing for her to jump all the way to a cloud and clutching onto it for dear life, worrying them further as she fell from the sky and hit the ground, creating a deep hole in the ground next to them.
"Scoots, you ok?" Spyro asked. "You seem extremely worried."
"Yeah sugarcube, you're more nervous than a worm in an apple on Cider season." Applejack said.
"Uh, nothing's wrong!" Scootaloo replied, clearly nervous. "Thought I heard something, that's all."
However, a moment later, an owl started hooting and it caused the filly to back pedal, digging into the ground and making a path in the ground.
"Ya sure yer alright?" Applejack asked. "Ya seem a little jumpy."
"Oh, yah, I'm fine." Scootaloo replied. "Just getting me exercise, that's all. You know how important it is to stretch out those hindquarters every now and then." A moment later, Scootaloo freaked out again and rushed over to Spyro, hiding behind one of his legs before coming out from hiding, trying tplay it off. "Heh, need any help there bro?"
"I got this Scoots." Spyro replied. "But you look like a wreck. You need some rest."
"Oh, no, I'm fine." Scootaloo replied. "Wide awake and everything."
"I said, you need rest." Spyro said.
He changed his hoof into a dragon paw and tapped a finger on the fillies head, making a sound as her eyes rolled back into her head, makign the filly collapse, but Spyro used his magic to catch her and place her on his back, making sure she wouldn't fall off as she peacefully snoozed away on his back as they continued. A while later, they reached a cave where they could take shelter for the night, which when they did, Scootaloo woke up and heard they would be taking shelter in a cave and got spooked, clinging onto her brother's back as she started to shiver. They then got the campsite set up and a fire started everyone sitting on the log seats, the fillies sitting next to their siblings while Scootaloo sat next to Rainbow Dash, trying to act cool, but Spyro just sat down next to her just in case, which the filly scooted closer to him.
"Alright, who's ready fr another scary story?" Rainbow Dash asked, which the fillies scooted closer to their siblings.
"Uh, hey, how about I tell the story this time." Scootaloo suggested.
"Alright kid, go for it." Rainbow Dash said.
"There was once a pony a very, very long time ago who lived in a bright and sunny land where there were rainbows in the sky and lots of happy friends, but-" Scootaloo said.
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and placed her hoof on the Scootaloo's head, stopping the story.
"No offense kid, but it's not a real campfire story unless somebpny's shaking." Rainbow Dash said, which she then started to laugh creepily shile Spyro just facehooved himself, unable to believe that Rainbow Dash didn't get the hint that the filly was terrified. "And I heard that these very woods are haunted... by the ghost of the Headless Horse. It gallops at night-"
"Uh question." Spyro said, wrapping his foreleg around his sister. "If it's headless, then how the heck does it move?"
"It's headless, not brainless." Rainbow Dash replied.
"If he had a brain, then where the heck is it?" Spyro asked. "In it's caboose?"
The other ponies started laughing, Spyro smiling as his plan to try and make the story less scary was working, for ther most part.
"Let me tell the story!" Rainbow Dash shouted, her voice echoing as she shouted. Rainbow Dash then started to tell the story again, Scootaloo still scared stiff as she pressed against Spyro, shaking as she felt scared as the cyan pegasus was telling the story. "...and they were never heard from, ever again."
"Never." Rainbow Dash said.
After Rainbow Dash confirmed that the victims were never heard from again, the fire sparked, causing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to scream, whicht he two fillies then started to laugh, but Scootaloo was clinging onto Spyro, holding his foreleg as she shook in fear, Spyro strocking her head to try and calm her down.
"Don't worry Scoots, the Headles horse doesn't exist." Spyro said, trying to reassure her. "You'll be safe with me tonight."
"It's not time for bed yet, is it!?" Scootaloo asked.
"Afraid so sugarcube." Applejack replied.
"But... we... we... we haven't sung any campfire songs yet!" Scootaloo said, trying to come up with an excuse to stay up.
"You don't have to ask me twice!" Sweetie Belle said excitedly.
Sweetie Belle ran for the closest rock to use as a stage, taking in a deep breath to do some singing.
[Sweetie Belle]
Ninety-nine buckets of oats on the wall, ninety-nine buckets of oats!
Take one down, passit around,
You now have nintey-eight buckets of oats on the wall!
Spyro cringed at how badly the filly was singing at that moment when she had a lovely voice when she wasn't trying so hard, covering his ears as his hearing was far more sensative due to his dragonic blood. As the filly continued, the other ponies were starting to get tired except for Scootaloo, who seemed to be the only one who enjoyed it, but was starting to get sleepy as her eyes were getting heavy. As Sweetie Belle was finishing upo the song, she then suddenly passed out from exhaustion, Rarity Picking the filly up as they all made their way into the cave to get some sleep while Scootaloo looked spooked, wanting to avoid falling asleep.
"Wait, one more song... please?" Scootaloo said, running inside. "How about a game of charades? A dance contest? Hide and Seek!?"
"Scoots, you need some sleep." Spyro said as he unrolled his sleeping bag. "We all need some sleep."
"Yeah, we can probably do those things tomorrow." Apple Bloom said, falling asleep instantly as she reached her sleeping bag.
"Seems lika ya don't wanna go to sleep tonight." Applejack said. "Is there a reason why?"
"Pfft, of course not." Scootaloo said. "I just love camping and hanging out with Rainbow Dash that I don't want to waste a single moment with sleep."
A moment later, Scootaloo started yawning, indicating she was getting tired.
"That's cool and all Scoots, but this pony needs some shut eye." Rainbow Dash said, putting sone ear plugs in and falling asleep.
Spyro then got into his bag and started to fall asleep, this time instead of going straight into his dream, he appeared outside of his door, where his dream was waiting for him, but instead of entering, he looked to his left and started running down the corridors of doors and dreams looking for Scootaloo's dream door. As he ran, he saw dozens to hundreds of doors, looking for his sisters door until it finally appeared, Spyro entering it and looking around to find that the woods was less menacing this time, but he could still sense fear all around him, but this time he was on the look out for the Dream Eater as it would probably be here like it was last time. He ran into the woods to try and find his sister when he heard hoof steps galloping, looking to see Scootaloo running with the headless horse right behind her, finding his mark as he ran after them both.
"Help, it's going to eat me!" Scootaloo shouted. "I want to be heard from again!"
The filly then tripped on a root, falling down the side of a small ravine and backing away as her back was to the wall, fear rising inside her as the Headless horse got ready to finish the job as Spyro skidded to a halt, glarring at the nightmare as his horns started to glow.
"No more dream eating for you bud." Spyro said, his horns glowing bright as he stood on his hind legs. "Aid me in vanquishing this nightmare! Tyranto Rex, Ryu Dragon!"
As he shouted the names, two stars started to shine brightly as they flew down to the ground as the headless horse got ready to devour it's mark, but then a roar rang out and the headless horse turned it's body, getting slammed by a green dragon with hook like appendages with yellow and white feathered wings and a long tail, opening it's maw as it unleashed and unleashed it's fire breath, forcing the nightmare back into the Tyranto Rex, a red, green, and yellow dinosaur in the shape of a T-rex, biting down and swinging the nightmare around before throwing it into a nearby tree, roaring out as it walked over to the nightmare, which was slowly getting up as it shook it's non-existent head. Scootaloo was amazed by the two Dream Eaters that she saw, the Tyranto Rex standing in front of her, protecting her while the Ryu Dragon unleashed fire after fire at the Nightmare, keeping it back as Spyro flew down with his blade, the nightmare looking up as he sliced clean through it, reverting back into the Yoggy Ram as it screeching in agony before disappearing in a cloud of dust.
As Spyro stood back up, he turned to see if Scootaloo was alright, which she ran up and hugged him, crying as she was still scared, but happy to have her brother there.
"Oh, Spyro." Scootaloo said. "I... I..."
"It's ok Scoots, it's alright." Spyro said. "You're safe now."
"I... how the heck are you here?" Scootaloo asked, looking to the two Spirit Dream Eaters. "And what are those?"
"They're Dream Eaters." Spyro replied. "Born from darkness, just like the Heartless and the Nobodies, but these ones are good. These are Spirit Dream Eaters, which they devour bad dreams and replace them with good ones. But the one that was destroyed was a Nightmare Dream Eater, which it devours good dreams and replaces them with bad ones."
"But... if I was already having a bad dream, why did one of them attack me?" Scootaloo asked. "And... am I really dreaming?"
"I don't know." Spyro replied. "This is something I'll need to ask my master about. As for why I'm here in your dream, Princess Luna asked me to help you. To help take care of that Dream Eater and to talk about your fears."
"M-my fears?" Scootaloo asked. "I don't have any fears." As she said that, the headless horse whinnied again and came at her, but the Ryu Dragon was there and unleashed a torrent of flames, barbecuing it while Spyro raised an eye brow to his little sister. "Ok... I am afraid. I'm afraid of the Headless Horse."
"Is it really the Headless Horse you're afraid of?" Spyro asked, another Yoggy horn appearing, which he thrusted his blade through it and destroying it instantly.
"No, I guess not." Scootaloo replied. "I'm afraid that Rainbow Dash won't think that I'm as tough as her."
"Scootaloo, you don't need to act brave to prove you are brave." Spyro said, sitting down as the Tyranto Rex devoured another Nightmare that came at them. "Everyone is afraid, even me."
"Wait, you're afraid!?" Scootaloo asked. "Of what!?"
"Of loosing you." Soyro said, wrapping his foreleg around his sisters shoulders. "When you were foal napped, it was the most terrifying time in my life. I never had a sister before, or a brother, but when I took you in and made you my sister, it was one of the happiest moments ever as I had someone I could care for and protect. I'm also afraid of loosing anyone in the herd to darkness or to death as I love them, just like I love you and am willing to do everything in my power to protect you."
"Wow, I... I didn't realize how scared you were." Scootaloo said. "You were always so brave, I thought nothing could scare you."
"We are all afraid of something Scoots, but some are good at putting on a brave face." Spyro said. "When morning comes, you can tell Rainbow Dash how you really feel as despite how she acts, she's got a soft spot. She'll understand."
"Y-you sure?" Scootaloo asked.
"Positive." Spyro replied, hugging his sister.
However, a moment later, they both heard something approach, looking to see what it was, finding it was the olden mare approaching them.
"Whose got my rusty horse shoe!?" She asked.
"Go bother somepony else ya old hag!" Spyro shouted.
However, her eyes started to glow red as she changed before them, but this time it wasn't a Yoggy Horn, but instead was a Commantis, a mantis shaped Dream Eater colored green and chartreuse, a disk behind it as it screeched out, swiping at the Spirit Dream Eaters and destroying them with a single slash, making Scootaloo scream as Spyro was forced out of the dream again, this time waking up and looking around to see he was back in the cave, but this time he looked to Scootaloo, who was already gone, makign Spyro's blood turn cold.
"Scootaloo!" Spyro shouted, waking Rainbow Dash up as he rushed to the cave. "Scootaloo!"
"What the heck with all the shouting?" Rainbow Dash asked, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Scootaloo has ran off into the woods!" Spyro replied. "A nightmare spooked her and caused her to flee!"
"What!?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "We need to find her, stat!"
The two fo them took off into the air to find Scootaloo before something bad happened to her. In the woods, Scootaloo was riding her scooter through the woods, fear having taken over as she tried to flee the woods where she believed the monster lived.
"That thing... it was huge!" Scootaloo said to herself. "It.. wait... Spyro said it only comes in dreams. So... it probably isn't here. Unless I'm still dreaming and that thing is using some kind of magic to make me lower my guard!" She rode through the forest to get away from the woods and to get someplace safe, but her scooter ended up hitting a stone, causing her to tumble and fall into a river with a strong current, making the filly try to swim out of the river when she heard a waterfall, seeing there was one ahead of her as she tried to swim away. "Somepony, help!"
She then went over the Waterfall, screaming as she went over, but then Rainbow Dash caught her and flew up, getting the filly to safety and setting her down near a river as she set down herself.
"What the heck were you doing out here in the middle of the night!?" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "You could have gotten yourself hurt! Worse of all, you scared Spyro! You know how worried he gets if something happens to you!"
"I... I... I..." Scootaloo started to say, tears in her eyes as she ran up to Rainbow Dash, hugging her and catching her off guard. "I'm so, so sorry Rainbow Dash! I just wanted to hang out with you for so long and show you how cool I am and that you could take me under your wing, teach me everything you know and be like my big sister. But then you started to tell those scary stories, I got scared, and these Nightmare Dream Eater things came after me and... and..."
Scootaloo then broke down, crying into Rainbow Dash's chest, surprising the cyan mare as she sat down, stroking her head to try and calm her down.
"Hey, I'm gonna tell ya a secret." Rainbow Dash said. "But if you tell anyone, I'll deny it. You see, when I first heard those stories, I was kinda scared myself."
"Y-you were?" Scootaloo asked.
"Sure I was." Rainbow Dash replied. "But I got over it pretty quickly because I knew if there was a thing like a Headless Horse, I'd take it on." She then called her Keyblade, which it appeared next to her and used her hoof to hold it. "Especially with this bad boy." She then dismissed it, reaching her wing to Scootaloo and pulling her in. "And if you're looking for somepony to take you in other than Spyro, sure I might be up to something like that."
"Really!?" Scootaloo asked.
"As long as you don't go falling into anymore rivers in the middle of the night." Rainbow Dash said.
"Deal." Scootaloo said.
"Scootaloo!" Spyro shouted, flying down and running to her. "Are you ok!? Any injuries!? Why the heck did you run out in the middle of the night!?"
"I'm alright Spyro, don't worry." Scootaloo said. "Thanks to Rainbow Dash here saving me from that Waterfall."
"Waterfall!?" Spyro exclaimed.
"Heh, long story." Rainbow Dash said, hugging Scootaloo. "For now, let's get back to the cave and get some sleep. We got a fun day tomorrow."
The three of them made their way back to the cave while Spyro remained close to his sister, making sure she didn't do anything like this again. The next morning when everyone woke up, they sawe that they were near Winsome falls, which was a place where rainbow colored waterfalls were falling from the clouds, making beautiful scene for everyone to observe, everuone amazed by it.
"Oh, oh, I can sister teams!" Sweeite Belle shouted. "Last one down to Winsome Falls is a moldy carrot!"
"Uh, if you insist." Rarity said, trotting along before smiling as Sweetie Belle ran ahead of her. "Oh it is so on!"
She then ran after her sister with Applejack and Apple Bloom after them, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo smiling as they looked at Spyro, who also smiled.
"Go on, have some fun." Spyro said.
"Oh, we're going to!" Rainbow Dash said, extending her wings. "They think they can out run us?"
Scootaloo unfurled her wings, though small, she smiled as Rainbow Dash oicked her up and flew with her, holding her in the air as Scootaloo was smiling, cheering as they flew across the falls while Spyro watched, smiling to himself, but then looked depressed, remembering what had happened last night and about how she almost lost her life falling into a waterfall as he decided to do something. He lifted one of his bracers up and slide it back, activating the bracers to contact AIVA.
"AIVA, you there?" Spyro asked.
"I'm always here sir." AIVA replied. "I have continued to run the blood samples, but have found nothing out of the ordinary about it."
"Well, keep looking." Spyro replied. "And dig up anything about blue flaming dragons with exposed bones and covered in darkness. Also, I need you to get the forge and the workstations ready for me upon my return. It's time for a new project."
"Certainly sir." AIVA replied. "Everything will be ready for you when you return. May I inquire as to the name of your new project sir?"
"Project: Light Wing." Spyro replied, ending the transmission.
He then took off into the air, following the others to join in on the fun, going on and on all day until night came, which everyone was asleep again, but this time Scootaloo was near Spyro, finally getting a peaceful nights sleep and as she dreamed, she dreamed of walking through the same forest that her nightmares happened in, except they were more colorful and less threatening as Scootaloo enjoyed it all.
"Whose got my rusty horse shoe!?" The olden mare asked, scarring Scootaloo as her eyes were glowing red.
However, a moment later, a Tyranto Rex bite down on the mare, which turned into a Yoggy Horn as it screached in pain, the Tyranto swinging it around before tossing it into the air and munching on it, swallowing the Nightmare and burping as it looked at Scootaloo, who was giggling as the Spirit waged it's tail, the two running off into the dream as the filly laughed as she played with the Dream while Spyro was nearby, smiling as he was pleased to see his sister happy.