//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: So Far Still Alive // Story: The Flame Chronicles // by FlameBrony1625 //------------------------------// "Uuuhhhh..." I haven't uttered a single word since she spoke. I've just been staring at this... goddess for who knows how long. All I could feel was the aching muscles in my jawline and my eyes wide open. The princess let out a soft giggle. "Please do not be afraid, young one. I mean you absolutely no harm." Her voice was so... soothing. Not gonna lie, my rising fear that I had when I walked through those doors were starting to drop significantly. I blinked twice, then shook my head rapidly. "Uuhh... I-I'm sorry... Your Majesty." I did a slight bow, but before I could do it full on, I lost my balance and landed face first. God, this is humiliating. I heard the darker princess, Luna, from behind Celestia chuckling at my embarrassing action. "Do not be embarrassed, Alex." Celestia said while helping me back to my feet. "I'm sure you'll get used to this body soon enough." Wait. She already has me figured out?! She knows I'm not from here!? I quickly looked up to her, and gave her a shocked expression. "You... you already know that I'm not actually from here!?" She gave me a nod, and then I heard flapping sounds coming from behind her. Luna landed next to Celestia and looked at me. "'Tis true, we know of your true origins, but how you arrived here is a mystery, even to me and my sister." She spoke to me in a normal voice unlike that megaphone she made from her vocal chords earlier. Wait... that voice... it sounds... somewhat familiar. "Excuse me, Your Majesty, but... were you that voice that was speaking to me before I passed out when I arrived?" She looked confused by my question. "Umm... I don't recall doing something like that. But even if I had such a power, I would do so immediately after knowing of your arrival here." "Huh." I responded simply before I had an actual question to ask. "Well... by any chance would you know anyone capable of doing that?" Before Luna could give me a straight answer, Celestia lifted up her large hoof. "Let's discuss that later. I've asked the staff to prepare us some snacks in the dining hall prior to your arrival. Please join us, you must be starving." Right at the nick of time, I felt, and heard, my stomach growl. Both princesses giggled, while I felt heat on my cheeks and chuckled embarrassingly, rubbing the back of my head. "No need to feel embarrassed, Alex. Lying in a bed for two weeks can work up an appetite, does it not?" She asked that with a wink. Was that a tiny sense of teasing coming from this goddess? "Hehe, yeah." "Please, follow us." Luna started to walk away from us. "We shall dine together!" That last part was a little unnecessary. I looked back up at Celestia, who still didn't get rid of that smile. She looked down at me, and simply shrugged, causing both of us to giggle, and we both started to follow Luna. I was walking down the massive hallway of this huge castle, and I was in between both of the rulers of this world. We were also being accompanied by several guards, which didn't really surprise me. I can't fault them for their loyalty, but they could kinda take it down a notch, especially that pegasus guard that demanded I respect the princesses. Saddles and Flash were right. I don't know what the heck I was freaking out about earlier. These ponies are the rulers of this alien world, and they are the nicest ponies I've met since I've been here. We've only known each other for a few minutes and we've already shared a few laughs, and they haven't tried to kill me. We walked in silence, and I felt like I needed to ask more questions. I looked up to Celestia. "Excuse me, Your Majesty, but how did-" "Uh uh uh." Pardon me, what? "No questions until you've had a full belly." She looked down at me and gave me a wink. I blinked twice, but nonetheless I nodded. "No need to worry, Alexander." Luna decided to speak, somehow knowing my full name. "Whatever questions you have for us, we will do our very best to answer them. Though we might have a few questions of our own, that is if you're comfortable with that." They pretty much know who I am anyway, so I feel like I don't have anything to hide. I simply shrugged. "Sure, I don't mind." Luna smiled and nodded, and we continued our walk. "Though I am curious." Celestia spoke, catching my attention. "We requested you'd be escorted by our guard Flash Sentry. I trust he didn't give you any problems?" "HA! Anything but. Sure, he has a bit of a mouth on him, but all of that aside he's pretty cool. I'd like to hang with him sometime." Celestia gave me a smile and a nod. "That's a relief to hear. Sometimes he has a little trouble with... authority. But he's a very valuable addition to our royal guard." Sounds like John, alright. He's an idiot, that's a given. But when he actually uses his brain for once, he's actually pretty useful. "Besides, thanks to his ancestry to Flash Magnus, it would be completely foolish to decline him." Luna decided to chime in. Wow. They make this Magnus guy sound like a really big deal. "Huh, didn't expect to hear something like that. Who was this Flash Magnus?" "He was part of the ancient Royal Legion of Cloudsdale, the hometown of all pegasi." Cloudsdale? There's actually a city in the clouds in this world?! Here come the Empire Strikes Back flashbacks. "He was quite a legend back in the day." Luna spoke. "Now he's a drill sergeant for the Royal Guard here in Canterlot." Wait... now? "Uhh, didn't you say he was Flash's ancestor?" Luna looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "Yes? He was brought back from limbo along with the other Pillars of Old." Limbo? Pillars of Old?! This is too much information to take in. I'm pretty sure I felt my eyes roll around in every direction, and I think my headache's starting to come back. I have more questions than I already have. I heard Celestia laugh a bit. "Luna, please. You're confusing him. He's not from Equestria, remember?" I saw a blush on Luna's face, and she laughed sheepishly. "Uhh, my apologies. It's easy to forget not everypony's up to date with today's current events." Yeah, either that, or the fact that I'm not a pony, or the fact that I'm not from this world, but I won't take my sarcasm out on royalty. I'll save that for someone like Flash. "Hehe, it's okay, I guess." "Ahh." Celestia suddenly exclaimed. "We are near the dining hall. I think you'll enjoy our sweets, Alex." And before I knew it, all three of us were in front of a double door, but not as big as the ones to the throne room. Celestia lit her horn up, which was covered in a yellow aura, and opened both the doors. What I saw beyond the doorway made my eyes widen and my mouth was starting to water. The dining hall was fairly large, but nowhere near as big as the throne room. There were stain glass windows just like the previous rooms, but I don't think they were mentioning anything important like the one I saw before I met the princesses. But of course the main attraction was the extremely long dining table in the middle of the room, and on it were many trays, plates, and bowls filled with many varieties of fruits, vegetables, and sweets. Never did I ever think they would make anything look this delicious here in pony world. "Come, Alex." Celestia's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "They look delicious, don't they? I'd hate to have to eat them all by myself." Luna looked at her with a confused expression. "Uhh sister, I'm-" "Shh!" Not gonna lie, Celestia's got a sense of humor, but she's not getting those sweets unless I have something to say about it. Like a dog who's anxiously ready to get their food, I started running to the dining table. But of course since I haven't fully gotten used to being a quadruped, I tumbled headfirst to the surprisingly clean and slippery floor, and managed to slide all the way to the chair, and I stopped as I bumped my nose against one of the legs. I heard both princesses laughing, and I think I even heard some of the guards snickering. Honestly, I'm way too hungry to care that I just made a fool of myself again. I managed to get up on my own for once, then climbed up the chair and sat my hungry rump down. I noticed I was in a middle section of the table, and the Princesses each sat on the other sides, Celestia to my left, and Luna to my right. "I think you'll find these quite tasty." Celestia's horn glowed once again, and a handful of pastries and fruits hovered on a plate, then the entire dish was levitating toward me. "Please... before I eat it myself." I picked up what looked like a blueberry muffin and sniffed it a little. Yep, a blueberry muffin. And was that vanilla extract? I guess being a dragon must heighten my senses or something, but I don't really feel a difference. Either way, it smells like a normal muffin to me. I opened my surprisingly wide mouth, and lifted up the muffin, and took a large bite and started chewing. Oooohhh mmyyyyy gooood. "This is... THE BEST MUFFIN I EVER HAD!" Without even thinking, I dove my face into the plate, and started shoving these gifts from the gods down my throat. I probably looked like an animal... as ironic as that sounds. I only just started to realize now what I was doing. I stopped my feeding frenzy and slowly lifted my head away from the plate, some crumbs and juice from all the pastries and fruits dripping off my face. I saw the princesses look at me with shocked expressions, and even saw the guards looking at me with wide eyes, as if I just committed a serious crime in front of the princesses. I don't think I've ever felt my cheeks this hot before. "Umm..." I honestly didn't know how to react right now. Then at that moment, I started hearing snickering. I looked at Luna, who was covering her mouth with a hoof. Then I looked at Celestia, who was biting her lower lip, and I think I see her eyes watering. Then a few seconds later, both of them start laughing out loud. It wasn't very long until I joined in, and I even heard a few of the guards laughing as well. A minute or two has passed, and we all eventually calmed down. Celestia wiped a tear with a hoof, and looked at me still trying to keep her composure. "I hehe think it's been a hehe long time since anypony made me hehe laugh so hard." "Indeed." Luna spoke, noticeably a little calmer than her sister. "It felt good to let that out. Thank you, Alexander." I rubbed the back of my head. "Well I can't lie to ya, I've always been kind of a goofball back at home. I guess that's one of the few things that never left me when I get older." I picked up a chalice and started drinking what I'm pretty sure was punch. "I completely understand that." Celestia spoke. "Me and Luna try our best to be like our youth despite being thousands of years old." POOSSSSSHHHH I coughed up a storm after spitting out my drink. I looked back and forth between Celestia and Luna with a mind-boggled expression. "Did you just... What are... You both are over a thousand years old?!" "Ten thousand, to be exact." Luna said in an 'as-a-matter-of-fact' way. This is heavy. They don't look like they've aged even a day over 15... horse life spans are usually around 30 years. "That's... that's amazing! I can only imagine what kind of stories you two must have if you've lived that long." "Yes, but... some we choose to... keep to ourselves." Luna said that in kind of a more solemn tone. It kinda caught me off guard. "Right... sorry." Luna gave me a friendly smile. "Don't be sorry, Alexander. It's just something I'd rather keep to myself. I hope you can understand that." I gave her a nod. "Yeah, I gotcha. And please, call me Alex. The only one who ever called me by my full name was my mother whenever I got in trouble, hehe." Luna giggled. "Ok... Alex." As much fun as I'm having, I think it's about time we finally get down to business. "If it's not too much trouble, Your Majesties, but I think it's about time we all got down to brass tacks." They both looked at me with raised eyebrows. I guess human sayings haven't made their way to pony world. "It means let's get to the point." They both changed their expressions as if they got what I said. "Yes, I believe it is about time we get to the point." Celestia said before she levitated a cup and took a sip of what I'm gonna assume is tea, as cliché as it sounds. "You undoubtedly have many questions that need to be answered." "And as I said before." Luna spoke. "We will answer them as best we can, and hopefully it will be to your satisfaction." I gave out a sigh, and I have a feeling I finally might be able to get the answers I've been looking for this whole damn time I've been here. "Ok then, well then I guess I'll start off with this. Where exactly am I?" "You are in the Kingdom of Equestria. It has been our home for thousands of years." Celestia said in a proud manner. "Overall, you're on the planet Equis." Horse puns. Big surprise. "Alright, simple enough." I tried to think of which one of my bajillion questions I wanted to ask. Now that I think about it, there was something I wanted to ask Celestia. "When we first met, how exactly did you know my name." She looked at me with an almost emotionless face. "Because I can read your mind." She said in a pretty sinister voice. It actually scared me. However, her face lightened up and she laughed a bit. "Gotcha. The truth is that word spreads around a lot here in Canterlot when something strange happens. A mysterious dragon wakes up from a coma two weeks after being found outside the city gates, and introduces himself as 'Alex Flame'. Forgive me if I'm being blunt, but I wouldn't call that the most well thought out name." Geez, is this gonna be a running gag for me? Just because I didn't think hard enough on what my name should be? I waved her off. "Yeah, yeah. It was the first thing that came to mind. And I was under pressure, ya know?! I didn't want Flash to think I was a lunatic, whatever good that did." Luna chuckled. "I agree it may not be the best name, but I don't mind it one bit." I felt a tiny bit of heat on my cheeks. "Hehe, thanks. Oh, I almost forgot! I mentioned I heard a disembodied voice before I passed out. I know you said it wasn't you, but do you have any idea who it could've been?" "Ahh yes, that." She lifted her tea cup with her magic and took a sip, then looked back at me. "There is only one individual in the thousands of years we've been alive that had that kind of power naturally. However, she has been dead for many millennia, so it can't possibly be the case." I would ask who it would be anyway, but it really doesn't matter if she's dead. But then again... the voice was female. "Hmm... well alright then.", I said simply before I was ready to ask the next question. "I know you're both princesses and all but what exactly is your role as the rulers of Magic Ponyland?" Luna giggled at my joke. "I am known as the Princess of the Night. My job is to walk through the dream realm and visit ponies while they sleep and protect them from nightmares, as well as raising the moon and filling the night sky with bright stars." The only response I could give her was wide eyes and an open mouth. I mean for real?! She can visit whoever she likes through their dreams?! And what was that crap about raising the moon? I looked at Celestia, begging her to tell me she was joking. However, she simply just shrugged! "So then I guess that means you lift up the sun?" I asked in a semi-sarcastic manner. But the only answer I got from her was a nod. I stared at her for a few seconds, and blinked. "Excuse me for a bit." I picked up the chalice again, and took a sip of the punch. POOSSSSSSHHHHH I wiped the rest of the punch off my lips. "That's just not possible! You can't just physically move the sun and the moon! They should only be moving depending on a rotating reference frame. The planets rotation is what depends on the rise and fall of the sun and moon!" Honestly I don't know if what I said was 100% accurate, but I know how it works thanks to my astronomy class. Celestia gave out a chuckle. "I can assure you, my dear dragon, that we can do exactly that. After we're done with this meeting, we can show you what we can do, since it's almost that time anyway." Did I sense a bit of a challenging tone in her voice? "To answer your question." Luna grabbed my attention back to her. "The reason I was able to talk to you telepathically was because you were in a state of consciousness where I would effectively be able to communicate with you for a short amount of time, seeing as it wouldn't be long until you were comatose. It's not exactly the easiest thing to explain, but I hope it at least gives you and idea." It was a little confusing, but I did get the gist of it. "Yeah, I guess it does. Now, another thing that has me curious. Why exactly did you ask to see me, and what was it about me that caught your attention?" "Yes, your arrival was indeed a surprise to us both." Luna spoke, then looked at Celestia. "However, there was... something else about you." I looked at her with a raised eyebrow, because I have absolutely no idea what she meant by that. I turned my head to Celestia. "Uhh, do ya care to elaborate on what she meant by that?" She took another sip of her tea. Apparently sipping tea builds up tension. "When you arrived in Equestria, Luna and I... felt something from you. For some reason, it felt slightly... familiar, but at the same time we can't exactly put our hoof on it. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough, but right now it's a complete mystery." Well... that's interesting. Apparently they felt something from me when I arrived in this world. I wouldn't be surprised if they told me I was the next Dragonborn. I thought about what exactly it was they felt from me, but I doubt I'll ever figure that out. Then suddenly, another question popped in. "While we're on the topic of me arriving here, do y'all know exactly how I got here?" Celestia and Luna looked at each other, both with uncertain expressions on their faces. Luna was the first to speak. "Unfortunately we do not know of how you got here. When we sensed your arrival, that was the first time we knew of your existence. "You wouldn't happen to remember what happened to you before you arrived in Equestra by any chance, do you?" Celestia asked, obviously curious. I had to think back two weeks ago when I got done with my Economics project. It was the night before I was supposed to go to the game with my friends. God I can only imagine what they might be thinking of me right now. They probably think I'm dead... I'll worry about that later. "I remember I got done with some schoolwork, and I was ready to go home. I stopped to take a moment and look at the night sky, enjoying the view of the stars. Then at that moment, some giant, rainbow colored comet crashed down on me. Next thing I knew, I was in Canterlot Hospital." I grabbed the chalice once more and took a sip of the punch, but this time I didn't spit it out. It was actually really tasty, and I'm pretty sure it was fruit punch flavored, which is my favorite. After I put the chalice down, I noticed it was unusually quiet. I looked at both the princesses, and they were looking at me with wide eyes. It was kinda making me uncomfortable. "Uhh... what?" "Forgive me." Celestia spoke first. "But if I heard correctly, did you just say that before you arrived, you were hit by a rainbow colored comet?" "That's... exactly what I just said, yeah." They both looked at each other, still holding their shocked expressions. "Sister, are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Luna asked. "I don't want to believe it, but I don't think it's anything else." Okay, what the heck is going on now? "But we haven't seen nor heard from it in thousands of years!" Luna exclaimed in a more concerned tone. "Excuse me, your Majesties!" I grabbed both their attention. "Sorry for interrupting, but can any of y'all tell me exactly what's going on?" They looked at each other once more, then back to me. Celestia spoke. "Alex, I believe what you have encountered was Althea's Comet." Of course, why wouldn't it have it's own name? "And that is..." "There's an old legend." Luna grabbed my attention. "It is said that Althea's Comet is a random event that occurs every few thousand years. However, it doesn't stay in this world. It is said to have so much magic energy that it has the ability to supposedly teleport to different worlds. We never knew what exactly it could do, but I suppose we're looking at it right now, or rather... 'him'." So in nutshell, a magical, colorful shooting star that transports anyone to pony land and gives them a new body. Wonderful. "There has to be a reason why it chose you." Chose?! Could this be any more insane?! "Are you saying I'm in Equestria because I was chosen by a shooting star? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard since I've been here, and trust me, that's sayin' something." "I understand that you have more questions after hearing that, even we do, and we are more than willing to answer them." Celestia spoke, while standing up from her chair, causing Luna to do the same. "However, that will have to wait until tomorrow. It is time to raise the moon." "Normally I'd object since I have more questions, but I gotta see this." I climbed off the chair and walked towards Celestia. "Then follow us, and we will show something I think you'll find quite amazing." Oh, this oughta be good. After climbing many, many, many flights of stairs, we finally managed to make it to the balcony. I really need to get these wings working as soon as possible. My whole body was aching, and I was still panting. "Couldn't... we just... use the... front door?" Both Luna and Celestia laughed, and the latter spoke. "And did you really want to miss this view?" She emphasized her point by pointing a hoof in front of her. I managed to catch my breath, and walked to where the princess was pointing. What I saw next absolutely blew me away. Not only did I manage to get a great view of the city, but it was what lied beyond the city that caught my eye. As far as the eye can see, there was nothing but several rows of large mountains, and in between them was a fairly long river. "It's... beautiful." Both the princesses were looking at me with humble smiles. But before I could enjoy the view more, I noticed that the city was in fact really high off the ground. I looked back and saw nothing but a wall of stone, and turned back to the princesses. "Are we... on a mountain?" I wasn't all that scared of heights, but this really caught me off guard. Celestia chuckled at my question. "Yes we are, but no need to worry. This city has stood tall and strong for thousands of years." Well that's a relief. "Now, I take it your ready to see what we can do?" I looked at her with a raised eyebrow, then I nodded, ready to see if they were all talk or not. Celestia stared at the horizon for a few seconds, then closed her eyes. Her massive horn lit up in a yellow aura. I looked at the sun for a bit. but it didn't move. Eh, I figured as much. Wait... It moved down a bit. And now it's moving faster! My eyes widened and mouth locked opened at the sight that I'm seeing... She wasn't kidding! She's actually moving the sun! The sun was completely out of view when it moved under the mountains. I looked at Celestia while holding the same expression, and she gave me a smirk saying 'told ya'. "Now it is my turn." I turned to Luna, who already had her eyes closed. Her horn was engulfed in a dark blue aura. I instantly looked at the mountains. A few seconds have passed, and finally, there it was. A humongous, crescent moon has risen from behind the mountains, and at the same time, the sky turned dark, and was filled with an infinite amount of stars. Absolutely none of this made sense, but it was amazing nonetheless. "Wow... I don't know what to say." "You don't have to say anything." Celestia spoke. "Just enjoy the view." With pleasure. We all stared at the sky for a few minutes, and after the time passed, I let out an audible yawn, which caught the princesses' attention. "I guess two weeks in a coma wasn't enough." They both giggled at that. Then to my surprise, Celestia laid down in front of me, and gave me a smile. "Climb on. I don't think you want to walk down those stairs." "Yes, ma'am." I climbed on her back and laid down on it. Then we all made our way to the stairs. We ended our trek down the stairs. Celestia laid down again to let me off. I jumped off her back, and of course I stumbled a little bit, but I managed to stay on my feet. I think I'm starting to get the hang being on all fours. "Thank you for coming to see us per our request, Alex." Celestia said sweetly, giving me a friendly smile. "I had a great time getting to know you today." "I agree." Luna spoke. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Alex." I gave both of them a bow, and this time I didn't fall on my face. "Thank you, Your Majesties. It was a pretty interesting day." "Please, no need for the formalities anymore." Celestia said, causing me to look up to her." You're our friend now. You may call us Celestia and Luna. But if you insist, you can call us princess." I didn't know what to say at first. I just met two of Equestria's rulers not even an hour ago and they already consider me their friend? "I... Well, thanks Your Ma- I mean... Celestia." She nodded and smiled. "Now, no doubt you must be tired." She looked to her left and gave a head motion telling someone to 'come here'. "I'll have one of my guards escort you to the guest room. I trust it will be to your liking." I gave her one last bow. "Thank you." Celestia gave me another nod and a sweet smile before turning away and heading to what I'm guessing would be her bedroom. Luna soon followed suit, but not before giving me one last look. "Sweet dreams, Alex." She gave me a wink. I sent her a smile. "Night, Luna." Next thing I knew, both Princesses have left my sight. Those two really are incredible. I seriously can't believe I was so afraid to meet them before. I heard clip clopping coming from my right, and looked to find the source. It was that same pegasus guard that yelled at me before. I kinda frowned as I saw him. I don't normally hold grudges, but this guy didn't really give off a good first impression. "Please follow me, sir." He said in a gruff voice. Oh, so now he calls me sir. How polite of him. I let out a sigh, and looked back at him. "Lead the way, then." I said in an emotionless voice, but he didn't pay any mind to it, and gave me a nod. The walk was honestly pretty uneventful. I think we've been walking for about 10 minutes. I was walking behind this guy and we didn't exchange a single word. I just want to go to bed already. "We're here." His voice kinda startled me, since we've been walking in silence this whole time. We stopped in front of a somewhat tall door. "This is your room. I believe you'll find it comfortable." I shrugged in response. "Thanks I guess." "And if I may, sir. I'd like to apologize for my behavior earlier." That was honestly unexpected. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "I wasn't thinking when I said those things. I uhh... take my job very seriously. I will do anything to protect the princesses." I know this guy was probably a bit of a grouch, but I definitely can't fault him for his loyalty. I might give him a chance, so I gave him a smile. "Eh, don't sweat it, dude. You were just doing your job, so I can't fault you for that." He smiled and gave me a nod. "I'll let you get comfortable. Have a good night, sir." And after that, he walked away, leaving me alone. I walked up to the door and pushed it open, and the other side revealed my bedroom. It didn't look like it was anything too special. But what I could see was a door leading outside, so it must have a balcony. But of course the main reason I'm in here was the bed. It looked queen sized, which is the same sized bed I have back at home. I walked to the bed, and laid a hand on the sheets. I believe it was silk, and it felt very soft. But there was only one way to test that out. Placed both hands on the bed, and climbed up on the bed. Hooolllyyy crap. These are probably the softest sheets I've ever laid on. Without wasting anymore time, I pulled the covers over me, and found myself a comfortable position to sleep. Man, what a day it's been. I can't imagine what tomorrow's gonna be like.