//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 - The Reunion // Story: Guardian of Legends - Return of the Sage // by The Hero of Harmony //------------------------------// Castle of the Royal Sisters - Equestria 1100 years ago Kurisu was standing a ways from the young Princess of the Night, with the eldest simply watching from the sidelines from her throne. He had a content look on his face, though it was hard to tell if he was smiling or not considering his face was partially covered by a face cover. His hand slowly rested on the grip of his sword that was sheathed, his calm brown eyes gazing over at the alicorn. "...You sure you want to do this, Princess? I warn you: I won't go easy on you just because you are royalty." He said in a calm tone. Luna just stood with strong confidence from across the individual. She was wearing her armor, obsidian black with a crescent moon etched on the center of her 'breastplate' and helmet that allowed her lustrous blue mane that sparkled like the night sky out. She was levitating her sword, a light blue blade with two dark blue wings and a crescent moon on the hilt, matching her coat color. "We are certain, good Sage. Tis would be a squander if we did not test thou mettle with the blade, and see if thou has what it takes to last against thee." Luna replied. Celestia, simply sipping tea on her throne, watching the two. "Lulu, remember he is our guest. I am just as interested to see how he fares against an alicorn, and see if you..." Celestia stops as she tries to think of the word Crimson said he was when he arrived a several weeks prior. "Human. I am a human, Princess." He said with a chuckle. She smiled and nods. "Thank you dear, to see what you humans are capable of, so try not to destroy the place, dear sister. I know how you get when it comes to sparring." She finished with a sip. Luna rolls her eyes. "Do not worry thyself, Tia. We won't hurt our guest too badly, although thou better not hold back against me." The lunar princess emphasized by pointing her blade at Kurisu. He closed his eyes, as he slowly draws out his his blade from its scabbard. The sisters could sense strong magic radiating from the sword. The type of enchantment on it was something they couldn't figure out, which only made Luna more anxious, and Celestia interested. "This is just a sparring match, and not a battle to the death. Believe me, I rather not have the conscience of killing a princess of this land by accident looming over me. So, just to be safe on both parties..." He pulls out one of his rods that were tied to his back, the Wizard's Rod, and walks over to Luna, who just eyes the rod he has as he raises it up into the air. "Wall." He muttered quietly. The rod's orb glowed brightly as the two opponents were surrounded by two different colored barriers, one blue and one green. "What spells have thou cast on us?" Luna asked. "A potent protection spell known as Wall. It brings up two barriers around the target that generates that gives Protect and Shell, which halves any damage taken from physical and magic attacks respectively. At least we won't be worse for wear if we do go all out, but even then it will hurt a bit." He explained. Celestia listened, as she bring up a parchment and begun to write down some notes in regards to the protection spell Kurisu cast on himself and Luna. She was curious to see if he would use anymore of his spells during this little match, smiling at the thought. She was also thankful that he was kind enough to give themselves a bit of extra protection from hits they are surely going to sustain. "We thank thee for looking out for our well-being, good Sage. However, it does not change how this match shall end!" Luna declares proudly. He just grinned under his face cover. He then breathes in deeply, bringing out the Enhancer up to his face and closes his eyes, exhaling. He opens his eyes, before twirling the blade to his side as he got into his ready position. "Shall we begin, Princess?" He asked. "Have at thee!" Luna replied. The two rush at each other, the young sage looking rather calm and collected as he brings his sword up. Luna does the same, focused on her opponent, as the two meet head on and blades clash, echoing through the room. Castle of the Royal Sisters - Equestria Present Time Both blades, Kurisu's Enhancer, and Nightmare Moon's blade clashed as the metal sparked off one another, the alicorn waving the blade around with her magic in finesse and speed that Kurisu only matched as the two locked eyes on one another, all the while Twilight was sitting there dumbfounded by what she was witnessing. "Hahahaha! We haven't had this much of a thrilling match in such a long time! You clearly haven't lost your touch, Sage..." Nightmare complemented. The sage didn't say a word, as the two continue clashing, so much so they end up teleporting all over the room, with Twilight trying to keep up, and process this. They then land a ways from each other as they stared down. Kurisu waves his blade up, as it shined briefly. "Come light!" He commanded. As he does, several orange visages of his blade appeared behind him as they tilt forward and immediately home in on Nightmare Moon, whom managed to dodge most of them, and block the remaining ones. "You are not the only one that can do that." The alicorn smirked. Several runes appeared around the alicorn, as her blade glowed a deep blue aura. The runes shined as several ghostly blades resembling hers began shooting out at a rapid pace toward the sage. In responses, Kurisu begins dashing across the place, as the ghostly blades chase after him, as he takes cover behind a pillar, the blades stab through the stone. He then whips out the mace of Zeus as he starts casting several fire balls, in the form of Fira, that fly toward the alicorn. Seeing them, she swipes the balls of flame with her blade, managing to dispel them. Using this chance, Kurisu warps from his spot and reappears as he rushes at Nightmare with his blade up. He then waves his hand across it, as it glowed a red with heat. He leaps at her, which makes the alicorn block the blow, but the moment the blades connect, the Enhancer then unleashes the Firaga spell that was spell bound to it and caused a large fiery explosion, sending Nightmare Moon flying back into the way. Despite receiving some burns, she rushes from her spot, glaring at her target. She was about to strike, but suddenly gets blown upward by a sudden gust of wind. Kurisu casts Aerora, which unleashed a moderately sized, green funnel of wind, that sent Nightmare into the air. "Gravity." Kurisu mutters. Before she could react, a dark ball of heavy gravity appeared above Nightmare and sends her crashing into the ground, as the ball disappears. Kurisu points his blade at her as he stands over her. "Give up?" He asked. The alicorn just growls as swipes her blade at him, causing him to parry her blow, causing him to counter as he strikes a part of her armor, making a clean incision on the already charred gear. "...Well that is one thing that remains consistent with you: your stubbornness to yield when I have the upper hand." Kurisu said coolly. "Heheheh, you say that... But it appears you are blind to see that is going to change." Nightmare replied, giving a smirk. Kurisu raises a brow, when something beneath him sparks. "Oh dammit-- gah!" Kurisu gets trapped in place by a trap spell, that shocked him into place. "...If there is one thing I can give you credit for... It's that you know how to surprise your foe... Urk!" He winced. Nightmare Moon proceeds to chuckle as she walks past him, while keeping her blade focused on him as it points at him. "We have to admit, you certainly know how to keep us on our hooves, Sage. So much like in the past... Days we sparred, and do what we can to surpass the warrior blessed by the light..." She gloats. "You are strong, however this night has shown that even a being such as yourself can not hope to stop what we can accomplish! I failed in stopping Celestia centuries ago, having been sealed away on the very body I control, because of those blasted Elements of Harmony..." She said, now her attention turned back on Twilight and the shattered remains of the Elements. "And now, they are no more! The magic that resided in those relics are gone, and have been ever since Celestia used them on us, and without her or the sun, we can finally begin our eternal rule over Equestria as the night shall come forth, forever more!" She laughed evilly. Kurisu continues getting shocked. Normally this wouldn't bother him, considering he had a rather strong resistance to magic, but here Nightmare Moon is just pumping a lot into him with her magic. He knew he couldn't focus while this was happening, and any attempt to move just made him receive stronger surges of magic. "Why not join us, Sage? Tis would be a shame to let your strength and potential go to waste... After all, we are old friends are we not?" Nightmare asked, resting the tip of her mane on his chin. Old friends... Friendship. He wondered for a moment. "..A-and if I refuse to join you?" He asked. The alicorn didn't say anything, aside amping up the trap spell, causing him to grunt in pain, doing what he can to take it. When it stops again, he is then greeted with several visages of her blade point all around him. "...Tch, figures... Do away with one of your strongest opposition..." He chuckled. Nightmare then turned to look at him, raising a brow. "...What? What do you mean by one of our strongest forms of opposition?" She asked. "It got me thinking a bit... Now, yeah you did shatter the Elements into pieces, possibly shattering any hope of the ponies here before I came back... But one has to ask and wonder: could the Elements of Harmony truly be destroyed? I mean... You and Celestia both wielded that power in the past, you seen how powerful it was... When you were banished to the Moon... Wonder why they were likely at their strongest back in the past...? The powers of harmony are fueled by one thing that can be near impossible to break if it is strong enough." He looks deep into Nightmare Moon's eyes. "...You, me... Celestia... In the brief time I came to this world, we shared a strong bond, one that I still hold in high regard... Even after all this time. Of all the places I been too and the allies met and bonded with... You and Celestia were the strongest I had... And even now, even with the darkness taking over you... You're still my friend, and I know deep inside your heart, you hold regret and remorse for your actions." He explained slowly. For a brief moment, he was sure he saw a glint of what looked like Luna inside there, and he saw sadness and remorse... However, Nightmare just shakes it off as she scoffs. "Pfft, your sentimental values fall on deaf ears, Sage... You have no idea of the years of torment and pain we had to suffer. Friendship is nothing more than farce, a sham!" She said venomously. The statement, however, seems to resonate with Twilight, as at that moment, she could hear the girls coming up the stairwell behind her calling for her out of worry and concern. It clicked, as her eyes sparkled in realization. "He's right..." Twilight said softly. Nightmare Moon then turns her head toward her, glaring. "What did you say, foal?" Twilight then stands up, suddenly feeling a bit more confident. "I said, he is right! The Elements couldn't be destroyed just like that! Because the Elements of Harmony are right here!" Twilight stands up, and declares as the others finally come into the room and stand around Twilight. They looked confused, seeing Nightmare Moon and the strange creature in red stuck in a trap. What have they missed while trying to find their way up to the room? Twilight then looks to each of the ponies that came with her, listing off each of their represented element as the shards began to glow and circle around them. Nightmare Moon was now feeling anxious, but remained defiant as she glared at the six ponies. "The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!" Twilight said as she points her hoof to Nightmare Moon. "...Must've been one hell of a challenge you gave them then..." Kurisu muttered. Nightmare Moon ignores him. "You still do not have the sixth Element! The spark didn't work!!" She stamped her hoof down, causing the ground to crack. Twilight shook her head, while remaining confident. "But it did! A different kind of spark!" Twilight looks to the girls. "I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all... Are my friends!" A bright light shines out, causing Nightmare Moon to shield her eyes with a wing, and thus losing focus on the spell that kept Kurisu trapped, as he is able to use Dispel and remove the spell completely. The light reveals to be another orb, this time with a starburst shaped carved into it and begins to float down above Twilight's head. "You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the... The spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of... magic!" The six ponies began to float up into the air, as the shards surrounding the five ponies combined and become a necklace with a gemstone of each of their cutie marks: Fluttershy a pink butterfly, Rainbow Dash a red thunderbolt, Pinkie a cyan colored balloon, Rarity a purple diamond, and Applejack an orange apple. The Element of Magic then transforms into a crown that rests on Twilight's head, which has a gemstone of a pink starburst. Nightmare Moon, however, was not going to take this sitting down. "No... No! NOOOO! WE SHALL NOT STAND FOR THIS!!!" She screamed. Making one last ditch effort, she begins charging her horn as the dark aura around her radiates around her, causing the earth to shake. The six ponies were floating there as an easy target, even while the light around them shines. "BEGONE!!! Nightmare Moon screams as a large beam of dark magic shoots out of her horn. Kurisu, however, wasn't going to let that slide. He then teleports in front of the beam, as he uses Shell and raised a magical barrier up to protect the ponies. However, considering how weakened he was from the trap, still being a bit of pain, and having low mana as he tries to use it to keep the barrier up, it is starting to crack a bit. "C-Come on... Luna...! Open your eyes... I know you're in there... Please, my friend... Find your way back to the light!!" He yells. The barrier cracks even more as starts to feel more drained, trying to keep it together. Nightmare Moon was just not going to let up, her eyes glowing white and bearing her fangs. "BEGONE!!!!" She screams. However, as she does, something flashes before here, causing her to momentarily drop her guard. And then it gets more frequent. "W-what?! I-impossible!" She cursed. For a moment, Kurisu was certain he heard a scared, yet familiar voice. "Make this stop... Please help us...!" "Luna...? Is that you? Luna...!" Kurisu called out. All the while, the small crystal shard that hung around Kurisu's neck glowed a pale light, as the light essences sparkles out and toward the bearers of the Elements. The rainbow beam from the Elements finally stream upward as it moves down,.combined with the power of light within the crystal, shoots out past Kurisu, through his barrier, and collides into Nightmare Moon's magical beam which begins to push rather rapidly. The alicorn regained herself briefly, but upon seeing the Rainbow of Light heading toward her, she was now fearing for herself now. "NOOOOOOOO!!!!!" She screamed in fear. A column of light erupted from the castle that could be seen from miles, lighting up the sky briefly. Soon it disappears and all falls silent. The six ponies on the ground, and Nightmare Moon, or rather a smaller blue alicorn laying unconscious with pieces of armor scattered around. Kurisu was collapsed onto the floor. It didn't take long for him to stir as he groans, sitting up slowly, still feeling exhausted from having his mana drained from keeping his Shell barrier up. He looks around, seeing the six mares on the ground, likely exhausted themselves with using the Elements, that they now possessed on them. He then looks over, seeing the familiar blue alicorn away from them, knocked out. Slowly, he makes his way over to Luna, as he falls onto one knee and reaches for her. "L-Luna...? Luna, wake up... It's alright... Now." Kurisu said softly. He chuckled to himself, before fall back onto the floor again, letting darkness take him. Shortly after, the girls begin to stir awake, as they check to see if all was alright. "Ugh... My head." Rainbow Dash muttered as she got up. "Everypony okay?" Applejack ask, looking at the girls, tiredly. "Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity cheerfully yelled out. The girls look at her, and notice her tail was now back to its original size and length. She waves it around giddily. "Oh Rarity... It's so lovely." Fluttershy said with a smile. "Oh I know! I shall never part with it again!" Rarity replied, as she nuzzled her tail. "No. I mean your necklace. It looks just like your cutie mark." Fluttershy pointed to the necklace. Rarity looked at her Element of Generosity and her cutie mark, and grinned brightly before looking at Fluttershy. "Ooh. So does yours!" Rarity points out. She looks at her Element of Kindness and smiled brightly, as the girls looked at their Elements, all excited and finding them awesome. Twilight looks up at her crown, which housed the Element of Magic, and smiled brightly. "Gee, Twilight! I thought you were just spoutin' a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship." Applejack said, as the girls began to gather along Twilight. "Indeed you do." A motherly voice echoed through the room. As they all looked out the window and witnessed the sun rising after the long night, a bright glow getting closer to where they were and flashed as it gently touches down, and reveals a large white alicorn, with a multicolored mane waving, sparkling gently, and her wings spread open. She gave a bright grin. The ponies all bowed down in her presence as Twilight, excited, goes up to her. "Princess Celestia!" Twilight greeted. "Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. I knew you could do it." Celestia replied. She would lower her head down, as she nuzzles the smaller unicorn. Twilight then looks at princess with a confused look. "But... You told me it was all an old pony tale." Celestia simply chuckles. "I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart." The ponies in the back slowly stood up, as Twilight smiled softly and looked to her new friends. Celestia then looks over to where the smaller blue alicorn, but upon seeing the figure in red also laying there unconscious, she placed her hoof over her chest. "So it is true... I knew I recongized that strong magical presence from anywhere... For now, rest my old friend." She thought. "...Princess Luna!" Celestia calls out. Upon hearing Celestia, she would stir awake almost immediately and look up at Celestia in shock. "It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister..." She said softly, laying down before Luna. "Sister?" Twilight and Rainbow Dash quietly asked. "...Will you accept my friendship?" Celestia asked. The room went silent as they awaited for Luna's answer, though the tension is broke when Pinkie Pie fell down after leaning too far forward. Luna would start sobbing as she buries her head into Celestia. "I-I'm so sorry...! I've missed you so much... Big sister..." Luna weeped. She looked up at her elder sister in tears, to which Celestia couldn't hold it in any longer as she too felt tears of joy stream down her face, as she rests her head on Luna, nuzzling her. "I've missed you, too..." Celestia replied, sobbing. The six ponies just watched, as they too were touched by the reunion to the point of shedding tears as well, Pinkie just flat out bawling her eyes out. The two princesses continued to embrace, before hearing a faint groan from the sage, who laid there. He stirs a bit, as he opened his eyes wearily, looking at the sisters. "...Celestia... Luna... Hey there." He greeted with a tired chuckle. The sister look down at him, with Luna looking concerned. "Crimson Sage Kurisu... It has been so long old friend..." Celestia greeted in return. Luna laid her hoof on his head. "Kurisu... I am so sorry for putting you through all that. Believe me, deep down I didn't want to attempt to put an end to your life... But Nightmare Moon's influence was dominant than mine." She said, meekly. He would simply raise his hand up toward Luna, before stroking her head gently. "I knew you were still in there... You found your way back to the light. I'm glad." Luna just smile, before Kurisu rests his hand back down. "Kurisu dear... Are you going to be alright?" Celestia asked. He simply gives a thumbs up. "I just... Need to nap for a bit... I just need to let my mana recover and I'll be right as rain then..." He then closed his eyes as he passed back out again. The sisters would just giggled softly. "Still the same, even after all these years..." Celestia remarked. "...He hasn't aged as much when he left all those years ago." Luna added. Celestia nodded. Twilight then approached the sisters. "Um... Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked. "I know my faithful student. You and your friends are likely wondering who this creature is, and how is it that my sister and I know him..." Celestia replied. She then stands up. "However, there is always time for that later. For now, shall we all return to Ponyville and greet everypony the new day, and to welcome Princess Luna back to us?" Celestia asked. The girls look at each other, and nodded, just glad to be finally heading home. It was that moment Pinkie gasped. "You know what this calls for?" The pink mare asked. "A party!" She answered cheerfully. ??? - Unknown Location Kurisu lays there in the endless void of black. Having exhausted himself to sleep as he is suspended in the void. All was silent, until he started to hear a faint voice echo through the darkness. "Dearest warrior of the light... Blessed bearer of unity. You have done well today..." Kurisu, while not awake, appeared to be aware as his own voice echoes out. "...I was only doing what I had to do to help bring Luna back to the light. Really, I just stalled for time so the young unicorn and her friend would be the ones to restore Luna back to herself." "Regardless, you protected them when the Nightmare made her last attempt to strike them down. You do live to your title as a guardian... Young Sage." The voice replied. There was a brief pause, before Kurisu 'spoke' again. "Tell me... Are you who I think you are? Are you... The spirit of the Tree?" He asked. The voice didn't reply right away, however a speck of light appeared within the darkness as it hovered toward the human. "I see... To think the very thing that brought the Elements to existence would have a consciousness." He remarked. "The Elements have been restored, thanks to the new Bearers that have been chosen. They will surely continue to help bring peace to Equestria as the days go by... Their friendship and bond are special. One day, there maybe a time where I need their aid... For now, they will just continue to live their normal lives like any other pony.~" The voice chuckled. "And... What about me? I know I bear the mark of unity, but would I really be needed? Would there be a time that the Seventh Element would be needed...? Kurisu pressed. "Maybe. Maybe not. The future is uncertain, however, should a threat that scopes that of the Ancient Evil that was defeated by you and the Princesses appear, your strength would likely be needed. For now... You shouldn't have anything to worry. The ponies of Equestria have gotten by in the thousand years Celestia has ruled alone, and it will likely continue even now with Luna back... The voice replied. "As long as another Vexis doesn't come here... I will live with that. There is a lot I want to see in Equestria, given how long I been gone. So much has changed since the brief period I was here six months ago from my perspective... He continues. "I have a lot of catching up to do with the Princesses, that is for sure." He chuckles. "Well, you will awaken soon. Perhaps as time goes on... We will communicate again one day. For now, continue to help the ponies of this world should the need arise." The voice said, as it began to fade. "Good luck to you future endeavors...~" With that, the light fades and Kurisu is once again alone in darkness. However, he can faintly hear a lot of different voices from somewhere in the void. "...Perhaps voices from outside. This is going to be quite a time here." Kurisu chuckles, as he begins to open his eyes, as the void starts to brighten into white. Ponyville - Equestria Meanwhile, ponies were gathering around outside the town square as residents all come and greet Princess Celestia and the new day. Many were surprised to see Luna there as well, but all of them greeted the young royal sister, even fillies placed a wreath around Luna, whom at first looked at it in confusion, but then looks up with a soft grin. She was just glad to be finally home. As for the girls, Twilight embraces Spike, after coming out of the crowd and welcoming her and the others back to town, having succeeded in stopping Nightmare Moon and finding the Elements of Harmony. Ponies begin celebrating the new day in earnest, while Twilight watches her friends all mingle with the other ponies with a bit of a saddened look. Celestia then walks over to her student and comforts her. "Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" She asked with a comforting grin. "That's just it. Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them..." Twilight replied sadly. Her friend notice this and come over to her, who all looked a bit sadden about the news as well. It was then, Celestia just nods as she looks to Spike. "Spike, take a note, please." Without warning, Spike pulls out a parchment and a quill and began to write as Celestia spoke. "I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville." Everyone around Twilight all cheered at the news, as her friend slide up to her and crowd around her, as excited as Twilight was feeling. "Oh thank you, Princess Celestia! I'll study even harder than before!" The ponies then all cheer more at the news, happy to receive a new resident and friend to Ponyville. Meanwhile, Kurisu begins to stir as his eyes flicker open. Luna, who was standing from the side seeing Twilight and her friends celebrate along with the other ponies, looks down at the human. "Dear Sage, you have awoken." The human rubs his eyes as he sits up slowly, yawning a bit. "Mmm... Yep. Up now. Really needed that power nap. Still a bit drained, but I should be fine for now." Luna smiled and nodded. "Wonderful... It truly is wonderful to see you come back after all this time..." "Well, I had you and your sister on my mind for sometime, and felt that I needed to come back to see how things were... Just didn't anticipate the fact time flowed faster after I left... I guess a lot of things changed for us both." He noted as he stood up, dusting himself off. The alicorn nods. "Verily... It is going to take time for me... To adjust back with my subjects. My sister said that she will continue with ruling until I settle back in, and feel that I came able to continue with my royal duties, as well as being able to lower and raise the moon again... Something she had been doing the past thousand years in my stead, along with raising and lowering the sun..." She frowns. "I've hurt her so much emotionally and physically... My own stubbornness and jealousy toward her is something I am going to have to live with from now on... But, the fact we have missed each other and even while I was Nightmare Moon, I still harbored regret and sadness in my actions, but the Nightmare... She was too much for me. I gave into that dark power, and nearly killed my sister of my own foolishness..." Kurisu simply listened, letting Luna getting some of the pent up anger she has had for herself out. Only thing the sage can do for the night princess was be there and listen. He places a hand on her back. "What's done is done. There is no going back and changing the past. The best we can do is move forward and try to make life better for ourselves. The pain will still be there, yes, but you don't have to go through it alone, Lu." He pulls down his face cover, first time since he arrived back here, and the first time Luna sees his face after so long. He gives her a gentle grin. "I'll be there for when you need it, and Tia will also be there to help you, and... I'm certain those six ponies that helped bring you back... They'll more than likely be there for you as well. So for now, just enjoy living in the now." Luna listened, as she smiled and leans to give the sage a soft embrace, to which he returns. "Kurisu... Thank you." She said softly. "Think nothing of it, Princess." He chuckled. He then pulls his cover back up, as Celestia walks over to the two. "I see you have recovered a bit, Kurisu. How do you feel?" She asked. "Like a million gil." He waves it off, grinning. She chuckles, as does Luna. "Well, I would like to be the first to say welcome back to Equestria, dear Sage. I feel we have a lot to catch up on, since the day you left." Kurisu crosses arms and nodded. "That we do... A lot stuff to tell. Seeing as I am back, and given how much has changed, it gives me time to do what I been doing for the past 18 years now: see what is out there in the world. Now that I have established a link between home and here, time should be able to sync back and flow normally, so should I need to leave to return back home, I can without worry of time accelerating. The Rift is funny like that." He states with a shrug. "We both look forward to hearing more. But first, I feel I should properly introduce you to somepony whom is rather eager to meet you." Celestia giggled. As she says this, Twilight and her friends come over to the three, the former approaching Kurisu as she looks up at him. "Um... Hello there." Twilight greeted. Kurisu simply nods, tipping the brim of his hat. "Greetings. You are Celestia's faithful student I take it?" He asked. Grinning, Twilight nods. "Yes, my name is Twilight Sparkle. And I am one of Princess Celestia's most studious student in magic, and now... Study into friendship." She giggled. "Hmm..." Kurisu kneels down and raises his hand up to her head and holds it there, as he closes his eyes. Twilight just looks at him perplexed. "Err... What are you doing?" She asked. "...I see. You do possess rather considerable amount of magical prowess. Strong potential. See why Celestia has taken you in as her student... And you representing the Element of Magic." Kurisu replied, rubbing his chin in interest. Twilight blinks, as she blushed at the notion. "O-oh... Hehehehe, thanks." She said with a bashful tone. The others would then go and introduce themselves, looking at the human just as curiously as Twilight, never seeing anything like him before. "Howdy there, name's Applejack!" The orange mare greeted. Kurisu shakes her hoof, giving her a strong grip and shake. "Heh, you have quite the grip there, sugarcube." "Thank you. Years of traveling gotten me a bit stronger, though I can tell you are a lot stronger than most earth ponies." Applejack chuckles. "Much obliged, partner." It was then the blue mare with a rainbow mane and tail fly up to him. "Sup, name's Rainbow Dash! Fastest flyer in all of Ponyville and Equestria!" She grinned. "It is a pleasure to meet you. Can certainly tell you are full of vigor and spirit." "Ha ha ha, yep I know. I'm just that awesome of a pony." Rainbow said, waving with a hoof. He chuckles, but is then surprised by Pinkie Pie who leaps up to him. "HI!! I'M PINKIE PIE!! DO YOU LIKE PARTIES, HUH? DO YA, DO YA, DO YA?! I SURE DO, BUT WHAT ABOUT YOU, STRANGE CREATURE FROM ANOTHER WORLD?!" She asked grinning widely. Kurisu can tell this one was... Energetic. Not only that... Something rather enigmatic about her, but couldn't place his hand on it. Wait, how did she know he was...? "Now now Pinkie darling, give him a bit of space. Don't overwhelm him." Rarity said, moving up to calm Pinkie down. "Oh, soooorrrrry!~" Pinkie said in a sing-song voice. Rarity rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "Forgive Pinkie, darling. She is like this when new ponies come to town, and how she greets them." She giggled. "Anyway, I'm Rarity. And I just have to say, your attire... Is just absolutely marvelous!~ The deep shade of crimson, the small gold embroidery, your hat... They just look exquisite on you!" Kurisu takes his hat off, showing his spiky, pale blond hair underneath, as he rest the hat and bows his head down. "Ah, thank you my dear. I can see you are a mare who has a passion for fashion." He compliments. Rarity simply blushed and giggles. "My, you are quite a gentlecolt... But you would be right dear, fashion is my pride and passion, and I would certainly not mind being able to fashion clothing for your stature.~" "Heh, we'll see." Kurisu puts his back on, as Fluttershy walks up to her, looking at him curiously. "Yes? Something you like?" Kurisu asked. Fluttershy squeaked, hiding her face, blushing a bit. "O-oh... N-no, I-I mean y-yes... I-I mean..." She stammered. Rarity just gives Fluttershy a comforting pat. "There there dear. Forgive the dear, she is a rather timid pony, but she is the sweetest pony in Ponyville." Rarity assured. "It's alright. No need to timid dear. What's your name?" Kurisu asked, kneeling down to her level. "O-oh... Um... My name is... F-Fluttershy..." She mumbled. "Fluttershy? Well, you do live up to your name." The sage chuckles. "Anyway, is there something you wanted to know, my dear?" He asked. Fluttershy calmed a bit. "O-oh um, well I was wondering but... What are you exactly...? I seen and taken care of a lot of animals, but I never seen a creature like you before." "Well, I am merely a human." Kurisu replied. "...Hooman? I never heard of that species before..." Fluttershy replied. "Well, I'd imagine. Do you have monkeys in Equestria?" Kurisu asked. "Oh! I know what a monkey is, but they are very rarely seen around these parts of Equestria... I've read they are often found in regions outside of Equestria. It would be wonderful to see a monkey." Fluttershy smiled. "Well, to put it into perspective, humans are basically related to monkeys in a way. Well, more related to apes, just no fur on our bodies, aside from hair on the head and some place." Twilight, had a parchment out and was listing this stuff down out of interest. Fluttershy was surprised. "Amazing...~ Um, if it is too much trouble, but could I see your teeth?" Fluttershy asked. Kurisu shrugs, as he lowers his face cover, as they see his face which made yellow mare intrigued. They noticed the faint scar on his cheek, but don't ask about it. Kurisu opens his mouth, as Fluttershy looks at them. "Oh, you are an omnivore aren't you?" Fluttershy asked. "Yep. We consume both meat and plant matter as we gain nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals to help grow. Granted, there are those that are strictly consume vegetables and fruit and no meat and some dairy. I basically consume what I need to survive out there. And no, I never taken a bite of pony meat so I won't eat any of you." They all sighed in relief upon hearing that. Regardless, Fluttershy was just thrilled to meet a creature like him. "Oh, thank you for showing me. It gives me a better understanding of you species a bit more." She said with a soft grin. "Think nothing of it. I can see you value the life of an animal, and that is noble of you dear." The mare just brightens up a bit more upon hearing that. She would want to learn a bit more about humans at some point. Lastly, he is greeted by the small, purple baby dragon that walks up to him, holding his claw out. "Hi there! I'm Spike!" Kurisu shakes his claw. "Nice to meet you Spike. Always nice to run into dragons that are friendly." "Oh? You met other dragons before?" Spike asked, now interested. "Oh yeah, I've came across a lot of dragons in my travels, granted some where... Not as friendly as others. By that, they saw me as more or less as a meal and of course, I have to react accordingly." "...Oh." Spike seemed to pale at the thought of that. "But, as I said, I met friendly dragons before. Some being really powerful, and often help us out when we are in need." Kurisu explained. "Woah..." The drake said in awe. "I wonder if other dragons are like me." Spike questioned. Kurisu raised his brow. "Oh, Spike wasn't born among other dragons. I actually hatched him from his egg when I was a filly, and it was part of my entrance exam to join Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns back home in Canterlot. He's been my number one assistant ever since." Twilight smiled proudly. Spike just giggled. "The best number one assistant there is!" Kurisu chuckles. "Well, it is certainly wonderful to meet you all. As you introduced yourselves to me, I shall do the same." He stands up as he rests his hand on his chest. "My name is Kurisu Himura. I am a Crimson Sage from the world known as Gaia, and an old friend of Celestia and Luna from way back then." The group just listen in awe. "Wow... You mean you are as old as the Princesses?" Twilight asked. "Oh not exactly. I'm really 28 years old." Kurisu states nonchalantly. There was a moment of silence, before Twilight blurts out in confusion. "WHA--?!" After mingling a bit more, the Princesses felt it was time to return to Canterlot, as Celestia needed to continue her royal duties, as well as help settle Luna in and proceed to help her readjust to modern Equestrian culture. Kurisu explains he is returning with Celestia and Luna, much to Twilight's dismay as she still had so many questions about Kurisu, namely about his magic and how he is able to harness that sort of power. "Do not fret, Twilight. I know you wish to learn more about me, but I will likely drop back into town in the coming weeks. I been wanting to get out and explore Equestria, see what is out there. Besides, I have a lot of catching up to do with Celestia and Luna." Kurisu explained. Twilight frowned, but knowing the Princesses were likely wanting to see their old friend for so long, she nods. "Okay. I'll hold you to that though. I want to know everything." Kurisu just nods. "And I will provide. Until then, you enjoy your new life here with your new friends. I won't lie and say I look forward to seeing any reports you send Princess her way, about the lessons in friendship." With that, the Princesses and Sage bid the inhabitants of Ponyville farewell, as they all cheered and waved good-bye to them, the girls especially. While en route back to Canterlot, via carriage, Kurisu was staring out at the mountain where he could see the castle. "Have to hand it to you, Tia. You sure know how to pick them. Never seen a girl that keen in learning so much about magic and my world before." Kurisu mused. Celestia giggled. "Twilight is one of my most cherished pupils that I have had the pleasure of mentor over. Prior to this, she was more or less head deep in her studies and didn't seem to care much for friendship in general. I am glad that she has seen the road that friendship offers, and look forward to seeing what she will learn as time will tell." Kurisu nods. "Going to have to tell me how you came across her. Sure it is one hell of a story to tell." The sun princess laughed. "Oh, I am sure you will enjoy it, but not as much as wanting to learn more after you finally found your world after so long." Kurisu grunts in agreement, as he watches the city of Canterlot come closer. This has certainly been some reunion.