Pearl laughed hard as she heard the embarrassingly truthful moment that Silverspoon had just related during the game of Truth and Dare.
“Oh my, that’s the most hilarious thing I’ve heard,” Pearl’s voice came between fits of laughter.
“Oh don’t laugh too much, it’s your turn now.” Silverspoon grinned as all five girls each turned and looked at Pearl. Their unblinking eyes staring deeply into hers as each one had an identical grin. A grin that seemed eerily creepy and out of place.
Pearl gulped and swallowed. “Okay, shoot.”
“Truth or Dare.” Apple Bloom said with the creepy grin.
“Dare!” Pearl teased out with a smirk.
“OH my Celestia! Girls I just forgot. We have to get her ready! She’s late!” Diamond Tiara called out as she moved behind Pearl and held down her front hooves.
“Uh ready and late for what now?” Pearl trembled a little as all five of her friends rushed forward.
“Your Wedding!” They all called out in unison.
“My What!!” Pearl cried before she was swarmed by all five fillies. In a few seconds her PJ’s were now a simple white dress. “Uh Girls what’s going on.”
“Common Pearl, your bride-groom waiting for you!” They all said as the girls pushed Pearl to the door of Blooms bedroom.
Being pushed through the open door she found herself in the grand hallway of Twilight’s palace. Next to her was her father crying his eyes out.
“Oh my little girl, I’m so happy!!” He cried louder as he started to walk her down the aisle.
Looking around, everypony from Ponyville was there looking at her with the same unblinking eyes and unnerving smiles. Looking over at her father she wondered why he was dressed as the Almighty Zeus, in full toga with a golden wreath on his head and an actual lightning bolt strapped to his back. Looking forward there was Twilight, wearing a Pinkie Pie costume and a balloon crown. Next to her was somecreature bathed in shadow, supposedly her ‘husband’ to be. Her mind screamed at her legs to run away but refused to answer as she got closer and closer to the altar.
Standing there at the Alter the shadowy figure came and sat next to her. Because of the figure’s shape it was impossible to tell if her ‘husband’ was male or female. The creature was well curved but also well muscled. Sitting there with a strong regal heir about it that she found quite attractive. Biting down on her lips she half phased out everything Twilight was saying until one part.
“Pearl, do you take…” the name of the creature next to her was so jumbled it couldn’t even be heard. “As your lawfully wedded mate for as long as you both shall live?”
Pearl opened her mouth to shout NO, but came out only as “I do.”
“Then by the power invested to me by the holy order of Discord. I now pronounce you mates for life. You may kiss the bride!” With that Twilight exploded into a shower of purple mini dragons that flew everywhere.
Pearl turned and looked up. Her ‘mate’ was leaning in closer, it’s lips were on her, she shivered pleasurably. Whomever it was, was a really good kisser. Maybe I can get used to this. Crossed her mind, as she pulled away the young bride opened her eyes. And found herself face to face with Kohaku.
***
Pearl shot up gasping and silently crying out. Clutching the blanket she looked around the darkened room. There were her friends, all sleeping peacefully in their futons. Rubbing her eyes she looked to ether side of her and sighed.
“Just a dream.” She panted and groaned. Thinking on it for a moment she felt something come up her throat and dashed to the bathroom.
As she heard the flush behind her, pearl stood there at the sink. Spitting water out of her mouth in an attempt to wash the taste of bile out. “Uhhh, that’s the last time I’m EVER testing sweets before bed.” Walking out of the bathroom she hit the lights and looked down the hall. Stopping in front of Kohaku’s room she felt a cool breeze from under the door and an emerald light shimmering through the cracks.
“No, I’m not going in there. I’ll just be asking for trouble.” Pearl shook her head back and forth and as she took two steps past she sighed. “Screw this, I have to get it off my chest once and for all.” Pushing Kohaku’s door open, she found that his bed was surprisingly vacant.
Stepping in the room, Pearl found the emerald light was from a trio of green flames that slowly circled around Miwa’s terrarium. Keeping the cool air away. Cool air that came from an open window just above Kohaku’s bed. Moving closer she pushed her head out and looked around. Above her she heard a familiar, and now louder rustling. Is that?
Leaping out the window, Pearl spread her wings and floated up while scanning the area.
“Can’t sleep?” an all to familiar voice caught Pearl’s attention causing her to turn around.
Standing there on the roof was Kohaku, dressed only in his Kimono pants. His chest bare to the winds. Arching his head he motioned over toward a small blanket spread out on the pitched roof. Pearl hesitated for a few moments. Her dream fresh and foremost in her mind, but pushing that aside she floated down and rested next to him.
“No, I had a horrible Nightmare.” Pearl watched as Kohaku just nodded. His gaze was on the moon. “It’s been you making all that noise up here the last few nights, wasn't’ it?”
“Yeah that was me, I was trying to find myself a comfortable spot.” Kohaku looked over at Pearl. “If it kept you up or woke you up I’m really sorry. It wasn’t my intention.”
“No, I was just wondering is all. Why are you up here. It’s really cold.” Pearl said as she tucked her wings against her body. Despite being a pegasus and highly resistant to cold, late autumn nights were getting colder and colder. Readying itself for winter. “Aren't you cold?”
“Hmm? Not really. I have thick fur, plus mother keeps me warm.”
Pearl looked around. “Uh Kohaku, Buttercup isn’t up here. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, and i’m not talking about my adopted mother.” Kohaku said playfully nudging Pearl. Seeing her shiver slightly, he brought all three of his tails and rested them over her body.
Pearl slightly tensed as she felt those tails up against her body. She opened her mouth to protest but once the soft warmth set in. she practically cooed and rested up against Kohaku’s body. “Oh wow…”
“Hehe, I know right. I told you they were better than a blanket.” His eyes never once left the moon.
“Your mom, you're talking about the Moon?” Pearl kept her eyes focused on his face trying to discern which mom he was talking about.
“The moon? That’s crazy. Our mother is not the moon,”
“Good, at least then I know you're not crazy.”
“Of course not, it’s the Moonlight.” Kohaku said with a grin.
Pearl quirked an eyebrow when a sparkling caught the side of her eyes. Looking down at his bare chest. His markings were shimmering almost as bright as the light around them. “The moonlight?”
“Mhmm. Would you like to hear the story?”
“Sure why not,”
Kohaku simply smiled as he started to relate the story about the moon goddess, Tsukuyomi, who found herself a mate amongst the mortal foxes below. And through that mating begat a daughter who became the progenitor of his clan. How each of the daughters born bore the same markings that she herself was born with. The story continued through to her death, where Tsukuyomi took her daughter up and how she became the light of the full moon. Where for three days she would shed her love and warmth to her daughters as they bask her glowing radiance.
Pearl tried hard not to shed a tear as Kohaku ended his story. Seeing his markings shimmer she looked up at the moon. “Is that a true story?”
“Not sure, the story is a few hundred generations old. Our markings always shimmer in the moonlight. And mother’s clan was always known as children of the moon. So it could be true.” Smiling to his friend he just shrugged his shoulders. “All I know is during the full moon, I'm filled with more energy than I know what to do with. And it’s the only time I can spend with my birth mother.” with that he pulled a simple oak box with a decorated crescent moon on it. Opening it up he pulled out a silver crystal as clear as a glass of water.
“It’s beautiful,” Pearl marveled as she looked at the crystal as it spun on the gold chain.
“It was the last gift mother had left us. It was given to my eldest sister Kazumi, who in turn left it to me.” Kohaku sniffed slightly.
Pearl placed her hoof lightly on Kohaku’s shoulder and looked at him. Unsure of what to say she just let him know that she was there. “Would you like to be alone?”
“No, I don’t mind having you around. I rather enjoy your company.” Kohaku’s tails tenderly hugged Pearl’s body. He felt her tense up a little before relaxing. “So what was it about?”
“Huh?” Pearl blinked as she looked at Kohaku.
“Your nightmare. What was it about?”
“You sure you want to hear it?”
“Yes, now spill.”
“Alright alright.” Pearl sighed as she went into the details of her Nightmare. She watched as his focus was solely on her. His eyes never blinked as he listened in.
“And you woke up screaming when you saw me at the altar?”
“I wish…” Pearl shuddered. “There's.. More.”
“Oh? Do tell.”
“Well, the dream went on to your bedroom.” She groaned through her teeth. “It wasn’t until I was on your bed that I woke up screaming. It was horrible.”
“Wow, that’s some dream,” Kohaku’s voice was calm and gentle as his paw lightly caressed down over Pearl’s back. “I never thought I'd be that bad in bed. Not with all the tips and tricks my sisters taught me over the course of ten years.”
Pearl just looked at him with wide eyes.
“I know moves and positions that would make the kamasutra jealous.”
“OH gods please stop talking.. The dream never went THAT far,” Pearl groaned as she pushed Kohaku away slightly. She felt him shift as he chuckled a bit.
“I guessed that much, but I had to tease you a bit. I wouldn’t be me otherwise.” He said and kissed her cheek lightly. “So what do you think brought it on?”
Sighing deeply, Pearl just bowed her head. “I thought it might be the five pieces of chocolate cheesecake I devoured before bed. But I know that’s not it. It’s you. You brought it on.”
“Okay now I’m confused. How did I do that?” Kohaku tilted his head to the side as he looked into her eyes.
“Your mom told me how you feel.”
“Oh. She did?”
“I know you're in love with me!” Pearl shouted out looking up at him. Pulling herself from his grip and warm tails. And stood on the roof in front of him. Looking down into his eyes. “Look. You're a good friend, and a great fox. But i’m not right for you, I’m not looking for a romance. I’m flattered that you feel about me that way. I mean what girl wouldn’t be after getting to know you as I’ve been. But you're with Sweetie Belle. So there’s her feelings to consider. I mean we bathed together, how is she going to feel when she finds THAT out. Then there’s…”
Whatever else Pearl would have said was quickly silenced by one of Kohaku’s paws on her mouth. She blinked as Kohaku just started to laugh aloud shaking his head side to side.
“Pearl, I swear that mind of yours. I think you’ve put the trolly before the pony this time.” Taking a deep breath he cleared his laughter and looked into her eyes. Slowly removing his paw. “I’m not in love with you.”
“But your mom said…”
“That I love you. And I do love you Pearl, but not unlike how you would love your closest and best friend.” Kohaku slowly folded his paws against his chest. “And besides, you have a lot of great qualities, but you don’t have what I'm looking for in a Mate.”
“I… huh?”
“Well you have the body of a model. The face of an angel. The mind of a scholar. And the mouth of a sailor.” Kohaku smirked as he watched her blush. “You remind me way too much of my neechan Kaede. She knew words that would make sailors blush, and used them quite frequently. And I wouldn’t worry about Sweetie Belle. I’ve already told her about us bathing together. She slugged my shoulder and asked why she wasn’t invited.”
Pearl stood there, her face felt completely blank as her mouth hung open. Feeling deflated she groaned and slumped down. “So I’ve been agonizing about this for days… for nothing.” Letting out a moaning cry, Pearl felt Kohaku’s paws around her shoulder as he pulled her in close to his side. His tails again covering her from the cold. Only now his paw tenderly caressed her back.
“I’m sorry, if I knew this was bothering you so much, I would have mentioned all this earlier.”
“And here I was trying so hard to find a time to tell you all this.”
“Is that why you were tailing me in the Pegasus district the other day? You know your mom was rather disappointed you didn’t come inside.”
“You knew I was following you? How?
“Eeyup,” Kohaku answered with a grin. “Here’s a tip, when tracking a creature with a heightened sense of smell. Stay up wind. Normally I wouldn’t have noticed you. As most Pegasus ponies have a similar smell. But right now, you have the smell of the apple farm.”
“Ugg…” Pearl moaned as she just laid there against Kohaku. Her head dropping to his shoulder. After a few moments she looked up into his eyes. “So, what did you want at my mom and dad’s”
“Oh just getting a little first paw information about you and what your ideal slumber party wish would be.”
“Okay so you went to my parents just to fulfill a wish of mine?”
“Of course, what more wouldn’t I do for my best friend.”
“I’m your best friend?” Pearl smirked.
“Just like I’m yours,” Kohaku smirked back.
“Hold on there, you are NOT my best friend,” Pearl punched Kohaku’s shoulder, a little harder then she meant to.
“Well lets go off the evidence shall we?” Kohaku smirked and produced a small note pad.
“First I spent month’s teasing and playing pranks on you, yet you always remained friendly with me. Instead of telling me to Buck off.”
“Well yeah, but…” Pearl’s voice was cut off as Kohaku continued as if not even hearing her.
“Next, I nearly give you a heart attack on Nightmare night. And in response you almost kill and break me in half. Yet less than an hour later you and I are back to back defending each other from our nightmares.”
“Well sure but…”
“We both understand each other to know what to say. But more importantly what NOT to say to each other. We’ve both seen our friends killed or become lost to us, to know just how fragile we are.” Kohaku watched as Pearl just blushed a little. “Creatures like us are just drawn to each other for support. Not unlike how I helped you out on your first day here at the farm. Keeping you from violating Twilight-sama’s orders. And you were worried enough about me that you came into my room and covered me up with a blanket on the first day of the Full moon.”
“I thought you were asleep.”
“I was, but your scent lingered long enough to know who covered me up when I woke.”
“So I felt sorry for you, big deal.”
“AJ said you were really worried that I might be sick. You have no idea how that warmed my heart.”
“Well…”
“Then there was our time as the hotspring. I left you with so many openings to attack me or just leave right out, but you stayed. You enjoyed yourself as we swam together, you even scrubbed my back for me as I did for you.”
“I was just…”
“And the final Nail in this friendship box. You have a room full of friends downstairs. And yet your up here with me. You could have just walked past my room, but no. you came in. you came up. And you're now laying next to me under my tails. Keeping me company during my loneliness time ever. If that’s not a best friend, what is?”
Pearl opened her mouth to protest but she just watched Kohaku look back up at the moon and closed her mouth. That can’t be true… is it? Do I really see him that way now or have I always seen him that way and just never realized it? Pearl sighed as she thought to herself. She always pictured Twilight as her best friend. They shared so much in common, didn’t they? Or did she really have more in common with this annoying fox?
Thinking back to Twilight, she heard her teacher’s voice loud and clear, just as she did that day her ‘punishment’ was handed down to her.
“There is a special lesson I want you to learn. Something I feel you have been neglecting almost constantly.”
This can’t possibly be my lesson could it? My friendship with Kohaku? Being his best friend. Or is it to have a best friend. It’s true i’m scared of losing another friend, but it’s not like i’m avoiding it, am I?
“You okay Pearl? You're awfully quiet.” Kohaku placed his paw on her back and looked down at the filly.
“Hmm.. Oh yeah I’m just… thirsty.” Pearl stammered, using the first thing in her thoughts to keep him from guessing what she was thinking.
“Well thankfully I can fix that easily enough.”
Pearl watched as he produced a cider mug by pushing his paw into the roof and lifting it up quickly. She watched with a nervous air as his fingers swirled back and forth until a thick puffy white cloud appeared over the mug. As he flicked a finger against it, Root Beer began to flow and fill the glass. Once full he flicked the cloud again as he flopped into the mug as vanilla ice cream. Pulling a straw out of thin air he plopped it into the glass and slid it toward her.
Pearl gripped the icy mug and looked up at Kohaku. “Uh.. thanks. How? I’ve only seen Discord do stuff like that.”
“Who do you think taught it to me?” Kohaku grind.
“You take lessons from Discord?! No wonder you're so good at being annoying.”
“Well I used to. His mom and mine were in the same book and hex club. So once a week our mom’s would talk and discuss various things. I was four so my attention span wasn’t the greatest. But Discord was a good playmate. And one cool teenager. We’d spend hours creating our own little worlds and having various adventures. He even taught me different spells, many of which I still use today because of how practical they can be.”
“Like this Root Beer float?”
“Precisely,” he said with a grin.
“What did your mom think of it?” Pearl sipped on her drink slowly, savoring the carbonated goodness.
“Oh she had no issues with it. Father however was of a different opinion. He didn’t think I should have been learning Chaos magic. At least, not as young as I was.”
“Mmm,” Pearl said through her straw. She had a similar opinion as Kohaku’s dad. Chaos magic should NOT be meddled with. But it was rather tasty when used this way.
“Would you like to meet her?” Kohaku held up his moonstone which spun lightly on the chain.
“Who?”
“My mama. Would you like to meet her?”
“Uh isn’t she dead?” Pearl couldn’t help but show her nervousness.
“Yes, but like I said. These three days are the only way I can see her.” Kohaku held up the moonstone crystal. Holding it to his lips he gave it a kiss and spoke several incantations in his native language. Taking in a deep breath he breathed a light puff of foxfire.
Pearl watched as the crystal started to shimmer brighter and brighter until the light enveloped them both. Half closing her eyes she watched as everything around her changed until she was in the largest room she had ever seen in her life.
The room itself was two stories tall with a balcony half way up, connected to the main floor by a set of stairs. On that second floor were five rooms. Each one marked with a different symbol. Not unlike at the apple farm. The main floor could have easily held the apple home twice over. Various sized pillow-like chairs were positioned in a large circle with the largest one, not unlike a sofa, being in the center.
“Welcome to my home Pearl,” Kohaku said as he laid there on the largest sofa pillow.
“Well it’s not what I would have expected.” Pearl looked around. Amazed by all the cabinets lining one wall. And the massive photo tree on the other. Turning around to look at Kohaku she gasped and froze in place.
Directly behind Kohaku was the largest fox she ever thought she’d see. Eight hooves high at least. Her fur was the color of the night sky. Her eyes were brilliant liquid silver. The markings along her body matched Kohaku’s perfectly. Only instead of leaves, they were stars and shimmered like moonlight.
“I...I..I..” Pearl stammered as she felt like a newborn foal in the presence of this giant vixen. The power and wisdom radiating from those silver eyes were greater than anything she had felt before. Including all four alicorn princesses combined.
“Pearl. This is my mother. Kiyoko.”
Pearl watched as the large vixen layed down and nuzzled Kohaku warmly. Picking him up by the scruff of his neck and laying him down between her front legs. The two of them nuzzling each other's necks affectionately. Even from this distance she could hear Kohaku’s purring.
“Greetings Pearl,” Kiyoko said with a smile. Causing the young filly to leap back slightly.
“Whoa. what? I thought this was just an illusion.. Please don’t tell me I’m conversing with a ghost?” Pearl trembled as the two foxes in front of her just laughed together.
“I never said this was an Illusion Pearl. And she’s no ghost,” Kohaku purred out as his mother fussed over his messy hair. Combing it with her claws.
“My son is right Pearl. I’m not a ghost,” Kiyoko purred herself. “Thinking of me as a living memory. An echo of who I once was. Left behind as a memento for my family to see me as I used to be during the light of the Full Moon.”
“I see, I’m sorry this is a little more surreal then I was expecting.”
“What were you expecting?” Kohaku just shook his head at Pearl. “Some old dusty photographs?”
“Well, not that lame but maybe just an illusion of what she looked like.”
“Certainly sounds like Pony thinking,” Kiyoko reached out with a paw and plucked Pearl up as easily as she could a newborn. Setting the girl down next to Kohaku, the motherly fox combed down her mane. “I wasn’t expecting to be called on twice in two days. My son knows he’s not to overly use this crystal.”
Kohaku simply blushed and turned his head away. Closing his eyes and groaned.
“Does it have limited usage?” Pearl smirked at Kohaku.
“No, but the time we have is not ideal. Thankfully I knew he would bring you here today so I’m not that upset.”
“You knew I’d be here? How is that possible.”
“Mother is an Oracle, she sees everything that is, was, or will be,” Kohaku said proudly, sitting up straight.
“He’s right, I’ve been one my whole life. It’s how I lived, and what killed me,” Kiyoko sighed out. Putting a finger to Pearl’s lips she just shook her head. “No need to feel sorry for me, little one. All my children came to terms with it, even Kohaku. Although that wasn’t until a year and a half ago when he almost destroyed Ponyville.” A slight smirk was given to her son who just looked away embarrassed.
Pearl just looked at Kohaku questionably. Wondering just how a little fox like him could destroy such a well guarded royal village. She was about to answer the question when she just saw Kiyoko shake her head.
“But we aren't here to talk about my son. I’m here to talk to you and what your going to be facing soon.”
“What i’m going to be facing?” Pearl trembled a little.
“The Dragon Mother herself. Tiamat. While not a bad dragon out right she never thought much about the lesser species of this planet.”
“Uh. Lesser species?”
“That’s Tiamat’s way of describing Ponies Pearl,” Kohaku sighed as he laid up against Pearl. His head resting on her back as she sat there looking up at Kiyoko.
“Oh I see.” Pearl looked behind her at Kohaku, resting there comfortably. For some reason she just shrugged and shook her head with a smile. “So what does that make you and Kohaku if Ponies are a ‘lesser species’
“She refers to us as Elementals. Or Spirit beasts,” Kiyoko smiled. “She was always too respectful of us to refer to our kind in any other way. I think in part she feared what we are capable of. Even more so after Shenlong’s decree came into effect
“Shenlong’s decree? I don’t even know who Shenlong is. Is that another dragon? Or another fox?” Pearl’s wings twitched as she was learning something new.
“At the moment it’s nothing you need to worry about. I know you're nervous about meeting Tiamat. Especially sense Twilight is going and not under an invitation.”
“Well yeah I am. I’m worried something might happen to my teacher. I know Tiamat has a respect for Celestia and Luna. But nothing was ever said about Twilight. What if something happens to her. I don’t want to lose another friend of mine. Especially not her.”
“I know Pearl. And it’s fortunate that you and her share something in common that will not only keep you safe, but her as well.”
“And what’s that?” Pearl rubbed he head trying to figure out just what that was.
“Him.” Kohaku’s mother said, pointing down at Kohaku, who was half sleeping up against Pearl’s body. His tails flipping back and forth.
“Him!? How can he save us?” Pearl groaned feeling this was yet another prank at her expense.
“By simple association my dear girl.”
Pearl watched as the vixen produced a small scroll and a very old silver feather pen. The young girl watched as a letter seemed to be written, but not in any language she knew about. The letters glowed like moonlight as they flowed onto the page. Once it was finished Kiyoko rolled it up and handed it to Pearl.
“Present this to Tiamat yourself. It is a reminder of a bargain struck between my mate and Shenlong himself. Not even the Mother of all Dragons will violate this. Woe to her or her children should she try. And if she asks you how you got it or implies that it’s faked. Tell her this, ‘Starsong the Seer sends her regards’ that alone will shut her up.
“Okay, but what does this say?” Pearl said peeking at the letter.
“Well if you must know.” Kiyoko chuckled as she read what she wrote.
---
To Tiamat, Mother of all Dragons. Dragon Queen of the West.
Before you stands the beloved teacher and best friend of Kohaku Forestsong. Son of Akahiko Skywind. Grand Archmage of the nine lands, Ruler of the Forest Clan. And western Dragon Slayer.
In regards to the treaty struck with Shenlong, god of all dragons. Dragon King of the East. No harm shall ever befall a kitsune of our clan or those associated with them by any eastern or western dragon. Under penalty of death.
Signed
Kiyoko, Matriarch of the Forest Clan
---
“Now you know what it says. Do not lose this letter. I promise you it will not end well if that were to happen.”
“I won’t, I promise,” Pearl said, clutching the scroll to her chest. Even she could feel the magic in those words through the rolled parchment.
“Good. Now off to bed with you both. You both should be rested for tomorrow.”
“Do we have too?” Kohaku groaned out as he sat up and looked up at his mother.
“Yes,” Kiyoko looked down, matching the gaze from both children who half shrunk under her motherly stare. “Sleep well my lovelies.” Leaning down she kissed both of their foreheads as the room around them faded away like smoke in the wind. Leaving both Kohaku and Pearl seated on the roof. The only proof it had appended was the scroll in Pearl’s arms.
“Well I guess we should head inside,” Kohaku said as he rolled up his blanket and slung it onto his back. Pearl simply too dumbfounded to even speak.
As Pearl walked to the door in Kohaku’s room she heard him shut the window and started to fix things on his bed. “I can’t believe that just happened.”
“What’s so hard to believe.”
“I was just given the one thing that will save my, OUR teacher. From somecreature that’s been dead for who knows how long.”
“Hehe, yeah. I know it’s a little surreal. But mother did stuff like this all the time. Past, present, Future. No matter where her clients came from, she always did her best to aid them.” Crawling into his bed Kohaku turned and looked at Pearl. “Try not to worry about it. And go get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Thanks Kohaku and…” Pearl turned around to properly thank him, but found that he was already fast asleep. Snoring peacefully. Walking over to him she just watched him for a moment or two. Thinking about everything she had learned about him.
How playful he was. How he was such a hard worker and always put everything he had into the tasks he was assigned. How gentle he was with creatures so much smaller with him. The sight of seeing him with those baby bunnies did make her smile. He was even an amazing singer, his voice livening up any plant life around him. How he had lost so much in his life, but still found ways to keep a smile. A thought finally sparked in her mind. With a grin she leaned down and kissed his cheek.
“I think I understand what she sees in you now. And she’s a lucky filly” Pearl whispered to her sleeping friend. Slowly and quietly walked out of his room.
***
Pearl stood at the doorway of the Apple home, the sun already high in the air. The family had let her sleep in with her friends. All of whom left already to start their weekend, well all but Sweetie Belle who was currently nuzzled against a tree with Kohaku. Normally Pearl would have just rolled her eyes but she just smiled at her two friends.
“Don’t worry about your stuff. We’ll make sure it gets back to your house. Spike even promised to come back over and help,” Buttercup said as she helped straighten Pearl’s outfit.
“Thanks Buttercup.” After a final hug, Pearl walked off and down the path to Kohaku and Sweetie Belle who were sharing a long deep kiss. Smirking she watched as the kiss broke, Kohaku flopped onto the ground with a stupid smile on his face. Turning to Sweetie Belle, “Does that normally happen?”
“No, but it’s been a week sense he’s had one of my kisses,” Belle said with a giggle. “Part of his ‘punishment’ for pranking you.”
“Let me guess, he was not allowed to be with you during this past week?” Pearl half laughed as Sweetie Belle nodded. “I wondered what his mom punished him with.”
“Yeah, that was only half of it. Just don’t ask what the other half was.” Kohaku chimed in as his initial euphoria ended. Standing up he nuzzled his head against his girlfriend. “I’ll catch up with you and Scoots later.”
“You better.” Was all Sweetie Belle said before playfully ficking her tail against his nose and walked off. Her fall dress drafting in the wind.
“You okay there romeo?” Pearl smirked at her friend.
“Yeah, lets go.” Kohaku said and started to walk in front of Pearl.
“Wait… you're going too?” Pearl asked as she trotted up next to him.
“Well duh, Twilight asked me to escort you. And she has a few things she wanted to ask me.” Turning away he gave a soft smile.
“Fine. Lead the way.” Pearl sighed out.
Walking beside Kohaku she felt slightly out of place. Everypony stared at the odd couple. Some even pointed while whispering.
“I knew it. They all know what I tried to do to you.” Pearl bowed her head. “I wish I could turn invisible.”
“Well it’s a handy trick to have. But I doubt a Pegasus can learn to do it,” Kohaku chuckled, bouncing his shoulder against her. “I’d make you invisible but that’s no way to face your problems.”
“Your right, and Twilight always says you have to face your problems. Oddly enough my parents also say that too.”
“Mhm.” Was all Kohaku’s response as they reached the walkway up to the castle. Nodding a greeting to the pair of guards as they double taped the ground. He watched as the stepping stones appeared and the waterfall’s part. Showing the entrance.
Both Kohaku and Pearl stood in the grand hallway. Taking a deep breath they both savored that smell. Books, shelves upon shelves of books were in many rooms. The two continued on as they heard voices coming from the map room, As they opened the grand double doors. Kohaku and Pearl watched as Celestia and Luna were arguing with Twilight.
“I understand you're both worried but I’m not a little filly anymore. I’ll be just fine.” Twilight argued as she stood there. Looking to the side she saw her two most precious students. “Now if you excuse me I have to see my students.”
“Twilight, we aren't finished with this.” Celestia said with a sharp edge to her voice. “But go deal with your students. Luna and I will be here and we will finish this conversation.”
“Fine.” Twilight turned away from her mentor. She appreciated her concern but hated being treated like she was still in school. “Kohaku, Pearl. Please come into my workroom. We can talk there.” Twilight said opening a side door. Ushering the pair in.
“So. My students. The week has passed,” Twilight said as she placed a bottle of soda out for both of the two children. “Pearl, I'll be with you in a moment. But first things first. Kohaku. I believe I gave you a special assignment this week. How did it go.”
Taking the soda he popped the cap and started to sip on it. “Well, it wasn’t easy. I mean getting this stick in the mud to open up. I felt as if I would have had better chances turning lead into gold. Something my sister once tried to teach me. But alchemy wasn’t very interesting for a six year old,” Kohaku chuckled along with Twilight.
Pearl shot up and almost choked on her soda. “Wait! I was an assignment!” Looking between Kohaku and Twilight she coughed a bit and blinked, unsure of what to say.
“Pearl, settle down. I’ll explain in a moment,” Twilight said as she pushed Pearl down gently with her hoof. “Please continue Kohaku.”
“Well, after some good luck. And a few engineered events. She finally started to relax a little. Even started having fun. And I have to say, she’s very good when she lets her mane down.” Setting down his bottle of soda he put his front paws down between his legs. Slightly bowing his head. “And it took a little time, but she even started to warm up to me. I’m proud to call her my best friend. And when you two get back, I hope she and I can have a few adventures of our own.”
Pearl looked questionably at Kohaku. Taking a long deep breath she felt words cross along her tongue that would make the sailors her father worked with seem like amateurs. Looking into those liquid amber eyes she opened her mouth to shout them out at him. But only sighed and flopped back. “I’m at a loss as to what to say.”
“Pearl, I needed to find a way to break through that barrier of yours.” Twilight said and knelt down next to her pegasus student. “Conventional ways were not working, and I needed to do something drastic. Something completely unconventional. And no creature is as unconventional as Kohaku.”
Pearl looked at her teacher, her mind still trying to form a word to say.
“I’ve known of your situation with this since you moved to Ponyville. Your parents came to me personally for assistance.” Walking over to her desk she sat behind it. “And knowing both of your pasts, I knew Kohaku would be the one. I’m not saying you still don’t have those issues. But from my reports from Buttercup, and Kohaku himself. I’m glad to see and hear that the two are closer than even I thought you’d be.”
Pearl bit on her lower lip as she listened to Twilight. Looking at Kohaku, she quirked an eyebrow.
“You’ve always been afraid of losing your friends, not surprising with the tragedy’s you’ve experienced. But Kohaku has those same fears. Albeit in a very different form.”
“You…” Pearl felt her throat go dry. Taking a long gulp of soda she looked at Kohaku “Your scared of losing friends too? I find that hard to believe.”
“It’s true Pearl.” Kohaku hadn’t moved, his head was still down, his paws clutching the chair he was seated on. Looking up he smiled at his friend. “When you see your friends, what do you see? Do you see yourself growing old with them, experiencing a long healthy life and after a time. Die and reunite with them in the hereafter?”
“Well, yeah in a way.” Pearl looked at Kohaku, wondering where he was going with this. “Don’t you see that?”
“No Pearl, I don’t. When I look at you. Mom, AJ, Mac… even Sweetie Belle.” Kohaku sighed deeply as he wiped a small tear from his cheek. “I won’t ever be able to experience what you will, I”m going to watch all of them grow old in front of me. While I remain untouched by time, in the prime of my adolescence. I’m positive I'll even outlive Spike.”
“What are you saying? Your immortal?” Pearl smirked. Knowing only Alicorns had an immortal lifespan.
“Not yet. At the moment I only have an extended Lifespan.” Kohaku’s three tails fanned out. “I’m expected to live about a thousand years. Should I perform the right deeds and earn the right. My ninth tail will appear and become a living embodiment of nature. Immune to time itself. Everlasting, Immortal.”
Pearl looked up at Twilight who only nodded slowly “He’s telling you the truth Pearl. All my research and everything Starswirl wrote about his kind confirms this.”
“How can you stand it? I’d be too scared to find a friend.”
“What’s my alternative? Living alone? I did that for two years in the Everfree Forest. It’s a horrible way to live Pearl.”
Pearl sighed. Pushing herself forward, she just hugged Kohaku tight. She smiled a little when she felt his Forelegs around her barrel. Returning the hug.
“I’m glad you two are getting along so well. Come let's head out of here. I’m sure the princess’s are waiting.” Twilight said with a happy laugh. Opening her wings she placed her right one over Kohaku and the left over Pearl. Leading them out into the main hall.
Kohaku smiled as he slipped out from under Twilight’s wings and moved off to the center of the room “I think this is where I’ll leave. I’d rather not face them.”
“Okay Kohaku, but I'm glad to see you trying to work through your issues with them.” Twilight nodded as Kohaku did the same.
“Yeah, well. Give them my best.” Moving in closer, Kohaku hugged Pearl tight. “Don’t forget, don’t lose this.” Kohaku said, patting her saddle bag.
“I won’t.” Pearl said, hugging him back in return. “I’ll be back soon, promise.”
“I’ll hold you to it.” Kohaku said as he walked off to the entrance. “Later ladies!”
Pearl chuckled a little as she turned to go into the Map room only to be stopped by Twilight.
“Hold on Pearl, you don’t want to go in there dressed like that.”
“Like what?”
“Look.” Twilight said and created a magical mirror.
Scoffing a bit Pearl looked into the mirror and found herself covered, Mane to tail. In hay. Not unlike the first day she worked on the Apple Farm. Taking in a deep breath she shouted. “KOHAKU!!”
Twilight chuckled a bit as she used her magic and made all the hay vanish.
Pearl fuming for a few moments looked to the closed castle entrance. Within a minute her smile returned and found herself laughing with Twilight before sighing. “What more can I expect from my best friend.”
“So Pearl. Now that you know all of this. I need to ask you. Have you learned the lesson I sent you to learn?
Pearl stood there with Twilight. Looking up at her Teacher she just smiled.