//------------------------------//
// What Might Have Been 
// Story: A Siren Rose 
// by Mystic Sunrise 
//------------------------------//

Tsunami smiled at the young dragon colt sitting at the table, watching his new pet do circles in its new fishbowl orb, floating a foot off the table. She lightly caressed Sky’s mane as he slipped another small fish to the dragon turtle.

“Sky dear, I have an errand to run. Be a good boy and watch after those two in there.”

“Okay,” was all he said as Tsunami slipped out the back. As swift as a waterfall, she dove into her river and within seconds stepped out of a large black lake in the heart of the Everfree Forest. 

On reaching the oldest tree, situated over a large stone portal she started to touch nine carved symbols below a red velvet rope. 

“Rin, Pyo, Toh, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Zai, Zen.” Each symbol glowed as she touched them. On opening, a large shadowy landscape came into view. Sitting there she steeled herself. Hordes of demons stood on the other side. Each one leaping forward only to be swept away by an unseen force. A watery shadow filled the entrance of the portal and sat there like an immovable statue. 

A tender smile crossed her lips as she watched the portal’s guardian. His canine form, just as large as she was, made her heart throb. What color the guardian might have been was stained black by the blood of demons. Shimmering flashes of green emanate throughout his body making the entire area around him far spookier than he intended. Despite his intentions, the chaotic coloring did its job. All the demon’s backed away. Tsunami smiled, the color flowing inside of him didn’t matter. The only color she cared about was the amber eyes that looked at her.

So what if he was simply a construct of the living forest she guarded, she loved him as she did the forest.

You should not have come. They are growing restless. The voice spoke in her mind. Like it always had since the day she was born to guard this place. But I'm glad you did my love. What news?

“The Dragon Soul has been delivered. Now held by the hooves of my sister.”

I see. At least now it’s safe. But what of the princesses? I know they have been questioning. The voice sighed as Tsunami nodded.

“They know now what lies here. But not everything.” Turning around she planted herself on a set of stones and shook her head. “They will though. In time all will be revealed. It’s just as he said the day the forest was grown.” Looking over her shoulder she saw the shadow nod slowly. Another larger demon leaped forward only to be slashed hard across the neck, its head and body disintegrating instantly. “Nice shot.”

It’s what I do. The voice chuckled. 

“And you do it well.” Turning back around she looked the shadow in the eyes and smirked. “You know a Gargoyle snuck past you earlier. I’m surprised that happened. Did the ever-watchful guardian miss one?” 

The shadow in the portal grinned. She could see the white of his teeth and the flames of his laughter. A young one, and not much of one at that. And I have to let one through occasionally. Else ponies might grow complacent.

“They are young, but they are learning. Soon this won’t be necessary.”

Do you honestly believe they’ll be ready for when I finally fail? Even now I start to tire. The shadow looked away. 

“I don’t know. It will take time but the new Dragon Princess will grow into her role. And might well be a suitable replacement.” Tsunami stepped forward and placed her claw on the portal’s watery entrance. She almost laughed as she watched the shadow grow panicked.

Stop that.  You know what will happen if…

“I know. I just wish I could touch you. Just once.” Tsunami closed her eyes and sighed. 

You are a Celestial, I am Yokai. We do not mix my love. We must be content with this. The shadow looked over his shoulder and growled louder. Go my love. Close the portal. One of the lords has shown up again. Duty calls.

Nodding softly, Tsunami placed a paper seal on the tree, next to the others. “Until next time my darling.” She watched as the shadow turned away and walked toward the greater demon lord. The demonic plantlife flared at his command as he strode toward his foe. As she watched, Tsunami pictured what might have been had the universe seen fit to grant such creatures existence.

As she sat alone, her favorite little fox came out of the bushes, its mother sitting there silently. Picking up the fox she looked into its bright amber eyes and smiled. “Perhaps in another world.” Holding the fox close she just leaned back and watched the sun drift lazily in the sky, as the small fox snuggled in close.