Pearl sat at a lone table as she stared intently at a cube of wood, her face getting puffy as she scrunched her face up. Her horn flickered slowly, magic creeping up all five colors to the tip. As it sparked.
Twilight watched her intently. There was little she could do without her own magic, but she knew just being there was a boost to her student. “That’s it, Pearl. Concentrate.”
Pearl did as she was instructed, closing her eyes as she did. “Teacup!” she shouted as magic sparkles exploded about the room. Falling back onto her rump she heard Twilight laughing. “Gahhh, did I do it this time?” She groaned as she struggled to get back up only to see a block of wood still. “Why can’t I do this? I can levitate things but this... I’m never going to be a good spellcaster.”
Shaking her head, Twilight finally saw the dejected look in her student’s eyes, and it took the laughter right out of her as she helped Pearl up. “I once said the same thing when I got my wings. I’ll never be as good as a natural born Pegasus, but I am much better than I used to be. You will be as well. It will just take time.”
Pearl shot her a look. “Yeah? I’ve been at this for six months now! Trixie had this down in a few days. How am I losing to her of all ponies?! And I still don’t know what Tiamat wants me to do with all of this.”
Honestly, Twilight wondered the same thing on occasion. Yes, Trixie had Starlight’s help. But this was a relatively simple spell. Pearl had levitation down in two weeks.
Pearl saw this in her mentor’s eyes, and it only made her feel worse. “Maybe it is time we go home. It can’t hurt anyway. Tiamat says I need to learn this on my own, or something.”
Twilight nodded. While she would never get tired of going through books and scrolls from worlds she had never heard of before, she too was growing homesick. “It is a week trip back to Castle Black from the Scar. Assuming we don’t need to fight that thing again.”
Pearl snorted a bit of lightning. She was getting rather fond of being able to do that. “Probably could take it now myself. Or maybe that’s just my magic frying my brain.”
Twilight somehow doubted that, but kept the thought to herself. Pearl’s temper was even shorter now it seemed, and getting her riled up tended to end with her ducking for cover.
Pearl shook her head, trying not to think of that, as the duo headed for the door.
“I see,” Tiamat’s Blue head said, as Twilight finished explaining what was going on. “I had begun to wonder if the two of you would ever leave.”
Pearl smiled sheepishly. “I’d stay here the rest of my life if I could. But I miss my family and friends. And sleeping on a nice cloud bed.”
Twilight nodded. “I’ve learned more than I ever thought I could. But we cannot stay here forever. Discord still needs to pay for doing this to me. No matter the reasons.”
That got a chuckle out of all. “Then there is little that I can do. Zinguthrac will see you to the gates. I will inform Princess Celestia that you are returning.”
The white dragon at her side didn’t look particularly pleased with being stuck with this job. But one look from his queen told him he had no choice in this, and that if anything happened to them, it would be his hide that would be fed to her latest hatchlings.
Pearl didn’t miss the look. She knew that Whites were not the smartest of dragons. But she also hoped his loyalty to his queen was stronger than his natural urges. She concentrated, and changed back into her Pegasus form. “Is there anything else you can teach me about this?”
Tiamat shook her heads. “No. The fun will be discovering what you can do on your own. Time is no longer something you need to worry about,” her Black head replied.
Pearl’s ears fell as she and Twilight turned to follow ZInguthrac back down the chamber. That was something she wasn’t trying to think about.
Twilight, though, was. And her heart dropped at the implications and conversations she would be having once they returned to Equestria.
Pearl’s guts twisted as she once more beheld the living hell of the Scar. In the distance, beyond the nearest lava stream, she could see the tree Kohaku’s golem had created. “Glad that’s still here.”
Twilight nodded. Looking around, everything appeared to be the same as when they had left. Heck, there were her and Pearl’s hoofsteps in the dirt. “Did we just leave?”
Zinguthrac nodded. “My queen has returned you to only a few moments after you first left this accursed place. Though for you, it has been six months. I loath being here.”
Pearl bit her lip. She couldn’t help it. “What happened here? What could do this?”
He shook his head. “It is unnatural. A physical wound on reality that will never heal. Done by a power the gods themselves fear. Kitsunes once tried to heal it. It drove them irrevocably insane.”
Pearl’s ears dropped, as Twilight a hoof around her shoulder. Maybe that was why Kohaku’s mom didn’t talk about this place. “So now what? It’s a long walk back.”
Zinguthrac snorted as he turned to go. “That is for you to figure out. My role is done. Be glad I have done this much.” And was gone back through the portal, which closed a moment later.
Twilight groaned as the two began retracing their steps. “I just hope Spike is better than he was when he grows up.”
Pearl giggled as they came once more to the rise, avoiding looking at the tree as much as possible. In the dirt, she could see three sets of tracks leading into the distance. “Now what?”
Twilight rubbed her chin. Just on the very edge of sight, she could see the Ghost Fence. Without her magic, there was nothing she could do. The chances of them meeting a Ranger patrol, especially this far inside the Blight, were slim.
But there was one possibility, as she smiled widely before looking at Pearl.
Pearl frowned. “Oh, no. Don’t even think about it, princess. I am not…”
“... Carrying you,” her White head grumbled, as Twilight climbed onto the dragon’s back. “This was bad enough when Kohaku did it.”
Twilight shook her head as she grabbed onto the Green head’s neck. “Quit your bellyaching, my faithful student. It is much easier than me walking. I cannot defend myself, remember?”
Pearl’s Blue head bent down and gave her a flat look. “So, what? I just let you ride me all the way back to the Ghost Fence?”
Twilight was uncowed as she glared right back. “Unless you have a better idea, Pearl. Yes. And I would rather not be here in case that thing breaks free.”
All five of Pearl’s heads nodded in agreement. Taking a few steps over to the tree she looked at the bowed head of the wooden fox. “You were a huge pain, but thank you.” Reaching out Pearl touched the head of the golem turned tree.
“Princess!!!” a shocked and sudden collection of gasps emanated from around the two.
Twilight blinked and looked around as her wings spread wide. “Wha..” Falling backwards, Twilight rolled off Pearls’ back. As she looked about she saw Steel Wing with a watering can in his hoof.
“Princess, what happened? I was doing my daily watering of the grove and you just appeared there. And what’s with the dragon?” Steel Wing shook his head a few times.
Pearl blinked as she looked about. Her large body half bounced against the trees. “Twilight… i’m stuck..” Her White and Blue heads muttered in embarrassment and looked behind her. “And… Twilight your an Alicorn again!”
Twilight felt as if things couldn’t get any stranger. Rushing to the small pond she saw that her wings had returned. Closing her eyes she concentrated and levitated her student out of the trees. “And my magic has returned. Oh thank Celestia”
Steel Wing shook his head, keeping a weary eye on the dragon. Since when did they have five heads? “That doesn’t explain what just happened, Princess Twilight.”
Twilight shook her head. “To be honest, captain. I am not sure myself. We were just at the Scar itself. Next thing I know. We’re here.”
Pearl nodded, taking smug satisfaction at the looks she was getting. “Least I don’t have to carry you back now.”
Steel Wing blinked. Did that dragon just sound like Pearl? “Should we be concerned your highness?”
Twilight shook her head, as Pearl transformed back into her proper pony form. “As you can see, Steel. There is nothing to worry about.”
Steel’s jaws dropped in shock, getting a giggle from the pair of alicorns. “How? What? When? We lost track of both of you the moment you passed the gates. You haven’t been gone long.”
Pearl giggled. “It’s a long story. Right now? I could use something to eat.”
Twilight nodded, as her stomach growled. “I as well. We will still need to procure a way back to Equestria as well.”
Steel Wing could only nod, before leading them to the Dining Hall in a daze. “Well good news on that, the train arrived this morning.”
Pearl sighed as la down on her bed. “This is way too convenient. First we just pop from there to here, and now the train arrived this morning? Why the hell couldn’t we have this coming?!”
Twilight could only shake her head in disbelief. “I am not sure, Pearl. But I will not look this gift horse in the mouth.”
Pearl rolled her eyes. “I swear, that if Kohaku pops up before we leave, I will scream and strangle him. Then hug him,” she quickly added, seeing the look in her mentor’s eyes.
Shaking her head Twilight sighed. “No, Kohaku will NOT be showing up this time. I doubt you’ll be seeing him when we arrive back in Ponyville.” Twilight looked down at the tree and garden Kohaku’s golem had grown. “And you would be wise to not go looking for him.”
“Well why not? I’m eager to have some fun with him.” Pearl smirked but quickly frowned as she saw how serious Twilight’s face was. “Is everything okay Twilight? Is something wrong with my friend?”
“He’ll be just fine. We’ll go check on him when we get back. But no ‘getting even’ with him. At least not right away.” Twilight narrowed her eyes at the quick thought she picked up in her student’s eyes.
“Can’t you just tell me what’s going on with him?” Pearl stomped her hoof down on her bed as fire spit from her mouth. “Eep.. sorry.”
Dodging the small flame Twilight sighed again. “It’s not my place. He’ll be embarrassed if I told you. This is something he has to share with you. I wouldn’t have known about it myself if it wasn’t for how vocal Rarity was about what happened with Sweetie Belle.” Twilight bit her tongue as she saw the confused look on Pearl’s face. “Let’s not mention that. It wasn’t exactly a pleasant week for all parties involved. Just talk to Kohaku when he’s well again.”
Pearl had a thousand questions in her head. What could be so bad or embarrassing that Twilight didn’t want to talk about? Yes he was a world class pest, but he was her pest and she cared about him. “Alright. I’ll talk to him. I’m going to sleep.”
“Good night Pearl.” Twilight used her magic and covered Pearl up with a blanket then turned and looked toward Equestria.
Too many question floated in her mind. Several days had passed since they had entered the Blight. Trains rarely came this far south, and only then on the express orders of either Princess Celestia or Princess Luna if it was not one of the so called Prisoner Trains.
How could one be here now? Even assuming Tiamat’s message got through, it would take longer this this to get a special train down here just for them.
Groaning, Twilight flopped back onto her bed. They left in the morning, and she was more than happy to be away from this place. Maybe things would start to make sense again.
Twilight sighed as the train finally pulled away from Appleloosa. “I never thought I would be so glad to be back in Equestria. It seems we have not lost any time this time as well.”
Pearl was only half listening. Her gaze was drawn to a trio of mares further up the car. All three were talking quietly among themselves, before casting an occasional look their direction.
Twilight saw it as well. She recognised Lavender Rain, as a fellow resident of Ponyville, and the earth pony as Pumpkin Spice, a filly she had known growing up in Canterlot. The third, a unicorn mare a little older than herself, she did not know.
For Pearl, it felt like she should know all of them. Rather intimately as well. But she didn’t. She only knew Lavender in passing since they both lived in Ponyville. Weird.
Twilight felt it as well. But why? She shook her head, putting the thought away for later. “What will you do once we return to Ponyville, Pearl? I can be more hooves on now with my magic.”
Pearl shrugged. “I don’t know. If Princess Celestia thinks I’m going to be doing anything as a princess, then she’s more senile than I thought. Ask me in a decade or something.”
Twilight groaned. More than once had this come up. Pearl had even said as much to Celestia’s face during one of their communication sessions. “Pearl…”
Pearl shot her a heated glare. “What, Twilight? You saw how she looked at me. Me being an alicorn was never part of any of her plans. All she could see was how to use me. But I won’t be her pawn. She has enough of those. Maybe it is time she gives the throne to somepony else if that’s all she cares about.”
Twilight wanted to argue this. To defend her mentor. But she couldn’t, for she had seen the look in Princess Celestia’s eyes as well. There was no malice behind them. But the truth remained.
Pearl shook her head as she reached into her saddlebags and pulled out the first volume of Naruto. “Now I don’t know about you. But I’ve got reading to catch up on. Spent more time worrying than I did reading last time. Time to make up for it.”
Twilight giggled as she did the same. Unfortunately, she hadn’t been able to get any books from Tiamat’s library (no matter how hard she tried), but there were still things she could do.
Twilight and Pearl walked steadily down the rough path that lead away from Fluttershy’s house. It had taken some time but Twilight and Pearl convinced her to head this way.
“I don’t get it Twilight, why is everypony making such a big deal about me going to see my friend right now? First you, almost the whole of the Apple family and now Fluttershy,” Pearl huffed loudly as she stretched her wings. The sunlight glistened off the scales under her coat. “I just want to make sure he’s okay.”
“You’ll know soon enough Pearl. Being his friend you should be brought up to speed but it’s for Kohaku to tell you, not us.” Twilight smiled as they reached a barricaded pathway with Big Mac sitting comfortably in front, munching on a sandwich.
Twilight watched as the large stallion stood up and focused his eyes on Pearl.
“Nope, sorry young lady. You're not going any further.” Mac said sternly as he stepped up to the young filly. “Seriously Princess, you should know better. Especially after what happened with Sweetie Belle.” Mac’s eyes narrowed. “And Lavender, and Scoots”
Pearl rolled her eyes. For all his annoying habits, Kohaku was popular amongst the fillies of their school.
“It’s okay Mac. We just want to wait here for him.” Twilight placed a wing on his shoulder and looked the farm pony in the eyes. “How long has he been up there.”
“‘Bout two weeks now.” Mac sighed and gestured to a bench. “We almost had another Lil fright, it hit him during school. Miss Cheerilee was almost frantic when she contacted us. Boy was down right feral.”
“Oh my.” Twilight gulped. Hearing a heavy rustle in the thicket behind the barricade all three ponies turned and looked as Kohaku slowly walked into view.
Pearl smiled until she saw him when her Pegasus sight focused on him. He was thin, almost skin, fur, and bones. His eyes and cheeks were sunken and walked as if he wore the weight of a mountain on his back.
“Sore wa daijōbudesu ani, watashi wa futatabi jibun jishindesu,” his words were just as weak as his body. Mac dashed forward faster then Pearl believed the stallion could move and caught Kohaku as he tripped and fell.
“You sure your okay?” Mac asked as Kohaku nodded. Picking up the young fox, Mac smiled as Kohaku laid out on the large back. “Looks like you two are in luck. It’s passed.” he chuckled with Kohaku.
“Kohaku wha…” Pearl started as Kohaku raised his paw. Smiling he gestured for his anichan to move closer. Leaning in Kohaku took a sniff and grinned.
“Anata wa sore o yoku kimasu.” Kohaku chuckled.
“Okay why don't you speak Ponish so i can understand you,” Pearl grumbled. Hating when he reverted to his language. “Because I have no idea what you just said.”
“He can’t Pearl,” Mac sighed. “Boy’s so drained he can’t form the words.”
“But what did he say?” Pearl groaned.
“He likes how you look.” Mac and Twilight chuckled.
“Okay. But why does he look like he hasn’t eaten anything in weeks?”
“Because he hasn’t Pearl.” Twilight looked at her student. “Mac told us he was up there two weeks. And when he goes up. He doesn’t come back down for anything. Food, drink, sleep. Nothing. He just sits up there and meditates.”
“But why?” Pearl looked at Kohaku. “Why would you put yourself though that. And why is everyone making such a big deal about you getting sick?”
Kohaku smiled weakly and looked up at Twilight. “Anata wa kanojo no sensei ni iu koto ga dekimasu.”
Both Twilight and Pearl looked at Mac who just smiled. “He said you can tell her.”
“Right… by the way how is it you can understand him?” Pearl quirked an eyebrow. “No offense but I didn’t think you spoke all this much, let alone another language.”
“None taken, when you have a Lil brother who speaks a second language. It helps to learn it. I may not be able to speak it. But I do know what he’s talking about.”
Nodding slowly Pearl looked at Twilight.
“Okay, Pearl. Kohaku wasn’t just sick. He was going through what you, me, and every other mare go through during estrus.”
Pearl blinked twice and opened her mouth only to close it before looking at her friend. “But he’s a boy. And I’ve seen the evidence of that. And I know boy’s don’t go through that.”
“You’re right, but I'm also sure you heard of mating season.”
Pearl nodded slowly. She had taken animal studies. “Yeah but what does estrus and mating season have to…” Pearl felt as if she had just been slammed by an apple tree as the hamster in her head finally caught up to her. “You mean he was…”
“Being driven by an instinctual sexual desire to find a mate. Yes. Yes, he was.” Twilight sighed. “It only occurs about twice a year for him. And during that time he sits under a waterfall that’s as cold as an iceberg. And meditates until the fire in his blood has cooled.”
“And until such time as it does. No filly or mare crosses that line.” Mac pointed at the barricade. “If they do, his heightened sense of smell will know and he’ll go after them. More then once I’ve had to buck and tackle him into submission. But this is the first time he’s ever gone feral.”
“No doubt from his overuse of magic.” Twilight walked up to Kohaku who looked at his mentor. “And we will be having a talk about this my student.”
Kohaku nodded slowly and bowed his head.
“So no one but males can go up to see him? When he’s up there I mean.”
“No. Family is safe, males and females. Married females are also safe as well as those in lasting relationships. Kitsune are many things but not homewreckers.” Kohaku nodded as Twilight placed a hoof on Pearl’s shoulder. “Do you understand?”
“Not completely.” Looking at Kohaku, Pearl huffed. “Just wait. I have something special for what you put me through.”
Kohaku smirked and nodded slowly only to be suddenly sidelined when pearl hugged him tight. His front leg wrapped around her shoulder as she whispered. “Thank you so much.” Giving his cheek a quick kiss Pearl took a few steps back as if nothing happened.
Searching her mind, Pearl thought there had to be something she could show at the moment. Somethings would wait till her friend was himself again, but there was one thing, as she grinned and closed her eyes.
Mac looked at Twilight, who only smiled as Pearl began to glow. Forever after, he would deny it, but his jaw dropped in shock as an alicorn Pearl was revealed. “What in tarnation?”
Twilight chuckled. “I said the same. Has no one told you?”
Mac shook his head. “Only that you were safe, princess.”
Pearl nodded. “There’s a lot more to it than this. But I’m saving it for when my friend here is back to his usual self. Now I understand why everyone was so secretive about it.”
Kohaku’s eyes widened as he took in his friend's form. Smiling Kohaku reached out and taped the horn on Pearl’s head.
“Yeah. And I don't care what Celestia whats, I’m NOT being a princess,” Pearl growled as she felt her eye twitch as Kohaku continued to tap her horn, examining the rotating colors.
“Naze anata ga shinakereba naranai no ka wakarimasen. Chichi ga shihai shita toki, karera wa ōjo no monode wa arimasendeshita.” Kohaku whispered out before yawning. The two alicorns looking at Mac.
“Yeah he just said you don’t have to be. As they weren’t royalty back in the day.” Mac chuckled. “Kohaku’s talked to me about this before. From what I’ve gathered. Most of it made me kinda sleepy. Alicorns were just regarded as advisors to the tribes.” Looking back at Kohaku he smiled. “That's right isn’t it?” Mac smiled wider as Kohaku nodded slowly.
“You mean I really don’t have to be a princess?” Pearl pushed past Twilight and looked at her friend with a grin. Kohaku merely shook his head slowly and smiled.
“Well lets try telling that to Celestia, we know how she is when she makes up her mind.” Twilight almost fell over laughing as Kohaku made a rude sound and waved his paw at the thought.
Pearl snorted. “Then she can find out the hard way what I’m like when I’m peeved enough. I don’t care who she is.”
Kohaku merely snorted, while Mac was confused. “Feels like I’m missing something.”
Twilight shook her head as they began the trek back to Ponyville. “It is a very long story. But one that everyone needs to hear. Much easier.”
Pearl giggled. Boy was everyone going to get the shock of their lives when she pulled out all she could do. It would make the wait worth it.
Especially for one. Karma would never feel so good.